Herning Diaries 1898-1947 Knik and Wasilla Alaska
ORVILLE HERNING DIARIES
Written by Orville George "O.G." Herning
1898 - 1917 Knik, Alaska
1917 - 1947 Wasilla, Alaska
Orville George Herning 1868 - 1947
Transcription
of Herning's original leather
journals was done between 2005-2011
by
Coleen Mielke of Wasilla
Permission to publish this diary was
given to me by O.G. Herning's grandson,
Bud Herning in 2005
THIS IS A LARGE PAGE, SO IT WILL TAKE A
WHILE TO LOAD
COMPLETELY, PLEASE BE PATIENT IN ORDER TO SEE EVERYTHING
1. Some (very few) minor spellings have been corrected
for clarity only.
2. Herning was a phonetic speller, so keep that in mind when
searching for surnames.
Example: MacLean, McLean, McClean and Maklun are
all the same person.
3. Herning uses the term "passed out" when a person dies.
Notes inside cover of 1898 diary:
O. G. Herning Naugatuck, Ct., Manager of the
Fourth Expedition of the Klondike and Boston Gold Mining and
Manufacturing Company to Cooks Inlet. E. C. Davis and Co.,
official Brokers 244 Washington Street, Boston, Mass. The 4th
Expedition left Boston Wednesday evening, March 23, 1898 by special
car, bound for Copper River or Cooks Inlet by way of Seattle, Washington
with the following men (and next of kin):
O. G. Herning Naugatuck, Ct.(father E. S. Herning
of Laird, Minnesota)
Edward C. Kirkpatrick West Medford, Mass. (mother
and sister in West Medford, Mass.)
George H. Brown Hope Valley, R. I. (sister
Mrs. AM Jillson Hope Valley R. I.)
Fred M. Young East Bridgewater, Mass.
(wife Florence M. Young)
William H. Thorne Winchester, Mass. (wife
Jeanie)
George F. Butler Winchester, Mass. (wife
Millie)
George F. Burrows Bedford Basin, Halifax Nova
Scotia (sister, Mary Moore)
Michael Dineen West Surrey, Mass.
H. P. Daniels Concord Junction, Mass.
(wife Julia)
Daniel Coleman Wellesley, Mass.
1898 Supply Outfit:
Three suits medium underwear
1 Tool chest and tools
2 suits heavy underwear
1 Stencil complete
½ dozen all weather sox
1 revolver and
150 rounds cart.
½ dozen medium sox
2 pair wool
pants
2 jersey shirts
½ dozen Turkish towels
2 wool blankets
2 common towels
1 rubber blanket
1 muffler
1 rubber mittens
1 hydraulic
outside coat
2 rubber boots
1
compass
1 rubber ankle boots
2 dozen bachelor buttons
1 Hy oil tanned shoes
1 suit hy. wool
1 felt knit boot
1
suit water proof hat
1 rubber hat
2 suits overalls and coats
1 rubber coat
1 sail bag
1 hunters knife
2 snow glasses
Hooks and lines
5 pair mittens
1 magnifying glass
1 water proof
sleeping bag
1 barber sheers
1 money
belt
1 barber brush
1
sweater
3 saw files
2 money bags
230 sheets writing paper
1 pair creepers
1 account and receipt boot
1 suit mackinaw
1 oil stone and razor strap
10 Asbestos shirts
1 hair clippers and comb
1 4’ man saw
Needles and thread
1 box CR rivets
¾ dozen handkerchiefs
5 pair creepers
1 flannel shirt
1 auger
medicine outfit
transparent window glass
2 spools wire
2 lb. citric acid
16 yds. sailcloth
Dutch oven
100 lb. 12 cut nails
mosquito netting
24 lb. fig bars
magnet
5 cakes tar soap
Address Book:
Seattle Trading Company 111 Occidental Avenue
Seattle, Washington
Mosquito Proof Tent Company 706 2nd Avenue
Seattle, Washington
Aetna Life Insurance Hartford, Connecticut
J. N. Johnston Knik Station, East Side of Inlet
Dr. S. E. Kostright 112 Jane Street Seattle,
Washington
A. Beverly Smith (leader of Tanana Mining Company)
J. O. Buzzard Hope City, Alaska
Paul Revere Mining and Supply Co. Revere, Mass.
J. B. Mathews, Agent A. C. Co.
Expedition no. 4 left Boston March 23, 1898
arrived Seattle, Washington March 29, 1898.
April 1, 1898 Paid fare from Seattle to Tyonek,
$40 per man.
April 12, 1898 Left Seattle for Turnagain Arm
Cooks Inlet, Alaska on SS Dirigo from Yesler Wharf.
April 17, 1898 Seventy miles out in Icy Strait,
condenser broke and we had to put back to Juneau.
April 18, 1898 We rammed a hole in the SS Czarina
then tied up for repairs.
April 26, 1898 Midnight, left Juneau for Valdez.
April 29, 1898 Arrived 6 miles from Valdez
10:30 AM, got off course, stuck bow in mud. 7:30 PM
pulled off then grounded 8:30 got off and started for Valdez.
Arrived Valdez 10:00.
April 30, 1898 Left Valdez at noon for Cooks
Inlet against snow storm, took on 4 men.
May 2, 1898 Arrived at Tyonek 11 AM had dinner
on boat then commenced landing baggage and freight by lighter.
Got freight ashore 8 PM. Got up two tents, one over the other
to sleep in got to bed at 12:00 rained all night.
May 3, 1898 Re-piled freight put up 3rd tent
for baggage.
May 4, 1898 Put up 4th tent
for kitchen.
May 5, 1898 Cleaned rusty hardware and fixed
handles, axes and picks. Went with steam launch to find
coat which was 5 miles down Inlet.
May 7, 1898 By mutual consent of Party, Manager
Herning bought one Sea Otter boat, anchor, one pair oars, two
row locks, complete for the sum of $75, from J. N. Johnston of the
A. C. Co.
May 10, 1898 Drew up and signed contract
with J. N. Johnston of the A. C. Co. to locate company no. 4
in gold belt off Sushitna River, $100 down, $300 note payable May
1, 1899. Was not to charge more than $15 for guide and notary fee.
No bargain if the claim doesn’t suit no. 4 party.
May 17, 1898 A convention of no. 4 party took
place in sleeping tent with Manager Herning as presiding officer.
On motion carried, George Burrows was elected to go with party to
investigate gold placer mines on Gold Creek as first representative
of no. 4 party. Daniel Coleman was elected as reserve in case
representative failed to go north on investigating tour of gold fields
on Gold Creek off the Sushitna River. Brown and Daniels were elected
to manage and sail our new Sea Otter boat while moving our supplies
from Tyonek to A. C. Co. store on the Sushitna River. William
H. Thorne was elected to the high honor of chief cook until no. 4 party
got into regular camp and with the power to appoint his two assistants.
May 25, 1898 Got ready to go on investigating
expedition for gold according to contract with J. N. Johnston.
Left Tyonek on Johnston’s sail boat in PM. Anchored off
Fire Island overnight.
May 26, 1898 Arrived at A. C. Co. store on
Knik at noon.
May 27, 1898 Started with two men, 150 lbs.
provisions and 2 Indian guides for Willow Creek Mining District.
May 29, 1898 Arrived Willow Creek Mining District
at 8:30 PM.
June 6, 1898 Staked the Martha Claim, 160 acres.
June 11, 1898 Held miners meeting and formed
the Willow Creek District with R. L. Herndon Recorder.
Staked 7 claims and started for A. C. Co. store on Sushitna.
Arrived at store 2:30 PM, had dinner and with 2 Indians, went
in canoe down to mouth of river and found our camp. Cost for
canoe, $6 for 30 minute ride. Cost of recording claims $11.
June 19, 1898 Came down to Tyonek with our
own boat.
June 21, 1898 By mutual consent of the Party,
Manager Herning bought 19’ dory, sail and three pair oars complete
$20.
June 22, 1898 Paid over deposit money, $100
on Johnston locating deal to Thomas H. Hanmore, agent of A. C.
Co. store.
June 25, 1898 Stored our placer machine with
A. C. Co. owner Reed.
June 27, 1898 Left Tyonek with last two loads
for camp at mouth of Sushitna River. Had to leave part
of load at Three Mile Creek and wait for next tide.
July 2, 1898 with Indian guide, six men
and two boat loads, started on fuel trip to A. C. Co. store on
the Sushitna River. Arrived the 6th, returned the 7th.
July 8, 1898 with 9 men and 800 lbs. provisions
and tools, started for Willow Creek Gold Mines from camp at
the mouth Sushitna River by way of Knik River. Indian guide, Knik
Station to Willow Creek, $6.
July 10, 1898 At Knik Station
July 11, 1898 At Palmer’s store Matanuska.
July 12, 1898 Came back to Knik Station
July 14 to 17, 1898 At the mines. Bought fish
from Indians 25¢.
July 22, 1898 Trail work on Andrews Claim
July 25, 1898 Went to foot of mountains for
balance of provisions. Clean up on Andrews Claim $18.60.
July 29, 1898 Moved over to Martha Claim
July 31, 1898 Turned creek on Martha Claim
August 6, 1898 Clean up on sluice $1.
August 8, 1898 Departed from mines. Paid
for mail delivery $3.75.
August 10, 1898 Noon, arrived at government
camp.
August 11, 1898 3 PM at Knik store.
August 12, 1898 Left Knik for Goose
Bay
August 13, 1898 Left Goose Bay for Crescent
Bay
August 15, 1898 Left Crescent Bay for Kirk
camp
August 17, 1898 Arrived Kirk camp, Sushitna
River. Bought fish from Indian camp 25¢.
August 18, 1898 With 3 loads provisions
left Kirk camp for Sushitna store.
August 24, 1898 Arrived at Sushitna store,
located camp across the river at camp Comfort and proceeded
to build cache and cabin, for winter load quarters.
August 27, 1898 Business meeting of Expedition
no. 4 at camp Comfort, manager O. G. Herning chairman.
The question whether all of the party should winter in Alaska was
brought up. By an agreement read by O. G. Herning that all
or any portion of the party could winter in the states if they so
desired, by unanimous vote of the party.
September 4, 1898 Bought 80 lbs. quick silver
from A. Beverly Smith $30.
September 5-9, 1898 With 3 men, in Sea Otter
boat, left Sushitna Station for Tyonek. Camped at mouth
of river on account of rain and wind.
September 9, 1898 Arrived at Tyonek.
September 10, 1898 Bought provisions at Tyonek,
$9.85, flour, sugar and nails from A. C. Co. $15.45.
September 18, 1898 Three men with boat returned
to Sushitna Station.
September 19, 1898 Nine men waited at Tyonek
for boat for Seattle.
September 22, 1898 Col. Marr and I played for
a Ball (dance) at the Priests house, 6 ladies and 30 miners present,
left at 10:30 PM.
September 24, 1898 9:30 on Saturday, left Tyonek
on steamer Dora for Juneau, arrived Saturday October 1st.
October 5, 1898 Wednesday 5 AM, left Juneau
on SS Al-Ki for Seattle, arrived Seattle Sunday 1 PM,
October 9th, 1898 Boat fare from Tyonek to
Seattle, $65 per man, 4½ days.
Gold Dust Report for 1898
ounces
dwt gr.
Prospects at Martha Claim
10 10
September 12th from Homestake
38
15 4
Total amount of Gold Dust 1898
39
5 14
Gold Dust paid out 1898
August 10th, Sent E. C. Davis and Co. 6
0
0
September 12th Paid Members no. 4
19
12 19
November 11th Delivered 2 Nuggets to Company
16
1
The balance of gold dust due to the company
was used to buy provisions at mines and to keep the boys together
and give those who were sick, privilege of saving enough to come
out on. $35 was expended for Brainard's flume and sluice boxes.
$25 for the Maklun cabin and provisions and the company still has $201.55
worth of provisions now at the mines. While the amount is small,
and does not conform to my contract, I trust it will prove satisfactory
to the company.
Distance pointers on Cook Inlet from Tyonek:
To Sunrise 65 miles, Knik Station 70 miles, Sushitna Station
53 miles, Sushitna River 25 miles, Sushitna River Forks 107 miles,
Sushitna River Falls 153 miles, Indian Creek 145 miles, Government
trail on Knik 82 miles, no. 4 party mines 110 miles, Knik River
90 miles, Matanuska River 90 miles, Crescent Bay on Knik 55 miles, Goose
Bay on Knik 60 miles, Ladd’s Station 5 miles, Beluga River 15 miles,
Fire Island 30 miles, Seattle 6-7 days 1425 miles.
Distance pointers from mouth of Sushitna River:
To Forks 82 miles, Indian Creek 120 miles, Falls 128 miles, Talkeetna
65 miles, Willow Creek 70 miles.
Population: Tyonek 25 to 500; Sunrise 200 to
3000; Hope City 50 to 200; Sushitna Station (winter 1898-1899)
50; Knik 25.
1899
April 2, 1899 Left Seattle on schooner General
Siglin - Capt. Johnston for Tyonek Alaska, direct by outside
passage via Cape Flattery to Cape Elisabeth, was towed by Tug
Doctor to Port Townsend then set sail.
April 3, 1899 Noon, passed out straits to open
sea. Head wind the 4th to 8th south east winds, made good
time, 600 miles 9th to 10th, snow squalls and rough, 11th to 12th
very calm.
April 12, 1899 Sighted land, Mt. St. Elias,
120 miles NE, was 375 miles S. E. Cape Elisabeth. It was
calm on the 13th and fair wind on the 14th. At 4 PM was
194 miles Cape Elisabeth, Cook Inlet.
April 15, 1899 Noon sighted Middleton Island
and entrance to Prince William Sound also Resurrection Bay and
Kenai coast. Range 94 miles from Cape Elisabeth was very
calm afternoon and evening.
April 16, 1899 Fair wind, sailed from Point
Gore to Cape Elisabeth, 100 miles in 9 hours, arrived at Cape
4 PM Sunday.
April 17, 1899 Monday noon, arrived at Seldovia,
Kachemak Bay just inside Cook Inlet. Started out for
Anchor Point then came back and anchored in Seldovia Bay.
Left letters there for Dora. Passed steam schooner Jennie
just up from Frisko and a Bark with cannery supplies. Evening
visited on A. C. Co. and Northern Commercial Company agents Black
and Smith at Seldovia.
April 18, 1899 Left off a few things for the
tug Perry and left Seldovia for Tyonek at (no wind, didn’t
go). 1898 - 1899 was a mild winter, no sickness reported.
4 PM steamer Walcott arrived from Sitka.
April 19, 1899 5 AM left Seldovia for Tyonek,
took on the delayed mail. Arrived at Anchor Point just
opposite of Mt. Iliamna. Took picture of mountain.
April 20, 1899 Calm, dropped anchor at noon.
PM got wind and got up as far as East Foreland fine weather.
April 21, 1899 Light wind got up as far as
West Foreland, anchored in Trading Bay about 12 miles from Tyonek,
rained all night.
April 22, 1899 Still raining, weighed anchor
at 9 with the tide and easterly wind, started for Tyonek.
Arrived at Tyonek at noon, found all well and the no. 2 party
all gone up to Willow Creek. All the ice went out and of the
Inlet on April 12th. Our boat, General Siglin, was the first to
arrive and bring mail dated September 20, 1898 to April 4, 1899.
April 23, 1899 Heavy wind and rough sea.
Wrote letters to wife and company at J. N. Johnston cabin.
Will go north on 24th at noon. Fair weather but cold wind.
April 24 - 25, 1899 Clear and warm. Developed
8 plates in Johnston cabin. Still waiting for the Perry
to come up from Seldovia with registered mail. April 25th
very fine day.
April 26, 1899 Perry arrived from Seldovia
Bay brought up delayed mail from Homer post office, also my
$200 left there last October.
April 27, 1899 With J. N. Johnston, Harry Millish
and Mr. Wade, left Tyonek on sloop for Knik Station. Left
at 11 AM in a rain and snow storm arrived at the mouth of Knik
Arm at 8 PM. Next tide 8 AM.
April 28, 1899 7:30 AM started for Knik Station,
snow all gone out of woods.
April 29, 1899 Left Knik with Mr. Lee and his
pack train for Willow Creek Mines. Camped at 2nd Lake on
the 1st day.
April 30, 1899 Reached foot of mountains, camped.
May 1, 1899 Crossed over mountains arrived
at camp 7 PM found boys living in tent on Willow Creek had up
10 saw logs to mines, two sawed and fire wood cut.
May 2, 1899 With Daniels, Dineen, Young and
Butler, took up 3 loads fire wood to Andrews Claim. Found
cabin in good shape with bank of snow front of door.
May 3-5, 1899 Hauled logs and fire wood to
Andrews and Martha Claims.
May 6, 1899 Moved camp from cache to Martha
Claim. Set tent over board floor. PM cut 27 logs
for cabin on Martha Claim 13’ x 15’. Hauled up four loads
fire wood and took picture sledding on the trail.
May 7 - 8, 1899 Sledded to Martha Claim.
May 9, 1899 Grover and Fonda came up from Canyon
Mines.
May 13, 1899 Heavy snow storm.
May 15, 1899 Finished sledding to Andrews.
May 16, 1899 Sledded last of logs to Martha
Claim. Mail arrived from Knik, 2nd mail.
May 17-18, 1899 Built cabin on Martha Claim
and dammed creek on section no. 1 ready for sluicing.
May 19, 1899 Whipsawed etc.
May 20, 1899 With Fred Young and Mr. Perry,
left 2 AM for cache over Bald Mt. near Little Sushitna.
In PM packed 300 lbs. up to summit of Mt. Left summit with
3 sled loads for Willow Creek. Perry arrived home 6 AM Young was
sleep and I sprained my ankle so left loads on bench, 2 miles from
Andrew Claim. I arrived there at 9 AM.
May 22, 1899 AM pulled home sleds. First
rain of the season. PM shoveled out snow from flume and
sluice boxes on Andrew Claim. First commencement of breaking
up of Grubstake Gulch. Willow Creek commenced to break up
May 20, 1899.
May 29, 1899 AM Bates and Cameron came up from
canyon to Martha Claim.
May 31, 1899 Moved into new cabin on Martha
Claim.
June 1, 1899 First set sluice boxes on section
one Martha Claim.
June 2, 1899 Snowed all day.
June 3, 1899 J. N. Johnston, with Natives,
came in to mines took dinner and supper with us on Martha Claim.
Evening went down to Andrews cabin had 10 PM lunch. Shot
ptarmigan on roof of cabin.
June 5, 1899 Commenced sluicing on section
one of Martha Claim.
June 7, 1899 Fonda, Falkner, Hayes and Churchill
came up from the canyon. Sluiced 2 days then broke camp,
gave it up on account of too many boulders.
June 8, 1899 Bought Mr. Johnston’s provisions.
Johnston left for Knik Station with Fonda. Sent out 1st
mail out from Willow Creek to go east. Bought 5 lbs. sugar
off Fonda $1.
June 11, 1899 First cleanup on Martha Claim
4 days work, 6 dwt. 2 gr. Shoveled in 3 box lengths down
4 feet and no bedrock
June 12, 1899 With Butler and Coleman left
Martha Claim for Homestake Andrews Claim to get ready there
for sluicing. Left Young, Daniels and Dineen on Martha
Claim to sink down to bedrock
June 17, 1899 First cleanup of Andrews Claim,
2 men 1 day, 5 p. 20 gr.
June 18, 1899 Second cleanup on Martha Claim
June 22, 1899 Third cleanup on Martha Claim
total 10 p. and 10 gr. Three men sluiced 2 weeks, 4 box
lengths, 16’ wide and 6’ deep. Got coarse gold, 5¢ to
13¢ pieces. Daniels, Young and Dineen started to move
down to Andrews Claim, to live in Brainard’s cabin.
June 24, 1899 Third cleanup on Andrews Claim
got 2 oz. 19 dwt. Five and a half days, one man, about
$6 per day to the man.
June 25, 1899 PM Butler and Coleman went up
to Martha cabin for personal baggage.
June 28, 1899 Commenced working double shifts
on Andrews Claim. Coleman, Butler and self went on 1st
shift at 3:30 AM. Daniels, Young and Dineen on 2nd shift at
noon to 8 PM. 2 PM six Indians arrived with 300 lbs. provisions
sent by J. N. Johnston of the A. C. Co. from Knik Station. Gave
Indians their dinner.
June 29, 1899 Found 70¢ nugget on Andrews
Claim also 10¢ to 35¢ pieces.
July 2, 1899 Prospected creek above 1st bar
and first setting of flume and sluice boxes got good prospects.
Will set flume and boxes on the 3rd. Chapman and Hayes came
up in PM, was working for Jifkin on Willow Creek near Wet Gulch.
July 4, 1899 Butler and self set sluice
boxes on 2nd move, Daniels, Dineen and Young didn’t work.
July 6, 1899 Noon finished dams and sluiced
in PM. Got good prospects 25¢ to the pan.
July 7, 1899 Saw a gray wolf going up mountain
across from Andrews Claim.
July 9, 1899 Faulkner, Russell, McLane, Callahan
and Donahue visited in PM they were up on the mountain and
saw two caribou. Donahue brought up letter from Johnston.
Took out one pan $1.25, one nugget went 90¢, another pan
went 35¢, three other pieces went 50¢. This was on 2nd
move up Andrews Claim.
July 12, 1899 Rained all day. First heavy
rain of season and snowed on the mountains.
July 13, 1899 Was asked over to Brainard’s
cabin by Young, Daniels and Dineen, they talked of going out
and wanted to know how much money was coming to them.
July 14, 1899 Cleaned up on 2nd mine of big
boxes got about 4 ounces.
July 16, 1899 Rained no one worked. Callahan
and Zorn came up PM.
July 17, 1899 Cleaned up ¾ ounce from
bar. Moved boxes to 3rd setting by 2nd set of flume boxes.
July 19, 1899 First heavy rain washed
out trail box and over flowed flume dam. Did considerable damage
on Gilbert’s Claim and to dams on Willow Creek.
July 23, 1899 Coleman and myself worked
6 hours in AM, too much rain for such sports. In PM Gilbert
and his crowd visited at cabin, said Perry and Romig were going
out by via Knik Station.
July 24, 1899 Monday Fred M. Young, Michael
Dineen, H. P. Daniels, Daniel Coleman and George Butler visited
for their share of the gold dust, divided up same: Company
½, each man received 1 oz. 5 dwt. 7 gr. = $19.31. Heavy
rain, no work.
July 27, 1899 E. Cameron came up to Homestake
Claim, wanted work, finally decided to go to Sunrise City and
appointed me Deputy Recorder of Willow Creek until June 11, 1900.
Very warm fine weather.
July 30, 1899 Last cleanup on 2nd set of flume
boxes, got 9 ounces 4 dwt. 22 gr. Six days work by six
men = $23 for week to the man. In PM went down to Gilbert’s
cabin took picture of cabin and Gilbert’s miners.
July 31, 1899 Were to reset flume boxes up
creek. Removed sluice boxes and dug ditch for 3rd setting
of flume boxes.
August 3, 1899 Gave F. M. Young balance of
gold dust due him 0-14-14. He said he was going out to
Knik, he might possibly return again.
August 4, 1899 Ready for sluicing on 3rd move
of flume boxes. Gave H. P. Daniels balance of gold dust due him
0-14-14.
August 8, 1899 Mail came in, sent out letters
cost me $1.40. Rainy day. Also received 1st letter
from company. H. P. Daniels and Young finished.
August 10, 1899 Sent E. C. Davis and Co. gold
dust due to him 6-0-0.
August 15, 1899 H. P. Daniels visited at Homestake
cabin and we settled up personal account to date. Gold dust
due to him 0-8-18½, for provisions 3-16-0.
Said he was going out to Knik the 16th.
August 16, 1899 H. P. Daniels and F. M. Young
left Willow Creek for Knik. Rained hard all day.
August 17, 1899 Still raining and snowing on
the mountain peaks. Called on Gilbert and paid for 50
lbs. rice bought in March.
August 19, 1899 Very fine day. Gilbert,
Zorn and MacLean came up to our mine brought back shovels.
Took picture of whole gang sluicing came out OK.
August 20, 1899 Light cold rain. I picked
1 quart blueberries and moss berries in 10 minutes. Had
2 large shortcakes for dinner 1st of season.
August 23, 1899 First cold spell of season.
August 24, 1899 Coleman finished work.
Paid J. W. McLean gold dust for provisions 0-3-22.
August 25, 1899 Coleman quit work said he was
not able to work would try and recuperate up for final trip out
in September.
August 26, 1899 Al Gilbert and his six men,
with four of no. 2 boys, left on final trip for the Sushitna
Station down Willow Creek. Took picture of Gilbert Party
in front of cabin I bought off MacLean, Callahan and Zorn.
Boston Claim no. 50 Willow Creek located by James Bates August 31,
1898. Irene Claim no. 47 Willow Creek located by Frank Churchill
August 31, 1898, sold to Romig and Lightcap June 20, 1899. Lucky
Strike Claim no. 44 Willow Creek located by G. Cameron August 31,
1898. Rock Claim no. 37 on Rock Creek located August 18, 1898
by G. Cameron and W. M. Litchfield. E. C. D. and Company no.
2 Claim no. 57 located by M. Cameron September 1, 1898. Assay
work recorded June 9, 1899 by H. L. Grover, manager. McLean’s share
of gold dust for cabin 1-12-19.
August 27, 1899 Rained all day, parky stew
and blueberry shortcake.
September 1, 1899 With Butler and Dineen, done
assessment work on the Little Wonder Claims. Built two
dams and prospected same. Went up to head of left hand fork of
Grubstake Gulch went up on Mt. range between Grubstake and Rock
Creek, shot ptarmigan. Came down on ridge to cabin, got home
at 7:30 PM saw caribou and bear tracks also.
September 2, 1899 Someone rifled my private
papers. Coleman only man in cabin. Paid Carlson
off in dust PM.
September 4, 1899 Very fine weather September
1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Finished sluicing on Homestake Claim,
cleanup 1 ounce, 3 men, 1 days work. Change of weather cold
with rain.
September 5, 1899 Went down to my new cabin
on Grubstake Gulch, piled up provisions and covered them over
with rubber sheeting. Washed up dishes etc. Made shutter
for window, cut lot of wood for future use. Hansen and Big
George went to Knik. Morris said he was going out on the
7th after his mail.
September 6, 1899 Butler and I went up on west
fork of Grubstake Gulch prospected the Herning and Polar Claims
and came back over the hogback. Shot 4 ptarmigan, 1 wee
rabbit, 1 parky and 1 whistler, got home 6 PM. Made pea
soup and blueberry shortcake only ate 3 pieces apiece.
September 7, 1899 Built wing dam down near
mouth of creek and set up small boxes and sluiced in PM on
the rim.
September 8, 1899 Cleaned up at noon, 17 dwt.
.
September 10, 1899 Light rain.
Butler trimmed up my hair, made mince and apple pie. Had
rice cabbage for dinner. PM went up to south hogback picked
4 quarts blueberries, had shortcake for supper on Sabbath day.
September 12, 1899 Noon finished sluicing
on rim took out 2 ounces 12 dwt. 23 gr. = $5 to the man.
Closed up Homestake Mine for 1899.
September 13, 1899 Doc Callahan arrived
from Knik. Pouring rain snow on mountains. Heavy
rain and wind, expect to go out to Knik Monday 18th of September.
September 18, 1899 Transferred A. B.
Smith power of attorney to me, to Wm. H. Callahan to act in
my stead until April 1, 1900 on Smith goods at Sushitna Station.
Goods at Ward’s cabin $81.50.
September 19, 1899 Butler, Dineen and
myself went up to Martha Claim, piled up our 12 sluice boxes in
good shape, dried out the cabin, took inventory of provisions, tools,
etc. and returned to Homestake Claim by way of left hand bench
and in a pouring rain, shot ptarmigan. Doing assessment work on Bear
Claim right hand fork of Willow Creek.
September 21, 1899 Sledded firewood from
cache to cabin went up on west bench and shot 7 ptarmigan.
All ready for Knik on 23rd if weather will permit to cross mountains.
September 23, 1899 With Butler and Coleman,
left Homestake cabin Willow Creek for Knik Station. Crossed
over mountain, snow 18” deep, reached timber line near Little
Sushitna at 6 PM camped for the night.
September 24, 1899 Crossed river, ate
dinner arrived at small lake at 5 PM, found Govt. pack
train 6 horses in charge of squaw man, H. H. Hicks, on way to Willow
Creek to meet Govt. pack train from Sushitna River who were on way to
Knik Station for winter.
September 25, 1899 Passed Big Lake ate dinner
at 1st crossing of creek. Bill Morris and Chris Hansen
came along from Knik Station with two pack horses on way to Willow
Creek, reached Cottonwood City at 5 PM, camped at Millish cabin, shot
two grouse.
September 26, 1899 In AM came down on tide
flats to Knik left packs half way down.
September 27, 1899 Butler and I took dory,
went up after our packs. Noon of September 26th when
we arrived at Knik Station, Mr. Tuell (ACC agent) gave us our
dinner consisting of new potatoes, turnips, moose meat, etc.
Doc Callahan and Mike Dineen arrived from Willow Creek just as we
were through with dinner. Mr. Tuell gave us use of the Beedy
cabin. Five bachelors took possession to wait there for the
Perry to take us to Tyonek on or about October 2nd. All summer
yet at Knik, was winter at mines when we left.
September 29, 1899 Left Knik on Perry for Tyonek,
arrived at midnight met heavy seas between Fire Island and Ladd
Station slept on board got breakfast went ashore Saturday 8 AM,
took up quarters in Revere cabin. The big steamer Cleveland,
with Govt. supplies, was anchored in front of Tyonek. The SS
Kodak arrived looking for passengers.
October 2, 1899 Paid Brainard balance on sluice
boxes for Homestake Claim.
October 3, 1899 Doc Callahan and Mike
Dineen left with A. C. Co. sloop for Sushitna Station. I
transferred power of attorney from R. C. Smith, F. L. McGuire, James
O. May, Fred H. Mills, F. M. Twitchell and Judge Herbert L. Hotchkiss
to William H. Callahan, to locate mines for same in my name place and
stead.
October 9, 1899 Steamer General Siglin arrived
from Seattle at Tyonek. PM, went to Sunrise with freight
for U. S. M. Co., expected to return to Tyonek and take on passengers
for Seattle.
October 14, 1899 Butler shot 9 grouse,
big roast expected noon of 15th.
October 15, 1899 The SS Excelsior arrived
to take out Capt. Glenn’s outfit to Valdez left at once for Knik
Arm.
October 17, 1899 Left Tyonek on the General
Siglin for Seattle had 67 passengers on board.
October 25, 1899 Off Cape Flattery head winds
prevented us from entering the straits.
October 31st Port Townsend 6 PM
Arrived in Seattle, time 14 days.
1900
Herning spent part of the winter in Boston,
Mass., where his employer was based. Only the journal entries
that pertain to Alaska are listed here:
Beginning of diary says:
Name: Orvel G. Herning 250 Cherry Street Naugatuck,
Conn.
Wife: Same address as above
Make of my bike: Putie number 2880
Number on case of my watch: 22665
Number of the works: 7,853,821
My weight: 175 to 185 lbs. on October and December
1899
My height: 5’ 10½
Size of hat: 7¼
gloves 8½
hosiery 10½
collar 15½-16 cuffs
10½ shoes 8½-9 shirt 15 to 15½
drawers 36
January 7, 1900 Received views of H. Henshaw,
Sacramento, California, of Sunrise City, Alaska.
January 18, 1900 Got letter from Klondike Director,
A. M. Bridgman, Stoughton, Mass.
January 21, 1900 At home answered Butlers letter
sent bill etc. Sent Frank Haskell 5 Alaskan views.
January 25, 1900 Got letter from E. C. Davis
and Co. and Bridgman about mines.
February 4, 1900 Sent F. M. Young 43 proofs
of Alaskan views. Sent A. B. Smith views of Willow Creek mines.
February 13, 1900 Wrote to A. M. Bridgman and
telegraphed Gilbert of Frisco about his claims. Received returned
letter from Al. Gilbert. Sent E. C. Davis and Co. my report to
stockholders.
February 15, 1900 Sent E. C. Davis and Co.
my report to stockholders.
March 23, 1900 Received letter from Davis and
Co., could not raise money to buy the hydraulic plant.
Wanted me to set a price to go to Willow Creek and Cape Nome.
March 25, 1900 Took picture with Klondike rig.
Answered Companies letter, Cook Inlet $1,000, Cape Nome $2,500,
to invest $25,000.
March 28, 1900 Wrote Davis and Co. that I would
do assessment work on Willow Creek for $1,000. Put K and
B stock on market for 10¢ share.
April 18, 1900 Received Power of Attorney from
Al Gilbert to do assessment work on his claims, Willow Creek,
Alaska.
April 20, 1900 Received letter from E. C. Davis
and Co. to get ready to go to Cook Inlet, Alaska.
April 24, 1900 Received letter from previous
employer, accepting my resignation to go to Alaska for E. C.
Davis Co. Received letter from E. C. Davis Co., to get
ready to leave for Alaska May 1st. $1,000 salary was ready.
Also letter that J. O. May for the boys to finish R. I. then get
through for the season.
April 27, 1900 Received letter from Davis and
Co. to arrive at their office, Boston, 2:30 PM, money was ready.
April 29, 1900 At home, packed up for Alaska
via Boston. Alaska next, via Willow Creek Mining District,
Cook Inlet.
May 1, 1900 Boston, Mass. Went in to
see E. C. Davis and Co., got tickets, etc. for Seattle.
May 2, 1900 Received $1,000 of Klondike and
Boston Co. before leaving
May 7, 1900 Seattle, bought outfit off Seattle
Trading Co. Bought Eastman camera, had business cards
printed, bought personal clothing. Had Freise take my picture
to send home.
May 8, 1900 Finished buying goods for Alaska.
Butler wasn’t up to do assay work. Saw Daniels, was going
to Nome.
May 9, 1900 8 AM passed Port Townsend weather
cloudy. Passengers on Board 80, 160 miles from Seattle at 8 PM.
First stop Ketchikan Bay, cold and cloudy no snow.
May 10, 1900 On SS Bertha, passed several fishing
stations. Weather was cold and cloudy no snow on mountains
thus far. Crossed Queen Charlotte Sound was just a little rough
made a few sick, chicken for dinner.
May 11, 1900 Passed the SS Al-Ki going
south. Took picture of water fall and the Narrows, on
Hurricane deck all day.
May 12, 1900 8:30 Arrived Ketchikan.
Ketchikan is 135 miles south of Juneau copper ore district.
May 13, 1900 On the SS Bertha, arrived at Juneau
11 AM saw Dr. Ballance and Gus Benson. Took 3 views of
Juneau. Left Juneau for Sitka 5 PM. Took on freight at Treadwell
took snap midget train and one of Douglas.
May 14, 1900 SS Bertha arrived at Sitka 1 PM.
Took picture of Greek Church and water front. Left Sitka
at 5 PM. Next stop Latuya Bay.
May 15, 1900 Arrived Latuya Bay 7 AM, left
2 PM. Took snap of Bay and seals. Yakutat next stop.
May 16, 1900 On SS Bertha arrived Yakutat 2
AM, took on 40 Indians for Icy Bay. Landed Indians
among floating ice at 2 PM, part of Malaspina Glacier. NE wind
and sea getting rough, could not land at Kayak - high surf.
May 17, 1900 Arrived at Nuchek 2 PM left lumber
for A. C. Co. Departed at 4:30 PM for Orca, some rain and
cold north wind. Now entering Prince William Sound.
Arrived at Orca 10 PM left a few passengers. Departed 4:20
on for Valdez.
May 18, 1900 Left Orca 4:30 AM, arrived at
Valdez 11 AM. Loaded Government cattle and freight on scow and
they got her aground on beach. Looked Valdez over. Government
had, at Military Post, 108 soldiers and 50 helpers - their post
was across from Valdez on east side of sound. Had not commenced
to build yet.
May 19, 1900 On SS Bertha. Got scow off beach
at Valdez loaded on Capt Abercrombie’s freight,
towed across to the U. S. Post, left scow and
departed at 2:30 PM. Took snap of Abercrombie and the Launch
Killie in front of post. There were 125 people at Valdez
and 50 had gone over Glacier to Copper River.
May 20, 1900 Midnight arrived at Landlock Bay
left freight. 1 PM arrived at Post. Dick left freight for
P. D. G. M. Co. and Paul Buckley and wife and 4 men. 5 PM left
for Seldovia. Cook Inlet very calm all along Kenai Penn., weather
fair.
May 21, 1900 Rounded Cape Elizabeth at 8:30
PM, arrived Seldovia 3 AM found Perry and Siglin there, Siglin
with hole in her. Arrived Homer 5:30 left freight and passengers,
left 7 AM arrived Kasilof and Kenai at 4 PM left mail. Arrived
at Tyonek 9 PM took cabin back stock Had Davis launch inspected.
May 22, 1900 Arrived 8 AM had boiled egg, cheese,
crackers, butter and coffee for breakfast. Pumped out
Davis launch. Perry left for Sunrise. Had pea soup, fried
ham and eggs for dinner. Took picture of D. Finch and his
two dogs. Perry was to return and take us to Knik - very fine
weather. Doc and Mike had gone to the Point.
May 23, 1900 Still waiting for the Perry to
return from Sunrise City. Went up on the hill to see Hanmore's
farm and gun for grouse.
May 24, 1900 Bought powder and fuse.
Made skate protectors went out gunning. Perry arrived,
took load off the schooner Pearl for Hope and Sunrise left at 10
PM, sea getting rough. Wrote letter to Seattle Trading
Co. short 11 pack, Royal Yeast and 5 lbs. baking powder, got soda
instead.
May 25, 1900 Cloudy and windy, rough sea.
Perry took balance of freight from schooner Pearl for Sunrise
and Hope. Pearl left for Kodiak. P. S. Pacific, S. W.
Co. tug boat are at Tyonek with fisherman. Supt. Gompertz took
launch E. C. Davis and Co. no. 1 on trail. Was to paint
and put her in A-1 order and return her from Kenai if price and launch
did not suit.
May 26, 1900 Palmer arrived at Tyonek, went
down to coal mine for road coal, returned to Ladd Station
with Butler and Indian, left Tyonek with freight and baggage in
Dory for Ladd Station, visited on Harvey. On way up at Ladd
Station saw Churchill. Bought 6 lbs. N. C. tobacco, 2 suits
underwear and corduroy coat on sale at Ladd Station. Left Ladd
Station with Palmer for Knik 11 PM.
May 27, 1900 Tide left us on mud flats in sight
of Pt. McKenzie and abreast Pt. Campbell at 11 AM. Started
for Knik 2:30 flood tide at Knik. 7:30 took up quarters
in Beedy cabin had flapjacks, ham, butter, cream and coffee for
supper. Raining, turning to snow.
May 28, 1900 Bad brook trout for breakfast,
still raining some snow. Engaged the two white horses
of George Palmer to pack 300 lbs. grub from Knik to Bald
Mt. Snowed at Little Sushitna River and Bald Mt., Indian came
in from there.
May 29, 1900 Snow and rain, breakfast, fried
salmon, hotcakes, coffee, cream etc. Dinner, turtle
soup, baked potatoes, stewed corn, bread, crackers coffee and
cream. Went up on the bank to view Bald Mt. was covered
with snow.
May 30, 1900 Repacked provisions had six packages
- 392 lbs. - all ready for pack horses. Had boiled brook
trout, potatoes, corn, coffee etc. for dinner. Expect to start
for the mines Sat. weather right.
May 31, 1900 Left Knik by boat with freight
for the Cottonwood arrived 10:30. Took pack from Cottonwood
with Lee’s 2 white horses to Willow Creek. George Palmer
agreed to send in-mail last of June.
June 1, 1900 Left Cottonwood for Willow Creek
with two white horses, Bill Morris in charge. Took dinner
1st crossing of creek. Arrived at Big Lake 5:45 PM went into
camp. Had boiled rice, sugar and cream, coffee, saloon biscuit
and butter, boiled ham for supper, spruce bows for bed.
June 2, 1900 Left Big Lake 8:30 AM arrived
at Little Sushitna River 1 PM. Had dinner, took picture
of pack train crossing river. Jumbo (horse) fell over bank
near river, broke open box goods but no harm done only sugar.
Made camp about 1 mile from Bald Mt. Rice and salmon for supper,
weather fine.
June 3, 1900 Arrived at Herning cabin.
Reached summit of mountain 1 PM left provisions on a rock,
returned to camp at foot of mountain. Morris left for Knik with
2 pack horses at 4:30. Shot 4 ptarmigans and had supper 11 PM.
Reached summit at 2 AM Monday. Snowshoe'd over to Willow Creek arrived
at my cabin at 5:30 AM, shot 5 ptarmigan.
June 4, 1900 Things at Homestake and Gilbert
cabin in fair condition, pork was rusty and several things gone
according to list. Took out bedding, sugar, fruit, axe,
some cooking utensils. Cleaned up my cabin, ate 4 ptarmigans
for dinner. No snow on Willow Creek but considerable on Grubstake
Gulch and mountains.
June 5, 1900 Remodeled bunks in my cabin. Started
for mountain by way of Grubstake Gulch to sled over provisions.
Got sleds to 1st summit, was storming on mountains so we returned,
arrived 2 AM.
June 6, 1900 Storming on the mountains.
Tore down and removed Gus Benson tent cabin to make calidoor
in front of my cabin. Took off saddle boards and weather
strips, covered roof with heavy duck to keep out storm. Tyoon
Bill’s dog left at noon to Knik most likely.
June 7, 1900 Snow storm covered creek bottom
white. Went up to Homestake cabin, brought down Jack and rubber
boots, rain coat, tools etc. to my cabin.
June 8, 1900 Very clear after the storm.
Left for Bald Mt. to sled over grub by way Grubstake Gulch.
Saw bear on gulch, arrived mountain 11 PM with two sled loads,
left mountain for Wet Gulch, no snow other way. Remember
coasting down the mountain 40 miles per hour.
June 9, 1900 Sledded grub as far as right hand
fork on Wet Gulch, no more snow, cached it there. Air full of
smoke, forest fire below.
June 10, 1900 AM done washing and baking.
Made my bunk mosquito proof - dude will have to stay on the outside.
Wrote one sheet to Mattie, made shammie bag for gold watch.
Put shelves up in cabin.
June 11, 1900 Butler and I went over to Wet
Gulch and packed over 100 lbs. grub. Cut gable end in calidoor
and oil sheet over roof of cabin. Made garden. Mosquitoes
thick tonight. Baked 1st raised bread. Put lock on
my cabin door.
June 12, 1900 Went up to Martha Claim found
provisions etc. in good shape except bacon which the mice had
eaten. Found two old channels where we could turn the creek
which prospected. Killed 4 parky’s, will move up to Martha
Claim Wednesday.
June 13, 1900 Went up to Martha Claim started
ditch abreast of cabin to turn creek into old channel.
Packed up what grub we needed and teamed out trail. Shot 2
ptarmigans and caught 2 parky’s on way up.
June 14, 1900 Moved up bedding from my cabin
to Martha cabin. Worked on ditch near cabin on Martha,
considerable frost in the ground. Fixed up two bunks with
mosquito proof. Caught 2 parky’s, very fine weather, mosquitoes
just ripe.
June 15, 1900 Worked on dam and ditch.
Very nice weather snow on mountains nearly gone, the creek is
a foot high. Had ptarmigan and parky stew, beans,
biscuit, butter and coffee for dinner. Panned out two pans of
dirt in ditch and got good colors.
June 16, 1900 Worked on dam and ditch, blasted
out rock in ditch, most completed. Some fog on mountains
tonight, made table suitable for two, after supper. Menu
- pea soup, baked pork and beans, bread and butter, rice with sauce,
apple sauce, coffee with cream.
June 17, 1900 Worked on ditch 2 hours to finish
but was stopped by rain, got good prospects in ditch.
Went down to my cabin for supplies. Had dinner bean soup,
baked beans, boiled potatoes, bread and butter, coffee and cream,
mince pie. Evening made and put up table. Rainy day.
June 18, 1900 Rained all day. Let creek
into ditch and built about 30’ of dam got soaking wet.
June 19, 1900 Rained all day. Lowered
dam some and made flume gate for dam also put one of the old
tents over roof of Martha Cabin as she was leaking. Bear
came down side of mountain south of cabin during early noon.
Evening wrote a few lines to Mattie.
June 20, 1900 Still working on dam, completed
to 2nd fork of channel. Dam 4’ high and 4’ to 6’ wide.
June 21, 1900 Worked on dam, had to widen ditch
as it wouldn’t carry the creek when she was high. Made
the ditch 12’ wide at mouth.
June 22, 1900 Lowered ditch and raised up wall
in case high water. Carried up head sluice box from last
years prospect hole down creek at foot of claim. Everyone
went down to my cabin for more grub.
June 23, 1900 Finished dam wall which is 100’
long by 3’ to 5’ deep by 2’ to 4’ wide. Built same
and cut ditch 100’ long 12’ wide by 3’ deep in 8 days, two men at
work. Cut ditch wider and got ready to set sluice boxes just
below Martha cabin on north side of basin.
June 24, 1900 Didn’t do much only cooking cut
wood, etc., hands very sore after building dam. Sunday
dinner parky stew, baked beans, bread and butter, coffee and cream,
rice pudding.
June 25, 1900 Carried up sluice boxes from
foot of claim to north side of creek in front of Martha cabin.
Built part of sluice dam. Set boxes in creek bed and had
to widen ditch where we turned the creek on account of high water.
Shot a ptarmigan with a stone.
June 26, 1900 Set riffles and got water running
through sluice boxes. Now got ditch as wide as Willow Creek,
water still high. Sunny and very fine. Small mosquitoes
began.
June 27, 1900 First sluicing. Raised
up 100’ dam 1’ finished sluice dam. Now have control of
water OK. Small mosquitoes very savage. All ready
now for actual sluicing.
June 28, 1900 Removed a ton of rock from ditch
and then corked dam to stop a couple of leaks. Went down
to Homestake cabin for rubber boots, sluice boxes, etc.
Shot black duck in creek. Mosquitoes very savage.
June 29, 1900 Commenced actual sluicing on
Martha Claim. Got 5¢ pans in gravel, shortened one
box length. Rain and lots of it raised creek highest of
season, put patches on my old boots. Evening wrote to Johnston
and Gilbert.
June 30, 1900 Rained all day. Dug small
ditch from sluice dam to relieve and shut off water from sluice
boxes, got good prospects in ditch. Cut up stove wood and
looked after big dam, water very high.
July 1, 1900 Patched boots and did some cooking,
parky stew with dumplings, mince meat and beans for dinner.
July 2, 1900 Sluiced all day one box length.
Creek gone down one foot. Grass knee high, mosquitoes
very calm. Sluiced 9 hours.
July 3, 1900 Shoveled in 4½ hours. Left
Martha Claim for my cabin, 5 PM left my cabin for cache
over on Wet Gulch with butter, packed over case of cream, 25 lbs.
potatoes, 15 cond. milk, eggs etc. 112 lbs. Met Morris coming
in from Knik. Got 6 letters from Mattie one from J. O. May.
July 4, 1900 Went up to Homestake prospected
Gilbert’s Claim above canyon.
July 5, 1900 Sluiced on Martha Claim 5 hours.
Left 7 letters with Bill Morris to go out with Indian.
July 6, 1900 Sluiced all day, 10 hours.
Found 10¢ nugget, 1st coarse gold. Nearly down to
bedrock, ½ of 1st set up done. Cloudy and foggy all
day and the band plays on.
July 7, 1900 Sluiced 11 hours cleaned up on
riffle got 1/3 oz. fine gold. Cloudy and foggy.
July 8, 1900 Got 5 parky’s ready for the pot.
With Butler went up to Bear Claim and put up new notice
board and prospected up to head of Martha Claim. Got sample
of black sand for assay, got colors in every pan. Went through
pass to head of Little Sushitna River came home soaking wet.
July 9, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours found some coarse
gold. For dinner fried parky’s, bean soup, baked beans, bread
and butter, coffee with cream, mince meat. Supper cold parky,
granulated potatoes, coffee, cream.
July 10, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours with better
prospects in sight. Finished 1st set up about 75 cubes
of gravel. Wrote few pages to Mattie about packing up for
trip to mines.
July 11, 1900 Sluiced 8 hours. Bill Morris
came up after onions from our garden had ¾ oz. Willow
Creek gold taken from 4 box lengths. Indian went to Knik
with our 1st mail out from Willow Creek.
July 12, 1900 Finished 1st set up on
Martha Claim, time for one man 164 hours. Hail storm for 15
minutes clear and cool in evening.
July 13, 1900 Tore out sluice dam, turned outside
channel in small cut. Took out sluice boxes, got ready for 2nd
set up. Cut the willows down that hung over the creek.
Trout for supper.
July 14, 1900 Built sluice dam set boxes now
ready for working out 2nd set up. Parky stew for dinner.
shot big parky with hatchet out of cabin door, dandy shot.
July 15, 1900 Rained all day, did not work.
For dinner, had parky pot pie, vegetable soup, onions, vegetable
Alaskan style, bread and butter, coffee and cream. Went
down to my cabin for more grub. Called on Bill Morris who
was sluicing at 7 PM, dog was sick
July 16, 1900 Finished sluice dam and opened
drain ditch. Rained most of PM saw beautiful rainbows
at head of Willow Creek. Weighed up 1st clean up had 8
dwt. and 23 gr. 45¢ for day for digging drain ditch.
July 17, 1900 Sluiced 9 hours, found some coarse
gold 6” above clay bedrock Dinner pea soup, beans browned
in the pan, bread and butter, coffee with cream. Supper
baked peas, rice, peaches etc.
July 18, 1900 Sluiced 4 hours, heavy rain and
hail storm. Put soles on boots, cut fire wood and ground
axes. For supper parky stew with green peas, rice, peach
sauce etc.
July 19, 1900 Snow on mountains at the head
of Willow Creek. Hard weather on skeeters. Took picture
of 2nd set up. Sluiced 5 hours turned over big boulder found
no coarse gold under it as expected.
July 20, 1900 Sluiced until 5 PM, heavy rain,
no skeeters to bother but the sand flies are getting in their
work. Caught 2 parky’s in traps, shot one with a club, parky
stew tomorrow.
July 21, 1900 Sluiced 3½ hours, cleaned
up got 8 pwt. and 8 gr., three box lengths. Morning got
stitch in back evening put on large mustard plaster.
July 22, 1900 Back some better, done my washing.
Butler caught 2 dozen brook trout and I chinked up and corked
up big dam. Trout day, 3 dozen fried trout, potatoes, brown gravy,
bread and butter, coffee and cream, apple dumplings for Sunday dinner.
Temperature 65.
July 23, 1900 Went prospecting up to forks
of Martha Claim found gold in every pan and some cent pieces.
Had fried ptarmigans for dinner, caught 4 parky’s in traps. Bill
Morris still sluicing on Willow at mouth of Grubstake. Temperature
65.
July 24, 1900 Put in celloid window in my private
cabin, done baking etc. Prospected canyon on Gilbert’s
Claim got 36¢ in 12 pans. Cleaned out 4 boxes on Homestake
got 7 pwt. 15 gr. - $6.10 in 2 hours.
July 25, 1900 Prospected on Homestake, took
out 2 pwt. 3 gr., $1.70 in 5 pans. Cleaned out and re-corked
6 boxes and got 11 pwt. $8.80 and built sluice dam ready for sluicing.
Parky stew for dinner.
July 26, 1900 Set up 6 boxes built sluice dam
to sluice on bank, half way between Johnston’s and Homestake cabins.
Cleaned up Homestake cabin and fixed up the stove got home 8 PM.
Already to commence sluicing Friday morning.
July 27, 1900 Moved up from my cabin to Homestake
with provisions, filed man saw and did some baking. Sluiced
6 hours 1st sluicing on Homestake 1900. Found all coarse
gold mostly bedrock digging.
July 28, 1900 Sluiced all day 10 hours. Cleaned
up 1st riffle got 15 dwt. 11 gr. 6 hours most coarse gold,
1¢ to 5¢ pans Caught a weasel in trap under cabin, we
let him go free. Mosquitoes and sand flies quite bad.
July 29, 1900 Butler and I left Homestake
for Martha Claim, at dinner there was baked beans, mince sauce,
pea soup, bread and butter, coffee and cream. Butler caught
17 nice brook trout. Brought back tools.
Stopped at my cabin and got clothing, cream, etc.
July 30, 1900 Sluiced on bank 10 hours. Fog
and rain all day. Seventeen brook trout, potatoes, brown gravy,
bread and butter, peach sauce, Birthday Dinner.
July 31, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours then cleaned
up got 1-19-15. Two days work $8 to the man avg. to date
$5.50 to the man. Got one nugget 56¢ total with dust
from joints of boxes 2-4-6 $9 to the man.
August 1, 1900 Moved boxes up the creek 8 lengths,
got $4 from joints of boxes. New set up to sluice bank
left hand side up as far as where Andrews left off. Blasted out
boulder. Quit work at 8:30 PM, parky supper.
August 2, 1900 Built 2nd sluice dam - Homestake
Claim sluiced, very heavy rain. Morris said if the mail didn’t
come in by Sunday August 5th he would go out to Knik to get it
and some tobacco.
August 3, 1900 Sluiced 8 hours rain most all
day. Found one pay streak in bank 1 to 5¢ pieces.
Creek up, cool rains and quite a bit of snow still on left fork
Grubstake. Evening wrote few lines to my wife.
August 4, 1900 Sluiced 8 hours. Indian arrived
with mail and 1 bag flour, 20 lbs. sugar.
August 5, 1900 Got up at 7 AM, Indians were
ready to start for Knik. Sent letter and $10 to Palmer
for provisions, told him I would pay $2 to get mail out on SS Bertha
August 20th. Dinner 3 lbs. fresh salmon, taters, bread and butter,
coffee and cream, peach pie. Rain in evening.
August 6, 1900 Rain, creek very high, could
not sluice. Moved 6 flumes down creek 220 yards. Floated
boxes down creek, got wet from head to foot. Parky's for dinner.
August 7, 1900 Prospected, water still high,
sluiced 4 hours. Packed up and cut up firewood very warm
after the 24 hr. rain storm. Caught weasel in trap.
Commenced wearing leather shirt.
August 8, 1900 Cleaned up got 1 oz. 1 dwt.
and 21 gr. 23 hours work. Fixed up dam and ground
sluiced away bank. Evening made an Alaskan flute out of
tin it was dandy. Got 40¢ nugget.
August 9, 1900 Sluiced 7 hours water high,
prospect run out on bank. Took picture of Homestake Claim
from foot of same. Rain cold like fall weather 1st real fall day,
windy.
August 10, 1900 Cold rain all day with snow
on mountain peaks. Sluice dam went out, did not work.
Butler picked first mess of bog and blue berries made tin flute,
a dandy, made drawing of Martha Claim. Cold fall rain, snow
on the mountain peaks. 1st shortcake.
August 11, 1900 Cleaned up boxes to move up
creek and work creek bed where Andrews left off. Set up
flume boxes and repaired some that was broken by snow slides winter
1899 and 1900. Water very cold and hats leaking badly.
Skeeters gone.
August 12, 1900 Cold rain and foggy, creek
very high. Went down to my cabin for potatoes and cream.
Cut firewood etc. Flume dam to build Monday - Called on Morris.
August 13, 1900 Built flume dam, moved
boxes to third set up on Homestake. Creek high and water cold
worked 11 hours. Now ready to work in creek bottom where
E. Andrews left off 1898, set up 6 flume, 7 sluice boxes.
August 14, 1900 Sluiced 8 hours got $1.17 on
pan on bedrock Supper boiled rice and blueberry shortcake
4” a cube each, coffee, cream, bread etc.
August 15, 1900 Genuine old fashioned fall
rain. Cold wind with snow on mountain peaks, creek high.
Did no sluicing cut fire wood put more rock on flume dam, etc.
August 16, 1900 Creek very high, took out our
flume dam during night. Snow on the mountain peaks and
highest water of season. Went down to my cabin and made a
pump for bedrock use. Made over dam gate, double the size, cut wood.
Had blue and bog shortcake for supper.
August 17, 1900 Cold rain all day creek higher,
can not sluice until creek goes down. Located claims,
Hillside Bench Claim – A. M. Bridgman, Big Bolder John R. Newman,
Jos. H. Allen, Thos. E. Griver, Elevated claim, H. A. Stearns,
Claud L. Allen, Edw. C. Davis.
August 18, 1900 Rain harder than ever, creek
on the rise. Our sluice boxes moved off of foundation but did
not float away. Cut down bank on left hand side.
Cut fire wood etc.
August 19, 1900 Rain 90 hours, streams are
highest known since 1896. It took out front of Morris
Claim and filled up drain ditch. Made notice boards for
Big Bolder, Elevated and Hillside Placer Claims. Took down
Klondike cloth bag to my cabin. For supper blueberry shortcake.
August 20, 1900 Went up to Martha Claim took
picture of down Willow Creek. Big dam on Martha Claim
stood flood OK. Butler caught 18 beauty brook trout. Turned
water off sluice boxes put more rock in dam.
August 21, 1900 Heavy rain all day. Wrote
to E. C. Davis and Co. about the conditions of things at the
Mines. 140 days one man 10 to 14 hrs. mostly on Martha Claim
- Morris $6.18 ground sluicing. Look for dust last of October.
Washed Out.
August 22, 1900 Sluiced one hour on bank got
4 dwt. and 3 gr. Cut rods to fix up dam. Evening
Bill Morris came up and stayed for supper, had rice and blueberry
shortcake, coffee with cream, bread and butter. First clear sunset
in August clear and colder, first frost. Ending of a 144
hour rain, longest and heaviest rain known here.
August 23, 1900 Clear as a bell. Rebuilt
flume, dam creek going down fast. Put on sod on dam 15’
long, a Jim dandy. Got wet as usual, blueberry shortcake
for supper.
August 24, 1900 Back-walled flume dam, rebuilt
sluice and reset boxes, opened drain ditch. Now ready
for work where we started on the 14th and got washed out.
Weather most perfect. Rover visited on us all day.
Wrote a few lines to Mattie.
August 25, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours, blasted out
drain ditch at noon time. Creek down to normal size.
Sent Rover home with tag on his collar for Bill Morris.
August 26, 1900 AM done cooking etc. cut hair
and whiskers. Morris visited to get his dog Rover. Put
up location board on Big Boulder Claim. Went down to my
cabin to sharpen crowbar. Had big blueberry shortcake for supper,
4” x 8”.
August 27, 1900 Sluiced all day in cold wet
rain, picked up 19 gr. small pieces on bedrock. Put in
two blasts to open drain ditch, evening painted drill bar.
The devil and rain seems to be with us, when will the sun shine again!
August 28, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours. Got one side
worked up to sluice dam. Evening brought down flume that
was broken by snow slide, will joint it on to rear of flume tomorrow
to help out drain ditch back water etc. Got up last night
in my sleep.
August 29, 1900 Cold rain with snow on mountain
peaks. Brought down broken flume fixed it up and set it in as
tail flume box. Bill Morris came up at 5, stayed for supper
- going to Knik tomorrow.
August 30, 1900 Sluiced 7 hours put in several
blasts to open bedrock - found in creek a 10 gr. nugget.
Cut and packed up firewood to last a week.
August 31, 1900 Sluiced on left side of boxes
10 hours. Found good paying bedrock, took out 49 grains
in 3 pans, gold in sight all day. 6 PM came on rain as usual.
Butler’s bread went back on him so we made raised donuts of it.
Found several 10¢ nuggets.
September 1, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours. Gold
in sight all day, took out 1 dwt. to the pan. Cleaned
up one riffle and took out 5 dwt. 11 gr. Found good paying bedrock
that run into right hand bank.
September 2, 1900 Sluiced 5 hours, took out
$1 pan and 1 - 30¢ nugget. Went up to Martha Claim
took out sluice boxes, cleaned up cabin. Caught 18 fine
brook trout, shot 2 ptarmigans and 2 parky’s, got home at quarter
of nine. Evening dressed game.
September 3, 1900 Cold and rain came on. Got
$51.56 for 7½ days work by two men. Had fried
brook trout for dinner. Evening much colder, snowing on
mountains Got 5 more days work we would like to do but the
weather is doubtful. Clean up 3-4-11.
September 4, 1900 Cold rain all of AM. Sluiced
4 hours creek on the rise again. For dinner fried parky’s.
For supper fried ptarmigan. Caught weasel in trap, making
it 6 in all.
September 5, 1900 Finished sluicing.
For 13 hours work cleaned up 19 dwt. and 12 gr. $15.60.
Pay streak run under flume so had to give up sluicing unless we
moved over the flume. Weather cold and clear.
September 6, 1900 Ground sluiced on Gilbert
Claim took 10 gr. Cleaned out Homestake sluice boxes got
11 dwt. 8 gr. Piled boxes on bank just below cabin.
Put tools in cabin, closed up business for season of 1900.
Knik Next.
September 7, 1900 Left Willow Creek for Knik
Station. Left Homestake cabin at 11:30 AM crossed over
mountains, shot 9 ptarmigans with 4 shots in timber near Little
Sushitna River. Had beans, coffee and donuts for supper. Made
a lean to, to sleep under retired 11 PM.
September 8, 1900 Had boiled ptarmigans and
donuts for breakfast. Broke camp 8 AM arrived at 1st lake
for dinner had coffee at small creek crossing for supper 5:30 PM,
at the Cottonwood 8:30. Stayed over night with a prospector
there came down to Knik Sunday AM.
September 9, 1900 Arrived at Knik 11
AM, took up quarters in Shorty’s cabin. Had no breakfast
on account of tide being high. Dinner boiled ptarmigans, whole wheat
biscuits, cream new potatoes from Palmer’s garden, lettuce, coffee
etc.
September 10, 1900 Palmer says this is Tuesday
but I don’t believe it yet. Very fine day got up at 8,
had a boiled dinner, 2 ptarmigans, carrots, parsnips, turnips
and new potatoes from Palmer’s garden with cranberry mince on the
side. Recorded claims and assay work. Waiting for the
boat to Tyonek.
September 11, 1900 Not much doing only enjoying
vegetables from Palmer’s garden. Shot one grouse.
Had mess of green peas with new potatoes. Bought parky robe,
2 moccasins, ladle and bidarka from Palmer. Tyonek tomorrow
if weather permits.
September 12, 1900 Left Knik on way to Tyonek
with Indian Goosmer and his sail boat. Arrived Fire Island
for dinner, went hunting, got 3 blue grouse and 2 large rabbits.
Camped over night on the beach. Saw plenty of markings from
moose on the Island. Grouse for supper, rabbit for breakfast.
September 13, 1900 Left upper end of
Fire Island at 8 AM had good voyage across, had to row
all the way, no wind, arrived Ladd Station 2 PM. Frank Churchill
was in charge he gave us a good warm dinner and supper. Left
Ladd Station at 6:30 AM, got to Tyonek 7:45 PM. Took quarters
in cabin next to no. 2 Boys cabin got letter from Mattie.
September 14, 1900 Got 2 rolls film and registered
letter Mattie sent with birthday present. Butler got registered
letter containing divorce from his wife, he was much surprised
and will now stay in Alaska. Found Davis Launch returned,
was housed over but P. W. Co. but couldn’t use her.
September 15, 1900 Old fashioned tail wind.
Noon took surf scene and a picture of Davis Launch. Sold Butler
shotgun and Indian Stephan old sweater, gloves, shirt, etc.
Took order from Butler for 1 can Carnation cream and 12 lbs. Elgin
butter to ship from Seattle on SS Bertha Oct. 8th with his baggage
and watch from Blake Hotel, Seattle. High surf.
September 16, 1900 Repacked my clothing washed
white shirt collars. Bought 2 more moccasins for speculation,
sold two handkerchiefs and arctic sox for 50¢. Read
over Mattie’s letters. Finished letter to my sister Clara.
Started letter to Mattie. Expect SS Bertha the 23rd.
September 17, 1900 Butler and I went up to
Ladd Station in small dory and got balance of A. B. Smith
goods and dumped them off to Butler for $7. Arrived
at Tyonek 3 PM. Hanmore beached the Davis launch for the winter.
September 18, 1900 Done washing. Talked with
Thomas Hanmore about oil wells down the Inlet, will take out
samples of it. Early morning Butler went out and shot 5
grouse. Had stuffed and baked duck and grouse for dinner.
Butler filed up saws. Evening mended clothes. Wrote
to Cleghorn about photos. Steamer Roland from Nome came in
and left off 5 prospectors.
September 19, 1900 At Tyonek, helped Butler
build a cache near no. 2 Boys cabin. Tore down the Revere
Boys donkey barn to build same. Bought another pair moccasins
very fine warm day. Had fried grouse for supper. Mended
clothes in evening.
September 20, 1900 Had grouse pot pie for dinner.
Tried our hand at laundering white shirts etc. Evening, Hoover
of Mills Creek visited on us. Butler gave me special power
attorney to sell his interest in mines.
September 21, 1900 Perry arrived from Sunrise
with 15 passengers for SS Bertha. Met Com. Brooks from Sunrise
and Mr. Cook of Hope. Received from Butler the balance on
A. B. Smith outfit from Ladd Station $7. Mailed letter to
A. B. Smith and Cleghorn. Called on Humpy Stephan his Bobbie
was sick.
September 22, 1900 At Tyonek helped Butler
on his new cache. Took picture of cache and the Hanmore
cabin we were living in. Looking for the SS Bertha on morning
tide 4 AM Wrote to Dr. Glancy.
September 23, 1900 No SS Bertha. Looked
at Hanmore’s undercurrent sluice box and apron. Had Mrs.
Cook and Passwater with us for supper. Evening got sample of Cook
Inlet lubricating oil from Mr. Hanmore. Rain evening bought
birch baskets.
September 24, 1900 No SS Bertha yet, I think
she visited at Kodiak first. Mrs. Fred Smith and
Bob Mickelson of Sunrise City visited on us. Cold rain with wind
and the surf getting rough -- they run the mink into the creek.
Two men arrived from Nome via Iliamna Bay.
September 25, 1900 At Tyonek, rain and no SS
Bertha. Mr. John Sudan of Palmer Creek and New York visited.
Nome report 600 people coming over from Bristol Iliamna Bay to
catch SS Bertha out Oct. 20th.
September 26, 1900 Rain and rough surf.
Perry drug anchor and had to put for Ladd Creek. Mr. Cook
came around with a petition for a Deputy for Cook Inlet mines and
oil.
September 27, 1900 Perry returned on high tide
but no SS Bertha yet. Noon took picture of Government
buildings. Traded clock and old pants for bidarka canoe
and got 2 bitts to boot.
September 28, 1900 SS Bertha arrived at Tyonek
6:30 AM, left Tyonek 11 AM, arrived Kenai 3:30, left mail and
freight. Left Kenai for Kadiak, Mr. Passwater roommate.
September 29, 1900 Passed out Cooks Inlet by
Cape Elizabeth and Barren Island 3:30 AM, arrived at Kadiak
2:30 PM to leave off over 100 tons freight. Took picture
approaching the dock and back view of town from hillside.
Evening, attended Russian church, also took picture of church.
September 30, 1900 Left Kadiak at 1:30 PM for
Valdez, weather very fine, smooth sea.
October 1, 1900 Arrived Montague Island, Prince
William Sound 8 AM. Arrived at Naked Island 5 PM. Left
off a Russian and family who will look after foxes on island
for 2 years. Latouche Island, one mine. Smooth sea,
passed the SS Newport on her way out.
October 2, 1900 Arrived Alaska Commercial
Co. wharf, head of Military Port Valdez 12 AM,
transferred some coal. Arrived Valdez
at noon, took three pictures. Crossed over to U. S. Post
Swanstown 4 PM. Left off freight, took on several and Mrs.
Capt. Abercrombie. Left at 6 and arrived Virgin Bay 8 PM.
October 3, 1900 Arrived at Virgin Bay, tied
up at Neenach’s Dock. Took on 300 tons copper ore taken
from beach at low tide. Now sinking shaft to drift underneath
tidewater. Left Virgin Bay for Orca at 6 PM.
October 4, 1900 On SS Bertha, arrived Orca
12 PM, left 4 AM. Smooth sea out of Prince William Sound
and to Kayak. Passed Bering Glacier at 5 PM also the SS
Excelsior bound for Orca. Arrived at Kayak 8:30 PM left off
a few tanks oil and freight. Left Kayak 10 P M.
October 5, 1900 Arrived 12 AM Yakutat, left
5 AM. Arrived near Lituya Bay midnight headwind and choppy.
October 6, 1900 Wind and rain, only made 4
knots per hour. Saturday night hoved too near Lituya
Bay.
October 7, 1900 On SS Bertha, passed Lituya
Bay, rain and head winds. Arrived across sound, had
to dodge large cakes of ice floating out of sound. 6 PM Inside,
smooth water and lots of floating ice all came down to dinner.
October 8, 1900 Arrived Juneau 6 AM got letter
from Mattie at post office. Tied up along SS Dirigo to
take on coal, left Juneau at 10 PM, Seattle soon to follow.
October 9, 1900 Arrived Wrangle Narrows noon
finished at 2:30 PM. Cloudy with some rain. Passed
tug boat in Narrows. No SS Dirigo or Seattle yet in sight.
October 10, 1900 On SS Bertha, arrived Dixon
Entrance at 8 AM passed out 11:30. Passed SS Humbolt on her
up-trip. Rain most all day.
October 11, 1900 Passed the SS Al-Ki 11 AM
and the small town Bella Bella at 11:30 took snap of the SS
Al-Ki and Indian graveyard. Turned over Butler’s watch
to purser Linden to be repaired and returned.
October 12, 1900 Passed through the Seymour
Narrows after dinner, arrived at Comox, B. C. 8 PM, could not
go in was dark could not see the buoys dropped the mud hook till
5 Saturday morning.
October 13, 1900 Union Day, arrived Comox,
B.C., 7 AM arrived to take on 260 tons coal for SS Bertha’s
up-trip. Coal bunkers are 7 miles from town. SS Farallon
was taking on coal.
October 14, 1900 Passed Victoria 8:30 AM arrived
Port Townsend at 2 PM went into quarantine until 3 left at 3:35
for Seattle. Arrived Seattle 8:30 PM took rooms at
the Northern.
October 15, 1900 At Seattle bought goods for
Butler and got his gun and bag ready to ship to Tyonek.
Left on Great Northern Railroad 8 PM train St. Paul
to Chicago.
October 29, 1900 Cleaned my gold.
October 30, 1900 Mattie’s birthday, gave her
Alaska parky robe. .
November 16, 1900 Dust 5-10-6, nuggets 5-11.
November 23, 1900 Sent 6 oz. gold dust to U.
S. assay office, Seattle by American Express Co.
December 14, 1900 Evening, worked on map of
Willow Creek.
December 15, 1900 Got 10 nuggets, 5 dwt. 11
gr. mounted for stick pins, made up, they weighed 10 dwt. and
20 gr.
December 28, 1900 Sent Davis and Co. report
on Willow Creek Mines, also drawings and pictures of Willow Creek
Mines. Draft $56.61; dust 1 oz. 2 dwt. 18 gr., also location
notices to new mines and assessment work.
1900 GOLD DUST CLEANUPS
CLAIM
DATE
OZ DWT
GR
MARTHA 7/12
SLUICING
8
23
MARTHA 7/21
8
08
HOMESTAKE 7/24 CRACKS
7
15
HOMESTAKE 7/24 PROSPECTING
12 PANS
11
7/25 PROSPECTING 5 PANS
2
03
HOMESTAKE 7/25 CRACKS
11
00
7/28 1st CLEAN UP
15
11
7/31 2nd CLEANUP
2 4
06
8/8 3rd CLEANUP
1 1
21
8/11 4th CLEANUP
5
10
8/22 5th CLEANUP
4
03
9/3 6th CLEANUP
3 4
11
9/5 7th CLEANUP
19
12
PROSPECT 9/7
GILBERTS
10
GROSS TOTAL
10 14
0
CLEANED OUT
4 9
NET TOTAL
10
9 15
CRACKS AND PROSPECTING
20
15
NET BALANCE SLUICING
9 9
0
1901
January 5, 1901 Received letter E. C.
Davis Co. acknowledging receipt of draft, dust and report and
map of Willow Creek. Was well pleased with my work for season
of 1900.
January 7, 1901 Answered company letter
stating my price on the Willow Creek mines and to help organize
a new Company.
January 22, 1901 Received letter from Bridgman
said he was well pleased with Alaskan report.
January 27, 1901 Answered Allen’s letter
referred them to A. B. Smith to help sell the mines. Asked
them to close my interest out.
February 1, 1901 Replied to A. B. Smith letter
that I would give him $50 if sale was made and I sold my 1/10
interest otherwise all I could promise was a salary with the new
company-to-be. Wrote to E. C. Davis Co. that A. B. Smith would
serve them in NY.
February 4, 1901 Sent A. B. Smith letter in
detail about Willow Creek Mines also a Johnston and Herning map
and sketch map of Willow Creek.
February 12, 1901 Received letter from George
Palmer Knik Alaska.
February 14, 1901 Wrote A. Beverly Smith, advised
him to get option if saw chance to make money for Smith and Herning.
February 19, 1901 Received letter from Al Gilbert
of Bakersfield, Cal. would take $100 for his tools, rights etc.
to his two claims on Grubstake.
February 21, 1901 Received letter from Smith
and Bridgman about forming Syndicate Co.
February 24, 1901 Wrote A. B. Smith about Syndicate
Co. and Gilbert property and working mines.
February 26, 1901 Wrote Allen that they must
either sell my interest or for a Syndicate to develop, not buy
the mines.
March 6, 1901 Answered Al Gilbert’s letter,
gave him news of Willow Creek, sent bill of sale $100 for Lottie
and Last Chance claims, tools boxes, etc. Sent note for amount
to be paid Nov. 1, 1901.
March 8, 1901 Griffith and wife visited, showed
them pictures of Alaska and had genuine old fashioned Alaskan
talk.
March 9, 1901 Wrote Bridgman, told him I would
stop sale of Willow Creek mine unless I was guaranteed sum of
$2,600.
March 11, 1901 Wrote A. B. Smith that I had
written Bridgman that I must get $2,000 or would stop the deal.
Also wanted A. B. Smith to dictate letter to send to Davis and Co.
about the mines.
March 12, 1901 Received letter from Mr. Cartwright
with film negative of camp on Tyonek beach. Also one from
George Hadlock - boats on Tyonek beach. Also silver quartz
from Dr. K of the Lucrative Mines Bonanza, Colo.
March 20, 1901 Received bill of sale from Al
Gilbert for Lottie and Last Chance Mines on Grubstake. PM letters
from Mr. Bridgman wanted me to come to Boston.
March 22, 1901 Wrote to Bridgman final result.
Was to telegraph if my plans suited.
March 26, 1901 Sent Bridgman sample of Cook
Inlet lubricating oil.
March 27, 1901 Received letter from Mrs. G.
F. Butler inquiring about her husband. Wrote A. B. Smith that
the company would raise the dough and that I may come east before
going to Alaska.
March 28, 1901 Received two letters from A.
W. Bridgman said they would have all the money that I needed inside
of 30 days and Allen would write.
March 29, 1901 Received letter from J. H. Allen
(Davis and Co.) saying they would have all the cash I wanted
inside 30 days.
March 30, 1901 Sent supplies to Butler to leave
Seattle April 8th on SS Bertha from Seattle. Received
letter from Passwater and Bridgman. Passwater was going
north on SS Bertha April 8th.
March 31, 1901 Sent Allen dictated letter.
Gave KB Co. up to April 15th to fulfill agreement to sell out
and get me $2,600. Would not agree to work for them after
that date.
April 1, 1901 Must leave here 4th if to do
assessment work they were to telegraph the money.
April 3, 1901 Letter from Bridgman about oil
in Cook Inlet also letter from Smith about K and B deal. Wrote
to Hanmore and Passwater on SS Bertha in route to Alaska.
Told Passwater that I would try and call him at Hope City, May or
September.
April 4, 1901 Received telegram from Davis
and Co. read: had meeting with Bridgman and friends would
have assessment funds by 15th and pledges for plant they believed.
Wrote F. A. G. M. Co. that I would sell for $15,000, I to be retained
as manager.
April 5, 1901 Wrote Bridgman that we had no
oil property that the no. 2 Boys could have had. Wrote
Smith that I did not take him up on assessment fund.
April 6, 1901 Received letters from Allen and
Bridgman saying assessment fee would be ready 15th and hoped
to have pledges for plant.
April 8, 1901 Wrote Al Gilbert to address me
at Seattle, send note to Sylvester Bros. or Scandinavian American
Bank for collection if discounted. Send key to cabin and
amount dust taken out 1897, 1898, 1899. Wrote Allen that things
must be closed up April 15 or would start with a clean slate.
Wanted $800 for assessment work. Also wrote Bridgman.
April 9, 1901 Received letter from Moulton,
Turnagain, wanted option for 90 days lowest price on mines.
April 12, 1901 Sent Dr. Moulton another map
(Johnston and Herning) could give option on Grubstake.
Received message from E. C. Davis Co. read: Farnsworth reports
pledges meeting 16th unquestionably favorable. Will that
do? Answered 8 PM would wait had traffic to Seattle engaged.
Wrote letter would wait for plant.
April 13, 1901 Letter to Davis and Co. would
wait for plant, wanted to send men and horses in to get ready,
would come to Boston if money for plant came forth. Received
letter from Davis and Co. With circular letter sent out
10th to stockholders.
April 17, 1901 Noon Received message from Bridgman:
come and meet new company at once, wire Allen. Worried
I would arrive Boston 19th at 3 PM by Boston and Albany R .R.
April 18, 1901 Wrote Butler of new deal, to
keep quiet until I arrive.
April 19, 1901 Arrived at Boston, put up at
Hotel Essex room 265 (1.50 day).
April 20, 1901 Visited on Davis and Co. were
surprised to see me, failed to get my message. Bridgman came
in and met Mr. Farnsworth the promoter. Was with Farnsworth
all day. Had dinner with Allen.
April 21, 1901 Went out to Mr. Farnsworth’s
house in Roxbury had dinner showed my views Seattle to Willow
Creek.
April 22, 1901 Called on Davis and Co.
at Mr. Farnsworth’s office, 7 Exchange Place, met Mr. French,
Mr. E. B. Estes, Hon. J. O. Burdett Chairman Republican Com. and
Mr. Church.
April 23, 1901 Called on AONW Mr. Burt. Evening
met Hon. Senator Morse at Adams house. Also met Mr. Phelps.
On street met W. N. Jacobs of Revere Party.
April 24, 1901 Was with Mr. F. Estes and Church
all day met Senator Morse evening. Seven men now pledged
for new company. Evening wrote J. O. May he was to wire,
wanted him to join new Co.
April 27, 1901 Introducing J. O. May to new
Syndicate and Davis and Co.
May 1, 1901 Bt. 1,200 shares Dirigo oil stock,
I am to pay $150 next Oct. or when I get the money.
May 2, 1901 Gold mining in Boston.
May 3, 1901 Talking gold mining.
May 6, 1901 Received message from Frank McGuire
that he wanted to go in on new Syndicate. Also letter from
J. O. May that he could furnish two pool men.
May 15, 1901 Held 1st meeting of new company
at Davis and Co. office. Mr. Clough was elected trustee
for company. Farnsworth and Mr. Urann were elected new directors.
May 16, 1901 Directors meeting
and money paid in. J. O. May Pres., E. B. Church Treas.,
W. A. Farnsworth Secy., myself Manager, of the mines. Mr.
Soule of Gardner Maine arrived and joined the pool.
May 17, 1901 Re-organized K and B Co. Directors
meeting at Davis and Co. office. Dr. Tracy and Mr. Soule
took dinner with us at the Essex. Phoned Frank about his
share.
May 18, 1901 Davis and Co. paid over to me
$1,000 first money to buy plant etc.
May 20, 1901 Received $100 check and 400 shares
Crescent Oil stock of Davis and Co. total $150 on account of
$500 due on company deal.
May 31, 1901 Looking up men horses and machinery
in Seattle.
June 3, 1901 Met 3 of Mulligan party, wanted
7½ day to go to Alaska. Met miner from Unga wanted
to go to Alaska - rented typewriter.
June 4, 1901 Visited at Conway Bros. stables,
in Seattle, looked over 4 horses and rode after them. Sent
pictures and letter to A. B. Smith about write up etc. Wrote
Farnsworth must have $500 more.
June 5, 1901 Looked over horses, decided on
2 bay and black was to see saddle horses. Gave in order
for plant at Mitchell Lewis and Co. SS Bertha heard of at
Union Bay.
June 6, 1901 Bought three horses from Conway
Bros. Paid down $100, balance due $170. Brown pony
$45 (4 yrs.), black gelding $125 (4 yrs.), bay $100 (8 years).
June 7, 1901 Friday looked at harnesses etc.
Drew contract with C. E. Hovey to go to Alaska for 1 year, salary
$240 fair and board. Put in order for provisions with Sylvester
Bros. and Co. Saw A. C. Co. about freight and fare to Knik.
June 8, 1901 Brought horses to harness shop
to get fitted. Opened bank account with Scandinavian American
Bank, private and for K and B Co. Ordered K and B stamps.
Bought double and single harness, 3 blankets, 3 pack saddles,
riding saddle and bridle. Bought hardware evening packed.
Fare for 3 to Tyonek
$180
Freight on 3 horses
$181
Balance
$174
Check Sylvester Bros.
$ 37
Cash for OGH
$100
Mdse. for Butler
$ 28.92
Mdsc.
$215.78
Harness
$ 69.97
Freight on merchandise
$ 28.80
Check for OGH
$ 50
$1,065.97
June 11, 1901 SS Bertha left Seattle for Cook
Inlet via Juneau. Hired C. E. Hovey, Elliott and Lewis
to go to Willow Creek and shipped three horses
with pack saddles and harnesses. Tickets for Elliott
and Lewis to Juneau $24, for typewriter $1.50, hack $1, feed
$1, putting shoes on horses etc. $3.40.
June 12, 1901 2 Passed through Seymour Narrows.
British boat overhauled us on way to Skagway. Purser on
SS Bertha wanted more money on account of mistake made in Seattle.
PM passed Queen Charlotte Sound was a little rough several were sea
sick.
June 13, 1901 Cloudy fine sail. Evening
passed Dixon Entrance very calm.
June 14, 1901 Passed the SS Topeca on her way
to Seattle. Very nice scenery. From 5 to 7 PM passed
through the Wrangle Narrows, passed a wrecked ship. Wrote
to Farnsworth and Sylvester to wire W. A. Farnsworth to accept terms
on plant, pay $1,000 down ship August 8th on SS Bertha.
June 15, 1901 Arrived Juneau 8 AM. Did considerable
trading, bought mattress and pillow, shoes for horses, rubber
coats for Elmer and Mattie, medicine, etc. Left Juneau at
noon for Sitka cool but fine. Sent $90 check to Sylvester
for Gilbert, $30 check for singletrees and whiffletrees to be shipped
with plant. Wrote Mitchell and Co. $1,000 down. Message
to W. A. Farnsworth, pay $1,000 on plant ship plant Aug. 8th on SS Bertha.
June 16, 1901 Arrived at Sitka 8 AM sent M.
L. Urann, Gilbert location notices. SS Cottage City arrived
with excursionists. Left Sitka at 10 AM by straits passed
out to open sea at noon, smooth seas. Evening showed Alaskan
views in dining hall.
June 17, 1901 Arrived at Yakutat took picture
of town. Put off freight, left at 3 PM. 10 PM passed Icy
Cape upper end of the Malaspina Glacier.
June 18, 1901 Passed Cape St. Elias went in
a new channel to Kayak. Left off some freight for oil
and coal company located out the mouth of the Chilkat River just
east of Copper River, departed at noon. Took picture of Chilkat
River. 6 PM opposite Copper River, 9:30 arrived Nuchek,
10 PM entered Prince William Sound.
June 19, 1901 12:30 AM hit rock going in to
Virgin Bay arrived at Virgin Bay 2 AM. Arrived at Swansport
9 AM put off cattle for government. Arrived at Valdez 11
AM put off 10 horses and freight onto lighter Perry. Left
Valdez for Latouche 7 PM raining as usual.
June 20, 1901 6 AM Latouche, put off freight
and men for A. K. Beatson. Left Latouche 9 AM for Cook
Inlet, passed Seal Rock 6:30 PM, the rocks were covered with
sea lions took picture. Calm sea with ground swell, birthed
light and rolled badly 10:30 passed Pt. Gore could see Cape Elizabeth.
June 21, 1901 4 AM rounded cape Elizabeth into
Cook Inlet arrived Seldovia 6 AM. Arrived at Homer at
8, left off Mr. Stone, Mr. DeWeese, Mr. Dowling and several others.
Left Homer at 10 AM. 4 PM arrived Kasilof, 6 PM arrived Kenai.
Took photo of Mt. Iliamna and Mattie and Elmer on board the SS
Bertha.
June 22, 1901 Arrived Tyonek 1 AM, schooner
St. Paul was waiting for freight and passengers. Went
ashore took breakfast with Butler, dinner with Hanmore, Judge Brooks
Chef. 3 PM boarded St. Paul with freight horses etc. for
Knik. Arrived Palmer’s storehouse 10 PM. Wind left us,
would not land horse on right hand side. Moved over to left
side and waited for flood tide to land horses and freight.
June 23, 1901 Sunday 5 AM commenced landing
horses. Bay swam ashore 1st then Nig swam ashore. Then
he jumped in again and swam nearly to Crescent Bay. Got freight
and passengers landed at 10 AM. Made camp opposite deep
water harbor. 5:30 retired 11 PM had to get up, high tide flooded
our tent. Cooked oatmeal and coffee at midnight. Took
horses up to Goose Bay.
June 24, 1901 Took picture of camp on the beach.
8 o’clock started with baggage for Knik Station. Left
Elliott and Lewis off at Goose Bay to bring up horses along the
beach to Knik. Arrived Knik 1 PM boys arrived with horses
8 PM. Made camp in the Beedy cabin. Contracted with
Palmer for oats and hay $25. Alaska Commercial Co. store closed.
N. A. A. Co. all out of supplies expected. Mattie’s 1st cabin
experience.
June 25, 1901 Sent boat down to mouth of Knik
Arm after provisions. Returned to Knik Station at 2 PM,
short box of butter. Cut firewood, hitched up team on sleigh
and hauled up wood and supplies. Stored supplies in the
Beedy Store. Took picture of team and supplies. Let
Palmer have one slab of bacon and ¼ sack flour.
June 26, 1901 Mosquitoes quite lively but not
bad enough to wear net.
June 27, 1901 Made table, stools, etc., and
blankets for horses. Horse flies very bad. Bought
52 lbs. moose meat at 10¢ lb., moose meat for dinner grouse
for supper. Waiting for Northern Commercial Co. supply
boat, want sugar and salt before starting for Willow Creek.
June 28, 1901 Warm and very fine. Capt.
Northern Commercial Company supply boat arrived had only flour
and sugar, removed Knik Store. Palmer put in a stock of goods
on his own account. Evening Mattie sang with flute accompaniment,
audience Judge Brooks, George Palmer and many others.
June 29, 1901 Supplies delivered from Northern
Commercial Company boat. Evening Judge Brooks left for
Valdez with Indian curios for sale. Offered Northern Commercial
Company $200 for a 40 to 50 ton scow to be delivered in Knik before
Aug. 20th was to let me know early about delivering scow. Wrote
W. A. Farnsworth, T. W. Hanmore and Linden about butter lost on SS
Bertha - June trip.
June 30, 1901 Got provisions ready and boated
same up to Cottonwood from Knik. Went by summit, came back
outside, got stuck 2 miles out on mud flats anchored boat and walked
ashore, arrived Knik 10:30 PM. Bought butter and sugar from
Palmer. Ready to start for Willow Creek July 1st.
July 1, 1901 Took baggage out to boat on flats.
Butler and Hovey boated up to the Cottonwood, Lewis and Elliot
took up horses. I stayed with Mattie and Elmer. Wrote
Sylvester Bros. and Co. not to send any hay but add ½ box
soap to order.
July 2, 1901 Left Knik 5 AM arrived at Cottonwood
(on Frank) 6:30, left Cottonwood at 8:30 with 3 horses 4 men
and 600 lbs. grub for Willow Creek. 11:30 reached 1st crossing
Trout Creek, cooked dinner. 5:15 arrived at 1st small lake
beyond Big Lake made camp for the night.
July 3, 1901 Left camp 9:20, arrived at Little
Sushitna River 11:30, crossed over and made camp. Grouse
and moose meat for dinner. Left 3:20 arrived at timber
line 7:15. Nig was played out, saddle hurt him. Grass
shoulder high on bench to Bald Mt.
July 4, 1901 Arrived Willow Creek, left timber
line to cross over Bald Mt., reached summit 9:30.
Reached forks of Wet Gulch 11:30, heavy rain.
Warmed up a pot of beans, reached Homestake cabin 2 AM.
Everyone wet, Nig’s back scalded very bad. Went down
to my private cabin to sleep, skeeters kept me awake till 3.
July 5, 1901 Horses were gone from Homestake.
Lewis and Elliott started out after them over to Wet Gulch.
At 5:30 I went up on bench back of Homestake cabin and found horses
feeding, went up on mountain and saw boys came back, fixed
up store and doctored up horses. Nig’s back was very bad from
saddle sore.
July 6, 1901 With Elliott and two pack horses
went up to Martha cabin for hardware and supplies. Boys
cut firewood. PM cleaned out J and B cabin for a cache to
store supplies. Filed saws light rain.
July 7, 1901 Run pipeline survey and lined
up the Homestake claim. Arranged to build dam just below
forks on Grubstake Gulch. Cleaned up my cabin, built cord
bed and removed some things from the Gilbert cabin, minded store.
Rain PM ready for Knik 4 AM.
July 8, 1901 4 AM heavy rain so did not start
for Knik. Cooked breakfast, cleaned up calidoor etc.
4 PM left Homestake cabin with 3 horses for Knik, reached forks
of Wet Gulch 6 PM, summit of mountain 7 PM, timberline 8 PM and
Little Sushitna River 11 PM. Coffee and donuts for supper set
up tent retired at 3 AM Tuesday morning.
July 9, 1901 Sausage for breakfast, had to
hunt up horses in woods. Left camp Little Sushitna River
at 9:30, river was belly deep. Arrived Big Lake at 2 let
horses feed, left at 3. Arrived at the Cottonwood 7:30 and
at Knik 9:15, found Mattie and Elmer well, but worried, because I
was 1 day late. Took bath. Palmer had started for Sunrise
but had to turn back on account of Turnagain Arm blow.
July 10, 1901 Hitched up team hauled up 3 barrels
lake water. Doctored up horses back, open in 3 places.
Left 4 men at the mines to cut timber for flume gate for dam.
Cut up wood and got ready to build pipe dam.
July 11, 1901 Doctored up horses backs.
Mattie washed. Palmer sold the Beedy store building
to Shorty so will have to move my supplies elsewhere. Palmer
and Shorty went down to storehouse for boat scow and load of
coal.
July 12, 1901 Doctored up horses. Moved
part of goods into Beedy cabin where we live. Palmer and
Shorty did not return.
July 13, 1901 Palmer returned with boat load
of coal from Point Campbell on early tide. PM hitched
up Tom and Nig and moved all our supplies from Beedy Store to
Alaska Commercial Co. cache. Shorty bought the Beedy store
off Palmer for a residence. Cleaned salted and smoked the
bacon. Got ready to leave for Willow in morning.
July 14, 1901 Bought 2 salmon and pair gloves.
Made grub box. Rest of moose for dinner. PM hunted
up horses, they were up near Millish place on the creek.
Nig’s back much better waiting for clear weather.
July 15, 1901 Wrote to Secretary W. A.
Farnsworth about what was going on with Jacks mine and F. A.
G. M. Co. and boys on Sushitna River and Caribou Creek Wrote
Urann duplicate letter about supplies ordered and to bill freight
to Knik. Got ready for trip to mines with family.
July 16, 1901 On trail with 3 horses, wife
Mattie and son Elmer. Left Beedy cabin at Knik Station for Willow
Creek at 7:15, arrived Cottonwood 9 AM. 11:30 arrived grass
flat creek crossing, ate dinner. 2nd crossing of Trout Creek,
arrived Big Lake 2:30. Arrived Little Sushitna River, camped
for the night at 6:30. Mattie rode Frank astride, Elmer and
I rode Nig. Tom carried 200 lbs. provisions. Trail muddy
in places weather fine AM rain PM.
July 17, 1901 In the morning, our horses, Tom
and Nig were gone, found them at 2nd bench from river on way
to Knik. Left camp at Little Sushitna River, arrived timber
line 1:15. At summit of Bald Mt. began raining. We
were caught in heavy fog, crossed over and hit Wet Gulch OK, arrived
at my cabin on Willow Creek 5:15. Hours actual travel 15.
Mattie was done in from riding and Elmer’s pants were wet.
July 18, 1901 Had oatmeal, bacon and moose
meat with bread butter and coffee for breakfast. Put out
all the blankets to dry and air. Mattie cleaned up shelf,
made broom, cleaned up cabin in general. Butler came down
about noon, out for moose and game. Hovey came down evening.
Cleaned out a few things from the Gilbert cabin, skeeters bad after
4 PM.
July 19, 1901 Carried up 4 sluice boxes, to
carry water by dam, so we could lay the foundation for dam.
Found prospects of gold in digging into bank for dam. Got
wet in placing sluice boxes. Butler made frame for wheelbarrow.
Boys had sods all cut and whipsawed, 2 logs for gate in dam.
Mattie and Elmer came up for first time.
July 20, 1901 Week ending July 20th exceptionally
fine for rainy season. Laid ½ of foundation to
hydraulic dam. Set in flume gate. Boys packed mossy
sand into dam with old Tom. Mattie and Elmer came up and
watched operations. Prospect 21 gr. = 70¢. Butler
nuggets $1. Made breast collar for Tom.
July 21, 1901 Worked around cabin all day.
Elliott and Lewis went out hunting up Martha Claim way, they
saw 2 moose. Mr. Hovey came down from Homestake cabin.
Took out prospect below my cabin and got 2¢ piece in the
pan. Skeeters very bad.
July 22, 1901 Very fine and warm, got in all
the bottom to the dam. Rigged up breast collar for old
Tom and used sled to move sods to dam. Mattie did the cooking
and Hovey the cook helped on the dam work. Evening covered
roof of my cabin with 10 oz. canvas sacking.
July 23, 1901 Made stone boat. Got dam wall
high enough so the water ran through the flume, put 3 rock on
dam from 1 to 5 ton. Mattie. got dinner and supper at Homestake
cabin. Took out prospect below the Homestake cabin. Mattie
quite homesick.
July 24, 1901 Elliott brought down horse and
packed back a load of wood on Tom. I took Nig and
with Elmer rode down to Jifkin cabin. Got 10 lbs. no.
2 dynamite, full coil fuse, part of a box of caps and borrowed
a crowbar. Got home 1:30 PM. Worked with boys on dam, blasted
one rock. Mattie cooked dinner.
July 25, 1901 Blasted out rock and built up
dam very fast. Now ready to cover flume in dam. Dam built
up 6’ high. Evening worked on covering roof of cabin with
canvas. Took out 5¢ pan of dirt on bench near dam.
July 26, 1901 Boys came down to my cabin with
horses and packed up 4 logs to cover top of flume in bulkhead
dam. Got top of flume packed and covered and wall up above
flume box. No rain for 9 days.
July 27, 1901 Dug through ledge for intake
to hydraulic pipe and panned out 1¢ colors. Run head
line for 14” pipe with bend of 35°. PM very foggy, got
dam up within 2’ of grade. Coarse gold on bench.
July 28, 1901 Hovey and Butler came down and
went down Willow Creek and prospected on Johnston’s Claim got
1¢ pieces and 30 colors to the pan. Butler took out 4 gr.
to the pan, right fork above new dam and 5 gr. right fork below
of dam. Horses came down for salt.
July 29, 1901 One more layer rock finishes
dam. Run line for first 500’ of pipe from dam.
Boys were to finish dam and build crib backing to strengthen dam.
Ready to go to Knik for mail 4 AM 30th.
July 30, 1901 Left my cabin on Willow Creek
for Knik to get the mail, rode Nig. 5 AM arrived
Forks Wet Gulch 6 AM, arrived summit of hog back 6:35, arrived
south summit Bald Mt. 7:15, arrived Timber Camp 7:45, arrived
Little Sushitna River 9:35, left Little Sushitna River 10:35,
arrived Small Swamp 11:15, arrived 1st Lake 11:30, arrived 2nd
Lake 11:45, arrived Big Swamp 12.05, arrived 3rd Lake 12:25,
arrived Big Lake 1:35, arrived Upper Creek Crossing 2:30,
arrived Lower Creek Crossing 3:00, left Lower Creek Crossing
3:30, arrived Fish camp 4:30, arrived Cottonwood 5:25, arrived Knik Station
7 PM.
July 31, 1901 Got mail from Palmer, 5 letters
for Mattie, 2 for Hovey, one from company, forwarded from Seattle,
no word about plant. Answered company letter - wanted another
team - would raise price of my interest in claims if were not bought
by October. Bought Jifkin’s tools and outfit from George
Palmer for $15. Paid Palmer grocery bill in full $33.55.
Palmer was going to Wood Island on the 5th - agreed to look after scow
and send mail back from Tyonek.
August 1, 1901 Left Knik for Willow Creek with
Nig, mail and 50 lb. pack. Knik Station 7 AM, Cottonwood
8:45, Fish camp 9:35, left Fish camp 10:00, Lower Creek Crossing
11:00, Upper Creek Crossing 11:30, Big Lake 12:15, left Big Lake
1:00, 2nd Lake 2:00, Big Swamp 2:15, 3rd Lake 2:35, Small Swamp 3:00,
Little Sushitna River 3:45, left Little Sushitna River 4:00, Timber
camp 5:45, summit of Bald Mt. 6:50, my cabin 9:00, Trip
in 14 hours. Found Mattie and Elmer gone to bed. Remember
the run that Nig gave me on Bald Mt.
August 2, 1901 Moved the flume boxes so we
could sluice out bank on right hand side of creek on Homestake
where we left off season 1900. Skeeters about gone, much
cooler evenings. Rain was cold.
August 3, 1901 Packed up flume gate from Gilbert’s
dam to place in top of big dam. Blasted rock out of pipeline
ditch near dam. Mattie came down to my cabin 3 PM, Elmer
and I came down 6 PM had rice, peaches and cream, hot biscuits
and coffee for supper.
August 4, 1901 Hovey relocated the Brainard
claim on Willow Creek.
August 5, 1901 On Grubstake, worked on dam.
PM with Elmer, Nig and Frank went down to Jifkin cabin and packed
up the following: 2 draw knives, 1 iron plane, 1 chisel,
2 bitts and bit stalk, (1) 2’ plumb level, small monkey, 1 nail,
1 ball peen, 1 smoothing, 2 handsaws, 1 counter scale, 1 dozen asst.
files, 30 cans sweet corn, 20 bars Ivory soap, 20 lbs. bayo beans,
8 lbs. baking powder, 3 lbs. salt, 15 lbs. dynamite coil fuse.
August 6, 1901 Worked on dam all day, got 2/3
of it up to grade. Put extra brace in flume, pressure of
dam crushed it in. Evening split wood. Mattie put out washing.
August 7, 1901 Rain all day with wind and quite
cool. First storm that prevented working on dam.
Sorted bayo beans.
August 8, 1901 Heavy rain last night,
with snow on mountain peaks at head of Willow and Grubstake.
With Hovey and horses, packed up 4 loads of firewood from my cabin
to Homestake cabin. PM finished dam on right side of pipe
and got up rock enough to finish dam.
August 9, 1901 Mattie, Elmer and self went
up to Homestake Claim. Got dam up within 1 row of grade
and filled in, in front of dam. Mattie baked bread. Cut
Elmer’s hair, fixed steel trap to catch parky’s. Skeeters
all gone.
August 10, 1901 Peaks all white with snow down
to Homestake cabin. Fixed up calidoor of Gilbert cabin
for horses. Evening raining in valley snowing on peaks.
Put up shelf under my calidoor. Elliott gave us a blue grouse.
Took picture Willow and Grubstake.
August 11, 1901 Hovey came down after flour
and coffee, sent up sack tobacco, was all out of sugar.
Butler came in with one ptarmigan. Had baked blue grouse beans
coffee rice and cream for dinner.
August 12, 1901 Brushed out trail between my
cabin and the Homestake Claim. Finished main wall of
big dam. With Tom, hauled up rock to fill in around intake
to pipeline in dam and rock for back-walling big dam. Finished
big dam.
August 13, 1901 Set sluice boxes by flume on
bank of creek direct below the Homestake cabin. Fixed
up riffles and 4 men commenced to shovel from right hand bank.
Took out several pans 5¢ to 10¢ to the pan. Mattie
did the cooking, Elmer helped to shovel.
August 14, 1901 Sluiced 4 hours, found coarse
gold on rim of bank. Laid foundation to brace wall back of big
dam. Evening half soled Mattie’s shoe.
August 15, 1901 Sluicing 4 hours from bank
as heretofore, worked on back wall, got wall half way up.
Mattie came down from Homestake to my cabin to bake bread etc.
Elmer and self came down at 6:30. Ginger bread, rice and baked
beans for supper.
August 16, 1901 Cold rain from the east, men
layed off. I went up to Homestake took up bread and milk to
boys. Fixed sluice dam. The flume was running full
and water was within six inches of top of flume. Brought
down the horses to Gilbert cabin.
August 17, 1901 Gulch very high, 2nd day of
rain, water ran over flume dam and sluice boxes and washed out
sluice boxes. Water came up to top of pipeline dam, filled
the flume and pipe ditch
overflowing. Began to clear 6 PM clear sky.
August 18, 1901 Me, Elliott and Lewis and horses
went down to Jifkin cabin brought back 2 sacks flour and shot
6 grouse. Took inventory of tools etc. Went up to the
Homestake Claim framed out one box that was washed out by the
flood and got 5 dwt. 16 gr. Pulled out one flume box.
August 19, 1901 With men and horses went down
to Jifkin cabin, 2 miles below my cabin, to build a winter barn
for horses while sledding in hydraulic pipe. Made basement
barn, cut logs and pulled up same with old Tom, got up 3 layers
of logs. Had grouse for dinner, ptarmigans for supper, shot 10 grouse.
Cloudy but fair.
August 20, 1901 With men and horses went down
to Jifkin cabin to work on horse barn. Got up sides ready
for his roof. Had 5 grouse boiled for dinner tomatoes bread
and coffee.
August 21, 1901 With men and horses went down
to finish the barn near Jifkin cabin at mouth of Wet Gulch on
Willow Creek, Hovey went down with us. Got roof on barn door
made etc. Butler stayed down all night to hang door and finish
up Thursday AM.
August 22, 1901 Rode Frank, led Nig with pack
down to Jifkin’s, finished barn. Nig came home, had to
pack up tools etc. on Frank, arrived home 8. Hovey, Elliott
and Lewis completed back wall to big dam. Flume boxes to be
taken out of creek - now ready to go back to Knik.
August 23, 1901 Left mines AM went up to big
dam took two views of dam, old Tom, boys. Picked up tools and
boys, took out the sluice boxes and one flume. Picked up
things in general. With Mattie and Elmer on Nig and Frank
packed, left my cabin for Knik. Arrived Little Sushitna River
7:45. River was high camped in tent over night. Rained
all night.
August 24, 1901 Got up at 5 AM broke camp at
7:30. Mattie and Elmer crossed the river on log jam,
water was up to horses belly. Arrived 1st crossing of
creek for dinner. Arrived Cottonwood 4 PM, at Knik 6 PM.
Everything fairly good shape in our cabin. Had supper at
8, peas, hot biscuits, molasses, cream and coffee. Shorty
had returned from Tyonek no mail. Palmer gone out for goods.
Rain all day.
August 25, 1901 Got up at 7:30. Mattie
baked bread. Cut wood and fixed up Tuell's cabin, ready for
the boys. Knik Station boys arrived from the mines with
old Tom, had wet trip and old Tom rolled down the bank near Sushitna
River, no harm done. They left part of pack at the Cottonwood.
August 26, 1901 Rainy all day. Men sore and
tired from trip out from the mines. Had fried grouse for
dinner. Palmer expected in last of week with goods for his
store and a scow from Northern Commercial Company to lighter my
plant from ship.
August 27, 1901 Hitched up Tom and Nig and
hauled in 3 loads of fire wood. Mattie cooked a barrel
of beans and baked bread all day for the guests?
August 28, 1901 Went down and looked over Government
quarters with view of fixing up the same for winter quarters
winter of 1901 and 1902. Hauled up 2 barrels of lake
water and Mattie done the washing. Went up to the Cottonwood
and brought back our Sea Otter boat. Hovey cut up firewood.
August 29, 1901 Building winter quarters.
Cut windfall stumps and roots out of Government trail from Knik
to government camp. Tore down storehouse 14’ x 24’ and commenced
remodeling for storehouse and cabin. Also had logs cut for
shakes for roof. Mattie came down to look over winter quarters.
August 30, 1901 Hauled up 2 barrels lake water,
took stone boat down to government camp. Hauled up moss
and shake logs. Elmer rode Frank up to Knik alone.
Mossed and laid up logs to one cabin and cleaned out Capt. Glenn cabin.
Full moon weather clearing.
August 31, 1901 Helped Mattie with baking etc.
Boys got up shake logs, commenced to split shakes, got cabin
ready for roof. Butler shot 10 grouse in one covey. Boys
hauled up water for washing.
September 1, 1901 Sunday, trimmed hair
etc. Mattie baked 6 loaves of bread. Had 10 fried
grouse and cranberry sauce for dinner. Boys did their washing.
Gnats very bad. Patchell returned from prospecting
on Matinuski.
September 2, 1901 Building winter quarters.
With Elmer on Frank, went down to government camp and dug cellar
in the Capt. Glenn cabin. Men worked cutting shakes and hauling
up moss and logs. Elmer rode Frank home to Knik alone.
September 3, 1901 Clear and much cooler.
Hauled up saw logs to government camp, put up ridge pole on
the men’s cabin and cut the rafters etc. Evening addressed
letters to W. A. Farnsworth and M. L. Urann. Sent Urann bill
of sale of the Gilbert Claims. Ready to go after the mail
and steam launch, weather permitting, tomorrow.
September 4, 1901 With Butler in Sea Otter
boat, left Knik for Tyonek to bring up the Davis steam launch
to Knik Harbor. Had fair wind from Goose Bay and Pt. McKenzie
to Fire Island. Arrived half way down the Island at 4 PM.
Had fried grouse for supper. Went down the beach looking for
more grouse returned at 7:30. Set up tent on beach retired
9:30 at 10 the high tide washed into our tent. Turnagain Arm
wind and high surf.
September 5, 1901 Got up at 7:20 oatmeal for
breakfast. High surf Turnagain Arm wind. Started
out across the island for a hunt, being too rough to cross the
Inlet. Returned at 3 PM with 5 grouse. Butler came in
with one rabbit and no moose. Cloudy all day with a good clear
sunset. Surf smoothing down.
September 6, 1901 Fried rabbit and grouse for
breakfast. Left for Tyonek at 11:15 AM. Arrived at 3 mile
at 7:15 PM, at Ladd’s 8:30 PM, very short and sluggish tide.
Called on Churchill had coffee and lunch. Morris was there
from the Sushitna River. Arrived Tyonek 11:45 made camp in steam
launch. Hanmore way gone down the Inlet.
September 7, 1901 Kodak arrived on way to Knik
with G. W. Palmer’s stock of goods. Hanmore came back
from down Inlet. Took up quarters in no. 2 cabin.
Kodak left at 6 PM, sent letter to Mattie.
September 8, 1901 Excelsior arrived.
Received letter from Gilbert and A. B. Smith. Sent letter
to A. B. Smith with OK for Densmore machine, shoes, etc., and
magazines. Excelsior left at 2 PM. The Capt. wanted
to buy the Davis launch. I set the price at $350. He
wanted the launch next April. Took apart engine found reverse
link broken.
September 9, 1901 Saw Hanmore about scow, bought
it for $50, anchor $8.50. Paid off bill against launch
$129.15. PM fixed slide to reverse lever and broke the other.
Cut off slides were badly rusted in.
September 10, 1901 Rain wind and big surf.
Worked on repairing up launch. Fixed reverse link took
out shaft and cleaned journals. Capt. Oliver Smith, Kodak
returned from Knik received letter from Mattie with plug for condenser
pipe. Kodak steamed down the Inlet at 2 PM - now ready to steam
up the launch.
September 11, 1901 Bought 30 lb. anvil $3,
vice $4, 5 gallons coal oil and groceries off Alaska Commercial
Company $22.87. Steamed up launch pump or injector would
not work. Pipe to steam gauge rusted out. Evening Everhardt
visited. PM tide Litchfield left for Ladd’s on way to post
on Sushitna River.
September 12, 1901 Drilled hole through reverse
link broke drill and had to make new one. Steamed up launch
but pump wouldn’t work. Put tackle on scow ready to pull
her into the creek on high tide. Schooner, St. Paul, arrived
from Kodiak with Sleepers plant bound for Hope. Hanmore agreed
to get our mail at Sunrise and leave same at Knik harbor.
September 13, 1901 Got eccentrics loosened
up. Steamed up launch pump, Everhardt helped us. Tide
not high enough to float the scow. Sent May and Farnsworth sample
of Homestake gold by registered mail.
September 14, 1901 Worked on fitting up scow.
PM got Indians to help to launch scow, pried her up and moved
her 15’, took 1½ hours.
September 15, 1901 With 2 dozen Natives and
tackle, pulled scow into the creek. Used the Lindquist
cabin for anchor to pull on, took 1 hour. Took pump all apart put
her together and she worked fairly well. Steamed up to 160
lbs., ran engines a little. Now ready to launch the
steam launch.
September 16, 1901 Wind and showers at Tyonek.
Got pump working and adjusted the engines. Took out left
hand shaft cleaned journals and broke off set plug in removing
same. Bored out set plug and cut new threads.
September 17, 1901 Got shaft in place run engines
and pump and packed stuffing boxes. Put skids under launch ready
to slide her into creek. Tide was too short to float launch.
September 18, 1901 Mail day. Pulled launch
into creek with luff tackle. High tide 7:30 run
launch down to mouth of creek got bow stuck on bank.
September 19, 1901 Tides growing short, couldn’t
get scow or launch out of creek. Picked up 2 ton of beach
coal and put same into scow. Bought 2 pair rubber boots
off Alaska Commercial Co., $13 groceries $3.
September 20, 1901 Tyonek, put 2 ton of coal
on scow and same on the launch. Bought swivels for anchor
chain $1, figs for Elmer 50¢. Duck supper then put provisions
and bedding aboard launch. Got scow out on high tide anchored
her out in deep water but couldn’t get launched, out too late on
the tide. SS St. Paul arrived with 30 passengers for SS Bertha.
September 21, 1901 Tide very short only came
to mouth of creek. Took out pump head cleaned same repacked
stuffing boxes put pump together and she worked alright.
Retired 12:05 waiting to see if tide would raise the creek.
Oh that screwing tide was no good.
September 22, 1901 Left Tyonek for Knik.
The devil and tide are against us. Noon tide didn’t reach
creek so proceeded to dam up the creek and boom out the launch.
Floated launch down to dam but the tide failed to reach our dam.
Litchfield arrived from Sushitna Post, Morris and Churchill from
Ladd’s.
September 23, 1901 Got launch out of creek,
tore out dam and the tide just reached the launch at 1 PM.
Picked up scow and at high water started for Harvey’s to take
on more coal. Couldn’t stem the tide above Tyonek spit so
had to anchor 8:15 PM, weighed anchor for Fire Island and Knik Arm
very dark night.
September 24, 1901 Reached Fire Island with
scow and Sea Otter boat in tow. Exhaust pipe to pump blew
out at 2 AM and check valve failed to work. Before we could make
repairs and cross the Knik Channel, the tide turned and carried us
back toward the Beluga. 9 AM tried it again, reached Fire Island
and a Sushitna wind blew us in to mouth of Turnagain Arm, anchored
scow and run the launch under lee of the Island 4:30. 1st real
meal in 48 hours.
September 25, 1901 Got up at 4 AM, sky very
clear, bright moon. Found the wind had sent our scow adrift,
more trouble in Alaska. Cooked oatmeal and coffee and kept launch
afloat till daylight then loaded launch with beach wood at 8 AM,
run out to scow where she had held anchor on edge of the
bank of Knik channel. Wind blew from Knik so put
back to Fire Island, before reaching island wind died out with flood
tide so steamed back, picked up scow and put for Knik Harbor, arrived
3 PM. Anchored scow at Knik Harbor.
September 26, 1901 Tide ebbed so had to beach
launch near Fish Creek, 3 AM found launch floating, got up steam
and just made the Knik Channel. Arrived Knik 4 AM.
Palmer had returned with mail from Sunrise. AM discharged launch
and cut fire wood. PM left at 6 with full crew and arrived
Knik Harbor 8:30 PM. Anchored and retired for the night.
Had 5 men to help handle plant that was to arrive on SS Bertha and be
delivered at Knik Harbor.
September 27, 1901 Woke up at 4 AM and found
launch had broken her anchor rope and gone adrift up near Crescent
Bay. On ebb tide, steamed back to Knik Harbor, tied up along
scow cooked breakfast then boys went ashore to cut wood.
Scow dragged anchor so cut launch loose and stemmed the tide up to
storehouse. Palmer and Shorty with coal left on PM tide for Knik and
agreed to come back for load of freight off SS Bertha.
September 28, 1901 At Palmer’s storehouse at
mouth of Knik Arm. Went up to point above harbor and towed back
scow. PM got out logs for wharf near storehouse. Beached
the launch for the night as we had lost the anchor.
September 29, 1901 Heavy north winds.
Had to re-pipe connections to pump. Built a wharf 30’
long to hold part of hydraulic pipe. Had dinner ashore.
Scow drifted to point above harbor toward Crescent Bay. 7
PM with launch started out to find scow, had to buck tide to Crescent
Bay. Anchored at midnight didn’t see the scow.
September 30, 1901 Steamed in to Crescent Bay
4 AM, cut fire wood and put back to Knik Harbor. Noon found
scow, it had come back and anchored herself on edge of channel
at Knik Harbor. Towed scow ashore and tied the darn critter to a
tree. On ebb tide, towed scow down below storehouse and beached
her. Shorty came down for load of goods brought us bread milk
and sugar.
October 1, 1901 Let launch go aground, anchored
scow at low water mark, cut wood. Heavy wind from the north with
sleet rain.
October 2, 1901 Towed Mr. Jonah scow into creek
below storehouse on Knik Harbor and tied her up to two big stakes
fore and aft. Went up creek after wood, got launch aground
trying to turn around. Left for Knik City 5:30 PM, arrived Knik
City 8 PM. No SS Bertha or plant arrived. Out of grub
so went home.
October 3, 1901 Butler and Hovey cut wood.
With Elliott and Lewis and Elmer, rowed up to Cottonwood after
the horses, shot 2 grouse. Looked at hay near Chief’s house.
Hauled up 2 barrels of water and 2 loads of wood for launch. Sharpened
saws and axes couldn’t see any boat in sight at mouth of Knik Arm.
October 4, 1901 Finished cutting wood for house
and launch. Went down to government camp to complete work.
Finished roofing cabin and got up saw logs. Chinked ceiling
to Capt. Glenn cabin, found dead rabbit in cellar. Bought 85
lbs. turnips off Shorty at 3¢ - $2.55 was charged to my account
with Palmer.
October 5, 1901 Boys cut poles for chinking
cabin. Helped Mattie till 10 then went down to winter camp
and cribbed up cellar. Self hauled in big load of small poles
and packed up load of moss on Nig and Tom. Evening hauled up
3 barrels of lake water. Whip sawing lumber for floors, then cabins
complete.
October 6, 1901 At Knik warm and fine. Turned
over and piled up last of hay near Chief’s house. Made old connections
to pump with oil cap attached. Evening flute and voice
concert. Mattie loomed up in a new waist, Yolly!! Bill
of fare potatoes, turnips, pink beans with soup, bread, butter, coffee,
sugar and cream. Men did their washing.
October 7, 1901 Mail arrived. With boys
went up to Chief’s house, built crib to dry hay on then went down
to government camp and whipsawed until noon. Noon Patchell
arrived from Sunrise with mail. Plant and provisions
to arrive on SS Bertha. Father had left for Seattle on way
north. PM whipsawed floors for cabins.
October 8, 1901 Moose meat for breakfast at
only 5¢ a pound. Went down to winter quarters, flumed
spruce log. Started boys to whipsawing had to file and
set saw. Fitted one window in Capt. Glenn cabin. PM
whipsawed myself. Elliott and Lewis stacked hay near Chief’s
house. I brought horses down from the Cottonwood so we could
haul logs and water.
October 9, 1901 Hauled up 3 barrels of lake
water then sent team down to Capt. Glenn camp to haul in 3 saw
logs and small poles. Not feeling well, stayed at home in
Knik. PM finished sawing log and fitted stops to window and put in
door casing to my cabin. Sent horses down to Fish Creek to feed
on creek grass.
October 10, 1901 Whipsawed and fitted door
and windows to winter cabins. Bought window 10” x 12”x
6 lights, off McConahay for Capt. Glenn cabin. Put up hay until
3. Mattie and Elmer then went down to the winter camp.
Married 7 years today. New potatoes, turnips and moose meat bill
of fare.
October 11, 1901 Cloudy and felt like snow.
Whipsawing and laying floor in boy’s cabin. Finished stacking
hay at Chief’s house. Fitted door to my cabin, came home
in Sea Otter boat 6 PM. Bought off Palmer coal and wood, cook
stove $5, 8 joints of pipe $2. Palmer, Shorty and Patchell
went up to the Cottonwood to hunt ducks.
October 12, 1901 Raining, cold south east wind.
Hovey finished laying floor to men’s cabin. I hung door
in Capt. Glenn cabin and whipsawed 3 cuts, cabin ready for
floor. All caulked and ready for fixtures.
October 13, 1901 Worked on cabin. Made
flue boxes for chimneys. Set up cook stove in Capt. Glenn
and Lee cabins - whipsawed. Mattie came down in PM.
Nig and Frank came up from Fish Creek, Tom didn’t come.
Morning froze ice ¼”. Evening felt like snow.
October 14, 1901 At Knik. Worked
on cabins. Boated down Butler’s traps and 8 bags of oats.
Set casing for chimney flue. Noon went down to Fish Creek
looking for old Tom and found him dead, looked like poison,
poor old horse dead. Evening ordered sugar, flour, oatmeal,
cornmeal, lard and butter off of Palmer. Will get same at Hope
City.
October 15, 1901 Got up blue clay for chimney
flues. Jointed 10 boards for Capt. Glenn cabin. Butler
went down to Fish Creek to take the hide off old Tom. Now keeping
Nig and Frank in krell and barn.
October 16, 1901 AM boated down clay for flues
at winter quarters. Boated up barrels of water, went
down to Fish Creek to examine Tom. Decided he died with
wind colic. There was no signs of poison or a struggle where
he was. The inside of his stomach had busted. PM built
clay chimney in Capt. Glenn cabin. Commenced laying the floor.
Rain.
October 17, 1901 Boated down barrel of salmon,
beans, etc., to winter quarters. Boys mudded flue to their
cabin and I finished laying floor to our cabin. Nig sneaked
away and went up the beach toward Cottonwood.
October 19, 1901 AM got launch ready for trip
to Tyonek. Left Knik at 12:30 noon with all hands aboard.
Arrived at harbor mouth of Knik Arm 3:30 PM. Elliott and
Lewis boated around to Point Campbell, will remain and hunt moose
until we return from Tyonek. Hope to return by the 25th. Picked
up 1/3 ton of coal, located vein on beach near Point opposite Pt.
McKenzie.
October 20, 1901 Left Knik Harbor at 11 AM
on steam launch with Butler as pilot, self engineer and Hovey
as flunky. Arrived Ladd Station 6:30 PM, visited on Churchill,
11:45. Left Ladd’s, arrived Tyonek 12:45 morning. Anchored
in front of government camp. Got up at 7 went grousing.
October 21, 1901 Breakfast at seven, went ashore
delivered mail to Hanmore, wrote Hovey personal check for $24.50.
Got Elmer 3 pair stockings, Mattie oranges and gum. Left
Tyonek at noon. Went up as far as Harvey’s, picked up one ton
of coal. Arrived Ladd’s 9:45, anchored for the night.
October 22, 1901 Left Ladd’s at 9 AM, pipe
in boiler sprung a leak. Sushitna River wind held us back.
Anchored 10 miles off Fire Island 1:30 PM, boiler leaking badly.
Weighed anchor 8 PM, arrived lee of Fire Island Wednesday morning.
Had to run the pump constantly and one man baled out the ash pit.
October 23, 1901 Weighed anchor 10:30, drifted
until 12:30, got up steam. Arrived at harbor 3:30.
Butler went ashore for coal. When he came back to ship she
commenced to drag anchor. Got up steam and got her into
the eddied tide outside Pt. Campbell on flood tide. Evening
left for creek in harbor. With Sea Otter boat, left midnight
for Knik for more grub and the boys.
October 24, 1901 Sailed up off Fish Creek when
the tide turned, couldn’t make landing until I arrived off
lower point of Goose Bay. On flood tide, started again for Knik.
Arrived Knik 12 PM, was out all night, had only an orange for
breakfast. With Elliott and Lewis, left camp 5 PM for Knik
Harbor. Arrived in creek 7:45 PM, couldn’t get boat up to scow
and launch. Boys slept in Otter until 3 AM when the tide floated
them in. I waded through mud up to launch.
October 25, 1901 No SS Bertha as yet. Butler
and Hovey had leaky pipe in boiler plugged. Boys cut
firewood for launch. Butler got mast and yards for sail
on scow and we put in rubber packing in connecting couplings to
feed pipes to the boiler. Hovey was busy cooking for the crew.
Expect SS Bertha with plant and supplies on any tide.
October 26, 1901 Cloudy but fair at Knik Harbor.
Left creek, with launch, for beach coal at lower end of harbor
- packed up ¾ of a ton. Returned to creek, cut more fire
wood and mast for launch. Pipes in boiler commenced leaking
but not badly. Had fried potatoes, bacon, biscuits, butter
and coffee for supper. No SS Bertha on PM tide. Evening
clear and bright moon.
October 27, 1901 No SS Bertha as yet.
Sent Butler and Lewis down to lower end of harbor for more coal.
Elliott and I fitted mast and square rig sail on scow, split
wood, etc. Hovey was busy cooking all day and hemmed sail
sheet for launch. Tide covered grass flats, Butler shot
mallard duck.
October 28, 1901 Fitted mast in launch and
made anchor for scow. Sighted SS Bertha off of Fire Island,
she arrived at Knik Harbor 3 PM. Towed scow out to SS Bertha
from creek, then she moved up in front of Palmer’s storehouse.
Loaded scow and put oats and one load of pipe ashore.
October 29, 1901 Wind and snow. Launch
went aground, burnt out plug in pipe. Ate supper on SS
Bertha and had stateroom. 4 AM found scow had gone up
to Crescent Bay. She came back 10 AM - caught her and run
her on the beach below creek. SS Bertha finished discharging
at 3 and left at 3:45. Got launch off 6:30 and went down to scow.
October 30, 1901 Hovey and self kept watch
to keep boats afloat Tuesday night. Against head wind,
5 AM, steamed with launch and scow loaded with 16 tons
of hydraulic machinery for Knik. Off Goose Bay, tide turned
and we landed at point below Goose Bay. Wind blew up on the flats
of Fish Creek landed at Knik at 8 PM.
October 31, 1901 Cold Matanuska wind.
Boys cut logs for a platform to land the hydraulic pipe on, on
the beach just above Palmer’s house. With Hovey and Butler,
took some supplies down to winter quarters. Packed 1,200
lbs. up the bank from tide water to cabin. Launched scow but the
steam launch wouldn’t float so couldn’t leave for Knik Harbor for more
pipe and horse feed. Cold and windy.
November 1, 1901 Tried to launch the
launch, got her up on skids and hope to slide her in on high
tide with Elmer, went down to Capt. Glenn camp for oil and cream.
Put 4 cases of cream in cellar to keep from freezing. Channel
in front of Knik was filled with anchor ice. Some alarm felt
about Palmer overdue from Sunrise City by boat.
November 2, 1901 Wind died out, has been blowing
hard from NE since Oct 28th. Slush ice making fast in
Arm. Got blocks and pulled launch off of bank into channel.
Getting ready for trip down to Knik Harbor for rest of pipe, horse
feed and balance of provisions. High tide at 11 PM.
Boat would not float so had to wait over a tide.
November 3, 1901 Got launch afloat 11:30.
Condenser pipe was frozen up, floated down on tide just below
winter camp then had to beach launch and scow. Put steam
hose on condenser pipe, got it clear and at went up to Knik with
Mattie and Elmer. Boys slept on launch. I came down
at 11 PM, got up steam and steamed off for Knik Harbor; made the run
of 25 miles in 3 hrs and 10 minutes.
November 4, 1901 Still cloudy but mild weather.
Arrived at Knik harbor at 4:10 AM. Beached launch and scow
near pile of pipe below Palmer’s storehouse. Worked on getting
pipe out of mud up to high tide noon. Plenty of ice and high
surf had washed pipe on beach full of mud and sand. Very wet
and cold job.
November 5, 1901 Heavy surf and great fields
of anchor ice running in Arm. Got pipe below storehouse
loaded, except 2 nests buried deep in mud. Midnight tide, steamed
up to storehouse, beached scow and launch. Decided to leave scow
and tied her up to Palmer’s storehouse because of running ice - half
loaded with pipe. Cleaned and put all the pipe we could above
tidewater mark. Palmer arrived, lost his boat on Pt. Campbell.
November 6, 1901 Got fire wood and 42 sacks
of oats and 7 sacks provisions aboard launch, put 18 sacks oats
on Sea Otter, anchored launch out, ready to leave at low water
for Knik. Departed 11 PM with launch and Sea Otter boat for
Knik, had all we could do to steam through ice crossing channel to
Goose Bay. Up at Goose Bay, run into another field of ice, went
around it and got into open water in Knik channel.
November 7, 1901 Arrived at Capt. Glenn camp
2 AM, beached launch, boys went up to cabins and self walked
up to Knik - retired 4 AM. Got up at 7 and got wood and
lake water for Mattie. Went down and got launch ready to steam
up to creek at winter camp to discharge freight. Discharged freight
and steamed up to spring at Knik - Elmer and Mattie were aboard.
Beached launch for the night.
November 8, 1901 Got ready to move down
to Capt. Glenn camp for the winter. Condenser pipe was
frozen up on launch so had to boat our goods down in Sea Otter and
Palmer’s scow. Arrived at camp 6 PM packed up bedding etc.
Rather cold in cabin, stove wouldn’t burn up. Retired at 11 and
slept warm for the night.
November 9, 1901 Stored away provisions and
got things ship shape in general at winter quarters. Elliott
went up to Cottonwood for Nig and Frank - snowed heavy 3 hours
soft wet snow. Got heater and cook stove connected and she warmed
things up A-1. Elliott arrived with the horses and they were
as fat as butter living only off lowland grass.
November 10, 1901 Cloudy but warmer with little
running ice. Worked around our new winter cabin, put up
cupboard, pins for clothing, etc. Boys packed up hay and
provisions that remained on beach below cabin. Went up to thaw
out condenser pipe on launch that lay on beach near spring at Knik
Station, got pipe cleared. Called on Palmer, he wanted to sell
the hay that was taken down to Knik Harbor for Sunrise parties.
November 11, 1901 Sunshine and warmer.
Worked around cabin. PM went up to Knik with team to get bobsleighs,
found draw bolts to be 2” short, put sleigh together and started with
a bag of blacksmith coal and iron rod for winter camp. Frank
didn’t like the whiffletrees and made his heels fly. Talked with
Miller about making trip to Tyonek in launch. Dandy hotcakes
for breakfast.
November 12, 1901 Worked around cabin. 3 PM
went up to spring, steamed up launch, pumped tanks dry, blew
off boiler and opened all vents, got timbers ready to float her
Wed. at high tide. Butler lengthened draw rods on new bobsleighs.
Snowing hard evening.
November 13, 1901 With Elliott and team went
up to get sleighs, much colder. Filled barrels with water, had
rabbit for dinner.
November 14, 1901 Much colder. Drove
up to Knik, put nails, hydraulic hose, iron rods, boxes, etc.,
into A. C. Co. cache. Bought overalls for Elmer, axe handle,
7 files, ball of sewing cord, from Palmer. Evening made table
for our typewriting machine, the Densmore. Made contract
with Shorty to go to Tyonek for mail and money for $15.
November 15, 1901 Both Elliot and Lewis
packed up 42 sacks oats on Nig and Frank from beach below Capt.
Glenn cabin to storehouse. Worked in shirt sleeves as though
it was 10 above. Hovey made cover for launch, snowed 2”, 1st
that come to stay. Cut Elmer’s hair Mattie cut mine.
November 16, 1901 Carried up barrel water and
cut wood. Elliott drove up to Knik and got 2 x 4’s,
enough to make bottom for box of sleighs. Foggy on Arm and
trees in woods covered with white frost. Evening bought
16 lbs. moose meat from Goosmar at 5¢ lb., gave the men each
roast.
November 17, 1901 Trees covered with frost.
Sunday dinner baked rabbit with dressing, boiled turnips, boiled
peas, squash pie, coffee, cream, bread and butter. Boiled moose
meat, oatmeal, baked beans, for breakfast peaches with cream for supper.
November 18, 1901 Elliott and Lewis drove up
to Chief’s house after hay. Put tarpaulin cover over
aft of house on steam launch. Took picture of winter K
and B Co. camp. Cut fire wood and dubbed around cabin getting
ready to develop pictures taken during summer. Ordered moccasins
for Elmer and Mattie.
November 19, 1901 Elmer and Mattie walked up
to Knik, got cloth for lantern and cupboard. I stained
the table, bed, wood box and cupboard, walnut. Got much
warmer during day with wind during evening. Evening developed
2 film rolls.
November 21, 1901 Went up to Palmer’s store,
got sheepskin mittens for Elmer (40¢). Bought Hicks
single barrel shotgun off Palmer and a dozen brass shells
for $5 (16 g. breech loading). Bought boys axe for Elmer ($1).
Mattie sewed new moose skin soles on Elmer’s moccasins.
November 22, 1901 Fried grouse for breakfast.
Chimney caught fire, put it out and had to cut out part of box
flue and re-mud it with blue clay. Made canvas bunk for Elmer and
he commenced sleeping alone. Hovey visited during evening.
November 23, 1901 Pulled out the Sea Otter
boat with Nig and laid her up against bank below winter cabin.
Raised ceiling to small pen in barn and fitted it up for a night
stable for horses. Evening took dose of R. salts sent from
Stewart and Holmes.
November 24, 1901 Full moon tide came up to
grass flats and bank. Elliott hauled over jag of hay from Lee’s
cabin then we went out in the woods and got a load of boughs to
side up horse barn. Made fried donuts, Mattie laughed at me thought
I couldn’t make them.
November 25, 1901 Patchell visited and looked
over my pictures of Alaska and took dinner with us. PM filed
man saw and cut wood. Evening wrote order for McConahay
to get my mail and money at Tyonek.
November 26, 1901 Highest fall tide.
Re-handled axe and fixed the bed. Mr. McConahay visited.
PM went up to Knik got Mattie a pair of moccasins with hair lined
legs. Made price of salary to Butler at $300 for 11 months
- up to June 1st 1902. Evening with Mattie and Elmer, went
up to Knik to look after launch and pipe. Weighed Mattie, 127, Elmer
48, self 179½.
November 27, 1901 Cut fire wood and fixed around
barn carried up barrel water. Evening, with Hovey, went
up to spring and tried to list launch over on her left hand bilge.
Got her up level and made guy line fast. Last of full moon tide
which was higher than the Oct. tides, channel full of ice. Wrote to
my sister Clara.
November 28, 1901 Thanksgiving Day, dinner
menu - two baked ducks with dressing and cranberry sauce, boiled
turnips and potatoes, bread and butter, coffee with cream, squash
pie and oranges for dessert. Shorty visited gave him 10 lbs.
pork, 14 lbs. saloon biscuits, tea and sugar for trip to Tyonek.
Oysters for supper. Hovey visited.
November 29, 1901 Three below zero.
Made money bag for McConahay to carry back my $1,400 from Tyonek.
Wrote letter to Churchill about contract for trap poles and
sent short letter out by way of Iliamna Bay to Mattie’s folks.
PM went up to Knik, got tea and sugar for Shorty.
November 30, 1901 Cold west wind. Shorty
started for Tyonek after our mail and my money. I carried
up a barrel of water, sawed wood, split wood, cut insoles
for moccasins. Developed 5th film role. Mattie made Elmer pair
drawers out of my old shirt.
December 1, 1901 Light snow falling west
wind. Cut insoles out of deer skin for Elmer and my moccasins.
Took the soles off Mattie’s and Elmer’s moccasins, cut larger
ones and Mattie siwashed them in. Put numbers on 4 dozen
films, done some printing. Horses left camp for the Cottonwood
Saturday.
December 2, 1901 Went up to Knik, cut a log
1 foot through by 18’ long, put it under the bilge of the launch.
Loosened lines and she sat square on keel. Stephan
and Efim visited. Bought parky robe (63 skins) off Efim
for $4.
December 3, 1901 Carried up barrel of water
and put sand on path. 9:30 AM left camp for the horses,
found them eating heads off wild rice at 1st creek by Cottonwood,
got them home at 1:30, traveled 12 miles. PM got pack ready
for trip Wednesday over trail to Little Sushitna River.
December 4, 1901 With Butler and Stephan commenced
swamping out sled trail to Little Sushitna, got as far as 2nd
lake. Team trail Knik to mines Indian Stephan guide.
December 5, 1901 Left camp 8 AM to swamp
out trail to 2nd lake and picked out trail over to 3rd lake.
Got home at 4 PM. Palmer sent Indian down after outgoing
mail.
December 6, 1901 Fairly cloudy and storm brewing.
Sent out first overland winter mail, 9 letters in all
via by Indian to Sunrise. Made 2 mile of team trail out to
3rd lake from Knik. Trees covered with snow making it disagreeable
chopping. About 4” of snow in woods.
December 7, 1901 Took 7½ hours to reach
end of new trail cut to 3rd lake except 1,200’ open timber.
Mattie and Elmer came part way out on trail. Bought 2 new
axes off Palmer. Ready to take out team and gang Monday morning.
December 8, 1901 Got ready for trip over team
trail with horses. Mattie fried 48 donuts. I cooked
10 quarts of beans and piece of corn beef. Also got saloon
biscuits, bread, beans, rice, rolled. oats, butter, coffee, etc.
December 9, 1901 AM -2, PM -8. Left home
with team and camp outfit, guide, and axe man to swamp out trail
Big Lake to Little Sushitna River thence to mines. Cut out
1,200’ to reach big lake, crossed lake 2 miles made camp at 3 PM.
Dinner over at 4:15, retired at 8:30, camp lean-to, big
fire in front.
December 10, 1901 Goosmar and Efim arrived
for breakfast and to help swamp out trail. With Stephan
and Butler, made trail over to brook on swamp. Left Sushitna
River trail at noon, followed hunting trail to river, made camp at
2:10. Goosmar went home after his breakfast. Very cold
for camp life big fire all night.
December 11, 1901 Trail work 3rd camp, left
camp 9:30. Cut one mile to Fish Creek, went up
creek 2 miles, crossed black spruce swamp to
birch grove, made camp. Light rain and warmer feet wet
snow most all gone.
December 12, 1901 AM +40, left 3rd camp, cut
out 2 miles of trail through thick black spruce. Indian
boy arrived with note from Mattie saying McConahay had arrived
with mail and money from Tyonek. Fed horses, ate lunch and
left camp at 2:15 arriving at Knik 4:15 - home 5:00. Shorty
came down with mail and money $1,200 cash in fives, tens and twenties.
Paid Shorty $20.
December 13, 1901 Got up water for Mattie left
home 11, Knik at 12. Arrived back 3rd camp 2:30, light
rain. Boys cut 1½ mile, had to come back to camp, no water
ahead. Mattie and Elmer rode out as far as 2nd lake.
Paid Palmer $100 on account.
December 14, 1901 Light rain all day,
+40. Men left camp 9:30, self loaded up camp outfit, left
up trail 10:30. Reached the burnt district made camp edge of timber
(no water).
December 15, 1901 Light rain during AM
+30. Cut through burnt district to small creek, made
camp. Evening windy another caller for lunch. Nig rolled
and broke his hame. Frank lost cock eye feeding.
December 16, 1901 Left camp, 8 ½ mile
cut through burnt district to small creek. Went up creek
2 miles plenty of air holes and very icy, snow gone. Nig
broke in a mire hole went down to hips, took 6 men to lift him out.
Made 18’ bridge to get off creek bottom on to ridge.
December 17, 1901 Cut out trail through ridge
½ mile, reached swamp went up swamp 2 miles (horse, Frank
came back). Went through another icy pass to swamp and
heavy timber, had to make camp (no water) one mile from 4th lake.
Making trail - Knik to Willow Creek.
December 18, 1901 Left 7th camp,
cut through to 4th lake, crossed lake ¾ mile, cut through
black spruce swamp 1½ mile to 5th and last lake on trail.
Made camp beside a small open brook, quite windy. Beans,
milk and sugar all gone.
December 19, 1901 Eighth camp. clear
colder but very fine. With guide, crossed 5th lake ¾
mile blazed out trail 2 miles. Arrived Little Sushitna River and
three miles on other side on foothills going in to Willow Creek.
Boys cut trail to within 1 mile of river no snow on river bottom and
ice in river breaking up.
December 20, 1901 First freeze in 8 days.
Broke camp 7:30 for Knik. Cached camp outfit at 5th and
last lake to Sushitna. At 2nd creek had to take the horses
along the bank. Men pulled the sleigh on ice and on
Fish Creek. Both Nig and Frank fell on ice because they aren’t
shod. Arrived home 2 PM. camp to Knik 5 ½ hours.
December 21, 1901 Paid Indian guides $32.
First nights rest with clothes off for one week. Took care
of horses. Elmer helped to cut boughs to side up barn.
Cut load of birch wood. Evening made out part of Elliott’s,
Lewis and Hovey's store account on credit.
December 22, 1901 Hooked up on sleighs with
Mattie and Elmer drove up to Knik, left them at store, drove
around point to Stephan’s house for jag of hay. Arrived home
2 PM Got Palmer’s store bill up to date. Bought moccasins
off Goosmar, for Elmer, 75¢.
December 23, 1901 Mattie and Elmer walked up
to Knik. Wrote to company. and W. A. Farnsworth - wanted
$1,000 for help and my salary guaranteed. Wrote to A. B.
Smith about Litchfield leaving river and Palmer making a change
Knik to the Post.
December 24, 1901 Monday evening snowed 1½”.
With Elmer walked up to Knik to find out if Stephan was going
to Sunrise with the mail. PM with team, Mattie Elmer and Mr.
Hovey drove up to Chief’s place for balance of hay. Shot ptarmigans
on way back. Paid McConahay account in full.
December 25, 1901 Christmas Day Knik Alaska.
Christmas dinner - 3 fried ptarmigans, boiled potatoes and
turnips, fig bars, squash pie, tea. Mattie finished sewing new
bottom on skirt and made Elmer pair drawers. Elmer got Indian sled
from Santa.
December 26, 1901 Miller visited and wanted
pay for fixing up saw. Evening wrote to W. A. Farnsworth
- wanted $300 to $400 to fix up the launch, wanted anchors and
fittings shipped in on April boat, also to know if company would carry
me over another season - wanted $1,000 for helpers wages.
December 27, 1901 PM 18 below zero. Worked
around cabin. Mattie made deerskin and wove mittens for
Elmer. Stephan visited, paid him for Elmer’s sled.
Gave him Rhinitis for to break up colds.
December 28, 1901 PM 18 below zero. Hazy
all day, light snow. Cut wood, made can water bucket
and fixed sugar barrel for flour barrel. Hauled in load of birch
wood. Left sleigh over at Butler’s shop to have bolts headed
up. Miller came after cook stove.
December 29, 1901 PM 22 below zero. Fog
bank in front of the sun. I cut the wood and Mattie did some fancy
cooking. Figured future expenses to June 1st 1902, expenses
$862.48 cash on hand $860. Evening played the flute and sang.
December 30, 1901 AM 32 below zero. Clear bright
sun average wind, coldest weather to date. Printed pictures
to send to K and B Co. Sewed up Nig’s blanket. Mattie
fixed over her underskirt, yollie! Evening Hovey visited.
December 31, 1901 AM 26 below zero. Warming
up, westerly wind in evening. With Mattie and Elmer walked
up to Knik. Bought lining for horse blankets, sheepskin
flannel for mittens, etc. Evening Mattie made a new chest
protector for Elmer. Self made skin mittens.
GOLD DUST REPORT
ounces
Dwt. Gr.
Martha July
12th 8
23
Martha July
21st
8
08
Homestake July 24th
(cracks)
7 15
Prospecting July 24th (12
pans)
11
Prospecting July 25th (5
pans)
2 03
Homestake July 25th
(cracks)
11 00
Homestake July 28th
(1st clean up) 15
11
Homestake July 31st
(2nd clean up) 2 4
06
Homestake August 8th (3rd
clean up) 1 1
21
Homestake August 11th (4th
clean up) 5
10
Homestake August 22
(5th clean up)
4 03
Homestake September 3rd
(6th clean up)3 4
11
Homestake September 5th
(7th clean up) 19 12
Prospect September
7th (Gilbert’s) 10
Gross Total
10
14
0
Cleaned Out
4
9
Net Total
10
9
15
Cracks and Prospecting
20 15
Net Balance sluicing
9
9 0
Addresses:
A. Beverly Smith 416-A Lafayette Avenue Brooklyn,
New York
A. M. Bridgman Director of K and B Gold Mining
Co. Stoughton Mass.
A. Rogers 19 Lewis St. Everette Mass.
J. E. O’Brien Orford Inn So. Manchester
Conn.
Frank Haskell 4 Adams St. Charleston Mass.
(Revere Party 1898)
Al Gilbert 915 Market St. San Francisco, California
H. Henshaw Sacramento, California
William H. Callahan 209 Park Ave Utica, New
York
J. W. Macklean 522 Columbus Ave. Boston
Mass.
R. C. Russell 3400 Fillmore St. San Francisco,
California
H. D. Nash Marin County San Rafael, California
Gus Benson (on the hill) Juneau, Alaska
G. W. Passwater Hope City hydraulic mining
J. H. Cook 317 Smith Bldg. Pittsburg
PA (hydraulic mine at Hope City)
John Sudan Indian Creek Sunrise City
(from New York City)
Capt. Dunn Quartz Mines near Homer (from New
York City)
J. D. Meenach Virgin Bay Prince William
Sound (copper mines)
Mr. Gompertz Kenai Cook Inlet Supt.
Pacific W. Co.
J. N. Johnston Seattle, Washington
C. D. Ladd 528-501 Kearny St. San
Francisco, California
A. K. Beatson Latouche Island Prince
William Sound (copper mines)
Dall DeWeese Homer Alaska
Canon, Colorado (hunter private collection)
F. M. Young Box 192 East Bridgewater,
Mass Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
G. H. Brown Hope Valley,
Rhode Island Expedition no. 4
1898-1899
G. F. Burrows Bedford Basin Halifax,
Nova Scotia Expedition no. 4
1898-1899
Michael Dineen 28 Hall Place West Quincy, Mass.
Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
William H. Thorne Winchester, Mass. Expedition
no. 4 1898-1899
G. F. Butler Tyonek Alaska
Seattle, Washington Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
Edw. C. Kirkpatrick West Medford, Mass.
Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
H. P. Daniels Concord Junction, Mass.
Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
Daniel J. Coleman Wellesley, Mass. Expedition
no. 4 1898-1899
Dr. S. E. Kartright 818 Willow Ave. Hoboken,
New Jersey
George Hadlock 37 Lake Place New Haven, Conn.
George Vandover 785 Baldwin St. Waterbury,
Conn.
Reid and Orr Co. Rochester, Minnesota
(jewelers)
Claud L. Allen 209 Wash St. Boston, Mass.
(attorney)
Marcus L. Urann 50 Bromfield St. Boston, Mass.
Purchased at Palmer’s store-- Knik 1901
Tin ware 60¢, beans 20¢, blanket
75¢, boating supplies $6, 52 lb. moose meat $5.20, stove
$8, tub and board $2.50, 60 lb. sugar $4.80, 30 lb. butter $10.50,
tobacco 50¢, two pair sox $1.20, pail 50¢, leather
shirt $3.50, med. for horses 25¢, two money bags 25¢,
10 lb. salmon 25¢, smoked tan gloves 50¢, 15 gallons cranberries
$1.10, 10 lb. sugar $1, 85 lb. turnips $2.55, 80 lb. moose $4,
80 lb. potatoes $2.40, 4 lb. rope (no price), 10 lb. lard (no price),
shotgun $5, parky robe $4 (on consignment by Efim), 10 lb. salt and 5
lb. sugar for brine bought at store in trade for Stephan work, hat $1
bought at store in trade for Efim work ,moccasins 75¢ (made by Goosmar).
1902
January 1, 1902 Warming up westerly winds.
Got up 5:45 AM cut load of fire wood and riveted up bolt heads
on sleighs, drilled holes in strap iron on Nig’s broken hame.
Filed man saw. Evening sewed fur lining in cap. Winter
quarters K and B Co. Knik, Alaska
January 2, 1902 Clear and fine all day. Printed
pictures for K and B Co. office in Boston. Elmer and self went
down to Fish Creek after ptarmigans, got none. Evening
made typewritten list of pictures for Co.
January 3, 1902 Fixed and sewed on horses blankets.
Opened Box no. 1 K and B Co. outfit, brought home tap and die,
pipe cutter, monkey wrench, 1 ball peen hammer. Fittings
for hydraulic pipe OK.
January 4, 1902 Snowed during night 1¾”,
total snow fall at Knik to date 5½”. Hauled up two loads
of birch wood. George Palmer visited and asked me to come up to
Knik Station and doctor up sick Indian, Nicketa and Ephim’s
Bobbies both sick, also two boys with colds and fever, gave fever
med, Dover powder and treatments.
January 5, 1902 Light snow during the
day. Ground my axe, cut open water hole. Drove up to Knik with
Mattie and Elmer. We gave Nicketa’s sick wife rice and bread,
also Ephim’s wife bread. Got A. C. Co. old bellows,
ours was too small. Evening wrote answer about Wood Island
Station. Mattie wrote home as usual. Rabbit for dinner.
January 6, 1902 PM 6 below zero, light
snow. Designed and cut out Mountain sheepskin mittens for self
and wife. Mattie sewed on mittens and self on horse blankets.
Evening wrote to W. A. Farnsworth, told him that I intended to
build a cache at Knik and I looked for the $200 short on money sent
in, in October 1901, also about pictures.
January 7, 1902 PM 26 below zero. Went
out with guide Stephan to look up easier team trail from Knik
Lake to 1st lake on summit, decided to use old trail, cut out
and fixed up part of it. Mattie and Elmer were at Palmer’s
store when I came in. Very cold day. Lunch was frozen
stiff at dinner time. Gave Ephim’s wife crackers.
January 8, 1902 PM -30. Wrote order $10.05
for clothing of MacDougal and Southwick Co. Seattle, to be
shipped through S. Bros. and Co. on first boat in April or May.
Mattie baked bread, cake etc. PM cut wood and nursed bronchial
cold.
January 9, 1902 Very cold
day, PM -36. Stephan and Ephim visited. Gave Ephim
crackers and rice for his sick Bobbie. PM cut wood and
carried up lake water. My cold some better. Chimney caught
fire breakfast time, no harm.
January 10, 1902 Thermometer was frozen
up, too cold to do much outside, -36. Cut wood, banked up
stable etc. Sewed on horse blanket and patched leather
mitten. Mattie sewed new soles in Elmer’s big moccasins.
Palmer reported -40 9 AM at Knik.
January 11, 1902 AM -40, cut wood, sewed
on blankets etc. Indian caller for dinner, Matt’s
fellow. Growing a little warmer.
January 12, 1902 AM -24. Fixed
can over into a water bucket, carried up barrel of water.
Cut out Mattie and Elmer a pair each of mountain sheepskin mittens.
Goosmar visited, wanted work, said his Bobbie had only 2” of tea.
January 13, 1902 PM +5. Stephan and Goosmar,
worked on leveling up team trail through timber north of Knik
Lake. Morning, Native visited and helped Mattie make her
twilight. Bought piece of moose skin off of Goosmar.
Mattie fell down cellar (4’ deep).
January 14, 1902 With Goosmar and Stephan worked
on trail on other side of Knik Lake. Mattie and son came
up 2 and came home with me. Evening looked up pipe fittings.
Hovey visited.
January 15, 1902 Finished trail work
by Knik Lake, 3 men 3 days to fill in holes and fix up trail
across Knik Lake. Paid off Natives. Hovey came
up to inspect trail. Got a pair of hame’s off of Palmer
to fix up Nig’s broken one.
January 16, 1902 With Elmer went up to launch
to measure fittings. PM cut wood, took down stove pipe
and fixed same. Had another fire in chimney. Mattie got
on her high horse about tobacco, etc.
January 17, 1902 First mail arrived, received
6 letters, sent out 6 letters. Elmer and self finished team trail
near Knik Lake. Palmer came down after the mail out 9 PM.
January 18, 1902 Snowed 2”. Ash storm
AM made snow gray color, melted one foot of snow and cleaned up
2 ounces ash. Went to look up horses, were out overnight, they came
back at noon. Mattie and Elmer walked up to Knik. Evening sewed
strap on field glass case.
January 19, 1902 Big wind last night.
Worked on fixing Nig’s hame. Wrote letter to J. O. May
about the plant supplies wanted for launch and cash to carry me
over etc. Stephan returned Elmer’s sled repaired.
January 20, 1902 Got hame finished and
horseshoes toed and caulked. Mattie sewed new soles onto my
moccasins. Sewed on blankets. Evening wind and light
rain.
January 21, 1902 Rained most all night.
Shod Frank and Nig. With Elmer, cut wood up on the Government
trail near the swamp. Evening wrote to Capt. Johanson about
the 5 nests of pipe they dumped below tidewater, now ready to move
the hydraulic pipe.
January 22, 1902 Commenced moving hydraulic
pipe. Drove up to Knik from winter camp, one mile below
and loaded on 12 lengths, 144’ of hydraulic pipe and sledded same
to summit above Knik Lake, distance 2 miles. Brought home load
of birch wood and cut up same.
January 23, 1902 Moved two loads 276’
hydraulic pipe to summit above Knik Lake. Mattie took pictures
of team and load.
January 24, 1902 Hauled to summit 2 loads,
288’. Mattie sick with neuralgia in her jaw. Left sleighs
at shop and cut off drill steel to make hook for log chain.
Cut wood and made this ink.
January 25, 1902 Light snow. Hauled 2
loads 288’ hydraulic pipe to summit above Knik Lake, pipe
half up. Brought home load of birch wood. Evening
wrote to father at Sioux Falls, S. D. said we would be out in Nov.,
to write up to Sept. 1st.
January 26, 1902 Evening light snow.
With Elmer and Mattie, drove up to Knik and hauled load of
pipe to the summit, making 8 loads and total 1,152’. Put front
shoes on Nig and caulked up extra pair and made clamp for evener
chain connections.
January 27, 1902 Rained last night and all
day, turned to snow 9 PM and still a coming. Cut legs off moose
skin moccasins and cut 3 pair soles out of same. Mattie
sewed 1 new moccasin, I cut soles, uppers and legs. Covered
oats with canvas.
Hydraulic pipe delivered at Knik October
30th, 1901 landed pipe at Knik at 8 PM.
19 lengths of
14” 228 ft.
19 lengths of
13” 228 ft.
19 lengths of
12” 228 ft.
40 lengths of
11” 480 ft.
25 lengths of
10” 300 ft.
38 lengths of
9” 456 ft.
1 flanged
9” 12 ft.
1 flanged
10” 12 ft.
Total number of feet 1,944
January 28, 1902 Storm near, snowed 2”.
Had Frank shod. With Elmer, walked up to Knik.
Checked up box no. 7 and remainder of pipe, total 1,944’
landed at Knik ready to sled to mines. Evening Hovey visited
and said that Lewis and Elliott expected $4 per day for 300 days in the
year, which is all rot, as they are now finishing their 3 months vacation
as agreed and was to get $200 fare, one way and grub for 1 year.
January 29, 1902 Water pools from rain all
frozen. Went up to Knik and bought Tuell’s cabin for $50.
Patchell came in, had lost his way on our team trail to the
Sushitna River. With Mattie and Elmer took canvas up to the Tuell
cabin to cover the ceiling. No sale, see February 12, 1902.
January 30, 1902 Evening clouded up and
warming up. With Elmer drove up to Knik, bought camp provisions
off Palmer. Notified guide Stephan we would leave for
foothills by trail Friday. Got provisions for trip with full
gang to swamp out trail to summit. Evening sewed moccasins.
Mattie baked bread and donuts.
January 31, 1902 Total snow fall to date 19½”
at Knik. A storm prevented trip to the Sushitna River.
Mattie sewed soles in Elmer’s moccasins. Elmer tried his
new snowshoes. Evening clearing.
February 1, 1902 Second trip out for trail
work. Left winter camp with team and 6 men to build halfway
camps on the Little Sushitna River and swamp out trail to summit
of foothills near Willow Creek. Left Knik 10 AM, trail very
heavy and trees covered with ice and snow. Arrived at camp no. 6
at upper end of Crooked Creek and made camp. Cloudy all day.
Star light evening. Colder. Retired at 11 PM.
February 2, 1902 Made camp no. 9, north side
of last lake on trail to Little Sushitna River. Arrived camp
8, 1 PM, picked up camp outfit, crossed 2nd of twin lakes
and made camp. Snow knee high, couldn’t make through to river.
Dinner at 3 PM. Two moose had crossed Twin Lake no. 2. Patchell
was camped at camp no. 3.
February 3, 1902 Left camp no. 9 at 9 AM.
Cut out end of trail, reached Little Sushitna River 11 AM.
Went across river to open the trail to 1st bench.
Ate dinner on bank of river. Cut out trail ¼ mile
and established river camp on 1st bench, made camp by 5 PM.
Evening much cooler, slept cold in sleeping bag and 1 blanket on
the banks of the Little Sushitna River.
February 4, 1902 Left the Boys swamping
on trail with team. Left river at 10:15 AM, arrived at
Knik 3:45. Actual time out to Knik from river 5 hours, fed
horses at camp no. 6. All sand over trail and covered with snow.
Came to Knik for load of pipe.
February 5, 1902 Left Knik with 6 hydraulic
pipe and 230 lbs. of oats at 10:30 AM. Arrived at Sushitna
River camp 6 PM, actual time traveling 6½ hours.
Fed horses at 3rd camp. Weather clear. Found Patchell
camped on river, out for moose and martin. Saw a dozen moose
tracks on lakes and creeks, one wolf. Moved 1st load of hydraulic
pipe.
February 6, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp at
9:30 AM, arrived at Knik 2:45 PM, actual traveling time 4 hours
45 minutes. Found Mattie and Elmer at Palmer’s store.
Got bundle of hay from Palmer. One Copper River Indian arrived at
Knik. Evening got salmon, beef and potatoes, ready to take
out to half way camp.
February 7, 1902 Left Knik 9:15, loaded 9 pipe
on summit, left summit 10:20, arrived Sushitna River
camp 5 PM. Actual hours travel six, Mattie and Elmer came with
me across Knik Lake. Stephan and Neketa commenced work.
February 8, 1902 Hauled load of birch
wood to camp and left Sushitna River camp at 9:15, arrived 3rd
camp at noon, fed team. Arrived at Knik at 2.
Draw rod on aft sleigh broke, made a new one, Mattie helped.
Mattie and Elmer came up to summit to meet me. Brought home load
of birch wood.
February 9, 1902 Left summit with 9 pipe and
2 cut oats at 11 AM, arrived at Sushitna River camp 5:30 PM,
had snowed 2” during the night, trail sticky and sleighs pulled
heavy. Boys had cut through to end of ridge, 8 miles above
the Sushitna River. Snow on ridge about 2’.
February 10, 1902 Got tent camp ready and hauled
in load of birch wood, left Sushitna River camp 10 AM, arrived
3 PM, did some smoothing up on trail on way to Knik. Evening
got more supplies ready for camp. Patchell shot a moose on
ridge, bought half of it for $8. Evening Morris and Herndon
visited, I bought their claims on Willow Creek for $100 (2 claims).
February 11, 1902 Left Knik, Mattie and Elmer
went with me 10 AM, arrived Sushitna River camp 5:15. Wind
drifted in track on twin lakes. Set up small tent. Boys
had made brush barn for horses and built a platform cache.
February 12, 1902 Morning all at Sushitna River
camp, evening 42 above zero. Morning moved Sushitna River
camp to summit of 4th bench, left for Knik 11:40, arrived 5:15.
Shot one ptarmigan on way home. Gave Morris and Herndon each
my personal check for $50, payment for Little George and Telluride
Claims on Willow Creek. Bought McConahay's two cabins and
boat at Knik Station for $110 ($35 for boat).
February 13, 1902 Left summit with 9 hydraulic
pipe 10:45, arrived at Sushitna River camp 5:15. Patchell
came up for moose meat provisions, 10 lbs. apples, 10 lbs. rice,
10 lbs. corn meal, ½ lb. baking powder, 2 lb. can butter,
1 lb. coffee. Big wind broke off many tree tops and blocked
trail some. Guide Stephan shot a cow moose. Evening fixed
up tent to stand strong wind.
February 14, 1902 Left camp 8:30, arrived Knik
3 PM, shot 2 ptarmigans and 1 blue grouse on way home.
Brought load of birch wood down to McConahay cabins at Knik.
Evening developed 5th roll all came out good. Photos of Big
Lake, Fish Creek and inside quarters. Got birds ready for
breakfast. Paid Palmer $4 for Patchell account.
February 15, 1902 Left Knik 9:20 with 12 hydraulic
pipe, arrived at Sushitna River camp 5:15. Patchell had moved
up on 4th bench by our camp. Butler came down stayed for
supper, had moose meat, rice, bread, coffee. Boys swamping
out trail five miles above river, alders very thick
February 16, 1902 7 AM drove up to 3rd bench
with 7 hydraulic pipe. Brought Neketa and Lewis out with
me to fix up grades on trail, brought out half of moose for Stephan.
Neketa took mail over to Sunrise, time 12 days.
February 17, 1902 Loaded 14 pipe at Knik and
put on 6 more at the summit. With Lewis, arrived at Sushitna
River camp at 6 PM. Lewis went up to trail camp no. 11.
I shoveled snow on trail around camp where it had been covered
with brush.
February 18, 1902 Hauled out nest (6
pipe) up on 4th bench above Sushitna River camp, got back at
9:45 to camp. Took up supplies for Hovey and he was down
to pipe landing after same. Arrived Knik 3:30, did considerable
fixing on the trail. Elmer and Mattie came up to Knik helped
me get hay for horses.
February 19, 1902 Noon, +36. Left Knik with
12 pipe. Mattie and Elmer went with me to the Sushitna
River camp at summit, took on 3 more pipe, making 15 in all.
Arrived at Sushitna River camp 5:15 PM had ham, beans, rice, coffee
and bread and butter for our supper.
February 20, 1902 Evening 26 above zero.
Hauled 6 pipes to 4th bench above Sushitna River. Left
camp at 9:30, arrived Knik 4 o’clock, did some work on the trail.
Hovey came down, wanted to move camp farther up toward summit.
February 21, 1902 Took in 17 hydraulic pipe.
Warm weather and sun making trail bare in spots. Shot
one rabbit and three grouse on my way to camp.
February 22, 1902 Hauled one nest of hydraulic
pipe up to camp 11, then moved camp up to the summit, about
7 miles from the Little Sushitna River. Snow 3’ deep and
had to break trail. Got back to river camp 6:30 PM and camped
for night.
February 23, 1902 Mattie cut my hair.
At winter quarters, Govt. camp, Knik Alaska.
February 24, 1902 Left camp with 17 pipe and
100 lbs. oats, got hung up in grade at camp no. 3. Butler
came down to my camp on river and reported trail cut through
to Willow Creek. Matinuski Indians arrived at Knik.
February 25, 1902 Took pipe to camp no. 10
then drove up to summit for boys and camp outfit. Got
back to river camp 1 PM. Horses tired so camped for the
night. Stephan walked to Knik, worked 20 days.
February 26, 1902 With all hands, left Sushitna
River camp at 7 arrived at Knik at noon. Shod Frank and made
draw rod for sleighs. Shot 2 grouse on way out. Evening
loaded shells.
February 27, 1902 Mail arrived, received 10
letters. Left Knik summit 10 with 14 hydraulic pipe and
3 bags oats. Reached Sushitna River camp 5:45. Had grouse,
beans, rice, toast and coffee for supper.
February 28, 1902 Hauled 8 pipe up to 4th bench
got back to camp 10 AM. Arrived at Knik camp 4 PM.
Martha and Elmer came up on trail above Knik Lake to meet me.
Had Boys cut 1 cord birch wood each along bank for steam launch.
March 1, 1902 Mattie and Elmer made their 3rd
trip with me to Sushitna River camp. Beans, rice and ham
for supper. Evening cloudy and warmer, Boys cut 40 logs
for barn at Knik.
March 2, 1902 Evening 15 above and snowing.
Hauled 7 hydraulic pipe up to 4th bench. Met Patchell
on way to Knik with 2 wolverine specimens. Left camp 10 AM
arrived Knik camp 4:10. Evening ground coffee. At both cabins
chimneys caught fire. No harm as usual.
March 3, 1902 Snowed 1”, total to date 20½”.
Lewis and Elliott helped load logs for barn at Knik, delivered
12 logs. Hydraulic load for mines consisted of 5 pipe, 1
gate, 3 Y’s, 3 boxes of lugs and stem for head gate. Also 2
sacks oats, total one ton. Trail drifted full on Big Lake,
arrived at Sushitna River camp 7 PM. Had Boys cut corner posts for
barn and small poles.
March 4, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp 10 AM,
arrived Knik 4 PM. Broke draw rod on sleigh, made new
one before supper. Evening cut thread on draw rod. Hovey
visited, agreed to fix up packsaddles. Let Palmer have one
can of coal oil for Copper River 2nd Chief.
March 5, 1902 Hauled up 2nd load of logs for
barn at Knik. Lewis and Elliott went with me to summit.
Took in last of hydraulic pipe, one 1” iron rod, 2 sacks oats,
1 valve stem. Trail on Big Lake drifted full, rest of the
road good going. Arrived camp 5:30. Moved last of hydraulic
pipe from Knik to Little Sushitna River (53 pipe up on 4th bench).
March 6, 1902 Hauled 10 hydraulic pipe
up to 4th bench. Left Sushitna River camp for Knik at
10 AM, arrived home 4 PM. Hauled down load of birch
wood from other side of Knik Lake to Shorty’s cabin for fire
wood, evening cut wood. Hovey sewed sheepskin on Nig’s
harness to prevent chafing. Mattie fixed my mogs and mittens.
March 7, 1902 Hauled up 3rd load of logs
for barn. Loaded at Knik 3 gate valves, 1 box misc.,
3 bundles hydraulic hose, 2 bundles baling wire, 1 rod drill steel,
1,850 lbs. Arrived at Sushitna River camp 6 PM, much colder.
March 8, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp about
8 AM. At Birch Grove took on load of fence rails, delivered
same at Knik to fence in garden, cabins, etc. Arrived winter
government camp at 4:30. Evening gave Frank a treatment,
oil and salt, mended mittens.
March 9, 1902 At home all day, first
day off in 5 weeks. Horses worn and tired. Chimney
and roof caught fire. Got supplies ready for mines.
Cut firewood (Mattie helped to saw). Evening wrote to
Whitney and Lehnes for U.S. inspection on steam launch.
March 10, 1902 Left home 7 with 7 sacks oats
and 2 of wheat flour. At Knik, bought from Palmer, 12
sacks flour, took standard gate, coil wire rope, keg 12d nails,
box rivets. Arrived Sushitna River camp at 6 PM. Very
cold. Stephan was camped with family at camp no. 6. Met
Neketa with load of goods from Tyonek for Palmer.
March 11, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp 9 AM
took on load of fence rails and fire wood at summit above Knik
Lake, left same at Knik cabins, arrived home 5 P M.
Everhardt was at Palmer’s store.
March 12, 1902 Moving Day. AM packed
up and moved from winter camp to Beedy Store and cabin
at Knik. Evening wrote to Churchill and Finch. Sent $60.47
by Everhardt to Alaska Commercial Co. at Tyonek.
March 13, 1902 Boys hauled in balance of logs
for cache and barn at Knik. Worked around new cabin at
Knik. Evening talked with Palmer about supplies, he was all
out and doubtful about getting more.
March 14, 1902 Windy, cloudy, evening warming
up. Fixed stove and pipe, cut wood. Went down to Capt. Glenn
camp after load of supplies. Evening put up shelves.
March 15, 1902 Light snow. Went down
to government camp got load dry logs and blacksmith tools, delivered
same at Knik cabins. Put up shelves, had Ephim cut wood.
Evening paid account in full at Palmer’s $265.70.
March 16, 1902 Light southerly winds, warming
up. Bath morning. Had Ephim cut wood. Loaded shells,
put covering on side of launch to keep sun off. Evening
got supplies ready for final trip to mines. Evening found
black dog in water closet pit, had to pull him out with a rope.
March 17, 1902 Last trip, off for the mines.
Left Knik at 8 with load of provisions and men for the mines.
Arrived Sushitna River camp 4 PM. Camped for the night,
took pictures of twin lakes and crossing the Little Sushitna River.
Mattie and son remained at our new cabin at Knik.
March 18, 1902 With men, camp outfit and provisions,
left Sushitna River camp for summit of mountains. After
dinner, shoveled out trail ½ mile on summit, snow 3’ deep
and crusted from snowshoeing on same. 4 PM self with team
left for Sushitna River camp for more provisions.
March 19, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp
with 800 lbs. provisions. Arrived summit camp 12:30, snowed
2”. With men, shoveled out trail to small creek on summit.
5 PM left for Sushitna River camp, arrived 7:30. Evening
sewed moccasins, retired at 11.
March 20, 1902 With 14 sacks flour, left Sushitna
River camp, arrived camp 12-1:30. Loaded on camp outfit
and moved same 1½ miles to creek on summit. Had
boys build brush barn and cache and platform for the hydraulic
pipe. Left summit 3:30 PM, arrived Sushitna River camp 6:30.
Shot 2 grouse.
March 21, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp
with 700 cwt. oats, other small stuff to total of 1,000 lbs.
Trail heavy, arrived summit camp 1 PM. Boys finished cache
and barn and had bridged the creek. Made go-devil to break
out trail. Stayed at summit camp.
March 22, 1902 AM finished go-devil.
PM broke out trail from summit camp down to long hill between
12 and 11. Also broke out trail 1 mile north summit camp,
then made landing for hydraulic pipe and shoveled out 1 mile of trail.
March 23, 1902 Snowed 8” last night.
Drove go-devil over trail above and below summit camp.
Men shoveled out trail, drove over trail above summit camp
about 2 miles.
March 24, 1902 Light snow all day. Broke
out trail from Sushitna River to summit. Hauled up 3
sacks oats on go-devil. Men shoveled out trail.
Evening 2” snow, Gave Patchell note for Mattie.
March 25, 1902 Broke out trail to Big
summit swamp. Went to find Willow Creek, found good trail
and reached the creek 3:30, 1 mile below R. and L. cabin.
Arrived summit camp 6:30. Elliott and Hovey hauled
2 loads supplies from no. 12.
March 26, 1902 Made a go-devil.
PM broke out 1 mile trail to ridge for camp no. 14.
March 27, 1902 Went over trail with go-devil
and then moved summit camp to ridge camp 14. PM ran trail
line to small creek. After supper drove back to summit
camp so the team could have shelter. Made a tent for self,
retired 11 PM. Traded sack flour for 60 lbs. moose meat
with Native.
March 28, 1902 AM, drove both go-devils over
trail from 12 to 14, drifted some on swamp. PM broke down
½ mile trail north of 14. Left summit 5 PM for
the Sushitna River camp for load of oats and my tent and camping
outfit. Arrived 7:30 had moose steak, bread and peaches for
8 supper.
March 29, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp with
7 cwt. oats and moved camp outfit (300 lbs.) to summit.
Put up camp then drove to no. 14 with 7 oats and 3 cwt. flour.
Had supper and returned to summit. Snow settled and going
fast.
March 31, 1902 At Knik “attending” to wife.
Men opening up trail from 14 to Willow Creek.
April 1, 1902 Left Knik with 100 lbs. sugar,
200 lbs. (20 pieces) iron, 2/3 case cream. Arrived Sushitna
River camp 3 PM. Took on 2 bundles hydraulic hose 255 lbs.
Draw rode broke at foot of big hill, trail soft.
April 2, 1902 Took small load and pulled go-devil
behind sleigh to camp 14, broke out trail about 2 miles.
Arrived summit camp 9, retired 11.
April 3, 1902 Hauled load of provisions from
summit to camp 14. Finished trail from 14 to Willow Creek
bench. Supper at 14 then drove to summit camp. Evening
sewed up moccasins retired 11:30.
April 4, 1902 Hauled balance of provisions
from summit to 14. Run over trail with go-devil. Evening
wind and snow, boys fixed up R. and L. cabin. Ready to move camp
14 to Willow Creek.
April 5, 1902 Drove from summit to 14,
broke trail to Willow Creek. With Mr. Hovey moved camp
14 to Willow Creek. Boys sledded camp outfit up creek one
mile to K. and L. cabin. Light snow all day.
April 6, 1902 Drove go-devil over trail from
summit to Sushitna River camp, found 1’ water over ice on river.
Brought back bag coal and box lugs. Frank played out.
April 7, 1902 Wrote note to Palmer and Mattie.
Frank was sick so didn’t drive down to river. Patchell
went out to Knik. Drove to 14, put on light load and drove
up to Willow. Willow is 5 miles from summit camp. Men
shoveling out trail on bench to Willow Creek. Arrived camp
5 PM. Made wooden bottle, gave Frank dose of red pepper and lard
oil.
April 8, 1902 AM let horses rest, gave Frank
more oil and capsi. Drove to 14, took on ½ ton
provisions, delivered same on bench of Willow Creek. Moose
steak, potatoes for supper.
April 9, 1902 Drove from summit to 14.
Met Lewis, said he couldn’t make trail on Willow because of
shell ice. Drove to 14, took on ½ ton and drove to
Willow, found men in cabin. I gave orders to make single trail
up creek. Found hole under horses tongue.
April 10, 1902 With Nig, drove to 14.
Took on 800 lbs. feed and provisions and hydraulic hose, landed
same on Willow Creek at noon. Men couldn’t make trail on creek
because of shell ice and holes. Stephan delivered letter from
wife, traded provisions for the moose meat.
April 11, 1902 Sent letter to Mattie to send
medicine for horse. Drove from summit to Sushitna River camp
with Nig, brought back bundle hydraulic hose. Patchell
had caught another wolverine and brought letter for Butler and
Hovey. Evening new soles on moccasins.
April 12, 1902 With Nig, took over balance
of outfit to Willow, found men taking the day off sewing moccasins.
Hired Evan and 2 partners to sled at $1.50. Boys broke
trail and got 3 sleds from Gilbert’s on Grubstake.
April 13, 1902 First thaw in 5 days.
Left summit, took shortcut to 14 arrived Willow 8:20.
Helped Elliott pull 425 lbs. to R. and L. cabin. Left off
200 lbs. oats, then sledded up to Linder’s, half way up creek, 3
Natives loaded 600 lbs., Butler and Lewis 350 lbs. PM
Natives and Lewis took up 750 lbs. Had Butler and Elliott bring
up coal, lugs and oats and cache same at R. and L. cabin (12 sacks
oats). I left at noon for summit, packed over packsaddles,
broke camp, left summit with team and sleigh, arrived Sushitna River
6:10. Put up tent, had supper, on way to Knik with horses.
April 14, 1902 Got up 4 AM, left Sushitna River
camp 6:30 river frozen solid, arrived camp 10:30. Arrived
Knik 2 PM. Met Mattie at water hole on Knik Lake. Gave
Frank a treatment, 12 cathartic pills, put up feed boxes under
calidoor. Frank ate oats and seems to be on the gain.
Patchell moved in to Knik from spring hunt around Little Sushitna
River, camped on our trail, so did the Natives.
April 15, 1902 At Knik with sick horse.
Drove down to Capt. Glenn camp with Nig and got floors in cabins.
Put same under A. C. Co. cache at Knik. Palmer got off for
Hope (open boat). Hauled 2 barrels water and load of birch wood
for Martha. Doctored up Frank, the horse.
April 16, 1902 Got up 2 barrels lake water,
intended to leave at noon for mines, but was too warm and soft.
Doctored up Frank, cauterized hole under tongue. Evening
wrote order for Palmer to get supplies for launch and 3 pair
boots, 2 size 8 and 1 size 9, leather soles.
April 17, 1902 Got up at 4 AM, left Knik on
foot for Willow. Arrived Little Sushitna River camp at
noon, cached stove and tent, left at 1:10 with 50 lb. pack, arrived
summit camp at 4. Cooked lunch, left at 5, reached R. and
L. cabin, Willow Creek at 8 PM, actual travel time 10½ hours.
Fish Creek overflowed, rest of trail very good.
April 18, 1902 Got up at 4:30 left R. and L.
cabin at 6 with pack and 25 lbs. coal on Indian sled, trail
very soft, had to wear snowshoes. Met Evan and partners
half mile below Jifkin cabin, they had sledded each 5 days, paid
them each $5 and gave them credit at Palmer’s for $2.50 each.
Arrived Jifkin camp at 9 AM. Gave men orders to get out frame
for cache and cabin. Left at noon with half case milk and bedding,
arrived my cabin at 1. Wolverines had been in cabin, turned
everything upside down, ate a tub of butter and ate up 500 lbs. bacon
in the cabins.
April 19, 1902 Got up at 5:30 pulled sled down
to Jifkin camp. Pulled back load of poles for cache.
Load went in snow bank out of sight. Hauled up part of stove and
1 stick firewood. Opened Morris cabin, roof leaking
badly, found a lot of our no. 2 outfit in cabin. Evening looked
over medicine case and greased up tools.
April 20, 1902 Went down to Jifkin camp
for dinner. Hovey came back with me, he blew the end off
my 16 g. shotgun, because it was full of snow. After supper,
went down to Morris cabin. Sledded back 13 lbs. berry coffee,
2 cans matches, 1½ lbs. L. W. beans, 1 pt. vinegar,
5 lbs. spices, 1 caribou skin. Evening big easterly wind, put
cloth in window frame of my cabin at Willow Creek.
April 21, 1902 Hired Billy the Native to sled.
Pulled fire wood out to bank on Willow Creek. Hauled 4
loads of fire wood up to the Gilbert cabin and made sled team
up the bench to canyon falls. Evening scoured up pots etc.
Evening clear and colder, snow soft and settling. Lewis hauled
out timbers for cache. Butler sledding over mess house timbers.
Now living at my own cabin.
April 22, 1902 Finished hauling, cut
firewood and cache timbers and part of mess house frame.
All hands agreed to commence work at 2 AM. Evening cooked
beans and fruit, men to take dinner at 7 AM at my cabin hereafter,
ptarmigans very plentiful and tame.
April 23, 1902 Got up 1:30, self sledded up
5 loads firewood. Men didn’t show up, they thought it
too soft to sled but the crust was hard and good up to noon. Got
3 loads of tools from Morris cabin. Launch supplies should
arrive at Knik Harbor.
April 24, 1902 Got up at 2 AM trail would not
bear without wearing snowshoes. With Elliott and Native,
got up six loads of firewood. After dinner (7 AM) went
over to the Morris cabin, took up floor and roof and cloth covered
ceiling in annex and sledded over roof and floor lumber to Gilbert
Claim. Lewis sick. Billy finished, sent small pack to
Mattie at Knik. Shot 6 ptarmigan.
April 25, 1902 Southeaster all day.
Cleaned up around my cabin. Had peach dumplings and boiled
ham for dinner etc. After supper, broke out trail down
to dump on bank on Willow, snow soft. Sewed sole in moccasin,
retired 10:30. 1st mail boat should arrive.
April 26, 1902 Sleet and snow at Willow Creek,
westerly storm all day. Men didn’t show up for work.
AM got up 1 load for cache. Cut off barrel of shot
gun and put on new sight. Shot 2 ptarmigans in front of cabin
door. Evening made out sluice box. Evening, colder and clearing.
Loaded up shells.
April 27, 1902 Sun shining but light snow fell
all day. AM went up to Martha cabin found things alright
shoveled snow off sluice boxes. Hovey came up and helped
me sled back cooking gear, 100 lbs. LW beans and tent. Arrived
my cabin 12:30. Hovey ate dinner with me. Evening cleaned
up cooking utensils and sewed up my gloves.
April 28, 1902 AM got up 9 loads cache timbers
and firewood. Tore down sides of Morris cabin, sledded over
3 loads to my cabin and cache. Lewis worked, laid off sick
since 24th.
April 29, 1902 Got up 2 AM trail good and hard.
Finished sledding cache timbers (21) and firewood logs (60) and
got up some of mess house frame work and made trail from bench to
the canyon. Ordered Butler to sled out mess house timbers.
Got out 21 in 2½ days. Men ate dinner at my cabin.
April 30, 1902 Hovey, Elliott and Lewis each
bought a load of provisions from camp at Jifkin. Got up
all long frame timbers. Supper at 1 PM in order to do the sledding
on the crust.
May 1, 1902 Elliott, Lewis and Hovey sledded
up 3 loads of provisions from Jifkin. Sledded balance
of framework up on canyon bench. Butler laid in bed,
thought it too soft to sled. Cleaned out Gilbert cabin for
bunkhouse. Butler came up to my cabin, wanted to sell out his interest
in the mines for $400, denied that Thorne staked him in 1898, said
he bought 450 shares stock and gave it to his wife. I offered
him $300 for his interest right now.
May 2, 1902 Sledded until 11 AM, got up all
of framework, then hauled down 12 loads of Morris cabin
logs for cache and annex to my cabin. Boys brought up 4
loads, balance of provisions. Two Natives arrived from
Knik with letter from Mattie. Ice didn’t go out yet in front
of Knik. SS Bertha on the rocks. Miller brought home
by Palmer and Patchell, was living on crows, crazy. Frank
better but has sore foot.
May 3, 1902 Moved camp, Jifkin to Gilbert’s.
On way down my sled struck a dry stick, the end flew into my
right eye and nearly put it out, very painful. The boys sledded
over roof and floor of annex to Morris cabin. I nursed my
eye. Hovey took quarters in my cabin to do the cooking for
the camp, rest slept in Gilbert cabin. Sent out letter to
Mattie by Natives.
May 4, 1902 Cloudy weather, very soft
snow going fast. Nursed my eye, very sore, did no work.
Had ptarmigan stew with dumplings for dinner. Now all
camped on Gilbert Claim.
May 5, 1902 Men, went up to Martha cabin
and claim, took off roof of cabin, brought back 4 loads.
PM started to side up calidoor on my cabin with barn logs.
May 6, 1902 Clear, started to sled at 2:30,
took up 4 loads of roofing to canyon for mess house then went
up to Martha Claim for balance of roofing and 13 sluice boxes.
Got stringers and house logs from Morris cabin, worked on calidoor
until noon. I broke new trail to canyon and Morris cabin.
Snow well crusted. Took boat down to Knik Harbor for Urann.
May 7, 1902 All hands up at 2 AM. Delivered
78 12’ boards on canyon bench. Knocked down 5 of
Morris boxes and got 4 small boxes from Homestake for mess house.
Delivered 11 of Gilbert boxes near mess house. Got one load
hydraulic from Morris cabins. Cleaned up 12 gr. dust in Morris
boxes. Demanded cabin keys from Butler.
May 8, 1902 Went down timber line 3:45
AM, cut 3 saw logs, delivered same at 1899 saw pit.
Brought back two 6” sticks for calidoor doors,
windows. Lewis rode his sled over the bank into Willow Creek, nearly
broke his ankle and leg. Hauled him on sled back to cabin gave
him ¼ morphine and removed the swelling with hot water, bathed
with wood alcohol.
May 9, 1902 Up at 5 AM, I sledded up box from
lower end of Morris Claim. Worked on my calidoor got floor
laid, door hung and end boarded up, now about completed. Lewis
came out on crutches, but had to soon retire. 8 PM,
two light earthquake shocks. Willow Creek half open. Very
warm daytime, freezing nights. Shot 8 ptarmigans front of cabin
door, ptarmigan very plentiful, parky’s out.
May 10, 1902 Completed my calidoor which made
a kitchen 8’ x 10’, 2 windows and 1 door, cabin now 10’ x 20’.
Snow 2/3 gone on north side of Willow Creek. This is the day
we were to go out to Knik and get up balance of hydraulic pipe from
Knik Harbor but because of the accident to Lewis, cannot get away,
waiting for his foot to mend.
May 11, 1902 Self got up at 3:45, sledded windows
and Morris table from my cabin to mess house location above canyon
on Grubstake and delivered 10 of frame work for mess house. Sled
down 2-40 gate to my cabin. After breakfast made kitchen table
and sideboards in new kitchen and sideboards for my bed. Men
loafed, Lewis on the sick list, not improving very much.
May 12, 1902 Started to build cache, 8’ x 12’,
between my and Gilbert cabins, set her up in the air 10’ on
4 posts. Got up stringers and floor plates from post
holes, took out two pans of dirt, one had 12 colors, other eight,
went ½¢ to the pan. Evening cut down door sill between
annex. Evening freezing.
May 13, 1902 Got up cache ready for the
roof. Shot 10 ptarmigans in 6 shots, had baked ptarmigan pie
for dinner.
May 15, 1902 AM completed cache, time for one
man 9 days, which does not include delivering stock. Capacity
of cache 10 tons, put provisions in cache. With Butler
and Elliott broke trail up Grubstake to summit of mountains, delivered
tent. Evening packed up now ready to sled Lewis over Bald
Mt. to timber line. Had Hovey salt down 3 dozen ptarmigan.
Snow all gone on Craigie hog back.
May 16, 1902 Left Willow Creek 3 AM
for Knik with men. Sledded Lewis over to timber line of
Bald Mt. by way of Grubstake. Had to pull sleighs to summit
with long rope, grade 65° for 200 yards. Arrived timber line
3 PM had to sled down Bald Mt. on bare ground 1 mile. Set up
tent and camp stove. A few mosquitoes but not to bother, saw 2
brown bear.
May 17, 1902 With Hovey and Elliott, left timber
line camp at Bald Mt. With 40 lb. pack. Arrived
Little Shushitna at 9, dinner at Big Lake, arrived Cottonwood
5:30, Knik 7:30 PM. Rained from 5 to 7, trail on beach very
slippery. Met Native of Cottonwood with letter from Mattie
– Frank the horse had died and Nig was lame.
May 18, 1902 At home with family at Knik.
Mail had arrived and provisions and launch supplies had been
delivered at Knik. Left Butler with Lewis at Bald Mt. Elliott
and Hovey bunked him in Tuell cabin.
May 19, 1902 Started Elliott on Nig with
provisions for Elliott and Butler and to pack out Lewis.
Nig went lame, so Elliott had to return. Sent Native with
grub, 25 lbs., cost $2. Started to paint and fix up launch.
Evening lanced Nig’s foot, gave him relief at once.
May 20, 1902 Got engines cleaned up, sides
and top of launch painted. Elliott broke cross to main
steam pipe, sent for another one by Palmer who was going to
Sunrise. Evening doctored up Nig. Got Mattie water
from Knik Lake. Nig’s foot much improved. Native arrived
from trip to Bald Mt. paid him $2.
May 21, 1902 With Elliott and Hovey fixing
up launch for trip to Knik Harbor for the remainder of the hydraulic
pipe.
May 22, 1902 Got piping finished, sail made
for launch, put her in the water. PM with Nig, Elliott
and Hovey and Natives moved her 50’ evening tide floated launch.
Mud flats cut away up to 200 yards below spring. Self worked
around launch until 10 PM. Now ready to steam her up.
May 23, 1902 Got wood, water and supplies aboard
steam launch. With Elliott, Hovey and two Natives (Stephan
and Neketa) steamed off for Knik Harbor to get balance hydraulic
pipe, took Elmer with us.
May 24, 1902 Got up 5 AM found scow sitting
on cake of ice, put on tackle but couldn’t pull her off, tide
no where near here. Had to return to Knik for more help, brought
3 bags oats.
May 25, 1902 Mattie spent two nights alone,
Elmer with me at Harbor. Lewis and Butler arrived from Bald Mt.
Elliott and Butler scrap over vest and compass.
May 26, 1902 Bought Butlers 1/20th interest
in K and B Willow Creek placer mines, then paid him up and let
him go for disturbing the camp. Got provisions out of Palmer’s
cache. Let Palmer have 32 sacks flour, barrel cube sugar,
chest of tea. Evening got ready to go to Knik Harbor.
May 27, 1902 Left Knik with launch, 9
Natives, Hovey and Elliott for Harbor. Arrived 11 PM.
Natives slept in storehouse, Neketa was interpreter. Got
scow off of ice berg. Cleaned out dozen nests of pipe on
beach near storehouse. Worked 10 hours.
May 28, 1902 Launched scow at 5 PM, had to
move her 75’ and unload all of the pipe. Reloaded the hydraulic
pipe, worked 13 hours. Elliott and Hovey worked 15 hours.
Anchored scow out on high tide ready to start for Knik. Light
rain evening.
May 29, 1902 Left Harbor at 6 with launch
and scow, load of pipe (2,640’) arrived Knik 9:30. Left
boats on flat. Midnight took scow up Cottonwood channel to
Stephan’s house to discharge pipe.
May 30, 1902 With 11 Natives, made log platform
and unloaded hydraulic pipe. Time: 11 Natives 3 hours.
PM got ready for last trip to Harbor and expect to go to Tyonek
for mail and money.
May 31, 1902 Made out bill of provisions
to be ordered through George Palmer. Paid Lewis
half of salary $103.50 for hay $6.50 extra. Paid Elliott
to balance $104.50, paid Hovey to balance $8 with
Palmer and outfit, started for Tyonek got stuck on bar had to wait
over.
June 1, 1902 Launched scow, Lewis and Butler
passengers, left for Tyonek arrived Knik Harbor 7 AM.
Left, coaled up launch 2 PM, head wind all the way, arrived Ladd’s
11 PM.
June 2, 1902 Arrived Tyonek 3 AM found no mail
or money. Had king salmon for dinner, got orders and checks
ready to send out with Palmer. Tonquin left for Seattle with
Palmer and furs etc.
June 3, 1902 Left Tyonek 2 AM for Ladd’s
had to buck the tide, took 4 hours Saw Mr. Sater, foreman
of cannery, he gave me some king salmon. Arrived Pt. Campbell
took on 700 lbs. beach coal. Anchored for flood tide, left
Pt. Campbell at 11 AM stopped at ship and scow. SS Kingfisher
also came in.
June 4, 1902 Arrived at Knik with steam
launch 3:30 AM, slept till 10:30. Got ready for trip to
harbor for balance of pipe. Brooks George survey party off
for Mt. McKinley. First mosquitoes to bother.
June 5, 1902 Left Knik 6:30 with launch and
6 Natives to pick up balance of hydraulic pipe at harbor.
Pipe busted in boiler while at anchor, evening took out and plugged
same. Got all loose pipe, feed and hay aboard scow.
Delivered salmon to Capt. on Occidental ship.
June 6, 1902 Bought moose meat off Indian Jim,
got balance of pipe loaded at 4 PM. Anchored scow at
low water mark, now ready for Knik with last load of hydraulic
pipe and horse fodder. Self on watch, low water at
midnight.
June 7, 1902 Missed scow so had to buck tide
and steam back, got up scow anchor 3 AM tide, turned before
we arrived at Fish Creek. Anchored scow at Fish Creek with
launch, bucked tide to Knik. PM tide brought up scow, landed
feed at Knik., Scow at Stephan’s house. Elliott burst out
tubes in boiler.
June 8, 1902 Got up 2 barrels water and put
18 sacks oats in cabin. Paid off 6 Natives for 22
hours at 15¢ = $19.80. Evening rowed out to launch,
weighed anchor and set her over on the mud flat. Pumped her
up and found 1 pipe leaking caused by Elliott running her without
water. Skeeters bad.
June 9, 1902 Unloaded scow, 2nd and last
load of hydraulic pipe from Knik Harbor. Last Nov. 1 load,
making 3 loads in all with provisions and horse feed.
About half of hydraulic pipe filled with mud and gravel, took 2
hours and 11 men to un-nest one nest of pipe. Ice had jammed
up pipe considerable.
June 10, 1902 Plugged leaky pipe in boiler.
Cut wood for launch. Left Knik 10 PM with launch and scow
to meet Tonquin at Knik Harbor. Arrived coal bank at harbor
3 AM. Mattie and Elmer went along.
June 11, 1902 At harbor, Mattie and Elmer
and men laid down for a nap, self went ashore for coal, got boots
full of water. Tonquin arrived 8 with 11 hydraulic pipe
and 2 boxes fittings. Horses from Homer did not come up.
PM got more coal, left harbor 7:20, arrived Knik midnight, ground
swell on beach, Mattie afraid. Natives all drunk at Knik, also
Patchell.
June 12, 1902 Arrived from Knik Harbor 1 AM,
had to anchor scow at Fish Creek. Bucked the tide with
launch, retired 2:30, got up at 8 AM, got up water and wood for
launch. Elliott cut wood for launch. Hovey fixing Sea Otter
boat.
June 13, 1902 Completed annual report
to K and B Co., cash expended $4,366.53, year ending May 31.
Cost of hydraulic plant $4,394.22 at Knik. Company Dr. to
self $244.09, Mattie $184. Elliott made new stone boat.
Hovey repaired Sea Otter boat. Brought up scow from Fish Creek, mosquitoes
fierce.
June 14, 1902 After mail wrote letters to K
and B Co., Mr. Urann., Sylvester Bros. order for sleigh
and Palmer’s Seattle order for medicine. Steamed up launch,
pipe in fire box blew out, so had to wait over a tide, fixed same
ok.
June 15, 1902 Left Knik 2 with launch and scow
in tow with Hovey Pilot, Elliott Engineer, Herning Captain and
Simeon mail carrier. Arrived Harbor 5:30 left scow.
Arrived Fire Island Turnagain Arm side at 8 AM.
June 16, 1902 Anchored at Fire Island sent
Elliott with Simeon after mail at Sunrise. Mailed report
to K and B Co. Hovey and self wooded up launch.
Boys didn’t come back as expected.
June 17, 1902 Boys arrived from Sunrise with
mail, left at once for Knik. Sailed launch, pipe blew
out in fire box, put out fire. Had to anchor at Goose Bay
4 PM.
June 18, 1902 Left Goose Bay 12 midnight, head
wind, arrived Knik. Palmer’s scow sunk.
June 19, 1902 Dismantled launch and laid her
up on flat above Knik. Oiled all the tools etc.
Made ready to leave Knik for Willow Creek on 3 AM tide via Knik
to Cottonwood. Mattie and Elmer to go along.
June 20, 1902 Left Knik for Willow Creek second
trip season. Outfit, Hovey and Elliott, 2 Natives, family
and self packed 200 lbs. provisions on Nig, boated up to Cottonwood.
Started too late on the tide looked like rain so laid over 4 hours
at Cottonwood.
June 21, 1902 Left Cottonwood 6:15 AM arrived
for dinner, 2nd lake 11:15, arrived Little Sushitna River 3:30,
very hot mosquitoes lively, trail fine. Commenced to rain,
all got wet, arrived timberline camp 6 PM. Tents stood ok
and was dry inside. Cleared in evening got clothes dried out.
June 22, 1902 On trail 5 hours.
Left timberline camp 11:30, Nig had wondered off, found him halfway
up Bald Mt. Arrived at my cabin 3:15. Mattie and Elmer saw
a brown bear crossing Bald Mt. Simeon and Ephim came in to
whipsaw lumber.
June 23, 1902 At the mines. Took
Monday off for Sunday. Men fixed up bunks and laid floor
in Gilbert cabin. Self fixed brine on meats and butter.
Mattie was very busy cooking.
June 24, 1902 Light showers over Craigie
Creek. Hovey and Elliott did 1st work at mines on 3 month
contract. Natives whipsawing, Simeon and Ephim 10 hours
each. Hovey built water closet. Elliott hauled frame
logs up to canyon on Grubstake.
June 25, 1902 Natives whipsawing penstock.
Elliott and Hovey fixing over sluice boxes. Cut down
tree in front of cabin window. Men worked 10 hours.
June 26, 1902 With men and Nig, went down to
timber “1899 saw pit”, cut up penstock in short lengths.
Packed 3 logs up to the Gilbert Claim in two loads. Ephim and
Simeon 5 hours each.
June 27, 1902 Framing mess house. Simeon 10
hours, Ephim 10 hours at $1.50. Got frame up and sides
on mess house. Skeeters very bad.
June 28, 1902 Mess house enclosed, roof half
on, floor 2/3 laid. Simeon 10 hours, Ephim 10 hours.
Elmer and self cleaned up gold from 2 old boxes.
June 29, 1902 Natives finished work and left
for Knik. Tore out old bunks in my cabin, put side rail
on double bed. Hovey went prospecting. Baked Ptarmigan
pie for dinner.
June 30, 1902 Mess house completed except ½
roof and ¼ of floor, short of lumber. Nig’s feeding
ground is on Homestake bench, comes down to cabin every night
and stands around the smudge.
July 1, 1902 Working on mess house. With
Elliott and Nig, packed up ½ dozen slabs from 1898 saw
pit. Also penstock pieces and 2 sluice boxes from Homestake
sawpits. 1 window and door fitted.
July 2, 1902 Got doors fitted and 2nd window
and roof on mess house, except a dozen battens. Started
to frame penstock wide sluice boxes. Mattie went panning
for gold got 3½ ¢ with $100 worth of mosquitoes.
July 3, 1902 Mess house completed outside.
Total hours for one man 205. Creeks very low everything very
dry.
July 4, 1902 Sharpened up saws and planes,
put fly over sluice box material. Commenced to joint
up sluice boxes. Dinner fried ptarmigans and onions,
baked beans and potatoes, coffee, mince pie. Evening covered
roof with canvas.
July 5, 1902 Made 3 large sluice boxes size
12’ x 21” x 22¾” x 11” deep. Evening quite cool took
a bath.
July 6, 1902 Jointed penstock on one box. Tore
out Callahan bunk in my cabin put up shelf 10’ long by 21” wide.
Elmer and Elliott went out for a hunt, they brought in
ptarmigan.
July 7, 1902 With Elliott packed up 5
roof boards to mess house then went up to Homestake and
blocked up flume boxes in creek. Went up to hydraulic dam,
found 1 sluice box broken in half by snow slide. Bank of snow
in creek below hydraulic dam.
July 10, 1902 Cut hay near big boulder.
Hovey put last of battens on mess house roof. Covered big
boxes with brush. PM lined off grade for ditch around
canyon.
July 11, 1902 Simeon brought in first mail
(8 packs in all). AM started to dig ditch around canyon
on Gilbert Claim. I stacked ½ ton hay near boulder.
July 12, 1902 Sent out-mail by Simeon
and arranged with him to go and get July SS Bertha mail and August
SS Excelsior mail. Received word from Hanmore that lost box
of medicine had arrived. Wrote Sylvester Bros. about
headless nails and ordered 30’ of 3/8” machine steel. Sent
J. O. May maps of Willow and duplicate to W. A. Farnsworth. Simeon
arrived with the mail OK and not having change enough, I gave
him credit at Palmer’s store for one dollar. I paid him $1 for
taking my part of the mail over to Sunrise as agreed, and $10 to bring
the mail back, $5 Sunrise to Knik and $5 from Knik to Willow Creek.
July 13, 1902 Elmer caught a parky and magpie
in steel trap. Elliott shot 3 parky’s.
July 14, 1902 Resumed work on ditch around
canyon. Ditch half done, average depth 5’. Mattie and
Elmer visited to inspect ditch and pick up “nuggets” on the dump.
July 15, 1902 Working on ditch around
canyon found fair amount colors in ditch. Took out 2 pans
above falls, got 7¢ equals $3.50 to the yard. Evening
Elmer and I dressed 4 parky’s, Elmer caught them in trap.
July 16, 1902 Got ditch down another 9” of
grade. Took pictures of ditch, falls and Mattie panning
out gold (1¢).
July 17, 1902 Finished canyon ditch total time
for one man 150 hours. Size of ditch dug: 2’ wide, 5’
deep by (left blank) long. PM with Elliott, set up sluice
boxes in old ditch above canyon.
July 18, 1902 Commenced sluicing in old
ditch above the canyon. Set up six small boxes, got from
1
to 2¢ to the shovel of gravel.
This ditch connects the new canyon ditch sluicing to clean out
ditch and made same deeper. New ditch has 5’ loam on top of
gravel.
July 19, 1902 Sluiced 9 hours in old ditch
cleaned up half of the riffles. Skeeters about gone, wore
no net since Thursday. Creek very low, Elmer fell in.
July 20, 1902 Took scythe up to mess house,
cleaned up balance of boxes, got 2 dwt. Elmer and Elliott
went out for ptarmigans, they shot five. With Mattie and
Elmer, went up to Homestake, took out 15¢ one pan 6½
another. Evening changed the boxes.
July 21, 1902 Finished shoveling in on
1st set up. Took from joints 2 5/8 dwt. Started
to build dam across creek above canyon to run water through new
ditch around canyon. Two heavy showers, got dam half done.
Evening cut wood.
July 22, 1902 Fog beginning of the rainy
season. Got dam about completed set up sluice boxes
in upper end of old ditch, ready for shoveling in. Took
out 10¢ pan in ditch. Evening cut wood as usual.
July 23, 1902 Light rain all day and
colder. Worked 7 hours in old ditch, cleaned up ¾
of 1 oz. some 10¢ pans. Total time sluicing
to date 81 hours. Made $4 each, average to date 24¢
per hour to the man. Mattie picked first blue and salmon
berries. Fixed up my old boots for Elliott.
July 24, 1902 Sluiced 8½ hours, total
hours to date 106½. Found one 51¢ nugget, struck
clay bedrock. Evening cleaned up gold and cut wood.
July 25, 1902 Went up to hyd-dam pulled out
loose boards from flume. Caught Nig, brought stone boat
down to canyon ditch. Hauled rock to finish bar of dam to
turn water into ditch.
July 26, 1902 With Nig hauled up rock and sods
to finish ditch and wing dam on creek above canyon. Built
part of dam that turns creek from old ditch into the new one.
Finished 50’ dam across creek above old ditch and built sluice
dam.
July 27, 1902 Cut hay up on the Homestake Claim.
Took snap of left hand fork and a general NE view. Came
back over mountain, could see Knik Arm, Fire Island and Mt. Sushitna.
Had 1st blueberry shortcake.
July 28, 1902 Got sluice dam in shape, removed
3 big rock from ditch. Now at head of ditch and down to bedrock
(clay).
July 29, 1902 AM finished sluicing out old
ditch, sluiced 6½ hours, clean up was 7 dwt. Total
hours 1 man to date 126. Average per hour 32 cents.
Total 41.27.
July 30, 1902 Turned water around canyon.
Finished dam between old and new ditch and started water through
ditch. Now sluicing walls of ditch, old ditch 120’, new
one 300’. 1st cold fall rain. Mattie put new soles on
moccasins.
July 31, 1902 Cleared foundation for annex
to mess house. Worked on widing out new ditch around canyon.
Took out 6¢, 3 pans below canyon falls. Mattie picked pail
of blueberries and wrote copy of location notices of K and
B Co. claims. Evening cut wood as usual.
August 1, 1902 Got ditch sluiced out 2’ wide
nearly carries the creek. Started to make a road from
canyon bench down on to the Last Chance Claim basin. Took
out 3 pans above canyon falls got 3¢.
August 2, 1902 Old ditch 120’ long, new ditch
300’ long, dam 50’ long. Stephan came in with mail from SS Bertha.
Palmer arrived. Finished road above canyon.
August 3, 1902 Received 2nd letter from Farnsworth
saying $1,500 had been deposited for me at Scandinavian American
Bank. They had protected my personal checks. Shot 4 young ptarmigan
with 2 stones, Elliott got 7. Mattie and I took out 5 pans
on the Homestake, got 3 dwt. and 5 gr. total for 2½ hours
$2.57. Blueberry pie and ptarmigans for dinner.
August 4, 1902 Commenced building road off
of bench down to Willow Creek. I, with Nig and 150 lb. pack
left Willow Creek for Knik. Arrived timberline camp 7 PM.
Went out by pass between Grubstake and Wet Gulch.
August 5, 1902 At the Little Sushitna River,
met ACRR survey party running line from Resurrection Bay up
Big Sushitna River, across divide to the Yukon District.
Arrived Knik found Knik on the boom.
August 6, 1902 Had to anchor launch nearer
shore. Put 2 tons hay and 2 tons of oats into Beedy cabin.
Men at Willow Creek swamping out trail cutting hay, etc.
August 7, 1902 Put down stake and aft line
on steam launch. Men cut hay at Jifkin cabin.
August 8, 1902 Gave Palmer order for medicine
and camera supplies.
August 9, 1902 Left for mines at 5 AM, took
30 lbs. sugar, 2 sides bacon, 3 cans beef.
August 10, 1902 Mattie and self went up to
Homestake, carried down box from hydraulic dam. Did some
sluicing and in 1 hour cleaned up 1 dwt. lost more than that in
cracks. Elmer and Elliott went out for ptarmigans got 5.
Hovey picked a pail of blueberries.
August 11, 1902 Men graded road from bench
down on to Willow Creek. I cut out road from my cabin to new
road 1,000’. Evening dressed ptarmigan Blueberry shortcake
for supper.
August 12, 1902 Finished road from bench to
Willow Creek. Cleaned out canyon ditch. Mattie took picture
of road. Light cool rain, feels like fall.
August 13, 1902 With Nig got up rock and sods
to build sluice dam above canyon falls. Got 6 boxes set
and commenced to shovel found good prospects, lots of rock.
Evening cut wood as usual and half soled Mattie’s shoe.
August 14, 1902 Heavy shower raised creek -
overflowed canyon ditch and sluice boxes. Took out 1 dwt.
3 gr. silvered in tail riffle.
August 15, 1902 Cold rain, had
to clean out canyon ditch.
August 16, 1902 Sluicing above Canyon Falls,
total one man to date 43 hours. Clean up today 15 dwt.
4 gr., total to date 1 - 2 - 19. Blueberry shortcake and rain and
an ugly cook for supper.
August 17, 1902 Took up tent, split some wood.
Went up to Homestake took out 2 dwt. in 6 hours. In all
6 dwt. 5 gr. in 14 pans all coarse gold. Found 2 - 10¢
nuggets. Elliott and Elmer went out for ptarmigan and
Hovey picked pail of blueberries.
August 18, 1902 Sluicing above Canyon Falls.
Clean up 18 dwt. 8 gr. = for 3 men 9 hours, 1 nugget 27¢
and 3 at 10¢ each. One piece of silver 10¢ and
one ruby. Average per hour per man today 58¢. Elmer
panned out 7¢. Evening Mattie called me a fool for correcting
Elmer.
August 19, 1902 Sluicing above Canyon Falls.
Clean up 11 dwt. 15 gr. (two boxes). Average per man today
35¢. Had to move several big rocks. Went out and shot
ptarmigans, then dressed them. Evening, raining quite hard.
Streams wet very low.
August 20, 1902 Creek raising a little. I cleaned
out ditch and back-walled ditch dams. Clean up 6 dwt.
3 gr. 6 hours work. 17 hours for 1 man = 22½¢
per hour.
August 21, 1902 Very fine day first frost.
Put men to swamping out trail up on bench to mess house.
Elmer and I cleaned up balance of bedrock got 12 dwt. 7 gr. and
took out 1 dwt. 22 gr. in tail riffle (total 14-6). Only
sluiced 2 hours made $9.83. PM cut hay near boulder rock
August 22, 1902 Total hours sluicing above
Canyon 116. Took out 3-19-11 average per hour 54¢.
Took boxes out of creek got 6 dwt. 6 gr. in cracks. Men finished
trail from Willow to mess house.
August 23, 1902 Located Gopher and Nutmeg Claims
for R. C. Smith and J. W. Rogers. Housed tools and got
ready for Knik. Left Willow Creek at noon with family
Nig and men, arrived Timber camp 4:30. Took up camp outfit
arrived at Little Sushitna River at dark. Made camp at junction
of Willow and ACRR trails. Pleasant all day.
August 24, 1902 Started to build cache.
Mattie ran the camp, ptarmigan stew for dinner.
August 25, 1902 Steady rain until 4 PM. Got
foundation and sides up on cache ready to cover with tent roof.
August 26, 1902 Left Sushitna River at
6 AM. Arrived Big Lake 8:30 and ate lunch. Arrived
at Knik 3:15 PM. Got up at 2:30, cached camp outfit.
Arrived Cottonwood 12:15. Mattie, Elmer, Elliott and self
came down Knik in Sea Otter boat. Hovey came on Nig.
August 27, 1902 Received mail from SS
Excelsior. Horses arrived at Knik. Palmer gave us
new potatoes and lettuce. Found one new horse at Fish Creek.
August 28, 1902 Building cache at Knik.
Got sills down and floor layed to cache and started side walls.
Mattie brought new waist and sailor hats for herself and Elmer.
August 29, 1902 Working on Knik cache.
Cut Elmer’s hair, Mattie cut mine.
August 30, 1902 With Elliott, rowed down to
Goose Bay for sleighs and scraper. Found no signs of horses,
Miller was there, had mail from Sunrise. Brought up one horse from
Fish Creek, went out to look up bay and white horse couldn’t find
them.
August 31, 1902 Hovey and Elliott’s time up:
Hovey 88 days, Elliott 91 days. Due Hovey $231.95, due
Elliott $237.50.
September 2, 1902 Worked on cache. Mr.
Chalk and Tuell ACRR survey arrived, brought out pack train,
had reached the Big Sushitna River, they went to Tyonek with
Miller. Went down to Lee’s for more logs to finish cache. Evening
took down boat so we could tow up logs on morning flood. Sent
mail down to Tyonek.
September 3, 1902 Morning towed up logs to
spring. Got up wood and lake water. Had men cut hay near
Stephan’s house. Self hauled in hay off of trail and cached
sleds and scraper. Evening towed up logs from spring to
cache at Knik. Mattie helped me move launch down to the beach
by the spring, then got grub ready for trip to Knik Harbor.
September 4, 1902 With Elliott left Knik with
Sea Otter boat for Knik Harbor to bring scow up to Knik.
Stopped off at Goose Bay to look for horses, arrived at harbor at
noon. Found scow drifted down near coal bank. Left
harbor 3:40, set sail on scow but no wind. Didn’t get out of harbor until
7. Got across channel and anchored 8:30. Tide turned, rained all
night, slept on scow.
September 5, 1902 Weighed anchor near Goose
Bay. Palmer also lay at anchor, he caught up to us at upper
end of Goose Bay; he had his lost scow in tow, found her off the
Little Sushitna River. Arrived Knik at 8 AM anchored scow
near the spring. Self with Nig went up to summit above Knik Lake
looking for horses. Chalk (ACRR) with Miller returned from
Tyonek, Alaska Commercial Company had no shingles.
September 6, 1902 Hauled up 2 barrels
water, got salt pork, beans and rice out of
Palmer’s cache and box of hams. Put hay in back of Stephan’s.
Time cutting, 3 men 22 hours. Evening put salt pork in barrel.
September 7, 1902 Cleaned up hams, took
care of horses. ACRR man arrived from the Cottonwood in
Miller’s boat. Had oyster supper.
September 8, 1902 Big wind. Got
ridge pole and ends up on cache. RR men left for Knik River
to run a line from there up Eagle Creek over to Bird and around
Turnagain Arm. Grouse stew and new potatoes for dinner.
1st gale, cold, high surf.
September 9, 1902 Big wind filled scows anchored
at spring, floated out part of floor and scattered oars and
planks along the beach. Deepest channel on the Arm now in front
of Knik. Worked on cache. Evening developed pictures
taken at mines. Hanmore wrote to Palmer that the Tonquin would
call for Mrs. Herning at Knik Harbor September 15th.
September 10, 1902 Cache completed except shingling
roof time for one man 76 hours. Started basement for barn
in back of my cabins. Wrote to W. A. Farnsworth about lost
horses. Mrs. Sheldon and son visited.
September 11, 1902 Started barn in back of
my cabins at Knik with teams and scraper, cleaned out a place
18’ x 24’, 6’ into the bank. Made road from barn out to Patchell's
cabin. Now ready for logs. Got gold ready to send up to K
and B Co. Boston. Sample weighed 5 oz. 9 dwt. 3 gr. = $87.30.
Check for silvered gold 6 oz. 12 dwt. 7 gr. = $105.83.
September 12, 1902 Bought the Lee dance hall
off Palmer for $10. Tore down dance hall and got 70 logs, sided
on both sides, hauled out part of the logs to bank on beach.
September 13, 1902 Hired Elliott for the winter.
Got balance of logs over bank at Lee’s and hauled them out
on the beach and made a raft out of them (70 logs). Evening
made copies of location notices K and B claims on Willow Creek.
Palmer left for Sunrise. Goosmar and family came up from
Fire Island, had plenty of moose meat.
September 14, 1902 Finished making copies
of placer location notices and attached same to Morris and Herndon
and Butler deeds to Co. Elliott went out and got 4 grouse.
Elliott went out to look for lost horses. I took Sea Otter
boat down to log boom at Govt. camp. Evening Mrs. Sheldon
and son visited.
September 15, 1902 Had Elliott get out
timbers to make derrick to hoist pipe. Got ridge pole
for new boom. Boarded up roof on cache. Went down
to float up dance hall logs, tide not high enough. Hovey
started to make sail for Sea Otter boat.
September 16, 1902 Started up raft of logs
from government camp. Tonquin came in to Goose Bay, sent up
boat with Palmer. Mattie, Elmer and Hovey got ready to
go out to the States. Went down in Sea Otter, bucked tide.
Tonquin anchored at Fire Island on account of tide.
September 17, 1902 Left Tyonek, anchored off
Kenai for flood tide. Midnight went in to Kenai.
Mr. Bass, the hunter, came aboard AM. Called at Kasilof,
took on two English hunters and Mr. New and Fletcher.
Midnight arrived at Seldovia.
September 18, 1902 At anchor on board
the Tonquin, Seldovia Harbor, waiting for the SS Bertha
via Seattle. Buzzard’s went clamming, chowder for dinner.
September 19, 1902 On board the
Tonquin at Seldovia. Mr. Richardson and Deweese
was at Seldovia hunting. Mr. Bass went out for bear and
moose.
September 20, 1902 Seldovia waiting for
SS Bertha.
September 21, 1902 Halibut.
Seldovia, waiting for my old tub to come along via Seattle.
September 22, 1902 Weather windy. Evening
the SS Bertha arrived. Mattie and Elmer went aboard had
lunch with them. The SS Bertha sailed at midnight. Helped
load freight on Tonquin. Left early Tuesday for Kenai.
Funds didn’t arrive on SS Bertha.
September 23, 1902 SS Newport came in
on the way to Juneau, left Seldovia for Kenai. Saw SS Bertha
on her way to Iliamna Bay. Windy but had good trip to Kenai
arrived there 8 PM.
September 24, 1902 Decided to remain
at Tyonek as none of my freight came up from Seldovia.
Mrs. Tuell came up on the SS Bertha to winter with Charley at
Sunrise, was homesick.
September 25, 1902 Tonquin left for Sunrise.
Was invited to stop with Eberhardt and Anderson.
September 27, 1902 Weather windy.
Eberhardt and Anderson building a new cabin boat on Tyonek beach.
Tonquin on way to Seldovia for another load of freight.
September 28, 1902 Big wind and surf,
high tides broke up two of Hanmore’s boats and nearly washed
out the cannery at Ladd’s.
September 29, 1902 Miller came down with
Chalks party, went back in blow and was thought to be lost on
way Tyonek to Knik.
September 30, 1902 At Tyonek waiting
for Tonquin to deliver freight from Seldovia.
October 1, 1902 At Tyonek, went out gunning,
got 2 grouse.
October 2, 1902 At Tyonek, helped boys
pick up ton and a half of beach coal.
October 3, 1902 Freight arrived from
Seldovia.
October 4, 1902 Bought bill of goods
from A. C. Co., 6 pair boots, 6000 shingles, etc. Got ready,
loaded freight in Hanmore’s sloop for trip to Knik.
October 5, 1902 Cloudy with wind and
rain. Tyonek to Knik, got sea sick, left Tyonek with
load of freight for Knik. Had Hanmore’s sloop, Butler and
Harvey in charge, off Fire Island at dark, anchored on
mud flats for the night. Center board broke off, boat filled
half full of water, corked it back up. Very rough tide got
sea sick. Burr, got lost with Palmer’s boat. Saw Miller’s
boat beached on Sushitna River flats.
October 6, 1902 Calm sea at 4 AM, weighed anchor
and made into Knik Harbor. Laid over for next flood, left
harbor 2:30 AM, at Knik 6:30. Found Ladd’s cat in cabin,
dishes all knocked down and cat sh--t all over floor.
October 7, 1902 Got up 5:30 cooked ham, eggs
and hotcakes for breakfast. Started to shingle cache
at Knik. Barrel of sugar and crackers were damaged by water
on trip up from Tyonek. Harvey and Butler went down to government
camp. Mrs. Sheldon is on the high horse. Miller arrived
at Knik OK.
October 8, 1902 Mrs. Sheldon left Knik for
Tyonek by Miller’s boat. Finished shingling cache. Paid
Mrs. Sheldon 2 weeks board for Elliott $14, 4 days labor
her son $6, total $20.
October 9, 1902 Rowed up to Cottonwood
to look up horses, found 3 and other “gray” cast on the flats.
Got rig ready to hoist up the gray horse. Palmer put up three
poles and with luff tackle put gray on her feet . Had to
leave her swung up as she was sore and very weak.
October 10, 1902 Married 8 years today.
With Elliott and Native, went up to get gray mare, found
her swung up OK. Took off sling, hind leg swollen badly,
walked her down the beach to trail on bank. Too weak
to climb trail on bank, she fell down, so had to leave her. The path
so narrow between bank and channel, couldn’t raise her except to
roll her into the boat. Got home 2 PM rained hard all of PM.
October 11, 1902 On flood tide took Palmer’s
scow and went up after gray mare. She was dying so dumped
her into the channel. One side was all rotten and her head
was rotten. Blood poison had set in and she had kidney trouble.
Evening wrote to ACRR Anderson for a pair of his horses. Also wrote
to Mattie.
October 12, 1902 Blew a gale all PM.
Thought that we could see a wreck across the Arm. Did
washing and baked bread, had fine luck with bread, my 2nd trial.
PM Elliott rounded up the horses.
October 13, 1902 Cloudy with snow flurries.
Moved provisions and oats into cache. Moved flour and
beans out of Palmer cache into our own, also moved oats out of
boat house. Miller arrived from Tyonek OK, was out in the blow
Sunday. Patchell walked up to Goose Bay, from there he came
up in my Sea Otter boat. He left rest of the gang down on Sushitna
River flats waiting for high tide to float Palmer’s boat.
October 14, 1902 Put barrel goods and feed
in cache, 12,974 lbs. Hauled in logs for barn, short a few sides
for barn. Evening cloudy looked like snow.
October 16, 1902 Started to whipsaw ceiling
for barn. Goosmar arrived from Goose Bay. Burr and Hall
came up with him, they sunk Palmer’s sloop on the Sushitna River
flats. Evening Palmer went down to try and get the sloop.
Miller left with all his gear for Sunrise.
October 17, 1902 Weather freezing.
Whipsawed 90’ of 2 x 6. On evening tide, moved
launch and scow from springs up to Knik in front of cache.
Evening Palmer got back, both his sloop and river boat were
lost and he couldn’t find them. Evening baked rice pudding,
had codfish for breakfast.
October 18, 1902 Elmer’s birthday. Whipsawed
108’. Evening pulled scow and launch up near cache,
tide not high enough to float them up on the bank. Evening
Mr. Hall visited. Codfish la-mode for supper.
October 20, 1902 With Elliott, Sea Otter boat
went up to Cottonwood to get ceiling stock, got back with boat
load at 12:45, sawed 2 x 4’s.
October 21, 1902 Evening snow.
A tough day at boating. Went up to the Cottonwood for
raft, for ceiling of barn. Wind off of land, had hard work
to get to Cottonwood Creek. Coming back wind got stronger,
blew us out to middle of Arm, anchored raft and didn’t make shore
until we struck Goose Bay Point. Towed boat up to Fish Creek.
Evening went down after boat. Baking bread until 11 PM.
October 22, 1902 Arranged with Palmer to pay
Native labor. Got quarter moose meat off Palmer.
Sent out letters to Mattie and Mr. W. F. Chalk about using RR
horses. Goosmar and Stephan off for Tyonek.
October 23, 1902 Rowed down to Fish Creek to
locate raft, it was not there. Snow commenced 8 AM and
covered the ground white by noon, then abated. Mr. Hall visited,
said he was beginning to find Burr out as a liar. Put horses
in barn.
October 24, 1902 Hauled in 10 logs on sleighs.
Hall and Elliott whipsawed ceiling stock. Hung barn door and
sided up casing and logs to same. Oiled up flute. Palmer’s squaw
got back from Moose Creek.
October 25, 1902 Snowed quite hard during the
PM. Finished whipsawing ceiling for barn. I sailed
up to Stephan’s to see if RR horses were eating our hay.
High-toned funeral of the season for Mrs. “Squaw” Palmer, buried
at Eska. Evening got bread ready.
October 26, 1902 Boys finished laying
ceiling and started to crib up above ceiling. Self baked
bread. Goosmar got back from Tyonek but mail boat had not
arrived, so no mail.
October 27, 1902 Got ridge pole and rafters
ready to raise. With Sea Otter, rowed up inside channel to summit
after horses, they were gone up to Cottonwood. Goosmar left
with Burr for Sunrise and will bring back the mail. Put wash
to soak.
October 28, 1902 Started to clean hydraulic
pipe. Got up tackle and hoist and cleaned 3 nests , 7 pipe.
With men rowed up to Cottonwood for horses. They were
1½ miles above Cottonwood and it got dark, so we couldn’t
catch them.
October 29, 1902 Patchell came down from the
Cottonwood, said Nig and Joe was not there. Saw swans
ducks and geese flying north. Saw first ptarmigans along
the beach this fall, out early. Evening baking bread from
10 to 12:30. Bought a pair of house moccasins from
Palmer.
October 30, 1902 Mattie’s Birthday.
Cleaned 28 hydraulic pipe. Light snow storm all day, ground
white since 21st. Evening exchanged moccasins, others were
too small. Knik Lake frozen over.
October 31, 1902 Clear and colder, will freeze
hard tonight. Morning sent man down to government camp
to look up Nig and Joe got them OK. Used Nig to hoist the
pipe, raised a flanged nest of five took all day to clean them.
Total cleaned to date 54. Evening cooked moose stew. Put Nig
and Joe in the barn.
November 1, 1902 First anchor ice on Knik Arm.
Cleaned nest of 6 pipe that the SS Bertha dumped near low tide,
was full of gravel and hard to un-nest. Goosmar arrived with
the mail. Got two letters from Mattie from Valdez and Juneau,
she had a very rough voyage.
November 2, 1902 Cleaned a nest of pipe,
total cleaned 63 pipe. Noon while splitting wood, Elliott cut
off his forefinger on the left hand, I Bandaged
it up with iodine antiseptic, it didn’t work. I went down to
Govt. camp brought back Sea Otter boat.
November 3, 1902 Noon pulled out our
Sea Otter boat and Goosmar’s sloop with Nig. Dressed
Elliott’s hand then got bread ready to bake. Goosmar gave
me 12 lbs. moose meat for pulling out his boat, I gave him
8# sugar. Navigation about closed by anchor ice.
November 4, 1902 Henry, Hall’s friend, came
for dinner. PM dressed Elliott’s hand. Shell ice
all over the upper Arm from Knik. Indians sledding across
Knik Lake.
November 5, 1902 Evening helped Elliott dress
his hand. Evening Hall wanted to quit cleaning pipe, he
thought that I thought he was no better than an Indian because
he couldn’t make fast the rope on a lift. Evening talked
to Palmer about funds.
November 6, 1902 Cleaned last of pipe
nests that were dumped on the beach at Knik Harbor. Stephan
and self cleaned 6 pipe, total 93. Evening got my bill from
Palmer. Cut Palmer’s hair and got pair of house slippers
for 6 bitts. Helped Elliott dress his hand. Freight measurement
12.6 tons.
November 7, 1902 Worked on hydraulic pipe,
cleaned last of graveled nests and 35 of others, Stephan worked.
Evening paid Hall wages due to date $31. Hall wanted to work
again and said he would work up to December 15th. Took down
tent that the men lived in, in front of my cabin. Fired Native
out of cabin, he was drunk.
November 8, 1902 Hall commenced work again
at $2 per day. A. W. Hall commenced work again. Worked
on hydraulic pipe;, tackle rope broke in raising a heavy nest that
was full of mud, weight over a ton.
November 9, 1902 Cleaned up the cabin,
did my washing and got up 2 barrels of water. Hall moved
down to our cabin. Evening started letter to Mattie.
Helped Elliott dress hand.
November 10, 1902 Worked on hydraulic pipe.
First Native of season arrived from Sushitna River Post.
Lakes frozen over, traveling good. Letter to Palmer from Litchfield
stated there was a letter for me at Tyonek with money and
it came up on last SS Bertha.
November 11, 1902 Got hydraulic pipe nearly
cleaned. Paid Palmer $100 of company bill from my
personal account. Got pair caribou moccasins from
Palmer.
November 12, 1902 Finished cleaning hydraulic
pipe. Stephan on pipe to date 10½ days, Elliott,
Hall and self 32½ days total 43 days for one man. Wages
$80.75, board $20, total $100.75.
November 13, 1902 Started to put roof on barn.
Got up ridge pole and rafters. Stephan had sore eye didn’t
work. Started to rip 12” boards in 4” strips for roof boards
with whipsaw. Got vegetables from Palmer.
November 14, 1902 Whipsawed ( 24) 1 x 4 x20’
strips, got east end of barn 2/3 up. Stephan commenced
work again at $1 a day and dinner. Evening put bluestone on
Elliott’s hand for proud flesh. Tides over bank.
November 15, 1902 Pulled up scow and launch
with Nig on evening tide. Evening burnt alum to cut proud flesh
off Elliott’s cut finger. Evening light rain.
November 16, 1902 Joe rode up to Cottonwood
to get Tony. Evening baked 6 loafs of bread. Tide floated
scow got blocking under her, tide came within 6’ of cache.
Rabbit stew for dinner. Largest fall tide, full moon.
Evening Joe and Nig skipped out to Govt. camp.
November 17, 1902 Got gables finished and one
side of roof boards on barn. Tony rode down to government camp
for Joe and Nig they were gone, found them at Fish Creek. Beach
very icy, tide high, had to come back through the woods.
November 18, 1902 Whipsawed roof boards for
other half of roof on barn. Evening got up two barrels of water.
Wrote two pages on typewriter to my “Bobbie and papoose”.
Cooked peas for tomorrow.
November 19, 1902 Snowed about 2”. Hall and
I nailed on two bunches of shingles on barn and put on roof boards
on south side. Evening brought shingles in house to thaw
out.
November 20, 1902 Southerly storm, high wind
blew snow into cache and cabin attic, now 4” on the level. Finished
boarding up roof and laid two bunches of shingles. Evening
baked bread till 11 PM.
November 21, 1902 Hung attic door, put small
poles over cracks in barn, finished shingling south side.
Stephan came to work, got up 2 barrels of water from
lake. Lakes possible for teams, 7” of ice.
November 22, 1902 Trail in woods good, swamps
too soft. Cleared snow and manure out of barn, banked
up snow. With team on sleigh, crossed Knik Lake went up to
summit and got load birch poles to build manger in barn also got in
1st jag of native hay.
November 23, 1902 Fixed up harness, put new
tongues in snaps that were broken. Sewed up my gloves.
Evening wrote to Mattie and took a bath. Boiled dinner today
cabbage etc.
November 24, 1902 Cut off log for shingles,
split 300, want 300 more to finish roof on barn. Cut out
artic socks out of sheep skin. Evening sewed up same and
mended other artic sox. Had fried ham and eggs for supper.
Evening snowing.
November 25, 1902 Total snow 8”.
Hall and I built mangers in the barn for horses. Got
up 2 barrels of lake water.
November 26, 1902 Finished manger and started
to put partitions in stables. Coldest day of season to
date, -3. Evening baking bread up to 12 midnight.
November 27, 1902 Thanksgiving day, clear
and cold all day, 16 below. Got partition in stall finished.
Tied horses in stall. Had rabbit, assorted cakes nuts
candy and raisins for dinner.
November 28, 1902 AM -26. Got mountain
sheep skin off Palmer. Evening made slippers to wear
inside of moccasins. Fell out of cache door and bruised
my right thigh badly. Fish Creek froze over.
November 29, 1902 Hauled down load of birch
and cleaned out trail up to summit above Knik Lake. Got
timbers for bed to sleigh. Made temporary hay rack, hauled in
load of hay from Stephan’s. Evening until 12, worked on fixing
watch.
November 30, 1902 Sunday, no work.
Rabbit with dumplings and apricot pie with vegetables for dinner.
Evening got smoked tan moose skin from Palmer to make me a leather
coat, also 8 yard canvas to cover blankets for horses, Joe and
Tony.
December 1, 1902 Hauled in balance of
hay from Stephan’s slough and from government camp. In
all about two tons in the barn. Got up load of birch (dry)
wood. Evening cut out coat from moose skin.
December 2, 1902 AM 12 below. Cleared
out trail over to swamp beyond birch grove hauled down two loads
of birch firewood. Evening sewed muskrat skins in cap to
protect ears and neck. Gave Palmer’s woman leather coat to
make.
December 3, 1902 Made bed for sleigh
to haul pipe on. Made 8 loaves of bread. Evening designed
and cut out sheepskin gauntlet mittens.
December 4, 1902 Morning, windy.
Made go-devil for breaking out trail. Made 6 loaves of
bread to use on trail.
December 5, 1902 Morning 10 below.
Hall cut wood. I fixed up water barrels and bunched shingles
etc. Evening got moose skin coat finished, a dandy.
December 6, 1902 Drove over to Fish Creek cleaned
out trail and swamped out short cut to avoid hill just
below forks of K. B. and Sushitna River trail. Fish Creek OK, 8”
of ice. Brought back pole for tongue on the go-devil.
December 7, 1902 Made 4 galvanized iron
(6” stove pipe 10’ long). Fixed extractor on shotgun.
Evening sewed canvas cover on 4 horse blankets. Even steady
cold weather.
December 8, 1902 Put pole in go-devil, made
whiffletree draw strap and two draw rods for red sleigh.
Evening cut threads on rods (5/8) and oiled and cleaned up dies.
December 9, 1902 Drove new go-devil over trail
from Knik to jump off place. Ate camp dinner, graded down
hill, got home at 8 PM. Clear bright moonlight.
December 10, 1902 First warm spell in 15 days.
Drove go-devil over trail to camp no. 3. Fixed grades
at camp no. 3 and at junction of K. B. and Sushitna River trails.
Trail now in A-1 shape to Meadow Creek. Got home at 8, shot
one ptarmigan. Evening gave horses each an oil treatment.
December 11, 1902 Warmer, finished shingling
barn had to make 250 shingles. Evening cut out canvas feed bags
for horses. Got blanket cleaned to mount on parky robe.
Getting ready to leave for Willow Creek. Snowed 3”.
December 12, 1902 Broke out trail across Knik
Lake and over to hydraulic pipe at Stephan’s house. Simeon
ready to go to Tyonek for money, mail, etc. there.
December 13, 1902 Sent Simeon to Tyonek.
Very busy day getting ready for 1st trip to the mines over
winter trail. Made coal oil-can stove, fixed hooks on
chain and whiffletree. Finished Joe’s blanket and made
bread retired at midnight, 38 above.
December 14, 1902 Left Knik for Sushitna
River with camp outfit and go-devil on sled, drove Joe on the
lead. Fish Creek was overflowing. Meadow Creek just
froze enough to bear up team but broke in places. Camped
at Trail camp no. 6 at the head of Meadow Creek, snow 2’ deep.
December 15, 1902 With go-devil, cleaned
out trail from camp no. 6 to Sushitna River. River frozen
over and in fine shape. Everything alright at river camp
except barn. Swamps not frozen in places Joe broke through
on Beaver Swamp. Swamps rough full of holes. Evening
sewed up mittens etc.
December 16, 1902 AM broke camp at no. 6 and
moved outfit over to Sushitna River. Bridged mush hole
on Beaver Swamp and lowered grade 2’ at trail camp no. 7.
Made camp near barn on Sushitna River, laid down pole floor covered
with boughs.
December 17, 1902 Tore down and rebuilt brush
barn, made it big enough for three. Drove go-devil over
trail from Sushitna River camp to the bears den. Evening
sewed up Nig’s blanket.
December 18, 1902 Broke out trail up to long
grade on ridge, snow 20” deep, holes not filled with ice as
they were last year and not frozen underneath in places.
Found Patchell camped at no. 11, he had caught one martin.
December 19, 1902 Broke out trail to camp.
no. 12, snow 3’ deep on ridge. Very cold day got home
(Sushitna River camp) 8:30 PM. Old Joe fagged out.
December 20, 1902 Fixed up camp and barn at
Sushitna River then drove to Knik. October mail, that had
been held at Sunrise, arrived overland.
December 21, 1902 Sent out 1st overland mail
of season. Sent Mattie 6 pair fur lined slippers for myself,
Elmer and Grandma. Sent Mattie $100 for X-mas present.
December 22, 1902 Sun shown 4 hours. Made galvanized
iron stove pipe and baked 8 loaves of WW bread. Evening
cut button hole in winter coat fixed up same, Elliott filed saw.
December 23, 1902 Mounted galvanized pipe on
roof plate for Beedy cabin. Elliott gunning out and filing
man saw. Got 3 dozen canned meat from Palmer for trail and lunches.
December 24, 1902 K and B money arrived from
Tyonek. Simeon got back with $650 and a box of clothing
from Mattie that arrived in October. Paid Palmer and Elliott
in full. Made chocolate cake donuts.
December 25, 1902 Busy getting ready for 2nd
trip to open up trail Sushitna River to mines. Baked bread
etc. X-mas dinner was potatoes, turnips, cabbage, lima
beans, rice, fine chocolate cake, assorted nuts and candy.
Our turkey broke out of the coop.
December 26, 1902 Left Knik at 10 with men
and two weeks provisions for mine and horses to open up trail
over summit to Willow Creek. Had dinner at camp 3, very
cold N. W. wind. Trail on Big Lake drifted over. Joe
went through on Meadow Creek right down to his hips but we got him
out OK. Arrived Sushitna River at 8 PM. Got dark after leaving
Meadow Creek.
December 27, 1902 Got up at 6:45. Drove go-devil
over trail to Twin Lake. All grades from Knik to Sushitna
River now in A-1 order. Evening made sleeping bag out of
parky robe. Old Joe in bad shape but eats well.
December 28, 1902 Drove go-devil over trail
up to swamp above no. 12, had to do considerable swamping and
filling in. Snow 3½’ deep above no. 12, saw several
fresh moose tracks. Patchell came out from Knik to trap.
Evening clear and colder.
December 29, 1902 Too cold for trail work,
PM 40 below, remained at camp. Thawed out and sewed up
small tent for summit camp. Elliott caught cold and had a bad attack
of the asthma.
December 30, 1902 Too cold to leave camp. Elliott
quite sick with cold and asthma. Evening put turp and lard
on his chest and back and gave him aconite every hour till 1.
Sewed up Nig’s blanket. Old Joe badly done up from the severe
cold weather. Evening the thermometer froze up at 44 below
zero.
December 31, 1902 Still around the 40
below mark. Evening part cloudy and warming up a little.
Evening Elliott very bad could hardly catch his breath, I sat
up with him mostly all night and gave him olive tar and aconite
water. Patchell left for Knik, we decided to go in the morning.
1902 SWAMPING OUT TRAIL FROM LITTLE SUSHITNA
TO WILLOW CREEK
February 4th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 5th 3 men
7 hours
21 hours
February 6th 3 men
7 hours
21 hours
February 7th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 8th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 9th 5 men
7 hours
15 hours
February 10th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 11th built cache
and barn
February 12th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 13th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 14th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
Size of Cache 8’ x 12’ with 3’ sides
Used north side Morris cabin for sides - Used
east side Morris cabin for ends - used roof annex Morris cabin
for roof - used door Morris cabin for door - wanted 24, 9’
poles for floor.
Used floor annex for floor in Gilbert cabin,
used Gilbert cabin for ____ house 1902. Used Gilbert cabin
for tool house 1903.
Mess House 12’ x 20’ with 6’ sides
Used roof Morris cabin for floor in mess house,
used roof Martha cabin for ½ roof in mess house, used
old sluice box lumber for roof in mess house, used old sluice box
lumber sides and ends for roof in mess house, used door Morris cabin
for door in mess house, used floor Morris cabin for floor my cabin,
used window Morris cabin for window my cabin which will enlarge my cabin
to 10’ x 20’.
Martha Claim sluice Boxes
10 boxes will make 5 large boxes
2 old boxes will make 6-12’ boards
Sides of old boxes 10-12’ boards
(20 boards)
Gilbert Claim sluice Boxes
20 boxes will make 10 large boxes
Sides boxes will make 20-12’ boards
Broken boxes will make 15-12’ boards
Small boxes Homestake 12 -12’ boards (47 boards)
Morris boxes will make 36 boards
Total no. 2 boards for buildings 103-12’. long
Wanted for mess house roof 30 boards
Wanted for mess house sides 48 boards
Wanted pinestock for 15 large sluice boxes
Wanted 2 saw logs for Pinestock delivered.
1903
Undated, inside cover of 1903 journal, Herning
wrote: “This Diary begins the new year in Alaska and the thermometer
-25 with O. G. Herning and his men out on the trail at Sushitna
camp. One man caught cold and was threatened with pneumonia, so
had to bring him to Knik Station. Getting trail ready to move balance
of the hydraulic plant from Knik to Willow Creek. This diary closes
the year with O. G. Herning and family wintering in Seattle Washington.
January 1, 1903 Sushitna camp to Knik Alaska.
Elliott bad last night gave him medicine most all night.
Left Sushitna camp at 10 AM for Knik, came right through arriving
at Knik 3:30. Had no trouble crossing Meadow Creek, 1st time over
without breaking in. Beaver Pass was overflowing, trail blowed
full on lakes but very good through the timber. Nakeeta came
back with the outgoing mail, was so windy and stormy he couldn’t cross
the divide over to Turnagain. Palmer sent another Native but
will arrive Sunrise too late to catch the out-mail boat for December.
Evening Elliott much better gave him fever tablets put mustard plaster
on his chest. Broke my thermometer.
January 2, 1903 At Knik. Hall quit and
moved his bed and baggage up on the hill to the Tuell cabin.
I cared for the horses, cut wood, baked bread and cleaned up
the cabin. Chief Tyoon came down to trade, are having a powwow
tonight in his honor. Snowed 1” last night cloudy and snowing
tonight. Elliott nursing his cold and asthma - much better.
Evening sewed up leather shirt and moccasins.
January 3, 1903 with Nig and Joe, hauled the
first load of hydraulic pipe from Knik up to summit, brought
back load of birch wood. Elliott helped to saw and cut
firewood. Gave Joe ½ lb. Epsom salts. Evening
cut out chest protector for Elliott, patterned after mine and sewed
binding in mine. Evening clear bright and colder, -20.
January 4, 1903 Cleaned stove pipe and fixed
collar connecting cook stove to heater. Elliott shot 14
ptarmigans between Knik cabin and spring. Evening, borrowed
Winchester from Palmer and bought box of 45-70 cartridges 80¢.
Loaded up grub box for 3rd trip out on trail, loaded up shells for
shotguns. Gave Joe dose of nitro. Matinuski Indians
visited my cabin wanted to buy our dishes etc. Two Indians
stood 6’ 6”.
January 5, 1903 Third trip out to open the
trail. Got up at 6 put on 8 cwt. hay, 3 cwt. oats and
provisions enough to last two weeks. Was snowing when we
left Knik. Ate dinner at trail camp no. 4 in the burnt district.
Arrived Sushitna camp 6 PM had snowed 4”. Had Old Joe on the lead,
his cough began to smell rotten. Evening stewed mess of ptarmigan.
Expect to establish summit camp tomorrow.
January 6, 1903 Got up at 6 loaded up camp
outfit, 4 cwt. hay, 5 cwt. oats and started out for the summit.
Snow on ridge 4’ deep, cached part of forage at summit of ridge.
Went without dinner in order to get through to summit, arrived there
at 4:30, found cache in good shape but barn settled at one end so
we couldn’t stable the horses. Had dinner - ptarmigans, beans,
bread and coffee. Old Joe smelling very rotten, could hardly
go near him. Retired at 11:30 pitched tent on old camp ground.
January 7, 1903 Snowed 4” last night,
growing warmer. Raised up and fixed roof of barn. Snow
covered barn all over except the front. Got up dry wood
- got very wet working in snow - let horses rest. Evening sewed
up mittens. Old Joe began to run at the nose and seemed to
be some better.
January 8, 1903 AM reset our tent put in boughs
and established this camp for the winter. Drove go-devil over
trail down to long ridge and hauled back 400 cwt. of forage.
Had Elliott cut wood and dry out tarpaulin and horses blankets.
Morning found Old Joe cast, got him up - seemed to be better but poor
and weak. Evening sewed up Joe’s blanket.
January 9, 1903 Drove go-devil over trail from
summit to camp no. 12, opened trail from summit to 2nd swamp
toward Willow Creek, snow 4’ deep. Found Old Joe cast again,
had hard work to get him up - was discharging from both nostrils
gave him aconite and red pepper. Creeks overflowing so will have
to wait for zero weather before we can return to Knik.
January 11, 1903 Finished swamping out trail
to no. 14. Swamps very soft not frozen, would have mired
the horses only for the deep snow which held them up. Had Elliott
make snow plough attachment for sleighs. Got back to camp
at 8:30 and baked 2 loaves of bread and boiled ham. 4th day
of big wind, snow settling fast.
January 12, 1903 Opened up trail from no. 14
to small creek two miles from Willow Creek. Drove go-devil
over trail twice packed her down in good shape. Horse broke
through on swamps. Snow going fast, now only 2’ deep.
January 13, 1903 AM drove to long ridge for
balance of forage. Met Patchell there, he was just in
from Knik, said lakes were flooded and full of air holes.
At high noon came on a blizzard and snowed 6” by 6 PM then
storm abated. Sewed up Joe’s blanket and baked bread.
Getting short of both provisions and forage.
January 14, 1903 Largest tide of fall and winter,
made a lake out of swamp in back of Stephan’s and floated scow
off timbers at Knik. Northeaster and sleeting. Drove
go-devil over trail from summit to creek beyond no. 14. Last
nights snow filled trail full on swamps. Out of bread, beans and
candles – 30 MPH wind.
January 15, 1903 Clear and cold. Opened up
trail from small creek to within ½ mile of Willow Creek.
Elliott finished grade at no. 14 and cut brush out of trail.
Self went without dinner, Elliott had the lunch pail but no matches
so did ditto. Arrived summit camp, found Old Joe cast again and
nearly a goner, gave him aconite. Had to bridge small creek.
Much colder.
January 16, 1903 Clear and cold. Finished opening
up trail over to Willow Creek found creek in bad shape, had been
high and broken up and covered with shell ice and not possible
for team. While at the creek a hawk rode down a mallard duck
--- I caught the duck it was very fat. Went without my dinner.
Old Joe some better. Knik tomorrow if we can move Old Joe.
Tony a little “off”.
January 17, 1903 Trail now open from Knik to
Willow Creek. Old Joe a little better so left summit
camp for Knik, actual traveling time 9 hours. Brought
go-devil out to trail camp no. 6 at Meadow Creek had camp fire lunch
there. Twin Lakes flooded and full of air holes water 6”
deep, creeks frozen up OK. Big Lake soft at upper end. Sat
up until 2:30 reading letters and caring for horses.
January 18, 1903 Cleaned up cabin and started
to get mail ready, 2nd mail out overland. Now ready to commence
moving hydraulic pipe away from Knik to mines.
January 19, 1903 Jointed up new sleighs and
broke out trail across Knik Lake and over to hydraulic pipe at
Stephan’s. Writing letters and doing cooking, was up all night letter
writing.
January 20, 1903 Hauled up 2 loads hydraulic
pipe to summit above Knik Lake, 27 pipe in all. Talked with
Palmer about RR horses, he had nothing to offer but wanted to
buy feed. Colder again -6.
January 21, 1903 Made snow plow attachment
for sleighs. Hauled 18 pipe up to summit above Knik Lake,
brought back some firewood. Evening did some sewing, took
bath. Gave Old Joe ½ lb. Epsom salts and a quart of
oil, what shall the harvest be? Matinuski, Sushitna, Tyonek
and Knik Chief’s are now holding a “potlatch” at the Vacelof’s house.
January 22, 1903 Self sick all day, being
up 2 nights letter writing too much for the old man. Ate
nothing, took Warburg's tincture fixed me up OK worked all day
just the same.
January 23 1903 Clear, 1st trip
moving hydraulic pipe toward mines. Landed 18 pipe at upper end
of Meadow Creek and returned to Knik, will sled it all to Meadow
Creek first then from Meadow Creek to long ridge above Little Sushitna
thence to Willow Creek. Left Knik 9 AM road very heavy had to
make platform to land pipe on. Tony a little sick, didn’t get
home till 9 PM. Doing chores up to 2 AM. Andrew got back
with 5 pair snowshoes and 2 of my sleds from timber line on Bald Mt.
Gave him 1 sled and $1 for going after them.
January 24, 1903 Hauled up 16 pipe to
summit above Knik Lake, brought back load of birch wood.
Met Bill Morris with sled and outfit on way to Knik from Sushitna
and Tyonek. Tony’s heels sore from trail making and a little
off his feed so didn’t cross over to Meadow Creek. Had baked
ptarmigan pie for dinner , Yolly!! Sushitna Chief and aides
left for Sushitna Post, Natives report 10 RR men on way Sunrise to
Knik. Evening took bath.
January 25, 1903 Did baking and washing
cut Elliott’s hair and he cut mine. Baked 10 loaves of
bread. Elliott bled horses for lampers. Old Joe on the
mend but looks tough. Bill Morris a guest at Palmer’s.
Had rice cakes and bannocks for breakfast. Retired at midnight,
22 below.
January 26, 1903 AM -30. Had Elliott wash and
oil up double harness halters etc. Mended Joe’s blanket.
Cold wave hit Old Joe hard. Nig knocked him over in the barn,
we had to help him up with a 4 gallon can and 10’ of rubber hose,
made a fountain syringe and pumped soap suds into him, seemed
to do him no good, very weak again. Meadow Creek tomorrow weather permitting.
January 27, 1903 Took over 2nd load of pipe
to Meadow Creek. Light snow all day, trail heavy, landed 20 pipe.
Evening put extension on snow plough to use under the pole on sled.
Gave Goosmar 5 lbs. sugar, he is to give me moose meat for the
same. Two young white men arrived from Sunrise.
January 28, 1903 First time above zero
in 14 days. Hauled over 20 pipe to Meadow Creek.
Arrived home found Old Joe lying down in barn and about breathing
his last, gave him aconite camphor and 4 Dover powder.
Snow yesterday made trail heavy, met Bill Morris on his way out
to Meadow Creek to try and get a moose. Men from Sunrise
went back to Little Sushitna where they have been trapping all
winter. Fried ptarmigan for breakfast.
January 29, 1903 Hauled over 20 pipe
to Meadow Creek, total delivered 78. Meadow Creek was
overflowing, nearly got stuck near horseshoe bench. Brought
back go-devil, left the sleigh at lower end of Meadow Creek,
go-deviled trail out to Knik. Morning found Old Joe dead, probably
had the epesudic and lung trouble and liver complaints. Bill
Morris was camped on Willow Creek living in Patchell’s tent. Elliott
set 7 snares for rabbit.
January 30, 1903 Buried Old Joe in the
briny deep, took picture of his departure. Hauled 17
pipe to summit above Knik Lake, brought back some birch wood.
Let horses rest during AM as they were very tired from yesterday
trip. Cut firewood and filed man saw.
January 31, 1903 Hauled 20 pipe over
to Meadow Creek and brought back heavy sleighs. Bottom on trail
granulated and doesn’t pack, both horses and sleighs cut through.
Tony not feeling right, indications show that he is not yet acclimated.
Morning -24.
February 1, 1903 Snow and wind all day.
Baked 10 loaves bread and two mince pies. Elliott
cared for the horses. Elliott and Patchell had a talk about
K and B outfit and the RR horses. He gave Palmer away
about the price to sell them for. Palmer was to sell them for
$50 but he asked Elliott $75 each.
February 2, 1903 Snowed 9” last night and Sunday.
Broke out trail, up as far as swamp beyond birch grove, brought
back load of birch wood. Hauled 18 pipe to summit above Knik Lake.
Elliott cut up firewood. Evening got three ptarmigans ready
for a stew. Had creamed codfish for supper. Knik Lake
overflowing again. Prince shot a young moose that crossed the
Big Lake Saturday. Patchell shot one of the RR horses, it had
frozen its nose.
February 3, 1903 Self broke out trail to Meadow
Creek, took over 9 pipes. Met Bill Morris on his way back
to Knik, snow was too light to follow the moose. Had
Elliott cut birch wood at summit above Knik Lake, brought down a load.
Evening wrote to Mattie.
February 4, 1903 Snowed 3” last night
with a cold NW wind. Hauled over 14 pipe to burnt district, trail
drifted full and heavy. Elliott and I wore our
snowshoes which helped to pack down the trail.
Total pipe delivered at Meadow Creek 121.
February 5, 1903 Hauled 15 pipe over to burnt
district. Hauled down load of birch wood from summit. Two
Natives came over from Sushitna Post. Lakes overflowing
again.
February 6, 1903 AM blizzard, hauled
over two loads of pipe from Stephan’s to Knik Lake to save time
in starting off in the morning. Sold Matinuski Natives
my field glasses for $10 and hand axe for 4 bitts. Evening
Bill Morris visited, said he would go out with us in the AM and try
to get a moose. Evening wrote more to Mattie about cooking deal,
landing at Goose Bay and that I would be at Knik 1st week in May.
February 7, 1903 Hauled 13 pipe over to the
burnt district and broke out trial, total pipe delivered 149.
Snow granulated and impossible to get a hard bottom on trail.
Mail carrier one week behind time. Knik Lake overflowing.
February 8, 1903 Baked 10 loaves of bread.
Had roast moose meat and browned potatoes on the side for dinner.
Washed my flannels. Frank a Matanuski Native, visited
and said Palmer told him my glasses were no good and I asked to
much for them. Sold him some baking powder and medicine 60¢.
Much colder again. Filed down Tony’s grinders.
February 9, 1903 AM 34 below. PM hauled 3 loads
and last of hydraulic pipe from beach at Stephan’s to trail on
Knik Lake. Evening much colder. Evening developed one film
roll pictures of pipe, boats etc. at Knik. Made a ginger bread
for supper - was too rich.
February 10, 1903 AM -42. Elliott cut
wood and cared for horses and I did the cooking. Printed
20 pictures. Goosmar’s brother came over from the Sushitna Post.
Numbered my pictures 102 to 110.
February 11, 1903 AM -32. Ice on
the water bucket, first time this winter. We think
the thermometer was wrong, probably -44. Too cold to go
out on trail, Knik Lake overflowing again from air holes and pressure
of snow on ice. Mended up my leather shirt and sewed new bottom
on Tony’s nose bag. Evening wrote Sylvester Bros. about the
horses and Butler order.
February 12, 1903 Zero degrees, cloudy
warming up some. Hauled over 12 pipe to burnt district,
made the trip in 8½ hours. Big air hole opened up
on Knik Lake, 6’ off trail, water flooding ice. Brought
home a few dry sticks from the burnt district. Stephan gone
out to Twin Lakes for moose. Second mail arrived 10 PM, took about
23 days.
February 13, 1903 Landed 15 pipe at burnt district
Trail soft again and lakes flooding. On way home, when
I drove down onto Knik Lake, Nig got frightened at pile of pipe
and some kid, and tried to run away. His first brake, of that
kind, since I owned him. Got mail this morning 2 letters and calendar
from Mattie.
February 14, 1903 Westerly storm, lakes flooding
and warmer. Brought home load of birch wood, now making the
round trip in 8½ hours. Had Nakeeta make me a pair
of moose skin mittens with knitted wristers 60¢. Friday
a big lump of snow fell from trees and went down my back, today I
have a cold in my head. Evening read Valdez papers up to Jan.
22.
February 15, 1903 Very soft today, lakes flooded
with water. Had Nakeeta put facing on sheep mittens and
sew new soles in moccasins. Self darned up my darn old
wool mittens. Got 98 lbs. potatoes from Palmer. As
February mail was in, decided not to send over again until March.
Baked 10 loaves of bread. Made moose stew and boiled pot of beans.
Evening wrote to Mattie about K and B Co. affairs.
February 16, 1903 Landed 15 pipe at burnt
district, lakes flooded and load cut through. Three moose
crossed the trail on Maidens Alley. Total pipe delivered
205. Trailed 2 logs behind sleigh from Big Lake to Knik to
smooth down the snow into water on lakes. Traded Yukon sled for
40½ lbs. moose meat with Nakeeta. Temp. 36 above.
February 17, 1903 First trip that snow was
packed down and the sleigh run easy. Fish Creek overflowing.
Not feeling well today, cold in the head and throat swollen outside.
Evening wrote another sheet to Mattie. Knik Lake very bad
shell ice, water a foot deep under snow.
February 18, 1903 Some water on the Big Lake.
Total pipe delivered 239, a few more loads to go. Had
Elliott to stay home and cut fire wood. Moose crossed
trail just above Knik Lake and 2 crossed near Fish Creek. Three
white men from Sunrise arrived. Prince shot his 2nd moose this
year. Evening answered Elmer’s letter and read Matt’s earache
about trip on the SS Siglin, etc.
February 19, 1903 Light rain so didn’t
take the team out of the barn. Elliott went after the
moose above Knik Lake, “he no ketch him”. Fitted horse shoes
on Tony and had to weld on toe calk, a daisy job. Nailed 1
shoe on Tony, put oakum and sole leather under shoes. I am not feeling
well, acute pain in the head, took Warburg’s and applied snow
to head. Two prospectors in town on way to McKinley District.
February 20, 1903 Evening Elliott had the “blues”
wanted to quit the last of March. I told him he could quit
right now but he decided to stay. Evening did cooking and
read over Matt’s “1000 mile” letter. Self shot rabbit with
45-70 rifle.
February 21, 1903 Landed 17 pipe on Meadow
Creek, only 6 more to go and one Y. Total pipe delivered
272 at burnt district - 146 on Meadow Creek 126 - yet to come
6, total 278. Drove to upper end of Meadow Creek,
it was open on both sides of road about half way up, will have to
make road along the bench. Creek overflowing at south end.
Saw fresh tracks of 3 land otter and 1 moose and a wolf stole a rabbit
from Elliott’s trap. Rabbit stew for supper.
February 22, 1903 Shod Nig and Tony.
Evening baked 12 loaves bread and wrote 3 sheets to “Dear”
Mrs. Herning. Evening began to rain and continued until morning.
Shot a ptarmigan near cabin.
February 23, 1903 After rain, the trail was
too soft to travel over. Had Elliott put snow plough attachment
on new go-devil and widened the runners to 1’ in width.
Self welded ring on small binding chain and drew out the ax Hall
broke - got the temper alright - my 1st experience. PM re-sacked
24 sacks oats, put them in double sacks. Put oatmeal and rice in
canvas sacks making 156 pounds rolled oats and 40 pounds of rice.
Evening mended my suspenders retired 11 PM.
February 24, 1903 Hauled with go-devil
3 cwt. hay, coil of cable and one Y to Meadow Creek. Broke
out new trail around rapids on Meadow Creek, got home 7:30.
Trail very soft lakes flooded with water on top of ice, Fish Creek
overflowing at upper end. Nakeeta shot 3 moose and Prince got
one down at fish camp.
February 25, 1903 with load of forage
and provisions, drove over to trail camp no. 6 on Meadow Creek
to open up trail over to Little Sushitna. Put up fly for
camp on Meadow Creek. Shot a rabbit with my 45-70.
February 26, 1903 Snowed 2” last night,
made a new short cut at upper end of Meadow Creek to avoid driving
on the creek as it was opening up and not safe. go-devilled trail
on creek and up to Beaver Pass. Horseshoe Swamp covered
with moose tracks, 22 above.
February 28, 1903 Finished opening up
trail from river. Twin Lakes flooded with water.
Found tent at Sushitna camp crushed down by the snow. River
opening up on channel side, ice 8” thick under trail.
March 1, 1903 Left camp no. 6 Meadow
Creek, for Knik, for more grub and forage. Now ready
to sled pipe from Meadow Creek to ridge. Trail open to Little
Sushitna. Trail open from Meadow Creek to river. Trail work
harder on horses than a months sledding. Saw moose tracks
every direction.
March 2, 1903 Baking and getting ready
for 2 week trip out on trail. Elliott put wood in shed
cabin, fixed camp stove. Took a bath and changed clothes.
Vacilof came after his dog “”.
March 3, 1903 Left Knik with load of
provisions and feed for horses. Brought road scraper,
balance of gate and 2 pipe. Trail fine out as far as Twin
Lakes then the bottom gave out and horses broke through 18”, took
2 hours to come from last lake to Sushitna camp. Sushitna
River up 2 inches over ice. Supper at 7 retired at 9, horses
all tired out. Evening soft “Tom” came back to camp, 30 above.
March 4, 1903 Braking trail, went over
trail between Twin Lakes and Sushitna camp twice with snow
plough and once with go-devil. Just below freezing all
day much colder in evening. Had to put more filling on road
that comes onto river, river open within 6’ of road. Shoveled
snow off pipe at Sushitna
camp. A moose followed our trail
from Meadow Creek to Beaver Swamp and three on Twin Lake no.
2. Trail now in good shape for hauling pipe. Nig stepped
into an air hole on Twin Lake.
March 5, 1903 Froze hard last night,
froze up overflow on river and lakes. Had Elliott build manger
in barn, make platform to land pipe on, fix road at Sushitna camp
also made cache for meat. Evening sewed mittens, buttons
on shirt and pockets in pants.
March 6, 1903 Another cold snap, 10
below zero. AM landed 200 cwt. hay at Sushitna camp. Shot
2 ptarmigan. Met Billy coming from Willow Creek, he had
shot 3 moose. Evening stewed ptarmigans and boiled pot
of peas. Tim-Buck-Two left camp.
March 8, 1903 Took picture of pipe haul
while on Meadow Creek. Moose crossed trail near Twin Lake
no. 2, I followed him, he went down the river, got dark
so had to give up the chase, got back to camp 7 PM. Broke my
16 gauge gun stock on Tim. One year ago today landed last of hydraulic
outfit at Sushitna.
March 9, 1903 Total pipe at Sushitna
114. Goosmar came out to trap. Fifth day of freezing weather,
trail A-1. Evening sewed up my moccasins.
March 10, 1903 Freezing all day. Had
Goosmar at supper. Ink frozen up not much good.
Got stitch in back Hydraulic outfit landed year ago at Little
Sushitna.
March 11, 1903 Goosmar shot a moose gave
us some liver.
March 13, 1903 First thawing weather
in 8 days. Landed last of pipe at Sushitna camp.
Landed 40 pipe and 200 cut iron, total pipe landed 277. Bought
4 quarters of moose from Goosmar, 175 lbs. for $7, and 2
sacks flour, 20 lbs. sugar. PM had Elliott build cache for
meat and cut wood. Billy and gang came over for the 3 moose he
shot.
March 14, 1903 Opened up trail from Sushitna
camp to pipe landed last winter near no. 11 and fixed grade
on 1st bench. Snow 4’ deep off trail and about 20” deep
on road we broke out in January. Elliott having 2nd attack
of asthma. Goosmar left for Knik, sent note to Palmer to send
in-mail if we were not out by Monday evening 16th. Horses foot bleeding
again.
March 15, 1903 Drove go-devil up as far as
bear den, broke out ½ mile trail. Snow froze
out on old road bottom, very hard on horses. AM put up and
mended tent that snow crushed in, in January at Sushitna
camp.
March 16, 1903 Crazy Ephim from Old Knik visited
at breakfast time, out for a hunt, had bow and arrow and no
gun, he said Nakeeta had not arrived with the mail from Sunrise.
March 17, 1903 Broke out trail up to
top of long ridge. Snow on top of ridge 5’ deep will have
to do some shoveling. Elliott made place to land pipe near
summit of ridge. 4 PM heavy snow storm.
March 18, 1903 Drove snow plough up to holes
on trail. Drove go-devil back to Sushitna camp.
Trail up as far as 3rd ridge and finished a place to land
pipe and filled up holes on trail. Trail up as far as 3rd ridge very
good. Now ready to go to Knik for provisions - supplies for
summer at mines -also expect March mail. Evening cloudy and hail
storm. Horses worn out from breaking out trail.
March 19, 1903 Came out for supplies
for summer at the mines, forage, etc. Left Sushitna camp
9 arrived Knik 4:30 partly cloudy. Had to break out trail
all the way, 8 inches snow. No mail arrived.
March 20, 1903 Sent Elliott out with
10 bales hay, 2 sacks of oats and 4 pipe as far as Meadow Creek.
Self baking bread, 2 ginger breads and rib
roast. Started letter to Mattie about fitting up the
cabin and what to get: 15 rolls rope, 72 cabot, 300 ft. flooring
(18’), 2 bedsteads and fittings, clothing, etc. Come August.
March 21, 1903 Sent Elliott out with
4 bales hay and 14 sacks oats to Meadow Creek . I baked
bread, beans, etc. Fixed stalk to 16 gauge gun, got
cartridge for six shooter 44 cal. Sold Patchell 4 sacks oats
for RR horses at $3 sack.
March 22, 1903 Let horses rest.
Self still baking bread, now got 33 loafs. Oiled up clock
and watch, did my washing. Looked up accounts, over $800
due me from company for payments on their accounts. Cut
Elliott’s hair, Elliot mine ditto. Freezing.
March 23, 1903 Sent Elliott out with
load of forage and provisions, oats, beans, peas and fruit 25
cwt. He arrived home at 5, broke cross bars to bed of
sleigh a and had to put in new ones. Self peeled mast pole
for Sea Otter boat. Put new set harness in cache got out what was
needed to go - about 1½ tons. Elliott said Hall wanted
to work again. Told Palmer I would take back provisions he
bought from me last June. Palmer wanted to set up credit accounts
so I could hire the Natives.
March 24, 1903 Sent Elliott out with
ton of supplies. Hauled over from Palmer’s store 32 sacks
flour and put it in the cache, 3 barrels sugar, a chest
of tea, barrel of butter, 100# salt box, hard tack, 25# lima
beans, 10# nails 6d. Took back tea, sugar and flour I
sold to Palmer last spring. Self busy packing up mining stoves,
drew out ax and ground up 2 axes. Bought four quarters of a
moose from Prince. Indians reported the wolverines had eaten
up our meat at Sushitna camp. Now ready for final trip to mines.
March 25, 1903 Left Knik 9 AM arrived
Sushitna at 6 with last of provisions and incidentals for mines.
Had to break out trail from Meadow Creek - wind had blown trail full.
Goosmar came out. Sent Shorty note to send me 6 Natives
on April 15th to saw lumber. Wolverines, or Natives, stole
1 quarter of meat and bag of bacon from cache while we were gone to
Knik. Patchell got Johnny Kon Kaw.
March 26, 1903 Drove over to Meadow Creek
for load of provisions. Landed 25 cwt. at Sushitna cache.
Heavy snowfall after dinner. Billy came out to Willow Creek,
trail was heavy. Evening cleared.
March 27, 1903 Hauled coil, cable, scraper,
part of gate and one Y to summit ridge, pulled snow plough behind
sleigh coming back. PM go-deviled out trail up to pipe I
landed last winter beyond 3rd ridge. Filled up low places
on trail, cut new water hole near road from river to camp. Colder
and freezing hard. Evening sewed tie strings on Nig’s blanket.
Ephim and Pete were on way to Willow Creek, mail had not arrived.
March 28, 1903 Drove over to Meadow Creek
for load of provisions, landed 26 cwt. Trail drifted in
on lakes and swamps. Shot a ptarmigan. Freezing hard
tonight. Steak and potatoes for supper. Evening cut up
steaks and stewed ptarmigan.
March 29, 1903 Landed last of forage
and provisions at Sushitna cache from Meadow Creek, 14 bales
hay, 7 cwt. oats and 4 hydraulic pipe. Looked up short cut
from Lake no. 5 to Beaver Swamp, blazed out same, shot a rabbit.
Had ptarmigan stew with dumplings for supper. Tim-Buck-Two left
camp for Knik I guess. Evening boiled beans.
March 30, 1903 Commenced moving pipe
Sushitna to summit ridge. Trail soft, holds up sled but
horses break in, 2’ in places. Elliott troubled with asthma again,
he remained in camp. Stephan was to come to work today and
bring out-mail, didn’t show up, I think the March mail had not arrived.
March 31, 1903 Had Elliott shovel out trail
at ravine crossing and pipe. PM wet snowstorm, let horses
rest, loaded up shells. Evening sewed up overalls put in
watch pocket. Evening still snowing. No mail yet.
April 1, 1903 Snowed 7” last night. Had to
drive go-devil over trail from Sushitna camp to ridge.
PM landed 13 pipe. Trail wouldn’t hold horses, pulled
snow plow behind sleigh coming back to camp. Simeon and wife
and two Natives camped on river on way to Knik from Willow Creek.
Hired Simeon and 4 Natives to help open up trail from ridge to Willow
Creek. Elliott’s winter contract up, hired him for $2.50 per
day up to June 1st 1903.
April 2, 1903 PM landed 16 pipe at ravine crossing
and shoveled snow off pipe left there last winter. Traded
Simeon 5 # tea for quarter of moose meat, I am to give him the
tea when I come back to Knik in May. Sent Palmer word
to make me a fly 12’ x 18’ out of cabot and send it out to Sushitna
camp. Billy and Goosmar went out to Knik. Evening young
Nakeeta came out looking for Ephim, he said Nakeeta had not arrived
as yet with the March mail.
April 3, 1903 Tony broke through trail at no.
12 and was so weak he could hardly get up on his feet. Total pipe
landed at ridge 93. Evening Evan from Old Knik visited wanted
to work, gave him supper. Evening trail soft NE wind, cloudy
and warm. Sushitna cache about broken down with weight of
provisions. Ephim and Little Nakeeta went out to Knik.
The Natives think that Chief Nakeeta is dead, been gone after mail
30 days.
April 4, 1903 Landed 15 pipe, total 108 at
ridge. Tony getting very weak, fell down several times
and could hardly raise. Gave him ½” advantage on
evener. PM trail too soft to sled on, let horses rest.
The cache Butler built last winter broke down, had to put new timbers
under it and re-cache provisions. PM shoveled out pipe below
Sushitna camp. Snow 3½’ deep on pipe. Evening Crazy
Ephim visited said he was going up the Big Sushitna.
April 5, 1903 Snowed 6” last night and
10 more today very heavy storm. Self drove up over trail
to ridge to keep it open, landed 2 cwt. iron. Had Evan and
Pete for supper will commence work tomorrow. Crazy Ephim
went over to Willow Creek. Evening cooking until 11 PM., what
shall the harvest be? Snow balls! came back to camp, had
been to Knik, he soon left camp with a cord wood stick as a rudder.
Elliott remained in camp.
April 6, 1903 Landed 11 pipe, total 119,
then broke trail ½ mile on ridge, snow even with Tony’s
back. Had Elliott make another landing place for pipe.
Hired Evan and Pete to work for $1.50 day, sent them over to cache
on summer trail for shovels and camp outfit. Native Afinassi
came to camp wanted to work 1 month so I hired him as he had no sick
babies or Bobbie to call him away.
April 7, 1903 Freezing all day, 10 below.
Landed 12 pipe, total 131. Started Natives in shoveling
trail out over ridge. Evening 5 more Natives came out to
work from Knik: Stephan, Simeon and brother, Ephim and ________
(left blank), fed them supper. Affinassi commenced work.
Palmer sent out fly 12’ x 18’.
April 8, 1903 Very cold last night, froze
3” on running water. Setup camp 1 mile beyond ridge for
trail makers. Sent Elliott up to do cooking and look after
the Natives and work. I packed up camp outfit and delivered same on
ridge at noon. PM landed 12 pipe and 4 cwt. oats. Dull heavy
pain over left eye all day, kidney trouble I guess. Eight Natives
working. Ink frozen up solid
April 9, 1903 Landed 10 pipe, total 153.
Discontinued trail making by Natives as it cost $33 for ½
mile and more snow coming. Made contract with Natives
to sled provisions from ridge to cache for 2½¢ lb.,
they to board themselves. Landed 5 cwt. provisions on ridge
and broke out trail coming home to S. camp. Goosmar for lodger
tonight. Nothing heard from mail. Mills and Teck
back to Knik from Matinuski.
April 10, 1903 Snowed 14” last night.
When breaking out trail, the whiffletrees slid in 14” more on
sides. Evan wanted to continue by the day. Sent Elliott
with Natives to Gilbert cabin for sleds. Evan and I broke out
trail and landed 1,000 lb. provisions. Tony very weak.
Moving provisions from Sushitna to top of ridge.
April 11, 1903 Elliott and Natives got
back at noon from mines. Affinassi shot a moose near Linder’s
cabin. Evan and I sledded up provisions to ridge. Moved
mess camp back to landing place for hydraulic pipe at ridge near
crossing. Gilbert cabin covered over with snow. Snow
level with top of door at OGH cabin. Evening packed up balance
of provisions retired at 12.
April 12, 1903 Delivered last of provisions
on ridge. Natives sledding to Willow Creek setup camp on
ridge, men to build cache for forage. February mail arrived.
Company sent PO orders for $1,200. F. W. Lloyd coming in with
horse and provisions wants to work. Mail man arrived 5 PM, met
him at bears den. Palmer sent small rope.
April 13, 1903 Elliott and men had posts up
and logs cut for cache. I worked on cache, broke out trail coming
“home” to Sushitna camp. Loaded up pipe for early morning trip.
Found someone had been into my camp and ate ½ pt. sauce
and ½ loaf bread, part of gingerbread, meat, sugar and drank
a can of cream. Son-of-a-gun was living high. I saw tracks
down river but don’t know where he came from. Evening reading
Christian papers sent in my G. Langdon, Plymouth Ct. Clear 20 to 34.
April 14, 1903 Windy, snow squalls
32 above. Evan went home, sister reported as sick. Elliott
finished cache. Evening big NE wind, read over last mail again.
Expect to go over to mines to cache provisions in the morning.
April 15, 1903 AM delivered balance of
forage at ridge cache Elliott put crib under pipe. Encountered
blizzard crossing from ridge to Willow Creek, in half hour no
trail to be seen, snowshoes sank 1’ and covered with heavy wet
snow. Reached creek 8 PM found Natives with provisions camped
at R. and L. cabin. Hardest trip in all my time in Alaska,
took 7 hours to cover 2½ hour trip. Left Indian camp
9 PM for my cabin on Grubstake had to break trail. It got dark at 11
PM so camped under tree, siwash fashion, near Linder’s cabin.
April 16, 1903 Started out at daylight reached
my private cabin at sunrise found long shelf in end of cabin
covered with 1’ of snow, cleaned it out, then got breakfast, no
sleep or supper last night. Natives delivered 1,290 lbs. provisions
at cache weighed up and cached same.
April 17, 1903 Snow squalls. Natives
delivered 1,829 lbs. provisions at cache on Grubstake, I weighed
up and cached same. Started yeast for bread. Ephim
shot a brown bear on bench, one hundred yards from my cabin, it
was just out of his den.
April 18, 1903 Natives delivered
1,642 lbs., last of provisions - total 4,761 lbs. gross at
2½¢ lb. = $119.02. Gave Natives credit at
Palmer’s for $117.05. I got camp outfit provisions ready
for lumber camps and del. 150 lbs. Made contract with Ephim
and Affinassia to cut and deliver dry wood at mess house at 50¢
per sled load and to deliver oats at cache from R. and L. cabin at
75¢ per sack Evening baked bread.
April 19, 1903 Clear and freezing. Self
sledded 200 lbs. provisions and camp outfit from private
cabin to lumber camp. Barn completely covered with snow and
loft of cabin full of snow. Shoveled out same, setup stove
and arranged camp for arrival of swampers and sawyers, got back at
7, went without dinner. PM went up to the Gulch, mess house was
part full of snow, other cabins OK. Snow on Homestake bench 30
to 40’ deep and creek full of slides. Brown bear visited all cabins
today.
April 20, 1903 Left private cabin for trail
camp. Stopped at lumber camp and put window in cabin.
Arrived at Sushitna 8 PM. Elliott had all the pipe delivered
at ridge except 68. Evan had not returned to work. Now sledding
nights, trail too soft in day time.
April 21, 1903 Got up at 2 AM, Elliott and
I delivered 37 pipe at ridge, through at 3 PM. Natives
all gone to Knik to spend their wages and attend funeral of Stephan’s
baby. Ephim and Affinassa sledding at mines.
April 22, 1903 Fair and warmer.
Landed 17 pipe and a load of gates etc. at ridge from 4 to 12
AM. Two more loads to come and Sushitna camp outfit.
PM Evan came back reported his sister very sick, paid him off - 8 days
$12. Sent Palmer P.O. order $100 to apply on account.
April 23, 1903 Got up at 3 AM landed
17 and last of pipe and a load of machinery at ridge.
Heavy rain for 2 hours during AM. Moved Sushitna camp to
ridge. At noon contracted with Chief Nicoli and partner
to deliver 30 pipe at mines for $2 per pipe. Chief ½ day
at $1.50, Evan ½ day at $1.50. Evening got outfit ready
for mines, 440 pipe delivered on ridge.
April 24, 1903 Fair and warmer.
Got Elliott off for the mines with Natives at 7 AM. Sledded
their camp outfit over ridge with horses. Evening Peters arrived
from Knik wanted to work, had him sled scraper to mines. Took
Inventory of pipe supplies etc. in cache at ridge. Evan 1
day, Chief 166 lbs. Retired 11 PM ready for Knik.
April 25, 1903 with horses, deep snow and soft
weather, closed up teaming. Got up 3 AM, cached camp outfit
in forage cache with 20 sacks oats, 11 bales hay. Left
sleighs, had about 150 lb. pack on Nig. Left ridge 9 AM very
soft, trail down to Sushitna camp would not hold, some
places horses go in 3 to 4’, Little Sushitna opening up.
Twin Lakes flooded with 8” water. Snow 2½’ deep Sushitna
to Fish Creek. Old trail no good. Fish Creek flooded
from rim to rim - water over ice knee to belly deep on horses.
Snow 2’ deep, Fish Creek to summit above Knik Lake. At Knik snow
all gone on banks along beach only 1’ over to lake. Knik Lake covered
with snow and but little water on ice no air holes. Arrived at Knik
10 PM. Palmer got off for Sunrise the 23rd.
April 26, 1903 Up at 6 AM, cared for
horses gave them a good grooming, both about half shed off.
First cut on Nig’s feet this winter - got down with a pack on
and cracked his right foot when getting up. Tony cracked
himself as usual. They broke through on trail ridge to Sushitna.
Had I waited another day, lakes, creeks and river would have been
hazardous crossing. Rained while coming down Meadow Creek
yesterday and with both feet wet, caught cold, pain in right ear and
tonsil badly swollen. Used tincture iodine outside, peroxide
water inside, very painful tonight. Sold Prince old broken
shotgun $2 and 16 brass shells $1. Patchell came for another
sack of oats for RR horses. Bread raising tonight expect Palmer
with mail any tide.
April 27, 1903 At Knik. Elliott working
Natives at mines - getting out firewood and saw logs.
I am sick today, right ear and glands below same very sore and painful.
Using peroxide, Vaseline, Warburg’s and treatment, tongue
badly coated. Hired Prince to cut up wood and store in cabin.
PM we cut two loads green birch wood. Baked 10 loaves bread
and good enough for a king. Developed film roll last night, pictures
came out fine, numbered them today - 113 to 125. Had Prince for
dinner and supper. Evening took a bath and changed my “old rags”.
Gave Simeon tea for moose meat.
April 28, 1903 Feeling some better today.
Had Prince help me haul in two loads of birch wood. Put
forage in barn out of small cabin. Split up a lot of birch
and stored in my cabin for future use and safe keeping. Bill
Morris agreed to feed and care for the horses until I came out after
them in June. Put sleighs in loft of barn. Printed and
toned a few pictures, are very good. Evening wrote two typewritten
sheets to my “Bobbie and papoose”. Palmer didn’t come with April
mail.
April 29, 1903 PM had Prince help to clean
out small cabin. Put barrels overhead and balance in
cache, cleaned up engines in launch. Evening wrote Mattie
late news about trip out from the ridge to Knik and about coming
out next fall. Evening Pete and young Goosmer did my washing, “,
Yolly!!” Feeling some better, throat sore and ear aches some.
April 30, 1903 Clear and windy.
Made lock for attic door in barn and put up medicine box. Sorted
over papers and old letters until 11 PM. Mounted Elmer’s,
Mammas and my pictures and hung on the wall over table. Nothing heard
or seen of Palmer, think that the mail boat is late. Knik flats
covered with ice, channel open but full of ice. Had can
of pineapple for supper for a change. Gave Pete and Goosmar 10¢
each for doing washing.
May 1, 1903 Sent off my report of money expended
June 4 to date. Amount to date $1,469.07 received from
company, balance paid out from my own funds. Evening Palmer
got back with April mail, came up on the SS Bertha. Cook Inlet
Trans. Co. bought the SS Tyonek. Received letter Scand.
Bank saying $2,000 more shipped on the 1st boat. The Pacific
Alaska Ex. sent card, a valuable pkg. was at Sunrise awaiting my orders.
Got prospectus of K and B Co. illustrated.
May 2, 1903 Made out statement of bills payable
and cash on hand at Knik May 1/03. Due self, money advanced
to K and B Co. $986.09. Due labor to date $364, due Palmer $119.26,
total $1,469.35. Cash available $2,200, net $740.65, asked
for $819.35, total season 1903 $1,560. Personal checks issued on
Scandinavian American Bank $1,325.91, due salary 1902
$674.09, due salary 1903 $2000, total due $2,674.09. Wrote Mattie
not to accept stock as part payment on claims.
May 3, 1903 Put window in small cabin
and put up galvanized iron stove pipe. Made wooden shutter
for attic window in big cabin. Made cover for oat box in
barn. Cleaned hair out of horses. Paid March mail service.
May 4, 1903 Mailed statements of funds
on hand and bills payable to W. A. Farnsworth, wrote
Hanmore about proposed new trading company here on the Inlet.
Wrote A. C. Co. Kodiak about gate valve handle. Paid Palmer
$100 on store account. Bought new pair leather boots,
cut price $2.25. Acknowledged receipt of money to Scandinavian
American Bank. Left 10 letters with Palmer, 2 letters and
1 pkg. for Mattie, retired 12:30.
May 5, 1903 Didn’t hear the alarm, got up at
5 left Knik at 7 with pack on Elmer’s Indian sleigh, fairly good
going over as far as Fish Creek, creek flooded - took to the woods.
Snow all gone at burnt district and Meadow Creek. Water knee deep
in ravens on trail. Meadow Creek open so cached sled and cut
across burnt district and came out at 1st Twin Lake. Swamps
flooded beyond 2nd Twin Lake, had to take to woods, feet wet
and nearly frozen. Arrived at Little Sushitna 10 PM,
legs nearly paralyzed from ice water. River open and high
so camped Indian fashion for the night under a tree no blankets or
grub. Sick all day, vomited many times, I drank river water,
stayed with me.
May 6, 1903 Left camp under spruce at
4 AM, fell tree across river - half of it was under water.
Took off shoes, with pack on back, scaled the log, gee wasn’t the
water cold! Put skids under go-devil at Sushitna camp.
Snow most all gone up ridge. Arrived ridge camp 8 AM, had pot of
coffee, cakes and mutton for lunch. Looked after pipe, left at
noon for mines, snowshoeing on mountains good, arrived at lumber camp
9 PM., Natives had delivered 30 loads of firewood. Elliott had
up 30 saw log posts sawed up.
May 7, 1903 Six Natives were sawing logs below
my cabin on Gilbert Claim. Elliott peeling logs
and lining up same. I was very sore from trip from Knik to mines
on winter trail. Set sponge for bread. Snow on creek
basin level with sawpit horses.
May 8, 1903 Logs sawed - about
2,200 ft. to date. Had Stephan saw firewood 5½
hours $1.10, boarded himself. Made out estimate for penstock
for 40 sluice boxes. Dug water hole on Grubstake no ice and
snow 10’ deep on creek.
May 9, 1903 Elliott finished peeling
the 30 logs and lined up balance of same. Stephan fell
from top of saw pit and broke tiller hole in saw. Easterly winds
and snow settling fast .
May 10, 1903 Logs all sawed but 2. Elliott
and I re-piled lumber and covered it over with tarpaulins.
Went up to mess house to get measurement of poles to build bunks.
Got grub ready for lumber camp. Expect to get out and saw
up 15 more logs. Natives bought more grub.
May 11, 1903 Natives finished sawing up 1st
lot of 30 logs. Three Sushitna Natives came in to work.
Palmer sent Simeon Jr. back to get Natives time so he could cash
my orders. Wrote six orders on Palmer for $72.05. Borrowed
$25 from Elliott to pay labor.
May 12, 1903 Got up at 1 AM Elliott and
I got out 14 saw logs. Sushitna Natives sledded up 7 logs
to Gilbert saw pit. Knik Natives laid off, now living at
lumber camp 2 miles down Willow Creek from my cabin.
May 13, 1903 Elliott and I finished getting
out 20 saw logs, makes 50 in all. Too soft to sled logs
up to creek, so we went to Gilbert cabin, peeled and lined up 5
saw logs. Andrew quit, gave him credit at Palmer’s for $10.80.
Lloyd and Harcus arrived timber line on Bald Mt. Sent Native
over with 2 pair snowshoes to cross over mountain.
May 14, 1903 I peeled 1 log and started bread.
Stephan finished, gave him credit at Palmer’s for $15.95.
Snow going fast, ½ Craigie Hog Back now bare. Brush
on Willow Creek beginning to show up through snow “and the band
plays on”. Lloyd and Harcus arrived at lumber camp worn
out from trip Knik to Willow Creek, 3 days, wanted to work.
May 15, 1903 Natives sledded up 2 logs
and whipsawed today. PM exciting time, Natives saw 3
bands of caribou coming down Craigie Mt. to Willow Creek, 14 in
one bunch, 7 in another bunch up on top of mountain, Nakilla
went after them, shot 4 and wounded 2 out of 7, rest took to the
top of mountain.
May 16, 1903 Natives finished sawing 9 more
logs at Gilbert saw pit, 39 in all. Too soft to sled logs
up from timber so will move down and saw logs in woods, snow going
fast.
May 17, 1903 1st Sunday off in weeks. Baked
10 loaves of bread. Moved down to lumber camp to help with
the balance of logs. Lloyd and Harcus, Elliott and myself
now eating at lumber camp.
May 18, 1903 Up at 4 AM. Elliott and
I got out 4 logs and the Native 2 logs, up to saw pit ground.
Built saw pit large enough so 6 men could saw on it.
May 20, 1903 Natives finished whipsawing 48
logs in all about 5,000’. Nakilla sledded 4 loads of lumber
from timber up to Gilbert Claim. Paid off Sushitna Natives
$19.75 net. Saw wolverine opposite lumber camp near Wet Gulch.
Natives finished working.
May 21, 1903 Got tools and lumber ready to
sled from lumber camp up to Gilbert Claim. Natives sledded
up 300’. PM settled up with Natives, paid Chief and Peter $14.30
by credit at Palmer’s. Number of logs sawed 48, cost to saw them
$131.80, cost each log $2.95½. Flume boxes penstock
bottoms 3 x 4 x 3.6 long. Penstock posts 3 x 3½ x 3 ft
long penstock collars 3 x 6 inches 3½ ft. long. Had
Elliott knock down old boxes at Jifkin’s.
May 22, 1903 Elliott and I hauled up
120’ of old sluice box boards from Jifkin’s to mess house.
PM re-piled lumber off snow onto ground at Gilbert Claim.
Evening clear and freezing.
May 23, 1903 Got up at 1 AM and sledded 262’,
balance of lumber from timber up to Gilbert Claim. Delivered
420’ slabs and boards at mess house for kitchen addition, finished
with sledding at noon. PM repaired roof on lumber camp.
May 24, 1903 Elliott moved up to my cabin
from lumber camp. Lloyd and Harcus came up, had them at
dinner, they decided to go out to Knik. PM sledded lumber
across creek from Gilbert saw pit, put 8 sacks oats into cache, full
to roof. Put pork in brine, salted down 8 ptarmigan. Put
up single bunk over my bed. Got grub ready for trip to Knik for
horses. More help and money at Sunrise.
May 25, 1903 We got up 4 AM. Left
my cabin at 6:30, snow shoed up Grubstake through Wet Gulch Pass,
snow deep to summit of Bald Mt. Grubstake Creek filled from
bank to bank. Snow 1/3 gone on north side of Willow.
Arrived timber line 11 AM. Elliott sprained his ankle coming down
from Bald Mt. trail down to Little Sushitna. Camped for the
night. Supper roast beef corn bread coffee.
May 26, 1903 Up at 3:30 left river at
5:30 cleaned out trail over to Big Lake. Caught mess of
trout in Native’s fish trap at Big Lake, trail good. No rain
during this trip for once. Ate lunch at Big Lake arrived Knik
6 PM. Elliott came in on 3 legs, ankle swollen and very sore.
Found horses doing well. Palmer and mail still at Knik. Up
till 12 cooking. Paid Affinassi $5.25 on account.
May 27, 1903 Fried trout for breakfast.
Started to overhaul Sea Otter boat, put on new sail, fixed rudder
irons, wash board and cut a foot off aft deck Gave Stephan
sail for Ruby L. Andrew and Hall at Knik going up Knik River,
claim to have struck $5 diggings. Evening typewrote 1 sheet
to “Dear Mrs. Herning”. Mixed up bread. Paid Ephim $1
on account. Sold Elmer’s accordion, total due Elmer $1.
May 28, 1903 Got carpenter work done on Sea
Otter boat, sail made, boat caulked and partly puttied.
Worked on sail and baked 10 loaves of bread. PM Lloyd and
partner arrived from Willow Creek, had them for supper. Evening
changed clothes and took a bath. Got 2 R. beef, 2 R. mutton and
½ dozen sardines from Palmer.
May 29, 1903 Elliott, Chief Nicholai and I
left for Sunrise with Sea Otter boat. Arrived Fire Island
4 AM but had to row all the way.
May 30, 1903 Arrived Sunrise 9 AM found
$2,000 awaiting me at Express Companies office. Bought bill
of goods from A. C. Co. store. Fine trip - sailing breeze
up Turnagain Arm. Express on money $40, supplies A. C. Co.
Sunrise $18.70, meals hotel $3, paid Chief in full $30, paid Elliott
back for borrowed cash $25, took up personal check given to Elliott
$100, sent Mattie $200.
May 31, 1903 Left Sunrise for Hope, met Buzzard
ate supper with him. Sent Nicholai over to Sunrise to get
Harry Watson for camp cook. Slept in Buzzard’s store house,
meals at Hope $3. Did some trading with A. C. Co. store.
Went up to hydraulic on Bear Creek. Mrs. Smith, Sleeper and Mrs.
Watson on tear. Hot time in Hope tonight Sleeper and Smith
fighting Mrs. Watson.
June 1, 1903 Bought box of dynamite off
Buzzard. Ate dinner at Buzzard’s Bear Creek camp, meals at Hope
$2.50. Finished trading at A. C. Co. store. At midnight
BIG EARTHQUAKE - strongest one felt since in Alaska - threw dishes
off shelves in store. Ready for Knik but too much wind so
had to lay over. Elliott is to get $3 a day from this date through
mining season.
June 2, 1903 Midnight left Hope for Knik
took along Watson for camp cook. Contracted with Harry
Watson to cook for 3 months at $75 a month. Dynamite from
Buzzard $5, supplies from A. C. Co. Hope $20.45, meals at Hope $3,
iron handle 25¢, cartridges 35¢.
June 3, 1903 Came right through, had
lunch on Fire Island in Knik 11 AM. Pulled out Sea Otter
to dry. Paid Nicholai for 4½ days boating to Sunrise
$6.75, paid Ephim balance on account $35.80.
June 4, 1903 Painted up Sea Otter boat
and front of cabin. Got grub ready for prospecting trip
to Eagle Creek. Harry Watson commenced work. Steamer
Tyonek came to Knik for Palmer’s supplies. Paid Palmer in
full $189.13, paid Peter $20, paid Affinassi $8.
June 5, 1903 Left midnight - Knik to
Eagle Creek - with Lloyd, Harcus and Elliott. Crossed
Arm to Crescent Bay. Killed a porcupine. Agreed to
give Lloyd and Harcus work at mines at $3 and board 9 hours work.
June 6, 1903 On noon tide, went up creek
to tide water level on Eagle Creek. PM looked up route
up creek, camped at ACRR old camp. Packed up Eagle Creek
and only got half way up.
June 7, 1903 Made up to canyon on Eagle
Creek, prospected some, found no gold.
June 8, 1903 Went up to canyon, grub all gone
so had to turn back, had to shoot rabbits for meat.
June 9, 1903 Left camp near head
of Eagle Creek for Crescent Bay. Fish and coffee for
supper, arrived at camp 11 PM, had beans, sauce, pilot bread,
cakes and cookies etc. for supper.
June 10, 1903 Left for Knik, rowed out to Goose
Bay bar, waited for flood tied arrived Knik 4 PM.
June 11, 1903 Put timbers under scow
got outfit ready for mines. Paid Nakeeta $1 for use of
boat. Paid Palmer in full to date $16.35, paid Morris
$5 for care of horses in May, paid Elliott for wages due Dec.
27, 1902 to June 1, 1903 $303, moose meat 8 lb. 40¢. Hired
Lloyd and Harcus to go to prospect headwaters of Eagle Creek, furnished
guide and grub and each to get $1.50 per day. Hired Stephan
for guide at $1.50 per day. Sent them out at 8 PM.
June 12, 1903 Closed up Knik camp at 7.
Sent Elliott up to Cottonwood with horses. Had Native take
out self and cook in boat, paid Natives 50¢. Left
Cottonwood at 10:30, dinner at creek, arrived Little Sushitna 7
PM went into camp, trail very fine. Quite a few mosquitoes
around lakes and swamps, self packed grub. Horses packed 1
box dynamite, 1 box cheese, 1 bag rice 50 lbs., 1 bag rolled oats 40
lbs., 1 ball small rope, canvas for bunks, 50 lbs. oats, small grip,
USA tent, 1 set harness.
June 13, 1903 Little Sushitna up, left
camp 7 AM cut new trail along creek to avoid alder swamp near
timber line on Bald Mt. Snow for 300 yards on summit of
mountain so had to unpack horses, crust held them half way across,
snow 6’ deep. Patches of snow on Wet Gulch hog back and
along mountain bench around to Grubstake. Gulches just beginning
to open up. Canyon full of snow - Willow Creek up. No
green grass for horses. Nig turned over pack and fell on side
of mountain came up on his feet. Elliott lost box off Tony in
Wet Gulch.
June 14, 1903 Elliott went to look for
box, found it on Wet Gulch. Harry baking and cleaned up
cabin. Self mended stockings etc. Now have good cook
all the same as married “except”. Raw cold wind, cloudy,
snow about ¾ gone in gulch.
June 15, 1903 Elliott and I put up frame
for mess house kitchen. Snow in canyon for 500’ and 50’
drift above falls. Canyon ditch full of snow at lower end.
Water tore hole in ditch above falls and let water back into creek.
Evening put up canvas bunk in my cabin for Harry the cook.
June 16, 1903 Got up sides and ends to
mess house kitchen, now ready to lay floor and roof. Nig and
Tony went over on Craigie hogback looking for grass, large patches
of snow over there yet. A few skeeters hatched out today.
Using my cabin for mess house until mess house at canyon is completed.
June 17, 1903 Started to lay floor in kitchen
out of slab, got frame to door ready. Evening horses came
back to cam, they were gone 2 days up Willow Creek both looking
fine. Lloyd and Harcus prospecting on Eagle Creek for me, they
ought to be on way to Knik. Put screen over bed - skeeters hatching
fast but not troublesome. Harry planted potatoes and radishes.
June 18, 1903 Got floor laid and door
made and windows cut in mess house. Put up canopy over
Harry’s bunk. Skeeters bad this AM the small kind.
Evening wrote a few lines to Mattie.
June 19, 1903 Got work tables up and
door hung in mess house kitchen. Went up to Homestake,
creek full of snow from saw pit up to dam and crushed 2 flume boxes.
Brought down some cooking gear to mess house. Evening skeeters
very bad made a smudge for horses. Creek opened up below canyon
today canyon full of snow direct below the falls.
June 20, 1903 Made dining room table
to seat 10 men, put windows in kitchen. Warmest day as
yet creeks high and mosquitoes quite lively. Evening made smudge
for horses. Radishes up.
June 21, 1903 Put up large shelf 8’ x
4” loft of kitchen for to store supplies on etc.
Put cloth around sides of cabin in bunk house to keep out skeeters.
Packed up 4 slabs - my cabin to mess house. Evening skeeters very
bad made big smudge for Nig and Tony.
June 22, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus arrived from
Knik, reported the Little Sushitna overflowing its banks.
Got duplicate mail from Tyonek. Elliott and I took horses
and packed up shingle bolts from timber to mess house also packed
up a dozen slabs in 1 load and got roof on kitchen. Lloyd and
Harcus packed up their outfit from our lumber camp. Mosquitoes
very bad down in the timber. Creeks going down a little.
June 23, 1903 All hands pulled the flume out
of the creek on Homestake, knocked flume apart to make sluice
boxes. Made bench for table, put perlin plates under kitchen
roof. Went up to hydraulic dam, snow all gone above and below
dam. Gulch full of snow above Homestake water place. Elliott
fell in creek while getting out flume. Parky’s ate my shoe.
June 24, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus making
large sluice boxes. Elliott and I working on mess house.
Packed up 144’ of slab on Nig and Tony. Put canvas on roof
of kitchen and setup stove. Lloyd and Harcus with Stephan as
guide, were gone 7 days prospecting Eagle Creek, found 3 locations,
one made by Patchell who sneaked in after them. They made no
locations. Gulches had all been swept out. Glacier at head
of Eagle Creek. Stephan time 7 days, Lloyd 3½ days,
Harcus 3½ days.
June 25, 1903 Setup stove and put up
shelves in mess house kitchen. Started to put up bunks.
Lloyd and Harcus making sluice boxes.
June 26, 1903 Light snow on mountains
and light rain since yesterday. Got up 4 bunks, packed
down 2 bunks from Homestake cabin. Lloyd and Harcus making
sluice boxes. Evening very cool.
June 27, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus finished
making 9 sluice boxes, put Lloyd to getting out riffles 1½
x 2 inches and Harcus sharpening up picks and drills. Elliott
and I put up 6 bunks, cut attic window in kitchen of mess house.
Started to get grade for hydraulic pipeline. Horses looking
fine, creeks lowering fast. Upper Grubstake covered with
snow. Snowed on mountains last night.
June 28, 1903 Lloyd sawing out riffle
poles, Harcus sharpening up tools. Elliott and I finished
grade level for hydraulic pipeline at dam for 400 yards. Evening
got ready to go to Knik for plough and June mail and the NE farmers
Farnsworth was to send up on SS Bertha (*this page
has sketch of creek, pipeline, bench, etc.)
June 29, 1903 with Nig and Tony left mines
at 5:30 AM arrived Knik at 6:30 PM. Elliott and Harcus
started to dig hydraulic ditch at dam. Lloyd making riffles.
Found no mail or men at Knik. Found plough delivered at Knik
from A. C. Co. Tyonek.
June 30, 1903 At Knik, got plough ready to
pack to mines also scythe, whiffletrees, box of can goods, 1
dozen cream, oil cloth, etc. Left oil cloth pattern on sale
at Palmer’s. Paid store bill at Palmer’s $5.90. Washing
50¢, paid Goosmar 50¢ for getting gloves that were
left on Fire Island June 3rd. Hired Hall and Burmburg to work
at mines for $3 for 9 hour day. Sent after mail to Sunrise.
July 1, 1903 Left Knik at 5:30 put all
of pack on Nig, rode Tony part of way. Arrived Little Sushitna
2 PM fed horses, arrived mines 8:30 PM. Rain and hail
storm coming over mountains and down Wet Gulch. Very smoky
no rain at mines. Hall and Barmburg left Knik same time.
Got feet and legs wet, cold rain. Warmest day as yet
of summer.
July 2, 1903 Lloyd finished riffles and
started in on hydraulic ditch for pipeline. I and Tony
packed 15 cwt. provisions form cache to mess house. Mess house
now ready for occupancy. Lloyd and Harcus moved up to mess
house. Hall and Bramburg as yet on trail Knik to Willow Creek.
July 3, 1903 Moving day. Harry
and I packed up camp outfit from my cabin to mess house.
Self put blanket cover on table under oilcloth, put oilcloth on
kitchen work table, fixed up 3 bunks. Hall and Henry arrived,
was 2 days coming from Little Sushitna. All hands sleeping
at mess house except Elliott and I at my private cabin. Evening
first meal in mess house.
July 4, 1903 Packed up plough and scraper
to dam. With horses opened up 60’ ditch, men finished 240’
ditch. Mosquitoes very bad, small kind. Evening talked
with Elliott about moving plant to mines next winter. Said
I would pay wages for actual time and $50 for month between moving
plant and getting out lumber. Had oyster supper at mess house
no red lemonade or peanuts. Hall and Henry commenced work.
Evening wrote Mattie.
July 5, 1903 AM run grade to hydraulic
ditch intake of dam, men digging ditch. Elliott made go-devil
to haul pipe and sluice boxes on. Whitney brothers arrived from
Boston, hired to work for the company for one year, stipulation
each to get 5,000 shares of stock, $150 fare and board for 1 year.
Put them in Gilbert cabin. Natives shot at brown bear over on
Craigie Creek.
July 6, 1903 The Whitney brothers helped me
set stakes in PM. Put Whitney’s to scalping sods.
Elliott and I opened up 300’ of pipeline ditch with horses plough
and scraper. Men got ditch at hydraulic dam about completed.
Hauled up a few sluice boxes on new go-devil.
July 7, 1903 Cut sods with horses, men filled
in two low places on pipeline grade. Ditch near intake
down to bedrock, have to blast out 25’ of same. PM finished
wall at intake at hydraulic dam. Boys working on pipeline grade.
Evening heavy rain quiet cool. Wrote a few lines to Mattie.
Mosquitoes fierce and furious.
July 8, 1903 Elliott and I made road from saw
pit on Grubstake up on left hand bench. go-deviled up lumber
for gates at dam. Men got lower end of ditch about down
to grade. Evening Frank Whitney panned on Willow Creek found
fine colors.
July 9, 1903 Elliott go-deviled up hydraulic
pipe to dam. Lloyd put in gate to ditch and dam. Men finished
pipeline ditch. Put Hall and Bahrenberg to clean out canyon
ditch PM. Self run grade to ditch, handled 4 stone hammers
and helped to cut out team trail up Grubstake. Elliott got horses
over the dump no harm done, horses and load rolled over and over.
July 10, 1903 Got up balance of pipe
and riffle poles to Homestake claim. Hauled up hydraulic hose
and sluice boxes. Lloyd finished gates at hydraulic dam,
2 men finished cleaning out canyon ditch. Self and Harcus
made collar to connect hose to Y, sharpened drills, etc. Started
to connect hydraulic pipe. Mosquitoes doing business today.
Evening riveted bale on pail.
July 11, 1903 Got pipe connected with ditch
ready for operation. Run ditch down to end of Homestake
Claim with horses. Got canyon ditch cleaned out, ready to
build in dam washed out last fall. All material delivered on
ground with horses. Put in two blasts in canyon ditch, it threw
rock on the mess house roof. Expect to turn water in pipeline ditch
tomorrow.
July 12, 1903 Worked with men and horses
on last of pipeline ditch. Self with horses scraped out 150’
ditch. Turned water into pipeline. Gate in hydraulic
dam stuck. After supper Elliott helped me to raise gate,
it broke in 2 pieces, dam filled to within 4 inches of top.
July 13, 1903 Finished pipeline ditch, made
new gate for hydraulic dam built up low places along ditch.
Used horses to cut sods and move up lumber for gates. Now
ready to commence sluicing. Mosquitoes quite bad. Mail
man 3 days overdue with June mail.
July 14, 1903 Blasted out ledge for overflow
at hydraulic dam to let water around dam when creek is high.
With horses, hauled rock to dam to cover gate frame guide.
Placed 2nd new gate in dam flume, gate worked OK, shut down gate
and run water through pipeline and pipeline ditch. Hall and
Bahrenberg got dams closed in and water running through canyon ditch.
Now ready for sluicing.
July 15, 1903 Got canyon ditch and dams
completed. Ditch carrying 4/5 of creek, creek high.
Corked sluice boxes and built wing-dam on Homestake. Whitney
brothers finished ditch for high water at hydraulic dam. Evening
cleaned out under cache and put up canvas on two sides for storm
barn for horses. Took a 1¢ pan of dirt out of canyon ditch.
July 16, 1903 Got in wing dam and boxes
set on Homestake. Water high, hard work, to cope with water.
Got canyon ditch in shape to carry creek.
After dinner several large rocks slid into ditch, cleaned them
out and raised dam 6 inches. Ditch carrying creek OK.
At 5 PM land slide went into ditch, stopped all water and the force
broke a 6’ hole in side of dam. Elliott laid off sick. Evening
Whitney boys went fishing for trout on Willow, went as far as Boulder.
Sold Clarence pair gum boots $7 cash.
July 17, 1903 Very cold storm with wind,
creek still rising, no work today. Self looked after
pipeline and boxes, water within 9” of top of hydraulic dam. Water
running through pipeline and ditch OK. Packed up 350 lbs.
provisions from cache to mess house. Made window frame for
dining room window. Put new handle on claw hammer. Some
snow yet on south side of Craigie Mt. Sixth day of cold rain.
July 18, 1903 Got hydraulic hose working. Had
Harcus make new drill and sharpen up picks. Elliott and
Lloyd ran hydraulic hose. Self, with Whitney’s and Tony,
packed up lumber for flume in sidewall of canyon ditch, made same.
Canyon ditch wall now ready to close-in again. Had Hall
and Henry build back wall to ditch wall.
July 19, 1903 Elliott, Lloyd and
Harcus running hydraulic hose, finished 1st setup, time day
and half. Self with rest of gang rebuilt ditch wall at canyon.
Once more got canyon ditch carrying all of creek, now ready to
sluice in canyon. Evening put cloth in window frame for mess
house dining room. Put handle on another hammer.
July 20, 1903 Had men put in another line of
hydraulic pipe to carry surplus water. Self worked at
canyon, setup small boxes and worked on ditch with Hall
and Henry. Evening cleaned up 3 riffles, got 4-14-4, one 35¢
nugget, 3 dwt coarse gold.
July 21, 1903 First fair dry day since
July 11th. Finished 2nd pipeline, moved sluice boxes
to bend of gulch, put in 5 boxes to carry creek. Sods all
scooped off bench and ready to set sluice boxes. PM sluiced
in canyon, 2 men with small boxes. Evening prospected canyon
by panning. Haven’t powder
enough to open pot holes under falls. Five
days work, 1 man cleaned sand out of 1st clean up, net weight
4-3-13 for 40 yds. No mail man yet.
July 22, 1903 Got setup about ready on
2nd move up creek on Homestake. For 3 hours, piped into boxes,
creek down about one half . Self, with Whitney’s, pulled
balance of boxes out of creek. Hall and Henry sluicing in canyon.
Canyon ditch cutting at lower end, down 30’ deep. Last of snow
at foot of Homestake just gone. Snow yet spans the creek above
Homestake cabin, 100’ long.
July 23, 1903 Three men piping on 2nd
setup 9 hours. Whitney’s scalping sods. Hall and
Henry sluicing in canyon. Now ready to run 2 shifts on squirt
gun and 1 hand sluicing. Elliott and Hall on morning shift,
Lloyd and Harcus on PM shift, Henry and Clarence hand sluicing
in canyon. Frank, rock man, self on clean ups and running squirt
gun while men eat their meals.
July 24, 1903 Three AM Elliott
and Hall commenced on morning shifts. Noon Lloyd and
Harcus went on PM shift, piping finished at 9 PM. Put Clarence
Whitney on hand sluicing in canyon with Bahrenberg. Put
Frank Whitney to handling rock, day work 7 to 5 PM. Self run
nozzle while morning and evening shifts eat their meals. Help
to handle rock and make moves clean up etc. Evening cleaned rock
out of canyon ditch.
July 25, 1903 On shifts, 6 PM ditch
broke out. Self with Lloyd and Harcus repaired ditch, finished
at 11:30 PM. No bottom as yet to pothole in canyon.
PM self made nugget riffle for small boxes.
July 26, 1903 Sunday, cleaning bedrock,
ready to clean up on 2nd setup in morning. Finished pothole
in canyon prospected poorly at bottom. Evening did washing.
July 27, 1903 Cleaned small boxes in canyon,
moved boxes up to near falls. Cleaned up big boxes and
moved up in gravel bank on bend of creek. Pay streak 15’ wide,
3’ deep, worked until 10:30. Clean up on 2nd move 4-11-17.
Canyon 11 dwt, total 5-2-17.
July 28, 1903 Creek lowest of season,
commenced piping in on 3rd setup. Hand sluicing under canyon
falls. Self working from 6 AM to 6 PM. Snow slide
over creek below Homestake cabin, just broke in over creek, 100’
long on rim of creek yet.
July 29, 1903 Finished 3rd
setup on bench of creek, opened channel to carry creek.
Next setup in creek bottom, started wing dam to turn creek.
Not much gravel below canyon falls bedrock high up.
July 30, 1903 Built wing dam to run creek
over bench, now ready to setup boxes for 4th setup, 2nd shift
only worked 5 hours. Clean up on 3rd setup, time 10 days
for 1 man, 2-7-16 or $38.13, $3.80 per day. This setup was
on bench. Piping out ditch to carry creek, found one 43¢
nugget. Evening self with Tony packed up 175 lbs. provisions
from cache to mess house.
July 31, 1903 Had Harcus make bed rock
scrapers. Natives arrived with mail, letters from Mattie
with birthday presents AV and fountain pen. Sent National
Grocery Co. order for 6 tons groceries, wrote Mattie would come out
Sept. on SS Bertha.
August 1, 1903 Sluicing on 4th setup.
Worked bedrock by hand took out 50¢ pan. Elliott finished,
got the “belly ache”. Natives left for Knik with mail.
Natives packed in 94 lbs. fresh salmon, cost 10¢ lb., delivered
to the mines. Mail service $4.
August 2, 1903 Sunday, no work today,
wind and rain. Self looked after ditch and pipeline,
dam full to the top. Cleaned up on Homestake, 4th setup,
1 man 15 days, piped only day and half 3-18-18, $63 = $4.20 per
day. Actual time for piping $8.40 to the man. Evening cleaned
and weighed gold.
August 3, 1903 Reset boxes for 5th setup. Self
and Harcus cleaned bedrock, found 83½¢ nugget in
canyon under rock slide. Hall finished, he is going prospecting
up Knik River. Cash on hand $585, bills payable $322, net
cash $263.
August 4, 1903 Self sluiced canyon, cleaning
bedrock, lots of fine gold in sight. Lloyd, Harcus and
Frank Whitney on day shift, piping at 5th setup on Homestake.
Elliott and Hall left for Knik.
August 5, 1903 Self helped to clean up
so as to add on 2 boxes on 5th setup piping. Got 13 dwt
18 gr. under 1st riffle. Clarence sluicing in canyon.
Evening started a letter to Mattie. Only 6 men now in camp.
August 6, 1903 Frost last night. Got
reset of boxes going on Homestake, took out 6 dwt from bedrock
work. Sent Frank over on Craigie hogback to cut hay.
Self worked in canyon. Evening did washing.
August 7, 1903 Cleaned up in canyon, got 1-4-2
for 1 man 6 days. Reset boxes for ground sluice. Went
up to look after squirt gun got 50¢ pan on bedrock and 25¢
pan on rim gravel. All swept in, ready to add on more boxes.
Good bedrock in sight, have to clean same by hand.
Frank mowing hay “by gosh”.
August 8, 1903 Arranged to add on boxes to
5th set up piping. Took out 5 pans on bedrock got 6 dwt
18g. = $5.40 or $1.08 to the pan. PM cleaning bedrock, lots
of gold in sight. Had Frank and Clarence stack and cover over hay
about ½ ton. Evening horses came down to camp, Tony’s
left knee badly swollen, had bruised it in some way. Tony getting
fat, ribs don’t show.
August 9, 1903 Sunday cleaned up boxes
on 5th setup, got all told 6 oz. 9 dwt 21 gr. = $104.40,
20 days 1 man including dead work, average $5.22 per day.
Average actual time piping $6.52 per day to the man. Last
3 days paid $10 to the man. Put on 2 more boxes, now got 19 boxes
set up. PM piped 3 hours. Clarence ground sluicing in canyon.
Warmer and more rain. Creek lowering a little, yet a sluice
head above normal.
August 10, 1903 Three men piping, self
helped to finish ground sluice in canyon, clean up 10 dwt 21g.
for one man, 4 days. Mosquitoes biting more today.
August 11, 1903 Finished piping up to
wing dam, stopped operations in canyon. Put Clarence to
cleaning bedrock after piping. AM all worked on bedrock
August 12, 1903 Finished bedrock and boys scalped
sods, had to blast out ledge to reset boxes. Cleaned up
half of boxes, got 2 oz. 11 dwt more in boxes, now through with 5th
set up. Creek lowest of season, about down to normal.
Last of snow slide in creek below Homestake just melted away.
Salmonberries ripe also a few blues.
August 13, 1903 Cleaned up 2 oz., bedrock
work, paid $5 a day to the man. Got 3 dwt of nuggets, one
went 80¢. Moved boxes, started piping on 6th setup. Blasted
out part of overflow at hydraulic dam. Evening couldn’t catch
horses, wanted to go to Knik Friday. Evening pulled rock out
of canyon ditch.
August 14, 1903 Worked on blasting out overflow
at hydraulic dam and worked on bedrock, Lloyd and Harcus piping.
Took all hands to drive horses down to camp 5 PM. Evening
staked Tony out, he broke his rope and got away, caught them at mess
house after a long chase. Got ready for Knik.
August 15, 1903 Started for Knik, with
horses at 5 AM, packed sacks oats, tarpaulin, wrench, 2 hammers
and man-saw over to Sushitna cache and covered with canvas.
Arrived at Knik 8 PM very warm day. Got 2 May letters from
Mattie, 8 letters for men, no company mail.
August 16, 1903 At Knik. Got Morris to
look after Natives cutting hay. PM went out to show Natives
about cutting hay. Got ready to return to mines. Wrote
to Urann and May about Whitney’s and my salary and about connecting
claims, Willow Creek and Grubstake.
August 17, 1903 Tony’s knee badly swollen
from fall at mines so didn’t return to mines. AM men finished
adding on boxes, piped and worked bedrock Sent mail over
to Hope, paid Native for July mail $2.75, paid Morris for
June mail $3, traded at store $1.40. Horses started for the
Cottonwood, caught them at 1st creek.
August 18, 1903 Left Knik 6 AM for mines,
packed in sack of flour and 50 lbs. provisions, odds and ends.
Creek high, Harcus and Lloyd cleaned up boxes, no work.
Clean up 3 oz. 12 g. for 2 days work by 4 men = $48.60 or $6 to the
man. Self arrived at mines 8 PM no work today sluicing. Had red
currants and sugar and 3 saloon pilots for dinner at Little Sushitna
and tea.
August 19, 1903 No sluicing, creek high.
Left with Whitney’s, swamped out trail along bench to 1st mountain
gulch, trail from mess house around mountains to Knik.
Evening found out clean up and logged same. Now
have $519.76, have been sluicing 1 month, one half of time doing
dead work. Started to use new fountain pen works OK, Yolly!!
Had 1st blueberries at mines, Yolly!
August 20, 1903 Started sluicing, creek
high. Worked on bedrock, 5 men all day. Clarence paid $2.30
on mail service. Had 1st mess of ptarmigan since May.
August 21, 1903 Finished cleaning bedrock
on 6th setup. Cleaned up got 4-2-3 and several 50¢ nuggets,
most all coarse gold. Now ready to make 7th move up creek,
got out over 3 lbs. of gold since July 20th, actual sluicing
about half the time, balance dead work. Creek high all summer.
August 22, 1903 Got boxes set up and
commenced sluicing on 7th setup. Took out $1.20 pan on
bedrock, creek lowered some. Will soon close up mining and
finish dead work so as to be ready for early operation next season.
Stewed moss berries for supper. Nig and Tony came down to
camp, Tony’s knee some better, swollen some but not lame,
both hog fat. Nig got his usual lump of sugar.
August 23, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus finished work.
With Whitney’s, cleaned rock out of canyon ditch. Two and a half
hours on bedrock, Frank cut hay, Clarence and I piping. Evening
paid off Lloyd, $177.90 and Harcus $179.40. Sent out 2 letters
to Mattie, one to Juneau, one to Hotel Stevens Seattle. Also
wrote to Sylvester Bros. about delayed mail to write me at Juneau
if my wife was not coming as per arrangement.
August 24, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus left
camp for Knik. With Whitney’s piped in and cleaned boxes,
got $21.10. Built wing dam up center of creek got ready to
add on 3 more boxes. Cold NE rain with wind. Blues for supper
and ptarmigans for dinner. Now only 4 left in camp, cost to
run camp $5 per day. Service alone costs $1 each man.
August 25, 1903 Finished putting on 3 boxes
had to put in 4 blasts to open up grade on bedrock. Whitney’s
worked bedrock and I piped in on rim, took out 2 pans got 1-18 or
$1.40.
August 26, 1903 Showers all day.
Piped in 2/3 of day, boys on bedrock Found 17¢
nugget, took out 80¢ pan on bedrock in the rim. Finished
7th setup ready to clean up in morning.
August 27, 1903 Cleaned up boxes, got
2-5-3 = $36.10 about $5 to the man for actual time sluicing,
average $8 to the man. Removed boxes and made new setup on left
hand bank of creek. Evening Clarence and I split up 3
blocks that Harry couldn’t split. Weighed up gold. Evening
clear sunset and cooler. First snow fell on Craigie and Martha
peaks last night. Mosquitoes all gone, creek lowest of season.
August 28, 1903 Very fine white frost
last night. Piped gravel down to boxes all day, boys piled
rock. Evening horses came down, Tony’s knee swollen and
some leg peeling off, washed it good put on turp. and oil and lard.
Evening loaded up shells. Self caught a young ptarmigan on the wing,
half grown.
August 29, 1903 Piped in all day, boys
handled rock. Had Frank put up hay on Homestake bench to feed
horses next week, while gathering up tools, boxes and running
balance of pipeline grade. Blueberries right in prime.
Third frost came last night. Clear and quite cool this evening.
Expect to finish piping for this season tomorrow, creek down to normal,
water getting cold.
August 30, 1903 Finished mining for this season.
Total time mining, dead work included, 38 days. Clean
up 1-6-22, net 10-1. Piped in 2½ days, 3 men, no
hand work on high rim, no gravel, loose barren schist. Fourth
frost, shot 3 ptarmigan. Had 1st “blue” shortcake for supper
of season. Always stewed blues with hot biscuit heretofore.
August 31, 1903 Fifth frost last night.
Hauled boxes out of creek to dry out, took up hydraulic hose,
cleaned out pipeline ditch and fixed holes cut in wall of ditch.
In 1½ hours pounded out 8 sluice boxes and got 1-4-15 = $19.70
- ten more to clean up. Had ptarmigan stew for dinner, blueberry
shortcake for supper, berries and cream. Harry picked a pint
bottle full of large “blues” for me to take below.
September 1, 1903 Cleaned out ditch at
discharge of pipeline. Took down part of 13” pipe
and removed 6” Y. Lowered grade of pipe and got double
row of 13” and 14” pipe connecting ditches about installed.
Cleaned out 5 more and last of sluice boxes. Evening, Harry
had a blueberries picked, 12 quarts in 1½ hours. Horses
came down, tied Tony up, will commence working them tomorrow.
September 2, 1903 Got small boxes out
of canyon, took horses up with us to pipeline, got 2nd double
pipeline about connected. Finished pipeline and ploughed sods
with horse and built up low places to protect pipeline from snow
slides. Hauled up rock to brace pipeline and sod wall at foot
of dam ditch, hauled hydraulic hose to the Brainard cabin and brought
load of hay down to Gilbert cabin on stone boat.
September 3, 1903 Working with go-devil
and horses all day. Hauled up dynamite from Gilbert
cabin to Brainard cabin, moved all of 17 sluice boxes
down to foot of Homestake claim, also moved five 14” pipe down to
lower end of ditch and three 13” pipe down to connect ditch with hydraulic
hose. Put tools in Brainard cabin, also coil baling wire.
Hauled down another jag of Homestake hay to Gilbert cabin. Now
ready to open up in early spring on Homestake. Expect to pack
hay down to lumber camp tomorrow and go down creek.
September 4, 1903 with horses, packed
300 cwt. hay down to lumber camp and packed out trail down as
far as Linder cabin, found good possible sleigh trail from Jifkin’s
down to Linder’s. Frank and Harry chinked up Jifkin cabin.
All hands ate grouse supper at lumber camp, got home 9 PM.
September 5, 1903 Repaired flume box in hydraulic
dam and filled in below flume box with rock, cold
and wet job. Took 3 hours to remove flume gate. Let
water out of dam and got things in shape for winter weather.
Snowed last night on mountains at head of Grubstake and Craigie Creek.
September 6, 1903 with horses, worked
on pipeline ditch 60’ long to connect with main pipeline.
From pipeline ditch, run ditch 100 yards to foot of Homestake
Claim for ground sluice to hydraulic hose outfit for next seasons
work. Heavy showers got wet. Had the boys put hose on
roof of cabin to dry and put tarpaulin on roof to keep Brainard cabin
dry. Quit work at 5, made shutters for windows on mess house.
Evening did my washing.
September 7, 1903 Finished work on hydraulic
ditch, self corked up hydraulic dam. Put balance of tools
in Brainard cabin, hauled scraper and plough down to the Lottie
- Gilbert Claim. Graded on road from foot of Gilbert Claim around
hogback on left of gulch. Decided to leave for Little Sushitna
tomorrow noon. Evening, cleaned up silver, got 6 dwt 15 gr.
Total clean up for this season 48 oz., 6 dwt, 1 gr. Getting
cabins ready to close up for this season. Snow on mountains
last night.
September 8, 1903 Finished road up hogback
on the Gopher Claim, got ready to leave for Sushitna camp.
Sent Frank down to close up lumber camp, he ate dinner there and
started out for Bald Mt. Harry left camp and met Frank on
Wet Gulch. Clarence and I and horses got away at 4:30. It got
dark after reaching timber line, we didn’t arrive at Sushitna camp
until 10:30. Frank and Harry were not there, they lost the trail
on Bald Mt.
September 9, 1903 Frank and Harry, our cook,
arrived Sushitna camp, lost the trail on Bald Mt., went
down right hand gulch 3 miles east of Bald Mt. They were out
all night, no supper, found trail at timber line near dark so had
to camp. Self with Frank and horses left for ridge camp on winter
trail via on RR trail from Little Sushitna, arrived ridge camp at
dark. Clarence and Harry cut hay at Sushitna camp.
September 10, 1903 Re-piled gates etc.,
pipe piles stood OK. Ridge cache and contents in A-1 order.
Showed Frank over trail beyond the ridge. Left ridge 3
PM arrived at Sushitna camp on summer trail at 7. Boys
had sides up on cache, ready for roof. RR trail fairly good some
mush holes near ridge.
September 11, 1903 Got up ridge pole
and rafters on cache, covered roof with tarpaulins. Packed
hay up to cache now ready for Knik. Cached harness, axes,
grub box, etc. in cache. Caught a dog salmon with hook and line.
September 12, 1903 Got off at 9:30 for Knik,
ate dinner at upper creek crossing, arrived Cottonwood at 4
PM, tide out so boys had to walk down to Knik. Tide flats
very muddy, arrived Knik 6:30 with horses. Boys came in at
7 all wet and tired out, trip down beach worse than all the rest of
the trip. Palmer back from Seattle, received July and Aug. mail.
September 13, 1903 Sunday off today,
light rain. Breakfast of new potatoes from our garden, grouse
stew, biscuits and coffee. Boys all very lame from trip.
Made out list of work to be done on trail, supplies to get etc.
for the Whitney’s. Indians only cut 1/3 ton hay, no Natives at Knik.
Rain and wind and no way to get over to Hope to catch local boat
down for the SS Bertha.
September 14, 1903 Self and Frank went with
boat to Cottonwood to get Sea Otter boat. I shot 6 yellow legs
and two ducks, Frank couldn’t hit anything. Got ready to leave for
Tyonek. Settled up with Palmer, arranged with him for $50 credit
at store. With Morris and Frank left Knik at midnight for Tyonek.
September 15, 1903 Wind abated some so
decided to try for Hope or Tyonek. Busy making out list
of work for Whitney’s, for lumber etc. Engaged Bill Morris
to go down to Tyonek with me. Got baggage ready to leave Knik
on morning ebb. Squared up account with Palmer and opened
credit account for $50 to run the house. Arrived Fire Island
6 AM, left Fire Island 7 PM, arrived Susitna 11 PM.
September 16, 1903 Left Susitna for Tyonek,
Morris remained at Susitna. Had hard work to reach 3 mile,
got fair wind and came down on flood tide. Arrived Susitna
2 AM, slept in work shop at cannery. At Tyonek received August
18th letter from Mattie. Were guests of Mr. Finch. Paid
A. C. Co. for plough and scraper, got $9 rebate of money sent up
October 1901. Bought can goods $1.50 for return trip to Knik.
September 17, 1903 SS Tyonek arrived 7 PM left
at midnight for Kenai. Left smooth tide.
September 18, 1903 Arrived Kenai AM,
arrived Seldovia midnight, no boats had arrived. Thirteen
passengers who came down to go on Excelsior were wandering about
the beach.
September 19, 1903 Got another duplicate
letter from Mattie. Met Andrews, he thought his stock
was no good but was satisfied when he found out it was the same
old company. Took dinner with Andrews at the Seldovia Restaurant.
September 20, 1903 Some went to church.
No boat today. Evening had music, flute and guitar.
Smith (AC) and Mrs. Shaw did the waltz act. Mrs.
White Smith and Mrs. Collins were at Seldovia.
September 21, 1903 3 AM the SS
Bertha arrived reported SS Excelsior caught fire on up-trip
and they had to sink her. SS Bertha passed Newport
just outside the Cape. Got August 18 and Sept. 2 letters
from Mattie she had not received my July and August letters telling
her when to leave for Juneau. K and B freight came on SS Bertha
but no horse. Had to pay the freight of $102.25 Seattle to
Seldovia, $46.20 Seldovia to Knik. Paid in gold dust
9 oz. 5 ½ dwt SS Newport arrived westbound.
September 22 1903 SS Bertha got away
late last night. Went over to Homer and Aurora, were just off
Anchor Point, Tyonek on way to Sunrise. SS Bertha full
up, had to take room off dining room. Mr. Riley and Hagley,
hydraulic men from Kenai River, were roommates. PM arrived Iliamna
and Inherskin Bay, took on oil men from Government Survey. 6 PM
off for Kodiak.
September 23, 1903 SS Bertha arrived
at Kodiak 11 AM put off 120 tons of freight. Some miners,
on way outside, stopped off on account of recent beach diggings
just found near Kodiak. Several rich quarts veins were located
this summer. Left Kodiak 8 PM for Valdez district.
September 24, 1903 In route, Kodiak to Valdez,
very smooth tide no one sick. Arrived at Latouche Island
6 PM weather very fine. A few men got aboard at Latouche.
September 25, 1903 Arrived at Valdez
3 AM. About a dozen passengers got off and some four
dozen got on, mostly were “Hooks”. Left Valdez at 11 AM.
Left Fort Liscum at noon took on four soldiers. Met James Fish
Sr. and Gus Benson.
September 26, 1903 Arrived Kayak at 5 AM took
on several passengers. Quite a few remained, couldn’t
get berths. Left Kayak 7 AM, Yakutat next stop. Took
two snaps of Cape St. Elias.
September 27, 1903 Arrived at Yakutat, 3 AM,
took on salt salmon. Natives came aboard ship to sell
curios, they did a big business. Got away from Yakutat at
1 PM, very fine weather still prevails. Juneau next.
Took on several passengers all have to bunk on the floor.
Caught light cold last night door was open near my head.
September 28, 1903 Got inside straits early
this morning. Ice very thick in Icy Straits. Arrived
at Juneau 5:30 PM went to Post Office and got letter from Mattie,
said she would leave Sleepy Eye (Minnesota) about Sept. 17th and
Seattle Sept 24th for Juneau. Lynn Canal boats all late,
bunched together on sailing dates. Expect Seattle in the 30th.
Took quarters, at the Occidental, in a $6 room. Retired 9 PM.
Put gold dust in hotel safe.
September 29, 1903 Fine weather still
prevails at Juneau. Got hair cut 50¢, clothing $10,
200 cwt.
w. w. flour off Decker Bros. for D. Finch at
Tyonek $5.40. Had shoes topped $1, Florida water 25¢,
daily papers 30¢, fruit 40¢. Retired at 10:30
got up at 11:30 to meet Mattie and son on SS Dolphin they were
not on board.
September 30, 1903 2 AM met City of Seattle,
found wife and son on board. All retired at 3:30 AM.,
room 16 Occidental Hotel. Had breakfast with wife and son
9 AM. After lunch took a walk up to hydraulic plant in Silver
Bow Basin, got back at 5 PM. Dinner at 6:30, Mattie and Elmer
quite tired from trip. Paid Hotel Occidental for 1 week,
up Oct. 7th, $5.50 per day for suite 16 and 18, electric lighted
and steam heated.
October 2, 1903 Elmer had earache. PM went
for a walk went up by court house thence north along beach about
2 miles. Got fruit 25¢, spoons 25¢, whiskbroom
25¢, nuts 5¢.
October 3, 1903 Mattie, Elmer and I went over
to see the great Treadwell Mine. Saw the Glory Hole and
went down the shaft to the 600’ level. Took in the concentrators
and stamp mill. Evening not well myself, powder effected
my head.
October 4, 1903 The SS Topeka arrived,
got no mail. Light showers, stayed in rooms most all
day. Elmer’s earache much better. Made out and checked
up lumber list for flume boxes, 1904, at mines.
October 5, 1903 Made out list to complete 60
boxes. Lumber on hand, 82 - 1½” bottoms, 102
1” for sides, 22 - 3 x 4 sills, 41 - 3 x 3’.x2”
posts. Made out order for 38 - 1½” bottoms,
290 – 1” sides, 260 - 5/8” cleats, 46 - 2½” x 7 collars,
12 - 3 x 4 sills, 20 - 3 x 3½ posts. Estimate of logs
- 75, all to be 12’ 6” long. 1½ bottoms, 10” small end,
1” from 7”, small end. Mailed above list to Whitney’s at
Knik.
October 6, 1903 Last evening they held a banquet
at Occidental in honor of Capt. Greely who laid the Government
cable from Juneau to Sitka. Cottage City arrived last night
no mail as yet. Elmer feeling A-1 now. Hotel rooms
all taken.
October 7, 1903 Mr. Jarrett and wife visited
to see my gold. Jarrett is interested in hydraulic and
quartz near Juneau - engineer for his company. Paid 2nd
week board in advance $37.50.
October 8, 1903 Mattie went out to look up
rents. PM Elmer went to school. Self worked on accounts.
Evening wedding supper at Hotel Occidental. Kids shivereed,
them got $2. SS Dirigo came in.
October 9, 1903 Elmer 2nd day at Juneau school.
Mattie and Mrs. Jarrett out looking for diamonds. SS Topeka
came back, reported Cottage City broke down 75 miles below Juneau,
engine low pressure business, broken. Talked with Graham
the cigar man about river boat on the Big Sushitna.
October 10, 1903 White frost last night.
SS Farallon came in on way south. Bought a pair pants $6.50,
shirt $1.50, drawers $1, socks (3) 60¢, towels 50¢, apples
and candle 20¢. Evening went to hear concert at Kauffman's
store. SS Dolphin arrived from Seattle expect mail.
October 11, 1903 SS Al-Ki arrived north bound
with explosives. Elmer went to Sunday School. Evening
large crowd at dinner at Occidental Hotel. Evening visited
in parlor, Mattie sang. Received letter from Knik boys, got
back OK, provisions arrived 25th Sept. Received letter from Sylvester,
F. S. could raise money if I pulled out from K.B. his own
offer.
October 12, 1903 Wrote to Palmer, sent him
draft for $50 to apply on K. B. account. Wrote to Whitney
brothers Knik, sent list of provisions that I want sledded into
mines.
October 13, 1903 Drew map of trail, Knik to
Little Sushitna, showing all the bad places. Sent same
to Whitney at Knik. SS Bertha due tonight, left Seattle
the 8th 8 PM. Evening summed up sluicing days for one man, 124
days piped 24½ days 8 hours.
October 14, 1903 SS Bertha arrived 8
PM. Got letters from Farnsworth saying he had wired $500
to Seattle Scandinavian American Bank for Mrs. Herning’s
use - had no funds to send to Knik until November. Letter
from Scand. Bank stated there was $510 in bank subject to my personal
checks. Only 4 passengers on SS Bertha, had full load
of freight. SS Humbolt arrived.
October 15, 1903 First snow at Juneau
arrived last night. No frost as yet in the ground, down to 34,
froze some last night. Wrote to Scand. Bank not to pay out my money
on K. B. accounts. Wrote father I could not take charge of
the farm at present.
October 16, 1903 At Juneau,
30 to 45, everything white with snow this AM. Received
message from Farnsworth and Urann saying $500 sent to Scand. Bank
and 20,000 stock mailed.
October 17, 1903 Wrote Sylvester Bros. that
we would come below after I received mail from Boston.
SS Humbolt arrived on way to Seattle loaded with Dawson people.
Reported 6 below at Dawson and the rivers closing up. River
boats stalled and many tons of freight at White Horse yet to go (Dawson).
October 18, 1903 Snow all gone south.
Elmer’s birthday, 8 years old, gave him a blow accordion.
Evening Herning family visited Jarret family in hotel parlor.
Talked with Davis the assayer about assay on rock from Matanuski
Dist.
October 19, 1903 No boats in. Wrote
father we would come down last of month, invited him to
come to Seattle.
October 20, 1903 SS Dolphin arrived got no
mail. Answered Gilbert’s letter, wrote all the Cook Inlet
news. Wrote Gilbert would be in Seattle last of month.
Evening the Valencia arrived had only paper mail.
October 21, 1903 Went to the head of Silver
Bow Basin. Two quartz mines in operation - hydraulic shut
down and practically worked out. SS Dolphin returned from
Skagway via to Seattle. Paid for one week to date $37.50 at
Occidental Hotel Juneau, Alaska.
October 22, 1903 Heavy rain caused land slide
on Swede Hill (Juneau) - drove three cabins down to the beach.
October 23, 1903 Took several snap shots of
Juneau court house, hospital, etc. Mrs. H. visited on Mrs.
Jarrett at her new home. Entered Natives accounts on day book.
October 24, 1903 Invited out to dinner at Jarrett’s.
5 PM SS Seattle arrived, got letter from Farnsworth
and Urann with balance K. B. stock due 20,000 shares. Total
K. B. stock 62,600 shares.
October 25, 1903 SS Dirigo arrived at noon.
Acknowledged receipt of K. B. stock. Requested Farnsworth
to return my personal check vouchers. Urann to return papers
for Gilbert Claim. Was asked to represent Knik at Territorial
Convention held at Juneau October 26th. The SS Jeannie arrived
from the west, was 5 days from Valdez to Sitka 2½ days travel.
October 26, 1903 Attended Territorial Convention
at Juneau. Judge Delaney, ex-Governor Swineford, gave
up the contest and quit the convention. Territorial form
of Government was voted down. Meeting adjourned 4 PM until
October 19, 1904. Evening Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett visited.
Entertained them at Whist.
October 27, 1903 Saw Inspector Lenhers about
Davis launch engineer license, I am to apply next spring.
He said I could get a special engineer license to run my own
boat. SS Seattle left for Seattle with full load of passengers
mostly from Dawson. 9 PM with family left Juneau for Seattle
on the SS Valencia.
October 28, 1903 In route on SS Valencia.
Arrived at Wrangle 2 PM. Run under slow speed all night
so as to arrive at Kasann at morning. AM put off some
freight at the Olympia mine. Lehners and Whitney got aboard
at Wrangle.
October 29, 1903 On SS Valencia arrived at
Kasaan Cannery and Quartz camp, took on passengers.
Noon, after a rough trip, arrived at Loring fish camp to take
on 200 tons of salmon. Both Mattie and Elmer got seasick
for the first time. Lenhers and Whitney left for Ketchikan
on small steamer SS Alaskan. The bark, William H. Macy
at wharf loading salmon.
October 30, 1903 On SS Valencia at Loring.
Took on 8,000 cases of salmon. Left Loring at 4 PM arrived
at Ketchikan at 6 P M, took on a few passengers. Valencia
loaded down to the sea hole. Passed through Dixon Entrance
during the night. Mattie’s 34th birthday.
October 31, 1903 Passed through Dixon Entrance
last night, head wind today. Took picture of Elmer and
Mattie in stateroom. Passed through Millbank 7 to
8 this PM. Mamma was afraid and said “New York” several times,
Elmer laughed.
November 1, 1903 Passed through Queen
Charlotte Sound, not very rough. 3 PM Passed through Seymour
Narrows.
November 2, 1903 On SS Valencia arrived
at Victoria 4 AM, left at 7. Arrived at Port Townsend 10:30,
left at 12 noon. Arrived Seattle 3:30 PM took quarters
at Hotel Stevens.
The Herning's spent the rest of 1903 in Seattle.
I have included only those entries that are connected, in any
way, to Alaska.
November 4, 1903 Sent Gilbert $100 balance
due in full on claims.
November 6, 1903 Met Passwater and Hunt from
the Inlet.
November 7, 1903 Saw Doc Herndon just out from
Knik. .
November 10, 1903 Received letter (Oct 7th
Knik) from Whitney’s.
November 11, 1903 Deposited gold dust
with Sylvester Bros. 30 oz., 1 dwt, 15 g. = $481.30.
Bedrock gold in hand 2 oz., 4 dwt, 15 g. = $35.70.
Elmer’s nuggets 2-18 = $2.20. Total of dust $525.
November 18, 1903 Met Buzzard. Made preliminary
arrangements to ship powder on schooner to Cook Inlet next spring.
November 23, 1903 Told J. O. May how
the Whitney’s were hiring help etc. and not to count me as
a Syndicate member.
November 27, 1903 Met Hanmore, Gomper
and the Litchfield Bros. SS Excelsior in from the north
but no mail.
November 29, 1903 Mr. Hovey visited on us.
Talked over affairs in Alaska.
November 30, 1903 Received letter from May
returned from Juneau which stated the results of the K. B. meeting.
May said all approved my plans and work that they would raise
3,000 at once by company notes.
December 1, 1903 Wrote to J. O. May about
Gilbert Claims that I would send in report when Farnsworth returned
1901 vouchers and my personal check vouchers.
December 6 ,1903 Report came from Sitka that
the “Cutter Rush” found only wreckage of the SS Discovery,
no signs of dead or live bodies. The SS Discovery was lost
in a storm off Yakutat Nov. 9th. Had about 30 passengers
from Nome and way ports.
December 11, 1903 No mail from north.
Mailed dozen and a half trail views to W. H. Elliott at Hope
Alaska. PM got mail ready to send to Knik. Wrote Palmer
and Whitney’s that I wouldn’t send any money - would be there in
time to pay off Natives. Wrote Harry Watson that I wouldn’t
send his $100 as A. C. Smith had come out and that I might come in
early.
December 14, 1903 Got K. B. books ready to
post in ledger rough balance sheet shows cash received
$5,550 gold dust $879.56 total $6,429.56. Cash paid
out for mining supplies provisions labor horses transportation
etc. $6,687, balance self $257.76. Received letter from
J. O. May come east.
December 16, 1903 Wrote May sent balance
but not as official report. Grand total expended at mines
June 1901 to date $17,233.74. Received out of this $1,825.91
on my first year salary.
December 19, 1903 Sent J. O. May moccasins,
gold nugget pin and comb holder box. Received letter from Urann
said he would forward my papers if requested.
December 20, 1903 Wrote Urann to send
on papers connected with companies option on the Gilbert Claims.
Wrote J. O. May that I wouldn’t come east and that the company
must come up by April 1, 1904.
December 22, 1903 Wrote to W. A. Farnsworth
to send vouchers for horses, bobsleighs, etc. and told him about
the interview with the Nat. Groc. Co., also wrote to May about
the same.
December 25, 1903 Santa Claus day.
Elmer got 2 books, steam engine, necktie, pair suspenders and
ring. Mattie (from home) gloves, fancy collar, self
necktie, pair gloves. Had 8 lb. turkey for dinner and all
that went with it , Yolly! Self printed and toned Alaska views
all day. Santa put 5¢ in Elmer’s stocking and $5 in Mammas.
December 28, 1903 with Elmer went downtown
had Elmer’s hair cut bought him a $3 coasting wagon.
Met W. J. Morris had been in town 2 weeks. Got two letters
from J. O. May said K and B Co. would pay my salary and
wanted to give 9 months 6% interest notes for my interests in K.
B. mines.
Addresses:
Sylvester Bros. Room 66 Union Blk. Seattle
Washington
Sylvester Bros. 214 Republican Street Wash.
Marcus L. Urann 77 Summer Street Boston
Mass.
Thomas W. Hanmore c/o M. F. Wright Bailey
Bldg. Seattle Washington
E. Andrews Sta. A. Seattle Washington
Harrison Hot Springs British Columbia (near
Seattle)
Rouble Hydraulic Elevator cost $600 (300
lbs. pressure) Wolf Creek Oregon
J. F. Riley 470 Duglass St.
San Francisco California Supt. Kenai Placer Mining Co.
Mr. Heggland his foreman.
A. Beverly Smith 260-262
West Broadway New York
1903 HOMESTAKE
August 21 clean up for 2 days 4-2-3 $65.70
by 6 men or 9 days actual time for 1 man
August 22 1 pan on bedrock $1.20
August 24 1-6-9 part of cleanup $21.10
August 25 Two pans 1-18 $1.40
August 26 1 pan rim rock 93¢
August 27 Cleanup 2-2-5 $33.77
7 ½ days for 1 man sluiced 4 ½ actual time .
Avg. to man $5
August 30 last clean up 2-1-7 $33.03
Canyon $54.17 - Homestake $719.56 - Total $773.73
1903 GOLD DUST
July Clean ups Homestake and Canyon
July 21 4-3-13 Homestake
July 27 4-11-17 Homestake
July 27 0-11- 0 Canyon
July 30 2-7-16 Homestake
Aug. 2 3-18-18 Homestake
Aug. 2 1- 0-17 Canyon
Aug. 3 0 - 1-1 Canyon (nugget)
Aug. 7 1-4-2 Canyon
Aug. 8 0-6-18 Homestake (5
pans off bedrock)
Aug. 9 6-3-3 Homestake
Aug. 10 0 -10-21 Canyon
Aug. 12 4-11- 0 Homestake
Aug. 18 3-0-12 Homestake
Aug. 19 6-0-0 Homestake
Aug. 21 4-2-3 Homestake
Aug. 22 0-1-12 Homestake (one pan)
Aug. 24 1-6-9 Homestake
Aug. 25 0-1-18 Homestake (two pans)
Aug. 26 0-1-4 Homestake (one pan rim
rock)
Aug. 27 2-2-5 Homestake
Aug. 30 2-1-7 Homestake
Total 48 oz. 7 dwt 4 gr.
3 oz. 7 dwt 17 gr. Canyon
44 oz. 19 dwt 1 gr. Homestake
January 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Box 45-70 .80
For making moccasins .50
Paid Palmer mail service $3.75
overalls .50
lamp wicks .05
Paid Native to bring back snowshoes and sled
from Bald Mt. $1
Paid Goosmar to bring letter .50
Box Lady Grace 1.50
February 1903 Expenditures at Knik
36 lb. moose meat 1.80
Hunting axe .50
Box Lady Grace 1.50
moose skin mittens .60
Bottle ink .10
40 lb. moose meat 2.00
March 1903 Expenditures at Knik
74 lb. moose meat 3.70
matches .25
175 lb. moose meat 7.00
Rent on cabins at Knik, 1 year 60.00
April 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Paid Evan of Old Knik-credit at Palmer’s store
12.00
Paid Natives by credit at Palmer’s store 117.05
May 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Paid Palmer March mail 6.50
ankle boots 2.50
Paid Chief Nicolai for whipsawing 30.00
Paid Chief and Peter by credit at Palmer’s
store 14.30
Paid Sushitna Natives 22.02
Paid Stephan by credit at Palmer’s store 15.95
Paid Ephim by credit at Palmer’s store 1.00
Paid Affinassi by credit at Palmer’s store
5.25
June 1903 Expenditures at Knik
40 lb. box dynamite 5.00
Paid Nicolai to guide Knik to Sunrise 4½
days 6.75
Paid Ephim for work at mines 34.80
Paid Affinassa for work 18.00
Paid Nakeeta for use of boat 1.00
5 lb. chewing Lloyd 3.00
2 lb. smoking Lloyd 1.50
Paid Morris for caring for horses for May 5.00
July 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Groceries from Palmer’s store 5.90
5 lb. chewing - Lloyd 3.00
2 lb. smoking - Lloyd 1.50
August 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Paid Palmer for June mail 3.00
Paid Native for July mail
2.75
Pick from Palmer 1.40
bottle ink .10
September 1903 Expenditures at Tyonek
29 lb. anchor 2.90
24 lb. 5/8 rope 1.92
Seattle to Seldovia 102.25
Seldovia to Knik 46.20
Seldovia to Juneau 30.00
1904 Part of year spent stateside, I have included
only the entries that mention Alaska.
First page: This diary begins the New Year
at Seattle Wash. Self and family living at 1743 Melrose Place.
One year ago self was in Alaska with the glass down to 50 below.
This diary closes with OGH and family living in our own home at Seward
Alaska.
January 1, 1904 Wrote May I would take cash
for 1/10th interest and time on the Gilbert Claims salary must
be paid
January 7, 1904 Took off balance sheet K and
B Co. account of operations etc. in Alaska:
Total $19,492.65
Due labor $ 2,247.62
Balance $17,215.03
$ 64.50
Balance $17,279.53
January 9, 1904 Made duplicate copies of balance
sheet and statement of how cash was received and paid out by
Supt. mines. Took Elmer to Dr., he prescribed for heart trouble
which he claimed Elmer was effected with, vaccination worked OK.
January 11, 1904 Wrote my ultimatum and sent
balance sheet of ledger account from May 17, 1901 to Oct. 27,
1903. Demanded salary due $1,960.47 paid in 60 days.
Gave K and B Co. option on my interest in mines, $500 cash
and 5,000 shares in stock for 1/10th interest in 1898 location to
be paid by April 1 1904. $20 and 20,000 shares of stock for the
Gilbert Claims, stock to be delivered at once and K and B Co. note
bearing 6% interest payable in 1 year or claims revert back to me.
All mailed today to W. A. Farnsworth fiscal agent for K and B Co.
January 25, 1904 Received reply from Urann
acknowledging receipt of my report. Return cards with
my report. Mattie received letter from Mrs. J. O. May
said May had been sick was in N. Y.
January 29, 1904 Wrote to J. F. Riley, S. F.,
about prospecting season 1904. Wrote to Griffith about
taxes. Received letters from J. O. May in regard to my report
and from Ruble Elevator Co., also letter from W. A. Farnsworth
acknowledging receipt of my report.
January 31, 1904 On K. B. books checking down
$3.45 out of balance. PM with Mattie and Elmer took trip
on ferry over to West Seattle found it to be a nice place but
no paved streets or trolleys. Excelsior sailed for Valdez,
full cargo and passengers some freight for Valdez and Tanana.
February 3, 1904 Answered Farnsworth and Mays
letter told them it would cost $2,000 to install Ruble Elevator,
ready for operation. PM went downtown received letter from
James Bates 21 Waban St. Naugatuck Mass. wants to get hold of Alaska
oil land.
February 4, 1904 Many passengers leaving for
the north going to new Alsek diggings via Dalton Trail.
February 5, 1904 Wrote letter to the Whitney’s
at Knik Alaska. SS James Dollar sails this evening at
8 PM, outside course for Seward and Valdez direct. PM wrote
to Bates about oil land said I would look it up. Nelson,
Ensign and Sylvester offered me an option on 640 acres oil land in
the Kayak Oil District, $3.50 per acre and 1/3 of Syndicate stock
in Co. to be. Evening Elmer was sick with the belly ache.
Got Elmer’s vaccination certificate - Dr. McCulloch Bailey Bldg.
February 6, 1904 Drew map of Kayak Oil Fields.
Wrote James Bates his company could get option on 640 acres
oil land near Octolee Oil Co. at Kayak. Terms $3.50 acre
and 1/3 of Syndicate stock. Sent Bates sample of Kayak oil and
booklets on Kayak oil fields. Got option on 42 oil claims
from Thomas Hanmore at $1 per acre and stock consideration.
February 7, 1904 Called E. Andrews over the
phone, got verbal contract from him on 800 acres oil land at
Kamiska Bay Cook Inlet for 50¢ acre cash and 1/3 of Syndicate
stock in new company to be. Made new map showing Kayak, Cold Bay
and Cook Inlet Oil Fields.
February 8, 1904 Wrote to Bates about Andrews
and Hanmore oil land in Alaska. Quoted the land at $1 per
acre and 1/3 of Syndicate stock but advised him to buy the Kayak
oil land in preference.
February 10, 1904 Received letter from
Urann said company had arranged to place $2,000 in bonds and
funds would come forth. Wrote Urann about the oil in Alaska.
February 11, 1904 Received a letter from
J. O. May said they had arranged to float $10,000 bond at 85¢,
that the stock had been ordered sent to me and $652.30 in money
that he may come to Seattle to see me. Got tracing
paper to make maps of K and B Placer on Willow Creek and medicine
for Elmer.
February 12, 1904 Big wind last night one ship
dragged anchor and brought up on Alaska cable. Self made new
drawing of K. B. mines on Willow Creek worked on it until midnight
to get it off the table.
February 13, 1904 Finished map which shows
up all the K and B Co. property in the Willow Creek Mining
District as located and purchased by me since 1898.
February 17, 1904 Getting out estimates for
connections on pipeline with elevator. Decided to put in
two different lines one from canyon to run elevator on Willow Creek.
February 18, 1904 Received letter from
J. O. May with call for stockholders meeting in the Sherman
Mining District, Hindale County Colorado 14th March 1904 to
issue $20,000 of 6% bonds and to change the Co. office to Denver.
PM worked on estimates for pipeline and connections.
February 19, 1904 Mailed Mattie’s and self’s
proxy to vote, to W. A. Farnsworth 62,000 shares self, 650 shares
Mattie. Saw Andrews attorney, Sauter, talked over K. B. affairs
and oil. Saw M. L. and S. Co. about elbows etc. Elbows
$6 and $9, 12-0 hydraulic 6” hose 3 stitch, 29¢ ft., hydraulic
nozzle $12, no. 1 giant $55, no. 2 giant $75.
February 20, 1904 Wrote to May, asked
for $400 to buy horse and mower rake etc., and $500 to pay deposits
on goods needed to be ordered here. Heard from Riley, he wanted
7 months work at $100 and found, plus all expenses.
February 22, 1904 Elmer went to school.
Received letter from Farnsworth, K and B Co. With check
for $652.30, $500 and 5,000 shares of K. B. stock for my original
1898 locations jointly for K and B Co. in Willow Creek Mining District
Alaska. Engaged births on April SS Bertha room 16.
February 23, 1904 Made out deed of my
1/20th interest in 1898 locations on Martha, Bear, Balm, Herning
and Little Wonder Claims to the Klondike and Boston Gold Mining and
Mfg., consideration $500
cash and 5,000 shares of the K and B non-assumable
stock Mailed deed to the K and B Co. Boston office today.
Received letter from Fred C. Gruber Campello Mass. asking about
Kayak oil and K and B Co. Deposited $652.30 in Scandinavian
American Bank. Received drawing and pictures of the Ruble
Elevator.
February 24, 1904 Went downtown looked up cost
to ship schooner to Cook Inlet 26’, 8½’ beam $25.
Talked with King and Winge boat builders
W. Seattle. Received letter from Bates about oil, and
Ruble about the Ruble Elevator. SS James Dollar’s 2nd trip
outside course to Seward and Valdez and Yakataga. Wrote to Palmer
to say I was coming on the April SS Bertha.
February 25, 1904 Made an inventory of
Homestake, Herning, Morris, Gilbert and Jifkin tools, provisions
etc. PM made out order for hydraulic supplies, sent list
for estimates to Joshua Handy and Co., Schaw Ingram and Batcher Co.
S. F. and Sacramento California. Answered Fred. C. Gruber
Campello Mass. letter about oil and K and B Co., said I would buy stock
for 5¢ wouldn’t sell same for less than 50¢.
February 26, 1904 Answered Rubles letter
would let him know if I decided to go to Oregon to see elevator.
Draw $25 on bank. Sent Gruber booklet about Alaska Petroleum
and Coal Co.
February 27, 1904 Wrote May that I preferred
the bonds to cover the Gilbert property. Wrote Riley
not to count on job, would let him know by March 15th.
Received letter dated January 20th at Hope from
W. H. Elliott, acknowledged receipt of
pictures and wanted to work for me next season in Alaska.
Looked over furniture beds iron spring and mattress complete
$10.50, oven range $34, at Homes Furniture Co. Got sox for
Elmer and Mattie.
February 28, 1904 SS Queen reported on
fire off Oregon coast.
February 29, 1904 Answered Elliott’s
letter said there may be an opening. Received letter from
Farnsworth about transfer of claims D and Co. to K and B Co.
Queen arrived lost 14 passengers through fire at sea.
March 1, 1904 Made out list of K. B. claims
and map of the same: Martha group - 8 claims, Bear - 1
claim, Balm - 2 claims, Herning - 1 claim, Little Wonder - 3 claims.
Davis and Co.: Elevated - 3 claims, Boulder - 3 claims, Hillside
- 1 claim. By purchase: J. O. May Group - 3 claims, Whistler
- 1 claim, Little George - 1 claim, Telluride - 1 claim, Homestake
- 1 claim. Total 29 claims. Forward same to K and B Co.
Called on Sauter he received Andrews stock J. A. Becker, agent
for Caldwell Bros. Co., wanted to bid on hydraulic supplies.
March 2, 1904 Got another option from Andrews
on oil land - 800 acres. Andrews wants 100,000 promoters
stock and 250,000 Treas. stock or 1/6th of production for land,
I am to get 100,000 shares for promoting company. Wrote A.
B. Smith about above oil deal. Ordered shirts for Elmer and
self at $2.50 and $3.50 respective.
March 3, 1904 Letter from Murry and Tregurtha
Co. South Boston, said they couldn’t furnish size of pipe connections
on launch. Made out list of supplies for launch etc. and
hydraulic hose to present to the Caldwell Bros. Co. 115
Jackson St. for prices. Met Mrs. Capt. Shaw on Pike St.
Capt. Shaw was on The SS Queen when on fire last week.
March 4, 1904 Received reply from Schaw
Batcher Co. Pipeworks Sacramento that my order for hydraulic
supplies was turned over to their agents at Portland, J. R. Bowles.
Wrote to A. B. Smith in full about 800 acres oil land at Kamishak
Bay and 640 acres at Kayak.
March 7, 1904 Went down to see Capt. Shaw about
taking sloop from Seldovia to Knik, also about dynamite.
Gave Caldwell Bros. list of hydraulic outfit to quote prices
on. Made out power attorney. to send to Jos. to sign and
return.
March 9, 1904 Went to Ballard to see
sloop, PM went over to West Seattle to look at sloop - King Winge
wanted $175 to build sloop 27’, 7’ beam covered in
without sail fittings. Received Joshua Hendy estimate on
hydraulic outfit. Received letters from J. O. May wanted some
of my Litharge water to have examined.
March 10, 1904 Received letter from W. A. Farnsworth
said funds would come forth and bond out the 15th. Received
telegram from A. B. Smith of N. Y., said he couldn’t handle
oil land.
March 11, 1904 Printed and toned out
4 dozen Alaska views. Took Elmer downtown after school,
had his hair cut and got him a new pair of shoes “for bad boys”.
SS Santa Ana arrived from Valdez.
March 12, 1904 Capt. Shaw talked over best
way to get our powder up to the mines. SS Bertha arrived no
word from Knik thus far his winter.
March 13, 1904 Printed pictures. Evening
made up estimate for lumber needed in Knik cabin, 1,000’ tongue
and grooved. SS Portland sailed for Cook Inlet in place
of SS Bertha.
March 14, 1904 Bought sewing machine the “Arlington”,
drop head, for $10 to take to Alaska.
March 15, 1904 Went down to Schwabacher Dock
to see about landing Columbia river boat, said I could put
it on the wharf. PM printed more views and toned out 40,
ready to mount.
March 16, 1904 Went over to Ballard and
bought a Columbia river boat fitted with forward cabin and sail
gear complete price $80 - owners name, Louis Davidson 265 Ballard
Ave. PM toned out 53 views of Alaska.
March 17, 1904 Earthquake last
night for 20 seconds no damage. Wrote to Jos. J. O. M.
and for land laws on Alaska at D. C. Mattie had toothache.
March 18, 1904 Mattie went downtown had
dentist drill hole through her toothache tooth which relieved
it. Ordered two hydraulic hose reducers 15’ long each, 10” large
end, 6” small end to cost $20 Puget Sound Tent and Dock
Co. Bought wire pliers 50¢ and bevel square 25¢,
overalls for Elmer and myself $4.80. Looked at some horses
to mate Nig.
March 21, 1904 Met Hanmore he said schooner
would take up powder to the inlet.
March 22, 1904 Went downtown with Elmer
and Mamma. Got Elmer hoop. Met Hovey at office of Loeb
Lumber Co. gave them list of lumber needed. Called
on Andrews at office of P. S. Dredging Co. he would go prospecting
for me if wanted.
March 23, 1904 AM made out my contract
for 1904 with K and B., sent it to president and secretary
to sign. Met Sweeney on 2nd Avenue, wanted one of my Alaska
maps to help make ACRR map. Received stock from
Co. for the Nutmeg and Gopher Claims.
March 25, 1904 Mattie not feeling well.
Elmer went before the Teachers Institute at High School to give
exhibition with 5 other kids from Cascade School mostly singing.
SS Excelsior in port and old SS Dora ready to sail - to take
run from Valdez to the Westward as mail boat, in place of the SS Newport.
March 26, 1904 Made out receipts for stock
received for Nutmeg and Gopher claims to send to J. W. Rogers
and R. C. Smith the 28th. Received telegram from W. A. Farnsworth
stating funds would be telegraphed to Scandinavian American Bank
Monday 28th. Wrote Rouble I would be at Wolf Creek the 30th.
March 28, 1904 Met Buzzard, visited on Caldwell
Bros. hadn’t prices on 7” pipe. Called on the N.
S. Blow Pipe and Hydraulic Works, gave them chance to figure
on hydraulic outfit. No funds came to bank as wired would
arrive by W. A. Farnsworth
March 29, 1904 Gave Mr. Buzzard my order
for 500 cwt. giant powder, 1,000 caps, 3,000’ fuse, paid
cash $72.50 out of own funds. Freight to be paid at Hope,
Alaska. Placed order for hydraulic supplies with N. S. Blow
Pipe Co. for $280.50, FOB Seattle. Gave Quaker Drug Co. order
for Med. stores to take to Alaska.
March 30, 1904 Wrote Riley that I thought best
not to prospect this year in Alaska. Answered McGuire’s
letter about his claim, advised him to take stock for claim.
PM Mattie and self bought furniture at Holmes to take to Alaska
also bought cook stove for the K and B Co., $34.
April 1, 1904 Got credit for $350 on personal
account wired from N.Y. by K and B Co. PM took Elmer down
to dentist had one tooth out and one filled. Bought Elmer
new drum and ball. Mattie came downtown got paper for dining
room at Knik. Ordered 10 gal. asphaltum paint for hydraulic pipe.
April 2, 1904 G. L. Holmes Co. balance on furniture
$71.60. Cook stove for K and B Co. $34, furniture for
self $57.60, total $91.60, extra bake pans 50¢. Bought rubber
goods from C. R. Winslow and
Co., 9 pair giant boots $54, for help for K
and B Co., rubber goods for myself $29.44, total check $83.44.
Ordered fly blankets, nose bags, rope. Received letter from
J. O. May said that funds would be deposited in bank after I had
gone to Alaska.
April 3, 1904 Wrote May that company
must come up with funds before I left for Alaska. Mattie and
I went over to Ballard to see if my boat was OK. Took pictures
of Mattie and Elmer with their Klondike hats on, took picture
of Elmer with his drum.
April 4 ,1904 Ordered supplies from the
Puget Sound Duck and Tent Co., hose canvas etc. $57.51.
Received letter from Farnsworth about the bond issue, answered
the funds must come forth by 8th. PM met some boys who wanted
to go to Alaska to work in the mines. Company wired $400 to Scandinavian
American Bank. Clara wrote that Grandma Herning died March
3rd.
April 5, 1904 Got prices on mower etc.
of the Polson Implement Co. Ordered lumber for cabin at Knik
from the Loeb-Cutter Lumber Co., bill $40.79.
April 6, 1904 Minted 7.32 oz. dust at
U. S. Assay Office then went to Ballard to see about my boat which
arrived at Seattle OK, moored her at boat house by Schwabacher Wharf.
Bought mower $55, hay rake $27.50 and plough $16 (for Alaska) discounted
cost $90. Ordered sewing machine to be at wharf the 8th.
April 7, 1904 Received first mail from Knik.
Boys landed pipe on Grubstake in February. Reported 35
days in opening up trail up Willow Creek. Received Mining
Laws from Washington D. C. on homesteads and mining in Alaska.
Wired J. O. May that plant was on ground OK not to fail on funds.
April 8, 1904 Met Sprauge and Shaw they wanted
to buy my steam launch at Knik. Received message from
J. O. May, said contract would be fulfilled. Freight all delivered
at wharf except giants and pipe. Changed sailing date
as SS Bertha agreed to call at Seldovia, billed to leave Seattle the
17th. Got shipping bill of most all freight billed for Knik.
Deposited $110.72, returns from 7.32 oz. dust in bank.
April 11, 1904 Got wire from W. A. Farnsworth
that $600 was sent to Puget Sound Bank, same from
J. O. May, said all funds ready the 20th would that do? Bought
small bill of groceries at Nat. Groc. Co., clover, timothy,
rye and seed potatoes from E. J. Bowen. Two 4-tine forks,
one spading fork Whiton Head Co. $12.50.
April 13, 1904 Arrived at Wolf Creek
8:30 AM, walked out to Golden Oregon and met W. N. Ruble.
Went up to placer mine and took a look at the Ruble Elevator.
Had rock stumps etc. piled up 30’ high, all done by nozzle.
Ruble was re-setting his giants. Remained with Ruble overnight
at Golden Oregon.
April 14, 1904 Saw Ruble Elevator working.
Drove the heavy rock over grizzly 20’ high. PM bought
right to use Ruble Grizzly in Alaska for $180, paid for it by
personal check. Golden to Wolf Creek to catch train.
April 16, 1904 Called at bank, W. A.
Farnsworth funds that was to come forth the 12th not at hand.
giants from Frisco yet on way. Ordered chains made to use
to joint up hydraulic pipe. All of outfit on wharf
except hydraulic pipe.
April 18, 1904 PM bought tickets for
Elmer $23.50, Mamma $47, my self $47 - Seattle to Seldovia,
Alaska $117.50. PM got $2,000 by wire from K and B Co.
April 19, 1904 Paid N. S. Blow Pipe hydraulic
bill $342.45, freight on general supplies $160.95, storage on
boat $2, rent, lights, etc. $9.10, laundry 30¢, drew $18 out
of Scandinavian American Bank got $1,200 in certificate of
deposits from the Puget Sound National Bank. We leave Seattle
9:45 on SS Bertha for Knik Alaska. Had dinner with Ed. Sylvester,
they saw us off on the boat, also Mr. Hovey.
April 20, 1904 Mamma, Elmer and myself
in room 16. New Capt. and Purser on SS Bertha also Steward.
Breakfast was bum. SS Bertha went Outside route, 10 AM
passed out straits by Cape Flattery, choppy sea and most everybody
sick Elmer was first to holler “New York”, Mattie 2nd, myself
third. Sitka first stop.
April 23, 1904 Rough last night, aft
wind and big seas all day. Arrived Sitka 6 AM too late
to get in , so anchored outside. Wrote to W. A. Farnsworth,
bought Ruble Elevator, funds needed: Elevator $1,000, grub
$500, 1904 salary due $3,000 total $4,500, received
$3,350. Gilbert property $2,000, incidentals $150, total of bond
$10,000. Deposit all funds to my Scandinavian American
Bank. Wrote arrangements made with Whitney’s. Snowing
while leaving Sitka.
April 24, 1904 Weighed anchor at 5 AM
arrived at Sitka 6 AM. Mailed K. B. papers, certificate
of Incorporation at Sitka to be filed with Secry. Wm. L. Distin
for District of Alaska situated at Sitka. Left Sitka at 8
AM, Yakutat next stop.
April 25, 1904 Arrived Yakutat at 8 AM departed
9:30 AM for Kayak. Took two snapshots of Yakutat.
8 PM near Cape St. Elias, had smooth sea up to 8 PM a little wind
and swell coming up. SS Santa Ana just left Yakutat, was
held up 2 days for wind, it had ACRR engine aboard for Seward.
April 26, 1904 Arrived Kayak 8 AM, fine
voyage from Yakutat. SS Santa Ana lay at anchor at Kayak.
Took snapshot of ACRR engine aboard the Santa Ana and snap of Kayak.
New gasoline schooner “Northland” and old Perry were at Kayak.
Couldn’t land oil supplies, had no lighter, so left them aboard.
French Pete and family and English oil man got off at Kayak.
Left Kayak 8:15 PM for Valdez SS Santa Ana followed. Snow squalls
all day.
April 27, 1904 Arrived at Prince William Sound
6 AM, Valdez 11 AM. Mattie visited with Mrs. Fish
Sr. and missed her lunch on the boat. Filed 2nd
set of K. B. certificates etc. With Clerk Dist. Court at
Valdez cost 50¢. Met Judge Gallegher of Kodiak.
Left Valdez at 11 PM for Latouche. Snow and rain last night.
Sent Jos. and Dick their stock 2,000 shares each.
April 28, 1904 Arrived at Latouche 8
AM, put off first for the A. K. Beatson Copper Mine.
Sent deposit book to Scandinavian American Bank in Seattle with
order to place $500 in their savings dept. and return vouchers.
Arrived Seward 5:30 PM, had a pleasant trip from Prince William Sound,
there were about 100 people on wharf and as many working, Seward
is booming. Six miles of grade ready for RR. Met Judge
Hildreth Chief Engineer ACRR, agreed to give Herman Person and partner
work June 90 days. Left Seward 8:30 PM for Seldovia.
April 29, 1904 Arrived at Seldovia 11:30
AM. The Steamer Tyonek was up the Inlet, lightered all
freight ashore. Scow loaded full up from Portland.
Ate dinner and supper on SS Bertha. Short no. 1 giant and
can paint. Took up quarters in Herbert’s cabin, Buzzard
and Anderson slept on floor. SS Bertha left port at 10:30
PM on return trip.
April 30, 1904 Living in Herbert’s cabin.
SS Tyonek, went to Hope and Glacier Creek with hydraulic supplies,
will take us to Knik next trip. Nine men and 3 horses also
here bound for Knik. SS Dora arrived on westward
trip, had quite a few passengers for the Inlet. SS Tyonek left
4 PM with Tyonek and Hope passengers and Glacier Creek freight.
Took snapshots of Seldovia. Eating our meals at the Greek
and Russian Restaurant OK.
May 1, 1904 Not much doing today Sunday
observed. One hotel up and another, building another storehouse.
Natives whipsawing. Large coal scow under construction.
Boats building Evening Native dance in hotel.
May 2, 1904 Nothing doing except building
operations at Seldovia. Got books out of trunk and posted
on same. PM boat party, Elmer, Native kids, Mamma and myself.
Evening played flute, Mattie sang. Expect SS Tyonek in port
tomorrow. Elmer and Cleghorn kids went after barrel water in boat.
May 3, 1904 At Seldovia. Took down no.
of certificates of deposit with the Puget Sound National Bank
as follows: 27 certificates in $100, $50, and $25, No. 109059
to 62 (3) $100 each, 109062 to 74 (12) $50 each, 109074 to 85 (12)
$25 each, total amount $1,200. Very fine day. Elmer playing
with the Native kids boating etc. SS Tyonek arrived 9 PM 3 days round
trip Seldovia to Hope and Glacier Creek.
May 4, 1904 SS Tyonek commenced loading
at 2 AM. Got up at 5 AM and brought boat out of creek to
SS Tyonek. Sailed from Seldovia for Knik 9:30 AM, 15 passengers,
3 horses, 25 tons freight for Knik. Took scow load of freight
in tow for Hope. Dropped anchor 8:30 PM off Kasilof to wait
for flood tide.
May 5, 1904 On SS Tyonek, raised anchor
at 1:30 AM off Kasilof in route to Knik. At noon anchored
off Point Possession to wait for flood tide. Farmer boys
went ashore to hunt. Weighed anchor 4:30 PM, arrived at Hope
10 PM to leave scow and freight. Warm and fair today could see
Mt. McKinley. Left scow loaded with saw mill etc. at mouth of
Bear Creek.
May 6, 1904 Left Hope, it was very muddy
on flats around wharf. Anchored off Fire Island to wait
for flood tide for Knik. Some of the Boys went ashore to
hunt moose, grouse etc. SS Tyonek arrived Knik at 9:30 PM.
Hired Natives to handle freight, cost $2.95. SS Tyonek left
on ebb tide.
May 7, 1904 Up at 8 AM stored most of
freight in cache. Put lumber in barn, hydraulic pipe
along side cache. Paid off Simeon $23.60, Peter $22.18, Billy $20.20,
Andrew $19.80, Total $85.79. Received for grub $39.19. Used
horses to cache freight.
May 8, 1904 At Knik. Got bill rendered
at Palmer’s from Sept. 15, 1903 to date, $190.67 as follows:
Burr $26.50 launch, Hall $52.50 trail, Stephan $23, Native labor
$2.88, tools and axes $2, fork 80¢, 1 man saw $3, scythe
$2, cook stove $16, utensils $3.65, total $192.17 .
May 9, 1904 Harcus and myself set up
mower, hay rake and plough. Whitney’s and balance of Natives
arrived from Willow Creek. Paid off Sushitna Evan and his
brother for labor at mines $117.67, received for grub $27.29, net
cash $90.38.
May 10, 1904 Paid off last of Native
labor at mines. Stephan labor $59.65, Stephan grub $11.75,
Ephim labor $52.90 Ephim grub $11.09. Paid Palmer’s
Store account Sept. 15, 1903 to May 9, 1904 total of $192.17
- Oct. cash $50 May 10, $142.17. Had Harcus and Clarence shingle
peak of barn. Frank and self ploughed garden in front of
cabin at Knik. PM planted 65 lb. potatoes front of cabin 1/7th
acre.
May 11, 1904 Ploughed up Stephan’s and
Nakeeta garden back of Stephan’s old place, sowed rye on same.
Stephan agreed to take 1 box of potatoes for use of his garden.
I also ploughed up his garden at Knik.
May 12, 1904 Finished planting
rye and made hike across flats to Stephan’s old place and rebuilt
fence around rye field about ½ acre. Self and Frank drove
down to government camp and broke up small piece and planted to rye
and clover. Now ready to pack grub to Shushetna cache.
May 13, 1904 Packed 450 lbs. from
Knik to Sushitna cache on Tony and Nig. Everything OK in
cache. Set up new 10’ x 12’ tent. Clarence fenced
in garden at Knik. The “farmers” were camped at RR cache.
Got 100 lbs. rice from Palmer.
May 14, 1904 Left Sushitna camp, caught
up to farmers at 4th lake and helped them build a bridge. Took
dinner at Big Lake. Arrived at Knik 6 PM.
May 15, 1904 SS Tyonek arrived at 6 AM
to take out Palmer and his furs etc. Received letter from
Sylvester Bros. With tel. from W. A. Farnsworth saying $2,000
had been wired to Seattle. Also a letter from Secretary
of Alaska about filing company papers. Evening painted bottom
of Sea Otter boat black. Got 76 lbs. sugar and 50 lbs. gran.
potatoes from Palmer. SS Tyonek brought my Columbia river boat.
May 16, 1904 Getting ready to hit the trail
Knik to Willow Creek. Launched the Sea Otter boat, leaked
badly so pulled it out and covered it over with canvas. Put
spar in Columbia river boat, will boat our outfit in same to the Cottonwood
in the morning. Boys put wood in cabin. Got packs
ready for mines. Promised John Downing work June 1.
May 17, 1904 Weather fair. With 4 men
and family left Knik for mines. With Columbia river boat,
boated up horses, packs and men to creek below Cottonwood.
Left Knik 6:30, left Cottonwood 9:30, had lunch at Big Lake, arrived
Sushitna camp at 6:30. Trail from Big Lake to river quite wet.
Set up two tents at river. In party - Harcus, Watson, Whitney
brothers, Elmer, Mattie and myself with Nig and Tony.
May 18, 1904 Sushitna cache to Willow Creek.
New snow on approach to Bald Mt. made it very hard climbing.
Mattie got sick on mountain, she ate too much snow.
Snow 4’ deep between mountain swamp and draw to wet Gulch.
Had to leave most of pack on mountain. Nig broke trail about
400 yards then patches of snow from head of Wet Gulch to Willow Creek.
Came up Willow Creek from Jifkin’s on what was winter trail.
Ate supper at my cabin, men then went to mess house.
May 19, 1904 At mines. All quite
sore from trip over mountain. Mattie sick with sore throat.
Looked over pipe and lumber. Enough sticks to make 26
flume. Shot 4 ptarmigan. Evening horses started off
on winter trail caught them half way to Jifkin’s. Packed grub to
mess house on horses.
May 20, 1904 PM snow squalls covered
valley white. Snow all gone on Craigie Mt. and hogback
except a few streaks in draws. Snow 2/3 gone on south sides
of Willow Creek and all gone in Willow Creek basin. Grubstake
open up to Homestake. Trail open from my cabin to Homestake.
Had men sharpen up tools. Sent Frank down to Jifkin cabin for
utensils etc. Mattie throat some better. Put canvas lining
in cache.
May 21, 1904 Froze last night.
Started to get out material for hydraulic flume. Cut
30 collars, sills 8x4 ft., 7 posts 26 x 3’ 8”. Cut 60
center sills 3½ x 4 x 4’ and 120 posts 3 x 3½
x 3’ 8” in all to make 30 flume, 27 wide 3’ 8” high by 12½’
long. Use 2½ - 1½” boards for bottoms 4-10” boards
on each side. Put up shed roof to keep tools dry. Evening
washed and doctored up Tony’s sore back.
May 22, 1904 Men working on penstock for hydraulic
boxes, jointing up bottoms. Started with horses for Bald
Mt. to get pack left there on way in to mines. While shoveling
out Gulch crossing, 1 mile from cabin, horses got away and came back
to cabins, then too late to make trip. Some snow on mountain trail.
AM went up Grubstake to hydraulic dam no snow in reservoir.
Creek most all opened up, snow 2/3 gone on bench. Evening burnt
off hogback on Grubstake.
May 23, 1904 Jointing up bottoms and sides
to hydraulic flume also collars. Went over to Bald Mt.
for pack left there on trip from Knik mines. Went over by
bench trail around mountain to Wet Gulch (3 hours) came back via
Wet Gulch and up Willow Creek bottom. Pack weighed 300 lbs.
(2 nozzles, leveling inst., log chain, boots, rice, lard, box sundries
and clothing).
May 24, 1904 Jointing up flume. Self and Elmer
with horses went down to timber line and packed up 5 bags of
spruce boughs to put in bunk. Used 3 planks for floor 2½”.
Used 1” boards for sides, 3” strips to brace collar posts 2’ 4”
long. Used 2 x 4 to brace center posts.
May 25, 1904 Making hydraulic flume.
One of the “farmers” mushed over from timberline Bald Mt.,
said they had their garden planted. Two were going to
Knik to build winter quarters and two were going prospecting
up Mt. McKinley way.
May 26, 1904 PM sent Elmer and his Mamma
up to the boulder on Willow Creek to burn off the grass.
Made a big fire they had to take to the creek bottom. Whitney
brothers done up from ripping up lumber “muscles all in”.
Harry planted garden up at mess house on Grubstake Gulch.
Nig crawled into the Gilbert cabin.
May 27, 1904 Self with horses went over
to Sushitna cache to get balance of provisions etc., arrived
at cache 6 PM. Shot 2 ptarmigans on Bald Mt. With some
stones, ate them for supper. Reset tent and got packs ready.
Retired 10:30 PM went over by mountain trail from my cabin.
May 28, 1904 Snow hail and rain.
Got up 5:45, ate coffee, bread and ptarmigan Got horses
packed and left river for mines at 8:30. Packed over 385
lbs. came back on mountain bench trail from Wet Gulch. Lost
can baking powder. Arrived at mess house at 3:30 PM, feet wet
to knees. Men building flume. Evening cleaned up Elmer’s
“22 Special”.
May 29, 1904 Whitney brothers laid off today.
Harcus did some blacksmithing. Self and family went up to hydraulic
dam spiked in flume that was loose. Evening took out 3 pans
on Willow Creek below my cabin, got colors in each pan. Boys
put old tent over mess house roof.
May 30, 1904 Windy and cold. Downing
arrived from Knik to work for season. Self and Frank made road
from lumber at saw pit to road up to mess house by Gilbert Cabin.
Evening Person and partner arrived from Seward to work for season,
90 days, brought in-mail dated May 9th.
May 31, 1904 Fair and sunny. Downing
commenced work. Men jointing flume, sawed riffle poles
in half and hauled up same to Gilbert basin. Harcus, Clarence
and Downing on flume. Frank hauling riffle poles. Self and
new men put partition in mess house and put up two more bunks making
8 bunks in bunkhouse.
June 1, 1904 Person and Tookalsen commenced
work on 90 day contract at $3. Started to un-nest and smooth
up joints of hydraulic pipe. Self finished work in mess
house. Frank hauling riffle poles and penstock Harcus
and Downing jointed hydraulic pipe. Person and Tookalsen cleaned
out canyon ditch, AM on hydraulic pipe PM. Clarence jointing
up boards for flumes.
June 2, 1904 Men finished rounding up ends
of hydraulic pipe, found taper joints OK. With two men
walled up canyon ditch, was breaking through at lower end, took
2½ hours. Got out stock and took up tools to hydraulic dam
to fix flume. Put seats in bunkhouse. Harcus, Downing,
Person and Tolkasen 1 day on hydraulic pipe. Clarence jointing
up sand and shear boards. Frank hauling up flume material.
June 3, 1904 First heavy rain of season.
Men working on hydraulic pipe and flume. Self measured line
for hydraulic pipe: main line 1,800’, branch line 1,200’.
Started to rebuild old boxes for hydraulic hose work. Evening
raining.
June 4, 1904 Snow all gone above mountain
trail from mess house to Wet Gulch. Getting hydraulic
pipe and flume ready for use.
June 5, 1904 Harcus started to rebuild 7 of
the Andrew boxes 18 ¾” the clear and 18” high. Self helped
to fix stone boat. Made horse to file saws on at mess house.
Elmer and Mamma helped to survey line for pipe PM. Evening
Elmer and self shoveled snow drift off approach to hogback near
lumber pile.
June 6, 1904 Getting flume boxes and pipe ready
to lay and use. Got about ¼ of pipe hauled up to
pipeline. Boys about finished riveting on lugs. Got
600 riffle blocks sawed. Self helped with pipe and run pipeline
down basin.
June 7, 1904 Had men clean out pipeline
ditch. Self on rock work in ditch supt. work etc. Now ready
to joint up hydraulic pipeline. Evening light rain snow
all gone to and above hydraulic dam on Grubstake, no snow on Grubstake
benches.
June 8, 1904 Finished ditch to connect hydraulic
pipeline. Put in two dams and turned creek into right
hand channel on the Gilbert basin. PM started to connect
up pipe, commenced at ditch end.
June 10, 1904 Had to dig through small
ridge to let pipeline run down from ditch to Gilbert basin,
blasted out big rock. Got Y connected to connect hydraulic
hose. Harcus finished rebuilding small boxes.
June 11, 1904 Heavy frost. Got pipeline
laid down to Gilbert basin at upper end. Harcus and Clarence
finished putting lugs on 9 and 10 pipe and cut pipe to fit giant.
Put in one blast to remove large rock from pipeline. Frank hauling
pipe from foot of Grubstake to the Gilbert basin. Evening told
Harcus all about the work to be done on pipeline, hose, etc. Elmer
got 93½¢ gold dust.
June 12, 1904 Got all the pipe etc. landed
on the ground ready to set up and connect giant. Got half
of pipeline connected up. Harcus made connecting pipe to
fit giant. The no. 9 pipe being the same size wouldn’t fit.
Elmer his Mamma and Harry the cook panned out 56¢ at upper end
Gilbert basin. Frank finished hauling pipe to Gilbert basin from foot
of Grubstake.
June 13, 1904 Self with 3 men jointing
up 10” pipe down Gilbert basin. Harcus and Whitney’s putting
gate in ditch and building in head of ditch where pipeline connects.
Self with family and horses left Willow Creek for Knik. Arrived
at river cache at 6:05 PM light rain from razor back to river.
June 14, 1904 Arrived at Knik at 1:30 PM, mosquitoes
were quite numerous on trail. Tide was out so had to
leave boat at Cottonwood. Found everything OK at Knik.
5 gallon can of lost paint was returned by SS Tyonek (no mail).
Got from Palmer, on credit, 126 lbs. sugar at 8¢ = $10.08,
2 lbs. butter 70¢, moccasins for self and Elmer 50¢, 10
lbs. moose meat 50¢.
June 15, 1904 Got up at 5 AM rowed up to Cottonwood
for Columbia river boat got back at 9:30. Rigged sail
on boat, ready for trip to Hope for powder. Agreed to buy
Mallery mare for $100. Left Knik at 8:45 PM with family, Mallery
and Isaac Bainter, headed for Hope in Columbia river boat.
June 16, 1904 Arrived Fire Island lower
spit at 2:30, rainy, no wind until we arrived at Knik Harbor.
Bucked tide half way along Fire Island, ate lunch on Fire Island.
Left Fire Island at 4 AM. Wind out of Turnagain Arm so anchored
off island. PM tide windy so made camp on Island. Had
hard work to get boat out of surf.
June 17, 1904 Snowed on mountain peaks.
Big wind and surf today, couldn’t leave island. Got 1 salmon,
8 lbs. flour, 1 lb. lard, from Natives. Grub about used up,
caught a mess of smelt. Under fly near campfire all day,
evening quite cool. Nakeeta had paper mail. Mr. Mallery
gave us use of one of his blankets.
June 18, 1904 Got up at 4 AM left Fire Island
5 AM. Fair wind to begin with. Wind came out of Turnagain
Arm, tide rips quite bad had to put in at island on right of mouth
of Turnagain Arm in Chickaloon Bay. Made camp under spruce
tree. Salmon and bannocks for lunch, windy all day.
June 19, 1904 Camped at island on Chickaloon
flats. Rough tide AM. Grub most gone so decided
to all go overland to Hope. Left island at 8 AM. At
summit of 1st mountain, old man Mallery fagged out, sent Simeon
with him to beach, rest of us and Mr. Bainter came over mountains to
Hope, arrived 11 PM. Had no supper until 12 midnight.
Old man came down beach to Hope, reported us lost and without grub.
Hope people sent out two parties with grub, one overland and one by
boat, but we didn’t see them. Took up quarters in Mother De’Hotel,
Watson’s cabin.
June 20, 1904 Weather at Hope fair.
Got up at 8 AM had 6 hours sleep. Elmer got up at noon.
Overland party got in at 4 AM. Boat party got back at 10:30
AM. Had gone over as far as our boat at island in Chickaloon
Bay, all on account of old man Mallery reporting us lost. Ordered a few
supplies from AC Co. PM family and self went up to see Bear Creek
hydraulic mine.
June 21, 1904 Weather at Hope cloudy.
Got 500 lbs. powder, 1,000 caps, 300’ fuse from Buzzard.
Put it in Affinassi boat ready to go out on midnight tide.
Supplies from AC Co. Hope $25, for recording fees $20.80,
draying $1.50, paid Buzzard freight on powder $15 to apply.
Gave Mattie $265, board at hotel $6. PM went up Bear Creek
as far as Sleepers mine. Evening visited on Buzzard.
June 22, 1904 Left Hope with Elmer, self
and 500 lbs. powder in Affinassi sloop for island in Chickaloon
Bay where we left our boat, arrived at 2:45 AM. Camped
under big ledge slept until noon. Tide rough so didn’t
go to Fire Island. Paid Affinassa $4. Left Mamma at
Hope to go out to Juneau. Elmer felt bad to leave his Mamma.
Noon two Natives arrived to hunt moose for Buzzard.
June 23, 1904 Left Chickaloon Bay at
1:30 AM via Fire Island to Knik. Wind came up, strong seas
rolled choppy had to cross mouth of Turnagain Arm to get lee.
Gunnel went under one time. Shipped a barrel of water,
boom guy came loose, let boom into water, caused trouble.
Elmer scared at first then slept through the rest of 2 hours of rough
seas. Made it up to Pt. Campbell left on flats, 1 mile off shore,
waited 7 hours for tide then got up to upper end of Knik Harbor at
2:30. Waited for tide until 9 PM. Arrived at Knik 1:30.
June 24, 1904 Arrived at Knik this morning
at 1:30. Tak gave us tea. Took powder up to Stephan’s
old place put it in root house. Paid Tak store
bill at Palmer’s $43.25. Getting ready to leave for mines.
June 25, 1904 Made out order for hydraulic
and provision supplies, sent it to Sylvester Bros. Took Columbia
river boat up to slough by Stephan’s old place and anchored it.
Got 300 lbs. ready to pack to mines. Tak helped me finish
hoeing potatoes.
June 26, 1904 Water made me sick, threw up
breakfast. Got horses packed left Knik at 8:30.
Packed Tony with sugar, cheese, macaroni, etc. Packed
Nig with 100 lbs. giant powder. Arrived Big Lake 2 PM.
Arrived Sushitna cache 6 PM. Elmer and I had peas, minced ham,
crackers and coffee for supper.
June 27, 1904 Elmer and I, with horses,
left Sushitna River cache at 8 AM arrived at mess house at 1:45
PM. Boys had pipeline completed and giant set up and were
cleaning out canyon under falls and operating hydraulic hose
at upper end of Gilbert claim. Harcus cleaned up one box
got 5 oz. 10 dwt. = $88. Evening Elmer cried because he couldn’t
run the hydraulic hose said he wished that he went with Mamma.
June 28, 1904 Took charge of work cleaning
out canyon under falls. Harcus running hydraulic hose
at upper end of Gilbert claim. Cleaned up on box in canyon
got 10 dwt. 3 g. = $8.10. Clarence and Whitney wanted to
work by day for wages instead of annual contract for stock and cash,
agreed to let him do so.
June 29, 1904 Started to bail out and clean
up Glory Hole under canyon falls. Went down 81’ found a
smooth bottom but not a color of gold. Found several
large boulders and 4’ of gravel in hole took 3 men 8 hours each.
June 30, 1904 Covered all the mountains white
with snow last night. Pulled boxes out of canyon, cleaned up 4
dwt. 22 gr. Sent men up to clean bedrock at hydraulic hose
setup. Two farmers that went prospecting up Big Sushitna arrived
and ate dinner with us.
July 1, 1904 Cleaning bedrock hydraulic
hose setup, I piped down to bedrock to set flume boxes
for giant. Had 2 men on rock cutaway bank on upper side of canyon
ditch to keep from caving in on flume.
July 2, 1904 Got canyon ditch ready to set
in flume boxes. Had to put in 3 blasts. Cleaned
up hose boxes, 2-12-17 = $40.56. No skeeters quite cool
creeks low.
July 3, 1904 Started to build flume boxes in
canyon ditch. Had to blast out bedrock to get grade, ran
hydraulic hose (wet job). Put Harcus in charge building
flume boxes. Evening did washing for Elmer and myself.
July 4, 1904 Piping with hydraulic hose.
Had Frank and Downing repair hydraulic ditch. Clarence
and I finished piping in 2 boxes at a low place in creek.
Harcus and Swede’s building flume in canyon ditch got 6 set up.
Elmer got up for breakfast, 6 AM, for first time, usually sleeps
until 10 AM.
July 5, 1904 Rainy. Two Natives
arrived from Knik last night with a paper to get signers for
post office. Self running hydraulic hose. Harcus got 7 flume
boxes set and most of block riffles in. Cleaned up 2 boxes
hydraulic hose, got 1-17-10 = $29.98. Hired Nicholai Jr. and
partner to handle rock at $2 day, they are to board themselves. Sold
them grub - flour 25 lbs., rice 6 lb., crackers, 4 lbs. tea, ¼
lb. sugar.
July 6, 1904 Froze, scale ice last night.
Hired Nicholai and Evan to handle rock at $2 and they to board
themselves, commenced work today. Had Natives pile rock,
other boys cleaning bedrock, self doing piping. Evening
cloudy and cold.
July 7, 1904 Snowed on all the mines and down
as far as mess house. Had 3 men and 2 Natives on hose boxes.
Had boys put in 2 water gates to turn out water. Started
giant to pipe into flume boxes. Evening fixed lock on cache.
July 8, 1904 Water very low only enough
to fill small boxes. Started to clean out direct above
canyon falls to set in boxes. Put Downing and Frank working
roustabouts around giant. Evening Elmer tried to make a flying
machine out of two pieces of slab.
July 9, 1904 Got canyon ditch piped down to
grade up as far as gate in side dam. Men got rock cleaned
out of creek bed above canyon falls. Got bottomed up ready to set
in 3 more boxes hydraulic hose. Evening Harcus sharpened drills,
made small 7/8 bar to open bedrock Sold Person 2 pair boots.
July 10, 1904 Men setting up more flume, added
4 to run in canyon ditch making 11 in all. Self bottoming
up with hydraulic hose took out 50¢ pan on bedrock on bar
50’ from creek.
July 11, 1904 Hose busted last night,
I sewed it up. Did no piping, AM, bottoming up plenty of
gold in sight. Harcus with men adding 7 more flume to giant
boxes. Natives too much sick, quit work. Paid them for 6 days
each $12 each, grub $4.55.
July 12, 1904 Mail arrived. Doubled up
hydraulic hose 30’ from nozzle where it kept breaking out.
Got bottomed up, clean up tomorrow, lots of gold on bedrock
Got giant moved back so as to pipe into 2 run of boxes ditch and
creek above canyon. Four Natives arrived from Knik, they brought
3 salmon $1, Whitney 3 letters 75¢, Downing 1 letter 25¢,
Watson 2 letters 50¢, myself 4 letters $1.
July 13, 1904 Harcus got double run of boxes
completed. Had 2 men tear down Homestake cabin and Frank hauled
it down to mess house. Billy and Andrew went hunting for
caribou. Sold Ephim some grub. Clarence and I got
bedrock cleaned ready to move hose boxes.
July 14, 1904 Got bedrock worked down
to move hose boxes. Cleaned up, got 8 oz., 2 dwt. = $129.60.
Started giant on double run of boxes in ditch and above falls.
Ephim commenced work. Billy and Andrew got back with 2 qtrs.
moose meat, killed it at the head of the Little Sushitna. Ephim Jr.
and Pete went to Knik.
July 15, 1904 Billy and Andrew commenced
work around hose boxes at $2 a day “eat themselves”. Took
down first setup of hose boxes and reset same farther up creek.
Made one new shear board got ready to pipe in. Evening panned
above canyon got colors in every pan (giant work).
July 16, 1904 Piping in on 2nd setup hose boxes
and working bedrock Took one pan off bedrock $1.30.
Creek raised a little, hose boxes carry it all.
July 17, 1904 Sent Frank to Knik for
flour sugar and boots. Started to pipe in bench at head of
Gilbert claim. Found pay on bench right hand side of canyon.
July 18, 1904 Got bench piped down to
bedrock with hose. Found slide on top, willows buried
in, gold in gravel and bedrock on upper end Gilbert claim.
Took out half dozen pans on bench near mess house, got colors
and good prospect in top gravel. Elmer complained last 2 days of
the toothache - has Negefal for playmate.
July 19, 1904 Frank at Knik for supplies
gone 3 days. Got set to pipe in upper end of bench.
Hose boxes piped out tailings 5 to 8 - 4 men on giant.
July 20, 1904 Frank arrived from Knik. Bought
from Palmer on credit 1 pair overalls (for Stone) $1, 1 pair sox
(for Stone) 50¢, 3 chewing (for Persson) $1.80, 2
sacks flour (for company) $3. Ready to bottom up for first
time with giant. Elmer’s jaw swollen up from tooth. Frank packing
Sushitna cache to Grubstake. Sold boots to Frank, Clarence
and Tookalson.
July 21, 1904 Had to pipe tailing away
from hose boxes, started to set up Homestake cabin adjoining
mess house with 12’ calidoor between. About ready to move
flume out of canyon ditch and attach to line dumping over canyon
falls. Elmer bad toothache.
July 22, 1904 Doing piping with hydraulic hose.
Harcus got ditch run with giant bottomed up. Two men rebuilding
Homestake cabin at mess house. Evening put carbolic acid
into Elmer’s tooth. Elmer sleeping until noon lately.
July 23, 1904 Looked after rebuilding
Homestake cabin, made cleanup flume in canyon. Got 2 oz.
out of clay gravel in ditch and 4-11-17 from head of ditch = $105.37
from ditch. Noon Mallery’s partner arrived from Cottonwood
to work at mines and 2 other men came in to prospect on Willow Creek
down at canyon. Got calidoor covered in attachment to mess house.
July 24, 1904 Cramer and G. H. Mallery
commenced work at mines $3 and grub. Having trouble with
tailing hose boxes. Hose busted twice. AM pulled
flume out of canyon ditch. Evening cleaned up canyon flume
got 6-14-16 out of gravel.
July 25, 1904 Sunny very fine day.
Blasting out bedrock to bottom up and add on more flume to
canyon boxes. Got Homestake cabin about ready, put partition
in, made room for 4 bunks. Clarence piped out tailing hose boxes.
Evening Natives finished work, plenty fish come at Knik.
July 26, 1904 Natives left for Knik.
Water lowest of season not enough to fill pipeline for hose
and giant. Cleaned up 4-2-3 gravel gold. Frank and I on
hose run and fitting bunks etc. in annex to mess house. Evening
weighed and cleaned up 17 oz. 8 dwt. 12 gr. Tied up horses
to go to Sushitna cache for grub.
July 27, 1904 Got annex to mess house, bunks,
etc. completed, 4 bunks and 6’ x 10’ storeroom. Theodore
arrived with 66 lbs. fresh salmon. Sent Frank over to Sushitna
cache for balance of grub there. Huff visited, camped at cabin
below Jifkin’s. Walt the farmer went to Knik for 6 weeks grub.
Clean up giant run 9-1-10.
July 28, 1904 Weather rainy. Frank arrived
from Sushitna River cache with flour, milk, salt and potatoes,
then hauled up load of 10” pipe and slab. Harcus blasting
out bedrock and jointing on more flumes for 2nd run with giant.
Got gravel all in ready to bottom up hose run.
July 29, 1904 Got Frank, Clarence
and Persson working on hose run. Bottoming up hose run plenty
of water. Harcus blasting out bedrock and jointing on flume
for 2nd move up creek with giant. Got a total of 22 oz. 7
dwt. 19 gr. first setup, opening up ground with giant. Harry and
Took both got toothache Elmer tooth OK.
July 30, 1904 Heavy rain.
Got 2nd move up creek ready to operate giant, jointed up 11 flume.
About ready to clean up hose boxes and 3 more will commence on
Homestake claim. Now ready to work shifts on giant run.
Evening worked around annex to mess house to stop leaks etc.
Thirty sixth birthday today.
July 31, 1904 Sunday first day off this
month. Started shifts on giant run at 2:30 AM. Men worked AM,
self all day bottoming up with hydraulic hose. Palmer back
with goods, sent in no mail. Harry about sick with ulcerated
tooth. Elmer getting new molar.
August 1, 1904 Got hose run bottomed up ready
to clean up. Clarence and I running hydraulic hose. Started
shifts on giant run, 3 men on each shift, Harcus day piper.
Lots of gold in sight on clay bedrock Evening made Elmer
two small sluice boxes, put sail on boat.
August 2, 1904 Cleaned up hose boxes 2nd setup
got 21 oz. 15 dwt. in all this run, $426.33 for 66 days
work for 1 man. Started to set up 3rd run of hose boxes. Elmer
started sluicing with his midget boxes found a small nugget.
Got 8 dwt. 12 gr. nugget in hose clean up, one weighed 2 dwt. 6
gr. $1.80 one went 50¢ several 30¢.
August 3, 1904 Got boxes in for 3rd setup,
hydraulic hose now ready to pipe in beginning Homestake claim.
Evening had to go up to dam and shut off water from ditch on
account of storm (plenty of water). Elmer made his first
clean up from midget boxes got 60¢. Had land slide near
giant from high bank.
August 4, 1904 Rain. Clarence and I got
up shear boards and had to put on 200’ of new hose, old hose
worn out. Ground sluiced into hose boxes PM. Harcus
got bottom in on giant run now ready to pipe in bench. Lots of
gold in sight on both giant and hose setups. Evening wrote notices
on boards to put up on claims big blasting today.
August 5, 1904 Got hydraulic hose 3rd run ready.
Doubled up 60’ of hose to stand the pressure, water low today.
Harcus got creek bed bottomed up now ready to pipe in bench.
Will have to move pipe and giant to work bench. Mail arrived,
wife is at Valdez. Natives arrived with 118½ lbs. fresh salmon.
Put up May group stakes. Evening Elmer and self put up
Boulder stake 2 claims below Craigie.
August 6, 1904 Elmer and I left mines
for Knik, arrived 6:05 to put up hay and pack grub
to mines. Found Mattie back from Juneau and party of RR
men at my cabin. Mr. Bellaine, ACRR Construct Co., Judge Hildreth,
Marshal Sexton, Bill Buckley and millionaires Shed and Johnson from
Chicago on inspection trip of Knik Valley, they ate supper at our
cabin. Mattie and I got up at 4 AM to get breakfast for RR party.
August 7, 1904 Sunny and fine at
Knik. Morning helped RR party pack horses. All left for
the Matinuski Coal Fields. Got mowing machine ready, hauled
2 barrels water. PM cut grass on flats by Stephan’s old
place (smooth and dry). 3 PM Mattie taken suddenly sick had
to leave off work. Paid Stephan $2 for old root house where
I kept my giant powder, bought some mountain sheep 75¢.
August 8, 1904 Warmest day of season
75. Run mower all day cut 8 acres on tide flats.
Had roast mountain sheep for dinner was very fine. Took
pictures of hayfield and pictures of rye field.
August 9, 1904 Run mower at Knik, stacked 1
ton hay. Bought case coal oil from Palmer. Men mining
at Willow Creek, Mr. Harcus foreman.
August 10, 1904 Finished mowing hay and put
up ½ ton. Built crib to stack on, Elmer and Mamma helped,
raining. Brought down 800 lbs. hay to barn on stone boat
covered hay stacks with tarpaulins. Evening wrote to K and
B Co. sent deed in escrow to Puget Sound Bank Seattle for K and B
Co.
August 11, 1904 Rain, rain, rain, heaviest
rain of the season. Ordered supplies from Palmer for
mines. Fixed our pack bags, got sample of gold ready to
send to K and B Co., 5 oz. 12 dwt. 21 gr. = $90.30. RR
party got back (good and wet) from the Matanuski Coal Fields.
Had Mr. Bellaine, Judge Hildreth and Mr. Johnson to tea.
August 12, 1904 Rain and wind, high water
at mines. SS Tyonek came up from Goose Bay for RR party
at 5 AM, sent out-mail and sample of dust. Paid Palmer for
supplies $91.68, discount $12.97, net cash paid $78.71.
August 13, 1904 Left Knik 11 AM for mines.
Had 3 of Palmer’s horses to pack in grub. Arrived Little
Sushitna 7:45 PM rained last hour of trip got legs and feet
wet. With 5 horses packing supplies to mines Knik to Willow
Creek.
August 14, 1904 Left Sushitna cache at 8:45
arrived at mess house at mines at 2:30 with 5 pack horses and
800 lbs. supplies, credit Palmer’s horses to 504 lbs. High
water at mines but did no damage. Harcus cleaned up 1 box
giant got 6-7-20 one 80¢ nugget.
August 15, 1904 Got Stephan off at 7
AM for Knik with Palmer’s horses, paid Stephan $5 for 3 day
trip.
August 16, 1904 Bottomed up work on bench
with giant clean up 12-9-17. Now ready to move giant up
creek, 3rd move, and joint on more flume. Cramer’s 8th day
jointing material for more flume. Had Frank haul up flume and
riffle poles to Gilbert basin.
August 17, 1904 Got hose run (no. 3) bottomed
up ready to clean up. Took out 1-12-22 more from flume.
Got 2 bits to block riffle below cleaned riffles. Double head
of water since rain the 11th. Elmer’s clean up 10 gr.
Total gold out : 87-12-13 = $1,402.03 hose ahead of giant.
August 18, 1904 Cleaned up hose boxes
last of 3rd setup and about last of sluicing on Gilbert claim
with hose got 2-2-21 bedrock. Gilbert claim got 5-15-18
gravel bench on Homestake claim total 7-18-15. About ready
to sluice at foot of Homestake. Total gold 95-11-4 = $1,527.93.
Expense to date $1,726.90.
August 19, 1904 Wind and rain squalls.
Got 4th setup hose run completed ground sluiced 3 hours,
very wet but had to work to complete setup ready for high water
should it come. Cost 10½ days at $3 = $31.50 to
joint up 10 flume boxes.
August 20, 1904 Got 4th setup, hose boxes ready
at noon. Piped off gravel on small bar at foot of Homestake
claim. Found gold on bedrock but little in gravel.
Took out 37¢ pan on bedrock by head box, cached it in Elmer’s
“gold bottle”. Harcus got most off bedrock blasted out for
3rd setup of flume.
August 21, 1904 Running hydraulic hose, got
down to bedrock on bar, foot of Homestake, took out 50¢ pan
coarse gold. Harcus got bedrock blasted out for flume boxes.
Evening fixed my boot. Put 50¢ pans into Elmer’s gold
bottle.
August 22, 1904 AM ditch broke out, took
4 men 2½ hours to rebuild it. Double sluice head
of water for hose boxes. Harcus got in 11 more flume on
3rd setup of giant, now ready to pipe in good pay gravel.
Evening, cleaned one pound of gold.
August 23, 1904 Commenced raining hard at midnight,
everything flooded at the mines. 5 AM Grubstake coming
up fast. 7 AM water going over reservoir dam. 4 PM
hose boxes flooded. Morning Harcus and men put in shear
board giant run and built up dam. Clarence and self looked after
hose boxes, ditch and big dam - 4 to 7 had Harcus and 2 men put in
two shots in overflow at big dam.
August 24, 1904 Water going down fast,
boxes stood the flood OK. Men not working on account
of high water. Did washing and cleaned some gold. Evening
made window frame and put in mica in place of glass window for mess
house dining room. Sam shot mess of ptarmigans, Frank and
George saw brown bear above Martha claim.
August 25, 1904 Freezing nights. Snowed on
mountain peaks last night - remained today. Harcus got
3rd setup of giant completed pipe ¼ day. Clarence and I
rebuilt wing dam and cleaned up hose boxes got 18 dwt. 2 gr.
bedrock gold when setting head box.
August 26, 1904 Took out hose boxes and repaired
those damaged by flood and reset same, ready to operate.
Men went on shifts again this morning. Go to work at 3
AM off at noon. PM shift go on at noon off at 9 PM.
Opened up fine pay gravel with giant in Gilbert basin. Snow
on mountain peaks. Evening went up to head of gulch for horses
couldn’t find them. Intended to go to Knik tomorrow evening
packed up.
August 27, 1904 Started piping with hose again.
Finished balance of bar, picked up 20¢ nugget on
bedrock. Got 50¢ to the pan in gravel above clay on giant
run. Frank found horses up gulch about 2,000’ above creek -
now ready to go to Knik in the morning.
August 28, 1904 Left mines, with
horses, 6:50 AM arrived Knik 6:30. Mamma and Elmer OK.
Received word from Scandinavian American Bank that no funds
had been deposited by K and B Co. Left Harcus in charge
of the mines.
August 29, 1904 At Knik, too wet to cut hay,
started to clean out little cabin to make bunk house for the
men. Knik Chief and Stephan commenced work on hose run
at mines. Bought 18 lbs. bear meat off Stephan at 10¢
= $1.80. Bought sorrel mare from W. A. Edmunds for $100.
Put feed box in stall for 3rd horse at Knik.
August 30, 1904 Scattered out a bunch of hay
to dry, hauled it to the barn PM. Removed launch pump engines
and boiler tubes from little cabin to barn. A. Litchfield
and Red Jack brought in English hunter, a Mr. Littledale.
August 31, 1904 Hired Ephim to cut wood
and help fix up little cabin. Self started to put up bunks
in cabin. Had duck dinner with potatoes out of our own
garden, Yollie!
September 1, 1904 Completed bunks in
little cabin at Knik. Started to mow more grass with machine
on tide flats. Men working at mines: Harcus, Tooklasen,
Persson, Cramer, Mallery, Downing. Gold dust at Knik: coarse
2-6-0, fine 43-4-18 = $728.60. Ephim cut wood built fence around
hay stack.
September 2, 1904 Cutting hay and rye
at Knik, hauled it off flats to dry. Developed 5 film rolls,
all quite good. Ephim half day on hay.
September 3, 1904 Had Ephim and Andrew helping
to stack hay. Hauled ½ ton hay to barn.
September 4, 1904 Stacked balance of hay, had
½ ton of rye. Put fence around 2 stacks and covered
with canvas. Paid Palmer for use of pack horse to take 504
lbs. of provisions Knik to mines on 13th $25, supplies $33.13.
September 5, 1904 Left Knik with Nig, Tony
and Maud for the mines. Rode Maud, packed Nig and Tony
with provisions. At Cottonwood took on Cramer’s horse.
Got Nig down near Big Lake had trouble with horses. Arrived
Sushitna cache and camped for the night, big wind many windfalls.
Lost my grub when Nig fell in mud hole, so had to cook a duck and
potatoes for supper and breakfast.
September 6, 1904 Fine day, froze got
up at 4:30, duck and “taters” for breakfast. Left Sushitna
cache 6 AM arrived mess house at mines 11:30. Froze ½
inch on gulch last night, ice remained on bench all day.
Men finished working shifts. Harcus gave Stephan and his
brother “Chief” work on hose for 6 days. Inspected work, bench
paying well (giant). Bill and Spack arrived from Upper Susitna
via to Valdez.
September 7, 1904 Took charge of hose,
bottomed up ready to clean up. Sent Frank out for ptarmigan,
he shot all of three. Harcus bottoming up bench with giant.
Water low again but enough as yet. Had Sam repair old Yukon
sleds.
September 8, 1904 Cleaned up hose boxes got
7-9-8 off Homestake and 1-18-4 off Gilbert bar, total 9-7-12.
Frank and Downing moved boxes out of creek, closed down hose.
Total taken out with hose 63-13-15 = $1,018.90 (50-8-13 off Gilbert
bar and 13-5-2 off foot Homestake bar). Harcus and I started to clean
up flume boxes.
September 9, 1904 Snow and rain. Paid
off six men mostly in gold dust. Finished cleaning up last
of flume, 25 boxes got 15-14-18 (silvered) fine gold below 3rd
box got (left blank) coarse gold in first 3 boxes. Total
clean up for 11 days work by 6 men. Noon boys left mines for
Knik. Packed all their blankets on Cramer’s horse took picture
of party leaving camp. Evening cleaned gold dust.
September 10, 1904 Got riffle blocks back in
place, built dam along shear board, piped in with giant.
Cleaned and weighed up 15-19-17 gold dust. Mountain tops
covered with snow last night.
September 11, 1904 AM bottomed up with
giant. PM cleaned up, got 17-16-0 = $284.80 piped in
1 day - three men’s work and last for the season. Closed
down giant at noon. Average to the man piping with giant last
day $71.60 now in good pay dirt. Evening cleaned and weighed
up 17 oz. 16 dwt. of gold.
September 12, 1904 AM packed up tools
around giant, turned water off pipeline in creek and tried to
remove gate in reservoir dam. Fixed bottom in gate of dam
and back wall. Harcus made a rock hook to pull sods out of
dam in front of big gate, failed to raise gate. Evening cleaned
and weighed up 16-12-7 last of gold dust.
September 13, 1904 Total gold taken this
season to date 171-11-12 = $2,745.20. Herning gold (25-14-03)
= $411.30 total $3,172.50 before cleaning. AM pulled out
gate in hydraulic dam and got water off pipeline laid in creek bed.
Harcus fixed up saw handles, chain, etc. Frank and self sawed
94 riffle blocks.
September 14, 1904 Had Harcus iron over bobsleighs
that the boys smashed up last winter. Frank and self
ripped out enough penstock for 15 boxes, 20 all total ready.
Re-piled lumber. Hay and hose yet to put under cover, waiting for
a dry day. Will take inventory tomorrow. Took measurement
of bolster to be made at Knik.
September 15, 1904 Hauled up penstock to Gilbert
basin enough to make 17 boxes, put up stakes on winter trail.
Hauled down ½ ton hay from Grubstake and ¾ ton
from Willow near Boulder - put it in Gilbert cabin. Harcus fixing
tools - made brake and draw rods for bobsleighs. Took inventory
of tools etc. in Gilbert cabin.
September 16, 1904 Snowed on mountain tops
most all day, evening clear and cooler. Cached hydraulic
hose and grub left over at mess house in cache. Now ready to
close up camp and leave for Knik tomorrow. Used team to haul in
hose, wood and grub. Maud fell on the mountain skinned eye
and side.
September 17, 1904 Frank hauled down balance
of hay to Gilbert calidoor, in all about 1 ton at mines.
Dust from Gilbert claim 158-6-10, Homestake 15-5-2. Put
up notice board on Homestake. Wrote notices for Balm claim and
relocated bench claims on Grubstake visited Gopher claims (R. C. Smith,
J. W. Rogers and W. H. Rogers locators). Got 200 ft. of hose
dry and put in annex. Closed up camp at mines. Self with
3 horses and 3 men Harcus, Whitney and Watson, left mines for Knik.
Arrived at Sushitna cache and camped for the night. Shot only
2 ptarmigan
September 18, 1904 Fixed roof of cache, took
down tent, packed tent and my bedding to Knik. Encountered
many windfalls - ate lunch at 1st creek crossing, arrived at Knik
6:30 PM. All the boys had gone to Hope to catch the boat
out. Found Cramer and Edmunds stopping in little cabin - wind
had downed their tent. Columbia river boat was caught by a
drift log and sunk in the slough above Knik. Let boys stop in
little cabin - big wind all day. Let Watson ride Maud out from
mines to Knik.
September 19, 1904 Froze quite hard last
night at Knik. Self cleaned 25 oz. gold. Paid Harry Watson
for meat bill run last February $11.30.
September 20, 1904 Dug first crop of potatoes
raised in garden at Knik, got one ton - cached them in the barn
until root house is built. Tak arrived from Sunrise - no mail.
The SS Tyonek had not come back from trip to meet the SS Excelsior
the 12th. Herman and Stone, Downing and Huff went over trail
from Sunrise to Seward. Clarence and Mallery waiting for SS
Tyonek at Sunrise.
September 21, 1904 Worked on drying out 2 stacks
of hay which had heated. Scattered out and restacked
it.
September 22, 1904 Put handles on 2 axes, double
bit and pole axe. Got out 30 spruce logs near lake by
spring to build a new root house. Swamped out windfalls
on trail from Knik to lake back of spring. Evening checked
up farmers outfit - tools net value $28.50, horse gear $17, camp outfit
$10. Had offer of 3¢ per lb. for my ton of potatoes.
September 23, 1904 Cleaned out cache ready
to receive 1905 supplies. Shoveled out bank for root house
in back of little cabin, annex to be 8’ x 12’ inside. Evening
weighed up balance of gold dust on hand: coarse (flat bottle)
12-11-18, nuggets (square bottle) 1-12-08, fine (cream
bottle) 42-10-09. Total on hand 56-14-14, fine in
sack 9-18-18. Grand total 66-13-5 at $16 oz. = $1,066.56.
September 24, 1904 Frank rode Maud to Cottonwood
looking for Nig and Tony. Nig and Tony showed up at
11 AM had been down to the government camp. Cut Elmer’s hair and
puttied and painted window in barn. Hunted up stick in woods for
go-devil to skid in logs on, made same but of birch. Farmers
set price of $300 on outfit, 2 horses and pack gear with hay to
winter horses, camp outfit tools and shotgun.
September 25, 1904 Made Y go-devil, put mower
under cache. Frank cut logs for ceiling in little cabin.
Self hauled in logs for root house. Evening sold Harcus pair
ankle boots $2.50. Harcus and party getting ready to go
up Knik River to investigate Hall’s prospect on bar. Evening
offered Cramer $150 for his horse and hay camp outfit and tools as listed.
September 26, 1904 Not freezing at night,
snow all gone on mountain peaks that came the 16th. Made
two horses for saw pit, placed them between house and barn at Knik.
Hauled up Cottonwood logs to whipsaw for ceiling of little cabin.
Harcus and party of 3 left on morning tide for Knik River.
September 27, 1904 Got out saw logs for ceiling
and root house. Had Natives rip 10 logs, 17’, cost $4 for
sawing at 20¢ a cut, borrowed the farmers whipsaw. Ceiling
now ready to joint up for little cabin. Got out birch runners
for stone boat. Traded Stephan sack flour for hind quarter
of young moose meat – the flour to be delivered to Stephan when supplies
come in.
September 28, 1904 Cut hole for window in little
cabin on east side and started hole through logs for door from
cabin into root house. Laid first row of logs on root
house. Heavy rain all day.
September 29, 1904 Hauled in balance
of logs for root house. Got up saw log and had Natives
saw up 8 – 15’ boards – 120’ cost $3.60 - to use for saddle boards
on barn and roof boards for root house. Laid logs in root house.
Sold Stephan my dollar 22 gun for $1.50 also 2 boxes of 22 at 35¢
to be paid for later.
September 30, 1904 Froze ice ¼ inch
thick last night. Got logs 2/3 up on root house.
Natives labor getting moss 60¢.
October 1, 1904 Freezing nights - dark at 6
o’clock Got logs laid up in root house and rafters up,
roof and ceiling yet to place. Evening looked up price
of iron bed landed at Knik complete - bed $5, freight $1.60,
springs $4, freight $3.15, mattress $4.50, freight
$6.75. Cost in Seattle $13.50, cost at Knik $25.
October 2, 1904 Got roof on root house used
5 bunches of shingles (1,250 shingles). Evening repacked
medicine chest.
October 3, 1904 Jointed up 21 slabs for ceiling
in little cabin. Tore out old ceiling which was covered
with about a ton of dirt, now ready to place new ceiling also in
root house. Evening packed rubber goods on top of medicine and
nailed up box and marked it for Seward Alaska.
October 4, 1904 Coldest night this fall
16 above. Jointed up 3 logs to raise ceiling in little
cabin. Got ceiling laid and chimney in and mostly mossed
cracks. Hauled up barrel water for house with Maud. Bought
minimum thermometer from Palmer for trail use $1.50. Root house
ceiling and door yet to joint up.
October 5, 1904 Laid ceiling in root
house, cut door between little cabin and root house.
Made door, put on hasp and lock. Cabin and root house finished
except corking up and banking up root house with dirt. Harcus
and Cramer got back from prospecting trip up Knik River.
October 6,1904 Had Frank bank up root
house with sod and sand. Self finished woodwork
in cabin. Threaded draw rods for sled and tallowed
the dyes. Evening boxed up hardware, clothing and typewriter.
Mr. Littledale the English hunter returned to Knik. Expect
boat in the 7th.
October 7, 1904 Got up shelves and moved cooking
gear into little cabin. Put new runners on stone boat
and moved sled out of barn. Evening wired and marked boxes
for Seward Alaska. Made out lumber list 125 logs. Left
2 oz. dust with Frank. Evening paid store bill at Palmer’s to
date $15.70.
October 8, 1904 Frank hauled down balance of
hay to barn also hauled up 10 bags of moss to finish chinking
little cabin. Finished chinking ceiling in root house and
cabin and commenced to cover with dirt. With Nig pulled up Sea
Otter boat. Evening bought Cramer’s roan horse and tools for
$125 also 1/3 of hay.
October 9, 1904 Cloudy and warmer not
freezing. Had Frank put poles in for lining in root house
and finished banking ceiling etc. Self put glass in barn
window - made fork rack. Fixed up pack saddle Stephan broke
coming out form Willow Creek. Evening tide floated both
scow and launch, anchored scow out to receive supplies and
moved launch farther up bank.
October 10, 1904 Frank got out poles
to make crib lining in root house. Self made crib to pull
launch upon and corked up scow. SS Tyonek arrived with supplies got
freight discharged at 6 PM, short 2 grizzly rails and no. 2 giant and
1 ton of feed and nails. 6:30 PM left Knik for Seward. Self
and family had 10 boxes freight.
October 11, 1904 Arrived at Tyonek at midnight
the 10th. Left Tyonek 7 AM arrived at Kenai 11 AM.
Paid Cramer $5 for 2 man saw 2’ square, gold for scythe and smooth
old hand saw, flask of quick 4 lbs. 1 gold pan odds and ends.
Went up town in Kenai to take snap of church farm and cross foxes.
Left 5 PM for Seldovia.
October 12, 1904 Arrived at Seldovia 2:30 AM
was a little rough around Anchor Point. Paid freight
bill $101.75 by check on Scandinavian Bank. Company freight
$73, Knik self freight (10 boxes) $3.75, Seward self fares $25 via
Seldovia - total $101.75. Now boarding on SS Tyonek, 50¢
meals, waiting for SS Excelsior. Wrote to Whitney F.
H. sent shipping bills with what provisions to leave at Knik.
Sent Scandinavian American Bank deposit book no. 10983 with order
to pay $100 to my open account.
October 14, 1904 SS Tyonek left
Seldovia 8:30 AM for upper Inlet. Meals on Tyonek $7.50,
meals at Kafoury’s $1. Noon, left Seldovia on SS Dora at
1 PM with family ½ ton freight for Seward. Left 28
passengers at Seldovia waiting for the SS Excelsior via Seattle.
Went to Homer and came back to Seldovia with passengers.
October 15, 1904 Left Seldovia 2 AM on SS Dora
had fair weather to Seward.
October 16, 1904 Arrived at Seward, took
up quarters at Hotel. Met Sheriff Sexton and family.
Chief ACRR Engineer Swanitz, invited me to take trip over the
summit road, about 12 miles, road was graded to Kenai Lake some 20
bridges.
October 17, 1904 SS Santa Clara arrived, had
125 tons for Cook Inlet, it left at 1 PM for Cook Inlet,
had on board a school master for Hope. Talked to ACRR man, Bellaine,
about a building lot, looked up lumber prices, made
arrangements with Brown and Hawkins to furnish cash for gold
dust 42-10-9. They to mint dust and credit me to same less
express etc.
October 18, 1904 Made arrangements for lot
30’ x 100’, $250 cash in 30 days. Finished lumber 35 per M,
rough $25. Hired help to clear our lot on 3rd Avenue. Total
clean up 171-11-12, $2,300 in dust.
October 19 1904 Bought 4th lot from corner
of Adams on 3rd Ave. west side of street, from Ballaine ACRR
net $250 - 30 days time. Opened account with Brown and Hawkins
42-10- 9 in dust to be sent out and melted and I to get the net on
same. Evening SS Santa Clara returned from Seldovia, had Carter’s
dredger on board, couldn’t land it, no lighters at Seldovia.
Mr. J. Girdwood 28 White St. New York wanted me to send dimensions
of launch.
October 20, 1904 Commenced clearing lot on
3rd Avenue. Looked at several cabins for rent all leaked
but one. Sleeting today.
October 21, 1904 Got lot cleared of trees
brush etc. ready for foundation of house. Part of lumber
delivered on ground. Evening got $75 on account from Brown
and Hawkins. Evening Mamma and son attended Sunday School
social. Evening wrote to F. H. Whitney at Knik enclosed $50 to
pay Natives etc. Wrote Blodgett to be sure to land me a no. 2
giant at Knik.
October 22, 1904 Got lot cleared and foundation
down for house on 3rd Avenue Seward. Had shingles and dimension
lumber delivered on lot. Evening SS Bertha arrived on
up-trip, no mail or lost giant on board. Huff and Downing
left Seward for Knik. Sent Frank Whitney $50 in currency.
PM crazy man hung himself in the jail. Got 125 lbs. nails off Brown
and Hawkins.
October 23, 1904 Elmer attended Sunday school.
PM we were invited out to dinner at Judge Hildreth’s.
October 24, 1904 Snowed 4” last night.
Men had to lay off on building house. Paid E. G. Stokes
order $3.50 for work clearing lot and $10 each on stove and bed.
October 25, 1904 Got roof on, ready to shingle.
Got ready to get our own meals in McNeely’s back kitchen.
Bought small bill of groceries at Brown and Hawkins.
October 26, 1904 Got cottage shingled and put
on some rustic on north side. Had safety flue made - galvanized
iron - for chimney and put same in, cost $11. SS Bertha got back
from Cook Inlet. Sleeper, Smith, Collins, White arrived
on way to court at Valdez also Harry Watson got no mail.
October 27, 1904 SS Santa Ana arrived.
Ballaine and money men for ACRR arrived also new engineer to
take Col. Swantz place. Bainter and four mushers arrived
from Sunrise via winter route. Bed, mattress and springs -
got dresser small table linoleum and cooking utensils from Mrs.
Tecklenburg all cost $52.75. Mrs. Teck and mother left for Seattle
on SS Santa Ana.
October 28, 1904 Finished cottage on outside
and ceiling on hangers up in attic. SS Dora arrived on
westward trip. Surveyors for Alaska Central Railway left
for Knik and Turnagain Arm. SS Corwin arrived from Nome via to Seattle.
Reported strike of $1,800 to the pan in tundra near Anvil Creek at
Nome.
October 29, 1904 Snowed 4” last night.
Got walls ceiled up inside window and wood frames ready to
put in - laid T and G floor also. Bought heater from Merrifield
$12, paid down $5. Nelson Bros.
delivered ½ cord 10” stove wood at kitchen
back of hotel. Made Elmer a sled.
October 30, 1904 Put new heater in cottage
to dry out walls. Gray and Col. Swanitz offered me $600
for steam launch if delivered at Seward. Mattie’s birthday.
October 31, 1904 Carpenters worked on inside
of cottage, laid attic floor, put in stairs, got in one window
and door. Halloween. Elmer and Mattie White put tick-tacks
on barbershop and restaurant. Evening story party at McNeilly
Hotel office.
November 1, 1904 Carpenters finishing inside
of cottage. Got in all the windows and outside doors.
Got stairway finished. Self corked casings around windows
and doors and started to make china closet.
November 2, 1904 Got partitions in cottage.
Bought man saw from Brown and Hawkins $4 and made a flour box.
RR party of millionaires left for Lake Kenai.
November 3, 1904 Carpenter finished cottage
(McNeilly contractor). Self jointing up china cupboard.
Mattie swept out the rooms now ready to move in. Total 28½
8 hour days 1 man building cottage 20’ x 26’ - 6 rooms.
Help 157 hours at 50¢ = $78.50, boss 59 hours at 60¢=$35.40.
Cost of labor $113.90 contract price $150.
November 4, 1904 Moved cooking utensils furniture
etc. from hotel to new cottage 3rd Avenue Seward. Paid Stokes
$20 balance on stove and bed outfit. Paid freight $2.80 on
box clothing from Portland. Got cook stove set up and one
bed. Had beans, donuts, bread and Postum for supper.
Nelson Bros. delivered another half cord of firewood. Bought
kitchen table $1.25.
November 5, 1904 Worked on china closet and
fitting up cottage inside. Got parlor stove set up.
4 PM met RR party, Osborne and Thomas talked over future prospects
of ACRR gave them data etc. on country around Knik, they wanted
some of my views. Got partition collar for stove pipe 75¢,
key hole saw 35¢.
November 6, 1904 Got china closet finished
except doors. Put up shelf for water pail wash dish etc.
Elmer attended Sunday School. Thawing today snow about gone
at Seward Alaska.
November 7, 1904 Made step for back door.
Got 25 lb. lead, 5 gal. oil, 1 gal. terps, 5 lbs. ochre (dry).
Put priming coat on front of cottage. Checked up bill of dry goods
that came from Portland everything was OK.
November 8, 1904 Cloudy with light rain
last night. Put on priming coat on one side and end of
cottage. Evening made doors for china closet. Windy
tonight.
November 9, 1904 Snowed 4”. Helped Mattie
do washing and hung china closet door. Mr. Osbourne visited to
get some of my pictures of Knik. Sold him 4 of my maps of
Cook Inlet and our new rabbit robe for $15. Evening Mattie “Smith”
White visited on Elmer. Played Pit. Elmer saw her home
to Hotel McNeilly.
November 10, 1904 H. C. Osborne, 40 of Toronto,
Canada wants 3 sets of Knik views sent to above address through
Mr. Keelar of Alaska Central Railroad Co. Made kitchen
table, put pulls on drawers and completed china closet. Got
pulls for drawers 3 at 10¢ = 30¢.
November 11, 1904 Had H. Reese help cut down
large tree back of house, got out posts for wood shed.
Mr. Osbourne visited, Mrs. Smith visited, Mrs. Brownell visited,
wanted us to join magazine club.
November 12, 1904 with helper got up
shed for to cover firewood 8’ x 14’ covered in on 2 sides north
and west. Ordered lumber for closet and rough boards for
woodshed. Sent back to lumber yard 40’ door jam 130’ 1”
x 6” casing. Evening put up curtains in front of house.
November 13, 1904 Got woodshed all housed in
on west and north side filled under firewood and lumber.
Evening Mrs. Sexton and son Neil visited. Almost a blizzard
toward evening big NW wind.
November 14, 1904 Freezing weather all day.
Laid linoleum in kitchen. Evening made out statement of
account: supplies wages etc. $5,492.89, March 12, balance
due Herning $2,020.47, May 17 Salary due $2,000, total $9,513.36.
Cash received in April K and B Co. $3,350 dust (gross) $2,761.20 other
sources $1,36.55, total $6,247.75. Balance due Herning $3,265.61
above, not from my ledger account.
November 15, 1904 Fair and colder, freezing
hard all day. SS Excelsior arrived from Seattle.
Received notice from Puget Sound Bank that K and B Co. took up option
on Gilbert claim, paid over the $2,000 and 20,000 shares K and B
stock. Received from Puget Sound Bank $500 in certificate of
deposits credit above to K and B Co. November 1, 1904. Sent K
and B Co. statement of account April to November.
November 16, 1904 Paid Yakutat Lumber Co. bill
rendered for lumber for cottage $291, Young for lumber $17.86,
Brown and Hawkins for lumber, McNeilly for door $3. Paid W.
A. McNeilly for building cottage $150. Paid Bellaine on lot $100.
Paid Brown and Hawkins on account by draft $50. Had electric
fixtures put in, lights turned on tonight 1st time.
November 17, 1904 Own home at Seward.
Had Nelson Bros. deliver cord wood. Refinished iron bed,
in grass green.
November 18, 1904 On inside work varnishing
and staining cottage at Seward. Paid Seward Lumber Co.
bill $17.86. Put finish coat on Elmer’s bedstead. Evening
jointed leaf in table. Started to make up bill of clothing
etc. order to be sent to Portland Oregon.
November 19, 1904 Snowed 2” last night
big wind today. Got kitchen stained and front bedroom
sitting room varnished. Put up Elmer’s bed in kitchen bedroom.
Evening bought Mattie new tub boiler and wringer. Evening
cut Elmer’s hair.
November 20, 1904 Started to cloth front bedroom.
Elmer attended Sunday School. Sunday roast 90¢.
November 21, 1904 Finished lining bedroom and
varnished base boards etc. now ready to paper. Evening
Mattie was a little sick. Ordered 2 x 6 ’s and flooring for
back and front veranda.
November 22, 1904 Evening papered ceiling in
parlor bedroom. SS Dora arrived from westward trip 10 days overdue,
didn’t call at Seldovia where large crowd were waiting to come
out.
November 23, 1904 Snowed 2” last night.
Finished papering parlor bedroom, total time 6 hours.
SS Portland arrived in place of SS Bertha. Mamma attended
school exercises PM.
November 24, 1904 Turkey day but no turkeys
in town. We had dinner with U. S. Marshals folks, George
Sexton, at corner 3rd and Adams, in Seward. Evening attended
a party, proceeds to go to pay school debt raised $29.
November 25, 1904 Put up bed in parlor bedroom
and varnished parlor floor. Evening Mattie made out order
for clothing from Portland Oregon.
November 27, 1904 Not much doing. SS Portland
returned from Seldovia with 17 passengers from the Inlet.
Mrs. Shaw visited on Mattie, she and Capt. on way to Seattle.
Made out order for provisions to send to the National Grocery Co.
in Seattle $125.
November 28, 1904 Started to build water
closet in our own back yard, dug pit and cut frame. SS Santa
Clara arrived 2 PM, it came on the SS Santa Ana run. Made
out small order for drugs. Wrote Sylvester Bros. about Seward’s
business outlook. Bought ½ ton Wellington soft coal
$9 delivered.
November 29, 1904 Got closet up except
door and roof. SS Santa Ana expected December 12th with
another RR engine for Alaska Central Railway Co. Sent J.
Girdwood 28 White St., NY, specifications of steam launch.
December 1, 1904 Rev. Mr. Sly visited
said he was going to establish a reading room in Seward.
Shingled closet put in door frame and part of cornice. Evening
Mamma and Elmer went downtown. Self put leaf on table which
makes table 45” x 42”. Five hours on closet.
December 2, 1904 Paid electric bill for wiring
house, 4 lights $10.20, groceries $3.75, lathe 25¢,
“rotten sausage” 25¢.
December 3, 1904 Heavy showers rained
last night and all day today some wind. Finished closet
seat and stained it. Put 3 more boards on wood shed and
cup up balance shiplap 6’ long for floors on veranda.
December 4, 1904 Still raining this morning
turned to snow. Had pork roast for dinner. Evening all
went to church to hear the Rev. Mr. Sly.
December 5, 1904 Put wood under shed and put
up 2 shelves in kitchen. Evening Sexton “kids” visited, played
Pit. Evening played flute and Mattie sang. 10 PM Mattie took sick.
December 6, 1904 Called Dr. Sleem, Mattie had
labor pains 2 AM. She gave birth to a son at 7:10 AM.,
Mrs. Stokes nurse Seward, Alaska. No sleep last night.
Hustle bustle today. Mamma and baby son both doing well.
According to reckoning only a 7 month babe but fully developed hair
nails etc. and weighed 6½ lbs.
December 7, 1904 Put outside casing on closet
door. Bought lumber to make closet door and wardrobe in
bedroom $2.85, hauled it home on Yukon sled. Bought new rip
saw $1. Mamma and son doing well. Seven K. of P.’s in town.
Invited to play for school Ball on Xmas eve.
December 8, 1904 Made and hung door on water
closet. Mamma and son Jr. quite well 3rd day on terra firma.
Evening Elmer coasting with kids down 4th Avenue Seward, Alaska.
December 9, 1904 Finished water closet and
painted it. Elmer had to buy a new sled $1.50.
December 10, 1904 Tenth day soft weather not
enough snow left for sledding. Bought another cord of
wood put most of it under shed. Notices out for masked Ball for
benefit of school fund Xmas evening.
December 11, 1904 Mattie had several callers.
Self and baby getting along nicely. Elmer attended Sunday
School.
December 12, 1904 First mail arrives from Hope
and Sunrise by overland route, got no mail.
December 13, 1904 Not much doing.
Had some location notices filed of Willow Creek placers.
Wrote to Sylvester Bros. for price of pipe and deflector shipped
by the U. S. B. Works Seattle. Wrote the U. S. B. Works
about missing giant. Self troublesome with 1st cold of this
‘winter’. Mamma and babe doing well.
December 14, 1904 SS Santa Ana arrived with
cargo of freight and a few court people from Valdez.
December 15, 1904 Snowed 2”. Bought
½ hind quarter of moose 32½ lbs. at 20¢ =
$6.50.
December 16, 1904 Temperature 30 to 36 above,
December 1st to date. Cold wave tonight, down to 22 above
- change of weather. Baby seems to have slight cold doing well
babe and Mattie.
December 17, 1904 Fell a tree in front of cottage
and sawed it up into stove wood. Evening gave Elmer a bath and
took one myself. Mamma and babe doing well.
December 18, 1904 Mamma Mattie got up, was
in bed 12 days. Got K. B. books posted up to date.
Now ready to take off balance sheet and make out annual report
of business at Willow Creek mines for this season 1904. Elmer
attended both church and Sunday School. Evening clear
and colder.
December 19, 1904 Paid Dr. Sleem $75 for attending
Mattie during confinement. Nurses time up tomorrow AM.
December 20, 1904 Closed up K. B. books for
this season. Total amount of biz. $13,617.68, 1st report
of biz $19,489.11, total to date $33,106.79. Liabilities
$3,195.15 (due Herning) - assets (left blank). Mrs. E. G.
Stokes, nurse for Mattie, finished (2 weeks for $30). Cut up
one tree into blocks for heater. Mamma now chief cook, nurse,
etc. I am the bottle washer, flunky, wood chopper, papa “2 times”
etc. All at 3rd Avenue Seward, Alaska.
December 21, 1904 Fell and cut up another
tree in front of cottage. Started to make typewritten copy
of annual report to K. B. Company. Mrs. Gheder visited on
Mattie. Very clear and colder this evening. Mrs.
Schalk gave Elmer a checker board for Xmas present.
December 22, 1904 Cut down another tree and
sawed up ½ of same. Got report segregated, ready
to finish bill out to K and B Co. Evening SS Dora arrived
on return trip from Westward via Valdez 10 days overdue. Evening
Mattie went downtown, self attended my “new baby boy”.
December 23, 1904 Did washing for Mattie
and the baby. Evening self and Elmer attended Masquerade
Ball, proceeds to go to the Seward school fund. Self
played 2nd on the piano. Mrs. (Hawkins) Brown won the ladies
prize, Mr. Deremis won the gents prize for best sustained characters.
December 24, 1904 Very cold all day with
30 mile wind. Xmas tree tonight for the children.
Elmer got a box of Barnums cracker animals, bag each of nuts and
candy, cards, etc. SS Portland arrived on westward trip.
Our trunk left in storage with Seattle Transfer Co. arrived on SS Portland.
Mamma attended Xmas tree exercises while Dad minded the baby.
December 25, 1904 Christmas, had trunk
delivered at house 50¢. Made out inventory of assets
at mines. Ice froze 4” in 36 hours on the glacier stream.
No turkeys in the market had roast moose meat, vegetable, etc. and
lemon pie for dinner. Elmer got pail of candy from Hildreth’s
and box candy from B and H, cup and saucer from Mrs. Sexton and 75¢
in his stocking this AM. Mamma found $10 gold piece in her stocking.
December 26, 1904 Got letter with report ready
to forward to K and B Co. Got location notices
from the recorders office at Seward 3 more yet to come.
School vacation. Mamma and babe doing well. Mattie
wrote home for trunk and clothing. Cut wood for the usual
supply.
December 27, 1904 Snowing. Made
out lumber list to be sawed at Willow Creek for elevator and mailed
same to F. H. Whitney in charge at Knik Alaska. Geo Buzzard and
wife visited us on their way to Hope. Elmer helped me
saw up a log.
December 28, 1904 Snowed about 3”, then rained
most all day. Mailed copy of report to J. O. May, Pres.
December 29, 1904 Snowed 10” today heaviest
fall of winter. Mattie had quite a few callers. Evening
SS Santa Clara arrived. My supplies from National Grocery
Co. and Medicine arrived on this boat.
December 30, 1904 Had supplies delivered at
the house, stored them in the attic chamber. Evening and
PM started to make out mining deeds of claims relocated on Willow
Creek to the K and B Co. Groceries $168.27 , supplies self $13.92,
freight $21.25, wharfage and ctg. $4.90, medicine from Quaker
Drug Co. $3.10, Exp. on med. $2.50.
December 31, 1904 Made out deed of Martha claim
to K and B Co. Paid freight and express bills. Dance
tonight at Moose Hall, Herning on music. Self and
Elmer attended New Years Ball got home at 12:30. Snowing
hard, total fall for the past 48 hours 24 inches and more coming.
Addresses in back of 1904 journal:
W. N. and S. C. Ruble The Ruble Elevator
Golden, Oregon
J. F. Riley 470 Duglass St. San Francisco,
Calif. (Placer and quarts man Mr. Heggland his foreman season
of 1903 Kenai Lake)
Judge O. E. Sauter 524 N. Y. Block Phone
White 51 Seattle
Clark Davis Alaska Petroleum and Coal Co. (manager)
730 NY Block Seattle
The Leppy Co. Kayak
Purchases 1904: Columbia river boat $80,
Ruble elevator $180, Native labor for May $90.38, 80 lb. flask
of quicksilver $52, June boating Affinassa $4, Simeon for trip
to Hope 7 days $10.50, July, Nicholai 6 days $12, Evan 6 days $12,
152 lb. moose meat from Billy and Andrew $15.20, 8 lb. moose meat
from Negifal 80¢, Paid Stephan for 3 days on trail $5 and 18 lb.
bear meat $1.80, paid Ephim for rabbit robe $7.50, caribou skin $1.25,
paid Andrew $1 for 5 ducks, paid Nakeeta for mail $3, paid Prince
$1 for 6 ducks, paid Stephan wages of $10.80, paid Chief wages of $10.80,
three fares Knik to Seldovia $25. Received $2,000 cash from K
and B Co. for Gilbert claim
1904 Clean Up before melting: Gross:
hydraulic hose run 62-4-16 giant 109-6-20 total gross 171-11-12.
1905
Inside diary cover: This diary commences the
year with O. G. Herning and family living in their own home
at Seward, Alaska, Elmer attending the Seward school, Miss Kurtz
teacher.
January 1, 1905 Happy New Year came in with
2’ of snow in the past 48 hours. My family living in our own cottage
at Seward District of Alaska. Mattie attended the reception given
by the Kenai Club. Elmer attended Sunday school. Evening
figured up net cost of supplies landed at Seward. Save $1
on barrel of flour, 10% on sugar 25 to 100% on can goods. Reliance
Oyster Cream Soup for supper and raspberries.
January 2, 1905 Had Sexton and Leonard sign
as witness to the Martha, Boulder, and May Group of placer claims
as deeded to the K and B Co. Made out deed for the Gopher
claim to the K and B Co. The SS Portland now one week
overdue from her westward trip to Seldovia and Kodiak.
Evening Mattie visited on Sextons, Elmer on Barthold's. Self
minding the baby now 1 month old.
January 3, 1905 Cloudy. Made out deeds
of the Balm and Herning placer claims to the K and B Co.
Elmer wrote a letter to his grandmother on the typewriter.
Evening played some on the flute. Not much doing.
January 4, 1905 Had Doremus and Schalk sign
as witnesses to the deeds of the Balm, Herning and Gopher placer
mines. Did washing for Mattie. Mrs. Gabriel visited.
Evening answered Mallory letter about his outfit at Knik. Read
the Mining and Scientific Press which contained a write up about
Herning’s at Seward and about the Mine at Willow Creek.
January 5, 1905 Put up medicine box in attic
chamber. Set up electric battery. Showed Miss Sexton
photos taken at mines and Knik. Rev. Mr. Sly visited. Evening
Arthur Gray and Elmer played checkers.
January 6, 1905 G. H. Mallery loss on gold
after melting $3, cottage supplies $2.50, ½ cord wood
$2.50. Sent Ruble the Juneau paper with write-up of Herning
at Willow Creek and about the Grizzly. Left deeds (6) to be recorded
at Hildreth’s. Evening looked over funny sheet with Elmer.
Baby 1 month old today.
January 7, 1905 Light rain for the past 60
hours clear tonight. Started to make clothes closet in
kitchen bedroom. Collect from SS Tyonek - cost 1 wood rail $1.57,
freight 37¢, total $1.94. Freight on giant 8’ $1.20,
freight on deflector 1’ 15¢, total $1.35.
January 8, 1905 Mattie took baby out for first
time visited on Sexton’s. Evening played flute.
January 9, 1905 Finished upper part of clothes
closet. On again off again the Seward electric lights.
January 10, 1905 Made out blank power
of attorney for 12 names to send to Jos. to have signed up for
Lode and Placers. Wrote Jos. about having him get signers
for power of attorneys.
January 11, 1905 Bought ham 19 lbs. at 20¢
and 1 qt. turp. at 40¢. Took a walk up 4th Avenue and up
RR other side of lagoon. Evening talked with Nelson Bros.
about their placer claims 9 miles from Alaska Central Railway
near summit with a view to sell to a stock company. Wrote to
Bates about Nelson Bros. placer mines.
January 12, 1905 Sunrise mail arrived got no
word from Knik.
January 13, 1905 Natives started to saw up
trees on lot. Evening Rev. Sly visited to get donations
to buy organ for reading room, gave him $2. Dr. Sleem used
my typewriter.
January 14, 1905 Piled up 2 cords of wood and
split up ½ cord. Evening toned out 26 prints, views
of giant and mining etc. Evening self and Mattie attended
Ball given by M. Eide, self played the piano got $3.00. Mattie
came home 10:30, Mrs. Stokes looked after the baby.
January 15, 1905 Several callers today
to see the baby. Showed McNeilly plan of elevator.
Made shade frame for electric light in sitting room. Elmer
attended Sunday school as usual.
January 16, 1905 Got K and B Co. deeds from
recording office at Seward, Alaska. Six deeds cost to record
$23.85, 3 location notices $7.30, total $31.15, sixteen
notary seals $6.00. Got above ready to register and forward
to K and B Co. Paid old Native 3 hours at 20¢ = 60¢,
young Native 8½ hours at 20¢ = $1.70 total $2.30.
January 17, 1905 Mailed deeds to K. B Co.,
6 deeds and 8 location notices covering 33 claims on Willow
Creek and Grubstake Gulch. All were recorded at Cook Inlet
Precinct at Seward, Alaska.
January 18, 1905 Put bread drawer in china
closet. Figured up lumber list made out 6,480’ cuts by
whipsaw at 3¢ = $194.40, one inch boards not included.
Mail arrived from Crow Creek but none from Knik.
January 19, 1905 No boat now for 20 days.
RR supplies getting short. Self OK six months grub in attic.
January 20, 1905 Invited to play piano at ladies
social tomorrow evening. Alaska Central Railway Co. started
to put in another wharf for RR purposes only. Elmer crazy
for a coronet.
January 21, 1905 Received first mail from Knik
by a Mr. Strong from the Big Sushitna, all OK at Knik,
December 31st only 2” of snow. Frank cut 6 tons hay on Meadow
Creek in December, lost 1/3 of hay at Knik by high tide. Evening
played for the Ladies Athletic Club social big crowd good time got
home 2:45.
January 22, 1905 SS Bertha due today.
No boats in port since December 30th.
January 23, 1905 Evening developed 2 film rolls,
½ dozen size, of giant at mines, got 9 out of dozen
roll that were OK. The Ladies Athletic Club gave me a box of
cigars for playing flute and piano at their social Saturday evening.
January 25, 1905 with Neil Sexton left home
6 AM walked up to Resurrection River to hunt ptarmigan,
saw none, saw wolverine and porcupine tracks, shot duck at
lagoon on return. SS Portland arrived. Old Wortman and King drew
on Puget Sound Bank $40.15. Jos. wrote that J. O. May died
on Xmas day 1904.
January 26, 1905 Mr. W. A. Langell left for
Knik 6 AM. Printed and toned out 15 views of mines on trail
etc. Evening cleaned up my flute. Baby wide awake
from 8 to 11 every night (works for night shift).
January 27, 1905 The new Electric Power Co.
wanted to buy the K. B. Launch. Talked with Engineer Colonel Swanitz
about Knik Harbor as a landing place for ACRR supplies. Paid
balance for recording deeds and claims $5.15. Bought cot off
Miss Gorder, $4.50, to make lounge. Evening posted up K. B.
books to date. Mamma and Elmer attended church social at Mission.
Self minded the baby.
January 28, 1905 Got vouchers ready to
send to W. A. Farnsworth at K and B Co. Asked for $500
to pay Native labor in the spring and $2,000 to pay off help. Evening
kids had a ball at Moose Hall, ice cream etc. SS Dora and
SS Portland arrived last night, Portland for Seattle - Dora for
the Westward. SS Dora bought Alaska Central Railway powder.
January 29, 1905 SS Santa Ana arrived
this morning. Received letter from Cramer, wants to come
back to Alaska. Received box dry goods on SS Santa Ana from
Portland, Oregon. Right tonsil badly swollen this evening.
Sent for 2 Lobo horses for Elmer $1.65. Evening unpacked dry
goods wall paper etc.
January 30, 1905 Paid freight on box dry goods
from Portland freight RR 25¢, freight Seattle to Seward
$1.80. Freight cost 13% of cost of goods. Paid for commode
to match our dresser $7.50, was $14.00. Started to tack on
lining in 2 rooms to be papered. Self got mild attach of tonsillitis
right side.
January 31, 1905 SS Santa Clara arrived
10 days from Seattle, outside course. Sent order to Quaker
Drug Co. Seattle, things for baby. SS Santa Clara left
port at 10 PM Col. Swanitz and Bellaine went out. Safe
for Seward bank arrived.
February 1, 1905 Got wall cloth in ½
of sitting room. Made copy extracts from Frank’s letter
from Knik for the Gateway. Met Mr. Hale the new Seward banker.
Started to read “Frenzied Finance” by Tom Lawson of Boston who is
showing up the “system” and Standard Oil, copper, etc. as “watered”
and sold to the public.
February 2, 1905 Mr. Strong visited said that
he would leave for his placer mine at the Forks on Big Sushitna
via Knik in the morning, he sent my mail to Frank by Langill
so had no mail for Knik.
February 3, 1905 Evening the school kids gave
Miss Kurtz their teacher a surprise party, held same at
Dr. Sleem’s Hall.
February 4, 1905 Official report came that
Alaska Central Railway had changed official heads and management.
The 8 heads sold out to Osbourne and his gang with Poland Chief
Engineer. All the old officials let out but Ballaine.
Will build 100 miles this season to Knik. All invited to attend
a surprise party for Miss Sexton and Mr. Crosby being their birthdays.
Mamma and Elmer attended, self minded mine baby boy.
February 5, 1905 Played the flute at the Sexton
party. Elmer attended Sunday School. Plum pudding for dinner.
February 6, 1905 Evening gave Herman Person
4 pictures of giant etc. at mines 1904. Baby 2 months old
today and weighed 9 lbs. a gain of 3 lbs. in 2 months. Evening
wrote to A. B. Smith New York about my work at mines last season, the
ACRR and the proper time to put a boat on the Sushitna River.
February 7, 1905 Took picture of 4th
Avenue. Evening dried prints on ferrotype. Sunrise
mail arrived 3rd mail overland this winter.
February 8, 1905 Saw Ballaine about deed to
my lot, could get same Monday next. Received register from W.
A. Farnsworth Boston dated may 31st 1904 containing first
mortgage $20,000 bond at 6% per annum interest payable January 15th
by Puritan Trust Co. Boston 6 payments last 1909. This bond to
be recorded here.
February 9, 1905 Got blacksmith to make sheet
steel grate for cook stove, evening put it in. Gave $5
toward public school fund.
February 10, 1905 Got pictures sealed up and
wrote W. A. Farnsworth to send $20 to pay recording fee on
bond mortgage. Bond contained 4,000 words. Evening all
went over to Sextons. Self practiced music for the barn
dance tomorrow night with violin and piano. Took baby out
for the first time.
February 11 1905 Huff and Tak arrived from
Knik received letter from Frank. Only 4” of snow at Knik,
hadn’t done any sledding. Reported Mrs. Squaw Palmer dead.
Evening played flute at barn dance. Proceeds to go to Seward
School. Paid $1.50 toward street light Adams and 4th.
February 13, 1905 Tak visited to talk over
sale of his Matinuski Coal Mine, wanted $5,000 down as bonus
and $100,000 for his 14 claims. Evening visited and said
that Mrs. Smith had formed a company in Boston - he to get $25,000
cash they to make a stock company to handle the property. This
news came the 12th by inquiry of Judy and Hildreth about the property.
My option declared off. Was to get deed of my lot but they didn’t
have the blank forms, had to send to Seattle.
February 14, 1905 Visited at Gateway office
and walked out as far as the new Y to be. Evening Tak visited
said “Mother Smith” was liable to get into trouble over his coal
deal. Evening attended party at Sleem’s Hall given in honor
of Dr. Dagget the dentist.
February 16, 1905 Made new wood box for kitchen
and stained it. Got all the trees cut down in street in
front of cottage. SS Dora overdue 4 days from Westward trip.
Mattie put up pictures on wall in sitting room.
February 17, 1905 Fell last of trees
in front of house. Seward Gateway had notice of Mr. May’s death.
Evening wrote letter of condolence to Mrs. J. O. May.
February 18, 1905 Made out order for
2 pair shoes “Alp” high leg with 2 buckles at top in russet
$3.50 and pair medium shoes in black Sent $8.75 to
Regal Shoe Co., $1.75 allowed for postage. Bought corn popper and
toaster. Invited to play for the Whist Club. Evening made diagram
of pipeline auxiliary on bench for next summers work. Wrote
J. B. Agent about his bum opener on butter cans.
February 19, 1905 Elmer attended first Episcopal
services held in Seward. Evening Tak visited, had
been sick all week with the grip. Evening clear as a bell,
thermometer about 30 above. Burr and his expert arrived from
Sunrise, also Native Affinassa came over from Hope.
February 20, 1905 SS Dora arrived on return
trip from Westward. Helped Mattie with washing and sledded 1½
cord block wood from street in front of house to woodshed in back
yard. Evening wrote to Dr. McCullogh of Seattle about babies
navel and sent check for $5.
February 21, 1905 Snowed 6” last night. PM
minded the baby, while Mattie attended Washington school exercises,
Elmer was dressed to represent George Washington. Took 3
snaps of school kids marching down street, Elmer led with drum.
SS Santa Clara arrived but little mail. Got medicine for babe
by mail from the Quaker Drug Co. Seattle. Mail to arrive on the
SS Bertha expected in port tomorrow, SS Clara left port 8:30 PM.
February 22, 1905 Printed a few pictures, getting
them ready to send to Osbourne, head man of the ACRR. Evening
self and family attended Whist Club Ball, came home at 11:15,
Mrs. Stokes minded the baby. Snowing again tonight.
February 23, 1905 Snowed 5 more inches
wet snow. Made paths, split wood, met Buzzard from Hope
going to Seattle. Evening 8:30 SS Portland arrived, left
for the Inlet at 11 PM.
February 24, 1905 PM visited on Seward (Mr.
Hale) Bank, their corresponding banks are Chase Nat. NY
and Puget Sound National Seattle. Wrote letter to Frank
at Knik - said I had arranged for a camp cook - would give Morris
work. Sent introduction letters to Mr. Atwood, at head Alaska
Central Railway Engineers, via to Forks on Sushitna. Wrote W.
A. Farnsworth that I would bank at Seward, to send funds through Chase
Nat. of New York.
February 25, 1905 Deposited balance of
gold dust 12-8-3 with Seward Bank to be melted and assayed by
Gateway Assay Office. PM minded baby while Mamma went out calling
etc. Evening saw Tak, he wanted me to get him a job as guide
for the engineering party up the Sushitna. Had tinner
make 2 blowers for the Seward Bank, copper 9½ inch $1.00,
copper 6½ inch 85¢.
February 26 ,1905 SS Santa Ana arrived 8 AM,
received letters from W. A. Farnsworth and wire stating he had
deposited $1,000 in the Puget Sound National to my credit on the
8th. The SS Santa Ana bow at water line was badly cut up with the
ice in Valdez Harbor. Answered F. A. Farnsworth letter about
operating this season. Sent to Puget Sound Nat. Bank for $1,000.
February 27, 1905 Bought Billy Burns carriage
for our baby. Saw Buzzard, sent order by him for Elmer’s boots
and rubber coat and box of Solio prints. Made out
itemized statement to use for vouchers for labor mining etc. which
classifies labor cost of operating provisions etc. Evening
Tak visited and gave us his experience while working for the oil
and coal English Syndicate at Kayak. Wants to go as guide
for engineering party up Matanuska and Sushitna. Called on
Seward Bank, said I could draw all money needed through them.
February 28, 1905 PM printed pictures
and toned out 4 dozen to send to Osborne. Evening ferrotyped
prints. 6 AM SS Portland arrived, Buzzard went out
on her. SS Dora arrived on trip to the Westward. Wrote Capt.
Shaw about lost giant, sent copy to U. S. “Blowhole” Co. Seattle.
March 1, 1905 Fell last of trees in alley back
of cottage. Got cloth on all but one end kitchen bedroom.
Huff visited said he was going to Knik tomorrow. Evening
Tak visited, talked over the mineral lands in the Matanuski Valley.
Elmer started to read from first reader.
March 2, 1905 Finished tacking cloth on kitchen
bedroom now ready to paper same. Evening made out list
for store supplies at Knik. Huff left Seward for Knik via
overland with dog team.
March 3, 1905 Having the usual beautiful
spring weather. With hand sled, sledded 1¼ cord
wood from street to woodshed. Started to paper kitchen bedroom
got on ceiling time 2 hours. Evening got Knik views ready to
mail to Osborne in Toronto Canada.
March 5, 1905 Elmer attended Sunday School.
PM Mattie went out calling, also had callers. Evening chimney
flue burned out. Tak visited.
March 6, 1905 Made out order for provisions
to be sent up on April SS Bertha from Nat. Grocery Co. Seattle.
Made out order for 500 letterheads, 500 bill heads, and 500 personal
cards. Sent order to Lowman and Hanford Printing Co. Seattle
to ship with Nat. Grocery Co.s order. Evening Mr. Foster visited,
hired him and partner for the mining season on Willow Creek. Guaranteed
them 100 days work at $3 and board. Evening Elmer attended birthday
party for Irving’s.
March 7, 1905 Made out order for seeds, camp,
and hardware supplies. Sent same to Sylvester Bros. Seattle
to ship on April SS Bertha. Ordered wagon and new saddle
blankets for horses etc. Rained all day. Sent Sylvester
Bros. check signed in blank on Puget Sound National Bank to pay
for supplies.
March 8, 1905 I was summoned as juror
on the Young trial for selling supplies without a license, was
foreman of jury, Young was acquitted. Wrote Buzzard about
camp cook. Any arrangements made by him would be satisfactory
to me.
March 9, 1905 Checked up wood cut in front
and back of cottage, total 12½ cords cost $2.75 per cord
cut and split into 16” blocks. 12½ cords net $34.37
paid to “ Old Man”, $24.40, balance due $10. Kemp melted 12-8-3
gold dust into brick, after melting weighed 11-16-9 loss in melting
4 4/5%. Was first gold melted and assayed in Seward.
Evening SS Bertha arrived had no mail.
March 10, 1905 A most perfect day.
Split up ½ cord into shape for cook stove, put same
under shed. Noon took picture of baby and Elmer.
Three houses being moved in town. Evening developed 12 exp.
film rolls. Mailed registered 40 views to H. C. Osborne
Toronto.
March 11, 1905 Elmer helped me pull in cord
of wood from street to back yard. Printed 24 pictures taken
at Seward, school kids, streets, dog team, etc. Called at
bank they didn’t have amount assay on gold as yet. Evening
the school kids gave a Ball to get funds to start a library.
Self and Bartholf played for them, guitar flute and violin.
Had ice cream and cake for lunch.
March 12, 1905 SS Excelsior arrived.
Three letters from K and B Co. W. A. Farnsworth said
I could depend on $1,000 March 15th and $2,000 more June 1st.
Letter from Bates. First copy of Mining Scientific Press
arrived. Letter from Cramer said he would come to work
at the mines.
March 13, 1905 SS Santa Clara arrived,
had 110 passengers lots of freight and engineer for the Alaska
Central Railway The Chief, Mr. Pollan, arrived also Mr. C.
E. Chalk . Wrote to Buzzard to get me a good hat $5. Our box of dry
goods etc. arrived from Conn. 40 days on the road. Evening wrote
Frank a few lines to get out 6 logs at Knik and extra flume stock for
12 boxes. Sent him check for $100 on Puget Sound. SS Clara left
3 PM. Wrote Sylvester Bros. to send man to run the launch.
March 14, 1905 Paid freight on box dry
goods from Naugatuck, $5.60 from Seattle, $5.17 by rail to
Seattle, $10.77 Naugatuck to Seward. Paid J. Hienmiller
balance on cutting wood $10. Evening fixed up Johnston and Herning
map of Knik country for the RR engineers. But baby into short
clothes. Opened account with the Seward Bank.
March 15, 1905 Self nursing cold. Evening made
out hardware list for store supplies. Had to pay $2 to
have mainspring put in watch.
March 16, 1905 SS Dora arrived on return
trip from the Westward. Had a lot of fur specimens for
Portland fair. Evening compiled hardware list for store
“to be” at Knik.
March 17,. 1905 Talked with Nelson Bros.
about future prospects of Matinuski country. Evening
played for Ball given by Williams and Cavanaugh, Moore Hall.
Had to take the lead all evening on the flute, guitar for a 2nd.
March 19, 1905 Groceries ordered April boat
$356, hardware ordered for April boat $274, total $720.
Answered Mrs. A. Culvers letter about her son in law and prospects
of K and B Co. (at Rockland Mass.).
March 20, 1905 Ordered lumber to complete veranda.
Hired Morris to help do the work at old price 50¢ per
hour. Graded lot on south side. 4 PM lumber arrived
and commenced to build back veranda. Got down foundation
and laid the floor. Nails for veranda 50¢.
March 21, 1905 Building back porch on cottage
at Seward, got it almost completed. Evening ordered 200’
of ¾ Manila rope and one bale 3/8 rope from Sylvester
Bros. to come on April SS Portland.
March 22, 1905 Commenced on foundation on front
veranda, got down foundation floor and posts up. Cost to
build back porch 26 hours at 50¢ = $13.30.
March 23, 1905 Got front porch
about completed ready to shingle put on hip roof. Had
first halibut steak 10¢ lb. SS Portland 1 day overdue.
March 24, 1905 Got front veranda finished
except dormitory roof for ornament in front. Nails 40¢,
hinges 20¢, 32 tin shingles 64¢, 8’ flashing 50¢.
March 25, 1905 Took one day to put on dormitory
roof. Had Morris help to make frame for springs - folding
bed. SS Portland arrived, got cable message from W. A. Farnsworth
of Boston dated March 21, $1,000 deposited Chase Nat. New
York to my credit. Wire to Seattle would deposit $1,000 March
20th and $2,000 by June 1st.
March 26, 1905 Sent to Loeb Cutter Lumber
Co. Seattle for 10,000 shingles, 12 - 1 x 14 x 14 fir
D 4’s, 12 - 1 x 3 x 12 sized, 4 window sill 20 x 24 (41) to
draw on Puget Sound Nat. Answered Bates letter time is worth
money. Sent answer to his questionnaire about hydraulic pipe
freight etc. Wrote A. Beverly Smith about prospects up here what
doing etc.
March 27, 1905 Wet snow storm all day.
SS Santa arrived, had considerable freight, some passengers,
from Valdez and Skagway. 4 PM SS Dora arrived. Sent
order for goods.
March 28, 1905 Wrote Hanmore that I would buy
8 coal claims on the Matinuski. Wrote Sylvester Bros. about
the steamboat and trading business on the Sushitna. Got
write up of the steamboat enterprise ready to have published in
the Gateway and Seattle Times. Wrote Cramer to come on April
SS Portland or the SS Santa Ana. Could draw on me for fare, Seattle
to Seldovia. Paid Graff for his shingles. Lumber for
verandas $41.61.
March 29, 1905 Met C. E. Keesler rep. for Puget
Sound Duck Co. Saw (Gateway) Kemp about publishing write
up of Sushitna country and about steamboat to be put on the river.
Evening started to correct drawing up to date of the Johnston and
Herning map of the upper Cook Inlet country.
March 30, 1905 About 6” of snow fell the past
two days, only snow fall in March. Got steamboat write
up in “Gateway” after making several corrections. Evening worked
on Johnston and Herning map of Alaska, got it nearly revised.
March 31, 1905 SS Portland returned
from Kodiak 3 days late (head winds). Painted posts etc.
on veranda. Evening cut Elmer’s hair. Finished revising
Johnston and Herning map of Alaska. The Gateway came out with
column write up about the steamboat to be run on Sushitna River, Yentna
and Beluga.
April 1, 1905 SS Santa Clara arrived, 151 passengers
and 400 tons freight. Got Johnston and Herning drawing
ready to mail to Johnston. Sent Johnston and Hovey the Gateway,
sent A. B. Smith N. Y. 70 copies no. 33 Gateway, 30 copies to my
friends. Wrote J. N. Johnston 2511 15th Avenue West Seattle
to have new drawing made of Johnston and Herning map and plate and
have printed 1,000 copies. Ordered no. 3 giant through
Sylvester Bros. Evening W. H. Foster visited told him he could
come to Knik by April 25th via Sunrise.
April 2, 1905 Noon the SS Santa Clara
departed for Valdez, left 400 tons at Seward had only 60 tons
for the “hot air city”. Ordered 200’ 12-0 Woodbury seamless
hose (6”) at 38 and 2/3¢, 40% off from Puget Sound T. and D. Co.,
E. C. Keesler agent. Wrote Dr. McCulloch why he didn’t
acknowledge letter February 20th about baby and $5 check.
April 3, 1905 Built wall along south side of
lot graded same. Evening started to typewrite order for
store supplies at Knik.
April 4, 1905 Morris helped to raise front
veranda floor 2”, had too much grade. Paid recording fee on
8 coal claims $18.40, 2 copper claims $4.60, total $23.00.
Paid the above for James Tak also $2 for assay total $25.00.
Received all above location papers etc. from Bank of Seward.
April 5, 1905 Snowed 3” last
night big wind. Evening Mrs. Morrison visited her husband.
Marshal Sexton looking for lost son near English Bay Cook
Inlet.
April 6, 1905 Weather fine. Mixed
up 6 gallons of paint for 2nd coat on cottage. Got out
one stump by back veranda. Cleaned stove and pipe. Evening
started to typewrite hardware supplies for store at Knik. Funeral
today RR employee, first death, had stomach trouble, RR doctors fault.
April 7, 1905 Another house going up, making
the 4th since we built in this block. Baby weighed 15
lbs. 4 months old. Dance tomorrow night invited to play
piano.
April 8, 1905 SS Bertha arrived had Singers
hydraulic outfit for Six Mile. Capt. Shaw came up, visited,
said the new agent for AC Co. would write about lost giant.
Painted ceiling of front veranda and end of house. Evening played
for Ball at Moore Hall, given by Misses Sexton and Stokes.
April 9, 1905 Got order completed for hardware
etc. for Knik store. Evening clear sky. Took Mattie’s
measure for a raglan coat. Elmer and door made a pile driver.
Evening all took usual bath.
April 10, 1905 Mamma had stomach trouble, think
it came from eating can peaches. SS Bertha got back from Seldovia,
Blodgett was aboard on crutches. Told Heinmuller that I would
give him a job at Knik at $50 month.
April 11, 1905 SS Excelsior arrived had
freight for Seldovia. Received letters from Osbourne,
$4 for views. Cramer said he would come, wanted to bring
his daughter. Lowman and Homford bill for printing bill heads etc.
$12.25.
April 12, 1905 Gray’s moved into their new
house next door above us. Bill’s rend. Seattle: groceries
$346.40, freight $54 to Seldovia, hardware $274, freight
$28 to Seldovia, check F. H. W. $100, check Dr. McC $5, check
L. and H. $12.25, check lumber $30, maps $15, total
$864.65. Hydraulic hose 200’ $75, giant $140, Cramer $47.50,
Knik store groceries, etc., $1,600.
April 13, 1905 Finished order for supplies
for store at Knik: Groceries $1099.38 hardware 289.70 total
$1389.08. Sent draft for $1400. Wrote Nate White
would pay $5 month for 5 months for rent of his storehouse at
Knik must answer by May 1st at Knik. Wrote to W. H. Foster Lake
Kenai. Sent agreement for working at Willow Creek $3 and
board for 100 days.
April 14, 1905 Snow squalls.
Statement Puget Sound bank January 11, 1905 balance $1166.59
drew since: Groceries $346.40, hardware $274, hose $76, lumber
$30, giant $140, F. H. W. check $100, Cramer $47.50, freight $120.
Cut wood. Saw Seward Bank about draft on Seattle for $1,400.
Left mtg. bond K and B Co. to be recorded at Seward H. H. Hildreth
office. Wrote W. A. Farnsworth about bond.
April 15, 1905 SS Excelsior got back
from Seldovia and Cold Bay. Got letter from Riley says
he had to go to goldfield again couldn’t come before middle of
May better get another man. House at Seward painted 2nd coat
except drawing the windows. Elmer cut his knee with double
bladed axe no harm small cut.
April 16, 1905 Made potty chair for G.
Stanley Herning. Wrote Sylvester Bros. to ship hardware,
clothing, tent orders at once on SS Excelsior $300.70, sent draft
for $350 told them they could ship grocery order if funds were
in the Puget Sound Bank.
April 17, 1905 Painted water closet and got
out stump by back veranda. Evening Dr. Sleem examined me
for insurance in N. Y. L. Took out $5,000 endowment policy
$265 a year.
April 18, 1905 Finished cherry trimming on
front veranda. Painted south side of cottage 2nd coat.
Painted front veranda floor drew sash on attic windows.
Loaned Miss Sexton my camera to take pictures out at Kenai Lake.
W. H. Foster visited said they would go to Knik via Sunrise in a
few days (by trail). PM Mrs. Herning and Mrs.Gray went out calling.
April 19, 1905 Two men visited wanted work
at mines. Evening got hair cut and whiskers (only $1).
Wrote A. B. Smith about putting in store at Knik, for him to let
me know at once if the new company wanted to take charge next September
and put in a large stock.
April 21, 1905 SS Santa Clara arrived
had 60 men for Alaska Central Railway. Received dress shoes
from Regal Shoe Co., Alp Miner shoes yet to come. Packed up
ready for trip to mines via Knik. Sent draft $350 to Sylvester
Bros. for hardware clothing tools etc. Received word from
Ed Sylvester that Fred was on his way to Seward via SS Santa Ana.
Foster and partner to leave Seward for mines 22nd.
April 22, 1905 Got packed up ready for trip
to Knik. Man finished splitting 5 cords stove wood. Drew cash
from bank, personal for paying K and B Co. bills at Knik, freight,
etc. $750. Talked with Engineer Kyle about route Alaska Central
Railway around Knik Arm via Chickaloon to Talkeetna. Took out
trading license for merchandise business at Knik ($4,000).
SS Portland due today.
April 23, 1905 Seward to Seldovia.
SS Portland arrived 9 AM. SS Cramer came, also Jap cook from
Seattle - Hanmore, Girdwood, and Mr. Ominy were aboard.
SS Portland left Seward at noon big load of freight and passengers
for the Inlet. Met Mr. Wetherby, salmon man. Mamma and
Elmer came down to see me off on boat. Sent Arcola oil stock 960
shares and draft for $9.60 to be transferred to the Arcola Crude Oil
Co. through W. A. Farnsworth Boston. Got room 31 on Portland.
Turkey dinner but not much eat.
April 24, 1905 SS Portland discharging
Cook Inlet freight on schooner Eve and barge, got through at
10 AM. SS Tyonek on trip to Sunrise expected on morning tide.
Capt. posted notice that passengers could remain aboard until
6 AM Thursday, coffee etc. 5:30. Bought case eggs $7.50,
bought case apples $2, total $9.50 from steward.
April 25, 1905 All visited 5 AM had coffee
and rolls went ashore 6 AM. SS Portland left 7 AM for
Homer. SS Tyonek arrived 9 AM went out to meet SS Portland
and transfer mail and Palmer outside Seldovia Harbor. Twenty
six took in quarters at Native Hotel, Mr. Block proprietor
and Scotty Watson cook, Jap boys waiters, had clam chowder
dinner. Drew cuts for first seat at table. PM checked
freight from scow to Tyonek. Evening went aboard the Tyonek.
April 26, 1905 Left Seldovia 2 AM for
upper Inlet via Homer, went up to Homer to coal up. Towed
schooner out of Seldovia, loaded with freight for Hope - 2#
butter, 2 cases roast beef $18, 2# butter, 2 cases corn beef $5,
1# butter, 2 cases hamburger $7.40 from steward of SS Portland.
Arrived Kenai evening, left Kenai 4:15 AM, temperature 27. Self
and Girdwood had no stateroom, sit up all night, slept daytime.
April 27, 1905 Left Kenai 4:15 AM via
Tyonek. After midnight slept in engineers bunk. Arrived
Tyonek AM. Bought gold scales off AC Co., $15, was $25, bought
one 38# anchor $2.80. Met Churchill, was in on small river boat and
trading business on the Sushitna. Left Tyonek 5 PM for
Hope, smooth water.
April 28, 1905 Arrived at Hope 4 AM bought
630’ 2 x 4 and 1 x 5 from Buzzard $14.50. Bought
from Roll of Hope 6 lbs. grain leather $3.90, 1 adze $2, 1 adze
handle 40¢, total $6.30, chalk twine 10¢. Paid
G. Buzzard $5 on hat. Hat on schooner, agreed to send same by
Shaw to Knik. 2 PM left Hope for Sunrise. Hanmore and
self superintendent of discharging of cargo. Capt. Shaw slept,
finished 10 PM. Wind and snowing. My men overland from
Seward had not arrived.
April 29, 1905 Left Sunrise 4 AM arrived at
Fire Island 8 AM. Anchored for flood tide to Knik.
Arrived at Knik 3 PM. Huff and party were there, helped to
discharge my freight took 1 hour. Paid (white) labor discharge
freight $2.50, paid (Native) labor discharging freight $1.
Frank and Natives at mines sawing lumber. Cramer put groceries
in cache. Paid balance on freight. At Knik, Cramer commenced
work.
April 30, 1905 Huff and party left by boat
for coal fields. Geeder and Richards left with
packs for coal fields. PM started to put shelving and counters
in store cabin. Sold Huff pair leather top over for man up
river $5. Simeon returned fly his brother stole 2 years ago. Harry
1 day cooking.
May 1, 1905 Clear but cool. Got
18’ shelving up and completed (4 shelves) and frame ready for
counter. Sold 1 lb. tea 50¢, apples 40¢. Foster
and partners and Murphy arrived, had to go back to Seward, trail too
soft, came by water on SS Neptune to Hope, from Hope
to Knik in dory. Paid Native $12 for Foster. Cleaned out
little cabin and put in bunks,
May 2, 1905 Got shelving up and stained cherry.
Counter about completed and side counter frame made. Sales:
apples $1.80, 3½ dozen eggs $1.10 , 20 lbs. (left blank)
$3.60, 2½ lbs. pilot 25¢, box 22 cartridges 35¢,
apples $1.60. Harry 10 hours cooking.
May 3, 1905 Got 8’ counters made all ready
except 8’ shelf. Received $2.40 for giant powder
sold to J. P. Downing, left with Palmer. Sales: apples 20¢,
2 dozen eggs 80¢, 1 tablet 20¢. Bahrenberg and Palmer
arrived from Knik River. Two Natives came out from Willow Creek,
said Frank was coming out with horses over winter trail. Foster
and Murphy went to Goose Bay for geese and ducks.
May 4, 1905 Raised spring ceiling in store
cabin. Had to cut birch post in woods. Had kids
help to clean dirt off ceiling. Opened trap door and started
to make stairs up to attic. Stained sales counter.
Frank and Hall arrived from Willow Creek brought out horses, brought
sleds to ridge cache then came down to river cache by RR trail thence
summer trail to Knik - was out of horse feed. Natives cutting
saw logs at Jifkin camp, not whipsawing as yet.
May 5, 1905 Got stairs completed. Fixed back
window to swing inside of cabin. Started to put on ceiling.
Sold 4 cream 50¢, apples 10¢, oil 10¢. Frank
cleaned and looked after horses. Tak arrived from coal
fields turned over his locating papers. Bought Frank’s gold
dust 2 oz. $32.00. Got copy of bills paid and received by
Whitney at Knik winter 1904 - 1905.
May 6, 1905 Moved everything in cabin up stairs
except beds. Put some goods on shelves. Frank and Foster
left for Willow Creek to line up saw logs for Native sawyers (8
men). Settled up with A. W. Hall March 1 to May 5, worked
62 days at $2 = $124 charges total 85¢. Sold Hall ankle
overshoes $3, self pair gum boots (old stock) $6.50.
May 7, 1905 Murphy worked today, 1st work at
Knik. SS Tyonek and schooner arrived with RR engineer
party and 13 horses and 60 tons of freight. Got 1st letter
from Mattie from Seward. Got Stetson hat from Hope.
May 8, 1905 Cramer finished casing in center
beam, started partition. Murphy relaying floor in attic. SS
Tyonek loaded Blodgett’s horses to take them to Sunrise.
SS Tyonek and schooner left Knik at 9 AM. Looked over Alaska
Central Railway map with engineers as to best route. Marked
goods and placed on shelves.
May 9, 1905 Had McQuarrie start to clean up
yard and widen out garden Murphy helped him. Got partition
in except hanging door. Marking goods and placing them on shelf.
Got attic floor re-laid, started to raise collar beams.
H. R. McQuarrie commenced work 7 AM. Talked with Hall about
locating placer claims near Knik River.
May 10, 1905 Cramer set side
counter, made trap at end. Put half round molding around
ceiling in store part. Had Murphy plough garden, ploughed
new ground for Billy Morris (time 2½ hours). Had
boys start to clear bank for potato ground by Stephan’s garden on
tide flats. Got ready for trip to Knik River and coal fields.
May 11, 1905 Myself, Cramer and Hall left for
Knik River to locate dredger placer. Crossed the Arm, waited
for tide across the Arm from Knik. Left at 8:30 PM arrived
at mouth of Knik River 2 AM Friday, camped, river very low.
Left McQuarrie in charge store, he and Murphy to plant potatoes in
garden at Knik and near Stephan’s old place.
May 12, 1905 Left mouth of Knik River at 10
AM got Sea Otter boat up as far as Indian Jims place, river low.
Took camp outfit up in Hall’s boat 2 miles above Jims house, made
camp. With Hall went up river 4 miles just below Cache Point
and prospected gravel bar, got fine colors. Cramer camp
cook had rabbit stew.
May 13, 1905 Made out 30 locations, in 5 groups,
to be located on Knik River between Cache Point and the glacier.
Made 8 locations for Young on Metal Creek above 3rd canyon, 1
for Cramer, 1 for Frank W. Evening decided to go back to Knik
and leave Hall to stake off the claims. Matanuska River too
low to boat up to new town “to be”. Decided to go by trail from
Knik. Made out 40 locations (800 acres).
May 14, 1905 Left camp on Knik River at 8:30
for Knik. Hall brought Cramer, self and our camp outfit
down to Indian Jims then Cramer and self came down to mouth
of river opposite A. C. Co. old warehouse, waited for tide.
Bucked tide over to warehouse, left warehouse 3:45 PM. Couldn’t
cross bar went down to Fish Creek Pt., arrived 7:30 PM supper at
8 PM left at 11 PM arrived Knik at midnight. Boys had finished
gardens and fenced in same - were cutting wood.
May 15, 1905 At Knik, boys cut firewood. AM
had them shingle gable end of store cabin. Cramer hung counter
trap, made window frame and jointed in piece under counter.
Self did some cherry staining and put more goods on shelves.
RR engineers have moved camp from Knik to the fish camp above Cottonwood.
May 16, 1905 Boys finished shingling end of
store cabin. Cost to shingle same, 1 man 15 hours at 25¢=
$3.75, 3 bunches shingles $2.63, 3 lbs. nails 12¢, total $6.50.
Started to fix up scow, raised up and leveled same. Murphy and I
boated up 24 bunches shingles 40 - 1x6 x12 and 10 - 1 x 4 x 12 and 10
- 2 x 4 x 16, 457 ft. at 3¢ = $13.71, 6M shingles $21, 25 lb. nails
$1 - material for hayshed.
May 17, 1905 Had Hec paint on scow and launch.
Cramer made new trap door stove to attic and table for hardware.
Murphy fixed up the pack saddles and bags. Patchell came
from Hope, received 2nd letter from Mattie, one from A. B. Smith,
one from Puget Sound D. and T. Co. Patchell brought over hydraulic
hose and mail, cost $1. RR boy upset dory load of hay Knik to
Cottonwood lost same. Old Butler came up from Knik left on same
tide for Eagle Creek. Trees leaved out grass well started.
May 18, 1905 Got up 3:30 left Knik, all hands
and cook, for Cottonwood to put up hayshed. Decided
to abandon Cottonwood and put shed near Stephan’s old place
above Knik. Bought 3 pair moccasins $1.60, sold $2.35 grub.
Evening Cramer and Murphy went up inside channel to Cottonwood,
recovered 4 bales of hay that was lost by RR men boating.
May 19, 1905 Men got out balance of poles for
hayshed and got all the posts set. I finished painting launch,
Murphy dug sod from under bottom. Sold Palmer 100 lbs. g. sugar
at 8¢. Sold Evan $3 order provisions on Creek - he to
make snow shoes for Cramer and Murphy. Used the wagon, first
time and first wagon used at Knik.
May 20, 1905 McQuarrie and I boated up
to Cottonwood to bring back 24 bunches of shingles, landed them
at hayshed at Stephan’s old place. Got plates up and posts
braced and rafters up ready for sheeting. Murphy shot a mallard
duck on way to supper. Harry cooked camp fire dinner at hayshed.
May 21, 1905 Got sheeting on hayshed
and half shingled. I made out original location notices for
Young’s locations on Knik River. Bought my first fur,
1 lynx skin.
May 22, 1905 Got hayshed finished.
Labor $37, team $8, lumber $37.71, nails $1.72, cost to build
$84.43. Ploughed drain ditch on tide flats near hayshed.
Tore out cupboard and shelving in back room of store and rearranged
bed etc.
May 23, 1905 Boys finished fence
around hayshed. Murphy cleaned old hair off horses then
gave them a bath. All packed up for mines.
Credit sales $53, cash $4.25. Made out small order for
store supplies to Sylvester Bros. Ordered lumber for hayshed
and hayrack off Buzzard of Hope.
May 24, 1905 Left Knik for the mines
- all hands, the cook and 4 horses - boated supplies up to
the Cottonwood. Left Cottonwood at 12:30
four horses packed. Had 2 men cut out wind falls. Arrived
at the Little Sushitna 7:20.
May 25, 1905 Sent Murphy and Hec back
to Knik for another pack. Self and Cramer and the cook
crossed over Mt. Sushitna to mines arrived at lumber camp
at 3:25 PM. Foster laid off sick, got us a lunch.
Sam and I went up to mess house to sleep. Shot 2 ptarmigan, snow
all gone on Willow Creek bottom but there was 1’ on Wet Gulch.
May 26, 1905 Cramer and I had ptarmigans
for breakfast at mess house. Packed down grub to lumber
camp. Cramer made 4 go-devils to skid logs and lumber on.
Frank and Foster peeling and lining up saw logs. Natives had
85 logs sawed. Noon, left for Sushitna cache via by mountain
on right of Wet Gulch. Murphy and Hec arrived at Sushitna when I did,
with 4 horses and 800 lbs. of horse feed and grub.
May 27, 1905 Myself, Murphy and Hec at
Sushitna cache. Heavy rain and foggy so had boys
clean out trail from Sushitna to timber line.
May 28, 1905 Self with 4 horses, Murphy and
Hec left the Sushitna cache at 8:30, on Bald Mt. at noon.
Put Nig through snow 4’ deep for ¼ mile to bare ground
on Wet Gulch side then all came through OK. Arrived lumber
camp at 5 PM wet from knees down. Cramer had the go-devils made
and swamped out part of skid trail up Willow Creek to mines from lumber
camp. Myself, Frank and Cramer went up to mess house to sleep.
May 29, 1905 Murphy with Hec and 4 horses
hauled out 26 saw logs to saw pit, Cramer and myself helped.
PM Cramer started to hew out elevator stringers. Foster and
Frank lining up saw logs for Natives. One foot snow on Wet Gulch
bottom, none on Willow.
May 30, 1905 Cramer, Murphy and Hec swamped
on skid trail lumber camp to mines. I located 16 claims
on Willow from canyon below Wet Gulch to Boulder, K. B. claim on
Willow and 8 claims on Wet Gulch. Evening had all but
Frank, Foster and cook move up to mess house. Grass enough
for horses on Willow near Boulder. Charged Harry to 1 cob pipe.
May 31, 1905 Boys finished trail lumber
camp to mess house at mines. I did the cooking at mess house.
Harry came up to mess house PM to do the cooking. Frank and
Foster lining saw logs. Flume about clear of snow and ice,
no snow on Gilbert basin nor in reservoir dam. PM with Maud
and Dan packed up 4 sacks of oats from lumber camp to Gilbert cabin.
June 1, 1905 Started to skid lumber from
lumber camp to Gilbert basin, got up 1,000’, hauled up the new
cook stove from my cabin to mess house, Rival
Acorn A-820, Cost $34 at Holmes Furniture House Seattle.
Cramer hewing on foundation timbers for elevator.
June 2, 1905 Murphy and Hec got up 3
loads of lumber and 1 load of fire wood lumber camp to mines.
Cramer hewing elevator timbers. Frank and Foster lining
up saw logs. Self made galvanized iron stove pipe for new
cook stove.
June 3 1905 Murphy and Hec skidding up
lumber with 4 horses on go-devils singled out. Cramer
hewing timbers for elevator. Frank and Foster tending
Natives whipsawing lumber. Self set up new cook stove
put up shelf in bunkhouse.
June 4, 1905 Murphy and Hec skidding
lumber and fire wood. Cramer and Foster hewing elevator
timbers. Frank tending Natives. Natives finished lumber
and left PM for Knik. I swamped out brush around mud holes on skid
trail. Foster moved up to mess house from lumber camp.
June 5, 1905 Had Foster clean out
hydraulic ditch. Frank came up from lumber camp at noon
on hydraulic ditch. Cramer started to make 10 new flume boxes.
Hec and Murphy skidding up lumber. Hauled Gilbert sawhorses
up to mess house to sit lumber on. Left for Knik to pay off the
Natives for whipsawing etc. Camped at Little Sushitna overnight.
June 6, 1905 Left for Knik 5 AM, arrived Cottonwood
at 10:30. Went down to Knik in boat arrived 1:45 PM.
Found 20 tons provisions and supplies for Knik Cash Store piled
up on the beach. Sylvester Bros. shipped order sent in to
be placed on file, subject to wire from Valdez. Left Cramer
in charge at mines.
June 7, 1905 At Knik, had Natives cache
store supplies. Paid Natives for handling invoice no.
2 $4.60. Paid Morris for looking after freight invoice no.
2 $1. Paid Natives part on account of whipsawing.
June 8, 1905 Opened up new goods and
marked same. Sold Natives about $100 worth of goods.
Made out Natives time and paid them off.
June 9, 1905 SS Tyonek came in with Palmer
and his store supplies. Jacob Hienmiller arrived from
Seward to run my Knik Cash Store. Two windows arrived on
Tyonek from Leob Cutter Lumber Co. Seattle. Paid Tyonek freight
bill on invoice no. 2, $321 by check. Busy marking goods until
midnight.
June 10, 1905 Jacob Heinmiller commenced
work at $50 per month and board for the summer. Busy
opening up and marking goods for store until midnight. Paid
for recording K. B. bond $18.30.
June 11, 1905 Busy checking down goods
and marking same up until 2 AM.
June 12 1905 Busy marking goods everything
checked OK except adjuster and handles for coffee mill.
Up until 3 AM. Left cash in till for change $50.
June 13, 1905 Got everything in shape
so Heinmiller could run the Knik Cash Store. Left Knik
at 2:30 PM for the mines. Had Native take me up to Cottonwood
by boat. Left Cottonwood with a pack afoot.
Arrived at Sushitna cache 9 PM, camped for the night took camera
with me.
June 14, 1905 Left Sushitna 7 AM arrived at
the mines at noon. Sam had 8 flume all jointed ready
to set up. Boys had lumber about up to mines from lumber
camp. Had 3 men clean out hydraulic ditch and put in big gate at
reservoir dam.
June 15, 1905 with 3 men, finished clearing
hydraulic ditch 2 hours then ballasted up pipeline, set no.
2 giant. Had boys haul up no. 1 giant and pipe from foot
of hill to Gilbert basin. Boys finished skidding up last
of lumber to mines. Charged Foster, Murphy, Hec, Frank and Cramer
each 2 pair of gloves 25¢ each.
June 16, 1905 Cramer, Frank and self reset
no. 2 giant. Murphy and Hec got up last of foundation
timbers for elevator. Foster sick with sore eyes.
June 17, 1905 Hec and Murphy started to help
at mine work and we started no. 2 giant today.
June 18, 1905 Murphy and Hec started to help
on set-up giant. Got ditch in order, piped in 2 hours
PM. Started up giant for the season of 1905. Got
canyon ditch wall in order and all gravel piped in, ready to bottom-up
last of set-up left undone last fall.
June 19, 1905 Reset both giants at noon now
bottoming up ready to add more flume. Found good pay in
clay bedrock Evening self piped in 2 hours. Charge Foster
to gloves 15¢.
June 20, 1905 Got ditch wall completed to protect
flume on next setup. Got bottomed-up ready to clean up
and add 8 more flume boxes. Had Cramer make sluice gate to fit
into sluice dam to shut off water in flume. Evening piped 2
hours.
June 21, 1905 Turned water out of flume
and cleaned up front boxes got 5-9-10 for 3 days work all piped
in from old dump left by Gilbert. Pete Donnelly arrived
to work in Hall’s place at the mines. Took pictures of 4 horses
skidding lumber. Evening moved down bunk house to my private
cabin to sleep. Evening heavy rain.
June 22, 1905 Creek high. Myself,
Frank and Cramer back-walled canyon ditch to keep it from breaking
through on to flume - high water. Foster and Pete sawed
riffle boxes. Murphy and Hec hauled up fire wood.
June 23, 1905 First setup flume this season.
Sam and myself jointed in 5 flume. Foster, Frank and
Pete dug bedrock grade for flume. Murphy and Hec hauled
up poles, firewood, provisions, etc. Charged Frank pair gum boots
$8.
June 24, 1905 Jointed in 8 flume shear boards
up and riffle blocks in 5 boxes. First set-up 1905, took
picture of jointing on flume blocks etc.
June 25, 1905 AM got riffle blocks in.
Had to repair hydraulic ditch.
June 26, 1905 Started to work shifts.
Cramer in charge AM shift, 2 AM to noon. Whitney in charge
of PM shift, noon to 10 PM. I instructed boys how to operate
giants, handle water, etc . Ephim and boy came in to hunt
moose. Ephim charged 4# pork 60¢, 5# flour 30¢, 2#
peaches 25¢, total $1.15. Donnelly charged gum
boots $7, 2 pkg. red bell 20¢.
June 27, 1905 Started to install pipeline
on bench. Put in 2 gates. Self worked all night with
both shifts.
June 28, 1905 Got pipeline installed on bench
at noon. Had Murphy haul down hose boxes from Homestake
to Gilbert basin to use to sluice off bench. Self worked 34
hours straight to get pipeline up and things in working order.
June 29, 1905 Piping off bench. 5:30
to 10 PM reset gates and pipeline in bench. Myself up until
midnight.
June 30, 1905 AM cleaned up 2 boxes got
13 oz. 7 dwt. Staked off ground to be piped in. Got
ready to leave mines for Knik and Seward to get money for summer
payroll that Farnsworth promised to send to Seward by June 1st.
Instructed Cramer about what ground to pipe in etc. Left
Cramer in charge of mining operations.
July 1, 1905 Left mines for Knik.
Had Murphy come over to Sushitna cache for pack flour and fruit
to be packed back to the mines with Dan and Maud. Self
with Nig and Tony arrived at Knik 8 PM. SS Neptune was on beach unloading
RR freight. Caswell at Knik hired Scotty for camp cook.
Tak had paid at store amount due for recording his claim by me $25
also for Cramer’s shoes $5.
July 2, 1905 At Knik took stock of goods
wanted. Ordered parts that didn’t come with the coffee
mill, handle, set screw, etc. Left Knik 7:30 PM on SS
Neptune for Seward via Sunrise trail to ACRR. Fare on the
SS Neptune - Knik to Sunrise - $5.
July 3, 1905 Arrived at Sunrise 7 AM.
Bought grub for trip on trail. Left Sunrise 7:45, had 25#
pack, robe and grub. Went via Six Mile, East Fork, Bench Creek,
down Johnson Creek, Trail Lake, Kenai Lake to Alaska Central Railway
Made 22 miles, stopped at cabin near divide. Overtook a Finn
on trail bound for Seward traveled with him. Grub 90¢.
4 PM light rain. Met 5 men bound for Sunrise.
July 4, 1905 Left camp 7 AM. Water
on trail on summit Bench Creek. Had to crawl through the
alders around lake on summit, grass and brush wet.
Arrived at Trail Lake 5 PM met three men bound for Knik. Arrived
at Roosevelt at 1l PM. Railway partly graded, Roosevelt
to Trail Lake. Camped for the night on lake bank where RR men
had a barn. Bench Creek to Roosevelt 17 hours.
July 5, 1905 Ate breakfast at Engineer
Jones camp gave cook $1. No train up from Seward, telephone
wire down. Walked down track to camp 16, repaired telephone
wire then talked with Young at Seward. Train came up arrived
at Seward 5 PM. SS Bertha had sailed for Seldovia 4 PM so
will have to wait for the SS Excelsior on the 12th. Wood along
Alaska Central Railway all afire.
July 6, 1905 At Seward to get K. B. funds
to pay off help but none came, had hair cut. Tired for want of
sleep on trail. Baby a big lad doing fine Mamma glad to get
a “fellow”.
July 7, 1905 At Seward. Called
on bank, had balance of $59. Sent Eagles Seattle $10
for Hec. Sent Vina Cramer $125 for her dad. Made
out order for supplies for Knik Cash Store. Sent Sylvester
Bros. check for $200 on Scandinavian American Bank to pay for supplies
ordered. Wrote Scandinavian American Bank to transfer
$350 in savings to my open account.
July 8, 1905 Bought clothing for help at K.
B. mines. Had bill heads printed for the Knik Cash Store.
Bought myself a coat $3, bought 1 dozen towels $1.50, box
cigars $2.50, supplies for help $15.75. Deposited 15 oz.
6 dwt. 17 gr. at Seward bank, got credit for $230.
July 9, 1905 Fixed up 4 dozen my maps of Alaska,
sold two. Had many callers asking about Knik. Young’s
visited, paid for locations on Knik River and Metal Creek
$72.
July 10, 1905 Bought drugs for help at
camp, 500 bill heads Knik Cash Store $3.50, 500
envelopes $1.50. Left 25 maps on sale at Owl Drug Store,
sale price 35¢, net 20¢, also maps at Hildreth news stand
at same rate. Trunk packed ready for Knik, Elmer will go along
to mines.
July 11, 1905 Bought 6 pair leather shoes off
Richard and Co. for $15, two 6” elbows 50¢, tickets
Seward to Seldovia $15, express on trunk 50¢. Left
Seward 6 PM on SS Excelsior for Knik took Elmer along.
July 12, 1905 Arrived Seldovia at 10
AM, left Seldovia on SS Tyonek 8 PM for Knik. Bought case of
eggs and oranges off of steward on SS Excelsior for Knik
Cash Store.
July 13, 1905 Arrived Tyonek at noon,
waited for flood tide via to Knik. Left at 6 PM.
Fare on Tyonek $10, Elmer $5.
July 14, 1905 Arrived at Knik at 4 AM.
Posted up day book cash sales today $62. Got pack ready
for mines. Sent Matanuska Mining Co. Seward, Huffs bill
rendered. High water at mines. Rain.
July 15, 1905 with Elmer left Knik with
400 lb. pack on Nig and Tony for mines at 10:30. Near river
met Murphy with Dan and Maud coming out to Knik for grub. Had
to swim horses across Little Sushitna. Arrived at Sushitna
cache 8 PM had to camp at RR cache, river too high to cross.
July 16, 1905 with Nig and small pack
crossed river OK then came back for Elmer and Tony and balance
of pack. Left Sushitna cache 1:30, heavy rain, arrived mines
7 P M, no rain at mines. Boys had 1st setup of flume
worked out and 8 more boxes set.
July 17, 1905 Had Sam make head box for flume
with extra wide mouth, used grizzly rails for riffles.
Had boys reset giant and shovel in gravel around shear boards.
Inspected bedrock and flume got $1.38 from hole between 1 riffle
block. Average clean up for first box estimated at $800.
PM Elmer set up his midget sluice boxes and took out 1 dwt. 8 gr.
= $1.06.
July 18, 1905 Got 2nd set up of flume
(8) boxes completed. PM had Frank and Foster cut hay.
Noon Murphy arrived from Knik 4 days trip. Packed in 300
lbs. grub on Dan and Maud. 5 PM to 10 Sam and myself cleaned
up flume got 51-10-09 = $1,038. Fine gold in flume for 10 boxes
below.
July 19, 1905 Started shifts on 2nd setup.
I piped gravel off bench. Had PM shift clear rock etc.
from canyon ditch. Elmer and Murphy went up the gulch a hunting.
Weather fair.
July 20 1905 Piping off bench reset both giants.
Mosquitoes and sand flies bad. PM had Frank stack hay
cut near boulder. Self worked until 10 PM.
July 21 1905 Piping off bench at foot
of bench road from mess house to Homestake. Took out good
pans at foot of 2nd bench. Self piped some and cleaned gold
from last clean-up. Elmer and Murphy went hunting up gulch.
July 22, 1905 Got 1st setup of giant
on bench worked out. Ready to move pipeline and giants.
Self worked until 9:30 PM. Charged Hec boots $8.
July 23, 1905 Got giant set on bench.
Piped across old channel, panned well. Put in 4 blasts.
PM aired my bed and weighed up gold dust 64-17-19. Elmer, Sam and
Murphy went out hunting got 4 ptarmigan and 2 whistlers.
July 24, 1905 Got part of bench piped off.
Bottomed up south side. Gravel in old channel averages
5¢ to the pan. Worked until 10:30 PM.
July 25, 1905 Bottomed up balance of
bench, found 5¢ pan on rim of 2nd bench. Had
Sam start to get out material for 12 more flume boxes.
PM had Frank and Foster rip out penstock material. PM
Elmer and Murphy went hunting on Wet Gulch.
July 26, 1905 Sam, Frank and Foster jointing
up flume. Evening had Hec pipe in dump. 1st rain in 10
days.
July 27, 1905 Finished piping down bench
2nd setup. Sam, Frank and Foster jointing up 12 flume.
Murphy hauled up grizzly rails, moved elevator lumber 5 hours with
Nig and Tony.
July 28, 1905 Reset both giants, no.
1 on left of creek and no. 2 on bench. Creek very low
only 6” water in flume.
July 29, 1905 Got up 3 AM, Murphy caught the
4 horses. Six, with Elmer and the 4 horses left mines for Knik.
Arrived at Knik 6 PM no boats in for 2 weeks past. Garden
looking fine. Grass very short on tide flats.
July 30, 1905 At Knik, posted up store
accounts. Set up mower and ground scythe. Evening
Elmer wrote to his Mamma.
July 31, 1905 Started to cut hay on tide flats.
Evening wrote to Mattie and Mr. Hale.
August 1, 1905 Finished letter writing,
wrote Hovey about the large windows sent in mistake of small
ones. Wrote Farnsworth about work at mines. Evening helped
Ulanky to make out location papers for a homestead on Fish Creek.
Sent Sylvester Bros. $26 to pay for my Alaska maps.
August 2 1905 Mowed grass on tide flats.
Evening made out bills for goods sold to K. B. help on creek.
No steamboat as yet. Elmer wrote another letter to his
mother at Seward.
August 3, 1905 Got packs ready for mines.
PM raked up hay on tide flats, now ready for the mines.
August 4, 1905 AM got ready to leave Knik for
mines. Packed Nig and Tony with 375# of supplies, left Knik 11:30
arrived Sushitna cache at 7 PM. Elmer rode Maud and I rode
Tony. Had roast beef, peas, strawberries, biscuits
and coffee for supper. Retired 9:30. Bought 5 salmon
at Fish camp off Theodore 60¢.
August 5, 1905 Got up 3 AM horses came into
camp and got into RR oats under my cache. Breakfast at 5.
Got 3 horses packed 400# and left for mines at 7 AM. Arrived
at mines 11:30 AM quickest trip ever. Elmer rode Tony and I walked.
Boys at mines had out big dump, run 5¢ to the pan piped down
off bench. Water very low, very small sluice head, bench prospected
good.
August 6, 1905 Piped in until 5 PM then had
PM shift clear and burn willow brush on bench. Elmer dressed
up “all same” as brown bear, scared the dogs into their holes
then had his picture taken. Took picture of both shifts and
bench gravel. Murphy finished work - time: May 169 hours
at 25¢ = $42.25, 80 hours at 30¢ = $24, June 300½
hours at 30¢ = $90.15, July 333½ hours at 30¢ =
$100.05, August 60 hours at 30¢ = $18. Charged at Knik
Cash Store $9.10, cash balance $265.35. Evening wrote Mattie to send
me a Seward bank book.
August 7,1905 Murphy left for Knik, took
out Nig and Tony. Sent out horses so Miller could stack hay.
Started to clean up. 6 AM cleaned 8 boxes got 26-5-00 =
$420. PM started to bottom up bench and pipe off in rear.
Evening cleaned part of gold dust. Paid Foster on account,
$14, paid McQuarrie on account $7.70.
August 8, 1905 Reset no. 2 giant to bottom
up bench channel. Evening had PM shift reset no. 2 giant
on north side of canyon ditch to pipe in ditch and gravel on that
side. Coarse gold on bedrock on ditch side. Self working
with both shifts. Got up at 5 AM knocked off at 7:30 PM.
Water too low to pipe in properly.
August 9, 1905 Got upper end of ditch
piped out and started ditch wall. Piped in with no. 1
until 5 then worked on ditch wall. Creek began to rise 7 PM,
at 10 PM, flume full and part of ditch. Self up until
11 PM minding water flume etc. got wet. 2nd high water. Retired
1 PM Thursday.
August 10, 1905 First snow on mountains.
Reset no. 2 giant on left of canyon ditch. Got up about half
of ditch wall on this setup, double wall with sods between.
Creek on Gulch normal today with a full sluice head. Elmer
sluiced with his midget boxes got 0-1-02 = 86¢ for half days
work 2nd clean up.
August 11, 1905 First frost, got 2/3
of ditch wall up. Piping in from ditch side -piped in
some of bench dump. Creek normal with a full sluice head.
Evening retorted 24 oz. of gold dust. Sam made Elmer two small sluice
boxes 6” wide by 6’ long each so he could shovel in gravel.
August 12, 1905 Got canyon ditch bottomed up
at upper end. Pay on clay bedrock. Reset both giants,
put in 3 blasts. Elmer shoveled into his boxes 2/3 of day
got 3 dwt. and 17 gr. = $2.97.
August 13, 1905 Reset no. 2 giant at
foot of ditch. Got ditch bottomed up and started to close
in wall. Piped in with no. 1 found 25¢ pans on bedrock
by ledge. Piped after supper until 9 PM.
August 14, 1905 Got ditch wall completed, put
hydraulic hose on to no. 1 giant and bottomed up part of bench
around ledge. Piped in on bench dump. Creek 6” lower
in flume. Had Frank cut hay near boulder on Willow Creek.
Elmer made his 4th clean up got 9 dwt 21 gr. - now has $12.80 for
part of 4 days work with midget boxes on bedrock worked out by
giant.
August 15, 1905 Piped in with no. 1.
Evening had PM shift reset no. 2 giant to drive in last of
bench dump. Blew 4 large boulders out of canyon ditch. Did
Elmer’s and my washing, aired blankets, etc., cut wood.
August 16 1905 Still piping in dump about
2/3 run through. Got canyon ditch cleaned out and in fine
condition for high water. Evening Elmer wrote his 5th
letter to his mother at Seward. Sent G. Stanley a little poke
with two nuggets. Mosquitoes “done gone” on Grubstake.
August 17, 1905 Got upper end of pit bottomed
up. Reset both giants. Cramer done up with crick
in his back. Found coarse gold on rim creek bottom and
bench. Evening Elmer drew picture of mess house.
August 18, 1905 Moved no. 2 nearer to flume
in pit. Got about ¼ of gravel in pit piped in -
lots of rock in bottom of pit near bedrock About another
day will finish this 2nd set up of flume 16 boxes. Got 12 more
ready to set for 3rd set up. Two shifts working 19 hours
getting dark on both ends again.
August 19, 1905 Got pit bottomed up on right
side, very rocky near bedrock Put in several blasts.
Elmer added a 4 lb. stone hammer to his tool list now interested
in mauling rock.
August 20 1905 Got about half of pit
bottomed up - reset no. 1 giant from bank down into pit.
Piped down bedrock for flume way. Took level of flume grade, got
5” to the box. Elmer caught a weasel in parky trap under tool house.
Evening put new rivet into my jackknife.
August 21, 1905 Found gold below clay
bedrock, picked up a $ nugget. Reset no. 2 and piped in
gravel on left of pit. Elmer and Pete went fishing down Wet Gulch
they caught 25 trout. Sam went out for grouse got all of 1.
August 22, 1905 Had to use hydraulic
hose attached to giants to bottom up and pipe in gravel on corners.
Put shifts on day work. Hec and Foster cut 12 riffle logs 16’ long.
Frank went after horses gone all AM couldn’t find them.
August 23, 1905 Got bottomed up except along
right hand shear board. Have to reset no. 2 giant to
finish up. Creek bottom on bedrock shows that the creek
ran down over the bench, part clay and part rock bedrock.
Took Frank until 10 AM to find horses. Hauled up 8 riffle logs
more 4 to come. Evening Elmer took a bath, did it himself.
August 24, 1905 Found good pay on rim in bedrock,
many boulders in bottom of pit. Reset no. 2 and got piped
in all of gravel. Evening self finished about all of bottoming
up. Now ready for a good clean up. Cleaned up Elmer’s
boxes got 1 dwt. 15 gr. = $1.30. Evening set in for heavy
rain. Frank and Hec hauled up last of 12 riffle logs.
August 25, 1905 Found rich pay below
top clay so reset no. 2 giant and bottomed up whole of pit
again. Right hand shear board tipped over because rock piled
behind it. Put in 5 shots to open bedrock channel.
Pete cut sod, Frank and Hec sawed riffle blocks. Sam and
self bottomed up until 8 PM.
August 26, 1905 Cleaned up this PM found a
quartz nugget 11 dwt and 6 gr. = $9.00, another all gold $1.02.
Evening cleaned and weighed up 12 oz. coarse gold, clean up 96-03-16.
Sam and self worked on bottoming up and clean up all day and evening.
PM had Frank and Hec put hay near boulder on Willow Creek.
August 27, 1905 Shoveled in some in front
of head box that was left. Sam put back the riffle blocks.
Foster and Pete sawed riffle blocks. Frank and Hec cutting
hay near boulder. Cleaned sand out of silvered dust. PM
retorted 3 bricks of gold dust. 5 PM self and Elmer on Dan
and Maud left mines for Knik. Arrived Sushitna cache 9 PM camped
for the night evening cloudy.
August 28, 1905 Left Sushitna cache 7
AM arrived Knik 1:30 PM brought out 108 oz. gold dust from the
mines. Miller had 2/3 hay under cover. PM read mail from
Mattie, Sylvester Bros., Seward Bank. Got $1.75 check rebate
on Carnation cream, got $750 cash sent from Seward Bank. Banker
Hale had been at Knik for 4 days. On trail Sushitna to Knik 7½
hours for grub for mines.
August 29, 1905 At Knik, posted up store
books and checked down and marked goods just arrived invoice
no. 3. Rain.
August 30, 1905 At Knik made up a 300
lb. pack for the mines. Wrote to Mattie, made out order
for provisions clothing and hardware sent to Sylvester Bros. Co.
Seattle. Wrote Mattie and bank that I would send gold dust,
to send draft to Sylvester Bros. Co. $1000, to Seattle Hardware
Co. $100. Had a duck dinner.
August 31, 1905 Knik to Shushetna.
5:30 AM SS Tyonek arrived, mail from Mamma. Sent postals
to Mamma and bank by Hawkins. Sent Seward Bank 108 ounces
of gold dust by SS Tyonek. Left Knik 10:30 AM Elmer self
and 4 horses for mines. Arrived at Sushitna cache 6:15 PM camped
for the night.
September 1, 1905 Up at 5:30 left Sushitna
cache at 8:45 arrived at mines 1:30 unpacked goods. Brought
in 50 lbs. of new potatoes and 5 # lettuce. Boys had 12
more boxes added to flume, started to pipe in 8 AM today 3rd
set up of flumes. Brought in 5 pair gum boots charged to K.
B. Co. for help so as to keep them until season closed.
September 2, 1905 Snowed on Craigie,
Martha and peaks off Grubstake mountains today. PM built
dam to turn creek out and into flume. Reset gates and giants
so as to pipe out this set up also part of pipeline. Dark at 8:30
PM was cloudy.
September 3, 1905 AM got no. 2 set, turned
creek into bench channel up at Homestake. Piped in all
of PM. Self set up no. 1 to drive bench gravel into flume.
Now 17 hours daylight to work in. Cooler with fresh snow
on mountain peaks. Donnelly charged 1 pair of wool mittens.
September 4, 1905 Piping down bench on 3rd
set up of flume. Had boys cut brush off bench. This season
set in 28 flume - 3 set ups. Last season jointed up 25 flume.
Total in line 53 (12½’) flumes. Set up Elmer’s small
sluice boxes for him along shear board wall of last set up.
Snowing on mountain peaks warm in valley.
September 5, 1905 Cleaned up my cabin.
PM with Maud hauled up 5 fire logs. Elmer went up the gulch
for horses came back with Maud. Evening wrote to Mattie
ready to leave mines for Knik for misc. supplies and mail.
September 6, 1905 with Maud went to head of
Grubstake Gulch for other 3 horses. With Elmer and 4 horses
left mines for Knik at 8:30 AM arrived at Knik at 8:30 PM.
Shot 9 ptarmigans and 1 grouse on trail. Check books and Seward
papers arrived, was left at Hope. SS Tyonek expected tomorrow.
September 7, 1905 Hauled load of hay cut on
tide flats. Put same in barn at Knik. Made out order
for hydraulic pipe to be wired to U. S. Blow Pipe Co. Seattle
as follows: 96’ 20”, 96’ 18”, 96’
16”, 16 gauge, 144’ 7”, 144’ 8” 14
gauge, 1 - 24 to 20 1 taper, 1 - 20 to 18 taper, 1 - 18 to 16
taper, 1 - 16 to 14 inch taper. Answered Farnsworth letter.
Tyonek didn’t arrive at Knik.
September 8, 1905 Waiting for mail at Knik,
SS Tyonek didn’t show up. Big wind.
September 9, 1905 No mail boat. Judge
Goodell and several left Knik for Sunrise in sloop. Watson
at Knik waiting for SS Tyonek, claimed he chartered her to come
in on the 7th.
September 10, 1905 No mail boat. Left
Knik at 10 PM for the mines with 300 lb. provisions, packed
Dan and Maud. Elmer rode Nig, self rode Tony, arrived at
the Sushitna cache at 6 PM camped. Knik Cash Store doing
well. Done over $1000 cash business in 3 months, profit 50
to 100%.
September 11, 1905 At Sushitna camp,
got up 4:30 got ready to leave camp 7:40 AM very cold on mountain,
Elmer cried, got off and walked and soon got warm. Along
Wet Gulch Maud fell down slid on back 30’ down bench turned over
twice came out alright pack and all. Arrived at mines at 12:30
noon. PM with Nig and Tony, Elmer and self hauled up 4 fire logs.
Many big boulders in pit. Boys blasted all day - good pay
around boulders. All mountain peaks covered with new snow today.
September 12, 1905 Commenced snowing
6 AM kept it up until noon ground white on creek bottom.
Got bench piped in on right hand side of gulch. Reset no.
2 giant to drive in to flume.
September 13, 1905 Froze hard this morning.
Got about 2/3 of bench gravel in pit piped into flume. PM had
Sam knock down old 1902 sluice boxes to use for sand boards in
flume, Elmer helped him.
September 14, 1905 Big wind and warmer,
plenty of water, flume 2/3 full. Self got gravel in pit
piped in, worked until 8 PM. Had Sam joint up sand boards.
Knocked down last (5) of Gilbert boxes for sand boards.
Had Frank and Hec with Dan and Maud haul up sand boards, 1 load
poles and slab from lumber camp to make annex to Gilbert cabin for
store room.
September 15, 1905 Got pit bottomed up
in front of flume ready to clean up in the morning, the whole
of the flume 53 boxes. PM had Sam, Hec and Foster build on
12’ to Gilbert calidoor to use to house hay etc. Evening cleaned
up Elmer’s boxes didn’t get much. Self fell in pit, got boots
full of water. Told cook to boil the brine on the butter, he boiled
the butter instead.
September 16, 1905 Took down giants. cleaned
up 27 boxes. Hec and Foster packed up and cached tools. Frank
cleaned up calidoor around mess house. Pete Donnelly
finished and left for Knik 8 AM. Snowing all day, mountain
peaks white down to brush line.
September 17, 1905 Snow squalls.
Finished last clean up of season 1905. Had Frank and Hec
haul down hay from boulder on Willow Creek and put it under Gilbert
calidoor. Boys got riffles back in 19 boxes, 34 boxes yet
to riffle. Expect to go to Knik tomorrow with all hands.
Evening run off 2 retorts of gold dust. Packed up gold dust.
September 18, 1905 Clearing, froze hard
last night. Got riffle blocks and new 1” sand boards back in
flume. Removed big flume gate in hydraulic reservoir dam.
Left mines at 1:30 PM all hands for Knik. Arrived at Sushitna
camp 6 PM. Sam and Foster shot 2 dozen ptarmigan. Bill
Morris came along on way to Knik from the Kashwitny.
September 19, 1905 Left Sushitna at 8:30 arrived
at Knik 3:30. Elmer walked most of the way, had 3 horses
packed with baggage, rode Nig. Paid off McQuarrie balance
$351.70, paid off Whitney balance $309. Everything quiet
at Knik. Agreed to give Foster work at $2.50 per day what work I
had to do.
September 20, 1905 Getting accounts posted
and billed out. Settled up with Frank Whitney for years
contract ending June 1st 1905 check to balance $81.48.
Contract was for $152 in money and 3,000 shares of K and B Co.
stock. I paid him the $150 and gave order for the stock on the
Boston office.
September 21, 1905 Settled up with Cramer cash
$12.53, check $200, draft $100 sent to Vivia. PM took
a cruise through woods with Sam to find poles for new cache.
Packed trunk with 75# cranberries, 1 dozen low moccasins, 6 pair
long moccasins, 7 money pouches. Arranged to send 3 men
over to Fish Creek to cut hay. Paid 75¢ moccasins for Elmer.
September 22, 1905 Foster and Hec and Reese
left Knik for Seward via Sunrise on Goosmar sloop. No steamboat
as yet. Got trunk packed ready for trip out to Seward.
Goosmar and Natives on a drunk. Posted up bills and day book
Knik Cash Store. Noon sent Frank and Sam over to Fish Creek
to cut hay took Dan and Maud to do the packing.
September 23, 1905 Got ground leveled off for
cache 12’ x 16’ near K. B. cache. Started to dig
the potatoes, took out 1,000. Bought Evans dory (15’) for
$2.50. Got board ready for Knik Cash Store sign. Evening
Geter and Watson men arrived from the coal fields. Frank came
back with horses couldn’t cross swamp by Fish Creek.
September 24, 1905 Dug potatoes, painted
sign and hung it up, Knik Cash Store. Frank left for Fish
Creek to join Cramer and cut hay. Took Nig’s picture.
Posted up day book. No steam boats in and no sloops to go
out on - anchored at Knik waiting for a boat. Evening took a bath.
September 25, 1905 Tore down porch in front
of store door. Noon Frank came in from Fish Creek after
scythe, Sam broke his. Made agreement with D. Harris to
pack 700 lbs. provisions Cottonwood to coal fields for Watson, consideration
$75 for one man and 4 horses they to feed our horses and man.
Evening Elmer took a bath. Dug last of potatoes 2,200 lbs.
on one eleventh of an acre.
September 26, 1905 Miller and myself cut logs
for foundation of new cache. Got ready to haul in logs when we
sighted a steamboat. SS Tyonek arrived had freight for
Railway party. Got ready to go out, left Knik at 5 PM via
Seward expect to catch SS Santa Ana at Seldovia. Left Hienmuller
in charge of Knik Cash Store. Sam and Frank cutting hay over
at Fish Creek.
September 27, 1905 On SS Tyonek arrived at
Tyonek about midnight last night. Waited for ebb tide.
Waited for ebb tide at Kenai, 9 PM off Anchor Point. Paid
off Harry Oda check $200, cash $41.40. Capt. Shaw wanted
to hire Harry for waiter for balance of fall. Fare Knik
to Seldovia $10 no charge for Elmer.
September 28, 1905 Arrived at Seldovia 3 AM.
8 AM SS Santa Ana arrived with freight for RR engineers at
Knik and Turnagain Arm. Had dinner on “Ana” Elmer and
I got room 17. Bought off Herbert: 8 bunches shingles $8,
1 case Pacific cream $4.75, 1 box apples $1.75, shipped to
Knik Cash Store. Bought Elmer new cap 50¢. Watson
in route for Knik, 2 schooners loaded with freight for Knik also
2 local steamboats. Fare Seldovia to Seward $10.
September 29, 1905 At Seldovia.
SS Santa Ana got RR freight discharged all but cattle and 200
bales of hay which will have to go back to Seward for want of
transportation via Seldovia to Turnagain Arm. Made out my
manifest for provisions for Knik Cash Store - hardware and clothing
- yet to make out order. SS Santa Ana left Seldovia midnight
via for Seward. Fare Seldovia to Seward $10 no charge for Elmer.
September 30, 1905 Got away from Seldovia just
after midnight. Laid up 1½ hours near Cape Elizabeth
for daylight to go on inside passage. Had wind all day
rough sea. Arrived at entrance of Resurrection Bay at midnight
at Seward 3 AM Sunday morning.
October 1, 1905 SS Santa Ana arrived at Seward
3 AM no one heard her blow or come in. Elmer and self
found Mamma asleep. Held interview with Kyle, Alaska Central
Railway, about supplies at Knik for their engineer parties, agreed
to furnish them with clothing etc. SS Santa Clara at Valdez, due
tonight at Seward. Had haircut 50¢. Evening Mamma
and Elmer attended church while dad minded the boy.
October 2, 1905 Collected for first OGH maps
on sale at Owl Drug Co. 25 at 20¢ = $5. Left 2 dozen
more on sale to be paid for when sold. Looked over samples
of clothing at T. D. Corlew Manager for Pacific Coast Trading Co.
Sold Brown and Hawkins 38# cranberries at 8¢ = $3.04, 6 pair
moccasins $6.50, 11 pair low moccasins at 60¢ = $6.60, 14 money
pouches at 25¢ = $3.50. 7 PM SS Santa Clara arrived.
Paid Yakutat Lumber Co. for window pane 75¢.
October 3, 1905 Left gold dust at bank 74-12-0.
Sent cable to Farnsworth total cleanup gross $4,000 - day labor
24 h 70. Made arrangements for winter help at mines.
Any funds sent to Seattle - answer. Evening made up order
for hardware etc.
October 4, 1905 Light frost last night. Banked
last of gold dust 73-1-4. SS Portland and SS Santa Clara expected
in port tomorrow. Wrappers and waists for Knik Cash Store
18 wrappers at 25¢ = $4.50,
14 Waists at 25¢ = $3.50, bought off Mrs.
Corlew. Received wire from W. A. Farnsworth Boston no
funds, use gold dust, would try to wire $1,000 if needed.
October 5, 1905 Helped to mark goods
bought off Mrs. Corlew for Knik Cash Store. Paid for goods
Pacific Trading Co.: Groceries $443, coal oil $12.20, clothing
$171.10, total $626.30. Paid for lumber Yakutat Lumber
Co. $66, developing and printing $5.75, $100.35, fare Seward to
Seldovia $10, 2# burnt sienna 75¢, total $809.15.
Sent order to Loeb Cutter Lumber Co. for 10,000 star shingles.
12 midnight left Seward on SS Portland for Knik via by Seldovia.
October 6, 1905 In route Seward to Seldovia
and Knik on SS Portland. At 5 PM arrived at Seldovia no
boats in. SS Tyonek had left for the upper Inlet AM.
SS Portland has 140 tons to discharge tomorrow morning. Wind
and high surf in the Inlet.
October 7, 1905 Paid purser of the Portland
freight bill on pipe provisions etc., $88. Bought
provisions off steward on the Portland $36.40, got about
all her cargo discharged then decided to wait for the Tyonek
to catch the passengers to come down to take the SS Excelsior.
October 8, 1905 On SS Portland at Seldovia
waited for the Tyonek to arrive from the upper Inlet.
Schooner came in port this evening, Welch and wife aboard had
turkey dinner. Bought box cigarette papers off Herbert $1.50
for Knik Cash Store.
October 9, 1905 At Seldovia on SS Portland.
Local boat the Tyonek expected to arrive this evening.
Found error in billing lumber Seward to Seldovia overcharge of
800 ft. Purser agreed to make it good at Seward.
October 10, 1905 At Seldovia. The Tyonek
arrived 10 PM got transferred from SS Portland, which left
at once for Seward.
October 11, 1905 The Tyonek loading freight
for Knik and Sunrise, got loaded at 4 PM left at once.
S. E. Wind came up too rough to round Anchor Point so put back to
Seldovia arrived 6:30 PM. All the passengers were sea sick
except Dr. and myself.
October 12, 1905 High surf outside the Shelikof
on the Dora’s run, arrived 9 AM from the west on way to Valdez.
Evening the Excelsior, the Neptune and the Eva arrived.
October 13, 1905 The Tyonek left Seldovia -
run out - surf too high came back to port. Hardware and
provisions and clothing and grain came on SS Excelsior.
Hydraulic pipe and wheat hay left behind. Wrote Mattie another
letter. Ate dinner on shore. Excelsior left 9 PM.
Expect to leave on morning tide. The 2 schooners loaded freight
for the Arm. Evening clear and freezing.
October 14, 1905 A-1 day at Seldovia.
High seas rolling remained in port.
October 15, 1905 Wind dying out. The
Valanta got loaded 3 PM; the Tyonek towed her out of
Seldovia Harbor, sea quieting down. The Tyonek left Seldovia
3 PM via Knik with full cargo and passengers list.
October 16, 1905 In route on the Tyonek, arrived
at Tyonek at 11 AM took on Caswell’s men. Left Tyonek 1:30
arrived at Hope 5:30. Put off passengers Welch, Thomas,
Chester and a few others. Arrived at Sunrise at 8 PM light
rain. Discharged Sunrise freight and laid over one tide.
Saw Dr. Sleem, was ready to hit the trail for Seward. Wrote
to Mattie and sent order for clothing and provisions to come on the
SS Bertha from the Pacific Trading Co.
October 17, 1905 Cloudy with cold rain at Sunrise.
Took on Mr. Wieble and passengers for SS Bertha. Run
over to Glacier Creek with Mr. Purenton and wife and were to
take on engineer party Alaska Central Railway for Knik, tide ebbed
so pulled out without them. Arrived at Fire Island 2 PM was
rough crossing Chickaloon Bay. Arrived at Knik at 6 PM, found
Sam sick. Frank was on 2nd trip to coal fields for Watson,
packing grub with 3 horses. Got scow alongside and took on my
freight and 4 tons of Palmer’s.
October 18, 1905 Unpacked clothing, sales were
good sold $112.35. Evening rough surf. Unloaded
scow except lumber and hydraulic pipe. Sam had new cache
12’ x 16’ up and ready to shingle. Evening wrote to Mattie,
sent order to Seward for more clothing, also $151.35 in checks to
apply on same to Corlew. Agreement made with Kyle (Alaska Central
Railway) to lighter 23 tons and 4 horses from Knik to Knik Harbor
for $50, they to handle all the freight.
October 19, 1905 Had lumber and pipe discharged
from scow, cash sales at Knik Cash Store $45.60. Sam started
to shingle cache. Kyle and Poland left on morning tide
for Seward via Alaska Central Railway from Knik River. Sold
old Russian knife to Poland for $5.
October 20, 1905 Sam with helper got roof of
cache, door to be hung, then ready for storage. Self puttied
up cracks in scow. Engineer Blakely, Alaska Central Railway
Co., visited said they were ready to move freight to Knik Harbor
tomorrow. Store sales $61.05. Showed Foster and Joe how to pack
a horse and throw the diamond hitch. They hired to Alaska Central
Railway as packers.
October 21, 1905 AM launched scow, left
Knik 1 PM for Knik Harbor with 16 tons of RR provisions.
Had 5 white men and 10 Natives to help tow scow. Arrived at
Knik Harbor at 6 PM. Midnight run scow up to high tide mark.
Evening light rain.
October 22, 1905 9 AM discharged scow, 1 hour.
The Tyonek passed by in route to Knik. Sent up 5 Natives and
1 white man to help discharge freight from the Tyonek.
Anchored scow out at low tide mark. Evening all ready to
bring scow back to Knik when a man arrived and said the Tyonek would
bring down a load of RR freight and they wanted scow to discharge at
Knik Harbor so we remained. Self slept on scow. Midnight
the Tyonek failed to show up.
October 23, 1905 Clearing and cooler. The
Tyonek got stuck on Knik beach so couldn’t come down to Knik
Harbor until PM tide. Left Knik Harbor in Sea Otter boat
for Knik head wind arrived at Knik 3 PM. The Tyonek just leaving
with 160 bales of hay for Knik Harbor for the Railway crew.
Invoice no. 4 from Seattle arrived marked and priced goods. Frank
arrived yesterday from coal fields with our horses, returned to wait
for Watson as packer. Sam completed the store cache.
October 24, 1905 Clear 1st hard freeze came
last night. Sam started to put more shelving in store.
Evening posted up books. Store sales $43.90, 50% profit.
October 25, 1905 Railway crew loaded scow for
Knik Harbor with 4 horses, sleds etc. 4 PM I left Knik
on Stephan’s sloop for Turnagain Arm to buy clothing, shoe packs,
etc. for the Knik Cash Store and in route to Seward, Mr. Tully went
along via to Seward. Made it down to lower end of Fire Island
in 4 hours anchored for flood tide to Turnagain Arm. Boat dragged
anchor 4 miles, got rough, weighed anchor at midnight for Hope.
October 26, 1905 Wind blowing out of Turnagain
Arm so went under lee of Lee Island only 1 mile away.
PM Nicholai arrived with moose meat for Hope. Saw the Neptune
on way to Knik Harbor with Scurry’s camp. Mr. Tully seasick.
October 27, 1905 Sailed out to mouth Turnagain
Arm too rough so put back to Lee Island. Mr. Tully very
sea sick Got moose meat off Nicholai. At Lee Island,
Chickaloon Bay.
October 28, 1905 Stephan and Evan Nicholai
went a hunting. Stephan shot a porcupine and Evan got
one shot at a moose but missed him. PM both sloops started
for Rainbow Creek, got very rough but Nicholai made it over
to Rainbow Creek OK. Our boat wouldn’t lay up to wind, landed 1
mile below Rainbow. Put Mr. Tully ashore then dropped down 3
miles to lee and anchored as wind came from Pt. Campbell. Decided
to give up trip to Hope and return to Knik. Impossible to make
Hope due to head wind.
October 29, 1905 Anchored near Rainbow Creek,
7 AM sailed along shore of Campbell flats to Pt. Campbell.
Not much wind tide leaving flats, couldn’t reach the Knik Channel
so sailed clear around Fire Island. No wind in Knik Arm.
Had to boat up from lower end of Fire Island to Knik Arm. Reached
Goose Bay when tide started to ebb so anchored for the night at
Goose Bay.
October 30, 1905 Chinook wind at Goose Bay.
Got up 5 AM weighed anchor for Knik, head wind, arrived at Knik
8 AM. Sam had front room in attic of store about ceiled up
- room 10’ x 12’, beach view. Settled Alaska Central Railway
account with engineer Blakely. Evening tide hauled out scow
launch didn’t float.
October 31, 1905 Blakely decided to use our
winter trail - Knik to ridge near Willow Creek - to get supplies
over to Sushitna River for winter survey by Alaska Central Railway
up the Sushitna. Frank Whitney came down from the coal fields
and gave time for horses packing for Watson as follows: Oct.
1 to 7 - 4 horses 1 trip Knik to Chickaloon mines $75, At Cottonwood
7th 8th 9th 10th -October 11th 12th 13th 3 horses 1 trip Cottonwood
to Moose Creek at $90, per day $30.00 Nig packed on return 1 day 15th
to 21st 3 horses Cottonwood to Chickaloon 6 days at $10= $60, total
$165. Frank delayed at Cottonwood 5 days Frank’s time 20 days
at $2.50 = $50.
November 1, 1905 Ordered sail for Stephan (diagram
shows a sail that is 27’ across the bottom – 16’ high on the
left side - continuing another 8’ to a point). Light warm rain,
boat expected in. Bought first martin skin $4. Contract no.
2 made agreement with Duke Harris (Watson’s time keeper) to let our
four horses go up to Chickaloon coal mines to pack via Moose Creek
to Chickaloon at $10 per day, they to feed horses and furnish packer.
Columbia river boat sail diagram (20’ at its widest 14’ tall additional
7’ to peak) Sunde and Erland Co. Seattle.
November 2, 1905 Snow on mountain last night.
The Tyonek arrived, received bill ordered from Seattle Hardware
Co., hay and balance of large hydraulic pipe. Sam and myself
cached hardware, hay and pipe with Nig and Tony. Sam hauled
down load native hay. Unpacked and marked hardware, invoice
didn’t come. Rented front room over store to Whitney and Watson’s
man at $5 per month. Told Hienmuller I wouldn’t want him for the
winter.
November 3, 1905 Warm, no ice running in Knik
Arm as yet. Railway Co. boating up to the Cottonwood.
Watson’s man “Sam” shoeing our horses. Sam hauled in logs
for new cabin. Self posting up store books. Cigarettes
and gun shells got wet a little.
November 4, 1905 Sales cash $51.40 and credit
sales to Railway Co. also. Sam hauled in more logs for
cabin. Bought 1 lynx skin, 1 parky coat, 2 pair snowshoes.
November 5, 1905 Sam got up balance of logs
for cabin. Railway Sam finished shoeing our 4 horses.
Squared up with Frank Whitney for haying and packing with K. B.
horses: haying 6½ days $16.25, packing 15 days $37.50, total
$53.75. PM Frank left Knik for coal fields with our 4 horses
to pack for Watson, Moose Creek to Chickaloon, for $10 day net for
horses.
November 6, 1905 Snow line half way down mountain,
no ice on Knik Arm. Natives started to whipsaw house logs.
Up until midnight on books for past 3 days. Pacific Trading
Co. case eggs short 3 dozen $1.20. Short on whale skin shoes:
1 right size 9 and 1 right size 10.
November 7, 1905 Helped Sam tear down store
water closet. Let contract to Indian Jim to grade off
place where closet sat for new cabin. Andrew and Prince whipsawing
logs for new cottage.
November 8, 1905 A-1 not freezing yet.
Got store books posted up took off cash balance sheet as follows:
cash sales $1,450.31, received from cash $1,253.33, cash in drawer
$196.98, Miller had $291.85 more in drawer than cash visited for
but claimed his personal cash was short about $10. The Neptune arrived
with Watson’s sawmill. Said there was 1½ tons of freight
at Seldovia for Knik Cash Store marked OGH. Bacus came up to
work for Watson.
November 9, 1905 Checked down cash balance
at Knik Cash Store. Paid off J. Hienmuller for 5 months
work, by check $125 and $125 cash = $250, also paid him $10 extra
for money he claimed was short on his personal cash. Hienmuller
claimed to have paid freight $50 out of his personal money, check,
J. H. to OGH, $24, total $74. All he could account for cash
over balance in till was $94.87 which I find bum. Also paid
him $10 more for shortage he claimed on his personal cash total $104.87.
The Neptune left 5 PM sent letter to Mattie and dress sent.
Hienmuller went out to Seward
November 10, 1905 Evan (White Eye) took contract
to level off ground for new cottage west of store. Cramer
jointing up cottage material. Frank hauled Watson’s sawmill
off beach with Nig and Tony. Mr. M. Kast arrived from
Sushitna Station via by river across tide flats up Knik beach,
was a week, had very wet trip. Made out price list of goods to
prospectors for Mr. Kast. Evening posted up store books.
November 11, 1905 Helped Evan grade cottage
lot. Filled shelves up with canned goods. Bill Morris
and Stephan got back from trip to canyon on Willow Creek, looking
up sled trail for Railway Co. Bought 1st mink skin.
Frank left with Nig and Tony to pack for Watson at coal fields.
Dan and Maud at Cottonwood. Frank’s 2nd trip on 2nd contract to pack
for Watson, came back this trip to have pack saddles fitted to horses.
November 12, 1905 No freezing weather.
Got goods straightened out and rearranged hardware on shelves.
Put perishable goods into root house. Sam laid foundation
for new cottage west of Knik Cash Store size 11’ x 13’ 2” x 12’ high.
Let contract to Stephan to clear and grub 3 lots north of Palmer’s
garden, consideration $20. Saloon man caught Goosmar’s girl
for his Bobbie, all the Natives and several whites were drunk.
Palmer was celebrating the event also.
November 13, 1905 Made T to connect stove
in room over store with main flue and set up new airtight heater.
November 14, 1905 Big wind. Set up airtight
heater in back room of Knik Cash Store and made galv-zincs for
attic room stove. About ready to start for Seward to join my
family and home there.
November 15, 1905 Eberhardt and Shorty arrived
from Tyonek. Got letters from Mattie, Corlew and
Seattle Hardware Co. about goods shipped. Let contract with Kast
and troop to grub and dig balance of K. B. corral ground, consideration
$25. Goosmar started in to help clear ground for 3 cottage lots.
November 16, 1905 Natives finished sawing logs
for new cottage, cut 124 cuts at 40¢ = $49.60. Morning
did my washing. Store trade fair today. Eberhardt left for Tyonek
via Hope. No ice in Arm up to date.
November 17, 1905 Helped Sam to lay up cottage
logs. Talked with Cramer about signing for 1 year with K and
B Co. and jointly for myself, consideration $900
or $1,000.
November 18, 1905 Froze last night, ice forming
on Knik Lake. Chas Miller arrived from Hope with my freight shipped
from Seward shipped Oct. 28th landed at Hope by SS Tyonek.
Goods repacked at Hope to ship on sloop. Freight charges Hope
to Knik $40 advance charges, Seward to Seldovia $13.30, paid Miller
$53.30. Short 3 blankets, 1 G. S. pack hub, 1 shirt jumper,
24 oranges, 25 lb. rice, 5 lb. prunes, 100 lbs. rice soaked with
coal oil., freight 71¢ ft. Got goods on shelves
checked up and priced. Evening Miller with sloop left Knik for
Hope.
November 19, 1905 First anchor ice seen on
Knik Arm this season, froze quite hard last night. Frank
came down and returned from Knik to Cottonwood with dory.
Helped Sam on new cottage part of day got wall up to ceiling height.
Paid Stephan and Goosmar $21 for clearing C and H lots of stumped
brush etc. Evening showed Sam about bills and run of store in
general. About ready for trip to Seward by boat to Knik Harbor,
via Railway trail around Turnagain Arm and trail pass to Alaska Central
Railway track.
November 20, 1905 Chinook wind, much
warmer. Got price list made out for Sam and everything checked
up. Frank came to town had only packed with K. B. horses
as far as Vasilla’s place thus far. Let contract to Billy
to dig out back of store for a 16’ addition, consideration $9. Kast
and Trook got ground grubbed in for K. B. corral. Expect
to leave for Seward PM tide tomorrow. Trook decided to go along
with me.
November 21, 1905 Knik Arm clear of ice yet.
Railway men came up from Knik Harbor and 2 men boated over
to Old Knik. Intended to leave Knik on PM tide but couldn’t
get ready on account of store trade, cash sales $47.05.
Wind came up 4 PM and Railway men couldn’t make it down to Harbor
so returned to Knik. Paid Kast and Trook $25 for grubbing and
digging K. B. corral lot. Evening got packed up ready to leave
in morning on 4 AM tide if favorable. Midnight earthquake
shook store quite hard.
November 22, 1905 Light rain, not freezing.
One boat arrived from Old Knik today no ice on Knik Arm.
PM on ebb tide wind and rain so decided it was better to wait at
Knik than to go to the Harbor and wait for clear weather to leave
for Seward. Railway boys making skates. Knik Lake partly
frozen over but opening up again. Knik boys handed in-mail for
Seward and outside.
November 23, 1905 Cloudy big S. E. wind,
Arm got quite rough. Evening clearing fog bank over
Knik River way. Wind blew Railway Co. and Watson’s saloon
storehouses down. Natives finished whipsawing last of
logs for cottage no. 1. Basement for annex back of store about
excavated. Already to leave for Seward when weather clears.
Alarm set for 5 AM tide.
November 24, 1905 Warm cloudy and 34
above so decided best to wait for clear weather. Watson’s
men boated grub Knik to Cottonwood. Got Sea Otter boat
ready for trip to Harbor on morning tide. Had Trook burn
balance of brush in K. B. corral. Evening talked with Sam about
store business and renting new cottage. Sam agreed to work
for myself and K and B Co. for 1 year for $900, Oct. 1, 1905 to Oct.
1, 1906. Expect to leave on 5 AM tide for Seward by boat to Knik
Harbor.
November 25, 1905 Got up at 5 AM visited Evans
and Trook and got ready to leave Knik in Sea Otter boat at
7. Arrived at Knik Harbor 10 AM took dinner with engineer
Scurry. Pulled boat out of water and walked up Ship Creek
on Railway trail to Scurry’s trail camp. Had supper and camped
with Railway boys for the night. Freezing all today no ice
on Knik Arm when we came down.
November 26, 1905 Ship Creek froze over so
we could cross it. Left Scurry’s trail camp on Ship Creek
at 9:30, 1½ miles up creek, struck Alaska Central Railway
survey via to Turnagain Arm. At 2 PM met Caswell and party
bound for Knik, had mail for me. They were out of grub, so I gave
them 2 pilot crackers each. Made it out 7 miles to end of Blakely
survey, got dark before we could find end of other line. Evans myself
and old John made camp. Trook got behind and didn’t make to our camp.
Met a Swede bound for Scurry’s camp. Evening cloudy and warmer
under a spruce tree at Railway survey.
November 27, 1905 Left camp 8:30 found Squires
survey and hiked for Turnagain Arm. Many side lines on
survey trail, got off trail several times. Struck beach
2 miles below Railway camp on Potter Creek near mouth of Turnagain
Arm. Engineer C. C. Donavan invited us to stay over for the night,
was too late to make Rainbow Creek so remained. Donavan party
shot a moose. Had a good supper and camp to bunk in.
Big wind on Turnagain Arm.
November 28, 1905 Sleet and snow. Left
Potter Creek at Donavan’s Railway camp at 10 AM walked on beach,
to steep bank, then had to take to the bench couldn’t find trail.
Left beach too soon after crawling through the brush and over
ledges for 2 hours. Found Railway trail made up to Welch’s
camp (Kennedy’s) by 2 PM wet from head to foot couldn’t make Rainbow.
Was invited to stay so camped for the night. Only a watchman
at Kennedy’s camp.
November 29, 1905 Left Kennedy’s camp arrived
at Welch’s main camp at noon had dinner. Visited Dr. Grieves
until tide was out far enough to walk up beach to Scotty’s cabin
at Indian Creek. Took out-mail for engineer Kyle and party.
Supper at Indian Creek fine treatment at all of Railway and Welch’s
camps. At Indian Creek saw tracks of two lynx on trail.
November 30, 1905 Indian Creek to Glacier.
December 1, 1905 Glacier Creek to Twenty
Mile.
December 2, 1905 Twenty Mile to camp 49.
Arrived at camp 55 at 2 PM. Weaver and myself at dinner
at Riley’s camp. Weaver had to wait for Railway mail, so
I crossed over Portage Glacier down to Bartlett’s camp no. 49.
Called at Bartlett’s office, Cameron was there and several
Railway officials, ate supper with them and bunked in the engineers
bunk house. Duke Harris in camp on way to Knik.
December 3, 1905 Left 49 camp with sleigh team,
rode down to Railway grading camp no. 3, ate lunch with Cavanaugh.
PM came to end of track, train arrived about 2:30 PM. Arrived
at Seward 6:15. Elmer was at train to meet me. High
wind at Seward was none out on the line. Brought down Railway
mail.
December 4, 1905 At Seward, high
wind and cold 8 above at summit. Delivered Alaska Central
Railway mail at office. Deposited $60 at Bank of Seward
and left bank book to be entered up. Cleaned up yard.
December 5, 1905 Second day big wind.
Got express order for $50 payable to Mr. Albert Barrett, Rossland,
B. C., as per request of Duke Harris for her husband Albert Barrett
at Knik. Collected 1st Alaska Central Railway bill run by
the barn crew at Knik Cash Store $18.52.
December 6, 1905 Wind dying out, ending with
light snow fall about 1” at Seward. Colder weather than
any time last winter. Froze vegetable etc. in kitchen,
none were froze last winter. J. Hienmuller visited.
Made arrangements with Bank of Seward for a 60 day loan.
December 7, 1905 Fair and cold 2 above.
Got loan 60 days from Bank of Seward for $1,000. Paid Pacific
Trading Co. bill invoice, total amount of bill: provisions
$95.55, clothing $193.15, boots and pacs $167, total $455.70.
Was allowed for 2 pair boots short $16 no allowance for 3 dozen eggs
etc. short. Got 2 rolls oil cloth to cover kitchen ceiling
and side walls.
December 8, 1905 Sent draft $21 for 10M
shingles from Loeb Cutter Lumber Co. shipped to Seward in October
to replace 10M borrowed from Yakutat Lumber Co. Bought 50’
¼ round molding for kitchen 50’ for $1. Ordered an airtight
heater made at McNeilly’s tin shop, full size 26”, at $9.
PM started to put oil cloth on ceiling and side walls of kitchen.
December 10, 1905 Bad day, wind, wet
snow turning to rain. Covered half of side wall of kitchen.
Wrote W. A. Farnsworth to pay U. S. Blowpipe Co. bill $412.31
send funds to Puget Sound National Bank. Wrote to Scandinavian
American Bank to close up my open account, send certificate of
deposit for amount due me in bank. Wrote to Cramer would come
up after holidays.
December 12, 1905 Both the Santa Clara
and the Oregon arrived last night. Filled out list of business
men at Knik. Gave Chief Engineer Poland the old Russian
sword bought off me at Knik. Put molding around ceiling in
kitchen. Bought $17.80 supplies for house at Seward.
Evening minded baby while his mother attended debating society.
December 13, 1905 About 6” of snow on
the level. Started to post up K and B Co. accounts. Made
out vouchers for Native labor whipsawing at mines. Total
amount paid Natives $451.98, received for grub $215.80, total $667.78.
December 15, 1905 Wet snow 6” fell.
Got bill made out for K and B Co. at Knik Cash Store, total draft
$1,061.02, total credit $259.35, balance due $801.67.
PM went downtown with Mattie and baby. Called on Alaska
Central Railway locating engineer, said my 2 bills were OK and
ready for payment. Told assistant Horrec about charges on scow
etc. Paid Gateway balance due on weekly, 50¢, and cut out
the weekly and subscribed for the daily.
December 16, 1905 Light rain all day.
Called at bank to get statement of gold dust, they couldn’t find
the first assay report. Paid McNeilly’s man for stove pipe
collar 30¢. Bought dozen and half coat hooks and put
them up in kitchen and bedroom closet. Write up about OGH and Yentna
Gold District in Gateway news paper. Evening my family attended,
church fair sale at Moore Hall, Mattie sang.
December 17, 1905 Went downtown to meet Hale
at bank to trace up assay on dust, failed to see him.
Met D. E. Huyck, prospector for Tecklenburg going to Chulitna
via Knik. Gave him prices at Knik Cash Store. Varnished
molding around ceiling in kitchen. Evening Mattie and myself
attended Methodist Church while Elmer minded his brother.
December 18, 1905 Posted up K. B. ledgers to
September 27th. Tightened up springs on front bed.
Not thawing today but cloudy about six” of snow at Seward, slushy
walking.
December 19, 1905 Visited at bank got statement
for gold deposits September - 108 oz., assay return 97.83 oz.,
net value $1,606.55. Exp. Ins. charges $61.40 net $1,545.15.
October deposit 74.68 oz., after melting 68.18 oz., net value of
gold $1,116.23, exp. ins. charges $33.30, net value of gold $1,082.93.
Finished posting up K. B. mining books. Now ready to take off
balance sheet and make out 1905 report to Boston office. Evening
Mrs. Bill Morris and son visited. E. R. Gray said a box of mauls
and wedges marked OGH were at the wharf lost last shipment invoice 5
Seattle Hardware Co.
December 20, 1905 Railway Co. paid last two
bills rendered 11/21/05, $41.48. Bank furnished
assay report on first 2 consignments of gold total amount 65.36
oz., assay 59.59 oz., cash $977.62, banks charges $26.25.
Banks weight of seasons output 247 oz. 18 dwt. 07 gr., U. S. Assay
office gross 248.04 oz., net 225.60 oz., cash $3,700.40, bank charges
$120.95, net to K and B Co. $3,579.45. Got ledger
posted up, took off balance sheet. Debit account $3,9715.64
K and B Co., $3,5453.39. Due OGH $4,262.25.
December 22, 1905 Rain sleet and snow.
Snowed a foot on the summit of Alaska Central Railway today.
Typewrited off my K. B. report, December 20, down at bank.
Report ready to send in, some vouchers to be segregated. Evening
Mattie, babe and myself visited on contractor Houle’s. Chimney
burned out. Bought x-mas gift for neighbor $3 who had been
good to Mattie while I was away from home. Got crystal put
in Sam's watch cost 75¢.
December 23, 1905 Cloudy and soft.
Got word that the Portland was wrecked on a reef near Ketchikan
on down trip, no lives lost. Made out duplicate vouchers
K. B. labor etc. Bought x-mas presents for family.
December 24, 1905 AM took baby out for a sled
ride. Had our x-mas turkey today. Mrs. Morris and
son from Knik took dinner with us. Evening Mattie and Mrs.
Houle attended church, papa minded the baby, Mr. Houle visited.
Oregon overdue at Seattle 5 days, sent out $271 on her. The Dora
one week overdue at Seward on return trip from the Westward.
December 25, 1905 Xmas day turkey dinner family
and myself in our own home at Seward Alaska. Gave Mattie
a Gund ring and $25, gave Elmer a book and $2.50, gave Stanley
rubber shoe doll, fire wagon, horn etc. All got presents
from Sextons - baby and Elmer from Mrs. Capt. Morris. All attended
x-mas tree and exercises at Moore Hall. Santa arrived all very
good. Evening the Santa Ana arrived with 2 weeks mail and x-mas
presents freight etc. Evening got K. B. report and voucher ready
to mail to Boston office. Matanuska Mining Co. paid bill balance
$13.85.
December 26, 1905 Received letter from
Hanmore, Bridgman and W. A. Farnsworth. Farnsworth said
they would pay a dividend of ¼ of 1% and he would raise
5 to 10 thousand for to equip the mines. Mailed 1905 report
and vouchers K and B Co. to Boston office. Evening wrote
to father. Mattie answered Mrs. N. S. Culver's letter about Farnsworth.
Kidder paid $3.80 due for 19 my maps left on sale, balance 5
to sell.
December 27, 1905 Doc Herndon and Mr.
Briggs visited, also Capt. Depew who is planning to put a river
boat on the Sushitna River in 1906. Evening answered
Farnsworth letter see copy December 27, 1906, $1,000, Feb. 1st
$4,000 April 1st. Answered Hanmore letter nothing doing about
river boat and trading Co. N.Y. Got Seattle Hardware Co. bill
to balance $193.36. Applied for apple trees and currant bushes
at Sitka Agricultural Station for Knik garden.
December 28, 1905 The Santa Ana left 11 AM
and the SS Bertha arrived 4 PM. Fixed up 2 dozen
my maps of Alaska ready for sale. SS Bertha left for Kodiak
and Seldovia at midnight. Clear and much colder.
December 30, 1905 Colder and windy, 10
above. Called on Horric, Kyle’s assistant, got order for
Railway Yukon horse sled at Knik to use for a short time.
Took up my maps at drugstore 14, 11 sold, collected for 11 $2.20,
left on sale 2 dozen and display map to be paid for when sold.
Evening fixed up 15 maps trail Seward to McKinley gold fields.
Map account at Seward: Owl Drug Co. 1st lot 25 = $5, 2nd lot 11 = $2.20
Sound News Co., 1st lot 19 $3.80, self sold two 70¢. Total
sales 1905 $11.70. My price 20¢. sell 35¢.
December 31, 1905 Windy and freezing
20 above. This year closes with family and myself living
in our own home at Seward Alaska, with about 6” of snow on the level.
December was a windy month. Had a duck dinner. Our home
worth double that of one year ago. Beside store at Knik, stock
worth $3,000, buildings $1,000, house at Seward $1,500, net worth
$5,500 ,bills due $4,262.25, total $9,762.25, bills payable $1,500,
total worth $8,262.25 and 80,000 shares of stocks valued at 30¢
a share.
Actual cost of lot and cottage at Seward
October 1904 to April 1905: Cost of lot special price $250,
cost to clear and grade lot $56.45, first lumber bill $290.83,
second lumber bill $17.86, third lumber bill veranda $46.41,
labor to build house $150, labor to build veranda $50, cost for sidewalk
$5.50, cost to wire house $11.50, cost to build wood shed $11, nails,
inside fittings and locks $36.85, cost of paint and labor for 2 coats
outside house $75, papering, closets and varnishing $83.90. Total
$1,085.30. Additional value lot $500. Cost of putting
water into house $45, cost of cesspool (October 1910) $25.50.
Total cost $1,653.80.
Left Knik for mines via winter trail to get
saw logs, fire wood and blocks for riffles. Pay each Native 20¢
per cut, 50¢ to sled logs up to Gilbert claim. If 2
men sled on one log pay 75¢ for log 37½¢ each man
at mess house. Pay $1 for 3 logs for blocks delivered to saw
pit. Natives board themselves. Natives that I would employ
from Knik: Stephan, Andrew, Ephim, Affinassa, Prince and young Nakeeta.
From Old Knik: Chief Nicholai, Evan (about 25 years old), Murphy,
Theodore. From Sushitna Station: Little Evan, Evan and Nakeeta
good sled men.
Addresses in 1905 journal:
J. Girdwood 28 White Street New York
W. N. Ruble Golden Oregon
J. F. Riley 470 Douglas Street San Francisco
Judge O. E. Sauter 524 NY Block Seattle
Clark Davis 730 NY Block Seattle
J. O. Buzzard Box 13702 Seattle
H. C. Osborne 40 Cluny Ave. Toronto Canada
A. Beverly Smith 31 Union Sq. West New
York
1904 Clean up Gross: Hydraulic hose run 62-4-16,
giant 108-6-20, Total gross: 171-11-12.
1905 Clean up gross before melting: giant
only 246-8-0 time 70 24 hour days = $57.14 per day.
1906
This diary commences the new year with OGH
and family living in their own home at Seward Alaska with
general merchandise store at Knik Alaska. This diary closes
the year with OGH and family living in their 3 room annex to store
at Knik with the exception of our dear boy Elmer who died August 13th
and is buried in lot back of store at Knik.
January 1, 1906 At Seward working on new map
of central Alaska showing gold fields, boat routes, trails,
etc. Old maps 1898 selling well at 50¢ each.
January 2, 1906 Called on E. R. Gray of Seward
Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. said they would run boats to Knik
Harbor next season and would handle my freight. J. O. Buzzard
in town.
January 3, 1906 Left 24 maps with the Seward
News Co. to sell at 50¢, each net to me 25¢.
January 4, 1906 Sent to A. M. Bridgman, K and
B Co. treasurer, views of work done at the KB mines season of
1905.
January 5, 1906 Clear, 3 to 12 above,
coldest day of winter thus far. The Oregon arrived at 2
PM. Placed 2 maps in the Hotel McNeilly and Coleman
offices to advertise central Alaska and new gold fields around Mt.
McKinley District. Young said he had a deal on to sell our Knik
River placers for $6,000 cash and 1/10 interest.
January 6, 1906 Snow blocked Alaska Central
Railway at summit, around zero all day now 10 below. SS
Bertha arrived from the Westward, was gone 9 days very windy.
O’Riley came in from Twenty Mile.
January 7, 1906 High wind. The
Oregon and SS Bertha sailed for Seattle. Split up ½
cord wood. Worked on new drawing map of central Alaska.
January 8, 1906 High wind zero temperature.
Harold Dollar arrived with cargo of lumber for the Kenai Lumber
and Fuel Co. Jerry O’Dale got back from Knik. Received
letter from Cramer, was doing well in Knik Cash Store, sent checks
from Chas Ulanky $42, W. J. Murphy $1,702.10. Murphy wanted
his money brought to Knik when I come. Dr. Grimes arrived from
Rainbow Creek, Turnagain Arm.
January 9, 1906 Deposited $1,744.10 in bank.
Dr. Grimes visited. Evening Mattie attended the Seward Debating
Club.
January 10, 1906 Everybody at Seward
excited over the Yentna Gold District. Several mushers
arrived, George Gibson and others. Many buying outfits to
go in. Evening wrote to Cramer at Knik, manager of my store
there. Received letter dated December 9th and Alaska Central
Railway bill $57.93 no. 9539 November 15, 1905 indorsed A. F. Sprague.
January 11, 1906 Worked on map tracing
of my new map of central Alaska.
January 12, 1906 zero degrees. SS Santa Clara
arrived got statement from Scandinavian American Bank Seattle
and draft for balance of cash due me, $59.58, which closes our
account. Received letters from Hovey and F. S. Sylvester and
duplicate of Seattle hardware bill.
January 13, 1906 Big wind. Bought ton
of coal $13.52 and wood $4.50. Paid Nakeeta $5 for his lot
at Knik with all right to the same.
January 14, 1906 Evening Elmer and mother attended
church while Dad minded the baby.
January 15, 1906 Clear, big wind. Saw
many that wanted to buy outfits at my Knik Cash Store via the
McKinley gold fields.
January 16, 1906 Very windy day. Took
my map of central Alaska over to Railway office to have Smith
make a neat tracing for etching. Evening Mattie at Debating
Club, subject “Married and didn’t know it”.
January 17, 1906 More wind. Called Ballaine
and paid balance due on lot, $150, got deed to same.
Saw Watson, his man, Duke Harris, due from Knik, not heard from,
said he sent 2 men out on the line to look him up.
January 19, 1906 Saw Teck's man about supplies
he wanted at Knik. Several ready to hit the trail for
the new gold fields via Knik.
January 20, 1906 Temperature 7 below
zero. Duke Harris reported at end of track with feet
frozen, was 40 below at the summit. Made out bill cost of
material to build cottages at Knik.
January 21, 1906 Temperature 10 below
zero. Duke Harris arrived from Knik with dog team, got
letter from Cramer with bills due. Harry Oda check $6.67,
Watson bill December $57.30 net, K. B. horse account $330.
Palmer’s clerk came over to Seward with Duke. Several KP’s went to head
of bay to search for Matt Miller who started from Seward the 11th to
go to the logging camp but failed to show up. Found no trace of
him.
January 22, 1906 Watson settled up his
account to January 1, 1906. Bill due November 22nd $38.85,
credit for shoeing horses $10, net due $28.85. Sold J.
G. Grimes outfit, paid $25 cash, on same. The Oregon reported
to have left Seattle for Seward today with 300 passengers.
January 23, 1906 Deposited $416.15 in bank.
The Valencia reported boat struck a rock near Vancouver
Island. Evening visited at Railway office to inspect tracing
of my map of central Alaska.
January 24, 1906 Bought 2 cords wood off Mr.
Leonard for $7.50. Mail left for Knik, wrote Cramer to
let Watson use horses to finish moving his machinery. Wrote
Bridgman that I would supply K. B. mines without pay until the
mines were in shape to pay a dividend if they would pay up my back
salary by April 1st.
January 25, 1906 Temperature 9 below
zero. The Farallon arrived, got mail from Seattle and
Naugatuck Got letters for Cramer from Edmunds. Got
letter from Hanmore at Tenakee near Sitka.
January 27, 1906 Snowed 6”, temperature
30 above. Met Mr. Ellsworth druggist and assayer wanted to know
about Knik for a location. The Oregon is due tomorrow.
January 28, 1906 The Farallon got back from
Kodiak. Mattie got presents for myself and kids from Mrs.
Wharf at Seldovia. Baby got quite a bad cold.
January 29, 1906 Elmer and myself, with
Yukon sled, hauled 1 cord wood from Leonard’s to woodshed.
Matt Miller’s body was found at head of bay. Evening the
local KP’s met at Jeater's to take action to bury the body as he
was a KP in good standing.
January 30, 1906 Elmer and myself finished
hauling down the stove wood. The Oregon arrived with
180 passengers and 600 tons freight, got no mail.
January 31, 1906 Attended funeral Matt
Miller at Methodist Church with KP’s. Paid Bank of Seward
$1,000 note due February 5th.
February 1, 1906 with K. P.’s, buried
Matt Miller north of Seward town site was 50 years old, left wife.
Lost his life on January 11th crossing tide flats at head of Resurrection
Bay. Evening the Excelsior arrived, received this diary
from Seattle through kindness of Mr. C. E. Hovey. Telegram
states that many are interested in central Alaska and a big boom will
soon be on, 10 to 15 thousand have the gold fever on the Pacific Coast.
Portland and Frisco reaching out for future Alaska trade.
February 2, 1906 Minded baby most of day, baby
sick with cold. Paid for Jan. light 10% net $3.15, 1
lamp 25¢ total $3.40. Paid January daily Gateway
$1. The Santa Clara reported left Seattle with 225 passengers
for Seward. SS Excelsior left Seward last night for Seattle.
Evening posted up K. B. time book from segregated labor book.
Evening Houle's visited. Got invite to Miss Sextons birthday
party February 5th.
February 3, 1906 Baby quite sick with cold,
minded him most of the day evening much better. Building operations
lively at Seward. Elmer stayed with Kit Irving last night.
Evening took usual bath.
February 4, 1906 Bought a few supplies from
Pacific Trading Co. Seward to take to Knik Cash Store.
Baby very much better. Evening Mamma went to church. SS
Bertha due tomorrow then ready to make trip Seward to Knik by winter
trail and Alaska Central Railway.
February 5, 1906 Several business blocks
and cottages going up. Baby about all well took him out for
an airing.
February 6, 1906 Finished buying dry goods
to take to Knik. Bought from Pacific Trading co. $55.20,
bought from Brown and Hawkins $26.15, bought outside $1.35.
Saw several who were going to the Yentna gold fields via Knik.
Got pass on Railway line. SS Bertha due tonight arrived 8 PM.
February 7, 1906 Got letter from Hovey and
prospectus of Alaska Central Railway, sent him 44¢ balance
due on this diary. Bought 3 - 1906 diaries from Owl Drug
Co. to take to Knik $4.50. Got self new hat $3.50, bought
snow glasses from Bronell's Hardware $2, bought snowshoes from Hicks
$4. Saw Nelson about water. Wired Fransworth, no mail
yet, going to Knik on 9th, anything doing answer paid $3.80.
Mattie hemmed ends of fly. Packed bags ready for trip to Knik.
February 8, 1906 Packed up ready to leave for
Knik tomorrow morning via Alaska Central Railway to mile 43.
Evening wrote to Mr. Harry about my new map to have L. and H.
get out 1,000 and folders and etching made. Drew $700 from
bank.
February 9, 1906 Left Seward 8:30 AM
on Alaska Central Railway via Knik. Arrived at end of
track mile 43 at 1 PM, had dinner, started out with sled.
Got ride over to camp 49 with McClure, Sexton and Attwood.
Invited to stop with engineer in charge.
February 10, 1906 Left Bartlett’s
camp 49 8:30 AM, followed team to summit of the glacier,
there rode down to camp 55, left camp 55 at 11:30 arrived at camp
63 at 1:45 ate dinner arrived at camp 67 (Cavanaugh) at 5 PM.
Went in to Railway camp.
February 11, 1906 Left Twenty Mile camp at
8:30, tide drove us off the beach. Made it over to Kern
Creek 10 AM, arrived at Alder camp at noon, had dinner. Sexton
and McClure were there ready to go back to Seward. Jack Campbell
hauled us over to Glacier Creek and up to Girdwood’s camp.
Duke Harris, Bernard Nane's partner, and 2 other mushers, Girdwood’s
men got us a good supper then camped in bunkhouse. Met Jerry
O’Dale, got letter from Sam and 4 checks and Alaska Central Railway
bill. Sent checks and bill to Mattie by Jerome and O'Dale.
February 12, 1906 Left Girdwood’s camp 8 AM
arrived off foot of Crow Creek summit at 10:30 lined up sleds
to summit. Started to cross summit at 3 PM, arrived at Dukes
Eagle Creek camp at 7 PM. Tea, bacon, bread, soda crackers
and pork sausage for supper. At camp Duke Harris, Bernard Nane’s,
Alfred _______ (left blank) and OGH via Seward to Knik.
February 13, 1906 Left camp at foot of Raven
Creek 7 AM arrived near mouth of Eagle River 4 PM. camped at
Lewis Alaska Central Railway camp, made 20 miles today.
February 14, 1906 Left Alaska Central Railway
Lewis camp at 7:30 AM arrived at Old Knik 2 PM camped in Elliott’s
cabin, Elliott away from home. Clear this evening.
February 15, 1906 Left Old Knik 8:30, arrived
at Cottonwood at noon, ate dinner at the McKennon Homestead paid
for 4 meals $2. Had Natives haul my sled to Knik. Rode
down with Watson’s men. At noon Watson’s man arrived at Cottonwood
with Maud and Dan. Arrived at Knik 4 PM. All going
well. Knik Cash Store 2/3 sold out, no bacon or rice.
February 16, 1906 Started to post up store
books. Mills and Wilson left Knik for Yentna District.
Bacon all sold out at Knik. Watson’s man returned Maud and
Dan at noon, Maud lame in knee. Started to board at
McNeil’s and Whitney’s, Hash House in our new cabin. Many
left Knik on way to Yentna District with gold on their brow.
February 17, 1906 Had Hugo Fels make new runner
for light bobsleighs that Watson’s men demoralized. Tek's
men left with last load for the Forks. Duke left for the
coal fields. Made out list of supplies to sled to K. B. mines.
February 18, 1906 Six prospectors arrived on
way to Yentna gold fields. Sent word to Duke to send in
Nig and Tony and the bobsleighs. Got light bobsleighs fixed
up. PM Hugo hauled in stove wood. Labor on bobsleighs
$6.
February 19, 1906 Posted on store books,
sold last of riffles. Agreed to move 3 prospectors Newton,
Dr. Grimes and partner from Knik to Big Lake for $8. Watson
sent in for bill of goods, all out.
February 20, 1906 Six prospectors arrived on
way to Sushitna Forks. Sold one outfit, 3 men over $100.
Store sales $66.45, total about $175. Sledded 3 outfits Knik to
Fish Creek and had boys bring back load hay, creek to K and B Co.
$8. Sent letter to Mattie by prospector cost $1. Sent Watson
4 axe handles. Labor, Hugo Fels 1 day, Albert Andrews 1 day, hauling
hay Fish Creek to Knik.
February 21, 1906 Agreed to haul 6 outfits
from Knik to Fish Creek for $14. Sent Mrs. Morris letter
to her hubby. Hugo hauled wood. Store cash sales $161.
Labor Hugo Fels 1 day hauling fire wood.
February 22, 1906 Hauled out 6 prospectors
outfits from Knik to Fish Creek Lake. Boys brought back
another load of hay. Evening Reed arrived from lake reported good
prospects. Only sugar and milk left at Sushitna Station.
Our beans and flour sold out. 1¼ ton sugar, some canned
goods, tools and clothing on hand.
February 23, 1906 Noon O'Dale and Kyle arrived,
got letters from Mattie, said Jos. fell and broke his arm.
Reed and Otto arrived late last night from Lake Creek,. claimed
they staked good ground for Sam and Frank. Grimes arrived
at Knik, outfit ready for him. Gave Sam check for $8 to pay
recording fees.
February 24, 1906 Kyle and O'Dale left for
Seward, sent letter to Mattie. Sent letter to Murphy that
his money was here. Would pay him 10% on a 3 month loan
or 1% for 1 month if he wanted to loan it. Reed and McNeil went
moose hunting. Indian Jim brought in one moose.
February 25, 1906 Packed Grimes order,
sold 2 outfits. Bought 1 oz. 7 gr. gold off Mast__ Bros.
came from Lower Willow Creek paid $16.00. Bought more supplies
from Railway Co. to sell to prospectors, fruit and spuds etc.
February 26, 1906 Joe Anderson visited
on way to Yentna, cashed his check $186. J. W. Hamilton,
Watson’s foreman, visited, brought down Nig and Tony and
bobsleighs wanted them again March 7th to move sawmill boiler.
J. G. Grimes took away balance of outfit. Now ready to open trail
Knik to mines.
February 27, 1906 Got ready for 1st trip Knik
to mines for season. Cooked beans and fruit packed trail
grub. Got 2 sets double enders from Railway Co.
Watson arrived this evening got letter from Mattie all quite
well, snow about gone at Seward. Evening made out McNeil’s
and Whitney’s grub bill $343.70 net for 2 months.
February 28, 1906 Left Knik 8:30 with
2 men and 2 teams, 1 load hydraulic pipe and load of camp gear
and horse feed. Left load of pipe at Meadow Creek put, both
teams on one sled and drove through to Sushitna camp arrived 6:30
PM. Twin Lakes flooded snow about 15” deep. Had supper
8:30 retired at 11.
March 1, 1906 At Sushitna camp. Drove
go-devil over trail to Meadow Creek then sent Hugo on to Knik
for load of hydraulic pipe and more supplies. With
Nig and Tony hauled in load of hydraulic pipe Meadow Creek to Sushitna
(2,250 lbs.).
March 2, 1906 At Sushitna camp.
AM drove up to top of ridge and cut out windfalls on trail, got
back 1:30 then fixed trail, river to bench, by camp. 3:30
Hugo arrived from Knik with load of pipe.
March 3, 1906 Hugo went back to Knik for another
load of hydraulic Pipe. Myself and Albert hauled 1 nest
of pipe to the ridge then broke trail to summit. Brought
back go-devil no. 2 to the Sushitna camp got back 7:30 PM.
Trail very good now Sushitna to summit.
March 4, 1906 Andrew and self moved up to the
summit camp, took up Yukon horse sleds and grub and horse feed
to last 2 days. Arrived at summit 2:30 put up fly, trail
was heavy for Yukon sleds. Snow 2’ deep at summit.
March 5, 1906 At summit camp. Andrew
and self broke trail over to Little Creek near Willow.
Hugo hauled load pipe Sushitna camp to summit Ridge. PM
all built brush barn at summit camp.
March 6 1906 with 4 horses, broke trail over
to canyon 1 mile below lumber camp on Willow Creek. Heavy
snow all day snowed 1’ on Willow Creek was about 2’ deep on level.
March 7, 1906 All hands drove out to Knik for
last load of hydraulic pipe and provisions. Left summit
8:30 fed horses and ate lunch at Sushitna camp left Sushitna camp
2 PM arrived at Knik 7 PM.
March 8, 1906 Hugo and Andrew left
Knik with 2 loads for Sushitna took last of hydraulic Pipe.
Red visited for Nig and Tony wrote Hamilton that the horses would
return March 14th weather favorable could then have one
team. McNeil and Whitney paid on January and February bill $242.70,
balance due $99.45.
March 9, 1906 Frank paid his personal
bill. Simeon came in from ridge, had shot a moose, bought
hind quarter from him. George Sutton got back from Yentna
on way to Seward.
March 10, 1906 Cloudy. Boys moving K.
B. outfit Sushitna to ridge.
March 11, 1906 Got ready for trip to Seward.
Drew $964.85 from Knik Cash Store. Left $1,200 and check
to W. J. Murphy for $750 at store. Bacus and Briggs were
down from Old Knik will go with them in morning.
March 12, 1906 Left Knik 9 AM arrived at Old
Knik 2:30 PM got dinner at Elliott’s cabin, Bacus and Briggs
was there. Tide flats were bad on account of full moon
tide. Was rather sore, had 27 lb. pack so remained at Old Knik
overnight at Elliott’s cabin.
March 13, 1906 Left Old Knik 8 AM arrived
at Eagle River 2 PM. Lewis engineer party had moved so mushed
on up Eagle River about 12 miles, was quite cold only slept 2 hours
kept fire going to stay warm. Paid Ellsworth partner $2
for day board. Passed 4 mushers on way to the Forks via Knik
all had their outfits. Trail on tide flats very bad.
March 14, 1906 Mushed up Eagle River
to Raven Creek Pass to Crow Creek. Arrived 3 PM too late
to go over Crow Pass so camped at Dukes campground and fire, someone
had just left camp AM. Eagle River opening up in many places
trail not good since the last snowstorm.
March 15, 1906 Left Dukes trail camp on Eagle
River at 8 AM. Met 19 prospectors between Eagle Creek
and Crow Creek summit with outfits for McKinley gold fields.
Arrived on summit 1 PM met Wilson and Party. A snow slide
caught one party and buried 3 men the boys dug them out all OK.
Arrived at Glacier Creek 5 PM. Weaver and O’Riley just arrived
also Sprague. Bunked with Railway store keeper.
March 16, 1906 Glacier Creek to Railway camp
63. Stopped at camp 71 gave McCabe, Palmer’s letter,
waited there for Weaver the mail man until 3 PM. Ate dinner.
Atwood and Moore arrived got news about the new Inlet boats for
the coming season. Arrived at camp 63 at 6:30. Sexton
and Doc Allen arrived on way to Glacier all had supper together.
Sexton, Weaver and myself bunked together on timekeeper Tyler’s
floor. Hard bed and cold around the edges.
March 17, 1906 Camp 63 to camp 46 via Alaska
Central Railway to Seward. With mail carrier, Weaver,
walked 17 miles to end of track by 1 PM. 3 PM train left
for Seward, arrived 7 PM. Stanley not very well, “teething”.
Minded baby while Mattie sang at the Methodist Irish concert.
March 18, 1906 Found a months mail, took all
AM to read it. Farnsworth wrote that he sent $1,000 and
$600. The $600 was at bank, nothing heard from the $1,000,
paid through the Chase National of New York. Got letters
from father wanted us to come there. Felt bum today right
ankle lame from 300 mile mush.
March 19, 1906 Deposited at Bank of Seward
$1,089.10. Called on engineer department of Alaska Central
Railway and presented December bill that was lost in transit
for $57.93. My order to collect $204.20 on Yentna Restaurant
bill was refused as they had sent check in for that amount to
McNeil. Evening minded baby while mamma and Elmer attended
the Barn Dance. Got hair cut etc. Evening made out lumber
order for store annex and cottages at Knik.
March 20, 1906 Sent C. E. Hovey at Seattle,
message about maps: 1,000 in blue mount, 500 in cloth mount,
wholesale 60¢. Jake Heinmuller visited. Saw Kenai Lumber
and Fuel Co. about freight and lumber they were to ship to Knik nothing
doing. Made out lumber order for 1 cottage $250 and store annex
$100 at Knik. The Farallon expected tonight.
March 21, 1906 Collected Blakely’s January
bill Alaska Central Railway Co. $30.75. SS Farallon left
for Kodiak. Made out hardware order for Knik Cash Store.
Cut Stanley’s hair. Sold bed cot for $4.
March 22, 1906 Took up rug in front room cleaned
same and relayed it. Capt. White who owns the Valanta
and now is discharging a big cargo of lumber here at Seward said
he would put gas engine in the Valanta and run her on the Inlet
and Knik Arm. Mattie started to have her teeth fixed up.
March 23, 1906 Wrote W. A. Farnsworth
and AM B about trip to mines and supplies on ridge, left
$1,000 at Knik to push K. B. work, credit for only $600 here.
Minded baby while Mattie had her teeth filled. Tried to trace
O. Remington check $9.70 at Railway office. Elmer bought new
set school books starting in 4th reader. Advertised cottage and
launch for sale or rent.
March 24, 1906 Paid New York Life Insurance
$265.50. Wired A. M. Bridgman nothing doing on credit for $600,
you trace $1,000 supplies at mines. Left Seward for Seattle
7:30 on the SS Farallon. Boat crowded bought ticket to Juneau.
Mattie came down to the boat to see me off.
March 25, 1906 Cloudy with snow. In route
near LaTouche heavy sleet and snow. Arrived at Ellamar
11 AM loaded 200 tons copper ore. Left Ellamar 5 PM and arrived
Fort Liscum 7:30 PM. First storm in one month. Wrote to Mattie
and sent horse bill to leave at Bank of Seward with instructions
not to receive any money from Watson except for the full amount $445.50.
Left Valdez 11 PM.
March 26, 1906 Cloudy. Arrived at Kayak
4 PM left 5 PM. Took on Tracey, manager English Oil Co.,
on his way to England. Night watchman moved our grip from
room 14 to room 5 dumped contents of my grip in gangway over boiler
room lost this diary fell through grating, didn’t find same until
next day. Gave fireman $1 for finding diary.
March 27, 1906 Arrived at Yakutat 5 PM,
after leaving Yakutat run into squally weather quite rough.
March 29, 1906 Arrived at Juneau 2:30 AM.
Mailed letter to Mattie at Seward. No boats at Juneau or
above so stayed on the SS Farallon - Juneau to Seattle. 6 PM
passed through Wrangle Narrows. Worked on orders for supplies
wanted at store at Knik. Expect to reach Ketchikan 5 AM tomorrow.
March 30, 1906 Arrived at Ketchikan. After
breakfast entered Dixon Entrance in smooth water again 5 PM.
Passed SS Bertha at noon on her way to Seward. Met Mr.
Jamison, coal expert, who was at Knik to examine Matanuska coal
Aug. 1904. Passed the Jefferson 10 PM.
March 31, 1906 Passed through Millbank Sound,
not rough. Passed tug with a tow and a British boat.
Noon passed Bella Bella, British town. PM passed through
Queen Charlotte Sound, long swell not rough. Evening in social
hall McCormack gave his experience as a Christian Scientist. Now
sailing along Vancouver Island.
April 1, 1906 Passed through Seymour
Narrows, 7 AM, aft wind made good time. Evening had long talk
with V. A. Paine Onaiga, Illinois - just from Fairbanks.
April 2, 1906 Arrived at Seattle 5 AM
partly cloudy. Located at Hotel Seattle. Called
on Puget Sound National Bank found balance of $157.29, deposited
draft $1650, total $1,807.29. Called on Sylvester Bros. invited
me to stay at their house while in Seattle. Ordered bill heads
etc. at Lowman and Hanford’s, had map etching made. SS Santa Clara left
for Seward sent letter and note to Mattie by Dr. Sleem. Had Turkish
bath.
April 3, 1906 Met Hovey, went over map
business and ate lunch. Visited on Washington Rubber Co., goods
ordered will be shipped 10th. Bought a Hall fireproof
safe from Norris Safe and Lock Co. $90, paid cash $30, balance $15
per month.
April 4, 1906 Bought doors and windows
off O. B. Williams $36.12 and gave Hovey order for lumber for
store annex. Noon invited to luncheon with Mr. Noval Washington
of Rubber Co., ate lunch at Butler Cafe. PM bought clothing
and notions from Western Dry Goods Co. Hovey gave me back draft
for $25.
April 5, 1906 At Seattle. Finished buying
dry goods at Western Dry Goods Co. and bought hats and caps
from J. T. Hardeman Hat Co. Bought shoes from C. Gotzian and Co.
St. Paul. N. M. Singleton manager 501 Washington Bldg.
Evening gave Sylvester Bros. order for provisions for Knik Trading
Co.
April 6, 1906 Bought bill of drugs from
Pacific Drug Co. and hardware from Seattle Hardware Co. Evening
went down to dock mailed letter to Mattie on SS Farallon.
April 7, 1906 Finished buying goods off
Seattle Hardware Co. Bought store supplies from Lowman
and Hanford and settled for maps. Bought furniture from Carman
Mfg. Co. Left 50 maps on sale at Lowman and Hanford’s, sale
price 50¢ net to me 30¢. Got letter from Mattie,
wire from Farnsworth, $600 sent to Seward. Wired Farnsworth
leaving 10th going to pay salary or not? Pay Puget Sound.
F. S. Sylvester’s silver wedding.
April 8, 1906 Went down with Sylvester
Bros, to office, with Ed, took a look at G. W. new depot
and tide flats etc. PM read Sunday papers and visited with
the Mrs. Sylvester’s then mother and father Ed and Fred took a
nap.
April 9, 1906 Bought wallpaper $11.92,
butter and eggs $58.80, garden seeds $9.20, tents etc. $145.90,
lumber for store $133.45. PM found out the Jeanie
wouldn’t sail until 13th. The Oregon arrived with letter from
Mattie dated March 31st. Evening took a bath. Booked orders
for fall shipment on shoes and shirts.
April 10, 1906 Bought small order of
shirts $35.07, ton of seed spuds and 2 boxes oranges $28.87,
rugs, matting etc. $30.58, telescope grip $1.50, stencil and brush
50¢. Bought barber supplies for Albert Andrews.
Saw purser of the Neptune, he wanted my freight. Poland and
Welch arrived in town on way to Seward. Bought fountain pen
for Cramer $3 for one.
April 11 1906 Bought barber chair and
supplies for Albert Andrews at Knik, $29.45. Called on
Hovey and industrial department of Alaska Central Railway Co.
Helped Ed Sylvester unpack goods. All ready to go north but
no boats ready.
April 12, 1906 Had copyright fixed up
for my map of central Alaska. Hovey ate lunch with me at
Olympus. Got hardware bill, paid $150 on same. Asked
to inspect boat to be sent to Sushitna River by prospective buyer.
Evening talked over ranching business with Fred Sylvester.
Met Mr. Houle on 2nd Avenue.
April 13, 1906 Went down to foot of Battery
Street to inspect F. C. Woolsey gas boat which he intended to
take to Cook Inlet. Offered to sell my launch for $600.
Had my teeth cleaned, found 1 cavity. Bought few things for
Mattie Elmer and baby. Evening took dinner with Mr. Hovey and attended
the show. Got column write up in Daily Times about Knik and Seward,
the 13th.
April 14, 1906 Got up at 5:30 took
grip down to Sylvester Bros. store, got trunk ready at Western
Dry Goods Co. Had express man take baggage to pier 4.
The Oregon didn’t leave until 11 AM. Gave Sylvester Bros.
Co. two checks $500 each on Puget Sound so they could draw if Farnsworth
sent any funds. Hovey saw me off, Hawkins and Brown was
there, also Mr. and Mrs. Houle. Seattle to Seward on SS Oregon
stateroom no. 30. 10 PM out of Straits.
April 15, 1906 In route Seattle to Seward
on SS Oregon via outside route weather fair. Only a few took
their meals, not rough but most all sea sick. Had a fine dinner
with Colonel Swanitz and Ed Butler of Seward Light and Power.
April 16, 1906 In route on SS Oregon
partly cloudy. A little rough today off Queen Charlotte
Sound. Evening smoother sea. Out 600 miles at noon today.
April 17, 1906 On SS Oregon 922 miles
from Seattle at noon today. Smooth today all sick passengers at
dinner today. Expect to arrive at Valdez PM tomorrow. Sold
1 map of central Alaska 50¢.
April 18, 1906 On SS Oregon partly cloudy.
Arrived off mouth of Copper River early this AM. Very
smooth sea, got inside Prince William Sound 10 AM arrived Valdez
3 PM and learned of the terrible earthquake that swallowed up a
portion of the business section of San Francisco. Sent Mattie
message would have week in Seward before goods on Portland arrived.
April 19, 1906 Left Valdez 4 AM, arrived
at Seward 4 PM. Mattie and Elmer and baby were at dock
to meet me. No funds in bank from K and B Co. Sent
Washington Rubber Co. a check Puget Sound $4.30 for insurance on
rubber goods. Snow most all gone at Seward.
April 20, 1906 Got credit at bank, checks sent
by Cramer from Knik Cash Store $154.90. Borrowed $1,000
from Bank of Seward for 3 months. Whitney returned McNeil’s
check to pay restaurant bill. Railway Co. promised to pay
same 23rd. Took out $10,000 trading license for $25 and tobacco
license $15. Left on consignment at Owl Drug Co. 6 dozen maps,
Seward News Co. 6 dozen maps, to sell at 50¢ each net 25¢
each to me. Sent Washington Rubber Co. draft to balance $560.50.
April 21, 1906 Got packing box ready
and arranged things in attic. Sold cook stove and last
of cooking gear. Sent Vivia Cramer of Tacoma, $50 by request
of her father at Knik. Paid $40 for trading and tobacco
license to U. S. Attorney Glegg. Mattie busy packing trunks.
Found another tooth needed fixing. Streets in Seward clear
of snow a month later than last spring.
April 22, 1906 Packed medicine and Elmer’s
tools. One more box to pack - babies chair ,bed, clothing,
etc. Answered fathers letter last night, invited him to
come up for a vacation June and July at Knik. Some of Seward
people excited over new railroad at Orca and moving over there.
Purches and wife visited will go to Knik to live.
April 23, 1906 Collected Alaska Central
Railway bill for December cash $50.33. Paid Alaska Central Railway
for supplies left at Knik $107.49. Received McNeil check
$204.20 payment on restaurant bill rendered at Knik Cash Store January
and February 1906. Subscribed for weekly Gateway for six months
$1.50. Put ad in daily advertising Knik Trading Company 14
times in 1 month cost $2, paid to advertise cottage for sale or
rent $1.15. Mattie had her teeth fixed tooth crowned.
April 24, 1906 All packed up ready for the
Portland from Seward to Knik. Left deed of Gilbert Claim
with Hildreth to be recorded and mailed to K. B. Co., recording
fee $3.55, notary $1. Deposited in bank $254.53.
Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. wanted me to act as their agent at Knik
to sell lumber etc. Took dinner with neighbor J. S. Morris.
Sold grub on hand for $30.
April 25, 1906 The Portland reported
in Valdez 10 AM, due here tomorrow noon, everything packed ready
for Knik. Ate supper with neighbor Morris. Put ad
in Gateway for one month weekly 4” $6. Another ad in
daily for one month $2. Evening had hair cut. Elmer slept
on Mrs. Morris.
April 26, 1906 The Portland arrived,
got ready to leave for Knik via Seldovia. Saw Watson
about horse, wanted to settle at Knik. Rented Seward cottage
$30 per month to M. Dickey of Snider and Dickey firm, Bank
of Seward to collect rent at 5%. Left Seward 6 PM on SS Portland for
Seldovia, 3 fares $25, paid express man $1.50. Took consignment
of lumber from Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. to sell at Knik.
April 27, 1906 On SS Portland very rough
trip, arrived Seldovia 10 AM cloudy. Invited to Mrs.
Woofs house. Mattie stayed with Mrs. Whoof, Elmer and
myself at Hotel Kafory's. Neptune on beach so gave my freight
to Tyonek 80 tons. Ate lunch with Woofs.
April 28, 1906 The Portland discharging
freight all day, left at midnight. Elmer and myself slept
at hotel. Hotel room $1, meals $3. The Tyonek and the Toledo
loaded for Knik and Glacier Creek.
April 29, 1906 At Seldovia partly cloudy.
The Excelsior arrived at 2 PM - more for Knik.
The Toledo left for Turnagain Arm 8 PM and the Neptune left for
Woofs coal mine to coal up. The Excelsior had cannery supplies
and help for Uyak cannery. The Tyonek will leave AM tomorrow.
April 30, 1906 At Seldovia rain
showers. The Jeannie arrived, anchored outside of harbor. The
Tyonek went out with scow, took on 6 head cattle and 2 horses for
Government farm at Kenai, also 150 barrel of beer and 15 tons for
Sleeper. The Tyonek left Seldovia for Knik, was too rough to land
mail at Homer very good navigating to Kenai.
May 1, 1906 On SS Tyonek, arrived Kenai
7 AM. Put off mail and a few boxes freight. S. E.
wind anchored above east foreland for flood tide to cross over
to Tyonek. Snow squalls this AM, same thing happened 1 year
ago today. Arrived at Tyonek 8 PM took on coal and left off
Woolsey and family. Anchored for AM flood tide tomorrow.
May 2, 1906 Left Tyonek 6 AM for
Knik, smooth tide. Got all my mail from purser.
Passed Fire Island, arrived Knik 1 PM. The Tyonek lay on
beach, discharged part of cargo on scow. Got all discharged
by 9 PM, 71 tons lumber yet to come. The Neptune arrived at 11 PM.
Palmer and Squaw went out on Tyonek. Mattie and sons slept in my bed,
myself on a cot.
May 3, 1906 At Knik partly cloudy.
Had 2 men cache balance of freight left on beach. Filled
both caches and rented corner in Railway storehouse to store
balance of provisions and hardware. Self busy opening up
goods. Sam had 2 men laying up logs to store annex.
Elmer slept with Sam over at store. Mattie and myself
used back room of store. Hamilton, Watson’s foreman, was down
bought oil, elbows, etc., for coal mines.
May 4, 1906 Busy all day marking goods
and selling goods. Sold one outfit for Yentna District
and one for Matanuski. Sales over $100. Evening talked
over business with Sam he had lumber sawed and everything delivered
at the mines.
May 5, 1906 Busy checking down goods.
Sold one $100 outfit.
May 6, 1906 Busy unpacking goods.
Side wall to annex up, ready for 2nd story when lumber arrives.
Started to fix up front room over store for Mattie’s room until
store annex is finished.
May 7, 1906 Tides increasing, raising
ice out of rivers and sloughs causing considerable ice in channel.
Ice cut line on scow, beached her at spring, evening brought her
back in front of store. Harry Watson came over from Old Knik.
May 8, 1906 Waiting for lumber
to arrive to finish store annex. Boys ploughed garden
in front of store and started to clean up Cramer and Herning lots.
Evening wrote to Bank of Seward, sent 5 checks for deposit $159.25.
Sent Norris Safe and Lock Co. balance due $60. Sent order
for provisions to Pacific Coast Trading Co. Seward. Eight men
arrived on dory from Glacier Creek.
May 9, 1906 Self finished laying matting in
room over store. Boys set new posts around store garden.
Moved part of freight into store annex. Stephan left with
his sloop for Turnagain Arm. Showers last night same tonight.
Self caught cold.
May 10, 1906 Hugo and Bert graded road
from K. B. barn to annex to store. Laid off 3 men, waiting
for lumber to arrive. Boys had to give up plowing gardens on account
of frost. Store garden ready to plant to spuds. Evening
moved into room over store until annex is finished.
May 11, 1906 Finished grading in rear of store
annex. Wrote to Washington Rubber Co. for credit on boots
and supplies. Sent order to Western Dry Goods Co. for duck hunting
overalls etc.
May 12, 1906 Sam started to make show case
for store counter. Boys started to build fence back of
new cabin. Evening the Tyonek arrived, brought only
part of lumber and case sporting powder, 5 cases coal oil and case
turp., 1 can short and box wedges that laid at Seward all winter.
Sent out-mail.
May 13, 1906 Started upper story on store annex
May 14, 1906 The Toledo arrived, brought
lumber shipped from Seward, was short 10M shingles. The
Toledo got stuck on the beach, had to layover until evening tide.
Got our horses to scrape dirt from under buildings - 4 hours.
J. W. Davis, I. L. Burks and Otto Halstrom, purser, engineer and mate
on the Toledo, wanted to buy the launch terms $600, they to fix
her up and pay $300 in July or return boat, balance 3 months
later $300.
May 15, 1906 Sam finished closet.
Boys hauled lumber from scow to yard. (Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co.)
Delivered 1,508’ shiplap for Yentna Restaurant Co. Got lot
back of store cabin about cleared and dug up for garden.
May 16, 1906 The Neptune arrived
with a dozen prospectors for Yentna gold fields (McDonald and
party). Got sheathing on roof ready for shingling store
annex. PM busy in store sold $87 worth. Evening put
up order for McDonald for trip to Glacier Creek and return.
Busy day at Knik, mushers in town.
May 17, 1906 Hugo and Andrews quit
to get ready for Yentna gold fields. Planted “Moms” garden.
McDonald and party left on Stephan’s sloop for Glacier Creek.
Baby cross last night, “teething”. Sold small dory $5.
May 18, 1906 The Toledo arrived.
Watson came in with men and freight. Shipped Yukon stove to
Ballaine - Seldovia $8. Two horses came on the Toledo for
O’Brian. Sold $80 supplies. Mrs. Wheatly arrived on
the Toledo. Watson used our scow to discharge on, Bacus
and Briggs arrived and Tom Geter.
May 19, 1906 Started to plant garden
in front of store, put netting on fence. Howse and Cosser
arrived with oil boat from Sushitna Station. Store sales $41.55
beside 1 outfit put up for Yentna to go tomorrow.
May 20, 1906 Sold C. A. Schonacker and
party supplies for Yentna gold fields $342. Bought from Alaska
Central Railway Co. 1 gallon molasses ,15 lbs. coffee, 20 lb.
box dried corn. Oil boat left for Yentna with party of six
men. Sam and myself up until 3 making out Hugo and Bert's time
and bill for station supplies.
May 21, 1906 Had 3 men move store supplies
out of Railway cache into store annex and our new cache.
McDonald and party got back from Glacier Creek. Paid off
Hugo Fels and Bert Andrews. Evening they left for McKinley
gold fields by boat, Knik to Sushitna River.
May 22, 1906 Real warm today trees leaved
out at Knik. Sold McDonald a $200 outfit. McDonald
and party left Knik on evening tide for Yentna gold fields.
Scow dragged anchor down to spring, got tangled up with Stephan’s
sloop. Evening held first “Ball” at Knik, five white women
present, had dance in Whitney’s new restaurant building Purches
and wife played.
May 23, 1906 Sewed oats and planted potatoes
in K. B. corral. Store sales $40. Started to put
in partitions in rooms over store annex. Some of Watson’s men
arrived from the coal fields.
May 24, 1906 Finished planting gardens.
Ready to hang doors and windows in annex over store. Balance
of Watson’s men arrived for coal fields. Busy in store all
day sales $91.90. Paid Phil Denzer $25 for minding store
in April while Sam was at the mines.
May 25, 1906 Watson paid for use of K.
B. horses for January and February $366. Busy all day
in store sales $35. Sam jointed up doors and windows in
cottage over store annex. Laid off men, work on gardens about
done. Evening looked up hardware orders etc. Agreed to
trade lumber etc. With Purches for 20’ x 35’ tent and 24’ x 30’
fly. Baby not feeling well teething and stomach bad.
May 26, 1906 Miller hung outside door to store
annex store room, Sam hung windows. Sold Purches and
Peterson small outfit. Graded ground around cache and
store garden fence. Mrs. Wheatly left Knik with her husband
for the Matanuska coal mines.
May 27, 1906 Cut door through annex -
store room to store. Delivered lumber sold to Purches.
Evening the Tyonek arrived, got eggs, butter and vegetables from
Seward and shoes from St. Paul. Sent out orders for provisions,
drugs, hardware etc. Sent Seward Bank deposit: checks $664.25,
cash $150, total $814.25. Told them to send Seattle Hardware
Co. draft for $800, got mail from W. A. Farnsworth, Denzer
and Watson went out.
May 28, 1906 Much needed rain arrived
this evening gardens very dry. Worked on flue for store
annex, got safety part up. Yentna Restaurant moved from store
cabin to their new building on Duffy Avenue.
May 29, 1906 Got flue finished and in
place in rooms over store annex. Evening Stephan got back
from trip to Sushitna Station with McDonald and party. Store sales
$27.
May 30, 1906 Clothed Elmer’s room store
annex. Evening the Neptune arrived with U. S. Geological
Survey to survey Knik and vicinity. Sent out orders for clothing
and rubber coats. Sent to Bank of Seward checks $65 cash
$50, total $115 for deposit.
May 31, 1906 In store all day.
Made out Kriedler's and Whitney’s account for balance of May,
$302.05. Evening they presented their board bill had it
all balled up. Trees all leaved out at Knik.
June 1, 1906 Started to fix store over,
tore out partition put stairs in annex, Sam and Mr. Rowe
helped. Store expense, moving freight and cleaning horses,
14 hours one man $5.95. Settled account with Kriedler and
Whitney. Mrs. Purches took charge of Yentna Restaurant today.
June 2, 1906 U. S. Geological Survey
left on tide for Knik and Matanuska Rivers. Remodeled counters
and got shelving on counters up on west side of store. Party
of 6 men left on Stephan’s sloop for Glacier Creek.
June 3, 1906 A few mosquitoes around.
Store sales $37.83. Got shelving up on east side of store
and one counter made. Had bottom of Sea Otter boat corked
and painted. Had Boyd wash the K. B. horses. Put drugs
on shelf. Had blankets and canvas sweat covers hemmed for
pack saddles.
June 4, 1906 Got counter finished, made
nail counter. Boyd fixed up packing gear and packed supplies
for mines. Launched Sea Otter boat. Chas Miller arrived
with his sloop had king salmon. Bacus and Briggs left for
upper Matanuska to prospect. Evening made out Native account
for K. B. Mines. Made out Henry Rousseau's May account
$63.30 balance $3.10.
June 5, 1906 Got up 4 AM started to rain
so the boys didn’t leave for K. B. Mines. The Tyonek arrived,
had mail but only went down to Goose Bay to lay over a tide for
Watson’s men - expected down from the coal mines tomorrow.
Evening sent $333.62 in checks for deposit at Bank of Seward and $102.60
to post at Puget Sound National Bank Seattle. Wrote Farnsworth
we were ready to leave for mines. Sent inventory of K. B. property
at Knik. Mattie sent box of goodies to Mrs. Whoof at Seldovia.
June 6, 1906 Got up 4 AM away to mines
by 5 AM. Rowe and wife, Henry, Miller and Shorty
went in boat to Cottonwood, Cramer and Boyd rode up on horses.
Help for mines - 5 men, Mrs. Rowe is cook, Cramer foreman.
Evening balance of Watson’s men arrived to go out on the Tyonek.
Sent Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. checks $102.70. Supt. Hamilton
came down from coal fields.
June 7, 1906 Natives preparing to go
to Old Knik to attend Church got all their trade.
Palmer’s man doing nothing. Scotty Watson came over from
Old Knik for supplies. Tyonek took out last of coal
companies help.
June 8, 1906 Sold one outfit to Sam Dunlap.
Natives left for Old Knik to attend Church. Took picture
of Stephan’s family on sloop. Baby not well seems to have
the croup.
June 9, 1906 PM tide the Neptune arrived
had 2 horses and 3 men. Evening U. S. Geological Survey
men came down from Cottonwood, sold them small bill of provisions.
Morning tide Dunlap and partner left for Knik Harbor to build a
boat via Sushitna River. Phil Denzer arrived on the Neptune
from Seward. Russian Priest arrived to hold services at Old Knik.
June 10, 1906 Got oilcloth on ceiling
and one side of kitchen over store annex. Sent Seward bank
the Alaska Central Railway Co. bill February 1st to May 8th
for $37.49. Yentna Restaurant board bill $103.50 to Seward
Bank for collection. Also 2 checks for deposit $148, total
$288.99. Erickson and partner here with horses to outfit for
Sushitna gold fields also Denzer and partner.
June 11, 1906 Worked in kitchen, got
it almost covered with oilcloth. The Tyonek arrived with mail
and Railway Co. dogs from Sushitna, got 1½ dozen tents.
W. J. Murphy was on the Tyonek on its way to Seward. Paid
him $300 cash and check $700 on account of $1,702.10 borrowed
money not for balance due. Evening hoed mom’s garden and planted
more lettuce seed.
June 12, 1906 Sold Erickson and partner
$20 outfit. He has 2 horses going to upper Sushitna via
Chickaloon Pass. Evening sold Denzer and partner $75 outfit
bound for Lake Creek.
June 13, 1906 Harry Watson came over from Old
Knik. Elmer planted some spuds. Evening cloudy,
rain needed for gardens. Erickson and partner left Knik
with 2 horses to prospect at head of Sushitna via Chickaloon
and Talkeetna Rivers.
June 14, 1906 Potatoes are up.
Store sales over $100. Sold Chas Miller $17 outfit and
contracted with him for 2 barrel salmon bellies at 8¢ and
1 ton smoked salmon at 4¢ lb. delivery last of September.
Boxed up Schonacker's stove fittings that he left behind.
Got Phil’s outfit packed ready to ship on first boat to Sushitna
Station. Evening started to put shelves in pantry.
June 15, 1906 Store sales $45. Geter
and last of Native men came down from coal mines - closed down.
The Neptune came in at noon, had Bartholf with 4 horses.
Sent Schonacker his fittings for old stove. Wrote O. Remington
that no checks came here. Wrote Murphy at Tyonok and Seward
that he could have the launch, to wire for gas engineer if he wanted
her. Hubbel and party went out on the Neptune.
June 16, 1906 Phil Denzer left last night for
Lake Creek, Yentna District. J. W. Hamilton, Watson’s superintendent,
arrived from coal mines, paid Watson’s bill in full to date.
June 17, 1906 Frank Whitney left for Lake Creek.
Babies whooping cough much better.
June 18, 1906 Had Paul Owens help
on kitchen, got all ready except setting up stove. Boyd
arrived with 4 K. B. horses from Willow Creek mines for more grub.
Evening packed 600 lbs. grub for K. B. mines. Gas boat came
from Lake Creek reported $10 and up to the man.
June 19, 1906 Sent Paul Owens as far
as Sushitna cache with K. B. pack train. Boyd left Knik
with horses and 700 lbs. supplies. Evening started to mark goods
and rearrange goods on shelves in store. Sowed clover seed
on K. B. corral ground.
June 20, 1906 Paul Owens got back from Sushitna
cache with Dan and Maud. Glen Names out for Tyonek
on Stephan’s sloop.
June 21, 1906 Had Paul Owens hoe gardens.
Placing goods on shelves all day. Four prospectors arrived
from Sushitna Forks good reports.
June 22, 1906 Had Paul Owens help place
goods on shelves. Got packed ready for mines. Evening
Geographic Survey party got back from Knik River.
June 23, 1906 Got away to the mines at
2 PM with Maud and Dan and rode Paul Owens pony. Arrived
at the Little Sushitna 9 PM. Henry Rousseau was there on
way from mines to Knik.
June 24, 1906 Horses left camp for Knik
in the night, went as far as lake no. 4 to look for them.
Elmer and self left Sushitna camp 12:30 afoot, and arrived at mines
6:30. Sam had setup half worked out.
June 25, 1906 Arranged to put in pipeline
on bench. PM piped with no. 2 giant.
June 26, 1906 with Nig, Tony and Boyd left
mines for Sushitna cache. Arrived at 6 PM. Bought
Nordick’s outfit for Boyd - boots Shorty $5.00, gun Boyd $20.00,
tent Boyd $5.00, supplies $17.00, packsaddle for myself $8.00,
total $55. Nordick lost his horse, got cold feet and decided
to quit his prospecting trip.
June 27, 1906 Got up at 4:30 breakfast
6:30. Boyd got away with 2 packs on Tony and Nig for
mines 7 AM. Myself and Nordick left for Knik, U. S. G.
S. party were at RR cache on way back from head of Little Sushitna.
Arrived Cottonwood 12:30 noon found horses had been there. Arrived
Knik at 2:30 PM. Mattie had sold 1 outfit, store sales fair.
Boat was in, some supplies arrived.
June 28, 1906 Bartholf started out for
Kashwitna, very heavy thunder storm PM. Scotty Watson
got back from trip with scow to Old Knik. Made arrangements
with Nellie Howard to help Mattie in house and store for one month
at $25 and board. Agreed to give Mr. Miller work at the mines.
June 29, 1906 Miller went up in O’Brian’s
boat as far as Cottonwood, Knik to Sushitna. Got ready
to go to mines 2nd trip with Dan and Maud. Packed Dan at
the Cottonwood, rode Maud between creek crossings. Bees stung
Dan, he shook his pack and put back for Knik. I followed him
3 miles but gave it up. Put Miller pack and grub on Maud, arrived at
Sushitna cache 11 PM. Had Vienna sausage and sauerkraut for
supper.
June 30, 1906 Left Sushitna camp 9 AM
caught up to Bartholf Bros. on Wet Gulch they went on to
my camp at mines. Not ready to clean up and add flume boxes.
July 1, 1906 At mines. Self started
to bottom up and get ready for another setup. Sam jointing
up flume boxes. Laid out line for new pipeline to run al
along bench. More freight arrived at Knik for store.
July 2 to July 7, 1906 Working at the
mines. Got 36 oz. and 16 gr. Got one $2.75 nugget.
July 8, 1906 Arranged work to leave
for Knik Monday. Evening Stephan arrived with letter from
Mattie, thought I was lost not returning on time. Stephan
reported they had found coarse gold at the head of Little Sushitna.
All in camp were excited. All Knik left for new strike on Saturday.
July 9, 1906 K. B. help appointed Boyd
to go to new strike on Sushitna. With Boyd, Stephan and
3 horses, left mines for head of Little Sushitna via Windy Pass
on Willow Creek. Arrived on Sushitna 2 PM had lunch.
Started to pan, got black sand but no gold, panned all PM.
Evening found Patchell’s and Miller’s stakes and Handsome Jim’s camp
who reported the strike. No one there could raise but 2 pin point
colors so abandoned the creek, camped near canyon for night.
Skeeters quite lively.
July 10, 1906 7 AM started for Knik over
new trail via down Little Sushitna to Vasilla’s hunting cabin
-
there met Miller coming in, also Forty Mile
Miller and Townsend with pack horses also Purches and McDonald
party. Got out to Watson’s Matanuska trail 2 PM arrived Knik
10 PM. All very tired and tender behind.
July 11, 1906 Evening the Tyonek came in, stayed
10 minutes. Sent to Bank Seward 37 oz. and 16 dwt. Dust, didn’t
have time to get off letter mail. Box clothing arrived
from Black Mfg. Co.
July 16, 1906 AM got up wood and
water, fixed water barrel Had Natives saw wood 6¼ hours.
Wrote Seward Bank that I might want a loan of $2,000 November
1st for 90 days. Got letter mail ready to send out.
Willard Hall got back from Upper Matanuska River.
July 17, 1906 Evening caught Dan and Maud for
trip to mines on the 20th if weather OK.
July 18, 1906 Busy in store all
day sales very good. Evening Bartholf’s son got back from
head of Little Sushitna. Evening rain, gardens looking
fine, store garden skookum.
July 19, 1906 Marked all the hardware
and arranged same on shelves. Bartholf Bros. got back from
trip to Kashwitna, picked up Nordyke's horse on Willow Creek
shot 2 brown bear. Evening rain.
July 20, 1906 Got ready for trip to mines.
Left Knik at 3 PM with Dan and Maud and 175 lbs. of grub.
Arrived at Sushitna cache 10:30.
July 21, 1906 Left Sushetna cache 7 AM
arrived mines 11:45. Sam had old pipeline taken out and
300’ new line in, PM helped to joint pipeline.
July 22, 1906 At mines, jointed pipeline
all day. Took grades and found that Sam had part of line
above grade 13½”.
July 23, 1906 Worked on new pipeline
got same jointed to bank of creek, cleaned up head box.
After supper went to head of Grubstake for Dan and Maud.
Left Mines for Knik 8:30 PM. Light rain evening.
July 24, 1906 Arrived Sushitna cache
1:15 AM got feet wet, made cup coffee and dried out. Left
5 AM for Knik brought extra pack saddle and Henry’s war bag.
Arrived Knik 12:30 noon - no boats in.
July 25, 1906 Very quiet at Knik, mail
boat due. Mattie ready for trip to Seward on account of
baby - Stanley beginning to walk. Took picture of Mamma
and baby in kitchen. Oats heading out.
July 26, 1906 Had Native hoe potatoes
for last time, garden looking fine. Bert Andrews got back
from Yentna gold fields. The Tyonek arrived on PM tide,
got $100 order for supplies from Archie McDonald. Mattie and baby
left for trip to Seward. Oranges, butter, eggs arrived on Tyonek
also mail.
July 27, 1906 Painted sign KNIK TRADING
COMPANY. Henry the cream-eater left Knik in small boat
for Glacier Creek. Mattie gone to Seward to have Stanley
circumcised.
July 28, 1906 AM got pack ready for mines,
sent Bert Andrews in with Dan and Maud, left Knik 11 AM.
Bartlett and Dirty Al all got back from Kashwitna. Watson’s
copper-gold mine no good. Paid Mrs. Howard for 1 month ending
today, clerking in store $25 and $10 for previous work.
July 29, 1906 Duffy gave Mrs. Howard a 3 hour
earache. Very quiet in store, sales zero.
July 30, 1906 Birthday, 38 years old, oh how
time does fly. Mattie and baby at Seward. Elmer at KB
mines, myself at Knik managing Knik Trading Co. store.
July 31, 1906 Elmer and Bert arrived with 4
horses from the mines, came through in 12 hours. Elmer had
been sick 2 days with biliousness and dysentery.
August 1, 1906 AM got Bert off with pack
for mines, sent Maud and Dan. PM wrote to Mattie at Seward
about reducing rent on our house until April 1, 1907. Elmer
troubled with his urine.
August 2, 1906 Set up a dozen. kitchen
chairs for Duffy $18. Started Elmer on treatment of rhubarb
soda and calomel for liver and kidney trouble. Ate first
salmon caught at Knik. Elmer waited on customers in store.
Store sales very light.
August 3, 1906 Bartholf Bros. sent Chas Isaac
in from Willow Creek for grub. Got Elmer’s urine checked
and back to natural color, was clear as water, appetite good.
Elmer picked mess of raspberries. Evening Elmer helped
me hang up store sign KNIK TRADING COMPANY.
August 4, 1906 Cleaned out balance of
attic room over store and finished setting up chairs. Sold
Bartholf small order. Evening washed my khaki clothes and
underwear. Indians all sick with bad cough, been sick since
May. Elmer not well but eats hearty - around with me about my
work. Evening played on flute Elmer on drum.
August 5, 1906 Varnished 2 dozen chairs.
Evening tide Hugo Fels and 3 others got back from Yentna gold
fields reported Lake Creek no good. Evening Glen Names and
Palmer had words over a dog fight. Palmer smashed Glens
dog with a club, Glen had to shoot the dog and quit trading at Palmer’s
and came to Knik Trading Co. store.
August 6, 1906 Evening answered Fitzsimmons
about Schonacker’s supplies. Sent Kenai Lumber and Fuel
Co. order for lumber to come on consignment. Evening Elmer
and self re-anchored scow. Had 1st new spuds, were as large
as goose eggs.
August 7, 1906 Elmer not very well troubled
with his kidneys. Evening gave Elmer a bath and took one
myself.
August 8, 1906 Evening Red Jack arrived from
Tyonek with McConahay and family. Paddy arrived from
Knik River had fair sample of copper ore. Elmer quite
bad with kidney trouble.
August 9, 1906 Got McDonald’s overalls, 12
pair, ready to send with Red Jack to Lake Creek, paid 25¢
freight on same Knik to Station. Store sales fair. Miller
came out from mines said there was no water. Sam wrote he
would have to shut down the mines unless it rained. Elmer
in bed most all day, evening some better. Red Jack left for
Tyonek evening tide, Elmer up to see boat leave.
August 10, 1906 Made out Miller’s time and
account at store. Looked after Elmer. He ate eggs,
toast, and Postum. Got Native to go to Willow Creek with letter
to Sam about work while water was low. Elmer in bed all day first
time since sick
August 11, 1906 K. B. help arrived from
mines on account of no water. Paid off Sam Miller. PM got
Frank Whitney to come and nurse Elmer, condition normal up
to evening, heart beginning to weaken, gave whiskey and strychnine
for heart, gave him sponge bath. At times he’s not right in
mind.
August 12, 1906 Elmer very weak, refused
to take food, in a coma, pulse 120, no fever. In evening
gave injection egg through rectum. Midnight the Tyonek
arrived, Mattie and baby got back from trip to Seward. Tents
and box of dry goods came. Paid off 3 of K. B. help, they all left
on the Tyonek and Hugo Fels for Seward and Sunrise. Self nursed
Elmer evening. Frank sick.
August 13, 1906 Up all night with Elmer,
temperature was normal up to 7:30 AM, when his heart action
began to grow weak and heart stimulants would not revive him.
Gave him 4 hypodermics of whiskey and strychnine.
He gradually grew weak and the poor little fellow breathed his last
at 8:30 AM. The poor little man was unconscious the last 36
hours, he died very peacefully age 10 years, 9 months, 26 days.
Cause of death heart trouble and diabetes. Never forgotten.
August 14, 1906 Very sad day for Herning
family. Had 40 Mile Miller make Elmer’s casket stained
walnut and varnished. Bobby Kreidler acted as undertaker
and knew his business. Lined casket with white satin and ribbon.
Had Elmer’s grave dug at NE corner of lot in back of store,
lot covered with oats. Had grave lined with canvas and flowers.
August 15, 1906 Got ready for Elmer’s
funeral. Lined store with white cloth and Elmer’s friends
viewed him in the store AM. Had casket sealed in galvanized
iron case which set inside another case finished in walnut.
Buried Elmer at 3:30 PM. Judge Goodell read the service, Mrs.
Rowe and Howard and Goodell, Glen Names, Kreidler, Whitney, Will Rowe
and the Judge sang. This event will never be forgotten.
August 16, 1906 Opened store and removed
white lining. Started to move back east counter to make
more room for dry goods hardware etc. Evening rain.
The Tyonek arrived late last night to take out RR horses.
Self up until 1 o’clock writing home about Elmer’s sickness and death.
Got statement from bank on balance over $500.
August 17, 1906 Mrs. Howard took day
off for a rest. Eugene Bartholf son and wife arrived
from Willow Creek. Got letter from K. B. mines plenty of
water. The Tyonek took out RR horses. Phil Denzer
arrived from Lake Creek. O'Brian and McDonald
went out on the Tyonek also Bacus and Kreidler all bound for
Seward. Dr. Cook, Mt. McKinley climber, was on the Tyonek,
said one party would land here.
August 18, 1906 Put up two outfits for
Bartholf Bros. Traded 10’ x 12’ wall tent with
Bartholf for his tent with calidoor. Arranged shelving
under counters to store clothing. Bought 6 oz. 13 dwt.
Lake Creek gold. Palmer visited and paid for cream
I consigned to him 3 years ago $10.
August 19, 1906 Made agreement with Eugene
Bartholf to put up hay, made hay rack Let him have
Tony and Nig and use of mower rake and wagon. PM Woolsey
came in with Wilson and party on Naphtha launch via to Sunrise.
Bartholf family moved up to near Cottonwood to make hay with my
machinery. PM took stitches out of babies penis. Stanley
walked across the kitchen for the 1st time.
August 20, 1906 Cloudy with heavy rain.
Put more shelving under counters to make room for dry goods.
Unpacked box of dry goods, short on order 2 dozen shirts and 1 dozen
mackinaw coats. Miller and McHenry came down from Burr Point
where they had been haying, they burnt up their tent.
August 21, 1906 Heavy rain all day. Marked
clothing lately received and arranged same on shelves.
Had tight fence made around Elmer’s grave. Opened up new
lot of tents.
August 22, 1906 Sold Names large tarp to cover
roof and ceiling of his cabin. Not much doing in store.
August 23, 1906 Rain over, evening
clear. Henry McKinnon came down from Cottonwood, sent
order of writing materials to Eugene Bartholf. Rowe got
Maud to haul in Mrs. Howard’s house logs. Picked out all views
of Elmer to have pictures made of same by Phil Denzer. Evening
clear with indications of frost. Evening let Miller have Sea
Otter to go to Burr Point after their haying tools.
August 24, 1906 Natives started to pick
cranberries, brought in 2 barrel today. Phil printed pictures
of Elmer. Stanley with me in store, walks around quite good.
Picked out art squares for two front rooms. Looking up goods
for winter trade.
August 25, 1906 Bought in 2 barrel of cranberries.
Got 4 barrel of cranberries ready to ship to Sylvester Bros.
Seattle, 304 lbs. net. Sold Names $20 worth of lumber.
Frank Whitney got back from trip to Matanuska coal mines.
Mrs. Howard clearing ground for a cabin.
August 26, 1906 Natives still bringing in cranberries.
Eugene Bartholf and wife came down from hay camp to go out
on the Tyonek to Seward. Mrs. Purches visited and settled
June store bill. Store trade good today. Evening made
out order for notions, shelf goods, etc., to Western Dry Goods Co.
Seattle.
August 27, 1906 Weather cloudy.
The Tyonek arrived on AM tide, towed in Palmer’s gas boat
and scow. River steamer Caswell reported disabled on beach
at Fire Island. Got several consoling letters from Seward
friends on account of Elmer’s sudden death. Received butter,
eggs and oranges on the Tyonek. Shipped Sylvester Bros. 5 half
barrel cranberries prepaid the freight.
August 28, 1906 Made out another drug order.
Sent order for apples and lemons to come with last produce
order Oct. 10th. Marked all the new lot of tents.
Gibson wanted me to order 1,000’ of 10” conveying hydraulic hose.
Evening moved bed from Bartholf’s tent into front room.
Self not feeling very well, grip like feeling. Took big treatment
went to bed early.
August 29, 1906 Mrs. Howard started to work
in store after 11 day vacation. Bartholf Bros. finished
haying, turned over Nig and Tony. Sold one $30 outfit.
Self not feeling well got grip symptoms. Started to make out
hardware order for winter trade. Baby much better walks everywhere
(8 months old). Judge Goodell gave us 2 mallard ducks result of
hunting trip.
August 30, 1906 Heavy rain all day.
Worked on hardware order, got same listed and about typewritten
up. Self feeling much better today. PM tide Neptune
launch arrived from Turnagain Arm, said belong to Railway
Co. Had roast duck dinner.
August 31, 1906 Got ready for Knik to
Willow Creek Mines. Left Knik 12 noon with Dan, Nig and
Tony, packed in 2 large Dietz search light lanterns. Arrived
at river at 8 PM.
September 1, 1906 Left Sushitna cache
at 7 AM arrived at mines 1 PM shot 2 ptarmigan. Sam had
setup finished, ready to clean up.
September 2, 1906 Bottomed up pit and
started to clean up. Ditch would only carry water.
September 3, 1906 Finished cleaning up
AM and retorted gold. Left mines 5 PM with Dan for Knik.
Started to haul down flume for last setup this season. Arrived
at river cache 9 AM. Slept 3 hours by campfire had no blankets.
September 4, 1906 Left river camp 7 AM
arrived at Cottonwood 11:30, in Knik 1:15 PM. Light frost
last night. U. S. G. S. party was at Knik. Collected
some bills.
September 5, 1906 In store part of time.
Weighed up gold dust had 72 oz. 16 dwt. Elmer’s gold
weighed 6 dwt. Store sales and collections over $100 today.
Nels Johansen arrived got his outfit stored in cache. Old
John from Girdwood’s camp arrived in town on way to Lake Creek.
September 6, 1906 Got hardware order etc. ready
for mail and 76 oz. gold dust, ready to send to bank. Sent
Miller and McHenry to Willow Creek to work in mines. Had
snipe dinner.
September 7, 1906 Worked on grocery order
all day got same ready to mail and part to wire from Seward.
Judge and Capt. Glenn and Whitney got back from duck hunt.
September 8, 1906 Duck dinner.
Barrett and Watson’s men arrived from Kashwitny copper mines.
Good day in store on clothing. Got orders ready and mailed.
Sent Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. $75 on account of lumber. Sent
Bank of Seward check to cover draft for produce Miller Reed Pease
Co and Smith and Bloxom. Sent Capt. Nichols 2 wool shirts
by Barrett to coal mines. Will Murphy arrived in town.
September 9, 1906 Mrs. Howard not well, at
home most of day. Barreled 245 lbs. cranberries to ship
to Pacific Coast and Trading Co. at Seward. Chas Krefton
in town from Seward, ate supper with us, said our house at Seward
was vacated September 1st.
September 10, 1906 Made out order for store
supplies etc. to Lowman and Hanford Co. McHenry came in
from K. B. Mines to go with Krefton to coal fields. Sam wrote,
saying boxes in, commenced piping on 8th, water low again. Evening
made out T. G. Gerdine U. S. G. S. bill run since June. Evening
beginning to get cool. Mrs. Howard laid off, sore throat.
Talked with Murphy about buying the Dr. Cook launch.
September 11, 1906 Got all orders and mail
ready to send out with Mattie to Seward. Evening roped
one of Mattie’s trunks – she is all ready to move to Seward.
September 12, 1906 Jointed up stove and pipe
in store. Wades arrived from Sushitna, run located in
Bartholf camp. Had fair sales on clothing today. Evening
made out order for windows and doors to O. B. Williams. Several
Natives left for fall hunt.
September 13, 1906 Had Rowe start to cut oats
on K. B. corral. Made out order for rubber goods from Washington
Rubber Co., wrote Bank of Seward to send them a draft for
$98 to balance account. R. H. Sargent and party got in from
Talkeetna they stopped at K. B. Mines. T. G. Gardine settled
U. S. G. S. bill, bought 32 sacks oats from him for $43.20.
September 14, 1906 Wrote to Bridgman that I
would resign after close of season. Wrote to Hovey about
Elmer’s death sent 2 dozen maps. Mail boat overdue.
Mattie all packed up ready to go to Seward.
September 15, 1906 The Tyonek arrived
PM. Took off Harry Watson’s lumber on scow, Rowe helped.
Mattie and baby left on the Tyonek for Seward. Medicine
order came from Portland. Got ready to go to K. B. Mines.
September 16, 1906 Left for mine with 2 horses.
Eugene Bartholf went along with 2 horses via for Willow Creek.
U. S. G. S. under T. G. Gardine sold their 14 head pack horses,
bought one sorrel for $51. Got dark on us at Little Lake
made over to river 10 PM, light rain after.
September 17, 1906 Left Sushitna cache 7:30
AM. On summit of Bald Mt. met Will Bartholf and Charley
on way to Knik, Eugene Bartholf went back with him. Arrived at
mines 1 PM. Water low again only half a sluice head.
Sam run into fair pay on bench. Started to bottom up part
of pit.
September 18, 1906 Self piped in all day, flume
clogged, took 3 men to keep it cleared. Had Sam clean up
bedrock around last setup.
September 19, 1906 Bottomed up pit 50’ x 70’
part piped in ready to clean up. Sam went up gulch to shoot
ptarmigans found Nig very lame on right front leg.
September 20, 1906 Got all into sluices possible.
Started to clean up, very poor showing. Sent Sam and Bert
up after horses. Nig managed to hobble down to camp very
lame. Bert and Miller started to haul in hay to Gilbert calidoor.
September 21, 1906 Finished cleaning up and
closed down mine, got 24 oz. 17 dwt. I retorted gold
dust. Men put back riffle blocks, took gate out of big
dam, disconnected giants and packed up tools. Took inventory
of grub and tools. Evening big wind with rain. Gross
clean up for this season 138 oz. 2 dwt. 17 gr.
September 22, 1906 Very stormy, got ready to
leave mines for Knik. Left mines 2 PM with 3 horses
and 3 men. Left Sam with Nig, Nig too lame to bring out.
Arrived Sushitna cache 6:15 PM, boys shot 5 ptarmigans, put
them in dogs pack Dog chased rabbit and lost his pack
September 23, 1906 Left Sushitna cache at 8:15
AM arrived Knik 4:15. The Tyonek had been at Knik on
the 20th. Mrs. Howard did well in store during mine trip
to K. B. Mines. Got letter from Mattie dated at Seldovia
on her way to Seward. Fixed flowers on Elmer’s grave.
September 24, 1906 First hard frost at Knik.
Busy making out men’s time and marking drugs. Paid Bert
Andrews balance of cash deposit $87. Paid McHenry for his
labor at mines. Names got notice to move out of Palmer’s
building and started to build saloon building back of K. B. cache.
Bartholf Bros. putting up hay at Cottonwood on tide flats.
September 25, 1906 Rode Kid down to Fish Creek
to look at Ulanky’s hay. Dan was there, brought him to
Knik. Settled up with Boyd and Andrews account. K and B
Co., paid Boyd $360 and Andrews $171. Cashed in 24 oz. 10
dwt. gold dust at $15.25. Bartholf Bros. back from haying on
flats. Started to dig spuds.
September 26, 1906 First heavy frost last night
killed potatoes vines. Dug 500 lbs. spuds, put 100 lbs.
in K. B. barn to feed horses. No mail boat yet, overdue one day.
Names Bros. rafted up logs for new saloon. Sold E. Bartholf
19 dwt. Willow Creek gold for sample. Wrote to Mattie at Seward.
September 27, 1906 Dug spuds. McDonald
and party arrived from Yentna last night. Sam arrived
6 PM from mines with Nig. Nig still lame. Quite a
few prospectors in town.
September 28, 1906 Light frost nights.
Bartholf’s left on Stephan’s sloop for Seward via Turnagain
Arm. McDonald and Ulanky left in dory on PM tide for Seward
via to head of Turnagain Arm and thence Alaska Central Railway.
Doctored Nig’s leg. Dug spuds. Sent letter to Mattie
at Seward via Sunrise and trail by mushers. The Tyonek expected
on any tide.
September 29, 1906 Made spout for water funnel.
PM the Tyonek arrived eggs, oranges, butter, came. Oregon
reported on rocks at Henchinbrook Island, passengers and mail saved.
The Tyonek took out horses to be wintered at Homer. Got letters
of condolence from Clara, Jos. and Sylvester family. Sent
them to Mattie at Seward. Got letter from Mattie, she
arrived at Seward 11 AM on the 21st she left Knik 16th.
No mail from bank. Wire condolence from W. A. Farnsworth Boston
about death of Elmer.
September 30, 1906 Rode Kid up beach looking
for horses, wanted to mow grass. Dug 1 row of spuds.
Evening got chairs and mirror from Whitney borrowed since last
winter. Evening made out Names Bros. bill. Had trout
for supper, Cramer ate with us.
October 1, 1906 Morning tide Bob Woolsey and
Thayer arrived from Sushitna Station. Bid on orders for
supplies - Station and Lake Creek - and got $337 out of $344.
Palmer got $7 order out of the bunch. Busy all day packing
goods. Up at 2 AM making out bills and packing goods orders
from Station. J. S. Mills arrived from upper Lake Creek had
sample gold. Had located Sam and myself in a 160 acre group on
gulch on Mills Creek at head of Lake Creek.
October 2, 1906 Got balance of orders up, sold
1,200 lbs. Native spuds to go to Sushitna Station. Bob
ready to leave on evening tide but Cramer and party not quite ready
so laid over one tide. Cramer decided to go to upper Lake Creek
to look at ground located by Mills. Paid Cramer $110 on
account labor at mines. Sales $223, cash $114 credit
(Kenny).
October 3, 1906 Cramer Mills and Wilson left
on “Bob” for Lake Creek. Store bills paid $100.
Evening packed 2 cases Gotzain shoes to send back. Dug
a few spuds. Posted bills on daybook late sales $500.
October 4, 1906 Evening wrote to Bank of Seward.
Sent for deposit $106.45 and check to cover draft for Seattle
Hardware Co. $75.85, Woodard Clarke Co. $27.50. Wrote to
Mattie included $20 bill. Willard Hall bought outfit for
trip to Metal Creek.
October 5, 1906 Cleaned up K. B. cache, assessed
flour, beans, etc. Got up 2 barrel water. Evening
horses came in, been gone 1 week. Quite heavy snow on
mountain, down to timber line. Names Bros. got their new
saloon building covered in. Hall left for Metal Creek to
do Cramer’s assessment work and trap.
October 6, 1906 Started to dig spuds in C.
and H. garden. Horses came up, Nig lame as ever.
Evening wrote to John Miller about the check he lost. Also
to Farnsworth about total clean up and I would resign. Evening
clear and freezing. Made out Howard’s bill ending September
29th.
October 7, 1906 1st hard frost. Had Miller
and McHenry help dig spuds in C. and H. garden. Self
worked until 8 PM wheeling spuds to root house. Names Bros.
moved into new saloon building, corner Front street and Lake Avenue.
October 8, 1906 Dug turnips and cleaned
out scow and started to repair inside bottom. Evening up
until 12 making out bill and accounts for year ending September
31st, balance due about $600. Point Possession Nicholai arrived with
coal from Tyonek. Duffy invited me to his birthday dinner tomorrow.
Store sales good $20 before breakfast.
October 9, 1906 Duffy gave a dinner to his
friends - event his 52nd birthday. Sent regrets with
cigars and grape juice, Mrs. Howard and Judges folks went.
PM horses came to barn, Nig lame as ever. Ready to make out
K and B Co. bill. Bought 3 tons Tyonek coal off Nicholai at Point
Possession.
October 10, 1906 Started to close in open space
left between floor and basement store annex. Posted up
K and B Co. bills rendered with Knik Trading Company. Took
a bath retired at 12.
October 11, 1906 Finished chinking and fitting
around store annex. Sold Duffy 1904 white bed spring
and mattress for $20. Evening got K. B. bills posted up
to April. Stitch in back about well. Retired 11:30.
PM Mrs. Howard chinked her cabin.
October 12, 1906 Cleaning up caches ready for
new goods to arrive. Everybody on the warpath with Duffy
about Mrs. Grover Cleveland’s maiden name. Duffy lost $6
on bet, claimed it was Florence.
October 13, 1906 Had Will Rowe put K. B. hay
oats into barn and haul in spuds off C. and H. lot also hauled
up 3 tons coal off beach to back of store annex. Got up 2 barrel
water. Got store cottage in shape to receive more goods and store
cache pretty cleaned up. Worked on K. B. bills until midnight.
October 14, 1906 First snow at Knik.
Snowed 3” this evening, wet storm. Got caches all arranged
for new goods, sacked up balance of C. and H. spuds 1,150 lbs.
and 100 lbs. culls. Cleaned out scow and put down floor that
had been stolen out. Evening wrote to Mattie about coming to
Seward. All depends on mail and if I could get out K. B. report.
October 15, 1906 No steamboat. Wrote to Dr.
L. A. Gates 1610 12th Avenue Seattle Washington about locating
at Knik - answer to inquiry. Sent order to Rainbow Creek
Mining Co. for 4 tons forage and 1M lumber etc. Evening
freezing. Duffy gave Mrs. Howard a genuine old fashioned “earache”
a 3 hour session. Preachers son said he was going to fix
up Morris cabin and live in it on his own accord.
October 16, 1906 Froze last night ½”.
Made step in front of store cache door, cleaned out root house.
PM tide Red Jack arrived from Sushitna Station. Joe Anderson
came in with him said all had left Yentna District but 4 men.
Doc Herndon took out 100 lbs. gold, Billy Morris $6,000.
October 17, 1906 Froze ¼” last night.
Evening Will Murphy came in from Glacier Creek for snowshoes,
sold him all I had, 7 pair, and a parky coat. Murphy reported
that many were coming over trail in February via Glacier Creek to
Knik. The Tyonek reported at Glacier Creek due here AM tide
tomorrow.
October 18, 1906 No boat today. Worked
on K. B. accounts. Total bill paid by Knik Trading Co.
for K. B. Mine Co. $4,065.40, received cash $765.65, balance due
$3,299.75. Credit dust $2,072.03, Boston $1,100.00, balance
$3,299.75. Fixed up box spuds for ad to send out to Seward
with Rowe. Worked on books until midnight. Wrote a letter
to Mattie at Seward to go by trail with W. Rowe.
October 19, 1906 No mail boat today, overdue
2 weeks. Worked on books until 11 PM. McNeil came
down from Knik River said he shot a moose and 3 sheep, he cached
them because there was not enough water in Knik River to boat down
the meat.
October 20, 1906 Cut wood, dug 2 rows spuds,
“skins” much better leaving in ground to this date. Balance
due OGH October 20, 1906 with salary 1906 added $7,828.52.
Total amount business May 18th 1901 to date $3,9037.73.
Total amount of gold 618-12-19 =$9,512.18, average $15.40 per
oz. The Tyonek reported to have left Turnagain Arm for Seldovia.
Mrs. Goodell gave us a duck.
October 21, 1906 Bought ¼ moose and
1 black bear skin.
October 22, 1906 Bought 2 black and one brown
bear skins, 3 for $21. Natives returning from fall hunt
with moose and sheep meat and bear skins. Mrs. Howard washed
and scrubbed kitchen floor and windows.
October 24, 1906 Dug spuds left to ripen, were
fine, skins hard.
October 26, 1906 Mailed K. B. report for season
ending October 20, 1906. PM rode Dan to Cottonwood to
look after hay and horses. Found horses and rode Kid home.
Evening wrote to Mattie sent $25 more. Bought 3 black bear
skins off Nekeeta.
October 27, 1906 Made out price
list of provisions for Will Rowe 10% to Jan. 1st. Noon the
Tyonek arrived, Mattie and baby came back from Seward also Will
Bartholf, Judge Hildreth and others. Got 27 tons freight,
15 tons yet to come. Finch from A. C. Co. at Tyonek was on boat
bought small order pickups.
October 28, 1906 Busy all day caching freight,
short 1 barrel beef, 5 bags sugar. Both caches and two
cabins and storeroom full up. Store sales fair bought 6
bear skins $30.
October 29, 1906 Store sales $50. Got
goods from Western Drygoods Co. on shelves. Arranged canned
fruit in store storeroom. Sent Nicholai and Baer over to Hope
for forage for the Bartholf Bros.
October 30, 1906 Put up shelf in new cabin
for clothing. Mattie’s birthday, “cranky all day”.
Store sales $27. Sold Palmer lumber to make saloon bar.
October 31, 1906 Monroe Kast arrived from Poor
Mans Gulch on way to Seward. Evening Nicholai got back
from Hope with 60 sacks chopped feed from A. C. Co. in Hope.
Harry Watson was over from Old Knik.
November 1, 1906 I took 20 sacks of feed from
Hope, let Bartholf Bros. have 40 sacks, freight charges $29.
November 2, 1906 Made out Names bill, store
sales and collections $137. Got all freight checked down,
short barrel beef, 1 bale flour, 1 sack beans, 6 boxes candy, found
goods at D_________. Evening packed 14 bear skins to ship
to Seattle Fur Sales Agency. Made out N. Howard’s bill and
time to October 30th.
November 3, 1906 Started to put in stall for
Kid horse. Palmer opened his saloon opposition to Names
Bros., ex-partners. Evening wrote a few letters.
Evening cloudy and felt like snow.
November 4, 1906 Snowed 1” last night, second
snow storm. Mrs. H and Mrs. H took a horse back ride on
Maud and Tony. Evening made out advertisement for weekly
Gateway for Knik Trading Co. Wrote Finch, at Tyonek, would
allow him 10% on rubber goods, 10% on tents, 15% on all other goods,
flour, bacon, sugar, net. Evening much colder will freeze quite
hard.
November 5, 1906 Froze hard last night. Mended
Mattie’s glasses. Made potty chair for baby. Made
threshold for door at head of stairs. Evening took a bath.
First slush ice running on Knik Arm this fall.
November 6, 1906 Froze hard last night.
Considerable ice on Knik Arm. Got up 2 barrel water. Sam
Cramer, Mills and Conkling arrived from Lake Creek via Sushitna
Station, winter trail to Knik. PM arranged provisions in men’s
cabin so Cramer could use it. Evening talked with Cramer about
Lake Creek and prospects. Glen Names gave me a 2 hour earache
about Palmer.
November 7, 1906 Froze hard last night, slush
ice running, chances poor for arrival of another boat.
Started to put trap door over back stairs. Evening talked
with Cramer about his account and gave him his bill. Got $52.50
cash on Kenney’s bill. Got 1 mink skin on McManus bill.
November 8, 1906 Cold weather came 17 days
earlier than last fall. Finished threshold head of stairs
and put one in front of store door. Beached scow.
Considerable ice on Arm, not enough to stop navigation.
Two men came in row boat today. Mattie sick all day, bilious spell
that worked both ways, evening some better. Baby got a
bad cold in head.
November 9, 1906 Warmed up with a N. W. wind
this AM. Mattie about over bilious spell, babies cold much better.
Cramer decided to go to Tacoma via overland to Seward. Cramer
made out $150 order for supplies to sled to Cache Creek next February.
Lidell and partner came over from Station.
November 10, 1906 Got Cramer’s account fixed
up, allowed him $2 extra for our time in labor in store.
I own cottage next to store, allowing Cramer $100 extra for labor
there on. Cramer retained ½ interest in garden back
of Palmer’s.
November 11, 1906 Paid Cramer off cash and
dust $500. OGH note 3 months $395.72, got mail ready
to send out. Cramer and Conklin left for Seward.
McNeil took them to Knik Harbor in boat.
November 12, 1906 Partly cloudy and 30 above.
Store sales $20. Worked some on Kids stall in barn.
McNeil got back from Knik Harbor on account of Cramer and Conklin.
Turned down Arthur Baer’s proposition to go to Chickaloon to locate
placer. Evening boy sick, feverish. Sent Frank Dunn
at Station letter, with Lidell, about his future order. Bought
4 bear skins from Sushitna Natives $17.
November 13, 1906 Finished Kids stall, rearranged
hooks to hang harnesses on. Evening opened up box
from L. and H. Bought 3 black bear cub skins. Baby
some better, got indigestion from eating peanuts. down in store.
Horses came up to barn - were away last night. Store sales
fairly good.
November 14 1906 Indications of snow around
Knik. Considerable slush ice on Knik Arm. Laid linoleum
on kitchen floor. Baby not well, breathing bad. Talked
with Sam Mills about prospecting trip to Lake Creek by Cramer in
October. Mills said all the grub or expense he owed me for,
was a jar of apple butter - said Cramer located 2 claims for himself.
Evening sold 1 $50 order.
November 15, 1906 Put up $50 order sold to
Patchell. Put flour in men’s cabin that we had to leave
outside for want of room. Put dressed lumber in loft of
barn. Horses away last night, came to barn tonight, Kid gone
for 10 days. Mrs. Howard made dust cover for clothing counter.
Baby not well, dumpish all day, seems to have bronchitis.
Evening covered his chest with antiphlogestine.
November 16, 1906 with Tony hauled logs, left
over last spring, in place to saw up for fuel. Evening
tide pulled out Sea Otter boat. Tomorrow night expect to float
scow on high bank. Put feed box in for Maud, barn now in A-1 shape.
Baby very sick all day, head heavy, giving him Grays Tonic and nitre
every hour, has no appetite giving him MM cream. Started to wear
felt shoes. Evening retired early.
November 17, 1906 Warm just at freezing point.
AM put down timber to run scow on. Fixed tarp over stern
of launch to keep out snow. Evening biggest tide of season
but not the limit. With Tony pulled scow out in front of
K. B. cache only got her half on bank on account of too much ice on
her bottom. Names rope sawzed me into the water, got wet on
starboard side. Baby very much better.
November 18, 1906 Started to paper bedrooms.
Tried to pull scow up with her winch but too much ice on her
bottom aft, cut off all ice forward. Sold Names barber mirror
for show mirror in front of his bar. Bartholf tried to go
to Cottonwood after hay, too much water in flats so had to give up-trip.
November 19, 1906 Snowed 3” last night, first
snow come to stay. Ground bare up to this time around Knik.
AM got up two barrel water. PM papered on bedroom.
Evening put two shelves in one under tobacco department one under
drug department. Nakeeta said Palmer had cut price on sugar 12#
for $1.
November 20, 1906 Friend told me that Palmer
offered him a “job”. Miller to repair my scow so she would
go to pieces when we loaded her. Found that Palmer had
cut tea from 50¢ to 40¢ a pound. Evening made
latch door in front of tobacco shelf. Bought bear cub skin
$2. Retired midnight. Baby much better, teeth bothering
him.
November 21, 1906 Evening put another latch
door under drug department counter. Evening raining.
Baby beginning to eat and feels much better. Horses didn’t
come to stable this evening.
November 22, 1906 Snow all went last night,
light rain PM and evening. Nine men arrived from Valdez
Creek via down Matanuska River. Store sales fair $35, profits
today $14. Baby real well today for first time since November
12th. Mattie full of “dumps”. Bartholf and Whitney drove
to Willow Creek to hunt moose.
November 23, 1906 Cash sales profits $6.40.
Evening a little cooler just at freezing point. Palmer
and Shorty on a drunk. Lined up kitchen store to make connections
with heater from other rooms. Baby all OK again. Retired
10 PM.
November 24, 1906 Mail arrived. Nine
men from Valdez Creek left for Valdez via Seward. PM tide
Dick Richardson, Foster and 2 other men arrived by small boat
from Glacier Creek. Got $350 order for supplies for Dick
Richardson, paid for by James Girdwood. Evening made selling price
list for fall and winter goods. First overland mail
arrived, self got $3,000 worth of goods left at Seldovia.
November 25, 1906 Took part of Richardson
order $42 - bal. to come in February by Foster. Fixed mess
house door and door between store and back storeroom. Smith,
a Valdez Creek man, who forgot his blankets with $1,400 in
gold inside them, came back on PM tide.
November 26, 1906 Evening worked on selling
price list. Talked with Capt. Glenn Names about launch.
Names wanted to fix up launch for next summers business, wanted
to go in on halves. Just enough snow for light sledding on
good trails. Store sales fair cash profits $4.80 today.
November 27 ,1906 Put up Richardson’s order
on account for James Girdwood. O'Brian from Cottonwood
was down to trade. Indian Jim came by trail from Knik River,
reported Knik River open up near his cabin. In store most
all day cut fire wood for house and store.
November 28, 1906 Ed O'Brian came over from
Old Knik. Boozers around town on a drunk. Evening
colder 2nd cold spell of winter. Cut babies hair, Mattie
cut mine.
November 29, 1906 Cold 2 above zero, cut firewood.
Mattie and Mrs. Howard went for a walk up beach. They
drove down 3 horses, thought one was our Kid but was mistaken.
Oiled wall bed frame did one window. Evening took smoke
and chew tobacco out of straps and packed away same. Built
fire in mess cabin was 22 above in cabin and 32 above in root house
dept. We ate sauerkraut and “dog” for our Thanksgiving dinner,
pumpkin pie for dessert. Bartholf got back from Willow Creek
he shot 2 moose. Forty Mile Miller offered to locate us
on Valdez Creek.
November 30, 1906 Partly cloudy 10 to 18 above
zero. Sand papered and oiled one bedroom. Evening
Wilson visited, told a different story than Cramer about trip
to Lake Creek, said Cramer invited the boys to eat on him then
charged it on bill. Evening Bartholf gave us nice piece of
moose meat shot at Willow Creek.
December 1, 1906 Partly cloudy windy and 26.
Store sales fair $40. Made new feed box for Nig.
Cut firewood. Put small heater in mess house. Evening
made out Names Bros. and Howard’s bill for November. Mattie
helped me sled up two barrel water. Got order from Dunn at
Sushitna Station.
December 2, 1906 Mrs. Howard took day
off. Evening McManus and Kenny arrived from Lake Creek.
Made out agency to 40 Mile Miller to locate placer and lode
claim in Sushitna Valley and tributaries. McManus wanted
to give me security on claims for bill rendered, said Cramer promised
to pay.
December 3, 1906 Temperature zero.
Store trade fair today. Evening wrote to Bank of Seward
enclosed $100 in bills and order to send Clendening Anglem Co.
$100 draft to apply on account. Gave O. C. Miller and McHenry
each box Fastido cigars as x-mas presents, they ready to leave for
Valdez Creek. Bartholf moved into Pump Miller’s cabin today.
December 4, 1906 Clear big wind zero to 16.
Wash day. Made out location notices for O. C. Miller.
McManus and Kenny left Knik for Station. Report goes that
Richardson and Foster took the Blakely trail for the Valdez Creek,
diggings, to beat Miller there. Bartholf hauled out one load
Miller’s outfit to Big Lake. Horses didn’t come to barn now
10 PM. Smith and LaClair left Knik for Seward sent $100 to bank
at Seward.
December 5, 1906 O. C. Forty Mile
Miller and Chas McHenry left Knik for Valdez Creek head of Sushitna
River via Blakely’s trail Knik to Forks. Will Bartholf
took their outfit on double enders. Filed and cut saw and
cut usual amount wood. Sold 8 pair sled shoes. Days
shortening fast. Light lamps 3:30, use lamps AM to 8 o’clock
Let Wilson use Jack dog to go for a hunt up Matanuska.
December 6, 1906 Mattie helped to get
in 2 barrel water. About zero weather all day. Evening
talked with J. S. Mills about mining. Took snap of store
and Knik. No snow around Knik, big wind blew it all away on
4th lakes glair ice. Stanley 2 years old.
December 7, 1906 Cold 8 below zero last night.
Cut usual amount firewood. Gave McNeil contract to cut
firewood at $3.50, 16” - lengths split once. Two men came
over from Station, reported Richardson and Foster there, they got
lost out 6 days Knik to Station. Kid horse showed up at RR barn.
Bill Hughes wanted to buy K. B. launch. Evening worked on selling
price list.
December 8, 1906 Cold 12 below zero white fog.
Very quiet in store. Got door ready to hang between kitchen
and bedrooms. Mattie went with me to hay shed to get neck yolk
and doubletrees and grindstone - someone had stolen 2 monkey wrenches
and draw rod out of pole on wagon. Took a tour on Kid horse
through woods back of Stephan’s old garden. Evening took a
bath.
December 9, 1906 Clear and cold all day, 6
below northern lights visible. Mills claims he saw our
Kid horse today at RR barn - been gone a month. Store sale
profits today $6.
December 10, 1906 Perfect weather around
zero, 6 below at 9 PM. Got light bobsleighs ready and
hauled in ½ cord birch wood. PM fixed around annex
to cut out Jack Frost. Evening got selling price list about
completed now ready for the overland rush on provisions, hardware,
clothing, etc. Kid horse came up to RR barn, got him and cached
him in K. B. barn. No snow around Knik, a little ice on trails.
December 11, 1906 Weather moderating, 12 above.
Made trap door over stairway - store to living rooms.
Mattie helped me get 2 barrel water. Traded Nakeeta 20’
door jam, 14’ window jam, for whipsawed lumber. O'Brian from
Cottonwood was down to trade.
December 12, 1906 Temperature 12 last night
- 20 above tonight. Paid McNeil for 7 cords wood $24.50.
Big Stephan and family got back from 3 month hunt, bought 3 black
bear skins, under bid on 2 poor skins. Store trade fair, took
in $41, profits today $16. Natives from Station report 1’
snow there. McNeil and Stephan paid their bills.
December 13, 1906 A most perfect spring
like day. Had Mills shoe Nig and Tony forward, couldn’t
find shoes used last winter. Bought a silver gray X fox $15.
Store sales fair. Dan, Maud and Kid didn’t come to board
this evening. Elmer dead 4 months.
December 14, 1906 AM cut road to wood
cut by McNeil. Mills was all day trying to put up 2 pair
horse shoes. Fixed bed for bobsleighs. Evening Bartholf
and Mills were in store “chewing the rag”. Got up barrel water.
Store profits $8.
December 15, 1906 Getting down to zero
weather again. Hauled in half cord of birch for heaters and
put down rug in front bedroom. “Sushitna Chief” agreed to
bring us 7’ x 8’ rabbit robe to cost $9. Evening Capt. Glenn
Names said he was going to sell their saloon to Frank Miller.
December 16, 1906 Got up barrel water.
Mills put shoes on aft Nig and Tony. Mattie and Mrs. Howard
walked to summit landing on winter trail, each ate a quart
of beans for their supper. Evening 10 PM, 22 above indications
of snow, no snow at Knik and much needed. Took a bath.
December 17, 1906 Indications of snow.
John Headburg came over from Old Knik. Capt. Glenn Names
sold his saloon to Frank M. Miller for $2,500. Put up couch
in front room. Evening Mattie put up portiers between bedrooms.
House about fixed up inside. Sales slow in store. Got
up barrel water. Allowed Mills $1.50 for shoeing Nig and
Tony on K and B Co. account.
December 18, 1906 with Mills drove to
Cottonwood for load of hay - beach covered with ice but no snow
got back 3:45 PM (load tipped over). Evening adjusted door to tobacco
bin. Got order from Dunn Station for a ton of provisions.
Also order from Kenny Jamestown on Yentna. Two men came over
from Sushitna Station today.
December 19, 1906 Snow came this PM 2”.
AM hauled up 2 barrel water and ½ cord wood. Wilson
got back from Moose Creek no moose. Otto came in from our
cache on Little Sushitna. Sent Dunn word about the spuds.
Knik people formed a “Bee” to swamp out trail from our road on Fish
Creek to Station, I agreed to furnish the grub for the swampers.
Evening put case price on canned meats.
December 20, 1906 with Mills drove down to
Fish Creek, swamped out trail from government camp down
to bank of creek in 1 hour, one mile approach to creek was covered
with fallen burnt timbers. Mills broke his axe handle so we
didn’t get trail quite finished, brought back dry wood, got
back 2:30 PM. Evening put coffee grinder at end of counter and
moved paper cutters. Store sales light. Got small order
from Station. Mattie put up window curtains in front room and
kitchen. Rooms about finished and look fine.
December 21, 1906 Snowed 7” last 24 hours,
first snow come to stay. Hughes started to move boiler
for sawmill at Lake Creek today. A party of 7 men got ready
today to swamp trail from Fish Creek to Station, I furnished
the grub $30.50. Cash sales light, credit sales $11.
December 22, 1906 Snowed 2” last night,
9” total. Cleaned 1½ cases of ham. Packed 100#
on order. AM swamping party of 7 men left Knik to cut team
road through to Sushitna Station. Hughes got boiler
from beach to Knik Lake. Evening unpacked fire extinguishers,
got same ready to hang up, one in store and one in house.
Bill Elliott came over from Old Knik.
December 23, 1906 First team left Knik for
Sushitna Station. We sent $66 order over to Frank Dunn.
William Hughes sent out the team with Frank Miller. PM
took the ladies out for a sleigh ride over to Big Lake on winter
road and back, 2½ hour trip not enough snow for good sledding,
Stanley’s 1st sleigh ride. Evening made shelf for fire extinguishers
- by safe in store. Weather clearing and colder. Snowed
1” last night total this storm 10”.
December 24, 1906 Hauled up 1 cord of firewood.
PM busy putting up x-mas goods. K. T. Co. gave away
$51.75 in Fastido cigars and provisions as x-mas presents
to customers. Gave Natives candy and oranges. Harry
Watson drove over from Old Knik to get on a “x-mas jag”. Chief
Nakeeta was drunk in evening. Most everybody away from Knik
this x-mas. Store sales over $30. Indications of rain.
December 25, 1906 Xmas. Forty above and
raining, caught 2 tubs rain water. Evening thermometer
at 32 and snowing. Densmore and 3 other mushers arrived at
Knik from Cache Creek Tokashetna River. Natives hung around
store all day looking for handouts, gave them all candy and oranges.
Matanuska Stephan arrived, had 3 X fox and bear and another skin -
my bid $20 – he sold them to Palmer. Had canned turkey and
lobster salad dinner. Evening retired 9:30. Mattie got
pin cushion and box writing paper, baby got a rubber doll and dog,
myself R and Railway
December 26, 1906 Total fall of snow
1’, about 6” left around Knik after the rain yesterday.
High-you time at Purches last night, champagne and supper for
Names, Miller and Ed O’Brien. Store sales light today.
Made alarm for store door so we could hear it in kitchen at meal
times. Put up coat hooks in kitchen. All of Palmer’s
crowd on a drunk today.
December 27, 1906 Cleaned case of hams.
Mrs. Howard posting up accounts kept by Cramer last winter.
Evening colder down to zero. Midnight northern lights visible.
Capt. Glenn Names struck Mrs. Howard for a $200 loan to help pay
his license and store bill. Names getting signers for his
license for 1907.
December 28, 1906 Stiff weather all day.
Not much doing in store. Natives reported a Native froze
to death near Big Lake on winter trail, he was out hunting and
got feet wet. Sushitna Station trail swampers got back this
evening. O’Brien from Cottonwood was down sent McKinnon his
x-mas box cigars.
December 29, 1906 Working on old accounts
getting ready to post up day book journal and ledger. Got
up barrel water. Hughes started to move sawmill boiler.
On first bench across Knik Lake they tipped it over. Had to
use 3 teams to move it. Last winter, Tony and Nig moved a large
boiler, Knik to coal fields. Mattie talking of going over trail
with me to Seward about middle of January 1907.
December 30, 1906 Snowed 5” last night total
fall 17”. Hauled up 2 loads birch firewood and 2 barrel
water. Store sales very light, $7.50 today. Frank Miller
returned sled shoes - got a job to move boiler for Hughes.
McNeil discovered that one rick was not a cord of wood, got to saw
3½ cords more to make the 7 cords paid for.
December 31, 1906 Cleaned another case
of hams. Store sales fair. Evening wrote to Bank
of Seward about loan due 30th and Frank Dunn (Station) about supplies.
Midnight, Evan (2 kids) arrived with 4 quarters moose meat from Willow
Creek, bought 84 lb. hind qtr. at 10¢ a pound. Names bought
4 qtrs. at 5¢. Harry got one, Duffy one. Old year
closes with self and family living at Knik. Poor Elmer dead 4½
months.
1907
O. G. Herning: This diary commences the
year with OGH and family living in new annex over store at Knik.
OGH manager and proprietor of the K. T. Co. store at Knik Alaska.
January 1, 1907 Fall of snow at Knik
18” to date. Made out bills due January 1, 1907.
All attended dinner given at the Yentna Restaurant by Frank Whitney
dinner was A-1. Stanley’s first visit in society.
Had a great time until 9 PM, 7:30 his usual bedtime. Hughes
left Knik with feed and freight expecting to break road through
to Sushitna Station.
January 2, 1907 Collected $117 on Names bill.
Not much doing. Got quarter of moose meat for Whitney
Yentna Restaurant Co. Clyde came in trapping at mouth Little
Sushitna, going to Knik River to stake dredger placer. Mrs.
Howard loaned Names $200 - 60 days - so he could pay his license
money and store bill.
January 3, 1907 Evening warming up. John
Headburg came over from Old Knik. Harry Watson sent over
a box of cookies for Stanley. Headburg said Watson had
drove through from Old Knik to Eagle River with team. Bartholf
got back from Willow Creek, went through to relocate claims.
January 4, 1907 Store sales fair got
money Palmer paid Natives for fur. Got day book posted
except invoices from Seattle. Fixed Dan’s feed
box. Evening snowing hard, wet heavy snow
January 5, 1907 Snowed 5” last night
total 23”. Clear and colder midnight 2 below. Judge Hildreth
in town from Chickaloon coal fields. Through Native, Palmer
tried to “job me” on black fox skin, “it didn’t work”.
January 6, 1907 Evening made out bill, balance
due on C. and H. lot, clearing lot $21, cutting
poles for fence $6, hauling poles for fence $2, 8# nails
65¢ = $29.65 (Cramer dr. ½ = $14.82½).
McNeil got crook to make jumper bobsled for a run about. Prince
paid his bill and bought flashing to make door for his cabin.
Mattie got the “dumps”.
January 7, 1907 First mail due today but didn’t
arrive (overland). Opened up barber supplies and put same
on shelf, sold $2 worth. Temperature 30 above indication of
rain.
January 8, 1907 with Mills drove to Cottonwood
for 2nd load hay for K. B. horses. McNeil got runners sawed
out for one horse jumper bobsled.
January 9, 1907 First U. S. overland
mail arrived, got big bunch. Railway Co. sent check $25.46
for lost anchor. Phil Denzer sent $50 on William McManus
account. Got order from W. J. Morris and several others for
future delivery. Frank Miller got back from Station, Dunn
sent money to cover bill $65. Evening much colder.
January 10, 1907 Got another bunch of
mail from Tyonek, October mail left off there by the Tyonek.
Got deposit on several orders, got bill of goods from Seattle,
October dating. Evening Judge Hildreth gave us a nice order.
Coldest of winter, myself up until 1 o’clock keeping fires going.
January 11, 1907 Ross Paden, Stewart
and Rice and 2 others arrived today from Seward. Got
orders for outfits from E. Nordyke and Harry Ellsworth of Seward.
Cramer took Nordyke’s order. Letter from Cramer. Cash sales
$31.95, business looking brighter. Priced out Judge Hildreth
order. Retired midnight. Got another order from Dunn
Station.
January 12, 1907 Clear and cold
8 below zero. Busy putting up orders for Station, sold
one order. Three more prospectors came in making 8 thus far
this winter. Cash sales to date - January over $800.
Mattie not very well. O’Brien was down, got up 2 barrels water.
Dan didn’t come to barn this evening.
January 13, 1907 Clear and warmer
12 above zero. Three more prospectors arrived from Seward,
total 11 to date, outfitted all but 3 thus far. Sold
3 outfits today - cash sales $250. Had Judge Hildreth
at dinner, roast moose. Reardon Anderson and partner bought
outfit today also Paden and 2 partners. Bought Indian sled off Andrew
10’ for $4.
January 14, 1907 Hughes left, 2nd trip
with supplies for Station. Send Dunn and Kenny grub etc
January 15, 1907 Matanuska Natives arrived
at Knik. Evening until 3 o'clock night very busy in store
took in over $100 and bought $45 worth of furs.
January 16, 1907 Store full of Natives
all day, cash sales over $100, bought $139 worth of furs. Mailman
got back from Tyonek. Wrote to Cramer at Seward about McManus
and trip to Lake Creek. Mattie not feeling well. Profit
today $90.
January 17, 1907 Colder 12 below
zero. Matanuska Natives moving their grub out on trail.
Had Mills haul in load of wood for Mrs. Howard. McNeil
working on bobsled jumper. Bought a few skins today.
Arthur Baer ready for trip to Chulitna River. Got $200 order
from Wilson and Taylor of Seattle.
January 18, 1907 Coldest day of winter,
22 below zero. Sent Sam Mills out to Fish Creek for load
of hay from last years stock. Hauled out Arthur Bears outfit
to Big Lake. McNeil worked on sled.
January 19, 1907 Cold 15 to 18
below zero. Hughes teams got back from 2nd trip from Knik to
Sushitna Station. Got another order from Frank Dunn.
Natives about through buying, now getting ready for a Potlatch.
Hall and Ed O'Brien got back from trip to Matanuska. McNeil
worked on sled. Mills hauled me in load of firewood.
January 20, 1907 Not much doing in store
today, bought 3 lynx skins. Packed balance of Judge Hildreth’s
order to go by freight to Station. Natives having a warm
time - getting the booze somewhere. Evening took a bath.
McNeil worked on sled. Two below.
January 21, 1907 Light snow, 10 above. Filled
Dunn’s order at Station for 1.10# hams. Got Station
bills ready to mail. McNeil got sled about ready to
put on box. Evening made out price list for Dunn. Natives
holding Potlatch at Stephan’s gave them box cigars. Total snow
fall 25”.
January 22, 1907 Judge Hildreth came
in from his camp at Big Lake. Sent McManus a statement.
January 23, 1907 Warming up 10
to 30 above zero, first January thaw. Five more mushers
arrived from Seward, Monroe Kast among them. All had their
outfits delivered in Yentna District, going in light. Bartholf
took grub to Station. Kast reported that in October he met a man
by name of Chas Nicholson near Knik Harbor on way to Knik - was out
of grub - he never arrived at Knik so must have perished for want of
food. Gave Natives box of oranges for Potlatch at Stephan’s.
January 24, 1907 Took in $125.
Sold Kreidler a $200 outfit. O’Brien from Cottonwood down,
went on a spree. Headburg left for Old Knik with Scotty
Watson’s team. Richardson and Foster got back from Cache
Creek trip. Taylor and partner arrived from Cache Creek on
way to Sunrise. Bob Wyman in town on way to Station.
Palmer on a drunk.
January 25, 1907 Matanuska Natives moving
their outfits out of town. Got mail ready to send out
by Kriedler who is going to 49 for hydraulic hose. R. C. Richardson
wanted to cancel part of Girdwood grubstake order. Gibson
went to Knik River to relocate Young’s dredge ground.
January 26, 1907 Zero degrees.
Sam Mills hauled in load long birch. Evening wrote to Palmer
about the moccasin order. Sent Corlew bill of Palmer Co.
order to handle at Seward if agreeable, goods supposed to be at
Seward. John Hedburg came over from Old Knik.
January 27, 1907 Kriedler and Reed left
Knik for Railway camp 49 to get their hydraulic hose. Let
them take our Jack dog. Bartholf got back from the Station.
Got cash for Dunn’s order in January. Settled up with R. C.
Richardson on his $350 grubstake order on James Girdwood account.
LeClair left for Station. Groat Bros. left for Forks on Sushitna.
McNeil worked on bobsled.
January 28, 1907 10 to 20 above
zero. Store sales $71. Mushers all left for gold fields.
Hildreth came in last trip to Knik on way out to Thunder Creek,
Cache Creek District. McNeil got bobsled about finished.
Evening wind. Richardson left, alone, for Yentna District.
Foster remained at Knik.
January 29, 1907 Zero degrees.
Helped McNeil on bobsled got it finished and painted.
Mills hauled one load firewood for store and had birch poles for
Mrs. Howard. Found two drunks in hayloft this morning, Pete and
“White Eye” Nicholai. Names bought Purches horse feed and
harness they are going to Peters Creek.
January 30, 1907 Zero degrees .
McNeil got jumper sleigh finished. Mattie, baby and Mrs. Goodell
took a ride up Cottonwood trail. Three more men arrived
from Seward, got their orders, total to arrive 24.
Talkeetna Natives arrived, bought part of their fur. Evening
got Dunn’s order ready to ship to Station. Henry Bahrenburg
came over from Station.
January 31, 1907 Warming up 20 above
zero. Busy all day in store. Cash sales $116.20.
Davis didn’t go to Station, took Dunn’s grub this evening, ready
to go in the morning. Reardon came in for 160 lbs. more
beans, said they were camped on Big Lake Blakely trail, other side
of Little Sushitna. Judge Hildreth sent Nakeeta in for more
grub and 2 crowbars. Indian Jim caught a wolf. Mills hauled
in 2 loads firewood.
February 1, 1907 Zero degrees.
Behrenberg left Knik for Glacier Creek. January net cash
business $204.82. Mattie took baby out for a ride in new
sled. Davis left for Station, sent grub to Dunn. Mills
got 1,000 lbs. to haul to Fish Creek. Two more mushers in town,
total 26.
February 2, 1907 Colder, 8 below zero.
Two more mushers arrived from Glacier Creek, total 28.
O’Brien from Cottonwood was down. Sam Mills left Knik for
Station with load freight for George Purches. Indian Jim
caught another wolf down at Fish Creek.
February 3, 1907 Colder, 18 below zero.
Store sales fair $20. George Purches and wife left Knik
for the Yentna District. Harry Watson sent over for a small order.
Evening took usual bath. Carter came over from Station.
February 4, 1907 Cold 16
below 4th day below zero. Got up 2 barrels water. Cleaned
flue to stove and store. Evening made out Names bill.
Cash taken in $51. Sushitna Natives arrived.
February 5, 1907 Midnight 4 above zero.
Hughes and Miller arrived from Station. Davis only got
as far as river, left Dunn’s freight and came back. Natives on a
drunk down at spring. Dutchman reported to have frozen his
feet out on Sushitna trail.
February 6, 1907 Second U. S. overland mail
arrived. Got statement from bank and letters from K and
B Co. about future development of mines. Eight more mushers
arrived from Seward, total 36. Hughes left for Station,
sent Dunn sack sugar. Store sales $21. Clara wrote father
had been sick for 3 weeks. Mattie got news that her Aunt in
Naugatuck was dead.
February 7, 1907 Midnight 4 below zero.
Store sales cash $26. Took orders for 3 outfits. Mailman
left for Tyonek. Evening answered Walkers letters on K and
B Co. business. Sam Wells got back from trip to Fish Creek.
Bartholf and Hughes left for a moose hunt. Retired 1:30, wash
day in AM. Foster was over from Old Knik.
February 8, 1907 Zero degrees.
Cash sales $22.90. Wells came in for grub from Valdez Creek.
Got promise of three orders for tomorrow. Mills hauled
in last of wood.
February 9, 1907 10 below zero
last night, nothing doing today. Outfitted 5 men, Wells
Bros. Valdez Creek and four men for Kuskokwim. Total sales
$387. Up until midnight packing balance of outfits and posting
up books. Mills hauled in another load of wood. Supplies
getting low. Credit McNeil 1 rick 3½’ x 8’ firewood.
February 10, 1907 Zero degrees. Kriedler
and Reed got back from trip to Railway camp 49 with hydraulic
hose. Mills left for St. Claire camp on Little Sushitna.
Wells left for Station he bought 24 sacks flour from us and turned
it over to Palmer. Up until 3 o'clock getting mail ready to
send out. Snowed 1” last night total snowfall 26”.
February 11, 1907 Evening blizzard 25
above. Sam Wells got back from river. Frank Miller
got back from Station got big order from Frank Dunn. Evening
put up Dunn order - sent him statement of bills rendered to date.
Allowed Richardson’s due bill on Dunn’s order amount $100 on account
of Jas. Girdwood’s order. Mattie, Mrs. Howard and baby took
a ride in new sleigh. Mailed $800 deposit to bank.
February 12, 1907 Second Chief from Matanuska
in town. Bought lynx, martin, beaver, only $50, had 1
summer silver grey was of no value. Wind with snow last night,
sifted snow through cracks everywhere. Evening finished letter
to Walker, K. B. counsel, and wrote several other letters.
Bad cold on chest not feeling well. Thirty inches of snow
to date. Mailman got back from Tyonek.
February 13, 1907 Old fashioned Dakota
storm today, south-eastern. Got mail ready to send out,
sent bank Girdwood’s bill for collection. Bad cold didn’t
get up until 1l o’clock. Hughes didn’t leave for Station
on account of storm. Mailman laid over. Evening posted
up cash book. Kriedler and Reed getting ready for trip to Clear
Creek near Forks Sushitna. Got bad cold. Got ½ dozen letters
carried to Tyonek.
February 14, 1907 Snowed heavy this evening.
Bartholf came in with a moose. Hughes went out with part
of load for Station. Whitney hauled part of Kriedler’s outfit
to summit landing. Busy writing all day. Answered Stevens
and Bridgman’s letters about K. B. affairs. Wrote to Denzer
about funds sent to McManus. Sent for Taylor samples Rogers
Blake Co. Cold some better.
February 15, 1907 Genuine old fashioned
Dakota blizzard, snowed 18”, snow drifted to top of fence in
front of store. Nothing doing in store today. Cut Stanley’s
hair. Mailman started for Seward. Frank Miller came
in from Big Lake had to leave bobsled, snow 18” deep. Howard
took PM off on account of snow on roof of her cabin. Evening
wind went down clearing and colder. Cold much better.
February 16, 1907 16 below zero,
snowed 18”. Last storm unusual for this time of winter.
Making a total of 48” of snow at Knik with winter trails all blocked.
Sent out our four horses, broke trail to Big Lake other side of Fish
Creek, self went to summit. Store sales very light. Five
men reported due tomorrow from Susitna Station for supplies.
Howard took AM off, took several pictures around Knik today.
February 17, 1907 Coldest snap thus far
this winter 26 below this morning. Five men came in from
the Station for supplies. Cash sales $31. Had to saw
firewood today. Evening before sundown 10 below, midnight 22
below zero. Sushitna Natives came back from Old Knik Potlatch.
Took Big Stephan’s picture for costume.
February 18, 1907 Midnight 22 below zero,
7 AM 30 below zero. Indications of coldest weather of winter.
PM broke road to woods near spring and hauled in 1 load.
Doing a little biz with Sushitna Natives. Cash sales $50.55.
Evening kept fire going. Report came that Will Foster lost
one of Harry Watson’s horses crossing head of Knik Arm to Old Knik.
February 19, 1907 Not quite so cold midnight
22 below. Started to pack up February orders. Took
bunks out of mess room cleaned up same to store outfits for future
delivery. Whitney and Mills with Nig and Tony and Names team
hauled Reed and Kriedler’s outfit out to Big Lake. Hughes sent
team to Station. Otto came in with 400 lbs. moose meat.
February 20, 1907 Midnight 20 below AM
30 below. Store sales fair. Packing goods for future
delivery. Joe Anderson in town on way to Seward.
Kept fire going until midnight. Talkeetna Pedro in town who
found copper ledge for Judge. Nakeeta going with him to put
up notices for Judge. Retired midnight. Fourth very cold
day.
February 21, 1907 Midnight 6 below -
moderating some. Packing up orders for future delivery.
Drift ice in channel stayed in one tide. Mills hauled in
load firewood 1½ hours, McNeil cut same. Got some
fur today - one X fox. Siwash dance at Yentna Restaurant.
February 22, 1907 Midnight 5 below zero.
Packing outfits. Evening Hughes team returned from the
Station. Horses worn out and not much feed. McNeil
cut wood. Palmer on another drunk. Talkeetna Natives
left Knik for home. Sushitna Natives left for Station.
February 23, 1907 Midnight 16 below zero.
Seventh day of zero weather coldest of winter. Mills hauled
in 2 loads birch poles cut by McNeil. McNeil made sawhorse.
Packing on orders for future delivery.
February 24, 1907 Warming up, cloudy
this evening and 10 above. Sent two teams to Fish Creek
for balance of hay. Packed goods for delivery. Lidell
came in from Cache Creek. All orders for future delivery about
packed. Evening I unloaded hay, put same in barn. Frank
Miller got back, left Dunn’s provisions at Fish Creek 10 miles
from Station.
February 25, 1907 Warmer, 20 above at
midnight. Packing orders for future delivery. Figured
up inventory, over $10,000 worth of goods on hand. Hauled
up 1 barrel water with Jack dog.
February 26, 1907 Warming up 26 to 40
above zero. Mills hauled in 2 loads of poles for firewood.
Sold Frank Watson an outfit for J. W. Hamilton and Harris trip
to Kashwitna Copper Mine. Ross Padon and 2 partners got back
from trip to Forks Sushitna their cache was missing. Ten mushers
from Seward long overdue.
February 27, 1907 Partly cloudy
light snow. Sold $40 order to Lidell. Anderson and Stuart
left Knik for Glacier Creek. Prince shot 2 moose near town,
Pete got one also. Bill’s - COD over $800 - bills on time
$400. Mattie got a stitch in her side. Names started to put
up ice.
February 28, 1907 Very fine day, thermometer
56 in the sun 6 above at midnight. PM hauled in 2 barrels water,
Mattie and baby went along, Mattie got out of sled and got feet
wet in overflow on lake. Evening busy posting up February
bills rendered. Names filled his ice house. Very mild
today cold weather broken.
March 1, 1907 Zero this morning 16 above
at 10 PM. Mills hauled in 2 loads birch wood. Evening
8 PM snowing. Bought 2 caribou skins and 1 rabbit robe.
Mattie troubled with stitch in her side.
March 2, 1907 Thermometer in sun reads
50 above at midnight 16 above zero. Collected $76 on February
bills rendered. Mrs. Howard decided to lay off until more
was doing in store. Duke Harris leaves tomorrow for Glacier
Creek to get dog feed. Wrote to Murphy, sent inventory of goods
in stock Wrote Cramer at Glacier Creek.
March 3, 1907 Snow 22 above zero.
Mrs. Howard quit. Myself in store all day sales light.
Duke Harris and J. W. Hamilton left Knik for Glacier Creek with
dog team. Bartholf wanted to get flour to feed to his old
skates. Nelson and Whitney took balance of their order.
McNeil gave us a moose rib roast.
March 4, 1907 Evening 17 mushers arrived from
Seward on way to Yentna gold fields, Bill Morris and Mr. Peterson
among this party also Drees and Nordyke. Wilson, Whitney and
Sam Mills ready to leave for Wagner Gulch at head of Lake Creek.
March 5, 1907 Several more mushers came
in. Store sales good, took in $260 cash and booked 2 new
orders. Whitney, Wilson and Mills left for Yentna - Lidell hauled
their outfit from Knik to Big Lake. Henry Bahrenburg back from
Glacier Creek on way to Station. Evening busy packing orders
until midnight.
March 6, 1907 Busy in store all day packing
outfits until 4 o'clock morning. Got Barton and Arlington
order ready also Morris order. Bill Morris and Jacobs left
for Cache Creek.
March 7, 1907 Sent McNeil out with a
load of freight to Big Lake, other side of Fish Creek, Barton
and Arlington outfit. Let Drees haul load to Cottonwood
with Maud on new jumper sled. Hughes took out two double
ender loads.
March 8, 1907 Got Kershaw and Ballaine outfit
and Stoll outfit ready to send out, up until 2 o’clock.
McNeil hauled in 2 loads wood. Nakila and boy came in, got
one A-1 lynx skin. Put in new pipe flue in store - was all
burned and full of holes. Hughes came back on account of overflow
couldn’t cross Big Lake.
March 9, 1907 Last of mushers got away for
Yentna of the late arrivals. Let Stoll use Maud on jumper
sled to haul his outfit from Knik to Big Lake. Kershaw and Ballantyne
left with last load and tent outfit. Fur coats and canned
goods men yet in town. Mattie and Mrs. Howard went for a walk PM.
March 10, 1907 Mailman overdue.
AM hauled in load birch wood for Mrs. Howard. O’Brien down
from Cottonwood agreed to let me have some hay. Had Lidell cut
load of birch wood. Checked up flour, 29 sacks unsold.
March 11, 1907 Drove up to Cottonwood for load
of O’Brien’s hay, got about 7 cwt. No mailman today.
Evening made out Ellsworth’s additional bill. Mattie looked
after store today store sales very light.
March 12, 1907 Total snow fall at Knik
to date 54”. Let Frank Miller use Jack dog to haul in
moose meat, he gave us a rib roast. Mattie and baby went out for
a ride with Maud on jumper sled. Paid N. Howard her deposit
money $473.30. Wash day. Evening posted up cash book.
After paying deposit over $800 on hand. Amount of business
since January 1st $4,000.
March 13, 1907 Thawing temperature
12 to 40 above zero. Mattie baby and Mrs. Goodell took
a sleigh ride with Maud. Duke Harris and 2 new mushers arrived
from Glacier Creek. Mushers reported 3 boats on the rocks - 3 men
on trail to Knik. Railroad running trains Seward to camp 49.
Contract to build tracks from camp 49 to Camp 75. Tom Lane left
for Glacier Creek.
March 14, 1907 Colder 2 above to
32 above. Let Harper use Maud to haul part of their outfit
from Knik to Big Lake. Got inventory ready to send to
R. G. Dunn rating agency. O'Brien came down, paid him $12 for about
7 cwt. hay. Evening store full of mushers.
March 15, 1907 Mailman arrived from Seward,
reported 14 mushers on trail, Wilson and Cramer among the
bunch. Got inventory of stock and statement for rating
ready to mail to R. G. Dunn Seattle and Portland. A. C. Co.
sold store to Alaska Coast Co. Woolsey bringing another boat
for Sushitna River.
March 16. 1907 Clear and colder.
Anderson, Lake Creek man, arrived from Seward, reported
Clarence Whitney at 49 with sore feet via Boston to Knik.
Lidell hauled in load logs for storeroom addition. Wrote
to Seattle Hardware Co. sent draft to cover goods received $209.64.
Anderson wanted me to move boiler to Lake Creek. St. Clair came
to town from Sushitna Roadhouse.
March 17, 1907 Warmer 18 to 32
above. Lidell finished hauling in logs for new storeroom.
Balance of 14 mushers arrived - Cramer, Eberhardt and Wilson among
the bunch, they took possession of Yentna Restaurant. Got part of
mail ready to send out. John Headburg married the Talkeetna slave
woman.
March 18, 1907 Busy in store all day sales
$150. Duffy got sore on Palmer because he let Mayor Sam and
the mushers into the Yentna Restaurant so he paid his bill
and quit Palmer and came to trade at the K. T. Co. store.
Cramer cut his $200 order down to $65 and will go in with Lidell on
Cache Creek. Boiler Anderson and party left for Station.
March 19, 1907 Got N. Howard to help pack orders,
put up 3 outfits. W. J. Murphy and Clarence Whitney arrived.
Mushers ready to leave for Station tomorrow. Evening windy
clear and colder. George Eberhardt visited.
March 20, 1907 Colder evening down
to 2 below zero. Sent McNeil and Lidell out to Big Lake
with two small loads for prospectors. Two more mushers arrived
also 2 fur men. PM talked over K. B. affairs with Clarence
Whitney. K. B. wanted to pay $1,000 now and $1,000
in July on my account.
March 21, 1907 Sent out load of grub
for mushers Knik to Big Lake. Mailman got back from Tyonek.
Sent moccasins to Kidder and Owl Drug Co. and $425 cash to
Bank of Seward by mailman Lowell. Most all the mushers
left for Station. Sold my furs to Hubbard’s agent.
March 22, 1907 Cold, 15 below zero.
Made out bill of sales for scow and launch. W. J. Murphy
took K. B. launch for $200, self took scow for $50.
Had talk with C. E. Whitney who K. B. M. Co. sent to represent them.
Told him that my terms for settlement had to be accepted by April
20th or I would attach K. B. property. Made out order for supplies
needed for launch. Murphy to go below for same.
March 23, 1907 Lidell hauled his and
Cramer’s outfit to Big Lake with Maud. Murphy and Whitney
left Knik for Seward. Whitney to wire K. B. about a settlement
with me. Date fixed at April 20th. Had 3 days
zero weather now warming up. Sent out-mail. Furguson
arrived on way to Lake Creek. Had outfit with him, bought $10
worth here.
March 24, 1907 Cloudy 16 to 30 above,
indication of snow. Cramer and Lidell left Knik for Cache
Creek. PM with Tony on small sleigh drove down to Fish Creek
for hay. Got up 2 barrels water. Evening Harry Watson arrived
from Old Knik via on way to Falls Creek to cook for Eberhardt and Anderson.
March 25, 1907 J. H. Christman arrived
from Cache Creek sold him a $35 outfit. Store sales fair.
Mrs. Howard and Mattie did washing, snowed 2”. Total fall
of snow at Knik 56”.
March 26, 1907 Big wind last night, blew
chimneys down and board roofs off of houses south-eastern.
Let Harry Watson use Maud on small sleigh to go as far as Big
Lake. Watson and Kelly left for Falls Creek to work for Eberhardt
and Anderson. Christman left for Station. Sent letters
to Frank Dunn to say balance due to fur man en route.
March 27, 1907 Cold 30 below zero,
very quiet in store. Wrote C. E. Whitney to come or send me
a word from Seward result of wire to K. B. at Boston wouldn’t
wait later than April 20th for a settlement.
March 28, 1907 Freezing all day.
J. Griffin came back from Yentna for more grub, also Mr. Anderson.
Got word from Dunn and Kenny also McManus. McManus sent
order $50 grub to deliver to Kenny, charge to Phil Denzer.
Duke Harris got back from Kashwitna also boiler Anderson from Lake
Creek. Five men left Knik for Seward. Hubbard went out
with the gang. Sales $48.
March 29, 1907 Sold two small outfits today
- Peter of Peters Creek and Mr. Anderson from Lake Creek.
H. J. Griffith took out 350 lbs. to Big Lake. Answered Dunn’s,
McManus and Kenny’s letters. Sent statements of bills rendered.
Skidednation Nicholai reported to have arrived at the Station and
sold his furs there. McNeil got jag of hay from Fish Creek.
March 30, 1907 St. Clair came in from
Roadhouse for supplies. Jake and Elic came over from Station.
Peters, Anderson and Griffin left with supplies via Station to
Yentna District. McNeil hauled up another jag hay on small
horse sled. Evening windy. Four men left for Seward.
March 31, 1907 Easter Sunday. Had
fair day in store trade with Sushitna Natives. Made out
bills rendered in March, hauled up 2 barrels water. Evening
old man Nordyke arrived gave up-trip to Caribou District with Drees
- were 20 days moving their outfit Knik to Moose Creek 40 miles, got
60 miles more to make.
April 1, 1907 Got J. L. Reeds mail from Post
Office. Old man Hunter in town went as far as Raven
Creek, too windy to cross Crow Creek Pass. Headburg hauled
in wood with our team for Duffy. Palmer sobering up from
a spree. Baby fell cut gash over left eye.
April 2, 1907 Warming up, thawed
today. Helped McNeil haul in 4 poles to make gangplank to use
on beach. Store sales fair took $50. Won 30-30 riffle
for $1, drinks cost $1.50 extra. Sold Sushitna Native
$7 worth cube sugar, all out of sugar and flour at Station.
Gebron got back from trip to Clear Creek.
April 3, 1907 with double team started
for Cottonwood for load of hay. Trail drifted so bad had
to give up-trip, Mattie and baby went along. Got
up 2 barrels water. Two of Watson’s men arrived from Seward,
got some mail. Elic Vacilla was down from Old Knik paid his bill.
Baby not well, liver trouble, passed white stool.
April 4, 1907 Bare ground beginning to
show up around Knik. O'Brien was down. Watson’s men left
Knik for Chickaloon coal camp. Baby ok today.
April 5, 1907 with small sled drove to
Cottonwood for jag of hay, six hours. Frank Dunn arrived from
Station, paid his debt and bought $22 more. Sales today $68.
Bartholf, Hughes and McNeil went down to Goose Bay in boat for moose
meat. First boating this spring on Arm.
April 6, 1907 Got up 5 AM to let Dunn
have his supplies for Station. Frank Crab, Booth, McHenry and
Old Hunter left in row boat for Turnagain Arm via to Seward.
Crab coming back with boat and our 12 sacks feed left in Hope. Evening
Odukirk's partner got back from Chulitna, got letter from Kriedler.
Bartholf and Hughes got back from moose hunt got no moose.
April 7, 1907 Thawed a little today.
Had a run on sugar by Natives today, 4 barrels left.
Got board ready for another K. T. Co. sign also head board for
Elmer’s grave. McNeil hauled wood for himself with Tony.
Very quiet in town. Evening took a bath.
April 8, 1907 Not much doing in store
sales $25. Two mushers came in from Yentna. Mr. Matt got
back from Squentna. Kenny sent over $35 to apply on his account
by Mr. Mat. Bartholf and Names left in boat on PM tide for
moose hunt around Goose Bay. Hauled up 2 barrels water and
lumber from Nakeeta, 17 barrels in exchange for shingles.
Evening developed 3 rolls film.
April 9, 1907 Thawed considerable today,
bare ground in gardens and in front of store. Monroe Kast
came in with Matt last evening got the rheumatics going outside.
Churchill sent Natives over for sugar. Headburg came back from
trip to Metal Creek, afraid someone would get his squaw. Evening
finished developing 5 film rolls.
April 10, 1907 Matt getting Palmer’s gas boat
ready for trip to Seldovia. Printed picture on velox, developer
no good, only got a few. Beldick and Prince shot 5 moose
over on ridge of K. B. trail. Baby started to wear
jr. overalls.
April 11, 1907 Hot time in Indian town last
night, Natives drunk. Judge called out, put Nicholai and
McNeil in irons. Names out of town. Where did they get
the whiskey? Packed 100# cube to send to Churchill.
Sent Dunn the 3 bottles catsup left, belong on his late order.
Sent C. A. Neslin a bottle liniment. Mattie and Mrs. Howard
took a walk to government camp PM. Hauled up 2 barrels water.
April 12, 1907 Very quiet in store.
Sent Churchill 100# cube sugar by Native. McNeil started
to hew out stringers for gangplank. High tide taking ice
off beach at Knik. Mattie and Mrs. Howard took another walk to
government camp. Smith and wife arrived from Chickaloon.
Nakala came to town bought 1 lynx from him. Bartholf returned
the K. B. bobsleighs.
April 13, 1907 Snow about all gone on
gardens. Started to ceil up front end of little room over
store. McNeil finished hewing stringers (4) for gangplank.
Otto made hotbed for early vegetables. Palmer got his gas
boat fitted up for trip to Seldovia.
April 14, 1907 Helped McNeil on gangplank.
Mattie and the women folks took a walk to summit on Station
trail. Wrote Hale if he would protect me in case K. B. Mine
was sold. Wrote to Jos. about K. B. affairs. Cloudy
and cold all day. Two mushers from Cache Creek arrived.
April 15, 1907 Helped McNeil on gangplank.
Hauled up 2 barrels water. Palmer’s crowd ready to leave
for Seldovia on morning tide. Sent order for ½ ton oats
and hay to Chas Lilly Co. Snow 2/3 gone around Knik.
Mattie made donuts.
April 16, 1907 Palmer launched his gas boat
on AM tide for trip to Seldovia, boat leaked so bad they had to
pull her out and cork her up. Evening Frank Crab got back
from trip to Turnagain Arm, brought back 12 sacks chopped feed
left last October with A. C. Co. at Hope. Joe Palmer and
Johnny Petallin brother came over with him. All of Palmer’s
crowd drunk today.
April 17, 1907 AM tide Palmer left with
gas boat for Seldovia, had 8 passengers. Sent mail to
bank and letter to Jos. Got gangplank about finished except
laying floor. Mattie cleaned house. Evening Duffy came
in and gave us a 2 hour earache about his cooking experience in San
Francisco.
April 18, 1907 Snow all gone off store
garden and in lot back of house. Natives got back with moose
meat from Little Sushitna on K. B. trail. Paid Anton Jefeson
bill rendered by Cramer for his riffle and shoes $19.
April 19, 1907 Hauled up 2 barrels water
with Nig on stone boat. Finished frame work on gangplank
4’ x 31’. Got to have flooring whipsawed. Nakeeta came
back from trip to Copper on Talkeetna - said McConahay was sick
at Chickaloon couldn’t go any farther.
April 20, 1907 Duke Harris arrived from
Seward overland brought Seward mail. Got letter from Murphy,
left Seward on April 3rd for Seattle.
April 21, 1907 Snow all gone off around
buildings at Knik and on trail beach to lake. Started to
paint another K. T. Co. sign. Sold R. Butler of Seward small
outfit on his way to Cache Creek District. Shoveled snow drift
off Elmer’s grave. Foster left at noon with dory for Turnagain
Arm with Mr. Eaton who just arrived from Kuskokwim. Sent order
to A. C. Co. Hope for 10 sacks oats for Bartholf and Hughes.
April 22, 1907 Butler and partner last to leave
Knik with dog team for Cache Creek.
April 23, 1907 Trade fair, $20,
had a run on sugar. Several Natives came in from Little
Sushitna to trade before the breakup, bid on 2 lynx and 1 otter
$12, Palmer’s man got them for $14.50, 1 lynx summer
pelt. Got log ready to saw on. Chief Nakeeta brought
lumber for gangplank. Duke Harris left for coal mines.
April 24, 1907 Marked and plumbed log
to whipsaw for lumber for gangplank. Hunter Smith arrived from
Eagle River had a small catch. Old man Zorn and son arrived
from trip Seward to Knik, 1 month on trail, had to cache their
grub at head of Knik Arm came in with only camp outfit. All
out of hay, horses getting some grass.
April 25, 1907 First rain of spring.
Cut ice around stern of scow. Geese flying over all evening.
Put up wash bench in kitchen, evening fixed clock that was out
of order.
April 26, 1907 Frost out of store and
barn gardens. Natives finished sawing lumber for gangplank
floor, 150’ cost $4.80 and $1 for log = 4¢ per ft.
Frank Miller leaded and corked up Sea Otter boat. Mattie
and Mrs. Howard walked to Fish Creek and back (4 miles). Palmer
overdue on trip to Seldovia 3 days. Hauled 2 barrels water.
April 27 1907 Big tide partly covered ice on
flats. Cleaned Old hair off horses. Miller finished
corking Sea Otter boat, time 5 hours. Cleaned out potato
pen in root house. McNeil finished sawing firewood.
Painted sweep oars. Cleaned off store garden. Got most
of ice out of stern of scow.
April 28, 1907 Lots of ice afloat.
Made bracket to hold fire extinguishers, to place in front room
over store. McNeil finished sawing wood, got credit for
3 1/3 cords for April, 3 cords on hand. McNeil helped me fix wench
on scow, took out roller, put on tackle to pull her up on bank.
Evening Affinassa arrived from Tyonek. Reported the
Tyonek came as far as Tyonek, too much ice, so went back to
Seldovia. Fed horses last of frozen potatoes.
April 29, 1907 Jacked up scow off ice. McNeil
jointed up flooring for gangplank. Palmer got back from trip
to Seldovia on 5 PM tide. The Tyonek at Fire Island, too
much ice to come into Arm. Palmer delivered mail
at Sunrise and Hope and Knik with his gas boat. Foster got back
from Hope, brought 8 sacks feed. Clothing for Stanley came by
mail. Got letter from Stevens only K. B. mail.
April 30, 1907 Finished gangplank, painted
floor of same. Hauled up 2 barrels water. Palmer
went to Fire Island for grub left there by the Tyonek. Foster
left by boat for Old Knik via Goose Bay route. Got big bundle
paper mail that accumulated since last October. Ice in Knik
Arm 2 weeks later than last spring.
May 1, 1907 Collection day. Made
out local trade bills, collected $119. Matt and old Hughes,
Palmer’s hooch dispenser, had scrap over a dog in Palmer’s saloon.
Hughes pulled a club then a rifle on Matt but was properly disarmed.
Flood tide quite free of ice flow. Bartholf moved up to Cottonwood
to
commence fixing trail to Willow Creek.
Duffy gave a 3 hour earache.
May 2, 1907 McNeil went to Goose Bay
Point to cut poles and sills for hardware annex.
Headburg left by row boat for Old Knik. Wrote Seattle Hardware
Co. I would furnish 5½’ snowshoes for $3 and 6’
for $3.50, F. O. B. Knik. Evening picked a goose.
May 3, 1907 Not freezing at night.
Rode Kid up to tide flats let O'Brien have job to grub piece
of land to plant rutabagas. Painted Sea Otter boat.
Registered letter to A. C. Co. Hope and bank at Seward. McNeil
rafted up rafters and sills for hardware annex. Put screens
on 2 windows, a few mosquitoes presenting bills. Snow all
gone in woods.
May 4, 1907 First real rain of spring. Landed
raft of logs. Put pull rope in gangplank. Had goose
dinner. Jap boy got back from hunting trip around Goose Bay,
gave us a goose. Got 2 oz. 5 dwt . 20 gr. gold dust ready to send
to bank of Seward. Put up fire extinguishers in front room.
May 5, 1907 with Tony hauled pole rafters and
sills - beach to store. Started to clean out to build
hardware annex between store and new cabin. Evening
Admiral Duffy visited, gave me a 2 hour earache about his restaurant
business in Seattle. Blind Miller arrived after all winter on
trail Seward to Knik.
May 6, 1907 William Murphy got back from trip
to Seattle for a gas engine for his launch, came from Seward
via Glacier Creek, Wallace came over with him to do carpenter
work on boat. PM jacked up scow above ice on beach.
Started to build hardware annex. Put K. T. Co. sign on roof
of store. Evening wrote to Phil Denzer sent statement of his
account.
May 7, 1907 Murphy started to remodel
K. B. launch for gas engine, Wallace doing the carpentry work.
Got logs laid at rear of hardware annex. Talked with Judge
about K. B. affairs said I would have to apply to District Court
to cover the mining property. Otto came in for grub for Bartholf
on account of trail work Knik to Willow Creek.
May 8, 1907 Got floor sills laid and
part of floor in hardware annex. Hauled up 2 barrels water.
Murphy got launch all stripped ready for new house etc.
Evening wrote C. and T. Co. not to deliver lost October freight.
Answered Mr. Stevens letter about K. B. affairs. Evening
horses failed to come for feed. Headburg and bride left for
Glacier Creek, also Old John Miller. Evening horses failed to
come for feed.
May 9 1907 McNeil laid off. Laid
part of floor hardware annex. Matt started to cut
out for shaft log in launch. Murphy hewed out shaft log
and bored same. Paddy and 3 men arrived via Old Knik from
Glacier Creek on way to Knik Copper. Horses failed to show
up at barn tonight 2nd night away. Noon Palmer left for Tyonek
- Names and Smith went with him in gas boat.
May 10, 1907 Finished laying floor in
hardware annex. Got up a few front logs. Murphy went
to Goose Bay Point to get timbers for launch. Mrs.
Howard drove up horses from Fish Creek. Evening Palmer got
back from trip to Tyonek, brought no mail. Clyde arrived
by boat said the Tyonek was at Glacier Creek, wouldn’t call here
for 2 weeks.
May 11, 1907 Got most of logs up on front of
hardware annex. Put in pier to run scow on - to cork,
paint, etc., same. Launch all ready to set engine.
Palmer started to build crib for wharf. Names packing up to
move his saloon to Tyonek.
May 12, 1907 Tide too small to float scow.
Got hardware annex front completed, part of rafters up.
Zorn launched his dory. Murphy waiting for engine and house
material for launch. Palmer filling in crib for wharf.
Got sore throat.
May 13, 1907 Rain most all day.
Got up balance of rafters on hardware annex. Took in $330
deposits. No work on launch today waiting for engine to arrive
- left off at Tyonek. Evening Duffy visited, gave a 2 hour
earache.
May 14, 1907 AM tide Murphy left for Turnagain
Arm to get iron for launch. Put in gutter and started
to shingle hardware annex. Palmer finished building wharf
- 4 days work. Evening got $750 ready to send to bank. Delivered
30 bunches shingles to Duffy by Duke Harris.
May 15, 1907 Put on 4 bunches shingles
on hardware annex, covered balance of roof with canvas on account
of being out of shingles. Red Jack and the Tyonek expected
in on any tide. Evening cleaned up front yard. Duffy
visited with his usual earache. Mailed $400 gold and $350 currency
to Bank of Seward - 2 registered packages.
May 16, 1907 Jacked up scow and nailed
on mud guard. Put door frame in hardware annex.
The Tyonek arrived first trip to Knik, got groceries hardware
clothing. Palmer’s wharf no good, unloaded freight on gangplanks.
Whitney arrived, no word from K and B Co. about settlement.
Up until 2 o'clock talking with Whitney. Red Jack arrived, brought
Murphy’s engine on way to Station. Palmer went to Sunrise.
May 17, 1907 The Tyonek left for
Seldovia. Mrs. Howard went out on the Tyonek also Smith
and wife and Clarence Whitney went back to Seward. Murphy
got engine into launch. Wallace getting out material for
house on launch, Matt setting engine. Morning tide Palmer
got back from Sunrise with load of beer. Palmer and his squaw
drunk.
May 18, 1907 Unpacked some hardware and
marked same. Wallace got the frame up for pilot house
on launch. Evening helped to set engine in launch. Palmer
moved Names saloon outfit to Tyonek. Stephan got back from Tyonek
with his new sloop. Horses came up from Fish Creek.
May 19, 1907 Bartholf put in small order
for mine supplies. Matt got engine lined up. Wallace
got up frame to house on launch and part of siding on.
Murphy caulking up launch. Evening horses came to barn.
Bartholf planted 40 Mile Miller’s garden.
May 20, 1907 Ploughed garden in front
of store. Hauled up sleds, beach to annex. Put up
$40 worth of supplies for Bartholf to take to Willow Creek.
Evening painted house on launch. Bought 8 pair snowshoes,
store sales fair. Evening took a bath. Evening tide
Bartholf left Knik for Willow Creek.
May 21, 1907 First real warm day of spring.
Everything about completed on launch. Sent to Sunrise
for lumber to cover roof of house on launch, by Palmer’s gas boat.
Opened up box of guns, all in good condition. Duke Harris
went to Seward via Sunrise to bring around horses to Knik.
May 22, 1907 Palmer launch got back from
Sunrise, got no lumber. Planted store garden to spuds
etc. Boat reported at Goose Bay, probably the Ida May.
May 23, 1907 Helped to put roof of house
on launch and did some priming. PM made first ice cream.
Evening Matt, Wallace and Murphy ate ice cream with us.
Store sales fair $30.
May 24, 1907 The Tyonek arrived, 2nd
trip to Knik, got no freight. Ploughed C and H garden.
Took top off hardware roof to cover roof on launch. Evening
made red paint to paint roof on launch. Painted pilot house
and hatch. One passenger arrived. Zorn left by boat to
get his winter cache at head of Arm. Forty Mile Miller got back
from trip to Valdez Creek.
May 25, 1907 Ready to launch the launch but
got no oil. Palmer started to plant spuds.
May 26, 1907 Worked on scow all day put
in 5 new sills. Set glass in pilot house window primed
doors of pilot house on launch. Murphy finished laying floor
in launch. Port windows rudder and sail gear yet to go on.
Hughes lost 4 of his horses on Cottonwood flats. Beldick
arrived from Willow Creek.
May 27, 1907 Got scow ready to launch.
Let Duffy have horses to plough up his garden spot. Hauled
up 2 barrels water. Snowshoes coming in every day, 30
pairs on hand. Wash day.
May 28, 1907 Up at 5:30 launched scow,
tide came 1’ over bank. Painted waterline on launch and
doors etc. in pilot house. Did some work on rudder.
Evening Wallace set dynamo and put in center post to stiffen roof
of launch. Launch all ready to run except connecting up
cable to rudder, waiting for oil to arrive.
May 29, 1907 Painted most all day on
launch. Cut glass for windows and Wallace put them in.
Murphy connected up cable to rudder etc. Evening tide Ryn
of Kenai arrived with his sloop.
May 30, 1907 Cleaned 2 cases of ham.
Fixed bank - back of hardware annex. paid Wallace $100
for 20 days labor remodeling launch. Evening tide the Tyonek
arrived - disc harrow and forage came. Evening set up disc
harrow got no mail. Murphy put in shelf lockers in pilot
house and molding around top of house inside. The Ida May reported
at Seldovia.
May 31, 1907 Run disc harrow over C and
H garden. Morning tide launched K. B. launch. PM
tide, the Ida May arrived with gas oil for launch, also
the Bat arrived. Finch brought 4 Natives over from Tyonek
on account of drinking booze. Evening unloaded oil on
scow. The Bat caught fire finally put it out. Miss Woolsey
came on Bat, guest at our house.
June 1, 1907 Paid freight on oil.
The Ida May left on AM tide. Started to paint ceiling in
launch. Ploughed K. B. lot. Murphy put mast in launch.
Evening painted trimmings on pilot house. The Bat got fixed
up, got electric wire from the Ida May. Had
Woolsey and daughter and Mr. Finch at dinner.
June 2, 1907 Launch wouldn’t float AM
tide. The Bat also got stuck on Knik beach. Murphy
and Wallace rolled launch into deep water. Left Knik at midnight
with Jim Wallace for Sunrise went along as pilot, left Mattie to
run store - up all night.
June 3, 1907 Ate breakfast on Fire Island.
AM tide started out for Sunrise heavy head wind north of Turnagain
Arm had to run back to Fire Island. Slept on Fire Island
on beach. Red Jack visited at Knik brought Matt back and
2 passengers.
June 4, 1907 Cloudy. AM tide
went back to Knik for more oil and to lengthen out rudders.
Got orders from Kenny and Rice, Lake Creek, for supplies put
up same to go on launch.
June 5, 1907 Left Knik midnight for Hope
and Sunrise with ton of freight and 5 passengers. Arrived
Fire Island 5 AM. AM tide went to Hope, head wind very rough
arrived Hope 2 PM left off 1 passenger.
June 6, 1907 2 AM left Hope for
Sunrise, Mr. Sleeper a passenger - left off 3 passengers.
3 AM left Sunrise for Tyonek was a little rough in Chickaloon Bay.
Arrived at Tyonek 1 PM on half flood. Evening tide rough
Turnagain Arm wind. Short of fuel - leak in tank and pipe.
Decided to go back to Knik then to river. Engine wants overhauling.
Tyonek.
June 7, 1907 Left Tyonek 11 AM, arrived
Knik 5 PM. Evening mosquitoes very bad. Murphy cleaned
out bilge in launch, found leak in feed pipe. Brought 4
box pilot for Palmer - del. first king salmon at Knik. Store
sales light. Got order from Names for future delivery.
June 8, 1907 Made out McNeil and Bartholf’s
bills rendered in May. Unpacked hardware. Murphy
overhauling gasoline tank and feed pipe also engine. Watson’s
men came down from coal camp to get horses - to arrive from Seward.
Evening checked down and marked hardware. Most everyone got
light colds.
June 9, 1907 Got Names order ready. Painted
bow on launch where tide rips, ripped off plates. Evening
Murphy got launch ready for trip up river. Anderson, of Lake
Creek, arrived with his gas boat on way to Tyonek. McNeil got
logs for oil house.
June 10, 1907 Got up 6 AM left Knik -
voyage 2 with launch for Sushitna River at 8 AM. Arrived
at bar off river at noon anchored for flood tide. Got into mouth
of river at 5 PM, high tide mark on East Fork, couldn’t find channel
up East Fork got aground many times. Crossed over to Barrel
Island got hung up on sand bar went dry 10 hour waiting for tide.
June 11, 1907 Left mouth of river
7 AM arrived at Station 11:30. Took dinner at Dunn’s left
Station 2 PM arrived Kahiltna 10 PM anchored 1 mile above Kahiltna.
June 12, 1907 Arrived Lake Creek 10 AM
took 10½ hour run Station to Lake Creek. Collected
freight bills, delivered freight to Kenny - Rice and Co. and McHenry.
Left Lake Creek 1 PM, stopped at Kahiltna no one there.
Arrived Station 5 PM. Took on two passengers and old man Van
Buren from Lake Creek. Passed Red Jack at mouth of river.
Laid over at Barrel Island windy outside.
June 13, 1907 Barrel Island to Tyonok
and Knik. AM tide went to Tyonek, strong wind off shore.
Woolsey followed with the Bat had to put in at Beluga. 12:30
left Tyonek for Knik strong wind, heavy seas off Fire Island very
rough, arrived at Knik 7 PM. The Tyonek was in on the 12th
brought Duke Harris and Watson’s horses. McNeil had oil house
up and gas stored therein.
June 14, 1907 Murphy had to line up engine.
Bartholf came in from Willow Creek for more grub, paid his bill.
Evening Palmer tried his gas boat after resetting engine.
Store trade fair mosquitoes quite bad. Murphy hired to take
Duke Harris to Sushitna Forks at $20 per day.
June 15, 1907 Warmer, mosquitoes very
bad. Murphy left Knik with Duke Harris via to Sushitna Forks.
Put up $132 order for Bartholf to take to Willow Creek. Palmer
left with scow and gas boat for coal.
June 16, 1907 Rode Kid up to grass flats
and planted rutabaga seed on lot there. Bartholf left
for Willow Creek. Hamilton left for Knik River Copper Mines.
Forty Mile Miller returned from Knik River. Unpacked hardware
Mattie made ice cream.
June 17, 1907 Checked down hardware replanted
lettuce and radishes. Three boats arrived on evening tide from
Knik River. Small mosquitoes very bad. Oats up on
K. B. lot. Bought bear cub skin off Forty Mile Miller.
Evening cloudy.
June 18, 1907 Mosquitoes bad. Unpacked
sleds, saws and shovels and put them in hardware annex.
June 19, 1907 First real rain of spring.
Worked on books all day. Forty Mile Miller soldered
eve trough on hardware annex.
June 21, 1907 Hamilton Chandler and Foster
got back from Knik River. Joe Palmer arrived from Hope.
June 22, 1907 PM tide both Palmer and Murphy
arrived at Knik. Murphy gone 7 day trip to Forks.
Store sales fair. Got order from Dunn from Station.
Mosquitoes quite lively again.
June 23, 1907 Put Knik Trading tarp on
roof of hardware annex. Made arrangements to send Tom
Longtree to Willow Creek to look after water and flume and property
and care for K. B. horses. Put up small order for Dunn,
G. S. Swan and K. B. Mines. Up most all night getting ready
for trip to Seward via with the Swan to Sunrise, then trail to RR.
No diary entries from June 24 through July
15 while Herning was on a trip to Seward.
July 16, 1907 Left Seward 8 AM train
to camp 34 and walked to end of government road, took lunch with
Weaver Hatchey and Sunny Jim. Took tea at Gleason’s cabin and
arrived at Lynx Creek 7:30. Stayed at Nate White's bunkhouse.
Evening rain.
July 17, 1907 Lynx Creek to Sunrise,
got up at 5 AM and mushed down to 6 mile Forks. Had breakfast
at Sullivan’s, got legs wet, dried out same then mushed to Sunrise
arrived at noon no boat in.
July 18, 1907 The Swan arrived at Sunrise.
PM windy so laid over tide.
July 19, 1907 At Sunrise. Noon
tide, left on the Swan for Girdwood. Got stuck on
bar had to layover a tide. Called on O’Dale’s.
July 20 1907 Girdwood to Sunrise and
Hope, rough so laid over a tide.
July 21, 1907 Rain, Hope to Knik.
Left Hope 1 AM not very rough, arrived Fire Island 4 AM arrived
Knik at noon. Found all well. Mattie did well in store
while absent 4 week trip to Seward. Put up small order for
Kenny and Names. Home at Knik.
July 22, 1907 AM tide, the Swan
left for Yentna. Palmer’s gas boat came back, couldn’t
make Sunrise on account of rough weather and broke down.
Sent statements to Stewart, Kenny - Dunn and Names.
July 23, 1907 Posted up store accounts.
Made out Duffy bill for June $111.
July 24, 1907 Got 4 dz. snowshoes ready
to ship to Seattle Hardware Co. Wrote to Woodward Clarke
Co. of Portland to send out tracer for box of drugs lost last October.
Horses came up, Kid and Maud looking fine other 3 horses at Willow
Creek. Gardens backward at Knik, potato crop thin, Native
seed all grew outside seed missed 1/3.
July 25, 1907 Packed Indian curios to
ship to Seward News Co. and brown bear skin for McAlpine at Homer.
The Tyonek arrived, with two hunters, Dawson and Berg.
Shipped $89.70 worth of Indian curios to Seward News Co,
48 pair $150 worth snowshoes to Seattle Hardware Co. One bear
skin to William McAlpine in Homer. Evening Bartholf
arrived from Willow Creek reported that 200’ of flume was washed
over canyon at K. B. Mines at noon July 19th.
July 26, 1907 Put up small order for
Bartholf. Palmer and his gang all drunk last night up
to 5 in the morning. Made out Bartholf’s June bills also
McNeil’s. Hilled up spuds in store garden.
July 27, 1907 Left Knik on Kid horse
for mines, 7 AM, arrived Sushitna cache 1:30. Found Bartholf
at river had lunch, left 2:30. Hamilton and party arrived
from Kashwitna on way to Knik. Arrived at mines 7:30 got
wet on mountain. Talked to Tom about flood at mines on 19th
until midnight.
July 28, 1907 Got up 6 AM looked over flume
and works. All the flume through rock cut washed over
canyon falls nothing left of it. Snow slide took out 100’
pipeline. Flood took out 100’ sideline 9” pipe, 20”
pipe crushed by snow, pipeline a wreck. Staked 2 claims on
bench west side of Gilbert group. Evening went to head of Grubstake
for 2 horses, Kid not there. Otto and Crab came in from Little
Sushitna.
July 29 and 30 1907 no diary entry
July 31, 1907 The Tyonek in port.
Mrs. Goodell left for Seattle. New A. C. Co. man and wife
on the Tyonek to take charge of Sunrise Station. E. H. Bartholf
left for Willow Creek PM let him use 2 horses.
August 1,1907 Murphy started to remove
skegs from launch. McNeil finished hoeing C and H garden.
Made 2 gallons paint for roof of launch. Evening got up
barrel water. Evening Duffy gave us 2 hour earache.
Made out paper for signers for Duffy’s license.
August 2, 1907 Finished shingling part
of hardware annex. Goodell paid his bill. Put design
on launch for her name “The Swan”. Forty Mile Miller sore at
Palmer about restaurant deal.
August 3, 1907 Painted name on Swan busy
in store rest of day.
August 4, 1907 Cameron and party got back from
coal fields. Sent bank $793.40 deposit. Sent $436.46
draft to cover goods from Seattle. Wrote Mr. Hovey about
store deal.
August 5, 1907 Watson got back from coal banks.
August 6, 1907 Left on the Swan 6 AM
for Turnagain Arm to buy a few supplies, Cameron and party
went along to Sunrise. PM tide - visited at Sunrise, Glacier
and Kern Creek and returned to Sunrise. Ross Paden
went out via Sunrise. Turnagain Arm very smooth.
August 7, 1907 AM tide, went to Hope
bought flour etc. PM tide visited at Rainbow and went
to Fire Island. Evening rain.
August 8, 1907 5 AM arrived Knik.
Evening tide the Swan left with Watson for Sunrise and
Hamilton for Lake Creek.
August 10, 1907 Johnson and Al Carnak left
on boat down Arm. Frank Miller left for Kenai with Palmer’s
gas boat to have engine repaired. Old Hunter left for Old Knik.
Frank Crabb returned from Knik River.
August 11, 1907 Got ready for trip to
K. B. Mines to take care of flume that flood wrecked.
August 12, 1907 Left Knik 5:30 with 2
men for mines, found horses on beach near hayshed. The
Tyonek arrived, self rode back for mail. Ate dinner at
Big Lake fed horses at river arrived at mines 9:30. No rain
today. Found Old Tom watchman at mines OK.
August 13, 1907 Started to block up and line
up flume that had been wrecked by the flood July 19th and rebuild
pit dam. Evening rode down to lumber camp to see Bartholf,
he was not there was out prospecting gold ledge at head of Willow
Creek.
August 14, 1907 Put in dam at head of
Gilbert basin to turn creek on bench channel and then rebuilt
pit dam and got creek running through canyon ditch. Let Bartholf
have some grub. Loaned him our forge.
August 15, 1907 Worked on flume, rebraced
right hand shear boards that was wrecked by flood. Gene
Bartholf visited on way to quartz find on Craigie Creek. Evening
put new staple on cache door.
August 16, 1907 Made 27 to 20 taper flume
to joint where flood cut out 16 boxes. Finished lining
up flume put back wall in on pit dam. Evening looked at pipeline
wrecked by snow slides, decided not to repair same this season.
Work finished except cleaning out canyon ditch. Left same
for Tom to do.
August 17, 1907 Light rain.
Finished grading flume, put in left shear board and turned water
through flume. Flume now in good order in case of another
flood.
August 18, 1907 Got up at 4 with Tom, went
to head of Grubstake Gulch for horses, found all but Kid horse
who must have left for Knik Friday evening. Left mines at
8 AM with 4 horses and 2 men for Knik, arrived Knik 8 PM. The
Swan was at Knik on trip to Station, sent Kenny more grub. McNeil’s
time at mines 12th to 18th was 7 days at $3.50, Anderson
times 6 days at $2.
August 19, 1907 The Swan left Knik for
Station Dunn and Wallace en route.
August 20, 1907 Judge Goodell said that Pete
and Nicholai had to work 3 days each for Palmer for riding
my Kid horse and Palmer’s horse up and down the beach without authority
for doing so. McNeil went to Goose Bay for saw logs.
August 21, 1907 Marked hardware
Put dry salt side in pickle. Wrote to bank, sent $100 check
for deposit and 3-18-15 dust at $16 = $62.90. Sent $55 for
range to Frederick and Nelson Seattle. Stephan came in from
Tyonek saw no steamboats.
August 22, 1907 Took in several pairs
snowshoes. Put “port” light in door to store warehouse.
Registered dust to bank. Posted up cash books.
August 23, 1907 Busy around store.
PM tide the Swan got back from trip to Station. Evening
E. H. Bartholf arrived from Willow Creek, had 250 lb. gold quartz
for mill test. Gave Big Stephan “go hunting grubstake” via
up Matanuska.
August 24, 1907 Cloudy - rough
surf. Put up two orders; 1 - $100 order 1- $30 order and cash
sales $47.30. The Swan stayed in port on account of wind.
Evening tide Otto left for Willow Creek and siwashes had a dance
in RR store room, whites officiated. Judge Hildreth on the
floor Martha waltzed etc. Dug 33 lb. new spuds.
August 25, 1907 Got ready for trip to Turnagain
Arm on G. S. Swan. Bartholf panned some Craigie Creek ore,
went $200 to ton. 9 PM tide - left Knik on Swan for the
Arm, Judge Hildreth and Gene Bartholf went along.
Arrived lee of Fire Island 11:35, blowing out of the Arm.
August 26, 1907 Cloudy, light rain
at Fire Island, too rough to go into Turnagain Arm. Hildreth,
Bartholf and myself took a hunt on the island,
wind blowing hard.
August 27, 1907 Cloudy light rain
at Fire Island, 8 AM moved down to anchorage at lower spit.
Still rough in Turnagain Arm. Left Fire Island 4 PM arrived
at Sunrise 6:35. Left off Judge Hildreth and Bartholf.
Too rough and dark to go to Glacier Creek laid over a tide.
August 28, 1907 Left Sunrise 8:15 AM
tide for Glacier Creek. Laid over a tide, bought dog
feed from Alaska Central Railway Co. Got 1½ tons
freight for Station. Ate dinner with O’Dale’s, Mr.
Wm. Girdwood was there, brought down some bear meat. PM got
freight aboard the Swan. Evening tide went to Sunrise and took
on some spuds. Dark and fog laid over a tide.
August 29,1907 Sunrise to Hope.
Morning tide sailed for Hope to take on lumber and freight.
Found the Tyonek at dock loading AC freight for Sunrise.
PM loaded 1,500’ lumber on Swan for Knik. PM heavy wind down
Turnagain Arm. SS Tyonek left Hope for Sunrise, wind drove
her back to Hope. Too dark to leave on evening tide.
August 30, 1907 Cloudy and windy.
Left Hope 11:30 AM very rough seas. Hope to Fire Island.
Arrived at Knik 9:30 PM. Got letter from attorney Morford
with wire from K. B. Boston offering payment of $1,500 on my account.
Received $350 from bank account draft C.O.D. Got order
from Kenny Lake Creek.
August 31, 1907 AM unloaded freight put
same in cache. The Swan in port. Had Native
hill up C and H spuds 11 hours at 20¢ = $2.10. Natives
and whites had dance in Railway storehouse, wound up all drunk -
fist fight with several shots fired in the air. Rufe done up
Johnnie Kast. No arrests.
September 1, 1907 Made out August bills rendered,
collected in $319.88. Many sore heads around town after
dance last night, old Judge included. Had first watermelon
feed at Knik. Got present of 2 ducks.
September 2, 1907 The Swan in port. Henry
Richsten left in row boat down the Inlet. Several Natives
went to Knik River for fall hunt. Had a big duck dinner today,
grape pie and watermelon. Evening got books posted up to
date. Took a bath.
September 3, 1907 The Swan left Knik
for Station. Frank Miller went as far as river on duck
hunt. Took picture of the Swan on Knik beach.
Everybody out of town except 6 white people. Evening got
up a barrel of water. Took picture of Stanley in pants.
Evening Duffy visited with President earache.
September 4, 1907 Snowed on mountain peaks
last night down to timber line. Hoed some in spuds, worked
on orders for fall delivery. Done the witch act and found
two veins of water by Duffy’s Roadhouse. Got up barrel water,
Martha washed. Evening Duffy visited, gave us earache on
how politicians got graft money etc. Everybody out of town - store
sales light.
September 5, 1907 Very nice day.
Got most of hardware and grocery order ready. Re-sacked
some Railway flour. Bought 5 pair snowshoes. Store
sales light.
September 8, 1907 Heavy rain last night
clearing today. Busy getting orders made out for fall delivery.
The Swan arrived from Station with passengers for Turnagain Arm.
Evening made out an agreement, Fred G. Borden to W. J. Murphy on
account the launch sunk in Sushitna River, to raise same
or take out engine etc.
September 9, 1907 AM tide the Swan left
Knik for Turnagain Arm. Started to cut hay on tide flats, too
wet so cut it out. Busy typewriting in orders.
September 10, 1907 Got up 2 barrels water.
Drees and Willard Hall arrived from Caribou Creek. Grubstaked
Pedro to go hunting up Matanuska. Store biz quiet.
September 11, 1907 Arranged things in
hardware annex, oiled stoves and repaired damaged ones.
Evening Burr and 3 other men arrived from Glacier Creek. Wrote
to Hovey and Churchill and Co. would sell Yukon sleds for $6
FOB Knik and divide outfit on tools they might need. Evening
light rain. Mail due tomorrow. Had duck dinner.
September 12, 1907 Packed up 35 pair
snowshoes to ship out. Made pigeon hole for freight bills
etc.
September 13, 1907 Sold a stove. Billed
out 35 pair snowshoes Seattle Hardware Co. $190.50 to go on the
Tyonek. Evening Duffy visited with usual earache, Mattie
took it all in.
September 14, 1907 Oiled pit saws.
PM stacked hay. No boat today. Foster got back from
Knik River. Old Hunter came over from Old Knik.
September 15, 1907 Arranged goods in
hardware annex. Sold a stove. Sold small outfit.
Painted whiffletrees. Posted up cash book to date.
Let Miller have team to haul up fire wood.
September 16, 1907 Knik lively today.
Red Jack arrived, Names on board with bride. Foster and
partner left on prospecting trip. McNeil and Nicholai left
to cut hay on Fish Creek (contract). The Swan arrived 11
AM. Very busy in store, took in $81.55. Evening Siwash
dance in Railway storehouse, whites predominated. Mattie
danced with the rest of the squaw men and Duke Harris. No
mail boat reported to arrive until 24th. Bartholf’s help came
in.
September 17, 1907 Red Jack sailed for Tyonek
with his wife in irons. Otto and Jap's arrived from Willow
Creek. Got ready for trip to Seward. Took $225 cash
and gold dust.
October 4, 1907 Left Sunrise 6 AM on the Swan,
arrived at Fire Island Point 9 AM. Left on flood tide
for Knik 10:30. Frank Crabb and Dick Richardson came over
from Sunrise on the Swan. Put up ¾ ton supplies
for Yentna District. Champagne party in honor of Mrs. Purches
at Palmer’s saloon (self not invited).
October 5, 1907 Got up at 5 AM to settle
account with Dick Richardson. The Swan left Knik for
Yentna with Richardson and Purches family. Patchell arrived
overland from Cache Creek.
October 7, 1907 Snowed heavy on mountain
last night. Bought $119 gold dust. Got up barrel
water. Mattie washed. Panned out ½ lb. Willow
Creek quartz got 23¢ in gold = 46¢ lb. or $920 ton.
Ready for trip to Willow Creek to examine quartz ledges.
October 8, 1907 Busy in store cash sales $134.60.
Esi and Ephim got back from fall hunt, bought 1 bear skin.
Hatcher went to Cottonwood for horses on account of trip
to Willow Creek to examine his quarts mines. Evening posted up
cash book balance $599.
October 9, 1907 Left Knik 6:45 with R. L. Hatcher
and 3 horses to examine Hatcher and Carnegie gold quartz mines
between head water of Willow Creek and Little Sushitna River. Run
into snow at timber line on Bald Mt. Arrived at K. B. Mines
10 PM no snow at mess house.
October 10, 1907 Closed up mess house
cleaned up around same. Examined flume and pit dam.
High water had broke through ditch below pit dam and wrecked one
shear board. Left K. B. Mines 10:30 AM up Willow Creek found
that Bartholf Bros. had relocated on Martha group and sluiced on
same. Arrived summit of Windy Pass 2 PM snow 2’ deep.
Snow too deep to go up to Hatcher ledges. Went down Fish Creek
Gulch to Hatcher’s cache on the Sushitna. Got some quartz and
camped for the night.
October 11, 1907 Up 6:15 had snowed 2”
during night. Hatcher’s cache on Sushitna to Knik.
Arrived 1 PM at Hatcher’s cabin on Watson trail (Knik to coal
fields) ate lunch. Snow 6” deep here. Went on to Vasilla’s
cabin and camped there for the night. Put our horses in smokehouse
annex to cabin. Evening clearing and colder. Got wet from
snow on limbs of trees. First snow at Knik.
October 12, 1907 Vasilla’s house to Knik.
Started out 8 AM, arrived Cottonwood 1:30, at Knik 3:30 PM.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunn from Sushitna Station were at our place waiting
for steamer outside. 8 PM the Tyonek arrived, Dunn’s went
out. Sleeper and Smith, Straus and Roll were on board going
out. Mattie had done well in store. The Tyonek didn’t
meet SS Bertha at Seldovia so got no freight. All out of flour
and beans. Scotty Watson arrived from Cache Creek.
October 13, 1907 About 18” snow at Knik and
vegetables not dug. Made arrangement with Hatcher to buy
¼ interest in 3 gold ledges at head of Willow Creek and Little
Sushitna and to handle the property.
October 14, 1907 Ground covered with snow at
Knik, slush ice on Arm. Put in new pipe in stove and
sacked up spuds. Palmer had Nig 5 hours hauling lumber
off beach. Made out deed to Hatcher and Carnegie quartz
lodes ¼ interest to self net $1,000 payable half in cash
and half in grub.
October 15, 1907 Down to 12 above last night.
Paid Hatcher and Carnegie on ¼ interest in lode claims
$325. Made out escrow to handle Hatcher and Carnegie lode claims.
Topped barrel coal oil. Slush ice on Arm today. Watson’s
man left for coal fields. Bartholf Bros. With Seattle
partner arrived at midnight from Seward to look at Willow Creek
quartz.
October 16, 1907 Met Thomas and McCoy Seattle
real estate men. Got ready for trip to Turnagain Arm,
4 PM tide took charge of the Swan for trip to Sunrise, took over
6 passengers. Bartholf and party went as far as Rainbow Creek,
anchored on account of ice.
October 17, 1907 Noon left Rainbow Creek
for Sunrise. Six Mile full of ice, landed passengers
and freight. The Tyonek arrived with AC freight only.
Gave Thomas and McCoy option on Hatcher and Carnegie gold quartz
lodes. Sent bank 23 oz. 3 dwt. gold dust $381.65 and checks
for $55 - ordered John Palmer bill paid, sent bank instructions on
note $40. Bought supplies from A. C. Co.
October 18, 1907 Got up 4 AM left Sunrise
for Knik, arrived at Knik 2:30. Took charge of Bartholf
horses and arranged for transfer of O. C. Miller cabin and lot
to McCoy and Bartholf for $150 cash.
October 19, 1907 Snow going fast cloudy
and light rain, dug balance of spuds in store garden.
Bought O. C. Miller’s cabin for Fred McCoy and E. H. Bartholf $150.
Posted up cash book. Sold $90 order to O. C. Miller.
The Swan went to Old Knik for Harry Watson’s cooking gear. Got
ready for flying trip to Seward via by Swan to Sunrise, government
road, and Alaska Central Railway.
October 20, 1907 through December 3, 1907 no
entries.
December 4, 1907 Left Knik Harbor by
beach for Knik at 6:30 AM, ate lunch above Crescent Bay Point
opposite Knik. At dark got within 5 miles of Old Knik on
account of tide along the beach. Had to camp, mushed 30
miles. Matt Youth and Gus partners on a trip.
December 5, 1907 Arrived at Old Knik
10 AM, got a feed of moose meat at Mitchell’s. Started
for Knik at 11:30 had to go two miles up river to cross over, sloughs
covered with ice, made to Cottonwood in 5 hours. Jack Wilson
and Ferguson were at McKennon’s got our supper. 7:30 mushed to Knik
arrived 9:30. Found Mattie and baby well but worried on account
of my long trip. Took a bath retired 2 o’clock Expected
to be gone 7 days was gone 44 days.
December 6, 1907 Cloudy 20 above
zero at Knik. Store sales $56.60. Lidell visited
and paid his bill. Had many callers asking about conditions
Outside. Paid Matt Youth $60 for delivering 1½
ton supplies Seldovia and Kenai to Fire Island and Knik Harbor.
December 7, 1907 Worked on books all day cash
sales $36.70. Made out Kast bill for February delivery.
Made contract with C. H. Lidell to sled 10 G____ flour, 6 sacks
sugar, 100 lb. lard, 2 boxes candles, 1 can matches, 1 box yeast and
1 box cartridges from Knik Harbor to Knik about 1,800 lbs. for the sum
of $60.
December 8 1907 Cleaned barrel pork, put brine
on same. Finished Kast’s order except corn meal, rolled
oats and butter, none at Knik. Got $478 ready to send
to Bank of Seward by Yeouth. Sent P. F. Vian check for $100
to cover provisions. Evening attended dance and potlatch at
Johnny Kast’s until 11 PM.
December 9, 1907 Got mail ready to send
out to Seward by Mattie Yeouth. Sent for deposit to Bank
of Seward $410, cash $68, checks total $478.20. Sent P. F.
Vian check $100 on account of provisions bill rendered.
Ordered bank to draw on me to cover 30 day note $500 and 2 months
interest on old note $40 to February 22, 1908. Wrote to Hovey,
McCoy and Thomas. Sent Seattle Hardware Co. order on Chas H.
Lilly Co. for $50.
December 10, 1907 Let contract to McNeil to
get 1,600 lbs. grub on Fire Island for $40. He left on AM
ebb. C. H. Lidell started with sleds to get grub at Knik Harbor.
Matt Yeouth left for Seward with Knik mail. Evening paid R.
L. Hatcher $125 balance of cash on 5 lode claims. Hatcher wanted
me to handle their 250’ gold ledge.
December 11, 1907 Doctored old Maud for
mange. Bought Hall’s gold dust. Some one stole one of Mattie’s
x-mas chickens out of barn last night. Made out Patchell’s
and Duffy’s bill. Evening played flute first time since playing
with Elmer over a year ago.
December 12, 1907 McNeil and St. Clair got
back from trip to Fire Island to get cache provisions there.
Only got to Pt. McKenzie too much ice to cross to Island. First
U. S. Mail arrived from Seward by overland route. Rubbed sulpher lard
and coal oil on all the horses for the mange.
December 13, 1907 Looked over Otto Langle's
lot of fur, bid $56 for 2 black fox, 12 lynx, 1 red fox and 1
wolverine. Bought 5 lynx off Native $18 and 5 pair snowshoes
$12.25. Cramer and several prospectors visited. Sold
1, 30-30 riffle and 1, 22 riffle. Started to build storm shed
back of kitchen.
December 14, 1907 Sold Evan Vasilla hunting
outfit. Otto gave me his black fox skins to send out to
Seattle market, was to get all they brought, but evening Palmer
crowd talked him out of the plan and got him to sell Palmer the
fur for $200, less than what it was worth. Murphy had team to
haul his house logs, helped me get a jag of hay. Prospectors arrived
from Valdez Creek.
December 15, 1907 Finished canvas veranda
back of kitchen. Made out Monroe Kast’s 2nd order for grub
February delivery. Wrote letter to F. F. Williams, Portland,
for Murphy. Getting ready for trip to Willow Creek to move
in sawmill. Bought gold dust from Mr. Cramer.
December 16, 1907 Had Maud and Dan shod forward.
Split up wood and sawed same. Getting ready for trip
to Willow Creek. Evening wrote to Bank of Seward, sent 10 oz.
17 dwt. gold dust for deposit. Mailed Monroe Kast’s 2 orders.
Sent bill of goods bought at PCT Co. to have same returned from Seldovia
to Seward.
December 17, 1907 Got bobsleighs ready, loaded
on part of sawmill. Wrote Seattle Hardware Co. Got
Bartholf’s double harness. Sent M. R. Peace Co. and Western
D. G. Co. checks to balance account. Put in half of day
account of Bartholf’s.
December 18, 1907 Moving Bartholf’s sawmill
Knik to Willow Creek, started out with 2 teams. Part of
sawmill frame on one lead forage and camp outfit on other. Found
Fish Creek open, swamps not frozen, trail heavy. Had to camp
at Trail camp no. 3.
December 19, 1907 On account of heavy
road to brake, put all 4 horses on one sled and drove through
to river. Had to cut 250 yards trail to get off 1st
Twin Lake on account of creek not frozen. Drove down on
to river right hand branch open so had to unhitch. Camped
on left bank.
December 20, 1907 Little Sushitna to
ridge cache. Had to make new crossing and cut 300 yard
road to get off river on to old trail. Broke trail up to
ridge cache camped for the night.
December 21, 1907 Ridge cache to Sushitna
barn. Trail not frozen underneath. Snow got horses
down many times. Arrived at summit barn OK, go-devil
not there, Will Bartholf used it last winter to haul in moose,
couldn’t find it. Summit barn broken in and down on account
of snow.
December 22, 1907 Broke trail from summit
barn to small creek near Willow. Snow 2½’ deep,
swamp not frozen, horses down half the time. Returned to
summit barn to go to Knik for balance of sawmill. Several moose
had been around summit barns.
December 23, 1907 Cold wave 20
below zero. Summit barn to Canyon Burnt District - homeward
bound. Had to camp, first cold night of trip.
December 24, 1907 Cold day 8 below
zero. Burnt District to Knik. Arrived Knik 1 PM
very frosty day. Evening bought some fur and snowshoes.
Cleaned up horses. Murphy and Foster tried to get grub
off Fire Island, too much ice nearly lost their boat. Gave
5# Monarch preserves for Xmas presents.
December 25, 1907 Xmas Day. We
gave our chicken to Duffy and ate x-mas dinner with him, Foster,
Murphy, and a Mr. Howe were there. Evening until 10 attended
a Siwash dance at Judge Goodell’s house. Murphy cut my hair
AM. Gave white customers all told 12 jars Monarch preserves =
$18.
December 26, 1907 Put coal in shed. Hatcher
agreed to go with me to Willow Creek to relocate K. B. claims.
Palmer visited said he was going to send out all the crazy men
at Knik also them who had no money - he was intoxicated.
December 27, 1907 Zero all day.
Got tent ready for trail. Most of Palmer’s friends sore on him
for his actions x-mas day and day after. Evening made out
location blanks. Had moose steak and vegetable dinner.
December 28, 1907 Busy getting ready for trip
to Willow Creek to relocate K. B. mines, made out for locations
32 claims. Evening Hatcher visited, had gold rock found
near Knik. Murphy shod Kid forward and hauled in last of
tide flat hay, got load of poles for himself. Johnson came
to town. Coldest day yet 4 below all day.
December 29, 1907 AM 18 below zero below
zero all day. McNeil hauled in load of wood for use of
horses. Packed outfit for trip to Willow Creek. Wrote
notices on boards ready to stake in a hurry 4 claims (32).
All ready to start tomorrow 7:30 AM.
No more entries for 1907.
1908
January 1, 1908 Fifty below zero on Willow
Creek. Staked Wolverine Bear Canyon and Hydraulic group.
Very cold, froze end of finger and big toe. Stayed in lumber
camp. Saw lots of moose signs on Willow Creek, cow and calf
ahead of us on creek. Not many ptarmigan. Only 18”
of snow on Willow Creek.
January 2, 1908 Cloudy warmer.
On Willow Creek started to chain off claims for corner posts.
Got corner location for Wolverine and Bear groups. Got
cakes and candles out of cache on Grubstake. Got back to
lumber camp 5 PM. Had bacon rice and pears for supper.
January 3, 1908 Much warmer. Chained
off Canyon group for corner posts. Ate dinner at mess
house hotcakes, mince meat cakes, and coffee. PM big wind
down Grubstake 90 miles per hour. Staked Big Boulder group
on to east end of Bear group. Fixed door on barn at lumber
camp.
January 4, 1908 Finished chaining off hydraulic
group for corner posts. Got back to camp at 4 PM, brought
down milk, candles, cakes, and canned peas. Now ready for
Knik after staking 33 claims for self on account of protecting my
account agreement K and B Co.
January 5, 1908 Willow Creek to Sushitna River.
Left lumber camp at 8 AM arrived at summit barn 1 PM. Had
lunch, left sack with cooking gear for 2 men. Arrived Sushitna
camp 4:30 PM. Light snow in PM.
January 6, 1908 Left Sushitna camp 9 AM arrived
at Knik 4 PM ate lunch at Fish Creek. Had to wear snowshoes
to Fish Creek. Mattie worried because I was a few days
late. Very quiet at Knik. Wrote Nagley to itemize
his order, I would take flour.
January 7, 1908 Made new pipe and put new air
tight heater in store. McNeil had team to haul in wood
for Palmer at $1 per load for use of team. Made copies of location
notices on Willow Creek. Had roast moose dinner and pumpkin
pie. Paid R. L. Hatcher $24 for 8 day trip to Willow
Creek for relocating K. B. claims.
January 8, 1908 Had Hatcher sign attest to
location notices on Willow Creek. Hatcher left for trip to his
cabin on Watson’s trail to get sleds and grub. McNeil hauled
in 2 loads fire wood. Made out Duffy’s December bill.
Partly cloudy and cool. Tom Langtree said that Palmer and Judge
were going to send him to Seward (crazy).
January 9, 1908 McNeil cut wood, cared for
harnesses. PM loaded part of sawmill to go tomorrow.
Fixed and greased lines on Nig and Tony’s harness. Got location
papers ready to file for record. January mail overdue 1 day.
January 10, 1908 Sent McNeil and St.
Clair to Sushitna with two loads of sawmill material to pick
up one load at camp no. 3. Bought 4 lynx skins off Esi.
Had Willow Creek placer locations recorded. Duffy paid his
bill $99.75. Wrote to Hovey told him I would sell K. B. Mines for
$25,000 with $10,000 down. Sent Brig. Ballantyne
of Sumpter, Oregon film of dogs. Answered Jos. Embleton letter
about his riffles Reed left here.
January 11, 1908 Put up balance of Kast order
for February delivery. Had moose steak dinner and Boston baked
beans. Teams arrived from Sushitna. Stanley ate dinner
with Murphy and Foster.
January 12, 1908 Three men from Ganes Creek,
Kuskokwim District visited, sold them grub for mush - Knik
to Seward. Made drawing of placer claims located on Willow
Creek January 1, 1908. Cleaned up the horses. Report
says we will get no more regular mail. Stanley ate dinner
at Murphy’s.
January 13, 1908 Got mail ready to send out
with Kuskokwim men to Seward. Sent McCoy and Thomas map of Willow
Creek showing January 1, 1908 relocations of K. B. claims.
Made price for claims 660 acres $25,000 - $10,000 down balance
January 1, 1909 - $5,000 June 1, 1909 - $5,000 January 1, 1910
$5,000. Sale must be made by April 1, 1908. Coal men
from Chickaloon came down for mail. Mrs. Purches arrived from
Lake Creek.
January 14, 1908 Sent letter to Bank
of Seward and McCoy and Thomas. Gave Mattie and baby ride with
Maud on single sleigh. Made small drawing of Willow Creek to copy
into records. McNeil went to Fish Creek for hay. Kuskokwim
men left for Seward overland route. Billy and Pedro got back
from fall hunt.
January 15, 1908 Helped Evan saw cord of firewood,
split half of same. No mailman (overdue). Made out Thomas
Langtree's bill. Mrs. Purches visited on Mattie.
January 16, 1908 Got wood cut to last
2 weeks McNeil hauled in two loads. Got ready for trip
to Willow Creek with balance of sawmill. Two more men arrived
from Kuskokwim, had 22 martin skins. Evening attended semi-siwash
dance at St. Clair’s. Morning big wind evening clear and
warm.
January 17, 1908 Got up 6:30, left Knik
with horse load balance of sawmill and forage enough to last
10 days. St. Clair and Johnny K. Clutch with dog team followed
us to Sushitna camp. Dogs gave out on Twin Lakes. Had
to “tow” them in to camp. Trail blowed full on swamps and lakes.
Arrived at camp, 4:45 7 hour trip. Mrs. Purches left for Lake
Creek also 8 Kuskokwim men for Seward. January mail arrived.
January 18, 1908 Moved 4 horse loads, river
to Ridge Trail, very heavy broke down trail on return.
Got back to Sushitna camp 5 PM. Nicholai McNeil came out with
letter from Mattie. Mail arrived last evening answered I will
come in next Tuesday. Three moose crossed our trail. McNeil
1 day, self 1 day, team 1 day, moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 19, 1908 Nicholai left for Knik 8 AM.
Warm last night snowed 2” freezing weather today. Sushitna
camp to summit barn. Brought both sleds and camp outfit
balance of sawmill to ridge. Had to brake trail ridge to summit
barn. Arrived summit barn 5 PM. Made camp supper at
7 - horses tired. Evening windy. McNeil 1 day, self 1 day,
team 1 day, moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 20, 1908 Drove down to ridge
cache broke trail with logs behind sleigh. Brought back
load sawmill material and balance of forage. Johnny Kast
and St. Clair moved from river up to our camp at summit barn.
1 moose crossed our trail. McNeil, self and team moving Bartholf’s
sawmill. Temperature zero to 18 below.
January 21, 1908 Cloudy 4 above
zero. Self drove Maud and Dan to Knik, Johnny Kast went
along. Left summit 9:30 arrived Knik 6 PM. Sylvester
Bros. wrote and offered to put mill on quartz mine. Money panic
in states. McNeil hauled 1 load from ridge camp to summit
barn. McNeil, self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 22, 1908 Self at Knik.
McNeil at summit barn hauling up sawmill and breaking trail.
Wrote to Sylvester Bros. about quartz claims that McCoy and Thomas
had option until July 15, 1908. Wrote Stevens that K and B
Co. could redeem placer mines by paying me $10,000 by April 1st.
McNeil and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 23, 1908 Warming up 34
above zero. Drove team to Theodore’s Slough for ½
ton grub that Lidell sledded up from Knik Harbor, round trip 26
miles, broke trail got back 6 PM. Had Jack Wilson go to Cottonwood
for Bartholf 4 hours. Evening got canned meats ready to
sled to mines. Windy at summit. McNeil laid off, blew trail
full on swamps. Evening rain and big S. E. wind. January
mailman left for Seward.
January 24, 1908 Self left Knik for summit
barn. Hauled load forage and canned goods, drove to river
in 5½ hours. Had to dump half of load at ridge cache
on account soft trail and horses tired, arrived at summit 8:30.
McNeil broke trail - big wind. McNeil and team 1 day moving
Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 25, 1908 Thawing rain.
AM broke trail with 4 horses on front bobsled from summit to
small lake. PM made 2nd trip snow 4’ deep and soft.
Had McNeil make small snow plough to pull behind sled also 2 dry
butts of logs. Evening snowed 2” finished with rain then cleared
off. McNeil self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill and breaking
trail.
January 26, 1908 Squally warm wind
32 above zero. Broke trail from Little Lake to big swamp
snow 4’ to 5’ deep. PM strong NE wind evening hail.
Trail blew full on swamp as fast as we could keep same open on return
trip. Got back to camp 5:15. McNeil self team breaking
trail to move Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 27,1908 Hauled one load sawmill material
summit barn to bench road up Willow Creek. Trail blowed
full on swamp, broke trail over with one team, hauled load with
Nig and Tony. Broke trail from big swamp to little swamp on
bench road snow 4’ to 5’ deep around bench of mountain St.
Clair moved his camp over to Willow Creek. McNeil self and team
moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 28, 1908 Broke trail to ridge cache
to get forage. Hauled 1 load of sawmill material to bench
swamp on Willow Creek. Got road in fair shape, summit barn
to bench road on Willow Creek. Getting short on forage.
Evening quite warm indications of rain or snow. McNeil self
and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 29, 1908 Hauled 2 loads sawmill material
summit barn to bench swamp on Willow Creek. Broke trail
1 mile along bench up Willow Creek to St. Clair’s camp. St.
Clair shot 2 moose on Willow near canyon. Got back to camp
6:30 out of feed, Knik tomorrow. McNeil self and team moving
Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 30, 1908 Got up at 5 AM left summit
for Knik 7 AM to get forage. Brought in tree with superfluous
bunion growth. Arrived at Knik 5 PM. Broke trail all
the way with snow plough and logs, trail now in A-1 shape Knik to
Willow Creek. Warm sunny day getting colder.
January 31, 1908 Cared for horses. Filled
up shelves. Sent Nagley Station 1 case spuds, ½
case strawberries. Shoveled snow off hardware roof. Evening
took a bath.
February 1, 1908 Had Natives saw up ½
cord wood. McNeil hauled 2 loads, 1 for myself.
Murphy had team to skid out saw logs. Made out McNeil’s account.
Bought 4 pair snowshoes. Evening got grub ready for final
trip to Willow Creek to spot sawmill.
February 2, 1908 Left Knik 8 AM for summit.
Four horse team with 3 bales hay and 4 sacks oats to spot mill
on Willow Creek. Arrived at Sushitna River 2 PM - 5 hours
from Knik. Arrived summit barn 5:30 good trail all the way
out. Camped - colder.
February 3, 1908 Moved camp from summit barn
to bench on Willow Creek road, 8 below zero. Hauled over
a ton of forage and canned meats. Made camp and shelter
for horses. Now ready to break trail 3 miles to canyon
on Willow. Zero this evening cold all day. Got moose meat
off Jim St. Clair. McNeil, myself and team moving Bartholf’s
sawmill.
February 4, 1908 Broke trail along bench to
first creek crossing on Willow. Snow 3’ to 5’ deep and
crusted badly about 18” to 2’ on Willow Creek bottom. St. Clair
helped to clean out wind falls on trail - straightened trail in
several places. Had moose liver for breakfast. Cold
all day. McNeil self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
February 5, 1908 Drove down to bench swamp
for feed. Hauled back sawmill frame as far as camp, 1½
miles from crossing on Willow Creek. Broke trail from 1st
crossing on Willow to about ½ mile of canyon. Snow
deep in places and crusted. Ate dinner on Willow Creek got
back to camp 6:30. Evening a little warmer 8 above zero.
McNeil self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
February 6, 1908 Hauled heavy part of sawmill
frame to swamp below canyon on Willow. Broke trail as
far as creek crossing at canyon on Willow. Snow crusted bad
on swamp and 4’ to 5’ deep in timber. Half mile more trail
to break to sawmill site. Cold all day 6 PM 2 above, 10 PM 10
above. McNeil self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
February 7, 1908 Makes 6 days, hauled 2 loads
sawmill material to canyon on Willow. Made 1 creek crossing
lots of shell ice had to fill with brush. One light load to go
tomorrow.
February 8, 1908 Hauled last of sawmill from
bench on Willow to canyon. Broke trail from canyon up
creek ½ mile, snow 5’ deep, made 3 creek crossings.
Had Jimmy St. Clair help, he hauled down from cache 100 cwt
flour and sack peas. 5 PM self went up to lumber camp to bring
down grub tomorrow for horses. Had moose steak, bread, mincemeat
and coffee for supper. McNeil, St. Clair, self and team moving Bartholf’s
sawmill.
February 9, 1908 Got up 5:45 went up to Grubstake
for supplies to take to Knik found no oats. Brought down
some hay and peas, 1 box cakes, rolls, butter, ½ box candles,
4 coils fuse, galvanized nozzle. Mess house blowed full
of snow drifts. Hauled down 200 lbs., Grubstake to Jifkin
cabin. Finished trail and got sawmill spotted at 6 PM.
Horses very tired. Got back to camp 8 PM supper at 9.
McNeil St. Clair, self, and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
February 10, 1908 Willow Creek to Little Sushitna
camp. Left bench camp 9:30 hauled load moose meat for
St. Clair bound for Knik. Arrived Sushitna 1:30 made camp
ate dinner 3 PM. Trail good Willow to river. St. Clair
and bride came with us.
February 11, 1908 Little Sushitna to
Knik. Broke camp 7:45 arrived at Knik 12:30. Mailman
arrived evening from Tyonek via Seward. Up until 1 o’clock
getting mail ready to send out. Evening warmer.
February 12, 1908 Busy around store all day.
PM 4 men from Seward to Nome, to look up mail route, arrived
sold them quite a bill of dog gear. February mail left for
Seward.
February 13, 1908 Two mushers arrived from
Seward. Sold Alaska Road Commission $46.50 worth of hardware.
Store sales $65. Made out McNeil’s bills rendered to February
1, 1908.
February 14, 1908 Road Commission left
for Station. Big Stephan got back to Knik, bought 2 fox
and 1 wolverine. Miller turned over keys to pump house and cabin.
February 15, 1908 Snowed 6”,
AM temperatures 30 to 56. Made out Judge Goodell’s
bill, evening visited and settled same. Entered up
McNeil’s bill October to February 1st. Made out Murphy’s bill
January 6th to date. Evening Judge visited told us all about
Palmer beating his squaw, his drunks, etc., and other squaw men, Johnny
Kast etc. PM warmest day of winter up to 56 above.
February 16, 1908 McNeil got balance of Fish
Creek hay about 2 tons all told. W. J. Murphy settled
bill rendered last June $380 against launch and now owns whole
interest in launch. Paid Murphy for 1 ton Railway flour
and 2 tons Railway oats $130 with freight added. Evening earthquake
February 17, 1908 Five men arrived from
Ganes Creek Kuskokwim District via Seward sold them trail grub.
Made out “Tom’s” bill to date. Sorted over spuds.
Got up 2 barrels water. Evening wrote to Kast about his order
and S. O. Morford about locating K. B. placer and attaching hydraulic
pipe on ground. Sent letter with 2 Kuskokwim mushers.
February 18, 1908 McNeil started to haul in
logs for wharf. Wells Bros. of Valdez Creek arrived after
grub, reported rich strike $1 to $3 per pan on bench 3’ pay above
bedrock. The Grand Duke of Chickaloon and Harper bros. arrived
from Seward. Store sales $27.10.
February 19, 1908 Partly cloudy
40 above evening rain. Sold Harper bros. $17 outfit.
Sent James Wallace account rend. by Dick Groom $9. Sent
P. D. Blodgett account of shortage on freight S.S. Tyonek voyage
#25 October 1906 amount due $41.93 - pay Puget Sound Bank. Kelly
left with Wells Bros. for Valdez Creek to sled in outfit for them.
Ordered 12 rolls no. 1 Gal-va-nite roofing from Union Roofing and
Mfg. Co. St. Paul sent $20 bill to apply.
February 20, 1908 Made drain ditches around
back of house, cleaned ice off hardware annex roof. McNeil
hauled in balance of logs for wharf. Sent J. S. Morford
account for collection. Wrote George Percival of Valdez
that Denzer’s Grubstake account for McManus and Stuart must be paid
soon.
February 21, 1908 Duke Harris and Carnegie
left to find Hatcher on account of big ledge. Made out
Hatcher and Carnegie bill October to date. Started to make
up order for groceries for April delivery.
February 22, 1908 Eighth day of warm
weather, snow going fast. Got orders listed for spring
delivery. McNeil hauled 3 loads firewood. Got
up 2 barrels water had to thaw out pump. Natives shot some 10 moose.
February 23, 1908 Busy making up spring orders.
Duke and Hatcher got back to Knik. Hatcher gave coal company
option on 300’ ledge on Sushitna. McNeil and Crab
went down Arm in boat, 1st boating of spring. Evening Hatcher
visited, said he would sell me his interest in all small ledges
for $12,000.
February 24, 1908 Snowed 4”. Busy
getting mail ready to send out by Hatcher. Sent Sylvester
Bros. sample of 3’ ledge for assay. Wrote McCoy that
I sold his packs. Light snow all day. Sent Sylvester Bros.
$200 on April order. Sent bank 2 oz. dust. Mail sent out
by Hatcher to Seward.
February 25, 1908 Two Matanuska women arrived
bought $19 fur, sold $40 supplies. McNeil and Crab got
back from down Knik Arm reported but little ice at mouth of Arm.
They crossed over to warehouse. Duke and Hatcher left for Seward
with dog team. Palmer and squaw on a drunk.
February 26, 1908 Palmer closed - sleeping
off yesterdays drunk. Natives had dance at Nakeeta’s,
strictly siwash affair except the music.
February 27, 1908 Colder again 4 above.
Rebottled olives and pickles from kits. Natives still
dancing, Murphy furnishing music. McNeil cut firewood in woods.
Bought some fur.
February 28, 1908 Natives all leaving town
to eat up moose killing of four days ago. Chas Tuell and
Mr. Morgan arrived from Sunrise. McNeil hauled in 2 loads firewood.
Sold William Hughes 8 sacks Bartholf’s oats at $2.75 per sack
February 29, 1908 Cold nights and warm days.
Made out Bartholf account for last of grub got at mines also
for tools and camp gear used. McNeil hauled 2 loads firewood.
Tuell and Morgan left for Station.
March 1, 1908 Store sales fair bought some
fur. Made deal with J. J. O’Brien for his hay. Natives
all out for their spring hunt. McNeil cut 50 small spruce
poles for rafters and fence. O’Brien was downtown with big
earache.
March 2, 1908 Made out Bartholf’s sawmill
account. Cost $436 to move sawmill from Knik to Willow
Creek. Purches family arrived from Lake Creek. Otto
Langell offered his restaurant operation to Duffy. Evening
Lidell got back from Tyonek brought me sack rice 51#, 10 lb., bacon,
10# Indian tobacco. Nagley paid balance on provisions bill $11.15.
McNeil hauled poles.
March 3, 1908 Fixed Dan and Maud’s stall
in barn. Finished Bartholf’s bill rendered - account,
sawmill, etc. Mailed Capt. Glenn Names at Kenai, Reed and
Kreidler account due $99.42 to collect and apply on money due Names
$52 and $50 for cabin at Knik. Tuell and Morgan got back, reported
A. C. Co. bought out the Sushitna Store. Big tides and channels opening
up wide.
March 4, 1908 Drove up to J. J. O’Brien’s and
got ½ ton swamp hay. Mailman arrived, 4 days Seward
to Knik. Got assay on 2’ ledge $1,444.82 gold and $1.09
silver total $1,445.89. Got letter from Hovey was in the
insurance biz. Murphy got all of his gear out of my cache
and old engines and boiler pipe out of barn. Barhenburg and
LaClair arrived from Seward. Old man Hunter reported lost
crossing Crow Pass.
March 5, 1908 Palmer’s launch started for Sunrise
with Tuell and Morgan, engine wouldn’t work so had to lay over.
Answered Kriedler’s letter at Kenai. Hughes paid for
8 sacks Bartholf’s oats $22. One musher arrived from Seward
reported A. C. Co. bought store at Station.
March 6, 1908 Helped Moe haul in 4 – 30’
logs for boat and lumber. Three mushers left for Station.
Evening 8 mushers arrived, Monroe Kast, Billy Morris in the bunch.
Self got cold in head everybody in town got colds on account of past
warm spell. After considerable trouble Palmer’s launch got
away for Sunrise with Tuell and Morgan. Channel full of ice
on account of warm spell. Paid O'Brien for his hay $20.
March 7, 1908 Several mushers visited at store.
Paid W. J. Morris for Manus account garden $20. He gave
me $5 for making the deal, I gave it to Mattie. Palmer’s launch
came back, they broke the propeller and shaft in the ice. Tuell
and Morgan started with dog team for Sunrise. McNeil hauled
3 loads wood for Palmer. Evening wrote Sylvester Bros. about
quartz and K. B. placers deal.
March 8, 1908 Mushers in town waiting for storm
to clear. Mailman arrived from Tyonek 4 day trip, average
40 miles per day since he left Seward. Coal company boys were down
for mail. Evening wrote N. Y. Life Insurance Co. for a loan
to cover premium due April 17, 1908 or to cancel policy and pay what’s
due me on same. Two dances in town last night.
March 9, 1908 Rain storm wound up with snow
all day 6”. Old Bennet reported to have left town without
clothes or blankets. Store sales fair $62.65. Got
rid of 7 sacks flour stored at Station. Mushers ready to
start for Station tomorrow. Clearing this evening, mailman
left AM in snow storm for Seward last trip. Cleaned up dozen
pair rubber boots. Billy Morris visited.
March 10, 1908 Storm cleared last night fine
today. Billy Morris and party left for Station, Monroe
Kast took most of his outfit. Cash sales $147.45. Made deal
with McNeil to get grub off Fire Island at 1¢ per lb.
Mrs. Purches visited on Mattie.
March 11, 1908 Kast left for Station 10 with
6 sled loads. Cleaned up 2 lynx skins. McNeil and
Crab left at noon for Fire Island to try and get cache down there
I left last November. Old Bennet showed up PM had been up
at O’Brien’s.
March 12, 1908 Cleaned 2 lynx skins.
Got up 2 barrels water. Sealed up part of end of room
over store. Dynamiter Zorn and son arrived from Station
also Lidell. Nakila moved down to Goose Bay to eat up a moose.
Natives all out of town. Bennet left for Seward. A musher
from Station visited wanted bedrock scrapers.
March 13, 1908 Cooler evening down
to 10 above. Not much doing around Knik. Cleaned
2 lynx skins. Sawed some wood. Mattie visited on Mrs.
Purches, got Duffy’s history and opinion of Palmer and Herning.
March 14, 1908 Self cleaning up lynx skins.
Four mushers arrived from Seward, Joe Anderson among the bunch.
Wolf and Murphy got caught in snow slide on Crow Pass lost their
clothing. Evening attended Republican meeting at Judge Goodell’s
office to elect delegate to convention at Ketchikan 12th of May
self secretary of meeting. Formed Republican club, Judge Goodell
elected delegate.
March 15, 1908 Evening had several callers
in store. McNeil and Crab gone 5 days on trip to Fire
Island. Channel full of ice today.
March 16, 1908 Printed letters on head board
for Elmer’s grave. Evening made sketch map of Knik Arm
and Willow Creek trails etc. showing placer and quartz locations.
One musher arrived.
March 17, 1908 Evening McNeil and Crab got
back from down the Arm, couldn’t get to Fire Island for cache,
there was too much ice running. Evening made copy of sketch
map of Willow Creek etc. to send to Sylvester Bros. Green
ribbon day no drunks in town. Murphy putting bull works on his
launch. Palmer paid for use of team for hauling firewood.
March 18, 1908 Bid on Palmer’s furs and got
them. Settled up with Murphy to date, bought his upright
forge $7.50. Not much ice in channel today. Sawed
wood and got up barrel water. Theodore was down with snowshoes
bought some grub. Murphy put guard rail on his boat.
Chas Ulanky visited.
March 19, 1908 Snowed 4” last night evening
windy. Bid on Purches fur got same. Cash sales $14.
Evening wind drove lots of ice in on flood tide. Made new
price list of canned vegetables and fruit.
March 20, 1908 Cloudy light snow. Worked
on price list of merchandise. O'Brien came down to get
his usual jug. Made up list of furs on hand bought during
winter, $214.15 worth will bring on market $315.
March 21, 1908 Snowed 2” last night and most
all day today. About a foot of snow fell last 3 days.
Very quiet in town. Started to make list of hardware selling
price and cost for handy reference. Got up 2 barrels water.
Usual Boston baked beans day. Mattie sending for plans of
new house and samples of underwear.
March 22, 1908 Storm cleared this morning.
Very quiet in town Natives all gone on spring hunt. Evening
developed 3 film rolls. Took picture of Stanley in front room
came out OK (time exposure).
March 23, 1908 A Mr. Doyle visited said he
was to have Monroe Kast no. 2 order. Evening attended
meeting of 3 at Goodell’s office to fix up constitution for Knik
Republican Club. Took a bath.
March 24, 1908 Started to make list of hardware
to send to other dealers. McNeil and Nicholai sawed firewood
2½ hours. Self split and corded wood under calidore.
Evening usual callers in store.
March 25, 1908 Warmest day 62 in sun.
Started to put cable end in mess house cabin in calidore.
Got up 2 barrels water. Cash sales $5. Duffy sick with sore
throat on account of too much talk. McNeil corked up his
boat for another trial to get flour and sugar at cache off Fire Island.
March 26, 1908 McNeil and Crab left in boat
to get cache on Fire Island. Self finished boarding up
gable end mess house cabin. No sales for cash today first
time this winter - credit sales $5.25. Evening O’Connell
visited wanted work at mines this summer. Nearly out of coal
oil 13 hours daylight now. Murphy said he offered the Swan to
A. C. Co. for $1,700 cash.
March 27, 1908 Hatcher got back from
trip to Seward, brought back late mail got letter from Stevens
in Boston saying they would get 100 stockholders to put in $100
each and pay me $10,000 due on account of K. B. Mines. Julius
Mott arrived from Seward on way to Tyonek to take Woolsey’s new launch
to Katalla.
March 28, 1908 Printed late pictures of Stanley
etc. Sent mail to Tyonek to go out on first boat.
Sent cash to cover Finch’s bill rendered February for groceries
and tobacco. Sent Black Mfg. Co. order for clothing.
Evening attended organization of Knik Republican Club self made
secretary, Goodell president, Purches treasurer.
March 29, 1908 McNeil and Crab arrived with
grub from cache on Fire Island. Six Matanuska Natives arrived
bought $18.50 worth of fur. Cash sales $28.40. Sold
flour left at Harbor for $4.50, sold flour left off at Fire Island
$3.75. Evening Hatcher visited, wanted me to take option
on 3’ ledge 4 claims $600 cash and do assay work balance $9,500 Oct.
1, 1908 or all 4 claims for $15,000 self to get 1/3 (drew no contract).
March 30, 1908 Sold Willard Hall 2 mos. outfits.
Six Matanuska Natives, Chief Tyone in town. Cash sales
$84.30. McNeil cut wood 2 hours, self split and corded
wood in shed. Evening snowed 2”. Sold last of rice, 9
sacks flour on hand, 4 barrels cube, 100 lb. D and G., 75 lb. C, no bacon
or milk. McNeil and Crab reported heavy fields of ice below
Fire Island.
March 31, 1908 AM Matanuska Natives left town.
Hall started to move his outfit up river from Knik. Made
out March bills rendered. Big tides.
April 1, 1908 McKinnon and the squaw with “lamp
out” were down. Evening big tide, some ice lifted on the
beach. Got monthly statements ready for collection.
Bought moose quarter.
April 2, 1908 Dan got a kick on hind leg, washed
and put liniment on it. Cleaned snow off roof, snowed 2” last
night. Evening tide pried out ice on beach. Warm
today snow going fast. Bought 2nd quarter of moose meat for
own use this winter.
April 3, 1908 Got up 2 barrels water.
Put new tops on chimneys galvanized iron made same. Natives
beginning to come back to town from spring hunt. Evening posted
up minutes of the Cook Inlet Republican Club. McNeil said
he cut 2 loads wood. Red Jack arrived in town. Indian Pete
tried to forge $10 check on Judge Goodell.
April 4, 1908 Froze a little last night.
John Kash and Ed St. Clair and Joe Palmer went down the Arm
in boat for a hunt. Stephan got back from Cache Creek paid $5
on his bill. Crab got boat ready for trip to Turnagain Arm.
Red Jack left 9 PM for Tyonek via Sushitna trail.
April 5, 1908 Bare ground showing up along
the banks by beach. Frank Crab left for Sunrise and Glacier
Creek to get oats and groceries. First boat Knik to Arm
this spring. Started to bale up snowshoes to ship out on
first boat. McNeil hauled in wood. Several building
dory’s for summer use.
April 6, 1908 Evan Vasilla and Pedro
came down from Old Vasilla’s place. Cash sales $23.
Baled up several bundles of snowshoes. McNeil hauled in
2 loads wood. Joe LaClair arrived in town from Peters Creek
to trade.
April 7, 1908 Lidell hauling in logs
to build new cabin for myself. Fed last of hay,
Bartholf’s hay also gone. Finished baling up snowshoes got
82 pair. Out of milk. Evening Foster visited and gave
us 6 cans of cream. Cool wind all day.
April 8, 1908 Froze hard last night.
Sent specifications of Yukon horse sleds to Seattle to have
made and to get prices on same. Sleds to be 6’ long
over all, 10” clear of bank, 2’ 6” wide outside
of runners. PM drove up to O’Brien’s for last of hay on Knik
market. Wrote for samples Munsing's underwear and fabrics.
McNeil sawed wood 3½ hours with Nicholai. Small tides.
April 9, 1908 McNeil and Nicholai cut wood
for 5 hours, I split and piled under calidoor, got east
side filled. Evening wrote to several mill companies for
catalogues and about small mill to test ore on ground. Quiet
around town. Boat building and wood cutting going on for summer
use. Palmer putting up ice for summer use.
April 10, 1908 The Tyonek arrived
with McCoy and Names and Bartholf Bros. quartz mill and outfits.
Twenty two passengers got off at Knik and 6 horses. Crowd
tried to launch the scow couldn’t get her off. Paper mail
came in, no letters. Sent out 80 pair snowshoes to Seattle
Hardware Co. The Tyonek laid over one tide.
April 11, 1908 Got 10 sacks flour and
1 case cream from McCoy and Thomas. Made agreement with
McCoy and Thomas to use sleds, Nig and Tony and driver at $7.50 per
day net to me. Very busy around Knik moving two quartz mills
off beach. McNeil hauled wood PM.
April 12, 1908 Had Nig and Tony’s front
shoes put on new. Had hay bobsleighs fixed up. Busy
around store took in $200 cash. Quartz mill men got out
as far as first creek. McNeil hauled wood. Arranged to send
team out to break trail tomorrow to Sushitna.
April 13, 1908 Knik to Paradise Alley.
McNeil and self started out to break trail Knik to Sushitna
for quartz mill men. Fish Creek all open had to break trail
along bench, got out to Paradise Alley. go-deviled down
trail back to Knik, hauled out 15 cwt. as far as Big Lake.
Got back to Knik 8:30. Horses time 9 hours McNeil’s time
13 hour, myself 9 hours. Martha looked after store.
April 14, 1908 Self and Mac hauled a
ton of supplies for McCoy and Thomas out on trail. Put
off half of load at Fish Creek other half at Burnt District.
Broke trail to river ahead of Bartholf crowd. River breaking
up. They started to put in bridge. Camped at river.
April 15, 1908 AM made go-devil. go-deviled
down trail arrived at Knik 6 PM. Took contract from McCoy
and Thomas to move their mortar from Knik to Little Sushitna for
$50.
April 16, 1908 Snow about gone in front
of buildings at Knik. Made gear to haul mortar on to river.
Hatcher got mad and pulled a gun on account of option on their
quartz mine, after explanation everything was OK. They signed
option and I paid them 1st money $200. Evening self and family
attended musical party at Purches.
April 17, 1908 Got up 1:30 got teams
ready to start to move McCoy and Thomas mortar 2½ tons
to Sushitna River. Got away from Knik 4:30 made over to
Fish Creek OK, got stuck twice along Fish Creek. Arrived camp
no. 3 at 1 PM, went into camp on account of soft trail. Drove
Kid horse on small sled with our camping gear and feed. First
time hitched up went OK. McNeil, Crab, myself, 5 horses, 1 day each,
on contract to move McCoy and Thomas mortar.
April 18, 1908 Cloudy froze but
little last night. Started out from camp no. 3 at 5 AM
got over to Burnt District OK sled broke through twice. Trail
sliding and soft in Burnt District, got stuck 5 times and camped on
account of soft trail and cut up by Yukon horse sleds. Drove
to Knik with Nig 9 PM, Tony and Kid left Crab at camp to feed other
team. Arrived Knik midnight. McNeil, Crab, myself, 5
horses, on contract on mortar.
April 19, 1908 Left Knik 8 with 272’
lumber for McCoy and Thomas. Took out snow plough to
break trail. At Fish Creek took on horse feed 2 sacks
and bale hay. At Meadow Creek put on both teams and drove to
river. Broke trail back to Meadow Creek and cut out trees on
curves. McNeil, Crab, myself, 5 horses, 1 day each on contract
to move McCoy and Thomas mortar.
April 20, 1908 Drove to Fish Creek from
Meadow Creek to get load of groceries for McCoy and Thomas with
4 horse team. Self drove Kid to Knik, arrived 10 AM.
Packed furs to ship to Seattle market in care of Sylvester Bros. Co.
McNeil, Crab, 4 horses, 1 day each on contract to move McCoy and Thomas
mortar.
April 21, 1908 In store all day. Wrote
Sylvester Bros. about selling our furs. Froze last night
so suppose the boys are moving mortar from Burnt District to
river. The Tyonek due. Ice on Goose Bay bar lifted and
went out. McNeil, Crab, 4 horses, 1 day each on contract to
move McCoy and Thomas mortar.
April 22, 1908 McNeil and Crab with 4
horses arrived at 3 PM from Sushitna River. Nig broke through
on Big Lake, they pulled him out with Tony. Mr. King arrived
from Ganes Creek Kuskokwim. Landed mortar at river 8 AM at
barn. McNeil, Crab, 2 horses, 1 day each on contract to move
McCoy and Thomas mortar.
April 23, 1908 No boat today, the Tyonek
due on her 2nd voyage. Bartholf arrived at noon.
PM settled his account for care of horses, bought small bill
of goods. Murphy ready to launch his boat the Swan.
Natives came in from Eagle River with moose meat by boat.
April 24, 1908 Mac and Nicholai sawed wood,
self split. Bartholf waited over for the Tyonek.
Evening attended dance at Judge’s house, Purches played, self
second. Dance given in honor of E. H. Bartholf and Kuskokwim
man in route to Seward. About out of grain for horses.
The Tyonek overdue on 2nd trip.
April 25, 1908 Perfect day 70 in
the sun. Helped Murphy launch the Swan. McCoy tried to
buy my interest in H. and C. quartz mine $100 down balance $1,500
July 15 if option taken up. My terms $2,000 July 15 balance
60 days after mill run, made no deal. Gave King 2 letters with
order to Sylvester Bros. one to Washington Rubber Co. With order
for pacs via Sunrise to Seward to go tomorrow. Mac and Nick cut
wood 4 hours. McCoy paid bill rendered collected $99.
April 26, 1908 The Tyonek arrived, voyage two
12 o’clock noon. Brought hay for quartz mill man and some
of my groceries and hardware. Murphy left for Sunrise with the
Swan. Mr. King went over via to Seward.
April 27, 1908 Busy in store took in over $200.
McCoy, Bartholf and Thomas arrived from Sushitna to get
hay. McNeil hauled hay from Names saloon building, on wagon,
to lake, to load on sleds. Snow all gone on road from beach
to lake. Gave McCoy option on my ¼ interest in quartz
mines terms $100 cash, $1,400 July 15, balance $3,500 to come out of
1st gold milled from ledge. McCoy and party left with hay. Capt.
Murphy and the Swan got back on PM tide from Sunrise. Purches went down
Arm for hunt. McNeil and team 6½ hr. hauling hay and lumber.
April 28, 1908 McNeil and Nicholai sawed firewood.
Sold Harry K. an outfit, cash sales $63. Thomas arrived
from river, wanted our man and team to help move outfit
from ridge to Willow Creek. Mac and Crab fixed up 2 pair
Yukon horse sleds. Team ready to leave 3 AM tomorrow.
K. T. C o. doing all the business thus far this spring. Palmer
got no groceries.
April 29, 1908 Big tides, ice 2/3 gone on bar
in front of Knik. McNeil and team left for Sushitna River, 3
AM, to help McCoy and Thomas move quarts mill over ridge and up to
Willow Creek. Thomas guaranteed 10 days or more work for man and team.
Otto and partner shot 50 geese on Cottonwood flats today. Palmer
out of groceries. K. T. Co. doing all the business thus far.
April 30, 1908 Quiet around Knik.
Bought several pair snowshoes. Palmer making garden in
lot in front of old A. C. Co. store. Snow all gone between
beach and lake. Evening sent for 2 new rubber stamps from Lowman
and Hanford. Horses doing well on old grass etc. around Knik.
Stanley fell down stairs no harm done.
May 1, 1908 The Tyonek voyage no. 3 arrived
at 5 AM brought several prospectors. We got dry goods,
spuds, oranges, eggs, 2½ tons. Cramer arrived from
Tacoma wanted to lease my hydraulic mines. Sold Maud to Anderson
for $125 - paid down $20 balance on delivery. Busy in store
cash sales $84. Judge and Mrs. Goodell and boys arrived on
the Tyonek. Got word Corlew sent to Seldovia for part of groceries
left there last October. Sent Sylvester Bros. $100 and
order.
May 2, 1908 Cash sales $44.55. Bought
9 pair snowshoes. Harry Jap got back from Willow Creek, snow
trail gone between Sushitna and Knik trail full of water.
Got note from McNeil said snow was going fast up to ridge.
With 5 horses they moved mortar to within 1 mile of ridge. Sold
outfit to boat building men to go to Goose Bay.
May 3, 1908 Cash sales $29.25.
Gerow and partner went down to Goose Bay to saw lumber for
dory. Talked with Cramer about operating Willow Creek hydraulic
placers. K. T. Co. store doing all the business. Capt.
Murphy and the Swan left for Sunrise.
May 4, 1908 Bartholf and McNeil came in from
Sushitna with pony. Had Crab harrow gardens also harrowed
Palmer’s garden. Made Cramer offer to work hydraulic mines
for 40%, less wages for men and grub.
May 5, 1908 Sowed lot back of store to oats
and barley. Got order from Stuart and Larson and Co. $131.45.
Cash sales $142.75. Let Palmer and Duffy have some of Bartholf’s
spuds and eggs. Palmer launched his gas boat ready to go
out. Chickaloon boys came down to meet Watson on next boat.
McNeil and Crab moved into pump house cabin. McNeil and Bartholf
left for Willow Creek.
May 6, 1908 Palmer and Cramer left with launch
for Tyonek. Palmer closed his store and post office.
Got orders ready to send out and paid April bills rendered.
O'Brien sold his “harsh” for $125 deposited money with me.
May 7, 1908 Evening a few drops of rain fell,
first of spring. Mattie planted lettuce and radishes. Store
sales fair profit $14 to $15 per day. Stewart and Larson
moved camp Knik to Cottonwood. Duffy sent in order to collect
rent off McNeil. Sent Duffy his January and February bill.
Buying lots of snowshoes from Natives.
May 8, 1908 Moderate weather all spring no
real warm weather as yet. Busy packing up snowshoes, put
up 12 bundles 72 pairs. Palmer and Cramer got back - launch
broke down, only went as far as Fire Island. Strangers arrived
from Old Knik. PM windy. The Swan overdue.
May 9, 1908 Got letter from Duffy saying he
would hold me account of McNeil’s rent. Finished packing
and marking snowshoes 78 pairs. Got mail and orders ready
to send on next boat. A prospector from Eagle River visited.
Green grass showing up.
May 10, 1908 Mr. Burton the “bear man” arrived
from Sunrise on way to Sushitna River, he said Murphy was moving
Young’s store from Girdwood to Sunrise. Bought six pairs
snowshoes making 84 pair ready to ship out. Wrote to Brown and Hawkins
that I would sell them my trading business. Sent change of address
to Gateway. Team out 17 days earned $90 thus far.
May 11, 1908 Got orders ready to send out.
The Swan arrived from Sunrise. Knik loafers went
fishing. The Tyonek due any tide. Wrote Sylvester
Bros. Co. about quartz and placer mines. Conners said Duffy
was not crazy but a crook and a crank. Al Drees and brother
arrived on way to Caribou Creek. Had duck dinner.
May 12, 1908 A little rain fell not enough
to lay the dust. Busy in store cash sales $84.30 mostly
Native trade. Got in 16 pair snowshoes making 100 pair ready
to ship on next boat. Purches family had a scrap early this
AM Judge Goodell refereed. The Tyonek overdue. Up until
midnight on account orders, mail, etc. Had Nicholai split wood.
May 13, 1908 Stewart came down for balance
of grub. The Swan left on early morning tide for Tyonek.
Got wood split and piled under calidoor 3½ cords.
Evening cleaned up yard in front of store. Stranger arrived
in town in small boat. Chas Miller arrived.
May 14, 1908 The Tyonek arrived 4 PM,
got no freight. W. M. Emmons partner, McCoy and Thomas arrived
also Mr. Peterson. Four horses landed to go to Valdez Creek.
Henry Anderson came in with the Bat paid $50 more on Maud horse.
Brought 3 sacks oats 1 bale hay to feed Maud until delivered. Weible
was on boat via to Sunrise. Palmer and Cramer got back with
launch. Palmer and purser on the Tyonek, drunk. Cash
sales $42.25.
May 15, 1908 Otto left with Emmons for Willow
Creek via summer trail. Busy in store put up 3 outfits
cash sales $114.43. St. Clair wanted grubstake for fishing
season. The Bat left for Tyonek also Pirate Miller with
his sloop. Up at 5 AM made $4 before breakfast. Joseph
Peterson deposited $500 in safe.
May 16, 1908 Put up $75 order for Jas. St.
Clair for fishing grubstake to be paid from catch of salmon.
Cash sales $58. Evening Cramer visited wanted to work hydraulic
plant. Made no arrangements as he had no money and wanted
me to stand all the expense.
May 17, 1908 Warmest day of spring. The
Tyonek arrived 6 AM to take out Palmer and his furs etc.
to Seattle. Peterson and Taylor left in boat for Cottonwood
to fish and hunt. St. Clair left AM tide for mouth of Little
Sushitna to fish for salmon. Frank Crab left for Knik Harbor
with Palmer’s scow to get coal. Cramer left for Seward.
Purches wanted to get a buy on hydraulic placers.
May 18, 1908 Second warm day of spring,
plenty of grass for the horses. Cash sales $66.60.
Started to plant store garden and spuds. McKinnon came down,
sent Peterson’s flour up to Cottonwood with McCabe. Decided
to make no deal with Purches to work hydraulic plant. Evening
Rufe brought in 2 sacks rainbow trout from Goose Bay Lake.
First mosquitoes bit hard this evening Capt. Mayo arrived from Arm.
May 19, 1908 Planting spuds. Not
much business today. Trees most all leaved out.
Oats and barley up also small garden truck. Had Nicholai
split firewood. Put timbers under scow. Evening had
ice cream.
May 20, 1908 Planting spuds and minding
store. Cash sales $29. Quiet in town boat due tomorrow.
Team out 22 days earned $165 to date. Two Finlanders visited,
wanted to trade sled and stove for grub.
May 21, 1908 First slight shower lasted
10 minutes rain needed badly. AM tide Tyonek voyage #5
arrived got box dry goods. Marshal brought Butler of
Tyonek up for trial on account of selling booze to Natives.
Judge Goodell went down to Tyonek to try same. Girdwood was
on the Tyonek via going to Crow Creek Mines. Crazy Mitchell got back
from Seward. Bought 1st coal delivered at Knik 1,600 lbs.
May 22, 1908 Planted turnips etc. McKinnon
got back from Old Knik with his boat left there last fall.
Chickaloon boys waiting for Watson people to arrive. Native
dance on tonight. First lot of grub about sold out.
May 23, 1908 Busy in store cash sales
$86. Bought 1 dozen pair snowshoes. Temp. 40 to 60
above. McNeil got back from Willow Creek, left horses at
Cottonwood. Team worked 243 hr., 24.3 days for McCoy and Thomas,
21½ days on trail work with 1 2/3 days additional return
trip, Willow to Knik. McNeil put in 28½ days all told.
McCoy and Thomas outfit only landed machinery on bench road along
Willow Creek, gave it up wound up in a row, so Mac said.
May 24, 1908 Most of Natives got colds.
Bought 17 pairs snowshoes today. Store sales $15.40.
“Nig and Tony” at Cottonwood on grass. Bartholf and
coal company boys waiting for the Tyonek. Crab got back with
Palmer’s scow didn’t get much coal.
May 25, 1908 Busy in store bought 2 dozen
pair snowshoes. McNeil paid Duffy rent four months.
Duffy tried to make me pay six months rent on account of McNeil.
Siwash dance tonight. Point Possession Nicholai boys came
up in sloop. Evening cloudy a few drops of rain fell, badly
needed.
May 26, 1908 Kelly got back from trip
to Valdez Creek reported good showing. About 75 tons
grub delivered on creek and some machinery. Was 26 days
coming out via Sushitna River. Store sales fair, about
out of tea sugar and flour. Kelly reported the Swan freight
between Tyonek and Station. Most everybody in town got colds.
Crab ploughed C. and H. garden for Hughes.
May 27, 1908 Taylor came down from Cottonwood.
Valdez Creek boys moved camp Knik to the Cottonwood. The Tyonek
arrived got 1 ton freight no sugar or flour. Watson’s men
arrived, Hamilton in charge. Evening had a talk with
E. H. Bartholf about knockers around town. Sent Roll $30 to
cover bill rendered May 15. Sent registered to Washington Rubber
Co. Shipped 50 pair snowshoes. Noon Stanley sick at stomach OK by evening.
May 28, 1908 Busy in store cash sales $158.
Sold 1,000’ hydraulic hose. Bartholf left for Cottonwood.
Mac to go up in morning with our horses to pack in hydraulic hose
to summit Bald Mt. Watson’s men moved up to the Cottonwood.
Self got bad cold. Stanley not feeling well.
May 29, 1908 Got up 4 AM sent Crab with Dan
and Kid horse to Cottonwood to join Bartholf to pack hydraulic
hose to Willow Creek. Sold 2 small orders cash sales $68.
Out of flour and sugar. Esi promised to go to Hope tomorrow.
Old Tom promised to go to Seward with Furgeson.
May 30, 1908 Esi left for Arm. Sent Old
Tom Langtree over to Seward with Furgeson via by Sunrise.
Hamilton gave Tom $5, self check for $9.50, Judge to pay his boat
fare. Watson’s men down for more supplies. Sent $50 to Wash.
Rubber Co., $25 for trading license to Valdez.
May 31, 1908 Cottonwood campers came down to
trade cash sales $97.50. Took contract to pack Peterson’s
outfit from Cottonwood to razorback Bald Mt. for $25 (about 700
lbs.) Sheathed up front of hardware annex. Stanley
not very well, had cold no appetite. Sugar “Quishen”.
Total cash sales for May $1,912.43.
June 1, 1908 Had McNeil peel poles and
put same on top of store garden fence. Put galvanite roofing
on front of hardware annex. Cash sales $64.25. Evening
got pack gear ready for trip tomorrow to Bald Mt.
June 2, 1908 McNeil left in boat for Cottonwood
to pack Peterson outfit to Bald Mt. Hamilton came down and
paid Watson’s bill rendered. Fixed base for Elmer’s head
sign. Evening tide Esi and Wilson got back from Hope, got
20 sacks flour, 3 sacks sugar, 1 tin matches. Hughes bought
5 sacks flour and 30 lb. sugar to send out Crab and McCabe.
Report that Gugenheim got control of Alaska Central Railway.
June 3, 1908 Mattie sick with the spring
disease, Stanley and self about over it. Otto Langell
came back from Willow Creek. Valdez Creek boys came back
got on wrong trail lost a horse at Big Lake. Foster came
back. Had first salmon of season. Evening set up Elmer’s
headstone.
June 4, 1908 Quiet in town cash sales $15.
Self cleaned up back yard, wheeled away ashes etc. The
Swan arrived, been away from Knik since May 13th. Mattie
some better lay down most all day, self dishwasher etc.
June 5, 1908 McNeil went to Cottonwood
for pack train. Nagley wanted me to consign hardware
to him to sell at his store at Sushitna. Willard Hall got back
from prospecting trip since March. The Swan in port.
Mattie much better around all day.
June 6, 1908 Planted ½ C. and
H. garden to oats and barley. Cash sales $46.60.
Sold Nagley $25 worth hardware let him have on consignment, 4
mosquito tents, ½ dozen slicker coats, ½ dozen slicker
hats and 1 sheet metal stove. The Swan left port at midnight
via Station with Nagley and Kelly. Natives left for Hope
to get Booth and Watson.
June 7, 1908 Had Natives saw 1 5/8 planks
to make water tank for kitchen use. Planted 2 rows peas.
McKinnon, Duke and horse came down. McNeil went to Goose
Bay. Store sales $17. Quiet around town. Rain
needed for gardens. Evening took a bath.
June 8, 1908 Palmer’s squaw got beastly drunk,
she said Duke Harris gave her the whiskey. Purches filed
complaint, Judge sent Connors after Duke.
June 9, 1908 First thunder heard this season.
Andrew came in with moose meat also Goosmar with salmon.
Wilson and John Kash went down Arm to try for a moose. Planted
radishes and lettuce 2nd crop. Got cash ready to send out for
orders received. Let contract to Natives to whipsaw 1½”
plank for my new wharf, 12’ 9” 50¢ each.
June 10, 1908 Pulled shoes off horses and trimmed
their feet. Hauled 3 logs down on beach to make crib to
protect garden. Had Nick help me put in crib on beach to protect
garden from big tides. Conner arrived with Duke Harris he pled guilty
to giving Palmer’s squaw liquor, was fined $120 and cost of court.
Evening made change for ad. and ordered 500 letter heads. Evan
Orlaf died last night.
June 11, 1908 Puttied up bottom of scow, painted
water line joints ready to launch on next big tide. PM
tide George Eberhardt arrived on gas boat went out on ebb.
Reported the Tyonek on way to Knik with Frank Watson. Mailed
license money for cigar stand. Mattie some better but not
well.
June 12, 1908 PM tide the Tyonek arrived Watson
on board and head man for A. C. Co. Sold my bear skins
to A. C. man. Got April 21st order from Sylvester Bros. also
2 case rubbers from Washington Rubber Co. Made arrangements
to get out 50 logs for wharf – 32’ average. First rain
of season to do any good to gardens came last night.
June 13, 1908 Russian Priest arrived.
McNeil went down to Goose Bay to get out logs for our new wharf.
Mail went out to Willow Creek. Colored woman in town looking
for work cooking.
June 14, 1908 Jas. St. Clair came back from
fishing trip on account his squaw being sick Evening wrote
letter to Hovey about marine insurance etc.
June 15, 1908 Sold small outfit to R. Cleveland.
Hamilton came in and Watson reset out with him. PM tide
McNeil got back from cutting logs for new wharf. Evening
Simeon, Esi’s brother, arrived from Chief Tyone’s place 7 days
on trail brought in 1 otter and 1 martin. Evening mosquitoes
busy (potatoes up).
June 16, 1908 Self sick with bowel trouble.
Natives came back from Old Knik with Priest to hold church at
Knik. Stanley fell and got a black eye.
June 17, 1908 B. S. Anderson arrived with his
gas scow on morning tide to get Maud horse and repair his propeller
shafts. Russian Church on in Fosters new house. Confession
day for the Natives. Squaw humpers getting ready to be married
or go to jail.
June 18, 1908 Marriage ceremonies today by
Russian Priest - after 2 days session, church closed for the
season. Anderson got his scow boat ready to sail.
Evening tide B. S. Anderson’s gas boat left for Lake Creek.
Anderson paid balance on Maud horse $55 and took her out on his scow
boat. Priest left for Kenai. McNeil took team down to Goose Bay
to haul out logs.
June 19, 1908 Watson and Duke came in from
Big Ledge on Sushitna. McNeil came back with horses from
Goose Bay. Natives brought up raft of logs. Bundled
up 42 pair snowshoes. Natives started to saw logs for
wharf.
June 20, 1908 McNeil with 3 Natives brought
up balance of 50 logs for wharf. Duke and Watson ready to
go to Seward via Sunrise trail. Sent moccasins with Duke
for Mrs. Ellsworth store sales. Many Natives sick again coughs
and colds. Big moose flies bad after the horses put them in
barn day time, turned them out in evening
June 21, 1908 Started to put in crib for wharf.
Evening tide, the Tyonek arrived, got bale dry goods.
Judge Morford arrived and new watchman for coal mines, also
2 others and Mr. Walker. Up until 1 PM. Tide floated
crib.
June 22, 1908 Got scow load of rock to anchor
crib for wharf. Watson’s men left for coal mines.
Let Judge Morford use Kid horse to ride to coal mines.
June 23, 1908 Floated crib back into place
put anchor poles and rock to hold down crib. Took scow
down below spring to get more rock Received loan on my policy
no. 5048970 for $280 payable on April 17, 1909, account loan to cover
premium $265.50 due April 17, 1908.
June 24, 1908 Over 100 in the sun this AM,
mosquitoes very bad. Got up another load of rock for crib.
PM tide the Swan arrived from Tyonek, a Mrs. Wilson came to visit
Knik. PM tide McNeil went to Goose Bay Point for more logs
for wharf. Evening filled crib with more rock for wharf.
June 25, 1908 McCoy, Emerson and Mr. Heath
arrived from Willow Creek, reported Susitna over its banks.
McCoy dropped option on my quarts claims. Rudolph and Bartholf
and 40 Mile Miller arrived from Willow Creek. Big fire at
government camp this PM. Got mail ready to send out.
June 26, 1908 McNeil worked on wharf, put up
9 rounds of crib. McCoy waiting for the Tyonek to go to Seattle.
McCoy wanted me to figure on contract to deliver quartz mill at
head of Craigie Creek. Goodell packed up ready to go to Oregon.
June 27, 1908 Evening Judge Morford and Hamilton
got back from trip to coal fields gone 5 days. Boat due
with mail.
June 28 1908 Got crib for wharf up with
sills for floor. Evening tide the Tyonek arrived,
got 7 tons freight. Judge Morford and Mr. Rudolph left for
Seward, McCoy, Emerson and Heath for Seattle.
June 29, 1908 Will Bartholf came in with 3
horses reported Sushitna River going down. Bartholf and
Dedrick and wife left for head of Little Sushitna on evening tide,
Massick took them to Cottonwood. Evening mosquitoes bad.
Bartholf Bros. expected on next boat to look over Willow Creek placers
to buy.
June 30, 1908 Started to put up piles
for gangway to wharf. Evening tide Big Stephan left in
sloop to fish for salmon. Bought 34 cwt. coal $8.55.
July 1, 1908 Evening put another scow load
of rock in crib. Got in 3 bents of gangway. Talked
with 40 Mile Miller about his quartz claims, he offered to
give half interest for grub tools etc. to develop same. Evening
Miller left for his mines. Natives most all out of town.
July 2, 1908 Worked on wharf all day,
got piles in and planked to bench by cache. Quiet in town
again.
July 3, 1908 Planked crib on wharf.
Evening tide the Swan arrived from Station, Nagley and Morgan
on board. The Swan left for Sunrise got $20 out of the bunch.
July 4, 1908 Got grub and outfit ready
for Willow Creek hydraulic placers. Sent horses and men
to Cottonwood on evening tide. Purches reported that miners
were jumping my ground on Willow Creek.
July 5, 1908 Got up at 4 AM for trip
to mines, left on Kid horse.
July 6, 1908 through July 25, 1908 No
entries.
July 26, 1908 Sent Connors after Kid
and Dan, he came back with Kid only, had to go for Dan.
Left mess house at 10:30 arrived at Knik 11 PM. McNeil was
at Fish camp with squaw on way to Willow Creek. Bartholf
came to Knik, going below.
July 27, 1908 The Swan arrived 5 AM.
The Tyonek arrived, got some groceries etc. 4 tons. Sold
B. S. Bartholf and partners guns etc. for $23.50 they went out
on the Tyonek also Bartholf Bros. (2). Let Nagley have some groceries
to start up August 1st at Susitna Station. McNeil supposed
to arrive at mines this evening.
July 28, 1908 Very smoky woods fire all
around Knik. Carle came in last night got me to put up
order. Got up 5 AM to let Carle get his goods. Sold Al Dress
$50 outfit. Palmer on a spree.
July 29 1908 Miller and self put in 3
bents of gangway on wharf up to cache. Al Dess left for
upper Matanuska this PM with pack horses. Palmer sick in bed
all day from effects of drink. Natives report lots of salmon.
Evening filled new show case with notions.
July 30, 1908 Very dry at Knik.
Miller and self finished gangway on wharf up to caches.
Evening hoed spuds. Two men arrived from Turnagain Arm in
dory. Evening Old Tom arrived from Willow Creek from prospecting
trip. Self 40 years old today born in Minnesota and living at
Knik Alaska in general merchandise biz and own hydraulic placer mine on
Willow Creek.
July 31, 1908 First real rain of summer
was much needed for gardens. Sprouted spuds, started to
cut barley. Arranged and unpacked goods. Big run of
salmon at Fish Creek.
August 1, 1908 Packed up 6 bundles snowshoes.
Got ready to go to Willow Creek Mines. Wilson came down
from haying. Frank Crabb and McCabe got back from prospecting
trip up Knik River.
August 2, 1908 Knik to Mines. Got
up 4 AM left with Kid and Dan. Rained at Little Susitna.
Met Bert Stewart on his way to Knik for more grub. George
the Jap caught up at river was on way to Willow Creek. Arrived
at mines 8:30 no rain there.
No diary entries from August 3, 1908 through
August 20, 1908.
August 21, 1908 Got pit cleaned up, cleaned
up 4 flumes. Got one $4 nugget. Cleanup was
46 oz.
August 22, 1908 McNeil went up gulch
for horses brought down Kid horse. Dan didn’t follow
so did not start for Knik. Piped out grade for 10 additional
flume boxes. PM retorted gold dust. Evening got horses,
tied them up at tool house.
August 23, 1908 Got ready to go to Knik. Fire
had closed trail for 1 mile between river and first small lake,
took 1 hour to get through fallen timber. Arrived Cottonwood,
6 PM, Carle was there on way to mines. Arrived Knik 8 PM. The
Tyonek was in on the 21st.
August 24, 1908 Mattie had done fair business
since I was gone to mines. Got assay on Miller’s ore, only
showed trace of gold. McCarty’s gas launch arrived from Seward
with Cameron, Hildreth, Frost and party on way to coal fields.
Evening Bert Stewart came in from mines for more grub.
August 25, 1908 Got up 4 AM to let Bert
Stewart get his goods. Busy in store with goods and bills.
PM Cameron, Frost and party left for trip to coal mines. Johnny
Kash moved his piano over to our house for safekeeping. Had
grouse dinner.
August 26, 1908 Made out order for winter groceries.
Sent Sylvester Bros. Co. 36 oz. gold dust. Sent Bank
of Seward 12 oz. 6 dwt. dust by registered mail. Up till
2 o’clock, Ward and Cramer arrived from Cache Creek District.
Palmer on a drunk.
August 27, 1908 Purches and Hedrick came in
from Willow Creek. Hughes fixing over Yentna building
Miller left for quartz mines.
August 28, 1908 6 AM the Tyonek arrived.
Byron Bartholf came back, McAlpine and partner came in
to look over Willow Creek quartz camp. Busy all day and
night getting out orders for winter stock, the Swan arrived
PM on way to Station.
No diary entries from August 29, 1908 through
September 10, 1908.
September 11, 1908 Stormy closed down
placer mines. AM packed up tools took gate out of dam.
2:30 PM cleaned up camp started for Sushitna arrived 6:30 camped
for the night.
September 12, 1908 Left camp 6:45 considerable
trouble to get through Burnt District. Dan snagged his
right forefoot near Big Lake. Arrived Cottonwood
3 PM, arrived Knik 5 PM. Mattie was sick with ulcerated
tooth.
September 13, 1908 The “P. V.” came in got
order from Nagley. Duke Harris and brother came in on P. V.
to go to Coal Fields.
September 14, 1908 P. V. left for Susitna,
shipped Nagley over $200 worth of hardware. O'Brien and Hall
and several others on a toot. O'Brien bought Palmer’s barn
for $75.
September 15, 1908 Larson and Schafer came
in for grub. Three hunters left for trip up the Matanuska.
September 16, 1908 Put up $137 order
for Stewart Larson and Schafer, they left for Carle’s mine
to drive 100’ tunnel. Dedrick and wife and the bug man
arrived from Carle’s quartz camp. Evening posted up accounts.
Miller started to make camp stoves for us out of 14 gauge galvanized
iron. PM tide rough.
September 17, 1908 AM the Tyonek arrived,
had freight for G. B. M. Co. only. Rough tide, the Tyonek
knocked down front of Palmer’s wharf and laid over for Carle party.
Had run on clothing. Evening dance at Hicks Restaurant Mattie
went for a while.
September 18, 1908 The Tyonek got stuck
on beach had to lay over. Carle party arrived from Sushitna
camp. Wrote Bartholf and McAlpine and Sylvester
Bros. that Carle wanted option on my ¼ interest in quartz
claims. The Tyonek crew drunk, except Capt. and Mate. Up till
midnight Mattie ready to go to Seward.
September 19, 1908 The Tyonek in port
stuck on beach. Cut Dan’s leg open - took out silver 6”
long, caused by accident on trail coming from mines. Dunham and
help arrived from Willow Creek, left all G. B. M. Co. forage and
bobsleighs in my care wanted me to help move mortar etc. to Craigie.
September 20, 1908 About 2 to 3’ snow
fell on mountains during recent storms. Completed arrangements
to help Dunham move machinery for G. B. M. Co. Contracted
team and driver for $10 per day net to me. Gave Carle option
to handle my ¼ interest in H. and C. quartz claims,
terms $100 cash, $1,900 cash August 1, 1909 - $2,000 cash or $3,000
off Plates last payment. 4 PM the Tyonek got off beach, Carle
and Dunham and help went out. Mattie and Stanley went to Seward
due to Mattie’s teeth. Palmer boozing.
September 21, 1908 Busy in store put
up order for G. B. M. Co. and Dunlap. Took dinner at “Our
House”. Arranged to have McNeil help pack forage Knik to Sushitna
for G. B. M. Co. at Willow Creek.
September 22, 1908 First frost at Knik
this fall. I dug spuds in store garden got 300 lbs. crop, 1st
failure. McNeil cut oats on C. and H. lot. Bartholf
and Lidell started for river with 3 pack loads. Miller
completed 6 galvanized iron Yukon stoves and 1 heater for K. T.
Co. made of 14 gauge iron.
September 23, 1908 Settled up with A. W. Hall
for labor at mines $199.50. PM pulled turnips. McNeil
left with Nig and Tony with forage for G. B. M. Co. to pack same
Knik to Little Sushitna. Duke Harris and brother got back from
Chickaloon Coal camp. Miller completed galvanized iron stove
for store use. First snow at Knik ground white with snow this
morning.
September 24, 1908 Pulled vegetables.
Mattie and Stanley on trip to Seward. Duck dinner at Hotel
De’ Hicks.
September 25, 1908 Froze last night.
Got option ready on placer mines for McAlpine and Bushnell’s
Homer coal men. Natives beginning to return from fall hunt, bought
1 black bear skin. Evening mailed wire to Seattle Hardware
Co. for cartridges, galvanized sheet iron and tallow. Miller
jointing up safety flues for house and store. McNeil returned from
river, charged man and team 3 days to G. B. M. Co.
September 26, 1908 Finished gangway from
wharf and set post that the Valdez knocked out. Turned
over oat hay. O'Brien lost Carle’s gray horse. Evening
wrote Dunham that G. B. M. Co. would have to send over funds,
I wouldn’t advance supplies for funds. Wrote Rogers Fur Co.
St. Louis that I would buy fur for them on a commission.
September 27, 1908 Helped Miller put
safety flue in store. Evening jointed up new heater pipe
and store all made out of 14 and 20 gauge galvanized iron, outside
flue 24 gauge iron. Mail boat overdue, had no mail for a month.
McNeil left with oats on Nig and Tony for river for G. B. M. Co.
Cleaned 3 bales salmon - was molding. Mattie and son on trip to
Seward.
September 28, 1908 8 AM the Tyonek arrived,
not much freight. Seven passengers went over to Sunrise
via to Seward. Duke and Elliott went out. Palmer got
cased goods no flour or sugar. Miller put safety flue in
our sitting room and stove in room over store. Bartholf
sent word he wanted ton ore packed from Willow to Knik. Conners
and Dunlap got back from Harbor, picked up lost man who was 28 days
coming from Station.
September 29, 1908 Busy in store cash
sales $88.45. Evening C. R. Booth arrived from Girdwood
with 700 lbs. giant powder, bought same at 15¢.
Miller finished stove pipe and flues and hung door in hall between
house and store attic. Cost $23 to fix up stoves and flues
in store and house. Sold an outfit for Girdwood. Housed
oat hay raised on C. and H. lot.
September 30, 1908 Booth left in dory for Girdwood.
Conners, Wilson and the 28 day man was from Station, went with
Booth to get work on Government trail Turnagain Arm. Bought
spuds and cabbage from McKinnon. O'Brien found Carle’s lost
horse - was in timber. Sold last of the Gal-va-nite roofing.
October 1, 1908 Did some work in gangway to
wharf. Shafer arrived with Bartholf’s horses from Carle’s camp.
Evening tide the Swan arrived from Sunrise on way to Susitna Station.
Susitna River very low, gas boats only running to Alexander Creek.
Eighteen Valdez Creek men arrived at Station. O. C. Miller
left for his mines. Morris and Herndon went out via Sunrise.
Al Drees arrived from Caribou Creek.
October 2, 1908 Lidell and Bischoff came
in from Willow Creek to leave 1 horse and pack out more oats,
evening they went to Cottonwood. Put cleats between bents
on gangway to wharf. Bought ¼ interest in Stanton
Shafer’s 3 lode claims at head of Fishhook Creek for $500 payable
in merchandise. Got option to sell Shafer’s interest for $4,500.
Evening Shafer left for mines.
October 3, 1908 Finished nailing cleats
under gangway to wharf. PM the Swan left for Susitna Station
with Knik vegetables. Towed St. Clair and Purches to Knik
Harbor on a hunt, let them take our Sea Otter boat. Sold
two small outfits to Paddy Marion and Willard Hall. McNeil and
Otto went to Cottonwood to restock Hughes hay on account of big tides.
Knik nearly depopulated. Mattie at Seward.
October 4, 1908 Put in 4 braces in crib
to wharf. Dug 100 lbs. last of spuds. Paddy Marion
left for Knik River. Evening sent Denzer and G. B. M. Co.
bills to Sylvester Bros for collection. Out of bread and
donuts. Mattie at Seward. Old Hall on another drunk.
October 5, 1908 Nailed stays on posts and sills
on gangway to keep extreme tides from lifting planking.
Raked up leavings of oats got 150 lbs. Al Drees and Hall stayed
late in store talking about Caribou Creek and hunting. O'Brien
boozing, drew all his deposit $50.
October 6, 1908 Temperature 50 to 72
above snow going fast on mountains Put guys on stove pipe.
Bundled up salmon backs. Evening started to clean up
and rearrange goods in storeroom off store.
October 7, 1908 Woolsey arrived from Station
with Valdez Creek crowd via Seward by Sunrise, 13 men in party.
6 PM Woolsey left for Sunrise. Got order for more merchandise
from Nagley, sent same on “W. W.”. Evening mailed option
of Shafer to self, to McAlpine and Bushnell - appointed them
as my agents to sell property. Wrote Whitney and Kriedler to
pay up. Answered Bartholf’s letter about packing ore.
October 8, 1908 Launched Murphy’s lighter
boat to get rock for wharf crib. Cleaned up new cache.
PM got load rock for crib. The Tyonek arrived, got 30 tons of
staples, freight bill $502.80. Mattie got back from trip
to Seward. W. W. came back, couldn’t get into Turnagain Arm
passengers went on the Tyonek. Sent Nagley 3 stoves and shoe
packs on “W. W.”.
October 10, 1908 Busy opening up dry
goods etc. Started to put in foundation for storeroom
by gangway to wharf. Evening St. Clair and Purches hunters
arrived - had no luck.
October 11, 1908 Knocked old scow apart to
use bottom for floor on new warehouse. Got foundation
ready for new warehouse. Busy in store, collected Whitney’s
bill from Palmer. Put 3rd load of rock in crib. Evening
took usual semi-bath.
October 12, 1908 Finished putting rock in crib.
Cash sales $149.20. Got ready to mail 10 pair slipper
moccasins for Mrs. H. E. Ellsworth of Seward.
October 13, 1908 Froze last night, 2nd
freeze this fall. Turned over bottom of old scow and
got stringers ready for wharf storehouse. Had McNeil plough
Palmer’s garden 4½ hours $4.50
October 14, 1908 Hauled manure away from barn.
Wrote U. S. Marshal Love recommending E. R. Gray for Marshal
at Knik. Wrote Hildreth and Ellsworth about my placer mines.
Wrote Sexton that I would consign 24 pair snowshoes to him at
$4 per pair.
October 15, 1908 with Nig and Tony, pulled
bottom of old scow off beach to land, for floor to new warehouse.
Evening got mail ready, paid $500 small accounts in Seattle.
Capt. Mabel left for Susitna with 3 horses via Willow Creek.
October 16, 1908 Got scow bottom onto
foundation of new warehouse. Put Murphy’s lighter back
on beach. Foster used Nig and Tony to haul logs. The
Swan arrived, Hildreth and Ferris on board. Ferris after the
Precinct Records to take to Susitna. Evening dance at Hicks.
October 17, 1908 Judge Ferris wanted to leave
recording book with me until trail passable Knik to Susitna.
Evening windy. Sold Palmer small bill of goods. Registered
outgoing mail.
October 18, 1908 Noon the Tyonek arrived
with forage for myself, Carle and Bartholf.
October 19, 1908 Froze last night.
Graded in front of barn with team and scraper - 4 hours.
Cash sales $28.25. The Swan Capt. Murphy left Knik for
Seldovia. Sent goods to Names and Young at Kenai.
O'Brien and Paddy had a scrap cost Paddy $18, first money
for new judge.
October 20, 1908 Ice running in Arm.
Evening sent Carle and McCoy petition to retain recording office
at Knik. Judge Ferris left recording books (20) in our care.
Purches and St. Clair got back last night had 4 ducks.
October 21, 1908 Dunlap wanted grub on coal
deal on account of G. B. M. Co. refused same unless they started
to mine coal. Knik Lake frozen over solid 3” of ice.
October 22, 1908 Freezing hard nights
considerable ice in channel. PM tide Crab and McCabe got
back from Knik River, got no good specimens for Professor Stevens.
Two men arrived from Susitna Station by winter trail. Nagley
reported that W. W. failed to deliver goods. Evening wrote Professor
Stevens and sent check to balance deposit money.
October 23, 1908 Herning family had a skate
on Knik Lake. Wrote McAlpine at Homer about option sent in, to
send checks on $500 deal to Sylvester Bros. if not paid to bank.
Sent Gateway $25 on weekly advertisement, also news items
of Knik. Old Cap got his horse into the swamp.
October 24, 1908 Cut wood and piled coal in
storm house. Judge Ferris left for Station via winter trail.
Sent Nagley 400 rounds 22 WRF. Evening wrote to father.
Last mail boat due any tide.
October 25, 1908 Banked root house and around
store. Not much money in town. Mattie and Stanley
took a walk up to O’Brien’s. Considerable ice in Arm.
Last mail boat overdue.
October 26, 1908 Made rack for flour, meal,
etc. to go on back counter. Corked up beach end of new cache.
Wrote to Dr. Everall about K. B. business. McNeil made sled
bed for G. B. M. Co. bobsleighs. Mail boat past due.
October 27, 1908 AM tide, the Tyonek
arrived - last mail, got 8 tons general merchandise all came
but meat order. Busy all day opening up goods. Paddy
Marion went out. Merrit came back from trip to Seward, brought
2 horses.
October 28 1908 Cold snap still on. Fixed
sewer drain back of house. Old Cap and Hershey left with
2 pack horses on winter trail for Station. Merrit and partner
getting ready for return to Station. Posted up accounts took
usual bath.
October 29, 1908 Merritt left for Station,
was all day getting away from Knik. His Seward horses
wouldn’t work, traded with Hughes for 2 skates and gave
$100 to boot. Not much doing cash sales $15. Fixed
lock and roof on Names building McNeil went out as far as 1st
Twin Lake, 5” to 8” ice, small creeks not frozen.
October 30, 1908 Temperature 8 above
morning, 46 at noon. Fixing root house. Evening
put up $75 order for Duffy. Sold Palmer 20 sacks flour
and 2 sacks sugar. Mattie’s birthday sweet 16 ?
Gave her $5.
October 31, 1908 Anchor ice making on bars,
2 weeks earlier than usual. Cash sales $81.25. Worked
on root house corking etc. Kids set fire to Murphy’s tent
roof cabin, burned off half of roof. Big 4 went fishing out
to Big Lake used giant powder - first shot got 25, 2nd shot got 175
white fish. Duffy got his goods 1st order from us since last
February. Kid horse and Dan away for some time.
November 1, 1908 Got 799 lbs. bacon off Palmer
- ½ ton on hand. McKinnon came down to trade.
Hauled out 3 loads manure on garden. Hauled up gangplank
and Sea Otter boat. Mattie and Mrs. Hicks went for walk
on winter trail. Had white fish for dinner. Anchor ice
on bars 2 weeks earlier than usual.
November 2, 1908 Windy. Fixed
harness gear. Chas Tuell arrived (2 days) from Station after
supplies for A. C. Co. Evening checked down Seattle accounts.
Evening Kid and Dan came to barn both rolling fat. Put tallow
in cache. Had grouse dinner. Big 4 went fishing out to
Big Lake.
November 3, 1908 Sold A. C. Co. Susitna
small pick up order. St. Clair, Patchell and McCabe got
back from hunting trip got 1 moose. Evening 4 men arrived
from Station via to Seward. Big 4 fishing party came in
they got 500 white fish. Shafer wanted to buy Bartholf cabin.
Evening made several signs to advertise goods.
November 4, 1908 Sold Jones pipe to fit up
bath house at Susitna. Frank Kelly arrived from Station, got
order for merchandise from Nagley. Forty Mile Miller arrived
from his sawmill camp on Little Sushitna. Cash sales $70.45.
Several Natives came over from Old Knik to trade, trail good over
flats.
November 5, 1908 Zero again. Got
order ready to ship to Nagley at Susitna. Sold Palmer
10 sacks sugar, 2 sacks rice, 2 box candles, 4 box crackers.,
$142.84. Sold Nagley $84.05. Cash sales $61.40.
Days biz $288.29. Palmer on another drunk. McKinnon
came down to trade. Merritt’s men left for Seward via Old Knik
and Indian Creek Pass, Billy guide.
November 6, 1908 Kelly and Tripp left for Susitna
with 2 sled loads of supplies for store. Chinked up barn,
put saddle boards on roof of barn. Evening Stewart and Foster
visited to “chew the rag”. Cash sales $34.30. Navigations
closed on Knik Arm on account of ice. Big tides.
November 7, 1908 From October 18th to
date cold snap, zero to 40 above, 20 days of cold weather something
unusual at Knik. George Hershey got back from Station.
Dunn sent $27 for chairs bought August 20th. Cash sales $36.
Worked some on dock warehouse. Mrs. Herning and Howard went for
a walk down to old government camp. Evening snow indications.
November 8, 1908 AM windy, evening raining,
30 to 40 above. Had all small poles and scrap board sawed
up and put under cover. Finished chinking new cache, laid
balance of stringers for dock warehouse. Big tide covered
wharf this evening. Sold Duffy’s horse to Hughes for $20 providing
horse lives 2 months hence. Someone stole 2 of our chickens
out of barn.
November 9, 1908 Cloudy evening rain,
snow all gone at Knik and ice about gone in Arm. Mr. Harper and
3 other mushers arrived from Station via to Seward. Got floor
laid on dock warehouse. Evening raining, got a few letters ready
to mail. Wrote to Sexton and sent advertisement to paper
for dog feed at Knik.
November 10, 1908 Rained all night. Ceiled
up end of room over store. Ice about all gone in Arm. Evening
tore up cloth for fifty 5 lb. sacks. Stewart and Johnny Kash visited.
Got order for spuds from Susitna Roadhouse and from Station.
November 11, 1908 Morning tide Harper
and McManus left in boat for Eagle River via Seward.
Hauled out manure on garden. Sent claim for damaged eggs and 400
cwt. corn meal. Foggy this evening.
November 12, 1908 Re-corked logs in front of
store and mudded same. Took several pictures of store,
Arm, etc. Foster wanted to work in Murphy’s shop ½
hour, opened shop for him, evening found lock removed and Foster
had put lock on of his own.
November 13, 1908 AM saw shop door open,
found Foster packing away boat knees. He said he owned
half interest in boat knees but took them all, said he would
pay Murphy for his interest. I spoke about lock on door,
Foster said he had bill of sales both from Miller and McHenry that
he owned the shop and would move it, that no one would enter shop
hereafter but himself. I requested him to return Murphy’s lock.
PM I put new lock on shop and a warning notice not to molest
same. Evening tide Billy and Ephim came over from Old Knik by
boat.
November 14, 1908 Put casing on inside barn
door. Fixed around hardware annex. Shafer and St. Clair
got back from Station, reported very wet trail sledding
up river from Station all account of overflows and air holes
on river. O'Brien came down for 2nd sack oats for Carle horses.
Evening Foster visited and returned lock to shop, decided not to butt
in my notice had effect - all OK.
November 15, 1908 Partly cloudy temperature
38 to 48 past 24 hours, no ice running in Arm - boat could come
in to Knik OK. St. Clair and McCabe bought pit saw for their sawmill
at Station. McKinnon came down paid his bill. John Kash
and St. Clair sold their cabin to Crabb. Palmer on another
spree, O'Brien also. Trouble in camp Duffy and Hughes and others.
November 16, 1908 Another summer day.
House moving day, McNeil moved from pump house to Goosmar
house. Big 4 moved into pump house. Put gable end in
rear of root house. Cash sales $41.80 credit sales $15 for
sleds. Sold Big 4 bill of goods on time. St. Clair and
McCabe left Knik with 2 sleds for Station to erect sawmill.
November 17, 1908 Self shod Nig and Tony
in front. Big 4 gave white women a ride on lake with
dog team. Palmer out of sight today after 2 days booze
fighting. Squaw dance tonight at McNeil’s.
November 18, 1908 Finished chinking up
root house. Women had a ride on lake with Mrs. Purches dog
team. Evening made new price list for meat. Put up new
side lamp on office desk
November 19, 1908 Sold Scott and Coffee small
bill of goods. McNeil made evener for G. B. M. Co. bobsleighs,
self made draw bolt for same. Bought Crab’s furs. Big
4 went out on team trail for a moose hunt. Scott and Coffee
left for Station. Evening checked down Sylvester and Seattle
Hardware accounts. Evening indications of snow.
November 20, 1908 Finished plastering
up root house. Most everybody gone out for a hunt.
Evening tore up cabot for fifty 10 lb. sacks. Evening tried
to snow (just a sprinkle). Got building in good shape for
winter weather. No snow at Knik.
November 21, 1908 Rebundled 22 bales
of salmon. Bob Hatcher came in from Little Susitna camp. Bought
half barrel pork off Palmer.
November 22, 1908 Shod Nig and Tony
aft. Got 3rd otter skin. Reported that Old
Bill Hughes bought him a squaw girl from Affanassa.
Not much business cash sales $12. Jas Patchell arrived from
Moose Creek yesterday said he shot 2 large moose and cached them account
snow. Evening took bath.
November 23, 1908 Freezing all day 20
to 25 above snow signs off. Corked up side door to store
room. Put threshold in hardware annex. No money in
Knik, bums all broke.
November 24, 1908 Repaired no. 2 bobsleighs.
Cash sales $116 collected from Susitna. Rufe got back
sold his moose meat. Evening checked down Nagley’s account
Got another order for clothing, sleds etc. from Nagley.
Sold last of eggs (50¢ a dozen). McNeil and Crab went
to Willow Creek with hand sleds on a hunt.
November 25, 1908 Real summer day at
Knik. PM hauled 4 sacks oats 1 cwt spuds up to O’Brien’s,
brought. back small load birch wood. Mattie, Mrs. Hicks
and the kids went along for a ride. Evening billed up Nagley’s
order. McNeil came back only went to Meadow Creek no snow.
November 26, 1908 Morning raining, S. E. wind,
PM cleared off. Thanksgiving Day had roast chicken, Mrs. Hicks
at dinner. O’Dale and partner arrived from Station via to Seward.
Evening O'Brien visited, gave us a 2 hour talk on cats and dogs
horses and hay etc. etc. Bears out of dens on account of rain
they took a moose away from Hicks while he was dressing it.
November 27, 1908 Just enough snow fall to
make the ground look white. Tom O’Dale and Ward crossed
the Arm to Eagle River via Seward. First overland mail from
Seward. The Merritt party got back also B. S. Anderson with
a Mr. Fleming in route to Station, Joe Beedy brought them over in
boat from Sunrise. Got letter mail only.
November 28, 1908 Merritt party 3 left for
Station. H. Anderson left the Road Commissions boat in
my charge, wants $4.25 for his oars and painter if anyone takes
boat back to Sunrise. Very little business. Squaw
men to have dance this evening. Sent Nagley corrected statement
of balance due us on account. Sent Mrs. Dunn pair O. G.
packs by Hershey.
November 29, 1908 Hauled in 2 loads birch wood
no snow trail, rough in woods. B. S. Anderson left for
Susitna also Joe Beedy. Evening got $500 ready to send to
Seattle jobbers for goods received. Part of Big 4 party came
in last evening from summit barn, got 1 moose. Four inches
of snow at ridge knee deep above timber line.
November 30, 1908 Sawed up ½ cord wood
for heater. Bischoff and Lidell and Big 4 came in from Willow
Creek reported 1’ snow in Willow and 3’ at G. B. M. Co. mill site.
McNeil came back, met boys on Meadow Creek. George Hershey left for
Susitna with his outfit, left key to Murphy’s cabin.
December 1, 1908 Settled November account with
Palmer. Goosmar came up in boat from Pt. McKenzie with
3 moose. Evening had a musical at Herning “Dump”.
George Bischoff and partner and Purches played on violins and piano,
12 people present.
December 2, 1908 Got small order from
G. B. M. Co. help Willow Creek. Hauled in small load birch
wood. Evening 3 Natives arrived from Station with fur, I
bought 7 bear skins for $26. Evening musical at Purches, only
a few present. Lidell and Bischoff trying to get G. B. M. Co.
horses shod. O'Brien trying to fit up shoes.
December 3, 1908 Cat dumped on the floor.
PM hauled 2 loads birch wood. Three men arrived from Station
via Seward. Sent Nagley 3 cans tallow, 1 bale merchandise,
1 box mittens by Susitna Natives. Evening talked over
G. B. M. Co. work with Lidell and Bischoff. Figured they
had 108 days sledding.
December 4, 1908 Cloudy PM heavy
rain 36 above. Made over set of double harness put on
new lines and tugs and oiled her up. G. B. M. men busy
trying to fit up horse shoes and harnesses. Three mushers
left on early morning tide by boat for Sunrise and Seward. Natives
fishing for tomcod on beach.
December 5, 1908 Very icy this AM on
account of rain. Finished repairing harness. No
business. G. B. M. Co. help still fitting up shoes for
horses. Evening made out G. B. M. Co. bill rendered to date.
Sent same to Sylvester Bros. for collection.
December 6, 1908 Evening snowing hard.
Wilson and Furgeson arrived from Seward - on trail a month,
Wilson had scurvy, Furgeson cut his foot with the axe.
PM Cramer arrived from Station. G. B. M. Co. men finally
got 2 horses shod. Chas Ulanky sent draft to cover bill rendered.
Third real snow storm last storm November 17th no snow since November
8th.
December 7, 1908 Snowed about 6” PM and
evening clear. Bischoff tried G. B. M. Co. horses on sled.
They got 3rd horse shod. Took 5 bales hay to summit from
Knik. Tom Dreese arrived from Station with orders for the Precinct
Records and Nagley’s grub. Evening repaired horse blankets.
December 8, 1908 Our team left with G. B. M.
Co. men and team with forage for Little Sushitna, 27 cwt. forage,
6 cwt. grub. Sold Tom Freeze small order and delivered to
him recorders books to go to Susitna.
December 9, 1908 Cramer wants a job with K.
T. Co. or at mines for OGH. Freeze and Furgy ready to leave
for Station with merchandise. McNeil at river with G. B.
help building barn for horses.
December 10, 1908 Snowed 6”. Morgan,
Tuell, Merritt and Beedy arrived from Susitna in route to Seward.
Heavy S. E. wind and evening driving storm. Fourth snow
storm of winter. Freeze and Furgy left for Station.
December 11, 1908 Snow drifted bad around Knik.
Morgan visited, wanted Road Commission boat to go to Sunrise.
Theodore and Little Nicholai came over from Old Knik, reported
rivers and sloughs open 2 miles above regular crossing. Wind
blew Knik Arm full of float ice.
December 12, 1908 AM tide Morgan, Tuell, Merritt,
and Joe Beedy left in Road Commissions boat for Seward via Sunrise.
Sent out November mail - 6 registers to Seattle. Cash sales
light most everybody out of town hunting. McNeil at mines
for G. B. M. Co. With Nig and Tony.
December 13, 1908 Let Cramer into Murphy’s
cabin, roof nearly broken in by heavy snow, fixed same.
McNeil got back from mines reported 2½’ snow, ridge to Willow
Creek. Boys came to summit barn for balance of forage.
McNeil broke trail summit barn to Knik. Ex-recorder on a spree.
December 14, 1908 Very quiet in Knik.
Repaired harness and bobsleighs for 2nd trip out for the G.
B. M. Co. Foster broke, wanted credit. McNeil and
team at Knik. Put runners on Stanley’s sled. Several
Natives left for Station potlatch.
December 15, 1908 Clear down to
8 below zero. McNeil left with load forage for G. B. M. Co. at
Willow Creek, 15 cwt. Alex came over from Old Knik to trade.
December 16, 1908 Morning 18 above, evening
28 above, indication of rain. . O'Brien got 2nd load
of Carle’s oats - 26 sacks all told. Stanley busy sledding
with his sled. Palmer started to cut ice. Patchell
returned from moose hunt.
December 17, 1908 Cloudy, thawing,
40 above. Cut wood for store heater ½ cord.
McKinnon reported 2 fires across Arm last night - mushers in route
to Knik. O'Brien got 10 sacks oats for Carle - total 36 sacks gone.
December 18, 1908 Rained all AM, then snowed
4”. Very wet day rain took off half of snow. Put
up order for Purches and Dunlap on account mining coal for G.
M. Co. $54.40. Sold Dunlap $11.50. Mr. Sanders returned
to Knik went as far as Eagle River got short on grub so came back
(Kuskokwim man). O'Brien got 10 sacks oats - total 46.
December 19, 1908 Purches and Dunlap took away
their outfit for coal mining. Very quiet in Knik only
8 white men in town. Hitched Kid up on red sled, drove across
lake went OK. Evening worked on hardware price list.
December 20, 1908 O'Brien got last of Carle’s
oats - 60 sacks all told. Cramer helped me iron red sled.
O. C. Miller arrived from his sawmill camp on Little Susitna.
Evening worked on hardware list cost and selling prices.
December 21, 1908 Cold all day. Had 40
Mile Miller at dinner, Stanley’s guest. Very quiet, cash
sales $7. Purches and Dunlap started for river to get out
coal.
December 22, 1908 Hitched Kid on red sled.
With Stanley drove half way to Cottonwood and widened road
along bank by inside channel so we can use double team to haul
down hay from Cottonwood to Knik. Evening repaired and washed
harness. Nakeeta and family got back to Knik.
December 23 1908 Cloudy and light snow
22 to 25 above. Quiet in town cash sales $6.40.
Greased harness, took off broken bolster on red bobsleighs to
repair same. Purches came in from swamp north canyon for bal.
of grub on account of mining coal.
December 24, 1908 O'Brien came down after Carle’s
horses. Told O'Brien that the horses were very poor that
he must feed them more oats - 4 quarts 2 times a day - 5 quarts
to Molly the poorest of the bunch - only has fed 6 sacks to date
since October. Gave orange, nuts, and candy to 17 whites for
Xmas presents. Oranges and candy to Natives, total $16.90 the
night before Xmas.
December 25, 1908 Xmas day at Knik Alaska.
Hewed out birch bunk for red sled. McNeil and Birschoff
arrived from mines with both teams after forage - got all machinery
moved to summit hogback on Craigie except the crusher
and mortar. Andrew arrived from Matanuska. Went for
a sleigh ride with Kid family and Mrs. Hicks.
December 26, 1908 Bischoff and McNeil
at Knik laid over. Forty Mile Miller started to make galvanized
Yukon stoves for K. T. Co. Report came that Mr. Sanders who left
Knik for Seward didn’t show up at Old Knik. Cash sales $23.20.
McNeil and team at Knik.
December 27, 1908 McNeil and Bischoff left
for Willow Creek with 30 cwt. forage. Finished bunk for
red bobsleighs made of birch. Big Stephan arrived from hunting
trip near Valdez Creek. Cramer took Wilson to Station to see
doctor.
December 28, 1908 8:30 AM ex-recorders
office caught fire, self put it out with store fire extinguishers,
burned off half of balloon ceiling. Johnny Kash out in
his shirt tail packing snow and shouting fire. Got red bobsleighs
ready to hook onto. Crabb and Larson left for Knik River.
Cash sales $24.25.
December 29, 1908 Morning 12 below, around
2 above all day, evening 10 below zero. Cash sales
$14.85. Only 7 white men in Knik. Patchell and Williams
went out for a hunt at Moose Creek. Miller making galvanized
Yukon stoves for K. T. Co.
December 30, 1908 Partly cloudy warming
up 12 above zero. Cash sales $31.20. Bought small
bunch fur. Cramer arrived from Station after landing Wilson with
dog team. Nagley sent another order for merchandise and
$25 to apply on account.
December 31, 1908 Partly cloudy 2” snow
26 to 30 above zero. Old year goes out warm about 1’ snow
at Knik. Bought 6 martin skins, cash sales $44.70.
Esi got back from Station. Bid $170 on silver black fox,
Palmer got it for $175. Miller started to get out 8 more
stoves. Indians got plenty money, were drunk and playing poker.
1909
January 1, 1909 Diary ordered expected by 1st.
mail. Cash sales $47.50. Fitted Dan’s harness.
Palmer paid December bill. Evening attended siwash
Ball at Hicks Roadhouse. Bert Stewart arrived from Susitna,
got 1 moose.
January 2, 1909 Clear 6 to 12 below. Young
Jacobs and Mr. Rice arrived from Station also Otto Langell
from hunting trip to mouth of Little Susitna. Cramer roped
up one sled account Nagley. Evening attended musical at
George Purches by Jacob and Rice. Evening Sam Blower’s arrived.
January 3, 1909 Clear. Sam Blowers returned
to his roadhouse. Big Stephan left for Tyonek, sent Nagley’s
merchandise with Stephan. Two mushers in town Jacobs
and Rice.
January 4, 1909 Purches came in from coal camp.
Wash day. Miller completed 8 Yukon’s.
January 5, 1909 Anderson and Fleming arrived
from Lake Creek in route to Seward. PM hitched up Dan
on red sled, drove up to O’Brien’s and back went OK. Evening
had musical at Herning “Dump” served cake and lemonade, Purches
and Roy Jacobs furnished instrumental music - neighbors invited
in, no siwash. McNeil landed mortar at foot of hogback on Craigie.
January 6, 1909 Put trail grub for Anderson
and Fleming via Knik to Seward. Jacob’s and Rice left for
Station. Drees and Hall arrived from Caribou Creek.
Shafer and Hatcher arrived from hunting trip brought 1 quarter
moose. Made ceiling gun rack.
January 7, 1909 Two Old Matanuska men came
in with fur, bought $56 worth fox and rats - a poor lot.
Report came that Morgan and Merritt party had to land at Ship Creek
on Dec. 20th thence overland to Seward, was out 1 week in boat
and ice. Anderson and Fleming left for Seward.
January 8, 1909 Miller completed 12 galvanized
Yukon stoves and started to make some small box stoves.
Cold day. Willard Hall on a toot. Ice anchored on
beach 20’ below K. T. Co. wharf. No ice around wharf until
this cold snap. Hughes took 8 sacks Bartholf’s oats from our
storehouse.
January 9, 1909 Mail due from Seward.
PM drove Dan part way to Cottonwood and return went OK.
January 10, 1909 McNeil and Bischoff arrived
from Willow Creek. Got mortar and all machinery moved
to top of hogback on Craigie. Miller making box stoves for
K. T. Co.
No further 1909 diary entries or 1910 journals
have ever been found.
1911
January 1, 1911 Self and family at Knik Alaska
running the Knik Trading Co. General Merchandise Store and
Meadow Brook Farm “side issue” and holding of 47,000 shares
stock in Alaska Free Gold Quartz Co. Fishhook Creek
No other entries for January 1911
February 1, 1911 Fitted snowshoes on Nig and
Tony for trip to Miller’s bridge on Carle Road. Hauled
load wood from Mitchell’s ranch.
February 2, 1911 Put up O. C. Miller’s order
and got ready for trip over Carle Road to Susitna.
February 3, 1911 Knik to Meadow Brook Farm.
Put snowshoes on Nig and Tony for trip over Carle Road.
Stayed with Hall on farm.
February 4, 1911 Left farm with Nig and Tony
on double enders, broke trail with Nig, hauled 500 lbs.
Got to 1st boulevard at noon made over to Twin Lakes and came
back to farm. Snow 3’ to 5’ deep, very light, took Hall along.
February 5, 1911 Farm to Twin Lakes with 15
cwt. feed and grub. Broke trail to Carle camp no. 3 on
Boulevard no. 3 made camp.
February 6, 1911 Broke trail from Carle camp
no. 3 to Big Lake on summer trail. Went up Meadow Brook
from road crossing only 1’ snow here, lots of moose tracks.
Came back to Carle camp no. 3.
February 7, 1911 At Carle camp no. 3.
Drove back to Twin Lakes, picked up cache, moved same up creek
within 3 miles of Big Lake, went back to Carle Camp no. 3.
Wind changed and smoked us out of Fly camp.
February 8, 1911 Carle Camp no. 3 to NE end
of Big Lake on Carle Road took whole outfit. Made camp about
200 yards from Carle Road near lake. Had to swamp out from
lake to Carle Road, 300 yards. Took snowshoes off horse on
Meadow Brook. Put them on again at NE end of Big Lake.
February 9, 1911 Big Lake to Miller bridge
on Carle Road took 800 lbs., horses walked right along on sled
trail. Ate dinner at Clam Lake had to cut out quite a few
wind falls. No trail from pothole to river, lots of wind falls
on road. Arrived at river at 9 PM Miller in bed got up and cooked
us a good supper.
February 10, 1911 Sent Hall back to Big Lake
for 800 lbs. grub and forage. Self hauled in stringers
for bridge with Nig. River open had to put in 18’ bridge
on channel to reach bridge with timbers.
February 11, 1911 Hitched Nig and Tony up tandem
and hauled in five 50’ stringers for bridge. Pulled stringers
onto crib with Nig. All the stringers in place - bridge 180’
long 12’ wide in the clear. Team, Hall, self all worked one
day at Susitna Carle Road bridge. Charge bridge fund $20.
February 12, 1911 O. C. Miller’s Susitna Bridge
to Knik. Left Miller’s camp on river at 7:30. Picked
up 5 quarters moose meat for Nakela. Arrived at Meadow
Brook Farm 6 PM, had supper left at 8 o'clock for Knik.
Hall stayed at camp on farm.
February 13, 1911 Light snow all day. Put up
order for St. Clair and Kelly for trip to Willow Creek.
Everybody in Knik are from Willow Creek except GB tunnel men.
Hughes and Dr. Cown trying to settle account by hauling freight
for G. B. M. Co.
February 14, 1911 St. Clair and
Kelly left for Willow Creek to saw lumber for G. B. M. Co.
Steen hauling hay from Old Knik. Hall arrived from Meadow
Brook Farm. Sold Prince and Shem grub for sawing lumber at
head of Fish Creek for cache on farm. Riddle and wife left Knik
for Seward.
February 15, 1911 Real Chinook weather. Put
up order for St. Clair for March and April grub. One musher
arrived from Seward. Hall put in order for summer outfit.
February 16, 1911 Chinook weather, very fine
warm day. Busy with Hall order. Meats about all
sold out also beans. Cash and checks on hand over $1,800,
evening made up deposit for Seattle National Bank. Sent
Hubbell bill to Sylvester Bros. for collection. Channel in
front of wharf closed up with anchor ice first time in 10 years.
McKinnon’s squaw had a kid.
February 17, 1911 Chinook weather busy in store.
Rigged up double ender so Hall could sled his outfit to Palmer’s
Slough. Evening sent checks for over $1,200 balance of
Seattle accounts. Goodwin and party arrived with several
others from trail work from Iditarod. McHenry left for King
River. Stewart and party arrived from GB tunnel.
February 18, 1911 Drees paid his old bill collected
$70 on old account. Goodwin Party left for Seward.
Chris Anderson came back from Knik River reported 6” water on flats.
Mitchell up to trade, first time this winter. Evening surprise
dance on at Bill Hughes.
February 19, 1911 Drees put in order for around
$100 worth of grub and merchandise. Hi-you time at the
Bill Hughes dump - dancing etc. by the saloon element. Steen
family had a family row. Little Nakeeta and Nagifil came
in from Willow bridge work earned $112. Mitchell up town,
dug out his sawmill material. Wrote Miller about cache at
bridge. Cash sales $44.
February 20, 1911 Stewart and Dr. Cowen went
out to Fishhook Creek. Hall hauled his outfit to Theodore’s
Slough with Nig. Got out order for nails and mach. for
gates and Meadow Brook Farm. Evening settled up with A.
W. Hall. Goods and groceries going fast, out of meats and
beans and some fruits. Sent letter to Nagley about selling out
store on account of his friend.
February 21, 1911 Put fire back in Christy’s
stove. Shod Nig aft. Ellexson in from Susitna Roadhouse.
Mailman in from Station. McMillan back from Station with Hughes
oats, left same at Fish Creek. Tom Geter in town from Ship
Creek.
February 22, 1911 Hauled Mitchell’s sawmill
frame down to his ranch and brought back load wood, Stanley and
Wallace went along. Mailman left for Seward. Judge Whittlesey
arrived from Seward - out 13 days - snow slides closed up trail
between Glacier and Bird Creek. Hughes outfit got ready for
trip to Willow Creek to haul up G. B. wood. Evening rain and
blowing hard from south west up the Arm. Snow going fast.
February 23, 1911 Blew hard all night.
PM hauled in 2 loads wood for Larson, marm and son helped.
Evening Herning family ate dinner at Pioneer Roadhouse. Put
up Al Drees order. Hughes teams and men left for Willow Creek
to haul up G. B. wood. Evening snowing. Two mushers in from
St. Michaels.
February 24, 1911 Hauled 2 loads wood from
Mitchell’s ranch. Took down balance of Mitchell’s sawmill
and dog feed for Wallace’s pups. Hauled balance of Larson’s
wood - 8 ricks all told. Brown over from Old Knik wanted
to buy my mower and rake. Whittlesey and Weaver went to Station.
February 25, 1911 Reset 2 hind shoes on Nig
and Tony. Worked on Yukon sleds. Drees got back from
trip to Station - Big Lake overflowed. Most all the boys
out of town on moose hunt etc.
February 26, 1911 Weather warm 42 above evening
windy. AM finished shoeing Nig and Tony aft. PM put
up additional order for Al Drees. Evening hauled up 2 barrels
water with Kid. Mr. Murry came down from Vasilla’s place
- house caught fire and burned up all their grub, clothes and some
money. Anderson bought feed for his pups on account Mitch the
dog man.
February 27, 1911 Snow in Knik about half gone.
Cash sales $143.25. Dug ditches around store and house
to let water run off. Stewart and Dr. Cowen got back from
Fishhook Creek. Put creepers on Nig’s snowshoes, mended harness
etc. Made 2 tent plates. Palmer on a drunk.
February 28, 1911 with Nig on double ender
and trailer, hauled 16 cwt. of grub etc. to Vasilla Slough
for Drees and Murray. Left Knik at 8 AM got back at 5:30
PM. Bottom all gone on trail from Knik to Cottonwood - all
ice above Cottonwood. Met 3 dog teams in route to Iditarod.
Joe Palmer arrived from Seward to move in supplies for Hamilton.
Drees left for Caribou Creek. Evening wet heavy snow.
March 1, 1911 Whittlesey and Hildreth arrived
from Station. Nagley sent check for balance due K. T. Co.
Three more Matanuska Natives arrived with fur. Tom Neeley
came down from Moose Creek with meat. Watson’s man wanted
me to haul out ton of grub to Miller’s bridge. Evening made
out seed orders. Evening colder and freezing after one week thawing
weather. Palmer still on a drunk. Bill Hughes in store.
March 2, 1911 Busy about all day trading with
Matanuska Natives, cash sales $112. Hauled in cord of wood
for St. Clair’s. Evening busy with Seattle mail, sent out
orders for meats and produce. Marshal Whittlesey and Weaver
lost their prisoner - gave them the slip at dark. Doc Wesslier
circulated a remonstrance against saloon license at Knik most everybody
signed it. Sold old Hanes man a Yukon sled through Palmer.
March 3, 1911 To Meadow Brook Farm. Got
Miller’s outfit ready for 2nd trip to Susitna Bridge on Carle
Road, drove out to farm took Stanley along.
March 4, 1911 Farm to Big Lake on summer trail,
snow shoed horses - Stanley drove Tony on double ender.
Ate lunch on boulevard Carle camp no. 3. Meadow Brook fine
to within 1 mile of Big Lake, struck overflows but not to bother.
Made camp at NE end of Big Lake. Stanley’s first trip out from
his mother and first time to sleep alone, used caribou sleeping bag,
snow settled 18”.
March 5, 1911 Big Lake summer trail to Miller’s
bridge Susitna on Carle Road. Landed at bridge at 1 PM,
Miller had 12’ x 14’ cabin up and living in same. Miller
was hewing logging for bridge. Settled up with him for
labor and grub, covered $300 check deposit on bridge account.
Had oyster supper. Left 80 lbs. BS coal 1 – 14” x 24” galvanized
stove, 6 rolls no. 3 galvanized paper with Miller on consignment.
March 6, 1911 Left Miller’s Susitna bridge
on Carle Road at 8 AM picked up 400 lbs. moose meat for
Nakeela to haul to Knik. Met Palmer and VanBuskirk at Clam
Lake with grub for Hamilton’s Mine. Ate lunch at Big Lake.
Packed up Fly camp arrived at Farm 6 PM. Had supper, took snowshoes
off horses reloaded meat on to 3 bobsleighs left Farm 9 PM, arrived
Knik at midnight. Stanley slept all way in sleeping bag.
Hauling time 12 hours.
March 7, 1911 Chilly all day. Kelly and
Lidell bought a few things for trip to Lake Creek. St. Clair
and Kelly through with sawing contract for G. B. M. Co. on Willow
Creek. Mr. Johnson and nephew arrived from Seattle.
March 8, 1911 Entered up Kelly and Lidell and
O. C. Miller’s bills rendered. At noon Kelly and Lidell
left for their placer mines on Lake Creek. Harper came over from
Station with Gassy Thompson. Cramer arrived from Lake Creek
after finishing bridge hauling contract, left Barney at Station.
Hughes and wife drove out to Willow Creek. Squaw dance at McCarthy’s
cabin last night.
March 9, 1911 Worked on Cannon account.
PM mailman arrived and quite a crowd of mushers.
Blowers said that our furs were still held up in Seward due to
change in law about shipping out fur. Lake Creek Anderson
arrived on his way out. Cramer wanted me to go in with him and
buy the Alaska. McKinnon in town on account of mail for coal camp.
March 10,1911 Mailman and Cramer left for Station.
Thomas McLaughlin and Byron McMurray left for Iditarod.
Sold McKinnon grub for summer at coal camp. Hauled ½
ton hay to barn and hauled up 2 barrels water. Mitchell up
to trade. Young Pedro Goosmar arrived from Station with 3
sacks sugar for Palmer.
March 11, 1911 Weather much colder 8 AM was
2 below zero. Set up last of Yukon hand sleds. Capt. May’l
arrived from Glacier Creek. Evening made out report on
Knik for Polk's Directory Seattle. 10 PM 14 below, took usual
bath. Steen and wife got back from weeks trip to Willow Creek.
March 12, 1911 Ten below zero at 8 AM
Sold last Yukon sled, started to make stove pipe. Cash
sales $30. Hughes outfit (8 horses) arrived from Willow Creek
out 17 days hauling wood for G. B. to top of hogback only.
Windy Wilson, Mr. G. B. Johnston, Denny and Ed O’Brien, Deaf Mute
and several others arrived from Seward. Johnston came in to
set up G. B. Mill. Trail came back from Eagle River.
March 13, 1911 Zero all day. Busy in
store made up 1 dozen 5” pipe. Sold Cal Johnston clothing
outfit for mines. Windy Wilson buying a squaw outfit at
Palmer’s for Metal Creek placer. Dr. Cowen hiring men to help
set up G. B. Mill. Light snow all day.
March 14, 1911 Light snow all day about 1 foot
fell. Made up hardware tent and kaki clothes orders.
Noisy crowd at saloon today - had a dog fight and others wanted
to fight over the bet. Two mushers in from Seward. St.
Clair had team 5 hours to haul in logs for his kitchen annex.
March 15, 1911 Finished making up hardware
order. Several mushers arrived. Chris Anderson
left for G. B. Mines to work. A bunch of Russian mushers
arrived. Conners started to shoe horses for B. D. and Hughes.
March 16, 1911 Cowen and Johnston left for
G. B. Mines to setup mill. Five Russians and 2 white men
started for Station got on wood road and broke trail to Goose Bay
returned this evening. Woods and Jensen went down to Goose Bay to
get out logs for sawmill (2,500 logs).
March 17, 1911 Snow squalls. Mitch came up
to trade. Business quiet these days. Eleven mushers
arrived from Seward, had hard trip on account of storm.
March 18, 1911 Mushers sold their sleds etc.
to Cannon, took packs on back in route to Iditarod. Had
Jno. Wallace at dinner. Stewart and Langell arrived from
Fishhook, said there was too much snow out there.
March 19, 1911 Broke wood out down to Mitchell’s.
Hauled up 2 barrels water. Two mushers in from Seward reported
70 in route (BS). Palmer circulating a petition for saloon
roadhouse license.
March 20, 1911 Hauled up 3 loads firewood from
Mitch’s - total 19 ricks. Chamberlain arrived from Seward
and several Iditarod men going in. Mailman arrived from Station,
a Mr. C. L. Hewes arrived from Lake Creek wanted option on store
business. Dr. David got his commission as Recorder and Commissioner
at Knik in place of Hildreth “fired”.
March 21, 1911 Chamberlain and Cummings and
several mushers left for Station. Made stove pipe.
Blowers left for Seward with last overland mail, Mr. Hewes mushed
with him. Hughes started to make snowshoes for his horses.
March 22, 1911 Shod Nig forward. Worked
on stovepipe. Cramer arrived from Station, brought me over 236
lbs. groceries. Snow shoed his Barney horse as far as Fish
Creek was 2 days from Station to roadhouse, then roadhouse to Knik
1 day. Had ptarmigan for supper and “dumps”. Chas Tuell
came over from Station to work for Palmer. Native hauling forage
from Station for G. B. M. Co.
March 23, 1911 Made stove pipe - not much business.
Cramer wanted to sell his horse and gear to raise cash enough
to buy the Alaska. Evening called on St. Clair’s to hear
their phonograph.
March 24, 1911 with Nig drove out to farm -
Cramer and Stanley went along. Self snow shoed up Fish
Creek to Prince’s camp to see about lumber, cut across came out
at camp 3 - mushed on to farm and shoveled snow off cache floor and
logs. Picked up Doc Cowen on return to Knik. Mushers coming
and going. Simmons family arrived from Susitna.
March 25, 1911 The bunch of 17 headed by the
whistling leader arrived. The party discontented and
the leader “ducked out” for Seward. Bert Stewart left for
Seward on account of trail. St. Clair wanted to work on farm
and at mines.
March 26, 1911 Mushers arriving every day.
Settled up with Cramer on account of hauling last spring.
“G. B.” Dr. Cowen trying to contract for hauling spring freight.
Hughes trying to buy Cramer’s horse and wagon etc.
March 27, 1911 Three more Matanuska Natives
down to trade, Jako had a few mink. Made stove pipe.
Helped Cramer haul oats and hay from warehouse to barn also hauled
up 3 barrels water. Chamberlain got back from Kahiltna in route
to Seward. “Mattie” got the “blues”.
March 28, 1911 Made stove pipe. Trade
fair - cash sales $24.55. Cummings and David’s making ready
for trip to Seward with dog teams. Billy down from Chickaloon
Coal camp sent letter to McKinnon to send check for freight money
needed in April. Teck in town from Willow Creek. Evening
tide sewed in over ice as far as wharf channel closed.
March 29, 1911 Shod Tony and Kid forward.
Made stove pipe. Cummings and wife left with dog team
for Seward, Dr. Kevig and wife for Station, were guests of Dr. David’s.
Everybody leaving town for Seward on account of trail or Willow Creek
Mines. Had “cow meat” roast for dinner.
March 30, 1911 Cramer hauled wood for Cannon.
Dr. David and wife left with dog team for Seward. J. J.
O’Brien on a drunk and bawling out everybody. Steen got
wire from Grady to move sawmill to ridge near Willow Creek.
March 31, 1911 Sold Brown old K. B. red sled
for $20. Cramer hauling wood for Cannon. Business fair
cash sales $37.60. Marshal and O’Conner arrested Nakeeta
and Dirty Al for monkeying with booze. Two mushers made it
in from Ship Creek today 58 mile “hike”.
April 1, 1911 Channel opened up as far as K.
T. Co. wharf about 20’ wide. Bonny McClarity left
for Seward with Langel’s dog team. Conner left for Seward
on account Stewart - Rhinehart trial. Prince came in to
get more grub on account sawing lumber for farm cache. Hughes
outfit left for Willow Creek to haul wood for G. B. and G. B. Co.
freight. Finished resetting shoes on all the horses. Martha
cleaning house. Old Elliott on a drunk.
April 2, 1911 Steen started to haul Grady wood
sawmill to river on winter road. Natives getting booze
- Rufe Stephan was drunk. Took in $19. Turned linoleum
around in kitchen. Dog teams in both from Seward and Iditarod.
With Cramer, hauled in 3 barrels water. Hughes bartender
for Palmer Saloon.
April 3, 1911 Palmer and several others left
in boat for Sunrise started from Fish Creek - Conners and Jensen
boatmen. Mitchell hothouse plant up, cabbage 3” high.
April 4, 1911 Meadow Brook Farm. Broke
out double team, road to farm, bottom about gone on old road,
Stanley went along. Got up firewood and worked on cache
got home at 9:35. Evening Chinook wind. Extra session
of Congress convened today on account Alaska Railway and coal land
and the Seward-Iditarod mail route to Nome?
April 5, 1911 Snow going fast around Knik 70
above in sun. Hauled in load birch wood and 2 barrels
water. Cash sales $24, about sold out on rubber and O. G.
Packs. O’Brien, Huston, Clark and Wilson on a drunk all day.
Channel opened up as far as Palmer’s wharf, about 40’ wide.
Mrs. Ellexson came from Station to trade. Steen trying to brake
down old road bed, Knik to river, on account moving out sawmill gear.
April 6, 1911 At Meadow Brook Farm. Drove
Kid out to farm went out in 2 hours came back 1¼ hours.
Laid up 1½ rounds of logs on cache. Mailman got back
last evening 8 PM got 35 letters special mail, extra charges by
mailman not being a contract trip. Business fair considering
being sold out on meats beans rice meal etc. cash sales $23.70.
April 7 1911 At Meadow Brook Farm. With
Dan drove out to farm, Stanley went along. Hauled in balance
of logs for cache, laid up one round of logs. Drove home
in 1¼ hours business quiet. Evening up late checking
down Sylvester merchandise account. Fish Creek overflowed
onto road on bank. Two mushers in from Seward. Steen trying
to brake down road, Knik to river, on account of moving out sawmill
boiler.
April 8, 1911 At Meadow Brook Farm freezing
all day. Hauled out 18 sacks seed oats to farm. Cramer
drove his horse, self rode Dan. Laid up 3 rounds logs
on cache. Drove back to Knik in 1½ hours road perfect.
McNeil drove in from G. B. Mines. VanBuskirk and Palmer in
after more grub etc. for Hamilton Mine. Stanley sick stomach
trouble. Evening took usual bath.
April 9, 1911 Self and family drove Kid out
to Meadow Brook Farm, Jno. Wallace went along. Put
up 3 rounds log on cache. Pete came to camp delivered 35
boards and 4 plank on trail at camp no. 3 for farm cache.
Musher in from Seward going to Iditarod. Cramer hauled in cottonwood
saw log for himself. Evening 12 above.
April 10,1911 Zero last night.
Drove Dan out to Meadow Brook Farm picked up 240’ lumber
at camp no. 3. Put 2 rounds log on cache. Very quiet in
town cash sales only $14. Freezing weather no ice raising on
these big tides.
April 11, 1911 Self and Cramer drove out to
Meadow Brook Farm with Dan picked up 200’ lumber at camp no.
3. Got walls of cache up ready for plates and rafters. Mattie
sick last night and today stomach trouble, self same from eating
canned pears left over 1 meal. Steen cut his hand with axe.
St. Clair moved out to cut wood for Cannon.
April 12, 1911 Special mail arrived by Mr.
Wells, got bills for flour rubber goods and clothing.
PM got in 2 barrels water. Drove up to flats by hay barn,
cut hay rake out of overflow ice and hauled it down to barn to take
to farm. Conners and Jensen got back last night from boating
trip to Sunrise, left boat at Goose Bay, were a week coming
back, brought back a Mr. Hunt in route to G. B. Mines.
April 13, 1911 Snowed last night, about
4” of new snow at Knik with 7” at the river. Report came that
Murphy had chartered the Alaska to the Alaska Commercial Company.
Wisner got back from river on account of Grady sawmill. Wells
bros. in town waiting for weather to clear. Sold out today on
beets, tomatoes and about all canned fruit and vegetables. Plenty
of flour on hand, rolled oats and sugar. Cream sold out.
April 14 1911 Snow about gone in front of store
and on garden. Steen and Wisner went to river about sawmill.
Started to take inventory cash sales over $30. Tide lifted
ice in front of wharf. Evening Sugar-foot Pete in from
Fish Creek for more grub on account of sawing lumber.
April 15, 1911 Snow half gone in Knik.
Groomed horses for old hair. Evening tide Nate White arrive
by dory with George Eberhardt and Judge Ferris from Sunrise.
First outside boat to arrive this spring.
April 16, 1911 Hauled hay rake and roofing
paper on bobsleighs to Meadow Brook Farm. Had to put snowshoes
on horses at camp no. 3. Steen left his load at head of
Fish Creek and came back to Knik.
April 17, 1911 A Mr. Merideth arrived
from Station to trade bought hardware. Hauled up 3 barrels water
and started to get mower ready to take out to farm. Wallace
got back from trip to G. B. Mines. Evening had a long talk
with Eberhardt he wanted to handle my hydraulic placer mine.
April 18, 1911 First boat arrived, Swan arrived
with Grady and wife and Harrigan, general manager for B. D. Co.
Got case bacon 1 sack sugar. Evening drove up to hay barn
and loaded mower in bobsleighs. Drove Nig down to government
camp and hauled up grub and Grady baggage. Swan was 8 days Seldovia
to Knik.
April 19, 1911 Hauled mower on bobsleighs to
Meadow Brook Farm. Put plates on cache ready to put up
rafters and roof. Roadbed settled down, horses came in
without snowshoes. Wilson arrived from Metal Creek brought out
his dogs. Snow settling and going fast, road good to farm no
water on road yet. Nate White arrived 2nd boating trip from
Sunrise.
April 20, 1911 Froze hard last night. Took
section out of wharf to let B. D. Co. sawmill boiler pass through
in route to Willow Creek by Hughes team. Eberhardt boozing.
Dirty Al peddling booze to Natives. Old Stephan, his wife
and Goosmar drunk. Evening put up order for Indian Jim and
Pete on account of sawing lumber for St. Clair at Willow Creek.
Nate White in town.
April 21, 1911 Left for Meadow Brook Farm,
cut 9 pair spruce poles for rafters at camp no. 3. Arrived
at farm, put in end plates for gable boards laid ceiling joist.
Cramer made 9 pair rafters self cut in door and put in frame.
J. J. O’Brien on a drunk out in front of Palmer’s saloon using vile
language and bawling out people. Hughes moved B. D. Co. boiler
from beach to lake.
April 22, 1911 Snow about all gone in Knik,
first geese arrived today. The Alaska Capt. Murphy arrived
at noon with Bert Stewart and party from Seward. Ira and
Chas Isaac arrived. Ide party and Dr. Cowen went out on Alaska.
McKinnon paid his bill by Indian Billy from coal camp also sent money
to pay Dr. David and nurse? Mrs. Stephan. Hughes started out
with B. D. sawmill boiler, turned turtle near birch grove.
April 23, 1911 Left Knik 4:30 for Meadow Brook
Farm, Cramer went along. George Eberhardt rode out as
far as camp no. 3 in route to Station. Spotted ceiling stringers.
Cramer boarded up gable ends, used spruce poles for rafters.
Self put on west side of roof sheathing, Cramer put on east side.
Noon, passed B. D. Co. boiler, bottom side up, on Grady cut-off Big
Lake. Evening passed boiler at Fish Creek.
April 24, 1911 Snow all gone in streets
of Knik. Larson in for a drunk. Wisner in for lumber
for B. D. sawmill building Hauled up 2 barrels water.
Mush ice 6” deep on Knik Lake. Low places on winter road
filling up with water. Eagle Roadhouse men came over by boat to
trade. Cash sales $53.25.
April 25, 1911 Froze hard last night.
Hauled in 2 loads of wood from birch grove at summit. Hauled
cord of split wood for cook stove from Rufe Stephan’s place,
used wagon from lake. Snow all gone -beach to Knik Lake
- road fair from lake up to birch grove snow going fast. Otto
shot 1st goose of 1911. Air full of geese 5 days later than same
conditions last year. Hughes landed B. D. Co. sawmill boiler at
river - 4 days with 5 horses and 6 men. Evening put up hardware
order for B. D. Sawmill.
April 26, 1911 Tide increasing, channel blocked
with ice for a mile below Knik at full tide. B. D. took
last of sawmill building with Hughes team. Evening closed
up gangway on wharf. Sold $20 worth of clothing. Cramer
said he sold his horse and gear to Hughes. Mattie got bad
cold. Air full of geese.
April 27, 1911 The Alaska arrived voyage 2
with some of G. B. freight. Dr. David and wife came back
from Seward. Cramer sold his horse and gear to Hughes.
The Alaska landed G. C. Co. freight at government camp. Channel
full of ice from Goose Bay to Knik. Hughes and Dr. Cowen wanted
to borrow D. E. sleds -“nothing doing”. Evening Hughes team hauled
G. B. freight on double enders.
April 28, 1911 Hauled last of forage
from dock warehouse to barn. Hauled up 3 barrels water on wagon.
Hauled out 3 loads manure on barn lot. PM tide Swan arrived
voyage 2 with first mail landed same just above Fish Creek channel
full of ice. Drove Nig down beach for mail and eggs.
At Government Creek Nig broke through ice and turned knee out of
joint had to leave him at Government Creek overnight. Up all
night with Nig, $500 horse knocked out. F. B. Cannon arrived
from Seward.
April 29, 1911 Big tides, ice moved off ¼
of bar in front of Knik. Nig hobbled up to Knik. Myself
and Wallace worked on Nig’s knee, put tackle on to pull joint back
into place then put on splints. Sold out case of first lot
of eggs. Hughes team went out with G. B. spring freight landed
by the Alaska.
April 30, 1911 Made box stall for Nig
on account of his fractured knee. VanBuskirk in from Little
Susitna to see Hamilton, said snow was soft and deep from Miller’s
camp to Big Lake. Snow about half gone from Big Lake to Knik.
Ice about gone in bar in front of Knik. Channel by wharf
only 60’ wide and only open ¼ mile above wharf. Twenty
feet rim ice in front of wharf. Nig leg not swelling much, not
much pain thus far. Boys hot after geese .
May 1, 1911 Cash sales during year ending April
30, 1911. No big boats at Knik up to date. No freight
delivered except by Swan and Alaska. Hauled out manure on
barn lot with Dan and Tony. Nig’s leg doing well looks like
chance for recovery. Air full of geese and Swan boys getting
quite a few. Evening Cramer paid for Barney forage used to date.
First boats from Old Knik arrive. G. B. bookkeeper in town waiting
for freight. Hughes teams out with freight.
May 2, 1911 Hauled manure with Dan and Tony
on store garden and barn lot. St. Clair and wife arrived
from Willow Creek to get more Natives to saw lumber for G. B.
A Mr. Strong arrived from Tocotna Kuskokwim in route to Tacoma going
back with sawmill launch and stock of goods - last man to arrive out
from Iditarod District. Cash sales over $80. McClarty
gave us a goose, first of 1911 catch for us.
May 3, 1911 No big boats arrived at Knik
thus far. Ploughed store garden and part of barn lot with
Tony and Dan. St. Clair and a bunch of Natives left for Willow
Creek via winter road. Had roast goose dinner, “rather tough”.
Whitney’s left by boat for their ranch on Ship Creek, Tom Jeter
went along. Cramer left list of his tent house for sale.
Cramer talking of going to Tacotna with Mr. Strong.
May 4, 1911 McNeil lost Hughes horse,
Valdez, in Big Lake on return trip to Knik. Finished plowing
barn lot with Dan and Tony. Evening Nig laid down, had
to cut out partition. Cramer self and Wallace up with horse
all night, got him back on his feet with tackle. Nig’s
knee broke on inside of leg.
May 5, 1911 Busy about all day making
sling for Nig, Mr. Sharp head director. Hired Mr.
Sharp to nurse Nig. Sharp slept in barn. Noon tide
the Alaska, Mike Murphy and Ruf Bowen arrived, first boat to
land at wharf, got hardware and some produce. Cramer and Strong
went out on Alaska via to Tacoma. Evening Dr. David visited
told me all about the saloon license only granted to June 30th.
May 6, 1911 Nig doing very well. Plowed
C. and H. lot - time 3 hours with Dan and Tony. Business
fair considering there being no new grub in town. Marshal
arrested Rufe for being drunk and giving his wife a pair of black
eyes. Hughes out of grain borrowed 2 sacks.
May 7, 1911 Busy all day with Seattle
mail and orders. Nig knee improving, put leather boot
on knee. Martha planted garden what shall the harvest be?
Up till midnight with letter writing. Sent deposit to Seward
and Seattle banks. Paid Henry Ratzen for sawing wood $20.
May 8, 1911 Dr. David held his court,
Rufe was fined thirty-some dollars for being drunk and beating
his wife. Nig doing fine, resting some on his crippled leg.
Chris Anderson came in from G. B. Mine after more help, said snow
was all gone from ravine crossing to river. Grady’s team
hauling from river to lumber camp. Hughes team had G. B. freight
strung along trail from river to Willow Creek.
May 9, 1911 Grub shot, no sugar in Knik.
No big boats landed at Knik thus far this spring. Planked
down all 3 gardens. Chris Anderson rounded up 10 men to
work for G. B. M. Co. Cash sales $52. Mr. D. I. Sharp going
to Willow Creek to work for G. B. M. Co. Allowed him $25
for 5 days doctoring Nig’s knee.
May 10, 1911 Slept in the barn on account
of Nig last night, Nig resting easy. Evening while dressing
Nig’s leg discovered another spot liable to break and discharge
above knee cap. Sewed oats on barn lot. Got up 2 barrels
water started to plow Cannon’s garden. Chris Anderson returned to
G. B. camp with 10 extra men, they packed out 80 lbs. steel - went
summer trail first to go that way. Quiet in town today grub pretty
shot, plenty of ducks and geese .
May 11, 1911 Slept in barn on account
of Nig. Valdez Capt. Murphy voyage 1 arrived with mail, took out
first mail by water route. Got some hardware flour etc. on
Valdez also pick ups, butter sugar milk etc. from Beluga got by SS
Cramer. Nig’s knee broke above knee cap considerable congealed
blood came out, evening looked better. Brown - a nice
Brown arrived from Old Knik with his scow boat. B. D. got 7 sacks
oats 1 tank silver on Valdez. Wallace made new boot for Nig’s
sore knee.
May 12, 1911 Not much doing in Knik,
waiting for big boat to land supplies. Evening tide Joe
Beedy arrived voyage 1 with Red Jack. Harry the Jap and brother
arrived. Nig’s knee improving. VanBuskirk and Vern bought dog
feed and moved up to Cottonwood. Sold all the spring cots to
Pioneer Roadhouse. O’Dale reported snow and ice at all other
ports even at Seldovia.
May 13, 1911 Planted store garden to
wheat oats and barley. O. C. Miller arrived from his
mines on Little Susitna. “Fish” Johnson came in from G.
B. Mines. Nig’s knee discharging, but very little and swelling
going down. Last of anchor ice raised on bar in front of Knik,
some ice cakes coming down on ebb tides. One drunk on duty
this PM. Old Knik Brown here waiting for big boat to land his supplies.
May 14, 1911 Myself and Wallace washed all
Nig’s legs and cleaned him up in general knee doing fine.
Miller made bathtub for Cannon. Harrowed in grain in
store garden. Everybody waiting for the big boat to come.
Sold out today on sugar bacon and spuds. Hughes feeding
B. D. Co. oats and hay about all gone. Chief Nicholai left
for Kenai on Stephan’s sloop on evening tide to get the Priest.
May 15, 1911 Self knocked out with cold in
head. Morning tide gas boat Vida arrived with G. B. M.
Co. lumber, left on evening tide. Young of Kenai was with
Vida also Capt. Ward. Nig’s knee doing fine. Miller
started to make sheet steel stoves with cast iron tops. Evening
planted oats on C. and H. lot with a mixture of wheat. Cash
sales $51.35. Evening Stanley howling with toothache.
May 16, 1911 PM with Kid and Stanley went up
winter road to birch grove swamp at summit safe to cross - frost
in. Cleaned wood choppers brush etc. out of road and
blazed road around Knik Lake.
May 17, 1911 My self, Wallace and Cobb cut
wagon road around Knik Lake. Evening tide Buffalo arrived
with Gold Quartz Mine Co. freight landed same at our dock.
Got small lot of grub from Herbert. Some of Gold Quartz men arrived.
Jos. Buzzard and brother were on Buffalo in route to Hope.
G. B. amalgamator arrived.
May 18, 1911 Finished swamping out wagon road
around Knik Lake to connect with winter road to Willow Creek cost
for labor $7. Miller finished making 4 cast top stoves
(time - 4 days). Quiet in town most everybody out.
May 19, 1911 Left Knik for Meadow
Brook Farm with spike team on wagon. Made it out to Big
Lake cut trail from G. B. road to creek made camp. Took along
Frank Libby for swamper. Wallace took charge of doctoring
Nig’s leg.
May 20, 1911 Swamped out wagon road on
S. W. side of Big Lake, came on to winter road 1/3 mile above
Big Lake near birch grove made camp. Drove over to swamp
near Fish Creek frost in on road only, rod went down 6’ to 8’ on
side of road, decided not to cross with team and wagon.
May 21, 1911 Cruised trail down ridge to Fish
Creek bottom look up crossing over Swamp Creek. Evening
rode to farm to get feed for horses.
May 22, 1911 Swamped road down ridge
1 mile built bridge over Swamp Creek.
May 23, 1911 Finished bridge and cruised
out trail across Fish Creek bottom to ridge where winter road
hits Fish Creek by sign boards.
May 24, 1911 Broke camp at Forks winter
road and Old Susitna trail. Drove to bridge and swamped
out and made back to winter road at sign board. Made over
to Maidens Lane - reach broke - left wagon - went to farm (this
was on 23rd). On the 24th went after wagon made new reach. Started
to plow on C. and H. clearing. Had Libby pick up dead timber
on Hall clearing.
May 25, 1911 Left Meadow Brook Farm 5:30
on Kid horse, arrived Knik 8:15. Nig improving.
Busy all day with new goods clothing and part of hardware delivered
by Swam from scow at Knik Harbor. Kelly outfit left for
Carle Mine. Mr. Wood arrived from B. D. Co. Mines said one of Harrigan’s
new men was killed by a snow slide.
May 26, 1911 Busy in store with new goods.
Swan arrived with last of April freight. Evening marked
up sporting goods took in $317.05. McDonald and Percy left
for prospecting tour. O. C. Miller left for his Mines with
his Rabbit horse.
May 27, 1911 PM with Kid rode out to Meadow
Brook Farm to plant oats and clear land.
May 28, 1911 At Meadow Brook Farm, swamped
out road from cache to oat field and plowed. Libby burned
brush on Hall’s clearing.
May 29, 1911 to June 3, 1911 At Meadow
Brook Farm plowing and clearing land.
June 4, 1911 At farm finished plowing
lot 20 x 40 rods square. Planted balance of oats.
Evening a brown bear cut me off on road to camp. Made him
take to the bush came within 100’ of camp.
June 5, 1911 At farm finished sowing
barley harrowed same and planked down whole field. Picked
up tools took up, Hall’s tent got ready to return to Knik.
Shem arrived with note from Mattie just as we were ready to leave
for Knik. Packed, Dan was 3¼ hours coming to town.
June 6, 1911 Trees leafing out at Knik
fair picking for horses. Busy in store collected $104.90.
First real rain of spring. Nig’s knee about healed up discharge
stopped left off all bandages. Put shot weight on foot to
straighten leg.
June 7, 1911 Got out Seattle mail.
Shough opened his pack gear, was half destroyed by acid,
Palmer reported to have lost $700 worth of goods by acid
Goodwin, Road Commission man, in town wanted to get any pack train
for moving his grub on new trail Knik to Susitna. Paid Frank
Libby for 17½ days labor on farm $61.25. Grady family
arrived from Willow Creek.
June 8, 1911 Hughes hauled Road Commission
outfit on wagon to Fish Creek on new road via Knik to Station.
Grady boozing. B. D. assayer in town waiting for assay outfit
to arrive on boat. Our oats up. Palmer having his lot
plowed today. Horses beginning to get plenty of grass.
June 9, 1911 bidarky arrived 2 AM first
trip this spring, fence wire and produce came, also meats.
Byron Bartholf arrived and a Mr. Williams and wife. Lost
1 crate carrots all rotten cabbage on B. O. Sent Seattle mail
by Cramer via Railway to Seward. Al Drees drew his deposit
money and left evening for Caribou Creek. Grady on a drunk.
St. Clair and Shough left for Sheep Creek. Brown over from Old
Knik.
June 10, 1911 Very quiet in town not
much business. Esi got his gas engine installed and made
a trial run, Denny engineer. Planked down barn lot part
of oats were up but many were on top of ground. Goodwin came
in said they run into swampy ground near Fish Creek and would lay off
trail work until next November. Hubbel and Hamilton in
town. Jack Steen and Wisner arrived from Willow Creek this AM
had trouble crossing Bald Mt. With horses.
June 11, 1911 English pack train came to town.
Steen packed in Goodwin outfit had Dan 6 hours $3. Evening
tide Goodwin party left for Old Knik on Brown’s scow to swamp
trail - Old Knik to Ship Creek summit. Hildreth arrived
from Seward came in small boat. Let Wallace go - time 23 days
caring for Nig. Nig’s knee about healed up.
June 12, 1911 Cleaned up back yard.
Put brush in crib of wharf and filled in 1,000 lbs. rock.
PM tide Alaska arrived from Seldovia had a big crowd Goodwin was
aboard. Alaska laid over due to wind. Commissioner
ordered mangy dogs to be shot.
June 13, 1911 Morning tide the Alaska left
for Kern Creek. Put up 2 weeks prospect outfit for
Sharp and Wallace. Evening tide Capt. Glenn Names arrived
from Hope with 4 passengers. Hubbel surveying church property
and Grady’s lot. Cash sales $44. Conroy and Marion arrived.
June 14, 1911 Mrs. C. S. Hubbel took elevation
of spring, across Knik Lake for me at our tin shop, 10’ above
level of Knik Lake at St. Clair’s place 12’ above level of Lake.
Spring where it comes out of bank level with our tin shop. Susitna
in port AM tide with Alaska Commercial Company groceries for Palmer.
Palmer and squaw went on Susitna. Capt. Glenn Names left
for Hope, Dr. David went out with him. Sharp and Wallace
left for Peters Creek across Arm to prospect.
June 15, 1911 Put screen on barn window and
repaired window and painted same, also painted window in tin
shop. Wallace brought Goodwin over from Peters Creek - Goodwin
in route to Seward. Al Crocker was tried for selling liquor to
Natives, bond fixed at $1,500. Evening put up President Suspender
sign in front of store.
June 16, 1911 Alaska arrived with Hubbard,
McCary and Mrs. Dr. Cowen “to be” and several passengers. Conroy
and Marion left for Willow Creek. Nig’s knee improving
fast. Evening tide Goodwin left for Peters Creek to join
his trail party.
June 17, 1911 Half ebb tide the Explorer arrived
with section of English prospectors from Talkeetna District.
Set up 1 dozen chairs. Evening tide Natives arrived from
Fire Island with first king salmon. Indian Billy said he
lost his boat and camp outfit near Pt. Campbell. Kelly’s college
boys and Mr. Williams left for Fishhook District. Oats up 2”
in store garden. Woods fire at Peters Creek.
June 18, 1911 Alaska, Explorer and Susitna
all in port and Esi’s gas boat. Mrs. Grady and Steen
went out on Alaska via Kern Creek to Seward. Sent 2 letters
registered to Seward to Brown and Hawkins order for hardware
and dry goods. Alaska left at midnight. Palmer and
squaw got back from Beluga.
June 19, 1911 Evening tide Sharp and Wallace
came back from Peters Creek, forest fire drove them out.
Fire supposed to have been set by Goodwin party. Rain needed
bad for gardens. Set 24” x 28” window light for Grady.
June 20, 1911 Finished setting up kitchen
chairs. O. C. Miller, Kelly and Ira Isaac arrived from Susitna
Mines. Miller sold his horse to Kelly. Sharp and Wallace
left by dory for Bird Creek to prospect. Mrs. Williams wanted
to get the McGuire cabin, Doc David showed her the cabin. Cannon
had Tony and scraper 9 hours.
June 21, 1911 Hauled up 4 barrels water.
Hauled monument down to McGuire’s grave. Hauled up gangplank
to make yard for Nig in front of barn. O. C. Miller
got pack ready to go to mines tomorrow. Churchill got frame
up for Palmer’s new warehouse. Bill Elliott came in from
Willow Creek, said river was high. G. B. pack train couldn’t
cross in route to Knik.
June 22, 1911 Alaska arrived at noon
from Kern Creek, brought over 2 horses for Goodwin survey party.
Frank Bartholf arrived. Hamilton and one of the English
field managers came over from Seward. O. C. Miller left with
pack on his back for his mine. Report came that Cramer bought
the Chase. “Teck's” boat at Seward was waiting for “ile” then would
put her on the Cook Inlet run.
June 23, 1911 Busy in store cash sales
$28. Two Iditarod men here to prospect. Fire raging
on Eagle River 10 miles upstream. Evening looked up shoe
order. Kelly and Isaac left for Fishhook Creek. Alaska
left on early morning tide for Station. Hamilton in route to
Wells Bros. Copper Mine with English buyer.
June 24, 1911 Swan came in with the mail
2 AM business fair. G. B. pack train arrived from
Willow. Palmer got roof on his galvanized warehouse.
Shough and wife came over from Eagle River to meet E. H. Bartholf
due here. Susitna Marshal Dyer sold Purches house and personal
property at auction on account of Palmer’s bill, Palmer bid it in.
June 25, 1911 Alaska in port 3 AM took
out Talkeetna English party to Kern Creek. Scotty Watson
and Tin Shop Kelly came over from Susitna, Kelly looking
up location for tin shop. Hauled up 4 barrels
water. G. B. pack train left for mines 1st through trip from
Knik this spring. Road Commission took their 2 horses over to
Eagle River on Brown’s scow.
June 26, 1911 Court in session today.
Denny arrested for peddling booze to the Natives. Cut sill
out of barn on account of taking Nig out. Had to oil up bacon
- beginning to mould. Wilson came down from Metal Creek.
English party back from King River. Kelly’s pack train in.
June 27, 1911 Got up 4 AM rode Kid out
on new road survey to Carle Road from Knik. Picked up
blazes made last winter got out to O’Brien Creek about 3 miles
from Knik going good this far. B. D. assayer came in from Willow
Creek. Dr. Cowen was married to the girl with the big hat.
June 28, 1911 PM run line on new road
to Big Lake Knik to Summer Trail got out to creek ½ mile
below Cottonwood, from there will have to take ridge on the left
to Big Lake. Evening bidarky arrived had freight for
Alaska Road Commission mostly iron corner posts for survey.
Cramer arrived with the Chase from Seward 3 days trip new boat for Inlet
run. McCoy left on Chase for Seattle via Kern Creek and Seward.
Steen arrived from Seward on the Chase. Bidarky landed 6 different
lots of freight at our wharf.
June 29, 1911 Started to rain at midnight
last night. Rained up to noon oats grew two inches.
Sold Warner and Wisner small prospecting outfit. Evening
tide Alaska arrived from Kern Creek with E. H. And W. E.
Bartholf, Dorr and several others. Evening Frank Bartholf
wanted to hire a horse to go to Willow Creek. Dr. Cowen visited
said Hubbard wanted to know if I wanted any Alaska Free Gold stock
Shough family went fishing.
June 30, 1911 Gardens “looking up” on
account of rain showers. F. G. Bartholf visited told us
all about Alaska Free Gold Mining Company and his connection
with G. B. M. Co. Evening tide Chase arrived voyage 2 with St.
Clair from Kern Creek to take charge of Knik Roadhouse. Anderson
arrived with survey party (Walker). Sent mail out on
Chase. Carnegie and Ed O’Brien went out on Chase via to Seward.
E. H. B. left 10 gold watches on consignment $11 net each.
July 1, 1911 Made arrangements with Henry Ratzen
to care for Nig while I take a trip to Willow Creek with Frank
Bartholf and 2 mining men. B. S. Anderson towed E. H. B.
outfit and horses over to Eagle River. Harrigan arrived
from B. D. camp Willow Creek. Evening tide Frank Bartholf
and mining men went to Cottonwood by boat. Self ready to leave
with 3 saddle horses early tomorrow.
July 2, 1911 First trip of the year Knik
to Mines. Left with 3 saddle horses arrived at Cottonwood
7 AM picked up Frank Bartholf. Mr. Hide and partner arrived
at river 12:30 had lunch. Went on to G. B. tent on razorback
G. B. Wilson was there on way to Knik with 5 horses. Arrived
at Grubstake 8 PM. Trail around Grubstake Mt. covered with
snow also wet on Gulch side.
July 3, 1911 Mr. Hide and Bartholf looked
over placer mine, took them up to Gold Bullion camp.
Evening looked over big flume. Had to fix up pipeline that
picked up water along flume. Big dam OK also ditch to intake
from dam. Turned water into big flume also into bench flume.
Got horses for trip to Knik tomorrow. G. B. mill about ready to start
up. Received $20 for 2 saddle horses for 11½ hour mush.
July 4, 1911 Left Mines 6:30 AM arrived
at Knik 6:30 PM, ate lunch at Spruce Tree camp. Bidarky
came in late 11 PM brought some freight for us and a Mr. Hunt.
Chase in port.
July 5, 1911 Conroy and Marion left 2nd trip
to Susitna via Carle Road. McKinnon down to trade.
Hughes moved up to Cottonwood evening tide. Susitna in port.
Got trading license up to July 31, 1911. Harrigan in town.
July 6, 1911 Milo Kelly in town. W. E.
Bartholf left for Fishhook Mines with G. B. pack train. Chase
arrived from Kern Creek with passengers. Mosquitoes bad
tonight also horse flies.
July 7, 1911 O. C. Miller arrived from mines.
Anderson came in from Ship Creek. Ben Agnew and partner
arrived to prospect. Palmer’s saloon closed today?
Mrs. Williams moved into the McGuire cabin.
July 8, 1911 Elliott came over from Old Knik
to trade. O. C. Miller connecting up Connors cold water
tank. Walker party locating section lines north of Knik,
now out to east side of Three Mile Lake on winter road. Beach
between Knik and spring lined with tents 15 in all. Agnew and partner
left for Old Knik.
July 9, 1911 Thomas Babcock came in from Carle
Mine. Byron Bartholf and Cavanaugh came over from Old
Knik. Chase in port early AM tide. Road Commission
Watson arrived to prospect. Hyde and Frye went out on Chase.
July 10, 1911 Miller started to rebuild
veranda aft of house tore down canvas veranda. Ed O'Brien
and several on a drunk today, Palmer celebrating with the gang.
G . B. packer back from trip to Alaska Free Gold Mine. Palmer
out of fruit, milk, Star yeast and what-not. O. C. Miller said
he would take Cramer’s cabin.
July 11, 1911 Barley heading out in store
garden, time 58 days. With Tony re-graded back of
house for new veranda. Kelly and Byron Bartholf left for Fishhook
Creek. Several drunks today. Sold Miller the Cramer tent
house.
July 12, 1911 Miller and self got up
side walls to veranda and roof off new cache. Evening
Chase arrived - no passengers. Sold Cramer’s tent house to
O. C. Miller for $100, made out bill of sale and paid Cramer the
$100. Advanced Miller $36 on above. Evening Mr. Walker
visited, wanted to know how early boats would deliver horses at Knik
spring of 1912 on account of land survey parties.
July 13, 1911 Stewart and Isaac went
out with 3 pack horses also Jack Steen for Willow. Noon
Stanley fell on to box under Dougherty’s calidoor and cut his
chin 2” Dr. had to put in 3 stitches. Got main part of roof
on veranda short on lumber. Noon flies bad on horses.
July 14, 1911 Barley in store garden
all headed out - oats 18” high. Put up 2 small orders.
Got ¾ of roof done on house veranda. Got 2 sacks
oats back that Hughes borrowed. Hughes took out balance
of Kelly’s feed 15 boxes, McKinnon took 4, Stewart was
to get 2. AM tide Susitna in from Kern Creek in route to Station.
Land surveyors scow went to Knik this side of Fish Creek.
July 15, 1911 Got roof all covered on
house, veranda door yet to be made. G. B. Wilson in with
pack train. Grady in from B. D. Mines. Cash sales $24.
Nig’s knee swelling again on outside. Doc David making
office out of old Affanassa cabin. Dance on at Osnes's tonight.
July 16, 1911 AM tide both the Chase
and Alaska in port. Chase brought English party back
from Glacier Creek. A mill man arrived to work for Kelly.
Old Ham came back with smelter man to look at the Watson big ledge??
O. C. Miller started to sink a well by the Cramer tent house, bored
down 20’ with post hole auger, struck rock quit this hole. Shough
and wife left with 2 horses to prospect around Little Willow.
July 17, 1911 Self got stitch under right
shoulder. Miller digging well, all gravel down 6’.
Larson on a drunk. Russell and partner back from prospecting
trip around Willow Creek. English packers back from boating
trip up Knik River. Mrs. Small here and doing biz.
July 18, 1911 Isaac and Babcock left
to do assessment on Alaska Hoosier Placer Claims Willow Creek.
Evening tide English party Beardsford left on Esi’s launch for
Knik River Copper Mines. Pete Jensen came in from G. B. Mines
said lower tram didn’t work well had 2 stamps running. Stitch
in back is better. Dr. took stitches out of Stanley’s chin.
Miller working on his well. Cut new oats for Nig.
July 19, 1911 AM tide Chase arrived with
Meyers, Zimmerman and Dirty Al. PM Alaska arrived with
game warden and Names - brought over for trial for killing moose
out of season. Shod Kid and Dan forward for trip to Willow
Creek to show M. and Z. my placer mines.
July 20, 1911 Left Knik 6:30 with A.
A. Zimmerman and C. B. Meyers (on 3 saddle horses) to show them
my hydraulic placer mines. Trail fine, ate lunch at river
gave horses 2 hour rest arrived at mines 8 PM.
July 21, 1911 At mines showed Zimmerman
and Meyers all my prospects both on Grubstake and Willow Creek.
They did considerable panning got gold in every pan seemed pleased
with the prospects. Someone had camped under calidoor at mess
house. Up till midnight.
July 22, 1911 Self went up Grubstake
5 AM after horses. Left mines 8 AM arrived at Knik 8
PM At river while at lunch, Zimmerman and Meyers offered
me $1,000 cash for privilege of prospecting Willow Creek with my
plant or would take pay to open up Willow. My price for property
was $25,000 - $7,000 down balance in payments.
English party got back from Knik River.
July 23, 1911 Made agreement with Zimmerman
and Meyer to handle Willow Creek placer first cash payment to
be $1,000 - $12,000 next season balance due November 1913.
English party sold out their grub and horses to Palmer - going
to quit Knik. Evening looked over mail. Sylvester Bros.
wanted to ship order on file.
July 24, 1911 Drew up option to purchase
Willow Creek Placer Mines with Meyers and Zimmerman, they paid
$1,000 down. Sold Dan horse to Meyer and Zimmerman for
$150 cash. Busy all day in store. Sent Sylvester Bros.
Co. $700 on order to come, wired them to ship.
July 25, 1911 with Dan and Tony packed,
left on Kid to show Meyers and Zimmerman around at the mines on
account of them connecting up pipeline and prospecting Willow
Creek under option to buy. Self left on Kid 1 hour later
caught them at first creek crossing, ate lunch at first small lake.
E. H. Bartholf came along in route to Knik. Went onto razorback
unpacked horses had lunch.
July 26, 1911 Left razorback 2:30 AM
arrived at mines 5:30 AM Had breakfast then took a sleep.
July 27, 1911 At mines, checked up pipeline
found enough pipe to connect up line from Grubstake to Willow
Creek bottom. Took inventory of grub and tools sold grub
to Meyers and Zimmerman.
July 28, 1911 Went up Grubstake after horses
they went to the top of mountain, came down on Willow Creek
side. Got away late 9 AM arrived at Knik 9 PM Brought
out all 3 horses. Dan to pack back grub for Meyers and Zimmerman.
Ratzen took care of Nig 4 days. English party left on the
Chase - through with Knik country. Kelly and E. H. Bartholf
went to Seward. Kelly took out first gold bricks.
July 29, 1911 Oats in store garden heading
out. PM tide Alaska arrived in route to Kern Creek. St.
Clair and Ship Creek farmers up to trade. A Finlander from
Eagle River blew off his hand shooting out stumps - brought him
over to doctor. B. S. Anderson in port fixing up his engines
in launch.
July 30, 1911 Miller put wire netting around
his lot. Wood up from Goose Bay to trade.
July 31, 1911 Dr. Cowen and Hibbard arrived
from G. B. Mines on way out to Seattle. Sold Hibbard $37.50
worth of furs. Evening sent order to C. E. Filson for clothing.
August 1, 1911 Put up small order for
Meyers and Zimmerman. G. B. pack train started out PM dumped
packs at O’Brien’s horses came hack to Knik. Packer Wilson
drunk. Arranged to send Dan to mines with Mr. Cobb.
Told young Swede he could go out to work for Meyers and Zimmerman.
Anderson’s boat bucked tide up to Goose Bay. Dr. Kivig came
over from Station to help operate on Finlander who blew off
his hand. Tom Merideth over from Station said he would take the
fish trap wire later on. Hibbard and Dr. Cowen left for Seattle
via Anderson’s boat to Kern Creek.
August 2, 1911 Noon tide Chase arrived,
Judge Finnegan and Hickey came over to look over Willow Creek
Quartz Mines. Kelly came back from trip to Seward. Self
and Stanley rode Kid and Tony out to Meadow Brook Farm, brought back
two sacks of oats on Kid got home at midnight. Martha sent Cramer
out on trail to look for us. Oat crop on farm not doing well too
dry no rain out there. Sent Dan out to mines with “Teck” with
pack for Meyers and Zimmerman. Harrigan in from B. D. Mines.
August 3, 1911 Nig’s leg swelling again.
Chase left for Kern Creek. Mrs. Williams went out bag
and baggage. Palmer building another warehouse on Billy Morris
cache site. Miller made horn and gift for Chase. Reported
Milo Kelly got $2,500 account of road - Knik to Carle Road - from
Road Commission.
August 4, 1911 bidarky in port at noon
had freight for Palmer. Otto Langel came in from G.
B. Mines, said he located a fraction between Gold Wonder no.
1 and no. 2 on G. B. M. Co. property. Wood came up from Goose
Bay. Harrigan left for B. D. Mines. Mr. Williams in from Carle
Mines.
August 5, 1911 Chase arrived early morning
tide. Mrs. Wheatly came over for a visit from Seward.
Alaska in port noon tide Dr. Kivig left for Station. Miller
busy installing pump in his well - put pump down 9’. Evening
made out order for leather shoes and roofing paper.
August 6, 1911 Miller lowered pump down to
17’ in well works but “dang hard”. Had Mrs. Wheatley
at lunch. Chase left for Kern Creek sent mail with Cramer
going through to Seward. Miller ready to go to his mines had
contract to build cabin and cache for Brewer - Watson Superintendent
and cache for Milo Kelly. Sent $4 with Cramer to Dr. Dagget
of Seward for OGH ad in Iditarod circular last winter. Palmer wanted
to turn over “Kashevenkof” trunk.
August 7, 1911 O. C. Miller left for his mines
Little Susitna canyon. Kelly and Williams left for Carle
Mine. McKinnon going to coal fields. G. B. pack
train in early AM - Jack Steen. Got order for supplies from
G. B. M. Co. under new management. Showed Henry Ratzen about
setting up the McGuire monument. Harry the Jap in from Willow
Creek said he had run in 30 some feet on ledge down low on Willow.
August 8, 1911 Ratzen started to set up McGuire
monument. Put up small order for G. B. M. Co. Jack Steen
packer. Chase came in PM tide, Denny Captain Cramer gone
to Seward. Oscar Miller came in from G. B. Mines. Palmer delivered
J. J. K. trunk per order of E. E. Ritchie.
August 9, 1911 Took Nig out of barn and sling,
first time since hurt, he laid down and got up twice fell down
trying to go into barn so rigged up a tripod and put him in sling
in front of barn. Steen left with B. G. pack train for Craigie.
Up till 10:30 fixing new quarters for Nig outside barn.
and sold out on milk, sugar, spuds, eggs and chewing tobacco.
Grub due on boat tomorrow.
August 10, 1911 Brown’s scow busted up - Watkins
dug out side broke out and house wrecked on Palmer’s big scow.
Chase came in run to Fish Creek for shelter. Parker and
Smith, government men, arrived from coal fields also Ed O'Brien
and Chamberlain. Hickey and Finnegan arrived from Archangel
Creek all went out on the Chase on evening tide. Palmer anchored
out his big scow on mud abreast our wharf.
August 11, 1911 Brown fixed up his scow, bought
horse from Hughes and left for Old Knik. Put galvanite
paper on gable over house veranda covered west end also all completed
but door. Stanley, Mattie and Mr. Cannon went up to look at Gates
garden. Palmer building powder house by my hay barn. Nig
doing better outside of barn in his sling.
August 12, 1911 Murry and McMillan returned
from prospect trip. Simmons moving from Knik house to Hughes
house by lake. Evening answered fathers and Clara’s letter
about the farm deal also Chas Herning’s wife’s letter about her
son-in-law coming to Alaska. Chase in port brought a “Sport”
and Judge Hildreth.
August 13, 1911 Jack Steen arrived 1 AM brought
in Dan for Meyers and Zimmerman. Got 2nd order from G.
B. Men busy locating Stone, the sporting woman, in the Purches
house. Cramer right hand bower. Chase in port laid over.
Evening got Cannon’s order ready to send out for his winters
grub. Mattie helped select dry goods for winters trade.
Hicks family reported on way to Knik from Chickaloon Coal camp.
August 14, 1911 Sent out for special order
for Pioneer Roadhouse to Sylvester Bros. and Fischer Bros.
Evening one of G. B. horses got stuck in slough above hay barn.
Steen, engineer on Chase, self and a dozen Indians pulled him out
OK. Hildreth, Brewer and several others went out on Chase on
evening tide. Susitna came in on AM tide brought passengers
from Station. Complaint made about “Sport” on the hill.
August 15, 1911 Got Miller’s pack ready to
take out tomorrow. Alaska arrived AM George Eberhardt
arrived. Evening Hubbell and Harrigan came in from Willow
Creek. Steen left with G. B. pack train for G. B. Mines.
Harry Hicks around from Chickaloon Coal Mines. Evening re-shod
Tony forward. McKinnon got back from trip to coal fields.
Borrowed sack of oats from B. D. Co.
August 16, 1911 Left Knik 7:30 with pack on
Tony for Miller’s Mine, rode Kid. Arrived at Miller’s big
bridge 4:30 had supper put 2 rolls paper on Kid, 100 lb. left
6:30 arrived at Brewster’s new cache 8:30 left pack went on to
Miller’s Mine arrived 9:30, Romig was there on way to Watson’s Quartz
camp. Hubbell rode in to Kelly’s camp met Knowlton and VanBuskirk
on their way to Knik going to the states. Trail was muddy from river
to Miller’s Mine. Old Tom cutting hay by Susitna canyon.
August 17, 1911 Left Miller Mine 8:30 arrived
Knik 8:30. Kelly came out to Knik. Fed horses at
summit Ridge. Shinned up a spruce tree - Susitna Canyon Big
Lake and Knik on due NE line. Bald Mt. nearly west from summit
Ridge. Took short cut from Carle Road around east end Big Lake
hit new trail about 1 mile above upper creek crossing. Brought
in sample from Miller mine. Chase in port. E. H. Bartholf
and wife and lady lawyer arrived on Chase.
August 18, 1911 Not feeling well today after
long trip. Bartholf getting ready to take his wife and
Madam McKinley out to Willow Creek Mines. Business quiet,
all out of sugar and tobacco. Boat due tomorrow. Evening
worked on winter orders. Had grouse dinner.
August 19, 1911 E. H. Bartholf’s wife and Miss
McKinley left for Willow Creek 11:30. John Clark over
from Old Knik, he took Elliott’s window. Kelly in town
waiting for boat and candles. Dr. David back from trip to
Willow Creek.
August 20, 1911 Chase arrived 1 AM, brought
C. L. Anderson Box 656 Seattle - was after Alaska produce for
exhibit in New York. Took pictures of gardens gave him
ripe barley. Barley in store garden ripe and ready to harvest.
Finished cleaning up store room for reception of new goods.
Stewart, Seward hydraulic placer man, arrived on Chase left to look
over Windy Wilson’s placer on Metal Creek.
August 21, 1911 Got ready to go to mines.
Bidarky arrived, had flour oats and produce no groceries came.
Got notice from bank that Meyers had no account there, returned
my $1,200 check.
August 22, 1911 Left Knik for mines with Dan
and Tony packed, took along a man for Meyers and Zimmerman.
Ate lunch at Spruce Tree Lake. Went on to Razor and camped.
August 23, 1911 Razorback to mines, arrived
at mines 8:30. Meyers and Zimmerman had pipeline connected
up down to Willow and started to open up drain ditch - had Willow
Creek turned on bench emptied into Willow Creek again at mouth
of Craigie Creek. Settled up with Meyers and Zimmerman left
5 PM came over to river, Steen was there with G. B. pack train.
August 24, 1911 River to Knik arrived at Knik
at noon. The Chase and Alaska were in and gone.
Ide came in with 14 men to open up road from Knik to Carle Road.
McDonald, Jensen and Sharp party came over from Peters Creek found
a rich ledge of free milling gold quartz.
August 25, 1911 Priest left for Kenai.
Shafer left for Peters Creek strike. Steen came in from
G. B. camp in 10½ hours quit the packing job. Evening
E. H. B. up and Miss McKinley got back from trip to Willow and
Fishhook Quartz Camps. Palmer drifted up with his launch from
Fish Creek?
August 26, 1911 Busy with dry goods order for
winter trade. Evening tide Chase arrived, Mr. Martin of
the Free Gold arrived also Bob Hatcher. Dr. Huntington got
back from inspecting B. D. Mines. Chase brought in powder
for Matanuska Gold Mines Co. Road Commission brought in their
supplies from Seward. Eberhardt and the “nurse” out for a
boat ride down the arm. Paid Henry Rathzen $20 for 4 days work
on fence and monument for Frank McGuire deceased.
August 27, 1911 Frank Bartholf, Dorr Cavanaugh
and several came over from G. B. Mines. Bartholf brought
in cleanup from B. G. mill. Busy with dry goods order.
Bidarky in port brought produce and hardware. Alaska in port.
Traveling dentist came to town. Settled up account with E.
H. Bartholf.
August 28, 1911 Busy with orders
sent order for clothing to Portland order for pumps to Seattle
house. Palmer went to Ship Creek with his launch and returned.
Several men came in from G. B. Mines reported water very low.
E. H. B. and wife Miss McKinley Frank Bartholf, Dorr, Dr. Huntington,
Jack Steen, Oscar and several others went on Chase on evening tide.
Frank Bartholf had about 75-80 lbs. gold dust from G. B. Mines.
Bert McClarty got spuds for B. D. camp. G. B. pack train left - John
B. and Tom Cavanaugh packers.
August 29, 1911 Cut barley in store garden
was ripe oats about ½ ripe. Four Italians came
in from G. B. Mines. Kelly and Martin left for Fishhook
Creek. Herning family at dinner at Pioneer. Very dry
at Knik and mines short of water at Quartz Mines. Collection
and cash sales above $60. St. Clair and McNeil cutting hay
at Fish Creek on winter road.
August 30, 1911 Evening had heavy shower.
Cut 2/3 oats in store garden bound up same and shocked them.
Simmons in from Land Survey camp said they were out of flour and
couldn’t get grub from Palmer. Invited out to dinner (duck
roast) at Pioneer. Chase arrived 9 PM had another bunch of coal
investigators. Jack Steen and wife came in. Capt. Eberhardt arrived.
9:30 raining hard. B. D. assayer came in.
August 31, 1911 Busy in store worked on balance
of winter merchandise wanted. Palmer’s launch came up from
Ship Creek with a tow of logs. Sent Wallace shoes etc. by
Chase no mail to go. Mitchell visited said his garden was on
the bum would take $50 for the whole business. Road Commission
moved camp out 3 miles from beach toward Big Lake on summer trail
$2,500 fund about used up. Chase left 11:30 PM for Kern Creek.
September 1, 1911 Busy with winter orders.
AM Johnson and wife visited. Johnson looking for grass
land to feed cattle for Seattle packers. Evening Cobb came
in to get Dan and pack for Meyers and Zimmerman at Willow Creek.
Conners came in with B. S. Anderson’s launch said Anderson went
to Seward with baggage - quit them at Kern Creek.
September 2, 1911 Busy with orders. Cobb
left at noon with Dan packed for Meyers and Zimmerman Willow
Creek. More men in from Quartz Mines all closing down no
water for power. Evening Milo Kelly visited gave us a long
“earache” about the “sport” on the hill and the college boys.
Mr. Walker of Land Survey came in paid L. S. on iron posts wanted me
to arrange with bidarky to take them out about October 15th to 20th.
September 3, 1911 Busy with hardware order.
Wood packing grub out to Susitna on winter road on account of
starting up sawmill. Did good business today. Stanley’s
gland on right side swollen perhaps the mumps. Palmer’s launch
with several passengers for SS Bertha left PM for Ship Creek.
Palmer’s kids left to go to Tacoma school. Road Commissioner
Watson got back from prospecting trip to Broad Pass country.
September 4, 1911 Busy all day with Seattle
orders mailed last of orders for winter stock on Chase.
Mail to leave Seward the 8th instead freight to come on September
27th Sampson. Hicks and wife arrived from Chickaloon Coal
camp left evening on Chase for Seward and Outside. Martin left
on Chase via Seward to Seattle. Johnson and wife went out
on Chase. J. J. O'Brien was arrested for abusive language got
30 days in jail.
September 5, 1911 Meats furniture oats and
flour came up from Ship Creek on Palmer’s scow. Palmer
charged $5 a ton for lighterage. Alaska Commercial Company
charges $21 to $22 a ton making freight $3 above Seldovia transfer.
September 6, 1911 Cleaned up warehouse waiting
for freight. Fred Jensen came in from Meyers and Zimmerman
camp said they were down to clay no more rocks had put in 3
boxes. Larsen and Shafer got back from trip to Peters Creek.
September 7, 1911 Paid Palmer freight on goods
brought to Ship Creek less $3 a ton. Wouldn’t stand for
the excessive rate by Palmer and Alaska Commercial Company
O. C. Miller came in from his mines. Hughes team hauling
hay and oats from Palmer’s to barn - feed marked G. B. M. C. Hughes.
Cut oats in K. and H. lot only about half a crop. Kelly hiring
men to get out timbers for the mines.
September 8, 1911 Wisner had Tony 2½
hours to haul his house logs off the beach. Settled up
with O. C. Miller. PM bidarky arrived with mail got a few
groceries from Seldovia. Connors in port with B. S. Anderson’s
boat. Got 12 cwt. fish from Long Shorty - Tyonek. Hunt
came in from G. B. Mines. Isaac Bros., Babcock, Hunt and several
others left for Kern Creek in bidarky. Shough and wife got
back from Talkeetna trip.
September 9, 1911 Chase arrived with bunch
of government men. Senator, Senate reporter and Agl. men looking
for information about Alaska Chamberlain guide. Let Kid
go on trip to Matanuska Coal Fields with government men to inspect
coal fields. Evening citizens of Knik met at “Pioneer” to
meet government men and tell them our wants. O. C. Miller left with
2 Natives for his mines to build 100’ house.
September 10, 1911 Senator from Washington
and U. S. Senate reporter in store about all day getting information
about coal and railroad etc. gave them my maps. Cramer left with
Palmer’s launch for Station with the “sport” and Carnegie evening
tide came back too rough. Evening tide helped Eberhardt tie Chase
between wharfs on account of surf.
September 11, 1911 Knik to Knik Harbor on launch
Chase with Senatorial party from Washington D. C. Leading
citizens went to Knik Harbor to show Chase party same investigating
possibility of wharf there on account of shipping out coal both
summer and winter. Self and Stanley went along back at
5 PM Kid 1 day trip to coal fields with conservation man
Mr. Pinchot.
September 12, 1911 Started to cut oats on barn
lot. Stacked oats on K. and H. lot. G. B. pack
train came in. Evening got additional order ready for
groceries and hardware. 9 PM Conservation man Gifford
Pinchot and Chamberlain got back from coal fields had Kid horse 3¼
days. Chase left 11 PM for Kern Creek with Pinchot, Lathrop,
Kelly and kids Dr. and several others.
September 13, 1911 Busy in store about all
day cash sales $41. Evening tide Senators Miles Poindexter
and Jeter left for Cottonwood then trip to Coal Mines. Evening
tide Chase got back from Kern Creek made round trip in 20 hours.
Chase left 11 PM with Ides party Jack Steen and wife and several
others for Kern Creek. Signs of frost tonight. Alaska
in port after A. C. freight. Cramer and Sport left for Station.
Light frost.
September 14, 1911 Finished mowing oats on
barn lot. Harrigan and his men arrived from B. D. Mines
closed camp for this season. Several drunks today business
quiet. Palmer out of sugar and beans. Palmer served summons
on Mrs. Simmons on account of bill rendered. Evening horses
left 5 PM went up as far as gates couldn’t locate them killed muskrat
on way home.
September 15, 1911 Hubbell came in from Willow
Creek District through surveying quartz claims for patent.
Cocked up oats on barn lot 43, in all average 100 lbs. to the
cock. Evening Stanley and self walked down to Fish Creek for
Tony and Kid got back 8:30.
September 16, 1911 Frost killed potato vines.
Stacked oat hay in barn lot Stanley and mother helped.
Joe Conroy came in from Willow Creek said Meyers and Zimmerman
made a cleanup on Willow and it looked good. Chase came in no
passengers. Ephim and Chief Nikolai’s boy came in from O. C.
Miller’s Mines said cottonwood logs no good for building - rotten inside.
First killing first frost at Knik last night. Otto cut Palmer’s
oats.
September 17, 1911 PM tide Buffalo arrived
voyage 1 had part of my groceries all canned goods. A
Mr. Moore arrived on Buffalo friend of C. B. Meyers in route to
Willow Creek. Busy evening with new goods. Chase ready
to leave midnight tide with Hubbell, Harrigan and several others.
Cushions arrived for seats on Chase. Several drunks today,
gambling going on at saloon.
September 18, 1911 Heaviest rain of summer
came too late for gardens. Mr. Moore left for Willow
Creek to see Meyers and Zimmerman sent 2 letters to Meyers.
Up till 4 this morning on account of doing away with Nig and the
rain and boys boat leaking didn’t go. Cobb came in with Dan
for grub for Meyers and Zimmerman. Palmer putting roof over
his new root house aft of old company store. Evening put up
order for Meyers and Zimmerman.
September 19, 1911 Mattie helped to rearrange
goods on grocery side. Chase left 7 with Senator Poindexter
and several others for Kern Creek. Chris Anderson went outside
Harrigan left for outside. Evening Wood came in from his
sawmill on Little Susitna said he was ready to run.
September 20, 1911 Busy in store making room
for new goods in route. Milo Kelly wanted me to handle
his freight. Senator Poindexter and son back from coal fields.
Mail boat due tomorrow. Larson came to town.
September 21, 1911 Light rain got up at 3:30
had O’Donald shoot Nig. Hauled him to tidewater by wharf.
O’Donald and Conroy towed him out on ebb tide to Goose Bay.
Had to do away with the old fellow on account of his broken knee
which healed up crooked on account of break in ice on April 28th.
Brought Nig to Knik from Seattle spring of 1901 he was 4 years old,
now 14 years old. Was a perfect animal up to time knee was
fractured in beach ice. Nig was the pride of all who knew
him a perfect horse. Chase and Alaska in from Kern Creek.
Report came that Joe Beedy was drowned off Anderson’s gas boat at
Hope. Dr. Cowen back from Seattle.
September 22, 1911 Alaska in port 6 AM
in route to Kern Creek. Cramer on board from Station to
Seward. Harper bros. in route to Seward on Alaska.
Meyers and Zimmerman came in from Willow Creek, paid them
off. Little Murry and Dirty Al’s brother left for Vasilla’s
place, Tom Jeter took them up with dory (drunk over).
Shough and wife down from hay camp Cottonwood to trade. Cash
sales $63. Mail boat overdue. Pete Jensen in from Sawmill.
September 23, 1911 Ben Agnew and partner
arrived. Mr. Stepp left for Hope small boat.
Wood and Pete laid over - due to rain. Cannon had Tony to
haul in firewood. Mail boat overdue. Put up another
shelf in storeroom aft of store. Evening Wood visited with
a sawmill “earache”. No sugar in Knik.
September 24, 1911 Busy all day in store
cash sales $76. PM tide bidarky arrived only had mail.
Brown went on with Grady horses to Homer. Chase and Winner
in port. Made out option to Dr. H. D. Dr. Cowen for Anaconda.
Anaconda no. 1 and St. Lawrence lode claims purchase price
$1,000. November 1, 1911 $100 down, balance October 1, 1912 $900 when
deed will be issued. Two drunks got in a scrap over their dogs
and went to jail. First arrest in Knik for bad actors.
September 25, 1911 Busy in store cash
sales $54. Busy figuring up cost of new goods. Chase
laid over. Five Iditarod road makers arrived overland from Station.
Dr. Dagget fixing up Knik mowers etc. Poll tax men didn’t go
out on road due to heavy rain. Mr. Bayer in from Kelly’s mines
to see his family just arrived.
September 26, 1911 Rainy weather still
on. AM tide Chase left for Kern Creek with several passengers.
Doc Cowen left for Seattle 2nd trip this fall. Several working
their poll tax today. Busy pricing up goods. Sprague
tending bar at Palmer’s saloon. Buffalo due with balance of
our September freight. Evening Shafer arrived from Fishhook
Mines.
September 27, 1911 AM busy around store.
Went out and showed Road Overseer about finished road around
Knik Lake. PM worked poll tax. Seven of us finished
swamping and grading road around west end of Knik Lake connecting
with my winter road Knik to Willow Creek. Evening Chase back
from Kern Creek with 5 passengers - Judge Greene came over.
W. E. Bartholf and help arrived from G. B. -mines closed down.
September 28, 1911 Busy around store
fixed double doors on warehouse to open easy. Poll tax
men swamped out trail from Pioneer Roadhouse to connect with
my road around Knik Lake west side. Judge Greene and Jeter
went down to Ship Creek in dory for? Buffalo overdue 3 days
with our freight no sugar in town. Plenty of moose meat coming
to town. Will Bartholf, Cavanaugh, Bryon, Morrison and some
20 left 10 PM on Chase for Kern Creek and outside. Sent deposit
to Seattle bank.
September 29, 1911 Busy fixing around
rood house. Noon Buffalo arrived with balance of our goods.
Busy PM discharging Buffalo and storing goods. Evening
Chase back made round trip in 22 hours Knik to Kern Creek.
Conroy and O’Donald building cabin hauled logs off beach.
Windy Wilson back from Metal Creek. Al Drees in town.
September 30, 1911 Busy marking new goods.
Chase towed Palmer’s scow to Ship Creek on PM tide.
Buffalo in port. Had quite a run on sugar today loaned
1 sack to Palmer. Brown and boy waiting for mail boat.
Snowed on mountain peaks last night first snow to show. Rained
hard all last night.
October 1, 1911 AM Wisner hauled up Cannon’s
groceries. Buffalo and Alaska left for Ship Creek.
PM tide SS Bertha arrived at Ship Creek voyage 2.
Busy arranging new goods. Cramer back from Seward on Alaska.
Land Survey boys in town today.
October 2, 1911 Chase came in from Ship
Creek early morning with Palmer’s scow and freight off SS Bertha.
Busy around store made out Cannon’s account. Evening Bert
McClarty came back from grouse hunt at mouth of Little Susitna got
65. Purser of SS Bertha sent note there was freight there for
me, wrote him he could turn freight over to Buffalo at regular freight
rate less Seldovia wharfing. Evening party at St. Clair’s
Stanley and Mattie attended.
October 3, 1911 Buffalo arrived 3 with
my freight 12 tons off SS Bertha at Ship Creek. Buffalo
left 5 AM for Sunrise with passengers. Busy all day with
freight stored it away myself. PM tide Chase towed
in Palmer’s scow from Ship Creek had machinery for Kelly and Brewer
outfit. Evening opened up dry goods from Portland.
Second lot of groceries came no produce. SS Bertha purser
accepted my rates on freight and cut off Seldovia wharfing.
Kelly and men came in.
October 4, 1911 Busy AM in store cash
sales $79.60. PM checked up clothing. Palmer discharging
G. B. Gold Quartz and Brewer freight, put most of it off on beach.
Evening made up shortage of freight delivered from Ship Creek.
Al Croker and bros. on a drunk. Shough and wife went back
to Cottonwood to cut more hay. Brown here waiting for mail boat
grub etc. O. C. Miller in from Mines.
October 5, 1911 Busy as a bug on a dung
heap. Made out shortage claim against Alaska Coast Co.
$53.92. Sent Ringwood’s expense bills and copy of my letter
to him to Alaska Commercial Company Seattle office. Sent
order to B. and H. Seward for pick ups to come on last boat.
Wallace came in from Road Commission trail work Glacier Creek.
Chase left evening tide for Kern Creek towed Palmer’s scow down to
Knik Harbor. Red Jack took Cramer’s oil cook stove to Station.
October 6, 1911 Busy AM in store. Stanley
and self at dentist office. Bidarky arrived with mail.
Chase and Buffalo in from Turnagain Arm. Chase towed up Palmer’s
scow from Knik Harbor 3rd trip with balance of mining co. and Palmer’s
freight. Miller finished 2 heating stoves.
October 7, 1911 Froze ¼” last
night 2nd killing frost. Stanley and self had final work done
on our teeth each had one out, self had 1st gold grown.
Palmer finished unloading scow last of fall freight. Brewer
men came in. McKinnon hauling October hay off Palmer’s garden
laid in the rain 2 weeks. Miller making Yukon stoves.
October 8, 1911 Alaska arrived,
6 with Marshal Dyer from Station. Dyer had “Kid” to ride
to Cottonwood. Dyer took out Conners, Goosmar, Big Nakeeta
account trial of Denny and Dirty Al Crocker for selling booze to
Natives. Evening Chase left for Kern Creek. Pennington,
Jno. Wallace, Kelly and wife - Dr. Dagget and some 15 left for Seward
sent mail out with Jno. Wallace. Meyers and Zimmerman and Mr.
Moore arrived from my hydraulic placer mine Willow Creek. Had
a 32 oz. poke (16 oz. off Willow Creek). Cash sales over $100 today.
October 9, 1911 Cash sales $128.55. Teck
hauled up house logs off beach with Tony. Cramer said
he had purchased Palmer’s saloon.
October 10, 1911 Busy packing away new
goods, cash sales $130.65. Evening tide Chase arrived
with 4 or 5 passengers from Kern Creek. Meyers and Zimmerman
took pictures of pack train on the trail. Cramer bought Palmer’s
saloon and building and took possession. Stanley sick, stomach
trouble, too much cheese. Miller on stoves.
October 11, 1911 Walker land survey party came
in to leave for states. Cash sales $71.55. Evening
tide Chase left with Walker party for Kern Creek. Put
up order for Meyers and Zimmerman Willow Creek. Stanley
OK today. Cramer went to Seward sent mail with him.
October 12, 1911 AM tide bidarky arrived
with Sampson mail and freight. Got winter produce hardware
balance of groceries. Sent snowshoes to Roll. Busy
all day checking and storing away new goods. Elliot came
in from sawmill on Susitna for more grub. Meyers and Zimmerman
and Mr. Moore left for Willow Creek with Dan packed. Tony
earned $3.
October 13, 1911 Mattie helped to sort over
eggs that got oiled up on bidarky - 16 dozen in B. O. - part case
of shoes all oil. Frank Kelly arrived from Station via Goodwin
trail. Marked new hats and caps. Miller finished
pipe and repairs on Cannon’s ventilation over cook stove. Saloon
using our safe for depository. Miller on stoves etc. Wood
came in from sawmill.
October 14, 1911 Self and Miller spent 2 hours
washing oil off galvanized iron brought over by bidarky.
West Knik fellows went up Arm on a hunt. Wood put galvanized
roof on Grady barn no. 2. Game running at saloon Miller
lost $35 last night.
October 15, 1911 Miller fixed up stove
pipes on all stoves around store. Got shoes ready for
Kid forward and trimmed his feet. Simmons left over trail
for Station. Chase got back from Kern Creek was gone 4 days.
Kelly got back, Cramer check we issued for $50. Evening took
usual bath. Evening rain and wind. Miller on repair work.
October 16, 1911 Rain and wind last night
S. W. storm. Busy today put up $92 order for Robert Johnston
and partner. Miller making 14 x 24 stoves. Frank Kelly
proposed we build cabins on K . and H. lot to rent. Evening
clear and freezing. Zimmerman arrived late with Dan from
Willow Creek. Miller on stoves.
October 17, 1911 First hard freeze this
fall, froze ice ¼” thick Busy putting up orders.
Preston and Collins bought small order. Opened up some new
hardware and clothing. Zimmerman mushed back to Willow Creek,
left Dan in my care. Evening moved all perishable goods out
of warehouse got mail ready to send out last chance by Chase overland.
Alaska in port on way to Port Graham.
October 18, 1911 Shod Kid forward. Wood
got back from looking up dry road Knik to river on winter road.
Evening put up order for O. C. Miller made up 2 packs. Lidell
and 2 Swedes arrived from Station with river boat. Ben Agnew
and partner and Stipps came in row boat from Hope prospecting
trip. Palmer pulled out his launch and small liters.
Big game on at saloon tonight.
October 19, 1911 Got up 5 AM packed 380
lbs. grub and iron on Kid and Tony for O. C. Miller trip to his
mines, Miller went alone. Wood got pack ready for Susitna
sawmill camp. Two more cabins going up. Had Native
put wood into wood shed.
October 20, 1911 Kelly and Teck went to Goose
Bay to get some of B. D. logs. Miller got back from his
cabin on rim 4 PM came in 8½ hours with Tony and Kid. Registered
dust and deposits to banks. First mail to go via Seldovia this
summer.
October 21, 1911 Cash sales $48.
Brown over from Old Knik and Murry from Raven Creek after roadhouse
supplies. Conroy and O’Donald back from ? Frank Kelly
and Teck brought up raft of logs from Goose Bay. Evening
cleaned up warehouse for new goods to arrive. Sent for 2 bottles
of Sahara for Meyers.
October 22, 1911 Evening tide, bidarky arrived
brought meats coal and a few groceries, said Buffalo would
bring balance of freight. Chase got back on early morning
tide. Shough down to trade. Miller finished 17 stoves
pipes etc. ready to go to his mines. Cramer back from Seward
sick of the saloon biz.
October 23, 1911 O. C. Miller left for the
river to put up barn. Brewer outfit reported on the bum,
Brewer in Seward his men waiting for him at Knik and some at
the mines. Joe Conroy left for his mines 10 day trip.
Wood back from his sawmill on river. Mushers left for Station
via Goodwin’s blazes?
October 24, 1911 Brown over from Old
Knik, sent Elliot log chain ordered. Chas Ulanky plowing
with one horse. Put 14 sacks coal in coal bin, Homer
coal about 1¼ tons. Chas Johnson back from taking
grub across Arm for Raven Creek Roadhouse. Cramer said he
would turn the saloon back today, had all he wanted of the
saloon business. Otto had Tony 2 hours docking up his house
logs. Had T-bone steak for dinner “real cow meat”.
October 25, 1911 Duck hunters reported
some ice on flats. No sign of ice on Knik Arm up to date
this fall. Cut last of oats and club wheat in store garden.
Hauled in oat hay and barley off store garden. Eberhardt boozing.
Cash sales $54. Waiting for balance of goods forage and flour.
Cannon took 1/3 of quarter of beef, gave away a few steaks.
J. J. O'Brien bought a few goods 1st time in store for a year.
October 26, 1911 Put oat hay in barn off barn
lot. Cash sales $27. Cramer turned saloon back to Palmer
last night, had all he wanted of the saloon biz. Evening finished
storing canned goods aft of store. Wood left for his sawmill
at razor with pack on back Otto Shafer and partner left for
mouth of Little Susitna to hunt and trap.
October 27, 1911 Made door for coal and
wood shed aft of house and put cornice boards on same.
Wood back from river wanted to hire my pack horses to take out grub
and oats to his sawmill camp. Cramer left for Station via
Goodwin blazes. Larson and family went out to Hatcher cabin
for an outing. Frank Kelly moved into Shafer’s cabin.
October 28, 1911 Put up $42 order.
Mr. Moore came in from Grubstake after milk and bacon for Meyers
and Zimmerman. Busy in store all day put canvas around
eves over hardware annex to keep out snow. Evening got small
order ready for Meyers and Zimmerman. Wood left for his
sawmill camp with Rex packed and two men.
October 29, 1911 Buffalo bucked tide
from Goose Bay last night got within 200 yards of our wharf.
AM discharged Buffalo brought flour sugar oats and pumps.
Kelly and Teck hauled their logs off beach with Hughes team also delivered
Dr. David’s coal 24 sacks from Homer. Evening Natives over from
Old Knik to trade. Took usual bath.
October 30, 1911 Froze ¼” last
night no sign of ice on Knik Arm up to date. Busy in store
all day marked up some hardware. Mattie’s Birthday,
got 43 spanks by Stanley and self and 2 books from Cannon and his
cook and $20 gold piece from OGH. Now ready to go to Meadow
Brook Farm to harvest oats. Chase left noon tide for Kern Creek
no passengers out. Palmer putting new roof over his boat house.
October 31, 1911 Left Knik 1 PM for Meadow
Brook Farm with 3 horses and Stepp to cut oats and put roofing
paper on cache. Arrived at farm at dark packed out 204
lbs. for Wood. Set up stove in cache and made bed out of
sacked oats.
November 1, 1911 with Kid and Tony cut
part of oats crop, a failure due to no rain. Hauled 1
load oat hay to cache. Evening burned brush piles around
cache up till 1 o’clock
November 2, 1911 At farm lined up roof, sawed
off roof boards and put on part of galvanite paper. Evening
burned brush piles around cache. McHenry visited on his way
from sawmill to Knik. Found two boards on roof had been taken
off by someone who entered cache apparently after oats in cache.
November 3, 1911 At farm finished
roof on cache. PM left for Knik got dark on us at cabin
lake. Found Chase and Buffalo at Knik. Buffalo brought
last of K. T. Co. freight. Freight bill $698.25. Up until
midnight with freight bills etc. Buffalo laid over.
November 4, 1911 Down to +16, first hard
freeze to freeze ground. Checked up freight. Buffalo
laid over due to wind and cards? Evening got
mail ready to send out. McDonald brought in raft of logs for
Cannon’s new hotel. Brewers men left for mines. McKinnon
went in to pack up wood. Knik Lake froze over last night.
November 5, 1911 Chase left for Sunrise
- Buffalo left for Seldovia on early morning tide.
Sent mail out with Joe Conroy, $200 to Seattle National Bank for
deposit. Beach covered with building logs. Hughes horses
hauled logs off beach. Several left for Station over Goodwin
trail. Fixed windows and doors for winter weather.
November 6, 1911 Graded aft of wood shed and
coal house. Hughes teams hauling logs off beach for his
new barn. Cramer got back from Station, reported ground
frozen over return trip. Evening tide wind off land.
No ice on Knik Arm to date. Chase returned from Sunrise trip
brought beer for saloon. Reported McNeil cleaned up the poker
players at saloon.
November 7, 1911 Growing colder first
slush ice came down Arm on half ebb tide. Shough down from
Cottonwood to trade cash sales $68. Wheeled out more dirt
aft of house. Dr. David took 16 sacks coal other deliver
24 sacks total 40 sacks or about 4 tons coal from Homer. Everybody
skating on Knik Lake today shortage of skates. Cramer staying
in Miller cabin.
November 8, 1911 Growing colder 4 above
zero this morning. Marshal Dyer came back from trip to Station
fell on ice and hurt his back. Slush ice raising on both half
ebb and flood tides. Rufe Stephan came up from Pt. Possession
in row boat. Palmer digging a well by his front door.
Lidell and Kelly went fishing. Paid Stepp $12.25 for putting roof
on cache and cutting oats on Meadow Brook Farm.
November 9, 1911 AM went out to show
Fred Nelson where to cut birch wood. Nelson went out to
Meadow Brook Farm after pit and 2 man-saws. Put door frame
in wood shed aft of house. Evening Wood came in from sawmill
camp. Little Nakeeta came back from Glacier Creek with McKinnon’s
boat - sold his moose meat over there. Evening 10 above zero.
Wood reported winter road and lakes frozen up except zero canyon swamp.
November 10, 1911 Went out and swamped out
wood road in birch. Self and family took a walk up Ide
Road 3 miles to high bench came back on wood yard bench to lake
shorter by ¾ mile. Cramer said Eberhardt wouldn’t
settle up launch biz. Wood left for his sawmill camp with
self and dog packed. G. B. help cutting logs for a barn at
Knik. Nelson and partner cut wood. Zimmerman came in from
Willow Creek.
November 11, 1911 Dyer left for Station 2nd
trip. Zimmerman left for Iditarod. Tommy McLaughlin
arrived from Iditarod with a Mr. O’Donald. First to come
out - reported soft weather on other side of range. Pete Jensen
in from Woods sawmill camp.
November 12, 1911 Considerable slush
ice running on Arm today. Got funds ready to send to
Seattle Bank by Cramer going out with Chase. Fitted door
in coal house. Evening scrap on at saloon because they
wouldn’t give credit for booze to Oscar Miller.
November 13, 1911 Chase left at noon for Seldovia
to lay up for the winter. Tommy McLaughlin and Mr. O’Donald
from Iditarod went out on Chase. PM hung door to back veranda
aft of house.
November 14, 1911 A. C. Morgan arrived
from outside brought letter from Bank of Seward and Jno. Wallace
Seattle. Wallace said there were no offers for G. B. stock
at 14¢. Free Gold bid 5¢ a share. Went out
to wood yard, Nelson had 12 loads cut. Business quiet these
days. Two more men in from Iditarod - total outgoing 4.
November 15, 1911 Ice commenced to anchor
on bar in front of Knik. No ice in channel after half flood
tide. Finished grading aft of house and put lock on shed
door. Simmons bought Nakeeta house from Palmer for $150.
November 16, 1911 Self and family walked out
to wood yard across Knik Lake. Got letter from Nagley wanted
goods. Hughes got half of roof poles on his new barn.
Evening first snow of winter fell at Knik. Ground well frozen
to receive same.
November 17, 1911 Snowed 2” last night,
first to make Knik look white this winter. Hauled in 3 ricks
birch wood from lake split up part of it. Navigation still
open boats could land 1 hour before high tide. Hughes got
roof on his new barn. Natives over from Station report trail
well frozen up. Evening Cobb’s tent house caught fire burned
off top only. Two mushers arrived late looking for beer, saloon
closed.
November 18, 1911 Henry McKinnon got 5 bales
- ½ of his hay today. Nine more mushers in from
Iditarod total out 13. Cash sales $52. Evening letter
from Jno. Wallace. Tides making navigation about closed
due to ice. Ice anchored on bar in front of Knik.
November 19, 1911 Freezing weather
all day evening 14 below zero. Busy in store all day
sold half of Yukon sleds. Lidell started for Willow Creek
sent out Moore’s mail and letter to Meyers about renting lumber
camp to Hughes. McKinnon took balance of hay. Lidell
broke his sled and came back to Knik. Only 2” of snow trail
very rough. Average cash sales for November $65.10 per day.
November 20, 1911 Cold wave on 10 below
zero this morning. Busy in store all day cash sales $55.
Sam Blowers came over from Station reported trail very rough
no snow. Evening O. C. Miller arrived from his mines reported
2’ snow above canyon only 2” between river and Knik. Two below
at 6 PM. Kelly and St. Clair left for moose hunt at canyon
on Little Susitna and toward Moose Creek.
November 21, 1911 Raw cold day.
Woods came from river closed down sawmill. Busy in store
all day did a good credit biz. Hughes preparing to sled G.
B. freight to Willow Creek. Trouble at the saloon again, bartender
pulled a gun on Oscar Miller. Three more mushers in from Iditarod
- total to date 16.
November 22, 1911 Miller started to make Sibley
stoves on orders. McKinnon and McHenry went out to establish
trail camp for Hughes via Knik to Willow Creek. Wood left
with dog team for B. D. Mines. Hardware biz good today cash
sales over $35. Ice well anchored on bar in front of Knik.
November 23, 1911 Evening +18, stormy
over Seward way. Ten more mushers in from Iditarod, total
going out 26, one first to go in to Iditarod. Corked
up around store building Miller finished Sibley stove for
Hughes had started on Cannon’s hot water heater. Miller’s house
caught fire from spark out of stove no harm done. Evening much
warmer but clear overhead.
November 24, 1911 PM went out on wood road
cut windfalls etc. out of road. Cut out ¼ mile
beyond wood road for pack trail cut off to new government road.
Three more mushers in from Iditarod, total out 29. Zimmerman
was at Rohn River, 18th going in. Evening snowing.
November 25, 1911 Got first fall of snow
4” fell last night. Hughes two 4 horse teams started with
G. B. freight for Miller Creek. Miller finished
Cannon’s stove work last night. Gates down to trade.
Took usual bath.
November 26, 1911 Snowed again last night
about 6” on level around Knik, evening raining. PM hitched on
to no. 3 bobsleighs with Kid and Tony, drove out to wood yard brushed
down trail not enough snow to fill holes on road. G. B. men
started out with 4 horse team only got to summit came back hired
Mr. Patterson to skin the “outcasts”. Twenty one mushers
in from Iditarod, total out 50. Hughes two 4 horse teams in from
river. Miller making heaters.
November 27, 1911 Chinook weather rained hard
last night. Miller put new bottom and lining in tin shop stove.
PM went out on wood road followed new blazes out ½ mile
toward government road from wood road shortcut “to be”.
G. B. 4 horse team left for Willow voyage 1. Hughes team in
town. Two inches water on lake over ice.
November 28, 1911 Temperature 28 to 45.
Finished checking up around hardware annex. Now ready for
wind storms. Miller remodeled the Grady air tight heater.
Four more mushers arrived, total going out 54. Marshal
Dyer over from Station after his baggage. Hughes double team
out, voyage 2. Meyers sent in for sugar and coffee sent out
same by Hughes.
November 29, 1911 PM went out to look up timber
on wood road for piles etc. Miller finished working iron
up into stoves and pipe. Two more mushers arrived,
total going out 56. Hughes double teams in, voyage 2.
Hughes 6 double enders, 6 horses and 3 men out voyage 1. Dyer
left for Station. Miller finished stove and stove pipe manufacturing.
November 30, 1911 Turkey day had roast cow
meat. Shough and wife and Mr. Miller at dinner.
Several drunks today. Shough’s down to trade. Hughes
double teams out voyage 3 double enders in. Four more mushers
in from Iditarod, total 60. Average cash sales for
November $52.71 per day.
December 1, 1911 O. C. Miller thru with
stoves. Made short sled out of 10’ Indian sled,
shod same with Harry Nash’s brass runners. Hughes double ender out
voyage 2. Hughes double team out voyage 3. Shough’s down
for load oats. Made out bills rendered in November. Put
up small order for Miller. Nagley sent Dohrmann over for merchandise
for Susitna.
December 2, 1911 Busy in store collection
and sales $176.82. Dohrmann left for Station with Nagley
merchandise. Nylen and Johnson getting ready for hunt
up Matanuska. Ten more mushers in from Iditarod, first to
come through with dogs, total out 70. Rice, Hatch and partner
in from Cache Creek on way to Seward. Hughes double enders out
voyage 4.
December 3, 1911 Snowed 2” last night.
Wrote to Capt. Louis Knoflish Gas Scho. Binder Bros. about
Cook Inlet freight business also his partner Ira M. Frank at
Nome. O. C. Miller left for his mines let him take my Indian
sled. Kelly hauled his logs off the beach.
December 4, 1911 Big tides. Monroe
Kast came over from Susitna to trade. Doc Madden and party
came through in 10 days from Iditarod - made it from Little Susitna
to Raven Creek today. Hauled in 3 loads birch wood.
Kelly had to shoot his logs - frozen down on beach. Ring around
moon tonight.
December 5, 1911 Hauled in 3 loads birch wood.
PM busy in store put up $60 order for Monroe Kast. Ten
more mushers in from Iditarod District, total going out 90.
Teck went over Palmer’s wharf this evening. Hughes double
enders out voyage 4. Two 4 horse teams hauling from river to
Willow Creek
December 6, 1911 Cash sales and collections
$253. Hauled in 2 loads birch wood. Monroe Kast left for
Station with 400 lbs. With 2 dogs. Received Nagley’s
letter of November 18th same was carried to Old Knik also letter
of December 5th with checks. Marshal Dyer arrived from Station
with gamblers for hearing before our Commissioner. Stanley
gave a birthday party had Simmons kids an phonograph, 7 years old today
gave him new sled.
December 7, 1911 Hauled in 3 loads birch wood.
Seven more mushers in from Iditarod with dog teams, total 97.
Tide came within 4” of top of wharf.
December 8, 1911 Hauled in 3 loads birch wood.
Meyers came in from Willow Creek after grub and Dan. Two
more mushers in from Iditarod, total 99. Simmons in voyage
5 other 4 horse teams laid over on a drunk. Hughes came
after forage for trail work and balance of G. B. grub.
December 9, 1911 Busy all day, put up order
for Meyers and fitted shoes for Dan. Woods came in with
500’ lumber from river sawmill 1st delivery. Mushers in
from Iditarod. Mr. Iverson arrived from Iditarod District.
Hughes teams out with forage voyage 6.
December 10, 1911 Knik to Meadow Brook Farm
with Kid on red sled hauled out 650 lbs. grub for Meyers.
Meyers had 1,250 lbs. from farm with Dan went on to river.
Stanley and self drove back to Knik. Brushed down trail
from Fish Creek to Knik. Pete Irwin bought small order for
trip to Cache Creek to do assessment work. Dan at Knik from October
17th to date, 55 days.
December 11, 1911 Sort of a blizzardy day.
Nelson and partner started to saw wood for store. Seven
mushers in from Iditarod, total out 107. Lidell came in from
moose hunt near Willow Creek got no moose said snow was 1½’
out there.
December 12, 1911 Shough and wife down to trade
and shoe horse. . Sam Blowers in from Station after
grub. Kept horses in barn on account of storm. Navigation
open no ice in channel. Nelson’s partner on wood 4 hours.
Larson and family left for Knik River District.
December 13, 1911 Blowers returned to Station
with lead dog and fish for Alaska Commercial Company. No
mushers in today. Bert Stewart in with 2 double enders for
Hughes voyage 5. Mattie out for a dog team ride with Pioneer
cook and proprietor. Evening wet snow.
December 14, 1911 Chinook weather continues.
Wood came in from sawmill at river. No mushers travel
on account of storm. Very quiet these days cash on hand
$1,000, collections due $850, doubtful accounts $150. Mailman
due to go out tomorrow. Meyers and Zimmerman have 50 oz. gold
dust in safe, Preston has 21 oz. gold dust in safe, K. T. Co. has
6 oz. gold dust in safe.
December 15, 1911 Meyers came in from Willow
Creek with Dan, put in order for summer grub. Got mail
and deposits ready to send out. Frank Kelly and Fred Nelson
left for Lake Creek with 800 lbs. Mr. Zorn arrived from Seattle
and Seward brought over some mail. McMillan in with 1 double
ender after G. B. mattresses and springs.
December 16, 1911 Got up early to give Meyers
his load. Finished my outgoing mail. Meyers hauled out 1,000
lbs. to Twin Lakes and returned to Knik today.
December 17, 1911 Fixed up airtight heater
for Gates. Put up 1,000 lbs. for Meyers to take out.
Blowers the mailman arrived from Station on way to Seward to
start on winter mail service Jan 1-12. Young Dohrman arrived
on way to Seward. Meyers took out 1,000 lbs. to Twin Lakes
and returned to Knik. Several more Iditarod mushers arrived
one old man 71 years old.
December 18, 1911 Busy packing last of Meyers
order 2½ tons. Mailman left for Seward sent out
all of my mail by H. C. Dohrman, $850 to Seattle National Bank,
6 oz. dust to Sylvester Bros. and $120 to Helen and Thomas by registered
mail from Seward. Up until 3 o'clock with bills and assessment
papers. Wood left for river with box on no. 2 bobsleighs.
Meyers made round trip Knik to Twin Lakes with 1,050 lbs. grub.
December 19, 1911 Got up early to give Meyers
his last load making 2 tons taken out this trip to mines 1,000
lbs. spuds and onions still to go. Hardware sales fair today.
Mitchell came around looking for bill, said our competitor handed
him a bunch. Cloudy warming up. Paddy O’Donald finishing
up Conroy and O’Donald cabin.
December 20, 1911 Busy in store but not much
biz. Joe Palmer arrived with new manager for Watson Brewer
outfit and brought over balance of November mail. Paddy
O’Donald jointing up door and window frames for his new cabin.
Shough and wife down to trade. Bill Hughes out 1st time to
look after G. B. freighting at Willow Creek. Now hauling G. B.
freight 31 days 14 horses and 5 men on G. B. freight and lumber -
landed same at Jifkin cabin.
December 21, 1911 Busy around store.
Men and women and several others in from Iditarod. Government
Trail makers from Iditarod side arrived with two horses on
double enders. Hughes double enders in voyage 5 after
feed. Stewart said Meyers had camp about 1 mile above summit
barn making round trip from Twin Lakes to summit camp.
December 22, 1911 Evening 8 below zero.
R. S. Giddings Alaska Road Commissioner from Kuskokwim side visited
wanted me to care for their horses, referred him to Shough.
Shough agreed to winter the 2 horses. Road Commissioner
bought 10½ sacks oats and bale hay for horses. Giddings
went on to Seward sent order for forage to Bank of Seward for collection.
Also sent Simmons land survey checks back to Seattle National Bank
with Simmons endorsement in ink. Tom Merideth came over after
grub for Nagley and Little Susitna Roadhouse. Cash sales $77.70.
December 23, 1911 Tom Merideth
left with load of grub for Station and roadhouse. Natives
came back from hunt brought in 3 moose. Old Knik Natives over
to trade. Evening got cloudy and warming up. Joe Palmer
back from Little Susitna with Brewer, Watson foreman. Two more
mushers in from Iditarod, reported 1 ton gold dust on road out.
December 24, 1911 Busy all day.
Put up 3½ dozen Xmas packages given out by K. T. Co.
Self and Stanley with Tony on red sled delivered Xmas packages.
Drove down to Knik suburbs as far as Mitchell Ranch. Matanuska
Gold Mines new man paid their bill reported short on funds to cover
same. No mushers in today. A. C. Morgan in from Susitna
on way out.
December 25, 1911 Very quiet in town
no drunks reported. Had Shough and wife at dinner had
cow meat roast. A few Old Knik Natives over for Xmas.
Simmons had a Xmas tree for their kids Stanley attended. Gave
Mattie $5 for Xmas and Stanley pocket lamp. Evening squaw dance
on at McNeil’s. Bought 2 fox skins.
December 26, 1911 Very quiet in town,
-14. Two mushers in from Iditarod. Fixed typewriter
pull rod on letter T it wore out, 1st break on machine in 10 years.
Hughes double enders out with G. B. powder voyage 7.
December 27, 1911 Wood in with lumber
from river. O’Donald made heater out of oil tank used our
shop and tools. Ten mushers in from Iditarod. Furgeson
came down from Lake Creek on way to Seward. Ben Agnew over
from Old Knik to trade.
December 28, 1911 Business fair cash
sales $37. Stepp came in from moose hunt at Moose Creek
got no moose, no wind. Stepp reported that 50 Matanuska
Natives arrived at Old Knik today. Channel practically
cleared down to Soldier Creek.
December 29, 1911 Business fair today
cash sales $63. Put up small outfits for Mathenson and
pard. Henry Smith and Gill and Merideth. Large bunches of
ptarmigans came to beach today. Hoot owls hooting - big storm
due. Several Iditarod mushers arrived.
December 30, 1911 Shough and wife down
to trade and took balance of Road Commission oats. Brown
arrived from Old Knik with team on bobsleighs first team to come
over this winter. Brown reported that Harry St. Clair died
at Glacier Creek 10 days ago. Mattie done up with cold in throat.
December 31, 1911 Kid on red sled took Mattie
and Stanley out for a ride. Matanuska Natives arrived
had no fox, a few marten and ermine - Chief Tyoon and Tom Neely
among the bunch. Evening temperature around +30, like a spring
day. Several done up with colds due to warm weather. Average
cash sales for December $54.04 per day. Saloon open all last
night, game?
Notes in back of journal:
C. L. Hewes 641 O’Farrell Street S. F.
Bro-in-law of A. C. Morgan
George Eberhardt 308 Central Bldg. Seattle
Wash Office of C. C. M. Co.
C. S. Hubbell 212 no. 52 St. Seattle
1912
Self and family at Knik running general merchandise
store. Placer mine on Willow Creek under option to purchase
by Meyers and Zimmerman. They took out 50 oz. last
season opening up Willow Creek proper. Business good to date
$8,000 new stock all paid for. No work around Knik this winter
except hauling freight for G. B. M. Co. and Milo Kelly. Some
30 new men wintering up at Knik.
January 1, 1912 New year came around warm as
a spring day. Busy in store cash sales $70.65. Bought
$66.50 worth of fur. Very quiet in town no drunks reported.
Robert Johnston down from Palmer’s canyon to trade. Hughes
average 180 lbs. per day to horse to G. B. Mines. Meyers averaged
300 lbs. per day to horse to Grubstake Mines.
January 2, 1912 Dr. David went to Station due
to man breaking leg. Smith and pard. came in from Three
Mile Lake for grub, had a fine dog team. Mr. Wisner sick,
stomach trouble. Hughes teams in from G. B. Mines finished
hauling took 40 days with 6 men and 14 horses to land 50 tons G. B.
freight Knik to G. B. Mines. Three days on account of camp and
blacksmith and Hughes not included.
January 3, 1912 Big tides. Business good
cash sales and collections $336.80. Top on store chimney
flue burned off (on for 3 years). Rufe gave Matanuska’s
a big feed (fish). Hughes paid off his help for G. B. hauling
(checks).
January 4, 1912 Put new creosote cap on store
chimney. Joe Palmer back with Watson manager from mines.
Gill and Merideth over to trade.
January 5, 1912 Mr. Wisner very sick, evening
sent for Station doctor. Hughes started to break trail
over Government road on account of hauling Kelly’s machinery.
January 6, 1912 First overland mail arrived
today 4½ days from Seward. D. C. Wisner died 5 AM
this AM sick 8 days with stomach trouble. Business fair
cash sales and collection over $100. Woods team in with lumber from
sawmill. Hughes team broke trail out to within ¼ mile
of Porcupine Pete’s cabin.
January 7, 1912 Very quiet around town.
A Jap cook for A. C. Co. at Station arrived from Seward today.
Two mushers arrived yesterday making only 6 to come in this winter
thus far. Mitchell preparing for his hothouse tomatoes and
cucumbers by April fools day? Mailman left for station.
O’Brien down with the big earache about land, cats, horses etc.
Hughes took out loads this morning on Government road voyage 1 was
2 days breaking road to Porcupine Pete’s place.
January 8, 1912 Brown, Ben Agnew and new man
over from Old Knik to trade. Put up small order for Mitchell
on dorg. Fixed up Miller’s old Yukon for Mitchell.
Otto and Shafer arrived from mouth of Little Susitna with furs.
Hughes double teams left for Kelly’s camp to break trail and haul
up timbers. Lidell and Bayer made coffin account Wisner, deceased,
used our tin shop. Wood over with load of lumber from Susitna
sawmill.
January 9, 1912 Three more mushers in from
Seward, total 9 in. Man and woman in from Iditarod 1
man in from Nome. PM funeral of D. C. Wisner, Lidell and
Bayer undertakers. F. B. Cannon officiated at grave whole
town turned out to funeral. Wisner had lived at Knik 18 months
owned a cabin. Jensen and pard. sold their Peters Creek quartz
to associates for $500.
January 10, 1912 Four dog teams with 33 dogs,
arrived with 26 cwt gold bullion from Iditarod, left PM for Old
Knik. PM hauled grub and lumber down to Mitchell’s ranch
Mattie and Stanley went along. Cobb left with Marshal, new
man for Kuskokwim District. Business fair cash sales $68.60
profit $14. Two Mt. McKinley climbers in from Seward with hardtack
etc. advance of party. Gus laid off.
January 11, 1912 Young Dorhman arrived from
Seward brought over 2nd class mail went on to river. Watson
manager “Martin” back from Little Susitna Mines going out to Seward.
Bill Hughes squaw gave birth to a child, evening saloon reopened
to celebrate the wonderful event. Paid Gus Swanson for cutting
wood on December 25th $10.
January 12, 1912 Watson manager left for Seward.
McKinley climbers LaVoy and pard. left for Station. Business
fair took in $133. Evening cloudy and warming up for a
storm. Bill Hughes beefing about account, Palmer charging
him $65 a pair for double ender sleds. St. Clair living at
Fish Creek account of old skate eating hay.
January 13, 1912 Business fair collected over
$100 got order for $70 outfit for McDonald. Wood in from
river with lumber 1 more load to come. Brown left for home
at Old Knik was here about a week. Stanley stayed in on account
of cold in head.
January 14, 1912 Frisby in from Raven
Creek Roadhouse. Sold out on bacon, butter, onion’s dog
fish, corn meal, eating apples, ranch eggs (1 month ago) and dried
fruits. Evening looked over mining journals.
January 15, 1912 Tom Merideth over after grub
for Station. Fish camp boys Cottonwood down to trade.
Stanley out today cold better. Conner paid some on his bill
from funds received on account of Anderson launch.
January 16, 1912 Business fair sent out $1,400
for deposit by registered mail. Oscar Miller came in
from O. C. Miller’s cabin today, said Hughes had freight out to
Porcupine Pete’s cabin and trail broke to canyon near Kelly’s place,
only 2’ snow on Fishhook. Answered Cramer’s letters, nothing
doing on money matters at present. McDonald and Percy left
for Peters Creek.
January 17, 1912 Put January mail in post office,
had 5 registered. A. W. Hall and Ed O’Brien arrived, Ed
O’Brien from coal camp - Hall in from Caribou Creek. New
mailman in from Station - Blowers quit the job. Stanley mushed
dogs today took Miss Minstrum out for a ride with Shafer’s dogs.
Meyers came in from Willow Creek with Dan on double ender.
January 18, 1912 Brown and wife over
from Old Knik. Shough and wife down to trade. Sam
in from Big Lake with trout. Coffee and Wells arrived
from Station. Woods landed last of lumber from mill at river.
C. B. Meyers in town. Ben Agnew over from Old Knik to trade.
Collections $750 dust.
January 19, 1912 Got up early on account of
Brown, after McDonald’s groceries for Peters Creek quartz mine.
Meyers left with pack on back for Willow Creek also Wood left for
river sawmill camp. Whitney mushed up from his ranch at Ship
Creek 15 hours 1st trip this winter after mail. Mattie not feeling
well, pain inside upper part of stomach. Hughes left for Fishhook
to look after freighting out there to Kelly Mine. Smith in from
Three Mile Lake to trade. McKinnon down to shoe his horse and
trade.
January 20, 1912 Some of Matanuska Natives,
camped at Cottonwood, down to trade. Put Preston’s prospecting
grub order in cache. Weighed up Meyers gold dust was 2
dwt short of 50 oz. Stanley busy driving Shafer’s dog team,
handles them OK. Feeding Dan 5 lbs. oats twice per day. Evening
Bert Stewart in from Miller’s place with “Buck” on account of moose
hunt.
January 21, 1912 Matanuska Natives down from
Cottonwood to trade, not much money. Stanley and self snow shoed
out through woods, from wood road to Government road, picked up
Government road 10 minutes from end of wood road. Mattie and Miss
Minstrum went down to call on Mitchell and the Socialist residence.
Very quiet today everybody at home. Paid Gus Swanson in full
for sawing wood for store and house to date. Evening took usual
bath.
January 22, 1912 Second Chinook wind
- 40 above. Cash sales $136.55. A Jap and woman
in from Iditarod. McMillan in with Hughes double ender, said
road from upper creek crossing very bad on account of stumps, this
was cut out by Hughes to connect up Carle Road. Wind today,
snow settling and water on lakes. With Tony on red sled, broke
out wood road and drove through to Government road below grade to
ridge, makes a level road and shorter to Knik. O. C. Miller sent
in for medicine on account of heart trouble. Gus got ready to
cut and rick wood out across lake.
January 23, 1912 Nylen and Johnson arrived
from Moose Creek with 2 moose, been no moose meat in town for
some time. Drove Tony out on cut-off to Government road and
brought back load of wood. Gill and wife came over from
Susitna Roadhouse. Hauled in oat hay off K and H lot about
1,200 lbs.
January 24, 1912 Sold Nylen and Johnson
small order cash sales $50. Gill and wife went back to
roadhouse. Hall and McHenry put in order for grubstake
to go to Alfred Creek east fork of Caribou. Drove Herning
family and Miss Minstrum out over Government road, returned via wood
road to Knik. Bought first rabbit robe since 4 years ago,
rabbits coming back. Cash on hand $1,065.92.
January 25, 1912 Put up order for Hall and
McHenry. Had everything but yellow corn meal, butter,
bacon and dried fruit. Three cases milk and dehydrated
goods about sold out. Wells Bros. came from Station to outfit
at Knik and haul in over the Blakely trail. Nagley wrote he
was out of about all staples except flour and sugar. Cannon nailed sheeting
on roof of new hotel.
January 26, 1912 Busy in store but cash
sales light. Finished packing Hall and McHenry's order,
took 812 lbs. from K. T. Co. and 300 lbs. from Palmer total 1,112
lbs. grub. Tom Dreeze arrived from Seward, reported
Ide on way to repair the Kahiltna Bridge. Shafer on sick
list. Frank Wells celebrating, Hall - Scotty and Philoff the
Russian helping him out. Thirty feet of channel open in front
of our wharf.
January 27, 1912 Hauled in 3 loads birch
wood. Wells Bros. dogging their outfit out via
Knik to Talkeetna. Hams about sold out, also dog tallow.
Snow about 10” deep in timber gardens showing bare spots.
January 28, 1912 Colder 8 above this
morning. With Dan on red sled took Herning family and
Miss Minstrum out for a ride via government road returned by wood
road. Also took Dr. David and wife and lumberjack Smith over
same route. Two more in from Iditarod first to arrive for
some 3 weeks. Below freezing point all day.
January 29, 1912 Cash sales $140.60 busy
in store AM. Stanley and self went out to cut spruce poles.
Ide and party arrived from Seward in route to rebuild the government
bridge on the Kahiltna River. PM O. C. Miller arrived from
his camp at bridge with McMillan. McMillan after forage for
Hughes freight teams at Kelly’s Mines. Kelly and Nelson back
from Lake Creek.
January 30, 1912 Busy all day put up
$150 order for O. C. Miller - collections $591.80. Ide
party left for Kahiltna Government bridge. McMillan left
for Kelly Mine with forage for Hughes horses. Sold last of
hams, meat all sold out.
January 31, 1912 Evening loaded up red
sled and double ender with Miller’s merchandise 1,495 lbs.,
extra forage 175 lbs., total 1,670 lbs. Miller fixing up
his new house at bridge on river on homestead. Mattie bought
Miller’s tent house at Knik for $150 located near K. T. Co. store.
Cash sales $178.70. January cash sales nearly $3,000.
February 1, 1912 Left Knik 6:30 with
Tony on double ender and Kid on red sled with 15 cwt. for O.
C. Miller and 200 cwt. forage added on account of team.
Bayer drove Tony - Miller followed with hand sled. Arrived
at Miller’s homestead at bridge at 5:30 PM Kid was about all
in. Found Hughes and McMillan in Miller’s cabin in route
to Knik. Patchell camped on river bank near O. C.’s.
Kelly cut-off full of stumps, worse road ever saw traveling time 9½
hours.
February 2, 1912 At O. C. Miller’s
homestead. With Tony hauled up 500 lbs. from Miller homestead
to Brewer cache. Met Stewart Stepp and McClarty said
they shot 4 moose 2 miles off road. PM helped Miller
set up new cook stove. Miller had new barn up, suitable for
3 horses and walls up for new addition for his cabin.
February 3, 1912 Bayer and self returned to
Knik with horses traveling time 8½ hours. Went on
to Big Lake from Carle Road crossed to lower end drove down summer
trail to government road at Porcupine Pete’s. Bert McClarty
overtook us there, ate lunch arrived at Knik 4:30. Snow going
fast, road half bare in places. Big tides, ice going fast on
Arm. Tide as large as fall tides. Gold Bullion team in from
Willow Creek finished hauling up mining timbers.
February 4, 1912 Snow going fast around Knik
gardens half bare. No mushers coming or going. Hall on
a spree had words with bartender. Stanley and self walked out
to wood yard.
February 5, 1912 Sixth day of Chinook
weather. AM busy in store and shod Kid aft. PM took
family out for a ride drove Dan on red sled out 3 miles on new government
road. Tom Freeze returned from Station with intent to make
Knik his future home. Smith and Johnston started to haul
in logs for G. B. barn at Knik.
February 6, 1912 AM re-shod Tony forward.
PM hauled up 21 sacks coal 42 cwt from wharf to coal bin. Perkins
and pard. returned from Willow Creek and left for Seward.
February 7, 1912 Swamped out 300 yards trail
connecting up G. B. trail around Knik Lake and my wood road
making complete trail and road from Knik around west end Knik
Lake connecting with government road near same on high ridge.
Evening figured up semi-annual business. Cash sales first
6 months $7,465.05. Cash sales for 9 months $12,718.64.
Average monthly total for 9 months over $400. G. B. hauling
in logs on account new barn at Knik.
February 8, 1912 Nagley and Smith arrived from
Station on visit to Sunny Knik. McHenry, McClarty and
Cannon laid up with soot blood poison in hands caused by cuts and
bruises. Channel open again in front of our wharf and widening
out due to Chinook weather. One musher in from Iditarod.
Wood in from sawmill after mail - mailman overdue.
February 9, 1912 Nagley and Smith left
for Station. PM hauled load lumber down to Socialist
Row for Olson’s new cabin and hauled in load of birch wood for
Mattie’s tent house. Pete Iverson in from Lake Creek.
Mail overdue. Evening Wood in store giving me a sawmill earache.
G. B. 5th day hauling logs for G. B. barn at Knik.
February 10, 1912 PM hauled in load birch
wood. Everybody waiting for mailman. Evening balanced
up ledger for merchandise bought in Seattle.
February 11, 1912 PM with family drove Dan
out to Three Mile Lake. Hughes team arrived from Kelly’s
mines finished freighting out - 36 days hauled 15 tons freight
from Knik and hauled wood from canyon to mine with 16 horses and
6 men. 5 PM mailman arrived. Meyers came in from Willow
Creek. Otto Langel came up from mouth of Little Susitna.
February 12, 1912 Shough and wife and Old Dad
down to trade. Palmer’s customers coming our way saying
if I had the stock I would get all the business. PM hauled
lumber down to Mitchell ranch and hauled in load birch wood.
Wood left for river using Natives to get logs out. G. B. finished
hauling logs for barn at Knik time 8 days 2 men with 4 horse team.
February 13, 1912 Cash sales $29.45.
G. B. men started to build barn at Knik. C. B. Meyers
left for hunting camp west fork of Willow Creek. Odin
Olson finished new cabin down by Socialist Row. LaVoy,
Mt. McKinley climber, back from landing grub at Broad Pass.
February 14, 1912 The “old guy” has a
sty on his eye. Cash sales over $100. LaVoy and guide here
waiting for Dr. Parker and party who left Glacier Creek on the 7th
interested in Names launch for Knik where are they? Stanley cut Bennie
on forehead with boys axe making camp no harm done. About sold
out on granulated sugar and spuds. Sent check to Gateway for
subscription to 3/28/13.
February 15, 1912 Dr. Parker arrived on way
to climb Mt. McKinley. Busy with outgoing mail sent out
$1,408.70 in dust and checks. Furgeson arrived from Seward.
Black McDonald and wife arrived from states in route to Willow
on Peters Creek.
February 16, 1912 Glass and wife getting ready
to hit trail for Iditarod. Hughes double enders 4 men
5 horses left for coal camp took Hall’s outfit. Hall drove horse
also Bayer and McCormack Two kids in from states going
to Iditarod. Mushers report trail from Eagle River to Seward
very bad no snow on track only on summits. Kenai Lake, open
boats going on same. Gill and Merideth over from Little Susitna
Roadhouse to trade.
February 17, 1912 Chris Anderson visited came
up from Seattle to look after Golden Hill property for Dr. Cowen.
Shough down after more horseshoes. Sent 23 films and 26 prints
to Quality Photo Postal Co. St. Paul Minnesota to have cards made
from same. Mailed all our mail and registers today for out going
mail.
February 18, 1912 Got furs ready to send
to Fischer Bros. via by mailman to Seward thence by Wells Fargo
Express to Seattle valuation $184.80. PM drove Kid on red
sled out to Fish Creek, Herning family and Mrs. Murray.
Evening mailman arrived from Station. Dr. Kivig bought St. Clair
house for office etc. Evening put up order for Stewart and
Kelly on account of their relocating Anaconda and St. Lawrence Quartz
Claims at head of Fishhook Creek. Robert Johnston came down
from Palmer’s canyon to trade.
February 19, 1912 Brown’s boy and Agnew
over from Old Knik to trade. Lower Kuskokwim store man in
route to Seattle wanted to buy wolverine and marten. Collins
making ready to go to Cache Creek District. G. B. Smith knocked
out again, lame back this time. Sent furs and 50 oz. poke to
Seward by Vance the mailman to go by Wells Fargo from Seward to
Seattle. Marshal went out with mailman had a corpse. Evening
Simmons visited with a “hauling earache”. Bert Stewart and
Kelly left to relocate Anaconda quartz claims.
February 20, 1912 Little Nakeeta left
for Miller’s bridge sent 2 boxes Antikamnia and bottle Perry
Davis to O. C. Miller by Nakeeta. Wrote Miller I would send
out horse and sled if he wanted to come in. Square Deal
man over from Station to trade. Merchandise bought season
of 1911 April to October $1,145.48. Merchandise sold from
May 1, 1911 to January 31, 1912 $13,718.24. Average sales per
month $1,413.14, profit per month $400. Snow about half gone
in Knik icy under foot.
February 21, 1912 Chris Anderson got back from
O. C. Miller’s place, got note from Miller said he was improving
legs were weak, got medicine OK. Cannon talked about ordering
furniture windows and doors for hotel building Streets very
icy. Evening Chris gave me an earache about doings in Seattle.
Talkeetna Pedro arrived from hunting trip all winter had no fur.
February 22, 1912 Dr. Kivig’s brother-in-law
got back from Station, took over Dr. and wife with Fraizer’s
dog team. Took a whirl out around wood yard looking up lumber
for fence posts and poles. Furgeson left for Lake Creek.
Two G. B. men got foundation and pole floor laid for G. B. barn time
10 days on foundation.
February 23, 1912 Zero this morning ending
of 24 days of Chinook weather. Snow about all gone in
timber from Knik to Chickaloon Coal Fields. McKinnon down
from his hunting camp at head of Palmer’s slough. Matanuska
Natives down to sell rabbit robes and trade. Meyers in after
Dan and hunting supplies. Bert Stewart and Kelly got back from
locating Anaconda quartz claims at head of Fishhook Creek time 5 days.
Bought Sheler and pard. furs.
February 24, 1912 Hughes double enders
arrived from Chickaloon brought back blacksmith coal 8½
day trip. Meyers left with Dan for Willow Creek took out about
9 cwt for their hunting camp on Purches Creek. Chris Anderson
and pard. took out 2 loads as far as Pete’s cabin and returned
to Knik by dog sled on account of Dr. Cowen Golden Hill quartz mines.
Self got cold in head 1st cold this winter.
February 25, 1912 Perfect day 60 in the
sun. PM drove Kid down to Preston’s for rocking chair baggage
etc., also drove half way to Cottonwood to inspect road.
Crossed over onto flats above Gates, came back along narrow cut
along bank road OK muddy out on flats. Kelly and Preston making
ready to stampede to Caribou Creek to locate ahead of “bunch” going
up there. Chris Anderson left for Golden Hill quartz mines
to get up wood etc. Evening Hall on a drunk. Made ready
to haul Preston’s grub etc. to Matanuska River.
February 26, 1912 Preston and Kelly went
on stampede to locate placer ground in Caribou Creek District.
Hall and McHenry left for Alfred Creek. Four new mushers in
from Seward. Self hauled 1,518 lbs. from Knik to above
Palmer’s cache for Preston and Jarvis rate 1¢ per pound for
each 10 miles. Hauled some 15 miles my price $18.47 - Hughes
bid $26.56 (7¢). Stanley went along as far as Cottonwood.
No snow and only ice width Yukon sled above bridge to Palmer’s slough.
Sled went off road into channel half way from Knik to Cottonwood no
harm done.
February 27, 1912 Sold Frisby and McMillan
hardware order $15. Land Survey Patterson getting ready to
go to Iditarod. Palmer reported out of sugar. Sent
Whiton Hardware Co. list of over and under charges. Sent
Herbert check for 4 tons coal - October delivery. Knik out
of moose meat again. Mattie got a cold, my cold better.
President Taft reported favorable on Government Alaska Railway
in his message to congress.
February 28, 1912 Business fair looking
up merchandise for spring stock Jensen and Lee O. getting
ready to go to Iditarod. Wrote Lang Seattle about agency
for Rangers etc.
February 29, 1912 Chinook still on.
Wood came in from sawmill after supplies. Meyers brought
Dan in from Willow Creek brought in quarter moose liver etc.
Hughes teams arrived from Old Knik with native hay. Nailed tops and
heels on 10” gum pacs. Mr. Patterson left for Iditarod with dog
team.
March 1, 1912 Cannon left order for hotel
fixtures etc. Shough’s down to trade also Old Dad.
Bill Hughes took charge of saloon, Palmer let Fitch go. Simmons
gave me history of hauling for Bill Hughes said he paid for 4 horse
team from Cache Creek Mining Co. Real Chinook today. Meyers
left for mines Wood left for river to begin sawing lumber again.
March 2, 1912 Snow going fast,
trail on Cottonwood flats all gone, Eagle River next.
No snow on RR track except over Placer River summit above tunnels.
Two mushers in on way to Iditarod. First boating of spring,
boat came up from Soldier Creek to Knik. Porcupine Pete on
a drunk. Tide widening out channel in front of Knik. Fred
Nelson started to saw up balance of wood in front of store.
March 3, 1912 Joe Grimes got back from Seward
said RR talk was quiet nothing doing. Old Scotty Watson
same in from Bob Hatcher’s cabin (cook for moose hunters).
Made out orders for clothing and rubber goods. Chinaman cook
and Mr. Sharp came over from Old Knik. Tide came over bank
channel opening fast 2 more big tides to come. Grimes reported
the “Harbor Town” dead, a few mushers on the trail.
March 4, 1912 Four Cache Creek mushers in from
Seward, sold them 6 pair gum boots, cash sales $73.55.
Windy Wilson arrived gave us all the Seattle news and mining dope
said Martin would bring in a mill for the “Free Gold”. Evening
clear and freezing a little.
March 5, 1912 with Nelson, went out in
woods and cut poles and posts for garden fence. One musher
in from Seward. Dr. Kivig left with dog team for Station.
Evening wrote several letters.
March 6, 1912 with Tony hauled in 3 loads
poles and fence posts. Hughes 4 horse team went to woods sawmill
after lumber. Three mushers in from Seward going to Iditarod.
Cannon cutting out doors and windows in new hotel building
March 7, 1912 AM had Nelson haul in balance
of logs and posts for wharf etc. Hauled in two 20’ cottonwoods
for crib in front of Matt’s tent house. Hughes 4 horse
team arrived with lumber from river sawmill. Nine mushers in
from Seward in route to Iditarod. Al Harper arrived from Seward
to see about grub at Cache Creek.
March 8, 1912 Water run today, Chinook
still on. George Nylen down to trade sent galvanized
water pail up to Preston camp on Palmer’s Slough. Sent Billy
word we had sold his boat. Had to make new top pipe and cap
for kitchen stove. Building going on sold 3 rolls roof paper.
Fins celebrating on account of leaving for Iditarod. G. B.
got barn up ready for rafters. McDonald cabin rented again.
March 9, 1912 AM Ide and party arrived
from Kahiltna Government bridge work PM went on to Seward.
Hughes team left for river for lumber. Evening Frank Kelly
got back from Caribou Creek on account of E. J. Preston, drew $75
on Preston account (13 days). Windy Wilson and Grimes and Joe
Palmer in from Fishhook side. Paid Fred Nelson $18 for sawing
last lot of wood. Self moved forage from warehouse to barn.
March 10, 1912 Boat men busy fixing up
boats to go to Turnagain Arm. McKinnon moved down to his
ranch from Matanuska River. Vance the mailman arrived from Seward
with February mail also man and wife going in to Iditarod.
Evening busy looking over February mail. Paid Vance $8.25 for
taking out 50 oz. gold dust and 6 lbs. furs Knik to Seward.
March 11, 1912 Navigation open for small
boats. O’Donald and Johnson left in row boat for Turnagain
Arm also Joe Bush with Palmer’s gas “Hoo-Doo”. Nate White
arrived from Sunrise with one passenger in dory said the launch
Chase was at Kern Creek. Sent mail to Kern Creek by O’Donald
and sent order for sugar milk and bacon to George Roll. Shough’s
down, Bill Elliott over from Old Knik first time this winter. Gassy
Thompson and wife arrived from Station.
March 12, 1912 Thompson and wife went to Sunrise
with Nate White by boat. Al Harper got back from Station.
Evening got furs ready to send out by Harper also deposits to
send to bank at Seward. Hughes teams in with lumber.
Overbid Palmer on Pete Murray’s furs. Whitney came up from Ship
Creek in dory.
March 13, 1912 Froze hard last night.
Another boat launched. Lidell and Miller took Al Harper
and dog team over to Sunrise via for Seward. Whitney left
for Ship Creek. More mushers in, going to Iditarod. Meyers
and Moore arrived from Willow Creek after their mail. Sent out-mail
furs and $200 with Al Harper to Seward. Larson brought
in his furs had 2 lynx and 100 rats. Ordered draft $293.50
from Seward for premium on New York Life Insurance sent to Seattle
Branch.
March 14, 1912 Put 8 of my films in with Meyers
to have post cards made from same at $2.50 per 100.
Hughes team in with lumber. Ben Agnew over from Old Knik.
McMillan and Murry over from Eagle River road house, sold them
sack Rolls sugar. O’Donald and Johnson got back from Hope
brought me 1,100 lbs. grub 1st grub delivered by boat this spring.
Young Heath over from Station after grub for Nagley. Hitchcock
came over from Station also Dr. Kivig.
March 15, 1912 Meyers and Moore left
for Willow Creek with 11 cwt perishables with Dan. With
Tony helped them up hill to birch grove. Chris Anderson
came in from Fishhook after mail. Evening Wood arrived
from sawmill at river. Hughes teams went to Old Knik for more
hay sent Elliott’s grub over.
March 16, 1912 Made out hardware grocery and
produce orders. March mail left at noon overland. Chase
Capt. Cramer arrived 1st power boat to arrive this spring.
Got case of eggs from Seldovia on Chase. Chase brought passengers
B. S. Anderson arrived with prospective buyer for Lake Creek.
Sent O. C. Miller medicine by Chris Anderson.
March 17, 1912 Froze hard last night.
Chase left 6:30 AM for Kern Creek no passengers out.
B. S. Anderson left for Lake Creek had pump
and motor to sink holes. Five mushers left for Iditarod
District that came over on Chase. Evening tide channel full of
slush ice. Sent letter to Herbert by Chase via Kern Creek
and Seward wrote him condition of ice and weather up here. Dr.
Kivig fitting up St. Clair’s house for office and to live in.
March 18, 1912 Knik to sawmill at river
and back to Meadow Brook Farm. Stanley and self drove double
ender team out to sawmill for load of planks and slab Meyers was
there with Dan from Willow Creek put Dan on lead brought 1½
tons lumber stayed overnight at farm. Evening warmer road all
ice and fine.
March 19, 1912 Left Meadow Brook Farm
about 8:30 with load of lumber arrived Knik 12:30. Piled
planks and slab on wharf. Light snow last night. One
heavy snow squall at noon enough to make Knik look white. Wood
came in from sawmill brought bunion growth tree to make natural table
of same. More Iditarod mushers in from Seward. Evening
church at Cannon’s roadhouse Mattie and Stanley attended.
March 20, 1912 Knik white again business
quiet. Five mushers in from Seward said Chase was at
Kern Creek too much ice to navigate. Joe Palmer sending
in logs to build cabin back of Palmer’s garden. Knik still
growing. Signed deeds on account ¾ of relocating Anaconda
quartz mines to Bert Stewart and Cowan.
March 21, 1912 Brown hauled over 1 dozen
Iditarod mushers from Old Knik. Lidell and Miller got
back from Sunrise brought 4 passengers. Jno. Wallace arrived
from Seattle. Took inventory of groceries. Evening
Simmons visited to get advice about settling with Bill Hughes.
Big tide came to bank this AM.
March 22, 1912 Put up trail swamping outfit
for Jno. Wallace on account of Martin’s Free Gold Mine.
Twelve passengers arrived on Chase for Iditarod. Pioneer
Roadhouse full-up had to turn away people on account of no beds.
Sold Wallace my old wagon for $55 delivered at Knik - wagon now at
Meadow Brook Farm. Frank Bayer closed up Wisner estate and drew
deposit. First boats arrived from Old Knik.
March 23, 1912 Rain took off all snow
around Knik frost out 2” on gardens. Wallace left Knik with
a dozen men to fix up trail for hauling out Alaska Free Gold freight
in route to Knik. Ben Agnew brought over 3 bales hay for
W. D. Elliott Old Knik. Chase left for Turnagain Arm no passengers.
Business fair today sold $85 outfit collected $100 cash. Knik
Lake and Three Mile Lake opening up full of air holes. Robert
Johnson came down from Caribou Creek for more grub prospecting.
McDonald and Percy in from Peters Creek.
March 24, 1912 Chase came back from Fire
Island with Palmer’s launch in tow. Palmer’s launch 12
days making trip from Knik to Sunrise. Chase left for Hope
and Sunrise 11 AM no passengers out. Late evening tide Nate
White arrived with 2 dory’s and 14 men going to the Iditarod District.
Sent order out for more hardware by Chase via Sunrise mail to Seward.
March 25, 1912 Fourteen mushers left for Iditarod
District. Shough and wife down to trade. Evening
Wallace got back from trip to Fishhook said snow was all gone
from Knik to Miller’s homestead. Ordered hose for fire extinguishers.
All kind of moose meat in town.
March 26, 1912 Wallace hauled out store produce
etc. to Porcupine Pete’s cabin on double ender and returned to
Knik. Put up grub for timber camp for Lidell and Alaska Free
Gold Co. Mattie cleaned up the Miller tent house previous
to the spring rush. Rainy spell about over freezing tonight
a little. Made out additional hardware order for sawmill.
Porcupine Pete ordered to leave on first boat on account of selling
booze to Natives. Mailman returned brought accommodations mail
from Seward.
March 27, 1912 Froze a little last night
business quiet. Nate White left for Sunrise (new boat).
Made out order for boat supplies account of the launch
Chase. Wallace wanted to buy 30,625 shares of Free Gold stock
for $2,000 sold above for that amount. McKinnon in from Miller
Bridge with moose meat account Evan Vasilla shot 5 moose.
Mattie busy with her new house Wallace wanted to rent same. Frost
about out of gardens.
March 28, 1912 Freezing nights. Got mail
ready to send to Seldovia on launch Chase now overdue from Sunrise.
Old Dad down to trade, said cat bit Shough on wrist. Simmons
and Farris arrived from Station late last night. Simmons ready
for trial with Hughes over settlement of labor and accounts.
March 29, 1912 Drove out to farm after
wagon, took part of Woods load on my double ender left double
ender at farm. Hauled in 300’ lumber from Cabin Lake for
Smith on account of boat. Snow and ice about all gone on
trail only patches of snow left in timber. Draws on trail filling
up with water lakes still good opening up in places. Chase overdue
from sunrise. Hughes-Simmons trial postponed so Hughes could
“fix” up the books. Stewart and St. Clair in from trail work on
Kelly cut-off, after horse and grub to move camp. Wallace in town.
Mattie rented her tent house to Jno. Wallace at $15 per month.
March 30, 1912 Tide increasing with a
jump. Hughes-Simmons trial came off on the Grady house, jury
trial. Chase arrived with passengers from Sunrise going to Iditarod,
left evening tide for Seldovia took out-mail. Sent Free Gold
stock to Seattle National to sell for $2,000 cash. Porcupine
Pete went out on blue ticket on account of selling or giving whiskey
to Natives. Albert Bay at Knik house, left to join his parents
at Seldovia. Put down matting in bedrooms for Mattie.
March 31, 1912 Finished laying carpet
etc. in sitting room. Wallace left for trail camp on Carle
Road. Got notice to do road tax work. PM tide raised
ice around wharf and raised the piles under 3 bents of gangway next
to wharf. Evening Connors brought up his phonograph and
entertained the Herning family. Whitney came up from Ship Creek
in dory.
April 1, 1912 Big tides ice raised 3 bents
of gangway next to wharf. Put up small order for Pete
Herbert on account of locating ranch at Paradise-Clam Lake on
Carle Road. Palmer and Johnson fixing up launch no. 2.
Nate White came in with 5 Iditarod men going in. Big demand
for windows today, watch Knik grow.
April 2, 1912 Ground white again this
morning. PM tried to blast ice away from piles, giant powder
no good. Five more mushers left for Iditarod had one sled.
Nate White left for Sunrise (row boat). Wharf badly bent
by ice, tide took out ice in front of wharf. First ducks arrived.
April 3, 1912 Freezing nights SS Bertha
arrived morning tide at Knik Harbor. Busy in store took
in $205.55. Channel full of ice at high tide. Row
boat came up from Knik Harbor brought mail sack mostly 2nd class.
Wallace in from trail camp. Evening tide Wallace and Palmer
and Natives three boats left for Knik Harbor. Zorn in from
Station to get his mail. Got $1,000 order from Cache Creek
District. Peter Herbert took pack on back to Paradise Camp
Carle Road.
April 4, 1912 Morning tide Palmer got
back from Ship Creek said SS Bertha left on account of ice and
no scows to handle freight Evening Wallace got back from Ship
Creek. Evening Nate White and Joe Walton arrived with passengers
from Sunrise. No one saw the Chase - channel full of ice
all passengers and freight went back on SS Bertha to Seldovia.
April 5, 1912 Wallace left for trail
camp on Carle Road. Stewart working pole tax men on government
road near Knik. Woods left for river to have Natives cut
and saw logs. Nate White returned by dory to Sunrise.
Put addition to walk in front of store business quiet. Had
hail storm sun shining. Knik Commercial Club organized at
Cannon’s Roadhouse.
April 6, 1912 Finished sidewalk for store
approach business quiet. Brown came over from Old Knik
by boat. Wallace back from trail camp. Stewart working
Natives on government road near Knik. Evening attended meeting
of Knik Commercial Club at Cannon’s elected officers for ensuing
year adopted by-laws etc. Essence of meeting was RR from Snug
Harbor to Matanuska Coal Fields and Knik.
April 7, 1912 Easter Sunday. Knik
had radishes for Easter dinner grown by Mitchell the rancher
and truck farmer. Frost all out of gardens. Started
to re-set pilings that ice hove out gangway to dock. Made out
orders for more produce. Channel clear of ice and anchor ice
gone in front of dock 3 weeks earlier than last spring. Got
receipt for working Road Tax on Kelly cut-off 12 miles from Knik.
April 8, 1912 Freight hauled to Willow
Creek 1901 to date 560 tons average 6¢ lb. or cost $67,200.
Self hauled in 100 tons - balance by Quartz Mining Co. Ide and
new Road Commission man returned from Happy River. Evening
party of 5 from Knik Commercial Club waited on Road Commission man
gave him tonnage of freight hauled to Willow Creek. Evening
tide the Chase arrived from Seldovia -voyage 5 to Knik - brought me
1½ tons grub. Up until 2 o’clock with freight and finding
place for Chase to lay over tide. Chase discharged freight over
on dock 3 weeks earlier than any previous deliveries.
April 9, 1912 Wallace took Ide and new
Road Commission man over government road as far as Carle Road
for inspection etc. Chase laid over for Ide party. Shough
and wife down to see Ide about R. C. horses. Nate White returned
to Sunrise - 5 trips with Iditarod mushers. Tom Cavanaugh
came up, stowaway on Chase account explosives. Sunrise Grey
painted Conners launch rush order.
April 10, 1912 Froze ¼” last night.
AM tide Buffalo voyage 1 arrived with freight for Martin -
Ala Hoosier and Ike R. Noon Chase left for Kern Creek, Ide
took out-mail. Buffalo landed all freight over at
our wharf. Hughes team loaded up on wagon - Martin’s oats
iron and car rails. PM bums on a drunk rough hour at saloon.
April 11, 1912 Sawed foot off flour cache
roof to clear gangway for warehouse. Hughes 2-4 horse teams
left with wagons with Martin’s freight hauled forage and iron.
Brown and family moved over from Old Knik on account of Brown hauling
freight with his runaway team. Jim Denny arrived with passengers
from Sunrise. Tom Jeter came up from Ship Creek first time
all winter. Most all the boys working on road for Wallace and
Martin but Stewart road boss.
April 12, 1912 Hughes double enders and
Brown wagon hauled out Ike’s outfit. Bill Elliott and
several row boats came over from Old Knik. Cook came down Matanuska
from Moose Creek in boat brought in 3 lynx skins, bought same for
$50. Grey started to paint sign for hardware department.
Palmer after pipe etc. and pipe due to finish up his new launch -
supplied his wants.
April 13, 1912 Busy all day removing
iceberg from aft dock Smith in from G. B. Mines
after more help now about 40 men at work - Martin and G. B.
Got part of post cards from Seward of Knik views
CBM and OGH films. Wallace in from Road
camp. Burton the Bear Man at Knik to trade going to Snug
Harbor to kill bear and prospect for placer.
April 14, 1912 Ice on Arm about all gone
on bar in front of Knik. Packed balance of furs to send
out to Sylvester Bros. Co. G. B. Smith took out several more
men to G. B. Mines. Snow slide broke down upper ore bin and
tram so reported. Launches overdue. Wallace in town.
Brown back from Miller Bridge with wagon account freight for Rosenthald.
Several new men in town looking for work. Palmer making ready
to launch his scow.
April 15, 1912 Tides making fast.
PM tide cleared about all ice along channel and bar from Knik
down to Fish Creek, navigation now open for all kinds. Boats
at Knik 18 days earlier than last season. Busy cleaning up
warehouse to receive new goods. Out of butter and lard.
Buffalo and Chase overdue. Made out order for Currin shoes.
April 16, 1912 Busy in store cash sales
$43.40. Made post card holder. Chase arrived from
Kern Creek brought 3 passengers for Tacotna. C. B. Meyers
came in from Mines. Chase left evening tide for Sunrise
has 1 passenger. Dr. David started to plant garden.
April 17, 1912 Leveled up wharf gangway
suitable to use until frost is out on beach. Put up small
orders for Woods and Meyers. Meyers shod Dan. Bert
Stewart and Rosenthal in town. Wallace in town waiting for
Martin freight. Knik House put up new sign on saddle boards
on roof - Dolly Grey painter.
April 18, 1912 Meyers left with Dan packed
for river on winter road. Wood hauled out 400 on go-devil
to sawmill on river. Several trail swampers came in.
Connors and Johnson got their launch ready to launch on morning
tide. Finished fixing gangway to wharf. Siwash dance on at
Otto’s new cabin.
April 19, 1912 Ice all gone on Knik Arm.
First mosquitoes showed up at Knik today. Started to
take down store garden fence. Put in crib to hold dirt
in front of MAH tent house. A few ducks and geese -overdue.
Made out order for G. S. Rubber goods November 1st dating.
Joe Walton in with 2 men going to look at quartz on King River.
Palmer trying to launch his scow.
April 20, 1912 Light rain showers last
night. Started to peel fence posts for store garden fence.
Palmer failed to launch his scow water didn’t reach her.
Evening tide Chase arrived with 2 mushers and dogs going to Iditarod.
Evening Wood arrived from river with Dan. Meyers went on to
Willow Creek. Evening attended Knik Commercial Club - a paper
for Knik the main talk.
April 21, 1912 Heavy frost last night.
Set a few fence posts store garden frost out 18 inches.
Shough and wife down to rubber for boats. Several went
to Goose Bay to hunt ducks. Stipp gave us 2 ducks our first
this spring. Repaired Stanley’s wagon. Wallace in
town. Chase left evening tide for Kern Creek no passengers.
“Booze” fighters busy.
April 22, 1912 Plowed store garden.
Quiet in town waiting for mail boat and Sampson to arrive.
Evening Chase in from Kern Creek reported Sampson would call at
Knik Harbor. Rosenthal waiting for boat to go below.
Everybody planting gardens or making ready to plant.
April 23, 1912 Plowed on barn lot with Kid
and Tony. Palmer put up new fence and widened street
from his store to my lot by Knik house. Wood building stairs
for Dr. Kivig. Norton left his dog team with Eagle River
rancher to summer. Evening made out another order for hardware.
April 24, 1912 Hauled manure on K. and H. lot
and finished plowing barn lot. Saw Palmer about donating
strip of his garden account road from Knik house to cabins on
hill - wouldn’t open road. Cramer busy fixing up and
painting the Chase. Saw first geese today some reported geese
came yesterday.
April 25, 1912 Buffalo arrived with part of
Martin freight also GB Ala. Homer and John Bartholf’s household
goods. Free Gold Martin manager Clark also Alaska Hoosier
mgr. Clark and John and Byron Bartholf and families arrived after
3 weeks delay at Seldovia. Noon tide bidarky arrived with scow
with mining co. freight and brought first regular mail by water
route. They discharged Martin’s heavy machinery at hay shed.
Got part of produce and Sylvester Bros. order first to arrive from Seattle.
“No rest for the weary”.
April 26, 1912 PM tide Chase and Connors boat
left for Knik Harbor to meet Sampson. Night tide, Buffalo
towed scow down to Knik Harbor. Frank Kelly came in from
Martin’s camp after clothing for the boys.
April 27, 1912 Rosenthal wanted to buy K. and
H. lot also said he would organize a trading company of all the
mining companies and wanted to buy my store etc. in July. Evening
Mr. Moore came in from Willow Creek over winter road said snow was
about all gone on summit. Received 500 misc. postcards from Seward.
April 28, 1912 Martin’s new 4 horse team took
out their first load of freight. PM tide the Chase and
Buffalo came up from Knik Harbor. Sampson failed to arrive
here with freight, Buffalo left for Seldovia and Chase for
Sunrise. Rosenthal and Norton left on Chase. Several
of the Wallace road makers came to town.
April 29, 1912 Busy in store all day
cash sales over $40. Connors and Whitney came up from
Ship Creek after grub, reported no Sampson. Brown’s from
Old Knik running an eating house in Shafer’s cabin. Mr. Moore
in town waiting for SS Bertha mail. Received circular about Bleugas,
the new gas light made from by-products of gas oil etc. Clark
moved Martin’s groceries etc. from warehouse to woods tent storehouse
- our storage 4 days.
April 30, 1912 6 AM tide Chase in from
Kern Creek, brought 1 passenger reported SS Bertha at Seward
in route to Knik Harbor. Laid walk approach between tin shop
and store. Hughes and Clark in from freighting camp.
Hughes crying about his pay from Martin outfit. Joe Grimes
in from Susitna Canyon also St. Clair from Trail camp. Evening
tide Palmer launched his new gas boat - failed to make his run.
Reported Brown broke hind wheel of O. G. wagon.
May 1, 1912 Evening tide bidarky and Buffalo
arrived - had my Sylvester groceries and Martin’s freight
- gas engine for Peterson. Things doing on our wharf.
Evening tide Palmer launched his scow. Cramer and Chase towed
scow and Palmer’s new launch down to Ship Creek to meet SS Bertha.
Davis and Hoben over to look for freighting. Simmons came back
from the Arm. Two sports arrived on bidarky, rented Otto’s
new cabin - Sprague brought them in.
May 2, 1912 No sign of SS Bertha at Knik Harbor
up to date. Sports busy buying spring beds etc. for housekeeping.
Cannon had Tony PM to drag his garden.
May 3, 1912 Evening tide Chase came up
from Ship Creek out of grub waiting for SS Bertha to arrive.
Sent deposit to Bank of Seward and order for fence for store garden.
Ed O’Brien down from Chickaloon Coal camp for mail etc. Sam
Clark in town.
May 4, 1912 Evening Wallace in from Fishhook.
No SS Bertha reported at Ship Creek as yet. Made out 3rd
order for groceries, 1st order delivered. Shough and wife
down rubbering for SS Bertha and a square meal.
May 5, 1912 Had duck and goose dinner,
Shough and wife on hand for a big feed. Evening tide, Chase
arrived with Palmer’s scow and launch from Ship Creek.
SS Bertha arrived at Ship Creek 6 AM left evening tide.
My freight came to Ship Creek - Buffalo there to receive same.
G. B. Morrison and Kelly family arrived on SS Bertha and Chase and
six strangers. C. B. Meyers came in from Willow Creek to look
for Moore, here waiting for mail.
May 6, 1912 AM Buffalo arrived from Ship
Creek with scow, had balance of Martin’s freight, all of Nagley’s
freight and balance of K. T. Co. freight Worked 2½
hours discharging scow in AM and 4 hours evening tide. Got
all off but fire brick. Chase left noon tide for Kern Creek.
Evening tide Connors launch drifted back to Knik for repairs.
May 7, 1912 AM finished discharging Buffalo
and scow. Bidarky arrived with mail and freight for
G. B. Clark and Wallace left for Fishhook.
Had Fred and Gus finish fence for store garden and set
posts on front of K. and H. lot time 2 hours. Meyer and Moore
left for Willow Creek via Sunrise trail with Dan as far as Bald
Mt.
May 8, 1912 PM had Fred Nelson drag all
the gardens with Tony on new harrow. Planted C. and H.
garden to oats, man and horse 3 hours used 1 sack oats $3.25.
Tom Jeter up from Ship Creek. Evening 10 PM Dan came to
store - back from Bald Mt. today. Paddy Hanley and Gordon in
from Martin’s camp via Fishhook Dist.
May 9, 1912 Evening put up small order for
O. C. Miller. Martin came in after freight. Evening
tide the Alaska Capt. Ward arrived looking for A. C. Co. freight
to take to Station. PM big fire over on Peters Creek.
May 10, 1912 Weather cloudy and windy.
Sent O. C. Miller grub by Martin’s teams. Alaska left with
load of liquor for Station. Chris Anderson came in from
Golden Hill Mine said he finished.
May 11, 1912 Cash biz quiet, credit sales fair.
Martin’s team in after cable, moved same off wharf. Joe
Palmer putting roof on his new house above Palmer’s garden.
Chase overdue from Kern Creek. Goosmar came from Station in
boat said river had been open for 1 week. Hair cut day evening
bath.
May 12, 1912 Sent out clothing and shoes to
Ben Agnew and Jack Highland by Martin’s team (Carter).
Things doing at the saloon several drunks. Shough and wife
brought prospecting order $38. Fitch fixing up Kelly’s garden.
Evening cleaned up yard in front of store.
May 13, 1912 Early AM tide Chase arrived
from Kern Creek. A. C. Morgan arrived on Chase.
Busy opening dry goods business fair cash sales $86.15.
Connors launch left for Kenai. Chase and Alaska laid over
one tide. Brown got old wagon from Railway Glacier Creek
account hauling for Martin, blacksmith repairing same all day.
Alaska Hoosier men preparing to go to Willow Creek. S. Queer
Clark in town. Sampson left Seattle 3 days late.
May 14, 1912 Put up small order for Alaska
Hoosier new men. Early AM tide Alaska left for station
with A. C. Morgan, Mrs. Morrison and one lady sport. Shough
and wife down rubbering for Sampson and big feed. Chase laying
in port. John Bartholf returned with 6 horse team - horses
all in. Herbert sent in for more grub by Dunlap.
May 15, 1912 Mosquitoes arrived this
evening also black fly first to do any biting. Alaska
Hoosier men left for Willow Creek. Hughes team laid over
- horses all in. 5 PM Susitna Capt. Ellexson arrived voyage
1 after Nagley’s freight Evening tide Chase towed Palmer’s
scow and launch down to Ship Creek to meet Admiral Sampson - supposed
to arrive.
May 16, 1912 4 AM Chase arrived
from Knik Harbor with Palmer’s scow and the Bartholf bunch.
Kitty Bartholf and lady friend arrived also. Old Frank
and Bill, Ira Isaac and Tom McLaughlin arrived. 5 AM Alaska
in from Susitna. Sampson arrived voyage 1 at Knik Harbor last
evening - towed up launch Traveler from Pt. Graham to lighter freight
Traveler lightered one load ashore and got aground. Cramer took
balance of freight on Palmer’s scow and all the passengers up to Knik.
Evening tide Chase left for Kern Creek with 5 men. Alaska left
for Susitna with beer. Wood lost half his logs at Goose Bay -
too windy.
May 17, 1912 Planted spuds and peas in
store garden. Hughes moved to Cottonwood. The launch
Traveler arrived with Whitney scow from Knik Harbor laid over.
Wood brought tow of house logs from Goose Bay. Alaska Hoosier
Herd got back from Bald Mt. With G. B. pack horses said too
much snow to cross mountain with horses. Had goose dinner presented
by Mr. Smith.
May 18, 1912 PM planted oats on barn lot used
1 2/3 sack G. B. sent out men to put in corduroy at Big
Lake on summer trail, sold them camp outfit (WEB). Evening
tide Chase arrived from Kern Creek. Traveler came back lost
part of skeg and bottom iron on rudder. Bidarky (Herbert) arrived
with flooring for Cannon’s new rooming house and landed several passengers.
Borrowed 2 sacks oats from Alaska Hoosier. Herbert left all the
mining freight bills for me to collect.
May 19, 1912 Susitna and Alaska back
from Station for freight Traveler fixed rudder temporarily
and left for Port Graham. Busy all day in store cash sales
over $100. Bartholf outfit stored their baggage in our warehouse
and hit the trail for Big Lake, Old Bill in the lead Old Frank brought
up the rear - Mrs. Kaveney and Miss Van went along.
Collected part of C. I. T. Co. freight bills. Chase in port fixing
up boat for the rush.
May 20, 1912 AM Cannon hauled up 1,852’
flooring with Tony, put balance of flooring 426’ in warehouse.
Evening Kelly and Wallace came in from Fishhook. Wood
hauling his house logs to lot on Knob Hill. G. B. packer
in for supplies on account of mail work. Cannon busy finishing
up rooms on lower floor of new rooming house. Cash sales $122.25.
May 21, 1912 Busy all day with accounts,
made out another hardware order and got checks ready to mail
to cover all merchandise bills due to date. Alaska in at noon.
Kelly sent out 8 men to mines. Evening C. B. Meyers arrived
from Willow Creek - O. G. placer mine. Chase in port decorating
up for the big rush. Wallace and Kelly in town. Wood rafted
up last of house logs.
May 22, 1912 After dinner Meyers took
picture of Knik Commercial Club. PM started to build shed
annex to dock warehouse on west side. Bidarky arrived with
mail 10 PM and freight for K. T. Co. Wallace and Kelly in town.
Report SS Bertha overdue 8 days on down trip.
May 23, 1912 Busy on annex to warehouse.
Wallace left for Fishhook (gave up cabin). Woods preparing
to go to river to skid in saw logs. Susitna overdue 2 days
carrying balance of Nagley’s freight. Evening opened up tent
order and some hardware. Supplies for the launch Chase arrived.
Got Free Gold stock back from Seattle no money. Got 4 sacks
oats from Woods.
May 24, 1912 Got foundation in and floor
laid on 28’ x 10’ annex to dock warehouse also 10’ x 12’ approach
to same. Woods left to his sawmill camp. Four 4-horse
teams in for more of Martin’s freight McMillan over from
Eagle River. Cramer painting his boat. Dr. Kivig and
G. B. both put down wells -Henry Ratzen next.
May 25 1912 Had crib put in bank to protect
store garden from high surf. Sam Queer Clark in from Fishhook.
Fred Nelson in from Martin’s camp bought clothing outfit for going
to Lake Creek. Bill Hughes roaring about his pay from Martin
outfit. Watch tinker in town.
May 26, 1912 Got up 4 AM to rebuild wharf.
Took 1 log out of rear leveled up platform and gangway.
Worked 2 hours evening put in 15 hours - 3 men - now in A-1 shape.
Cramer having new signs put on Chase. Signed petition for
school at Knik.
May 27, 1912 Oats up on K. and H. lot.
Finished work on gangway to wharf. Martin’s teams left
for 1st through trip to mines. 6 PM Chase left for Kern
Creek, Perkins went to Seward after his family. Sent out-mail.
Alaska in port had load of old A. C. freight to ship outside.
May 28, 1912 PM Susitna arrived took all of
Nagley’s freight but 2 tons sacked goods. Traveler reported
in at Knik Harbor with big lighter. Shough’s and McKinnon
down to trade. Ranchers locating around Old Knik and at
head of Knik Arm. Thomas in with coal for Knik House.
May 29, 1912 Chase back from Kern Creek
brought 3 passengers. Capt. Glenn Names on way to Kenai
to fish. Woods and his 2 men in from sawmill finished logging.
Planted oats and Ball barley in store garden from seed raised last
season. Busy opening up new goods. Paid off men
for repairing dock
May 30, 1912 Busy in store and working
new goods. Evening made out order for dry goods to send
to Portland Pioneer. G. B. packer in. Smith and pard.
in with sheep meat. Chase left for Seldovia for inspection.
Alaska in port. Horses getting plenty of grass not up to barn
for 3 nights. Mr. Herd in from Alaska Hoosier on Willow Creek
going to Cache Creek District.
May 31, 1912 Cannon had Tony and scraper to
excavate. Up till midnight with letter writing and orders on
account of SS Bertha due tomorrow. Had mountain sheep dinner.
Another Alaska Hoosier man in from Willow Creek.
June 1, 1912 AM tide Palmer towed his
scow down to Knik Harbor to meet SS Bertha. Alaska went down
to meet SS Bertha. Stanton Shafer went down to catch SS
Bertha going to Hot Springs sent our mail with him and deposit to
Bank of Seward. Watch tinker Ed Fox went to Kenai with Smith
and Jim Clark in row boat AM tide. Lidell in for supplies for
Martin outfit. Brown in, quit working for Martin outfit left his
team on.
June 2, 1912 Lidell took out horse packed
with odds and ends for William Martin outfit. The cache
tender “Flying Dutchman” went out to the mines. Natives bringing
in Knik Harbor coal. Plenty of moose meat coming to town.
Very dry rain needed.
June 3, 1912 SS Bertha at Knik Harbor,
towed up scow Mathews and sunk her in Knik harbor - 100 cases
of gasoline floated out of Mathews. Traveler arrived with
SS Bertha passengers on 6 AM tide also came up on evening tide and
returned to Ship Creek. Tom Babcock and T. R. Wilson’s men
arrived. Joe Palmer’s family arrived rented Mattie’s tent house.
Natives in with king salmon. Susitna took last of Nagley’s
freight Cost to receive check and reload 18 tons Nagley’s
freight $14. Giddings for Alaska Road Commission arrived to
work on Iditarod trail - Knik to Happy River.
June 4, 1912 7 AM bidarky in with mail
and my hardware. Palmer’s scow arrived, Alaska towed
her up from Ship Creek. Sold Ala. R-Com. Giddings outfit
for trip to Happy River. Giddings took over Ala. R-Com. horses
and left check for Shough account wintering horses. Cramer
reported at East Foreland when bidarky came up. Very windy
on Inlet. Several new men in town looking for cattle ranch location.
June 5, 1912 Giddings party 3 men and
2 horses left Knik overland for Happy River self took them out
over Willow Creek winter road to Three Mile Lake thence west
through birch to Fish Creek gravel crossing on Fish Creek - dry
road the whole 6 miles, got back 3 PM Evening Martin
team in after forage. Oats all up on K. and H. lot doing fine.
Mattie tended store today. Plenty of moose meat and salmon
coming to town.
June 6, 1912 Business good put up 3 orders
for Herd and Barker Calquhoun and pard. and William Martin.
Up till midnight. Alaska in after A. C. Co. freight.
Scow Mathews reported sunk in channel 3 miles below Goose Bay.
Woods left for river to saw lumber. Martin teams in after
grub and freight
June 7, 1912 Rained a little last night.
Martin teams laid over. Smiling Sam back to town.
Frank Bayer in from G. B. Mines. Horses away from barn for
3 nights. Opened up hardware new stock Milo Kelly
left for Fishhook Mine. Cutworms cleaned up all gardens
in town.
June 8, 1912 Volcanic ash fell all day,
ground white with ashes, rumble like blasts heard for last 24
hours. PM tide Chase arrived from Seldovia brought a ton
of produce for us and 9 passengers - Dorr and Bartholf arrived.
Up till midnight with outgoing mail. Bert Stewart came in
from Golden Hill Mines - report was Rosenthal’s checks were N.G.
Horses came in to barn.
June 9, 1912 Chase left 3 AM for Kern
Creek took mail. Sent $125 in letter in care of John Palmer
Co. and deposit to Bank of Seward. Ranch locators back from
Bald Mt. after more grub, they liked Little Susitna up to Bald
Mt. for a cattle ranch. Evening Shough and wife arrived from
Fishhook, had Shough sign up Ala. Road papers about wintering government
horses. Alaska in port after A. C. Co. freight with 10 ton scow.
Ground still white with volcanic ash. Horses came to barn.
June 11, 1912 Chase arrived from Kern
Creek brought Ide and party. Shough’s and McKinnon down
to trade etc. Sent Shough Alaska Road Com. check to Seward
for deposit. Ordered canned meats and more eggs from Nat.
Packing Co. Chase reported Kodiak Island covered with 6’ to
12’ of volcanic ash, Revenue Cutter took people to Seward.
June 12, 1912 Retired at 1 and up at
4 AM. Buffalo in port with Alaska Road Com. camp outfit and
balance of our produce. Chase left for Kern Creek.
Woods and Kincaid in from River. Anderson and Dulin left
with 2 packs on back for Bald Mt. District. Hauled 2 x 4
for dock annex to warehouse and graded aft of house. Evening
mosquitoes here again. Horses came to barn. Ide left
for road work on Fishhook Creek.
June 13, 1912 Cleaned up can boxes in
back yard put same in crib of wharf for ballast. McNeil
and Otto in from Golden Hill Mines looked for the paymaster.
T. R. Wilson back from Fishhook he was inspecting quartz
mines for his company. Rain wet down ¼”. Garden
very backward for want of rain and ravages of worms working on same.
Herd and Barker back from prospecting around Eagle River mountains,
Patchell was guide. Evening put up grub order for Woods sawmill
camp.
June 14, 1912 Morning tide the Traveler
arrived with Seward men to work on Government road. Evening
Alaska in port with 1 passenger from Kern Creek. Put G. B.
salt in warehouse. Traveler delivered coal oil and pitch
left at Palmer’s 2 weeks ago. Evening Meyers arrived from Willow
Creek after Dan to move flume etc. Reported 2nd cut on Willow
very poor only got 4 oz. 2 weeks run. Report came that stock were
all dead on Kodiak Island due to ash storm.
June 15, 1912 Put up small order for
C. B. Meyers. and Wm. A. Ford. O. C. Miller sent in check
on account, also S. Q. Clark. Clark arrived from Fishhook
to settle up Martin accounts. Sent out clothing to W. D.
Elliott at G. B. Pete Murray down from Vasilla ranch to trade.
Ed O’Brien down from Chickaloon Coal camp.
June 16, 1912 Got up 6 AM to get Meyers
off for Willow Creek took Dan out with small pack. Chase
back from Kern Creek AM, left PM for Kern Creek sent out-mail.
Hubbell’s pard. arrived on Chase to survey claims in Willow Creek
District. Ed O’Brien on a big drunk. Put up meat order
for Milo Kelly. Wilson and party left to examine Metal Creek
evening tide. Brown up from Ship Creek after his household effects.
Milo Kelly in town.
June 17, 1912 Alaska in port on way to
Kern Creek. Evening all Martin teams arrived from mines.
Bums on a drunk this evening. Evening anchored cottonwood
log in front of crib to protect store garden.
June 18, 1912 Put up order for Martin
road outfit. Chase back from Kern Creek. Doc Herndon
arrived, going to Willow Creek to prospect. Evening Percy
came in after doctor because man hurt at Kelly Mine, let Dr. Kivig
have Kid to ride out. Ide hired Seward men for Government road
work.
June 19, 1912 Busy making up deposits
and new orders. Ide in from inspecting Government road
to Fishhook, decided to put road up river from Miller’s bridge
and through canyon to upper basin on Susitna. Evening Alaska
in from Kern Creek brought more Seward men to work on Government
road - came C.O.D. Word came that foreman’s wife on Government
road died in Valdez. Ide road out for Kenny. Esi launch
left for Station with Mr. Hurd. Traveler on beach at Gull Rock.
June 20, 1912 Ordered more furniture
for Pioneer Roadhouse. Martin’s teams in after forage.
Evening Chase left for Kern Creek took mail. Evening Buffalo
in with 3rd lot of groceries and mail. Judge Whittlesey
in town for politics.
June 21, 1912 Martin’s teams left with forage,
sent out forge and anvil and ball picks and saws later, short
on delivery. Evening Alaska back from Station on way to
Kern Creek.
June 22, 1912 Smith and Jno. Clark got
back from trip to Kenai no work down there to be had. AM
tide Natives came up from Pt. Campbell reported 3 Natives dead
from eating moose meat - supposition moose was poisoned from drinking
volcanic ash water due to late eruption near Kodiak.
Morning Dr. Kivig got back from trip to Kelly’s mines with Kid
June 23, 1912 White kids dressed up account
Sunday. Judge Whittlesy in town. Made known to him
Lawyer Ray’s account said it was no good would remind him?
Cleaned up case of bacon. Entered up new accounts. Rain
needed for gardens.
June 24, 1912 Worked in store garden
about all day business quiet. Anderson and Durlin in
from Bald Mt. located homesteads at crossing on river. Judge
Whittlesey left for Sunrise on Alaska. Woods dog in town
- no see-um Wood.
June 25, 1912 Light thunder storm.
Air full of smoke fires somewhere aft. Sold Smith and
Clark small grub outfit for fishing for dog salmon at Moose Point
below Pt. Possession. Cleaned up balance of bacon all in
fine shape. Chase back from Kern Creek brought 4 passengers
- foreman for Road Commission. Evening attended meeting
at Pioneer Roadhouse about new school to be.
June 26, 1912 First good rain of season
wet down 1”. Made out notion order to Lowman and Hanford
Co. Evening planted lettuce on bed - marked out Knik for
sign in store garden. Evening Chase left for Kern Creek.
Thunder and lightening this PM unusual for these parts. Very
warm day oats 1’ high in K. and H. lot.
June 27, 1912 Gardens growing fine after rain.
Ide came in from Government road camp and went out on Alaska
to Seward. Capt. Ward reported his baby died at the Station.
Mitchell showed me his letter sent to Mr. Chubbie of the Agl. Dept.
Got letter from Nagley wanted to close out dead stock.
June 28, 1912 Made out order account
rubber stamps for account collections etc. Chase arrived
on early morning tide. Harry and George the Jap
arrived and two “Gugy” men to inspect Willow Creek Quartz District.
Ranchers from Kodiak Island arrived to look over Knik District on
account of stock farm. Evening Jno. Wallace arrived from Martin’s
mine to get horse feed etc. Martin’s teams in for grub.
June 29, 1912 Put up 2 orders for Martin’s
mines and road camps. Susitna in port waiting for SS
Bertha. Alaska in early AM tide. Doc Herndon and
J. P. Dixon, left for Station. A few mosquitoes this evening
Kodiak ranchers rented the Grady house.
June 30, 1912 Martin teams (2) left for
mines with grub lumber etc. Evening another team in.
Wallace left for mines. Repaired and oiled Kids McClellan
saddle. Busy making out monthly statements. Bob Dunlap
on usual drunk. Frank Bartholf, Ira Isaac, Smith and Byron
Bartholf in from mines.
July 1, 1912 SS Bertha at Knik Harbor
morning tide no one knew it. Ship boat came up on evening
tide brought some mail and passengers. William Martin and
E. H. Bartholf arrived from Seattle. Evening tide Palmer’s
launch went to Ship Creek. Alaska towed Palmer’s scow.
Susitna went down to Ship Creek. Evening posted up annual
license, business annual cash sales $16,641.65. Wild Bill and
R. Becker went out on SS Bertha. Kelly in from mines. Collection
day but no money came in. Woods in with bear story.
July 2, 1912 First heavy rain of season
much needed. Traveler outfit about all day unloading Joe Lobner’s
fat cattle, 7 head, first brought to Knik for beef. Evening
tide bidarky arrived brought 8 tons for K. T. Co. up till midnight
with freight and mail. School election for school board - first
held at Knik self elected secretary so reported.
July 3, 1912 Gardens “jumping” due to
rain. Martin gave $750 check on Seward account C. I. T. Co. freight
bill due in May balance to follow. Martin and Gene, Byron
and Frank Bartholf left for Fishhook Creek. Shough and wife
in. Kelly left for mines. Some G. B. help in - quit their
job. Reported G. B. run through 500 tons in June $21,000 or $42
average ton. Evening tide Chase left for Kern Creek and Traveler
for Kenai sent out-mail to bank.
July 4, 1912 Very quiet in town no drunks
no celebration at Knik. Laubner started out with his fat
cattle for mines via Carle Road. Alaska in port all day on
way to Kern Creek. Busy opening up new goods short several
pieces. Shough and wife in town.
July 5, 1912 Chase in with 5 passengers
for Station. Busy all day in store and re-shod Tony forward.
Calquhoun bought another basket outfit - left on Chase for Lewis
River to prospect. O. C. Miller in from the Big Miller Mine
after stamp mill to test ore. Evening Chase left for Station
first trip this season. Shough and wife left for Cottonwood to
see about putting up hay.
July 6, 1912 Barker in with Dan from Willow
Creek. Al Drees arrived from Seward on way to Caribou Creek.
About 10 PM heavy earthquake vibration lasted for 5 minutes log
buildings cracked under the shake. O. C. Miller made 100 shares
to cover his Big Mine - valuation of mine $15,000,000. Paddy
O’Donald left for Fishhook Creek to prospect and do asst. John
Bartholf in from Mable Mine.
July 7, 1912 Put up order for H. C. Shough
and O. C. Miller. O. C. Miller divided his Millerite
Mine into 100 shares selling same to develop his property.
Evening Jno. Wallace arrived from Fishhook Mines. Miller
rigged up go-devil sled to haul out iron etc. to his mines.
Everybody talking earthquake today.
July 8, 1912 Cleaned up 2 cases bacon.
Kincaid in for grub etc. account Martin. Skeen in from
inspecting Willow Creek mines. O. C. Miller left for mines
with Tony on go-devil and Kid packed. Hughes team took out load
account Kelly and Govt. road camp. At noon another “quake”.
July 9, 1912 Alaska left for Kern Creek.
Palmer went out via to Seattle. Martin team left with
grub and lumber Wallace to mines. Evening Chase got back
from Station. Herd came back from Cache Creek. Brown’s
left for Old Knik to put up hay.
July 10, 1912 Busy with outgoing mail.
Chase left evening tide for Kern Creek. Bissonett came
in - claimed Dan kicked one of Brown’s horses at trail camp, laid
him up. Sent Meyers films and $6.00 check to Rev. Pederson Seward.
July 11, 1912 Clark and Kelly in from
mines and 1 team. Collected over $300. Clark hunting
horse feed to finish hauling mill outfit. Esi left for
Susitna River with Skeen and Isaac. Evening Kincaid brought
back Kid and Tony from O. C. Miller’s mines - out 4 days.
July 12, 1912 Knik gardens booming.
Busy in store put up several small orders. Chase and Alaska
back from Kern Creek. Susitna after Nagley’s freight
Alaska took Nagley’s freight - 25 pieces. PM busy with outgoing
mail. Wrote Sylvester to ship on Alaska Steamship Line cut
out SS Bertha and Sampson. Ford sent in for more grub.
July 13, 1912 Two teams left
for Martin’s camp to finish hauling. Let Clark have 12
sacks Hoosier oats agreed to pay freight or return oats left deposit.
Memo: Martin got 8 sacks K. T. Co. oats 14 sacks Hoosier oats = 22
sacks due K. T. Co. Frank Bayer in with G. B. pack train 2 horses.
Tom Freeze quit G. B. Mines. Collections good.
July 14, 1912 Frank Bayer
left for G. B. Mines. S. J. Clark left for Martin Mines.
Launch Susitna in port waiting for business. Alaska in
from Station Dr. Kivig returned. Restored goods in dock
warehouse in private end of same.
July 15, 1912 Frank Kelly in from Fish Creek
finished with Martin outfit. Evening Susitna left for
Station 1 passenger Tom Freeze. Milo Kelly left for Fishhook.
Got order from Joe Grimes for small outfit. Smiling Sam back
from Kenai going to put up salmon with Mitchell.
July 16, 1912 Rained all last night.
Put up order for Joe Grimes. Pete Murray down to trade.
Indians all moved down to Fish Creek, salmon run on in Knik Arm.
Evening the Traveler arrived from Kenai down there since July 2nd.
Evening raining. Made out order for sleeping bags and hardware.
Mattie not feeling well, too much fish.
July 17, 1912 PM tide Chase arrived with 17
passengers. Henry, Alaska Road Commission boss, came back
to take charge of road work. Land Survey arrived to survey
on south side of Knik Arm. Wood came in from sawmill.
July 18, 1912 Several men in from mines.
Joe Bush came in from Kelly’s camp to run engine on Chase.
Up until 1:30 with grocery order from Sylvester Bros. Co.
Land Survey Warner paid 9 months storage on section posts $9. Town
full of men today, 42 at Cannon’s.
July 19, 1912 Chase left AM for Old Knik
with Warner Land Survey party - 24 men. McKinnon down
to pay his bill. Buffalo in with mail no freight
Jim Buzzard was in route to Hope. Sent out-mail on Chase -
order for groceries. Bums celebrating today loud talk.
Laubner left for Fishhook to look after his beef cattle. Marshal
Sullivan in town on way to Susitna.
July 20, 1912 Posted up new
invoices. Goods due tomorrow on bidarky. Joe Walton
in from Sunrise with dory. Salmon running good in Knik
Arm. Alaska in on evening tide brought 3 men. Marshal
Sullivan left on Alaska for Station. Evening attended meeting
of Commercial Club.
July 21, 1912 Drunks going some at Palmer’s
dump. Made out order for the Keith Book System and Fire
Proof Box cabinet. Bidarky overdue with our freight
Woods started to build his boat. New York mining man and son
in town. Stevens and Farrington went down to Goose Bay looking
for hay said it was no good too wet.
July 22, 1912 Skeen and Isaac arrived midnight
last night from Lewis River with Esi. Esi's gas engine
on the bum. Evening Meyers arrived from Willow Creek with
Dan. Dan cut leg while moving giant. Boats overdue.
St. Clair in with moose meat from Eagle River. F. H. Andrews
in from G. B. Mines.
July 23, 1912 Alaska in from Station.
Expert Young and son, Mr. Skeen, left for Seward. Bert
Stewart in from G. B. Mines. Dad Hunt over from Old Knik after
Government land posts 30 small 7 large. Stevens and Farrington
went up beach looking for hay. Got 10 ton order from Budd
and Bahrenburg with deposit of 32 oz. dust. C. M. Meyers wanted
extension of time to take out cut on Grubstake and run cut across lower
bench by cabins. Mattie not feeling well.
July 24, 1912 Natives got all the salmon
they want and salmon still running. Jim Bordeau came in
from G. B. Mines, finished. Meyers left with Dan for Willow
Creek. F. H . Andrews left for his ranch at Bald Mt. on river.
Bidarky overdue with my freight Stevens talking about freighting
- wanted my team. Gene Bartholf in town on account of rheumatism?
July 25, 1912 Got up 1:30 AM to receive
freight off bidarky. Had freight for A. C. Co., Nagley
and K. T. Co. Traveler left for Beluga. Busy taking
care of freight Cannon’s 2nd lot of furniture arrived.
Heavy rain about all day. Woods in town building his boat.
Got first new spuds from Seattle.
July 26, 1912 South east wind last night
with rain. Chase in early AM from Kern Creek brought
2 barbers. PM Buffalo in with balance of our freight and
freight for station. Traveler back from Beluga. Chase
and Buffalo left for Turnagain Arm. Joe Bush took Nick’s place
on Buffalo. Shortages checked up except 1 case oranges 1 box
tinware and bale salt.
July 27, 1912 AM Cannon hauled furniture
to Hotel Pioneer. Had Kincaid haul lumber up to hay barn.
PM self and Stevens put up powder house 6½ x 12 near hay
barn. No boats today. Traveler in port.
July 28, 1912 AM put paper on powder
house and hung door. PM busy opening up new goods.
Evening Chase took powder up to hay barn. Stevens
hauled same to powder house on double ender sled. Susitna
came in took A. C. and Nagley’s freight left here by bidarky.
Cost for powder house: hauling lumber $3, Stevens 5 hours $2.50,
self 5 hours $2.50, 10 lb. nails 80¢, 1 roll paper $3.50.
Total for building powder house $31.68.
July 29, 1912 Busy in store opened up
dry goods. Cramer put new glass in Chase. Cannon
took balance of his hotel order - sheets blankets etc. T. R.
Wilson in from Willow Creek District - out 20 days. Natives offering
dried salmon on Knik market. Tim Babcock in from mines.
July 30, 1912 Tom Cavney and wife, William
Martin, Milo Kelly in from Fishhook Mines. Got grub order
from Sq. Deal Geo, Susitna. Four launches in port.
Report came that Esi’s boat saw upside down in Turnagain Arm.
Evening launch Chase gave Knik ladies an excursion down Knik Arm.
Got Budd and Bahrenburg’s gold dust ready to send out. Martin
sent in order for grub.
July 31, 1912 W. E. Bartholf and son
arrived from mines - all Bartholf bunch in town. Martin
and Kelly also in town - some deal on somewhere. O. C. Miller
came in from the Millerite Mine. Busiest day of season store
full of people. Sent for part of Budd and Bahrenburg order.
Evening Chase left for Kern Creek. Web and son went out also
Budd and Harris. Sent 36 oz. gold dust out by Harris to ship to
Sylvester Bros. Co. from Seward by Express. Frank Kelly in from
B. D. Mines. SS Bertha at Knik Harbor.
August 1, 1912 Miller helped me to install
big pump in well on Mattie’s lot. Chase arrived from Kern
Creek with engineer inspectors off Cruiser Maryland - from Seward
- going to inspect Matanuska Coal Fields, E. E. Chamberlain guide.
SS Bertha didn’t arrive at Knik harbor until PM tide. Put up
order for P. J. McDonald for mines on Peters Creek. McDonald
and Sharp left evening tide for Peters Creek.
August 2, 1912 Had Stevens help to raise
frame on annex to dock warehouse. Alaska towed up Palmer’s
scow from Ship Creek, only had 18 tons all told. Bartholf
bunch making ready to return to mines. O. C. Miller left for
his big mine. Several drunks today. Fitch arrived from
Kelly’s mine said he got fired.
August 3, 1912 Up all last night making
up orders for new goods. Chase left at noon for Kern Creek.
Bartholf and Martin bunch left for mines. Martin’s team
took out lumber and grub. Collected in over $300 on monthly
accounts. Palmer installing new bar fixtures in his dump.
Traveler hauled out on the beach.
August 4, 1912 William Martin returned
to mines. Delivered 2 sacks oats out of 22 sacks due.
Stevens and self finished covering roof to dock warehouse annex.
PM Stevens and Farrington left for Willow Creek to inspect my
placer mine. Offered them a 75% lay on Grubstake. Put
north end on annex. Evening took usual bath. Warner’s
man counted Government Land Survey posts and weighed same count OK
weight 1,000 lbs. over.
August 5, 1912 McNeil in from B. D. camp- got
fired. Milo Kelly on the sick list. Palmer’s new
bar installed ready for the rush, Wood did the job. Bidarky
reported at Fire Island wind bound. Bissonett went out with
load for Martin’s camp. Dr. Kivig made up booklet for Knik
Commercial Club.
August 6, 1912 Very quiet in town. Alaska
in port on way to Kern Creek. Sent hardware order for Budd
and Bahrenburg, wrote Sylvester to ship on SS Bertha if order
was too late for Alameda. Mrs. Gill and kids went out on
Alaska via Seward also C. P. Morgan and Hitchcock on way out.
August 7, 1912 Kid broke into store garden
last night, put on new wire today. Tallman in town claimed to
have struck 3’ ledge on Archangel Creek pans big - free gold.
Evening made out order for Laurel stoves. Kelly in town waiting
for Chase from Kern Creek. Today like fall all day indication
of snow on mt. peaks.
August 8, 1912 Martin’s teams in after
grub etc. Busy putting up orders for Martin and help at
mines. Evening checked out over $900 account Seattle
merchandise. S. J. Clark in from Martin Mines. Bert Stewart
in from B. D. Mines.
August 9, 1912 Martin’s teams left for
mines. Herd in from Willow Creek District said country
looked good to him. Clark paid Alaska Hoosier freight bill
of 4/12/1912 on account of Martin taking 14 sacks oats. Due
me from Martin - 6 sacks oats. Chase in from Turnagain Arm only
got as far as Sunrise heavy gales.
August 10, 1912 Up all night to get orders
for winter stock ready to send over on Chase. Chase left
7 AM. Bidarky in with Milo Kelly’s hydraulic pipe.
Evening Cruiser Maryland engineer etc. got back from Chickaloon
Coal camp.
August 11, 1912 Finished orders 6 AM,
Chase left with Cruiser Maryland crew for Kern Creek. Packed
some of B. B. M. Co. order. Cleaned up warehouse and filled
up store shelves with goods. Evening made out tent order
to come on Sept. 5th Sampson. Bissonett in from Porcupine
Pete’s cabin, horse quit him last night and came to Knik.
Fitch left on Chase for ?? S. J. Clark in town. Milo Kelly
left for mines.
August 12, 1912 Shough and wife in from
mines on Susitna. O. C. Miller in from Millerite Mine.
Susitna in port. Big tide turned the Traveler on side and
she filled with water up at hay barn. Calquhoun back from
Cache Creek. G. B. pack train in, brought some of Byron's high
grade ore to ship out.
August 13, 1912 First sun for several
days. Simmons G. B. pack train left for mines. Busy
making up dry goods order. Evening Swan arrived with several
lady excursionists from Kenai. Brown and Whitney up from Knik
Harbor to trade. Sent word to Farrington at G. B. Mines that
he could take charge of my Willow Creek hydraulic placer mine on
August 18th. Woods and McNeil up all night to right up the
Traveler. Election day for delegate to D. C.
August 14, 1912 Put up order for A. Wilson
and Shough and orders for help at mines. Susitna left
for Kenai after “ile”. Martin’s teams in. Biggest
tides of summer, came to top of our wharf.
August 15, 1912 Martin teams left for
mines. One team took out load Kelly’s water pipe.
Busy with orders for winter stock Stanley attended Kenneth
Bayer's birthday party. Dr. David wanted me to order his winter
groceries.
August 16, 1912 Mattie helped me finish winter
dry goods order. Evening both Chase and Alaska in from
Kern Creek. Chase left for Kern Creek with Ike Rosenthald
and $4,500 poke for Milo Kelly. Evening thunder and flashes
of lightening first seen in Knik in years. C. B. Meyers arrived
from Willow Creek said he finished clean up on Grubsake was in on a
ledge found on Seymour Creek. McKinnon down after lumber to
finish his squaw house.
August 17, 1912 Land Survey boys over to trade.
McKinnon down after lumber. Several men in from mines.
“No-see-ums” arrived, drove Woods out of his tent house last
night. Everybody canning berries.
August 18, 1912 Rained all last night.
Meyers and Bissonett left for Willow Creek. Stanley and
self rode out to powder house up government road and back by
my wood road to Knik. Received 2 checks for collection no
money in town. Milo Kelly in town. Percy Pitchford came
in - through at mines. Capt. McKay in from G. B. to take a
look at the Traveler.
August 19, 1912 Light snow on high mountain
peaks. AM put up 86’ wire fence on front of K. and H. lot
- time 3 hours. PM worked 4 hours on salmon to keep from
molding. Evening Alaska in from Station. Weirman and
Bahrenburg came over - Bahrenburg deposited 95 oz. gold dust to
order supplies. Alaska left for Hope and Kern Creek. David
and Kelly left for Fishhook.
August 20, 1912 Finished roof and north
side of annex to dock warehouse also put on west side - 6 hours.
Evening cleaned up wharf. Alaska back from Turnagain
Arm. F. H. Andrews down from fish camp paid his bill.
August 21, 1912 Alaska back, brought
a preacher Rev. T. P. Howard and son to locate here. Bahrenburg
back from Hope couldn’t get the keystone drill account being up
creek 8 miles. Evening Frank Bartholf arrived from G. B. Mines
with 40 lb. retort, cached same in our safe. Made out order
for ammunition. Mail boat overdue. Alaska waiting for
Sampson. Preacher moved into McDonald’s house. Team in
for Kelly’s pipe.
August 22, 1912 Ben Agnew left for Peters
Creek to prospect. Dr. David back from B. D. Mines gave
us a small order for B. D. Mines. Got letter from Farrington
said he started work on Grubstake 17th. Bissonett back from
G. B. Mines. Bidarky in with mail, no freight. Help
coming in most every day from quartz mines.
August 23, 1912 Made up poke to send
to Seattle National Bank $1,717. Alaska towed
Palmer’s scow down to Knik Harbor for Sampson freight. Was
up all night with Seattle orders for winter stock.
August 24, 1912 Self and Stanley left
5:30 on Chase for Knik Harbor to meet Sampson. Frank Bartholf
took down about 89 lbs. retort account G. B. O. B. Hurd
went down to take Sampson for Seattle. Chase took Whitney’s
scow out of Ship Creek. Explorer, Susitna, Alaska and Chase
in Knik Harbor waiting for Sampson.
August 25, 1912 At high tide at Knik
Harbor - no Sampson. Got Explorer to bring Stanley and
self to Knik, Stanley at the wheel. Preaching at Pioneer
Hotel by Rev. Howard, Mattie and Stanley attended. Explorer
went back to Knik Harbor sent grub down to launch Chase.
Brown’s back from Peters Creek.
August 26, 1912 Russian Priest arrived
to hold church. Sampson 2 days overdue at Knik Harbor.
Fourth day, launches at Knik Harbor waiting for Sampson freight
Duck hunting good.
August 27, 1912 Early morning tide Sampson
arrived at Knik Harbor. Watson had our freight put off
at Seldovia. Launches arrived 5 PM at Knik with Palmer’s
and A. C. Co. winter stock. Evening store full of people up to
10 PM, Land Survey boys over to trade. Put up order
for self to send out to Grubstake for Farrington working out bar at
head of Gilbert basin. Bahrenburg left for states on Alaska.
Chilgan stole box xxx caps.
August 28, 1912 Chase left for Kern Creek
- busy in store. Evening tide Buffalo arrived with mail
and part lot of our freight. Reported bidarky out of commission.
Out of sugar with 2 tons laying at Seldovia. Meyer and
Barker left for Willow Creek. Sent Tony out with pack grub
for Farrington working on Grubstake. Meyers cleanup on Willow
Creek - through season - 34 oz. 9 dwt 3 gr.
August 29, 1912 Business fair sold King
$50 order. Put up part of B. B. M. Co. order. Palmer
unloading his scow. Crazy Bob going some at saloon.
Buffalo left morning tide for Turnagain Arm with mail.
August 30, 1912 Busy with B. B. M. Co.
order. Evening Alaska and Susitna left for Station with
freight Evening Horace Emery and Milo Kelly arrived from
Fishhook Mines. Doc Madden and Brown back from Peters Creek.
Frank Kelly in from B. D. Mines.
August 31, 1912 Chase back from Kern
Creek. Mr. Patten came over to rubber. Martin team
in. Victor Forsmand and several others came
in from mines. Palmer finished unloading his scow - was 5
days discharging scows and load at Ship Creek -4 days - making 9 days
crew on payroll. Evening Chase left for Kern Creek had a dozen
passengers Doc Madden got left. Kelly and Martin sent out
$6,000 in retort self sent $1,000 for deposit all to Bank of Seward.
September 1, 1912 McMillan and Murry
in town. Martin team left with grub for mines. First Sunday
school was organized at Knik. Evening church at the Pioneer.
Laubner killed a beef. Took usual bath.
September 2, 1912 Early AM Alaska in
for A. C. Co. freight Busy in store made out order for
stationary etc. Milo Kelly left for mines. Bissonett
left for Martin’s camp with Brown’s team. Hughes team left
for Kelly’s mine - went out 4 miles came back to town for more booze.
Evening Chase in from Kern Creek brought man and wife, left with Doc
Madden on same tide for Kern Creek. Hall and McHenry arrived from
Caribou Creek brought 39 oz. 6 dwt dust.
September 3, 1912 Laubner having a chase to
round up his fat cattle, shot 2 out in woods. Willard
Hall on a drunk. Frasier in from Willow Creek said Farrington
would have cut piped in on Grubstake in 4 days. Bert Stewart,
Otto Larson, Hildreth and Paddy O’Donald came in from Willow Creek.
Evening Chase back from Willow Creek brought mail.
September 4, 1912 Alaska and Susitna
in from Station. Susitna took part of B. B. M. Co. freight.
Busy on winter orders all day and half of night. Marshal
Dyer arrived from Station to locate at Knik. Willard Hall
woke up and found himself in Bill Hughes house - too much booze.
Doc David took a shot at an owl and hit Larson’s house. De “Cutter
Shoe Man” got his boat about made. Mattie cut her thumb opening
can dog.
September 5, 1912 H. Goodell in from Archangel
Creek said Shough struck $15,000 ore and Farrington located
a ledge on Grubstake Gulch stringer quartz. Farrington and
Stevens arrived 11 PM from Willow Creek. Sporting woman in
looking for a gun on account of Bob Dunlap.
September 6, 1912 Chase left 1:30 AM
for Kern Creek sent over 39 oz. 6 dwt dust to go out by Wells
Fargo from Seward to Seattle National Bank. Got all orders
off except hardware for winter stock. Farrington brought in
21 oz. 15 dwt. 9 gr. of amalgam off bal. of cut at head of Gilbert
basin. Put up small order for Grubstake placer. Made agreement
with F. F. Farrington to work Grubstake 40% to F. F. F. 40% to OGH expenses
to be paid out of same and 20% of cleanup net to O. G. H .
September 7, 1912 Chase back from Kern
Creek brought mail. John Joice in from road camp said they
had finished at Fishhook and would cut out stumps from river
to Knik. Had meeting of Knik School Board about teacher
and material for school. Chase left for Old Knik after Brown’s
horses. Knik River Lake broke out and river bottom covered
with water and ice. S. J. Clark in town.
September 8, 1912 Business good, boys
coming in from mines clothing sales good. Shellar in from
Martin’s camp. Gas boat in with oil from Katella Oil
Fields Alaska. Evening got out balance of order for hardware.
Church at the Pioneer. Bert Stewart in from B. D. Mines said he
was running 100’ tunnel on Lidell’s big ledge.
September 9, 1912 Got up 5 AM Susitna
and Chase in. Chase brought Brown’s horses and hay over
from Old Knik and left for Kern Creek. Susitna left for Tyonek
after freight Had Stevens put south end onto annex to dock
warehouse. Business good “ilea” boat left for Katella Oil
Fields. Palmer got the cargo of oil.
September 10, 1912 Had Stevens put balance
of wire on store garden fence and jacked up floor of dock warehouse.
Evening ebb bidarky arrived with a full load of our delayed freight,
it was held 16 days at Seldovia. Bidarky bucked tide from
Goose Bay got here too late to unload on ebb tide.
September 11, 1912 Got up 4 AM to discharge
bidarky got past lot of August 15th merchandise. PM had
Stevens help to check up freight and pack some of B. B. M. Co.
order. Evening Chase arrived from Kern Creek brought stock
holders of A. N. Railway Co. Evening Chase left for Kern
Creek sent out lumber order for Knik schoolhouse.
September 12, 1912 Busy with B.
B. M. Co. order repacked bacon and beans. Foreman Wilson
and W. D. Elliott in from G. B. Mines. Business fair cash
sales $85. Mattie troubled with bladder past two days saw
doctor about same this evening. T. R. Wilson and Tom Babcock
in from Willow Creek.
September 13, 1912 Put up order for W.
D. Elliott. Explorer - Murphy Bros. in early AM tide.
Evening Alaska in from Kern Creek went back with several passengers.
Tom Babcock returned to Seattle. PM had Stevens help me
on B. B. M. Co. freight First rough surf this season this
AM tide. Mattie in bed all day with kidney trouble.
Mrs. Farrington got our meals.
September 14, 1912 Susitna in, took out
full load for B. B. M. Co. hardware yet to go also extra feed.
G. B. time keeper came in with retort about 80 lb. bullion.
Byron and Harvey Bartholf in from mines also Cal Johnston.
September 15, 1912 Evening
bidarky arrived with balance of August 8th freight Alaska
left for Station. Bidarky landed Nagley’s freight for
transfer to Susitna. Self and two Natives handled 40 tons
of freight in 3 hours. Church at Pioneer Hotel. Mattie
feeling better. T. R. Wilson left for Willow Creek. Paddy
O’Donald and Ward left to do assessment on assay location for F. B.
Cannon.
September 16, 1912 Bidarky run up on beach
at Soldiers Creek last night and stuck on mud flat - got off
course in the dark. Frank Kelly and Goodell in from mines
after supplies. Barker outfit in from Willow Creek. Hughes
team loaded Miller’s mill for haulage to Miller’s mine was held up
1 month at Seldovia. Chas Tuell gone on a drunk after 2 years as “teetotaler”.
September 17, 1912 Bidarky failed to
get off mud bank at Soldiers Creek. AM tide Alaska in
port. Cal Johnston almagiter Morrison and G. B. timekeeper
left for Seattle via Alaska to Kern Creek took out $17,000 retort
for G. B. M. Co. Evening tide Government Commission to look
up Matanuska coal arrived on Chase. Chase left 11 PM
for Ship Creek to pick up Warner land survey party. Tide failed
to lift bidarky at Soldiers Creek. Chase brought in big mail.
September 18, 1912 Alaska towed Palmer’s
and Libby’s scows down to Ship Creek to meet Sampson.
Chase brought land survey party up from Ship Creek - through for
the season. Cramer chartered the Traveler and took land
survey party down to Ship Creek to meet Sampson. Sporty King left
town on Traveler. Martin and Kelly in from mines. Meyers
in from Willow Creek.
September 19, 1912 Put up $180 order
for Glacier Creek. Noon Susitna got back from Lake Creek
took on load Nagley’s freight for Station. PM had Stevens
help to assort and stowaway freight Shough and wife in
from mines made a big find of tulurean ore.
September 20, 1912 Traveler arrived with passengers
off Sampson under Cramer’s charter at $20 a day for use of Traveler.
Alaska towed up Palmer’s and Libby’s scows. Freight mostly
forage and A. C. freight. Had Stevens clean up bacon.
Evening Tony and Farrington’s horse arrived from Grubstake by help.
Farrington wrote he closed down 18th would do assessment on Boulder
group.
September 21, 1912 Got up 3:30 AM to
give Martin his cleanup out of our safe. Martin and several
others left on Traveler with Capt. Cramer for Seward via Kern
Creek. S. J. Clark and Meyers in town. Teams through hauling
to the mines. Martin and Kelly’s mills still running.
Shough and wife left on Traveler for outside. Alfred Brooks
and party took McCullough to Ship Creek evening tide.
September 22, 1912 Traveler back from
Kern Creek 1st trip by Capt. Cramer, left evening tide
with freight for Turnagain Arm. K. T. Co. sent 1¼ ton
order to coppers. Palmer finished unloading scows consumed
5 days to handle freight from Ship Creek. Evening self and family
attended church at Pioneer. Sent cable for 6 dozen blue overalls
and 4 tons Timothy hay. Meyers in town waiting for mail.
Chase and Buffalo overdue from Seldovia with Dora mail and Sampson freight
September 23, 1912 Mail boat overdue
3 days. Put shear piles in front of wharf. Stevens started
to fix up root house. Alaska back from Station and Valdez
left port. Dr. Kivig’s nephew got back from Cache Creek
District.
September 24, 1912 Had Stevens work on
root house repairs. PM tide Chase and Buffalo arrived
from Seldovia brought some K. T. Co. and Nagley’s freight and Dora
mail. Susitna in port, took B. B. M. Co. first lot of hay and
freight for Churchill. B. B. M. Co. hydraulic pipe and iron
arrived on Chase.
September 25, 1912 Moved Road Commission camp
from Osnes’s cabin to mile 4 - clearing stumps out of government
road. Evening Cramer left on Traveler with Roll’s freight.
Late evening Chase broke aft line and swung around into channel tide
- out too far to get her back, a little water run in aft when she settled
down.
September 26, 1912 Up till 4:20 looking
after Chase. Had to dig out under bow so she would raise.
Caulked up aft hatch over rudder and baled her out. On flood
tide she raised aft OK and didn’t take a drop of water, put in 5½
hours hard work. Most all Kelly’s men came in. Frank Bayer
came in from G. B. Mines. Ed Miller left for O. C. Miller’s
big mine. Stevens and party went duck hunting at Goose Bay.
Several drunks at saloon last 2 days.
September 27, 1912 Rained hard all PM.
Morning tide Alaska and Susitna in port. Susitna brought
over Doc Herndon, Billy Morris and Jacobs in route to Seattle.
Vanse and wife came over from Station. Kelly Grimes and men
in from Fishhook - closed up camp. R. S. Giddings in from
Station run line about winter road Station to Knik. Drunks
plentiful today.
September 28, 1912 Loaded up Susitna with Nagley’s
freight, Alaska in port on way to Station. Chris
Anderson arrived from Kelly’s Mine. Giddings visited said
they would have Ala. road cut through from Squentna to Station
by October 2nd and would complete road to Knik this fall.
September 29, 1912 Giddings and siwash
guides left for Station to run line for Government winter road.
Busy packing balance of B. B. M. Co. order. Bidarky and Traveler
overdue. Frank Bayer fixing up boat for duck hunt, ducks very
plentiful. Scotty Watson in from Kelly’s mine. Oscar Miller
trying to put up hay on Fish Creek.
September 30, 1912 Knik port full of
boats, bidarky, Traveler, Chase and Alaska in port -
got balance of freight that came on Sampson 20th instead.
Alaska Road Com. finished today with removing stumps from river
to Knik. Evening Milo Kelly and secretary and 15 others left
on Traveler for Seward. Busy all PM checking freight
First hard frost. Farrington in from Willow.
October 1, 1912 Had Stevens
stow away freight. Frank Bartholf bunch in from mines also
some of Martin’s men. Traveler back from Kern Creek reported
RR washed out on Placer River bottom. Secretary Mulroy
for Alaska Road Com. over from Seward.
October 2, 1912 Stanley and self left
on Traveler for Seward. At Fire Island had a rabbit dinner.
Evening tide rough went into lee by Burnt Island very dark.
October 3, 1912 In route. Arrived
at Kern Creek 11 AM. Left for Seward on buzz wagon PM.
Arrived at Seward 5:30 PM. Stanley joined the Seward kids
in a shev-er-ee. Evening bought a few pick-ups from Hawkins.
October 4, 1912 At Seward, busy shopping
etc. and at bank. Took Stanley up to see our house was
vacant. Evening visited on Mr. Pederson about post cards.
October 5, 1912 Heavy rain with S. E.
wind at Seward. Arrived Kern Creek 1 PM no boat for Knik.
Patten gave me his plan to take over the lighterage business at
Ship Creek.
October 6, 1912 Traveler arrived at Kern
Creek PM with passengers for Seward. Went to Hope with
freight, had to lay over the tide. Agreed to take no. 5
bobsleighs and 3¼ wagon off Patten on consignment at $35
each.
October 7, 1912 Hope to Knik - left Hope
4 AM arrived Knik 2 PM. B. B. M. Co. freight went out
on Alaska. Bidarky and Buffalo been in port. Warehouse
full of Nagley’s freight. Evening paid Martin’s August
and September bills. Sent deposits by return of Traveler.
October 8, 1912 Had Stevens and Farrington
dig dirt out aft of stores cold storage under living room to
make more room for perishable goods. PM bidarky arrived
with coal for K. T. Co. Put Chase on beach by small wharf.
One drunk arrested for urinating in street - Jack Wilson.
October 9, 1912 Bub of B. B. M. Co. came
over on Alaska. Up all night making up B. B. M. Co. bill.
Stevens and Farrington worked on store cellar excavating.
Had Frank Bayer put Government posts under cache and store in M.
A. H. tent house.
October 10, 1912 Big tides more rain.
Had J. and F. move part of coal off dock for high tides.
October 11, 1912 Up all night with billing
the B. B. M. Co. order. Had Stevens start engine on Chase.
Bidarky left for Ship Creek to meet Sampson.
October 12, 1912 Alaska towed scows to Ship
Creek to meet Sampson. Collected 1,496 in gold dust
today. Up till 3 o’clock getting gold dust etc. ready to
send out on Sampson. Had Farrington remove balance of coal
off dock.
October 13, 1912 Got Whitney scow and
Chase ready to sail for Ship Harbor to meet Sampson. Stevens
couldn’t start engine, had to lay over tide. Only slept 3 hours
last night. Had Farrington clean up dock warehouse. Traveler
back from Kern Creek. Evening tide Sampson arrived at Ship
Creek with 400 tons.
October 14 1912 Morning tide Alaska and
bidarky in port with freight from Sampson from Ship Creek, our
freight 95 tons. Evening tide bidarky in port with freight
off Sampson 2nd trip. Put up two orders $187.90 and $52.20.
Things doing on Knik water front today. Up till midnight
storing freight, Nagley’s freight landed over our dock
Put Chase back into her crib on beach. Traveler took out
25 passengers over to Sampson. Stanton Shafer back from Hot
Springs, Zimmerman back from Aniak.
October 15, 1912 Busy all day segregating
freight. Alaska and Traveler came up from Ship Creek with
balance of Sampson freight. Gave Alaska load of Nagley’s
freight, bidarky brought up balance of our freight.
Sold Wilson from Ship Creek small order. Zimmerman left for
Willow Creek to see Meyers.
October 16, 1912 Had oats 30 sacks and
13 sacks ro-barley hauled up to barn. Opened up dry goods
boxes stored part away. Mattie repacked eggs. Traveler
left with big load for Turnagain Arm. Stevens and Farrington
hauled 30 bales hay to their barn. Meyers came in from Willow
Creek. Bill Elliott and Hunt over from Old Knik after shingles
and flooring. Delivered Shough’s ton of oats to William Hughes.
October 17, 1912 First snow flurries
today colder. No hard frost up to date. Bill Elliott
over from Old Knik to trade. Had balance of forage
put in barn. Meyers left for Willow Creek. Anderson
packed Mabel store to river on Dan.
October 18, 1912 Busy these days checking
down winter stock and filling orders. Had Frank Bayer mow
part of oat crop on barn lot. Had Stevens and Farrington
checking freight out of dock warehouse. Andrews back from
river with Dan. Susitna in for load Nagley’s freight
October 19, 1912 Snowed about 2” last
night. Palmer finished unloading his scow, 8th day from time
scow left to receive freight from Sampson. We handled 95
tons K. T. Co. freight and 28 tons Nagley’s freight in 8½
hours cost $17.25. Evening packed fruit and vegetables aft of
store. McKinnon back from trip to Chickaloon.
October 20, 1912 Finished checking down
freight all OK except 2 box ammunition, 1 box paint, 2 rolls
paper. PM had Stevens put shelves in attic over store for
blankets and underwear. Alaska delivered Murray and Frisby
grub for roadhouse at mouth of Peters Creek. Andrews left
for river with Dan.
October 21, 1912 Hard frost last night.
Put up big order for Elliott and Erickson roadhouse. Made up
shortage in goods not received during season - $265.77. Evening
started engine on Chase and drained jacket of water due to freezing
weather. Alaska took load Nagley’s freight via by Tyonek.
Sleds and a few sack goods left. Sent Nagley his expense
bills by Capt. Ward.
October 22, 1912 Traveler arrived early
AM tide, Bob Hatcher and wife arrived. Busy with orders.
Mattie working new goods. Fred Nelson and Pat Collins
arrived from Lake Creek. Patten sent pair bobsleighs and
wagon over to sell. Traveler left for Hope with load freight
Cramer brought over 2 Railway wagons and no. 5 bobsleighs to sell
for J. O. Patten.
October 23, 1912 Alaska came back with
Nagley’s freight early AM tide. PM tide discharged Alaska
- checked down Nagley’s freight and put same in warehouse 3¾
hours for 3 men. McKinnon back from packing to Woods sawmill.
McKinnon down to trade, paid his September bill to date. Evening
signed a appropriation for new church gave $50 from K. T. Co.
October 24, 1912 Put up order for John
Lanquist. Hughes pack train left with grub for Bob Hatcher’s
to do assessment work on Matanuska Gold M. Co. quartz.
McKinnon boozing, let him Tony to ride home. Traveler back
from Hope, Simmons brought lumber. Pioneer Roadhouse caught
fire not much damage. Put Nagley’s canned fruit etc. in tin
shop so it wont freeze. Bayer cut balance of oats - 4 hours.
October 25, 1912 Bidarky arrived with
mail and doors windows etc., brought a few shortages also.
Bayer cocked up oat hay - green but OK. Tony came back from
McKinnon’s, no saddle etc. Knik Lake frozen over, kids skating
on same. R. S. Giddings in from cruising road. Road
cut from Station to river and 3 miles this side.
October 26, 1912 Busy in store all day
put up small order for Wilson and Bartholf. Gill and
Merideth came overland with mail on dog team. Quiet in
town some building going on. Alaska back from Turnagain Arm.
Doc David back from Seward brought a few letters. Mattie got
cold.
October 27, 1912 Bert came overland from
Station. Alaska left for Tyonek to get Susitna mail.
Traveler left for Hope with 3 bums the Kid Huby and Huby wife beater?
Had dinner with Farrington family - Farrington’s birthday.
October 28, 1912 Traveler back from Hope.
Giddings in from road making said they had 7 miles to cut to
reach Knik. Harvey Bartholf came up on Traveler to trade
and store grub in warehouse until sledding gets good. Wilson
back from Knik River. No ice on Knik Arm.
October 29, 1912 Alaska left for Tyonek.
Traveler took Otto down to mouth of Little Susitna and proceeded
to Kern Creek. Giddings put 5 Knik men on Iditarod Trail
out of Knik to meet his men swamping toward Knik from Station.
Thomas in from Lanquist ranch above Cottonwood. Woods in
from sawmill on river after grub.
October 30, 1912 Chinook weather several
days. Alaska back from Tyonek for last mail delivery
from Station this fall which was brought overland to Knik from
Station. Business fair, sold last of cook stoves. Exhaust
pipe froze up on Chase. Mattie’s birthday gave her $10. Frank
Kelly in from Upper Willow Creek.
October 31, 1912 Meyers and Zimmerman
in from Willow Creek. Giddings in off trail, ½ mile
to cut which completes road from Knik to Quimm Pass. Got
exhaust pipe on Chase thawed out. Evening got order from Elliott
and Erickson Klutina Roadhouse. Evening Halloween party
at Frank Bayer's.
November 1, 1912 Giddings party finished
trail to Knik via Station. Got up 6 AM to fill Elliott’s
order. Their Indian didn’t go - “I think too much wind”.
Traveler back from Kern Creek phone wire down no word about SS
Bertha. Paid Palmer lighterage on 7,000’ school lumber - 14
tons $ $5. Meyers and Zimmerman instructed me to sell Dan horse
for $75 or more. Evening white dance in school house Mattie
and Stanley went.
November 2, 1912 AM tide SS Bertha arrived
at Goose Bay with 95 tons Government freight for Matanuska coal
mines. Traveler took passengers down to SS Bertha, Capt.
refused to take them. Traveler bucked tide back to Knik.
Sent our 30 oz. 14 dwt gold dust by Dr. David to Bank of Seward.
PM tide Alaska on Libby’s scow brought up half of freight.
Evening tide Traveler took Dr. David and wife, T. R. Wilson and others
to Kern Creek. Stevens and Farrington went down on Traveler
to Fire Island to hunt rabbits. Giddings and party waiting for Alaska
to go to Seldovia. Giddings Alaska Road Commission sold 3 horses
for $550 sold Dan to Martin for $100. Stipp and Agnew back
from goat hunt got 4.
November 3, 1912 Alaska towed up 2nd
load of Government freight - took back Libby’s scow. SS
Bertha towed Libby’s scow and Alaska to Port Graham. SS Bertha
run up Knik Channel to meet Alaska with scow.
Evening church in new school house. Mr. Bub of B. B. M. Co.
left for Station with 2 horses over new Iditarod winter trail.
Tom Merideth over from Station came through on new trail in 1 day.
Harlow over from Old Knik to trade.
November 4, 1912 Busy in store up to
4 PM no dinner. Evening put Chase back by dock
Traveler came back 3 AM from Fire Island with Dr. David and wife
too much wind out of Turnagain Arm. Mrs. David got sick came
back to mush over trail. Traveler went out on ebb tide with
balance of passengers for Seward via Sunrise. Frank Bayer in
from Martin’s wood camp account election. Paid Bayer for odd
jobs done in October. No ice on Knik Arm.
November 5, 1912 Early AM tide Traveler
got back from Kern Creek reported heavy rain over Seward way.
George Eberhardt in from Cache Creek District. Tom Merideth
in town. Dr. David chartered Chase to take them to Peters
Creek tomorrow. Gave Peter Herbert 22 oz. dust to send by Express
from Seward to Seattle National Bank. Rabbit hunters got back
from Fire Island got 14 dozen rabbits. Election day for Alaska
new Senate and House (59 votes cast).
November 6, 1912 Chase - Capt. Agnew
left 3:30 AM for Peters Creek with Dr. David and wife, Shorty
Herbert with Dyers dogs bound for Seward. Chase got back
on evening tide came over bar above Knik OK. Gallagher over
from Upper Yentna District. Cramer put Traveler on beach for
new shaft and wheel. First musher over trail from Turnagain
Arm. Dr. David first to go out over trail. Skating on
Knik Lake fine everybody got a skate on.
November 7, 1912 Cramer finished installing
new shaft and wheel on Traveler. Goranflo
and Bayer left with Martin’s team for mines with wagon.
Small earthquake at 10 PM last evening. Put some of oat
hay in barn. Palmer in bed drunk.
November 8, 1912 Meyers and Zimmerman
in from Willow Creek. Settled up with Meyers and Zimmerman.
Cramer ready to leave with Chase and Traveler for Seldovia
tomorrow. Up till midnight with mail.
November 9, 1912 A little slush ice run
on ebb tide this AM. Capt. Cramer with Chase and Traveler
left for Seldovia. C. B. Meyers went out. Chase
made 34 voyages, Traveler made 12 voyages under command of Capt.
Cramer from March 16 to date. PM Stevens and Farrington packed
school lumber over from Palmer’s 4 hours. Ten men arrived
from Iditarod 1st bunch out. Nate White brought 1 man over
from Sunrise in route to Iditarod.
November 10, 1912 Got up 6 AM to let
Nate White buy grub. White left for sunrise with five
Iditarod men. Evening attended church.
Church organized a church society self declared trustee.
Stevens and Farrington finished packing school lumber from Palmer’s
to our dock Zimmerman returned to Seymour Creek Willow Creek
District.
November 11, 1912 Weather warming up.
Ben Agnew took 5 Iditarod men to Peters Creek, reported considerable
mush ice on that side, got back on same tide. Busy checking
down hardware and placing same on shelves. Chas Goranflo
in from Fishhook with wagon said old Dan worked OK. Preachers
son in from hunt on Fishhook.
November 12, 1912 Four more mushers in
from Iditarod Dist. Woods and help in from river - finished
sawing lumber. Sold Mr. Ford small logging outfit grub etc.
Cleaned store windows. A little slush ice,
not enough to stop boating. Martin’s team left for mines
with wagon. Hughes wagon in from Kelly’s camp rough road broke
wagon badly. Nate White back alone from Sunrise.
November 13, 1912 Nate White left with
4 more Iditarod men for Sunrise on AM tide.
Harlow over from Old Knik. Checked on hardware short all
of small ammunition. Ice beginning to anchor on bar in front
of Knik. Navigation still open no ice to bother below Knik but
blocked at Old Knik.
November 14, 1912 Second snow fall 2”,
Knik white again. Channel full of slush ice today.
G. B. team back from Willow Creek. Put up 2 orders - Smiling
Sam and Harlow. Tony sick for first time, off his head.
Building going on at Knik and Socialist Row. Bob Hatcher and
men back from doing assessment work on Matanuska Gold Co. quartz at
head of Little Susitna.
November 15, 1912 Harlow
and Smiling Sam left for crossing on Little Susitna with
grub on Yukon hand sleds pulled by Harlow’s horse with Harlow
mounted. Harlow went out to start roadhouse and Sam to trap.
Tom Jeter left in boat for his homestead at Ship Creek took one Iditarod
musher. Woods left for his sawmill camp. Five more Iditarod
mushers arrived had 11 dogs 1st dog team out. Farrington and
Simmons left for Willow Creek to get B. D. Co. double enders and shoot
ptarmigan. Took in $867.50 today.
November 16, 1912 About 2” of snow at
Knik. Martin’s team in from Susitna Canyon camp with wagon.
Ford and Merideth in from logging camp for more grub. Ben
Agnew, McNeil and Ulanky took Iditarod mushers and dogs across Arm
by boat.
November 17, 1912 Ben Agnew and McNeil
got back, landed Iditarod men at Eagle River. Neap tides
left ice on bar in front of Knik, navigation for small boats
still open. Crocker Bros. down to trade. Andrews in
from his Bald Mt. ranch to trade. Sam Blowers over from Station
said he was going to locate at Knik, came in on old trail, Big Lake
not open on river end. Stanley not well too much “gormandizing”.
Andrews in from Bald Mt. ranch to trade.
November 18, 1912 Ben Agnew and McNeil
took 4 Iditarod men across Arm to Eagle River. Navigation
still open no ice below Goose Bay. Evening made up B.
B. M. Co. bill and sent copies of letters about shortages by W.
S. Furgeson to Lake Creek going tomorrow. Mr. Ford cut wrist
on saw - house logging all off for a few days. George
Nylen down from his ranch to trade. Hall sent for goods.
November 19, 1912 Went out to ranch after
double ender sled, sled was gone, Farrington left old sled and
took mine. Went to head of Fish Creek bought ton dried salmon
$120 from “Dirty” and pard. Got home 6:30 PM several mush holes
on road not frozen. Someone had pried open lock on cache
at ranch 1 sack oats gone.
November 20, 1912 4:30 AM Traveler
arrived from Seldovia, brought 3½ tons for K. T. Co.
On down- trip Traveler lost Chase in tow. Chase went on
beach at Johnson Creek above East Foreland. Capt. Cramer
brought crew to run Chase to Seldovia if they could launch her.
Citizens of Knik handed Capt. Cramer letter of appreciation for summer
mail service with $103 attached. Traveler left to pick up Chase
on PM tide. Capt. Cramer brought news of Presidential election
- Wilson carried by largest majority known. G. B. team in
with load of Woods 2x4’s from sawmill.
November 21, 1912 Chinook wind cloudy
weather. Let Walter Howard use Tony to haul in firewood.
Chas Goranflo in from Martin’s camp. Building opportunities
lively, four houses going up. Jap Wada in from Seward 1st
over trail via going to Iditarod District. Gill
and Merideth over from Station after some of Nagley’s merchandise.
Nate White in town waiting for mushers.
November 22, 1912 Chinook wind.
Sam Blowers left with dog team for Seward. Sent letter
to Bank of Seward with $100 bill and $930 checks. Three
Jap mushers in from Seward, they found my letter to bank on tide
flats and returned it OK. Walter Howard had Tony haul in wood.
Gill took 566 lbs. of Nagley’s freight over new trail to Station.
G. B. team brought in 2nd load of 2x4’s from Woods sawmill.
Bought ton of salmon for $120 at head of Fish Creek. Martin’s
4 horse team took load out on bobsleighs - 1st trip to use bobsleighs.
Snow all gone at ranch.
November 23, 1912 George Rabehl and Carl
Reiman over from Station to trade. Another Iditarod musher
arrived. Simmons and Farrington the sled hookers back
from Willow Creek brought 225 ptarmigan. Woods in from
sawmill. Farmer Pete Murray down to trade. Another house
going up on Frazier and Pitsford lot. Had Walter Howard cut
logs for foundation on K. and H. lot.
November 24, 1912 Pete Iverson over from
Station. Nate White in town waiting for Iditarod mushers.
Had ptarmigan dinner, ptarmigan from Willow Creek. G. B.
team in with Woods lumber from river. Ice anchoring in bar
in front of Knik but navigation still open.
November 25, 1912 Busy in store all day
cash sales $98. Had Walter Howard haul in logs with Tony on K.
and H. lot for foundation. Monroe Kast in from Peters Creek
District and 2 men from Iditarod. McDonald and Sharp in from
their Peters Creek mines.
November 26, 1912 Got first real snow
storm S. E. wet snow. Sold Kast, Larson and Nelson $200
outfit for their Poor Creek Mine. Martin’s team in for grub
and forage. Had Walter Howard finish hauling
in logs for K. and H. lot - 4 hours. Percy and Fraiser wanted
10’ off K. and H. lot for road agreed to rebuild fence ready for wire.
November 27, 1912 Monroe Kast and party
of 5 left by boat with Nate White for Sunrise, sent deposit to
Bank of Seward by Kast. Cut neck off the Mitch-Williams
rooster for our dinner tomorrow, $5 chick. Ford and Merideth
in for turkey day feed also Frank Bayer. Harlow in from Susitna
crossing said he had his roadhouse ready for operation. Larson,
Kast’s pard. returned to Station. Not enough snow yet for good
sledding.
November 28, 1912 Turkey Day, colder
morning 10 above evening 2 above. Had “Bill” $5 chick
for dinner, Yolly!! Drove Tony in red sled out on new
Susitna trail to Fish Creek road very rough, Mattie and Stanley
got dumped off sled. Evening dance on at school house Mattie
and Stanley went
November 29, 1912 Zero this morning first
real winter weather. Not enough snow for sledding.
Settled up with Farrington for work on Grubstake and L. S. balance
due K. T. Co. $55.40. Wilson and Bartholf arrived with dog
team from Ship Creek. Rev. Howard left for Susitna afoot and
alone to get mushers experience. Had another feed on “Bill”
rooster. Evening 10 above cloudy and warming up. Iditarod
man in was last 2 days coming over old trail from Station, Pedro,
Indian man, picked him up.
November 30, 1912 Partly cloudy 16 above
AM warming up a little. Self and Stanley drove Tony on
red sled out to head of Fish Creek after fish left at 10 back at
5. Went over new trail from sign boards direct across Fish Creek
through timber to head of Fish Creek. Mattie store
keeper today. Simmons in evening, gave big earache about Brown’s
runaway team when working for Cache Creek Co. Boys moved Palmer’s
fence to make road through K. and H. and Palmer’s lots to Knob Hill.
December 1, 1912 Removed flour cache
off counter, aft in store, to make more counter room.
Boys cut poles and posts to rebuild fence along new road on K.
and H. lot. More mushers in from Iditarod District.
Preacher gone to Station Dr. Kivig officiated with his phonograph.
Very little ice navigation still open.
December 2, 1912 Percy and Frasier with
Tony hauled poles for road fence along K. and H. lot. Sam
Godfrey in from Harlow’s place on Little Susitna. Rev.
Howard back from trip to Station, couldn’t make it, came back
from Little Susitna Roadhouse, now wised up. Jim Patchell in
from Little Susitna Canyon with moose meat and to buy grub.
Barbers started foundation for barbershop on Palmer’s garden lot.
December 3, 1912 Busy in store cash sales
$168.85. Frank Kelly and P. J. Hanley in from B. D. camp.
Ben Agnew back from boat trip loaded passengers near Eagle River.
First heavy floating ice on Arm today filled channel from spring
above Knik solid Boys put up road fence along K. and H. lot.
Road 20’ wide now open between K. and H. and Palmer’s lot. Pete
Jensen and Victor Forceman got back from Iditarod said camp was dead.
December 4, 1912 Snowed 4” AM Business
fair put up two hunting outfits. Three mushers arrived
from Seward said Shorty Herbert was running a roadhouse at mile
52. Wilson and Bartholf preparing for trip to Forks of Susitna.
Put up hunting outfit for Walter Howard and P. J. McDonald.
Woods in from his sawmill camp. Bill Hughes asking about Carle
double ender sleds.
December 5, 1912 Weather cloudy, Chinook.
Herning family took supper at Pioneer. Wilson, Bartholf
and Nelson finished outfitting for trip to Chulitna District.
Put up hunting outfit for Frank Kelly and Dad Hunter. Mr.
Murray visited said Palmer had cut off credit for his roadhouse.
Parky's and pard. in to trade. Simmons left with dog team for
Station.
December 6, 1912 Sent Fred Nelson out
to Fish Creek for double ender load of salmon - was gone 9 hours
brought 730 lbs. of fish. Packed K. L. and N. order for
Poor Man Creek. Willard Hall in town to trade. Busy
in store all day didn’t have time to put up grub order for men doing
assessment on Wolverine group Willow Creek placer. Mr. Kemp
down to market from Moose Creek. Barbers hauling logs for new
shop on Palmer’s lot.
December 11, 1912 Lumber camp Willow
Creek to Knik. Left lumber camp 7:30 with Kid on red
sled arrived at Knik 5:15. Snow about gone in town at Knik.
Peter Herbert in with mail from Seward (special mail). New
schoolmarm arrived from Valdez.
December 12, 1912 PM got out ton of Nagley’s
freight for Simmons to haul to Station. Martin’s team
in from Fishhook for supplies etc. George Rabehl over
from Station to trade (2nd trip). Chas Sheller got roofing
for his new house. Mattie got cold. First school at Knik today,
17 on roll call. Nine men in from Iditarod.
December 13, 1912 Simmons
and Miller left for Station with 2 double enders - 1,996 lbs.
Nagley’s freight left over after river had froze up. Pete
Murray down with vegetables and to trade. Stevens visited
after months stay away and told why he couldn’t pay his bill.
Herning family had supper at Pioneer. Navigation open ice
all gone in channel boats could land at our dock OK. Thomas
said to let Mrs. Murray get goods on his $50 deposit.
December 14, 1912 Eighth day of Chinook
weather. Ben Agnew left by boat with 6 Iditarod men for
Sunrise. Navigation open G. B. teams in. Ford and Merideth
in from logging camp. Mr. Hershey in from Station to trade.
Fraiser took bunch of Iditarod dogs to keep. Put new creosote
cap on pipe to kitchen stove. Park’s in with furs. Rev.
Howard left for Station with Thomas dog team.
December 15, 1912 Busy all day in store
cash sales over $100 bought a little fur. McKinnon and
Larson, squaw men, down to trade also F. M. Crocker. Zimmerman
in from Willow Creek got 5 moose gave him order to get Tony at Mines
to haul in moose. Hershey and pard. took 3 sled loads of
Nagley’s freight Evening Mrs. Bob Hatcher gave talk at school
house on “The Trials of Life” - self to busy to attend.
December 16, 1912 Weather partly cloudy
24 to 30 above a little colder after 9 days of Chinook weather
at Knik. Zimmerman left for Willow Creek to haul out his
moose from West Fork. Busy in store all day business fair cash
sales over $200. Hershey and partners left for Station with
Nagley’s grub. Simmons and Miller got back from trip to Station
with double ender loads of Nagley’s grub, preacher came back with them.
Hughy Goodell the big mining man in from Archangel Creek.
December 17, 1912 Weather cloudy colder
16 above. Busy checked out 1½ tons Nagley freight
to go tomorrow by Simmons to Station. Evening checked out
Seattle accounts and checked out over $1,800.
December 18, 1912 Light snow last night
evening colder 10 above. A. C. mailman arrived on way to
Seward to go on 1st mail trip of 1913 - Seward to Knik. Sent
bunch of letters to Mr. Pederson to mail in Seward checks account
bills due Seattle. George Rabehl over - 3rd trip to trade.
Simmons hauled out 2 double ender loads to summit for Nagley.
Paddy O’Donald back from mining coal at Station said he mined over
50 tons.
December 19, 1912 Snow squall in AM
Sent all check mail as Express with A. S. Gill to Mr. Pederson
to mail in Seward. Simmons left with 3rd load for Nagley
making 3 tons all told.
December 20, 1912 Snowed 4”, just
enough snow to make fair sledding. Hughes teams left for
Kelly’s mines with iron and feed. Sent spuds out to Howard
and McDonald by McMillan. Fitted up gas lamp for store and
house worked OK. Knik women busy making ready for Xmas tree.
Evening rearranged and cleaned counter. Lindell finishing
his house and 3 new ones going up.
December 21, 1912 Light snow all day
about 6” fell making good sledding. Matanuska River reported
still open for several miles. Otto Langel came up from his
hunting camp at Mouth of Little Susitna said he gathered up over
700 gallons of the gas oil that the Traveler lost last spring.
Harlow back from Old Knik took his horse over there to winter.
December 22, 1912 Just enough snow to
make good trails across country. Cold weather wanted to
close up streams now partly open. With Kid horse plowed out
trail around Knik and brought in small load rick wood. Evening
attended church at school house small crowd out. Evening
summed up new stock bought in August and September for winters stock
which amounted to $16,604.99 of which $10,243.71 was groceries $6,361.28
general merchandise total $16,604.99 as above.
December 23, 1912 AM Zero evening 10
below zero. Cold wave brought hardware business stoves
etc. A. A. Cobb back from Iditarod. Sam Godfrey in
from hunting camp. Simmons back from trip with
Nagley’s freight left same 8 miles from Station - run out of horse
feed.
December 24, 1912 Cold wave 12 below
evening 20 below zero. Ellexson, Dr. Loman and 4 dog
teams over from Station to spend Xmas. Business not very
rushing for Xmas Eve. Sunday School had Xmas tree at the
school house usual exercises and presents for the kids. Stanley
took part and spoke in public first time did alright. Goranflo
and Walter H. in to spend Xmas.
December 25, 1912 Coldest to date 20
below zero. Gave boys 25’s box cigars R. S. Club
House. Had Xmas dinner at Pioneer Hotel, roast moose etc.
Evening big dance on in Brown’s new house, Mattie and Stanley attended.
Evening warmer and snowing. Gave “marm” $10 gold coin and
Stanley 5 silver dollars. Self got neck tie from Stanley and
comb and brush outfit from Mattie.
December 26, 1912 Quiet in town after
the Xmas dance. Evening another dance on in Brown’s Hall.
Fred Nelson in from Willow Creek after grub said they completed
assessment work on Wolverine and Boulder Claims. Gave
Roger McNally load of Nagley’s freight Scheme on to build
Town Hall. Put up several small orders.
December 27, 1912 Zero to 10 above.
Simmons team left for river to finish moving Nagley’s freight
to Station. McNally left with 900 lbs. - 7 dogs - with Nagley’s
freight for Station. Goranflo left for Martin’s mines.
Walter Howard went out to hunting camp. Iditarod mushers left
for Seward. Joe Anderson in from Cache Creek in route to Seward.
Another meeting to arrange to build a Town Hall. Ice anchored
on beach out to wharf. Channel 100 yards wide in front of
wharf.
December 28, 1912 Cold day 6 to 20 below
zero. Woods in town waiting for cold wave to pass over.
Ellixson and party left for Station. Store window frosted
over for first time this winter. Tony out on Willow Creek
due with load of moose meat.
December 29, 1912 Cold wave still on
8 to 20 below zero. Ben Agnew got back from trip to Arm
with Iditarod mushers, put them off at Alex place below Eagle
River, left his boat and mushed back to Knik.
Rush on for windows doors and roofing for new
buildings going up. Sold over $100.00 worth today.
Al Crocker in to trade. Evening Herning family attended
church. O. G. led music with flute.
December 30, 1912 Coldest of winter 16
to 34 below zero. Evening Zimmerman arrived
with Tony with 800 lbs. moose meat from Willow Creek. PM
attended meeting of Knik School Board to audit accounts rendered.
$600 of $1,000 building fund spent on Otto Langel house.
Evening down to 34 below zero. Woods and Zimmerman in store until
midnight eating oranges nuts and candy.
December 31, 1912
Twenty to thirty below zero. Put up 2 small hunting outfits.
Attended meeting of School Board to arrange to build 24x36 addition
to school house. Several in town waiting for cold wave
to pass over. Evening Stanley attended New Years party at
Simmons, came home midnight. Squaw dance at McNeil’s - old
year out new year in. Filed assessment notices for record for
Herning placer claims on Willow Creek.
1913
January 1, 1913 Weather moderating 6 to 12
below zero. Most all the boys out trapping and hunting.
Godfrey and Andrews left for Andrews ranch to trap. Channel
closed with anchor ice today 1st time this winter.
January 2, 1913 Temp. 6 to 12 below zero.
Zimmerman left for Willow Creek to get balance of moose meat
sent out 200 lbs. flour for mines. PM hauled load birch wood
for heater. Started foundation for annex to school building
22 x 36, Mr. Sherman put in charge of work. Labor to be donated
by boys on account of using building for public gatherings.
Teck Cobb left for hunting trip.
January 3, 1913 Even-cold all day, -20. Evening
Rev. Howard visited to practice church music.
January 4, 1913 Hauled in 3 loads birch wood
for store with Kid on red sled Stanley helped. Cobb and
Nylen down from ranch to trade. Sherman and Herbert worked
on new school house foundation. Yukon Peterson returned
to Knik, brought mail from Seward. Hughes teams finished hauling
Kelly’s freight
January 5, 1913 Broke out trail to summit of
Willow Creek road. Hughes team hauled in Bayer's house
logs. Evening Zimmerman arrived with another load moose
meat out 4 days with Tony. Evening attended church.
Snowed 4” last night. Simmons back from Station.
January 6, 1913 Put up order for
OGH mines - grub for summer work. GB teams came in, trouble
in camp.
January 7, 1913 Zero to 18 below. Zimmerman
took 500 lbs. out for Grubstake Mine with Tony for
OGH self went out to head of Fish Creek for
last of dried salmon, Three Mile Lake had blown full.
January 8, 1913 Zero to 8 below zero.
Hauled 2x scantlings up to school house with Kid
Building operations good. GB teams in town one skate sick
Everybody sawing wood these days.
January 9, 1913 today. No traffic
anywhere.
January 10, 1913 Hauled up rough flooring for
new school house. GB team with Stevens and team left for
mines to buck the snow. Dance on in Brown’s Hall.
Woods left for sawmill to skid balance of logs.
January 11, 1913 Howard and McDonald in from
hunt. Fred Nelson and party got back from Willow Creek
brought Tony in. Hauled 2x4’s for school house-to-be.
Musher in from Iditarod.
January 12, 1913 George Ridley
over from Station. PM Gill arrived with U. S. mail.
Evening attended church.
January 13, 1913 Stewart hauled lumber for
new school building with Tony. Gorenflo left with load for Martin’s
Mines. Paid Nelson and party $126 for assessment work on
Wolverine and Boulder placer groups.
January 14, 1913 Twenty below zero fog and
cold day. Ed O’Brien down from Chickaloon
coal camp. No work on school house today. Robert
Johnston in from Seward way.
January 15, 1913 Twenty below zero. Lee
Rice over from Station in route to Seward. Collections over
$500 put up $80 order. Marshal rounding up witnesses for Watson
- Frank coal case coming off at Chicago. Howard had Tony to
haul wood.
January 16, 1913 Pete Murray down
with furs. Gorenflo in from mines. Relief party sent
out for Frank Brown. Musher reported Brown OK at Kroto Creek.
Several coal witnesses left for Chicago. Erickson arrived
from Klutina Creek.
January 17, 1913 Temp. 32 below zero.
Put up small outfit for Erickson. Evening got
mail ready. Evening dance at Brown’s Hall, Mattie and Stanley
attended.
January 18, 1913 AM 32 below zero - evening
zero. Mailman in from Susitna sent Pederson $25 on account
for post cards.
January 19, 1913 First let up of cold weather
since Xmas now 10 above zero. Evening attended church.
U. S. mail left for Seward.
January 20, 1913 Frame of new school house
up ready for siding and roof. Marshal Dyer got back from
Ship Creek on account of Jeter on Chicago coal case.
There’s been no tide in at our dock since January 1st. Peter
Herbert took double ender load merchandise with Tony to his ranch.
Thomas back from Tyonek with new teacher junk.
January 21, 1913 Ed Miller over from Old Knik.
Sold outfit to Jenson and Forceman. Dogs dieing of distemper.
Evening tide came in pushed wharf in 1’. Boys got siding
on school house. Peter Herbert got back with Tony.
January 22, 1913 Al Chamberlain
arrived from Seward with Indian Doctor and Marshal on account
of Cooper’s school case at Tyonek. Evening got out
material for school safety flue. Evening party for kids at
John Bartholf’s Stanley came home at 12.
January 23, 1913 Tide broke gangway to wharf
- 2nd bent above crib - raised piles 2’. Bub and McElroy
over from Station to trade. Paid B. B. M. Co. dust deposit.
Hitched on to bobsleighs to haul windows and doors etc. to school
house. Sold Tom Fulton doors windows roofing paper for 20
x 42 building to be.
January 24, 1913 Bub, Indian doctor and Marshal
left for Station. Zimmerman in from Willow Creek.
Woods in from sawmill. Hauled up load flooring for school
house. Dance on at Brown’s Hall.
January 25, 1913 Light snow, hauled load lumber
for school house and load of wood. Finished outside safety
flue for new school house. Evening birthday party on for
Mrs. Farrington.
January 26, 1913 Finished safety flue for school
house. Wells Bros. in town with furs. Frank on
the big drunk.
January 27, 1913 Frisby left for Raven Creek.
A. W. Hall in from hunting camp. Hughes team left for Woods
sawmill camp to skid in logs. Self got small cold.
Hershey and Fulton in from Station to put up 20 x 42 pool room building
January 28, 1913 Got mail ready to send out
with Peter Herbert. Had meeting of school board about new
school building Late evening Frank Wells visited with a
jag and told me how it happened.
January 29, 1913 Evening got out
balance of mail and picked furs to send out by Peter Herbert.
Odin Olsen and partner started to move grub to Caribou District.
Walter Howard had Tony 2 hours.
January 31, 1913 First Chinook since
December 14, 1912. Sent out special mail
by Peter Herbert also bag furs. Evening dance on at Brown’s
Hall given by Mrs. Brown, Stanley and Mattie attended.
Cannon went to Station.
February 1, 1913 Sold Lanquist $80 order.
Cut iron for valleys on new school house and put one in.
J. J. O’Brien on a drunk, noisy crowd at saloon. Snow wet
and going fast.
February 2, 1913 Rained all day. Evening
attended church, Rev. Howard’s last sermon - going to Susitna.
Evening drew plan for 16 x 24 building for W. A. Ford.
Marshal rounding up drunks.
February 3, 1913 Finished safety flue and installed
same in new school house. Marshal and Chamberlain back
from Tyonek, no arrests. Gorenflo loaded boiler for Martin’s
Mine. Peach of a day at Sunny Knik.
February 4, 1913 Sent for 1913 diary.
Chamberlain took out special mail. Sent $100 for Griffith
taxes. Cannon back from Station. Fifty six in the sun
evening 10 above zero.
February 5, 1913 Nelson, Larson, Ridley and
Rabehl over from Station. U. S. mail in from Seward.
Willow Creek sale of quartz mines reported off. Sport over
from Station.
February 6, 1913 Delivered coal stove and set
up same in new school house. Rev. Howard left for Station
for 3 weeks stay. Collection over $200. Goranflo
in got no word from Martin. Al Drees in from Seward.
February 7, 1913 Nelson and Larson left with
1,000 lbs. grub for Station. Hall bought a new dog $20.
Pete Murray in to trade. Hauled in load wood.
February 8, 1913 with Tony, drove out to Fish
Creek for balance of fish. Evening sold Drees $125 order.
Woods in and out after tools for sawmill.
February 9, 1913 Put up 2 prospecting orders.
Evening Cong. Society held meeting at school house Mrs. Hatcher
and Dr. Kivig presided, well attended. Kelly in from GB
mines.
February 10, 1913 Put up Hall’s order.
Hauled ceiling lumber to new school house. Otto and O’Donald
back from mouth Susitna hunting camps. Al Drees left with
last load for his mines. McLaughlin and Paddy left for Caribou
Creek. Zimmerman in from Willow Creek. Jap Wada in from
Iditarod.
February 11, 1913 Sold Hall $190.90 outfit.
Got Hall order ready. Shod Tony aft.
February 12, 1913 Hall left for his mines.
Took out 15 cwt with Tony to Palmer Slough. Business a
little quiet last 2 days sold $741.55. Reset 2 - 24x28 glass.
February 13, 1913 Collections over $100 business
fair. Peter Herbert back from Seward with Dr. David
and wife. Vance and wife arrived from Seward. Five
hunters came to town for grub. Special mail in.
February 14, 1913 Hughes team in with lumber
from Woods sawmill. Evening old time dance at Brown’s
Hall. Squaw men and bums introduced squaws into white society.
February 15, 1913 Gill in from Station with
outgoing mail. Sold Gill bill of 2x4’s. Took Otto
and Bert Stewarts order for crack-a-jack suits. Ada Smith,
the sport, back to town.
February 16, 1913 Mail left for Seward.
Sent out $900 gold coin with O. S. Gill to Bank of Seward.
Mattie took my order for a crack-a-jack suit. Evening Knik
Cong. gave a musical and reading at school house. Mrs.
H. sang a solo, flute accompanied. Sent 5 crackerjack suit orders.
February 17, 1913 Settled with Zimmerman.
Zimmerman left to catch Hall on trail for option on his ground.
Hauled back my planks and flooring left at school house.
February 18, 1913 McKinnon took out load of
grub for Tremble and Highland going up Matanuska. Rabehl
back from Station with sport to locate here. Evening tried
to fix gas table lamp threads in connecting joint, no good, too
small. Goranflo took 4 x 4’s - 62 lineal feet borrowed from
Martin in October. Snowed 4” last night. Vance left for
Station.
February 19, 1913 GB teams in after more forage.
Dutch Wise down from Matanuska Ranch to trade. Rabehl
building sporting house for Ada Smith.
February 20, 1913 Fixed up gas
lamps, one in the bum. Let Frank Brown take RR bobsleigh
no. 5 to April 1st for repairing same with option to buy $41.
February 21, 1913 Dr. Kivig attached Stevens
time for Dr. bill due. Zimmerman back from Moose Creek
talking to Hall - couldn’t make deal. Bud Whitney up from
Ship Creek voyage 1 by trail. McNeil got a moose below Fish
Creek. Dance on at Brown’s Hall by select society?
February 22, 1913 Put up order for A. A. Zimmerman
for Matanuska prospecting. Herbert and O. C. Miller
in. Mushers in from Seward looking for hotel location.
Al Crocker in to trade. Stern’s got load lumber from sawmill.
Billy Murry over from Raven Creek.
February 23, 1913 Finished packing Zimmerman’s
order. Shod Tony aft. Hauled lumber for seats to
school house. Big crowd attended Knik Cong. Service in new
school house. Big tide in - docks afloat. Woods help
in from sawmill. Woods through with B. D. Mill.
February 24, 1913 Zimmerman left for Chickaloon
with Tony on double ender with 1,200 lb. outfit. Jones and
McLean over from Station after Nagley’s canned fruit etc.
Woods in from sawmill. Rabehl went to Station. O. C.
Miller started to make benches for church. Rev. Howard back
from Station.
February 25, 1913 6:30 AM Tony back with blanket
on. Sent Walter Howard back with him. Zimmerman
arrived went back PM Busy in store all day checked out 2 loads
Nagley’s freight
February 26, 1913 Served written notice on
Stevens and Bartholf to pay their bills. Andrews in with
rats. Dr. Kivig taking lumber from Stevens for his pay.
Long and Jones left for Station with Nagley’s freight.
Ben Agnew went after his 2 moose with dog team.
February 27, 1913 Put up small order for Godfrey
and Andrews and Monroe Kast. Monroe Kast back from Dakota
and 5 other Peters Creek operators. Stevens came through
with $75 on his account. Sent Nagley’s account
with Kast.
February 28, 1913 Kast and party left for Station.
Harlow in to trade. Ben Agnew delivered his moose meat.
March 1, 1913 Building operations
lively. Reset stove in new school house. Evening
attended Knik Commercial Club.
March 2, 1913 Drove out to mile 3 government
wagon road. Evening attended church Rev. Howard officiated,
40 people out.
March 3, 1913 Cold last night. Woods
board lumber all sold out. Evening made out
bill for new school house lumber etc. cost $671.30. GB
teams left for mines.
March 4, 1913 Democratic President Alaska’s
first legislature assembled today. Held public meeting
at Knik to instruct new Alaska legislators on laws needed and
seconded. Business fair sales $53.20.
March 5, 1913 O. C. Miller finished benches,
restroom and table for Knik Congregation, material cost $46.09.
W. R. Long and McLean moved over from Station to Knik to live.
McKinnon back from hauling outfits for Tremble and blacksmith
to coal camp was gone 15 days.
March 6, 1913 Meeting of Knik School
Board about new building Decided not to finish up same
inside. Evening Cobb arrived with Tony - 11 day trip to
Hicks Creek.
March 7, 1913 Nylen and Wise down
to trade. Lidell in from hunting camp. Sent father
a bunch of Knik post cards. All kind of moose meat in town.
Getting short on milk and eggs.
March 8, 1913 O. C. Miller cut in door between
school house annex. Iditarod musher and wife in route
Outside. Lidell agreed to divide K. and H. lot. GB
team in with concentrate.
March 9, 1913 Reset stove in school house and
oiled new door to annex. Evening attended church.
March 10, 1913 Busy in store all day collections
fair. Evening Jim Denny arrived with launch from Turnagain
Arm 1st boat of spring. Gill arrived with mail.
March 11, 1913 Ed Miller and Hunt
in for final outfit. W. D. Elliott in from Klutina Creek.
Got mail ready to send out via by Denny to Sunrise ordered lumber
for H. and F.
March 12, 1913 AM Jim Denny returned with launch
to Sunrise sent out 14 letters - 1 registered - for crack-a-jack
suits. Harvey Bartholf, Wilson and Nelson back from Forks
on Susitna.
March 14, 1913 Two Iditarod mushers on way
out. Evening busy with outside mail. Paul Blackhead
left for Moose Creek to camp.
March 15, 1913 Three mushers in from Seward
brought mail. Zorn arrived from Station on way to Seward.
Nagley sent over for freight
March 16, 1913 Harper bros. in from Seward.
Letter from Wallace.
March 17, 1913 Reset stove in new school
house for evening performance. Several Iditarod mushers
in route to Iditarod. Evening attended general gathering
at opening of school house program of singing and reciting.
Mattie sang sweet voice in the choir flute accompaniment.
March 18, 1913 Got additional deposit ready
to send out by Gill. McKinnon on a drunk. Building
operation lively.
March 19, 1913 Otto and Zimmerman
back from Caribou Creek. Bert moose hunter in. Last mail
of winter service out. R. Wise in jail for bad talk, whiskey.
March 20, 1913 GB hauling in logs
for new house at Knik. Bayer and Dr. Kivig went to Station
for building material. Simmons back from Station brought
pool room fixtures for Hershey and Fulton.
March 21, 1913 Made out order for hydraulic
hose for Zimmerman. Jim Denny in with 4 men from Sunrise
via by launch. Mushers on trail for Iditarod District.
March 22, 1913 Busy in store got 2 orders for
Matanuska District and one for Sunrise.
March 23, 1913 Busy packing 2 Matanuska outfits
for Zimmerman and Kelly, Mattie helped. Several Iditarod
mushers coming in and going out. Sent cable for hydraulic
hose.
March 24, 1913 Up early to give Zimmerman and
Kelly their Matanuska outfits.
March 25, 1913 Ada Smith over from
Station to locate. Jim Denny back from Little Susitna
got 100 gallons of Otto’s oil. Evening 1st row boat in
from Sunrise with Iditarod mushers.
March 26, 1913 Busy early morning 2 orders
for Sunrise 1 order for Station and several small orders.
Nate White and Denny left for Sunrise by boat. George Hershey
left for Station.
March 27, 1913 Shod Kid horse. Gill in
with mail. Received letter from Cramer, said Traveler
would be at Knik April 10th.
March 28, 1913 Evening dance on at school house
hall Mattie and Stanley attended. Got deposits ready to
send out by Palmer. Ed Erickson left cross-fox to put on
sale.
March 29, 1913 Alaska in port voyage 1.
Palmer, Ada Smith and Cooper and wife left for Seldovia brought
no freight.
March 30, 1913 Drove out to ranch. Lock
staple broken, 2 tarps stolen. Scribed in boards under
eaves to keep squirrels out. Stevens in for help and grub
for Martin. Oscar Miller and Fred Nelson left for Iditarod
District.
March 31, 1913 Jim Denny in port brought us
some milk from Hope. Several got sort of a grip cold.
Put up grub order for Martin’s Mine. Out of canned butter.
Ice cream for supper.
April 1, 1913 More mushers in, in route to
Iditarod. Mrs. Morrison moved into her bake shop.
Most of boys gone to the mines. O. C. Miller remodeling
his old pump house cabin for Bob Hatcher.
April 2, 1913 Pool room about ready
for business. Got photo of Kid horse to send to Gifford
Pinchot D. C.
April 3, 1913 Hauled in balance of dry wood
cut last winter and two loads of Gallagher’s wood. Another
rancher around. Trout left for outside. Chas Goranflo
in from Martin’s Mines.
April 4, 1913 PM cruised timber
for piles for wharf. Schoolmarm sick, no school.
April 5, 1913 PM got out piles to repair
wharf. Peter Herbert in town. P. J. McDonald ½
day working on piles.
April 6, 1913 Nate White in with Iditarod mushers.
No church, preacher sick. Teck Cobb back from trip to
Caribou with Zimmerman paid him $72 for trip and dogs.
April 7, 1913 Warmer, water run freely
today, street bare in front of store and down to beach.
Hauled in 3 loads piles. O. C. made safety flue for Barber
Shop.
April 8, 1913 McDonald hauling in piles for
dock O. C. Miller put side boards on red sled. Evening
tide Jim Denny in from Sunrise. Joe Anderson back from Seattle
wanted to give me their fall order. McDonald worked 1 day
on piles, O. C. Miller ½ day on red sled.
April 9, 1913 McDonald hauling piles.
Denny and partners left for Sunrise. Evening packed furs.
Snow all gone in streets of Knik. Ford got Wilmoth’s new
house under cover.
April 10, 1913 Traveler with Capt. Cramer in
port voyage 1 brought 4 passengers and mail from Seldovia.
McDonald finished hauling piles for dock. Traveler laid
over. McDonald worked 1 day on foundation timbers O. C. Miller
½ day on foundation timbers. Joe Bush worked on a drunk.
Horace Emery arrived from Seattle to take charge of Martin’s Mines.
April 11, 1913 Morning tide Traveler left for
Seldovia - 1 passenger - the mountain climber sent out furs
and mail. McDonald hauled up the Gallagher wood 6 loads.
Miller and self raised flag pole in front of MAH tent house.
P. J. McDonald time - 3½ days on piles for wharf - 1 day for
timbers for foundation on L. and H. lot 1 day hauling fire wood.
Dance on at School House Hall.
April 12, 1913 Had McDonald haul in foundation
timbers for cabin on upper end of L. and H. lot. AM tide
bidarky came as far as Fish Creek, too late on tide so went out
again. Got ready to lay new floor in store. Two mushers
in to locate at Knik. Woods went to Goose Bay to hunt ducks,
first ducks and geese arrived yesterday. Ralph Wise out of jail
- no more bad talk.
April 13, 1913 Had Miller help lay new floor
in store. Evening stained new floor walnut, finished
at midnight. Installed new $25 coal heater in store.
Evening Mattie attended church. Scotty Watson, Elliott
and Erickson over from Old Knik - closed their winter road houses.
April 14, 1913 School election. Cannon
and self set as judges for school election. Dr. Kivig
run 1 vote short for treasurer, self run 7 votes short for clerk.
Cannon, Mrs. John Bartholf and Mrs. J. B. Palmer were elected by
the saloon element. Palmer’s out of milk. K. T. Co.
out of butter.
April 15, 1913 Snow all gone on garden in front
of store. Busy in store all day, took in $143.70.
Miller made new gate to store-garden fence. Evening Miller
started to set pile for wharf. McDonald had Tony PM to haul
wood. Windy gang in from Martin’s camp. Joe Walton in
and on a drunk. Paddy McDonald back from trip to Tyonek couldn’t
land due to high surf at Tyonek. Fred Kincaid and Brown came up
from Ship Creek to trade.
April 16, 1913 Self and Miller worked on wharf.
Got gangway leveled up, cut out ice and reset 2 piles.
Ben Agnew took Brown and Kincaid back to Ship Creek. Ice
cleaned out up to wharf and channel open 200 yards above wharf.
GB teams in from mines.
April 17, 1913 Worked on ice around wharf,
got it all cut away except on aft side. Let Tony
go out with load of forage for Martin to mile 13½.
Ben Agnew back from Ship Creek.
April 18, 1913 Got up 2:30 AM to receive freight
from bidarky - got eggs, butter, onions, milk, etc. Hydraulic
hose came for Zimmerman, Fred Simmons agreed to deliver same.
Sent mail 7 letters to A. A. Zimmerman, 5 to Kelly. O. C.
Miller finished gangway to wharf and floated out all ice around dock
no boats could land. Loud house at saloon today. GB got
1 ton oats and 2 ton hay off bidarky. Self busy with freight,
garden seeds came and Ulanky’s harrow.
April 19, 1913 Herbert in
after Rex. Reported Brown lost one of his big horses in
Knik Lake - went to where they cut ice and broke in. Outside
piles on Palmer’s dock went out. Our dock ready to receive freight.
Brown returned RR bobsleighs.
April 20, 1913 Simmons came back with
hydraulic hose, went as far as Palmer’s Slough, snow all gone
up there and river breaking in. Frank Bayer in from GB Mine
after more help for tunnel work. Mattie attended church, sang
a solo with the minister, Stanley stayed with me.
April 21, 1913 Big tide cleaning up ice
on bar in front of town. Miller and self cleaned up warehouse
and arranged goods. Our dock in shape to receive freight,
Palmer’s dock on the bum. Paddy McDonald left to work for
Gold Bullion.
April 22, 1913 Miller finished cleaning
up R. and B. horses. Sent order for new meats.
Ordered chairs for Fulton. Gill and wife in town on a vacation.
April 23, 1913 Miller up early to cut
ice away from piles. Evening tide cleaned about all the
ice off bar in front of Knik. Business quiet waiting for
first boat and mail. Sent order for Optimo cigars for Hershey
and Fulton. Streets about all dried up snow all gone in town.
Henry Bahrenburg in town in route to District Court for dumping
on Cache Creek claims.
April 24, 1913 Miller started to add
12 x 24 addition aft of dock warehouse put in 3 posts.
Ground frozen to bottom. Jury trial on account of Joe Walton
fooling with squaw - was turned loose. Stanley got mouth
cut by shovel by Bartholf boy, doctor put in 2 stitches.
April 25, 1913 Traveler in port with
GB powder and milk for Palmer - voyage 2 - no mail or passengers.
GB hauled powder 120 boxes to K. T. Co. powder house for storage.
O. C. Miller knocked out, said it was caused by bullet under his
“cruper boan”. Peter Herbert in to trade.
April 26, 1913 Summer weather on. Cleaned
up store garden business quiet. Made out small hardware
order. Evening Jim Denny in from Turnagain Arm. Mail
boat overdue. Gill and family returned to Station over trail.
April 27, 1913 Five U. S. flags flying today
with hopes for the mail to arrive. Varnished front of
counters. Evening attended church, text - Joseph and his
dad. Larson’s boy Jako died.
April 28, 1913 Horace Emery in
from Martin’s Mine. Square deal George over from Station
going to Kenai. Mail boat overdue. Geese in the
air. Agnew and Stipp went for a goose hunt to Palmer’s
Slough. Simmons left to pack in Zimmerman’s hydraulic hose.
April 29, 1913 Sam Godfrey divided
his furs with Andrews left same in our tent room. Flock
of swans went over. No boats. Put barley hay in
barn. Schoolmarm brought grass and flower seed for school
grounds. Let horses feed on oat hay in barn lot for part of
week.
April 30, 1913 First April shower. Bidarky
in with mail, brought no freight. Commissioner for Station
arrived from Chicago coal trial. Got first order for crack-a-jack
suits from Chicago by parcel post mail. Sent out Esi’s
engine cylinder for repair to Seward. Received invoices
of merchandise laying at Seldovia.
May 1, 1913 Thomas Repetto arrived from Tyonek
on his sloop. Geese in the air. Delivered suits
to Dr. Kivig and Wilmoth. Sam Godfrey left for Kenai to
fish. Collections and sales $107.65.
May 2, 1913 Traveler arrived with our freight
from Seldovia 3 AM, had 8 tons. Busy with freight and in
store all day. Traveler left with freight for Sunrise.
C. B. Meyers arrived on Traveler and got trail grub to go to Caribou
Creek to examine Hall’s ground. Sent Zimmerman bill to date.
Meyers wanted me to furnish hydraulic plant if he took on Hall’s ground.
Someone stole 6 cans tomatoes out of case on dock
May 3, 1913 Took Thomas Repetto's
fur on consignment. Sold out new lot of roofing paper.
Horace Emery in town waiting for Yukon. Stanley and Helma
found empty tomato cans in boat, caught Nakala’s kids with 2 cans
who stole them. Perkins launch over from Kern Creek.
Had good dinner, everybody roasting ducks and geese at Sunny Knik.
May 4, 1913 Took picture of Knik with
Meyers camera. Very quiet in town waiting for Yukon.
Had goose dinner. Evening Mattie attended church. Stanley
bumped his knee. Woods in from goose hunt.
May 5, 1913 AM Miller made me a desk
stool. PM self and Miller put timbers under and eased
up east side of storeroom aft of store. Shortly
and Andrews in from their ranches.
May 6, 1913 Traveler in early AM tide
with mail and 14 passengers from Seldovia. George Nylen
down to trade also Al Crocker. None of the new GB management
arrived. Jim Denny in with his Irish Lord. Farrington
girl arrived from Seattle.
May 7, 1913 Got order from
Herbert and Martin. W. D. Elliott left for Old Knik
to clean up around his Roadhouse. Evening Alaska arrived
from Port Graham with gasoline. Chas Goranflo in for supplies
for Martin’s camp. Alaska in port with gas oil. George
Eberhardt, Farrell and partner arrived on the Alaska.
May 8, 1913 Busy AM in store cash sales
$72.55 credit sales over $200. PM had Erickson dig out
around crib of dock on high tide hauled her with tackle nearly plumb.
Alaska laying in port, engineer laid up with felon.
May 9, 1913 Emery and Goranflo left with
wagon load grub for mines sent 2 boxes out to Herbert.
Shortly left with Hughes pack train for his ranch with grub.
Wilson and Nelson went out to clear land. Erickson worked
on dock and setting piles for addition to warehouse. Evening
put 2 barrels on bottom of crib and at high tide pulled her on to
old foundation. Simmons back from packing Zimmerman’s hose, got
it to Matanuska at mouth of Chickaloon. Evening dance on at
School House Hall.
May 10, 1913 Got up 5:30 to take barrels
off crib. Rock held crib on sides cleared them out and
evening took another pull in on crib at high tide.
Cannon had Tony to drag his garden. Alaska in port waiting
for Sampson.
May 11, 1913 Busy all day repairing wharf.
Morning tide bidarky arrived with freight for the bums, couldn’t
collect freight from Bartholf’s or D. S. Rae. Our lumber
and stoves came. Got crib back on foundation and anchored
and lowered gangway so we could use trucks. Bidarky discharged
freight on evening tide and left for Ship Creek to meet Sampson.
Lidell and John B. in town from mines on Willow Creek.
May 12, 1913 First rain of spring.
Picking for horses fair. Got stringers on addition to
dock warehouse. Checked out Bartholf freight - Rae freight
short 5 pieces. Stewart came after his suit - had none Monday.
Fulton took flooring ordered and paid balance of lumber bill.
May 13, 1913 Had Erickson wheel gravel
into dock crib. Traveler and Alaska left
1 AM for Ship Creek to meet Sampson. Martin’s team in from
mines with wagons.
May 16, 1913 Bidarky came with freight
off of Sampson 1 AM, had freight for everybody. PM tide
bidarky delivered balance of freight off Sampson dock and warehouse
full up. Mining customers hauled their freight to GB barn.
Traveler back from Hope - Alaska from Tyonek. Erickson shoeing
horses for Hughes. GB Push left for GB mines via wagon road.
May 17, 1913 Shough and wife
back from locating a homestead at mile 26 government road.
J. A. Patten in town. Alaska ready to take passengers to
Station 1st trip. Ellis, O. B. Hurd, Doc Herndon, Young
Jacobs and Elmer Carlson in town in route to Cache Creek. Meyers
back from trip to Caribou Creek got option on Hall’s ground on Alfred
Creek. Harris left for GB mines. Chas Tuell on a toot.
May 18, 1913 Jack Brown came up to trade
sold him Elliott’s boat for $40. Ben Agnew left for GB
mines. Chas Tuell irrigating. Out of butter.
May 19, 1913 Pete Murray
down to trade. PM tide Traveler back from Turnagain Arm.
Mrs. White, Smith, Sleeper and daughter left for Hope. Made
deal to buy Simmons 2 horses and gear for Meyers for $250.
Evening made out lease and option to purchase Pete Iverson and A. Frank
claim for C. B. Meyers leasor.
May 20, 1913 Self and Meyers went out
to plant oats and grass seed on Meadow Brook Farm. Left
Knik 11 AM arrived at farm 3:30. Disked 1/3 of 5 acre lot
and sewed it to oats. Mattie store keeper.
May 21, 1913 Finished planting oats and
harrowed in same at Meadow Brook Farm. Sewed ½ to
Timothy worked until 8 PM.
May 22, 1913 Finished harrowing and planting
grass seed and planked down lot. AM sewed 5½ sacks
oats - 50 lbs. Timothy and clover. Left farm for Knik at
2:30 up Carle Road to 1st bridge, cut through to wagon road at
mile 4 arrived at Knik 7 PM, Alaska and Traveler in port. Alaska
took out load of Nagley’s freight Traveler went to Kenai to
meet mail boat on evening tide.
May 23, 1913 Made deal with Dr. David to use
B. D. horses at $45 a month. Simmons raised price of his
horses from $250 to $300 - nothing doing.
May 24, 1913 Got up early to help Meyers
pack up Tony and Kid. Took 425 lbs. out to mile 14 government
road and returned. Hired B. D. Rex for 1 month at $45.
Peter Herbert in for more grub for his roadhouse.
May 25, 1913 Meyers went out with 3 packs
- 600 lbs. Kid came back with 8” cut on hind leg.
Evening launch arrived with Dora mail - no freight
May 26, 1913 Court on today, Jack Nelson
up for being drunk. J. J. O’Brien got 10 days for contempt
of court. Shortly in from ranch with help Wilson and Nelson.
Meyers laid over.
May 27, 1913 Meyers went down to Fish
Creek to get Buck horse nothing doing. PM went out with
Tony and Rex. Put up small order for Shortly. Took H. and F.
order for cigars and candy paid down $75. Alaska back from Station
on evening tide went to Sunrise.
May 28, 1913 Shortly had Hughes pack out 1,000
lbs. seeds to his ranch. Meyers came in from mile 14
government road and went back with 2 packs - 400 lbs. Only
excitement in town - Chas Tuell on a drunk. Alaska back from
Sunrise on evening tide. Meyers got 18 cwt packed out to mile
14, case butter and powder and few tools to go. Hired Andrew
to help Meyers on trail. Goranflo and Emery in from mines.
May 29, 1913 Alaska left for Knik Harbor
to meet AC boat from Kodiak with AC freight. Gold Quartz
and GB packers in for more supplies. GB moved all their freight
out of our warehouse except a ton coal. Shorty Hebert’s cook
in after supplies and his clothes. Made leather boot for Kids
snagged leg. Ford took cook stove for Lidell’s house. Jim
Henesten and Colb and Natives in with sheep meat. Kid laid up with
cut on leg.
May 30, 1913 Got Kids packsaddle ready
put pads on tree, shod left front foot. Got balance Meyers,
Alfred Creek outfit ready 200 lbs. to go. All the teams for
Willow Creek mines left with supplies. T. R. Wilson building
a boat for donkey engine to go up Knik River. Traveler overdue
from trip to Kenai. Preacher located ground at Goose Bay for
his society, erecting house on same.
May 31, 1913 Got pack ready for Meyers.
PM packed Kid with 200 lbs. and took him out to mile 14 to Meyers
trail camp. Hired Andrew to help Meyers at $2 per day while
packing. Found Al Drees at Meyers camp in route to Knik.
June 1, 1913 Mile 14 to Knik self and
Drees helped Meyers pack up last of camp outfit etc. and then
returned to Knik. Alaska took balance of Nagley’s freight
June 2, 1913 Irish Lord in with Yukon
mail. Sampson in at Ship Creek.
June 3, 1913 Traveler in with 39 passengers
off Sampson. Fred McCoy and Skeen arrived and Milo Kelly
and wife. Traveler on evening tide brought up baggage and
some of our freight from scow at Goose Bay. Palmer back from
Frisco schooner still in route? Palmer walking on 3 legs.
June 4, 1913 Traveler went to Goose Bay to
get balance of our freight. Alaska left for Station and
Lake Creek with freight GB Smith left with horse for Matanuska
District. T. R. Wilson tried his new gas boat on Knik Lake.
Palmer tore out old AC garden fence to make room for lumber yard.
Rented Gus Swanson’s house to J. W. Swift at $17.50 a month with
wood.
June 5, 1913 Traveler back from scow at Goose
Bay with Sampson freight. Old Tyonek came in with odd pieces
of freight. Self not feeling well cramps in stomach. Swift
and Evans in with government outfit for investigating coal fields.
Hoban and Davis in to look over route for hauling out government
coal etc. Sent George Nylen out to Meyers camp with 200 lbs.
forage and 100’ canvas hose.
June 6, 1913 Hobin, Davis and Hughes
went out to look up hauling route to coal fields for government
coal contract. GB team after supplies. Eide hiring
men to do repair work on government road. Evening tide Traveler
went out to look up Palmer’s windjammer on the Inlet.
June 7, 1913 Swift and Evans finished their
2 boats for going up Matanuska River to coal fields. Traveler
back, towed Palmer’s schooner in to Knik Harbor. Palmer
extended his siwash dock. Evening Al Drees and brother left
for Caribou Creek sent Zimmerman’s bill. Paid Mr. Hunter $50
on account of F. M. Kelly. Evening public meeting at school
house. Milo Kelly blowing political gas into Knik Commercial
Club.
June 8, 1913 Morning tide Traveler landed Palmer’s
schooner at Knik. Milo Kelly told me Brown and Hawkins
wanted to buy K. T. Co. out. Mattie played the new church
organ at Sunday School and evening church.
June 9, 1913 Sent Martin bill due out to Emery
by Fred Peterson. Schooner Hunter at Ship Creek with
Alaska Commercial Company freight. Alaska took AC freight
off Palmer’s schooner. Erickson in town. Hughes,
Hoban and Davis back from looking up road to coal fields for government
haulage. Up till midnight posting up bills. Cramer agreed
to run me to Seward on Traveler if I would pay for the oil.
June 10, 1913 Making ready for trip to Seward
on Traveler, agreed to pay for the oil for the trip. Left
Knik 11 PM Swift and Evans government coal men and Mr. Eide
took passage for Seward. Davis and Hoban returned to Kenai
on Traveler.
June 11, 1913 Arrived at Kenai 11 AM, laid
over one tide due to S. E. wind. Went up to cannery to
look over fish lighter for sale $100.
June 12, 1913 Left Kenai 10 AM, arrived Seldovia
5 PM Herbert gone, store locked up, Sheridan said he had quit.
Herbert a mail clerk and purser going to Kodiak to work for Blodgett.
Left Seldovia 6:30 PM for Seward. Hoban took Traveler for
Seward, shipped a wagon.
June 13 1913 In route - kept outside
from Chunag Island to Point Gord to Pye Island to Chissel Island
to Seward, smooth sailing all the way. Arrived at Seward
11 AM. Maraposa arrived 3 PM got some mail.
June 14, 1913 At Seward. Placed
order with Brown and Hawkins for pick up merchandise.
Mrs. Corlew wanted me to take over her $4,000 stock on consignment.
June 15, 1913 At Seward. Took over Mrs.
Corlew’s stock of ladies furnishings. Had dinner with Buth
family. PM until 3 AM on the 16th packing up Mrs. Corlew’s
stock Dora left for Westward trip.
June 16, 1913 At Seward.
Finished packing Mrs. Corlew’s stock transfer, hauled 2 loads
to dock. Evening loaded part of Corlew’s stock on Traveler,
had to leave 16 large boxes to come on Sampson. At midnight
left Seward for Knik. Hoban and Cotter sailed for Kenai.
June 17, 1913 In route on Traveler.
Cut through upper end of Pye Islands, couldn’t find pass through
Nuka Island came down east side lost 2 hours. Missed Chung
Island (probably Chugach Islands) on account of fog went into
Windy Bay. Arrived at Seldovia 5 PM, 20 hours trip from Seward
against 16 hours going over. Self took my turn at the wheel going
and coming. Foggy all night self at the wheel.
June 18, 1913 In route. Arrived
at Kenai 3:30 AM, Tyonek was there in route to Knik with
mail. Bought red fish lighter for $100 on account of Cramer.
Left Kenai 1:30 for Knik took on Frank Watson, Alaska agent.
Arrived at Fire Island 9:30 was rough across mouth of Turnagain
Arm. Had fish lighter in tow, laid over for flood tide to Knik.
June 19, 1913 Back from trip to Seward
on Traveler. Made trip in 7 days. Made it over
in 33 hours back in 38 hours traveling time. Left Fire
Island 2:30 arrived Knik 5:30 AM. Evening Andrew back from
Caribou got letter from Zimmerman and Meyers, Meyers had landed
hose. Paid Andrew for 15 days at $2 per day, $30.
June 20, 1913 Agent Frank
Watson visited to talk over freight rates etc. He said AC
was backing Palmer. Ben Agnew in from GB mines. Several
quit due to danger in tunnels. Big forest fire between Knik
and Little Susitna River. Old Jim Carle’s horse died from
a nail in his foot. A few mosquitoes around rain needed badly.
Ralph Wise came down for his boat.
June 21, 1913 Tyonek in port went to Ship Creek
on evening tide to meet Sampson. Evening tide Red Jack arrived
with Susitna. Hughes hauled out government grub to pack
to coal fields. Jointed up hose and watered garden rain
needed for gardens only. Frank Watson went to Ship Creek
on Tyonek asked me to name a price on freight to compete with Palmer’s
schooner rate - didn’t name a price.
June 22, 1913 Evening tide Traveler took
passengers and mail down to meet Sampson at Ship Creek.
Mosquitoes bad tonight first to bother of season.
June 23, 1913 Pete Murray down wanted
to sell his horse for $100. Evening put up shelf in storeroom
aft of store. Big Billy Miller back from Matanuska
Farming District. Hughes team went out to mines took Hebert’s
grub. Had ice cream supper. Woods all fire between
Ship Creek and Eagle River. Sent down more mail by Chief Nickoli
- order to Fucher Bros. and J. G. Fox and Co. No Sampson on
evening tide local boats waiting at Ship Creek.
June 24, 1913 Evening tide Tyonek in with freight
from Sampson. Traveler in with passengers, Alaska got a blank.
Mrs. Will Bartholf, Myrtle, Mrs. Rev. Howard and daughter,
William Martin, Sidney Anderson and Hawkins arrived to inspect
mines etc. Dr. Holmes sent in-freight tools and 7 horses
for coal fields. Meat and egg order failed to arrive.
June 25, 1913 Hawkins, Anderson, Milo Kelly
and 2 government men left for Fishhook mines to rubber.
Put up order for Jap boys. Cramer and his men started to remodel
Matt’s tent house to store Mrs. Corlew’s stock of ladies furnishings.
George Nylan down to trade. Alaska left for Station took Nagley’s
sugar and milk. Cramer on Matt’s house - 8 hours - put in ½
window filled in calidoor.
June 26, 1913 Put cook stove into Gus
Swanson’s cabin as ordered. Helped Cramer on remodeling
Matt’s house store. Evening air full of smoke. A
party of flying Dutchman’s left for Knik River in canoe boat.
Will Bartholf and family left for Mable Mine. Cramer on Matt’s
house 1 day. F. B. Cannon and Paddy O’Donald left for Fishhook
District.
June 27, 1913 The launch Bina in port
and left for Susitna River. Helped Cramer on Matt’s cabin
got shelving up counter to make yet. Evening up till 1 PM
painting shelving. J. J. O’Brien, on a drunk, flourished a
gun and was arrested.
June 28, 1913 First rain since when?
Harvey Bartholf in with GB team. Peter Herbert in to trade.
Court on today J. J. O’Brian brought before jury and adjudged insane
enough to send outside for treatment. Evening put down linoleum
in Mattie’s store and finished painting shelves. Traveler
left for Turnagain Arm to deliver freight brought by last Sampson.
June 29, 1913 Busy all day unpacking
Corlew stock, Mattie arranged stock on shelves. Hawkins
and Anderson back from Fishhook Creek. Hawkins said he
was well pleased with Free Gold Mine, brought in $10,000 cleanup.
Evening put up another shelf in Mattie’s store and painted counter.
Had dinner at Pioneer Hotel too busy to cook. Hughes pack team
back from Caribou and Chickaloon packing across from mile 25 government
road.
June 30, 1913 Packed up goods to Mattie’s
store. Hawkins got cold feet about locating store and
bank at Knik for fear the town would be moved when railway was built
to coal mines. Evening got mail ready to send by Sidney A.
and Hawkins overland to Seward.
July 1, 1913 Alaska left on morning tide
and Traveler arrived with Ide from Turnagain Arm. Eastman
for EHB in to trade. Busy all day and up till 11 PM in
store. Mattie busy selling Corlew stock for 4th of July,
dresses etc. Evening Traveler left for Kern Creek took out
J. J. O’Brian to be sent to asylum. Hawkins and Anderson left
for Seward via Kern Creek on Traveler. Got loan from bank to
cover collections.
July 2, 1913 Collections slow got in
$300 out of $1,600 in June bills. EHB team took out wheel
for concentrator. Harry the Jap back with Simmons horses
on account of packing to Willow Creek. Preacher made a holler
because we charged him for L. S. his freight. Mattie busy
checking down Corlew stock. New school board met - woman after Mrs.
Cody’s character etc., Cannon stood pat for Mrs. Cody.
July 3, 1913 Tyonek in after mail 4:30
AM no freight or mail delivered. PM tide Traveler back
from Kern Creek, towed up Sea Lion Red Jack’s new river boat from
Ship Creek, was broke down. Bud Whitney and wife, Jack Brown
and wife, came up from Ship Creek to spend the 4th at Knik. Evening
thunder and lightening first heard and seen for several seasons.
Gave $10 toward buying prizes for sports on 4th of July. P. J.
McDonald sent in check by Otto Langel from GB mines.
July 4, 1913 Perfect day, warmest day
yet of season, 80 in the shade. Knik pulled off her first
4th of July celebration. The school children officiated,
delivered the Declaration of Independence. Had races for
kids and Natives - giving prizes to winners. Took several
pictures of Lake Street where games were held. Evening WCTU
Mr. Hatcher aided by school children rendered program at school house
- dance followed. Woods fixed up engine on Sea Lion. Forest
fire still burning across Knik Lake.
July 5, 1913 Put up order for Shough,
Al Crocker and Jack Brown. Got letters and order from Zimmerman
at Caribou Creek. Court on account Phillipino stealing a
boat at Hope he got 60 days. George Nylen down wanted me to
order plow and disc harrow. Evening tide Sea Lion left for
Susitna on maiden trip. Thomas Reppeto launched his boat the Helen,
rebuilt for gas engine. Mr. Mathison left for Hope in a row
boat. Tim Cavney in from GB mines.
July 6, 1913 Mattie busy checking down
Corlew stock Evening Herning family attended church.
Traveler laying at dock waiting for business and government party
coming on July 13th on Sampson. Cramer pulled Chase out
on morning tide, east side of warehouse for repairs.
July 7, 1913 Collections fair took in
$278. Busy in store all day put up order for George Grennon
rancher-to-be and small order for GB Cramer fixing up Red
Donkey to use with Nic’s Evinrude engine. Tides holding up
big. Preacher fixing over old Hermes for a sail boat.
July 8, 1913 Rain needed very bad for gardens
and placer mining. Morning tide Natives arrived from Pt.
Campbell, reported dead man on beach. Commissioner and
jury went down on Traveler, held inquest and buried man on tide
flats. He was a prospector and partner of Jim Lender of Seldovia,
boat swamped in Turnagain Arm some time ago. GB team left with
supplies for mines by Tim Cavney.
July 9, 1913 Got mail overland by Marshal Dyer.
Got Don Rae check back, no account. Evening kangaroo concert
on Traveler, Cramer played the broom stick. Red Jack back
from Station with new boat. Frank Churchill arrived to build
Palmer’s new store. Pt. Possession Nickolai wanted to buy
F. and S. Buffalo engine, Mrs. Farrington claimed to have power of
attorney to sell.
July 10, 1913 Port full of boats, Traveler,
Alaska, Sea Lion, Helen, Woods and Esi, all waiting for business
and the Sampson on the 13th. Sold F. and S. gas engine to
Pt. Possession Nickoli for $265. Stevens paid his back bill.
Matt’s store on the bum didn’t make a sale today. Sent Nagley
check to balance account to date. Cramer corked Red Lighter.
Wilson, Hunter and the flying Dutchman back from Metal Creek.
July 11, 1913 Evening George Hershey
arrived from Cache Creek, came over government trail from Station.
McNeil and the rest of the siwashes moving down to Fish Creek
making ready for the salmon run of 1913. Evening Woods started
his engine in new boat. Mattie busy checking down goods in
her Ladies Bazaar? Examination at school.
Kivig paid part on lumber for annex to school house.
July 12, 1913 Busy in store and with
outgoing mail all day. Midnight Tyonek arrived with ½
ton of candy and cigars for K. T. Co., reported government boat
in at Snug Harbor looking at Harbor and terminus for Alaska RR-to-be.
Got mess fresh halibut off Tyonek by S. and G.
July 13, 1913 Went to Ship Creek on Traveler
to meet Sampson. Sampson in with several government parties
- 67 passengers and 65 horses, Tyonek got most of passengers.
Sampson left at 6 PM - Traveler 10 PM, arrived Knik 11:30.
Frank Bartholf and wife and mascot arrived Mr. Sargent and
3 geological survey parties arrived also one land survey party and
government coal men. Tyonek and scow landed horses on beach
at midnight.
July 14, 1913 Tyonek and scow went back
to Goose Bay to lay. Alaska got a skunk on freight and
passengers. William Martin left for Juneau on Sampson.
Sport Ada Smith came back to town. One of the big days at Sunny
Knik, sales and collection $584.25. Tyonek in with freight
for Ed Wood, government men, Sargent, Williams, Evans, Swift, none
for K. T. Co. Up till midnight with accounts mail in etc.
Put up order for mines a busy day at Knik.
July 15, 1913 Got up 3 AM to discharge
balance of freight off Tyonek. Traveler left with land
survey party for Palmer’s Slough. USGS survey parties
making ready to leave for Willow Creek and Matanuska District.
Palmer got up frame for new store. Evening tide, Tyonek left
for Hope etc. E. H. and F. G. Bartholf and Harris left for
mines also Forty Mile Miller. Evening took order for Paddy
O’Donald suit.
July 16, 1913 Traveler back from Palmer’s
Slough. Sold Scotty Watson $78 outfit for his Old Knik
Roadhouse and haying job. Scotty said Palmer turned him
down, wouldn’t even give him a pair of shoes. McCoy sent in
for grub. USGS left for Willow Creek and Matanuska survey.
Hughes through packing 7 tons to Chickaloon for U. S. Naval expedition.
Ed Wood started out his pack train with material for coal camps.
Stevens set up Chase engine. Ed Wood set camp on Lidell and Herning
lot.
July 17, 1913 One continual sunny Knik
since May 1st. Billy the horse took out pack for McCoy.
Ed Wood started out with his bucking pack train. Put up
small orders for Herbert and A. G. Q. M. Co. Wood launched
his gas boat, she rolled like a bottle. Cramer and Stevens
cleaning up Chase engine for William Martin Mine. McNeil
moved down to Fish Creek to join the siwashes.
July 18, 1913 Park’s and Tomlison in
to trade. Palmer got outside sheeting on new store, Churchill
is builder with siwash helpers. Percy wanted me to take Rae
checks again for collection, nothing doing. PM Ellexson, Wood
and Cramer fighting booze. Evening fixed fly on Matt’s tent
store for coming rain. Evening Wood trying his hunting boat.
July 19, 1913 First rain to lay the dust
this summer. Alaska back from Station. Gill’s family
came over. Traveler, Sea Lion and Alaska laying in port
nothing for business. Cash business quiet today, sent
out Alaska Gold Quartz order, Peter Herbert order, Jap Harry order
by Dunlap team. GB team - Tim Cavney - in for powder took telephone
wire. Dunlap took out Chase engine to Martin’s Mill.
July 20, 1913 Rain did gardens good.
GB took out load powder. Took Cramer’s measure for suit.
Evening tide Buffalo Hog in with Dora mail. Hubbel
and Sport Smith went out on Buffalo. Evening got mail ready
to send out overland.
July 21, 1913 Preacher made $50 payment
on freight and June bill. Cramer making ready
to paint Traveler. Evening Alaska left for Station with
Dora mail. Cappers sent over for gasoline to run speeder, none
in town. J. F. Mayer and Chas McHenry in from Caribou Creek
no sluicing up there yet. Capt. Ward left $50 bill for Gaikama.
July 22, 1913 Four men in
from Station by row boat. Sea Lion left for Sunrise with
passengers. Cramer painting Traveler inside. Got mail
ready to send to Meyers and Zimmerman by McHenry going to Chickaloon
and Boulder Creek. Ordered gas lights for store and house
from Gloria Light Co. Chicago. Ordered neckties from Indianapolis
Neckwear Co. Traveler only boat in port.
July 23, 1913 Got up 6 AM and gave McHenry,
Zimmerman and Meyers mail, said he would leave all mail at Chickaloon
Coal camp. Cramer painting hull of Traveler. PM
tide Nic came back from Palmer’s Slough with his Evinrude.
Williamson land surveyor came down to trade also Pete Murray.
Park’s in to trade. Tim Cavney in with GB team took his talking
machine. Started to set up chairs. Gave Pennington
merchandise ordered by St. Clair’s Caribou Creek.
July 24, 1913 Paul Blackhead
came in from A. A. Zimmerman’s camp, Mazuma Gulch, brought no
word. Forceman and Little John returned from Caribou District
found nothing. Harry Tremble back from Caribou District.
Alaska Road Com. gang in, finished slashing trees along road from
river in to mile 16, funds used up? Helped Cramer trim Traveler
in black and green. Reported Alaska Gold Quartz let all help
go but the Bartholf crowd. government coal pack train in.
Frank Bartholf and family in from mines.
July 25, 1913 Buffalo arrived with gasoline
and powder. Forestry boat arrived 11 PM, Alaska
left for Station 1 passenger. Gave Pennington 2 pair gum
boots to deliver to Zimmerman at Mazuma Gulch. Got 10 cases
gasoline off Buffalo.
July 26, 1913 Government boat and Buffalo
left port. Buffalo took Simmons horses to Turnagain Arm
to haul out Jim Denny’s piles. Busy in store all day collections
over $400. Salmon beginning to run, reported a trap down
the Inlet overflowing with salmon. Hughes packing for land
survey 10 horses steady job. Hughes paid for railway bobsleighs.
July 27, 1913 Frank Bartholf took out load
grub etc. for Gold Quartz Mine, Miss Frankie mascot.
Ed Woods team in for Navy coal supplies. Cramer got Traveler
about painted, made letters for new name on Traveler for S. C.
Palmer laid walk in front of new store. Preacher out of town
no church today. Mrs. Byron Bartholf very sick. Hung screen
door on kitchen entrance.
July 28, 1913 Put up order for the Shough
family. Cash sales $25.45 credit sales over $100.
Woods team left for mile 24 sent grub out to Peter Herbert.
Ide in from road work, made new trail from mile 25 to Moose Creek.
Martin team left for mines Ben Agnew new teamster. Old Mr.
Major left for King River with Woods outfit. Salmon run on in
Knik Arm.
July 29, 1913 Painted new
bow name on the Traveler for S.C. Alaska back from Station
to meet Sampson. Hughes team in from Gold Quartz Mine with
concentrator. Arm full of salmon.
July 30, 1913 McCoy, Babcock, Isaac, Steen
and Boyle in from Fishhook Creek also Shorty’s cook. Painted
stern name on Traveler. Good reports of new ledges around
Fishhook District. Cramer finished painting and decorating
the Traveler. Alaska in port trying to locate a leak in hull.
Kids having fun catching salmon.
July 31, 1913 Several in town waiting
for Sampson. Sea Lion in from Susitna. George Rabehl
came over to get odd merchandise for parties in Cache Creek District.
Packed up Optimo cigars to send back - too many. School
kids making great preparation for Mother Goose play tomorrow night.
Sent out sample of O. C. Miller’s rock to Los Angeles for assay.
August 1, 1913 Close of school year.
Evening children gave play entitled The Courting of Mother
Goose, a large audience attended. After performance teacher
brought up scandal the clerk of new board prepared. Don
Rae denounced reports, supposed to have been told by the Rae family
and Mrs. Cody received the approval and respect of a majority of
Knik citizens. Otto arrived with Kid and Rex from Alfred Creek
also Farrington - Rex time packing 68 days. Bill
Bartholf in from mines to see his family off.
August 2, 1913 Everybody in town for
Sampson. Evening Traveler left with Sampson, some 40 people
took passage. Mattie and Stanley went down to do the Sampson
. Evening worked on books until midnight posting accounts.
Pennington back from trip to Matanuska, only got to King River.
August 3, 1913 PM tide, all the boats
came back to Knik from meeting the Sampson. Dentist from
Valdez arrived, also 2 school marm excursionists. Evening busy with
freight off Tyonek. Mrs. Will Bartholf and Myrtle took
passage on the Sampson. Up all night filling orders for mines.
O. C. Miller came in from his ranch. Palmer’s time keeper
quit his job and left on Sampson.
August 4, 1913 Percy got small order
for P. J. McDonald. All the managers left for mines.
Bud Whitney loaded his horses at Knik on scow from Ship Creek by
Traveler. O. C. Miller started to put an 18’ addition, floor
only, to dock warehouse.
August 5, 1913 Percy got grub on P. J. McDonald’s
account to go to Peters Creek mines. Evening tide Traveler
left for Sunrise with the schoolmarm tourists. Rev. Howard
family left for Hope. Rev. Howard circulated petition to
get Mrs. Cody the Native school-to-be at Knik. Joe Palmer
going to the big strike - Caribou District. Sent mail to Seward
by Henry. O. C. Miller worked on addition to dock
August 6, 1913 Farrington and Joe Palmer
left for Matanuska Alfred Creek with various grub, sent 100
lbs. to Meyers. Helped Miller place stringers on piles addition
to dock. Evening Buffalo in with registered mail.
Dentist Good left on Buffalo. Tyonek was in on morning tide
brought O. S. and D. freight O. C. Miller worked on dock annex
10 hours.
August 7, 1913 O. C. Miller
got piles in to connect wharf to warehouse. Evening
Traveler back from Turnagain Arm with Simmons horses and Jim
Buzzard. Williamson in on trip to Seward to fix his bond.
GB team in for supplies. Pt. Possession Nickoli here
to put gas engine onto his sloop. O. C. Miller worked on annex
to dock 10 hours.
August 8, 1913 Miller got piles and caps ready
for flooring on dock annex. EHB team in after grub.
Alaska left for Kern Creek with surveyor Williamson. O. C. Miller
worked on dock annex 1 day.
August 9, 1913 Had Miller
set up balance of chairs. Got down lumber from Woods camp
to finish gangway to dock. Alaska, Traveler and Sea Lion
in port waiting for business. Logan Stipps came in from Martin’s
Mine. EHB team took out load grub for Alaska Gold Quartz and
Alaska Hoosier Mine. O. C. Miller worked 5 hours on dock annex
and 5 hours on store.
August 10, 1913 Self and Miller started
to prop up frame to annex on dock warehouse. No church -
preacher at Hope. No Sunday School account of Carrie Nation? Palmer
moved into his new store building
August 11, 1913 Self and Miller got rafters
up on main part annex to storehouse. All the boats left
port today. Report came by Franke to Paul Blackhead at Chickaloon
that old Tony died at Alfred Creek. Ben Agnew in with
Martin team. Russian Church on at Fish Creek fish camp.
Tom Merideth installing Buffalo gas engine in Pt. Possession Nikoli
sloop. O. C. Miller 1 day on annex to dock warehouse.
August 12, 1913 Partly cloudy.
Got sheathing on dock annex ready for iron - end and door to
be put in. Bid on order and got same. Ben Agnew left
for Martin’s Mine with supplies took out rubber belt. Government
pack train took out load to coal camp. Dr. Martin’s
packer in for supplies. O. C. Miller 1 day on warehouse annex.
August 13, 1913 Put up order for Martin and
partner. Pete Iverson and A. Franke in from the Mazuma
said old Tony got down in a swamp and they shot him, said Zimmerman
quit Mazuma Gulch and was helping Meyers on Alfred Creek. Reported
Olson and Getchell on pay dirt. Ed O’Brien down from coal camp
to fight booze. Miller made doors for annex to dock warehouse.
Doremas and I. Rosthenfalt arrived O. C. Miller 1 day
on warehouse annex.
August 14, 1913 Miller finished doors
and window to dock annex to warehouse. New part 25 x 24
now ready for use. Peter Herbert in town having teeth mended.
Had first duck dinner of new duck crop. Stevens trying Swift’s
Evinrude. Pt. Possession Nikoli got gas engine installed
in his sloop. O. C. Miller 1 day on annex to warehouse total
time worked on warehouse 10½ days $52.50, 5 hours on store
$2.50.
August 15, 1913 O. C. Miller left for his ranch.
Williamson USGS back from Seward brought letter mail.
Point Possession Nikoli tried his new gas boat run OK. Swift
took an Evinrude party to Goose Bay for a hunt. Paul Blackhead
left on Alaska for Seward. Major back from Moose Creek.
Now ready to go to Willow Creek to do assessment work.
August 16, 1913 Rained AM so did not
start for Grubstake. Al Beat in from Ala. Hoosier, said they
closed up the drill prospecting, too many boulders. Thos.
Repetto and partner left with his sloop to get coal. Pt.
Poss. Nikoli took Martin and partner up Palmer’s Slough. Nic
Evinruded Williamson up Palmer’s Slough. Natives getting ready
to go on fall hunt. Self got bad cold in head. Sandwich
party on at Swift’s office. Society getting swell.
August 17, 1913 Left Knik at noon on Kid, rode
out to Miller’s ranch, arrived 8 PM. Ulanky, Fischer,
Franke, Forceman and Little John were at Miller’s on way to work
at GB Mine. Miller had the largest and best looking garden yet
seen.
August 18, 1913 Left Miller’s ranch 9 AM, arrived
at Miller’s Mine 11:15, inspected mine and had lunch. Left
for Willow Creek 1 PM via up Fishhook, met Ben Agnew looking for
his horses and Ike Rosthenald on way out to Knik. Shot mess
of ptarmigan going over pass, arrived at Grubstake cabins 10 minutes
of 6. Every place locked up as left in winter. Water
below normal.
August 19, 1913 Inspected pipeline dam and
ditch, all in working order. Took tools up to cut in bench at
foot of Homestake Claim, straightened up 11 pipeline set up giant.
Got 1 to 2¢ pans in FFF cut on bench, 5’ pay dirt and no
bedrock. Indications in cut showed gravel pitched toward mountain
from creek indicating old channel in bench. Miller swore the
old channel was there and was rich. O. C. Miller and self 1st
day at mines.
August 20, 1913 Started up giant, piped slide
off pay gravel - slide 3 to 4’ deep on top 10’ pay gravel.
Kapp's USGS visited to get information about the placer mine for
USGS write up. Piped off half of slide on setup. The
flume that Meyers left above canyon was crushed out of shape by snow.
August 21, 1913 Went up to pit to arrange work
for Miller, left mines 9 AM, arrived at Knik 8 PM, Tyonek
was in port. Looked over Dora mail. Zimmerman, Kelly,
Lanquist and St. Claire back from Caribou Creek. Meyers
sent out $148.40 - 9 oz. 1 dwt dust. Zimmerman had 1 oz.
3 dwt dust - $19.55.
August 22, 1913 All the Bartholf’s in town.
Busy with mail all day and up till midnight. Evening Tyonek
left for Ship Creek.
August 23, 1913 Traveler, Alaska
and Sea Lion left 11 with passengers for Sampson. Frank
Bartholf and family left for Seattle. Turner Jenkins left
for Seward. Bill Bartholf and son left for Seattle.
Sent gold dust 10 oz. 4 dwt. to Sylvester Bros . Evening tide
sent Kelly down to Ship Creek with mail. Miller at mines.
August 24, 1913 Very quiet in town waiting
for Sampson. Sent Frank Kelly down to Ship Creek with
mail came back AM tide no Sampson yet. Worked on accounts.
August 25, 1913 Everybody rubbering for
Sampson. Stevens came up with Evinrude, said no boat in
sight and boats about out of grub. Made out order for school
supplies. Frank Kelly wanted to work at mines. Sampson
arrived at Ship Creek 11 PM.
August 26, 1913 Noon launches and Tyonek back
from Ship Creek with passengers and freight. William Martin and
brother arrived from Juneau. A few new people in town.
Tyonek went down to barge to get balance of Knik freight.
Hershey and Fulton got in their first invoice, ordered direct.
August 27, 1913 Rained hard all night
and most all day heaviest rain of summer. Tyonek in with
balance of freight - 60 tons mostly for Martin. Nailed corrugated
iron on shed part of annex to warehouse. Zimmerman got
ready to return to Alfred Creek. Busy all PM handling freight.
August 28, 1913 First snow of fall on
mountains all white down to timberline this morning. Traveler
left with USGS (4) party for head of Turnagain Arm. Fred
Drees went overland to Seward via from Sunrise, sent out-mail and
small deposits to bank. Zimmerman left for Alfred Creek, Eric
Larson and Whiskey Wilson went along to look over new strike.
August 29, 1913 First big wind. PM nailed
on part of corrugated iron for warehouse annex. Evening
put 22 sheets 8x30 corrugated iron on roof of Matt’s tent house.
Martin’s team delivered freight from our dock to GB barn.
Most all the boys went out to work at mines on account of taking on
more help. Palmer rebuilt booze cellar aft of saloon and covered
same with roof. Also closed up part of road and left road covered
with dirt etc. from cellar.
August 30, 1913 PM nailed corrugated iron on
annex to warehouse. Alaska in from Station. Now
ready to go to mines. Esi and family left in gas boat for
Knik River to hunt. Whisky McNeil still hanging around saloon,
should have gone to GB mines several days ago. W. S. Fergusen
in from Lake Creek.
September 13, 1913 Left mines 7 AM, arrived
at Knik 4:45 PM, town full of people going to meet Sampson.
Bought scow boat off A. H. Miller for D. D. Elliott for $25.
Left Kelly at mines to do asst. on Bear Group. O. C. Miller
at mine prospecting birches for himself on Grubstake above 2nd canyon.
September 14, 1913 Traveler left evening tide
to meet Sampson. Milo Kelly family went out, also Hatcher family.
Took dinner at Pioneer Hotel. Sold William Martin all my
Free Gold stock 45,625 shares for $2,737.50 cash. Tyonek overdue.
Traveler took out Knik mail. Burnt off amalgam, got 12 oz. 6 dwt from
100 cu. yds. run avg. $2 top slide included.
September 15, 1913 Busy checking up accounts
and looking over stock Checked out over $2,783 account
invoices delivered, all paid up to date. Morning tide Tyonek
came in for mail. Evening Tyonek visited and took out 7 horses
for Ed Woods via back to Valdez. Mattie and Stanley went down
on Tyonek to meet Sampson for an outing. Kid feeding on barn lot.
Got 1 ton A-1 oat hay off burn lot.
September 16, 1913 Quiet in town waiting
for Sampson - 3 days overdue. PM tide Traveler came back
to Knik for more grub, no Sampson. Explorer back from Matanuska
River on exploring trip to navigate river. Put balance of
corrugated iron roof on Matt’s store. Mattie and Stanley on
Tyonek waiting for Sampson. Tomlinson in to trade said they
had up 2 tons dog salmon.
September 17, 1913 Busy arranging old stock,
making ready for new freight, business rather quiet.
Traveler in with passengers off Sampson and Tyonek with Alaska
Commercial Company freight, refused to handle AC freight and they
put same off at Palmer’s dock Evening tide Traveler left for
Seldovia Anna Simmons and Rev. Howard were passengers.
September 18, 1913 Morning tide Tyonek
left to get load freight off scow at Goose Bay. Paid St. Clair,
Zimmerman order due for labor. Got warehouse in shape
to receive freight. Evening tide Tom McLaughlin visited
and told me all about Alfred Creek and Meyers deal. Chas Tuell
on a drunk.
September 19, 1913 Morning tide Tyonek delivered
first of our freight and some of Nagley’s and Alaska Commercial
Company stored same in our warehouse. Tyonek left for Goose
Bay to get balance of Sampson freight. Duck shells going
fast, sold 500 rounds today. Paid Hershey and Fulton.
Frank Kelly order $100. Stanley just got his teeth finished
up. Mattie having her teeth fixed up. O. C. Miller and
Frank Kelly working at mines for OGH.
September 20, 1913 Busy discharging balance
of AC and Nagley’s freight. Tyonek left for Seldovia
with big scow. PM laid some of gangway in front of annex
to dock warehouse. Hughes team took joint load of GB and EHB
merchandise.
September 21, 1913 A-1 day snow all gone
on mountains at Old Knik and Eagle River. Traveler back from
Seldovia with oil. Judge Hildreth arrived on Traveler on
way to Crooked Creek strike, Matanuska District. Black and
partner left for Crooked Creek strike. Evening Herning family
attended church. Cramer and Joe Bush took their new suits.
Musher came over trail from Station.
September 22, 1913 A real rain all day
and evening. Got most of plank down on gangway to wharf.
Alaska in from Lake Creek with passengers for outside.
Harper bros., B. B. M. Co. and Joe Anderson on way out. Shod
Kid forward. Had Cramer at chicken dinner. Evening invited
out to chicken dinner for Cannon’s birthday. Evening Alaska
left for Sunrise sent deposit to bank by Al Harper.
September 23, 1913 Loaded Sea Lion with Nagley’s
freight. Left for mines via government road 3 PM, arrived
mile 13½ at dark. Fed horse, made bag, went on to
Miller’s homestead arrived 10 PM.
September 24, 1913 Miller’s homestead
to mines - arrived 3 PM, Kelly laid off PM. Soft
weather at mines. All the quartz mills still operating.
T. R. Wilson was at mines, let him have 4¾ lbs. sugar for
40¢ - 10¼ lbs. flour for 40¢ - packing 15 lbs.
75¢.
September 25, 1913 Miller and self relined
off hydraulic group and reset corner stakes above forks.
Kelly piled up lumber and started to clean out face of tunnel
on Boulder group. Miller and self staked claim between his
location and hydraulic group taking in upper canyon.
September 26, 1913 AM prospected on new claim,
run line for ditch to take water out of Grubstake on bench
above 2nd canyon. Kelly finished cleaning out face of
tunnel on Boulder group. PM ground sluiced on Bear group.
O. C. Miller and self worked 1 day on Eureka Claim. Kelly
½ day on Boulder group and ½ day on Bear group.
September 27, 1913 Left mines 8 AM. arrived
Knik 5:30 PM. Miller and Kelly left for Miller’s homestead.
Kelly in route to Knik. Alaska took furs and part of AC
freight.
September 28, 1913 Busy all day on Seattle
orders. Evening left for Seward via Traveler to Kern
Creek.
October 10, 1913 Arrived at Ship Creek on Sampson
4 AM, Sampson got off her course in heavy fog. Traveler
run on bar at Palmer’s Point. Got Tyonek loaded at noon,
arrived at Knik 3 PM and discharged freight on Tyonek. Knik
full of people. William Martin left for Seattle and several
others also EHB. Posted on books until midnight and checking
down mining customers freight.
October 11, 1913 First hard freeze, down to
2 above zero last night. Tyonek came in with 2nd load general
freight, took 6 hours to discharge her. None of our fruit
or vegetables were delivered. Evening clear and freezing.
Frank Kelly in town waiting for Meyers to come out.
October 12, 1913 Weather clear and cool, freezing
hard nights. Put up place along gangway to receive GB lumber
- cost for labor $5.25. Tyonek arrived with bidarky loaded
with balance of freight C. B. Meyers arrived from Caribou District.
Zimmerman came out and went on to Willow Creek.
October 13, 1913 Busy all day with freight.
Unloaded 90 tons off bidarky hull. PM tide Sea Lion and
Alaska returned with AC and Nagley’s freight, river full of slush
ice. Stored Nagley’s freight with Cannon - 19 boxes eating
apples, 8 boxes oranges, 5 cases eggs and 1 box onion sets.
Sea Lion put Nagley’s freight off on our dock. Self busy checking
up freight Mattie busy put up 3 orders.
October 14, 1913 Finished discharging bidarky
and Tyonek. Put Nagley’s eggs, spuds and milk in his house.
Mattie put up order for Mrs. Cody and government school at Tyonek.
Evening tide Traveler towed scow load lumber down to Ship Creek
for Jack Brown and Tyonek left for Seldovia. Billy Maitland
over from Station via winter trail, reported Little Susitna frozen
over. Palmer’s schooner finished discharging freight - time,
4 days.
October 15, 1913 Traveler towed out Palmer’s
schooner to Inlet. Mrs. Cody left on Traveler with winter
grub to teach Native school at Tyonek. Frisby and Murry in
from Crow Creek. Sent orders for grub to Elliott and Watson
in Old Knik. Nic Gaikema attached Cramer’s boats to cover
debt for labor. First run of ice on Knik Arm today.
October 16, 1913 Finished Peters Creek Mining
Company order. Judge Hildreth back from Matanuska strike,
said there were 61 people in the camp, Linderberg from Nome among
the stampeeders. Jim Denny in from Hope. Rev. Mrs.
Howard came over and one musher for new strike. Simmons family
back from Fish Creek at head of lake. Government Navy Exp. building
barn on Carter’s lot? Mattie busy marking Portland dry goods.
Rae’s jackasses run away and dumped Mrs. Rae under wheel and broke
up EHB wagon.
October 17, 1913 Traveler back from Tyonek
and Kenai and towing out Palmer’s schooner. Sold Peters
Creek Mining Company $240 order. Gus Swanson in from Martin’s
Mine wages $667.30 for summers work. Gave $5 to help clear
wind falls out of Knik-Susitna winter trail.
October 18, 1913 Put up small order for Rev.
Howard. Harris came in from GB mines.
Meyers in from his quartz prospect on Seymour Gulch. Second
lot of mushers in from Station, reported the river closed yesterday.
J. M. Wood back from hunting trip on Susitna flats.
October 19, 1913 GB started
to haul away their freight from dock. Meyers talking Alfred Creek
and cost of prospecting same, thinks he can sell lease for $3,000
to Seattle partner. Had a casaba melon for dinner.
October 20, 1913 GB moved all their freight
out of warehouse. Harris in looking after freight. Jim
Denny in with nigger from Sunrise. Alaska towed horse across
Arm for Peters Creek Mining Company. Boys left for mines.
C. B. Meyers left with 75 lb. pack on back for Matanuska new strike.
Knik Glacier broke out - Arm full of glacier ice.
October 21, 1913 Set up Faultless Reading
Lamps. Eddie Erickson in from GB mines, reported snow
slide killed John Travers. Sea Lion left for Tyonek and
the Irish Lord left for Turnagain Arm. Sold outfit to Goranflo
and Swanson. Hildreth placed order for Nelchina outfit.
John Parks in to trade, made a deal to take all his fish.
October 22, 1913 Chinook on today. Put
up orders for Scotty Watson and Bill Elliott. Alaska left
for Seldovia to lay up for the winter. Jap George installing
Chase engine in Thomas Black’s boat. Mattie not feeling well.
Attended choir practice this evening.
October 23, 1913 Woods started to install gas
plant in house and store. Martin’s help in from
mines. O. C. Miller in from Grubstake. Judge Hildreth
and Doremus moved into Sport Smith house, cabins in great demand.
Tomlison in from Fish Creek wanted 7¢ for their fish at lake
cache and $25 a ton for hay on Fish Creek.
October 24, 1913 Ground white with snow
this morning business fair. Horace Emery and help in from
Martin’s Mine. Bert Stewart in from GB Mines. O. C.
Miller started to put up workshop in corner of store garden for
winter use. Tyonek overdue with Dora mail. Woods worked
a while on new lights. Dance on at school house hall.
October 25, 1913 Business good today
booked two orders for November 1st delivery. O. C. Miller
got up his workshop on store garden lot. Ronald Harris paid
GB bills up to date. Frank Cotter visited. Evening
made up check deposit for Seward. Traveler going to Sunrise
early AM tide with Harris and Cotter via Seward. Woods finished
installing new gas plant. Otto worked on warehouse annex
total of 9 hours.
October 26, 1913 Otto finished laying floor
in loft of warehouse. O. C. Miller put new window in tin
shop. Henry Steen got $82 outfit. Tyonek in with Dora mail,
took away bidarky and Kenai Red scow. Gill over from Station.
Traveler left for Sunrise early AM tide with Harris and Cotter.
Evening attended church service for Romeno and Travasso lately
deceased. Knik 1st choir sang MAH soprano.
October 27, 1913 Nagley and wife arrived from
Station by dog team. Zimmerman arrived from Willow Creek,
packed out 100 lb. ore from Seymour Creek. Traded no. 4
bobsled to Byron Bartholf for 1,500’ lumber to be delivered at Knik
by December 1st. One neck yoke cash $1.
October 28, 1913 Traveler back from Sunrise
brought us 2,000’ lumber from Hope. Dog team took 1st load
Nagley’s freight to Station. Government coal miners in
from Chickaloon. Irwin and Franke in from Crooked Creek.
Emery paid Martin’s September and October bill rendered. Old
Cap Mahl got his gas engine to work after 2 months trial. Byron
and John Bartholf installing a sawmill at mile 3 government road.
October 29, 1913 Had Miller build rack
for shoes, clothes, etc. in hardware annex. Had fresh
roast pork for dinner. Evening had talk with Zimmerman, agreed
to try and turn over Alfred Creek leases for $2,000 cash balance $10,000
on long terms for prospecting ground by any company. Zimmerman
wanted to get $200 to go out on - said he expected to get some money out
of Moore and would deposit $500 in Seattle Bank.
October 30, 1913 Big tide cleaned all
the ice from bar on Knik Arm, light ice and broken up. Re-piled
Nagley’s freight. Evening loaned Zimmerman $200 to go out
on to Seattle - sold him 2 oz. Alfred Creek gold dust. Had
Otto clean up warehouse. Matt’s birthday, had chicken dinner
and presents. St. Clair’s gave her $10 and self gave her $100.
October 31, 1913 Busy all day, cleaned
up hardware annex and storage aft of store. Evening Traveler
left for Ship Creek. Tyonek in and out on morning tide meeting
Sampson. Evening got out Seattle mail. Government
moved horses from our lot to new barn.
November 1, 1913 Weather warmer rained
hard all last night. Busy all day arranging storeroom
with new freight. Nagley removed part of his freight to
Cannon’s root house. Got mail all ready to send out on Sampson.
November 2, 1913 Ground white this morning
Chinook still on. Sampson arrived at 10 AM. Evening
tide Traveler brought up mail and 17 passengers. Turned
on all the Gloria lights, worked fine. No Sunday school
due to storm. No church due to 40 passengers leaving for Sampson
on Traveler. Ronald Harris came back on Sampson and departed
on Sampson. Sampson reported to have 200 tons freight.
Government shipping by transport.
November 3, 1913 Tyonek arrived with
bidarky and scow for Sampson freight, about 200 tons of which
about ½ is for K. T. Co. Worked 3 shifts to discharge
scow and deck load on bidarky. Tyonek laying at Goose Bay with
freight waiting for scow and bidarky discharge. All freight
was prepaid from Seattle to Knik Anchorage. Spent 2 hours cleaning
snow off dock.
November 4, 1913 Worked 3 shifts unloading
freight off bidarky and Tyonek, warehouse packed full
of K. T. Co. freight. Harvey Bartholf hauling away GB freight
and Jim Cavney on Martin’s freight. Combination to Cramer’s tool
chest, turn to right to 26½, turn back to 43, turn right
to 20 which opens.
November 5, 1913 Busy all day housing
perishable freight. K. T. Co. had 87 tons winter stock.
Noon Tyonek left for Seldovia, took bidarky scow and Traveler
in tow. Don S. Rae in from mines. Business good these
days.
November 6, 1913 Busy checking down freight
and opening up new goods. Everybody buying for Matanuska
strike. Billy the Horse gave us a draft drawn on Jafet
Lindeberg for $250 for collection. Old Cap left for Sunrise
with his launch and 2 passengers. Had turkey dinner.
Mrs. Morrison building annex to her bakery, Windy Wilson boss carpenter.
November 7, 1913 Put up $100 order.
Had Bert McClarty unpack goods. Knik boys making ready
to go to new strike to do assorted work. Ice making on bar in
front of Knik. Dance on tonight Mattie and Stanley went.
Freezing nights and ice making. Jap boys got launch about
ready to sail (Thos. boat and Chase engine).
November 8, 1913 Busy marking new goods.
Good and Haley left for new strike with outfit. Got Drees
order through Cannon. Miller put new safety flue in tin
shop. Sold Cannon 1¼ tons flour.
November 9, 1913 Freezing all day temperature
+2. Unpacked clothing and Granite Wear. Jim Denny
in from Hope. Evening busy marking up hardware and took
in $60 sales. McClarty still helping to unpack new goods.
Jap boys ready to sail tomorrow AM tide. Stevens going with
Denny to Fire Island to wait for government transport. Sleeping
bags sold out. Jim Denny took case hams. Marked George Roll
and Hope dentist box and left 2 trunks to go out on government transport.
November 10, 1913 Ice making fast on
bar in front of Knik. Jim Denny “Irish Lord” took Stevens
to Fire Island to meet government transport. Chas Ulanky
went to Seward to pick up his family. Business good these
days due to outfitting for Matanuska strike. Cash sales today
$175. Sleet storm today streets all icy. Otto building house
near spring. Mrs. Morrison’s new addition under cover.
O. C. Miller made small heater stove for Matt’s store, time 9 hours.
Evening took usual bath.
November 11, 1913 Weather cloudy evening
turned to Chinook and raining 2nd warm spell. Packed
up Judge Hildreth’s order for new strike. AN railway Davis
in from new strike with others. Hall sent word to hold outfit
grub and send 3 plugs Westover 1st chance. Jap boys still
monkeying with their new gas boat. Hildreth went to Cottonwood
to see about hay.
November 12, 1913 Rained last night streets
all ice this morning. Busy in store cash sales $157.85.
Put up part of Goranflo’s and Swanson’s Matanuska order.
Fred Laubner down from Cottonwood. Tomlison in from Fish Creek said
they only had 29 cwt of dog fish and over 4 tons hay. Dog
mushers moving grub out on government road.
November 13, 1913 Put up Drees order
for Matanuska outfit. Business not so swift today, sales
$40.85. Bid on Harper bros. order. Ertz partner in
from Cache Creek wanted giant powder to start tunnel on new quartz
find. Howard Taulman and Williams left with dog team for relay
grub to Matanuska strike. Government transport 1 day overdue,
no see-um and considerable ice running. Ice now anchoring
on bar in front of Knik.
November 14, 1913 Put up 2 small orders
and got 2 more Matanuska orders. Goods moving nicely on
account of new strike. Several over from Station to trade.
O. C. Miller busy doing repair work and making stoves. Hildreth
back from mile 26 on account of first load hauled out for new strike.
Dance on tonight, Mattie and Stanley attended. Mailed William
M. Elliott’s sight draft on Jafet Lindeberg to Seattle National
Bank for collection $250.
November 15, 1913 Gill and several over
from Station to trade. Put up order for Case and Davis.
Shorty Herbert in looking for government transport. Jap
boy finally got away with Black’s Myrira and Chase engine.
Hildreth in from GB logging camp said there was 3’ of snow on Willow
Creek.
November 16, 1913 Put up grocery order
for Harper bros. and Chambers, kept open all day. Joe
Peterson in from Willow Creek, came over Bald Mt. Swift’s
“Friday” came back from Fire Island no government boat in sight.
Evening Jim Denny in from Sunrise with nigger passenger. Ben
Agnew started for Sunrise with 5 Iditarod men and 5 dogs and sled, sent
out check mail. Evening Gloria light in kitchen went on the bum.
Evening cold wave on no church because preacher fell down cellar McClarity.
November 17, 1913 Government transport
at Goose Bay with U. S. Navy Coal Exp. freight and horses for
hauling out Matanuska coal, Jack Dalton in charge. Traveler
came up from Seldovia to help lighter freight off government transport
- 3,000 ton boat at Goose Bay coming nearer to Knik? Cramer
brought up the mail 8 sacks - laid over for repair on engines.
Bill Tomlison in from Moose Creek after pickups for party in route to
new strike. Cash on hand $2,200.
November 18, 1913 Weather cloudy, +32.
Morning tide - Traveler bucked tide to Goose Bay and back to
Knik on ebb. Took 25 men back to work unloading for coal
exp., unloading 400 tons feed and 100 tons various freight
at Goose Bay. Tides small and no ice to bother navigation.
Judge Hildreth in from Cottonwood account baling up native hay for
trip to new strike. Snowed about 3” last night. Miller
fixed flue on sitting room stove. Paid McClarty off for helping
to pack Matanuska outfits.
November 19, 1913 Ice making fast
zero this morning. Evening Stevens arrived with government launch,
ice drove them out of Goose Bay. Government boat unloaded
three 60 ton scow loads on beach. Stevens said government
boat had out 2 anchors and steaming hard ahead to keep boat from
ice taking her out of Bay - trouble for Uncle Sam! Miller put
new pipe in safety flue over kitchen. All the boys down to Goose
Bay waiting for coal exp. Miller set up stove in tin shop.
November 20, 1913 U. S. Navy launch returned
to Goose Bay. Sent down mail to go out on government
transport. Launch returned to Knik brought 8 bales hay
- laid over a tide. Miller made new reducers for 49 stoves
and started to make bins for store. Government boat still
discharging freight at Goose Bay. Hildreth and Brown delivered
their hay from Cottonwood.
November 21, 1913 Government launch made
round trip to Goose Bay last night. Stevens reported
the transport unloaded except horses. Government widing
out trail Knik to Goose Bay - for hauling up forage. 11:45
PM Government launch back from Goose Bay. Hughes after horse
gear account hauling for coal expd. Hildreth making ready
to leave for new strike to do assessment. Local business still
good. Snowed about 4”, enough to make fair sledding.
November 22, 1913 Noon tide Traveler towed
Government Scow to Goose Bay. Government launch made round
trip. Government transport left Goose Bay at noon for
Seattle. Clothing trade fair. Jack Dalton asked permission
to land government freight on our dock Had Doremus shovel
snow off dock. Gus Swanson delivered 2 loads dog fish 190 lbs.
Hildreth took out load of forage. Clothing going fast. Coal
expedition landed first load of freight on beach. Miller installed
2 store bins.
November 23, 1913 Traveler in with scow early
morning tide with 70 tons. PM in with another load 60,
piled same on our dock. Shorty Wehucke came back to trade pick
up self and boys, said they had their outfit above Moose Creek.
Jack Dalton visited and introduced his boss Teamster said his OK on
orders for men was OK. Evening Mattie attended church.
Stanley made a dog harness. Self cut whiskers and fixed kitchen
Gloria lamp.
November 24, 1913 Morning tide Traveler
landed scow at Palmer’s dock, got stuck on mud before unloading
scow. Busy in store all day sales over $150. Evening
sold U. S. Navy help $90 worth of clothing. Billy the Horse
drunk and trying to borrow money. Chris Anderson and several
others in from GB logging camp also Ed Erickson. Harvey Bartholf
trying to install EHB Mill at mile 4 government road. Mr.
Gray storekeeper at Ophur City arrived.
November 25, 1913 Traveler and scow got hung
up on bar opposite of sfg., going out for last load at
Goose Bay. Tides making plenty of ice. Got two more
outfits for new strike cash sales $138.65. Six Iditarod men
arrived, reported about 60 coming out. Hildreth hauled out
another load hay. Tom Jeter making snowshoes for HHH horses.
Knik still booming all the boys employed mostly government work.
November 26, 1913 Woods put in his order for
supplies for new strike. Traveler landed last scow load of
U. S. Navy Coal Expd. freight from Goose Bay in plenty of floating
ice. U. S. Navy Exp. removed forage off our dock - had on dock
4 days about 125 tons of freight Tomlison in, told him I would
take hay for $100 as she looked and pay $100 down on fish, balance
on delivery of fish. Brown rented his house to U. S. Navy Exp.
and left for new strike.
November 27, 1913 Turkey day but no turkey.
Up till 4 getting out Seattle mail checked out over $2,000.
Dance on at school house hall tonight. Hildreth and Jeter
left for new Matanuska diggings with horse and double ender.
November 28, 1913 Got up 6:30 to send
out-mail on Traveler. Traveler left for Seldovia 8 AM took
out-mail and several Iditarod passengers via Sunrise. Sent
out our mail by Mr. Gray, Ophur storekeeper, via Sunrise - Moose Pass
to Seward. Sent check deposits to banks and checked out $2,400.
Uncle Sam in disgrace, manager Dalton and paymaster Swift had a scrap,
cost Dalton $5 to pass court inspection. Coal Exp. got all
their forage moved off the docks, made a cache between Knik Lake and
slough. Miller started to make hydraulic hose out of 10 oz.
duck. Farrington in from Nelchina strike.
November 29, 1913 Kelly and Caveny in from
Martin’s camp. Government Coal Exp. left to establish
trail camp and cut out road from mile 26 to Chickaloon for hauling
out coal. Sold out on parky’s and rabbit robes. Commercial
Club held meeting in barber shop on account of Dalton and Swift
trouble. Made up cablegram to explain matters to Dr. Holmes.
Swift is the underdog with people of Knik, self did not attend.
Schoolmarm got a Faultless lamp for the school.
November 30, 1913 Packed one order for
February delivery for H. J. Gronwaldt. Evening Ralph Wise
came down to trade. Frank Kelly took 1,000 lbs. dry salmon.
Tomlison delivered balance of dog fish, had 3,012 lbs. all told,
Simmons delivered 2,585 lbs. Evening made out U. S. Navy bills
and put up order for Peter Herbert.
December 1, 1913 Thawing today.
Matanuska ranchers down to trade - Murray, Grennon and Wise.
Paid Murray for cross-fox sold at Tacoma Fur Sales - brought
$1.25. Cavney and Kelly left for Martin wood camp.
Gus Swanson agreed to go to Willow Creek and finish assessment on
Boulder group and get out wood etc. No credits paid their November
bill today.
December 2, 1913 Snowed 3” this early
AM. Got up early to give ranchers their outfits.
Paddy O’Donald relaid out on feed. Evening Gus got ready
to go to Willow Creek to do 18 days work on Boulder group and get
out 20 dry trees 20 four inch poles.
December 3, 1913 PM fixed up barbers lamp.
Paddy O’Donald left for new strike had 700 lbs. Snowed
again last night good sledding now out of Knik. Gus
Swanson left for Grubstake to get out wood and do assessment work.
Mrs. Nagley had a baby last night baby came dead.
December 4, 1913 Business still good
cash sales today $298.21. Channel still open about 100
yards wide to anchor ice on bar. Fixed up old no. 400 reading
lamp and sold it to Jno. W. Swift for $7. Evening 3 mushers
in from Iditarod District. U. S. Navy got 40 men cutting sled
road from mile 26 to Moose Creek coal camp. Chinook today.
December 5, 1913 Sent letter to Bank
of Seward with check deposits and order to pay for BB goods
by Iditarod mushers. Evening dance on Mattie went.
O. C. Miller drove Kid out to his ranch, Stanley went along.
Mr. J. Saupe from Iditarod left his card for Mr. Meyers.
December 6, 1913 Stanley’s birthday.
Stanley at Miller’s ranch on outing. Had $55 sale on
rubbers. Monroe Kast over from Station. Roger McNally
got crate spuds for Mrs. Johnson at Station. Channel still
open and no ice running. Gasoline reading lamps all sold out
(8). Gloria System in store costs 30¢ a day to run 3 lights.
Packed on Woods order.
December 7, 1913 Finished sewing up canvas
sacks on Woods and C and D outfits. PM Mattie took a
dog team ride with the Pioneer Hotel. Stanley and O. C. Miller
got back from Miller’s ranch, gone 3 days. Evening posted
up all late invoices in ledger. Ed Erickson back from Chitna
Roadhouse with order for Elliott. Midnight snowing.
December 8, 1913 Put up small order for
new strike stormy all day. Evening got checks ready for
deposit to send out with Chris Anderson. Preacher wanted
me to potlatch gas lamp for church.
December 9, 1913 Evening -6. Chris
Anderson left for Seattle via trail to Seward.
Sent out $964.64 U. S. Navy checks for deposit in Seattle bank.
Mattie did the wash. Shoveled out path on account
of wind yesterday. Got trail order from Hildreth and usual
small orders from boys working for Navy Coal Exp. Swift paid
Sept- Oct to November 9th rent of Swanson cabin. Wargan and
Burke party got their outfit for prospecting Wargan’s Nelchina claims.
December 10, 1913 First cold snap -14.
Gill in from Station reported 27 below zero. Snow fall
above the average about 2 feet at Knik 4 feet at Willow Creek.
Sent trail grub order out to HHH at mile 26 by government teams.
Paul Heath in from Seward brought a little mail first over the trail
coming to Knik, was on road 17 days. Woods took part of his
Nelchina outfit.
December 11, 1913 Mattie doing a little
business at her store got up part of Xmas goods. Government
teams driving through to Moose Creek via mile 26 government road.
Road hits Moose Creek 6 miles from mouth road about cut out to
Eska Creek. Woods and McHenry left town with first relay for
new strike. Don S. Rae building a new house. Simmons brought
in 2 double ender loads of Fish Creek hay from Parks and Tomlison, put
same in my barn about ½ ton.
December 12, 1913 Put up order for A. Franke
for Nelchina strike. Mattie arranging her Xmas goods.
Woods and McHenry back from mile 13 for another load, each
got 5 loads to move to new strike. Sent German sox out to
Jim Patchell on government road camp. The teacher and preacher
getting up doings for Xmas.
December 13, 1913 Business quiet today
on cash sales credit sales fair. Cannon digging a well
for his new laundry. Evening made out Woods bill and packing
list for outfit for Nelchina new strike. Several of the Palmer
Slough ranchers down to trade. Shorty Herbert sent in for
Henry Tremble to come out and hang a door. Rae got 760’
lumber for his new house.
December 14, 1913 Store closed PM as
usual. Matanuska ranchers left with grub etc. for home.
Pete Murry took balance of Grennan grub. Average cash sales for
December to date $2,243.81 - average per day $187 - net profit per
day $50. Cannon got red water in his new well at the Larson
siwash cabin.
December 15, 1913 Navy Exp.
sent out small horses on double ender sleds with forage to end
of trail for Chickaloon coal. Chas Ulanky and family
arrived from Seward, out 15 days on trail, brought over the letter
mail 2nd private mail overland this winter. Sold Al Vitt
and Wilson small outfit going up Knik River after sheep.
December 16, 1913 Evening -14.
Shorty Herbert came in to pay his bill and get door for his
cabin at Paradise. Evening checked up balance due on new
stock. Total yet to pay $7,417.68, cash on hand $2,500 -
balance $4,917.68. Got 28 oz. gold dust ready to send out.
Parks paid shortage on salmon bought last winter. Several
buying Xmas presents.
December 17, 1913 Around 20 above zero
today. Busy with Seattle mail - checked out
$2,249.01. Mattie doing a little business with the Corlew
stock for Xmas goods. Medlicot underwear sold out.
Got 5 dozen suits of Med. on hand. Paid Nagley balance due
on grub exchange.
December 18, 1913 Most everybody out of town
either working or hunting. T. R. Wilson and Al Vett left
for sheep hunt up Knik River. Gill in from Station on way
out to start on January 1st mail delivery from Seward. Joe
Laubner took out Shafer’s underwear. Mrs. Morrison brought back
Gloria reading lamp said it was no good - found the reason
- no air in tank. Registered deposits to Seattle National
Bank and 28 oz. gold dust to Sylvester Bros. Frank Kelly in
from Martin’s lumber camp.
December 19, 1913 Like a spring day.
Business on the wain - got another order today for future delivery.
Church people busy making arrangements for Xmas tree etc.
Evening closed up J. M. Wood’s account due $556.34 balance.
First U. S. Mail left for Seward by Gill the mail man. U. S.
Navy Coal Exp. installing a general camp at mouth of Eska Creek 18
miles from the Chickaloon Coal Mines.
December 20, 1913 Had Kelly
solder up preachers Gloria stand lamp. Stanley delivered
groceries to Pioneer Hotel Bake Shop and preachers with his horse
Iditarod. Palmer out of butter and Eagle milk. O. C.
Miller back from his quartz mine brought in some tools, sold his
vegetables to government camp, 230 lbs. Stipp and Otto in
with 1st moose from Goose Bay.
December 21, 1913 Ben Agnew
back from Turnagain Arm came over trail. Landers and Lidell
in from GB mines snow shoed horses took 3 days to break trail
and come in. Thomas McLaughlin in from Peters Creek.
Got order for Peters Creek Mining Company. Jack Dalton
in from trail camp at Eska Creek. Self proceeded with Xmas
choir at Dr. Howard’s. Evening took usual bath. A daughter
arrived at the David family.
December 22, 1913 First of the Nelchina
locators arrived to record. Haley - Case and others arrived,
reported horses coming in from Copper Center with double ender outfits.
Put up order for Lutchinger. Thomas McLaughlin went to Tyoonic
with presents for his sweetheart? The preacher wanted me
to give part of Lidell and Herning lot for a church site.
Rae in from mines reported good ore in new tunnel.
December 23, 1913 Kemp and Anderson buying
pick ups for going to new strike. Frank Whitney and 2
others in from Seward. Third party in over trail this
winter. Attended choir rehearsal for Xmas songs.
Tim Harrigan on a drunk, said he had blew in.
December 24, 1913 Busy in store all day
sales $60. Evening school children rendered Xmas exercises
at school house hall. Over 100 whites and Natives were allowed
to come and see white mans Xmas. Self got the usual neckties -
gave Mattie $50 - gave Stanley $5. Gave Stanley 50¢ and watch,
put in stockings. Bob Hatcher back from Seattle. Mrs.
Johnson and partner over from Susitna.
December 25, 1913 Very quiet Xmas for
Knik. One man chewed another’s ear off at saloon.
Had dinner at Pioneer Hotel. Put up $100 order for Ben Agnew.
Evening dance on at school house hall Stanley and Mattie attended.
St. Clair’s over from Old Knik. Landers took out first load
GB freight to Zero Canyon and returned. Gave no Xmas presents
to customers but gave to Xmas tree fund.
December 26, 1913 Evening wind storm
cloudy +8. Ben Agnew took his Nelchina order. Cash
sales today $233.90. GB only got out as far as Fish Creek
with loads today. Davis and Case getting ready for 2nd trip
to Nelchina District. Thomas McLaughlin returned from trip
to Tyonek got lost on Beluga Flats so came back to Knik. Frank
Whitney and Taulman hit for Nelchina placer camp.
December 27, 1913 GB went
out to establish trail camp at Zero Canyon for relaying out freight.
Shorty Herbert in town. Bub and Bahrenberg got back from Valdez,
said they won their suit against Cache Creek Mining Co. on account
of dump ground. Madsen and son Nels got back from San Francisco
said times dull outside - no work - so came back. Burner
on one of H. and F.‘s Gloria lamps burned off and one sprung
a leak above fountain base. Had Eureka placer claim on Grubstake
recorded $2.30.
December 28, 1913 PM finished up orders and
repaired my snowshoes. Billy the Horse back from Nelchina
District, said double enders were arriving daily from Copper Center
and there were 1,000 or more prospectors in the district.
Coal teams left with last load of forage for Chickaloon for hauling
out coal to tide water. Evening attended church sang with the
choir. Mattie sang Holy City with violin attachment. Good
crowd out but mostly all men.
December 29, 1913 Real April day.
Case and Davis took their outfit 21 packages = 994 lbs.
Hughes to haul same to Chickaloon. Frisby in from Eagle
Creek Roadhouse. Put up O. C. Miller’s order for his placer
mine on Grubstake. Thomas McLaughlin put in another order for
hardware. Sales and collections over $200. Channel still
open to above our dock and dug down deep. Settled up with O.
C. Miller for placer work and making stoves.
December 30, 1913 Hershey and Fulton
cleaned up their old account and paid $25 on Woods account.
Business a little quiet, cash sales $105.70. Don S. Rae
and Bear stampeded out to Fishhook to relocate quartz.
December 31, 1913 Old year out business fair.
Case and Davis finished buying and paid their bill $193 company
$20 personal. John Lanquist in for Dalton, ordered U. S.
Navy supplies. Evening big dance on at school house hall
Mattie and son attended. Last of old year prosperous for Knik
on account of Nelchina stampede and government getting out 800 tons
Matanuska coal.
1914
January 1, 1914 Cash sales $163.62. Up
till midnight making out December bills. Plenty of moose
meat coming to town. Rae back from locating trip. O.
C. Miller packed up ready to go to Willow Creek placer.
January 2, 1914 Cash sales $143.40. Business
fair collections coming in slow. Busy making out December
bills rendered. Twenty above zero.
January 3, 1914 O. C. Miller left for Willow
Creek 1,100 lbs. With Ulanky and horse. Meyers,
Howard and Gray in from Nelchina District, reported Hildreth lost
his horse in Matanuska and Frank Whitney got buried in land slide.
Rev. Howard left for Station. Evening colder down to zero.
January 4, 1914 Colder heavy fog today.
GB Smith in from Navy Coal camp after pick ups. Sent Dalton
December bills. No church today preacher at Station.
Carl Larsen left for Station with spuds and onions. Put up
order for Owen Gray account Nelchina District.
January 5, 1914 Put up order for Grey and Meyers.
Sold out on Head Rice. Evening Meyers told me all his troubles
with Zimmerman. Sent Case and Davis 10 lb. Caddie Westover
by William Smith. Sent letter by C. B. Meyers.
January 6, 1914 Put up order for Collins and
partner. McKinnon in from coal camp said Matanuska was
in fine shape and they were ready to haul out coal, first leg to
Eska Creek. Meyers and Gray left for Nelchina District with
2 dog teams.
January 7, 1914 Evening Gill in with
1st overland U. S. Mail from Seward. Got one of Don S.
Rae’s checks back
January 8, 1914 Chas Goranflo arrived with
mailman yesterday from Seattle. Roger McNally back from
Nelchina District after pick ups, reported Navy had 30 tons coal
moved down to Eska Creek.
January 9, 1914 Indian doctor and Chamberlain
arrived from Seward for Tyonek Indian School. Dance on
at school house only a few attended. Swift refused to pay
Navy bill for December rendered by Jack Dalton. Sent C.
B. Meyers mail up by Roger McNally, 2 letters and Seward papers.
January 10, 1914 Real spring day 30 above.
Gromwaldt and Fish in from Nelchina District reported one
hole down 30’ no pay. GB took last of lumber off dock
Frisby in from Eagle River.
January 11, 1914 PM and evening looked
over Seward papers. Drove down to Ulanky’s. Evening Mattie
and Stanley attended church.
January 12, 1914 Taulman
back from Nelchina District. Evening got mail ready to
send out with T . R. Wilson. Gromwaldt took his outfit.
Goranflo took 500 lbs. of his outfit.
January 13, 1914 Cash sales dropping
off only $32 today. Ice anchored in channel from dock
to sfg. McKinnon left with a load of prospect outfits for
Chickaloon. Alex Frasier from Nelchina drew on Long for
$50.
January 14, 1914 John W. Swift
visited said he would pay December bill if all future bills
came through him. Bill Taulman in from Crooked Creek said
they sold 10 claims for $10,000 - $1,000 down. Gus Swanson
back from doing assessment on Boulder group. Gill over from
Station.
January 15, 1914 Thirteen
men including Hughes team let go by Navy Coal Expedition.
Evening settled up with Gus for doing assessment work on Boulder
group Willow Creek. “Big noise” tried to clean Swift’s gas
lamp and put it on the bum.
January 16, 1914 Some Government
checks coming in. Evening worked on Seattle mail.
Dance on at school house hall Mattie and Stanley went. Evening
temperature zero.
January 17, 1914 Cold wave -12. Preacher
and family and escorts went to Old Knik to attend the potlatch.
January 18, 1914 Wrote Fred Hale about
bank at Knik. Sent Griffith taxes.
January 19, 1914 Jack Dalton sent his personal
check for December bill rendered by U. S. Navy Expedition.
Collections and sales $315.95.
January 20, 1914 Gorenflo and Swanson
left for Nelchina District. Haley and Good
back from Nelchina Placer District.
January 21, 1914 Average cash sales for
January to date $150 per day, cash taken in today $145.05.
January 22, 1914 Nagley and wife left
for Station. Cash sales very small today 1st time since
October. Coal oil sold out and all kind of eggs.
January 23, 1914 Smith in from EHB Mine
after powder. Frazier took 2nd outfit for Nelchina District.
Sent Dalton’s receipted December bill by Frazier. Sold
last of giant powder.
January 24, 1914 Crated heater for preacher
for trip to Nelchina placer. Two Iditarod men in from Seward
in route. Elliott, the horse and Furn on a drunk.
January 25, 1914 Sent January 19th also with
Dr. Schlabaum. Preacher had church this evening by special
request? Musher in from Iditarod. Two more mushers
in from Seward going in. Wells Bros. arrived from Susitna Forks.
January 26, 1914 Indian day, Natives bought
freely. John W. Swift paid for December merchandise got
by himself. Young Tolman back from Nelchina District.
Big talk since RR bill reported passed by Congress for Alaska RR
system. Dr. Schlabaum left for Seward took out our mail.
January 27, 1914 Joe Peterson in
from Willow Creek to trade. Knik “swells” organized a
literary society, elected “Lumber Jack” for president. Evening
warming up a little.
January 28, 1914 Weather milder +12.
Dynamiter Zorn over from Station in route outside, broke again
loaned him $10 to eat on. George Nylan down to trade.
Another musher in said RR bill had only passed the House.
January 29, 1914 Warming up a little, have
had zero weather since January 4th steady cold snap evening
light snow. Put up trapping order for Joe Peterson Willow
Creek. GB teams came in reported all freight landed at river and
12 tons at summit barn. Thirty tons at Knik yet to go.
January 30, 1914 About 6” snow fell. Dance
on at school house hall.
January 31, 1914 Weather cold -12. Brunton
and Wagner over from Station after Nagley’s merchandise.
Frazier back from coal camp. Taulman back from coal camp
for grub for new strike. Frank Churchill arrived from Tyonek
to run Palmer’s store. GB paid January bill rendered.
February 1, 1914 Cloudy light snow +16. Gave
Brunton load of Nagley’s cereals. Peterson took the ladies out
for a double ender ride. Evening, church by special request.
February 2, 1914 Put up small order for Percy
Pitchford for Peters Creek Mining Company. Doreman back
from Cottonwood - through with Hughes. Wagner and Brunton
left for station with Nagley’s goods, took eggs and onions from
K. T. Co. stock Collection $697.65.
February 3, 1914 Hildreth, Springer and Williams
back from Nelchina District reported Buck and Gray party had
hole down 45’ in muck, bench channel on Crooked Creek.
“Coon” moved into tent house by our barn.
February 4, 1914 Snowed 8” last night, +20.
government coal man shot himself through leg shooting rabbits.
The new “PDQ” society in disgrace.
February 5, 1914 James Burke down from Crooked
Creek after grub, had hole down 55’, panned black sand only.
Taulman took preachers heater for Nelchina church. Willard
Hall arrived from Alfred Creek.
February 6, 1914 Wet heavy snow. Lidell and
Walter Howard went out for hunt on Martin’s team, F. M. Kelly
teamster. Told Tom Merideth he could cut and deliver 6 ricks
15” birch wood. James Burke returned with 500 lbs. grub to Crooked
Creek.
February 7, 1914 Put up order for Spring Creek.
Shoveled snow off roofs. Trouble in camp, Swift shot a
dog. Evening thawing +34.
February 8, 1914 Thawing all day, evening rain
Chinook. Put up order for Frazier. Evening drew
balance on ledger.
February 9, 1914 Frazier got last of long Grubstake
order. Business fair sales $102.45. Report came
that Dalton’s coal hauling was blocked by lower Matanuska River
overflowing.
February 10, 1914 Mailman overdue.
Travel off on account of Chinook weather. Simmons agreed to
haul in balance of Fish Creek hay at 2 for 1 load.
February 11, 1914 Monroe Kast over from Station
for butter and tents.
February 12, 1914 Tide working on docks.
February 13, 1914 Hi-Yu Chief Palmer
left on dog team for San Francisco. Gill arrived with
January mail.
February 14, 1914 Genuine Chinook weather.
Mrs. Dalton no. 1, in to trade from Paradise. Business
fair 1st school funds for year 1913 and 1914 showed up today $1,793.32.
Evening the “PDQ” Society gave a grand opening at school house hall.
Mattie made the sandwiches, self made the coffee. Al Drees,
Fred Nelson and a few others arrived from Seward. Drees
got buried in a snow slide on Crow Creek Pass.
February 15, 1914 RR bill reported held up
by the House. A Mr. Robertson visited wanted an outfit on credit
of S. L. Colwell of Seward. Al Drees said he would go good
if Colwell didn’t pay. Got 3 orders on file to put up for Nelchina District.
Simmons delivered 3 double ender loads hay from stack no. 2 at Fish
Creek.
February 16, 1914 New school board came through
with balance due for material on new school house annex $141.70.
Zimmerman got back from trip to San Francisco couldn’t pay bill
rendered in 1913.
February 17, 1914 Busy packing outfits for
Nelchina gold diggers. Paid balance due on fall stock 1913.
February 18, 1914 Chinook - light rain.
Still packing grub for Nelchina gold diggers. Peter Herbert
got small order, also O. Franke. Put up balance of Hall’s
order. Al Drees left with his outfit for Mazuma. Preacher
and Hildreth busy getting pick ups for trip to Crooked Creek.
GB in from Willow Creek had road opened clear though. Zimmerman
wanted to get lease on my Willow Creek hydraulic placer and turn in
all cleanups until his bill was paid. Swift left for Seward
with mailman.
February 19, 1914 Nylen took Hall’s and odd
outfits for Nelchina District. Paul Hobitz in from Nelchina
District said all were waiting for someone to find bedrock. Paul
Heath in from Station on way to Seward. Ordered a few supplies
to come early to Seldovia so launch could bring same up in April.
February 20, 1914 Drew off 30 gallons of Cramer’s
gasoline from big tank left in warehouse for credit. School
gave entertainment at school house hall in honor of George Washington
- Stanley used the hatchet. Sold lunch boxes, proceeds to
go toward buying an organ for the Knik school. Paul Heath
left for Seward. Sent out early orders for groceries to come
in March to Seldovia. St. Clair’s in from Nelchina. GB started
relaying out cyanide plant.
February 21, 1914 Roger McNally in from Nelchina
District. Sold $30 trail order to St. Clair for Nelchina
District. Report river good again, Dalton moving 100 tons
coal every 3 days.
February 22, 1914 Self and family drove Kid
out to Meadow Brook Farm, found cache locked and everything regular.
No church, preacher gone to Nelchina District.
February 23, 1914 Started to fix over red sled
for straight pull. St. Clair family left again for Nelchina
with summer outfit. Grub getting short at Knik. Percy
in from Peters Creek Mines with Rex horse.
February 24, 1914 Jim Denny arrived from Hope
with Iditarod mushers, came as far as Fish Creek with launch
Irish Lord. Dunk McCormack back from trip with horses to Nelchina,
only got to summit with team. Mr. Huddleson arrived from
Nelchina District.
February 25, 1914 Put up small articles
for my mine outfit - season 1914. Hired Fred Nelson for
2 months at $75 a month - to go on miners pay May 1st. Jim Denny
left for Hope sent over 6 letters one with check to M. Seller and Co.
to go out March 2nd mail from Hope to Seward.
February 26, 1914 Busy packing my order
for mines. Fred Nelson and Carlson digging a well. Simmons
up before the court for throwing lever at Native, was turned loose,
jury trial. B. S. Bartholf and men ready to start sawmill.
February 27, 1914 Only thing doing - everybody
busy locating Government RR route in Alaska. Channel still
closed down to Fish Creek. Ice raising dock with each flood
- dock moved out 1’. Bob Dunlap now on the wood wagon.
Ben Agnew left with McCormack for the Nelchina District. Farrington
lost his Stella horse.
February 28, 1914 Took out 14 cwt. grub and
forage to ranch for mines. Stanley hauled 500 with his
horse on double ender, Albert went along. Went out in 2 hours 40
minutes came back in 2 hours 15 minutes - 16 mile trip. Zimmerman
got back from Willow Creek shot a moose brought it in with Buck
horse, said Forty Mile had his outfit moved up to Grubstake. GB
in town got last of freight ready to haul out on the 1st.
March 1, 1914 Fred Nelson started to fix up
double ender for hauling grub to OGH Mines. Rae getting
ready to go to his mine. Furgeson back from Nelchina said
it looked all same as Knik Arm ice and snow.
March 2, 1914 Self and Fred worked on
double ender and shoeing horses. Got double ender fixed
over so horse can wear snowshoes. Put up another Nelchina
order for Frisby and Murray. RR Jones over from Station after
some of Nagley’s goods. Jack Dalton and wife in from coal camp,
said they would land the coal by next Friday. Rae went out
with 4 men to get out mining timbers etc. Collections slow for
February.
March 3, 1914 AM shod Kid all around,
fitted on snowshoes. Got harness gear in shape for trip
to Willow Creek. Mattie store keeper. Jim Denny in from
Hope with Iditarod mushers. Colonel Revelle arrived from Seward
in route to Iditarod to look over trail for mail contract Tom Freeze
guide? Denison arrived from Station for grub said stores were
out of milk, spuds and butter.
March 4, 1914 Took out 18 cwt . grub etc.
With Kid and Iditarod to sawmill at Susitna River. Camped
with GB Harry Landers.
March 5, 1914 Self and Fred drove back
to ranch from river and got relay of grub etc. AM,
PM hauled same to ridge summit. Mattie sold $100 outfit to
Chas Harper Nelchina District.
March 6, 1914 Sawmill to Knik.
Fred took 800 with Kid from river to summit barn - one more
load at river to go. Self left river with Iditarod on red
sled, arrived at Knik 11:30 AM. Teck Cobb down from his ranch
said the last of the government coal would be landed on tidewater
today. Dance on at schoolhouse hall.
March 7, 1914 Dohrman Bros. and Breeze
in from Nelchina reported J. M. Woods shot his knee with auto.
Put up two small orders for Nelchina. Bill Long back from
Old Knik after sobering up. Report came - all the government
coal was landed at tidewater yesterday. Meyers visited wanted
to come to some agreement about Alfred Creek grubstake, said I ought
to pay Frank Kelly - told him I would not pay out another dollar to
anyone. Furgy took schoolmarm to Susitna.
March 8, 1914 Grey-Burke party in from
Nelchina going back to Iditarod. Took Hershey’s measurements
for a “C. J.” suit. Gill arrived with mail 5 PM from Seward,
Johnny Swift came back with him. Zimmerman came around looking
for a job at Willow Creek placer mines. Burke party brought
in J. M. Wood who shot his knee cap.
March 9, 1914 Busy again cash sales over $400.
William Breeze and several others and Chas Harper returned
to Nelchina District with more grub etc. Wind blocked trail
from Old Knik down. Furgy trying to close out Nagley’s “junk” left
in his house at Knik.
March 10, 1914 Cold wave last night -4.
Coal teamsters in town, cash sales $200.55. Dance on at
schoolhouse hall in honor of the coal stiffs. Most of the
teamsters fighting booze today. Drew up agreement with A.
A. Zimmerman to work at placer mines at $5 per day until September
30, 1914 and to pay ½ of wages due on his bill to K. T. Co.
Now ready to go to mines to break out trail from Rhinehardt cabin to
Grubstake for landing supplies. Zimmerman left for Willow at
noon.
March 11, 1914 Left Knik with Stanley’s
horse for mines. Heavy trail, only made it over to sawmill.
Fred met me on Twin Lake, came out from Reinhardt
cabin. Camped at river.
March 12, 1914 Arrived at summit 10 AM.
PM hauled out 16 cwt. to last swamp near Willow Creek, returned
to GB summit camp.
March 13, 1914 GB summit camp to Rhinehardt
cabin, hauled over 16 cwt. Fred drove back for last load left
on swamp. Self fixed up barn for horses. PM squally
weather.
March 14, 1914 Put snowshoes on Kid and
broke road to Jifkin cabin and hauled up 1½ tons.
Made camp in Jifkin cabin. Joe Peterson stopping there but
gone to his lower hunting camp.
March 15, 1914 Broke trail from B. D. cache
to Grubstake cabin, hauled up 2 loads with Kid.
March 16, 1914 AM Fred hauled up 2 loads
to mines. Fred took me and bed down to Rhinehardt cabin and self
left for Knik with Iditarod on red sled. Camped at GB summit
camp. PM Fred landed last of grub etc. at mines.
March 17, 1914 Left summit 5 AM, passed
Lander at the bears nest. Left river 7:30, 9 to 18” snow
on road from river to ranch - had to snowshoe down snow, ahead
of horse. Arrived at ranch 1:30 left ranch 3 PM arrived
Knik 7 PM. Wind and snow had covered trail completely - was 12
hours making - 5 if road in good condition. Mattie had done
a good business while I was on trip to mines. St. Patrick dance
at schoolhouse and Sherman married Mrs. Dalton no. 1.
March 18, 1914 March cold wave still
on. Evening kids tin canned Sherman on account of being married.
Mailman overdue. Sent Herbert check for flour invoice
November 5, took out for 5 cases milk.
March 19, 1914 Busy all day on Seattle
orders to come on first boat to Ship Creek. Gill in from
Station in route with last winters overland mail to Seward.
March 20, 1914 Otto came up from his camp at
mouth of Little Susitna, said he got 2 more moose and 38 assorted
skins. Fred Nelson drove through from lumber camp to Knik
with Kid, was 17 days hauling out 32 cwt and landing firewood at
mines, was 11 days for grub and 6 days for wood etc.
March 21, 1914 First rain of spring.
Had Fred clean up coal bin in warehouse. Put new rod in
double ender. Business quiet, several looking for credit
until spring work opens up. Sent Bartholf’s order for lumber
for warehouse attic remodel. Stanley and Albert hauled in
load wood (2 sticks) with his Iditarod horse.
March 22, 1914 Chinook on. Cleaned
up big warehouse and drew off balance of gasoline. Made
out furniture order. Report came that the government
would send out 300 engineers to locate Government RR in Alaska.
March 23, 1914 Lined up pole rafters
in old part of warehouse for laying new floor in attic.
Delivered to Palmer gasoline tank got by Cramer last fall.
GB teams in from Willow Creek, trail soft, had to use snowshoes on
horses. Stevens steamed up the “Big Noise” to thaw ice from bottom
of boat. Last of coal teams in.
March 24, 1914 Had Fred jack up center
beam in barn and fix up 3rd stall and do odd jobs around warehouse.
Jim Denny and Nate White arrived with passengers. J. J. O'Brian
got back from crazy trip to Oregon and a Dr. Martin, mining man,
arrived to look over Knik District. Put up small order for
Joe Peterson and O. C. Miller and 769 lbs. for OGH placer mine.
Got butter, eggs, sugar and beans from George Roll.
March 25, 1914 Got up 3 AM to load up
double ender for trip to mines. Sent Fred out with Kid
on double ender, about 850 lb. load all told. Lander sent
out GB teams with forage to river, made round trip, said Fred went
on to summit camp. Busy in store all day, sold 60 lbs. butter
which came from Hope. PM rough house at saloon, they threw O'Brian
out, face was cut up, said bartender threw 3 glasses at him -
O'Brian had in a few drinks. Stewart and Hanley had a scrap.
Denny and White left for Hope with launch and river boat.
March 26, 1914 Busy in store all day
cash sales $88.65. Wilson came up from his ranch at Ship
Creek. Eight dog teams in from Seward in route to Iditarod.
Jack Ramer, not seen since trying to walk across from Fire Island
to Pt. Campbell, came to Iditarod with Nate White who lost his
boat in the ice flows. J. J. O'Brian up before the court for
slandering Bill Hughes, got 25 days in jail. Fred arrived
at Willow Creek with grub 2nd trip out.
March 27, 1914 GB took out 6 of Hughes horses
to haul wood to mines. Several Iditarod mushers returning
from states, Iditarod banker and merchant among the mushers.
Very quiet at saloon since O’Brian’s arrest. Stanley making
ready for trip to mines with me tomorrow.
March 28, 1914 Stanley and self left
for Willow Creek with Iditarod.
March 31, 1914 Lumber camp to Knik.
Self and Stanley with Iditarod on red sled left 6 AM and arrived
at Knik 5:45 PM had lunch at river, traveling time 10 hours.
Special mail in by Chamberlain. Jim Denny in voyage 4 with
Horace Emery and party from Seattle. Evening looked over mail.
Capt. Mahl in from Kern Creek voyage one with Government boat.
April 1, 1914 The “kids” made a few fools
today. Paddy O’Donnell outfitted to prospect benches at
head of Willow Creek.
April 2, 1914 Capt. Mahl left for Sunrise.
Fred Doremus left for Seward? Made out door and window
order also hardware order. New government man paying up all
of Dalton’s labor debts etc. Filled gas tank.
April 3, 1914 Busy making
out Seattle orders to send in-mail with Al Chamberlain.
Gill in with last special overland mail from Seward, said Cramer
would be up here the 10th. Adm. Evans to leave Seattle for
Knik anchorage April 15th. New government man ordered Swift
to pay all Dalton’s coal bills. rendered.
April 4, 1914 Col. Revelle
back from inspecting Iditarod-Knik mail route. Wrote Bank
of Seward that we had turned over our Seward property to M. J.
Conroy.
April 5, 1914 Snow about all gone on
street in front of store. New goods bought season of 1913, $24,995.85.
Stock on hand about $5,000 at close of winters business and all
goods paid for. Col. Revelle laid over to see Jim Denny on
account of going overland to Indian Creek thence by boat to Sunrise
and trail to Seward.
April 6, 1914 Joe Bush and
Whiskers back from Nelchina. Collections A-1 today, cash
on hand $1,700, deposits by customers $3,000 additional to above.
Jim Denny overdue from Turnagain Arm. Jack Wilson on a drunk.
Mr. Major back from Nelchina also Dohrman Bros.
April 7, 1914 Water running around Knik.
Bartholf brought in part of lumber to apply on bobsleighs.
Gill over from Station to trade. Sent Swift and Co. financed
statement of K. T. Co. April 1, 1914 - net worth $12,543.46 as
follows, stock on hand $5,000, bills receivable $2,000, cash on
hand $2,000, fixtures etc. $1,000, buildings, docks, etc. $4,000,
less $1,456.54 owed to Sylvester Bros., net balance $12,543.46.
Henry Dohrman looking for job as clerk. Got delivery of 17
ricks of wood.
April 8, 1914 Snow about all gone on
Knik Street. Had Hughes team haul B ceiling from schoolhouse
to dock. Fred Nelson arrived from Willow Creek. Zimmerman
got no. 1 hole down 60’ on account of water and boulders had to quit
it. Put no. 2 hole down 26’ got bedrock which dipped toward creek,
no pay. Jim Denny, in voyage 4, brought balance of grub
from Roll’s. Evening made out 3rd lot orders for groceries
etc. Fred Nelson arrived at Knik, 9 hours from Willow Creek.
April 9, 1914 Had Fred start to lower
attic floor in warehouse. Joe Peterson in
from Willow Creek to trade left 9 PM for his camp at Willow Creek
Canyon, left his furs with me. Tides making, raised up dock.
April 10, 1914 Fred and brother started
to cut piles for dock. Col. Revelle went to Seward via
Jim Denny launch - Knik to Sunrise - took dogs in dory.
April 11, 1914 Snow flurries. Big
tide floated government launch and raised 3 bents of dock
The Topsy-lals struck K. T. Co. today, most everybody having spring
colds. Told Henry Dohrman we didn’t need clerk until June and
not then if Mrs. H stayed at Knik.
April 12, 1914 Ground white again snowed
about 2”. Self laid up with spring cold. Easter
Sunday nothing doing in Knik. Big tide failed to open up
channel up to dock, open as far as stairs on Socialist Row.
April 13, 1914 Cleared and colder.
Fred and brother finished cutting piles for dock. School
election. Fish and wife in from Nelchina. Jim Denny
arrived with Swift and Co. man - was at Fire Island during storm.
Collection and cash sales over $100 today. Stanley got the
Knik spring fever - in bed PM.
April 14, 1914 Evening down to +10.
Knik off the chart tide ebbing east. "Big Noise" found
inside channel, run straight out beyond bar and out down deep, leaving
channel in front of docks closed with ice. Horace Emery
in from mines. Supt. Davis A. N. Railway and Bobby Bush
in from Nelchina District. Fred started to haul piles with
Kid.
April 15, 1914 George Nylen placed order
for Deering mower and rake. Thomas McLaughlin in from
Peters Creek Mines after more supplies. Wild Bill and several
strangers in from Nelchina District. Jim Denny left for
Sunrise with the Fish family. Stanley still out of school with
cold.
April 16, 1914 Hughes team hauled in
3 loads of piles. Fred finished getting piles out to road
at noon. Gave MacGill, Swift’s man, small
order for Marigold milk, soap, etc. Gill game over from
Station yesterday waiting for Alaska. Two mushers in
from lower Yukon.
April 17, 1914 Hughes team hauled in 2 loads
pile timbers. Alaska arrived from Seldovia on AM tide
- voyage 1. She brought 10 pieces freight for K. T. Co.
and Hi-you Big Chief George Palmer got back from trip outside.
Alaska reported Tyonek and Traveler would soon follow with freight
for Knik. Fred drove down to socialist stairs and got freight then
worked on attic floor in warehouse.
April 18, 1914 Hughes team hauled in
2 loads piles - making 7 loads all told. Fred helped
to load piles and cut 15 braces for front of new dock also skidded
timbers for new pile driver. Alaska left AM tide for Turnagain
Arm and Seldovia. Harry Lander brought in GB concentrates
and Hughes teams from GB Mines.
April 19, 1914 Fred got in last of logs for
dock.
April 20, 1914 Traveler arrived voyage 1, Tyonek
in with our freight voyage 1. Several new people arrived,
30 on Tyonek. Morning Fred hauled in timbers for pile
driver. Tyonek laid over to discharge freight at Fish Creek.
April 21, 1914 Got up 3 AM to discharge
Tyonek at Fish Creek - landed 4 tons OK - Ike had several tons
also. Had Hughes team haul up our freight Traveler
laying in port waiting for Evans due at Ship Creek Anchorage on
the 26th. Fred laid attic floor in warehouse. All 1st
merchandise ordered arrived except BB goods.
April 22, 1914 Palmer out of butter, milk and
coal oil - K. T. Co. got ‘em all. Fred put stairs
in warehouse. New loft in warehouse gives 910 square feet
more floor space. Hughes team delivered last of freight from
Fish Creek put off by Tyonek.
April 23, 1914 Ben Ritthamer got
a small outfit for F. B. Cannon. Fred cleaned up the warehouse.
Traveler back from Ship Creek reported SS Bertha in. Snow
and ice all gone on streets of Knik. Sent Nagley’s March bill
over by Ben Ritthamer, check for goods sold enclosed.
April 24, 1914 Laid sidewalk
in front of C and H lot cost $5.20 for materials.
Mrs. Whitney and Brown up from Ship Creek to trade. Frank
Whitney in from Nelchina. Alaska back from Seldovia.
Traveler at Ship Creek lighting B and H explosives ashore off SS Bertha.
Lidell started log house on C and H lot. Dance on at School House Hall.
April 25, 1914 Started to
put in foundation on C and H lot for 16 x 20 cottage. Traveler
in after passengers for Evans. Mrs. Rae and son left for
Seattle. Sal Silverman came up on Traveler looking for
business on account of B and H store on SS Bertha.
April 26, 1914 Quiet in town. Everybody
waiting for Adm. Evans to arrive. Fred worked on foundation
for house on C and H lot. McKinnon down to trade.
Channel open to spring.
April 27, 1914 Fred worked on foundation
on cottage on C and H lot. Evening tide Traveler in with
first load freight, 18 tons off SS Bertha, got our rubber goods.
Traveler with scow landed freight on ice below spring. Alaska in
from Seldovia with passengers off Evans. Evans broke her crank
shaft going in to Seldovia, SS Bertha took passengers down
to Seldovia. Cramer left for Seldovia to get passengers off
Evans.
April 28, 1914 Knik busy. AM tide
Tyonek in with 80 passengers off Evans at Seldovia. Knik
on its first real boom on account of Government RR etc. Busy
in store all day with “chechocker” trade. Channel still closed
down to spring. EH and WE, Chas Dorr, Bartholf bunch
arrived also Ike Rosthenalt from Seattle and Andrew the rancher? back
again.
April 29, 1914 Party leased Woods building
on corner for chop house, put on new canvas roof. Boats
due from Seldovia with Evans freight. Young Dohrman over
from Station after mail. Richard Crisp to leave for Cache
Creek District 4 AM tomorrow over winter trail.
April 30, 1914 Windy and rain last night,
channel still closed from dock to spring. Business fair
with newcomers cash sales $60.45. Fred laid new floor in
barn stable and cleaned up store garden. Tyonek back from
Turnagain Arm with passengers and baggage off the Adm. Evans.
Crowd threatened to hang Herbert if he came ashore on account of taking
baggage to Turnagain Arm. Fred 1 day work cleaning up etc.
2 month contract at $3 per day.
May 1, 1914 Collections fair cash receipts
$415.60. Bartholf bunch wanted to buy me out, also Bill
Hawkins. Improvements store, dock, warehouse, etc. $4,748.97
must get this with stock at Knik wholesale prices. Evening
tide Traveler in with 2 scow loads of freight off Evans - Sylvester
groceries hardware and Portland clothing came.
May 2, 1914 Two new stores opening up.
Patchell sold his lot and cabin for $650. Chas Tuell on a drunk,
Marshal took his gun and took him in to sober up. Hughes
busy hauling up freight landed at spring. Fred 1 day on store
work. Paid Pete Nelson for labor at mines and dock.
May 3, 1914 Alaska in from East Foreland
did not see anything of Palmer’s schooner long overdue.
Davis cleaned up the booze joint wanted to sell me the building
Busy AM in store packed away groceries and new goods. Evening
up till 2 o’clock with out-mail orders etc.
May 4, 1914 Ronald Harris, Supt. GB Mine,
arrived from Outside, brought his help with him - arranged to
go to Willow over Herning’s winter road. Traveler in at midnight
with 2nd class baggage off Evans.
May 5, 1914 Busy as a bee with newcomers
outfitting to go to hills. Tyonek in at noon with mail
only. Paid Herbert for April 21st delivery. Evening
Sea Lion in 1st trip. May Cody came up from Tyonek school.
Traveler went to Hope with freight 1st trip.
May 6, 1914 Most of the newcomers gone
to the hills. Sea Lion went to Goose Bay to repaint.
Paddy O’Donnell started to fix up his engine for the K. T. Co.
pile driver. George Nylen down to trade sold him a plow.
May 7, 1914 O'Donnell fixing up engine
for pile driver. Fred hewed logs for skid bottom for
pile driver. Alaska in with freight off Palmer’s schooner.
Tyonek in port with passengers from Arm. Sampson and Evans
freight still on SS Bertha on account of no delivery wagon?
May 8, 1914 Business quiet newcomers
must all be camping or out looking up locations. Started
to frame up pile driver. Feed for horses all gone, same down
on SS Bertha and no delivery. Traveler packing freight to Hope.
Alaska in with 2nd load freight off schooner. Fred worked 1
day on pile driver C. W. Dutch 1 day on pile driver O'Donnell 1 day
on pile driver engine.
May 9, 1914 Rain needed. Traveler in
with delayed freight off Sampson 4 AM, brought part of K. T.
Co. freight. Had Fred checking up freight and housing lumber
etc. "Big Noise" launched the government boat. Dutch
got bottom of pile driver frame bolted together. Fred worked 1 day
at store Dutch 1 day on pile driver O'Donnell worked 1 day on pile
driver engine.
May 10, 1914 Took Lidell’s measure for
suit. PM tide Palmer’s schooner arrived at dock. Traveler
came up from Ship Creek, brought no freight. Ranchers from
Matanuska came down by boat to trade. Fred laid off Dutch 2/3
day on pile driver O'Donnell 7 hours on pile driver engine.
May 11, 1914 Busy day cash sales $146.90
small outfits. Pile driver building stopped on account
of material to finish same. Evening Traveler in with odd
freight from last Sampson and Evans. Would not let them
land powder on dock. Hughes L. S. the freight Pile driver
hammer came.
May 12, 1914 Had Fred and brother put
roofing paper on Lidell’s house. Business fair got $150
order for Broad Pass prospectors. Scotty Watson returned
to Old Knik. Fred worked 5½ hours on Lidell house
4½ hours on store. Pete worked 4 hours on Lidell house.
May 13, 1914 Palmer finished
discharging his schooner – took 4 days. O'Donnell steamed
up pile driver, engine worked OK, all ready except leads for
driver. Albert took all the dogs out of town to his dog farm
at Fish Creek. Evening tide Alaska towed out Palmer’s schooner
to wind. Tyonek in with Davis furniture. Fred worked
5 hours on door at Lidell’s house and 5 hours in store.
May 14, 1914 Tyonek got suck on mud opposite
dock last night. AM tide took out 15 tons Roll’s freight
that came on Palmer’s schooner. Finley and Co. got their new store
building by GB barn under cover. Palmer slashing prices on
milk, sugar, etc. Ronald Harris in from GB Mines. Hughes
team plowed barn lot and store garden. Fred worked 3 hours on
Lidell house, 7 hours on store work, O'Donnell worked 1 day on engine.
May 15, 1914 Had Fred clean up back yard
business fair today. Traveler in with freight shortages
from last Evans and Sampson. Evening big dance on a schoolhouse
hall - proceeds to pay for new piano got by the P.D.Q. Club.
May 16, 1914 Tyonek in port with passengers
from Sunrise and shoes for GB, got stuck on mud going out.
Alaska in with Cache Creek passengers off Dora at Ship Creek.
Had Fred clean up back yard.
May 17, 1914 Boat Day, all the launches
and Tyonek in port, business fair. PM packed Kelly and
Taulman order for Broad Pass District. Evening tide Alaska
and Sea Lion left for mouth of Susitna to see if river was open.
Planted barn lot to oats and field peas.
May 18, 1914 Put up Paddy O'Donnell order
for Broad Pass District. Ed O'Brian down from coal camp.
Evening Zimmerman in from OGH Mines found 2 prospect holes on
bench. Agreed to take over O’Donnell’s boiler and engine
at cost price. Cannon started to build annex on to Pioneer
Hotel for rush of business.
May 19, 1914 Very busy all day up till
midnight in store. Had Fred fix up fence and yard in front
of barn on account of run for horses. Cannon placed order
for furniture for hotel annex. Kelly, Taulman, O'Donnell,
Stander and Chas Lindfors ready to go to Broad Pass District to
prospect. Hughes and Peterson wanted to use our dock at 50¢
ton net to us for next Sampson. Old Mr. Hunter died of old age.
May 20, 1914 Busy in store all day with
Broad Pass outfitters. Bought O’Donnell’s engine and boiler
to run pile driver. Alaska back from 1st trip to Susitna,
river was open. Several busy making ready for burial of
Mr. Hunter. Zimmerman left at noon for OGH Mines.
May 21, 1914 First bunch
of prospectors left Knik for Broad Pass via the schooner Alaska.
Chas Lindfors took horse over winter trail to Station. Funeral
for Mr. Hunter 2 PM. Capt. Mahl over from Turnagain Arm.
Lidell in from GB to trade for mines.
May 22, 1914 Swan arrived
from Seldovia brought halibut. Susitna back from Station
1st trip. Traveler in from Ship Creek. Evening got out-mail
up till 1:30. Had Fred oil up all harness gear.
May 23, 1914 Pioneer annex going up.
Languist down to get my disc at Meadow Brook Farm. Sent
out-mail by Traveler. Sold out in spuds. Planted
part of store garden to black oats.
May 24, 1914 Very quiet, all boats at
Ship Creek to meet Sampson. Posted up ledger. Had
Fred put in gate by end of store buildings on account of water for
house short cut.
May 25, 1914 Sampson in - 58 passengers
for Knik - Boom on! Sampson had 40 millionaires as tourists.
Marshal Brown took on a wife. B. F. Watson here to look
after government coal transportation contract (Matanuska coal).
May 26, 1914 Tried to bore for water on C and
H lot, got down 10’, struck rock Evening tide
Traveler in with Sampson freight had 25 tons for K. T. Co.
Martin shipped in new span of greys. Traveler got freight
wet, ½ ton flour, ¼ ton sugar, and several boxes wet.
May 27, 1914 Cool weather continues temperatures
40 to 50. Busy all day checking up freight 25 ton lot.
Evening Swan took Nagley’s fall stock, left over winter, also
his house keeping gear.
May 28, 1914 Had Fred arrange
new goods in different store room. Palmer getting in piles
to rebuild his dock for the outside buyers? Paid Dutch for
his labor 2½ days on pile driver frame.
May 29, 1914 Tyonek and Buffalo in port,
mail trip. Herbert brought timber account lead for pile
driver and cable account pile driver. Turned horses on
grass today. Frank Watson visited talked over Rosenthal’s
business and about lumber said Ike owed Transp. Co. $1,400 and on
mill $700. Jim Denny operating Buffalo.
May 30, 1914 Had Fred assemble chairs.
Martin’s man in looking for pipe fixtures. B. F. Watson
visited and paid over charge on freight fall 1913. Cramer
after government coal. Alaska in port. By request
made up Martin’s April and May bill rendered.
May 31, 1914 Ball game, Knik boys
vs. government boys, score 17 to 8, Knik won. Evening
posted up sundry May bills. Mattie in style put on hobble
skirt.
June 1, 1914 Fred finished assembling chairs.
Traveler took government scow for hauling government coal.
Swan back from 1st trip to Station. Horses on grass.
Evening watered garden.
June 2, 1914 Made saw pit to rip 8 x 10 x 30
timber for leads for pile driver. PM started to build
extension on east side of warehouse with shed roof. Evening
all the launches in port to get passengers for Evans to arrive.
June 3, 1914 Fred worked
on foundation for east annex to warehouse. Evans in at
Ship Creek. Swan and Sea Lion brought up passengers.
Brown and wife of B and H came up to take a rubber at Knik.
Traveler didn’t show up after government coal. Mrs.
Zimmerman arrived on Evans, Milo Kelly and wife and William
Martin arrived.
June 4, 1914 Alaska in with
freight off Sampson. Traveler didn’t show up. Had
Fred oil up meats. Young Stewart the banker in from Willow
Creek, Wilson and Brown up from Ship Creek to trade.
June 5, 1914 Young Stewart the banker left
for Willow. Alaska landed Martin’s traction gas truck,
run her off scow by her own power. Isaac’s in from Nelchina
District. Put up 4 small orders $176.75.
Hard times dance on a schoolhouse hall.
June 6, 1914 Martin’s auto truck left
for mines with 1 ton got stuck in mud hole at mile 7 and dumped
load and came back to Knik. Tyonek in with mail. 5
PM Mattie and Stanley left on Tyonek for trip to Ship Creek to meet
Alameda with Government RR party for Knik. Evening got out-mail
sent Corlew $400 on his stock sold.
June 7, 1914 Fred worked on east annex
to warehouse. PM ball game at hay shed. Auto truck
hauled out 3 loads to game. Susitna in port took last 3
pieces of Nagley’s fall freight, show case was broken. Evening
got out-mail to send by government launch to Dirigo.
June 8, 1914 Dirigo in yesterday with
Government RR advance party to locate headquarters at Knik Harbor.
Failed to get mail down in time to catch Dirigo, mail to Seward.
Had Fred and brother move pile driver to midway of dock for making
foundation for east annex to warehouse. Several Knik boys
got job with Government RR party to put up main office at Ship
Creek. Zimmerman in town after his bride?
June 9, 1914 Had Fred put in posts for Chase
to lay against on even tide. Alaska and Traveler hauling
down government coal from mouth Matanuska River to Ship Creek.
Jim Denny back from Seward for mail contract, came overland.
Zimmerman and wife left PM for Grubstake Mines took Kid and Iditarod
as far as Bald Mt. summit.
June 10, 1914 Fred working on gangway
foundation east side of warehouse. Evening Wilson up from
Ship Creek to trade. Busy all evening selling clothing.
Frank Watson up from SS Bertha said the government had started
new town at Ship Creek and visited it Woodrow City.
June 11, 1914 Joe Peterson in from Willow
Creek, met Zimmerman and wife on Bald Mt., brought back Kid
and Iditarod and Zorn’s horse, our horses gone 2 days. Cramer landed
last of government coal at Ship Creek. Watson visited, wanted
us to pay off coal helpers on government coal. Swift left his
2 prospecting boilers with us for sale.
June 12, 1914 All the launches
in port. Traveler landed the 800 tons Matanuska coal
in 11 days at Ship Creek. Martin’s auto truck delivering
lumber around town. PM took school kids out for a ride.
June 13, 1914 Tyonek in AM tide left us a ton
of coal. Mr. Fay left on Tyonek evening tide to catch
Sampson. Mrs. Paraguay and kids went out on Tyonek.
Launches all at Ship Creek to meet Sampson and Northwestern.
Oscar Miller in from GB Mines. Gave Joe Palmer Meyers mail
2 letters.
June 14, 1914 Alaska in and
Big Noise left for Ship Creek to meet boats. Swift left
for Outside. Swift left boiler with us to sell also one in Nelchina
District. Helped Fred on foundation east annex got same covered.
No ball on account of rain.
June 15, 1914 Sampson and
Northwestern at Ship Creek. Government outfit came on Northwestern
on account of RR survey. Another big bunch of ranchers etc.
arrived. Evening tide Traveler in with part of freight.
Joe Peterson left for Willow Creek. Mattie and son went down
to see big boats.
June 16, 1914 Had Fred clean up around dock
and replant store garden to barley. Wise in from Willow
Creek after medicine for Mrs. Zimmerman. Traveler in from
Ship Creek but brought no freight. New gas boat in.
Dance on account Walter Howard’s bride.
June 17, 1914 Traveler in with balance
of freight off of Sampson. Had Fred go over the smoked meats
again on account of molding. Midnight Tyonek in with K.
T. Co. lumber off Northwestern.
June 18, 1914 Had Fred finish
cleaning up hams. Put part of casing lumber in warehouse.
U. S. Engineer party landed at Knik to run survey from head
of Arm to Willow Creek and Happy River.
June 19, 1914 Sent Fred to mines with
horses and 200 lb. outfit. Traveler in with explosives.
J. H. Wilson left for Broad Pass with government surveyor via Willow
Creek trail. Mowing machine came short pole and shafts.
June 20, 1914 Horning put timbers under
drum on pile driver. Had Otto re-pile shiplap etc.
Purser off of SS Bertha visited and paid 2 shortages. Evening
a few mosquitoes.
June 21, 1914 Third day of real summer
weather. Quiet in town, ball game at hay shed flats,
auto truck was bun wagon. Evening Herning family took a
row boat ride. Took Pete Peterson measure for suit.
Launches in port.
June 22, 1914 Tyonek in with Dora mail,
left us some coal and pulley for lead on pile driver.
Horning framed up leads to pile driver. Eric Larson brought back
Kid and Iditarod from mines. Evening got out-mail.
June 23, 1914 Had Otto and Pete drive well
point on C and H lot, struck rock down 16’ and broke point.
PM started to dig well. Government engineer men at Knik
buying pick ups. Traveler back from Ship Creek for mail
and passengers for Evans. Chas Tuell left for Juneau.
Nylen down after mower and rake. Harry Lander in from GB
Mines.
June 24, 1914 Traveler up on evening
tide. Jack Dalton came up, no boat at Ship Creek yet.
Otto and Pete dug on well on C and H lot. Smoke-house-Mike
made dingy for Traveler. Auto truck broke down, Horning the
blacksmith fixed her up.
June 25, 1914 Mattie and Stanley went
down to Ship Creek to rubber at Evans. Well down 16’, had
to crib up. Report came that John Young committed suicide
by tying Evinrude engine to his neck and jumping overboard at point
above Goose Bay. Evening tide Traveler brought body to Knik,
found same 10’ above deep channel. Traveler brought K. T. Co.
groceries. Ide and Hawkins in town also Sid Anderson.
June 26, 1914 Received a list of merchandise
wanted by Alaska Road Commission, asking for bids by A. Eide
superintendent. All the launches went to Ship Creek, Alameda
expected in. Uncle Sam buried John Young at 7 PM. Hawkins
and son left for Ind. Gold Mines. Harris and Martin left
for mines. Martin Larsen left for Willow Creek to prospect.
June 27, 1914 Bartholf and son delivered
lumber for well crib. Otto and Pete worked on well on
C and H lot. Left for mines on Kid at 3:30 PM, rode out to
razor back rested 4 hours arrived at mines 6 AM.
June 28 1914 Rode up gulch, inspected holes
sunk on bench visited on Miller. Miller just finished 12’
ditch on bench now ready to sluice. Zimmerman and Fred had
half cut piped in on bench by cabins. Pit panned in gravel
none in clay bedrock. Joe Peterson and Martin Larson visited.
Another murder at Knik. Dyer shot Jack Wilson who monkeyed
with his wife.
June 29, 1914 Swan and Buffalo in from
Hope.
July 30, 1914 A new candy and cigar
store added to Knik, two little girls proprietors. Hawkins
back from mines. Paid Pete for 4 days work on well $19.
Got Pete job with RR survey. Evening tide “"Big Noise"”
in port.
July 1, 1914 Business fair collections
$1,200. Rained last night. Traveler in from Virgin
Creek with load of RR lumber for Al Davis. Several ranchers
down to trade. Hawkins visited, wanted to sell out B and
H stock on SS Bertha and quit Knik. Pioneer Jim bill $1,394.20.
School term closed.
July 2, 1914 Sent mail down to Sampson by Traveler.
Ed O'Brian down from coal camp. Evening big drunk on at
saloon. Traveler and Buffalo left midnight to meet Sampson.
Marshal took Dyer the murderer to Valdez. Harry Lander in
town. Hawkins left for Seward.
July 3, 1914 Alaska in from Station.
Mrs. Gill and children came over to spend the 4th.
Decorations going up for the fourth. Stanley sick with
a cold. Al Davis wanted to sell me the saloon building for
$1,000 said he paid Palmer $1,500.
July 4, 1914 Big doings at Knik today.
Second real 4th of July celebration. Children conducted
exercises, Rev. Howard speaker, Miss Longmire read the usual
Declaration of Independence. Games consisted of foot races,
nail driving by the women, ball game. Government RR lads didn’t
show up. Sampson in AM. PM all the launches came to Knik.
Stanley won 2 cash prizes all $4. Harris in from GB,
L. C. Thompson arrived on Sampson, passengers but few.
July 5 1914 Alaska arrived with freight off
Sampson, 3 AM, self had 12 tons. Evening set up Phaeton
Road Cart, 1st road cart at Knik. Harris and Thompson left
for the mines. Otto and Pete dug on well.
July 6, 1914 Big fire on Eagle River.
Young Stewart in from Willow Creek gave up EHB placer ground.
Mrs. Dalton Sherman in town to trade from mile 18. Farrington
started to build a wharf in front of store garden.
July 7, 1914 Evening hitched Kid on new road
cart and drove up to Flats. Let Nugget Stewart have Iditarod
to ride out to Willow for his gun and blankets. Another roadhouse
starting up at mile 15½ Government road. Evening Geodetic
boys visited to trade.
July 8, 1914 Swan and Traveler left for Turnagain
Arm. Nine passengers came on Maraposa. Shorty in from land
survey camp, now surveying near Meadow Brook Farm.
July 9, 1914 Morning tide
Alaska in with freight off of Maraposa. Mrs. White Smith
visited. Fifteen of Martin’s Swedes quit the job.
Mr. Major went out to head of Little Susitna to prospect.
Nugget Stewart back from trip to Willow on Iditarod time 2½
days $5.
July 10, 1914 Evening Traveler in with
2nd scow load of lumber for Al Davis . T. R. Wilson and
party of 4 left for Metal Creek to placer mine. Sent Kelly
his mail and films by Swan via Station.
July 11, 1914 Jim Denny in from Glacier Creek
reported Nutter and Dawson had struck $25 per yard. Zink
in from Nelchina District no pay as yet. Stanley gave the
kids a ride on new road cart with Iditarod.
July 12, 1914 Got mail ready to send on Evans.
Swan left for Station. Buffalo left for Turnagain Arm.
July 13, 1914 Forestry boat in.
Mrs. Jack Brown up from Ship Creek to trade. Evening Traveler
and Buffalo back from Harbor. Survey boat got wire, Evans
and Alameda would be in tomorrow evening. Well down 43’,
no water.
July 14, 1914 Auto wagon broke down at
hay shed, took Hughes 4 horse team to pull her in to shop.
Evening Buffalo in with our freight off Alameda.
July 15, 1914 Evans in at Ship Creek.
Traveler brought mail up on noon tide, cattle on evening tide.
Fred Laubner landed 10 beef cattle, rancher landed milk cows.
Valdez Blum came up to look Knik over account store or bank. Two new
launches in port. Simmons family home from visit at Seldovia.
July 16, 1914 Government outfit from
Ship Creek up to trade, Capt. Mahl brought them up and took
back freight. Swan left with passengers down Inlet.
Sent 57 lb. grub out with Rae to mile 28 for OGH Mines. B.
Frank Watson in town.
July 17, 1914 Traveler in at midnight
with freight off Evans - being 3rd day after arrival of Evans
at Ship Creek. Got meat order and galvanized corrugated iron
for annex to warehouse. Chas S. Black sent here to act as
agent for Pac. Ala. Nav. Co. With office in Pioneer Hotel
lobby. Iditarod got kicked on right hind leg. One real
live rancher arrived with milk cows, pigs and chickens.
Buffalo left for trip to Seldovia and Homer.
July 18, 1914 Stanley and self with Kid on
road cart left for mines. Took supper at Mrs. Dalton Sherman’s,
drove on to Miller’s homestead and put up for the night,
Miller at Grubstake. Hired Otto Langel for 1 month at $100 to
do job work around store and warehouse.
July 19, 1914 Left Miller’s ranch 6 AM,
rode Kid to mile 32. Picked up pack sent out by Don S.
Rae and arrived at mines 1 PM, boys had left half of cut piped
in on Grubstake bench plenty of water.
O. C. Miller gave up his prospect above 2nd
canyon and was moving his outfit down to our mess house.
July 20, 1914 AM cleaned up 1 box on lower
bench at cabins and PM cleaned up boxes on Grubstake bench.
Got 18 oz. gr. off lower bench of Bear Claim and 14 oz. gr. off
Grubstake bench, one months work by 2 men. Gold dust $450,
labor and grub cost $275, profit $175. Half of time was spent
on dead work.
July 21, 1914 Left mines at 5 AM via Fishhook
Pass, arrived at Miller’s ranch 11:30 AM. Fed horse and
had lunch with Kid on road cart, arrived at Knik 8:30 PM, roads
very muddy. Road Commission was widening road at mile 16
on account of mud holes.
July 22, 1914 Evening up till midnight
with out-mail. 1 PM midnight Harris and Thompson arrived
from GB Mines, visited at store to get fruit etc. Evening
put up order for military survey party.
July 23, 1914 Heavy rain last night.
Sampson in PM tide. Traveler delivered passengers and
mail only. Frank Bartholf left for Seattle on Sampson.
July 24, 1914 Frost reported out at mile
32 on Government road. Worked on east annex to warehouse.
Evening tide Traveler delivered Sampson freight G. Danielson
down to trade. RR Com. Ship Creek up to trade. Palmer’s
schooner arrived voyage 2 season of 1914.
July 25, 1914 Frost reported at Ship
Creek by Bud Whitney. Otto got all the rafters up on east annex
to warehouse. Mr. Hubbell arrived to do some survey work.
Private launch Ide in to trade.
July 26, 1914 Got mail ready to send out on
Mariposa. Otto worked AM on east annex. Big fire
again near Eagle River. Chambers and Vaughn in from Nelchina
District said it was a frost.
July 27, 1914 Put up order
for a party going up Knik River to look for contact between
Knik River and Port Wells. Evening all the launches in port
except the Buffalo. Otto got half of corrugated iron roof
on east annex. Sent Ala. Eng. Com. June bill back to chief
clerk Clum at Ship Creek.
July 28, 1914 Otto finished nailing on corrugated
iron on east annex up to flour cache. Took pictures of waterfront.
Palmer’s schooner discharge (5 days). Noon Merideth launched
his dinky gas run boat. Let Barnes have Iditarod to ride
out to Martin’s camp. Harry Tremble in for prospecting trip.
Helped Otto on east annex most of day. Cut window in west
annex. Drunks and loud talk at saloon today. Government
boat up to trade. Palmer’s schooner left for San Francisco
on noon tide.
July 30, 1914 O. C. Miller arrived from
mines on Iditarod whom Barnes rode to mile 32 yesterday.
A party of 3 prospectors left for Knik River to look for contact
between Knik River and Port Wells.
July 31, 1914 Government
launch up to trade. Chase paid June bill rendered.
Cleaned out flour cache ready to tear down and rebuild with corrugated
iron. Eric Larson held up for selling booze to Natives at Ship
Creek.
August 1, 1914 Tore down old flour cache
and hauled same to C and H lot. O. C. Miller commenced
work on east annex. Colonel Revelle in town. Ed Miller in
from prospecting trip said he got a blank. Government launch
laid up.
August 2, 1914 Otto and Miller got foundation
posts down on east annex to replace old flour cache. Worked
on orders all day for out-mail. PM Alameda in, got
some groceries. Boats all left to meet Evans at Ship Creek
due on 3rd. Sent order for roofing to St. Paul.
August 3, 1914 Otto and Miller
got floor laid and frame up for corrugated iron over old flour
cache location. Traveler in 5 PM with mail and passengers
off Evans. Joe Conroy came over from Seward on business.
Harry Hoburn over from Seward.
August 4, 1914 Got old flour cache space covered
with corrugated iron. Paddy McDonald in from GB Mines.
Government sternwheeler in port today, voyage 1.
Joe Conroy gave us the history of the Seward political bunch.
August 5, 1914 Got war news by wireless
at Ship Creek from survey boat. Germany had opened fire,
war was on, all European nations in the fight. Boys put in
north end of east annex. Government RR survey now running line
up Matanuska River bottom to coal fields.
August 6, 1914 . Finished east
annex except making doors. Put new platform in front
of sugar warehouse. Report by wireless that England had
declared war against Germany. Cannon and Conroy left for
Willow Creek Quartz Mine District.
August 7, 1914 Otto started work on well again,
Larsen helped in PM. Miller put window in dock end of west
annex and started to make doors for east annex. Got war news
of the 6th by wireless off survey boat Explorer. Belgians
and Germans had battle 3,400 Germans killed. German Zeppelin
air ship shot down by Belgians 26 men killed.
August 8, 1914 Left Knik for the mines
at 2 PM, got out to mile 16 roadhouse for supper, went on to
Miller’s ranch, averaged 4 miles per hour. Miller made doors
for east annex.
August 9, 1914 Left Miller’s ranch 5
AM, made up to mile 32 roadhouse at 7 AM had breakfast.
Left at 8 arrived at mines 10 AM, boys had second cut in
bench about piped in. PM cleaned up 2 front boxes.
Decided to take cut out between pipeline and creek on Grubstake
bench.
August 10, 1914 Came out over Bald Mt. arrived
at Knik 4 PM. Otto struck water in well on C and H lot
at 53’. War news by wireless - German and French Army in
battle. French lost 35,000 Germans lost 15,000.
Stepp and Goranflo in from Nelchina District.
August 11, 1914 T. R. Wilson back from Knik
River District brought 1 oz. gold dust. Traveler went
to Turnagain Arm after mail from Jim Denny. Denny boat
on beach on account of short tide.
August 12, 1914 New launch
in port. Davis tore out old coal shed to make driveway along
east side of K. T. Co. warehouse. Miller got up side rafter
on new cottage.
August 13, 1914 Swan up evening tide to trade
for Alaska RR help. T. R. Wilson left for Willow
Creek to do his assessment. Frame up ready for sheathing
house on C and H lot.
August 14, 1914 Dr. Spaulding wanted
to rent new house for hospital. Otto and Miller on new
house. Horace Emery in town.
August 15, 1914 Miller jointed up window and
door frames for new house. Traveler came up for passengers.
Joe Conroy left for Seward sent out-mail with him.
August 16, 1914 Miller sick with cold, Otto
laid off due to rain. PM Traveler in with K. T. Co. freight
August 17, 1914 Rained heavy all day.
Rae left for mines with Cannon’s grub for assessment work.
George Thomas, son and party in from Alfred Creek, Nelchina
District. One man in from Sushana, 30 days to Knik.
L. W. Foster newcomer in jail - gone crazy drinking Knik booze.
August 18, 1914 Evening tide
Traveler in with bidarky and freight off Dirigo, got flour and
sugar. Boys got sides on cottage ready to put on shingles.
Old Cap took Thomas and son over to Sunrise via going to Seward.
August 19, 1914 Shield and party back from
Knik River prospect. Traveler in with bidarky and 2nd load
of forage for mining companies. Outside of cottage all
sealed up, now ready for roof. Mattie made out winter order
for clothing from Portland House.
August 20, 1914 Got sheathing
on roof of cottage now ready to shingle. Hughes hauled
up 6M shingles. Hughes hauling 2nd lot of forage from dock
warehouse to his bar and GB.
August 21, 1914 Got cottage shingled.
Durin and party back from Cache Creek District had to come out
on account of shortage of grub. Tyonek in port had no freight.
Herbert visited on Mrs. Paraguay? Vancouver and Victoria
reported in danger of the Dutch. Made lock attachment for door
on east annex to warehouse.
August 22, 1914 Left Knik for mines at
3 PM rode out to Miller’s homestead roads muddy and wet.
August 23, 1914 Got up at 4 AM arrived
at mines at noon. PM cleaned up got 32 and 13/20 oz. for
7 days piping two weeks work dead work included for 2 men.
August 24, 1914 Got up 3 AM, left mines
4:15 came over Bald Mt. went down Carle Road to mile 15 government
road. Arrived Knik 4:30 1 hour behind time. Up till
1:30 with out-mail.
August 25, 1914 Boys got cottage ceiled up
- lower floor. Evans 2 days late. Evening small
earthquake one good shake. Made out deed for Seward Cottage
to sell for $1,100 cash to Isaac Evans - Joe Conroy “go between”.
August 26, 1914 Evans in port on PM tide.
Traveler came up with mail and to take down passengers on evening
tide. Swift’s man in town. Harry Tremble on a drunk.
Chas McHenry in from Alfred Creek, Wood in route. Sent by
express 43 and 2/5 oz. dust.
August 27, 1914 Chas Tuell and Harry
Lander came back on Sampson. Traveler in morning and evening
tide with Sampson freight Got groceries, hardware, rubber,
lumber and doors. Another sawmill man came in with outfit,
Jink and sons. Ed O'Brian on a drunk. Evening self and
Otto repaired gangway to dock on account crib moved out 8”.
August 28, 1914 J. M. Wood
back from Alfred Creek. Ed O'Brian left for Chickaloon
Coal camp after the usual big drunk. Traveler left for
Seldovia with Chase in tow. Started to lay floors in new
cottage.
August 29, 1914 Swift, McGill left on Buffalo
to look up Beluga biz at Beluga River. Report came
that Sampson run on Sandy Point 16 miles out from Seattle and was
sunk. Dr. David said the preacher wanted our lot at $450,
½ down balance on note in 1 year.
August 30, 1914 Otto went hunting ducks.
No church. Posted up ledger. Roswell in from GB
Mines.
August 31, 1914 Several passengers going
out on Mariposa. Two more bids for C and H lot one for
drug store and one for cigar store location.
September 1, 1914 Traveler left 4 AM to meet
Mariposa. Dalton back from trip to Chickaloon Coal camp
on account of government RR survey. Out of inside lumber
for cottage on C and H lot. Collections poor today.
Had Otto clean up freight in warehouse and fix dock where bidarky
pulled out same.
September 2, 1914 “Wedding Bells” Sam McMelan
and Miss Monstrom tied up - big dance in their honor - “Martha
Matilda” bridesmaid, Dad Ford best man. Got post card of
1914 - 4th of July picture. Sid Anderson over from Seward.
September 3, 1914 Had Otto help to open up
new goods and clean meats. Judge Hildreth and others
in from Nelchina District. P. C. O'Donnell went to Ship
Creek to work for government. Chris Anderson and J. Harry Lander
left on Sea Lion for Broad Pass District. Alaska delivered
Mariposa freight.
September 4, 1914 Got pump ready to install
in cottage. All the launches out of port. Joe Peterson
in from Willow Creek.
September 5, 1914 Miller laying floor down
stairs in cottage. Kulin Bros. brought in 1,525 lbs. dog
salmon, paid them 7¢. Got lumber off G. W. P. account
of back veranda.
September 6, 1914 Had Otto cut oat crop
on barn lot. Miller and Forsberg brought in 29 bundles of fish
to pay bill.
September 7, 1914 Tyonek in with coal for Dr.
David and K. T. Co. Sales $253 bought 9 ton coal and 2,415
lbs. dog salmon off Capt. Nordyke on Tyonek. Evening Traveler
left to met Alameda. Started to put in another bent on wharf.
September 8, 1914 Had Otto work on dock
installing another 14 x 20 bent. Alameda in PM tide.
Evening Traveler arrived with mail.
September 9 1914 Buffalo in with Alameda
freight Got several duplicate bills lost on Sampson.
Tents to come on next Evans. Evening tide all the launches left
port for Kenai, Turnagain Arm and Susitna. Harlow in from
Little Susitna Roadhouse.
September 10, 1914 Had Otto turn over
and cock up oat hay. Got government check on account of paying
bills for Young $45.25 and Wilson $49.95 deceased. Evening
Buffalo in after Kenai freight
September 11, 1914 Miller and Otto laid
off due to rain. Sold ranchers hardware order. Joe
Peterson in from Willow Creek with Mrs. Zimmerman. Frank
Kelly in from Broad Pass District and several others mushed over
winter trail from Station. Harlow opened his roadhouse on
Little Susitna government trail. Traveler in from Kenai with
2 sports.
September 12, 1914 Stanley and self left for
mines mounted, darkness overtook us at mile 17. Rode through
to Miller’s homestead roads very muddy arrived at O. C.
camp 11 PM.
September 13, 1914 Took lunch at mile 32 RH,
arrived at mines 3:30 too late to clean up.
September 14, 1914 At mines. Froze
½” last night. Double sluice head cleaned up AM
Left mines 2 PM arrived O. C. homestead 7:30. RR Com. survey
from Chitna were camped at mile 24 in route to Knik, 19 horses and
20 men. Left boys at mines to work out another cut. School
begins.
September 15, 1914 Left Miller’s
homestead 6:15 AM arrived at Knik 2 PM Land survey team
on their way to Knik, closed up work for season. Busy selling
clothing to survey boys. Joe Grimes and Harper bros. in
from Nelchina. Evans reported to have left Seattle on the
8th - 3 days late. Long Shorty in town.
September 16, 1914 Gave McGill
order for Swift’s meats. Evans 3 days late. Evening
got out more mail and got gold dust ready to send out.
Olson’s bull hung himself - fresh beef on Knik market? David
reported the C and H lot sold. Dance on for the government
RR boys.
September 17, 1914 Evening
got out more orders on account of Evans being overdue.
Started to build fence around new cottage.
September 18, 1914 Still
sending orders for winter stock because Evans is overdue.
Nugget Stewart back from Metal Creek. Evans 5 days overdue.
Closed down at mines, 2 men 80 shifts cleaned up $1,400.
September 19, 1914 Traveler in with mail and
passengers and scow load of freight. Three traveling men
in town showing samples. Put oat hay in barn. Otto
repaired wharf. Looked over Tacoma dry goods samples.
PM ordered Stag coats sweaters and macks.
September 20, 1914 Evening tide Traveler
in with freight off of Evans PM tide Mariposa in port.
Evening got up 2nd list of films for post cards
to send to Pederson Bros. Skagway.
September 21, 1914 Put flaxen board on
ceiling upper part of cottage. Alaska in with government
barge and freight off Mariposa, got Gloria lights hardware and
furniture. Zimmerman in from mines brought in 11 oz. amalgam
for last 3 days sluicing on Grubstake. Fred stayed at mines to
hunt bear. Traveler went to Kenai.
September 22, 1914 Finished insulating pump
in new cottage. Big tides. Evening settled up with
Zimmerman for labor on placer. Evening Fred Nelson in
from OGH Mines.
September 23, 1914 Put flaxine board
on ceiling of cottage front room. Cannon installed 5 Gloria
lights. Wrote Sal Silverman that he could have a job October
1st to May 1st at $100 per month and 15% off on groceries.
Land survey Williamson sold government horses.
September 24, 1914 Worked most all day
on cottage. Got oil cloth on kitchen and front room clothed
for papering. Trouble in the Herning family on account of
Stanley potlatching money to “Fat” got his 1st licking. Railway
survey party back from Chickaloon, going to Ship Creek to
start locating permanent road to coal fields. Evening got
out-mail. Cramer had Mike put cable on K. T. Co. dock to anchor
it account of big tides.
September 25, 1914 Helped to finish inside
of cottage. Put new Ideal range in house at store and
put old Ideal stove in new cottage. Susitna and Buffalo
in port no boat at Ship Creek.
September 26, 1914 Evening tide Traveler in
with Alameda passengers and took out passengers to Alameda.
No other launches at Ship Creek. Report came that Adm.
Watson broke her tail shaft at Juneau, would be here the 28th.
September 27, 1914 Busy all day finishing
up inside of new cottage.
September 28, 1914 Had painter
help to varnish rooms in cottage. Got kitchen front room
down and up stairs finished. Mrs. Spaulding moved in.
September 29, 1914 Had Miller lay floor
for front veranda in cottage. Otto dug hole for crap can.
Painter finished work inside and started to paint trimmings
outside. Adm. Watson in port, voyage 1, brought our clothing
from Portland House. Latest war news, Germans got the English
running.
September 30, 1914 Put up several orders for
down the Inlet. Buffalo left for Kenai and Seldovia with
full load of Knik freight and passengers. Mrs. Paraguay
left for Seldovia and preacher.
October 1, 1914 Miller finished carpenter work
on cottage and closet. Mrs. Cody left Station to teach
Native school. Joe Palmer returned to Nelchina District.
October 2, 1914 O. C. Miller left for
his homestead, let him take Iditarod to pick out his outfit.
C. B. Meyers in from Nelchina District. Everybody rushing
to get outfits before the freeze up.
October 3, 1914 Started to install Gloria
light system in warehouse. Evening posted up accounts.
Several drunks. 10 PM loud talk by store garden - drunks.
Gold Bullion in closed down.
October 4, 1914 Installed Gloria light
system in dock warehouse, one outside lamp. Otto and self
worked 2 hours after supper to finish installing lamps.
W. D. Elliott in from Gold Bullion.
October 5, 1914 Gloria lights wouldn’t
work, tank was made up vice-versa, oil in place of air valve,
changed oil wire to air valve and she went off OK. Meyers
and Zimmerman left for Willow Creek. Noisy crowd around
saloon. Offered Henry Dohrman a job.
October 6, 1914 Traveler
in on morning tide with RR lumber for Rev. T. P. Howard on account
of big building going up on C and H lot. PM had Otto work
on fence for new cottage. Got all lights working on dock warehouse.
October 7, 1914 All the launches in port
except Denny. Busy with last of orders for winter stock.
Mrs. H. getting her “cuturials” together for going outside,
bought her tickets today to go on Evans.
October 8, 1914 Busy day launches in
with freight off Mariposa. Mattie and Stanley left for
visit to States, went on Evans, they will stop at Tacoma and have
Stanley’s eye fixed. Tracy, manager of Alaska Steamship
Company, visited also Purser Harris. Capt. Jensen came up
to see Sunny Knik. Otto got dinner, had “Nenulchno beef” brought
up by Capt. Denny. First Royal Tailor suits arrived.
Evening Traveler delivered Evans freight B and H bought out Finley
and Co.
October 9, 1914 Henry Dohrman started
to work for K. T. Co. at $100 month with $15 added for board.
Had Otto checking up freight. Traveler brought in balance of Evans
freight, got letter from Mrs. T. D. sent letter to Palmer trying
to sell her stock to him for $3,000 - $1,000 down.
October 10, 1914 Evening tide Alaska left for
Susitna. Capt. Evans down to trade.
October 11, 1914 Al Davis moved saloon
to new building on beach.
October 12, 1914 Traveler in with B and
H merchandise. Had Hughes team haul oats to barn and 2
loads of coal to house aft of store. Olson loading Whitney
scow to move up to ranch on Matanuska. Midnight Traveler left
for Kenai.
October 13, 1914 Government river boat
in port. Sea Lion and Alaska back from Station with government
survey parties - 50 men. Pete Nelson back from Talkeetna
RR survey. PM had Otto put in piles to finish another bent
on dock
October 14, 1914 Buffalo and Sea Lion left
with passengers to meet Alameda. Geo Eberhardt and Isaac
Bros. left for Outside with about a dozen others. PM had
Fred help Otto to put in new bent on dock size 14 x 20. Things
doing again with preacher - run his building over on Lidell’s lot.
October 15, 1914 Up all last night with
out-mail then boat didn’t arrive. Otto and Fred finished
14 x 16 new bent on dock Part of PM worked on fence on C and
H lot. PM some boats in at Ship Creek. Buffalo brought
back the Knik witnesses, landed at spring on account of the tide.
Germans took Antwerp.
October 16, 1914 4:30 Sea Lion in with
Alameda freight. Traveler broke her shaft and got nothing,
Buffalo got the passengers. Knik got a newspaper “The Knik
News” a side issue of the Gateway.
October 17, 1914 Had Otto and Fred finish
cleaning up and grading around new house. Government river
boat here waiting to receive survey horses now due. Paid
Pete balance due for labor on well $40.40. Memo: charged OGH
for labor on cottage by Otto $153.50.
October 18, 1914 AM had Otto
and Fred grade street in front of new house. Lawn and
grounds around house in A-1 order. Traveler in from Virgin
Creek with more RR lumber for preacher. Palmer’s schooner arrived
at 6 PM voyage 3. Evening fixed sand hole in pump at new house,
posted up ledger. O. C. Miller returned from homestead gone
16 days with Iditarod.
October 19, 1914 Had Fred and Otto peal
piles for dock and deck same. Big tides lifted front of dock.
Took measure for tailor suit for Henry Dohrman. Joe Bush
quit the Traveler to go to Broad Pass?
October 20, 1914 Boys finished peeling
piles and made gangway off dock west side and put in crib to
protect garden. Al Bert over from Hope to trade.
Took out $2,000 insurance on stock and store fixtures in California
Co. premium $33 per 1,000. Got 2 orders, Elliott and Jim Wilson.
O. C. Miller started to set up Yukon sleds.
October 21, 1914 Business good, had boys
put in new walk in front of tin shop. Settled up with
Fred Nelson for labor at mines June 19th to September 19th 87½
days $350.
October 22, 1914 Had boys
close in calidoor in front of tin shop for storage room.
Sold another Kenai outfit to Huff and sailor. Evening tide
Tom Merideth left for Station with 5 passengers. All the launches
out of port, Admiral Watson 10 days off schedule.
October 23, 1914 Watson in on morning
tide got letter from Mattie at Juneau. Evening tide Traveler
in with freight off Watson. Big tide undermined and wrecked
dock, Otto and Fred pulled her back to place with luff tackle.
B and H unloading freight on FFF dock.
October 24, 1914 Traveler in with Watson
freight mostly fruit. Jack Brown up to trade. Tom
Merideth back from Station. River open longer than last
season. Preacher bought Lidell’s cabin and leased new building
for 3 years to Brown and McDonald for a picture show hall.
October 25, 1914 Fred and Otto finished setting
up long stoves.
October 26, 1914 Rained all day.
Cleaned up tin shop, put rubber goods in house over store and
no. 8 fruit and vegetables in tin shop. O. C. fixed up
work shop for making stoves and sleds. Sold (2) 20x42 Alaska’s.
October 27, 1914 Traveler
and government scow in with forage. PM tide launches left
to meet Mariposa. Sold Kelly the tinner a Gloria lamp outfit.
Otto and Fred moved coal from dock to store coal bin. PM graded
on Matt’s lot.
October 28, 1914 Susitna
and Alaska in with GB Co. and Martin’s freight. Dr. Carmichael
and new bride and 2 others were over came by gas on Sea Lion.
Wilson loading government sleds etc. to ship to Ship Creek.
Otto and Fred finished grading Matt’s lot. Miller making
stoves by piece price.
October 29, 1914 Got another
order from Ship Creek, cash sales $273.85. Hughes teams
busy hauling mining company freight off dock. Had Otto
and Fred grade out place for out buildings on Matt’s tent lot.
PM started to put in crib to retain store garden bank on beach on
account of high tides. Evening put up $200 order for Chas Jones
- Ship Creek. Palmer’s light tank exploded he got burned.
October 30, 1914 Otto and Fred missed
tide down arm to get logs to fix beach wall. Went up to
above gates and got the logs and towed them down. Government
launch, Talo, left early AM tide for Ship Creek, just below caught
fire they put it out. Business fair cash sales $182.20.
Launches all out of port, Alaska at Station, Traveler at Kenai,
Buffalo at Hope, Sea Lion at Ship Creek. Building operations lively
at Knik.
October 31, 1914 All launches in port
PM tide. Mike Murphy over from Station. Knik News
out 3rd issue. Otto and Fred finished sea wall crib in front
of store garden. Teams busy hauling freight off K. T. Co.
dock Had to get up 3 AM on account of Traveler bringing last
of K. T. Co. freight
November 1, 1914 Heavy frost last night.
Otto and Fred cleaned up warehouse yard etc.
November 2, 1914 Busy collection day
took in $2,500 cash. PM tide Evans and Alameda in port
about 500 tons freight. Evening tide Traveler and Alaska
in with 2 barges freight mostly perishables. Sent back Oliver
no. 3 typewriter, ordered a no. 5. They sent old no. 3.
Bought a new no. 5 from L. L. Smith Bros. Machines with all up to date
improvements.
November 3, 1914 Launches in, morning
and evening tide, with Evans freight Busy checking up
freight and storing perishables. Up all last night with
out-mail and in-freight. Government officers left Ship Creek in
Evans for Outside. Teams busy hauling freight off dock to
make room for incoming freight. First overland mail in of the
season.
November 4, 1914 Traveler in, morning
and evening tide, with freight Checking and opening up
freight all day.
November 5, 1914 Traveler finished discharging
Evans freight Ike’s lumber and mill out, that
laid on SS Bertha all summer, brought to Knik for storage. Traveler
left for Turnagain Arm. Painter back to town had him start
to paper 2 side walls in my cottage.
November 6, 1914 Rushed all day in store
cash sales $360. Peter Herbert boated Elliott’s grub over to
Eklutna Roadhouse. Admiral Linve settled up shortages
except breakage on stoves. More mushers in from Iditarod
District.
November 7, 1914 Things doing at the RR kitchen
last night. Walter Howard night chef and Nigger Jim had
a mix-up, Nigger Jim got 25 days today. Had Fred assemble
chairs. Paid painter $41 for work on my new cottage.
Evening tide Traveler in from Virgin Creek with load of lumber for preachers
hall.
November 8, 1914 Otto got our dinner, had fresh
roasted chicken , Yolly!! and pineapple pie etc. Cramer
left for Moose Point to pick up some hunters. Evening set up new
no. 400 stand lamps, had to mend 2 shades. First run of slush
ice. Ellexson went on Traveler as engineer. Invited
out to dinner - no go.
November 9, 1914 Weather cloudy first
cold snap of fall +14, very little ice running.
Fred finished setting up chairs and apples going fast. Invited
out to Pioneer Hotel to eat Alaska pig. Noon whistle heard
at Knik Harbor, supposed to be the Northwestern. Midnight,
Traveler left for Ship Creek but got hung up on bar below FFF
dock.
November 10, 1914 Busy day put up $250
order for P. C. and D. and party. Cash sales $401.80.
Traveler and Swan left AM tide. Evening tide Buffalo at spring
waiting for tide supposed to have Iditarod mail 2nd trip out of
Seward via Sunrise.
November 11, 1914 Buffalo delivered Lidell’s
fish and tank gasoline for K. T. Co. Traveler in from
Turnagain Arm, brought hunters up from Moose Point they had 3 moose.
FFF in from trip to Martin’s Mines said there was no snow except right
at the mill. Ice making account colder. Iditarod mail
in, Gill took same out via Station on double enders no snow but lakes
frozen over to hold horses.
November 12, 1914 Traveler
left PM tide with scow to move horses and outfit from Glacier
Creek to Sunrise. Channel filling up from spring to dock,
no ice below. Swan in from Ship Creek with Jim Wilson and after
orders for Ship Creek people. Took 2 pictures of Sunny Knik
no snow yet and only 6” in the mountains
November 13, 1914 Noon tide Buffalo in from
Turnagain Arm, tied up at our dock very little ice. Miller got
21 stoves made up. Started to use gasoline from 2 large tanks.
Nights clear and freezing. Busy packing Broad Pass orders.
House warming on at Fred Carter’s new house - dancing.
November 14, 1914 Buffalo left dock on PM tide
to beach boat at spring, to nail on galvanized iron at water
line on account of slush ice. Business still coming, cash
sales over $200. Ice filled channel on flood from spring
above dock all clear below. Moose hunters came in with Repetto’s
gas boat.
November 15, 1914 Bar in front of Knik
now covered with anchor ice, channel still open. Buffalo
laying at spring.
November 16, 1914 Buffalo left for Sunrise
to get 3rd trip of Iditarod mail. Another dog team in
from Iditarod, said first Iditarod mail would arrive here tomorrow.
Paid Otto and Fred for L. S. last delivery. Gus getting ready
to go to Nelchina placer.
November 17, 1914 Warming up evening
showers and windy. Sold 5 Yukon’s. Miller fixing
Ulanky’s bobsleighs. Indian boy reported lost, Indians
rang school bell all night and fired rifles. Evening and
all night big wind.
November 18, 1914 Traveler in from Glacier
Creek reported Buffalo ahead with U. S. Mail, didn’t show up
here. Indian boy lost turned up with 18 rabbits, was camped
with Simmons at Fish Creek Lake. Traveler tied up at K. T.
Co. dock, no ice only on bar. Largest tide of fall went 3’
over dock approach. Government road across flats by hay shed
out of commission.
November 19, 1914 Traveler left morning
tide to find Buffalo, found her sailing into Knik Arm had gone
on Susitna flats lost her rudder and anchors. Traveler towed her
to K. T. Co. dock evening tide, landed passengers and mail.
First Iditarod mail in, made it out in 17 days, no snow on trail.
Got mail hardware and Sylvester groceries, were shipped November
7th on Mariposa to Seward - to Seldovia by Dora. Traveler going
to tow Buffalo to Hope then go to Seldovia for K. T. Co. freight about
12 tons.
November 20, 1914 Traveler left for Sunrise
with Iditarod mail, towed Buffalo to Hope City for repairs.
Made ready to go on Traveler 21st to Seldovia for lots, freight,
hardware, etc. Still cloudy and warm channel open to dock
Close of business cash left in tills $40 currency, $25 gold, $74.10
silver = $139.10 total in tills.
November 21, 1914 Evening
tide Traveler back from Sunrise - tied up at our dock - no ice
to bother - said there was some float ice at Goose Bay. Traveler
ready to go to Seldovia tomorrow to get our hardware etc. Miller
through with stoves and sleds. Evening 10 PM cloudy and indications
of snow. No snow at Knik this fall to date.
November 22, 1914 Chartered Traveler
to go to Seldovia to get K. T. Co. hardware shipped from Seattle
November 6th by Mariposa. Left Knik 10:30 AM passed a little
mush ice in Knik Harbor, none at Fire Island or Inlet. Called
at Tyonek took on coal for galley - went on to Kenai, very dark tide
on ebb got on mud going into Kenai River. Left Henry and Otto
to run store.
November 23, 1914 Traveler delivered
booze orders at Kenai for Al Davis. Evening took on oil
at N. W. Cannery. Windy and stormy laid over.
November 24, 1914 AM tide left Kenai for Seldovia,
got dark off Anchor Point, self piloted boat from Anchor
Point to Seldovia was quite rough. Called on Herbert and
his new bride. Evans at Seldovia yesterday.
Traveler leaking pretty bad, blue water washed Knik mud out of cracks.
Evening snowing.
November 25, 1914 AM put Traveler on
beach to find leak couldn’t fix her. Big snow last night
8” at Seldovia only 4” at Knik. Evening tide went to cannery
dock and loaded on all the freight 6,000 lbs. groceries 10,000 lbs.
hardware. Left Seldovia 10 PM weather fair, self at wheel
to around Anchor Point.
November 26, 1914 In route Seldovia to
Knik on the launch Traveler. Arrived at Nakiska no. 2
above East Foreland, 10 AM anchored for next flood tide.
4 PM started out for Knik, misting and dark. Induced Capt.
Cramer to anchor and wait for daylight tide on account of ice in Knik
Arm.
November 27, 1914 Left East Foreland
5 AM, run into Pt. Possession Trap to pick up hunters McNaught
and partner who had Cramer’s dory - they had gone crossing over
to Fire Island. Had to cut through two flows account mush
ice had to cut through one flow at Knik Harbor - open to Goose Bay.
Cut through one small flow at Goose Bay, clear water to Knik.
Landed at 2 PM at K. T. Co. dock and discharged our freight. Buffalo
in from Sunrise with Iditarod mail left with out-mail. Traveler
laid over at our dock No floating ice in channel, bar covered
with ice.
November 28, 1914 Traveler left Knik
3 PM for Seward via Seldovia no passengers. Paid Cramer
$250 for 5 day trip after our freight about 8 tons by weight.
Had to have the hardware was sold out on camp horse and dog gear.
Busy day in store cash sales over $200. Evening turning colder
11 PM 8 above. Had Otto help to unpack hardware etc. Outfits
moving out to Broad Pass.
November 29, 1914 Busy all day opening
up and marking hardware tools etc. Henry and Otto helped.
Evening cleaned up kitchen and made up bank deposits. Gilmore
took his engine, in storage all summer. Buffalo’s bill
was $33.98, Pedersen had collected $15, paid me balance of $18.98
total of freight bill $33.98.
November 30, 1914 George Nylen and some
of the ranchers down. Paid Fred Wilson for October and
November labor around dock and store. Evening Iditarod mail
in, up till 4 getting out mail. Wrote Burrell about Broad Pass
strike and B and H as requested. Chas Garenflo in from
mine after load of freight
December 1, 1914 Iditarod mail not in,
false report, due tomorrow. Channel still open for gas
boats up to our dock Evening made up Henrys account.
December 2, 1914 Telephone man from the Inside
visited meeting to get Knik business men to put up for phone
system at Knik. Fred shod Kid. Bill Elliott arrived
from Old Knik slough open had to go high up to cross.
December 3, 1914 Iditarod mail in.
Let Fred use Kid to haul out his logs for new house. George
Nylen back from Station. Sold old Dan to B. B. M. Co.
for $50. Weather very soft, ice reported to be running
in Matanuska. Asked Seattle Bank to give us short loan until
we could turn some of our $20,000 stock.
December 4, 1914 Gill left with out-mail
at 5:30 so failed to send letter to Mattie and the bank.
Evening took dinner with the McMillan family. Otto left to help
Larson and catch a moose on the Knik-Broad Pass trail. Fred hauling
house logs with Kid horse.
December 5, 1914 Temperature down to
zero last night. Mushers in from Iditarod.
Sent out letter to bank and Matt’s letters by Iditarod mushers.
Seward mail in, 1st trip, all overland route this season.
December 6, 1914 Knik News out,
delayed on account of Seward mail. Made up Harvey Bartholf’s
account to date. Evening temperature 16 above. Sent
mail out with Iditarod mushers R. Vance and J. D. Bruno from Flat
City. Had Kelly put unions in gas wire to install no. 6 lamp
in front of store.
December 7, 1914 Fred started to haul
out manure on barn lot. Indian Jim came to
town and reported he shot and killed Old Tom Stephan some 20 days
ago near Nelchina District. Jim hauled him down to Chickaloon
Coal camp and buried him no details, reported to have had a quarrel.
Frank Kelly left 18 of his Broad Pass films to make post cards
for K. T. Co.
December 8, 1914 Monroe Kast over from
Susitna, took Elmer Carlson’s hydraulic hose and some of Nagley’s
freight Harry Lander reported someone stole his grub and
camp outfit at Zero Canyon and had been into my place on ranch.
Fred hauling manure on barn lot. Miss Van O. over from Eklutna
RH to get teeth fixed up. Installed no. 6 street light in
front of K. T. Co. store.
December 9, 1914 J. M. Wood in from mouth
of Little Susitna. Gus Swanson and two others left for
Nelchina District to prospect and do assessment work. Fred
finished hauling out manure and hauled up coal to store out of warehouse.
Paid Fred for 1 day labor balance of time exchange for use of Kid
horse hauling in his house logs.
December 10, 1914 Like a summer day,
Chinook still on 30 to 40 above. Streets icy due to melt and
thawing weather. Channel open to spring no ice floating.
December 11, 1914 Business normal cash
sales average over $100 per day all fall to date. Chinook
still on. Norton and several Iditarod mushers in report
vary rough trail on account of no snow. Evening got out a
lot of out-mail. Wrote L. A. Sayre and Co. Newark N.J. about
their ice creepers - no good. ptarmigan hunters brought my
sled in from mines had 200 lbs. ptarmigan. Dance on at Carter’s
house, “me no go - I guess no go - I tink go ..... no go” - Siwash Bill.
December 12, 1914 A little cooler, evening
sprinkle of snow. Evening wrote Mattie a
good long letter. Norton in from Iditarod. Horace
Emery in through with Martin’s Mine.
December 13, 1914 Indians arrived with Old
Tom Stephan’s body, who Indian Jim shot. They rang the bell
15 minutes in his honor. Me good Indian - me no bad tink - but
got shot for bad talk - Indian Jim put in jail. Got balance
of out-mail. 5 PM took turkey dinner with Marshal Brown.
December 14, 1914 Got registered
letter from Mattie ready to come if I said so. Fred visited
wanted to get Kid horse for 60 days to skid out logs at mile 26
on account of Bennett’s sawmill-to-be. Evening sent out
more check deposits and answered Matt’s letter. Couldn’t
register mail at post office, no receipts. Sent out 17 Kelly’s
Broad Pass films account post cards.
December 15, 1914 Rained last night warm
south west winds. Snow about all gone in Knik.
Iditarod out-mail overdue. Cash sales to date for December,
average $200.18 per day and business normal. Indian Jim had
hearing today and was bound over to the Grand Jury. Evening
looked up dead accounts and made out a few statements urging payment.
People beginning to ask for Xmas goods. Evening windy and warmer.
December 16, 1914 Buffalo arrived with outside
mail and another Iditarod mail in. Buffalo picked up
Joe Richards main man at Kern Creek and reported no ice only
at Goose Bay. They landed government mail at Ship Creek.
Evening read war news etc. in Saturday Evening Post for a change.
Change of moon brought cooler weather Chinook about off. Dr.
Spaulding’s gas lamp on the bum fixed it carbon in generator that’s
all.
December 17, 1914 Buffalo left with passengers
and mail for Kern Creek via Seward. Marshal took Indian
Jim to Valdez jail to await Grand Jury decision. Walter
Howard, dog musher and several Iditarod men left on Buffalo for
Outside. Evening read the farm and other papers. Horace
Emery left for Seattle via Buffalo. Dr. Spaulding said he could
have 6 front rooms over Howard building at $5 per room per month,
would move in March.
December 18, 1914 Evening Ladies Fair on grand
opening of the Social Hall in the Howard building self did
not attend. Street lamp went on the bum first time since
up needs new generator.
December 19, 1914 Mr. Sharp over from
Peters Creek. Knik News out on date. Evening read
the war news in “Digest” and looked over the map on Worlds Atlas.
Evening much warmer indications of snow which is much needed to
smooth up the trails.
December 20, 1914 Wrote to Wells Fargo St.
Paul to get my films from the hold-ups Quality Photo Postal
Co. sent their letters to explain matters. Took Royal
Tailor order for M. A. Williams. Palmer buying hams from
K. T. Co. Evening wrote Pederson Bros. to make a few slides
of Broad Pass views and Sunny Knik.
December 21, 1914 Displayed the Corlew Xmas
toys on K. T. Co. counter to avoid running to other store.
“Old Preacher” jumped on me- wanted to turn a $50, 2 years ago
donation - which was to build church on Palmer’s lot - on SS Cramer’s
bill - signed over to us to collect - nothing doing - made him come
through with the full amount $150 for SS Cramer account and
he still owes $180 November bill to K. T. Co. Martin teams hauling
out cyanide plant and feed. Hughes teams hauling timbers up
to mines. Iditarod mail in late last night and went on
to Old Knik so sent no mail. Ranchers in to trade. Mrs.
Cody and Simmons kids over from Station for Xmas.
December 22, 1914 Light snow about 3”
fell. Everybody buying cloth to make masquerade
suits for January 1st dance. Made up list of accounts due
from 108 customers amounting to over $4,000. Old White came
around with a no-sell-wood earache. Made up new statement
blank to drum up customers in arrears.
December 23, 1914 Up all night with out-mail
for Buffalo due next tide from Kern Creek. Included a
lot of Knik News papers with checks mailed. James St. Clair
and wife arrived from Nelchina and Caribou District brought a load
of sheep meat. Sent Bynbee Publishing Co. Chicago subscription
to Inland Storekeeper to March 1917. Sent A. W. Shaw Co. $2
for system and collection book how to collect old bills etc.
December 24, 1914 Up all night finished
out-mail 8 AM. Buffalo failed to show up. Xmas business
light cash sales $68.15. Sold about $10 Corlew stock
toys etc. Evening posted up ledger retired at 12.
All of Martin’s help through - in town for Xmas. A booze
fighting bunch at the saloon.
December 25, 1914 Very quiet Xmas.
Preacher gave Natives Xmas tree in new hall. Two years
ago would not allow them to come to church or hall. Palmer
now got him coming? Took boar pig Xmas dinner at Pioneer
very nice dinner. Gave all the roadhouses cigars and the Knik
kids each sack apples orange nuts and candy. No presents to others,
too many this time. Got box of cigars from Mr. Lidell, only
Xmas present. Evening typed a 6 page letter to Mattie and Stanley
now doing the NE states. PDQ dance on at hall. Gave Henry
Dohrman clerk $10 for Xmas.
December 26, 1914 Second cold snap lasting
part of 3 days broken by warm wind. Outside mail arrived 5 PM
no letter from Mattie very light mail. Evening read war news
etc. Express mail due in 3 days. Walter Howard and Marshal
Brown back from Seward made round trip in 9 days.
December 27, 1914 Got registered letter
from Mattie. Got my 1915 diary and 3 new manifold pens
from Lowman and Hanford. Evening wrote Mattie and Stanley
more Knik dope. PM cleaned the kitchen clock in gasoline and
she run OK. Got bank deposit ready. Express mail Morris
outfit and light plant for Howard building left at Kern Creek on account
of no snow. Buffalo to bring it over to Knik.
December 28, 1914 Chinook wind knocking
snow fast. Business lively cash sales $291.20. Doing
some business with Corlew stock also. Mailed out usual lot
of Knik papers to friends outside. Wise in from Paul Hobitz
cabin Little Susitna with mink skins. Evening Al Davis visited
to talk over Knik future business and to know how I liked to be a
bachelor. Evening worked on K. and L. Broad Pass bill.
December 29, 1914 Cloudy Chinook weather.
Masqueraders still buying cloth for suits. Capt. Evans
down from his ranch to buy grub. Henry Dohrman’s suit came
coat was 2 sizes too large first misfit received, cause - gave wrong
weight - measurement taken over heavy vest and shirt. Evening
made out order for another Royal suit. Evening mailed several
Knik papers outside one to W. J. Muir.
December 30, 1914 Masqueraders still
on the market selling a lot of old junk high colors from Corlew
stock Marshal gathered in a crazy rancher. Beautiful
moonlit nights. Finished outfitting Kelly and Lidell and
closed up bill. Old Jno. Parks in to trade. Woods wanted
to go on the credit list again also Percy Pitchford. Palmer’s
fat clerk after lynx skins.
December 31, 1914 Perfect sunny day 28
above. Big masquerade dance came off at social
hall. Thirty five couples were masked representing all characters
about 200 people present being a free dance given by bachelors, first
of its kind in Knik, self went up and looked on for 2 hours.
Fred Peterson and Mrs. St. Clair won first waltz prize. Made
out December accounts until 3 AM New Year. Thus endeth 1914.
1915
Beginning of diary says Herning’s Knik phone
number is “1”
January 1, 1915 New Year in with continued
warm weather. Self trying to turn over a $28,000 stock
of general merchandise at Knik Alaska. Mild weather and
want of snow delaying trail traffic. Mrs. OGH and son visiting
at her old home at Naugatuck, Ct. No big money circulating
around Knik. Travel over the trail looked for soon account of
Broad Pass strike, coal fields and Government RR to be. Evening
warm wind.
January 2, 1915 Evening out-mail
in, letter from Mattie - ready to go to Boston to visit, reported
a 3 day wind storm thinks Knik now OK. Got some of Martin’s
checks back - one was protested - no funds in Seward. Evening
made up bank account. Sent Mrs. Corlew $150 and statement of
account to date.
January 3, 1915 Reported Buffalo came to Fire
Island on account ice, couldn’t make thru to Knik. Sent out a
bunch of Knik papers. No Xmas pkg. from Mattie came as yet.
Preacher wanted me to play flute solo nothing stirring.
Brown and Vance left for Seward with crazy rancher. Sent
Deffel, 1st engineer on Swan, paper and post cards of Knik.
January 4, 1915 Got Matt’s Xmas package today
and no mail in? Wood left for Nelchina to get some gear
left up there last winter. Otto and Larson back from trip
to Broad Pass, only got as far as Kashwitna the big river was overflowed
and so warm had to quit hauling outfit. Sent Hitch a paper.
January 5, 1915 Cash business quiet today.
Put up order for the Peters Creek Mining Co. Reported
B and H soliciting customers to deposit their money at their store
and check against it - banking business. Iditarod mail in.
Sent Martin’s checks back to Bank of Seward to hold until funds come.
Dr. David against it for $1,500 on account of Martin’s no good checks.
Hughes team in from hauling Martin’s timber to mines. Gordon
Bettles the “rabbit snatcher” and family in from Iditarod District.
January 6, 1915 Put up $160.65 order for Peters
Creek Mining Co. Vance and Marshal back from trip to Seward
dogs played out. Frazier and Marshal left today 2nd try
for trip to Seward with crazy rancher. Lidell paid for
his half of K and L Broad Pass outfit. Lidell Moving out outfit
with old Buck to Big Lake.
January 7, 1915 Monroe Kast and Andressen over
from Station to get some of Nagley’s dried fruit. Peters
Creek Mining Co. squabbling over who should pay for outfit ordered.
Got 2 boxes GB powder on account of Kelly’s and Lidell’s outfit.
“Rabbit snatcher” doing considerable trading, seems to have the
coins. Evening made out past due accounts. “Tinner”
Kelly, now treasurer of MLD Club, left deposit of $126.30.
January 8, 1915 Chas Bartholf visited
wanted me to take lumber on account of his bill rendered.
Meyers visited, said old Mrs. Zimmerman was telling a lot of stuff
about himself, Dad Ford, and royal highness. Evening started
to answer Matt’s December 9th letter. PDQ Club dance on at
social hall. McDonald and Sharp left to do assessment work on
Peters Creek quartz.
January 9, 1915 Report came that Jim Denny
left Kern Creek last Tuesday with movie show and 12 men for
Knik - didn’t show up yet, probably stuck in the ice around Fire
Island. Evening out-mail came in. Got letter dated
December 17th from Mattie said she was sick of climate and visiting
at home would leave for Boston January 7th and for Minnesota about
a week later. Got nice letter from Whiton Hardware Co. wanted
to send spring order early.
January 10, 1915 AM business fair put up $40
order for Nugget Stewart and Mrs. Zimmerman. Invited
out to dinner at McMelan’s. Evening wrote Mattie a 4
page typed letter addressed to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Checked
up accounts, deposits now down to $2,200 collections poor, little
money to send out by this mail due tomorrow.
January 11, 1915 Iditarod mail sled in at 6
o’clock and post office closed, so sent mail by express package
to Joe Conroy at Seward. Wrote Joe a letter and sent Knik
News. Business good today, ranchers down to trade, cash sales
$235. Sent out usual lot of Knik News to friends Outside.
Palmer wanted to quit post office so a petition was circulated to install
Pilger as PM by biz houses. Knik house caught fire not much damage.
January 12, 1915 Kelly and Wells back from
Talkeetna Forks. Mail carrier reported he saw Buffalo
go back to Kern Creek when he crossed summit of Indian Pass.
Sent our mail out in package by express to Joe Conroy to mail at
Seward.
January 13, 1915 Brown and Ellsworth over from
Seward to inspect saloon and B and H outfit? Report came that
Buffalo landed at Tyonook and party was on way overland to Sunny
Knik. Mr. Strong over from Indian River to look over Sunny Knik.
Logan Stipp driving Martin’s team in relief of Ben Agnew resting
up. Millionaire visited wanted us to ship by schooner with
his brother in the business.
January 14, 1915 Wilston and Brown had a mix
up, cost Wilston $81 for breaking a window and making roughhouse
at RR kitchen. Evening Chas Brown of B and H visited said
was full of people but all broke and living on pork and beans
Got Leopold David’s attorney checks back from bank on account
of no funds by Martin. David paid amount to cover checks.
January 15, 1915 Rae McDonald arrived
with the movie show via from Tyonek by dog team where Buffalo
left him. Colonel Revelle in with mail express etc.
Evening a Mr. Hughes from Council visited with an old fashioned
earache. Brown and Ellsworth left for Seward. Collections
slow.
January 16, 1915 Mail in from Seward.
Horse broke in Matanuska, got express mail wet nearly lost the
horse. Got Royal calendars, 53 lbs. freight from Seward,
40¢ lb., got wet but not much damage, hung them all over the
house to dry out. Got December 24th letter from Mattie anxious
to come back to Knik.
January 17, 1915 Quiet all day working
on out-mail. Sent over last of Nagley’s fruit.
January 18, 1915 Got mail into post office,
sent out $800 on accounts. Evening mailman didn’t
come, so wrote Mattie at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Sent usual
Knik papers to friends in States. Turned in at 3 AM for a lonesome
snooze. 1915 calendars compliments of K. T. Co., went fast
today cash sales over $100.
January 19, 1915 Weather colder +2.
Business fair cash sales $142. Out-mail from Iditarod overdue.
Out of $20,000 new stock plus $2,500 freight since October.
All paid for but $7,500. Bill’s due from customers over $3,000.
Marshal back from Seward, brought word that government would start
construction on RR in the spring, hurrah for good times at Sunny
Knik. Gordon Butler in from Willow Creek with load ptarmigan.
January 20, 1915 A Mr. Decker in from
Nelchina District said they had a hole down 220’ with some pay
in gravel - going back to put hole to bedrock, Ray -
Fenton in on it. Mail man in reported 4’ new snow fell around
Kuskokwim Pass while only 3” at Knik. Warren Fenton building
new roadhouse at mile 19 Government road. Spoke to Vance about
running our dock for the summer of 1915.
January 21, 1915 Wrote JH Wilson at
Susitna Forks about E. C. Wilston’s credit he went good for.
Movie picture about ready to show. Evening culled out old
letter mail. Evening sprinkle of rain. Mattie and
Stanley supposed to now be visiting in Minnesota. Had Willow
Creek ptarmigan dinner. Otto ready to leave final trip for
Broad Pass, old Blackjack Miller going along.
January 22, 1915 George Nylen down to trade.
Seward mail in 6 PM - post office closed - no ketchum mail.
G. W. Palmer visited, wanted to buy flour, preferred ours to B
and H said he wanted to get rid of post office, our check shows
100 barrels yet in stock. Otto and Blackjack Miller left
for Broad Pass final trip.
January 23, 1915 Perfect spring day clear
but thawing before sun-up. Business fair Palmer’s clerk
reports no business. Movie short of power to run lights,
no show tonight as scheduled. Got letter from Mattie and
Stanley dated December 31st and registered, return card dated January
2, 1915 for my December 12 letter registered at Seward by Walter Howard.
Got letter from Chas Lewis wants to come to Alaska. Evening
checked down Cramer’s account. Invited out to dinner tomorrow
at Dr. Spaulding’s.
January 24, 1915 No money to send out
this mail collections bum. Mailed usual lot of Knik papers.
Wrote Stanley and Mattie at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota 3rd time.
Took 5 o’clock dinner with Dr. Spaulding in our new house.
January 25, 1915 Business quiet these days,
down to $50 mark on cash sales. Everybody feeling good over
the RR construction to begin at Ship Creek in the spring.
Cleaned carbon out of Dr. Spaulding’s gas lamp. Howard and
Martin Shea bunch went ptarmigan hunting out on Little Susitna.
Mailed Cramer statement of 1914 account with balance due K. T.
Co.
January 26, 1915 Two hunters in from Broad
Pass District. Don and Rae got back last evening from
States. Iditarod mail in late one day. Water in well
at new cottage went down 1’ leaving 6” of water, put extension on
pipe. Preacher digging a well below, supposed to be the cause,
went dry when he struck water. Evening read farm paper.
Paid Nagley 3/13/14 bill sent over by Ferguson. Palmer and
his squaw on a drunk.
January 27, 1915 Many ranchers asking for credit.
Palmer told them he wouldn’t give them 15¢ the whole bunch.
Palmer still on a drunk so reported. Made up Rae account
to January 26th. Evening Al Davis visited said he had written
his wife in Seattle to come to Seward, talked over future of
Sunny Knik. 15-20 below zero at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
where Mattie is visiting.
January 28, 1915 Got order from AW Hall.
J. R. Drees down from Alfred Creek to get supplies for himself
and Hill.
January 29, 1915 Snowed about 6” last
night and through AM about enough for first time to make sledding
at Knik this winter. Seward mail in - couldn’t get mail
- Palmer on a drunk - office closed 6 PM. Chas Jones up from
Ship Creek said 3 individuals had put up business houses.
Nagley sending for goods.
January 30, 1915 Dunk McCormack and Joe
Palmer in from Nelchina. Iditarod mail in and out again.
AM got mail, letter from Mattie, ready to leave home for Boston
to visit her brother Art. Sent her paper to Sylvester and
short letter. Rae getting his outfit together for Broad
Pass. Evening posted up accounts and read papers.
January 31, 1915 O. C. Miller in from his ranch
not feeling well of late. Musher in from Seward, reported quite
a few on the trail for Knik. For first time the Knik News
published Knik news and gave Knik a boost.
February 1, 1915 Business good today
cash sales and collections over $400. Haley and Taulman
making ready to go to Broad Pass. Lidell and Kelly left
final trip for Broad Pass also Broken Nose Wilson. Dr.
Spaulding moving from our house to preachers new building Great
comment on preachers “nigger” music and choir. Preacher called
down laborers who worked for nothing in building his dance hall etc.,
some got up and left the building Baker Bros. ready for Broad
Pass also a Mr. Spaulding and Don S. Rae.
February 2, 1915 Mr. Irwin Jr. visited with
order from Elliott to get hydraulic hose. Broad Pass fever
on again several outfits left today for the pass. O. C. got
some pills and ready to leave for his ranch tomorrow. Spaulding
busy moving into the preachers dance hall. Movie show still
under installation.
February 3, 1915 Business fair cash sales $92.70.
Big Chief Palmer left by dog team for San Francisco to buy his
spring stock and a new boat. Harry Lander hauled out last
of GB giant powder from our powder house, had powder house from
June 27 to date, 2½ tons storage 7 months $7. Evening
wrote Mattie, sent letter to Seward by Jonnie Reikhardt. Public
still commenting on preachers call down Sunday sermon. Red Jack
up from Tyonek.
February 4, 1915 Tyonek and Susitna Natives
holding a potlatch at Knik. Sold several blankets, also
Chief Tyoon and Natives down from Upper Matanuska to trade.
Knik Council Club appointed a committee to investigate opening
up channel in front of Knik docks. MLD Club scrapping over renting
of piano. Jonny didn’t leave for Seward, going Saturday.
B. and McD. sore at Wilmoth over rent of club piano.
February 5, 1915 Indian potlatch day, store
full of Natives including Matanuska's, Susitna and Tycoons all
here to attend potlatch. W. G. Fenton in from mile 19 roadhouse.
Evening self put up his order to go out early AM tomorrow.
Evening mail in, got post office card from Mattie dated Chicago January
21st was changing cars for Sleepy Eye. MLD hard time dance on.
February 6, 1915 Another little cold snap but
fine day. Put up $200 order for Thornton and Black.
Got 2 registered letters from Mattie at Everett before leaving for
Minnesota. Got card dated January 21st from Chicago.
Evening movie show pulled off first show at Knik. Saw it ½
hour mostly wild west Indian dope. Worked out-mail until after
midnight sent out over $12,000 on jobbers bills due.
February 7, 1915 Took dinner at Pioneer.
Everybody out with dog teams joy riding. Evening attended
MLD Club service at the church hall. Quite a crowd out,
preacher out of town. Had a talk with Mr. Needham editor
of Knik News said he was going to quit Gateway Publishing Co. and
start paper himself which would be a Knik paper, 1st last and all
the time. Evening much colder. Wood back from Nelchina.
February 8,1915 Bought some fur, red
fox and otter and rabbit robes. Store full of customers
all day collections over $100. Had 12 ricks wood delivered
at house back of store. Credit White with 12 ricks of wood
delivered at store.
February 9, 1915 Weather partly cloudy
warmer looked like rain over in Turnagain Arm. Business
fair some Indian trade. Mr. Dohrman said he would stake
Henry to go into lumber business Henry wanted to put in stock
at Ship Creek. Many asking for small credit to run them until
navigation opens up. Evening checked down part of Bank of Seward
deposits and checking account MLD Club wanted to send Mrs.
my money to buy music for club.
February 10, 1915 Business fair mostly
Native interior trade. Mr. Needham called me into printing office
and told me the rest of Knik business men were ready to organize
a publishing company for Knik, wanted me to go in. This
would put Knik News out of business and give Knik free speech in
press and not be controlled by Seward Gateway Publishing Co.
Hughes and Co. hauled Thornton’s grub to Station. Evening
windy and colder.
February 11, 1915 Packed up material to make
table in new house. Quiet in town no one on the trails,
all waiting for final railroad dope. Funeral today Mrs.
Carry buried died of dropsy.
February 12, 1915 Weather clear and colder
4 below this morning fourth spell of down to zero weather this
winter. . Evening mail in, got letter from Stanley
at Sleepy Eye also Mr. Cannon got one. Received letter
from George Good, Matt’s cousin in Naugatuck Ct.
February 13, 1915 Had Mr. Major build
kitchen table and put catches on windows and night lock on door
at new cottage. George Nylen brought body of Shakespeare
R. E. Romano down from Matinuski, body was found on a
bar near Moose Creek. Romano lost his life September 1913
in Hicks Creek Canyon when returning from Nelchina Placer District.
Evening took in the movie. Took Dohrman’s order for suit.
Zimmerman back from Broad Pass trip.
February 14, 1915 First big wind of winter
temperature 22 and blew hard. Funeral of R. E. Romano
took place from Hall with Masonic honors. Busy with mail,
up pretty late, wrote Mattie about getting furniture she needed for
new house. Sent Stanley new post cards of Broad Pass District
and Sunny Knik November 16, 1914.
February 15, 1915 Game warden in town.
Major worked on bathroom at our new house. Iditarod mail
in. Put up order for Wilson and Nelson Broad Pass outfit.
Riley in from Outside in route to Iditarod said Cramer was on
way to Knik with load of freight and shaft for him. Guggy
men buying outfits.
February 16, 1915 Several newcomers in from
Seward way. Chas McHenry back from Chicago. Major
hung bathroom door in new house. Irwin wanted to swap his
gold nugget chain and nuggets for merchandise.
February 17, 1915 Bibby over from Old Knik
with moose meat. Brown and Hawkins got Guggy Broad Pass
order for groceries, Palmer got the hardware and we sold them
$100 hardware to fill order. Major put partition in bathroom
and put flaxene board on balance of stairway and closet.
February 18, 1915 Major finished work
in new house bathroom table etc. Mrs. Morrison and Conway
trial came off on account of wages due Conway for painting Mrs.
Morrison’s roadhouse, self as witness. J. Harry Lander in
from Willow said trail was fine.
February 19, 1915 Business fair, sold
Dunkle part of his household goods. Dunkle will live in
Fred Carter’s house. Several coming in going to Ship Creek
to locate. Riley and party gone to Beluga to get freight that
Cramer was supposed to bring from Seward. Estes wanted to
build rooming house on our store garden.
February 20, 1915 AM got mail, usual
letters from Mattie and son now at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
Busy with out-mail. Guggy outfit left for
Broad Pass with 9 double ender loads.
February 21, 1915 Weather partly cloudy
+40, thawing all day. Wrote Mattie to call on business
houses in St. Paul. No sign of Traveler from Seward as yet.
Cold snap broken like summer day. Doc David got E.
J. Preston’s deposit.
February 22, 1915 Business fair, ranchers
down to trade. Iditarod mail in. Evening big dance
on, Old White the big chief. Wrote Royal Tailors about
5 month hold up on Stipp's suit by Wells Fargo Express Co.
Grand northern light display in evening.
February 23, 1915 A-1 day +18 to
+56. Evening attended preliminary meeting of the new Knik Publishing
Co. “to be”. Mr. Needham said the new plant would cost around
$2,000, wanted to raise $2500. Cannon and Dr. Haus would take
1/5 interest balance to be taken by Palmer, Dr. David, self and Needham.
Needham had resigned as editor of the Knik News and expected to
go Outside March 1st to buy new plant. Wrote to Herbert about
ice conditions.
February 24, 1915 Perfect day +16 to
+40. Getting considerable of the ranchers trade.
Gus Danielson down to trade. Gave Editor Needham set of
Knik and Broad Pass post cards to advertise Knik on his trip to
San Francisco. Answered Backus letter about furs. Palmer’s
help complaining about no business. Harper bros. in from
Seward.
February 25, 1915 Gordon Butler making
ready to go to Seward. Dr. Martin and wife to locate at
Iditarod District. Oden Olson in from Nelchina District
to trade, reported that Kemp and Anderson had struck 17¢ pans.
Otto Langel in from Talkeetna Forks to get pick ups. Wrote
ad for movie show. Fenton and wife in to trade.
February 26, 1915 Busy day, ranchers
down to trade. Sold mile 19 roadhouse over $100 order.
Traveler in, voyage 1 direct from Seward, brought shaft for Riley
Iditarod. Beer and parcel post mail for Knik discharged freight
at Goose Bay. Henry went with 8 couples to mile 12 Roadhouse
to christen new roadhouse building Self very busy in store
until 10 PM then got my supper.
February 27, 1915 Traveler laying at Goose
Bay.
February 28, 1915 Riley’s men ready to
take shaft through to Iditarod District. Wrote Mattie
to go and get my films in St. Paul. Sent out 3 dozen Knik
papers. Traveler left Goose Bay on morning tide for Ship
Creek and Seldovia.
March 1, 1915 Evening made up clothing order
to send to Mattie on account of St. Paul order. Up all
night with mail going early tomorrow. Mailman in and out,
didn’t get our mail in post office in time. Editor Shaw took
charge of Knik News - wanted us to keep in our advertisement, nothing
doing.
March 2, 1915 Took mail up to Cannon’s hotel
and sent same to Seward on account of Conroy by Mr. Needham,
who left for San Francisco to buy new printing plant for new paper
at Knik - to come in Palmer’s schooner. Three dog teams
left for Seward with passengers. Snow going fast in Knik evening
getting windy.
March 3, 1915 Another summer day 62 in
the sun. Big tides, FFF dock in the air. Evening made
out copy of Peters Creek Mining Co. 1913 bill for Thos. McL.
Snow about gone in front of store. Reported only 8” snow in
the woods less in Matanuska Valley.
March 4, 1915 A-1 day 60 in sun. Big
tide raised all the docks and wrecked Palmer’s crib also.
Richard Crisp back from Seattle, said SS Bertha was to leave March
1st with scow in tow for Ship Creek transfer dock. Bert Stewart
and gang making lots of noise at the saloon today. Snow going
fast in Knik. Capt. Denny reported to arrive March 10th with
Buffalo to bring mail via Sunrise to Knik.
March 5, 1915 Mail failed
to arrive via from Seward. Evening MLD Club gave minstrel
show, saw part of it, was very good. February collections
on the bum. P. C. O’Donnell back from Ship Creek now going
to Broad Pass if he can get his money out of Hughes outfit.
March 6, 1915 MLD Club got all the money last
night - show $96.05 receipts. Mailman in during last night,
got 2 letters each from Mattie and Stanley. Bank of Seward
wrote they would take over T. P. Howard notes at 10% below face value.
Filled gas tank. Turned over Lidell and OGH Howard notes to
Bank of Seward for $337.50 net (add 10% for face value).
March 7, 1915 Water running today. North
mail in early, office closed. Evening wrote Mattie a few
lines about Seattle National Bank. PM for first time this
winter went up to Gill’s house with Henry, all built up around there,
houses all in line. Put all letters in one envelope and sent same
to Conroy to mail at Seward on account of mail closed here.
March 8, 1915 Snow all gone front of
store. Business good cash sales $329.90 collections, $200
total $529.90. Another boat up from Ship Creek. P.
C. O’Donnell bought his outfit for Broad Pass. People divided
here as to Ship Creek and Knik’s future.
March 9, 1915 Business fair collections
and sales $200.25. Restaurant man from Ship Creek up by
boat for grub etc. P. C. O’Donnell left for Broad Pass.
Evening movies. Self wrote K. T. Co. ad. “K. T. Co. H. C. Dohrman
Chief Clerk, “We challenge em-all Phone Sunny Knik, Quality
and Competition”.
March 10, 1915 Boat up from
Ship Creek with 2 traveling men 1 for S. F. Hardware House and
1 for fruit consumers. Chas Gilbert making regular boat
trips from Knik to Ship Creek. Evening gave S. F. Hardware
Co. small order for axes etc.
March 11, 1915 Snow about all gone in
streets. Al Davis painting his booze joint. Placed
future del. order for camera direct with factory. Placed
fall order for ammunition guns etc. With S. F. sales agent.
Busy had supper at midnight.
March 12, 1915 Guggy Man in from Talkeetna
Forks for pick ups, Al Harper with him. Chas Gilbert making
regular boat trips from Fish Creek to Ship Creek with lumber
and pick up orders. Mailman in early, got all mail except
registers? Traveling men left by dog team to “do Station”.
Got 1st notice that Admiral Watson would leave Seattle April 5th
for Knik Anchorage. Mrs. Nagley over from Station.
Received films held up by St. Paul House since
1912.
March 13, 1915 Reported snow
about all gone from mile 7 to mile 22. Worked on mail
sent out $1,100 dep. Evening went to picture show with
S. F. man. Got registered from Mattie said they were ready
to visit at Eyota.
March 14, 1915 Sent Mattie letter for Seattle
National Bank. Buffalo arrived at Fish Creek after the mail
- brought 15 ton restaurant out to Ship Creek. Now good for
2 hour sleep. Sent mail to Seward by Al Davis going over
to meet his wife. Got letter from Herbert said Tyonek would be
up April 25th with Rutter and Dawson outfit.
March 15, 1915 Peach of a day 38 to 70
above. Buffalo got hung up on ice cake so had to lay
over a tide. Al Best up from the Terminal City. RR
kitchen building storehouse on Hedrick's lot next to Names building
Mr. Blodgett wanted to work my placer. Fred shod Kid and got
load sills for dock.
March 16, 1915 Summer day 40 to 60 above
40 above at 11 PM Two scraps today - Jinks sawmill outfit and
B. D. sawmill outfit - over settling up. Mitchell’s house
reported burned down. Commercial Club shooting ice out of
channel below spring. Fred hauled in balance of sills for dock
30 - 4 x6 x9 all told. Got 350’ 2” plank off Jenks
for dock. Got load grub ready to send to mines half powder and
forage.
March 17, 1915 Today, 17th of Ireland.
Several in from Seward. Leckwald back from Outside, shipped
his goods on Traveler from Seward. Launches overdue.
Fred left 4 AM for mines, sent part of load to river by Jenks lumber
team. Big Irish dance on tonight at preachers hall.
March 18, 1915 Buffalo in with Seward mail,
Swan in from Seldovia with 13 passengers, voyage 1. Traveler
reported out 4 days from Seward and not heard of at Seldovia
March 19, 1915 Post office dug up letter
from Mattie yesterday said there were no registers.
Evening sent to Fairbanks Morse and Co. for pump part for sawmill
and shoes for our pile driver. Sea Gull and Nate White
voyage 1 in with passengers from Turnagain Arm. Iditarod
men returning from States on way in. House Bee on account
of building Mitchell’s new house. Commercial Club blowing ice
loose in channel.
March 20, 1915 Sold last of tents in winter
stock. Snow all gone at Sunny Knik and feels like summer.
Adam Block of Seldovia reported died of old age -raised 1st American
flag over Alaska at Sitka.
March 21, 1915 Traveler arrived from Seward
was storm bound for several days. Dunkle back from Seward.
Cramer laid over, said he and Herbert were going to handle the
Ala SS Co. freight the coming summer. Up all night to get out-mail
to catch the Watson at Seldovia. Wrote Seattle bank for accommodations
60 to 90 days.
March 22, 1915 Big day cash sales in small
lots $200. “Swan and Tulo” at Fish Creek. Traveler
left AM tide from Goose Bay to meet Adm. Watson at Seldovia.
Quite a bunch from the Terminal City up to trade at the Hub.
March 23, 1915 People up from the Terminal
City to trade. Evening took in movie show with F. B. Cannon,
Miss Longmire played the piano. Sold last of tents. Farrington
hauling in piles for his dock. Crazy move on for Ship Creek.
March 24, 1915 Ranchers and
others from the Terminal City to trade sales over $200. Hired
Fred Nelson for 25 days $100 to do outside work around store and
dock. Hired M. A. Williams to put engine on pile driver.
Old Cap in with a bunch of Dagos in route to Iditarod District.
Bought a few logs off B. and McD for plates for dock.
March 25, 1915 Fred Nelson
started work by the month. Buffalo in with mail and 14 passengers.
Had Fred spread manure on barn lot, fixed Iditarod’s feet and started
to repair dock.
March 26, 1915 M. A. Williams started to finish
up pile driver engine. Fred re-laid 14’ span on dock.
Traveler back from Seldovia, 2 passengers for Knik. O.
C. Miller in from his ranch. Court trouble brewing.
March 27, 1915 Business fair cash sales $96.55.
Had Fred clean up warehouse in AM, pile wood in PM. Had
Tyoon Chief brown bear skin mounted for rug account Matt’s new
house furnishings. Horace Emery and party arrived on Nate Whites
launch from Sunrise. Many newcomers in town. Took O.
C. Miller to picture show.
March 28, 1915 Took another view of Sunny
Knik. Buffalo in with 3 dog teams for Iditarod District.
Bare ground Knik to Station. Got order ready for groceries
to Sylvester and paint order.
March 29, 1915 A-1 day cooler, froze
a little last night. Business good cash sales $172.75.
Williams got engine about ready to mount on pile driver.
Chas Jones and many others up from Ship Creek to trade. PM
started to sink well deeper in my house, well had gone dry. Evening
windy.
March 30, 1915 Blew hard all last night
and today. Evening temperature 18 above. Fred and
self worked on well at my house all day. Hoisted out 1’ dust
and got water, put in sand point Blowing hard out of Turnagain
Arm all day. Williams laid off on account of wind couldn’t
hoist engine on pile driver.
March 31, 1915 Weather windy and cooler.
Finished re-insulating pump at my house. Traveler in
from Turnagain Arm and went to Seldovia to meet Evans.
No work on pile driver today. Got letter from Mattie was
back from farm and ready to come to Seattle next.
April 1, 1915 Snowed 3” last night, about
all gone at noon. Williams rigged up gin pole to raise engine
onto the pile driver base.
April 2, 1915 AM had raising - B hoisted
gin into place on pile driver frame. PM tried pump at
my house - would work. Report came that the Buffalo was
a wreck at Ship Creek during last wind storm. Old Man Norton
in route to Iditarod with 3 passengers by his dog team.
April 3, 1915 AM took down gin pole used
to raise pile driver engine. O. C. Miller started to build
wood shed on my lot. Evening had a slide on, advertising 40
Mile Miller’s stoves, at picture show. GB took lease on BD
Mines. Installed my new Royal Tailor suit with a million $ look.
April 4, 1915 AM blew ice out in front
of wharf, big tide wrecked all the docks. Our crib in
place pulled a few piles, Palmer’s crib half turned over
into channel, Farrington’s dock 10’ in the air. Sent
Seattle Chamber Commerce a set of Broad Pass post cards asked for
- and Knik Commercial Club circular. Ice all raised on bar
in front of Knik but didn’t go out on account of cold snap freezing
ice together.
April 5, 1915 Fred worked on barn lot fence,
laid off on account his well. Williams finished pile
driver frame in AM laid off PM. Chas Gorenflo in with a
$300 Martin check. Miller on woodshed. Joe Peterson
and Tomlinson in from Willow Creek, said snow was about all gone.
April 6, 1915 Business good cash sales $143.80.
Traveler in last night from Seldovia with 16 passengers off Adm.
Evans. Chas Block over from Seward. Al Davis back from
trip to Seward. Traveler got hung up on anchor ice below Fish
Creek. Miller finished woodshed. Fred Nelson laid off
to dig his well.
April 7, 1915 Traveler got off ice cake.
Swan took mail to Turnagain Arm. Midnight tide, Traveler
took Crow Creek out to Arm, Mrs. Fitch went along as cook, left
boys at Knik. Had Miller cut door through sugar cache into main
warehouse and made bookkeeping desk for my office.
April 8, 1915 Helped Williams tear up gangway
that had lifted on dock ice. Put gangplank from crib to
platform to handle freight over until we can drive the piles.
Had Williams help to fix pump in my house, cylinder was full of sand
and connecting rod uncoupled. Miller put brackets on Matt’s
new table. Miller ready to return to ranch. Alaska
arrived from Seldovia voyage one.
April 9, 1915 Put foot valve on pump at new
house, had to disassemble all the pipe on account of connecting
rod being uncoupled again. Pumped out well water - clearing
and fine. O. C. Miller left for his ranch. Out-mail
came in PM, bank wired loan on collections no good. Credit customers
looking for accommodations again.
April 10, 1915 AM got Matt’s registered
letter from Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Traveler in route
to Seldovia. Henry Dohrman got word that his
money was available in Persia, Iowa and offered us use of same.
Evening attended movie show.
April 11, 1915 A few up from the Terminal to
trade. Traveler left PM tide for Seldovia to meet Evans,
got out-mail. Arranged to send Dohrman’s draft to Seattle
Bank for $2,000 due May 1st. Paid premium on New York Life
Insurance $293.50.
April 12, 1915 Ice broke up in channel
from FFF dock to O'Brian Creek, channel closed below spring.
Gill and McNally located a town lot at Ship Creek and sent for
Dohrman Sr. to come and hold them down. A few leaving every
day to locate at Ship Creek tent city. Dohrman signed up order
to Persia Savings Bank Iowa to send on $2,000 and $1,005 to
Seattle Nat. for our credit if wanted.
April 13, 1915 The Flyer up from Ship Creek
for Sunny Knik grub etc. Someone robbed the saloon cash
register last night. Sent order for laundry supplies for
Chas Jones laundry Terminal City. Wrote Seattle Bank we
got a loan and didn’t need their accommodations. Fred got water
at his new house at 75’.
April 14, 1915 Iditarod mail in. Swan
in with Outside mail. Dr. Schlabam over from Seward to straighten
out Long Shorty location at Tyonek. Palmer’s crib
toppled over into channel, lots of ice afloat. Report came
that Seward got the terminal of government road with Fairbanks for
Yukon end.
April 15, 1915 Got letter from Mattie,
March 30, was in Seattle and would leave on Watson April 5th
for Seldovia. Big tide moved part of ice jammed
near spring. Several strangers asking for credits, nothing
doing. Emery came in to meet the boat that didn’t arrive.
Mrs. Jack Brown up from Ship Creek to trade. Swan took out
the mail.
April 16, 1915 Fred Nelson started to work
again. Fred worked on barn fence and on ice around dock crib.
Traveler in from Seldovia. Mattie and son got back from
trip Outside (with bicycle). Tom Hanmore died at Iliamna.
April 17, 1915 Snow squall and rain.
Channel open up to K. T. dock. Hauled dock crib back to place.
Business fair, 2 more ranchers from Outside, outfitted for Matanuska.
Traveler laying at Soldier Creek. Mattie went up to look
over our new house. Grub getting pretty short at Knik.
Several from Ship Creek up to trade.
April 18, 1915 AM tide Tyonek in with
Palmer and a few produce, tried to come to dock and got hung
up 300 yards below dock. Evening Traveler in port.
New launch, Jessie, in from Seldovia formerly was the Knik.
PM Henry took Kid for a ride.
April 19, 1915 AM business lively on
account of several orders to go on ebb tide, cash sales $271.70.
Tyonek and Traveler hung up on the mud, came up too far on neap
tide. Fred helped to pack orders AM, worked on barn fence PM.
Self finished varnishing front room in new house. Stanley started
school in 3rd grade.
April 20, 1915 Fred finished fence in front
of barn and widened out roadway 4’. Mattie scrubbed floors
in new house. Henry off with sick headache. Tyonek
laying on the mud waiting for increase of tide to float. Traveler
took scow load lumber to Ship Creek. Evening got out-mail.
Paid Sylvester balance on 1914 account.
April 21, 1915 Traders up
from Ship Creek. Evans reported sailed for Knik on 15th
with 105 passengers. N. W. and Mariposa on way to Knik with
passengers and Government RR freight. Had Fred repair roof
on store and root house. Cleaned out Matt’s well by tent house.
Ranchers in looking for seed spuds and grain. Outside mail
in AM tide.
April 22, 1915 Very low tide all the
boats on the mud. Made a general cleaning up in dock warehouse
to make room for new goods. Leveled up gangplank from crib
to dock so as to use trucks to handle freight. Commercial
Club trying to block up inside channel so water will run down past
Knik docks. Grub getting short in Knik.
April 23, 1915 Business quiet on account
of shortage of grub, Evans due tomorrow. SS
Bertha finished discharging cannery outfit at Goose Bay and left
for Ship Creek to meet Evans. Started to put in water works
from Matt’s pump to dock on account of fires - pile driver etc.
Cannery boat came up from Goose Bay to get grub.
April 24, 1915 Business fair bought out
Farrington’s dock and warehouse for $300. Started to put
in gangway from dock to store through store garden and widen out
road from beach to store. Editor Needham got back from San Francisco.
Evans 1st boat in with Knik freight, 100 passengers arrived and half
dozen traveling men. Got picture slides of Broad Pass and Sunny
Knik. Evening Herning family with Mr. Felch took in movie show.
April 25, 1915 Busy all day, up till midnight
looking over traveling men’s samples. Ordered Colgate
soap etc. and hardware from Mr. Chamberlain Wantons man.
Placed winter order with Goodyear Rubber man. Ordered canvas
from Portland man and harness gear too. Traveler delivered eggs, spuds
and bacon, hardware and baking powder had to haul goods off
beach below spring. Tyonek moved 100 yards PM tide.
April 26, 1915 Old Tyonek got off bar
AM tide. Traveler hauling all the freight to Knik from
the Evans. Now stocked up except sugar and milk (not delivered).
Bought some clothing off Fitch for fall delivery. Evening
busy with Chamberlain Whiton Hardware Co. man with additional hardware
order. Fred worked on new gangway to wharf.
April 27, 1915 Got up 3:30 on account
of the Traveler landing freight over our dock, most of freight
was for B and H and a little for everybody. Traveler and
scow bidarky first boats to come to dock this spring. .
Mariposa in at Ship Creek voyage 1.
April 28, 1915 Weather cool snow last
night, morning ground white, all gone before noon, cooler now
than March. Bernard Stone of the Gateway over to settle up
Knik News business, asked us to pay ½ of March and April advertising
which was ordered out February 28th we paid him ½ - $12. Busy
day in store cash sales $235. Mattie cleaned up the Corlew stock
on account of the wind storm blowing in sand. Fred got foundation
down for gangway store to dock. Fred Peterson in from mines.
Evening Traveler in with last of Evans freight.
April 29, 1915 Morning tide Traveler
delivered furniture, paints and dry goods. Ranchers down to
trade, store full until Hughes outfit broke down gangplank by
rolling 2,600 lb. cable over it. Fred got up plates on gangway
to store and part of plank. Got two 8x8 timbers off Tom Merideth
42’ long.
April 30, 1915 Matanuska ranchers down
to trade, sold $36 worth of seed. Williams mounted sleeve
on pile driver engine and fixed up boiler and engine connection.
Evening tide Traveler in with last of Mariposa freight.
Latouche freight yet to come. Evening Fred looked after lumber
off Traveler.
May 1, 1915 Rosebud in with coal.
C. R. Booth got back. Williams fired up pile driver boiler
now short on hammer rope. PM hauled load furniture to new house.
Evening Herning family attended picture show. Showed first
news of Broad Pass District and Otto in the oat hay field.
May 2, 1915 Evening all the fleet in
port, Alameda arrived 2:30 AM, Traveler up Turnagain Arm.
Evening made room in warehouse for flour, new lot in. More
traveling men arrived, went out on same launches. Mrs.
Zimmerman had her trunks delivered on dock, ready to go out.
Henry took ride on Kid.
May 3, 1915 Business rushing today receipts
over $300 several Ship Creek orders. Palmer’s schooner
reported at Fire Island. Evening Palmer drifted out of port
with is launch and scow to meet schooner at Goose Bay. Swan
in with mail. Harry Lander in from Willow Creek. Evening
closed early and checked and marked up 1 box of St. Paul goods.
Fred on store gangway 1 day repaired floor in Kids stable.
May 4, 1915 Palmer launched his scow
and launch went to Goose bay to get merchandise off his schooner.
Evening tide Cramer in with K. T. Co. freight off Latouche, got
eggs, meats, groceries and building paper. Fred moved
east end garden fence over west side of store gangway.
May 5, 1915 Ranchers down
to trade sales $128. Fred helped around store all day.
No boats on AM tide. Traveler was to deliver last of Knik
freight. Big fire over on Eagle River. The launch
Islander arrived from Juneau.
May 6, 1915 Business lively today, traders
up from Ship Creek, cash sales $284. Traveler discharged
balance of freight for Knik, tent, doors and window. Business good,
also hardware, Palmer’s scow in with 2nd load off schooner
at Goose Bay. Dr. David and Needham visited said a move was
on to consolidate our new paper, Cook Inlet Pioneer, with the Knik
News.
May 7, 1915 Fred assembled chairs and
got up merchandise to store. Big Noise, Government scow,
landed horses and freight at our dock. Pederson and Howard
after our dock. Frank Watson visited evening to tell us all
about the McNally freight outfit said his company had no contract with
them, talked of dock and Goose Bay.
May 8, 1915 Several launches up from
Ship Creek to trade. Farrington and Jenks launched their
new scow. Fred assembled chairs. Evening Herning family
took in the movie, M. A. Williams run off the reels.
May 9, 1915 Traveler and river boat A.
C. Co. Jane in on morning tide. PM Jane left for Broad
Pass District sent Lidell and Kelly’s mail by way of way of Doker.
Bartholf’s shipped load lumber to Ship Creek on Farrington’s new
scow. Sea Lion left for Station with mail. Henry Dohrman went
down to Ship Creek to look over the Terminal City.
May 10, 1915 Fleet in. PM tide
all the launches and Palmer’s scow got stuck on ebb tide by
spring. Fred fixed barn lot fence to keep dogs out.
Bill Elliott over from Old Knik, got a skate on first time in 3
years. Pilger and Hertel moved to Ship Creek. Cash on hand
$3,700.
May 11, 1915 Self and Fred worked at my new
house, finished varnishing the kitchen, got stairs ready to stain.
Fred oiled woodshed door and started to put wood inside.
Evening great rush to fill orders from the Ship Creek fleet.
Part of the Cook Inlet Pioneer Press etc. landed from schooner Lucy
in our warehouse. AM sewed barn lot to barley.
May 12, 1915 Only launch Jessie up to trade.
Had Fred pile part of wood in my wood shed at new house.
Mailed out deposits and paid April invoices. Not many people
left in Knik, some gone to Willow Creek mines and more to Ship Creek.
Palmer landed balance of Pioneer Printing Press.
May 13, 1915 Business quiet no launches
up from Ship Creek on account of Outside boats due. Tyonek
came as far as Fish Creek to get Mrs. Herbert from Sunny Knik visit.
Launch Islander in port. AM Fred dragged barn lot, put in
oats and ball barley. PM worked on my lawn at new house.
Busy with out-mail. Got rope for pile driver from Goose Bay company.
May 14, 1915 Morning tide Traveler in
with passengers and mail off Evans Mattie and Stanley went
down to look over the Terminal coal town, back 6 PM Mariposa also
in. Another consignment of traveling men in looking for
orders. Gave Fischer Bros. man small order. Got wire
from Persia Savings Bank that Dohrman’s money was forwarded to Seattle.
Iditarod fell and broke his hip had to shoot him - Stanley’s $15 horse
cushion.
May 15, 1915 Gene Bartholf in from the
States. Traveler delivered first of our freight from
Evans and Mariposa on evening tide. The launch Onward arrived,
voyage 1 to Knik. Coal survey under Williamson arrived.
Got balance of Tom Meredith’s house timbers, 6 in all. Palmer
finished discharging his freight from schooner. Evening saw
half of show.
May 16, 1915 Stained bathroom door and
stairs in new house. Evening Traveler in with last of
freight from Mariposa and Evans. Knik full of new people
again. Alaska stuck on the mud in Palmer’s Slough.
Lot of fresh Outside meat in town. Fred installed new Buckeye
pump in his 75’ well.
May 17, 1915 Traveler in port.
Williams tried the pile driver, friction wouldn’t hold, had
to strengthen same. Fred worked on store gangway to dock.
Business good cash sales $348.30. Evening tide government
scow in with locating engineer for Broad Pass District. Chief
clerk Chase visited for bids on hardware for government railroad use.
Mr. Halstad from Seattle visited wanted stock ranch.
May 18, 1915 Morning tide Swan towed
Cramer’s scow with Cook Inlet Pioneer Job Press to Ship Creek
on account of doing job work for the Government. Ordered
dry goods for fall delivery from Warren and Monroe man Mr. Chastine.
Started pile driver drove 2 piles when friction gave out. Put
up hardware order for Ala-Eng- Com. All the launches in port
on evening tide Jane back from Talkeetna Forks.
May 19, 1915 Business fair collections
and sales $696. All the launches stuck on the mud all
got off on evening tide except cannery boat. AM Fred helped
to unpack hardware PM graded street on east end of store
garden. Alameda just blew at Ship Creek 11:30 PM.
Mr. Halstadt back from trip to 19 to look over country.
Had Williams fix seat on go-cart.
May 20, 1915 Big fires all around. Hughes
and Co. graded street east end of store garden Al Davis held
scraper and Fred leveled up the grade. Traveler took part
of Pioneer Printing Plant to Ship Creek.
May 21 1915 Traveler in port doing repair
work and painting. More dingy traders up from Ship Creek.
Doc David moved his office to Ship Creek. Planted spuds
in store garden. Fred did odd jobs. Very quiet in Knik.
Everybody gone to Ship Creek cash sales $150.
May 22, 1915 Valdez launch
Onward tried to go out on upper channel and hit the mud, tides
very small. Had Fred clean up box pile and back yard.
Evening all attended the movie show. Put on slide of Folgers
Bak. Pwd. and Royal Tailors.
May 23, 1915 Traveler left PM tide to
meet Watson. Varnished stairs and front room in new house
now ready to set up furniture. Henry went to Ship Creek
last night. Mike Murphy in town. Ordered friction drum
for pile driver.
May 24 1915 Light rain much needed.
SS Bertha in early AM tide. Traveler brought our powder
and T. G. goods. Watson in, mail delivered PM tide only. Jane in
from Station. Mrs. Cody and Simmons kids came over. Inspector
at Ship Creek tied up 9 launches for not having licenses.
McCoy and son arrived in route to Broad Pass.
May 25, 1915 Up at 4 AM Traveler in with
groceries and hardware Big bill of hardware came and various
freight, Palmer closed the Post Office, showed me the letter
from the Department saying he must not close the office or he
and Bondsman would be held responsible.
May 26, 1915 Traveler brought balance of hardware.
Agreeable to Bondsman Palmer swore in the jewelry man as assistant
Postmaster. All the fleet in on PM tide. Mattie
washed windows at new house.
May 27, 1915 Morning tide on ebb, Traveler
run high up on beach and stuck. Lee Rice on Knik run,
brought his launch out of Kenai Lake down river. Post Office
moved from Palmer’s to Howard building today. Lander in from
GB Mines. Movie outfit moved to Ship Creek.
May 28, 1915 Everything looking green
and lovely. Fred finished rack for iron in east annex.
Dodge Steamship Line schooner at Ship Creek with lumber for government
railway, part of fleet in. Harry Lander left for mines.
May 29, 1915 Weather cloudy evening light
rain. Kelly the tinner moved to Ship Creek. Ball game
on tomorrow at Ship Creek. Mattie and Mrs. McMillan gathered
flowers for all the graves. James St. Clair and wife in town.
Alaska moved Bartholf sawmill to Palmer’s Slough.
May 30, 1915 Excursion to Ship Creek
on account of the ball game. Business fair AM sales
$52.40 - giant powder $206. Sold Crow Creek M. Co. ½
ton giant powder and 3M 6x caps. Hauled powder to beach
with Kid on government cart. Traveler brought in 2 of 3 pieces
short last delivery. Locating engineer from Old Knik over to
trade.
May 31, 1915 Evening worked on orders and out-mail
till 1:30 AM. Bobby Bush moved his cigar and candy store
to Ship Creek. Several ranchers in to trade. Moving
Farrington and Jenks sawmill to Ship Creek.
June 1, 1915 Fred finished piling wood at house.
Fred painted red sled and fixed wheelbarrow. Evening
tide Mariposa in with 200 passengers. Traveler brought
mail to Knik. Palmer canned Sprague his clerk.
June 2, 1915 Painted Matt’s sled and the wheelbarrow.
Traveler delivered produce on morning tide. Evening several
new people came to town.
June 3, 1915 Business fair cash sales
$131.30. Fred made work table for Matt’s new house.
Packed down 2 boxes powder for the CIT Co. PM tide Evans arrived.
Evening Traveler came up with passengers and the mail. Mrs.
T. D. Corlew arrived. Wrote Dunham Corrigan and Hayden Co.
S. F. to cancel ammunition order.
June 4, 1915 Noon tide Traveler delivered freight
from Fischer Bros. Brown and Hawkins building a dock below
our docks, wouldn’t pay 50¢ a ton for outgoing freight over
our dock. Had Mrs. Corlew at lunch. Came up to get
her stock and locate at Ship Creek.
June 5, 1915 Noon tide Ship
Creek baseball team arrived to play Knik team, Ship Creek
won. Tracy manager for Ala. Steamship Co. in town.
T. D. Corlew arrived to join his wife. Found that someone had
tried to break into our new house.
June 6, 1915 Busy in store AM sales over
$50. Corlew and Kelly packed up Corlew stock - 20 boxes,
1 shoe rack, 1 heater stove and pipe. Traded Corlew 15
- 1x12x16 - 2x4’s for 244’ shelving in Matt’s tent store.
Fins after hardware and grub on account of 40,000 tie contract for
government railway. Henry went to Ship Creek. Fred made window
screens.
June 7, 1915 Busy all day in store sales
$187.05. Corlew’s left for Ship Creek to get a location
for ladies furnishings store. A. E. Reed left for Archangel
Creek. Jack Stein left to cruise trail near railroad survey
around Bald Mt. Freight in off Alameda.
June 8, 1915 Business fair cash sales
$132.75. AM busy marking new hardware PM had Fred
screen doors on aft part of new house. Traveler PM took Mrs.
Corlew stock to Ship Creek. Freezing plant, at Ship Creek,
after sawdust at Knik. Evening Mattie cut my hair. Got
Chas Jones bill ready to take to Ship Creek tomorrow.
June 9, 1915 Got up 3:30 AM Stanley and
self went to Ship Creek on Traveler, had meeting of the Cook Inlet
Publishing Co. at Dr. David’s office. Self elected president,
Shaw vice president, David secretary and treasurer. Got
home 4 PM Had Fred dig up store garden and plant to buckwheat.
June 10, 1915 Traveler running
between Ship Creek and Knik every tide round fare $1.50.
Had Fred clean up also cleaned root house. Big fires between
Eagle and Old Knik. Bill Bartholf and son in from mines
went to Ship Creek. Stained Matt’s work table.
June 11, 1915 Business quiet today cash
sales $75.60. Old school board held election to replace
treasurer and clerk who moved to Ship Creek self elected treasurer.
Ronald Harris in town. Re-installed water tank, put same
above pump higher up and put in connection so as to water store garden
from tank. Put up shelves for wardrobe in new house. Evening
planted radishes lettuce and carrots in store garden.
June 12, 1915 Had Fred set
up furniture in new house. New river boat in port.
Evening Traveler in with Ship Creek dancers. Stanley made
$2 selling Pioneer News. Dance on at preachers hall.
June 13, 1915 Everybody went
to Ship Creek for ball game, Knik 4 - Ship Creek 8.
Fred went to Ship Creek to look over new city. Evening light rain
much needed very dusty and dry. W. S. Horning left
for Broad Pass sent Lidell’s shotgun with him and mail.
June 14, 1915 Business fair above the
$100 mark. Fred shod Kid. Evening tide Traveler in with
part of Watson freight. Up till 1 o’clock with out-mail.
Capt. Jensen came up on Traveler.
June 15, 1915 Business quiet cash sales
$86.95. Settled with Hughes and Pederson for freight over
our dock from May 19th to date. Total freight 100 tons
of which ½ was for K. T. Co. Busy all day in store
marking up new goods from Tacoma and Portland.
June 16, 1915 Busy all day
moving from house over store to our new house on C and H lot.
Jack and Mrs. Brown up to trade. Cannon and Mrs. Morrison
took in Ship Creek. Evening tide Traveler in with passengers
and after goods for Ship Creek trade.
June 17, 1915 Worked at new house about
all day, sewed lawn to grass seed, pumped out well, put up window
curtains etc. Fred helped. Evening tide launches
in port from Ship Creek to trade. Shortage on sugar Knik
market.
June 18, 1915 Busy in store cash sales
$205.15. Had Fred jack up house over store to plumb windows.
Got grub ready to send out with Hughes team to Mile 34.
Mattie got house about fitted up. Don’t like new house too
lonesome.
June 19, 1915 Had Fred put shelves in
front room in house over store. Sent mail down
on Traveler. Evening sent government drafts to St. Paul
House. Ready to leave to open up Grubstake mines tomorrow.
June 20, 1915 Fred finished shelves in house
over store. PM self and Stanley drove Kid on cart out
to 40 Mile Miller’s, mile 23½, Fred and brother
Pete hiked out also.
June 21, 1915 Perfect day left Stanley
with Miller, rode Kid to mile 32, packed 185 lbs. grub from
32 to mines, arrived mines 2:30 everything in order. Had
lunch then looked over pipeline ditches etc.
June 22, 1915 At mines, water down to
normal. Reset no. 1 giant on Willow Creek bench,
went over pipeline and rewired places. Fred made grate
for 24” intake to pipeline. Cleaned out ditch by big dam.
June 23, 1915 At mines, tightened up
pipeline and gates turned on water at noon. Cleaned out canyon
ditch, fixed apron to intake tried giant worked OK. Boys
started to clean up pit. Self left for Miller’s ranch at
6 PM arrived 11 PM.
June 24, 1915 Hitched Kid on cart with Stanley,
arrived at Knik 1:30, made average 4 miles per hour. Traveler
in with groceries and rubber goods. Ringwood, general agent
for Admiral Line and Frank Watson visited. Business under
average last 3 days.
June 25, 1915 Pipe fitting arrived also balance
of rubber goods from St. Paul. Miss Longmire and Martin’s
assayer family left for mines. Evening got checks ready
for deposit at Seattle Bank. Oats heading out on barn lot.
June 26, 1915 Alameda in port, failed
to get mail. Evening Mattie and son attended Hop.
June 27, 1915 Painted and put in all the screens
in new house. Ball game on at Knik Park - Goose
Bay, Cannery boys played with Knik and won 4 to 5.
July 28, 1915 Several ranchers down to trade.
Evening tide Tyonek in port. Opened up St. Paul packs with
heels.
June 29, 1915 Knik lady ball team practicing
to play Anchorage the 4th. A big drop in business at
Anchorage on account of town site lots to be sold to highest
bidder. Dinky traders getting cold feet.
June 30, 1915 First good rain of summer.
Business quiet, busy making up June bills rendered. Kootz
and Jack Stein back from cruising out RR trail from Little Susitna
to Willow. PM and evening good rain much needed.
Gave $25 towards Knik 4th of July celebration.
July 1, 1915 Ranchers in to trade.
July 2, 1915 Harris in from GB Mines after
more men. Evening put up order for Gold Bullion.
July 3, 1915 Knik people busy with July
4th celebration. Boys erected grandstand at ball grounds.
July 4, 1915 Knik ball team left on Traveler
to play Ship Creek team, usual boosters went along.
Ship Creek held celebration - Knik tomorrow. Report came
that Watson run on the rocks at Ellamar. Ship Creek won ball
game.
July 5, 1915 A-1 hot day. Big celebration
at Sunny Knik. AM races etc. on beach below KT dock,
Stanley won race $3. PM ball game at park, Ship Creek
ladies team played Knik ladies, team score 10 each - tie. Knik
team vs. Ship Creek, Ship Creek won $50 prize. Evening Ball
in hall, prizes for waltz and two-step. Big crowd up from
Ship Creek.
July 6, 1915 Making ready to go to Willow Creek
placer mines. Thorpe’s Mile 12 RH visited gave us an order
said they were through with Palmer, also Mile 16 Roadhouse gave
us an order. Now got 5 out of 7 roadhouse trade.
July 7, 1915 Stanley and self drove Kid out
to 40 Mile Miller’s ranch road very muddy from mile 16 to 24,
Miller’s garden looking fine.
July 8, 1915 Miller’s ranch to mines
- packed 40 lbs. on Kid Boys had second cut on Willow
Creek bench worked out ready to clean up.
July 9, 1915 At mines cleaned up pit
AM. PM cleaned up boxes, clean up small.
Left setup ready to pipe in west side of cut. Lots opened
for sale at Ship Creek sold up to $950 each.
July 10, 1915 AM looked over Grubstake
bench. Figured out plan to connect up pipeline, only
short 11 to 10 taper. Arranged to open up bench and pipe
same into Creek. PM left for Knik stopped at O. C. Miller’s,
Stanley cooked supper had T-bone steak.
July 11, 1915 40 Mile Miller’s to Knik
arrived at noon. PM looked over mail and washed up road
cart.
July 12, 1915 Part of District Court
officials arrived to hold term of court at Knik.
July 13, 1915 Judge Brown arrived to
open court. Frank Watson visited, offered $8 rate on
lumber and $9 rate on general merchandise in 100 ton lots.
July 14, 1915 Weather very warm 81 in
shade. Court in session, Indian Jim and Wilstrom
cases up.
July 15, 1915 District Court in session.
Hotels full. Wilstrom tried for Ship Creek trouble was
acquitted.
July 16, 1915 Court in session.
Indian Jim up for shooting Stephan last November. Jury
rendered verdict of manslaughter. Made up lumber list for
Knik Lumber Co. to come on next Evans to Ship Creek, Watson
gave us $8 rate. Henry Dohrman Sr. sales manager OGH secretary-treasurer.
July 17, 1915 A-1 day 75 above.
Court about through. Wilstrom give till fall for trial
about saloon case - out on bond - Silverman and self went on bond.
Evans reported on rocks near Ketchikan.
July 18, 1915 Herning family went to Ship Creek
to look over new town site, several blocks were cleared, 4th Street
looked best for business. Henry Dohrman Sr. went along
to look up lot for hardware store. Evening Traveler delivered
produce that came on Evans. Anchorage played McCullough sailors.
Stanley brought home a watermelon.
July 19, 1915 Milo Kelly took outfit for prospecting.
Sent order for doors, windows, etc. to sell same in Anchorage.
Henry asked off for balance of week to look after lots at Anchorage.
Government sending bunch of men to Anchor Point to cut hay for
wintering government horses.
July 20, 1915 Wood worked
on installing pile driver drum. Henry at Ship Creek.
Got first small order from Pacific Coast Co. wholesalers Anchorage.
July 21, 1915 Weather still hot.
Busy in store Mattie helped part of the time. Wood got
hoist drum installed and filled boiler ready for action.
Court officials back from Ship Creek. Henry laying off account
McDonald - Longmire wedding. Drummer for West Coast Grocery
Co. visited. Sold Ala. Eng. Com. $300 worth of underwear.
July 22, 1915 Another hot day.
Busy day in store collections fair put up 2 ranchers
orders. Indian Jim got his sentence, 3 years at McNeil
Island for shooting Old Stephan. Ala. Eng. Com. on this
market for merchandise. P. J. McDonald and Miss Longmire were
married at social hall followed by a dance, Mattie and Stanley
attended gave them a rocker. Wood steamed up the pile driver
new drum worked OK.
July 23, 1915 Mattie helping
in store while Henry on a vacation. Started to drive
piles for new front of dock, driver worked OK, Wood engineer,
Ben Agnew pile master, Anderson swamper.
July 24, 1915 Still hot weather. Knik
girls went to Anchorage to play Anchorage girls, Knik won
26 to 30. Busy making out order for Anchorage Hardware Store.
July 25, 1915 Weather warm and smoky.
Watson in, reported old SS Bertha burned up at Eyak. Ben
Agnew laid off PM said he had crick in back.
July 26, 1915 Weather still extra warm.
Dohrman started to work again in store after week vacation.
Deal on to get Seward baseball team to play Anchorage at sunny
Knik, $250 raised. Got 4 rows piles driven. Evening Henry
went down to Anchorage to see about lot for hardware store.
July 27 1915 Stanley and self went down
to Ship Creek, bought lot 50x100 from Fred Parson’s, corner 3rd
and H Street, lot 1 in block 29 - townsite of Anchorage for $524
cash - with deferred payment due government of $272. Called
Ala Eng. Com. to get check to cover May and June account failed
to get it.
July 28, 1915 Still hot weather.
Otto Langel back from Broad Pass Dist. PM Otto cut oats on barn
lot, were dead ripe.
July 29, 1915 Still hot weather.
Dorhman Sr. went down to Anchorage to see about lumber for new
hardware building Agnew laid off. Otto commenced work
on pile driver. Collections over $400.
July 30, 1915 Weather partly cloudy and
a little cooler. Self and Stanley went down to Anchorage.
Ordered lumber for new hardware building off Bird Creek Mill
Co. Fred Petersen had lot about stumped. Lumber Co.
all sold out on 20’ to 24’ 2x4 to 2x8. Mr. Hubbell, surveyor,
came up to Knik. Forty seventh birthday today Mattie made
ice cream.
July 31, 1915 Got piles drove
on old gangway from east annex and caps in place. Evening
Buffalo took a bunch Knik-ites to grand opening Ball on new town
site at Anchorage. Hubbell went out to survey at Willow Creek
Dist. Sold ranchers good order.
August 1, 1915 Got good rain last night
much needed. Made out order for Gloria gas
lamps. No work on dock today. The tug Pioneer in
with big schooner loaded with lumber. Ronald Harris left
for Outside on account of sickness in his family.
August 2, 1915 Dohrman Sr. and Wood left
for Anchorage to erect new hardware store for Kink Hardware
Co., sent down 4 kegs nails. Otto and Anderson finished
laying floor on old gangway to warehouse and cocked the oat crop.
Paid Ben Agnew for 3½ days labor on driving piles for dock.
Wood left for Ship Creek.
August 3, 1915 Otto stacked the oat hay on
barn lot. Got ½ floor timbers down on new annex
to dock. B and B brought excursion party up the Arm off
the Alameda. Tides very low Traveler only came as far as
spring.
August 4, 1915 Got new addition to dock
about completed. Lowest tide of year Traveler and Sea
Lion brought up Seward baseball team and got hung up at dock.
August 5, 1915 Anchorage baseball team arrived
on PM tide. Big game on at Knik ball grounds. At
first looked as though Seward had a walk away. Anchorage finally
got next and won 1st of series of 4 games. Completed
annex to dock making 528’ more dock space.
August 6, 1915 Put in order for mirrors and
cheap roofing with Portland House. Second game on at Knik park,
Seward won versus Anchorage. B and B and Traveler in port.
Big dance on at preachers hall.
August 7, 1915 Evening went down to Anchorage
to look after new hardware building, had up store room 16x30.
Got street grade will have to cut down 18” for store building
Report came that the Russians drove the Germans out of Warsaw.
August 8, 1915 Got home 4 AM from Anchorage.
Took Ben Agnes order for welding suit. Evening made up
order for dishes etc. for Kink Hardware Co. Store Anchorage.
August 9, 1915 Ball game wound up at Anchorage,
Seward team played Knik team 7 to 17 Seward’s favor.
M. A. Williams in town sold him his winter clothing - going
to McDougal to work for Cache Creek Dredging Co. for winter.
August 10, 1915 Government check for
May and June bill finally showed up. Business fair collections
over $400. Bought flash lights for Anchorage Hardware
Store. Frazier and Brown had scrap over security account
Palmer’s bills rend. by rancher Brown. Evans in port one week
behind schedule. Rabe in from Independence G. M. Co. Mine
on biz.
August 11, 1915 Traveler delivered Evans
freight. Otto helped unpack new goods and fix up office.
Evening tide several boats in port at Knik. Collection and
business good.
August 12, 1915 Had Otto help to fix
up office and put in more shelf room in house apartment over
store. Reported foundation in account Kink Hardware Co.
at Anchorage.
August 13, 1915 Busy day at store ranchers
in to trade. Finished fitting up new office over store.
August 14, 1915 Turned cooler today.
Otto and self fixed pump in house, cleaned out cylinder and
foot valve, stayed primed OK. Mariposa in PM got mail
in evening. Received letter from Hedrick wanted me to take
charge of his property at Knik.
August 15, 1915 Henry went to Anchorage, put
up 2 orders. Watson in evening tide. Frame of Kink
Hardware Co. building up at Anchorage. Mariposa brought
doors, windows, etc. for Kink Hardware Co. at Anchorage.
August 16, 1915 Had Otto put oat hay in barn.
Started to build gangway to annex at dock to store gangway.
Farrington got outfit to go to his ranch off mile 28.
Evening Traveler in with freight off Watson - hardware came account
the store at Anchorage.
August 17, 1915 Otto got in gangway from
dock to gangway to store. Herning family went to Anchorage
to see about stock in store building for Kink Hardware Co., got
back on evening tide. Fischer’s man visited. David
and Kivig families moved down to Anchorage.
August 18, 1915 Otto finished
laying planks etc. on store gangway to dock. Priced up hardware
for Kink Hardware Co. Anchorage. Mrs. McFurson barber,
moved down to Anchorage. Peters Creek M. Co. went to Anchorage
to close deal for sale of their mine.
August 19, 1915 Had Otto unpack winter
goods and deliver same to store. Got mail ready for Alameda.
Henry got ready to go to Anchorage to open up hardware etc.
for new store, left on Traveler on midnight tide.
August 20, 1915 Busy all day unpacking fall
goods. Got Matt’s tent store filled with blankets and comforters.
Mattie helped in store. Alameda due.
August 21, 1915 Busy with out-mail and Mattie
cleaned up store and put Heinz 57 varieties on shelf.
Otto laid off on account of stiff neck. Sent order for school
supplies etc. Traveler in, no Alameda as yet. Evening made out
a lot of deadhead bills to force payment. Ben Agnew making
regular trips to coal landing picking up small orders. Sprague
and party back from 3 week hunt up Peters Creek brought us
sheep meat.
August 22, 1915 Packed up balance of hardware
for Anchorage store, 3 tons. Frisby and Murray back from
Broad Pass, came overland route. Several launches in port.
Alameda departed.
August 23, 1915 McNaught
and partner Don S. Rae and several others back from last February
trip to Broad Pass District. Had Otto clean up smoked
meats. Traveler took 3 and 4/5 tons of K. T. Co. hardware
to store at Anchorage. Otto loaded freight on Traveler.
Fred cleaned up Grubstake boxes and closed down mine on account
of no water.
August 24, 1915 Packed up more hardware for
Anchorage store. PM tide Henry came up from Anchorage to
consult about store building, stock, etc. had front in and part
of goods on shelf. Sold Polly Bros. Anchorage, eggs and
spuds etc.
August 25, 1915 Fred came in from mines,
brought 1½ lbs. gold dust. Evening tide quite
a few came up from Anchorage. Started to pack up blankets,
quilts, etc. for furniture department of Anchorage store.
Henry returned to Anchorage.
August 26, 1915 Busy all day put up 4
orders for ranchers. Packed more goods for Anchorage store.
Winchester and Wise in to trade. Telephone line completed
from Seward to Anchorage.
August 27, 1915 Evening tide
Anchorage merchants up for eggs, spuds, etc. Evening
Otto helped to pack and mark goods for Anchorage.
August 28, 1915 Otto finished at noon.
Hypress Rubber man and MJB Co. man in town gave him order for
3½ tons rice. Evening big dance on at preachers
hall. Fred Peterson and Dohrman Sr. up from Anchorage.
McGill up from Anchorage with his gas boat.
August 29, 1915 Rain and needed. River
boat Matanuska in after Wilson’s pack horses. Stanley
went to Ship Creek with McGill came back on Traveler. Paid
Otto off.
August 30, 1915 Foster and Farrell in with
sheep meet. Evening told Fred he could go to work at
store at $100 per month. Reported that Eng. boat, sister
to Eng. boat that sunk “Sampson”, rammed the Watson at Seattle
dock.
August 31, 1915 Got burlap chairs etc.
ready to send to store at Anchorage. Evening Traveler
brought $200 for Hughes sent by Henry from J. H. Wilson for Hughes
on account of team of horses. Wood back from Anchorage completed
Kink Hardware Co. store building
September 1, 1915 First good rain of
fall. Noon Traveler didn’t float, Swan took out passengers.
Several dinky gas boats on beach at Knik. J.
Harry Lander in from mines for Gold Bullion. Fred Nelson
went to Anchorage to file on his homestead.
September 2, 1915 Got Gaikema and purser order
for outfit for Nuka Bay. Very low tides, Traveler came
to spring. Mr. Lecknvald’s wife came in on Evans Long
Shorty back to Knik said fishing season was no good.
September 3, 1915 Fred Nelson
started doing outside work for K. T. Co. at $100 month.
Packed another box shirts etc. for Anchorage store. Road
Commission calling for bids on grub to do work on Eagle to Turnagain
Arm.
September 4, 1915 Had Fred put in gangway
from store gangway to FFF dock PM tide Traveler
got to dock but couldn’t turn around on account of low tide so
laid over. Chamberlain, of Whiton Hardware Co. and Ahorn, GG
man arrived. Howard’s superiors in town to check up.
September 5, 1915 Traveler landed Evans
freight and took down 2 boxes dry goods and chairs for Anchorage
store. Road Commission went on Traveler to Turnagain Arm.
Sold B and H part of grub for Road Commission outfit. Gave
Chamberlain small hardware order for Anchorage and Knik and order
for tea garden goods. Matanuska in with government supplies
for survey at mile 15.
September 6, 1915 Rainy season on. Evening
put up 3 orders for ranchers. Black up from Anchorage
to collect freight. Fred and Dad Ford went to Goose Bay
to buy chickens. Sea Lion on Travelers run. Traveler went
to Turnagain Arm with Road Commission outfit.
September 7, 1915 Up early to send out
orders on team. Black took Fenton and Danielson Bros.
orders out to 19. Mattie cleaning up store. PM moved
pile driver away from gangway to store. Took fittings off pile
driver boiler and engine. Evening tide Henry up from Anchorage
for pick ups and to see about hardware order.
September 8, 1915 Had Fred
open up and dry out onions. Frank Watson came up to see
us about the quantity of freight. Haley and several others
and Mr. Lidell back from Broad Pass District.
September 9, 1915 Hughes team hauled
in gravel in front of saloon and RR kitchen. Had Fred move
paints, oils, etc. to FF warehouse and clean up main warehouse.
BB in evening tide. Evening packed up box of bolts for Kink
Hardware Co. Anchorage.
September 10, 1915 Took work
bench out of east annex and put same in FF Warehouse.
Fred busy arranging warehouse goods. Evening Hirsch Weisman
in town bought a few logger shirts and rain pants. Shough
and wife in from mines.
September 11, 1915
Had Fred dismantle pile driver, boiler and paint boiler etc.
Evening tide a few Anchorage people up to trade. Gus Swanson
in to trade from Martin’s Mines. Fenton in from Mile 19
Roadhouse.
September 12, 1915 Went to Anchorage
to look over Anchorage hardware store. Went down on Sea
Gull and back on Swan. Ronald Harris back from trip Outside.
Buffalo delivered freight Traveler clutch broken.
September 13, 1915 Seattle Hardware Co. man
in town. Traveler up on evening tide. Evening got
out-mail. Harry Brown collecting hospital fee to keep doctor
in Knik.
September 14, 1915 Traveler
out of commission. Morning tide Swan up, evening tide
Buffalo in with mail. Neil Sexton in town looking for ads
for new paper at Seward. Evening Dawson of Crow Creek Mine
Co. visited was on way to states.
September 15, 1915 Evening
tide Chase in with freight off Farragut got milk, shoes, hardware
and produce. New schoolmarm from Valdez on deck, had
kids register.
September 16, 1915 Busy in store opened
up new goods. Chastain, Love, Warren and Monroe, company
men, after more orders. Got order for Lewis River prospectors.
Henry Dohrman Sr. came up to Sunny Knik for a visit.
September 17, 1915 Rushed with orders
all day. Marshal Brown took over school funds and deposited same
with K. T. Co. Chase on Travelers run on account broke down.
September 18, 1915 Busy all day in store
put up order for Wood annual fall hunt. A few survey
boys and miners coming to town. Swan left for Nuka Bay
to prospect. Several out for duck and goose hunt.
Admiral Black up from Anchorage to collect freight bills.
September 19, 1915 Rainy season on.
Several launches in port PM tide. Dohrman Sr. went back
to Anchorage, sent hollow wires for gas lights and door check for
front door. Evening, church on, Mattie sang solo.
September 20, 1915 Changed
over lights in office and front room in old living quarters.
Had Fred reset doors to close easy. “Pioneer and News” came
up from Anchorage 2 days late. Knik school opened for fall and
winter term 20 kids reported.
September 21, 1915 Fred laid
off to help Ford put roof on Frank Brown’s cabin. Wrote
Fenton they could have no more goods unless they paid up.
Old Cap, with launch Sea Gull, took Supernaut and partner over
to Lewis River Placer District. Chase towed Traveler from Anchorage
to Knik waiting for new clutch. Cramer manager at the
Turkish Bath House.
September 22, 1915 Worked
on Kink Hardware Co. invoice for hardware from K. T. Co.
Ben Agnew’s boat got hung up on Palmer’s dock and filled, wetting
his cargo. Fred harvesting his spuds. A. C. Co.
shipped in 6 tons giant powder from Kodiak 1914 stock, Martin
took 3 tons, GB took 2 tons.
September 23, 1915 Felt like winter weather
today. Business fair ranchers in to trade. Mariposa
in with mail. McGill’s launch delivered Knik mail.
Herman Gronwoldt in from Goose Creek, head of Big Susitna River District,
said he had several live foxes to start his fox ranch.
September 24, 1915 Fred started work
again. Matanuska up for government horses and giant powder
Evans in port. Evening up till midnight and then some with
out-mail. Sent for more post cards and white pacs.
September 25, 1915 Heaviest rain of season
last night. Dug spuds in store garden.
B and H new launch in port voyage 1. Royal and Prices man
in town. Evening Chase in with Evans freight. Cramer
showed up. Fred did odd jobs fixed store flue.
September 26, 1915 Self and Stanley went
to Anchorage. Ordered baking powder and Uneeda Biscuits
etc. Felch was there. Pioneer had in typesetting machine
and new cylinder press. Kink Hardware Co. doing fair business.
W. E. Elliott over from Eklutna.
September 27, 1915 Put up
order for Elliott and Mile 19 Roadhouse. Had Fred do odd
jobs, cork warm storage, etc. Fixed up street lamps that
had gone on the bum. Report came that Ala. Eng. Com. had
taken over all the McNally and Maitland lighterage outfits,
Government now having all control over lighterage at Anchorage.
September 28, 1915 Had Fred
fix up shingles on root house. PM tide Henry came up from
Anchorage.
September 29, 1915 BB in port. Made out
orders for Granite Ware and hardware for Kink Hardware Co.
September 30 1915 BB took passengers
to Anchorage, Chase got rope in wheel. Getchell and Olsen down
from Nelchina District. H. C. Dohrman returned to Anchorage.
T. R. Wilson outfitting for Metal Creek. Fred jobbed around
store made pipe fitting boxes.
October 1, 1915 Weather partly cloudy
and cooler. Turned down T. R. Wilson’s credit order.
Packed more hardware for Anchorage store. Low tides Chase
only came to spring. Evening made out orders for Anchorage
store. Payday but not much pay.
October 2, 1915 Fred started to mud up log
houses. Palmer tied up Sprague’s boat account debt.
October 3, 1915 AM business fair sold
Kuney, government survey party, $50 order for help, all
foot wear. Alameda in port, Chase got out on PM tide with
scow, reported no water, came to dock on midnight tide. Evening
settled up with Fred Nelson for labor at mines, 61 days and May
and June and soft labor on store at Knik.
October 4, 1915 First heavy frost last
night froze ice. Had Fred bring perishables out of dock
warehouse to warm storage. Chase in with Alameda mail.
Alameda left port. Evening got out order for dog gear for
Kink Hardware Co.
October 5, 1915 Chase delivered a few boxes
freight, Gloria lights came. Had Fred run 300 cases milk
into warm storage. Frank Kelly back from Broad Pass District.
October 6, 1915 Farragut in port.
Installed street lamp aft of dock warehouse and table lamp at
house. Chase up with mail no freight all balled up by government
lighterage. Got Gloria lights.
October 7, 1915 Checked down Gloria lamps,
only 2 globes broken. Installed new street lamp south end warehouse
on dock and installed street lamp for Davis and Brown’s RR kitchen
and saloon. Sold Fred Laubner old roof off first cache built
at Knik for 5 planks. Evening snowing.
October 8, 1915 Ground all white this
morning first fall snow. Chase in with scow load of freight,
got Hunt’s fruit and produce. Williamson’s land survey party
in closed down for season. Business fair all out of eggs and
meats. Gus Swanson in from Martin’s Mines.
October 9, 1915 Self got first dose of cough
this season. Fred put all Hunt’s table fruit in warm
storage. Shough’s moved down to Socialist Row. Evening
dance on for land survey boys. Pulled our garden.
October 10, 1915 Heavy rain last night,
snow all gone on flats, mountains white. Evening
tide Traveler in with Martin’s oats. Matanuska up with
government officers on a Sunday vacation. H. C. Dohrman
came up on account of business for Kink Hardware Co. paid $300
on K. T. Co. account. Evening made out statements for deadheads
located at Anchorage.
October 11, 1915 Ranchers in to trade.
Chase brought up part of freight short on Farrigut delivery.
Evening tide 2 families moved over from Sunrise to Sunny Knik.
Put glass in sugar cache door. Palmer lightering his freight
from schooner “Lucy” to Goose Bay.
October 12, 1915 Evening several up from Anchorage
to trade. Joe Richards moved family to Knik on account
of mail route. Deputy Internal Revenue Cutter arrived to
collect Tob. War Tax, cost us $8.40 1914 and 1915.
Traveler delivered balance of Farragut's freight 6 day delivery
from Anchorage on account of government pinhead clerk work.
Several boys in from GB Mines.
October 13, 1915 Roads very muddy.
Busy morning tide while boats in port. “Jane” brought
up government pack trains and horse feed to relay in King survey
party. Frank Kelly got job with commission. Several
more men in from Willow Creek Mines. Plenty of checks and no
money in town. Got a ton of spuds from Swanson at Matanuska.
N. W. reported on the rocks.
October 14, 1915 Fred laid off to wind
up his cabin. King Kelly, from landing, down to trade.
Hughes team only made out to mile 7 on account of heavy roads.
October 15, 1915 Several ranchers in to trade.
O. C. Miller in from his homestead. Black got 6 horse
loads of grub on account of ranchers. Evening put up order
for Miller. Made up bank account, over $1,700 in checks.
October 16, 1915 Snow flurries about
all day, ground frozen a little and real winter weather here.
Henry up from Ship Creek, had word that Whiton was holding up
late order. Forty Mile Miller looking for woman to run his new
roadhouse at mile 23.2.
October 17, 1915 Ground white again colder
down to 18 above. Alex over from Eklutna after grub for Elliott.
Evening Chase towed out Palmer’s schooner.
October 18, 1915 Rushed all day in store,
put up an order for Elliott’s roadhouse. Old Blodgett in from
GB Mines. Ed Erickson sent in his checks for collections.
Quality First brought up 5 cases spuds, one case eggs, off Evans,
sent out by Cramer for Express 40 and 3/5 oz. dust.
October 19, 1915 Cold wave 16 above AM.
Cramer reported RR Commission would not deliver any freight until
all advanced charges were paid. Got freight all billed up
and couldn’t deliver it anyway. Fred on duty. Several
going Outside.
October 20, 1915 Put in order for rancher.
King Survey Party in, Matanuska took them to Anchorage on evening
tide. Cramer towed in Palmer’s scow with last of cargo
off his schooner. Got order for Gloria Light System at Anchorage
for Cook Inlet Publishing Co.
October 21, 1915 Kuney locating engineer his
winters clothes. Harvey Bartholf in from GB Mines.
PM tide Chase in no freight off Evans delivered. Admiral
Black up from Anchorage. Had Fred to help pack orders.
Gold Bullion men in closed down mill.
October 22, 1915 Traveler left AM tide
for Anchorage after being out of commission for a month.
Knik Lake frozen over kids skating there on. Had Fred
put weather strips on house front door and storm window on root
house. Dorr Bartholf in from Timber camp reported 3 below at
mile 12, 6 below at Anchorage with 16 above at Sunny Knik.
October 23, 1915 Finished Rooney’s and A. S.
Henry’s rancher orders. Morning tide Traveler delivered
1 case eggs, evening tide delivered 5 cases eggs. Dohrman
Sr. up from Anchorage. Sports drew their money to go Outside
$1,200.
October 24, 1915 Traveler in with scow load
of Farragut freight, had only part of our freight, spuds
and onions frozen, laying 7 days on scow terminal at Anchorage.
Cache Creek dredging Co. landed a lot of spuds and cabbage to haul
over trail. Reported someone robbed Farrington hen roost and
government barn. B and H getting in their winter stock.
October 25, 1915 Launches in with freight
spuds all frozen. Cache Creek Dredging Co. landing all
their freight at Knik for late use. Evening dance on at
hall by boys from Ship Creek. H. C. Dohrman and Howard up.
October 26, 1915 Put deposits and monies in
office. Traveler running evening tide Knik to Ship Creek.
Una Pettit alias Mansfield underworld woman died at Knik hospital
with pneumonia. Evening tide another government survey party
landed at Knik to do work above. Sent tank gas oil to Kink Hardware
Co.
October 27, 1915 AM outfitting Kuney’s survey
party with winter clothing. McLaughlin Cody trial came off.
Mattie visited by Mrs. Cody on account of funds paid from K.
T. Co. store. Mail in from Alameda. Fred put wood in
shed aft store. Milo Kelly got their winters outfit.
October 28, 1915 Got tank of oil on account
of gas lamp for winter. Traveler missed AM tide came up
evening tide. A. Wise left for Sitka Hot Springs. Mr.
Golightly in to trade.
October 29, 1915 Had Fred put shelf room in
stairway. Traveler laid over, not enough tide to float
her. William Martin left for Outside. Mushers in from
Iditarod, reported trail well frozen up and good going with no
snow. Jenks family left for Outside.
October 30, 1915 Noon tide Quality 1st left
with some 40 passengers going Outside. Mrs. May Cody and
J. Harvey Bartholf left for states. On account of neap tides
boats having trouble getting in and out of Knik. Matanuska
here after survey party horses. Farragut reported in port.
October 31, 1915 Farragut in and out.
PM tide scow in with Davis beer. Traveler at K. T. Co. dock
didn’t float. Clothing business good last few days outfitting
Kuney’s survey party. Put up 2 orders. Evening got
out monthly statements. Chris Anderson in from Gold Bullion.
November 1, 1915 Traveler still stuck on the
mud on account of neap tides. Government shipped out a
bunch of pack horses to winter at Homer. Quality First doing the
passenger business while Traveler is stuck in the mud. Had
Fred run off fire extinguishers - one in store in good order.
Budd in from Dollar Creek.
November 2, 1915 Chas Harper took Mrs. M. A.
Williams by dog team to Lake Creek where got frozen in at Anchorage.
The “Jane” in with feed for Kuney’s pack train. Kuney and
party left for Moose Creek via mile 26. Traveler got off PM
tide also the Chase hung up on account of neap tides at Knik.
November 3, 1915 Snowed about 3” last
night. PM tide Traveler in with Farragut freight, 5 days
from Anchorage. Georgie the Hogg in town. Chas Gorenflo in from
Martin’s Mines in route to Seattle. Rabe and party in from sawmill
camp.
November 4, 1915 Fred hauled out Downing’s
outfit with Kid to his cabin. Traveler in with more of Farrigut
freight. Hughes came out with bobsleighs. Jim Wilson
down from landing after supplies on account of piling contract.
November 5, 1915 Had Fred open up new goods.
Traveler came up, brought no freight Noon Mrs. Sherman’s
house burned to the ground - cause lamp and curling iron.
PM tide H. C. D. up from Ship Creek. Evening gave J. A. McLaughlin
order on Bartlett for $64 to release his dogs on account of selling
same to Eide Alaska Road Com.
November 6 1915 River launch
“Jane” burned up at Anchorage, another government launch sunk
and “Traveler” rolled bottom side up in Ship Creek - government
crane raised her. Evening tide Traveler in with part of
K. T. Co. freight and horse feed. Scow came very near sinking
at K. T. Co. dock on account of top heavy load. Alaska in port.
November 7, 1915 Evening tide Traveler in with
last of Farragut freight being 9 days delivering same since
Farragut arrived. Gave Madam Black, Feaster order, on Bartlett,
to release her dogs for $57 dog board. Stanley went with Fred
to his ranch by dog team. Henry Dohrman still in town.
Sent bank deposits by Henry D.
November 8, 1915 Snowed quite heavy, making
good sledding. Joe Anderson over from Lake Creek after
his wife’s boy in route. Fred repacked eggs. Mattie
at home sick with cold. Black left for Lake Creek with his
horses to work for C. C. Dredge Co.
November 9, 1915 About 6” snow fell,
sledding good. Traveler in with Anchorage freight, got
sugar and beans from Pacific Grocery Co. account of shortage.
Had Fred clean up the hams, were all moldy. The Cordova in
port. Traveler went to Sunrise for Iditarod mail. Mattie
got bad cold
November 10, 1915 Evening tide Traveler back
from Sunrise, reported Evans due 5 PM tomorrow with 1,200 tons.
Slush ice packed government scow Sperm out of Knik Harbor up Knik
Arm. Buffalo in port with passengers off Cordova. Martin’s
help in, closed down mine.
November 11, 1915 Evans in port with
Traveler, got our dried fruit and 100 cases beer off Evans.
Scow Sperm up near Eagle River taken by ice. Knik mail
went ashore at Anchorage. Evening rushed with ranchers orders.
Checked down freight 28 barrels flour short. Chas Bartholf
and Lidell in from Mable Mine out of grub.
November 12, 1915 Rushed with ranchers orders.
Evans picked up scow Sperm and towed her back to harbor. Traveler
up evening tide with mail and passengers only. Several
Iditarod men arriving. Fred worked on smoked meats.
New schoolmarm arrived.
November 13, 1915 Traveler got hung up
last night, got off 11 AM took passengers for Evans, Mrs.
Harry Brown and Mr. Barnes and several from Iditarod went Outside.
Fred finished cleaning hams. Collections fair today.
Got post cards of summer views today.
November 14, 1915 Noon tide Traveler landed,
1st scow load freight off Evans on account of neap tide, put
freight off at spring. Traveler laid over sent out Goose
Creek furs by Traveler. Sledding now A-1 in Knik.
November 15, 1915 Put up
order for hunting party. Got 10 more packages of Evans
freight. Traveler crippled again, left scow and went to
Anchorage on 2 cylinders. Ranchers in for grub. Evening
got out Seattle mail.
November 16, 1915 Traveler up from Anchorage
with big load passengers. Nagley and wife came from Anchorage.
Traveler left for Sunrise to get the Iditarod mail. Busy
with ranchers orders.
November 17, 1915 More orders from the ranchers.
Traveler back PM tide with Iditarod mail going in. First
mail out from Iditarod arrived. Channel about closed in
front of K. T. Co. dock Launches landing at spring.
Nagley and wife in town.
November 18, 1915 Weather colder, morning
4 above. Ranchers in to trade. PM tide Traveler came
to dock and took on passengers, got hung up down at Socialists
stairs on account of ice. Albert Dohrman took out Revelle
dog team. Harlow in every few days from Little Susitna Roadhouse.
Mrs. Barnes left on Traveler for Outside. Ice packed schooner
“K Davenport” out of Knik Harbor. Evening Albert Dohrman left
with 1st out Iditarod mail via by Old Knik for Anchorage.
November 19, 1915 Weather thawing Chinook.
More ranchers in to trade. Fred finished reel for fire
hose. Harlow took 9 boxes eating apples for Nagley.
PM tide Travelers line broke and she rolled over into the ditch
- big gang men pulled her back just as tide came - sprung leak
so didn’t go. Buffalo came in PM tide no mail. C. D. Johnson
in to trade.
November 20, 1915 Traveler in evening tide
had no freight said government told them to get away from the
dock and never mind the freight Three steamers reported
laying off Fire Island waiting, on account of ice, to land freight
at Anchorage. Rain last night warmed up with 3” snow.
November 21, 1915 Made frame 24 x 28 for postcards
under glass in front of counter deck, made a fine display.
PM tide Traveler didn’t show up, tides big enough so boats can
come to dock. Anchor ice got channel about closed from K.
T. Co. dock to spring. B and H and self sold out on coal oil.
November 22, 1915 No boats today. Albert
Dohrman up from Anchorage via by trail for Iditarod mail.
PM sent Fred out to ranch to get lumber left there. Farragut
reported in port at Anchorage.
November 23, 1915 Cold wave on zero last
night. Channel closed down as far as spring boating to
Knik docks, all off for winter. Hall figuring on camp outfit
to go back to Alfred Creek.
November 24, 1915 Got mail ready to send to
Anchorage by Bartlett. Mr. Glass back to Knik. Moved
K. T. Co. safe from rear to front of store to get light and make
more room. Mattie got a chick for
Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.
November 25, 1915 Turkey day, Herning
family had chicken dinner at home. Knik mail left for Seward
via dog team.
November 26, 1915 Fred made flour rack and
stained same. Chas Bartholf and party in from Mable
Mine, quit tunnel work on account of snow slides.
November 27, 1915 Cold wave on, -20.
Everybody minding the fires, business quiet. Iditarod mail
in from Seward but no mail for Knik? Lawyer Murphy up from
Anchorage also Marshal Brown came back over trail.
November 28, 1915 Temperature -18. Ed
Erickson and GB party in from completing tunnel on GB ground.
November 29, 1915 Long delayed mail put
off at Anchorage delivered by C. C. D. Co., bringing horses
around from Anchorage to Cache Creek. Bank of Seward said
they expected to get Fish collection in a few days. Gave preacher
Howard notice regarding notes, got no reply. Monroe Kast took
Nagley’s horse gear to Station.
November 30, 1915 Capt. Louis Knaplin
and engineer in from Kuskokwim where early freeze caught Barder
Bros.
December 1, 1915 Got mail
from Anchorage by Walter Howard. Ed Erickson left for t rip Outside.
December 2, 1915 Weather colder again.
Treasurer Brown got government warrant for funds for Knik
school. Evening got out invoices for butter, spuds, fruit
and rice left at Anchorage, sent same to Kink Hardware Co. to sell
goods.
December 3, 1915 Weather warmer.
Tide in again at Knik Trading dock. Lidell and Murray left for
trip to Anchorage. Sent bill of goods left at Anchorage
to Kink Hardware Co.
December 4, 1915 Gus Swanson left for
Anchorage to get his teeth fixed. More Iditarod mushers in.
Harlow took all of Nagley’s freight but one box. Outside
mail arrived 1 day late. Hughes and Co. settled up for use
of K. T. Co. dock, total tonnage over 400 of which over
half was for K. T. Co. Adm. Black and Quality Brown up from Anchorage.
December 5, 1915 Big tide, old crib raised
under new part of dock and lifted the plates off piles.
Herning family took dinner with the McMillan family, special dessert
carrot pudding. Evening made up bank account and sent K. T. Co.
note $410.60 to cover T. P. Howard notes sent Bank of Seward for
collection.
December 6, 1915 Big tides raising the ice.
Pete Murray and Swanson down to trade. Stanley’s birthday
11 times today invited Madsen boys in at evening for lunch.
Evening got out Seattle mail.
December 7, 1915 Snowed all day,
had Fred tear out old crib on account of lifting new dock.
December 8, 1915 Weather clear and colder,
snowed 6”. Booker Bros. bought all the gasoline
in Knik and Goose Bay to take to Anchorage. PM business
rushing, all after coal oil and gasoline. Evening wrote
Lynn and Ritchie about Sumter and Sons neckties. Send invoices
letter and credit memo $10.88.
December 9, 1915 Business fair collections
and sales over $200. Fred hauled in firewood from mile
4. Meyers and O’Riley went down to look at Goose Bay, reported
some free form ice, government to have boat load for Goose Bay.
Shough and wife back from trip to Anchorage with gasoline etc.
King Kelly in to trade.
December 10, 1915 Mrs. Courtland in from Mile
32 R. H. Walter Howard took grub over for W. D. Elliott Roadhouse
Old Knik. Frank Kelly driving government dog team for Kuney’s
party on Matanuska. Dr. Good from Iditarod District left for
Outside.
December 11, 1915 Fred shod Kid. PM with
Stanley got load birch wood. Surprise parties, Dutch
lunches, etc. now in order. Mail-in overdue. A. W.
Hall got a small outfit.
December 12, 1915 Fog still on.
Very quiet in town. Mail in at noon.
December 13, 1915 Business good mostly ranchers
orders. H. C. Dohrman came up from Anchorage, had sold rice held
up at Anchorage. Collected McGill check NSF at Juneau Bank.
William Maitland in route to Station from Anchorage, paid him
for giant powder RR kitchen. Brown wanted to move Knik to
Goose Bay.
December 14, 1915 Weather like a spring
day. H. C. Dohrman in town. Fred hauled wood for
Ford and himself. Valdez reported to open up trail from Portage
Bay to cut off travel from Seward. Natives in with a few
fox skins. Iditarod mail in. Nagley sent check for $24.75
to cover account.
December 15, 1915 H. C. Dohrman
in town. Started to make out freight shortage claims.
December 16, 1915 Dohrman left with Walter
Howard dog team for Anchorage. Dance on in Hershey’s
Pool Room. Johnny Reichart in from Station.
December 17, 1915 Traveler got out of the ice
at Ship Creek and came to Goose Bay. Engineer Claud Pierce
came to Knik for Travelers extra shaft and wheel and grub for
trip to Seldovia. Anchorage mail came up on Traveler.
Got government check for giant powder due since October 13th.
Johnny Reichart in route Station to Anchorage - dog team freighter.
Sent Cramer letter about note against Traveler.
December 18, 1915 Ralph Wise in to trade from
Junction. Bartlett back from trip to Anchorage and Seward.
Otto back from Anchorage came through in 8 hours.
December 19, 1915 Weather colder down
to zero quiet in town. Evening figured up Travelers freight
bill for season 1915. Butterfield from Kuney’s party in
for mail etc.
December 20, 1915 Zero weather.
Business fair several ranchers in to trade. Winchester
and several neighbors in to trade.
December 21, 1915 Got mail into office PM,
Xmas buying light. Milo Kelly got out report on the Willow
Creek Mines season 1915 for Cook Inlet Pioneer Daily.
December 22, 1915 Curtis Ross got outfit
for Chickaloon. “Billy the Horse” in town. Big
crowd at the saloon irrigating. Johnny Rheichart back
from Anchorage brought us a chicken and rib roast. O. S.
Gill game back from Seldovia via Seward and Trail.
December 23, 1915 Everybody
busy making ready for Xmas. Business fair collections and
sales over $200. O. C. Miller in from his ranch to see about
balance of FFF sawmill outfit. Evening made up Miller’s past
account. Lanquist, Drake and Capt. Evans down to trade.
Kids tried to set fire to school house.
December 24, 1915 The day before Xmas,
busy all day in store selling Xmas goods. Smith and Howard
up from Anchorage on market for goods for sawmill at Junction.
Evening Xmas tree and dance in preachers hall. Gave Mattie
$10 and Stanley $1 and Cravenet rain coat. Self got 2 boxes
cigars and a fruit cake.
December 25, 1915 Open AM very quiet.
Herning family had roast chicken dinner at home, O. C. Miller
took dinner with us. Got 2 ranchers orders. Miller failed
to find balance of FFF sawmill, got boiler and engine only delivered
at ranch. Evening dance on at preachers hall. Miller
sleeping over store ready to return to ranch 4 AM tomorrow.
December 26, 1915 Weather cloudy evening
big wind. O. C. Miller left for ranch 4 AM.
December 27, 1915 Fred started to saw up birch
wood for store. Palmer and B and H out of cased coal
oil. Evening got out Seattle mail up till 1:30.
Snooks left for Happy River to help out on Iditarod mail with
dog team.
December 28, 1915 Sent out all available cash
for October invoices. Farrington moved his chickens out to ranch.
Trail all blocked on account of wind storm.
December 29, 1915 Weather soft all day
Chinook business quiet. Had Kid to haul wood for Ford.
December 30, 1915 Zero this morning, Chinook
all off, business quiet. Fred cut fire wood got
woodshed about filled aft of store. St. Clair’s in town
for New Year Masquerade Ball. Iditarod overdue two days.
Dietzel up from Goose Bay Cannery.
December 31, 1915 Weather colder, -16.
Everybody preparing for Masquerade Ball, Herning family
attended, Stanley masked. Characters fair but not equal
to last New Years Ball. Dr. Spaulding as a Jew - best
actor. Prize waltz awarded to Red and Miss Howard. Red
and Helma got two-step prize. Iditarod mail in and out 2 AM.
1916
January 1, 1916 Happy New Year, +2. Collections
“bum”. Matt’s cold no better. Government railroad
track laid from Anchorage to Peters Creek 23 miles. New Year
came in with K. T. Co. doing business at the old stand in “Sunny Knik”
business quiet cash sales over $50. This diary arrived by registered
mail Feb. 12th. Cold winter from October to date zero to 22 below.
January 2, 1916 Outside paper mail arrived
only.
January 3, 1916 Weather warmer business
fair sales $91.30. Evening got out Seattle mail.
January 4, 1916 Weather windy and squally business
and collections fair.
January 5, 1916 Weather colder -10.
January 6, 1916 Cold wave on, -14, business
slow. Iditarod mail in. Alaska Crow Creek M. Co. 615 - 12th Ave.
Seattle Wash.
January 7, 1916 Ranchers in. Put up over
$100 in orders from 5 PM to midnight.
January 8, 1916 Outside mail overdue.
Several Knik boys making ready to return to Broad Pass.
January 9, 1916 Weather warmer very quiet in
town. Outside mail arrived.
January 11, 1916 Business quiet collections
fair.
January 12, 1916 Business peluck, Old
White claims to have boat that will run by action of waves.
January 13, 1916 Saw smoke from cars above
Eagle River Bridge. Fred sawing wood by rick.
January 14, 1916 Bill Elliott over from Old
Knik. Evening ladies gave Leap Year Ball at preachers
Hall, Mattie and Stanley attended. B and H clerk
made roughhouse at dance.
January 15, 1916 Got order from Nagley.
Cannon’s cook died.
January 16, 1916 No business PM worked on bills
etc. Cannon’s cook buried.
January 17, 1916 Orders coming from Susitna
District.
January 18, 1916 Otto got powder and fuse for
Broad Pass District work.
January 19, 1916 Temperature -5, business slow.
Got word that Traveler was abandoned and floating in ice around
Fire Island. Saw 3 smokes on Fire Island, Traveler crew
supposed to be ashore. Dick Doherty and party trying to
get across to Fire Island from Pt. Campbell.
January 20, 1916 Temperature -10, cold wind.
Jones over from Station. Needham in from ranch.
Fred put new top boards on double ender sled.
January 21, 1916 Big wind all day, business
peluck today.
January 22, 1916 Weather warmer wind still
blowing. Mail in at noon local only. Traveler reported
sunk off Ship Creek.
January 23, 1916 Wind storm over. Everybody
at home on account of wind blocking roads.
January 24, 1916 Temperature -18, business
fair. Cold wave on.
January 25, 1916 Temperature -20, business
quiet.
January 26, 1916 Business quiet -22 at Knik,
-38 at landing. Sprague’s in town.
January 27, 1916 Temperature -14, warming
up business quiet again. Eight hours to Anchorage.
January 28, 1916 Temperature -15, weather moderating
business fair.
January 29, 1916 Report came that Traveler
was at Seldovia and some other boat lost at Fire Island.
Ide in route to Inside.
January 30, 1916 Weather clear and warmer 8
above. Ide left for Iditarod.
January 31, 1916 Henry Dohrmann came
up from Anchorage railroad and dog team in 5 hours got out-mail.
February 1, 1916 Put up 2 orders.
February 2, 1916 I. V. Miller got merchandise
for his ranch. Henry Dohrmann left for Anchorage.
Interior Natives in.
February 3, 1916 Fred hauled
in Whites hay.
February 4, 1916 Swanson and Reed in
to trade.
February 5, 1916 Woods signed note to
cover his bill of merchandise to February 1st. Activity
now around landing.
February 6, 1916 Business good sales $274 ranchers
in to trade.
February 7, 1916 Junction sawmill in for supplies
and several ranchers. Mail from Iditarod 1 day ahead left
at noon. Good skating again on lake.
February 9, 1916 Second big wind storm of winter,
business rotten today. Fred left with dog team for OGH
Mines to take inventory and get his bed.
February 10, 1916 Wind died out, business rotten.
Wilkinson engineer and 3 other men arrived from Tyonek, left
Seldovia January 12th on launch Onward, they got out of oil and
stuck in ice around Fire Island - four men left boat and walked
5 hours 20 minutes over ice to Tyonek, Captain stayed with boat.
They had 30 days grub and 500 lbs. coal - helpless and floating with
ice.
February 11, 1916 Carl Martin in from ranch.
Feaster and Hunt in to trade. Mail in on time.
February 12, 1916 Fred at Willow
Creek to get his bed and take inventory of grub at placer.
Folgers man in, first to come in over the trail. Strike
on, on government RR steel gang struck for 50¢ per hour.
February 13, 1916 Ira G. Brown moved to Moose
Creek to open bakery and restaurant on Government RR survey.
Knik Lake all bare good skating again. Mattie went out for a skate.
Busy on out-mail and accts. Folgers man went to Station.
February 14, 1916 Folgers man back
from Station.
February 15, 1916 Weather colder, -16.
Ranchers Johnson and Nylen in to trade. Folgers man left
for Anchorage sent bank deposits and check mail with him. Fred
back from Mines reported snow slide cut across pit on Grubstake and
took out some of the pipeline. George Vance up from
Anchorage on account government?
February 16, 1916 Cold wave, -16, business
good. FFF teamster back from Moose Creek landed load
for RR kitchen Brown. Railroad strike still on. Reed
C. C. D. Co. in trying to hire all the horses available to help
haul dredge to Cache Creek. Vance left for Tyonek Flats on
account of scow on beach there. Another rush to Goose Bay to
locate town lots.
February 17, 1916 All the chair warmers going
to Goose Bay to locate a lot? FFF teamsters left with another
load for I. G. Brown Moose Creek Bakery. Harlow in had been
to Talkeetna doing assessment.
February 18, 1916 Cold spell of winter
broken by Chinook today, +38, business fair. Mail in only
local mail.
February 19, 1916 Old fashioned winter still
on. Hunt over from Old Knik said it was fierce crossing
Cottonwood flats. Walter Howard up from Anchorage, brought
deposits from Kink Hardware Co. $101.78.
February 21, 1916 Chinook weather, +38,
business fair. Several teams ready to leave for Cache
Creek to haul dredging company freight. Several ranchers
in to trade. Bobby reported tent house going up at Moose Creek.
February 22, 1916 Peter Murray brought in 5
sacks spuds. Grennan in to trade. Riley and Kunney
here to look up route from Goose Bay to RR lines. H. C. Dohrmann
up from Anchorage.
February 23, 1916 Chinook still on. Put
up Hall’s order $147 business fair. Henry started to work
for K. T. Co. for short time on account of OGH going to Anchorage.
Gave J. S. Mathews description of my placer property to put on
sale.
February 24, 1916 Rained last night business
medium. Mattie arranging to go to Anchorage. Vance
back from Tyonek on account of tying up government scow.
February 25, 1916 Snow going fast on
account of rain.
February 26, 1916 Rained all last night. Traders
down from landing. Mattie left for Anchorage, Mr. Hunt
took her over to Peters Creek end of government RR line by dog
team. Second traveling man in town. Stanley got the
dinner and lunch.
February 27, 1916 Chinook still on quiet in
town. Put up order to fill in grub supplies at O. G. Mines.
Herman Gronwoldt down from Goose River upper Susitna District
brought in some fur he was after supplies for camp.
February 28, 1916 Dr. Kivig up from Anchorage,
visited to see Mrs. Byron Bartholf on account of sickness.
West Coast Grocery man in, 3rd traveling man of spring.
Got word Mattie would be home tomorrow. Turner in from landing
after lumber for tent houses going up there. Sold out on
tallow and y. c. meal.
February 29, 1916 West Coast man left for Station.
Kirkpatrick bought trail outfit to go Inside. Fred left
with 900 lb. load for OGH Mines. Hughes teams making ready
for Moose Creek to haul out 3,000 tons coal for government.
Mattie got back from trip to Anchorage, said railroad strike was
looking serious. Harlow and Clyde in from Susitna ranches.
March 1, 1916 Second wind storm of winter,
strong warm wind all day business fair. West Coast man
back from Station went to Landing. Palmer out of rolled
oats and salt pork. Sent order to Nagley by Hoffman.
March 2, 1916 Ranchers Wise, Winchester, Hughes
and others in to trade. Rooney and Donovan after grub on
account of clearing RR survey. PM business lively worked
on Anchorage invoices. Winchester and Wise in to trade.
March 3, 1916 Murry and Swanson in to
trade. Put up grub order for Rooney and Donovan account
clearing contract government RR near Big Lake. Fred got back from
mines 4 day trip. Windy last evening.
March 4, 1916 Weather windy. Mail overdue
from Outside, business fair. Whiton’s man Mr. Chamberlain
arrived. Mrs. Morrison took RR clearing right of way contract.
March 5, 1916 Big wind. No business worked
on accounts.
March 6, 1916 Windy and cold business fair.
Ed Erickson back from states. Chamberlain back from Station.
Evening gave order for a little hardware Armour’s man in
town. Ready for trip to Anchorage.
March 7, 1916 Weather cold below zero.
Knik to Anchorage, Stanley went along. Fred took us to
Old Knik with Kid horse, walked 7 miles down to end of track arrived
at Anchorage 5 PM. Stanley and Victor went to movie show.
March 8, 1916 Went over stock of Kink Hardware
Co. Gave Chamberlain - Whiton Hardware Co. man - order
for hardware and boat supplies. Stanley took in movies.
March 9, 1916 Weather clear and freezing harbor
full of ice at Anchorage. Finished order for hardware etc.
PM saw Commission about frozen goods and shortages last October.
March 10, 1916 Self and Stanley at Anchorage.
Shipped baking powder etc. left at Anchorage out on train.
Fred took same to Old Knik and waited for us to come Saturday.
Signed up stock certificates as president of Cook Inlet Publishing
Company. Self got 500 shares at per value of $1 each. Had
crown put on tooth $10. Evening went to show with Needham's.
March 11, 1916 Left Anchorage on train 10 AM,
arrived Peters Creek 11:15, Fred was there with Hunt’s dog team
to meet us. We went on to Scotty’s Roadhouse took dinner.
Stanley came to Knik with Bartlett. Self and Fred came with
Kid and ½ ton merchandise got at Anchorage. Left Old
Knik 2:30 and at Knik 6:30 PM. Government party came over to go to
Talkeetna to move A. C. Co. buildings there for government warehouse,
Fred Peterson their freighter.
March 12, 1916 Paid H. C. D. for ½ month
clerking. Harry ready to return to Anchorage.
March 13, 1916 Weather still cold, business
fair, sales above $100 mark. H. C. Dohrmann left for Anchorage.
Fred took him to Palmer’s Slough with Kid horse. Farrington’s
man in after supplies, took out last of Rooney and Donovan’s order
to mile 13½. H. W. Howard left for Anchorage, through
with Junction sawmill, sold out to Smith et. al.
March 14, 1916 Several ranchers in to trade.
Fred put salt around piles at dock.
March 15, 1916 Big wind and freezing,
business quiet worked on invoices. Budd in from Station
to get pick ups. Fred started to get out piles for dock.
Government cutting right of way from Mat Junction to mile 15
wagon road on main line.
March 16, 1916 Big wind business fair.
Fred hauled in (2) 12x26’ piles. Chase up from Anchorage
to buy tents tools etc. for RR Commission, sold him over $200 worth.
Travelers in from Landing to trade.
March 17, 1916 Anchorage-Knik dog race came
off, three teams entered all arrived here at about same time
- Bird team 1st - Spencer 2nd and Huskie team 3rd business quiet.
Fred got in more piles. Mattie troubled with lame wrist.
Gattis in to trade.
March 18, 1916 Got Fish collection through
S. A. Morford. Ben Cockrhine down to trade on account
of Cache Creek Dredge Co. Report came that the Bird dogs
won the Anchorage-Knik race (yesterday) 1st prize $500.
Fred hauled in 3 piles. Walter Howard back to town.
March 19, 1916 First real spring day.
Fitted up boiler and thawed ice away from piles around dock business
quiet. Evening took dinner at McMillan’s, hi-you good
chicken. Evening got out-mail. Snow all gone on
barn garden and going fast in Knik.
March 20, 1916 C. D. Johnson in to trade.
Fred hauled in 2 loads piles. Got out-mail.
March 21, 1916 Big tide ice raised Palmer’s
and B and H docks, K. T. Co. dock stood the pressure OK.
Albert Dohrmann in for grub for ranch he quit the mail run.
Sent order for seeds plows etc.
March 22, 1916 Business rushing sales
over $200. Fred sawed wood and cleaned up old crib at dock.
Orders coming in from Landing, Susitna and ranchers. E.
A. Zendel and pard. in on account of lease on Elmer Carlson’s
place at Peters Creek.
March 23, 1916 Had Fred blast ice in
front of dock Albert Dohrmann left with grub for his ranch.
Bootleggers from Landing after grub.
March 24, 1916 Fred hauled in 3 loads
birch poles for store wood. Prospector in, in route to
head of Tokoshetna River. Mattie made out dry goods order.
Snow about all gone in Knik and reported ditto on roads out of town.
March 25, 1916 Chas Bartholf went out
to finish contract on Mabel Tunnel. Farrington and wife
in from their ranch. Traded Farrington at his own request
my mower-rake and new disc harrow for his barge. Several in
route to upper country.
March 26, 1916 Fred hauled Gus out to
summit Ridge.
March 27, 1916 Got word that Knik P.
O. would be discontinued on May 15th because present PM sent
in his resignation. Fred got back late last night
from trip out with Gus.
March 28, 1916 McKinnon in to trade, reported
snow all gone on Cottonwood Flats and water 1’ deep off Cottonwood
Creek on flats. Government RR track laid to Old Knik.
Engineer Kunny’s office established at Junction. Sent Black
and Filson and disc harrow orders out to mail at Anchorage by musher.
March 29, 1916 Weather cloudy and cool
business fair sales over $100. GB outfit in from Seattle,
McAllen, Christ Anderson and several others. Fred hauled
out Downing’s stove and brought back half ton spuds. J. Harvey
Bartholf and William Morrison arrived from Seattle.
March 30, 1916 Sold J. F. Major small
outfit for Susitna Forks District. Fred sawed up another
lot of birch wood for store. Lander in from Mines to take
out GB arrivals. McAllen in charge of Gold Bullion. Barney
Johnson, Ed Erickson, Martin Larson, going out to work for GB
March 31, 1916 A-1 day business slow
monthly credit sales fair. Fred went out to ranch to
help Kincaid load mower and rake sold to FFF. Fred brought
back harrow tools etc. from ranch. Mr. Major left over
Blakely Trail up Susitna River District. Evening made out statements.
April 1, 1916 A-1 Sunny warm day business
fair. Fred hauling manure from our barn to his garden.
Reported Traveler was at Anchorage and coming to Goose Bay.
Tide in over ice. McAllen and GB bunch left for mine via Herning’s
winter road.
April 2, 1916 Very quiet in town.
Traveler reported at Anchorage from Seldovia.
April 3, 1916 Midnight, Claud
Pierce engineer on Traveler, visited at house said Traveler was
at Goose Bay reported very little ice in Inlet made run from Seldovia
in 19 hours.
April 4, 1916 Parties up from Goose Bay reported
Traveler rolled over into channel and filled. Cramer came to
Knik, said Traveler broke lines rolled into water and floated
up Old Knik channel, Claud and sailor went after her at 4 AM.
Rearranged tent roof on tin shop that wind tore up.
April 5, 1916 Snow all gone in Knik business
slow. Claud and Kraus back from hunt after Traveler,
found her near Fire Creek, put out 2 anchors. Ice flow cut off
pilot house otherwise boat in fair condition, lost their dingy
coming back near Goose Bay had to wade ashore. Stanley out of
school with a cold.
April 6, 1916 Self and Cramer walked over ice,
across Knik Arm, to within 1 mile of Fire Creek, channel cut
us off from crossing to main channel where Traveler laid.
Claud and party came back from inspecting Traveler, got some of their
clothes. Thought they could float Traveler and save her but required
a power boat to tow her out to Goose Bay. Dr. Carmichael in by
railroad from Anchorage in route to Cache Creek.
April 7, 1916 Cramer had FFF haul dingy down
to open channel at Churchill’s and went to Anchorage to see
about insurance on Traveler. Gromwoldt and Conrad opened
up fox ranch at Fish Lake, sold them an outfit. Mattie cleaning
house. Hughes teams in from Moose Creek coal job.
April 8, 1916 A-1 day business fair mail
overdue. Harvey Bartholf walked to Goose Bay to get launch
for Anchorage but no launch came. Ed Danielson in to trade.
Chas Harper in from Cache Creek to trade.
April 9, 1916 AM tide Swan voyage 1 at
Goose Bay. Swan went up to Fire Creek on account of getting
Traveler sunk there. Feaster’s came from Anchorage on
Swan. Mail overdue 3 days from Seward.
April 10, 1916 Nylen and Gates back from
hauling freight at Cache Creek. Mail overdue. Swan
took tanks up to float Traveler. Saunders had his launch
hauled to open water at Churchill’s ranch - went to Anchorage.
Sold B and H grub etc. for Schlaben’s Gold Top Mining outfit.
April 11, 1916 Harvey Bartholf made trip to
Anchorage by Saunders launch. Mail arrived midnight last
night 4½ days late. Willamina and Alaska reported
at Anchorage from Seldovia. Swan still out after Traveler
at Fire Creek. Villa outlaws reported broke up but not captured.
Major back left grub near Willow Creek, snow too soft to
continue on to Talkeetna.
April 12, 1916 Perfect summer day.
No business. Cramer party back, couldn’t raise Traveler
on account of quicksand. Fern in from 32. Saunders
running his launch from open channel to Anchorage. Doc David
sent word - could sell Cook Inlet Pioneer stock at par plus 80%.
Sent O. C. Miller’s pipe and vinegar etc. out by Hughes team by
Mike. Plenty of ducks reported on Cottonwood flats.
Sent my stock in C. I. Publishing Co. to Dr. David to sell at par
plus 80% other securities.
April 13, 1916 A-1 spring day business
cash sales rotten credit sales fair. Hughes team met Saunders
launch at open channel, brought up eggs and meat from Anchorage
for hotels at Knik. All eggs, bacon and hams sold out at Knik.
Swan reported at Anchorage with Seward mail from Sunrise, due at
Knik midnight tide with in-mail. Streets about all dried up
in Sunny Knik.
April 14, 1916 Iditarod mail in.
Swan failed to show up with Outside mail. Hughes team drove
down with wagon along beach to meet boats at open channel near
Churchill’s. Wickersham in from mines. Frost out enough
to plow. Raining over Turnagain Arm way. Stanley got
out his bike.
April 15, 1916 Zorn the “dynamiter” in
from Lake Creek, visited and run off his usual hard luck story.
Could see Swan across Arm near Fire Creek 5 PM, 6:15 saw
Swan towing out the wrecked Traveler, raised with 24 gasoline tanks,
heading for Goose Bay. Both Iditarod and out-mail in.
Outside mail came by boat from Anchorage, inside mail 4 days late
on account of trail breaking up.
April 16, 1916 Mrs. Kivig up by boat
from Anchorage. Got out-mail. Anchorage real estate
reported booming. Saunders making daily trip between Knik
open channel and Anchorage. Several people coming and going
Knik to Anchorage. Picked over Miller’s carrots lost half of
them to rot. Mattie made fire with $23 Government check on account
of jail June quarter 1915.
April 17, 1916 Big tides, water over ice on
bar in front of town but ice didn’t raise, business fair.
Sent F. M. Kelly’s mail up by O’Neil. N. S. Needham the
bartender and rancher in town looking for a rent. No snow
on wagon road to mile 28.
April 18, 1916 Big tide, ice lifted on bar
in front of dock but remained. Harold Howard up from Anchorage,
business rotten. Black hauling out piles at Goose Bay for
cannery. Reported government railroad out of commission on
account of ice melted out on outside leaving ties on ice in center.
Train over broke ties into center on account of same being laid
on snow. Wrote for prices on tractors.
April 19, 1916 Morning tide shook up the ice
but none went out in front of town. Anchorage out of meat,
parties taking down fish from Fish Lake and selling for 25¢
a lb., rainbow and salmon trout. Iditarod mail in, packed
same in on horses from Fish Creek. Wrote Cramer about his
Alexandra note to sell his Anchorage property and pay same - that
he had no funds to pay his bills. Joe Palmer in from GB Mines.
April 20, 1916 Morning tide largest yet of
spring broke up ice in channel by dock but not high enough to
float it out. Had Fred jack up scow and put under timbers.
Cramer’s scow on large cake of ice and about ready to tip over tide
failed to float her. When tide was out could see Traveler laying
on mud below Fire Creek (long run out). Tomlinson in from GB
Mines finished.
April 21, 1916 Henry Dohrmann up from
Anchorage after bedding. Fred helped Red Jack to launch his
boat at Fish Creek. Channel now open up to Fish Creek and
mostly up to Socialist Row. Sent Whiton $600.
April 22, 1916 Saw Onward go up Arm to
Fire Creek to try to raise Traveler sunk there. Ice broken
up and part went out up to our dock. Row boats went out below
B and H dock to Anchorage. Paul Hansen after grub to try placer
on Craggie Creek ordered $20 outfit to open up the ground.
Got 5 bundles bedding ready for Anchorage store.
April 23, 1916 Red took bedding etc.
for Anchorage store, loaded same at spring. Children
had Easter exercises and dinner on school grounds. Red
Jack launched his boat at Fish Creek.
April 24, 1916 AM tide got first shipment
of Outside freight, all hardware over 2 tons by weight, same
was landed at spring. Horning visited wanted to leave placer mine.
Swan came up to spring for passengers.
April 25, 1916 Had Fred pull corking out of
scow. Order came from Anchorage to close up saloon until
strike was settled. Bauer and Grennon in to trade. Farrigut
due but did not arrive at Fire Island. Fred on scow and cut
ice out of channel.
April 26, 1916 Aroline at
Fire Island. Chas Gorenflo and Emery arrived. Boats
laying at Fire Island on account of the strike on at Anchorage.
C________ up from Anchorage said he and Bedell had bought the
Rustler and Cramer would run her. Knik lively again passengers
arriving.
April 27, 1916 A-1 day business slack.
Farrigut and Aroline came from Fire Island to Anchorage.
Government Commission to fix wage schedule fixed same at $3.25
for 8 hour common, labor strikers refused to accept same.
Sailors on boats refused to unload ships until strike was settled.
Henry Dohrmann up from Anchorage for more bedding. Keller
up from Seldovia with his launch.
April 28, 1916 Strike still on at Anchorage,
reported office force were unloading the Farragut. Five
of the mosquito fleet came to Knik on noon tide. Channel
open to our dock. Fred running Ford’s chicken ranch.
Marshal took Merrill, demented, to sanatorium in Oregon.
April 29, 1916 Alaska A. C. Co. boat
in with 2,000 tons. Sent bedding down to Kink Hardware
Co. by Swan on PM tide. Promised some freight 5 AM tomorrow.
Fischer’s man in town. Forty sacks mail at Anchorage for
Knik. Mrs. Haley and Nathen Barber’s wife arrived.
April 30, 1916 Hughes repaired B and
H dock. Fred cooked on FFF scow. Gave Fischer’s
man small order. PM tide the mosquito fleet arrived.
Dr. Schlaben looking for mining tools for Jap’s Mine.
Railroad strike settled at 45¢ per hour. Freight been
laying at Anchorage for week on account of strike.
May 1, 1916 Swan in with first freight, everything
wet, had no tarp to cover up goods in route business fair. Eggs,
ham, bacon, sugar, etc. in stock again after 7 days delay at Anchorage.
Hughes opened up the Hughes B and H dock to receive public freight.
May 2, 1916 Swan up both tides, brought
a few shorts on freight, business fair. Fred worked half
day cleaning up eggs. Curtis Ross in after outfit to go up Knik
River. Mr. Reed in from Landing after his machinery.
May 3, 1916 Snow, ground white 6 AM cloudy
with light rain business and collections fair. Put up
3 seed orders. Watson in port. Palmer’s schooner
arrived at Goose Bay on evening tide. Several ranchers in
town. Bill Bartholf arrived and son-in-law. Rabe
landed his mowing machinery etc. at Knik after a week delay at Anchorage.
May 4, 1916 Sales and collections over $300.
A few people coming in on evening tide from Anchorage and Outside.
Saloon still closed by order of the court. Bert Stewart
took out Iverson’s package and mail. Got word Pioneer was sold to
Steele and Herron.
May 5, 1916 Busy all day put up $233 order
for Aug Carlson and $21 order for Wagner ranchers at Mile
15. Cash sales $280. Swan delivered clothing from
Filson and Black and a few pieces from Sylvester Bros. Sent
deposit account Bank of Seward by N. J. Gaikema to mail at Anchorage.
May 6, 1916 Froze ½” ice
last night business fair cash sales $85. Teams busy hauled out
mining machinery and supplies. Road in bad condition on
account of frost coming out of ground. Palmer put in slip
for car to haul freight off scows. Evening dance on at preachers
hall, Mrs. Haley pianist new music. Ford burned lining out
of house.
May 7, 1916 Frank Kelly down from Eska Creek
camp to trade. Carl Martin and Tex Cobb down from their
ranch to trade. H. C. Dohrmann and bunch came up from Anchorage
and attended Ball last night at preachers Hall. Hustler -
Cassie and Palmer’s bunch got hung up on bar.
May 8, 1916 Reported that Farrington
sold all his horses and gear to Hughes. Palmer’s launch
went out and returned by hay shed channel. Swan could only
come to Socialist Row on account of small tides. Fred helped
Ford reline his house. Watson due tomorrow.
May 9, 1916 Government scow in with freight
to go out on wagon road. Tom O’Dale Captain, Albert Dohrmann
running the Alaska. Carrington looking for order for Fuller
and Company. Tides very low, no water at docks to float a
launch. Palmer’s launch on mud by dock.
May 10, 1916 Chase in port voyage 1 smokehouse
Mike. Fred cooked on scow. Evans at Goose Bay.
Fred rented his house to government cache tender. No tide
at dock today.
May 11, 1916 Mrs. Morrison back from her ranch.
Felch in town after orders. Hartel rolled his launch off
bar into channel. Swan laid over a tide for help to get some
sleep. Put up O. C. Miller’s order to go by Chas Bartholf.
Danielson and Hunt in to trade. Mrs. Ben Agnew in to meet her
mother. Rae family arrived from Outside.
May 12, 1916 Sent O. C. Miller’s grub, seeder,
etc. out by Chas Bartholf. Got word from David about all
we would get was par value out of sale of Cook Inlet Pioneer.
Tides making, water come to dock, Fred worked on scow.
Mrs. Woodshed started housekeeping in the Ford mansion.
Mattie and Stanley making ready to go to the city Anchorage.
May 13, 1916 Old Knik Natives over to trade.
Mattie and Stanley went to Anchorage 2 AM tide on Swan.
Took order for Royal Tailor suit. Sent chairs down to Kink
Hardware Co.
May 14, 1916 PM helped Fred finish pitching
scow now ready to slide in water. Mattie and Stanley got
back from Anchorage 4 AM, done up from trip to city. Henry came
up from Anchorage wanted to trade our place for place on 4th Avenue.
Harry Hoben in town. Fred Laubner arrived.
May 15, 1916 Fred stayed home to plant his
garden. Scotty Watson and Hunt over from Old Knik.
Spaulding tied up Ind. G. M. Co. property at Knik to cover labor.
May 16, 1916 Let Palmer take my scow to haul
freight from his schooner, evening came in with big load of
coal and gasoline. Evening tide all the mosquito fleet in
port, Mrs. Kellogg arrived. Big tides, all the boats came
to the dock Mrs. Capt. Ward moved to Knik for the summer.
May 17, 1916 Palmer launched his scow after
2 weeks wait. Mrs. Morrison paid up balance of old account,
said she was going to move her hotel building to Anchorage.
Mrs. Gill back for household goods. Mrs. Kellogg waiting for
freight to go to ranch.
May 18, 1916 Palmer delivering scow load on
every tide by using our scow. Evening tide mosquito fleet
in port. Mrs. Dalton-Sherman arrived from Seattle “brought
her cold feet”. Several newcomers arrived. Shea and
Howard sold out and closed up dump. Davis Saloon opened up
again as a soft drink joint
May 19, 1916 Swanson down after plow
and seeder. Government got big scow discharged and returned
to Anchorage. Some of Knik people went to Anchorage to
attend a dance. Rabe in to fix up attachment leased by
Spaulding.
May 20, 1916 Fred unpack 2 barrels dishes,
put them in Matt’s tent store. PM finished gridiron to
lay scow on. Several Knik sports went to Anchorage for a
days outing.
May 21, 1916 Cobb came after his machinery
and oats. Pulled piles back into place pushed out of
line by ice leveled up FFF dock platform. Moved pile driver
to east side of dock. Rabe got attachment raised on his mach.
May 22, 1916 May cloudy and cold up to
date. More snow fell in mountains during April than all
winter. Six feet snow now reported at BD Mine. Fred
put in guard pile, S-E cor. dock and worked on scow business quiet.
Swan delivered tent and marine order and Rae’s household goods.
May 23, 1916 Had Fred open
up new goods. Made gangway plank from dock to scow.
May 24, 1916 Mr. Bainter and pard. arrived
from Seattle to try mining again. Government man looking
for information about pack trail from Knik to Meadow Creek.
May 25 1916 Tides short Swan only came
to Mitchell’s.
May 26, 1916 Hertel and wife came up
from Anchorage and others - dance on. Day tide low boats
came to spring. Reported boats have been laying at Fire
Island a week on account of wind waiting to go up river and to
Turnagain Arm.
May 27, 1916 Had Fred paint
and finish corking scow.
May 28, 1916 Quiet in town. Put
hand winch on scow. H. C. Dohrmann up from Anchorage wanted
to buy location on 4th Avenue.
May 29, 1916 Sold out on eggs and smoked meats.
Geol. Survey arrived. Sid Anderson up from Anchorage.
Nate White in with Brighton voyage 1. All the mosquito fleet
in port. Evans at Goose Bay. Planted barn lot to oats
and red top, plowed store garden.
May 30, 1916 Got up 5:30 Swan delivered groceries
from Fischer Bros. Pilger up from Anchorage. Fred planted
store garden to wheat oats barley and field peas. Sent gas
plant to Kink Hardware Co. by Swan.
May 31, 1916 Had Fred peel spruce piles for
dock. Jacked up beam in store to plumb. Got eggs
and meats held up 3 days by government transfer. Marked
up crockery ware.
June 1, 1916 Everything growing good
after the rain, business fair collections 1st of the month
slow. Swan and Hustler in on evening tide with scows.
June 2, 1916 Ross outfitting for Knik
River. Had Fred sort over eggs and decked piling.
Evening tide O. C. Miller arrived via Anchorage went down on train
from Junction to get fittings for his sawmill. Miller’s 1st
trip to Anchorage.
June 3, 1916 Sold O. C. Miller the Swift
4 horse boiler, Miller fitted injector and connections.
Had Fred clean up rubbish around warehouse thrown out from old
saloon. Fred started to dig cesspool at OGH house. Simmons
paid $100 on old account.
June 4, 1916 O. C. Miller left 9 AM for
his ranch. Hustler in with freight for Shields, put same on Knik
Trading dock. Palmer’s launch blew up and got on fire
- they put it out with Pyrene.
June 5, 1916 Sausage man up from Anchorage.
Lander in from Willow Creek Mines. Palmer went down Arm
with his launch. Fred worked on cesspool at house.
Bainter and pard. back from Willow Creek District.
June 6 ,1916 L. C. Smith agent in town
bought a Check Protectograph and Burrough Adder. Traded
Smith no. 5 for new improved no. 8 machine. Mrs. Shough
in from 32 after medicine for Shough’s leg. Fred finished
cesspool.
June 7 ,1916 Fred finished cesspool.
Palmer loaded 10M ft. 2 x 4’s for Anchorage. Smokehouse
Mike stuck on the bar. Memo: cost to dig cesspool $12 lumber
for cesspool $10.50 nails 25¢ total $22.75.
June 8, 1916 Tides low, Swan coming in
upper channel. Got long stove from Anchorage store for Mrs.
Small’s roadhouse at 19. Sold Laubner small camp outfit
for his roadhouse at Mile 31½.
June 9, 1916 Had Fred varnish road cart and
open up rubber goods. Alaska in port. B and H moving
out Knik, stock to Anchorage.
June 10, 1916 Evening ranchers in to
trade, I got 6 orders. Hall moved Mrs. Small out to Mile
16 RH, sold them a range. Evening Fred helped me to put up 2
small orders. Got order for seed grain from Anchorage.
June 11, 1916 Put up several small orders for
ranchers and prospectors. Bothered all day with Sunday
customers. Evening varnished road cart.
June 12, 1916 Alameda in port.
Swan failed to show up on PM tide, first tide missed while on
Knik-Anchorage run this spring. Tides making, boats coming
to dock. Fred at home turned his dog borders over to Ulanky
dog farm.
June 13, 1916 First time mail came through
on Alameda without holdup at Anchorage. Got $260 check
from J. M. Woods to cover his 4 month note. Cash business
bum today credit and collections fair. Billy Martin arrived
from Seattle in time for 1st cleanup and to pay off. Mailed
a big bunch of collections to Anchorage.
June 14, 1916 Two men in from Anchorage to
look over Willow Creek Mines. Brighton in after Joe Richards
outfit to move back to Hope.
June 15, 1916 A-1 Sunny Knik business
slow. AM had Fred shoe Kid all around for trip to mines.
Life flour and balance of shoepacks came in been at Anchorage transfer
since June 2nd. Big tides again. Mabel man in for stove and
supplies. Marshal Brown got back.
June 16, 1916 Fred put guardrail on end
of scow and set two posts along side of gridiron to keep scow
in place on gridiron. Evening tide all the mosquito fleet in
port and Rosebud from Seldovia. Martin’s brother in from states.
Evening attended school exercises closing of years school by Miss
E. Bennet, teacher.
June 17, 1916 Self and Mattie got Seward
Bank account checked down from March 12, 1915 to June 9, 1916
on account of overdraft. K. T. Co. overdraft was $103.49
bank overdraft was $43.54. Henry Dohrmann up from Anchorage,
said Bowles and Co. wanted to put in stock bathroom supplies on
consignment. Dance on at preachers Hall.
June 18, 1916 Put up order for mines for Cannon
and Conroy. Sold $20 seed order and same trail order for
King Kelly going to Talkeetna Junction. New preacher in
town. Mrs. Will Bartholf came up to visit on last boat from
Seattle. A few people coming and going about every tide business
reported quiet in Anchorage on account of no payday on Government
RR until late in July.
June 19, 1916 Frank Kelly in from RR camp at
Eska Creek, said he quit government job. Evening hooked
up on road cart, drove around Knik Knob, up government road, back
on beach. Martin took out his first cleanup deposited with
the Bank of Alaska at Anchorage.
June 20, 1916 Red Jack took out scow
load lumber and gasoline to Anchorage from Palmer’s. B.
G. Willow Creek Mines brought out first cleanup - two candle
boxes of retort. Now ready to go out and open up placer mine
on Willow Creek. Pete Iverson and several others came in from
Martin’s Mine said they couldn’t stand the grub.
June 21, 1916 Swanson down from Junction
to trade. Stanley drove Fred out to Mile 4 for trip to
mines to open up placer. Kemp in from Martin’s Mines said
he was going to States to visit his mother. Sold Laubner
another bunch of bedding for his roadhouse at 31½.
W. J. Cassidy boosting for Herron going to prospect for quartz at
Willow Creek. Fred on trail to mines.
June 22, 1916 Fred stopped at 40 Mile Miller’s,
supposed to arrive at mines at noon today. Self ready to
go to mines tomorrow. Sold Milo Kelly trail outfit.
Kelly sold his house above our store to Mrs. Blodgett for $100 cash.
June 23, 1916 First trip to mines this
season left at 1 PM with Kid on road cart for mines. Stopped
with O. C. Miller. McAllen - Lander - Collier - new managers
for GB stopped at Miller’s.
June 24, 1916 Rode over with GB management,
arrived at mines 1 PM. Fred had ditch in order and camp
in shape. Looked over pipeline that snow slide had cut out
4 joints. Ground sluice ditch still full of snow. Fishhook
Pass covered with snow on both sides for 400 yards.
June 25, 1916 At mines. Started
to reassemble pipeline. Gave Cassidy small prospecting
outfit. King Kelly and Paul went over to Little Willow to
get a caribou or sheep meat.
June 26, 1916 At mines. Got pipeline
connected up.
June 27, 1916 At mines. Built reservoir
for intake for separate line to pipe bench on Willow Creek.
Turned water on Willow Creek line. Evening piped some.
June 28, 1916 At mines. Packed
up flume to make setup near OGH cabin on bench. Piped
out ditch for ground sluice on bench. Fred started to re-cork
flume. Hauled galvanized no. 3 giant down from Grubstake to
use on Willow Creek bench. Laid out piping work for Fred.
Left mines 6 PM for home, arrived O. C. Miller’s 11 PM.
June 29, 1916 Kid quit me and left for
Knik, Roy Kitcham brought him back. Left Miller’s 10
AM, arrived Knik 4 PM Light rain.
June 30, 1916 Weather cloudy business
quiet. Mexico and U. S. about to go to war.
July 1, 1916 Henry Dohrmann came up on
evening tide but his girl wouldn’t look at him. Mattie
helped all day in store. Evening big mail off Alaska.
July 2, 1916 Shough and wife in from mines
went to Anchorage on evening tide. Paid Swan part of freight
bill.
July 3, 1916 Grennan and Swanson down from
Junction to trade. Nine men quit Martin’s Mine on account
of bad grub etc. Morning tide Swan had load passengers going
to Anchorage account 4th celebration evening tide ditto.
Stanley and mother went with the crowd to Anchorage to celebrate.
July 4, 1916 Quiet in Knik. Took lunch
at Pioneer Hotel 15 at lunch. Evening tide Mattie and
son back from Anchorage, didn’t think much of their celebration.
July 5, 1916 Big bunch of soreheads back
from Anchorage. Chas Meyers in with the Progress after
fishing supplies.
July 6, 1916 Keller in port. Herman
in from fox ranch to trade. Chief Pete and bunch Tyonek
Natives here to trade, had 3 live kit fox to sell. Watson
in port evening tide went into Goose Bay.
July 7, 1916 Got in some Long stoves.
Freight held up in Seattle on account of L. S. strike. Cannon
sick reported he had a shock. Tides low. Gates took
his horses to Eagle River to haul out piles for Goose Bay Cannery.
Mexico trouble with U. S. partly settled. J. M. Wood back from
States.
July 8, 1916 Reported one Russian shot another
at Anchorage. Kids picked over spuds.
July 9, 1916 Noon Stanley and mother
left for Anchorage to have their teeth fixed up. Fred Laubner
and Dave in for grub for their roadhouse. Gus Swanson got
back from prospecting trip to Kashwitna District now ready to
go to work no-ketchum-gold mine.
July 10, 1916 Palmer went to Anchorage with
his launch. Evening posted on Kink Hardware Co. books.
Mattie and Stanley at Anchorage. Lowest tide. Horning
bought small outfit to prospect Wet Gulch for placer gold.
Rae got grub to go to mines.
July 11, 1916 Mattie got home 1 AM, left
Stanley to have his teeth filled, business on cash sales credit
sales fair. Cannon reported on the gain. Road Commission
asking for bids on grub for road work.
July 12, 1916 Put in bid on $900 order
account Alaska Road Com. Palmer beat me by $13 and got
the order. Mrs. Morrison and John Bartholf started to
tear down their houses to move to Anchorage. Reported Martin
out of ore. Dave in from Fishhook Inn to trade. Gus
went to Anchorage.
July 13, 1916 Pete Herbert paid up balance
of his old account. Evans in with mail. Evening
proprietor of Matanuska Hardware Company Anchorage visited wanted
to consolidate with the Kink Hardware Co. and incorporate the
company. Up until midnight talking it over. Knik mail
went Outside.
July 14, 1916 Worked on Kink Hardware Co. accounts.
Evening got shipment of eggs, butter and clothing. Sent
case eggs to OGH Placer Mine by Dave. Blackjack Miller back
from Broad Pass District.
July 15, 1916 Knik to Mines. Left
at noon arrived at 40 Mile Miller’s for lodging. Turned
Kid loose to graze and he hit out for Knik, followed him up on
a trot and got him in 1 mile travel.
July 16, 1916 Arrived at mines at noon.
Fred and Otto had cut in, in front of my cabin. PM piped
on cut. Rained all night very dry and water getting low.
July 17 1916 At mines. Bottomed
up pit and cleaned up, PM small cleanup. Bench looked better
and less rock. Left 9 PM for Knik, at Miller’s at 1:30 AM
the 18th.
July 18, 1916 Arrived at Knik 2:30 PM.
Palmer reported on a drunk. Charley Palmer finished clerking
for Palmer.
July 19, 1916 Left at noon for Anchorage
to talk over consolidating Knik and Matanuska Hardware Companies.
Tried to find a location on 4th Avenue but they stuck the price
up to $6,500.
July 20, 1916 At Anchorage. Stanley got
last of work done on his teeth, wanted to stay over to see Charley
Chaplin at movies. Came home evening tide. Rae came
down and bought a horse and express wagon to haul his outfit to
mines. Collected several old bills while in Anchorage.
July 21, 1916 Started to put up $145
outfit for Rae.
July 22, 1916 Several went to Anchorage to
attend Labor Union Ball. Hubbert arrived from Seattle
to look over his mining interests at Willow Creek Mines.
July 23, 1916 Self and wife drove out
to mile 16 had dinner came back to 15 and drove east on RR survey
to RR camp on Vasilla Lake. Camp was on Cottonwood Creek
about ½ mile from lake. Left there 2 PM, arrived at
Knik 6 PM. Traveled 34 miles in 9 hours. Stanley stayed
home. O’Brien delivered his pup.
July 24, 1916 Jim Wilson
up from Anchorage for his seed grain etc. Busy on Anchorage
books.
July 25, 1916 At Anchorage. Went
down to see about consolidating hardware stores. Evening
saw Feltman about location. All prices of lots on 4th too
high wanted $6,000 for 4th and G Street and $7,500 for Turner Blk.
Stayed at the White house. Palmer’s schooner discharging freight
at Anchorage.
July 26, 1916 At Anchorage. Looked
over locations. Told Dohrmann I would take building and
lot and he could have stock. Feltman wanted to each put
in $5,000 stock and incorporate for $15,000 and sell $5,000 stock.
Evening took in a movie.
July 27, 1916 Anchorage to Knik.
Saw Dr. Westman of Bank of Alaska. Had a talk with Wood
about the mail service. Left PM for Knik.
July 28, 1916 Reported Tom
and Claud would put on two Ford cars on Knik Willow Creek Road
- Old Hughes crazy for butting in. Evening McCoy back to
look at Garver's new strike on Peterson Creek Willow Creek
District sold them an outfit. Ford cars due on morning tide.
Palmer brought in first scow load freight off schooner got stuck
in mud.
July 29, 1916 Morning tide
two auto cars were landed by Swan to go on Knik-Willow Creek
run to mines. Went out with 7 passengers and 500 lbs. grub
but failed to make the round trip. McCoy, Garber, Dawson,
Martin and Reed went out to look at Garber’s new strike on Peterson
Creek. Evening got produce and ammunition order. Mehern
visited but got no orders for Folger or Hunt’s goods.
July 30, 1916 Forty Mile Miller in and went
to Anchorage. One Ford truck got back from 1st trip to mines.
Evening tide quite a crowd came up from Anchorage. Fischer’s
man, Alberts and Schillings men looking for orders.
July 31, 1916 O. C. Miller back from
Anchorage with fittings for his boiler. Stanley and Miller
left in auto and Joe Conroy for mines. Yellow car got in
2 days trip to mines had a mishap. Bothered all day with traveling
men. Should have gone to Anchorage to finish consolidation
deal of hardware companies.
August 1, 1916 Knik to Anchorage.
Arrived Anchorage 11 AM. Dohrmann and Feldman had bought
½ of Larson and Wendler’s lot for $2,000, paid down $1,000,
balance 60 days. Evening talked over consolidating 2 hardware companies
new building etc.
August 2, 1916 Self and Feldman had David
draw up Inc. papers for new hardware company capital stock to
be $25,000 - $10,000 paid up - not to get possession of lot until
August 15th. Decided to move Kink Hardware Co. stock into Matanuska
building on 4th Street after inventory was taken. Got home
9 PM. Swan brought Nagley’s freight off Lucy to Knik for storage.
Needham came up to Knik to visit Cannon.
August 3, 1916 Eddie Erickson in from Bullion
Mine. Ira G. Brown down from Moose Creek to make collections.
Autos doing good business on Knik Willow Creek run. Stanley
visiting 40 Mile Miller. C. A. Bartholf quartz strike reported
biggest thing on Fishhook Creek.
August 4, 1916 Got out-mail for K. T. Co. and
Kink Hardware Co. Palmer went below on the Lucy.
August 5, 1916 Cash sales and collections
$181.95. Wagner and Carlson back from Anchorage with new
team and wagon for ranch. Left Knik 4:30 PM arrived at 23½
at 11 PM. Chas Ketcham arrived same time. Evening raining.
Good roads thing of the past ruts all filled with water.
August 6, 1916 Arrived at mines at noon.
Boys had 30’ x 60’ cut run in bench on Grubstake. All
panned fine gold and showed indications of old channel.
Self piped in PM. Gus sick with rheumatics.
August 7, 1916 At mines. Cleaned up portion
of pit, poor showing for amount of work done. Decided
to clean up bedrock in Creek bottom opposite old Homestake cabin
and run through small bar on right of limit. Left mines
3 PM for Knik via over Bald Mt. Several wind falls between
razorback and river. Kid got sick and delayed trip.
August 8, 1916 In route on trail.
Fed Kid and let him rest at crossing of Willow Creek trail and
Carle Road near Big Lake. Owing to darkness decided to
take Carle Road to Mile 15 on wagon road. Arrived at Knik
4 AM. Put up clothing order to send to boys at mine.
Cannon went to Anchorage. Old Scotty got 4 months in jail for
selling booze at Old Knik.
August 9,1916 Got back from mines
4 AM. Mattie had up several small orders for operators.
Fulton and Kelly in from Talkeetna M. Co. works, business fair.
Sherman buying hardware for running O. C. Miller’s sawmill.
Martin and Co. landed gas Caterpillar to haul freight from Knik
to Mines - Bennett engineer.
August 10, 1916 Rainy season on, business slow,
collections fair. Bennett got his foot crushed in trying
to back up Caterpillar engine. Preacher Howard back from
trip Outside. Mattie “sore” over business affairs.
Staman in from Moose Creek Copper Mine. Rain came too late
to help out crops dry weather burned them up.
August 11, 1916 Heavy rain last night business
fair. George Hershey loaded his pool room gear on the
“Capella” to move to Kenai. Surveyor Hubbell arrived to
do work at Willow Creek. Thorpe’s team hauled in the yellow
auto car. Black car was 12 hours coming in on account of heavy
roads. Caterpillar still on the bum no fire. Preacher
came around to say how-d-do and he had no money to pay his note and
bills.
August 12, 1916 Swan arrived late on evening
tide, brought several and took out several passengers.
Hershey family and baggage left early tide for Kenai to open
up pool hall. Preacher circulated petition to help
hold his job at Knik, board put him off church payroll for building
dance hall store and church combined.
August 13, 1916 Evening preacher held
church after being away all summer east, not many attended.
Sent order for Sea Island Better Sox.
August 14, 1916 Today Government hauled 1st
train load of coal over new railroad to Anchorage. Coal
came from Dick Daugherty’s Mine on Moose Creek. While Anchorage
got first shipment of coal Seward done up Anchorage ball team - first
game played at Seward 1916. Black’s teamster went nutty -
booze the cause. H. C. D. returned from Moose Creek via Mile
28 went on to Anchorage evening tide.
August 15, 1916 Big tides. Capella
back from Kenai after balance of pool room stock. Black
car in from 15. Anchorage News after Marshal’s office for
taking private parties booze shipped in. Deaf man by name
of R. D. Reese on way to Willow Creek to prospect - sold him some
grub.
August 16, 1916 Mrs. Vail mushed in from 12
to trade. AM Caterpillar crawled off beach up hill to Russian
graveyard. Black auto car went out again. Steam launch
Capella laying at K. T. Co. dock repairing engine and loading
Hershey’s. Anchorage ball team lost 2 to 1 game with Seward.
Reed in from Garber strike on Peterson Creek said he couldn’t raise
a color.
August 17, 1916 Caterpillar moving about town
making ready for initial trip. Black auto car returned
from 32 said it was last trip until roads improved - going on Junction
to Mile 15 run, where government graded new wagon road. Joe
Laubner and wife in town, been out to Mabel Mine. Out of eggs
and bacon same at Anchorage but no delivery yet. Baker sent
in $108.10 by Phelps from Yago Mine.
August 18, 1916 Rae and son in from mines
reported rich find on Idaho Peak. Evening tide Swan brought
eggs and coffee. Wood and auto bunch irrigating at the spring.
W. A. Shields back from Kashwitna said water was too high to cross.
August 19, 1916 Morning tide got groceries
that came on Farragut. Rae hauled up O’Brien’s machine.
Gates left order for bobsleighs no. 4. Cannery boat Hero
came in and got stuck on the beach. M. Rooney in from Martin’s
Mine to cut his hay. Caterpillar loaded up for 1st trip over
Willow Creek Road.
August 20, 1916 Heavy rain last night
and light rain today, ground well soaked up now. No church.
Caterpillar started out, got stuck near mile 1. Henry Dohrmann
came up from Anchorage.
August 21, 1916 H. C. D. loving up his
girl and stayed over for farewell dance in preachers Hall. Harvey
Bartholf in from GB Mines on account of gout. Taxi Cab Co.
got yellow car repaired after weeks breakdown. Caterpillar
broke down at Mile 2.
August 23, 1916 Had Henry Ratzen cut oats on
barn lot PM 4 hours. Got notice from Waller and Duggan
Anchorage account of Alexander note account of Cramer. Got
in meats and more eggs. Wrote Herbert to send 25 tons coal
by Swan.
August 24, 1916 PM went to Anchorage on Swan
for Cody McLaughlin case and Traveler collection - stayed at
White house. Posted on Kink Hardware Co. books till midnight.
Had Henry Ratzen put oat hay in barn.
August 25, 1916 Called on Waller and
Duggan for Alexander collection they accepted our terms subject
to reply from Watson. Talked over the Cody case, told them
my testimony was of detrimental value. Called on contractor
and looked over plans for D-H and Co. hardware building Cody
case failed to come off on account of Crow Creek Mining Co. case.
Evening attended movie with the sausage man.
August 26, 1916 Investigated plans inventory
etc. for consolidating the Knik and Matanuska Hardware Co.’s.
Paid Shonbeck and McCullough account candles ordered by H. C.
D. for Knik. Evening 8 PM Cody McLaughlin trial came
off, was told by Duggan, Cody’s lawyer, was not wanted as witness.
Later Marshal tried to find me for witness on account of McLaughlin
but failed to locate me. Trial ended with no conviction either
side.
August 27, 1916 A-1 clear day.
Finished posting Kink Hardware Co. books. PM visited
directors meeting of new firm Dohrmann - Herning and Company.
Elected H. C. Feldman president and O. G. Herning secretary treasurer.
Fixed clerk hire at $125 per month and on all over $2,000 per
month sold to get 1½% of cash sales. Left 3:30 PM for
Knik on launch Swan.
August 28, 1916 PM put up order for Dutch -
located homestead Mile 24 Wagon Road. Cash sales over $140.
Horning’s youngest child broke her arm. Otto went to Anchorage.
Harvey Bartholf in town. Now dark at 9 PM
August 29, 1916 Left for mines, arrived
at Mile 16 Roadhouse, put up for the night. Stanton Shafer
was at 16 in route to Knik - through at Mabel Mine.
August 30, 1916 Rode out to Mile 17, cut across
to Paul Hobitz ranch on Bald Mt. trail - arrived at river 9:20
and at mines 2 PM, had lunch went up Grubstake. Boys
had cut piped in on creek bed direct below old Homestake cabin.
Cleaned bedrock, balance of water getting low late rains did not raise
creek at mines.
August 31, 1916 A-1 day cleaned bedrock
all day.
September 1, 1916 Cleaned up got about 1 lb.
of gold and one 5 dwt nugget and several small nuggets.
Told Fred to clean balance of bedrock, clean up and remove all
boxes and pipe from creek bed and then to close camp for season.
Left mines 7 PM arrived at Miller’s ranch at midnight.
September 2, 1916 Looked over Miller’s sawmill,
gave me order for new saws. Arrived at Knik 2 PM.
Cannon sold Pioneer Hotel to Alex Frasier and Co. for $1,500 cash
owing to sickness. Autos running again to mile 32. Caterpillar
broke down near Mile 14 Dutch was engineer.
September 3, 1916 Stanley left with the crowd
for Labor Day celebration at Anchorage. Mattie went down
on evening tide. Evening got out Seattle mail sent order for
Miller’s saws.
September 4, 1916 Swan in on both tides.
School opened today. Mattie and Stanley at Anchorage
“doing” Labor Day. Veach in for grub from Mabel Mine.
Otto went to Goose Bay after ducks. Fern in and on usual drunk.
September 5, 1916 Stanley got back from Anchorage
on AM tide - mother stayed to have teeth fixed. H. C. Feldman
came up from Anchorage last night on account of oil tanks and
Dohrmann - Herning Company brought check book and bylaws and cash
sales for August. Stanley entered Knik school.
September 6, 1916 Paid Ratzen $9 for
harvesting and housing oat hay on barn lot. Dave and
Laubner in - paid August bill. Cannon back from Anchorage.
September 7, 1916 No boat on midnight
tide. Mattie got back from shopping trip at Anchorage on
PM tide. Mrs. Gill and kids came up to pack up household
goods. Preacher finished tearing down his dance hall.
Garber in from Peterson Creek strike. Evening Stanley gave
kids a “Jack Lantern” show.
September 8, 1916 Mr. Lawrence from Mile
28 in for supplies placed $75 order. Tides making Swan
come to dock, evening got out Seattle mail.
September 9, 1916 Put up ranch order
for Lawrence, England and Hylen $96.55. Chamberlain, Whiton's
man and Mehern, Folgers man arrived. Fred Nelson arrived
over Bald Mt. from Grubstake placer - closed up sluicing September
7th.
September 10, 1916 Evening went to Anchorage
for Traveler collection. First snow on mountains.
Knik River Lake broke out and put government bridge over Knik
River out of business.
September 11, 1916 In Anchorage heavy
frost. Saw Waller about Traveler collection, willing to
wait until Cannon came down. Saw Bank of Alaska about loan
to cover Traveler, note was OK for $1,000 - above $1,000
would have to take mortgage. Looked over Dohrmann and Herning
Company hardware stock. Cash sales running over $100 per day.
Evening posted on Kink Hardware Co. books.
September 12, 1916 At Anchorage.
Cannon came down, couldn’t raise any money from mining.
Wired out to H. F. Alexander for extension of time on Traveler
note. Bought half ton sugar from Pacific Grocery Company.
Came home on 4 PM boat.
September 13, 1916 Matanuska left 6 tons government
freight on our dock.
September 14, 1916 Heavy rain last night.
Auto cars came in and took boat for Anchorage roads, too muddy
to operate Knik to Mines. Evening tide Matanuska delivered
load of meat on our dock for government work at Mile 15. Got
wire from Alexander - my terms were OK. Sent his wire to Waller
and Duggan at Anchorage who had Traveler account for collection.
September 15, 1916 Government teams hauling
RR supplies from Knik to Mile 15 on Wagon Road on account
of Knik River bridge being out. Mattie in store all day.
Total cleanup 3 cuts on bench at mines August 1916, 17½ oz.
Started to light dock lamp to guide boats to Knik - night run.
September 16, 1916 Mail boat in.
Sent out 17 oz. gold dust by Wells Fargo. Swan running
every tide. Capt. Joseph Ward in from Talkeetna run to visit
his family.
September 17, 1916 Two boats now on the run,
Swan and Marathon. Matanuska in with load government
freight for line near mile 15 Wagon Road. Roads, Knik to
mines, all churned up since rain. Fred Nelson and Barney Johnson
left for Eklutna River to hunt sheep.
September 18, 1916 Sent wire out for Clark’s
wagon. Wagner in for his plow and groceries. Lon
Wells down from Broad pass for supplies. Reported sports
ordered to move away 50 miles from Anchorage.
September 19, 1916 Paid Otto balance
due for work on placer mine. Tides low Swan came to spring.
Took $40 seed order.
September 20, 1916 Crescent man in town 1st
trip to Knik. Knik River bridge repaired and trains running
again.
September 21, 1916 Got our harness and
dog gear order. Government opened up Wassilla by giving leases
until townsite is surveyed.
September 22, 1916 Reported no one was
at Wassilla to take leases from town site manager - Shough the
only one there. Tom Merideth up from Anchorage to tear down
Gill’s house. Mrs. McMillan gave birthday dinner to F. B.
Cannon.
September 23, 1916 E. S. Hewett, Burroughs
man, in town. Got out balance of fall orders, sent same
to mail at Anchorage by Hewett.
September 24, 1916 Talkeetna team in,
business slow. Got produce order, 10 days at Anchorage.
Miller sent word he had not received grub order sent by taxi cab
September 7th.
September 25, 1916 Evans and Northwestern in
got 2 mails. Found out that taxicab co. left part of
Miller’s grub at Pioneer Hotel and part at Mile 12 Roadhouse.
September 26, 1916 Heavy rain last night.
Percy Pitchford back from trip to States with a crazy - .
Palmer out of sugar and hams, dried apples and several other
things.
September 28, 1916 At Anchorage.
Advised not to take loan from Joe Laubner to put up concrete
store building, too late to build before freeze. H. C. D.
got $1,000 loan on lot bought by him and Feldman for Dohrmann - Herning
and Co. on 4th Street. No word from Alexander about Cramer note.
Came home 4 PM tide. W. R. Long came back to Knik, gone for
2 years. Fred back from hunting trip, no game.
September 29, 1916 New bunch men went out to
mines to take places of men getting through. Dead man
reported washed up on beach at Fire Island. Put up additional
fodder for Dutch.
September 30, 1916 Unpacked Gloria lamps
only one globe broken. Evening Miller in from his ranch
23½. Swan delivered ton sugar came on Evans week
ago. Fred re-shod Kid. O. C. Miller went to
Anchorage for homestead location and sawmill business.
October 1, 1916 Sold two
Gloria lamps $24. Swan in both tides. Fisk down
from Metal Creek. Dry goods came from Portland. Collections
$163.
October 2, 1916 Mabel Mine closed down,
brought in two retorts weighed 26 # = $5,616. Several
men in from GB Mine, only running 2 stamps on account of no water.
Swan delivered Miller’s circular saws. Chas Bartholf and
associates incorporating a company on account of new ledge located
above Independence Mine.
October 3, 1916 Talkeetna and Martin’s
teams in for supplies. O. C. Miller back from Anchorage
fixed his homestead location and sawmill business up OK.
Shough’s in from Mile 15.
October 4, 1916 First big wind of fall.
Vail in and paid part of account. Palmer out of sugar.
Hughes took O. C. Miller’s and Dutch’s grub that has laid here
for a month. Baker’s suit came. Paid Swan $400 on
freight deliveries. Sent mail out by Jim Denny on Willamina
- Seward Bank deposit and checks to Seattle jobbers.
October 5, 1916 Wind died out.
Fixed up warehouse lamps and filled tank. Sold Morris
horse to Chas Ulanky for $45. Fred mudding up his house.
Woodhouse in from GB Mines. Men coming in every day snowing
heavy at mines.
October 6, 1916 Rained heavy, business
slow. Mattie and Stanley left noon tide on Swan for Anchorage
to have balance of dental work done and take in the movie show.
“Spot” and self storekeeper and housekeeper. Sea Lion in
port, still raining and a soaker.
October 7, 1916 Rain all day business
slow. AM had Fred fix chimney flue in store. Keller
back from Anchorage said the New Buffalo would get us coal.
Mr. Rabe in town. Swan delivered Clark’s wagon.
October 8, 1916 Heavy rain all day making
the 3rd day continued rain. Walker land survey returned
from Susitna Valley Dist. Drew plans for combination store and
warehouse at Wasilla Mile 15. Building 20’ x 36’ to be covered
with corrugated iron. Evening made out delinquent bills.
October 9, 1916 AM rain business slow.
Town full of people from the hills, snow and rain closing down
work. Mattie and Stanley got back from Anchorage on evening
tide. Had Fred remove flues on hardware annex over tent room
and over sitting room in old house over store. Fred cleaned up warehouse
and put perishables in warm storage and braced ceiling in root house.
Land Survey shipped out their horses to Seattle.
October 10, 1916 Self and Cannon went
to Anchorage to sign up new notes for Traveler. White House
full, put up at Hotel Parson’s. Looked over books of Dohrmann
- Herning business good cash sales above $200 per day. Evening
took in movie “Salvation Nell” with Henry.
October 11, 1916 Fixed up Cramer note
by giving our note and taking up old note endorsed by Cannon
and myself. Four notes - October 5th 90 days, 2nd 6 months,
3rd 9 months, balance 1 year. Bought 5 cases gasoline
off Shonbeck. Got lease at Mile 15 on government railroad
land for warehouse etc. Didn’t get through in time to catch
boat home. McClarty and Spaulding bought out Davis candy outfit
etc? Meeting of directors of D-H and Co. voted to issue stock
to cover $5,000 merchandise stock each by Matanuska and Knik Hardware.
October 12, 1916 Fixed up bank account for
D-H and Co. Took up old notes from Henry Dohrmann.
Saw about large windows for warehouse. Missed Swan came
home on Sea Gull, self Captain and Pilot with Old Cap as engineer.
Took on oil at Goose Bay. Palmer’s schooner arrived
October 13, 1916 New Buffalo took down
Palmer’s scow on AM tide for load freight Evening tide
took K. T. Co. scow for load freight Chas Tuell back to work
for Palmer. Smokehouse Mike repaired his scow at spring.
Sea Gull left for Anchorage on evening tide. Sold Marshal
Brown a gas lamp. Cannon paid $500 on Cramer note.
October 14, 1916 Buffalo landed Knik Trading
scow on mud near B and H dock with Palmer’s perishables.
Had Fred cut grain in store garden and open up hardware in PM.
Martin came in and paid up account June to date. Knik beach
full of launches and scows.
October 15, 1916 Palmer delivering freight
from his schooner 3rd trip of season.
October 16, 1916 Fred and self checking up
new lot of hardware. Palmer’s scow got hung up on mud
below B and H dock tides low again. Self got first cold
of summer, got same writing in cold damp room in Anchorage hotel.
Paid Swan $368.88 freight deliveries. Packed 4 boxes hardware
for Wasilla store.
October 17, 1916 Self and Fred mushed
down to Fish Creek, got Ulanky’s boat and went on to Goose Bay.
Nordyke was discharging coal on our scow that Herbert sent up.
9 PM left for Knik on account of neap tide, had to leave scow just
above Soldier Creek - Palmer’s scow there with last load of freight
off schooner.
October 18, 1916 Had a run on eggs for
winter use. Fred finished setting post for gridiron to
run scow on during winter months. Madsen family left for
S.F. all but Harry. Fred poled coal scow up to spring.
Gus and Chas Gorenflo in from Martin’s Mine. Several drunks
last night - Vandevere here for a drunk.
October 19, 1916 More rain today business
fair. Fred helped around store, got tools ready for
warehouse at Wassilla. Tom Merideth loading Gill’s house
on government scow for Anchorage. Most of our winter supplies
at Anchorage came on Evans. Packed nails for warehouse building
at Wassilla. Dr. Spaulding family in from Mile 32.
October 20, 1916 Fred finished crib for scow.
Sports doing good business on the water front - boys from mines
blowing in.
October 21, 1916 Shough in from Mile
15 and Hall returned from Mile 32. Roscher and Harrison
in to trade. Year ago freezing weather ice running on Arm
and all vegetables frozen at Knik Anchorage transfer. Our
winter stock now at Anchorage.
October 22, 1916 Floated scow up to dock,
Matanuska in. Mike got his scow and launch off the summit.
Summer weather still on. Hughes pulled off his teams on
account of bad roads. Sports arrested for selling booze.
October 23, 1916 Put up order for Lidell at
mines. Palmer got his scow up to dock on PM tide.
Democrat political speakers in town. Martin’s team in.
Packed grub for labor on Wassilla warehouse. McMillan took
out Bartholf and Horning’s grub left here for 2 weeks.
October 24, 1916 Got scow to K. T. Co.
dock, took 6 men 2 hours to unload K. T. Co. freight.
Winter fruit came and part of groceries. H. C. Dohrmann
up from Anchorage.
October 25, 1916 First freeze and snow,
business fair. Froze half inch last night, wound
up with enough snow to make ground white. Shough and Hall
in from Mile 15 for freight, said road was froze up except deep
mud holes. Hall agreed to take our tools etc. out to Wassilla next
trip. Got scow back on to gridiron.
October 26, 1916 Snow flurries, business
fair. Fred and Harry unloaded the scow of coal.
Harvey Bartholf and Ed Erickson in from GB Mines. GB output
for season around $150,000. GB run later than the Martin Mine.
Shough back to town, broke wagon axle. Roads and ground
frozen enough to hold up team.
October 27, 1916 Snowed 4” today.
Chris Anderson and McAllen in from GB Mines. Capt. Ward
up from Anchorage to move his family to Seldovia. Marked up and
loaded 20,891 lbs. of groceries etc. for Wassilla store - shipped
same via Swan to Anchorage thence by Government railroad when rails
are laid to Wassilla. Swan laid over at Knik night tide.
Evening still snowing. Kid came to barn, been out in all the
storms.
October 28, 1916 Snowstorm wound up with 6”
new snow. Swan towed scow with K. T. Co. goods to Anchorage.
Commissioner refused to receive it on the dock for 24 hours.
Meyers wrote to land goods at Junction, doubtful about rails being
laid to Wassilla this year. Opened up harness gear. Evening
tide Briton, Swan and Sea Lion in port.
October 29, 1916 Marked up harness gear.
Sent order to deliver all K. T. Co. freight at Knik.
Cut out shipment to Wassilla on account of no guarantee of rails
being laid to that place this year, so advised by Com. Mears.
Sea Lion went to Red Jack’s ranch to winter up. McAllen in
town paying GB bills.
October 30, 1916 Morning tide Swan returned
Wassilla goods from Anchorage and brought hardware store doors
and windows held there for Wassilla store. Eight tons fall
stock yet at Anchorage to come Farragut shipment. Swan running
evening tide, took scow down this evening to get 60 tons for
Knik. McAllen left on Swan sent Seattle check deposit with him.
October 31, 1916 First cold snap +8.
Had Fred haul winter coal from dock to house, business slow
today. Evening tide Swan in with scow load hay for GB.
A little slush ice run today, first of season.
November 1, 1916 Weather clear +2.
Considerable slush ice from spring to dock, Swan took
out her scow for another load Anchorage freight Fred opened
up and put away new hardware. Spaulding in from Wassilla,
said Wilmoth had his tent store 20’ x 40’ up.
November 2, 1916 Swan in with scow load
freight landed at stairs. Fred hauled up eggs and cheese on double
ender. Hughes teams hauled 2 loads on wagon. Most
all came except 70 sacks rice and clothing from Black. Fred
on the bum with sore leg.
November 3, 1916 Put up mine order for
George Zink. Johnny Reinhardt in from Cache Creek Dredge
Company came over from Station with dog team. Dick Richards
left for Station with dog team, first dog team over winter
trail. Shough in after freight for ranchers.
November 4, 1916 Swan in on noon tide with
25 passengers for Sunny Knik, landed them at Soldier
Creek but could have come to dock OK. Got blank protectograph
checks for D. H. and Co. business. Swan landing GB forage
at Goose Bay.
November 5, 1916 No boat today, Swan
run scow GB forage into Goose Bay.
November 6, 1916 Weather cloudy snow
flurries business fair. Opened up 1 box clothing each
from Black and Filson. Swan in as far as Soldier Creek.
Thorpe in to trade, bought small order off K. T. Co. first business
for a year? Thorpe decided not to locate roadhouse at 15,
party from Junction reported business at that town quiet. Big
tides boats could land at dock.
November 7, 1916 Swan and New Buffalo
in at Soldier Creek. Mrs. Morrison up from Anchorage to
get her bedding for Anchorage Hotel. McKinnon visited, said
someone told Hughes he had been monkeying with his squaw, that
Hughes was laying for him with a gun, decided to leave his ranch
and get work on the Government RR. He left order for his mail
to cover his account money to come in-mail.
November 8, 1916 Bogard in to trade.
Evening tide Buffalo came to Palmer’s dock to get load freight
for Anchorage. Tides making and bar in front of town piling
up with anchor ice. First overland mail left for Iditarod
District by Ed Houle, Ellexson contractor. Sent money orders
to Morris for horse $40 and Feaster for rent $55 collections
made by K. T. Co. for them.
November 9, 1916 Cold day -6 AM.
Ice making fast on Knik Arm. Swan failed to arrive today.
Buffalo left evening tide, run up on bar 30’ off channel and hung
up there. Shorty Ritz made horse scraper and cleaned snow
off Knik Lake for skaters. McKinnon’s family in town to visit
son in law in Patchell’s old house, they also put their horse
in house, formerly the post office.
November 10, 1916 Mattie looked over
8 cases winter eggs, very few broken. Evening tide failed
to float New Buffalo off bar in front of K. T. Co. dock.
Tides off, should have been 10’ tide was only about 7’. McMillan
in from Fishhook Inn. Swan failed to show up today.
November 11, 1916 Butter and eggs going
fast. F. G. Harlow in from government camp at Talkeetna,
brought 2 horses. Chas Bartholf back from Anchorage via
railroad, said Anchorage Harbor was full of ice, took Swan out to
Fire Island on last trip from Knik. Ice took barges out of
harbor. Evans in but failed to unload. New Buffalo got
off bar on evening tide, went down to Socialist Stairs to load her
cargo. Barn dance on at preachers Hall this evening.
November 12, 1916 Chinook on 38 above,
water running today snow going fast. New Buffalo got
away from Soldier Creek on AM tide. Hatcher and Shough
in from 15, reported too much ice at Anchorage to unload Evans.
Evening still thawing. Traded Downing grub order for ton
spuds. Reported: Wilson, Cannon and Wick elected - by phone
Anchorage to 15.
November 13, 1916 Chinook on 42 above
snow all gone. Slush ice filled up channel from F. F. dock to
spring on summit, business fair. Fred and party went out
to Fish Lake on a fishing trip. Lakes and creeks all covered
with water on ice. McKinnon’s girl selling all their chickens.
November 14, 1916 Summer day 34 to 42
above. Another report came that California and North Dakota went
democrat and Wilson was elected President of U. S. for 2nd term.
Knik Arm free of ice except on high bars but no boats running.
November 15, 1916 Temperature 46 to 56
above. Swan still on the run, came to Soldier Creek, business
fair. Several parties making ready to go to Cache Creek
to haul freight for dredging company. Fred on the fish wagon?
Evening got out-mail checked out $3,500 in Seattle invoices.
November 16, 1916 Mrs. Morrison shipped
out balance of hotel bedding to Anchorage on Swan. Shough
using wagon again. Knik Postmaster went to Anchorage on
Swan. Took order for Royal Tailor suit.
November 17, 1916 Snowed till 9 AM, wet
snow about 6” warm sun took about half off. Bunch horses
left for Cache Creek District to haul freight for dredging company.
Swan delivered all shortages but sugar and box clothing and 70
sacks rice. Evening things doing at old saloon building
Marshal had patrolman on to watch the booze. Evening still
warm. Mariposa in evening tide at Anchorage.
November 18, 1916 A-1 summer day 48.
Swan failed to come today. Herman in from Fish Lake
with 400 lb. lake trout for Anchorage market. Marshal gathered
up whole team load of booze at old saloon building Gave dance
club $5. Anna Simmons opened up lunch place in Morrison Bakery
building sold her an outfit of grub. Dance on at preachers Hall.
November 19, 1916 Swan in at Soldier
Creek brought mail off Mariposa. This makes 8th day soft
weather Swan still on the run landing at Soldiers Creek.
November 20, 1916 Chinook weather off,
colder this evening, no boat today business fair. Evening
musical on at preachers Hall. Shough in from 15 after Wilmoth
house effects. Signed bond for Postmaster Betman getting Commissionership
for Knik Dist. Wired out $100 for Rae to his wife at Seattle.
November 21, 1916 Simmons hauled out Downing’s
grub order except for spuds, spuds not delivered. No
Swan today - ice making again - probably gone to Seldovia.
Twenty five Iditarod mushers in also Gold Team. Evening
much colder. Marshal returned 3 kegs beer to saloon because
it was “sauer”. Iditarod mushers reported very wet trail
came out during Chinook weather. Alaska Road Com. crew in
closed up road work.
November 22, 1916 Iditarod mushers had
to go to Anchorage via Wassilla and the Junction no boats on
the Knik-Anchorage run on account of ice making in channel.
Jimmy McConahy in with the 1st Iditarod mail. Shough laid up
from tip over with sled on a stump, hurt his side.
November 23, 1916 Outside mail in via Goose
Bay. Shough team took Iditarod mail to Junction to catch
train to Anchorage. MLD club held meeting and elected
officers. Mattie got two live chickens from McKinnon’s.
November 24, 1916 Marked up hardware
Evening warming up. Harper bros. left with dog team
for Station. MLD Club holding first club dance of winter.
November 25, 1916 No one coming or going.
Churchill up from his ranch, ordered more windows for Red Jack’s
house. Fred reset hind shoe on Kid. Reported Palmer ginning up.
Set up IXL heater at house.
November 26, 1916 Sold a cook stove $28.
Shough team went out with Wilmoth’s household goods, Whitridge
“skinner”. Sent Fred out to get corner stakes of lot at
Wassilla and on to Miller’s to see about lumber. Took 312
lb. grub out for Fred Rescher mile 8½ and 115 lb. grub for
O. C. Miller 23½. Bogard in from Five Finger Lake
paid Danielson’s account Evening Mattie and son visited on
the Brown family.
November 27, 1916 Dan Donovan in, said he finished
his grading contract near Wassilla made $700 and going to Seattle
to meet his family. Eggs and eating apples sold out.
Palmer about out of sugar. Frasier left with dog team for
Seward. Fred got back 9 PM trip to Miller’s 2 days.
November 28, 1916 Shough hauled out Mrs. Wilmoth
and her chickens to Wassilla. Hughes team hauling GB
freight from Goose Bay. Hoppell in from Anchorage in route
to his ranch at Goose Bay. Herman took last roll of fish
trap netting ordered for Tom Merideth 3 years ago to his fox ranch
at Fish Lake. Reported coal oil short at Anchorage.
Fred went out to his fish camp.
November 29, 1916 Quiet in town.
Dixon in on way to Cache Creek. Got K. T. Co. and D-H
Co. mail into office. Harry Madsen sold his cabin to Baker.
Fred out at his fish camp. Tomlinson in town.
November 30, 1916 Weather clear -8, record
coldest at Knik thus far this winter. Thanksgiving day
closed most all day. Self and Mattie tried on our skates on Knik
Lake. Evening MLD Club had a dance. Harper bros.
back from trip to Lake Creek. Lander in from Willow Creek
via winter road said it was frozen up OK.
December 1, 1916 Cold snap -8.
Collections and cash sales over $200. Fred in from fish
camp. Gus in from trip to lower Willow Creek. Henry
reported from Anchorage that Mr. Styles of Hope had died, he came
from Eyota Minnesota - brother in law to Dr. Duggan there.
December 2, 1916 Weather colder -8.
Shough team brought mail from Junction arrived 1 AM. Iditarod
mail in AM. Out-mail left 9 AM via Shough team to Junction.
Knik kids had a dance at Club Hall tickets 10¢.
December 3, 1916 Hughes getting his teams and
gear ready to haul Eska Creek coal for Kelly and Martin.
Paid Hughes in full for hauling freight off beach last April and this
November. Sam McMillan in from Fishhook Inn.
December 4, 1916 Weather -10. Lander
making ready for 1st trip out over Willow Creek winter road
with bunch of miners to do tunnel work on GB Mine. Witridge
in from Wassilla, through driving team for Shough. H. R.
Brown bought 1/3 interest in Chas Bartholf and Horning’s Mine across
Craigie from GB Mine for $750. Evening a little warmer.
December 5, 1916 Temperature -20. GB
left with help for mines. Foster in from Bald Mt. hunting
camp.
December 6, 1916 Cold wave still on -14
to -20. Walter King’s pard. in from Little Willow to trade.
Sold first heater. Rae getting ready for trip to mines.
Below zero all day, bright moonlight nights. Put 10 gallons
oil in gas tank. Stanley 12 years old gave him five $1 bills.
December 7, 1916 Temperature -14. Iditarod
mail in. Shough team in to take mail to Junction.
Stanley out of school on account of bilious spell last night.
V. E. Cave’s back from Anchorage, said someone robbed his house
while he was away. Bought cross fox skin for 20 bucks from
Mother McKinnon.
December 8, 1916 Temperature -10 to -20.
New preacher in town - Hughes from Junction. Monroe Kast
in from Poorman Creek went to Anchorage. MLD Club having
reading speaking and singing tonight. Mattie sang “Johnny
Go ile the Car” and “Stick to the Ship Lads”.
December 9, 1916 Cloudy and warmer business
fair cash sales $55 collections $220. Mail wagon in from
Junction. Kids had their 2nd Ball at preachers Hall this
PM. McMillan in from 31½ Inn. Got all November
Anchorage papers by this mail. Shield’s arranging to raffle
off his sheep heads.
December 10, 1916 Cold snap broken cloudy 15
above. Preaching at hall tonight by Mr. Hughes from Junction.
December 11, 1916 Snowed 1”. Made arrangements
with Fred Nelson to use his deposit money for 60 days.
Harry Lander left for Anchorage via Matanuska Junction.
Oden Olson and Joe Palmer in from Albert Creek.
December 12, 1916 Fred left early AM to catch
train at Junction for Anchorage on account of K. T. Co. freight.
Lidell in from GB camp. Olaf Wagner in from Mile 16 to trade.
Red Jack back from Station said his baby was sick, paid for his
pump.
December 13, 1916 Fischer in from hunting
camp. VanOrman in from 16. Landers man took case
gasoline and 1 barrel butter bought in November. Kids practicing
Mother goose play for Xmas. Evening measured C. R. Booth for
a Royal suit.
December 14, 1916 Asked Bank of Alaska for
a 60 day loan for freight left at Anchorage.
December 15, 1916 Wagner and Bogard in from
Mile 15. Wrote H. C. Dohrmann to get a 60 day loan to cover
balance due Matanuska and Kink Hardware Co.’s. Snowed about
2” last night. Mushers report roads improved by snow but still
rough.
December 16, 1916 Put up $200 order for
fox ranch. Mails delayed from both ends out of Knik.
Fred back from Anchorage last night, had 70 sacks rice and 100
lb. sack sugar stored in Kink Hardware Co. building Had big
box clothing shipped to Matanuska Junction. H. C. D. was at
Seward? Cost $20 for freight being held up at Anchorage by
A. E. Com. Wrote to Berry to look after loan account D-H
Co. on account of Dohrmann being away.
December 17, 1916 Both mails overdue.
Monroe Kast back from trip to Anchorage. Foster Bros. in
from hunt around Bald Mt. Evening got out balance of checks
due on invoices for the Dohrmann - Herning Company.
December 18, 1916 Fred started for Junction
with Kid on double ender only went to Hughes ranch and returned.
Mail still overdue. Evening colder.
December 19, 1916 Outside mail in 4 days
late. Got mail from D-H and Co. 13 days on road.
Bolte paid Harrison order to H. C. D. $50.
December 20, 1916 Weather cloudy 26 to
24 above. Snowed 2” last night business slow. Mattie
sick with sore eyelid.
December 21, 1916 Out of town orders
coming in. Sold Nagley 14 bolts sheeting.
December 22, 1916 Getchell and Olson
left 2nd trip for Albert Creek. Sent insurance letter
and check to Lang and letter to D-H and Co. by Mr. Leroy of Susitna.
Shough in from Wassilla. Whist on at MLD Club tonight.
Fred back from trip account himself to Junction.
December 23, 1916 Weather clear and colder
zero business fair but not enough for Xmas Eve. Had Fred
help to open up and mark big box clothing from Black. Garver
in from Anchorage in route to Peterson Creek Quartz camp bought small
order. Mattie home with sick eye last two days.
December 24, 1916 Weather partly cloudy
-4. Got $50 clothing order from the Wilmoth Co.
Iditarod mail in 3 days late. Got order and checks sent in
by Jno. Hylin - was put in Post Office. Mattie nursing sick
eye.
December 25, 1916 Xmas quiet in Knik.
Sales over $50. Gave Mattie 2 Eagle, Stanley $1 and
pair gloves and knife. Self got nose hair clipper
and 1917 diary. Evening school children pulled off “Mother
Goose” play at preachers social hall. Hatcher in from mines
also Lander. K. T. Co. gave out no presents only treats on cigars.
Mile 16 in to see Mother Goose.
December 26, 1916 Had Fred refill coal
bin at house and put Kids winter feed in barn. Preacher
Hughes from Matanuska went to Station. Got letter from
H. C. D. With bank deposits. Mattie working again
in store PM eyes better.
December 27, 1916 Had 3 wolverines mounted
for rugs and 1 skin tanned by Shields cost $40. Credited Zimmerman
account with 3 wolverine skins (1 small $6 and 2 medium $16
total $22) Light flurries of snow. Fred and Gus left
for Peterson Creek after Gus cache. Garver left for Peterson
Creek Quartz camp. McKinnon in from King River camp.
December 28, 1916 Tommy McLaughlin in
from Anchorage in route to Cache Creek. J. S. Price in,
in route to Iditarod. Fred didn’t go with Gus to Peterson
Creek. A. S. Henry said his house was pilfered while away
at Anchorage.
December 29, 1916 Blizzard, started to
snow and blow from south west continued all day 1st blow of
winter. Swanston in after freight Iditarod mail in.
Shough in from Junction with 4 passengers. Chas Ketcham and
bride arrived MLD Club tin canned them 11 PM.
December 30, 1916 Weather colder -16.
Got $80 order from Wilmoth Co. Seattle mail failed to
arrive. Got letter from D. H. and Co. With bank deposits.
Coal oil and gasoline short in Anchorage.
December 31, 1916 Weather colder, -20.
Shough left with out-mail and load coal oil. Irwin left
for 32 with mining engineer to inspect the Mohawk Mine. Iditarod
Gold Team in 3,400 lbs. gold hauled by 46 dogs. Clipped heads
off McKinnon’s two chickens for our New Years dinner.
1917
January 1, 1917 Happy New Year
at Sunny Knik -20. Gold Teams from Iditarod left for Seward
with 3,400 lbs. gold. Masquerade Ball on at MLD Hall Stanley
dressed as a baseball guy. Had chicken dinner at home.
Sent scow pump to Goose Bay Cannery by Harry Madsen.
January 2, 1917 Cold wave -26. Friday mail
arrived last evening got several New Years greetings from Seattle
jobbing houses. Billy Murray back from Seldovia said Swan
sprang a leak in ice on down trip. Shough’s man hauling wood.
January 3, 1917 Business fair,
-34. George Zink back from Anchorage -20 all day, reported
-50 at mile 32 and -40 at Junction and Anchorage.
January 4, 1917 Warming up -10. Lidell
and Palmer GB freighters in.
January 5, 1917 T. R. Wilson in from Anchorage
reported times good at Anchorage up to New Year. Shough
in from 15. Ben Agnew in from ranch.
January 6, 1917 Snow and warmer business fair.
T. P. Howard in from Anchorage to preach? Snow and windy
all day. Seward mail reported caught in snow slide Iditarod
mail also late.
January 7, 1917 Preacher Howard visited church
tonight. Sent dozen lamp burners to Nagley by Casper Seiling.
Got merchandise order from Wilmoth Co. Sent letter to HCD
by Wilson.
January 8, 1917 Plenty of snow now for sledding
business fair. Several teams in after Sunny Knik grub
etc. Preacher Howard moved into Lidell cabin.
January 9, 1917 More Anchorage men after Sunny
Knik coal oil. Clear and bright day temperatures zero
to 10 above.
January 10, 1917 Weather colder -10.
Shough teams making trip every day, Knik to Wasilla,
with freight. Stone and Horning tried their new homemade
dog sleds.
January 11, 1917 Iditarod mail in 1 week late,
Knik out-mail held up account same. Swanson, freighter
from Matanuska, hauling away Sunny Knik merchandise. LeRoy
back from Anchorage took Nagley’s sheeting 135 lbs. Took 2,529
lbs. spuds off Mr. Downing. Dad Hunt over from Old Knik.
Willard Hall in from Alfred Creek.
January 12, 1917 Sold $55 order to Matanuska
buyers. Old blacksmith from GB in with lame arm.
Shortcut trail now open to Old Knik, only 12 miles to RR line
from Knik. Bell the sport left Feaster cabin failed to pay
December rent.
January 13, 1917 Chinook and +40. Sold
15 cases oil to Wilmoth Co. George Vanse in from Anchorage
in route to Ind. Creek account of drill outfit to sound
river for low RR bridge across Susitna River. Vanse said
coal oil was $1 gallon at Anchorage. Seattle mail in.
January 14, 1917 Chinook rain +40. Black
the freighter in town. Harper bros. back from trip to
Seward. Rained about all night last night.
January 15, 1917 Partly cloudy +30, business
fair including orders from Wassilla store. Fred in from
his fish camp agreed to take Mrs. OGH to Elliott’s RH on RR tomorrow
for trip to Anchorage to have lump on eyelid examined. Late
rain ran into many houses and through many roofs so reported.
Shined up shoes on red sled.
January 16, 1917 Mattie left for Anchorage
via dog team to Old Knik. Sent wolverine rug down to
sell at D-H Co. store. Al Crocker and M__lan in from ranch,
said rain took snow down to 4” from 15 to mile 23. Shough
took out 2nd load milk for Wilmoth Co. Kast partner in - going
to Stolsti District.
January 17, 1917 Report came that Bert
Stewart and H. C. Emery were killed in snow slide at Martin’s
Mine on Monday 15th. Got letter from Emery dated 13th for
Gus Swanson to go to work at Eska Creek Coal Mine. Sold Stone
and Saunders hunting outfit. Sam Blum and another businessman
at Valdez committed suicide on account of recent fire.
January 18, 1917 Sam Kelly back from Anchorage
brought mail from D-H and Co. H. E. McDaniel's in from
Anchorage to take outfit to Wet Gulch. Hall in for freight.
Stone and Saunders went on a hunt. Patchell in from his ranch.
January 19, 1917 Put bid in on $200 prospecting
order for Wet Gulch. Shough in, said Mattie phoned to
Junction, would not come home until Monday. Fred in with trout
from Fish Lake. Got letter about Gus going to work at Eska
Creek Coal Mine. Patchell went out to ridge to trap.
Mail in.
January 20, 1917 Tom McLaughlin back from Cache
Creek. Got word from Henry, Mattie had eye operated on
and would come home Monday.
January 21, 1917 Snowed last night, plenty
of snow again for good sledding. Mattie at Anchorage.
Had steak for dinner and raspberry cobbler for supper, Stanley
the cook.
January 22, 1917 Weather clear and colder.
Cash sales over $200. Tom McLaughlin left for Anchorage,
sent assessment papers to record. Ralph Wise in to trade.
Mattie got back from Anchorage, not feeling well on account of
taking gas for operation on eye.
January 23, 1917 C. D. Johnson in to
trade and took out 2 pieces machinery delivered by Swan last
October. Tom Fulton in, on way to Station. Bullion
teams all in hauling out lumber. Iditarod mail in and out
going south. Sold out on barrel butter, 10 cases canned butter
left.
January 24, 1917 Evo in from mile 11
to trade. New moon tide went partly over bar front of
dock.
January 25, 1917 C. S. Lawrence in from
mile 28 to trade. H. C. Dohrmann arrived from Anchorage
about loan from bank etc. Lander took out McDaniel’s outfit
for Wet Gulch. Henry paid self ½ of rent of Kink Hardware
Co. buildings to February 1st.
January 26, 1917 Weather colder business
slow. Got $110 rent out of Anchorage store building from
August to June 31st. H. C. Dohrmann left at noon for Anchorage
via Wassilla. Shough men in, no mail from Seward and Iditarod,
mail delayed. Blodgett in from GB Mines, snow slide took
out tram.
January 27, 1917 Harper bros. left for
Anchorage via Old Knik to RR. Al came back with dogs,
said trail was good, made over in 3 hours 10 minutes. Fred
Roscher from mile 8½ in to trade. Preacher Hughes in
town. Mattie removed plaster from eyelid, incision was OK.
Stanley printed Sunny Knik News with ads and locals.
January 28, 1917 Quiet in town.
Snow slides cleaned up Rae’s camp at mines no one hurt.
McMilan in for supplies for Fishhook Inn. Tug coming from
Seward to Anchorage with oil, had to turn back on account of cold
snap and big tides. Wickersham reported elected a delegate
to Congress after recount. Pete Jensen back to Knik.
January 29, 1917 Weather clear -20, cash
sales over $300. George Grennon in to trade. Swanson
the freighter in with orders. All told over $200 for flour,
sugar and milk. Busy all day putting up orders.
Outside mail in 3 days overdue. Got letter from H. C. Feldman
with authority to pledge his stock for loan.
January 30, 1917 Cold wave -22.
McKinnon paid up in full, 1st time in years. Al Harper got
110 lbs. fish for Eklutna RH. Horning and Bartholf left
for Anchorage via Old Knik. Wedenbeck down from Talkeetna
after supplies.
January 31, 1917 Weather windy, + 10.
Sent out Herman’s furs to New York by parcel post. Dad
Hunt in town. Sent letter to McKinnon by Indian Billy.
Answered Feldman’s letter about D-H and Co. business at Anchorage.
February 1, 1917 Harper bros. back from Old
Knik. Got out-mail. McMillan in, took out last of
Rabe’s mill from last spring delivery.
February 2, 1917 Weather foggy -20.
Shough in from Wassilla. Several Cache Creek hauling outfits
returned today. Frank Kelly wants to sell goods on commission
at Wassilla. Sold Palmer last case of canned eggs.
Simmons and Red ___ had talking scrap.
February 3, 1917 Cold wave -20.
GB about finished with freight out of Knik. Got notice
of Dohrmann - Howard wedding to come off the 7th at Anchorage.
Lidell back from Anchorage reported U. S. about to go to war on
account of Germans raiding American ships. Jonathan Rheinhart
in from Cache Creek.
February 4, 1917 Weather warming up +8.
Cache Creek Co. returning horses to ranchers. Horses used to
haul in their supplies at $1.50 per horse and found. Took
picture of Stanley and Spot. Evening clear but considerable
warmer. Bill Long in from Rae’s Mine.
February 5, 1917 Reported U. S. about to enter
war. First bohunk contingent arrived in route to
Iditarod District. Horning back from
Anchorage. Packed up ranchers seed orders for spring delivery.
February 6, 1917 Report came that Panama Canal
was dynamited and put out of business. Mushers in, in
route to Iditarod. Sold Pioneer Hotel $52 order.
Two men blown up with box caps at Martin’s Mine 2nd disaster of
winter.
February 7, 1917 McMillan, Bogard, Lander,
Shough man and several in town to trade. Got order from
Lawrence mile 28.
February 8, 1917 Noon sent Fred over to Old
Knik to get load of rice that came from Anchorage. Ladies
held a “Jim Jam” time at Al Davis vacated house - no men or kids
allowed. Palmer about out of sugar only selling over counter.
February 9, 1917 Thorpe in, took out
Cavanaugh’s seeds and his own. Kennedy and Miss Van
in from mile 16 Roadhouse to trade. Fred at Old Knik after
1,000 lbs. rice didn’t show up at 6 PM. Ladies reported big
time at their hi-jinks party last night. Road for hauling best
of winter. Fred arrived with rice at 9 PM.
February 10, 1917 Fred hauled 3 ricks of wood
from Wilson’s ranch. Foster bros. outfitting to go to hills.
Fred said Ford wanted to borrow $300 to buy a hauling rig in Seattle.
Mail in last night. No war dope all quiet to date.
February 11, 1917 Fred hauled in balance of
wood and put same in shed. Road, Knik to Mines, at very
best - road from Junction all shot to pieces using wagons across
flat from Junction to timber on account snow all gone.
February 12, 1917 Fred shod Kid and hauled
coal to house. Rae in from timber camp. Long paid
his back account J. B. Garver in from Peterson Creek.
February 13, 1917 Fred went out to Fish Lake
for his fish camp outfit. Men had a smokes and dinner
last night at Shortley’s house reported they drunk 7 wash tubs
of punch and did all kind of stunts. Garver left for Anchorage via
Old Knik.
February 14, 1917 Snowing all PM
business slow. J. F. Feaster and wife up from Anchorage
in route to Stolsti Mining District, paid them balance due on
rent of cabin - wanted to sell cabin and contents for $75.
Horning shoeing McMillan’s horses.
February 15, 1917 Fred bought the Feaster “sporting”
house for $30. Gold teams in on return trip to Iditarod.
Shough in with another new team? About 4” snow fell last
night needed to smooth up roads on flats.
February 16, 1917 Balanced up Kink Hardware
Co. ledger Creek bal. OGH $3,283.24 and H. Dorhmann $2,856.64.
All bills paid to date and $5,000 in stocks invested in D-H and
Co. Inc. Store building $1,883.97 store lot $643.90.
February 17, 1917 Business rotten.
Snowed 4” very quiet in town. Clark, Mrs. F.’s beau in town.
Fred Carter down from Matt’s Ranch to trade. Quit selling
sugar by the sack only 1,000 lb. left. Palmer about out of
sugar also.
February 18, 1917 PM ordered $175 - 1,200 lbs.
- 2 passenger delivery car for Fred Nelson $175. Wrote
Henry about management of D-H and Co. store. Clark tearing
down Brown’s RR kitchen.
February 19, 1917 Mrs. Morrison and Joe
in town. Reported that Com. got appropriation to continue
the Government RR. McMillan in from mile 31½ “Inn”.
Hall down from Cottonwood. Sent Anchorage mail by Harper
bros. deposits to Bank of Alaska and order for Overland Car.
Sinclair in town.
February 20, 1917 Lidell
up from Anchorage Cache Creek men back from Anchorage
after delivering work horses. Dr. Spaulding and wife
arrived last night from Outside and Anchorage. Harper bros.
left for Anchorage sent mail via Old Knik. Sent final notices
to delinquent customers.
February 21, 1917 Got Lidell’s order
for Willow Creek spring grub etc. Knik boys got Tolsti
gold fever, Frank Forker and Lee Foster decided to go in.
Ed O’Brien in town.
February 22, 1917 Packed up Lidell’s
order for mines. Forker, Foster and Jack Adams left for
Tolsti strike Kuskokwim District. Taylor in for load
of freight for McMillan. Fred took part of camp outfit out
to Wassilla.
February 23, 1917 Ralph Wise
in to trade. W. S. Furgeson in town. Peter Herbert
in town. Logan Stipps in from Anchorage.
February 24, 1917 Rae in
after grub. Shields and Gus left for Anchorage.
Matanuska Marshal down to inspect? Crowd expected from
Junction for big dance, 7 arrived. Fred left with balance
of camp outfit for Wassilla. George Small and girl arrived at
Knik with Kid horse.
February 26, 1917 Business fair put up
order for A. W. Hall Caribou District. Moulton, Seattle
Hardware Co. man and Smith, Black’s man in town in route to Iditarod.
Folgers man Meehan and meat man arrived Mrs. Shough drove
in 2 traveling men from Wassilla.
February 27, 1917 5 PM Fred
got back from Wassilla got tent house up time 4 days and meals
$9. Clark in from mile 11 for his flour and seeds.
February 28, 1917 Hall took
out his order. Gus back from Anchorage sold 2 dogs for
$100. Henry wrote that 49th Star wanted to rent our Hardware
Bldg. Meehan and Smith back from Station. Fred went
out to his fish camp.
March 1, 1917 Palmer left
for Outside. Mr. Whithaul, Nagley’s Lake Creek storekeeper
in town. Several dog teams in route to Tolsti placer strike.
Government hauling ties for laying rails from Junction to Wassilla.
Fred home.
March 2, 1917 Another big
bunch of dog teams in for Tolstoi. Usual Friday night MLD
Club card party and dance ice cream on the side.
March 3, 1917 McKinnon down
from RR camp to trade. Preachers Howard and Hughes in town
to gather in the mazuma. Wagner in for lumber. Sent
Fred out to build barn at Wassilla, Stanley went along to bring
horse back. Red Jack took his force pump.
March 4, 1917 Snowed 2” last night.
Quiet in town. Stanley arrived from Wassilla. Made out
plan for 16’ x 36’ warehouse at Wassilla to use 9 and 10 ft. iron
all around.
March 5, 1917 Chamberlin, Schillings man and
Armour's man in from Anchorage also Henry Dohrmann Sr.
Red Jack took pipe for his pump. Evening traveling men drumming
for orders but didn’t get any.
March 6, 1917 Went over Kink
Hardware Co. books with Henry Dohrmann Sr. The “Moose”
sport in town. Chamberlin and 2 other drummers left for
Station. Chas Ketcham back from Talkeetna.
March 7, 1917 Al Chamberlin
et. al. back from Station gave him small hardware order.
March 8, 1917 Dohrmann Sr.
and the “Moose” left for Anchorage via Old Knik. Chamberlin
and the meat and coffee trust left for Anchorage via Wassilla.
Fred took out 3 bundles corg. iron to Wassilla with Kid Reported
Wassilla on the boom. GB rock man in. Delivered Joe Peterson’s
furniture to Chas Ketcham.
March 9, 1917 Considerable
travel. Doc Spaulding sending out supplies for Hospital
camp. Wrote Fred to pay freight on lumber.
March 10, 1917 Shough hauled out Davis safe
to Wilmoth Co. Wassilla. Old Gallagher came through with
$10 on old account. Blodgett in from GB Mines. Rosebud
and Swan arrived Anchorage voyage 1. Fred at Wassilla on warehouse
foundation.
March 11, 1917 Quiet in town. Self and
Mattie checked down H. C. D. cash account at Kink Hardware Co.
his balance $73.38. Books showed balance of $509.20 August
14, 1916. Scotty Allen the Nome dog racer arrived from Nome.
Woodhouse in from Eska Creek Coal camp. Fred at Wassilla.
March 12, 1917 Travel good hotels filled.
A. Patzack - across Knik Lake rancher - back on ranch.
Anchorage Huff in town buying furs.
March 13, 1917 Fred in and
out to Wassilla - had warehouse foundation ready - lumber to
come Wednesday from Anchorage. Ben Agnew in after Brown
lumber for 15. Shields back from Anchorage
March 14, 1917 Reported Brown
and wife had a scrap, he rubbed baby stool in her hair so reported.
Lumber supposed to come from Anchorage today for Wassilla warehouse.
Wrote H. C. D. to go slow with D-H and Co. business regarding buying
and new building
March 15, 1917 Spot dog got the distemper.
Ben Agnew took out RR kitchen range to Wassilla. Brown
and wife got together and left for Anchorage on vacation?
Mr. Supernaught back from Lewis River District gave it 18 months.
Fred at Wassilla.
March 16, 1917 Haller in from ranch.
Reported our lumber at Wassilla and floor laid in warehouse.
Clark brought in-mail. Palmer out coffee by the case
sold him 3 cases. Fred laid floor at Wassilla warehouse.
March 17, 1917 McDaniel’s
in from Wet Gulch. Oden Olson in from Albert Creek.
J. B. Garver in from Anchorage in route to Peterson Creek.
Irwin in from Cache Creek. Booze plentiful several drunks in
town.
March 18, 1917 Fred failed to send in horse.
Made out claim for shortages from A. E. Company and overcharge
by Admiral Line and sent same to Joe Conroy for collections.
Sent preacher notice to come through on his note. Fred
at 15 working on warehouse.
March 19, 1917 Forrest Berry
and partner in from Anchorage Swan in with 14 passengers,
landed near Fish Creek voyage 1. Kid sore in shoulder.
Evo in for grub and seeds. Knik bunch back from Anchorage.
March 20, 1917 Fred went out with doors and
casings to Wassilla store. Shough in sent out 90 lb. heater
for store. Berg and Garver left for Willow Creek District.
Shorty Ritz back from Eska Creek Coal camp. Fred hauling freight
to Wassilla.
March 21, 1917 Swan on voyage
with 20 passengers from Kern Creek. George Small in for
grub for roadhouse at 15. Reported 3 American boats sunk
and war declared on Germany. Started to pack hardware for Wassilla
store.
March 22, 1917 Out of hardware for Wassilla
store. Mattie taking inventory of stock. Big tide evening,
water over bar. Shough hauling out Davis house to Wassilla.
March 23, 1917 Tommy McLaughlin came up from
Anchorage in route to Cache Creek. Packed two large boxes
granite and tin ware for Wassilla store. Mattie taking
stock Palmer out of milk and sugar. K. T. Co. enough
for town trade.
March 24, 1917 Stanley went out to Wassilla
by foot with Davis boy. Fred mushed in from Wassilla early
morning, went out with double ender load. Mr. Johnson
in from Talkeetna District. Got 2 bales hay from McKinnon.
March 25, 1917 Quiet in town. Fred
got back at noon from Wassilla, brought in Evo’s horse for hauling
for K. T. Co. to Wassilla. Mattie took stock of towels etc.
Stanley back from Wassilla trip.
March 26, 1917 Fred took
out ton hardware and Shough 2,100 lb. hardware for Wassilla
store. Busy all day packing goods for Wassilla store.
Brown paid up March bill and signed voucher for government bills.
March 27, 1917 Shough in, took load for K.
T. Co. to Wassilla. O. C. Miller in from ranch 1st time
during winter. Mattie made 200 donuts for dance at K. T.
Co. dance at store building in Wassilla. Hughes outfit
in from Eska Coal Mines.
March 28, 1917 Self and Stanley took load on
red sled. Fred with Evo’s horse on double ender took
out 18 cwt for Wassilla store. Evening pulled off barn
dance in new warehouse only a few women and about 40 men.
Served 200 donuts and 5 gallons Max coffee for lunch. Cold
wave down to zero.
March 29, 1917 Wassilla to Knik, left
Evo’s horse at his ranch, had Evo’s horse 3 days at $1.50 = $4.50.
Swan making regular trips Anchorage to Fish Creek.
March 30, 1917 Wagner and Bogard in for supplies.
O. C. Miller back from Anchorage. Had Fred pack screws
and bolts.
March 31, 1917 Evo took out load freight to
Wassilla 2,072 lbs. Shough took out shovels and tubs.
Fred and self packed hardware. Miller left for his ranch.
Alameda at Anchorage, 1st boat of spring.
April 1, 1917 Fred took out
load to Wassilla store. Found preacher Hughes holding church
in our store building, got in with Davis pass key. Jack
Hylin and McNeil in from 28 and 31½. Simmons moved
restaurant into Dr. Kivig house.
April 2, 1917 Business good cash sales
$255. A. H. Dieber, clothing merchant, King River down
for goods. John Hylin took out load merchandise for self
and Lawrence. Al Chamberlin in with Cache Creek boys.
Baggage came over from Anchorage on Swan
April 3, 1917 Fred and Shough
left with loads for Wassilla store. Busy fixing up freight shortages
and over charges on freight to send to M. J. Conroy for collection
at Anchorage. Swan bringing new people every day for Knik
Dist. Fred made several trips to Wassilla.
April 4, 1917 Snow going fast, bare ground
in front of old saloon. Fred packed up balance of dishes.
Gave Ben Agnew a load 2,125 lbs. for Wassilla store. Harvey
Bartholf back to Knik going to run the Mabel Mill.
April 5, 1917 Fred left early with load for
Wassilla store, Shough took out 2 loads. Busy with mail.
Sent wire for Western Auto truck for Fred Nelson. Harvey Bartholf
left for Anchorage sent mail. Farewell winter dance on tonight.
April 6, 1917 Garver left for Anchorage on
Swan. Fred and self packing goods all day for Wassilla
store. Barns in from Outside. Thorpe in to trade.
Henry Bahrenberg back from States.
April 7, 1917 Busy all day finished packing
goods for Wassilla store. Shough took 5,000 lbs.
April 8, 1917 Knik to Wassilla went out
to build shelves and counters and open up goods. Shough
took out 2 loads last of freight for Wassilla store. PM put
tarps over ceiling. Mattie running K. T. Co. store.
April 9, 1917 At Wassilla. Had
Colston help build counters and shelving on west side of store.
April 10, 1917 At Wassilla. Put
up 1 table and opened up goods.
April 11, 1917 At Wassilla opening up
goods.
April 12, 1917 At Wassilla opening up
goods.
April 13, 1917 At Wassilla. Put
in half of shelving on east side. Opened up shoes.
Pioneer Hotel burned up total loss.
April 14, 1917 At Wassilla. Finished
shelving on east side and made 4 x12 table. Left 8 PM
for Knik arrived at 11:30.
April 15, 1917 At Knik. Had Fred
turn water around house account of running into well.
April 16, 1917 At Knik business fair.
Had Fred haul in 5 ricks wood. Old Kid threw up account
of heavy birch loads. PM packed up hats for Wassilla store.
April 17, 1917 Fred left early with load hats
etc. for Wassilla store. First Outside goods arrived, got
butter, eggs, meats and lard, 2,340 lbs. hauled from beach by
Red Jack and by Simmons. Sold out 2/3 case of eggs in 1 hour.
April 18, 1917 Fred got back early from Wassilla.
Snow all gone mile 7 to mile 12 and mile 12 to mile 15.
Snow all gone on garden lots and on street up to post office block.
PM self and Fred pumped out well at house and cleaned chimney.
Mariposa and Watson in port.
April 19, 1917 Sent mail to Harry Lander
by Swan. GB men from Outside arrived on Swan. H.
C. Dohrmann and wife came up to Knik on Swan. Got $25 for
wolverine rug sold at Anchorage. Hotel full of people.
April 20, 1917 GB outfit left for mines on
winter road. Swan brought up 20 sacks parcel post mail
from Anchorage. Dohrmann and bride returned on Swan to
Anchorage. Sent for store paper to advertise K. T. Co. business.
April 21, 1917 Sold out on DM milk. Big
tides and ice going. PM had Fred oil up sleigh shoes.
Simmons brought hose from Swan for Nagley, stored same in our warehouse.
April 22, 1917 Self and Fred busy taking inventory
in main warehouse and cleaning up. Adam took Nagley’s
hose to Station. Pump at house quit working.
April 23, 1917 A-1 spring day, streets
well dried up around water front business fair. All working
on shelf inventory. Big tide 2’ short, did no good to ice
in front of docks. Channel now open to Fish Creek.
Herman in with more furs.
April 24, 1917 Fred cleaned up street
and store garden. Took pump apart at house, foot valve was full
of sand and gravel, gravel got in cylinders and cut side of cylinder
and valve causing a leak, put bushing under valve but failed
to work.
April 25, 1917 Took house pump apart found
brass cylinder was not cut by gravel - foot valve seat was
full of gravel, lowered cylinder to water level and she worked
OK. Clark Davis in from Wassilla with Shough’s big 4?
Frank Irwin and Carl Johnson in town. Capt. Swan was in town
last night looking up upper channel.
April 26, 1917 Frank Bayer in from GB Mines,
said front doors of our store at Wassilla were open, sent Fred
out to investigate because we left the place locked up.
McMillan and McKinnon in town.
April 27, 1917 Streets well dried up business
fair. Swan got hung up, went too high on beach. Seattle
mail in, got returns on fox ranchers furs. Dance on at Club Hall,
dill pickle lunch by Mrs. L. Matt Rooney in town.
April 28, 1917 Business fair sales and
collections $180. McKinnon moving down from ranch to
live at King River. McMillan still in town. A Mr.
Egeland applied for job at Wassilla store, offered him 5% cash sales
and $50 per month for 3 months. Swan hung up on beach at Fish
Creek. The Bayer family went to Anchorage.
April 29, 1917 Rockwell O. Egeland left
for Anchorage to get his personal effects. Sent ad to
Democrat and 6 months sub. $2. Left 6:30 PM with Kid on cart
for Wassilla arrived 11:30.
April 30, 1917 Opened up balance of hardware
and marked up same.
May 1, 1917 Opened up balance of clothing.
Rails laid to switch at Wassilla.
May 2, 1917 At Wassilla. Rails
laid to Wassilla today. Fred cleaned up and burned brush
back of store.
May 3, 1917 At Wassilla. Fred cut
wood self arranging stock
May 4, 1917 At Wassilla. Fred finished
house wood and put down foundation for storeroom. Christianson
out to look up location for town site. Got in milk and
sugar by upper channel at Knik.
May 5, 1917 Snowed all day ground white.
Built 11’ x 16’ shed at rear of store. Wilmoth Co. building
storehouse at rear of their store. Wilmoth Co. received
first car of goods. Swan now making regular trips through
upper channel.
May 6, 1917 Roads from Wassilla to Knik
covered with snow wet and heavy. Left Fred to run Wassilla
store. Evening boat H. C. Dohrmann came up, wanted to buy
or sell Knik Hardware building buy stock in D-H Co. for $1,850
with bal. trade for building, or sell his stock and interest in
building for $1,050.
May 7, 1917 At Knik. Swan failed to show
up. H. C. Dohrmann in town. Swan got in 8:30 PM rough
trip laid over a tide. Mattie put up $200 order for Gold
Cord M. Co.
May 8, 1917 Gold Cord M. Co. took their outfit.
Swan left AM tide, back evening tide with mail. Put new
force valve in store pump. Erickson the game warden and wife
in town.
May 9, 1917 A new crop of Bartholf’s
arrived. Rode down to Cave’s ranch to see him about clerking
at Wassilla store. Ice about all gone on bar in front of
Knik, channel still closed from dock to Soldier Creek, open from
dock to upper channel.
May 10, 1917 Last mail from Iditarod
due today. Oscar Tryck bought Al Davis house for $100.
Bar clear of ice channel closed with mud ice from sfg. to ladder.
Ice under our scow landing and dock all gone elsewhere business
fair. Fred at Wassilla store.
May 11, 1917 Took out small merchandise on
road cart to Wassilla. Evening sent Fred to Anchorage
to get hardware and clothing for Wassilla store, business fair
in hardware and clothing at Wassilla store. Average $25 per
day 50% profit. Fred had made 2 tables for clothing.
May 12, 1917 At Wassilla. Put up
more shelving in rear and moved back bedding. Fred in
Anchorage after K. T. Co. freight. Got car loaded to go
out Monday. Stanley and Otis walked out from Knik.
May 13, 1917 At Wasilla - Mattie manager
at Knik.
May 14, 1917 At Wassilla. Car came
up to Junction, failed to get it out on work train. Steam
shovel on main line prevented work train from going to Junction.
May 15, 1917 At Wassilla. Fred
at Junction with car freight.
May 16, 1917 At Wassilla. First
car freight landed for K. T. Co. store. Laubner in with
air compressor for mines.
May 17, 1917 At Wassilla. Sold
$60 worth seeds. Failed to get car spotted took it to
end of track near Willow Creek winter road. Stanley took
Simmons horse that Sheney left at Wassilla to Knik.
May 18, 1917 At Wassilla. Got car
spotted at noon and unloaded same, short 2 packages.
By mistake our Knik groceries were shipped to Wassilla.
Had hard work to find store room for groceries every space filled
up.
May 19, 1917 At Wassilla. Opened
up new hardware and clothing and marked up same. Very
cold and backward spring. Farmers just beginning to plant
spuds. Got all small grain planted
May 20, 1917 Wassilla to
Knik. Got up at 5 AM to give Shough load of groceries
for Knik store. Self left 7 AM and arrived Knik 11:30.
Road about half dried up - good from mile 13 to mile 7 only.
Swan failed to come to dock but could on this tide. Shough returned
to Wassilla with light load freight.
May 21, 1917 Got 1st shipment of fruit.
Hughes teams started out with Gold Cord M. Co. supplies.
One team got sick and they came back. Palmer’s scow failed
to float on big tide. Otto and Kelly repaired Palmer’s
dock, K. T. Co. dock stood the ice OK.
May 22, 1917 Weather cool business slow.
Ready to return to Wassilla store.
May 23, 1917 Knik to Wassilla.
On arrival motor truck was there, came on car from Anchorage.
May 25, 1917 At Wassilla. H. C.
Feldman arrived from Anchorage to talk over Dohrman-Herning
and Co. business. Fred at Knik planting garden.
May 26, 1917 At Wassilla business fair.
Feldman left for Anchorage via Knik. E. S. Hewitt came
out from Knik on Kid horse, caught train to Anchorage. Cannon
at Wassilla looking for ranch or to start pool room.
May 27, 1917 First real hot day of spring
at Wassilla.
May 28, 1917 Left PM for Knik, left Fred
in charge of store.
May 29, 1917 At Knik. Planted store
garden to barley and vetch.
May 30, 1917 Planted row of spuds in store
garden. Put up order for Irwin and Al Best for overland
trip to Broad Pass. Put up order for Stern and Gates.
Swan failed to arrive on noon tide. Evening raining and
needed for gardens. Fred chg. of Wassilla store.
May 31, 1917 Best and Irwin left for Broad
Pass via along RR route with 3 horses. Swan landed 5 horses
for Broad Pass District. Stanley and self left for Wassilla
at 5:45 arrived at Wassilla 10 PM
June 4, 1917 At Wassilla. Stanley
rode Kid horse over to 40 Mile Miller’s. Fred started to
put in corduroy at mile 14¼ had Tweden help.
June 5, 1917 At Wassilla, Stanley back from
Miller’s. Miller done up, fell off roof and hurt his shoulder.
Fred finished corduroy at 14¼. Hughes teams laid up
with distemper.
June 6, 1917 Wasilla to Knik. Stanley
and self left Wassilla 3:30 PM arrived Knik 8 PM . Palmer’s schooner
in 38 days from San Francisco, officers held her up on account
of booze. Mattie not well stomach trouble. Cannon tearing
down his house to move it to his ranch at Wassilla.
June 7 ,1917 Pulled scow off gridiron on account
of ice lifting west end
June 8, 1917 Knik to Wassilla.
Ford hauled out load house gear for Cannon. Busy all day
with book work and Seattle orders. Left after supper for
Wassilla took government mail arrived 12:15.
June 9, 1917 At Wassilla. Evening
Albert Dohrmann arrived to run Fred’s auto truck.
June 10, 1917 At Wassilla. Mosquitoes
thick and furious. Self, Kidd, Fred and Albert went out
with auto truck to fix road leveled up road from 14 to 11½,
dug out ditch at 11½ and cut out new road around mush holes.
Grennon and Anderson in to trade.
June 11, 1917 Wasilla to Knik.
Left with auto truck and 600 lbs. freight. Boys got into
mush hole at mile 11½ took, 2 hours to get out. Cut
road around and fixed holes on road in to Knik. Palmer landed 1st
scow load freight. Put up two small orders. Mr. Cannon
storekeeper.
June 12, 1917 Knik to Wassilla.
Auto truck took out 1,000 lbs. various freight
June 13, 1917 From date to July 2nd self
running Wassilla store Mattie running Knik store.
June 20, 1917 Wasilla lot sale, 49 lots
sold for over $5,000. Self got lots 1, 2 and 18 block 1,
on 2 corners of Main St. near depot. Paid $280, $50 and
$25 each. Mattie and Stanley came out with Knik bunch on auto
truck Two first passenger cars with Anchorage people arrived
for sale. Mattie and Stanley stayed over.
July 3, 1917 Wassilla to Knik.
Left 11 PM with auto car arrived Knik 1:13. Mattie and
Stanley gone to Anchorage to celebrate the 4th. All the
RR employees west of Wassilla went on work train to Anchorage for
the 4th. Wilmoth went to Anchorage to see about car load
lumber for our 2 stores.
July 4, 1917 At Knik. Worked in
office all day on accts. Swan failed to return on evening
tide from Anchorage. Mattie and Stanley failed to come no boat.
Ate dinner at Knik Roadhouse, Chas Palmer and wife there visiting
his mother.
July 5, 1917 Knik to Wassilla.
Mattie and Stanley failed to come home on morning boat.
Made up load for auto truck left Knik 9 AM arrived Wassilla 2 PM
roads muddy. Fred put coal dope into gas tank for carbon-void
and mach. only worked half the time. Sold over $30 merchandise
4 PM to 8 PM at Wasilla store.
July 6, 1917 At Wasilla business fair.
Alaska Road Com. started to build warehouse on warehouse site
F. Tryck and Kelly came out from Knik also Stanley on auto
truck. Cannon back from Anchorage said there were 10,000 people
there on the 4th.
July 7, 1917 Road Com. put up warehouse
on lot F. Ross Kenny arrived with men to work on road.
Horning in from mines. Fred went to Knik after oil.
Got prices on lumber $45 delivered at Wasilla.
July 8, 1917 Road Com. moved out to mile 16
RH to make camp. Got up petition to mgr. of town sites
to have Wasilla Ave. cleared and grade established on Main Street.
Several here waiting for car to go to mines. Fred failed to
return from Knik, lost two $35 loads. First excursion
train passed through Wasilla today it went to 174 - end of steel.
July 9, 1917 Fred came in from Knik at noon
with Ford’s team. Auto truck out of commission got oil
into generator. Opened up new lot hardware. Sold 2 scythes,
fork and grindstone. Road Com. started to connect Knik -
Willow Creek wagon road with Main Street at Wasilla. Fred brought
out freight from Knik for Gold Cord Mine. Balance of men in
Knik came out to work on road.
July 10, 1917 Weather cloudy evening
rain. Fred left for 32 with freight had Ford’s team and
2 passengers. Clark got water on his lot at 15 feet.
July 11, 1917 Heavy rain all night and
rained most all day. Two autos arrived from Anchorage to go
on Knik - Willow Creek run. Tom Caveny, Laubner, Martin and
Warner in Wasilla. City autos left for 32. Got letter
from Mattie by Mr. Morris, said Knik was dead. Long stoves
came also disc harrow etc.
July 12, 1917 Shough put on new wheel at mile
24 and run his car in to Wasilla. City autos failed to return.
All low places on road filled with water and impossible for autos.
Fred returned to Knik with Ford’s team, sent in Jack Hamel's 1 horse
hoe. Simmons arrived 6 PM. Let Davis ride Kid to 32 after Frank
Bayer because his child was sick at Knik.
July 13, 1917 Weather cloudy evening
rain business fair at Wasilla. Collections $24.75 for
Knik store. Unpacked long stoves, Stanley helped to set up
airtight heaters. Ira Brown in town, said he was going to
ship out his 4 sheep heads to States. Tryck’s Road Com. team
in for supplies. Many farmers now working on wagon road for
Alaska Road Com. Davis back from 32 on Kid. Bayer went
out to Knik, reported his child OK. Horning back from Gold Cord
meeting at Anchorage.
July 14, 1917 Mattie came in with Fred on wagon
and K. T. Co. freight. Evening Fred went back to Knik.
Evening Mattie and self looked over our lots and town site.
July 15, 1917 All the Herning family at Wasilla.
Jack Hylin used our 1 horse wagon to haul passengers to Knik.
July 16, 1917 Weather cloudy rain.
Herning family at Wasilla. Harry Yago in, first trip
out to mines. City autos went out and broke wheels on
both cars near mile 24. Knik store closed, Mattie at Wasilla
July 17, 1917 Heaviest rain of season
last night. Mattie in charge of Wasilla store. Drove into
Knik to see about corg. iron for Wasilla store buildings.
Arrived at Knik 5 PM got big mail. Otto and Haley tearing down
preacher Howard’s dance hall building, sold to Don S. Rae. Roads half
water.
July 18, 1917 Cloudy at Sunny Knik.
Moved oil paint etc. out of FF warehouse. Had Fred take
down corg. iron for Wasilla store. Busy in store sold
around $100 groceries. Evening cut out return to Wasilla
on account of rain.
July 19, 1917 Got up 2 AM put up order
for Rooney. Left 4 AM arrived Wasilla 9 AM, roads full
of water but not muddy. Wagner clearing Wasilla Avenue.
Road Com. started to grade Main Street too wet to use grader.
Cash sales Wasilla store $44. Fred on FF warehouse.
July 20, 1917 Mattie and Stanley left with
Kid on cart for Sunny Knik. Fred arrived with corg. iron
off FF dock warehouse. Wilmoth back from Anchorage said
he had let contract to put up his store building. Moulton,
Seattle hardware man in town.
July 21, 1917 Very near a frost last
night business fair. Mr. Feldman came up from Anchorage
to see me about selling out D-H and Co. stock, said Bolte Co.
wanted to take it over told him to go ahead. Feldman and
Moulton left for Anchorage on evening train. Evening engineer
on One Spot loaded his tent house on flat car and moved to King River.
July 22, 1917 Gaikema and Conroy back from
mines reported all the mines doing well. Steel gang left
for King River. Self done up with stomach trouble, ate
minced pie.
July 23, 1917 McMillan and
Lander in town. Reported A. E. Com. would run sourdough
to Wasilla on Tues. - Thurs. and Saturdays. Fred in from Knik
with load corg. iron and merchandise Gaikema and Conroy
mushed down to Matanuska to catch train to Anchorage. Patzack
down from coal mines looking for job on wagon road.
July 24, 1917 Fred started to excavate
cellar under new store, corner of Main and Wasilla Ave.
With team and scraper. Noon Sourdough train in on first
thrice weekly run Anchorage to end of main line, had 2 passenger
coaches and a dozen freight cars. Herron, O’Riley, Campbell
and several mining men came from Anchorage to visit Willow Creek
Mines. Ordered wall board from Seattle for store and house at Wasilla.
July 25, 1917 Fred worked on store cellar excavating
part of AM, heavy rain PM. Meehan got contract to put
up shell of Wilmoth Co. building Wilmoth digging small cellar.
John Aho in said he had delivered 18,000 of his 30,000 RR tie
contract. Fred and team 3 hours on store cellar.
July 26, 1917 Fred worked part of day on cellar
and hauled foundation timbers to warehouse site on RR.
Road Com. graded down hump on Main Street. Cudahy, Smith’s
man in town. Sourdough Train in 11 AM. Herron went back to Anchorage.
Martin’s team passed through with freight from Knik.
July 27, 1917 Cloudy business quiet.
Took levels of store cellar. Helped Fred on scraper.
July 28, 1917 Ben Agnew in to trade.
Grader finished Main Street. Wil’s. Co. - farmers dug
his cellar 1/3 off place for building Took pictures of
Main St. Wasilla Ave. RR and Wasilla old town. Hughes and
Martin in from Knik got letter from Mattie. Helped Fred on
scraper part of day. Lilwall back from Anchorage no lumber
came.
July 29, 1917 Worked on store
cellar AM. Evening Mattie arrived with Mrs. Tryck, they came
out with Kid on cart. Mattie looked over town site improvements.
Mattie brought me a big chocolate cake for birthday present.
July 30, 1917 Mattie returned to Knik
with Kid on cart. Had Shorty Herbert re-pile Turner lumber on
warehouse site. Wilmoth Co. started posts for new store foundation,
business fair today cash sales $61.10. Bartholf and Smith
took over Martin’s team wanted us to order him a new wagon.
July 31, 1917 Fred and Stanley arrived with
load freight from Knik. PM hauled 2 tons cement and 1 load
shiplap from RR car to cellar in store building Car
lumber arrived from Anchorage part for K. T. Co. and part for Wilmoth
Co. and part for lumber company. Road Com. employees were paid July
wages, they cashed around $500 in time checks and collected
several old bills. Fred and team hauling lumber and cement. Stanley
went to Cottonwood Creek for salmon.
August 1, 1917 Hauled lumber from car to store
lot. Wilmoth Co. on a strike account of poor lumber.
RR Com. put on daily train - Anchorage to Wasilla. Tryck
in from Alaska Road Com. camp at 32½. City autos running
again.
August 2, 1917 Wasilla school election Cannon,
Wilmoth and Knobs judges of election. Result of ballot,
36 votes cast - Edlund elected director Fleckenstein elected
clerk O .G. H. elected treasurer. G. B. Thompson arrived
from Outside. Stanley store keeper while Knobs acted as election
judge.
August 3, 1917 Fred hauled lumber for
Fleckenstein. Fred and team scraped on cellar. McNally
up from Anchorage on account of trouble with Wilmoth lumber bill.
Wilmoth cellar caved in on north side. Eide and party came
out on observation car to inspect RR line.
August 4, 1917 Fred left
for Aho’s camp on Little Susitna to haul out ties. Jack
Hylin back from trip to 32 with 1 horse wagon. McNally left
for Anchorage, another car of lumber to come next week. No
work on store excavating today. Sent in application of store
license on account of Dohrman-Herning and Co. Anchorage.
August 5, 1917 Bogard in after his hay rake
and cradle. Jack Hylin set up his new wagon. Loaned
Wilmoth Co. 2 x 6 so they could go ahead with building Stanley
dressed up in men’s size 32 x 31 dress pants. Wilmoth Co. got
up side walls of building Fred working on ties for John Aho.
August 6, 1917 Fixed up school
bond for treasurer. O. C. Miller and Wilmoth want on
my bond. Mrs. White and party in from Anchorage to visit
Willow Creek Mines. Had Jack Hylin and horse on scraper finish
store cellar. O. C. Miller in from ranch. Hylin and
horse - 7 hours on store cellar.
August 7, 1917 Rain AM no
work outside evening heavy rain. New Spokane blood in
Mohawk M. Co. arrived, started to build warehouse east of
Alaska Road Com. warehouse. Got phone from Anchorage plaster
man, told him he could bid on concrete work. Stanley started
to saw wood on store lot at $2 rick
August 8, 1917 Started to build warehouse
on RR lot. PM Clark Davis started to dig well in store cellar.
Had Hylin and horse on scraper. Evening held meeting of
Wasilla School Board, treasurer was instructed to send in estimate
of funds needed to Clerk of District Court and to Governor.
The board decided on Miss Ora Dee Clark as teacher.
August 9, 1917 Sent in treasury bond
to Clerk of Court also wrote Governor about Wasilla School.
Got water in well at noon. Eggs and fall clothing from Black
arrived. Mohawk Mining Co. building warehouse. Wilmoth
Co. putting on tar roof and started well outside of store. Martha
White party back from mines.
August 10, 1917 Dug through 2’ cement bedrock
and 4’ of water raised in well in 10 minutes at 8’ below cellar
in Wasilla, new store cost to dig well $15.60. Lilwall building
warehouse on our RR lot C. Wilmoth got tar roof completed.
City auto cars left for Anchorage, bad roads too much for them.
Sent Mattie order to come by Smith from Knik. Sent Booth his
new mattress.
August 11, 1917 AM worked
on excavating cellar with Jack Hylin. Lilwall got
posts up on RR warehouse location. Second car of lumber
came to complete K. T. Co. and Wilmoth Co. order. Evening
Mattie came out from Knik with Kid horse. Road Com. got stumps
out, from Wasilla to mile 19. PM all our help unloaded car
lumber for Wasilla Lumber Company.
August 12, 1917 Mattie at Wasilla, brought
out chicken and had a big chicken dinner. Marked up
new hardware. Bogard and Metz in to trade. Smith
came in from Knik with freight for Wasilla and mines.
August 13, 1917 AM finished
scraping on cellar. Mattie storekeeper at Wasilla.
Stanley built 6 x6 playhouse on front of lot 1 block 1. PM
Jack Hylin hauled lumber for Wilmoth Co. Windy Wilson arrived
from Anchorage to lath Wilmoth Co. building Davis and Clark
helped on cellar excavating. Harvey Bartholf in with his
new bride. Ordered underwear from Portland. Royal Tailor
sample book arrived 1917-1918.
August 14, 1917 Mattie and Stanley drove Kid
to Knik. Bogard in for lumber. Got out September
news for store paper. Fred Nelson in from Aho RR tie camp
after clothing.
August 15, 1917 Lilwall got
frame and rafters up on warehouse ready for iron. Had Hylin
scrape gravel in pile for concrete work. PM sent Hylin to
Knik for load Rae’s corg. iron to use on our warehouse roof.
Noon Davis finished excavating for outside wall for concrete.
Wilmoth Co. building warm storage. Evening asked Lilwall to
bid on our store building labor only. Steel gang back from Chickaloon.
August 16, 1917 Got iron on 2 sides of track
warehouse. Hylin back from Knik, didn’t get Rae
corg. Iron, said it was full of holes in middle, brought gable ends
off FF warehouse and clothing and office supplies etc.
Meehan wanted to put in concrete work under new store. Hotel
Hartman got top on building Dr. McCallie in town looking for
location.
August 17, 1917 Helped Shorty
to iron track end of warehouse. Lilwall worked in lumber yard.
Chas and Byron Jr. Bartholf’s in town. Rae in - went on
to Knik. Smith in on way to Knik for freight. Steel
gang laying track on main line from Little Susitna on to Talkeetna.
Hylin hauled 5 tons sand for Wilmoth Co. plaster walls. Windy
Wilson laid off, no lath to nail on. Mrs. Courtland in town.
August 18, 1917 Got roof on warehouse.
Had Clark put pipe in store well, pumped fine water clear.
Several Matanuska ranchers in to trade. Smith went to Knik
but failed to call for freight order. Telephone pole gang
moved car back to Wasilla, poles in out to Susitna bridge.
August 19, 1917 Quiet in town.
Several went to Matanuska ball game, farmers won.
Antone Stander in town from Kashwitna on way back with pack horses
he reported Free Gold strike on Iron Creek up the Talkeetna, Whiteridge
and Foster made the find. Sam Kelly through with Road Com.
went to Knik sent order for telephone wire by him and Bush.
Excursion train here.
August 20, 1917 Shorty finished
warehouse inside. Fifty cases coal oil came, put same
in new warehouse. Lilwall made new ladder. Evening
Lander out from Knik brought mail and Herman’s furs. Mattie
said Knik was dead, wanted me to go to Anchorage Fair with Stanley.
Concrete man here from Juneau. Store papers came. Sopheus
Anderson in with spuds 10 sacks.
August 21, 1917 Busy all day in store cash
sales $87.95. Had Shorty lay floor under warehouse.
Four tons feed came - RR train men threw it off on Main Street,
crossing and blocked the street. Hylin hauling lumber for
Wilmoth Co. track warehouse. Stanley came out with Smith,
got telephone wire and left clothing order.
August 22, 1917 Wasilla yard
out of lumber. Stanley and Otis moved into their summer
house corner of Boundary and Wasilla Avenue to sleep. Dr.
McCallie bought lot 5, block 8 and set up a tent office temporarily.
Wrote Alexander about Cramer note. Roads reported good again.
August 23, 1917 Joe Walton
drove to Knik. Sent order for red table cloth for Mrs.
Ross. Meyers private car with family here fishing.
Wilmoth Co. warehouse up all but east side of iron on roof sides
ship lapped. Shough auto on mine run again drove up to the Mabel
Mine last trip. New road completed from 32 to Mabel.
August 24, 1917 Fred got back from Aho’s
camp at midnight fortnight. Wilmoth Co. moved goods out
warehouse by old store to new track warehouse to get material
to close in new warehouse. Evening rain. A new auto
car came on Wasilla - Willow Creek run from Anchorage. Caveny
had his lot cleared by Jonathan Hylin.
August 25, 1917 First fall day of season
cloudy windy and cold. O. C. Miller and Mr. Lawrence
in to trade with K. T. Co. Fred went to Knik for load corg.
iron for Wasilla store building Cannon had Hylin and horse
pulling out stumps. Mattie arrived with Kid on cart from Knik
drove in, in 4 hours. Evening had Hylin haul load farm implements
to new warehouse.
August 26, 1917 All the Herning family
at Wasilla. Mrs. Forker came in from mines in route to
Knik. PM self and Mattie drove out to mile 19 Alaska Railroad
camp - road graded was fine. Report came that Shorty Ritz
was drowned in Goose Creek Goose Bay. Evening got out bank
deposits and Seattle mail.
August 27, 1917 Meehan started to put in forms
for concrete wall in cellar under new store building.
Hylin hauled up lumber for forms AM. Rathwell arrived to
plaster Wilmoth Co. store building Mrs. Forker left for
Knik with Smith team. Wagner started to harvest his oats.
August 28, 1917 Meehan got
forms in for concrete wall in cellar. Told Fleckenstein
he could help on concrete work. Lander in town for load
of freight. Gave Headberg bid on over $100 order. Got
car milk and groceries from Fischer bros. Co. unloaded same from
car into track warehouse. Fred at Knik after corg. iron.
Rae paid his bill.
August 29, 1917 Meehan put up inside
concrete cellar wall. Fred arrived from Knik with load
corg. iron.
August 30, 1917 Meehan putting in forms
for outside wall. Meehan told Davis to cut out talking
so much and Davis quit job. Fred returned to Knik for more
iron.
August 31, 1917 Got another ton cement
for store cellar. Paid Wasilla Lumber Co. on account
$300, 1st payment. Fred arrived from Knik with another
load corg. iron. Meehan got forms in for outside wall of
store cellar. Mattie sent out bed complete, set it up in tent
house. Fred hauled load cement from track to lot. Plastering
on Wilmoth Co. building completed.
September 1, 1917 Meehan
got 2 ends and 1 side in on outside cellar wall. Fred
helped on concrete work. Mattie arrived at noon from Knik
with Kid horse on cart. Several left on train for
Anchorage Fair. Got back $60 Martin check from bank marked
N. S. F.
September 2, 1917 Herning family all
at Wasilla had chicken dinner. Noon Mattie and Stanley
left on train for Anchorage to do the Agricultural Fair.
Meehan finished outside cement wall 4 PM on store cellar. Quiet
in town. Many went to the Anchorage Fair. Had baked trout
new spuds and green peas for my supper. Sent wire to L. and
H. for estimate on school books.
September 3, 1917 Quiet in town.
Mr. Lawrence and a few others went to the Fair, business good
cash sales $115.80. Swanson up from Junction to cut oats.
Only 1 car from end of track to Anchorage on account of the Fair.
Paid Davis and Clark for labor done on well and cellar. Mattie
and Stanley at Anchorage doing the Fair. Smith in from mines.
September 4, 1917 Bailes and partner in from
Moose Creek to trade. Fred at Knik after auto car.
Got phone from Herron, wanted to buy scow.
September 5, 1917 Fred arrived noon from
Knik, brought load of his junk and 3 bundles windows.
Baker in on way to mines. Chamberlain and Schwabacher man
in for orders. Got phone from Mattie about scow, she could
not hear me, line OK at Wasilla end. Shough’s back from Anchorage
looking for safe to deposit their money on account of selling their
mine.
September 6, 1917 Mattie and Stanley back from
Fair. Fred clearing his lot. Chamberlain left for
Anchorage, Rae in for supplies.
September 7, 1917 Mattie and Stanley
left for Knik. Wilmoth Co. got front in store.
Fred set up tent barn on his lot. Lander, wife and daughter
in from Knik on way to mines.
September 8, 1917 Evening heavy wind and rain,
things drowning in old town Wasilla with tent houses.
Put gable windows in warehouse. Rain beat through Wilmoth’s
roof on warehouse - ours OK. Rain drove through front of
Wilmoth Co. new store building Armour’s man in town, sent order
for groceries to Fischer bros. Co. Caveny and family in from
Anchorage.
September 9, 1917 Rain drove through the Davis
tent house and wet everything, they tore it down and moved
over on Main Street lot. Lantern batteries and flashlights
came, also Black’s horse, hay fork. Cannon making ready to
put up cabin 14 x 22. Evening blowing again but no rain.
September 10, 1917 Started to take off forms
on concrete wall and put in concrete shelf in store cellar,
Fred and Shields on the job. Shough’s back from Anchorage,
said they sold their mining property. Grennan up from Matanuska
to trade. Dad Clark went out on RR pump line to work. Lander
in for supplies from GB Mines. Seven ranchers in to trade.
Fred moved into his tent house on his lot.
September 11, 1917 Got shelf ready to concrete
in store cellar and nails out of lumber on forms. Another
car load lumber arrived, part of it for K. T. Co. store building.
Fred left for Sunny Knik to get his car. Corlew and
party in from Anchorage on way to mines. Garver and Al Best
in from mines in route to Anchorage, Garver had a sack full of
ptarmigan. Evening mist storm. Sold Chickaloon store
keeper $55 clothing.
September 12, 1917 No work on cellar
today on account of rain. Shields went out for a moose,
no catch ‘em. Fleckenstein helped to unload car lumber.
Bogard in for supplies. Mrs. McMillan back from Anchorage,
Mrs. Herbert with her for a visit at mile 31½ RH.
Tom Williams through at Talkeetna, he went to Knik. Sam
Kelly came out from Knik in route to Talkeetna to “look see”.
September 13, 1917 Meehan put in rough
coat on cellar shelf. Shields quit at noon on account
of weak back, Patzack in from Knik, brought mail.
Mattie let scow and pile driver go without any pay “oh how easy”.
Sam Fischer’s man in, got no orders. Hartman moved from RR
lease to his new hotel on Main Street. Sent wire for furnace.
September 14, 1917 AM rain. No
work today business fair. Mrs. Shough back from Cottonwood
with horses. Ford auto car broke differential. Evo
in from mile 11, had to cut out all the wind falls. Balance
of gunnysacks came but no bill. Roads muddy again on account
of late rains. Wilmoth’s preparing for opening dance in store
Saturday evening. Carpenters still working.
September 15, 1917 Weather cloudy business
good over $200 today. Noon Stanley arrived on Kid horse.
Mattie and Knik dancers arrived to attend Wilmoth Co. dance.
Evening Wilmoth Co. pulled off dance in new store building had
a good crowd. Fraiser furnished “outside” soft drinks.
Gunnysacks came for potato crop. Lilwall went to Anchorage.
September 16, 1917 Quiet in town. Knik
party left with Smith team, Stanley stayed over. Had
Shields put coal bin under warehouse.
September 17, 1917 Stanley left for Knik, arrived
at noon. Material for Wasilla depot arrived. Shields
cleaned out store cellar. Snowed 2’ to 3’ at mines.
Rained on flats all night. Lilwall back from Anchorage.
Fred at Wasilla fixing up winter quarters.
September 18, 1917 All the mountains white
with snow this morning. Cannon ready to build cottage.
Smith back from Knik with freight for mines. Brought clothing
for Wasilla store. Meehan finished concrete shelf in cellar now
ready to put up store building. Anchorage auto car no. 2 returned
to Anchorage today. Evening sent order for meats and forage.
Anderson and partner in from mines.
September 19, 1917 First
hard frost last night, froze mud enough to walk on. Started
to frame store building, Lilwall marking, Shorty and Shields
sawing. Fleckenstein put in concrete bottoms for posts under
floor sills. Some demand for winter clothing. Tom Babcock
in from mines in route to Seldovia. Several in from mines
on account of snow storm in hills. Ordered butter and fruit.
September 20, 1917 A. E. Commission started
foundation for depot business fair. Fred left for Knik
with team. John Bartholf and boys in from summers prospecting,
reported ptarmigans on Purches Creek, none on this side of
Fishhook Creek. Framing done on store building and started
sills under floor. Balance of Black order came and underwear
in from Portland. Glass came for store front. Self got the
makings of a cold.
September 21, 1917 Weather cloudy big
wind last night and this AM, blocked up road from Knik to Wasilla.
Got floor sills in ready to lay rough floor on new store building,
business fair. Stanley rode Kid out from Knik, brought mail, said
road was full of windfalls. Farmers busy digging spuds.
Wickersham in to trade from Chickaloon camp.
September 22, 1917 Smith and Lander drove in
to Knik, Fred came out. Stanley helped lay rough floor
on new store building, now ready to raise studs etc. Delayed
butter came from Anchorage. Pat Kelly and others went to Anchorage.
Sent Seattle L. and A. Co. order by Fred Laubner to mail at Anchorage.
Got September store papers now visited “Wasilla News”.
September 23, 1917 Raised walls of store
building Stanley stayed over, thought it would rain.
Evo’s team ran away with load of cabbage, Evo got hurt
a little and I got my big toe skinned when team gave a lunge. Paid
D-H Co. Seattle invoices. No excursion train today but Meyers
car came out to end of steel.
September 24, 1917 Building
ready for rafters. Stanley left on Kid for Knik. Lander
and Smith in from Knik with freight for mines. Fred got
balance of hay and oats. Fred plowing for C. D. Johnson.
Bragaw and Otis picking up Wagner’s spuds. A. E. Commission
putting in concrete piers for Wasilla depot.
September 25, 1917 Lilwall got rafters up and
cut in all openers. Gus Swanson in from Martin’s Mine to
dig his spuds. Sent in last orders for fur hats and mush.
Got check and note to cover pile driver and scow $500.
September 26, 1917 Started to side up on new
store building. Mattie arrived from Knik on Kid horse, came
out to see about pile driver deal, if paid Otto didn’t want
to do assessment work Gus said he might do it. Knik Doherty in from
Chickaloon went through to Knik. Carpenter from Anchorage went
to work. Got letter from father to come and visit him.
September 27, 1917 Fred drove to Knik for freight
account K. T. Co. self and Fred Roscher. Wall board 7M
ft. came for store building Put on another carpenter,
six men now working on building. Paid O. J. Meehan for helping
on cement work $58.60 by check, business fair over $100 today.
Sent Roscher's order out by Fred.
September 28, 1917 Mr. Frank Doherty of Chickaloon
down for supplies. Rae in for supplies and McMillan,
Black and Swanson and several in on account of land survey sale
of horses and wagon. No sale - didn’t show up. Heinz
57 varieties in town went fishing. Cashed $750 in checks.
Shields quit work on store building on account of pains in
his back etc. Garver in for supplies.
September 29, 1917 Sold Frank Doherty an order,
went to Chickaloon and Blewett an order at mile 28. Put
up order for Garver at Peterson Creek went via RR to Willow Creek
crossing. Blewett went to Knik. Williamson land survey
sold their pack horses and wagon. Simmons and girls out from
Knik and Cave’s to attend sale.
September 30, 1917 Perfect day.
Got all the walls up and ribbons on roof and laid 30’ of iron
roofing. Several going to Knik. Fred still at Knik
delivering coal and spuds. Shields left for Chickaloon to
hunt sheep. Lander went to mines with load. Wagner had
a potato bee, Kidd, Bragaw and section men helped him dig his
spuds. Meehan through on Wilmoth building time 2 months.
October 1, 1917 Lilwall set up concrete chimney
on north side of store building, too windy to put on roof.
Had Hylin get 10 sacks sand. Put cleats over laps of paper
on side walls to stop air circulation. Dark up from Matanuska
to trade. Bill Long went to Knik to dig his spuds.
Whitridge went out to BD Mines to help Zink do assessment work.
Fred in with a load from Knik for K. T. Co. Lowman and Hanford
wired prices on school supplies. Wired Governor Wasilla School
estimate $3,100.
October 2, 1917 Shorty and
Fleckenstein got galvanized iron roof on except 10 sheets.
Lilwall and Russell started to put in store front. Made
deal with deaf painter to paint front south side and east end and
do lettering on store front. Fred working for C. D. Johnson.
October 3, 1917 Roof on in fine shape, 14 days
from starting store building to get under cover. New
building ready for inside finish. Wall board shelving balcony
and TG floor. Sid Anderson went through to mines. Johnny
Burkhart on 1st trip to Willow Creek Mines. Railroad men got
frame of depot up today. Cannon got his new house up.
Tommy McLaughlin visiting Cannon. Bid on $300 order for Fleckenstein.
October 4, 1917 Let Shorty
and Nunan go. Lilwall and Russell working on front,
Fleckenstein on cleating side wall paper coal bin etc.
Rae in from Knik brought 2 last lots in block 7. First freight
train went through to end of line all box cars. Fred going to
dig Headburg’s spuds with potato digger. Shorty Herbert went
home to dig his spuds.
October 5, 1917 Put on two
bunch of men. Got in front balcony. Self stained
and cleaned back windows. Store front in ready for painter
except windows. Mattie and Stanley came out from Knik with Gold
Cord horse on cart. Kid horse got rheumatism in shoulder.
Fred gone to run potato digger for Strandberg.
October 6, 1917 Got transom window frames ready
in store front. Painter painting south side of Wilmoth
store. Self painted back windows and saddle board. Concrete
blocks came for chimney in house part of store. Fleckenstein
finished painting up cellar wall and fixed coal bin.
October 7, 1917 Got side balcony up ready for
floor. Started to nail on wall board over back balcony.
Had Fleckenstein make outside boxes under walk in front of cellar
windows. Had steak and cabbage dinner Mattie the cook.
Edlund in, he approved estimates for school. Mattie and Stanley
ready to go to Knik tomorrow. Smith went to Knik took all the
baggage.
October 8, 1917 Noon car load of hardware and
groceries arrived, put perishables in new store cellar.
Got $110 order from Donovan. Fred back at noon from Strandberg
potato harvest. Got wall board on above balcony. Evening
colder northern lights. Fulton and mother in - going Outside.
Lander back from Anchorage.
October 9, 1917 Got floor laid on balcony and
all window frames made, ready to set glass and hang doors.
Got chimney in aft part of store. AM finished unloading car
of groceries and hardware. Fred went to Knik in government wagon.
Smith came out from Knik. Hartman started to build log barn
on 50’ x 50’ rear, lot 2, block 1 that I sold him for $20.
Evening big wind. Joe Palmer going to Nelchina to do assessment
work.
October 10, 1917 Got doors hung in kitchen
and living room and 1/3 of wallboard on ceiling. Smoked
meats that we wired for came. Horning in from Knik on way
to mines. Wilmoth tore down old tent store on RR lease.
Had painter put sign on south side of new store building: “Herning’s
Place Everything for Everybody”.
October 11, 1917 Evening blew hard.
Lilwall went to Anchorage for lumber to finish stairs and balcony.
Wall board all on except south side below balcony. Took
doors out of old store for south side of new store. Depot covered
in. Elder went to Knik sent Mattie 2 post office orders to
collect. Evening priced up groceries.
October 12, 1917 Wallboard all on except partitions
in house part. Self put double glass in cellar windows and caulked
around all window frames with oakum. Evo in with vegetables,
said he and Clark might go Outside for winter. Fred at
Knik. Smith in from mines. Hartman paid me for 50’
x 50’ rear part of lot 2 block 1. Meehan Sr. moved into Wilmoth’s
old storehouse on track
October 13, 1917 Floors all laid
ready for balcony stairs and shelving. Lilwall back from
Anchorage at noon. Got bill of meats, Portland dry goods
and furnace for store basement. Painter back from Anchorage,
stained strips for ceiling. Horning back from mines went
on to Knik. Fischer in from coal fields went to Knik.
October 14, 1917 Started to put in house rooms
in aft of store also balcony stairs. Got wire from Governor,
Wasilla estimate for school approved and to proceed with building
etc.
October 15, 1917 First hard freeze last night,
froze ½”. Car of forage, store furnace, meats,
fruit and dry goods from Portland came. Put outside glass
in front of store. Got most of wallboard on house partitions.
Wilmoth Co. had sign painted on RR side of building. Dug
hole for water closet at rear of lot. Mattie sent bill of freight
shipped from Knik, 332 pieces. Elder got back from Knik, Lilwall
in from GB.
October 16, 1917 Froze ground
last night. Ranchers ½ day crossing lake on account
ice. Busy day sales over $100. House rooms ready for doors.
Put in show window floors. Got freight bill today $520.55.
Got invoice for school books. Gus and Elder left for Grubstake
to do assessment work. Painters on depot building done outside.
October 17, 1917 Noon Knik car of freight came,
hauled perishables to store cellar. Stanley arrived from Knik,
he came with Fred, walked ahead. House rooms about finished in
new store. Opened 5 bids to clear school lot - Shorty Herbert
got it at $45 for 100 x 200 ft. clearing. Started to set up
furnace. All ready to connect hot air pipe.
October 18, 1917 First snow of fall at
Wasilla gone by 9 AM. Worked on unloading Knik freight.
Set up heater in new store. Fred went to Knik for load
household goods. Fischer deposited $150 for trap line
supplies at Eska Creek. Lidell digging cellar for Dr. Spaulding.
Evening Stanley helped me on oiling store floor. Frank Bayer
up from Anchorage paid his bill.
October 19, 1917 Front door came from Anchorage
store, in shape to lock up. Lilwall and John jointing up
stairs, banister, etc. Feldman Pres’d. of D and H Co. up from
Anchorage said Dohrmann wanted to buy him out and Lampson wanted my
interest. Stanley and Otis took contract to paint north side of
store for $4, they did 2/3 of it in PM. Evening Fred in from
Knik with household goods for Mrs. OGH. Gus wrote from mines most
of grub stolen.
October 20, 1917 Garver in for supplies and
several ranchers from Matanuska. Started to put up shelves
on north side of store. Fleckenstein finished 8’ walks in
front of store. Received October store paper. Fred plowing
for Cannon. Shields back from Chickaloon hunting trip.
Meehan tore down Wilmoth Co. house on track and moved same to Kid
lot. Mattie drove out from Knik on cart.
October 21, 1917 Weather cool A-1 day
busy AM in store. Pete Murray and Gus Swanson down from
Matanuska. Shields went to Knik. Harvey Bartholf went
to Anchorage. Big bunch in from mines. Dr. Spaulding in.
Evening finished oiling balcony floor and varnished kitchen floor.
Fleckenstein through on Saturday job. Shelves on north side
going up also banister. Herbert started to clear school lot on
Saturday.
October 22, 1917 Froze hard last night.
Wasilla Lake froze over, also part of Cottonwood Creek.
Busy day, harness gear, school supplies and chemical engine arrived.
Moved from tent house behind old store to new quarters in new store
corner of Main Street and Wasilla Avenue. O. C. Miller came
in to connect up furnace. Prospector in from lower Willow Creek
for outfit. Caveny and Dr. Spaulding starting to build winter
quarters. Fred fixing up his lot.
October 23, 1917 Weather cloudy PM snow,
ground white with snow ground frozen 1”. Got shelves in
on north side of store. Meehan got his house under cover.
Miller jointed up pipes for furnace. Stanley helped me side
up west side of lower warehouse. All in from mines but GB.
Evening located openings for furnace registers.
October 24, 1917 Had toilet built on rear of
lot. Russell left for Anchorage. Miller connected up
one floor register to furnace. Evening measured up new
store building for Gloria gas lights. Fred took 15 sacks oats
and 15 bales hay from warehouse to his lot. Rae left for
states, left Sever in charge.
October 25, 1917 About 2” snow fell.
Mattie left with Fred to get load household goods etc. at Knik.
Got gas pipe in to hold up balcony. Evening Lilwall helped
me to get out plans for Wasilla school house for bids. Mattie
at Knik. Road Com. through on Knik - Willow Creek Road.
October 26, 1917 Winter seems
to be on, ground white but not enough for sledding. Booth
and AR Com. mess team arrived. PM got out specifications for bids
on new Wasilla school building. Evening got out store paper
with announcement of dance October 30th. Mattie at Sunny
Knik for household goods. Had grading done around store and
storm shed built.
October 27, 1917 Temperature -3 last
night and ground white with snow, made one change summer to
winter inside of 2 days. Two ranchers in to trade from Palmer.
Miller completed furnace connections and turned on the juice, then
left for his ranch PM. Mattie and Fred back from Knik with
load household goods etc. E. G. Harlow in from Talkeetna District
brought Atkins team loaned him $15 on same.
October 28, 1917 Got storm shed finished at
rear of store, business fair sales over $175. Paid Russell
off for labor on store building $224. Had Herbert clean up
lumber rubbish around street side of store. Evening jointed
up wires for gas plant. Got bids out for Wasilla school building.
Fenton’s came through on old account.
October 29, 1917 Andy Conrad got fishing outfit
to go to Brown’s Lake. Got big mail with invoices of balance
of goods to come many goods left short not obtainable. Stanley
helped to install wires for gas plant in new store. Lilwall
got railing up on balcony. Opened bids for Wasilla school
building, Board decided to give it to Meehan.
October 30, 1917 Snowed 6”. Fred
came in from Knik with wagon, brought small load KT freight.
Got gas lights installed and cleaned up new store building for
dance. Evening 60 people came to dance gave them oyster supper
at Wasilla Hotel. Dancers went home at 3 o’clock. All
well pleased with dance and new store. Meehan went to Anchorage
for school lumber.
October 31, 1917 Moved clothing boxes out of
warehouse to make room for sugar, etc., due to arrive.
Put wallboard under south balcony and started to put in hardware
shelves. Trapper Johnson in from Matanuska to trade. Tom
Caveny back from Anchorage to put up his house at Wasilla.
November 1, 1917 A-1 day freezing about
4” snow. Stanley and self stained shelving on north side of store.
Meehan back from Anchorage and buying lumber for school building.
McMillan in. Horning came out form Knik and went to Anchorage
on train. Carey paid old bill.
November 2, 1917 Freezing -2 last night.
Last of winter supplies arrived, butter mush and flour, ½
car load. Wilmoth Co. winter stock arrived 1 car. Got
hardware shelves up started to make counters. Lumber for school
house arrived. Kidd family pulled stakes and left for Anchorage
on PM train.
November 3, 1917 AM finished
unloading car and checked down freight. Had Pete working
with freight all day. Fred hauled us load birch wood for
furnace. Shipped small order to Chickaloon. Caveny
building barn. Clark back from pumping job. McMillan
left for 31½ RH. Patzack out from Knik. Evening
stained 1st new counter dry goods side.
November 4, 1917 Fred drove out to O. C. Miller’s
for hay. O. C. sent in cupboard for Mrs. O. G. kitchen
stained red and green.
November 5, 1917 Reported -22 out at
end of steel, business good sales over $100. Moved tables and
1 counter out of hardware store on track to new store building
and clothing. Harlow in from Talkeetna. Caveny back
from Knik. Got warrant for school money.
November 6, 1917 Put up order for Chas Martin,
Palmer and C. S. Lawrence mile 28. Had Shorty put up tie
post for farmers. Lander in from Knik, Mrs. came with him.
Both Fred and Smith drove to Knik. Swanson the freighter
in from Matanuska. Evening Stanley helped to stain 2 counters.
November 7, 1917 Smith in from Knik.
Fred failed to come out. Evening varnished counters, got
clothing counter finished. School house under cover.
Carpenters completed counters.
November 8, 1917 Drake in from Moose
Creek and Swanson from Matanuska to trade. Forker in
from Knik. Evening Fred in from Knik with freight had 1,650
lbs. for K. T. Co. Carpenter made Mattie sink and work
table. Wilmoth Co. had electrician 3 days to install lights.
Doc Spaulding’s house about up. Evening finished shellacking
north side of store counter.
November 9, 1917 Carpenters finished
at noon on inside work on new store building Wasilla. Everything
complete down stairs except casing in cellar stairs. Installed
gas light plant in Wasilla Hotel.
November 10, 1917 Chas Carlson down from Palmer
to trade. Danielson and Gooding in to trade.
November 11, 1917 Fred hauled in 3 loads wood.
Hylin hauled in wood for Sears to be sawed for K. T. Co. store.
Paid Fleckenstein for labor on store and cement work.
Paid John and Charley for inside labor on store building.
November 12, 1917 Mattie went to Knik
with Fred for load K. T. Co. freight. Train now on thrice weekly
trips. Several in from Iditarod District. Lilwall
went to Anchorage. Conway and Danielson in to trade.
Sears started to cut rick wood PM.
November 13, 1917 Fred arrived from Knik
with load house lumber for Tryck I. V. Miller and 2 other
ranchers down from Palmer to trade bought over $300 outfit.
George Gates in from Knik to set up Tryck’s house. Mattie
at Knik. Did over $400 business today.
November 14, 1917 Busy filling
orders for ranchers at Palmer, had Shorty help. Sandain
came thru from Knik with load freight for ranchers. Tryck
building house on his lot corner Wasilla Ave. and Knik St. Forker
in from Knik. Mattie got back from Knik, rode out with Landers.
Evo and Clark left for States to winter.
November 15, 1917 Snowed about 6” last night.
McNally up from Anchorage account Wasilla lumber business.
Pd. Meehan $736 on contract to build school house. Got phone
from Miss Clark that she couldn’t come to take up school until Nov.
26th. Lilwall back from Anchorage
November 16, 1917 Pd. McNally
$551.75 on lumber account Wasilla store building. Put up
wood order for Paul Forker. Evening dance in new school house, about
40 present, ladies gave sandwich and cake lunch at Hotel Hartman.
Shough tried to go to Junction with auto car, couldn’t climb the
hills account loose snow.
November 17, 1917 Clear and cold, -6.
Evening Shough took about 20 to dance at ranchers hall Wasilla
Creek. Gus and Elder back from doing assessment work
on Grubstake Placer. clear and colder.
November 18, 1917 Put up
clothing order for Chickaloon. Monroe Kast in route to States.
Cache Creek Dredge Co. men in.
November 19, 1917 Soft weather, first Chinook
since freeze. Put in double glass on front door and transom
to prevent frosting. Stanley and Otis drove Kid horse out to O.
C. Miller ranch for a visit.
November 20, 1917 Chinook weather. Swanson
the freighter in. F. F. Winchester down from Matanuska
Junction left $100 order. Stanley and Otis back from 40
mile Miller’s place. Fred in from Knik with balance of Tryck lumber.
Monroe Kast in from Peters Creek going Outside. Reported
Mariposa on the rocks.
November 21, 1917 Chinook weather.
Shorty still placing groceries on shelves. About ready to put
hardware on shelves. Joe Anderson passed through from Cache
Creek. Installed Keith’s system. Ed Mullen took
over Caveny and Grey team to winter.
November 22, 1917 Paid Meehan balance due on
school building. School house completed ready for business.
Sent out call for bids on 5 cords wood at school house for fuel.
Ben Agnew and Oden Olson in town. Matanuska barber here looking
for location, said Junction was dead.
November 23, 1917 Fred brought in 8 cases gasoline
and other store goods from Knik. Caveny left for Anchorage
to bring out his family to Wasilla. Pete Herbert left
for ranch.
November 24, 1917 Sold Wilmoth Co. $150 order.
J. H. Conway in for goods. Noon train Miss Ora Clark arrived
to open Wasilla school on Monday. Shorty back from ranch
worked PM in store. Jack Hylin moved school supplies to school
house.
November 25, 1917 Fred in
from Knik with Mrs. Tryck and balance of house lumber. Put
seats in school house. Shorty worked until 9 PM on seats.
Stanley stained benches and table. Evening got out Seattle
mail. Seven Iditarod outfits in.
November 26, 1917 Wasilla School opened
today Miss Ora Clark teacher. Shorty cut wood. Got
our bid for school wood at $4.50 3 ft. rick cord. Fred went
to Knik. Evening answered mail orders.
November 27, 1917 Shipped one order to Chickaloon.
Got alleys in store pretty well cleaned up. Wilmoth sidestepped
on the Ajax Chemical Engine, wanted town to pay for same.
Sent $37.50 government installment on Anchorage lot 1 block 29
old store location.
November 28, 1917 Wilmoth Co. came through
on half of fire engine. Fred in from Knik brought balance of
Matt’s furniture and some clothing for K. T. Co. Meehan baby
died.
November 29, 1917 Mattie sang at Meehan babies
funeral first death in Wasilla. Evening got out pricelist
of groceries and mailed same to Chickaloon, Palmer, Moose Creek
and Eklutna. Another big bunch of Iditarod dog mushers at
roadhouse on way to states. Gold Team on road. Stanley
had turkey at Hotel Hartman no school today.
November 30, 1917 Weather clear and colder
-8. Cash sales slow credit sales fair. Marking
and arranging new goods on shelf all day. Fred went to Knik.
Gus came out from Knik. Moose Hank in town. Evening
fixed up Matt’s sink and hung mirror.
December 1, 1917 Temperature -26 and
- 2 at Knik. Train in and returned going on semi-weekly
run next week. Capt. Gaikema and Billy Murray up from Anchorage
in route to mines. Got order from Lawrence mile 28.
Dieber wrote he was trying to sell out for $3,100 and would join
the Army. Evening arranged sporting goods in shelves.
Took a bath.
December 2, 1917 Hylin drove out to mile 28.
GB making hauling camp at Houston and cutting road to connect
with Knik winter road to mines, connects at OGH ridge cache.
PM fixed up outside lamps and installed one in school house.
Lander in town. Fred back from Knik. Extra train to end
of line for mushers from Nenana.
December 3, 1917 Turner here fixing up old
caterpillar machine. Gus back from Chickaloon.
December 4, 1917 Got collection from Chickaloon
$149. Shields in from Knik with mounted furs, hung same
on wall for exhibit. Had Shorty clean up meats. Evening
got out-mail also price lists for Shields to take to Chickaloon.
Up till 4 o’clock, Houston coal men in.
December 5, 1917 Luthinger in to trade.
Frank Kelly the coal man from Anchorage in town looking for
business. Sent Shields up valley to take orders. Put
charge in Ajax Chemical Engine. Shorty working on smoked meats.
Dog mushers from Inside arriving every day going to States.
December 6, 1917 Blodgett and McMillan
in from Anchorage each with a keg of booze. Shorty finished
cleaning meats. Fred in from Knik nothing for K. T. Co.
Evening got out-mail. Paid sewer assessment on lot 1 block
29 Anchorage 1917 due December 13th $21.92.
December 7, 1917 Andy Conrad in for fishing
outfit. Mr. Whitaker and partner in for outfits going
to Brown’s Lake. W. A. Black in town for Meehan’s frozen
spuds. Clark Davis wanted us to take over his candy etc. and
close up his “joint”. Fred in town fixed Cannon’s pump.
December 8, 1917 Got 1 order by Shields from
Chickaloon. Hughes teams in from Knik going to haul out Moose
Creek coal. Richard Crisp and Barney Johnson in town.
Whitaker left for Brown’s Lake. Miss Clark moved into Tryck’s
house.
December 9, 1917 Weather cloudy evening
big wind. More mushers in from Iditarod. Invited out to
big turkey dinner at Caveny’s, 11 years married. Lander in
from Houston camp. Tweeden fell down cellar hole last night,
Stanley got Dr. for him AM today.
December 10, 1917 Bert McClarty, Sam
Kelly and Otto out from Knik on way to Anchorage to get booze
released by government. Vic Blodgett bought out McClarty
and Frasier’s soft drink joint at Knik. Hughes teams outfitted
for Moose Creek.
December 11, 1917 Big wind. Shields
back from trip to Chickaloon, brought 2 orders. Sales over
$200. Got Rae’s check for October account.
Forker bros. in from wood camp. Mattie decorated new show
case on clothing side with clothing and candy perfume etc.
December 12, 1917 Wind still blowing.
Lander went out via Houston. Wilmoth Co. electric lights
went on the bum. Al Davis in to inspect his interest with
the Wilmoth Co. Sever went to Knik with Hylin's horse for load
lumber for Rae-Wallace Co. Sold Kennedy a pump.
December 13, 1917 Knik bunch back from Anchorage
some failed to get their booze kegs. Willard Hall arrived
from his Alfred Creek mines. Joe Palmer back from trip.
Evening worked on inventory report to bank. Got phone order
from Dieber at Chickaloon.
December 14, 1917 Working on hardware placing
same on new shelves. Got phone from Lowry and Pikes agent
Anchorage about insurance. Mrs. Small in town went out
to visit Cliff’s girl at mile 28. John Hylin rounding up his
bills. Gus wanted to buy K. T. Co. warehouse at Knik and move
same to Wasilla.
December 15, 1917 Big wind. John Kelly
down from Palmer for supplies. Evening hardest wind yet,
blew all the roof off shed annex to store on RR front. Blew
Bragaw’s tent house down and shook up the Davis tent houses.
Fred dug a well on his lot.
December 16, 1917 Wind died out PM.
Mr. Conway in for Xmas supplies. Forker bros. placed order.
Working on inventory of stock cost of new store buildings etc.
for insurance.
December 17, 1917 Weather colder.
Put iron back on old track store.
December 18, 1917 Cold wave -34.
Mattie went to Knik with Fred’s team. Put hooks on ceiling to
hang coffee pots on etc. Evening worked on inventory and
mail. Special train out to end of line today business fair
sold $60 corn meal. Mattie at Knik.
December 19, 1917 Cold wave -32 in AM.
Got most of granite and tin ware hung on ceiling aft of store.
Train from west several hours late. Evening worked on
inventory of stock at wholesale price $15,537.12.
House store buildings and dock not included.
December 20, 1917 Temperature -34.
Got 3 phone orders from Chickaloon. Mattie got back from Knik
with big load office fixtures and other merchandise from Knik
store. Evening worked on inventory report until after midnight.
Coldest snap of winter. Reported -55 at Kashwitna.
Frank Kelly in town.
December 21, 1917 Cold wave still on,
-10 to -36. Got 400 lbs. Wikholm coal mile 174 for trial
in furnace. Got wire from Governor, he would allow $300
for 2 room annex for teachers living room. Got turkey for
Xmas dinner. Caveny's went to Anchorage for Xmas.
December 22, 1917 Temperature -30.
Everybody at home on account of cold snap. Sold one outfit.
December 23, 1917 Evening warmer with a little
wind. Danielson and Neklason in to trade also John Aho
from 170 tie camp. Evening paid D-H and Co. Seattle invoices.
December 24, 1917 O. C. Miller in from ranch.
Evening school kids gave Xmas exercises at school house about
60 people present closed with a dance. First Xmas for Wasilla.
Fred and Gus went to Knik.
December 25, 1917 Xmas with Herning family
living aft of new store building at Wasilla Alaska. Mattie
gave turkey dinner to bachelors: Cannon, Miller and Lilwall.
Evening worked on inventory. Put up order for Chickaloon.
Foster returned from Anchorage bought gun for Shields.
December 26, 1917 Cold wave broken business
quiet. Shorty on the wood pile. Worked on inventory.
Joe Palmer left for Alfred Creek with supplies. O. C. Miller
left for his ranch took out load grub etc. on Stanley’s homemade sled.
Finished Xmas turkey.
December 27, 1917 Weather colder.
Frank Kelly in town after wood for Anchorage. Hall in from
28, sent Miller’s coal oil out. Electrician from Anchorage
arrived to fix up Wilmoth Co. electric plant broke down. Surplus
stock $16,660.91, real estate $11,385.07, assets $28,045.98.
Fred back from Anchorage on account of tie pay from Aho went to
Knik.
December 28, 1917 Weather clear business
quiet. Lilwall went to Anchorage sent mail by him.
PM big wind struck town. Fred in from Knik with harness
gear etc. for K. T. Co. and freight for Wendler and Larson Anchorage.
Evening Wilmoth Co. storekeeper set street fire toward K. T. Co.
hardware store on tracks put it out. Second big wind of winter.
Temperature raised to +28.
December 29, 1917 Big wind all day,
tearing iron off hardware store on tracks. Packed up a
lot of goods and brought over to new store. Wind blew
Caveny’s back house all to smithereens. Fred returned to
Knik to haul coal from Goose Bay for Palmer. Hylin took Mrs.
Hartman to Knik to trade. Wind hardest yet of winter.
December 30, 1917 Still windy and warmer,
business quiet. Hylin back from Knik with Sunny Knik merchandise
for Hartman. Forker bros. in from Knik brought their mother.
Had chicken dinner. Evening wind dying out.
December 31, 1917 Cloudy and warmer,
wind died out. Frost went off store front. Had Hylin
haul 2 loads from track hardware store. Worked about all
night on Seattle mail checked out $3,000. Frank Kelly in town
for wood for Anchorage Old year ended with the Herning family
living aft of new 24’ x80’ store at Wasilla on main line of
Government RR and half way from Sunny Knik to Willow Creek Mines.
1918
January 1, 1918 Kennedy back from Talkeetna
after freight. School in commission today. Mrs. Forker
returned to Knik. Vic Blodgett came out. Herman Gromwoldt
in from his fox ranch at Fish Lake. Ward and Sever cutting
100 cords wood for Kelly and Lidell wood yard at Anchorage.
Harry Lander in from mines. New Year arrived with the Herning family
living in aft part of 24’ x 80’ store at Wasilla, Alaska. Closed
Knik store November 1, 1917. Mrs. Herning and son moved out to
railroad town business slow on account boys gone to war.
January 2, 1918 Enough snow for sledding again
after big wind, business fair. Pete Murray and A. G.
Swanson down from Junction to trade. Old Hamel in from
Hughes camp at Cottonwood. Mattie had school teacher for
dinner. Got 10 tons coal from Houston’s new coal mine.
Evening shellacked stairs to balcony. Had Pete candle the
eggs.
January 3, 1918 Doc Spaulding back from
Anchorage business fair. Got order from Houston Coal Co
and Wickersham at Chickaloon and Bates at Moose Creek. Wilmoth
Co. lights on the bum had electrician up from Anchorage. Hylin
back from shoeing Dan at Matanuska. Monroe Kast’s partner
in from Station.
January 4, 1918 Put Houston coal in bin, had
Hylin haul over 3 loads from track hardware store. Goods
about all moved out of old store to new store corner of Main and
Wasilla Avenue. Evening finished shellacking stairs and
grocery counter.
January 5, 1918 Busy storing
away goods from track hardware store. Installed street
light. Hylin went to Knik. Stanley hauled load oat
hay for Kid horse. Evening down to zero.
January 6, 1918 Arranged stoves in middle of
floor. Varnished the stairs to balcony. Hylin in from
Knik with lumber for Hartman.
January 7, 1918 Colder -24. Put
up coal order for Houston. Smith and partner in to trade
from Matanuska District. Moved over last of hardware from
track store. Hartman’s lining hotel with cloth and fixing
up 6 rooms in loft.
January 8, 1918 Frank Kelly
in with Saunders team to haul out wood for Anchorage. George
Zink back from Anchorage and Lander, both went in to Knik.
Lilwall back from Anchorage. Made out grocery list for Dieber
at Chickaloon.
January 9, 1918 Business quiet Got out-mail,
Let Pete Herbert go.
January 10, 1918 Got 1 good order from
Chickaloon got same ready for Fridays train.
January 11, 1918 Harold Howard
and Pete Peterson visited. Hylin went to Knik for planks
off FF dock. Evening reamed office desk Stanley got
out “Lucille News”.
January 12, 1918 Tom Caveny back from trip
to 32. Mrs. Wilmoth visited on Mrs. O. G.
January 13, 1918 Forker bros. in from
Knik. Jack Hylin in with load planks off FF dock at Knik.
January 14, 1918 Grennan
and Lutchinger in for grub. Cleaned up goods on floor,
now in shipshape again. Hylin went to Knik for lumber.
January 15, 1918 Outside
mail in. Frank Kelly left for Anchorage. Hylin
back from Knik with 2nd load lumber off of FF dock 20 x 40 = 1,600’
planks.
January 16, 1918 Grennan
and Swanson in to trade. H. E. Nye went to Anchorage
for electric wiring for Caterpillar. Kelly shipped 2 cars
of wood to Anchorage.
January 17, 1918 Nagley and wife on way to
Anchorage. Colonel Revelle in town looking after mail
carriers. Shields in from Knik. Thorpe moved camp
for road makers to coal mine near Bald Mt. Sever and Herbert
going to join Army Engineer and mess department.
January 18, 1918 Wilmoth
Co. electric lights on the bum. Fred back from Knik after
2 week job hauling coal from Goose Bay. Nagley and wife left
for Anchorage. Shields left for Knik.
January 19, 1918 Sinclair
out from Knik. Fred installed his pumps. Mattie drove Stanley
over to mile 19 for dance at Dahlquist’s, Mrs. Caveny went along.
Stanley hauled in load oat hay for Kid
January 20, 1918 Stanley got home from dance
at noon, stayed with Shorty. Puttied up banister ready
to stain and varnish.
January 21, 1918 Fred went to Knik, took Donovan’s
grub. Jack Hylin hauled wood for K. T. Co. Good sledding
again after sleet and snow storm.
January 22, 1918 Business good got 3
orders from Chickaloon. Frank Doherty visited.
Cat man back with electrical engineer, fixed Wilmoth Co. lights.
Al Crocker in to trade.
January 23, 1918 Shorty Herbert,
Meehan and others went to Anchorage. Sever sent word
to Matanuska Marshal to take charge of Rae’s horse. Ward
and Sever going to work at Aho’s camp, said to turn wood over to Fred
if Kelly didn’t take same.
January 24, 1918 Got out Seattle mail, issued
checks for D-H and Co. invoices. C. D. Johnson took over
Rae’s horse to winter from Sever. Got notice about Federal
Food Law, not over 49 lb. flour and 50 lb. sugar to a customer.
Got $300 check for teacher room annex to school building.
January 25, 1918 Evening
dance at school house and lunch at hotel. Simmons and
D. E. Blodgett came out from Knik for dance. John Bartholf
and Roy Smith went to Anchorage said they had all mining timbers
delivered at mines.
January 26, 1918 Knik dancers returned home.
Shough and Wilmoth’s left for Farmers Hall dance. Dance
at school house last night by Wasilla-ites.
January 27, 1918 Quiet in town.
Had big chicken alamode dinner, Caveny family present.
January 28, 1918 Gates in
from Knik with load spuds for Talkeetna. Evening meeting
at school house formed Commercial Club.
January 29, 1918 Business slow sold $33
worth of fur. Horning back from Seattle. Ole Jacobson
in with passenger for Iditarod. Fred in from Knik.
January 30, 1918 Shorty drove Kid to his ranch
after trunk etc. going to join war draft. Stanley drove
down to C. D. Johnson’s after spuds - had none. Harry Lander
and wife in from mines Lander hurt his shoulder.
January 31, 1918 Masters in from Palmer Station
looking for prices. Cigar drummer up from Anchorage.
Town full of people today. Solskloskey took his furs.
February 1, 1918 Peter Herbert
left for Outside to join Army or do Government work.
Got more dope on the food conserve, sell equal weight of cereals
with flour.
February 2, 1918 Patzack in from tie camp at
Sheep Creek. Fred moved Fenton’s from 16 RH to 19 RH.
A. G. Swanson in from Matanuska to trade. Sold Hamill pair
of bobsleighs.
February 3, 1918 Quiet in town.
J. G. Swanson and “K. P. Grubstake” in, evening strong
wind.
February 4, 1918 Evening
first meeting of Wasilla Commercial Club, committee appointed,
blacksmith wanted. Patzack in town.
February 5, 1918 Train 4 hours late.
Shipped Hall’s orders. Sinclair in from Knik. Gates
back from trip to Talkeetna.
February 6, 1918 Hylin shipped
Old Dan to Anchorage. Big wind on last night and today.
Carter moving his Knik house to ranch. Gates went on to
Knik.
February 7, 1918 Shipped
1 order to Palmer Station. Lander family left for trail
camp to mines. Anna Simmons came out to take telephone station
at Matanuska.
February 8, 1918 Several
Wasilla-ites left for Knik to attend a dance. Caterpillar made
it into Wasilla today and returned to Cottonwood Creek, been 3
months fixing her up. Hall in from Knik with lumber for Lander.
February 9, 1918 Very quiet day. Part
of dancers back from Knik. Stanley stayed on with Fred.
February 10, 1918 O. C. Miller in from
ranch with a flea story. Fred and Stanley back from Knik
brought out Patzack’s peas. Caterpillar up from Cottonwood
2nd trip.
February 11, 1918 Fred hauled out Miller’s
grub and brought back lumber. McMillan and wife in from
Fishhook Creek. One of Aho’s tie cutters got arm broken,
was brought here.
February 12, 1918 Ralph Wise and Lawrence in
to trade. School closed. Stanley skied down to Joe
Walton’s. Fred went to Knik. Sent income tax papers
to Feldman.
February 13, 1918 Mattie had the Spaulding
and McMillan families at dinner. Cannon went to Anchorage,
sent letter to Feldman.
February 14, 1918 Horning and Chas Bartholf
in on way to mines. Moulton, Smith and Shonaker in on way
to Yukon District. Placed small order for fall delivery from
Black Mfg. Co. Cannon and Hylin back from Anchorage.
Zero weather. Turner went after B. D. sawmill machine.
February 15, 1918 Business quiet zero
weather. Meehan and son V. went to Chickaloon.
February 16, 1918 John Aho
in from tie camp. Shough and Wilmoth took in dance at
Farmers Hall. Mattie went down to Black’s.
February 17, 1918 Snowed 6”. McMillan
family returned to RH 31½, Hall went to 28.
February 18, 1918 Saindon
in from Matanuska. Haller in with vegetables. Evening
Commercial Club met paid dues for 1 year.
February 19, 1918 Mail in got January
papers, store news. Sam Kelly, Capt. Nick and Albert Dohrmann
in from Anchorage went on to Knik. Got order from Talkeetna.
February 20. 1918 Chinook
weather. Got phone order from 184. School kids preparing
for February 22nd doings.
February 21. 1918 Chinook weather, snow
going fast. Capt. Nick back from Knik. Sent in invoices
tax $46.16. Got out-mail.
February 22. 1918 School children held appropriate
exercises for George Washington's birthday and organized Auxiliary
Red Cross Club followed by a dance, people from Knik Matanuska
and Palmer present. Fred Strand music.
February 23. 1918 Busy taking
inventory for Food Administration Washington D. C. Red
Cross organization was a success. Chinook weather snow
going fast.
February 24. 1918 Very quiet. PM
drove out on new coal road. Evening worked in food reserve
inventory. Got order for Thorpe Coal Mine groceries etc.
February 25, 1918 Put up one 57 lb. order.
Finished grocery inventory to send to Washington D. C.
Goldstern, fur man, in route to Talkeetna. Gus went to Knik
with Fred’s team.
February 26, 1918 Meehan and Star Tobacco man
in for orders. Fred in from Knik with load lumber, several
in town today. Harper bros. in from states.
February 27, 1918 Lander and Boswell in town.
Aho and phone pole cutters in. Tweeden got contract for
5 cords of wood for school.
February 28, 1918 Cold wave, -20, business
fair. Lander family left for mines. Fred in from
Knik with load lumber for Zink. New Agent came to relieve
Harmon.
March 1, 1918 Agent Harmon left for Seattle
on a 6 week leave. Hall left for 28. Shough drove
to Aho’s tie camp. Telephone pole cutters busy around Lucille
Lake. Stanley made treasurer of Junior Red Cross business very
quiet.
March 2, 1918 Fred in with Zink’s house lumber.
Tweeden bucking up 5 cords wood for school. Got phone
from Chamberlain, Anchorage, told him nothing doing up here.
“Cat” went to coal mines.
March 3, 1918 Light snow, very quiet in town.
Mrs. Caveny and Hartman mushed out to Thorpe Coal Mine.
Stained balance of banisters.
March 4, 1918 Fine snow all AM.
Put corrugated iron over gasoline in Stanley’s playhouse.
Got phone from Nagley, Anchorage, to ship eggs. Lofstrom
in from Houston had closed down coal mine.
March 5, 1918 Gus came out
from Knik, report came that Jackson, agent at Matanuska died.
Made out seed order to come from Minneapolis. Got 12 cwt of
Thorpe-Brassell coal from Bald Mt. Mine.
March 6, 1918 Fred in with
balance of his Knik house logs. Iditarod mushers now going
back. “Cat” men in from coal mine but no “Cat”.
March 7, 1918 Barney Watson
in, paid all back claims against Admiral Line. H. C. Dohrman
and wife came up from Anchorage. Joe Palmer in from Nelchina
District. Mr. Harris in from Cache Creek Dredge Company.
March 8, 1918 Got 18 cwt
more of Bald Mt. coal. “Cat” men gave up hauling out coal.
Got $105 Nelchina order from Joe Palmer. Henry and wife
returned to Anchorage. Admiral Watson went to Chickaloon.
March 9, 1918 Week ending
has been on cold wave, some nights -23. Stanley attended
dance at Matanuska with Shough family. Anton Smith in with
Mrs. Radder and schoolmarm Finger Lake District. Mrs. Needham
returned to ranch after visit with Dr. Spaulding’s folks.
March 10, 1918 Carl Wikman down from
Chickaloon. Joe Palmer back from Knik. Phone poles
cutters and haulers moved camp 26 miles west of Wasilla.
March 11, 1918 Put up 2 Nelchina orders. Chickaloon
Conway in with sample of vegetables. Gus looking for thawing
machine. Smith went to Aho’s tie camp.
March 12, 1918 Sent New York
Life agreement paper for $2000 loan. Cache Creek Harris
back from Anchorage sold him some tools. Fred went to Knik
for last of his house.
March 13, 1918 Got phone
order from Houston. Houston agent removed to Matanuska.
Railway office closed temporarily. Hughie Goodell in from
27½. Joe Palmer left for Nelchina District.
Fred delivered last of his house.
March 14, 1918 Young Fowler
of Pacific Groceries Co. after orders. John, Evan and
Theodore over from Old Knik. Zink in from Knik. Gus
started foundation on Tract A railroad lot. Wrote B and H
about taking over D-H and Co. stock
March 15, 1918 Quiet in town. Fred
in from Knik with last of his freight. Zink went to Anchorage.
Sent mail to Anchorage by Young Fowler.
March 16, 1918 Very quiet. Stanley rode
Kid out to Miller’s. Shields came in from Knik.
Got phone from Henry he was going to join Army Wednesday.
March 17, 1918 Metz and Johnson in to
trade. Stanley back from Miller’s ranch. Fred started to
haul in Sever and Ward wood.
March 18, 1918 Dick Richards
in from Iliamna District. Big bunch of dog teams going
Inside. Evening made up Fred’s account. Anchorage
tomorrow.
March 19, 1918 Big wind. Got ready
to drive to Junction to catch train to Anchorage, on account
of big wind cut her out. Got apples and tobacco from Pacific
Grocery Co. Sam Kelly in from Knik. Judge Vinol in, going
north. Evening still blowing.
March 20, 1918 Blizzard wind. Left 8:30
train, train stuck in drift below town. Stanley sold apples
chocolate and gum to passengers. Got out drift 3 PM, arrived
in Anchorage 5:45 PM put up at Anchorage Hotel.
March 21, 1918 Called on D-H and Co.,
Claud Lambson was in charge, agreed to look after business until
navigation opened up, business very quiet in all lines in Anchorage.
Wrote Feldman situation here. Paid Logman $4. Paid
for this diary $2. Mrs. Nagley had a son.
March 22, 1918 Wind still blowing.
Looked over books and accounts of D-H and Co. Met Mr.
Ainsley of Bank of Alaska. Mrs. Morrison promised to pay
her bill when she sold her spuds. Sam Kelly returned to Knik.
Paid for wire rope clips 50¢ paid for cold cream 65¢.
March 23, 1918 Cold wind all day.
Saw Price and Bennett, they wanted to take over D-H Co. hardware
stock. Ainsley wanted to handle sale of store and my placer
mine. McNally wanted me to take over Wasilla Lumber Co. Got
letter from Mattie by Conrad.
March 24, 1918 Saw Price and Bennett.
Bennett got cold feet on account of being drafted for Army,
D-H and Co. deal off. Linoleum man wanted me to sell his
linoleum. Took out marine insurance police through Lowry
and Pike. Evening saw picture show with Nagley.
March 25, 1918 Left Anchorage
for Wasilla, Stanley met me at Junction with Kid horse, arrived
home 2 PM. Mattie just sold 3 small outfits. Wire
came that Germans had broke through British lines and were shelling
Paris.
March 26, 1918 Ranchers Miller, Lawrence, Johnson,
Gustafson, Grennan, Wise and many others in to trade, we got
em. Got mail ready to send via Anchorage by Tom Caveny.
March 27, 1918 Hartman went to Anchorage, took
over Davis candy stock. Report came that Germans still
making drive and had lost 400,000 men. French and American
soldiers came to the aid of British.
March 28, 1918 Put up 1 prospecting order for
Cache Creek District. Fred went to Knik. Jack Hammel
left Evinrude for sale, net $40 to him. No war news today.
Evening got out-mail.
March 29, 1918 Mattie went out to visit McMillan’s
at mile 31½. C. H. Huff bought outfit for Kashwitna.
Tom Aiken party in, in route Inside to set up a dredge business
fair. Fred back from Knik with load for Forker. Hylin
went to Anchorage. Nakita in with snowshoes.
March 30, 1918 Carl Wikman down from Chickaloon
to trade. Fenton’s up against it for grub. Stanley
drove out PM to Miller’s ranch to meet his mother on Sunday there.
Meehan sold his house to Zink.
March 31, 1918 Fred moved Kids barn from track
location to rear of store lot. Stanley and Martha got
back from 31½ and O. C. Miller’s ranch. Time moved
ahead 1 hour all over U. S. to get more daylight. Evening
kids party at Davis house for Otis birthday 14 years old.
April 1, 1918 All fools day, business
rotten. Hughes in from Knik. Made out groc. price list
for Federal Food Administrator Thane Alaska. Report came
that Fred Laubner was dead 150 miles out of Seattle.
April 2, 1918 Wet snow storm all day.
Shough got load Miller’s sawdust from Hartman. Aho’s telephone
pole cutters through. Roy Smith took horses to Junction
and left for Anchorage. Preacher held service at Hotel Hartman.
Busy all day in store. Winters and Fischer in from Chickaloon.
April 3, 1918 Meehan family quit Wasilla left
for Anchorage Hartman putting up ice. Fred hauling
in his barn logs. Fred Winters left for Knik. Evening snowing.
April 4, 1918 All the school kids went over
to visit Finger Lake School, Matt went along drove Kid to Black’s.
Wire came 10 men due April 6th for GB Mines. Put up order
for Chickaloon. Mattie and kids back at 5 PM.
April 5, 1918 Fred drove to Knik took Winters
baggage. Business quiet made out order for flour
and substitution on Schilling goods. Zink got 4’ cement
flu blocks. No war news today.
April 6, 1918 Phone came to notify ranchers
that all bids were rejected. New bids required open 10th
on spuds. New Russian government formed will put 1,500,000
soldiers against Germans.
April 7, 1918 Mattie, Lilwall and Stanley drove
out to inform ranchers that bids for spuds must be in by Wednesday
next. Varnished front of 3 counters put cupboard catches
on sink. Fred in from Knik.
April 8, 1918 Fred hauled spuds for Strandberg.
Larson and Wells back from Knik. Dad Clark went to Eska
Creek. Zink remodeling mushers house. Davidson and
Nickleson bros. in to trade.
April 9, 1918 Train only came to Cottonwood
Creek on account of cuts blowed full of snow. Many
passengers got off at Wasilla. Cache Creek Harris on way
in. Fred Carter in to trade. Gus raised frame to
his track warehouse. Fred shod Kid horse.
April 10, 1918 Shough drove over to Aho’s tie
camp. J. G. Johnson in to trade. Jack Hamel in from
Cottonwood. Paul Forker in from Knik. Packed spud and
onion order for Nagley, Talkeetna.
April 11, 1918 Train bucked through snow drifts
by lakes, arrived 3 PM, went on and made it through to Houston.
Man and wife in from Ruby gave his dog team to Andy Conrad.
Jack Hylin back from Anchorage.
April 12, 1918 Stanley for Anchorage morning
train to have his teeth attended to. Lilwall went to
Anchorage. Conway and O. C. Miller in to trade. Evening
fixed up report for Wasilla School, OGH treasurer.
April 13, 1918 A-1 warm day sledding
gone on Main Street. School election, old board re-elected,
self got 20 out of 24 votes for treasurer. Hylin and his “girl”
mushed dogs to 28 after her sleeping bag.
April 14, 1918 Drove Wasilla to Knik
to see about packing up merchandise for Wasilla store.
One to two feet of snow on street at Knik. Packed shoes hats underwear
and shelf goods. Fred pulled nails out of dock flooring.
April 15, 1918 Knik to Wasilla,
self brought 1,000 lbs. With Kid on red sled and Fred
brought a ton on double enders, arrived at noon, brought out shoe
case also. Snow all gone on Main Street stores to railroad.
Evening marked up blankets.
April 16, 1918 Snowed 6”. Stanley
and Lilwall back from Anchorage. Fred hauled in timbers
for Gus. Wasilla Lumber yard flooded with water. Shipped
Anderson’s sheep head for Shields to Chickaloon. Knik tomorrow
for freight.
April 17, 1918 Wasilla to Knik.
Drove in for more freight. PM cleaned up warehouse to remove
28’ more of corrugated iron. Evening packed up load on red
sled shoes etc. slept on cot over store.
April 18, 1918 Knik to Wasilla.
Left Knik 4:30 AM arrived at Wasilla 9:15 AM. Gold Bullion outfit
arrived from Seattle also Harvey Bartholf to open up Martin
Mine. Shipped order to Palmer. Got order from Gold
Cord Mine. Mrs. Lander came out from mine to Knik.
April 19, 1918 Snow in the morning.
Wasilla to Knik. Harlow went along, Gus had most of iron
off warehouse and end in place. Packed up load of odds
and ends on red sled. Fred in PM after hauling Moffit’s
logs.
April 20, 1918 Knik to Wasilla.
Brought in 3rd load on red sled. Reported Mabel Mine deal closed.
Got phone from Bank of Anchorage D-H and Co. had overdrawn.
Vogler moving off ranch to Anchorage. Fred brought in load corrugated
iron from Knik to Wasilla.
April 21, 1918 Spring rain. AM
drove to Knik for more goods. Fred went in for balance
of iron. Packed up tobacco odds and ends of hardware etc.
April 22, 1918 Knik to Wasilla.
Got up 4 AM loaded up sled. Trail soft thawing all night.
Fred brought balance of corrugated iron canned beans paint etc.
Adam Simmons brought out load corrugated iron for Tom Caveny.
April 23, 1918 Sold $150 mining outfit to McClinton
and partners. Cudahy’s man in got no orders. Fred
sold Ward and Severs wood to Hotel Hartman.
April 24, 1918 Vogel's family left for Anchorage.
Hughes bought Evo’s hay, moved horses out from Knik to eat it
up. Thorpe rented Evo’s ground.
April 25, 1918 Harvey Bartholf back from Knik.
Austin, colored man, in with freight for mines. Chas
Bartholf in from Gold Cord. Shough took out Gold Cord
freight. Shipped disc harrow to Palmer.
April 26, 1918 Cleaned up some of Knik
freight in store. Elder in from Kashwitna tie camp.
Harvey Bartholf left for mines.
April 27, 1918 Gus got corrugated iron on his
track warehouse. Hall in from 28 hauling for Austin the
colored man. Ed Danielson in to trade hauled lumber etc.
from old store.
April 28, 1918 Jack Hammel and Evo in.
Harry Lander in from GB trail. Stanley went fishing got
wet.
April 29, 1918 Cloudy light rain business
slow. Placed some of Knik goods on shelves. Evening
set up Egry register one side of casting was broken. Fred
started to build barn on his lot. Speeder went through to 174.
April 30, 1918 Primary election all the
ranchers in to vote. Harman and bride arrived government
railroad agent kids tin canned them. Got $2,000 loan from
my life insurance company. Mrs. Dr. Schlaben visiting Dr.
Spaulding’s. Post Hole Pete in town. Got several seed
orders.
May 1, 1918 A-1 day signs of spring approaching.
Twelve feet of snow reported at mines. Very quiet in
town. Lander left for Anchorage through with GB Co.
May 2, 1918 Drake in from Palmer for
outfit. McMillan in from 29½ RH. Alex over
from Old Knik with geese for sale. Railway company put on
6 men on section. Wired Fischer bros. Co. $1,000 on account.
May 3, 1918 Put money till by cigar case.
Wagner started to plow his garden. Fred got his barn up
one story. Hughes and Blackie in town.
May 4, 1918 Got order from Lawrence.
Evening Fred went to Knik with wagon first trip.
May 5, 1918 Made blocks to hold gold sign in
front of store. Evening Fred back from Knik brought screen
door and paint. Sid Betman came out from Knik. Mattie
and Stanley visited on Jacobson.
May 6, 1918 Grennan and Raybolt in to trade.
Got iron braces made to hold gold sign business slow.
Farmers after seed grain. Found our seeds were docked
at Juneau because Farragut accident, will come here by Friday.
May 7, 1918 Hung Knik Trading gold sign in
front of store. Rae and family arrived. Oscar Tryck
arrived from Outside. Wilmoth Co. got their seed grain
business fair today.
May 8, 1918 Horning in from Gold Cord
Mines. Wise in looking after seeds. Evening drove
over to Junction made screens for house.
May 9, 1918 Chief Engineer of A. E. Commission
visited at Wasilla about sidewalks from railroad crossing to
store. Moose Hank Rodwell in from Talkeetna with horse.
Train went through to Montana Creek from 174. Everybody going
fishing.
May 10, 1918 Horning and family in from
Knik in route to mines. Black hauling Rae’s lumber from
Knik to Wasilla. Fred plowing for Dalquist.
May 11, 1918 Grenna, Swanson and Haller in
for seeds. Shough took Horning family to mile 31½
with Caveny’s team. Black in from Knik with 2nd load lumber
for Rae’s house Wasilla. Put away winter goods.
May 12, 1918 Black hauled in 3rd load lumber
etc. for Rae, said road was no good from Knik to Wasilla.
Put screen over transom of store front door. Evening hard rain.
Feldman in Anchorage.
May 13, 1918 Quiet in town. Gus
went to Knik.
May 14, 1918 Minnesota seeds arrived after
2 weeks delay at Juneau. Shipped Weiss and Saunders seed
orders. Fred plowed and planted Cannon’s ground.
Jacobson in for seed grain.
May 15, 1918 O. C. Miller in for seeds.
Lander in from Knik reported that Palmer’s store burned down 2
AM.
May 16, 1918 Lawrence in from 28. Mrs.
Vance and Byron Bartholf Jr. in from Anchorage. Major
Watt up on account of Wasilla sidewalks. Failed to get
Lilly seeds on train today. Eggs and meats also in Anchorage.
May 17, 1918 Tom Caveny got labor contract
to put in sidewalks from railroad tracks to stores for $100,
A. E. Commission to furnish lumber etc. Rae building 8 room
house on his lot.
May 18, 1918 Ralph Weiss
over from ranch to trade. Raybold phoned for seeds.
Stanley painted warehouse for Gus. Bogard in. Got
order from rancher for 20 pigs.
May 19, 1918 Davis sold out their lots
and tent houses. Hung screen door to living room.
Varnished outside doors on south side of store. Fred back
from planting Clark’s ground.
May 20, 1918 Heavy rain, quiet in town.
Had Rufe pile up store wood.
May 21, 1918 Lilly seeds, eggs and ham arrived,
delayed 3 weeks account Farragut accident. Work train went through
to fix end of main line. Father sent his picture, 73 and
looking good.
May 22, 1918 Spaulding’s
went to Anchorage. Louis Lund in from Knik for tobacco.
Caveny put in mud sills and posts for sidewalk from stores to tracks.
Chas Ward in from Knik. Gave O. C. M. chair to school.
May 23, 1918 Marino bros. in to trade.
Sam McMillan in, bound for Anchorage. Got mail out paid
Lilwall to balance account to date.
May 24, 1918 Ice disappeared on Lucille
Lake. Lilwall went to Anchorage. McMillan went to
Anchorage. Davis family packing up to go Outside.
Trimmed window with Schilling goods. Sowed oats on lot
aft of store.
May 25, 1918 Stanley and mother drove Kid on
cart to Knik. Rae in from trip to mines said O. C. Miller
was “bugs” on fleas, that he should be looked after. Jack
Hammel in to trade.
May 26, 1918 Sold Hammel a bunch of seed grain.
Varnished sink cupboards and back door. Mattie and Stanley
back from Knik, sold $111.65 groceries hardware and clothing at
Knik store while there 1 day. Tryck digging a well.
Sophus Anderson in for clothing.
May 27, 1918 Black went to Knik for more of
Rae’s lumber. Ed Taggert in from Cache Creek said they
hauled on snow up to May 10th. Mrs. Rae applied for Wasilla
School.
May 28, 1918 Business gaining, got seeds
back from Saunders and sold all but peas. McClinton and
new partner in from Anchorage. Had Fred harrow in oats
on back lots. Black in from Knik cut road all up with heavy
load. Dad Ford in from Knik.
May 29, 1918 Cleaned up hams. Hall
took out McClinton and partner. Caveny unloaded sidewalk
lumber. Gus planted spuds on his lot. Zink got roof
on his house on Knik Street. Kid and Mabel horses beat it
for Knik.
May 30, 1918 Fischer in from Knik.
McMillan in from roadhouse. Shough back from Anchorage
with Ford truck. Got railway letter from Feldman mailed
at Seward. Sent school bond to Anchorage to be executed.
Caveny started to lay plank walk. GB packers in.
May 31, 1918 Gus clearing Knik Street.
Davis family left Wasilla for States. McMillan left with
load for mile 31½. Tryck started to put drop siding
on his house on Knik Street. Ford left on train for Anchorage.
June 1, 1918 Caveny finished sidewalk from
Knik Trading Co. store to railroad track. Busy all day
making out monthly bills.
June 2, 1918 Stanley went out with Shough’s
Ford truck to fix road. Jacobson in to trade. John
Bartholf camped at Cottonwood Creek.
June 3, 1918 Put up order for Brassel
bros. for prospecting at Willow Creek. Fred drove to Knik
to plant Knik Trading Co. barn lot. Caveny went along after
horses got back 6 PM brought Kid horse too.
June 4, 1918 A-1 summer day business
good over $100 mark. Brassel bros. left for Willow to
prospect. Shough made first trip with car to mile 30.
Spaulding’s broke camp to move to mines. Capt. Evans in
from Palmer for outfit. School board decided on Mrs. Rae
for teacher.
June 5, 1918 Weather hot business slow.
Mrs. Wilmoth doing a lot of “spouting” about school teachers,
all uncalled for.
June 6, 1918 Weather warm, 100° in
the sun. Byron Bartholf up from Anchorage. Also Major
Watt to inspect street clearing and also sidewalks under construction.
Anderson of Mohawk Mine arrived from Anchorage. Evening attended
Commercial Club. Elected secretary because Dr. Spaulding
went out with both cars 2nd trip.
June 7, 1918 Fred back from planting lot at
Knik sold $26.50 worth of goods out of Knik store. Caveny
finished sidewalk, railroad to Wilmoth Co. store. Evening
self and family visited on C. D. Johnson came back by boat.
June 8, 1918 Caveny finished sidewalks from
railroad to stores. Gus and Fred clearing streets.
Mrs. Wilmoth raising more “hell” about school and schoolmarms.
Wagner burning lot near railroad.
June 9, 1918 Stanley walked out to Miller’s.
Mattie and self drove out to get Miller to come in and reset
furnace, got home 7 PM skeeters on the job. At mile 19
found Mrs. Fenton sick in bed, she had sent to the mines for her
husband.
June 10, 1918 Shough having time with his car
backfiring. Lander back from mile 32. Sent Stanley
out to Fenton’s, Mrs. Fenton better.
June 11, 1918 John Bartholf family arrived
from Anchorage to go to mines. Mohawk Anderson trying
to bond Miller and Bartholf for GB extension. O. C. Miller
came in to reset furnace and build fence around back store lot.
June 12, 1918 O. C. Miller started to build
fence around store lots. Bartholf bunch left for mines.
Saunders in on way to Knik for corrugated iron.
June 13, 1918 Shipped 2 orders
Palmer and Chickaloon. Lander in from Knik, moving out
to his summer house at mile 32. Henderson here looking
over school situation. O. C. Miller on fence 2nd day.
June 14, 1918 Bert O’Brien in bum at GB Mines.
Miller back evening from his ranch. Henderson left to
inspect school for Black and Edlund. Big fire in Wagner’s
lot from street clearing.
June 15, 1918 Very dry farmers getting good
burn on cleared land. Shough still fixing on his cars.
Frank Fleckenstein killed black bear a mile out of town.
Air full of black bugs. Miller 3rd day on fence.
June 16, 1918 Several men in from Cache Creek
District. Shough got both cars out of commission trying
to fix same. Miller finished fence on back lot, total time
on fence 3½ days.
June 17, 1918 Miller started to reset furnace,
self wheeled out dirt from pit. Haley and McClarty in
from Knik. Black in to trade. Shough took out load
for Mabel. O. C. Miller worked on furnace 1 day.
June 18, 1918 William Martin arrived.
Settled up with Jack Hylin. Major Watts up to inspect clearing
of streets OK’d same.
June 19, 1918 Mosquitoes
bad today. At noon Fred and Gus started to scrape out
for warehouse aft of store, self and Miller got cement work done
in furnace room. Fred and Gus and team ½ day on warehouse.
Miller 3rd day on furnace.
June 20, 1918 H. H. Drake in from Moose Creek
to trade. St Louis shoes came. Fred and Gus finished
scraping out for warehouse.
June 21, 1918 Whitridge Foster
and Bennet arrived from Iron Creek . Evening Mattie drove Miller
out to ranch mosquitoes very bad on road. Frank Fleckenstein
left to go to Army. Stanley and kids went in swimming 1st
time. Commercial Club met.
June 22, 1918 Grennan and Hammil in to trade.
Fischer and Haley returned to Knik. Fred working on his
barn. Wired for milk and onions.
June 23, 1918 Henry Fischer back from
Knik bought outfit went to Eska Coal Mines. Fixed up Shough auto
pump. Rained about all night much needed for crops.
June 24, 1918 Fred and Gus removed iron off
track store building on account of moving frame aft of new store
on Main Street. School kids taking examination. Got
out petition for commissioner at Wasilla. Evening Miller back from
ranch.
June 25, 1918 Train day no mail.
Got stove from Anchorage for school house. Adam and Herman
in from Knik. Lander and Martin back from Anchorage.
Black hauling freight for Martin. Sold Lander outfit for mile
32 place. Martin helped Gus and Fred get store building on
track ready to move to lot aft of store.
June 26, 1918 Lander left on auto with paint
nails etc. to fix up Mile 32 RH for summer quarters. Self, Zink
and Miller helped Fred and Gus move track store building
Ford’s kid back from Cache Creek via Talkeetna and railroad.
June 27, 1918 Got skid timbers out from track
store building and same in place aft of store. Fred and
Zink worked most of day. O. C. Miller worked all day. Sent
final payment on Lot 18 block 1 Wasilla. Caveny family
ready to leave for Outside.
June 28, 1918 School closed,
teacher gave kids dinner at hotel. Road Commission started
to work on road at mountain end. Self and Miller put corrugated
iron on side walls of store warehouse. Cavney family left
for Anchorage.
June 29, 1918 Fred helped Miller nail
corrugated iron on roof of store warehouse. Put up order
for Mabel Mine. George Kennedy in from Talkeetna to plant
garden at 16 RH.
June 30, 1918 Fred and Miller finished laying
roof on store warehouse. Miller built new closet aft of warehouse.
Shough took Harman family out to 31½ RH for a ride on
auto. Fred 5 days on warehouse.
July 1, 1918 Self and Miller got closet covered
in and north side store warehouse. Fred put roof on his
barn. Evening Tryck in from road camp mile 33. Got a
few small orders.
July 2, 1918 Train day, got order from
Chickaloon. Waller and several up from Anchorage in route
to Willow Creek. Miller finished up water closet.
Worked most all night to get out 1917 and 1918 school report.
July 3, 1918 Stanley and mother left
on morning train to do Anchorage and the 4th of July.
Very quiet in town. Fred in from Knik with load K. T. Co. planks
off dock. Miller finished repair work on store warehouse.
July 4, 1918 Quiet at Wasilla.
Mattie and Stanley at Anchorage for the 4th of July.
Fred back from Knik with load of planks off gangway for sidewalk
brought 3 kegs nails. Cliff Hall through freighting going
to 1st love.
July 5, 1918 Train day business good.
Frank Bartholf and bunch Oklahoma millionaires arrived to look
at Willow Creek Mines. Mattie and Stanley back from Anchorage.
Shough took out 20 passengers to 31½. Evening Fred
in with 2nd load lumber from Knik.
July 6, 1918 Drove to Knik to pack up hardware
etc., stayed all night. Fred came in late sold $10 hardware.
July 7, 1918 At Sunny Knik, very warm
day. Got load hardware etc. ready for Fred, left 7 PM arrived
Wasilla 10:30, brought caps and ladies summer underwear on cart.
Fred delivered load lumber and hardware.
July 8, 1918 Miller resting up on account of
rheumatics. Fred drove to Knik.
July 9, 1918 Train day business good.
Milo Kelly Conroy and Capt. Gaikema in from Anchorage.
Sold 4 outfits. Miller started to lay sidewalk along
south side of store. Fred in with load of planks and doors.
July 10, 1918 George Zink left for Kelly Mines,
returned evening for pack horse. Miss Clark left for Anchorage.
Fred and O. C. Miller left for Knik to fix up Fred’s car.
Brassel bros. in from mines. Got wire from Feldman about D-H
and Co.
July 11, 1918 A. K. Kempton
of Seattle here. A junk buyer the man Feldman’s wired wanted
to buy Anchorage store. Cigar man here from Anchorage for
orders. Evening 4 of Tryck’s men in to go to Palmer to
fix bridge washing out. Shough broke hub on car. Lander
in from 32.
July 12, 1918 Business good sales over
$200. Lander went to Anchorage. Shough took Caveny
out to Mabel. Mr. Rock in evening, said truck broke down
on way out. Both cars out of commission. Packed order
for Brassel bros. and Mabel Mine.
July 13, 1918 Self and Stanley drove
in to Knik to pack up goods. Met Fred and Miller at mile
11 hauling car out with team, engine quit them at mile 1 out of
Knik. Slept over store.
July 14, 1918 At Sunny Knik. Packed
up balance of shoes and rubbers, caps, sheets, etc. and 2 boxes
hardware. Left Knik 5:15 arrived Wasilla 8:30 3¼
hours. Got paint for Zink.
July 15, 1918 Business bum. Miller
took over Fred’s auto truck for $1,000 payments. Fred’s
store bill $200 for food and his note 4/1/19 $500. Miller
cleaning up engine all day. Shough got his passenger car running
again.
July 16, 1918 Mr. Doherty down from Chickaloon.
Herron and party up from Anchorage brought their car.
Shough went through bridge and broke his car above mile 28.
Fred in from Knik with lumber and boat went out for Shough.
July 17, 1918 Miller building kitchen on his
Boundary Street lot. Evening made out bill of sale of
Fred’s truck to O. C. Miller for $1,000. Agent Harmon located
ranch west of Cannon’s ranch on lake. Stanley visited on Black
kids. Sinclair in from Iron Creek District.
July 18, 1918 Frank and Byron Bartholf in from
mines also Herron party. Sales near $200. Fred
and Miller drove to ranch for lumber for Miller house Wasilla.
July 19, 1918 Grennan in
to trade. Miller and Fred back from O. C. ranch with load
lumber. Lilwall and Bartholf bunch went to Anchorage.
Miller got his kitchen under cover. Horning in from mines.
July 20, 1918 Stanley and self cleaned up back
yard aft of store. Otto towed in Shough’s broken auto
truck with McMillan’s team. Miller finished his kitchen.
July 21, 1918 Finished cleaning up back yard.
Mattie drove out to mile 19. Big fire toward Fish Lake
very smoky. Doc fixing Shough passenger car ready to collapse.
July 22, 1918 Shough made
trip to Matanuska for auto repairs. Miller made grates
for sidewalk account of cellar windows. Tryck in town.
Fred drove to Knik.
July 23, 1918 Rained last night business
good got $50 order from Palmer Station. Sold Mabel Mine
tank oil and hardware. Mabel bunch in to attend company
meeting at Anchorage on the 24th. Miller went to ranch.
Bridge gang cars here. Fred in with load hardware from Knik
store. Bob Hatcher in town.
July 24, 1918 Bridge gang still in town.
Dunk McCormack and A. S. Henry on bridge gang.
A. K. Kempton back from Anchorage sold him $200 worth cotton
blankets, profit 22%. Balance of Mabel bunch left for Anchorage.
July 25, 1918 Mabel bunch back from Anchorage.
Gold Cord sold 51% of their stock for $31,000 to Smith and Swan.
Miller went to ranch also Dick Yack. Gus and road commission
gang back from fixing Palmer bridge.
July 26, 1918 Miller and self reset furnace.
Gus in town. Got word to send bid on Road Commission
grub to Anchorage message came to late. Evening put gravel
in kids stall.
July 27, 1918 Miller jointed
up hot air pipe to furnace. Barney Johnson got contract
to drive tunnel on new Mabel Mine.
July 28, 1918 Mattie drove Stanley to Junction.
Stanley went to Anchorage on business for K. T. Co. Fred and
team finished grading for sidewalk on Wasilla Avenue. Miller fixed
roof around chimney. Danielson over from Finger Lake with party of
girls.
July 29, 1918 Stanley at Anchorage on
business for K. T. Co. business quiet. Phoned to D-H and
Co. for gas engine oil. Miller finished sidewalk on Wasilla
Avenue. Miller’s time on Wasilla Avenue sidewalk 3½
days. Tryck back from Anchorage.
July 30, 1918 Good rain last night business
fair. Marshal from Junction left papers for sale of D-H
and Co. Anchorage property. A. E. C. teams arrived to work
on grading Willow Creek Road. Stanley back from Anchorage.
July 31, 1918 Got good order from
Mabel Mine. Evening fixed up Miller’s account to date.
Miller working on his shop building. Fish Commissioner Martin
tore out fish traps at mile 12 they were blocking up creek.
Capt. Nick and Conroy went to Anchorage. Train 3 hours late.
August 1, 1918 G. B. Thompson in from States.
Sold $82 order at Eska Creek. Fred took load freight out
for GB. Miller got his shop under cover.
August 2, 1918 H. E. Feldman arrived
to consult about D-H and Co. business in Anchorage. He
reported that Bank of Anchorage were after our building
August 3, 1918 Stanley drove Feldman down to
Junction to catch train to Anchorage. Section hands and
all the farmers putting up salmon. Evening Black back from
Mabel Mine.
August 4, 1918 Salmon fishers through, good
run of fish up Cottonwood Creek, Stanley caught 14. Put
down small keg. Cleaned up warehouse aft of store.
Roads getting bad on account of grading road while wet at mile 25.
August 5, 1918 Jessie Garver in on way
to Talkeetna. Reported that U. S. and French Army captured
Crown Prince’s Army with 800,000 soldiers. Shough borrowed
Swanson’s team to haul freight on account of bad roads.
August 6, 1918 Chas Bartholf
up from Anchorage to mines brought Anderson’s Mill. Black
moved same out of Craggie Creek. Alvah Ames in to inspect
Post Office. Shough went out with team and auto.
Miller went to ranch.
August 7, 1918 Showbeck and Wilson up from
Junction by auto to look up road connecting Palmer Road with
Wasilla. Frank Forker in from mines. Went to Anchorage
moved gas tank from alley to aft of store and installed 2 lights.
August 8, 1918 Put up order for Mabel Mine
and Capt. Gaikema and the Judge. Harvey Bartholf in,
quit job with Martin. Frisby in town. Mrs. Courtland
in from end of line and went out to see her love at mile 28.
Fred went to Knik.
August 9, 1918 A-1 day salmon still running
business very quiet. Unpacking Knik hardware and remarking
same. Fickinger, Frisbie and Harvey Bartholf went to Anchorage.
Dad Clark got pump job at Brown Lake mile 184.
August 10, 1918 Stanley painted front of store
warehouse. Road Commission in for supplies. Fred
in from Knik with load. Brought scales rope chain etc.
Got offer for hydraulic plant.
August 11, 1918 Moose Hank and Otto in
from mines said GB and Martin raised miners wages to $5 per
day. Mabel bunch complaining about poor grub.
August 12, 1918 Made up list of hydraulic pipe
wanted by A and K Falls Creek amount $2,955.25. Fickinger
back from Anchorage, paid Mable July bill. Stanley drove
out to Miller’s, met Miller at mile 18 came back.
August 13, 1918 Harvey Bartholf back from Anchorage
brought prospecting outfit. Fred cut oat hay at mile 10.
Evening Joe Laubner in Shough car out of commission. Decorated
show windows.
August 14, 1918 Fixed up
closet seat and warehouse door because it swelled by rain.
Edlund trapped a black bear. Sent Lidell’s sub. for Sea
Power. Gus in from A. R. C. road work. Shough got
in with his car. Mattie made jelly.
August 15, 1918 Milo Kelly in with mining man
in tow. Fred in from Knik with load of rails for GB Mines.
Frank Doherty in from Chickaloon went to Willow Creek. Meats
came.
August 16, 1918 Cleaned and
hung up hams. Andrew Jacobson in from GB Mines. Frisby
in from mines. Lilwall unloaded car lumber. Evening
meeting of Commercial Club. Black in got mill on Fishhook
summit to Willow Creek.
August 17, 1918 Joe Brassel in from Willow
Creek. Put work bunch in store warehouse. Strandberg
in from railroad job. Fred took load rails to GB cache
mile 34.
August 18, 1918 Miller and Stanley drove
out to ranch to saw shingles. Ed Danielson in from Finger
Lake by boat. Whitridge and McClarty in from mines.
Jack Hammil in from Cottonwood. Moose Hank back from Talkeetna.
August 19, 1918 Manager Fleck in from Mabel
Mine. Joe Conroy in from his mine. Whitridge and
Bert left for Knik. Cliff Hall and a girl in from 28.
Fred back from GB cache.
August 20, 1918 Got eggs
and cheese. Black took ton out for Mabel Mine from K.
T. Co. Joe Conroy went up to Houston. Mrs. Courtland left
for end of line. Professor Georgeson gave talk at school
house to dairy farmers. Stanley in from Miller’s ranch.
Got phone from Feldman.
August 21, 1918 Sent in treasurers
bond by Judge Conroy. Shough in with team car broke down
at mile 30. Fred haying at mile 11. Rae left for coal
mines to work.
August 22, 1918 Gottstein
up from Anchorage. Fern in for McMillan. Shough in
from 32 hauled in his car said road was impassable mile 22 to 25.
August 23, 1918 Fern took
H. H. load out to new prospect. Cleaned up balance of hams
and box cheese. Conway over to bid on painting school house.
Miller still at his ranch.
August 24, 1918 Evening Stanley
and Swen rode over to Farmers Hall to attend dance. Wasilla
Hotel raised meals to $1 a plate.
August 25, 1918 Jacobson in to trade. Opened
up Knik goods and marked them up to Wasilla prices.
August 26, 1918 Kelly and Zink in from mines
closed down prospecting. Manager Fleck in from Mable
Mine. Conroy only bid to paint school house bid too high.
Ed O’Brien in on way to Knik.
August 27, 1918 Reported
freezing in the hills at Willow Creek. Black took load
out for Mabel. Road Commission in for supplies. Lawrence
in going Outside.
August 28, 1918 Business fair got $95
order from Chickaloon. Milo Kelly left for Anchorage
sent mail for banks and school bond with him. Miller finishing
up his workshop. Thompson in from GB. Hubbell went out
to mines.
August 29, 1918 Cudahy’s man in. Jonathan
and Chas Bartholf crowd in from War Baby Mine. Miller went
to ranch to do canning. Hubbell back from mines.
August 30, 1918 Rancher Wilson
in from Knik to work on road. G. B. Thompson drove to Junction
to catch Saturday train. Stanley started to put strips
on wall board over balcony. Painted up balance of store
warehouse.
August 31, 1918 A. R. Comm.
moved camp to mile 19. Stanley and self finished nailing
strips around balcony. Road Commission teams in for grub.
Stacked part of oat hay on barn lot.
September 1, 1918 Stanley rode down to visit
the Donovan boy. Jack Hammel in from Knik with load household
goods for Harry Brown. Evening stacked balance oat hay.
September 2, 1918 Manager Fleck in from Mabel
Mine. Capt. Nick in also Harvey Bartholf and Hatcher from
mines. Several men quitting work at mines. Wired
teacher school to open 9th.
September 3, 1918 Drake in from Moose Creek
with several orders amounting to $150. Capt. Nick on way
to Anchorage. Harry Brown in from Anchorage. Adam and
Anna in from Knik.
September 4, 1918 Train killed manager Fleckenstein’s
gray horse last night near Wasilla Lake. Harry Brown went
to McMelan’s, Harvey Bartholf and Capt. Nick went to Anchorage.
Set up coal stove in school house.
September 5, 1918 Schoolmarm
arrived to open school on the 9th. Jack Hammil in with
load of Palmer’s corrugated burnt iron. Kenny mile post gang
and cars here. Fred and Zink at Knik. Evening got out-mail.
Mrs. Tryck arrived from States.
September 6, 1918 Manager Fleck drove down
to Junction for G. B. Thompson packer. Forty Mile Miller
in from ranch, wanted to sell auto truck. Stanley and mother
scrubbed school house.
September 7, 1918 Quiet in town.
Mattie took over O. C. Miller’s auto truck to cover his 1912
notes. Shough drove auto over to Olson’s farewell dance
at Farmers Hall. Hammil and Whitridge in from Knik with
Mrs. Forker's household goods. Tryck’s papering their rooms.
September 8, 1918 Quiet in town cloudy
with light rain. Blocked up tank heater. O. C. Miller
went to his ranch. Fred and Zink in from Knik brought balance
of ammunition.
September 9, 1918 First big wind.
Put up order for Mabel Mine. Sold Wasilla Hotel 4 kegs
butter. Wrote Whiton Hardware Co. about selling auto truck.
Shough took Blodgett to Knik on account of ____ being sick
Mrs. Forker here for dinner. School opened had 10 kids.
September 10, 1918 Lilwall papered Tryck’s
house. Got statement from Feldman for D-H and Co., Anchorage.
Bill Elliott wants to sell galvanized iron. Shough paid
up his past account. Federal milk arrived and Anchorage store
gas plant. Brown left for Talkeetna.
September 11, 1918 Bald Mt. white with
snow this AM. Mrs. Forker left to take school at Loring,
near Ketchikan. Put up order for Moose Hank mile 187.
Fred took load freight out for McMillan. Zink finishing up
his Knik Street house for the schoolmarm.
September 12, 1918 Black in, loaded up 3 wagons
for GB and Mabel Mines. Put corner strips on show windows
and cleated wall board in kitchen. Got new sugar regulation
2 lb. per month per person. Wired for battery for auto car.
September 13, 1918 Shough’s locked up autos
and cabin, left for Anchorage to get job on government railroad.
Sugar card regulation: 2 lb. sugar per month to each person went
into effect.
September 14, 1918 Zink finishing
cabin for schoolmarm on Knik Street. Started gas lights
first light since April. O. C. Miller back from ranch got
contract to paint school buildings.
September 15, 1918 Railroad derrick picked
up telephone poles on Carlson’s ranch cut last spring.
Drove out to mile 19 to look over road work. Musher from
Talkeetna brought order for Mrs. Courtland.
September 16, 1918 Miller started to paint
school buildings. Hammill in from Knik with School furniture
for Eska. Evening Miller and self had a time drilling carbon
out of tube. Weiss proved up on his ranch.
September 17, 1918 Got $1,000 order to price
up from Moose Creek. Shough and Mrs. Rae back to pack
up. Fred made round trip to Knik, brought lampware and
paint. Got letter from Dad.
September 18, 1918 Set up
Gloria table lamp. Manager Fleck in. Mrs. Rae left
for Outside. Shough left for Eska Creek. Bill Koska
in from Cache Creek, said dredger turned out $80,000 per month.
September 19, 1918 Had Miller case up
front windows over balcony. Eide sent Tryck word to do
some work on Knik road per order of Wasilla Club. Evening
made bid on $1,000 order Moose Creek . Started street lamp.
September 20, 1918 Fred drove to Junction after
GB packer and freight. Schoolmarm went to Anchorage on
noon train. Commercial Club met. Miller finished up
balcony window casing and put in 1 shelf. Started to make
clothing table.
September 21, 1918 Bald Mt.
covered with snow again. Miller made 15’ table and cut
strips for front window glass. Pickle boss of territorial road
in town. Forker bros. in to join war.
September 22, 1918 Stanley went down to Edlund’s
brought back 6½ lb. cabbage. Wind blocking up
roads with wind falls. Evening set up 2 stand gas lamps.
September 23, 1918 Stanley went to mile 11
with Black’s boy for spuds and hay tools. Schoolmarm
back from Anchorage, came on speeder from Junction. No
school today. Heavy snow fall on mountains Wilmoth
Co. trying to fix electric lights.
September 24, 1918 Business fair cloudy
and cooler. Sold Kempton $450 worth junk clothing to ship
to Seattle. Corlew up from Anchorage. Miller back
from ranch. Bob Hatcher in from Anchorage. Bill Long
and Whitridge in from Knik.
September 25, 1918 Kempton
left for Anchorage. Zink went to Anchorage. Packed
up clothing sold to Kempton. Black loaded up with hay for
GB.
September 26, 1918 Business bum.
Corlew and partner back from mines. Fenton back from
coal mines because he was drafted for Army. Miller started
on 2nd coat of paint on school house.
September 27, 1918 Corlew and Mylroie
left for Anchorage. Nagley on train going to Anchorage.
Fred plowing Cannon’s lot. Forker bros. left for Anchorage
to register and go to war.
September 28, 1918 Rainy season still
on, business bum today. Miller finished painting school
house. Stanley and self put in skid board at railroad warehouse.
Stanley fell off platform bumped his nose.
September 29, 1918 Ed Danielson came
over by boat from Finger Lake, bought $68 order for Saunders.
PM walked out to mile 16, road about graded to Wasilla.
September 30, 1918 Road Commission
completed grading road Wasilla to mile 28. Hammel in
from Cottonwood with load freight for Moose - Moose Creek moving
back furniture. Cleaned up lower part of track warehouse.
October 1, 1918 Manager Fleck
back from Anchorage also Zink. Dog man arrived for Iditarod
mail carrier. Road Commission started work on Knik Road
at mile 14¼ corduroy. Got stationary for Wasilla Commercial
Club.
October 2, 1918 Martin and
men in closed down mill. Martin shipped out a few sacks
sample ore from Gold Cord Mine. Mrs. Unger left for Outside.
Road Commission returned 2 teams to A. E. Commission Anchorage.
October 3, 1918 Manager Fleck
back from mines. Shipped coil rope to Capt. Gaikema at Anchorage.
Sent Shough his springs at Eska.
October 4, 1918 Part of Tryck’s crew left for
Palmer Road via mile 25 to set up camp etc. Hamill in from
Knik also Adam Simmons. Club meeting no quorum. Allies
still driving the Huns.
October 5, 1918 Busy figuring new prices on
cereals etc. Frank Doherty in from mines and several others.
Miller went to ranch. McMillan and Thompson returned to
mines. Teacher held school today to make up for being closed
Monday. Marking 1st month of school.
October 6, 1918 Quiet in town.
Evening John Bartholf family arrived from prospecting on Willow
Creek, in route to Anchorage. Arranged goods in store cellar,
varnished new clothing table. Black brought in 1 more gas
tank from Mabel Mine. Road Commission finished corduroy at
mile 14¼.
October 7, 1918 Hall billed out his wagon,
bobsleighs, team, etc. for Talkeetna. Road commission
left to put in corduroy on Palmer Road. Frank Doherty located
ranch near Cannon’s. Evening clear and cold wind.
October 8, 1918 Business fair 2nd lot
mail dogs arrived. Got Warrant for Wasilla School fund.
Cliff Hall left with team etc. for Talkeetna. Nagley on train
for Talkeetna.
October 9, 1918 Sold Allen Hotel Matanuska
$75 order. Got order from Marshal Brown, Talkeetna.
Influenza making its rounds got a touch myself. Miller
at his ranch. Mail men packing feed to Hylin barn.
October 10, 1918 Steam shovel gang in to remove
cut by lake due to snow blocking track Mr. Ross in with
gang, McNeil and Huff. Evening Honorable Chas A. Shatzer spoke
at school house. Coal inspecting party in town photoing ranches.
Black after Mabel Mine for his pay.
October 11, 1918 Government land and
coal party left. Shipped 1 case shoes back to Brown Shoe
Co. Fred and Zink back from Knik, brought blankets shawls
and sweat pads for K. T. Co. Black went to Anchorage to settle with
Mabel Mine. Miller in.
October 12, 1918 Liberty Day, school
kids gave entertainment and dance at school house, proceeds
for Red Cross. St. Clair, Saindon, Crugg and several from
Junction attended.
October 13, 1918 Marked over blankets shawls
etc. from Knik store. A. E. commission auto car came over
line for bond sale, sold over 30,000 today. Evening work
trains back from Anchorage. Reported Germans had surrendered.
Agent Harmon cut his foot at homestead.
October 14, 1918 Ground froze all day.
Auto car with Liberty Bond agents back from end of steel, sold
$600 in Wasilla. Bought $200 bond for Stanley. A.
E. Commission sold $40,000 of bonds full allotment.
October 15, 1918 Lander back from Anchorage.
Harvey Bartholf and Horning in from mines also Dave Barnes
and Gus Swanson up from Anchorage for grading Knik Street and
digging well.
October 16, 1918 Big crowd for train today.
Both mining men and help on steam shovel gang left for Anchorage.
Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe took cook job on shovel car. Lander
in town sick on soft drink dope. Hammil in from Cottonwood.
Special train in evening.
October 17, 1918 Kempton up from Anchorage
sold him $275 clothing goods not saleable. Sold $60 order
to rancher at Palmer. Black back from Anchorage no money
from Mabel Mine. Kempton wanted price on our store.
October 18, 1918 Miller in
from ranch. Weiner in from Moose Creek. Kempton
left for Anchorage. Sent to bank to send draft to Brown
Shoe Co. Sent Capt Nick bill for chain rope etc. Evening
Club met, mailman Stewart joined club.
October 19, 1918 Froze hard last night
business slow. Stanley and self screened coal and put
same in furnace bin. Put down foundation for annex to store
warehouse to house auto truck cart etc. Fred Nelson building
his house.
October 20, 1918 Third hard freeze road holds
up wagon. Mattie and Stanley drove down to Donovan’s ranch.
PM finished foundation for annex to store warehouse. Varnished
south show window.
October 21, 1918 Black went out with 2 loads
for Bullion, broke axle at mile 20. Fred got roof on his
house on Knik Street. Packed up goods sold to Kempton.
Miller finished painting school house.
October 22, 1918 Started to put in double glass
in front of store, Miller helped. Land Dept. Engineer up
from Anchorage. Ground froze up no grading. Wilmoth
Co. trying all evening to start electric plant. Lakes closed
up.
October 23, 1918 Freezing hard at night.
Ira Miller took $100 order. Hamill in from Knik with orders.
Miller and self got in all but 5 glass store front. Horning’s
horse left to feed.
October 24, 1918 Kast went through to Talkeetna.
Ira Miller left for his ranch. Harvey Bartholf back from
Anchorage. Got invoices of fall goods. Coal oil came
up.
October 25, 1918 Hard wind all day, business
good. Sold over hundred dollar order to Knik bachelor.
Mrs. McMillan left for the States. Evening school kids
gave first program by their club. Harvey Bartholf moved
into Mabel house.
October 26, 1918 Big wind all day.
Little Nakeeta in from Fish Lake to trade. Hamill left
for Knik with bunch of small merchandise orders. Filled cellar
up with wood for furnace.
October 27, 1918 Still freezing weather.
Fred Bayer in from Little Susitna Roadhouse for clothing and
prices on groceries. Skating on lakes good. Packed
up sheep head to ship to Shields at Seldovia also clothing order
for time keeper camp 255. Settled up with Miller, he went to
his ranch.
October 28, 1918 First snow at Wasilla
ground white this AM. Kemper’s in from Susitna Coal Mine at
Houston. Stewart back from Anchorage arranged track warehouse
for winter freight due tomorrow. Old Parks showed up.
October 29, 1918 Got part of winter merchandise,
freight on Farragut yet to come. Lander family in from
32 also GB outfit in from mine. B. B. Mine closed down
Monday. Jacobson brought in load wheat hay bought same at
$45 a ton. Tryck in from Palmer Road.
October 30, 1918 Lander family left for Anchorage.
Gus Swanson and GB bunch left for Anchorage. Shipped
Horning’s house to Anchorage. Territorial Road work closed
on Wasilla and Palmer Road.
October 31, 1918 More snow about 2” fell
today business good. Sold Tolan order at Chickaloon.
Anchorage schools closed on account of Spanish Influenza.
Half of people at Seldovia down with it sent for Dr. Spaulding.
Mrs. Fenton moved in to join her husband at Chickaloon.
Mail for Iditarod arrived. Ames in town.
November 1, 1918 Snow flurries. Train
from north 5 hours late. Dr. Spaulding in from mile 32
hospital. He left for Seldovia to open hospital there.
Bothwell and last of GB bunch left for Anchorage. Fred
went to Anchorage to be examined.
November 2, 1918 Stanley and self worked on
shed annex to store warehouse. McMillan took load out to
Tryck’s camp at mile 25. Paid schoolmarm for 2nd month.
November 3, 1918 Got cash order from
Chickaloon $126. Store away vegetables etc. in basement,
Mattie candled the eggs. Started to put gas plant in school
house. Fleck and Carlson clearing school lot.
November 4, 1918 Hamill in from Knik with bobsleighs
took out double ender that Miller made over into passenger
sled. Miller finishing Fred’s house inside. Got Doherty
to take my place as judge of the election.
November 5, 1918 Election Day,
Sulzer got 31 votes versus Wickersham 6. Put up an order
for Ben Agnew. Harvey Bartholf back from Anchorage.
E. E. Hartman back from Iditarod District. Miller got patent
to homestead. Fred Nelson back from Anchorage brought influenza
with him.
November 6, 1918 Got car coal from Houston.
Harvey Bartholf left for Anchorage. Wilmoth went to Anchorage.
Deal on for Broad Pass property. Goodell in from 32.
November 7, 1918 Hamill in for Iditarod mail.
No train today on account of wreck on branch line. Fred
Carter in from his ranch. Fred and Gus unloaded ½ car
coal, Stewart got 6 tons, school 10 tons, rest for K. T. Co.
November 8, 1918 Chas Marino in after
supplies. No train to end of steel. branch train
came as far as Wasilla for passengers and freight for branch line.
Mrs. Dahlquist left to join her husband at coal camp. Wilmoth
back from Anchorage went to Seward. O. C. Miller at ranch.
Fred finished car of coal.
November 9, 1918 Sold Fred Carter an outfit.
Paid Carlson and Fleck for clearing school lot. Last
of winter freight arrived, meats, collar pads and gasoline from
Anchorage. Austria calling for Armistice.
November 10, 1918 Very quiet in town.
Finished installing Gloria gas plant in school house. Gus
and Zink drove George Gates to Knik. Wilmoth at Seward.
Forty Mile Miller at ranch. Hotel Hartman got the gripe.
Evening 8 above zero.
November 11, 1918 Weather clear -8.
A dozen more miners arrived from Iditarod. Tryck in from
mile 25 road camp. Report came that Germany signed the
Armistice with “kraut” trouble in Germany.
November 12, 1918 Business good sales
over $300. Twenty more Iditarod mushers in sold over $100
worth clothing. Fred Bayer in for grub for his Little Susitna
Roadhouse. Train 4 hours late. Sam McMillan in from
31½ Roadhouse.
November 13, 1918 Train 8 hours late from end
of steel. Big bunch Iditarod mushers left for Anchorage.
Bayer left with dog team and load for his Little Susitna Roadhouse.
Sent $500 with Lidell to pay McN and M balance on lumber.
Vic Blodgett in from Knik also Gates. Road Commission through
on Palmer Road.
November 14, 1918 Duncklee, Masters,
Nylin, in from Palmer to trade. Furrows and Panzer left
with supplies for Willow 187. Hamill in from Knik.
Order from rancher and Ben Agnew. Wilmoth back from Anchorage
brought the flu.
November 15, 1918 Junction train came to Wasilla
for their passengers and freight. Got paper with text
of Armistice terms. Germany dismantled of all war material.
November 16, 1918 Cold, -20, business
quiet. School closed for a week on account of flu.
November 17, 1918 Cold wave, -20, no
one in. Fixed side doors for double glass. Got
clothing order from end of steel.
November 18, 1918 Warming up, +16.
Put glass in side doors to store to keep from frosting.
Miller in from ranch said war was not over? Four mushers
in from Iditarod.
November 19, 1918 Weather warmer +26.
Bert Goodpaster bought outfit. Sold outfit for Skwentna
District. Native school teacher from Tyonek looking for Knik
Natives. McNeil and Blodgett in.
November 20, 1918 Chinook snow going
fast business fair. Tryck in from Palmer bridge.
Hung doors to shed annex to house auto truck, Miller fixed
Mrs. Wilmoth’s stove pipes.
November 21, 1918 Sold Indian Agent grub
for Knik Natives. Sam Kelly in from T and T camp bought
outfit and went to Knik. Chickaloon dealer here looking
for supplies. Jim shot a black bear. Miller went to
ranch.
November 22, 1918 Weather cloudy rain
+44. Gus Shores left with outfit for Skwentna. Goodpaster
back from Anchorage. Blacky in with horses from Cache
Creek. Ed Tagert and Jack Lee in from Talkeetna with bunch
of horses to winter up. Gus and Fred digging town well.
Stewart back from 1st trip with mail.
November 23, 1918 Third day of
Chinook, snow all gone in Wasilla. Stanley and self finished
roof on annex to warehouse. Doc Laubner and Capt. Norton
up from Anchorage with nurses for Knik and Susitna Natives.
November 24, 1918 Quiet in town. Filled
up coal and wood bins. Flurries of snow all day.
Fred and Gus finished town well. Filled gas tank 10 gallons.
November 25, 1918 Pete Murray and Chas Huff
bought $160 outfit for trip to the Kuskokwim District. Hamill
in from Knik said 6 Natives died at the Station with the flu.
November 26, 1918 H. A. Brown in for
merchandise from Palmer. Tryck in for draft bolts for
Palmer bridge sold him 225 lbs. Natives reported dying
everywhere with the flu.
November 27, 1918 Quiet in town.
Black in from Knik with Horning lumber for mines. Zink
sinking a well.
November 28, 1918 Turkey Day. We
had chicken dinner, Mr. Cannon dined with us. Stanley
troubled with lower front tooth. Moved Mattie’s auto truck
into warehouse annex. Very quiet no one in from country
today. Gus drove to Knik PM. No train.
November 29, 1918 Big wind today +24.
Hamill in from Knik. Black in from Knik with load lumber.
Special train up today. Marshal Hoffman in town from Junction.
Case of small pox in Seward. Snow blowed away.
November 30, 1918 Stanley went to Anchorage
for trouble with front teeth. Gus in from Knik brought
Yukon sleds box tea singletrees etc. and can of leaf tobacco.
Chas Harper down from Talkeetna went to Knik. Brassel went
to Anchorage. Evening windy.
December 1, 1918 Put board roof on kids barn
and covered up coal. Stanley at Anchorage, phone up,
teeth were alright trouble was with jaw bone. Black in from
Knik with big load lumber etc.
December 2, 1918 Had order from Moose Creek,
Matanuska, Talkeetna and Knik. Stanley visited up from
Anchorage said dentist lanced gum, teeth better. Two mushers
in from Iditarod - Ophir District. Black went home.
Edlund kids at school after 2 weeks absence. C. H. Wilson in from
Knik.
December 3, 1918 Stanley
back from Anchorage. Chas Harper left for Talkeetna.
Zink finished his well. D. Dee Blodgett in from Knik with
Adam to trade. Harvey Bartholf back from Anchorage.
Cannon heard from Zimmerman.
December 4, 1918 Stanley
stayed home with sore throat. O. C. Miller in from ranch.
Hamill in for Inside mail. Mrs. Fleckenstein and daughter went
to Anchorage. Kaiser signed abdication papers quit Germany.
December 5, 1918 Dr. Laubner and Indian
Nursing Party back from Susitna Station. Got order from
Eska. Wrote A. A. Zimmerman letter at Fairbanks to pay up
past account. Stanley home with sore throat all better.
December 6, 1918 Snowed 6” last night 19” at
Talkeetna. Stanley started to school, he was out for
4 days. Sent wire to bank of Fairbanks about Zimmerman.
December 7, 1918 Second cold wave, evening
-20. Conway paid his past account. Fred took out
Iditarod mail. Hamill stuck in snow at Station. Black
came in with load machinery and wire from FFF Ranch.
December 8, 1918 Cold, 8 PM 30 below
zero. Evening put mantle on school light broken by teacher.
Wrote A. E. Commission to find out about battery. Metz
in with Bogard’s team.
December 9, 1918 AM -32, PM -28.
Baldy from Junction up for bill of goods. Very few out
on account of cold snap. Got out Outside mail.
December 10, 1918 AM -30, PM -28.
Got wire from bank at Fairbanks that Zimmerman was in that vicinity.
Ira Miller in from Palmer to trade, took bunch of Hamill’s
burnt iron. Train 2 hours late. Road Commission through
at Palmer bridge.
December 11, 1918 AM -30, PM -25,
fifth day of cold wave. Reported -70 at Montana Creek.
Train 6 hours late from north business good. Bert Long in
from Knik went to Anchorage. Got order from Willow.
December 12, 1918 Warming up zero today
business good. Sales and collections $240. Hamill
in from Knik with orders. Got order from Eska. Simmons
in for grub. Black going to haul freight for Gold Bullion.
Got 250 tons to move to mines from Houston.
December 13, 1918 Morning -20.
Fred Nelson drove to Knik. Evening Saindon and Black in
on way to haul freight for GB Mines. Capt. Norton sold his
dog team to Stewart. Last of Red Cross Party from Station
left for Anchorage also Stewart.
December 14, 1918 Cold -10 to -24, business
quiet. Stanley helped to fill furnace coal bin.
Saindon and Nagley left for Houston with two 4 horse teams
to haul for GB. Evening all took cabinet bath.
December 15, 1918 Cold wave broke, +16.
Seven days with temperatures 10 to 30 below. Very quiet
in town. Mattie got cold in head. Sent Feldman final
notice about stock tax, wrote Williams about it. Evening
a little wind.
December 16, 1918 Black sent two 4 horse teams
to GB Mines Taylor and Tagart skinners. Fred brought
in half load of K. T. Co. merchandise general assortment.
Ed Danielson in to trade.
December 17, 1918 Bill Long back from Anchorage
also Stewart the mailman got delayed mail addressed to Knik.
Three cars of steel from Seward went through to finish track
to Talkeetna.
December 18, 1918 About sold
out on no. 15 medlicot. Herman Gromwoldt in from Fish
Lake for his summers grub. Reported scarlet fever at Anchorage.
School kids preparing for entertainment tomorrow evening.
Booth went to Anchorage.
December 19, 1918 Gromwoldt left for his ranch
at Fish Lake. Evening entertainment and dance at school
house. Several in from Knik and Junction.
December 20, 1918 Knik dancers
left for home. Teacher left for Anchorage 2 week vacation.
Evening Commercial Club met. Mattie troubled with hoarseness
in throat. Sam McMillan in. Evening warm and no wind.
Mrs. Harman went to Anchorage.
December 21, 1918 Second Chinook, evening
rain +38. Chas Marino in for grub order from Finger Lake.
Fred hauling wood for Hartman and Wilmoth. Jacobson in with
4th load wheat hay. Evening getting windy. Wagner’s
horse sick.
December 22, 1918 Quiet in town.
Heavy rain last night, snow all gone in Wasilla evening windy.
Put up Winchesters order $74. Fred and Bodin drove out to
Miller’s ranch. Bodin wants to buy Miller’s lot and shop in
Wasilla.
December 23, 1918 Ulanky and Wilson in
from Knik. Got 2 orders from out on Iditarod trail and
3 from Chickaloon. Bayer in from Little Susitna Roadhouse.
PM real blizzard for 3 hours.
December 24, 1918 Bayer left
with grub for his Little Susitna Roadhouse. O. C. Miller
sold his Wasilla property to Albert Bodin. Miller working
on electric explosive invention said teaspoon full would blow
up Wasilla. Stanley skied to Junction to take in Xmas dance.
December 25, 1918 Xmas rain snow wind
+34. Very quiet in town store closed PM. Stanley
back from Junction, had chicken dinner O. C. Miller was
guest. No one at Hotel. Gave Mattie $50, self
got 1919 diary.
December 26, 1918 Milo Kelly and Capt.
Nick up from Anchorage. Finished Xmas chicken. Evening
raining. O. C. Miller returned to ranch. Chinook
for 12 days.
December 27, 1918 Adam in from Knik.
Several big dog teams in from Flat Creek. Evening got
$300 phone order from Chickaloon. Milo and Capt. Nick
went to mines.
December 28, 1918 Trapper returned to Kuskokwim
District after trading at Wasilla. Evening Herning family
totaled up cash and credit sales July 1st to date. Stanley
set out his trap line.
December 29, 1918 Bogard’s team in.
Pete Johnson in with load oat hay from Post Hole Pete’s ranch.
Evening much warmer 34 above.
December 30, 1918 Chinook on again business
fair. Capt. Nick back from mines. Hammil fired on
mail wagon. Paid 2nd and 3rd sewer assessment Lot 1 block
29 Anchorage $46.03. Stanley troubled with ulcerated front
teeth again.
December 31, 1918 Lewis in on way to
haul for GB Mines. Capt. Nick left for Anchorage.
Stanley drove up to Jacobson’s to buy ½ ton spuds.
“Kids and Swede” town up to celebrate old year out and new year
in. Man and woman arrived from Flat Creek, reported Gold Team
at Susitna with ton of gold from Iditarod District. Lilwall
took on a dog. Old year closed with business better at Wasilla
than last year. Herning family at Wasilla Alaska on main
line of government railroad, operating K. T. Co. general merchandise
business. Our store 24 x 80 with balcony. Reported the
finest store on railroad line. Jack Lee moved out to Smith’s
ranch by lakes.
1919
Inside cover of 1919 diary: home phone
RR depot, automobile Overland 75B, insurance policy NY Life,
weight 175, height 5 10”, hat size 7¼, shirt size 16½,
shoes 8½-10.
January 1, 1919 Happy New Year. Herning family
living aft part of new store building at Wasilla Alaska on main
line of government railroad. Very quiet in town today.
Jacobson delivered spuds for the War Baby Mine.
January 2, 1919 Business humming sales nearly
$600 today. Also got $2,000 order from Nagley and Co.
Schoolmarm back from vacation at Anchorage. Gold Team in
with ton of Iditarod gold dust.
January 3, 1919 Sam Kelly, Blodgett,
Bonnet and Gus Swanson left on train for Anchorage. Bob
Griffith had his dog team brought in from Knik to haul gold dust
on railroad between snow slides between mile 72 and 49. Evening
Club meeting. School started today after 2 weeks vacation.
January 4, 1919 Quiet in town. Evening
3 dog teams from Iditarod arrived, Gugie men. Stanley
skied down to Black’s. Gold Dust Teams left for Junction
to catch train to Anchorage.
January 5, 1919 Cleaned up store warehouse
unpacked some Knik hardware. Mattie drove up to Jacobson’s
for vegetables for our use. “Gugie” men left with dog teams
for Anchorage to try and catch boat.
January 6, 1919 Wilson and Otto out from Knik
for merchandise. Nagley phoned for grub, said rails were
laid to Talkeetna. Alex over from Eklutna.
January 7, 1919 H. H. Drake in from Moose
Creek to trade. J. J. O’Brien in from Knik for grub.
Gus back from Anchorage reported funds to cover Mabel account arrived
at bank.
January 8, 1919 Chinook wind. Got 1 large order
to bid on. Wire of the 6th stated ex-President Roosevelt
died at his home Oyster Bay. Foster bros. in from Talkeetna
District went on to Knik.
January 9, 1919 Got Knik orders and one
from Chickaloon. Fred took out-mail for Stewart.
Got letter from Dad and one from Zimmerman also Feldman.
January 10, 1919 Stewart in with Flat
mail. Saindon through hauling for GB. Evening steel
gang train passed through to Anchorage. Harper bros. left
big order to bid on. Evening snowed 2”.
January 11, 1919 Ed Danielson in to trade.
Fred in with mail brought balance of Knik store clothing.
Settled with Fred for haulage to date. Frank Doherty back.
Sugar sold out in Anchorage.
January 12, 1919 Very quiet in town. Stewart
left to meet mail wagon. Fred drove to Knik after Dr.
McCallie's house.
January 13, 1919 Land Department
sent surveyors up to locate cemetery site. Did nothing
said ground too frozen and couldn’t drive stakes. Got order
from Chickaloon. Train day changed to Monday and Thursday
north bound.
January 14, 1919 Adam and Stellar in
from Knik. Blackjack Miller in town. Surveyors
located cemetery on Cannon’s homestead near town. Evening
wrote Willys Overland about car.
January 15, 1919 Price and Jenkins down
from Talkeetna for big outfit. Train 5 hours late.
Farmers loading spuds for GB Mine. Stetler went to Anchorage.
Evening figured on $300 order.
January 16, 1919 Price and
Jenkins left for Anchorage to finish buying mining outfits.
GB spud car left for Houston. Fred in from Knik with load
lumber for himself. Sam McMillan in.
January 17, 1919 Business fair got another
$500 Cache Creek order. Train from north plowing out
snow around Montana Creek. Put up Price’s order. Lillwall
gave bond on account of lost checks.
January 18, 1919 McElroy
in from Skwentna Crossing to trade. Got order from Furrows
and Campbell at Willow and Wickersham from Chickaloon. Several
went over to Rader’s to attend dance. Danielson in to trade.
January 19, 1919 Got order from Wells bros.
Four orders ready to ship tomorrow. Moose Hank in town.
Little Susitna Roadhouse in for bill of grub.
January 20, 1919 Price back from Anchorage.
Chas Harper on train for Talkeetna. Got letter from father
with check for $2,000 dated December 13, 1918. Horning and Bartholf
up from Anchorage to move lumber to mines.
January 21, 1919 Sold War Baby Mine a hardware
outfit. Got 3 shipments ready for Branch line.
Wrote Seattle bank about $2,000 check deal, that we had sent
check. Fred Carter in for supplies.
January 22, 1919 Put up order
for Lon Wells of Talkeetna. Sold out on Premium ham, butter,
diced fruit. Stewart in with Iditarod mail. Kid horse
gone last night, back this evening. Fred and Gus went to Knik.
January 23, 1919 Got check from Bank of Alaska
to cover Mabel Mine Co. overdue account. Bill Hughes
in town. Adams mailman in from Rainy Pass. Land Department
inspector passed through on way to Iditarod District. War Baby left
for Mines.
January 24, 1919 Mattie Amelia Rogers Herning
and G. Stanley Herning, left on noon train for Anchorage to have
Stanley’s teeth looked after and do buying for Knik Trading Co.
on account of shortage of goods. Bill Hughes went to Anchorage.
Knik boat builder back from Iditarod District. Fred to Knik.
January 25, 1919 Put in Lon
Wells order. Mattie phoned from Anchorage had luck in securing
merchandise. Joe Brassel left for Willow Creek to cut timber.
January 26, 1919 Stanley and mother at Anchorage.
Danielson in. Evening got north mail ready.
January 27, 1919 Mattie back
from Anchorage, Stanley stayed to have teeth treated.
Frank Forker back from Ft. Liscum. Fred Winter in from
Alexander Creek. Fred in from Knik with lumber.
January 28, 1919 Cold wave -32, coldest
day of winter. Adam out from Knik for grub. Kemper’s
in for grub for trap line. Wrote Joe Anderson about his outfit.
McMillan in hauling hay for Lander.
January 29, 1919 AM -16, evening - 24.
Received $400 check to cover A and K order Cache Creek.
Monroe Kast on train for Anchorage. Reported -62 at Talkeetna
on the 28th. A. E. C. driving the Talkeetna bridge.
Lander left for Anchorage.
January 30, 1919 Temperature -34.
Packing up AK order. Stanley back from Anchorage.
Wrote Feldman that I was going to sell interest in D-H and Co.
Evening -4 and snowing.
January 31, 1919 Black in from Willow
Creek after horse feed to move War Baby outfit. Stewart
mailman in 1 day late with mail.
February 1, 1919 Warm wind, + 26. Black
up from ranch with forage account War Baby freight haulage.
Another freight team in from GB camp through. Sent in Elliott’s
bond statement.
February 2, 1919 Stanley and self took 3,200
lbs. over to depot for A and K Talkeetna on Monday train. Fred
in from trip to Station bought bacon for Nagley, Talkeetna.
Had liver dinner. Evening Mattie parted with de-liver and
then some.
February 3, 1919 Six shipments, Wasilla
to Talkeetna, today. Kast back from Anchorage also Gold
Team. Huey Goodell and Fern in from 32. Wilson in from Knik
for grub. Mattie OK tonight.
February 4, 1919 Bob Griffin left for Inside
with string of 15 dogs, Monroe Kast for Station.
Mack Foster in from Knik and several ranchers in to trade.
Fred loaded car of native hay for Chickaloon.
February 5, 1919 A-1 spring day 40 above
business quiet. Simmons out from Knik girls went to Anchorage
to get teeth fixed up. A. E. Commission visited for bids
on 150 tons Wasilla ice. Evening fixed up desk lamp.
Arranged for a ton of A. E. Commission sugar.
February 6, 1919 F. H. Master
in from Palmer to trade. Got dysentery from something.
February 7, 1919 Done up
all day with stomach trouble. Fred, Gus, Zink and Friedland
went to Knik. Shipped 2 orders to Palmer. Stewart
in with Flat mail.
February 8, 1919 Gus and
Fred back from Knik with logs from Wilmoth cabin. Outside mail
held up since last Sunday on account of snow on government railroad.
February 9, 1919 Quiet in town,
Stewart left with mail for Inside. Jack McLean mail driver
in from Rainy Pass. Gus went to Knik. Wrote Overland
about battery.
February 10, 1919 Train brought no Outside
mail. Foster bros. left for end of steel. Paid
A. E. Commission for ton of sugar $233. Fred in from Knik
with house logs. Frisbie in town.
February 11, 1919 Grennan in for supplies.
Fred took several orders to Knik. Rascher in for grub.
February 12, 1919 Fred Crocker and Native in
from Knik to trade. Fred Byers in from Little Susitna
Roadhouse for grub. Got order from Talkeetna and Chickaloon.
There were 30 passengers on train from Nenana.
February 13, 1919 Bayer left with dog sled
load for roadhouse. Fred in from Knik with load lumber
for Friedland. Schoolmarm left on train for somewhere.
Dirty Al in town.
February 14, 1919 Dee Dee Blodgett and Harvey
Bartholf went to Anchorage also Adam Simmons. Black through
hauling in War Baby freight to mines. Schoolmarm back from
Eklutna? Forker went out with mail.
February 15, 1919 Donovan in for grub.
Danielson in from Finger Lake. Fred in from Knik with
load lumber. Stanley and Swen went out to Miller’s ranch.
Sold out on rice and milk.
February 16, 1919 Tom Akin wife and brother
passed through in route to Anchorage. Simmons drove to
Junction. Stanley back from Miller’s. Enameled rods
that hold up balcony in store.
February 17, 1919 Joe Anderson on train for
Talkeetna. Dad Ford back from Anchorage also Harvey Bartholf
and Lillwall. Bunch went to dance at Junction.
February 18, 1919 Dancers
back from Junction. Dad Ford went to Knik with Simmons.
No school today because teacher attended dance at Junction.
Got order for shoes from Eska.
February 19, 1919 Knik Natives in to trade.
Kast back from Station. Lewis in from GB freight camp.
Marshal took Long Legs for being a slacker. Two mushers
in from Iditarod.
February 20, 1919 Kast left for Talkeetna.
Shough up from Anchorage after his auto car.
February 21, 1919 Shough shipped out with his
two auto cars for Anchorage. Club meeting tried to elect
officers for ensuing year no results.
February 22, 1919 Adam out from Knik.
No one coming to Washington exercises at Wasilla from Knik.
Evening school kids pulled off program. Junction people
attended raised $90 for school library.
February 23, 1919 Quiet in town. Mattie
and self took a trot down Cottonwood Creek to Fleck’s back
by Wagon Road. Snow ankle deep in timber . Huey Goodell
returned to mines. Campbell from 187 Willow in town.
February 24 1919 Got order from Palmer and
Eska. Black drove in to Knik to buy log house for school
house on his ranch. An anarchist shot at Premier of France.
February 25 1919 Perfect day half day
light now business fair. Black back from Knik said he would
haul in our house, woodshed, barber shop, galvanized warehouse
and house aft of old store for 175 bucks.
February 26 1919 Sold Joseph Jandos prop.
Houston Coal Mine bill of grub. Whitridge and Adam in from
Knik also Dad Ford and Sam Kelly left for Anchorage. Evening
skating party on Cottonwood Creek.
February 27, 1919 Wood and coal about used
up, shipped order to Houston. Gus building his house,
moved out from Knik. Mailman in.
February 28, 1919 Otto and Whitridge bid $130
to tear down 5 buildings at Knik house store buildings etc.
Sent $37.50 by mailman to Mrs. Johnson for Monroe Kast.
Also sent $5 to Whiton for fish.
March 1, 1919 Stewart and Forker
in with mail. Benson of Anchorage got ice contract from
A. E. Commission. Figured up 1918 sales amount $23,033.50
a few dollars less than 1917 on account of income tax.
March 2, 1919 Hansen in from Susitna
in route to Cache Creek, sold him a small order. Self and Mattie
drove up Wasilla Lakes to Bogard’s ranch, no snow at ranch.
March 3, 1919 Lutchinger
down for prospecting outfit. Knik Natives in to trade.
Indian Jim back from Potlatch Susitna and Knik. Bothwell
in from Outside to open GB Mine. Chris Anderson back from France.
March 4, 1919 Chas Huff back from
prospecting trip to Kuskokwim District didn’t find the mazuma.
Bensen the ice man from Anchorage cutting Wasilla Lake ice.
Wrote Whiton about D-H and Co. account.
March 5, 1919 Got $101 order from
Willow. Rae in from Montana and paid his past account.
Black returned from Knik with lumber and wire. Hansen from
Knik in with load lumber for Carter. Sold out on butter and
fruit.
March 6, 1919 Mattie drove up to Jacobson’s
ranch to order spuds. Helma in from Knik for grub.
Changed bed on red sled to double ender for trip to Knik for books
etc.
March 7, 1919 Stanley and self drove to Knik
to pack up books etc. Slept in house over store.
Knik about deserted. Wet snow storm. Lander and daughter
in from Anchorage.
March 8, 1919 At Knik. Showed Otto and
Whitridge 5 buildings to be taken down, let them the job for
$130. Packed up all the books in the house and odds and
ends in store. Left 2 PM arrived Wasilla 6:30 PM Light snow.
March 9, 1919 Quiet in town. McEllroy's
paid in for supplies from Rainy Pass District. Black drove
to Knik for Rae’s house etc. Packed up 3 orders.
Carter drove to Knik for lumber from Ford’s place.
March 10, 1919 Adam in from Knik.
Frank Irwin and brother in from Lake Creek. Natives in
from Old Knik to trade. Hughes in put in bed to haul out
Knik houses. Busy figuring up income tax. Wrote Conroy
about D-H and Co. building
March 11, 1919 Got out spring orders
to come first boat. Windy all day.
March 12, 1919 Wind blew hard all day. got
several small orders from Knik. Evening Conroy phoned
about D-H and Co. building and fixtures for sale. Patzack
back from Nenana.
March 13, 1919 Gates in town. Lander went out
to his mountain home. Carter to Knik for lumber.
Evening wind died down.
March 14, 1919 Wasilla to Knik to pick up balance
of merchandise left. Otto had partitions, wall board
and all inside disassembled in house. Gus and Fred went
to Anchorage.
March 15, 1919 At Knik. Loaded Hammil
up with safe, hardware, balance of groceries desks etc.
Left with office supplies, table, closet doors, screens, etc.
for Wasilla. Hamill stopped at mile 9 cabin. Dance
at school house.
March 16, 1919 Busy all day packing away Knik
goods, got Knik safe into store. Stanley hauled in 2 ricks
wood.
March 17, 1919 Wilson in from Knik
to trade. PM drove in to Knik to pick up more goods.
March 18, 1919 Knik to Wasilla. Gave
Hammil load of assorted merchandise. Cleaned up big warehouse
except drill steel. Loaded up red sled with windows mirrors
etc. Drove in to Wasilla in 3½ hours. Evening
warmer.
March 19, 1919 Black drove to Knik with
3 teams to haul out Knik Trading Co. buildings. The ice
man left for Anchorage. Sold War Baby hardware outfit.
Lewis in to freight at 31½.
March 20, 1919 Matanuska Natives in to
trade. Black hauled out first load from Knik, part of
house and iron off warehouse. Al Wolf passed through to Cache
Creek District. Fred back from Anchorage.
March 21, 1919 Evening drove in to Knik to
look after building tore down. Snow about gone at
Thorpe’s, mile 11 and mile 8.
March 22, 1919 At Knik. Packed up balance
of merchandise in old store. Took up linoleum in house
over store. Took windows out of pump house. Otto had
house cut up in sections ready to load. Arrived Wasilla 9 PM.
March 23, 1919 Black in with 2nd load of Knik
Trading Co. lumber from Knik. Busy helping to unload sections
of house. Evening put up hardware order for Willow Creek.
Residents put up 2 tons ice.
March 24, 1919 Business fair freezing hard
nights. Rae left for pump job Montana Creek. Eight
men and car load arrived to haul bull wheel 800 lbs. and shaft
to Kuskokwim. Evening drove to Knik. Jack Downing
here to prove up.
March 25, 1919 At Knik. Black decided
to haul all the buildings. Had Otto and Whitridge tear
down barbershop and house aft old store. Self took out all
the windows, glass door’s etc. and hauled same to Wasilla.
Arrived 9:30 PM.
March 26, 1919 Nagley down from
Talkeetna went to Station to take stock. Ellexson in from
Happy River RH for supplies. Black went to Knik for barbershop
and store residence. Swanson hauling freight at 32.
Gus and Fred back from Anchorage.
March 27, 1919 Big wind business fair.
Horning left for War Baby Mine. Fred Nelson sent his
team to haul freight. Walters and Duncklee in from Palmer
to trade. Old timers Getchell and Frank Kelly married.
Hammil hauled a load of wood. Harvey back from Anchorage.
March 28, 1919 Wind still blowing. Black
in with barbershop and part of store house. Thorpe and
Downing proved up on their homesteads. Crowd cleared lot
on Cannon’s for graveyard.
March 29, 1919 Put doors windows
and flooring under track warehouse. Evening Wasilla bunch
went to dance at Matanuska on hand car.
March 30, 1919 Quiet in town. Stanley
got home from Junction dance. Jack Hammil out from Knik
with some of his gear. Hauled in load wood. Mopped store floor
and oiled store floor.
March 31, 1919 Black in with balance
of Knik houses. Cache Creek Murray wanted price on my
hydraulic pipe. Chas Bartholf on way to mines. Erickson
up from Junction.
April 1, 1919 Sold case 12 gauge shells.
Hammil building barn. Put shelving lumber from Knik store
in warehouse. Watson reported sailed today from Seattle
for Anchorage.
April 2, 1919 Quiet in town. Whitridge out
from Knik, paid him for wrecking 5 buildings there. Evening
school kids had a dance. Ducks seen at Cottonwood Creek.
April 3, 1919 Frost coming out of ground.
Lander in from 32. Gus and Fred back from Anchorage. Three
dog teams going Inside. Stewart took out last mail for Flat.
Sent order for clothing.
April 4, 1919 Mailman back.
Nagley came with team from Station. Evening Club meeting,
handed in my resignation as secretary. Harman and wife went
to Anchorage. Lillwall acting agent.
April 5, 1919 Nagley in town.
Spent day as judge of school election. Elected new board
Stewart Clerk, Cannon Treasurer, Tryck Director. Third real
summer day.
April 6, 1919 Nagley waiting for train to Talkeetna.
Got all of inside finish of Knik houses under cover.
Fred got job to haul Talkeetna mining timbers.
April 7, 1919 Nagley left for Talkeetna.
Agent Harman and wife back from Anchorage. Fred Nelson
left for Talkeetna Mine.
April 8, 1919 Chas Bartholf in from War Baby
Mine. Could not pull orders from Eska, no meats, butter
or milk. Wasilla sold out on white flour.
April 9, 1919 Chas Bartholf and
Miller left for Anchorage. Scotty Parks pile driving outfit
passed through for Turnagain Arm from Talkeetna bridge.
Mrs. Akin arrived going Inside. Tom Akin sick at San Francisco.
April 10, 1919 Busy with Outside
mail, wrote to Zimmerman. Stewart went out with Rae’s
wagon after Inside mail. Wagon has been in use for a week
to Knik and Matanuska. Wrote Feldman and Conroy about D-H
and Co. business.
April 11, 1919 Perfect day 38 to 80 in the
sun quiet in town, cleaned front store windows. Mailman
Stewart received his first money for Wasilla - Flat mail Inside.
April 12, 1919 Cleaned up coal bin on Wasilla
Avenue. Bill Hughes in looked for seed grain. New
school board met and made up estimate for 1919 and 1920 term.
April 13, 1919 Very quiet. Fred Nelson
in from 32 for hay had to drive to Knik for baled hay.
Housed balance of lumber from Knik. Streets dry in Wasilla.
April 14, 1919 Change of train schedule, only
one train a week hereafter on account of no construction on
main line. Cleaned up Wasilla Avenue in front of store.
Stanley received his bonds, four $50’s or $200.
April 15, 1919 Jack Hammil hauled
in 12 ricks stove wood. Train back from Talkeetna.
Jack Lee and bride in from Talkeetna to take Crazy Smith Ranch.
On last sack sugar. Ranchers plowing.
April 16, 1919 Mattie drove to
Knik to fix Elmer’s grave for Easter. Lander in from
32. Party wanted to lease placer. Cannon planted
his wheat.
April 17, 1919 Varnished banister rails in
balcony. Mattie got back from Knik 2:30 PM. Ed
Lee and his “bell” moved on to Crazy Smith’s Ranch near Bogard’s.
Lander went to Anchorage.
April 18, 1919 Deedee Blodgett and father
in from Knik. Deedee going to Anchorage to take position
as assistant. Tryck returned from cleaning out slide in canyon
mile 28. Boat Farragut arrived reported Sulzer died.
April 19, 1919 Cleaned up aft grocery counter
and installed safe cabinet safe. Blodgett outfit left
to catch train at Junction for Anchorage. Farragut arrived
Friday, first boat to Anchorage, reported Knik Trading Co. over 400
pieces freight.
April 20, 1919 Very quiet in town. Fred
in from Talkeetna Mine. Reported train Monday with 3 cars
for GB and Outside mail.
April 21, 1919 Cold wind. branch train
delivered car of beef for GB Mine. Victory Loan opened today,
OGH subscription taker at Wasilla. Three traveling men
arrived not much business.
April 22, 1919 Nagley phoned for ton of spuds.
Made out order for store awning. Lander went to
32. G. B. Morrison and cook here for GB Mine. Johnson
and Lewis went to Houston to haul car beef.
April 23, 1919 Got car load of Outside
merchandise. Busy all PM with freight. McMillan,
Lawrence, Hatcher in to trade. Manager Chickaloon Coal
Co. visited offered us $400 a month trade. Battery for car
arrived. New spring stock arrived.
April 24, 1919 Railroad had no expense bill,
short 3 Seattle invoices. Kemper’s in from War Baby
Mine. McMillan took load freight for 28 and 32.
Got order from Allen Hotel, 1 from Palmer and 1 from Thorpe.
April 25, 1919 Kemper’s bought outfit.
Musher in with pack horse going to Houston. Wilmoth Co.
fishing all day. Sold 2 Victory Bonds on loan drive.
April 26, 1919 A-1 day business good sales
over $200. Baldy up from Junction to trade. Bill
Hughes in after seeds. Simmons lost 2 horses in Knik Lake.
Stanley and Nikoli went up to Old Wasilla cabin to fish and hunt.
April 27, 1919 Quiet in town. Harvey
Bartholf getting ready to go to mines. Put up order for
Thorpe and Brassel Mine. Stanley back from hunting trip,
siwashed out over night. Marked up and put new goods on
shelves.
April 28, 1919 Lutchinger in for
supplies. Opened new battery for Matt’s car found 1 cap
to north cell broken, old break when shipped. Farmers busy
planting oats barley and wheat.
April 29, 1919 Three ranchers in from Junction
to trade. Thorpe back from 32. Jacobson left small
order. Cash on hand $3,002. Cannon’s incubator chicks
hatching.
April 30 1919 Drake and Carter
in from Palmer for outfit. Train day and rush on, got
shorts on freight. Evening Fred in from Talkeetna Mines.
Several arrived to go to Willow Creek. Shough arrived with
car from Anchorage.
May 1, 1919 Shough made 1st trip with auto
car to mile 22, took out Sears chickens. Ben Agnew in
went to Cottonwood. Rae in for summer from pump job on railroad.
May 2, 1919 Ice out of Lucille Lake,
last year went out May 24th business fair. Ben Agnew back
from Knik. First freight bill over $600. Shough drove
car out to mile 25. Fred went to Strandburg's to plant grain.
May 3, 1919 Sold out on seeds. Sent Stanley
to Junction with out-mail. Mr. Gooding from Finger Lake
District in for load seeds. Took off cylinder head and got
engine to turn over on truck
May 4, 1919 Cloudy with evening rain first
real spring rain. Worked on auto truck, put in new battery
couldn’t get spark found wire broken on distributor.
May 5, 1919 Most of day electric starter worked
OK couldn’t get enough fire in engine to turn her over.
Evening cleaned up distributor was full of dirt and grease.
Wilson in from Knik. Pete Johnson through with GB via Houston.
May 6, 1919 Put up 2 orders for Lake Nancy.
Evening adjusted brakes and engine turned over OK, carburetor
out of adjustment. Huey Goodell in from mines. Pete
Johnson returned to Junction.
May 7, 1919 A-1 day 1st installment of mosquitoes.
Train day business good. F. R. Wilson and Dan Miller
and Doc Yak in from Anchorage. PM Kid horse came home very
sick, doctored him until 9 PM. Mailed Victory Loan Bonds to
Dan Vacetish.
May 8, 1919 Busy all AM getting
orders to depot for shipment. PM St. Clair down for meats
etc. Doc Yak and Patzack left for Anchorage. Kid
horse jumped out of lot at midnight went to mile 13½ drank
water and died.
May 9, 1919 Baldy up from Junction to trade.
Lillwall building chicken house for Mrs. “Budinsky”.
School closed kids had dance evening small crowd.
May 10, 1919 A-1 day red robins arrived.
Gus Swanson drove schoolmarm to Junction. Hartman painting
front of hotel. Farmers about through planting.
May 11, 1919 O’Brien and Fred Crocker
in from Knik. Took cylinder head off engine and repacked gasket
with graphite and oil. Rae fixed union nut. Carburetor
still out of whack. Ice out of Wasilla Lake.
May 12, 1919 Lander in from 32.
Mrs. McMillan arrived from States via by wagon from Junction.
Fred Nelson drove to Knik. Ranchers proving up on 2 homesteads.
May 13, 1919 Lander left for Anchorage
to meet his boy coming back from war, sent Outside mail by him.
Took carburetor off engine found same assembled wrong and no
packing, put it back and engine run first turn over.
May 14, 1919 Mrs. Horning arrived from Anchorage
on way to mines. Shough drove through to 32. Put
one car out of commission. Stewart left for Lake Nancy to
put up building for dogs there. Dr. and Mrs. Spaulding arrived
from Seldovia in route to Willow Creek Mines.
May 15, 1919 Had a shipment for branch
line. Rae went to Knik. Put in order for Lander
hardware. Evening filled up cup grease on auto. Made
approach to auto barn.
May 16, 1919 Bob Hatcher in for hardware.
Brown over from Moose Creek. Self run auto truck out to mile
19, tank full of scales, checked feed pipe otherwise car run OK.
Spaulding moved to 32.
May 17, 1919 Ulanky in from Knik. C.
W. Wagner in from Sutton. Erickson back from moving Spaulding
to Hospital at 32.
May 18, 1919 Quiet in town. Sutton Wagner
bought a horse and returned home. Ulanky traded his 2
knot heads for a work horse with Lee. Stanley and self walked out
to Nyes Cat on Thorpe coal road for union nut to fix oil line on car.
May 19, 1919 Ed Tagert on market for
Chas Bartholf Mine. Fixed up oil connections on car.
Cleaned out gas tank it was full of iron scales. Evening
run car out to 16, oil and air not right wouldn’t run on high.
May 20, 1919 Put up small order for Houston
Coal Mine. Got Chas Bartholf order ready for mines.
Evening hauled in 3 ricks wood with auto truck Gas working
much better.
May 21, 1919 Big day, fifty people arrived
for mines, Fickinger for Mabel, Mr. Rock for Talkeetna and
help for GB Mines. Richard Lander arrived from oversea
service. Superintendent Eide here for starting road work.
May 22, 1919 Got off 4 orders from branch line
customers. Evening drove car out to mile 17, brought in 2 loads
wood. Shough shipped Corlew car to Anchorage for repairs.
May 23, 1919 Froze hard last night.
Mrs. Shough hauling freight with auto car. Erickson in
after freight for Talkeetna Mine. Wilmoth back from Anchorage.
Road Commission commenced work at mile 28.
May 24, 1919 Stanley went
out to visit O. C. Miller on ranch. Mattie sick all day
with stomach trouble. Evening got oil adjusted and engine
working fine. Fitted seat on truck part of car.
May 25, 1919 Quiet in town. Mattie
better this morning. Noon drove car to mile 12 took Cannon
and Lillwall out for dinner, had swell food. Evening drove
car out to Miller’s for Stanley.
May 26, 1919 Manager Fleck on the market.
Hartman back from Anchorage bought Ford car. Erickson busy
hauling out Mabel and Talkeetna freight Mrs. Houston in
from mountain home.
May 27, 1919 Evening good rain much needed.
Put up mining outfit for foot of Bald Mt. and one order for Talkeetna.
Mrs. Murray arrived at Knik.
May 28, 1919 Train day business good
got 2 orders from mines. Doc Yak in looking over freighting
from 32 to mines. Hartman got Ford car. Busy until
midnight with mail and orders.
May 29, 1919 Stanley and
mother left for Anchorage to have Stanley’s front teeth looked
after. Frank Doherty in from Martin’s Mine to finish his
cabin on ranch mile 14. Fire Warden visited.
May 30, 1919 Section men from Pitman and Willow
in to trade. Tex Cobb and Weikert in from Knik, Tex
out after a boat. Last evening had chills, bowels loose all
day, no eat or smoke today, evening a little better.
May 31, 1919 Fickinger caught train at Junction
for Anchorage sent bank deposit by him, wired Stanley about it.
Fred went to Anchorage. Hartman went out to Miller’s to
order lumber for his car barn. Evening formed Republican Club.
Stanley and mother at Anchorage.
June 1, 1919 Trees leaved out and plenty of
grass. Drove car out to mile 28, took Mrs. Tryck and Harman’s
and Lillwall, car run fine. Loken, Miller and Masters over
to prove up.
June 2, 1919 Got 4 orders from Palmer.
Masters proved up on his brush farm. T. R. Wilson in
from Willow Creek sick and all in. Gene and John Bartholf
and Tom Babcock arrived mounted from states.
June 3, 1919 Hauled Goebel’s grub out to coal
road mile 17. Martha and Stanley still doing Anchorage.
On feed again 2 meals today. Evening got out Seattle orders
and mail. Eighty chicks arrived at Hartman’s.
June 4, 1919 Stanley and
mother back from Anchorage. Evening drove car out to mile
19, Stanley drove car back to town. Sold Manager
Fleck our road cart.
June 5, 1919 Lander and Bartholf kids and Lillwall
went to Anchorage. Stanley and self cleaned up oil base differential
and transmission on Matt’s car.
June 6, 1919 Joe Brassel in for mining outfit.
Evening drove car down Matanuska Road 2 miles, battery gave
out walked home found generator was not working.
June 7, 1919 Thorps left for mines. Packed
Bell dry battery down to car had no juice so had to leave car.
Hired horse off Black to go to placer mine. Wilmoth Co. closed
PM went to dance. Fred in from Knik with load for Stern.
June 8, 1919 Sent Stanley and Otto out
to placer mine to deck up pipe on Willow, left with Black’s
Doc horse on wagon. Connected up walk front of store to Wasilla
Hotel. Stanley and Otto only made it to mile 34.
June 9, 1919 Good day sales over $200.
Lander and Lillwall back from Anchorage. Skarstad and
Laubner up from Anchorage. Redwood from Anchorage visited.
Mrs. Houston went to Chickaloon.
June 10, 1919 Business fair made out
order for auto supplies. Rode bike down to auto.
After it broke someone stole pliers and 2 wrenches. Man
died at 32.
June 11, 1919 Doc David up from Anchorage.
Horning in from War Baby Mine. McMahell up from Anchorage
also Doc Yak with 6 wheel truck. Hartman hauling passengers.
William Gill in from Anchorage. Evening brought in car
with hotshot battery.
June 12, 1919 William Gill left to visit
Mrs. McMillan. Doc David returned to Anchorage.
Bartholf bunch left for 2nd prospecting trip. Horning left
for Anchorage on account of War Baby Mine. Hauled 2 tons
from railroad warehouse to store with auto truck War Baby Mines
1st cleanup $3,500.
June 13, 1919 Got car ready for trip
to mines. Fred graded school lot.
June 14, 1919 Wasilla to OGH Placer Mine.
Drove car out to 32 then mushed over to mine. Stanley
come over to 32 and packed our grub and coal oil.
June 15, 1919 At mines inspected pipeline
and ditch. Snow slide had cut out no. 9 gate and 2 joints
of pipe over creek. Corked up dam and got pipe back,
hauled giant down to canyon.
June 16, 1919 At mines. Jointed in pipe
over creek, took down part of no. 10 pipe near canyon. Took
pipe out galvanized giant.
June 17, 1919 At mines. Worked on pipeline,
heavy rain PM. Fixed up old tool house and shed broken
in by snow.
June 18, 1919 Left mines 4 AM, got over to
32 at 7:30 AM. Spot watching car, wouldn’t let anyone
near the car. Drove to Wasilla by 10 AM. Train
in at noon. Big wind business good.
June 19, 1919 Sumner Smith
and wife and Mrs. Frank Kelly down from Eska Coal Mine to trade.
Evening delivered Cannon’s goods with car at his ranch.
June 20, 1919 Evening rain,
Shough drove to Junction for passengers. Got supplies ready for
OGH Placer Mine. Evening got out-mail. Sent same by
Stewart going to catch Alameda on the 21st.
June 21 1919 Mailed Conroy check $177.50,
collections account D-H and Co. to H. C. Feldman also school
tax receipt $75. 10 AM left in car for mines, Stanley met
me at mile 28. Packed horse over to mines.
June 22 1919 At mines. Fixed up
balance of pipeline and set no. 2 giant above canyon on bench,
turned on water had one blow out in 11” pipe. Bohunks from
Wet Gulch visited quit the job. Mrs. Rosin at camp.
June 23, 1919 Got giant spouting piped
off surface, sod frozen under moss, got prospect. Evening
run giant 2 hours. All in shape to cut through bench above
canyon. Learned Stanley how to operate giant. Bill
Bartholf, Dorr and Smith arrived.
June 24, 1919 Mines to Wasilla.
Stanley and self left with Doc horse for Wasilla. Hitched
to wagon at mile 34 drove down to mile 28. Self came in with
car arrived 2:45. Stanley arrived with horse and wagon 5
PM.
June 25, 1919 Train day. Busy all
day in store. Drove car down to McArdle’s ranch for ½
ton spuds, Rae went along. Rae hired Black’s Doc horse
to go to mines. William Martin arrived. Milo Kelly arrived.
June 26, 1919 Stanley left for mines by Shough
Express to 31½. Zink went out to D. B. Mines
Put up order for War Baby. Evening hauled tin cans out to
mile 17 with car.
June 27, 1919 Albers man here fishing.
Frank Doherty left for mines. Hartman having trouble
with his Ford Balls flat etc. Got mail ready to send to
Junction.
June 28 ,1919 Sent mail out by Albers man,
Seattle bank deposit etc. Evening oiled store floor.
Made out hardware order. Evening rain.
June 29, 1919 Made out Lang store order. Drove
car in to Knik, took down wire fence at residence lot, brought
back load junk. McNeil and Blodgett and Ellexson left
at Knik.
June 30, 1919 Bob Hatcher back from Anchorage.
William Martin in from mines said deal to consolidate and put
power plant looked good.
July 1, 1919 Worked on auto 4 hours greasing
up etc., drove out to mile 29 for Stanley and Gill boy, made
round trip in 3 hours. Martha went to Anchorage. Booze
in town.
July 2, 1919 Got letter from Gerig about egg
letter from employee, answered same to the point. Victor
Forsman in from GB Mines.
July 3, 1919 Stanley and William Gill left
for Anchorage to spend the 4th. A. R. Commission quit
road work due to no funds.
July 4, 1919 At Wasilla Alaska store,
closed all day very quiet in town. PM heavy shower with
hail for 2 hours. Stanley at Anchorage. Evening drove
car out to Jacobsen’s Ranch.
July 5, 1919 Warm fine day everything
growing fine, grass ready to cut. Business came from Junction
today. Fickinger went to Anchorage via Knik.
July 6, 1919 Ranchers all wearing a smile.
Noon 2 work trains passed through for Talkeetna with ties and
rails and 4th July celebrators. PM drove car out to mile
19. Stanley at Anchorage. Evening made order for check
and letter head.
July 7, 1919 Gooding in for grub, Shough drove
to Junction for passengers, got none. John Smith and
Martin in from mines. Evening made out drug order.
July 8, 1919 Cleaned up 400 lbs. bacon.
Martin and Smith and Horning left for Anchorage via train from
Junction. Swanson up from Junction, Wagner got his butter.
July 9, 1919 Train day Stanley
got back from Anchorage. Got several orders from Junction and
Palmer. Got car load freight. Evening hauled 3 loads
to store with auto truck. Otto arrived from mines.
July 10, 1919 Smith’s expert left for Outside.
Milo Kelly went to Anchorage also Harvey Bartholf. Thorpe
returned to mines. Evening drove car out to mile 17.
July 11, 1919 Dr. McCallie
in from Anchorage to go to mines. Rae’s backer in from
States wanted to buy ¾ mile of hydraulic pipe. Evening
Stanley drove car out to garbage dump. Hauled up load freight
from warehouse.
July 12, 1919 Farmers crop looking fine. Wasilla
Avenue now graded to Knik Street and to school house.
Pete Johnson in with load freight from Junction for mines.
Hall left for Talkeetna with pack horses.
July 13, 1919 Worked on car all day, installed
new generator and battery turned over OK. Rae and partner
left for mines.
July 14, 1919 Bill Long in
from Golden Light Mine closed down tunnel work. Hughes
in to trade. Evening tried car with new battery and generator,
got into ditch turning around at mile 17 took 1 hour to get out.
Ma likes autoing.
July 15, 1919 Fickinger in from Mabel Mine.
Frank Forker down from dog ranch at Lake Nancy to buy grub.
Got order for Remington self loading shotgun. Busy all day
in store.
July 16, 1919 Got order from Branch and mines.
Laubner and Skarstad back from Anchorage to develop their
mine. Mrs. Horning and kids in from War Baby Mine.
Doc Yak in from Mabel Mine. Got meats and awning for store.
July 17, 1919 Morning drove car out to
mile 17 for Gobel outfit business good. O. C. Miler in,
Stanley went out with Miller. Black bear man in with samples
bought some winter clothing.
July 18, 1919 Marked up tents
sheets etc. from Portland. Black Bear man left by auto
for Junction. Bragaw’s son and Webber from A. E. Commission
up for trip to mines. Evening drove car out to 19,
Cannon and Lillwall guests, Mattie timekeeper.
July 19, 1919 Business quiet collections
$200. Stanley at Miller’s Ranch. Started to install
store awning, found connecting rod from worm to roller missing.
Otto got job on section at Willow. Wilmoth Co. undercover?
July 20, 1919 Drove car out to Miller’s for
Stanley. Doc Yak in went to Anchorage. Had Alaska
strawberry shortcake.
July 21, 1919 Manager Fleck in from mines.
Bragaw and Webber back from visit to mines. Shough
had a gas engine man come up from Anchorage to fix up his cars.
Got arms up and awning on roll. Evening Bauer in to inspect
Knik Street.
July 22, 1919 Harry Brown in town, traded his
lots to Fred Nelson for a wagon. Got new awning completed
and working A-1. Evening fixed oil line on Matt’s mobubble.
July 23, 1919 Busy in store collections
good no orders from Branch Line. Doc Yak back from Anchorage.
Windy Wilson back for trip to hills. Dr. McCallie in from
hills. Many compliments on awning.
July 24, 1919 Sent part of Seattle mail by
Lander to mail at Anchorage. Doc McCallie left for Anchorage,
left his horse with Cannon. Shough having cars overhauled
by “Frenchy” Anchorage man. Evening drove car up to Cannon’s
and out to mile 16.
July 25, 1919 Manager Fleck back from Anchorage
also Harry Lander. Bailey and Hoffman looking for hooch
makers. Had to sprout spuds. Evening drove car out
to summit ridge widened out roads so cars could pass.
July 26, 1919 Another fine day business
quiet until evening. Old maid Johnson up to trade.
Stanley and Cobb went down to mile 12 to catch salmon evening
drove down with car.
July 27, 1919 Fourth hot spring day,
+86 in the shade, just the weather to mature crops, ranchers
all wearing a smile. PM drove car out to mile 28 had
outdoor lunch, Mrs. Tryck went along. Everybody
making ready to catch salmon in Cottonwood Creek.
July 28, 1919 Fifth hot day business
quiet. Stanley and Cobb back from mile 12 no salmon running.
Bill Long left for Martin’s camp with Cobb. Cleaned up 2
cases ham.
July 29, 1919 Sixth hot day +86.
Took pump down and fixed up valves. Bert McClarty in from
Martin Mine. Evening Bailey and McCarthy families up
from Junction to trade.
July 30, 1919 Rain business fair.
Fenton’s paid $82 on old account. Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Houston
arrived from Chickaloon. Martin, Rock and Fick in from
mines. Got meats, flour and produce. Had feed of watermelon
and strawberries. Alaska not so bad?
July 31, 1919 Martin, Rock and Fick took
train for Anchorage. Doc Yak went in on speeder to see
Anna. Mrs. Harry Brown went out to visit at 31½.
Evening hauled eggs up from warehouse. No salmon running.
August 1, 1919 Doc Yak and Rock back from Anchorage.
Fred drove to Knik. Speeder jumped track by Cottonwood
Creek men bruised up a little.
August 2, 1919 Cleaned up balance of smoked
meats. Shough family left for trip to Anchorage via Junction.
Evening Bill Hughes brought in horse for trip to OGH Mines.
Fred brought dozen 8” plank from Knik.
August 3, 1919 Wasilla to mines
with car. Owing to mud holes in canyon, didn’t reach 32 until
3 o’clock. Packed horse with Stanley and Swen, reached
mines at 7:30. Berry and McMahill were camping in
mess house.
August 4, 1919 At mines. Took apart
10” pipe. Light rain all day, had fried ptarmigan for
dinner.
August 5, 1919 At mines, worked on disassembling
pipeline. Noon had to chase horses to GB camp on Willow
Creek. Decked up 10” and 9” pipe.
August 6, 1919 Left placer mine 5 AM rode gray
horse over to mile 32. Came to Wasilla in car, arrived
10:45 AM . Train day forage, milk, tobacco and drugs arrived.
Mrs. Doc David up from Anchorage and Annie, Doc Yaks wife.
August 7, 1919 Hauled 2 loads freight with
car from truck warehouse to store. Busy opening up new
goods. Milo Kelly left for mines. Pres Clark of Mabel
Mine left for States.
August 8, 1919 Hauled up 2 loads freight from
warehouse. Shough brought in government man hurt in rock slide
near Talkeetna Mine. Sold Wilmoth Co. over $100 worth merchandise.
August 9, 1919 Wasilla to mines, drove car
to Lawrence homestead. Mushed up to 32, got horse, rode
over to placer mine. Swen tried cartridge in revolver and
shot through flesh of leg not much harm done, Stanley dressed
the wound.
August 10, 1919 At mines, Stanley and self
took down 10” pipe. Kelly and Zink down from B. D. Mine
stayed all night.
August 11, 1919 Went up to B. D. Mine.
Kelly claimed to have found 4 ledges. Stanley took lumber
off 12 flume boxes. Evening Stanley rode up to War Baby
Mine. Shaw up from Anchorage to look over B. D. Mine.
August 12, 1919 At mines. Finished
un-jointing 10” pipe and decked up same. Worked till
9 PM ready to return to Wasilla.
August 13, 1919 Got up 4 AM with boys, left
6:30 for town. Swen rode horse over to 28 due to sore leg.
Stanley rode horse in to Wasilla from mile 25. Doc David
in town. Capt. Gaikema went to mines. Used Hughes
horse 11 days.
August 14, 1919 Shough Auto Express sold out
to Fred Nelson. Evening drove car out to 16 and up to
Cannon Ranch. Weather clearing. Otto back from 187.
August 15, 1919 Shough family left for their
mine to try and locate another vein, they went out with Kelly
truck. Lander in from Martin Mine also Dave Barnes.
Lander only working 6 men. Got load hay with auto.
August 16, 1919 Gooding in for grub.
Otto drove Fred’s team to Knik for blueberries and lumber.
Hartman made 2 trips to Junction with auto. Lander and Lillwall
went to Anchorage. Swen’s dad came up from ranch. Sent
mail by Lillwall.
August 17, 1919 Made tool box to carry on running
board of auto car. Fitted seats to carry 17 passengers.
Hartman sawing wood with gas saw. Swen went to ranch.
August 18, 1919 Otto in from Knik with load
lumber for Knik Trading Co. Kelly and Zink in from B. D.
Mine. Brought in Ford truck. Manager Fleck in with
dose rheumatism. Joe Conroy up from Anchorage.
August 19, 1919 Weather cloudy business
slow. Built 12’ annex on to auto house. Mrs. Brown
and son came in from visit at mines. Milo Kelly left for
Anchorage wanted me to buy $2,000 interest in his quartz mines.
August 20, 1919 Fenton’s paid up balance of
their old account. Joe Laubner in from mines. Stanley
drove out in Kelly Ford truck. Doc Yak drove Fred’s Ford
to 31½.
August 21, 1919 Stanley and self built addition
on auto house to store boxes etc. and split up balance of birch
wood, business quiet. Now ready for another trip to placer
mine to take flume up on Gilbert Basin.
August 22, 1919 Self and Stanley left with
car for mines. Left car at mile 28, mushed over mountain
between Government Creek and Willow. Found no quartz but
found fine blueberry patch. Arrived at mine 9 PM.
August 23, 1919 Joe Conroy and Capt. Nick stopping
in our cabin on prospecting trip. Took top lumber off
flume. PM went up creek to inspect ledge found previously
by Stanley.
August 24, 1919 At mines. Turned water
over bench and washed dirt off ledge, proved to be a kidney
of red and white quartz, did not pan. PM pulled flume out
of creek.
August 25, 1919 Rain all day at mines.
Packed out lumber from flume so same could be hauled out.
Conroy and Gaikema stayed in camp due to rain all day.
August 26, 1919 Mines to Wasilla.
Self, Stanley, Joe and Nick mushed over to 31½ had dinner.
Came down to Road Commissions old camp where Doc Yak had his
truck. Rode down to 28 where our car was. Doc broke
hub on his truck
August 27, 1919 More rain. Milo Kelly
up from Anchorage, said he had raised funds to go Outside to promote
new company. Got order from Sumner Smith at Broad Pass.
August 28, 1919 Cash and credit sales over
$200. Milo Kelly left for Anchorage to go out on next
boat from Seward. Stewart the mailman in town. Government
cancelled Wasilla - Flat mail route. Got car of Houston
coal.
August 29, 1919 Joe Conroy
in from mines also Frisco Andy. Stanley and self worked
on new coal shed. Mrs. Morrison up from Anchorage paid
some on old account and bought $20 worth. Pickle in town.
August 30, 1919 A-1 day cooler worked
on coal bin. Fred started to unload car coal 5½ hours.
Joe Conroy left for Anchorage sent mail by him for Milo Kelly to
mail at Seward. Stewart left for Seward after inspecting his
dogs. Doc Yak went to Anchorage.
August 31, 1919 First frost of fall,
¼” ice this morning. Fred and Otto finished unloading
car coal 8 hours today. Stanley and self worked on coal
bin. All ready to nail iron on roof. Took order for
Royal Tailor suit.
September 1, 1919 Pickle started work
on Wasilla - Palmer Road. Fred Roscher moved to town to
work on Wasilla - Palmer Road. Put up 2 orders for North
on railroad. Mrs. Morrison went to Willow Creek collecting
for Armenians and Nome Natives. Second frost killed spuds.
September 2, 1919 Mattie sorted 10 cases eggs.
Took order for another Royal suit. Evening made out mining
bills for August. Doc and Fred mending up Ford cars.
September 3, 1919 Sumner Smith and Frank Kelly
passed through to end of steel sold them $130 outfit.
Evening Horning in from War Baby Mine. Harvey B. in
from Talkeetna.
September 4, 1919 Business fair got $100
order from Talkeetna. Stanley left on noon train for
Anchorage to have his teeth fixed. Evening connected generator
direct to storage battery, run engine on dry battery to charge storage
battery.
September 5, 1919 Henry Fischer said he was
going to run the Simmons house. Evening put more current
on storage battery got her to spit finally. Mrs. Morrison
back from mines.
September 6, 1919 Martin’s Mine shut down.
Evening run car out to mile 17 with garbage. Doc Yak
drove car to Junction and went to Anchorage. Mr. Fred P. Davy
mining engineer from Colorado arrived bought outfit and proceeded
north along railroad. Mrs. Morrison left for her ranch.
Gus in from mines.
September 7, 1919 Mattie and Harman’s went
down to Wasilla Lake to see Wasilla - Palmer new road they couldn’t
find it. Stanley at Anchorage.
September 8, 1919 Put up order for Talkeetna.
W. A. J. Wilson Territorial road man in town on inspection of
Wasilla - Palmer Road. Lander in from mines. Doc Yak
back from Anchorage. Evening got out big mail.
September 9, 1919 Sent Outside mail and
bank deposits by Lander going to Anchorage. Soldiered up
two stand lamps. Walters in from Palmer to trade. Evening
wrote to Cache Creek customers. Sent mail to Clifford Hall.
Doc Yak remodeling his truck, Stanley at Anchorage.
September 10, 1919 Fixed up Knik pump for Metz.
Capt. Nick Gaikema in from mines. Thompson, Budd and Manager
Bothwell in from GB Mine. Stanley back from Anchorage
Otto from Knik.
September 11, 1919 Capt. Nick left for
Anchorage also Doc Yak the “newly wed”. Dan Newman in
from his mines. Wickersham brought all the 256 Newton shells.
Otto on stump pulling job.
September 12, 1919 Drove car up to Cannon’s
Ranch for chickens. Harvey Bartholf back from Anchorage.
Thorpe in from mines. Fixed roof on railroad warehouse.
September 13, 1919 Rain all day business
slow. Fixed up two no. 6 lamps. Installed
(1) 1,000 c.p. lamp at head of balcony stairs. Bought
3 chickens off Mr. Cannon. Joe Brassel in from mines going
Outside.
September 14, 1919 Installed 2 lamps over front
show windows. Stanley got first duck Got phone from
Capt. Nick to have two 4-horse teams for Wednesday train
for Webfoot Mine.
September 15, 1919 O. C. Miller in, drove
him out to Mullins Ranch, wind fall across road. Doc Yak
back from Anchorage. Fred in from mines paid Shough balance
due on auto.
September 16, 1919 Hauled up load freight from
track warehouse to store warehouse. Evening got out hardware
order. Stanley got 2 ducks. Evening much cooler.
September 17, 1919 Cudahy’s man in town gave
him order. Lander and daughter in from 32. Webfoot
outfit arrived Capt. Nick pilot.
September 18, 1919 Harry Brown down from Talkeetna
wanted us to back him in store at Talkeetna. Davy mining
engineer back from Kashwitna. Mrs. Eide’s visited at store.
Evening opened up men’s winter goods. Eklutna Bridge reported
out.
September 19, 1919 Didn’t go to mines
on account of rain and no horse, business fair. Harry Brown
still in town looking for goods to start a store in Talkeetna.
Sold Brown 10 pairs show shoes. Gus went to Martin Mine
with engineer Davy.
September 20, 1919 Stanley went down to Black’s
for horse, got back 5:30, rode out to Miller’s Ranch. Self
to meet him at 28 tomorrow for final trip to placer mine.
Harry Brown in town talking store.
September 21, 1919 Wasilla to Mines,
left 7:30 with car, road very muddy had to run on 2nd.
Left car at Lawrence Ranch arrived at mines 6:30. Stanley
cut over to B. D. Mine stayed all night.
September 22, 1919 Stormy at mines.
Hauled balance of 10” pipe down from Canyon Falls to Willow.
Got one load 8” pipe off Homestake claim. Stanley arrived 8:30 from
B. D. Mines.
September 23, 1919 Cloudy and damp at
mines. Decked up 7” and 9” pipe, no. 10 gate and no. 2 giant.
Ready for winter haulage. Stanley packed box powder up
to B. D. Mines, met me on Fishhook summit. Arrived 31½
at 6:15 had supper went on to 28 stayed in Martin’s camp.
September 24, 1919 Stanley and self, with pack
horse, came on in to Wasilla arrived 11 AM. Left car at
Lawrence's on account of bad roads and not enough oil to run her
in. Got bunch of Outside freight, flour, etc. Capt.
Nick in from mines.
September 25, 1919 Hard frost last night
business slow. Capt. Nick left for Anchorage. Engineer
Davy left for Anchorage after inspecting Martin Mine. Jas.
Murray and Ray Jacobson on train from Cache Creek. Stanley
delivered Black’s horse, used him 4 days at mines. Lawrence
went to Anchorage.
September 26, 1919 Farmers digging spuds, only
½ spud crop around Palmer on account of dry summer.
Stump pulling through on Wasilla - Palmer Road now getting out
timbers for Cottonwood Bridge. Made outside cellar chute.
September 27, 1919 Rained hard all PM and evening
business slow. Put up $50 order for Indian River District.
Gus back from Martin Mine last evening. Native spud pickers
back from Walton Ranch “no money”. Ordered bacon from Anchorage
to come to Junction.
September 28, 1919 Pickle had Boden make drift
bolts for bridge. Erickson in shoeing his 4 horse team.
Jim and Nicoli went out to swamp on Palmer - Wasilla Road.
Opened up and marked Portland dry goods, bum stuff.
September 29, 1919 H. H. Drake in from Palmer
bought $90 outfit. Rev. Hughes visited. Houston
coal foreman down on way to court at Anchorage. Thorpe’s
up to trade. Pickle getting out timbers for Cottonwood Bridge.
September 30, 1919 Second
hard frost. Put up 2 orders for Indian River over $300.
Doc Yak in from haulage trip to his mine. Bill Long in
from Knik. Had order from Nancy dog ranch.
October 1, 1919 Train day business fair.
Stanley went up to Lake Nancy to visit the dog ranch.
Several ranchers in to trade. Got more orders from Talkeetna.
October 2, 1919 Weather cloudy rained
all night. Stanley at Nancy. Busy with train south.
Evening marked up balance of Portland goods. Pickle
went to Anchorage, sent mail.
October 3, 1919 Left 11:30 AM on Ford auto
for 28 to bring in car, roads muddy and full of chuckholes,
arrived too late to return with car. Came down to Forty
Mile Miller’s, stayed all night, regular blizzard on and snowing.
October 4, 1919 Got up at 4 AM arrived home
for breakfast. Road frozen up and rough under foot snow
on road to mile 19. Doc Yak drove car to Junction went on
to Anchorage.
October 5, 1919 Freezing weather, quiet
in town. Tryck got outfit together for fixing Fishhook
Bridge. Evening finished sending monthly statements.
Bill’s due $1,045.92.
October 6, 1919 War Baby and Mable men
arrived, cold snap shut off water. Coal company sent down
Jack Wilson’s white horse. Doc Yak back from Anchorage
came from Junction with Ford car.
October 7, 1919 Pete Murray and Jas Patchell
bought outfit. Put up 1 outfit for Talkeetna. Evening
Hansen down from Deadhorse, said river was closing up.
Horning and Miller left for Anchorage via Junction. Zink
in from B. D. Mines.
October 8, 1919 Road about froze up.
Webfoot manager back from Anchorage with cook stove etc.
Rock and Phillips in from mines, closed down. Got 3 orders
from Branch Line.
October 9, 1919 Light snow. Stanley
got back from Nancy dog ranch. Anderson and Price and several
on train from Cache Creek District. Lillwall closed up shop
and went to Anchorage. Rock and Phillips went to Anchorage
Harvey Bartholf went to Anchorage.
October 10, 1919 Gooding in for merchandise.
Doc Yak drove Mabel horse on cart out to 31½.
Put gravel along Wasilla Avenue side of store where eaves drop.
October 11, 1919 Dr. and Mrs. Spaulding arrived
from hospital at mines with Mabel horse on cart. Abe Reising
took Jack Wilson’s horse, we fed horse 6 days.
October 12, 1919 Sold J. G. Johnson lumber
and merchandise $65. Stanley went down new Wasilla -
Palmer Road as far as Metz.
October 13, 1919 Herman Gromwoldt in
from Fish Lake to trade. Doc Yak back from Anchorage.
A few boys in from mines reported 5’ snow on Fishhook summit.
Fred Nelson in from Road Commission work on bridge.
October 14, 1919 Decorated hardware side with
stoves in show window. Jointed up new oil line for car.
Hartman drove 3 men to Junction with auto. Evening Rae
gave his wife experience in States.
October 15, 1919 Patchell up from Pitman
for supplies. Lander, Harvey and Phillips back from
Anchorage. Got Outside mail via Seward railroad.
A few more men in from GB. Tryck and Gus in from bridge building
mile 31. Evening got out Outside mail.
October 16, 1919 Train 5 hours late on account
of sale of Talkeetna town lots. J. H. Bartholf and Thorpe
moved to Anchorage. Gus went to Anchorage. Chas Harper
on train for Anchorage. Fred Nelson nursing “jobs” comforts.
October 17, 1919 Doc Yak and partner
left on cart and mounted with horse meat for the Junction. No
sell-em, dogs get-em. Bill Bennett in from mines.
Put Knik windows and wall board under cover.
October 18, 1919 Weather thawing.
O. C. Miller in. PM walked out with Miller to his ranch
shot 2 grouse. Miller got up royal dinner all kinds of home
canned goods. Evening cleared and colder. Miller offered
to sell his sawmill outfit for $700.
October 19, 1919 Clear and colder froze
hard last night. Walked up to Lawrence Ranch from Miller’s
road froze up and very rough. Distributor on car gave weak
spark decided not to bring in car. Left Lawrence’s and
got home 11:15 by light of “cola-bug”.
October 20, 1919 First snow business
fair. PM tried to re-solder stand lamp (leaked anyway).
Got phone order from Chickaloon. Gus Swanson bought team
in Anchorage. Erickson freighter in from mines.
October 21, 1919 Sent Stanley down to
Junction with mail for both banks. Made out order for engine
supplies direct to Overland factory. Edlund left for States.
October 22, 1919 Got 3 orders
on Branch Line. Mrs. Thompson up from Junction to trade.
Little Gem Mining Co. check no good at bank. Harper bros.
visited. Spalding here from coal mines. Lillwall in
from Anchorage.
October 23, 1919 Capt. Griffith down
from Talkeetna to buy a sawmill. Lillwall returned to
Anchorage. Mrs. Brown on train for Anchorage. Fred
went to Anchorage. Bill Bennett went to Anchorage.
October 24, 1919 Cleaned up around furnace
room for storage of winter stock. Capt. Griffith went
out to see Miller’s sawmill. Fred Nelson back from Anchorage
with Nagley’s team. Patzack down from Houston Coal Mine.
October 25, 1919 Lucille Lake opened again
froze over twice this fall. Frank Doherty in from Bullion
Mine. Erickson lost a horse. McMillan in from 31½
RH. Filled up furnace coal bin. Tightened up joints
on track warehouse roof. Black went to Hughes with Rae’s horse.
Pete Jenson in from GB.
October 26, 1919 Steam shovel gang went north.
Pete Jenson left for his Knik ranch. Evening rain.
October 27, 1919 Stanley went out to visit
Forty Mile Miller. Fred, Gus and Zink went out to mile
25 to start timber contract. Filled gas tank. Got
phone from Henderson about school.
October 28, 1919 Stanley back from Miller’s
ranch. Miller moved into town to start hash house.
Put up 2 orders to go north on railroad. Doc Yaks partner back
from Anchorage. Car load freight due tomorrow.
October 29, 1919 More snow, dog teams
out, business good. Lawrence in for supplies. Capt.
Griffeth returned to Talkeetna. Only small part of freight came
up, 9 days at Anchorage.
October 30, 1919 Wired for 8 tons forage
for Fred Nelson. Bothwell and several GB men out from
mines and went to Anchorage. Car of Houston coal arrived
for Mabel and Rock Mines. Black after lumber for Edlund school
building. Mattie an even 50.
October 31, 1919 Wasilla Lake frozen over.
O. C. Miller got frame up for his hash house. Pickle back
from Anchorage has weak stomach account eating Anchorage mutton.
Kemper in from Houston for grub.
November 1, 1919 O. C. Miller started foundation
for house on Agent Harman’s ranch. Old Maid Johnson in
to buy screws and hinges. Fred Nelson started to haul coal
to mines. Grennon up to trade.
November 2, 1919 Pickle through on Finger Lake
Road. They completed Cottonwood Bridge and made road
passable for sleds over to social hall. Sam Cappers and
Agent McCarthy up from Junction to trade, bought $40 worth in
10 minutes and were off.
November 3, 1919 Drake and Brown down from
Palmer for outfits. Car freight delayed at Anchorage
2 weeks, arrived by special train. Dave Skarstad left for Anchorage.
November 4, 1919 O. C. Miller building his
restaurant and Harman’s house on ranch. Lakes all frozen
over and kids skating. Bear showed up around Lucille Lake
yesterday.
November 5, 1919 I. V. Miller down from
Palmer to trade. Put up 5 orders for Branch Line.
George Gates in town. Otto chased bear to Knik but didn’t
catch him. Fred and Gus went out with 2 loads for mines.
Mrs. Chas Spalding arrived. Auto car went to 31½.
November 6, 1919 Otto bought grub for Knik.
Hughes in with bobsleighs for Mullen. I. V. Miller returned
to Palmer. Stern went to Anchorage. Sold train men
$35 worth of grub.
November 7, 1919 Business fair sold Wilmoth
Co. over $100 worth merchandise. Otto and Indian Jim went
to Knik. McNeil and Simmons from Anchorage went to Knik.
Just enough snow for sledding.
November 8, 1919 Evening
Pickle gave a dance, several over from Finger Lake District,
sold $75 worth supplies to dancers. Dancers had oyster supper
at Hotel Hartman. Fred and Gus in. Fred crushed
his foot. Wagner went to Knik.
November 9, 1919 Forty Mile Miller in with
2 loads lumber for his hash house. Reported Meyers laid
off section men. Skating in order now. “Pickles Dance”
but everybody paid.
November 10, 1919 Gates back from Knik, after
outfit to go into Broad Pass District with Ed Tagart. Black
went in to Knik with 4 horse team on bobsleighs. Lander in
from his mountain home. Stanley caught a cold.
November 11, 1919 Put up over $200 order
for Broad Pass District. Ellexson in from Knik for supplies
with dog team. Bullion freighters going on train Wednesday
to Houston. Raider in from government farm.
November 12, 1919 Days business $608.65.
Gates and Tagart left to trap near Broad Pass. Jas Stewart
in from Seward, went on to Talkeetna. Got several small
orders from Branch Line.
November 13, 1919 Train late from north had
quite a bunch from Nenana on train. Lander, Mrs. Hartman,
Black and several others and Mrs. Donovan went to Anchorage.
Gottstein visited. Capt. Griffith arrived 2nd trip.
November 14, 1919 Olaf Wagner’s brother arrived
from Nenana District. Reported Capt. Griffeth bought Indian
Jims sawmill. O. C. Miller sick with flea bites? Two
mushers in from Iditarod District.
November 15, 1919 Wagner and brother went to
Anchorage. Stanley went down to Black and Edlund’s for
vegetables, got none. Capt. Griffith went out to mile
28 for sawmill. Stanley got a cold.
November 16, 1919 Danielson up to trade.
Snowed quite heavy, enough to make fair sledding.
November 17, 1919 Snowed heavily last
night. Gus in from 28, going now to Willow Creek to haul
War Baby timbers. Fleckenstein home from Turnagain Arm
work. Wagner back from Anchorage. O. C. Miller sick
with cold. Mattie got cold in head. Marked up new tobacco.
November 18, 1919 Got 2 orders
ready for Talkeetna. B. B. Griffeth loaded Independence
saw mill on car for Talkeetna. Fleckenstein proved up on his
homestead.
November 19, 1919 Wasilla woke up today.
Many on the train and all the ranchers in to trade. Herman
and Patchell in for grub. Nagley family on train for Talkeetna.
LS Roadhouse man in for grub.
November 20, 1919 Nelson and Erickson
hauling freight to mines. Mrs. Chas Spalding returned
to Chickaloon. Fleck went back to work on railroad.
November 21, 1919 Got orders
from Knik. Two mushers in from Iditarod District, had
a live martin. Jacobsen in to trade. Wagner hauling
his house out from Knik. Marked up tobacco and cigarettes.
November 22, 1919 Business fair sold
2 stoves. Ya-Ye Youson in to trade. Wagner made
round trip Wasilla to Knik. Wilmoth Co. had Miller fix their
safety flues.
November 23, 1919 Dunklee in from Palmer to
help Swank prove up. The “Kid” dog racer in with 4 passengers
from Iditarod District. Marked up new goods and worked
on books. Evening colder -12 at 9 PM.
November 24, 1919 First cold wave -10.
More dog teams in from McGrath Iditarod District several sick
with colds. Dog teams drove on to Anchorage. Man reported
lost going in over Iditarod trail near Skwentna River.
November 25, 1919 Zero weather.
Train day, turkey day at Anchorage. Got 2 orders from north.
Went to Anchorage last work train. Miss Ora Dee Clark visited.
Evening read daily papers (government got Reds going).
November 26, 1919 Train 5 hours late
from north got no orders, got out more Outside mail.
Two bad dogs chewed “Spot” up hurt his front leg.
November 27, 1919 Turkey day we
had Alaska roast chicken. Forty Mile Miller ate with us,
business fair. Grennon in to trade. Otto from Knik
bought $66 order. Miss Clark in town. O. C. Miller getting
roof on his hash house.
November 28, 1919 Put up Otto’s order.
Got $115 order from Talkeetna. Miss Ora Dee Clark put
out a trap line for weasels. Wagner hauling out log building
from Knik.
November 29, 1919 Evening
“Turkey Dance” big crowd over from Matanuska District.
Ben Agnew brought over Belgian hares for Cannon. Gus back
from War Baby Mine.
November 30, 1919 Four dog teams in from
Iditarod District. Stanley took five bird dog team for
45 days. One musher had 100 lbs. gold dust.
December 1, 1919 More dog
teams in from Discovery Iditarod District. Train went up
to end of steel for Nenana passengers. Schultz in from Little
Susitna RH for supplies.
December 2, 1919 Big bunch
from Nenana passed through to Anchorage, also bunch from Iditarod.
Winchester over to prove up on his ranch. Lawrence in from
28. Swank bought Pete Johnson team for GB. Special
train from north.
December 3, 1919 Got letter from Zimmerman,
he would pay face value of old account. Erickson sawing
wood for Wilmoth Co. Shipped 1 ton north. Evening got
out Seattle mail.
December 4, 1919 Business good sales
over $300. Herman in from Fish Lake for outfit.
Ulanky and Bennett in from Knik for load grub. Train late
arrived 8:30. Stanley went to Anchorage to get his new front
teeth.
December 5, 1919 Chinook weather, rain.
Wired Zimmerman to wire funds through Bank of Alaska. Gus
and Fred on wood contract mile 28 to mines.
December 6, 1919 Stanley 15 years old.
Black in from Knik with load Knik school timbers for Fair View
school building. Hans Freidlund hunting up his dog.
Stanley at Anchorage.
December 7, 1919 Pitman section men down
to trade. Got out financial statement for bank.
Stanley at Anchorage, Ma and me feeding dogs.
December 8, 1919 Several dog teams in
from Iditarod District. PM drove bird dog team to Junction
to send mail 19 miles 3 hours. Sent Tom Williams at Latouche
his Royal suit.
December 9, 1919 “Slivers” took load
grub for Otto at Knik by dog team.
December 10, 1919 Stanley
phoned he would hoist anchor AM. Hugh Price visited wanted
no. 1 giant and prices on $1,000 mining outfit. Fred in from
mines. Arthur Tryck arrived, boy no. 2.
December 11, 1919 Mrs. Blodgett in from
Knik going to Anchorage. Train late from north. Got
load of dogs and mushers for Anchorage and Seward. Mathews
got dog team for its keeping. First dog team left for Inside
today. Got 2 Xmas orders.
December 12, 1919 AM drove
dog team to Junction for Stanley, up from Anchorage dental work,
cost $75. Brown bears out around Goose Bay and fox in
trap.
December 13, 1919 Steady cold wave -6.
Bogard and McDougal in to trade. Got wire from Zimmerman
he mailed draft to our bank for $1,236.50. Jim and Nicoli
moved to Knik to get brown bear. Hartman left for Outside.
December 14, 1919 AM -20, evening
-10. Danielson in to trade. Gus in from mines.
Wagner back from Knik. Evening warming up with NE wind.
Stanley nursing a cold.
December 15, 1919 Thirty four below at some
points, -24 at Anchorage. Ben Marion, Shorty and
several in for merchandise. Mild wind and not very cold.
Extra train brought mail.
December 16, 1919 Wagner hauled out last
of his Knik house. Miss Clark out of school 2 days on
account of ceiling school house.
December 17, 1919 Joe Anderson visited about
giants and $1,000 order for his mines. Miss Johnson back
from Anchorage. Fred and Gus in from 29. Patchell in
to trade. Wilmoth Co. meats arrived.
December 18, 1919 Snowed 6”, +2.
Henry Bahrenberg visited on way to Anchorage. Dog team
in from Iditarod District. Several on train from Nenana.
Got clams and soda held by Anchorage dock since November 3rd.
December 19, 1919 Stanley 1 week on algebra
and general science with Miss Clark at Fair View school.
Wagner went to Knik for a back house. Fred and Gus went
out with loads for mines.
December 20, 1919 Temperature -8.
Gooding in for merchandise. Stanley went with Erickson
for load hay at Donovan’s. Black boy and Miss Clark up from
Fair View to trade. A. E. Commission looking for nails.
December 21 1919 Cold wave, -20.
Marino and Neklason went to Knik to haul in the Nagley house
for Stern. Sent Feldman D-H and Co. rent and collected money for
September and October. Black in from Knik with school lumber.
December 22 1919 AM -18, PM +20. Train
2 days ahead on account of Xmas. Eklutna ranchers over
to trade. Harvey Bartholf up from Anchorage brought us sheep
meat and new onions. Evening cloudy and warming up. Edlund
back from States.
December 23 1919 Ralph Weis up to trade and
several other ranchers. Moose Hank bought a $60 outfit.
Marino hauled Nagley house as far as mile 1¾ had to leave
it and come to Wasilla for more horses. Sent Zimmerman collection
to bank.
December 24 1919 Train from north late.
One hundred passengers at lunch here, sold $25 in apples and
tobacco. Wasilla-ites went down to Fair View School, entertainment
followed by dance, Stanley and mother went. Sent mail to
Anchorage by Harvey Bartholf.
December 25, 1919 Stanley drove dog team to
Matanuska for Jim and Nicoli. Otto, Stern and Bodin’s
Road Commission checks account October labor. Had
chicken dinner Cannon ate with us.
December 26, 1919 Snowed all day, +20.
Black took Otto’s grub to Knik. Jim and Nicoli moved
to Knik. Marino and Neklason moved Nagley house as far
as mile 4 and gave up the job. Fred and Gus went out with
2 loads coal.
December 27, 1919 Special train up from
Anchorage with Santa Claus people going home. Got local
mail. Victor Gill came up to visit Stanley. Bill Tallman
visited on way to Talkeetna.
December 28, 1919 Sold Wilmoth Co. over $100
merchandise. Reported 2’ snow fell at Knik. “Baldy”
up from Junction making usual deliveries?
December 29, 1919 Bodie Bill reported
Black drove into overflow in swamp out of Knik and stuck there.
Train from north 8 PM Victor Gill went home to Anchorage. Plenty
of snow now.
December 30, 1919 Black in from Knik, took
him a day to get out of overflow. Kinbootz took Otto
and Fischer’s outfit.
December 31, 1919 Chinook +46.
Patchell down from Pittman to trade. Started to take inventory
of hardware. Old year goes out with a warm wave. Herning
family doing business at Wasilla Alaska. Train from north
went to Anchorage.
1920
January 1, 1920 Perfect day like summer
weather, +30. Bogard and Miss Clark in. Fleckenstein
boys bought Miller’s sawmill went out to take it down. Stanley
and Ma went over to Forest Hall to attend a flag raising.
January 2, 1920 Weather windy +34. Regular
train arrived forgot mail at Anchorage. Evening got out
Seattle mail. Manager Phillips back from Anchorage.
Erickson sawing wood for ranchers with gas saw.
January 3, 1920 George Grennon in to
trade. Evening 4 horse load Finger Lake people came over
to surprise the Fleckenstein family. Pat Collins left
for Susitna.
January 4, 1920 Mullen in for feed, reported
snow slide took Fred and Gus tent and all down the hill at Talkeetna
Mine, no harm done. Black in from Knik with load junk.
Freeze in for foot gear. Stanley took his mother out for
joy ride with bird dog team. Worked on hardware invoices.
Mullen returned Hughes horses.
January 5, 1920 No train from north up
line 3 days. Miller got roofing paper on his eating dump
to be. Shorty Gustafson in to trade. Managers Phillips
and Mathews in town waiting for wires?
January 6, 1920 Business fair got orders
from Knik. Got $980 order from Cache Creek to submit
bid on. Black went to Knik took in grub for Otto.
Saturday train back today from Talkeetna. Harry Brown on
train got census job.
January 7, 1920 L. S. RH man over for
roadhouse supplies. McDougal and Bogard in to trade.
Stanley drove bird dog team to Knik to look the old town over.
Fleckenstein boy hauling out Forty Mile Miller’s sawmill to their
ranch.
January 8, 1920 Bert Farris up from the Junction
brought up fisherman for lake at mile 19. Stanley at
Knik, failed to come home as scheduled to do. Evening light
rain. Gus and Fred bucking snow at mines. Train due
tomorrow.
January 9, 1920 One hundred on train for end
of steel, took dinner here, business good for ½ hour.
Got mail delayed 2 weeks in Anchorage. Stanley back from
Knik got several orders. Fred and Gus in from Talkeetna
Mine reported snow slides bad.
January 10, 1920 Put up several orders for
Branch Line customers. Frank Nicoli left silver fox skin
to send to New York market put his price at $1,000. Black
in from Knik with load lumber. Swank in from Willow Creek.
January 11, 1920 Weather colder -24. Train
failed to arrive from north. Evening -20.
January 12, 1920 Evening warmed up followed
by 1st big wind of winter, making everyone’s eyeballs jingle.
Sent silver fox skin by 1st Class registered mail to NY.
January 13, 1920 Wind howled all night and
today, blew tar roofing off Wilmoth store. Blew down
two tent houses. Stanley moved dogs from barn to auto shed
due on account of wind.
January 14, 1920 Big wind blew Wilmoth Co.
store pipes down again, business fair. Train up from
Anchorage. Elder back from Thorpe Ranch. Metz went
to work for AC Company at end of steel. Swank returned with
more horses to GB Mines.
January 15, 1920 Colder -18, train back from
north. Sent deposit to bank by Gottstein the wholesale
seller. Picked up corrugated iron the wind blew away.
Anna Simmons visiting the Fleckenstein’s.
January 16, 1920 AM -22. Edlund bunch up to
trade. Stanley went for load oat hay at Metz Ranch with
Erickson.
January 17, 1920 Reimner in from
Skwentna RH for supplies. Dog team in from Iditarod District.
Let Cannon have double ender sled to use. Sam McMillan
in.
January 18, 1920 Temperature -10 to -20. Black
and Fair View Schoolmarm in to trade. Started to get totals
of 1919 sales on clothing, hardware, groceries tobacco seeds
and forage.
January 19, 1920 Big crowd on special
train to end of steel, Doc David and Frank Bayer on train.
Put up 1 order for Talkeetna. Little Nakeeta in for grub
from Knik.
January 20, 1920 Temperatures -28. Little
Susitna RH man in for outfit. Returned all Conroy and Rager
papers to H. C. Feldman at Cordova. Rest of account dead
except two. Black got load hay from Moffat’s.
January 21, 1920 Dave Miller got small
outfit for War Baby Mine. Special train from north 30
passengers. Kirney and bride took his dogs that Stanley
had kept and beat it for Iditarod District. Got draft from
Zimmerman to cover principal on old account $1,236.50. Harry
Lander went to Anchorage.
January 22, 1920 Bodie Bill hauling lumber
from Knik. Edlund and wife went to Anchorage to see about
bond for Fair View School treasurer. Train 7 hours late
from north, sent in $1,500 deposit. Fleckenstein home for
a visit from job with AEC. Anchorage Republican Club wanted
me to run for representative to Alaska Legislature at Juneau.
Knik MLD Club reorganized at Wasilla.
January 23, 1920 Farris and Tomlinson
went up to Houston to haul coal for War Baby Mine. Kienboots
took grub for Otto and Fischer at Knik. Put up clothing order
for Sunshine. Stanley was elected secretary for MLD Club.
January 24, 1920 Temperature -28. Ingstrom
in for iron account sled. Worked on 1919 accounts, segregating
total sales of clothing, hardware, grocery, forage and tobacco
annual sales. Evening -18.
AEC hiring outside horses to freight
logs and supplies at end of steel.
January 25, 1920 Harry Brown arrived to take
1920 census. Harry Lander back from Anchorage.
Thirty ate dinner at roadhouse including Colonel Mears.
January 26, 1920 Cold wave still on -20.
Got out annual 1919 sales run over $30,000. Census taker
Brown is making all the women tell their age. Wired Fisher
Merchandise to duplicate order lost on govt. railroad.
January 27, 1920 Cold wave broken windy today,
+20. Nagley phoned for supplies said he was going to fill
Price and Anderson’s $1,000 order. Train from north returned,
sent $500 to bank by Frank Bayer. Brown went to Willow Creek
to take census.
January 28, 1920 Herman in from Fish
Lake to trade. Got $63 order from Branch Line. Regular
train north. Snow plow gang went south. Hughes rented
his freight horses to A. E. Com., Ed Mullen driver. Wired for
meats and sugar.
January 29, 1920 H. H. Drake over from
Moose Creek to trade. Harry Brown bought trail outfit
for taking 1920 census. Fred in from Talkeetna Mine.
Sliver went to Anchorage, sent 2 letters by him.
January 30, 1920 Pand and Donovan
in from Tyonek after clothing and Indian tobacco. Evening
wrote Nagley about mining orders. Still cold -20.
January 31, 1920 Mrs. Courtland
visited, said she stayed on her homestead last night, bought some
supplies and took train for Talkeetna. MLD piano arrived
from Knik put same in school house. Evening Edlund’s gave
a Dutch dance at school house. Hughes teams hired to A. E. Com.
February 1, 1920 Cold snap broken. Quiet
in town after Saturday night dance.
February 2, 1920 Got list of big outfit
to bid on. Price and Anderson pleased, they wanted us
to fill their $950 order? L. S. RH man in for grub.
“Old Webfoot” in for squaw grub etc. Windy and warmer.
February 3, 1920 Put in bid on a $1,000 order
for Broad Pass Dist. Mattie went out to visit Mrs. Mac.
Worked most all day pricing up order, Stanley helped on adding
machine. Wilmoth light engine on the bum.
February 4, 1920 Temperature +40. Ben
Agnew in for supplies. Sent Nagley $118 worth of merchandise.
B. A. Grier the $1,000 outfit man visited. Bill Bennett
in from Knik. Mrs. Blodgett returned from 2 months at Anchorage
to Knik. Mother at Macs mile 31½, Stanley the cook.
February 5, 1920 C. H. Wilson returned from
Turnagain Arm bought grub for his ranch at Knik. Gooding in for
supplies. Wilson tin shop man and Lidell up from Anchorage
on fishing trip. Mattie visiting at Fishhook Inn.
February 6, 1920 Put up order for Wilson
and Otto. Indian Jim and son moved back from Knik.
Lander in from mountain home. MLD Club met on account
of Washington's Birthday dance. Mattie returned from visit
at Fishhook Inn. Gus and Fred through hauling to mines.
February 7, 1920 Harry Lander contracted
to haul Bob Hatcher’s outfit to mines. Fenton over from
Eska for a visit. Black bought remains of Knik Trading
Co. forage that was in wreck on railroad. New twice a week
train schedule for main line. Evening Chinook and wind.
February 8, 1920 MLD Club practiced of “Georgie's
Birthday”. Moose Hank drove in to Knik. Fred Nelson in,
through hauling to Mabel and Talkeetna Mines. Hatcher and
Lander left for mines.
February 9, 1920 Two trains north now twice
a week service. Lander back from mountain home hauling
for Bob Hatcher. Pedro Goosmar and Nagulga Watson over from
Eklutna to trade. Black left with 4 horse team for end of steel
also B. K. Wilson’s white mule.
February 10, 1920 Two trains from north.
Jake Metz proved up on his ranch. Natives left for Knik.
Mrs. Harman went to Anchorage.
February 11, 1920 Otto in from Knik for supplies.
Seward train still blocked by snow due tonight at Anchorage
business fair sales $100. Bill Long out from Knik.
MLD practicing for Georgie's Birthday.
February 12, 1920 No train on account of snow.
Patchell in for grub also Bill Hughes. Lander relaying
out freight for Hatcher. Otto took his outfit to Knik with
Moose Hank’s team. Nicoli and Jim on a moose hunt.
Evening still snowing.
February 13, 1920 Heavy snow last
night 18” fell in 24 hours. GB man after Gus and Fred to
help do their hauling. Railroad grader with 2 engines passed
through to clear the track of snow. No regular train today
because of snow storm.
February 14, 1920 Chinook rain +44, wind and
warm wave knocked recent fall of snow down to ½.
Lander broke road out to 32. Evening soldier gave dance at
Junction, Stanley and Wilmoth Co. went on hand car.
February 15, 1920 Temperature +40, rained,
dancers back from Junction. Filled up furnace coal bin.
Nick Kane back from fur trip. Alaska oil lands now open
for lease after 12 years lock-up.
February 16, 1920 Fred and Gus left to
haul freight for GB Mines for balance of winter. Indian
Jim in with moose meat. After a week of blockade trains
running to Seward. Heavy rain 9 to midnight.
February 17, 1920 All low places filled with
water. Rotary snowplow went to end of steel. McNeil
visited and paid $20 on old account. Train from north arrived
9 PM. Stanley went out to Indian Jims hunting camp.
Karstad returned to Anchorage. Evening raining. Tomlinson
in from GB.
February 18, 1920 Hughes in for grub.
Stanley on hunting trip. Carter paid up. Little
Gem outfit in and Mabel shut down on account of heavy snow.
Evening put pigeon hole rack over office desk
February 19, 1920 Harry Brown back from Susitna
Station after taking census. Got bill of Seattle freight
7 tons flour, meats, butter, etc. Stanley back from Jims
hunting camp. Evening raining. C. H. Wilson in from
Knik. Bob Hatcher in.
February 20, 1920 Harry Brown still in
town. Ed Lee in going to haul for GB. Bob Hatcher
left for mines, only one on Fishhook side doing anything.
Rugg, Cudahy’s man phoned from Anchorage. MLD Club still practicing
for Georgie’s birthday.
February 21, 1920 Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse visited.
Evening MLD Club pulled off social. Several up from Junction
on hand car and speeder. Club took in $41.50, social closed
5 AM. Heavy storms reported in Broad Pass District.
February 22, 1920 MLD “pikers” sleeping.
Ed Lee couldn’t brake road to Houston, came back to ship on
train. Archie got road broke out to 31½ hauling car
coal for Little Gem.
February 23, 1920 Train from Anchorage
brought no freight from last boats. Nakala in from Knik
to trade. Fred Nelson in from Willow Creek via Fishhook
Pass. Mrs. Fenton from Eska visited looking for a ranch.
February 24, 1920 Bodie Bill took $100 for
Otto to Knik. Donovan hauling in spuds for Nagley at
Talkeetna. Farmers loading a car of spuds for A. E. Com.
$75 to $90 a ton. Wagner and Fred Nelson went to Anchorage.
February 25, 1920 Shulz in from L. S.
RH for grub. McNeil in from north to visit his squaw family
at Knik. Patzack returned to Wasilla. O’Brien in from
Knik. Miller building Harman’s house on the ranch.
Evening snow plow went to Anchorage.
February 26, 1920 Bob Hatcher in for
supplies for mine. Rancher Hoppel in from Goose Bay phoned
Marshal that someone tried to shoot him, Hoppel off in the head.
Fred Nelson back from Anchorage. Bert McClarty in from Anchorage.
Got ham and bacon and butter from Seattle.
February 27, 1920 Whitridge out
from Knik. Sold Hatcher $128 order. Bert McClarty
went out to mine for Hatcher. Marshal’s Hoffman and Mossman
took Hoppel to Anchorage to try his mentality. Evening MLD
Club met. Young moose came into town. Temperature +50.
February 28, 1920 H. H. Brown in from
Moose Creek for supplies. Cow moose visited at Hospital
11 AM. Filled up furnace coal bin. Miss O. D. Clark
in town. Nicolaska in from Knik with moose meat at 25¢
#. Fred left for GB Mines.
February 29, 1920 Snowed 6” last night quiet
in town. Worked on income tax return. Evening train
from north 21 for supper. Richard Lander came down from
end of steel. Cannon hauling lumber for Harrison house on
ranch.
March 1, 1920 Reorder of forage lost on RR
arrived today one month from Seattle held at Seward 20 days.
Rader over from Experimental Farm, now threshing for farmers
about 500 bushels of small grain threshed to date. Sent
in income tax $30.69. Hartman arrived from Outside.
March 2, 1920 Put up $100 order for Broad Pass
District. Snow plow went north. Bill Hughes in for grub.
Evening Harvey Bartholf arrived with dog team from Moose Creek
for Beedie.
March 3, 1920 Called on Miller
at Harman’s ranch, had frame up on house. Snow plow went
north to buck snow reported no snow at end of steel to buck.
Bill on the Knik route again. Archie hauled last of car coal
to 32 for Webfoot.
March 4, 1920 Patchell and Gromwold in for
supplies. C. M. Huff bought $103 mining outfit for Indian
River District. Swift of T and T Dept. visited wanted
us to guarantee $5 per month for phone service, nothing doing being
100% above present cost.
March 5, 1920 Train back from north, two engines
with snow plow back from north. Engineer Freeman said
there was no snow to buck. Two dog teams left for Iditarod
District. New phone installed in Wasilla Hotel. Harvey
Bartholf returned to Anchorage took mail.
March 6, 1920 Pump man down from Pittman for
grub and repairs. Evening MLD Club met. Pulled
off “Bell Show”, “C. D.” had the cow bell. Olaf Wagner
now Section Boss while Mr. Canfield over to States on a vacation.
March 7, 1920 Cloudy mild. Lander in.
Sold $50 mining outfit. Bogard and Johnson in looking after
their teams used by Archie McTaggart. Reported a moose passed
through streets of Knik, several moose in woods around Wasilla.
March 8, 1920 Bogard and Johnson’s team went
to end of steel to haul freight for A. E. Commission.
Got 3 ton coal from Houston for Bob Hatcher Mine. Lander left
with 2 loads for Gold Mint Mine. Thorpe’s came back to homestead
ranch.
March 9, 1920 Stern in from Knik with load
of barber shop junk. Bill Bennett in from Knik and went
to Anchorage. A. E. Commission loading 2nd car spuds at
Wasilla. Sliver went to Anchorage.
March 10, 1920 Sorted out door locks and hinges
and paired up same from Knik house. Stern went to Knik took
in hen food for Fischer. Old Knik Natives after moose around
Wasilla. Goldstein of Juneau visited looking for fur.
Received letter from Dad wanted me to come back and take charge of
bank.
March 11, 1920 Cash and credit sales around
$400. Car load of dogs and 10 men arrived for Iditarod
District. Remner in from Skwentna Crossing for supplies for
roadhouse. Little Susitna RH man in. Hartman got another
Ford from Anchorage.
March 12, 1920 Temperature 65 in the sun business
fair. Monroe Kast on train to Anchorage, said he would
phone order, going prospecting for quartz. Everybody talking
oil since oil land opened for location. Some went to Coal
Bay Iliamna and Tyonek District. Lander made round trip to 32.
March 13, 1920 Ralph Weis and George
Grennon up to trade. Joe Walton proved up on “Mary's”
ranch? Indian Jim got a moose. Party on at Edlund’s
at Fair View School, Wilmoth Co. and Stanley attended.
Put in bid on $346 order.
March 14, 1920 Gave drop shipment tobacco order
to Chisholm. Shulz partner in for more grub and paid 2
Knik bills. Evening two dog teams arrived from Kuskokwim
District. Shorty Gustafson down to thresh his oats.
Made out spring seed order.
March 15, 1920 Sold snowshoes to Bethel merchant.
Monroe Kast visited, said he placed his order with B and H who
underbid Shonbeck Mrs. Hartman under doctors care. Train
north loaded with passengers. Sent in seed order.
March 16, 1920 Hatcher in for last
of mining outfit. Train from north late arrived 9 PM
38 for lunch. Train at Wasilla 1 hour. Made out
orders to come on first boat to Anchorage. Sent mail by Chisholm
to Anchorage.
March 17, 1920 Lander left with balance of
Hatcher’s freight for Gold Mint Mine. Sold $71.50 worth
Knik lumber doors etc. from Knik RH. Moose Hank drove to
Knik for lumber. Esi and Wasilla Boy over from Eklutna.
Made out overall and pant order.
March 18, 1920 Moose Hank in from Knik with
load lumber for Oscar Anderson ranch. Frank Churchill back
from winters trip to States. White mule bunch going to
Anchorage for trial of Nick Kane. Kaff trying to overthrow
Ebert government Germany.
March 19, 1920 Train from north
3 hours late. Snow plow gang laid over at Wasilla last
night. Mrs. Spaulding went to Anchorage. Hughes in
for grub. Fred Roscher returned to his ranch after winters
work for AEC “White Mule” gang went to Anchorage.
March 20, 1920 Moose Hank in from Knik with
lumber for Anderson’s ranch. Evening MLD Club gave a bean
and brown bread dance, small attendance on account of bad roads,
cold snap and what not. Phone from Conroy about price on
D-H and Co. building.
March 21, 1920 Cloudy chilly, very quiet in
town. One musher arrived from Iditarod District.
Cleaned up and oiled store floors. Moose Hank drove to Knik
for more lumber.
March 22, 1920 Outside mail in received this
$6 pen. Seattle Hardware man in gave him small order.
Ulanky in from Knik for grub.
March 23, 1920 Fleckenstein boys and Archie
McTaggart back from end of steel, claimed accommodations were
bad. Three dog teams in from Iditarod District went on to
Junction. Esi and Natives returned to Junction and Eklutna.
Sent mail by Seattle hardware man.
March 24, 1920 Two oil stampeder's bought an
outfit for down Tyonek way with 2 dog teams. Fosket in
for grub for himself and neighbor Mrs. Conway. Miller got
agent Harman’s farm house about completed.
March 25, 1920 McGill arrived on way to Beluga
by dog team. Several dog teams arrived returned to Iditarod
District. Baldy Reikhert got 1 year and $1,000 fine for
White Mule operations. Gus returned to GB camp for freighting.
March 26, 1920 Temperature -18 last night.
Native from Knik got $25 outfit. Two fur trappers in from
Lake Creek District. Bill Long back from Anchorage with flu.
Jim Murray down from Cache Creek after Sunrise hydraulic pipe.
March 27, 1920 Below zero last night
over 1’ snow fell last week. Miss Clark up from Fair View
School. Foster and Sinclair back from Tyonek Oil District.
March 28, 1920 Bogard in business fair.
Wrote letter to Fred Sylvester. Stanley sick with sort
of flu. Bill Long nursing flu at Moose Hanks. Made
out order for drugs.
March 29, 1920 Temperature -18. Herman
and Patchell in to trade. Doc Yak visited. Finnigan
back from end of steel, he heard it was summer here and quit his
job. Sam Kelly visited on way to end of steel. Several
dog teams going Inside. Stanley laid up stomach trouble.
March 30, 1920 Temperature +12 to -20.
Train 12 hours late from the north. Jim and Nicolai went
to Eska to work for A. E. Commission. Stanley staying in,
his cold much better.
March 31, 1920 March came in like a lamb and
went out like a lion, cold and windy. Mattie took sick
with flu went to bed. Stanley some better able to eat a
little, has cough. Cash sales over $100. Several
sick with the flu.
April 1, 1920 Train day business slow.
Stanley and mother still sick with flu. Miller got the
flu. Evening got out-mail. Cold wave broken.
April 2, 1920 Tex Cobb returned to his ranch.
Flu day at the Herning ranch. Evening some better but
off on grub. Fair View School down with the flu. Self
nurse emptied chamber 40 -11 times.
April 3, 1920 George Bailey and
Weiss up from Junction. C. H. Wilson in from Knik.
Stanley much better but mother has a bad cough. Miss Clark
nursing “flu” at Hotel Wasilla. Harman fixing up his put-put
boat. Had chicken dinner.
April 4, 1920 McMillan and Lander in from 32
also Mathews sick with the flu. Mattie troubled with deep
cough when laying down. Evening got pills from Dr. to
relieve cough. Mother much sicker than Stanley with the
flu.
April 5, 1920 Called in doctor on account of
Matt’s flu. McGill back from Beluga. Otto in from
Knik also J. J. Mattie in bed all day pretty well done
up with flu.
April 6, 1920 Judge Fred Brown visited.
Ellexson and wife in from Knik to trade. Mattie much improved
over yesterday beginning to sleep and eat a little. Miller
completed Harman’s ranch house. McGill went to Anchorage.
April 7, 1920 First spring like day business
slow. Mrs. Conway in to trade. Mrs. Mathews manager
of Little Gem Mine dropped off with heart failure at Wasilla
Hotel. Miller installed Harman’s cement chimney.
April 8, 1920 Mrs. Blodgett arrived from Knik
in route to Anchorage. Shulz in for grub, sold roadhouse
to Magill. I made transfer for Magill. Moffat sold
his spuds to A. E. Commission. Mother a little on the gain with
the flu.
April 9, 1920 Foster Bros. left for Outside.
Cannon and Miss Clark went to Anchorage. Broad took Mrs.
Mathews body to Anchorage. George Kennedy down from Sunshine
went on to Anchorage. Sold Doherty a Knik flue for his cabin.
Mattie sat up PM, gaining slowly.
April 10, 1920 Esi’s boy and Nicholi
Frank in. Nakeeta in from Knik for grub. O. C.
Miller got load furniture from ranch. Bogard loading his
spuds for Anchorage. Sales fair, most all Native trade.
Stanley did the washing. Mattie better.
April 11, 1920 Bogard in with 2 tons
spuds. Evening fat man in from Kuskokwim District. Mrs.
Broad in from mines.
April 12, 1920 Train day, Schilling man visited.
Cannon back from Anchorage. Phil Allen up from Junction
to trade. Mattie around all day. Natives left for
Old Knik.
April 13, 1920 Stanley and Forty Mile Miller
went to Anchorage. W. D. Elliott visited, taking lay off
from Talkeetna Station. Fred Carter back from end of steel
to go on his ranch. Patzack and Forker in town.
April 14, 1920 Musher in from Iditarod.
Dan Donovan proved up on his homestead.
April 15, 1920 Stanley and Miller back
from Anchorage. Winfield Ervin up from Anchorage wants
D-H Co. building for a bank, price offered $6,000. Dr.
Spaulding went north to make pills for the A. E. Commission at
$3,000 per year. Got 5 tons from Seattle.
April 16, 1920 Several dog teams left for Iditarod
District. Moose Hank went to Knik. Gus Swanson,
Ed Lee in with teams from GB camp. Mrs. Spaulding went
to Anchorage. Miller decorating up his restaurant.
Bothwell went to Anchorage.
April 17, 1920 Ellexson in from
Knik for grub etc. Hughes in for grub. Stanley and
Miller decorating Miller’s lunch house to be. Cloudy and
cold day.
April 18, 1920 Very quiet in town.
Farmers loading 3 car of spuds at $95 a ton. Forty Mile
Miller fell into the green paint pot.
April 19, 1920 Chamberlain arrived. Broad’s
left for the mines. Lidell in from the mines. Lillwall
up from Anchorage. Patzack went to end of steel to work.
Tom Williams here from south end went north to work on railroad.
Letter from Clara stated father’s health was not good.
April 20, 1920 Gave American Tobacco Co. man
and Chamberlain small order business fair. Lillwall
returned to Anchorage. Mrs. Kennedy from Sunshine went
to Anchorage. Herman Gronwald went to Anchorage.
Goshaw back from Inside with $20,000 worth of fur.
April 21, 1920 Stanley went out to mile 28
with Herman’s dog team for storage battery off truck.
Gus hauling Mrs. Conway’s spuds. Spud Murphy in town.
Dr. Spaulding packed up household gear to ship to Hurricane Gulch
Indian River.
April 22, 1920 Government shipped caterpillar
to end of steel for haulage purposes. Harvey Bartholf up
from Anchorage. Many going to end of steel. Train carries
2 coaches business good. Fairview School paid up.
April 23, 1920 Shulz over for grub. Bill
Long in from Knik to trade. Harvey Bartholf returned to
Anchorage. Miller offered $100 per month rental for his
hash house. Checked up bolt shortage. Pete Johnson
paid Swanson’s old bill.
April 24, 1920 Pump man down from Pittman,
bought 4 pair shoes to send to his family in Europe. Knik
Indians left for Eklutna, got no moose. Evening MLD Club
met had 60¢ left after paying all bills.
April 25, 1920 A few ducks in Cottonwood Creek.
Cleaned up around store outside.
April 26, 1920 Miss Clark back from Anchorage
after siege of flu. First boat arrived at Anchorage the
Admiral Line. Evening train went north with 10 cars of freight
for end of steel. Dixon in town.
April 27, 1920 Snow all gone in Wasilla.
Election day Cannon, Tryck and Zink the judges business fair.
Orders for seeds coming from Junction. Got dump of Houston
coal 10 tons, Miller took 3 tons. Soldiers putting up ice.
April 28, 1920 First real spring day, 90 in
the sun in front of store, business slow. Got dump of car
coal, Miller took 3 tons put balance of 5½ tons in bins.
Sold $60 store. Nick Kane back from Bullion. O. C. Miller
took Ellen Fleckenstein in as partner in restaurant.
April 29, 1920 Freight arrived at Anchorage
on Monday will not be delivered at Wasilla until next Monday.
Fischer’s man arrived. Phone from end of steel stated
W. A. Black died of heart failure. Kemper’s reported in
the bug house. Slide caught workmen at mile 71. Carter
in for grub.
April 30, 1920 Train south took Black’s body
to Anchorage. Black’s and Hughes horses returned from
end of steel. O. C. Miller buying cooking utensils and dishes
for his hash house. Carter returned to Junction. Section
boss Canfield back from States.
May 1, 1920 Evening Club Dance at Town Hall.
Six ice soldiers attended, very small crowd only 6 women.
Fred Nelson arrived last evening from GB Mines through freighting.
Harman’s incubator hatch a failure.
May 2, 1920 Chilligan in to trade. Streets
drying up. Soldier boys still putting up ice on Wasilla
Lake.
May 3, 1920 Got car of freight delivered at
Anchorage 1 week ago, business good. Farmers in for seed
grain. Dave Karstad arrived from Anchorage to go to mines.
Busy with new goods and delivering spuds. Wilmoth Co. off the
market got no spring goods.
May 4, 1920 Cloudy windy and chilly, sold over
$100 worth of seeds and all the re-cleaned oats. Sam
Kelly on train for Anchorage. Ed Mullen returned from end
of steel with Hughes horses. Mother Morrison paid balance
of 1916 account. Frank Doherty went to Anchorage.
May 5, 1920 Moose Hank took McMillan’s horses
to Junction. Wind drying up streets, ice still on road
mile 16 to 28. Snow gone on road to Junction.
May 6, 1920 Sidney Rae arrived advance agent
for the Rae Wallace Mining Co. Fred Crocker bought timber
outfit. Carle Johnson arrived from Outside. Ross
Kenney went north to start work on Cache Creek Road. Sid
shot a goose. Vail family back from States.
May 7, 1920 Jim Murray and Joe Anderson
on for Anchorage also George Gates. Vic Blodgett arrived
from Knik and went to Anchorage. Don S. Rae run his Ford
truck up from Junction. Alec from Old Knik in with geese.
May 8, 1920 McCarthy and Coppers up from
Junction to trade. Gus making ready to haul out Rock’s
outfit next Monday. Fred Nelson at Anchorage. More
green than usual.
May 9, 1920 Gus drove out to mile 25½
took Fred Crocker’s outfit double ender etc. Snow on road
from mile 25 to mines.
May 10, 1920 Three traveling men here, Cudahy,
Nut House and Heinzie. Rock and men arrived. Fred
back from Anchorage. Took Rock’s men and baggage late
this evening to mines. Federal milk arrived. Got
silver fox back from New York.
May 11, 1920 Drop shipment of tobacco arrived.
Mullen took load grub from Wilmoth Co. for 29½ RH.
Wilmoth went to Anchorage to meet his creditors so reported.
May 12, 1920 Fred in from 1st trip to 32.
Gus using dogs to get freight from 32 to Talkeetna Mine.
Old Sam in to trade, leased RH to Mr. Spaghetti? Rae moving
Drumheller mining machine etc. to his house on 2nd Avenue.
May 13, 1920 Business slow today. McMillan
took 2nd 4-horse load general merchandise from the Wilmoth
Co. Wilmoth in Anchorage to square with creditors.
Hartman said he had $1,000 in the Wilmoth wreck.
May 14, 1920 Stewart brought his boat
down from Nancy and Frank Forker moved his gear back to Wasilla.
Patzack back from end of steel. Zink and Barnes went out
to B. D. Mine.
May 15, 1920 Stewart and Forker went
to Junction to catch branch train to Anchorage. Pete Carlson
in from GB Mine. Fred Nelson in from 32. Miller went
to ranch. Wilmoth still in Anchorage. Planted flowerbed.
May 16, 1920 A-1 day business AM good $75.
Planted flower seeds on Wasilla Avenue facing depot.
Farmers got most of grain planted ready to plant spuds.
Mattie went fishing came home with “0”.
May 17, 1920 Cloudy business good $200.
Marshal Hoffman and Bailey up from Junction to trade with several
Outside orders. Wilmoth back from Anchorage head hanging
low? Roy Jacobson went north to Cache Creek. Hartman
drove car to 16.
May 18, 1920 Cloudy with showers business fair.
Herman in from Fish Lake. Stanley helping Hartman fix up
his “Tin Lizzie” no. 2. Fred gone to plow for Boden.
Mr. Young ex-paymaster of Alaska Central Railroad visited.
May 19, 1920 Lander in from Hatcher Mine
through freighting. Tryck and Zink tried to plow Harman’s
lot, frost still in, being on north slope. Wilmoth Co.
doing business but doing a lot of figuring? Section boss
buying here cheaper than A. E. Com.
May 20, 1920 Partly cloudy business fair.
Road Commission gang went north to inspect Cache Creek wagon
road. Gus in from mushing dogs 32 to Talkeetna Mine.
Got letter from Frank Watson ex-Chickaloon coal locator. Evening
cooler.
May 21, 1920 Ice went out of Lake Lucille 10
days late. Doc Yak up from Anchorage. A Dane with
a team going to mines. Cleaned up one horse wagon.
Lander and Rae went to Anchorage.
May 22, 1920 Road Commission started
to level up Wasilla -Willow Creek Road. Self raked off
loose rocks on Main Street. Two men in from GB Mines to
trade. Sidney Rae back from 32. The swallows came
today sure summer now? Mattie got cold in head.
May 23, 1920 Col. Gotwell head of Alaska Road
Commission here on inspection of roads. Evening raked rock
off road from Main Street to old road. Indians down from
Sections to trade. Carranza on the hike.
May 24, 1920 Got tobacco and coffee
from San Francisco. Rae and Lander back from Anchorage.
Harvey Bartholf back from wintering up at Anchorage. Col.
J. C. Gotwell head of Alaska Road Commission took auto
trip to mile 28 first car over the road this spring. Fern
and Goodell arrived.
May 25, 1920 Jim Murray and Joe Anderson
on train going to hospital on account of bumps. Joe Morris
left $375 order to bid on Hembaugh truck. Rae out to mines
and brought load freight back for Miller. Patzack left for
Heider.
May 26, 1920 Bill Moffit in to trade.
Hartman broke down his Tin Lizzie trying to go to Evo’s ranch
at mile 11. Evening rode bike out to mile 16. Stanley
bought a 22 H.P.
May 27, 1920 Big fire on north side town
site wind favorable so did no harm. Mullen took out big
load to 32. McMillan in for grub. Miss Clark up from
Fair View to trade. Rae took 1st auto load to 28.
May 28, 1920 Temperature +68, business
good. Milo Kelly and Judge Conroy arrived from Anchorage.
Outside freight at Anchorage but none came up. Fred and
Gus planting Harman’s ranch. Rae’s man hauling freight to
mile 28.
May 29, 1920 Cash sales over $50 collections
over $200. Conroy and Kelly returned to Anchorage.
Dave Barns, Zink and a soldier went out to the Martin Mine.
Evening ice cream dance on at Social Hall. Oldholm from Girdwood
visited, last seen 1905. Hall and Courtland arrived.
May 30, 1920 Tenth real summer day.
Stanley and self took auto out to Lawrence homestead to get Matt’s
car engine, was froze had to take off cylinder head and clean
her up, put on new breaker top, got her out of time failed
to turn over. Stanley stayed at 28 camp. Self walked
to town.
May 31, 1920 Mile 28 to Wasilla road
in fine condition, one soft place at mile 22, autos running
to 28. Arrived home 6:30 AM threw loose rock off road
coming in, business good. Got 2nd car Seattle freight.
Fred went to Pittman to plow on goat ranch. Part of Alaska Coal
Engineering Commission arrived went fishing at once on Wasilla Lake.
June 1, 1920 Got 15 sacks sugar to sell at
$27.50 a sack. Hall and Courtland now Mrs. Hall went
to Anchorage with toothache. Evening Stanley mushed out
to Miller’s ranch. Grass now for horses and everything green.
June 2, 1920 Forest fires everywhere.
Went out to 28. Tuned auto engine turned over OK.
Returned to Wasilla with car in 1 hour. Mattie storekeeper
sales around $100. Outfitted first prospector going to Willow
Creek.
June 3, 1920 First real warm day temperature
72 to 80 above in the shade at 11 AM. One
hundred on train going north, several for Willow Creek.
Hauled up two auto truck loads from track warehouse to store.
Jas A. Stewart in town looking for oil formation near Wasilla.
June 4, 1920 Train 4 hours late from north.
Stewart returned to Seward, located oil claims near Houston.
Rae went to Anchorage. Got bid on Road Commission grub.
Road Commission got $5,000 for Willow Creek Road.
June 5, 1920 Otto arrived from Knik big
forest fire from mile 20 to 23. Miller went out to look
after buildings on ranch. Rae’s auto man broke springs on
his truck Cleaned out gasoline tank on auto truck
Kids had a dance.
June 6, 1920 Rain all day cooler.
Worked on auto truck, found trouble with ignition and fixed distributor
OK. Got bid on ARC grub bill. Hartman busy trying
to fix up one of his Tin Lizzie's. Wilson in from Hatcher’s
Mine.
June 7 ,1920 Bogard ordered a self binder.
Mosquitoes getting in two shifts. Rae back from Anchorage.
Rock in from mines. Bid $1,311.70 on Alaska Road Commission
grub order. Evening drove car out to 19 with tin can dump.
June 8, 1920 E. B. White from Junction
in for supplies. Wired for goods short. Rock had Fred
take load to mines. Spaghetti went to Anchorage.
June 9, 1920 Heavy rain down Little Susitna
River. Put up grub order for Rae-Wallace Mining Co.
Alaska Road Commission went out to mile 29 to make camp and start
road work. Evening drove car up to Cannon’s, his grain is
up and garden truck coming.
June 10, 1920 Road Commission in for
more grub. Sold Hotel Wasilla 7 barrels flour.
Rae got most of freight to mile 28 and moving out. Old fatty
Erickson in town. McMillan in town. Nick Kane in town.
June 11, 1920 Doc Yak arrived with passenger
car. Auto machinist arrived with Ford truck
Road Commission took out 2nd load grub. Evening drove car
out to mile 19. Joe Laubner arrived to go to mines.
Zink back from Anchorage.
June 12, 1920 Krog in to prove up on
homestead. Evening all Wasilla attended flag raising
and close of Fairview School, drove down with car balance went
on Rae’s car big crowd. Got home at 2:30. Wilson Road
Commission on inspection.
June 13, 1920 Cleaned carburetor on car and
put in new gasket. Evening drove car out as far as mile
19, Harman’s went along, roads in perfect condition. Reported
Anderson coming in with 4 ton truck.
June 14, 1920 Got 110 cans Alpine milk,
hardware, tobacco and harness gear. Chisholm up from Anchorage
on Wilmoth Co. business. Reported 4’ snow at Martin’s Mill.
Miller’s cook quit him.
June 15, 1920 A-1 summer day 82 in shade.
Got $150 order from Willow mile 187. Roscher and Moshier
proved up on homesteads. Doc Yak got his tractor wheels on
Ford car. Bought 1,200 cwt spuds off Metz at 6¢ a pound.
Bert Goodpaster visited.
June 16, 1920 Rock’s cook
knocked off terminal by bucket, fell 14’ on rock pit, brought
in on stretcher took to Anchorage on speeder. Put up prospectors
order for mile 187. Harding and Coolidge nominated on Republican
ticket at Chicago Convention.
June 17, 1920 Busy all day
marking up new hardware and harness gear. “Squeaky voice”
Cache Creek man bought Lee’s pack horses. Ford doctor got
Fred’s car about overhauled. Evening on a run with car to
16.
June 18, 1920 Mrs. Haller went out to cook
at Talkeetna Mine. Rae’s Ford truck out of commission
at mile 28. Hatcher and Rock returned to their mines. Dempsey
acquitted as a slacker.
June 19, 1920 Real soaker of a rain with
snow on mountain down to 31½ RH. Sold Clarence Brannon
packing gear outfit for Cache Creek trail. Nicholson one
of Rae’s backers left for States. Fred Nelson in from mines
sold his team.
June 20, 1920 Bald Mt. white
with snow. Brannon started with 4 horses for Talkeetna, got
tangled up, came back to ship on cars. Evening drove car
out to 19. Doc Yak left for mines with 2 tons on tractor.
June 21, 1920 Got Federal milk and 57
varieties. Anderson’s machine arrived. Auto-ed
over freight depot to store. Evening Natives off Pittman and
Houston Section in to trade bought over $100 worth. Parson’s
up from Anchorage went to mines. Inspector Ames here on account
of a Post Office. Got $10,000 more for Wasilla-Willow
Road.
June 22, 1920 Herndon in from Fish Lake
to trade. Bought 1,250 lbs. spuds off Jake Metz at 6¢
a pound. Doc Yak back from Ford tractor trip to mile 32.
Stanley went with Miller to ranch at mile 23½. Evening
gave battery a drink. Cool weather last two days.
June 23, 1920 Stanley and Miller back
from ranch. Natives down from Houston for more supplies.
McMillan in. Evening drove car out to 19.
June 24, 1920 Eddie doing all the auto
business at 32. Smoky and lots of mosquitoes. Evening
gave Mrs. Tryck auto ride to mile 19, Mattie nursed the
baby. Fred and Zink unloaded Little Gem freight, 2 car pipe,
1 lumber, 1 machinery. Otto went out to cook for Rae.
June 25, 1920 Got delivery of produce,
granite wear and dry goods from Seattle and Portland.
Fred trying out his built-over Ford. Farmers thinking of
trying railroad building until mosquitoes go off shift.
June 26, 1920 Parson’s returned from mines
to Anchorage. New lot of soldiers at Junction.
Lawrence in to trade. Evening Kids had a dance at school
house.
June 27, 1920 Mosquitoes on both shifts.
Stanley went with Fred on auto to 32 then hiked to Talkeetna
Mine. Mattie and self drove car to mile 29½ ARC road
camp. Rained ahead and behind us no get-um wet.
June 28, 1920 Anderson Little Gem arrived
and a few miners for Willow Creek District. Stanley and
Fred back from Talkeetna Mine. Chisholm went north.
Plenty of nimrods around Wasilla Lake.
June 29, 1920 Sold Alaska Road Commission
$522 June bill. Fowler of Pacific Grocery Company visited,
rumor he was going in with Wilmoth Co. Wilmoth went to Willow
Creek to raise funds. Worked in office all day on bills.
June 30, 1920 Grennan up
to trade. Tom Williams drove to Junction to ship team
back to Anchorage, had cold feet, said he made $20 in 9 days hauling
to mines. Evening drove car out to 29 with Stanley. Stanley
got job with Road camp $100 a month net. Roads slippery but
in good shape.
July 1, 1920 Put up large order for ARC
camp. Budd in from GB Mine evening, caught Ford car to
Anchorage to meet G. B. Thompson. Stanley’s first days work at ARC
camp. ARC cook after his drugs.
July 2, 1920 After a week cloudy weather
and showers cleared today business good. Milo arrived
to open mining development on B. D. and Martin Mine. “Snow
balls now gone”. Moose Hank sold Baldy to A. R. Commission.
Mullen went to end of steel with 4 of Hughes nags.
July 3, 1920 About 2 dozen went to Anchorage
to spend July 4th and 5th. Danielson in from end of steel
to spend 4th. Three work trains with railroad employees
passed through to spend 4th at Anchorage. Gus in with team
from road camp for 4th.
July 4, 1920 Mattie and self left Wasilla
with car for mines, left car at 29½. Mattie visited
Mrs. Mac, self rode Landers horse over to Grubstake Placer found
everything OK. At reservoir fell in tiny overflow and
pants filled with ice cold snow water. Stayed over at mines.
Store closed 4th and 5th.
July 5, 1920 At mines. Worked all AM
on canyon ditch. Someone opened gate and high water cut
hole in ditch. Left mine at noon arrived at 31½ Inn
had fine dinner at McMillan’s, came on home in car. Stanley
working for A. R. Commission didn’t go to Anchorage.
July 6, 1920 Got half car flour and tobacco.
Got phone order from Nagley. Old Jack Hammel back from
Snug Harbor paid his bill with interest. Load passengers
for Willow Creek District. Three trains north today.
Ed Danielson returned to railroad work at Deadhorse. Evening
raining.
July 7, 1920 Dave Miller and wife in
from mines went to Anchorage. War Baby Mine closed down.
Broad and wife went to Anchorage. Report came Ben Agnes body
was found, someone shot him then moved the body away from his home
on a wheelbarrow. No clue.
July 8, 1920 Hauled over auto truck load freight
from track warehouse. Took picture of front of store.
Chas Leroy down from Pittman to trade. Fred and Wagner
got roof on Wagner’s new house.
July 9, 1920 Sold Brassel small outfit.
Road Commission bought Carlson’s horse for Cache Creek road survey.
Wilmoth back from Anchorage had 37 pieces freight from Gottstein
grocer. Dutch and Hugo back from States.
July 10, 1920 Heavy rain all day,
Little Susitna River over banks. Joe Laubner in from mines.
Reported George Anderson bought Mable Mine. Wilmoth Co. opened
for business after 2 months with no goods bought milk and meats from
us.
July 11, 1920 Rae drove out to 28 with Doc
Yak car. Hotel Hartman took over hardware etc. from Wilmoth
Co. on money loaned. Fleck’s got new boat.
July 12, 1920 George Anderson back from
Anchorage. Mrs. Hatcher and party arrived and left for
the Gold Mint Mine. Got self binder for Bogard, also ½
car of general freight. All trains going north loaded with
workman and passengers. Chas Bartholf arrived from States.
Frank Doherty went to work at mines.
July 13, 1920 Milo Kelly went to Anchorage.
Two schoolmarms here on vacation. Hans Frydenland went
out with team to work for ARC road.
July 14, 1920 Rasmuson, Walters and Loken
over from Palmer, Rasmuson proved up. Hartman drove schoolmarms
out to 31½ AM, evening didn’t get back so Mrs. Hartman
sent Harrison out with car to look him up. Evening hoed
the “taters” and mowed weeds around side walk to warehouse.
July 15, 1920 Hartman autoed Hatcher
bunch to Junction to catch train. Hauled ton BS coal and
ton merchandise from track warehouse to store. Stored gasoline
in barn on back lot. Fleck boys launched their new boat in
Wasilla Lake.
July 16, 1920 Milo Kelly and wife and
T. D. Corlew up from Anchorage for mines. George Anderson’s
big four wheel drive truck arrived. Secretary Daniels
of Navy and Secretary Payne of Interior passed through on inspection
trip of railroad and coal fields. Soldier that shot Ben Agnew
confessed.
July 17, 1920 George Anderson unloaded his
big truck but she failed to turn over. Big Secretary
party returned from end of steel did not stop at Old Wasilla.
Evening Eddie’s truck took dancers over to Finger Lake Hall.
Herman in from Fish Lake. Wilmoth Co. remodeling store for
pool room?
July 18, 1920 PM cylinder head off car
engine, cleaned out carbon and shellacked gasket. Left
4 PM for mile 31 road camp, Mrs. Tryck and baby went along,
at 28 water place engine quit. Mattie and Mrs. Tryck mushed
to road camp run cart 29½ got home 12 PM. Out to see
Stanley at road camp road muddy.
July 19, 1920 Wilmoth Co. doing business again.
Put up order for Road Commission mile 31. Rev. Hughes
up from Anchorage looking for campground for Boy Scouts.
Gust Haller in with kink in back, Doc Yak took him to his
ranch. Doc McCallie took his horse from Cannon.
July 20, 1920 ARC took out another 1,000
lbs. grub. Mrs. Mary Morrison visited, bought small order
for Joes ranch. Talkeetna Mines shut down, men arrived
for down train to Anchorage, heavy rains said the cause of shut
down. Bogard got balance of self binders. Dan Sutherland
went out with Bogard.
July 21, 1920 Vail’s moved Fred’s tent house
down to their ranch. Doc Yak brought in his Ford tractor
from mile 33. Made out hardware order for shorts.
Outside spuds selling for 20¢ a pound at Anchorage
July 22, 1920 More rain today business
quiet. Richard Lander in from Martin Mine with cyanide
in eye going to Anchorage for treatment. Farmers buying
fish salt making ready for run of salmon. Strawberries looking
for sun to ripen them. Harman built a coal landing. Wagner’s
new house under cover.
July 23, 1920 Got half car freight, hauled
over 2 tons to store with auto truck Mrs. Forker arrived
from States to rest up at her Wasilla summer home? Ellis
and party went toward Knik looking for oil land and birch wood.
Mrs. Haller back from mines.
July 24, 1920 Train for north several
hours late. Talkeetna out of spuds. Country cleaned
up on spuds. Had first mess of strawberries from Tom Williams
from the mines. Reported salmon running in Cottonwood Creek
this PM. Mrs. Forker returned to Anchorage.
July 25, 1920 Salmon catchers out till
midnight, got 2 fish. George Gates in town. Supt. Eide
A. R. Com. looking for wagon and horses account C. C. Road.
Gus in from Road camp, Fred took his job temporarily.
Evening drove car out to Miller’s ranch brought Miller back to
town.
July 26, 1920 Salmon running, business
good sales and collections over $1,000. Vail’s got outfit
for their ranch. Eide here looking for horses men etc.
for C. C. Road. Boy Scouts here from Anchorage for a weeks
vacation on Wasilla Lake. Got some good pictures of store.
July 27, 1920 Mrs. Mac in from
31½ paid bill went to Anchorage on a visit. Got Seattle
paper announcing sudden death of Fred Sylvester. Anderson
having Eddie haul freight his truck in barn.
July 28, 1920 PM took Rev. Hughes and
Boy Scouts out to Road camp mile 31. At mile 24 return had
a blow out 1st since car in commission in 2 years wound
rim with rope and came on in. Mrs. Rae arrived from Outside.
Otto came in with toothache.
July 29, 1920 Moffat brought in 2nd lot
of strawberries, selling at 50¢ a quart. Evening
put inner tube in tire and patched old one, car run three seasons
only one blow out. Everybody about full up on salmon.
Col. Mears fishing at Lake. Otto went to Anchorage with toothache.
July 30, 1920 Train here 4 hours had to double
up from Junction. Sent Harrison down to Hughes ranch
for Alaska Road Commission to hire horses. Evening drove
car out to mile 19 to show Mrs. Oliver Wasilla - Willow Creek
Road. Salmon still running. Otto back from Anchorage.
July 31, 1920 Ula Thompson, Mabel Douglas,
Mrs. Oliver and kids, Miss Rock and Miss Lander left for Anchorage.
Evening Doc David, Sumner Smith, Moyer, towing A. E. celebrities
arrived to fish and see the mines. Stanley through at Road
camp.
August 1, 1920 Stanley took dinner with Boy
Scouts at camp on lake. Hughes in, was not particular about
turning his teams over to ARC CC Road work. Old Doc run
his Ford tractor to the Junction.
August 2, 1920 Sam Kelly went north in train
today. Hauled 2½ tons coal oil from car to back
lot. Moffat brought in 40 quarts strawberries. Milo
Kelly in from mines.
August 3, 1920 Milo Kelly and Fred Nelson went
to Anchorage. Boy Scouts broke camp and returned to Anchorage.
Bob Hatcher went to Anchorage. George Anderson hauled first
load on his 3½ ton truck to mines mile 30. Harrison
went to Anchorage for operation.
August 4, 1920 Heavy rain in the hills
last night. Doc Yak took out Mrs. Rae and Co. brought
them back, no camp ready at mines. PM hauled up all the
galvanized corrugated iron from track warehouse to store warehouse.
Stanley and Hartman went after raspberries got 5.
August 5, 1920 Hauled 2 tons merchandise from
track warehouse to store basement. Doc Yak drove Tin Lizzie
to Junction, up to Palmer, over Palmer Road to Farmers Hall,
back to Junction, returned to Wasilla. Rigged temporary top
for auto truck
August 6, 1920 Now ready to go to Placer
Mines to do assessment and deck pipe for sale. Plenty
strawberries on Wasilla market. Ordered machinery for
Bogard.
August 7, 1920 Fred and Stanley and I
drove car out to mile 32. Got Lander to pack 214 lbs. grub
etc. to Grubstake arrived 3 PM, Lander stayed all night.
Swank took wagon over summit 34 to GB Mines. Everything OK
at camp creek very low. White Mule dance at 31½ RH.
August 8, 1920 Surveyed line for ditch on left
limit bench to turn in Grubstake Creek. Repaired flange
on pipeline crossing creek broken down by snow. G. B. Thompson
and Budd visited evening wanted to buy 750’ 11” hydraulic pipe.
Worked 12 hour shift.
August 9, 1920 Self left mines 4 AM, mushed
over mountain to 32, drove car to town arrived 10 AM. Mrs.
Forker and Frank arrived from Anchorage and several trout fisherman.
Paid Abe Reising $90 for keeping Jack Wilson horse.
August 10, 1920 Little Gem payday. Lander
and son went to Anchorage. Wired out for chicken feed and
auto oil and rifles. Fred Crocker after horse to haul out
mining timbers. Several Anchorites fishing on Wasilla Lake.
August 11, 1920 Gem truck started to haul hydraulic
pipe to mines. Old Doc sold his Ford tractor to Mrs. Morrison
to pull stumps on ranch. Had Mrs. Forker at dinner.
Thorpe in from Kelly Mine.
August 12, 1920 PM ran engine 2 hours to recharge
storage battery. More orders for strawberries from Talkeetna.
Evening ordered gas lamps etc. Wrote Sam Kelly we needed
clerk for the winter.
August 13, 1920 Harry Yago bought outfit for
mines. Big crowd on train north. Moffat in with
new spuds etc. Got in crate of watermelons 10¢ a pound.
August 14, 1920 Wasilla to mines went out on
Eddie’s truck, Chamberlain went along to Kelly Mine.
Arrived at Grubstake Placer 9 PM, boys had pipeline connected
up and bench ditch started.
August 15, 1920 At mines, repaired intake
ditch did some piping. PM resurveyed line for ditch on
left limit.
August 16, 1920 Mines to Wasilla, Fred and
Stanley came out with me. Arrived Wasilla 10:30 AM,
Fred returned to mines PM. Stanley and mother made ready
to go on train tomorrow to catch Alameda at Seward to go Outside.
Kelly in from mines.
August 17, 1920 Rain all day, business
fair. Stanley and mother left on noon train for Seattle via
government railroad to Seward, thence by Alameda to Seattle to
have their glasses refitted and Stanley to enter school.
Hatcher family in from mines, missed them. Sid Rae and mother
left for States.
August 18, 1920 Stanley and mother at Anchorage
waiting for train to Seward, talked with Mattie over the phone.
Evening hauled ton groceries from track warehouse. Spot
lame in rear hind leg. Evening mowed off whiskers, posted
ledger.
August 19, 1920 Got wire from Sam Kelly accepting
clerkship with K. T. Co. Busy putting up shelves and marking
goods. Made out order for groceries, about out. Strawberries
still on market.
August 20, 1920 Cloudy, heavy rain.
Big crowd on train north, waited on them, took both hands, got
$15 out of them. George Anderson passed along farewell from
Stanley and Mother leaving Anchorage for Seward. After
closing hour, baked pan biscuits and had quart strawberries for my
dinner.
August 21, 1920 Whitridge back from Talkeetna,
hired his assessment work done on Iron Creek. Cooper,
Anchorage barber, here looking over his interest in Little Gem.
Seven men quit at Kelly’s camp complained about the grub, old Booth
the cook. French fried spuds, Postum and biscuits for dinner.
Frank Forker in from doing assessment at mines.
August 22, 1920 Got grub ready for my mine.
Eddie hauling Little Gem freight. Gem truck laid up on
account of wet weather. Stanley and mother on Alameda now
about at Juneau. Whitridge went out to work for Rae.
Dinner German toast and preserves.
August 23, 1920 Big crowd on train north, sold
$50 in shoes etc., busy with all four legs and hands.
Sent Albert Bodin out to help Fred at mines, Swen went also.
Got half car freight batteries chimneys stove pipe etc. Hen
food sidetracked somewhere.
August 24, 1920 Mrs. Dr. Spaulding down from
end of steel, went on to Anchorage on account of clothes in trunk
getting wet. Sam Kelly on train, sprained his knee at Talkeetna
so went to Anchorage to get fixed up. Evening hauled 2 tons
freight out car to store. Had big hunk lemon pie for supper.
August 25, 1920 Bald Mt. white with snow,
business fair sales over $100. Opened up and marked hardware,
batteries, chimneys, lanterns, stove pipe, etc. Chisholm
walked up from Junction. Evening Nicholson over looking for
Forty Mile Miller’s sawmill.
August 26, 1920 Put up 2 orders for Willow
mile 187 and Talkeetna. Chisholm left on gravel train
for Anchorage. Hans Frydenland finished harvesting his
grain and took out load for A. R. Com. Donovan in finished
Hatcher Road 32 to Archangel.
August 27, 1920 Mrs. Harry Brown up from Anchorage,
went out to Willow Creek Junction, Brown went yesterday.
Mrs. Bailey and Krogh up from Junction to trade. Rae and
investigators in from mines. Sold 10 quarts strawberries,
last picking of season. Stanley and mother arrived at Seattle
7 AM.
August 28, 1920 Sold Wilmoth Co. $26 merchandise
and put up $18 order they couldn’t fill. Rae in, also
Nick. Fitted up horseshoes for Gus McMillan and Frydenland.
Evening got car ready for trip to mines Sunday. Donovan
up to trade.
August 29, 1920 Closed all day, Wasilla
to Mines. Left with car 8 AM, left car at mile 30.
Got Landers horse and rode over to Grubstake Mine, took beans and
ham. Boys had 100’ ditch completed, some pipe painted.
Canyon ditch repaired and water running through sluices. Snow
on summit.
August 30, 1920 Left mines 4:30 arrived
Wasilla 10:30. Train in, Dr. S. up from Anchorage for
some of his household goods etc. Sales cash and credit over
$100. Clerk failed to show up.
August 31, 1920 Ordered clothing from
Black Mfg. Co. for winter trade. Dr. Spaulding returned
to Anchorage. Broad in with Eddie’s truck for bacon and friction
gaskets for Little Gem Mining Co. Budd returned to GB Mine.
Bothwell off job.
September 1, 1920 Quiet in town. Mrs.
Hartman and bear after berries down Knik Road. Evening
got out monthly credit bills, Mines $547.05, ARC $133.60.
No check yet for ARC July bill over $800. Hughes back from
Anchorage. Doc Yak repairing his car.
September 2, 1920 Big truck in, tried
to go to Bodie Bill’s mile 12 for lumber, did not make it on account
of chuckholes. Got order from Mrs. Thorpe for underwear.
Doc Yak got his car fixed up and went to Mabel Mine. Paid
Moffat money for Moose Hank.
September 3, 1920 Jas Stewart arrived, brought
letter from Mattie, also got letter from hoodlum boy, Cordova
and Skagway, first news since departure August 18th while at
Anchorage. Someone stole 25 of Bill Hughes chickens Wednesday.
Got ARC check for July bills. Mr. Hubbell arrived.
September 4, 1920 Got wire from Mattie, located
at 1108 Kamiaken St. Pullman, Washington. Stanley to enter
school 20th. Hans Frydenland hauling Little Gem lumber
from Bodie Bill’s to Wasilla. Mr. Hubbell returned from
mines. Train here 1½ hours busy in store.
September 5, 1920 Rain last night cloudy
today business fair, duck hunters after ammunition. Drove
car out, picked up Fred and Boden at mile 24½, had
trouble in turning around. Boden worked 12 days at mines.
Evening Heinie Snider up from Pittman to trade. Doc Yak took
Wilmoth Co. out to 28 fishing?
September 6, 1920 Heavy rain all PM.
Mr. Dell down from Gold Creek for winter outfit, got $102 from
Junction. Kelly in for more grub. Conroy and brother
up from Anchorage in route to mines. Evening answered Matt’s
wire, sent $50. Doc Yak after White Mule with Wilmoth Co.
Paid 1919 Griffith taxes $1.35. Ted Bedell and wife here.
September 7, 1920 Cash sales over $300
with credit sales over $500 today. James Dell bought $330
outfit going to above canyon on Big Sushitna. Kelly and Lander
went to Anchorage. Sent Fred Carter $102 outfit at Junction.
Gus in from ARC. Ted Bedell and wife returned to Anchorage.
September 8, 1920 Busy all
day packing 2 orders for Kelly Mine McMillan and James Dell.
Cash sales this far this month over $1,000. Cash taken
in over $1,100. Had Otto candle all the eggs 6 hours.
Bogard in with 16 dozen fresh eggs. Gus cut his hay on Harman’s
ranch.
September 9, 1920 Busy packing James Dell winter
order, Otto helped 10 hours, hauled same to depot. Evening
38 packages freight. Fred Crocker in from yarding out
his mining timbers at mile 25½. Hughes went to
Junction to see about getting his kids in school.
September 10, 1920 Got part car freight, chicken
feed and flour was routed to Seward. Got letter from
Mattie, arrival at Seattle and same to Pullman, Washington.
George Anderson said he had taken over the Shough Mine. Seventy
five on north train.
September 11, 1920 First heavy frost last night
turned potato tops yellow, business rushing today. Order
East and Mines. Mrs. Black up with new schoolmarm to trade
bought $50 worth. John Isom visited from Willow mile 187 left
$119 order and $30 order for Furrows. Evening dance at Fairview
School house on account of Edith Edlund up from Anchorage.
Eddie took Fleck’s and Wilmoth’s in truck.
September 12, 1920 Failed to oil floor and
go over gas plant for want of time, also to haul ton freight
from track warehouse. Hartman and Miller dug new well
on lot next to hotel, piped it into hotel and filled up hole.
All Fleck’s went out to 31½ with Eddie.
September 13, 1920 Gunny sacks and chicken
feed and flour arrived by rail from Seward. Sales over
$300. Sam Kelly arrived from Anchorage with game leg to
work for K. T. Co., rented Shough cabin. Had shipments
for Willow, Matanuska, Palmer, Eska and Gold Creek. Evening
on books and out-mail. Chas Bartholf in from Kelly Mine.
September 14, 1920 B. S. Bartholf in to trade,
installing mill below GB Mine said Chas Bartholf found
2 years run of ore for GB Mines. Quiet in town. Chas
Isaac and Martin Larson went to Anchorage. Busy all day with
placing new goods. Kelly cooked the dinner.
September 15, 1920 A-1 day froze last
night, farmers digging spuds. Got shelves filled up and
new goods stored in basement. Opened up Scotch Graniteware
111 pieces and marked up same. Lit up gas lights in store,
first time since April. Kelly the cook.
September 16, 1920 Hauled ton of freight from
track warehouse to store. Hauled out tin cans etc. to
mile 17, road in good condition again. Thorpe family in from
their mine. Miller and Hartman dug spuds at Evo’s ranch, took
down 40 sacks and got 8 sacks of spuds like marbles. Sumner Smith
family down to trade.
September 17, 1920 Bogard’s harrow and plow
arrived. Milo Kelly closed down mine. Horning and
brother in from mines. Short on underwear and losing sales.
No mail from the “school kids” since arrived at Pullman. Wall
Street blown up by bomb. Jim and Nicolai arrived.
September 18, 1920 Milo Kelly and wife, Sinclair,
Horning and brother went to Anchorage. Fleck girls and
Hembach picking up spuds for Carlson. Fred Nelson helping
Wagner on his house. Sent Mattie $10 express order.
Sent underwear order to Portland. Fenton went to Cache Creek?
September 19, 1920 Cloudy and light wind,
squally today around mountains felt like winter, very quiet
in town. Hamill started to haul mining timbers from mile
9 for Little Gem M. Co. del. at Wasilla. Bill Hughes on a
“bulling” tour to government experimental farm. Hartman cut
his wheat at mile 11. Miller at his ranch.
September 20, 1920 Only local mail but a few
on train north for first time. Herman in from Fish Lake.
Fred paid his premium on N. Y. Life Insurance. Moose Hank
digging spuds at mile 16. Jim and Nicolai working on Wasilla
- Palmer Road.
September 21, 1920 Sent 200 gunny sacks
to Junction. Seattle spuds down to 2¢, farmers here
crazy. Freis in to trade, had cold feet account of ranch.
Fred helping C. D. Johnson on spuds. Mrs. Sam sent a blueberry
pie , Yolly!!
September 22, 1920 Bailey and Ralph Weiss up
from Junction to trade. Willis Whitridge in from
Rae Wallace Mine brought in McMillan’s lame horse for Cannon.
Re-trimmed hardware window and cleaned front glass in store.
Several men in from mines.
September 23, 1920 Andrew Pallok through
at Rae - Wallace Mine. Corlew and several miners in from
mines. Cliff Hall down from Talkeetna to harvest his
spuds at mile 16 ranch. Hatcher and wife in for winter.
September 24, 1920 No sugar in Anchorage for
a week, self only got what is in bin. Up late getting
out-mail. Miller fixing up Spaulding house for Hatcher
family. Corlew caught 41 trout.
September 25, 1920 Big crowd on train
going south fifty for dinner. Joe Conroy in from mines,
went to Anchorage. Hatcher’s and Lander went to Anchorage.
Gus in from Road camp. Road Commission through at 34, moved
to 25½ to gravel road. Fred Nelson sold lumberyard
shed to Rae for $100, Miller taking it down.
September 26, 1920 A few Budinskie's
around. Miller finished taking down lumberyard shed.
Old Doc went out with Thorpe team to haul timbers to mines.
Reported 1st through passenger train from Seward would go on run
tomorrow. Ed Mullin in town. Crocker in for grub for
Bogard.
September 27, 1920 First passenger train
for end of steel at Gold Creek arrived 10 AM, freight train
followed. Got freight from Fischer Bros. via Seward.
Fischer man arrived gave him small order. Got 1st letters
from school kids at Pullman, Washington. Got ton freight
at depot with car.
September 28, 1920 Big day,
all the farmers in, train people, traveling men, etc., including
Natives. Passenger and freight from north. Couldn’t
get time to answer Matt’s letters, sent her government check $59.
Evening northern lights, Jack Frost coming. Wilmoth Co. beefing
about Post Office. Reported Wilmoth going to work for Commission.
September 29, 1920 Froze hard last night
thawed out by PM. Bailey up from Junction
to trade. Heinie Snider down from Pittman hunting for his
goats, winter nearby. Snowplow went north today to end of
steel. Cashed Fern check to McMillan for Wilmoth Co. $282.55?
Forty Mile Miller siding up his eat-house.
September 30, 1920 Special train today, got
Watson mail. No mail from school kids, answered their 2
letters from Pullman. Harvey Bartholf in for court.
Mrs. Hatcher back from Anchorage. Snowplow went south.
Got balance of winter orders. BB pacs and clothing now
at Anchorage. Goodnight.
October 1, 1920 Train south
business booming. Mr. Lay up from Junction for outfit.
Fred Crocker through at Bogard ranch, went out for ARC. Harvey
Bartholf went to Anchorage. Party wanted to buy hydraulic
pipe. Evening Milo and wife in from mines, Milo not feeling
well. Karstad went to Anchorage.
October 2, 1920 First fall wind, business
fair. Milo and wife caught freight train to Anchorage.
Zink in from B. D. Mine. Black’s clothing and fruit arrived.
Balance of goods at Anchorage. Cold wind all day. Miller
waiting on Mrs. Hatcher.
October 3, 1920 Weather still blowing,
quiet in town. Nicolaska in from Knik on way to Chickaloon
to work for Commission. Hans Frydenland put hew pole in
his wagon. Wind gone midnight.
October 4, 1920 Freezing nights, ground
frozen on wagon road. Several in from GB Mines. Booth
in from Kelly Mine, business good sold $100 clothing shipped out
3 orders. Hammil in from Rae’s Mine went on to squaw town.
Barney Johnson in from GB Mines.
October 5, 1920 J. Davis down from Willow for
an outfit. George Zink and Budd went to Anchorage.
A. R. Comm. stored their perishables with Wilmoth Co. McMillan
went to Anchorage.
October 6, 1920 Got Evans mail via Seward.
Hammil hauling for Rae-Wallace Co. Krumnacher after hydraulic
pipe. Hauled load freight from track warehouse
to store. Evening first snow. Upper end Lucille Lake
frozen over.
October 7, 1920 Ground white till 9 AM all
gone, autos went out to 32 PM. Hartman’s had chicken feed
etc. come from Albert. Co.
October 8, 1920 Adolph Olson down from
Kashwitna for grub order. Neighbors getting lots of ducks,
invited out to duck dinner Sunday. Hammil took load lumber
out for Rae. Hatcher in from mine. Snow from 31½
to mines.
October 9, 1920 Laubner in from mines, said
there was 2’ at Mabel Mine. Anderson got gas engine installed
at Mabel. Zink back from Anchorage. Kelly’s going
Outside last of October. Got forage windows and smoked
meats.
October 10, 1920 Kelly and self invited to
duck dinner at mile 12. Walked down road, partly froze
and “slippy” back at 5:30. “Spot” minded store.
October 11, 1920 Road frozen up business
good. Joe Brassel brought hunting outfit, going to Bald
Mt. Eddie supposed to make last trip of season to 31½
with auto truck. Government put up railroad crossing signs.
Chas Bartholf left with team for Craggie Creek.
October 12, 1920 Cash sales $173.80, days sales
$265.40, collections $229.98. Train from north 2 hours
late. Harper bros. down from Cache Creek. Spaghetti
through at Fishhook Inn. Eddie laid up his car, got job at
Eska Coal Mine. Seventy five on train sough today. Lidell
in town. Mrs. Wagner went to Anchorage.
October 13, 1920 Freezing all day business
fair sales over $100. Had a run on fur caps by people
on train going north. Young Byron Bartholf up from Anchorage
going to mines to help install mill on new Bartholf Mine.
Joe Anderson visited. Hartman auto still running to 31½
Roadhouse.
October 14, 1920 Got wire from
father, was in hospital, come home at once. Report came
A. E. Com. lost concrete pier on Big Susitna bridge cost over
$60,000. Frank Bayer went to Anchorage. Chicken
dinner.
October 15, 1920 Bogard in for supplies.
Moose Hank went to Anchorage with toothache. Operator
on Willow Creek, Peters Creek District down for outfit.
Wrote Mattie about father and wire sent. Frank Doherty through
at Rae’s Mine, in to hold up. Found sack nut cookies in hall?
Evening +12.
October 16, 1920 Got 2 regular
letters from the “ school kids” with letters from Clara about
fathers condition, sickness was bladder trouble. Stanley
in school 7:30 to 5:20 studies. Mrs. Toothpick, Sparks and
Bean up to trade. Auto took Fern to Mines. Hughes moved
family to Junction to put kids in school.
October 17, 1920 Hartman made 2 trips to 31½
on account of GB help. Chris Anderson and several in.
Filled gas tank, fixed up 2 gas lamps. Train north with
gravel for Susitna bridge pier. Coal about gone and no wood.
Pete Johnson up from Junction.
October 18, 1920 Chas Harper in town.
Reported Hartman’s negotiating for 31½ RH. Made
price $2,000 on Knik hardware building at Anchorage to William
Hunt. Train north every night. Evening snow flurries,
1 days coal on hand. Moose Hank back from Anchorage.
October 19, 1920 Cloudy and warmer +40,
business rushing. Wasilla getting the reputation as a good
place to trade. Over hundred on south train, 24 left Wasilla.
Sent mail by Jack Frisbie to mail at Anchorage. Bill Hughes
back from placing kids in school at Junction. Willie Black
went to Anchorage.
October 20, 1920 Jack Hammil hauling mining
timbers from mile 9 to Wasilla for Little Gem M. Co. Evening
light snow ground white. Another “Cat” went north to end
of steel. Alameda at Anchorage no mail from folks.
October 21, 1920 Ground white 2” snow
about all gone PM. Bogard in for load feed
etc. Pickle and girl working a crew of men on Wasilla -
Palmer Road only $300 worth. Budd and 24 of Bullion men in.
Harvey in looking for gas engine. Answered school kids letters.
October 22, 1920 Bullion bunch left for Anchorage.
Harvey Bartholf went to Thorpe’s. Sent school kids $50.
Outfitted trapper from Kashwitna. Lander went to Anchorage.
Johnson in from Kelly Mine.
October 23, 1920 Mrs. Sessons on up train.
Mighty busy and wires and phone calls. Got wire from
Mattie about fathers condition also 2 regular letters.
Dry goods in Anchorage also groceries arrived 21st on Alameda.
October 24, 1920 Moved big safe into office.
Old Jack paid his bill. Greased up car on account of
hauling coal and new groceries that arrived Wednesday.
Evening section men from Willow down to trade. Gus in for
Road Com.
October 25, 1920 Got load firewood from Cottonwood
Creek. Hauled out coal screenings. Got ton coal
from Harmon. Harvey in from Mabel Mine said gas engine
failed to work. Train north every night with A. E. Comm.
freight.
October 26, 1920 Ada Conway visited.
Thorpe's left for Anchorage. McMillan and Broad families
left for Anchorage to winter. Harvey Bartholf went to Anchorage,
through at Mabel. Road Comm. moved from Miller’s to mile
16 graveling road. Sam Kelly went to Anchorage.
October 27, 1920 Kelly back from Anchorage
noon train. Got Alameda freight 21st at Anchorage got groceries,
candy and dry goods from Western Dry Goods Co. Also car
coal arrived ordered 3 weeks ago from Comm. Hauled perishable
freight to store “Bill” helped 1¾ hours on freight.
Had duck dinner.
October 28, 1920 On the coal wagon, hauled
15 ton coal from car to bin with auto truck. Krogh and
Fosket here, Fosket proving up. Got phone order from Ben
Neuman, Talkeetna. Seven trains through today. George
Anderson and men in from Mabel Mine.
October 29, 1920 AM worked on unloading coal,
battery gave out. Evening found leak on ground wire, cleaned
spark plugs and she went off on 5 ampers. Business fair got
3 orders up line. George Anderson, McClinton and Rae went
to Anchorage. Jack Hammil left with horses for Turnagain Arm.
October 30, 1920 AM heavy rain. Got wire
from Mattie, father worse, come to Rochester at once, impossible
on account of business. Winter stock due at Anchorage today,
here probably November 6, no one available to take charge of business.
McMillan’s store stock went to Harry Brown.
October 31, 1920 Summer weather still
on cloudy and warm. AM cleaned out furnace cook stove and
both flues. Road Comm. through graveling road to mine.
Fred Crocker bought outfit for his ranch. Fixed road to
lake crossing on account of hauling stove wood from Bill’s ranch,
found plank removed on crossing. Wired Mattie about father.
November 1, 1920 Fred Nelson’s deposits, less
bill $1,499.41 labor at mine $185. Mrs. Hartman wanted
to buy goods wholesale for store at 31½. Opened up
Seattle dry goods. Signed deed for lot 1 block 29 Anchorage
to Fred Parson’s.
November 2, 1920 Rain all day, evening
snow, business good. Election day votes cast at Wasilla.
Gordon Bettles, rabbit catcher from the Midnight Sun here.
Forty Mile Miller opened restaurant, 2nd time for business.
November 3, 1920 Morning ground
white, business fair. Apples and onions came, hauled them
to store with auto truck. Bettles gave up Knik trip and took
freight train to Anchorage. Got letter from Stanley.
Wired father about coming out. Got letter from father dated
October 13th.
November 4, 1920 Snow about gone, squalls
rain business fair. Four men arrived from Iditarod District.
Mr. Patterson, who left Knik in 1912 returned. Gus and
Zink back from Baxter Coal Mine said tunnel was full of ice.
Moose Hank in with moose meat. Evening got out-mail.
November 5, 1920 Train south, business good,
seventy five for lunch. Evening clear with northern lights.
Moose meat good eats now. Mrs. Hatcher going to take Post
Office.
November 6, 1920 Summer weather still
on, cloudy warm wind. Got car forage, hardware, dry goods,
meat, butter, etc. Harding carried everything November 2nd
Alaska went Republican. Sold $130 forage. Got check
for $1,550 on account of Knik Hardware building and lot sold to Fred
Parson’s. Busy opening and marking new goods. BB pacs
came. Got wire from Mattie, father worse.
November 7, 1920 Jess Garver went to
Willow Creek, Hartman’s Tin Lizzied him out. Road comm. double
decked bridge at 19. BF eggs now $1 dozen, Wasilla eggs
$1.50 dozen. Three trains south.
November 8, 1920 Hatcher’s moved out
to mile 30 to start winter hauling to mines, Mr. Lidell the skinner.
Pacs and clothing 50¢ a garment above last fall prices.
Ben Marino over to trade. Lakes still open.
November 9, 1920 ARC started a 24 x 36 track
warehouse. Tryck’s moved out to 28 to cut and haul timber
for road next summer Fishhook to Willow over summit. Marking
goods until midnight.
November 10, 1920 Harvey Bartholf up
from Anchorage to run Mabel Mill. Expert got gas engine
to turn her over. Thorpe back bought Chickaloon RH
and moving up. First 3 mushers going in to Iditarod District
Mrs. Hatcher visited going to Anchorage for winter.
November 11, 1920 Lakes froze over again.
Armistice Day World War over 2 years and war prices still on
sugar and flour declining.
November 12, 1920 Jim Murray visited on way
to Outside. Ross Kinney visited, said there was 3’ snow
at Cache Creek, no snow at Wasilla. Still marking up new
goods. Hartman hauling winters wood.
November 13, 1920 Partly cloudy about
32 above business good. Got 2 regular letters from Mattie
with news about fathers condition. George Anderson back
from Anchorage, having trouble with is Co. Got meats and
sugar via railroad from Seward. Sugar $12, $15 Wasilla.
Road Comm. got team horses for work on Wasilla - Willow Road.
November 14, 1920 Hauled up ton hardware and
ton groceries from track warehouse to store with auto truck,
no snow at Wasilla. Two fishermen up from Anchorage after
trout. Old Doc Yak here for his car and junk also bought
Thorpe's team.
November 15, 1920 George Anderson in town waiting
for Harvey to come out and meet his daughter, due in next boat
at Anchorage. Anchorage fisherman got 3 sacks trout in Wasilla
Lake. Old Dock loaded his auto and hauled junk to car all
day?
November 16, 1920 Got 2 more orders Willow
and Gold Creek. Mr. Mack visited, said Barons were also
in the restaurant business. Chas Bartholf went to Anchorage.
Last day for trains to eat at Wasilla. Harry Madsen on way
to States.
November 17, 1920 Train no eat today,
eating station now at Willow 187. Man and woman arrived
to go Inside via McGrath. Aureen got lumber to fix up Swanson
house. Chris Anderson went to end of steel. Sold $60.0
worth of spuds for Wagner. Milo up from Anchorage for coal.
November 18, 1920 Snowed 8” last night
and this AM. Past 4 weeks of California weather skipped.
Got wire from Mattie, father weakening to come at once.
Hartman drove George Anderson and Dutch to mile 28. Bogard
in for forage. Snow plow north.
November 19, 1920 Train south Milo Kelly
returned to Anchorage. Got out-mail answered Matt’s wire.
The soldier and Miss Sparks arrived after dark to do some trading.
November 20, 1920 Bobsleds operating first
time this winter. Evening dance at Fairview for teacher
by Edlund’s. Fred Strand, Engstrom and Nicholas over to
trade. Milo went to Anchorage.
November 21, 1920 Rushed all AM selling dry
goods to parties from Pittman and Houston, sales around $100.
Got wire from Clara, father very low just living until you arrive,
situation deplorable.
November 22, 1920 Gus hauled balance wood from
Bill’s ranch, short 3 ricks on 10 paid for. Hartman and
McTaggert out hauling fire wood to 31½ RH with Bullion
team. Friese started to fix up Aureen’s cabin bought off Gus.
Barney Johnson in town from Knik Glacier. Mattie left for
Minnesota to see father.
November 23, 1920 Hatcher’s knot-heads run
away down mile 16 hill, wound up in K. T. Co. box pile.
Self and Kelly got bid at turkey with the Harman family.
Several McGrath mushers waiting for train to Anchorage.
Hartman in from 31½ loaded firewood.
November 24, 1920 Milo Kelly and Zink rode
to Knik with Fred. Winchester delivered half of vegetables,
$147. Herman in from Fish Lake. Ellexson first dog
musher from Knik.
November 25, 1920 Turkey day, closed
PM. Self, Kelly and Cannon ate chicken dinner with the
Harman family. Evening finished statement of Knik Hardware
Co. account with Henry Dohrman. Got flu, cold broken up (2
days). Wired hospital about father’s condition.
November 26, 1920 Gus back from 1st trip to
Knik, he brought office coal stove, coffee mill, tables etc.,
for K. T. Co. Two more Anchorage fisherman on Wasilla Lake.
Ulch and Eddie Erickson outfitted to go to Willow Creek via Houston
to haul GB freight.
November 27, 1920 Sold 1 sled grub and trail
outfit to Paul roadhouse man going Inside. Got wire from
Dr. Bumpus, father not dangerous ill, no evidence of immediate
termination, could turn to worse any time. Harvey B. returned
to Mabel daughter at Anchorage. Three dog teams from McGrath.
Paid for all fall orders to date.
November 28, 1920 Very quiet in town everybody
out of town. Erickson and Ulch left with 2 GB teams for
Houston via road, no sleds. Heavy earthquake at 10:30 PM long
steady shake for 30 seconds trod north to south.
November 29, 1920 Several Iditarod dog teams
arrived and Beaty gold team. Evening got out-mail sent
Stanley $50 government check. Got hair cut by Iditarod
barber party, stayed at Miller’s. Edlund sawing wood for
Hartman’s with gas engine. Fisherman went north.
November 30, 1920 Al Vitt down from Deadhorse
for $100 grub outfit. Gold team and 40 dogs left for Anchorage
had $164,000 bullion from Iditarod District. AEC sent back
Ulanky horse all in. Bogard in after hog feed.
December 1, 1920 Al Vitt left for Deadhorse.
Trix in town. Fred hauling timber to new roads at mines for
ARC. Gus out hauling for Rae to Ala. Willow Creek Drl.
Co. Evening warm and wind died out. Anchorage excited
over quake. Mattie returned from Minnesota to Pullman, Washington.
Wired for forage etc.
December 2, 1920 Ellexson and another team
mushed in from Knik for supplies. All ready for payout about
$500 due. Evening wrote Erwin about managing K. T. Co.
business if I went Outside for 60 days.
December 3, 1920 Slight cold wave -4,
business fair sales $64.35. Edlund through sawing Hartman’s
wood. RH man in from Iditarod side of the hump. Six
mushers got on train at Nancy, came via new trail from Susitna Station.
Evening -6.
December 4, 1920 Louis Gorman and C. R. White
bought grub outfit to locate oil land near Lake Nancy. Owen
Gray and several returned to Iditarod District. Got 2 letters
from Mattie left Pullman November 22 for Rochester to see father.
December 5, 1920 Quiet in town. Two men
down from Pittman to trade. Miller fired Rae out account
of hooch business. Jensen in from doing assessment work on Reed
Creek said George Anderson was running 2 mills double shifts.
December 6, 1920 Trappers after rats on Lucille
Lake. Lander and Paul in from 32 to Mabel Mine.
Mabel milling high grade ore. Hartman’s killed off most of
their chickens. Evening snowing.
December 7, 1920 Clear and colder, Knik
Natives in to trade, days sales $126.75. Sold balance of
DC hay to Lander. Wilmoth Co. tangled up with White Mule?
Miller got the “fleas” again. Train loaded going south.
December 8, 1920 Cold snap business fair
sales and collections $274.42. Lander took load feed and freight
out to 32. Dave England went to his ranch off mile 28.
Harman’s caught 4 rats.
December 9, 1920 Ivan Jones sent man after
Hughes sleds to haul coal. Gus through hauling for Rae’s
Devl. Co. Mrs. Black sent to Anchorage hospital. Fries
through with Aureen’s house.
December 10 1920 Lander in for more freight.
Harry Madsen down from Nancy Section to trade. Reported
Rae left for Outside. Sent “school kids” Xmas check
$32. Roy Cornelius and wife in to trade.
December 11 1920 Lander hauled out 2 assessment
men to mines, also gasoline for George A. No mail today
on up train, got meats, fruits, cigars and sacks that came on last
“Watson” at Seward the 1st. Some railroading?
December 12 1920 Got posted up to December.
No boats till 22nd at Seward. Gus building addition to Bodin
kitchen by Mabel house. Unpacked sox etc. and marked them.
December 13 1920 Paul Hansen back from
Anchorage. Cannon down to trade. August Carlson
got patent to his homestead. Evening a little cooler.
December 14, 1920 Mosier back from end of steel
said railroad would lay off several soon. Bogard in with
more pork. Got another order from Harry Brown. Ordered
500, 2¢ post office envelopes with return address.
Evening light snow.
December 15, 1920 Mattie reported father
very weak and looking for arrival of his son, situation pathetic.
Evening warm wind.
December 16, 1920 Warm mild wind business
slow. Lander took out two loads gasoline for Anderson.
Answered Matt’s and Stanley letter. Patchell located in
Tweeden cabin. Tie makers here after teams to haul. Wilmoth
went to Anchorage.
December 17, 1920 Warm Chinook +34, business
fair. Got order from Gold Creek for fresh apples and
cigars. Fred Strand Grennon over to trade. Gus remodeling
Bodin cabin. Heinie Snider sent us some goat liver from Pittman.
December 18, 1920 Chinook rain +34.
Several in to trade. Billy Dennison visited. Beattie
returned to Iditarod District. Evening took usual big bath.
Evening raining.
December 19, 1920 Wilmoth back from Anchorage
on freight train, wife sore on account of delay, inquired of
Eddie if he was on a drunk. Evening scrubbed out kitchen
and office still warm weather.
December 20, 1920 Finest kind of weather, snow
about all gone in Wasilla with temperature on +30 mark.
Harvey Bartholf, Lidell and O’Brien in from mines, Harvey had
6 lbs. gold dust from Mabel Mine. Ellexson in with load
dressed house logs. Harman in business good sales over $200.
December 21 1920 Rushed today. Ellexson
and Ulanky in from Knik. Sharpe in from mountain climber
roadhouse for outfit. Sold Pat Collins $60 outfit.
Cash sales over $200. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage with
half dozen dressed pigs and chickens and fresh eggs for market.
Mrs. Hartman went to Anchorage. Evening Hartman took Wilmoth
to Junction with car for dance. Tryck and Billy went to Anchorage.
December 22, 1920 Got half car forage and flour
via 1 week from Seward. Auto car back from dance at Junction
6 AM. Wilmoth Co. closed PM too much dance. Gus
got Bodin house about remodeled.
December 23, 1920 Business fair, put
up 2 orders Junction and Eklutna. Advanced a plan for
Wasilla business houses to give an Old Year Out and New Year In
Ball, Hartman’s wanted $1 a plate for oysters, cake and sandwiches.
Sharpe phoned that sugar wasn’t put off at Nancy.
December 24, 1920 Kelly left on noon train
for Anchorage. Wilmoth Co. and Hartman agreed to cooperate
on New Year Ball and supper, they printed announcements and I
mailed 2 dozen out. Put up over a dozen orders from $8 to $36 each.
All ranchers in. Got bid to eat turkey with Trix family.
December 25, 1920 Xmas 1920, quiet in town
had 2 customers. PM closed, ate Xmas turkey dinner with
the Trix family, had very nice dinner. Cannon, Zink and the Harman
family were there. Bessie had tree. Family at Pullman,
Washington, Stanley at school there.
December 26, 1920 Temperature +20 with
strong wind all day. Kelly back from Anchorage also Ed
Mullen to drive team for Bob Hatcher as Lidell quit the job. Business
fair put up order for the Gold Mint Mine. Got letter from Mattie,
ready to come home.
December 27, 1920 Got wire from Mattie that
father was stronger also sent Xmas greetings and love.
Ellexson in from Knik for forage sold $82 forage today. Evening
wind dying out a little. Hatcher’s ready to go back to mines.
December 28, 1920 Wind died out 20 above,
business slow today cash sales only $25. Got 2 orders from
Willow and 275. Evening fixed up gas lights at school house.
Trix cleaned up for doings 31st. Wilmoth and Eddie practiced
music. Evening warmer Answered Matt’s love letter.
December 29 1920 Ellexson out for his
wife back from Anchorage. Mrs. Hartman back from Anchorage.
Auto car drove out to mile 28. Kienbortz in town.
Ed Mullen took job to drive Hatcher’s team.
December 30, 1920 Broad’s had the Marshal
put a plaster on Little Gem for a wage of $400. George
Anderson in going to Anchorage for Broad case. PM practice
at Hall by Wilmoth and my for New Year social.
December 31, 1920 Light snow all day
business normal. Annual Social 50 people present.
Feature of entertainment was a letter from Zim Lakawanna and a
clash between OGH and Postmaster over Coal Oil Johnnie. Fooled
the people to the last minute ending with cigars and a song.
Family at Pullman, Washington.
1921
Beginning of diary lists:
Herning
Residence: Wasilla P.O. Box 14
Automobile no. B75 H35987
January 1, 1921 Happy New Year.
Light snow all day much needed for sledding. Business Men
Annual, declared biggest hit ever pulled off in Wasilla, all
delighted and many a smile even Old Stern. Ellexson returned
to Knik. Bogard in for forage. Fifty people present at B. M.
Annual. Cost for supper and music $60. Bountiful supper served at Hotel
Wasilla. Stanley attending State College at Pullman, Washington, mother
keeping house for Stanley. OGH operating K. T. Co. at Wasilla
Alaska.
January 2, 1921 Frost fell all day
-10. Groceries and meats stayed 1 week at Anchorage arrived.
Quiet in town. All still talking about Business Men’s Annual
party
January 4, 1921 7 AM -14, train 2 hours
late. Bodie Bill left for States. Got several orders
on branch and Talkeetna. Hartman drove car to 31½.
January 5, 1921 Hughes moved his family back
to Junction on account of school. Had several orders to
go north. Gus and Zink at Knik. Fred in with ARC team.
Evening still snowing.
January 6, 1921 Did big credit sales, checks
to come next train. Krogh and Fosket up. Gus in from Knik
with load lumber house goods etc. Evening on out-mail.
January 7, 1921 Bill Hughes trying for Scout
pension. Gus hauled 2 ricks wood from Bill’s ranch.
Sold out on coal oil. Got order from Nagley. Wrote
Krumnenacher about hydraulic pipe.
January 8, 1921 Received this diary today from
Stanley at Pullman, Washington including self sharpening lead
pencil, typewriter ribbon and two cigars. Got letter from Erwin
wanting to come and manage my biz if I went Outside. Frydenland
wanted to contract to haul hydraulic pipe. Mrs. Dr. Spaulding
at Trix.
January 9, 1921 Wilmoth Co. closed all day,
light for 1 hour, taking the big sleep? Worked on income
tax report. Coal train north. Fred in from 28.
Hartman at 31½ sawing firewood for summer use. Mrs.
Spaulding visited.
January 10, 1921 Wet snow 6”.
Wilmoth out hunting with a White Mule. Hartman back from
mile 30, had 3 passengers in car. Balancing up ledger. Evening
still snowing.
January 11, 1921 Mrs. Wilmoth raffled off her
turkey got $28, Gus won. Hans in, said Wilmoth not there, Mrs.
Wilmoth sent Hans to look him up. Hans arrived 8:15 with the
lost one, all OK, was to have returned Sunday. Tryck and Hartman
was going to hunt for Wilmoth tomorrow. Rader hurt by threshing
machine.
January 12, 1921 Got registered
letter from Mattie, 1 week late, answered same, father improving.
Gus agreed to turn over turkey for big dinner, Hotel Wasilla,
Sunday. Hans sold his team to Bob Hatcher. Lander
in from 32 agreed to haul pipe for me.
January 13, 1921 Lander in for freight from
32. Mrs. Spark’s soldier fell in lake while trout fishing.
Not feeling well, taking liver med. Bogard in for hog feed.
January 14, 1921 Cold snap -32 at depot.
Sent Mattie $75 check. Big snow today. Mrs. J.
B. Fleck went to Anchorage sick again. Train took out car
spuds today. Liver med. worked and feeling better,
-20 all day, -22 8 PM. Dance tomorrow at Fairview.
January 15, 1921 Gus back from Anchorage.
Gus invited 8 bachelors, Wilmoth’s and self, Harman’s and Trix
to eat Alaska turkey on Sunday. Put up tarp to close off
24’ balcony to hold heat down in store -32.
January 16, 1921 Big home grown turkey dinner
at Hotel Wasilla, was 16 guests, OGH carved the 25 lb. turkey.
Fine dinner a plenty of everything for everybody. Wilmoth
made a speech on the stone age to present time, including the mother
of the turkey, nursing and growing the same.
January 17, 1921 Warm again +20, quiet
in town. Paul in from Anderson Mine. Gus Swanson
went to Eska to confer about hauling Evan Jones coal to railroad.
Evening Sam Kelly and self invited to finish remains of Tommy Wilmoth
at Hotel Wasilla.
January 18, 1921 Sent Wasilla News to Daily
Times all about turkey dinner. Frank Churchill in from
Knik with Ellexson dog team. Burr and Spear through at
Mabel Mine went to Anchorage. Gus back from Eska.
Lander in from 32 wanted $60 ton to haul Grubstake pipe.
Wrote Mattie about turkey dinner.
January 19, 1921 No mail, sack left at Anchorage
depot. Gus getting ready to go to Eska to haul coal.
Road com. sent through big team to Cache Creek Road. Krug
up from Junction. Sold Stanley’s bike $20. Blizzard
evening windy, +20.
January 20, 1921 Gus left for Eska to haul
coal. Settled up with Fred and he drew his deposits $1,800.
Got 2 phones for supplies. Evening wind died out snow drifted.
January 21, 1921 Adolf Olson in from Kashwitna
for supplies also got several phone orders. Got good
letter from Nagley telling all about his family Outside.
January 22, 1921 Got mail off Spokane and Alameda
and Spokane freight. Got 2 registered letters from Mattie
and letter from Stanley, Wasilla looks good to them. Evening
Doherty and Kelly played music in my office. Evening -12.
Got car of forage and meats.
January 23, 1921 First hard blow, very
quiet in town. Bill Hughes in to trade, laid over on
account of big wind. Three mushers left for McGrath pulling
outfit by “face”. Evening wind died out.
January 24, 1921 Business good, sales $149.40.
Unloaded car of Outside freight. Ellexson in from Knik
to trade. Whitridge went to Anchorage, also Paul. Hans
bought clothing for working for AE Com. Got 2 cases BF eggs,
sell at 75¢ a dozen meats 2¢ lower.
January 25 1921 Strigg’s up from Junction to
trade. Moved sugar into Stanley’s room. Sold Wilmoth
Co. bill of goods. Figured up freight via Seward on forage
and meats. Got order from Deadhorse and Eska.
January 26 1921 Otto out form Knik 1st time
this winter. Wilmoth said big time was on for George Washington's
birthday. Hatcher’s in to trade. Sold Wilmoth Co.
bill of goods. Evening clear and colder.
January 27, 1921 Got out-mail. Hatcher’s
left for mines with grub etc. Wrote Allen and Lewis letter,
sent views of store. Wilmoth visited about February 22
affair.
January 28, 1921 Otto went to Anchorage.
Little Nakeetna in from Knik for supplies, bought snowshoes
and Native fur cap. Evening got off north mail. Krumnacher
anxious about hydraulic pipe.
January 29, 1921 Fred Nelson went to Talkeetna
to drive ARC team over CC Road. No freight today for anyone.
Evening warmed up and a little windy. Trimmed face. Mrs.
Trix delivered Matt’s love?
January 30, 1921 Real big wind started last
night, it tore iron off coal bin and made buildings creak.
Real Pullman wind. Earl Hartman and Lander in from 31½,
Earl brought mess ptarmigan Hartman’s gave free dinner,
set 12 plates, myself, Sam, Wilmoth’s, Lander, McClinton, Whitridge,
Cavanagh and 2 others. Evening wind still blowing. Put
in $300 bid on John Rice order Seward.
January 31, 1921 Ellexson in from Knik to trade.
Wilmoth Co. paid Little Gems December bill. Wrote Ma
a few lines, sent check for Stanley’s bike sold. Ulanky,
Lander and Hartman went to Anchorage. Evening blowing
again. Wind blew down eagles nest near Lucille Lake.
February 1, 1921 Wind died out. Wilmoth
busy with Chinaman play and White Mule for February 22nd.
Sam a little under the weather with cold. Hatcher reported
to have got $50,000 to develop his mine.
February 2, 1921 Wickersham down from Chickaloon
for $100 outfit. Ulanky, Hartman and Lander back from
Anchorage. Hartman failed to get George A’s truck.
Got letter from Stanley said Wasilla was good enough. Sam
got cold. Groundhog shows his shadow.
February 3, 1921 Weather clear -16.
Wick laid over to see Brown’s White Mule at the Wilmoth Co.
Got Outside mail ready. Sam Kelly out with cold. Several
got colds after the big wind. Mullen through with Hatcher
“no sale”.
February 4, 1921 Weather clear,
-26. Put up $50 order for Indian River mile
269. Sam failed to show up on account of cold, took him over
pot of tea and toasted cakes, got around for supper. Mrs.
Spark’s took her soldier to Anchorage to be married so reported.
Mrs. Edlund went to Anchorage. Answered Mattie’s letter sent
$75.
February 5, 1921 Boats in at Seward, will get
mail Wednesday 9th. Lander in from 32. Wick back
from Brown’s. Soldier boys up from Junction to buy material
to make wedding cake for Monroe-Spark’s due Monday night.
February 6, 1921 Quiet in town. Wick
still here. Hop Lee comedy practiced at school house
today. White Mule gang left town. Posted on books
on account of income tax. Spot and I had a row on account
of him wanting to go “sparking” all the time.
February 7, 1921 Got several small orders
from the north. Harman’s got man to relieve them, going
to States Friday train on vacation for 60 days. Wickersham
walked to Junction to catch train to Chickaloon.
February 8, 1921 Bogard in with pigs and vegetables
for Brown, took back load feed. Sold “White Mule Brown”
a suit of Filson clothes. Evening Wilmoth posted hand bills
for “Hop Lee” show on 22nd. Harman’s sold their chickens to
Vail’s at $2.50 each. Took flash picture of Spot.
February 9, 1921 Got two Outside mails got
2 letters from Mattie. Evening made cartoon for February
22nd to send to Matanuska to advertise. Bill Long, Chas
Huff and 2 others arrived. Huff going to locate oil.
Got wood. Gold Cord Mine going to operate wanted 5,000 ft.
mining timbers. Got groceries and meats.
February 10, 1921 Churchill in from Knik with
Ellexson dog team for supplies. Hop Lee making cartoons,
self made one sent it to Phil Allen at Matanuska.
February 11, 1921 Business slow today,
put up $50 order for Chas Huff. Harman’s left 11:45 train
for Anchorage and Outside. Train went down last night
on account of 2 men being hurt at end of steel. Moon
freak tonight, bright star on one corner of moon.
February 12, 1921 Black’s man arrived looked
over samples. Chas Huff left for Nancy Oil Fields.
Ordered underwear, sox, wool pants and suits for fall delivery.
February 13, 1921 Very quiet in town.
Hop Lee actors practiced at Hall. Evening practiced with
Wilmoth’s at Hall, Flute violin and piano. Evening a little
windy but warm. Crazy Ephim over from Eklutna.
February 14, 1921 Rich and Zink left for Anchorage.
Bought some eggs off Armors man for 47¢. Had several
phone calls. Several farmers sold their spuds to Com. at
$50 and $60 a ton. Miller got Road Com. warehouse about under
cover.
February 15, 1921 Bill Whitridge went to Anchorage
via train from Junction. Sent letter to Stanley to look
up train and magneto for auto truck. Self and Wilmoth
put in stage fittings for Hop Lee comedy show on 22nd. A.
J. Swanson went out to see Bob Hatcher about freight haulage.
February 16 1921 Sold Peter Murray $112 outfit
for his mines. John Chamberlain’s son visited for Whiton
Hardware Co. Only local mail today. Whitridge back from
Anchorage. Bogard in to trade.
February 17, 1921 Lander hauled out Pete Murray’s
mining outfit. White Mule dinner, Bill Long star guest.
Evening practiced violin flute and piano at Hop Lee opera house.
February 18, 1921 Chamberlain left for Seward,
gave him fall order for ammunition and T. G. goods. Bill
Swanston back from Eska Coal Mines. Ellexson in from
Knik to trade.
February 19, 1921 Don and Rae back from States.
Got letter from Mattie with wire that brother Jas Rogers died
February 4th with pneumonia. Evening got hair trimmed and usual
bath.
February 20, 1921 Sunny -10. Went up
to Hall to criticize Hop Lee show. First practice on stage
did parts very well, Sam Kelly and self as customers, raised the
deuce with the “Chink”. Evening Kelly and self invited to eat
dinner with the Chink family. Dave Karstad here.
February 21, 1921 Billy Trix hauled up 4 bench
seats from Don S. Rae’s to Hall. Now we can seat 100
people if they come to Hop Lee show tomorrow. Evening Hop
Lee practice self prompter. Mrs. Wilmoth didn’t come to
practice, had a scrap with her old man. Mrs. Conway in
town.
February 22, 1921 George Washington Day
cloudy and warm. Cleaned up floor at Hall
all ready for show. Evening 75 people at show, a lot from
Eska. Everything went off OK but Fries violin solo.
Put order for McDougal to Eska dancers in store after dance 5 hours.
Gus back from Eska.
February 23, 1921 Lawrence and Magha back from
Seattle got $50 grub. Mrs. Ellexson took load grub to
Knik with dog team. Ellen cleaned up Hall. A. J.
Swanson took dancers to Junction to catch branch train.
Concert and dance a success.
February 24, 1921 Rained last night,
hot Chinook, snow all gone in Wasilla and on road to mile 28.
Hartman drove Lawrence and Magha to 28 with car.
There was 80 at Hop Lee show, gate receipts paid expenses.
February 25, 1921 Chinook +50.
Train 2 hours late. Lander went to Anchorage.
Whitridge back from Knik. Sent in Hop Lee Show and local
items to Daily Times. Evening cleaned face and washed
head. Sam nursing another cold. Bob Hatcher in for
supplies and mail.
February 26, 1921 Big crowd on train going
north, sold $30 worth of hardware saws and sled. Had a
talk with Mrs. Wilmoth about biz and White Mule, said Howard was
a Mason. Marshal Hoffman a Mason and he was protected etc.
on Mule. Sam Kelly cleaned grocery shelves.
February 27, 1921 Chinook +40.
Stern and Rudy hauling car spuds. Evening Hop Lee dinner
party at Hotel Wasilla, had chicken dinner. Wilmoth’s,
Eddie and Eva, Sam and self present. Played phonograph
till 9 PM then worked on Outside mail till midnight.
February 28, 1921 Hatcher’s freight at Seward
held up on account of prepaid freight. A. E. Com. calling
for bids on 250 tons Wasilla Lake ice. Mailed income tax.
March 1, 1921 Beautiful sun and warm day.
Old Hart in, going to quit ranch and work on railroad.
Sam still cleaning store shelves. Gus went to
Junction to see Swanson about hauling Hatcher’s freight
Evening on books.
March 2, 1921 Got letter from Clara about father
and condition of things at home, still looking for me out.
Said father would give me the home part section 36 - 640 acres
if I came home. Got letter from Mattie and Stanley.
Goodell and Frisby arrived to work at Fern Mine. Cars killed
Trix siwash dog. Sold Wilmoth Co., Goodell and McClinton’s
order.
March 3, 1921 Chinook. Sold Wilmoth Co.
$92 on Goodell $160 order, the store with the goods? McDougal
back from Goose Bay locating? Hatcher’s in going to Seward
to release freight. Wilmoth Co. paid balance on Hartman Mtge.
Evening on Outside orders.
March 4, 1921 Sold another Yukon sled, none
in Anchorage. Got order for ton seed oats. Hatcher’s went
to Anchorage and Seward, married 10 years. McDougal returned
to ranch. Got order from summit mile 373 on government
railroad.
March 5, 1921 Wilmoth Co. got train order,
had to buy grub from us. No one will take 250 ton ice
contract from Com. Zink getting sample birch timber to send
Outside. PM train nearly got Spot.
March 6, 1921 Summer weather still on
+38, quiet in town. Fixed up and lit outside lamps for first
time during winter, dark evenings on account of no snow now.
Bunch soldiers up fishing. Wilmoth failed to preach this evening,
crowd went home. Brown around with White Mule. Hartman
from mile 25 with car. Got $100 phone order from Sutton.
March 7, 1921 C. W. Wagner and wife down from
end of steel to plant ranch at Sutton. Got 2 big phone
orders from Nancy for Lake Creek. Cash sales $132. “My
cousin” on train for Anchorage. Had Gus haul plank etc. back
from schoolhouse on account of show. Frost 6” out of ground.
March 8, 1921 Business good, put up $133 order
for Lake Creek. Got several phone orders. Took
down fly over registers used to deflect heat down. Sold some
1920 seeds and cultivator. Car feed, meats, etc. due tomorrow.
Pete Murray back from mines went to his ranch.
March 9, 1921 A-1 day, +10 to +65, freezing
nights. Got car forage etc. unloaded same.
Hatcher’s car machinery and grub for Road Com. arrived.
Soldiers here to put up the 250 tons of ice for Com. Evening
clear and colder 20 above 10 PM. Cleaned face. No Outside
mail. Jas. A. Stewart here.
March 10, 1921 Stewart left for his oil locations.
McClinton in from mines by auto car. Wilmoth wanted to
sell goods at mines on commission. Soldiers waiting for
ice tools from A. E. Com.
March 11, 1921 Wrote Stanley to look up Ford
car. Bob Hatcher received 2 cars more of machinery and
lumber for mines. Ed Lee here looking for freight to haul,
through at Jones Mine, snow all gone there. Gus loaded
wagon for mines.
March 12, 1921 Train here 20 minutes.
Farmers in for dinner at 1 o’clock, rushed all day in store.
Harvey Bartholf went to Lucky Shot Mine on Willow. Gus started
to haul freight for Hatcher. Soldiers got horse ice cutter
from Com.
March 13, 1921 Noon O. C. Miller fell off Hatcher’s
roof, hit on eye and arm no bones broke, out of head for 4 hours,
Kelly and I fixed him up. Evening on Outside mail and spring
orders. Eddie hauled out 2 loads of freight to 26 with auto
truck.
March 14, 1921 White Mule turned loose, one
soldier drunk. Mrs. Brown went south on train today.
Ed Lee arrived to haul in Hatcher’s freight. Mr. Sessions
on train south. Miller around OK.
March 15, 1921 Zero to +65 in sun.
Mrs. Wilmoth said she was going to buy mile 16 farm and raise
turkeys, Wilmoth going to work for Bullion? Jas A.
Stewart back from Station, made another oil location. Lee,
Gus and A. J. Swanson hauling Hatcher’s freight with wagons to 26.
March 16, 1921 Hughes moved Otto into Wasilla.
Soldiers cutting 2 car ice per day. Wired out for seed
grain. Stewart went to Talkeetna to record oil claims.
Bogard loading car spuds.
March 17, 1921 Temperatures -8 to +40.
Bergstrom over for outfit. Moffat brought in spuds for
Harry Brown. Friese helping Bogard to load car spuds.
Evening on Outside mail, got hair cut. Mrs. Wilmoth told
Kelly she told bootleggers where to head in. No more White
Mule to come to Wilmoth Co.
March 18, 1921 Train south late. Hartman back
from 31½ after fixing up RH wanted to buy their goods
off K. T. Co. Soldiers gave us piece cake. Sam not well.
March 19, 1921 Eddie finished hauling Hatcher’s
small freight. Swanson loaded last of big foundation timbers.
Ed Lee went to end of steel with his knot-heads to freight. Sam
and self went to Matanuska Ball, 17 went on hand car, Wilmoth’s
didn’t go. Got 2 letters from Pullman school kids.
March 20, 1921 Got home 5 AM. There were
50 at Matanuska Ball, had good lunch, self danced only on ladies
choice. Marked up part Black clothing.
March 21, 1921 Dust flying in the streets.
Sent order for auto supplies. Mrs. Nagley on train for
Anchorage, going to have her teeth out. Soldier boys about
through cutting ice. Evening got cloudy, felt like rain.
Archie – Nell’s beau here, did his washing?
March 22, 1921 Snow all day, first snow
since February 20. Figured on $350 order going to Cache Creek
District, will know tomorrow if I get it. Finished marking
up Black clothing. Evening put out 2 claims for freight shortage.
Gus in from Hatcher’s Mines for more freight.
March 23, 1921 Wasilla white again 3rd time
this winter. Gus went to mile 25 with bobsleds. Two extra
trains today. Mrs. Harry Brown on train with brother from
Outside. Andota here from Anchorage. About 6” wet snow
fell. Mehern on train north.
March 24, 1921 Ellexson and Hughes in from
Knik to trade. Gus hauled out Hatcher’s cables.
Soldiers on a drunk last night, tried to get into Gus’ and Zink’s
house 2 AM. Jim and Nicoli arrived from Anchorage.
Wilmoth Co. wanted us to buy hardware.
March 25, 1921 Heavy snow fell in Broad Pass.
Sent grub and hardware order to Moose Creek.
Wilmoth’s wanted to trade their interest in
fire engine for grub. Mehern went south Watson due.
March 26, 1921 Watson mail arrived, got letters
from Stanley and his mother, letter from Clara saying Paul Busian
was killed by auto in North Dakota. Otto Koch and Indians
in from Knik to trade. Sam Kelly giving birthday dinner
tomorrow.
March 27, 1921 Easter Sunday had good dinner
at home and lemon pie. Sam Kelly gave birthday dinner at hotel,
big crowd from mines, dinner good but short on grub. Finished
whiskers, cut off what was left after burning by furnace blow out.
Wrote to kids.
March 28, 1921 Partly cloudy Chinook wind,
snow going fast. Busy in store all day, got
order from Montana Creek. C. D. Johnson went to Anchorage.
Teams took last of Hatcher’s pipe etc. Lander reported 4’
snow at mountain house. Everybody looking at new manager.
March 29, 1921 Soldiers through cutting ice,
left evening freight for Junction. Patchell in from 28
mile sulphur spring, said there was no natural gas there.
Report came that Mrs. William Black died at Anchorage morning of
28th. Got phone order from Nagley for spuds and wire from Anchorage
for jacks, Alameda in.
March 30, 1921 Alameda in yesterday at Anchorage,
first boat of spring. Fischer’s man, Sam and Armour and
Hill’s man visited for orders. Got oranges, lemons and apples,
drugs and pants. Al Davis arrived from Seward to settle up
with Wilmoth Co. Got mail from Pullman. Received $600
from D. H. Co.
March 31, 1921 Business fair +76 in the
sun. Three traveling men went on freight to Talkeetna.
Wilmoth went to Anchorage with Davis to settle up estate etc.
Another new agent arrived by name of Palmer. Sent school kids
at Pullman $100. March sales $2,549.08.
April 1, 1921 All Fools Day. Fries and Donovan
loading car spuds. Deposit in banks over $1,000 today.
Sent Matt’s letter with $100 check by Sam Guoyt. Agent Buchman
left for Anchorage. Wilmoth at Anchorage. Blew auto
horn 10 PM fooled Mrs. Hartman.
April 2, 1921 Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik, dogs
got away on Thorpe’s hill. Evening attended party at Fairview,
11 went down on hand car from Wasilla. Got home 3 o’clock
only 25 at dance. Vail’s friend located homestead north of
Fleckenstein’s line. Jacobson returned to ranch.
April 3, 1921 Chilligan down from Houston got
$50 outfit mostly clothing. Evening just after closing
store, saw man go behind Wilmoth’s store, gone a few minutes
came back went north up Main Street looked like Rae or Otto.
Wilmoth Co. closed all day saw light 8:20 PM.
April 4, 1921 Bill Hughes and Red Jack drove
to Junction. Zink went to Anchorage. K. T. Co.
store building published in Pathfinder March issue. School
election, no report who won, self refused Treasurer, put Zink on
Treasurer. Heinie Snider the king goat down to vote.
Wagner went to Anchorage. Wilmoth back from Anchorage.
April 5, 1921 Snow and sleet all day.
Mrs. Tryck, Zink and self were elected on School Board.
Lander, Hartman and Gus in from 32. Got orders from Chickaloon
and Talkeetna for supplies. Evening raining windy.
April 6, 1921 Got letter from Stanley all well.
Sam down with cold in chest, in bed all PM. Ulanky’s ranch
reported for sale, Sam wants to buy it. Freight trains laid
over on account of rain. Hartman fixing Ford car over to truck.
Got freight on Goodrich.
April 7, 1921 Snow all gone
again in Wasilla. Red Jack and Hughes back from Junction,
couldn’t buy any cows. Ulanky in from Knik wants to sell
his ranch for $850 and go back to Finland.
April 8, 1921 August Sharp in from mountain
climber RH for outfit. Got 2 orders from north.
Expect Goodrich freight tomorrow Alaska Road Com. expect
auto trucks. Bought Wilmoth Co. Yukon stoves.
April 9, 1921 Got order from Wells bros. going
to end of steel to work their quarts mine. Sharp left
for mountain climber RH. Short of spuds around Wasilla.
Got 5 sacks Hartman’s spuds by Gus. Hartman busy fixing
up old car over into truck.
April 10, 1921 Busy all day on mail and marking
up gloves, chicken feed, etc. Sam got 61 birthday cake
from Mrs. Ellexson of Knik, cut it for dinner. Sam all in
with cold in chest. Sold case Wasilla ranch eggs at 75¢
dozen. Evening Sunday bath as “usual”.
April 11, 1921 Worked on Wells bros. order.
Sales $128.60. Wilmoth Co. got out circular, going to
sell goods again. Sold $500 worth hardware at Anchorage,
going out of hardware. Jim Patchell went to Anchorage to look up mile
16 location. Metz returned to ranch from railroad.
April 12, 1921 Heavy rain turning to snow.
Business slow on cash sales. Completed packing $290 order
for Wells bros. Sam in bed all day with flu. Zink,
Donovan, Wagner and several sick with flu. Railroad still
blocked with snow slides at mile 49. Sam 61 today, born 1860.
April 13, 1921 Shipped Wells bros. order to
end of steel. Several farmers in to trade. Sam off
shift, some better, got up at noon, looks very bad. Jim Murray
visited on way to Cache Creek. No mail over snow slide from
Seward as yet.
April 14, 1921 Temperature +84 in sun.
Ellexson in for supplies. Fred Crocker bought an outfit
for cutting mining timbers at mile 25. Sam still sick
with flu. Agent got medicine from hospital for flu patients.
Several after lots. Trix brother arrived. Watson in
1st trip.
April 15, 1921 Grennan in for seeds.
Evening A. J. Swanson back from Junction brought in 4 orders.
Reported Anchorage hospital full of flu patients. All
hotels filled up from people off late boats. Sam off shift
with flu.
April 16, 1921 Took in over $400. Got
half car freight off Watson. Northwestern freight still
at Seward waiting for Alameda to bring it to Anchorage. McDonald
and wife arrived rented Zink house.
April 17, 1921 Finished unloading car freight.
PM mopped house and balcony floors. Got out Seattle mail.
Mrs. Wagner got the flu, others about well. Good fishing
in Cottonwood Creek. Ice all gone in creek.
April 18, 1921 Train south
sent mail to catch Alameda 19th or 20th. Business fair
sold a lot of chicken feed and seed grain. Wilmoth Co. printing
a store paper to boost things when their new stock arrives.
Finished Sam’s birthday cake. Put up order for Wilmoth Co.
April 19, 1921 Got phone order form Nagley
and Phil Allen. Sent Mattie check for use of auto truck
used for unloading coal last November. Sold Wilmoth Co.
$30 grub order for up line. A. J. Swanson went to Junction
with mare and colt.
April 20, 1921 Train waited for Alameda mail
and passengers arrived here 4 PM. Black boys sold their
spuds to Com. Fries proved up on his homestead. McDougal
over from his ranch. Got letter from Stanley with Clara’s
letter about father had gone home.
April 21, 1921 Got grub and orders ready for
train tomorrow. Gus in from hauling for Gold Mint Mine.
Rae and McClinton in from mines. Wagner started to plant crops.
Hughes in with wagon.
April 22, 1921 GB freight
teams in from Houston. Winter hauling done. Hartman
in from 31½ R. H. Dave England in from ranch.
Gus moved his junk out of track warehouse sold to Kelly. Sold
Wilmoth Co. bunch grub. Wasilla Wasp, Wilmoth Co. paper
out, a stinger?
April 23, 1921 Kelly Mines Co. got 5 cars lumber.
K. T. Co. ½ car merchandise. Several new people
arrived to work at mines. Demand for 5 cabins, none to rent.
Got letter from Mattie, all well and planning on date to come home.
A. J. Swanson through on Gold Mint freight. Auto supplies
arrived.
April 24, 1921 Froze 1” ice last night.
Kelly’s eggs in Gus warehouse, hauled them to Zink’s cellar today.
Kelly lumber unloaded, covered lots between K. T. Co. and ARC warehouse.
Got Fern Mining Co. order to put up for Wilmoth Co. Gus went
out to haul for Gold Mint at 32. Hartman’s drove car to lake.
April 25, 1921 Patzack and Hart came down from
end of steel. Farris and Danielson returned to ranches.
McDonald went to Anchorage to look after bal. of Kelly’s
freight George Clyde in town. Mrs. McDonald got the
flu.
April 26, 1921 Business good, busy in store
all day, marked up new goods. Hartman went to mile 25 with
car, took out some grub for RH. Sent wire for store paper
to Chicago, wired in K. T. Co. advertisement. Gus landed motor
for Gold Mint Mining Co., A. J. S. left it in the ditch.
April 27, 1921 Special train last night, left
12 cars freight for Wasilla. Kelly’s caterpillar arrived.
Tomlinson up from Junction to haul freight for Hatcher.
Sam Coppers visited. No Outside mail.
April 28, 1921 Caterpillar pulling out big
timbers from cars all day. Cat plowed and scraped out
foundation for annex to Gus warehouse, some cat. Evening
got out-mail. Old Tom Cavanaugh reported to put up building
for restaurant along side Wilmoth. Co.
April 29, 1921 Strike on. Kelly’s men
quit demanded $1 per hour after lumber was all unloaded.
Miller started annex to Gus warehouse. Ed Danielson in town.
Black’s man and Seattle hardware man looking for orders.
Wagner planting oats.
April 30, 1921 Evening Hard Time Dance at Hall,
fifty people present, some from Eska and Matanuska. Shorty
and Strand played, self dressed up, was fined $2. Receipts
$17 music cost $10. After dance at 3 o’clock sold $34 goods.
Didn’t dance, music good. Self played 6 instruments orchestra
part of time.
May 1, 1921 Partly cloudy, quiet in town.
Part of Kelly’s men want to work re-piling lumber. Miller
set up a tent for engineers. Forcythe in from Lucky Shot Mine.
Gus in from Gold Mint Mine. Freight all landed. Got
out monthly bills. Wrote extra to Stanley and Ma.
May 2, 1921 Cat loaded up 4,500’ planks on
truck. Load 9 tons going out tomorrow to mile 28.
South train 1 hour late. Jim Murray on train going to Anchorage
for men to work on dredge. GB team sent to Anchorage.
May 3, 1921 Milo’s Cat left with 4,500’ lumber
for mines, got out as far as Miller’s ranch, frost not all
out yet. Four men quit lumber job didn’t like boss.
Went down to ice house, no old ice left. Walked out to mile
16, road A-1. Miller closing in bottom Gus warehouse.
Mrs. Hartman went to 31½ RH.
May 4, 1921 Things doing today, total biz $318.75.
Harman’s returned from visit to States. Road Com. got
3 truck autos. Hartman went out to 31½ with his new Ford
truck, had 7 miners and a full load. Edlund daughter arrived
from Outside.
May 5, 1921 Rain turned to snow, ground white
this AM. Both Eddie and Hartman drove trucks
out to 28. Lawrence and McGohy came in. Road Com. finally
got their trucks to turn over. Caterpillar idle, roads too
soft. Old Tom bought lot next to Wilmoth’s, going to
put up pool room and bunk house. Harrison back to ranch.
May 6, 1921 McDonald went to Anchorage.
Started to fix up auto car. Trix made road camp at mile
16, moved out with new auto trucks. Eddie took Rae out to
timber camp to cut mining timbers.
May 7, 1921 Hans broke glass in front store
door. Road Com. having trouble with Dodge truck, got “Cat”
man fixing her up. Started to gravel road between 16 and
19. Eddie broke his car up last trip going to mile 25.
Evening dance at Fairview. Eddie, Fleck girls, Shorty and Mrs.
Wilmoth went on hand car. Ice went out Lucille Lake.
Mrs. Hartman went to 31½ RH. Got letter from Mattie
and Stanley.
May 8, 1921 Beautiful summer day, worked
on auto truck all PM. Chilligan down from Houston, bought
$100 grub etc. Road Com. hauled gravel to cover crossings
near stores. Cashed “remittance” check for Mrs. Wilmoth.
Wrote Mrs. Rebecca Brown about her pictures left at her Knik house.
May 9, 1921 Cat pulling up big timbers on Wasilla
Street. Felch and son in town got a big string of trout.
Stern’s horse sent home from end of steel. Adjusted play
on front wheels of auto truck. Wilmoth hung curtains to keep
sun out of store.
May 10, 1921 Got auto truck ready to turn over.
Ten tons freight due tomorrow. Felch and son and Mrs.
McDonald out fishing, got big string of trout. Loons arrived
at Lake Lucille. Roads dry in most places. Vail building
a boat.
May 11, 1921 Got ½ car freight no Outside
mail. Hauled 3 tons freight to store and oil house with
auto truck. Phone report that Bank of Alaska was held up
at noon today, bad man now in Alaska. Inspector Eide arrived.
Ice out of Wasilla Lake. Got postcards of Spot.
May 12, 1921 Kelly’s men got lumber all piled
up. Fixing up cylinders on Cat. Eide in town, no
money for road work until July 1st. Evening new school board
took oath of office.
May 13, 1921 Mosquitoes around.
Cat loaded up two wagons with lumber. Gus planting Harman’s farm.
Mrs. Wilmoth mad because I wouldn’t wait on her. Howard came
over and paid bill $34.
May 14, 1921 Kelly’s
Runabout Ford car arrived. Wilmoth Co. got 1½
tons groceries from Anchorage. Mrs. Wilmoth and Kelly
at outs over candy. Worked on car distributor, out of firing
line. Evening big rush in store. Fischer and Wilson
in from Knik.
May 15, 1921 Cat got back, delivered two wagon
loads lumber at 28. Cleaned old hair off of Spot.
Big fires around Fish Lake and Pittman. Reported ARC have
Caterpillar coming to work on Fishhook Willow Road.
May 16, 1921 Business good sales $143.66.
Susitna River broke up and washed out railroad grade at mile
236. Agent Harman looking into storing explosives at track
warehouse dangering the town. Trusty run Kelly’s new Ford
car to 28. Wrote folks sent K. P. dues $6.
May 17, 1921 Harman’s moved over on ranch to
sleep. No trains today due to washout at 236. Cat
in barn overhauling parts. Rae brought us mess of trout.
Gaston and Brown moved out to mines.
May 18, 1921 Miller got up tent bunk house
for Edlund, renters of his restaurant. Reported no train
north until Saturday washout still holding train north of Talkeetna.
Paul Hanson in from Gold Mint Mine.
May 19, 1921 No trains since last Saturday
due to washout at 236. Mrs. Wilmoth gave us ½ of
cake, was very good, Howard brought it over. Kelly and self
codded her so much that she couldn’t make cake she, made good.
May 20, 1921 One train north registered train
south after week hold up due to washout at 236. Reported
Northwestern sailed, Watson and Alameda to follow. Should
get Latouche mail tomorrow, delayed over a week at Anchorage.
Wrote Stanley a few lines. Plowed back lots.
May 21, 1921 Got Latouche mail got letter from
Clara about fathers condition now at his home, had a bad spell
but improving. No mail from Pullman, Washington.
John Chamberlain arrived. Bert McClarty and Tom Williams
arrived to work at mines. Evening Edlund dance, did not attend.
May 22, 1921 Sold Kelly Mine Co. 2 outfits
for camp 23½ and 32 over $100. Gave Chamberlain
order for hardware. Hauled out tin cans to mile 17, Chamberlain
went along, road needs smoothing. Evening on bills and out-mail
2 boats due 27th. Evening temperature +40.
May 23, 1921 Evening pricing up new goods.
Wrote Mattie a few lines, sent it by Chamberlain. Kelly
Mine Co. bought $50 grub outfit for their 31 camp. Farmers
over from Palmer to prove up. Cat went out with lumber.
Frank Crocker on train south. Hamill’s horses arrived from
end of steel.
May 24, 1921 “Cat” went out
with 2 loads lumber. Hartman launched his boat in Wasilla
Lake. Al Crocker in town from ranch. Got battery charged
on car. Zink went out to Kelly Mine.
May 25, 1921 Eddie got his truck fixed up.
Erwin on train north, driving up stock holders for First National
Bank, I got him 1300 shares. Evening looked over lots
in block 3 lot sale tomorrow.
May 26 ,1921 Lot sale by R. D. Chase
for A. E. Com. Eleven lots sold mostly in block 3.
All went on first bid $25. Evening charged old storage
battery. Sent for universal joint to connect magneto.
Self bought 2 lots.
May 27, 1921 Cat laid up for repairs on track.
Joe Walton up town looking for man to fix his tractor.
The Red Ass Ape paid his bill.
May 28, 1921 GB gang around came on Northwestern,
Budd's son included, went on to 31½ in PM. Sold
Evening tried car run down to Wasilla Lake, had no power, could
not run on high think valve is stuck. Evening school board meeting.
Got letter from Mattie and Stanley.
May 29, 1921 Natives of Section at Houston
down to trade, brought over $100 worth. Sam and self started
out with car for spuds at Hartman’s, Frydenland’s car quit no
more juice so had to walk back home. Ate dinner at Miller’s
café.
May 30, 1921 Sales last 4 days nearly $800.
Supt. McDonald went to Anchorage. Train south 3 hours late.
“Susie” went to Anchorage wanted a ham when he returned to open
Mabel Mine. Hartman overhauling his truck
May 31, 1921 Replenish sales with Kelly Mine
Co. for May $310.70, A. R. Com. $35.70. Dave England quit
Road camp reported cut on wages June 1st. Trix and Miller
went on school treasurers bond.
June 1, 1921 Busy day. Milo Kelly arrived.
Rae’s baby “Cat” arrived. Rae took a header with Cat
off Wilmoth Co. platform, no harm done. PM took out battery
and brought back car from Hans ranch. Northwestern freight
came. Got 2 letters from Mattie. Wilmoth Co. got about
1 ton goods from Outside. Mrs. Freda Henton arrived.
June 2, 1921 Got another camp outfit for Kelly
Mine Co. at 32. Rae limping around from header on baby
Cat. Bailey up to trade $76 worth. Cat hauled 2 wagons
and big 10 ton truck today.
June 3, 1921 Busy with mail sent
out over 100 copies of “Table Talks” first issue of paper.
Train 4 hours late due to trucks broken on tender, loaded with
passengers going south. Road Com. cut wages 50¢ day.
Otto quit his job.
June 4, 1921 A-1 summer day +76.
Mr. Gerow came up from Anchorage to see Sam Kelly about mining
on Kenai Peninsula. Trouble at the Kelly Mines, all the
help came in. Miller’s Café doing very good biz.
Evening had Frank Doherty cut my hair.
June 5, 1921 Gave dinner to Mr. Gerow,
Sam and editor of the “Bug” at Miller’s Café, had pork
and beans, macaroni, corn and peas cake for dessert. Gerow
and Sam went fishing PM, got none.
June 6, 1921 Smokey and warm. Wilmoth Co. fishing
all PM. Got general small orders from north, shipped 3
orders south. Fred sawing wood evening with Edlund’s gas saw.
Mr. Gerow returned to Anchorage. Evening on books.
June 7, 1921 Smokey evening rain.
Cat in town decking big timbers. Patzack took contract
to clear lots for $40, aft of school house. Gooding in to trade.
Evening put Corn Flakes ad display in show window. Evening
light wind with rain.
June 8, 1921 Alameda reported at Seward. Miller
circulated report that soldiers were going Outside. Big
trouble on reported false today. Ulsh took 15 men out to
GB Mine.
June 9, 1921 Opened up hardware and crockery
ware. Kelly outfit building shed house on west end of
Gus’ lot. Otto Eddie and Patzack clearing lots near school
house. Hartman had a load freight for 32. Wrote Mattie
a line, sent by Philippino to Junction to mail. Alameda at
Anchorage.
June 10, 1921 Another “Bug” issue out today
telling all about “Bug” editor and Table Talk dual and the Hollyguzzler.
Bert Farris up from Junction showing Anchorage boys Wasilla and
his big “Cat”. Gus went out to 32 to move Kelly’s men and
baggage up to mines. Lander in went to Junction.
June 11, 1921 Milo up from Anchorage with men
for mine. Tom Babcock in-going. Gus made first trip
to Martin Mine with grub and baggage for men. Eddie made
a trip with men and baggage to 32 Hartman ditto. Eddie took
8 kids to dance at Fairview end of school term. Got letter
from Mattie May 20th.
June 12, 1921 Cleaned carbon out cylinder head
on overland car. Eddie took young people to Junction.
Harmon up from Junction to trade. Hartman made 1 trip
to 32. Evening got big order from Lucky Shot Mine. B. S.
Bartholf in for pack horse.
June 13, 1921 Put up order for Lucky Shot Mining
Co. Byron Bartholf went to Cottonwood for horse, Eddie
took him as far as mile 8 with car. Love, of Pathfinder,
called on trip over railroad line. Evening run car out to
16 working ok.
June 14, 1921 Byron Bartholf went to 32 with
Lucky Shot pack horse. ARC moved road camp to mile 25½
going to work on Palmer road. Heinie Snider down to trade
reported 50 coming on fishing outing.
June 15, 1921 Hartman came out with 2 signs:
cut meals to 75¢ and auto fair to 31½ is $2. Autos
doing good biz this week. Evening Sam and self started
for Dohertie's with car, juice run out on Cannon’s hill, got another
battery and run car back to shed. Ball brand of goods came.
June 16, 1921 Young Byron Bartholf in from
Lucky Shot Mine, gave us $104 order hardware etc. Mrs.
Henton got $24 order moved out to camp 25½. Had mess
fresh garden onions. Wrote Mattie letter to catch Alameda
at Cordova. Evening light shower.
June 17, 1921 Collections and sales over $500.
Opened up some of winter clothing, now got full stock of pants,
shirts, etc. Minnis (Whiskers) in from Talkeetna.
Eddie got full load of “chickens” for Rader. Dance Saturday
evening. Hartman wants $8 to go with passenger car. School
closed at Pullman. Made Miller Café pay up.
June 18, 1921 Lander in from 32 to meet fishing
party tomorrow. Evening attended Barn Dance at Rader’s,
80 people present. Had fine lunch. Eddie took 18 and
Hartman’s 5. Got home 3 AM.
June 19, 1921 Big fishing excursion headed
by Bunker. Moyer arrived 8:30 AM from Anchorage. Lander
took load with Eddie’s truck out to mountain home PM. All
delighted with days outing. Sam Kelly left for Kenai Lake
District.
June 20, 1921 Harrison in with GB team for
supplies. Eddie went out and drove back Kelly’s Ford
car. Otto went out to work for GB. Evening marked up a
lot of new hardware Gus and Lander went to Anchorage also Hammil
who quit Gold Cord timber hauling.
June 21, 1921 Packed 3 orders for Willow 187
and Talkeetna. Got wire from Mattie, now in Seattle,
leaves on the 24th on Alameda. Got word excursion with
200 would come up from Anchorage Sunday the 26th to fish on lake.
June 22, 1921 Quite a bunch arrived for Willow
Creek District. Rae in, sent Chris Fleck out to 31½
baby Cat. Kelly laid up their Cat. Cat men on machine
work at mines. Houston Natives down. Evening trade took
in over $100. Anchorage wants Wasilla to put boats on lake.
June 23, 1921 Wired Mattie to get a few things
in Seattle. Had chicken and dumpling dinner presented
by Wilmoth family and lemon pie. Rae in with baby Cat, Chris
Fleck run it. Light rain all day needed for crops.
Evening on mail.
June 24, 1921 Eddie took Kelly’s grub out 7
PM. Busy till midnight posting up bills. No orders in-mail
today. Wilmoth Co. got out 3rd issue of “Bug”. Goodrich at
Anchorage. Ate dinner at Hotel Wasilla. Kelly in
with Tin Lizzie.
June 25, 1921 Business good sold Dave Newman
over $100 outfit for Willow Creek Eddie hauled it out.
Lawyer Duggan and a party up to fish. Chamberlains son and
Jew partner here went fishing PM. Big delayed mail letter mail
only arrived.
June 26, 1921 No fish excursion today, too
near the 4th. Evening got out-mail, got letter from Clara
about fathers condition still wants me to come home. G.
B in with 1st clean up. Eddie cut his nose diving in lake.
June 27, 1921 Got order for half ton spuds
from GB. Wrote kids a line at Seward, couldn’t get home the
4th. Evening checked up deposit and cash account $1,500
to the good.
June 28, 1921 Got 4 small shipments ready for
Wednesday train north. Lawyer Duggan and party camped
in Aureen’s farm cabin on lake while fishing.
June 29, 1921 Got package mail from Northwestern.
Got ledger books from Feldman on account of D-H and Co.
Received June store papers. Sent Harry Madsen $30 by wire
to get him over from Seward, came up on Watson. Bogard in
had baby colt.
June 30, 1921 Had Miller cut panels out front
office door, self put double glass in. Bought half ton spuds
off Harry Harmon. Bank deposits today over $2,400 Got letter
from Mattie dated June 7th.
July 1, 1921 Business fair Bailer and Kelly
over from Moose Creek to trade. A. R. Com. horses came
down from Cache Creek Road to haul grader on new Willow Creek Mines
Road. Harvey Bartholf and several from mines out to spend 4th. Cloudy
evening rain.
July 2, 1921 Alameda at Cordova, expected to
arrived Seward the 4th. ARC went out with teams and grader.
Evening work train down with railroad employees for 4th at Anchorage.
July 3, 1921 Regular train down at 10:30 only
a few passengers. PM cleaned up Stanley’s room,
evening scrubbed out. ARC men in sold $30 worth of clothing.
Glover, “Cat” man, went to Anchorage. Part of Road Com. bunch
came in to fish the 4th.
July 4, 1921 Quiet 4th in Wasilla. Edlund
bunch had big dinner at Miller’s Café. Self and
Moose Hank had ham at Hartman’s. Family on Alameda supposed
to arrive at Seward today. Busy all day cleaning store and house
scrubbed out. ARC men fished all day. Gooding and wife
here PM.
July 5, 1921 Martin Bergstrom over to
trade. Patzack back from Miller’s ranch didn’t put up any
hay. Herning family heard from, got phone from Parson’s Hotel,
coming to Junction tomorrow. Invited to eat dinner with
Jack Frisbie and Wilmoth Co. at Miller’s 5:30. Evening on
accounts.
July 6, 1921 Wasilla by auto to Junction and
return. Met Mattie and Stanley, got home at noon.
Joe Laubner and Karstad arrived from Anchorage. Herning
family home after 1 year Outside.
July 7, 1921 Got several small orders from
up the railroad line. Got first strawberries today 50¢
a quart. Stanley started to work in store. Ma Herning
now the cook, strawberries for supper.
July 8, 1921 A-1 day 80 above in shade.
Marked up Munsing underwear and BB pacs. Tobacco salesman
here for American Tobacco Co. Rating man here gave him our
last year rating. Harrison in for GB Mine Co. Milo Kelly
in. Strawberry shortcake for supper A-1.
July 9, 1921 Got car freight that came on Watson
and Alameda. Col. Mears, Judge David President of Bank
of Alaska and party arrived in special car for outing.
Got new office chair bought by Mattie and Stanley.
July 10, 1921 Mears party drove out to mines,
Kelly brought them all back evening with Tin Lizzie. Had
strawberry shortcake for supper. Rae’s backers in from
mine. Mr. Hubbell here waiting for wire.
July 11, 1921 Rushed all day with
mail and orders. Schwabacher's man here for first time,
gave him order for sugar and odd groceries. Bank of Alaska
President visited said we were in line for $10,000 credit if wanted.
Albert Madsen here.
July 12, 1921 Joe Brassel in from mines for
supplies and pack horse. Wasilla “Bug” out calling down
Hartman. Gillis and wife in from visit at mine. Smith
and several men in from mines. Reported GB had found good
ore.
July 13, 1921 Gillis and wife went to Talkeetna
after visit to Willow Mines. Evening started car on dry
battery worked OK. Stanley’s 1st payday.
July 14, 1921 Rae in after goods. Evening
hauled two loads of freight from track warehouse to store.
Had trouble with car but made her go. Miller fixing up Tom
Aureen’s house.
July 15, 1921 Rae went out with baby “Cat”.
Evening Stanley went out to 31½ with Hartman on truck.
Got phone from Anchorage for prices on goods. Put up order
for Wilmoth Co.
July 16, 1921 Joe Conroy, Capt. Giakema and
Kempt up from Anchorage. Sent out several small orders
on railroad line. Marked up on new hardware Evening hauled
tin cans to mile 17 car run on dry battery.
July 17, 1921 Quiet in town. McDonald
moved his wife from mines. Trusty and Glover, “Cat” men,
in form Kelly Mine. Fred and ARC help in with Tin Lizzie
to trade. Marking on hardware Sold Lucky Shot $59 order.
Mattie visited on Mrs. Wagner.
July 18, 1921 Sent store license papers in
by Joe Conroy. Trusty and Glover through with Kelly.
Trusty went to Anchorage to get gas boat to put on Wasilla Lake.
Corlew went to Anchorage. “Milo” about in. Evening visited
Cannon ranch.
July 19, 1921 Hubbell back from Chickaloon
surveying. Anchorage preacher and wife here fishing.
Got phone order from Co-op Store for spuds. GB team in
for supplies. Evening Mattie visited on Harman’s. Spuds
short on market.
July 20, 1921 Four traveling men arrived.
Several men went out to work for Road Com. and mines.
Freight on Northwestern came over railroad
to Anchorage and dumped. Evening gave Seattle hardware
man small order. Sam Kelly back from Kenai Lake no gold.
July 21, 1921 Fischer, Armour and Seattle hardware
men left for Anchorage. Gave Capt. Glenn Carrington order
for fishing tackle. Strawberries now every meal. Kelly in
with 2 bricks.
July 22, 1921 Art Shonbeck visited. Capt.
Glenn Carrington and wife returned to Anchorage with a big string
of trout. Toughluck in with first run of salmon in Cottonwood
Creek 50¢ each.
July 23, 1921 Had fresh salmon and strawberries
for dinner. Hughes in for grub went on to Junction to
see about “Kews”. Eddie and Trix drove Com. car to mile
4 on Knik Road inspection. Schoolmarm here after Wasilla
school. Excursion tomorrow to Hurricane Gulch Herning family
going.
July 24, 1921 Self and Mattie went on excursion
to Hurricane Gulch. Left Wasilla 7:30 had dinner at Dead
Horse, arrived end of steel 2:30, left 5:30, supper at Dead Horse.
Delayed on account of hot box. Arrived home 12:15.
Stanley kept store. Sixty people on excursion some from
Seward.
July 25, 1921 Sold Wilmoth Co. grocery and
chicken food. Salmon running slow in Cottonwood.
Stanley and Hartman went to mile 12 to catch salmon. Lad
with ARC cut his foot bad with axe.
July 26, 1921 Got out supplement to store paper
and mailed to parts north on railroad. Evening everybody
fishing for salmon. ARC boys with Fred’s car went down to
12 to fish. Stanley caught 7 salmon. Sent them to Madsen’s
at Nancy.
July 27, 1921 Stanley went
to Nancy to visit Madsen kids took along fresh salmon.
Evening everybody fishing. Big run salmon today.
Evening drove car out to mile 16 for an airing.
July 28, 1921 Road Com. inspectors in looking
over Knik Road for additional improvement. Evening drove car
down to Cottonwood to see salmon run.
July 29, 1921 Shipped 2 orders to Susitna Station
$154. Marked up a lot of granite ware. Evening Harman’s
out for berries. Miller fixing up to can a lot of berries.
Teeth giving me trouble.
July 30, 1921 Put up order for Harry Yago at
Willow Creek District. Got 2 letters from Clara about
fathers condition, growing stronger and ugly. Evening went
out to ridge at 16, got 2 pails raspberries. Shortcake
for supper. Hartman back with car.
July 31, 1921 Marking goods, had Native
raspberry shortcake for supper gave Wilmoth a chunk. Stanley
at Nancy visiting Madsen kids. Alice Helmbach visiting
her brother and Fleck’s.
August 1, 1921 Stanley back at noon from Nancy,
Albert came with him. Evening all the berry pickers out,
Stanley got half bucket. Went out with car to 16, engine
quit for an hour then turned over.
August 2, 1921 Weather hot, +80.
Had Wagner scrape out for foundation for auto house on
back lot. Rae in with baby “Cat” for supplies. Corlew
in town waiting for Kelly. Mrs. Hatcher got lost in woods
picking berries, Harmon’s found her.
August 3, 1921 Got Watson mail but no freight.
John E. Balaine visited about getting freight data account
bill before Congress for government boats to connect with railroad,
Said fare to be $25, freight $7 a ton from Seattle.
Friese in from road camp to go on Edlund’s bond.
August 4, 1921 Patzack cleaned up Zink’s
garden. Miller building turkey house for Mrs. Wilmoth.
Grennon and Mrs. Morrison selling their old spuds.
August 5, 1921 Stanley and Albert dug pit in
new auto house. Trains south hauling back railroad junk.
GB hauled up load of Grennan’s spuds for mines, paid $45 a ton.
August 6, 1921 Thorpe family back from Chickaloon,
sold out pool joint Mr. Pickel arrived to start work
on Wasilla - Palmer Road. Albert Madsen returned to Nancy
after week visit with Stanley. Got half car freight came
on Watson a week ago?
August 7, 1921 Evening put new glass in front
door of store. Bill Long through at Rae-Wallace Mine, went
to Knik. Pearson fired at ARC camp.
August 8, 1921 Hartman got wood saw to attach
to Tin Lizzie. Lander went to Anchorage. Patchell
went to Knik. Mattie busy inquiring into dads past year
record dinners etc. Miller worked 1 day on garage foundation.
August 9, 1921 Wagner cutting his oats, wheat
getting ripe. Put 2 tons freight in basement store. Eddie
and Fleck’s getting ready for blueberry picking, sold them 6
barrels and 17 candy pails. PM put in cement posts for garage
foundation. Miller worked 1 day on garage foundation.
August 10, 1921 Stanley and self put in ½
concrete wall for auto pit. Some of Little Gem men arrived
to inspect their mine. Got frame lumber for auto house from
Anchorage. Got some Outside mail.
August 11, 1921 Stanley and self finished
pit for auto house. PM got orders for ARC help and mines.
Evening on accounts. Cleaned up office gas lamp.
Billy Trix broke store window.
August 12, 1921 Heavy rain last night.
Gus in from ARC road work. Corlew and Trix went to Anchorage.
Stanley and self started to install magneto on Overland car.
August 13, 1921 Banker Ervin visited.
Bogard in for ranch supplies. Miller finished turkey house
for Wilmoth Co. Hughes said he was going to send his siwash
kids Outside to school. Stanley went out evening to 31½
with Hartman.
August 14, 1921 Hughes bought $45 order.
Re-cemented blocks for auto house foundation, first lot failed
to set. Evening took radiator and timing casing off auto
to get out distributor shaft so as to connect magneto.
GB Budd Jr. arrived with gold brick from mines.
August 15, 1921 Kelly in with mining expert.
Evening got worm gear off distributor shaft, now ready to
install magneto on 75B car. Mrs. Byron Bartholf in with
Lucky Shot gold brick. Danielson here from Broad Pass.
August 16, 1921 Heavy rain last night.
Made magneto bracket. Miller laid foundation timber for
auto house. Road Com. gang in for oil and to trade. Billy
Trix paid $4 for breaking store window. Miller half day on
auto house.
August 17, 1921 Rain all day. Boy
Scouts arrived for annual outing, rain drove them out of tents,
Forty Mile Miller let them into his bunkhouse. Two ladies
on vacation are camping at Hatcher’s house. Miller working
on auto house.
August 18, 1921 Rain about over ground
well soaked. Had one order for Chickaloon.
Reported train to leave Hurricane tonight for Anchorage to meet
Alameda due early tomorrow. Miller got studs and ceiling joist
up on auto house.
August 19, 1921 Regular train came down last
night with passengers to catch Alameda due this morning.
Stanley and Miller got up rafters and laid attic floor on auto
house. Got magneto connected to bracket now ready to time
magneto. No train south today.
August 20, 1921 Rain and more of it.
Got Alameda mail. Received draft for school treasury
#40 $1,857. Bogard in with vegetables and for supplies.
Sidney and Mrs. Rae arrived. Road Com. got “Cat” and another
road grader. George Anderson’s big four wheel truck loaded
for Anchorage. Miller on garage.
August 21, 1921 Got several small orders
from mines. Hughes bought calf bull from government ranch.
Helped Miller to nail corrugated iron on garage. Evening
word came one of the Bartholf’s got his leg cut off at Lucky Shot
Mine. Bill Long wired for money from Anchorage.
August 22, 1921 Special train
up at midnight for Byron Bartholf Jr. hurt at mill died on trip
from mill to GB Cache. Hartman brought in body 1:30 AM.
Albert down from Nancy. Boy Scouts left for home Anchorage
on noon train. Miller all day on garage self 2 hours.
Evening visited on Wagner’s.
August 23, 1921 Schoolmarm here looking for
a rent no rents available. Miller finished front of garage.
Self finished iron on east side of roof. Hartman dug new
hole for water closet.
August 24, 1921 Got Alameda freight.
Several tourists arrived. Helped Miller on garage part
of day. Fleck kids went north on train today. Miller
fixed broken part on A. E. “Cat”.
August 25, 1921 Helped Miller on garage building,
Lander in. Road Com. got car lumber for building a garage.
Rae’s cook and several in from mines this evening. Miller
all in with rheumatics.
August 26, 1921 Kelly and mining engineer returned
to Anchorage. Gus hauled ARC lumber to municipal block
for garage. Got 2 orders from north, shipped one to Sutton.
Edlund wanted $25 for cabin near section house. No work on
garage today, Miller all in.
August 27, 1921 Bartholf’s back from funeral
of Byron Bartholf Jr. at Anchorage. Chas Bartholf arrived
from States went to mines. Alic Wasilla over from Eklutna
to trade. Knik River Glacier Lake broke out, Knik
River bottom flooded. Black Mfg. Co. man here. Miller
on garage.
August 28, 1921 Quiet in town. PM worked
on auto cleaned muffler. Hartman made trip to 31½.
Hunters in with ARC truck. Miller laid off. Larson
sent word to buy the Edlund cabin on account of school kids.
August 29, 1921 Stanley and self helped Miller
put corrugated iron on north gable of garage. Heavy rains
making roads soft. Watermelon.
August 30, 1921 Heavy rain last night.
Miller finished back door and put on freeze boards aft of garage.
Miller and Stanley started to fix up Edlund school cabin for
Larson family, hauled load lumber etc. for roof and corked cabin.
August 31, 1921 Got mail off Northwestern.
Stanley and Miller put roof on Edlund school cabin for Larson.
ARC camp on Willow Road moved in to grade Wasilla - Palmer Road.
Evening marked up rain goods from Portland.
September 1, 1921 GB wagon in for fresh meat.
Fred Strand and 11 others in from mines. ARC made camp
at Stern’s place. Miller 6 hours on Larson cabin Stanley
5 hours on Larson cabin. Cabin ready to occupy.
September 2, 1921 Stanley left for Anchorage
to attend high school 2nd year. Albert down from Nancy
to talk trade. Cudahy man here. Miller finished cornice
trimmings on auto house. Glover in from Gold Mint.
September 3, 1921 First frost killed
potato vines etc. Mrs. Haller through at Gold Mint. Kelly
back from Anchorage. Miller part of day on walk foundation
in front of garage.
September 4, 1921 Had Miller install stove
in Larson’s cabin. Myself and Eddie hauled 3 loads freight from
track warehouse to store. Evening got orders ready for Monday
train south. Swank and wife in town.
September 5, 1921 Larson family arrived from
Montana to put children in school. All Hughes family
went to Anchorage. Harvey Bartholf went to hospital at
Anchorage. Lander went to Anchorage. PM had Patzack
clean up school house. Self reset the stove etc. Budd
and son went to Anchorage.
September 6, 1921 Wasilla School opened today
with 7 pupils, Miss L. Nieminen as teacher at $160 a month. Got
papers carried by last train north. Ireland at it again
wouldn’t accept England peace terms.
September 7, 1921 Got mail
off Alameda. Road Com. Cat and grader arrived from Palmer Road
to grade Wasilla - Palmer Road. King and McDonald in town.
Got letter from Stanley at Anchorage.
September 8, 1921 O. C. Miller went out to
ranch. A. E. carpenters finished approach to railroad
platform and put up Wasilla sign on depot. Mrs. Harmon
gave us 4 ripe tomatoes raised on their ranch. Another “Bug”
paper out.
September 9, 1921 Got 4 orders from north.
Anton Eide in town pulling off some of the road group due to
funds used up. New auto expert in town for Road Com.
Babcock went to Anchorage.
September 10, 1921 Got balance of winter clothing.
Bothwell and Barney Johnson arrived, they bought an outfit
to prospect (?) at Palmer. Received plank to finish
auto floor. Mr. Kimbell, Anchorage storekeeper, died at
Anchorage. Evening unpacked big box clothing. Mattie
on her high horse?
September 11, 1921 Busy all day with orders
for Matanuska, Eska and Chickaloon. ARC Archangel gang
arrived. Had dinner at Hotel Wasilla on account of busy on
orders. Bothwell and Johnson left for Palmer with Pete Johnson
on prospecting trip.
September 12, 1921 No train south, mud slide
above Talkeetna closed railroad traffic. Billed a ton
of merchandise for customers on branch line woolen goods, hardware,
etc. Evening raining, all road work closed except on Wasilla
- Palmer Road. O. C. Miller made big oil strike. Dad
Hunt over from Old Knik.
September 13, 1921 Heavy rain all night.
Sam Kelly in and through with ARC road work. Joe Laubner
killed in Talkeetna Mine yesterday, brought body in this PM.
Hunt timber man here. Henton family quit Wasilla went
to Anchorage also Tompkins.
September 14, 1921 Gold Mint Mine shut down.
Williams, Anchorage undertaker, here for Joe Laubner’s body.
Got weeks delayed mail from bank with $500 currency.
Opened up some of Goodyear rubber goods. Sid went out with
baby Cat.
September 15, 1921 Noon freight took out Laubner
body and 20 miners. First snow on Bald Mt. last night.
Mattie ordered clothing from “Monkey Ward”. ARC storing
junk at new garage.
September 16, 1921 Nakila in from Knik.
Brown, manager Anchorage Supply Co., here drumming up lumber
orders. Trusty Kelly, Cat man left for Anchorage. Jack
Chisholm here got an order. Farmers all digging spuds.
September 17, 1921 Sold Roscher merchandise
for ranch. Had Eddie haul up 2 tons merchandise from track
warehouse to store. Bert McClarty Joe Palmer and Gold Mint
men through.
September 18, 1921 Quiet in town. Hatcher
in from mines. George Zink in from B. D. Mine. Self
and Mattie cleaned ham and bacon all afternoon. Section boss
from Houston in to trade. Miller in from oil discovery.
September 19, 1921 Helped Miller on garage,
finished laying plank floor street approach etc. Big silver filling
came out of tooth filled 24 years ago by Doc James in Minnesota.
Miller 14 days on garage self 3½ days on garage Stanley
1½ days on garage.
September 20, 1921 Cannon brought in 12½
lb. cabbage. Miller put in drain box in front of garage.
Miller started to finish Aureen’s log cabin by school house.
Rae family in from mines.
September 21, 1921 Got honeydew melons and
new apples. Schwabacher’s man visited. Doc David
here went to Mabel Mine. Bill Whitridge here from Iron
Creek. Harvey Bartholf back from hospital.
September 22, 1921 Snowed down to timberline
last night on Bald Mt. Sam Kelly clearing lot preparatory
to building on same. Hatcher’s in town. Brassel Bros.
left for hunting camp on Little Susitna. Reported GB Co. bought
out Lucky Shot Mine.
September 23, 1921 Harvey Bartholf returned
to Anchorage. Got order from GB for ton spuds. Hartman
hauling out forage for GB. Spuds down to $40 a ton.
Milo Kelly in town.
September 24, 1921 Signed up for pair shoes
lost in-mail, sent from Pullman by Mattie. Hartman put passenger
car engine into truck, truck engine no good. Dr. and machinist
for ARC arrived. Bought ton Cannon’s spuds for GB Mines.
September 25, 1921 Hills Bros. man in town.
Self and Mattie tried to time motor for magneto 1 - 4 Up, still
up couldn’t locate punch mark on engine frame. O. C. Miller’s
birthday 64 years old born 1857 at LaSalle.
September 26, 1921 Garret Snider down from
Pittman. Sent 200 more gunny sacks to Matanuska, making
750 in all. Mattie got cold in face. Sam Kelly and
Lander went to Anchorage. Evening marking hardware.
September 27, 1921 A-1 day heavy frost
last night. Rae paid August bill. Got a few small
orders from north. Natives through picking spuds for Mrs.
Morrison and on Black ranch. Evening Native trade good.
Leon Johnston in from Talkeetna Mine. Got timer set on car.
Evening had a Matilda shave.
September 28, 1921 Kelly back from Anchorage
with lumber to build his house on Boundary Street. Mrs.
Morrison here to pay off Natives for digging spuds. Indian
trade good, Natives left for Knik. Evening raining mountains
covered with snow.
September 29, 1921 Phoned Reed, dentist at
Anchorage, to call on way to Talkeetna. Alameda at Anchorage.
September 30, 1921 First snowfall, about
6”. Jeff Lupton, partner of Jno. Thomas and Co. down
from Willow for outfit. Harry Madsen down from Nancy to
trade. Hughes horses arrived from railroad work. Sent
Stanley October check $50.
October 1, 1921 Busy till
9 PM in store got meats and butter off Watson and bal. of BB
pacs. Harry Madsen returned to Nancy with supplies.
Bill Hughes in for his railroad horses. Dentist Reed phoned, he
would he here Wed. Evening Gus took load of “kids” to Farmers
Hall dance.
October 2, 1921 Mattie went over new lot eggs.
Put up small order for GB. Horning in from Gold Cord
Mine. Government man in town, came mounted. Froze
hard last night. Someone took Hartman’s silver at 31½
RH.
October 3, 1921 Horning and Forker went to
Anchorage. End of first school month, paid teacher and
janitor. Olson in from Willow for winter outfit. Dentist
Reed arrived from Anchorage opened office in Miller’s Café.
October 4, 1921 Dentist Reed looking over teeth,
will do filling on return from Talkeetna. Sent wire for
24 tons forage etc. Kelly got frame up on new house.
Snow all gone at Wasilla.
October 5, 1921 Dentist left for Talkeetna.
Friese back from Anchorage with lumber grub etc. Put 50
cans coal oil in garage.
October 6, 1921 Business fair put up
2 orders for Eska and Chickaloon. Old Tom laying foundation
on lot by Wilmoth Co. for pool hall etc.? Fred and Carlson
went to Anchorage on branch train. Lander, Mabel and Talkeetna
managers in from mines. Evening rain.
October 7, 1921 Business good got inquiry
for goods from Kobi , 30 miles south of Nenana. Got three
small orders from Montana, Caswell and Nancy. Landers and
Zink went to Anchorage. Earl Olmsted doing B. S. work in Gus
shop. Had Stanley wire for wall board.
October 8, 1921 Bert Farris in town. Ed Mullen
arrived with new team bought off A. E. Com. Hartman took
big load freight and 4 passengers to 31½. O. C. Miller
went to Anchorage, Kelly got his house under cover. ARC got
new Cat.
October 9, 1921 Rufe Stephan down from Houston
for winter clothing. Eddie moving Thorpe up from Mile
12 account locating at Anchorage Sidney and his dad went
to mines with “Baby Cat”.
October 10, 1921 Rain, rain, rain heaviest
rain of fall all day. No train, held up by slide.
Budd in from GB Mine with 100 lbs. gold retort. Hartman
went out with ton freight for GB Mine. Evening still raining
hard, streams getting high. Married 27 years.
October 11, 1921 Mail train stuck above slide
near Talkeetna. Budd went to Anchorage on freight.
Thorpe’s made 2nd trip no. train for Anchorage. Heinie Snider
the king goat man down from Pittman. Very high water reported
and still raining.
October 12, 1921 Sold Lawrence an outfit for
his ranch. Hartman took out another load for Willow Creek
Mines. No north train, reported Montana bridge going out
on account of high water. No train or mail since the 9th.
Evening put all the milk in store Mattie held the light.
October 13, 1921 Saturday train north got back
10 PM after hold up at Montana bridge washout. Lander,
Miller and Carlson back from Anchorage walked up from Junction.
Manager of Mabel Mine reported missing. Fixed up coal bin car
coal due Saturday. Dance party brewing. Thorpe’s walked
to Junction.
October 14, 1921 Got coal bin all ready for
coal. Cot coupling ready to drill on magneto. Fred
building X cut saw carriage for Eddie. Mail due tomorrow off
Northwestern. Got few small orders from north.
October 15, 1921 Got car of Moose Creek coal.
Stanley arrived on noon train for weekend at home. Inspector
Eide in town. Got big Outside mail. Stanley went duck
hunting and fell in.
October 16, 1921 Eddie and Fred finished unloading
car coal 27 tons, gave school 1 ton. Stanley does not
like Anchorage High School, short on studies and not arranged properly.
October 17, 1921 Stanley left for Anchorage
after spending weekend at home. McKinley Park surveyors
here to make survey of ranches. Evening clear and freezing.
Got $64 order from Gold Creek.
October 18, 1921 Put up order for Gold Creek.
Sam Kelly ready to move in his new house on Boundary Street.
School Board meeting about fuel etc. to be furnished by public.
October 19, 1921 Wired for 1,000 gunny sacks
for GB to sack coal. Alameda due at Anchorage tomorrow.
Survey party left for 28 to survey Lawrence and Crocker’s ranches,
Woodbury Abby in charge. Trusty back from Anchorage.
October 20, 1921 Freezing
nights. Gus went down to plow Shorty Gustafson lot. Evening
Henderson, Com. of Education, arrived to inspect school.
Trusty fixing up ARC “Cats”.
October 21, 1921 Business good got 4
orders from north on railroad. Sold 8,000’ mining timbers
for Crocker to Fern Gold Mine. Henderson left on noon train
for Anchorage, said we could use old fund to fix roof on schoolhouse.
Miller 1st day on shelving.
October 22 1921 Ed O’Brien and Fred Carter
here for supplies. Several buying winter grub.
Hartman busy hauling freight for mines.
October 23, 1921 Hartman took out groceries
and feed account mines. Mrs. Larson shot black bear.
October 24, 1921 Lake Lucille froze over.
Ed O’Brien returned to ranch near Palmer. Abby Land Survey
Party got cold feet and returned to Anchorage. Paid draft
for car load forage, flour, etc., $1276.68.
October 25, 1921 Coldest snap.
Business fair got 2 orders ready for merchants at Talkeetna.
Got warehouse ready for car load due tomorrow. Road Com.
digging a root house on Trix lot. Aureen in town. Evening
shave.
October 26, 1921 Car flour etc. did not come.
Car of lumber came for new pool room etc. Got part of dry
goods from St. Paul House. Josephenson and Fred went to Houston
to sack 2 car coal for Willow Creek Mines. Eric Larson here
to see family.
October 27, 1921 Business fair put up
order for Jonesville. Road Com. sold 3 horses. Opened
up and marked goods from St. Paul. Got dried fruit, tobacco, etc.,
from Fischer Bros. Co.
October 28, 1921 Lon Wells visited to see about
order for Ohio Creek. All Road Com. horses sold on sealed
bids. Evening self and Mattie practiced flute solo
for Halloween party.
October 29, 1921 Stanley came home for weekend
visit and to attend school dance, proceeds for firewood.
Got delayed car forage and flour. About 60 people at school
dance. Shorty and Eddie played.
October 30, 1921 Skating on Lake Lucille best
ever. Got ton rolled barley ready to ship to Junction.
Sidney Black and Mrs. Horning loading car spuds at Black Ranch.
Matt’s birthday.
October 31, 1921 Stanley and Bell helped unload
car forage etc. Stanley left on noon train for school at
Anchorage, paid him November support $50. Freight by car
cost $1.25 per hundred weight saved $8 per ton by car load lot.
Hartman still hauling GB freight to 31½ thence to pack train
over summit. Fred and Old Charley back from Houston about coal.
November 1, 1921 Freezing hard nights.
Hughes having his big horses shod. Phoned order to Stanley
at Anchorage for horseshoes. Eddie Hembach got garage and
cabin about completed.
November 2, 1921 Got 2 orders from Jonesville.
Got balance of groceries held at Anchorage for a week and shortages
on car load of feed. Old Aureen back from Anchorage with
a lot of junk for his house.
November 3, 1921 Freezing weather,
put two orders for Eska. Several in from GB Mine also
Moose Hank. Bought ½ ton spuds off C. D. Johnson
for GB Mines. Olmstead went to Anchorage for piece of steel
in his hand.
November 4, 1921 Budd in from Willow Creek,
went to hospital at Anchorage. Albert down from Nancy to
trade. Bogard in with load fresh pork, bought ½ pork.
Hartman 4 ton more to haul to mines.
November 5, 1921 Ranchers in to trade.
O. C. Miller went out to his oil claim at mile 29. Albert
returned to Nancy. Had fried grouse for supper “yollie”.
Skating on Lucille perfect. Everybody got a skate on.
November 6, 1921 Quiet in town.
Filled furnace coal bin. Trusty and Christ went over to Finger
Lake to fix up Danielson’s Fordsom.
November 7, 1921 Jim Murray down from Cache
Creek, went to Anchorage. Gus went out to haul 3,000’ mining
timbers for Ole Jensen. Lander went to Anchorage.
“Lizzie” went to Anchorage.
November 8, 1921 Hughes in for supplies got
1,000 lbs. corn for Ellexson.
November 9, 1921 First cold snap broken by
rain last night, no snow yet at Wasilla. Got 62 boxes fruit off
Watson. Got casabas and bananas, grapefruit, apples, etc.
Hardware and clothing still at Anchorage. Stanley sent Ma
a box of candy.
November 10, 1921 Moved car into new garage.
Got Trusty, the Cat man, to regrind valves and assemble parts
torn down on account of magneto. Mattie had new guest,
Mrs. Esi and daughter at dinner.
November 11, 1921 Ordered Klim milk.
Fred Nelson building addition to his cabin on Knik Street.
Trusty took bottom of oil case off car. Went to bed with cold.
Miller said the White Mule gang was making ready to hike.
November 12, 1921 Stanley home for weekend.
Got half car freight, clothing, hardware and groceries delayed
at Anchorage for week. Wilmoth Co. got 6 tons merchandise
from Outside, first lot this fall. Sam Kelly got his knee knocked
out by wall board crates falling on him in car.
November 13, 1921 Hughes making ready to haul
mining timber for Gold Mint Mining Co. Otto and 4 other
men in from GB Mines. Kids enjoying skating on Lake Lucille.
Stanley home today. Busy all day with bills. Put wood in
cellar for furnace use.
November 14, 1921 Did good clothing biz with
GB help, cash sales over $300. Ben Marino bought grub
and clothing outfit. Evening marked lot of Black’s clothing.
Sam Kelly’s knee much improved so did not go to hospital.
Stanley stayed home with bad cold. Evening clear and colder.
Phoned Dr. Spaulding to come up and see Kelly.
November 15, 1921 Sold Lewis and Moshier trapping
outfit shipped to Gold Creek. Alameda at Seward. Anchorage
electric plant destroyed by fire.
November 16, 1921 Hughes family living in Shough
cabin and kids going to school. Sold Holland, GB man,
$60 clothing order. Dr. Spaulding arrived to inspect Sam
Kelly’s sprained knee, said it was in place OK.
November 17, 1921 Trusty connected up wires
to magneto, ready to turn her over “1-4 UP”. Evening packed
2 gas lamps for Anchorage due to no electric lights. Otto
moved into Aureen’s kitchen on Wasilla Avenue. Got order
from Krogh.
November 18, 1921 Trusty assembled engine parts
and magneto and engine turned over OK on new magneto.
Spaulding returned to Anchorage, cost Sam $36 for look see knee.
Wilmoth Co. turkey raffle. Fred and section boss won the turkeys.
November 19, 1921 Hughes making ready to haul
for Bob Hatcher.
November 20, 1921 Quiet in town. Eddie
and Fred preparing for big turkey dinner, Thanksgiving free
for all affair, three turkeys and 10 chickens and 20 pies pledged.
Wasilla Winter Society again on the map. Stanley and Fred
skated to Bogard’s Ranch for a potlatch chicken. Trusty’s
work on car cost $10.
November 21, 1921 Busy day cash sales and receipts
over $400. Stanley went to Anchorage after his belongings,
decided to quit Anchorage High School for lack of teachers
studies and credits. Millen bought another team for Talkeetna
Mine. Budd went Outside.
November 22, 1921 Put ½ ton hay in old
auto shed. Stanley in Anchorage, phoned for eggs.
Evening posted up ledger. Eddie busy arranging for turkey
dinner Thanksgiving. Miller hauled bobsleighs on wagon to 32.
Weather clear and cold.
November 23, 1921 Ulanky here from Knik to
trade. Otto got out set of house logs. Stanley
back from Anchorage, brought his belongings and quit high school.
Got inquiry from parties at Fairbanks, want prices on supplies.
Turkey tomorrow.
November 24, 1921 Stanley filled furnace coal
bin. Lawrence in for supplies. Fred Brassel in from
Willow Creek, sick in chest. Big turkey dinner at Community
Hall 6 PM, 80 persons were present collection was $44. Dance
was until 1:30 most all home people.
November 25, 1921 Train 5 hours late from north.
Mrs. Morrison here attended the big dinner. Winchester here
attended dinner and Ball. Gold Team in from Iditarod had
1,500 lbs.
November 26, 1921 Stanley went to Nancy looking
for dog team. Fairbanks excursion train passed through
early AM. Outside mail, due at Seward today, will arrive
here 30th. Thorpe’s up from Anchorage. Hughes moved
back to ranch.
November 27, 1921 Put up one order for
two new locators in Wasilla. Several fishing through the ice
for trout. Evening wind started to blow.
November 28, 1921 Train 4 hours late due to
ice on track at Montana. Thorpe’s returned to Anchorage
with their furniture for new rooming house. Stanley back
from Nancy, brought Albert with him.
November 29, 1921 Ulanky and Hughes in from
Knik. Put up orders for Nancy and Montana. Lander in from
mountain home, has 100 ton contract on coal haulage. Made
price list for Fairbanks inquiry. Fred and Eddie helping Old
Tom on pool room building. Forty Mile Miller on Wilmoth Co. stove
pipe.
November 30, 1921 Got Northwestern mail and
Armour meats. Outside eggs now 75¢ local eggs $1.80,
local spuds $50 a ton, local pork 30¢ a lb., local chickens
65¢ lb. Snowed a sprinkle this AM Evening cloudy
and warmer. Albert returned to Nancy. Got letter from
Eyota.
December 1, 1921 Mullen in from Knik with load
corrugated iron for Fern Gold Mining Co. Had Lucky Tiger
shampoo. Ulsh went to GB Mine via 31½.
December 2, 1921 Hartman in from 31½,
closed up 31½ RH for winter. Wrote father a letter.
Evening wind died out.
December 3, 1921 Got more Outside mail.
Mild wind all day, snow down to mile 28. Otto and Erickson
left for Houston to unload car lumber etc. for GB Mines. Richard
Lander, up from Anchorage, went out to see his dad. Evening
posted on accounts.
December 4, 1921 Very quiet in town.
Evening oiled store floor. Danielson and Nickelson
over from Finger Lake. Hughes in from 28 went on to ranch.
Eddie sawing wood with auto truck.
December 5, 1921 Ole Jensen in from Snow Bird
Mine. Pete Johnson here from Junction. Patchell
got a moose over on Willow. Mattie arranging to go to Anchorage
on next train.
December 6, 1921 Temperature -16.
Through trains, Seward to Fairbanks, started schedule today train
each way. Got order from north. Mother
“Mattie” went to Anchorage on shopping tour. Shorty Gustafson
got a motorcycle. Evening warming up.
December 7, 1921 Stanley and self put linoleum
on office floor, took 4 hours to cut and fit and move furniture.
Lander in. Mother Mattie at Anchorage, phoned couldn’t
get her. Mrs. Fenton moved into Zink’s house.
December 8, 1921 Got $44 phone order from Houston.
December 9, 1921 Got two orders from Jonesville.
Mrs. Fenton looking for acre tract for chicken ranch.
Mother Mattie arrived home from Anchorage. A. A. Layden
visited, runs RH at Healy.
December 10, 1921 Bogard in for supplies also
Hughes. Pete Johnson up from Junction to freight for Bullion.
Frank Doherty here from coal mines. Hartman hauling freight to
mines again.
December 11, 1921 AM blizzard, evening snowed
about 6”, first real snow of winter. Quiet in town. Sold
Wilmoth Co. 5 barrels flour for mines. Put balance of wood
in cellar and filled furnace coal bin.
December 12, 1921 Lander in from 32, said snow
did not reach 32. Wash day “Ma” did it. Not enough
snow for sledding. Stanley went down to Shorty’s to see
his motor snow sled.
December 13, 1921 Sent GB more sacks at Houston.
Lander and son went to Knik, took 1,000 lbs. hog feed for Ellexson.
George Small married at Anchorage.
December 14, 1921 Pete Johnson left with 4
horse team for Houston and GB camp. Frank Doherty in
town on visit. Schoolmarm busy getting ready for Xmas.
December 15, 1921 Business fair put up 3 orders
for north train. Lander back from Knik, brought Mrs. Ellexson
and her pigs for market etc. Stanley and Sid Rae moved out
to O. C. Miller’s Ranch to run trap line. Not enough snow
for sledding.
December 16, 1921 Several from Junction came
up to trade. Herman in from Fish Lake left $150 order.
Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage. Lander drove to Sunny Knik.
Newcomer located in Shough cabin. Evening zero.
December 17, 1921 Colder -13.
Ralph Weiss up from Junction for outfit, also got 1 phone order
and order from Section 37. Heinie Snider, the goat and
garlic man, down from Pittman to trade. Stanley on trap line
at Miller’s Ranch.
December 18, 1921 Zero weather. Self
and Mattie visited on Sam Kelly, knee still very weak.
Evening self and Mattie practiced voice and flute at school house
for Xmas exercises. Hartman in from 31½ with 3 passengers.
Priced up stoves.
December 19, 1921 Rushing all day till midnight
getting orders to north and south trains. Stanley at Miller’s
Ranch trapping for mink and beaver. Got 1st Xmas present,
picture of Wasilla store 8 x 10 size.
December 20, 1921 Busiest
day yet, shipped out 2 tons. Got 2 tons candy and groceries,
Xmas goods. On jump all day. Fixed lights at school
house, put up curtain wire. Got order from south McKinley Park.
Consolidated Mine shut down for balance of winter.
December 21, 1921 Put up McKinley Park order.
Got order from Houston and Nancy. Town folks busy preparing
for Xmas doings. Lander in from Knik with Martin warehouse
frame etc. Stanley on trap line.
December 22, 1921 Stanley and Sid home from
trap line got a rabbit. Evening got out store paper and
mail for north train. Hans Frydenland in from Gold Mint
Mine with Hughes team going out for Bullion Mine. Evening snowing.
December 23, 1921 Sent out a lot of Xmas greetings.
Hughes sent Hans Frydenland to haul for GB Mines and Jack Hammel
to haul out hydraulic pipe from Grubstake. Evening practiced
voice and flute for Xmas exercises. Lander went to Knik.
Rae went Outside.
December 24, 1921 Small trade all day on account
of Xmas. Evening school exercises, dance, ice cream and
cake. The goat man was Mr. Santa Claus. Mattie sang
Holy Night with flute. White Mule in evidence. Only
half of Wilmoth Co. at dance. Sold $20 order midnight.
Fenton down from Chickaloon.
December 25, 1921 Xmas very quiet in
town. Snowed heavy all day making first sledding. Lander
in from Knik with wagon load freight. Had turkey dinner, O.
C. Miller guest. Sent dinner up to Sam Kelly. Cannon
dined with Fenton’s. Got 1922 diary and bathrobe for Xmas.
December 26, 1921 Big snow 1’, freighters
can now use sleds. Got part of hardware via
Seward, coal oil wanted and left behind. Bert Farris up
from Junction, having horse shod and sleds repaired for hauling
2,000 tons Baxter Coal. Marion and partner went out to trap
on Bald Mt.
December 27, 1921 Coal oil short arrived.
Bert Farris got fixed up for hauling at Moose Creek Coal Mine.
Eddie sawing wood for Carlson with auto truck. Evening
Ma and son heard Mrs. Fenton phone. Fred Nelson back from
trip to Cache Creek.
December 28, 1921 Weather cloudy, snowed
4” last night now a foot of snow. Small orders
from east west and north. Opened up new lot hardware Bert
Farris left for Baxter Coal Mine to haul 2,000 tons coal.
Evening snowing.
December 29, 1921 More snow, now about 14”
on the level. Lander in from mountain home with turkey
to potlatch to Pioneer Lodge at Anchorage. Stanley went
out to Miller’s ranch to look after his trap line. Eye optician
in town, bought a pair glasses.
December 30, 1921 The wind came out and blew
down the shutter, air full of snow today.
Received check for bad ham and for cigarettes lost on boat.
Stanley back from Miller’s Ranch, no ketchum any fur. Started
to take inventory. Lander went to Anchorage with his turkey
potlatch to “Pioneers”.
December 31, 1921 Wind died out, shoveled snow
drifts on account of wind last night. Got over ton freight
from depot. Evening 15 of the young people
gathered at Hall. Self and Shorty played - danced till midnight,
grape juice. Wilmoth and Trix stayed home. Year closes
with all the Herning family at home at Wasilla. Last year Stanley
in college. Weather mild and just enough snow for sledding.
Now taking inventory.
1922
January 1, 1922 Herning family at Wasilla
Alaska operating general merchandise store. Biz for year
increase over last year. Very quiet in town today.
Had chicken dinner at Wasilla Hotel. Young people skiing
down Cannon’s hill. PM Mrs. Rae umpire.
January 2, 1922 Ed Holland down from Houston
for $50 grub order. Busy all day in store posting up
December accts., put up order for Deadhorse.
January 3, 1922 Had big crowd between trains
and the Horning family was going some.
January 4, 1922 Biz fair, put up $60
order for Adolph Olson, Kashwitna also. Got 2 orders
from McKinley Park. Filled furnace coal bin. Stanley
on clothing inventory. Stanley played 20 of Hartman’s
records. Kelly now on canes.
January 5, 1922 Ed O’Brien, Fred
Carter and Buggy over from Palmer. Through with books
at midnight. Trusty fixed up Nellie’s old Ford engine.
January 6, 1922 Squally weather. Jack
Hammel back from hauling pipe from Grubstake. Got pipe
to Rhinehart cabin, 1 load to Hunter. Hartman went to Anchorage
January 7, 1922 Ed Mullen in for Fred
on account of Talkeetna Mine. Stanley went out to Miller’s
Ranch to see about traps. Billy Trix learning to wear skis.
Dad Reedy in with cabbage.
January 8, 1922 Frank Irwin in town about hydraulic
pipe for his Cache Creek placer. Stanley back from Miller’s
Ranch. Mullen went out to 30 with load feed. Got last
lot hardware priced up. Clear and a little colder.
Everybody on skis.
January 9, 1922 Chas E. Smith over from Susitna
Station bought $188 order. Got wire from Healy for ton
spuds. Up till midnight packing orders, “Mattie” says she likes
it.
January 10, 1922 Windy all day. Got big
mail off Northwestern. Got personal letter from Father,
said he wanted to deed me the old home place, urged me to come
out, health not much improved. Albert down from Nancy. Crocker
back from Oregon. Patzack back from Honolulu Creek.
January 11, 1922 Chinook wind cut snow
fast today, knocked eve ice off store roof. Mattie got
wire her father died yesterday at Everett Massachusetts.
January 12, 1922 Got orders
ready for north and south train tomorrow. Hughes in.
Old Jack Hammel quit pipe job. Fred going to finish hauling
pipe to Houston on railroad. Some protests against postmaster,
Mrs. Fenton after the office.
January 13, 1922 North mail trains blocked
on Anchorage - Seward direction account of heavy rains and
slides. Kids having a little dancing party at Hall tonight.
January 14, 1922 Mrs. Fenton skied down to
Junction to meet her hubby with a toothache. Crocker and
Patzack around town. Shorty in from ranch with motor sled.
January 15, 1922 Quiet in town. All the
grown up kids on skis sledding down Knik Street hill. Opened
1½ hours, sold $55 merchandise to Native trade from Big
Lake Dist. Paddy Marion in.
January 16, 1922 Report, hotel was selling
White Mule (get the money). Lander in from 32.
Fred Crocker bought grub outfit going out to visit his bro.
Stanley made a toboggan.
January 17, 1922 Ellexson in from Knik
for merchandise. Churchill went to Anchorage Got
letter from Clara about fathers condition talking of operation.
January 18, 1922 Ellexson returned to Knik
with 600 lbs. had a 5 dog team. William’s, a retired
merchant in Alaska for his health, here to trade. Notice
posted for meeting of the MLD Club. Gus drew balance of deposit.
January 19, 1922 Filled furnace coal
bin car coal ½ used up. Hughes in from ranch.
“Too bad” no snuff in town, none at Anchorage.
January 20, 1922 Got hardware and groceries
off Victoria, fresh fruit, etc. Patzack in town said he
bought the Houston coal buildings. Meeting at Hall to
reorganize the MLD Club.
January 21, 1922 Lander in from mountain
home. W. G. Fenton arrived to inspect his wife’s knee
twisted in skiing. Stanley re-elected secretary of MLD,
the “Mule” president.
January 22, 1922 Rained last night, quiet
in town. Chinook temperature +34 snow going. Today Lander
out, Hughes in.
January 23, 1922 Fred got hydraulic pipe
out to Houston by car to load the pipe source “AEC”? Fenton
returned to coal camp. Got out-mail.
January 24, 1922 Mine Alec in from Knik
for merchandise, Minnie went to Anchorage. Ed Mullen
in for supplies from mile 30. Bogard in with pork.
January 25, 1922 Bert Farris in from
Baxter Coal Mine for another 4 horse team, Fatty Erickson got
the job. Fred Nelson back from hauling out hydraulic pipe
car left Houston today for Talkeetna with 88 pipe.
January 26, 1922 Got out store paper
mail for branch line customers. McClinton outfit in from
Talkeetna Mines closed down.
January 27, 1922 Cold wave -30. Stanley
went to Nancy to visit Madsen kids. Fred Nelson went to
Anchorage to draw his money to pay for hydraulic pipe.
January 28, 1922 Reported -36, biz slow,
bid on $200 order from Caswell. Trapper in with fur. Put
up fly in front of balcony. Zink circulating petition for
Recorder at Wasilla.
January 29, 1922 Blizzard today, snow
and wild wind drifting badly. Quiet in town. Hughes
team in from 28 for forage.
January 30, 1922 Lander went to Knik.
Shoveled out paths and walk after snow and blow Sunday.
January 31, 1922 Warm day. Biz
good. Got $200 order from Caswell mink ranch. Got part
of mail off Northwestern. Car of forage hardware etc. on
Northwestern due here Friday. First National Bank opened
at Anchorage. Sold $1,068 hydraulic pipe from Grubstake Mine.
Stanley back from Nancy.
February 1, 1922 Indian Jim got 4 moose one
half hour from town. Ma got lame back self ditto.
Made out monthly bills.
February 2, 1922 Lander back from Knik.
Ellexson in from Knik for grub and hog feed. Had $1,500
deposit in bank today. Sent dues to National Geographic
Society.
February 3, 1922 Got part of forage meats and
tobacco. Had racket with agent about unloading forage,
6 tons, at depot. Johnnie Burr in for freight for the
Talkeetna Mine. Ed Mullen went to Anchorage to see
about pay.
February 4, 1922 One customer down from Houston
to trade. Nick Kane in town? Hartman sawing wood
with Ford car attachment. MLD Club meet and dance tonight,
Dad didn’t go, Stanley secretary. Gus back from hauling
at mines.
February 5, 1922 Quiet in town.
Wood saw going at Fred Nelson’s. Kids skiing down Knik
Street hill. Answered J. B. Swan’s letter.
February 6, 1922 Hard wind all day.
Fleck’s took Harrison to Houston with dog team, brought in 2
orders on return in evening. Sold double ender sled for Gus
to Nagley. Sold Wilmoth Co. $43 order. Wood saws working.
February 7, 1922 Blow over and colder.
Russell snow plow went through to clear the track.
South train stalled in Broad Pass did not arrive today.
Big fire at Anchorage, B and H block on fire. Nick
Kane in town.
February 8, 1922 Cold -30 last
night, biz slow. Nick Kane wanted price on ton sugar,
corn meal, etc., going to buy a White Mule? Nenana
train day late, arrived here evening, Capt. Lathrop aboard
with Tanana flour, blowing again.
February 9, 1922 Lander gone to Knik
to relay hauling to mile 12. Chas Ulanky and Bill Hughes
in from Knik. Mullen in from 30 for coal etc. Big Nose
got a moose back of Pittman. Patzack down from Houston.
Mattie got sore tooth.
February 10, 1922 Got mail off Victoria.
No train from north today. Got Anchorage paper,
claimed $150,000 fire. Mattie got letter with details of
her fathers death. Several salesman now going Inside over
U. S. RR
February 11, 1922 Snow squalls, biz good.
Yesterdays train went through today, had car with Tanana Valley
flour for Anchorage. Sold Wilmoth Co. $56 order on account
of Miller’s outfit. Mattie went to Anchorage due to
teeth trouble and to take in Elk Ball?
February 12, 1922 Snowed 6” last night.
All the young folks went on skiing party down to Shorty’s Ranch.
Got phone from Ma, had x-ray of face nothing done yet.
February 13, 1922 Got $100 on Hughes account.
One order for McKinley Park one for W. Creek Mines. Ma
in Anchorage got her face fixed OK. Hughes team in from
28, through hauling for Gold Mint Stanley the cook.
February 14, 1922 Ellexson and wife in from
Knik. Mrs. E went to Anchorage with live chickens.
Lander back from Knik, roads heavy. Mattie back from Anchorage
got teeth fixed, 1 out. Elks from Fairbanks on train for
Anchorage.
February 15, 1922 Natives in from Knik
going to Old Knik for Potlatch. Lander relaying freight
from Moffit’s to Wasilla. Zero last night wind coming up
tonight. Got wire for ton spuds from Healy.
February 16, 1922 Sold ton spuds at Healy,
no profit. Section Foreman rebuilt loading platforms
at track warehouse knocked down by snow plow. Nelson making
ready to go to Cache Creek to mine placer. Monroe got a
moose, Indian Jim shot it for him.
February 17, 1922 Four teams through today.
Ellexson in for his wife. Got 2 orders. Cottonwood
Creek overflowing making good skating. Hughes team hauling
lumber for 31½ Inn. Drummers thick as bees.
February 18, 1922 Sold Wilmoth Co. $46 order.
Put up Sam Stove order. Nick Kane murking around Wasilla
again. Olmsted and wife in from 32, hired out to Gold Mint
Co. Dance at Fairview, Stanley attended.
February 19, 1922 Skating now the sport on
Cottonwood Creek. Lander through hauling lumber from
Knik. Hartman fixing up Fishhook Inn. Finished staining
shelves on south side of balcony.
February 20, 1922 Blue Bird Mining Company
in for supplies. Lander started to haul to mountain home.
George took Hughes 4 teams to ranch through with Gold Mint hauling.
Fern manager in.
February 21, 1922 Knik Natives back from
Potlatch at Eklutna. Hans returned from GB haulage with
Hughes 4 team. Mine Alec in from Knik. Got order
from Nenana.
February 22, 1922 Opened up o-alls and
some groceries. Got order from Coal Co. at Healy.
Larson’s girl hurt her ankle skiing down hill making 3rd accident
for winter. Posted Primary Election notices.
February 23, 1922 Ellexson in from Knik
sold his dog team. Fosket and Johnson in to trade.
Natives still here helping Jim get his moose meat. Got
orders ready for Lignite and Fairbanks.
February 24, 1922 Got 2 orders from Willow.
Mrs. McNeil arrived to visit at Knik. Mary Vail arrived
with 2nd new husband from States. Several are talking of
boats for Wasilla Lake on account of summer tourists.
February 25, 1922 Gus and Otto went to Knik
for windows doors and house logs. “Lizzie” star boarder
at Hotel Wasilla. Bill Swanson gone to Knik Flats to catch
rats. Wilmoth wants to get up another show White Mule talk.
February 26, 1922 Young folks on skis and skating.
Worked on income tax. Cleaned front store windows.
Old Tom in from ranch. Wilmoth Co. feeling good?
February 27, 1922 Lander in from mountain
house. Stanley got first cold of winter, left off coat
warm days. Shave and go to bed.
February 28, 1922 Three trains today.
Sam Stove and partner down from Montana and A. W. Hall from
coal camp for summer supplies. Small trade all day.
Mullen in for grub and coal. Hughes team in to haul again for
Gold Mint
March 1, 1922 Picked 1 order for Montana Creek.
Hughes team took out load lumber etc. for Hartman at Fishhook
Inn. Lander in for freight. O. C. Miller ready to drill
for oil.
March 2, 1922 Biz good put up $280 order
for A. W. Hall. Gus and Otto back from Knik. Dick Lander
and Hatcher in from 32, snowing.
March 3, 1922 No trains today, blocked
at Seward end and Broad Pass due to late snow fall. Stove
and Erickson got away on late freight train going north, no train
south. Hall still in town. Bought Shorty’s horse for
Mullen.
March 4, 1922 Got income tax completed, had
no surplus on account of excessive high freight rates.
MLD Club tonight me no go.
March 5, 1922 Squally weather, quiet
in town. Paddy Marion in from Fern Mine reported they
opened up good ore. Got wire for ton spuds and orders from
Nancy. No trains till Tuesday, last train February 28th.
March 7, 1922 Trains today from north and south
after weeks delay. Got Victoria mail and freight.
Big Mary left town for Chickaloon, plenty mad at Wasilla and
K. T. Co. Otto went to Anchorage
March 8, 1922 Put up $115 order for E. B. Sparling
going to Kantishna Dist. Bought 2 tons spuds off Stern.
Got orders from Houston and Willow, snowing again. A. E.
Com. trying to sell to merchants.
March 9, 1922 Gus drove tandem to Knik for
lumber logs etc. Hughes in with team to haul cables etc.
for Hatcher.
March 10, 1922 Train north 6 hours late, brought
no freight. Got 1 order from Eska. Got off order to come
on first boat to Anchorage. Stanley went to Nancy to visit
Madson’s. Shorty out with motor sled went OK.
March 11, 1922 Freight train brought
Watson freight, got groceries, meat, etc. Opened up St.
Paul dry goods and marked same. Mattie put up Eska order, snowing
again, three feet on the level.
March 12, 1922 Hughes loaded up Hatcher’s cables.
Cleaned north store window and display counter. Ten car
train coal from Healy went through to Anchorage. Clear and
colder, Mattie not feeling good.
March 13, 1922 Windy. Got inquiry on
our prices from Healy folks. Trusty in from 31.
March 14, 1922 Wind abating, north train
4 hours late. Stanley home from Nancy. Hartman
in from remodeling 31½ Inn. Old Charley went to
Anchorage. Otto back from Anchorage. Got 5 sacks mail.
March 15, 1922 McClinton and young Sostad went
to mines. Paddy Marion and Big Nose went out for McClinton.
Paddy Hogan in from Lucky Shot Mine.
March 16, 1922 Biz slow due to wind,
everybody in his hole. Indian Jim chased a moose over
to Susitna River and back to Three Mile Lake near Knik, no ketchum.
March 17, 1922 Wind died out. St.
Patrick biz good. Lawrence in for supplies. Mullen
the freighter in. Dance on at the Hall tonight. The
White Mule chasing St. Patrick, Ma and Dad didn’t go.
Brassel Bros. in from Willow. Ulsh in for GB Mine Frank Doherty
in Chickaloon. Dan England back from Sitka.
March 18, 1922 Nice warm wind all day.
Got order from Brassel Bros. for their trap line. Put
up small order for Ed Mullen. Ulsh walked to Junction to
catch train to Anchorage. Stanley filled furnace coal bin.
March 19, 1922 Quiet in town. Put
up hunting grub order for Brassel Bros. Shorty out with
his sled motor. Bogard in with spuds for GB Mines, was all
day coming 7 miles on account of snow drifts.
March 20, 1922 Bogard in with more spuds
for GB. Frank Doherty got grub for his ranch.
March 21, 1922 Hughes in on saddle horse due
to drifts on road. Stump in with 10 pair snowshoes.
Road Com. shipping out gasoline.
March 22, 1922 O. C. Miller back from
his oil mine brought in sample copper ore “no oil”. Wagner
and Vail repairing depot platform broken by snow plow, evening
still blowing.
March 23, 1922 Patzack down from Houston.
Moffat in with pack sack roads blocked with snow drifts.
March 24, 1922 Trains on time no Outside mail.
Victoria due today. Gus landed first load of his building
materials from Knik. Heinie Snider on for chicken dinner.
March 25, 1922 Biz fair, -10. Herman
in from Fish Lake. Put up 3 orders for Knik. Rufe
got a moose. Albert Bodin proved up. Otto building
cabin.
March 26, 1922 A dozen young people attended
chicken dinner given by Heinie Snider at Pittman.
March 27, 1922 Snow going fast in Wasilla.
Gus went to Knik, took freight for Ellexson and Rathjan.
Wrote inspector in charge Spokane Washington about shoes lost
in-mail March 12, 1921.
March 28, 1922 Gus back from Knik brought back
$86.50 cash for merchandise. Got freight and mail off
Victoria. Received 2nd letter from father written by himself,
still talking of deeding property.
March 29, 1922 Quiet in town, snow gone on
Wasilla Avenue. Cabled for wire for Herman Gronwaldt
account of his martin corral. Boys playing quits.
Got word from D. C. about lost shoes claim allowed.
March 30, 1922 Made out candy and hardware
order. Got small order for Gold Creek. Lander in from
mountain home. Stanley got stomach trouble.
March 31, 1922 Government wages to be cut tomorrow.
Train crews talking of striking? Lander moving last of
his freight out of Wasilla. Gus moving Knik barber shop to
Wasilla.
April 1, 1922 Chas Ulanky in from Knik for
supplies. Schoolmarm took trip out with Lander to mountain
home.
April 2, 1922 Put aluminum set asst.
in show window. Stanley packed 3 boxes grub for my placer
mine. Tom Williams reported not well.
April 3, 1922 Arnold Edlund through at
coal mine. Brassel Bros. at Thorpe’s place. Stanley
got grub ready for trip to Grubstake Placer Mine. Gus
installing pump in Fred’s well. Paid 1922 life insurance.
April 4, 1922 Stanley with Nicoli left for
Grubstake Placer via Houston. Got second class mail only.
SS Watson arrived at Anchorage Sunday 1st boat of spring.
April 5, 1922 Cleaned snow out of garage
barn and cellar window pits. Stanley left Houston for
Grubstake Placer mine via Bullion Road. Oak Olson and Chamberlain
visited over phone.
April 6, 1922 About 2” new snow this
morning. Herman Hughes back from coal mines, located homestead.
Stanley at Grubstake Placer Mine looking after pipeline etc.
April 7, 1922 Got Watson freight left at Anchorage
on the 2nd , some RR service? Spot reported at
Matanuska chewed up badly by dogs. Stanley at Grubstake.
Pete Johnson through with GB haulage.
April 8, 1922 Unloaded car freight seeds, forage
and groceries. Hughes in, no money, offered ranch for
$1,500. Pete Johnson drove his 4 to Junction. Dance at Fairview
for Rosie.
April 9, 1922 Weather cloudy, +40. Billed
out 2 orders of seeds to Matanuska. Section foreman from
Houston down.
April 10, 1922 A. E. Com. bought Kelly
Co. lumber. School election: treasurer W. A. Harman,
director O. C. Miller, clerk Mrs. Trix.
April 11, 1922 Mrs. Ellexson in from
Knik for mail and supplies. Henry Dohrman here from Anchorage.
Jno Chamberlain visited on way north. Stanley and Nicoli
back from placer mine, place not disturbed. GB help
sent $150 to help Tom Williams, sick.
April 12, 1922 Spot at door this morning after
being gone a week, his neck was full of holes and all in all
due to going “sparking”. Gus hauling for Gold Mint Mine.
Trix got word to begin road work.
April 13, 1922 Biz good got $200 order
from Talkeetna Mine. Lander in for freight, Henry
Dohrman left for Anchorage via Junction. Road Com. started
to work on Knik Road. Mrs. “Turkey” visited to reel off.
Spot nursing his wounds from sparking.
April 14, 1922 Lander hauled out grub for Consolidated
Mine. Mr. Berg here from Anchorage. Anton Eide
in town about Road Com. work. Got mail off Alameda at Seward.
Quoits the pastime in Wasilla.
April 15, 1922 O. C. Miller installing
front in Tom Cavanaugh’s new building. MLD Club
at town hall. Fosket in for his seed grain. Snow going
slow freezing hard nights.
April 16, 1922 Easter Sunday temperature
40, quiet in town. Game of Quoits on. Ed Mullen
in through hauling for Talkeetna Mine. Spot gone again.
April 17, 1922 Snow squalls all day, winter
again. Ed Mullen moved back to his ranch. Spot back
PM. Nick Kane in town. Chris Fleck went to work for
Road Com. “Snow balls” for supper at Wilmoth Co.
April 18, 1922 North train 5 hours late.
Mrs. Forker arrived from Inside. Stanley went to Anchorage
about teeth. Mrs. Hatcher arrived. Sledding still
good out of Wasilla. Albert down to trade.
April 19, 1922 Hughes in for grub.
Lander took out 2 tons supplies for mines above 32. Miller
finished Old Tom’s front on account of pool room. Road Com.
opened camp at mile 12.
April 20, 1922 Mrs. Hatcher on the market for
Gold Mint Mining Co. Had Mrs. Forker at dinner. Eggs
down to 45¢ dozen retail.
April 21, 1922 Dan Sutherland Alaska
Representative passed through in route to Fairbanks.
Bill Long in from Knik. England and Lawrence here to work
for Road Com. Judy Greene visited. Stanley back from
Anchorage
April 22, 1922 Trusty started work on Road
Com. Cats and trucks moved into Aureen’s house. Gus hauling
lumber for Gold Mint New snow about gone in Wasilla.
Real summer here last April at this time.
April 23, 1922 Good sledding yet Wasilla to
mines. Got some of the Ball brand of goods on new shelves
in balcony. Party at Fleckenstein’s.
April 24, 1922 “Otto and Nellie” had
a tilt over who should get the wood. Sold a plow.
April 25, 1922 Western Dry Goods man visited.
Election day. GB sent big team down from Houston for care
by Stanley. Bogard in with 2nd load of pork. Dan Sutherland
got all Wasilla votes but 2.
April 26, 1922 Got 5 orders to put up
for Fridays train. Started to get auto truck ready for
summer haulage. Frank Forker here visiting his mother.
Reported Wilmoth and Old Tom fell out on building deal etc.
April 27, 1922 Cottonwood Creek open.
Cleaned up one wheel on auto repainting.
April 28, 1922 Got Watson mail but no freight.
First Seattle mining outfit arrived. Tom Babcock to
open Mabel Mine for Martin and Bartholf. A. E. Com. removing
Kelly lumber.
April 29, 1922 Cloudy and windy.
Stanley hauled 80 cases oil with GB team to garage. Big
Nose in with Consolidated team. MLD dance on at
school house.
April 30, 1922 Stanley and Bill went
to Palmer’s Slough for geese, home 10 PM, no goose. Wilmoth
failed to appear to play challenging game of Quoits, crowd made
big noise and had some fun.
May 1, 1922 A. E. Com. finished loading
Kelly lumber. Sliver back from L. S. Roadhouse. Trix out
with his truck, snow roads breaking up going bad.
May 2, 1922 No train from south due to mud
slides. Kelly lumber moved to Anchorage. Roads
breaking up. Mrs. Hatcher slated to address the MLD.
Ellen and Etta had a tongue scrap. Good fishing in Cottonwood.
May 3, 1922 Groceries and hardware off last
Watson arrived last night. Russell snow plow went
south. Joe Palmer in town. Budd went to Anchorage.
May 4, 1922 Stanley painted
front of garage. Marked new goods. Lander in for
freight
May 5, 1922 Sold outfits to two of competitors
customers as we have the goods. Got Alameda mail.
Barns and McDonald arrived from States to work at mines.
Several new people arrived.
May 6, 1922 First big spring rain. Gus
hauling to 25. Lander from 25 to mines with double enders
for Consolidated, Fern and Mabel Mines. Trusty drove to
ridge summit with auto truck Mrs. H. speaking at MLD Club
tonight.
May 7, 1922 A bunch Wasilla young people went
to Matanuska and visited at government farm. Bailey and
Wade up from Junction to trade. Gus hauling nights to mile
25.
May 8, 1922 Babcock and Mabel outfit
left for Mabel Mine on buckboard. Cleaning up auto truck,
ready to repaint body aft. Trout fishing on in Cottonwood Creek
Ma got the toothache. O. C. Miller in from his mine at 29.
May 9, 1922 Quite a few arrived for Willow
Creek Dist. Budd back from Anchorage with men for mine.
Patsy Hogan here about mines. Bert Farris here from Junction.
North train 5 hours late. Off payroll, “Truckee” on fire.
Earl in Nellie went out to 31½.
May 10, 1922 Worked some on auto truck.
Road Com. got road cleaned to mile 11. Knik Road ready
for the grader. Hartman out with his auto truck, 1st time this
spring. Trout fishing in order. Budd went to mines via
31½.
May 11, 1922 Farmers now plowing and planting,
late season. Snow just off road to mile 25. Reinsulated
muffler on auto truck, turned her over and she worked OK.
Mattie got another bad tooth.
May 12, 1922 More like summer. Got Watson
mail but no freight. Consolidated buyer in for supplies.
Ed Mullen in for material for his new barn on ranch. Answered
Clara and fathers letters. Albert down from Nancy for weekend.
May 13, 1922 Stanley and Albert painted iron
on store warehouse. Gooding over from Finger Lake.
Miller went out to his quartz at mile 29.
May 14, 1922 Worked on car all day now
ready to paint. Young people went up to Chief Wasilla
cabin to fish. First fishing party up from Anchorage came
on old Seward gas car.
May 15, 1922 Lander in for freight. Ad
up to sell Wasilla lots. Painted front rear of auto truck.
Self having trouble with teeth. Bogard in to trade.
May 16, 1922 Got 3 more orders from north,
got 3 ton flour and oats. Albert returned to Nancy.
Hartman made first trip to mile 28 with auto truck. Received
letter from Clara fathers condition bad.
May 17, 1922 Quiet in town. Painted rear
of auto truck. Otto got his cabin about ready to move
in. Miller in for grub for ranch.
May 18, 1922 Road Com. took Lawrence to mile
28 to clean snow and roots out of Canyon Road. Finished
painting auto truck. Cannon laid up with sprained leg.
May 19, 1922 Ice went out Lucille Lake last
night 12 days later than last year. Bartholf bunch billed
out of Seattle for Wasilla. T and T removed tripod and phone
wires to Hotel Wasilla. Self had a chill last night.
May 20, 1922 Put re-liners in old tire
casings car about ready for hike. Brannon here.
Last meeting of MLD, all to take auto ride to mile 28 Sunday.
C. H. Wilson out from Knik.
May 21, 1922 MLD “kids” went out to mile
28 for picnic. Worked on auto about all day, evening
took her out for a trial went up hill on high and 2nd OK.
May 22, 1922 Stanley and self with auto
truck hauled out 2 loads tin cans, winters collection.
Ulsh in with 25 lb. brick gold. Mullen in for grub T and
T for clothing.
May 23, 1922 Stanley went to Anchorage
for GB Mines with 25 lb. brick. Otto went to Anchorage,
hauled load freight track warehouse to store then drove out on
road as far as Hans homestead. Hartman made 31½ with
car.
May 24, 1922 First real summer day. PM
visited on Cannon just planting his spuds. Metz in for supplies.
ARC made 1st trip to 32 with car.
May 25, 1922 Gus busy plowing and planting
for farmers. George Zink building a boat.
May 26, 1922 Stanley back from trip to Anchorage
for GB. Albert down from Nancy account of going to Grubstake
with Stanley. Otto back from Anchorage. W. E. Bartholf
and Tom Cavney arrived to take charge of Mabel Mine. Got
good order from Gold Creek. Got ½ car groceries etc.
Railroad survey car here.
May 27, 1922 Bartholf and Cavney left for Mabel
Mine. Stanley and Albert left for Grubstake to do assessment.
Anton Eide here inspecting road work. Big fire southeast
of town. Lander and Neimann married at Anchorage
May 28, 1922 Drove car out to 19, roads dry
but rough need smoothing up. Self and frau walked down
to Wasilla Lake, road suitable now for auto.
May 29, 1922 Put up order for Gold Creek
and one for Nancy. Got phone from B. S. Bartholf
in Anchorage asking about grub for mines. Wilmoth Co. herding
the turkeys.
May 30, 1922 Decoration Day. Biz
rushing put up 2 orders for Rae - Walker M. Co. B. S.
Bartholf, Chas Chester and Ralf arrived to prospect in the Willow
Creek Dist. Drove car down to Stern’s place on Wasilla -
Palmer Road. Stanley over to 32 for supplies etc.
May 31, 1922 Another quake at 6 AM.
Road Com. tried to go to mile 12 with truck got suck in
mud near Doherty’s. Bogard brought Sam Kelly back to town.
Got letter from Stanley at mines.
June 1, 1922 ARC set up camp in Wasilla
for grading gang on Knik Road. Several loafers wait to
work on road. Got box grub etc. ready to sent to Stanley at
mines.
June 2, 1922 Got mail off Evans, no freight
came up. I. V. Miller and H. A. Brown of Palmer came to
work on road. Got $100 order from Susitna Dist. from Jno. Gray.
Coast Survey moved to Willow.
June 3, 1922 Road Com. started to gravel bad
spots on road north of town. Lidell and Anderson arrived
with 2 pack horses to prospect on Willow Creek Dist.
Gus took dance party over to Forest Hall. Drove car out to 19
for airing.
June 4, 1922 Put up $65 order for Lidell and
Anderson. PM did some repair work on car, drove
out to Ed Mullen’s ranch for sack spuds, Mrs. Fenton went along,
hundreds of rabbits on road.
June 5, 1922 A-1 hot day +80. Lidell
and Anderson lost their horse went to Junction Flats.
ARC started pulling stumps on Knik Road. visited on
Frank Cannon. Survey boys here.
June 6, 1922 A-1 warm day +80. Received
Evans freight. Cannon went to Seward for court.
Harvey Bartholf arrived to work for Gold Mint M. Co. Drove
Miller out to mile 28 road rough in areas.
June 7, 1922 Mattie did the eggs. ARC “Trusty”
started to pull stumps with Cat. Wilmoth back from Anchorage.
Geodetic Survey Party working around Wasilla.
June 8, 1922 Put up $300 order for Rainbow
Mining Co. Got John Gray’s order ready to ship to Fish
Creek via Anchorage. Eddie still nursing his boils.
June 9, 1922 Several boys went out to
GB Mine. Letter from Stanley said snow was half off to
Fishhook Pass. No horses over the top yet. Drove car
down to McArdle’s for spuds.
June 10, 1922 Trix sent Cat and grader to grade
road across Matanuska Flats. Palmer bridge reported washing
out. Marked up new hardware and got Rainbow M. Co. goods
weighed for shipment.
June 11, 1922 Quiet in town. PM
drove car down to Metz ranch on Wasilla - Palmer Road.
Boys back from mines no work till July 1st. Mrs. Hatcher
left for Gold Mint Mine.
June 12, 1922 Put up additional order for Rainbow
M. Co. Trusty up from Junction for repairs for Caterpillar.
One order for Eska.
June 13, 1922 Got Watson mail, no freight.
Tom Cavney in for more grub. Reported Mabel Mine sold
to Consolidated M. Co. Sold Wilmoth Co. $45 worth of groceries.
Got letter from Clara. Hauled upload freight warehouse to
store.
June 14, 1922 B. S. Bartholf left for
mines with ton grub etc. Put up order for Stanley at Grubstake
Placer. Self and Mattie drove car out to mountain home to
see about freight over summit. Henry Dohrman collecting school
tax here.
June 15, 1922 ARC moved camp from mile 8 back
to mile 12. Road slashed out to mile 7 from Wasilla.
Elder arrived from Cottonwood reported Fred Brassel fell dead
while fixing on his boat, went to mines for Joe.
June 16, 1922 Wilson engineer for Rae - Wallace
Co. arrived. Got 6 tons feed and groceries. Busy
evening marking new goods. Got car ready for trip to mines.
June 17, 1922 Wasilla to Grubstake Placer.
Left 6:15 arrived at mines 2 PM, had to mush over from 32,
found boys OK. Looked over pipeline and ditches.
Ma storekeeper.
June 18, 1922 At mines. Reverted
flume on pipe and connected line up across creek. Repaired
2 weak places in pipeline ground sluice. On Bear Group bench.
Cut Stanley’s hair.
June 19, 1922 At mines. Resent
#2 giant for ditch work, turned on water in pipeline ground
frozen under moss. Got through 5 PM, mushed over
to 32 came in with car home 10:45.
June 20, 1922 Train day, biz rushing
as usual. Dr. McCallie arrived to do dental work.
“Black’s” man here. Chas Isaac and wife here on vacation.
Mrs. Horning and kids left for Fairbanks.
June 21, 1922 Owing to crown, Dr. McCallie
could not fix my tooth here, did some work for others.
Drove car down to Wasilla Lake looking for spuds, doctor went
along. Zink went to B. D. Mine.
June 22, 1922 Dr. McCallie plugging teeth.
Lawrence helping Mullen on his new barn. Rich, Black
Bear man, left for Anchorage
June 23, 1922 Dr. McCallie and Capt. Gaikema
left for Anchorage. Road Com. grading street from railroad
south. Wilson and Sostad went to Anchorage. Cannon back
from court grand jury.
June 24, 1922 Bill Hughes paid up his
back bill. Road graded to Cannon’s hill. Adjusted
starting gear on car. Gooding went home. Harrison
clearing his lot next to Tom’s.
June 25, 1922 Mattie and self drove car out
to 32 to see Stanley, made it out in 2 hours, Joe Brassel went
along. Stanley and Albert went back to mines. Stayed
at Martin’s cabin 1 hour due to rain, home 5:30. Sold
$25 merchandise Fishing party from Anchorage.
June 26, 1922 First good rain came last
night. Reported $5,000 appropriated for Wasilla - Palmer Road
to complete road at the Palmer end. Knik Road now graded to
Doherty’s place.
June 27, 1922 Biz rushing. Budd
in from W. C. Mines left an order. Coast Survey boys here,
Eddie took them out to mile 17 to build 50’ tower. Booze in
evidence, one drunk in town. Harrison went out to pack for GB.
June 28, 1922 Unloaded balance of car
freight. Gave Guyot future order from canned goods and
dried fruit. Drove Sam over Wasilla - Palmer Road to railroad,
took sugar etc. for Metz.
June 29, 1922 Eddie doing hauling for Coast
Survey, gone to Government Creek Peak to get observation. Two
Matanuska ranchers over to trade, bought 10 sacks spuds off Dave
Reedy.
June 30, 1922 Mt. McKinley Park train, 7 passenger
cars went through. Lander back from Seward. Rufe
through on Section.
July 1, 1922 Put up one order for Eska.
Busy with accts., collected $200. Got car ready for trip to Willow
Creek. Store closed 2nd 3rd and 4th. Midnight nine
men arrived on gas car going fishing. Fred Nelson down from
Cache Creek
July 2, 1922 Got up 4:30 left 6 AM for
mines, Mattie went along, drove car to mountain home.
Rode horses over the hump. Arrived Grubstake Placer at
1 PM, boys had out their washing. PM run the giant.
July 3, 1922 At Grubstake, Ma the cook.
Repaired 2 leaks in pipeline. Took levels on bench ditch
and ran giant. Ma cleaned up the kitchen, raining.
July 4, 1922 All the Herning family at
mines. Rained hard all AM. Put sluice box in for
ground sluice on Bear Claim bench and reset giant. Too wet
to go back to 32 so decided to leave 3 AM Wednesday.
July 5, 1922 Got up 3 AM, raining hard so did
not leave until 10:30. Arrived at 32 at 1 PM, Lander
gave us nice dinner. Had to put chains on car. Left
mountain home 2:15, arrived at Wasilla 4:45. Opened store
evening, sold $30 merchandise and collected $350 monthly accts.
July 6, 1922 Eddie working flash signals for
Coast Survey Party. Mr. Rogers, Outlook correspondent,
here. Knik Road ready to grade to mile 12. Old Andrew
in town. Mrs. Hatcher’s brother here on a visit.
July 7, 1922 Biz good rushed all day
got several phone orders. Mr. Grier visited. Sam
Kelly left for Healy as watchman for A. E. Com. Mabel and
Gold Cord holding stockholders meeting in Anchorage.
Otto left for Little Willow to prospect. Joe Conroy up form
Anchorage
July 8, 1922 Hartman making 2 trips per day
to mines. Trusty fixing up the Kelly Ford car. Eddie
running on one flat tire. Farmers making hay. “Bingo”.
July 9, 1922 Busy all evening making
out school treasurers report and balanced books for store.
License 1922 and 1923. Annual gross sales were $37,196.35.
Big Nose in for a load for Consolidated Mine.
July 10, 1922 First passenger through
train north today making run from Seward to Fairbanks without
stop over at night at Anchorage, Deadhorse, etc. Joe Conroy
back from mines. Drumhiller at mines. Moyer and family
here to fish.
July 11, 1922 Judge Conway banker, Moyer’s
and family, Bailes etc. left PM train for Anchorage. George
Stiller out from Knik to work on road. got out-mail.
Fickinger arrived.
July 12, 1922 Got freight from last 2
boats. Eight days from Anchorage to Wasilla, some service?
Drumhiller and Templeton’s left for Anchorage and States. Hauled
2 tons to store from car. Ordered Bailey a Remington shotgun.
July 13, 1922 Bartholf, Cavney, Horning, Garver,
McCarthy and several arrived from Anchorage hauled
up 50 cases coal oil Frank Forker helped.
July 14, 1922 Coast Survey boys placed an order.
Tom Cavney back from Mabel Mine. Fickinger left for Anchorage.
Laubner Sr.’s brother here. Oscar Anderson through at
mines.
July 15, 1922 Heavy rain all day.
Got several small orders from Coast Survey boys each eat themselves.
Trusty at Anchorage fixing ARC Cat. Tom Cavney left for Anchorage
and Seattle. Marked up Carhart overalls and coats.
Sent Outside mail by Tom Cavney.
July 16, 1922 PM worked on car taking up bearings
etc. Was going out to mines rain cancelled trip.
July 17, 1922 Rain all day. Coast Survey
Party left for Bald Mt. No trains today. Track
blocked by mud slides. Ground soaked now evening clearing.
Mountain peaks white with snow.
July 18, 1922 Left 3 PM for mines arrived 10
PM. Boys were up to road camp, caught them at Boulder.
Jess Garver was camped at old camp ground above Boulder, moved
down to our place due to brown bears. Frost last night at
Grubstake.
July 19, 1922 At Grubstake, helped boys
take down pipeline for ditch work. Cold rain PM left
3:15 for Wasilla, rode over 32. Ate lunch with Lander left
with car for Wasilla. Eddie’s car dead at 31½.
Road blocked hauled him out road arrived in town 10 PM.
July 20, 1922 Horning family and Chas
Bartholf up from Anchorage to open Mabel Mine, got their order.
July 21, 1922 Biz good put up $116 order
for Mabel Mine. Took freight over for east train.
Had Miller make new pair chains for car. Drove out to
12 mile on new road. Mattie pulled moss and grass to get
up hill, lost chain.
July 22, 1922 Perfect day. Biz
fair got 3 orders from Curry, 1 from Canyon and 1 from Montana
Creek. South train late. PM accident at mile 277½,
bridge went down 1 engineer killed. Dance at Government Farm.
Eddie took 8 to dance.
July 23, 1922 Had Miller help me install
force pump in kitchen. Got out hardware ordered and billed
out 4 orders north. Very warm today. Lander in from
mountain home.
July 24, 1922 Got out-mail on account of going
to the mines tomorrow. Eddie quit Coast Survey light
job, Sherrell got the job. Eddie got job to open creek
at Wasilla cabin. Plenty of strawberries.
July 25, 1922 Got up at 6 AM hauled freight
to depot and freight to store. Left 10:30 with car, Zink
went along. Arrived at RH 12:30. Took car up mountain
to mile 34, time ¾ hour. Dry trip over to the mines.
July 26, 1922 At Grubstake. Took
down pipeline over creek and removed #9 gate. Piled up
loose pipe etc. Closed up camp with boys, left 2:30.
Rain, made run old GB Cache to town in 2½ hours. Mattie
rushed in store. Stanley home from mines.
July 27, 1922 Unloaded ½ car freight.
G. B. Thompson arrived. Budd in for grub. Frank
Chase bought outfit. Paid Albert for assisting work at
Grubstake 1921 and 1922. Plenty of strawberries.
Albert returned to Nancy.
July 28, 1922 Salmon running. Wilson
made 2 trips to 31½, bought Wasilla eggs at 55¢
dozen. Had good bank deposit $1,239.09. Toad Antone
here on road inspection.
July 29, 1922 Salmon run on in quantities,
also strawberries. Rancher Reedy left for States.
Everybody gathering in the salmon.
July 30, 1922 Rain, rain, rain, my birthday.
Harman and Watson up from Junction, bought $50 clothing.
ARC through on Knik road, graded 4 miles out of Wasilla toward
Knik. Berry excursion up from Anchorage. Airplane
man here looking for place to light. Gus team in for pipe
for Kelly Mine.
July 31, 1922 Got Outside mail. Hartman
got 2 passenger loads off train. Stanley took kids
out to see light of Coast and Geodetic Survey tower at mile 17.
Got Talkeetna order.
August 1, 1922 Sold Wilmoth Co. three orders.
Bogard in for forage. Twelve Mile road camp moved to Archangel
in mountains.
August 2, 1922 Coast Survey packer in from
Bald Mt., went down to Cottonwood Creek got a salmon. Called
on Frank Cannon.
August 3, 1922 Got Watson freight. Stanley
and self hauled 3 truck loads to store got groceries hardware
and winter clothing. Strawberries at their best.
Salmon poor this season. Ice cream party at Fleck’s in honor
of Coast and Geodetic Survey.
August 4, 1922 Coast and Geodetic Survey had
Hartman move their gear to 31½ then by pack train to
Little Willow. Busy on accts. and Outside mail, opened
up Black’s winter clothing. Paid Stanley as 1921 and 1922
assistant.
August 5, 1922 Stanley went to Anchorage to
have teeth cared for. Drove car over to Wagner’s for strawberries.
August 6, 1922 Quiet in town. Lander
in town. Stanley at Anchorage Mattie cleaned up
balcony and put goods on new shelves. PM oiled store floor.
Drove to Johnson and Stern’s ranch for strawberries. Mattie
run car over windfall.
August 7, 1922 Train north 5 hours late, post
office closed. Miller’s berry girl arrived from Anchorage.
Chief Dyke now operating mile 17 light for Coast and Geodetic
Survey. Sent Sam 17 quarts strawberries at Healy.
August 8, 1922 Rae paid up old account. Drove
car to end of graded road Wasilla to Knik. Johnson in for
dinky order for Rae - Wallace Mine. Rae in from mines.
Father gone to hospital again.
August 9, 1922 Party at Nenana wanted our prices.
Got 60 cases milk and 10 cases Alaska red salmon. Tryck
got another Government Dodge truck. Hubbell left for Anchorage.
Nick Brake went to Anchorage.
August 10, 1922 Indians with their salmon
catch, left for Chickaloon. Stanley back from Anchorage
dental work etc. Johnson hauling freight for Rae - Wallace
with Kelly’s Tin Lizzie. Mrs. Kieffur down from Eska to trade.
August 11. 1922 Eddie took Coast boys and outfit
out to 31½. Stanley’s face swelled from dental work.
Raspberries ripe. Strawberries about gone.
August 12, 1922 Sent order for “BB” packs,
boots etc. PM hauled milk and salmon from track warehouse to
store. Now selling Wasilla eggs for 60¢ a dozen.
August 13, 1922 Quiet in town. Drove
up to Doherty’s ranch at mile 4. Miles renumbered from
Wasilla. Mile 31½ is now 15½.
August 14, 1922 Ralph Smith M. E. next to Brooks
arrived to give Willow Creek Dist. the once over. Stanley
using Shorty’s “Indian”. Got bid for merchandise from Chickaloon.
August 15, 1922 Harrison in from GB to put
up wild berries, bought 100 lb. brown sugar, 50 lb. cracked
corn and case coal oil? Had Miller help to take down furnace,
put in outside cold air connections etc. Preacher in town.
Trusty went to Anchorage.
August 16, 1922 Worked on furnace all day ready
to joint up. Moved register to center store. Special
car with Col. Richardson here went out to inspect ARC road visit
cost government $200
August 17, 1922 Miller finished work on furnace.
Got invoices of goods on Evans. Jimmie the Goat made
rough house at Wilmoth Co. nobody hurt, full of White
Mule. Answered Clara’s and father’s letters. Milo
Kelly arrived.
August 18, 1922 Drove car down to Stern’s for
strawberries, no more, went on to Metz ranch delivered case
milk. New spuds on Wasilla market.
August 19, 1922 Horning in from mines.
Put up order for Mabel Mine. Got Evans freight six days
from Anchorage. Got guns and ammunition, butter, eggs and canned
fruits. Eddie got his tires. Byron Wilson back from
Ohio Creek.
August 20, 1922 AM run air line from furnace
under side walk. Oiled up drip pans, varnished balance
of balcony shelves. Now ready for goods. Opened up
Portland dry goods etc.
August 21, 1922 Al Hardy with 3 women in pants
arrived to fish and take in Willow Creek Mines. Old Sam
Peters in from Willow Creek Mines. Ma gave concert
on phonograph.
August 22, 1922 Stanley took Horning’s to Black
Ranch with Cannon’s old mare. Horning returned to Mabel
Mine. Jim Teck arrived.
August 23, 1922 Jim Teck back from mines, now
going into Taslina Lake Dist. to hunt up oil he saw 15 years
ago. Repacked grease in differential and transmission.
Rained all PM.
August 24, 1922 Got 5 quarts strawberries from
Stern’s, last of berries. Mehern and Hill’s man visited
been Inside. Visited on Cannon with auto car and Stanley
with “Indian”. Geodetic Survey packer in.
August 25, 1922 Got 1 new account from Eska
$75 order. Busy around store all day cleaned up last of
old spuds and played the phonograph.
August 26, 1922 Train for north 2 hours late.
PM mixed paint for painting garage and side of store.
Harrison went to Anchorage. Eddie keeping the “home fires”
burning. Nick Kane in town.
August 27, 1922 Started to paint the railroad
side of store. Gang went out to Al Crocker’s Ranch for blueberries.
They were like the strap on Cohen’s pants it wasn’t there.
August 28, 1922 Survey boys in for more
grub. Got big mail off Northwestern. A lot of goods
at Anchorage waiting for delivery. Coal strike over, railroad
strike still on. Got letter from Clara, father back home
from Rochester hospital.
August 29, 1922 Put up a lot of dinky orders
for Coast Survey boys. Sherrell in from Fish Creek, through
with that light observation. Eddie had to overhaul his
engine, cleaned up garage and store warehouse.
August 30, 1922 PM got car of general freight,
6 days from Anchorage? Marshal gave C. R. Harrison free ride
to Anchorage with still and gallon homemade hooch.
August 31, 1922 Biz good. Put 2
loads of milk in store cellar. Hauled load flooring track
warehouse to garage. Trusty back from repairing “Cats” at
Anchorage. Archangel road gang moved to Palmer Road to complete
east end.
September 1, 1922 Drove car down to Vail’s
Ranch for load wood and spuds. Got wood but no spuds.
ARC extending Wasilla - Palmer Road.
September 2, 1922 Stanley went to Anchorage
about teeth. Fosket in for merchandise. Vail shot
another bear making 4 coming into camp. Freezing a little
at night. Larson family arrived for school.
September 3, 1922 Farmers digging spuds, crop
below average. Berry pickers busy. Wired for butter
and meats.
September 4, 1922 Stanley back from Anchorage,
got his teeth mended and suit lengthened out. Wired for
transmission part for Eddie’s truck. New schoolmarm arrived.
Snider girl down to go to school also Larson family.
September 5, 1922 Stanley making ready
to attend Pullman College. Retouched on big store sign
PM. Lander in after Brockway cond. man going outside.
School begins.
September 6, 1922 Stanley left for Wash. State
College Pullman, Washington. Mother Mattie went along
as far as Seward Alaska. Miller began to put corrugated iron on
lower floor of track warehouse. Lander in to see about drive
pulley for Pelton Wheel.
September 7, 1922 Alameda at Anchorage.
Dunkle paid Rainbow bill for July, sore because I demanded prompt
pay on due date.
September 8, 1922 Miller finished cleaning
in lower story of track warehouse, time 18 hours. Jack
Anderson returned from summer prospecting trip.
September 9, 1922 Four men in from ARC camp,
Willow Creek Road. Fred Roscher and Reising went to ranches
to harvest spuds. Reported Eide had a stroke. Kempt went
to Anchorage.
September 10, 1922 Eddie drove me to Junction
to catch branch train to Anchorage, train 6 hours late, arrived
Anchorage took Turkish bath after midnight got four hours sleep.
Mattie at Seward.
September 11, 1922 At Anchorage up at 7:30,
went to McCallie dentist and had teeth fixed up. Invited
to Chamber luncheon for Governor Bone. Called on Chicken Lillwall.
Met Mattie on noon train and returned to Wasilla. Sales over
$200.
September 12, 1922 Got car hay, Winchester
shells, tobacco, etc., on evening train. Got Com. boys
painting depot. Painting south side of store. Sent Stanley
$100 for his music.
September 13, 1922 Got car load DC hay, put
same under track warehouse. Winchester goods arrived.
Received a lot of dinky orders on north train. Trusty and
Eddie fixing up Kelly Ford car.
September 14, 1922 Hauled load of freight
track warehouse to store. Hauled garbage cans to ridge
summit dump. Now dark at 8 o’clock.
September 15, 1922 Lawrence and Hansen
in from Willow camp to build 30’ x 50’ garage for Alaska Road
Com. Graveling on Knik Road at an end.
September 19, 1922 Finished white trimmings
on the store building. Jimmie St. Clair arrived to take
charge of Wasilla Section. John Canfield going Outside.
ARC new garage under cover. St. Clair’s visited.
September 20, 1922 Sam Guoyt here gave him
full order for groceries. Got Watson freight and letter
mail. Mail went to Nenana. Hauled 2 truck loads of
freight to store. Got order for car of hay. Stanley
wrote from Juneau.
September 21, 1922 Gave Western Dry Goods man
small order. John Canfield left on north train for vacation.
St. Clair’s remodeling the section house for occupancy. Dr.
McCallie arrived, working on Wasilla - Palmer Road at Palmer end.
Henry Dohrman in town.
September 16, 1922 Stanley supposed to arrive
Seattle today on way to Pullman College.
September 17, 1922 The Nasty 400 went grouse
hunting down Wasilla - Palmer Road. Retouched big sign
on railroad side of store. Forty Mile Miller working on
ARC new garage. Self got slight cold.
September 18, 1922 Put on part of white trimmings
on store building and tightened up iron on track warehouse.
Surveyor Hubbell arrived 3rd time about mines. Had to doctor
cold 3 AM, OK today.
September 19, 1922 Biz fair, finished white
trimmings on store building. Jimmie St. Clair arrived
to take charge of Wasilla Section. John Canfield going Outside.
ARC new garage under cover. St. Clair’s visited.
September 20, 1922 Sam Guoyt here, gave him
full order for groceries. Got Watson freight and letter
mail. Mail went to Nenana. Hauled 2 truck loads of
freight to store. Got order for car of hay. Stanley
wrote from Juneau.
September 21, 1922 Gave Western Dry Goods man
small order. John Canfield left on north train for vacation.
St. Clair’s remodeling the Section House for occupancy. Dr.
McCallie arrived account Broad Pass mining deal with Wilmoth etc.
September 22, 1922 A-1 day evening wind.
Biz rushing AM got one trapping order going to Gold Creek.
Al Crocker left for ranch to hole up for the winter. Got
car Moose Creek coal for store furnace. Dr. McCallie returned
to Anchorage via Junction.
September 23, 1922 Big wind. Biz
good. Mattie storekeeper. Got car Jonesville coal,
put 9 tons in bin PM. Budd and Thompson went to Anchorage.
Big dance on at Forest Hall, Eddie took a bunch over.
still blowing.
September 24, 1922 Third day big wind.
Quiet in town. Finished unloading car coal, had 23 auto
truck loads off 33 ton car? Unpacked new candy stock,
9 PM wind died out. Miller in from his big quartz mine.
September 25, 1922 A-1 day biz fair sales
and collections over $800. O. C. Miller treating today
on account of being 65 years old, born 1857. Shipped trapping
outfit to Gold Creek Gus in looking for hay.
September 26, 1922 Cloudy evening rain.
On books and fall orders all day. Mattie got crick in
shoulder. Got out hardware order. Lander in after
his DC hay. Gus in for forage.
September 27, 1922 Rain all day.
Biz fair got 2 orders from north 1 from mines. Lander
started to haul his hay to mountain home. Sent fall hardware
order. Fred Nelson home from Cache Creek. ARC men
through on Willow road.
September 28, 1922 Heard
from Stanley at Seattle 16th going to Pullman 17th. Received
2 letters from Clara, father very weak, having great pain and sinking
spells at times. Rae back at Wasilla, railroad job no good.
September 29, 1922 Bald Mt.
covered with snow. Had Vail excavate for 12 x 18 oil house.
One order for Eska. Bill Hughes in town, said he had coal
hauling contract for Baxter Mine. Hartman wrecked his truck
September 30, 1922 Mattie
storekeeper. Got material for oil house. Miller
put in foundation 12 x 18 ready for roof. Had Vail clean up
material in street PM. Fairview teacher arrived looked over
“dump” and then headed south. Howard Madsen arrived to attend
school.
October 1, 1922 Quiet in town.
Took in $85. Helped Miller on new oil house all ready
for roofing paper. PM Mattie went a fishing and visited
on St. Clair’s. Mattie took battery treatment for
lame shoulder. Howard homesick.
October 2, 1922 AM helped
Miller to lay roofing on new oil house, Miller’s time 3 days.
Howard Madsen started to school. Fairview teacher decided
to stay on condition that place was fixed up and suitable to live
in. Willie feeding the turkeys.
October 3, 1922 Vail finished
cleaning up street by garage. Jess Garver in from Anchorage
with outfit for his claims on Craggie Creek. Sherrell and
Monroe in from Coast Survey near Little Willow. Sent Stanley
October paycheck.
October 4, 1922 Partly cloudy.
Biz good, rushed in store all day. Got two orders from
mines and 4 on north mail. Adolph Olson of Kashwitna down
for supplies. Gus hunting for blacksmith. Fred went
to Anchorage, Tex Cobb visited. Miller told me he reported
Rae to Marshal.
October 5, 1922 Partly cloudy.
Busy all day in store, shipped 1 ton groceries north.
Got Evans mail. Howard Madsen went home to Nancy.
Sent 7 sacks vegetables to Willow Creek Mines. Mattie received
her new eyeglasses. No mail from Stanley.
October 6, 1922 Got letter
from Stanley at Pullman College, got located OK. Got
half car freight, meats, groceries, doors and windows, got it
all hauled over to store PM. Mattie still troubled with pain
in shoulder. Sent last of fall orders. Dan Southerland
here.
October 7, 1922 Herman in
for outfit. Got Cannon’s horse to plow his garden at Fish
Lake. Bill Long back from Knik after digging his spuds.
Gus teamster quit. Fred went out to skin the four.
October 8, 1922 Good local biz AM.
PM put gable iron on oil house. Howard took trip to 15½
with Hartman. Figured cost BB pacs, doors, windows, etc.
Mattie using battery account lame shoulder. Cloudy.
October 9, 1922 Windy all day.
Biz normal got OS mail on PM train, letter from Stanley located
at Pullman College OK. Got letter from Healy River Coal Co.
wanted to appoint me selling agent in Wasilla.
October 10, 1922 Consolidated
Mines sent order to Wilmoth Co. couldn’t fill it, turned it over
to K. T. Co. the store with the goods. Gooding in
for clothing and chicken feed, bill $47 cash. Hartman swamped
with freight for the mines. Kelly Mines got car of coal.
October 11, 1922 Biz good put up 2 orders.
Heinz 57 Variety man here looking for orders. Horning
and Bartholf in, closed down Mabel Mine. Gas engine for the
Fern Mine arrived. Coast Survey moved back to Eklutna.
The organ girl over here. Sam Kelly at Healy sent us quarter
caribou meat.
October 12, 1922 Rain all day.
No Outside mail today. Black Bear man arrived with 1923
samples. Heinz 57 Varieties went south on freight train.
Gus hauled out big gas engine for Fern Mine. Mattie taking
battery treatment for lame shoulder.
October 13, 1922 More rain.
Bogard in, delivered 2½ tons spuds for GB Mines.
A. E. Com. erecting block signal at depot. Got out-mail.
raining again.
October 14, 1922 Heavy rain all last
night and AM, ground soaked full, streams high. Several
ranchers in to trade. Floods reported at Cache Creek Dist.
put 18 cases Ball brand pacs on shelves.
October 15, 1922 Nice cloudy day.
Sunday all day in Wasilla. Fixed up odd outside jobs on
account of cold weather. Cemented tar paper on wood shed
to stop leaks. Miller fixed Mrs. Larson’s pump. Chas
Spalding here on a duck hunt.
October 16, 1922 Wow A-1 sunny day.
Got 1 order from Eska Creek $75. Jim Wilson the freighter
arrived to haul for Kelly Mines. Railroad men raised signal
pole at depot. Got letter from Clara father growing weaker
having sinking spells.
October 17, 1922 Partly cloudy.
Got 3 orders off by rail. McNeil and son here with bag
of ducks. All but grading gang through on Wasilla - Palmer
Road. got out Outside mail.
October 18, 1922 Cloudy.
Busy all day in store. Got order from “my cousin” at
Gold Creek. Sam Beck in from Lucky Shot Mine. Eddie
Heimbach left for Outside. Filled store gas tank.
Had roast duck dinner. Got check from GB for Stanley care of
horses August.
October 19, 1922 Weather cloudy.
Sent 3 orders north. Roast duck still in order.
Got letter from Stanley at Pullman College, still warm there but
cold nights. Anchorage mail sack went on to Fairbanks.
Howard went home.
October 20 1922 Patzack down
from Houston to trade. Fern Gold Mining Co. unloaded
car gas. Put ton sugar in Stanley’s room. Way freight
arrived 11 PM with Alameda freight.
October 21 1922 Cloudy.
Lander in for load DC Hay. Ben in from mines with Hughes
team. Miller quit work on Aureen’s house, wanted his money.
Hartman got contract to haul Fern freight, Wasilla to 15½
roadhouse. Arthur here from Nancy.
October 22 1922 Nice and cloudy.
Quiet in town. Hughes took one team home, out all summer
for Road Com. Arthur and Howard here for dinner. Finished
casing on oil house door. Marked goods from Northwestern to Gold
Creek.
October 23, 1922 Fog and cloudy.
Biz good. Rushed all day in store. Coast Survey
boys paid up. Al Vitt in from mines. Turkey rancher
back from Anchorage. Arthur returned to Nancy. Wilson
hauling Kelly freight.
October 24, 1922 Fog and cloudy.
Biz good. Tom Smith of Palmer visited, bought Heinie Snider’s
cow. Lander took balance of his 3 tons of hay. Paddy
Marion chief cook at Hotel Wasilla. Hart the old “Fanna
Anna” in for supplies.
October 25, 1922 Cloudy with sprinkle
of snow. Herman in from Fish Lake to trade. Abe in
with Hughes team for supplies. Ben Marino returned to
ranch after all summer with ARC. My “barber” on the job
tonight. Olson’s over for merchandise. Ed Erickson
went to Anchorage.
October 26, 1922 First snow last night.
Biz good. PM sold $100 worth clothing. Last of ARC
road builders in, Palmer road finished Wasilla to Palmer.
Otto in from GB Talkeetna teamster in for supplies. O.
C. Miller back from Matanuska. St. Clair got live mink.
October 27, 1922 Partly cloudy.
Road Com. planking old garage. Local trade fair.
Miller fixed up broken light wire at school house. Sold Sostad
a ton of coal for Consolidated Mine. Freezing nights.
October 28, 1922 Big wind.
Got 2 orders from north. PM, with auto truck hauled load
wood from Vail’s ranch. Dance and Halloween party on at school
house, six people over from Forestry Hall Dist. Social on the
bum.
October 29, 1922 Cloudy. Sold Fred
Crocker $41 hunting outfit. Biz good AM. Had chicken
dinner. PM drove car down to mile 12 road fairly good.
Schneider and Marino left for home after the Ball?
Nick Kane shoeing Wilson’s horses.
October 30, 1922 Cloudy and warm.
Matt’s birthday 40+. Got 2 letters from Stanley at Pullman,
reported many had fever there of late, all students vaccinated.
Otto back from Anchorage Unloaded hydraulic pipe from Houston.
October 31, 1922 Cloudy evening light
snow. Biz rushing all the ranchers in to trade.
Cyanide Charlie, Babcock and Six-shooter Bill left for Houston
to unload GB freight. Ulsh and Barney Johnson in from GB
Mine. Otto returned to GB Mine. Bogard on market with
pigs. Eddie’s car went to 32, Olson’s kid driver. Cannon
bought winter outfit.
November 1, 1922 Biz good. Sent
Rae his tools to Jonesville Mine. Sostad and quite a few
miners went to Anchorage. Got out monthly bills. Morning
ground white, evening all gone.
November 2, 1922 Cloudy and warm day.
Richter in from States with 14 tons for Home Builder Mine.
J. J. O’Brien in from Knik to trade. Jack Chisholm here calling
on the Wilmoth Company? Old Tom fixing room to live in, in
his pool room.
November 3, 1922 Cloudy, ground white
AM. Two inches snow this morning, did not
go off. Got coal oil and gasoline, hauled 3 loads to oil
house. Merchandise came for Willow Creek Mines and 14 tons
for Home Builder Mine. Nick Kane told us all about his White
Mule.
November 4, 1922 Cloudy and windy.
Ulsh here looking after GB compressor. Gus going to haul
freight for Home Builder. Ground still white. Got
Outside work well done for winter weather, let her come.
November 5, 1922 Cloudy 40 above.
Collections over $300 clothing sales fair. Replaced broken
panes in store window. Oiled store floor. Jim Wilson
loaded GB air compressor engine on bobsleighs, only 2” snow at Wasilla.
Chris Fleckenstein went to hospital.
November 6, 1922 A bunch
Willow Creek irrigators back from Anchorage including Bill Long
and Louie Gaston. Chris Fleck back from hospital said he
was OK. Got Watson, mail all our invoices and letter from
Stanley. Bert Ferris here.
November 7, 1922 Biz lively. Election
day over 50 poled votes. Rushed all day in store.
Churchill and Fischer in from Knik, Esi there, shot moose on Little
Susitna. Sent Stanley November school check $65. Bogard in with
2nd load of porkers.
November 8, 1922 Rained last night winding
up with an inch of snow. Biz a little quiet. Esi
Natives left for Junction. Gus in for feed and none came.
Hugh Price down from Cache Creek sold him $450 worth of hydraulic
pipe. Mrs. J. B. Fleck left for States.
November 9, 1922 A-1 day 32 above.
Sostad and Consolidated team in for coal. Got Alameda
mail, letter from Stanley. Road Com. loaded 2 Cats for
Moose Creek to haul Baxter coal. Old Tom building back house
for pool room.
November 10, 1922 ARC loaded
outfit for Houston to fix winter road and cut bridge lumber
on Willow Creek. No freight for Wasilla until Thursday next.
Ben Marino took Consolidated team, the Dutchman quit the job.
November 11, 1922 Cloudy and thawing.
One order for Palmer. Snowshoes in demand along Broad
Pass stations. Wilson in, landed gas engine at GB Mines in
8 days over Fishhook summit. Larson down to see his squaw
family.
November 12, 1922 Quiet in town.
Consolidated teamster in. Ed Mullen through hauling for
GB over Fishhook summit, hauled over 60 tons. Forty Mile
Miller built Knik house for St. Clair. PM hauled out tin
cans, drove car as far as mile 4, roads covered with snow and good.
November 13, 1922 Sold Consolidated
a ton of coal. Lander after forage. Donovan in for
outfit. Kids on Wasilla Lake, Eva broke in. Forty tons
freight expected tomorrow train.
November 14, 1922 Cloudy biz fair.
The 2 cars of freight that came didn’t come, still at Anchorage.
Paddy Marion got a corner on Wasilla turkeys so reported today.
Moose Hank in from Lucky Shot Mine with man with broken leg.
November 15, 1922 Cloudy colder +10.
Busy all day with orders from off railroad line. No freight
yet, 4 cars Wasilla freight laying at Anchorage since Monday,
horse feed wanted worse. O. C. Miller gave a chicken dinner
to St. Clair’s and Herning’s. Special order no more booze
by railroad employees.
November 16, 1922 Cloudy and colder zero
last night. Car load freight, arrived hauled 5 auto truck loads
to warm storage balance goes in warehouse. Vail and Bill
4 hours each. Larson returned to Montana. St. Clair
now has 8 live mink. No Outside mail. Put away freight
in basement.
November 17, 1922 A-1 sunny day zero
to +20. Unloaded 40 ton car of general merchandise, had
Vail and Six Shooter Bill help. Mattie busy all day in store
with orders and customers. Had our dinner at Hotel Wasilla,
Paddy Marion the chef. Paid $1,000 on merchandise.
November 18, 1922 Clear and winter weather,
-2. Finished stowing away new merchandise, cost 50¢ a ton
to handle. Filled furnace coal bin 2nd lot. Sold
Bogard 3½ tons forage. Gus in from 32. Mrs.
Hartman in, through at Fishhook Inn.
November 19, 1922 Clear and cold, -16.
Biz rushing on dinky orders worked all PM on orders.
Paid freight on 2 car loads merchandise $922.72. Paddy
through at Hotel Wasilla off for Anchorage to raffle off turkeys.
November 20, 1922 Snowed 4”. Busy
all day in store. Got snow, enough for sledding out of
Wasilla today. Got letter from Stanley and Clara, father
still holding his own. Sold 37 hydraulic pipe for $450.
Jonesville Coal Mine on fire.
November 21, 1922 Jumping all day in
store to get out railroad orders. Sold last of mining
hose. Tibbs in to inspect Consolidated Mine. Sostad
in for more coal. Got out Seattle mail. Paid balance
due on groceries. All paid but hardware.
November 22, 1922 Cold winter on. E.
B. Sparling arrived from Kantishna Dist., placed an order.
C. D. Johnson storing AR Com. powder. Checked down Fischer Bros.
Co. account. Warming up with each wind. Mattie got her
$100 coat, me eat sawdust.
November 23, 1922 Cloudy evening rain,
+40. Biz normal got 1 order from north. Wilson
through hauling went to Anchorage. Sparling went to Anchorage
Sled shoes in demand. New York Central man readjusting railroad
signal.
November 24, 1922 Chinook. Priced
up forage. Mostly ranch trade. Ellexson and
wife out from Knik, reported Bill Hughes sick in bed. Gould sent
insurance papers to sign.
November 25, 1922 Cloudy mild weather.
Forage sales good. George Williams came to take winter
charge of Hotel Wasilla. Ellexson returned to Knik with
mail etc. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage to market hogs
etc. Mattie got this foot scratcher.
November 26, 1922 Quiet in town. Fairview
schoolmarm up to trade. Chinook left ice on ground covered
with sprinkle of snow. PM opened up 3 drop shipments of
tobacco and priced same. My “barber” shaved me.
November 27, 1922 Clear and colder zero. Shipped
3 orders north and received 1 order. Capt. Nick here
about mines interest, told us all about his trip to Katmai last
July and had pictures of the 10,000 smokes.
November 28, 1922 Cloudy and warmer. Wilson
freight outfit moved to Talkeetna to freight into Cache Creek.
Mattie troubled with itching feet. Marked harness gear.
Late in evening got out-mail. Jonesville Mine now flooded
to put out fire. Twenty from GB Mine in via Fishhook.
November 29, 1922 Biz normal busy in store
all day. Forty people on train from Nancy came over Wasilla
Iditarod Old Trail - first bunch out from Kuskokwim Dist.
Mattie nursing sore feet. Sam Kelly home from Healy Forks.
November 30, 1922 Turkey day, snowed 2”. Quiet
in town. Took dinner at Hotel Wasilla, chicken and ice
cream and relishes. Train 1 hour late got 3 letters from
Stanley snow at Pullman wants pacs. Dance on at Fairview.
December 1, 1922 Biz normal got 1 order.
Bailey visited. Jim Hagen back from Anchorage also Paddy
Marion. Paddy claimed to get $600 out of raffle of turkeys.
Conductor Sessions died 9 AM had a stroke.
December 2, 1922 A-1 day biz fair busy
in store all day. Ellexson’s returned to Knik.
Got 1 order from north. Cannon got word Commissioner Office installed
here June 1st.
December 3, 1922 Partly cloudy and cooler.
Quiet in town. Long haired “cus” wanted to pawn a $10
bed for $25 real money, sent him to the Wilmoth Co. Priced
up a lot new hardware. Snowed at midnight.
December 4, 1922 A-1 day zero weather.
Herman in, put up over $300 order (2). Budd and Barnes
in from mines by auto stage. Got 2 orders over to rail to
ship. Crazy lad with long whiskers in town. Wilmoth
Co. looking for housekeeper without teeth.
December 5, 1922 A-1 cold day, -10. Walters
over from Palmer, rented team to Consolidated Co. for winter
haulage. Harrison back after riding White Mule in Anchorage
for three months? Rae back no more work at mine. Ulsh
in town.
December 6, 1922 A-1 clear day zero temperature.
A. T. Budd, manager of GB Mines left for States. Barnes
and wife went to Anchorage. Received more canned vegetables
and Medlecot on back order. Wallboard for Tom’s pool room
arrived. Stored Gus’s oats in our warehouse. Stanley
at Pullman, 18 years old today.
December 7, 1922 Partly cloudy damp.
Load hydraulic pipe for Cache Creek. Patzack in from
Houston. Chris Fleck in town from ARC shop at Anchorage.
Mullen back from delivering his team to W. Creek Mines.
December 8, 1922 Cloudy warming up +20.
Patzack returned to Houston. Perley White caught 20 rats. 1st
setting, moved into Aureen’s bungalow. Rae here nursing
a cold. Sent gunny sacks to Houston for W. Creek Mines and
coal. Consolidated team in for hay.
December 9, 1922 Cloudy and warm.
Biz normal . Harvey Bartholf visited on repair work for
AE Com., went to Eklutna to build a 600’ crib. Chris Fleck
went to Moose Creek to run “Cat” on coal job. Hartman still
hauling freight to mines with Tin Lizzie.
December 10, 1922 Cloudy and windy.
Gus in to store his forage. PM cleaned north store window
and candy shelves. Wind blowing hard like North Dakota.
December 11, 1922 Windy all day +24.
Sam A. White back from Anchorage on way to Herman’s Fish Lake
ranch. Got big mail off Victoria via Seward. Letter
from Stanley got checks OK and my letter and GB check Indian
Jim in from Knik.
December 12, 1922 Whoop-La big rush put up
3 orders. The goat king visited. Duncklee working
on coal trail for Consolidated. Andrew in paid November
bills. Sam A. White left for Fish Creek
December 13, 1922 A-1 day 10 to 24 above
zero. Business normal. Got more of back order on
fruit and vegetables via Seward. Rats biting good, Perley
got 18 today. Got 435# pig from Junction for mines. Mrs.
Wagner went to Anchorage.
December 14, 1922 Colder evening zero.
Ulsh, Sostad and Mullen back from Anchorage. Got first
order for W. Creek Mines to go via Houston. Got 3 small
orders ready for north train. Miller nailing on plasterboard
in Tom’s pool room. Sam Kelly back from Anchorage.
December 15, 1922 A-1 day zero weather.
Got order from Lawrence mile 12 north. Lander in.
Ulsh went to see Hughes at Cottonwood. Mattie preparing
for trip to Anchorage. Had chicken dinner. Horning and
Babcock went out to Mabel.
December 16, 1922 A-1 day warmer.
Biz normal put up 5 small orders. J. J. in for merchandise
M. A. H. is on her way to Anchorage and make hay left on AM train.
Hartman stripped his gears trying to haul wood at 11.
December 17, 1922 Warm and windy.
Mattie at Anchorage, mopped balcony floor, re-hung shed door,
put up order for Gus. Made out hardware order, tin wire,
etc. Horning and Babcock left for mile 10 to cut timber for
Mabel Mine, got Wagner’s horse. Hartman sawing wood.
Shaved took bath.
December 18, 1922 Busy all
day local trade. Mr. Krause left for Seattle, wife broke her
arm. Mattie back from Anchorage bought turkey for Xmas.
Ground bare in Wasilla.
December 19, 1922 A-1 weather mild.
Biz rushing. Ranchers in from Pittman to Palmer.
Rushed all day. Put up order for Sparling at Chickaloon.
Through at 8 PM got out-mail etc. by midnight. Mrs. Hartman
loaded her rick, ready to hop off for Outside.
December 20, 1922 Mild weather. Got order
for GB via Houston. Mattie all same, Cohen looking for
a scrap. Banker Balderston visited from Anchorage.
Hugh Price and wife left for visit to Outside. Mrs. Hartman
left for Outside.
December 21, 1922 Light rain temperature
38 above. Big mail, got 4 letters from Stanley sent Ma box
stationary and Dad razor strapper. Bank of Alaska offered
10% rate on any future loans. Received many Xmas cards.
12 PM duck in.
December 22, 1922 Mild weather.
Got candies and relishes off Watson. School entertainment,
several over from Palmer way. Ellexson was in from Knik.
New man in to take Sostad's place at Fern Mine.
December 23, 1922 Spring day temperature
38. Miller and schoolmarm went to Anchorage.
Harman, Hartman, Wilmoth and Herning families took in Xmas doings
at Matanuska, went on hand car home at 2:45. Good crowd
and time.
December 24, 1922 A-1 day 30 degrees.
Quiet in town. Howard left for Nancy on freight train
for Xmas week at home. Had big 15 lb. turkey dinner 5 PM,
Kelly and Cannon guests for Xmas dinner. Played phonograph
“Ma” danced to the ragtime music. No snow in Wasilla.
December 25, 1922 A-1 mild weather.
Xmas at Wasilla, quite a few in for mail. Self got a pair
shoes from Mattie, 3 lead pencils from T and P Co. Gave Mattie
$25 in gold. Ate on the 15 lb. turkey. Got Watson mail
no letters from Stanley. Got letter from Roe Herning that
dad wants me at home. Eric Larsen spent Xmas with the squaw.
December 26, 1922 Another spring day
20 to 30 above. Got 3 ton flour via Seward,
hauled same to store warehouse with Matt’s truck. No snow
in Wasilla the California of the valley. Pete Johnson drove
to Hughes ranch for coal box. Old Fleck home.
December 27, 1922 A-1 day snowed 1”.
Sold Pete Johnson horse gear outfit for coal hauling at Moose
Creek. Bogard in with 2nd lot pig meat. St. Clair’s
went to Anchorage, Sam Kelly section boss while away. Eva
got Vida’s key.
December 28, 1922 A-1 day evening colder.
Biz slow today had 1 order for Curry. Sostad and Cyanide
Charley back from Anchorage also Forty Mile Miller with all the
dope about his girls. Ptarmigans coming down from mountains,
several spotted in town today. Paul Hansen in for fittings.
December 29, 1922 Cold wave zero to -12.
Cold wave after 12 days of spring weather. Mine Ellexson’s
returned to Knik. Trade coming from Palmer over completed
Wasilla - Palmer Road. Sam A. White outfitting for beaver
hunt.
December 30, 1922 Second day cold wave
zero to 22. Put up fly to deflect heat from balcony in store.
White Bros. gave Fleck Bros. and dad dinner party at the Aureen
bungalow. Sold out on onions and barrel butter. O. C.
still talking Helen.
December 31 1922 Cold wave 18 to 28 below.
Cold wave put a crimp on biz everybody inside. Mattie
visited on Wagner’s. O. C. busy talking about buying silk
stockings and dresses for Helen. Stanley spending school
vacation in Seattle. A. R. Com. thru hauling timber to W.
Creek Mine Road.
1923
January 1, 1923 Zero weather. Very busy
day in store everybody on the market. Stanley at Pullman
College 2nd year. Ma and Dad making the dough at Wasilla
Alaska. No passenger train today account of wreck at Potter
Creek. Cold wave broken by easterly wind.
January 2, 1923 Biz good. Put up 1 order
for Eska 1 for Nancy. AR Com. left with 4 horse team
to dismantle Palmer wagon bridge. Boss contractor on Kelly
Mines tunnel visited said they preferred to trade in Wasilla.
Got the bank in Anchorage. School opened again. Weather
much warmer. Sold White bros. order. Two letters from
Stanley.
January 3, 1923 Ulsh in from GB
Willow Creek after Hughes team, Hughes let Road Com. have them.
Howard Madsen back to go to school but lost his boarding house.
St. Clair’s back from Anchorage no operate on ear. Frank
Watson, Sam Kelly’s Inside partner here for more clothing going
to Alfred Creek for the “Pope” outfit.
January 4, 1923 Sent price list
to mining operation in Chatenika Dist. Fairbanks. Reported
deal for Mabel Mine to the Gugge Censincated. Not enough
snow in Wasilla to sled. Chris Fleckenstein home from Cat
hauling at Baxter's Coal Mine. White Bros. left for beaver
hunt on Iditarod Trail.
January 5, 1923 DuBois new manager
for Fern Gold Mine on the market bought $13 worth hardware.
Paddy Marion in from Consolidated Mine. Got out-mail, ordered
tents, tobacco, alls, etc., from Portland. Got Swift’s Xmas
meats. Tom Aureen returned to Wasilla, Anchorage NG.
January 6, 1923 Biz fair zero weather.
Andrew Sostad manager Fern Gold Mine left for States, Mr. DuBois
new manager. Zink and Babcock went to Anchorage. Gus
hauling out local freight to mines, only one on the job.
Bill Hughes went to the hospital. Mrs. and “Six Shooter Bill”
working on section. Fleck’s and Vida went to Knik.
January 7, 1923 Quiet in town, -18 in morning.
Rae and Paddy went out to get sample ore for new company.
No one in town but Cyanide Charley, Sam Kelly, Old Tom and Tom
Aureen. Mattie visited on Cannon. Big feed, milk toast for
supper. Cut my hair with duplex hair cutter.
January 8, 1923 Zero weather. Old Tom finishing
up lower floor of his pool room. PM no mail. Train
was to leave Anchorage 6 PM now 11 PM and no train. Weather
moderate after 2 day zero and below. Mullen in town bought
a pig, out of the freighting Biz.
January 9, 1923 Sold all of Bogard’s dressed
pigs. Mail train arrived early this morning no OS mail.
Had 2 strangers from Junction to trade. Mrs. Larson and
family beat it on last nights train for Montana had trouble with
St. Clair’s over mink, so reported. Now only 4 kids in school.
Al Davis arrived to inspect the Wilmoth Co.
January 10, 1923 Zero and below all day biz
fair. Otto arrived from GB Mines going to hospital on
account of rupture. Davis towed Wilmoth off on south train.
New man here from Anchorage to spend vacation, moved into Aureen’s
cabin. Trix in from Palmer bridge for nic-nacs etc.
January 11, 1923 Wilmoth back from
Anchorage, said live wire would take over his store, wanted
to sell store to K. T. Co. Got NW mail, heard from Stanley
while at Seattle on his Xmas vacation. France moved 18
train loads into Germany to force them to pay war indemnities.
January 12, 1923 Cold snap broken, +20.
GB shipping freight teams in from Matanuska. Hartman out
with his car. Mrs. Wilmoth making a grab of property to protect
money loaned to Wilmoth Co., expect buyer Monday to take over store
building on accounts. Signed Cannon bond on
account Wasilla judge.
January 13, 1923 Biz normal, +14. Mr.
Williams back from Fern Mine. Got 1 order from Willow.
Looked over road on account of hauling wood with auto truck road
OK. Received book on physical training by 100 experts.
St. Clair working up a dance for Old Tom’s new building.
January 14, 1923 Quiet in town +20. PM
hauled in 5 ricks wood with auto truck, about 2” snow.
Shorty shift boss at Jonesville Mine, year ago running around
with auto sled. Wilmoth Co. cleaning house on account of
buyer for biz tomorrow. Mattie helped to haul the wood and
had to “pull grass”.
January 15, 1923 Cold again, -20. Judge
Conroy and Capt. Gaikema arrived from Anchorage, also a Mr.
Swanson and wife with Jerry Murphy to buy out the Wilmoth Co.
Fred Nelson through at Fern Mine. Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik
for supplies.
January 16, 1923 Hartman drove
car to Fishhook Inn. Got word William Hughes died 5 PM
15th at Anchorage hospital. Boys moved MLD piano into Old
Tom’s pool hall account dance on Jan. 20th. Ordered seal
and recording stamp for Wasilla new Commissioner F. B. Cannon.
January 17, 1923 Warming up 1” snow.
Joe Conroy, Nick Gaikema, Murphy, Fred Nelson and DuBois left
for Anchorage. Mrs. Wilmoth went to Anchorage to stop sale
of Wilmoth Co. buildings, Davis sold them out. Prospective
buyer for Wilmoth Co. biz returned to Anchorage. Orchestra practice
at pool hall.
January 18, 1923 Biz slow, +20. Elks
Excursion passed through to Fairbanks today. Bill Hughes
was buried in Anchorage Cemetery today. Wasilla bunch back
from Anchorage. Rae claimed to have organized a new mining
company.
January 19, 1923 First heavy snow, +30, about
8” fell last night. Fries went out to build Fern assay office.
Shoveled snow all AM off walks, made out paper order L. and H.
Snowing heavy in Broad Pass Dist.
January 20, 1923 Cold wave on.
Ellexson’s and Wilson in from Knik to attend MLD dance.
Two teams up from Matanuska. Edlund, Sam and O. G. furnished
music, 50 present, dance in Tom’s pool hall to be. Dance
broke up 3 o’clock.
January 21, 1923 Had a rush from dancers that
stayed over. Quiet in town, -26 PM and evening, zero all day
a foot of snow and good sledding. Car Healy coal came for
Fern Mine. Ma full of dance sandwiches Pa full of cake.
Retired early.
January 22, 1923 Chinook on, +38. Biz
good. Got Alameda mail 2 letters from Stanley back at
Pullman State College. Both Hughes and Wilmoth families failed
to return home. Got meats and hardware orders. Sprinkle
of rain.
January 23, 1923 Chinook wind +40 at noon +32
in evening Biz a little slow today. Consolidated
team took out $145 grub order. Judge Cannon appointed Ellexson
as Hughes administrator. Hughes family in Anchorage, wont
come home, Cannon going to “look see” tomorrow. Tex Cobb
in town. Snow half gone.
January 24, 1923 Chinook weather. Biz
slow. Got 7 sacks spuds from Moffat for W. Creek Mines
at $3. Train south 4 hours late snow above. Reported
Mabel Mine will open Saturday by “Gugs”. Snowed 2”.
Larson wants to sell his squaw cabin near Wasilla.
January 25, 1923 Train north 2
hours late, got mail off Watson. Got letter from Clara,
Roe married and will nurse father. Father still holding
on but growing weaker. Cannon back from Anchorage with Hughes
family. Hartman started to haul coal to 28. Letter
from Stanley.
January 26, 1923 Biz good. Horning here
to open up the Mable Mine for the “Gugs”. Got out order
for drugs butter and groceries. Hughes family here. Gus
in with span of mules. Bogard in for forage. warmer.
January 27, 1923 Cold wave on, -18. Biz
fair got 3 orders from north. Hartman took Horning - Mabel
Mine crew out to government barn with auto truck then by Lander
stage to Mabel Mine. Tom Babcock went to work for Mabel
Mine. Hart proved up on his homestead.
January 28, 1923 Snow squalls all day, about
1’ in Wasilla with 4’ to 8’ s now at mines. Bogard
in with vegetables. Hartman made trip to government barn with
load of coal. Cabins now full up with bachelors, 3 new men arrived.
Cannon fixing up Shough cabin for U. S. Com. office.
January 29, 1923 Snowed all day, plenty now
for coal hauling but roads blocked at W. Creek Mines.
Three miners quit work at Consolidated Mine account snow slides.
Otto Langel back from Anchorage with rupture repaired. Cleaned
walks all day. Hartman quit coal job too much snow for auto
truck.
January 30, 1923 Biz good busy in store all
day. Ellexson in looking after the Hughes family.
Mrs. Wilmoth busy at U. S. Com. office. Lander and Gus in
for freight, roads blocked above Fishhook Inn, snow slides quite
numerous. Stanley at Pullman State College, one year ago he was
at Nancy.
January 31, 1923 Biz good. More snow,
+24, roads blocked. Howard down from Nancy to pay bill
and trade. Report came Mrs. Richard Lander had a baby.
Mrs. Wilmoth reeling off their debt troubles. Hughes family
returned to Cottonwood to pack up household goods.
February 1, 1923 Biz fair, +28. Got NW
mail letter from Stanley, made high scores at rifle shoot at
Pullman vs. NH. Ephim and Esi bro. and boy arrived to hunt
moose on Little Susitna. Wilmoth Co. sparing to save something
out of the wreck, witnessed sale warehouse HW to his wife
account of money loaned him. Cannon busy recording.
February 2, 1923 North Dakota blizzard, +34.
More people out today than usual and in a wet snow storm.
Got fruit and onions off NW, meats and clothing left at Seward?
Had CD haul Wilson’s bobsleighs to depot for shipment to Moose Creek.
Hartman got 2 ton Republican truck, broke down coming from depot,
Lander hauled her in. Cleaned ice off roof.
February 3, 1923 Yesterdays blizzard turned
to rain last night, warm all day 40 above. Lander took out
Mabel Mine merchandise. Gus in for Fern Mine. Busy all
day in store. Hughes family moved into Larson cabin.
Wind and rain settled snow down ½. Wilmoth resigned
as PM so reported by wife. Hartman went to Anchorage
February 4, 1923 Gus took out load groceries
for various mines. PM oiled store floor. Russell
snow plow went north 8 AM. Soft all day, +40, evening
windy. Al Welch here said he saw Stanley in Seattle Xmas
week. Chris Fleck home. Trusty went OS on last
NW. Ma not feeling good.
February 5, 1923 Horning and Richter
went to Anchorage. Both Mabel and Consolidated Mines shut
down account of snow slides. Ed Mullen back from Anchorage.
Ed reported that Hartman was doing the town. Fred Nelson in
for more supplies, 30-40 above.
February 6, 1923 Bogard in for mail, loaned
his team to Coal Co. Bought 10 sacks spuds from Moffat
for Fern Mine, price $3 cwt. Old Hogan in from Consolidated
Mine with a pig squeal. Sent order for Multigraph printing
outfit from Cleveland Ohio.
February 7, 1923 Biz normal 28 above.
Got order from W. Creek Mines. Trucked over meats etc.
from depot. Tom Aureen now janitor at school. Hughes
kids running wild over town. Six Shooter Bill and Sherrell
out moose hunting. Sam Kelly and Otto went to Anchorage
took usual bath? Fern Mine took on more help.
February 8, 1923 J. J. O’Brien out from
Knik to present his bill against Hughes estate. Harrison
in from GB trail camp. Kelly back from Anchorage.
Simeon in with moose meat first this winter.
February 9, 1923 DuBois in with gold brick
and for supplies. Cloudy and chilly all day. Aug
Swanson up from Junction to trade. Chilligan opened RH
at Houston. Patzack gone south. Sent for dope on the 1½
ton White truck.
February 10, 1923 DuBois, Fern
mgr., went to Anchorage with gold brick. Ellexson in with
moose chunk for Hughes family. Crew off evening train ate
dinner at Hartman’s. Engineer Logan stuff placed on order,
now living at Curry. Self not feeling good bowels failing to function
February 11, 1923 Quiet in town. Fleck
crowd went to Pittman with dog team. Gus in for coal and
supplies for Fern Mine said it cost him $450 to open road to mines
after late snow storm. Hartman still doing Anchorage.
Took round of calomel feeling better tonight. Balanced on
ledger 1922 accounts.
February 12, 1923 Chinook wind 45 above
all day. Biz fair water running, cleaned ice off walk.
Seward passenger train hold up account of snow slide, no mail.
Alameda freight due at Wasilla tomorrow if they clean out the slide.
CH Wilson in from Knik to trade. Trix in town making ready
to go to Honolulu Creek to put in bridge removed from Palmer on
Matanuska.
February 13, 1923 Biz fair, 24 to 34
above. Pete Johnson here from Moose Creek after Hughes
bobsleighs. Fleming in from Cottonwood for merchandise.
Delayed passenger arrived 9:30 PM, P.O. did not open mail.
Otto back from Anchorage, Hartman back from Anchorage.
Mrs. Wilmoth in hospital with broken arm at Anchorage. Harrison
moved to his ranch. Budd returned from States.
February 14, 1923 Biz good, 10 to 30 above.
Got order from W. Creek M. for 2 cases meats. Freight train
did not stop at Wasilla, our freight laying at Anchorage.
O. C. Miller now prospecting on coal below canyon mile 11 Wasilla
- Willow Rd. Got phone from Price at Talkeetna, wants more
pipe and no. 1 giant. School kids giving out valentines.
Got mail, no letter from Stanley.
February 15, 1923 Blew a gale last night
and today, 10 to 40 above at noon. Otto in town convalescing
account of operation for rupture. No passenger train north
today. Biz slow marked a lot of new hardware. Half
car of groc. due tomorrow.
February 16, 1923 Wind dieing out, 30 above.
Gus in for Fern coal. Got part of Alameda Feb. 10th freight
sugar and flour put off at Anchorage? Talk of a new hotel in
town. Sent back small size underwear to Black Mfg. Co.
ordered 40 and 42 sent 36.
February 17, 1923 Marked up L and H goods.
Hartman went to Anchorage with chickens? Dance on at Fairview,
didn’t go, self and Mattie not feeling good. Mrs. Ellexson
in from Knik with snowshoes etc. and took in the dance.
February 18, 1923 Quiet in town, 20 to 30 above.
Put up small order for Mrs. Ellexson. Marked what groceries
and tobacco delivered balance due tomorrow 10 days from Seward.
Reported new management for railroad. Col. Steese to take
Col. Mears place. Posted on books account of income tax
report. Mattie got lame back, clear and colder.
February 19, 1923 Biz good, temperature zero.
Got half car freight, 10 days from Seward. Gus team in
for more coal. Johnson, Rae-Wallace engineer arrived also
Milo Kelly. Hartman back from Anchorage after selling his chickens,
brought 1 chicken home had a broken bone. Pacific Coast in grip
of storm. Terrible storm in Seattle 15 above and snow.
February 20, 1923 Hugo Johnson visited
waiting for Gugs to go to Mabel Mine. Mrs. Williams talking
of building an up to date hotel. George Clyde in with furs
from lower Little Susitna. Cold wind all day.
February 21, 1923 Windy all day. Ulsh
down from GB Mines, paid Jan. account and left $50 order for hardware
and clo. Bill Long back from Knik with Wagner’s horse had
1 sack spuds, balance froze in cellar. Natives moving south
with their moose meat. Williams, Dunn and Cyanide Charley
went to Anchorage. Talk of new hotel on the rounds.
February 22, 1923 Biz fair, 30 above. Got big
mail off NW, several letters from Stanley, got answer to my
letter. Horning back from Anchorage to open Mabel Mine.
Rae back from Anchorage. Mrs. Hartman and Fleck back from
States. Wilmoth gave notice of resignation as Post Master at
Wasilla. ARC went to Honolulu to put in cable bridge.
Fern man arrived.
February 23, 1923 A-1 day 30 above. Bert
Farris shipped to Houston to haul freight for GB. Lander
in for Mabel outfit. Got 1st installment of NW freight.
Put up order for Mabel Mine. Wind died out fine today.
February 24, 1923 Cloudy, busy as usual.
Ellexson in from Knik with Mrs. St. Clair, Indian Jim
and Nicoli. All Natives left for Eklutna with their moose
meat. Snowed 4” in 2 hours then cleared up, stars out. Swept
off walk 11 AM. Wasilla-ites looking for new Post Master
no one wants it. Horning went out to re-open Mable Mine.
February 25, 1923 Quiet in town, 34 above.
Gus in for last of Fern car of coal. PM and evening worked
on income tax report. Jobbers we buy from no. 43. Mine
Alec returned to Knik. Cloudy. Indian Jim and son gone into
camp at old camp ground.
February 26, 1923 Snowed 3” last night.
Sent 1 sack and box grub to mines via Houston on account of sledding
out pipe for Hugh Price. Lander in for Mabel Mine. Worked
on income tax report. Got letter from Clara about father’s
condition, Roe and wife taking care of him, growing weaker.
Got balance Alameda freight left short.
February 27, 1923 Thawing today, PM blizzard
for 1 hour. Cyanide Charley left for GB Mine. Forty
Mile Miller in from coal prospect mile 10. Sent out spring
seed order to come on Alameda March 17th to Anchorage.
February 28, 1923 Sun shown in east window
and set over Lucille Creek. Ellexson in from Knik.
Wasilla-ites busy with post office. Wasilla Club sent
message to Washington D. C. about closing the office. Albert
Madsen left Houston with Hugh Price to pack out hydraulic pipe
on Grubstake.
March 1, 1923 Partly cloudy and cold
10 below. Dunkle arrived to take charge Mabel Mine. Fern
outfit in late, manager DuBois going OS. Woldson, principal backer,
made a house cleaning on arrival at Fern Mine, men sent
back, through at Fern Mine. “Mine Alic” paid some of the Hughes
bills.
March 2, 1923 Finished income tax report 1922:
Income $5.075.43, expense $2,900 paid tax on $2,175.75 at 4%
= $87. Ellexson returned to Knik. Edlund got a loan?
off St. Clair. Up till 2 AM on tax report. Me eat
sawdust.
March 3, 1923 Cloudy biz normal. Got
order from Mabel Mine and Houston RH. Sugar raised now
12½¢ by lb. and $11.50 sack The two society
ladies went to Anchorage. Gus in for freight Mrs.
Rowe up from Fairview. Soft weather.
March 4, 1923 Mattie took a bath. PM
took a rest by packing $120 order for the Mabel Mine.
Quiet in town. Fleck crowd dancing in Uncle
Tom’s place. Good sledding out of Wasilla, 20 above zero 10 PM.
March 5, 1923 Got OS
mail and part of freight Otto Langill left for GB Mine
after recovering from rupture operation. Talk of telephone
to Willow Creek Dist. Dan Sutherland wired from D. C. to get
new Post Master sent in his name. Willow Creek Mines got half
car groceries. Letter from Stanley.
March 6, 1923 Temp. 2 to 62 above. Gus
went out with Fern outfit, bought last order in Anchorage, owes
us for January and February bill. Sun warm through day
cold nights. Paid accounts to date. Swen paid back bill.
Fleming in for merchandise also asked for credit, no get ‘em.
March 7 ,1923 Cloudy biz good.
Got 2 orders from mines. Mr. Williams visited said he
was going to build a $20,000 hotel in Wasilla. Got phone
call from Price at Houston, got the hydraulic pipe he wanted at
Grubstake Mine. Saw Eames on train said Cannon could take the
Post Office, Cannon wants Mrs. Trix to take it.
March 8, 1923 Wind and air full of snow
today. Morse, Schilling man arrived.
Congress adjourned 4th. President Harding went to Florida
for Mrs. Harding's health later coming to Alaska? Wind died out.
Consolidated team left with forage for mine.
March 9, 1923 Snow squalls
all AM, real March weather. Schillings man left for Talkeetna.
Got delayed spuds dry goods and butter. Paid Winchester
balance due on 423# porker. Mattie troubled with ache
in shoulder again. Price shipped 52 hydraulic pipe Houston
to Talkeetna. Wet heavy snow. Jno. Trix here from Eska.
March 10, 1923 Snow squalls. Put
ton OS spuds in basement. Snow up to windows at
Fishhook Inn. Roads blocked above RH at mines. Several
Wasilla-ites and flappers attended mask mall at Junction this evening.
Mine Alec from Knik here to take in the ball. Snider will have
a Ford truck on run.
March 11, 1923 Cloudy. Biz fair
AM. PM marked clothing. Hills and American Tobacco
men arrived from north on freight. Nellie Hartman went out
to run Fishhook Inn. Wasilla-ites won prizes at Matanuska
masked ball. Mrs. St. Clair and Heinie Snider and Mrs. Ellexson
returned to Knik via Cottonwood, road blocked from mile 7 to Knik.
March 12, 1923 NW left Seattle with full passenger
list. Paul Hanson and Jno. Burr in from mines.
Zero last night and freezing all day. Vic Blodgett here
from Anchorage to attend sale of Hughes property.
March 13, 1923 Biz good. Bank deposits
over $1,500. Stanley at Pullman College. Got order
out for auto truck accessories. Dunkle in from Mabel Mine.
Got material on hill to work mine then snow slides covered
tram. Thirteen ranchers in to trade. Fred and Ben
in for mine supplies.
March 14, 1923 Cloudy and squally.
Biz fair got 3 orders from north on railroad. Made up
last of hydraulic pipe got by Hugh Price at Grubstake Placer
$633.90. Forty Mile Miller in from his coal prospect.
Roads blocked again above Fishhook Inn. Zink selling Kelly
Mine supplies to Hartman. Vic Blodgett went to Knik to bid on
the Hughes gas launch 15th.
March 15, 1923 Biz slow. Got OS
mail letters from Stanley, like spring at Pullman. Wasilla
dancers left for Eska. Henry Dohrman in town. Sent
Price bill for pipe bought. Zero weather nights. Got
order ready for north freight
March 16, 1923 Bogard in
for supplies, had same sent to Junction account of having no
team. Vic Blodgett back from Hughes sale at Knik, Vic bought
the launch, Mine Alec got the cow but few at the sale. Put
in bid on Harry Stevens outfit at Broad Pass.
March 17, 1923 Cloudy biz slow.
Got 5 orders on north train from Willow to Curry. Shipped
½ ton feed to Bogard at Matanuska. Vic Blodgett returned
to Anchorage. Game warden here smelling around. St.
Patrick dancers back from Eska. Shorty Gustafson left for trip
OS . Hartman went to Anchorage with another “toothache“.
March 18, 1923 Mine Alec here over Sunday,
helped St. Clair to pen off his breeding mink. Chas Marino
over from government farm to trade. Cloudy temperature
30. Packed 3 orders for Willow, Curry and Gold Creek
on spring orders. “Ma” got the Wasilla blues.
March 19, 1923 A-1 day biz normal.
Ellexson and George Stellar returned to Knik. Sent 3
orders north. Got out grocery order. “Mr. Toothache”
and “Broken Arm Turkey” back from Anchorage. Joe Conroy
and brother up from Anchorage to fix up Cannon’s recording books
etc. Next boats due at Anchorage 23rd. Mr. Ingram stockholder
in Consolidated Gold Mine arrived to look her over.
March 20, 1923 Freezing temperature, 70 in
sun. Gus in, roads blocked again above 32. Judge
Conroy and brother returned to Anchorage got out
hardware order. Got ½ ton spuds from Bogard ranch via
train from Junction. Sent bank mail etc. by Conroy.
March 21, 1923 Got order from Willow Creek
Mines to go by express. Cold wind all day. Train
south 4 hours late. Ed Holland here for small outfit via
Houston. E. B. Sparling on train via Anchorage after hunting
trip above Chickaloon Dist.
March 22, 1923 Cold all day. Got check
to cover hydraulic pipe sold to Hugh Price, Cache Creek.
This makes $2,077.10 worth of hydraulic pipe, sold about ½
of plant. Cannon and Mrs. Wilmoth had a tongue lashing over
Post Office. Cannon wired in to Washington D. C. that he would
take over the office that Wilmoth resigned. Esi and wife in town.
March 23, 1923 A-1 sunny day. Sent 3
orders north train. Cannon took over Post Office, will
move same into Shough cabin April 1st. Wilmoth outfit very
“tame” today over Post Office racket. “Ma” lost her dog.
First boat due at Anchorage tomorrow.
March 24, 1923 Cloudy. Come and go trade
all day. Wilmoth went to Anchorage looking for a job?
Heinie Snider advertised a Ball at Tom’s Pool Hall on 31st.
Mattie out calling at Mabel cabin. Cannon taking Post Office
instructions. “Ma” still looking for her dog?
March 25, 1923 Cloudy 30 to 40 above.
Quiet in town. Cleaned front windows in store. Mattie
visited on Mrs. Wagner PM. Big mail due tomorrow. Alameda
due at Anchorage today. Ice allowing first boat of season.
March 26, 1923 Sold Tom Aiken $31.10 dog fish
and tallow for Trix via Kobi. Got Alameda mail. Fired
agent Gibbs for Consolidated Mines and Frank Churchill arrived from
Seattle. Wilmoth back from Anchorage, got a job in hardware
department of B and H Co-op. Gaffney, Ball brand man, here for
orders. Mail from Stanley at Pullman. Sparling back from
hunting trip above Chickaloon.
March 27, 1923 Gave Ball brand man an order.
Mine Alec in from Knik. Churchill bought $30 order of
grub and went to Knik with Wagner’s horse. Woldson, Fern
man, in. Gus in for freight. Got road open again to
Fern Mine. Gibbs left for Talkeetna Mine.
March 28, 1923 A-1 spring day, water
running in street, snow going fast in Wasilla, still good sledding
out of town. Busy all day in store. No orders from
north today. Fatty Hughes and sister down from Eska.
Bailey visited on way from Curry to Matanuska, said big hotel was
completed and up to date, built by A. E. Com.? Temp. 30 to 70
today. Gus hauling for Fern Mine.
March 29, 1923 Biz good.
Sold Sparling prospecting outfit. Spring seed grain arrived.
Tom Babcock went to Anchorage. Moyer - Harding party arrived.
Only local mail today. Wasilla Avenue getting bare, snow
going fast.
March 30, 1923 Sparling left
for Willow Creek Dist. via Houston. Sent Stanley check
for April expenses. Flappers having a time in pool hall.
Wilmoth Co. bought door bolts to lock her up before going to Anchorage.
Ma had attack of pain in rectum had to lay down.
March 31, 1923 Got balance of Alameda freight
on train from Fairbanks, some railroading? All fools dance
at pool room, orchestra from Eska. Half of crowd was from
Eska and Matanuska. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Mrs. Fleck
and her boys and girls at dance. Ray Jacobson leader of orchestra.
April 1, 1923 All fools day. Snow going
fast in streets of Wasilla. A few flappers and Eska dancers
still in town. Post Office was moved to the Shough cabin.
F. B. Cannon now Postmaster. Took down fly over balcony, only make
fire in furnace these days. Easter Sunday.
April 2, 1923 Cannon opened
Post Office in Shough cabin. Several farmers in for seeds
ordered. Gus and Lander in for freight. Sledding on
Wasilla streets about done. Mrs. Hartman in from Fishhook
Inn. Ed Mullen here to receive his yoke of steers from Outside.
April 3, 1923 A-1 day biz normal. Busy
all with small local trade. Fleming and wife out from
Cottonwood. Joe Palmer back from Nelchina Dist. With
3 live martin, took them to Scotty Allen homestead for fur farm
on Wasilla Lake. Wilmoth cleaning store and house before going
to Anchorage to work for B and H in hardware department. Finest
kind of weather.
April 4, 1923 Another perfect day. Patzack
down from Houston. Albert up from Junction to pay past
account. Matanuska flooded with snow water. Wasilla
Avenue now bare. Ed Mullen’s oxen arrived from States.
Mattie cleaning balcony with a merry kick. Fred Winter
over to trade from Susitna Station. Wilmoth quit Wasilla,
the old bird still here.
April 5, 1923 Seward train held up due to snow
slide, arrived Wasilla 11:30 PM with NW mail. McNeil
and son arrived. Mr. Olsen, compressor man, arrived from
Kelly B. D. Mine. Al Crocker in from ranch looking for work
on section. Mr. Blowhard Foster left on north train.
Fred Winter returned to Susitna.
April 6, 1923 Got NW mail, 2 letters
from Clara reporting father very weak and all having the flu
in Minnesota. Chas Taylor here with Hughes 2 teams from
coal hauling, said road was gone. Sam Kelly left for Cache
Creek to work. Barns in from Consolidated Gold Mines.
Dave England in for grub also “Big Eyes”.
April 7, 1923 Water running today. Stanley
at Pullman 2nd year Washington State College. Busy all
day in store, mostly Native trade. Lou Gaston and Oscar
Wile down from Honolulu Broad Pass Dist. David Barnes went
to Anchorage also Gaston? Heinie Snider’s Ford truck arrived
for Willow Creek Mines.
April 8, 1923 Snow all gone on Wasilla Avenue
and Main Street Wasilla. AM helped Mattie finish cleaning walls
and ceiling over balcony in store. Lord Carnarvon got poisoned
while opening Tutankhamun tomb 1335 B. C. Howard Carter
excavated for 8 years before locating the tomb found in tact with
all kinds of gold and ivory ornaments etc. valued at millions.
PM took walk down to Lake Wasilla. Snow going fast. Lander
in from 32.
April 9, 1923 Cloudy busy all day with
small orders. Gus and Fred in. Consolidated Gold
Mine had grub come from Pacific Grocery, passing K. T. Co. up.
School election 16 votes cast Snider treasurer, St. Clair director,
Oscar Trix clerk. Abe Reising in said Bill Moffat had suicided
at his ranch mile 7. Using wagon to haul freight to snow
road out of town limits.
April 10, 1923 A-1 day snow all gone
Wasilla depot to town well. Biz good. Metz, Bogard
and Ellexson in to trade. Cannon went down to Moffat ranch
found Moffat in bed, used 30-30 to end his life. Neighbors
brought body to Wasilla store, same in our oil house until buried.
Rutter moved into Aureen’s cabin. Evans in at Anchorage.
April 11, 1923 A-1 day temperature 70
at noon. Bogard in for more feed and seed grain.
Miller made coffin for William Moffat ready for burial tomorrow.
Consolidated team in town, A. Drummer the skinner. Ben Marino
in town nursing kink in back. Had argument with Mattie about
pessimists and optimists “our side won”. Eva here with dog
team said it was last trip no snow.
April 12, 1923 A-1 day biz good sold
$400 worth of seeds and forage. Bogard cleaned up his
seed grain and forage. Supt. Hansen and engineer Gotswold’s
visited. Three work teams went north today. AM William
Moffat laid at rest in Wasilla Cemetery 1st buried. Raining at Seward
this AM.
April 13, 1923 A-1 day biz fair.
Got delayed fruits and paint from last boat. Mattie finished
cleaning balcony and re-arranged tables etc. Doherty digging
a well. Frost out of ground on Wasilla Ave. Our coal
bin empty got 5 ricks (4 x 8 x 16”) to haul if snow off road on Sunday.
April 14, 1923 Biz lively all day.
Gus and Barnes in. Consolidated Mine got a new rock crusher.
Alic Wasilla went to coal camp on Little Susitna to hunt, Jim
and son out there. Got 1 order from Chulitna. Rutter
going to drive Heinie’s truck. Woldson, Fern backer, left for
States. Alameda due.
April 15, 1923 Cloudy, windy last night,
drying up and frost out on streets by store. PM oiled
store floor and hauled in load wood with auto truck near Lake
Wasilla. Last year first car out on May 10th first car to mile
28 on May 16th first car to mile 31½ on May 23rd, this
spring 3 weeks earlier in Wasilla. Fosket in for oats. Snow
road gone out as far as Mullen’s ranch. Mattie pulled grass.
April 16, 1923 Partly cloudy. Busy
in store all day local trade. Got OS mail, letter
from Clara, father failing. Madland, Seattle hardware
man, here up till midnight on future orders. Paddy Marion
in from Mabel Mine. Moose Hank back from visit OS.
Late evening snowing ground white again. Ed Mullen ordered shoes
for his oxen.
April 17, 1923 Snowed 2” last night, ground
white again. Drumer, driver for Consolidated Gold Mines in.
Got auto truck repairs from factory. Snowed 8” at mines.
Gave 2nd order for drop shipment of tobacco. Partly cloudy
freezing nights.
April 18, 1923 Snow all gone again in Wasilla.
Got 3 orders from north on railroad. Got car of freight
off Alameda 15th hardware forage and meats clothing and groceries
to come. Rae and Marion went to Anchorage. Patchell
returned from work at Honolulu bridge. ARC boys moved piano
back to school house.
April 19, 1923 Hauled over auto truck load
freight car to store 1st haulage. Rd. dry to track.
Miller making fancy front for old Tom’s pool room building
Gave McNeil order for 10 ricks wood. Chris Fleck back after
repairing Cats at Anchorage shop. Stanley at Washington State
College Pullman Washington.
April 20, 1923 Sam O. White back
from Skwentna River Dist., caught 60 beaver. Chris Fleckenstein
started to overhaul AEC Cats and trucks. Sent 3 small orders
north. Doherty got water in his new well. Paid Seattle
invoices over $1,200. Freezing tonight.
April 21, 1923 Cloudy biz normal. Jake
Metz got his seeds. Lander, Wasilla knocker, in for freight.
Hauled in 2 loads wood with auto truck, road part frozen
and mushy. Fred Nelson back from trip to Cache Creek.
Col. Mears through, last trip over road. Dance on at Fairview.
April 22, 1923 Windy 42 above. Quiet
day dancers all sleeping. Opened up hardware and priced
same. Streets dry in Wasilla. Rufe made trip to Knik
and returned. Clarence Marsh down from Eska. Snider
made deal with Rutter to drive his car vs. Marsh. McNeil sawing
wood and catching rats. Ma weighed 150.
April 23, 1923 Got Watson mail. Dunkle
arrived from Kantishna Dist. Tom Conroy with three Natives
here to look up “Lost Mine” near Theodore Slough? Got letter
from Stanley about auto trucks. Eddie Heinbach and father
arrived from States, not crazy? Rush in store after train.
April 24, 1923 First spring rain. Hartman
made 1st trip to mines, only got as far as Mullen’s ranch.
Local trade fair, shipped $44 order of seeds to Junction.
Dunkle went out to Mabel Mine. Light rain all PM and evening.
Got men’s hats and caps for spring trade, groceries and clothing
still at Anchorage. Frost out of ground.
April 25, 1923 Partly cloudy. Biz
normal marked some new goods. Mrs. Fleming and Mrs. Ellexson
in from Knik mounted, returned with small saddle pack. Several
trying luck trout fishing. Several want to rent cabins, all
cabins occupied. Two GB miners arrived via over Fishhook Pass
1st to come out by pass. Answered Clara’s letters.
April 26, 1923 Biz fair cloudy 40 above.
Gus in for freight. Got order from Mabel Mine.
Harry Yago arrived, bought grub outfit for his mine at head of
Willow Creek. Nick Brake and Oscar Anderson back from States.
Got Camps record of exercises on phonograph. Wilmoth working
for B and H. Mr. Williams visited said he was going to Curry
Hotel.
April 27, 1923 A-1 day 40 above partly
cloudy and cool. Yago and partner left for Willow Creek.
Hartman made out to mile 10 with auto truck 20 days earlier than
last spring. All the ranchers looking for work on sections.
Priced up more hardware.
April 28, 1923 Engstrom over from Finger Lake
Dist. for seed grain. Got order for 1½ tons re-cleaned
oats from Junction - sold out. Tom Conroy and Natives back
from Theodore Slough on placer gold hunt. Chris trying out
AR Com. trucks. Truck went through depot platform no harm done
to car. Hans and team back from Willow Creek Mines. Sam
O. White looking for homestead.
April 29, 1923 Partly cloudy and cool.
AM biz rushing. Priced up more hardware and priced Schilling
goods and dry goods. Drove car up to Cannon’s for Mattie,
then drove out to 16 roads heavy, frost not out yet. Section
men from Wasilla, Pittman and Houston in to trade. Hans Frydenland
arrived from GB Mines through hauling. Eighty cases oil and
gas at Anchorage
April 30, 1923 Local biz good.
Warmed up some today. Farmers plowing and planting grain.
Got 500 gallons gasoline and Filson clothing, 23 days from Seattle.
Oil 50¢ a case cheaper than last spring. Chas Bartholf
and son arrived from California. Hartman hauled 10 passengers
to mile 28. Vic Blodgett in town. NcNeil catching
rats and rainbow trout.
May 1, 1923 A-1 clear day.
cold wind 40 above. Busy all day on monthly
bills. Sprouted 2 sacks onions. Dave Barnes and wife
in from Consolidated Mines. Rae and Paddy out with the baby
Cat. McArdle nearly burned up his root house trying to dry
it out. Roger Jacobson tuned MLD piano.
May 2, 1923 Biz good Mattie put
up two orders, Kelly Mines and Virginia Mining Co. George
Bailey visited. Mrs. Fleck, Dunkle and Horning went to
Anchorage. Sam O. White building a cache on his homestead.
Mrs. Wilmoth visited for her hand bank and papers in our safe.
May 3, 1923 Still freezing nights. Mattie
priced up Filson and Fleschner clothing. Finished packing
more orders. Hartman had 5 passengers went to mile 13,
Martin’s camp. Old Hart starved out wanted credit. Got
letter from Clara, father very weak. Joe Palmer on martin ranch
on Lake Wasilla. Jess Garver went out to mines.
May 4, 1923 Partly cloudy. Busy
with local trade. Got 3 phone orders. Bert Farris
up from Junction. Wagner sowing his oats. Felch arrived
looking for orders. Hauled load Healy coal to bin.
Drove out to 16, roads about dried up fine in Wasilla.
May 5, 1923 Partly cloudy. Rae and Paddy
took their outfit away with the baby Cat. Trix gang back
from bridge work at Honolulu Creek. Herman in from Fish
Lake. Train south 7 hours late. Mattie all in with
the grippe. Felch still here.
May 6, 1923 AM busy in store everybody
wanting something. Felch still drumming for orders.
Hartman took out supplies for ranchers along Wasilla - Willow
Rd. Ma pretty flu-y last night, better this evening.
Freight with 4 passenger cars all lighted up went north maybe first
excursion 11:30 PM.
May 7, 1923 First real summer day.
Biz good. Bank deposits $1,935. Evans freight still
at Anchorage? Got first trip to 28 with 4 passengers.
Hartman got more time to “spark”. Old Stern quit work on
section. Tom Babcock got Henry Fischer’s horse. Farmers
through seeding, two weeks earlier than a year ago.
May 8, 1923 Second real summer day.
Biz good AM rushing. Bill Long went to Knik mounted.
Ed Holland in from GB Mine. Several coming out for spring
vacation and to blow in? Hauled away rubbish piled on track
lot by the Kelly gang 2 years ago. Drove out to Hans ranch.
Ma’s cold some better getting sassy.
May 9, 1923 Biz normal 70 above.
Several went to Anchorage and several got left on account of
change of time. Al Crocker went back to hospital with the
flu. Fixed holes on road to wood pile east of town,
drove car out 2 miles on Knik Road, dry but rough in places.
May 10, 1923 Partly cloudy biz slow.
No train north today. Waited for Alameda passengers due
tonight. PM got balance of Healy coal and hauled out
2 loads of coal screenings, put same in holes on road to Lake Wasilla.
Bill Long back from Knik. “Spots” girl here on usual visit.
May 11, 1923 Sold $100 gasoline.
Got meats and clothing that came on last boat a week ago.
Gill visited with party salesman in route to Inside, Black Bear
man along. Pat “Spud” Murphy brought in last night on account
of being crushed in cave at Fern Mine. Mattie nursing cold.
Dunkle and Horning up from Anchorage. ARC moved out to mile
7. First auto reached Fishhook Inn 13 days earlier than 1922.
May 12, 1923 Partly cloudy and warm.
Unpacked tobacco and overalls and marked same. H. A.
Brown back from States went to work on road. I. V. Miller
here to work on road. Old Tom quit section and went to work
on wagon road. Schneider over from experimental farm.
Drove car to mile 4 on Knik Rd.
May 13, 1923 A-1 hot summer day 72 above
in the shade. Usual Sunday, traders, drove car out as
far as Hartman’s ranch road dusty and rough. Road Com. camp
at Mrs. Dalton’s place graveling each way. Schneider and St.
Clair’s out fishing with Tin Lizzie. Gus in through hauling
at mines. Hartman took load freight through to Fishhook.
Mothers Day. Wasilla Lake open.
May 14, 1923 Got part of Alameda freight.
PM hauled out balance of coal screenings and hauled in 2 loads
rick wood. National Groceries and Seattle hardware
I. V. Miller started to cook for AR Com. camp at mile 15.
Birch trees leaving out farmers planting spuds. No mail train
today due to snow slide at 52.
May 15, 1923 Did some work
on auto truck, oiled springs, etc. Metz horse run away
threw him out and hurt his head. No mail train today due
to snow slide at 52. Gooding and wife moved over to Wasilla
on account of working for Road Com. Wilmoth chickens locked
up for past week nobody home. Trix established another road
camp at mile 32.
May 16, 1923 Got fruit and
1 box shoes in-freight today. Two mail trains today north
and south. Snow slide removed at 52. Jake Metz went
to Anchorage to see doctor for his hurt head in run away.
Morrison, GB Mill man, arrived from States. Fifteen passengers
for mines. Perfect summer day. Opened big mail
usual letter from Stanley. Gus went to Anchorage Fred and team
started work for ARC.
May 17, 1923 Biz slow. Western dry goods
man here. Vida Deigh’s mother arrived from States.
Three letters from Stanley wants to buy a tin car. Joe
Morris here after his pack horses, also bought 1 from Fosket.
Letter from Clara said father died May 1st at 1:40 AM after over
2 years suffering with bladder trouble.
May 18, 1923 Biz slow collections good.
Got big box Black Bear clothing. Joe Morris failed to
get away. Train had no stock car. Western Dry Goods
man, Fleck’s, Marsh and Fischer bunch doing town this evening.
Harvey took bunch down to Fleck’s looking for something to eat.
Got out OS mail. Payday on section.
May 19, 1923 Mrs. Hartman
in from Fishhook Inn red with strawberries. Bailey here
with Marshal, packed up Crabtree deserter from Anchorage jail.
Ma not feeling well flu cold low down causing constant coughing.
Answered Clara’s letter about father’s death May 1st.
May 20, 1923 PM showers with hail stones.
Quiet in town. Hartman overhauling old truck. Started
to set up Multigraph machine. Drove car out as far as Hans ranch
to give Ma an airing, rained heavy on ridge. Ma nursing her
flu cough.
May 21, 1923 Partly cloudy. Got 4 ton
freight hauled it all to store warehouse. Got letters from
Roe and Clara with details of father’s funeral, was buried in Eyota
Cemetery and mother’s body to be removed to his resting place.
Ma’s cold no better. Sam Guoyt arrived. Harry Dohrman
arrived. Col. Steese here on inspection of wagon roads.
May 22, 1923 Gave Sam Guyot future on canned
vegetables. C. H. Wilson went to work for ARC.
Lawrence in from ranch going to Anchorage to build office for
Road Com. Ma’s cough no better dry cough. Paul Hansen
in for meats. Bogard in.
May 23, 1923 Partly cloudy biz slow.
No mail south today. Marked up Black Bear new goods.
Harvey took 4 men to Junction to catch branch train to Anchorage,
Horning and Dunkle among the crowd. Hartman started to haul
Fern tank oil to mines. Ma’s cold a little better. Sam
Guyot waiting for train.
May 24, 1923 Biz slow. Packed Skarstad
order for mines. Wasilla school closed with picnic for
kids at Cottonwood Creek O. C. Miller fixing up Gus house
on Main Street. Ma’s cold a little better.
May 25, 1923 Biz slow. Mail train
north today off schedule. Had 3 small orders for north
freight, mail order for Curry. Drove down to inspect wood
cut by McNeil near Wasilla Lake. Got out OS mail.
Last mail to Stanley at Pullman. Rd. dry but rough.
Mrs. Wilmoth said creditors had all quit.
May 26, 1923 Weather cloudy biz fair.
Had 1 order for Junction. Announcement that spur railroad
to be built to Baxter Coal Mine. Phone line from coal mine
to Fishhook Inn. Mr. “Advance News” Lander in from 32.
Schoolmarm Miss Deigh left for Anchorage, school out. Drove
car out to Mullen’s ranch took out his roof paper. Ma’s cough
better.
May 27, 1923 Weather cloudy. PM marking
new hardware. Bert Schneider with party over from experimental
farm, drove over to mines. Several picnicking at lake today.
Harvey hauling around “joy riders”. Went to Junction PM
with the crowd. Hartman hauling gas. PM dry showers.
Stanley at WSC at Pullman.
May 28, 1923 Got OS mail, 2 letters from
Stanley, no mail for Ma for 2 weeks. Had quite a rush
after train. Road gang in to trade using Fred’s car.
Engineer for Kelly Mines arrived. Otto and Cyanide Charley
in from GB Mines. Drove car down to Pearson’s for spuds.
May 29, 1923 L. A. Levensaler
left to inspect Kelly Mines. Several Outsiders fishing
at Lake Wasilla. Paid taxes on Griffith lots. Self got touch
of flu cough, Ma about alright now. Thorpe and Brassell here
to go to their mines on Craigie Creek.
May 30, 1923 Decoration Day, closed PM
. Section men and ARC road workers had a day off, all in town.
Fathers birthday would have been 80 died May 1st. Post
Office closed today. Miller making bed for Hartman’s 2 ton
truck. Eddie took his truck to road camp.
May 31, 1923 Biz good. Took phone order
from Kelly for outfit for Colorado Creek Dist. Broad Pass.
Got Evans mail. Quite a few arrived going to Willow Creek.
Got letter from Stanley, will leave Pullman about June 9th for
Seattle and home. Lander back from Knik bought Fischer’s light
wagon.
June 1, 1923 Biz fair locally. Harry
Madsen left with grub outfit for F. M. Kelly associates for Colorado
Creek Broad Pass Dist. Joe Palmer started to work on section.
Gus painting his cabin inside on Main Street. Downey returned
home to prospect with Uncle Tom. Nose running today.
June 2, 1923 Cool and cloudy. Biz
normal monthly collections good. Levenselar and Dunkle
went to Anchorage. Otto went to Anchorage Olmsted family
left for Minnesota with $4,000 cleanup, two years work at Willow
Creek Mines. Hughes and McNeil families quarreling over stolen
money by kids. Sent last letters to Stanley.
June 3, 1923 Still cloudy and cool. Road
Com. about through graveling road near mile 7 north.
Worked on Multigraph machine, finally got it assembled and working.
Took a run out as far as Ed Mullen’s ranch, roads dry but rough,
too many big rocks in gravel. Pete Johnson visited. Several
fishing.
June 4, 1923 Partly cloudy cool PM showers.
Put up grub order for Uncle Tom? and Downey family going to Shough
prospect. Sr. Laubner brother arrived from States.
Two auto loads for Willow Creek. Armour and Sellers salesmen
visited. Passenger left off diner and sleeper today.
Otto and Aureen back from Anchorage. Ball brand goods arrived.
June 5, 1923 Rutter hauled
out Uncle Tom’s cabin and Downey outfit to 32, Lander took
them on to Shough Mine. Mrs. Donovan visited on everybody
in Wasilla, first time off ranch in 3 years, ha-ha- ha.
Fosket in for peanuts and cover for feather bed. Got out-mail.
Payday Foster in from mines also Paul H.
June 6, 1923 Weather cloudy.
Put up 1 order for Hurricane Gulch. Got several small
mail orders. freight from Seward, brought Alameda
freight forage meats and fall ammunition. Hughes kids becoming
a terrible nuisance around town. Dunkle went to Anchorage and
several others.
June 7, 1923 Light rain all last night.
Hauled Alameda freight, flour, forage, etc., depot to track
warehouse 4 loads. Schwabacher hardware man here looking for
orders paying cash for merchandise. K. T. Co. biz in demand.
Harvey got all the passengers for mines today. Busy all
day with small orders. Miller went out to mines.
June 8, 1923 A-1 day 70 above in the
shade, first warm day since May 19th. Busy with small
orders for mines. 10 PM Nell Hughes stole out of
Mabel cabin. Tommy McNeil saw Nell going through window,
told Otto and Otto caught them with the hand grip. Schwabacher
man went north.
June 9, 1923 Weather cloudy. Mattie
went to Anchorage. Busy all day in store. Lunch 1
PM dinner 8 PM oh what fun “Daddy” on the run. No freight
south due to slide above. Stanley through school at Wash.
State College year ending June 1923. Hartman changed engine in car.
June 10, 1923 Partly cloudy. Busy
all day put up 3 orders, Ferns, Grays and Mullen’s. Spuds
up planted radishes lettuce and carrots. Reported Rae’s
house broken into last night by Hughes kids. PM and evening
clear.
June 11, 1923 A-1 day 84 above in sun
72 above in shade. Second hot day this month. Busy
all day. Ma back from Anchorage and several for Willow
Creek. Drumheller arrived. Had a rush after arrival
of train. Got 2 letters from Stanley, should be in Seattle
now. St. Clair got a Tin Lizzie from Anchorage.
ARC help in to trade.
June 12, 1923 Temp. 62 above. Biz
normal busy all day. Bert Schneider and Pittman section
going in to trade. St. Clair’s out joy riding with their
Tin Lizzie. Harvey drove Mine Ellex in from Knik also J. J.
O’Brien and Irish.
June 13, 1923 Partly cloudy. Biz
slow. Opened up and marked new hardware Harvey
overhauled St. Clair’s car by our garage, cleaned out carbon and
tried to tighten crank shaft bearings. Took a spin down to Thorpe
ranch. Drumheller in from mines. Hughes family went
to Anchorage.
June 14, 1923 Dunkle's family arrived.
Got Watson mail, letter from Stanley, ready to leave Pullman
for Seattle. F. B. Cannon failed to open Post Office, Mrs.
Harman went to his house and reported him dead. Self and Tryck went
up, found him on bed partly undressed and sure dead.
Miller and self went up found his keys $35 locked door. Capt.
Gaikema and George Forest at mines.
June 15, 1923 Partly cloudy biz fair.
Williams the Anchorage undertaker arrived to take care of Cannon
deceased, helped him to arrange the body. Found $5.30 in
silver in his pockets, watch, eyeglasses on bed and half bottle
3-H (horse) liniment. Chris overhauling St. Clair’s
Tin Lizzie. Fern Mine out of ore let part of help go.
June 16, 1923 A-1 day biz fair.
Budd and George Forest in from mines. Budd went to Seward
to meet Mr. Thompson, backer of GB Mine. Forest took Rae to hospital.
Self went after Cannon’s body with auto truck, sent to Anchorage
for burial by I.O.O.F. Mrs. George Bailey and twins up to trade.
Carlson’s house robbed of $14. Capt. Gaikema returned to Anchorage.
June 17, 1923 Wasilla full of Anchorage people
today. Anchorage employees of AEC, Cond-Moore, 9 coaches
about 300 arrived for picnic and trout fishing. Three
parties took autos out to Fishhook Inn, train left 7 PM
for Anchorage. Sal Silverman visited and several others.
St. Clair doctoring his Tin Lizzie washed the bran out of radiator.
June 18, 1923 Partly cloudy biz fair.
No local freight Mr. Hubbel and G. B. Thompson arrived.
Don Rae back from Anchorage, doctor said he had consumption
and only good for 2 months more. Sold Krause and partner grub
outfit to run 180’ tunnel at Consolidated Gold Mine. Got letter
from Clara said Mr. Frank was appointed administrator of fathers
estate. Stanley on Alameda in route home.
June 19, 1923 Partly cloudy biz good.
Got 2 contract orders for mines. Groceries arrived, hauled
over and stored away 5 tons. St. Clair got his engine
cleaned up and about assembled. Jack Tomlinson in town.
Mrs. Sapp and children visiting the St. Clair’s. Pearson and
old Vail applicants for Post Office. Earthquake today.
June 20, 1923 Cloudy biz normal.
Train south 6 hours late on account of big mud slide above
Curry. L. Ladu hikers arrived on way to Fairbanks left
here 11 PM north. Helped to put engine in St. Clair’s car.
Lady arrived from Ruby. Krause left for Consolidated Mine
on tunnel contract.
June 21, 1923 Train north
4 hours late. Mayor Conroy and Chas Isaac arrived.
Busy most of day marking new goods. Got letter from Judge
Ritchie about Wasilla Commissioner and Post Master said he had
O. G. in mind but was told I wouldn’t accept the office etc.
B and H wanted me to take sub-agency for Star car.
June 22, 1923 Partly cloudy biz fair.
Put up order for Nolan Hudson to prospect Miller and Newman
group on Willow. Mayor Conroy back from mines talked over
Cannon estate. Stanley should arrive at Seward tonight on
Alameda. Ma not feeling so well from flu effects. Sold
St. Clair a chime for his Tin Lizzie.
June 23, 1923 Partly cloudy biz normal.
Got phone from Stanley at tunnel, would be in Anchorage PM.
Ma left on PM train for Anchorage also Mayor Conroy. A.
Sostad and Lander in from hills. Harvey towing St. Clair’s
car to loosen her bearings up, out of time Chris fixed her.
John Tryck in town. Eska Coal Mine shut down.
June 24, 1923 Partly cloudy. Busy
AM marking new goods. Mrs. Wilmoth visited, asked if I
wanted Post Office, I said no. She had a petition for Howard
Wilmoth made out by Harman, I refused to sign it. St. Clair
practicing running his car. Sumner Smith and Frank Kelly visited,
Kelly moving to Anchorage. Ma and Stanley in Anchorage. Took
inventory of Post Office supplies $498.10.
June 25, 1923 A-1 summer day biz normal.
C. D. Johnson sold calf and heifer to “what for you laugh?”
Bailey left order. Car load machinery etc. arrived for
Gold Cord Mine. No mail train today. Ma and Stanley
anchored in Anchorage. Sent wire to Judge Ritchie against
anchor line up account of USC.
June 26, 1923 Stanley arrived home for summer
vacation from Pullman. Ma back from Anchorage. Eames
here to check up Post Office. Elder and Capt. Nick arrived.
Frank Forker in from Consolidated Mines closed down. Mrs.
Horning and Gene arrived from Anchorage. Got Alameda mail.
Drove out to mile 16.
June 27, 1923 A-1 day small trade all
day. Eames returned to Seward. No regular train today.
Mrs. Wilmoth crowing because Howard got it. Word from Judge
Ritchie said Wilmoth appointed U. S. Commissioner at Wasilla.
Albert up from Junction to trade and see Stanley. Cool nights
72 above in shade today.
June 28, 1923 Got orders
from Caswell, Montana, Curry and Colorado. Mail
train south today off schedule. Ma still feeling bum from
flu cold. Stanley helping in store, evening drove down to
Fleckenstein’s. Woods fire near Cottonwood and around Mother
Morrison’s ranch. Had a feed of cantaloupe.
June 29, 1923 Partly cloudy biz fair.
Put up prospecting outfit for Elder, going pocket hunting on
right hand fork of Grubstake Gulch. Mail train north got Evans
mail and Alameda freight. Reported war department has taken
over railroad. Bailey up for supplies from Junction.
Got Swift’s meats and Very Best meats etc. Very dry, rain needed
for strawberry crops. New daily paper Anchorage started by
miners.
June 30, 1923 A-1 day biz above normal.
Bogard in for feed. Capt. Nick returned to Anchorage.
Gibbs in, left traveling man in charge. Gibbs on way to OS
. Consolidated Mine shut down temporary. Fourth train
load of Mayo silver ore passed through for States. Reported Wilmoth
threw up taking the PO and US Com. at Wasilla, too many against him.
Offered Post Office etc. to Gerrit Snider wouldn’t have it.
July 1, 1923 Partly cloudy. Stanley and
self took out steering gear for assembling new worm on truck.
PM Stanley went to Junction to see Albert. Self on monthly bills,
got them all out by midnight. Blind man spoke at school house,
gave gold ring on voting contest, Elizabeth Snider won it, Mrs.
Vail was next. Boat party on lake for blind man. St.
Clair got a flat wheel.
July 2, 1923 Hot day biz normal.
Mr. Snodgrass here checking up Wasilla ranches for government
map. Regular train north today. Stanley looked over
P.O. on account of Mrs. Harman wanting to quit her job. Reported
Wilmoth coming Thursday to take over Post Office.
July 3, 1923 Hot day, 76 in shade, biz
good. Several in town, PM company train for employees
went to Anchorage. ARC road help in for fourth to
trade. Stanley and Harvey took swim in Lake Wasilla.
Willow Creek Mines got a bunch of groceries from Schwabacher Seattle.
Six Shooter Bill went to Anchorage for the fourth.
July 4, 1923 Weather cloudy. Ma
went to Anchorage to finish chiropractic treatments for nerves.
Store closed all day. Got out-mail and yearly license sales
for fiscal year: $37,720.86, $500 more than last year. PM
assembled steering gear on car. Kids at school house, 11 PM went
out to 28 with Ed.
July 5, 1923 Biz fair light trade all
day. Fourth of July celebrators returned from Anchorage.
Sparling in from Willow Creek prospecting for placer.
Stanley and self drove car out to mile 2, hung a bunch of red bananas
on bush, tell Wasilla now the banana belt. Got letter from Ma in
Anchorage.
July 6, 1923 Ma at Anchorage. Biz
fair put up prospecting order for Otto. Sparling returned
to Willow Creek via Bald Mt. trail. Drove down to Donovan’s ranch,
they picked first lot of strawberries, got 3 quarts and some green
stuff, took Six Shooter along and talked up the rabbits. Ingram
returned to the mines.
July 7, 1923 Biz fair cloudy. Budd
and Thompson in, went to Anchorage light rain much
needed for farm truck but not at mines. Herman in, bought
grub outfit for Caswell prospect. Wagner drove up with lame
back. Rufe quit work on station. Johnny Burr left for
trip OS . Patzack in from Lucky Shot. Ma at Anchorage.
July 8, 1923 Rain biz fair AM. Stanley
and self drove Miller out to his ranch, had dinner got back
6:15. Several in from GB Mine. All at GB Mine want
out on a strike. Played the phonograph. Ma at Anchorage due
home tomorrow. Hartman took Rufe and family to Knik. Good
rain part of PM. Took “usual” bath.
July 9, 1923 Biz normal Ma back from
Anchorage. Byron Bartholf Sr. and Mable Bartholf arrived.
Quite a few new men for GB Mine owing to strike did not go out.
Thorpe’s arrived, left for prospect on Willow. President Harding
and party on way to Alaska left Tacoma July 6 on transport Henderson,
first U. S. President to Alaska.
July 10, 1923 Biz as usual. Wilmoth
took over Post Office from bondsman. Self took inventory, cash
short $13.75 but remittance July 1st to draft of $62 over will cover.
Finished Otto’s order. Fred in from road camp to trade.
Ma now the cook and barber. Stanley working in store.
Al Walters over from Palmer to trade. Crops doing well.
July 11, 1923 Weather fair AM rain, PM
biz normal. AM busy with mail acts like rainy season
was on. Miners at Lucky Shot Mine struck, mine closed down
men want $5 per day, wages are $4.50 to $5. Miner wanted
to leave my placer mine. Otto and partner left for Willow
Creek to prospect.
July 12, 1923 Weather cloudy. Two auto
loads of miners arrived from Lucky Shot Mine on account of
strike. John Smith and son C. B. Smith arrived from States
to operate old Gold Cord Mine under a 5 year lease. G. B.
Thompson back from Anchorage. Frank Forker here to do annual
assessment. Got Watson mail, letter from F. B. Cannon’s niece
about deceased. Heavy rain 11 PM. Strawberries on market.
July 13, 1923 Rain biz normal.
President Harding arrived at Seward AM today, at Anchorage
9 PM, due here noon tomorrow. Admiral Rodwell came on speeder
to fish tomorrow while Presidents party go to Chickaloon coal fields.
Stanley to be guide for Admiral Rodwell. Made Wasilla sign on ash
bank. First President to visit Alaska. Midnight clearing.
July 14, 1923 A-1 day biz normal.
Smith and son went to Anchorage. President Harding train
arrived 1 PM on way north. The President and wife got out
and shook hands with everybody. Jas Patchell gave President
basket of strawberries and all kind of berries etc. AM Stanley
had Admiral Rodwell out on Lake Wasilla trout fishing caught 10
lbs.
July 15, 1923 Electric fishing party
arrived from Anchor, Bill Stolt, Stanley’s WSC schoolmate
along. Stanley took a party of 4 out to mile 12 and return.
Hartman got his big truck working and took load iron out to 16
RH. Worked some on printing outfit. Made out Smith’s bill.
July 16, 1923 Smith and son back from Anchorage
to open Gold Cord Mine. Willis Whitridge here from Anchorage.
Admiral Hugh Rodman phoned, wanted Stanley to go fishing on Lake
Wasilla. Set type for store paper. Strawberries on
market today 50¢ quart.
July 17, 1923 Hot day. Biz normal
got freight off Alameda and Watson. Harding Special returned
1 PM from Fairbanks, 3 days ahead of schedule. Got out store
paper visited “Strawberry Issue”. Drove down to Donovan ranch to
see strawberry patch, treated to strawberry shortcake and lemonade.
Roads dry.
July 18, 1923 Cloudy biz slow got out
orders etc. Sent Mrs. Harding our July store paper.
Re-assembled steering gear on car and took up play in joints front
wheel gear. Gold Cord couldn’t find all their goods and re-ordered
but it was there. Had big feed of mammoth strawberries.
July 19, 1923 Partly cloudy and hot.
Biz slow mailed a lot of store papers on north train.
Nel Hartman in from Mile 16 RH inspecting her 2 ton truck.
Joe Conroy up from Anchorage had papers appointing me administrator
of F. B. Cannon’s estate. Stanley and mother visited
on Wagner’s. Strawberries on the market every train day 50¢
quart.
July 20, 1923 A-1 day got out-mail. Fixed
on car for trip to government farm dance, took Mrs. Wagner and
C. D. Johnson, had trouble with gas going over, got home 3 AM
Saturday, about 100 present, good music and lunch. Harvey
brought in 4 boys from mine 16 went from Wasilla.
July 21, 1923 Hot day 80 in the shade.
Dunkle and Babcock went to Anchorage. Farmers delivering
strawberries to every train 4 times weekly. Overhauled carburetor
on truck, found magneto connection loose. Doherty, Harman
and Wagner signed up as appraisers on Cannon’s estate. Only
3 hours sleep last night due to dance.
July 22, 1923 Perfect day quiet in Wasilla.
Stanley took up crank shaft bearings on truck car. PM drove
out to Mabel Mine, 21 miles, looked over Mabel Mill, Horning was
there coasted back to Fishhook Inn. Had supper me Mattie and Stanley,
Ingram and wife were there. Made trip home in 1 hour 20 minutes
car run fine.
July 23, 1923 Temp. 80 in the shade.
Biz fair collections good. Finished mailing list of store
paper July 19th. Times recopied our store paper with
comments up to the minute. Arthur Madsen rode up from Matanuska
on his bike, stayed all night with Stanley. McNeil paid last
of Old Knik account.
July 24, 1923 California weather 80 to
90 in the shade. Arthur went home PM on freight left bike.
Jack Chisholm and Eames in town. Mrs. Wilmoth came in our
store and told Chisholm to stay away, wouldn’t allow him to inspect
their odds and ends of merchandise. Ordered batteries etc.
for radio set.
July 25, 1923 A-1 hot day 90 above.
Got order from Gold Cord Mine. Jno Smith went to Anchorage
for pick ups for Gold Cord Mine. Three tourists visited,
ex-judge from Montana jubilant over Alaska and K. T. Co. store
paper. Siwash trade sold $40 worth and a gun. Drove down to Thorpe’s
place. St. Clair’s there shooting “labbits”. GB Budd
left for OS .
July 26, 1923 Still hot. Biz good.
Train 1 hour late. Got Evans mail. Ulsh back from
Anchorage with full force to re-open Lucky Shot Mine wages to
be $5 a day. Jno Smith returned from Anchorage Auto
stages busy took 3 trucks to haul miners and baggage. Mrs.
Sal Silverman visiting Wasilla. Albert and Arthur up from
Matanuska. Reported that Mrs. Capt. Ward died at Anchorage.
July 27, 1923 ARC Cat took
out 2 big wagon loads of lumber to Willow Creek. Farmers
here to meet the salmon run, no run as yet. Ordered post
cards from Sylvia at Seward. Ma not feeling well awoke
2 AM this morning with an all gone feeling. Ma preserved
12 quarts strawberries today. Took a ride to Hans ranch rabbits
thick.
July 28, 1923 Hot day biz slow.
Lawrence - Long Reynolds AR Com. help back from finishing bridge
at Honolulu Creek. First salmon run. Drove down to railroad
bridge on Cottonwood Creek to watch the salmon run everybody there.
Delivered 300 lb. fish salt at Fleck’s. Had big beef roast.
Conroy and G . B. Thompson left for Anchorage and Mrs. Silverman.
July 29, 1923 Bailey family in new Ford car
up from Matanuska and drove to mountain home. Herning family
drove truck over to Palmer 12 miles then down Toat Rd. to Matanuska
visited on Madsen’s. Had dinner at Hotel Allen. Roads
dry but rough in places. Got home 7:30. Had one mishap
knocked down gate on Toat Rd. Palmer to Junction. No run salmon
today.
July 30, 1923 Cloudy and hot evening
thunder and lightening light rain. She’s a darn good
thing Jimmy broke a piston ring going fishing with his Tin Lizzie
no salmon run today only a 50% pack on Cook Inlet. Got forage
and meats delivered today. PM re-packed grease in transmission
and differential on truck Fishing party arrived.
July 31, 1923 Partly cloudy and hot.
Stanley drove Miller out to his ranch Arthur went along.
Old spuds about gone got 2 sacks off Fleckenstein’s. Marsh,
foreman at ARC camp-one, quit the job. Drove down to Stern’s
ranch got 7 quarts strawberries at 50¢ quart. Only 4
salmon run today. Arthur returned home.
August 1, 1923 Hot day 86 above.
Biz normal worked on monthly accounts most all day. War
prices on between auto freighters to Willow Creek cut fares to
$1.50 baggage free. Drove down to Stern’s for crate strawberries,
stopped at railroad bridge, no fish running then drove to Thorpe’s
place, a few fish there McNeil and St. Clair had in a trap.
Leonard Grau in from Mabel Mine.
August 2, 1923 Biz normal made out order
for harness gear. Second run salmon today, drove down
to bridge to see the run. Wire came 9:45 that President
Harding died at 7:15 PM at San Francisco today effects of ptomaine
poisoning eating crab meat July 30th at Seattle on the transport Henderson.
August 3, 1923 Put up order for Fred Crocker
for hauling out his mining timber to wagon road. Got
out order for harness gear. Drove out to Miller’s ranch.
Got out-mail for OS . Paid for fall ammunition due 9/30,
less 2%.
August 4, 1923 Sent Clara local papers about
Presidents visit here. PM went down to wood yard,
finished road to wood and hauled out one load. Stanley and
self left after supper for mines. Made it out in 2 hours 15
minutes to 1st hogback on Hatcher Creek 21½ miles.
Parked car and walked over to Placer Mine, grass wet.
August 5, 1923 Sun hot, mowed grass around
cabins cleaned up cabins and tool house. Took inventory
of tools, grub, etc., left mines 3 PM. Walked over summit
to car, came down to Fishhook Inn in ½ hour 5½ miles.
Ate supper, drove in to Wasilla in 1 ¼ hours arrived at Wasilla
7:30. Four and one half hours Grubstake to Wasilla. Traveling
time 3 hours 45 minutes.
August 6, 1923 A-1 day got fruit and
mail off Alameda. Capt. Nick Gaikema up from Anchorage.
Got first copy of miners paper publication in Anchorage.
Calvin Coolidge swore in as President of United States August 3rd.
Presidents body shipped from San Francisco to Washington D. C.
August 4th. Arthur here for a visit.
August 7, 1923 Stanley clerking for K. T. Co.
Hartman rushing out freight to mines. Ingram and wife
in town fishing. Salmon still running everybody got a pack.
Stanley figuring going to Kemper College in Missouri. Drove
down to Pearson ranch. Old spuds punk new spuds too small.
August 8, 1923 Biz normal light trade
all AM. Tom Conroy and Capt. Gaikema returned to Anchorage.
Mrs. Spaulding here for a visit from Anchorage. Alameda
freight of 4th arrived this evening at Wasilla, 4 days for delivery
45 miles. Shipped 3 small orders north. Stanley repacking
trunk for college.
August 9, 1923 Partly cloudy. Had 3 truck
loads of freight arrive groceries, hardware and tents, stored
away same. President Harding’s body moved from Capitol to
Marion Ohio today funeral tomorrow. Got Watson mail.
Got new lot post cards. Received dope on high school etc.
at Atascadero, California.
August 10, 1923 Partly cloudy. Stanley
and Leonard found two 46’ poles for radio terminal.
Priced tents etc. Road Com. re-grading on Wasilla - Palmer
Rd. President Harding buried 3 PM today at Marion Ohio his
home town. Silver ore train off the track near Fairview school house.
August 11, 1923 Biz good got mining order
from Lee Johnson. C. B. Smith went to Anchorage.
Stanley took O. C. out to ranch. PM autoed in 3 ricks birch
wood. Attended dance at Forest Hall went with Harvey. Hartman
took Marsh and Fleck girls. Strawberries off market. Forty at
dance.
August 12, 1923 Received wire 9 AM from
Clara, R. C. Smith killed, herself and Alice injured not
serious. No details but we take it as an auto accident.
Harman, Wagner and Doherty appraised Cannon’s estate. In
going through boxes in house found a will leaving all his property
to his nephew. F. B. Cannon ________ and myself executor of
will without bond.
August 13, 1923 Largest order was from Lee
Johnson prospecting on Shorty Creek near Lucky Shot Mine.
Standard Oil man here to look over Willow Creek Dist. and operators.
Sam Fischer’s man arrived. C. B. Smith back from Anchorage
also Tom Conroy. Gus hauled out big load feed to RH.
August 14, 1923 Cloudy biz fair. Stanley
went o Anchorage via Junction to have his teeth fixed and draw
school money. Gave Sam future order for canned and dried
fruits. Drove Sam out over Knik Rd. to mile 3. Wilmoth
put up new sign reading U. S. Com. and Recorder. Usual shave.
August 15, 1923 Partly cloudy.
Busy in store got orders from Elder and Sparling on Grubstake.
Elder reported he found pay. Stanley at Anchorage got reservations
on SS Alaska for trip OS next Sunday. Sam Guyot and
Standard Oil man left for Anchorage wanted me to handle oils for
mines next season. Drove down to Johnson’s ranch for spuds.
Got 1st raspberries.
August 16, 1923 Temp. 78 above.
Biz good. Stanley back from Anchorage H. E. Krause
bought another outfit for driving another tunnel for Consold.
Mines. Sent word to Sam Kelly clerk wanted for winter months.
ARC got camp at Wasilla Creek on Wasilla - Palmer Rd. doing
upgrading. Indian Jim moved into Larson cabin.
August 17, 1923 Hot 80 above, 7 PM 70
above. Joe Brassel here from mines.
Stanley and mother all packed up for trip to California.
Figure going by auto car from Seattle to Atascadero, California.
Sam Kelly arrived from ARC camp Willow to work for K. T. Co.
Fine weather for hay making says C. D. Gave Stanley $400 account
car in Seattle.
August 18, 1923 Biz good 70 to 80 above.
Pete Wilson in with Fred’s car. Harvey went to Anchorage
Hartman doctoring his cars. Stanley and mother left for
Atascadero California for Ma’s health and Stanley’s last year
in high school. Went to Seward caught Alaska this evening
for Seattle. Busy all PM in store. Sam Kelly went to Anchorage
got bump in eye splitting wood.
August 19, 1923 Hot busy AM in store.
Pittman section gang down to trade. Priced up insoles
overalls etc. Drove out to Miller’s ranch got dark before
arriving home, stepped on her just the same. Miller had 2,000
strawberry plants set out. Only slept 3 hours last night due
to eye. Ma and Stanley on SS Alaska south.
August 20, 1923 Hot day 90 in shade 115
in sun, corn weather. Busy all day till 10 PM. Put
up $66 order for Thorpe’s going to help Elder on Grubstake prospect.
Ulsh in, head cut by rock at Lucky Shot, Hartman took him
to Junction to catch train to Anchorage. Radio batteries
etc. arrived. Got letter from Sylvia saying folks got away on
Alaska but no reservation. Sam Kelly back from Anchorage.
August 21, 1923 Corn weather still on
90 in shade 114 in sun. Biz slow. Sent Thorpe's key
to cabin at mine. Sam Kelly commenced clerking for K. T.
Co. at $25 per week mess found. PM hauled over hardware and
clothing. Delivered Pearson’s roofing paper. Mattie and
Stanley about at Juneau.
August 22, 1923 Another hot day 90 above.
Siwash section men got their checks and paid back bills.
In office most all day on accounts etc. Mr. Hubbell from
mines asked for one of our store papers. Mr. Cats USGS down from
Inside went to Willow Creek. Senator Chamberlain here.
August 23, 1923 Biz normal temperature
70 to 80. Fire south of town, whole country fire near
Birchwood. In office most of day clearing up papers on
desk. Otto lost GB check through hole in pocket, evening
found it on Tommy McNeil. Ulsh with sore head back from Anchorage.
No mail only papers. Had grouse dinner at Hotel Hartman
today.
August 24, 1923 Warm day moon red. Biz
above normal. Lost my dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan visited
just at meal time took 2 hours to get rid of them.
Pittman section men arrived just at closing time, finally got a
meal at 8 PM. Everything working fine so says Cohen? Appraisers
signed up inventory for F. B. Cannon deceased. Standard Oil man
here gave Willow Creek 2 years to develop.
August 25, 1923 Hot day. Smokey
big fire west and south of town. Biz good. Redmund
“GB” in to trade. Recorded appraisers inventory of Cannon’s
estate. Leonard Grau delivered radio poles. Herman
placed $400 order for fox fence. Got another order from Nancy
for fox fence. Harvey had McNeil family out for a ride
now in the money. No barber me shave.
August 26, 1923 Partly cloudy smoky.
Got up 5:30. Sam and self drove down Knik Rd. to try
out Sam’s 16 ga., made 3 hits. Commissioner went out with
his 22 special to protect the birds? S. R. Capps back from
mines. Bailey and Schneider with 12 joy riders visited on
way to Willow Creek Dist. PM had a little time, made new moon
key broken in right steering arm on car. Supper at 8 o’clock
Ma and Stanley at Seattle. Snider and kids down to trade.
August 27, 1923 Cloudy smoky. Got butter
and baking powder and mail off Alameda also fruit and melons.
Received letter from Mattie mailed at Cordova, well and having
good trip. Drove down to Vail’s for vegetables. Hauled
over freight from depot. Received several letters from Seattle
biz houses complimenting me on store paper. Stanley and mother
in Seattle.
August 28, 1923 Cloudy temperature 70.
Biz a little slow, in office most all day. Cotter, game
warden, here no grouse served at Hotel Wasilla today. Self had
chicken dinner and green peas. ARC re-grading roads near
Hall and Junction making roads most impassable for autos.
Stanley looking up car for trip to California.
August 29, 1923 Rain last night 2nd rain
of summer. Partly cloudy and hot today. Biz good
got 4 big orders and several dinky orders. Gooding and Fleck
in with Cat and grader, finished at Junction going to move camp
in from Willow Creek, will start work on Knik Rd. September 1st.
Hauled in load birch wood. Otto went to Anchorage, Uncle Tom
went to Nuka Bay strike. Jess Garver and Laubner went to Anchorage.
August 30, 1923 Cloudy heavy evening
rain. Biz good. PM cleared big boxes from aft
of store. Put them in garage lot. Hauled load wood.
Paper mail only. Otto back from Anchorage. ARC gang
in from Willow Creek moved down on Knik Rd. 1923-1924 schoolmarm
arrived. A big wall of fire and all biz. 10 PM raining
hard.
August 31, 1923 Cloudy cooler 65 above.
Biz rushing ARC men in to trade. Got wire 10 AM Ma and
Stanley arrived 30th at Atascadero, California OK, bought
Oldsmobile in San Francisco and motored 600 miles to Atascadero.
Answered and sent papers. Grau started to dig holes for radio
poles. Bank deposit today $1,638.57 total in banks.
$2,899.79 bonds and cash on hand. Wrote to Ma and Stanley.
Heavy rain last night.
September 1, 1923 Leonard painted radio poles
and made bridle for antenna. Busy PM in store, hauled
over Black Bear clothing, spuds and harness gear. Delivered
300 lbs. groceries to Wagner’s.
September 2, 1923 Hot day, 72 to 80 above.
Joy riders day, Ma and Stanley joy riding in California.
Mopped house and floor and store and cleaned house. Painted
radio pole 2nd coat. Chas Marino over with team from government
farm. St. Clair’s, Trix and Harry Madsen with Eddie’s car
and Fleck’s all out joy riding. Drove down Palmer Rd. With
Sam after grouse, got nine. Finished monthly bills at midnight.
September 3, 1923 Labor Day. Partly
cloudy evening rain. Closed store 1 to 4 PM after train
had a rush all local people. Leonard raised radio pole by
store. Fat here, Harry beat him to it. St. Clair’s got
company from Anchorage drove them out to Fishhook Inn. Simeon
Esi drunk. Got letter from Sy with detail of R. C. Smith accident.
Clara and Alice had collar bones broken, Dick died in 20 minutes,
car rolled over twice babies not hurt. Letter from Ma and Stanley
Juneau and Ketchikan.
September 4, 1923 Cloudy biz good.
Got orders from everywhere today. Got antenna installed
and wired into store. Reported Harvey and Mrs. Hartman had
a scrap over passengers, Harvey got 8 and took them on to Junction.
School opened. Looking up radio instructions worse than auto.
Stanley and Ma in California.
September 5, 1923 First fall day, cloudy
and cool temperature 56 mild wind. Got 2 good orders
and a dozen small ones. Stallman, lineman, visited and
showed me how to connect up radio and operate instrument, could
not use the 6 volt battery tubes, called for 1½ volts.
Mrs. Hartman ordered Harvey to stay away from B. H. Judge Wilmoth
told him to go in? G. B. Thompson left for OS.
September 6, 1923 Cloudy 56 above. Watson
in, got letters from Stanley and Ma from Seattle said they would
go by rail to Atascadero owing to wash out on highway.
Over 100,000 people killed in Japan by earthquake. Young
Goosmar arrived to work on section.
September 7, 1923 Metz started to scrape out
for annex on north side of store. Sam busy on 2
orders. Harry Yago and wife through at mines. Hardware, groceries,
etc. arrived on Watson today. Raining hard. Had slaw,
2 fried eggs, French toast, Postum and pears for supper. Everything
working fine.
September 8, 1923 Metz finished excavating
for store annex. Lumber came from Caswell. Phillips
in from mines went to Anchorage. Set up radio instrument, tubes
would not light, maybe burned out, battery had juice. Otto
dug Cannon’s spuds, about a sack. Half dozen ranchers over from Palmer.
September 9, 1923 Cloudy busy 6 AM in
store. Marsh bought Eddie’s car. PM connected aerial
to radio set, tubes wont light. Cat pulling stumps on Knik
Rd. Hartman went out with big truck, light rain.
Chas Josephson in going OS . French toast for supper, Postum and plums.
September 10, 1923 Rain morning, drove
down to Vail’s for spuds. Sent $100 order to Caswell sawmill.
No freight arrived today. McAllen back from Anchorage.
Appointed on Japanese Red Cross relief fund. No mail from
folks yet now at Atascadero California. Defect on radio
not yet located. Japanese lost 200,000 from earthquake.
September 11, 1923 Light rain.
AM had Leonard and Vail unload car lumber for store annex,
self hauled it with truck. Biz fair another order from
Elder and Thorpe. Groceries, hardware, etc., at Anchorage
failed to come up. Drove out to Miller’s ranch brought him
in and 5 sacks spuds from Harts. Worked on radio 8 to 11 found
1 wire broken.
September 12, 1923 D. E. Stubbs down from Nancy
looking for fox ranch location. Placed order for fox fence
wire. Miller started to build store annex. Vail excavated
AM. Worked on radio, got a kick out of tubes. Murphy, Dupont
man here. Mrs. Al Davis died. First snow on the mountain
peaks.
September 13, 1923 Stubbs looked over Aureen’s
ranch and along Wasilla lakes for fox ranch. Jess Garver
returned to Willow to drive 50’ more of tunnel. Oil and
gas arrived via Seward. Japanese loss now reported only 90,000
account earthquake. Six Shooter Bill back from 2 months at Anchorage
broke as usual. Miller on annex 1 day.
September 14, 1923 Otto and self hauled over
100 cases oil. Fairview schoolmarm arrived looking for
credit. Wrote Stanley about radio. Third letter to Atascadero
and no letter from them yet. Car freight arrived, 1 week
from Anchorage.
September 15, 1923 John Smith in from Gold
Cord Mine, closed down, brought in all the grub left and wanted
us to give him credit on bill. C. B. got cold feet didn’t
like the rough necks. PM hauled over all the freight blocked
up for room. Smith left for California. Dance at Fairview.
Worked on radio no talk.
September 16, 1923 Rain all day.” What
for you Laugh” up to trade, has Consld. Gold Mining Co. team.
PM and evening priced up hardware and clothing. Road to
Matanuska impassable due to re-grade and heavy rains. One
more mile Knik Rd. graded. Miller worked on annex laid
off PM. Stanley at
Atascadero College Ma his cook.
September 17, 1923 Partly cloudy. Marked
up electrical goods. Several arrived for mines.
Got Alameda mail, train 1 hour late. Got 1st letter from
Stanley said Ma had written.
September 1, 1923 Clear, first frost.
Snow and frost in northern states the 12th. Got Ma’s first
letter from Atascadero with all the news, seems to like it there.
Put up order for Peter Murray. Eggs and onions sold out.
Moose Hank quit Road Com. going OS . Stubbs arrived from
Nancy to locate on Aureen’s ranch. Answered Ma's first letter
got 2nd class mail only.
September 19, 1923 PM helped Miller to paper
roof on annex. Mrs. Stubbs arrived from Nancy to join
her husband on Aureen’s ranch. Fred and Gaston in from
Knik road camp to trade. Tried out another combination on radio
tubes, failed to light.
September 20, 1923 PM helped Miller finish
paper on roof. McDougal returned to Fern Gold Mining
Co. Mr. Cole and wife here for weekend, staying in O.
C. Miller’s place. Vail hauling away boxes to ranch.
Got Evans mail no letter from folks.
September 21, 1923 Rain, got equinox
storm today, rain and wind and thunder. Section
men got their checks. Stubbs up from Aureen ranch deposited
$100 on ranch transfer. Wilmoth Co. bought Coleman lamp, Delco
on the bum. Dunkle went out to Mabel. Bogard in for
hog feed.
September 22, 1923 Snow capped mountains brought
quite a few in from Willow Creek. Train 2 hours late
due to wash out near Montana. Quite a few Wasilla-ites
went to Anchorage. W. C. Ingram left for OS . PM
helped Miller put iron on east end of annex. Clear and cold.
September 23, 1923 Partly cloudy.
Froze hard last night. Cleaned house and mopped the floor.
Helped Miller 2 hours on annex. Got east end completed,
window in. Marked wool clothing and socks from Black’s.
The Judge sawing wood. Pete Johnson in for feed for ARC, fixing
corduroy by Ralph Weiss place. Hartman hauled out load
rails for Willow Creek Mines.
September 24, 1923 Temp. 44 above. Worked
on bills and small orders all day. My 9/14 deposit sent
to Seward failed to arrive. Joe Palmer back from looking
over Paddy McDonald’s fox ranch at Anchorage. Miller got corrugated
iron on half of annex roof. OS mail no letter from Ma
and Stanley. Raining hard. Snow at Talkeetna.
September 25, 1923 Cloudy 44 above. Mabel
outfit in, closed down the mine. O. C. Miller’s birthday
66 years old. Poker game at hotel. “Brew” on in old Post
Office, some Judge. Miller laid off today to celebrate his
birthday. Harry Madsen visiting Fleck’s. heavy rain
all last night.
September 26, 1923 Cloudy, snow down
to timber line, Bald Mt. all white this morning. Adolph Olson
down from Kashwitna for winter grub. Mabel outfit left for
Anchorage. Choven and Oscar Ander out to inspect the Home
Builder Mine. Choven said they would have a broadcasting station
at Anchorage soon. Sent Smith and son a check to balance account.
Miller lost in poker game.
September 27, 1923 Stubbs bought Cannon’s cook
stove, phonograph and some tools. Only paper mail today.
Miller got part of north side on annex covered. Ground white
this morning, first snow off by 8 o’clock, freeze tonight.
Bill Long in for ARC supplies.
September 28, 1923 Cloudy 44 above. Nolan
Hudson drew his money, went down to visit Pete Murray.
Helped Miller put iron on north side of annex, let ‘er blow now.
Hauled Cannon’s stove down to Lake Wasilla for Stubbs, had on 1 chain,
had L time making trip. Lake rough so Stubbs got lantern and
mushed to Aureen’s place on lake. Getting windy. Supper at 8
o'clock had eggs and jam.
September 29, 1923 Thorpe’s and Elder in from
Grubstake. H. V. Redmond in for pick ups for GB.
Bunkhouse at Kelly Mines burned up. Got ma’s registered letter,
failed to put call card in box. Stanley didn’t enter school
until September 17th. Ma said that change was improving her
health.
September 30, 1923 PM took Kelly’s measurement
for suit, marked some hardware. Paddy McDonald here looking
over fur farms. Joe Palmer said Hartman wanted to stake
him 4 pair foxes on ranch. Miller on street end of annex.
Schoolmarm visited on Wilmoth’s. Clarence Olson got Eddie’s
saw.
October 1, 1923 Got mail off Alaska, registered
letter #2 from Mattie. Stanley and mother returned to Seattle
Sept. 28th, made change because Stanley couldn’t get the studies
wanted at Atascadero High School. Part of fox wire for Stubbs
arrived. Out of ham and bacon. Got write up in Pathfinder
about Wasilla news July.
October 2, 1923 Cloudy biz normal. Wells
Bros. sent down their pack horse to winter. Wagner tried
him out but said he was no good to work. Miller cut door
through annex to store. Paddy McDonald sold Hartman pair
foxes. Tried out radio again, lights wouldn’t work.
Mrs. Hughes back, Received case of Atascadero fruit from Mattie.
Jack Hammel here.
October 3, 1923 Cloudy heavy rain last night.
Parson and a Major returned from mines with big bag ptarmigan.
Paddy McDonald returned to Anchorage, sold 5 pair silver fox
at $600 a pair to Hartman and Stubbs. Miller finished east
end of annex inside. Got orders from Wells Bros. Colorado
on railroad. Ordered radio tubes. Made out order for Kelly’s
suit and me pants.
October 4, 1923 Cloudy evening warm wind.
Put up order for Colorado and Caswell. Got order
from Eska. Miller was all day on double doors from store to
annex. Delivered Doherty’s chicken feed. Dance tomorrow
night at Phil Allen’s Hotel Matanuska. Got Watson mail.
No letter from kids. Got radio tubes to light. Paddy
Marion in.
October 5, 1923 Reported washout on Seward
end no freight came through. Took out closet in Stanley’s
room to make gangway into store annex. Dance on at Phil Allen’s,
me good boy stay home. Schoolmarm, Harvey, St. Clair’s, etc.,
went on hand car. Marsh came after Fleck’s with car. Light
on but no talk on radio.
October 6, 1923 A-1 day first sunny day since
end of hot weather. Tobacco and hardware men here, bought
nothing. Busy on orders for last boats, couldn’t get time
to write to Ma and Stanley. Had letter started. McAllen
went to Anchorage with his wife and brother. PM took down furnace
and put in new fire pot. Tried radio, no ketchum anything.
Sold three $50 coupon books.
October 7, 1923 A-1 day sunny with warm
wind. Miller on furnace all day, cemented joints.
Opened up and marked quilts. Tried radio, got a click but
could not bring anything in. Read Los Angeles Sunday Times.
Martin Larson in town. Road Com. covering corduroy with gravel
by Lake Wasilla.
October 8, 1923 Small trade all day in
store, self busy all day on billing etc. Hartman took
Little Gems mining timbers cached in Wasilla for 3 years.
Got eggs, meats, milk, etc., still on ice. Bogard in to
trade. Miller finished hot air flue to store annex room.
No mail train today, rain.
October 9, 1923 Biz slow collections
good. Delayed train arrived, got registered letter from
Atascadero and one from Hotel Atwood Seattle. School kids
had enough of California, Stanley started Seattle high school October
1st. Otto and self got load sand, helped Miller joint hot air
pipes on furnace, now OK. Com. Henderson and wife here inspecting
school.
October 10, 1923 Sent Fischer Bros. order by
Bob Hatcher going to Seward. Railroad still out of commission
at head of Turnagain Arm. Humphrey and Mehern arrived
looking for orders. Helped Otto on sills of annex.
Pulled logs out of back yard with auto. Miller at ranch.
October 11, 1923 Gave Mehern order for soap
and candy. Pete Murray here looking for his last check
by Gibbs. Otto finished cement work time 12 hours.
No mail today got 2 papers only. Warm wind with a little rain.
Sam Kelly clerking for K. T. Co.
October 12, 1923 Cloudy and warm.
Sold Sparling outfit for Grubstake Gulch. Let him have
key to my cabin, gone in via Fishhook to get out mining timbers.
Car came today, milk, wire, meats and wallboard, one week from
Anchorage. Self hauled over 2 loads and stored it in annex.
Put new wick in gas lamp and got out OS mail. Snider siding
up Rae house. Windy.
October 13, 1923 Cloudy, finished unloading
car freight. Put milk etc. in store annex, Otto helped
me. Knik Lake broke out all Knik River valley flooded.
Trains from north stopped at Junction afraid to cross bridges.
Got car Caswell lumber. Card party on at schoolmarms house,
Otto star, guest Fleck’s went. Warm wind. Section gang
laid off.
October 14, 1923 Sunday store closed
all day. Had Otto and Tommy McNeil help unload car of
Caswell lumber, moved it all with Ma's truck to lot on alley
by garage. Snider moving his family down to live in the
Rae house so kids can attend school. Tried radio no ketchum news.
Read Alaska Weekly. Sold last gas lamp.
October 15, 1923 Cloudy biz normal.
Self helped Miller to nail on ceiling in store annex. Miller
had a fainting spell. No trains today, Peters Creek bridge
washed out. Old Granny Stubbs in for lumber. Mrs.
Hartman in from 16 RH. Six Shooter Bill went to work for Snider.
October 16, 1923 Cloudy, heavy rain last
night. Passenger train arrived with mail off NW
that visited at Anchorage Sunday. Peters Creek bridge out,
Seward line tied up for 2 weeks due to washouts. Bad storm
at Hope. Railroad line open from Matanuska north only.
Hartman stuck with big truck all day between warehouses, Cat pulled
him out then stuck in alley. Got letters from Stanley about
radio.
October 17, 1923 Cloudy evening rain.
Busy AM on mail. PM helped Miller finish ceiling in store
annex. Floor next and ready to move in. Got registered
letter from Mattie now located at 1726 15th Avenue Seattle Princeton
Apartments got all improvements but a radio. Orchestra rehearsal
at school house for coming dance, Wilmoth Eddie and St. Clair.
October 18, 1923 Car coal arrived, tried to
unload but too busy in store. Hartman bought bunch lumber
for Joe Palmer’s fox ranch. Got local mail only. Got
letter from Aureen about washout on railroad around Turnagain Arm.
October 19, 1923 Hauled 10
tons coal to bin. Had trouble with ignition fixed it OK.
AR Com. graveled road from store to railroad crossing. Sold St.
Clair lumber. Paddy and Nolan helped on coal six hours each
today. Otto on Rae house. Sent Mattie $25 birthday present.
October 20, 1923 Worked on car coal 4 hours
had to help in store. Miller completed laying top floor
in store annex now ready to use for merchandise storage. Cat
moved old lumber office from Harman’s to corner Boundary and First
Avenue. Sent wire to Mattie for hardware groceries and clothing.
Shaved and took a bath.
October 21, 1923 Partly cloudy heavy
rain last night. AM finished unloading car coal.
Had little time on account of customers wanting to get in store,
even Trix had an order. Actual time 13 hours in 3 days work.
Had 30 auto truck loads, car visited for 35 tons coal don’t believe it.
PM cleaned out new annex and oiled floor. Trix and Harman drove
down Knik Rd. Cold hotcakes and raspberry butter for supper.
October 22, 1923 ARC help in, also farmers
rushed in store all day. Miller went to ranch to winter.
Delivered Heitzner’s goods at C. D. Johnson’s ranch. Road
to railroad crossing full of mud holes. Stubbs got some
of his foxes. Got 2nd letter from Mattie at Seattle also
Shasta route views. Sam Guoyt arrived.
October 23, 1923 Partly cloudy.
Gave Sam order for fill-ins. Drop shipment of tobacco
arrived. Sam left in-freight for Anchorage. Carlson
about all in physically. MLD orchestra at practice every evening.
Me and Sam no play, busy with K. T. Co. Answered Ma's 2nd
letter. Dan Gray rented Aureen cabin.
October 24, 1923 Biz normal sold outfit to
Peter Traynor at Nancy. Issued first checks for F. B.
Cannon Estate. Chris, Jno Trix and Pete Nelson cleaning
up Cats and trucks for winter storage. ARC Gus in town.
Otto went to Anchorage. Schoolmarm asked me to be choirmaster
for next Sunday song service at school house. Wrote Matt a
few lines.
October 25, 1923 Found another loose connection,
radio still wont work. Stubbs in for supplies.
MLD orchestra still at practice. Wagner, Carlson, Stern
and Vail paneled on jury at Valdez. Trix and Chris grading
on Knik Rd. by Cannon’s ranch.
October 26, 1923 O. C. Miller on ranch.
Hauled 2 loads of old boxes to Kelly’s place on Boundary Street.
Ed Mullen cutting birch wood for Hartman near his ranch.
Trix and Chris run grader over road Wasilla to canyon to smooth
it up. Dave England and Fred Crocker in for merchandise. Sent
Herman balance of wire.
October 27, 1923 Partly cloudy.
Real spring morning. Farmers still plowing and clearing
land. Fred plowed 2 acres for Jim Hansen.
Downey and Babcock moved to Anchorage. Magaha left for
OS . Dance on at schoolhouse. Marsh brought over
19 in Eddie’s old truck, 6 from government farm, some 30 from Matanuska.
Self did not go on account of town tattlers. Mrs. Snider moved
into Rae house.
October 28, 1923 Another spring day temperature
50-60. Sold Tex Cobb clothing outfit. Hartman took out
Crocker and his outfit to mile 10. Marked drugs and put up
more shelving. PM hauled away all the old boxes aft store.
Reported there were 80 people at Halloween dance, had ghost show
and teddy bear, MLD took in over $40. Paddy went to Lucky Shot,
shot a chicken before going, ask Hartman.
October 29, 1923 Several here to trade from
Junction. Got Alameda mail. Got eggs only on Alameda
shipment, all the freight in Anchorage. Got letters from
Stanley and mother, had not received any my letters to Seattle.
Would arrive Seattle 21st on NW. Truck load passengers for
Willow Creek.
October 30, 1923 Cloudy warm wind. Biz
fair sold old Tom 2M feet lumber for kitchen off pool room,
delivered it with auto truck. Got car load merchandise at Anchorage.
Matt’s birthday. Ma and Stanley living in Seattle.
Wrote them all the society news at Wasilla. Miller in
from ranch.
October 31, 1923 Cloudy biz fair. New
agent arrived. Got car merchandise. PM got wire
from Mattie discovered “pay” was hay. All well in Seattle.
Light warm wind no freeze yet. Otto dug Cannon’s parsnips
15 lbs., Zink had swiped most of them. Paid Miller for
labor on store annex.
November 1, 1923 Cloudy. Otto helped
me unload car merchandise, put half in store balance in track
warehouse, canned and dried fruit, sugar and pay hay yet to come.
RR auditor checking up Agent Harman. Mullen wanted to
rent Cannon’s place for 3 months for $10. Old Tom building
kitchen aft of pool hall. Miller returned to ranch.
Eggs now 70¢ a dozen. Mrs. Haller left for Fern Mine to
cook.
November 2, 1923 Partly cloudy froze
a little last night. Biz good sold an order for Shorty
Creek aft of Lucky Shot Mine. Had 4 orders for north train.
Answered Stanley’s letter of October 19th. Put Babe in Slaid’s
barn. Red Top visited on Sam for peroxide etc., first time
in store.
November 3, 1923 Partly cloudy ground
froze crust last night. Busy AM on OS mail.
All the ranchers left for jury duty at Valdez. Crying spell
at depot, Mrs. Vail cried when she got aboard train and Harman’s
cried when they said goodbye to Wasilla so Otto said. Otto started
to clean up Cannon’s house.
November 4, 1923 Old Molly Stubbs around, said
lake freezing on shore. PM took down aerial and put up
#14 bar copper aerial, tried it out but got nothing. Darn
good Ford but a bad aerial. St. Clair’s out looking up fur
farm north of Bogard’s.
November 5, 1923 Cloudy snowed 2” last
nigh first snow at Wasilla. J. G. Johnson in for outfit.
Oscar Anderson went out to Lucky Shot Mine. Passenger brought
our apples fruit etc. Had 2 truck loads and all in by 6 PM,
Otto helped me. Got 2 letters from Mattie, 1 letter from Stanley.
Ma much improved in health. Big Watson mail.
November 6, 1923 Cloudy biz normal.
September weather today. Small trade all day. No
one at RH, Mrs. Hartman crying for trade. Mrs. Wagner and
old Hart visited. Abe Reising in had a slight stroke, going
to hospital, offered his ranch for $500.
November 7, 1923 Partly cloudy, snowed
a little more last night winter here. Biz fair collections
good. Sent 918’ boards out to 19 Longs ranch by Hartman.
Got several orders from up the line. Sold out on yeast.
Half car of groceries still at Anchorage. Sent papers to
Ma, Alaska due November 11th at Anchorage. Railroad open now
to Seward. Abe Reising went to hospital sold his lot to Dan Gray.
November 8, 1923 First cold snap Lake Lucille
froze up. Got railroad orders ready for Friday freight.
Marsh sawing wood with auto truck for Fleck’s. First passenger
train through from Seward since October 13th. New manager
of railroad due Sunday. Collected Moffat account from administrator.
Local mail only. Bogard in with pork.
November 9, 1923 Friday cloudy, around
freezing point all day. Put up order for Henry Fischer
Knik. Got court order to sell Cannon homestead.
No freight today, freight off NW still laying at Anchorage.
Sold 1st heating stove. Gus in for feed. Bogard sold
Willow Creek Mines 3 pigs and a beef.
November 10, 1923 Got mail off to catch Alaska
at Seward. Answered Ma's letters. Part of freight
arrived 7 days from Anchorage, hay, dried fruit and some groceries
yet at Anchorage McAllen and family in, went to Anchorage.
Long over from Herman’s ranch. J. J. O’Brien made application
for Pioneers monthly pension. Store away 6 truck loads freight.
Card party on at St. Clair’s.
November 11, 1923 Sunday cloudy this
morning. Third day of winter, Wasilla Lake froze over
last night. Kids and Otto were skating today. Bogard in
with beef for W.C.M. Put collar on Yukon stove and set it
up in Cannon’s house. Tried radio, no talk.
November 12,1923 Got ¾ ton order
from Fern Mines. Paddy Marion brought in from Lucky Shot
Mines, said to have pneumonia. McAllen back from Anchorage
did not pay Sept. or Oct. bills? Got Nov. 2 letters
from Stanley and mother, Ma much improved. Hatcher back from
Seward. Ed O’Brien here. Hans back from old country.
November 13, 1923 Heavy rain from midnight
last night until 8 AM today. Sold Ed O’Brien an order
of grub. Mrs. Wagner visited, wanted Cannon’s blankets.
Hatcher took his horse to Fleming ranch. Got pub. note
to sell Cannon homestead. Miller building old Tom’s kitchen
aft pool room. Warm all day.
November 14, 1923 Drove down to Vail’s for
spuds, crossings all out. Ed O'Brien left for home via
Anchorage. Hartman still hauling freight to mines.
Streets all ice from late rain. Rented Cannon house to Ed Mullen.
November 15, 1923 A-1 sunny day 30 above.
Biz rushing from two to a dozen in store all day. Sent
Wells his fruit order. AR Com. gang left for Colorado to
install a bridge. Fred Nelson took his team to haul timber.
Received Anchorage Weekly new labor paper. Kids skating
on Lake Wasilla but not safe.
November 16, 1923 Rained last night temperature
32 all day. Hauled ton feed to Cannon’s ranch for Ed Mullen.
Jas Heitzner went to Caswell to log for sawmill. Hauled
over ton flour, track warehouse to store annex. Hartman
hauling tank oil for GB. Good skating on lakes.
November 17, 1923 Rained last night glare
ice this AM. Sam Kelly stepped out his cabin and went
heels up, Mrs. Wilmoth did the same act, both nearly broke
their wrists. Biz good. All the young folks skating on
lake. Eddie delivered 10 tons Healy coal to Rae. Snider
house cold. Tom Aureen went to Anchorage
November 18, 1923 Sunday partly cloudy
temperature 40 like a spring day. Busy AM in store.
Albert and Harry up from Junction for clothing etc. Cleaned
up front of store and filled furnace coal bin. Had fresh ham
and paraseal eggs for supper, grain bread and Postum and T. G. preserves.
Read reviews and geographic magazines. Warm wind, skaters out PM.
Judge Wilmoth fixed his roof and stove pipes. Gus went to Junction
for team.
November 19, 1923 Cloudy biz fair.
Sent 2 orders north. Got Alameda Saturday mail letter
from Ma, was feeling very good now except her eyes to be tested.
Chas Harrison back from states. Vail and Wagner back from
jury duty in Valdez. Temp. 38 all day and warm tonight looks
like snow.
November 20, 1923 Cloudy light warm wind.
No snow in Wasilla, a little ice from late rain. Biz normal,
put up order for Elder and Thorpe to go to Grubstake via
Fishhook Pass. Bogard in to trade. Chas Isaac and
Harvey Rutter in from Fern Mine. Fern Mine flooded. Paid
over $1,000 Seattle bills. Part of fruit arrived today.
November 21, 1923 Cloudy biz good.
Got orders from Willow, Caswell and Colorado. Elder and
Thorpe left for Grubstake via Fishhook. Harvey went to
Anchorage paid back rent on track lease January to July 1922 overlooked
but found by new manager Landis. Thirty six above, evening 22 above.
Advertised Cannon homestead for sale.
November 22, 1923 Partly cloudy around
32 above all day. Got orders ready for north freight tomorrow.
Got paper mail only. Frank Kelly got a “job” with Gottstein
Co. Wagner hauling wood for Wilmoth’s. Harvey back
from Anchorage. Sparling cooking at Lucky Shot.
November 23, 1923 Biz normal small trade all
day. Harry up evening for shoes. Sent Stanley $19 for
his 19th birthday. Martin Larson went out to Fern to figure
on tunnel contract. Eight ranchers in to trade.
November 24, 1923 Partly cloudy 7 AM
12 above. Busy AM finishing mail. Wrote Stanley
but did not get time to answer Ma's letter #2. J. J. out
from Knik. Reising sold his cows to Donovan and going to
California for his health. St. Clair’s and Fleck’s left for
dance at Junction 6 PM. Eddie couldn’t start Snider car for
1½ hours. Gang in our store waiting hence me no go.
Nugget Stewart on train south.
November 25, 1923 Sunday cloudy warmed
up again snowed a little at noon ground white again, warm wind.
Sold Sam Kelly rick of Cannon’s wood and delivered it.
Mopped all the floors. Made up Stubbs account fox wire etc.
Quiet in Wasilla today all the dancers sleeping, me no go so me
no sleep. Harvey hauled in his winters wood with Heinie's truck.
Hartman took out load powder. Took a bath by gum.
November 26, 1923 Chinook wind
all day, evening rain and snow. Steady trade all day.
Got NW mail letters from Mattie feeling fine now said she had
a Murphy bed but no Murphy. Mary Vail and husband back from
States. Ten people got off train today and left train vacant.
Babe, Cannon horse, got down in stall old and weak. My barber
in Seattle, shave myself.
November 27, 1923 Cloudy snow. Rained
last night wound up with 2” wet snow. Orchestra practice
at school house but not me. Rowdy dance in old Tom’s
place, three girls and eight men. Hartman went out with
2½ tons and six men on top load.
November 28, 1923 Biz fair got order for more
fox wire. McAllen in on horseback evening his wife sick
in Anchorage OK now. Last night party crusaders around telling
about all the fun they had sounded like a menagerie. Wired Mattie
to buy butter eggs fruit etc.
November 29, 1923 Cannon’s mare croaked this
AM. Biz normal, mail train late. P.O. didn’t
open. Dance on at school house, 56 people with
kids, Trix not there. Went up at opening then came home
and made out bills. Marsh brought over 8 in car from Junction.
Music Wilmoth, Eddie and Sam.
November 30, 1923 Warm wind. Got letter
from Stanley wanted to come home at close of 1st semester and
work until fall term to finish so I could take trip OS .
Eddie and Dad ready to go to California. Bridge gang here
Harry Madsen with them. Temp. 26 above.
December 1, 1923 Cloudy. Biz good
trade all day. Wired Mattie for hardware etc. to come
the 8th. Barn dance on at old Tom’s pool room.
Got special invitation went over at 9 o’clock, all let a “whoop”
when I came in, announced “ladies choice” so I had to dance, stayed
one hour. Five women and 8 men and Sliver at the phonograph.
On monthly bills till 12. Redmond in to trade brought in bullion.
December 2, 1923 Partly cloudy 10 above.
Hauled out Cannon’s old mare to Bill Longs ranch for dog feed.
Had to run on 2nd going out came in on high. Hauled in 1½
ricks birch wood. Finished balance of monthly accounts.
Harry Madsen and another Swede went down to look at Abe Reising’s
ranch for sale. Card parties at Trix and Snider’s.
December 3, 1923 Cloudy sprinkle of snow.
Henry Fischer in for $100 worth of grub. Finished monthly
accounts and mailed today. Got OS mail, letter no.
4 from Mattie, rainy season now on in Seattle. Only skim
snow at Wasilla. Indications of big storm brewing.
Paddy back from hospital. Metz delivered Stern’s spuds for
A. E. C.
December 4, 1923 Frank Watson over from Palmer
for supplies. Mrs. Fleming back from Anchorage went to
ranch bought a few supplies. Got out OS mail.
Grau and Harrison bought hunting outfit. Ed Mullen hauling
in wood with his bulls to ship to Anchorage. Hartman at 16.
Wilmoth pump went fluie, no pump in stock.
December 5, 1923 Zero weather, last year
zero weather middle of November. Just enough snow for
sledding, some still using wagons. Put up over $100 order
for Frank Watson of Palmer. Sold some clothing to bridge
gang. Bridge gang left for Talkeetna. Self filled
furnace coal bin. Hartman in and out for 16 RH.
December 6, 1923 Got order from Willow and
Colorado. Fred Carter from Palmer here to buy clothing.
Cold snap stimulating clothing sales. Local mail only
today. Heinie Snider wanted me to play piano with saxophone
and violin for Xmas music. Got letter from Lee Lander about freight
shed Wasilla. Shoppers looking for Xmas presents.
December 7, 1923 Coldest snap everybody
in to trade even J. J. Otto and Long went to Knik by dog
team. Bogard in for load feed. Hartman hauling hay
for Lander. Wrote Mattie about Stanley’s 2nd semester.
Looked over insurance papers. Abe Reising died on arrival
at Seattle.
December 8, 1923 AM 24 below zero aft
of store with 32 below at depot. PM wind came temperature
backed up to 4 above then went to 20 below. Harvey and Eva went
to Reising’s cabin for his letters and papers found nothing.
Regular Saturday evening party on at pool hall, self and St. Clair
played for them 1 hour. Hans gave oyster supper. Trix
outfit back from Colorado Creek. One hour at party then came
home, four women and 7 men at party.
December 9, 1923 Big wind last night blew streets
bare. Evening attended Xmas music practice, Wilmoth’s, St. Clair,
Snider and self orchestra. Snider there on the saxophone.
Priced up late groceries. quiet.
December 10, 1923 McAllen with several miners
back from Anchorage. Snow slide at 49. Got Alameda
mail, train 1 hour late, no local freight today. Got letter
number 5 from Mattie “full of turkey”. Bailey and family
up PM by auto to trade. Paroseal eggs about sold out. Hartman
still freighting.
December 11, 1923 Fred Roscher in investigating
Reising’s affairs. Hartman took McAllen and help out to
16 RH. Teacher and kids from Fairview up to practice for
Xmas affair. Going to have it jointly at Wasilla Friday 21st.
Marsh up from Junction with his mother and girl. Autoed to
Fleck’s to visit. ARC got 2 men at garage on repair work.
December 12, 1923 Heavy earth quake 6 AM woke
everybody up. No train 3 hours late account of wreck near
Pass. Mullen still hauling wood with his oxen to ship to
Anchorage Mrs. Hartman left for
Anchorage to have varicose veins treated.
Ten day Wilson in town. Lander went to Anchorage.
Teacher said her program would last just as long as she wanted
it.
December 13, 1923 Biz normal no OS orders but
good local trade all day. Nick Brake gratis cook at Hotel
Wasilla. Empty bunch of passenger coaches came from north
today. Mail train 2 hours late local mail only. Star went on
rocks near Kodiak got off but damaged. Otto and Long back from Knik.
December 14, 1923 Fries teaching St.
Clair’s and Springsteen latest New York 2 step time, 4 to
6 in K. T. Co. store. Got out OS mail, wrote to Clara, Mattie
and Cannon’s folks. Spent 2 hours fixing clock, made her go. Sent
Ma and Stanley $25 for Xmas, Harding fund $5.
December 15, 1923 Thorpe in from Grubstake
left order and went to Anchorage Ed Mullen went to Anchorage.
Saturday evening pool room dance on. Ellen said she was
going to surprise them with a big cake, I told her I would put in
and surprise them too. Went over 9:30 with big sack with onions
done up in apple papers. Women quit dancing and made a grab
for the sack, fooled them good. Dancers ate cake at Hartman’s,
me no eat per order.
December 16, 1923 PM busy cleaning house and
balcony. Had bananas and cream for supper, Postum and
cakes. St. Clair came down 7:45 from school house said Wilmoth,
wanted me to play piano, “Red Top” quit them. Practiced till
10 PM had a few listening in. Wilmoth went home with Snider.
December 17, 1923 Got OS mail and delayed dried
apples also hardware wired for. Got letter no. 6 from Mattie
also Xmas pkg. Wasilla people got bid to attend Junction
community Xmas dinner. Red Top visited beefing about playing
for Xmas, called her down. St. Clair came in and did likewise
told St. Clair she would play, good medicine. Horning in California.
Babcock in Anchorage.
December 18, 1923 Biz rushing all the ranchers
in to trade, Fleming and Ellexson’s in from Knik. Hartman took
Harvey and Lander and freight out to 16. Opened Xmas pkg.
from Ma and Stanley got diary clips, fruit cakes and candy.
Big Santa and toys for school kids. Pipe for Miller and tie
for Kelly. Bert Ferris here for hwd. Warm breeze 10 PM.
December 19, 1923 Good trade on candy and nuts.
Jno Trix got box candy for each lady in Wasilla. This
morning found Harman’s cat had eat my nut cake, boo hoo, my nut
cake, boo hoo mit your old cat. Harman agreed to take Xmas
bunch to Junction for $1 ea. Shaved and took “Xmas bath”.
Gave Miller and Sam presents sent from Ma and Stanley.
December 20, 1923 Got order for ton hay $60.
Evening spent 2 hours 10 to 12 doing up Xmas pkgs., gave ladies
15 lb. candy made up boxes for families. Cloudy with warm
wind. Got local mail.
December 21, 1923 Cloudy 24 above. Xmas
at Wasilla. Teachers of Wasilla and Fairview gave a 2 hour
program 7:30 to 9:30 could not get ready in time for program arrived
at 9:30 just after presents distributed. They gave 3 cheers
for O. G. account of furnishing apples etc. Played piano from
11:30 to 3:00 party broke up. Wade’s only ones from Junction.
Mrs. Fleming in from Cottonwood left box candy for Doherty.
December 22, 1923 Rushed in store all day with
local trade. Had 2 outside orders. Adolf Olson
down from Kashwitna for winters grub etc. Retired this
morning at 4:30 after selling coal oil forage and pork.
Up at 6:30 registered time. Otto went to Anchorage, teacher
to Junction to visit Mrs. Kruger. Gave Wilmoth’s Xmas box.
December 23, 1923 Lucky Shot Mill burned down
twenty men came in. PM cleaned house mopped floor etc.
on bills. Shaved and mended tear in pants. Thirty
people at hotel. Leonard, Harrison and Wavrick bought Mrs.
Vail Xmas present shoes nuts and candies.
December 24, 1923 Everything covered with white
frost and looks like a real Xmas Eve, 14 below. Rushed
in store all day clothing sales good. Twenty GB miners left
on freight train for Anchorage. Chris back had his hand
burned in Lucky Shot Mill fire. 6:30 16 left on Hartman’s truck
for Junction Xmas Eve blow out. Ellen and mother got left.
7 PM garage boys got them with ARC truck. Me follow orders stay
home?
December 25, 1923 Xmas 24 above. Closed
all day. Opened up candy and new caddie jars. Sam
and self ate Xmas dinner at hotel. Wilmoth’s had Ellen as
dinner guest. Worked on books and bills. Hartman took
Gus Thorpe’s goods to 16. Dance on at pool hall. Wilmoth
and St. Clair and Marsh played, 12 women and 24 men, bunch kids.
Mrs. Vail and Leonard brought cakes, O. G. punch served. Mary
Carl and Mrs. Wilmoth had a scrap.
December 26, 1923 Got wire from Thorpe at Anchorage
to ship 12/12 order to Houston Friday. Harvey and Jno Tryck
went to Anchorage. P. O. closed part of the day too much
Xmas. Got balance of Sat. mail. Ellexson’s left for
Knik. Sam gave his girl caddy of candy. Sore eye out
of sight today. Sent Ma society letter and late papers.
Sixty mile blow in Seattle, OK here.
December 27, 1923 Mild weather.
Biz good got Thorpe’s order for Grubstake, small trade all day.
Fleming in from Cottonwood. Got Watson mail letter from
Mattie, Clara and Stanley. Stanley wants to come home Jan
20 so Dad can go outside. Got sales slip for Egry Register.
December 28, 1923 A-1 sunny day biz normal.
Hauled 1½ tons freight to depot with truck for Thorpe
and Olson then got last of birch wood with truck. Decided to
give bachelor dinner New Years day at Hotel Wasilla. Ans’d. Ma's
#8 letter told Stanley he could come home Jan 26 would join Ma if possible.
December 29, 1923 Biz normal steady trade all
day. Mgr Landis firing most of the old AEC red tape gang.
Sent dues to National Geo. Society for 1924 $3 including magazine.
Two hour dance on at pool hall self didn’t attend. Harman in
from Fish Lake. Cloudy and chilly today. Eva went to Anchorage
also Thorpe.
December 30, 1923 Sunday cloudy 20 above.
Quiet in town. Light trade AM , cleaned house PM, priced
up hardware etc. and pd. all OS bills leaving a bal of 1,517.44
in banks, 500 cash on hand and Dec. merchandise credit accts due.
Hartman hauled out load rails on big truck to 16.
December 31, 1923 30 above. Biz normal
small trade all day. Pearly White in from Lucky Shot
Mine. Herman in said someone stole a bale of his fox wire
at Pittman. Evening old year out New Year in dance at pool
hall did not go. Busy with in-mail. Letter from Mattie
said she was not well losing weight.
1924
January 1, 1924 Sunny 34 above. Self
at Wasilla family in Seattle. Gave dinner to 20 bachelors.
Last of GB help in today over 30 at roadhouse. Mrs. Hartman
sick. Had bad luck, leaky gas lamp burned my
left hand to a blister on inside, threw lamp outdoors. Otto
fixed me up.
January 2, 1924 Cloudy and warm 34 above.
Biz good. Got car hay etc. Hand out of commission
account burn O. C. dressed it. Got Happy New year message
etc. from Ma feeling better
January 3, 1924 Very mild 34 day and night.
Biz good. Thorpe went thru to Houston pd. his bill.
Store full of bachelors all day. Harry Madsen reported
Nicholi Palmer shot Marshal Cavanaugh and deputy. Watson
killed the Indian at Anchorage booze the cause. Tried Red X burn
dressing on my hand, midnight had to return to olive oil for relief.
January 4, 1924 A-1 weather 32 to 36 above.
Hand much better today. Got out-mail. Pd. for car
forage. Ans'd Ma’s New Year telegram. Hartman still hauling
freight to mines. Got duplicate of Stubbs lost check.
Nels Larson in town fishing as usual.
January 5, 1924 Ellexson, Steller and Otto
left for Anchorage account trial about Hughes bobsleighs with
Jack Hamil. Mrs. Hartman went to Anchorage to see doctor.
Bogard and Metz in. Hartman came in evening from 16.
Drove down Knik road with car.
January 6, 1924 Sixth day of spring weather,
quiet in town. The 400 met at Fleck’s last evening.
Poker game on all night at Hotel Wasilla 40 Mile said he won.
Posting books account income. Hand much better today.
Town all asleep today.
January 7, 1924 Letter from Mattie about
Xmas in Seattle, feeling better. McAllen back from Anchorage
with a few men for Lucky Shot Mine. Blisters on hand about
down to normal. Otto back from Anchorage.
January 8, 1924 Fleming in to trade.
Bachelors fishing on Lake Wasilla. Posting on books.
Big game on at hotel last night. Ans'd. Ma’s no. 10 letter,
said I would come out when Stanley arrived.
January 9, 1924 Sent folks 4 Anchorage Times
with Cavanaugh shooting affray. Hartman went to 16 with
freight. Got 4 orders from north. Sore hand doing
fine. Asked Miller if he told I was a wild sport when young,
he denied it. Forty Mile peddling lies about my when a kid.
January 10, 1924 Got north orders ready to
ship tomorrow. Got local mail. Took snapshot of
Wasilla account open winter. Got small grub outfit ready
to send to my placer mine via Houston. Received no bids
for the Cannon homestead.
January 11, 1924 Sent 326# grub via Houston
to my placer camp. Stubbs the wise man in. McKinley
park packer here. Sent papers and Geographic to Ma and
son Seattle.
January 12, 1924 Mr. Bugge in town.
Sunny and warm evening, 11 AM rain. Sent papers and Geographic
to folks in Seattle. Told them I would come out 9th Feb.
Poker game on at Hotel Wasilla.
January 13, 1924 Rained last night followed
by sprinkle of snow, evening did same thing. Fleck party
on at St. Clair’s last night. Do at Fleck’s tonight.
St. Clair drove down with his car. Posting books all day.
Game on at hotel.
January 14, 1924 Light snow last night.
Got freight wired for Jan 2nd and before mail. Got big
OS mail. Letter from Stanley and mother, Ma feeling better.
Bad weather outside, California weather here. Mary Carl
and her financial backer back from Anchorage. Ulsh went to
Lucky Shot.
January 15, 1924 A-1 day 30 to 36 above.
Mrs. Ellexson bought 1000# grub and feed for Knik RH.
Hartman went to 16 and returned to Wasilla. Mrs.
Hartman back from Anchorage account teeth. Still posting
on books. Games off at hotel, mama home?
January 16, 1924 A-1 spring day. Had Leonard
put two more insulators on radio wire, evening tried it out,
nothing doing as usual. Delayed freight off truck arrived.
Took blister off palm of hand.
January 17, 1924 Fern Mine had a snow
slide, men buried up in BS shop for 8 hours, all come out OK.
Jess Garver up from Anchorage going to mines. St. Clair and
Wilmoth practicing for Feb. 22
masquerade ball.
January 18, 1924 Colder, snowed 1” this
morning 17 days mild weather 20 to 36 above. Biz good 3
cash orders. Sent Mattie another 100, last letter to Princeton
Apt. Seattle, moving to Hotel Atwood Feb. 1. Stanley to leave
for home Jan 26. Sent Ma post cards of Wasilla no snow.
January 19, 1924 Small trade all day 8 to 20
above. Paul Hansen retd. Anchorage. Zink took David’s
typewriter to Anchorage, borrowed by Cannon. Dance on at Tom’s,
400 and Nasty Dozen both there. Self posting on ledger,
evening much warmer. Marsh only one from Mat. Gus in
from Houston. Answered Matt Rooney’s letter at Gilmore Idaho,
letter was to Cannon.
January 20, 1924 Snowed 1” last night,
cloudy zero weather Quiet in town, dancers all sleeping.
PM mopped floors and cleaned house. Wearing glove on burned
hand, all healed but tender. Made out report on Cannon estate.
St. Clair’s autoed to Mat.
January 21, 1924 Finished 6 mos. report on
Cannon estate and presented to probate judge. Russell
snow plow wrecked, Dave McGinnis killed, Shorty Long both
shoulders broken. Got big mail, long letter from Ma.
McMillan’s found their Seattle address. Mrs. Hartman back
from Anchorage. Times, said Herning was a _____ Wasilla merchant.
January 22, 1924 Sent A. R. Com. bond to cover
2 lost checks, 51.00 and 135.33 total 186.33. Gus in
town. Busy with fires account wind.
January 23, 1924 More wind above zero,
snow about all blowed out of Wasilla. Got several small
orders from north as far as Cantwell on RR. Fern man in
for mail. Got small order form Thorpe
January 24, 1924 Windy all day, evening
dying out. Got Watson mail. Extra letter
from Ma and Stanley. Stanley to leave Jan 26 for home,
to take charge of K.T. Co. business, while I go to Seattle
to spend short vacation with Ma. Put balcony fly up account
wind, hard to keep store warm.
January 25, 1924 Wind died out, had 3
day blow, first real wind storm of winter.
Gus ready to haul 10 tons coal Baxter Mine to Fern Mine. Old
Goosey Stubbs in to trade, also Metz from Bogard’s ranch.
Got wire from Ma, Stanley to leave for home tomorrow. Ma at St.
Regis Hotel.
January 26, 1924 Stanley left Seattle
today on SS Alaska for home. Small trade all day.
Posting on jobbers accts. 400 had 3 hour dance at pool
hall, the Nasty Dozen didn’t come. Me home on book accts.
Wasilla cleaned of snow after 3 days blow. Took bath.
January 27, 1924 Busy in store AM. PM
mopped living room then posted on jobbers account till 11 PM.
No boarders at hotel. Shave and turn in.
January 28, 1924 Cloudy and chilly 10
above. Biz good local sales over 100. Balancing up
ledger. Got letter #14 from Ma, taking new treatment, feeling
better, gave up Princeton apartment and moved to St. Regis Hotel.
Stanley about at Juneau on way home.
January 29, 1924 Busy in store part of day.
Got order from exp. farm. Wilson thru freighting at Cache
Creek brought horses to Matanuska. Wrote Stanley at
Seward about masquerade suit.
January 30, 1924 Perfect day 30 above.
Biz good. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Ellexson’s went to
Anchorage with 100# dressed chickens and bunch of fur.
Carlson went to Anchorage for medical treatment. Patzack
down to trade. Wrote Stanley at Seward to get masquerade
suit. Wired Ma for meats etc. at St. Regis Hotel Seattle.
Music practice by Wilmoth, St. Clair and Kelly. Wrote Clo King
I would leave Feb. 9 at Ketchikan.
January 31, 1924 A-1 day 38 above. Sam
cleaned up hams. Evening run up totals of sales Aug to
Dec. Forty Mile decorating house inside, sash curtains,
etc. Zink tried to saw wood with Ford car, no power.
Stanley on SS Alaska coming home.
February 1, 1924 A-1 day thawing.
Self in store most of day should have been in office. Old
Granny Stubbs in to trade with usual kick, wrote Ma sent her
check for $500. Stanley due in Seward tomorrow. Gus
back from Anchorage
February 2, 1924 Kelly went to Anchorage to
have teeth fixed. Stanley arrived Seward, phoned me at
noon, had measles on SS Alaska and was quarantined in Seward for
a week. Wired Ma in Seattle about Stanley’s measles.
Evening dance on at pool hall. Self on books. Jas Williams
arrived from Talkeetna sold out.
February 3, 1924 Kelly in Anchorage. Put up
2 orders for Monday freight north. Phoned Dr.
Banchman at Seward, said Stanley was up and
around and doing OK with measles. Mopped floors rest of
time on adding mach. Dancers quit 2 AM noisy bunch.
February 4, 1924 Sam got back from Anchorage
4:30 train, brought letter from Stanley thru W. D. Elliott back
from Seattle. Stanley wants more money account measles
etc. Evening on mail from outside. Two new arrivals,
sold them $50 outfit. New radio outfit came.
February 5, 1924 Sold Fins order going to Ulanky’s
ranch at Knik. AM talked with Stanley, on the mend with
measles, sent him $100 check. Wrote Ma all about Stanley,
sent Stanley’s letter. Mrs. St. Clair went to Knik with Ellexson’s.
Gus went to mile 30. No school, teacher sick.
February 6, 1924 Got orders from Colorado and
McKinley Park. Al Hardy, game warden, here from trip to
Yentna. Otto struck water in his new well. Couldn’t find
1922 tax report. Stanley at Seward quarantined.
February 7, 1924 Found 1922 income tax behind
drawer, got totals. Mdse. and mo. sales ready for statement.
Sam and Wilmoth practicing at St. Clair’s house. Got letter
from Stanley, about over the measles and will come home Monday.
Put ad in MLD poster and gave them 10 trade books for best character
at mask ball.
February 8, 1924 Biz slow working on books
found 1922 inventory behind drawer. Wrote Ma, Stanley
OK. Sent his letter and order for dry goods etc. Old
Granny Stubbs in to trade told all about Montana, Eva and Sweet Marie,
Mrs. Perry at Seward - wise guy? 11 PM wind blowing hard.
Ellen gave us hunk choc cake.
February 9, 1924 Windy 24 above. In store most
of day account small trade. Jim Murray visited, said
Stanley was OK, only held up by quarantine. Dance on at pool hall
practiced Grand March. Self and Ellen lead the March by special
request. Gave them pail grape juice punch, there 3 hours,
wind died out. Hartman’s at outs account Daniel.
February 10, 1924 Wilmoth brought over lemon
pie salad, celery, etc., whole meal potlatch. PM cleaned up
Stanley’s room, mopped all the floors, went over some of Cannon’s
personal goods, found IOOF pin with other pins. Got ready to
send to his nephew at Iota Iowa. Stanley due tomorrow after weeks
delay in Seward. Shave and go to bed 11 PM.
February 11, 1924 Stanley arrived from Seward
after 9 days hold up account measles. Expense at Seward
114.30. Stanley set up new radio, brought in music and man
speaking and wireless will work with proper connections. Recd
Ma’s Jan 30 letter didn’t get my wire yet about measles. Stanley
OK but lost 20#.
February 12, 1924 Mrs. Ellexson retd
to Knik. Shortened aerial 30’, brought in Los Angeles
band concert. Speaker on public utilities lady soloist
and piano. Got jobbers listed account income tax.
Eva, Otto and St. Clair visited in to hear radio, left before it worked.
Got order to bid on from experimental farm.
February 13, 1924 Stanley washed his clothes
and mopped the floor. PM bothered with customers, couldn’t
do a thing on accts. Williams started to take hardware inventory.
Stanley took out couch to make room for radio set, wireless bothered
radio, got Los Angeles. Stanley helped me on books.
Bruno Hustek in said he would take wire.
February 14, 1924 Clear sunny day, 20 below
this morning. Self and Stanley busy on tax
report. Put insolated lead line to radio set. Got clear
music and speaking at close of Los Angeles concert. All making
ready for masquerade.
February 15, 1924 Windy 20 above. Otto ordered
a toupee. Stanley busy with callers. Account wind
radio didn’t work well. Hartman and Harvey in to hear
radio-wireless. About all came in, speaker said congress
was going to impeach secy. Denby.
February 16, 1924 Moderately windy 20
above. Williams laid off on inventory work. Ellexson
in from Knik for forage. Eva and Otto in to hear radio, got
music only. Sat. night dance on. Stanley and self went
over at 9 PM, gave Stanley 3 cheers. Sent Ma wire for groc.
and told her I was delayed coming 23rd. Mrs. Hartman went to Anchorage.
February 17, 1924 Ellexson left for Knik, sent
in C. H. Wilson’s check to be endorsed to K. T. Co. PM
Stanley, Harvey and Eva went skating and visited St. Clair’s.
Self on book accts., got music on radio. Old Tom mad about
fire in hall too warm and cold.
February 18, 1924 Williams on job again taking
hardware inventory, got shelf goods about taken. Stanley
in store self on books. Received letter 2/8 from lonesome
Ma in Seattle ready to move, let Stanley open mail.
Gus in for grub from 30 camp.
February 19, 1924 Finished income tax report
for 1923: Total mdse bought $27,451.67, total sold $35,803.73,
cost of doing business 8,628.86, stock on hand Jan 1, 21,723.97,
net income paid 92.85. Got music on radio 6 to 9:30.
Heard phonograph anchor operator Cook Broadcasting 6:45.
Stanley learning chords on guitar doing well on saxophone.
February 20, 1924 A-1 day 38 above. Williams
still on hardware inventory. Stanley took inventory of
shoe dept. Got Matt’s letter addressed to Seward with
folder of scenic hot springs. No radio tonight too warm.
February 21, 1924 Got $150 order for Gold Creek.
Anch. masquerade suits for rent came to Otto, K. T. Co. distributing
them. K. T. Co. gave another prize box cigars and jar
candy for most comical pair. Mrs. Wilmoth visited
to exchange her suit. No radio tonight. All strung
up over masquerade.
February 22, 1924 Stanley on clo. Inventory,
got “traps” together for trip outside. Stanley got slight
cold. No radio, wireless came in. Bath and shave
11 PM.
February 23, 1924 Wasilla to Seward.
Left 11:30 arrived Seward 9:30 PM. Held up at tunnel
on RR account snow slide. Went aboard SS Alaska 10 PM got
room 45 on deck. Wrote Stanley from Seward saw Stern in Seward.
February 24, 1924 On SS Alaska south.
arrived Valdez at noon snowing hard, arrived Cordova 6 PM went
up town. Had tax report acknowledged. Mailed letter
to Stanley. Sent wire to Mattie at Seattle with mdse. order.
Wired Clo King on Alaska.
February 25, 1924 On high sea. Left Cordova
midnight headwind, run at half speed 20 h to X sound, didn’t
make half way, very few at table, self there every meal.
Rough at midnight.
February 26, 1924 On SS Alaska south. Arrived
Juneau 10 PM, left midnight raining hard. Due Ketchikan
11 PM tomorrow. Had turkey dinner on boat. Dance in
social hall, retired at midnight.
February 27, 1924 On SS Alaska south. Arrived
at Wrangle 6 PM, left at 7 PM for Ketchikan. Evening
dance and musical on in social hall, Capt. Ward and Mrs. Smith
star waltzers. Sea smooth, due Ketchikan 2 o’clock stayed
up to see Clo.
February 28, 1924 On SS Alaska south.
Wrangle to Ketchikan, arrived at 2 AM, left at 4 AM. Clo
King at Juneau so didn’t see her. Mailed letter to Stanley.
4:30 PM passed Bell Bella.
February 29, 1924 On SS Alaska, good weather,
passed thru Seymour Narrows at 1 PM. Met Mrs. Stein and
Sheldon on boat, old timers from Knik.
March 1, 1924 Arrived Seattle 6 AM took, Red
Top cab to Hotel St. Regis, Mattie up. AM took in public
market. PM took in Palace Hip Variety Show. Evening
10¢ movie.
March 2, 1924 In Seattle. Visited on Sylvester’s,
had chicken dinner. Sylvester drove us around Lake Washington,
Queen Ann and Capitol Hill, saw canal. Arrived home 10:30
PM, heard Matthews on radio.
March 3, 1924 AM looked over National Cash
Registers, one for our biz cost $1,225. Ed Sylvester visited
with car, took us over to Ford assembly plant, saw car assembled
and ready to run in 20 minutes then drove to garage 13th avenue.
Our car all ready to ship home. Evening saw Tom Mix at Winter
Garden.
March 4, 1924 Placed order for barber chair
and office stationary. Called on cashier McDonald at Seattle
National Bank. PM went up to garage, Mattie paid repairs
on car. Failed to find wig for Otto.
March 5, 1924 Placed order for office supplies.
Paid initial payment on Nat. Cash Reg. for June delivery.
Paid for roll auto top cover. Miss Cornflake Kellogg visited.
Took in 10¢ show. Wrote to Stanley and sent invoices
etc. Took a bath.
March 6, 1924 In Seattle cool day, got mail
out for Wasilla. Saw Rhodes broadcasting station.
Overcoat weather today.
March 7, 1924 Called on Polson Impl. Co. placed
order for fencing. Found toupee maker, placed Otto’s order
$50 for $34 net. Visited on Stanley Morris and mother. Mrs.
May Kellogg and 2 mining men visited wanted 1,500 on mining property.
March 8, 1924 Seattle to S. F.
Alameda in 6 AM No mail or passengers off Alaska railroad.
Bought 4 dz. summer shirts from Dagg Green. Bought round
trip tickets Seattle to S. F. on Emma Alexander. Went aboard
10 PM wired Stanley we were leaving for California.
March 9, 1924 On SS Emma. 7 AM at Victoria
took on passenger. Passed Cape Flattery 1:30 smooth sea
thus far. Orchestra on board ship. Mr. Pauli from
Inside on board. Mattie no like-um ship.
March 10, 1924 On SS Emma Alexander.
A-1 weather Everybody on deck. Grand parade on deck lead
by orchestra drummer. Evening masquerade ball on deck,
Admiral Line furnished costumes free dandy music.
March 11, 1924 On SS Emma, arrived San
Francisco at noon, put up at Hotel Grand. PM took sight
seeing stage thru Golden Gate Park and museum, around city to
Cliff house thru army post etc. saw Hoot Gibson at
Cameo Theatre. Cool breeze but not warm. Wrote line
to Stanley.
March 12, 1924 Left San Francisco 7 AM
on Pickwick bus, country green and nice until near Atascadero
everything dead. Arrived at Santa Barbara 7 PM got off for night
so as to see country. To Los Angeles by daylight.
Santa Barbara fine town. Put up at Hotel Faulding.
March 13, 1924 Left Santa Barbara 8:30
arrived Los Angeles noon. Had beautiful trip thru 2
fruit and garden villages. Came thru Hollywood, put up
at Hotel Rosslun. Wrote to Stanley and sent itinerary of San
Diego trip 14th to 16th saw 2 shows.
March 14, 1924 Left Los Angeles 8:30 AM on
Golden State Auto Bus via Long Beach to San Diego and down
to Tia Juana in Mexico the Monte Carlo saw the games played
and the horse races bull run etc. Took 4 hours for trip.
San Diego to Mexico and return. Put up at U. S. Grant Hotel.
Saw picture Tiger Rose and Will Rogers 49 trip NY by Bull train to Pac
Coast. Sent Stanley and Sam Monte Carlo post cards.
March 15, 1924 AM bus took us around San Diego
and thru 1,400 acre city park botanical garden. High school
stadium seating 40,000 people saw Ramona’s marriage place at old
Spanish Mission and the wishing well. Saw place on beach
where Annette Kellerman great swimmer took big dive for movie picture.
Drove thru Patrick O’Neils 300,000 acre ranch and Irvine’s 60,000
acre lima bean ranch.
March 16, 1924 Took Hollywood tour, 3 hours,
including Beverly Heights. Saw homes of noted people
and the movie stars and studios. Ma not feeling best today.
Had strawberry dinner. Mailed Ramona marriage cards to
friends in Wasilla.
March 17, 1924 Left on all day bus trip to
Riverside and Redlands. Had dinner at Mission Inn Hotel
at Riverside. This hotel covers 28 whole blocks and has
make up of all the Spanish missions, cost $8,000,000.
Passed thru citrus belt and grape and nut orchards. Picked oranges
from tree. Got back at 6 PM saw show.
March 18, 1924 Left Los Angeles on island route
via Bakersfield oil district to S. F. Had quite a thrill
crossing 30 miles of summit to San Joaquin Valley. Day fine
arrived at Fresno 5 PM laid over to see town and Sun Maid grape ranches.
March 19, 1924 Left Fresno on bus, came
thru north end San Joaquin Valley orchards and vegetable farms
all the way.
March 20, 1924 Made reservations to go back
to Seattle on SS Alex. PM took in Vaudeville show. Cool,
wore overcoat all day. Ma got sore bunion joint from pointed
toe shoes. Got tickets for trip to Marin County San
Quentin prison and big redwood trees.
March 21, 1924 Took Marin county trip
today saw the big redwood trees and San Quentin Prison.
Had photo made in big timber. Took trip on cable car to
1,600 feet straight up on mountain. Took in China Town, remodeled
since quake and no old dives to be seen. Now ready to sail
north.
March 22, 1924 Walked up Taylor St. to Knob
Hill, could see all over S. F. Bay etc. Left S. F. on SS
H. F. Alexander for Seattle. Raining PM Mattie disagreed
with her pie ala mode. Dancing at 9 PM.
March 23, 1924 On SS H. F. Alexander.
Frisco to Seattle calm sea yet not half of passengers at meals.
Mattie squirmy all day didn’t go to dining room. Self OK
eat every meal. Due in Straits midnight due in Seattle tomorrow
10 AM.
March 24, 1924 Arrived Seattle from S. F. 11:30
PM, steering motor broke down, came in 4 hours late. Put
up at Hotel St. Regis. Got mail from Stanley, letters and
papers up to 15th. Big snow slide on Alaska RR held mail up
for a week. Wired Stanley were back to Seattle.
March 25, 1924 In Seattle. Got tickets for
return trip home Apr 8th on Watson. Called on wig man,
didn’t have Otto’s toupee finished. Visited at Fisher Flouring
Mill placed order, was shown thru mill. Called on Chas H.
Lilley Co.
March 26, 1924 In Seattle rain. Got Moore
F pen repaired cost 2.75 for new point. Rain all day, went
to 2 shows. Placed order for seed grain and 10¢ pkt.
garden seeds. Met David Barns on 1st Ave. PM.
March 27, 1924 Miss Kellogg visited.
Took in 20¢ show. Ordered oranges, onions and cabbage to
go Sat. on Alaska. Ma bought new umbrella 3.95.
March 28, 1924 In Seattle big wind. Went
out to Des Moines with Miss Kellogg to see her lots all in the
woods. A Mr. Miller, place near by fine house location,
$4,500 including 2 acre park. Mailed Otto’s toupee and letter
to Stanley.
March 29, 1924 Visited at Filson’s, added hats
and coats to Stanley’s order. PM attended aviation series
at stadium saw 17 airplanes do all kind of stunts and military
games.
March 30, 1924 Went with Ed Sylvester by boat
to visit Teena Sylvester at Bainbridge Island. Had chicken dinner
and went all thru 10 acre plot half in fruit trees etc.
Home at 7 PM, saw 25¢ picture show.
March 31, 1924 Looked over Delco and Kohler
light plants. Called on Black Mfg. Co. Got price
on bathroom tub and fixtures from Bowles Co. 101 Jackson St.
Tub, bowl and closet about $140. PM Kellogg cornflake visited.
Saw 10¢ show.
April 1, 1924 AM went up to 13th Ave to Gates
and Smith Garage. Had swipe put on car and arranged to
ship car to Wasilla Apr 8th. PM visited on Hardman Hat Co.
Went on to Morris place had dinner.
April 2, 1924 PM had Sylvester’s at dinner
and Pantage’s. Evening visited Tom Caveny’s west Seattle.
Looked over Wash. Hotel lobby. Home 11 PM, got wire from
Stanley for meats and butter.
April 3, 1924 Overcoat weather in Seattle.
AM placed orders for smoked meats and butter and eggs.
Left 11 AM on bus for Auburn to visit W. E. Bartholf’s, had fine
visit. Rode around town in Myrtles car, came home on Interurban
10 PM.
April 4, 1924 In Seattle sightseeing.
Drove out to 3 tree point, saw Ed’s summer home. Ate lunch
at Redmond. No water place, closets all locked up. Drove
to foothills of Cascade Mt. at Sy Peak. Drove up to Snoqualmie Falls,
saw big electric power plant, covered over 150 miles all around Lake
Washington. Visited Sylvester Bros. at wholesale house.
Evening had Mrs. Morris and son at dinner. Sent MLD presents
to Stanley by parcel post.
April 5, 1924 AM down in wholesale district,
placed order for coat jumpers and work shirts at Black’s.
Got more pointers on Kohler light and pumps. Placed groc.
Fill- in order with Macklen-Malchett Co. Mattie trading for
herself. Had broken molar out. Called on Hugo wig maker.
Got letters from Stanley.
April 6, 1924 Got instructions from Hugo how
to take measurement for toupees. His prices 25 to 50
dollars. PM took lunch and dinner with Ed Sylvester at
Mt. Baker Park on Lake Wash. Drove all around Lake Wash.
Home at 10 PM. First real summer day in Seattle.
April 7, 1924 Placed order for Hills Coffee
and canned butter. Bought set weed chains. Had tooth
filled. Drew $60 from Seattle bank. Packed and sent
trunk to boat. Mattie did some shopping. Saw Vaudeville
show. Ed Sylvester visited. Took bath. Wasilla tomorrow.
April 8, 1924 Departed 10:30 AM on SS Admiral
Watson for Alaska. Miss Kellogg and friend were at boat.
Saw Mrs. Mary Morrison at dock, coming next boat. Beautiful
day, passed thru Seymour Narrows. Boat loaded 3’ below
gunnels.
April 9, 1924 On SS Watson north bound,
passed thru Queen Charlotte Sound PM smooth going. Bunch
cannery men on board all gambling. Mrs. Crofford on board.
April 10, 1924 Cloudy fog rain, arrived Ketchikan
7 PM. Called on Clo King and all went to picture show.
Boat didn’t leave till 10 o’clock morning.
April 11, 1924 On Adm. Watson north.
Called at Yes Bay 5 AM, discharged men and cannery supplies,
arrived Union Bay noon, left off freight and men for cannery.
Squally weather. Left Union Bay cannery at 8 PM for Petersburg.
Clear.
April 12, 1924 On board S.S. Watson.
Rain and snow squalls all day, arrived at Petersburg
at 5:30, arrived at Juneau at 4 PM left at 6 o’clock.
Arrd. at Tee Bay Cannery 10 PM next stop cannery at Funda, 500 tons
freight to discharge. Mrs. Geo Sexton got on at Juneau.
Saw rich Blk. Bear man at Juneau.
April 13, 1924 Passed out Icy Straits
11 AM smooth sea with regular swells. Ma only lady at lunch.
Arrd. Yakutat 11 PM. AM part cloudy evening clear.
World Flyers left Sitka for Seward.
April 14, 1924 Yakutat to Cordova.
Snow squalls all day a little rough off Cape St. Elias.
Got in smooth water 7 PM arrived Cordova 11 PM.
Valdez next stop.
April 15, 1924 Valdez to Seward.
Arrd. at Valdez 10 AM, arrived LaTouche 6 PM, arrived Seward
11:45 PM. Put up at Hotel Sexton. Weather A-1 today.
World Flyers left Seward, all made next jump but Martin on plane
#1, Seattle, landed in bay 15 miles from Kodiak.
April 16, 1924 At Seward cloudy cool.
Took stroll around town visited on a few biz houses. Phoned
Stanley at 9:45 AM, all OK at Wasilla. Overcoat weather at Seward.
April 17, 1924 Left Seward 8 AM, arrived
Wasilla 4:30 PM. Miss Springston, Ed Mullen and Fred
Nelson got on train at Anchorage. Usual bunch Wasilla-ites
at train when we arrived. Snow about gone Wasilla to
Anchorage, no snow in Wasilla. All Herning family home again.
Self 55 days on trip to California.
April 18, 1924 Cloudy and cool, 2” snow.
Moved auto truck into old garage to make room for passenger
car. No delv. of Watson freight today. Worked on
account and issued checks to cover new goods due from Watson.
Mattie busy cleaning house. Stanley played new records.
April 19, 1924 Snowed 8”, winter on again after
no snow Jan., Feb. and March. Ma still cleaning house.
Wrote Ed Sylvester a few lines. Miss Springston fired and Mrs. Dick
Lander teaching Wasilla School. Dance on Stanley attended.
April 20, 1924 Cold snap ground white. Herning
family took dinner at Hotel Wasilla. Very quiet in town.
Stanley and Fleck’s visited Dan Donovan’s got SF
on radio. Got baseball returns, both Pac. Coast and Eastern
Leagues.
April 21, 1924 Noon got car forage and groc.
etc. and Oldsmobile 5 passenger car. Same car family
had in Calif. last summer. Hauled over groc. With auto
truck. Drove new car out to Hans Fryland ranch.
April 22, 1924 Unloaded balance car freight
Delv. Kelly’s fence wire. Opened up barber chair etc.
Felch arrived on down freight gave him order for Munsingwear 10
to 11. Got music at Oakland and Garden Room St. Francis Hotel
S.F.
April 23, 1924 Busy figuring up cost
of new goods. Felch left for Anchorage. Gus and
Harvey went to Anchorage. Tried radio, got Los Angeles but weak
batteries need charging.
April 24, 1924 PM train Miss May Kellogg arrived,
rented O. C. Miller’s house. Martin, around the world flyer,
still at Kanatak other 3 at Dutch Harbor. Cold with snow flurries.
April 25, 1924 Working on accts. Pd. for over
12 hundred mdse money now all in stock. Tried radio, got nothing
but wireless.
April 26, 1924 Warmed up and snow went off
Wasilla streets. Biz slow only local trade. Put
new lead wire on antennae, battery too weak to bring in States.
Dance on at school house Stanley attended.
April 27, 1924 McAllen in for supplies, bought
$60 worth, Hartman hauled same on his Ford truck to Harts ranch,
Lander took it on to mines with double enders. Got letter
from Otto. PM Stanley at Fleck’s. Stanley at
music practice. Self got cold in throat.
April 28, 1924 Self on the bum with fever in
head, evening better. Stanley and sports went
fishing at lower end Lucille Lake. Hoffman arrived
from west with man on speeder, got Hartman to drive them to Junction.
Snow all gone in Wasilla today.
April 29, 1924 Bogard and Heitzner in.
Several farmers in for seed grain. PM drove Stanley,
Swen and 40 Mile Miller out to mile 6 with new car, roads very
soft. Primary election on. Stanley off for 4 day
vacation. Geese arrived.
April 30, 1924 Third summer day. Ground
drying fast. Mrs. Kellogg and Ma visited the Cannon ranch.
PM Stanley at Miller’s Ranch. Got ton farm seeds, 32 days
from Seattle. Hartman drove to Miller’s Ranch.
May 1, 1924 RR blocked at 49 by snow
slides. Rodondo brought mail to Anchorage. J.
B. Fleck home for a visit, going to Bristol Bay next. Stanley
at 40 Mile’s. First car to Fleck’s today. Ma got
ear full about Wasilla society during winter.
May 2, 1924 Another scandal Tommy McNeil tried
to rape Elizabeth Snider 7 years old, Marshal took lad to Valdez
for trial. Stanley at 40 Mile Ranch. Henry Ratzen
in from Knik, first time left Knik since 1910.
May 3, 1924 Stanley Swen and Miller back
from ranch at noon. Dance on at school house, Stanley and mother
attended, self making out mo. statements. Miss Springstein
went to Anchorage. Tryck went to Anchorage. Ordered
3 drop shipments of tobacco.
May 4, 1924 Stanley and Fleck kids had duck
dinner at Paul Wavrick's Ranch. Mrs. Kellogg visited,
going to visit Mrs. Haller at Fern Mine Tuesday. Mattie found
error in April mo. balance.
May 5, 1924 McAllen in. Wm. Morrison
back to work for GB. Fred Crocker and daughter in from
Outside. Mrs. Hartman went out to open Fishhook Inn.
Cleaned stove pipes. Wired Judge Vernon Gates at Rochester
to appoint an attorney for me account fathers estate.
May 6, 1924 Roads drying up slowly. Re-filed
groc. and hardware invoices. A little life in town.
Heinz man here. Judge Wilmoth done up with “ear-syp-lus”
will have to cut off ear? Drove new car out to 16, road mushy
in places. Got out so-mail.
May 7, 1924 Put up order for Fern Mine and
Balis and Keily, Moose Creek. McDougal, 40 Mile Miller,
Tom Aureen and Wavrick went to Anchorage. Looked over road
leading to Palmer road, several mush holes, no good for a week yet.
Ma visited on Wagner’s.
May 8, 1924 Hauled out tin cans to dump, mush
hole in road by depot. PM train new manager for Consold.
Mine arrived. Tried to charge 6 volt batteries with generator
on car. Got new B batteries account radio, got wireless only.
May 9, 1924 Hartman had first load passengers,
went to 28 for Willow Creek Mines. Self not feeling well.
School dance on at Fairview, Hartman took the bunch down.
Ma and Stanley went, self busy on OS mail. Road Com. established
camp on Knik Road.
May 10, 1924 Sat. night dancers had to walk,
car got stuck in mush holes. Jas. York left on train,
no job with Road Com. Party on at Fleck’s, drove Stanley
down, went as far as Pearson’s Ranch, roads dry but rough.
McAllen and Elder in from mines.
May 11, 1924 Stanley cleaned balcony windows.
Report came Around the World Martin and machinist showed up,
plane hit mountain peak and broke up. Other 3 flyers jumped
off for Japan 878 mile hop. Hartman out with joy riders
down Knik Road. Road Com. Cat man arrived.
May 12, 1924 Stanley and self tightened up
steering gear on truck. Drove new car down to mile 7 Knik
Road. Mrs. Kellogg and Sam invited guests, got concert
on radio but not plain. Mrs. Haller arrived from Fern Mine.
May 14, 1924 Rain all day. Road Com. started
to smooth up Wasilla Fishhook Road. Worked on accts. and
mail, got only wireless on radio battery low. Fred Crocker’s
daughter back from Fishhook.
May 15, 1924 Finished inventory of property
Grubstake Placer Mine, tools 367.83, hyd. machinery 4246.
PM let water out of holes on road, depot to RR east. Invited Wilmoth’s
for a car ride down to mile 7 Wasilla - Knik Road.
May 16, 1924 Biz fair, got fruit and butter
off Watson. Fleming in to trade. Got out OS mail.
Trix went down east road, got stuck. Clarence Marsh came
over from exp. Farm, got stuck in mush holes near town on
east road. Ice out of Lake Lucille, last year went on 19th.
May 17, 1924 Ans’d. Clara’s letter about
fathers estate. Fred Zorn the dynamiter from Nome visited,
was on way to hospital, dog team ran over him. Took dance party
down to Fleck’s, got stuck in mud by Doherty’s. Mrs. Kellogg
went to Anchorage. Frank E. Young died at Anchorage.
May 18, 1924 First beautiful sunny day.
Harry Madsen here from Moose Creek Section. O. C. Miller
in from ranch. Drove truck to ridge summit road very rough,
Com. dragged rocks in track. St. Clair’s having trouble with
car after installing new bearings. Cut out 40’ aerial, got
nothing but wireless. Mattie visited on Wagner’s. Six
Shooter Bill caught cub bear.
May 19, 1924 Put screens on store annex
and painted window frames. Put new ground wire on radio
set. Bailey installed pump at depot. Put foot valve
on our kitchen pump. Party Anchorage kids up for vacation, Lake
Wasilla. Mrs. Kellogg back from Anchorage.
May 20, 1924 Finished fixing road leading out
Wasilla to Palmer. Drove new car out to 16, Mrs. Kellogg
and Lander guests. Hartman thru to road house Fishhook
Inn. Mr. Anderson over to trade has ranch near Government
farm.
May 21, 1924 Got 2 truck loads groceries, also
$1,200 cash register arrived. Hartman went to Fishhook
Inn with big truck 1st trip. Nick Brake in town.
Stanley gave camp boys ride down Knik Road.
May 22, 1924 Stanley and self overhauled self-starter
on Olds car. Around the World Flyers in Japan. Wedding
announcement: Sharon Fleck to Crocker next Saturday.
Changed tubes on radio, no results. Bartholf bunch arrived.
May 23, 1924 Got self-starter to work OK on
Olds car. Drove out to 40 Mile Miller ranch. Took
Dan Grau and Trix kids. K. T. Co. store got write up in May,
No. Hardware World. Evening hvy. showers. Road Com.
established gravel camp at Miller’s Ranch.
May 24, 1924 Stanley went to Anchorage
Gus Gillis arrived midnight, fishing party on. Gas car
arrived from Anchorage 5 PM. Took Wilmoth’s down
to Crocker and Fleckenstein wedding. First wedding at Wasilla
after 11 days courtship. Had fine dinner home 1:30 AM Eleven
people at wedding. Gave bridal couple $10 trade book.
May 25, 1924 Quiet in Wasilla. Zink got
Kelly car working, took schoolmarm for joyride. Newlyweds up
town.
May 26, 1924 Fosket and Metz in to trade.
New train service, passenger train every day. Horning’s
and Chas Bartholf arrived to open Mabel Mine. Mrs.
Horning visited said Anchorage people had the blues. Stanley
back from Anchorage
May 27, 1924 Sold Mabel Mine $65 order. No
freight train this week. Took Horning’s for a ride down Knik
Road. Patzack down from Houston to trade. Bert Olson
here from Caswell looking for fox caught at Knik.
May 28, 1924 First freight train of week from
Anchorage, got paints and eggs. Got Evans mail.
Stanley took Fleck bunch out to Fishhook Inn. Eva went to
Fern Mine, self and Mattie drove. Ellexson wouldn’t let Olson
see fox he caught at Knik. Olson lost a fox.
May 29, 1924 Bartholf kids placed an
order for grub and left for mines. Priced paint order.
Sharon Fleck left for Hope Mines. Finished smoothing up road east
of town, autos can now get thru OK.
May 30, 1924 Overhauled steering wheel on truck.
PM freight got 2 truck loads of groc. Sam Guyot here.
Stanley drove Ma and Mrs. St. Clair out to road camp at Miller’s
Ranch. Hearing at Trix, account of school trouble. Stanley
ready for Grubstake. Armour man here. Ben Marino back.
May 31, 1924 Drove Stanley and Paul out to
Landers, going to Grubstake to do assessment work. Hudson
Nolan left for Grubstake to prospect. Brought in music
on radio.
June 1, 1924 Drove Mrs. Kellogg down to her
ranch, self and Mattie went on to St. Clair’s ranch. Rain
made road slick coming home. Got 12 sack spuds off Metz.
Stanley at Grubstake.
June 2, 1924 Got roofing and eggs on today's
freight. Mail train 1 h. 40 m. late. Write up in
5/23 Alaska Weekly about the Herning’s cash register etc.
Bert Ferris in town.
June 3, 1924 Kelly laid off on account lame
back. McAllen and Mrs. Kellogg went to Anchorage.
Wrenchler family down from Houston. Bert Ferris in town.
Paul Broadhagen in from Talkeetna Mine.
June 4, 1924 Kelly home with lame back.
Ernest Richter in from mines. Marked up drug order.
Mrs. Roe visiting St. Clair’s. Drove new car as far as summit
ridge. Got out OS mail.
June 5, 1924 A-1 summer day. Put
up 2 orders for mines. Got 3 letters from Stanley at
mines, got over OK and Lander packed grub over. Kelly on
the job today. Drove down to Junction of Palmer and Mat. Road.
June 6, 1924 Shipped Frank Wells pack horse
back to Colorado on railroad. Put up hanger for meats in
annex. Got fruit from Anchorage. McAllen family went
to GB Mines for summer. Willie Black visited on way north
with work train. Adolf Olson here. Mrs. Kellogg back
from Anchorage. Henry McKinnon on north train going to McKinley
Park to pack.
June 7, 1924 A. E. Com. after all the spuds
at $60 ton. Took foot valve off pump. Seven cars on
passenger train south today. Wade and Hatcher up
from Junction selling chances on Hatcher’s piano. I bought
Lizzie #40 for $2. New lady moved into Aureen’s bungalow.
June 8, 1924 Drove out to Fishhook Inn with
mail and grub for Stanley. Stanley and Paul were there,
had dinner, arrived home 8:30. Sam Kelly went along.
June 9, 1924 Did some repair work on antennae.
Drove down to Vail’s for load wood. Took Doherty’s sugar
and flour to ranch. Car failed to move after turning around,
something wrong in differential or the transmission. Left
truck at Doherty’s.
June 10, 1924 PM hauled truck in from Doherty’s
with Olds car. Wade up from Mat., drove out
to Fishhook Inn. Tried radio NG. Real hot day 70 in shade.
Mattie troubled with teeth.
June 11, 1924 Another warm summer day
+70. Got meats on noon freight. Drove
Mattie and May down to Kellogg ranch, got in ditch by Stern’s
ranch. Drove down for the “farmers”. Kempf and partner
in to go to mines. Hobo Brown in town.
June 12, 1924 Biz fair put up 3 orders for
Grubstake Gulch prospectors. Hobo Brown went to Anchorage.
Mattie came out in new summer dress, visited on Mrs. Wagner.
Located trouble with truck, small gear in differential.
Bogard in with spuds.
June 13, 1924 A-1 summer day, +80. Got
OS mail off Watson no freight. Tom Babcock in town.
Ellexson out from Knik with new Tin Lizzie, Gill boy with them.
June 14, 1924 A-1 warm day, +80. Cat
man finally got Cat and grader ready for Knik Road.
Hartman took Fred Crocker and outfit to his ranch at Cottonwood.
Bailey and family in from Junction.
June 15, 1924 Wade’s and Bailey’s drove out
to Fishhook Inn. Self and Ma drove out with mail and eggs
for Stanley, stopped at Miller’s ranch, strawberry patch looking
fine. Roads very good. Had dinner at RH.
June 16, 1924 Smokey today. Worked
on truck, made key and got pinion gear back on differential.
Got 3 drop shipments tobacco. The 96,000 strawberry boxes
arrived. Woldson owner of Fern Mine arrived with Ford truck.
Bert O’Brien and Barnes arrived went on to mines. Had May
at June dinner.
June 17, 1924 Worked all day unloading car
strawberry boxes. Marsh up from Junct. With his
truck. St. Clair’s down at their ranch every evening.
Snow about all gone on mountains. Boxed up Paul Broadhagen’s order.
June 18, 1924 Perfect summer day. Worked
on unloading strawberry crates. Marsh in from mines,
brought Eva, Albert Nelson and Pete Murray. Murray mushed
on to his ranch. Marsh took Eva back to Fern Mine, said road
was good up as far as Webfoot cabins.
June 19, 1924 Fixed emergency brake on truck.
Midnight Sun excursion passed thru to Fairbanks.
Wired Swift to cut off meat order. Road Com. working on
road to Talkeetna Mine. Joy riders back at noon from mines.
June 20, 1924 Perfect day smokey. Self
worked on truck all day, run her out to ridge summit went OK.
Ready for trip to Grubstake Placer tomorrow. Waldson made
2nd trip to mine with his new Ford truck. Otto arrived
from GB.
June 21, 1924 Left for mines with truck,
had lunch at Fishhook Inn. Went on up the hill, met Trix
at forks bench road. Big fire along road to upper Fishhook
had to wait. Had to put on chains. Put out fire on
bridge. Made up to Martin Road, left car mushed to Grubstake
road soft. Car wouldn’t pull the short steep grades.
Stanley at mines.
June 22, 1924 At Grubstake. Boys
had ditch in on Grubstake bar below cabin and ground sluice
on Willow Creek bench. Had 11” pipeline apart and partly
painted. Helped to scrape and paint balance of pipe.
Thorpe and Elder visited, paid last bill. Weather perfect
at mines. Took prospect off left limit.
June 23, 1924 At mines. Took 5 joints
11” pipe apart, had hard job to separate it. Boys
painted same and stacked up 11” pipe culls. Had 76 good 11” pipe
and repainted. Took down 9” grate. Started to un-joint
big pipe at intake to get ground sluice on lower bench where I took
out $800 with hose in 1901. Called at Thorpe’s Mine, left
6:30 PM for home. Took 2½ hours to walk to car, arrived
home 11:45.
June 24, 1924 Busy on Monday mail and new orders.
Winchester man here. Took agency as a Winchester store.
Bought 1 share preferred stock in Winchester Co. pays 7½%.
Pulled 40# Cannon’s rhubarb for Fern Mine.
June 25, 1924 Swift meats arrived. General
manager Landis special car set out at Wasilla for fishing etc.
Capt. Gaikema and Fenton arrived in route to mines. Otto
left for Grubstake to prospect.
June 26, 1924 Fern truck in. McDougal
went to Anchorage. Barns and Grau in from doing assessment
work for Wm. Martin. Joy riders went out with Fern truck. Drove
down to Fleck’s w/ groc. Herman in after team. Adolf
Olson down for job from Kashwitna.
June 27, 1924 Fern truck in again Woldson.
Fixed valves on kitchen pump NG. Put bed back on truck.
Got grocery, fruit and hardware, 3 truck loads. Scrap on, McDougal
won, Carlson in bad shape not able to come up town. Mrs.
Horning guest evening, slept in Stanley’s room.
June 28, 1924 Smokey 72 above, fires
everywhere. Biz good all ranchers in. Boys moved
Carlson into Eddie’s cabin. Taking Christian Science from
Tom Aureen. Mrs. Horning left for Anchorage. Gave Doherty
and Grau ride down Knik Road.
June 29, 1924 PM drove over Wasilla - Palmer
Road went 2 miles no. - hall to Danielson’s ranch, drove down
Tote Road Palmer to Junction. Had dinner at Phil Allen’s,
Mrs. Vail and Wilmoth went along. Mrs. Wilmoth lost front
tooth going over bump on Palmer to Mat. Road. Called at St.
Clair’s and Walters ranches.
June 30, 1924 Chas Isaac and Byron Bartholf
arrived. Mrs. Horning back from Anchorage went to Mabel Mine.
Got letter from Alaska Steamship about trans. freight Seward to
Anchorage, said service would improve and freight handled better.
ARC Knik gang moved to bench road to GB Mine.
July 1, 1924 Woldson and Mrs. Wilmoth went
to Anchorage. Drove out to Fishhook Inn for Stanley and Paul
from mines. Put in 29 shifts in June and 2 in July.
Harrison and Shock in from mines also Fenton doing survey work at
Fern.
July 2, 1924 Unpacked new cash register.
On accts. most of day. evening started to make out license tax.
Stanley drove Miller, Mrs. Kellogg and her mother over to exp.
farm. Smokey. Pearly White and Gibbs in from mines.
July 3, 1924 Finished store tax report for
license. Sam Kelly went to Anchorage for the fourth. Stanley
decorated Olds passenger car. Krogh’s up from Mat. to
trade. Nels Larson in from mines to trade.
July 4, 1924 Drove out to O. C. Miller ranch,
Stanley and Paul and Mrs. Kellogg went along. Took eats
and had lunch at 40 Mile’s. Saw Mr. Beaver dam and live beaver
back of Miller’s house. Drove over to Fishhook Inn. Left
Stanley and Paul account dance there. Got home 6 PM.
Bailey’s men at Martin’s cabin. Dance on at Forest Hall.
Light rain most all day.
July 5, 1924 Fishhook dancers in at 3 AM.
St. Clair’s car broke down. Ellexson’s came in with 2
flat tires. Stanley and Bill went to Anchorage. Mrs.
Hartman in from Fishhook Inn. Got Los Angeles on radio. Kelly
in Anchorage, Ellexson’s retd. to Knik.
July 6, 1924 Installed new 100’ Raco
bonded bronzed antenna, got wireless only. Clarence Marsh
up from Olson fox ranch. Huslek down from Pittman.
Stanley and Sam at Anchorage.
July 7, 1924 PM train brought 20 passengers,
18 went out to mines. Joe Conroy went to mines also Marshal
Stacer and wife, Chas Isaac and wife, Jess Garver and “himself”.
Sam Kelly and Stanley home from Anchorage. Stanley left
for Wet Gulch account quartz find.
July 8, 1924 Woldson left for Outside to buy
mach. for Fern Mine. Mr. Fickinger left for Anchorage.
McDougal left for Anchorage as witness on some case. Tried radio
with new bronzed antenna, got wireless only. Stanley at Wet
Gulch. Mrs. Kellogg located homestead on Wasilla-Palmer Road.
July 9, 1924 Got mail off Watson.
McDougal and Bert O’Brien left for mines and Schock left for
prospecting trip near Mt. McKinley.
July 10, 1924 Shipped order to Bailes and Keily
at Palmer. Mr. Lawrence, Lilly’s man visited. Sam
sprouting spuds. Man and son here fishing. J. G. Johnson
in for supplies. Stanley at Grubstake. Hartman got
the blues.
July 11, 1924 Got fruit and butter and
first cantaloupe and new apples. Snodgrass up from experimental
farm, bought small outfit. Forty eight music store man
and son left for Fairbanks. Stanley in, drove down
to Junction, took Mrs. Anderson and Ellen and kid. Road Com.
laid off several men account no funds.
July 12, 1924 Drove Stanley out to Mable forks
of road. Stanley and Paul going to prospect right limit
of Fishhook Creek near old GB cache. Tourist schoolmarm
in town going to see Mrs. Dick Lander. A few strawberries
on the local market. Mrs. Kellogg went to Anchorage. Hartman
and Palmer went to Knik.
July 13, 1924 Junction cars out on Willow Creek
Road. PM drove in to Knik, Dutch Henry, Ellexson’s and
Churchill only people there. Raspberry bushes growing all
over town. Brought in Elmer’s headboard to make concrete foundation
and repaint same. Stopped at Donovan’s, had strawberry shortcake.
July 14, 1924 Hot day, +82 in shade.
Peter Murray up from Mat. to trade. Big tourist crowd
on no. bound train. Men reduced on Sect. to only one.
Shorty Gustafson and bride arrived. Gravel gang ARC moved
to Matanuska Road. Stanley prospecting. Indians going
for salmon.
July 15, 1924 Hot day, +82 in shade. Shipped
200 strawberry crates for Anchorage mkt. Fichenger came
from Fairbanks trip. Delivered balance of Wagner’s strawberry
boxes. Jacob Metz in to trade. Leonard went out to
mines. Eva in horseback from Fern Mine. Stanley
prospecting.
July 16, 1924 Strawberries on mkt. Got
tents and clothing from Portland. Horning back from Anchorage,
Drove out to Fishhook Inn to see Stanley, Fickenger went along.
Am-Aviators arr'd at Paris. Eng. Aviator leaving Japan for
US. Very dry, rain needed.
July 17, 1924 Finished marking up goods from
Portland. Answered Porter D. Landsdowne letter, looking
for cabin at Wasilla to spend vacation, also Boy Scouts from
Anchorage. Drove Mrs. Vail down to Donovan’s strawberry ranch.
Wagner cutting hay - evening sect. day time. Fickinger retd.
to Anchorage.
July 18, 1924 Got order from mines and
1 from Eska Coal Miens. Painted roof over back shed to
kitchen. Got out Seattle mail, checked out over $800.
Jack Chisholm arrived, no orders so went fishing. Hartman
took his girls to dance at Inn. O. C. Miller in from ranch.
July 19, 1924 Delivered J. G. Johnson’s grub.
Got order for 2 crates strawberries from PM at McKinley Park.
Recharged A battery on truck, got concert ½ hour
on radio. Stanley home 2 AM.
July 20, 1924 Self and Miller started to overhaul
truck engine. Stanley went to Matanuska with Trix, Albert
not home. Evening went out to mile 28 for a ride, took
Ellen and the kid along. Mrs. Hartman in, went down to Hartman
fox farm. Matanuska joy riders up.
July 21, 1924 Stanley and mother helped in
store. Self and Miller overhauling auto truck. PM
train brought Cub Scouts for weeks vacation at Wasilla, Rev. Landsdowne
in chg. Sent 2 crates strawberries to McKinley Park.
July 22, 1924 Miller and self on auto truck,
retimed mag., turned over OK. Frank Reedy excursion passed
thru to Fairbanks. Drove down to mile 12. Stanley
and Otto speared 16 salmon. Wade brought Mrs. Kellog up from
Junction.
July 23, 1924 Finished overhauling auto truck,
went out for a run, went up hills on high. Self and Miller 3½
days overhauling. NY Life Insurance man here, Stanley took
out $5,000 policy, rate 10% year. Windy Stubbs left for McKinley
Park.
July 24, 1924 Stanley went to Anchorage to
take medical exam account NY Life Insurance. Cub Scouts
having big time catching salmon now running at RR bridge.
Mrs. Kellogg bought 1 of Cannon’s blankets. Mrs. Lander
and friend went to Junction.
July 25, 1924 Got eggs, butter, fruit and gasoline
noon freight 3 truck loads. Stanley back from Anchorage,
drove out to Miller’s ranch brought him in to catch salmon. Got
1st watermelons. Lillian and friend returned to mountain
home. No dance.
July 26, 1924 PM delivered supplies to Johnson,
Conway and St. Clair ranches. Oil pump quit on truck, got her
home OK, Mrs. Kellogg went along to her ranch. First heavy rain
much needed. Shock back from McKinley. Scouts left for
Anchorage.
July 27, 1924 Church at 11 AM by Rev. Landsdowne,
Stanley and mother went. PM drove down to St. Clair’s
ranch, had his house moved, Ellexson’s were there. Stanley went
a bathing in Lake Wasilla. Wade up to Vail’s for salmon.
Zink and his girl drove in to Knik. Fixed corduroy road.
July 28, 1924 Shipped case strawberries
to Sanderson’s girl at Fairbanks. Hubbel in to survey Talkeetna
Mine. Fenton and Government surveyor here. Patzack
went out to GB Mines to work. Farmers stacking hay.
July 29, 1924 Made out underwear order etc.
for Portland. Mrs. Carlquist and sister and children here
for vacation. Took Mrs. Landsdowne and children out to Fishhook
Inn to see the country, 1 kid got sick. Got Winchester ammunition.
Mrs. Hartman said she was going ranching in Washington.
July 30, 1924 Engstrom in for his self binder,
didn’t come. Fosket in to see Cupcake May. Carlquist
up from Anchor to join his family on vacation. Eva and
preacher back from Anchorage. Opened up Winchester goods.
10 PM raining good. Sidney Black here.
July 31, 1924 Working on office all day, got
out statements account Willow Creek Mines Dist. Carlquist
family and Cupcake May left for Anchorage. Mrs. Kellogg
rented house in Anchorage after 3 months at Wasilla. Joy
riders out on Knik Road, Earl driver.
August 1, 1924 Attended big barn dance
at government farm, about 200 present, 8 autos and 4 teams.
Our car took 5, Sam, Eva, Stanley, Ma and Dad. Mac made
a Paul Revere ride to catch a schoolmarm.
August 2, 1924 Col. Steese here inspecting
roads. “Black” Chris Hanson here from Talkeetna went
on to Knik. Wade took Kelly car to Junction.
Had strawberries for supper. Engstrom came after his McCormic
binder.
August 3, 1924 Heavy rain last night.
Rufe Stephan and boy out from Knik after check, we got most
of it. Finished gun list. Mrs. Hartman returned to
32. Got radio music for 10 minutes with 6 volt battery added to
B batteries. Light rain all day. Col. Steese went out
to mines. Concert by Herning family.
August 4, 1924 McAllen in for Anchorage visitors
going to GB Mines. Rev. Landsdowne back from Anchorage
making 3rd week vacation at Wasilla. Chris Hanson back
from Knik went on to Talkeetna. Zink and Springstein left
on PM train for Inside. Got instruction book and dope on #59
Fed-Receiver direct from Buffalo House. Had 1st mess new spuds.
The Judge and old Tom hitting on high?
August 5, 1924 McDougal back from Caswell sawmill.
Col. Steese left for Anchorage. Bought first new spuds
at 5¢ a lb. Carlson moved back to his homestead after
living in town 2 months. Studied instruction book account #59
Receiver. Shave and turn in.
August 6, 1924 Installed new force pump in
kitchen. National Cash Register man arrived, assembled new $1,200
register. Boston airplane out of race went dead near Orkney
Island other 2 planes landed at Iceland OK.
August 7, 1924 Nat. Cash Register man
instructed operations of new machine. Started out with
4 clerks, A clerk sold 27.25, B clerk sold 14.25, D clerk sold
27.35, D clerk collected 154.25, E clerk no sales, days biz 223.10.
Ala. Railway 4 car gang here. Zink and Springstein married
at Fairbanks August 5th.
August 8, 1924 Worked all day learning bookkeeping
system of Nat. Cash Register. Bill Stolte up from Anchorage
to see Stanley, took them to 32, going to Grubstake for vacation,
Eva and Natl. Cash Register man went along Ellen came back with
us. Joe Conroy in from mines also Fenton the surveyor.
Mrs. Hartman in, Paul running Fishhook Inn.
August 9, 1924 Mayor Conroy, Ellen and Lockman,
Cash. Register man, went to Anchorage also Mrs. Hartman.
Stanley and Bill at mines. Madland on south train.
Spent all evening on cash register accts., on account of some errors.
T and T gang here.
August 10, 1924 Snider and Huslik went to Junction
with truck St. Clair’s big ideas about ranch going to
zero, too much money. Posted on cash register books took
bal. for 1st week. Drove up to Cannon ranch, got
a mess of raspberries. Bailey’s drove out to 28.
August 11, 1924 Delayed freight arrived, had
3 truck loads, got melons, peaches and new apples and spuds.
Had to haul all forage over to store warehouse account track
warehouse being blocked with RR car. Judge Conroy back from
Anchorage. Stanley failed to arrive from mines. Prof.
Olson and family here on outing. Got letter from Clara 3 farms
for sale.
August 12, 1924 Stanley and Bill back from
outing at mines. Hubbell in from mines went on to Seward.
Fern Mine got car lumber. Doctoring National Cash Register account
to find errors. Rich Black Bear man here. Zink and wife
returned home. Bill left for Anchorage
August 13, 1924 Herman in from Big Lake.
Hartman hauling car lumber to Fern Mine. AM put vertical
valve on kitchen pipeline and installed force pump in cellar.
Put 2 new B batteries on radio connections. Got note but A
battery too low voltage. Miller working on St. Clair’s homemade
furnace.
August 14, 1924 Got Gibbs check to cover July
account. Got wire from Healy for spuds. Wired for
meats candy and OS spuds. Stanley and mother drove
to Junction, Red Top went along. Tried radio on set no. 6 dry cells,
got music but not auditable. Ellen moved her flower plants
to St. Clair’s.
August 15, 1924 AM busy posting on back accts.,
had Stanley make entries. Judge Roger and wife here on
vacation. Mr. Hubbell back to survey for Fern Mine.
Pete Johnson up from Junction. Stanley left evening to work
2 weeks on gravel gang at Junction. Eva in from Fern Mine.
Evening answered Clara’s letter.
August 16, 1924 Answered Oscar C. Ranken, attorney.
letter about fathers estate. PM delivered J. G. Johnson’s
grub at mile 4 Palmer Road. T and T gang bracing up telegraph
poles. Got best concert on radio this fall, used 6 no. 6 dry cells
for A bat. Stanley working at Junction, Lawrence and Harvey
back from Honolulu Creek for ARC.
August 17, 1924 Priced up new hardware,
Tried radio with battery off Olds car, got a note and faint
music. Report came that Wickersham, squaw man, was shot by his squaw,
White Mule the cause. Stanley at Junction. AR Com. moved
over to Bogard’s to do work on his road. Raining hard.
August 18, 1924 Elder in for supplies.
Broke down erastor. Mr. Thompson owner of GB Mine arrived
from Outside. “P.O.” on a toot. Al Drees arrived
to work with T and T. Soaking rain since last night and still
at it. Stanley at Junction.
August 19, 1924 Big rain over. Ellexson’s
in from Knik for feed etc. “Granny” Stubbs back from McKinley
Park. Hartman fell between truck and RR platform and hurt
his shoulder. Evening after considerable skimming brought
in concert at St. Francis Hotel SF music was good.
August 20, 1924 Sent out Thorpe’s order to
Grubstake. Rewired radio connections from battery to
set, got faint music, battery too weak.
Stanley, Arthur and Clarence up from Junction. Jerry Murphy
in town. Rain.
August 21, 1924 Put up order for Fern and Mabel
Mines. Fruit order arrived. PM took oil pan off
truck found oil line, pipe to pump, broken. T and T gang left
on north train. Rogers went out to mines for a visit.
Harrison got job at government farm. St. Clair’s Tin Lizzie
out of commission. Jerry left for Anchorage.
August 22, 1924 Had Kelly solder broken pipe
on pump and leak in radiator. “Red” visited evening and
reeled off divorce proceedings, said her hubby had moved out
Saturday over in Gus cabin. Got concert on radio, wireless
bothered signals. Road Com. made camp near Johnson’s place
to gravel road into Wasilla. Tin Lizzie working tonight.
August 23, 1924 Mattie went to Anchorage account
tooth trouble. PM reinstalled oil pump line on truck,
it worked OK. Mrs. Wilmoth sold her chickens and houses
to J. H. Lander. Gus, the snuff eater, in town. Got concert
on radio. Raining again. AR Com. camp moved in from
Mabel Road.
August 24, 1924 Partly cloudy evening
rain. RR picnic at Lake Wasilla from Anchorage, had 5 cars, sold
$40 worth fishhooks, candy and tobacco to the picnic crowd.
Felch here, gave him order for crackers only. Sol Silverman
and wife visited also Harvey Bartholf and Vic Blodgett, Mrs. Bailey
and Hoffman. Got Los Angeles on radio. Stanley didn’t
show up at RR picnic.
August 25, 1924 Got NW mail, groceries and
stoves bill on NW. Mattie home on PM train from Anchorage.
Hugo Johnson arrived also 2 fishing parties. Mrs. Silverman
visiting Red. O. C. Miller digging well. K. T. Co.
got write up in August Good Hardware magazine.
August 26, 1924 Took Bill Long out to
his ranch, put on radio A battery and charged it during trip,
got concert at St. Francis Hotel T room by KGO General Elect.
Co. Stanley and Albert up from Junction. Knik River
Lake broke out.
August 27, 1924 Overhauled radio set, found
small loose connections, got Los Angeles on weak A battery.
Harvey and Hans returned from ARC work. Miller got water in
his new well. Received letter from 2 women in Texas in answer
to our write up in Good Hardware magazine both looking for a “man”.
August 28, 1924 Mrs. Horning and Gene in from
Mabel Mine and took train for Anchorage. Got some sand
near Lucille Lake for cement work. St. Clair bought Bruno’s
mink and equipment. Road Com. cut, down to one gang, camped
at Cottonwood bridge RR. Got nigger concert but A battery gone out.
August 29, 1924 Put order for Susitna Station.
Busy on accts. all day. Allen Horning came up from Anchorage
to work at Mabel Mine. Miller finished his well, kids put
rocks in pipe. Made out canned fruit and vegetable order
fall delivery. Nicholaska in from Knik.
August 30, 1924 P.O. closed at 11 AM,
went to Anchorage. Ellexson in from Knik. Went down Knik
Road with truck to charge radio A battery. Turned around
at Donovan’s and wheels refused to turn, Tryck family came
along and took us home. Stanley home from Junction.
We took touring car and towed in truck. Fine concert KGO at St.
Francis Hotel played by Henry Halsted’s band.
August 31, 1924 Sunday cloudy evening
rain. Fresh snow on mountain peaks down to brush line last
night. Quiet in town. Miller re-digging out his well
on account kids filling pipe with gravel. Put new
key in drive gear on truck, rode out to ridge summit.
September 1, 1924 First frost last night. Noon
freight brought groceries and store goods 2 truck loads,
Stanley and self put same in warehouses. Sam Guyot arrived,
gave him drop shipments on tobacco. “Willie” showed up
on mail arrival but did not come back on train? Stanley
and mother and “Red” went out joy riding.
September 2, 1924 Stanley went to Anchorage
to arrange on account going Outside to Pullman College.
PM got candy. spuds and bacon from Outside. Spuds all crushed
from shipment on boat cost 4¼¢ landed. Fixed
oil leak on Mrs. Wades Tin Lizzie. Reported Hartman applied
for a divorce, Wilmoth Co. next. Fern Mill broke down.
September 4, 1924 Kelly picked over ton new
Outside spuds. Hartman sold his interest in roadhouse
to Nellie “the boss”. Stanley back from Anchorage on shopping
tour. Evening radio not much good, battery low again.
September 5, 1924 Got fruits and fox wire,
flat iron and doors failed to arrive order lost. Charged
radio battery. Lillian Lander rented O. C. Miller’s house.
Hartman divorce all the talk. Paul arrived to run Wasilla
Roadhouse and do the trucking etc. Paul brought in 10 oz. gold
dust from OGH Placer Mine. Evening radio fairly good.
Stanley packing up for Pullman College.
September 6, 1924 Stanley left for Pullman
College, will lay over at Anchorage and leave Sunday with Bill
to catch Yukon at Seward. Delivered merchandise to Conway
and Johnson’s ranch. Evening wireless spoiled radio.
Got fine solo concert at St. Francis Hotel. Paddy Marion In
from Eska. Joe Conroy went to Anchorage going Outside.
September 7, 1924 Stanley in route from Anchorage
to Seward to take Yukon for Seattle. Evening drove truck
to ridge summit to charge radio battery. No radio news tonight.
Snider drove his truck to Junction.
September 8, 1924 Dan Sutherland visited on
way north. Snodgrass and Wade’s cars over from Junction.
Stanley on Yukon in route to Seattle and Pullman College.
Hartman took freight and passengers out for Paul. Evening got
no radio talk. Stubbs and wife moved to McKinley Park with
foxes. Received Stanley’s New York Life $5000 insurance policy.
School opened.
September 9, 1924 Fosket and Johnson
in for supplies. Forty Mile Miller went down to St. Clair’s
ranch to finish house and build furnace. Earl still trucking
for Nellie? Hans Frydenland bought Tom Cavanaugh's pool
room building another hotel? Stanley on Yukon south.
September 10, 1924 Ma went to Anchorage account
of her teeth and to visit “cup cake” May. Busy all day
in store sales $140. Evening got KFI program, singing was
good. Earl Hartman left for Outside to stay. Mrs. Vail
went to Anchorage. Harvey helping to operate Hartman’s trucks.
September 11, 1924 Mattie back from Anchorage,
also Mrs. Vail. Evo, brother and wife back home.
Cavanaugh left for Inside, got $1,500 for pool room ½ down.
September 12, 1924 Froze light crust last night
and cold tonight. Carl Martin arrived afoot, ran out of gas coming
from Junction. took him and case gas down to stalled car near Fosket’s
ranch, brought the women back. Evening tried new charged
battery on radio got weak music, guess tubes are about burned out.
Willie moved back to “Reds” ranch “Red” moved out?
September 13, 1924 August Carlson went to Anchorage
for treatment, Sam Kelly loaned him money on homestead.
ARC finished grading road down to Vail’s. Mr. Hubbell left
for Kodiak. Mrs. Hartman in from Fishhook Inn, returned to
Fishhook Inn PM.
September 14, 1924 Put Matt’s Old Knik gas
lamp into operation by adding nut. Drove truck out to
Frydenland ranch to charge radio battery. Evening got KFI
Earl C. Anthony program at Los Angeles. Stanley due to arrive
at Seattle today in route to Pullman College.
September 15, 1924 Repainted Elmer’s headboard.
Train 2 hours late, got 2 letters from Stanley, was near Juneau
loading salmon on SS Yukon. Wells Bros. pack horse arrived,
no one to take him, Fosket refused. Evening got fine concert
on radio from California. Dick Lander arrived.
September 16, 1924 Line storm on. Swen Bodin
visiting Eva. Busy checking up stock, wired for flour
feed and hardware. Evening got KFI and KGO on radio, music
fair. Miller building St. Clair’s furnace out of oil tank.
September 17, 1924 Big rain last night. Ellexson’s
out from Knik for supplies. Got coal oil and meats on
today’s freight. Delivered Hetznar’s flour and sugar at
lake for boat delivery to ranch. Willie home again now doing
the shopping?
September 18, 1924 Martin Larson arrived with
miners to run tunnel at Kelly Mines. Evening Hartman had
two truck loads of passengers for mines. Evening got Hale
Bros. and KGO on radio. Evening raining.
September 19, 1924 Mountains covered with snow
again. Got out Seattle mail. Martin Larson went out to
run 1,000’ tunnel at Kelly Mine. John Markin through at
Talkeetna Mine. Farmers digging spuds.
September 20, 1924 Brassel and Hudson in.
Got order from Thorpe, 1 order from Curry, small orders from
mines. Frisby and McAllen went to Anchorage. Froze ice
last night.
September 21, 1924 Finished repainting Elmer’s
headboard. Changed A battery, evening got KFI but wireless
butted in all the while. Harvey went out twice with big
truck to mines. Evening took usual bath. Hans busy
fixing up pool room.
September 22, 1924 Got wire from Stanley, arrived
Pullman College OK. McAllen back from Anchorage with more
miners. Buck Sparling in from Grubstake. PM freight
got doors and windows fruit and butter.
September 23, 1924 Took measure for Royal Tailor
suit for Nolan Hudson. Ellexson’s out from Knik, brought
us two dressed chickens and sack rutabagas. PM took load
boxes down to Vail’s, brought back load dry birch. Evening
radio NG battery and tubes NG.
September 24, 1924 Got orders from north on
RR. Self and Mattie drove in to Knik to reinstall Elmer’s headstone.
Had to put on chains to get home got back 6:30.
September 25, 1924 Heavy rain last night.
Harvey took passengers to Palmer. Evening got Los Angeles
Times Uncle Joe announcing music fine.
September 26, 1924 Sent 22 oz. gold retort
to Seattle bank. Snodgrass visited, been north on speeder.
Evening got fine music KFI Los Angeles, heard several hundred
cheering very plain at Ambassador Hotel.
September 27, 1924 Mattie went to Anchorage
account her teeth. Herman in from Fish Lake. Several
farmers in to trade. Evening radio not much good.
Kelly listening in.
September 28, 1924 Mattie in Anchorage.
PM started to paint walls in office. Answered P. O. Brunde,
Big Sandy, Montana letter asking about Alaska. Chilligan down to
trade. Paul hauled St. Clair’s lumber.
September 29, 1924 Painted ½ of office
walls apricot color. Mattie back from Anchorage on PM
train. Chauncy Lidell arrived went to mines. Got 7
tons feed and flour wired for September 16th. Got letter from
Stanley in Seattle, bought Buick Roadster and drove to Pullman.
September 30, 1924 Got order for half ton spuds.
Drove down to Doherty’s for spuds. Got Hale Bros. San Francisco
and KGO Los Angeles on radio, Marine band was good. Fleck’s
in from Fern Mine going Outside.
October 1, 1924 Ellexson’s in from Knik, took
Wells Bros. horse to winter, Grace rode him home. Delivered
groceries to Persson ranch brought back ½ ton spuds from
Doherty’s ranch, old truck pulling fine. Evening battery NG
on radio. Thorpe in from mines. J. J. in for grub, Nellie
in from 16.
October 2, 1924 Business
good collections fair. Joe Brassel back from Anchorage
took option on Elders ½ of Grubstake Quartz Mine.
Car lumber came for Fern Mine. Fleming in to trade.
Got Watson mail letter from Stanley, arrived OK at Pullman College.
Evening radio good.
October 3, 1924 Had a rush all AM, sales over
$200. Delivered Doherty’s grub and lumber, brought back
½ ton spuds. Got 4 tons groceries on PM freight.
Wilmoth said he was going to move Post Office back in store, sold
his safe.
October 4, 1924 Heavy rain. Miller in
from Fern Mine with cleanup, left order for grub and went to Anchorage.
Fleck family left for Outside. “Red” went to Anchorage
to buy her ticket. Evening got Times Earl Anthony and General
Electric but not plain.
October 5, 1924 Patzack in town.
Post Office moved back into Wilmoth’s store building after being
in the Shough cabin for 1½ years. PM cleaned up
dust and furnace pipe, put in new top grate, had trouble with same
finished 10 PM. No radio tonight.
October 6, 1924 Ellexson’s out from Knik for
their horses, strayed out to Wasilla. Got letters from Clara
and Stanley. Got new set radio tubes, didn’t work, battery
run out. Mrs. Horning arrived went on to mines.
October 7, 1924 Froze crust last night. Cleaned
up in front of store, fixed drain ditches and crossing.
Evening boys from experimental farm over to buy winter clothing,
bought over $50 clothing. Evening drove down to Vail’s for
wood and cabbage. Evening radio good, heard Miss S. D. Wallace
from Sidney Australia over KGO.
October 8, 1924 Cold snap moving clothing.
PM self and Mattie drove down to Vail’s for rick of wood.
Evening got new tubes to function on radio. Loud speaker
worked OK. Evening windy.
October 9, 1924 Rain PM, business
slow. Thorpe and McClarty up from Anchorage on way to
mines. Had roast chicken dinner, Kelly invited guest.
Got Outside mail. Evening radio not much good, too much cracking,
got 3 pieces in clear. Evening heavy rain.
October 10, 1924 Snowed 2”, heavy snow
in the mountains. Business good cash sales over $200.
Fisher and Long bought grub outfit for Knik. Second lot of
hardware came, got batteries. Evening radio NG, A battery
ran out.
October 11, 1924 About 2” snow fell, ground
white. Hauled truck load out to Bill Longs ranch at old 19.
Mr. and Mrs. Horning in, closed down Mabel Mine. Mrs. Red
Top left for Outside. Fred went to Knik with Fischer’s grub.
Evening radio fair.
October 12, 1924 Partly cloudy temperature
30 looks like early winter freezing today. Busy in store
until 2 PM. Bruno up from Junction to trade. Drove
down to Vail’s for load dry wood. Key in drive pinion broke
so had to leave car there. Evening radio fair, got KFSG Bible
Institute Los Angeles.
October 13, 1924 A-1 clear day cold wave
zero last night. With passenger car, towed up truck and load
of wood stalled at Vail’s. Had Harvey steer truck, came
up on second. Got Outside mail letter from Stanley.
Evening got St. Francis program music very clear.
October 14, 1924 Fleming over from Cottonwood.
Evening radio NG too much wireless. Got bunch small orders
from Fern Mine. Warm days cold nights.
October 15, 1924 Put new key in drive pinion
broken on truck. Delivered Harrison’s forage at Lake Wasilla.
Evening tried radio with full charged A battery, signals came
in too strong. Evening windy.
October 16, 1924 Dave England in for winter
grub. Holden in for grub, said 4 lake was frozen over.
St. Clair’s back from buying trip to Anchorage. Lue Schock
in from GB Mines going east.
October 17, 1924 Snowed a little last night.
Business good, clothing moving account cold snap. Dave
England bought $100 grub and clothing outfit for ranch.
St. Clair’s furniture arrived. Mrs. Hartman in to stay from
Fishhook Inn.
October 18, 1924 Got 2 fair size orders
from Fern Mine and Wells bros. Kelly went to Anchorage.
Ellexson’s back from Knik to trade. Harvey quit hauling
with Nellie’s big truck, too much snow from canyon up, threw load
off at 29½. Carl Wikman through building for Tom Aureen,
beat his bills and left for Anchorage. Two Palmer ranchers over
to prove up, came with Snodgrass Tin Lizzie, ordered mantles and mitts.
October 19, 1924 Put up order for Frank Wells.
In store failed to get evening program. Gus in town.
October 20, 1924 Business good sales
over $200. Sold old double ender to Nagley and a case of eggs.
Got Outside mail letter from Stanley, hadn’t received any of Ma’s
3 letters. Kelly back from Anchorage. Palmer ranchers
proving up.
October 21, 1924 Business
good sales over $200. Magaha bought grub order for ranch.
Ellexson took wife to Junction to catch train to Anchorage.
Painted new radio pole. Evening got Los Angeles Times, said
President Coolidge would speak over radio tomorrow evening to
12,000,000 people. Willow Creek Inn posted notice for grand
opening Saturday evening.
October 22, 1924 Cloudy and windy.
Business slow snow going fast. PM drove down to Persson’s
and Doherty’s for spuds. Evening listened to entertainment
given in Los Angeles for World Aviators also Earl P. Anthony musical
program. Harvey left for GB Mines. Zink family went
to Anchorage.
October 23, 1924 Bert Ferris here from
Junction. Bogard hauling lumber to ranch to build sheep
shed. Car coal due tomorrow. Fern got another car
lumber. Evening radio NG, B battery run out.
October 24, 1924 Hauled over 2 truck loads
flour etc. from track warehouse to store. Ellexson in
from Knik after Mrs., back from Anchorage. Experimental farm
boys over evening to trade went to mile 12 for moose.
October 25, 1924 Got $140 order from Talkeetna.
Sent out order for winter apples and more sugar. Willow
Creek Inn opening dance on. Two cars and Phil Allen’s team up
from Junction. Had a rush in store till 8:30, 12 women and 20 stags
at dance. Installed a 1,000 candle gas lamp for Hans.
Ellexson’s in for dance.
October 26, 1924 Cloudy warm wind.
Native trade over $100, Saturday and Sunday AM sales and collections
over $500. Hartman’s Repb. truck stalled with load lumber,
Nick Kane drove truck. Dance over 2 AM good eats and rotten
music. PM drove new car down to Metz ranch for cabbage.
October 27, 1924 Got 2 orders from Eska.
Got 2 letters from Stanley at Pullman College. Car winter
coal arrived. Nick Kane still doctoring Hartman’s big truck,
wants me to adjust mag. Got 2nd lot guns and ammunition.
October 28, 1924 Snow all gone in Wasilla.
Unloaded car premier coal, fine quality. Nick finally
got Hartman’s big truck to turn over, had 2 and 3 wires crossed.
Swen and Vail helped to unload coal. Evening put old tubes
in radio and got KGO OK. Car forage etc. due tomorrow.
October 29, 1924 Unloaded car flour and forage.
Got part dried fruit order. Pete Johnson in town.
Nick Kane drove out Hartman’s truck with lumber delayed 3 days.
Got big order from Fern. Evening radio NG.
October 30, 1924 AM unloaded plasterboard.
Key in drive pinion broke again. Had trouble in starting
Olds car, towed truck to store and garage. Mattie and Sam
got Fern big order packed. Pearly White in town going back
to Maine. Evening got concert at St. Francis Hotel S. F. fine.
Miller through at St. Clair’s ranch. Gave Mattie $25 for birthday
present.
October 31, 1924 Windy. Business
good sales over $400. Roads good again for autos.
Ellexson’s in from Knik. Nick hauled out 2 loads Fern lumber
to 28, reported Sam Peters up from Anchorage, left Wilmoth bottle
coal oil. Evening windy radio NG. Had Kelly at chicken
dinner.
November 1, 1924 McAllen in from Willow Creek.
Nick Kane teaching Grau how to fit up horse shoes, quit Nellie
and moved over to Hans Inn. PM overhauled 2 no. 6 street
gas lamps, installed one in Willow Creek Inn, lit ours for first
time. Evening radio NG, A battery run out. Froze
over.
November 2, 1924 Quiet in town.
Painted radio pole 2nd coat. Two old maids visited, bought
2 books of general knowledge, 1 for $16.50 for Stanley and 1
$12 for home use. Put storm windows on east end annex warehouse.
Evening made out October bills. Skating today on Lake Wasilla.
November 3, 1924 Busy AM finishing statements
for October credits. Old maid book agents back from Junction,
evening went out to do Willow Creek District. Leonard Grau
shoeing horses. Got letter from Stanley all OK.
November 4, 1924 Presidential election
day. Election held in Willow Creek Inn. Dance and Associated
Press wires on election in States. Mattie attended, self
got returns on radio at home with music between accounts.
Coolidge had lead in all reports. Got Nolan’s Royal Tailor suit.
Knik had to vote at Wasilla precinct.
November 5, 1924 Sam Anderson in with
Fern cleanup. Albert Fanning, new rancher at Palmer, over
for $144 outfit came with auto. Election returns thus far
show Coolidge the winner as President. Nick Kane returned
to Anchorage. Got Los Angeles Times for a while on radio batteries
on the bum. Leonard the Bolshevik blowed off over election.
November 6, 1924 Grau started to put up radio
pole by garage, made failure in raising gin pole. Dan McArdle
in, not feeling well again. Kelly building fence around his
house, Harrison doing the work. Got word from bank that Wickman
had gone to Sweden, jumped his bill. Colder, evening down to
zero.
November 7, 1924 Mine Alic out from Knik for
2 Jersey calves. Got 60’ radio pole up in front of garage,
took 3 white men and an Indian to raise her up. Got order
for mink wire from Marsh. Mattie taking on a cold. Hansen
bought Fred’s old team. Evening on mail wagon checked out $1,000
Seattle.
November 8, 1924 Winter stock all paid for.
PM with touring car brought up rick dry wood from Vail’s,
winter wood and coal all in. Mattie has a cold. Fred, Pete
Nelson and Swen left for Seattle. Two old maid book agents
back from Willow Creek went on to Anchorage.
November 9, 1924 A-1 day, zero last night.
Ellexson’s out for feed. Fixed up gas lamp over desk
in store. Everybody skating today. Heinie Snider
brought his truck up from Junction to winter here. Wagner
hauling pole wood for Wilmoth. August Carlson reported very
low at Anchorage.
November 10, 1924 J. J. in, gave Fischer $200
mortgage on ranch to pay his bills. Fleming back from Anchorage
went home by moonlight. Got 2 letters from Stanley.
Got OH corn and currants. Got Hale Bros. and St. Francis,
rather weak low batteries. Wired for more flour etc.
Reported August Carlson died at Anchorage.
November 11, 1924 Put up order for Fern Mine.
Made key for drive pinion on truck car. Evening warming
up for snow storm. Evening got Bill Cox Hero of Flanders on
radio at Hale Bros. Also got St. Francis and the Palace Hotel
San Francisco. Mattie nursing cold, Kelly getting it.
November 12, 1924 Three car freight arrived
for mines. Put new key in drive pinion on truck
Evening Mrs. Ellexson arrived from Knik with horse on double ender,
broke rear shaft on Tin Lizzie. Sports talking Thanksgiving
dance at Wasilla. Mattie still on cold list.
November 13, 1924 Ground white again.
Business normal around $100 mark. Light snow turning to
rain. Sent Gill A battery to be recharged. O. C. 40 Mile
unloading 3 cars freight for Fern Mine. O. C. got letter from
Stanley. Mrs. Ellexson waiting for rear axle for “Lizzie”.
Bogard in for feed. Evening got St. Francis on 6 #6 dry cells.
Matt’s cold better. School Board paid first money this fall.
November 14, 1924 Cloudy, Chinook 42
above, snow all gone again in Wasilla. Business slow today.
Gus and Bert Ferris in from Fishhook Inn after horse feed.
Forty Mile and Vail finished unloading Fern pipe and cyanide plant.
Mrs. Ellexson returned to Knik. Cleaned up a lot of mail
to answer. Wrote Buffalo Radio about #59 receiver.
November 15, 1924 Cloudy, light rain
42 above. PM hauled out tin cans and put passenger car back
in new garage. Had trouble in starting Olds engine, gas
was all out of vac-tank. Evening got Los Angeles Times Hale
Bros. and St. Francis Hotel San Francisco on radio. McAllen
in. Recharged A battery on truck. Wrote Stanley about
trucking.
November 16, 1924 Cloudy warm 42 above.
Quiet in town, busy cleaning around store. McAllen returned
to mines, had 2 Landers horses, stayed at Hans place. PM
put new spark plugs on truck charged A battery. Evening
got sermon and general music on radio. Mattie about over cold.
Frost coming out of ground.
November 17, 1924 Cloudy, warm 40 above.
Ellexson in twice from Knik for feed. PM installed antenna
on new pole by garage, moved set by outside door in office.
Made ground wire 6’ longer. Evening worked OK but A battery ran out.
Got letter from Stanley. McArdle sick stomach trouble.
Thawed 2”.
November 18, 1924 Dan McArdle came up to go
to hospital, very sick stomach trouble. PM drove Olds
car down to Vail’s and out to summit ridge, roads fine, no snow
on road
November 19, 1924 Sent Stanley $20 check for
his twentieth birthday. Mailed orders for rubber goods.
Fixed antenna at store end, evening radio reception weak.
Dan McArdle went to Anchorage hospital. Ground froze
up again. Gaikema and Goodell here.
November 20, 1924 Cloudy 32 above. PM
took load big boxes down to lake landing for Harrison. Charged
A battery, evening got Fresno Raisin Association on KLX Oakland.
Several speakers on the stock market and control of prices.
Got Watson mail no letters from Stanley got letter from Clara.
November 21, 1924 Mine Ellic out from Knik
with pork for the mines, took back feed. PM started to
put plasterboard in store annex, O. C. Miller on the job worked
3 hours. Mattie making ready to shop in Anchorage. Evening
paid $1,000 Seattle and S. F. invoices. Goods to arrive on
Watson today. No radio busy on mail. Dr. David died at
Anchorage.
November 22, 1924 Last chance to send orders
before Xmas arrives. Mattie left for Anchorage on shopping
tour? Only 2 freight trains per week hereafter. Mrs.
Ellexson went to Anchorage. Evening got KFI and KPO on radio.
Miller and self on wallboard PM
November 23, 1924 Warm wave on past 8 days
broken, evening freezing. Helped Miller on wallboard, finished
relining store annex. Got good music and news from Times radio
Los Angeles.
November 24, 1924 Clear morning 8 above.
Watson freight arrived, got milk sugar and fresh apples, more
flour feed car door blocked with big piece machinery couldn’t
unload car. Mattie back from Anchorage brought meat for Thanksgiving
dance. Got letter from Stanley wants to come home after 1st
semester, only 1 hour study left to finish high school. Miller
finished work in store annex time 3 days.
November 25, 1924 Busy day unloaded 14 ton
car Outside freight, self and Vail handled it all, well stocked
now for winter. Fleming in for Mrs. back from Anchorage,
stayed at Wasilla tonight. New A battery on the bum electrolyte
all gone. Orchestra practice at Wilmoth’s tonight.
Hartman’s still breaking through to Fishhook Inn with car.
November 26, 1924 Started to re-arrange merchandise
in store annex. Put up order for Fern Mine. Mattie
busy with cooking for turkey day. Evening tried radio, A
battery NG. Oiled up truck, evening still raining.
Got write up in Cappers Weekly old maids wanted in Alaska.
November 27, 1924 Turkey day, warm wind.
AM cleaned up in store annex and hauled up 50 cwt flour from
track warehouse. Had chicken dinner at 2 PM Kelly guest.
PM delivered case oil to Vail’s with truck no snow and road in
fine condition. Evening attended school exercises and dance
at pool hall 25 local people present. Evening got good concert
from KGO on radio.
November 28, 1924 A-1 spring day.
Business fair got 2 orders off branch. Had Miler put transom
over office outside door. Dan McArdle died at Anchorage hospital,
too far gone for treatment. Hartman’s got gas man from experimental
farm to fix up the trucks. Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage.
November 29, 1924 Got 2 orders from Curry and
Caswell. Miller finished transom over office outside door.
Window $1.35, opener $1, hanger 20¢, frame $2, labor $7, total
$11.55. No freight south today. Evening priced up
balance new goods. Bogard in afoot. Got call for K.
T. calendar at Seward.
November 30, 1924 PM with Olds car delivered
400 forage to St. Clair’s ranch for Bogard. Brought back
400 lb. vegetables, road fine no snow. Stewart and wife
here looking for hotel business. Pittman section man down
to trade. Had trouble in starting Olds car, got a kick hurt
shoulder.
December 1, 1924 Whiton hardware arrived.
New Stuart family moved into Zink’s cabin. Got letter from
Stanley had snow and cold at Pullman. Evening busy on mail,
got 2 letters from women in Kansas and Missouri looking for Alaska
husbands.
December 2, 1924 Ellexson’s out from Knik,
had engine tied up with rope broke a lug, took in their horses
after eating Jimmies hay. Evening wrote Stanley about trucking
and the future business, told him he could come home after 1st semester
exam. Dave and Magaha in for supplies. No radio tonight
busy on mail and no battery.
December 3, 1924 Business slow today all under
cover account big wind. Jacob Metz appointed administrator
of Dan McArdle estate, went to Anchorage to look after burial
of deceased. Sent Stanley $75 for December college expenses
and $25 for his Xmas. Shoulder better from auto kick
December 4, 1924 Cleaned up yard after wind
storm, put storm window on west end store annex. Lillian
Grogan came through with COD charge on dictionary book of facts.
Gus back from Anchorage. Shorty Gustafson here from Eska
bought trapping outfit.
December 5, 1924 Shorty took Wilson’s team
to Junction for Gus. PM drove Olds car out to Ed Mullins
ranch, road best ever, no snow or ice. Gave Olds car a mothball
went off 1st turn went to charge battery. Evening much colder
10 above. Ordered pick up groceries from Fischer Bros.
December 6, 1924 Partly cloudy 28 above.
Got 2nd big order from Fern Mine. McDougal and Ed Mullen
went to Anchorage. Ulsh in with GB cleanup and to see his
girl. Sent Stanley “feeler” letters to send to mine operators
for next summers business. PM changed A battery not enough
for good reception.
December 7, 1924 Partly cloudy
Quiet in town. Oscar Tryck sick with rheumatics. Paul
hauled 2 loads water pipe to 28 today. PM drove Olds car
out to Lawrence place to charge battery. Took battery out
of car and jacked up car. Snow on road from mile 25 to roadhouse
but fine autoing.
December 8, 1924 Noon freight, got gas and
oil ordered over a week ago from Seward. Got Winchester
hardware catalog delayed 6 months. Got letter from Stanley
went to Spokane, turkey day, with car. Got battery back from
Anchorage. Got music on radio but not plain.
December 9, 1924 First real snow fall
snowed 6” last night, business slow today. Busy cleaning
off walks. Paul went to 28 with big truck. Evening
went through to Fishhook Inn with Ford truck. Ma not feeling
well, got cold in shoulders. Ellexson’s horses here 5 AM.
Valley now covered with snow.
December 10, 1924 Clear and colder 8
above this morning, snowed more last night. Got another order
from Fern Mine. Gaston, Bill Long and Anderson in from mines.
Gaston said half of GB help would be in December 22nd closing down.
Evening got opera at Hale Bros. on radio. Ellexson’s in for
horses, one came back evening. Paul made to 28 with big truck.
December 11, 1924 Second cold snap 16
below. Natives in to trade from Knik and Houston.
Paul still hauling freight with big car. Evening got music
program at Hale Bros. and St. Francis San Francisco. Herman
in to trade and brought trout.
December 12, 1924 All day and evening 30 below
zero. Paul still bucking Jack Frost with Tin Lizzie.
Another car freight for mines arrived today making 6 cars.
Cat men up from Anchorage to take Cats to Anchorage for overhauling.
Evening got Portland but too much wireless on.
December 13, 1924 On account of cold
wave few came to town, 44 below zero. Martin Larson in,
through with contract on B. D. Mine. Evening put Wells horse
in barn and fed him, wont stay at Knik with Ellexson. Applied
to Romig in Anchorage for insurance on stock. Evening got St.
Francis musical and Los Angeles Times. Nolan Hudson going Outside.
December 14, 1924 Thirty below zero,
quiet in town. Wagner hauling wood for the judge.
Worked on ledger. PM tried to start truck, oil froze up in
crank shaft. Evening got several on radio but not plain.
Evening cloudy warming up 6 below.
December 15, 1924 Several in to trade.
PM freight brought Xmas goods, turkeys cranberries nuts celery
sweet potatoes pears etc. O. C. Miller in from ranch.
Got 2 letters from Stanley about trip to Spokane. Charged
A battery evening radio OK. Ellexson out from Knik, took Wells
horse in aft car. Six Shooter Bill home.
December 16, 1924 Part cloudy warm, business
rushing. All the ranchers in to trade, shipped one order
to Eska. Had to cut ice off eves off store building account
leak. Evening for 1st time got Calgary Canada on radio.
Heard the Bronco Buster Club and Father Burke on the piano.
Mattie got cold in shoulders.
December 17, 1924 Cloudy and warm. Paul
in with passengers. Miller in. Got big order for
Fern Mine. Opened up green Xmas goods, sold celery etc.
PM charge A battery, got Times in Seattle and Times in Los Angeles.
December 18, 1924 Train 1 hour late, got Watson
mail. Got letter from Stanley from W. S. C. Pullman Washington.
Birthday party at school house for Dicky Lander 2 years old Ma attended
and other town ladies. Evening got Seattle and San Francisco.
December 19, 1924 Colder 10 to 20 below
zero. Business slow today, sent out part of Fern big order
($1,500). Evening Paul Stewart brought in bunch of Willow
Creek Mine help, also Thorpe family. Evening brought in KLX
Oakland and KGW Portland clear and fine. Hoot Owl Club Portland
pulled off Santa Claus stunt, heard Santa Clause come and go music
and jokes were fine. Joe Brassel in from Grubstake came with
dog sled.
December 20, 1924 Cold 14 below zero.
Thorpe’s and GB miners in also Mrs. McAllen, all went to Anchorage.
Trucks still running as far as old 28. Mrs. Ellexson and
chickens went to Anchorage. Heard Dr. lecture also man on
history and growth of U. S. towns 5 PM. A battery about run
out. Applied for $1,200 fire insurance from Romig at Anchorage.
December 21, 1924 AM 24 below evening
10 below, quiet in town. Paul took out load iron on big
truck to 28. Hans busy on wood pile to keep even with Jack
Frost. Got trial balance off August account was out balance $82.
Got church organ a short time with dry cells for A battery.
Mattie got touch rheumatics.
December 22, 1924 Got 1½ tons
freight back order on fruit etc. Got Eureka pacs. hauled
it over with truck. Got Xmas mail cards and presents from
Stanley. Herman back from Anchorage gave us $150 order.
Evening got music on radio.
December 23, 1924 Evening, 30 last of GB help
arrived mill closed. Otto in, got lease on old GB Mine
with 5 others. Paul took out 16 cwt sugar for Fern. Evening
got fine concert Bronco Buster Club at Calgary Canada. O.
C. in poker game tonight with GB miners. Al Bert asked for wives
and toys letter sent two.
December 24, 1924 Cloudy and warmer.
Business normal put up 2 orders for north shipment. Noon
train 30 balance of Willow Creek Mine help left for Anchorage
also Manager McAllen. PM run truck engine to recharge A battery.
Evening orchestra practice in our store account Mattie singing
Holy Night. Evening too late to get radio program.
December 25, 1924 Xmas A-1 day zero to
20 above. Quiet in town. Had Kelly and Miller at
turkey dinner. Stanley supposed to be in Seattle for Xmas.
Evening dance at Hans place. Mattie sang Holy Night with
orchestra. Mrs. Lander, Harvey and Wilmoth read appropriate
Xmas pieces 30 present. Gave Ma $25 in gold for Xmas.
December 26, 1924 Got order from B and K Moose
Creek. Opened up Eureka pacs and Portland clothing.
Gave each lady in town box Xmas candy. Evening on Outside
mail also got Hollywood on radio for ½ hour. Mrs.
Ellexson returned to Knik on horse.
December 27, 1924 Sam Kelly went to Anchorage
for week end. Priced up new dry goods. Evening got
KFOA Seattle Times and New Olympia Hotel Seattle. Got best
program Los Angel Club Los Angeles on till 12:30. Heard the
flappers get initiated. Sharon Fleck back to ranch.
December 28, 1924 Paul made 2 trips to 28 hauled
last of Fern water pipe. Put new clothing on shelves.
PM posted on ledger. Evening got fine concert on radio
KHJ and KJF Los Angeles. New Years Eve KHJ on air 6 PM to
3 with review concert. Kelly at Anchorage.
December 29, 1924 A-1 day business slow.
PM received 3 tons freight past full dating order and fill-ins
for Fern order. Kelly and Otto back from Anchorage.
Self hauled over 3 truck loads freight depot to store. Got
2 letters from Stanley wants to bring his car home. Football
game tomorrow University of Pennsylvania vs. S. W. California so said
KGO over radio today.
December 30, 1924 Business good marked
balance of Fern big order. McDougal in. Fleming
over from Palmer. Evening got Calgary Bronco Busters Club
said there were 70,000 people in Calgary 900 miles from the Pacific
Coast. Heard several initiated to ride. Sent Happy New
Year greetings to all radio Hans Sold another turkey.
December 31, 1924 Soft weather.
Business normal. Hartman took out 2 loads of Fern order
1 more load to go to finish big order. Sent out Happy New
Year checks to Matanuska customers. PM charged batteries.
Got some fine singing but reception ended bad, guess B battery
low. Mrs. Stewart went out to cook for Fern Mine. Two
big football games in California tomorrow radio news.
Cappers Weekly November 1924:
Alaska is short of two household necessities
to make that region a fit place in which to live - wives and
toys, according to an appeal from the Knik Trading Company of
Wasilla. “Send us a lot of old maids” is their Macedonian cry.
“Our population is 99 per cent bachelors and must have families.
The dearth of wives is the chief reason why we have no call for
toys, children being almost a rarity in this town”.
1925
January 1, 1925 Ma and Pa at Wasilla, Stanley
at Pullman College. Mailed New Year greeting checks to
customers on railroad north. Had turkey dinner southern style,
Sam Kelly guest. Got fine concert from Los Angeles, brought in 2 unknown
stations. Turkey dinner by Miller at Hans.
January 2, 1925 Cloudy business good. Got Carrie
Jacobs - Bond special entertainment over KHJ Los Angeles Times,
also new Olympia Hotel Seattle reception was perfect. Also
got Hoot Owl Club at Portland Oregon. Reported to Uncle
John the reception over our radio.
January 3, 1925 Partly cloudy business good.
Dan Gray bought outfit. Dan Donovan in for Xmas mail
and presents. Got Night Hawk Club Kansas City Star Missouri
reception very clear. Paul had to give up hauling with big truck
account more snow.
January 4, 1925 Otto and Bill Holland
here. Got WHD Sweeny School Kansas City Missouri and sermon
in Los Angeles. Paul went to 28 with Ford truck . Mattie
visited on Mrs. Wagner.
January 5, 1925 Zero weather. Got 2 letters
from Stanley on vacation in Seattle. Brought in Night Hawk Club
Kansas City Missouri. Foggy today. Received letter
from Ed Sylvester.
January 6, 1925 Attorney Waller in went to
Fishhook Inn. Lee Johnson and brother living in Gus cabin
also Dan Gray. Got Vancouver B. C. for first time reception very
good also had in Bronco Buster Calgary and KGO.
January 7, 1925 Zero weather.
Ma started to take inventory of Natives. Self figuring
cost price of new goods. 5 PM brought in large organ at Oakland
plain on loud speakers. Got news topics of the day back to
Washington D. C. and Europe and Mexico.
January 8, 1925 Snow and wind, business slow
today. Busy on pricing outfits etc. Hartman’s through
freighting account snow, got one truck in ditch at mile 8.
Otto and GB gang left for GB Mines via Houston. Got call for Cannon
homestead.
January 9, 1925 Cloudy more snow last night,
autos out of business. Business normal finished checking
and billing Fern Mine Co. $1,800 order, longest order of season.
Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik with pork for mines. Drove Colorado
on double ender. Mattie on inventory of Natives.
January 10, 1925 Foggy. AM got out-mail.
PM charged A battery, got Los Angeles Times at Majestic Ballroom
reception not clear. Mine Ellex went home. Fosket in
to trade. Sent new A battery to Gill at Anchorage for recharge.
Mattie on inventory.
January 11, 1925 Mattie took off balance of
September account $25.06 out of balance. All the Swedes
fishing today. Up till 1 o’clock on books. cloudy and
warmer.
January 12, 1925 Big day sales $1,900,
collections $456.55. Got 2 letters from Stanley at Seattle,
saw Hartman, Fred and Pete, ready to return to Pullman College
after Xmas vacation. Gus in for balance of Fern freight
from K. T. Co. Got letter from W. S. Horning at Magalia,
California. Butter and oranges advance, account cold snap Outside.
Willie out gas, mule OK.
January 13, 1925 In office on mail all day.
Fleck’s in California. Gus took out balance of Ferns big order
left by Hartman. Wrote Fern Mine Co. about haulage by Stanley.
January 14, 1925 Windy business slow on sales
collections fair. Got 2 orders from the north. 5
PM brought in KLX got market report, eggs 63¢, butter 39¢.
New York bank robbed $70,000 in all. Wind blew hard all day.
Hog market up, hat market down?
January 15, 1925 Posting on books account income
tax etc. Business normal, market report and news
of day over KLX. Brought in WFAA Dallas Texas. Billy
Long 29 people at Jefferson Theater, Pete Good announcer, then brought
in new station JFIU Oklahoma dedication programs. Station
at Bristol 381 meters did not come in clear.
January 16, 1925 Cold and lots of snow.
Gus in for 2nd load. All the autos in the barn.
Gus only one hauling to mines. Put new tubes in radio, turned on
switch and wires burned out on RF amp control switch, no music tonight.
Got out-mail.
January 17, 1925 Windy 10 below zero. Sent
Stanley $100 to come home on in February. PM looked over
radio set found 3 loose connections, tried it no work, no current
on primary induction, couldn’t find short circuit account wire
burning out on RF Amp control.
January 18, 1925 Sunday 34 below zero second
cold snap, evening 10 PM down to 36 below zero. Quiet
in town. Fleck’s up to trade thought it was Saturday.
PM went over radio set found loose connection, soldered it, tried
it out still no current on primary induction and grid leak.
Well heard when detector turned over half.
January 19, 1925 Depot closed, 45 below zero.
Business slow today. Ma not feeling well trouble with head
and stomach. No radio, set out of commission.
January 20, 1925 Cold snap broken 6 above zero.
Business very slow, in office all day. Ordered keys for
pinion in truck from Toledo. Lander in with Mrs. Stewart
from Fern Mine. Wrote Layton Shell about radio accident. Lima
bean soup for supper. Good night.
January 21, 1925 Big Dakota wind today, snow
flying high. North train delayed 6½ hours account wind
at Broad Pass. Mrs. Ellexson returned to Knik with double
ender load feed. Snow blowing out of Wasilla, about a foot
on level. Got cash register ledger posted up to December 31,
1924.
January 22, 1925 Big wind, business quiet.
Russell snow plow went south, wind blocking traffic on railroad.
Layton Shell arrived to fix radio, found the transformer burned
out. Worked on WD11 set until midnight got current but no
note. Made out Cannon estate report.
January 23, 1925 Wind died out, evening 20
below zero. Layton Shell rebuilt old WD11 set. Got a
lot of dope on radio from Shell. Very quiet in town.
Radio out of commission until new part comes. Paid
KP dues 1925, $8.
January 24, 1925 Below zero all day. Got another
order from Fern Mine. Layton Shell left for Anchorage,
cost $25 for his radio eng. advice etc. Paid all invoices
up to date. Down to 30 below zero. Gus in for Fern freight
January 25, 1925 Sunday big wind. This
morning 36 below zero, evening wind came up. Gus took
out perishables for Fern Mine eggs etc. Got National Ledger
posted to date, very quiet in town. Strongest wind of winter.
January 26, 1925 Zero weather big wind all
day. Business slow, Joe Palmer only rancher in. Russell
snow plow went north as far as Willow to clear drifts off track.
Got freight off S.S. Alaska. Mail in, got letter from Stanley
at Pullman, thinks he will pass his exam in February. Year
ago Stanley left Seattle for home. Got wire from Williams, Seattle
didn’t know code word for transformer.
January 27, 1925 Windy, business slowest
of year today. Had a prospect buyer for Cannon homestead,
wants it for fur farm. Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik with Colorado
on double ender, reported road drifted bad half way out. Wired
for lard and sugar. Also ciphered code word Bufha for L. C.
Warner Co. account transformer for radio. Strong wind all
day. One lodger at 2 hotels. Wrote M. and M. Co. about
fall order delivery.
January 28, 1925 More wind for Ma’s benefit.
Took inventory of all goods in basement. Blowed hard
all day, hard on the coal bin. Wrote Stanley at Seattle
about prospect of freight business not very good. School closed
account of wind. Bob Hatcher in town. Herman in.
January 29, 1925 Big wind since Sunday finally
blew out today. Bogard in from ranch. Business
a little slow. Took inventory of shoe and clothing department.
Mattie took on a cold. Read Popular Science. Wind
growling a little. Got letter from Shell 7AHB.
January 30, 1925 A-1 day but cool
20 above. Ma and self on inventory. Mr. Lawrence
in from Fern Mine going to Anchorage. Mrs. Ellexson in going
to Anchorage. Wrote Buffalo Federal House about the defective
tube they sent and burned out transformer. Wrote Stanley
at St. Regis Hotel Seattle.
January 31, 1925 Lawrence went to Anchorage.
Self on inventory, Ma nursing her cold. Sent Stanley’s
mail to St. Regis Hotel Seattle. Stanley to arrive from
Pullman in Seattle about February 10th and leave for home February
14th.
February 1, 1925 Sunday +10, wind trying to
blow some more. Busy on inventory all day till 11:30 PM.
Finished clothing and all groceries on shelves rest is easy.
Ma’s cold some better. Nobody in town today, had
1 customer. Eclipse raised heck with the weather. Wagner
hauled in several loads wood for Wilmoth. No radio for a week
until transformer arrives from Seattle.
February 2, 1925 Busy all day on monthly statements.
Got letter from Stanley with Landers letter enclosed re: selling
his mountain home. Stanley said he had a touch of tonsillitis
was out of school a few days. A year ago he had measles.
Squally weather today.
February 3, 1925 Business back to normal,
Gus in for freight. Self in store all day got big order
from Thorpe for Grubstake Mine. Shorty and wife up from
ranch on skis. No wind today seems lonesome.
February 4, 1925 Zero weather cloudy all day.
Got good size order from Caswell. Self on inventory figures all
day and evening Last year Stanley in Seward held up with
measles. Today Stanley at Pullman College Washington finishing
his high school. Will complete high school this week.
February 5, 1925 Business good, put up $1,205
order. No mail train north today waiting for boat at Seward.
Sent for book on use of radio tubes to Cunningham Inc. S. F.
Finished tobacco inventory and read Popular Science. Matt’s
cold some better. A jail bird in town.
February 6, 1925 Zero weather. Business
normal collections over $1,800. On office work and inventory.
No mail train until tomorrow. Bert McClarty, Albert Nelson
and 6 men all told let go at Fern Mine, water line froze up.
Sent wire to Drumheller for Mellor report on mine. Otto
at old GB Mine. Stanley at Pullman through high school today.
February 7, 1925 Zero weather partly cloudy.
Had two mail trains got 2 letters from Stanley taking his exams.
Received transformer for radio. Got comic opera over KGO
very good. Ma on balance sheet self on inventory.
February 8, 1925 Mattie balancing up monthly
record on cash register ledger. Ellexson came with dog
team from Knik looking for Mrs. Ellexson delayed at Anchorage. Got
fine sermon and church music from Oakland also brought in KPO and
KFI program.
February 9, 1925 Lawrence returned to
Fern Mine. Noon got butter, eggs, lard and Granite Ware
and 25 sacks sugar hauled it over with Yukon sled.
February 10, 1925 Cloudy, sprinkle of
snow. Got 4 ton more coal. Mrs. Hartman had a car Jones
coal, Paul delivered it with big truck. Got fine concert
from KGO studio Oakland. Columbia phono man spoke on wives and husbands.
Don Warner playing piano solo St. Francis Hotel while writing his
diary.
February 11, 1925 First warm day in 2
weeks, Patzack down to trade. Train late from north. Teeth
bothering today. Ma has cough from cold. Heard dog
musher with anti-toxin was at Ruby on way to Nome. A battery
too weak. Answered Wells letter about kick on his horse
by Wasilla-ites Jan 10th. Stanley in Seattle in route home.
Temperature 32 above.
February 12, 1925 Wired for
goods to fill Thorpe’s order. Got fine program at KFO studio
and KFI Los Angeles Examiner program by the Elks Lodge #1475 old
time songs etc. appropriate for Lincoln’s birthday. Brought
in KGW Portland and KGO at St. Francis Hotel San Francisco.
Vic Blodgett arrived.
February 13, 1925 Miller and Anderson in from
Fern Mine going Outside, mill closed down account water. Got
program given by a baseball sport over Herald Los Angeles.
Brought in the Hoot Owl Club Portland. Bright and sunny today.
February 14, 1925 Business normal.
Clear and sunny day. Vic Blodgett bought 4 live mink
off Mrs. Ellexson $60. Miller and Anderson left for Outside.
St. Clair’s went to ranch to white wash walls. PM changed
A battery, got concert over KGO. Mary Philben
movie actress spoke said she hadn’t bathed her hair yet. Gerrit
Snider here from Junction.
February 15, 1925 Sunday 20 above zero,
bright sunny day. Business good, PM on inventory figures.
Stanley in route Seattle to home on SS Yukon due Seward next
Saturday. No radio tonight A battery on bum. Snider
sold his Ford truck to Hans.
February 16, 1925 BB pacs,
coal oil and milk arrived noon freight Loaded same on
truck Key in drive pinion broke had to unload. A bunch
of men pushed truck back into garage. Got A battery charged
on truck, got KFO and KGO not very plain. Got last letter from
Stanley before leaving Pullman for home. Yukon didn’t sail, Alameda
sails tomorrow.
February 17, 1925 Stanley leaves Seattle on
Alameda for home in place of Yukon. Opened and marked BB
goods. Lander here from Palmer left his horses at Palmer
and going to Anchorage.
February 18, 1925 Sent 2 A batteries to Gill
at Anchorage for recharge. Changed Olds battery on truck,
radio fair, wireless interrupted some. Report from Wells
bros. revealed that Mrs. Zink made complaint about their horse around
Wasilla etc.
February 19, 1925 Thorpe’s sold out in Anchorage
and moved to Wasilla. Heard complete program San Francisco
Chamber Commerce over KGO, recital “When the Frost is on the Pumpkin”
and “Fodder in the Shock” and “Headache Before School” songs were
good. President Lynch’s speech on business very good.
February 20, 1925 In office all day.
Mattie not feeling well account old trouble bronchitis. Brought
in program over KGO dedicating big organ at Presbyterian Church
Oakland California, Wilmoth and Sam listened in. Hoot
Owl Club was better.
February 21, 1925 Zero weather, 22 below
zero last night. Made out Thorpe’s bill for Grubstake Mine.
Got fine band concert over KGO Hale Bros. 6th Artillery Corp band
guarding the Golden Gate. Got St. Francis Hotel orchestra.
Chas Marino over from experimental farm. Ma's cold quite bad.
Dance at pool hall didn’t go.
February 22, 1925 Sunday zero weather.
Busy cleaning up in store AM. PM on inventory figures
and charged A battery, brought in church services at Oakland
Navy Band at Los Angeles and Sweeny School at Kansas City.
Battery too weak lost end for good reception, Trix boys were listening
in. Stanley on Alameda in route home.
February 23, 1925 One year ago in Seward on
way Outside to join Ma at Seattle. Today Stanley at Cordova
in route home. Had a heavy earthquake, 2 PM, shook strong
for a minute, knocked cans off store shelves. Ma feeling some
better cold still holds on.
February 24, 1925 Fleming in to trade.
Jim Hansen in for oil for Fern Mine. Year ago was in
Valdez. PM charged battery got fine program and Seattle
election returns over KFOA. Got Velema and Walker prize
fight over KGO. Stanley to arrive at Seward today.
February 25, 1925 Installed gas lamp in office.
Charged battery. brought in San Carlos opera Co.
over KFI and repeated by KGO and Seattle station. Came in
loud but not clear on loud speaker. Stanley arrived home from
Pullman College. Mike Sherry and Shorty Holland arrived.
Dunkle on north train. Had turkey dinner, Ma not well.
February 26, 1925 Warmer business normal.
In office most of day. PM got 1½ ton groceries.
Got order from Fern Mine. Got recharged batteries, brought
in new station. Order batteries HJR Belfry Terminal Sales
building Seattle. Had fine program song “Bells of the Sea”
very good. Also brought in KGO program, Stanley and Slivers listening
in. Ma applied mustard plaster, evening better.
February 27, 1925 Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik
with dog team. Busy on Outside mail. Hansen in
for load oil, took Fern’s eggs out. Stanley on inventory
totals. Had more turkey today. Got KFO, KHJ and KGW and Calgary
reception not very good. Turkey ready for war with Greece.
February 28, 1925 Ma went to Anchorage account
chest trouble. Stanley and self posted on books.
Stanley the cook, ate last of Xmas turkey. Brought in new station,
KOA at Denver Colorado. Fine program at Savoy Hotel also
Los Angels, Mt. Low program and other stations, Paul and Nellie
listened in.
March 1, 1925 Posted balance of February accounts
on ledger. Heard church exercises Oakland and Los Angeles.
Brought in KNX Hollywood program by ice cream company.
KFI announced would re-broadcast President Coolidge March 4th
speech at 8 AM means 6 AM at Wasilla.
March 2, 1925 Stanley mopped linoleum.
Ma back from Anchorage feeling much better. Hans wallboard
arrived. Got Thorpe’s $450 order. Put detector on 45 volts
and loud speaker worked fine. Heavy earthquakes in Europe.
March 3, 1925 Stanley and self finished posting
ledger 1924. Got most inventory calculated. Charged
2 batteries, ready to bring in Presidents speech 6 AM tomorrow.
Got fine program through loud speaker from Oakland while writing
in this diary listening to Henry Halsted orchestra in the Garden Room
of Hotel Francis San Francisco.
March 4, 1925 Business slow sales $60.
Stanley and self on adding machine all day. Got department
accounts totaled, annual sales $32,898.20. Now ready
to fill in income report. Early evening radio fair.
Got up 6 AM and turned on for Presidents speech got nothing, foggy
weather.
March 5, 1925 J. J. back from Anchorage got
his pension money. Gus in and George Jensen back from
Anchorage. Got program from Seattle, heard one strong call, Down
were the cotton grows and the oil flows.
March 6, 1925 Finished income tax report, profit
over $9,734.63, cost of doing business $3,444.70, tax less $2,500
exemption $18.90. Gus, Big Dan and Jensen left for mines.
Stanley helped Paul on Ford car repairs. Got fine program from
Hollywood, Portland, Victoria and Calgary B. C. J. J. left
for Knik. Mrs. Ellexson in after Mrs. Stuart.
March 7, 1925 Stanley went out to Miller’s
ranch mile 8. Thorpe’s paid town and trail bills, ready
to go to Grubstake with dog team. Brought in San Carlos opera,
reception not good, Kelly listened in. Mailed income tax.
March 8, 1925 Quiet in town everybody fishing
at Lake Wasilla. PM Stanley back from Miller’s ranch mile
8. Marked drugs and put on shelves. Posted in ledger
weeks business. Heard KFI and KHJ program in Los Angeles.
March 9, 1925 Stanley commenced work as chief
clerk for K. T. Co., Kelly taking a lay off. Charged battery
on Olds car, reception NG until 10 PM too warm and storm outside.
Bank of Alaska and Bank of Anchorage consolidated today, visited
B of A.
March 10, 1925 Business good 40 above
zero. Put up part of Thorpe’s Mine order. Herman
in to trade. Bogard in for feed etc. PM charged A battery,
brought in clear fine program given by the Schwela Motor Co. at San
Francisco also had in KFI. Orchestra practice account dance 17th
Stanley there with saxophone.
March 11, 1925 Didn’t freeze any last
night first time since October, 40 above. Business slow
today. Henry Lewis in town, sold his pool room in Anchorage.
Heard Los Angeles Examiner program also KGO Odd Fellows Band in
San Francisco. Mrs. Thorpe listened in, her first on radio.
March 12, 1925 Bill Long moved back from Knik.
Program out for St. Patrick’s dance. Bid on two $400
orders. Gus in from 32.
March 13, 1925 Worked all day on small stuff
on Thorpe and Brassell order. Brought in Aeolian big pipe organ
and program at Los Angeles, best yet. Blowed hard all day,
still at it midnight.
March 14, 1925 Got off spring orders to come
on Watson to Anchorage. Mrs. Ellexson and Stuart in from
Knik. St. Clair’s went to ranch. Charged batteries on Olds
car, got some foreign station 5 hours later than here.
March 15, 1925 Put cash register in line with
grocery counter. Stanley and Harvey visited at St. Clair’s
ranch.
March 16, 1925 Ranchers in to trade.
Finished packing Thorpe and Brassell’s big order. Two
ladies from Anchorage arrived to visit Mrs. Thorpe. Radio good,
brought in Mary Lake Ducks at Oakland KLX studio brought in KGO
on loud speaker. Feed and groceries arrived.
March 17, 1925 Big St. Patrick’s dance
on at Willow Creek Inn 25 couples present, had ice cream sandwiches
and cake. Seven up from Junction. Stanley played
a few pieces on saxophone.
March 18, 1925 Ellexson’s returned to Knik
with feed etc. Fleming in for feed etc. Brought
in fine program, heard talk on Watsonville Apple District, said
1 tree produced 310 boxes, average tree 80 boxes. Raised
enough apples to reach around world twice if placed end to end.
March 19, 1925 Frank Watson over from Palmer
to trade. Sam Kelly back from Anchorage. Got fine program
from Oakland Studio and the Keep the Joy Radiotron. The cat
story and song was good.
March 20, 1925 Wired for more groceries.
Answered Clara’s letter from St. Petersburg Florida, also wired
her she could have my interest in estate for $25,000 - 60 day option.
Had KFI in for a while said they would install loud speakers in Los
Angeles park.
March 21, 1925 Heavy wet snow PM.
McCloud in for load machinery for Gus. Business slow today,
storming all day. Got fine clear program KGA studio brought in
KFI, KHJ and KGW, Mrs. Hartman, Paul and McCloud listened
in.
March 22, 1925 Sunday, finished Thorpe
and Brassell bill. PM oiled store floor and cleaned on
furnace and pipe. Stanley and Slivers went up lakes to
Wasilla cabins. Radio poor, brought in Oklahoma KHJ program KFI
and Hollywood.
March 23, 1925 Kelly back on job after 2 week
vacation. Stanley and Slivers went on hunting trip to
the coal camp on Little Susitna. Got freight, sugar, produce
and hardware. Heard alumni meeting of University of California and
Stanford at Hotel Oakland Berkley California, reception good.
March 24, 1925 In office, put up order for
Fern Mine. Heard Faust Opera sing over KGO. Brought in
Bronco Busters, Calgary Canada, not good until late wireless
in. Stanley moose hunting.
March 25, 1925 Business normal colder
10 above evening Made checks for recent invoices. Heard
Wyoming and Yakima Indians play and sing at Hollywood, Yellow Horse
sang a solo. Got fine orchestra music, Hale Bros.
San Francisco Biltmore Hotel also at Portland Hotel KGW and KLX
Oakland at Sweets Ballroom very clear and fine, closing piece “Panama
Mama”. Stanley at Little Susitna Thorpe Coal camp hunting moose.
Springer over from Palmer.
March 26, 1925 Cold snap. In office AM,
George Bailey visited. C. A. Gooding and Jerry Murphy died
at Anchorage. Heard over KGO “Man of the Hour” a 4 act drama,
plot government receiving bribes etc. Had in Bats from the
Belfry Tower Seattle. Morning 20 below zero. Carl Johnson visited
ARC boss. Eva and mother back from California.
March 27, 1925 Stanley home from moose hunt
at Bald Mt. Sliver got two moose. Brought in Legion meeting
at Oakland. Frank J. Erwin Commander and several others
spoke on World War etc. Brought in Night Hawks and Bronco
Busters and big organ at Hollywood. Victor touched Agent Cook’s
till.
March 28, 1925 Herman in from Fish Lake to
trade. Snow squalls all AM. PM changed A battery,
got fine program from St. Francis studio Hale Bros. and Olympia
Hotel Seattle. Also heard Calgary and Los Angeles.
PM overhauled radio set.
March 29, 1925 Thorpe stored their household
goods in Wilmoth Co. warehouse. Stanley and mother walked
down to Vail’s, nobody home.
March 30, 1925 Windy, business good,
sales $418.88. Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe left for Grubstake
via Houston, got Jim Hansen to haul in the 4 ton outfit.
Evening got good reception from KFI and KGO. Had in Oakland
Duck but wireless interrupted. Party on at pool hall on
account Eva.
March 31, 1925 Business normal 40 above.
Gus hauled out Fern freight, Eva and mother went out
to run Fern mess. Busy in office on out-mail. Answered
Brendes letter about selling store etc. brought
in Salvation Army Band concert KGO, also had in Bronco Busters.
April 1, 1925 Put truck in garage and replaced
key in pinion drive shaft. Put Olds car in old garage.
Reception poor could only get in KPO clear, all other stations
were mushy. Hans was the April fool, Stanley did it.
April 2, 1925 Thawing, business slow.
Got 15 tons merchandise on PM freight and stored it all away.
Got 3 act drama “Smiling Through” over KGO.
April 3, 1925 In office AM. PM
re-piled forage and checked down same. Dance at Junction
off, roads too mushy for team, had hop at pool room. Reception
poor had in KPO and KGW, brought in loud note and they announced
this is 6XY all I could hear.
April 4, 1925 Cloudy thawing. McLeod
through skinning for Gus.
April 5, 1925 Sunday quiet in town 40
above. AM took storm windows off store annex. PM
oiled store floor. Brought in sermon over KGO. Heard KFI
studio program. Big Navy program tomorrow over KGO.
A new Hawaiian station coming on the air April 10th - 270 1/10
meters.
April 6, 1925 Cloudy business good.
Lee bros. bought grub outfit to work on their claim near Lucky
Shot. Chamberlain and Sam arrived looking for orders. Crystal
wedding party on at St. Clair’s, Stanley and mother attended.
Brought in Navy League at San Francisco, one hundred Navy boats in
harbor, talks by officers were good. Reception KGO good all evening.
Mailed Easter letters from Royal Tailors.
April 7, 1925 Jim Hansen back from hauling
Thorpe’s freight to Grubstake, brought my Yukon sled
from mines. Chamberlain and Sam left for Anchorage.
Metz in for goods to last until after spring breakup. Snow
about gone on Knik graded road. Stanley and Swanson went out
to Forty Mile Miller’s for a hunt. Had music from KGO studio and
St. Francis Hotel. Warm wind low reception.
April 8, 1925 Snow about all gone in Wasilla.
PM charged 2 A batteries on Olds car, brought in Hale Bros.
KLX at Oakland and KFOA Seattle special program for Oriental
Limited was heard at Odessa. Stanley hunting. Heard
6XY again said “candles out will call in morning”.
April 9, 1925 Gus in for Fern order.
Bogard in for Anchorage feed in store part of day. No
mail train today account sleds on Seward Div. Radio NG, too warm
and storms on coast. Stanley still out on a hunt for rats etc.
with Bill Swanson.
April 10, 1925 A-1 day at Wasilla Alaska
business normal. Cleaned pipe on kitchen and office stoves.
Mail train arrived. Conway came up to visit his ranch
but didn’t pay his bill. Stanley back from Miller’s ranch.
Answered Mr. B-Bats letter Seattle, told him our business was
for sale and all about battery trouble etc. School election 12
votes.
April 11, 1925 Conway visited and paid past
due ranch bill. Mr. and Mrs. Fanning over from Palmer.
KFI will give a 20 hour continuous program on Easter beginning
at 4 AM till midnight, fine program arranged. Orchestra practice
at pool hall with local dancing on the side.
April 12, 1925 Sunday snow squalls AM.
Hugo C. Johnson in from Fern Mine. Brought in 1½
hours of KFI 20 hour program 11 to 12. Closing hour all special
artists, Hugo listened in, reception not very good account wireless.
Answered C. E. Pearson’s February letter. Ma out walking,
now feeling very good.
April 13, 1925 Harvey Bartholf arrived, also
R. John Mellor after short trip Outside. Lawrence and
Marie back from Anchorage. Farewell banquet on in San Francisco
for Navy on tour to Orient, reception fair. Turkey fighting
Kurds.
April 14, 1925 Mellor, Hugo Johnson and
Harvey Bartholf in town. Now listening to Herb Taylor playing
piano in the Garden Room St. Francis San Francisco. Invited Mellor
J. Hugo to hear radio program brought in KGO studio Oakland KFI studio
Los Angeles and palm Room New Olympic Hotel Seattle. Later part
of evening reception good had on loud speaker. New KFI announcer
was good. AM fixed up rear end coal shed.
April 15, 1925 Phoned Clayton Shell he could
come up and install short wave length on radiophone if he could
make it work. Harvey Bartholf returned to Anchorage.
Radio reception no good. Jas Williams arrived from Knik
and went to Anchorage.
April 16, 1925 All the Herning’s at Wasilla,
quite a few in town. Willow Creek stage made the first trip
out got as far as mile 7, gone all day. Mellor left for
Fern Mine. Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with double ender, no snow
for 7 miles. Mrs. Haller here.
April 17, 1925 Mrs. Haller went to Fleming’s
ranch to buy a cow. Mrs. Ellexson relaying out to mile
7 Knik Rd. Kelly cleaning shelves in balcony. Orchestra
practice. Put case D. P. butter in brine. Quiet in town.
Pat Irish here, broke as usual.
April 18, 1925 Stanley and Harvey went down
to Paul’s cabin on flats for weekend outing. Mrs. Ellexson took
out last load forage for Knik. Mrs. Haller returned to her
ranch.
April 19, 1925 Streets dried up in town plenty
of snow in woods yet. Harry Harman up from Junction to
trade and Chilligan down from Houston. Stanley and Harvey
back from Knik Flats empty handed.
April 20, 1925 Stanley started to work for
K. T. Co. Started to overhaul auto truck. Layton Schell came
up from Anchorage to install radiophone and short wave circuit,
failed to make phone work air bad. Dave England died at Anchorage.
April 21, 1925 Stanley and
self worked on truck oil line and magneto shaft yet to replace.
Clayton got short wave set and microphone working, heard Royal Garden
orchestra and Jubilee Singers at million dollar hotel at Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania on short wave air not very good.
April 22, 1925 Kelly and Stanley cleaning store
shelves. Wasilla “hens” went down to Doherty’s ranch to
buy a white rooster, Frank had the rooster in the stew pot.
Layton Schell returned to Anchorage, bought short wave set
he installed but left out the radiophone outfit.
April 23, 1925 Stanley and Kelly cleaning store
shelves. E. A. Dunckle in town. Lander in for man
going to look over his mountain home. Tried out short wave set,
got both Pittsburgh and Hastings. Carney College gave Hasting’s
program, Miss Crawford spoke for college. Had in Bat Club
and KGO studio programs.
April 24, 1925 Snow all gone in Wasilla
streets. Stanley and self on auto truck repairs. Had Hoot Owls
in on radio also Bronco Busters at Calgary Canada. Paul made trip
to mile 9.
April 25, 1925 Ed Mullen left for Cassiar gold
strike in Canada. Gus in went to Seward. Hauled over
2 tanks oil from depot, carburetor gave trouble wouldn’t feed.
Got drama from KGO studio, heard part of Packard Club program and
orchestra. Had in Uncle John but distorted most of the time.
Gave Kelly notice: job off next week.
April 26, 1925 Light flurry of snow AM.
Spring 2 weeks earlier than a year ago. Ma went out for
usual walk PM. Had KFI for 1 hour said Von Hindenberg
was elected president of Germany. St. Clair moved mink to
ranch.
April 27, 1925 Kelly cleaning case bacon from
Anchorage. Self on oil and truck, took carburetor apart
and cleaned it. Stanley “aired” clothing covers, Ma washing.
Brought in Hastings for ½ hour on short wave, got KGO 2 hours
on long wave. Windy and cloudy air bad. Paul drove car
to mile 11. St. Clair’s drove to ranch.
April 28, 1925 Worked on overhauling truck.
Mail train arrived from Anchorage, local mail only. Hans
got out his truck. Fred Nelson back from States with Carlson’s
nephew to look at Carlson’s ranch.
April 29, 1925 Worked on auto truck all day.
Found electric current hit on all spark plugs at once traced
leak in distributor cap. Jim Wilson through hauling GB freight,
brought horses down on foot from Houston. Near Pittman, Wilson
got off horse and fell over dead, brought body back to Wasilla by
hand car. No radio for Ma’s benefit. St. Clair went to
Anchorage.
April 30, 1925 Wilson’s horses went on to Junction.
Wilson’s body rolled in canvas, taken to Anchorage on freight
train. Mixed paint for outside of store. Radio fair, Calgary rebroadcast
Bat program brought in Hastings for ½ hour.
May 1, 1925 Railroad blocked at 49 summit.
Watson came to Anchorage. Stanley and self painted long
side of store. Paul’s truck broke down 2 miles outside
of town, burned out bearings. Got Calgary then St. Joseph Missouri
rebroadcast music from New York City.
May 2, 1925 Partly cloudy, 50 above business
normal, in office all day. Mrs. Horning and Gene arrived
from Fairbanks. Hartman’s bought Fern car. Woolson
went to Anchorage. Evening got Calgary, Seattle, Oakland
and Los Angeles on radio. Got Uncle John for 1 hour.
May 3, 1925 Stanley drove car out to Hans ranch
1st trip roads soft, Gene mother and Mattie the joy riders.
Mrs. Horning visited. No radio tonight too light and
warm. C. D. started his milk wagon. Harvey making
top for Fern car.
May 4, 1925 Cloudy and cool business
good sales over $200. Stanley started to work as chief clerk
for K. T. Co. in Kelly’s place. Horning and Bartholf arrived.
Harry Yago and brother arrived bought outfit for his mine on Willow
Creek. New section boss arrived, St. Clair through.
May 5, 1925 Windy business slow.
Got freight off Northwestern, produce and hardware.
St. Clair’s moved to their ranch on Finger Lake gave in a large
order for ranch. Horning’s living in Forker house.
May 6, 1925 Windy and warm 60 above.
Buck Sparling in from Willow went on to Anchorage. Paul
hauling old lumber out as far as government barn. Stanley hauled
up 5 sacks spuds from bridge near Stern’s with Olds car. Drove
down to railroad bridge on Cottonwood Rd. dry and good that far,
also as far as Stern’s place. Got flu at Fishhook Inn.
May 7, 1925 Cloudy and cool business
normal. Self in office most of day, Stanley chief
clerk. George Grennan up to trade. Harvey started
to paint school house. Forty Mile Miller in from ranch
to plant town garden. Mike Sherry up from Anchorage to work
at his mine. Overhauled Federal set for loose connection.
The flu around.
May 8, 1925 Cool and partly cloudy.
Business a little slow, got out Seattle mail. Nick Brake
in town. Everybody trout fishing. Paddy Marshal through
working for Gus said all had the flu at Fishhook Inn.
Mrs. H and Gene visited. No radio tonight. Fred Crocker
in to trade.
May 9, 1925 Painted some above big sign on
south side store. Experimental farm boys up to trade
1st auto over Palmer Rd. Dance on at pool hall. Brought
in KGO about 11 o’clock too much snapping and cracking. Stanley
champion horse shoe thrower of Wasilla.
May 10, 1925 Sunday 60 above first real
summer day. Painted trimmings on south side store and 2nd
coat on front of store. PM drove down Knik Rd. to mile 12
and out mine road to old 19 RH, first joy ride roads good. Stanley
went out with Paul to mile 28 snow from there on to mines.
May 11, 1925 Cloudy cool business good.
Sales over $300. Made screen for office transom, “skeeters”
around. Train late, quite a bunch arrived for Willow Creek
Mines. Patchell went to Willow Creek Mines. Got big
mail. PM got truck engine to turn over.
May 12, 1925 Partly cloudy and cool.
Self worked on truck most of day, made washer for front wheel
bearing, turned over but would not pick up. Dick Lander in
sick with flu. Horning unloaded cyanide plant. ARC
got 2 Ford gravel trucks. Drove Olds car out to 19 Harvey
and Mrs. Frydenland guests. Got Pittsburgh and KGO on radio.
Got $95.20 check on old D. H. Co. account from Feldman.
May 13, 1925 Cloudy business normal sales
$83.80. PM on auto truck, carburetion not feeding right.
Bogard in for supplies and help. All the boys now employed
but Harvey. Farmers planting spuds. Small grain in
ground. Kelly went to Anchorage.
May 14, 1925
Tried to locate ignition trouble on truck, magneto off or partly
out of time. Got 4 truck loads freight Downey and Babcock and brother
arrived. Ira Miller and a dozen others for mines. McAllen's
car arrived. Couldn’t bring in Pittsburgh or Hastings, got
St. Francis Hotel fine. Bert O’Brien moved to Wasilla.
May 15, 1925 Business good bank deposits over
$1,700. AM in store warehouse checking hardware and cleaning
up, got out Seattle mail. Stanley and Harvey fixed up Hans
truck, now can pull. St. Clair’s in from ranch also Fosket.
Road Commission established camp at mile 25. Ice out of 2nd
lake.
May 16, 1925 Put up order for Mabel Mine. Slide
above Talkeetna closed road, no mail train south. Worked
a while on magneto, retimed connection. Drove Olds car
out to Miller’s ranch and on to Road Commission camp, Mrs. Gustafson
went along.
May 17, 1925 Sunday cloudy and cool.
Town full of “widows”, Gustafson, O’Brien Stuart Anderson, McAllen
and Mrs. Tryck - men at mines. PM worked on truck got good spark
from magneto, carburetor seems to be the trouble. Stanley
took bunch down Knik road with Olds car. Wilson and Stern went
to work for Road Commission.
May 18, 1925 Bartholf and Horning left to open
Mabel Mine. Harvey Rutter bought the Larson cabin for
$50. Overhauled carburetor again made no difference in
gas. No train either way today account slide above Talkeetna.
May 19, 1925 Light rain business normal.
Train began moving north and south today. Mail train
arrived from Seward, bunch arrived for mines. Had Gene and mother
at dinner. Gus sick at 31. Wired for new carburetor.
Got letter from Clara.
May 20, 1925 Cloudy light rain.
Put up order for Bailes and Kelly. Put D. P. butter in
brine. Martin Larson cooking at Wasilla Hotel. St.
Clair’s up from ranch to trade. Spread coal ash dump on Wasilla Avenue.
Long Ma and Mrs. Shorty out for a walk. Mrs. Horning left for Mable Mine.
May 21, 1925 Finished marking hardware. Word
came that Frank Fleckenstein died at Westward. Greased
up Olds car, drove down to Stern’s bridge. Got Hastings
on short wave but not clear.
May 22, 1925 Self planted garden, put in spuds
lettuce and radishes. Jacob Metz in to trade, brought
his new baby colt along with its mother. Mrs. Fleming,
mounted, in to trade. Drove Olds car to mile 7 Knik Road,
Mrs. Frydenland and Stuart guests.
May 23, 1925 Painted fence aft store
lot with Carbola. McAllen and Lander in. McAllen took
his car out to 28. Road Commission patching up road
between Mullen’s and government barn. Drove out to Forty
Mile Miller’s ranch. Mrs. Anderson went to Anchorage.
May 24, 1925 Sunday partly cloudy cool
weather, quiet in town. Painted front of store warehouse.
Second fishing party up from Anchorage on gas coach. McAllen’s
drove down to Junction. Stanley and Six Shooter Bill went
down to beach via Reedy’s ranch. Mrs. Shorty visited.
May 25, 1925 Quite a bunch came on PM train
for mines. St. Clair’s up to trade. Hans got passengers
for mines, 2nd load. Received letter from Clara at Athens
Ohio visiting Alice. Got Outside mail no freight north today.
Mrs. Zink learning to drive car. Lawrence in for grub.
May 26, 1925 Finished painting around garage,
stained hardware house doors. Caterpillar and Tryck’s
car arrived. Joe Palmer lost some of his fox pups.
Drove down to mile 7 Knik Rd. Radio good, Herb Taylor played
piano solo on loud speakers.
May 27, 1925 Horning’s now at Mabel Mine, 2
weeks earlier than last year. Drove out to ARC camp at
government barn, Sam Kelly and Mrs. Shortie went along. Road
good now to Lawrence’s ranch, repaired by Road Commission gravel
trucks.
May 28, 1925 A-1 warm day business good.
Frank Watson over from Palmer to trade. Ellexson and
Churchill in from Knik with Tin Lizzie first trip, road bad Knik
to 7 mile grade. Got fruit and eggs on PM freight.
May 29, 1925 Touched up white on front of store.
Haller and St. Clair up to trade. Pat Irish in from Bogard’s
ranch. Gus in town. Sent Paddy Marshal out with team.
Wilson’s man up from Junction looking for horses, they went on
to Houston. Fixed Thorpe hill, cleaned rocks etc. off grade.
McNeil’s and Palmer had a scrap on foxes on account boat in
lake.
May 30, 1925 McAllen in with his car.
Stained doors on side entrance to store. Drove out to Fishhook
Inn, road good through canyon. Mrs. Anderson and Frydenlund
went along, drove out in 40 minutes, brought O. C. Miller back
with us.
May 31, 1925 Stained and re-varnished front
store door. PM drove down to Matanuska Rd. good except
along Fosket’s ranch. Had dinner at Hotel Allen, had fresh
rhubarb got back at 8 PM. Took bath. Roads dry everywhere
need some repairs.
June 1, 1925 Sunday, Mrs. Ellexson brought
in Wells Bros. horse, shipped him to Broad Pass District on
PM freight. Gibbs arrived also St. Clair’s mother from California.
Wades up from experimental farm.
June 2, 1925 Metz in to trade brought 3 sacks
spuds at $3.50 each. Drove out to Miller’s and ARC road
camp. Mrs. Lander at Miller’s ranch. Got Pittsburgh but very weak,
could not get KGO at Oakland. New carburetor for truck NG cannot
install. Drove down to Vail’s for wood.
June 3, 1925 Mrs. McAllen and Jane left for
Willow Creek after a long stay at Wasilla. Miller sold
his house in Wasilla to Mrs. O’Brien. Drove out to Miller’s
ranch after Stanley helping Miller to move his town traps.
June 4, 1925 First real rain of spring.
Word came that Frank Fleckenstein came to his death by Native
hitting him on head with club. Herman Claus came back from States.
Albert Fanning and wife arrived to work for ARC. Hans got the hotel
business today.
June 5, 1925 Ordered tea, baking powder and
extracts and spices from Schillings. Mrs. St. Clair presented
her mother Mrs. Pennington. Drove out to road camp, road
cut up in places from late rain. Mrs. Fleck and Eva through
at Fern Mine, cut wages.
June 6, 1925 Did more painting on store,
finished cleaning up coal ashes and fixed crossing leading to
Wasilla Avenue off Main Street. Fern got car load lumber
from Caswell. Stanley chief clerk in K. T. Co. store.
No radio.
June 7, 1925 Sunday cloudy, quiet in
Wasilla, drove out to Fishhook Inn. Stanley went on to
old GB cache to see if snow was off ledge he found last summer.
Road commission graveling road near Fishhook Bridge. Got semi-annual
hair cut.
June 8, 1925 Otto Ulsh and Beck in from Old
GB Mine looking for shaft to run mill. PM train had first
lot of tourists going Inside. Road Commission gang moved
down on Knik road. Bailey’s and Snodgrass over with
2 cars, bought $60 merchandise. Death on Trail was in from 32 brought
in GB bunch. Milo Kelly arrived.
June 9, 1925 A-1 hot day business good.
Stanley and Harvey left on prospecting trip, drove them out
to Landers. Milo Kelly and man in tow, went to Goose Bay,
Zink drove them down to Knik. Frank Watson went to work on Knik
road, A-1 summer day.
June 10, 1925 Ma and Pa store keepers,
Stanley prospecting for a mine in Willow Creek District.
ARC Caterpillar and Pete Johnson’s team moved down on Knik road
to pull stumps, mile 7 to Knik. Drove car down to Donovan’s,
Dicky Lander and mother went along. No radio.
June 11, 1925 Mine Elleck in from Knik. Took
back Churchill’s new “bike”. Got Eggs and fruit on PM
freight Mr. Fickinger arrived. Two car passengers
for mines. Martin Larson went out to do Rae-Wallace assessment
work. Cupcake May now at Long Beach. Hobo Brown now in
Anchorage. Hot biscuits and home made butter for supper.
June 12, 1925 Busy in store all day on local
trade and mine orders. Sparling returned to Grubstake.
Drove out to 32, Stanley and Harvey was there, quartz ledge
NG. Light rain road good. Shorty home doctoring his wife.
June 13, 1925 McAllen in, now talking road
over Bald Mt. Wasilla to Willow Creek. Fishhook road still
blocked with snow slides, using dog team on Fishhook summit.
Mr. Fickinger left for mines. Gene in to take violin lessons
from the Judge. Bailey family up from Junction.
Frank Doherty went out to do assessment work on Gold Cord Mine.
Fosket in, not well.
June 14, 1925 Sunday A. W.
Walters and wife over from Palmer to fish. Harry and Arthur
Madsen up from Anchorage via gas boat to Cottonwood, Arthur working
in bank. Bailey’s up from Junction joy riding. Drove out
to Fishhook Inn for Stanley and Harvey, they didn’t find pay or
quartz ledge. Fickinger back from Mabel Mine saw bear at 11 mile.
Milo Kelly back from Goose Bay.
June 15, 1925 Partly cloudy business
good. Bunch up from Anchorage on vacation - Mary Vail
kind. Marsh over from fox farm, had Fleck’s out joy riding.
Extra section gang here. St. Clair hauling his grub to
ranch. Wasilla-ites cleaned up public park on south
side Wasilla Lake. Milo Kelly and partner in town.
Snodgrass boy and kids here fishing.
June 16, 1925 Anchorage bunch at Wasilla
Hotel full of booze and making lots of noise. Wasilla
bunch cleared new park give to town by C. D. Johnson, self elected
as trustee. Stanley making ready for mines.
June 17, 1925 Took Harvey and Stanley out to
Fishhook, going to placer to do assessment work on canyon group.
Booze bunch returned to Anchorage. Sam Guyot here for orders.
Drove down to ARC road camp at Moffat’s ranch Mrs. Fanning, Anderson
and Kelly went along. Mosquitoes working 3 shifts.
Fickinger returned to Anchorage.
June 18, 1925 Herman over from Fish Lake.
Ed Holland in, bought grub for Purchase Creek prospect.
Harry Harmon up from Junction. Mr. Kerniff up from
Anchorage on way to mines. Mrs. Gustafson’s new cow some kicker.
C. D. lost half of customers, plenty on cream or milk now.
June 19, 1925 Self and Ma busy all day
in store. Ellexson’s out form Knik. Babcock and Downey in from
doing assessment work at Contact Mine. Sent final payment
on cash register, discount $21.25. Spuds scarce around Wasilla
at $60 a ton. Bert O’Brien in town. Sam Beck in hurt
his hand.
June 20, 1925 Snodgrass and wife over to buy.
Downey and Babcock left for Anchorage. “Death on the Trail”
and Chas Payne in from mines returned PM. Tie gang here.
Mosquitoes bad.
June 21, 1925 Haller and William Gill up to
trade. Ralph Weiss up from Junction to trade. Bailey’s,
only joy riders on road today. Drove down to Knik road camp, Gus
went along. Stanley at mines.
June 22, 1925 Excursion train schedule in effect
this week, passenger train every day. Ellexson’s
1-horse mower arrived, also jams and jellies.
Fred Blank in, paid Otto’s bill. Harrison got bill of groceries
from Monkey Ward. Sold 1,200 strawberry boxes.
June 23, 1925 Hot day, 70 to 80, business
slow. Lumber for Kelly arrived. Turned McNeil down
account more credit, he dug up no cash. Mrs. Fleming in mounted.
Drove out to Miller’s ranch, Dicky and mother went along.
June 24, 1925 Fixed up Knik pump for Jas. St.
Clair. Got $20 for force pump. Capt. Gaikema, Huie Goodell,
Drumheller and Allen Horning arrived PM on way to mines.
Kelly back from Anchorage. played new records NG.
June 25, 1925 Hot day business
good. Mrs. Zink went to hospital. Ellexson’s in from Knik.
Cat man in for oil off Knik road. Got first cantaloupes,
sold out at once.
June 26, 1925 Hot day, business slow.
Black Bear Man here, ordered socks etc. Mail train arrived
8 PM. Drove down to Donovan’s and road camp, Rick and Mrs.
Fanning went along, picked up Mrs. Lander and her wagon near Fleck’s.
McDougal back from Nuka Bay.
June 27, 1925 Rich left on south train.
All the Fleck’s left for Anchorage to attend Frank Fleckenstein’s
funeral. Walters and wife over from Palmer (2nd trip) to
trade. McDougal returned to Fern Mine. Heavy rain all
day, no radio tonight. Mrs. Lander visited on Ma.
June 28, 1925 Sunday, big hail storm
followed by very heavy rain. Got caught in same going out to
32 for Stanley and Harvey, through on Grubstake assessment
work, gone 12 days. Washed up car. Snodgrass car
over from Junction.
June 29, 1925 Busy in office all day, Stanley
chief clerk again. Fleck’s back from Anchorage after attending
Frank’s funeral. G. B. Thompson arrived. Stanley
and Ma drove down to Donovan’s for spuds, got none, spuds scarce
at $3.75 a sack Mike Sherry in from mines.
June 30, 1925 Snodgrass over to trade, brought
cache of fresh eggs, went on down to Cottonwood for his son.
Wilmoth burned sulfur in park to rid the mosquitoes. Earthquake
at Santa Barbara.
July 1, 1925 Bill Long in from mines, doing
assessment work for William Martin. Reported $15,000,000
damage at Santa Barbara California account earthquake yesterday.
Mrs. Fleming in.
July 2, 1925 Lady measure to order in town.
Moshier back from Chulitna. Paul hauled out last load of
Fern car lumber.
July 3, 1925 Cleaned up Olds car ready for
run tomorrow. Gave Wasilla Park association Knik house
water closet. Busy evening, Road Commission bunch in.
Arthur Madsen here to visit with Stanley over 4th. Things
all set for doings at Wasilla Park tomorrow. Practiced music
for 4th.
July 4, 1925 A-1 day first celebration
at Wasilla, big dinner at Wasilla Park, boat races, Eva won
nail driving contest, Mrs. Ellexson won kid races etc. up town,
Nagley family our guests. 5 PM drove over to Palmer down
to Matanuska and home. Dance evening at school, 100 present.
July 5, 1925 Took Nagley family out Willow
Creek road as far as forks of Mabel road, had lunch at Fishhook
Inn. Drove down Knik road. Nagley’s much pleased with
reception at Wasilla, they went on to Anchorage at 4 PM. Fourth
at Wasilla big success. Arthur and Harry returned to Anchorage.
McDougal caught 6’ schoolmarm.
July 6, 1925 Put up order for Fern Mine.
Miller in to trade. No freight train, due at midnight.
Bert McClarty back from Anchorage. Lander and “Peggy”
went out to mountain home. Received letter from Clara, hot
back there. Stanley and mother drove down to St. Clair’s
mink ranch. Hugo Johnson in, not well.
July 7, 1925 Delivered Holdin’s strawberry
crates at Stern’s bridge and brought back 7 sacks spuds.
Marked up new goods received, first watermelons of season.
Fruit jars arrived. Stanley’s car still at Seward.
July 8, 1925 Quite a few new arrivals on PM
train. Hoffman in town. Mike Sherry and wife arrived
from Anchorage. Nagley family on train for Talkeetna.
Nagley gave Wasilla big 4th of July write up. Got Outside
mail. rain squalls.
July 9, 1925 Stanley chief clerk in K.
T. Co. store. McAllen and Lander in, McAllen went to Anchorage.
Auto truck arrived for Lander, opposition to Nellie.
Snodgrass over from experimental farm bought $85 grub outfit.
Stanley and Dan Gray visited on Fleck’s.
July 10, 1925 Shipped 50 strawberry crates
to Anchorage. Barn dance to be held at experimental farm
August 8th. Stanley’s car from Pullman arrived, laid at
Seward 2 weeks. Ma visited account Mrs. Gust Anderson
sick with colic. Hans drove out for her husband at mines.
No radio.
July 11, 1925 Helped Stanley fix up fenders
on his car, took a ride down to Vail’s, the three “H’s” a little
to large for seat. Drove out to Longs ranch.
July 12, 1925 Sunday Bailey’s
up to trade AM. LeBlance New York Life insurance
man in town. PM drove out to Miller’s ranch, got rhubarb
and lettuce for whole town. Stanley out with his Roadster
roads dry and good except Palmer road.
July 13, 1925 Hot day business good.
Snodgrass over for feed. Ellexson’s in from Knik.
Louise Gill up from Anchorage to visit Ellexson’s. McAllen
in with “Peggy”, drove on to Junction. Drove down to Moffat’s
Knik road camp, took Fleck’s along. Got first mess strawberries
at Cannon ranch. Stanley drove out to 32 in his car.
July 14, 1925 Hot day business good sales over
$200. Gold strike reported near Mt. McKinley. Gas
car took up 2 loads of locators. Stanley and self drove over to
Palmer. Near Palmer broke a spring on Buick Roadster put splints
on springs got home 11 PM, road full of chuck holes.
July 15, 1925 Asked bid on 9 month order for
Fern Mine. Stanley put Ford spring on Buick Roadster
broken last night, short 1 end. Stanley drove down
to Knik road camp. Made 4 reports to New York Life on Wasilla
applicants.
July 16, 1925 Received 8½ tons merchandise,
flour, feed, groceries and hardware, Stanley hauled it over
with Paul’s big truck. Snodgrass over to trade.
Stanley drove out to 32 with Buick Roadster.
July 17, 1925 Cat through on Knik road, moved
over to Bogard’s to build new road to Wasilla north of lakes.
Horning in went to Anchorage got order from Fern Mine. Stanley
drove his “bug” out to 32.
July 18, 1925 Dan Donavan shipped first strawberries.
Stanley tinkering on his car most of day. Refused Trix
our old car to haul Colonel Dick and ARC party from Palmer, road
full of potholes.
July 19, 1925 Sunday cloudy and cool.
Big RR picnic at Wasilla Park, 400 people and 14 autos.
Autos drove to Fern Mine and to Knik. Sold $117.20 to picnickers.
Stanley and Bill drove out to Fishhook Inn. We drove to
mile 10 on Knik road. Picnickers left for Anchorage 6 PM.
Train down from Curry also.
July 20, 1925 Shorty drove Hartman’s car over
to Palmer for ARC chiefs, only 2 came along with Silent Smith.
Dan, foreman at mine, brought in evening with crushed leg.
Received inquiry form Seattle hardware Co. to buy K. T. Co. business.
Bought first strawberries of season. ARC moved camp from
Knik road.
July 21, 1925 Black winter clothing arrived
$800 worth. Wrote Miller, better give their 9 month order
to Seattle jobbers and pay cash. Stanley fixing up his old
tires on Buick Roadster. Had Vail strawberries for lunch.
Drove out to Forty Mile Miller’s. Eva and Dan unloading car W.
C. M. coal.
July 22, 1925 A-1 day 80 above, first
real hot day of summer and needed to ripen the strawberries.
Priced up clothing from Black’s $800 worth winter stock.
Clarence Marsh sawing wood for Fleck’s with auto truck. Pete
Johnson went to mines. Girls and boys swimming at Lake Wasilla, also
schoolmarm naked. Bill Bartholf arrived.
July 23, 1925 The Frank Reedy special
excursion train passed through 1 day later than last year.
Drumhiller went to Anchorage. Pete Johnson back from mines
got job to haul car load coal for Willow Creek Mines.
July 24, 1925 A-1 hot day business slow,
busy on Outside mail. Plenty of strawberries now.
Chas Harrison strawberry king. Mrs. Hartley and children
arrived for vacation at Wasilla have car - moved into Aureen
cottage. Fred in to trade. Eva went back with Fred
to Fern Mine for a visit.
July 25, 1925 Ma went swimming in lake Wasilla.
Drove down to Donovan’s, O. C. Miller went along and Mrs. Shorty.
Had all strawberries I could eat and rhubarb wine to wash it
down.
July 26,1925 Sunday cloudy and cool quiet
in town. Stanley and Dan drove in to Knik. Snodgrass boys
over, went to beach to catch salmon. Krogh’s drove out
Willow Creek road.
July 27, 1925 Patzack mushed down from Houston.
McAllen family in. Frank Reedy excursion train back from
Fairbanks district. Edlund and son back from Seattle account
boys eyes. Metz brought in 10 sacks McArdle spuds for Fern
Mine. Received ton of new merchandise. Blind man arrived.
July 28, 1925 In office most of day.
Hilled up the spuds. Sold Fern Mine ½ ton McArdle
spuds. Jess Lander in with his truck. Sharon Fleck
in, through at the Mabel Mine. Blind Robert gave entertainment
#2 at the school house. Had voting contest Ma 2nd on winning
ring.
July 29, 1925 Finished pricing up new goods.
Sent Fern Mine crate strawberries. Jess Lander in with
Mrs. McAllen and Peggy. Salmon running in Cottonwood Creek
1 week late. Drove down to Vail’s no fish running at bridge.
Brought back stove wood.
July 30, 1925 Engstrom over to trade. Salmon
running slow in Cottonwood Creek. Patzack’s dog slipped
his collar 2nd time and went back to Fishhook Inn. Paddy
Marshal in for a 2 day vacation from Gus freighting outfit.
Self caught up to Heinz 57 Variety, my birthday 57 young, had strawberry
shortcake for birthday. Drove down to mile 12 salmon run poor
run.
July 31, 1925 Busy on Outside mail and monthly
statements. McAllen family in town. Hartley arrived
to visit his family on outing here. Standard Oil man
arrived. Drove down to Vail’s ranch brought back load wood.
Several Natives on tie gang.
August 1, 1925 Stanley went to Anchorage for
weekend visit. Mrs. Hartman back at Wasilla, hired cook
to run Fishhook Inn. Ellexson in from Knik. St. Clair’s
in to trade. Haller went to Fleming ranch to buy a mower.
August 2, 1925 Krogh’s visited. Bailey’s
up from Junction joy riding. Drove down to Vail’s but
few fish running. Bill Bartholf back from Mabel Mine.
Zink back from mines.
August 3, 1925 Bill Bartholf in town.
Sent Fern Mine some fresh salmon. Strawberries selling
4 for $1. Stanley back from Anchorage on PM train.
Everybody putting up red salmon. Got crate casabas.
Drove down to Vail’s ranch, flowers beautiful.
August 4, 1925 Everybody salting salmon.
Mrs. Hartman went to Anchorage. Bill Bartholf left for
States. Allen Horning in on motorcycle went to Anchorage.
Snodgrass family over to trade, had a blow out, took them down and
fixed tire with Stanley’s tools. Hartley drove in to Knik.
Otto in.
August 5, 1925 AM filled office gas tank.
Ma and Stanley got bad colds. Stanley using Allen’s motorcycle.
Capt. Olson putting up salmon at Fleckenstein’s ranch.
Otto in from GB Mines, said he was through with the bunch of leasors,
over $100 ore only milled $35. Drew draft on Anchorage for
$1,000.
August 6, 1925 Mrs. Hartman operated
on at Anchorage hospital for appendicitis so reported today.
Got delayed fruit from Seward. Stanley drove out to Miller’s
ranch, brought back strawberries and lettuce. Wasilla orchestra
practicing for government farm barn dance.
August 7, 1925 Stanley doctoring his
Buick Roadster. Mrs. Bennett left for Anchorage after
2 week vacation at Wasilla. Capt. Olson catching salmon
at Fleck’s ranch. Otto back from Anchorage. Judge “got ear-syphilis”.
August 8, 1925 Greased up Olds car. Took
in barn dance at experimental farm, big crowd from Anchorage.
Had German and coon dialogs on program, home at 3:30. Eva
and Stanley went in our car also.
August 9, 1925 Quiet in town everybody
resting up account barn dance. Big run salmon today St.
Clair’s fishing at 12 mile. Drove out to Miller’s ranch, had
strawberry dinner. Herning family, Eva and Shorty bought 22 quarts
at 25¢ a quart, got head lettuce. Miller decided to
buy a Tin Lizzie. Miller sold 40 quarts strawberries at mines.
Tie gang still here.
August 10, 1925 Business slow, priced
ammunition. Government farm hands over to trade. Got 2
cases butter out of grocery, hardware etc. arrived at Seward Saturday,
some service, government RR. U. S. Geo. man in from mines looking
up operations etc.
August 11, 1925 Self unpacked ammunition and
placed on shelves in store all day. Gus in from mines.
Jess Lander through hauling coal to Fishhook summit, left his
truck at Hans place and went to Anchorage. Scott, Fur Farmer
Magazine man, here. Fred Nelson went to Anchorage.
August 12, 1925 Loussac in town. Gus
went to Palmer to have shoes fitted up. Put new breaker
points on magneto on truck, turned over but will not run, think
carburetor is on the bum. got radio but very weak.
August 13, 1925 AM rain business good,
got ton freight. Stanley got new tires for his Buick Roadster,
now in good running order. Put up order for Fern Mine.
Got order from Thorpe’s. Hans paid off Tom Cavanaugh mortgage on
pool hall $750.
August 14, 1925 Snodgrass over to trade.
Stanley drove out to Miller’s, got strawberries, lettuce and
radishes. Worked some on truck, long out of commission.
Mrs. Hartman home from Anchorage hospital. Loussac and Oscar in
town.
August 15, 1925 AM finished orders for hardware
and clothing. PM retuned magneto on truck and she turned
over OK. Native trade good, got their paychecks
August 16, 1925 Paul hauling lumber to mines.
PM posted ledger and filed invoices. Stanley and
Ma drove out to Miller’s ranch. Hans doctoring on his Tin Lizzie
all day. Continued rain effecting dirt roads, gravel roads
OK.
August 17, 1925 ARC gang in from road to Fern
Mine, moved over to Palmer. Tried truck engine and she turned
over OK. Big mail arrived, got casabas and bananas on passenger
train. George Bailey visited. Harvey Bartholf arrived.
August 18, 1925 Heavy rain business normal.
Mine Alec out from Knik said heavy rains effecting road.
Stanley loaded Jess Landers truck for Anchorage by rail.
Stanley ordered Tin Lizzie for Forty Mile Miller from Anchorage.
Hartley family back to Wasilla also Mumford family to pick blues.
August 19, 1925 Got order from Fern Mine.
Got word for MM Co., they bid $1661.37 on Fern big outfit order
we sent to Seattle. Snodgrass boy over with 3 mutton for
Willow Creek Mines. Mrs. Fleming and Fred Crocker in to trade.
Fleming and several others laid off on road work. Joe Conroy
arrived, went to mines.
August 20, 1925 Monday’s freight arrived, got
4 truck loads, hauled same with our truck Fern and GB got
30 tons groceries from Schwabacher Co. now dead. O. C. Miller’s
Tin Lizzie arrived, it’s a good Ford for the shape she’s in, cost
$150. Self off my grub today evening OK.
August 21, 1925 Self marking paints etc.
Road gang moved camp on Cottonwood near Vail’s to work on railroad
Tote road. Stanley taking up bearings on Miller’s car.
Frank Kelly and family arrived for weekend at Wasilla the great summer
resort? Light frost last night.
August 22, 1925 Frank Kelly family visited
on St. Clair’s using Hartley’s car . Stanley drove Miller’s
car out to ranch brought Miller in. Harvey Bartholf and
Joe Conroy returned to Anchorage.
August 23, 1925 Sunday perfect day, blueberry
Sunday. Five cars drove out to Reed and Archangel Creek
to pick blues, Eva, Dan and Stanley went with us.
Got 3 pails of blues, 2 ptarmigan and 4 grouse. Stopped at
Forty Mile Miller’s and had head lettuce and strawberries.
Miller took his car out to ranch, ran off road and broke wishbone.
Kane hauling for Nellie with big truck
August 24, 1925 Hartman’s big truck and passenger
car out of service, Nick Kane fixing them up. McAllen family
back from Fairbanks Masonic Tour. Sam Guyot arrived.
Mrs. Wilmoth back from California. Drove out to Miller’s.
August 25, 1925 Started in to wreck Knik
house material, cut off 2nd story of each section. Mrs.
Haller up to trade. Harvey and several let out by Road
Commission, through fixing road near Palmer. Nick Kane
got Hartman’s old truck working. Gave Sam Guyot order for October
1st. Stanley went out joy riding, broke down at mile 7.
August 26, 1925 Noon drove Olds car down to
Moffat’s and towed back Stanley’s Buick account breakdown last
night when joy riding. Little dance on at pool hall for visiting
touring lady. Frisby’s went to mines.
August 27, 1925 Hauled load wood with truck,
also load sugar and flour from track warehouse. Nick
got Nellie’s big truck working again. Chas Payne left
for vacation on Outside. Wades up for groceries, paid May seed
bill. Harvey went to work at St. Clair’s ranch.
August 28, 1925 Self cut in another door to
garage so can run in two cars. St. Clair back from Anchorage
account blood poison in thumb. Miller in from ranch,
can’t crank Lizzie wants self starter. Last week of excursion
trains. Harvey back from St. Clair’s.
August 29, 1925 Stanley went to Anchorage for
weekend. Hauled up 2 loads of wood. Drove out to
Miller’s ranch, got last of strawberries and head lettuce. Put
Stanley’s Buick car in garage with Olds car.
August 30, 1925 Hans took bunch down to government
farm to pick currants. Snodgrass family drove out to Fern
Mine to deliver pork. Stanley at Anchorage.
August 31, 1925 Thompson, new manager for Fern
Mine, arrived. Stanley back from Anchorage. Self making
a high reach in store brought on a slight shock for ½
minute, felt queer all rest of day account blood circulation,
cut out smoking.
September 1, 1925 Otto landed mess ducks at
4 AM in the morning. Paul got big mess ducks. Self
on monthly bills etc. Not feeling well, blood not circulating
right.
September 2, 1925 Mrs. Hubbell arrived also
Anton Eide and engineer to look over Bald Mt. route for road
to Willow Creek. Harvey Rutter went as guide. Drove
out to Miller’s ranch. Miller fixing on his Tin Lizzie afraid
to crack it.
September 3, 1925 Fenton arrived account survey
at Fern Mine. Hartman cars all out commission, Nick
Kane doctoring them up. Candy and butter arrived.
PM hauled load wood from Vail ranch also spuds. A battery
low, no radio.
September 4, 1925 Cloudy, evening heavy
rain, business good. Magaha bought grub order for his
ranch, through as ARC road boss. Harvey and ARC man back from
two day cruise for road around Bald Mt., estimated length
of road 24 miles - nearer 30? Stanley decorated window with
Winchester guns etc. Stanley packed up ready for Pullman College.
September 5, 1925 Chief clerk Stanley left
to finish big “high” at Washington State College. Drove
down to Vail’s for spuds.
September 6, 1925 PM drove out to Miller’s
ranch, mile 8, got last of strawberries and head lettuce of season.
Stanley left Anchorage for Seward to catch Northwestern for Seattle.
Rains effecting roads.
September 7, 1925 Mattie and Self doing store
work. USS Shenandoah, big Navy plane, went to pieces in Ohio
storm (29 survivors 14 dead including Lt. Commander Zachary Landsdowne).
Got letter from Clara, 80 acre farm of Dads estate sold for $75
acre net. Montana railroad bridge went out, passenger
train went back to Anchorage. Schoolmarm arrived. Joe
Conroy up from Anchorage.
September 8, 1925 Put up order for Frank Watson
at Palmer. Cars only running to Little Susitna Canyon on account
high water. No trains running north account washout.
Stanley on high seas. Signed deed account selling 80 acres
of father’s estate $6000.
September 9, 1925 Heaviest rain of season all
last night. Streams over banks everywhere. Otto Magaha
and several went to Anchorage. Train went as far as Caswell
and returned. Drove to ridge summit. School opened Selma Simonson
teacher 5 kids only.
September 10, 1925 Had a rush PM and had 8
tons forage to unload. Sold 2 small prospecting outfits.
Nick Kane back from Anchorage going to work for Willow Creek Mines.
Patchell through at Willow Creek Mines.
September 11, 1925 Thompson, Fern manager,
in went to Anchorage. Felch here gave him 1 order Carhart
overalls and razors. Cleaned generator brushes and put new
spark plugs on truck, works much better, drove truck to 19.
Late evening Gene arrived from Mabel Mine. Got KGW Hoot Owls
first time this fall.
September 12, 1925 Mrs. Fleckenstein quite
sick drove down after her for 11 AM train to Anchorage.
Mrs. Lander and Zink went to Anchorage also Harry Lander and
2 miners.
September 13, 1925 Cleaned counter and shoe
cases, oiled floor. Drove out to Miller’s ranch got 25 lb. rhubarb
and 2 quarts strawberries. Miller had frame garage and
sawmill up.
September 14, 1925 Got 2 tons groceries PM
train. Capt. Rodger and party seaplane P N-9 on flight San
Francisco to Honolulu picked up 50 miles from Honolulu. Commander
John Rodgers, Lt. Byron Connell and crew of 3 in a PN-9 attempted
flight from San Francisco to Honolulu were forced down due to lack
of fuel. They were lost 10 days at sea. They rigged
a sail from wing fabric and set course for Kauai Island. They
sailed 450 miles and within 10 miles of Kauai before being rescued
by Submarine R-4. Funeral arrangements being made at San
Francisco for lost party. Mrs. Fleck operated on at Anchorage
for appendicitis.
September 15, 1925 Returned oil tanks
to Seward. Harvey and Long gone out to do assessment work
on Rae - Wallace group. Fern cook and McClarty in from mines.
Stanley to arrive in Seattle today.
September 16, 1925 Checked up steel traps,
sold 3 dozen, 30 dozen in stock. Bogard in for grub.
Paul hauling 40 tons concentrates from Fern Mine. Road Commission
moved down to Haller’s to build 3 mile road. Ordered car Healy
coal.
September 17, 1925 DuPont man in town.
Joe Palmer hauled down his fox pen lumber. Churchill and
Ellexson in from Knik. Freight train jumped the track between
Junction and Eklutna. Both trains arrived late.
September 18, 1925 Warm day A-1 day business
slow. Marking new goods. DuPont products
man left for Anchorage on freight. Big wash out on railroad
near Nenana. Paid $1,500 Seattle invoices.
got KPO good at close of concert.
September 19, 1925 O. C. Miller in from ranch,
went to Anchorage. Mail train late arrived 4:15, got drugs
priced and on shelf. Answered Clara’s letter re: deed
80 acre farm sold from Dads estate.
September 20, 1925 Paul and Otto went to flats
for ducks, bagged 16, we got one Mallard. Hans took Mrs.
Fleming to Junction to spend weekend on farm. Stanley at
Pullman College.
September 21, 1925 Line storm still on, rained
hard all day. Got Outside mail no word from Stanley.
Trains operating again, track to coal mines at Moose Creek washed
out. Anchorage big Fair over, had good exhibit of fur animals
vegetables etc. Had duck dinner. Hartman’s got lady cook.
September 22, 1925 Tie gang returned to put
new ties on side track. First snow came down to brush line
on mountain peaks last night. Finished 1st duck
dinner. McAllen in to trade.
September 23, 1925 First heavy frost last night.
Frank Doherty through at Bogard’s ranch. Ranchers having
trouble harvesting crops account line storm. No radio account
moon and northern lights. Conroy returned to Anchorage.
September 24, 1925 Put up order for Schulz
to go to Susitna Station. Agent Frank Cook took a fall
against truck, broke cheek bone and false teeth, speeder
took him to hospital at Anchorage. Tried for Capt. Rodgers speech
at San Francisco poor reception, heard him at close.
September 25, 1925 Put up produce order for
Fern Mine. Gallagher arrived to look after Wasilla Station while
agent Cook in hospital. Bailey visited. Hauled oil
over from track warehouse. Hubbell and Fenton left for home.
No radio.
September 26, 1925 Ellexson in from Knik. Cow
tester in town went on to Knik. Gallagher temporary agent
at Wasilla. Miller fixing up pool room for Hans.
September 27, 1925 Sunday cloudy light
rain. Worked all PM and evening getting Monday orders ready
to ship to Willow and Houston. Charged A battery on Olds.
Bogard in, dogs killed a lot more of his sheep, saw them this time,
they were the dogs Bill Long had. No radio. Ma not feeling
well stomach trouble.
September 28, 1925 Sent 3 orders north and
2 more ready to go east tomorrow. Got letter from Stanley
in Seattle. Bill bought $90 Tin Lizzie and they left for
Pullman College next morning. Brown’s piano arrived. Miller putting
in storm windows for Hans.
September 29, 1925 Cloudy and light rain
business normal. Shipped 1 order to Eska and 1 order
to Susitna. Agent Cook back on job, Gallagher went south.
Got car Healy River coal, hauled over 1 load. Got
1 station on radio wireless bad.
September 30, 1925 Two new ranchers, located
near Edlund’s, bought $100 grub outfit. PM worked on car
coal, Six Shooter Bill and Wesley helped. Ma had a bad
spell last night, stomach trouble effected heart and head.
Mrs. Lander moved to Anchorage account another little Lander due.
October 1, 1925 O. C. Miller finished job work
on Willow Creek Inn. Nick Kane and Gus back from Anchorage.
Hansen plowing Sam Kelly’s lot. Ma some better not much eat.
October 2, 1925 Finished unloading car coal
33 tons cost, $7.75, $8.75 in bin, let school have 3 tons.
Brought in KPO, KHJ and KGW, first program from Hoot Owls this
fall. Got out-mail.
October 3, 1925 Cloudy and showers. Got
several small orders for north Monday freight. Gus went
to Junction for work horse, his big horse got nail in foot.
Busy all day in store, got fine program over KGO Chimes of Normandy
clear and fine other stations weak. Ma feeling better.
October 4, 1925 Late rains took off all the
snow on mountains. Warm wind ground not frozen. Otto building
mink pens on his lot on Wasilla Avenue.
October 5, 1925 Mrs. Fleck back from hospital.
Got first letter from Stanley at Pullman, arrived OK by auto
from Seattle, very warm at Pullman. Dug my spuds, all marble
size. Thorpe’s in from mines.
October 6, 1925 PM hauled in 2½ ricks
wood from Vail’s ranch. Ma rushed in store while I was
gone. Thorpe rented Gus’ cabin. ARC through on road
work. C. H. Wilson returned to Knik. J. J. in to trade.
Aureen paid Wickman’s bill. Heard fine saxophone solo on radio.
October 7, 1925 Business good, rushed all AM
in store. Ellexson’s out from Knik. PM fixed cement
crack on north side store annex. Ellexson’s drove to experimental
farm for rooster. Henry Fischer in from Knik, went to Anchorage
to get money left with Doc David deceased.
October 8, 1925 Local freight train failed
to arrive this noon. Finished monthly statements.
Gus in after horse, no train, no horse came. Ray Larson
up for a hunt at Willow Creek.
October 9, 1925 Fern manager in, out of ham
bacon and beef. Train cancelled today, no freight until
Monday. Donovan back from spud work at Bogard’s. Otto’s
mink all “roosters”. Clear but no radio, charged A battery.
Miller on Gus annex. Gus in town.
October 10, 1925 Bought 5 sacks spuds from
Donovan at $2.50 each. Road Commission cutting right
of way from Wasilla to Bogard’s. Vail went to Anchorage.
Mt. high peaks covered with snow again, ground not frozen
yet. Winter was on last year at this time. Got KFI
Midnight Frolic program. Thorpe’s went to Anchorage.
October 11, 1925 Sunday cloudy.
Schoolmarm got a beau. PM finished painting 2nd coat around
Herning sign on side of store. Fixed bottom garage and
shed doors to keep out snow and wind. Mattie visited on
Mrs. Fleckenstein. Drove Olds car to ridge summit.
Posted weeks business in ledger. Got Earl P. Anthony program
evening but not clear, soft weather.
October 12, 1925 Freight train 4 hours
late, had a rush after mail train and freight to look after.
Hauled over 2 tons after supper, balance of freight in car.
Two couples went to mines on vacation. Got letter from Stanley
and radio NG tonight.
October 13, 1925 Most perfect day of fall,
temperature +65, freezing this time last year. Unloaded
half car freight, hauled last load firewood from Vail’s ranch
with truck. Had big rush in store small trade.
October 14, 1925 Packed 2 orders for Broad
Pass District. Fern Mine out smoked meats and eggs, K.
T. Co. also. Parowax eggs failed to arrive. Herman
Kloss in from Fern Mine, going to Healy Coal Mine. Drove down
to Vail’s for vegetables.
October 15, 1925 Snow all gone on mountain
peaks, like spring day today. Mabel crew came in, Mabel
mine closed. Thorpe’s back from Anchorage. P.O. closed
most of day. PM got sore eye. Metz in with cabbage.
Radio NG. Adolf Olson arrived for winter grub.
October 16, 1925 Bought 2 tons spuds off Mr.
Metz at $50 a ton. Cobb up from Junction for clothing.
Tie gang here again. Paid $1,200 Seattle invoices, freight $384.79.
Got last end of Hoot Owl program at Portland. Soft weather
and not freezing yet. Too warm for radio reception.
October 17, 1925 Cloudy, evening warm
wind, 56 above business good. Ellexson’s out from Knik.
Kelly went to Anchorage. Mabel Mine closed down. Brown
and Hawkins in and went to Anchorage. Plenty water power
at mines, yet account Chinook weather and not freezing. Dance on at
school house.
October 18, 1925 Sunday, quiet in town.
PM drove down to Dan Donovan’s ranch, road A-1. Kelly at
Anchorage. Miller working on Gus’ annex. Got KJR Seattle
first time this fall. Got KFI but hard to control.
October 19, 1925 Tie gang ready to move to
branch line. Fred Nelson overhauled Zink’s Tin Lizzie.
Gerrit Snider in town looking for house. Pete Murry and
George Grennon up to trade. PM rushed in store. No trains today
account boat late.
October 20, 1925 AM busy in store.
PM mail train arrived. Freight train arrived 5 PM brought
no Outside freight. Huie Goodell and Kempf arrived went
to mines. Miller through on Gus’ annex, set in on game and
lost his wages. Letter from Stanley. Got Pittsburgh and Expo
auditorium program at San Francisco. Big mail.
October 21, 1925 Cloudy and cooler temperature
46 business normal. Ellexson’s in from Knik drove on
to experimental farm. Snider bought Carlson ranch for
mink farm. PM nailed roofing paper on east end of store to
keep out wind. Shorty went to Anchorage to buy a car.
Trix moved out to fix canyon road. Radio NG.
October 22, 1925 Cloudy, foggy and light
rain, business normal. Got hardware groceries etc. that
arrived on last Saturdays boat at Seward. Shorty’s car
and Gus’ water tank on bobsleighs arrived from Anchorage.
Snider moved up to Wasilla. Otto turned back his mink to
Harrison. KGO came in on loud speaker. Snowing
on the mountain peaks.
October 23, 1925 Delivered Snider order
at Carlson ranch, also Harrison order to lake. Hauled over
truck load new goods from track Mrs. Vail went to hospital.
Otto and Long ordered seeds. Shorty cranked his car for
an hour no go. Northern lights, no radio.
October 24, 1925 First freeze since September
23rd. Snider started to cut logs for annex to Carlson’s
house. Mattie had a bad spell last night, stomach not functioning
right. Charged A battery, clear but no radio, not a sound
until 11 PM got KFI weak.
October 25, 1925 Sunday Busy
in store AM, cleaned up office gas lamp. Trouble in McNeil
family, Myrtle staying at Mrs. Dancer’s, all over love, “siwash love”.
Posted weeks business in ledger. Ma took a walk PM. Clear
here but cloudy in south. Shorty hauling hay from his farm
with his auto.
October 26, 1925 Part cloudy and colder
evening light wind business good. Got fruit and meat orders.
Sam Guyot arrived for orders. Got letter from Stanley,
he got “A” on bookkeeping. Got letter from Clara with sketch
of father’s estate at Eyota Minnesota. No radio account big
moon in south. Alma over from Palmer with 4 orders.
October 27, 1925 Several ranchers in.
Took Persson’s measurements for suit. Gave Sam drop shipment
orders for tobacco. Harvey Bartholf in from Fern Mine went
to Anchorage on freight, rush in store till 6 o’clock. Cloudy
with warm wind. Railroad ditcher here.
October 28, 1925 Ellexson out form Knik
to trade. Nick Kane in from GB Mine. Paddy through with
Gus, came in full of Mule. Mehern and Humphry and Imperial
Candy manager visited for orders. Got cold in my kidneys.
Mattie stomach in bad order. Ground froze up to stay.
October 29, 1925 Business good sales
$202. No regular freight, passenger train 1 hour late.
Engstrom in to trade, also new rancher from Finger Lake District.
Harvey helping Snider on house annex on Carlson ranch. Farmers
still plowing up valley. KGO came in too strong to
control. Got Pittsburgh on short wave set weak.
October 30, 1925 Zink placed grub order for
trip to Goose Bay account birch timber. Delivered Snider’s
doors, windows and roofing. Mrs. Krogh autoed up from
Junction. Ma’s birthday gave her $55 in gold.
October 31, 1925 Cloudy, snow flurry,
not enough to make ground all gone, first at Wasilla this fall.
R. John Mellor through at Fern Mine, left for Outside.
Mrs. Fleck went to Anchorage. J. J. O’Brien left for Valdez
on jury. Hard time dance at school house, Ma went, self game foot.
November 1, 1925 Kinsella down from Pittman
to trade. Hans took Zink and his outfit to Knik. PM
oiled store floor and charged A battery. Ma’s stomach giving
her a lot of trouble account gas.
November 2, 1925 A-1 day 45 above, business
slow. Regular freight train did not arrive until midnight.
Mrs. Vail back from hospital. Snider back from Anchorage
with supplies for his mink ranch. Light rain, about 1” frost in
ground and lakes still open. C. D. Johnson’s old horse died.
November 3, 1925 Rushed in store all day, sales
over $200. Dave Reedy back from States. Hauled over
2 truck loads freight from depot stoves, eggs and jam came. Got
New York City election returns on radio, Hyland elected.
November 4, 1925 Ma went to Anchorage to consult
doctor about her stomach trouble. Paddy Marshal broke,
going to skin for Willow Creek Mines freighting outfit.
Patzack down from Houston and self chief cook and clerk today. Holden
in by boat. McKane and girl went to Anchorage.
November 5, 1925 Kelly back on job as clerk
B while Ma is at Anchorage. Mike Sherry back, bought outfit
for mines, offered me 10,000 shares stock for 5¢.
November 6, 1925 Cloudy warm, +50,
business good. Talked with Ma at Anchorage. Way freight
arrived, got car milk eggs butter. Hotel Parson’s and
Anchorage preacher in town.
November 7, 1925 Thompson in from Fern Mine
to trade. Hotel Parson left for Anchorage. Collections
good. Phoned Ma at Anchorage, coming home Monday. Radio
NG until close, heard fine piano solo.
November 8, 1925 Sunday, AM like
spring day not freezing nights. Posted ledger. Ray’s
baby colt started for mines but came back. Preaching at
school house, too busy didn’t go. Got Episcopal service at San
Francisco, organ good.
November 9, 1925 Snider having his lots plowed
on Carlson ranch. Ma back from Anchorage. Tried
to Kalsomine the kitchen, bothered account store work. Regular
freight train did not arrive. No radio this evening account
northern lights. JJ back from Valdez court.
November 10, 1925 A-1 summer day 60 above.
Got groceries and butter on delayed freight One truck
load hauled out tin cans etc. Bogard and Metz in to trade.
Ma the cook, Kelly the chief clerk again. Bank deposit
$165.91, weeks business. No radio, cloudy and soft weather.
Farmers plowing and clearing land.
November 11, 1925 Ellexson took Zink and Patzack
in to Knik to cut birch timber at Goose Bay. Evo cutting
winters wood. Thorpe’s bought Forker cabin for $150.
November 12, 1925 Partly cloudy, +32
last night. Checked over hardware wanted, no freight until Monday.
Gallagher arrived to relieve agent Cook account vacation. Warmed
up again and no radio on Federal set, had in Hastings Nebraska on
short wave set for 1 hour. Got fresh lettuce, celery and cucumbers
today. Eva and schoolmarm took dinner with Otto.
November 13, 1925 Didn’t have a rabbits
foot. Made out hardware order. Snider moved up his
mink, Junction to Carlson ranch Wasilla. ARC loaded Cat
and Tryck’s car for repair at Anchorage shop. Lake Lucille
froze over.
November 14, 1925 Cloudy, freezing
weather. O. C. Miller went to Anchorage. Mrs. Dancer went
to Anchorage. Agent Frank Cook left for vacation in California,
Gallagher relief man. Dance on at school house, very few Wasilla-ites
attended. Otto listened in on radio.
November 15, 1925 Sunday 1/8” snow, busy
AM in store. PM charged batteries, heard Christian Science Church
at San Francisco, organ was fine. Ma cut my hair. Temperature
32-35 today. Snider went to Junction for his family Sunday
school 2 PM.
November 16, 1925 Got half car feed and flour
and ranch apples on noon freight. PM hauled half ton spuds
from Doherty’s ranch. Old truck just made Cannon’s Hill
on low. Vic Blodgett and wife down from Pittman to trade.
November 17, 1925 Windy, +34, business
good. Bogard, Metz and several ranchers in to trade.
Snider family arrived last night, kids in school today making
12 in school. Got Hastings on short wave and San Francisco
on long wave, came in clear on loud speaker and wind blowing a gale.
Snow all gone again.
November 18, 1925 Second snow, ground
white again. Unloaded half car of forage. Albert Nelson left
for Germany. Mrs. Zink, Eva and Browny went to Anchorage.
Clarence Marsh up for fox feed and building materials. No
radio, warm and stormy. Mattie trying the yeast cure.
November 19, 1925 Cloudy, 24 to 32 above,
business rotten, smallest sales of year. Priced up forage.
Zink and Eva back from Anchorage. Ma got 3 pounds yeast
to try for stomach trouble. Paper said Ellen Fleckenstein
was to marry Seattle man. Radio fair, heard First Year of Matrimony
from KGO studio. Heard St. Francis Hotel orchestra on loud speaker.
November 20, 1925 Big wind business rotten.
Got orders and Seattle mail. Sent Stanley usual check
account birthday, now 21 in December, finishing high school at
W. S. C. Gold Bullion Mine closed down.
November 21, 1925 Cloudy, evening rain,
business normal. Ulsh left for Outside. Otto back
from Knik after wrecking his house for lumber. Raining all
evening brought in fine program from KGO studio also
KFI Midnight Frolic on loud speaker.
November 22, 1925 Snow on mountains down
to timberline. Fixed lock on warehouse door and charged battery.
Listened to church services at First Baptist Church at Oakland,
also heard big organ at Victoria B. C., reception good on loud speaker
Otto listened in.
November 23, 1925 Got 4 large truck loads hardware
groceries and clothing on PM freight and stored away.
Letter from Stanley, wants new double breasted suit.
Ma still complaining of head and stomach trouble. Jammed
my finger cranking truck.
November 24, 1925 Cloudy, +30,
business normal. Frank Watson over from Palmer for outfit.
Suits for Otto and Long arrived. Busy in store. Self bowels
not working right, Ma still ailing. Brought in KGO and
Hollywood.
November 25, 1925 Paul drove Ford truck to
Knik for Otto’s lumber, Gus went along. Busy in store,
priced up new goods. O’Brien in for Thanksgiving salad.
November 26, 1925 Turkey day, no turkeys, chicken
dinner at Hans place. Ma and Self had vegetable soup not
feeling well. PM jacked up Stanley’s Buick car and removed
tires to warm storage. Dance on at school house, Ma and self
stayed home.
November 27, 1925 Dinner and dance last night
largely attended. Had KPO, Otto listened in then got KFOA first
time this fall. Music at new Olympic Hotel Seattle very fine.
Checked out $1,056.06.
November 28, 1925 Warm wind, business
slow. Otto went to Anchorage. Mattie gave away the kitten.
Sent Stanley $50 check for his Christmas.
November 29, 1925 Sunday, quiet in town.
Ma had a bad spell last night, woke up with an all gone feeling
owing to stomach trouble and cold weather, decided to send her
to Seattle for treatment with former doctor account no results
from Anchorage doctors. PM charged 2 A batteries and put storm
windows on store annex.
November 30, 1925 Cloudy, +26,
1” snow at Wasilla, 4” at Knik and Anchorage. Business
normal, sales $100.15. No freight train north today.
Otto back from Anchorage. Harvey gave dinner to Eva and Helma
at his cabin. Ma’s stomach trouble quite bad, ordered more medicine
from Anchorage, nerve and digester medicine. Thorpe’s bought Gus
cabin.
December 1, 1925 Ma had a very bad spell at
midnight last night account anemic condition. Got some
relief by 2:30. Phoned Dr. Romig about Ma’s case, decided
to take her to hospital tomorrow. Wired Stanley at Pullman
College to come home.
December 2, 1925 Ma and self left on 11 AM
train for Anchorage. Had lunch then visited on Dr. Romig
at government hospital, said Ma’s care not chronic as he was not
fixed to give dietetic food and nerve treatment, arranged to have
nurse prepare food for a week until Stanley arrives. Ma and
self stayed at Parson’s, went to a show.
December 3, 1925 Ma and self at Anchorage.
Ma passed a good night, took private room in hospital
for dietetic treatment. Ma not sick but no energy for
want of red corpuscles in blood. Self came home PM, got wire
from Stanley was on his way home. Sam did $227.40 business
in 2 days while self at Anchorage. First snow at Anchorage,
4” at Wasilla. Otto in hospital for hernia operation.
December 4, 1925 Zero weather business
a little slow. Lots of customers but little cash. Another
bunch town lots, that went back to government, sold today on
Main Street for $25. Ma at Anchorage hospital resting up.
December 5, 1925 Business normal, 16
below zero. Self left noon train to visit Mattie at Anchorage
hospital found some improvement. Self stayed at Hotel Anchorage
with Ma. Very cold at Anchorage, 24 below.
December 6, 1925 Sunday 18 below self
at Anchorage visiting Ma. PM visited at Bailey’s.
Ma had quite a few callers at hospital. Took down stick for Ma’s
eggnog per order of doctor. Ma’s stomach some better with less
pain in head.
December 7, 1925 Anchorage to Wasilla, came
home on PM train, -16. Ma walked down to depot with me for
exercise. Had a rush in store. Got through big mail and
posting cash register receipts at midnight. Had in Oakland
Merry Ducks Club for a short time on radio.
December 8, 1925 Lots of small trade.
Chilly and cloudy day. Persson called for his suit, gained
20 pounds since measurement taken so tight fit on pants. Marsh
finished Fleck’s wood. Wrote Mattie at Anchorage and got out
local mail. Stanley on Alameda.
December 9, 1925 Cloudy evening warmer,
business normal, lots of small trade. Moving some clothing.
phoned Ma, said she was coming home tomorrow from Anchorage.
Cleaned up papers on desk, answered Sparling’s letter.
Tryck’s and Snider back from Houston account windfalls on winter
road.
December 10, 1925 First big snow snowed 16”
today. Hans and Paul drove out to mines after train in deep snow.
Ellexson drove in to Knik. Ma arrived home, stomach in
bad condition, medicine and hospital diet not an improvement,
lost day grub, upset stomach.
December 11, 1925 AM -8, evening -20,
8” snow. Ma rested well last night.
Got up at 10 AM and was around all day ate some and improving. Got
phone from Stanley, arrived at Seward from Seattle, can’t get home
until Monday train. Had in Hoot Owls but not plain, evening much colder.
December 12, 1925 Cloudy, -8. AM Ma not
so well, PM took a walk and felt better. Got phone from
Stanley at Seward account Ma’s condition. Got KGO program and very
fine program, KFI Midnight Frolic, Willie Wagner piano solo very
fine. Dance at Junction Hans car went down.
December 13, 1925 Sunday, -24, evening
snow, quiet in town. Dancers all sleeping. Hansen
and Wagner hauling wood all day. Put up balcony fly to keep heat
on first floor. Ma very well today, ate considerable and
stomach OK. Stanley at Seward waiting for train home. Posted
ledger, warmer and snowing, now 8”.
December 14, 1925 Big wind, + 30, business
good. Stanley snow bound at Seward. Got 2 tons
freight but no mail train today account 4’ snow at 49 summit.
Trucks only going to mile 12 now account late snow and wind storm.
Ma much better today. Picked up things account going Outside
also balance ledger monthly accounts. Got Xmas turkeys
etc.
December 15, 1925 Cleaned up head lettuce marked
some new goods. No train today account road blocked between
Girdwood and tunnel by snow etc. Had chicken dinner, celery
and head lettuce. Stanley still at Seward. Ma worried account
Stanley at Seward.
December 16, 1925 Special train 10 AM, Stanley
arrived home after 4 day delay account snow slides on railroad
from W. S. C. Pullman Washington. Rushed in store all
day. Pete Pederson up from Anchorage with schooner proposition.
Otto home from hospital.
December 17, 1925 Cloudy, +20, business
normal. Busy getting ready for trip Outside with Ma on
account of her poor health. Ma much better, did the cooking
today and picking up for trip Outside. Pederson left for Talkeetna
to see Nagley. Stanley posted ledger and went over
book accounts.
December 18, 1925 Busy getting business
in shape account going Outside. Part of GB miners arrived
from Willow Creek. Drew letter making Stanley assistant manager
and sole owner of K. T. Co. business should anything happen to me
on trip Outside.
December 19, 1925 Wasilla to Seward, left 11
AM arrived Seward 7:30 Ma and self. Boat went to Cook
Inlet for fish, back Monday, 2 day delay at Seward. Two
feet snow in Seward streets.
December 20, 1925 Ma and self at Seward waiting
for boat. Mrs. Hoffman and hubby visited on us at Hotel Sexton.
Visited on Hoffman’s at Federal building. Read Prosperity
Edition of Gateway. Light rain all day. Ma better.
December 21, 1925 Cloudy, +32 at Seward.
Phoned Stanley at Wasilla, said business was rushing.
“Victoria” got back 7 PM from Cook Inlet, went
aboard, got room D with bath, left Seward 7:45 PM for Seattle, about
20 passengers, weather calm, Feldman on board. Dr. McCalley
on board.
December 22, 1925 On board the “Victoria”,
arrived at Valdez 10 AM. Ma didn’t sleep much last night,
took nap today. At Cordova 5 PM went up town with Mr. Feldman.
No autos on account of snow so had to walk. Feldman took
us to picture show ½ hour. Boat left at 9 PM, Juneau
next stop. Ma’s supper hurt a little otherwise OK.
December 23, 1925 On SS Victoria nearing Cross
Sound, met head wind a little rough. Ma didn’t sleep much
last night. Missed lunch today but was there for dinner.
Should be Inside by midnight. Ma OK, self OK.
December 24, 1925 Arrived at Juneau 8:30 PM,
47½ hours from Cordova. Ma didn’t sleep a wink
last night. Got Inside 10 AM . PM Ma slept and was OK on
arrival at Juneau. Went up town to see Xmas windows.
Left Juneau 10:30 PM. Mailed letter to Stanley. Quake
at Anchorage.
December 25, 1925 Had Xmas dinner on SS Victoria
near Wrangle Alaska, arrived at Wrangle 7 PM left 8:30 for
Ketchikan. Ma much improved today.
December 26, 1925 Left Ketchikan 4 AM.
PM first sun after sundown run into fog, hove to at 4 PM in
narrow place, visited Grenville Channel. Made out smoked
meat fruit and office supply orders.
December 27, 1925 Fog lifted, arrived Seymour
Narrows, had to wait for tide then fog filled channel.
Alameda at other end account fog.
December 28, 1925 Still hove too above Seymour
Narrows account fog. Passed Alameda 3:30 on her way
north also 2 small boats. Fog still on. Boat drifting
and moving a little when fog lifts. 6 PM anchored head Seymour
Narrows account fog 2 other boats also.
December 29, 1925 Victoria at anchor
all last night 10 miles above Seymour Narrows. Fog lifted,
passed through Narrows at noon. In fog all day 7 PM 100 miles
from Seattle.
December 30, 1925 Self and Mattie arrived
Seattle 6 AM, 8½ days from Seward, held up 2 days account
of fog, put up at St. Regis Hotel. PM saw 4½ hour
program at the Pantage’s. Sent Stanley cable of safe arrival in Seattle.
Seattle in fog.
December 31, 1925 Last of old year.
Ma and self in Seattle Washington. Stanley at Wasilla Alaska
managing Knik Trading Co. business. PM saw Vaud-show at
Moore’s Orpheum Theater. Saw Mary Pickford at Coliseum in “Little
Anny Roony”. Big time account old year out and new year in,
horns tooting etc. Special plays at all theaters. Run
up against May Kellogg.
1926
January 1, 1926 Self and Ma at Hotel St. Regis,
Seattle, on way to Rochester, Minnesota. Stanley manager
of K. T. Co. store at Wasilla, Alaska. Took in 2 shows, Will
King and President Theater. Clear sunny day. Sent
Stanley letter.
January 2, 1926 Left Seattle 7:30 PM on N.
P. Railroad for St. Paul, Minnesota, bought return tickets.
Also took out $10,000 accident insurance, mailed insurance policies
to Stanley. Ma and self in route east.
January 3, 1926 Self and Mattie on N. P. train.
AM at Spokane, a sprinkle of snow there. Passed through
Idaho, no snow. Noon, reached Montana, about 4” snow.
January 4, 1926 On N. P. Railroad, reached
North Dakota at noon, only a sprinkle of snow. Due at
Bismarck 6 PM. Self and Ma got a little cold in head today.
Sunny day, temperature 32 above.
January 5, 1926 Arrived at St. Paul 7:50 AM,
arrived Rochester, 12:50 noon. Put up at the Howe, room
only. PM had Mattie registered at the Mayo Clinic, exam
tomorrow 9 AM. Rochester streets covered with 4” ice and
a sleet storm on today. Jack Anderson arrived too.
January 6, 1926 Mattie got the first exam at
Mayo Clinic this PM, two more coming, found a good place to
eat near clinic. Wired Stanley our safe arrival also sent
our address. Cloudy cold wind.
January 7, 1926 Mattie had second exam at Mayo
Clinic, ears, throat and nose OK. Expect final report
tomorrow. Evening saw movie show. PM attended lecture
on food at assembly room at Mayo Clinic building, should eat 5
different foods for an advanced diet.
January 8, 1926 Mattie received final exam
at Mayo Clinic. Only thing wrong, two teeth to come out,
blood test above average. Gave tonic for nerve trouble.
Received Xmas card from Hyer, only Wasilla mail.
January 9, 1926 Decided to take trip to Hot
Springs, Arkansas. Bought 2 return tickets $118.76.
Phoned Mr. Franke at Eyota, would call on him when we returned
here. Wrote Stanley, going to Hot Springs for baths.
Rochester colder than Alaska. Mattie ailing a little PM.
January 10, 1926 Sunday, Rochester, Minnesota.
Mattie had old trouble come on last night and quite bad today.
First attack since leaving. Decided to cut out trip to
Hot Springs and get an audience with Chas Mayo, as other doctors
failed to locate her trouble. Ma laid on bed all day with
all gone feeling.
January 11, 1926 At Rochester, Minnesota.
Mattie much better this morning. Self went and consulted
Dr. Dixon on exam and got audience with head of department, Dr. Lemon.
PM Dr. Lemon examined Mattie and reported condition perfect except
nerves and only cure for nerves was self control. Mattie over
nervous attack and ate dinner. Evening sent Stanley paper and
letter. Cold wave on here.
January 12, 1926 At Rochester, blizzard on
all AM. Sent Stanley paper and another letter, explained Ma’s
present condition. Ma sent post cards to Wasilla women.
PM Ma had another nervous attack, evening OK again.
Ready for Hot Springs if Ma OK tomorrow. Auto buses blocked
by storm.
January 13, 1926 Rochester to Kansas City,
Missouri, left Rochester 4:15 PM in route to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Phoned Roe Herning at Eyota, we would call on them when we returned
in about 3 weeks hence. In snow belt all day.
January 14, 1926 On Chicago and Great Western
Railroad. Arrived at Kansas City, Missouri 7:40 AM, went
up town. No snow, sunny like Seattle weather. Took
in show and large stores. Left 3:45 PM for Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Ma’s stomach not very good. Sent Stanley post card.
January 15, 1926 Arrived Hot Springs, Arkansas,
put up at the New Moody Hotel, plan, room and board $55 week.
Hot Spring baths connected with hotel, 21 baths, $18. Weather
here about like June in Alaska. PM took stroll around town
and drank a gallon spring water. Evening saw picture show.
January 16, 1926 At hotel, New Moody, Hot Springs,
Arkansas. Ma and self took first mineral bath, Ma not feeling
well, pain in back and head, wanted to go home. PM took
long walk around town, got caught in shower on way back Evening
could hear radio across the street.
January 17, 1926 At Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Ma’s old trouble on again, so didn’t take bath. PM much
better, took long walk and street car ride. Self took 2nd
hot mineral bath, sweat out a gallon. Evening saw “Sally of
the Sawdust Circus” picture.
January 18, 1926 Sunny, 58 above at Hot Springs,
Arkansas. Ma took 2nd bath, self took 3rd bath today.
Ma also had massage and alcohol rub and was fine all PM. Visited
ostrich farm, egg weighed over 5 pounds. Rode out to south
end of town and walked back. Evening saw a show.
January 19, 1926 Ma and self took our mineral
hot baths with massage added. Massage helped Ma’s pain in back
of neck. PM took a long walk, climbed mountain from valley
to government observation tower, 2,500’, came by switch back, auto
road. Evening saw picture show. Ma bought new pair shoes
on account of sore foot.
January 20, 1926 AM took hot mineral baths
and massage, Ma improving with the massage treatment.
PM walked out to the magnesia mineral springs, drank 3 glasses
each. Evening saw Tom Mix in “The Best Bad Man”.
Evening heavy thunder and rain. Got letter from Howe Hotel.
January 21, 1926 AM took usual baths.
Rain squalls all day. Ma troubled with neuritis. Evening
saw “Off the Highway”, Minnesota girl in London scene. No
word from Clara yet. Evening flurries of snow. In room
all day. Evening concert in hotel lobby.
January 22, 1926 Cold wave, 18 above at Hot
Springs, Arkansas. AM took baths and massages. PM
walked out to south Hot Springs, came back in car, chilly today.
Received letter from Clara, moved from St. Petersburg to Winter
Park, Florida. Evening stayed in, listened to orchestra in
hotel lobby.
January 23, 1926 Temperature -14 at Hot Springs,
Arkansas. AM took baths and massages. Ma improving
with baths. PM took long walk and drank Hot Springs water
at government bath fountains. Evening saw show and heard
radio. Mailed several panorama views of Hot Springs to Wasilla.
January 24, 1926 Sunday +40 at Hot Springs,
Arkansas. Took usual hot baths AM. PM took
walk, sat in park near Arlington Hotel and watched the style go
by. Received first letter from Stanley, dated January 7th.
Evening saw Charlie Chaplan in “Gold Rush to Alaska”. PM saw
Rin-Tin-Tin dog in southern play.
January 25, 1926 Took baths AM, and evening,
took long walks. Got first roll of Wasilla papers, said
McKinley was not smoking, was a false rumor. Cloudy all day.
Sent Elliott views.
January 26, 1926 Took 11th mineral bath and
8th massage. PM took walk and absorbed sun in park.
Evening saw picture show, “Must Get There” and a lot of amateur
shows, very fine day. Sent Roe view folder.
January 27, 1926 Finished my coarse
of 12 mineral baths and 9 massages. Mattie took 8 massages
and 12 baths, ready to go north on Friday. Had picture taken
on jackass cart in old Arkansas. Took two long walks, PM
and evening. No show today. Sent Mrs. McMillan box
candy.
January 28, 1926 Ma finished her baths.
PM took usual walk and sun bath. Got picture of self and
Ma leaving Arkansas. Evening saw show “The Winding Stair”.
Got Pullman berth to Kansas City. Got 2nd letter from Clara.
January 29, 1926 Left Hot Springs 6 PM northbound.
PM sat in park, took in show, Buck Jones. A-1 weather
leaving Hot Springs like Seattle weather.
January 30, 1926 Arrived Kansas City,
Missouri at noon, 3:30 PM for Rochester, Minnesota. Saw
comedy show and had dinner up town. No snow and fine weather
at Kansas City. Arrived Des Moines, Iowa 10 PM. No snow
but raining.
January 31, 1926 Sunday. Arrived
at Rochester, Minnesota 7 AM. Had breakfast then went
to Howe Hotel. Got 2nd letter from Stanley with letter
from Clara in Ohio. Stanley reported that Mr. Reedy died
of heart failure while out on his trap line. No snow in Rochester,
late rain turned snow to ice.
February 1, 1926 Temperature 20 above,
cold wind at Rochester, Minnesota, on way to Seattle, Washington.
AM went to Eyota, saw Mr. Franke, agent for Dad’s estate.
Roe came in with bobsled. Drove out to Dad’s farm. Met
Roe’s wife, first time. Looked over buildings, etc.
February 2, 1926 On place of birth, 4
miles south of Eyota. Poor Dad in grave 2 years, only change
since visit home in 1900, hedges of trees along road a foot through,
and Dad’s new block house. Talked over division of property
with Roe. Clara now in Florida. Eleven ranches left
in estate, 1,680 acres. Roe renting home farms. Mattie
not feeling well, PM.
February 3, 1926 Roe drove us back to Eyota.
Went over books with Franke, agent of estate, to have a report
in 30 days. Met Jim Tracy, Willie Fisher and Bush the druggist,
all old schoolmates. Arrived at Rochester 5 PM. Now
ready for Seattle. Ma some better today.
February 4, 1926 No snow on St. Paul
streets. Rochester to St. Paul, Minnesota. Sent
$4 on K. P. dues to 7/1/26. Paid Oscar Rankin, attorney,
$20 for legal services account Dad’s estate 1924. Called
on Lawyer Christianson, attorney on Dad’s estate. Left Rochester
4 PM arrived St. Paul 7:30 PM. Put up at Com. Hotel.
Saw picture show “Three Wise Fools” and a good vaudeville at Orpheum.
Saw drunk run down 3 women on 6th Street on way home from show.
Wrote Stanley.
February 5, 1926 Got routing changed to Milwaukee
Line. Looked over St. Paul AM. PM took auto bus
for Minneapolis. Put up at Ritz Hotel, fine place, took
in show at Pantage’s. Evening picture show, streets muddy
here also. Had New England dinner, 40¢.
February 6, 1926 AM looked over stores, noon
left on Olympian Special for Seattle, Washington. Arrived
Aberdeen, South Dakota 8:45, fine country town. Dinner
$2.50 on diner. Mailed cards to Wasilla.
February 7, 1926 In route to Seattle on Milwaukee
Olympian Special. Passed through many good towns in Montana
and no snow, arrived Butte 9:25 PM. Mailed Arkansas cards
to Wasilla and to Roe at Eyota.
February 8, 1926 Fine trip, Minneapolis
to Seattle, arrived at 7 PM. Found mail at hotel St. Regis
from Stanley, Eva, Mrs. McMillan, Clara and May Kellogg.
After supper, visited at McKay Apartments, then Mattie gave the
show windows the once over. Warm weather.
February 9, 1926 At Seattle, +58 an rain.
AM visited apartment houses, finally located at Spring Apartment
Hotel, everything modern, electric range, bath, radio, all for
$65 a month. May Kellogg visited, full of Alaska bull.
Rain all PM.
February 10, 1926 A-1 day noon, went out to
trade, Ma bought new coat, sweater and hat, now ready for society.
Rented Smith typewriter for a month. Got grub for the kitchen.
Wired Stanley our address. Evening saw picture show.
Seattle bank balance $941.42.
February 11, 1926 Clear evening, much cooler,
+49. Sent Arkansas post cards to Sylvester’s and Mrs. Morris,
announcing our arrival and location. Started letter to Clara.
PM took in pictures and vaudeville at Pantage’s. Evening
got good program from KJR, radio. Evening cooler, turned on
heat.
February 12, 1926 Frost AM cool day.
Got wire from Stanley for merchandise and OK at home.
PM Sylvester’s visited. Evening May Kellogg and Mrs. Morris
and son visited. Sent letters to Stanley, Clara and Roe.
February 13, 1926 Shopped at the city market,
bought Sunday grub. Ma complaining some, had no “pep”.
Evening saw “Phantom of the Opera”. Ordered goods from Fischer’s
Bros. Co. for store at Wasilla.
February 14, 1926 Sunday, cloudy and
cooler, 4 above at Seattle, Washington. Attended church
with Sy family, then spent rest of day with them at Mt. Baker
Park residence, home at 8 PM. Mrs. Kellogg, Anderson and
brother visited. Got fine concert on radio.
February 15, 1926 AM went out and visited on
several jobbers. Sent Stanley list of goods ordered.
Got invite from Ben Grier to attend Chamber Commerce oil talk and
luncheon. Mayor Brown gave talk over radio, evening.
February 16, 1926 Wrote C. P. Pederson, Anchorage
about going in on schooner and trading business. Evening attended
oil lecture at Chamber Commerce all about oil prospects in Washington.
May Kellogg visited. Pantage’s show PM. Met Canfield.
February 17, 1926 Attended Mining Club luncheon
at Chamber Commerce with Ben Grier. Met Snooks on 2nd Avenue.
Mrs. Morris visited on Mattie PM, went out shopping. Evening
saw Mexican boarder picture show.
February 18, 1926 Busy day in society. Sylvester
drove us out through Capitol Hill District, then took us to
show at Moore’s Theater. Evening Mrs. Kellogg visited with
Mr. Wood and mother, to talk over the Cannon Ranch deal.
February 19, 1926 PM saw “Don’t” show at Palace
Hospital account benefit for Seattle disabled soldiers. Evening
visited on Stanley and Mrs. Morris, they had good radio, they
drove us home in car. Made reservations, Admiral Line, for
trip home in April.
February 20, 1926 PM saw “Connecticut Yankee”
at Blue Mouse. Received February 14 letter from Stanley
with pictures and Times, still mild weather and business fair.
Evening saw college girl picture. No callers today.
Met Jas Williams on street, said he paid bill past due.
February 21, 1926 Sunday, attended church
with Sy family and took dinner and spent all PM with them at Mt.
Baker Park Lake Washington. Home 8 PM, got fine program
over radio.
February 22, 1926 Heard George Washington
program over radio. PM took walk around town. Saw
fire wagons make two runs account fires. Took in show.
Met Jack Anderson just got back from Mayo Clinic. Evening
KJR program very good. Evening hail storm.
February 23, 1926 Rain, evening windy
at Seattle, Washington, #89 Spring Apartment Hotel. Placed orders
with Fisher Bros. Co. and Matchett-Macklem Co. Mrs. Morris visited,
had dinner then all went to the show at Winter Gardens.
Primary election today, Mrs. Landes highest vote. Evening
big wind.
February 24, 1926 PM looked over Grier’s clothing
samples. Got Chancellor cigars at Fisher Bros. and placed
drop shipment order for Velvet and Star. Evening with Ben
Grier family, saw movie pictures from Victoria to Hyder Mine, Alaska.
Mrs. Kellogg visited.
February 25, 1926 Mr. Teal, inventor of hydro
oil fire, visited wanted me to take selling agency for Alaska.
Got wire from Stanley for various merchandise. Mrs. Kellogg visited
with hotel friend, said she had only one more chance to raise money
account Cannon’s Ranch, due March 1st.
February 26, 1926 Saw 5 hour Vaudeville
and picture show at Pantage Theater. Evening went up Pike
Street and saw auto shows. Looked over one ton Chevrolet
truck. Heard Mayor Brown on radio.
February 27, 1926 Mrs. Kellogg visited account
final payment on Cannon Ranch, no money. Got letter from Clara,
answer to my Rochester letter, could come to Rochester in April
wanted to come to Alaska with us.
February 28, 1926 Sunday, attended Methodist
Church, fine choir. PM took 3 hour walk along waterfront.
Evening saw picture show. Got letter from Clara about
dividing home estate.
March 1, 1926 Summer day at Seattle,
Washington. No Alaska mail, boat overdue. PM drew more
insurance money. Saw show, did shopping. Evening
visited on Sy’s at Mt. Baker Park. Heard Auburn radio program.
Invited on auto ride tomorrow.
March 2, 1926 AM took up Cannon deed at Seattle
Mutual Bank account non-payment by Mrs. Kellogg. Sy’s visited
and took us for ride to Green River Valley. Visited the Flaming
Guiser, water salty and gas on water burned. Left card at
Bill Bartholf’s, no one home. Evening received letter from
W. D. Elliott. Met Ben Marino.
March 3, 1926 Wrote Franke, Roe and Clara about
division of estate. Received weekend letter from Stanley,
also nice letter from Mr. Elliott. Had Sylvester’s at lunch
and took them to show at President Theater. Ma had stomach
trouble today. Met George Sexton on street.
March 4, 1926 Saw Mr. Teal’s hydro gas
burner and ate lunch with him at the Arctic Club. Placed
Stanley’s orders for groceries. Visited on Order of Bats and
was initiated over radio KJR.
March 5, 1926 Got wire from Stanley account
office supplies. Got mail off to Alaska. Wrote Wilmoth
about Cannon homestead deed. PM went out to visit Stanley
Morse and mother. Self walked over Ballard, way many new houses
home at 10:30 PM.
March 6, 1926 Went over to Tacoma to look around.
Saw big auto parade account Mayor. City looked rather
old and worn. Had lunch and dinner, arrived home at Seattle
9 PM. Received first letter from Roe account estate.
March 7, 1926 Sunday, read papers and
heard sermon from Methodist Dr. J. Ralph Magee, pastor over radio.
PM visited Woodland Park for first time, saw Carrie Nation and
Seward brown bear. Evening at home, listened to song services
over radio. Answered Roe’s and Pearson’s letters.
March 8, 1926 Received 2 letters from Stanley
about galvanized iron for Gronwaldt and $100 check for self.
Also, read letter from Sam Manilla, West Virginia, met at Rochester
in January. Mattie got letter from Carrie. Evening sewing on
buttons and enjoying radio concerts. Colder in Alaska.
March 9, 1926 City election, reported Mrs.
Landes won over Mayor Brown. Answered letters, wrote
to Frank McGuire, Connecticut. PM saw show at Pantage Theater.
Evening rubbered a while at Times election returns. Saw show
at Winter Garden.
March 10, 1926 Mrs. Landes won over Dr. Brown,
Mayor for Seattle, City Manager plan lost. Visited Lilly’s,
Lang and Love Dry Goods Co. Mrs. Kellogg visited, said
she might “step out” and get married. Evening saw “Stepping
Out” at Blue Mouse, extra singing, colored quartet was good.
Paid months rent to April 9th at Spring Apartment Hotel.
March 11, 1926 A-1 day evening rain at
Seattle, Washington. Received wire from Stanley for forage,
fruit and jams. Called on Lilly Co. Lawrence brought
us home by auto. Mrs. Dr. Kevig visited. Evening visited
on Sylvester’s at Mt. Baker Park. Mattie visited up Mrs.
Caveny.
March 12, 1926 Got off Alaska mail. Received
reply from T. F. Franke on division of estate: Roe $40,000,
self $40,700, Clara $41,200 per his idea of dividing Dad’s estate.
PM saw Orpheum show.
March 13, 1926 A-1 day 60 above at Seattle,
Washington. Mailed Franke and Clara a report showing my
idea of dividing Dad’s estate. Net values at present price
of land would net each, over $40,000. Evening saw show at
the Palace Vaudeville. Mrs. Kellogg, after 2 weeks, no-c-um.
March 14, 1926 Stanley and Eva married at Wasilla.
Left Seattle 9 with George Vans and wife, to visit Dr. Kivig
and wife at Poulsbo - Swede Town. Had a fine dinner and
talked over old days in Alaska. Evening saw show at Strand
Theater.
March 15, 1926 Received weekend letter from
Stanley, bought 10 tons more coal for furnace. Got 2 letters
from Clara, said Roe should pay for machinery on home farm. Sent 2
cases butter, on Watson mail. PM looked over Reo and Graham
Bros. trucks.
March 16, 1926 PM saw real circus at Pantage’s,
both in pictures and live animals, trick elephant was good.
Evening had New England dinner at Sylvester’s, Mt. Baker.
March 17, 1926 Visited on Matchett Macklem
Co., ordered Maxwell coffee, rye crisp and catsup, talked over
error on strawberry boxes, they wanted same returned by schooner.
Would also advise Grier, their Alaska agent, to try and sell them.
Evening saw good show.
March 18, 1926 PM took trip out to Fremont
to look up septic tanks. Also got new bolts for Stanley’s
Roadster. Evening saw picture show and heard bad program
on radio 10:30 to 12 PM. Got letter from Roe.
March 19, 1926 Received letter from Clara
at Winter Park, Florida about estate in Minnesota. Now
ready to sell farms account taxes and upkeep. PM took stroll
up to 12th Avenue account auto shops. Bought die taps account
Stanley’s car (2) $1.30, bolts 45¢. Evening saw Palace
Vaudeville Show. Met Horning and Byron Bartholf on street.
March 20, 1926 A-1 day 62 above at Seattle,
Washington. AM on mail, wrote to Clara, Roe and Mr. Franke
about Dad’s estate. Mattie visited “whole wheat” Club
and luncheon. PM saw Kelly and Cohen’s. Evening radio
music. Horning went north.
March 21, 1926 Sunday at Auburn, Washington.
AM attended Dr. Mathews church with Mrs. Caveny. PM visited
Will Bartholf’s with Caveny’s. Had a fine dinner and lunch.
“Caught” on donation at Mathew’s church.
March 22, 1926 Cloudy and windy at Seattle.
Received letter from Frank McGuire’s son, saying his father Frank
McGuire, died last April at New Britain, Connecticut. PM
looked up freezing plant for store. Evening mail, heard from
Stanley, had chance to lease Fishhook Inn for 2 years, sent order
for merchandise. Mattie got letter from Carrie and Art.
March 23, 1926 Busy placing orders for Knik
Trading Co. sent by Stanley, manager. Mattie and Mrs. Morris
out shopping. Placed order for groceries, clothing and
produce. Wired Stanley to buy Fishhook Inn, in preference
to 3 year lease. Saw no shows today.
March 24, 1926 Received letter from Clara,
said my division of Dad’s estate was OK. PM had my teeth
overhauled and cleaned, cost $30. Evening saw good show
at Palace Hosp.
March 25, 1926 A-1 day at Bainbridge
Island. Sent bolts for Stanley’s Roadster. Self
bought new spring overcoat. Left on 5:30 PM boat to visit
Mrs. Fred Sylvester for one day at her fine home. Ma not feeling
well account gas.
March 26, 1926 Temperature 64 above at
Bainbridge Island, Ferncliff Landing. AM looked over
Sylvester’s 10 acre ranch. Cherry and pear trees in bloom,
then a Mr. Gowling drove us all over the island was warm and a
beautiful day, saw the Moran School for Boys. Arrived home
(Seattle) 5 PM, found wire from Stanley about Mike Sherry’s stock.
10 PM received mail from Stanley and Wilmoth. Got one bid
on Cannon Ranch. Ma not feeling good, old trouble.
March 27, 1926 PM visited auto house on 9th
and 12th Avenue, bought magneto coupler. Got price on 1½
ton G. B. Truck, $1,672 with cab, cord tires, 158” wheel base.
One ton truck $1,257.50, 33x5 tires. Bought new hat.
Evening saw show. Ma losing her pep.
March 28, 1926 Sunday at Mt. Baker Park.
AM heard two Irish Methodists from Belfast, Ireland over radio.
PM visited Sy family, took auto ride up to Snoqualmie Falls 40
mile road very dusty. Ma still ailing account stomach.
March 29, 1926 Received letter from Clara,
had ankle agony, said Roe should pay for tractors and grain
separator on estate. AM drew on insurance fund, bought
return ticket, $123.30, Seattle to Rochester, Minnesota.
PM saw Vaudeville at Pantage’s. Now ready for trip account
division of Dad’s estate. Ma not feeling well, going to
take chiropractic treatment.
March 30, 1926 At Seattle and East.
Placed Stanley’s order for clothing with A. V. Love Co.
Mattie had exam by Tracy and Tracy, Osteopath, decided to take
10 treatments for her nerve trouble. Packed up for 2nd trip to
Rochester, Minnesota. Left 8 PM to divide Dad’s estate, Mattie
remaining in Seattle.
March 31, 1926 On Oriental Limited, east,
arrived Spokane 7 AM rain last night, sun today weather very
warm. Mattie at Spring Apartment Hotel, while self making
2nd trip to Minnesota account estate.
April 1, 1926 Passed through Glacier Park,
Rocky Mountains. Only a little snow on mountain high
peaks. Mountain streams all open, Seattle to Minnesota.
April 2, 1926 A-1 day arrived at St.
Paul 7:30 AM, arrived Rochester 12:30 PM, visited on Howe’s,
left 3:10 for Eyota. Mr. Franke drove me out to old home.
Got as far as Monette 80, account muddy road, walked ½ mile
down to Dad’s estate. Roe and Florence surprised to see me.
April 3, 1926 At home farm, Eyota, Minnesota,
froze last night. Roe’s water system went on the bum,
helped fix it. Roe drove to Chatfield for oil meal. Self
took a stroll over farms. Went up through Burr Oak Grove, down
to Seymour Farm to New Quarter, Kendall Quarter and Monette 80, three
mile walk. Evening a couple arrived by auto from New York state
to visit Florence.
April 4, 1926 Sunday, at home farm, Eyota,
Minnesota. Roe’s company left for New York state by auto
car. PM helped Roe put 4 brood sows in pens and fixed up
barn. 4 PM started to snow and still at it 10 PM. Did
not get to inspect the Burnap and Coger ranches. Going to Eyota
tomorrow to see Mr. Franke account estate. Wrote Mattie letter.
Roe brought little pig into house to nurse.
April 5, 1926 At home farm, Eyota, Minnesota.
Four inches snow, zero AM ground covered with snow. PM
went to Eyota with Roe after coal. Saw Mr. Franke about estate.
Had 1924 and 1925 report ready, about $1,100 cash on hand and 1926
taxes due. Evening checked up disbursements with Roe, receipts
$21,000 paid out $20,000 for improvements and taxes.
April 6, 1926 At home farm, Eyota, Minnesota,
cloudy 30 above. AM helped Roe to start Tin Lizzie,
drove over to Singleton farm and Burnap farm. Inspected buildings,
all in fair condition, snow and roads very bad. Got renter
for Coger 80.
April 7, 1926 At home farm, Eyota, Minnesota,
partly cloudy. Snow about gone, roads very muddy.
Roe went to town with cream and for coal. Franke had deeds
ready to sign account division of Dad’s estate. Got letter from
Mattie dated April 2nd said she was OK.
April 8, 1926 At Eyota, Minnesota. First
warm spring day since earlier snow storm. With Roe and Florence,
drove to Eyota to sign deeds account division of Dad’s estate.
Self got 4 farms, 560 acres and ½ of Seymour farm, also
1 share stock, Farmers State Bank.
April 9, 1926 Roe took me by auto to Rochester,
1 hour, arrived at noon. Took Roe and wife to show.
Left for St. Paul, 3 hour delay at St. Paul. Left St.
Paul at 10:45 PM on Glacier Park Limited for Portland and Seattle.
Sent post card to Mattie. Took out $10,000 account, insurance.
April 10, 1926 Farmers seeding grain in North
Dakota 10 days ahead of Minnesota. At Minot 1:40 PM, Williston
4:30, good town at Snowdon, Nebraska 5:28 Mo. River. Mailed
letters to Clara and Roe. Evening arrived Rocky Mountains.
April 11, 1926 Sunday, on G. N. Glacier
Park Limited, westbound. AM passed through Glacier Park
District, snow about all gone, mountain streams very low.
Only 4 passengers in my car. Arrived Spokane 7:40, left Spokane
8:45 for Portland, raining. Wired Mattie, arriving Seattle
Monday evening 7:15.
April 12, 1926 Perfect day, orchards
in bloom. Arrived Portland on N. P. 7 AM. Looked
up Horace and Mabel Pullen at Dodge Co. 1048 E. Burnside.
Braley married to George A. Braley president of Braley and Graham
Dodge Co. Portland agents, visited until noon, left 1 PM.
Arrived Seattle 7:15, Mattie at Union Depot to meet me. Letter
From Stanley said he married Eva.
April 13, 1926 At Seattle, Washington.
Placed orders for groceries, forage, clothing and fruits.
Called on Seattle Tent and Awning, looked over Kholer Lights
and bathroom fixtures. Evening saw good show at palace.
Received card from Dr. _____ at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, wanted us
to call. Mattie and self got vaccinated per order from Washington
D. C.
April 14, 1926 At Seattle, warm day.
Got wire from Stanley for more goods. Called on Fischer
Bros. Goodrich Rubber Co. and Fairbanks Morse. Mattie took
2 massages. Paid for boat fare home on SS Yukon (2) $156.
$10,000 insurance, $4. Looked up water system.
April 15, 1926 Wrote Franke and Clara about
estate. Told Mr. Franke I would allow him 5% on net cash
from sale of Burnap and Coger 80. price $100 per acre. PM
visited on Carman Mfg. Co. Fairbanks Morse and L. C. Warner Radio
Co. Ordered amplifier set for phonograph. Mattie took
2 massage treatments and visited on Mr. Morris.
April 16, 1926 Seattle, Washington. Visited
on Elmer Moody Co. Ordered windows and paining stop.
Looked up non-sulphating batteries. Checked trunk to
Seward. PM saw seals perform at Pantage’s. Evening
visited on Sylvester’s, got letter from Clara, Florence’s baby
came dead. All packed for Alaska.
April 17, 1926 Departed from Seattle
for Wasilla, Alaska on SS Yukon, Mrs. Caveny and Alice
at boat, big crowd on dock. Full passenger list and freight,
two dozen autos on board. Al Davis, Ben Marino and Doc McCallie
on board. Evening dancing in social hall.
April 18, 1926 Sunday on SS Yukon, northbound.
Delayed account of tide at Seymour Narrows, 5 hours.
Orchestra and dancing. Col. Steese and Mr. Rabe on board,
got off at Juneau.
April 19, 1926 Arrived at Ketchikan 9 AM left
at noon. Saw C. King, said she and John Chamberlain would
tie up soon. Shonbeck got aboard. Discharged 400 tons
freight and passengers cannery at midnight.
April 20, 1926 Arrived at Juneau 9 PM left
midnight. Met Mr. Sostad, has property in Atlin District.
April 21, 1926 Arrived at Port Althorp Deep
Sea Salmon Co. 9 AM discharged 400 tons freight, left for Cordova
5 PM, sea calm on crossing sound. Met Mr. Adams and Fisher,
druggist and U. S. Cartg. Co.
April 22, 1926 Crossed Gulf of Alaska, 23 hours
to Cape Hinchinbrook. Arrived at Cordova 7:30 PM.
Took Ma and Mrs. Grier to show. Clear and dry for once at
Cordova. Left for Valdez at 3.
April 23, 1926 Arrived at Valdez at noon, left
3 PM Arrived at Nellie Juan 6:30 to discharge 400 tons freight.
Clear and warm at Valdez, took walk around town. Evening new
music and dancing, banjo, saxophone and piano.
April 24, 1926 Latouche to Seward. AM
visited at 4 canneries near Latouche. Arrived at Seward 3 PM,
A-1 smooth trip, all the way from Seattle to Seward. Put
up at Hotel Sexton. Stanley and Eva arrived 7:30 train. Evening
all saw show.
April 25, 1926 Sunday, at Seward, Alaska.
In route to Wasilla. Wrote Clara, sent her Seward paper.
Heavy rain all day. Yukon left 9 AM for Seattle. Met Martin
Lanning and Judge Whittlesey and Miss Gorden. Evening all attended
show, Norma Elephant, leading character.
April 26, 1926 Ma, Stanley, Eva and self
left Seward 7:45 AM, arrived Wasilla 4 PM. Snow from mile 12
to Turnagain Arm, no snow at Anchorage or Wasilla. Evening
drove car to ridge summit. Evening brought in Anchorage radio
program, Herman listened in. Eva went home with her mother.
Gone 4 months Outside.
April 27, 1926 A-1 day 50 above. Stanley
and self unloaded ½ car general merchandise. Took
off storm windows on store annex. Primary election today.
Stanley rented Zink’s small house at $10 month. Evening St.
Clair’s visited. Jimmie had out 2 teeth. Auto roads dry,
2 weeks ahead of last season. Cost of trip Outside $2,039.17
for 4 months.
April 28, 1926 At home at Wasilla, Alaska.
Stanley cut load wood account housekeeping. Made out
deed account Cannon Ranch sold to George Zink. Zink visited
PM Evening drove out to 19 road dry but rough account smoothing
with grader.
April 29, 1926 Self working accounts of Cannon
estate. George Zink made final payment on Cannon Ranch,
$500 cash delivered deed. Stanley fixing up Zink cottage
to live in. Ma busy cleaning house. Road Commission
smoothing up roads and working on Bogard Road. Evening took
joy ride party down Tote Road, three miles. Ben Marino arrived.
No radio.
April 30, 1926 Stanley made out monthly statements.
Self priced up new merchandise and drew checks to cover late
shipments received. Stanley got bad cold. Evening
got Anchorage radio program. Reported Wilkins got back from Point
Barrow to Fairbanks after a weeks delay.
May 1, 1926 Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage
to trade. Ellexson in from Knik to trade. Sold Zink
balance of Cannon farm machinery and cooking utensils. Cannon
estate about cleaned up.
May 2, 1926 Sunday, windy, store open 9 to
12 AM .Glued up dining room chairs. PM drove down to Vail's
with laundry, Brown went along. Drove up to ridge summit,
stones on road makes rough riding. Stanley spending weekend
at Anchorage. Heard last part of Rev. John Youal sermon at
Anchorage over radio.
May 3, 1926 Repaired linoleum on kitchen floor.
Stanley back from Anchorage. Got 2 letters from Clara,
Florence lost her baby. Stanley moved to Zink cabin.
Evening Rev. John Youal, of Anchorage held services at school house,
Mattie star audience. Evening had in KFQD Anchorage radio program.
Reported, Eddie Hemback going “nuts”. England coal strike
on.
May 4, 1926 Stanley started to drive truck
for A. R. Commission account Eddie going nuts. Eddie broke
out window last night at Hans place. Put Dan Gray on as guard.
Sam Kelly finished for a weeks vacation. Evening drove
down to Vail's for laundry. Mrs. W. visited. Fleck’s
got house fire adjusted today.
May 5, 1926 Self chief clerk down to
janitor in store. Sam making garden. Stanley 2nd day on
ARC truck Eva bought first bill of goods account housekeeping.
Guards took Eddie Hemback to Anchorage went completely nuts last
night, Dan and Wilmoth took him to Anchorage.
May 6, 1926 Cloudy and cooler, 58 above,
business good. Sales $201.44, collections $209.05. St.
Clair and Ellexson in to trade. Mrs. St. Clair marketed
her first eggs. Got Evans mail. Edmundson gave dinner
party at Wasilla Hotel. Mike Sherry up from Anchorage to
drive 100’ of tunnel.
May 7, 1926 Snodgrass and Clark visited for
supplies. Evening Stanley brought Miller in with Miller’s
car. Miller wants to sell car, can’t crank it. Evening
got Anchorage radio club program most all phonograph music.
Got World News, Fleck’s and Silma listened in. Traded $500
grub for 10,000 shares Grant M. Co. stock
May 8, 1926 McAllen placed order for camp utensils.
Got order from Kashwitna. Sold W. C. Mines a ton spuds
for $70. Eva and schoolmarm went to Knik with Edmundson.
Bert McClarty went to Anchorage. Metz in to trade. Snow
on mountain last night. Evening drove down to Donovan’s, road
good. Farmers through planting. Stanley took Miller’s
car for sale.
May 9, 1926 Sunday, turned over truck
engine, went off OK. Ellexson in from Knik. Went
to Junction with Edmundson. Evening drove down to Vail's
with laundry, then drove out to Mullen’s ARC camp. Stanley
had bad cold. Got last of Anchorage church service.
May 10, 1926 Werner and Allma over from
Palmer to trade. Freight arrived at Seward too late for
delivery today. Sam back from Anchorage. Grau got a
bump in ribs pulling stumps on Bogard Road. Evening got
world news and program over radio from Anchorage. Commander
Baird flew over North Pole from Kings Bay in 15 hours and 30 minutes.
May 11, 1926 Big fire passed along summit ridge,
going westerly passed Patchell’s ranch. Henry Fischer
and Frank Watson in for merchandise. Evening Marion drove to the
Junction, took Eva and schoolmarm along. Adolph Olson back
from 3 week visit at Seattle.
May 12, 1926 Smokey account big fire.
Bogard in for merchandise. Noon, drove up to ridge summit
to see Stanley at ARC camp. PM smoked meats and oats arrived,
hauled it over with old truck. Evening drove out to Miller’s ranch,
had 5 joy riders. On return, Wade was waiting for grub order.
Grau family went to Anchorage account broken ribs.
May 13, 1926 Put up order for Jack Frisby Mine.
Gus’ horses came to town from mines looking for green grass.
Ellexson in, Mrs. Pennington went to Knik with them.
Ma visited on Zink baby. Amundsen crossed pole yesterday
from Kings Bay on way to Nome, Alaska, in the Zeppelin Norge,
crew of 18 aboard the Zeppelin. Wasilla Ice Pool $60.
May 14, 1926 St. Clair up for Martin Larson
and wife. Gus in. Evening got Anchorage radio.
Zeppelin Norge left Kings Bay this morning, but not heard from
tonight. Watson left Seattle with 51 passengers for Seward.
May 15, 1926 Put up orders for Willow and Houston
Stations. Evening Stanley in, cold bad yet, offered him
chief clerk job in store. Evening took joy ride down to
Moffat ranch. Patchell and others went to Anchorage.
May 16, 1926 Miller in, claimed he found big
pay in his old tunnel at mile 30. PM drove Miller out
to his ranch, saw Stanley at mile 6 ARC camp. Big fires
in the woods, Patchell’s place would have gone only for Vail’s,
Miller and Hans. Evening, Anchorage church on radio, NG.
May 17, 1926 Sales $180, hauled 2 shipments
to depot, drove up to Shorty’s place with feed. A family
of 7 arrived. Evening KFQD gave detailed report on the Norge
landing at Teller, Alaska, disassembled plane, not going to Nome.
Two airplanes left Fairbanks for Teller with moving picture outfits.
Soper family arrived. Stanley in from mile 6 camp.
May 18, 1926 Experimental farm man over
evening for grub. Surveyors for ARC arrived, brought his
own car. Evening drove out to mile 6 to see Stanley.
Answered Clara’s letters, told her to sell the Seymour farm for cash.
May 19, 1926 Metz in to trade, got several
small orders. Seattle freight, 1½ tons arrived,
got green stuff. Evening Stanley in from ARC camp.
George Bailey visited. Gave Felch order for rubber goods,
clothing and checks. Evening windy.
May 20, 1926 Got letter from Clara, answer
to my letter written on boat, leaving Florida for Athens, Ohio.
Berkley got bumped on Winter Park real estate, Florida boom off.
Wilmoth put in stationary stock Got green stuff on last
boat, lettuce, etc. McArdle’s brother arrived to look after
estate.
May 21, 1926 Ellexson out form Knik for supplies.
Sent 2 orders north train. Patzack went to Lucky Shot Mine.
Gus got Chevrolet ½ ton car, second handed. Snider
visited on St. Clair’s. New York party wants to buy dirigible Norge
for exhibition funds for Red Cross.
May 22, 1926 Drove to Doherty’s for stored
spuds. McAllen in, went to Anchorage. Evening Stanley
through driving truck for Road Commission, Leonard Grau took
truck. Stanley started Gus truck, would only back up, differential
on bum. Dan McArdle’s brother moved down to ranch. Ellexson
in from Knik.
May 23, 1926 Sunday, took down kitchen
pump and cleaned the valves. Evening drove out to Miller’s
ranch. Stanley returned his car from ARC camp at mile 6.
Paid Seattle merchandise bills. Grau took Stanley’s truck
He had to call Stanley to start the engine at ARC camp.
May 24, 1926 Stanley started to work in store
again as chief clerk. Got fruit on Sunday freight.
No passenger train today. Sam Kelly started to work for
ARC as bull cook. McArdle’s brother went to work for ARC.
Dolph Smith shot, at Blue Goose Roadhouse, today, by Tom Perch, tractor
driver at Kanatak oil town. Evening Anchorage radio fair.
May 25, 1926 First rain for 6 weeks, badly
needed. Self making out clothing orders. Mrs. Forker
arrived from Ninilchik where she taught school, went out to
Mabel Mine. St. Clair and Bogard in. Train arrived
with mail 9 PM, delayed account slides on Seward end.
May 26, 1926 Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage
account his hoarseness, to see doctor. Sam Guyot arrived
from Talkeetna, gave him an order. Evening drove down
to Metz’s and J. G. Johnson ranches account of Metz delivering
contract spuds sold to mines. Sam Guyot and Selma went along.
Evening ordered clothing from Portland.
May 27, 1926 Finished Outside orders for merchandise.
Chas Isaac and wife on way to mine. Nick Brake back from
Anchorage. Mr. Styles, operator, up from Anchorage to look
after the assessment work on old Shough Mine. Stanley back
from Anchorage. No freight today.
May 28, 1926 Sam Guyot and Gaston left for
Anchorage via Paul’s car to Junction, Paul’s car broke down
near Junction. Ellexson and St. Clair in. Red Jack’s
boy and teacher went to Knik with Ellexson. Chas Marino over
to trade. Evening Herning family drove to Matanuska via Palmer,
visited on Hoffman’s.
May 29, 1926 Evening oiled up car and
pumped up tires, caught KGO signing off at 12:15, had in KFI but
wireless interrupted. Gus went to Anchorage on account
of his bilked car. Ordered amplifier for phonograph.
May 30, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town.
Stanley and Eva drove to Knik account Ellexson chicken dinner.
Mrs. Pennington and Selma came back with them. PM posted
on National ledger. Evening drove down to Vail’s with laundry.
Wilmoth Co. all fishing. Evening light shower.
May 31, 1926 Paul got woman cook for Fishhook
Inn, Marion Edmundson still at Fairbanks. Ellexson
out from Knik with spuds. Evening got first of Doherty’s
contract spuds. Kempf in route to mines. Got KFQD Anchorage
radio program and world news. Got letter from Roe.
June 1, 1926 A-1 hot day. Metz and Ellexson
brought in balance of spuds. School picnic on at railroad
bridge Cottonwood Creek, Ma attended, Stanley and self drove down
and took their pictures. Evening dance on in honor of Selma,
the teacher. Ellexson’s out to picnic. Finished monthly
bills 11 PM.
June 2, 1926 Partly cloudy business normal.
Eva went to Anchorage with Frank’s trunk for her mother at Anchorage.
Freight train south late. Self appointed on July 4th finance
committee. Stanley printed some circulars on entertainment.
Hans busy on Willow Creek Mine freight.
June 3, 1926 Cloudy cool showers. Joe
Brassel in from Willow Creek Canyon, went on to Houston.
Miss Simonson left for 2 weeks visit at Curry. Evening drove
down to Metz ranch for 3 sacks spuds 288 lbs., short 12 lbs.
Two lady visitors arrived, went to Willow Creek Mines. Frank
Hoffman in town.
June 4, 1926 Stanley and mother drove down
to Junction for Eva who came in from Anchorage on branch train.
Got order from Thorpe. Hans started to haul Willow Creek
spuds. Checked down invoices Stanley left off ledger.
Evening Anchorage program clear on radio.
June 5, 1926 Stanley packed grub outfit to
do assessment work on Grubstake placer. Evening attended
dance at Matanuska given to raise funds to buy piano for school,
arrived home 2:20 Sunday. J. J. in from Knik, going to Anchorage
to see doctor.
June 6, 1926 Quiet in town. Stanley
and Eva left for Grubstake Placer mine with Paul’s car.
Evening drove down to Donovan’s. Hired Dan to help Stanley
do assessment work. Delivered laundry at Vail’s. Strawberries
in full bloom.
June 7, 1926 Got 3 truck loads freight. Dan
Donovan left to work on Grubstake Placer. Got world news,
Judge Ritchie out of a job. Pilot Bennett had to make forced
landing and walked 45 miles to Wiseman, Alaska. Got 1st cantaloupes.
Church at school house Ma attended. Second amplifier out
of commission, Anchorage radio good.
June 8, 1926 Hot day 78 above. Mrs. Clark
from experimental farm up to trade. Fosket in for grub.
Gus, mile 107, here over night account railroad bridge burned out
near Willow Station. Jack Wennerberg here, going to cook
at McKinley Park. Flood in, finished cooking at ARC camp,
Willow Road. Bogard in for his lost colt found him at Pittman.
June 9, 1926 Al Walters and wife and
Mrs. Fanning over from Palmer. Bridge rebuilt at Willow
and regular passenger went south. Got a dozen little orders
today lots of work, not much money. Evening wrote Sy about government
radio sets for sale. Hung up hams and bacon.
June 10, 1926 Joe Conroy arrived, went on to
Willow Creek District. Joe said Texas was the coming
boom place. Krogh’s over, joy riding during evening.
Got sample sack of Carter’s special Palmer spuds for a try out.
ARC moving camp from Bogard to Knik Road.
June 11, 1926 Busy marking new goods
and arranging cases in store annex. Ma complaining some
of old trouble. Hot biscuits and honey for supper and going
strong. Evening drove down to Donovan’s with his groceries.
Radio fair, heard WDM announce my letter of suggestions over radio.
Evening paid Seattle invoices.
June 12, 1926 McAllen’s brother in with pack
horse for case butter. Vic Blodgett down from Pittman
to trade. Metz ordered plow and corrugated roofing.
Snider got lumber for new mink houses. South train loaded
with passengers. Evening cool.
June 13, 1926 PM drove out to Fishhook Inn
to see Stanley. Found quartz ledge on Grubstake Placer
claim, Ma and Mrs. Wagner went along, saw black bear and cubs
across river. Mrs. Hartman arrived from trip to Seattle.
Crowd worked on park. Ma not feeling well, same old nerve trouble.
June 14, 1926 Hans took last of spuds for Willow
Creek Mines. Bogard in with spuds and meat for mines.
Joe Palmer reports 10 pup foxes. Wrote Stanley about sluicing
off quartz ledge. Got invoices but no freight. Radio
set on the bum, only 2 tubes working. Three new lads arrived
to work on Knik Road. Ellexson in. Arnold Edlund went
to Pittman for Blodgett.
June 15, 1926 First real hot day, +78,
business normal. McNeil looking for the shade. Evening
drove down to Donovan ranch with mail, Mrs. Wilmoth went along,
treated to rhubarb juice and cake.
June 16, 1926 Second hot day, +88. Joe
Palmer broke, asked for credit. McNeil painted Julia’s
roof. Sliver got Gus’ car working. Evening Gus in
from mines for car. Shipped 2 orders north by express.
McNeil got C and D lumber for his ranch house. Evening wind.
June 17, 1926 Evening Snodgrass over to trade,
bought $75 worth. Hans hauled over 5 loads
Merchandise, was until 11:30 storing it away,
had no help. Louisa Gill arrived for a visit with Ma.
Zink farm and city park on fire today. J. J. back from Anchorage.
June 18, 1926 Business normal, +84.
Big fire on Cannon homestead, came down to Wagner’s place.
Mrs. Wagner crying for help, went out to put fire out on Wagner’s
lot and rail fence. Busy with new goods. Hot day.
Gus drove his old, new car to Fishhook Inn. Strigga around,
7:30 PM for an order.
June 19, 1926 Hot day, +80. Nick and
Joe back from mines. Stanley sent samples of ore for assay.
Ralph Weiss in to trade. J. J. O’Brien returned to ranch.
Ellexson out for supplies from Knik. ARC moved from Bogard
Road to mile 4 on Knik Road. Ordered plow and roofing for
Jake Metz.
June 20, 1926 Sunday, +80. Stanley and
Gus drove down to Miller’s ranch, so met them there. Big
fire north side Lake Wasilla coming toward town. Evening
had Arnold Edlund plow 3 furrows on Boundary Street. Tryck
hauled away all the ARC gasoline to railroad crossing at Lake Wasilla.
Julia packed her valuables. Evening put all cash and bills
receivable in safe. Excursion train went north.
June 21, 1926 Hot and hazy. Business
good, sales nearly $300. Quiet in town, no one had to move
out account forest fires, ARC men stopped fire last evening.
Word came that Mrs. W. A. Johnson, Susitna Roadhouse keeper, died
in the theater in Anchorage. Gus in with his car. Professor
Olson and family arrived for summer vacation. Jess Garver
back from Anchorage. McAllen bought supplies.
June 22, 1926 Got Northwestern freight.
Marked up fishing tackle and auto supplies. Evening Chilligan
brothers down from Houston to trade after closing hour. Drove
down to Mrs. Donovan’s, got first picking of strawberries, 10
quarts at 50¢ selling price. Country covered with smoke.
Couldn’t see Knik Arm from Knik Road. Louise went fishing.
June 23, 1926 Hazy account smoke, cooler,
+70. Stored away 3½ tons forage and whole wheat
flour. Portland dry goods and socks arrived. Pete Peterson
here looking for stock buyers in Trans. Co. Evening Snodgrass
over to trade. Land office man went to Knik account homesteads.
Had big feed of strawberries.
June 24, 1926 Got rid of
1st lot of strawberries at 50¢ quart. Stored away
flour and sugar in store annex. Evening Pittman section
gang down to trade. Bert O’Brien in, first time since last
winter. Evening, drove down to Mrs. Donovan’s, picked 19
quarts berries, 2nd lot. Treated to strawberry shortcake.
June 25, 1926 Shipped case
strawberries to Anchorage, Wasilla 1st on market.
O. C. Miller done up from eating at Willow Creek Inn. Evening
St. Clair’s up to trade, overhauled their car.
June 26, 1926 Busy figuring cost price
of hardware 6/4 invoice. Bogard in with load spuds for
Willow Creek Mines. Louise went fishing. Professor
Olson fishing. McAllen’s brother in from mines. Two
cars went to experimental farm party. Evening drove over to Wagner’s
for 2 sacks spuds. Persson working on park grounds.
Mrs. Wilmoth went to Anchorage account “ousting” proceedings in
happy home. Oiled up Olds car evening.
June 27, 1926 Sunday, cloudy sprinkle
of rain in evening. Ellexson’s out from Knik with two 25¢
tourists, girls walked back to Knik. PM drove out to Fishhook
Inn for Stanley, Eva and Donovan, through doing assessment
work on Grubstake Placer, took Donovan home. Mrs. Donovan
gave us the makings of strawberry cake. Evening St. Clair’s
up. Louise Gill went to Knik with Ellexson’s. Churchill,
of Knik, sent us a mess of strawberries grown on our old store garden,
large size.
June 28, 1926 Partly cloudy and hot.
Stanley on the job again as chief clerk. Got another
lot freight. Noon, drove down to Dan Donovan’s for 4 crates
strawberries. First shipment to Nenana. Mike Sherry
in for order. Mrs. Lander arrived via Anchorage, went out to
mountain home. Evening tried out Bristol attachment on phonograph
with loud speaker. Got orders for strawberry boxes.
Received letters from Roe and Clara, back in Minnesota.
June 29, 1926 Put up 2 orders for strawberry
crates. Johnson and Hyer in to trade, also Carl Engstrom.
Patchell shipped one crate strawberries north. Martin Larson
and wife back from Anchorage. Kelly in town for lame foot.
Mrs. Fleming up from Junction, going to Cottonwood ranch.
June 30, 1926 Light shower last night,
business normal. Strawberry crates going. Marked
up a lot of new goods. Eva went down to Donovan’s to help
pick strawberries. Evening Snodgrass and Wade over to trade.
July 1, 1926 Donovan in with 6 crates berries.
Evening Stanley, Eva and Ma drove down to DD ranch for berries.
Thorpe and wife and Otto in from mines account 4th. Mrs.
Wilmoth back from Anchorage. Pete Peterson back from Knik.
Frank Bayer on way to mines.
July 2, 1926 Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage
for weeks end. Harvey Rutter in from mines, also Gaston.
Delayed on ac/ store work with book accounts. Also, customers,
evening, delayed office work. Milk and guns came.
Over supply of strawberries on Wasilla market. Got Anchorage
on short wave set but not clear.
July 3, 1926 Partly cloudy business rushing.
Several went to Anchorage to spend the fourth. C. A.
Berg and family arrived to spend their fourth at Wasilla.
McAllen and family in with car, took 3 teams to pull car to Fishhook
summit from Willow side. St. Clair’s up, evening, to decorate
community hall for 4th July dance. Prof. Olson went to Anchorage,
family remained in Wasilla. Tough time making out bills
and orders. Louise back from Knik, went to Anchorage.
July 4, 1926 Sunday, cloudy light showers.
Busy in store all day getting ready for celebration tomorrow.
Knik road builders in, evening, account celebration. Several
came back from Anchorage on Brill car. Snider and
Wilmoth putting final touches on park grounds. Evening
bootleggers in from Palmer, drove on to Fishhook Inn. Ma
baked beans and cake for 4th. Stanley at Anchorage.
July 5, 1926 A-1 day Wasilla-ites celebrated
at Johnson Park big dinner. Mrs. Professor Olson read
the Declaration of Independence. PM kid races in front of
our store. Evening big dance at Community Hall. Self
busy in store all day sales $285.20. Had no dinner, ranchers
wanted orders put up while they were at the picnic. Not as large
a crowd as last year. Ellen Fleck arrived. Three drunks
during day.
July 6, 1926 Stanley back on job. Thorpe’s
returned to Grubstake. Conroy and Gaikema went to Grubstake
to prospect. More strawberries than customers.
Donations account 4th July fund, $112.60. One drunk today,
last fourth, no drunks. Slim 4th at Anchorage. Ellen
visiting at Stanley’s.
July 7, 1926 Stanley drove Eva and Ellen down
to the DD ranch to pick berries. Sold 50 KD berry crates
today. Stanley working on his car. Evening experimental
farm help in to trade. Gene Bartholf and Rogers arrived from
States, going into Broad Pass District. Evening Stanley and
mother drove down to Donovan’s for the berry eaters. Jack Tomlinson
back from States.
July 8, 1926 Ma and Eva canning strawberries.
RR ditcher gang here conductor Olson in charge. Haller
went to work on Knik Road for ARC. Sold 70 more berry crates.
Sunday excursion to Chickaloon advertised.
July 9, 1926 Brill gas car towed in from north
by engine several hours late. Stanley, Eva and Ellen went down
to Donovan’s and picked 4 crates strawberries while old Dan bossed
the job. Evening Pittman bunch down to trade. Stanley
paid his New York Life premium, $107.30.
July 10, 1926 Chas Bartholf and Isaac’s in
from mines, C. A. B. went back on 3 legs. Busy pricing
up new goods. Evening dance on at Fishhook Inn.
Ellexson’s, St. Clair’s and Stanley family went with 3 cars.
Paul sick with grip. Miller shipped 10 crates berries south.
Evening cloudy and light rain.
July 11, 1926 Perfect day, closed store
all day. Went on excursion to Chickaloon Coal camp, ten
went from Wasilla, took 6 in our car. Caught train at Matanuska
8 AM arrived Chickaloon 10:30. Had a sandwich then looked
over mines and deserted camp built by Government Bureau of Mines.
Had dinner then walked 2 miles to see Peterson Oil Associates,
drilling for oil near lake in bench, just started first hole, down
40’. Left coal camp 6 PM arrived home 9:45 PM. Met Garfield
and wife, of Seattle C. of C. One hundred six on this picnic.
July 12, 1926 Made July fourth report account
finance committee. Total donations $112.60, disbursements
$104.05, cash left over $8.55, refund on bread $1.40, total cash
on hand $9.95. No freight north today. Sent Nagley
2 gallons currants by express. Preaching at school house tonight.
Ed Mullen returned after 14 months in Cassiar.
July 13, 1926 Hot day, +85, business
good, more orders for berry boxes. Got hardware and groceries
in today’s freight, had a rush after closing time, Section men
from Pitman and orders from experimental farm and help.
Mrs. Kellogg on boat due next Saturday. Evening boys and
girls swimming at Lake Wasilla. Ma on warpath account booze
parties.
July 14, 1926 Sold 369 strawberry crates to
date, 8,856 pint boxes berries now overstocked at the market.
Stanley finished fixing up his Buick car, drove out to 32,
back at 10:30. Sold 75 berry crates today in Anchorage.
Bogard in for feed. Preacher and wife returned to Anchorage.
Sold prospector $75 outfit for Grubstake. Miller sent in berries
and lettuce.
July 15, 1926 A-1 hot day, business rotten
today. Got another order for berry crates. Swimming in
Wasilla Lake now in order. Got Hastings, Nebraska on short
wave set but not clear. New lettuce now plentiful.
Got Outside mail off Evans.
July 16, 1926 Hot day, +80, business
slow. Got lard and pork on today’s freight. Strawberries
still coming in. Forty Mile Miller getting most of the orders
account selling at $3 a crate. Gus in, doctoring up his car.
Stanley and girls drove out to 32. Evening made out order for
hardware and Filson clothing. Otto in from mines going prospecting.
Metz in with first turnips.
July 17, 1926 Put up order for Mabel Mines.
Ya-Yee Johnson in order Filson clothes. Evening dance on
at Fishhook Inn given by Mrs. Hartman, Krogh, Ellexson’s and Stanley
went. Second heavy rain of season. Evening got KGO
and KFI on 2 tubes first time since May. Radio finally went
on the bum, light out.
July 18, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town,
heavy rain all last night and today, Fishhook dancers sleeping.
Reported 2 drunks at dance, bootleggers around again. PM
overhauled radio set, failed to find short circuit on amplifier
tubes. A battery used upon amplifiers. Made out annual report
on Cannon estate balance on hand $146.87 and all debts paid to date.
July 19, 1926 Self marking new
hardware. Metz in for his corrugated roofing. Light
Outside mail, freight arrived late. Evening spotted
car at our track warehouse with 6 tons forage. Otto and Gus got
first salmon run at mile 12. Evening drove down to end of
McArdle Road.
July 20, 1926 Stanley and Paul went to Anchorage
to join Elks. AM unloaded half car forage, etc. at track
warehouse. Capt. Olson up here to catch salmon. Sent
Fischer cat and kittens by Ellexson’s. Eva and Ellen went
to Knik with Ellexson’s. Salmon running fair. Conroy
and Gaikema back from mines trip.
July 21, 1926 Conroy and Gaikema went to Anchorage.
Several pulling up salmon. Snodgrass over with 2 inspectors,
went out Willow Road. Gus returned to Fishhook. Sliver’s
is Mrs. Hartman’s chopper while Paul is away. Late rain helped
out mining. McAllen wanted 10% for clothing, refused it.
July 22, 1926 Cloudy, +70. Metz in with
new vegetables and got his new plow. Wasilla write up
in Anchorage Times, July 21st. Stanley back from Anchorage,
joined Elks and had small cystic tumor removed from under tongue.
Mr. Lee, old time packer, here with 8 horses, going to cut his winters
hay, was here 1898-1899 With Capt. Glenn.
July 23, 1926 Stanley back on job.
McAllen and brother in from mines. McAllen went to Seward
to meet his boss, L. C. Thompson, from Canada. Packer Lee
bought Dad Hunt’s ranch, millionaire hunter in town with Mr.
Lee. Stanley started for Knik, steering gear on his car gave
out near Doherty’s. Evening section men, St. Clair’s and Snodgrass
after merchandise after closing hour, to 11 PM.
July 24, 1926 PM towed in Stanley’s car from
Cannon’s hill, found worm was worn out on steering gear and
2 keys broken. Evening Hard Time Dance at Matanuska, proceeds
to go for school piano. Evening got KGO on loud speaker,
music good. Lee and partner went to Eklutna.
July 25, 1926 Sunday, railroad picnic
at Wasilla. Train had 6 cars of autos and 5 coaches and
a band some went fishing some auto riding to Knik and Fishhook
Inn some to Palmer and Matanuska. Mr. Krefton and P. J.
McDonald visited on us. Cloudy day but no rain. Evening
our car went to Fishhook, Agent Cook guest.
July 26, 1926 Stanley laid off account throat
trouble. Bert Olson returned to Caswell after visiting
fur farms here. Got some freight, first watermelons and new apples.
Evening Anchorage radio clear. Bridge gang here to build freight
shed for railroad at depot. Bert O’Brien in from mines, wife
didn’t know him.
July 27, 1926 Stanley on deck again, jaw swollen
from cold. McAllen arrived from Junction with L. C. Thompson
from Canada to inspect Willow Creek Mines. Patzack
in from mines, went to Houston on gas car. Miller took contract
to build Zink’s fox buildings on Cannon ranch. Railroad building
freight shed at depot. Evening Mike Sherry family out joy
riding.
July 28, 1926 A sunny day, +80, business
normal. Stanley went to Anchorage account mouth trouble.
Eva rode out to Fishhook Inn with bootlegger and tinhorn gambler.
Got one rush order to go by express to Willow. Cow inspector
here. Magaha in, said Knik Road was finished for auto travel.
George Nylen and Tex Cobb went to Grubstake to prospect. Churchill
sent us in mess raspberries.
July 29, 1926 Ma chief clerk while Stanley
at Anchorage. Railroad freight shed under cover.
May Kellogg arrived at Wasilla, going to Chickaloon to lease ranches
for oil land. S. F. Dad Hunt over from Eklutna for grub, just got
back from States. Extra passenger train south today, no freight.
Stanley back from Anchorage. Fishing party from Anchorage.
July 30, 1926 Self 58 today and feeling OK.
PM drove May Kellogg over to Carter ranch near Palmer, went
by government farm and Matanuska. Took Dad Hunt’s grub to
Junction for delivery at Eklutna today. Heavy showers at
Palmer and Hall, no rain at Wasilla 30 mile trip. Got groceries,
fox feed and hardware on PM freight. Evening KFQD good.
July 31, 1926 Railroad freight house finished
now placing new sills under platform. ARC moved to Palmer
Road, graveling gang at Metz Hill. Evening drove Stanley
and Eva out to Fishhook Inn going to Willow Creek with Billy.
Got KFI but signal too weak for reception. Railroad spotter
in town. Old spuds all sold out.
August 1, 1926 Sunday, cloudy. Stanley
at Grubstake. Ellexson drove over to Palmer. ARC
Knik gang moved to Palmer, road now graded to Knik. Mrs.
Hartman hungry for a buyer of her roadhouses. Order for spuds
and none to be had.
August 2, 1926 Received letter from Clara,
was at Eyota, Minnesota inspecting farms. Bogard in for
feed. Railroad carpenter gang through building warehouse
and repairing depot platform, left PM for Curry to restore damage
by fire. Frank Manley visited, on way to inspect Mabel Mine,
asked about my placer mine on Grubstake. Evening Anchorage
radio good. Stanley at mines on vacation.
August 3, 1926 Business above the $100
mark. Got milk and groceries, milk advanced 25¢ a case.
Frank Manley back, did not visit mines account rain. Another
railroad gang here to fix depot platform which was already fixed?
Too many railroad bosses.
August 4, 1926 Ellexson’s brought J.
J. O’Brien out and sent him to hospital. Last night Chas
Bartholf was brought in from Mabel Mine and sent to Anchorage on
speeder account fall in trying to ride tram bucket. Evening
drove out to Fishhook Inn for Stanley, Eva and Billy, after visit
to Willow Creek.
August 5, 1926 Stanley, Eva and Billy drove
to Knik to pick raspberries then left on PM train for Caswell
for outing, including the dog. Lawrence, ARC road boss,
in to trade. Borges, ARC paymaster, here. Frank Doherty
back home. ARC road work too wet.
August 6, 1926 Stanley at Caswell.
Evening Houston gang and St. Clair in to trade. Evening
Anchorage radio good KFQD slogan, “Known for Quality Delivered”
won by Miss Clayton. Big flood in China. George Haselett
died in Cordova. Chas Bartholf improving at hospital.
Walter Parks wanted Times News over radio.
August 7, 1926 Stanley and Eva back from Caswell.
Billy went on to Anchorage. Otto back from mines, located
2 quartz mines against Old Bullion Mine, wants $15,000 for location.
Evening got in KGO program on loud speaker. Mr. Kempf returned
to Anchorage. May Kellogg at Hartman’s.
August 8, 1926 Sunday evening, drove
in to Sunny Knik on new completed auto road 45 minutes against
5 hours in 1916, before road was graded. Had lunch with
Ellexson’s, goats came around car, one hopped up on the engine,
then the roof of car. Otto and all the Herning’s on the trip.
August 9, 1926 Farmers now ready to supply
vegetables, 3 to 5¢. G. B. Thompson in town.
Railroad painters here to paint depot and warehouse. Gas
car broke down. Hardware, eggs and clothing arrived.
Evening Anchorage radio good. Section foreman at Junction
wants us to order a Grebe radio set. Mended blow out in tire,
first blow out on Olds car.
August 10, 1926 PM drove down to Metz ranch,
got head lettuce and mess of peas, Palmer road full of ruts,
ARC graveling on same. Late evening, Mr. White over from
experimental farm for supplies. Paid May Kellogg back
for deposit on Cannon Ranch. Got Hastings, Nebraska on short
wave set 7:30.
August 11, 1926 Cleaned up pork barrels in
cellar and threw out the old brine. Mrs. Kellogg left
for Anchorage. Evening drove out Palmer Road from hall,
drove on Matanuska Road to Palmer-Willow Road, 4 miles, then to
Palmer 3¾ miles, then to Junction, thirty two mile joy ride.
Listened in on Harmon’s radio, not very good. Bought scythe
off Phil Allen. Home 10:30.
August 12, 1926 Hot corn weather, +88
under awning. Business good, got meats and NRA shells.
Railroad painters through and moved to Pittman. Mrs. Hartman
gone out to take charge of Fishhook Inn. Sent 23 orders
on north freight. Chisholm in town. Vail’s trying
to peddle new spuds. Evening no radio, too hot.
August 13, 1926 Evening Stanley and Eva drove
down to McDougal ranch. Mr. White from experimental farm visited
for supplies. J. J. O’Brien died at the Anchorage hospital,
heart and kidney trouble, 72 years old, had ranch at Knik.
August 14, 1926 AM got out Outside mail,
sent letter deposits to bank by Eva. L. C. Thompson, G.
B. man, left for Outside after inspecting Willow Creek Mines.
Evening drove down to Knik, gave Tom Aureen a ride. Coming
home saw fox and lynx cross road. Evening got Australia church
sermon and concert then a fine concert from some studio on same
no. 28. Antone Stander here.
August 15, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town.
Stanley went out with Paul to look at quartz prospect, Fishhook
District., the “bride” at Anchorage. Otto making ready to build
another house on his lot. Snotgrass and Stumpass crowd out
joy riding. Wilmoth outfit fiddling and fishing today.
Ma looking around for society? In Wasilla? Ellexson’s
hauling hay from mile 7 to Knik.
August 16, 1926 Self not feeling good, stomach
trouble. No mail, PM sack was put off at Junction.
Metz and Bogard in to trade. Jack Anderson here going to
Willow Creek while Eska Coal Mine is shut down for repairs.
Evening Mrs. Shorty in to listen to radio. Mrs. Fleck up from
Anchorage.
August 17, 1926 Stanley put gun display in
show window, self marking new goods. Railroad busy hauling
rock to protect Knik River bridge from going out account Knik
River Lake broke out whole valley flooded. Evening Stanley
and Eva drove in to Knik. Evening gave Sam Guyot order.
The judge on war path, insulting everybody.
August 18, 1926 Sam Guyot left by auto to catch
train at Junction, train late account slide above. Finished
marking new hardware, made order for Stanley to receive
and sign for all mail at post office second notice. Mr.
Dirty held up registered mail.
August 19, 1926 Got new #61, 6 tube radio set.
Set it up, got KFI. Received report from Franke on my
farm at Eyota, had spent $2,000 for taxes and improvements.
Mrs. Silverman arrived to visit Brown.
August 20, 1926 Stanley drove to Knik account
chicken dinner, brought Mrs. Fleck back for Brill car to Anchorage.
Gus hauling lumber for Zink to his ranch. Evening tried
out new radio set, got KFI and KFQD on loud speaker. Got Outside
mail ready.
August 21, 1926 Eva left for Anchorage and
Seward. Section foreman up from Junction. Mrs. Forker
in from Mabel Mine, left for Ninilchik to teach school.
Evening brought in KGO and KFI on loud speaker on new set.
August 22, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town.
Stanley and Paul went out and did some work on their prospects,
found Talk sum and better ore. Acknowledged receipt of T. J.
Franke’s letter with report on last of rentals of Dad’s estate
and new improvements on Burnap Farm.
August 23, 1926 Put another door in garage,
can now run in two cars. Recorded Grubstake assessment
work. Eva back from Anchorage and Seward. Otto building
new house. Capt. Gaikema went north on prospecting trip, got
his grub here. Got fruit and Carnation Milk, forage, etc. today’s
freight.
August 24, 1926 Cloudy rain. Stanley
put his car tires in winter storage. Ellexson’s in, went
out to Fishhook for blueberries. Evening drove Mrs.
McDougal down to their ranch, road very greasy. Our freight
still in car, mixed up with Matanuska freight. Clo King married
in Fairbanks.
August 25, 1926 Started to overhaul auto truck,
took off cylinder head and magneto and ready to grind the valves.
Stanley and Eva drove to Knik account of a duck dinner but had
beef steak. Mailed Clara a Fairbanks paper with news
of Clo King’s wedding to John Chamberlin. Sam Kelly through
with road camp work.
August 26, 1926 Stanley started to grind valves
on truck, dad had to finish it. Stanley moved out of Zink’s
cottage, stored his furniture account going Outside to finish
high school. Ma store keeper today, sold over $100 merchandise.
Eva and Stanley used Stanley’s room tonight.
August 27, 1926 Business normal. Stanley
left for Seattle to finish his 1½ credits on high school
at Seattle Broadway High School. Eva went as far as Seward,
going to live with her mother at Anchorage while Stanley is at school.
Evening drove out to 19 Roadhouse. Yukon arrived at Seward
10 PM.
August 28, 1926 Busy all day with small orders
for up the line. McAllen and family and Mr. Morrison in from
mines, drove to Knik. Turnagain Arm Smith bought the Ray
baby Caterpillar. Evening had KGO program in for 2 hours
on no. 61 Federal set. Evening raining.
August 29, 1926 Sunday, cloudy and cooler.
Adjusted magneto on truck. Smith went down Knik Road
with the Ray baby Caterpillar. Got in lady preacher from
Australia at 1 AM heard choir sing “I love to Tell the Story”
etc. Evening drove down to Metz for vegetables, road now
very bumpy after being graveled. Stanley supposed to leave
Seward 4 PM on SS Yukon for Seattle.
August 30, 1926 Louis Lund and Ellexson’s out
from Knik. Freight train arrived 11 PM with Outside freight.
Got letter from Stanley and Eva, boat held over 1 day, waiting
for Westward boat at Seward. Received card from Florence
Herning on vacation in Indiana. Got Hale Bros. San Francisco,
on radio. Smith got Fleming’s wagon with baby Cat. Got
farm lease acknowledged by notary in Anchorage. Eva returned
to Anchorage. Stanley went Outside to finish his high school.
August 31, 1926 George Bailey visited, sold
him ½ case shells. Shorty, Fred and Harrison built
cab on Trix car. Kelly threw up bid on school house repairs
account not enough money. Joe Palmer in to trade.
September 1, 1926 Cloudy evening rain.
Shipped 3 small orders north. Snider building exhibition
mink boxes to take animals to fairs. Zink got roof on his
homestead fur house. Clo King Chamberlin and her new husband
on train to Anchorage. Soper’s took their girl to Anchorage
for operation. Mrs. Donovan went to Anchorage for medical treatment.
Mailed farm leases to Eyota. Evening on monthly bills.
September 2, 1926 Cloudy rain. McAllen
took high up ARC officials out to look at summit road to Willow
Creek. Evening charged A battery and paid Seattle invoices.
Finished monthly statements and collections. Haller paid
last Xmas bill.
September 3, 1926 Got 1½ tons freight
delivered and stored away. Hans took ARC officials to
Palmer. Dan Sutherland here looking for votes sold him a
white collar, Paul driving him around to road camps and farmers.
Made out underwear order. Evening drove down to Vail’s for
3 sacks spuds. Anchorage radio NG, static trouble. Mrs.
Shorty went to Anchorage for treatment.
September 4, 1926 Judge Conroy and Gene
and Mrs. Horning in from mines and went to Anchorage. Road
Commission taking gravel from Cannon Hill. Nellie and Paul
went duck hunting. Snider went to Anchorage Fair with
mink and rabbits. Evening had in KGO program. Bailey and
Harrison visited. Agent Cook had fainting spell last night.
September 5, 1926 Sunday PM, worked on
truck, took off radiator and front to install a new magneto
shaft. Had in Puget Sound Savings Bank Orchestra for 1 hour KJR
Seattle. Ma not feeling well, stomach trouble.
September 6, 1926 Ellexson in from Knik
with butter, string beans and cauliflower. Hubbell and
Woldson arrived. Got card from Stanley at Cordova, said boat
wouldn’t arrive at Seattle until Tuesday. Frank Bayer up from
Anchorage. Mrs. Donovan back from Anchorage, doctor said
nothing wrong, only too fat. Evening heard KFQD program Mrs.
Williams, fur farmer, spoke over radio special Fair program Wednesday
evening 9:30.
September 7, 1926 Metz set up his new disc
harrow. Took Joe Palmer merchandise to boat landing.
Evening drove out to Mullen’s ranch, nobody home. Julia
back from Seward, seeing sisters off to “Nu-Yok”. Evening
got out Seattle mail and bank deposits. Zink got his mink
wire from Minnesota.
September 8, 1926 Several went to Anchorage
Fair. Fairbanks Fair over, big success. Evening heard
KFQD Anchorage program at the Fair. Railroad laid off section
men account no ties. Stanley supposed to have arrived in
Seattle yesterday to finish his high school at Broadway High School.
September 9, 1926 Business 50% below par, very
quiet today. Snider back from Anchorage Fair, Snider’s
mink won the prize. Dan Boylan bought a prospecting outfit.
Fat, red headed schoolmarm arrived. Stanley wired to Eva,
arrived in Seattle yesterday. No radio tonight.
September 10, 1926 Business good,
sales $185.35. Mike Sherry in town. B. Matson through
at ARC camp, going Outside. Felch visited, was on Brill
car. Ellexson and St. Clair and Bogard in for merchandise.
Evening drove down to Vail’s for more spuds. Self stomach
on the bum, griping pains for past 2 weeks. Hans placed order
for gas lamps.
September 11, 1926 Lawyer Diamond arrived,
went to mines with Mike Sherry to settle dispute over ground
with Fern Mine. Mr. C. S. Hubbell through surveying at Fern
Mine, went to Seward, invited us to call at his home in Seattle.
Mrs. Watson returned to Anchorage after locating her daughter
as school teacher at Wasilla. Evening got KGO program.
September 12, 1926 Sunday, first line
storm, heaviest rain of fall came from south east. Thorpe’s
in from Grubstake, closed down, brought us a mess of “come on”.
Paddy Marion in with ton high grade ore to ship Outside. PM
worked on truck, installed new magneto drive shaft now ready to
time magneto to engine 1-4 UP, etc. Two girl hikers slept in
section house, stole speeder and went north were intercepted by Madsen.
September 13, 1926 First frost, business normal,
over $100 sales. After the storm, 40 above at 10 PM.
Preaching at school house this evening. Wasilla School
opened today, Miss Watson is teacher. Got big mail, got
8 tons merchandise. Evening good concert from KFQD over
loud speaker.
September 14, 1926 A-1 sunny day, business
75% off today. Received wire from Stanley, located at
1611 Howard Avenue, Seattle, near Broadway School. Busy
storing 6 tons forage dumped off at depot platform. Ordered
lumber for Hyer. Advised W. C. Wilson about price of Grebe Radio
Set, $155.
September 15, 1926 Dan Sutherland in town,
left by auto for Moose Creek. Mrs. Zink and several others
went to Anchorage. ARC gravel gang through. Sam Kelly
moving his chimney to rear of house. Delivered Joe Palmer’s
fox feed at lake landing. Evening drove down to Vail’s,
heavy frost.
September 16, 1926 Ellexson’s in to trade.
Gus, Mrs. Hartman and Zink back from Anchorage. McAllen’s
back from Anchorage after weeks outing. Marshal Stacer
in town. Mrs. Gustafson went to Fairbanks hospital for
treatment. Got 1 order from Caswell Station. Evening
paid Seattle invoice. No radio account moon. Ma’s
stomach full of gas.
September 17, 1926 Got out hardware and grocery
orders. Magaha in from Haller Road to trade during evening.
Kelly moved his chimney to rear of house. Evening good
reception from KFQD Anchorage. Snodgrass boys in, late, for
merchandise and paid past account.
September 18, 1926 Put up good size order
for Bert Olson Fox Ranch at Caswell. Agent Cook under
the weather account stomach. Self better, took Warburg’s
Tincture, it hit the spot.
September 19, 1926 Cloudy and warm, quiet
in the Berg. Elmer Larsen in from Willow Creek with his
sidecar motorcycle. Worked on auto truck, got magneto timed
and connected to engine with new shaft and couplings. Car of
Caswell lumber arrived for various ones. Several out duck
hunting, several out for moose.
September 20, 1926 A-1 sunny day,
business good. No trains account slide on Seward Div.
Received letter from Stanley, had terrible time with jaw swelling
up on out-trip to Seattle OK now. Said he was going to Pullman
School. Eva phoned, said Stanley would return home on Alameda,
September 25th. Radio good, Miami blown to pieces (huge storm).
September 21, 1926 Boat freight arrived late
last night, got 110 winter shirts (ordered 3 dozen only).
Walter Gray visited on way to Curry. McNeil and Mary in
from Susitna moose camp for grub, couldn’t live on moose tracks.
Thorpe’s out duck hunting. PM figured out connection for spark
control to magneto. Gene Bartholf and Al Harper arrived, went to Willow
Creek.
September 22, 1926 Road Commission laid off
Palmer road gang. Lawrence, foreman, in and went to his
ranch. McBeth in, going Outside. Shipped order to
Fish Lake, mile 221 on RR. Something doing all day in store.
September 23, 1926 Partly cloudy business
good, sales $269.65. PM rushed to a finish, everybody
wanted outfits at once. Snodgrass over with 3 orders.
Ellexson’s in with Natives from Knik at 8 PM.
Got Dempsy and Tunney news from Pittsburgh,
just as they were signing off said largest crowd ever witnessed
a prize fight, but was too late to catch results on short wave set.
Blodgett down to trade. Tunney won 10th round.
September 24, 1926 Cloudy fog, business
50% off. Drove down to Johnson’s ranch for spuds.
PM fixed up gas lamps in store, now dark at 6 PM in store, using
lamp at supper time. Evening got rounds in detail of Tunney-Dempsey
fight over radio Kelly listened in. Dr. Mattie Herning was visited
at 10 PM to treat Zink baby was OK when “Dr.” arrived.
September 25, 1926 Cloudy light wind,
business back to normal, something doing all day. Answered
Clara’s Eyota letter. Dupont’s man visited. Kelly put
new window shades and gas lamp in school house. Stanley left
Seattle for home on Alameda. Evening reception at experimental
farm for new boss, did not go. Got 3 Pacific Coast Stations on
radio. Lit outside street lamp.
September 26, 1926 Worked on truck engine most
all day got spark connection to magneto in good shape, now
ready to put in engine head and turn her over. Lawrence and
Paul building a boat account hunting trip above Chickaloon District.
Evening brought in 3 stations on Pacific Coast. Edlund shipped
a cow south.
September 27, 1926 Cloudy misty, business
good, sales over $200, busy all day in store. Several
ranchers in for supplies. Times reported Stanley homeward
bound from Seattle. Got 2nd letter from Stanley said he had
been at Pullman, Washington got dope on short circuit on no. 59 Receiver
set 2nd transformer burned out got price on A battery charging outfit
using 1½ HP 2 cycle gas engine. McDougal’s moved to Wasilla
to live. Ellen Fleck went north to be married.
September 28, 1926 Ma took in most of the cash
today. Put up $100 order for Olson, Trapper at Kashwitna.
Mrs. Hartman got a lot of orchard run apples. Another family
moving in to Aureen’s big cottage, making two families added to
town this week, watch Wasilla grow. Evening got in Hastings,
Nebraska on short wave set but couldn’t control whistle.
September 29, 1926 Metz in for Hyer’s lumber.
Sold first trapping outfit. Ordered ½ HP gas engine
and generator for charging batteries to cost $55. Stanley
on Northwestern about due now in Cordova. Clear but no radio
tonight. Paul bought outfit account hunting trip to Chickaloon
District.
September 30, 1926 Third frost last night.
New family, by the name of Oberg, moved to Wasilla. Noon,
Ma and self drove down Knik Road 3 miles for sunshine and airing.
Evening on monthly statements.
October 1, 1926 Sold H. Oberg family hundred
dollar outfit. New arrivals from Unga, Pete “Schooner”
Pederson in town. Clark over from experimental farm for supplies.
Mrs. Hartman making ready to put concrete foundation under log hotel
(now rotten). Evening got KFQD and Hale bros. on radio.
October 2, 1926 Ma sold $93.25. Pederson,
schooner man, returned to Anchorage. Put cylinder head
on truck engine and turned her over, spark now OK. Evening
fixed up new National ledger, old one full up. Brought in church
services in Australia and concert was good. Rained all day.
October 3, 1926 Sunday, cloudy quiet
in town. Worked on re-assembling parts on truck engine.
Thorpe’s digging St. Clair’s spuds. “C. D.” quit the milk
wagon, now no milk. Evening finished monthly statements.
No radio tonight. Evening drove down to C. D.’s for carrots.
October 4, 1926 Stanley arrived home from trip
to Seattle. Five week trip, failed to get his high school
credits, would have to attend school a whole year so quit.
Received letter from Clara, had visited Will James at Tracy, Minnesota.
Roe installed a Sunbeam lighting plant on farm. Shipped two
outfits north. Evening heavy rain.
October 5, 1926 Stanley and Eva looking
for a rent. Cottage on Fleck ranch flooded, also Gus’
hen coop house leaks. PM greased rear springs on Olds car
and repaired chain drive on speedometer. Got part of Seattle
merchandise. Stanley shipped in a new bed set. Evening
church at school house, some 30 present. Fern got 10 tons groceries
from Fischer Bros, Grau on truck. Got World Series report over
KFQD, Cardinal’s won from yanks, 4-0 heavy rain 4th inning.
October 6, 1926 First snow to cover Bald
Mt. down to timber line. Stanley and Eva moved into Gus’
chicken coop, tempo. Yanks won today from Cardinal’s
10-5. Babe Ruth made 3 home runs. Kelly installing
coal heater for Wilmoth’s. Persson went to Anchorage, took
Doherty and Donovan as witnesses account homestead. Vail’s posted
notice for dance on 16th.
October 7, 1926 Froze skim of ice last night.
Grennan in for supplies. Soper went to work at experimental
farm. Got invoice covering freight on Watson. Ma got stitch
in hips. Ma got letter from Art and Carrie. Finished reassembling
parts on truck, now has plenty of pulling power. Eva and
Stanley at dinner with Mrs. McDougal. Thorpe and Six Shooter
Bill went for ducks on flats.
October 8, 1926 Deposited over $2,000 in banks.
PM freight, got 10 tons groceries off Watson, hauled over half
of it with our truck, now pulling fine. Last camp ARC
closed down today. Evening Anchorage radio fine, “Two Little
Blue Birds” dedicated to Ma and Pa. Freezing nights.
October 9, 1926 Fern manager in for pick
ups. Grau quit driving Nellie’s truck. PM hauled
over 2 more tons groceries from depot to store annex. Mrs.
Shorty back from Fairbanks hospital. Evening brought in KFI
and KGO, not very plain low battery.
October 10, 1926 Sunday, took joy ride
out to Mullen’s ranch, Mrs. McDougal went along. Cleaned
out furnace pipe and chimney now ready for zero weather.
Dan Gray bought grub outfit. Evening priced up new clothing
and groceries.
October 11, 1926 Business above average.
Rearranged goods in store annex and put up more shelves.
Ellexson and Lander out from Knik. Mrs. McDougal and Lander
walked back to Knik. PM received another ton of freight.
Newlyweds, Ellen and husband arrived to visit Stanley and Eva.
Evening all here to hear radio. Cardinal’s won World Series,
taking 4 out of 7 games, last game played Sunday at NYC, radio news.
October 12, 1926 Bogard in for
supplies. Stanley and Eva took newly weds out to Fishhook
Inn for dinner. Dan Gray living in Rutter’s cabin.
Zink ready for foxes to arrive. No radio tonight storm
outside clear here. Paid Fischer Bros. bill, $745.20.
October 13, 1926 Game warden here, wanted me
to issue licenses to trappers. Evening the newlyweds and
party of 10 went to Knik for dance and duck dinner. Evening
no radio account big wind. Overhauled #61 set and attached
C battery. Evening started blowing hard.
October 14, 1926 First big wind of the fall,
blowed hard all last night and today and still blowing.
Northern Lights tonight. Magaha bought an outfit. Got
2 orders from Matanuska District in today’s mail. Thirteen duck
eaters and dancers back from Knik 3 AM, had to cut out 21 windfalls on
return trip account big wind. Floyd Smith and Ellen Fleck left for
Chatanika, Inside PM train. Zink’s foxes arrived. Someone
robbed Mrs. Mack’s house.
October 15, 1926 Big wind all day.
Business 100% above normal. Big wind blew down Hartman’s
big truck garage last night. Zink installed his first fox
on Cannon ranch. Eva and Stanley sleeping in Gus’ “hen coop”
and eating here. Mrs. McDougal found her money in wood pile,
wind blew open door and sucked everything out of the house.
Evening no radio. Big set on the bum from installing C battery.
Evening wind dieing down. McArdle bought a grub outfit and
moved on his brothers ranch.
October 16, 1926 Wasilla’s first fire since
town located 9 years ago, Gus’ barn burned down 10 AM.
With our chemical, saved other buildings and the town reported
kids set hay fire. Paul back from hunt up Chickaloon, got
3 sheep and 2 goats. Evening dance on at Vail’s new house, drove
Herning family down and went after them 12:30. Evening
colder, 26 above, ice making on Lake Lucille. No radio.
October 17, 1926 Joe Staino down from Houston
section to trade. Fixed furnace room account coal. Received
car Healy lump coal by today freight. Eva and Stanley visited
at Palmer fox ranch with Ma, visited at Zink’ fox ranch, ground
frozen approach of winter on. No radio, #61 on the bum.
October 18, 1926 Ma and Eva store keepers today.
Stanley, Bill and self unloading car of Healy coal, 37½
tons, got car 2/3 unloaded. Lawrence and Patchell bought
grub outfits. Blodgett down to trade. Got new transformer
for #59 radio set from Federal factory. Evening raining
some. Received letter from Howe Hotel, Rochester. Hans
installed gas lamps.
October 19, 1926 Finished unloading car Healy
coal, 35, 1-ton truck loads: K. T. Co. got 27 loads, Stanley
got 1 load, school got 1 load, Oberg got 3 loads, Wilmoth got 3
loads. Total 1 ton loads = 35 (car billing was 37½
tons). Bill Swanson, Stanley and self hauled coal with
our truck, Hans hauled 8 loads, sold.
October 20, 1926 Sent check for car coal.
Evening music practice at Gerrit Snider’s, Ma went to rubber.
Self put new transmission on #59 Federal set, now works OK on 3rd
and 4th switch, old one was burned out OK. Shave and turn
in, that’s all.
October 21, 1926 Business below normal,
got $50 clothing order from coal center, Moose Creek.
Amateur music meet at the old school house tonight. New
agent arrived to take Cook’s place, has a “skirt” with him.
Ma and Eva making ready for weekend shopping tour at Anchorage.
Clarence Marsh arrived. Gust Haller in with pig meat for mines.
Evening not a sound on radio.
October 22, 1926 Dancer family back on section.
Took 3 orders for Royal tailor suits. Zink moved to fox
ranch. Metz in with vegetables. Ma baking ahead account
trip to Anchorage. Clarence Marsh went to his dad’s ranch.
Radio NG, 59 set failed to function with new transformer.
October 23, 1926 Cloudy and warm, business
75% above normal. Ma and Eva went to Anchorage on shopping
tour, picture show, etc. Ellexson in with Mrs. Lander’s
baggage, going Outside soon. Stanley hauled load wood for himself
from Vail ranch and moved his furniture into Zink’s big house
on Main Street. Evening after trying all tubes, found old
antenna was at fault. Attached long high antenna got KGO, KFQD
and church at Brisbane, Australia.
October 24, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town.
Lumber came for Joe Palmer’s fox ranch. Put chair rail
in kitchen and varnished door. St. Clair’s drove out to Fishhook
Inn to see their mother, first time in 3 months. Evening light wind.
October 25, 1926 Small trade all
day. Ma back from Anchorage with new $75 coat. Hartman
got part of new cement foundation under log hotel. Ellexson’s
out from Knik. Cook inspected Abe Riesing ranch for goat
farm. Stanley and Eva moved into Zink Main Street house.
Evening Anchorage radio good, the “Gypsy Song” dedicated to Wasilla
fans.
October 26, 1926 Cloudy evening, heavy
rain. Paul delivered Palmer’s fox pen lumber to Lake Wasilla.
Self busy marking new goods. Stanley and Eva now eating
at their own place on Main Street. Railroad put in switch
at Lake Wasilla account loading winter ice on cars. Evening
no radio account storm.
October 27, 1926 Heavy rain all last night
and this AM. Kid dance on tonight at Fairview school
house. Snodgrass in to trade. Brill car hit Mrs. Haller
at Haller’s X-ing this noon cut about her head went to hospital.
Another suicide at Fairbanks, Mrs. Evelyn Courtney. Monroe’s
girl did the same job as Monroe a week ago. No radio account
storm.
October 28, 1926 Got out order for more hardware
fill ins. Reported Mrs. Haller was badly hurt by cars
yesterday, now in Anchorage hospital. Sent Vic Blodgett,
C. F. Peterson’s NG check. Evening had in KGO studio program
on loud speaker. Gaston bought $50 outfit.
October 29, 1926 Got out 3 orders for Royal
Tailor suits. Stanley, Eva and Clarence drove out to 19
for ducks, got none. Mrs. McDougal busy fixing up for Halloween
dance. Ellexson’s delivering O’Brien’s dressed beef, sold
to mines by Wilmoth, administrator. Evening fine program
by radio from Anchorage. Wrote Al Walters would take a ton
spuds at $45 May 1st 1927 delivery.
October 30, 1926 Put storm windows on annex
and cemented crack along north side annex. Evening sheet
and pillow dance at school house, quite a crowd up from Matanuska.
McDougal in from mines. Mrs. Dick Lander left for States.
Money came after train left, so had Anchorage Bank pay her on
train. Ma’s birthday, 57, dinner at Eva’s.
October 31, 1926 Quiet in town after
the ghost dance. Frank Cook went to Anchorage account
toothache. PM drove out to 19, Thorpe’s went along.
Stanley took Marsh home with Hans Ford. Working on monthly
accounts. No radio tonight.
November 1, 1926 Cloudy warm wind.
Business normal. Got 3 orders for supply train. PM got
forage, flour, fruit, hardware and groceries on way freight.
Evening got in first of KFQD program, then A battery run out.
Herman in to vote. Evening warm north wind. Farmers
still plowing. Ma got rheumatism in shoulder.
November 2, 1926 Cloudy warm wind.
Business good, sales $234.10. Election day at Wasilla,
total vote 67: Sutherland 65, Marquam 2. Got returns over
KFQD Anchorage radio. Majority of States went Republican,
Seward only Marquam vote. Unloaded ½ car merchandise.
Al Walters over to trade. Evening hooch dance at Vail’s.
Got election returns on radio, local and States.
November 3, 1926 Business good, sales $286.40.
Got several orders for supply train in Broad Pass District.
Got 2 orders from Willow Station. Harvey Rutter in from
mines. Evening Ma, Eva and Stanley at chicken dinner at
Olson’s account farewell to Cornelius family, going Outside.
Evening got in new station, KMCI at Hollywood, California.
Evening light rain.
November 4, 1926 Still cloudy warm wind.
All Broad Pass order ready but no freight train today.
Sutherland won over Marquam the sportsman, by over 1,000 votes,
for Delegate to Congress. Stanley got truck load wood for
himself at Vail’s ranch. Evening made out remittance for over
$1,000.
November 5, 1926 Cloudy cool wind. Put
up $70 order for Frank Cook’s goat ranch at Sears old place.
Got Watson freight PM, generator and ½ HP engine arrived,
engine OK, generator NG for charging A battery. Mrs. Gust Haller
died at Anchorage hospital account skull fracture by train.
Got out Seattle mail. Evening radio good.
November 6, 1926 Business good, sales over
$200. Frank Cook ex-Agent, moved out to Sears old place
to start a goat ranch. MLD Club reorganized this evening.
Evening good reception on radio, KGO, KFI and church and parish
house program in Australia. Joe Walton in with his missing
Lizzie. McNeil got a moose. Chas Harrison bought Shorty’s
Tin Lizzie.
November 7, 1926 Sunday, warm light wind.
Cleaned up generator on charging outfit. Ma, Eva and Stanley
drove to Knik for duck dinner. Evening got fine program
over radio from San Francisco and also a big organ recital.
Wrote to Roe and Florence at Eyota, Minnesota. Several out
joy riding while summer still on. Ground on lake not frozen.
Eva saw red fox on railroad.
November 8, 1926 Still cloudy with warm
wind. Cleaned up hardware counter, marked new hardware.
Tried out charging outfit engine failed to work bum outfit.
Got oils and candy on PM freight. Evening Gerrit Snider and
Rev. Youle listened in on Jack Henry post program over our radio.
Payday Wilson down from Pittman to trade.
November 9, 1926 Froze a little last night.
Marked clothing and rubber goods, received late. Wired
out for turkeys, forage, fruit and groceries. Evening church
on at Community Hall Rev. Youle at the bar. Evening brought
in KDKA Pittsburgh, heard three selections, fine. Evening more
wind.
November 10, 1926 Cloudy and cooler.
Marked Filson clothing. Preacher returned to Anchorage.
Mrs. Ellexson and Grau went to Anchorage with dressed chickens.
Cook hauled in his house logs with Edlund’s horse on his goat ranch.
Stanley shot a low bush moose, Ma visited on the Watson’s.
Radio NG, cleaned up ½ HP engine and worked OK. Paul
went to Knik for O’Brien beef.
November 11, 1926 Gaston bought a trapping
outfit. Some talk of building a Community Hall.
Shorty went to Anchorage account wife going to hospital.
A lot of dissatisfaction with school teacher. Got clothing
order from Moose Creek Coal Mines.
November 12, 1926 Got out Seattle orders.
Ma attended “hen” dinner party at Mrs. McDougal’s on Main Street.
Stanley drew plans for a Community Hall, 30’ x 54’, cost material
$1,000. Evening got Calgary Canada organ recital and
fine dance program also got Hoot Owls, Portland and Oakland market
report at 5 PM midnight.
November 13, 1926 Received one good order from
Caswell fox ranch. No freight south today. Dan
Gray went to Anchorage. Mrs. Pennington through at Fishhook
Inn. Evening brought in several stations but lots of static.
MLD Club met at school house.
November 14, 1926 First snow down to
timberline on Bald Mt., rain at Sunny Knik. Oiled up Olds
car. PM drove down to Vail’s for spuds. Stanley, Eva,
Gertrude and Mrs. Oberg hiked to Pittman. Had Mrs. McDougal
at dinner. Eva sick after 17 mile hike. Evening had
in 3 church services P. S. Loan Association program best of all.
Frost last night.
November 15, 1926 Anchorage weekend visitors
returned. 4 PM wet snow storm, ½ inch, first this
fall at Wasilla, ground froze ½ inch. Evening Anchorage
radio good, had 25 numbers, part local talent. Ma got first
Xmas present by mail from Pullman, Washington. Apples arrived.
November 16, 1926 Colder, +10. AM cleaned
up coal dust in furnace room and cut ventilator holes through
to warm storage room. Got Frank Watson’s order today, held
in Post Office, too late to ship today. Evening got Vancouver,
B. C. first time.
November 17, 1926 Business 25% off. Petition
out for Community Hall. I offered to give 50% of all
donors. Sent wire for S and W goods to San Francisco.
Evening brought in California Dairy Banquet, held at Hotel Oakland
banquet room some good speakers, also Hollywood and Rose Room.
Hotel Butler came in on loud speaker Paul and Mrs. Hartman listened
in. Eva went to Anchorage.
November 18, 1926 Cloudy, 40 above.
Business below normal. Got freight from Anchorage.
Got Outside mail, letter from Roe and Florence, corn crop a failure
lost 7 cows account tuberculosis. Evening got in Kansas City
Night Hawks. Later got in new Nebraska station, KMFJ, had
a chicken show, first time on the air program 40 hours to end Friday
night singing and music fine.
November 19, 1926 Rain last night. Business
normal. Rained most of all AM, sprinkle of snow
gone. Stanley and Dan went moose hunting out near 19, no moose.
Bogard in with dressed lambs, price 30¢ a pound. Gus returned
to Fishhook. Evening fog brought in KPO, S. F. and Anchorage
programs very good. Got out Seattle mail.
November 20, 1926 Colder, +22. Stanley
and several went on train to attend dance at Junction. Evening
got all kind of stations but lots of static, got Spokane and
Walla Walla, Washington. Jap church played piano and saxophone,
very good. Hans took load to dance at Junction. Evening
clear and freezing.
November 21, 1926 Sunday, +10 last night,
summer weather over. Dancers back from Matanuska 5 AM,
Ellexson’s car broke down at Olson’s ranch. Reported good
time at dance. No radio or sermons tonight, all snaps and cracks account
cold. Hans hauling oil for Willow Creek Mines.
November 22, 1926 Business 50% above
normal. First cold wave, +2. Turkeys, cranberries,
fruit, etc. arrived today, also, ½ car forage. Marsh and
Cornelius up from Junction to trade. Town people making
ready for turkey dinner. Evening Anchorage program fair, then
got in KPO, S. F. program. Eva back from Anchorage.
November 23, 1926 Unloaded ½ car merchandise.
No snow in Wasilla. St. Clair’s up to trade, invited us
to party account mother Pennington going south soon. Ma busy
on turkey day stuff.
November 24, 1926 Partly cloudy, +32.
Turkey eaters doing a little buying. Mrs. McDougal teaching
school while Mrs. Watson goes to Anchorage to eat turkey.
Sl___ted hauled rick of birch wood for Knik Trading Co. Ma
busy stuffing the turkey, etc. Put up $35 order for Willow Station.
Evening got market and news from KGO, Oakland reception poor.
November 25, 1926 Had the big turkey
with all the trimmings, Mrs. Fleck, Eva, Stanley and Sam Kelly
guests. PM charged A battery. Evening big dance
on at school house, sixteen people up from Junction. Self
did not attend dance, waited on customers. Kids now skating
on lake.
November 26, 1926 Cold wave on, -10.
Got out orders for Xmas candies and fruit. Paul building
coal shed and Harrison a garage. Had 2nd feed on turkey.
Mrs. Fleck here visiting Eva.
November 27, 1926 Business below normal,
AM -10. Mrs. Fleckenstein returned to Anchorage.
Thorpe’s went to Anchorage. Willow Creek Mines closed down,
several miners came in. Nolan Hudson in from mines, also
Mike Sherry went to Anchorage for vacation until Xmas. Wilmoth
went to Anchorage. Radio good, brought in 5 stations.
Put up fly on balcony. Paid tax on insurance money. Doherty
through at Bogard’s. Evening much warmer.
November 28, 1926 Sunday, clear, much
warmer, quiet in town. Paul unloading car coal.
Reported Landers has the measles at mountain home. Skating
on Lake Wasilla, best ever. PM finished pricing up
new hardware. Charged 2 A batteries. Evening no radio,
too frosty. Evening read Geographic. Slight quake at 10:15
PM. Whole train load of hydraulic pipe for Fairbanks.
November 29, 1926 Business 10% off, 14
below zero last night. Mail train 5 hours late. Found
fruits all wormy in balcony had quite a time cleaning up old nuts
from Fischer Bros. Evening had radio, party of 7 listening
in on KFQD progressive. Evening warmer, zero. Ed Mullen
back from Hot Springs.
November 30, 1926 Got delayed Outside mail
this AM no freight today. Evening farewell party on at
St. Clair’s ranch account Ada Pennington leaving for Hollywood,
California, all went but Pa. Wilmoth’s went along in our
car. No snow, road good. Kinsella, of Pittman, down to
trade. Jake Metz in. Received letter from Will James, Doc
Hall passed out (died).
December 1, 1926 Got quite a few orders to
go on supply train, no local freight today. Meats, butter
and fruits still at Seward. Through freight with hydraulic
pipe, etc. for Fairbanks, passed through. Self busy on monthly
bills, got them all ready to mail. Several miners, from Willow
Mill, shut down water gone. No radio tonight. Several
went to Anchorage.
December 2, 1926 Business 40% off, cold raw
day. Stanley put Santa Claus fire place in show window.
Eva and Mrs. McDougal walked down to McDougal ranch, came back
on mail train. Our fat schoolmarm sick, phoned for her mother.
Schools closed in Anchorage account scarlet fever and measles.
Saturday freight arrive 7 PM today. Radio fine on loud speaker,
brought in new station CFCD, Capital City, B. C. Canada.
December 3, 1926 Got 2 truck loads freight
off Watson. Stanley hauled load wood for himself. Lidell in
from Willow Creek Mines. Mrs. Watson arrived from Anchorage account
daughter sick.
December 4, 1926 Filled coal bin, 2nd time.
Doherty placed an order. Mrs. Pennington left for Hollywood
AM train, also Nolan Hudson for Tacoma. Early evening,
radio NG. Midnight brought in Australia church and parish
concert. PM Stanley went down to visit Marsh, Eva went to Anchorage.
December 5, 1926 Sunday AM cleaning up
and marking new goods etc. PM charged 2 batteries, soldered
antenna. Day short, sundown at 2:30, daylight 8 AM. Clarence
Marsh brought Stanley home. Radio NG, had in KGO and KFI
hook up, musical program, but too much static.
December 6, 1926 Ellexson’s broke shaft on
car at mile 13½, got Paul’s car to return to Knik.
Harrison sawing Wilmoth’s wood with Ford car. Got ton coal
oil today on train. Frank Watson over from Palmer to trade.
Evening got Rose Room, Hotel Butler on KPO San Francisco variety
hour program. North mail delayed, came from Anchorage.
Eva back from Anchorage.
December 7, 1926 Ellexson put new shaft in
his Lizzie and left for Knik. Harrison finished Willie’s wood
pile. Several got colds. Stanley drove down to Vail’s
for wood, all sick and no wood cut. Preaching, at school
house. Evening heavy shower. No radio tonight.
December 8, 1926 Warm wind, 40 above
zero. Ed Mullen left for Matanuska. Evening Miss Watson,
school teacher, visited. Mrs. Abreon subject of evening
and Sunday school Xmas show. Shipped back canned butter that
was swilled. Evening no radio account too much static.
Mrs. McDougal went to Junction.
December 9, 1926 Snow all day, first
of winter, 6” fell today after 249 days of summer weather.
Priced up tents, etc. Got out Seattle mail. Mrs. Mac
back from Matanuska. Sunday school and teacher squabbling
about having dance after Xmas exercises.
December 10, 1926 One foot snow fell
last night, Wasilla now covered with the beautiful.
Trucks went out OK to Fishhook Inn. Gus came in.
Evening had Sam Kelly at turkey dinner on southern style.
Evening Anchorage radio good, Kelly and Gus listened in. Got
out Seattle mail. “Amie’s” fellow caught in eastern rooming
house.
December 11, 1926 Got order
from fox farmer. Fern got car coal. Stanley and
Don making ready for moose hunt. Evening radio bum until late hour,
had in S. F. Ma helped Stanley on orders, PM.
December 12, 1926 Sunday, cloudy zero weather.
Stanley and Dan Gray left for a moose hunt at Bald Mt.
Paul hauling Fern coal, roads blowed in and bad. Snider down
from Pittman Section. Women out snowshoeing. Evening
reception good but battery NG.
December 13, 1926 Cloudy, +30. PM got
1½ tons groceries, eggs, etc. Had to put chains
on truck account snow drifts at depot. Ellexson out from Knik
with double ender. Lidell back from Anchorage, went to
mines.
December 14, 1926 Several ranchers in to trade.
Iver Newhouse and several in from Willow Creek Mines, balance
coming on Friday. Ellexson left for Knik with Old Blue and
load feed. Bought 2 tons spuds off Jacob Metz delivered 5
sacks balance when wanted price $50 a ton. Evening had in KPO
program.
December 15, 1926 Ma and Eva went over eggs.
Several Willow Creek miners left for Anchorage. Soper
went to Anchorage to sell 2 mink. Joe Palmer got 2 of
Lander’s pack horses for fox feed. Stanley out on moose trail.
December 16, 1926 A-1 day zero weather.
Pat Irish over from Palmer for supplies. George Grennon
in for supplies. Supt. Bewley, Fern Mine, back from Anchorage.
Hans put skis on his passenger car. No radio tonight account
big moon and colder. Ma phonographed at fatty Watson’s tonight.
December 17, 1926 Last of Willow Creek
miners in from camp. Paul took Frank White to Palmer with
Lizzie. Pennie, rancher on “Mays” ranch, in for outfit,
had cabin up. Brassel and Hansen bought trapping outfit,
going via Houston. Evening Anchorage radio good.
December 18, 1926 Gold Bullion bunch left for
Anchorage, several were drunk. Stanley and Dan back from
moose hunt, got no moose. Mrs. Ellexson from Knik with double ender.
Evening fine program over KJR dedicating Seattle Pacific Coast
20 M watt super power station, Mrs. Ellexson listened in.
December 19, 1926 Paul unloading coal.
Mrs. Ellexson left for Knik with double ender load forage.
Packed 2 orders to go north. Stanley troubled with tonsils.
Evening had in KJR and KPO Sunday special music programs.
December 20, 1926 Clear, evening, -18.
Stanley back on job. AM cleaned off walks and road for
auto truck PM freight brought corrugated iron and flooring
for school house only. Our Xmas candy and fruit order due,
failed to arrive. Evening radio and ice cream party. Had in KFQD
and KPO variety hour. Got Xmas cards. Sy family gone to
California and oil district.
December 21, 1926 Morning -2, evening
-22. Zero all day, -42 at Fairbanks last night.
Bogard and Metz in to trade. Shorty at 31 fixing Gus’ car.
Evening Xmas school entertainment at school house. Xmas
tree and Santa for kids. Had in KDKA and KBKL on short wave
set for ½ hour. Self busy with fires on both shifts.
December 22, 1926 Cloudy light snow.
Hans hauled lumber and iron roofing to school house for repair
work account new floor and roof. Freight brought back 2
sacks mail. Mrs. Ellexson returned to Knik with double ender,
too much snow for Lizzie. Cars still running to 28. Evening
had fine Uncle John, Los Angeles, KPO, San Francisco.
December 23, 1926 A-1 day zero weather.
Stanley troubled with jaw again. Otto and McAllen in from mines.
Got more Xmas cards. Willow Creek Mines closed for the winter.
Got out order for Shillings goods, San Francisco.
December 24, 1926 Cloudy, +16.
Night before Xmas. Not much buying for Christmas. Filled
coal bin. No freight north or south. McAllen family
here. Evening listened to Jack Henry post program, Anchorage
over KFQD, fairly good, Mr. and Mrs. Latten and Tryck’s kids listened
in. Got date book for Xmas.
December 25, 1926 Cloudy, +30,
Xmas day. Gave Stanley $30 suit and $5 fancy sweater.
Gave Eva $4, May $25, Xmas presents. Eva and Stanley and several
others went to Anchorage. McAllen family and brother left
for Anchorage and Outside. PM and evening, posted ledger.
Ma and I had dinner at Hotel Wasilla. Had in KPO program on radio.
December 26, 1926 Sunday, cloudy +32.
Shoveled out track to depot account freight Monday. Charged
A battery. Matt balancing ledger. Had southern style
chicken dinner. “Kids” at Anchorage. Evening had in
3 stations. Uncle John’s quartet good. Lawrence and Boylan
returned to mile 12 with Paul’s truck
December 27, 1926 Cloudy, warm +22. Xmas
goods arrived, hauled our truck load groceries and fruits.
Stanley and Eva back from Anchorage. Got another Xmas present,
a radio girl. Got letter from Clara, was at Estherville,
Iowa, was going to Ohio soon. Evening Anchorage radio good,
Otto listened in.
December 28, 1926 Several ranchers in.
Jack Frisby returned to mines. Jacobsen home on ranch.
Otto home complaining of stomach trouble. Herning Jr.’s had
McDouglas at dinner. Got out bank mail and paid invoices to
close up 1926 business. Evening no radio.
December 29, 1926 Cloudy warm wind. Got
1 order from Broad Pass. Otto went to Anchorage.
Reported Fern Mine would shut down soon. Sent new year passes
to Matanuska customers. Evening posted on ledger.
Evening couldn’t raise a sound on radio. Ma put new oil cloth
on work table and sink. Finished pricing new goods.
December 30, 1926 Fosket and Nellie in with
double ender to trade. Sent 1927 annual passes to customers
on railroad north to Broad Pass. Got Watson mail letter from
Roe, -20 in Minnesota. Xmas card from Clara, now at Athens,
Ohio. Evening on mail and paid 2 invoices in route.
No radio, air dead.
December 31, 1926 Got out statements for Matanuska
District. Cleaned off walks and road for truck to depot.
Evening dance on at school house, only local people present.
O’Brien’s in from Fern Mine. Evening Anchorage radio good,
also KGO from Paradise Ball Room, Oakland. Failed to pick
up Fischer’s’s new station in Seattle. Section boss got the
measles, not so.
Addresses at end of 1926:
E. E. Hartman
6215 Greenwood Avenue
309 Howard Street
Seattle, Washington
Nellie A. Hartman
2707 East D Street
Tacoma, Washington
Elton C. Herning
Pinehurst, Washington………….son of Otis P. Herning
On Pac. Highway between Everett and Seattle
Note:
S. J. Kelly born 4/12/1860
Newspaper clipping from HARDWARE WORLD magazine
1926:
ALASKA BUSINESS FOR SALE
Consisting of hardware, sporting goods and
complete line of general merchandise, situated in the Matanuska
ranching district on the government railroad and supply station
for the Willow Creek Gold Mining District. Annual sales $35,000,
can be doubled by a progressive management. Two roadhouses and taxi
freighting business in connection if wanted, giving complete control
of business. Owner desires to retire, made enough. This is an exceptional
opportunity. For detail address Box 406 HARDWARE WORLD or O. G.
Herning, Owner, Wasilla, Alaska.
1927
January 1, 1927 Business good, AM closed
PM started to take inventory. Finished posting 1926
ledger. All the Herning’s at Wasilla. Stanley and
wife, Ma and Pa. Stanley chief clerk K. T. Co. Had
chicken dinner, Stanley and Eva guests. Mrs. Ellexson
returned to Knik with double ender and Slowpoke. Natives out
from Knik to trade. Clear and +8, fine day. No radio.
January 2, 1927 Sunday closed all day
busy taking inventory. Got most of dry goods groceries
and forage listed. Four Herning’s on the “job”. Evening
priced flour and forage. Skiing party on Cannon’s Hill
PM. Last year, speeding to Mayo’s account Ma’s sickness,
now Ma skookum. Evening snowing. No radio, battery
weak.
January 3, 1927 Business above normal.
AM self cleaned snow off walks and road to Depot. Got
forage, butter and lard off way freight today and fresh eggs.
Ma worked some on inventory. Self took sugar, beans and rice.
Evening had radio party. Judge Chas E. Bunnell, President of
Alaska College spoke ½ hour over the air, giving history of
the college, opportunities, etc. came in clear and fine.
January 4, 1927 Hauled over
4 truck loads from Depot to store and warehouse. Ma store
keeper part of day. Had chicken dinner 5:30 PM. Evening
church on at school house. Working on inventory. Last
year this time in North Dakota. Evening no radio account storm.
January 5, 1927 First Chinook knocked snow
down ½, Dakota weather. Stanley went to Anchorage
account jaw trouble again. Evening got out balance of
1924 charge accounts to customers. Evening no radio. Jack
Anderson arrived.
January 6, 1927 Snow plow went through to clear
track at Talkeetna District account blow last night, first time
out this winter. Herman in with dog team from Fish Lake.
Several in from mines. Evening good radio on, low battery,
had in 6 stations.
January 7, 1927 Business good, sales
$400. School house new floor and roof cost $348.50, material
and $222.55 labor. Shorty got railroad ice contract, 1,500 tons
at $2. Poker game on at Hans house.
January 8, 1927 Gus in with bobsleighs
from mines, auto road blocked by snow. No radio, caught
KPO signing off 11 PM and Australia, but couldn’t hold, heard one
hymn. Evening party on at Vail’s for Stewart, 13 years old.
Filled coal bin.
January 9, 1927 Sunday, quiet in town.
Joe Palmer in for supplies. Marked new hardware and priced
up on inventory. Mattie took long walk. Otto has stomach
trouble. Hans and wife at Anchorage.
January 10, 1927 No freight train today.
Mrs. Ellexson in from Sunny Knik with double ender. Evening
listened in to Anchorage radio. Received letter from W.
D. Elliott from Hot Springs, Arkansas.
January 11, 1927 Several ranchers in to trade,
self in store most of day priced up on grocery inventory.
Shorty started to clear away snow to cut ice on Lake Wasilla for
railroad company. Evening no radio, too frosty and moon.
January 12, 1927 Business 50% off today.
Hauled over two truck loads from Depot. Hansen working
for Shorty with team on ice contract. Evening overhauled
short wave set. Big moon, no Outside radio until signing
off. Beeley in town. Mrs. McDougal gave a dinner, Eva
and Stanley attended.
January 13, 1927 SS Northwestern hit a rock
near Seymour Narrows, will turn back at Juneau. War on
China and Nicaragua and Mexico over Catholic priests. Evening some
radio, too much static.
January 14, 1927 Gus in with sleigh for mine
supplies. Only a foot of snow but wind spoiled auto road.
George Gates in town, first time in 9 years. Evening Anchorage
radio good, had a variety program.
January 15, 1927 Got out orders for groceries
and coffee. Evening blowing strong. Gus left for mines with
sled load merchandise and sled load drain pipe for Alaska Road
Commission. Evening dance on account Dan Gray’s birthday.
Late, got in KHJ and Brisbane, Australia on radio.
January 16, 1927 Sunday, beautiful wind
all day late evening died out some. Quiet in town, dancers
sleeping. At supper time, brought in Oakland church services
on loud speaker. Tried to operate hand microphone on Bristol
control box, did not amplify. Wind drove Shorty, the ice man,
off the lake.
January 17, 1927 Business 50% above normal.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with dog team and returned.
Ma sick today with stomach trouble, thinks from eating too much ice
cream. On bed most of day, first sick spell this winter also expected
her head trouble. Big wind. Evening radio good, had in
KOMO Totem dance orchestra, Seattle and KPO, San Francisco Variety
Hour. No Outside mail, no boat.
January 18, 1927 Ma much better today, indications
of old trouble, got up PM had chicken dinner 5:30. Stanley
and Eva pricing on hardware inventory. Evening radio NG,
too much static, big moon. Evening card party on at Stanley’s.
Evening much colder, zero. Hans tried car, NG account snow.
January 19, 1927 Zero to 10 below weather.
Ma did washing, self on inventory and mail. Wired for
meats and forage, self not feeling good. Mrs. McDougal
went to Anchorage. Shorty through sawing railroad ice.
January 20, 1927 Two trappers in from Little
Susitna Roadhouse for supplies, came via Knik. Light
snow most all day. Self not feeling good, on bed most of
day. Mrs. Hartman left collection papers vs. McDougal.
January 21, 1927 Pete Pederson here collecting
schooner money, listened in on radio. Answered Mr. Elliott’s
Hot Springs, Arkansas letter. Answered Clara’s letter.
Self OK today, ate raw kraut. Sport dance on tonight.
Radio poor.
January 22, 1927 Stanley went to Anchorage
to have his teeth and neck glands examined. Sam Kelly
and all the sports returned to Anchorage. Mrs. Hartman left for
Tacoma.
January 23, 1927 Sunday, windy all day,
banked snow in front of doors. Shorty loading a car of ice
every day for railroad. PM shoveled out drifts and charged
A battery. Evening radio NG. Pricing up hardware
inventory.
January 24, 1927 Business 20% off.
Ma store keeper. Self shoveled out wind drifts account
hauling incoming freight. Train late, passenger train held
up here 1 hour account snow plow going off track at Houston.
Got 2 weeks mail from Outside. Clara now at Athens, Ohio with
Alice. Stanley back from Anchorage, teeth cause of gland trouble.
Otto went to Fairbanks to see doctor.
January 25, 1927 Gus and Beevley in from mines
for supplies. Put up order for Sutton, new customer.
Hauled over 2 truck loads groceries and hardware. Got
new generator to replace bum one sent by Poppleton Co. Seattle.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik. Evening radio poor. New
Fairview schoolmarm arrived, sold her an outfit.
January 26, 1927 Paid late invoices from Seattle.
Shorty loading a car of Wasilla Lake ice every day, appointed
me as paymaster. Metz and Penny in to trade. Evening
radio bum, batteries low. A-1 day, +30. New Fairview schoolmarm
went to Anchorage.
January 27, 1927 Got out 3 drop shipment orders
for tobacco and S and W goods. Mail train late, arrived
8:45 PM account waiting for Watson mail. St. Clair’s in town
over night visiting, Thorpe’s brew on tap? Old Sam Peters
in for outfit, cutting mining timber for Willow Creek Mines.
January 28, 1927 Priced up new hardware.
Fairview school teacher, Mrs. Johnston, on the way to market
again. Evening had a radio party, 3 schoolmarms, Anchorage
radio club had a program of 37 numbers by the club, very good.
On news items, reported that Dr. Daggett died of a stroke in California.
January 29, 1927 Got 2 orders for Broad pass
District. Stanley went to Anchorage to have teeth filled.
Cold all day. AM –18 and -49 at Fairbanks. Evening
radio good, had in 3 Pacific Coast stations and at midnight, church
from Brisbane, Australia. Schoolmarm moved to Fairview.
Wrote Clara at Athens, Ohio. Otto back from Fairbanks account
medical treatment.
January 30, 1927 Sunday, put up 3 orders
for rail shipment north. Joe Staino down from Houston to trade.
Ice gang laid off account no cars. Several using kraut account
stomach trouble. Evening radio not much good. Battery
low again. Stanley and Eva at Anchorage. Temperature
-10.
January 31, 1927 At Wasilla, Alaska,
hometown. Business good, sales $233.50. PM freight
brought forage, meats, eggs and Schilling goods. Stanley
and Eva back from Anchorage. Stanley had 14 teeth filled,
no more gland trouble now. Evening Anchorage radio very clear,
also had in KOMO and KPO Variety Hour, program very clear.
Reported Grau and Mary had agreed to disagree after 2 years.
February 1, 1927 Busy AM and evening on monthly
statements. PM hauled over 2 truck loads forage and groceries
from Depot. Evening no radio, windy and probably storm
Outside. Ma did washing. Beeley in, placed $50 order.
February 2, 1927 Business above normal.
AM got out balance of monthly statements and Outside mail.
George Edlund hauled wood for Stanley. Sent Mrs. Fanning a
larger pair of snowshoes. Evening radio no good, 10 PM snowing.
Shorty still on ice job.
February 3, 1927 Gus in for mine supplies with
bobsled. Otto back from Anchorage, had teeth fixed up.
Britain’s getting in bad over Chinese trouble. Ice men now loading
2 cars each day.
February 4, 1927 Business slow, collections
good. Light snow all day. Cleaned off walks and
road to Depot, evening clear. Got wonderful radio, KFQD of
Anchorage, local station.
February 5, 1927 Stanley and Dan went to 19
to try again for a moose. Fairview school teacher on market
today. Evening fine radio reception had in 6 stations,
KGO, KOMO, KGX, KGW, KPO, KFI, very clear on ear phones.
Mattie got cold in tonsils.
February 6, 1927 Sunday, light wind all
day, +28. AM cleaned up balcony and priced Schilling goods.
PM charged A battery and posted ledger for January. Stanley
and Dan shot a moose near old 19 roadhouse. Evening, had
in Dr. Ralph Magee’s sermon and music at First Methodist Episcopal
Church, Seattle also KOMO Bible recital and KPO dance program.
February 7, 1927 Stanley, Dan and two
helpers went out to bring in their moose, got back 7 PM.
Business fair, Ma store keeper, self finished hardware inventory
in store warehouse aft. Alex, Wasilla, and Pedro families mushed
back from Susitna Station via Nancy. Mrs. Ellexson in from
Knik. Evening had in KOMO opera owing to wind , reception not
good, later fine. No mail train account slide today.
February 8, 1927 Self working on hardware
inventory. Mail train arrived, not much Outside mail.
Ma feeling better, did her wash. Moose hunters going around
on 3 legs. Evening strong wave on radio but reception no good.
Hoffman here with a petition for Palmer bridge.
February 9, 1927 Business good, +40.
Got orders from Broad Pass and Houston. Self on hardware
inventory, pricing up, Ma balanced January ledger. Warm
wind all day. Evening inclined to rain. Nick Kane
pleaded guilty to selling “mule” at Fairbanks. Shorty, the
ice man, went to Anchorage. Radio no good. Sent Clara
map of tourist routes.
February 10, 1927 Business 25% off, temperature
+45. Spring day snow going fast. Self on hardware
inventory all day. Light train and small mail today.
Wasilla weather within 10 degrees of Seattle last year. Evening
Hoot Owls, no radio.
February 11, 1927 Temperature +40 today.
Ellexson out from Knik with dogs. Evening pricing up hardware
inventory Ma finished clothing. Evening Anchorage radio
good.
February 12, 1927 Stanley and Eva left for
Knik by dog team to attend birthday party. Ma listed aluminum
and crockery wall on balcony. Midnight, brought in church services
at Brisbane, Australia.
February 13, 1927 Sunday, took inventory of
auto supplies, razors, shears. Cleaned out furnace and fixed
the pipe. Stanley and Eva back from Knik. Evening church
services from Anchorage over KFQD came in fine.
February 14, 1927 Received coffee and groceries
on noon freight. Mrs. Wanamaker came up to cook at Wasilla
Hotel. Evening Anchorage radio good, also KPO Midnight
Frolic San Francisco. Wind started to blow 10 PM.
February 15, 1927 Business 75% off, no
one out today, second big wind of winter. All busy pricing
up on inventory, got all completed but hardware. Busy with
fires account wind. Chas Isaac in town. Making ready to go Outside.
February 16, 1927 Big cold wind still on.
Busy on inventory. Ma packing up for trip Outside. No radio
account wind.
February 17, 1927 Third day big wind, nobody
around. Working on final of hardware inventory.
No mail train. Coal train jumped the track at Pittman and
blocked the road. Wind blew paper off Snider’s roof and stove
pipes in the air. No radio.
February 18, 1927 Big wind, after 82 hours
died out. Busy on book work all day, up to midnight.
Evening Anchorage radio good. Sent well wishes to Ma and
Pa account trip to Honolulu. Mail train went north PM.
Ready for trip Outside tomorrow.
February 19, 1927 Wasilla to Seward,
Ma and self on trip to Seattle. Arrived Seward 7:30 PM
left on SS Alaska midnight. More snow at Seward than at
Wasilla. Richard Hyer going Outside on Alaska.
February 20, 1927 Sunday on board the SS Alaska
at Cordova. Ma and self got room 126, arrived at Valdez
at noon, snowing as usual arrived at Cordova 6 PM . Boat loading
copper ore, will leave 9 AM Monday. Took in show “Three faces”,
war plot, England and Germany. Had some hunt to find Cordova
post office, on hill and upstairs at that. Letter to Stanley.
February 21, 1927 Crossing the Gulf of
Alaska, left Cordova 9 AM passed out of smooth water at noon.
Snow squalls but not rough sea. Should be in smooth water at
noon tomorrow. Missed no meals as yet. Ma ate a light
dinner. South bound on SS Alaska.
February 22, 1927 On SS Alaska, arrived Cape
Spencer 1 PM took in town, left midnight for Wrangle, passed
Northwestern leaving Juneau. Quite a few got on at Juneau.
Clear and cold, snow on Juneau streets, had smooth going all day.
February 23, 1927 On board SS Alaska, Juneau
to Wrangle. Arrived Wrangle 6 PM arrived Ketchikan midnight.
A lot of Juneau and Douglas kids on way to play Wrangle and Ketchikan.
Left a line for Clo King saying we were in route to Seattle.
Dropped Stanley a line from Ketchikan. Evening cloudy, light
rain.
February 24, 1927 On board SS Alaska in Canadian
waters all day, cloudy and showers. In route, Ketchikan
to Seattle. Small passenger list, Juneau crowd got off at
Wrangle and Ketchikan.
February 25, 1927 Arrived at Nanaimo,
B. C. 9 PM to take on 700 tons coal. No one could go ashore
account booze delaying boat on arrival account customs house inspection.
Had smooth trip down channel, due at Seattle noon tomorrow.
February 26, 1927 Arrived at Seattle.
Rented apartment #441 at Spring Hotel. Sent Stanley wire of our
safe arrival. Evening saw show at the new Embassy Theater.
Overcoat weather in Seattle but clear and fine. Had in KOMO program.
February 27, 1927 At Seattle, Washington.
Rested up AM and heard church services over radio. PM went
out with Mattie to rubber in show windows. Evening saw
show at the Palace, very good. Evening had Bible class program
over KOMO and KFQW and KGBS programs. Clear and cool day.
February 28, 1927 At Seattle, Washington.
AM Mattie went shopping. Mailed grocery order to M and
M Co. Rented typewriter for a month. Rained all day.
Listened to radio evening “Coyote Club” Spokane on air. On
return from lunch found big basket assorted fruits and nuts in
room sent by Pacific Fruit and Produce Co.
March 1, 1927 At Seattle, Washington, Spring
Apartment Hotel #441. Mattie had eyes re-tested for new glasses.
PM took in Pantage’s show. Crippled Friends Club program over
KFQW was good. Evening rain. Wrote Mr. Franke for report
on farms.
March 2, 1927 Placed order for hardware
and fruit. Placed door chock for repair on Columbia Avenue.
Left Diamond watch at Thos. J. Cassett to be regulated. Wrote
to Clara about Alaska Golden Belt Tour. Evening Richard Hyer
visited, all went to show. Clear today. May Kellogg visited,
nobody home.
March 3, 1927 Cloudy and cool day. Received
wire from Stanley. Placed orders for more groceries, flour
and forage. Self not feeling well feet swell account walking
on pavement. Evening saw show. No radio on in room
today. Sent Clara Alaska itinerary.
March 4, 1927 Wrote to Stanley and sent
sport papers. Took stroll along waterfront mid-day and had a
clam chowder. May Kellogg visited. Evening saw double
show at Palace. Hoot Owls had a lively program over KFOA.
March 5, 1927 Saw show at Palace, vaudeville
and picture. Evening Richard Hyer visited, leaving for
New York soon. No mail Northwestern and Watson at Ketchikan.
March 6, 1927 Sunday at Seattle, Washington.
AM listened to church services over radio. PM went out
to Ballard to call on Stanley and Mrs. Morse, had dinner.
Evening attended suburb picture show, was very good. Met Stanley’s
girl after show. Stanley drove us home to Spring Apartments.
Stanley’s radio clear and fine.
March 7, 1927 Ma and Pa at Seattle, Washington.
Heavy rain all AM. Noon, received first mail from Stanley
at Wasilla. Sent copy of income tax report, said Joe Palmer
was going to move fox ranch to Hartman’s ranch in Wash. Evening
saw double show at the Palace.
March 8, 1927 Placed order for forage with
Lilly Co. Wrote Stanley to go on Watson March 9th.
Mattie went shopping. PM saw good show at Pantage’s.
Wrote ad for Hardware World, K. T. Co. business for sale.
Evening listened to opera over KOMO and Seattle election returns.
Seattle voting for municipal auditorium (carried).
March 9, 1927 Evening rain. Mattie had operation
to remove old root on jaw bone, cost $25. PM visited on
Washington Shoe Co., bought pair work shoes for Mrs. Ellexson.
Hunted town over for #44 bath robe. Evening saw show at Palace.
Sent ad to Hardware World, K. T. Co. business for sale.
March 10, 1927 Placed order for fruits. Sent
Mrs. Ellexson’s shoes and Eva’s goods parcel post, couldn’t
find gray bath robe in Seattle market. Evening saw sailor
show at Continental Theater. Cloudy cool day, evening rain.
Ma’s jaw swollen from root extract.
March 11, 1927 At Seattle, received letter
from Clara at Athen’s Ohio, said she would join us in April
and take trip to Alaska. Had savings account interest added, $61
then saw show at Coliseum. Evening listened to Hoot Owls at
Portland over radio. Mattie had jaw treated. Cashed in
gold samples, 6 ounces.
March 12, 1927 At Seattle, Washington,
rained all AM. PM took in show at Embassy. Evening
saw Vaudeville and pictures at Palace. Weather 10 degrees
colder than last year and more rain and wind in Seattle.
Raining every evening lately.
March 13, 1927 AM listened to both Catholic
and Protestant church services over radio. PM took stroll
along waterfront, Northwestern stopping for B. C. coal, not due
until Monday PM. Evening heard Dr. Magee’s sermon on radio then
saw good picture show, “The Devil Circus”.
March 14, 1927 Went to dock, Victoria arrived
3:15 PM. Otto Langel arrived from Wasilla, going to Portland
for medical treatment. Evening visited Otto at Seward Hotel,
then saw show at Palace. On return to hotel received letters from
Stanley and Eva. Temperature +45, cloudy, evening rain.
March 15, 1927 Otto left for Portland for medical
treatment on PM train. Took Vaudeville and picture show at Pantage’s
12 to 5 PM. Got wire from Stanley, Gus wanted to build a
coal bunker on our track lot. Evening listened to Opera Makido
over KOMO. Living fine, two meals and a show today.
March 16, 1927 At Seattle, cloudy and
rain. Ma had stitches taken out of jaw where old root was
removed and had one ulcerated tooth removed. PM saw show
at Orpheum, Vaudeville and pictures. Evening radio at home.
Cold, cloudy and rain. Last year, weather was A-1. Placed
orders for fruit, forage and groceries for K. T. Co. Wasilla.
March 17, 1927 Rain with snow flurries.
St. Patrick’s Day. AM listened to radio. PM went
out to market. Subscribed for P. I. for 3 months for Stanley.
Got returns on samples gold dust, $121.70. Evening saw show.
March 18, 1927 Mattie and Mrs. Morris went
shopping at Sears and Sawbucks. Wired Stanley, goods in route
and would not rent part of railroad lot. Evening saw show.
Listened to Hoot Owls over radio 10:30 to midnight.
March 19, 1927 Mattie had jaw treated account
old root taken out drew $50 from savings account. PM saw
good show at Palace “The Mystic Review”, was a great stunt.
Audience wore red and blue eye glasses, all acts seemed to float
out over audience.
March 20, 1927 Went out on bus at noon to Everett,
Washington, looked town over. Speed cop held up our bus,
told driver he must keep in line on right side of road etc.
Called on Elton Herning and family running Star Lunch and filling
station at Pinehurst. Got home at 10:30 PM
March 21, 1927 At Seattle, Washington
partly cloudy. Received weekend mail from Stanley at Wasilla,
Alaska. Mrs. Gustafson visited, was in route from Wasilla
to Mayo’s at Rochester, Minnesota for treatment. PM placed
hardware orders, visited on John Deere Plow Co. Evening saw
“Flames of Nation” at Winter Garden. Called on A. C. Fry Co. PM
Cool and cloudy weather.
March 22, 1927 Received wire from Stanley saying
Eva and mother were coming out on Northwestern, due here next
Sunday. PM saw show at 5th Avenue Theater. Evening
saw show “What Fools Men” at the Colonial Theater. Answered
Otto’s Portland letter. Got out-mail to go on Evans Wednesday,
1st trip. Mrs. Kellogg visited PM.
March 23, 1927 AM placed orders for sugar and
coffee for Wasilla, Alaska store. PM saw good show at Pantage’s
Theater. Evening listened to Maxwell House Coffee from
Portland. Shanghai fell to Cantonese.
March 24, 1927 Noon visited on Imperial Candy
Co. showed us through their factory, gave Mattie a box nut candy.
Mattie bought new dress, self had hair cut. Evening saw good picture
show for 30¢. Received letter from Otto, had tumor removed
from stomach at Portland.
March 25, 1927 AM looked at 2 room apartment,
wanted $160 a month. May go to Portland for a month when
Eva and her mother arrive Sunday. Went out shopping with
Mattie. Mattie bought new hat. Mr. Wood of Fisher Mills
visited to find out about May Kellogg’s Alaska oil claims etc.
Evening saw double picture show at Palace.
March 26, 1927 AM looked over several apartment
houses, couldn’t find 3 room apartment vacant. PM saw show
at Palace, evening at home, listened to radio. Clear and
cool day.
March 27, 1927 Sunday, at Seattle, real summer
day. Eva and mother arrived AM from Wasilla, Alaska met
them at boat. They parked at the Atwood Hotel then came
to our apartment for dinner. PM all went out to Woodland
City Park, weather fine. Evening visited on Fleck’s at Atwood
Hotel. No shows today.
March 28, 1927 Ma went with Eva and mother
for exam at Virginia Mason Hospital. Mrs. Fleck to be
operated on for hernia. Eva also had an exam for “what’s wrong”.
Evening we saw show at Colonial. Moved to apartment #1006.
March 29, 1927 Ma and Fleck’s out shopping
for Ellen Smith, bought $40 worth of baby clothes, “watch Wasilla
grow?” PM all saw good show at Pantage’s. Wrote to
Clara at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, also Roe and Otto at Portland Hospital.
March 30, 1927 Answered Clara’s last letter
from Athens, Ohio. Wrote to Roe and Florence. Had
Eva and mother at lunch. Evening Mrs. Fleckenstein entered
Virginia Mason Hospital for hernia operation, Eva cried on return
to our apartment. Evening, saw show at Colonial.
March 31, 1927 Ma and self at apartment 1006,
Spring Apartment Hotel, Eva had dinner with us, her mother in
hospital. PM saw Duffy’s flats. Evening saw show at
Embassy. Eva and Ma visited Eva’s mother at hospital. Sent
Metz Alaska weekly. A-1 day but rather cool.
April 1, 1927 Eva had her eyes tested and having
teeth filled. Evening Ma and Eva visited Mrs. Fleck
at hospital then all saw good show. Made boat reservations.
April 2, 1927 Ma and Eva out rubbering, went
through markets. Placed orders for Pacs with Goodrich
and U.S. Rubber Co. Ma met Mrs. Sylvester while in Globe
Optical Co. Evening saw good show at Palace, pictures and
Vaudeville. Eva came to live with us.
April 3, 1927 AM visited Tower and Park on
Capital Hill. Eva, Ma and self had chicken dinner at
home. Evening visited Sylvester’s at Mt. Baker Park.
First time since here, got their thrill story of last winter trip
to rainy California.
April 4, 1927 Oak Olson showed me through S
and W warehouse. Ma and Eva visited Eva’s mother at Virginia
Hospital, no operation yet. Evening saw good show at Winter
Garden.
April 5, 1927 At Seattle and Tacoma.
Harman Furniture Co. man drove us over to Tacoma. Bought
full bed outfit, new rugs and chairs. Paddy Marion visited
evening 8 to 11 PM, listened to 7 Pacific radio stations, all hooked
up on same program.
April 6, 1927 Placed orders for seeds, disc
harrow and fruits for Saturday sailings. Eva, Ma and self saw
good show at Pantage’s. Evening Ma and Eva visited Mrs. Fleck
at hospital. Self made map of Grubstake and Willow Creek for
May Kellogg the promoter. Received Air Mail letter from Art
and Carrie.
April 7, 1927 Received letter from Clara, was
at home farm in Minnesota on way to Sleepy Eye. Eva and Ma out
shopping, bought shoes, dresses and what-not. Eva’s teeth all
fixed up. W. D. Elliott visited, will leave Saturday for Girdwood,
Alaska. Evening saw good show.
April 8, 1927 Answered Hyer, Roe’s and Clara’s
letters. Sent Clara’s letter by Air Mail to Minnesota.
Ma and Eva visited Eva’s mother at Virginia Hospital. Mailed
letter to Stanley.
April 9, 1927 Ma in bed all day with cold,
changed from woolen to silk hose the cause. Received letters
and orders from Stanley. Placed orders for groceries, bacon
and drugs. Eva and self saw show at Palace. Eva now the cook.
Sylvester visited on phone.
April 10, 1927 At Seattle, Ma much better
account cold. Eva, Ma and self took trip to Lake Washington by
cable car. Eva visited on her mother, will be operated on
at noon tomorrow for hernia at Virginia Mason Hospital.
April 11, 1927 Eva’s mother operated on for
hernia, all OK so far. PM visited on Seattle Tent, Filson’s
and Lilly’s Seed store. Evening opera on from San Francisco
and Coyote Club at Spokane.
April 12, 1927 At Seattle, Spring Apartments
# 1006. PM went up to 12th Avenue bought auto supplies for truck.
Evening Eva had the blues account her mother not feeling good after
operation. Noon, Kellogg visited. Sam Kelly 67 years old.
April 13, 1927 Clara will arrive here April
16th, said Florence had 3 operations. Eva’s mother OK today,
will have to stay in bed rest of month while hernia is healing
up. Placed Clothing order at Filson’s. Called on L.
C. Warner Co. and Elmer and Moody Co. Eva got sore throat.
April 14, 1927 Looked up Otto Langell’s
old partner’s address, J. G. Carson, Hoonah, Alaska. Placed
order for rubber stamps. Bought cash register supplies.
Evening saw extra fine show at Pantage’s, met Charles Bartholf and
son Clarence there.
April 15, 1927 Sister Clara, in route to Seattle
on G. N. Railway. AM had x-ray and one molar out.
Wired Stanley about Otto and Mrs. Fleck’s condition. Clara
due here tomorrow, all sailing for Alaska April 27th. Wrote
Mabel Pullen at Portland that Clara was here.
April 16, 1927 Sister Clara, arrived on G.
N. from Sleepy Eye, Minnesota for trip to Alaska with Ma and
self. first time we met since 1900. Spent most of day talking
about relations and old
schoolmates. PM got bearing for auto
truck wheels.
April 17, 1927 Easter Sunday. Clara,
Eva and Ma went to Catholic church, then we all went to Dr.
Magee’s Methodist church, only standing room, heard 100 voice choir
sing and 2 solo’s then came home. PM all went out to Woodland
Park, rained so came home. Evening woman folks visited Eva’s
mother at Virginia Mason Hospital. Got out Stanley’s order.
April 18, 1927 At Seattle, Washington rain
and snow squalls. Placed orders with Seattle Hardware Co. and
Seller and Co. Mattie having bridge replaced. Sylvester came
for us with his car to attend dinner at his Mt. Baker Park home.
Bought ticket for self to go on Watson Wednesday for Wasilla.
April 19, 1927 At Seattle. Placed
clothing order with Fliesh-Mayer and Co. Picked out dinner
sets at Seller’s. Paid for 4 tickets on SS Farragut for Ma,
Clara, Eva and mother 27th sailing. Mailed orders to Schilling
and Sussman-Woosmer and Co. San Francisco. Evening saw good
show at Pantage’s. Eva homesick, didn’t go to show.
April 20, 1927 Left Seattle on SS Watson.
Ma, sister Clara, Eva and Eva’s mother to follow week later on
Farragut. Ma, Clara and Eva saw me off at the Admiral Dock
at 10 AM. Got room 5 on Watson all by myself, only 20 passengers
on board. Orchestra on ship. Overcoat weather on ship,
last year it was warm.
April 21, 1927 On SS Watson, north bound. Anchored
five hours last night for tide at Seymour Narrows, passed through
Queen Charlotte Sound 2 to 4 PM smooth going. Due at Ketchikan
tomorrow evening. Eat and sleep, that’s all, no women on
board.
April 22, 1927 On SS Watson, arrived at Ketchikan
8:30 PM cloudy and rain. Mailed letter to Clo King.
Met Max Humphry. Sent wire to Mattie at Seattle.
Wired S and W, San Francisco for ton sugar to come on schooner,
direct to Anchorage. Heard prize fight at Vancouver over radio.
April 23, 1927 On SS Watson, no band.
Left Ketchikan 6 AM, Sam Guyot on board. Hove to PM account
tide at Wrangle Narrows, arrived Petersburg 4 PM. Left
Petersburg 6 PM for Juneau.
April 24, 1927 Sunday, Arrived at Juneau 3
AM, raining as usual, left at 6 AM. PM cloudy, passed
Cape Spencer 3:30 PM smooth seas. Outside Jim Hagen got
on at Juneau, only 9 on board. Yakutat next. Turkey dinner.
Otto died the 24th.
April 25, 1927 On board SS Watson at Yakutat.
Off Cape St. Elias 6 PM snow squalls, calm sea. Swift’s
man on board. Passed Evans 7:30. Passed Cape Hinchinbrook
Lighthouse 11 PM, calm.
April 26, 1927 On SS Watson, arrived at Cordova
5 AM unloaded coal, left for LaTouche at 10:30. Snow storm
at Cordova yesterday, cold here today. Arrived LaTouche 5
PM. Felch and Rich came aboard at Cordova. Cold rain PM.
April 27, 1927 At Seward, Alaska. Arrived
11 PM yesterday put up at Hotel Sexton. Met Hawkins and
Pete Ogal. Took walk over townsite to lagoon. Evening
saw show, took bath. Ma, Clara, Eva and mother left Seattle
today on Farragut. A-1 spring day.
April 28, 1927 Seward to Wasilla, left Seward
6 AM arrived home 4 PM. Train at Anchorage, 2½ hours.
Helen Fleck at train to meet me and get news about Eva and mother.
Ed McNally on north train. Had dinner at Wasilla Hotel.
Snow on east side Knik Arm all gone at Wasilla side. A-1 spring
day. Mattie and Clara on way home from Seattle. Two
month trip to Seattle cost $750.
April 29, 1927 At home after 2 month
vacation in Seattle. Started painting walls in office,
got on priming coat. Chas Bartholf and son left to open Mabel
Mine. Evening music program over KFQD by Anchorage students.
Stanley on freight.
April 30, 1927 Perfect day, +50. Dance
on at school house. Painted on office all day. Ma
in route home from Seattle with sister Clara. Roads muddy,
cars going as far as mile 12. Big flood at New Orleans.
Paddy Marion storing his mining machinery in Wilmoth warehouse,
waiting for good roads. Radio no good.
May 1, 1927 Sunday, painting in office,
finished 2nd coat. Stanley walked down to McArdle's PM.
Had Sunday dinner at Wasilla Hotel. Ma and party crossing
Gulf of Alaska in route home from Seattle. Perfect day at Wasilla.
Cut down short wave cabinet.
May 2, 1927 Stanley got out monthly statements,
self put 3rd coat on office ceiling. Gus in from 28 with
his car. Horning and Hugo Johnson arrived from Anchorage.
Evening laid new linoleum on office floor. Had in Anchorage
the KOMO, Seattle, ½ hour fine program.
May 3, 1927 Stanley hauled over groceries and
hardware, business rushing all day. Cut out wall and put in
China closet. Evening cleaned kitchen stove and laid down
new linoleum. Stanley helped and cleaned his house.
May 4, 1927 Stanley went to Anchorage to meet
Eva, Ma and Clara due from Seattle on SS Farragut at Seward today.
Painted back wall on our bedroom. Cloudy, showers and snow.
Too busy for radio tonight.
May 5, 1927 Snowed 2” last night, Mattie and
Clara arrived PM train from Seattle. Eva stopped off
at Anchorage with her mother. St. Clair back from exam
foot at Anchorage, going to Mayo Clinic for treatment.
May 6, 1927 Self in office all day on accounts
and paid Seattle invoices. Mattie and Clara cleaned up china
closet. Walter’s shipped ton spuds bought off him last
fall. Thorpe’s bought small outfit for mines. Stanley
at Anchorage. Radio good.
May 7, 1927 Busy in store, hauled over groceries
and clothing from Depot. Hauled out garbage. Jas St.
Clair and wife left for Mayo Clinic account James foot trouble.
Endorsed their note to First National Bank Anchorage for $800 due
October 7, 1927. Cold, damp weather.
May 8, 1927 Sunday, +40 to +60. Clara,
Mattie and self drove down Knik Road to mile 7, road fair but
not equal to a year ago. Evening had in church services
from Anchorage. Mrs. McDougal in from Fern Mine. Clara
has a cold.
May 9, 1927 Sam cleaned smoked meats.
Fixed Stanley’s stove pipe. Hauled ton spuds from Depot,
shipped from Palmer. Eva back from Seattle with Stanley
from Anchorage. Received first billing on schooner “Lassen”,
San Francisco to Anchorage. Gene Bartholf and Roger Johnson
arrived to open Gold Cord Mine. Evening Anchorage radio good.
May 10, 1927 Twin Mining Co. team run away.
Clara and Eva attended card party at Watson’s. Both Kelly
and Stanley want to quit jobs. Evening on Outside mail.
No radio.
May 11, 1927 Clara and Eva went fishing, didn’t
get ‘em. Stanley and self finished unpacking crockery
wall, stored same on balcony. Noon temperature +80 in sun.
No radio from Outside. Mrs. McDougal went to Matanuska.
Dancer family left.
May 12, 1927 Put crockery in hardware show
window. Opened up bolts. Installed Knik hardware
shelves to hold bolts on hardware side. Evening Stanley
assembled his Buick and turned her over OK.
May 13, 1927 Gus won Wasilla Ice Pool, $60.
Installed bolt boxes in new hardware rack. Woman folks
went fishing, got ‘em this time. Tanana Ice went out, Squaw man
won $37,000. Sam soldered leak in gas tank of Olds.
May 14, 1927 Stanley started to drive truck
for Road Commission camp at Wasilla Creek. Patchell cabin
burned up. Sam cleaning hardware shelves. Sam took a lay
off, self now chief clerk. Evening dance on at Fairview school
house crowed went with team and wagon. Tousley couldn’t return
to St. Clair’s ranch account of bad road for car.
May 15, 1927 Sunday, Ed McNally here,
gave him order for hardware to come on schooner from San Francisco.
Brill car here with fishing party. Ter-College boys here
looking over mines. Ice went out on Lucille Lake. Evening
Anchorage church by radio. Evening Clara and Mattie on phonograph
at Eva’s.
May 16, 1927 Self and Ma now store keepers.
Sam taking a lay off and Stanley driving Com. Truck, busy
all day in store, sales $115. Mississippi floods worst in
history, making lake 250 miles long by 50 miles wide. Clara
still nursing her cold. Magaha in with bad cold.
May 17, 1927 Stanley in from Com. camp, went
back with his Buick Roadster. Hanson took his disc harrow.
Bunch back from Gold Cord, too much snow.
May 18, 1927 Paul’s well went dry, Gus helping
Paul to drive point deeper. Snider’s relation arrived
Monday from Outside. Evening greased rear end Olds car and
assembled tank that sprung a leak. Australian explorer,
Sir Hubert Wilkins, partner of Carl Ben Eilson, back from North Pole,
lost plane and walked back
May 19, 1927 Busy in store all day, 5 trains
passed through Wasilla today. Evening Stanley in from
Road camp. Drove Olds car out to 19 Roadhouse with whole
family. Marion Twin G. M. Co. making ready for house warming.
May 20, 1927 Hauled over load freight from
Depot. Evening drove down to ARC camp at Wasilla Creek,
Ma, Eva, Clara and Miss Watson joy riders. Evening Anchorage
radio good.
May 21, 1927 Put up order for Gold Cord Mine.
Evening big house warming in the new Twin Marion house on Main
Street, Ma and Clara attended. Self packed up Gold Cord order.
May 22, 1927 Sunday, quiet in town. Gave Felch
an order, clothing, groceries, feed and flour. Brill
car passed through with fishing party, Bill Stolt
and several got off here, Frank Kelly also. PM drove down
to Fleck’s place. Evening finished Gold Cord order. Evening
rain.
May 23, 1927 Business good, sales $274.48.
Bartholf and Johnson left for Gold Cord Mine, 2nd trip
with grub outfit. Freight train 5 hours late. Evening
took loads out for joy ride and to charge radio battery.
Met Stanley at railroad crossing east of town. Drove down
Matanuska Road to Edlund’s turn out. Evening radio good,
Jim Hagen arrived.
May 24, 1927 McAllen, after doctoring up his
car, left for mines. Hauled load sugar and produce from
Depot, fruit did not arrive. Crocker in for grub from Cottonwood
on beach. Eva joy riding on White’s saddle horse. Evening
drove down to Moffat ranch, then got out-mail. Mattie and
Clara washing.
May 25, 1927 Birch trees leaving out.
White, Marion, Kelly and Eva went to Anchorage. Bogard
in for supplies. Evening Stanley in from Road camp.
Marion outfit hauling out freight with horses to 28. Evening
caught KOMO on Puget Sound program. Farmers planting spuds,
2 weeks late this spring. Schooner Lasson arrived at Anchorage
Tuesday.
May 26, 1927 Trees about leaved out, 3 weeks
later than last year. Got fruit and milk on today’s freight.
Schooner Lasson unloading freight at Anchorage dock, self got
3 tons S and W goods on schooner. Evening drove down to road
camp at Wasilla Creek and to experimental farm.
Mrs. Horning arrived, went to mines.
May 27, 1927 Real summer, 3 weeks later
than last year. Customers asking for pop and near beer.
Hauled over load Borden milk from Depot. Joy riders got
stuck in mud on Edlund’s road to beach. Evening got out hardware
order. Anchorage radio good, also got KOMO program Puget Sound
Light and Power Co. and Eldridge Buick Co. 10 to 11 PM.
May 28, 1927 A-1 summer day, business
slow. Got Olds car ready for 1st trip to Fishhook Inn
tomorrow. Evening drove down to McArdle ranch, road good.
Dance on at Matanuska. Gus drove down.
May 29, 1927 Sunday, busy around store.
PM with Mattie and Clara, drove out to Fishhook Inn had fine dinner,
Mrs. Forker the cook. Evening good rain 6 to 12 midnight.
Willow Creek Road good. Evening on seed bills. Mrs.
E.H.B. and Roger Johnson left for Gold Cord Mine.
May 30, 1927 Everything green after last nights
rain. S and W goods off schooner Lasson arrived, took
1 month for delivery from San Francisco. Evening Stanley
up from ARC camp with St. Clair’s Lizzie. Hugh Price sent
Outside account cancer in stomach. Evening on invoices.
May 31, 1927 Business good, hauled over
3 loads from Depot, S and W goods, some of sugar was wet.
McAllen and McDougal in from mines. McDougal paid balance due on
loan from Paul Wavrick. Frank Watson and Nels Larson going to work
for Road Commission. Harvey Rutter in from Fern. Brill
car on service.
June 1, 1927 Harvey Rutter went to Anchorage
out on vacation from Fern Mine. Adams, mechanic for ARC,
here to overhaul Cat. ARC opened camp at Canyon, Wasilla-Willow
Road. Stanley on truck gravel gang. Phoned Eva for pants
at Anchorage.
June 2, 1927 Ma not feeling well, touch of
old nerve trouble. No freight north today. Eva
home from Anchorage after week vacation. Ellexson’s out
from Knik with car, first time this spring. Evening drove
out to ARC camp at canyon, mile 12, Stanley came back with me.
June 3, 1927 Real summer
weather on. Hauled out tin cans to dump. First
pack train over Fishhook Willow Pass today. Made out dry
goods order, Portland. Floyd and Ellen at Fleck Roadhouse.
June 4, 1927 Put up order for Mabel Mine.
Gene Bartholf in from Gold Cord Mine went to Anchorage.
White family went to Anchorage. Sold automatic Lugar gun kept
in safe for $20 to Marion Handley. Evening drove down to Fleck
Ranch and down Matanuska Road.
June 5, 1927 Sunday, busy as a fly on
a dung heap all AM to 3 PM in store. Brill car went to Montana
and had to be towed back to Anchorage. Floyd Smith wanted
to do assessment work on Grubstake Placer, Sherlock on list for the
job. Drove out to 28 to see Stanley at Road camp.
June 6, 1927 No freight train north today.
Boat overdue at Seward. Evening Stanley in from canyon
Road camp ARC. Marion Twin G. M. Co. hauling out water pipe.
Kemff arrived, going to mines. Snodgrass up from experimental
farm. Bob Hatcher arrived from Nuka Bay. Tommy McNeil
arrived.
June 7, 1927 W. A. Stiles up from Anchorage
to do assessment work on old Shough Mine. Deedee Blodgett
and father down from Pittman, drove them down to mile 12 to see
Knik Road and Arm. Evening drove down with all the Herning’s
to visit Mrs. Donovan, Ellen and Floyd went also.
June 8, 1927 Business good, sales $228.25.
Bogard in for supplies. Evening Stanley in for supplies
for ARC help. Sherlock in from Hart Ranch, hired him to do assessment
on Grubstake Placer Mine.
June 9, 1927 Floyd Smith back from Anchorage,
looking for work. Ellexson and Churchill in from Knik.
Paul drove to Mabel Mine AM. S and W goods checked out short.
Skeeters on 2 shifts.
June 10, 1927 Ellexson shipped goat to “my
cousin” at Gold Creek. McAllen went to Seward to meet
his wife from Outside. Evening busy paying Seattle invoices
and ordering more goods. Mrs. McDougal in from Fern Mine.
Put up grub order for Grubstake Placer account assessment.
June 11, 1927 Harvey soldered hole in gas tank
on Olds car. Evening left Wasilla for Grubstake Placer
Mine. Left car at ARC camp on Fishhook Creek arrived at mines
10 PM, everything in good order in cabin and cache retired midnight.
June 12, 1927 Sunday at Grubstake, Willow
Creek District. Cleaned up and did some repair work AM.
Noon, Jim Sherlock arrived to do assessment work. Prospected
bench between left and right fork and showed Sherlock over the
works, Lander arrived with grub. Left 8 PM, arrived home 1
o’clock.
June 13, 1927 Received grocery, hardware and
butter on PM freight. Self a little stiff after trip over
mountains to mines. Received letter from St. Clair at
Mayo Clinic, his wife to have 2 operations, his case not decided.
President Marion Twin Gold Mining Co. arrived.
June 14, 1927 Rained all day, late season but
crops coming to the front OK. Gus in from mines.
Marion Twin G. M. Co. moved camp to mines. J. E. Wilson, “Pay
Day” here cleaning out creeks so salmon can run for Bureau of Fisheries.
June 15, 1927 Cloudy, rain did a lot of good,
potatoes starting to sprout. Evening bridge gang down to
trade from Little Susitna at Houston. Sold a Humane pack
saddle. Some relief since Marion bunch moved out to mines.
June 16, 1927 Evening drove out to Fishhook
Inn to see Stanley, rained going and returning. Got Farragut
freight fruit, hardware, flour and meats. Mosquitoes very
bad actors.
June 17, 1927 Busy in store AM. PM hauled over
3 tons freight from railroad warehouse. Gus received
lumber for coal shed. Cook received lumber for goat ranch.
Stanley in from Fishhook. Magaha in to trade evening.
No radio, these days, too light.
June 18, 1927 Mattie, Clara and Eva went for
weekend at Anchorage. Self busy storing away new goods and waiting
on customers. Evening fair radio, had in KGO Midnight Frolic and
12 to 1:30 church from Brisbane, Australia.
June 19, 1927 Business rushing, all of experimental
farm boys, Pittman Section boys in to trade, sold $87 merchandise.
Evening painted and varnished old china closet in kitchen.
Mattie and Clara at Anchorage.
June 20, 1927 Busy in store, sales $154.57.
Stanley on Ford truck, brakes down. Mattie, Clara and Eva
back from Anchorage on train, couldn’t get reservations in Fairbanks.
Evening all drove in to old Sunny Knik. Harvey went to Fairbanks
at midnight.
June 21, 1927 Noon, drove Eva to Junction to
catch branch train for Anchorage, going to work salmon cannery.
Hauled 2 truck loads freight from Depot. J. E. Wilson in from
Knik, floated down Meadow Creek to Knik Arm. Ellexson in
car, broke down on Cannon Hill, Paul towed him to Knik.
Shorty back from Kodiak.
June 22, 1927 Everything growing fine. John
Schubert from Chickaloon placed order for groceries etc.
Packed order for Chulitna. Gene Bartholf in, went to Anchorage,
going prospecting in Broad pass District. Evening caught
KFQD listing new wave length. Mrs. Hans went to Anchorage to “pop”.
June 23, 1927 Shipped orders to Caswell and
Chulitna. Schubert returned to Chickaloon. Drugs
and hardware arrived. Mine Elick out from Knik. Dupont
powder man here. Evening ARC help in to trade from Palmer
camp. Sold 25 strawberry crates today. No strawberries
on market yet.
June 24, 1927 McAllen in from Willow Creek.
Evening drove down to the St. Clair ranch, Mrs. Pennington in
charge. Shorty unloaded new Cat for Road Commission, took
it to Palmer District.
June 25, 1927 Put up order for Gene Bartholf,
Chulitna District. John Schubert back, wants goods routed
to Talkeetna. Evening had KGO and Brisbane, Australia in
on radio. Eva at Anchorage.
June 26, 1927 Sunday, busy in store all day.
Mrs. Pennington drove in to Knik. White drove over to
Bogard ranch via hall. Cloudy all day. New comet
in S. Australia.
June 27, 1927 Bartholf and O’Brien left for
Talkeetna and Chulitna District to prospect. John Schubert
left for Talkeetna. Had big rush in store after train, sales
$185.90. Eva, brother and wife here from Anchorage.
June 28, 1927 Engstrom in for his hog wire.
Metz in to trade. Paul’s Ford truck broke down at mile 8½,
had to walk in. Conroy and Nick arrived, went on to Fern
Mine. Evening on Seattle bills.
June 29, 1927 Lawrence and wife left for Anchorage.
Cost railroad $26 for 40 minutes work repairing roof on
Depot. Evening cleaned spark plugs on Olds car. Made
out a few monthly statements. Harrison took contract to build
Gus’ coal bunker.
June 30, 1927 Got $100 order from Palmer.
Clara got word Dr. Strickler would not visit Alaska, the doctor
got cancer in stomach. ARC Cat man here fixing old Cat.
Granny White in from mines. Evening drove down to Moffat
ranch. Knik Road full of potholes.
July 1, 1927 Hauled over 2 loads hardware and
groceries from Depot. Evening McAllen in looking for July
4th supplies. Jess Garver in from Willow with rich gold
ore sample, late find on Bullion mountain prospect. Paid
store license. Thorpe’s in from Knik.
July 2, 1927 Business good, sales $204.83.
Walters and Mrs. Fanning over from Palmer to trade. Put
up order for Thorpe and Brassil. July 4th fruit failed to
arrive. Metz in with spuds for mines. Ellexson in
from Knik. Evening Stanley in from ARC camp on Willow Creek.
Got KFI on radio at midnight.
July 3, 1927 Sunday, business good. Evening
adjusted brakes on Olds car, got them too tight, up till 1 o’clock.
Sam Kelly, Flood and Dan in for the fourth. Fishhook summit
tomorrow.
July 4, 1927 Store closed all day, got
up at 3:30 AM. Mattie, Clara, Eva, Stanley and self drove
to Fishhook Willow summit had campfire breakfast, climbed mountain
so Clara could see Grubstake Placer Mine, drove to Fern Mine, had
lunch then visited at Mabel Mine. Home 4:30 PM fruit arrived,
had first melon.
July 5, 1927 Business good, sales $343.15.
Had Eva and mother at chicken dinner PM. Dance over at
school house. Big Guy here fishing on Lake Wasilla. Mrs.
Small visited.
July 6, 1927 Received 2 orders from north on
railroad. Had good feed of melons. Byrd landed in water
near France July 1st, got ashore OK. Partly cloudy, evening
rain. Had new station in on radio but not plain.
July 7, 1927 Had 2 shipments north. Received
order for 100 strawberry crates and boxes. Eva and mother
went home with Ellexson’s. Busy sprouting spuds.
Wagoner’s root house caved in. Midnight, raining. Whitridge
here, Garver back.
July 8, 1927 Sent Nellie A. Hartman check for
$214.85 to cover final collections on T. S. McDougal.
Tourists here fishing. Big bear on road near Fleckenstein
ranch, salmon due soon. Evening fine radio from Anchorage
on new wave length. Midnight, raining hard.
July 9, 1927 Rich, Black Bear man, here, gave
him sock order. Evening drove in to Knik for Eva and mother,
saw a fox on road at mile 5. Put flowers on Elmer’s grave.
Put up order for Gold Cord. Sold 100 berry crates.
July 10, 1927 Annual railroad employees picnic
here all day, had 14 car train with 10 autos. Busy in
store most of day. Sol Silverman visited. Railroad
band gave concert at Depot, gave them box of cigars.
July 11, 1927 Horning back from Anchorage.
Rev. Youle and wife here on combined religion and vacation.
Evening ARC help in for merchandise. Anchorage radio good,
got first salmon from Knik. Trouble in Ireland.
July 12, 1927 Snodgrass over from experimental
farm. Electric tram installed on railroad today. Evening
drove truck down to Fleck ranch for stove and chairs bought by
Mattie. Mrs. Forker through at Wasilla Hotel, went to Mabel.
McDougal in.
July 13, 1927 Stanley in from ARC camp on Craggie
Creek, drove us down to St. Clair’s, had a blow out. Self
delivered 50 berry crates to Vail’s. Got last of spuds in
Wagner’s roadhouse. Tom Cavanaugh back after two years at
Circle.
July 14, 1927 Shipped spuds to Healy. Fruit,
produce, smoked meats and milk arrived. Another preacher
arrived for vacation. Received watermelons and cantaloupes.
George Grennan in to trade. Let Gus have 2 ton coal for
mines. Lady cook went out to Fern Mine. Fenton through
at mines survey.
July 15, 1927 Mrs. J. B. F., Eva’s mother,
left for Anchorage, also “Pay Day” Wilson and Whites Los Angeles
Company. Evening drove down Edlund’s Road to McArdle’s place.
Anchorage radio good then got Hoot Owls, Portland and KOMO Friday
program.
July 16 1927 Hauled over load fish salt and
load groceries and stored them away. Paddy Marion in from
Gold Mint Mine. Ten-Day Wilson went to Anchorage. Chas Harrison
building a house next to pool hall. Evening had in KGO reception
cracky. Evening fixed ignition in Olds car.
July 17, 1927 Hauled truck load wood
for Eva from farm. Fixed up tube for truck. Ellexson’s
visited on Mrs. Pennington at St. Clair’s ranch. Evening
Anchorage church on radio, preacher’s wife listened in.
Made out 3 tobacco orders.
July 18, 1927 Cloudy, good demand after local
strawberries at $5 a crate. Received one order from Nenana.
Bert McClarity through at Fern Mine account wet tunnel and no
ore. Grennan in with berries. Evening Anchorage radio
good, had in KOMO last half hour program 10 to 10:50 PM.
Rev. Youle back for vacation.
July 19, 1927 Delivered Mrs. Walter’s fruit
jars at Vail ranch. Took out garbage barrels. Sent
2 crates strawberries to Clarence Marsh at Nenana. Evening
Clara, Eva, Mattie and self drove out to Hart ranch for berries, someone
beat us to it. On way home, car broke down mile 3. Towed
in Olds with truck, Eva on trailer.
July 20, 1927 Put up 2 small orders for Caswell
and Montana. Order for Mabel Mine. Snider clearing land
for aviation landing. Evening drove down to Metz for spuds
and lettuce, run into blind barbed wire gate, cut Mattie on arm,
could have been worse.
July 21, 1927 Stanley in from ARC camp at Craggie
Creek. Evening boys from ARC Palmer camp in for merchandise.
Ellexson in from Knik. Blodgett down from Pittman for merchandise.
Dempsy knocked out Sharkey in 7th round at New York.
July 22, 1927 Hauled over 2 truck loads groceries
from Depot and stored it away. Rev. Youle gave children’s
program at school house during evening, Snodgrass family over.
Evening local talent over Anchorage radio. Made out checks
for invoices.
July 23, 1927 Oberg in from Lucky Shot Mine.
Evening dance on at Fairview School house, Ellexson’s went,
no one from Wasilla.
July 24, 1927 PM looked for trouble on Olds
car in rear end, some job. Will have to tackle up rear end
and remove wheels to fix differential. Rev. J. E. Youle
church service at Anchorage came in fine.
July 25, 1927 No freight train, passenger train
5 hours late a /c bridge burned out Seward Division. Seventeen
crates strawberries left Wasilla north today. White can’t make
his radio work, Monkey Ward kind.
July 26, 1927 Matt Penny back from trip down
coast to California. Wire from St. Clair’s said they
would be home soon, no operation on Jim at Mayo Clinic. Bert
McClarity in town. Evening Stanley in from ARC camp at Craggie
Creek, said Sherlock found old channel on Grubstake Canyon.
July 27, 1927 A-1 day, +80 in the shade.
Mrs. Wanamaker went to Anchorage. Grennon in for supplies,
has no more berries. Sold ARC ton coal, Stanley hauling
it to camp at Craggie Creek. Harrison going to Grubstake to
prospect.
July 28, 1927 Hot day, business 50% off.
Metz and Ellexson in to trade. Berry jars, 3 cases, arrived
and ton of oil. Lawrence’s speed rifle arrived. Evening
drove truck down to Vail’s with Walter’s sugar.
July 29, 1927 Business slow, +78 in shade.
Eva went to Anchorage to see her mother off, going to Westward
to join father. A few salmon running in Cottonwood Creek.
Sherlock in from doing assessment work on Grubstake Placer.
Lawrence Fleck here remodeling Depot inside.
July 30, 1927 Self 59 today and in better health
than past 3 years. Mattie and self doing all the store
work. Sister Clara visiting us this summer. Evening
dance on in honor Florence Oberg, 15 years today. Evening
delivered sugar and salt to Vail’s.
July 31, 1927 Sunday, Houston Section
men down to trade. PM closed, worked on monthly statements
until midnight. Anchorage church services over radio, pastor
mentioned our card on last Sunday’s service and the horse shoe
game. A few salmon run today.
August 1, 1927 Stanley in from Lucky Shot Road.
Evening first fair run of salmon. No freight, boat, late
at Seward. Anchorage radio good, had KOMO about ½ hour.
Everybody fishing now.
August 2, 1927 ARC grading aviation field west
of town site. ARC grading Bogard Road. Stanley
in from ARC Craggie camp. Eva back from Anchorage.
Chas Isaac and another man caught in cave-in at Mabel Mine sent
them to Anchorage hospital. Salmon running.
August 3, 1927 Business good, sales $147.10.
Two tourists arrived for St. Clair fishing camp. Horning in,
went to Anchorage. Eva, Lawrence and wife went to Anchorage.
Took first fall order for Royal Tailor suit. Cloudy, evening
rain, currants and raspberries very plentiful. Patchell went
to Chickaloon to prospect.
August 4, 1927 San Francisco hardware
arrived, came regular route. Schooner Lasson off the run,
goods month late on delivery. Hauled over fruit and tobacco
from Depot. Received first ice cream, melons and new apples.
Two drunks arrived from Seward. Notice up for St. Clair benefit
dance at Post Office. Got bid to join the Hollywood movies.
August 5, 1927 Hauled over 2 tons San Francisco
freight. Charged battery. Evening Anchorage radio
good, heard Lindbergh’s arrival at Washington DC on record, very
good. Tunny - Dempsy fight to come off at Chicago in September.
Windy all day. Pat Irish in for merchandise. Mary Vail
here. George Small on trail?
August 6, 1927 Opened up San Francisco hardware.
St. Clair in Rochester Hospital, different from a year ago.
Evening had in KGO program from Hotel Whitcom, San Francisco,
California, battery low got Australia but not clear.
August 7, 1927 Sunday, rainy season on.
Phelps helped to take down rear end of car, found nut on end drive
shaft gone and chewed up in differential gears, will require new
shaft and differential ring and brake linings to put car in order.
Evening Anchorage church services good over KFQD. Stanley at
Willow Creek, Eva at Seward.
August 8, 1927 Evening drove down to Metz ranch
for last of contract spuds. Edlund offers new spuds at 4¢
a pound. One year changes things, poor Otto now in his
grave and property in Wasilla for sale. Ellexson went to
government farm for berries. General Leonard Wood died account
tumor.
August 9, 1927 Partly cloudy, evening
rain. Business 50% below normal. Hauled over 2 tuck
loads groceries and clothing. Connected up self starter
on truck, worked OK account bridge out above Brill car laid over
at Wasilla. Evening good program over KOMO on low battery.
Had green peas and new spuds for dinner.
August 10, 1927 Sales low, collections
good. Sunshine and rain all day. Priced up and
stored away Black Bear goods. Bridge out at Montana, Brill
car went up for outgoing passengers. White said he was
working on telephone line for Wasilla and Willow Creek District.
Ma not feeling well, old trouble.
August 11, 1927 Business good, 100% above
normal. No freight today. Shipped 4 orders north
to Houston and Caswell, Montana and Chulitna. Got big mess
strawberries from Hart ranch. Evening on supply orders from
Seller and Co. No battery, no radio.
August 12, 1927 Hauled over and stored away
4 truck loads groceries and hardware. Had big feed strawberries,
green peas and new spuds. Rained all PM. McAllen and
brother in from Willow Creek with bullion, went to Knik for milk
and veggies. Evening Anchorage radio good and KOMO.
August 13, 1927 Business normal, rainy.
Harrison putting final touches on his new house next to pool
room. Ordered winter flannel shirts. Evening dance on
account St. Clair. Gas car came up from Anchorage with 19 dancers,
Ma attended dance.
August 14, 1927 Sunday, installed new
Timken bearings in left front wheel of Overland truck. $286
donated to St. Clair fund at dance last evening. Eva came
up from Anchorage. Evening Anchorage church services by
Dr. Phelps good. Stanley in.
August 15, 1927 Business above normal,
usual rush at train arrival. Cashed $15 check on Seattle
for Anna Hughes on way to Kuskokwim District. Big mail,
no freight till midnight. Got daily news over KFQD.
August 16, 1927 Ulch through with Road Com.,
Hans took him to ranch at Finger Lake. Bogard in for supplies.
Candies arrived also old rear end for Olds car from Gill, no
fit. Miller digging well for Hans. Marion Twins struck
high grade ore in Gold Mint Mine. Caught KOMO and KGO signing
off.
August 17, 1927 Pile driver gang here account
Cottonwood bridge also Bureau of Mines car. Evening fine
radio KOMO Puget Sound Light and Power program and Sidney Dixon.
August 18, 1927 No freight north today.
Priced up San Francisco hardware. Seven autos in town.
Paul hauled out balance of Marion Twins heavy machinery.
Fenton went to mines.
August 19, 1927 Metz in with new cabbage,
first on market. McAllen in from mines. Evening
Natives off Houston section down to trade. Local talent tonight
over KFQD Anchorage radio. Midnight, raining. Pile driver
through on Cottonwood bridge.
August 20, 1927 Overhauled generator
on truck, then steady stream of fire. Hauled over 2 truck
loads from Depot, forage and tobacco. Engineer for ARC inspecting
roads. Pile driver moved north. Shaved and washed little
feet.
August 21, 1927 Sunday, heavy rain last
night, now plenty of water for mining and spuds. Busy in
store. ARC boys laid off account rain. Installed new
ammeter on truck. Ellexson in from Knik. Evening church
services over radio from Anchorage good. Rained all PM.
Mrs. Forker in California.
August 22, 1927 War on between Ireland and
Government Railroad, Mrs. White visited down railroad agent
account phone service. Put load forage in track warehouse from
railroad shed. Bill Long back from Anchorage, had toe removed. Evening
heavy rain. Gene Bartholf left for Tokoshetna District to
prospect, 2nd trip.
August 23, 1927 Tried to hook up ammeter on
truck, will not register. Balance of drop shipment of tobacco
arrived. Harrison left on hunting trip. Evening finished
pricing up hardware invoices. Snider got Lizzie working again.
Our Olds car out of commission account shaft and ring. Mattie
on high horse.
August 24, 1927 Cloudy, rainy season in earnest.
Metz in with 2nd lot new vegetables. Mr. Holden in and
went to Anchorage, stomach in bad condition. Hans building
annex on north side of pool hall. Evening greased up truck.
No radio account no battery.
August 25, 1927 Frank Kelly and family passed
through to Willow Creek District for vacation. Aviation inspector
here. Passenger train 2 hours late, no freight today.
Evening got KJR on short wave set, Hotel Butler Orchestra.
August 26, 1927 Freight arrived, got fruit
and groceries. Young Doyle left for hunting trip with Tex Cobb.
Stanley in from ARC Road camp Willow Creek. Mrs. Donovan
in, 1st time this summer. Radio good.
August 27, 1927 Mrs. Gill returned home with
blueberry catch at mines. Finished pricing new goods.
Stanley went back to Willow Road camp. Ordered parts for
Olds car at Seattle.
August 28, 1927 A. F. Phelps working on Stanley’s
Buick all day, put in new differential. Self on ½ HP gas
engine and charging outfit, engine would run but would not run
generator. Answered John Fenner letter from Iroquois, South
Dakota. No church tonight, no battery.
August 29, 1927 Rainy season still on. Phelps
finished overhauling Stanley’s Buick Roadster and left for government
farm. Eva up from Anchorage after nursing Ellen’s baby.
Evening radio on dry cells.
August 30, 1927 Schwabacher Grocery man, Dunlap,
visited. Cleaned out hardware show window for ammunition
display. Stanley bought Lot 1, Block 7 for $25 (originally
sold for $300 in 1917) Evening installed lights on truck,
burned OK. Sold last of old spuds at 2½¢ a lb.
August 31, 1927 Eva returned to Anchorage to
nurse Ellen’s baby. Miller building annex on Hans pool
room. Matt Penny going to work for ARC. Evening drove
down to Vail’s for 2 sacks new spuds. On monthly statements
until midnight. Partly cloudy.
September 1, 1927 Colder, 1st snow on mountain
peaks last night. Harvey Rutter through at Fern Mine.
Fur man took moving picture of K. T. Co. store and Wasilla Hotel.
September 2, 1927 Snow on all mountains
and valley covered with snow this morning, snow gone at 8 AM.
Gus received 1st car coal. Another family here to put kids
in school. Evening got out Seattle mail.
September 3, 1927 Gus’ coal bin collapsed with
car coal. Ellexson brought Louis Lund out from Knik,
went to hospital for treatment. Stanley in from mines with motorcycle
on way to dance at Junction.
September 4, 1927 Sunday, quiet in town today.
Clara staying with Ward kids while folks are at Anchorage.
Drove truck out to mile 4, generator not charging much.
Took down ½ HP gas engine, shaft loose. Evening got part
Anchorage church services on dry cells.
September 5, 1927 Business good, Mrs.
Donovan in town, 2nd trip this summer. St. Clair’s back
from Mayo Hospital. Nellie had 2 operations, Jim none for
foot disease. Big crowd in town PM. Post Office closed
account Arbor Day. This was a perfect day. Mr. Hubbell arrived.
September 6, 1927 Business normal, weather
windy. PM hauled over two truck loads of freight from Depot
to store. Evening church and telephone meeting, railroad
and T and T manager present, would furnish wire and fixtures
at $33 a mile.
September 7, 1927 Sister Clara here on visit
all summer. Stanley went to Anchorage to do the Fair.
Young Doyle and Uncle left for Outside. Fern Mine shut
down, no ore. Ordered new electric liquid battery. Had
in big organ on short wave.
September 8, 1927 Stanley and several back
from Anchorage Fair. ARC moved camp from Bogard Road
down on Matanuska Road at McArdle’s. No Outside mail or
freight, boat 2 days late.
September 9, 1927 Felch’s son here taking orders
for his dad. Got out fill in orders for grocery and hardware.
Phelps here with Stanley’s car, no pay yet. Evening had
Anchorage in on dry cells.
September 10, 1927 Evening put set screen on
½ HP gas engine to hold in shaft. Stanley in, went
to dance at Fairview account new schoolmarm. Evening had
Australia in.
September 11, 1927 Sunday, first killing
frost last night. Quiet in town, dancers sleeping.
PM worked on ½ HP engine got her to run generator, but
got hot, NG. Evening Mrs. Pennington left for Fishhook Inn
to cook. Evening got part of Anchorage church services on
dry battery. Made out Polson order. Evening clear.
September 12, 1927 Received double mail and
freight off 2 boats. Fairview school opened. Our
school closed, no teacher. Got news over KFQD, President Coolidge
back at Washington D. C.
September 13, 1927 Hauled over 3 truck loads
of freight. Eva back from nursing babies in Anchorage.
Cat finished grading Bogard Road and moved down to Black’s Road.
September 14, 1927 Rain all day. Sent Colonel
Steese letter about Wasilla Willow Creek telephone line.
Wade and brother over to trade. Evening got out Seattle bills.
Placed standing order with Fry for fruits and butter. No battery,
no radio.
September 15, 1927 No freight today, got Outside
mail off Watson. Fairbanks Marshal took Marie’s lover
back to Fairbanks. Eva went to Knik with Ellexson’s to bring
back Ellexson’s car for Saturday night dancers. Evening had
KGX in on short wave. School teacher (man) arrived.
September 16, 1927 Shipped truck load assorted
merchandise north train. Harvey started to help fix up Olds
car shaft came, short nut, key and lock washers. Ma not
feeling well. Evening Anchorage radio fine, also KGO and KOMO.
September 17, 1927 Sent to Anchorage for auto
parts account Olds car. Miller family moved in to Mabel
cabin, watch Wasilla grow, now more families than bachelors in
town. Five cars drove to Knik account duck dance at Ellexson’s.
Stanley in from Fishhook and drove Ellexson’s car back, Eva brought
out. No battery, no radio. Brought in Australia, weak.
September 18, 1927 Sunday. Big
rain all AM line storm on. Evening raining again, temperature
+50. Knik dancers all under the “hay”. PM overhauled
½ HP gas engine, put on new gaskets and she runs OK.
Had in Anchorage church service. Priced up Seller’s goods.
Ma not feeling well.
September 19, 1927 School opened, Marcel Bunge
teacher, 20 pupils enrolled, watch Wasilla grow. Evening
radio good, had in KFQD, WKFRD and KPO San Francisco and KOMO Seattle.
Freight train 6 hours late. Blodgett down to trade.
Fries through at Bogard’s.
September 20, 1927 Harvey doctoring on
Heine’s Tin Lizzie. Frank Watson returned to his ranch to
look after vegetables. Vail went to work on section.
Frank Doherty quit section. Sam installed new stove at school house.
No battery, no radio tonight.
September 21, 1927 Gene Bartholf back from
Tokoshetna District, claimed he found a prospect. Eva,
Clara and Mattie walked down to Walter’s ranch. Stanley in from
ARC camp near Fishhook. Evening had in Australia. Raining.
September 22, 1927 Finished pricing new goods.
Drove down to CD’s for 3 sacks new spuds. Tunny-Dempsy
fight at Chicago this PM, Tunny had Dempsy out in 5th round gong
saved Dempsy. Dempsy had Tunny down for 9 counts, 7th round
Tunny won 10th round gong saved Jack. Hans put in new walk.
September 23, 1927 Harvey finished brake linings
and assembled drive shaft on Olds car. Clara and Eva
visited DeVal on 2nd Lake. Evening got late news on big
fight Tunny was down for 12 seconds, Dempsy was slow in returning
to corner, hence only 9 counts. McAllen installing broadcasting
outfit.
September 24, 1927 Eva and Clara went down
to St. Clair’s to be included with advertising picture of summer
resort. Dance on, evening at school house. Harvey cleaned
carbon out Olds engine. Made reservations on October 1st
Yukon for Clara and Mattie.
September 25, 1927 Sunday, quiet in town,
weather cloudy. Self and Harvey worked on Olds engine, adjusted
valves, ran OK. Evening had in Anchorage church services.
Installed new parts in street lamp. Harvey, PM on engine.
Dance party on at Hans account O. C. Miller.
September 26, 1927 Gene Bartholf back from
Anchorage, sold his pack horses to Donovan. Lots of chewing
the rag over 7th round Tunny-Dempsy fight. Got summons to
appear petit jury at Anchorage October 19, 1927 Evening KOMO
program good. John Wells Caswell visited. Outside freight
arrived, hardware and groceries.
September 27, 1927 Self helping Harvey to assemble
rear end of Olds car, worked all day. Bogard in for supplies.
Stanley in with ARC truck for supplies. Paid for reservation,
room 226, Voyage 47, SS Yukon account Clara and Mattie going Outside.
Agent got pair of mink from states.
September 28, 1927 Wasilla now has 10 families
and 20 school children, watch her grow. Got rear end
of Olds car assembled and run OK, now taking up engine bearings.
Mattie store keeper. No radio, no A battery. Got
order from Chulitna. Had chicken dinner.
September 29, 1927 Hauled over load freight
from Depot. Harvey finished adjusting engine bearings ran
Olds car to ridge summit, took all grades on high. Eva had
letter from her mother, arrived OK in Bristol Bay District, father
not well. Harvey’s time 4 days finished overhauling car today.
Mountains covered with snow last night, 2nd frost.
September 30, 1927 Received truck load oils.
Mattie and Clara all packed up for trip Outside. Clara
returning to Minnesota and Mattie to Boston for family visit.
Cook moved his mink back to town, going to work at depot part of
time. Evening Attorney General Rustad on the air also had
in Jap opera.
October 1, 1927 Business good, A1 day,
down to +22 last night. Mattie and Clara left for States,
Mattie going to Boston to visit her brother, Art, Clara back
home in Minnesota. Eva helped in store PM and got the meals.
Evening had in 4 stations, KGO good.
October 2, 1927 Sunday, all alone, Mattie
on high sea. PM and evening on monthly statements. Eva drove
Paul’s car down to Junction for Fairview school teacher.
Evening Anchorage church service, good.
October 3, 1927 Eva helper in store.
Busy all day in store, freight arrived, got 5 tons. Stanley
home nights. Patchell left for Chickaloon.
October 4, 1927 Hauled 2 truck loads new goods.
Eva sold $70 tobacco, one sale and a rotten lemon, doing fine
as new clerk. Felt like snow all day and 10 PM we got it. Radio
best yet, KOMO hook up with all Pacific Coast stations. Got
world news from P. I. Snowing and raining.
October 5, 1927 Snow storm last night turned
to rain and snow all gone this morning. Hauled 3 truck
loads merchandise from Depot. Herman down to trade from Fish
Lake. Gus rebuilding his coal bunker that fell down. Evening
colder.
October 6, 1927 Busy all day in store, sold
$100 trapping outfit to Loberg and Johnson. Got mail letter
from Ma at Cordova, weather fine. Paul Wanamaker got punched
in eye with stick, went to Anchorage. Harvey bought O’Brien
out.
October 7, 1927 Business 150% off today,
hauled over 2 tons groceries from railroad. Evening got
out Seattle mail. Mr. Holden back from hospital, went home
with Joe Palmer. Anchorage radio good, none from Outside.
Marion Twins closed down. Drumheller here.
October 8, 1927 Marion Twin help left
for Anchorage. Mehern and Humphry here for orders.
Bunge tried to charge his battery on ½ HP engine, but engine
on the bum. Evening let Stanley and Eva take Olds car account
Matanuska dance. Had fried chicken dinner.
October 9, 1927 Got Loberg and Johnson order
packed. Nellie Edw. through at Hans’, going to make repairs
and build addition on to school house. Stanley and Eva drove
Fairview. Teacher home PM no work on road, account cold rain.
Evening Anchorage church services good, spoke on our children, future
generation and education.
October 10, 1927 Got letter from Roe and Florence,
Roe got arm hurt in machinery, hired man also lost hand.
Wasilla dancers up in air account no more dances at school house.
Evening Anchorage radio good, no whistle from Outside.
Preacher here from Anchorage.
October 11, 1927 Business good, +22 last
night, ground froze up. Snider bought clothing outfit.
Wrote Mattie 2 letters at Everett, Mass., sent Roe and Kellogg’s
letters. Mabel Mine closed down and Thorpe’s in from Grubstake.
McDougal in for clothing.
October 12, 1927 Loberg back from Kashwitna
after his grub order. Adolf Olson back, going Outside.
White paid account. Bill going Outside Saturday. Thorpe’s
entertaining the Wilmoth family (malt bar). Down to +6 this
morning, first hard frost. Big moon, no radio. Bogard
went to Anchorage.
October 13, 1927 Blew hard all day. Evening
quiet and snowing. Had a truck load of merchandise for
north train, Caswell and Colorado stations. Eva got “Billie’s”
big dog from Anchorage to care for. Usual gang in to meet
mail train. Stanley up from Road camp at Black’s. Got excused
on jury duty today.
October 14, 1927 Business slow, 2nd day
of big wind. Mrs. Helen DeVole bought an outfit.
White family left by special car for Anchorage and Outside, Paddy
Marion went along. Evening dedications over radio to Eva,
most popular lady in Wasilla.
October 15, 1927 Chas Harrison got trapping
outfit. Mrs. McDougal in from mines, also McAllen’s.
Horning’s in and went to Anchorage. Evening dance on at Fairview,
Harvey took load down. No radio, battery low. Chief
Nakela died. Lake Lucille partly frozen.
October 16, 1927 Sunday, cloudy, light
warm wind. Lake Lucille open again, windy last 3 days
but quiet at night. PM oiled store floor. Teacher,
Bunge, with Hans Ford, took Eva and Rica for dinner at Road camp.
Half way there, old Lizzie got hot and had to leave her and walk
in. Evening on accounts. Got Anchorage church services
on dry battery.
October 17, 1927 Got 2 letters from Mattie,
mailed at Juneau and Ketchikan smooth trip thus far said Clara
liked it. Evening big boost over radio for Fern Mine, going to
work $5 ore etc. Agent Tuck back from Anchorage. Eva
had Fairview school teacher for supper. Dan Grau in with his
moose.
October 18, 1927 Fred Crocker bought grub outfit.
Steady trade all day. Everybody after moose meat, even
the Judge. Snow all AM and here to stay. Evening charged
battery, no radio account weather. Eva getting ready to move
into O’Brien house. Evening clearing and freezing. Eva
clerk and cook. Ma on way to Boston.
October 19, 1927 PM blizzard, evening
rain, rushed in store all day. Order for Caswell and Chulitna.
Lawrence back from Chulitna road work, bought $150 grub order.
Up till midnight packing up orders. Got KFRC, Fresno and
KOMO, Seattle on radio. Ed Miller’s wife sick. Clarence
Marsh married at Nenana, wired Eva.
October 20, 1927 Sent 2 orders north.
Hugo Johnson back to start Fern Mill. Usual crowd at train.
Train 2 hours late. Sent Pete Pederson shortage claim on
S and W freight. ARC closed down 1 camp, 1 camp left.
Evening had in Seattle and San Francisco. Rain last night,
took snow off, warm day.
October 21, 1927 Partly cloudy, business
rotten today. Metz brought in 5 sacks spuds at 4¢.
Sam Guyot here for order now M and M Co. Evening got out clothing
order, Portland, up till 3 o’clock. Car coal due tomorrow.
Stanley in to move into O’Brien house. Anchorage radio good.
Snow all gone, mountains covered.
October 22, 1927 John Well’s arrived to marry
Myrtle McNeil. Dance on at McNeil’s this evening.
Rica, Eva and Bunge attended squaw dance. Car coal for store
use arrived. Evening packed 4 orders for up line Monday.
Sent Mattie $20 express order.
October 23, 1927 Sunday, unloaded ½
car coal, Patzack and Edward Miller helped, 7 hours each.
Perfect day, +40. Stanley bought Forty Mile Miller’s
car for $90 went out PM and brought it in.
October 24, 1927 Busy on car coal. Freight
sidetracked account Dancer family arriving and delayed us 2
hours. Got letter from Mattie at Portland arrived there 10th
leaving 19th for Boston. A-1 summer day. Received 2
truck loads groceries and milk, fruit, etc. Evening busy
stowing away freight. No radio. Dancer family moved back to Wasilla
section.
October 25, 1927 Flurry snow last night, all
gone AM, reported 2” at Knik. Finished unloading car coal,
bin full and 3 tons outside. Let Wilmoth and Miller have 3 tons.
Ellexson out twice from Knik with dressed beef. Bunge’s radio on
haywire using too many volts.
October 26, 1927 Clyde DeVal and Oberg kid
got raked off Snider’s horse by clothes line, Clyde broke his
shoulder sent him to hospital. Ellexson out with beef
for Fischer. Snider went to Anchorage. Evening made
out new price lists. No radio. Persson, bought box cigars to
treat the boys.
October 27, 1927 Had fresh liver and onions
for dinner from Sunny Knik. Magaha in, said they were still
using grader, frost about all out. Edward Miller installed
radio. Ward’s paid bill 3 months old.
October 28, 1927 Business 60% off today.
Snowed last night, ground white again, 2nd time this fall.
Paul got in car coal. Heavy quake shook at Juneau to Petersburg.
Anchorage radio good. Finished Outside mail at 1 o’clock AM.
October 29, 1927 First zero weather last night,
tonight -2. First Dollar Dance on at school house. Sold
$35 clothing to Matanuska dancers. McAllen in from mines.
Colder.
October 30, 1927 Sunday, Mattie’s birthday
now with her brother Arthur at Everett, Mass. Self running
K. T. Co. store. Eva clerk, Stanley driving truck for Road Commission.
Had in Anchorage church services. Put new battery wires on
short wave set. Harvey and Dan went after Holden.
October 31, 1927 Business rushing all
day, sales around $250. Wilson and several others quit
ARC job. Phelps paid balance $76 on Stanley’s Roadster.
Evening on monthly accounts. Cold wind all day. Got
2nd letter from Mattie at Portland, left 19th for Boston.
November 1, 1927 Business good, rushed
all day in store. Put up one order. Evening candled
case eggs. Trappers scrapping over trapping ground, thick
as bees. Snow all gone again. Dancer digging a well.
Had black bear roast, very good. No radio.
November 2, 1927 Business good, sales
$308.40. Had orders for Houston and Broad Pass and Willow
Creek. Harvey put new wishbone on Stanley’s Forty Mile Miller
car. No time yet to make out monthly statements. Had
big band in from Australia.
November 3, 1927 Too busy on sale end to get
out monthly statements. Evening Stanley and Eva drove
to Junction with Forty Mile’s Tin Lizzie. Put up order
for Nolan Hudson, going to Grubstake to do some work on Thorpe
Mine. Sent Ma, McMillan and Morris letters.
November 4, 1927 Business above normal.
Walters bought winter grub outfit. Ground white today,
evening clear and colder. Sent Mattie government check $152.25
issued by Hugo W. Alberts, Sitka Station to E. J. Tomlison, August
31-27, #10082. Evening Anchorage radio fine.
November 5, 1927 Edlund hauled down Walters
grub outfit to ranch on wagon. Sam Kelly went to Anchorage
to have x-ray of stomach. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage.
Big radio party at Matanuska last night at Hi Gill’s, McAllen and
Tuck were there. Matt Penny bought grub outfit. Evening
dance at Fairview.
November 6, 1927 Sunday, clear and colder,
evening zero. Evening had in Anchorage church services.
Just a sprinkle of snow on ground. Lakes frozen over for
skaters, safe now. Ma in Boston.
November 7, 1927 PM had train day usual rush
in store, S and W goods arrived had to haul them over account
freezing. Received 2 letters from Mattie, mailed October
24th, 1 in Boston and 1 at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, also note
from Clara. Had fine vacation.
November 8, 1927 Zero weather, hauled over
2 truck loads S and W goods. PM sold Gray and Harter
trapping outfits. Gus in from Fishhook Inn. Church
tonight, me churching on freight and Outside mail. Sparling’s
rifle returned from Tuolumne, California, also letter not there.
Most of Willow Creek Placer help came in.
November 9, 1927 Gray and Harter left for trapping
grounds. Report came that Mr. Holden put himself to an
end with double barrel shotgun at his ranch, had cancer of stomach.
Evening had in new station, KFWD, KGO and KOMO. Stanley through
on road commission.
November 10, 1927 Business good, sales
$171.82. Sent one order to Chulitna, Broad Pass District.
Commissioner held jury inquest over late H. F. Holden at ranch.
Stanley home, through for Com. Ma eating Boston baked beans
and brown bread in Boston. Zero weather. Booze party
on at Thorpe’s.
November 11, 1927 Got truck load gas and oils.
Post Office and Judge celebrating, old Sam Peter’s brought
the goods from Anchorage. Sent Ma $20 express order.
Legion program good but reception bad account frost.
November 12, 1927 Holden was buried on his
ranch. Sam Peters took his outfit in via Fish-Willow summit.
Evening dance on at Knik. Stanley, Eva and teachers went
in our car, also Harvey.
November 13, 1927 Sunday, put on
storm windows. Dancers back from Knik 3 AM. Got
in new station, KWKA Shreveport, Louisiana. Program clear
on loud speaker. Evening Anchorage church good.
November 14, 1927 Business good, sales
$362.55. Stanley clerking again. Received ½
car
merchandise. Got 2nd and 3rd letter from
Ma now eating shore dinners at Nantucket Beach, Boston.
Got letter from Clara at Eyota, farm on the bum not paying expenses.
Put up fly in store.
November 15, 1927 PM unloaded ½ car
merchandise, Eva store keeper. Vail’s bought a cash outfit.
Sold last of gas lamps, now well stocked up on merchandise.
Just a sprinkle of snow, none in Wasilla, still zero, nights 10
below. No radio, no A battery.
November 16, 1927 Zero weather still on, ice
on lake 14” thick, month earlier than last year. Busy
pricing up new goods, up till 2 o’clock on Portland clothing.
Railroad calling for bids to put up ice. No radio, too much
work. Gus in.
November 17, 1927 Had 3 orders for north train.
Clarence Marsh and wife, newly weds, arrived from Nenana to
visit Stanley and Eva. Answered Wilson’s 2nd letter about
snowshoes wanted. Good radio weather but no battery, too
busy on new goods.
November 18, 1927 Bogard in with 2nd killing
of hogs. Evening Marsh and Stanley and brides drove to
Knik account chicken dinner for newly weds. East getting bad
storms. Evening wrote checks to cover all Seattle bills.
Radio good, +14.
November 19, 1927 Cold spell broken, cloudy
today. Eva, Stanley, Marshal and wife, Harvey and Wilmoth’s
went to Anchorage, also 2 school teachers. Self busy all day
in store. Evening got best program of season, KGO Saturday
Night Review, Pacific Coast network of radios. Eva gave Paul
Wanamaker Billie’s big dog.
November 20, 1927 Sunday, light snowfall last
night, cloudy today, kids in Anchorage. Put up 2 orders
for up railroad line. Evening radio weak account ice on aerial.
Wrote Rev. Youle an article on “Brave Men Buried at Tyonek 1898”.
Washed feet, got to bed 1 AM. 18” of ice on lake.
November 21, 1927 Business good, sales
$212.70. Self alone till Eva and Stanley arrived from Anchorage.
Big rush in store after train. Stanley brought a radio set
from Anchorage to try out. Got Anchorage but no Outside stations
and a 6 tube set. Stanley helped Kelly to distribute mail at Anchorage.
Turkeys arrived. Palmer sold Zink snares for $300.
November 22, 1927 Metz in to trade and selling
chickens. Bunge took Stanley’s new radio set, NG on Outside
stations. Got out Yukon sled account freight.
November 23, 1927 Wild wind all day.
Freight went south 8 AM, failed to make 2 shipments.
Evening marking goods and filling up shelves. Midnight
till 2 AM got fine programs from Australia KPO. Bathed feet,
etc. Midnight, wind died out. Sold ½ of turkeys,
only 4 quarts cranberries. Tryck said ARC sent $150 to cut
poles for phone line.
November 24, 1927 Thanksgiving day.
Colder again, -14 AM, evening -22. Had turkey dinner with
Eva and Stanley at Wasilla Hotel, full course dinner. Ma in
Everett, Mass. With her brother and family eating bluefish
I suppose. Evening had dozen bachelors at radio party, programs
good.
November 25, 1927 Colder, -24 last night,
put up flies in balcony to keep down the heat.
Busy with fires. Midnight, a little wind and warming up.
Anchorage radio and KOMO good. Got our Seattle mail,
sent Mattie $20 Allen Express order.
November 26, 1927 Pricing up new goods.
Wade’s in, WW went to Anchorage to visit his family. Chas
Magaha returned to ranch after turkey day dinner, well pleased with
Royal suite and overcoat. Got KOMO singing bill of old songs
10:30 to 11:00, then KFI Frolic. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage.
November 27, 1927 Sunday, -20.
Snider got railroad ice contract. Oberg in from Lucky
Shot Mine. Evening Anchorage church. Midnight, had
Shreveport, Louisiana 2nd time, big brass band. Busy these
days with fires.
November 28, 1927 Business normal, coldest
day yet, -24. Got weekend letter from Ma, wants to come
back to Seattle. Evening great radio, had in 3 San Francisco
stations and Crystal Club of Spokane. Brought in KFNF Henry
Field Seed Co. Shenandoah, Iowa.
November 29, 1927 Business good, +8,
cold wind. Another bunch in from Willow Creek Mines.
Olaf Wagner got mile 12 section. Report came Chris Stern
died, November 9th at Portland, making 17 old timers that have passed
out in 5 years.
November 30, 1927 Weather windy. Selling
a few Xmas goods. Ice contractor making ready to cut
ice for railroad. Evening wind let up and warmer. Oberg
went to Anchorage to have exam for section. Harvey in for hunting
camp.
December 1, 1927 Warming up, +20 today. Oberg
back from Anchorage with usual jag on. Received letter
from Clara, leaving Eyota for Sleepy Eye farm, farms going behind.
Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage. Evening no radio weather.
Cigars from Ma.
December 2, 1927 Weather windy. Sent Mattie,
Olaf Wagner dividend check #31201, Washington D. C. November
15, H. T. Take, Asst. Treasurer U.S. amount $51.06. Evening
Anchorage and KOMO good, while making out orders. Warm wind
all day.
December 3, 1927 Weather
cloudy and warmer, evening snow. Chas Harrison in from
Caswell trapping camp. Evening took kids down to Vail’s
dance, they walked home. Got in KFSD San Diego ¾ hour.
December 4, 1927 Sunday, snowed 2” last
night. Ice men working on railroad ice contract.
Had fine Pacific network program tonight then caught new station
KYA Clift Hotel, San Francisco Sunday night Frolic.
Anchorage radio went haywire. Wrote a few lines to Mattie.
December 5, 1927 Business good, sales
$218.85. Clear bright day, evening zero. Balance
of S and W fruit arrived, left sugar, honey and oysters short.
Fruit and butter came but no eggs. Got weekend letter from
Mattie at Everett, Mass. still warm there. Ma had enough of
East coming to Seattle after Xmas.
December 6, 1927 Windy today, pricing up new
goods. Evening got out a lot of Outside mail. Engstrom
in to trade. Burrows took out $143 outfit to his ranch
mile 9. Evening radio fair, had in five stations, also
San Diego. Sent drive gate back to Seattle Hardware Co.
Long bought an outfit. Church tonight, Stanley went.
December 7, 1927 Business normal, windy
day. Chas Bartholf went out to drive tunnel and prospect
above Mabel Mine. Loberg fixing up Otto’s cabin. Finished
letter to Ma at Everett, Mass. Evening radio fair, Pacific
Coast not working. Had a stinking chicken dinner. Grennan
in with spuds.
December 8, 1927 Warm wind all day. Had
one order for Colorado Station. Usual gang to meet train.
Lawrence Fleck remodeling inside of section house, Eva had him
at dinner. Evening had in KJR on short wave set.
Listened to new records at Stanley’s house.
December 9, 1927 Snowed 2” last night, autos
still running to Fishhook Inn. McAllen went back to mines
to see Pete Johnson. Pete came out today with freight outfit
by Houston. Sent Ma 2nd letter with enclosures. Anchorage
radio good, very loud tonight, no Outside stations. Philip
McArdle quit farm today.
December 10, 1927 First real snow, 6” fell
last night, cleaned off walks. Sent Ma 2 letters but
no money, said she had enough. Fairview school teacher
up, was all in wading snow. Eva gave fresh pork dinner.
Evening cold again. Radio no good. McArdle moved
to Anchorage. Gus and Paul left for States, Paul forgot his
money.
December 11, 1927 Sunday, cold again,
zero to -16. Stanley, Eva, Rica and her beau went to Junction
in Stanley’s covered wagon, Tin Lizzie covered with canvas.
Self busy in store and firing up. Evening Anchorage church
fair, antenna covered with frost, lots of cracking. Had in
KFRC San Francisco for 1 hour. High antenna broke down with
frost, used old antenna. Northwestern went on rocks at Seymour
Narrows.
December 12, 1927 Business 45% off.
Cold snap, -18 this morning and below zero all day. Word
came that SS Northwestern went on rocks Sunday 5 AM, mail and passengers
saved near Vancouver island. Xmas freight will come on Alameda
15th, was on Northwestern. Busy with fires.
December 13, 1927 Business rotten today, 60%
off normal. Cold spell broken today, evening +20 with
wind coming up. Hauled over truck load of gas and oil, then
Stanley drove down to Vail’s for load heater wood. Agent Tuck kicked
old Sam Peters out of Depot. Pete Nelson fell in lake.
December 14, 1927 Business 50% off.
Warmed up again and snowing tonight. Mrs. Wanamaker went to Anchorage
to buy Xmas goods for Wasilla kids, donation fund over $50.
Snider got ice contract raised from $2 to $3 per ton. Evening
wrote Mattie about Northwestern and to come back S. Pacific.
December 15, 1927 Business 2/3 off today.
First Chinook of winter, snowed 2” last night. Warm wind
today, rain at midnight. Wasilla-Anchorage shoppers back.
Brought in Million Dollar Theater, Pittsburgh, grand opera, ½
hour, was fine on short wave set. No radio on long wave
set tonight.
December 16, 1927 Thawing day, Ellexson out
form Knik with dog team, car broke down. New Ford cars
on market. Posting on register sheets. Wrote Ma urging
to return southern route. Evening Anchorage radio, local
talent bum, no volume. Temperature +34.
December 17, 1927 A-1 warm
day. Harter took Ellexson and Churchill’s grub outfit to Knik,
4½ hours in and 3½ hours back account breaking
snow road. Attached belt on rear wheel of Olds car to generator,
worked OK charging 2 batteries at once. Evening got KOG program
but weak.
December 18, 1927 Sunday, light wet snow
last night. Stanley tried to get load Vail’s wood, snow wet,
got down to Vail’s but did not get wood. PM installed new
copper antenna. Evening Anchorage church services came in
a whooping, could hear it all over town. Got October sheet
posted, sales $3,510.97. Cloudy and warm. Al Harter went
to Knik with truck.
December 19, 1927 Business ½ off.
Xmas money going to mail-order houses? Evening Anchorage radio
good. Got Lindberg news in Mexico. Train went
north, no train on Seward Division account snow slide at 79, no
Outside freight until Thursday account Northwestern on rocks.
Evening windy but warm.
December 20, 1927 Business back to normal,
had rush, PM Xmas shoppers. Fixed gas light for Wasilla
Hotel. Sent invitations to all Wasilla kiddies to listen
in Friday night to Anchorage Christmas program. After a week,
Ellexson’s out from Knik with car. No radio tonight, soft weather.
Sent Ma $50 money order.
December 21, 1927 Business slow, warm
day. Assembled dozen kitchen chairs, sold 2. PM
had to be in store account Stanley having cramp in stomach. Alameda
reported in at Seward with Xmas goods. Ice men laid off, no
cars. Evening fixed Stanley’s old radio horn, worked OK and
tried to adjust radio horn.
December 22, 1927 Delayed mail off Northwestern
and freight arrived today, also Xmas goods. Received Mattie’s
December 2nd and 9th letters. Wired Ma about-mail and to
return southern route. Received usual lot of Xmas cards.
Invited all kiddies to hear Anchorage Xmas program on radio.
December 23, 1927 Business good with
Xmas shoppers. Warm day, evening zero weather.
Dance at Fairview. Evening had radio kids and parents, about
35, to hear Anchorage Xmas services, etc. KJR raised heck
with reception. After KJR signed off, it came in good.
Had six loads of freight to handle. Busy day, retired 3:30.
Gave each kid a bag of candy, etc.
December 24, 1927 Busy day with Xmas
shoppers. Self gave out 32 boxes candy to ladies and 26 Xmas
bags to kiddies, cost $43.40. Gave $10 each to Eva and
Stanley and $50 to Ma back east. Kids gave me new desk fountain
pen, using it now. Evening Xmas program and dance at school house.
Self heard program. Blizzard on. Ma at Everett, Mass.
December 25, 1927 Sunday, Xmas day.
First real wind storm. Matanuska and Knik dancers had to
leave their cars account snow drifting roads. Had turkey
and goose Xmas dinner at Wasilla Hotel. Full course dinner,
$1.25 a plate. Evening dance on 2 hours. Ellexson’s
still here and still blowing. Dan Gray in from trap line. Evening
radio good till 9 PM.
December 26, 1927 Windy all day, died out at
midnight. Evening Xmas jinks dance at Wasilla Hotel and KFQD
dance program came in good. Paid 1928 license for Olds car.
December 27, 1927 Cold again. Filled coal bin
PM. Preacher here, held Xmas exercises 3rd Xmas for Wasilla
kids. Paid all Seattle invoices, over $1,100. Evening
had in KGO play, “Retold Tales”, was good. Told Eva I was
going Outside on Watson January 4th to meet Ma.
December 28, 1927 Business 40% off.
Below zero weather. Stanley, Eva, Kelly and a dozen others
went to Anchorage to see “Pioneer Days of 1898”. Still pricing
up new goods. Evening posted on monthly sheets. Ellexson
out from Knik with dog team. All the dancers cars still here.
Pat Irish pulled Phelps car to Junction from Vail’s place.
Wrote Mr. Franke, wanted report on farms. Evening party on
at Vail’s, Mary married again. Evening no radio, too cold.
December 29, 1927 Busy day, sold mostly
clothing. Kids back from Anchorage PM train. Evening
priced up Duncan and Son’s goods. Zero to -14. Mary
Vail married Phelps yesterday, makes 4th man. Got Watson
mail. No word from Ma. McDougal, Hugo and Brown in from
Fern Mine, 5’ snow at mine, Big Dan and Mrs. McDougal there yet.
December 30, 1927 Business 50% off, temperature
-14. Got word, Watson would leave Seward Monday instead
of Wednesday as advertised, can’t make it. Wrote Mattie
at St. Regis Hotel would come on next boat. Evening got out-mail.
Sent Ma check for $100. Anchorage radio good. Announcer of
KFQD said he was leaving for Outside too. Midnight, put new
grate in kitchen stove.
December 31, 1927 Year ends with Stanley and
self running store Ma visiting her brother, Art, at Everett,
Mass. Had turkey dinner, turkey potlatched by A. C. Fry
Co. Seattle, Eva cooked it, did fine job. Evening big dance
on at school house. Calendars arrived. Old year out, new
year in. Mrs. Zink went Outside.
Note in back of 1927 diary: Ordered 1351 F60
T________ bearing inside and #1985 outer bearing for front
wheels of 75B Overland Car. Also 1930 cup ring inside and 1330
cup ring outside. All for one wheel.
E. E. Hartman
6215 Greenwood Ave
309 Howard Street
Seattle, Wa.
Nellie A. Hartman
2707 East D Street
Tacoma, Wash
Elton C. Herning
Pinehurst, Washington (son of Otis P. Herning)
H. Urban Reuter (Singleton Farm)
Mr. Puffers (Burnap Farm)
T. F. Franke Farmers State Bank
Eyota, Minnesota
Clara E. Smith 8 Church Street
Athens, Ohio
faint hard to read ?………….Weota Iona age 60
died June 14, 1923
February trip to Seattle costs:
RR fare, Wasilla to Seward…….19.60
Hack at Seward 1.00
Boat fares to Seattle……….156.00
Tips on boat…….3.50
Seattle cab and tip….1.00
Spring apartment #441 (one month)
70.00
Rent typewriter 1 month 3.00
Adv. to sell K.T. Co. 4.50 (ad says annual
sales $35,000.00, asking $3,000.)
Dentist and x-ray (self) 6.50
Wheel bearing truck 7.48
Tickets back to Wasilla from Seattle boat 234.00
RR Seward to Wasilla 9.60
note: S. T. Kelly born 4/12/1860
1928
January 1, 1928 Sunday, zero weather.
New Year finds self and Stanley running Knik Trading Co. Store
at Wasilla, Alaska. Eva housekeeper while Ma Outside, now
with her brother, Art, at Everett, Mass. Self posting up years
business, retired 4 AM for a starter? Had in big organ, Australia
2 AM. Busy all day on accounts. Got out all of December statements.
Ate on our own turkey, not many at roadhouses. Evening reception
weak on Anchorage church services. Quiet in town, Saturday
night dancers sleeping.
January 2, 1928 George Mosher in from trap
line after mail. Post Office closed till 3 PM. Henry Lewis
back from Fairbanks. Forage arrived and some groceries and
clothing. Evening Eva and Stanley gave radio party in store,
17 present, danced to KFQD dance music, served ice cream and cake.
Put loud speaker in store, Wilmoth’s and Thorpe’s didn’t come, having
home brew party at Thorpe’s. Got December 17th letter from Ma leaving
Boston for Seattle January 4th.
January 3, 1928 New outfit arrived, Fordson
tractor and bobsleds for Robert $ Co., Milo Kelly, manager,
going after birch timber at Goose Bay. Mrs. Ellexson returned
to Knik by dog team. Mr. Wilson here on Old Blue on double
ender with forge etc. Evening mild, warm wind. Had in
drama over Pacific Coast network. Tryck bought camp outfit for
A. R. Com. Received an order for 100 strawberry crates for
April delivery.
January 4, 1928 Ice men through with
RR contract. Mild weather all day, +30. Ma supposed
to leave Boston for Seattle today. Received two nice letters
from stations KWKH and KFNF, Iowa and Louisiana. Heard the
Vagabond play over Pacific Coast network, music good. Ate last
of Friday turkey.
January 5, 1928 Had 3 shipments for north freight.
Pat Irish over from Palmer to trade. Charged battery
PM, evening radio, brought in 6 stations. Pacific Fruit
and Produce Co. show now on air over KOMO, advertised Blue Bird spuds.
Weather report 8:30 over KOMO, storms near Seattle, floods in Idaho.
Snow piled high through Middle West Chicago moving to New England
states. Hope Ma came southern route. Alaska warm while
states in blizzard.
January 6, 1928 Several ranchers in to trade.
Paid all Seattle invoices, balance in banks, $800. Evening
Anchorage radio good, too warm for Outside stations. Ma supposed
to be half way Boston to Seattle.
January 7, 1928 Busy getting ready for
11th boat to join Mattie in Seattle, now in route from Boston.
Evening dance on at Vail’s ranch. Evening wonderful radio reception,
brought in WBBM, Chicago, Old Grey Mare program. They signed off
2:45 AM (10:45 Wasilla time). Now Jap station in, Jap chanting.
January 8, 1928 Sunday, busy day.
Cleaned out furnace and pipe, also kitchen stove. No
fire in furnace all day, +40 outside, plenty warm. Stanley
and Eva on grocery inventory. Washed my kerchiefs. Cloudy
and thawing all day. All ate dinner at hotel for Mrs. Wanamaker’s
birthday, boys spanked Wanna.
January 9, 1928 Turned business over to Stanley
on 10% commission on cash sales and received on account, he to
hire his own help if needed. Sales today net him $10.18.
Busy getting book accounts together for trip to Seattle. Received
wire from Mattie, arrived Seattle Sunday morning from Boston said
not feeling well. By radio, 70 mile wind storm at Ketchikan
$70,000 damage to water front. Thames River drowning London.
January 10, 1928 Busy day, self making ready
for trip to Seattle to join Mattie. Metz in, ordered drill
$150 cash advance. Marion broke road with Ford car to Fairview
to get Rica, the schoolmarm. Got all book accounts together.
Evening packing, etc. till 3 AM then shaved and took bath.
War on at Wasilla Hotel. Al Harter quit Paul’s job. Professor
Bunge invited to move back to his cabin. Wanna showed them
who is boss.
January 11, 1928 Wasilla to Seward, on
board SS Alameda. Left Wasilla 11 AM arrived Seward 7
PM, Seward streets covered with ice. Sent Ma a wire at
St. Regis Hotel, Seattle, on my way to Seattle. Bought boat
ticket $70. Took grips aboard then had dinner at Seward Grill.
Got Room 129, saloon deck with H. P. Gallagher. Boat to sail
2 AM 12th.
January 12, 1928 On board Alameda, left Seward
2 AM, LaTouche at daylight, Valdez noon, Cordova evening.
No ore train in so will lay over 24 hours, snowing at Valdez and
Cordova. Smooth sailing. Too late for show, all stayed
aboard ships.
January 13, 1928 On board Alameda at Cordova,
snow squalls. At Cordova all day loading 1,000 tons concentrates.
PM delayed mail arrived from Kennicott. Went up town PM
for reading matter and haircut. using both sleds and autos
in Cordova. Ready to sail 11 PM, mailed Stanley letter with
paper, 1928 advice. At Cordova, south bound for Seattle to
met Ma from Boston.
January 14, 1928 On board Alameda crossing
Gulf of Alaska, partly cloudy on high seas. Left Cordova
dock 11 PM last night account squalls floated around in front of
dock all night, got away at 9 AM this morning. Now out 12 hours,
beam wind, small roll but not rough.
January 15, 1928 Sunday, raining, passed Cape
Spencer 3 PM now smooth going. Arrived at Juneau 11 PM
raining hard as usual here. Went to cable office to cable
Mattie, office was closed. Left Juneau 1 AM south. Mailed
letter to Stanley. Good trip crossing Gulf.
January 16, 1928 Juneau to St. Petersburg,
arrived at St. Petersburg 10 AM, left at 11:30, pouring rain.
Got half way through Wrangle Narrows, had to anchor account tide
due to leave 8 AM tomorrow. Anchored Wrangle Narrows on Alameda
south bound. Cat fell overboard at St. Peters, was rescued.
Dancing on in social hall, most all Swedes.
January 17, 1928 Raised anchor 7:30 AM
in Wrangle Narrows, arrived at Wrangle 10 AM, arrived at Ketchikan
6 PM, waited for tide to get up to coal dock to unload Healy coal.
Self and Gallagher got off and walked a mile along water front to
main town, looked over town. Left 11 PM. Sent Ma cable from Wrangle.
Passed SS Alaska, north bound.
January 18, 1928 Ketchikan to Seattle.
First A-1 sunny day, finished posting December daily register
sheets. In narrow passage all day. smooth going.
Ship gave special farewell dinner, turkey, etc. 8 PM cloudy
again. Now near Queen Charlotte Sound.
January 19, 1928 Delayed 3 hours at Seymour
Narrows account tide, went through at 9 AM A-1 sunny day.
Saw old Northwestern on beach below Seymour Narrows, got hole
plugged up and ready to take her to dry dock Arrived at Seattle
11:30 PM at Hotel St. Regis 11:45, found Mattie fairly well.
January 20, 1928 In Seattle St. Regis Hotel,
cloudy, snow and rain. AM looked up apartment rates,
$60 and up for anything good, took meals at Meaves. Evening
saw Vitaphone play at Blue Mouse. Stormy day, snow and rain.
January 21, 1928 Resting up, had breakfast
9:30 AM. Engaged rooms at Spring Apartment Hotel. PM
saw good show at Embassy then had dinner at Meave’s. Met
Bob Hatcher, Paul Wavrick and Mr. Hubbell on street. H. P.
Gallagher, shipmate, visited.
January 22, 1928 At Spring Apartment Hotel,
Seattle apartment 888. Noon, moved from St. Regis Hotel
to the Spring Apartment Hotel, old stopping place, while in Seattle.
Received wire from Stanley for merchandise. No shows today,
had good bath. Listened to church services on radio.
January 23, 1928 AM visited on National Cash
Register Co. Got blank sheets for ledger, set of 100,
cost $4, had them send 2 rolls receipt tape to store at Wasilla,
COD. Rented typewriter for 1 month, $3. Made out 3 merchandise
orders - grocery, fruit, butter and eggs. Got drinkless pipe
for Pearl Shough’s new baby. Evening saw show, The Life of Riley with
Murray, all laughter. Ma caught first cold of winter.
January 24, 1928 At Seattle, Washington, cloudy
evening rain. In all day posting up National ledger K.
T. Co. business at Wasilla. Sent cablegram to Stanley with
our address. Evening saw show, Tito in Magic Flame. Ma
nursing first cold of new year.
January 25, 1928 AM got out-mail to Stanley
at Wasilla, Alaska. PM saw good show at Pantage’s Theater.
Evening posted on ledger. Seattle radio NG account static.
January 26, 1928 Self posting on K. T. Co.
ledger. PM saw combination show at Orpheum Theater, German
airplane ace looped the loop with a bicycle. Evening radio
over Pacific Coast network good. Received letter from Pt.
Barrow.
January 27, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
Got posted to July 1, 1927, six more days to finish. PM
took a stroll along the waterfront, overcoat weather yet.
Ma’s cold some better, settled all through chest and back like old
trouble. Evening Pacific Coast network radio good.
January 28, 1928 Met Humphry and Mehern in
lobby of hotel, just back from California. Got July posted
in ledger today and evening. PM saw gorilla show and President
Coolidge at Havana and Lindberg in Central America. Ma’s
cold improving some.
January 29, 1928 Heavy rain all day.
Noon, Mrs. Hartman visited, living in Seattle and in the real
estate business. Gus and Paul here also. Gus having
all his teeth out. Got August posted in ledger. Noon,
received mail from Stanley and Eva, all well at Wasilla.
January 30, 1928 Posted on books AM.
PM Saw Duncan Sisters photo play at Pantage’s. Evening
on ledger again, now posted to October. Ma’s cold some better.
January 31, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
PM saw good show at 5th Avenue Theater. Hermie King’s
big orchestra and Will Rogers in Texas. Evening finished
posting. Evening radio over Pacific Coast network, fine play
on Golden Hotcakes good. Bought new hat, Ma bought shoes for
kids.
February 1, 1928 On books till 2 PM then saw
good show at the Embassy. Evening stayed with book work.
Got November and December all posted in ledger, now ready to
add up and take off 1927 balance sheet.
February 2, 1928 Got wire from Stanley for
more merchandise. Placed orders at noon for butter, smoked
meats, drugs and groceries, also forage. PM saw Vaudeville
show at Palace, end of a perfect day. Also circus picture
show and races all good. Evening took total off cash register
daily sheets. Now ready for balance sheet. Took round
of Calatab, bowels working OK now.
February 3, 1928 Answered Clara’s 1st letter
here by airgram, also Stanley’s January 21st letter. Called
up the Sylvester’s, making known we were here in Seattle.
PM saw Mary Pickford in My Best Girl.
February 4, 1928 AM read P. I. PM saw
good picture show and Vaudeville at Orpheum. Shopped at
market. Evening radio good. Received Alaska Weekly.
Ma feeling some better. Paul and Hatcher left for Wasilla,
Alaska.
February 5, 1928 Dark cloudy day with rain
and wind, stayed in. Mrs. Hartman visited. Evening
saw good show at Embassy. Busy reading Sunday paper, The
Dark Flower of Monte Carlo and the Grave Yard of Monte Carlo.
Poor radio.
February 6, 1928 Rented adding machine for
one week account taking off balance sheet. Did some shopping.
5 PM went out to Sylvester’s for dinner, 1st visit, got home
11 PM and found mail from Stanley and Clara. Watson in, 49
Mile bridge out, did not get our mail yet.
February 7, 1928 Started to add up years business.
Ma bought masquerade suits for Eva, Dan, Clarence and Stanley.
Evening on adding machine, finished April and part May posting
in ledger. Got invite to Chamber Commerce luncheon at noon
tomorrow. Made out orders for groceries and fruit and cakes.
February 8, 1928 Big day, took lunch at Chamber
of Commerce reception for B. C. Forbes the financial writer,
thirty piece band and 500 at lunch. Then, went to President
Theater with Sylvester’s and saw play The Cradle Snatchers, men
and their wives both looking for lovers. Evening finished May
posting in ledger. Hunted 1 hour for $800 mistake. No radio
on tonight.
February 9, 1928 At Seattle, Washington,
out shopping AM. Evening posted up 2 months totals in
ledger with adding machine. Got letters out for Roe and Stanley.
A-1 cool day, 40 above.
February 10, 1928 Mattie went shopping,
sent masquerade suits to Wasilla kids. PM saw good show
at Pantage’s, had horse and bull ring show on stage, was fine.
Had Mrs. Hartman at dinner. Auto show opened today at University.
February 11, 1928 Seattle automotive show opened
today at U. W. Athletic Pavilion, 180 new models. Ma’s
cold better.
February 12, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
At home all day, finished adding totals of monthly postings on
ledger. Money handled, from 10 to 12 thousand dollars. Average
sales, $3,000 month, doing more banking than business. Evening
Gus and Mrs. Hartman visited. Fry Co. gave us a dressed chicken
and dozen eggs.
February 13, 1928 At Spring Apartment
Hotel, Seattle, Washington. AM finished adding up columns
for income tax report. Purchases merchandise 1927, $20,811.54.
PM saw good show at the Palace. Read daily newspapers.
Ma feeling much better today.
February 14, 1928 AM got mail and cablegram
from Stanley and Eva, letter mail delayed somewhere here in Seattle,
boat was in on the 8th. PM saw Vitaphone play at Blue Mouse
and news of the day by pictures and Vitaphone. Evening got
out orders for Saturday’s sailing. Answered C. E. Persson’s
letter by airgram.
February 15, 1928 Mailed 4 merchandise orders
and visited on Imperial Candy Co. and placed order. Saw
picture show The Country Doctor. Evening went up to W. U.
and saw auto show in Pavilion. KOMO, artists, bathing girls
and 60 new dress gowns shown on girls on platform. Ma got lost
going to W, Pa found her.
February 16, 1928 Cloudy and cool all day.
Evening worked on income tax report. Ma feeling better.
February 17, 1928 Not much doing, read daily
papers. Saw good show at Orpheum. Evening got mail in P. O.
for Wasilla, then strolled around looking at show windows.
Mrs. Hartman visited, said she may go north Saturday.
February 18, 1928 Fog so heavy last night that
owners left cars on street after the shows and went home in
street cars. At home all day. PM shopped for Sunday
dinner. Evening spent with Sylvester’s at Mt. Baker Park
District. Radio good at Sylvester’s.
February 19, 1928 Heard church services over
radio. Evening saw good show at Winter Garden, Dough
Boys at Paris. Evening on yearly expense accounts.
February 20, 1928 PM saw the Duncan Sisters
in person at Pantage’s in comedy, Your Onions and Topsy and Eva
scene in their movie act. Four hours of fine show 25¢.
Ma’s old trouble bothering again.
February 21, 1928 Cloudy and cold wind around
40 above. AM digested the daily P. I., Lindy arrived at
Chicago with air mail, back on his old job again. PM saw Vitaphone
pictures at the Blue Mouse. Evening heard Herbert Hoover speak
at Hotel Aster was presented with medal from Mining Engineer Association
Radio hook up, coast to coast, KOMO. Received letter from Roe
and Florence.
February 22, 1928 George Washington exemplified
at theaters and over radio. PM saw Duffy players at President
Plot Police Detective and Crooks. Mrs. Hartman here for
dinner going to Wasilla on Saturday boat. Received February
11th mail from Stanley and Eva, also report on farms at Eyota, Minnesota.
February 23, 1928 Dr. Brown had street parade
with calliope drumming patients to elect him Seattle Mayor.
PM saw good show at Orpheum. Ma not feeling well.
February 24, 1928 Letter to Stanley, no merchandise
shipped this week. Answered T. F. Franke letter account
his report on farms at Eyota, Minnesota, told him all future improvements
would have to come from profits of farms. Sent 2 notes
to cover back taxes and improvements, $1,980.57 and $841.80, dated
December 31, 1927, due 1 year hence. PM saw Charley Chapman
in circus. Ma worse today, stomach trouble.
February 25, 1928 Got up early to see Mrs.
Hartman off on boat to Seward, Alaska. Gus Swanson, Elmer
Larson, McAllen and Fleck were on the dock and the usual big crowd
to see Alaska boat off. PM saw show at Palace. A
flurry on, snow last night.
February 26, 1928 Sunday at Seattle.
PM took a stroll up Capital Hill to see the new three million
dollar Seattle Theater, opens March 1st. Saw good show
at Embassy. Had chicken dinner. Ma feeling some better.
Answered Roe and Clara’s letters.
February 27, 1928 Colder, light frost last
night. AM on P. I. Alaska mail boat in last evening but
no mail thus far from Stanley at Wasilla. PM saw show at Orpheum
but not much good. Filled in 1927 income report. Annual
sales $33,957.93, invoices and expense $31,903.10, profit $2,054.83.
Inventory 1/1/1927 $14,997.18, inventory 1/1/1928 $9,867.26.
February 28, 1928 Primary election in Seattle.
Up to midnight, Mayor Landes leading, Edwards 2nd,
Brown 3rd. No mail from home, Alaska
railroad blocked with snow. Saw good show at Pantage’s.
Had notary acknowledgment on 1927 income tax report.
February 29, 1928 Mayor Landes won primary
election by 3,000 votes. Frank Edwards 2nd, ex-Mayor Brown 3rd.
Betters on Brown lost heavy, Brown behind 6,000 votes. Noon,
delivered electric waffle iron to sellers for credit, $6.65, then
saw good show at Palace. Ike elected Mayor of Seattle plot
of play. Evening sent orders for fruit, vegetables, bacon, eggs
and lard.
March 1, 1928 Received wire from Stanley at
Wasilla, Alaska. Railroad blocked 10 days by snow slides,
no mail by last boat. Placed orders for groceries and forage.
Gus Swanson visited at noon, wanted advice on radio set.
“Curry Comb” stole Gus’ teeth. PM saw Vitaphone play at Blue
Mouse. Evening visited at Ed. Sylvester’s.
March 2, 1928 PM saw good show at the new Seattle
Theater, corner 9th and Pine Streets. Second day of opening,
show Merry Widow picture Babe Daniels - Feel My Pulse bootleg joint
in palatial residence and stormed by highjacker. Evening rounded
up show windows with Mattie. Mailed letters home.
March 3, 1928 Seattle “Bull” spring is here,
fourth real spring so far. Saw extra good show at Fifth
Avenue Theater. The new Seattle Theater has caused other
show houses to produce better shows to hold their patrons.
Ma feeling OK again. Evening read paper, etc. took baths.
March 4, 1928 Noon received letter from Stanley
dated February 18th, had snow followed by heavy rain.
January sales $2,755.15. $378 above last January sales.
Radio good at Wasilla. Reported stations in Mass, Ohio, Iowa,
Kentucky, Ill., Louisiana, Utah, Idaho, Texas, Japan, Australia, Honolulu
and Canada on 6 tube set. PM saw a good show at Embassy.
Chicken dinner, dessert, apple pie.
March 5, 1928 PM saw good show at Orpheum Theater,
the five midget actors were wonderful. Ma received letter
from Mrs. Morse in California. Evening read Herbert Asbury
citation on modernists and fundamentalists, that by next century
there would be no Protestant Church, going behind, would be absorbed
by Roman Catholics. Three school girls killed by drunken cab
driver.
March 6, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
Noon, visited on Northwestern Marble and Granite Co., 3034 First
Avenue and Denny Way. Ordered headstone for Frank B. Cannon
grave at Anchorage, for delivery middle of April, list price
$165 got same for $100 cash. Walked 9 blocks, evening saw
good show at Pantage’s and saw Beverly B. Dobbs picture, Top of
the World, Alaska views.
March 7, 1928 Self and Ma vacationing at Seattle
since January 20th. Stanley managing store at Wasilla,
Alaska while Ma and Pa Outside. Received 2nd letter from
Mr. Franke about my farms at Eyota. PM saw Sid Chaplin and
Vitaphone at Blue Mouse. Ma had her hat blocked.
March 8, 1928 Past 10 days of good weather
now followed by showers. PM saw show at new Seattle Theater,
2nd week, not quite as good as opening week. Election speakers
hot on the air for Seattle new Mayor.
March 9, 1928 At Queen City. Received
letters from Stanley and Eva. Watson mail early AM, snow
slides blocked Alaska railroad from mile 49 to 75, 4’ new snow
from Talkeetna , 120 miles north. Rain at Wasilla followed
by 1’ snow. PM saw good shows at Fifth Avenue. Ordered
2 KT Co. rubber stamps. Ordered draft sent account Cannon’s
headstone. Received monthly check, $100.
March 10, 1928 Saw in Alaska Weekly, Mrs. W.
E. Bartholf passed out last week at Auburn, 74 years old.
Bartholf’s lived at Seward, Alaska several years. Noon received
mail from Eva and Stanley 40 to 50 above and raining at Wasilla,
Alaska. PM saw good show at Palace. Got letter from Clara
in Florida.
March 11, 1928 PM saw Ben Hur at the Strand,
fine picture. Radio no good today. Ma not feeling well again.
March 12, 1928 PM saw good show at Orpheum
Theater. Evening worked on cost of store building, fixtures,
etc., of 1917 new store at Wasilla, Alaska. Ma nursing
old trouble, nerves. Weighed 170 lb. today.
March 13, 1928 AM in reading room 888 Spring
Apartments Hotel. PM saw Duncan Sisters and good show
at Pantage’s. Evening saw good picture show across from
Tea Garden, Theater baby had 3 fathers. Reported Edwards
won over Landes as Mayor of Seattle, election today. Letter
to Stanley.
March 14, 1928 On market, ordered Metz grain
drill, $157 list, net to dealer $140 ship Saturday. Got
wire from Stanley for merchandise. Placed 4 orders by
mail today to go Saturday on Aleutian. Evening saw good
play at Third Avenue Theater on free tickets (value 60¢).
Male crowd rejoicing over man Mayor.
March 15, 1928 PM saw cadet show at new Seattle
Theater, was NG. Evening saw good show at Winter Garden.
Ex-soldier and son and pictures of St. Francis Dam in California,
near Los Angeles that broke and drowned 250 people. Capt.
Hinchliff and Elsie Mackey, English Atlantic flyers, 24 hours overdue.
Ma feeling better.
March 16, 1928 Saw Fairbanks in “The Gaucho”
at United Artists. Wrote to Stanley. Ma did some shopping
for Eva with no purchases, just look see. Try out for Seattle
state artists today at Fifth Avenue. Alaska Indian School
lecture KOMO.
March 17, 1928 At Queen City, spring
roses blooming, indicating summer nearby. Saw Vitaphone
and Wavatone pictures at Blue Mouse. Evening visited on
Sylvester’s at Mt. Baker Park. James Girdwood passed out
at his home in N. Y. City recently.
March 18, 1928 A-1 sunny day, took walk down
Fifth Avenue, out West Lake Avenue, then east to Ford Plant
then south to top Capital Hill then down to Spring Apartment Hotel
at 4:30 PM Evening read Sunday paper till 8 PM.
March 19, 1928 First real summer day,
67 above. Ulsh visited on phone. Received letters
from Eva and Stanley, also Bristol Phonograph loud speaker.
Had five day hard blow at Wasilla, all snow gone. Mrs.
Hartman sold her two roadhouses for $5,000.
March 20, 1928 PM saw 4½ hour show at
Pantage’s. Young bushman and sister, and Lindy’s 40,000
mile air trip. Evening saw Al Frank’s play at the Palace.
Ma not complaining of old trouble now.
March 21, 1928 Ma went shopping, self went
down to L. C. Warner’s with Bristol Phonograph attachment for
inspection of mike with same, deposited $100 in savings bank.
Evening saw good show at Colonial.
March 22, 1928 Saw good show at new Seattle
Theater, red head Clara Bow in the pictures. PM Gus and
Shorty Gustafson visited. Shorty and wife living in Tacoma.
Gus going back to Wasilla, Alaska, April 9th boat.
March 21st, reported big snow, Alaska railroad. RR blocked.
Airplane service, Anchorage to Seward.
March 23, 1928 Lindy taking Congress
up in the air at Washington DC. Reported, Lindy going to fly
to Japan in near future. PM saw good show at Fifth Avenue.
Evening saw good show at Colonial.
March 24, 1928 PM saw Vitaphone play at Blue
Mouse. Evening got order ready for truss supplies and
Griffeth taxes. Wrote to W. E. Elliott at Girdwood, Alaska,
postmaster.
March 25, 1928 Sunday went out to Woodland
Park, saw ball game, Carrie Nation, Seward brown bear, not
many at park, too cold. Evening saw show at Embassy.
March 26, 1928 Sent $5 to apply on Griffeth
taxes, 2 years. Ordered new Rice truss. Seattle spring
gone, back to winter.
March 27, 1928 Mattie out shopping, gathered
in 3 dresses. PM took in show at Pantage’s. Got
letter from Stanley and Eva. Stanley elected treasurer
of Wasilla School Board, bad weather at Wasilla. Evening
saw Chicago at Winter Garden.
March 28, 1928 SS Evans left on 1st spring
trip to Seward, sent mail to kids at Wasilla, Alaska.
Ma shopping AM. PM took in P. I. electric show and
radio. Evening saw good show at Palace. Embassy Theater
bombed last night.
March 29, 1928 Ma out shopping, self
got regular monthly haircut. Saw no shows today, we
were invited out to dinner at Mt. Baker Park. Evening heard
six movie actors at Fairbanks studio, Hollywood, also Dodge program
from Detroit and New York over Sylvester’s radio. Home 11 PM.
Ordered fruit for K. T. Co.
March 30, 1928 At Seattle, Washington,
rained all day. PM saw best show of season at Fifth Avenue
Theater, Eddie Peabody in Jungle, ideal orchestra and 20 performers
and Eddie solos on banjo. Evening saw Aviation Lone Eagle
at Colonial Theater. Posted letters to Eva and Stanley at
Wasilla.
March 31, 1928 Received letters and orders
from Stanley, snow and 20 below at Wasilla, Alaska. PM
saw Vitaphone show at Blue Mouse. Darkie quartet on moving
train, good. Saw and heard President Coolidge decorate Lindy
account New York to Paris trip and heard Mussolini speak. Evening
saw good show at Winter garden.
April 1, 1928 Some fools in Seattle, Sunday,
spoiled the fun. April in like a lion wind and hail squalls.
PM had dinner at Meves, then saw a war picture show. AM
church on radio.
April 2, 1928 PM saw a show at Orpheum.
Watson in, no mail. Made up list of late phonograph records.
April 3, 1928 Received cablegram from Stanley
for groceries. Sent letter on Watson.
April 4, 1928 Busy filling orders for
Saturday’s sailing to Alaska, placed orders for groceries, bacon.
Called PM on US and Hipress Rubber Co., Fuller Co. and Black Mfg.
Co. Placed order for rubber pacs, paints and clothing. Evening saw
Palace show.
April 5, 1928 First spring day since
March 18th. Mattie out shopping. Self visited on
Duncan and Sons, Seller and Seattle Hardware Co. Ordered
wire screen cloth and mink pans Three PM saw good show
at Pantage’s.
April 6, 1928 Placed order for clothing at
Fleischner and Mayer's sample room, took 3½ hours to
look over samples. Advised Stanley about goods coming on
SS Aleutian. Evening saw Chas Murray in wedding.
April 7, 1928 AM saw Gus Swanson off on Aleutian
for Wasilla. Ellen Horning saw her father off on boat
for Alaska. Placed order for tobacco and nut bars with
Spring Cigar Co. Received letter from Clara. Evening
Mabel Braley, son and mother (Helen Godfrey) from Portland visited
on us.
April 8, 1928 Heard Easter services at Hollywood
Rose Bowl 50,000 present singing wonderful over radio.
Thirty thousand attended Seattle outdoor services at Medina Park
at 5 AM. Ma and Pa took it easy, laid in bed and listened to
California services had chicken dinner at home.
April 9, 1928 Paid for Cannon headstone, $110.
Added oilcloth to F. M. and Co. order and Edgeworth to Spring
Cigar Co. order. PM saw Harold Lloyd in Speedy. Back
to normal, now weigh 175 lbs.
April 10, 1928 Ma still shop dressing, latest
buy for Bristol Bay. PM saw Shaw at Orpheum. Evening
saw golf game at the Strand.
April 11, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
Ma dress shopping AM. PM saw show at Seattle Theater,
beautiful scenery, 2 hour show. Evening made inventory
of store fixtures, buildings, etc. at Wasilla.
April 12, 1928 S. F. Kelly, 68 years
old today. Bought merchandise from Dagg Derndon Co.,
Seattle Cap Co., Paper and Taft, out all PM on market.
Evening finished store fixture inventory. Store building
and fixtures cost $9,944.43 warehouse aft store $262.70 warehouse
on railroad lot $419.20.
April 13, 1928 Called on Seattle Tent and Awning
Co., placed order for phonograph records with Piper and Taft.
Bought cord tire off Frederick and Nelson. Had strawberries
for dinner 30¢ a box. Evening saw good show.
German plane landed on U. S. St. Lawrence Bay from Ireland.
April 14, 1928 At Queen City. Busy
on market, drew $150 from savings bank. Paid for boat
fares home, $186. Received letters from Eva and Stanley
with orders for merchandise. Evening got out five merchandise
orders. Saw good show at Winter Garden. Answered Roe
and Clara’s letters. Ma still buying dresses and shoes.
April 15, 1928 Sunday, Ma busy looking
up sitting eggs for Mrs. Ellexson. PM saw good Vitaphone
show at Blue Mouse. Went out to Sylvester’s for dinner and
heard dedication of Standard Oil Co. Aviation Tower lamps given
to Aviation Air Force. Lindy at Denver, Colorado. Turned
on lights at 8 PM. Hoover spoke at Washington D. C. over radio.
April 16, 1928 Ma hunting nest eggs.
Self had F. B. C. headstone. Bought cash register supplies.
PM placed orders for hardware. Evening saw Mary Gardner,
62, playing 1928 Flapper at the Orpheum. All the show was
good.
April 17, 1928 Out on market until 4
PM. Paid freight on Cannon’s headstone, $14.20 Seattle
to Anchorage. Bought more records at Sherman Clays, $17.75.
Ma out hunting goose eggs for Mrs. Ellexson at Knik, Alaska.
Had trunk checked to Wasilla, Alaska. Evening had our dinner
at Guys Drug Store. Evening saw good show at Pantage’s.
Mailed T. F. Franke six months $500 note account taxes and interest
on Eyota, Minnesota farms.
April 18, 1928 Left Seattle 10 AM on
SS Evans for Alaska, got compartment 104 with toilet.
Passed Vancouver 8 PM. Shorty Gustafson on board.
April 19, 1928 On SS Evans northbound.
Perfect day. Passed Alameda and freighter southbound.
April 20, 1928 On SS Evans northbound.
Arrived at Ketchikan 8 PM, passed Aleutian southbound.
PM left Ketchikan midnight. Watson arrived southbound.
Called at cannery 4 AM.
April 21, 1928 On SS Evans northbound.
Seldovia man bought booze at Ketchikan, then tried to shoot
up boat, Captain put him in irons and locked him up. Arrived
Petersburg 4 PM looked over town, left at 10 for Juneau.
April 22, 1928 Sunday, arrived at Juneau
9:30 AM in wind and sleet storm. Did not go up town account
rain. Took on 2,000 ties for Alaska Railroad. Left
Juneau 4:30 PM for Cordova. Wilkins crossed North Pole OK.
April 23, 1928 On high sea, partly cloudy.
Passed out by Cape Spencer at midnight, now crossing Gulf of
Alaska, smooth.
April 24, 1928 Arrived at Cordova, Alaska at
noon, cloudy took stroll up town met Mr. Feldman left Cordova
7 PM for LaTouche.
April 25, 1928 Arrived Seward 7:30 AM on way
to Wasilla, Alaska. Put up at Hotel Sexton. Seward
streets dry but snow on mountains down to timber line. PM
reported three snow slides, no train from north tonight, now anchored
in Seward.
April 26, 1928 Snowbound in Seward, snow
squalls all AM, four more slides on railroad, line down.
PM got Stanley on phone, no storms at Wasilla. 4 PM took
stroll up 2nd, 3rd and 4th Avenues. Evening saw show w/ Mrs.
Sexton. Ma had nervous spell.
April 27, 1928 Snowbound in Seward, partly
cloudy, clearing and warmer. Walked out to radio station
at head of bay. Evening saw Seward home talent, dance recital
at theater, we were guests of Mrs. Sexton. Ma better today.
April 28, 1928 At Seward, Alaska, warm
and sunny today. Three men arrived by airplane from Anchorage.
Jim Stewart and Mrs. Zink arrived on SS Alaska. Evening
train finished from Anchorage. Got letter from Stanley.
Saw show, Valencia.
April 29, 1928 Sunday at Seward, Alaska.
AM turned cloudy with rain, took walk up 4th and down 3rd Avenue.
Several here waiting train north and boat south. Call for
4:30 train to leave at 6 AM for Wasilla.
April 30, 1928 Left Seward 6 AM, arrived Anchorage
noon, left Anchorage 1:45 arrived home 3:40 PM. Snow
from Seward mile 4 to Turnagain Arm. Snow all gone at Wasilla.
Ma was gone 7 months, self 3 months on winter vacation. Evening
good radio. Sam Guyot here.
May 1, 1928 Self and Dan Gray unloaded
car of merchandise in track warehouse and at store, freight
$303.03. Gave Sam M and M man order for fill ins. Ma
awoke at 4:30 with nerve trouble, OK PM. Party at Oberg’s.
New merchandise, $1,700.
May 2, 1928 Donovan and Larson in from beaver
hunt. E. H. Bartholf buying supplies for Gold Cord Mine.
Cars now go to mile 12. Self a little sore from handling freight.
Radio fair.
May 3, 1928 Shipped 100 strawberry crates to
Anchorage. Stanley got out monthly statements. Evening
Stanley drove his car down to Fleck’s ranch Knik Road, badly cut
up, frost not out. Evening good radio, KGO and KOMO.
May 4, 1928 A-1 summer day, 60 above.
Libby’s man here, took up 4 hours of my time. Evening checked
out $1,000 account Seattle invoices. Harvey in from beaver
hunt. Radio NG.
May 5, 1928 Cloudy and cooler, + 40.
Thorpe’s in from beaver hunt. Several in to work on road.
Evening charged battery. Got KOG and St. Francis Hotel, San
Francisco. Shaved and took sponge bath.
May 6, 1928 First fishing party arrived, with
gas car from Anchorage. Guker arrived looking for orders.
Priced up tents and drugs. Took dinner at Willow Creek
Inn. Evening listened to new records at Stanley’s house.
Stanley through, going to work for Alaska Road Commission.
Radio NG.
May 7, 1928 Stanley started working for Alaska
Road Commission. Self now chief clerk, Ma clerk E. Business
good, sales $145.73, collections $218.15. Ellexson’s out
from Knik, first time with car, Marsh and wife along. Marsh
bought Stanley’s car. Letter from Clara and May Kellogg.
May 8, 1928 A-1 day, hail storm.
Business good, sales $137.25. Self hauled over 3 truck
loads of merchandise from Depot. Bogard in for merchandise.
Stanley in from mile 4 Road camp. Freddie Roscher in from
ranch. By radio, 10 PM Boxer left Seattle for Alaska with
school supplies, 400 tons.
May 9, 1928 Busy in store, sales $116.40.
Houston Natives spending their beaver money. Trout fishing
good at Cottonwood Creek. Road Commission filling in bridge
mile 4. Harvey went to Anchorage. KOMO and KGW came
in. Ma nursing bad cold. Signed Post Office claim, $4.74 sent
by Clara, views to self.
May 10, 1928 A-1 day, +60. Gene Bartholf
in with his made over car. Freight train went north with
ties. Road Commission bracing up bridge at Stern Ranch.
Ma rode down to Fleck’s ranch with kids. No radio.
May 11, 1928 A-1 day, business slow today.
Ellexson out from Knik, 2nd trip. Fred Crocker in to
trade. Evening dance on at school house. Marion Twins
in for merchandise. Evening got out Seattle mail.
No radio.
May 12, 1928 A-1 day, business good.
Packed $104 order for Gold Mint Mine. Big rock slide
in canyon at mile 12½ Wasilla-Willow auto road. Nickolaska
in from beaver hunt near Talkeetna. Kids gave a dance last
night in honor of Eva. Pick up orchestra was good. Edlund
planting spuds.
May 13, 1928 George Roll, storekeeper at Hope
visited, selling out and leaving for Outside next fall.
Anchorage fishing party here with gas car. Priced up dried
fruits and hardware. Let Gus have radio battery to start his
car.
May 14, 1928 Busy in store all day, sales $149.60.
Gene Bartholf in for merchandise. Road still blocked
with snow from 28 to Fishhook Inn. No freight train today
with Outside freight. Outside lady taking orders for women’s
suits. Got KOMO tonight.
May 15, 1928 Partly cloudy, cooler, +52.
Put up two $100 orders for Brassel and Hansen, Willow Creek
District. Eva and Ma checked goods out and Pa done the packing.
A. F. Walter and wife over from Palmer to trade. No Seward
freight today. Out of eggs, spuds and onions. Weather
soft, no radio.
May 16, 1928 Business 50% above normal.
No trains account wreck on railroad near Caswell. Marked up new
hardware. Evening Stanley and Eva drove down to Junction
with Lizzie. Ma had a bad spell last night, no sleep till
2 AM. Walker in from coal mines. No radio.
May 17, 1928 Passenger and freight trains finished
from north after washout near Caswell. Seward freight,
due Monday, arrived this evening (Thursday). Fleming back
from inspecting ranch. Snider drew $200 of Kloss deposit.
May 18, 1928 Twins and Bartholf’s in
for mail and merchandise. Mail train went north, brought
last Saturday’s mail. Ed Mullen left for Inside. Evening
big dance on at Fairview. Got out Seattle mail. Had
in Fifth Avenue Theater, Seattle, KOMO. Oil and butter arrived.
May 20, 1928 Sunday, in store AM PM varnished
linoleum in kitchen and office. Ma visited on Mrs. Wagner.
Eva in Seward waiting for Star to go to Bristol Bay. Sharon’s
car arrived from Fairbanks. Mrs. Hartman in from Fishhook Inn.
May 21, 1928 Assembled spare tires for truck
and Olds car. Ma feeling better. Eva held up at Seward,
no boat till Thursday. Mike Sherry arrived, going to mines.
May 22, 1928 McDougal in from Fern Mine, had
to snow shoe from Fern Mine to Landers. Evening Gene Bartholf
and men in to trade, moving camp from 28 to Fishhook Inn. Stanley
in from ARC camp, mile 4. Eva still at Seward waiting for boat
to Westward. Wrote Schwabacher Bros. and Co. Dancer
making ready to go with extra gang on railroad.
May 23, 1928 Horning’s here, stopping at Black’s
ranch until snow goes off at Mable Mine. Dancer and family
left to go on extra gang on railroad.
May 24, 1928 Bogard and Metz in for merchandise.
Blodgett and wife down from Pittman for merchandise.
Eva left on Star for Bristol Bay. Myrtle left to join her sweetie
at Caswell. Ellexson’s in from Sunny Knik. Evening
answered M and M Co. about duplicate bill from Northwestern.
May 25, 1928 Put up order for Thorpe’s Mine.
Mrs. McDougal in to trade. Kinsella down from Pittman.
Road Commission graveled around Depot. Big picnic at Sunny
Knik. Miss Niemi’s Fairview School 7 autos went in for dance.
Good radio. Evening on Outside mail.
May 26, 1928 Hauled over 1 truck load groceries.
PM hauled over 3 truck loads groceries. Got in ton Outside
spuds. Gus and Burwell went to Anchorage. Evening
had in KGO, KOMO and KJR.
May 27, 1928 AM busy in store,
PM and evening, until 12, worked on Olds car. Snodgrass
over, paid all past accounts. Sharon took Donovan joy riding.
Everybody fishing.
May 28, 1928 A-1 summer day, +70.
Business good, sales $254.76. Lost bananas arrived and
Libby goods came. Four young men arrived looking for wood.
George Stellar out from Knik. Evening washed car. No
radio.
May 29, 1928 Hauled over Libby goods from Depot.
Robert Ward in to see his old girl from Gold Mint Thorpe’s
held up account packing goods to mines by Lander. St. Clair
back on ranch. Evening polished up Olds car. No radio.
May 30, 1928 Decoration Day. AM busy
in store and with car, PM closed store. With Ma and Sam
Kelly, drove to Knik and cleaned up Elmer’s grave, had a blow
out passing Donovan’s. Left sack spuds for Crocker mink
ranch. Three quarters of road good, drove back in 55 minutes.
May 31, 1928 Business good, sales $243.05.
New agent with wife and dog arrived to relieve Frank Cook,
old agent. Evening on monthly statements. B and H went
up to Mable Mine, too much snow, came back
June 1, 1928 Business above normal, +68.
Self on monthly statements most of day and all evening.
First electric Brill car went south today. Rica and brother
left for Douglas, Alaska. Agent Cook removed to Junction.
ARC new Cat arrived. Ma feeling better.
June 2, 1928 AM finished Outside mail and hardware
and drug order. Snider and Marion went to Anchorage.
ARC new Cat smoothing up Knik Road. Ulch went to Anchorage,
sold him ½ ton spuds. Evening fixed Olds blow-out tire.
Fire south of Lucille Lake PM. Dance on at Junction.
June 3, 1928 Sunday, light rain all day,
+50. Cleaned out hardware show window to display new
goods. Clarence Marsh here to trade, drove on in to Knik.
Harvey with Ward, joy riding. Crowd went to Knik, got stuck
2 times account no chains, battery or crank. White over from
Government farm. Gas fishing car went dead here, got a tow
to Anchorage. Not a sound on radio.
June 4, 1928 Business good, sales $178.63 and
collections $157. Sent 1 order to Caswell. White,
Marion Twins man, arrived and his son Al. Ulch left with
bunch of miners for the Lucky Shot Mine. Stanley sold his
car back to Mrs. Hartman. Dan Gray and Mrs. H. came in for
car. Letter from Clara, now at Athens, Ohio. Kelly got
work with ARC
June 5, 1928 Business good, sales $132.53.
B and H took grub order out to Mabel Mine in touring car.
Pt. Barrow lost fliers reported safe, 3 machines lost.
Stanley bought Fred’s car $500. Nellie and Dan in from
Fishhook with 2 passengers, went dead at 15 lost a “screw” out,
car going back. Jess Garver bought grub for his mine.
Gus went out to 49 Miller’s homestead.
June 6, 1928 Business good, sales $194.90.
Ordered oats from Anchorage, could not get seed wheat or oats
there. Marion Twins looking for Outside draft to cover
May payroll. Al White now hauling Gold Mint freight.
Evening Stanley gave Mrs. Pennington, Ma and self joy ride in his
new sedan car via Junction by Old Tote Road, returned Palmer Road.
Snider got new sedan car.
June 7, 1928 First hot day, +80 in shade.
Business good, sales $190.01, monthly collections slow.
Marcell Bunge’s school picnic at Stern’s ranch. Big dance,
evening, at school house, Edlund orchestra music. Gave school
kids box apples.
June 8, 1928 Second hot day, +80 in shade.
Marion Twins paying monthly bills. Horning and family
moved from Black ranch to Mabel Mine. Old Vail quit work
on section, sore feet. Evening paying Seattle invoices.
S. D. Fleck leased Fishhook Inn.
June 9, 1928 Third hot day. Bunge, Wasilla
school teacher, left for Outside, also Matt March quit Wasilla
Hotel and left for Tacoma. S. D. Fleckenstein took over
Fishhook Inn on lease. Mrs. Pennington also quit Wasilla
Hotel and went down to St. Clair’s fish ranch. Mrs. Hartman
now operating Wasilla Hotel with Dan Gray. Struck gas at Chickaloon
oil well.
June 10, 1928 Sunday, fourth hot day,
+80. PM decorated hardware window with green and red enamelware.
Cleaned up balcony. Evening Stanley took us and Oberg’s in
to Sunny Knik. Roses all in bloom on road. Put boot in
Olds tire. Too hot and too much light for radio.
June 11, 1928 Tommy McNeil and Fiddler Edlund
went to work on section. Pay Day Wilson went out to do assessment
of Stiles Mine. Got letters from Eva, Bristol Bay.
Had fresh rhubarb today.
June 12, 1928 Gene Bartholf in from Gold Cord
Mine, reported 4’ snow from G. B. Cache to Gold Cord. Cars
now going to Mabel Mine. Stanley moved down to ARC camp
near government farm. Evening had in 2 stations but mushy.
Gus left to do assessment on OGH Placer Mine.
June 13, 1928 Put up large order for Gold Cord
Mine. Bartholf went to Anchorage, also Tommy McNeil and
Eddie Edlund (for railroad exam). Smith, of Palmer, over
after Cook’s tractor. Wired for groceries, oats and fruit.
Stanley, Shorty and Kelly up from ARC Road camp, Matanuska.
June 14, 1928 Wade family over with eggs.
Last Italian North Pole fliers heard from, landed 220 miles from
Kings Bay on ice. Evening drove down to St. Clair’s ranch
with Mrs. Pennington’s mail. Stanley in over Bogard Road,
NG, for car.
June 15, 1928 Houston and Pittman section men
down to trade. Got West Coast Theater over KOMO.
June 16, 1928 Jess Garver in for more grub.
Evening Horning’s in for grub. Went down to hoe garden
at Black’s ranch. White, Vice President of Marion Twins G.
M. Co. left for Los Angeles. Fixed up front cushion on Olds
car. Regular poker game on at Hans, the Judge star player.
June 17, 1928 Stanley up from ARC Matanuska
camp with his sedan. School marm here looking for school.
Two fishing parties went up line on gas cars. Too cool to go joy
riding, so Ma said.
June 18, 1928 A-1 hot day, +76. Evening
Stanley took us out over Bogard Road. Pat Irish over from
Palmer to trade. Evening had good program ¾ hour
over KOMO. Midnight, raining.
June 19, 1928 Windy weather. Business
good, sales $185.72. Hauled over 1 truck load groceries
and BB shoes. Henry Fischer, here from Knik, looking for
work. Pearl Shough and new husband back from Willow Creek
District. Mr. Kempf went to mines. Evening drove down
to ARC camp near Junction, barn burned up. Chas Isaac and wife
left for Gold Cord Mine.
June 20, 1928 Partly cloudy, showers,
cooler. Got out order for tobacco and groceries. Chas
Harrison got Fischer’s horse to haul out Gold Cord mining timber.
Evening drove out to 19. Oberg’s lumber arrived.
June 21, 1928 Cloudy weather, business
1/3 off today. Got out some of weekend orders and mail.
Stanley and Clarence up from ARC camp. Heavy earthquake,
6:30 AM this morning, made saws and kettles rattle in store.
Chas Harrison went out to deck Gold Cord logs, mile 11.
June 22, 1928 Snider hauling lumber with Marion
Twins truck. Fries got job with ARC. Busy writing
up clothing and hardware orders. Got first ripe strawberries
from Sunny Knik.
June 23, 1928 Metz in, said garden truck doing
nothing and small grain looking fair. Evening rode down
to mile 12 with Stanley. Assembled awning at side entrance.
Osborn up from Junction.
June 24, 1928 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
cool, 40 to 50 above. Evening hung awning on side entrance of
store. Stanley painted top of his sedan car. McAllen
arrived on gas car, left for mines with his car. Pat Irish
left for Thorpe Mine, Grubstake. Gold Cord backers arrived.
June 25, 1928 Cloudy showers cool.
Business good sales $138.25. Gold Cord financiers bought
$65 worth of clothing, Gene Bartholf in to take them out to mines.
New snow on mountain peaks. Big mail, got hardware, drugs,
meats and forage. Mrs. Pennington went in to visit Mrs. Ellexson.
Mrs. H. sold Mabel cabin.
June 26, 1928 Partly cloudy, warmer,
+70 at noon, business 50% off today. ARC making ready
to build Gold Mint Road. Papa, Mama and baby arrived on Brill
car, Mike Sherry’s backer. Priced up drugs. Mosquitoes
biting good. Answered Clara’s letter, sent map of new roads,
told her Seymour farm had to go. Delivered Joe Palmer’s goods.
June 27, 1928 Business rotten today, 3/5 off.
Gene Bartholf and backer went to Anchorage. Evening drove
out to Fishhook Inn, invited Ketchem’s and Florence Oberg.
Gus came over from Grubstake, too much snow, got water in ditches.
Capt. Nobles taken off North Pole ice by airplane, Amundson located
on ice. Gus 15 days at Grubstake.
June 28, 1928 Gus in from Grubstake, out 16
days. PM train day, had usual rush of business. McAllen
back from mines. Bear let Sharon’s foxes out and ate two pups
yesterday. Reed, Anchorage Hotel, here looking for electric
customers and selling stock on Eklutna Hydroelectric Plant.
Evening Ma rode out to Fishhook with Stanley. No radio, moon
in way.
June 29, 1928 A-1 day, +70. Jack W. Nelson,
new buyer of the Mabel cabin, bought a $50 outfit. Stiles
returned to Anchorage. Ma not feeling good account old nerve
trouble. Stanley up from Junction ARC camp, took bath in
Lake Wasilla. Mrs. Hartman bought Cook’s ranch cabin for $75
going to move it to Wasilla.
June 30, 1928 Got 2 orders from Caswell.
ARC camp moving from Matanuska Road to Gold Mint, new road at
Fishhook. Evening oiled store floor. Brought in KFRC,
San Francisco but was mushy. Reed returned to Anchorage after
introducing Eklutna Electric. North Pole fliers still on ice
flows, fog detains rescue.
July 1, 1928 Got 4 orders to go north, busy
all day packing goods. Stanley moved out to Gold Mint new road.
Ellexson and Mrs. Pennington in from Knik. Drove out over
Bogard Road. Plan to have kids races July 4th. Secretary
Anchorage Light and Power Company here.
July 2, 1928 A-1 day, +80 in shade.
Business good, sales $228.05. Mail train 1 hour late.
Usual crowd on train day and rush PM. Received letter
from Clara, still in Athens Ohio. Also letter from Eva,
going to stay over another boat at Bristol Bay with parents. Donovan
reported Roscher was going nuts.
July 3, 1928 Temperature +82. Self hauled
over 4 truck loads of freight and stored it away. Got first
strawberries of season. Evening ARC road gang in to spend
the fourth. Clarence Marsh up to trade.
Fred Roscher left $600 for deposit in bank, someone stole his bank
book and cash.
July 4, 1928 A-1 sunny day. Had kid races
at Wasilla, Stanley won men’s race, Eddie Edlund second.
Evening all attended dance at Sunny Knik, took Mrs. DeMars with
us, brought Mrs. Donovan home, 17 cars, 85 at dance.
Mosquitoes bad at Knik, road, rough. Hit a dog on road by
Roscher’s.
July 5, 1928 Reported dog hit was Donovan’s.
Business good, $237.83, collections $512.96.
Jess Garver and Sam Peters back from Anchorage. Evening took Gus
and grub for placer mine, out to Fishhook Inn. Ellexson’s brought
Mrs. Pennington back to ranch. Pat and Nolan left for Grubstake
with team.
July 6, 1928 Cloudy, evening rain.
Business normal, collections good, bank deposit $2,058.65.
Tourist party in Brill car from Richardson auto road.
Received orders for 100 berry crates from Fairbanks and order
for strawberries from Seward. Harrison moved up to Holden ranch
to pick strawberries.
July 7, 1928 Golden Bear and Marion Twins managers
in. Post Office locked up, still celebrating. Wired
for cord tires for Golden Bear Mining Co. Harrison back
from Holden ranch, said berries would be fair crop. Evening
fixed up Wasilla Street sign. No radio.
July 8, 1928 Sunday, cloudy, evening
rain. Golden Bear Mining Co. hauling in high grade ore to ship
Outside. Gold Mint sent first cleanup to bank, short on
payroll, asked us to protect 4 months checks. Someone stole
railroad gasoline at section.
July 9, 1928 A-1 hot day. Mr. Pyle back
from Anchorage. Mrs. Horning and Gene in from Mabel Mine
went to Black ranch. Received 2nd lot melons, new spuds, carrots
and cabbage from Outside. Leonard Grau back from States.
Shorty and Stanley talking of opening store at Ninilchick, Cook
Inlet.
July 10, 1928 A-1 sunny day. Business
good, sales $225.32. Stanley in with orders for ARC help.
Houston Section men down to trade. Harvey and Fleming in
from ARC camp. Evening drove down to Black’s ranch, mosquitoes
by the millions. Horning hoeing garden. McDougal in.
Mrs. Fleming fell down stairs. Horning came in from mines to
look for family.
July 11, 1928 Put up order for Caswell Lake
Fur Farm. Harvey Rutter went to Anchorage to have two
teeth out. Gold Cord in for hay and oats account hauling out rich
ore to ship Outside. Postmaster reported no more mail put off
at Flag Station. Ma not feeling well, old trouble.
July 12, 1928 Gus in from Grubstake, got contract
to haul Gold Cord ore. Gus at Grubstake 6 days this trip
and 15 days 1st trip, 21 days. Evening made map of Wasilla
auto roads for railroad picnickers coming July 22nd on annual picnic.
July 13, 1928 Cloudy, evening rain, business
50% off today. Got out orders for groceries, crackers,
etc. Shorty dragged Knik Road. Leonard Grau hauling
car coal for Nellie. Nellie and Gold Cord shopper gone fishing.
Evening radio good for 1 hour. Sent auto road map to Mr. McCletchen,
railroad picnic president and one to Sol Silverman. Ma not
feeling good.
July 14, 1928 Kinney and son, the man once
hung at Lake Creek, arrived from north. Picked over eating
apples, 2/3 rotten. Evening delivered Walter’s fish salt
and barrels at Vail’s ranch. Dance on at school house, had
trouble to get music, Stanley and mother played 1 round. No
radio tonight.
July 15, 1928 Sunday, busy in store AM.
Bogard’s sister, Mrs. Pike, arrived on PM Brill car for a visit,
came from Idaho. Big bunch tourists on Saturday boat, had
to come to Anchorage for hotel accommodations. Filled office
tank with gas. Cloudy, mosquitoes bad.
July 16, 1928 Horning went to farm to hoe garden,
went back to mines in evening with grub. Wire rope man here.
Kinney bought the Cook cabin at mile 7 for winter home.
Got big mail, groceries and hardware arrived. Ellexson out, L. D.
sick with “wheatena”. Evening good radio for 1 hour.
July 17, 1928 Mr. Pyle in from Gold Mint with
orders. Hauled over 3 truck loads groceries and hardware and
gasoline from Depot. General Obregon assassinated in Mexico Hoover’s
special train on way to Los Angeles.
July 18, 1928 Phil Allen visited for horse
gear. Evening Snider’s and Ketchem’s drove to Junction
to attend a Krogh card party. Ben Marino mowing grass on
Knik Road. Sam Kelly in from ARC camp. Rain holding up road
work at mines.
July 19, 1928 Business good, sales $308.85.
Got Outside mail but no freight off Evans at Seward. Golden
Bear loading a car of high grade ore to ship to Tacoma smelter.
Stanley in from ARC summit camp with orders for help. Vic
Blodgett down to trade. No berries account cloudy, rainy weather.
July 20, 1928 Bogard and sister in to
trade. William R. Law, President of Golden Bear Mining
Co. left for Los Angeles to attend his law business shipped 8,000
car of ore. Evening busy on Seattle mail.
July 21, 1928 Golden Bear and Marion Twins
in for groceries. Gus in from Gold Cord, leg on the bum.
Pat Irish driving his team, hauling ore. Stanley in from
summit ARC camp with orders for help. Salmon running, everybody
fishing. Ellexson’s caught red fox on road. Wilmoth and Ketchem
went to Anchorage on Brill car. Annual report on F. B. Cannon estate.
July 22, 1928 Cleaned up magneto on Olds car.
Felch’s son here for Munsingwear order. Willie and Ketch
back from Anchorage on Brill car. Freight train took out
car Golden Bear ore. Had first fresh salmon.
Snider had to fix his road to get to town.
July 23, 1928 A-1 day, business
rushing, sales $200.41, usual train day rush. Noon, drove
Baxter Felch down to Thorpe’s Hill to see the country. Received
1st casabas, ice cream, melons. Stanley in from ARC summit
camp. Mrs. Horning and Gene in for merchandise, Doc David’s daughter
returned with them to Mabel Mine for a visit. Received snow
shoe order from Shields at Dillingham. Radio for 15 minutes
at 10:15 PM.
July 24, 1928 Drizzling rain, all
day, business ¼ off normal. Government man, Dr.
E. F. Graves here looking for location for experimental fur farm,
Stern ranch in view. Hauled over truck load Outside freight.
Rain about finished strawberries. Snowed last night at
Gold Cord. Salmon running fairly good.
July 25, 1928 Business good, sales $122.85.
Campbell, Walter, Fanning and wife over to trade. Fanning
proved up on homestead. Cattleman and wife here, went out
to mines to camp. Engstrom in to trade. Evening Gus
in, pile of baled hay fell on him and hurt his back Evening
drove down to Tote Road. Gene Bartholf in town.
July 26, 1928 First airplane to land at Wasilla,
15 minutes from Anchorage, brought passenger to catch train
here. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Stanley and Shorty in from
ARC summit camp hunting for strawberries. Snider back from
Anchorage. Tunney won, 11th round, radio fair.
July 27, 1928 Hauled over 3 truck loads freight
from Depot. Paid COD for Golden Bear Mining Company, $131.47.
Hotels preparing for railroad picnickers. Stanley in for
2 days from ARC to clean up house. By radio, Seattle now
has 500,680 population. Baldwin, locomotive man, died today.
July 28, 1928 Ulsh in from Lucky Shot Mine,
also McAllen. Fern Mine got car load coal. A. F.
Phelps and Sweet Marie left for California. Evening dance
on at Matanuska. Ma took on bad cold today. Big railroad
picnic due tomorrow. No radio.
July 29, 1928 Sunday, big annual railroad
picnic, seven passenger cars and 11 flats loaded with 21 autos
from Anchorage. Band played in front of our store, gave
them box of Mozart’s. Auto’s motored through valley.
Stanley sold Chev. car and bought 1928 Nash for $400. K. T.
Co. honored by band. Had Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse at lunch, Stanley
drove them over Finger Lake Road.
July 30, 1928 Sixty years on deck, OGH birthday,
3 score and going strong. Ma got bad cold. Got
15 crates new spuds, cost 5¢, selling at 6¢ a pound.
Stanley in for coal for ARC, got wire from Eva at Dillingham, not
coming on this SS Star. Radio, 15 minutes good.
July 31, 1928 Hauled over 2 truck loads of
Seattle freight. Walter and Fanning over from Palmer.
Sold Walter load potato crates, $6. Stanley took out load
coal for ARC, back evening with his car. Fred Crocker got
largest and best strawberries. peas, etc. Filed assessment
work, canyon group. Ben through with Road Commission.
August 1, 1928 Evening finished one file account
monthly statements, 3 more to do. Ma’s cold some better.
Good head lettuce and carrots now available. Rained about
all day. No radio.
August 2, 1928 Heavy rain all last night and
today. Business good, sales $139.73. Shipped 1
order to Caswell. Evening cleaned up 2 more files on monthly
accounts. Rode down to 12 mile with Stanley’s Nash sedan
six. Snider sold 75 pair mink for $6,000, big blow out at
Snider’s tonight. Shonbeck and Ervin, Standard Oil man, here.
No work at ARC camp account rain.
August 3, 1928 Business slow, 40% off
today. Wrote Marshal Wells Co. about Quaker furnace.
Ordered turps and paints etc. Evening finished monthly
statements. Shonbeck and Standard Oil man drove east.
Evening Stanley and Shorty in. Self and Ma drove out to 19.
Radio good, got KJR and KOMO.
August 4, 1928 Ueek in, left his dogs with
McNeil, going to pack grub to Caribou Creek account trap line.
Bogard’s sister went to Anchorage. Mrs. Pyle, with 124
oz. cleanup at Gold Mint Mine went to Anchorage. Evening got rick
wood left by Doherty’s.
August 5, 1928 No one from here went on Chickaloon
excursion. Received order from Thorpe’s and packed Marion
Twin order. Oiled up store doors and awning. Chas
Spaulding walked to Pittman to visit Vic Blodgett.
August 6, 1928 Horning in for grub and
vegetables at Black Ranch. Ellexson in with 5 pound cabbage.
Sam Kelly back from milk diet at Sunny Knik. Groceries, candy,
cakes, coffee, drugs arrived. New vegetables now available.
Wells rented Aureen cabin.
August 7, 1928 Business good, sales $179.20,
collections $404.65. Hugo Johnson, Golden Bear, in for
supplies. Mrs. Pike, Bogard’s sister, back from doing Anchorage.
Ellexson’s in with new cabbage, 6 pounds. Alaska Road Surveyors
here.
August 8, 1928 Standard Oil man and ARC
surveyor back from Willow Creek District. PM drove down
to Vail’s for airing, got 2 pints strawberries. Priced up drugs
and spices. Ma got bad cough from cold.
August 9, 1928 A-1 day, evening showers.
Business good, sales $198.55. Vic Blodgett down from
Pittman with Chas Spaulding. Evening booze party on at
Knik, hired Sharon and Stanley’s cars to take them in. Mrs.
Wilmoth came over to store, wild as a moose, because Howard joined
the Johnson and Spaulding party, Home Sweet Home.
August 10, 1928 Gus in, going to assessment
work on his claims. Hans tried to sell his roadhouse to
Nellie for $5,000, tide has turned? Checked out over $1,000
and deposited $1,200.
August 11, 1928 Golden bear man up against
it for tires. Hugo building new quarters at Gold Cord Mine.
Snider shipped his $6,000 sale of mink. Evening barn dance
on at Fairview school house.
August 12, 1928 Sunday, Cloudy. Busy
in store. PM tried to adjust clutch on Olds car. Got so couldn’t
shift gears when starting engine. George Bailey visited (on
gas car) looking for case duck shells. Dance last night at
Fairview. Ordered Ingersol clocks and watches. No radio.
August 13, 1928 Delayed freight at Seward arrived
PM, lumber arrived for Golden Bear Mining Co. building
quarters at Gold Cord Mine. Stanley through with ARC, going
Outside account eyes, throat and teeth. Radio good, KPO,
KHJ, KOMO. Jonathan Hedberg arrived. Girl Scouts arrived
for picnic.
August 14, 1928 Business good, sales $240.79.
Stanley back in store today. Delivered grub at Stern’s
place for Girl Scouts. Hauled over hardware and groceries
from Depot. Busy in store all day, farmers and miners.
August 15, 1928 A-1 day, +70. Business
good, sales $353.65. Harman over from Big Lake to trade.
Stanley, Hugo and several went to Anchorage. Horning down
from Mabel Mine, went to Black ranch for green stuff. Gus
took party to pick berries at government farm. Oberg in and
drunk.
August 16, 1928 Shipped ton forage north.
Hauled over load flour from track warehouse. Stanley back
from Anchorage, couldn’t get reservations on Saturday boat.
Ex-Miss Niemenan and baby went to Knik with Ellexson’s to put up
berries. Evening radio but mushy.
August 17, 1928 A-1 day, +72, business
1/5 off, collections fair. Bank deposits today $2,400.
Girl Scouts drove out to Fishhook Inn. Hauled over oil and
eggs PM. Mrs. Ward, non-payee, down from Fishhook. Mrs. Hartman
told her she would padlock the door if she didn’t pay the rent.
Mrs. McDougal in from mines with Horning. Strawberry and steak dinner.
August 18, 1928 Stanley and Al White left for
Seward to catch the boat for Seattle. Marshal Stacer and family
arrived from Anchorage with car to auto through valley.
Snider back from Talkeetna with more mink. Vail paid last
of winter bill. Evening soft, no radio.
August 19, 1928 Sunday, rain. Nagley
family arrived last night, on Brill car, looking to put Jr.
in school here. Mr. Doyle and son Allen arrived from Los
Angels to inspect Marion Twin Mines. Had dinner at hotel with
Nagley family. Sold Stump $50 order. Walter over with
new car. Had first blueberry pie.
August 20, 1928 Drove down to Vail’s, got 3
sacks, 1st local spuds, at $4. Vail and Walter’s just finished
dressing big black bear. Nagley family returned home.
Stanley got passage OK on SS Aleutian for Seattle on Sunday.
Doyle went to the mines.
August 21, 1928 Business good, sales $172.35.
PM hauled over groceries and gunny sacks from Depot. Pyle
and Doyle back from inspecting Gold Mint Mine, going to Craggie
Prospect tomorrow. Rainy season on again, crops growing
but not maturing. Mary Ward promised to pay bill September 1st.
August 22, 1928 Cloudy, windy, rain,
business good, sales $236.18. Orders from mines and Houston
section booted sales. Pyle, Doyle and engineer left to
inspect Paddy’s prospect on Craggie Creek. Preacher family
moved into Hatcher house. Evening fine radio 8 to 10:45, got
PI news flashes Al Smith would modify the 18th amendment. Mrs.
Wilmoth told Ma that St. Clair was going to beat me up when endorsed
note was paid, some gratitude.
August 23, 1928 No freight north today, wash
out on Seward Division. Golden Bear got their truck overhauled.
Gus in. Bill Long in from ARC taking a week off at ranch.
Mrs. Cameron of Cameron Café visited. Stacer up
to visit with family touring valley. Evening worked on Olds
clutch.
August 24, 1928 Business good, sales $156.95.
Gust Haller in with his coupe, drove out to Mabel Mine.
Horning’s in for grub and vegetables from Black ranch. Cameron’s
drove to Knik. Hoffman here with Stacer’s car. Bill
Long had Sharon drive him to Knik. Bill full of pop? Gene Tunney
arrived in Ireland, guest of John McCormack. Evening got spuds
and wood from Vail’s. Radio good, got news flashes.
August 25, 1928 JJ Doyle and son left for Los
Angeles. Boy Scouts returned to Anchorage. Doyle
well pleased with Marion Twin Mines prospects. PM worked on
clutch on Olds car, no fix ‘em. No Pacific Coast radio but
10 PM brought in Wellington, New Zealand, station 2YK church services,
then fine program.
August 26, 1928 Sunday, A-1 sunny day,
quiet in Wasilla. Tryck family back from weekend at Anchorage.
Gene Bartholf back from McKinley District by airplane. PM
worked on Olds clutch, failed to make adjustments. Wade’s
house burned down.
August 27, 1928 Weather cloudy.
Business good, sales $139.55. Got roofing, paints, hardware,
ammunition and coffee on today’s freight. Kelly building
cloak room on to school house. Gene Bartholf gone out to
do assessment on Independent Mine. Forty Mile Miller in to
trade, had ore from his new summit mine.
August 28, 1928 Wired merchandise orders to
Stanley at Hotel St. Regis, Seattle. Rica Niemi arrived to teach
Fairview school. Wade benefit dance off, Wade phoned that he didn’t
need help. Mrs. Pennington up from St. Clair ranch. No
radio tonight. Grau and Kloss gone prospecting.
August 29, 1928 Mrs. McBeth, teacher for Wasilla
school, arrived. Gold Cord truck on a drunk, in ditch
all night at McNeil’s. Evening dance on at school house
account new school teachers. no music, only phonograph.
August 30, 1928 Business
slow, 50% off. Evans freight train 6 hours late.
Received wire from Stanley in Seattle, placed our orders, gone
to visit Earl Hartman over Sunday. Gold Cord truck still
on a drunk. Evening Arabian Nights over KOMO, wonderful
reception for 2½ hours.
August 31, 1928 Cloudy, windy, showers.
Business good, sales $250.95. August sales $4,075.72.
Only butter and eggs came on yesterdays freight, 8 tons left
at Seward. Forty Mile Miller and Hans reported a blow out
on summit of Black Bluff, east end of Bald Mt. Gold Cord truck
driver got fired for being drunk.
September 1, 1928 Weather cloudy and
cooler. Business good, sales $321.88. rushed in
store all day. Patzack down to trade. Shipped case
shells to Anchorage. Snider gave black bear a run for his
life driving to Knik. Svaleson’s moved in to Nellie’s ice box.
Tom Cavanaugh and several quit road work. Horning’s in for
fresh vegetables at Black ranch. Mrs. McDougal in for weekend,
also Kloss.
September 2, 1928 Sunday, busy packing
orders. Patzack still buying, bought an eye glass and dog
collar. Snider out joy riding. Got out all statements
but ARC file. Mrs. Hartman laid law down to Sharon account of
drunks.
September 3, 1928 Business rushing, sales $253.93,
collections $549.42. Delayed car freight arrived.
Gold Mint shut down, working on Craigie prospect. Big
crowd in town today. Marion boys had a drunk at Fishhook
Inn yesterday.
September 4, 1928 Rain all day. Jake
Metz helped me unload half car freight in track warehouse and
I fixed his pump. Got first new carrots and rutabagas.
Golden Bear got car Eska coal. Wired Stanley to buy Zenith
furnace and Allen parlor furnace. Poker game on at Wasilla Hotel,
the judge and wife star players.
September 5, 1928 A-1 day, evening rain.
Business good, sales $261.91. Hauled over 2 tons merchandise
from track warehouse. Received wire from Stanley, leaving Seattle
8th, wanted $50 wired him, $70 with more orders. Evening
radio good, KGO, KHJ and 2YA New Zealand. Checked out $1,111.90
Seattle invoices.
September 6, 1928 Business slow 40% off today,
got truck load merchandise. Opened up green hood box
and found 9/12 dozen shirts hooked and in transit. Eva
arrived home after summer visit with her parents at Dillingham, Bristol
Bay District. Mountains covered with new snow. Fries through
with ARC.
September 7, 1928 Business good, sales $157.35.
Heavy rain last night, mountains covered with snow. Took
2 men, 4 days to sack car coal for G. B. M. Co. Up till 2 o’clock
on Seattle mail and invoices.
September 8, 1928 Cloudy, cold, rain,
put up two trapper orders. Snider took Wilmoth, Ketchem
and McNeil to Edlund tide flats for a duck hunt. Several
more Marion Twin men through, snowed down to timberline on Bald
Mt. Fries erecting building for Snider.
September 9, 1928 Finished packing 2 trappers
orders. There is snow on the mountains but no snow on
the flats. “The bull jumped the bell cow, now what do you
think of that?” farm poetry 1880. Leaves turning, autumn here.
Clear evening, probably first frost. Wire from Stanley, left
Seattle Saturday.
September 10, 1928 A-1 day, frost last
night. Business good, sales $251.10, usual train day
crowd around. Got fruit and glove order and spring for Stanley’s
car. Mrs. Nagley and Jr. arrived to live in Zink house for school
term. Evening KOMO and New Zealand fine.
September 11, 1928 Business slow, 50% off today.
Average sales to date, $150 day for September. Kelly
painting school house. Good spuds, carrots and rutabagas
now available. Harold Kenny through at Twins. Evening
not a sound on radio. Priced up Munsingwear. Anchorage
Times reporter in town.
September 12, 1928 Metz in with chickens for
Anchorage market. Gold Cord truck out of commission.
Sliver with Eva went into ditch on way to Matanuska, Eva walked.
Radio excellent for 2 hours. Snider building a cold storage.
September 13, 1928 Business good, sales $143.65.
Jess Garver back from Anchorage with partner, bought $90 grub
outfit, going to mines. Kenny and son now on ranch, mile
7. Ellexson’s drove down to Junction on social calls.
Evening put up Garver’s order. Freezing tonight. No
radio. Gus car out of commission, rear end.
September 14, 1928 A-1 day, +14 last
night. Business good, sales $223.45. Cyclone in
Illinois and Puerto Rico, New Indies, got by radio 10 PM today.
Jess Garver and partner left for Willow Creek till Xmas. Vic
Olson and partner here, bought $100 outfit. KOMO radio good.
September 15, 1928 Got phone call from Stanley,
arrived at Seward from Seattle, coming to Anchorage and Matanuska
Sunday. Eddie Peabody gave fine program at Seattle Theater leaving
Wednesday for Paramount Theater, New York. Dance on at school
house. Eva went to Fern Mine with Pyle.
September 16, 1928 Stanley arrived home, came
by speeder from Seward. Quiet in town, dancers all sleeping.
Oiled up both cars. PM Mowed grass in front of store.
Evening radio good. Clyde Burkett installing 20
radials for Fairview teacher. Another peddler in town.
September 17, 1928 Business rushing, sales
$338.79. Stanley chief clerk again, took Ma’s place.
Turnagain Arm Smith paid his old 1922 bill with spuds at $60 a
ton. O. C. Miller bought grub outfit. Hugo Johnson
back from a week at Anchorage had trouble to get credit for 2 car
ore sent out. Radio good.
September 18, 1928 Line storm.
Business slow account rain all day. Hauled over 4 tons
freight from railroad. Installed $100 Allen parlor heater
in office. Evening Stanley and Eva drove to Knik for chicken
dinner. Gus got car Jonesville coal. Snider grading
his road to town. No radio account storm.
September 19, 1928 Stanley hauled in 4 tons
nut coal bought off Gus. Gus delivered coal to school house
and Wilmoth’s. Hauled out garbage and got 4 sacks cement
sand. Snider got car lumber for his cold storage building.
Marion Twin shut down, now running new tunnel. No radio account
weather.
September 20, 1928 Business good, sales $132.20.
No freight on mail from boat at Seward. New Alaska Road
Commission here, went out with Snider car and put it on the bum.
Marion Twins brought in their pig. Evening radio NG, got
a little late by ear phones. Evening Stanley and Eva drove
to Fishhook Inn.
September 21, 1928 Sunny day. Business
slow, 40% off today. Self worked in warehouse.
Got out Seattle mail, hauled in 1½ tons oil. Delivered
cement at school house account foundation by Kelly. Hugo
in from Gold Cord, sore account hold up of funds, can’t get in winter
grub.
September 22, 1928 First fall wind to help
sun across the line. Marked up balance of new hardware.
Had Mrs. Nagley and Jr. at dinner. Evening Stanley took
dinner party to Matanuska. Horning’s at Black ranch for vegetables.
Ordered felt shoes and dried fruit. Windy, no radio.
September 23, 1928 Sunday, A-1 spring
day, warm, quiet in town. Gave Mayor of Lake Lucille carton
of cigarettes account collecting siwash bill. Stanley
drove to Fishhook Inn for ptarmigan. Railroad agent out
duck hunting. Evening got church services in San Francisco
but not clear. Shaved and trimmed corns.
September 24, 1928 Got 3 truck loads Outside
freight. Mrs. Ellexson back from weekend at Anchorage.
Kelly through with new cement foundation under school house.
Evening radio from San Diego, Seattle and Wellington, New Zealand.
Pyle butchered Marion Twin pig.
September 25, 1928 Business good, sales $140.35.
Marked up rubber packs and Portland clothing. O. C. Miller
in town, Stanley drove him home in evening. Gold Cord
got parts to fix up their truck.
September 26, 1928 Farmers busy digging spuds
and caring for grain. Gold Cord got truck fixed up and
hauling again, ore and coal. PM worked on Olds clutch, still
froze. Evening Stanley and Eva drove to Matanuska.
No radio.
September 27, 1928 Business good, sales $190.72.
Heavy rain most all day while writing this, listening to a
contralto singer in New Zealand. Vic Blodgett down from
Pittman for supplies. No freight today, got Watson mail.
Railroad ran a Brill car as passenger today. Radio bum.
September 28, 1928 Freight arrived, but no
freight from Seward boat. Had Stanley joy ride Ma out
for noonday sun. Busy writing up grocery and hardware
order from Seattle. Early evening, radio good then big
moon spoiled it, all cracks. Pyle got wire to close down Marion
Twin October 1st.
September 29, 1928 Monthly sales near the $4,000
mark. Hugo in, paid August account. G. B. M. Co.
sent out big mail. Ordered Libby meats and T. G. preserves.
Evening 19th wedding anniversary, Ellexson’s, at Knik, dance
on. Wasilla people gave them a red granite kitchen set.
Dancers work train went through to Seward.
September 30, 1928 Sunday, partly cloudy.
Stanley drove us over Finger Lake Road to Palmer down railroad
to Junction back home by government farm and hall. ARC
moved camp from Marion Road to Wasilla Creek near Hall. 5:30
PM big chicken dinner at Mrs. Nagley’s at Zink house. KFRC came
in with great volume.
October 1, 1928 A-1 sunny day.
Business good, sales $174.75, collections $376.80. Ma
store keeper, Self on monthly statements. Stanley and Tommy
unloading car Healy coal. Railroad bridge gang here.
Furnace for store arrived, boiler type. John Hedberg
in town. Radio fair but cracky. Froze last night.
October 2, 1928 Partly cloudy.
Business good, sales $208.73. Delivered 2 tons Healy
coal to Mrs. Nagley. PM truck broke down, key in pinion
gear cut off again. Ten ton of coal still on car. Had
Hans haul over groceries and new furnace. Thorpe’s in from mines.
October 3, 1928 Clear and colder.
Business normal, sales $110.90. Had another run after
5 PM from bridge gang on clothing. Got 2 orders from Caswell.
Pyle sold Marion Twin cow to Snider for $50, white team to Nick
Pykle, going to winter big bay team at Palmer. Evening Stanley
and Eva drove to Junction. Early evening radio fair.
October 4, 1928 A-1 day, cool wind.
Business good, sales $195.75. Brill car today with mail.
Pat Irish through hauling ore for Gold Cord. Had 1 good order
for Caswell. Nick Pykle bought bay team, also from Marion
Twin. Evening radio good till 9, brought in 16 stations, moon
up, NG. Miller’s cache burned down last night at mile 8, 2nd
fire.
October 5, 1928 Partly cloudy, cooler.
Sales below normal, collections good. Deposited over
$2,000 in bank paid Seattle invoices $989.11. Stanley and Pat
Irish went out moose hunting. Evening drove to Junction
with Pat. Radio good, heard the English Singers, 2YA good,
12 PM.
October 6, 1928
J. A. Pyle closed up Marion Twin Gold Mining Co. business and
left for Los Angeles. Started to set up new pipeless furnace.
Got all parts figured out, ready to lay cement foundation.
Al Harper and Fred Simmons passed out. KNX and KGO
came in fair.
October 7, 1928 Perfect day. Miller,
Stanley and self put in 6 x 12 foundation in basement account
new pipeless furnace. PM Stanley drove Miller home to
mile 8 ranch. Finished pricing up new goods. Evening
KFRC only station audible on the air, wrote them a note.
Evening Snodgrass over, paid 60 day past due account.
October 8, 1928 Business good, sales $146.25.
George Grennon up for merchandise. Big parcel post mail.
Got eggs, butter and smoked meats. Paddy Marion in from Gold
Mint Mine. Tom Cavanaugh moved lumber to build house on his
Lucille Lake ranch. 2YA coming in good, Wellington, New Zealand.
No radio from Pacific Coast this evening. Gene Tunney married
in Rome.
October 9, 1928 A-1 day, sun, warm.
Business good, sales $161 collections fair. Self made
wood frame to mold concrete block to assemble new furnace.
Ellexson out from Knik, missed coming Monday. Evening all radio
stations came in loud. Gus batching at Wasilla cabin.
October 10, 1928 Cloudy. Business
good, sales $297.40. Self put down concrete base slab
for new furnace. Ma helped on St. Pierre, Brassel and Hansen
orders. Golden Bear help back at mines, shipped 3rd car high
grade ore. Radio good, KNX OK. Gold Cord men shot goat at
mile 12.
October 11, 1928 Cloudy PM wind and rain,
business good, sales $159.95. Self working on cars.
Got Olds clutch working. Put truck over pit, account assembly
key in drive pinion. Evening Stanley and Ellexson drove to
Junction. Out butter and smoked meats. Early evening
radio good. Mary Ward check NG. Engstrom in for ton
cement.
October 12, 1928 Squally all day.
Business good, sales $149.45. Bogard in for supplies.
AM opened up rear end of truck found left drive shaft broken.
Stanley drove out for Miller. Self and Miller worked on new
furnace PM. Evening radio good.
October 13, 1928 Cloudy and warm.
Business normal. Trappers now placing orders. Miller
and self all day on furnace. Got double jacket on to top
hoods had to re-punch one jacket. Gold Cord outfit in, no
funds. Pat Irish blowing smoke. Evening radio good for
1 hour.
October 14, 1928 Saturday and Sunday sales
$318.55. Miller and self on furnace all day. Inside
casing 4” too large, had to cut it down. Now ready to assemble
register, worked until 9 PM. Had Kelly make 8” pipe and elbows.
KYA good, theater of the air.
October 15, 1928 Business good, sales $178.12.
Rain took frost out. Roads now cut up by autos.
Cut out hole for pipeless register, inner casing fit OK, outer
casing 4” off account wrong hood. Rush in store PM.
Pete Murray in for goods. Groceries, fruit and hardware arrived
PM.
October 16, 1928 Business above normal.
ARC moved into town to build road to aviation field on Snider
ranch. Finally got pipeless furnace assembled at noon today.
Had Miller put in window kitchen to annex.
October 17, 1928 Cloudy, warm wind.
Business good, sales $149.10. Miller finished window between
kitchen and annex and closed up register hole at front of stairs,
bought $60 outfit and went home at mile 8. Packed over 3
tons forage from railroad shed to track warehouse.
October 18, 1928 First snow. Business
good, sales $143.05 and collections $141.45. AM self cleaned
up pork barrels and made room for butter in cool room. Vic
Blodgett down from Pittman. Ground white this morning.
Radio NG, had KOMO 1 hour.
October 19, 1928 Cloudy, more snow.
Business good, sales $152.30. Self put fire bricks in
new coal furnace. Re-piped old furnace into flue to use
for low temperature, had a heck of a time jointing up pipe, had to
make several parts. ARC Palmer gang through.
October 20, 1928 Cloudy, warm wind, snow
gone. Business good, sales $195.15. ARC grading
road to Snider’s ranch and aviation field. Apron and necktie
dance on at Fairview. Ma went with the kids, back at 2
AM. No radio, not a peep. Kelly went to Anchorage.
October 21, 1928 Sunday, put top dressing
on furnace room floor and connected pipe to flue. Shorty
grading Snider’s road. Air dead, not a sound on radio.
Pipeless furnace ready to fire up.
October 22, 1928 Business good, sales $214.55.
Evening fired up new furnace, worked OK. Got car freight,
9 invoices. Evening moose dinner at Clarence Marsh’s.
Stanley and Eva went with Ellexson’s. Evening KGO good
1 hour, got Hoover and Smith news, also Dr. Robinson at England,
going to talk with Mars.
October 23, 1928 Had Hans deliver 6 loads freight
from car. Evening gave Sam Guyot grocery order. Got
KNX for 1 hour then several Jap stations and one Australia station.
New furnace heating OK.
October 24, 1928 Self cemented cracks around
annex foundation, put on storm windows. Sam Guyot left
for Anchorage. Nagley arrived to visit family for a week.
October 25, 1928 Business below normal.
Checked out $1,000 account Seattle merchandise 10/12 invoices.
Lawrence in, ordered a Royal Tailor suit. Fries quit Snider
cold storage building, “big crab”. Wire for butter and fruit.
Radio NG.
October 26, 1928 Business 20% off today.
Metz in with fresh pork. Hartman boxed up 7 pair
of silver fox to ship to his ranch at Randle, Washington. Bill
Long and Gaston on the market. Had in KGO for 2 hours but
cracky. Shorty through with ARC Cat work.
October 27, 1928 Cloudy, warm, +40. Self
on Outside mail and orders. Shorty and Hartman left for
Outside. Hartman took 7 pair silver fox from J. B. Palmer
ranch. Jim Sherlock and Frank Doherty arrived from Fairbanks
District. Evening dance on at Junction, light warm rain.
No radio. Nagley family went to Anchorage.
October 28, 1928 Sunday, fixed up hardware
window. PM re-soldered lead wire to old antenna and polished
up new antenna. Eva and Stanley took dinner with us.
McAllen in from Lucky Shot Mine. ARC graveling aviation
road. Radio NG, all cracks.
October 29, 1928 Opened up new hardware.
Carl Martin visited on way to Kahiltna to trap. Rica’s
brother arrived from Juneau. Jim Sherlock moved out to Hart
ranch. No radio until 10 PM then fine from KOMO and KNX.
Jap girls in and wrestling match at Wellington, New Zealand, 11:30
to 12.
October 30, 1928 Filled in question blanks
account shirts stolen on SS Evans voyage 197. Closed in
rear of old garage. Marked some new hardware. Schoolmarm
sick, no school today. Kelly fixing Wilmoth’s roof, blown
off. Ma’s birthday 59 and going strong. No radio.
Gave Ma 3 Eagles for birthday present.
October 31, 1928 Cloudy and light wind
42 above. Total October sales $4,211.79. Big doing by
kids at school house 8 to 11 PM, Stanley and Eva were Halloween
ghosts. Kenny went to Eklutna. Hear blasting on Eklutna
electric project. Evening no radio, windy. ARC through
on aviation road.
November 1, 1928 No more Thursday freight trains
until April. Mary Ward check October 1st paid through B of A,
3rd attempt. Joe Brassel and nephew outfitting for trap line.
Evening windy.
November 2, 1928 Cloudy, windy, evening
rain. Business good, sales $152.90. Al Harter and
Norman Ervine moved into the DeVal cabin on Lake Wasilla. Evening
radio set went haywire. Ordered turkeys and trimmings for
Thanksgiving. Nagley stayed over until Monday. Finished
monthly statements.
November 3, 1928 Weather cloudy, 42 above.
Olson and Benson bought an outfit, mile 3 cabin. Chas
Harrison went back to Eklutna dam. Dance on at school house.
Evening overhauled 61 radio, found several loose screws.
Still no current on A. F. amplifier.
November 4, 1928 Evening oiled store floor.
Had Nagley’s at dinner at Wasilla Hotel, moose meat. Frost
out of ground. Stanley and Eva took dinner at Fishhook Inn.
Radio set still haywire.
November 5, 1928 Self busy cleaning up last
merchandise arrival, got 4 tons new goods today. Hans
hauled goods over, except flour. Tomorrow, Presidential
election, Stanley judge of election here. Evening worked
on 61 set, couldn’t locate trouble, 51 set works but cracky on switch
amplifier.
November 6, 1928 Cloudy, evening snow.
Stanley judge on election, over 60 votes cast. Eva helped
in store. Chas Magaha bought a grub outfit. Chas Harrison
and Tommy McNeil through at Eklutna. Radios on bum.
No election news. Stanley set up Clyde’s #20 radio but too
late to get returns.
November 7, 1928 Cloudy, snowed last
night. No report on Hoover-Smith election. Several large
papers give Hoover the job, President of the U. S. Evening
tried out radio #20, weather conditions still bad for radio.
Eva and Stanley drove to Junction.
November 8, 1928 Partly cloudy, evening
clear and colder. Report came, that Hoover won by a big majority,
even carried Smith’s state, New York. PM had Hans haul
over 3 loads freight, flour and sugar. Finished pricing balance
of last freight. Radio NG. Midnight had in Jap station,
Jap translating English.
November 9, 1928 Sunny day, 24 to 40
above. Business above normal, collections $518.91.
Self on Seattle mail. Checked out over $2,000. Evening
put in new tube in #20 radio and brought in all stations. Hoover
going to South America on good will tour. Radio good.
November 10, 1928 Clear and freezing
weather, first cold wave, +18 here. Ordered new style
Federal set from Buffalo House. Dance on at Vail ranch.
Radio poor till 11 AM when KNX came in on new wave, came in on
50 with great volume. Mrs. Murray, of Knik, now at Palmer,
passed out.
November 11, 1928 Sunday, clear, -4 at
7 AM. First skating on Lake Wasilla today after 2 nights
freezing. Cleaned up store and balcony. PM found
trouble with #61 set, RF control switch too loose. Evening
tried it out, got current OK. Ma a little off account nerve
trouble which effects digestion.
November 12, 1928 AM -2, evening -14.
Business good, sales $242.85. PM freight brought fruit,
milk, sugar and forage. Hans hauled over the perishables.
Evening went over big mail. Got letter from Radio Broadcasting
Co. of New Zealand. Evening brought in CNRV British Columbia,
KOIL Council Bluffs Iowa and Pacific Coast stations. KPO had
on a boy and girl singing contest. Some large liner lost in
Atlantic. Got 61 set working again.
November 13, 1928 Business good, sales
$159.97. Hans hauled over balance of freight. Metz
and Bogard in for supplies. Most of Lucky Strike miners
in, mine shut down for winter. Evening no radio till 11 PM then
hear election returns from Wellington, New Zealand 2YA.
November 14, 1928 Big wind, +32.
Business above normal. Sam Beck, Loberg and Oberg in
from Lucky Shot. Frank Churchill left for Outside.
Brassel moved into Thorpe’s cabin. Skating on lakes OK.
Bogard brought in mutton yesterday. No radio tonight. Ma’s
stomach gassy again.
November 15, 1928 Drew checks to cover Seattle
invoices. Davis and Thorpe sawing wood with auto car.
School put in new blackboards. Gus bought a Curry radio
set, Isaac and Stanley set it up.
November 16, 1928 Business below normal.
Snowed 4” last night, first real snow. Stanley started
out for a moose hunt, got car in ditch at mile 2½, came
back, broke oil casing. Evening radio fair, Jap station
and New Zealand came in good. Busy cleaning off walks.
Ma on diet account gas stomach.
November 17, 1928 Sleet storm last night with
rain today. Hard time dance over at Fairview tonight.
Now midnight and church services coming in from Brisbane, Australia,
good speaker. KFI program came in good. KGO, double
whistle NG and all low stations. Thorpe’s went to Anchorage.
November 18, 1928 Sunday, Chinook warm
wind. Kelly started to make water tank for kitchen.
Took down kitchen pump and put in new valves to install in cellar
to fill water tank in kitchen. Evening cleaning up office
work. Sleet and icy streets.
November 19, 1928 Cloudy, 32 to 36 above.
Business good, sales $240.75. Had 3 orders for up railroad
line. Vic Blodgett down to trade. Sam Beck and Loberg
back from doing Anchorage. Davis sawing Thorpe’s wood.
Big mail and freight. M and M goods arrived. Evening
Rica and brother visited.
November 20, 1928 Weather cloudy.
Business good, sales $136.60. Snowed all AM. Metz
and Bogard in with mutton at 30¢ lb., dressed. Hans
hauled over balance. Ma priced up Portland clothing and Xmas
goods. Radio NG, got KOMO signing off at 12:30, 10:30 our time.
November 21, 1928 Snow all AM, business
1/5 off. Most of new goods priced up. Ellexson’s
out from Knik with car. Eight inches snow from mile 6 in.
Evening 1st good radio in 3 weeks. Had radio party. McAllen,
Harvey and Gus listened in to Pacific Fruit. 1st Alaska program,
Jack Rouze announcer, OK. 11:30 brought in KFWI, San Francisco,
new station.
November 22, 1928 Cloudy, 14 to 30 above.
Old agent Tuck came back and married to Texas 6’ girl.
McAllen and lush left on freight for Anchorage on way Outside.
Evening fine radio, 5 to 9 PM then died out. Got in several
new stations.
November 23, 1928 Cloudy, light snow,
+22. Business 50% off today. Stanley went out to
Hart ranch for moose hunt. Mrs. Nagley gave a dinner at Hotel
in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Ketchem, Mattie and self honored guests.
Evening radio good for 2 hours.
November 24, 1928 Heavy snow fell last night,
now knee deep in woods. Stanley back from 2 days moose
hunt, no moose. Vail went to Anchorage account teeth.
Agent Ketchum and wife left for Anchorage then Curry. Radio
poor. Dance on at Vail’s.
November 25, 1928 Sunday, bright and
clear day, -20 at 8 AM. Worked on pipe connection from
pump to storage tank, all ready now to connect up. Put
up cold weather flies to shut heat out of balcony. Coolidge
spoke over KOMO at 6 PM didn’t get him but got Boston Church later.
Heard 2YA, Wellington, at 11 PM.
November 26, 1928 First rush came at noon hour,
town people then at train time. Fruit and vegetables arrived,
also smoke pipe goods. Self on water system, got coupled
up and working OK. Radio fair part of the evening. Got
letter from Phelps, no more credit for Mary. Mrs. Ellexson
out from Knik with double ender.
November 27, 1928 Cloudy, Chinook, +32,
business above normal. Gene Horning left with Hans for
mines, only made out to 19. Horning came in OK with car
from Mabel Mine. Mrs. H and Gene going to Los Angeles.
McDougal’s in from Fern Mine. Pumped water in new storage
tank, all OK. Sold 4 turkeys.
November 28, 1928 Chinook, +38, business
above normal. Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage, also
Harvey, Rica and brother, McDougal and wife. Ma got turkey
and pies ready for tomorrow. Evening had fine radio from
S. F. Set up electric clock. Snow ¾ gone, water running today.
Lander in for merchandise.
November 29, 1928 Cloudy, misty, +32.
Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage, PM train. Ma put up
good turkey dinner, Stanley, Eva, Sam Kelly ate with us.
Teich’s new wife arrived. Evening radio fair, Sam listened
in. King England George quite ill.
November 30, 1928 Clear and colder, business
normal November, sales ending today, $2,130.31. Hans
hauling in wood from his ranch and sawing it up with auto truck
power. Zink moving Kelly oil house to his ranch.
December 1, 1928 Cloudy, warmer. Evening
dance on at Matanuska, truck load Wasilla folks attended.
Midnight great radio heard, big Russian church organ over KPO
S. F.
December 2, 1928 Sunday, quiet in town.
Got out all monthly statements. Oiled store floor.
PM evening radio poor, no volume, heard church service at S. F.
Ocean Park station California, Jap stations came in strong after
11 PM. Wrote KPO we heard the Russian organ 1 AM today.
December 3, 1928 Business good, sales $240.95.
Hugo said he was closing up Golden Bear Mining Co. accounts,
no more charge after December 1st. They want boys to work
at Gold Cord for grub during winter. Got groceries, hardware, feed,
fruit and clothing PM freight. Evening KNX good for 2 hours.
Letter from Clara at Sleepy Eye. Sven Boden and Six Shooter
Bill back for winter.
December 4, 1928 Cloudy, warm, 26 above,
business a little below normal. Stanley nursing a Finnish
bath cold. Opened up Hirsch Weis goods, all different
numbers from billing blazers, etc. Evening had in KNRV Vancouver
and KQW San Jose, California only stations that came through.
Ma busy mailing Xmas presents. Nellie Hartman wanted to
store her perishables with us and go Outside.
December 5, 1928 Bogard in for supplies.
Metz went to Anchorage to get his PP fixed. Davis, Oberg
and Loberg on a drunk. Mrs. Hartman put Davis out.
Evening wind coming up, radio not much good, Jap’s OK. Hans
hauled over flour and feed. Wild West Bill, mounted, in from
Junction.
December 6, 1928 Herman down for supplies.
Nellie packing up and selling out supplies account going Outside
for winter. Jacob Metz back from Anchorage account prostate
gland, will go Outside for operation, selling his livestock.
Radio NG till 11 PM then 2YA high opera.
December 7, 1928 Cloudy, business below
normal. Made out hardware order and paid Seattle invoices.
Stanley went out to Hart ranch for his sleeping bag. Jim
Hansen hauled the Kelly oil house to Zink fox ranch on Bobs.
Evening fine radio KGO drama for 1 hour than all off. Davis
sawing Snider’s wood with truck
December 8, 1928 Cloudy, +32, business
normal. Wired for groceries and forage to come on Admiral
Rogers on 12th, no Gugy boat on 15th. Dance on at school
house tonight. Now midnight and station RFM S. F.
coming in over KPO S. F. Radio NG early evening. Archie
Lewis back from Fairbanks for winter.
December 9, 1928 Sunday, quiet in town.
AM cleaned up in store. Stanley tried to solder leak in
oil casing under his car, no do it. Cleaned up and filed 1928 invoices.
Radio NG. Had in Oakland church a while. Midnight,
had in Brisbane, Australia their time 8 AM Monday.
December 10, 1928 Business above normal with
blizzard storm on all day. Mail train late, NY goods
arrived. Self started to post monthly red records in
journal. Did month May this PM. Evening radio NG,
had in KPQ a while midnight 2YA. Caught KFQD testing, said airplane
brought Williamson to hospital in Anchorage.
December 11, 1928 Cloudy, colder, -4
AM Business above normal. Metz hauling in his spuds,
2 tons for Anchorage. Growing colder all day, evening -16.
Good radio, fine program over KFI Los Angeles, foreign stations weak.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with car.
December 12, 1928 Weather clear, zero
to -12, business ¼ off today. Second cold wave on today.
Evening warmed up with wind. Oberg talking of leasing Wasilla
Hotel. Six Shooter Bill bought a weeks outfit. Made
up new registered reading blank for cash register. Radio
weak.
December 13, 1928 Cloudy, warmer +20,
business 50% off today. Mail train 2 hours late on account
of snow at mile 49. Priced up new drugs. Stanley busy
account basketball, getting up Wasilla team. Battery low,
radio weak. KJR came in fair. Oberg deal for Wasilla Hotel
off, wanted $1,000 for cars.
December 14, 1928 Cloudy, snow flurries,
business rotten ¾ off today. Metz delivered ton
spuds bought last October account going Outside, sold his colt
horse to Gus and old mare to Snider. Evening Anchorage radio
on air again, program fair. Midnight brought in Brisbane,
Australia.
December 15, 1928 Cloudy, Chinook wind,
+35 business normal. Sent out for 1,000 register
reading blanks and 100 counter slip books to Pacific Manifolding
Book Co., Seattle branch. Evening radio NG till 11 PM.
Got KFI, Midnight Frolic and KPO Midnight Review OK on headphones.
Dance on at Vail’s. Ellexson out with car. Got wire from
W. R. Law, of G. B. M. Co., Hugo fired.
December 16, 1928 Sunday, stormy all
PM real Chinook on, sleet and +36, snow half gone. Posted
all June in ledger. No one in today but Six Shooter Bill
account storm, Bill had to have cigarettes and pears. No radio
account soft weather.
December 17, 1928 Business good, rush PM.
No mail or freight trains account Alameda towing in Star from
Westward. Lander in for customer freight. Car now in barn.
Anchorage radio good also Jap stations. Gaston in.
December 18, 1928 Rain, +38, business
above normal. Light rain all day and evening. Jacob
Metz in, leaving for Outside. Cars running again.
Ellexson’s in from Knik with car. Forty second deal on for
“Nellie’s” roadhouse. Railroad bids out for ice. Lander out
with merchandise.
December 19, 1928 Xmas freight arrived.
Jacob Metz left for Mayo Hospital account urine trouble, Gus
bought his colt horse. Chas Bartholf taking management of Wasilla
Hotel, forepart. Evening radio Pacific Fruit program NG account
2 other whistles in. Streets glazed ice, Chinook still on.
Fry Co. sent us 2 Xmas turkeys.
December 20, 1928 Chinook weather, rain,
+34. Several doing Xmas shopping. Got in turkeys, cranberries,
celery, lettuce, cabbage, pears, grapes, oranges, apples, bananas
and malt syrup. Mine Ellick out form Knik with car, got
in ditch, broke a spring. Evening radio good 5 PM till midnight.
KJR had 3 hour vagabond program. Tinhorn gamblers kicking
about road house accommodations. Mail train 3 hours late. Radio
good.
December 21, 1928 Seventh day of Chinook
weather, cloudy and above freezing. Business ¼
above normal. Got big Xmas mail off Farrigut, 21 sacks.
Another jigger here to buy out Nellie. Sent W. R. Law, G.
B. M. Co. November bill. Bill at Los Angeles. Evening
Stanley and Eva went to Junction with Gold Cord truck. KJR
good, Anchorage poor reception. Mattie doing up Xmas packages
for school kids.
December 22, 1928 Business normal.
Paid Griffith taxes 1929. Self posting in ledger.
Hans was fined $105 for buying fur without a license. Dance
on at Fairview, Gold Cord truck drove down. Evening good
radio KOMO. Read off for an hour donations to P. I. Xmas
fund. Orchestra contest over KJR.
December 23, 1928 Sunday, busy in store
AM. Fairview dancers failed to come home, got truck over
the bank and blocked all cars. Evening Wasilla school held
Xmas exercises, good crowd present. Posted on ledger.
Charged battery. Evening radio NG all snaps and cracks.
O. C. Miller in for Xmas.
December 24, 1928 The night before Xmas,
sales $315.25. Cloudy, +32, business rushing all day
with Xmas shoppers. K. T. Co. gave ladies each box Mary
Ann candy, treated the men to cigars. Lander in with Sharon
and wife. Lawrence and Magaha on one horse sleigh. Evening
radio music from all the churches. Got in Shreveport, Louisiana
for half hour. Dance on at school house.
December 25, 1928 Christmas, cloudy +20
to +30, open 9 to 12 AM. Had rush trade and put up 4 orders.
Quiet in town. Lawrence, Magaha, Miller, Gaston, Williams,
Wilson, Lander and Fleck’s here for turkey dinner. Herning’s
ate turkey at Hotel Wasilla to tune of Davis drunk. Evening
dance on at Fairview. Ellexson’s and Crocker out from Knik.
Radio fare, KOMO, KNX and got KOKE.
December 26, 1928 PM unloaded half car
feed and oil. Lander left with Xmas shoppers and full
load freight for Fishhook. Davis and Bartholf drove down
to Joe Walton’s, more booze? O. C. Miller and Gaston walked
back home. Evening fair radio KGO and KNX.
December 27, 1928 Business 50% off today.
Clear sunny day and colder, self not feeling well. Mrs.
Hartman sold her cars to C. A. Bartholf on note. Charley
moved in chicken coop of garage to live. Evening radio good,
all stations. Eva and Harvey visited on Mrs. Walters
December 28, 1928 Big wind, evening 4
to 16 above, business half off today. Eva and Stanley was going
to Anchorage via Matanuska with Gold Cord, couldn’t start her,
so missed Junction train. Caldwell’s took lease on Wasilla
Hotel for 1½ years. Evening had radio party, 9 present,
Anchorage and KOMO on account big wind, radio average.
December 29, 1928 Clear, big wind 12
above, business below normal. Stanley, Eva, Gus and Sam
left AM train to do days of “98” at Anchorage. Mrs. Hartman
left for Outside. Evening wonderful fine radio over KNX and
KOMO till 1 AM Sunday all stations on the air.
December 30, 1928 Sunday Partly cloudy,
+10. Varnished office floor and posted in ledger till midnight.
Big wind died out. Evening radio weak, heard preacher
over KNX at Hollywood, KOMO and KFRC fairly good.
Eva and Stanley at Anchorage.
December 31, 1928 Partly cloudy, +22,
warming up. Business good, sales $267.51. Ma and
self clerks, Stanley at Anchorage. No mail from Outside
today, no boat. New Years dance on at school house.
Evening lots radio but reception not good. CNRV Vancouver,
B. C. had wildest dance party. Evening closed up all 1928 accounts
on cash register. Jap station on air. Ma not feeling
well.
Notes in back of 1928 diary: S. T. Kelly
born April 12, 1860, Gerhard Johnson, cement and stucco man
of Seward, Price $2 per square yard. Store building and lot $7,057.92
- store fixtures $2,279.83 - office 656.68 - auto truck $1,000
- warehouse on store lot $262.70 - warehouse on RR lot $419.20 -
garage and oil house $498.52 - lot 1 block 1 $75 - lot 2 block 1 $50
- fencing lots 1 and 2 $45 - total $12,344.85. Postage rates:
1st class 2¢.
1929
January 1, 1929 Store open AM, closed PM.
Got out December statements. Cash on hand $1,102.97.
Bill’s receivable, good, $894.00, total $1,996.97. Stock
all paid for and no debts. All the Herning’s at Wasilla.
Stanley chief clerk, Ma fairly well. Eva got a little Swede
in her. Radio fair.
January 2, 1929 Business normal, 4 to 16 above.
Stanley took inventory of groceries on shelves. Self got
out balance of monthly statements. Seventy five flu cases
at Anchorage. Air frosty, clear. Radio good, band
at Wellington, New Zealand now playing 11:30 PM.
January 3, 1929 Business normal, had rush PM.
Self taking stock in store annex. Stanley finished shelves
on groceries. Mrs. Coldwater arrived to run Wasilla Hotel.
Radio weak, now hearing 2YA, Wellington, New Zealand, 11:45 PM.
January 4, 1929 Business 50% off. Busy
on inventory, paid 1929 premium on insurance, stock and buildings.
Self troubled with teeth. All stations on the air 4 PM.
Evening Anchorage station program spoiled by another station on
same wave. Ma not traveling today, now at Wasilla.
January 5, 1929 Finished inventory
in groceries and forage dept. Ellexson’s car haywire,
came out with dog team to order parts. Dance on at Fairview.
Mr. Nagley and Jr. back from Talkeetna account school.
January 6, 1929 Sunday, quiet in town.
Cleaned up store AM took some inventory. PM pricing up
forage inventory. Had big turkey dinner, Ma the cook, Eva
and Stanley present. Eva won the turkey at
Anchorage 98 party. Evening fine radio
from KNX.
January 7, 1929 Business good, sales over $400.
Sent one $260 order to Caswell. Walters bought good order
also. Outside freight arrived but no letter mail, only 2nd
class mail. Anchorage station came in good. Tex Rickard
died in Florida. Cold wave in Central and Eastern U. S.
Ice men arrived. Gave KFQD $10. 2YA now coming in good midnight.
January 8, 1929 Opened up hardware, short unit
cells and out. Stanley and Eva got bad colds. Harvey’s
stomach out of whack, going Outside for exam. Natives visiting
Mrs. McNeil account sickness. Sliver drove to Knik with
Ellexson’s auto parts. No radio.
January 9, 1929 Clerk D and wife went to Anchorage,
clerk E on duty. Harvey Rutter left for States for visit, may
go to Mayo account stomach trouble. Charged A battery,
no radio.
January 10, 1929 Business normal. Weather very
soft today, +36, lakes overflowing. Finnigan and Anchorage
gang cutting railroad ice on Lake Wasilla. Lost mail sack
arrived today. Stanley stayed over at Anchorage. Indian
Jim visiting at McNeil’s. Radio poor, KNX only.
January 11, 1929 Business 66% off today.
Snowed 1” last night. Stanley and Eva came to Junction
then by auto to Wasilla at noon. Evening good radio, had
in Shreveport Louisiana 5 to 6 PM. Anchorage radio good.
George Palmer came by airplane to Anchorage hospital.
January 12, 1929 Weather colder, 10 to 20 above.
Got out-mail and priced up candy inventory. Ma balancing
up ledger. Ellexson’s out from Knik and drove car to
Junction. Evening radio poor, snaps and cracks in air.
January 13, 1929 Sunday, had a rush at closing
time, noon. Heard biologist speak over KNX. Anchorage
church on air, 1st time this winter plain but no volume.
Oberg’s giving free Finnish baths. Morning +4, evening
midnight +28.
January 14, 1929 Business normal, got Outside
mail and freight. Gus drove out to mile 12 for Chas Magaha,
suddenly sick.
January 15, 1929 Business good, sales $127.15.
Herman in from Fish Lake for outfit. Gus got in with Chas
Magaha account sickness. Evening got 3 hours extra fine
program from CNRV Vancouver, B. C. Coast stations weak.
AM snow, temperature +28.
January 16, 1929 Temperature +36,
water running today. Chas Isaac and Magaha went to Anchorage
to get fixed up, one with knee trouble the other poisoned. Got
one month more to post in ledger. Charged batteries PM and cleaned
ice off walks. Evening failed to get Alaska program over KOMO
but KNX and KFWB came in fine. Eva got the topsy lals.
January 17, 1929 Business slow, 2/3 below par.
Patzack sent down a dog for Ellexson’s. Ice men busy
on Wasilla Lake. Ice now covered with snow and slush.
Evening fine program from KQW San Jose and KJR Seattle. Elmer
Larson and Payton back from Outside. Willow Creek Mines brought
in team and truck.
January 18, 1929 Business 50% off today. Got
in Seattle mail. PM unloaded 6 tons forage and flour in track
warehouse. Radio good, all stations on the air, KHJ spoiled
KFQD reception. Bogard in for supplies.
January 19, 1929 Business good, sold 2 outfits.
Busy on clothing inventory. Finished posting December in
ledger can now record income tax. Loberg and Beck went to
Anchorage for final vacation. Radio fair, got in big organ.
Persson bought outfit. Sales $200.45.
January 20, 1929 Sunday busy cleaning up store.
PM took sock and glove inventory. Evening radio, fine church
services from Oakland and Los Angeles. Paramount Theater
program and program from St. Francis Studio.
January 21, 1929 Business slow, 1/3 below par.
Freight train run from Anchorage to Willow Station and returned,
took down 4 cars Wasilla ice. Elmer Larson shipped forage
to Houston but failed to load horses wouldn’t go on. Evening
radio fair, KGO, KFI and KNX. KFQD failed to come on the air.
Smithy and Scotty over from Palmer with car.
January 22, 1929 Business improving, temperature
zero to +20. Dan Gray rode Willow Creek Mines horses up
to Houston today. Ellexson’s out from Knik with car. Evening
radio NG till 9:30 then got news flashes from Oakland, big storm
on Atlantic Coast. Mattie on ledger balance.
January 23, 1929 Cash business slow, got 2
orders. Ma and Stanley on balance clothing inventory.
Self took stationary and priced up clothing inventory partial
lot. Dan Gray back from Houston. Lander, Willow Creek
Mine horses OK. Charged A battery. Evening KNX good.
January 24, 1929 Business back to normal.
Got Outside mail, freight to come tomorrow. working on inventory.
Train time rush in store. Got letter from Roe and Florence,
-30 and blizzards there, Roe not well. Evening radio fair.
Midnight fine program from Australia. Frank Churchill back
from Seattle, sick all the time.
January 25, 1929 Business good, sales $167.85.
Groceries and eggs arrived PM 2 loads. Got out-mail but
no boat Saturday out of Seward. Took suit measurements
for Frank Doherty, born June 1869. Evening fine radio, KGO
5 PM Anchorage on the air. Had Gillmore’s Circus from Hollywood,
was a real circus for 45 minutes.
January 26, 1929 Business normal. Temperature
zero to 10 above. Stanley helped Hans unload Elmer Larson’s
6 wheel truck Self got a little cold in right ear.
Evening dance on at Fairview. Put up $38 order for Knik at
10 PM Evening KNX good.
January 27, 1929 Sunday busy cleaning up store
AM. Nursing ½ cold today in head. Wagner hauled
in his winter wood. Evening fine concert from American
Broadcasting studio. Farce in Jeff’s Barber Shop good.
2YA on at 11 PM but hard to control. Zero weather.
January 28, 1929 Business above normal.
Temperature 6 below to 10 above. Word came that Chas Magaha
passed out at Anchorage hospital, had a 2nd and 3rd stroke.
George Palmer in hospital, improving. Boltie, hardware man,
buried Sunday at Anchorage. No Outside mail today. Evening
radio good 7 to 12 midnight. Self nursing 1st cold of winter.
January 29, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Cold wave, 14 below. Self nursing cold and tabulating inventory.
Evening party on at Isaac’s. Radio good but battery weak.
Heard dedication KNX to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Oliver, St. Geo Island,
Siberia. Around zero all day, few people out.
January 30, 1929 Chas Bartholf left $35 account
sale of Mrs. Hartman’s fox skin. Sliver fixing up Hartman’s
old passenger car for Agent Leich. Evening radio good.
All stations on the air. Frenchy Spaghetti rented Abe Riesing’s
cabin has dog team. Pricing up inventory. Temperature
-14.
January 31, 1929 Business fair, closing
sales $161.80. January sales dropped off $400. Still
zero weather, -12 last night. Self pricing up inventory.
Charged A battery on Olds car. Evening network program good.
Storm brewing, no foreign stations. Sharon in from Fishhook.
February 1, 1929 Business normal. Got
out all monthly statements. Kloski, fur buyer, here.
Evening radio good. Had in Shreveport, Louisiana.
KFQD, Anchorage, failed to come in.
February 2, 1929 Business normal. PM
on tobacco invoice. Radio came in at 4 PM good till midnight.
Got 4 new stations, Ft. Worth, Texas Chicago Cincinnati Ohio and
Denver, Colorado. Fine program from KOIN, Portland, Oregon.
Dance on at Junction, evening.
February 3, 1929 Sunday PM attached generator
aft Olds car to charge battery. Got sick from gas at rear
of car, doors all open, on bum all evening. KNX musical
and KJR circus, good.
February 4, 1929 Business good, sales $192.35.
Got freight, fruit, eggs, smoked meats, lard, hardware and
forage and Outside mail. Rush in store PM. Evening
radio good 4 PM till 12 o’clock, got KTHS Hot Springs, Arkansas
and WHAS Louisville, Kentucky. Heard from Jake Metz through
Mrs. Howe.
February 5, 1929 Business normal, several in
after green vegetables from last boat, celery, cabbage and
yams. Lander back from vacation at Anchorage. Charged
batteries radio good, later all snaps and cracks had in Hot Springs,
Arkansas, Chicago and Cincinnati.
February 6, 1929 Business 50% off today, temperature
30 to 36 above. Eva and Stanley, Sam Kelly and some dozen
went to Anchorage. Payton inquiring about credit for Golden
Bear Mining Co. Gus breaking sled road to Fishhook. Radio
NG, only got KGO and KNX.
February 7, 1929 Business slow, ½ off.
Temperature 34 to 38 above. Ma and self clerks, Stanley
at Anchorage. Finnegan, ice man, returned to Anchorage with
last car. Olson stirring up railroad gang. Eva and
Stanley back from Anchorage. Sam Kelly appointed administrator
for Chas Magaha, deceased.
February 8, 1929 Business slow, 40% off. Bogard
in, heard from Metz in Colonial Hospital, Rochester, would have
to stay a month after operation. Charged batteries PM Evening
good radio from all Pacific Coast stations. Gilmore Circus
over KNX, good.
February 9, 1929 Business slow, got 2 orders
from fur farmers up the railroad line. Light sleet storm.
Kelly went to Anchorage account of Chas Magaha funeral Sunday.
Moved short wave set to balcony. Radio good, from KGO, then
KNX to midnight. Temperature 32 above today.
February 10, 1929 Sunday busy in store
AM Temperature +40, Chinook on. The 400 Dinner
Party got back from Knik at noon, had blow outs, hot engines
and come back on skis. Evening radio NG, too warm after 11
PM. New Zealand and Jap stations came in good. Pricing
up inventory.
February 11, 1929 Business better, only
15% off today. Told Ma she and Eva better go Outside account
Eva’s nasal and other trouble. Train 1 hour late. Star
brought Outside mail. Temperature +40 and light rain.
Evening Anchorage radio good for 1st time. Ray Howell dedicated
a number to Fairview, Knik and Wasilla radio fans over KNX.
February 12, 1929 Business slow, 1/3
off. Rain all day. Ma making ready for 2 month
vacation at Seattle as buyer for K. T. Co. Roads gone account
rain, frost coming out. Got out Outside mail. Evening
KNX only good station on air.
February 13, 1929 Business slow, 2/3
off. Rain all day. Ma and Eva left for trip Outside
on AM train to catch Alameda, leaving Seward tonight for Seattle.
Stanley moved back to his old room in store. Evening Pacific
Fruit Alaska program came over big. Pacific quartet sang a
medley for Herning family. 11:30 PM Englishman recital, Roman
poetry over Jap station, came in good.
February 14, 1929 Business back to normal.
Heavy rain all last night. Hartman garage 6” under water.
Mail train 2 hours late. Ma and Eva at Seward, leaving
today at noon. Stanley trying out a Grebe set in balcony,
got 16 stations. Waves weak this evening, KNX was OK.
Leonard Grau back from Seattle.
February 15, 1929 Business good, sales
$161.65. Ben Marino over for eggs and tobacco.
Smithy brought Alaska Road Commission mechanic and Pat Irish
up from Junction. Teich discovered his radio engine was dead,
no reception. Evening reception good, but KOIN Portland killed
KFQD. Had in Cincinnati and Shreveport, Louisiana. Got
big kick out of Jap imitating different animals. Ma and Eva
left Seward at noon today.
February 16, 1929 Business normal.
A-1 day, +36. Rica, Gus and several went to Anchorage.
Clarence Marsh and family over for supplies. Mrs. Ellexson
went to Anchorage. Charged batteries PM. Evening radio
NG, spasmodic. Wasilla streets all ice, fine for the kids
sledding. Lander returned to Fishhook with load freight.
February 17, 1929 Sunday blizzard on
all AM, quiet in town, as usual. Wade drove team up from
Junction. Self busy cleaning up scrubbed office and kitchen
floors oiled store floor. Evening Anchorage church service
good as all other stations could not be heard. Ma and Eva
crossing Gulf.
February 18, 1929 Business 1/5
below normal. Light snow last night. No Outside
mail or freight this week. No Outside radio. Snow
weather killed waves but Anchorage came in good tonight.
Gus bought the Grebe set that Stanley tried out in balcony for $75
no tubes or batteries. Anchorage radio good, no Outside radio.
February 19, 1929 Business rotten, 2/3
off today. Three day storm over, colder tonight, +12.
Morning +24 noon +34. No radio not a peep tonight.
Gus installed a new Grebe set. Cleaned off walks. Evening
added up on grocery inventory. Ma and Eva on high sea, Seattle
bound. Six inches new snow.
February 20, 1929 Business ½ off.
Clear, -12 AM, noon +26, evening +2, windy. Mining party,
man and wife, 2 men with Red Kelly, arrived from Willow Station,
guests of Paddy Marion evening had a grape juice party. Agent
Teich burned his hands and face from a gas lamp, came to store for
first aid, Stanley and self fixed him up. No radio till
10:30, KNX.
February 21, 1929 Business ½ off,
zero to +20. Morning, Stanley dressed Teich burned hands,
pain all gone. Thorpe went to Houston to bring back Johnson’s
horse, too poor to work on Willow Creek Trail with his horse.
Pat Irish here looking for credit after blowing in at Anchorage.
Eklutna power line figuring on running line to Fairbanks with juice.
Eva and Ma supposed to arrive in Seattle. Radio NG, Jap’s only,
too cold weather.
February 22, 1929 George Washington’s
birthday. Business fair, open all day. Made out
hardware order. Evening Anchorage radio good, no coast
stations on the air. Midnight, Jap station had on American
songs, Old Black Joe, etc. was good.
February 23, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature +2 to +22, evening windy. Agent Teich
went to Anchorage account trouble with Conductor Moore.
Evening big masquerade ball on at school house, cars up from Matanuska
and Knik. Radio fair 9:30 to midnight, KGO and KNX and Brisbane,
Australia.
February 24, 1929 Sunday snow and wind,
cleaning store and house, scrubbed office and kitchen floors.
Finished tabulating inventory. Evening big party at Paddy’s
Gold Mint house, music by Eddie and Neimi. Sold all the grape
juice and ginger ale. KJR and JAOK, Tokyo good. Anchorage
church NG on KFQD.
February 25, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Stormy day, no freight today. Got 3 letters from Ma Cordova,
Juneau, Petersburg, good trip thus far. Evening Anchorage
radio good. No Outside stations came in. KFQD put
on first bridge party. Agent Teich back from Anchorage.
Received letter from Clara, Allen and Mrs. Morris. Jap station
on air 11 PM.
February 26, 1929 Business back to normal,
temperature +28. Oils and groceries arrived PM freight.
Received wire from Mattie in Seattle, all arrived OK. Aleutian
aground at Seymour Narrows Alameda bringing passengers and freight.
Evening 5:45, caught KDKA Pittsburgh PA signing off and weather
report. Only KNX on, clear, at 10:50, dedicated a piece to
Wasilla radio fans. Chas Bartholf sawing hotel wood.
February 27, 1929 Business 50% off, cloudy,
evening, raining. Agent Teich returned to Anchorage to
have his burned hands treated to avoid scars. His wife running
Depot while gone this evening, gave a kid party. Paddy giving
a chicken dinner to his guests, ending a six day celebration at the
White House, Main St. Wasilla. Radio poor, had in KNX and KGO and
KFI for a while. Ma in Seattle.
February 28, 1929 Business normal.
February sales slow. Rained hard last night and all day.
Snow gone in Wasilla. Tabulated income tax, profit on sales
$8,821.06 for 1928 salaries, repair and store expense $8,257.06
inventory Jan. 2, 1929 $8250.29. Too much overhead for amount
of business, have to cut out clerk here, only 1 man job.
March 1, 1929 Business ½ off.
Like spring day, +40, weather equal to Seattle a year ago.
Mail train went north, had some men for Lucky Shot Mine via Houston.
Kenny, Gaston and O. C. Miller in, Miller going to Anchorage for
medical advice. Ellexson in from Knik with car, got 2 moose
on road last trip home. Got out monthly statements.
Anchorage and 2YA only radio. Ma and Eva now hearing Vitaphone
picture in Seattle.
March 2, 1929 Business normal, temperature
32 to 40 above, 2nd spring day at Wasilla. Mailed in income
tax report. Had to get out Seattle mail by 4:30. Mail
closed for Sunday mail train south. Second letter to Mattie
at Seattle, sent $100 check. No radio till 11 PM Los Angeles.
Evening Express came in good. Wellington, New Zealand,
2YA coming in good. Ma in Seattle.
March 3, 1929 Sunday busy in store AM.
Chas Bartholf, Isaac’s and Thorpe buying clothing account going
to mines. South train arrived at noon. Stanley
took train to Junction, visited on agent, got hookup for
Gus’ Grebe set on C battery, visited on Marsh and came home with
dog team 10 PM. Self scrubbed floors and varnished office floor,
then, added on grocery inventory. Anchorage church good, no
Outside stations on air. O. C. Miller went to Anchorage.
Evening down to zero.
March 4, 1929 Business normal, zero weather
to -2. Cal out and Herb in, today at White House
Washington D. C. Stanley busy making dog harness. Self running
up grocery inventory and adding machine. Smithy up from Junction
with car. Evening Anchorage radio good, had ½ hour
local talent, the Cads, Mrs. Isaac’s and Heinie Snider listened in.
Got new station, KFC at Culver, California 11:30 to 12:30.
Ma in Seattle, no mail train today.
March 5, 1929 Temperature +2 and cold all day.
Outside mail arrived, letter from Mattie in Seattle dated 6
PM February 20th. Got cash register supplies ordered.
Miller back from Anchorage doctor, put him on strict diet, no more
hotcakes. Lander overdue from Fishhook, Lew Gorton went
out to find cause of delay. ARC went out to mile 10 to cut some
wood. No radio. Letter from May Kellogg.
March 6, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature +16 and big wind. Lander in, had to snow
shoe horse down to Lawrence’s place. Busy till 8 PM with
dinky orders. Big wind in evening and radio came in fine.
Alaska stations on the air. Got grocery and forage freight PM.
Radio good.
March 7, 1929 No business account cold
and big wind. Lander left with Isaac’s, Chas Bartholf
and Hill for Gold Cord Mine, couldn’t take Miller and his freight
to mile 8, too big a load. Mail train blocked on north end.
Sent Mrs. Hartman $168.60 Roadhouse bill collections for her.
Ma now back in Seattle.
March 8, 1929 Business above normal.
Temperature 8 to 12 above with big wind all day. Had
2 passenger trains today. Gaston in from mile 12, also Mrs.
McDougal snow shoed in from Fern Mine yesterday.
Evening Anchorage radio good for half hour then KOMO put through
in a blur. Wrote Mattie and Eva 1 page letter.
March 9, 1929 Business normal, temperature
6 to 12 above, 3 days big wind died out last night. Customers
out today. Wasilla streets glare ice. Jack Fabyan fixing
up Jack Hiland barn for house and garage. School election,
Snider clerk in place of Wilmoth. Radio 50% off tonight.
Ma and Eva in Seattle.
March 10, 1929 Sunday received message
from C . N. McKinnon that sister Clara passed out at her home
this morning at her home in Athens, Ohio. Informed Mattie
and Eva in Seattle by wire, funeral 12th at her old home Sleepy Eye,
Minnesota. Clara caught bad cold on arrival at Athens January
1st, then had the flu. Had letter from her dated January 31st
saying she had been sick for a month with cold and flu. Clara was
64 on December 12th. Evening finished tabulating inventory for
groceries and clothing stock over $10,000 cash.
March 11, 1929 Business normal, temperature
+14 and snowed all day. Lander in again from mountain
home, said there was 9’ snow at Gold Cord Mine. Got fruit
and groceries on evening freight. Charged batteries PM.
Evening Anchorage radio par excellent on Ma’s bed spring antenna.
Got February 27th letter from Ma, said they may go to Morton
and Randel for a visit. Eva’s mother’s rupture in bad shape at
Dillingham, Alaska. No Outside radio tonight. Ma and Eva
in rainy Seattle.
March 12, 1929 Business ¼ off
today. Several ranchers in to trade. Ray Dancer back on
section job, Wagner and Stump laid off. Dancer hired Frenchy
Spaghetti as he is a cook. Dancer’s family gone Outside.
Native in from Nancy to trade. Sister Clara Smith buried
today at her old home Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, age 64 years 3 months,
self only one left of our family. Northern lights, no radio.
Ma and Eva visiting at Randel, Washington.
March 13, 1929 Business 2/3 off today,
temperature -2 to +18, no one out much these days. Priced
up and store away late groceries. Paid Seattle invoices.
Wrote Blodgett we now had blood meal in stock. No radio tonight,
caught 2YA signing off and heard 2 Jap stations only. Ma
and Eva doing Seattle.
March 14, 1929 Business rotten, only
$41 today. Temperature 12 to 42 above, clear today, first
good day in 2 weeks. Gus back from Susitna Station, snow
deep and machinery too heavy to haul on double ender, job off.
Aage Hansen in from Willow Creek gave up trapping snow too deep.
Spaghetti moving from Reising cabin to section house to cook for
Ray. Radio NG, KNX ½ hour.
March 15, 1929 Business normal, sales
$101.10. Got out Seattle orders and wrote Mattie another letter
and sent $100 check Pacific Fruit Alaska program failed
to land here. KNX only Pacific Coast station heard tonight.
Anchorage radio good, 2YA came in after 11 PM. Red Kelly
and party down from Willow for St. Patrick’s Dance.
March 16, 1929 Business normal, cold
spell broken 30 to 42 above and thawing today. Another party
on at Paddy’s, the White House. St. Patrick’s dance on tonight
at school house. Radio came in at 10 PM Got KOMO, KNX
and KFI Midnight Frolic. Warm wind all day.
March 17, 1929 Sunday, busy day cleaning
house, mopped floors in 3 rooms and re-varnished linoleum.
Stanley invited me to chicken dinner at roadhouse. He
drove to Junction with dog team PM, got back at 8 PM. Evening
St. Patrick’s dance on at Patrick Marion’s white house, Main Street,
Wasilla. Evening no radio, something wrong with Anchorage broadcast.
Chinook, +42 all day.
March 18, 1929 Business good, sales $223.85.
Payton in from Gold Cord. Got 2 letters from Ma, Eva had
operation on nose, OK, went to Morton and Randel the 12th got
reservations on SS Aleutian to come home April 6th. Got note
from Chas Pearson, going to Florida account nervous breakdown.
Anchorage radio put on special program for Nagley at Susitna Station
and OGH at Wasilla. Morris Sharp pulled off two comedy plays,
OK.
March 19, 1929 Sales $160.95.
Lander and Payton returned to mines. Freight arrived PM
got hardware and eggs. Chas Lake in for malt syrup.
Fabyan out with his car. Answered Willard’s letter about
fox skins. Sent KFQD $15 for advertising K. T. Co. on the air.
No radio this evening, too warm, +44, second warm day, above freezing.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with dogs.
March 20, 1929 Business slow, 50% off
today. Mailed Clara’s, Metz, Anna’s, Pearson’s and preacher’s
letter to Ma in Seattle and told them not to come home until warm
weather. Tried Bristol amplifier and mike on phonograph,
mike failed to work. Evening light rain and snow. It
was +44 all day, winter coming again. Six Shooter Bill went to
Anchorage for exam. Ma and Eva in Seattle.
March 21, 1929 AM light snowfall. Meehern
went north on usual spring trip. Got Evans Outside mail,
no mail from the kids in Seattle, probably visiting at Morton
and Randel. Flour, etc., wired for 10th in Seward. Silver
Fizz program came in 10 to 11. Teacher giving kids a party.
March 22, 1929 Sliver put his engine in old
Willow Creek stage car. Jack out with Gold Cord car.
Evening party on at roadhouse for Johnny Neimi, leaving for Juneau
tomorrow. Sent Ma another $100 check last letter as they
are leaving April 6th for home. Anchorage radio NG, ¾
motors and ¼ music. KNX came in good for 2 hours.
March 23, 1929 Rain and snow.
Johnny Neimi left for Juneau. Sent out paint order.
Oscar Anderson cut $80 worth of wood for Snodgrass. Mine
Elex in, dog team dumped him and run away found them at Edlund’s
turn off road to flats. Radio bum, had in KFI for hour only.
Answered May’s letter. Evening school kid party on at school
house for kids that stayed away from dance. Ma and Eva taking
in Seattle.
March 24, 1929 Sunday quiet in town.
PM mopped floors, mended rug, sewed buttons on undershirt.
Took dinner out at Cad’s, good apple pie, that’s all. Early
evening good church radio, KNX, CRV and KQW, no church radio from
Anchorage. Snowed 1” last night, clear today.
March 25, 1929 Business normal. Had rush
at train time. Lander in, said deep snow now held up
horses to Gold Cord Mine without snowshoes. Flour, drugs
and dry goods arrived. Evening attended big dinner party
at Wasilla Hotel, Jack Fabyan’s birthday party. Letter from
Mattie, had made trip to Randel to visit Hartman’s.
March 26, 1929 Business slow, A-1 day
but cool. Hans hauled over 3 loads freight from Depot.
Fosket in looking for credit. Tom Aureen down to store,
1st time in 2 weeks. Trunk for Audrey arrived. Schooling
affair at Eklutna today. Lander went out with load freight.
Evening Anchorage testing came in good. Sent wire to Mattie
for merchandise. Ma and Eva in rainy Seattle.
March 27, 1929 Business normal, clear
and cool day. Priced up new dry goods, drugs and hardware.
Lona Loberg and Lester Davis back from pulling in trap line
at Caswell. Lester got drunk and Jack punched his face
last evening at roadhouse. Out of eggs and bacon, more tomorrow.
Had KOMO in for 1 hour, got Easter news and news flashes.
Had KNX in but faded a lot. Ma and Eva making ready for
Easter in Seattle.
March 28, 1929 Business normal, got orders
from up the line. Made out orders for crackers and Tea
Garden goods. Teich got a short wave set. Churchill
in yesterday for his delayed radio set, sold him ceiling floor in
old Knik store for $15. Evening late, KOMO and KNX came in
fairly good. Got loud music on 6 at midnight. Ma and Eva taking
in Seattle shows.
March 29, 1929 Campbell bought Fred Carter’s
farm, here to make transfer. Frank Watson proved up his
Palmer homestead today. Ellexson out with dog team.
Ma and Eva doing Seattle. Wired Mattie for more merchandise.
Evening KFQD home talent, good, but reception weak. KNX and KOMO
came in good, then 2YA Wellington, New Zealand.
March 30, 1929 Business slow today. Gaston
in, been to Lucky Shot over Fishhook Pass, snow deep, going
to work for Lucky Shot Monday. Evening radio perfect.
All stations on the air, brought in KRLD Dallas, Texas Night Owl
program good. All set for Easter service 3:30. Evening
snow storm.
March 31, 1929 Easter Sunday, stayed
up till 4:30 to get Easter services KJR and KNX on the air KNX
with Rose Bowl service for Los Angeles. Gus had a crowd listening
in. Snow last night, 8”. Busy on monthly statements.
Ma and Eva listening in at Seattle.
April 1, 1929 Business good, sales $135.45,
rush on at train time. Felch Jr. visited on way to Yukon.
Got groceries and fruit on PM freight. Letter from Mattie,
still bad weather in Seattle. Evening Lander in for GBM
Co. freight. Radio good, all stations on the air and bumped
off KFQD. Letter from Roe and Florence said Clara had meningitis.
April 2, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature -14 in AM, cold wave on. Sent wire to Mattie for
forage, eggs and candy at Seattle. Rica walked up to pay
monthly bill, caught cold in face account of bad tooth, fixed her
up with Ben-Gay and Absorbine Jr. George Steller out
from Knik with dogs. Evening radio good on low numbers.
April 3, 1929 Business normal, -20. Red
came in store, 1st time in 6 months. Got monthly bills cleaned
up. Bogard in, sent Metz more money. Evening radio good
got lots of cracking. Another storm in route. Wellington,
San Diego and Los Angeles good.
April 4, 1929 Business ½ off.
Snider now coming to town with his car. Got Watson mail,
2 letters from Mattie, leaving 6th on Aleutian for home, bad
weather in Seattle. Evening great radio, all stations on.
Heard 1st outdoor banquet over KOMO.
April 5, 1929 Sliver hauling wood for Stanley.
New school board sent in their annual estimate for funds.
Evening 2 quakes at 7 and 1 o’clock. Anchorage high school
on air tonight, reception fair on KNX, only coast station on air,
reception not good. Several looking for coal account cold
snap. Last show for Ma and Eva tonight.
April 6, 1929 Got several orders to go up railroad
line. Ma and Eva supposed to leave Seattle for home today.
Evening radio good, had set connected to phonograph in store,
music filled the store. Dan took Rica home, car went haywire
half way down. Stanley and Sliver went down to tow Day
back.
April 7, 1929 Sunday busy all day in
store with orders for Houston, Willow, Caswell and Colorado.
Stanley and Sliver drove east PM. Had my dinner at Cad’s.
Evening fine network program by Witcum College chorus, had same
on phonograph attachment. Snowing at midnight, +28 to +42 today.
April 8, 1929 Big day, sales $461.93.
Stanley up at 7 to finish Thorpe Mine order. Sent 2 boxes
grub with Thorpe for my cabin on Grubstake. Had 2 loads
freight for north train. Got 2 loads from Seattle.
Stanley received letter from Harry Rutter, coming back in May.
Ma and Eva listed with Aleutian sailing from Seattle 6th. Seattle
hardware salesman here. Lander in with Payton for freight.
Anchorage radio fair, also KOMO, KNX and 2YA. Coldwater on Discovery
wreck down Inlet.
April 9, 1929 Business and sales $109.85.
Lander went out with load freight AM. Gave Seattle hardware
man an order. Hans took hardware man and preacher to Matanuska.
Collections good, sent $938.93 to bank. Ma and Eva crossing
the Gulf tonight. Gene Bartholf back.
April 10, 1929 Heavy snow storm all day.
No business, sales only $40. Mrs. Zink and Ira Payton
went to Anchorage. Gene Bartholf went to Anchorage to fly
to McKinley Park prospect with grub. Ma and Eva crossing
Gulf of Alaska on SS Aleutian.
April 11, 1929 Shorty Gustafson arrived from
Seattle. Got Evans mail, letter from Ma dated Seattle April
2nd, all ready to leave for home 6th on Aleutian. PM tried
out Teich’s short wave attachment, made it work, brought in WGY
Schenectady, N. Y. Coast radio good till 9 PM band music.
April 12, 1929 Took Shorty to his ranch and
Mrs. Cad and Teich to Matanuska for a joy ride. Ellexson
out with dog team. Evening Anchorage local talent fair, KNX
came in good. Frenchy reported fire 9:30, it was Snider’s tail
lights on auto at Tryck’s. Billy had birthday party. Sam
Kelly 69 today, born in Virginia. Ma and Eva at Valdez on way
to Seward.
April 13, 1929 Business slow got 3 orders from
north on railroad line to go Monday. Stanley left for
weekend to meet Ma and Eva at Seward. Self busy in store
all day filling up shelves and cleaning store. Several went
to Anchorage. Evening radio good, Sam listened in KNX announcers
seemed intoxicated.
April 14, 1929 Sunday, big end of Herning
family at Seward. Self busy in store AM. PM mopped
floors and varnished 3 floors in living quarters, through at 8 PM.
Posted on monthly register statements, got 3 orders for up line.
Radio good.
April 15, 1929 Business good, sales $170.25.
Ma and Eva arrived home, gone 3 months and 2 days at Seattle.
Self lone store keeper today, +4 this morning. Mrs.
Nagley gave all Herning families a dinner at hotel.
April 16, 1929 Ma and Eva now home, busy cleaning
house? Lander went out with load freight for mines.
A-1 spring day, snow going fast water running down streets.
Hans hauled 4 loads freight to store. Put new tubes in set,
KNX came in good. New detector tubes failed to work.
Fred Nelson back from trapping trip. Good radio.
April 17, 1929 Business normal. Answered
Florence and Roe’s letter, also Mabel Braley at Portland.
ARC made road camp today at Wasilla Creek, Jack Fabyan driving
Cat. Evening snowing. KOMO and KNX fairly good on radio
also 2YA Wellington, New Zealand.
April 18, 1929 Business 1/3 off, partly
cloudy, +40. Last year leaving Seattle for Wasilla, this
year Ma and Eva left April 6th, now home 3 days. Bill Long, Al
Harter and Nick Brake started working for Road Commission with Harry
Flood as cook. Ray Howell, Silver Fizz program coming in now.
Lander in for more freight with double ender.
April 19, 1929 Business 1/3 off. Lander
in for freight, had to have Hans haul it out 1 mile to snow on
road. Snow all gone on Wasilla streets. Mrs. Ellexson
out from Knik with dog team for supplies. Evening Anchorage
radio fair. Ray Howell, KNX Silver Fizz, good. Got out
orders.
April 20, 1929 Partly cloudy
and cool. Chas Bartholf went to Anchorage. Got
lease on Ray Wallace Mine. Mrs. McBeth gave luncheon party
to school board at her house during evening. Evening had
3 hours good radio. Finnish baths in order at Oberg's.
Radio good.
April 21, 1929 Sunday self busy in store
all day. Took down balcony flies, cleaned and oiled store floor.
Mail train went north today got Outside mail. Fine radio
6:30 to 9:30. Stanley and Eva rode down to Junction with
Slivers, came back on train. Cleaned stove pipes.
Elmer Larson in from Houston, through hauling.
April 22, 1929 Business normal.
Weather cloudy and chilly all day, evening big wind. Nick
Pykle and Dan took horses, used to haul Willow Creek Mine freight,
to Junction. Ma started cleaning balcony over store.
Evening wonderful, all stations on the air. Anchorage bumped
by KJR and KOA Denver. Big floods in Arkansas, 5,000 people homeless.
April 23, 1929 Business good, sales $146.20.
Self caught up on balance sheets. Bogard in for supplies.
Henry Fischer in from Knik with dog team for supplies. Evening
windy again. Mail train south.
April 24, 1929 Business normal.
Patzack down from Houston and paid Billy. Elmer Larson
fixing up his truck. Assembled broken shaft on our truck.
Evening radio good, brought in 18 stations, also Jap and New Zealand
station.
April 25, 1929 Business slow today.
Roads breaking up, no traveling. Priced up and put new
paint, etc. on warehouse shelves. Evening associated brass
band program fine. Got Watson mail but no freight till next
Monday. Sent Mrs. Hartman, Cadwallader’s 3rd payment. The
House passed the 500 million dollar Farm Relief Bill today at Washington,
D. C. Germany on way around world in a Zep plane.
April 26, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Lander in for freight, took him 5 hours to come from Fishhook
Inn to mile 12 at Lawrence ranch account soft snow. PM Stanley
fixing up his sedan car. Eva walked down to Matanuska to
call on teacher. Frank Cook here, bumped off job at Girdwood.
Evening radio good. Anchorage came in good, talking of closing
down KFQD as no reply from radio fans.
April 27, 1929 Worked all PM fitting shaft
in truck Mail train on new schedule, brought in boat mail
7:30 PM direct from Seward today, two days sooner than old schedule.
Eva back from Junction on evening train. KNX only good radio
tonight, Harvey Porter and Double Whistler, good.
April 28, 1929 Sunday PM finished fixing
up truck, greased up all parts, now ready to haul our own freight,
was out of commission all winter account broken shaft. No
Pacific Coast radio but 2YA Wellington, New Zealand coming in
good now, 11:30.
April 29, 1929 Got 1½ tons groceries
and clothing, got out our truck and delivered same at store.
Tryck got new Ford delivery truck account ARC road work.
Harold Kinney visiting his dad at ranch, mile 7. Mrs. Nagley
and son back from weekend at Talkeetna. Evening Anchorage
radio and KNX good.
April 30, 1929 Business good, April sales,
$2,727.93. Profit on April sales, $596.10. Cloudy
April showers. Elmer Larson got out his 6 wheel truck for
exercise. Priced up and put away 1½ tons new merchandise.
Evening radio good, early, then only KNX.
May 1, 1929 Self busy all day till midnight
on monthly statements. Mail train north 7 hours late.
Road Commission established another camp. Radio poor until
Ray Howell KNX came on at 10 PM. Had Jr. and his mother at
dinner.
May 2, 1929 Self on office work all day.
Clyde back from Anchorage via Junction train, walked 9 miles.
Brought lettuce and fresh meat for Ma and Eva, wired out for fruit.
Evening radio fine 8 to midnight. Gus and Teich got antenna
booster for their radios, more volume. McDougal in from Fern
Mine. Hans drove out to Forty Mile Miller’s to snow line.
May 3, 1929 Business ½ off. Harvey
Rutter’s cabin on fire, only saved trunks and tools. Fire
started inside kitchen, no one living in house, Harvey in Missouri.
Section men had burned around the house in AM. Evening radio
fair, KFQD not on the air. KOMO, KPO and KNX good.
Eva went to Junction.
May 4, 1929 A-1 day, 44 to
60 above. Mail train late account boat arrival, got 3 orders
from north. Golden Bear Mining Co. sent in order. Self
busy sprouting spuds. Fairview school teacher reported H.
A. Kinney for entering her place at 6 AM Friday morning. Evening
radio good, school days KOMO. Had full house listening in,
got new station, KFWI in San Francisco.
May 5, 1929 Sunday busy in store all
day. Finished Gold Bullion Mining Co. $202.38 order.
Evening radio fair. Got in new stations, KVI of Tacoma and
WHO of Des Moines, Iowa. Kids out joy riding with Sliver’s
car to mile 19, road in bad condition, warm day.
May 6, 1929 Business normal. Got 3 truck
loads Outside merchandise. Bridge gang here on railroad.
Bogard in for his supplies. Bought in ½ case fresh
eggs. Evening Anchorage radio program good, given by Anchorage
Ladies Club. Reported H. A. Kinney landed in jail account
of his night prowling here. Wrote to WHO in Des Moines, Iowa
account program heard.
May 7, 1929 Cleaned vacuum tank on Olds car,
found pin loose on float cause of trouble. Evening Anchorage
KFQD Club gave a 4 hour final program, through for season.
May 8, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Temperature 38 to 42 above. PM mail train on time. Signed
jointly, St. Clair note $700 due 1 year at 10% interest.
Pricing up new hardware. Evening radio NG till 10 o’clock
Midnight, raining. Cadwallader arrived home with car.
May 9, 1929 Business good, sales $104.15.
Rain last night and today, temperature 38 to 44 above.
Sharon in from mile 12 with his car, 1st spring trip, then with
Stanley and Eva, drove down to mile 10 post to call on Fred Crocker,
Knik Road very soft. Ellexson came out 4 miles from Knik with
car then had to quit car and come in with Donovan’s horse and buckboard.
Evening radio good, answered C. W. Eldridge’s letter about KOMO.
Repaired sidewalks. Ma chief cook in PM.
May 10, 1929 Business good, sales, $119.85.
Cloudy and cool 44 above. Received letter from J. E. Kinney
to send $60 to bail his son out of Anchorage Jail. Evening
radio fine early, heard 60th anniversary of the Southern Pacific
Railroad Golden Spike, first driven 1868, then the Veedol Oil program
then KOMO, Oly-Hotel, Seattle, then Alaska school program. Radio
good.
May 11, 1929 Business normal. Self
marking new hardware. Stanley fixed pump on his radiator.
Kinney sent in $60 check, so wired bank to pay Harold $60 now
in jail at Anchorage. Evening KNX only clear station on the
air. Rode over to Snider’s ranch with Stanley, first auto
ride this spring. Payton in from Gold Cord Mine. Mail
train 5 hours late.
May 12, 1929 Sunday business fair AM.
PM finished pricing up new hardware. School picnic at Stern’s
place. Evening cold, no radio all snaps and cracks.
Wrote KOMO and KNX farewell letter and telling them April 12 to date,
fine reception, asked Ray Howell, KNX, to play a farewell piece for
Wasilla fans Preacher here from Anchorage, poor reception.
Teich sold old Lizzie to Loberg. Got picture of KFQD announcer.
May 13, 1929 Business good sales $148.80.
Cool breeze all day temperature around 50. Freight train
brought only through-freight, left our freight in Seward.
Lona trying out Lizzie. Evening Stanley and Eva drove down
to Junction, now midnight and not back, probably in a mush hole.
Radio fair, considerable static. McAllen arrived, went to mines.
May 14, 1929 Business rotten today, ¾
off. Temperature 52 above. Self doing office work,
paid all Seattle invoices. Goods still at Seward.
Fred Roscher in, left $150 to send to bank. Total deposit,
$950. Stanley, Eva and Dan stuck in the mud 4 hours near government
farm last night. Lester Davis now on with ARC. Radio weak.
May 15, 1929 Business back to normal.
Hauled out tin cans. Freight in at 5 PM with Saturday
freight at Seward, mail train 5 hours late, as usual. Hauled
over gas and fruit at 6 PM. Had Mrs. Nagley and Jr. at dinner,
they left for Talkeetna on 9 PM train. Jr. through at Wasilla
School. Evening KNX Silver Fizz program, good. Another
preacher arrived.
May 16, 1929 Business rotten today.
Temperature 42 to 52 above, cold wind all day. McPhearson
here to hold church services but few attended. Hauled over
2 truck loads of in-freight PM. Evening on Seattle mail, no
radio. Evening kids out joy riding. Jacob Metz due home
Monday from Mayo Hospital,
Rochester. Received letter from Florence
Herning about Burnap farm.
May 17, 1929 Business normal. Temperature
44 to 54 above. Wired Franke to sell Burnap and Coger farms
jointly at $80 an acre, I want $5,000 cash, balance $2,200 2nd
mortgage, interest 5%. Wrote Roe and Florence about the offer.
Evening KOMO and KNX good. Stanley and Eva went to Junction
with Dan. Norman in for Willow Creek Mines mail. Rica
gave dinner party to Clyde and Norman.
May 18, 1929 Business good, one fur farm
order. Weather cloudy and cool, temperature 40 above.
Ellexson’s out from Knik, took 6 hours, had to cut road around
mush hole at mile 5, first trip this spring. Jacob Metz back
from Mayo Hospital. Jim Hanson’s sister arrived. No
mail train, late as usual. Evening dance on at Vail’s.
Radio fair, KNX, MOMO, KPLA and KFWR.
May 19, 1929 Sunday business lively AM.
Got Outside mail. Stanley drove Metz down to his ranch
PM. St. Clair’s back on ranch. Cleaned up back yard.
Evening on monthly register sheets. No radio till 11 PM.
KPLA, Los Angeles coming in now. Mrs. Ezi here to trade.
May 20, 1929 Business good, sales $271.73.
Shipped 3 orders north. Freight in but no freight left
at Seward. Stanley finished, to drive truck for ARC for
a while. Mr. Morgan, Libby’s salesman, here from north.
Evening radio good, KNX, KHJ and KFWB and KOMO. Placed order
for fall deliver with Libby.
May 21, 1929 Business 2/3 off today.
Temperature 48 to 52 above. Stanley started driving truck
again for ARC, his mother’s now chief clerk for K. T. Co.
Cadwallader arrived home again. Birch trees starting leaving
out today, summer is here but cold every PM, roads in bad condition
yet. Evening KNX good for 3 hours. Washout on north
end of railroad. Signed $250 tax bond for Nagley.
May 22, 1929 Business good, sales $151.20.
Cloudy and cold, temperature 40 to 48 above.
Bogard, Metz and Ellexson’s in for merchandise. Did some
work on Olds car. Evening Stanley in with Fred’s car, drove
to Matanuska. Ellexson’s visited on Marsh. Mr. Ryle
arrived to manage Marion Twin Mine. Radio poor, had in KNX
1½ hours. Hauled over one truck load freight.
May 23, 1929 Business normal. Temperature
48 to 52. Made out hardware order from Seller Co. Forestry
men here. Snider’s mink hatching. Evening big dance
on at school house, farewell party to Rica and Florence Oberg, going
Outside. Radio NG, heard KNX and 2YA. Loaned Churchill headset.
DuPont produce man here.
May 24, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Real spring day, 50 above. Shorty dragging Knik Road, bad
mush hole at mile 5. McNeil cleaning out ditches on Knik
Road. Eva and Mrs. McDougal went down to Walter’s ranch to
get dog team to haul supplies to Fern Mine. Dan made it through
with car to Fishhook Inn, first car through this spring. Radio
fair, KNRV and KNX and KPLA. Forestry men went north on PM freight.
Alaska school talk on radio.
May 25, 1929 Business normal. Sharon
in, 2nd trip from Fishhook Inn. Evening Stanley in from
ARC camp. Several of the boys sick after eating mid-day lunch.
Evening Los Angeles, Express KNX had good program. orchestra and
Harvey Porter.
May 26, 1929 Sunday quiet in town.
Temperature 50 above, cold wind all day, cloudy. Report
came that SS Aleutian sank in 60 fathoms of water near Kodiak,
only the crew aboard, going to cannery, all were saved. Same
boat hit rocks in Seymour Narrows lately, goner this time. Dan took
joy riding party of six down to Matanuska. No radio tonight,
storm Outside. Several of the boys still sick account ARC grub.
May 27, 1929 Business normal, cool day, 42
to 50 above. Got 4 truck loads merchandise on PM freight.
Eva went to Anchorage. Got word Aleutian took on Outside
mail at Seward and all went down with sinking ship. Self had
$416.85 bank deposit and 2 orders for Seattle merchandise.
Evening KNX good, also KJR 11 to 12 but was no good account static.
Sharon brought Crocker in to sign papers
May 28, 1929 Weather cloudy, temperature
48 to 52. Hauled over balance of freight from railroad
warehouse. Put Olds car on pit to adjust clutch.
Showers PM. Al Walter in from Palmer, said roads were good over
that way. Cadwallader made 4th payment on Wasilla Hotel stock.
May 29, 1929 Business normal. Weather
cloudy, showers, temperature 48 to 50. Fire in furnace,
season 2 weeks late. St. Clair’s in to trade on mail train
north. Eva back from Anchorage. Stanley and Shorty
put new bearing in his car. Evening KNX programs good.
May 30, 1929 Decoration Day, closed store PM,
temperature 50, cloudy. PM and evening, busy on Seattle
invoices, wrote duplicate checks for those lost on Aleutian.
ARC received new road grader, took them all day to unload it.
Evening Ma went joy riding to Palmer in Stanley’s sedan car.
KNX and KOMO fairly good.
May 31, 1929 Business normal, 1½
days sales $204.15. Weather cloudy, PM hail storm.
St. Clair’s and party up from ranch. Turned down McNeil on
future pay check credit. Evening Stanley and party visited on
Mrs. Donovan. Dan and George Edlund gone out on mining timber
contract. Got 2 good orders from north. Silver Fizz only
good radio this evening.
June 1, 1929 Business good, order for
Colorado, weather cloudy, temperature 50. Jake Metz in
for supplies for self and Bogard. Larson made over side
boards on his 6 wheel truck Sharon in, drove to Junction for
Nellie’s - Edmundson pig. Busy on monthly statements.
Evening static on radio, poor.
June 2, 1929 Sunday rush on in store
AM. PM finished monthly statements. Evening billed
up Wells order. Brill car up at 4 PM no mail 1st trip.
Forty Mile Miller in from Fishhook summit, claims to have found big
cinnabar mine, wants Stanley to go in with him and work it.
Radio not much good. Sharon moving stuff back to ranch.
June 3, 1929 Business good, sales $181.08.
Temperature 42 to 62. Trains back on old
schedule. Got big Outside mail, letter from Roe and Florence,
frosted berries and fruit in Minnesota. Harvey Rutter back
with bride from Kansas. Evening radio fine, New Mexico 28
piece band over KNX KOMO and KPLA good. Made deal with George
Moshier to do assessment work.
June 4, 1929 Business normal. Real
summer day, temperature 50-68. Stanley moved from Miller
house back to Zink house. Harvey and bride moved in.
Stanley put truck on the bum hauling his wood. Only freight
from Seward was a load of gasoline. Evening dance on at Fairview.
Ray Howell KNX only good radio. Mrs. Ward here, poker game on.
June 5, 1929 Business normal. Second
summer day, temperature 54 to 70. Swallows arrived, summer
now here, one month late. Mr. Quincy Adam Pyle making ready
to operate Gold Mint Mine for. Sidney Black in from Mabel
mine for grub. Opened up truck, found right hand shaft broken.
Harvey busy making garden. Evening KNX good for 2 hours then
KPLA. Edlund bunch returned to Anchorage.
June 6, 1929 Business good, sales $175.98.
Temperature 56 to 68. Henry Fischer brought in from road
camp mile 4, very sick, out of mind, Anchorage ambulance car came
PM and took him to Anchorage. Got 2 truck loads of Outside
Saturday freight, Hans hauled it, our truck broke. Got out
order for Marion Twins. Silver Fizz radio hour good.
June 7, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Weather clear, temperature 56 to 68. Self busy pricing
Libby’s goods. Pay Day Wilson in town. ARC Wasilla Creek
camp moved to Willow Creek Road. Shorty grading Main Street
in Wasilla. Ellexson’s out from Knik with more goat milk.
Fosket building new mink pens for Snider. KNX fair 10 to 11
PM some fading.
June 8, 1929 Business normal. Weather
partly cloudy, 58 above AM, got off Outside mail.
PM and evening, worked on Olds car, got clutch adjusted then broke
off one set screws. Mrs. DeMars arrived, went out to cook
for Fern Mine. Mrs. Teich went to Anchorage. Radio fair,
but weak.
June 9, 1929 Sunday. A-1 day, mosquitoes
on shift. Wasilla to Grubstake with George Moshier.
Left Wasilla at 1 PM arrived at Grubstake Placer Mine at 7:30.
Mushed over from Lander’s mountain home, walked on snow for 5 miles.
Snow from Canyon to Thorpe’s Mine. Found things OK in cabin.
June 10, 1929 Business normal, Ma lone
clerk, sales over $100. Self at Grubstake. Showed
Moshier over property and where to prospect for more gold.
Noon, Nolan Hudson visited. Left for home 2:30 PM walked
on snow from mile 8 to mile 2 arrived home with Hans car 8 PM.
Henry Fischer died at hospital. KNX on for ½ hour.
June 11, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Warm mosquito day. Self pretty sore from running down Carle
cutoff to Fishhook. Wired for parts for Nash and Overland
cars. Stanley and Shorty using motorcycle to come to town
from ARC camp at mile 4. Birdsall paid 60 day note and leaving
for Outside, through with farming.
June 12, 1929 Business normal.
Mosquito crop good, mosquitoes very bad AM, then wind put them
out of business. George Nylan and White over from Palmer
to fish for trout. Dan Donovan spent last 15¢ for tobacco
and hit for Gold Mint Mine for a job. Evening Stanley slept
in his old bed account Eva’s mother visiting her. Radio NG, heard
last few pieces of KNX.
June 13, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Partly cloudy, skeeters on shift. Report from Fairbanks
say mosquitoes worse than in years. Mrs. McBeth quit Fairbanks
trip account mosquitoes there. Anchorage air plane landed
2 passengers here today then went to Finger Lake, Mrs. Jacobs as
joy rider. Shorty and Stanley operating motorcycle.
McDougal in from Fern Mine. Mr. Kempf went to mines. Radio
good. Got 5 tons of freight.
June 14, 1929 Business good, sales $212.16.
Put up order for Gold Bear Mining Co. Chas Isaac in, went
to Anchorage. Cadwallader arrived home, evening. PM
unloaded car hay and groceries Eva swamper. Mosquitoes testing
nerves. KNX still coming in good.
June 15, 1929 Warm sunny
day. Elmer Larson bought trail grub, going to try cross
Fishhook Pass to Willow Creek side. Forty Mile Miller in
from summit. Quick Silver camp ordered a retort.
Railroad picnic party want Wasilla to contest on horseshoe game and
tug-of-war tomorrow. Evening dance on at Fairview.
KNX clear on earphones. Paddy and Jacobs left for mines.
June 16, 1929 Sunday. Annual railroad
picnic at Wasilla today, had 7 coaches and 9 cars of autos.
Pulled off game by our store on Wasilla Avenue. Two airplanes
here also and took up several joy riders. Stanley had his
first air ride. Eva won 2 prizes. Cash register man
overhauled our register. No radio.
June 17, 1929 Mosquitoes fierce all day.
Shifted 2 orders north. Fruit and delayed butter arrived.
Evening Blind Roberts had free show at school house.
Evening 9 to 12 radio extra good, all stations on the air.
Big organ over KHJ, extra fine. Eva with mother at Anchorage.
MacDonald arrived to run Martin Mine.
June 18, 1929 Business good, sales $126.35.
Temperature 64. Bogard and Metz in for supplies.
Mosquitoes still hard at it, killed a calf at Palmer, stock suffering,
won’t go out to eat account mosquitoes. Nolan Hudson in from
Thorpe Mine. Mrs. Thorpe not well. Cornelius family to
trade.
June 19, 1929 Business good, sales $139.53.
Temperature 50 to 60. Jim McDonald sent in for grub outfit,
Martin Mine. Healy Spur Bridge washed out last night and
3 men drowned. Snider family drove to Knik for fish account
mink feed. Stanley and Shorty in from ARC mile 10 camp in evening.
Radio good 9 to 11 PM got Seattle and Ann Howe.
June 20, 1929 Business good, sales $128.05.
Temperature 60 above. Grennan brought in 5 sacks good
spuds at 3¢ a lb. Heavy rains mile 6 to mines, none
at Wasilla and needed. Stump’s 4 month old baby died last night,
buried in Knik. Dan Gray threw up trucking with Hartman -
Bartholf cars. Radio good. Harvey working on section.
June 21, 1929 Business 1/3 off today.
Temperature 54 to 64 above. Self busy on Seattle mail.
Sent Seattle National Bank seven $50 American Express Co. stub
receipts for collection, same lost on SS Aleutian 5/26/1929.
Red Kelly visiting the Jacobs. Sent Eva, at Anchorage, $10
to buy stamps and stamped envelopes. Postmaster, here, too
busy to sell them. Radio 1 hour.
June 22, 1929 Sidney Black
in for Mabel supplies. Wrote to Henderson about library
fund due Wasilla school library, $46.75, in his possession.
Evening Stanley and several ARC boys in from mile 10 camp to
trade. ARC foreman wife and 2 ladies killed this AM at Fairbanks,
auto went over the bank. Silver Fizz program failed to come
through tonight, first miss since May 12th. Evening Express
Program, KPO Midnight Frolic came in fair.
June 23, 1929 Sunday.
Put up order for Martin Mine, J. M. McDonald engineer, in charge.
Mosquitoes still on the job. Ma not feeling well, mosquitoes
got her goat. Romero down from Houston, going to California
next week on vacation. Weather cloudy, 64 to 70 above.
No radio.
June 24, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature 64 to 74 above. Got boat mail by Sunday Brill
car. Shipped 1 order north. Sold grub outfit account
Jap Mine. Nick Brake doing the assessment work on 4 claims.
Eva back from nursing her mother at Anchorage. Mrs. Fleck
had a carbuncle cut out of her neck. KOMO came in fair, 9 PM
for ½ hour, now listening to KNX Silver Fizz program, also good.
John Ballaine here looking for birch. Joe Brassel back from Michigan.
June 25, 1929 Business good, sales $169.20.
Temperature 54 to 64, cloudy all day, evening, raining.
Got 2 truck loads Outside freight. Joe Brassel left for his prospect
on Craigie Creek. Mr. Pyle crossed Fishhook summit to Craigie
Creek to do assessment work on Marion Twin G. M. Co. claims.
John Ballaine left on hand car for Nancy account birch timber.
Radio fair, KOMO, KNX and KPLA. Cad left on speeder.
June 26, 1929 Business slow, 2 /3 off
today. Temperature 52 to 62 above. Self busy all
day pricing up Seller’s new hardware etc. Harvey went to
Anchorage for exam account railroad work. July 4th excursion
rates on. Stanley in with motorcycle from ARC camp mile 10.
Sam Beck in from Willow Creek Mines on vacation. Good radio,
5th Avenue big organ and KNX. Hans drove to G. B. cache Fishhook.
June 27, 1929 Weather cloudy,
58 to 62 above. Bert McClarity arrived and Pete Kapovich
going to Jap mine to do assessment. Dan Gray left for Thorpe
Mine. Sent letter to Moshier, I would be in July 4th if he
didn’t come out. Wired $50 for Shorty to Frank Swanson, Berkley,
Washington. Eva had caller.
June 28, 1929 Business good, sales $216.45.
Sunny warm day, 58 to 70 above. Eva went to Anchorage with
friend, a Dillingham school teacher. Kelly back from Anchorage
after “Karo Patrick” treatment. Had 1st new radishes from
Sam Kelly’s garden today. Evening got out Seattle mail.
Had KNX ½ hour. Tommy McNeil back from extra gang.
June 29, 1929 Weather cloudy,
showers, 62 to 70 above. Mrs. Cad and Twins went to Anchorage.
Payton went to Anchorage. Gold Cord mill arrived.
PM worked on clutch on Olds car, got out broken bolt and adjusted
clutch plates. Drove up to ridge summit, worked OK. Self
got stomach ache. Evening KNX, KOMO, KPLA and KPO on air.
Stanley, Shorty and Mr. Wilson in from ARC.
June 30, 1929 Sunday quiet in town.
Weather cloudy and showers. Harvey and wife temporarily
running Wasilla Hotel, Mrs. Cad at Anchorage. Brill car
brought Outside boat mail. Self busy on monthly statements.
Hans took party, off Brill car, to Willow Creek Inn. Hans unloaded
Gold Cord mill. Ma complaining about weak knees. No
radio.
July 1, 1929 Business rushing, sales
$150.40. Received letter and mortgage paper from T. F.
Franke account Eyota farms wanted to mortgage Singleton quarter
for $5,000 to cover deficiency and improvements, tree’s etc. on
other farms. Got fruit, hardware and forage on PM freight.
Moshier and Thorpe family in from Grubstake. Moshier did 21
day assessment work on my placer ground. Eva and mother back
from Anchorage. GBM Co. mill man arrived. Collections $407.20.
July 2, 1929 Business good, collections
fair. Hans hauled over 2½ tons freight from railroad.
Sales on fruit and fresh vegetables fair. PM had a heavy
earthquake, shock swung pots in store for 5 minutes. Jacobs
and Paddy went out to Willow Creek Mines. Evening drove Olds
car to Ridge summit. Evening radio good, Fischer band program
and 5th Avenue organ and KJH, Los Angeles organ. Ladies bathing
in Lake Wasilla. Poor Clara, now in her grave at Sleepy Eye,
Minnesota.
July 3, 1929 Lots of small buying account July
fourth. Snider hauled in pole for kids to climb, greased,
on 4th of July. ARC help and Gold Mint boys came in to
spend the fourth. Stanley and Eva slept in Stanley’s old
room account Eva’s mother at their home. Sent in 1929-1930 store
tax, $140. KNX only one on the air.
July 4, 1929 Wasilla celebrated July
4th. One hundred people and kids took part in games,
races and greased pole. No one could climb the pole, $60
in prizes for the kids. Open AM, sales over $200. Evening
dance on at school house. Radio good, KOMO, KNX, KHJ and 2YA,
Wellington, New Zealand 11:30 to 12:15.
July 5, 1929 John Ballaine here 2nd trip getting
samples of birch timber. Post Office closed 10:45 AM
and all PM. Postmaster went to Fishhook with booze party.
Evening got out orders and Seattle mail. KNX asked for Alaska
songs, would put on Alaska program. Radio fair.
July 6, 1929 McDougal in for eggs. Sidney
in, missed train to Anchorage. John Bellaine left for Anchorage.
Snider went to Anchorage. Evening radio good, fine program
over KGO, Welk's Dunmore Orchestra, Elmer culver at pipe organ, then
hook up with Westminster Abbey, London, England. Broadcasting
Thanksgiving services in honor of King George. Ma sick in stomach
after supper.
July 7, 1929 Sunday quiet in town. Al
Walters and family over from Palmer to fish. Hans hauled
up 8 birch logs and shipped to Anchorage for John Ballaine for
samples. Outside mail arrived on Brill car but not distributed.
Ma sick all day with stomach trouble, evening had a fainting spell,
took dose of P. D. then felt better, now 10 PM and sleeping
OK. Harvey and Mrs. Fleck vomiting all day. Cleaned up
balcony PM No radio.
July 8, 1929 Way freight train 3 hours late,
no delivery. Three tons for K. T. Co. Fern Mine
hiring a few men. Mike Sherry went to his mine with gas
engine man to hook up air compressor. Jim Sherlock arrived,
going to Hart Ranch account strawberry crop. Eva and mother
visiting at Fishhook Inn.
July 9, 1929 Business normal. Hot
day, 68 to 78 above. Hans hauled over 2 loads freight.
Pacific Fruit Co. stuffed our order. Self not feeling good
all day, cut out 2 meals. Metz sold last of his spuds to Willow
Creek Mines. Snider broke axle in his car. Davis here
fixing up ARC truck. Tryck’s musical friends on a visit.
Radio NG, too warm.
July 10, 1929 Business above normal.
Second warm day, 60 to 70 above. Put up order for Willow
and Caswell. Hans hauling lumber for Gold Cord Mine.
Out of eggs. Wired for extra eggs, butter and Alaska 19-41
stove for Fishhook Inn. PM hauled over ton fish salt from
Depot. Had mortgage papers acknowledged account loan on Burnap,
Coger and Singleton farms, due 1934. This covers estate expense
rendered before dividing property. Radio NG, all cracks.
July 11, 1929 Business normal.
Warm day, 70 above. Busy AM cleaning old spuds out of
basement. Last 5 sacks shipped, 2 orders north and 2
to mines. Fat Eva and Harvey took a swim in Lake Wasilla.
Evening busy paying Seattle invoices. Snider got axle for
his car. Sharon wanted to buy Olds rear end, Olds car for trailer.
Rainy evening, no radio. Self feeling OK today, Ma OK too.
Conroy and Gaikema here.
July 12, 1929 Business ½ off,
heavy rain all day. Self busy all day on Outside mail.
Returned mortgage deed account Eyota farm to T. F. Franke, registered.
Sent Mrs. Hartman, Cad’s 5th payment on RH deal.
Hans hauling 40 tons freight for Gold Cord Mine. Rain put
road on the bum today. Sent check to cover Stanley’s premium
on N. Y. Life Insurance, due 7/23. Radio good, 1½ hours.
Mrs. McNeil went to hospital.
July 13, 1929 Business normal, rain and
52 to 56 above. Sharon and wife went to Anchorage.
Snider’s car in com. again. Evening charged A battery.
Heavy rain at Willow Creek. Spud crop saved by late rain.
White over from Government farm PM. Pyle moving camp to Craigie
Creek. Shorty put Paul’s motorcycle in our garage.
July 14, 1929 Sunday, put up $81 order
for Marion Twins Craigie prospect. Sharon and wife, McNeil
and squaw back from Anchorage on Brill car. Mrs. McNeil’s
left lung gone, doctor gave her 2 or 3 months to live. L. C.
Thompson, owner of Willow Creek Mines arrived for annual inspection.
Cleaned up spark plugs on Olds car. Evening drove down to Stern
and Vail ranches. Weather cloudy, showers. No radio.
July 15, 1929 No eggs, came and sold out.
No reply to our wire to Seward. Stanley’s crank bearings
came but no axle for our truck. Ballou and Wright filled our
order that was sent to Chanslor and Lyon Co. through Seattle Hardware.
Got load melons and green stuff, Ma beefing because we can’t sell
it. Gus took out Marion Twins order for Craigie Creek camp.
Radio mushy. Shorty’s friend arrived.
July 16, 1929 Business normal. Cleaned
up bacon. Ma crying because we had too much green
stuff and no raincoats or eggs. Evening Mabel bunch in
with Hartman Ford truck, left order and took out some green stuff.
Evening worked on Cannon final administrative report. Radio
mushy.
July 17, 1929 Business above normal,
temperature 60 to 69. Had 2 orders for up railroad line.
Shipped first strawberry boxes of season to Anchorage.
Evening Stanley, Shorty and several ARC boys in from Marion Twin
road camp. Drove Olds car out to 19. Radio good, 10 to 11 KNX.
Evening rain. Gaikema and Conroy returned to Anchorage.
July 18, 1929 Raining every night for past
week, temperature 54 to 56 above. Got 2nd order for berry
crates. Strawberries coming slow account no sun.
Mayor of Nome here, bought $1,000 of Snider’s mink to ship to Nome.
Sharon’s car out of commission. Ellexson’s in with salmon
from Knik. Rubber coats came today. No radio.
Mosquitoes bad.
July 19, 1929 Business normal.
Raining, temperature 56 above. Packed up 100 berry crates
for Empress Grocery, Anchorage. Grau in to unload Golden
Bear mill and machinery. Davis unloaded Gus’s car of Healy
coal. Teich got his electric plant installed in Depot.
Donovan in with strawberries, had our 2nd mess. Radio fair.
Mayor of Nome left for States.
July 20, 1929 Business normal.
Got 2 orders from up railroad line. McDonald, Martin Mine,
went to Anchorage to meet head guy from Outside. Reed of
Light and Power Co. arrived and went to Willow Creek to canvas prospective
power customers for Eklutna Power. New graded road to Fishhook,
nearly impassable account late rains. Made final report
on Cannon estate. Radio cracky, KNX on late.
July 21, 1929 Sunday, rained all day,
temperature 54 above. Snider hauling salmon from Knik for
his mink. Strawberries more plentiful but need sun for
flavor. Sent $1.50 to be listed in Sourdough Blue Book, August
16, 17 and 18th, stampede held in Seattle. Evening Stanley
in. No radio, KHJ and KPLA very weak.
July 22, 1929 Sales today $135.82.
Weather partly cloudy, 54 to 68 above. Salmon began running
today, one day later than last year. Dan and Silas delivering
strawberries. Seattle fruit came in rotten. Stove
came for Fishhook Inn. Stanley put new connecting rod bearings in
his car. Sam Guyot, M and M man, arrived. Evening drove
car down to signboard, climbed grades , OK, on high. Radio mush,
KNX and KOMO.
July 23, 1929 Business normal, temperature
60 to 70. Gave Sam Guyot order for auto assessments and
tobacco. Eva and Mrs. Harvey busy picking strawberries.
Evening war on at the Rutter ranch. Evening Stanley in for
parts to Ford truck, put on bum by drunk Davis. Evening usual
rain. Radio fair 10 to 10 PM. Got 2YA, Wellington, New
Zealand brought in 4 stations.
July 24, 1929 Business normal, partly
cloudy temperature 60 to 70 above. Dr. Albers, head of experimental
farm, and wife and a Dr. Smith of Washington, D. C. visited then
drove down to Donovan’s. Shipped 6 hundred berry boxes to
Anchorage. Strawberries plentiful now. Evening drove
down to Moffat ranch, clutch held OK on hills, Mrs. Fleck with us.
Everybody salting red salmon, now running. Evening raining.
Fifth Avenue organ and KNX on air.
July 25, 1929 Business normal.
AM clear, PM rain and 66 above. Gust Haller here with his
car. Ten crates strawberries went north. Mosquitoes fierce
today. Smithy over from Palmer to put up salmon, quit the
job account mosquitoes. William R. Law, head of Golden Bear
Mining Co. arrived from Los Angeles. Stanley in for gas.
Radio good 9 to 11.
July 26, 1929 Business 1/3 off today.
Weather warm 64 to 74 above. Got detail order off for broken axle
in truck to Ballow and Wright, Seattle. Smithy and Gus
after the salmon today. Sharon put up 8 barrels of salmon.
Orders coming from Seward for strawberries, Vail and Donovan biggest
suppliers. Dan picking Holden berries. Mrs. Cad sick
today. Radio good till moon came up.
July 27, 1929 L. C. Thompson left for Outside.
Gus went to Anchorage. Donovan shipped berries to Cordova.
Salmon running good. Evening Stanley in to fix gravel
truck.
July 28, 1929 Sunday busy in store with
small sales. PM took first drive to Palmer and Matanuska, 34
mile trip around loop, Eva and mother went with us. Called
on Mrs. Edmunson at Junction or old boat landing, roads fair.
Crops looking none too good owing to late spring. Evening church
radio good, KNX, KGO, KOMO and KJR shows this evening.
July 29, 1929 Business good, sales $141.50.
Temperature 52, rained all last night and today, bad for strawberries
but good for other crops. Paddy and Jacobs left for prospect
at windy Broad Pass. Got 2½ tons merchandise.
Church at school house tonight. Antone Stander (once millionaire)
left for Clear Creek prospect. Evening radio good after Teich
shut down his electric thrashing machine. Ma took a fall in
annex.
July 30, 1929 Business normal.
A-1 sunny day, 70 above. Self score and one more, and
still going strong. Ma also in good health and looking
younger, short skirts and powder helps some? Stanley in
from ARC camp to fix up gravel truck. Orders came for 40 crates
strawberries from Willow Creek Co. McNeil on wood job for
ARC at mile 10. Pete Johnson quit Golden Bear hauling, too wet.
Preacher and wife walked to Junction. Radio good for 2 hours.
July 31, 1929 Business good, sales $278.31,
July sales average over $100 per day. Temperature 80 above.
Grau and Kloss quit Gold Cord to take high grade out of new ledge
found near Gold Cord Mine. Fruit jars, sugar and berry crates
selling fair. Mrs. Fleck, Eva’s mother left for Anchorage
on way to Dillingham, Bristol Bay. Wade took contract to haul freight
for Golden Bear Mining Co. Pete quit it.
August 1, 1929 Business good, sales $177.30.
Temperature 62 to 70, A-1 sunny day. Self busy on monthly
statements till midnight. Ma going some in store.
Evening Stanley finished adjusting connecting rod bearings on
his car, drove to Pearson’s ranch for strawberries. C. D.
got the largest berries, like walnuts. Forty Mile selling at
$2 for 3 gallons in bulk, others selling at $4 for crate of 24 pint
boxes.
August 2, 1929 Business good, sales $294.90,
collections $364.22. Hot day, 82 in shade. McAllen
sold out interest in Willow Creek Mines. Six Shooter
Bill in, quit Marion Twin. Grau bought $100 outfit account
Kloss prospect. Airplane took Kloss and Red Kelly to Anchorage.
PM Eva took joy ride in airplane. Eva and Mrs. Harvey
took joy ride in car, went into ditch, had Donovan pull them out.
Tourists here.
August 3, 1929 Business good, sales $210.
A-1 sunny day, 66 above. Put up 1 order, small trade all
day. Eva left for Anchorage to see her mother off for Dillingham,
Bristol Bay District. Larson hauled out Gold Cord mill.
Evening finished monthly statements. Engstrom in for forage,
etc.
August 4, 1929 Sunday. +72.
Busy in store AM. PM drove out to Fishhook Inn, 1st trip,
road in perfect condition now, Wasilla to Fishhook summit.
Fishhook Inn looked like a junk shop outside and inside, pigs, rabbits,
chickens, foxes and a cub bear, a real farm up in the mountains.
Made round trip in 1½ hours, 33 miles. Larson hauled
last of Gold Cord mill. No radio, too hot.
August 5, 1929 Business rushing, sales
$143.25. Rain all day, temperature +58. Jess Garver
down from McKinley Park to do work on his Craigie quartz claims.
Strawberries still going strong. Got first 1st new spuds
from Smithy at Palmer at 6¢ a lb. Boat late, no freight
today. Radio cracky, KNX ½ hour.
August 6, 1929 Big rain all day, 56 to 64 above.
Got boat freight, gloves, Buhach and slickers. Roads
bad again account rain. Marion Twin and Golden Bear now
buying groceries at Anchorage, want 40 days credit and discounts,
our terms, 5% in 10 days. Evening radio fair after Teich shut
down his electric gas motor, KOG, KNX. McAllen still here.
August 7, 1929 Got 3 good orders late evening.
Jack quit ARC to truck for Golden Bear Mining Co. Baxter
Felch here for Munsingwear order. Wilmoth’s got notice
to move their warehouse off railroad track lot. Evening
Stanley and Sven in from ARC Fishhook camp for orders for help.
Stanley drove his car back to camp. Radio fair but fading.
August 8, 1929 Business good, sales $183.45.
Snider drove down to Junction and brought part of Senator party,
D. C. to Wasilla. Stacer and Olson had their cars, party
left on Brill car for Curry 5 PM. Evening drove down to Black
ranch. Got 2 tons groceries and rubber shoes on PM freight.
Ball Brand goods arrived. Evening radio fair, KPO best.
Louise Gill on vacation.
August 9, 1929 Business slow AM, evening
rushing. Smithy in with 2nd lot new spuds and turnips, spuds
6¢ lb. Signed another lease for track lot on railroad,
rent $10 a year. Pyle moving his freight out of Wilmoth
warehouse, railroad refused Wilmoth another lease, ordered him
to move off his warehouse. Radio good, all stations on the
air.
August 10, 1929 Business rushing all
day. Got several orders from up railroad line at Willow
Creek. Shawn moving his junk from Fishhook Inn to Fleck ranch,
using 2 wheel trailer behind passenger car. Louise Gill returned
to Anchorage after 3 days vacation at Sunny Knik. Evening drove
out to Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, picked gallon strawberries, George
Williams was there. Miller at his summit mine. A-1
day, evening radio good 10 to 12. Snider went to Seward.
August 11, 1929 Sunday. PM finished orders
to ship north Monday. Had big feed of Miller’s strawberries,
berry season about over. Cow doctor here testing cows
for Tuberculosis. Mary Vail Phelps back from Europe with
another man in tow. Brill train 2 hours late. Saturday
and Sunday sales $303.23. Mosquitoes about through. No radio.
Eva in Seward with mother.
August 12, 1929 Business good, sales
$141.60. Gus broke rear axle, too big loads. Jack Fabyan
hauling for Gold Cord. Snider back from Masonic meeting at Seward,
sent Elizabeth Outside to her Uncle. Eva back from Seward
with toothache. Drove out to mile 4, evening, met Stanley
coming in to meet his honey. Evening radio good, 2 hours.
August 13, 1929 Business 1/5 off today,
rained all day. Mrs. Ward and daughters doing Wasilla,
Paddy, Pyle and Capt. Slivers dancing to her dictations. Temperature
52 to 56. Gus working all day on his car. Congress
party returned from trip over railroad today. Hans offers
his roadhouse and cars for $3,500, wants to go back to Sweden.
Evening radio good for 4 hours.
August 14, 1929 Business above normal.
South trains 12 hours late account slides on north division.
Walters went to Anchorage with toothache. Law went to raise
money. Gold Cord can’t pay August bills, mill not yet installed.
Heavy rain past 24 hours and still at it now. Pyles cook quit, Mrs.
Thorpe took his place at Craigie camp. Evening radio very
weak account heavy rain. Mrs. Ward gave a card party at Marion
Twins house.
August 15, 1929 Business ¼ off
today. Law asked to let July bill run until they got Gold Cord
mill installed, short of funds. Willow Creek Road bad again
to mile 11 account heavy rains. Stanley’s car broke down climbing
hill to ARC Fishhook camp. Local freight brought no freight
off Evans, 15th at Seward. Gold Cord owes Hans over $600 for
freight haulage and paying freight bills. Radio good.
Soper paid $20 on last April’s bill.
August 16, 1929 Mrs. Ward and joy riders got
Marion Twin sedan stuck in mud near Moose Creek and had to leave
car there. Eva and Mrs. Harvey got lost in woods picking
raspberries. Eye glass peddler here from Seward. Got
out Seward mail. Taylor bought piece of land off C. D. Johnson
for a mink ranch. Radio good. Out of eggs and bacon.
August 17, 1929 Business normal.
First frost, froze spud vines in Wasilla last night.
Heavy frost at Willow Creek. No harm done around Palmer.
Snider and wife went to Seward. Clo Chamberlain passed through
from visit at Fairbanks with daughter. Fur farmers held
meeting at Wasilla today. Evening rain. Radio fading.
Last of strawberries.
August 18, 1929 Busy in store AM
Rain. Pat Irish in for clothing. Freighting over
summit for Elmer Larson and Willow Creek Mines. PM till
midnight, worked on cars, put axle in truck had to make it over,
tightened up clutch on Olds car, also pinion gear on differential,
put back foot boards, etc. greased and pumped up tires. Evening
Stanley in with his lame duck Nash car. Rained all PM. Working
outside, no radio. Strawberry shortcake.
August 19, 1929 Business good, sales
$249.58. Delayed eggs and bacon arrived from Seward.
O. C. Miller in, got $160 loan from W. R. Long on his ranch,
due August 19, 1930, 12%. Hans bought Landers place at mountain
home. Snider family back from Shriner’s meet at Seward.
Standard Oil man here today. Had 1st raspberries. KNX
on air 2 hours.
August 20, 1929 Business normal.
Rain all day, temperature 52 to 58 above. War on at Lake
Lucille, Snider’s cows ate up Zink’s garden truck last night.
Our truck in service again, hauled over 2 tons of merchandise from
railroad warehouse. New coil for Stanley’s Nash car arrived.
Mrs. Ward and kids still at Marion Twin house. Harvey, newlywed,
now taking Doan’s kidney pills? Radio fair, some static.
August 21, 1929 Sales $113.49.
Weather cloudy, temperature 48 to 60 above. Mr. Taylor
received lumber for his fur farm. Blueberries plentiful
in swamps, not many at Willow Creek. Krough family entertaining
Ward family today. Wonderful rainbow this evening.
Snider shipped $1,000 worth of breeding mink Outside. Sent Paul
Wavrick $24 account tires. Radio only KNX. Paddy and Jacob’s
went to Anchorage account Web Foot deal.
August 22, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Cloudy and cool, 52 to 60 above. Kaloski Jr. here drumming
trade. Gus broke another axle on car, stepping on the gas.
Anchorage preacher here with Jack-lantern show, let him use my
battery account same. Zep at Tokyo, due Los Angeles in a few
days, around the world flight. Frenchman, in plane, started
out to beat Zep. Radio fair, got PI news.
August 23, 1929 Business 1/5 off.
A-1 sunny day, 52 to 68 above. Opened up Black Bear goods,
no invoice came. Edlund’s up from Anchorage account dance
at Fairview for Bessie Row, new teacher at Fairview. Evening drove
out to Long’s ranch, road all cut up account rain. J. H. Lander
sold out and left for States. McDonald in town past few days.
Snider family joy riding at Palmer. Radio fair, KNX.
August 24, 1929 Business normal.
Sunny day, temperature 52 to 60 above. Ellexson’s in
with raspberries. Herman down from Big Lake for supplies.
Art Heaven’s brother here, got arm in sling. Sharon Fleck
closed Fishhook Inn and moved back to ranch with his fur animals,
etc. Evening dance on at Fairview, drove Stanley and Eva
down. All stations on air, lots of static. Zep 1,700
miles from Seattle in Pacific Ocean.
August 25, 1929 Sunday, busy around store,
George Nylen over with White from Palmer. PM drew off
aviation gas, filled store tank and cleaned up street lamp, burned
OK. Drove down Knik Road as far as Moffat ranch, round trip, 15
miles. Evening overhauled Sharon’s alarm clock, ran OK.
Stanley dragged Willow Creek road with Cat. Now midnight, getting
report over radio of Zep arriving over Los Angeles, 3rd leg, air full
of planes there.
August 26, 1929 Business good, sales $175.50.
Mr. Pyle in from Craigie Creek Mine, visited Mrs. Ward account
auto left in Moose Creek swamp, told her to come across with $250
cash. Snider family broke down driving in to Fosket ranch,
had to walk home. Eva and Mrs. Rowe went to Knik with Ellexson’s
to pick raspberries. Got 3 tons freight PM train. Till
back from Seattle with new manager for Willow Creek Mines. Graf Zeppelin
left Los Angeles at 12:15 tonight for New York, last leg of the around
the world flight. Radio good, KOMO and KNX, 2YA now on the air.
August 27, 1929 Business above normal.
Partly cloudy, temperature 54 to 60 above. Hauled over
truck load milk. Mary Ward here to settle with Pyle account
car left at Moose Creek. Evening Smithy brought car to Wasilla,
Mary gave them a dinner at roadhouse, bill is paid? Evening
drove out as far as Mullen ranch, road good after dragging.
Radio fair, KNX clear, others mushy. McDonald through at Martin
Mine.
August 28, 1929 Business above normal.
Temperature 52 to 60 above. Mrs. Wilmoth reported
they beat Teich out on removal of railroad warehouse. Evening
drove to Knik for Eva. Eva got wire from her dad to buy Doherty ranch,
arrived home 9:15. Radio good. Elmer Culver playing big
organ in San Francisco studio of National Broadcasting Co. With
hook up of Graf Zeppelin landing at Lakehurst, New Jersey, completing
trip around the world 12:14 connected to New York City National
Broadcasting Co. Zep 100 miles from New York.
August 29, 1929 Business good, sales
$188.65. Sunny day. Hook up with New York came
in good, Graf Zeppelin tied up at Lakehurst, at hanger 7 AM this
morning making trip around the world in 21 days, 5 hours.
ARC gravel truck towed in for repairs. Evening Pete Nelson
and Stanley in. Pete’s tent burned down, lost all his clothes.
Radio good, 2 hours.
August 30, 1929 Partly cloudy,
44 to 50 above. Car load lumber arrived for Willow Creek
Mines. Pat Irish went to Anchorage account pains in his chest.
Duck season near, sold case 12 gauge shells. Evening drove
out to mile 10. ARC got more money for Gold Cord road.
Radio fair 11 PM got a thrill, brought in Hartford, Connecticut.
Sliver wrecked his Ford truck at mile 9.
August 31, 1929 Business good, sales
$476.46. Temperature 54 to 60 above. Mrs. McBeth
went to Anchorage with Snider kids. Snider shipped $1,000
worth of mink for breeding purposes. Marion Twin closed
down on Craigie prospect. Sam Beck, Loberg and Ulsh out from
Lucky Shot Mine with McAllen car, time 2 hours. Eva went to Knik with
Jack Fabyan’s car. Radio good, KNX, KOMO, KFI and KGO.
Sam St. Pierre bought grub outfit.
September 1, 1929 Sunday busy in store
AM, PM and evening till midnight on monthly statements.
Cloudy today. Al Walter and family over from Palmer, also
fur farmers account meeting at Wasilla. Art Heaven down
from Houston to trade. Oberg and Cad families on joy ride to
Lucky Shot Mine with Jack Fabyan’s car. Mrs. Vail running the
roadhouse. Radio mushy. Stanley in from mile 10 camp.
September 2, 1929 Business good, sales
$224.69. Rain all AM, temperature 50 to 54 above.
Had truck load of forage to ship north. Got 4 truck loads
of merchandise on PM freight train. Evening clearing and radio
very loud. Fine program on KPO, San Francisco. Heavy
storms on Atlantic and Pacific, Zep had to sail south going to Europe
to avoid storms.
September 3, 1929 Business good, sales
$235.85. Temperature 60 above. Unloaded forage
in track warehouse. Willow Creek Mines got 3 cars lumber
and 1 car coal to go in over Fishhook summit. Stanley and
Donovan shot 2 bear at Fishhook Creek. E. F. Wann wanted
price on my Grubstake Placer. Radio good, 11 in morning, all
stations now on the air. Poor Clara, now in her grave.
September 4, 1929 Rain all
day, temperature 50 to 54 above. Shipped ½ ton
fox feed to Palmer. McNeil unloading 3 cars lumber for
Willow Creek Mines. Mr. Wann and Mrs. Ward went to Anchorage.
Eva fleshing bear skin shot by Stanley yesterday. Charged
A battery, radio good from Pacific Coast.
September 5, 1929 Business ¼ off
today. Cloudy and showers, 60 above. Way freight
several hours late. Snider on war path account mink shipment
held up at Seward, no Admiral boat to Kodiak. Graf Zeppelin
arrived home at Friedrickshaven, Germany September 4th, time around
the world 20 days 4 hours and 18 minutes from home port.
Radio fair, some static.
September 6, 1929 Business ½ off
today. Cloudy, 56 above. Pyle sold White car to Turnagain
Arm Smith of Palmer. Merrill, Anchorage plane, arrived with 3 men
for Chickaloon District, landed on Lake Wasilla account trouble
with oil line, got back at 6 PM and took Jacobs to Anchorage, leaving
for Outside. Shonbeck here, sold Cat to Elmer Larson and Shorty
account Willow Creek freight. Radio mushy except KNX.
September 7, 1929 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 54 to 60 above. Merrill here with airplane
with 2 men and trappers outfit flew them to Chickaloon District.
McNeil’s sacking 800 sacks coal for Willow Creek Mines. Brill
car got over washout near Curry with boat mail. Snider car
out commission again. Nick Brake in, rented Mabel cabin again.
No radio, mushy. 12 PM fine program in from Wellington, New
Zealand, Sunday AM over there, big cheering. 2YA only radio
tonight and good.
September 8, 1929 Sunday. Cleaned
up balcony. Business fair 9 to 12 AM. PM drove down
to Moffat ranch, some water on road but road fairly good.
Willow Creek roads badly cut up account late rains. Shorty
in, going in on freight with Elmer Larson, buying a Cat to do the
hauling. Washed up Olds car and polished it up like new.
Evening Stanley in to fix ARC truck 2YA only clear station.
Two passenger trains today.
September 9, 1929 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, temperature 44 to 54 above. Got 5 tons
general merchandise PM freight. Gill family arrived, our
guests. Gill demonstrating Ford truck for Shonbeck.
Pyle ready to leave for Los Angeles, taking out 7 tons high grade
for Marion Twin Gold Mining Co. Snider’s car working again.
Radio mushy 11 PM 2YA, Wellington, New Zealand good.
September 10, 1929 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, evening rain. PM hauled over 4 truck loads of
new merchandise, got extra butter and eggs. Gill trying
out new 1½ ton Ford truck, only went to Lander warehouse.
Several went to Anchorage account Fair. Evening Anchorage radio
on with opening of Fair. J. A. Pyle left for Los Angeles.
September 11, 1929 Business good, sales
$156.10. Temperature 52 above. McDonald in, going
to put up old Martin tram and make ready for next seasons development
work on Martin Mine. Gill made trip to G. B. Cache, with demonstrating
Ford truck, in 55 minutes. Mrs. Gill left for Anchorage PM
train. Radio fair, KFQD on air with Anchorage Fair.
September 12, 1929 Business normal.
Misty day, 52 above. Gus bought the 1½ ton new Ford
truck. Hans got his new 1 ton Chevrolet truck. Gill
through demonstrating truck for Shonbeck and sold out. Shorty
bought old Cat from railroad for $500 account Willow Creek freight.
No radio till midnight, New Zealand, Sidney then on air .
September 13, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature 50 to 56 above, cloudy. Oscar Gill left for
Anchorage sold Ford truck to Gus. Eva, Shorty and Norman
went into ditch coming from Knik last night and stayed there all night.
Got 3 orders from north today. Evening radio mushy until 11
PM, 2YA, New Zealand, clear as a bell, very fine program.
Walter’s went to Anchorage hospital. Gus went to Anchorage to
complete car deal. Thorpe’s left for Outside.
September 14, 1929 First
windy day, +52. No mail train today, boat late.
Ellexson shipped $150 cow to Anchorage. Evening dance
on at Fairview. Stanley in with orders for ARC help. Leonard
Grau in, wanted to borrow money on his ranch to install mill on
Fishhook quartz mine.
September 15, 1929 Sunday, weather cloudy,
+50. Mail train at 4 PM mail not distributed. Charged
A battery. Evening no radio until 10:30, then heard clock
strike 8 o’clock at Wellington, New Zealand followed by fine program
until midnight our time. Mrs. Isaac back from Anchorage,
took Helmer out on Brill car. Evening rain.
September 16, 1929 Stanley now driving Cat
for ARC Willow Creek Mines closed down, trouble in management.
Bunch of miners came in PM. Got 3 truck loads freight.
Grau and Kloss, Hi-Grade, having financial trouble. Installed
#21 Ever Ready radio, brought in Los Angeles.
September 17, 1929 Business good, sales
$225.63. Temperature 48 to 60 above, rained most all day.
Willow Creek Road in bad condition. Unloaded forage in
track warehouse PM. Osborne and Smithy up from Matanuska.
Bogard in for supplies. Had a Sunny Knik raspberry shortcake.
Shorty deal off account Willow Creek Mines closing down account bad
roads, can’t haul in their freight. Evening brought in eleven
stations on new Ever Ready #21 set. Mushy weather for radio.
September 18, 1929 Business good, sales
$188.60. Someone stole 2 riding saddles from Hans at mountain
home barn. McDougal back from Anchorage. Mrs. St.
Clair arrived, went to farm to clean up and sell off outfit.
St. Clair going Outside account foot. McAllen in for coffee,
cancelled Anchorage order account closing down Mine. Midnight,
New Zealand came in OK.
September 19, 1929 Business good, sales
$247.78. Shipped 2 orders from Willow Creek Mines. Light
frost last night. Evening got out Seattle mail. Snider
got red baby tractor for his sedan car. Radio NG account big
moon and Teich’s dynamo. Midnight, New Zealand good.
Stanley in from Mabel and out. Radio in, with static.
September 20, 1929 First killing frost
last night. Shorty overhauling Stanley’s car, in bad shape.
Jack hauling lumber out to Gold Cord Mine to cover mill.
Hi-Grade Mine up in the air, Grau lost out, Wade bought old mill
off Fern Mine to install for half interest in Hi-Grade. Snider
trying to get in on Hi-Grade. Good radio from Japan, New Zealand
and Sidney.
September 21, 1929 Business normal. Shorty
finished patching up Stanley’s Nash car. Evening dance
on at Matanuska. Snider bought ¼ interest in Hi-Grade
Mine. Evening radio NG, northern lights and big moon.
Midnight, 2YA, New Zealand, came in on ear phones. Gold
Cord installing mill and $2,000 in debt, owe us for July, August and
September bills.
September 22, 1929 Sunday, busy in store
AM. PM fixed up store gas lamps, ready to light when
needed. Paid all rubber December 1st invoices. PM and evening,
raining. The schoolmarm went out with Jack to Gold Cord
Mine. Hi-Grade Mine finance still in the air. Stanley’s
ARC camp moved from Mabel Forks to Matanuska District. Radio
NG, too much static. Got New Zealand market report, Jersey cows
selling for 5 to 6 #.
September 23, 1929 Business good, cash sales
$140.90, credit $42.70. AM, cloudy, PM and evening usual
rain temperature 54 to 60 above. Dan Gray and Nick Brake
bought prospecting outfits. Wade paid old account, has
$900 coming from Golden Bear Mining Co. account haulage.
PM drove down to Vail’s for load wood and spuds. Stanley in
with ARC Cat. Evening radio NG, all static. 11:30, New
Zealand came in beautiful.
September 24, 1929 Business above normal.
Sunny today, 54 to 60 above. Had Shorty take up connecting rod
bearings on Olds car, bearings loose account thread stripped on
bolt. Stanley through with ARC. Snider and Wade signed
up for ½ interest in Hi-Grade Mine, Grau failed to come
through.
September 25, 1929 Business good, sales
$322.66. Sold 2 trappers outfits north. Shorty cleaned
carbon out of Olds car and ground the valves. Snider shipped
40 more mink. Evening got out hardware order. Radio
NG, static midnight. Play on at Sidney, Australia. Wrote
Harry J. Martin about #21 set. Goodyear tire man visited, wanted
me to take agency for tires. Radio NG.
September 26, 1929 Shorty finished Olds car,
now in A-1 condition takes grades on high. Stanley sold
his Nash sedan to Shorty for $300, cost him $500. Evening
got out merchandise orders. Natives on a drunk, said they
found gallon of White Mule on Walter’s trail. No radio.
September 27, 1929 Business above normal.
Rain most all day. Morgan, Libby’s man here, gave him a
fall order. Another peddler in town getting orders from
our customers. Merrill, Anchorage pilot, lost for 10 days.
Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage for weekend. 2YA New Zealand
only station on the air, came in clear.
September 28, 1929 Willow Creek Mines selling
out their 3 car load of lumber at $50 per M. Libby’s man
left for Anchorage. No mail train today, boat late.
Miss Minis up from farm. O. C. Miller bought a $75 outfit for ranch
and mine. Evening radio fair, fine program from Grand Opera House
Wellington, New Zealand. Stanley and Eva at Anchorage.
September 29, 1929 Sunday busy in store.
Mail train in PM. Clyde Baskett back from Hope, spent
summer with Hershey Quartz Mine. Another clothing peddler
in town. Ellexson’s 20th anniversary not a big success last
night. Evening radio good, tried out new #21 Eveready set.
Grand Opera now coming in from Wellington, New Zealand on old set,
heard at Chicago and Holland. Cloudy evening, usual rain, temperature
54 above.
September 30, 1929 Business good, sales
$324.71. Weather cloudy, temperature 44 to 50 above.
Got good order from Mabel Mine. Shipped ½ ton fox
feed to Caswell. Road to Matanuska, via railroad, bum.
Got 3 truck loads of merchandise, hauled it over and stored away.
Appointed census taker for Willow District, $6 a day for 8 hours
work and 7¢ a mile for auto in country. Evening on accounts.
KNX and KOMO came in good on Eveready #21 set. September sales $4,012.28.
October 1, 1929 First snow on Bald Mt. this
fall, rain at Wasilla and lower mountain peaks. Busy on
monthly statements. McDonald in, wired for money, August
and September bills unpaid Evening fine radio on Eveready
set, KSL, Salt Lake good. Tin can party for Mrs. Cad tonight.
October 2, 1929 Business good, sales
$137.55. Cloudy and cooler account snow on mountain peaks,
+42. Finished monthly statements at 3 PM. Mail train
went north. Stanley and Eva back from Anchorage. Early
evening, radio good but spoiled by Agent Teich motor. Hi-Grade
promoters up in air over mining expense. Fred Roscher talked
about shooting up the McNeil family, going nuts. Radio fair
10 to 11 PM.
October 3, 1929 Business normal, sales
$114.45. Stanley bumped Ma off as chief clerk for K. T. Co.
Self priced up some new goods. Cleaned spark plugs and
put in glass on oil indicator on Overland truck. PM delivered
Roscher’s grub at mile 7 ranch. Hauled over corrugated
roofing and rope. Evening on Seattle invoices. Radio
NG, mushy weather.
October 4, 1929 Weather colder, 32 to
44 above, snow on mountain peaks to stay. W. R. Law left
for Los Angeles, got Gold Cord mill operating. Clyde Burkett
went to Anchorage. Offered Clyde Burkett the census job
at $6 a day and 7¢ a mile for auto. Radio NG till Teich
shut down his electric plant, then KNX and 2YA came in good, some
static.
October 5, 1929 Froze a crust last night.
Mrs. Cad and McAllen back from Anchorage. Got boat mail,
1st time boat on time. Frank Cook here, through Inside.
October 6, 1929 Weather cloudy, 40 above.
Car coal, for winter use, arrived today. Fixed up coal
shoot and shoot to cellar coal bin. Capt. Sliver took contract
to unload car coal, 40 tons at $1 a ton in our bin. Evening radio
good but spoiled by Teich’s motor. Wellington, New Zealand
now coming in good, 9:20 their time.
October 7, 1929 Business good, sales
$223.40. Partly cloudy, evening rain, as usual, temperature
42 above. McNeil outfit unloaded ½ car coal.
Self fixing in and out of warehouse. Tom Cavanaugh bought
winter grub outfit including a case of malt syrup. Charged
A battery. Evening soft and mush, no radio. Got 2 tons
new groceries, fruit, etc. Snow half way down to timber line.
Agent Teich off on 10 day vacation.
October 8, 1929 Business 50% off.
Clear day, temperature 34 to 44 above. McNeil’s unloading
car of our coal. Gus in with lame back Young Kolaska
here after business. Leonard Grau fixing up Fabyan garage on
Main Street. Snider hunting cows with his auto. Evening
clear and colder but radio weak. Self on repair work all day.
October 9, 1929 Thirty five tons coal now in
bin, let Jack Frost come on, let Mabel have 3 tons, Wilmoth
Co. 2 tons. Received boat mail today. Mining engineer
here to inspect old Web Foot Mine. Radio spasmodic till 11
PM New Zealand now good. Gus now at Fishhook Inn.
October 10, 1929 Business good, sales
$141.55. Self in office all day on orders and Seattle mail.
Clyde Burkett agreed to do the enumerator job at Wasilla, wired in
my resignation. Shorty building garage. New Cat arrived
for Elmer Larson. Road Commission all through, moved up
Matanuska camp. Radio NG, came in late 10 to 12 .
October 11, 1929 Sales slow, collections
good. Noon, drove Eva and Ma out to Mrs. Anderson’s ranch,
mile 5, road in fine condition now. Shorty unloaded Elmer’s
Cat, going to try hauling freight over Fishhook Pass with new
Cat. Clyde Burkett got answer to my wire to census enumerator
that he could take Wasilla census. Radio very weak.
Weather cloudy, 50 above.
October 12, 1929 Business good, collections
fair. Temperature +40, cloudy with showers. Self
pricing up hardware and clothing. Elmer took out load lumber
with his new Cat via Fishhook summit to Lucky Shot Mine. Mrs.
Soper back from States. Evening hard time dance on at Fairview
schoolhouse. Evening raining, soft radio NG. Got fine
church service from Australia and band concert 12 to 1.
October 13, 1929 Sunday, ground white
this AM, light snow fell all day, temperature 30 to 34 above,
ground not frozen, snow melting fast, worse on roads. PM cleaned
and oiled store floor. Radio fair after Teich shut down his
electric motor. Paid for car of Healy coal and Seattle invoices.
Mrs. Cad had a crowd today at Wasilla Hotel. Clarence Marsh up
to trade. Heavy snow now on mountain peaks. Gold Cord owes over
$600. Radio fair, got news items. President Hoover and family gone
for outing.
October 14, 1929 Business good, sales $322.80.
Temperature 32 to 38, 4 snow fell last night. Business
good all day. J. K. Cram, mining engineer, after inspecting
mines at Fern and Mabel, left for Outside. C. H. Wilson
went to Anchorage. Got shipment of Lang stoves. Evening
radio good, 2YA New Zealand now coming in fine.
October 15, 1929 Lawrence in for grub outfit.
J. M. McDonald through at Martin Mine put up tram, repaired mill,
repaired buildings, left for Outside. Word came Alameda
went on the rocks in Wrangle Narrows on up-trip. Cunningham
and Anchorage Times inspecting roads in valley. Radio fair
for 2 hours. Tryck installed set. Poor Clara now in her
grave.
October 16, 1929 Business above normal.
Snowed 4” last night, 32 above today. Wet storm all day.
Horning back from Anchorage. Alameda got off rocks, and
now on way to Seward. Got back Hi-Grade check, no funds.
All Fishhook miners now on the bum for want of funds. Tommy
and Helmer cutting wood for Wasilla school. Made out 3 orders
for Seattle merchandise. Evening no radio, now midnight,
New Zealand coming in fair.
October 17, 1929 Business good, sales
$157.20. Partly cloudy, evening colder, temperature 28
to 32. Self busy on orders. Vic Olson and partner
bought an outfit. Cadwallader in town to sharpen up the butcher
knives, etc.? George Grennan in with vegetables.
Evening radio NG account moon. Tom Aureen in Anchorage, going
to Pioneer Home. Wilmoth paying his bills here. Jack Fabyan
hauling lumber from Matanuska. Snider butchered a beef.
October 18, 1929 Elmer stuck with new Cat,
sent for Shorty to fix her up out at Fishhook Inn. Clyde
back from taking census at Willow Creek. Wilmoth sore because
Clyde was appointed enumerator. Got order from Caswell.
KPO only station on air tonight. 2YA New Zealand coming in
good at 11:30 PM.
October 19, 1929 First cold wave of winter,
temperature 34 down to 8 above. Clyde now taking farmer
census. Herm in with dog team from Big Fish Lake. Now
6” of snow. Radio good 7 to 9 then moon fixed it. Got
cold in molars, plenty ache.
October 20, 1929 Sunday, quiet in town,
no cars moving. William Taylor moved from Harrison cabin
to his fur farm on west end of C. D. Johnson’s ranch. Harvey
through on section. Mike Sherry came in, had been sick at
mines. Payton in from GBM Co. Gold brick no, yes going
to wire Law for money. No radio until 11:30, concert from Wellington,
New Zealand came in fine. Ma not feeling well.
October 21, 1929 Cloudy, windy, 22 to
34 above. Got mail off to catch Alameda at Seward, she
went to Kodiak. Got hardware, Fink clothing, fruit, etc.
on PM freight, 2 truck loads. Stanley, Al and Harvey went
out to Hart cabin to round up a moose. No radio till 9 PM then
came in good. KPO with final singing girl and boy contest through
Silver Fizz program then 2YA Wellington, New Zealand came in fine.
Payton went to Anchorage with first gold brick and to wire for more
money to pay Golden Bear Mining Co. bill.
October 22, 1929 Chinook wind, 40 above, snow
about all gone. Stanley out after moose. Lana Loberg
ready for 2nd trip to trap line district near Caswell. Mrs.
Edlund on market with milk fed chickens. Shorty got garage
up, ready for roof. Evening agent Teich in to listen to radio,
radio weak.
October 23, 1929 Business good, sales
$198.75, all cash. A-1 summer day, temperature 42 above.
Ueeck bought trapping outfit for Nancy. Loberg and new
bride left for trap line at Caswell. Moose hunters got
back, Stanley got moose near mile 9. Evening radio weak.
Midnight, 8 Jap stations came in good. Al Walter’s over from
Palmer, bought ton spuds off him for March delivery.
October 24, 1929 Business good, sales
$318.63. Chinook wind, 44 above. Rush in store all
day. Lewis Gaston in, bought outfit. Willow Creek
Mines closed down for winter. Bear and Mabel Mines still
milling out ore. Gust Haller here to buy ticket to Sweden. Al
Harter got Stanley’s moose. Evening Stanley went out to pack
moose in. Lester Davis arrived from Anchorage by airplane,
drunk as usual.
October 25, 1929 Business good, sales
$140.85. B. B. Ueeck over to trade. Jacob Metz in for supplies.
Stanley went out to help pack moose out of woods to mile 4 on
road. Hi-Grade Mining Co. engine arrived. Mrs. Cad giving
away moose meat. Got 2 orders from north on railroad.
Lawrence at Anchorage for weekend.
October 26, 1929 Cloudy and
rain, 40 above. Stanley brought in moose, took all week
to get him and pack out of woods. Sam Guyot, M and M man,
arrived to get grocery orders. Evening dance on at school house.
Edlund bunch up from Anchorage. Shorty got roof on his new
garage. Snider went to Anchorage account Hi-Grade Mining Co.
Evening raining.
October 27, 1929 Sunday busy in store.
Gave Sam Guyot fill-in order on groceries, candy and tobacco.
Evening radio fair for 2½ hours. Paid Libby 10/17
bill, $641.36. There was 17 Edlund’s at the dance last night,
also mule. Peter Snider doing the town with car while his father
at Anchorage. Gold Bullion Mining Co.’s help came in, through.
October 28, 1929 Business good, sales
$163.60. Shipped 1 truck load on north freight. Got 4
truck loads Libby goods. Golden Bear Mining Co. help left
for Anchorage. Mr. Wann wanted lease on Grubstake Placer
on 50-50. Snider back from Anchorage, said Joe Palmer was in
hospital. Agent Teich got new radio set with power speaker.
Radio weak tonight.
October 29, 1929 Business normal, self
filled in cement crack around annex warm storage. Bill
Long in, drew his last years savings, $405, talking of going Outside.
Sam Kelly talking of going Outside for medical treatment account bad
stomach. Evening radio good. Tryck got his set working,
radio good 7 to 11 PM.
October 30, 1929 No Chinook, 40 above.
Busy marking hardware in warehouse, aft store. Patzack
down to trade. Ellexson lost half of mink, bought by Shorty
this fall off Snider. Payton back from Anchorage, did not call,
beat it for Gold Cord Mine. Ma’s 60th birthday and in better
health than in 5 years. Gave her usual birthday present, one
dollar, in gold, for each year. North wind. No radio.
October 31, 1929 Business good, sales
$292.20. Self busy pricing up Libby goods and Seattle invoices.
Jacob Metz and Watson in, also Bogard for merchandise.
October sales $4,417.01, ¾ cash. Warm Chinook wind,
no radio. Big blow on Pacific Coast. Stanley and
Eva talking of taking a trip to Seattle. Preaching at school
house.
November 1, 1929 Business 2/3 off.
Chinook wind, 36 to 46 above. Self on Outside mail and
monthly statements. Ira Payton left for Outside, leaving
Golden Bear Mining Co. bills unpaid. Shonbeck here looking
up Gold Bullion Mining Co. records on file. Shonbeck in $3,000
on Gold Bullion Mining Co. Shorty got his garage about completed.
Sent Mrs. Hartman and Chas Harrison their rent collections.
Radio NG. Teich burned out tube.
November 2, 1929 Business normal.
Cloudy sleet 32 to 34 above. Finished up monthly statements.
Nylan and Anderson over from Forest Hall to trade. Sam
Beck drove out drunk last night and landed in ditch, Shorty went
out today and got his car. Ellexson in with dual tires on rear
of car. Sprinkle of snow and rain most of day. Evening
no radio, all cracks. Engstrom in for supplies. Ellexson’s
gave us a duck, dressed. Finished statements, no radio.
November 3, 1929 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening, cleared and colder, down to 22 above. Cleaned
up all outside coal and put some in furnace bin. Mail train
arrived with Outside mail. Mrs. Hartman sent check to pay
Sharon for boarding his 2 silver foxes. Quiet in town.
Hans took a load to Fishhook. Evening no radio till 11 PM then
2YA, New Zealand. Ma gave a duck dinner.
November 4, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Snider on war path account of Indians building near his mink
ranch. PM freight brought balance of flour order, crockery,
work shirts and fruit, hauled 2 truck loads to store. Stanley
sent in new bond account treasurer Wasilla School. School
in session 2 months and no money. Radio spasmodic, Silver Fizz
and KPO fairly good, storms in States.
November 5, 1929 Put storm windows on east
end of annex warm storage. Sam Beck in for grub for Willow
Creek Mines, balance of help coming out Thursday, leaving 3 men
at mine. Evening pricing up new goods.
November 6, 1929 Business good,
sales $131.60. Temperature 32 above, ground froze up last
night, north Chinook wind today. Self busy on Seattle invoices.
Richard Bartholf, back from school in Anchorage, to work at Mabel
Mine. Evening Pacific Fruit Alaska program on the air
but NG at Wasilla. Heard opening song, Hello Alaska, How are
You?, then at Hyder and went dead at Juneau. Phoned for date
with dentist.
November 7, 1929 Business 1/3 off, weather
colder, 18 to 32 above. Lake Lucille froze over last night.
Last of Willow Creek Mine help in today. McAllen and 2 men
still getting samples of ore. Jim Patchell back from Chickaloon
to winter up at Wasilla. Paid all Seattle invoices. Made
date with Dr. Pollard to fix up my teeth tomorrow. Radio still
on the bum, bad weather on Pacific Coast. Al got a moose.
November 8, 1929 Self left for Anchorage 11
AM to have teeth fixed up, had 6 fillings in and teeth cleaned
by Dr. Pollard Dental Clinic. Put up at Hotel Anchorage.
Frank Hoffman there nursing broken ankle and Frenchy with blood
poison in one arm. Had one meal, didn’t go to show.
Answered Roe’s letter. Snowed at Anchorage, none at Wasilla.
Cost $20 for dental work.
November 9, 1929 Anchorage to Wasilla,
AM Met Billy Murphy and Bailes of Bailes and Keely.
Murphy suing George Palmer for money of Mike Murphy, deceased.
Got typewriter supplies, donuts and lamb steaks, left for home
1:45 PM. Hoffman returned to Matanuska. Met Jim Stewart
on train, returning to Fairbanks. Evening radio fair, 9 to 11
PM. Weather windy, 18 above. Joe Palmer returned to ranch.
Seattle bank merger.
November 10, 1929 Sunday quiet in town,
temperature +32. Clarence Marsh over with his “40 Mile”
Tin Lizzie to trade. Nolan Hudson got a moose. Mattie
made a loan to Eric. Charged A batteries. Evening radio
fine, Salt Lake hour best. Midnight, Wellington church service
came in fine. Evening on Outside mail.
November 11, 1929 Got ½ car load general
merchandise, hauled 3 truck loads to store, put balance in track
warehouse. Evening big wind but radio good for 2 hours.
Elmer Larson through freighting at Willow Creek Mines, mine closed
down. No skating, lakes still open.
November 12, 1929 Business above normal,
A-1 day, +42. AM unloaded forage in track warehouse.
Self cleaned furnace chimney and office chimney. Gus got
car Healy coal, Mrs. Cad took half of car. Party on at Sharon
Fleck’s for Stanley and Eva. Tryck’s now a radio bug.
Smithy over from Palmer with car.
November 13, 1929 Real spring day, frost
coming out of ground. AM, fixed up street crossing and
put coal in furnace bin. PM put storm canvas in old auto shed to
keep out snow. Lawrence left for McKinley Park for ARC.
Truitt, lawyer, here. Evening dinner party on at Ellexson’s
for Stanley and Eva. No radio, too warm.
November 14, 1929 Eva and Stanley making ready
for trip to Seattle. Alaska Railroad claims agent here
taking testimony account Harvey’s cabin being burned down by
section men last summer. Evening pulled off radio stunt
with phonograph Bristol attachment. Played records in office,
had loud speaker in balcony, used microphone to announce.
Dozen attended, thought it was KDYL Salt Lake. Stanley did
the announcing.
November 15, 1929 Business good, sales
$162.20. Temperature 14 to 28 above. Eva and Stanley
left for Seattle, also Sam Kelly and Clyde Burkett. Last
night fake radio program still good. Snider wrote in, thanking
KDYL for the all Alaska program pulled off by Stanley and self with
Bristol phono attachment and microphone. Ma now chief clerk
for K. T. Co. Pa buyer, bookkeeper, janitor and ?? Gus
back from Talkeetna.
November 16, 1929 Sprinkle of snow last night,
ground white, 2nd time. Roads good, cars operating between
Wasilla, Fishhook, Palmer, Matanuska and Knik. Got big
Outside mail. Stanley and Eva left Seward 11 AM on SS Yukon
for Seattle. Piston head for Shorty’s car arrived.
Evening big moon, no radio.
November 17, 1929 Fred Nelson placed a trapping
order, going to Hurricane Gulch. Colder today, temperature
8 to 14 above. Self busy around store most of day with order
for Monday freight. Ma complaining about rheumatism in legs.
Gus and Jack still hauling freight as far as Fishhook. Auto
roads good, cars coming from Palmer. Big moon, no radio.
Thorpe’s in Seattle.
November 18, 1929 Business good, sales
$235.50. Temperature 4 to 20, 2nd cold snap. Ellexson’s
out from Knik with veal. Fred Nelson left for Hurricane
Gulch, took over Frenchy’s trap line. Paddy Marion out at
Gold Mint Mine, trapping. Nolan Hudson left for Girdwood
and thence Outside. Sam Kelly, with Eva and Stanley, crossing
the Gulf to Juneau today. Lake Wasilla froze.
November 19, 1929 Bogard and Walters
in for merchandise. Wheeled over smoked meats and lard
from Depot. Jack and Gus still hauling freight to Fishhook
Inn. Mabel Mine doing development work. No school
past 2 days, teacher sick. Wired for Eveready loud speakers
for Al and Gus. No radio, all cracks.
November 20, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Chinook wind, temperature 20 to 24, snow all gone again.
Ma making ready for trip to Anchorage. Shorty hauling in
wood with Elmer Larson’s 6 wheel truck. School marm still
off duty. Let Pedro Goosmar contract to cut 5 ricks birch wood
at $2.50. Evening radio good 7 to 10 PM.
November 21, 1929 Home brew crowd in for supplies.
Zink’s bought a $50 order of grub. Mrs. Teich here from
Anchorage, camping on Henry’s trail. Jack Fabyan dragged
the road down to Fairview. No snow and thawing. Metz
in for merchandise. Radio fair.
November 22, 1929 Business normal.
Chinook wind, 32 to 36 above. Ma went to Anchorage for
weekend. Mrs. Cad and Mrs. Rutter went south on train today.
Overby, of Caswell Lake fur farm, arrived to buy merchandise. Hans
sawing wood at his ranch. Evening moved Eveready radio set
from balcony to Stanley’s room. Midnight, Long Beach came
in OK, radio 9 to 11 PM. Radio weak, raining all evening.
November 23, 1929 Got good orders from Caswell
and Gold Creek. Overby returned to Caswell after inspecting
Teich’s electric motor. Mrs. Cad and Ma back from Anchorage.
Mrs. Rutter, with trunk, kept going south? Rained hard all
last night and today, temperature 36 above. Letter from Stanley
at Juneau. Radio but weak.
November 24, 1929 Sunday. Busy
all day in store. Put up 3 orders for up railroad line.
Weather cloudy, 36 above all day. Ma not feeling very
well after weekend at Anchorage. Oscar Anderson, Gusta
and George Edlund went out to try their luck for a moose at Bald Mt.
Stanley and Eva supposed to be in Seattle now. Radio fair.
November 25, 1929 Business above normal.
PM rushed, shipped 1 ton north and got 3 tons Outside merchandise.
Spring day, warm wind, +36. Shorty making ready for house
warming in his new garage. Deposited school fund check, $2,535
in Anchorage Bank for Stanley and delivered checks for 3 months
due teacher and other bills. Evening radio fair but considerable
fading. Turkeys etc. arrived.
November 26, 1929 Lidell in from Lucky Shot
for grub packing same over summit. Fishhook summit closed
for traffic account snow. Long in for more grub. PM
drove out to mile 4, road full of ruts but dry. Sold all but
2 turkeys. Charged batteries. Evening radio fair, got
news from Oregonian, Portland. 9 PM snowing, summer off.
Radio fair.
November 27, 1929 Sold about all green stuff
and turkeys. Got Outside mail off of SS Rogers.
Packed away and checked down new goods. Mr. Teich and Chas
Cadwallader over here for turkey day. Early radio fair,
later got warm and was mushy, KPO best. Letter from Roe.
November 28, 1929 Open AM, closed PM
account Thanksgiving. Wired Stanley to cancel Harvey’s radio
order. Ordered 4 cases eggs. Had turkey dinner
at Wasilla Hotel. Wilson and Ellexson’s out from Knik.
Summer gone again, evening snowed 6”. Radio fair early
then late KPO best. Stanley in Seattle. Lander now outside.
November 29, 1929 Today, Eva, Stanley and Sam
Kelly in Seattle, Sam account stomach trouble. Got trapper
order from Nancy. Quiet in town. Lester Davis went
south on mail train. Evening Chinook wind, snow going fast.
Radio poor, all cracks, New Zealand and Japan came in. Harry
Flood staying with Bill Long, broke as usual. Evening +32.
November 30, 1929 Chinook
wind, +38, rain. Evening house warming on at Shorty’s
new garage. Ellexson’s out from Knik. Evening snow
all gone on Wasilla streets. Got Outside mail, Mrs. Hartman
wrote that Thorpe’s paid them a visit. Evening radio very
weak account raining. Ma got a cold. November sales
$2,901.83.
December 1, 1929 Sunday. Busy,
AM, pricing new candy. Snow all gone again in Wasilla.
Matanuska schoolmarm quit, Lester Davis got Hans to take her
home, Davis followed with Jack’s car, run into Hans, did some damage
to steering gear. Evening got out monthly statements.
KSL and 2YA fair on radio Hard Scotch society meet in Wellington, New
Zealand.
December 2, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Sunny day, +28 to +30. Got 2 tons freight on PM train,
had Hans haul it to store. Davis chartered gas car and
went to Anchorage. Evening radio supplies came, loud speaker
for Gus and Al Harter. Early radio good then died out.
Banker, Ervin, left for Anchorage.
December 3, 1929 Business 1/3 off, weather
partly cloudy colder 20-26 above. Bill Long in from mile
4, going to Knik tomorrow. Gus in from Fishhook Inn, still
hauling coal to Mabel and Fern Mines. Evening hooked up 2
hot shots for A battery on Eveready set, worked OK. Put new
B batteries on Federal set, radio weak this evening. Heard piece
played for Ross Kenney of Nome. Radio weak.
December 4, 1929 Business ½ off.
Weather colder, +6 this AM, this makes 3rd cold snap.
Jim Hansen back from Anchorage. Cadwallader went to Anchorage.
Evening 2nd Pacific Fruit - Alaska program, heard first of it
then too much static. KNX and KGO fair but KOMO no good, as
usual. Bill Long went to Sunny Knik. Gus still hauling
with truck to Fishhook Inn. Hans hauling wood from his ranch mile
3.
December 5, 1929 Business froze up, temperature
18 to 20. Got out Seattle mail. Wrote to Stanley
to buy bell for Wasilla School. Sam Beck in from mines.
Metz in for mail. Radio NG. Ma sent May Kellogg $2 for
souvenir roster of Alaska (check came back). Radio NG.
December 6, 1929 Business normal, cold
wave, zero to 18 above. Big game and gamblers all drunk
last night. Sam Beck took Gaston and grub out to Martin
cabin, mile 12. Rushed with mail. Sent Anchorage Bank
deposit by Nick Pykle. Till in from Lucky Shot Mine.
Evening radio good 9 to 11 PM. Anchorage on air account lost man
at Tyonek, also read news. Stanley’s birthday. Answered
Roe’s letter.
December 7, 1929 Business normal. Cold
wave on, -4 at 7:30 AM, +8 at noon, -4 evening. Gus in for supplies
for Mabel Mines. Sam Beck got back from Martin cabin with
his car. Got first letter from Stanley in Seattle.
Eva had all her upper teeth out, also her tonsils. Stanley
bought radio for Harvey. Radio NG account moon and too cold.
December 8, 1929 Sunday, zero weather,
-4 to +8. Put up flies to close off balcony during cold weather.
Shorty towed in Sam Beck’s car from Doherty ranch, booze run
out there last night. No radio, antenna covered with frost.
Evening put inside antenna in balcony of store, got 2 whistles.
December 9, 1929 Business good, sales
$142.90. Temperature +6 to +10. Busy all day in
store. Roy Cornelius brought Shorty’s joy riders back
from Matanuska. Shorty’s car went on the bum. Bill
Long irrigating with the gang. Lester Davis back, was at Matanuska
a week trying again for schoolmarm. McAllen, Ulsh and gang
through at Willow Creek Mines. McAllen went to Anchorage.
Got 17 boxes of apples on PM freight. Evening no radio played
phonograph.
December 10, 1929 Bogard and Moshier in for
merchandise. Wade in from Hi-Grade Mine to round up his
help, out at Wasilla on vacation drunk. Paddy Marion told
the drunks to stay away from his house. Elmer and Shorty drove
to Junction to tow back Shorty’s car. Lots of auto traffic
down Knik Road? Big moon, radio NG. Heard KNX on last 2
numbers.
December 11, 1929 Business good, sales
$140.70. Temperature -4 at 7 AM. Put up notice
that no more private checks cashed, only in payment of merchandise.
Snider trapped a silver cross fox near his ranch. McAllen
back from Anchorage. Gus in from Fishhook Inn. Wade
still here, fell in with wet gang. Wired Stanley for odd merchandise.
Radio fair, KGO and KNX 2 hours. Ellexson’s out from Knik
with car.
December 12, 1929 Big booze party on, down
Knik Road, cars running till 2 in morning. Snider loaded
Hi-Grade bunch in Elmer’s truck and started them for mines,
wet vacation now over. Self got stiff neck. Radio
NG account big moon. Evening got out Seattle mail. Sent
Stanley and Eva $10 for Christmas, also $12.50 due on Rutter radio.
December 13, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Sunny day, temperature zero to +8. Elmer found Wades
gold watch and coat lost in last nights parade by the wet gang.
McAllen and Ulsh left for Anchorage. McAllen through with
Willow Creek Mines, leaving for good, so reported. Self not
feeling well account stiff neck, went to back and lungs. Ma did
most of work today. Radio but weak. Snider doing Anchorage.
December 14, 1929 Christmas shoppers
in for merchandise. Got letter from Stanley, no word
from Sam Kelly since he went to Tacoma to look up old partner
Ballard. Got notice of interest due on Burnap farm.
Evening radio but weak on account of big moon. Harvey’s new
set not working. Evening looked over big mail. Got order from
Saindon at Palmer, to go tomorrow.
December 15, 1929 Sunday, busy around
store AM. Temperature colder, 4 below to 8 above, clear
and chilly. Posted up cash register sheets. PM restrung
indoor antenna in balcony, got up 150’ piano wire, gets Outside
stations and reception weak these days. Evening heard good
church music on Eveready set then KJR came in good on Federal set
9 to 10. Elmer Larson drove truck to Junction for one of Wade’s
horses account Cache Creek freight. Radio fair.
December 16, 1929 Sales, $125.40.
Temperature 6 below to 14 above. Gus and Elmer Larson left
for Cache Creek with 6 horses to haul 20 tons freight from Talkeetna.
Got 1 ton groceries, hardware, drugs and Christmas from Fry and
Co. Ellexson’s not out from Knik today. Self hauled
over freight on Yukon sled. (Name too faded to read)
back from ARC McKinley Park after building warehouse. Evening
big moon and no radio. Snider back from Anchorage.
December 17, 1929 Sales $101.99. Priced
up new drugs and paid Seattle invoices. Bogard in with
sheep meat. Zero weather, big moon and no radio coming over.
Lawrence returned to his ranch. Hans drove car to Fishhook
Inn. Self got old pain in stomach. White and Nylen over
from Palmer.
December 18, 1929 Sales ¼ off,
temperature 6 below AM, zero all day. Self still ailing
around the bowels. Sharon pelted one of Mrs. Hartman’s silver
foxes and delivered same to us. Paid board bill, $33, $5 for
pelting will buy other fox for $165. Evening Anchorage radio on,
said they found a head on beach near Kenai, supposed to be pilot Merrill,
lost in airplane some 6 weeks ago. Church on at school house tonight.
Radio KPO good for 2 hours.
December 19, 1929 Sales $128.55. Ellexson’s
out from Knik, brought Snider some ducks then drove to Junction
to see Marsh’s new baby. Forty Mile Miller in to run Hans
roadhouse until after Christmas account vacation by Hans and wife.
Christmas trade fair. Evening KNX fair for 1 hour. Evening
cloudy and 20 above.
December 20, 1929 Business rotten today,
2/3 off, temperature 10 to 20 above. Got candy invoice,
delayed somewhere one week. Shorty took over ½ horsepower
gas engine to try and make it charge batteries. Shorty
moved into 2nd floor of his new garage. Hans and family
left for weeks vacation. KPO fair, no other stations.
December 21, 1929 Business normal, Christmas
shoppers out. Sidney Black in from Mabel Mine for odd
merchandise and to meet Jean Horning going to mines to spend Christmas
with parents. Shorty drove them out with Snider’s car.
Hans and Gus out of town. Patzack down for Christmas supplies.
Got big mail, no word from Kelly at Tacoma, reported by Stanley.
Evening radio good, 7:30 to 9 PM. Christmas doings at Fairview
tonight.
December 22, 1929 Sunday quiet in town.
Put up 20 Christmas candy packages. Charged A batteries.
Filled furnace coal bin. Sam Beck still meandering around
for wet goods. Evening no radio. Shorty building saw out on
skids, run by gas engine to saw wood or ice. Weather cloudy.
December 23, 1929 Business fair, sales
$104.10. Zero weather. Shorty hauled over 2 loads
freight, PM with Elmer Larson’s truck. Got green stuff for Christmas.
Got 2 Victor phonographs and bunch records. Sam Beck drove
out to Fishhook Inn to deliver Christmas goods and mail to Hi-Grade
Mine. Lu Loberg and bride back from trap line. Evening played
new records on Victor portable, sounded clear. Paul Wavrick
arrived. No radio, Anchorage on w/ Merrill message.
December 24, 1929 Business normal.
Small Christmas trade all day. Temperature -2 to -14,
heavy fog came in from Knik Arm, trees and everything snow white.
Paul Wavrick and wife here from Sutton Coal Mines to spend Christmas
at old camping ground. Mary Vail took her sick lover to Anchorage.
Evening school Christmas exercises at school house. Ellexson’s
out form Knik. Bogard in with mutton. Frosty, no radio.
Gave ladies box of Christmas candy. Sam Beck back from Hi-Grade.
December 25, 1929 Very quiet in town,
only a few in for turkey dinner. Ellexson’s out from Knik
for dinner and dance. Mrs. McBeth left for Fairbanks to
spend vacation with husband, hasn’t seen him for 2 years.
Ma got rheumatism in back at Christmas doings last night.
Ma put up good turkey dinner. Stanley and Eva in Seattle.
KPO only radio.
December 26, 1929 Business 2/3 off today,
temperature 2 to 14 above. Got another Outside mail but
no word from Stanley. Sent Stanley $5 check account cash
register supplies and Victor needles. Sam Beck broke and looking
for credit. Mary Vail’s fellow said to be going nuts.
Got nice Christmas presents from Art and Carrie and family, Everett,
Mass. Paid all Seattle invoices. Evening getting windy,
no radio, tried to snow but quit.
December 27, 1929 Business 50% off, weather
cloudy, 16 to 20 above. Got off Outside mail, no more for
10 days account 10 day schedule until April. Bill Long visiting
Blodgett and Herman over Christmas. Paul Wavrick and family
left for Cordova, looking for a business opening. Paid Paul
$25 account 2 tires sold to Smithy. No radio until Jap and
New Zealand came on.
December 28, 1929 Business normal, rush
at train time. Got 2 orders from up railroad line.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with car. Mrs. Walters and Soper
kid back from Anchorage. Ma got Christmas package from Allen
Rogers. Insurance covering 1930 arrived on stock, buildings and
fixtures. Evening tried out new $135 Victor phonograph.
No radio till 11 PM KFI Midnight Frolic fair. Shorty
moved new gas sawing outfit to school wood yard for try out.
December 29, 1929 Quiet city, temperature
-3 to +4, 11 PM was -14. Shorty and Snider sawing up school
wood. Sam Beck joy riding Loberg and Soper bunch.
Hans and family back from Anchorage vacation yesterday. Forty
Mile Miller left for ranch. PM charged A batteries. Burton
and Hansen in from trap line, only got a few weasels. Early
evening, radio fair, later NG.
December 30, 1929 Sales $115.85.
Morning temperature -28, -20 at noon, -30 at 8 PM. Sold
coal stove and pipe, oil, etc. Hardware sales $48.20.
Hans water system froze up last night. Bill Long back from
visiting Blodgett and Gronwoldt at Pittman. Mrs. Blodgett
not well. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage. Shorty overhauling
½ HP gas engine to charge batteries. Evening radio good,
all stations and Jap’s.
December 31, 1929 Business 1/5 off.
Cold snap, -32 at 7 AM, -18 in evening. Started on inventory.
Ma on grocery shelf goods. Self took forage in railroad
warehouse and store warehouse an ice cream, cold job. Shorty
got railroad ice contract. Six Shooter Bill OK now for eats.
Radio fair, heard Hollywood and Seattle blow the old year out and
new year in. Good program at St. Francis Hotel San Francisco.
December sales $2,529.54.
1930
January 1, 1930 Closed PM busy on inventory.
Ma finished groceries on shelves. Temperature -3 AM,
evening, down to -10. Got out monthly statements for mail.
Got letter from Stanley and Eva in Seattle. Ma and Pa chief
clerks for K. T. Co. Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage.
Evening, dance on at schoolhouse. Got ½ of Pacific
Fruit Alaska program, Holy Cross to Nome. Ma took in barn
dance. Cloudy, -10, radio fair.
January 2, 1930 Business ½ off.
Temperature -20, no one out. AM took inventory in basement,
PM in annex. Gene Horning in from Mabel Mine on way to
Anchorage. Evening, radio good 6 to 12 PM. Got KVI Tacoma
Theater Program 12 PM. Paid Insurance premium on $1,200 ($312).
All well at Wasilla.
January 3, 1930 Business 1/3 off. Ma and self
finished inventory in grocery department, clothing and part of
hardware yet to take. Mrs. DeMars on train going to Indian
Creek. Gene Horning left for Anchorage. Jack drove
Nels Larson out to mile 12 hunting camp at old England cabin.
Cadwallader left for Anchorage, also Mrs. Snider account teeth.
Evening radio fair on Eveready set 6 to 9 then northern lights shut
off wave.
January 4, 1930 Business normal, -10 at 7 AM.
Busy on inventory. Wilson back from Anchorage. Collection
of monthly bills slow. Ma feeling good, chief clerk and
taking inventory. No Outside mail, no boat in. Radio
poor, Jap’s coming in now with string instruments. Days growing
a little longer.
January 5, 1930 Sunday, busy on inventory.
Ma finished drugs, self in oil house and warehouse aft of store.
Warmed up to 16 to 20 above. Big wet dance on at Vail’s last
night. PM charged A batteries. Evening, pricing on
inventory. Radio NG, weak and cracky.
January 6, 1930 Business normal, sales
$116.70. Temperature 20 to 34 above, cold wave broken
by blizzard, AM cleared PM 34 above. Everybody out
today with storm. Schoolmarm back from “honeymoon” at Fairbanks.
Got 2 orders but no freight till 13th and 15th. Ma started
on clothing inventory. Shorty started on railroad ice contract.
Sharon drove car to Cottonwood for 2 breeding foxes. Joe Brassel
bought camp outfit.
January 7, 1930 Self finished tobacco
inventory. School opened today after Christmas vacation.
Shorty building skidway to load railroad ice. Sam Beck overhauled
his car, busted cylinder head with hot water. Hans hauling
wood from ranch. Evening, on inventory Ma took sox, shorts
and underwear. Radio NG, got Salt Lake on E. R. set and KNX on
Federal set, weak.
January 8, 1930 Business normal. Warmer,
30 to 40 above. Davis and Loberg bought grub outfit for
Caswell trap line. Ellexson’s out from Knik with car.
Joe Brassel left for trap line again, his nephew Chas Burton,
going Outside. Busy on inventory. Had Victor fill
furnace coal bin. McNeil’s up against it for grub, as usual.
Engstrom in for merchandise. No radio until KNX, Silver Fizz
Program came on. Wrote Bill Bates that we sampled Silver Fiz
to play a number for Stanley in Seattle.
January 9, 1930 Business 1/3 off, temperature
34 above all day, PM showers, evening, raining 10 to 1 o’clock.
Self took nails, rope, handles, etc. in hardware dept. inventory.
Ma finished dry goods in balcony. Harvey Rutter home, has
radio but lost his bride last October. Relief flyers out for
Eielson in Bering Sea District are lost too. KNX and 2YA only
radio tonight.
January 10, 1930 Business good, sales
$125.55. Rained all night, snowed 3” this morning.
Sent Outside mail. Charley Burton left for home in Michigan.
Vail went to Anchorage account toothache. Henry Lewis arrived
from McKinley Park, went to Junction with auto thence to Anchorage.
Simeon Esi and family down from Nancy. Pricing up inventory.
Radio spasmodic.
January 11, 1930 Business normal, big
rush at train time. Big Outside mail, letters from Stanley
and Eva. Sam Kelly looking better. Shorty’s
ex-wife, his nurse in Tacoma. Self on hardware inventory,
ma on notions. Zero weather to 10 above today. Lawrence
in for merchandise, asthma giving him trouble. Heavy storms
in northern states. Kansas City snowbound. Radio fair.
January 12, 1930 Several looking for
mail but Post Office closed. Sam Beck joy riding the Edlund
bunch. No work on ice today account no cars to load. Evening,
moved Eveready radio set along side Federal set, worked better, reception
weak account big moon and cold. Got Salt Lake, Hollywood and Seattle
on loud speakers. Evening, got out-mail, sent poetry on a Prospectors
Trip to Willow Creek Mines, 1914, to the Alaska Weekly.
January 13, 1930 Business ½ off.
Got 4 tons Seattle freight, put 3 tons in railroad warehouse.
Ellexson went to Anchorage account teeth. Shorty got cars
and on ice job again. Evening overhauled Eveready set, put
in 171-A power tube and 22½ C battery, worked a little better
but not as loud as old Federal set. Ma finished notion
inventory. Ma troubled with swelling in knees. Shipped
1 ton to Caswell.
January 14, 1930 Business 2/3 off, busy
on inventory. Weather 4 below zero to 6 above zero.
Got inventory about done, except shelf hardware, some job.
Jack Fabyan moved into upper floor of his garage from Nellie Hartman’s
cabin. Cad’s made last payment on Wasilla Roadhouse deal
for credit of Mrs. Hartman. Fine sledding now, last rain froze
ice then covered with 3” of snow. Radio weak account big
moon.
January 15, 1930 Business ¼ off.
Temperature 8 above to 10 below, roads fine, only 3” snow.
Ellexson back from Anchorage. Shorty hauling 2 cars ice
per day. Bogard in for supplies. Self working on shelf
hardware inventory, Ma through on clothing. Old Eric gone
to Anchorage, stung Ma for $20, Nels Larson for $75 and several others
for small amounts. Paid Seattle invoices. Radio NG
account cold and big moon, died out 9 PM. Mary’s fellow up
early to see the Judge.
January 16, 1930 Business slow, 50% off.
Found out McNeil borrowed $5 from Hans and same from Wilmoth
on $5 bounty check, then got $5 merchandise on same from K. T.
Co. ready for jail. Tommy McNeil in from trap line, got coyote.
Evening, monkeyed 2 hours adjusting new power tube in 61 set.
Radio NG, signals weak account moon. Ma pricing and adding
up clothing and grocery inventory. Got out Seattle mail.
Friese in, said he locked up Metz cabin. Metz at Anchorage on jury.
January 17, 1930 Business rotten, 2/3
off. Good chance to work on inventory. Ma busy as a fly on
a dung heap pricing totals on grocery and clothing inventory.
Self now on shelf hardware and some job. Teich’s electric
radio disturber idle, hence fair radio from 4:30 to 8 PM.
Moon came up and no more radio till 10 PM. Mailed Mrs. Hartman,
Cadwallader check, final payment on roadhouse deal covering stock
and rental for 1 year. Elmer Larson at Cache Creek hauling
freight. Mary’s fellow quit her, so he said.
January 18, 1930 Lewis Gaston in from Martin
cabin, mile 12, for more supplies going to pack Fern mail.
Sam Beck drove car to mile 12, road closed 12 to Fishhook Inn.
No Outside or local mail. PM charged battery. Evening,
radio fair but falling. Mary’s fellow looking for work, cut wood or
anything to eat, love match off. Ellexson’s in from Knik for supplies.
Wilmoth wrote McNeil letter account false pretences on $5 check.
January 19, 1930 Sunday, quiet in town.
PM on hardware shelf inventory. Wilmoth’s letter to McNeil
effective, paid the $15 he got on a $5 bounty check. Vail
dance last night was a failure. Sam Beck rustling around
for women but no one would go. Sent Stanley $5 check account
office supplies, also sent Albert S. Johnson bill for collection $194.70,
interest $27.25, our statement January 15, 1930, bill January 1928.
Radio NG, cracky.
January 20, 1930 Business OK, sales $141.
Temperature 20 to 32 above. Herman down from Big Lake for
outfit. Al Harter went to Anchorage. Evening, radio
good, got England Armament Conference, King George spoke 1:45 midnight,
opening the World Conference followed by representatives from all
nations. Big roar in hookup but could hear speakers OK.
Ramsey McDonald, chairman of conference, made a fine speech on world
peace, conference closed.
January 21, 1930 Took inventory of locks, files,
hinges, etc. in hardware department. Fosket in for oil
and feed. Fat Campbell over from Palmer with Ford car for
fox wheat. Wagner got non-literate from Anchorage to work on
section, broke as usual. Got four orders for next freight north.
Radio weak tonight except KPO, very good. KNX and KOMO very
weak. Cold all day, evening, 6 below zero.
January 22, 1930 Spuds 3½¢, carrots
5¢ a pound. Mail train today because boats late at
Seward. Wired Stanley for forage and Ma not well, rheumatism
in knee and back, better come home on 20th boat. Hans drove
car to mile 12. Lawrence not well, got asthma. Ellexson’s
out from Knik. Evening radio fairly good, KPO, KNX and KJR,
some static account cold.
January 23, 1930 Temperature
4 below to 14 above. No mail train yet this week account
boats late at Seward. Sidney Black in from Mabel Mine for
their mail. Got 4 shipments ready for north freight.
Took more of hardware shelf inventory. Mr. Ketchum here auditing
Agent Teich’s accounts. Evening radio weak only got KNX and KJR
request programs.
January 24, 1930 Business 50% off. Sidney
Black waiting for mail. Got 2 mails PM off Northwestern
and Rogers. Letter from Stanley tired of Seattle.
Mr. Ketchum returned to Anchorage. Mary’s fellow turned over
his new cabin to Mrs. Vail and quitting the Vail bunch and moving
up town. Did some on shelf inventory. Ma “eat ‘um” sawdust
and totaled up her inventory in grocery and clothing. Three
tons freight due tomorrow. Radio NG till 10 PM then KNX good
but low volume. Self got tooth bothering again.
January 25, 1930 Got 3 tons freight PM train
north. Shipped one ton merchandise north. Teich
went to Caswell to install electric plant for O and O. Shorty
about through with ice cutting. Hans drove Sid Black out to 28.
Harry Saindon arrived with load of grain hay for Snider ranch, bought
$50 grub outfit. Evening dance on at school house, the Wilmoth’s
playing again after being bumped off for a year. Early evening,
radio fair, later all static, a change in the weather coming.
January 26, 1930 Sunday, weather warmer,
10 to 20 above. Saindon took in dance last night, left
this AM for Palmer. PM installed radio station WAZ in K.
T. Co.’s annex with phone bell and town clock striker, now ready
to broadcast in store. Shorty finished railroad ice contract.
Jack Fabyan still remodeling old Hylan barn into garage and living
quarters overhead. Got out Seattle mail 1 AM.
January 27, 1930 Al Harter and Joe Palmer bought
outfit for prospecting in Alfred Creek District. L. Gaston
moved into town from mile 12, now mailman for Fern Mine.
Shorty loaded 2 extra cars of ice for railroad, finished up job
today. Charged A battery PM, got fine program, old time songs
on KPO. Evening, run off new records on Bristol phono attachments.
Midnight, wind blowing hard.
January 28, 1930 Wind blew iron off Hans garage,
paper off Aureen’s bungalow and off Hartman’s garage.
Only local town people out today. Ma complaining with
pain in right shoulder. Took more shelf hardware inventory.
Evening, KPO and KNX radio fairly good.
January 29, 1930 Big wind died out at noon,
nailed back 2 sheets iron lifted on roof of railroad warehouse.
Did some of hardware inventory, took shoe findings. Crosson
found Eilson’s plane broken up 90 miles east of North Cape and
trading schooner, “Nanuk” in ice pack, no sign of aviators.
Evening, Pacific Fruit All Alaska Program good, from Fairbanks to
Anchorage and Wasilla. Got big ad. mining, fishing, berries and
spuds.
January 30, 1930 Another big wind, 18 above
zero. Lawrence in from mile 12, going to Anchorage for
treatment. Got our orders for fill-in merchandise.
Took auto supply inventory. Hans took Nels Larson out to mile
12 trap line. Ma complaining about cold back. Snider pulling
up ice. Harvey getting some radio. Got new B batteries,
old ones NG.
January 31, 1930 Business slow, 3 days
of big wind. Lawrence, Beck, Gaston and Mrs. Edlund went
to Anchorage. No one in account big wind. Rang up all
monthly accounts. January business 40% below October and
November. Shorty went to Anchorage to get his railroad
ice money. Evening, booked up WAZ radio program for future dedication.
Outside radio NG account wind, KNX came in 10 to 11 o’clock PM.
Ma complaining about pain in shoulder.
February 1, 1930 Bill Long in, bought grub
outfit. Wasilla gang back from Anchorage. Shorty
paid off ice workers. Stanley arrived from Seattle on PM
train, had good boat trip. Eva stayed in Seattle account teeth.
Got out all monthly statements. Thorpe’s sent word for Dan
to start the home brew. Evening, no radio, storm coming from
south east. Al Harter left his cat here while on prospecting
trip.
February 2, 1930 Sunday, Gus and Elmer
Larson back from Cache Creek hauling PM. Moved WAS broadcasting
outfit into Stanley’s room from annex completed program list of
12 numbers to broadcast by Bristol phonograph combination.
Stanley came home with a cold, sleeping in his old bedroom at home.
February 3, 1930 Stanley chief clerk again
for K. T. Co. Self filled furnace coal bin. Got
3 orders from up railroad line but too late to pack for freight
this PM. Got forage and produce on PM freight. Evening,
radio NG. School board had a meeting. Wilmoth run a stick
in his eye up by Loberg’s. Radio weak.
February 4, 1930 Business normal, snowed
a sprinkle last night. Jacob Metz in with lynx skin,
caught on his ranch. Hans hauled over 2 loads feed.
Gaston took out-mail for Hi-Grade Mine. Vick Olson in from
Hans ranch. McNeil caught an otter, so is eating again.
Evening, no radio until 10 PM then snowing causing static.
Paid Seattle invoices. Evening warmer.
February 5, 1930 Sent 3 shipments north by
express account no freight for 10 days. Bogard in with
meat and to get supplies. Ellexson’s in from Knik with
fresh eggs and butter. Evening, Stanley tried out Harvey’s
radio on our old aerial, worked OK. Good radio from 5 PM till midnight.
Sent Roe Wasilla weekend picture and Metz ranch picture. Paid
Griffith taxes, $3.20.
February 6, 1930 Business normal, -12
below AM, -20 11 PM. George Nylan and party over from
Palmer to trade, Wasilla - Palmer road good for auto cars only
3” snow. Bill Long on his high horse because we forgot his
milk. Made out Libby order, milk, etc. Evening, self
had sudden stomach ache, no supper OK now, 12 midnight. Radio
but very weak, midnight, down to _______. Hans drove Lawrence
out to mile 12.
February 7, 1930 8 AM 42 below
zero at Fairbanks. Wilmoth went to Anchorage account sliver
in eyelid, not Capt. Sliver. Snider and several others went
to Anchorage. Stanley set up type in autograph machine to
print masquerade ball notices. Kloss and Wade in from Hi-Grade.
Evening, radio fine 9 to 12 PM. Big fire in Seattle, came over
the radio.
February 8, 1930 Temperature -26 at 8 AM, cold
wave still on. Paddy Marion going to move log building
down from Pittman to Wasilla and rebuild for Jacobs family.
Nobody in today, too cold. Agent Teich went to Fish Lake
to sell another electric lighting plant. Evening, radio good,
just heard a phone call from Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Pittsburg, PA to
KNX for a request number, first time. Self got little cold.
February 9, 1930 Sunday. Busy in store,
temperature +6 today. Self nursing first cold of winter
got it broken by evening. Big dinner for school board, given
by ABP McBeth, teacher. Radio good at low volume.
Re-wrote WAZ broadcasting program, now ready to pull off in K. T.
Co. store. Wilmoth at Anchorage account sliver in eye.
February 10, 1930 Took more of hardware inventory
and totaled up footings. Lana’s car froze up, can’t turn
her over. Sam Beck still joy riding to Home Brew City?
Section foreman from Pittman and Houston down to trade. Evening,
no radio so practiced on WAZ Wasilla program with Bristol phono
attachment. Ma still having trouble with knees swelling.
Light wind all day, still zero weather.
February 11, 1930 Business 40% off, 18
below. Stanley and self about completed shelf hardware inventory.
Snider told his troubles about ill-minded people in town minding
his own business. Wilmoth had wood sliver removed from eyelid
today at Anchorage hospital. Quiet in town, drunks now broke.
Evening, run up footings on hardware inventory. Radio fair
but no volume account fog on Pacific Coast.
February 12, 1930 Business slow but cold,
Ma good. Temperature 20 below zero at 8 PM. Five
ranchers in to trade. Told Sharon that Nellie was holding
him on offer to buy silver fox. No mail train today, boats
late at Seward. Still on shelf hardware inventory, bolts and
horse shoes yet to take and harness gear. Evening, no radio, all
snaps etc. Henry Lewis rented Harrison cabin. February
22nd Masquerade Ball notices out.
February 13, 1930 Business normal.
Temperature -26 at 8 AM. Cold wave still on, moon full
tonight. Snider put up $40 more for Hi-Grade Mine.
Wade in for grub and mail, said they were in good ore. Sam Beck
drove Wade to Junction for his mail. Joe Brassel in from trap
line. Got big mail PM train north. Radio NG, KNX 1 hour
only.
February 14, 1930 Business normal, -24
and zero all day. Ma left for weekend at Anchorage and
to see about lame knee. Bob Struck on bond and clothing deal
at Snider’s. Snider paid him wages for time there and fired
him. Lester Davis back from Caswell fur farm.
February 15, 1930 Business normal, -26
7 AM. Cold wave still on, -10 to -26. Sent 1 shipment
to Caswell. Ma at Anchorage, sent us up some Baker’s stuff,
no Outside mail. Our PM still in hospital, his eye reported in
bad shape. Evening, dance on at Fairview, Elmer Larson took
crowd with his truck. Evening not even a whistle on radio.
Evening, warmer and light wind.
February 16, 1930 Sunday, light wind
and snow, warming up. Stanley and Gus drove to Palmer,
roads fine for autos. Ma doing Anchorage and doctoring
lame knee. Evening, 8 to 9 put on WAZ radio program.
Run wire to Wasilla Hotel and installed loud speaker. Did
operating in Stanley’s bedroom. The 14 numbers played went
over big with foreign hook up, Honolulu and Wellington, New Zealand.
Big crowd at hotel and none got news that self was doing the sending,
Stanley acted as guard. The number for all Wasilla bachelors
from Eva in Seattle was a big hit. K. T. Co.’s station on the
air.
February 17, 1930 Only bolts, harness gear
and round iron to take on hardware inventory. Wrote Ma
at Anchorage to stay and take treatments of helping her knee trouble.
Lester Davis moved down to Snider’s ranch. Evening, no radio,
put in new tubes. Teacher put Billy Tryck out of school because
his dog
howled.
February 18, 1930 Temperature -18 to +18 today.
Filed away all 1929 invoices. Sent claim for sack oats
short to Lilly, as we had no original B/L. Answered Paul
Y. Prather’s October letter, now with Quaker Oat Co. San Francisco.
Evening, took portable Victor set apart and fixed governor, as
screw came loose. Stanley took bolt inventory. Ma still
at Anchorage with game knee. No radio. Mr. Cad elated
over WAZ radio program wants to buy a radio now.
February 19, 1930 Started posting cash register
monthly sheets in ledger. Ma and Wilmoth back from Anchorage,
one game leg, other bum eye. Ma’s knee trouble caused by broken
vein. Train only had local mail. No radio until 11
PM then KNX, KJR and 2YA Wellington. All the Jap stations came
in with a boom. Earl Borland found near wreck of Eielson’s
plane, wrecked near “Nanuk”, Siberian side, from Teller, Alaska.
Eva on way from Seattle now.
February 20, 1930 Temperature
-10 AM, +10 PM, self posting 1929 ledgers. Sidney
Black in from Mabel Mine, wanted time on merchandise bills until
they sold 5 tons high grade ore at Tacoma. Hans moved Nels
Larson’s trapping outfit in from mile 12. Stanley cleaning
house, Eva due tomorrow from Seattle. Posted on ledger until
midnight. Evening warming up, light wind. Radio, but weak
early then died out. Paddy and Gus going to Pittman to load
house logs for Paddy.
February 21, 1930 Temperature
12 to 22 above, windy. Gus and Paddy with team, left for
Pittman to load old house logs on car for Wasilla. Persson
went to Anchorage. New man, from Inside, here to build home
for family. Posted on ledger all day, ½ done. Moderate
wind all day but clear evening. No radio. Mr. Moshier
in to trade. Eielson’s body found near wreck of plane.
Too windy, no radio.
February 22, 1930 Mail train 4 hours late.
Eva and Thorpe’s arrived from Seattle at 9 PM. Evening,
big Masquerade Ball on at school house. Miss Anderson,
mile 5, got 1st prize, 2 mink skins. Mrs. Ellexson got 3rd
prize. Experimental Farm car up from experimental farm.
Self on ledger. PM charged A batteries. Evening, Coconut
Grove program good.
February 23, 1930 Sunday, masqueraders
all sleeping today. Shorty sleeping “it” off. Agent
Teich on the sick list both he and Six Shooter Bill want to sell
their radios. PM charged up 2nd A battery. Mail
in Saturday evening, laying in depot, no distribution until Monday,
some mail service. Evening, radio spasmodic. Posting
up 1929 ledger. Eva brought new records, Station BUNK, the
Utah Trail, Spring Time in the Rockies, etc.
February 24, 1930 Self on office work AM.
PM got 3 truck loads merchandise. Paddy and Gus back from
Pittman after loading house logs on car. Inside man bought
4 acres off Snider Fur Farm, building house at once, wife will
teach Wasilla school next year. Got Outside cabbage, high
cost, 8½¢. Several left on AM train for Anchorage.
Evening radio fair, heard President Coolidge speak in Los
Angels, California. Radio fair.
February 25, 1930 Self posting on ledger all
day. Shorty sawing up his summers wood with gas saw.
Hans moving lumber to Snider’s ranch account new 8 room house going
up by Lippard. Postmaster got a bad cold along with sore
eye. Mother McNeil able to come to store to trade.
Had hot biscuits and wild rose honey for supper. No radio, storms
on coast.
February 26, 1930 Paddy’s house logs arrived
from Pittman, freight $32? Did no posting today on odd
jobs. Sold Mabel Mine an outfit. Albert Ulsh arrived
from Seattle. Dunklee going to have charge of Willow Creek
Mines. Sam Beck paid his past due grub bill. After 11 PM
2YA came in fair, no coast radio.
February 27, 1930 Paddy moved house logs to
Mrs. Hartman’s lot, not authorized to build on lot until she
sends deed. Busy on ledger and Outside invoices. Bessie
Rowe made good Edlund’s school check. Evening, KNX good.
Ellexson’s out from Knik. Chinook wind, water running.
February 28, 1930 Warm wind,
40 above. Fosket and Grennon in to trade. Davis went to
Anchorage account sprained ankle. Shipped Mrs. Hartman’s
silver fox skin to Randle. Wrote Nagley about income tax blanks.
Snow all gone in Wasilla, only ice on part of streets. Evening,
got PI news, KNX fair. Ulsh here. Sam Beck joy riding.
March 1, 1930 Got out all monthly statements.
Evening, posted on ledger. Got Outside mail letter from
C. E. Pearson, Naugatuck, Ct. Eva nursing a cold as well
as several other people. Charged A batteries. Radio
NG until 10:30, got church services from Brisbane, Australia at midnight.
Gus braking out road from Fishhook Inn to Mabel Mine. Ma and
Eva now home, radio poor.
March 2, 1930 Sunday. A-1 sunny day,
temperature 34 to 44 above. Stanley, Eva and Thorpe’s
visited on Mrs. Donovan. Gaston and Beck on usual drunk, Beck
fell down and bruised himself. Evening, radio, but very
weak. 2YA Wellington came in fair.
March 3, 1930 Shipped 2 orders north on railroad.
Dan Gray out helping Gus break trail to Mabel Mine. Snider
and Lippard went to Anchorage. Self busy posting up ledger
to compile income tax. No eat big banker, no gut ache tonight.
Radio a blank tonight. Six Shooter Bill went to Anchorage
for exam account working on section.
March 4, 1930 Business good, sales $337,
3rd and 4th. Weather A-1, 22 to 36 above. Put up
order for Mabel Mines. Shorty repairing Snider’s car.
Paddy getting ready to build on car lot, Main Street and 1st Avenue.
Finished posting 1929 ledger, now ready to make out income tax.
Evening, first good radio in 3 weeks, all stations on the air 6 to
12 PM.
March 5, 1930 Light Chinook wind, temperature
22 above. Snider and Davis back from Anchorage. Davis
ankle in plaster of Paris mold account fracture. Ma run
adding machine while I read off items in ledger, got all totaled
up, ready to take off balance sheet tomorrow. Evening,
radio fine, Salt Lake and Portland came in best. Got letter
from Mrs. Hartman, crying about fox left with Sharon. Radio
good.
March 6, 1930 Finished income tax report, 1929
sales $36,450.19, expense of doing business $8,231.87.
Ellexson’s in from Knik. Horning and Gene in from Mabel
Mine. Gus trying to haul out 5 tons Hi-Grade ore.
Stanley went down to Clarence Marsh’s and bought back the old Miller
car for $50, brought it home. Evening, radio fine. Gus
got several eastern stations. Wrote KEX Portland about their
programs to play a number for George Brady.
March 7, 1930 Mailed income tax report.
Joe Palmer and Al Harter back from trip to headwaters of Matanuska
River District. Horning went to Anchorage. Shorty
busy overhauling local cars. Evening fine radio, all stations
on the air. Doughnut program and Gillmore’s Sideshow Circus
was good. Airplanes landed Eielson and Borland bodies at Fairbanks
today. Radio good, got PI news.
March 8, 1930 Weather colder, 16 to 28 above.
Gus delivering coal around town. Stanley and Eva drove to Knik
with Tin Lizzie, stayed overnight. Evening radio A-1 got in new
station KFBB, Great Falls, Montana, listing on 1280 kilocycles,
midnight to 2 AM Sunday, on air all night giving copper souvenirs and
3 boxes candy to calls from each state, phoning or wiring in about program.
Dell Jewett, lady baritone soloist, good.
March 9, 1930 Sunday, in store AM, not
much doing. Weather cloudy, below freezing. Evening,
kids back from Knik, traveling time, 1 hour. Outside mail
arrived PM 1 hour late. Evening radio good, all kinds of church
sermons on the air. Salt Lake Vagabond hour good. Sun
now sets behind Mt. Susitna.
March 10, 1930 Business normal, zero
weather today. Gus through hauling in Mabel high grade
ore, 5 tons. Six Shooter Bill went to work on section.
Ulsh went to Willow Creek Mines via Houston with Dunkle for inspection.
Weather cold, 10 below zero and moon. Ex-President Taft passed
out.
March 11, 1930 Snider broke axle on car.
Shorty’s garage full of cars for repair. Jack drove out
to mile 12, going to Hi-Grade Mine to collect freight haulage last
fall. Snider fur farm came out w/a booklet covering mink farming,
$1.25. Mild all day and evening, no radio. Answered Otto’s
sister’s letter dated 1927.
March 12, 1930 George Nyland and Werner over
by car from Palmer. Lester Davis up from Snider’s on
crutches account bone broken in ankle. Ellexson’s in from
Knik, used auto all winter thus far, no snow to bother. Evening,
no radio till 10:30 PM then KNX followed by 2YA Wellington, New Zealand.
Big club meeting came in fine. Aviators, Eielson and
Borland funeral at Fairbanks.
March 13, 1930 Dunklee over from Palmer to
trade. Horning left for Mabel Mine, Gus drove him out
to mile 9, then had to mush 10 miles on snow road. Got out
a few spring orders. Stanley hauled ½ ton nails
with his Tin Lizzie from depot. Hans moving Willow Creek
Mine’s lumber off railroad lake lot before spring flood.
ARC man installing new engines in Ford trucks. Bill Long
in, turned down loan on Sam Beck’s car. Evening, radio all static,
got KNX only.
March 14, 1930 Business normal.
Temperature 20 to 34 above, sleet storm last night, streets all
ice today. Agent Teich locked up depot and went to Anchorage.
Mrs. ABR McBeth went to Anchorage. Bodies of Eielson and
Borland passed through on today’s train for interment in States.
Self pricing up hardware inventory. Bogard in for supplies,
bought 5 sacks spuds off him at $3 a sack Evening, no radio,
could just hear KNX on earphones. Gamblers now at Hans place.
March 15, 1930 First good
snow storm of winter came today. As Murphy says it, “it
snowed a feet” followed by rain this evening. No mail train
today, boat late at Seward. Priced up bolt inventory.
P. D. Lippert got his new house under cover. Midnight, snow
coming from west. Radio NG, midnight 2YA came in good on earphones.
Temperature 24 to 34 today.
March 16, 1930 Sunday, snowed all last
night, now 2’ wet heavy snow. Temperature 14 to 40, evening
clear, down to zero. Delayed mail train arrived PM.
Got long letter from Florence and Roe. Roe running school
bus, Elmira quarter grained out with flax, Burnap farm in good
shape except well falling in. Received letter from John Ballaine,
wants a dozen aspen logs for spool manufacture. No radio, Long
Beach came in late but NG. Shoveled snow all AM.
March 17, 1930 Gus made snow plow and opened
up Wasilla streets. Self shoveled snow AM.
PM charged radio batteries but evening, no radio, all static.
Still posting up hardware inventory. Evening, St. Patrick’s
party on at Paddy Marion’s, Ma took a whirl at it and danced the
Hyland fling. Evening, booked up Peg Leg Jack’s and Bill Radio
program for a try out. Hi-Grade in. No mail, train stuck
in snow.
March 18, 1930 Mail train got out of snow bank
near Curry, 1 day late going south. Freight train arrived
10 PM, 1 day late from Seward. This first snow blockade
this winter. Still posting up hardware inventory. Wade
and wife and all Hi-Grade in, closed down account snow slides.
No radio tonight.
March 19, 1930 Hans broke trail and hauled
lumber over to Snider’s with his truck, through 1’ hard snow.
War on among the tinhorn gamblers. Wade and wife had to
mush to Matanuska, roads now blocked with snow and no train, 6
hours late. Finished inventory of warehouse aft of store,
cost price $2,036.71, selling price $2,837.23. Radio but weak.
March 20, 1930 Self cleaning up paint and harness
gear inventory. Stanley building new top on his $50 Tin Lizzie.
Donovan first in on Knik Road since storm, said Slivers got a
moose at mile 5 with 22 rifle. Tryck through cutting timber
for ARC, was 2 days coming in from mile 12 after big snow storm.
Dunkle and lush back from Willow Creek Mines. Radio weak but
clear.
March 21, 1930 Sam St. Pierre and Joe Brassel
bought an outfit. Got 2 good orders from Caswell and Colorado
stations. Schillings man arrived. Sam Beck broke
and crying for more grub, malt syrup and hops. Tommy Gorden
“lit up” already. Mary Vail and mother went to Anchorage.
ARC had Cat out to haul freight from depot. Sent out rubber
shoe pack orders and seed orders
March 22, 1930 Business good, put up
2 fox farm orders. Shilling man left on north train. Joe Brassel
and St. Pierre left for Willow Creek via Houston. Pete
Nelson left for McKinley Park to drive Cat for Road Commission.
6:30 to 7 radio fine then all turned to static, had in Russian café
program, Los Angeles, KNX. Finished OUCH program.
March 23, 1930 AM all town people in to trade,
too busy gambling weekdays to do shopping? PM took stock
of harness snaps, counted over 1,000 snaps, some job. Reported
someone cut wire on Sharon’s fox pens and let out 2 fox.
Evening, Mrs. Ellexson in with double ender from Knik, took 9 hours
to break snow trail. Dance and birthday party on at Paddy’s
last night. Fern man in for mail. Reported snow slide
in canyon, mile 12. Clyde Burkett and ___________ back from
Seattle last night. Got mail 3 PM radio NG.
March 24, 1930 Shipped 3 orders north on railroad.
Shawn visited about Mrs. Hartman’s fox, said he was writing
her about same and board bill. Paddy and Leonard visited
about Nellie’s lot, said they had bought one by Hatcher’s for $50,
didn’t want Nellie’s $75 lot for $100. Elmer Larson shipped
his horses to Houston to haul Willow Creek freight. Mrs. Ellexson,
with old nag, left for Knik by relay at Dan Donovan’s. Ordered
more Libby’s fill in goods. Lippert got his house about finished
and leaving for Fairbanks till August. Early radio good, died
out 11:30, 2YA Wellington, New Zealand came in fine to 12:30 when they
closed down.
March 25, 1930 Commissioner of Education
here inspecting Wasilla School. Tried Shorty out on charging
A battery. Finished posting up store shelf hardware inventory,
around $3,000 hardware in store. Bob Hatcher here from Nuka
Bay, went out to see McDouglas at Fern mine, his mining partner.
Paddy heard from the Jacobs, wife had a baby. Bill Taylor
struck water in his new well. No radio this evening, all static.
Birthday party, last night, at Sam Beck’s. No one coming to
town since snow fall. No Outside radio, warm wind evening.
March 26, 1930 Business slow, 1st warm
day, snow half gone. Stanley still overhauling his Forty Mile
Tin Lizzie. Shoveled trenches out so snow water could run away.
Gus left his pipe on his bed and it went up in smoke. Train
did not wait for Admiral mail at Seward. Wired for Easter eggs,
candy and fruit. Evening, radio, but weak. Had in new station
on KOMO’s wave but could not make out station. Lippert returned
to his home in Fairbanks.
March 27, 1930 Business way off.
Spring day 34 to 50 above. Self busy on Outside orders
for spring trade. Stanley still doctoring on his Tin Lizzie.
Ma doing most of the clerking in store. No farmers in, snow
half gone. Evening, no radio worth while. Wrote N.
W. Victor Distributing Co. for list of Alaska dealers from Ketchikan
to Fairbanks. Beer party at Paddy’s. Snider and Tryck
at war over school.
March 28, 1930 Bolshevik, Harpen, in to trade.
Gaston got $25 loan off Bill Long. Big game every night
at Willow Creek Inn. Answered Mrs. Hartman’s letters, told
her she could get someone else to turn her grindstone and returned
all papers by registered mail. Made out overall order etc.
Evening, no radio, raining and weak. Someone stole 2 mink from
Snider’s.
March 29, 1930 Mail train 2 hours late, got
2 boat mails. Snow about gone in Wasilla, lumber yard now
a pond of water. Bogard in with load vegetables.
Water flooded Agent Teich’s electric engine room. Baxter
Felch arrived, now Ball Brand agent. Radio NG, came in weak
after 11 PM. Stanley got new parts for his Tin Lizzie.
March 30, 1930 Sunday. Busy in
store AM. PM looked over Ball brand sox and rubbers,
gave Baxter Felch an order, also for Munsingwear and Crescent
and Cudahy goods. Evening, wrote checks to cover Seattle
invoices and Alaska Weekly to April 20, 1931. Temperature
38 above and light rain all day. Shorty tried his Nash car after
repairing. Evening, no radio till 11:30 then 2YA Wellington,
New Zealand but weak. Water about up to railroad warehouse.
March 31, 1930 Business normal, blizzard
AM, +38. Big mudslide on railroad above Talkeetna last
night. No mail train south today. Baxter Felch left
on freight train for Talkeetna. PM in lifting box coffee,
un-jointed crooper bone on back. Sent Mrs. Hartman all her
papers left here with check to close account. Evening, on
monthly statements. Radio ½ hour but weak. Jack
and Mary drove to Knik.
April 1, 1930 No train from north account slide
last Saturday. Hans fishing Willow Creek lumber out of
pond caused by rain. Hi-Grade had a meeting, made Snider
put up more money to pay debts. Self, all day on monthly statements.
Natives hard up, no work and no grub. Evening, radio but set
out of adjustment. McNeil squoze another $10 out of Snider.
Cash surplus, April 1st, $3,038.59.
April 2, 1930 Got two passenger trains today,
one got out of the mud slide near Curry, held up since last
Saturday. Stanley ran old truck up to Shorty’s garage, either
axle or pinion key broke on way, Shorty going to overhaul truck for
$25. Jack only made it to mile 5 going to Knik, run into pond
of water there. Early evening, radio good then died out.
Got Federal set adjusted again. My back still lame from lifting
box, something out of place. Wrote to John Ballaine about
logs.
April 3, 1930 Got big order from Big
Lake. Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with double ender.
Jack slept in car at mile 5 last night but made in to Knik with
Mary this AM. Made out auto supply order with 3 axles for
truck to Balou and Wright. Evening, radio good, all stations
on the air. Moved Eveready set into Stanley’s room. Cut
off 50’ of old antenna and reception was fine. Some excitement
in town, Cad beat up his dogs. Good radio, some static later
on.
April 4, 1930 Completed hardware inventory
in warehouses on iron and pipe, some job. McDougal in
from Fern Mine. Shorty overhauled Overland truck engine,
put in oil rings, cylinder in fine shape, old rings were too
loose, put in by Forty Mile Miller, causing #1 and #2 cylinder
to pump oil. Mrs. Oberg went to Anchorage to see Kodiak brother
in hospital. Ulsh on a drunk. Jack has his love one at
Knik?
April 5, 1930 Mrs. Oberg re-elected director.
Bogard in for supplies. Packed $92 order for Herman at
Big Lake. Mail train arrived 9 PM, 6 hours late, with boat
mail. Fosket in to trade. Jack and Mary back from Knik
honeymoon? Evening dance on at Paddy’s, Tommy Gorden star
guest. Evening, run off records account, #2 broadcast in near
future with Bristol phono attachment. Early then late radio
good. Ma took in the White house dance. Gus hauled in
my aviation wood. Shorty returned truck.
April 6, 1930 Sunday, quiet in town after the
big Paddy and Tommy dance last night. Post Office distributed
mail PM, got 7 invoices of Seattle merchandise. Jack and
Mary going to have people arrested for defalcation of their character.
Gaston took out mine mail. Finished pricing hardware inventory.
Stanley still overhauling his Tin Lizzie. Evening, not
a whistle on radio until midnight, then 2YA Wellington, NZ came
in mushy. Temperature 32 to 44, rain indications. Put
plaster on back.
April 7, 1930 Business good two days sales,
$388.18. Busy day, shipped 3 orders north on railroad.
Got ½ car of freight, mostly forage. Mrs. Ellexson
went to Anchorage. Gus’s horses tore up 2 bales of flour.
Evening, no radio until 11:30 then 2YA Wellington, New Zealand
came in fine. Closed down at 11 PM their time, 12:30 AM our time,
could hear town clock strike, then played God Save the King.
April 8, 1930 Sold Bogard a ton seed oats,
Metz in after same. Bogard also got seed grain from Portland.
Made final round up of January 1930 inventory, total stock cost
price $18,355.80 sell $26,471.43 cash surplus $3,251.39.
Cloudy and cool, snow about gone in town. Evening, no
radio. Midnight KJR came in but mushy. Stanley still
doctoring Tin Lizzie.
April 9, 1930 Bogard in for Portland seed grain
ordered by himself. Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage
with checkbook and paid us and Sam Kelly note. George Nylan
and Frank White over from Palmer. George Williams in for
pension check and grub. Mrs. McDougal arrived from states after
ten months vacation. Got Seattle mail off Admiral boat.
No radio until 10:30 then 2YA came in fine.
April 10, 1930 Hans took McDougal’s out to
mile 9 then had to walk it to Fern Mine. Stump went out
with Cad’s dog team to haul some supplies to Fern Mine from mile
9, road blocked with snow mile 12 to mines, canyon full of slides.
Evening, no Pacific Coast radio but Wellington New Zeeland fair.
Sent Schwab Bros. Co. order.
April 11, 1930 Got off Outside mail AM. Jack
and Mary went to Anchorage, Arnold Edlund returned. George
Edlund out with his Tin Lizzie, first time this year. PM
charged A batteries and fixed up around garage, split wood, etc.
Russian from East Cape went through on train today, C P177 Russian
rescue plane. No coast radio except KPO for ½ hour then
2YA fair.
April 12, 1930 Checked up material in garage
and oil house construction, both buildings, combined cost
$498.58. Stump through hauling for Fern Mine with dog team.
Mail train 4 hours late with boat mail. Big farewell party
on tonight at Paddy’s by Gaston, host Mrs. Snider. Jack and
Mary back from Anchorage. Big crowd on train, going Inside
for winters vacation Outside. Sam Kelly 70 today. Airplane
passed by going south. Evening, no radio, big moon.
April 13, 1930 Sunday PM cleaned up and oiled
store floor. Paddy’s party, last night, wound up “wet”
today, Pittmann section boss, Gaston, and others, beating the prohibit
law. Mrs. Snider had her hair bobbed. School teacher
joined the tin horn gamblers. Report came that George Palmer
did away with himself at Kenai. Evening, no radio, big moon.
Finished WAZ no. 2 broadcast program, to release Easter Sunday.
April 14, 1930 Ulsh in from Willow Creek.
Freighters only got road broke to Craggie Creek, snow too deep
to get up to Lucky Shot Mine. Shorty drove down to his ranch
with car. Mrs. Cad went to Anchorage, shipped Cad’s dog
team to Cantwell to board for summer, no one would board them here
for less than $45 a month. A-1 spring day here. Eureka
and Goodrich pacs arrived and 50¢ higher than last spring.
Pacific Coast radio NG, 2YA Wellington New Zealand came in good but
some static. Stanley got his Tin Lizzie on show.
April 15, 1930 Temperature 34 to
50 above, another spring day. ARC on road work again.
Shorty, Cat man, reported Hans told Mrs. Wilmoth to get out or
he would throw her out account trouble over poker game. Stanley
moved his red Tin Lizzie from Shorty’s garage to our old auto shed
and Shorty took Paul’s motor car to garage. Poor radio, all cracks.
April 16, 1930 “War” on between Wilmoth
and Hans. Hans said he had 2 witnesses account Jack Fabyan
giving Wilmoth a bottle of mule for collecting Jacks Hi-Grade bill.
No gambling tonight at Willow Creek Inn. Streets drying up
in Wasilla. Ellexson’s out from Knik, had long trip account
soft road. Shorty putting galvanized roofing on east end of his
garage. Ulsh wired in, road blocked with snow on Willow Creek,
no hauling. Radio NG came in spurts.
April 17, 1930 Snowed all PM ground white once
more in Wasilla. Metz in to trade for Bogard. Ellexson’s
failed to come out. Sam Peters in from Willow Creek via Houston.
Self painting walls by show windows. Sent order in for H
and A canning retort, for Ellexson’s, to Portland. Swen looking
for house account of his new bride. Mrs. Cad still at Anchorage,
Mrs. Vail running the roadhouse. Evening, fair radio, KNX on
till midnight with NVA program at Coconut Grove, all the movie stars
were there and took part in program, sold show boxes at auction brought
$500 to $1,500 account of NVA benefit next week.
April 18, 1930 Four inches new snow this morning,
about all gone PM. Finished painting walls by show windows.
Nagley wanted me to go on his school tax bond for $250.
Snider and Elizabeth went to Anchorage account Masonic Church
doings Sunday. No mail train today, boat late at Seward.
Stanley washed show windows. Electric railroad men working
at depot.
April 19, 1930 Cleaned all the wall board in
balcony and store. Ellexson in from Knik, road, muddy
and ponds on road, bad going for car. Wired Frank at Eyota
to seed down Elmira quarter and Singleton farm to grass. Offered
my ½ interest in Seymour farm at $30 acre, 228 acres, ½
is $3,420. Charged A batteries but no radio, terrible cracking.
Midnight, Wellington, New Zealand came in on earphones. Everybody
fishing for trout these days. No mail trail, boat late.
April 20, 1930 Sunday. Took down winter
balcony fly’s, spring here? Mail train arrived 5 PM.
Harry Flood arrived from Anchorage to cook for ARC camp at Wasilla
Creek via Wasilla - Palmer Road. Mrs. Cad and Heinie Snider
back from Anchorage. Bob Hatcher back from Fern Mine, said account
snow, no chance to get in supplies until June 1st. Nellie Hartman
offered to pay me for collecting her bills after all funds sent
to her. Sam Beck back from Anchorage with heavy grip. No radio, last
Easter good.
April 21, 1930 Shipped 3 orders with north
freight train today with boat freight. Shorty and Al
dragged road down to Fairview with Cat and grader. Lawyer,
Truit, in town. Wrote Frank confirming my wire to seed down
Elmira quarter and Singleton farms to grass seed. My price,
net, for ½ interest in Seymour farm $3,000 cash. 11
PM to 1 AM Wellington NZ came in fine. No Pacific Coast radio
tonight, too much static. Gaston went out with Fern mail.
Streets drying up, frost coming out.
April 22, 1930 Business normal.
Temperature 38 to 50 above. Couldn’t get freight until
PM, agent in bed all AM account train late last night. Lu Loberg
cashed in, going to work for ARC. Floating clothing man in
town taking suit orders and several bit. Got 25 new Victor
records. Frost about out of ground in Wasilla. Another
storm brewing. Evening, run off new records. Marion
Talley and Old Man River are best numbers, also songs of war and
songs of sea numbers. Roads getting too soft for autos. No
radio, too warm. Horseshoes daily game now.
April 23, 1930 Roads bad, no one
moving. Evening fog on, frost coming out of ground.
Found some hardware and drugs not inventoried. Nick Pykle
up from Anchorage. Quincy Adam Pyle arrived to prospect
for Marion Twin Mining Co. will have to wait 2 months account snow
in hills. Church at school house this evening. Lana
Loberg’s car out of commission, gear all gone. Patzack down
from Houston. C. H. Wilson walked out from Knik for mail,
road blocked at mile 5 with water, no drainage. KFRC only
good radio, too much static.
April 24, 1930 Self busy on Outside mail.
Sent Frank vouchers that covered report up to June 1929.
Wrote Urban about seeding all grain land to grass seed. Wrote
McKinnon about selling Seymour farm at $30 per acre. Wrote
checks to cover Seattle invoices. Ground white this AM snow
all gone at noon. Gus hauled Marion Twin goods from car to
White house. Paddy jumped Pyle for selling property of Gold Mint
for credit of _____. Evening, 11 to 12, KJR came in fair, lots
of static early in evening. Evening, clear and colder.
April 25, 1930 Farmers making ready to plant.
Nothing doing at mines account too much snow. Got wire
from Frank, Eyota, Minnesota that Elmira farm 160 acres was planted
to grass, seed cost $280 to do same. PM painted roof of oil
house. Drying weather, today, streets about dried up. Reported
seeding done in Minnesota but weather cold. Gaston in with mail from
Fern Mine, took 10 hours to make it from mine to Fishhook Inn. Evening,
no radio but Wellington, New Zealand. Adolph Olson back from Willow
Station.
April 26, 1930 Spring day, 38 to 54 above.
Painted roof of back shed to kitchen. Charged A battery
and pumped up tires on truck and Olds car. Schoolmarm gave
kids a picnic down at Cottonwood Creek. Cat man and grader
came in over Bogard’s road. Wasilla streets dried up but
roads no good yet for autos. Evening, dance on at Fairview,
all had to walk it, road too soft for autos. Mail train on
time. Hugo Johnson arrived to run Marion Twin outfit. KFI Midnight
Frolic good and 2YA.
April 27, 1930 Sunday PM washed up front
of store. Cat men went down Knik Road with grader, got
stuck in the mud by Doherty’s cabin. Eva and Stanley burned
off grass around Doherty cabin, fire got away, so had to get help
to put it out. Lawrence in from homestead, sick with asthma.
Gus and Hans drove out to mile 8, first cars out to cut up road.
Frost not all out of roads yet. 2YA and KPO on air but lots of
static. Sold spuds in Walter’s cellar at Seward for $60 a ton,
paid $45.
April 28, 1930 Patzack here from Houston, going
to Anchorage to start a mink, chicken and vegetable farm on one
acre? Picture peddler in town. Pete Nelson back from
McKinley Park. Hazy all PM account eclipse at Seattle.
Thorpe’s going to work for Pyle. PM got 3½ tons Outside
merchandise. ARC also got ½ car merchandise from Western
States Grocery, Max Brand. Evening, 9 to 12, radio good,
all stations on the air. Mrs. Cad busy feeding ARC help.
Sam Peters bought a horse off Wade to skid out Willow Creek Mines
timber. Evening, windy.
April 29, 1930 Evening, April showers for May
flowers. Auto parts came but no invoice. Wagner quitting
section boss, wants to sell out and go Outside and join the Quakers.
Pete Nelson making ready to take gang for ARC out to mile 4.
Snider, Metz and Mrs. Zink judges on election polling. Several
got colds. Evening, paid Seattle invoices. No radio.
April 30, 1930 Cloudy and chilly. Wilson
and several in to work on Wasilla-Willow Road May 1st at mile
4. Wagner through on section, a new man on job tomorrow.
Helmer Oberg Jr. left home, down at Vail’s and Joe Walton’s.
Arnold Edlund fixing up Lana Loberg’s Tin Lizzie. Snider
whistling so guess Calatab worked OK. Evening busy on
monthly statements. KOMO and KJR on air 1 hour. Chas
Isaac’s wife arrived.
May 1, 1930 Self busy all day on monthly statements.
Evening, got out Seattle mail. Ordered Buhack and Fly
Fox account of coming “birds”. Agent Teich and wife busy
packing up, going to Anchorage to work. Evening, Stanley
drove out to mile 4, one water hole on road at mile 5. Sent
circular letter to Willow Creek Mine operators. Terms this
season: cash on delivery of goods less 5% on $25 orders (pick ups
and less amounts not). Radio fair, 1 hour KNX and KMO. Helmer
back from going to work on section.
May 2, 1930 AM got out balance of orders and
Outside mail. PM put new axle in truck, had to cut it
down 1”, got fit OK. Truck now ready to haul our own freight.
ARC unloading car of coal for mountain camp use. Mrs. Rowe,
teacher at Fairview, through and left for Outside. Mrs. Teich
left for Anchorage. Evening, radio good early, had in Long
Beach, Hollywood, Portland, Salt Lake on Eveready set, KJR good on
Federal set and 2YA New Zealand but some static near midnight.
May 3, 1930 Snodgrass here with bunch of prospective
ranchers from Outside. Someone cut up Snider’s trout
net in lake. Snider losing friends account loaning them
money. (Name too faded to read here) arrived to take Teich’s
place at Wasilla depot. Evening, opening up Seattle mail,
invoices, etc. Ketchum here to audit Teiche’s accounts.
Evening, no radio, played records. Dance on at Paddy’s place.
Evening, made fan belt for truck.
May 4, 1930 Sunday, everybody talking
Tanana Ice Pool, time for it to go out. Section foreman
from Pittman here on a Sunday drunk? Stanley drove out to 19,
big water hole on road near Hans Ranch, otherwise, road good.
Pricing up new goods and more due tomorrow. Fishing at lake Wasilla
regular now. PM had stomach ache for change. Evening,
no radio, new agent and section foreman looking over railroad property.
No radio.
May 5, 1930 Sleet storm,
PM 34 above. Got hardware, fruit and groceries on PM freight,
shipped 2 orders north. PM self on truck, cleaned magneto,
points, greased her up. Turned over engine, run OK, let
in clutch to try new axle, engine quit, something loose in crank
shaft. More trouble, just had engine overhauled by Shorty,
screw loose somewhere. Eva, Helmer and George Edlund went to
Anchorage, also Myrtle McNeil, sick with spine trouble. Stanley
drove to 19, with Tin Lizzie. PM storm made roads wet.
Evening, no radio. Ellexson’s out from Knik. Bogard in
for merchandise.
May 6, 1930 Weather cloudy and cool after sleet
storm last night. Hans hauled over 2 loads freight AM.
PM busy marking same for resale. Railroad distributing new
ties along line. Tryck’s stored 2 tons powder in ARC track warehouse?
No explosives to be stored in track warehouses, why ARC? New
agent seems to be a live wire. PM Stanley doctoring up his Tin
Lizzie, spent enough time and money to buy a new car, does 2nd hand
car pay at any low price? Grennon in to trade, still has 4 tins
good spuds. Evening, no radio, soft weather. Harvey started
on ARC work. No radio, last year good.
May 7, 1930 Business ¼ off.
Cloudy, temperature 32 to 54 above snow flurries last night.
Mrs. Anderson and daughter walked in from mile 4 to trade.
Ben Marino and C. A. Brown over from Palmer. Brown was Outside
all winter. Lidell, Ulsh and St. Pierre mushed out over Fishhook
Pass from Willow Creek Mines, snow hard on pass and lots of it.
About out of wood and coal. Stanley still working on differential
on his Tin Lizzie. All the boys in road camps got colds, taking
cod liver oil. Evening, no radio. St. Clair note due
5/7/1931, amount now $600.
May 8, 1930 Sent $13.25 for Pl____ pad account
rupture, to St. Louis, Missouri, claim a cure. Chisholm
here for hotel merchandise order. Helm’s, Oberg and George
Edlund started to work on section. Cloudy and cool all day.
Paid $943.26 for new merchandise. Bought ton Healy coal
off Gus, our car load used up. Snider’s nephew here.
Had roast beef dinner, Eva sent it up from Anchorage. No radio,
all cracks. Sam Peter’s returned to Willow Creek.
May 9, 1930 Got 3 orders from north.
Ice went out at Nenana, three Anchorage and 3 Fairbanks people
won $9,000 each. Snider won the local minute pool at Wasilla,
$22. Pat Irish in, working for Bogard. McDougal in
from Fern Mine to burn grass at homestead. Light rain most
all day. Stanley went to Anchorage to join “Lady” Herning on
her vacation. Radio NG, static. Had Wellington NZ on
earphones.
May 10, 1930 Ma and self store keepers, Stanley
at Anchorage. PM located trouble with truck, PC bolt in
transmission. Pat Irish went out to Bogard ranch after unwinding
his thoughts. Gus went out to Mabel Mine with car, to mile
9 then walked. McNeil’s car stuck in mud near Shorty’s ranch.
Evening, charged a radio battery, got Long Beach and Portland on Eveready
set and Seattle on Federal set 10 to 12.
May 11, 1930 Clear and warmer today, 50 to
64 above. Mrs. Horning and Sidney walked in from Mabel
Mine today. PM took car out, 1st time this spring, drove
down to Forks Palmer and Junction Road, road mushy by crossing on
railroad. mail train north 1 hour late. Nagley on train
for Talkeetna. Drove up to summit Ridge, road good that far.
ARC had first pay day account April work. Stanley and Eva back from
weekend at Anchorage. Snider family on a fishing bee today.
Radio weak.
May 12, 1930 ARC establishing 3rd camp
at mile 10 account shoveling snow slides out of canyon, mile
12½. McDougal back from ranch, hired two Ueeck brothers
to haul in-freight to Fern Mine by dog team. Mrs. Horning
went to Anchorage account Gene graduating the 16th in high school.
PM located trouble with truck, roller bearing gone in transmission.
Evening, Stanley and Eva drove out to Forty Mile Miller’s ranch.
No boat freight train today. Reported that Jack and Mary had
leased the Fishhook Inn. No radio, Teich’s motor ruining all
evening.
May 13, 1930 ARC started to clean out snow
slides in canyon mile 12½. Gus drove out to Martin
cabin with Sidney last night, first car this spring to reach mile
12. White of experimental farm and Alberts of ARC here from
Matanuska, bummed gas to go back . Section men got their grub
outfit but no cook. Tightened up foot brake on truck, repaired
bottom of box and eye bolt on end gate. Evening, drove 3 miles
with Olds car and over to aviation field. Robins singing early this
1st day of real summer. Poor radio.
May 14, 1930 First real warm day of spring,
60 to 70 above. Wade over from Junction to collect his horse
money and pay bills. Mabel Mine paid their bill, 2 months
delinquent, Saindon also delinquent. Farmers busy planting.
Cook for section gang arrived. Sam Beck joy riding again,
Ulsh paying for gas. McNeil’s made praise of grub from Harry
Flood. Roads drying up fast. Willow and Palmer Roads
now passable. Bogard in for merchandise. Several fires
in woods today. Radio but all snaps.
May 15, 1930 Colder, 44 to 60 above today,
clouding up for a storm. St. Clair visiting at Snider’s.
St. Clair bridge gang here to build loading landing on side track.
Mike Alex mushed in from Caswell, 43 miles today to trade.
Section busy buying cooking utensils for new cook. Jerome Elliott
here to work on road. Sam Kelly went out to work on road today.
Dropped a chunk of coal on left hammer toe, out of commission all
evening. Opera from 2YA New Zealand coming in fine now, midnight.
Ma making ready to go to Anchorage. Ice out of Lake Lucille
on 16th.
May 16, 1930 Ma went to Anchorage to attend
high school graduation exercises M. Gill and Gene Horning supposed
to get their diplomas. Stanley wants to quit store and
drive truck for ARC and fight mosquitoes and the elements.
Road Commission trying to open road from mile 12 canyon to Fishhook
Inn. Marion Twin waiting to get out supplies to mines.
Snider got $7,000 order for mink. Evening, run over WAZ broadcast
no. 2 on Bristol set. No radio. Doctored up crushed toe.
No radio, raining. Ma at Anchorage.
May 17, 1930 Boat train 3 hours late.
Ma got back from Anchorage and Mrs. Horning returning to Mabel
Mine. Had to build fire in furnace, cool all day. Donovan
brought Fred Roscher in, sick with rheumatism or scurvy. Evening,
dance on at Matanuska, Stanley, Eva and 3 more cars went down.
Self knocked out account crushed toe. Got invoice of Ball Brand
goods, $500 December 16th. Wilmoth’s went to play for Matanuska
dance. Gus took Gaston out to Martin cabin. No radio, could
hear faintly, KFI Midnight Frolic.
May 18, 1930 Sunday, busy in store AM
partly cloudy and cool, temperature 40 to 50. Hugo bought
clothing outfit, going to work for Mabel Mine, came here to work
for Marion Twin. Marion Twin stalled account snow. Ma,
Eva, Stanley and self, with Olds car, drove out to Martin cabin in
canyon, Dan Gray was there, shot a black bear. Gus came along
with Hugo, Gaston and Gordon. Cars now go within 2 miles of
Fishhook Inn, 3’ snow at Inn. All the dancers got stuck in mud
hole by Chas Marino’s ranch last night. Evening, re-stained
front and side doors on store. ARC help in for merchandise,
no radio.
May 19, 1930 Weather clear,
48 to 60 above. Self painted alley side of warehouse, aft
of store and casing around garage door. Jack and Mary bought
grub outfit and left for Fishhook Inn, snow on road last two miles
so may not make it to Inn. Report that several are losing
mink account horse meat. Shorty and Al graded road to Sharon’s
ranch. Evening, Shawn came up with his car, first time since
breakup. Evening, Stanley and joy riders drove out to mile 4 road
camp and visited on Mrs. Anderson and daughter. No radio.
Tryck went to Anchorage.
May 20, 1930 Business normal. Weather
cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Ole Jensen arrived from Gold Creek,
bought grub outfit $15 and gas for Sam Beck, the joy riders.
Snider’s nephew drove out to Martin cabin for Dan Gray’s bear meat.
Ball Brand goods arrived, $500 outfit, Pacs, sox’s and leather shoes,
busy marking new goods. Ma’s dope arrived, let the “birds”
come forth. Mailed Roe circular of Alaska railroad and college
papers. Weather still cool with frost nights. Farmers
busy planting. Grau and Isaac’s corked up Eva’s boat for use
of same. Radio several stations on air but too weak for loud speakers.
No radio, Agent and Wagner had a scrap over Monkey Ward freight, roofing
paper.
May 21, 1930 Walters only rancher in
for some time. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Knik Road
now passable. Church at the school house tonight.
Jack Fabyan in from Fishhook Inn, made it through Monday OK. Fishhook
Inn now open for summer business. Finished pricing Ball Brand
goods. Birch trees ½ leaved out. Evening, caught
KFRC for ½ hour on loud speakers, other stations NG. Storm
PM ½ hour. Evening, ARC gang in to trade.
May 22, 1930 Paid Seattle and Portland invoices.
“Smoky”, Zink’s dog passed out, Billy Trix mourner at the burial.
Business quiet, all the farmers busy planting. Gus planted
garden lot at the Black Ranch to oats. Mining held up account
snow. PM freight, 3 new gravel trucks and a Cat arrived for
the ARC. Had KJR on loud speaker for 1 hour but rather weak.
May 23, 1930 Stanley finished as clerk B, to
drive truck for Road Commission. Road Commission unloaded
3 new gravel trucks and #30 Caterpillar . Fred Roscher went
to his ranch after a week at Willow Creek Inn, rheumatics better.
He made application to go to Sitka Pioneer Home. Jacob Metz
in to trade for Bogard. Miss Minis over from government farm
for supplies. KJR good 10 to 12. O. C. Miller in to trade
and get “gas” off his stomach. Radio good.
May 24, 1930 ARC new automotive outfit moved
out to mile 10 Wasilla Willow Road. Boat mail here on
time. Snider Fur Farm mink hatching these days. Wasilla
School closed, teacher making ready to take school at Westward.
McNeil outfit “eating” again. Got order for grub from Harry
Flood. KJR on air but weak. Cold showers most of day, temperature
40 to 60 above.
May 25, 1930 Sunday, gave Sam Guyot order
for fill-ins and fruit jars. Freight train arrived PM
with boat freight. Agent gave no notice of change of schedule,
got left on north freight shipments. Evening painted dark
trimmings on store front. Stanley in from ARC mile 10 camp.
Sam Beck overhauled Zink’s Tin Lizzie. Five men sent here
from Anchorage to work on road, local men out of work? Cool
weather, 44 to 54 above, snow still hanging on mountains Birch
all leaved out, no radio.
May 26, 1930 Business good, 2 days sales
$257.07. Got 2 tons general merchandise. Retort
for Ellexson canning factory arrived. Taylor, head of ARC
here, on inspection. ARC got motive power grader. Sam
Guyot, M and M man, left for Juneau. Fur farmers meeting account
animals diseased and many dieing. Cloudy weather, snow going
slow on mountain sides. Self troubled with gas in stomach.
Evening, KJR on loud speakers 1 hour. Evening, Chas Marino over
from government farm to trade.
May 27, 1930 Warm day, 44
to 70 above. Got 2 orders ready for north, due to go
by Express account missing Sunday freight. Elizabeth Snider
learning to drive Tin Lizzie. Snider reported track road
to Matanuska good, Wasilla Road to Fishhook now good. Evening,
drove out to mile 4 ARC camp. Evening, 10 to 12 KJR good on
loud speaker. Nothing doing as yet at Willow Creek Mines.
Pyle in town waiting for snow to go. Radio KJR good, 3 hours.
May 28, 1930 Ben Marino over from ranch.
New man from government farm over to trade. ARC about
finished to mile 4. Ellexson’s in from Knik for canning
retort, cost $116.37. Snider looking for seed to plant 8 acres.
Johnson plowed Pearson’s garden. Train schedule changes 30th.
Train every day here after during the summer. Hans good new
cook, lady with 2 small boys. Heard Price dedicated to old Stubbs
at McKinley Park. KJR came in on loud speaker 10:30 to 12:30.
Warm spring day, grass green.
May 29, 1930 Hot day, +78. Paid Seattle
invoices. H. Gill up, with car, from Matanuska. Picked
over onions. Got out report on bad dried apples to send
to Sam Guyot at Juneau, charged for extra choice, sent standards.
Midnight, put Memorial Day sign on store front door. Saw
prowler hiding under Wilmoth’s tree, went outside to raise awning
and he beat it up street to Paddy’s. Midnight, KJR good
½ hour.
May 30, 1930 Memorial Day not observed in Wasilla.
ARC help worked, now graveling Main Street in Wasilla.
New train schedule on today. First Brill car went north,
had one passenger, 1 got off here. Evening, Sharon got a load
of junk from Martin cabin, mile 12. J. G. Johnson planting
8 acres for Snider fur farm. Evening, no radio. School
boys from college on south train. Mrs. McBeth left town.
No radio. Store open all day.
May 31, 1930 Mr. Morgan, Libby’s man, here.
Aage Hansen back from States. Bridge gang placing large
tile under track to drain surface water around depot. ARC
finished sprinkle of gravel on Main Street. Dunkle arrived
from States to open Willow Creek Mines, now in Anchorage. Evening
dance on at Fairview for Edlund kids. AM made double screen frame
for balcony window over store. Several new arrivals on train.
No radio.
June 1, 1930 Sunday, PM and evening on
monthly statements. Ma and Eva drove down to government farm
and Matanuska. Bridge gang finished installing sewer pipe
from depot account spring drainage. Boat freight arrived.
Several men waiting to get on with Willow Creek Mines. Dunkle,
manager, still at Anchorage. Evening, no radio.
June 2, 1930 Hauled over groceries and hardware
from depot, 1½ tons. Finished monthly statements.
Ellexson’s out from Knik, brought first king salmon. Donovan
on sick list. Cars now coming from Palmer District, roads
fair. Evening, drove out to mile 4 for Stanley. Sold
out on hops, bad for bootleggers? No radio till midnight,
then KJR, but mushy. Farmers still planting oats.
Bogard and Moshier went to Anchorage. Radio NG.
June 3, 1930 Shawn shot a black bear in his
back yard. Snider got one and 2 cubs near Lake Wasilla.
Till in from Willow Creek Mines. Elmer Larson got up first
freight from Reinhart cabin. Plenty of snow yet on Willow
Creek. Marked up new goods. Snider planting aviation
field to grain and grass seed. Mrs. Tryck says NO. Bridge gang
still making improvements at depot. No radio, cloudy with static.
June 4, 1930 Alaska in, mail train 2 hours
late. Dunkle and help arrived from Anchorage to go to
Willow Creek Mines and open up operations. Sharon got bit
by a fox, fox died next day. Farmers still planting oats.
Evening, drove out to ARC camp, mile 10, roads fine. Shorty
and Al dragged Bogard Road, next, Knik Road. All roads good
now but Knik Road. Hans hauling out Willow Creek Mines lumber.
KJR came in at 11:30.
June 5, 1930 Sharon Fleck went to Anchorage
account bite on wrist by fox. Snider, with 2 kids, went
to Anchorage, got $500 order for mink. J. G. Johnson through
plowing and planting for Snider, cost $92. Stanley in from
mile 4 camp. Sven fell off back of Tin Lizzie. Flour and
feed arrived, also car of lumber for Willow Creek Mines, cement and machinery.
No radio.
June 6, 1930 Hans hauled over 3 truck loads
of flour, etc. Two peddlers in town. Bert McClarity arrived
from Anchorage to work at mines. Evening, drove down
to Haller’s road for 2 sacks Grennon’s spuds. Sharon back
from Anchorage, bite cauterized, ok now.
June 7, 1930 Busy in store, got 3 orders
ready for north shipment. Large shipment of freight
due tomorrow for Willow Creek Mines and local freight.
St. Clair’s up from Anchorage for vacation on ranch. Evening,
big dance on at school house, several cars up from Junction.
Woman peddler sold Ma 3 dresses. Ellexson’s in with king
salmon and rhubarb. Bridge gang buying clothing, moving north
tomorrow. Snider’s cleaned house while old man at Anchorage.
Radio all static. Evening, mosquitoes bad.
June 8, 1930 Sunday, busy in store, billed
out order for Mabel Mine and shipped 3 orders north on RR.
Evening, drove over Palmer and Tote Road, 20 miles, had rained
heavy near government farm. Bridge gang through, moved
to Curry on PM freight. High-U time at barn dance last night,
beer, wine and mule plentiful, so reported. Had in 2YA, Wellington
on earphones 11 to 12 PM Boat freight arrived, 3 car lumber
for Willow Creek Mines.
June 9, 1930 Warm day, 60
to 74 above, cloudy, heavy showers with lightning down Little
Susitna. PM Edw. Ueeck out with 1 man grader, old machine
sent up from Anchorage. Snow off from Fishhook Inn to GB
cache. ARC trying to open road over summit to Willow Creek
with Cat, plenty of snow on summit. Evening, Snider and home
brew gang gave surprise party to St. Clair’s on ranch. Put
in 112 tube in detector socket and 2YA came in smooth on earphones.
June 10, 1930 Big thunder storm passed
down Little Susitna River. Pyle bought fill-ins for Marion
Twin Mine. Gus took out Mabel Mine grub order. A snow
slide still blocks road from Fishhook to Mabel Mine, road now open
to GB cache. Evening, ARC help in with checks to pay monthly
bills. Pat Irish joy riding with Capt. Sliver’s over Palmer way.
Evening, had in KNX short while. Evening, raining. Phillip
Gill visited on fire fighting brigade. Moshier and Goodell on
fisheries. KNX ½ hour, mosquitoes bad.
June 11, 1930 Got big order from Mabel Mine.
Road now open to Mabel Mine. Got Outside mail. Ueeck
back from Knik with one man grader. Pat Irish still joy
riding with Capt. Sliver. Stanley and Shorty in from road
camp mile 4. Old Fred Crocker finally went to work for Road
Commission. Willow Creek Mines unloading last car of lumber.
Cloudy and light rain, evening, hard rain. Party looking over
Tweeden ranch. Evening, Cook and wife over from government
farm to trade. Radio NG, too much static, had in KJR 11 to 12.
June 12, 1930 Business good, sales $336.85
in 2 days. Metz and Bogard in. Bogard not feeling well.
Pat Irish left again with Capt. Sliver for Palmer District, got
contract to clear land on Shonebeck ranch. ARC boys in to
trade, collected in over $1,600 thus far. Gus took out Mabel
and Marion Twin grub, etc. Pyle and gang left for Gold Mint Mine.
Snow blocks road near mine. Ben Marino got job at Mabel Mine.
Radio NG, very weak. Wilmoth visited about Frank Doherty’s funds.
Radio NG. Mosquitoes bad in woods.
June 13, 1930 Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
bunch arrived at Anchorage today, had barbeque at Lake Spenard.
Stiles here to do assessment work on old Shough Mine. Bogard
and Metz in with spuds, 2 loads for McKinley Park. Gust Haller
here for his car left at Wagner’s last fall. Got 2nd class mail
off Aleutian. Tourists now going through to Fairbanks.
Evening, drove out to ARC camp, mile 4. Florence Oberg back from
Bellingham, Washington. Radio fair, had KOMO, KJR and 2YA, Wellington,
New Zealand.
June 14, 1930 Ranchers report nothing growing.
Walters in for 4 July outfit. Vail’s looking for barrel
to make dandelion wine. Home brew outfit having another
party at St. Clair’s ranch, under leadership of professor Snider.
Jacob Metz went to Anchorage for exam account probably rupture.
New Kodiak ARC foreman in to trade. Bogard cleaned up oat
hay and spuds on Metz ranch. Gust Haller left with his car
for his ranch. Wasilla Hotel got coat white wash by Leonard
Grau the wise man
June 15, 1930 Sunday, busy in store AM.
Shipped 1 order north. Freight train arrived with Seattle
freight. PM got a set out with feed and groceries.
Pyle and help left for Gold Mint Mine early AM. Another St.
Clair party, chicken and booze this time, given by the judges wife.
Mollie came in, good milk now from Snider Fur Farm. Made 1st trip to
Fishhook Inn, road through canyon fine, fresh gravel on balance of road
not so good. Evening, paid Seattle invoices, $958.79. No
radio, off early on Sunday. Shonebeck here. Snow off sunny
side of mountains.
June 16, 1930 Warm day, 70
above. Busy day, unloaded and stored away 5½ tons
new freight, Eva was swamper. Got first cantaloupes and
head lettuce from Outside. St. Clair’s visited and returned
$50 coupon book we potlatched in August 1927 benefit party for St.
Clair’s in Mayo Hospital. Bootlegger party on at Snider’s tonight?
One booze fighter and bootleg peddler fell out yesterday. L.
A. Walter’s over from Palmer. Ueeck still operating one man grader
and smoothing on Bogard and Knik Roads. Mrs. Cad went to Anchorage.
June 17, 1930 A-1 day, 72 above.
ARC out of gasoline, none came. Moshier and Goodell moved
into (blank) cabin while working for Fish Commission. Ueek
with 1 man grader spoiled Wasilla-Willow Road today, run all
the rocks into good track now made. Evening, drove out to
Forty Mile Miller’s with package, Mrs. Amos along with joy riders,
Eva, Stanley and mother with Dad at the wheel. Bogard in with
eggs and for merchandise. Junction cars coming up every evening
now. Another party on at St. Clair’s ranch, Snider and Wilmoth’s.
Evening, priced up new merchandise. KJR came in for 1 hour
on headphones.
June 18, 1930 Business normal, warm day,
mosquitoes bad. Pricing up new goods. PM drove
out to Forty Mile Miller, made arrangements with him to do assessment
work at mines. Road all bumps account graveling and re-grading
road to mile 8. Wade and Snider settling Hi-Grade Mine deal,
reported that Wade lost his interest for lack of payment to
Snider. Evening, Shorty, Eva and Stanley drove to Knik.
Got Watson mail. Kempf arrived to do his assessment work on
Craigie Creek. ARC out of gas. Got ½ hour good
radio from KJR. All daylight now. Smithy family over from
Palmer to trade.
June 19, 1 930 Clear, hot day, 74 above. Dunkley,
Oberg and Beck in from Willow Creek Mines. Got road shoveled
out to summit. Snow 16’ deep in pass, 2 miles more to clear
on Fishhook side, then they can haul in-freight. Charley
Huff and McKinnon here looking for work. Sharon wanted to get
old plank on our Knik wharf for his garage. Evening, Stanley,
Eva and Tilly agent and mother drove over to Palmer via Junction.
Matanuska side road off Palmer Willow Road, back St. Clair’s road, road
fine, took 1 hour 40 minutes.
June 20, 1930 First summer day, 78 above.
Harry Flood in for vacation by buying McNeil outfit a grub supply.
New Yukon, all steel car, on run today. Mrs. Dunkle and
son arrived from Outside to join husband for summer at Lucky Shot
Mine. Sam Peters in from mines with $1,600 check account
cutting mining timbers, went on to Anchorage to blow in. Ben
Marino through at Mabel Mine after 5 shifts. Got load oil and
Libby’s goods on freight. Packed order for Caswell Lake fur
farm. Now midnight, KJR coming in good but wavey account daylight.
Swimming day for kids.
June 21, 1930 Shipped ½ ton groceries
to Caswell fur farm. Got car ready for trip to Grubstake
Placer Mine. Mrs. Cad and twins back from Anchorage after
week vacation. Evening, dance on at Vail’s ranch.
Got phone call from Anchorage for fish barrels. Dunkle, wife
and son left for mines. Evening, made up bank account.
Evening, raining hard up to midnight. Expect to leave for mines
at 6 AM tomorrow if not too wet. Got grub order for Yago Jap
Mines. Metz back from Anchorage. Longest day.
June 22, 1930 Sunday, left Wasilla 6:30
AM for Grubstake Placer Mine. Picked up O. C. Miller at
his ranch, drove car as far as Fishhook bridge then mushed over
summit. Had coffee at Miller’s summit cabin. ARC were
finishing shoveling snow out of road at Fishhook-Willow summit.
Willow Creek Mines had snow shoveled out on Willow Creek side.
PM started ground sluice on high bank half way up canyon. Grub
and all OK at cabin and cache. Dunkle, wife and son mushed over
summit.
June 23, 1930 At Grubstake, run open
cut, got ground sluice ready for sluice boxes. Fished
foot bridge over Grubstake Creek, cleaned up cabin, looked over
old flume boxes to get lumber for hand sluicing. Very fine
weather, no mosquitoes on Grubstake. Ma and Eva running
store. First Caterpillar crossed over summit today, now
ready to haul in Willow Creek Mine supplies.
June 24, 1930 At Grubstake. Got
rocks, etc. out of cut so as to install sluice boxes. PM
packed down lumber from upper claim and Miller started to make 2
sluice boxes. Miller worked all evening, 3 hours on boxes.
Ma and Eva running store.
June 25, 1930 Miller finished sluice
boxes, packed them over to ground sluice on hydraulic group.
Got boxes set up and turned on water 4 PM - 4:45 left Grubstake for
Wasilla, took 2 hours to reach Miller’s summit cabin. Mushed on
down to ford Hatcher Creek, car OK. Snider’s car parked by
my car. Found sack of ARC sugar on road. Gus car in ditch,
party way to summit. Arrived home 10 PM. Cat caught rat
in store. No radio.
June 26, 1930 Mosquitoes
lively. Self pretty sore from trip over Fishhook summit.
Busy marking new goods and paying Seattle invoices, etc.
Sent 5 gallon black paint out to placer mine to paint pipe and cabin
roof. Forty Mile Miller doing the assessment work on placer.
St. Clair’s arrived with auto and home brew for summer vacation on
their ranch. Had good radio ½ hour. Mrs. Cad and Isaac’s
went to Mint Mine. Mrs. McDougal went to Anchorage.
June 27, 1930 Got off Outside mail. Two
passenger trains on Friday. Nellie St. Clair and Macalroy
arrived via Knik. Capt. Sliver hauled St. Clair stuff from
Knik to ranch. Evening, St. Clair with Mrs. Wilmoth, drove
to Knik to try and mend up old score between Ellexson and St. Clair
families of 3 years standing. Snider back from Hi-Grade Mine.
Snider run ore car over dump. Evening, ½ hour opera
from Los Angeles on KNX on loud speaker, fine.
June 28, 1930 Finished pricing new hardware
made on shipment north on railroad. Mrs. Cads brother arrived.
Crocker and old Edlund quit the ARC road work. ARC now building
road from Lucky Shot Mine to the Rhinehardt cabin on Willow.
Gus landed my grub and iron paint at Grubstake today. Bought
ton coal off Gus for kitchen stove. Evening, dance on at school
house. Radio fair, KNX and KJR, 1 hour.
June 29, 1930 Sunday, ARC starting to
move mile 4 and 10 camps over to Willow Creek to build new road.
Osbourne up from Junction. Moshier and Goodell going to
Meadow Creek District to clean out creeks so salmon can come up
to lakes to spawn. Got first watermelons and fruit and
groceries arrived today. Paid Seattle invoices. No radio.
Stanley’s in from mile 4 camp.
June 30, 1930 Business good, sales $193.72.
June sales $3,255.58, business on the gain. Sent Schwabacher
grocery order. Stanley moving mile 4 and 10 ARC camps to
Fishhook bridge, then Cat hauls it over summit to new road down Willow
Creek. Evening, on monthly statements. St. Clair in
for grub. Ueeck and Metz busted ARC grass machine, 2nd time.
Crocker moved back to Sharon’s. Wade and partner went out to
Blue Bird Prospect.
July 1, 1930 Business slow, collections
fair. Temperature 60 to 70 above. Self on monthly
statements all day. Got out Wasilla and Willow files.
Last night, Eva and Mrs. Wilmoth had a tongue fight account Mrs. Wilmoth
said Eva was indisposed at last dance. George Grennon was in
today, wanted to buy back my spuds. Kids run Gusta's car and burnt
out bearings, no water or oil. Jake and Ueech mowing grass along
roads again. Hans still hauling Willow Creek Mines lumber.
No radio, too mushy.
July 2, 1930 Business normal, collections
air. Partly cloudy, temperature 60 to 70 above. Boat
train 2½ hours late, got some Outside mail. Self
on monthly statements all day. Mrs. Cads brother back from
Anchorage. Pyle and Dunkle in from mines. Capt. Sliver
traded old Wasilla stage rear end for Arnold’s rear end. Edlund
sawing lumber on Forty Mile Miller place. Strawberries
at Sunny Knik. Evening, cloudy, no radio.
July 3, 1930 Business good, collections
good, temperature 68. Quiet AM and evening rush.
Help in from ARC camp and mines for the fourth and the bootleggers
here to meet them? Drove down to Grennon’s road for 3 sacks
contract spuds, 5 more to come. Evening, busy in store until
10 PM. Dance on at Fishhook Inn tonight for booze party, another
at St. Clair’s ranch, the judge star guest. Government farm
help up to trade. Got KNX, Long Beach and Oklahoma City on Eveready
set for 1 hour. Got hair cut.
July 4, 1930 Celebrators from Palmer,
Matanuska and Knik arrived AM, more kids than ever before.
Pulled off races, etc. by side street of our store. Eva
won $4.50 in contests. Usual old time drunks on hand.
Outside mail went south. Mrs. Anderson’s daughter and family
arrived from States, also movie player to work on road. Times
mighty hard in the States now, many out of work. Evening, dance
on at school house. Furnished music at front balcony with Bristol
phono attachment. Evening, no radio. Perfect day, 74 above.
Business good till 10 PM.
July 5, 1930 Business good, collections
fair, +68. Packed 2 orders for north on railroad. St. Clair’s
car haywire. Shorty stayed in and fixed rear end.
Some of the boys a day late, going back on ARC job. Donovan
reported that Fred Roscher had not been at his cabin for 2 weeks.
L. D. and Ellexson drove down to investigate, Roscher not at his cabin,
probably lost in the woods near his cabin. Smithy and family
over for grub. Station help up to trade, busy till 7 PM in store.
July 6, 1930 Sunday, busy in store. Eva
and self hauled over 4 loads north freight to depot with Stanley’s
Tin Lizzie. Moshier and Goodell left on north freight train
to clean out creeks from Pittman west account Salmon run.
Last 3 days sales rang up $770.80. Stanley in for load freight
for ARC will now take his car over summit to Willow Creek Lucky
Shot Road. Evening, drove loop via to mile 10 thence to Matanuska
Junction cut off then back over Bogard Road, 26.4 miles, time 1 hour
45 minutes. Dunkle and Gaston in to unload car freight.
Ma skookum now at 155 lbs.
July 7, 1930 Business slow, wheeled over
butter, eggs, cheese and bacon from freight depot. Wilmoth
party went out to hunt up Roscher at ranch, could not find any
trace of him, cabin locked and one rifle gone. PM gas car with
10 men from Anchorage arrived to hunt up Roscher. Mrs. Gill
and Hoffman up from Junction to trade. Cads brother and Adolph
Olson went out for ARC.
July 8, 1930 Business slow, cloudy and
light showers. Anchorage buzz-car bunch with Wasilla
gang, made a search from Wasilla along road to Moffit ranch
for Roscher, found no trace of him. PM auto cars took Anchorage
bunch to Matanuska to catch branch train to Anchorage. Anderson’s
new arrivals moved into Hatcher cabin. Sold 1st bunch of berry
crates. Evening, tried out new Eveready tubes, set worked
smooth. Had in KNX and KJR, wave weak account cloudy and soft
weather. Temperature 64 above.
July 9, 1930 Quincy Adam Pyle up from Gold
Mint Mine. Ueeck and Metz through mowing grass along
auto roads for ARC. Banker Ervine and wife here going to
mines. Mike Sobal in to report on Yago Mine to Elwyn Swetmann
at Seward. Evening, Shorty in, going to move “Rip Van Winkle”
ARC camp over summit to Willow then all ARC help will be working
on the Lucky Shot Rhinehardt Road. Made report to mfg. and jobbers
credit bureau, assets $31,881.07, April 1, 1930. Radio NG, cloudy
and light rain. College demonstrator here.
July 10, 1930 Peddler, from the Utah Trail,
in town. PM got bunch orders from ARC help on Willow Creek.
Harvey in with truck for ARC freight. Zink lost $400 fox.
Osbourne up from Junction. Irvin and Wilmoth went to mines.
Ellexson in for grub also Bogard, with eggs. Mailed in 3
financial reports to rating agencies. Evening raining.
July 11, 1930 Business slow, partly cloudy.
Dan Kennedy here after orders from mines. Gus in, had
been to head of Craigie Creek with coal for Marion Twin Mining
Co. “Red” went to Anchorage. Gus made round trip to Anchorage.
Irvin left Anchorage. Frenchy here waiting for his ARC paycheck,
then going Inside. Evening, drove over loop, Toat Road back
by Forest Hall, Mrs. Cad and Isaac’s went along. Got a few new
currants along road. Eva went to Knik. Radio NG, all static.
Heaven and wife down to trade.
July 12, 1930 Bogard in with eggs.
Stanley in from Willow Creek after load Bugge’s spuds for ARC
camp. ARC paychecks came delayed 1 week, also our funds from
bank delayed 6 days. Frenchy left to cook at Fairbanks.
Six Shooter Bill and Helmar went to Anchorage to have teeth out.
Got 1st strawberries. Evening, Eva and Stanley went to Knik with
newly weds. Morris Sharp here. Radio but NG, too weak.
July 13, 1930 Sunday, busy in store.
Snider took Morris Sharp and party out to mile 12, going to
climb mountain and cross over top to Moose Creek to get view
and away from mosquitoes, came back, quit this sport.
Stanley waiting for ARC freight. Hans still hauling Willow
Creek Mine lumber to Fishhook Inn. Mary and her new beau in
to trade. Vail got 25 berry crates. Strawberries now
coming. Evening, drove out to Miller’s ranch Forty Mile Miller
didn’t arrived from mines. Edlund had mill ready to saw lumber.
No radio.
July 14, 1930 Warm day, 74 above. Got
2 orders from north on railroad. Evening, Frank Hoffman
up from Junction for ham and lemons for Phil Allen. Another
peddler in town. Mattie got her 2 dresses, bought off peddler,
no fit, too large. Evening, Eva, Ma and Agent drove to Knik
with Tin Lizzie. Had first strawberry shortcake. Evening,
radio but weak. Mrs. McNeil OK now.
July 15, 1930 Bogard passed through town with
2 fine loads of hay from Metz ranch, took picture of same.
Goodrich peddler, here taking orders for coats, etc. sell merchant
then sell to customer, Seattle spirit. Stanley in for supplies
for ARC Willow Creek. Evening, surprise party on at government
farm for Wingfield and bride. Strawberries coming.
Fair radio but bumpy. KJR now coming in on phones.
July 16, 1930 Finished marking 2 orders for
north. Gus in, made first trip with truck over Fishhook
summit, had to have team pull him back account mud holes on Willow
side of summit. PM tried to get aux-shaft out of transmission
on truck, froze in and didn’t get it out. Stanley in for more
ARC freight. Sharon got 2 salmon in Cottonwood Creek, salmon
run will be on soon. Berries coming slow. ARC road survey
Willow to Houston NG, now surveying to Willow Station. Radio
spasmodic.
July 17, 1930 Bogard and Ellexson in to trade.
Harvey in for ARC supplies. Word came that Harry Lander
had a stroke in Michigan that Richard was with him now.
Railroad laying off more help. Evening, Osbourne and Bosch
over from Junction to trade. Rained all evening. Zink
lost another breeding fox. KNX good for ½ hour then 2YA,
Wellington but mushy. Snider grouchy about oil. Radio
1 hour, 1st part good.
July 18, 1930 Business slow, rain all
day, 50 to 56 above. Snowed at Fern Mine last night.
Two engineers went out to examine Fern Mine. Willow Creek
Mines now running Cat, 2 shifts, taking 8 tons from Fishhook to
mines daily. We got 5 tons merchandise on yesterday freight
train. Another peddler in town, will soon turn business over
to peddlers and mail order houses? Full tourist load on south
bound train today. Evening, after 10 PM good radio from KNX
and KJR. Still raining.
July 19, 1930 Had Gus haul over freight from
railroad warehouse, five tons. Baxter Felch and Sellers
man arrived from north. Gave Baxter order for Munsingwear.
Stanley and Harvey in for ARC freight. Got order from
A and O for ½ ton fish salt. Patzack went out to Lucky
Shot. Help, from government farm, over to trade. Got
Outside mail. Report came that Harry Lander died from 2 strokes
July 6th in Michigan. Lander left here a year ago.
Soft weather, radio mushy and NG.
July 20, 1930 Sunday PM gave Sellers
man small fill-in hardware order. Outside freight arrived
PM got first casabas. Had Hormel chicken dinner at home.
Stanley in for ARC groceries, clothing and tobacco for ARC help.
Evening, drove around loop via Government farm, Cad’s mother and
Sellers man went along. Nick Brake in from Yago Mine, they
did not get Swetman’s letter or wire sent to me. Had big feed
watermelon.
July 21, 1930 Eva hauled over ton freight with
Tin Lizzie then took out garbage cans to dump. Felch and
Sellers man left for Seward. Mike Sobal in from Yago Mine,
Nick Brake through. Mike got powder off Dunkle and went
back to work waiting for Swetmann to come over from Seward for inspection.
Dunkle in with Cat and men to load heavy freight for Willow Creek
Mines. Mrs. Cads mother left for Anchorage. Persson fired
at Marion Twin Mine.
July 22, 1930 Put up several dinky orders for
mine. Sold out on fish salt, no salmon running as yet in
Cottonwood Creek. Plenty of salmon at Knik. Willow
Creek Mines got new Cat tractor assembled and started to load heavy
machinery. Crazy Persson went to Anchorage, asked Snider for
his daughters hand, crazy. Evening, drove over to Palmer, back
by Matanuska. Met Gill’s car and got into ditch, station
truck pulled us out OK, delayed ½ hour. Good radio from
KJR 11 to 12 . Sold 50 berry crates.
July 23, 1930 Salmon running, now, in
Cottonwood Creek. Everybody putting up salmon. Bears
plentiful around fish camps. Patchell got grub outfit for
Gold Creek. Had trouble with agent about shipping same.
New agent not popular with local shoppers. Tex Cobb
up from Junction. Willow Creek Mines Cat left with Cat trailer
and wagon load mining machinery, first trip. Paddy decorating
up the White house. Evening raining and no radio.
July 24, 1930 Stanley in for ARC supplies and
dozen orders for help. Got work sheets etc. Libby’s and
drugs on freight today, Eva hauled it over with Tin Lizzie.
Pick-up order for Mabel and Marion Twin Mines. Made out order for
radio supplies and underwear. Everybody now after berries
and salmon. Evening, no radio, static. Mrs. Hans Fryd.
in from mountain home, 2 lbs. bananas please. No radio.
J. M. Patchell left for Gold Creek District to prospect.
July 25, 1930 Bogard and Irish in for supplies.
Got off orders for radio supplies and Glastonbury underwear.
Kids put George Nylan’s Lizzie on the bum, burned out all the
bearings. Ueeck’s 1 man grader stalled at mile 7 Knik Road.
Erwin and wife, Standard Oil man, here, tried to hire our car to go
to Willow Creek. Evening, drove out to Fishhook Inn, road best
ever. Hugo Johnson was there loving Mary? No radio, cloudy
evening. Sold 2nd lot of berry crates. Stanley in for gas.
Gene Bartholf in town.
July 26, 1930 Business normal.
Cloudy, 66 above. Shipped 50 crates berry boxes to ACC
at Anchorage and fish salt to Willow. Stanley in for more
ARC supplies and orders for help. Milo Kelly arrived from
States, still at old game promoting, had doctor in tow this time.
Evening, dance on at Matanuska. Sent cigars to Gill, Allen and
Wingfield account pulling us out of ditch. New section boss
arrived.
July 27, 1930 Sunday, busy in store,
Milo Kelly and Zink placed trail order and the doctor paid the
bill. Ueeck got in with broken down grader off Knik Road.
Snider got his car fixed up again and drove out to Hi-Grade Mine,
claim they found another lead, fortune now made? Mary having Phelps
“Buhach” car overhauled to run from Fishhook Inn. McDougal offered
$50 to find a new vein on Fern Mine. Evening, paid Seattle invoices.
Evening, raining, no radio, 2YA in 15 minutes.
July 28, 1930 Weather cloudy with showers.
Got last 2 shipments of tobacco. Kelly and doctor here
waiting for favorable weather to go to Goose Bay account birch
timbers. New section man renovating section house.
Mary and Sliver overhauling Phelps old car. Edlund’s left for
sawmill at Forty Mile’s to put up hay on tide flats. Evening, Gill
and Allen over from Junction to trade. Eva went to Anchorage
account Helen being sick. Lippert went through to Anchorage.
Evening, no radio, too soft weather. Read papers, no radio.
July 29, 1930 Packed 2 dinky orders for north
freight. Quiet in town, none in from ARC camp or mines.
New section foreman and family moved into section house.
Six Shooter Bill hooked up his radio. Got hardware priced up.
Evening, posted up register sheets. Kelly and Zink waiting for
good weather before going to measure up birch timber. Ma made
$15 bonus on June sales. Radio, Madam Drufis program only thing
came through. Eva at Anchorage.
July 30, 1930 Got Outside mail off Watson.
Kelly and Zink moved down to birch timber, camped in Ulanky
cabin account rain. Self, three score and 2 years more
today, still going strong, weigh 178 lbs. Ma also in good
health, old nerve trouble gone. Gus back from Willow Creek,
said heavy rains in Willow Creek District. Received 3 birthday
presents, manicure set from Eva, cake from Mrs. Cad, strawberries
and cream from Mrs. Ellexson. Evening, request program over
KJR good.
July 31, 1930 Picture peddler in town.
Some of our customers wanted to borrow money to pay for pictures.
Stanley got one enlarged of Ma, Clara and self. Sharon
shot 2 more black bear near his fox pens. Strawberries at
their best, got some from Crocker ranch. PM hauled over ton
freight with Lizzie. Run over Wilmoth’s dog trying to bite wheels.
Early evening, KNX, KJR and KOM came in on loud speaker. 2YA,
Wellington, New Zealand now on speaker at town hall on labor, crowd
cheering. Lippert here to finish his house. Eva at Anchorage.
Radio good early.
August 1, 1930 Busy on monthly statements
all day till midnight. Trains late. Pyle in from
Craigie Creek prospect. Schoolmarm and 2 kids arrived from
Inside to take over Wasilla School. Hans finished hauling
all the Willow Creek Mines lumber. Stanley in for supplies for
ARC and help on Willow Creek. Evening, radio fair, considerable
fading, KNX, KJR and 2YA New Zealand. Six Shooter Bill and Stewart
went to Anchorage. Eva at Anchorage.
August 2, 1930 Got order from Caswell fur farm.
O. C. Miller in from Grubstake, worked 37 shifts on Grubstake
Placer Mine, repaired cabin and cache. Miller paid Long note
$160, interest $16, had $9 left from work on placer. A. Muller,
store man from Kaltag here looking over fur farms, wanted Wasilla spuds.
Evening, drove Miller out to his ranch.
August 3, 1930 Sunday, Dr. H. W. Alberts
visited to get data on this district since 1898, on trails,
roads, early farm locations, etc. here all PM wants this for government
statistics. Stanley in from ARC Lower Willow Creek
camp, made it over summit to Wasilla in 2 hours with new Ford truck.
Evening, Ellexson’s and Eva and Stanley visited on Wingfield’s at
government farm. Moshier and Goodell went north on train account
salmon business, clearing out rubbish in creeks. McNeil’s delivered
last of wood traded for case gasoline. Self troubled with pains
in upper stomach and lower lungs. Rainy season on. Had
in KFOX, Long Beach on Eveready set 11 PM.
August 4, 1930 Eva hauled over freight with
her Tin Lizzie. Several out from mines, went to Anchorage.
Milo Kelly and party back from Knik. Evening, Eva went to
Knik with newly weds, Wingfield’s. Priced up dry goods and
hardware. Self not feeling good, pains in stomach. Lippert’s
moved into Snider’s cold storage until they get their new house completed.
Collections on monthly accounts fair. Evening, good radio, KJX
best from Jack and Jill Tavern, Portland, came in on Eveready set.
Midnight raining hard.
August 5, 1930 Business slow, rain all
day, 60 above. Only local dinky trade. Vic Olson
left for lower Inlet to look up cinnabar prospect. Doctor
left for Goose Bay via Anchorage. Jack Winzenried in from
Willow Creek Mines, going to Anchorage hospital account stomach
trouble, same as I have and others. Pittman section men laid
off, down here on a drunk. O. C. Miller in from ranch with berries.
Radio but weak account rain.
August 6, 1930 Business slow, no Outside
freight or mail. Gus in from mines, reported road bad
over summit and on Willow Creek. Stanley in for load of
ARC supplies. Snider’s nephew back from ARC McKinley Park.
No spuds, old crop used up and new spuds too small to dig.
Chas Bartholf relocated Otto’s claims near Old Bullion Mine and
prospecting them now. Banker Tarwater here, 1st time.
August 7, 1930 Rained all
day. Dunkle and family in, family going Outside.
Cat in for heavy Willow Creek Mines machinery, 2nd trip. Tarwater
and Shonbeck went out to inspect Gold Cord Mine, not operating this
season. Bogard and Pat Irish in for supplies. Gill,
Allen and Bosch up from Matanuska for bacon etc. Ma not feeling
well, touch of old trouble and lame back Vail bunch went to
Anchorage to meet Vail’s son, new arrival. Evening, no radio,
raining.
August 8, 1930 Business normal.
Cloudy, 60 above. Got 2 orders from railroad belt north.
Mrs. Horning and Gene back from Anchorage with lady cook.
Marshal, Well’s man here, gave him a fill-in order for hardware.
Willow Creek Mine Cat went out with 2nd heavy load of machinery.
Cat trailer improved loose gravel road. Pat Irish got away with
carton package for ARC help, took it to Bogard ranch. Evening,
drove out to Forty Mile Miller’s for strawberries account soft weather,
berries rolling on ground.
August 9, 1930 Noon, drove out to Miller’s
and brought in 4 crates berries for shipment north. Zink
and Kelly left for B D Mine. Old Dr. left on last boat
for Seattle, couldn’t stand rainy weather. Evening, drove
out to Bogard ranch for ARC packages taken by Pat Irish by mistake.
Evening, big crowd in account dance at school house. Ed Holland
in for pick-ups for his mine. Had big strawberry shortcake
which made Eva smile. Weak radio account soft weather.
August 10, 1930 Hauled over ½ ton merchandise
for north freight. Got 1½ tons freight on PM
train. Willow Creek Mines got another car lumber.
Tilly the Toiler and Six Shooter Bill unloaded this car of lumber.
Stanley in on Sunday, put new brake linings on his truck. Eva
and Stanley drove down to government farm to visit new bridal couple.
Fred Crocker in from his ranch. 2YA only good radio, now coming
in at midnight. Willow Creek Mines Cat took out another heavy
piece machinery. Midnight, raining.
August 11, 1930 Paddy Marion went out to Hi-Grade
Mine. Farmer Engstrom in for supplies, mostly hardware,
$74.20. Got groceries and hardware from Outside. Snider
car on bum again. Lippert’s got their mail order house furniture.
Gene hauled over 1¼ tons of freight from car. Gusta
got new engine and parts for his Tin Lizzie. Post Office inspector
here. Fosket in to trade. New local spuds selling at 5¢
lb. Old spuds cleaned up. Radio poor account rain and low
A battery.
August 12, 1930 Gust Haller drove Kennedy out
to GB cache, Fishhook Creek, said roads were mushy on benches.
Gust installing a radio on ranch after remodeling old house.
Two men walked down from Fairbanks looking for work. Big
booze party reported at Fishhook Inn last night, Capt. Sliver drunk.
Ueeck spoiled Wasilla-Willow road with grader, scooped center off
road. Hans hauling another car lumber to mines. Evening,
drove out to Miller’s ranch with berry crates and got strawberries.
August 13, 1930 Gus took Cad and Oberg families
out to Willow Creek for an outing, got back at 10 PM. Snider
on war path because ARC won’t make road to High Grade Mine from
Gold Cord road, sent wire to law at Los Angeles about it. Wrote
Gill about transmission on Overland car. Had big strawberry shortcake
for dinner. Sam St. Pierre in looking for saw mill man, went
over to Palmer to see Smithy. Evening, radio good but wavy, had
in six stations.
August 14, 1930 Sam Peters, Heinie Snider and
Peter went to Anchorage. Kids bathing in Lake Wasilla,
warm PM. Sam Beck, Ulsh and Mary in for odd supplies, went
back to mines. Only got gas and oil on today’s freight train.
Lippert went over to Palmer to see about mink. Mike Sobal
through on Jap property and left for Seward to report to Swetmann
owner. Evening, got out Seattle mail, had $1,400 deposits.
No radio, soft. Mrs. Ward in Los Angeles now. Kids in Anchorage.
August 15, 1930 Sales fair, collections
good. Eva, with Ellexson’s, visited mines on Willow Creek
side with Tin Lizzie. Stanley in at noon for ARC gas, also
evening for mine gas. Duff through at ARC got job with garage
at Anchorage. O. C. Miller out again at his summit mine, a
sure million this time? Gus hauled out oil from railroad freight
shed. Mr. no-all smoothed up Main Street ditches, front of
store, with 1 man grader. Blodgett $500 worth breeding
mink.
August 16, 1930 Smithy over with 2nd lot of
5¢ new spuds. Smith left for Willow Creek with Sam
Peters to run his sawmill. Snider back from Anchorage, also
Mr. Cad arrived to sharpen up the butcher knives at Wasilla Hotel.
Rip Van Winkle’ “girl” arrived and “Boob’s” wife. Railroad annual
picnic due at Wasilla tomorrow. Sam Guyot here for grocery
orders. Evening, greased up Olds car.
August 17, 1930 Sunday, busy in store
all day account Sunday picnic at Wasilla, only brought 2 auto
cars as price was raised to $15 a car. Cloudy all day but
no rain. Band played this time in front of Wilmoth’s.
Gill’s up with car, had Mrs. Herbert with them, drove in to Knik,
Ma went with them. Mrs. Cad did a good biz on soda pop and candy
and tobacco. Our sales, past 2 days, $303.30. Stanley
in. Dorbrandt here with airplane. Eva went on plane to
Anchorage. Stanley’s 2nd ride in airplane. Sam Peters lost
$100 in poker game at St. Clair ranch.
August 18, 1930 Got off mail, and had Gus haul
load freight from car to store. PM unloaded 2½
tons forage from car in track warehouse. Busy pricing up
new goods. Sam St. Pierre, with Smithy, started for Willow
Creek sawmill, turned back PM and went to St. Clair ranch. Evening,
big dinner at Hans place then drove out to Fishhook Inn, 2 cars, Smithy
and St. Clair’s. Evening, we drove out to Miller’s ranch for
berries, someone had picked them. Silver Slipper Café program
good, KNX.
August 19, 1930 Self busy pricing up new merchandise.
Heavy rain last night but clear and warm today, +70. St.
Pierre joy party ended last night at Fishhook Inn. Old
Sam now back to his timber camp for Willow Creek Mines. Eva
back from Anchorage via branch train to Junction then Soper of
government farm brought her to Wasilla. Evening, radio fair
after 10:30 PM Evening, read Bird’s account of trip to South
Pole by airplane.
August 20, 1930 Business normal, rain
all day. Put up 3 orders for north freight tomorrow.
Harry Vail’s son in from Fishhook Inn with Fabyan’s 80 hour prov.
car, run out of gas by Wasilla Lake crossing. W. S. Horning
arrived from Valdez Creek, said very dry there, no water, went to
Mabel Mine. Evening, Hugh Kelly down from Pittman, Snider drove
him to St. Clair summer resort? Evening, cloudy and soft, no
radio.
August 21, 1930 Got new order from
Sam Stone, fur farmer, at Willow. Alaska Railroad, investigating
party from Washington, here for ½ hour. Wasilla stood
the acid test, special train went on to Fairbanks. Shipped
4 orders north today. O. C. Miller in, back from mines, kids
broke things up at his ranch while away to the mines. Sam Beck and
Ulsh in from Lucky Shot, had Mary and Swen’s wife with them, drove
down to Vail’s for home brew? Milo Kelly left for Seattle. George
Nylan in from Hi-Grade Mine.
August 22, 1930 Ellexson’s here for lunch,
went on to Matanuska and experimental farm. Old Blue fell
into B and H old store well at Knik, took them 4 hours to dig him
out at Sunny Knik. Cad home to sharpen up the butcher knives?
Stanley in from Willow Creek, brought in Sam Kelly with lame back
Lippert trying to drive well point on his fur farm. Evening,
Eva played portable phonograph. Radio poor, 11 to 12 only.
Section man at Pittman lost job account booze.
August 23, 1930 Arnold Edlund and family moved
out to Miller’s ranch to saw lumber. Gerrit Snider showing
$4,000 assay on Hi-Grade ore. Word came that ex-oilman,
John Smith, owner of Gold Cord Mine, committed suicide in Los Angeles.
Evening, drove out to Bill Long’s ranch, Bill home from ARC work
account stomach trouble. No coast stations on air but 2YA, Wellington,
New Zealand fair.
August 24, 1930 Brill car special with 3 people
went north today. Stanley in for ARC supplies and merchandise
for help. Snider drove out to Hi-Grade Mine, now reports
$10,000 a ton ore? Had first blueberry shortcake.
PM worked on Overland truck transmission. Self and Gus signed
school bond for Stanley. No radio, 2YA but weak. Lighted
street lamp.
August 25, 1930 Gust Haller in for radio supplies.
Eva drove Lizzie to Knik to put up raspberries from Ellexson’s
ranch. Ball Brand and Munsingwear goods arrived. Evening,
moved Eveready set from Stanley’s room to balcony in store, got
fine reception 10 to midnight, KEX and KJR. Jack and Jill
Café program fine from Portland, KNX also fair.
August 26. 1930 Priced and marked BB and Munsingwear
goods. Bogard in for supplies. Jim Hustis, old
timer at Knik, back, visited on us PM, now at Tex Cobb’s ranch,
spent 2 fortunes, now working for living. Eva still at Knik
putting up jelly and eating king salmon strips? Gus in with
rush order for Marion Twin, 1 case milk. Cabins damaged at
Wasilla. Evening, KEX and Salt Lake fair but wavy account rain.
August 27, 1930 Lippert’s struck water in well
and moved into new house, Monday, near Snider fur farm.
Priced up new chrome non-rust salad ware. Eva back from
Knik with jelly and raspberries and cream. Had blueberry pie
for lunch. The “judge” visited Mrs. Cad “Sweety”, fat
counts for something? Evening, drove out to old 19 to charge
radio battery on car. Good radio but lots of static. Ma
not feeling good,
touch of old trouble.
August 28, 1930 Congressional party back from
end of railroad line, went on to Chickaloon coal fields, back
to Matanuska for dinner at government farm and auto ride through
farming district. Evening, Dunkle and wife in with Beck’s
car. New Fairview schoolmarm from Nebraska arrived.
Had T-bone steak, Sam got it in Anchorage. Hoffman sent us
a head lettuce as big as a cabbage. Sold case duck shells.
August 29, 1930 Business normal.
A-1 hot day, 76 above. Had Gus haul over 3 tons merchandise.
Eva was swamper with teamsters apron. No mail train south
today, wash out in Broad Pass on railroad. Dunkle and wife
returned to Willow Creek Mines account no train to Anchorage.
Mrs. Krogh and Wade visited. Ellexson’s in with raspberries
to sip and no train account washout. Evening, drove around
loop by government farm. Radio fair, tried out $4 wave booster,
some better. Mrs. Isaac’s moved into Hatcher cabin.
August 30, 1930 Business rushing all
day. Mrs. Isaac placed order for Gold Cord Mine. Quincy
Adam Pyle in to pay up August bills. Mail train south today, 1
day late account washout. Evening, Osbourne’s up to trade
from Junction. Stanley, Elmer Larson and Laurtz Loberg in
with Sam Beck, got merchandise for help. Isaac left for Gold
Cord Mine to re-brace timbers in tunnel. Radio 1 hour then heavy
rain came. Survey gang in from Willow Station, lined out 26
mile road to Lucky Shot.
August 31, 1930 Sunday, heavy rain all
last night, rivers high. Boat mail arrived PM today.
Sam Beck in for meat and mail account Willow Creek Mines.
No freight train today, schedule changed to Monday. Clyde
Burkett went to Nuka Bay to run a quartz mill. Late rain put
mountain roads on the bum.
September 1, 1930 Agent Tilley through,
left on late freight for relief agent at Talkeetna. Old
bald head Teich back on job at railroad depot. Herman down
from Big Lake fur farm, wanted $200 credit until October. Stanley
moving Lawrence ARC camp from Willow Creek to Wasilla Creek by Forest
Hall. Labor Day and everyone working. Evening on mines
monthly statements. Radio poor account evening rain.
September 2, 1930 Gus hauled over truck load
of milk, sugar and groceries. School opened today.
Mrs. P. D. Lippert, from Inside, teacher. Heavy rain all
day. ARC truck in from Willow Creek with camp outfits going
to work on Palmer roads. Still on monthly statements.
Moshier and Goodell and fish-boss walking to Pittman. Evening,
radio good early, then static.
September 3, 1930 Six Shooter Bill’s birthday,
now 55 years old, party at Vail’s. Moshier and Goodell
back with boss Cole from Pittman, now through on fish job.
Old ARC Cat in from Willow Creek, now on roads by Forest Hall.
Eva on the bum, took dose Calatab. Ma got kink in her back,
dads rupture going down in account too much lifting cases. All
rivers over banks account heavy rains. Al Walters over for crates.
September 4, 1930 Cloudy,
evening 36 above, doing office work, finished ARC help, monthly
statements after midnight. Oberg Sr. in, going to Anchorage
account toothache. McNeil’s making mink pens at Snider fur
farm. About out of coal and wood. Vail offered spuds
at $3 sack Evening, much cooler, may frost tonight. Radio
fair, got lots of fading. Teich got his electric motor running,
no radio while it’s running.
September 5, 1930 Got off mail and candy order.
Got 4 orders from north railroad line. Squaw man here looking
for house. Swen and Mr. and Mrs. Oberg went to Anchorage.
New spuds now offered at $3 a sack Arnold Edlund brought
in load planks from mill on Miller’s ranch. Railroad posted
notice, “Wasilla Station Closed on September 15th, Agent removed and
made a flag station. Only 1 freight and passenger per week hereafter”.
Cutting down expense to revenues? 2YA only radio tonight.
September 6, 1930 Got 4 orders packed for north
shipment on railroad before they pull up the rails? Stanley
and Shorty in from Willow Creek account Wilmoth’s dance?
A few up from government farm. Arnold Edlund brought in 2nd
load lumber from Miller’s ranch. Dance on at school house, no
lunch. Radio all static, NG. Sam Beck in for usual “smile”.
September 7, 1930 Sunday, two parties
here after mink. Helmer Oberg Jr. quit his job at Willow
Creek Mines, dances and girls more attractive? Shipped
3 orders north today. Local freight train had mostly coal,
sign of winter up line. No coffee or lunch at dance last night
but players got their 15 bucks. Teich sold Lippert his radio
but can’t make it work, lost chart of hook-up. Evening, mushy
and no radio. Zink in from mines.
September 8, 1930 Wired manager Ohlson, Alaska
Railroad, to extend closing of Wasilla Agency for 30 days.
Pyle, Gus, Hans and Dunkle wired for extension time. Shattuck
and some here buying mink from Snider fur farm for export across
Atlantic. PM freight arrived, got 5½ tons merchandise.
Ellexson in from Knik for merchandise. Section boss, Kruger,
bumped off job. Evening, drove over to Wagner’s for 2 sacks
spuds. Evening, radio good, 5 stations on air.
September 9, 1930 AM had Gus haul over 2 truck
loads from car, then Eva and self unloaded 4½ tons flour
and feed into railroad warehouse. Stanley in, now moving
ARC camp from Craigie Creek on Willow to Palmer Road. Shonbeck,
with Standard Oil and DuPont men visited, DuPont man lost
his speech by cancer in throat, now breathed through wind pipe on
collar line, Mayo’s operated on him last winter. Mary in with
new chauffeur George Nylan. No radio, Salt Lake and Portland
weak.
September 10, 1930 Manager Ohlson, of Alaska
Railroad, here for conference with Wasilla shippers account
making Wasilla a flag station to reduce railroad overhead expense,
will only lease caretaker at depot. Freight must be prepaid
after September 15th when Wasilla agent is bumped off job.
Freight receipts last month over $5,000? More Washington D. C.
red tape. Evening, paid Seattle invoices, $701.70. Radio
good, some fading. Stanley in, moving Willow Creek camp.
September 11, 1930 Self busy paying Seattle
invoices and making out shortage claims. All ARC camps
now moved out of Willow Creek. Stanley now driving Cat,
grading road, Forest Hall to government farm. Snider got
over 100 mink ready for shipment to Europe. Beggar in town.
Teich visited during evening, talking over where to go. Radio
good 10 to midnight, came in with great volume from Silver Slipper
Café, Los Angeles.
September 12, 1930 Got big order from Caswell
Lake fur farm and Sam Stone at Willow. Mail order from
Colorado Creek station. Snider shipped $6,000 worth of mink
to Norway. Anchorage Fair on. Peck family arrived at
depot. Peck watchman for winter. Big rat back in store,
put out trap for him. No one gone to Fair as yet. No radio,
big moon.
September 13, 1930 Big day, rushing business.
St. Pierre in for 2 lumber camp outfits for Willow Creek.
Pyle and Donovan in from Gold Mint Mine. Grau in from Gold Cord Mine.
McDougal from Fern Mine, back from Anchorage Fair. Snider
back from, starting late, mink sales to Norway, $6,000. Got 1½
tons groceries ready for north freight Sunday. Stanley in from
Wasilla Creek ARC camp. Eva not feeling well. KNX and
KJR good after Teich shut off electric. Home brew dance on
at Vail’s. Friday and Saturday sales, $711.70.
September 14, 1930 Sunday, Eva helped
to ship 1½ tons merchandise north. Freight train
arrived PM, Moore conductor, bumped off passenger run.
Only one freight and passenger train weekly from now on. Reported
passenger fares doubled and freight rates raised 50%. Smithy
over from Palmer and took out rear end of truck to replace bearings
in transmission counter shaft, had heck of a time to remove transmission
gears. Radio fair early. Sam Beck in 10 PM.
September 15, 1930 Business normal.
Dan Kennedy in from collecting bills from Lucky Shot help.
Bert McClarity still 2 months in the hole from last winter sporting
in Anchorage. Hans hauled our onions to Willow Creek, don’t
know his onions yet? St. Clair’s rented Paul Wavrick - Hartman
cabin on Main Street. Forty Mile Miller started foundation
for Nels Larson’s new cabin on Main Street. Who said Wasilla
was dead? All houses now rented. Wheeled over ton freight
from depot. Radio good after Teich’s engine closed. Snider
busy rounding up his cows.
September 16, 1930 A-1 day, but cool account
snow now on mountain peaks. Wired Hyatt Bearing for transmission
on truck, had to phone wire to Matanuska. Agent wanted us
to deposit $25 in advance account same. Manager Ohlson said
we could run a charge account, more red tape, agent is boss?
Lippert’s backer here and will locate on mink ranch. Lippert’s
to move up town. Evening, good radio KSL, KNX and KEX, Seattle
silent.
September 17, 1930 Business normal.
A-1 clear day, first freeze down to 18 above last night.
Farmers busy caring for grain and spuds. Agent Teich through
and left for Anchorage on speeder. Wasilla now a flag station.
St. Clair’s fixing up Paul Wavrick cabin. Mrs. Pennington rented
Harvey’s Forty Mile Miller house. Bridge gang here
working out of Wasilla. Radio good from Salt Lake City.
September 18, 1930 First
windy day of fall, evening, raining. Tex Cobb here from
guide trip up Knik River with big game hunter going out with another
party soon. Busy making out fall orders. Had over $2,000 bank
deposits. Got phone order from Fish Lake. PM drove to
Vail’s for spuds and carrots. Stanley in for school board
meeting. Had first grouse stew. Ma trying to get a cold.
No radio tonight account wind.
September 19, 1930 Wind storm
finished with rain all AM, snow PM covering ground with 1” snow.
Mrs. Horning, Gene, Sidney and oldest Bartholf boy left for
Seattle to put kids in school. Sharon had Gus go to Palmer
for piece of machinery, they went into the ditch by Stern’s, got out
and made it through snow storm. Stanley in, PM too stormy to work
on road. Jack and Mary went to Anchorage.
September 20, 1930 Business normal, usual
rush at mail train time. Marion Twin Mine Co. closed down for
season. Jack and Mary back from Anchorage, reported were
married. Dinner party on at Knik, Stanley, Eva and Adam Wingfield’s,
newly weds and Sharon and wife special guests. Received letter
from Transportation Manger of Alaska Railroad notifying agents on
line to render us monthly charge account hereafter.
September 21, 1930 Sunday, delivered
2 shipments for north freight. A-1 sunny day.
Pyle re-sacking gold ore for shipment Outside. Out of
coal and wood, car coal in route. Cemented up front grate
in cook stove. Capt. Sliver out with joy party, PM Stanley
in late with flat tire on Lizzie. Stored corrugated iron and
barbed wire inside. Evening, on cash register sheets.
Radio NG, clear and cold, 30 above. Love affair party on at
Thorpe’s.
September 22, 1930 Partly cloudy here,
while sun crossing the line. Got oil and tea on 1st prepaid
freight today. Assembled aux. shaft in transmission with
new roller bearings. Now waiting for bearing for main drive
transmission shaft. Libby man here for order. Pyle still
re-sacking gold ore. Gus bought Wilmoth warehouse on railroad
lot for $100 cash and winter coal. Evening, radio fine 9 to
12, on Federal set, KPO, KJR and 2YA Wellington, New Zealand, 3 hours.
September 23, 1930 Gave Libby man grocery order.
P. R. McGuire, Northern Life Insurance man, here and auto tax
collector made Capt. Sliver come through with license for his
car. Smithy over from Palmer, got machinery job on sawmill
at Girdwood. Freight train now hauling passenger car for traveling
public. Two drunks at Thorpe’s and St. Clair’s?
Gus hauled over load coal, oil and gas. Snider shipped out ton
Hi-Grade ore to Tacoma smelter. Evening, soft and cloudy, no
radio. Fosket in to trade, ordered paints.
September 24, 1930 Finished pricing up soaps
and hardware. Bogard in for merchandise. Bride
gang still here. Lippert’s moving into Tom Aureen’s bungalow.
Grouse quite plentiful. Dan got a big moose on Willow Creek.
Ellexson out to trade from Knik. Evening, posting up cash
register sheets. Radio good early, but motor at depot spoiled
it. 2YA New Zealand good at midnight, heard President Hoover
talk on home building
September 25, 1930 Opened up barrel butter
and pork. All the bootleggers in town. Hoyght
Gill up from Junction and Gust Haller. Stanley home nights
now from ARC camp, Wasilla Creek. Grouse quite plentiful.
Gus took load lumber to Hi-Grade Mine. Kloss and another
guy about to chase snakes from drinking white mule. Sent Vic
Olson $150 to Hope, Alaska. Evening, on hardware order.
Evening, windy, radio NG. Six Shooter Bill got his old set to
working.
September 26, 1930 A-1 sunny
day with wind, a welcome to farmers to dry out wet grain.
Gus, day late on trip to Gold Cord Mine with lumber. Mrs.
Zink, and daughter, left for weeks visit at Seward. Miller
got frame work of Nels Larson’s new house up. Evening, Stanley
and Eva, with joy party, drove out to Marie Anderson’s. Uncle
Jim was in bed, got up and fired the bunch, Helmer lost his clothes.
September 27, 1930 Eva and Mrs. Oberg went
out to look up Helmer, found him at Bogard’s, beat it over there,
from Jim Hansen’s last night in his underwear. Hansen found
him in his bed and fired him, out without any clothes. Boat
late, no mail train today. Donovan bought a $40 grub order.
Evening dance on at old Sunny Knik. Reported Jim Hansen took
grub away from his sister and niece and through with them account party
there last night, crazy?
September 28, 1930 Sunday, second snowfall,
ground white this AM, 26 to 40 above, 30 days ahead of
time. Dancers back from Knik, road slippery account new snow.
Mail train 2 hours late, then packed by 1st class mail. Whole
truck load of express arrived. Miller roofing in Nels Larson’s
new house. Radio good, Wellington, New Zealand. Willow
Creek Mine Cat in for last heavy machinery. Sam St. Pierre, home from
Anchorage by air.
September 29, 1930 Ground froze ½” and
farmers digging spuds. Old Sam St. Pierre giving parties
among the bootleggers, used up all but $40 of his $600 check.
Willow Creek Mines Cat took out last heavy piece machinery.
ARC Cat helping them over Fishhook summit in 4’ of snow. No
freight train today, boat late.
September 30, 1930 Business good, 2 days
sales $402.85. Cleaned up yard by garage. Snider took
supplies out to Hi-Grade Mine and Gus to Gold Cord Mine.
Snow on road from Landers up bench roads, 4’ on summit. Cats
got over summit with heavy piece machinery for Willow Creek Mines.
Freight train in 4 PM got fruit, tobacco, eggs and butter.
September sales $3,806.63. Cash on hand, $3,727.04. Evening,
busy on accounts. Gus took last grub, etc. to Gold Corn Mine.
October 1, 1930 Thorpe ready for trip to their
Grubstake quartz mine. W. S. Horning through at Mabel,
on way Outside. Winter’s car coal arrived from Healy.
Bill Taylor in from ARC camp, mile 10. Smithy over from Palmer,
wants 3 months grub outfit account going to Girdwood to saw ties.
Got out monthly statements on 2 files. No radio.
October 2, 1930 Ma and Eva put up $150 order
for “Smithy”. Olaf Wagner took contract to cut 6 cords
wood for Eva. Dodson fixing up Aureen cabin by school house
for winter quarters. Gus started to unload our car of Healy coal.
Gus drove out to get balance of Mabel Mine crew, closing down.
Plenty of grouse and moose meat now, moose coming into town. Thorpe’s
left for Grubstake.
October 3, 1930 Big wind all day, died out
at midnight. Dan Sutherland and Manager Ohlson visited
then drove out to Bogard ranch. Two more moose at Lake
Wasilla today, one moose swam across lake. Another grouse
dinner today, Eva, Ma and self dinner “guests”. Gus filled
coal bin today. Bill Long and Charles Bartholf left for Seattle
today, also Pyle. Mabel Mine closed down. No radio.
October 4, 1930 Gus finished unloading our
car of Healy coal. Lippert’s partner back from Fairbanks
and moved into fur farm house on Lippert’s ranch. Got boat mail
PM. Moose plentiful, engineer saw a band of 12 along railroad
going south, sign of hard winter. Stanley re-grading roads
near Wasilla. Evening, cloudy, no radio only Salt Lake City
and weak.
October 5, 1930 Sunday, Smithy came over
and assembled new roller bearing in transmission on truck and
got away with $150 merchandise. George Nylan took part
of merchandise to Palmer for Smith. Stanley here to re-grade
Knik Road to mile 3, self helped. Smith on truck all PM, now
old 1917 truck in fair order. Gus unloading his car coal.
Paddy and Herman gone moose hunting out at Harts cabin. Sales,
past 2 days, $392.70. Miller got Nels Larson’s new house under
cover. Lippert fixing up Aureen bungalow. Evening, clear
and big moon. No radio except 2YA Wellington, New Zealand.
October 6, 1930 Self assembling rear of truck
and greased up, now ready to try out. Gus finished unloading
2 cars Healy coal. Willow Creek Mines got car sacked coal
today. We got Hills and S and W goods on freight. Fairview
schoolmarm tried to phone 2 night messages to Gill at Junction, nothing
doing, had to deliver same and cash. Some service on Alaska
Railroad? Evening, Stanley and Eva took messages to government
farm for relay tomorrow. Big moon, no radio. Ellexson
down with rheumatism. Winter coal all in now.
October 7, 1930 Eva and Helmer drove in to
Knik with forage and mail for Ellexson’s. Ellexson got
the gout, unable to run his car or saw wood. Bridge gang
through on work around Wasilla. Jack and Mary in from Fishhook.
Bogard in with spuds for Willow Creek Mines. Cold night, freezing
in spuds on some farms. Finished up truck, turned her over and
gears worked OK. Ma on pessimistic war path again. Evening,
big moon, radio NG. Jap’s only radio. Stanley graded Knik
Road. Bald Mt. white with snow.
October 8, 1930 Got old truck out and hauled
over 2 loads from depot, worked OK, been out of commission all
summer for want of 2 transmission bearings. George Grennon
in to trade, said 6 moose came in to his yard. Arnold Edlund
in with lumber for Lippert, from Forty Mile Miller’s ranch. Evening,
paid Seattle invoices. Radio on early but no good a/ c depot
electric generator.
October 9, 1930 John Stump back to town.
Business quiet, all the farmers rushing in, their crops freezing
every night now. Had a big mallard duck dinner, Nick Pykle
potlatched the ducks. Drove down to ARC camp on Wasilla Creek
for Stanley, road badly cut up and greasy. Got our orders for
fruits and hardware. Ward Shrof in from mines. Evening,
radio fair early, then fog and moon interfered. George Nylan
quit Snider, went back to Matanuska.
October 10, 1930 Business good, orders
from up railroad line. Several went to Anchorage account toothache
Arvard, Mrs. Fleck, Gus Swanson, Ward Shurf. McDougal in
from Fern Mine for mail. Roads very slimy now account frost
and rain. Paddy no ketchum moose at Harts ranch, moved out to
Dave England’s ranch. Self on mail and orders. Evening
rain, radio NG. Early got Fort Worth, Texas, dedicating
20,000 athletic pavilion. Late, Long Beach good.
October 11, 1930 Snow and
rain storm all day, 3rd snow storm, made ground white, 30 to
40 above. Wasilla bunch back from Anchorage on PM mail train.
Got big mail, 12 invoices, $1,750.90 with P.P. freight due 13th.
Pat Irish in with Bogard’s team for mail and clothing. Soaking
wet storm all day. Two feet snow at Fishhook Inn and 8 feet
on Fishhook summit. Evening, Gus took bunch down to dance
at Matanuska. Radio good, all stations on the air including
Jap’s, New Zealand was weak.
October 12, 1930 Sunday, busy in store
AM weather clear, 22 to 40 above. Gust Haller in to trade,
reported road very bad for cars. Dancers back from Junction
at 3 AM. McDougal hung up here account late deep snow at Fern
Mine, got BB Ueeck to haul him and mail back to mine. PM freight
arrived. Gus hauled over 2 loads perishables, balance set out
car. Evening, radio fair. Pantage’s in Hollywood program
good, also KVI, Tacoma.
October 13, 1930 Business normal, temperature
12 above, 7 AM. Eva and self unloaded ½ car of forage,
dry goods, etc. Hauled 2 truck loads to store, put balance
in railroad warehouse. Old truck working OK. Cavanaugh
and Metz through on ARC road work. Metz bought grub outfit
and went to his ranch. Lumbago Ellexson out from Knik.
Mrs. Ellexson shipped a bunch of dressed chickens to Anchorage.
No radio till 11 PM wind coming up. Shorty through with
ARC Gold Cord Mine owes $600.
October 14, 1930 Business normal.
Weather clear 30 to 40 above. Marked up new clothing.
Fred Nelson, with ARC help, went down to mile 5 on Knik Road to
make new road around spring mush hole. Preacher here from
Anchorage to hold church after summers shut down. Joe Conroy
arrived on special car with mining engineer to inspect Webfoot Mine.
Evening, Stanley installed a new Eveready set at his house and not
a whistle on air tonight.
October 15, 1930 Business normal, weather
clear and windy. Gus took Joe Conroy out to Fishhook Inn.
Jack’s car broke down. Preacher walked to Junction.
Snider drove over to Palmer District. Smithy here, late
evening, for balance of his order. Gus hauled Tom Cavanaugh’s
grub outfit to his Lucille ranch. Kids now skating on Lucille
Lake. Evening, paid $1,700 Seattle invoices. No radio.
Dan Grau and Joe Palmer bought grub outfits.
October 16, 1930 Business normal, weather
clear, breezy, 26 to 40 above. Cunningham, Palmer fox rancher,
over to trade. Joe Conroy and mining engineer back from
Webfoot Mine inspection? Stanley grading road around mile
5 mush hole on Knik Road. Fat Elliott through on road work.
Got order from Blodgett fur farm. Cool all day, ground well
frozen up now. Radio good for 2 hours, KPO had on fine program.
Evening, windy. Gus took Jack and Mary home.
October 17, 1930 Business normal, weather
clear and windy. Conroy and engineer returned to Anchorage.
Stanley through grading at mile 5 Knik Road, road work about
over account freeze-up. McNeil’s got a moose, also Paddy
Marion. Donovan in to trade. Sam Kelly installing new
stove at school house. Miller through on Nels Larson’s new house,
no material to finish inside. Miller went to ranch.
Wagner delivering wood for Stanley. Evening, KFQD back on the air
with test program. Big organ came in clear, no coast stations
heard. KFQD only station heard tonight.
October 18, 1930 Mail train 6 hours late.
Usual ranchers in for mail and to trade. Fairview schoolmarm’s
husband arrived from States. Arnold Edlund brought in load
of lumber for Nels Larson’s new house. Stanley through work
for ARC. Anchorage on test program 10 to 12 but not as good as last
night.
October 19, 1930 Sunday, busy in store.
Stanley went to government farm for Eva who stayed over there
last night w/ Audra. Cloudy and light breeze all day, making
ready for another storm. No freight train north today.
Evening, posted up register sheets. No radio, except Anchorage
test program on from 10 to 12:45. Bill Taylor home after summer
work with ARC. Birthday party on for Elizabeth Oberg.
October 20, 1930 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 30 to 45 above. Freight here 4 PM got fruit,
hardware and Libby meats. Mrs. Oberg’s brother and wife
here on a visit. Judge Truitt here on legal business.
Freight still coming for Willow Creek Mines. Lippert out cutting
hay for mink nests, hauled in with auto. Hauled over 2 tons
freight with our truck, working OK now. Evening, party on at
Oberg’s. Anchorage radio only station on the air tonight on
test program. Bogard brought in load dressed pigs.
October 21, 1930 Chinook, 44 above.
Self busy all day pricing up Libby goods. Ma went to visit
at Gill’s. Saindon brought over big load of hay for Snider
with Fordson. Two boys rented Harrison cabin. Dodson’s
moved into Tom Aureen cabin by school house. Anchorage radio good
on test program. Dorbrant flew from Seattle to Prince Rupert today
on way to Anchorage
October 22, 1930 A-1 sunny day, 60 above.
Self on outside work all day. Stanley delivered well outfit
at Pete Johnson’s ranch. Harry Saindon bought 40 sheets corrugated
roofing, took one of Snider’s milk cows home with him, traded 3 tons
hay for cow. Anchorage big organ on air and only Jap stations heard tonight.
Ma at Anchorage.
October 23, 1930 Weather clear, 26 to 45 above.
Eva clerk, Stanley sawing up his winters wood. Nick Brake
fell dead, 4 PM while helping Shorty on motor saw, put stick on
carriage then collapsed with heart trouble had $998 cash on his
person, old age and heart trouble cause of death. Self in store
all day. Evening, got out Seattle mail. Chas Lawrence
bought grub outfit. Closed down ARC gravel camp. One hour
Anchorage radio, no coast stations on the air. Ma visiting Gill’s
at Anchorage. No Outside radio.
October 24, 1930 Body of Nick Brake removed
to Anchorage. Harry Flood potlatched $100 worth of grub
to McNeil family and then went to Anchorage. Shorty sawed
up Mrs. Cad’s with gas engine outfit. Old Sam Pierre in, raised
heck about paying for shoe packs and gasoline he got on credit while
drunk. Jack and Mary in from Fishhook Inn after supplies.
Evening, Anchorage radio fair, 4 hour program. Ma at Anchorage.
BB Ueeck here for his dogs.
October 25, 1930 Put storm windows on east
end of store building Ordered some chicken feed, etc. from
Albers Bros. Co. Dave Hathaway down from Willow Station
to do a little trading. Evening dance on at Fairview, in
honor of the teachers hubby, just arrived from the States.
Received letter from Bill Long in Seattle, staying in an apartment
with a Valdez man. Ma back from visit at Anchorage with Gill’s.
No radio, only Anchorage Killarney hour. Wasilla cabins all
rented now.
October 26, 1930 Sunday, quiet in town,
Saturday night dancers all sleeping? No usual freight
train today? Paid delayed freight bills from Seattle.
From 6 to 7:30 PM KFQD on the air with a dinner program. No
coast stations heard. Wellington, New Zealand came in at 11
PM Ma still nursing tale end of cold.
October 27, 1930 Hugo Ueeck bought a trap line
outfit, went to Nancy on PM freight. Jack and Mary in
with car from Fishhook Inn. Mine Eleck out from Knik, rented
Wagner’s old cabin. More demand for rents than cabins.
Wingfield went to Bald Mt. to help bring in a moose. George
B. Grigsby, Democratic Delegate to Congress on the air on KFQD.
No Outside stations on the air. Got 1½ tons Outside freight
on PM train. Too soft weather for radio.
October 28, 1930 Business normal, temperature
26 to 40 above, cloudy with flurries of snow. Eva and Stanley
went to Anchorage on noon freight train for a visit. Ma
not feeling well, tale end of cold hanging on. St. Clair’s
moved from ranch to Hartman cabin on Main Street. Mrs. Pennington
living in Harvey’s house all alone. Evening, Stanley dedicated
songs of the Vagabonds to Ma and Pa over KFQD at Anchorage during
the Killarney Ginger Ale hour. No Outside stations heard.
October 29, 1930 Last of ARC road workers in,
finished road over by Watson’s ranch at Palmer. Jack in
from Fishhook Inn for supplies. Ben Marino through at Lucky
Shot Mine. Lauritz Loberg in from mine. Evening, installed
loud speakers in Wasilla Hotel so guests could hear Nell Hewitt’s
program over KFQD. Microphone out of order part of the time.
Put on part of Peg Leg Jack and Sailor Bill program by OGH announcer
with Bristol phono attachments. Singing in the Rain by Stanley.
Bill Long now in Seattle. Special Anchorage program 9 to 11 PM.
October 30, 1930 H. A. Brown and balance
of road gang through last of road work. Helmer and Kenny
got 2 moose. Mrs. Zink said she was through with George
and leaving for big hungry Outside. Ma 61 today, not so
skookum as last year, got cold in chest and back, gave her usual
birthday present, a dollar for every year. Got out Seattle
mail. Anchorage radio and KPO good.
October 31, 1930 Business good, got orders
from up railroad line. About all of Wasilla went to Anchorage
today. Mrs. Zink quit George and left for Outside.
Evening, Anchorage only radio and they had trouble in sending, on
and off all evening. Ma feeling bum account cold settled in her
chest and back Another big quake in Italy. Oil well in
Oklahoma gone wild. Ordered fruit, etc. for Thanksgiving, also
turkeys. Cloudy and around 32 above all day. Anchorage radio
bum tonight.
November 1, 1930 Business good, packed
3 orders for north rail shipment. Old man, 85 years old,
here begging for funds, left for coal fields. O’Flannigan,
mink rancher, bought a coupon book, $50 in trade. Patzack
in from mines, went to his Houston home. Most of the gang back
from Anchorage on PM train. Evening, basket party on at school
house, got over $60 to buy books, etc. for school. Kids stayed
at Anchorage. Radio fair, KEX, KNX, KFQD fair.
November 2, 1930 Sunday PM got out truck and
delivered load freight for north shipment to Pittman, Caswell
and Colorado Stations. Sainden drove to Knik with LaWalters.
Basket dancers all sleeping today. PM freight, got 2 truck
loads new merchandise. Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage,
also Edward Ueeck and Harry Flood. Had dinner hour program,
1 hour from Gordon’s, over KFQD. Big moon, no other stations
heard. Temperature 10 to 32 above today.
November 3, 1930 Business normal, wind
and snow all AM. Jim Sherlock went to Anchorage.
O. C. Miller in to trade. Miller growing feeble in old
age. Herman Kloss went to Anchorage to meet returns on Hi-Grade
ore shipment? Jack in from Fishhook Inn, said wind was blocking
road at upper end with snow drifts. Evening, finished monthly
statements. Radio, all stations, on the air early, heard Mayor
of London speak over network. Midnight raining.
November 4, 1930 Weather cloudy, Chinook wind.
Heavy rain last night, +40, frost coming out of ground. Election
day, over 60 votes cast at Wasilla. KFQD, of Anchorage,
broadcast election returns from States and local. Democrats
ahead in States, about even run in Alaska. Returns not complete.
Opera Mikado on big organ at Anchorage, came over fine, also,
violin and piano music. Outside stations weak. Ellexson’s
listened in on Stanley’s radio.
November 5, 1930 Chinook, +40, snow all gone,
roads muddy. Kloss did not go to Anchorage, got kicked
by a white mule. Stanley repainting inside rooms of his
house. Nels Larson bought a trapping order, going out to
the Dave England cabin. Evening, got more election returns on
KFQD, close call for “Wick” as delegate to Congress. Democrats
going strong in States. More returns to come in yet.
Anchorage Airways going on schedule to Inside towns beginning November
10th.
November 6, 1930 Business normal, Chinook
weather, +40. Stanley and helper and adviser, finished
painting inside of house. Dad mixed special color paint.
Gusta got new engine in his old Ford, working good. Sharon
bought Haller’s sawmill. Nels Larson left for his trapping ground
near mile 12. Lawrence in, going to Anchorage. All stations
on the air tonight, 11 PM heard that old SS Northwestern got waterlogged
on trip north. Admiral Rogers taking out-mail.
November 7, 1930 Business normal.
Weather clear, warm, 42 above. C. Lawrence went to Anchorage.
Cadwallader, game warden, went down to Soper’s to investigate trapping
by Vail’s, out of season. SS Northwestern lost her rudder
near Cape Spencer on up-trip. Charged batteries. Evening,
radio good from KPO and KFQD. Lester Davis drunk, went to Anchorage.
Blodgett on train for Anchorage, rented his mink farm for 2 years,
so reported. Self not feeling well, had dizzy spells.
Radio good.
November 8, 1930 Lawrence back from Anchorage.
No Outside mail or freight account disabled SS Northwestern
near Cape Spencer, Icy Straits. St. Clair on warpath account
duns from First National Bank Anchorage. Said Erwin, Peterson
and Kasklaska took over MacAlvay’s contraband beaver skins, game
commission after them. Evening, radio good from 9 to 12.
All Jap stations on strong. Party at Paddy’s.
November 9, 1930 Sunday, busy in store
AM waiting on the absent minded. Moshier and Palmer in
to trade, didn’t know it was Sunday. Reported all dry party
at Paddy’s last night, bootleggers not invited. PM train
brought local freight only. Out of oranges and butter account
non-delivery by old Northwestern who lost her rudder and was towed
back to Seattle from Cape Spencer. KFQD put on dinner hour program.
All Outside stations on air. Sermons and fine music with good
volume all evening.
November 10, 1930 Evans, leaser of Blodgett’s
mink ranch, down for an outfit. Ellexson’s out from Sunny
Knik, road good from mile 3 in to Knik, no snow. Dorbrant,
with airplane, here PM with Gusta, Boob and Davis, dropped mail but
made no landing, returned to Anchorage. Shorty facing up
his garage with corrugated iron. No radio till 9 PM then
Anchorage 11 to 12. 2YA, Wellington, New Zealand came in fair.
Cold snap on, zero this morning, summer days gone again. Snider
and Kloss went to Anchorage.
November 11, 1930 Weather colder, 3 below zero.
Hauled over 2 truck loads freight from railroad. Armistice
Day, special radio programs, all stations on the air. 11:30
PM brought in XEB La Paz, Mexico had been on the air 82 hours at
12 midnight our time, 4 AM Mexico time, heard town clock strike four.
Anchorage had an Armistice program by Jack Henry Post.
November 12, 1930 Cold wave, 10 below zero.
Ma still nursing cold caught a month ago. Snider and Kloss,
in Anchorage, dedicated a number to Eva and Stanley and a hot
fat number to Mrs. Cad. over KFQD tonight. All stations
on the air at 6 PM. Had Chicago in for 1 hour and Salt Lake
Tabernacle big organ. Anchorage had organ program, very good.
No news items.
November 13, 1930 Got outgoing mail ready.
Answered Bill Long’s Seattle letter. Sent billfolds back
to Ellis, NG. Reported 10 day train service in December, now
weekly airplane service from Anchorage to Kuskokwim and Nome and
Bristol Bay District. Who cares, take up the rails.
November 14, 1930 Cloudy, light snow, 26 above.
Mrs. Cad and Al Harter went to Anchorage. Got word, over
radio, Alameda was at Cordova due at Seward Saturday night mail
train over Sunday no freight till Monday. Northwestern under
tow back to Seattle. Wickersham, 190 votes to good. No
radio early, got KGO and KJR end of program. KFQD on air from
8 to 12:30, fair. Program mostly “Kasklaska”. Anchorage
radio good, Outside radio NG.
November 15, 1930 Jack in from Fishhook.
No mail train today as boat was day late at Seward. Double
mail and freight due. Evening, another dry dance at Paddy’s.
Evening, answered Roe’s February letter. Radio weak until
11 PM. Mail train due tomorrow. Self troubled with
sore feet and rupture and Ma can’t shake off her cold. Radio
weak, Anchorage OK.
November 16, 1930 Sunday, in store AM
Zero weather, closed PM as usual. Stanley drove Tin Lizzie
down to government farm PM. Got 2 weeks mail on train, freight
due tomorrow. Got 3 orders from up railroad line.
KFQD had on dinner hour program.
November 17, 1930 Put up 2 orders for north
rail. C. H. Wilson bought a cook stove, walked in to Knik.
St. Clair’s put in order for $100 worth of grub. Bogard in
with pig pork. Self priced up new goods due tomorrow.
Got Outside news over radio, heavy storms in States, several killed
in Mississippi blow. Cold wave reached down to California and southern
states, blizzards, etc. Evening, Kenneth Laughlin dedicated organ
number to his mother who is ill in California. Evening, big wind.
Outside stations weak, Anchorage radio good.
November 18, 1930 Business normal.
Second windy day, 30 above. Freight train in at 4 PM got
3½ tons merchandise. Delivered $100 merchandise
to St. Clair’s on Main Street. Gaston in for Willow Creek
Mines mail. Snider hunting cows with auto. Ellexson’s
in for mail and merchandise, broke a wheel at Doherty’s ranch on
return account overloaded car. Clyde Burkett installed his radio
at Zink’s cottage house on Knik Street. Evening, no Outside
radio, Anchorage radio good. Windy all day.
November 19, 1930 Wind died out, 30 above,
followed by one inch snow. Unloaded forage in railroad
warehouse, freight south 4 hours late. Wilmoth went to Anchorage
account Nick Brake estate, to open deposit box in bank. Nick
had one brother but old and feeble like he was. Gaston still
in town lapping up white mule. Ellexson got his wheel fixed and
drove in to Knik PM. All sold out on apples, oranges and bananas,
more coming next Sunday.
November 20, 1930 Business normal. Evening,
calm and snow. Shorty took school bell to his garage to
make frame for mounting. Snider now wants Eveready radio
set. Ordered a Crosley from Homer King Inc. Tacoma, model #26H.
Evening, got out-mail, ordered flour and hardware. Radio
bumpy tonight. Anchorage came through OK. Topsy Duncan
sister sang a piece. I’ve got a cold. Gaston still
in town, spent $100. Ma not feeling well.
November 21, 1930 Business slow, first
real snow storm, 6” last night. Stanley went to Anchorage
account teeth trouble. Thorpe’s and several went to Anchorage,
AM train. Vail broke and horse feed about gone, as usual.
Shorty building frame for new school bell. Wingfield and wife
up with car from government farm. Wagner and wife left for
Outside after 15 years at Wasilla, sold farm to Fred Nelson.
Radio weak, Anchorage radio good.
November 22, 1930 Business normal.
More snow last night, first sleds came out today. Self busy,
AM clearing walks of new snow. Joe Palmer bought a trapping
outfit, going to Old Little Sushitna Roadhouse to run a trap
line with Ellexson. Charged A batteries PM Evening,
all stations on the air. Stanley and Wasilla bunch back from
Anchorage on PM train. Joe Brassel going to his trapping ground
via Houston. Wilmoth back from Anchorage. Nick Brake
had $2,000 in safe box. Alaska census, 1930, 59,278, gain of
7½% over 1920 census. Radio strong but lots of static.
November 23, 1930 Sunday PM filled furnace
coal bin. Got truck ready for freight. Freight
train 3 hours late, got 2 truck loads, soft and raining.
Joe Brassel left for Houston and trap line. Shorty mounted
new bell on roof of school house. Bell installed by private
subscription and purchased by funds from Shadow Party 5 years ago.
Busy with freight, so got no radio. 11 to 12, KVI organ game
in and now 2YA New Zealand. Evening, 34 above and new snow
going fast. Peck found out, through self, he was using wrong
detector tube, 171 brought home the bacon. Stanley got new
table from Anchorage. Turkey arrived.
November 24, 1930 Business good on turkey
day goods. Sold all the turkeys, cucumbers, lettuce, etc.
small trade all day. Ellexson out from Knik, took Wilson’s
stove in. Wasilla lot sale by Ramsey Land Dept. Fabyan paid
$60 for corner lot, Main and 2nd Avenue. Several lots back
of school house sold for $10 each, Tryck’s bought several.
Wasilla new school bell rang out this AM at 8:30. Shorty charged
$20 for installing bell. This bell private property of Wasilla.
Radio NG, static. Anchorage good 11 to midnight.
November 25, 1930 Business normal,
self pricing new goods. Fishhook summit road closed by snow.
Willow Creek Mines had Swede pack in late mail, going via Houston
as soon as swamps freeze up on winter road (OGH old road to mines
1901). Reported Oscar Anderson married Mrs. J. F. Edlund
and the family. Radio weak, only heard on headphones.
Anchorage on 11 to 12 but raspy.
November 26, 1930 Business normal, usual
Thanksgiving trade on fruit, etc. Reported Herman Kloss
going Outside, Dodson taking over his Hi-Grade Mine interest.
Everybody making ready for turkey day tomorrow. Paid all
late invoices received. Evening, Anchorage radio had on Thanksgiving
program, church choir, etc. fairly good. No Outside stations
heard, all static.
November 27, 1930 Open AM closed PM had
big turkey dinner at home, Sam Kelly, Eva and Stanley guests.
Wired from Seward for candy, turkeys and Christmas fruit through
Bank of Seward. Evening, Hard Time Dance on at school house,
Wade brought Matanuska bunch in school bus. No radio till 9
PM then KPO, KEX, KOMO and Anchorage 11 to 12 OK. Cloudy and
cold all day, 16 above. Evening, clear and big moon.
November 28, 1930 Weather colder, -10. Ma went
to Anchorage to do Christmas shopping with her majesty Reed’s
store. Self filled furnace coal bin. Hans took Nels and Lawrence
back to mile 12 hunting camp. Harry Flood broke and went to
McNeil’s hunting camp at Little Susitna. Arnold Edlund in for
grub, said wind about blocked road for auto travel. Today, eating
leftover turkey, Eva the cook. Evening, Anchorage radio good
8 to 12. KEX only Outside station but weak. Sent M and M
Co. check account berry crates sold 1930, $100.84.
November 29, 1930 Business slow, snow
in air today account big wind, cars stuck in drift by lake railroad
crossing. Ma in Anchorage, no mail train today. Victoria
due in Seward with mail. Busy all day with fires account wind.
Report by radio, J. W. Kempf, old time prospector in Willow Creek District,
passed out at Anchorage hospital November 28th. Radio good 6
to 8 PM then pooped out. Anchorage on 11 to 12. Stanley
got 2 Eastern stations on Eveready set.
November 30, 1930 Sunday, busy in store
AM. Mail train arrived PM, Ma back from Anchorage with
big t-bone steak, etc. Ellexson out from Knik for Palmer’s
trapping outfit, had dual tires on rear account snow. Hans
drove out to mile 12 with Nels grub outfit. Hans hauling wood
from Stump’s ranch near Snider’s fur farm. KFQD on air, 5
to 7 PM with dinner program. No coast stations heard but Sidney,
Australia came in good from 11 to 1 o’clock November sales $2,950.60.
December 1, 1930 Freight train in at 5 PM,
got oils, tobacco and forage. Had a set out so didn’t
unload cars. Joe Palmer all set to go to Knik. Ellexson
failed to show up. Going bad for cars after blow. Snow
drift in at railroad lake crossing. Finished monthly statements.
Bill’s receivable good, $805.60. Evening, radio fair.
Some low powered stations came in good, KPO and KEX good.
Got news over KFQD, company offered to put up 20 million to build Alaska
Pacific Highway. Cash on hand and in bank, $4,221.37.
December 2, 1930 AM unloaded 3 tons forage
from car, into track warehouse, hauled over truck load of gas,
oils and tobacco to store warehouse. Ellexson’s out and
took Joe Palmer and his grub outfit to Knik. Filled office
gas tank and charged A battery for radio. Shorty sawing
mother Pennington’s wood with gas saw outfit. Early evening,
all stations on the air until 8 PM then got weak. Got world news
over KDYL Salt Lake and KOMO Seattle.
December 3, 1930 Checked down tobacco, 1 case
short. Paid Seattle invoices. Stanley and self overhauled
Eveready set, found loose connection from switch to AF tubes.
Sent in inquiry to R. G. Dun account Hans, Willow Creek Mining and
K. T. Co. Evening, Outside stations dead, Anchorage OK 8:30 to
12, now hearing weather report from Sidney, Australia, fine and warmer
tomorrow. Bill Long now in Seattle. No Pacific Coast radio.
Anchorage good, Australia weak.
December 4, 1930 Business 50% off past
2 days, weather cloudy and +38 all day. Got mail ready
for Outside. Next mail 24th, boats go on 10 day schedule
after December 6th. Shorty put in bid on railroad ice
contract. Morgan’s up from Junction to trade, going trapping.
Sent for more white flame steel mantle oil burners. Evening,
air dead, no Outside radio. Anchorage on air 11 to 12 PM
good. Ma over cold after 2 months.
December 5, 1930 Got off Christmas mail for
Outside. Sent Roe and Florence ten dollar bill for their
Santa. Ma sent card to friends, etc. St. Clair’s and
Wilmoth’s drove off in car, failed to return evening. Nolan
sold his interest in Thorpe quartz mine to George Ulsh for $1,000.
Evening, North Pacific Coast stations heard. Anchorage radio
good and now 2YA coming in good.
December 6, 1930 Business normal, +42.
Ma and self invited out to a turkey dinner, Stanley’s birthday.
Eva did it up brown, of course, Ma made the dressing. Mail
train arrived on time for once. Roads now OK for cars, snow
about gone. Evening dance on at Fairview. Pacific Coast radio
NG. Anchorage on air 11 to 12 OK. Lester Davis back
from 2 week blow out in Anchorage.
December 7, 1930 Sunday, self cleaning
store and balcony. Dancers all sleeping. Chinook
still on, warm day +34 to +40. PM train with boat freight
arrived on time for once. Got hardware, groceries, produce
and Crosley 26H battery set. Evening, assembled set and
it worked OK on Anchorage and all Outside stations. Evening,
put on 2nd Plapapa pad on hernia for try out. Evening, Harry
Saindon and Mrs. La Walters over visiting the St. Clair’s?
Radio fair, some static. 10 PM 34 above.
December 8, 1930 Stanley hauled over freight
from railroad with his Tin Lizzie. Priced up new groceries.
Snider drove his cow, Mollie, to the bull with his car, got car
in ditch and broke down. Vail laid up with abscess on his back.
Metz and Bogard in for supplies. Charged A battery PM
Evening, NG from Outside account big moon. Anchorage station
came in good. Got daily news. Snider had a number composed
by Lippert played for “Ma and Pa”, Shorty, Dan and Gus listened in.
Mrs. Ellexson out with horse.
December 9, 1930 Priced up new hardware.
Cleaned up warehouse aft store. Big talk afloat to sell
Stern Community Ranch and use money for Community Town Hall.
Mrs. Ellexson returned to Knik with Donovan horse with supplies.
Public meeting on tonight account of selling Stern Ranch left
by will. Radio wave strong but lots of static when
big moon came out. KSL and KOMO had good programs.
December 10, 1930 Weather
colder, zero to 16 above. Ten days of spring weather gone,
down to zero tonight. Another public meeting tonight account
town hall. Paid Seattle invoices but no out-mail until SS Yukon
arrives, left Seattle today with 110 passengers, Alaskans coming home
for Christmas. No Outside radio but KFQD, local station, good
8:30 to 12. Aviators, lost near Atlin District, found, one died
from exposure.
December 11, 1930 Business 75% off past
2 days, +28. Nobody in from country today. Warmed up with
light wind. Self not doing much account hernia. Scrub
musicians practicing up at Swen’s place for Christmas dance, bootleggers
at head of scrub orchestra. Evening, Outside radio weak with
some static. Big earthquake in Turkey and Europe today.
Anchorage on air 11 to 12. Wasilla kids mailed letter to Santa
Claus advising presents wanted.
December 12, 1930 Stanley went out with gang
to cut logs for Wasilla new town hall, labor donated.
PM Stanley and St. Clair went to Palmer and Matanuska to get people
to sign up release on Stern ranch will so we could sell ranch and
build hall. Outside radio weak, midnight fair. Anchorage
program good 7 to 12. Empress Grocery had best program.
December 13, 1930 Log cutters out for
more logs account new town hall, 30’ x 50’. Lippert and
St. Clair went to Junction to round up parties account Stern will
and Wasilla town hall. Sent in letters of appreciation account
Anchorage programs over KFQD. Had Grubstake Placer assessment
recorded. Work done for 1930, don’t have to do work until
June 1932. Evening, dance on at Paddies house. Evening,
overhauled Federal set and tightened up tube cushions, worked much
smoother. Outside stations fair but some static. KFQD
on 11 to 12, got 2YA on Crosley.
December 14, 1930 Sunday, in store, weather
cloudy, +30, light half snow and rain. Town hall logger
quit job account dampness overhead. Made out order for Libby’s
meats. Evening, tried out old 4 tube #59 Federal set.
Tightened up cushion under tubes and it worked as of yore. Evening,
some good programs on the air but lots of static. Anchorage
program came in OK. Sam Kelly now home feeling fair, except back
trouble.
December 15, 1930 Weather clear, -2 evening,
10 above all day, evening, wind and warmer. Got 4” new
snow last night. Wade over from Junction with school bus.
Hans drove out to mile 12 for Dunkle, on way to Anchorage.
Davis walked down from Houston, 11 more coming out from Willow Creek
Mines. Good radio, tried out old #59, set too noisy, did not
get Anchorage. Spain at war, college boy chasing Alphonso off throne.
December 16, 1930 Business normal.
Weather cloudy and warmer. Mail train went south to connect
with SS Yukon at Seward. Town hall bunch trying to raise
money on Stern homestead before sale, got $500 pledged to buy floor
and roofing. Logs all cut and half hauled in. O’Flanigan’s
back from Fairbanks. Evening, radio good 8 to 11. Old
KOMO good, had on Christmas Club program. Bogard in for merchandise.
Herman, from Big Lake, in for merchandise.
December 17, 1930 Stanley helping on town hall
foundation cellar. Put up Eveready radio set for a price
with cash sales. Ticket given on $2 sales or unit thereof.
Evening, great radio, all stations on the air. Got Outside
mail off Yukon. Big mail. Cad arrived for Christmas.
Cad family, Paddy and Nolan Hudson listened in on Crosley demonstrating
set. Got letter from Roe.
December 18, 1930 Weather cloudy, 30 above
all day. Floaters loaned town hall fund $800 to buy lumber
before sale of Stern ranch. Wade up from Junction with school
bus. PM charged A batteries. Engine quit on last end,
trouble somewhere. Oberg in from Willow Creek Mines on
vacation, gave $10 to hall fund. Stanley drafted plans for
town hall. Radio good till 11 PM then got weak. Metz
in for mail, feeling fine. Pilot Merrill, lost a year ago, not
found yet.
December 19, 1930 Donation help working on
new town hall. Freight train here with SS Yukon freight,
3 days from Seward, got 6½ tons in set out. Evening,
radio good 8 to 11. Spark plug Christmas donation program
over KOMO, good. Mormon organ good now. Dr. in Kansas
City, Missouri giving talk on prostate glands. Got turkey and
Christmas fruit, etc.
December 20, 1930 Business rushing on
Christmas eats. Weather cloudy, 34 above all day.
Hauled over 2 loads freight from hot car. PM good trade
on Christmas eats. St. Clair went to Anchorage to buy lumber
account town hall. Evening, Christmas doings at Fairview school.
Radio good for 2 hours then died out.
December 21, 1930 Sunday, quiet in town.
Self cleaning store and marking Christmas goods AM, PM store
closed. Arnold Edlund in from Forty Mile’s ranch, said wind
was drifting snow and blocking road. Donation gang working
on logs account town hall, 10 men, 10 days, $500 and not a log laid
$100 lumber would do same job as logs. Dinner hour program from
KFQD good. Outside stations weak, now listening to 2YA Wellington,
New Zealand with head phones 11:30 PM.
December 22, 1930 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 28 above. Got balance of new goods priced.
Several Christmas shoppers today. Turkeys all sold but
one 5¢ reduction on coffee, butter, eggs. Less 50¢
cut on flour. Above reduced Outside month earlier than usual.
Ellexson’s stalled at Knik, probably car broke down, not out for
mail. Evening, Anchorage had good program. Read letter
from Eva’s father at Dillingham, Bristol Bay District.
December 23, 1930 Weather cloudy, 8 to 14 above,
Christmas shoppers all day. St. Clair’s back from Anchorage
account town hall building material. Nakeeta out from
Knik with dogs. Mrs. Ellexson sick L. D. Out on
trap line with Joe Palmer. Evening, Christmas doings at
the Fairview school. Radio weak, Anchorage OK 11 to 12:30.
Gus hauled dancers on his truck Evening much warmer.
Bogard in for merchandise.
December 24, 1930 Business normal.
Weather cloudy 12 to 20 above. Twas the night before Christmas.
Big dance after school exercises, 100 people present. C.
H. Wilson out from Knik for Christmas. Charley Lawrence in
for Christmas. Good Outside programs on but wave weak.
Anchorage had fair program and read the news. Worst fog in
London for 30 years. Prince of Wales on sick list. Evening,
cooler and frosty.
December 25, 1930 Very quiet in town,
+30. Self busy in store AM cleaning up etc. not much trade.
Turkey dinner, Ma the cook and Eva, Stanley and self the masticators.
Old George Williams in from his place by Miller’s, owing to age,
trying to get him to locate in town. Radio good but weak, Christmas
music fine. Ellexson’s out from Knik.
December 26, 1930 Mail left for Outside.
Fred Winters in from Susitna Station. Harter and Shaw
bought grub outfit, moving into Mrs. D’s cabin on Lake Wasilla.
Hans and family closed hotel and went to Anchorage (to have a baby).
Shorty drove Lawrence and Nels out to mile 9 to snow line.
Evening, only Anchorage radio, Fred Winter and Paddy listened in.
Christmas family, in Wisconsin, killed by train. Answered Roe’s
letter of 12/2. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage with fox skins.
December 27, 1930 Weather
cloudy, +34. Community Hall builders got up 8 rounds of
logs, 15 men, 1 weeks work, with lumber would be 2 days work for
2 men. Mail train on time. Mrs. Ellexson back from
Anchorage. Fred Winter returned to Susitna via Nancy trail.
Winter here to record his will. Harter and Shaw hauled their
grub to Mrs. DeVal’s cabin on Lake Wasilla. Early evening,
radio but depot electric engine spoiled it, later, all stations died
out, Anchorage good 11 to midnight. Oberg returned to mines via
Houston, PM train.
December 28, 1930 Sunday, business fair
AM A-1 spring day, 36 above. Old Williams bought
60 lbs. grub to haul out by his “face” to his hole-up cabin above
Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, very feeble and will not stay in town.
Jack Fabyan broke a bone in his leg wrestling with Kenny, last year,
he broke his nose skating on ice. Stanley and bunch working
on town hall log building, logs half up. Got mail by the 3rd
installment plan out of P.O. Stanley doctored Tryck’s radio,
had wiring hookup. Radio clear but weak this evening.
Ma gave me 5 year diary.
December 29, 1930 Freight train on time,
got eggs, butter, oranges and onions only. Eggs took
a big drop, 24¢ in Seattle, was 38¢ last shipment.
Mrs. Ellexson operated on in hospital today, doing OK, reported
by radio this evening. Paid all Seattle invoices.
Reported Wilmoth would not guarantee deed for sale of Stern ranch
account hall expense. Several will bid on sale of ranch so
reported. Early, got opera from Germany on KNX hookup.
Anchorage on air 8:30 to 12:30, new OK.
December 30, 1930 Temperature +40, clear fine
spring day. Loggers unloading car lumber for new town hall.
White up from government farm. Paid Griffith 1930 taxes,
$3.40. Paid Gavel Lodge 1930 dues, $8. Wrote KFQD for
rates account Pacific Fruit and Produce Alaska program, broadcast
monthly. Also Romig to write insurance at $2.60 for 1931 fire protection.
Evening moon, radio weak. Ma got another cold.
December 31, 1930 Business normal, warm
day, +30. Old year went out calm. All the Herning’s
at Wasilla. Ma not feeling well account 2nd cold of winter.
Had just got over 1st cold. Took inventory of goods in basement
and part of annex. Evening, New Years dance on at Fairview.
Early radio good, 9 PM died out so didn’t get Outside. Old
year out and new year in program. Cash on hand $3,549.99.
Notes in back of diary:
1928 boat fare Seattle to Seward (2) $186 -
RR fare Wasilla to Seward (1) $10 - boat fare to Seattle $70
1928 assets: store building + lot $7,057.92
- store fixtures $2,279.83 - office $56.68 - auto truck $1,000
- warehouse on store lot $262.70 - warehouse on RR lot $419.20
- garage and oil house $498.52
lot 1 block 1, $75 - lot 2 block 1, $50 - fencing
lots 1 and 2, $45 - Total $12,344.85
Gerhard Johnson….cement and stucco man….Seward……2
square yard.
S. T. Kelly born April 12, 1860
The 1931-1935 diaries
have never been found..
1936
Front of diary says: Orville George Herning,
operating the Knik Trading Co. Store on 31st year. This
diary, gift from Marie Martha’s grandma 12/25/1935.
January 1, 1936 Closed all day, taking inventory
and on monthly statements. Temperature 20 above.
New Year. Stanley and Paddy got back from Anchorage. Everybody
sleeping in town after woman’s fair. All the Herning’s living
in Wasilla off the K. T. Co. store. Radio NG until 8 PM then
static.
January 2, 1936 Cloudy, 24 above.
Self busy on monthly statements. Stanley and mother on
inventory, grocery department. Got out Seattle mail, all
bills paid with surplus in banks. Radio good 8 to 10, bad storm
in states.
January 3, 1936 Weather cloudy,
18 above. Mail went south. All busy on inventory.
Eva and Marie Martha went to Anchorage account dental work.
Paddy Marion left for California. Congress again in session,
D. C. Radio fair 4 PM President Roosevelt on air with message
to congress. Wants employed voters?
January 4, 1936 Cold, chilly day.
Finished pricing hardware. Stanley and mother on inventory.
Sven Edlund went Outside. Harry White Jr. sawing up
Beeler’s wood with power saw. ARC mechanics overhauling
Cats and cars. Radio good, all stations on. Norman Ervine
back from Seattle.
January 5, 1936 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. PM made up cash and register readings. Wasilla
beat Matanuska at basketball last night. Scarlet fever
in Fairbanks and case of small pox reported in Anchorage.
Letter from John R. Henry, wants cash price on Eyota farms.
Weather cloudy, cold wind, 10 above. Radio fair all evening.
All Europe talking war. Hitler and Jap’s reliance.
January 6, 1936 Business slow, 3 clerks on
inventory. Completed inventory in store basement, Stanley and
mother on clothing. Norman and Big Willie left, PM by airplane
for Lucky Shot. England rushing ships to Suez Canal. AAA
buried today with NRA, New Deal. Radio good, England fine.
Supreme Court killed the AAA and all deals. Weather cloudy, zero
to 10 above.
January 7, 1936 Majority off payroll,
tabulating inventory. Filled furnace coal bin. School
in session again. AAA dead. Processing taxes off,
prices will come down. Radio good, both long and short wave.
All war talk in Europe. Zero weather.
January 8, 1936 Morning fog, zero
weather. All on hardware and clothing inventory.
Jack Fabyan in from Palmer with relief check account digging a colonist
well. One of the school busses went haywire. Marie Martha
cranky all day. Radio fair, President Roosevelt on air 4
P .M. campaign speech.
January 9, 1936 Business fair, all on inventory.
Answered John R. Henry letter, offered Seymour farm at $20 an
acre, Singleton farm at $50 acre, Elmira Associates at $30 acre,
Burnap and Cogar 80 at $50 acre. Evening, got out-mail.
Radio mushy. Philadelphia gave $200,000 for Democratic convention.
Weather clear, 10 above to 10 below zero.
January 10, 1936 Business fair, mail
went south. Wrote Alice and Florence I had offered my
interest in Seymour farm at $20 per acre. Most all boats
tied up on Pacific Coast by strikers. Wow! 2 cases small
pox at Palmer ARR camp. One case small pox at parson Hotel
in Anchorage. Palmer, Matanuska and Wasilla quarantined.
Weather cloudy. Fairbanks quarantined account Scarlet Fever.
warmer 30 above.
January 11, 1936 PM received
two good size mail orders, grocery and clothing. Boat
late, no mail train today. Health officer here posting notice
to stay home account small pox at Palmer and Anchorage. Temperature
30 above all day, clear, 30 above at midnight.
January 12, 1936 Sunday, store open 3
hours AM. PM made up weekly register reading. Mail
train arrived, letter from Jack W. Nelson, owner of the Mabel cabin,
now at Port Angeles. Another case of small pox at Palmer.
Evening, took usual January bath?
January 13, 1936 Business good, shipped
½ ton to Caswell Lake fur farm and $50 clothing order
to Fern Mine. Anchorage under quarantine, all businesses
closed account scarlet fever. Wasilla School closed but no
sickness in Wasilla thus far. Radio reported the Ethiopian knocked
the ‘ell out of Mussolini today. Nagley Jr. visited , on PM
freight, going home, no school in Anchorage.
January 14, 1936 Business 50% off first
12 days of January, all surplus money spent with mail order houses.
The kids chivereed Miss Rogers, school teacher, tonight account
of having bedfellow since Christmas? Working on hardware
inventory. Weather partly cloudy, 14 to 20 above. Markham
through at Fern, got in 12 shifts. No radio till 9 PM
Sickness at Port Graham and Kenai.
January 15, 1936 Grocery and clothing inventory
all taken, self working on hardware inventory. Slow business
on shelf goods. Bruno Hauffman to sit in electric chair on
Friday for kidnapping and killing Lindy baby. Radio good, Jap’s
quit Naval Conference in London. Wasilla under quarantine but
nobody sick?
January 16, 1936 Got out-mail and fill-in orders.
Answered Buck Sparling’s letter, Mariposa, California, that it
was Gus he gave the money to, not Stanley. Another case of
scarlet fever in Anchorage, only chicken pox at Kenai.
Short wave good, London in all day. Hauptman got 30 day extension.
Weather clear, 10 to 16 below zero.
January 17, 1936 Mail went
south, ordered groceries and hardware fill-ins. Wood
cutters all busy. Our car of coal ½ used up.
Wrote Seattle Hardware Co. E. L. Beck could have Zenith Windcharger
agency. Mary Rogers, teacher, went to Anchorage. Rudyard
Kipling passed out in England. Radio fair. King George
on sick list. Ellsworth and co-pilot found in Little America.
Weather cloudy, warmed up, 30 above.
January 18, 1936 No mail train, held over at
Seward account Democratic Convention. Old Martin Mine
closed down. McDonald, Isaac’s and help, all came in this
PM. Reported 4’ new snow in Yukon District, snowing
Iliamna to Anchorage, no snow in Wasilla. Weather cloudy,
26 above, light wind.
January 19, 1936 Sunday, store open 9
to 12 noon. Made up weekly cash register report. Mail arrived,
PM letter from Harold Plank at Chatfield, Minnesota about farms.
Democratic Convention in Seward. PM Pittsburgh good short
wave. Evening, long wave no good, no news. Weather cloudy,
20 to 28 above.
January 20, 1936 King George of England passed
out last night, Prince of Wales now King. Marie Martha
on sick list. Self on hardware shelf inventory.
Gus got his passenger car bumped at Matanuska, had to leave it
account repairs. U. S. airplane carrier in route to Alaska.
Heard about King George over London short wave, no long wave.
January 21, 1936 On hardware
inventory, Ma completed her part of inventory on groceries
and clothing, Stanley took paints, oils and stoves in
rear warehouse. Wasilla white again, wet snow all AM, first
snow to stay this winter, temperature +28. Prince of Wales
crowned at midnight as King Edward 8th. Radio NG, till 9:30.
New King of England, program on 12 PM to 12:45.
January 22, 1936 Self and Stanley on shelf
hardware inventory. Heavy storms and zero weather at
Chicago in northern states, took 138 lives, why live in Alaska?
Eva’s father and mother reported not well at Dillingham, Alaska.
Bonus bill passed. Ohio River flood, 70’
January 23, 1936 Jas M. McDonald left via Matanuska
for Anchorage and Seattle. Got out orders and mail. Barney
Bayer in from Fern and Teed brothers from Martin Mine.
Schools in Indiana marooned by snow. Radio good on long wave.
King George lying in state for burial. Weather cloudy, showers,
32 above.
January 24, 1936 Self on hardware inventory.
Stanley left for Seattle and San Francisco to buy quartz mill
for his mine, his mother put up $896.10. Small pox quarantine
lifted 6 PM. Streets and roads half covered with ice. Ma
turned heels to the sun with ash pan account ice on Wasilla Avenue.
Chinook, snow all gone, +40. Sid Black got railroad ice contract.
Outside radio NG, local station ok, news.
January 25, 1936 Put up order for Big Lake
fur farm and Willow Station and Houston. No mail today,
boat couldn’t dock at Seward account big wind. Navy airplane
carrier and 2 cruisers now at Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet.
Fire, in ARC machine shop. Stanley in Seward waiting for Alaska
to dock. Jim Patchell left for California. No Outside
radio, too warm in Alaska. Wickersham, noted lawyer, died in
New York today. Chinook weather, 42 above, frost out of ground
1”.
January 26, 1936 Sunday, big wind blew
hoist off Knik River new auto bridge and twisted, one bent
under construction, looks like future trouble to maintain. Store
open 3 hours AM, took inventory of hammers, tongs and left handed
monkey wrenches. Mail arrived 4 PM. Heard phone on airplane
carrier talking to radio phone at Kenai. Short wave OK PM no long
wave. Got Walter Winchell Sunday news.
January 27, 1936 Temperature +34, cloudy, light
wind, 15 to 26 below zero in all northern states. Ma and
self clerks, Stanley on way to Seattle. Boat freight arrived
3 PM, had Gus haul over gas, oils, hardware and produce from railroad.
11:30 funeral services of late King George 5th on the air.
Radio fair, reported blizzard in states, on 2 more days.
No pox, school open again.
January 28, 1936 Business fair, small
sales all day. Roads A-1 through the valley for autos.
Farmers hauling in wood for school on wagon. Al Smith (ex-demo)
preached a funeral service for the New Deal Democrats last night.
Weather cloudy, 34 above, spring day. PM short wave radio
good, long wave NG.
January 29, 1936 Small sales all day.
Ma store keeper, self on office work. In-boat, 1 day late.
Gus took out truck load oil for Fern. Trying to make through
canyon to Inn. U.S. radio NG. London in good. PM
Weather cloudy, 24 to 34 above, streets dusty.
January 30, 1936 Self on hardware inventory.
Alonzo in from Fern Mine for doctor account bull cook sick in
stomach. Another fire in ARC machine shop, no harm done.
Senske got mail contract to Fern and Gold Cord. No radio
till 9 PM Germany ready for another war. Weather cloudy,
30 to 34 above.
January 31, 1936 On out-mail and orders.
Answered Jack W. Nelson’s letter at Port Angeles about selling
cabin. Gus hauling out car oil for Fern Mine. Allen
Horning in from Gold Cord. Weather partly cloudy, 20 to
30 above, evening clear. No snow in valley during January.
Temperature +20 to +42, average +30. Stanley Outside to
buy a mill and equipment for his Craigie Quartz Mine.
February 1, 1936 Wasilla white again, got a
sprinkle of snow PM. Wasilla basketball teams and crowd
of over 50 went to Anchorage, both were defeated. Evening,
high school orchestra on air 1 hour, good program. Eva in
Anchorage. Radio good, Marie Martha slept with her grandma.
Eva at Anchorage. On monthly statements. Weather cloudy,
sprinkle of snow, 30 above.
February 2, 1936 Weather cloudy, 26 above.
Fog at Anchorage, airplane lost. Ground Hog Day, didn’t
see his shadow, hence winter is over? Store open 3 hours
AM, PM mail train arrived. Basketball players back
from Anchorage badly beaten. Cordova plane cracked up in fog
at Anchorage, lit in icy harbor, no lives lost, out of gas. Radio
with static. Self on monthly statements. Lou Cheviler
died at Boston.
February 3, 1936 Weather partly cloudy,
5 to 20 above. Finished monthly statements.
Shipped 2 orders north on railroad. Elliott and several
laid off ARC Knik bridge work. H. O. White, mechanic for
ARC, left for McKinley Park. Fight on in D. C. how to pay soldiers
bonus, with bonds or issue currency. Short wave good, long
wave NG. Mussolini going to run gas poison on Ethiopians if
embargo put on oil.
February 4, 1936 Weather partly cloudy,
6 above and windy. Railroad agent went to Anchorage.
Senator William E. Borah threw hat in ring for president.
Mrs. McDougal and McNalley Bros. in from Fern Mine. Senske,
mail contractor, took out Fern and Gold Cord mail by dog team.
Joe Palmer back from Caswell. Mrs. Bixler had another baby
girl. Radio good to 9 PM Strike on all over states
and London.
February 5, 1936 Zero weather, cloudy,
cold wind. Heavy toll from storms in states and on sea.
Busy with fires account wind. Another case of small pox
reported at Palmer. Harry White Jr. operated on for appendix,
Ray Morrison next? Strikes and war talk all the news.
February 6, 1936 Weather cloudy, 2 to
10 above. Got out-mail and orders. Answered
Thomas letter, re-sale Minnesota farms. Snider sold Cad’s
Wade truck. McNalley bros. cutting mining timber on Forty
Mile’s ranch. Radio good PM and evening.
February 7, 1936 Weather cloudy, frosty,
10 above. Gus hauling oil to old mile 29 with truck.
Blizzard and cold wave from Canada, south along Cascades.
Alaska Steamship Co. to put on tri-weekly service next summer to
Alaska. Ma taking on a cold. Basketball game at hall,
Anchorage girl and boy, high school vs. Wasilla High. Radio
NG until 9 PM Two colonist kids married.
February 8, 1936 Weather cloudy, 10 above,
evening wind. Business slow, collections fair.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with Tin Lizzie. Gold Cord shut
down, no ore, all the help came in. Roy Morrison operated
on for appendicitis. Big community gathering at Palmer
tonight, dedicating new Colony Hall. Thirty five below zero
in Iowa, 52 below zero in North Dakota, all blessed with snow.
Radio good. Durant, auto king, went broke.
February 9, 1936 Sunday, store open 9
to 12 noon, usual Sunday absent minded traders. PM make
up weekly cash register sheet and figured up freight on new groceries,
hardware, butter, eggs, etc. Some Republican vs. Borah for
next President. Stanley in Seattle, sent Marie Martha a balloon.
Radio NG, got news only.
February 10, 1936 Business fair, busy
in store. PM a truck load of fill-in groceries and hardware
arrived. Storms and cold snap took 270 lives in states
and still 15 above down there. Seattle hardware salesman,
A.S. Allen, arrived, new man. Fern, Native girl, died.
Weather cloudy, 6 to 14 above, light wind. Gus received new
Lafayette short wave radio. Radio fair with static.
Anchorage Tournament Club on air, KFQD.
February 11, 1936 Weather cloudy, 20
above, evening warmer. Gave A. S. Allen order for special enamelware,
etc. from Settle Hardware Co. Gus got his Cat overhauled
account hauling car load oil to Fern Mine. Airplane carrier
Ranger through at Kachemak Bay. Over 300 dead account late
storms in states. Mrs. Bixler arrived home from Palmer Hospital
with new baby girl. Radio, with static. Drive on to
keep hobos out of California.
February 12, 1936 Lincoln Day, 20 above,
1” snow fell last night. Wasilla white again,
cleaned off walks and filled furnace coal bin. Car coal
2/3 burned up account wind. Storms on again in states and
all over Europe. Republicans had banquet in Anchorage, on air.
Radio good early, later static. Lincoln programs.
February 13, 1936 Light snow, 30 above,
cloudy. Finished pricing up new merchandise. Cleaned off
walks. Gus and Pete left with Cat and truck to move car
oil from mile 14 to Fern Mine. Storms still raging in states,
over 300 lives lost and 166 in Europe. California rivers
flooded. Evening on mail. Radio good on long wave, short
wave NG.
February 14, 1936 Spring day, +30, mail
went south. Wasilla basketball team, with boosters, went
to Anchorage to contest in 3 days sports carnival. Evening,
Fairbanks orchestra on the air, good music. Birthday party
for Eva last night, 32. Fred Nelson through at Palmer
road camp. Wasilla white, 2” snow.
February 15, 1936 Partly cloudy, 20 to
30 above, like a spring day. Eva’s birthday, got sore
throat and toilet plugged up or froze up. Weather partly
cloudy, 20 to 30 above, like a spring day. Vic
Blodgett returned to ranch at Pittman. Mail train 2½
hours late. Letter, from Stanley, left Seattle on SS Victoria
for Seward, Mrs. Cad and twins on boat. Received letter from
Alice about re-sale of Sylvester farm. Short wave NG, long
wave good.
February 16, 1936 Sunday, open AM as
usual. PM made up weekly cash register report. Gaston
back from Anchorage hospital after operation for rupture and
drunk as usual. Sid Black cutting ice on Lake Wasilla
for railroad. Isaac’s back from Anchorage vacation.
Midnight return excursion train to Fairbanks from Anchorage, winter
tourism. A-1 day, 38 above. Short wave OK, long wave
NG.
February 17, 1936 A-1 spring
day. In store, AM PM boat freight arrived, brought
over groceries, drugs and vegetables, priced and stored same.
Gus in from Fishhook. New frame for Gus passenger car
arrived. Isaac’s got new Filco set. Weather partly
cloudy, 30 to 38 above. Radio NG, couldn’t even get Outside
news.
February 18, 1936 Roy Morrison back from appendices
operation at Anchorage. Gus returned to Fishhook.
Got Cat road open as far as Webfoot. Jim Murray passed out
today in California. Continued cold weather and blizzards
in States, past 30 days -14 in Chicago and -46 in Minnesota today.
Radio NG till 9:30 PM Stanley on SS Victoria in route Seattle
to Wasilla.
February 19, 1936 Started
to post ledger, posted 3 months by midnight. Mine Elic
out from Knik and reported 1’ snow at Knik end only 2” at Wasilla.
St. Clair’s up from ranch beer hall to trade. Haufman, Lindy
baby kidnapper got 2nd sentence to electric chair. Hugo
Ueeck landed in jail for stealing Shonbeck’s car and ARC grub.
Weather cloudy, +30, calm. No Outside radio, world news over
local stations only.
February 20, 1936 Herman in from Big Lake fur
ranch to trade. Victoria late, due Seward Saturday noon.
Only posted one month on ledger. Got out orders and Seattle
mail. Hauffman re-sentenced to die, wouldn’t confess kidnapping
Lindy baby wanted to see Condon. Ma nursing 2nd cold of winter
and everybody got colds but father. Weather cloudy, +20.
No Outside radio. Germany in with Italy on war deal.
February 21, 1936 Weather partly cloudy,
zero to +20. Business fair AM. Put up a lot of small
orders for help at Fern Mine. McDougal came in. Gus
got Cat road broke open, Fishhook to Fern Mine. PM and evening,
posted on 1935 ledger. Girl died in Anchorage of scarlet
fever. Outside radio dead, news from local stations.
February 22, 1936 Open AM closed all
PM Got 1935 ledger posted to August. Most everybody
in town got colds including Ma. Big dance on at Colonist
Hall at Palmer account Presidents birthday ball, Democrats sponsors.
Stanley arrived 9:30 PM from 29 day trip to Seattle to buy mining
machinery. Outside radio NG, local stations, news, OK.
Mrs. Cad and twins arrived.
February 23, 1936 Weather cloudy, 20
to 30 above. Sunday, open 9 to 12 noon. PM made
up weekly cash register receipts and posted August in ledger.
Gus in. Fred, Pete and Nels on Cat Fishhook to Fern Mine on
car oil delivery. Stanley overhauling toilet, plugged up.
Received Outside mail. Emperor of Ethiopia suing for peace
through League of Nations vs. Italy. Long wave NG. Jello program
and London church good on short wave.
February 24, 1936 Boat freight arrived, had
2 truck loads of new merchandise. Gus, new ¾ ton
truck arrived, bought in Seattle by Stanley for Gus. Firestone
program, Buenos Aires and Honolulu good on short wave. Temperature
10 to 30 above PM and evening, strong wind.
February 25, 1936 Business fair, busy
with heat. Posting on 1935 ledger account income tax report
for 1935. One school bus stuck in wind drift at lake crossing.
McDougal returned to Fern Mine. Railroad installing bath
and toilet at depot. Temperature 6 to 10 above, big wind all
day. Radio NG. Revolt in Japan military squad.
February 26, 1936 Priced
up new groceries. Got 1935 ledger posted now for a balance
sheet account taxes. Railroad blasting out cesspool at
depot. Refilled furnace coal bin. Winter coal ¾ gone.
Diamond trying to get appropriation to curb Matanuska River overflow.
Bill Taylor went to Palmer account infected foot. Temperature
zero to 20 above, sunny day. Radio fair, short wave NG.
Mail boat 2 days late at Seward.
February 27, 1936 Temperature
colder, -6 to +10. Mrs. McDougal in from Fern Mine.
Tabulating for 1935 income tax report. Gus in every day
from mile 29 for Fern freight. Fred Peterson, foreman at Fern
Mine, in, got fired account telling Mrs. Mac that help was going
to strike account grub. Radio no good. Reported Emperor
of Ethiopia shot Jap’s revolting.
February 28, 1936 Business fair, got
ledger ready to take off 1935 income tax report. Got out
orders and mail. Stanley packing order for his New Bullion
Mine. Gus took Mrs. McDougal back to Fern Mine. Gus
landed car oil at Fern Mine, now they want mining timbers?
Long wave fair, got world news. Ma’s knees in bad shape.
February 29, 1936 Light snow
with wind, zero to 10 above. Tabulating ledger for 1935
income tax. Libby Morgan and Mr. Gucker arrived via Palmer, gave
them a few fill-in orders, S and W and Libby goods. George
Sexton passed out at Seward, 38 years in Alaska
March 1, 1936 Sunday, first cold snap,
zero to -16. Stanley got grub outfit, etc. ready to ship
to his mine on Craigie Creek via Willow Station. Eva at
Anchorage having her whistle doctored. Ma got lame knees,
self half out of pants. Only 2” snow in Wasilla and valley.
Gave Jack Gucker order for S and W goods and checks. Mail train
in 7 PM Morgan and Gucker left for Fairbanks. Eva back
from Anchorage with my pants. Last of ARC road camp closed down.
March 2, 1936 Stanley got his outfit over to
depot to ship to Craigie Creek Mine. Cat out to open snow drifts
for school buses. Ellexson out from Knik. Six inches
snow at Knik, only 2” at Wasilla. Snow squalls and windy,
12 to 24 above. Radio fair. Mussolini got the Ethiopian’s
about licked. League of Nations after Italy to quit war.
March 3, 1936 Boat freight arrived, received
batteries and meats, eggs, cheese. Stanley left on freight
for Craigie via Willow Station with supplies and mill cables,
etc. for his mine. Mrs. Dodson left to join her husband at
Lucky Shot Mine. Now ready to post up income tax. A-1
spring day, clear, 24 to 44 above. Radio good, all stations
on the air. Big strike in New York City, all elevator help
in big buildings.
March 4, 1936 Finished 1935 income tax report,
ready for notary seal. New lady agent for New York Life
Insurance Co. in town. Miss Brass moved from Nels Larson’s
house to Dodson house. Miss Roger Pinkley left Cad’s house
to board at Oberg’s. Radio fair, all New York City skyscrapers
tied up account elevator strikers.
March 5, 1936 Elliott family left for Palmer
to be colonist farmer. Ice carnival excursion train passed
through at 8:30 for Fairbanks. Stanley and Sharon at Craigie
Mine. Radio good, London calling. All stations on air.
New York City strike about over. A-1 day, 32 above.
March 6, 1936 Mailed 1935 income tax report
to collector at Tacoma, Washington. Two men, in sawmill
accident, at Palmer, one sawed in two. Gus through hauling
McDougal freight and wood. Signed bond account Nagley couldn’t
collect. Radio fair, Dago’s shot up British Red Cross in Ethiopia.
Germany after Rhineland, given to France at close of World War.
A-1 spring day, 32 to 48 above.
March 7, 1936 A-1 spring day, 30 to 48
above, Wasilla half bare. Mail arrived, for once, on time.
Received letter from Alice about Eyota farms and that Mattie Herning’s
dad’s 2nd wife passed out with a stroke, about 78 years old.
Germany entered and took possession of the Rhineland lost in World
War all Europe ready but dare not fight. Radio good, Alameda,
California school strike won, old super reinstated.
March 8, 1936 Sunday, open 3 hours AM,
usual Sunday trade. PM made up weekly register sheet
and priced up new merchandise. Tabulated February checks
and charge sales. All foreign powers vs. Germany entering
Rhineland. Radio fair. Jello program good. Fair weather
now on Pacific Coast. Weather cloudy, 30 above. Stanley
back from Willow Creek, landed his freight at War Baby on road 2½
miles from his mine, mushed out over Fishhook Pass.
March 9, 1936 Weather cloudy,
20 to 30 above, AM snow. Sharon and Stanley returned Gold
Cord car to mile 12. Tex Beeler sawing up summer wood.
Evening, boat freight arrived. Germany standing pat on
entering the Rhineland District with 50,000 troops. France greatly
excited.
March 10, 1936 Shipped grub outfit to Joe Palmer
at Sutton on branch line, going trapping and prospecting for
quartz. Stanley drove Gus to Junction to catch train for
Anchorage. Senske left, 2nd trip with mail for Fern and Gold
Cord Mines. Temperature 20 to 30 above, light snow AM
New York City elevator strike still on, walking up 40 stories good exercise?
Radio good. Germany holding pat in Rhineland. League of
Nations going to settle this matter?
March 11, 1936 Self pricing up new hardware
and paid for same. Andy Trent moving back to his ranch
after care taking for White’s while boy was in hospital.
France sore on England, threatened to quit League account Germany
occupying Rhine. Radio A-1, all stations on the air.
March 12, 1936 Arranged table for wire and
graniteware display. Heavy floods in New England and
Eastern states. Blizzard in Minnesota, setting spring
weather back two weeks or more. Good weather now on Pacific
Coast. War in Europe latest talk. Radio good.
France at ready to fight Germany over Rhine occupation, Russia with
her. Temperature 30 to 40 above, cloudy, heavy floods in NE
states.
March 13, 1936 Business slow, set up
display of graniteware goods. Got out orders and mail.
$500 bathroom job at depot about done, easy money? Colonist
farmer lost team of horses, strayed away. Floods in States.
Radio good. War on, Germany to be settled tomorrow.
Temperature 30 to 40 above.
March 14, 1936 Mail went south, one day late,
account boat at Seward. Stanley took Joe Palmer over to
Palmer and brought back Gus Swanson from Matanuska. Freeman’s
initial ball on at Palmer tonight. More floods in states.
Radio fair. League of Nations met in London account Hitler entering
Rhineland with troops. Temperature 22 to 32 above. Partly
cloudy, sprinkle of snow last night.
March 15, 1936 Sunday, open 2 hours AM.
Ma and Eva went, in school bus, to church at Palmer. Marie
Martha pretty mad for being left at home. Made up weekly cash register
sheet. War talk easing off. Radio fair, long wave best.
Temperature 20 above all day, cloudy, snow flurries.
March 16, 1936 Mail arrived, 2 days late from
Seward. Gus went out, again, to haul mining timber from
mile 12 to Fern Mine. Late, 11 PM flash said France was
about to drive Hitler out of Rhineland. Sven Edlund back
from Seattle. Temperature 20 above all day, partly cloudy.
New York City employee strike off after 15 days.
March 17, 1936 Business fair, packed
2 orders to go north on railroad. League meeting, in London,
account lining up Hitler delayed until Germany sends representative
to sit in at League. Snow, rain and floods in eastern states,
farms and towns flooded. Radio fair, long wave best.
St. Patrick’s dance on at Wasilla Hall, sponsored by Pat Hart.
Temperature 30 above, cloudy, more floods in states.
March 18, 1936 On mail and orders. Gang
completed bath and cesspool at depot, labor cost $500, easy
money from high freight rates. Bought a ton of Jonesville
coal from Gus. Healy coal about gone. Freight train
arrived 7 PM ½ ton vegetables. Snow flurries, 20 to 36
above. Long wave good, short wave NG. Worst floods in
Pennsylvania since Johnstown flood, using boats in Pittsburgh.
March 19, 1936 Mail train
one day early, going south. St. Clair’s over from Finger
Lake Beer Garden, doing fine business. Eva went to Anchorage
to have false teeth filled? Stanley overhauling his mothers
car in Cad’s garage. Cloudy with sprinkle of snow, 20 to
30 above. Radio fair, considerable static. Floods, in
east, took 145 lives.
March 20, 1936 Mail train arrived 9 PM,
Eva back from Anchorage. The lost sorrel horse team came
to Wasilla this evening, locked them up in Gus’ barn. Floods
still on in eastern states. Main hit today, over 300,000 homeless,
one hundred million damage. Worst floods in history in New
England states, 300 drowned and 300,000 washed out. Radio NG,
no Outside news.
March 21, 1936 Yukon left Seattle today with
full passenger list for Alaska. P. A. airplane radio
equipped flew over Palmer, broadcasting news. Six inches
new snow last night, 30 above, spring is here. Radio NG.
Eastern flood estimated 300 million, 330 lost lives.
March 22, 1936 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. PM made up weekly cash register sales. Boat freight
arrived 3 PM had 3 truck loads new merchandise. Flood in
east receding, worse known in history. Dr. Townsend has joined
Republicans for president. Radio poor, evening short wave
fair. Partly cloudy, A-1 day, 16 to 32 above.
March 23, 1936 Business fair, busy all
day pricing and storing away new goods. Mrs. Cad on
sick list, heart trouble, being too fat. Alonzo in from
Fern Mine to trade for boys and buy ice pool tickets. Hail
storm in Missouri. Sprinkle of snow, thawing in the sun, 20
to 30 above. Radio NG, cyclone and dust storm from Colorado
to Missouri, what next, war?
March 24, 1936 Business normal, still
pricing up new goods. Gus went in ditch at Fairview with
Alonzo. Stanley drove Alonzo to Junction in Gus’ ¾
on new truck. Pete pulled Gus out of ditch with Cat.
Mailman left with Fern and Gold Cord mail. Arizona bumped today
with storm. Mrs. Cad on deck today. Chas Isaac went to
Anchorage account back trouble and buy a twin bed? Partly cloudy,
snow last night, 22 to 32 above. No radio until 9 PM Airplane
broadcasters spoke over KFQD.
March 25, 1936 Got out Seattle mail, paid all
invoices. Split in Dr. Townsend’s Old Age Club, government
investigating. Old Age Club took in $800,000, got $100,000
left in treasury to fight old age pension. Wisconsin now
hit with floods, what next? Cold snap, evening windy, 8 below
to 30 above. No Outside radio. Snowing in California.
President Roosevelt gone fishing.
March 26, 1936 Mail went south.
Pat Hart having logs delivered for 24 x 24 dance hall.
Red Cross lady around gathering up funds account floods in east.
Hitler holding elections next Tuesday account sanction of Rhine.
Long wave NG, couldn’t even get 10 PM news. Gust Haller in
town for beer. Partly cloudy, 14 to 30 above.
March 27, 1936 Mail arrived 11 PM. Stanley
went over to Palmer looking for Cat to move his mining machinery
up Craigie Creek. Pacific Coast bumped off with cold wave.
Alaska and Nevada went over top on Red Cross relief funds.
Partly cloudy, 20 to 30 above. Snow in Tacoma and Seattle today.
Radio NG account snow on Pacific Coast.
March 28, 1936 Got mail 10 PM, received order
from Herman, Big Lake fur farm, for oil, gas, eggs and radio
tubes. Gus took McDougal and 4 miners, with eggs and beef,
out to Fern Mine with Cat and trailer. No Outside radio on
long wave. Short wave fair, got London news PM.
March 29, 1936 Sunday, boat freight arrived
PM. Usual Sunday AM trade. PM made up cash register
weekly sales. Another case small pox reported at Palmer.
Stanley overhauling his mothers car. Snow half gone.
Partly cloudy, 30 to 40 above. No long wave, good short wave
6 to 7 PM
March 30, 1936 Ellexson’s out from operating
Tin Lizzie all winter. Snodgrass over from Palmer on
Republican proxy business. Gus made a trip to mile 12 and
Palmer with ¾ ton truck. Real spring day, 20 to 70
above, snow going fast. Radio A-1 all day and evening, all
stations on air.
March 31, 1936 Cleaned out furnace pipe account
smoking. Stanley drove Mrs. Cad to Palmer to catch train, going
to Seward hospital account heart trouble. Made out drop
shipment for P. A. and Velvet Tobacco. ARC work to being May
15th. Second spring day, 18 to 70 above. Radio good,
Haufman got 48 hour stay, was to be electrocuted today. Cash
on hand, store stock, $4113.17 .
April 1, 1936 Self on mail
and orders. Congress investigating Dr. Townsend’s Old
Age Plan. Cold wave on Pacific Coast, snowed in Seattle.
A-1 spring weather here at Wasilla, 20 to 70 above. Got out
monthly statements. Radio on long wave no good, short wave
fair.
April 2, 1936 Business slow, self on
office work. Marie Martha gave her kid friends a birthday
party, 4 years old, gave her $5. Hurricane in North Carolina
and Georgia, took many lives, Satan doing his best this year.
War in Ethiopia and League fighting Germany over Rhineland.
Partly cloudy, 30 to 40 above. Radio NG, news over local stations.
April 3, 1936 Cad returned from States.
Dan Gray in from Willow Creek, cut me a cord of wood for placer
mine. Bruno Hauptman, slayer of Lindberg baby, was electrocuted
3 PM today in New Jersey. A-1 spring day, 30 to 60 above.
No radio today. World news on local stations.
April 4, 1936 Cleaned up track warehouse.
Sent wire for sugar account advancing 35¢ cwt. Stray
pig arrived in town. Since 3 days spring weather, many sick
with flu. Cold wave on Pacific Coast. Partly cloudy,
30 to 50 above. Radio good all day and evening. KSL was
on air all night.
April 5, 1936 Sunday, open AM. Made up
cash register weekly sheet. Boat freight arrived PM got
2 tons new merchandise. Cad’s California touring car
arrived. Jack Fabyan left with Thorpe’s for Grubstake Mine.
O. C. Miller left for Willow Creek with prospecting outfit and
walking with a cane? Evening, windy, 30 above. Radio
fair. Mussolini killed 20,000 Ethiopians today.
April 6, 1936 Wind blew in snow drift at lake
crossing and stalled the school busses. Unloaded 3 tons
spring seeds. Grandma went to Anchorage on PM freight train
to visit Mayor Gill and family. Terrible wind and rain storm in
southern states, exceeding late storm in northeast states.
Radio good.
April 7, 1936 Business fair, Ma at Anchorage.
Tornados in southern states took 464 lives, wrecked between 15
and 20 million dollars property, 1200 in hospitals. Bruno
Hauptman cremated. Snow flurries all AM 30 to 40 above.
Radio fair, all war talk in Europe and Far East. Election in
Anchorage today.
April 8, 1936 Business fair, Ma at Anchorage
after Easter eggs, etc. 8 AM by radio phone, said snowing
at Anchorage and 4” of snow. Clear at Wasilla all day.
Answered Gordon L. Herning’s letter at Kirkland, Washington.
Got out-mail and orders. Jenny Shour’s birthday party.
Cloudy, evening snow, 30 above. Paid 2 years of Popular Science.
Radio fair, all war talk in Europe. Paid KP dues to April
1937.
April 9, 1936 Mail went south. Baxter
Felch now married, arrived with Ball Brand and Munsingwear samples.
Patzack back from Houston, gave up timber contract. Arnold
Edlund came home to chase away the spooks. Herman in.
Day, radio NG, evening OK. Ma at Anchorage. Cloudy, 36
above.
April 10, 1936 Finished Ball Brand and Munsingwear
orders with Baxter Felch. Baseball practice started by high
school. Mail arrived, PM on time. Ma returned from
Anchorage with cream puffs and hot buns. Partly cloudy, 32
to 50 above. London news at 6 PM over short wave.
April 11, 1936 Business good, rushed
all day. Dan Gray bought summer grub outfit. Three
orders to go up railroad line. Roads being cut up by cars,
ARC smoothed out today. SS Alaska left Seattle today with
capacity load for railroad belt. Snow gone in town, A-1
day, 34 to 48 above. Radio good, war talk adjourned until after
Easter.
April 12, 1936 Sunday, in store AM.
School bus took load over to Palmer account Easter services.
Poor radio, got no Easter services from Outside. Double
loads freight arrived PM US Pacs arrived. Cloudy and
cooler, 30 above. Wasilla Avenue dried up, frost out.
Radio NG. Wasilla-ites held picnic at Wasilla Creek.
April 13, 1936 Priced up rubber
goods. Wasilla freighters and operators went out with
ARC rotary Cat to open up snow road over Fishhook Pass to Willow
Creek. Old J. E. Kenny back in Anchorage from Sitka Pioneer
Home, one eye working. Sunny day, 30 to 50 above. Roosevelt
opened his campaign for next president in Baltimore. Radio
off 50%. All American Nations talking of forming a League of
Nations.
April 14, 1936 Paid invoices.
Ma, chief clerk. Stanley out past 2 days with snow plow
outfit, Fishhook to Willow, only made 4 miles in 2 days.
Old J. E. Kenny back in town. Another colonist home burned
down. Temperatures 30 to 50 above. Radio NG, got news 10
PM.
April 15, 1936 Ellexson out from
Knik, hasn’t missed a trip with car all winter. Snow trail
openers reached Mabel Forks today. Metz got cellar and
foundation ready for new house. Politics hot in States.
Baseball on in PM. Real spring day, 34 to 60 above.
Europe war talk growing hotter every day. No Outside
radio. News from local stations.
April 16, 1936 Ma and self store keepers.
Stanley with gang, opening snow road from Fishhook to Willow
Creek. Pat Hart got log walls up for booze dance hall on
First Avenue. Real spring day, 38 to 50 above. Baseball
every PM these days, on Wasilla Avenue. Short wave radio good.
April 17, 1936 Set up Minnesota seed rack assortment.
Snow buckers got road open ½ mile Fishhook Bridge near
summit. mail arrived 4:15 PM Ball game PM Temperature
44 above AM 40 above PM No Outside radio, storm blowing.
War talk hot.
April 18, 1936 Snow all gone in Wasilla, streets
dry. snow buckers within ½ mile of Fishhook summit
today. Boats leaving Seattle for Alaska, like Klondike
days. Temperature 44 above all day and night. Pat
O’Connor coming to inspect colonists ordering silk panties for
ladies. No long wave radio, short wave good 6 to 7 PM
April 19, 1936 Sunday, open 3 hours AM.
PM on weekly cash register recording. Saturday night dancers
all sleeping today. Jack Fabyan came over Pass from Thorpe’s
Grubstake Mine. Boat freight arrived PM 3 tons. Real
warm day, 44 to 70 above. Both short and long wave radio
NG. Local radio phone cable fair.
April 20, 1936 Hauled over 3 truck loads new
merchandise, groceries and clothing. Hauled out can dump.
Snow buckers at Fishhook summit today. Stanley and boys
staying at Patzack’s new house at Willow Bridge. Real summer
day, 40 to 70 above. Louie Howe, President Roosevelt’s adviser,
passed out today. It was Louie that put Roosevelt in as President.
No long wave, short wave fair. Still all war talk in Europe.
April 21, 1936 Ma finished pricing Butler Bros.
clothing, etc. Self priced up balance of new groceries.
Stanley in from Fishhook Pass with Fern man and returned, evening.
Mussolini met severe defeat by Selassie’s troops, burned up airplanes.
Third summer day, 48 to 60 above. Nenana ice date set about
May 6th, 50 above at Fairbanks today. No Outside radio.
McFadden for auditor, Spokane, local stations.
April 22, 1936 Business slow, got out
orders for groceries, etc. One school bus, with kid driver,
out of commission. Willie and Al Hardy in from Lucky Shot
Mine by plane. Snowmobile workers over Fishhook Pass today.
A-1 day, 40 to 60 above. Outside radio dead in ear.
Mr. Machill passed out at Anchorage.
April 23, 1936 Business normal, put up
orders for Houston and Caswell. Snow road buckers run
up against ice. Cad and Stanley in for powder. Germany
wants back her colony taken by England and France during World War.
Temperature 40 to 64 above, evening, northern lights and cooler.
Not a sound on Outside radio, three Teller Native girls, 10 years
old, stowed away on Noel Wien’s airplane and came to Fairbanks today.
April 24, 1936 Boat late, no mail train.
Burned off old grass around track warehouse. Autos cutting
up roads, frost coming out. Big fight in Congress over
taxing surplus holdings. ARC opened road camp at Palmer
bridge, frost about out. Summer day, northern lights, 48 to
64 above. Geese and mosquitoes arrived, summer is here.
No Outside radio. Mussolini about cleaned up on Europeans near
capitol.
April 25, 1936 Business rushing all AM,
received back report on Minnesota farms. Young Brown got
2nd car from undertaker, Anchorage. Oberg’s got old car
working. Al Hardy and Willie Edlund spending week vacation
in Wasilla. Nels Larson and Henry Lewis went to work for ARC,
also Pete and Fred at ARC
April 26, 1936 Sunday, open 3 hours AM.
Farmers buying seed grain. ARR co-op warehouse and contents
burned down at Palmer last night. Picnic at railroad bridge
today. Boat freight arrived 7:30 PM. April 27, 1936 Business
fair, AM hauled over 2 trucks new merchandise from railroad freight shed
to store. Evening, snow road gang in for gas and grub, now half
way down Fishhook summit on Willow side, glacier ice made slow
progress. Nels Larson, water tender on mine roads, moved out to Fishhook
Inn during spring breakup. Short wave only on radio, had in HJW,
Columbia, South America.
April 28, 1936 Primary election held in Pat
Hart’s beer hall (38 Democrats and 30 Republicans). Rotary
snow plow broke down at upper Willow Creek crossing today.
Ellexson’s out from Knik, 4 hour trip account mud holes. Nenana
flooded, ice should go out tomorrow, my guess May 3rd 11:45 PM.
April 29, 1936 Priced up new hardware.
Got out orders for hardware and paints. Betwixt and between
for airplanes, account break up, all streams running full water,
ground fields muddy. Henry Lewis in from Palmer ARC camp
for clothing. Partly cloudy, evening, light rain, 44 to 60
above. Surplus tax bill passed the house. Short wave good.
April 30, 1936 Mail went south. Ice went
out at Nenana at 12:58, my guess 3 days off. Seward Day,
70th anniversary of Alaska. George Ulsh in from Lucky Shot Mine,
fat as a pig, returned with Cad via Fishhook summit. Wasilla
streets dusty. Evening on statements. Radio fair,
long wave came in 9 PM.
May 1, 1936 Got out monthly statements.
Outside mail arrived 6 PM. Stanley in from opening up
snow road over Fishhook Pass. Snow plow reached Lucky Shot
yesterday. Forty four unemployed miners, at Juneau, won ½
ice pool money. No long wave, short wave radio good. Spring
early, farmers buying seeds to plant. Cad, Gus, Stanley and
Black with ARC rotary snow plow, opened road, Fishhook to Lucky Shot
Mine, took 18 days, cost $500. Road open 2 months earlier than
usual. Stanley using Gus’ Cat to move freight. Snow half gone
on Bald Mt. vs. 12’ in Fishhook summit.
May 2, 1936 Seed sales good. Lawrence
in to trade. Evening dance on at town hall. Stanley and
snow plow gang in shipping snow plow to Mt. McKinley park to open
tourist road. Mussolini troops within 15 miles of capitol of
Ethiopia. Undertaker, Williams, suicided. Radio good,
both long and short wave. Heard Portland talk to London, also
Honolulu. Huey McGashey back from States, too warm and too much
depression down there for Huey.
May 3, 1936 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. Cloudy and cooler, 44 above, feels like snow.
PM freight arrived, hauled over truck load vegetables, fruit,
candy and tobacco. Stanley repainted ma’s car. Everybody
fishing for trout.
May 4, 1936 Weather cloudy, windy, 50 above.
Cad went to Anchorage. Unloaded forage from car into
railroad warehouse. Stanley and Shawn left 8 with supplies
for Stanley’s quartz mine via Fishhook with Gus’ Cat and trailer.
Eva taking on solemn look, maybe baby boy?
May 5, 1936 Most airplanes
grounded account break up Inside, no wheeling or skiing.
Wheel planes landing on Wasilla field OK. Paid invoices.
Mr. Fosket and A. J. Swanson in to trade. Dust storms in
States. Partly cloudy, windy 40 to 50 above. Light shower
PM Radio NG, local news only.
May 6, 1936 Business slow, got out groceries
and clothing orders. Arnold Edlund home, quit railroad
to farm Cottonwood flats. Mussolini troops finally reached
capitol of Ethiopia. Italy now ruler of Ethiopia, big conquest?
Gold Cord help in, no ARC. Partly cloudy, wind died out, 40 to
60 above. Radio NG. Dick Collins in jail in Centralia
account inheritance.
May 7, 1936 Farmers planting.
Dorothy White, 3rd victim in White family had her appendices
out. Airplane landed here account engine missing fire. Mail
boat day late at Seward. Marie Martha got a cold. A-1
day, 40 to 50 above. Italy war conquest with Ethiopia over.
Gus cleaning house. Short wave good, long wave ok after 9
PM
May 8, 1936 Business fair, order from
fur farm at Caswell. Took off storm windows and re-puttied them.
Mail train arrived at midnight. Cad twins, sisters, gave
a birthday party, now 15 years old. Bogard ranch sold to A.
J. Swanson. Trout fishing fine. Lumber for Metz new house
on 2nd Avenue arrived. Short wave good. Snowed 2” in Wyoming
today.
May 9, 1936 Got mail AM. Split up block
wood for kitchen stove. Fire now out of store furnace.
New Fern foreman quit his job for better job in Iditarod.
Today, King of Italy made Emperor of Ethiopia by Mussolini.
Davis in on a drunk. Graf Hindenberg arrived at Lakehurst, New
Jersey, 60 hours from Germany, had 1107 passengers, 1st trip to the
United States. Radio good.
May 10, 1936 Sunday, cleaned up store
balcony. PM made up weekly cash register report. Hauled
over ½ ton freight to ship to Caswell. Today, Mothers
Day, presents in order. Freight train arrived 10 PM.
Dust in air all AM 40 to 50 above. Evening, Stanley in from
moving mining machinery to his Craigie Creek mine, weeks job with
Cat. Radio NG, no news. Snow gone on Willow Creek.
May 11, 1936 Removed balcony flies, no more
cold winds expected. No boat freight arrived, due tomorrow.
Bogard’s $20,000 ranch sold to A. J. Swanson for $1,500, does
farming pay? Three men put on section work. Metz’s
new house going up on 2nd Avenue. Stanley packed Lafayette to take
to mines.
May 12, 1936 Boat freight arrived 7 PM.
Stanley and Black family left with Gus’ taxi, 8 AM for Craigie
Creek quartz mine via by Cat, over Fishhook summit. Bought car coal
off smithy to apply on old debt.
May 13, 1936 Hauled over two truck loads new
groceries to and hardware from set-out, busy marking and storing
away same. All the farmers busy planting. Roosevelt
leading on primary elections. Last of kidnappers caught.
May 14, 1936 Everybody working, school closed
today. Evening, graduation exercises at Wasilla Hall, only
4 kids passed High School. Ellexson’s out form Knik, got
stuck in mud hole at mile 10. Forty Mile Miller back from
Willow Creek. Frank Kelly left for Seattle to get new set
false teeth. Timbers landed for Willow and Craigie bridges.
Phone and short wave fair. Heard Seattle phone to Anchorage.
Mussolini quit League of Nations.
May 15, 1936 Hills Coffee man and Imperial
Candy man here for orders. School picnic at canyon, mile
12. Chas Bartholf arrived from California. Willie
Black returned from wintering up in Fairbanks District. Mail
train arrived at 7 PM Al Harter left for Yukon District.
May 16, 1936 Repaired coal bin. Mrs.
Kimbell, from Anchorage, in town selling ladies goods.
Stanley in from mines. Shonbeck, oil man, visited.
Metz’s new house under cover. Dorothy White back from hospital.
Colonist anniversary at Palmer, games and dance, Governor Troy there
for inspection. No radio, only local station. Kids over
to Palmer for dance.
May 17, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Freight arrived on time, had part of 2 truck loads, mostly hardware
and paint. Stanley and mother and Marie drove to Palmer.
A-1 day, 40 to 60 above, 21 hours of daylight. Joe Brassel
in town.
May 18, 1936 Senske gas plowing Cad’s and Vail
garden lots. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage. Cad
took Brassel to Fishhook summit. Davis flew to hospital
account drinking Spree. McGainy, the barber, here, back from States.
Radio NG, news over local station only.
May 19, 1936 Business slow, pricing up
new paints and hardware. Ma sick last night, OK today.
Stanley left, for his Craigie Creek Mine via Fishhook with his
car and will break out road, Fishhook Bridge to Martin Mine, with
Cat, for Gus the freighter. Cad went to Anchorage. Outside
radio NG. Put all new tubes in set then only heard 10 PM news.
May 20, 1936 Finished pricing up new goods.
Got out-mail and orders. Arnold Edlund moved down to his
ranch on Cottonwood Flats. Evening, 7 car loads of beef
cattle unloaded for Shonbeck, T-bone steak day at
Wasilla. Snow and frost in New York state, dust storm in Colorado.
Cad unloading cattle.
May 21, 1936 Self and Eva in store all day,
Ma had to take to bed account neuritis and nerve trouble.
Shonbeck moved his 200 head cattle and calves out to mile 7, first
leg to hills for grass. Fabyan and Davis sobering up from
spree. Not a sound from Outside radio. Townsend plan still
under investigation by Congress.
May 22, 1936 Aage Hansen back from California.
Sent Ma over to Palmer hospital to take violet ray treatment
to stay at hospital for a week. Eva chief clerk while Ma
in hospital at Palmer, very sick woman. Three cars stuck
in mud at Zink garage. No Outside radio. mail arrived
6 PM. All Europe preparing for war.
May 23, 1936 Business normal. Phoned
Dr. at Palmer hospital, said Ma had pleurisy on one side, was
holding her own, considerable pain. Stanley failed to come
in, snow slides on summit road. Dr. Townsend walked out on
investigating committee. Ma in hospital at Palmer, visited
on phone all day to get doctor report.
May 24, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
PM had Gus drive self, Eva and Marie Martha over to Palmer hospital
to see Ma, holding her own but very sick woman with flu.
Two freight trains arrived 5 PM. Willow Creek freight left
at Wasilla, Lucky Shot Road impassible. Stanley failed to get
over summit from mine. Ed Holland in, Hugo Johnson arrived.
J. M. MacDonald arrived with schoolmarm in tow.
May 25, 1936 Stanley and Shawn arrived from
his mine at noon, car came over pass OK. Stanley got his
quartz mill installed. Stanley, Eva and Marie Martha drove over
to Palmer to see Ma in hospital, holding her own thus far.
Had 2 truck loads new merchandise. No long wave.
May 26, 1936 Finished pricing up new
merchandise. Stanley back on the job, clerk B.
Cad now hauling freight over Fishhook summit, a month earlier
than before. Gus hauling freight to the old Martin Mine with
Cat over bridge. Ma still in hospital with very bad case of
flu, pneumonia.
May 27, 1936 Farmers planting spuds.
Taxi men hauling freight to Willow and Fishhook Mines.
Jacob Metz moved into his new house on Boundary Street.
Closed store 3 hours, PM account going to Palmer hospital to see
Ma. Ma much improved, temperature down to normal. Coming
home, got in deep new fill in passing saddle horse on road.
A-1 day, 50 to 60 above, trees all leaved out.
May 28, 1936 Mail went Outside. Finished
pricing paints. Cad laid foundation for annex to roadhouse.
Rica trying to work brothers in on Hall orchestra at $5.
Cad took McDougal out to within 2 miles of Fern Mine. Stanley
found 3’ ice in septic tank. Cloudy and windy, like a March
day, she don’t warm up, 40 to 56 above. Ma in hospital, will
see her tomorrow evening. Eva and daughter went to Anchorage.
Outside radio came in 9:30 PM. Congress indicted Dr. Townsend
account refusing to testify before committee.
May 29, 1936 Business medium, got one
order for up railroad line. Johnnie Neimi and mother, from
Douglas, moved in to Cads bungalow. Self and Stanley drove
over to Palmer to visit Ma in hospital, now eating some foods.
Dust storm on all day, 44 to 54 above. Mail train arrived 11 PM.
Eva and Marie back from Anchorage. No Outside radio. Fierce
lightening storm in Washington.
May 30, 1936 Memorial Day, closed PM.
Made up cash and monthly accounts. Stanley, Eva and Marie
drove over to Palmer to see Ma, reported very much better, can
come home in a week. Evening, dance on at Town Hall. Evening,
about down to freezing. No long wave radio, short wave mushy.
May 31, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Finished monthly statements. PM drove over to Palmer to
see Ma, was very much improved. Saw Mr. Fries in hospital.
Drove on over to 1,000’ Knik bridge on new highway. Frost
last night, 32 to 60 above. Left Wasilla 3:30, back at 7 PM
from Palmer District. Radio NG. Louise Gill moving here
by airplane. May cold, cloudy month, sales ¼ below normal.
All working but as yet, no pay check. Ma spent 2 weeks in Palmer
hospital account flu. Gene Horning back after away 2 years in
Europe.
June 1, 1936 Only eggs, butter, lunch meats,
onions and bananas arrived on boat freight. Got mail
evening, carried by Saturday to Fairbanks. Finished monthly
statements, credit sales in May $1,266.18. Gus hauling McDonald’s
20 tons freight to Martin Mine. Ma convalescing in Palmer
hospital. No long wave, short wave good 5 to 7:30.
June 2, 1936 Rained all day, 40 to 50 above,
rain much needed for crops. Paid recent invoices received.
Several credit customers delinquent on monthly bills. All
visited Ma 3:30 to 5:30 PM, Ma doing fine. Milo Kelly on way
to Alaska with new mining company. Self got touch of stomach
flu. No radio, news over local station only.
June 3, 1936 Got our mail and merchandise orders.
Wired for milk, hams and bacon. Snider paid one of his
six months bills. Gus took snowshoes off Cat. Eddie
Holland in from Purches Creek, sent him to Grubstake. Warm wave
on PM 60 to 80 above. Ma convalescing in Palmer hospital.
Lucky Strike program good over short wave, no long wave. All the
kids went in swimming.
June 4, 1936 Sold McDonald and Black small
orders for mines. Eddie Holland left to work on Craigie
and Willow bridges and new road on Bear group to Grubstake cabins.
Kids drove over to Palmer hospital to see Ma, was up visiting around
hospital. Ma doing fine, will come home next Saturday.
Ed Holland, 1st day at mines. No Outside radio until 10 PM.
June 5, 1936 Third day of heat wave, 72 to
80 above, midnight down to 46 above. Ma now patient guest
in Palmer hospital, coming home tomorrow. Put new linoleum
on kitchen floor. Milo Kelly arrived from Seattle. Grader
smoothing up Knik Road. Big strike in France, want 40 hour
week, vacation on pay. War on in china, as usual. Winnipeg,
Canada in on short wave.
June 6, 1936 Business normal. Self
scrubbed all the floors with Dic-A-Doo, also front approach
to store. Nels Larson in for grub and usual toot.
French strikers confiscated one newspaper plant. Bad storm
in Oklahoma. Big dance at Palmer. A-1 day, 70 to 80
above, sun down 9:30, up at 1 AM. Ma home again after spending
14 days in Palmer hospital with flu pneumonia. Short wave good,
news on long wave.
June 7, 1936 Sunday, usual absent minded
Sunday AM trade. Made up weekly cash register report. New
mosquito crop hatched out, first to bother. All the kids
swimming in Lake Wasilla. Freight train late. Continuous
daylight, still warm 70 to 80 above. Ma around but still
weak from the flu.
June 8, 1936 Stanley and Sharon left
for his Craigie Creek mine with Cat load lumber from Fishhook
Inn. Eva now chief clerk for K. T. and Co.
Hauled over 2 truck loads new merchandise and stored away same.
Republican convention tomorrow. Ma now doing the cooking, Eva
clerking in store.
June 9, 1936 Got rubber and
hardware goods priced up. Paid all invoices. Republican
convention opened in Cleveland, Ohio 11 AM today. Fight
on between Borah and London for President. Heat wave still
on 70 to 80 above. Ma chief cook, Eva chief clerk, Pa, janitor,
etc. No radio, only local station. Floods in Canada.
June 10, 1936 Milo Kelly and George Zink departed
to open up mine prospects. Bert McClarty and Pete Snider
went out to do assessment work on Martin claims. Two Brill cars
today. Temperature +78, evening +54. Rush in store PM
all farmer trade. Ma improving. No radio, even local
station went haywire.
June 11, 1936 Got out orders and Seattle mail.
McDougal went to Knik to receive new truck, delivered by Discover.
London won nomination for Republican President over Borah at
Cleveland today. Temperature 54 to 78 above, evening cooler, some
clouds. KFQD back on air tonight with news.
June 12, 1936 Packed one order for up railroad
line. Sid Black hauling ARR Co-op lumber to mine, thirty
years to pay. Gene Horning and father in to trade, bought
$2 worth. Draught in southern states followed by hail
storms. Ma got sore hip. Ninth day of heat wave broken
today, 50 to 72 above. Ma not feeling so well, got sore hip
from hospital at Palmer. Local station only radio, gave Republican
convention news, London for President.
June 13, 1936 Mail arrived at 6:30 PM received
fruit and fresh vegetables on passenger coal car. Stanley
in from his mine with Gus’ Cat, freight all delivered to mine.
China making ready to fight the Jap’s. Dance at Matanuska.
Cad painting addition to roadhouse. Ma’s hip some better
after using Sloan’s. Outside station came in after 9:30.
Revolt in Spain. Temperature 54 to 72 above, just right.
June 14, 1936 Fern Mine got new GMC truck via
delivery at Knik. Stanley and Eva drove to Knik, road very dusty.
Self going to Grubstake Placer Mine tomorrow with Gus account
new bridges and road from Lucky Shot Road. Freight arrived
on time. Temperature 72 above all day. Packed 200 lbs.
grub for placer mine on Grubstake. Ball game at Palmer, Anchorage
vs. Palmer. Short wave weak, no long wave, no news.
June 15, 1936 Business normal.
Self left 8 with 200 lbs. grub for placer mine with Gus Swanson.
Delivered load freight at Martin Mine, arrived at Grubstake cabin
at noon. Gus went over and prospected for gold quartz. Holland
working on ditto. Warm clear day, all roads at mines dusty.
Ma not improving in health as she should. At Grubstake Placer
Mine, bridge timbers in but no logs as yet delivered by Kelly.
June 16, 1936 At Grubstake, up at 5 AM.
Inspected new bridges over Craigie and Willow Creek. Ed
Holland to put on logging when delivered by Kelly. Left mines
2:30, with Gus, drove up to Smith cabin for Dodson and wife.
Delivered Dodson at High Grade Mine. Heat wave, 94 above all
PM 116 in sun. Noon, Stanley left mine. Fell asleep and
missed radio news. Ma not feeling good.
June 17, 1936 Arrived Wasilla 11 AM.
ARR fire fighters over here to keep fire from crossing
Wasilla-Willow Road and cleaning up colonist homesteaders east
of Wasilla. McDougal hauling in concentrates. Big wind in
Seattle. Big fire in woods west of town, 72 to 84 above.
Ma feeling some better today.
June 18, 1936 Fire under control west of town.
Ed Holland and Gust Haller went out to do assessment work.
Frank Kelly in for freight and to trade at 10:30 PM. Smoky
account of fires, 70 to 84 above. Ma the cook, Eva the clerk,
Stanley at his mine. No Outside radio, news from local stations.
June 19, 1936 Business normal.
Packed order for McKinley Park. Forest fire still burning
west of town. Peck and son went to Anchorage at noon.
Palmer on the air with broadcast for farmers. G. A. Pyle
arrived for Marion Twin Mine. Smokey and evening cloudy 72
above. Ma gaining some in strength after flu attack.
June 20, 1936 Business normal.
ARC surveying road to Cottonwood Flats from Knik Road mile
4. Mail train on time. Paddy Marion back after
spending winter in Los Angeles. Mrs. Milo Kelly living on
Zink fur farm. Evening, big dance on in Town Hall. Cloudy
and cooler, 56 to 70 above. Ma considerable better, around
store some. Stanley and Milo Kelly in from mines. Only
local radio. Payday on Alaska Railroad.
June 21, 1936 Sunday, busy in store AM
PM closed. Made up cash register weekly balance.
Hauled over load groceries and hardware from set-out. Stanley
and family drove over to Palmer. No work Sunday on roads.
Partly cloudy, 50 to 84 above. Ma getting strength back rapidly
from flu attack. Train every day during tourist season.
No radio. Evening, priced up new drugs.
June 22, 1936 Business normal.
Priced up new merchandise. Got out-mail for new mid-week
service. Another building burned down at Gold Cord Mine.
Milo Kelly returned to BD Mine. Forest fires west of town
out. Cloudy, rain needed, 72 above. Ma feeling skookum
again. Dad got sore feet.
June 23, 1936 Mail went Outside.
Got out orders and paid all invoices. Cad started to
haul car oil, hired 2 weeks for Willow Creek Mines. Fern
hauling car coal to mine. Professor Bixler got sore because
we dunned him for May bill due and paid up to date. Cloudy,
54 to 74 above. ARC Cat through on road work, mile 4 to Cottonwood
Flats account Hay Road.
June 24, 1936 Made out order for new store
awning. McDougal back from Seward hospital. Frank
Kelly and wife in for supplies, also took in farm colony. Democrats
roasting Republican convention. Partly cloudy 68 to 80
above, mosquitoes bad. All the Herning’s now feeling pretty
good treatmentally. On short wave, got Democratic Convention
at Philadelphia. No long wave, local news.
June 25, 1936 Ed Holland and Gust Haller in
from doing assessment on giant fraction. Holland left for
OGH Placer Mine to finish bridges, etc. Soper in from ARC
Fishhook camp with lame back. New family arrived. Partly
cloudy, midnight foggy, 64 to 76 above. Cad drove car to
Anchorage in 3 hours over new highway.
June 26, 1936 Fish pole order for north.
Outside mail went south. Roosevelt nominated this evening
at Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, came in good on short
wave. Tacoma Chamber of Commerce on air over local station.
Rain from noon to midnight 56 to 60 above. Short wave OK.
No long wave. Tacoma Chamber of Commerce to visit Palmer Colonists
tomorrow.
June 27, 1936 Had a rush all PM. Put
up grub order for the Alaska Pacific Mine. Hauled out
tin can garbage and drove down to CD’s for old spuds. Evening,
Stanley in from his mine, got tram up and mill ready to operate.
PM shower, ground very dry, rain needed, 50 to 62 above. George
Thomas arrived to open up the old Independence Mine under the name of
Ala-Pac Mine. Short wave but too busy to listen in, local news.
June 28, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Eva and Marie Martha took a trip with Stanley to inspect his
rich gold quartz mine. Got meats, eggs and butter on PM
freight. PM singing quartet at school house. Everybody
swimming. Partly cloudy, A-1 summer day 70 above. Made
out deed for purchase Mabel cabin from J. W. Nelson, consideration
$350. Radio fair, KPO came in at 9:30. Sid Black in for
merchandise.
June 29, 1936 Ward Shroufe
in with toothache. C. H. Wilson came out from Knik with
Ellexson, very deaf and growing feeble. Stiles doing assessment
on old Shough mine prospect. Most idle men working now.
A-1 day, 74 above. Short wave OK, London news.
June 30, 1936 Put up $100 order for mine foreman
and family at the Fern Mine. Fourth July fruit and vegetables
arrived on PM passenger train. Took from 7 to 10 PM to register
June charges. Anchorage going to hold 4th celebration for
3 days vs. Palmer. Cloudy, evening good rain, 70 above. Ed
Holland started work at Grubstake Placer Mine for OGH on 1936 assessment
work. Ed off 8 days in June account giant. OGH at mine
June 15 and 16.
July 1, 1936 Self on monthly statements all
day, up to midnight. Mrs. Seglier moved out to Fern Mine,
husband mine foreman. Phone bank account no report on deposit.
Cloudy, showers, 60 to 72 above. Crazy Zuncheck went from
D. C. to Seattle, Washington, airplanes refused him. PM short
wave loud on Lucky program.
July 2, 1936 Business normal. Good
sale on fruit. Balance of fruit arrived 4 PM freight.
Thomas in from Independence Mine working on Martin old mill.
Shonbeck visited ARC Co-op bus for movies. Cloudy, showers,
50 to 70 above. Boys from mines beginning to arrive for
July 4th celebration. Too busy for radio, got 10 PM news.
July 3, 1936 Business rushing all day
and evening. PM boys from mines begin to arrive for big
dance at Wasilla. Stanley and Sharon in from New Bullion Mine.
Hauled overbalance of fruit and hardware. Weather clear, 60
to 74 above, 81 at noon. Roger Sweeney visited. No
pay day for two months by ARC. Too busy for radio. News,
evening, over local station.
July 4, 1936 Closed all day. Stanley
and family celebrated at Palmer, didn’t have the crowd or games
he expected. Auto cars now coming through from Anchorage,
2 miles more of road to gravel. Ma and self stayed home,
had chicken dinner. Fourth perfect day, 94 in sun. Gaston
and several drunks in Wasilla. Boat mail arrived PM. Self
sorted apples and on invoices. Long wave NG. Short wave
fair, 300 killed by autos in States today.
July 5, 1936 Sunday, good day for sore
heads. Cool and cloudy, 50 to 70 above. Open AM
business rushing. Stanley and Thorpe’s returned to mines
and several others. Peter Swift, Snider and Anchorage car
went together at mile 13. PM made up cash register sheet.
Boat freight arrived. Palmer beat Lucky Shot at ball.
No Outside radio, no news tonight.
July 6, 1936 AM hauled over one truck load
from set-out. Goods all mixed up with mining machinery.
Priced up new merchandise and got out-mail. Shorty Gustafson
in from Lucky Shot for week vacation. Evening, raining.
Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Some 369 killed Outside during 4th
of July celebration, none in Alaska. No Outside radio.
Evening, new man on KFQD news. JP planning on 2 weeks vacation.
July 7, 1936 Business normal. Hauled
over 2 truck loads new merchandise. Coleman light man
here. Lillian Lander and sons arrived for summer vacation,
went out to Martin cabin at mile 12 in canyon. Navy Air Base
for Alaska assured. No Outside radio. Two new announcers
on local station. JP on vacation, first time in five years.
July 8, 1936 Business normal. Self
pricing up new groceries, clothing and hardware. Mine
Ellexson out from Knik with furs, silver salmon, 25¢ each.
Mrs. Oscar Tryck passed out last night with a stroke, was trading
in store at 5 PM and then OK. Cloudy, heavy rain at 5 PM 50 above.
Fourth of July farmer at Palmer died from beating by 3 men. No
Outside radio. Over 50,000 farmers gone on relief.
July 9, 1936 Business normal. Finished
pricing up groceries. Bralaska Mining closed down on
Martin Mine prospecting, no ore and Martin wants 40%.
Sent Jack W. Nelson check for Mabel cabin through Seattle bank.
Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above, evening clear, colder. P
and P gang here for 2 weeks. No Outside radio. Heat wave
going east in states, 101 in New York today.
July 10, 1936 Self fixed steering gear on Overland
truck and greased up. Schilling man here, also D____
Engman and solicitor for U. S. Chamber of Commerce. Took
3 years subscription to Nations Business Reports from U. S. Chamber
of Commerce. Tryck family went to Anchorage account mothers
funeral next Sunday. PM cloudy, evening, raining 50 to 60
above. Sid Black blew hole in hand with dynamite cap on fuse.
Sheep and horses arrived for colonists at Palmer.
July 11, 1936 Business normal.
Still pricing up new hardware. Ma and Mrs. Isaac’s left for
Anchorage via Matanuska to attend funeral of Mrs. Tryck.
Fruits and watermelons arrived on mail train coal car. Stanley
in from mine with high grade ore. No Outside radio.
Grau family got 10 pound baby boy. Heat wave cleaned up four
states, including Minnesota. Cloudy, cooler, showers 60 to
60 above.
July 12, 1936 Sunday, self alone in store.
Stanley and Eva and 12 others left on 4 AM freight train for
Anchorage to attend Mrs. Tryck’s funeral, all back 8:15 PM on
old fish motor car. Had big feed, fresh peaches and watermelon.
Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. First watermelons on Wasilla market,
first peaches and tomatoes, all from Seattle. No radio, only
dinner hour over local station.
July 13, 1936 Hauled over
truck load produce and hardware. Paid invoices due and
got out-mail. Ready for T and T gang replacing telegraph
poles. Salmon running at Knik. Cloudy, 60 above.
No Outside radio. Heat wave hit Chicago and Canada, over 1,000
deaths. News over local station only.
July 14, 1936 Business fair, got off
mid-week mail. Mail left short, came down from Fairbanks
today. New mail clerk on train NG. Received offer
to buy K. T. Co. business by wire from RIV Larson of P. I.
Seattle. Cloudy, showers, 52 to 60 above. Rain relieved
heat wave in States. Mid-week mail arrived. No Outside
radio. Radio phone calls in States good. Al Horning flying
to Seattle with 4 passengers.
July 15, 1936 Self in store and pricing up
new hardware. Hubbard plane wrecked near Fairbanks,
woman from States killed, Hubbard’s 3rd accident. Al Horning
and plane made Ketchikan today. Made deal with Jacob Metz
to clean up lot on Boundary Street. Weather cloudy, 54 to 60
above. Placer mines crying for rain.
July 16, 1936 Had Metz take down wire
fence on back lots. William Dodson returned to High Grade
Mine. Stanley in for supplies from New Bullion Mine.
Al Horning arrived at Seattle OK with bi-plane and 4 passengers,
16 hours. Harry White down from Park. Hot day, above
70.
July 17, 1936 Got off Outside mail and orders.
H. O. White got his soldier bonus bonds and went to Anchorage.
Admiral Ueeck deposited his $750 bonds in our safe. ARC
gravel gang moving to Willow Creek. PM hauled over truck
load new hardware. Hot day, 70 to 84 above. News from
Outside radio only. Heat wave still on reaching 80 in Minnesota.
July 18, 1936 Heat wave still on in States,
taken over 4,000 lives. Rebellion in Spain. All
the Colonists meeting the salmon at Knik, including the preacher.
Hot 3rd Party convention on in Chicago. Stanley and Sharon
in for weekend and grub, all in lake today. Dance at hall.
Hot day, 70 to 86 above, 103 at old Sunny Knik. Second lot of melons
arrived, plums and tomatoes, etc.
July 19, 1936 Sunday, usual AM trade.
Put up new awning in front of store, cost $32. Vida Deigh
visiting Eva, drove into Knik. Had first strawberry shortcake.
Received melons, fresh tomatoes and plums, shortage on potatoes.
Hot wave, 88 above all day, raining at 11:30 PM.
July 20, 1936 Hauled over 3 truck loads groceries,
forage and gas . Burned brush and rubbish in back lot.
Kelly and wife in from Lucky Shot to trade. McDonald closing
up Bralaska Mining prospect on old Martin claims. Metz
4th day on cleaning back lot. Hot day, 60 to 80 above.
Radio from Outside now coming in 9 to 9:30. Japan having a
fake aerial war for 3 days.
July 21, 1936 Mail out and in on mid-week boat
via Seward. Vic Blodgett and wife down from Pittman
to visit and trade. Milo Kelly in from BD Mine.
Teed Bros. left for Seattle. One of Cad’s trucks went haywire.
Gus sinking 300 gallon gas tank. Temperature 74 above, evening
cloudy. Paid Ma’s hospital bill for having flu, 16 days,
$183. Paid store license, $140. All going to Knik for
red salmon. All stations on air, 9 PM got KNX news. Tom Cavanaugh
back from California. Spain in revolt.
July 22, 1936 Gust Haller bought $50 grub outfit
to work his ruby sand on ranch. Priced balance of S and
W goods. Tony Diamond on air with report from D. C.
Paddy back from Anchorage account Dugal. Another hot day,
88 above. PM everybody swimming at Lake Wasilla. Jake
1 day cleaning up Mabel lot. Paddy returned to New Bullion Mine.
Radio fair 9:30. Spain rebellion a hot one.
July 23, 1936 Shipped ton salt to Caswell.
Jake got all 3 lots cleaned, ready for plow. Mabel lot
covered with booze bottles and tin cans left there by the Wasilla
judge? Rebellion in Spain red hot today. Cooler, 60
above, evening rain. Norman in 9 PM from Lucky Shot Mine.
Thorpe in for repairs account gas engine. Cad got truck working, oil
base full of gas.
July 24, 1936 Got off Seattle mail. PM
hauled 2 truck loads of tin cans and booze bottles from Mabel
yard left by postmaster while renter. Colonist received
another bunch of horses, gone to Flats to put up hay.
Partly cloudy, 66 to 76 above. Bristol Bay region stricken with
typhoid fever. Radio weak but KNX news. Spanish rebels
claim 80% victory.
July 25, 1936 One order for Caswell.
Outside mail arrived. Mr. Morgan, 70 year old Libby man,
here for orders. Mrs. McDougal’s tourist brother arrived.
Stanley in for weekend from his mine. Evening, drove over
to Palmer hospital account inspection of Eva and baby boy?
Long wave fair, KSL program all night. Aerial officers here
about future air base in Alaska. Partly cloudy, showers,
60 to 74 above.
July 26, 1936 Sunday, shipped ½
ton groceries north. Libby goods arrived on PM freight.
PM Eva and Stanley drove over to Palmer to see Dr. whether a
boy or girl? Evening, drove down to Fries ranch for last
of old spuds. Peaches and cream for supper. Jack
Fabyan herding 400 colonist sheep on upper Fishhook Creek.
Temperature 60 to 78 above, felt like 100 above all PM Short
wave from Canada and Germany.
July 27, 1936 Business normal.
Self hauling old lumber, etc. off back lots. Hauled 1
load Libby goods. Received deed account sale of Mabel lot
and cabin for $350 cash. Rebellion red hot in Spain.
Closed up work at Placer Mine until lumber arrives. Hot day,
84 above PM Outside radio coming in 9 PM. Bristol Bay quarantined
for typhoid fever.
July 28, 1936 Business normal.
Had Metz mow grass on railroad warehouse lot and burn old rubbish.
Evening, self and Metz drove down to his homestead to get colonist
farmer to plow and scrape rear lot aft of store. Ed Holland
in from Grubstake. Palmer paper gave Wasilla big boost for
Navy aerial air port, we have the location. All stations on
the air after 9 PM Hot day, evening cloudy and showers 60 to
74 above.
July 29, 1936 Business normal.
ARC just issued paychecks for May. PM farmer, stuttering
colonist, began plowing lots at rear of store. Rebels about
in control of Spain. Ed Holland returned to his mine on
Purchase Creek after working 44 days on Grubstake. Airplanes
bringing out Bristol Bay fisherman. Rain all AM 62 above.
Outside radio NG. Tornado at Miami. Started clearing
and grading on lot 1 and 2, block 1 for private home to get away from
store.
July 30, 1936 Business normal.
Priced up Libby’s goods. Started scraping and leveling
up lot aft of store, ½ day PM. Salmon running into
Wasilla Lake. Spain rebellion hotter. Another birthday,
1868-1936, still 40? Marie Martha gave me a shirt and spanking.
Radio good, both short and long wave. Boat day late.
July 31, 1936 Business normal.
Received order from Caswell fur farm. Mail went south,
no north mail. Boat one day late at Seward. Started
excavating cellar for new house on corner Wasilla Avenue and Boundary
Street. Bible class at school house. Rain, 64 above.
Radio NG, news over local station.
August 1, 1936 Business normal.
Busy on monthly statements. Edlund offering new red spuds
on market. Ate last of watermelon. Other European nations
going to help Spain on rebellion. Stanley in weekend from
the mine. A-1 day, 54 to 74 above. Radio good at 9 PM
August 2, 1936 Sunday, open AM for absent
minded customers. All the Herning’s, but dad, drove to
Sunny Knik to get a smell of salmon. Boat freight arrived
PM. Cement came for house. Edward Fries, old time rancher,
passed out at Palmer hospital with cancer on face. Radio good
after 9 PM
August 3, 1936 Business normal.
AM hauled over from set-out, 2 truck loads hardware and groceries
to store. Metz and partner started shoveling out bottom
cellar under new house, to be, early AM Stanley returned
to his mine. Partly cloudy, 65 above. Radio OK at 9 PM
Italy and Germany ready to help Spain.
August 4, 1936 Business normal.
Got off Outside mail. Frank Kelly in from Lucky Shot.
Mrs. Bud Whitney convalescing at St. Clair’s beer ranch. Ma and
old timers attended Edward Fries funeral at Palmer. Trusty
Kelly, Cat man, back to Wasilla to locate ranch. Spain rebellion
may cause war. Cliff Hall here, drove car over from Willow Station.
A-1 day, 70 above. Radio good at 8:30. Farmers in drought,
dust in States, want to come to Alaska.
August 5, 1936 Run level on new cottage cellar,
6½ x 18 x 22 feet. PM checked up old records on
file and lumber list for new cottage. Spain rebellion, 35,000
killed and 100,000 in hospital account Spain rebellion. Snider
and Cad kids run head on and broke up both cars. Radio mushy,
got KNX news.
August 6, 1936 Cliff Hall over with truck from
Willow Station, bought $50 grub outfit. Gus back from
trip to Stanley’s mine. Two sports went out to Willow Creek
bridge crossing for future operation? Gaston quit Kelly
mine, now on usual drunk. Three tons groceries arrived.
Hot day, 66 to 76 above, evening shower.
August 7, 1936 Mail went south. PM hauled
over 3 truck loads new merchandise from freight shed.
Boys finished excavating cellar on lot at rear of store, cost
$24 team work, plus $30 labor to excavate 22 x 20.6½ foot
cellar, now ready for cement work. Partly cloudy, warm day,
above 70. Radio fair. Rebellion in Spain growing hotter.
August 8, 1936 Busy pricing up new merchandise.
Milo Kelly and Thomas in from mines for mail, etc. Bought
1st new local spuds at 5¢ a pound. Evening ball game,
Lucky Shot vs. Fern boys won, 9 to 3. Dance on at Town Hall.
Stanley in early from New Bullion Mine. Got midnight news KSL.
Cloudy, 60 to 70 above. No work on lots. Next work,
dig a well in cellar. Radio fair, some flooding news.
Heinz airplane party lost last August found by prospector, all dead,
plane burned up.
August 9, 1936 Sunday, busy in store
AM. PM made up cash register sheet. Mayor Gill with
Republican nominees visited AM Fourteen cars up from Anchorage
over new highway. Stanley, Eva, Ma and Marie Martha drove out to
mile 12 to call on Lillian Lander and Lawrence. Hauled over load
eggs, meats and fruit. Temperature 60 to 70 above, PM cloudy.
Located well in cellar. Evening, working detail of house plans.
Radio mushy, too busy with freight for short wave radio.
August 10, 1936 Started to
dig well in hew house cellar. Frank Kelly in for freight.
Fern hauling car load diesel oil. Crazy Zion chick hopped
out window in Seattle office, now no more. Metz, 1 day on
well, self 3 hours on well crib. A-1 day, 60 to 80 above.
Radio in at 7:30, some static. All Europe ready for war.
August 11, 1936 Mrs. Stragier in from Fern
to trade. Held up work on well account helper. Sawmill
colonist rancher, from Knik visited. Cad and Isaac families
drove to Anchorage. Evening, selected material for inside
of new house. A-1 day, 60 to 70 above. Metz ½
day account well, made hoist etc. Chas Lawrence in, no building
house, sold ranch, going Outside. Radio good at 8:30.
Spain losing control over rebellion.
August 12, 1936 PM put ribbing in new well
and got down 15’. Evening, on Seattle invoices.
Reported Eklutna Electric will run wire to Palmer. Temperature
60 to 70 above, evening rain. Metz and Weiler worked ½
day on new well. Radio mushy. America came in ahead
in Olympic games at Berlin.
August 13, 1936 AM finished well on lot aft
of store, got 2’ water at 17½’. Cad drove to Anchorage
for truck load oil, also brought me 3’ cement blocks. Evening
on orders, etc. till 2:30 AM Weather cooler, cloudy, 60 above.
Metz and Weiler on well ½ day each. Stanley in from
mine. Radio fair. Alaska politicians on the air seeking
a job.
August 14, 1936 Ma chief clerk.
Self, with help, on well on lot aft of store. Stanley and
family made first trip to Anchorage over new highway. Joe
Brassel in for trapping outfit. Banker, Tarwater, visited.
Partly cloudy and cooler, 56 to 68 above. Metz and Weiler
on well one day, also self. Radio fair. Strike on at
Cordova with help on Copper River Railroad and longshoreman.
Delegate Diamond on the air.
August 15, 1936 Boys finished well then hauled
rock from cellar off lot. PM rain, no work. Priced
up new groceries. Mr. Erwin, Standard Oil man visited.
Thorpe outfit stole Pyles amalgamating table. Jack Fabyan,
colonist sheep herder, in for supplies from Fishhook Inn.
Cloudy, showers, 64 above. Metz and Weiler ½ day.
Cost to dig well $25. Radio good, Spain war still on.
August 16, 1936 Sunday, store open 3
hours AM. PM made up weekly cash register report.
Freight arrived midnight. Evening on office work and selecting
material for new house. Pyles help through. Radio
weak. Russian fliers, California to Russia, now across Bearing
Straights on Siberia side.
August 17, 1936 PM finished hauling rock off
lot aft of store. Now ready to put in forms and cement
cellar. Ordered red and green asphalt shingles for new
house. Plenty farm vegetables on market. Weather cooler,
56 above, showers. Metz and Weiler one day on cellar excavating.
Radio fair. Spain rebellion growing hotter.
August 18, 1936 Got off mail, boat 2 days late
at Seward. Railroad strike, at Cordova, still on, no
grub landed, stores sold out. Joe Louis knocked out Sharkey
in 3rd round. Stanley and Sharon in and out to Stanley’s mine.
ARC laying off help. Light rain all day, heavy at Anchorage,
60 above. No work on cellar of new house, waiting for concrete
mixer. Radio fair.
August 19, 1936 Self on trimmings for new house,
doors, windows, etc. Three day Fair on at government
farm, Horning family drove down. Plenty of rain in hills
for mining. Germany and Italy, with Spain rebels haywire.
Three and a half days due Weiler on cellar work. A-1 day,
70 above, partly cloudy.
August 20, 1936 Finished
order for new house material. Lee Hartley visited inquiring
about sale of K. T. Co. business. Frank Watson applying
for old age pension. Knik Glacier Lake broke out, new highway
bridge flooded. Weather cloudy, cooler, 64 above. Radio
fair, some fading. German fired on Spanish gunboat today.
August 21, 1936 Mail went
south. Lee Hartley delivered truck load lumber on our lot for
$49, came over new highway. Rebellion in Spain on, a 50/50
after 5 weeks fighting. 1½M lumber, for cement work,
on new house cost $73.19. Radio good, all stations on the air.
August 22, 1936 ARRC laid off 100 workers and
ARC laying off men on road work, no money. Fred Nelson started
to make forms for concrete walls in cellar of new house. A-1
day, 72 above. Evening, dance on at hall. Fred Nelson
and Metz ½ day on concrete forms for new house. Radio
fair, all war talk in Europe account Spain Rebellion now on 6th week.
Stanley in from mine.
August 23, 1936 Sunday, store open 3
hours AM. Oscar Miller and Fred Peterson and families
up from Anchorage over new highway. Several others on weekend
with autos. Young King put G. A. Pyle in the ditch.
A-1 day, 70 above, PM cloudy. Fred and Metz 1 day on cement
forms. Boat freight in at midnight. Radio weak, barely
got new 8 PM
August 24, 1936 Boys laid off, PM on cement
form work. Hauled over fruit and vegetables from set-out
and flour and sugar from track warehouse. Mine Ellic out from
Knik to trade, brought 2 dozen eggs, bought $12 feed. Rain
all day, 68 above. Radio good.
August 25, 1936 Put up orders for Cliff Hall
and Oswald Hansen, Willow Creek District. Bert McClarty
in, through at Kelly Mine. Landon, President to be, campaigning
in Eastern states. Judge Hellenthal on air for New Deal
in Alaska. Weather partly cloudy, showers at noon, heavy rain
evening, 58 to 68 above. Cement forms ½ in, Fred and Metz
1 day each. Only local radio.
August 26, 1936 Self on office
work. Light rain all day. Eddie Holland in from
Purchase Creek, went to Anchorage to buy powder for his mine.
Stanley rained out and in from his mine. Rain and 56 above.
Fred and Metz 1 day on cement forms for new house. Radio fair.
Spanish rebellion growing hotter. Dan Gray in.
August 27, 1936 Business slow, rain all
AM. Brill car with tourists went south. Mrs. White
and kids back from McKinley Park. Marshal Wells, hardware
man, visited. Answered C. A. Snider, Grants Pass, Oregon
about sale of store. snow on high peaks last night.
More rain, 56 above. Fred and Metz on concrete forms PM only.
Radio weak, got world news, all politics and war. Gold Cord
got car of coal.
August 28, 1936 Harry Vail, 49, passed out
last night. Cement forms about completed. Shonbeck
visited, said we could use his cement mixer. All kinds of
local vegetables on market. Evening, Eva and Ma driving
to Knik with Mrs. Baxter and Cad, made round trip with truck to
Anchorage. Weather cloudy, 58 above. George Thomas
returned to Seattle. Fred and Metz 1 day on cement forms for
new house. Radio weak. Japan and Chinese at odds over
killing 2 Jap’s.
August 29, 1936 Outside mail arrived.
Stanley in for weekend, from mine. Drove Marie Martha over
to Palmer to see doctor. Midnight news over KSL. A-1
day, touch of frost early AM Fred and Metz 1 day on cement
forms. Radio fair.
August 30, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Harry Vail buried at Palmer. Several Anchorage autos seen
in Wasilla. Palmer - Anchorage highway dedicated at Knik
River Bridge today. Freight brought truck load oil.
A-1 day, 50 to 72 above. Fred and Metz 1 day, finished cement
forms (2 men 7 days on concrete forms). Radio good.
August 31, 1936 Returned Lilly’s 1936 garden
seed box. Boys put in walk around cement forms to pour
cement. Shonback visited, said mixer would come forth.
Mrs. McDougal in, trailing truck driver. Partly cloudy,
60 above, evening, heavy rain. Radio fair, still hot war in
Spain. Seattle P. I. strike still on.
August summary: Self building new house on
lots 1 and 2 aft of store on Boundary Street and Wasilla Avenue.
Got in cement forms 22 x 24. Well in cellar, ready to pour
cement. Stanley milling gold on Craigie Creek. Eva
and Ma K. T. Co. clerks. Marie Martha regular border.
September 1, 1936 Waiting for cement mixer
account new cellar aft of store. Fern got 2nd car tank
of oil. Spaniards have killed 75,000 and 300,000 in hospital
account rebellion. Weather cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
No work on new house, waiting for cement mixer. Radio good.
September 2, 1936 Got out-mail. ARC wired
to DC for OK using cement mixer by K. T. Co. then found it out
of repair? Phoned Anchorage for cement chimney blocks and
2 x 4’s and peaches. Midnight down to 30 above. Cement mixer
coming up tomorrow. Radio skookum. WLW came in, Stan Miller
and party found crushed on mountain near Russian River, no signs of
life.
September 3, 1936 Got out groceries and hardware
orders. Hartley delivered lumber and cement blocks from
Anchorage, 4,514 lbs. at railroad freight rate of 45¢
cwt. The 6 bodies of Stan Miller airplane crash brought
to Anchorage. First hard frost, 28 above last night, no more
flowers. Lumber and blocks account new house $88.05, freight
$20.30. Radio good. School teacher arrived to open
Wasilla grade and high school.
September 4, 1936 Cement mixer arrived PM.
Started to pour cement in forms on new house aft of store.
Hartley delivered 26 more chimney cement blocks. Game season
open, all after grouse. A-1 day, clear 70 above, evening
36 above. Fred, Al and Metz on cement work ½ day.
Radio weak. KFQD went haywire on news period. Palmer
Fair now on.
September 5, 1936 Business normal. Got
$60 order from Caswell fur farm. Got cement forms half
filled. Mayor Gill and wife, from Anchorage, visited.
Evening, Hartley delivered 20 boxes peaches and cement from
Anchorage. A-1 day, 60 above, midnight down to 30.
Snider and gang laid off. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on cement
work. Radio weak.
September 6, 1936 Sunday, Eva and self store
keepers. Ma and Marie Martha went to Knik with Gill family.
No work on cement account rain. Evening, Stanley and Sharon
in from New Bullion Mine. No freight train. Temperature
40 to 50 above, rain PM and evening. Radio weak. Jackson
family back from trip outside. Gill and wife at dinner. Mrs.
Morrison visited.
September 7, 1936 Stanley, Marie and Sharon
took in Palmer Agricultural Fair PM. Engine on cement mixer
bucking, delayed work 1/3 of time. Farmers busy harvesting
crops in rain. First snow on Bald Mt. 30 to 50 above.
Fred, Al and Metz on cement work 1 day, also self. Radio
fair.
September 8, 1936 Busy all day hauling new
merchandise from set-out to store and warehouses. Work
on cement forms done, now laying floor in cellar of new house.
Election, Churchill and Rathjen out from Knik to vote, also Fern
and Gold Cord. Frost nights, day time 50 to 60 above.
Fred, Al and Metz, 1 day on cement cellar. Radio skookum.
Alaska and State election. Mules in Alaska still going strong.
Big fight in state of Washington over election.
September 9, 1936 Self pricing up and storing
away new merchandise. Boys finished cement work on new
cellar walls and concrete floors. Evening, got out-mail.
Sylvia Secton visited, taking pictures. Partly cloudy,
38 to 50 above. Fred, Al and Metz on cement 1 day, finished
main walls and floor. School opened. Radio fair.
Democrats got Alaska 3 to 1. Georgia went Republican in states.
September 10, 1936 Brill car south, no mail
train. Took forms off cement, finished cement floor in
cellar of new house, building cement stairs to cellar. Eva
lost a tooth down sewer. New German plane crossed Atlantic
in 22 hours. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on cement work and forms.
Radio good. Spain rebellion on now 30 days. France about
ready for insurrection. Used cement mixer 5 days.
September 11, 1936 Mail went south.
Eva left, 6 with Cad, for Anchorage to replace a lost tooth,
back at 5 PM with cream puffs. ARR Co-op truck took back
Shonback’s cement mixer at noon. Put in forms for concrete stairs.
Fred and Al 1 day on concrete stairs, Metz 1 day on excavating. Radio
good, all war news. Baby Marie slept with Grandma last night while
her mother looking for lost tooth.
September 12, 1936 Lee Hartley delivered 10
sacks cement from Anchorage. Mail train on time, got bill
for doors, windows, etc. for new house. Stanley in from
mine for weekend. Pat Snider left for Fairbanks College.
Excavated for 12 x 14 annex to house. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on annex
aft new house. Radio mushy. Germany and Italy bucking
Russia on trade relations. War in Spain still on. Put
new air cell on radio set.
September 13, 1936 Sunday, store open 9 to
12 noon. PM made up cash and helped boys on annex cement walls.
Boat freight arrived PM. Stanley returned to his mine. Vida
Deigh visiting at Eva’s. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day pouring
cement in annex to new house. Radio good. Jackson family
on the air. A-1 day, 40 to 65 above.
September 14, 1936 PM unloaded car, windows,
doors, flooring, etc. for new house, stored same in garage.
Rustic in Gus warehouse. Last freight in to go over Fishhook
summit. Maine went Republican. Rebels in the lead
in Spain war. Fred, Al and Metz ½ day on cement, ½
day on haulage of lumber with Gus’ truck Radio good.
Germany ready to scrap Russia if necessary. France’s government
about ready for rebellion.
September 15, 1936 Sold outfit to 2 new locators
at mile 10 north. Put top cement on cellar floor.
PM started frame work on new house. Fred and Al are carpenters.
Metz took forms off annex wall. Stored maple flooring in
Mabel cabin. Weather cloudy, 44 to 50 above. Radio
good. Young Carlson and passenger killed in airplane at Good
News Bay on 14th.
September 16, 1936 Self busy on
new house, cemented up all cracks on cement wall plates.
Hauled up truck load lumber. Boys laid first floor on foundation.
Wired for groceries and batteries account strike. Weather
cloudy, 50 above. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on new house.
Radio loud but mushy. Willibaugh, the novelist, on the air
over KFQD. Big storm around Florida coast.
September 17, 1936 Last Brill car went south,
tourist trade off. Laid out windows and doors and studding,
ready to raise on first floor of new house. Lee Hartley delivered
40 cans gas, oil, and 572’ lumber from Anchorage. Fred and
Al 1 day on carpenter work, Metz 1 day grading aft of house. Radio
loud, big storm on Gulf and Atlantic Coast.
September 18, 1936 Received wire from Florence,
has prospective cash buyers for Burnap and Seymour farm.
Raised studding on first floor of new house. Shonback transferred
cattle from mountain home to tide flats. Rain AM cleared
PM 52 above. Fred and Al on house 1 day, Metz on cesspool ditch,
1 day. Radio good. JP back on air. Big storm on
Atlantic Coast.
September 19, 1936 Carpenters cutting
openings for doors and windows and on corner braces on new house.
Received Rochester Daily Post, paid to 9/8/1937. Big mail
arrived PM. Evening, dance on at Wasilla Hall. Stanley
in from mine. A-1 day, autumn here, birch golden yellow, 60
above. Fred and Al on new house 1 day, Metz on sewer ditch 1 day.
Radio loud, Cincinnati and Minneapolis came in. Spain rebels about
to take Madrid, the capitol.
September 20, 1936 Sunday, in store AM.
PM made up cash and helped on new house windows. Freight
brought ½ car new merchandise. Harold Kenny, back
from jail, at dance last night, drew knife on Ellexson, so now
back in jail, should be in asylum. Fred and Al on new house.
Metz on cesspool ditch, 1 day each. Radio loud with static.
Only one more boat before strike. Stanley returned to his
mine.
September 21, 1936 Wired for septic tank.
Hauled over 3 truck loads new merchandise from set-out and 2
loads lumber from track warehouse account new house. Duck
hunters busy these days. Birch trees now golden yellow, 12 hours
sun, 55 to 65 above, partly cloudy. Fred and Al 1 day on siding,
Metz ½ day on sewer and ½ day on freight. Radio
loud, all stations on air. Rebels getting upper hand of Spain
Rebellion.
September 22, 1936 Self pricing
new merchandise AM. PM made concrete blocks to hold 2
ton chimney, ready to install rafters on new house. Railroad
going to close down if longshoreman strike comes off, October 1st.
Thorpe’s closed down their mine. Fred, Al and Metz on new house 1 day.
Radio loud to 9 PM then died out. News, all war and politics.
September 23, 1936 Rafters up on new house,
ready for roofing. Metz plowed his lot PM, hauled
balance of lumber from track warehouse to new house. Stanley
in from his mine. Cad and Horning hauling oil to mines.
Ellexson’s out from Knik. 1 AM earthquake. Fred and Al 1 day
on new house, Metz ½ day. Radio good to 9 PM Rebels
on the gain in Spain.
September 24, 1936 Business good, sold one
$140 outfit. Stanley returned to close up quartz mine
for winter. Boys got roof covered with shiplap, ready for
roofing. Several locals got their moose. Railroad laying
off section men. Fred and Al and Metz on house 1 day, got roof
covered. Radio loud, rebellion in Spain growing hotter every
day. Evening, on mail.
September 25, 1936 Put in cross braces to hold
house rigid vs. winds, roof ready for shingles. Ordered
1500’ more shiplap from Anchorage. Gus drove to Anchorage
for load oil. Mrs. Dodson left for States. High officials
in Spain ready to abdicate. Hazy and windy account forest
fire at Palmer, 50 above. Fred, Al and Metz, 1 day on new house.
Radio good. France going broke on gold standard.
September 26, 1936 Boys assembled
26’ concrete block chimney in new house. Hartley delivered
2 M ft. lumber and 40 cases oil from Anchorage over new highway.
Stanley and help in from his mine, closed down for winter.
Heavy rain last night and AM 50 to 60 above. Fred, Al and Metz
1 day on concrete block chimney. Ordered car coal.
Radio weak and mushy.
September 27, 1936 Sunday, store open
3 hours AM. New house all closed in with shiplap, ready
for roofing. Stanley retorted his quartz gold, about $1,500
with as much more went over the plates. Mail arrived, PM
milk, sugar and hardware coming. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on new
house. Radio fair. Big forest fire in Oregon, floods
in Texas.
September 28, 1936 Boys laid one side roofing
paper on new house. Stanley, Grandma and Marie made auto
trip to Anchorage with clean-up, back at 6 PM. Forest fires
in Oregon and floods in Texas doing millions in damage. Partly
cloudy, 38 to 50 above. Fred and Al on roof 1 day. Metz
after moss to cover sewer pipe. Booster Club plane, 8 hours
to Juneau. Radio mushy. Boat freight arrived 9 PM
September 29, 1936 Boys finished roof on new
house AM. Boat freight arrived last night PM hauled over
4 truck loads new merchandise from set-out. Pyle in from
Gold Mint, going Outside. Shingles, due 9/14, arrived
today. A-1 day, 40 to 60 above. Fred and Al on roof,
½ day. Fred and Al ½ day on windows.
Metz laying shiplap floor 1 day. Radio mushy. France
in trouble over gold standard. Gold all coming to US.
September 30, 1936 Bill Stokes up from
Anchorage to bid on electric wiring for our new house and Stanley’s
house. Boys assembling window and door frames in new
house. Longshoreman strikes Atlantic Coast. Partly cloudy,
40 to 60 above, no snow on mountains Fred, Al and Metz on
new house 1 day. Radio mushy. Ed Holland in and out.
October 1, 1936 Finished leading joints in
sewer pipe account bath in OGH new house. Boys finished
windows, ready to nail on rustic. Milo Kelly in from BD
Mine for supplies. Weiler disked lots 1, 2 and 3. Partly
cloudy, 40 to 50 above. Fred and Al on windows 1 day.
Metz on sewer pipe and lumber 1 day. Radio good. Spain
loyalist beaten in war by rebels. France off gold standard.
Longshoreman strike, off for 15 days.
October 2, 1936 Hauled rustic from Zink warehouse
to new house and 2 truck loads moss to cover sewer pipe.
Wired for bathroom outfit and sink for new house. Fred, Al and
Metz on new house 1 day, Metz on sewer. Radio good, had in
station from Africa. Strike off for 15 days.
October 3, 1936 Got off Outside mail and orders
AM train. PM self and Jake hauled 3 truck loads rock off
lot 1, new house location. Boys got rustic on north end of
new house. Fred, Al 1 day on rustic. Metz 1 day on cleaning
lot. Radio good. Democrats panning Landon for President.
Football now on.
October 4, 1936 Sunday, boys worked inside
on hangers and braces upper room in new house. Metz cleared
off brush on street front of house. Outside mail and freight
arrived PM. Over 30 moose killed around Wasilla and Willow
Creek. Light rain, 40 to 50 above. Fred and Al 1 day
on inside 2nd floor of new house. Metz on lot work. Radio
loud, some static. Riots in England and France today.
Five news paper men racing around world.
October 5, 1936 Self helping on new house,
put in windows and stringer under floor in basement.
Only eggs, meats and clothing came in last night freight.
Cad hauling powder to Lucky Shot. Paddy and Stanley drove down to
Anchorage to see Dionne kids picture. Snow at mines, showers
40 to 46 above. Fred and Al 1 day on new house, Metz no work.
Radio 25% off. Hot political speakers on the air. One
block of Nenana burned out.
October 6, 1936 Forty ton car winter coal arrived
PM Self painted north gable of new house. Boys got rustic
on east side. Answered V. V. Walter’s inquiry about sale
of K. T. Co. store. Metz no work. Rebels shelling Madrid,
Spain. Weather cloudy, evening rain 44 above. Fred
and Al 1 day on rustic, east side of house. Radio OK, all football
and campaign speeches on air.
October 7, 1936 Business normal, sold
2 outfits. Cad made 2 trips to Lucky Shot, last of freight.
Evening, Stanley drove Shorty to Lucky Shot and brought back his
touring car, 2’ of snow on Bald Mt. and drifting on summit. Al and
Fred 1 day on new house, self painting, Metz toothache. Radio
fair. Football team hit by lightening, coach killed. Alaska
to have old age pension.
October 8, 1936 Business normal, collections
fair. Oscar Anderson unloading 40 ton car coal account
store fuel. Self ½ day painted east side new house.
Septic tank arrived. Boys on rustic. No mail train
south until Monday, boat delayed. Cloudy, mountains covered
with snow to brush line. Fred and Al 1 day on rustic for new
house. Radio fair but mushy. Rebels bombing Madrid, Spain.
Old age pension for Alaskans now OK.
October 9, 1936 Business normal, sold
2 outfits. Oscar Anderson finished unloading car winter
coal, let Stanley have 10 tons. Rustic all on new house except
½ of south end. Gaston moved out to Martin cabin,
mile 12. Fred and Al 1 day on rustic for new house, Metz toothache.
Radio weak. Stanley repaired 1932 Crosley set for Carl Fritzler.
Metz went to Anchorage account toothache.
October 10, 1936 Business normal, monthly
collections good. Rain last night, took down snow off
Bald Mt. Self digging hole for septic tank. Landon and
Roosevelt hot on the air with campaign speeches. Snow in
several states before Alaska. Rain AM and last night, 50 above.
Fred and Al ½ day inside, ½ day on rustic. Short
wave good, long wave NG. All Europe talking war.
October 11, 1936 Sunday, Ma store keeper,
self finished hole for septic tank, ready to lower. Noon,
Stanley and family and Mrs. Lundstrom left, with Shorty’s car,
for Anchorage. Evening, on mail and orders, 3 AM
Partly cloudy, Bald Mt. rained out, 40 to 50 above. Fred and
Al finished rustic AM PM on wall board. Radio fair, early,
then mushy.
October 12, 1936 Business normal, sold
one outfit. Ma busy in store all day. Kids back
from Anchorage, 5 PM over new highway. Riots in Liverpool.
Reported Russia helping royalists in Spain. Italy and Germany
helping rebels. Evening rain 40 to 50 above. Fred and
Al on wallboard 1 day. Radio fair. Landon and Roosevelt
throwing mud at each other in campaign talks.
October 13, 1936 Self helping on assembling
windows and stairs in new house. Mail train arrived at
midnight. Answered Chas R. Harrison’s letter about sale of
his farm, advised to contact A. J. Shannon, sale made. Cloudy
and cold, 40 above. Fred and Al ½ day on ceiling and ½
day on stairs and windows. Radio fair, mushy at times.
October 14, 1936 Business normal.
Put up one large order for Longo at Fern Mine. Self soldered
up septic tank, now ready to cover up. Al assembled stairs
in new house. ARC completed road to Cottonwood hay flats.
Metz back from Anchorage. More snow on mountain peaks, 40
above. Fred on wallboard 1 day, Al on stairs 1 day, self on
septic tank ½ day. Roosevelt on short wave, from Chicago,
preaching new deal. Long wave no good.
October 15, 1936 Business good, sales
over $400. Self laying out partitions in new house.
Gus took load of groceries for Alongo to Fern Mine. Pacific
Coast strike extended to October 28th. Boat freight arrived,
4 days late. Light rain, 45 above, snow on hills. Fred
on wallboard 1 day, Al on partitions 1 day. Radio fair but mushy.
Sold RCA short wave set to Alongo.
October 16, 1936 Self on new house, worked
all day. Hauled over 1 truck load new merchandise from
freight shed. Evening, paid all invoices, cancelled egg and
butter order, too many rotten eggs. Cad drove to Fern Mine,
snow at mines. Rain all day, 40 above. Radio NG, wind
storms in States, boats sunk.
October 17, 1936 Lee Hartley delivered 14 pieces
of 2x6 for annex aft of new house. Wind storms off Rhode Island.
Hartley delivered freight to Martin Mine. Weather clearing
and colder, evening, mountains all white. Temperature 26
to 48. Fred on wallboard 1 day, Al on partitions 1 day, self
on painting. Radio good, both short wave and long wave.
October 18, 1936 Sunday, store open 9
to 12 AM. Did big stroke of business on new house.
Finished painting 2 sides, finished septic tank and slump hole.
Bill Stoltze wired house for electric. Heavy frost last night,
clear today 45 above. Fred and Al 1 day on wallboard.
Metz ½ day on septic tank. Radio fair.
John A. Conners mushing out dead man to Valdez. KNX mockery
in Alaska.
October 19, 1936 Metz finished covering septic
tank AM. Wieler and team scraping dirt away from new house.
Self hauled off truck load rock. Started 12 x 14 annex
aft of new house. Self painting, PM Windy, 38 above.
Fred and Al on annex 1 day. Metz on septic tank ½ day.
Outside radio NG. Landon in route to California for speech
making. Fifty flew out Inside.
October 20, 1936 Weiler finished scraping around
new house. Storm and wind prevented work on annex aft
new house. Self painted west side of house. ARC graveling
gang came out over Fishhook summit. Gus went in.
Radio weak. Landon spoke in Los Angeles.
October 21, 1936 Boys rained out, PM on annex,
then finished 1st floor in attic. Metz doing grading
and put in 2 drains in front of cellar windows. Rain all
day and evening, snow inside, 42 above. Radio good.
October 22, 1936 Business normal.
Heavy earthquake 8:30 PM. Mail went south, boat due AM
tomorrow at Seward. Self put guide strips on 4 windows and
did some painting. Boys on wallboard in attic. Metz no
work. Heavy rain, took snow off on Willow Creek. Heavy
rain last night and all day, 44 above. Long wave NG. Roosevelt
speaking in NE States. Landon’s whistle gone haywire, no talk
today.
October 23, 1936 Packed 2 orders for up railroad
line. Mail arrived 6:30 PM, received 2 inquiries, from Washington,
to buy K. T. Co. business. Boys completed annex, ready
for roofing. Metz grading around new house. Bath
fixtures arrived. Weather clearing, 40 above. Radio
weak. Anchorage hit hardest by earthquake, $500 damage.
Snow rained off mountains.
October 24, 1936 Metz on grading. Boys finished
annex, ready for roofing AM PM on wallboards in attic.
Self sealed all laps paper in annex. Pope crying account
over 5,000 Catholics killed in Spain rebellion. Rebel airplanes
dropped notes over Madrid demanding surrender. Radio fair.
Russia helping Spain. Germany and Italy helping rebels.
October 25, 1936 Sunday, Ma store keeper
AM. PM self and Metz cleaned up rock, gravel and dirt,
3 loads, and hauled surplus lumber to railroad warehouse.
Fred and Al laid roof on annex to new house. Freight arrived,
4 PM hauled 1 load merchandise. Cloudy, misty, 42 above.
Radio weak. News from London states Roosevelt would get 32
out of 48 states in November election.
October 26, 1936 Finished sidewalk in front
of new house, 120’. Hauled over bathroom fixtures, furnace,
sink, etc. just arrived. Boys finished annex AM,
PM on doors and casings. Windy, heavy rain in evening, +44.
Radio good, snow and zero at Chicago today.
October 27, 1936 Self finished walk to side
door new house. Fred and Al on door inside. Stained
back door. Mrs. White got heart attack, RR agent nurse sent
for husband. ARR Co-op reported out of funds. Cloudy,
evening rain, 44 above. Radio good. New England hit
by cold wave.
October 28, 1936 Got off south mail.
Stanley went to Anchorage to get loan for mining machinery.
Boys insulating inside doors. Self did some staining and
painting. Willow-Lucky Shot Road washed out. Harry
White arrived by plane account wife. Cloudy, sleet storm last
night, same tonight, 40 above. Radio good except when sleet
storm on. Campaign talk red hot on the air.
October 29, 1936 Business fair, Ma store
keeper. Stanley back from Anchorage on mail train. Self
painting house outside, 2 hours will finish. Boys on inside
doors and casings. Everything iced up this morning. Longshoreman
strike delayed 48 hours. Temperature 20 to 32 above, sleet
storm last night, icy streets. Radio mushy. Roosevelt
and Landon finished campaign speeches in NE states.
October 30, 1936 Put up one good size grub
order for McNalley’s. Self painting, boys on trimmings,
AM, PM on attic wallboard. Ma’s 67th birthday, still going
strong. Weather cloudy, 32 to 38 above, mountains white
again. Radio good. All Pacific Coast football game.
Mrs. Simpson in line to marry King of England.
October 31, 1936 Business normal. Finished
outside coat on new house during past 2 weeks rain drops.
Boys finished wall in attic. ARC moving road back 100’
from depot on south side. Halloween kids gone to Palmer,
no pranks. Cloudy, evening rain, 36 above. Short wave ok.
Heard both Roosevelt and Landon on final campaign speeches in New
York.
End of October memo: Self busy past 2 months
erecting new 5 room modern house on corner of Boundary Street
and Wasilla Avenue, fitted for electric appliances, after years
of sponge bathing, now going to have a real bath.
November 1, 1936 Sunday, store open 3
hours AM. Self puttied up nail holes in front of new house
for second coat of paint Boys started to lay floor in upper
rooms. Evening, made out monthly statements. Fired
Diamond account Alaska Railroad closing down. Cloudy, evening
windy, 42 above. No Outside long wave, short wave fair,
no news.
November 2, 1936 Business normal.
Boys finished attic floor. Self staining and varnishing
doors. Both Landon and Roosevelt on air asking everyone to
cast their vote for President of U. S. tomorrow. Evening,
Hartley passed through with load freight for Bralaska Mine.
Cloudy, evening rain, 40 above. Radio weak, snow, rain and wind
in states.
November 3, 1936 Business normal.
Boys on doors AM, PM repairing foundation on south side
of store. Hartley returned to Anchorage with load empty
oil drums for Bralaska Mine. Roosevelt won over Government
Landon for President. More taxes and New Deals coming up.
Storms in States, wet election, Democrats won.
November 4, 1936 Self and Fred, one day on
store foundation repairs. Al on sick list. Evening,
Lee Hartley delivered 2½ tons gas, lumber and groceries
from Anchorage. Letter from W. A. Coghill, of Nenana, wants
to buy our store business. Mail south last train.
Sunny day, evening cooler, 40 above. No Outside radio, all about
Presidential election over local station.
November 5, 1936 Joe Palmer left for trapping
camp near Caswell. Finished repairing foundation to store.
Finished second coat paint on front of new house. Now about
ready to lay hardwood floor. Frost last night, light wind,
+42. Weak radio early, 9 PM OK. Wires hot to D. C. about
closing down Alaska Railroad.
November 6, 1936 Finished up outside painting
and made steps to entering house. Al completed doors, now
ready to lay floor. Railroad to operate weekly, mixed train
during winter. Sunny day, evening cloudy again, +40.
Radio mushy. Airplanes doing big business operating between
Anchorage, Juneau and Seattle account coast strike.
November 7, 1936 Business normal. Finished
walks and all outside work around new house. Waiting
for panel saw to lay floor. Received wire from delegate
Diamond, D. C. that train service would be resumed on the Alaska
Railroad. Rebels now entering Madrid, Spain. Frost last
night, cloudy, evening windy and rain, 20 to 42 above. Radio
good early then mushy. All the news about Alaska Railroad.
Pacific Coast strike, all boats tied up.
November 8, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Ground white this AM 34 to 44 above, rain tonight. Snow
all gone PM. Boys no work, self cleaned up 4 inside doors and
stained one door PM Mixed train south with mail. Radio
fair. Strike on Pacific and Atlantic Coast going strong.
Over 100 boats tied up and will try to tie up Roosevelt’s fishing boat.
November 9, 1936 Stanley and family
and Mrs. Oberg drove to Anchorage in Sharon’s new car and returned.
Ma store keeper, self stained doors in new house and painted steps,
2nd coat. Cad and family drove to Anchorage. Weather clear,
32 above.
November 10, 1936 Resumed work on laying hardwood
floor in new house and self installing furnace. Coast
strike affecting Hawaii Island, tourists marooned, no money or
grub. Ground crusted with frost last night. Diamond
arranged for food through Canada. Cloudy, light wind, 30 above.
Radio weak until 8:30. Ken Laughlin new announcer over KFQD.
MacDonald bought out J.P.
November 11, 1936 Store closed PM account Armistice
Day. Stanley helped to assemble furnace in new house.
Boys laying floors in new house. Evening, American Legion
program over air from Anchorage, most all boozed up. Zero
weather Inside. Radio NG, local station OK. Outside mail
due Saturday by government boat, strike still on.
November 12, 1936 Self and Stanley worked on
new furnace, one part missing, ready to put on top hoods to
floor register. Boys got vestibule, kitchen and bathroom
floors laid. Schoolmarm murdered in Palmer last night.
Below zero at all Yukon points. Winter is here, colder, 20
above, evening snow. Outside radio NG, got news from local stations.
November 13, 1936 First mail in 2 weeks left
for Outside. Strike mail due Sunday via Canada-Juneau,
to Seward. Sprinkle of snow today. Below zero for
all points Inside. Made taper joint account furnace.
Weather colder, cloudy, 10 to 20 above. No Outside radio,
local station only. First fire in office.
November 14, 1936 Wooly day, 14 to 30 above,
evening blizzard, died out midnight. Completed pipe connections,
furnace to chimney flue. Boys about completed floor.
Put 2nd filling in store coal bin. Made out statement covering
placer mine expense. Radio all static account blizzard.
November 15, 1936 Sunday, busy AM cleaning
off walks. Boys nailing on corner and base boards in
new house. Self readjusting inner hood on new furnace.
City of Anchorage dedicated new Federal building with 1 hour program
on air PM Eight inches new snow, blizzard.
November 16, 1936 Business slow, storm drove
customers under cover. Weather cloudy, +14. Boys
finished inside work on new house, all but door locks for want
of same. Through at noon, put in 58 days on house and 18
days on cement basement. Self completed inner hood on furnace.
McDougal in from Fern Mine. Radio OK after 8 PM Rebels
still bombing Madrid. Maritime strikers and employees getting
together.
November 17, 1936 Self cleaned up shavings,
etc. left by carpenters in new house. Assembled outside
hood on furnace, lead in 2 too large, will have to cut down to fit.
U. S. Cutter arrived at Seward with mail. partly cloudy,
evening, snowing, 22 above. Radio good, all stations on air.
President Roosevelt and party left for good will trip to south.
November 18, 1936 Most all work
suspended for winter. Self completed assembling furnace
in new house. Executive order by President Roosevelt authorizes
Alaska Railroad to charter boats to Alaska during longshoreman
strike. No good radio until 8 PM. Mussolini and Hitler
dictating peace plans to all other Europe nations. Temperature
14 above, cloudy, evening snow, 44 below zero Inside.
November 19, 1936 Ma woke up at
midnight sick and vomiting, in bed all day, evening much better.
Several had this sickness including Marie Martha and her dad.
First mail since October 28 arrived via Canada and Juneau by government
boat account Pacific Coast longshoreman strike. Temperatures
25 above to 4 below, snow flurries. Both short and long wave
good. Government chartering boats in Seattle to connect with
Alaska Railroad account longshoreman strike.
November 20, 1936 Put up flies to close off
balcony for winter. Way freight went south. Milo
Kelly sick, went to Anchorage. Mrs. Kelly at Lucky Shot.
Trusty brought them from BD Mine to Lucky Shot. Honolulu out
of grub. Roosevelt fishing at Buenos Aires. Spanish
rebels put blockade on boats to Spain.
November 21, 1936 Nailed corrugated iron
over windows on railroad warehouse. Evening, raining.
Rotary snow plow returned from Broad Pass. Chinook weather,
30 to 40 above. Leibing on Fishhook mail delivery, $75 for
twice a month. Colonel Ohlson in San Francisco for boats.
Radio good. Got KSL at midnight, news and football games.
November 22, 1936 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. Put brass weather strips on outside doors and quarter-round
on baseboards in kitchen. New house waiting for floor plane.
Government heads women and children evacuating Madrid account
rebels bombing the city. Chinook rain last night, 36 to 42
above. England says hands off on Spain blockade. Radio
fair. No boats for Alaska as yet. Harry Bridges says Alaskan’s
not starving.
November 23, 1936 Got out some
mail. PM installed draft regulators on furnace.
Juneau buried up with land slide, several killed. No boats
to be moved for Alaska run to strikers. Warm wind, spring time again,
38 above. Radio good. American Embassy ordered to
move out of Madrid War, growing hotter every day.
November 24, 1936 Heavy rain all
day. Answered 4 inquiries account buying K. T. Co. store
business from Chicago, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Put asbestos paper over furnace pipe. Discover, 8 days, Seldovia
to Seward. Kasoliff and Brown’s plane unreported. Windy,
rain midnight, 40 above. Radio weak. Lindy flying England
to Iceland, overdue 12 hours. In S. F. one boat chartered for Alaska.
November 25, 1936 Summer day, 7
AM 52 above and around 50 above all day. Cloudy, light wind.
At Anchorage, wind and rain tore airplanes from moorings, $1000
damage, chimneys blew down. PM Clarence Fleck started to
plane floors in new house. Radio good. Wind and rain storm,
Anchorage to Cordova today, Wasilla only calm airport.
November 26, 1936 Turkey day, no turkeys account
Pacific Coast marine strike. Had roast sunny Knik chickens
for our Thanksgiving dinner, Alaska spuds and cranberry sauce.
Spring day, no snow, 30 to 40 above. Day radio NG, night
radio fair.
November 27, 1936 Mail went south
to catch mail boat on 30th. Clarence and Shawn scraping
floors in new house. PM self put lock on cellar door and did
corking. Russia announced she is ready to fight the world
if necessary. A-1 day, partly cloudy, 28 above. Radio
good, strike settled on Atlantic Coast and coming to a close on
Pacific Coast. Ordered 500 watt plant for new house.
November 28, 1936 Filled furnace coal bin.
Lawrence finished planing hardwood floors, 17½ hours
in new house. Stanley drove down to CD’s ranch for 2 sacks
spuds due us in 1935. Hartley brought tobacco up from Anchorage.
Basketball at Palmer. Temperature 28 above, PM started
to sleet a sprinkle of white. Short wave OK, got Navy football
game at New York. No long wave news, only local station.
November 29, 1936 Sunday, Ma store keeper
AM. Self putting quarter-round in rooms of new house.
Stanley sold Ma’s car to Louie Loberg, same about gone account
rocky road at G. B. Mine, frame and oil line broke. Someone
stole Fred’s fence posts. Radio NG, local church over KFQD.
Wasilla sleeping after basketball at Palmer last night.
November 30, 1936 Clerk B
drove to Anchorage, partly on business. Cleaned off walks.
Finished nailing on quarter-round in new house. Reported
boat to leave Seattle next Saturday with groceries for Seward.
One inch new snow, 32 above. PM Kenny trial at U. S. Commissioners.
Outside radio NG, all Europe nations making alliances for future war.
England, like U. S. wants to be neutral.
November Memo: New house held up account
strike, waiting for range, water system and Anon electric
plant and locks for inside doors. Self now finishing
hardwood floors, staining and varnishing. Pipeless furnace
working fine.
December 1, 1936 Self on monthly statements
all day and evening. Outside mail arrived at Anchorage,
due Wasilla tomorrow. Hartley delivered lumber for coal
bin, new house, noon. President Roosevelt making a hit in
S. A. Cold wave Inside, 8 to 20 above at Wasilla. Ma
getting a cold. Short wave ok, long wave NG. News on local
station.
December 2, 1936 Received letter mail but no
parcel post came, still in Juneau. Varnished 3 doors in
new house. Airplanes had to land at Wasilla account fog
at Anchorage. Evening, got out-mail for Seattle. Zero
all day, evening, up to 20 above. Radio fair. British
going to recall young King Edward if he marries American woman.
December 3, 1936 Second mail, since
strike, went Outside. First boats with relief supplies
leave Seattle on 5th and 6th of December. Prince of Wales
tired of being King of England, going to marry American woman?
Evening, wind coming up, 18 above. Long wave NG, short wave
fair. President Roosevelt returning from South America peace
conference. Fred Tracy, agent, died in Seattle.
December 4, 1936 Started
to build 10 ton coal bin on east side annex to new house.
Reported that Lillawall, lumber man at Wasilla, and built K. T. Co.
store buildings, died in California, 84 years old. Cloudy,
mild wind, 20 above. Radio NG, local station OK. Christmas
ads on the air.
December 5, 1936 Finished coal bin aft new
house. PM school bus took Wasilla basketball players to
Anchorage, got beat 4 to 26. Gottstein, salesman, visited,
were routing tobacco parcel post. King Edward the 8th staying
with lady love? Weather cloudy, 20 above, snow Inside.
No Outside radio. News over local station.
December 6, 1936 Sunday, Ma store keeper
AM. Stanley at Anchorage with basketball team.
Edlund’s in from flats to trade. Finished coal bin for
new house. Basketball team back from Anchorage by bus, was beat 4
to 26. Kind Edward going, by air, after lady love in France.
No Outside radio. Anchorage Elks had program over local station.
December 6, Stanley 32.
December 7, 1936 Second Outside mail since
strike arrived at Anchorage, due Wasilla tomorrow. Completed
raise up door to coal bin and shoot in cellar of new house, also
inside wall in annex. Burger boats arrived Seattle.
Zero all day, partly cloudy, 4 below zero.
December 8, 1936 Second mail since strike arrived
PM. Finished coal bin shoot and made work bench in basement
of new house. Eva visited on Palmer doctor for inspection.
Doctor said it looked like a Dionne outfit? Radio fair.
England having a heck of a time of King’s marriage to Miss Simpson,
Baltimore woman.
December 9, 1936 Mail went south but no mail
boat at Seward. Ma and Marie had planned to go to Anchorage
today. Marie got cold coming on so didn’t go. McDougal
in and left for California to recuperate, now 69 years old.
Light rain, snow about gone, 20 above. Radio fair.
Snowing everywhere but Matanuska Valley, Colonists keeping it warm?
December 10, 1936 Wet snow, Wasilla white again,
30 above. Rain, wound up with wet snow storm. King
Edward the 8th abdicated the British throne to marry American
girl. His brother, George, will take his job. Old timer,
H. H. Healy, passed out at Susitna Station, also Martin Leckwold.
December 11, 1936 Lothrop in from Cottonwood
Flats for supplies at noon. King Edward on the air, told
why he quit his royal stuff to marry a Baltimore girl. His
brother, George, now will be King. Cloudy, zero weather.
Radio good. Boat with Alaska merchandise left Seattle today,
strike not settled.
December 12, 1936 Got order from Caswell Lake
fur farm. Wasilla basketball team left for Anchorage
by bus for second game. ARC mechanics overhauling truck and
Cats. First real cold snap, 2 to 10 below zero. Radio good,
all stations on air. All war talk, Japan, China and all Europe.
December 13, 1936 Sunday, open AM for
absent minded. Made up weekly cash register account.
Self not feeling good, old stomach trouble. Cold wave at
Madrid, not much fighting. Ex-King voted 50,000 pounds for
year, pin money, why work? Cold wave, 16 below zero. Radio
good. Radio chief operator froze to death near Whitney, when
car stalled last night.
December 14, 1936 Clearing off walks, biggest
job today. Self not feeling good, old stomach trouble.
Ex-King Edward Windsor the same after quitting British throne.
Settlement of strike soon. Zero weather with snow. Radio
good, all stations on the air. Floods in England.
December 15, 1936 Selling a few Christmas dolls,
etc. Cleaned off walks. PM puttied up nail holes
with plastic wood in new house. Harry Bridges fired by
his striking union, strike over. Warmer and snowing, 10 above
zero. Radio good. Ma and Marie Martha all set for trip
to Anchorage.
December 16, 1936 Ma and Marie Martha left
AM for Anchorage via auto car to Matanuska, to buy out Santa
Claus. Installed microphone connector to radio.
Stoll, timber contractor, trying to get grub on timber cut.
December 17, 1936 Grandma and Marie Martha
at Anchorage shopping. One inch snow last night, busy
with fires today. Cold snap, 8 below zero all day.
Big mail due at Seward on Monday. Way freight went north as
far as Curry. Broad Pass blocked with snow. Radio fair.
Roosevelt back from fishing trip to South America.
December 18, 1936 Self in store AM. PM
filled nail heads with plastic wood in new house. Ma and
Marie back from Anchorage at noon via Matanuska by train, Stanley
met them with car. Ex-King Edward and Mrs. Simpson news.
Radio weak, strike about ½ settled, no turkey for Christmas.
Cold wave, 8 to 22 below zero all day.
December 19, 1936 Business slow, customers
froze up. Latest on strike: will be New Year before settled.
Boat with rail line merchandise just left Juneau for Seward.
Three transport airplanes lost in states. Filled coal
bin. Cold wave, 20 to 26 below zero, clear. Radio
good. Juneau station KINY coming in. Christmas programs
on air.
December 20, 1936 Sunday, wind blew all
the snow out of Wasilla. PM made up weekly cash register
and priced up hardware and drugs in route. Very few out today.
Quake in Salvador, killed 200, injured 400. Big wind,
8 above zero. Radio weak account big wind.
December 21, 1936 Self bothered with stomach
trouble AM. PM set nails on wallboard and puttied up
n ail heads and cracks. Eva time up to go to Palmer hospital
and have twins? Wind strong on Pacific Coast. Railroad
mail arrived. Still blowing and clear, 14 above. Radio
fair.
December 22, 1936 First freight since October
arrived at Seward on SS Arctic for rail belt. South American
Peace Conference closed, promised no more wars. Self had stomach
ache all day. Wind died out AM snow gone, 18 above. Radio
fair, good Christmas programs.
December 23, 1936 Business fair account
Christmas shopping and only leftovers to shop on. Part
of fruit order off Arctic arrived, other merchandise to follow.
First Outside freight since October account strike. Stanley
took Eva to Palmer Hospital, 1 hour later baby boy named O. G. Jr.?
Grandson arrived 1 PM 8½ pounds, quick action. Sent Roe and
Florence $10 money order for 1936 Christmas at Eyota, Minnesota.
Gave Ma, Marie Martha and brother and their Dad and Mom $45 cash for
Christmas.
December 24, 1936 Small trade all
day. Out of apples, oranges and butter and no freight delivery
until Monday. PM Stanley drove over to Palmer hospital
to see his new son, Orville Stanley Herning. Evening, Christmas
tree at Wasilla Hall. Marie Martha got a lot of books and
toys. Cloudy outside, rain and snow, 14 above. Radio
good, KNOX, St. Louis Christmas program.
December 25, 1936 Christmas, store open 3 hours,
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with chickens. Had chicken
dinner, southern style, Ma, self, Stanley and Marie Martha.
Eva and 8½ pound baby boy in Palmer hospital. Christmas
cost grandpa $55 cash money. Marie and her Pa visited on Eva in
hospital. A-1 day, cloudy, 20 above. Radio good. Two
hundred lives lost in states at Christmas. All Europe may mix in
Spanish war.
December 26, 1936 Business fair, Marie Martha
and Dad drove over to see mother Eva and baby boy in Palmer hospital.
Self nursing stomach trouble, several cases of it. Evening,
Ma was complaining. All war talk over in Europe account Spain
rebellion. Weather colder, 18 above AM 2 above evening.
Radio good. Lafayette set arrived for Haller from Chicago,
7 tubes and gets everything.
December 27, 1936 Sunday, quiet in town, sleeping
off Christmas. Marie and dad drove over to Palmer to see
Ma and baby boy. Made up weekly cash register report and
paid all invoices. Freight due 28th. Blizzard all day,
20 above. Stomach some better, Ma off grub today. Evening,
half soled shoes. Radio fair. Trying out Haller’s new
Lafayette 7 tube set.
December 28, 1936 Business slow account big
snow. Busy all AM cleaning off sidewalks. Rush order from
McNalley’s on Forty Mile Miller’s ranch for doctor account baby
coming. ARC snow plow opened road for autos. Palmer
doctor arrived just in time to deliver an 8 lb. baby boy. Storm
ended with foot of snow, 22 above. New merchandise due today,
put off until 30th on Alaska Railroad, 6 tons merchandise overdue.
Radio weak. Third airplane crashed today in states, Arthur Brisbane
noted write, buried today.
December 29, 1936 Cleaned up account
receiving past due freight coming tomorrow. Stanley drove
to Palmer to see Eva and son. Marie got cold, stayed home.
Sent annual donation to Times and KFQD account air news service.
Partly cloudy, A-1 day, 20 to 28 above. Outside radio NG.
Got world news over local station.
December 30, 1936 Order from O and O fur farm.
Mail went south 4 PM to catch boat at Seward. Third mail
since November 1st arrived. Pope at Rome about to pass
out. Pacific Coast strike deeper than ever, no promised
freight delivery today. More snow last night, now 18 inches,
10 to 28 above. Self nursing pain in stomach. Outside
radio long wave and short wave fair.
December 31, 1936 Close old year. Self
shoveled out snow around side and front entrance account receiving
6 tons freight due PM. Stanley visited son and mom at Palmer
hospital, brought home the usual bag of didies to wash up.
A-1 day, partly cloudy, 10 to 18 above. Dr. Martin’s son kidnapped
at Tacoma, want $28,000 to release boy.
1937
January 1, 1937 Open 3 hours AM Chinook,
38 above. Self AM put new valves on store pump.
PM on monthly statements. Started on inventory. PM
Marie and dad went to Palmer with Bixler’s to visit Eva and son.
Long wave NG, midnight wind and rain.
January 2, 1937 Chinook and rain 38 above.
Finished monthly statements. Delayed freight off SS Arctic
12/21 at Seward, arrived 4 PM today, hauled over 2 tons perishables.
New Year in states took 250 lives, most killed by autos.
Rufe Stephan and wife out from Knik.
January 3, 1937 Sunday, turned cold,
10 below. All merchandise, sold out, restored.
Butter sold five pounds to a customer. AM Gus hauled over
4 tons, balance of new merchandise arrived. Stanley brought Eva
and son home from Palmer hospital. Outside radio weak.
January 4, 1937 Pricing up new merchandise.
Ma and Stanley on grocery inventory. Zero weather today.
Congress convened at Washington, D. C. School in session
again after holiday vacation. Ma nursing a cold.
Berney Stone passed out, News editor. Spain rebellion hotter
every day.
January 5, 1937 Finished pricing up new groceries.
Stanley and Ma on grocery inventory next. Mail due at
Seward January 7th. South elected Speaker of House at
D. C. Mayor of San Francisco got air account Pacific Coast
strike now 68th day. Evening rain, 36 above.
January 6, 1937 Chinook, 38 above, rained at
midnight. Stanley drove to Anchorage account lame back
Ma and self on grocery and drug inventory. Chas Janich
returned to Fern Mine. Radio fair.
January 7, 1937 Business slow, on inventory.
Temperature 40 above all day, rain PM. Stanley back from Anchorage
at noon, highway all ice, dangerous driving. Louie Loberg
over from Palmer, no work. President Roosevelt on the air,
Congress didn’t like his speech. Mail boat in. Radio
NG, 40 minute quake somewhere? Seventieth day of strike.
January 8, 1937 Cloudy, fog AM 10 to 20 above.
All hands on inventory. Ed Holland in from Purchase Creek,
snowed out. Fern snowed in. Mine Ellick out from
Knik with dog team. Gave school $10 account Christmas fruit.
Radio NG. Flu epidemic Outside.
January 9, 1937 Weather colder, 12 above today.
All on inventory. Self took stock in hardware show case.
No more free rides on school buses, to shows and dances, now
10¢ per person, one way. Third Outside mail arrived
PM Radio NG, only Anchorage and Juneau.
January 10, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 16 above.
On hardware inventory AM. Self nursing first cold of
year. Over 300,000 got flu in eastern states. Heavy frosts
in California fruit district. Signal Corps beat Wasilla
basketball. Radio weak.
January 11, 1937 Temperature 38 above, rain.
On inventory. Dr. Martin’s kidnapped 11 year old son
found near Everett, Washington, frozen in snow and beat to death.
Pinkerton jumped in Matanuska River account being held for his
wife’s death. Radio NG, London short wave fair.
January 12, 1937 Zero weather,
clear. All on clothing and hardware inventory.
Pilkenton pulled out of river and sent to Anchorage jail to await
trial account shooting his wife, Zelda King, former school teacher
at Palmer. Government using all efforts to find slayer of
Dr. Martin’s son at Tacoma. Outside radio NG. Ohlson promised
better boat soon.
January 13, 1937 Partly cloudy,
zero weather. All on clothing and hardware inventory. Dr.
Martin’s kidnapped son was buried in Tacoma today. G-men
found car boy was slain in. Several airplanes wrecked on
Pacific Coast. Flu bad in states. Radio fair.
Mrs. McD. in from Fern.
January 14, 1937 Temperature 10 below to zero.
Stanley and mother finished taking grocery and clothing department
inventory. Mrs. McDougal still in town after snowshoes
and her packer on a drunk. President to reduce government
expenses $30,000,000. No radio until 9 PM. World
news over local station.
January 15, 1937 Mrs. McDougal returned to
Fern Mine by car to mile 8 then had to snowshoe rest of way.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with dog team, 2nd trip. Ten U.
S. bomber planes left for Honolulu. Radio fair, got Outside
mail. Ten million dollar frost in California.
January 16, 1937 Clear and 10 above all day.
On hardware inventory. Noon, grandson gave a chicken
dinner, gave him cost of Palmer hospital fee, $135 to start a
bank account. Wasilla played Palmer, basketball
and won. Radio good all stations on air.
January 17, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 15 above.
Usual cows tails Sunday. PM made up cash register weekly report
and filed yearly invoices. Stanley went to Anchorage via highway
account vertebrae out in his back .Radio fair, some static.
Europe notions now growing on America.
January 18, 1937 Evening, snowing, 20 above.
Ma and self on hardware inventory. Stanley at Anchorage
getting tail bone adjusted. Shonback’s man, on Flats, in
for grub. Radio fair. Europe Nations sparing over Spain
rebellion.
January 19, 1937 Light rain all day and evening,
raining since midnight last night. Self clearing out
snow account water puddles around bldgs. Hartley and Stanley
arrived 5 PM by auto truck from Anchorage with 3,00 lbs. oils and
groceries. Mail south at 7 PM Radio good, floods in Ohio.
January 20, 1937 Rain all day, 40 above.
Busy all AM cutting drains in ice to run off water at store.
Streets and roads glare ice. Mrs. McDougal fired 5 men
at Fern. President and wife got soaking wet at inauguration
at Washington, D. C. All stations on air. East and south
flooding.
January 21, 1937 Raining,
40 above. Things change, Kind Edward quit the throne to
marry an American woman. His brother, George, took his place
as King of England. Ohio River flooded out in States.
Western States and California frozen up. Weak radio.
Alaska Legislature in session at Juneau.
January 22, 1937 Temperature 20 to 30 above.
AM cleaned ice off walk, store to depot and sanded same. Streets
all solid ice after 3 days rain. PM on hardware inventory.
Anchorage basketball team played Wasilla team. Radio NG.
Eckman, furniture man, died at Anchorage of pneumonia.
January 23, 1937 Cloudy, snow, 22 above.
Snow squalls AM. On hardware inventory store shelves.
Ohio River flood made 270,000 homeless, worst in history.
Mail from States arrived U. S. Cutter, “Cedar”. Marie Martha
bumped her nose on the ice. Radio OK after 8 PM got Ohio flood
news direct.
January 24, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 18 above.
Store open 8 hours AM. PM on cash register weekly report.
Ohio River flood still on, worst in history. Evening,
sent Herb Carbray all data on sale of K. T. Co. business.
Radio fair, got flood report direct on short wave.
January 25, 1937 Clear and colder, 4 below
to 10 above. Got off help orders to Fern Mine. PM
Fern help came in, mill broke down. Stanley went to Anchorage
account vertebra out in back. Self filled furnace coal bin.
Gus went to Anchorage account sty in eye. Radio fair.
Ohio flood still on, 600,000 homeless.
January 26, 1937 Weather
colder, 10 above to 10 below. Ma and self store keepers.
Stanley in Anchorage account back trouble. Passenger train
went north PM to bring out boat passengers. Ohio flood still
raging and now Mississippi about to overflow. School bus stuck
in ice. Radio fair. Red Cross calling for funds for Ohio flood.
January 27, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature 10 above to 4 below. Put up order for O and O fur
farm. Still taking hardware inventory. Fern help paid their
bills. Red Cross caring for over 700,000 flood refugees.
One Colonist farmer spent $14,000 going to D. C. for more.
Long wave NO, no news, local station only.
January 28, 1937 A-1 day, zero to 10 above.
On hardware inventory. Using snow plows on Seattle streets.
Ohio flood receding today. Stanley back from Anchorage.
Mail arrived. Gave Red Cross $10.
January 29, 1937 Zero weather to 14 above.
Colony farmer, who spent $14,000, now in toil of court.
Thirteen men, who tried to overthrow Soviet government, to be
shot. Self on hardware inventory. Radio fair. Reported
Pacific Coast strike settled.
January 30, 1937 Weather clear, windy, 30 above.
Finished hardware inventory on shelves. Jesse Ward, temporary
agent, while Brown and family went Outside. Alongo’s new
wife in and out. Pacific Coast strike to be settled next
week? Presidents Birthday Ball all over U. S. funds for infant
hospital.
January 31, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 14 above.
Store open 3 hours AM. PM made up weekly cash register report.
Evening, on monthly statements. Five inches snow in Portland,
Oregon today. Radio fair, Gillette razor program good.
January Memo: One foot snow, streets
and roads all ice after 2 days rain. Herning family
completed 1937 inventory on January 1st. Ninety three
day Pacific Coast strike reported as settled on February 3rd.
Only 2 shipments received since October.
February 1, 1937 Windy, 30 above. Self
on monthly statements. PM 2nd delivery of freight, since
October, arrived, got groceries, drugs, hardware, electric pump
for new house. Reported strike about settled, boats leave
Seattle for Seward February 7th. Radio good, Ohio flood
receding.
February 2, 1937 Pricing up drugs and groceries.
Several kids got chicken pox. After 93 days, strikers
voting on work or no work. Court order ousted sit down
strikers out mobile factories in east. Radio NG. Northern
lights, best ever seen. News over local station.
February 3, 1937 Cloudy, zero weather.
AM finished pricing new merchandise and storing away.
PM hauled over flour from track warehouse to store. Seattle
and Portland blocked with snow. Alaska railroad tracks flooded
at Snow River. No Outside radio. Red Cross fund, $1,000
for Ohio flood relief.
February 4, 1937 A-1 day, zero weather.
AM on outside work and corked coal shoot of new house.
PM tabulating on inventory, finished all store inventory.
PM Henry Lewis found dead in his cabin on Main Street. Still
fighting high water in southern states. No Outside radio.
Alaska Legislature doing a lot of voting.
February 5, 1937 Partly cloudy, zero weather.
Ninety eighth day of longshoreman’s strike visited off today,
40,000 gone back to work on Pacific Coast. Priced up late hardware,
received 2/1. Roosevelt asked Congress to increase Supreme
Court from 7 to 15. No Outside radio. Yukon to sail Sunday
the 7th for Seward.
February 6, 1937 A-1 day,
zero weather. Oberg returned to Lucky Shot after visit
with family, failed to pay his past due account. Shorty Gustafson
visiting in town from Lucky Shot Mine. Mrs. McDougal in from
Fern Mine. Henry Lewis buried at Palmer today. No Outside
radio. Pacific Coast ships making ready to sail, strike
over.
February 7, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
zero weather. Tabulating on hardware inventory.
PM made up weekly cash register sheet. Shoveled out snow
around garage and coal bin. Gus sold 10 tons coal before
leaving for Seattle. PM Stanley and Eva took Marie Martha over
to Palmer doctor account rash on hands. Radio NG, Ma took
care of grandson PM.
February 8, 1937 Still zero
weather. Tabulating on inventory. First sailing of
SS Yukon since October strike, Saturday the 7th for Seward.
Boats now resuming schedules. Mississippi River still going
over banks. No Outside radio. No train, Anchorage to
Seward account washouts.
February 9, 1937 Still zero
weather. Got out-mail. Ma and Marie Martha left
at noon, in Cad’s car, for Anchorage to find out about rash on Marie’s
hand, Gus went too. Inventory totaled $11,932.47, paints,
stove and iron in warehouse yet to be added. Frosty weather.
Outside radio weak. Changing local news from 10 to 9 PM.
February 10, 1937 Hazy, zero weather, 14 above.
Marie and Grandma H at Anchorage. Another passenger airplane
lost in San Francisco Bay, 3 bodies recovered. $14,000 Colonist
rancher got out on SS Gorgas by using assumed name. Stored
windows and doors in old house. Ate dinner with grandson while
Ma away. Three men fined $150 for killing moose. Radio
fair, KNX in.
February 11, 1937 Weather cloudy, 16 above.
Ma and Marie Martha at Anchorage. Gus returned from Anchorage
over highway. Fern foreman and six miners quit their job
account woman boss. Cleaned up old mail and ordered cupboard
fixtures.
February 12, 1937 Temperature -24 at 8 AM at
zero all day. Ex-war vets honored Lincoln and mother with
ceremony at graves. Got out drug order and checked up on
cupboard fixtures. Cost ranchers $150 for killing moose
at Palmer. No Outside long wave, short wave OK. Ma and
Marie at Anchorage.
February 13, 1937 Squally weather all day,
+4. Marie Martha and Grandma H at Anchorage. Cleaned
out furnace pipe and floor register, found 17¢. Yukon
left Juneau for Cordova. Basketball game on at Hall.
Evening, windy and snow drifting. Radio KSL at midnight.
ARC snow plow out at midnight.
February 14, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, zero
weather. Store open 3 hours AM. PM made up weekly
cash register report and shoveled out snow drifts. Ma
and Marie Martha back from Anchorage on 4 PM train. Received
some delayed mail via Cordova. Radio NG.
February 15, 1937 Weather still around +10.
Theodore in with snowshoes, also Herman from Big Lake with dog
team for supplies. Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik with dog
team. School bus in ditch. Snow plow kept busy cleaning
out snow drifts. Radio weak. Local news now at 9 PM.
February 16, 1937 Still zero weather.
Self busy on merchandise orders. Fairbanks special train
passed through at midnight account Anchorage tournament.
Stanley and Wasilla basketball team went down.
February 17, 1937 Temperature -6. Made
out range and strip order for cupboards. Had Gus put
another ton coal at new house. Yukon mail arrived 9:30
PM first regular mail since October strike. Stanley back
from Anchorage. No Outside radio. Sport carnival opened
at Anchorage today.
February 18, 1937 Cold wave, -30. Filled
up furnace coal bin. Received Yukon mail, 2 tons merchandise
coming up. Got out orders for groceries, etc. Fifty
four below zero on Yukon River. Wasilla school closed account
Anchorage tournament. No radio, States froze up, local radio
OK.
February 19, 1937 Zero weather. Mail
for Seattle went south. Stanley left for annual buying
trip to Seattle on Yukon. Metz went as far as Seward with
C. H. Wilson, in route to Pioneers Home. Teamsters strike
holding boats. Outside radio in at 10 PM. Point barrow
hospital burned, loss 75M dollars.
February 20, 1937 Warmed up to +20. Freight
off Yukon arrived 2 PM, had Oscar Anderson haul 2 tons.
Busy pricing and storing away freight. Mayors from several
towns, on air, advertising Anchorage carnival. Wasilla basketball
team lost all games. No Outside radio. Europe Nations stopped
all volunteers to Spanish war.
February 21, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, snow flurries,
+20. AM finished checking and pricing new merchandise.
PM made up weekly cash register report. Mail off SS Alaska
arrived as well as sport visiting winter carnival at Anchorage.
Radio good after 8 PM got Canadian and U. S. news.
February 22, 1937 Store open, AM warmer,
+28. Paid Seattle invoices and posted January on ledger.
School today. Mrs. McDougal went to Fairbanks to see income
tax man. Don Wilson got job at Fern Mine. Stanley
on Yukon in route to Seattle. Short wave radio good.
February 23, 1937 Windy AM, +28. Posted
February and March in ledger 1936. SS Alaska boat freight
arrived 6:30 PM received 3 tons groceries. Snider hauled over
the perishables. Stanley wired from Petersburg, on way to
Seattle. Several kids got chicken pox. Too busy for
radio, got 10:15 KNX news.
February 24, 1937 A-1 spring day. Finished
pricing up new merchandise and posted April 1936 in ledger.
All kind of strikes in states for more wages. The whole
town of Douglas, near Juneau, burned on the 23rd. Long wave
no good until 9 PM. Stanley on high seas.
February 25, 1937 Self posting up 1936 ledger
account income tax report. Pat Hart back in town.
Jack Fabyan cleaning out Wasilla Roadhouse well. ARC road
superintendent here, Heinie visited him down for giving the Swedes
all the work. Duff visited. Radio fair, got all the
world news.
February 26, 1937 Weather cloudy, 20 to 28
above. Boat mail went south, boat due Seward on 28th.
All kind of strikes in the States, automobile, airplane and shoe
co. Got 7 months posted in NCR ledger. Radio fair, got
news. Spanish rebellion still going strong.
February 27, 1937 Partly cloudy, 20 to 26 above.
Self posting 1936 ledger, over half done. Radio batteries
selling. George Moshier in to trade. Floor show
at Palmer Hall tonight. Strikes now all over States, using
the sit down method. No radio.
February 28, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, up
to +28. Store open 3 hours AM. PM made up weekly
cash register sheet and posted September and October in ledger.
Tomorrow, monthly statements to make out on charge accounts.
Stanley in Seattle. Long wave no good.
February Memo: Zero weather, plenty of snow,
roads all ice. Deep snow at Willow Creek Mines.
Coldest, 30 below. Ma and Pa clerks in store. Pa on
income tax report. Stanley in Seattle after mining machinery.
Poor radio since New Year.
March 1, 1937 Had Fred Nelson put locks on
inside doors in new house (7). Mrs. Ellexson out from
Knik with dog team for cow and chicken feed. Got out monthly
statements. More sit down strikes in States today. Chicken
pox in town. Fred’s time assembling locks on 8 inside doors,
OGH new house.
March 2, 1937 Cold day, +20 to -10. Northwestern
freight arrived PM only had butter and eggs. Fred finished
assembling 7 door locks in new house. Dan Gray in from
winter camp 29. One more month to post in 1936 ledger.
Outside radio dead, local station OK.
March 3, 1937 England voted 7 billion for new
war material but can’t pay U. S. war debt? Prices on war
goods advancing, copper 14¢ a pound. Canada labor
going on strike with U. S. bums. Town Hall program on short
wave good.
March 4, 1937 Temperature
10 to 14 above. Now tabulating ledger account income tax.
Bought load birch wood off Oscar Anderson. Winter coal running
short. President Roosevelt on air, 5:30, dictator instead
of Supreme Court? Evening got out-mail.
March 5, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature +14 to -14. Got big order from Caswell Lake
fur farm, also order from Pittman. Finished tabulating ledger,
now ready to make out income tax report. Boat mail went south.
Fabyan lowering Cad’s hotel well. No Outside radio. Wire
from Stanley, returning from Seattle next boat.
March 6, 1937 Three orders over $200.
Got tax items off ledger for income tax report. Ma packed
small items on 3 orders for up railroad line. Stanley left
Seattle today on SS Alaska, for Seward. No Outside radio, long
or short, news over local station.
March 7, 1937 Sunday, warmed up to +40.
Store open 3 hours AM, made out books for 3 shipments
north. PM made up weekly cash register sheet. Outside
mail arrived 10 PM. Virginia Brown voted Queen for Ice Carnival.
Wasilla won the Ice Carnival Queen spot.
March 8, 1937 Warmer weather, +30
to +50. Finished packing 3 shipments for north freight
tomorrow. Received Outside mail. Coffee and produce
coming, also range for new house. Working on 1936 tax report.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with dog team, her cow died. No
Outside radio, now all talk about ice carnival at Fairbanks, 14th to
21st.
March 9, 1937 Got segregation ready to fill
out 1936 income tax report. Boat freight arrived, had one truck
load coffee, batteries and produce. Enamel range arrived
for new house. Roosevelt on air panning Supreme Court.
Short wave OK. Got President Roosevelt 2nd speech to public and
bad Democrats.
March 10, 1937 AM had income tax 1936 acknowledged
and mailed $117.56 to Tacoma office. Trent helping Fred
Hurd to get out firewood. Joe Palmer building log cabin,
on Peck’s ranch, for a home.
March 11, 1937 PM and evening on grocery order
fill-ins. Stanley on SS Alaska at Cordova on return
trip from Seattle. A dozen left on special train 3/10
for Fairbanks Carnival. Long wave OK, short wave good, London
good.
March 12, 1937 Got off Outside mail.
Dodson left for Outside. Jack Fabyan digging basement
cellar under Wasilla Roadhouse. Stanley arrived in Seward
on SS Alaska, coming home tomorrow. Nome girl made Queen
of Fairbanks Ice Carnival. Outside radio fair, got world news.
March 13, 1937 Snow slide on Turnagain Arm
blocked rail traffic. Mail train still at Anchorage and
Stanley at Seward, no trains today. Sit down strikes growing
in States. Radio NG. Halibut season opened 1st, 12½¢
a pound.
March 14, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 36 to
48 above. Stanley arrived home late last night from trip,
3 weeks, to Seattle, came by airplane to Anchorage then by auto
to Wasilla. Gus going to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Amelia
Earhart ready for trip around the world. Radio fair. ,more strikers
want more wages.
March 15, 1937 Business fair, cloudy
40 above. G. S. H. back as clerk B. Self on inside
finish in new house, making ready to stain and varnish all kinds
of trim. PM freight arrived, mail caught slide. Radio
mushy, snow in New York, snow at Seward.
March 16, 1937 AM had Heinie haul over 2 loads
groceries from set-out, also received breakfast nook
KD table and moldings and strips to make cupboards in new house.
Hartley arrived with truck load gas and oils. Radio fair.
Hooked up Haller’s set and it worked OK. Lumber strike on.
March 17, 1937 Business slow, cloudy,
36 above. Pricing up new merchandise. Stanley and
Sharon drove to Anchorage for powder, etc. for his mine.
Mrs. McNalley, baby and mother, in from mile 8 for their mail.
McDougal ordered a Cat for his mines. Radio weak. Isaac's
$100 set out of commission. Cad filled his ice bin.
March 18, 1937 Finished pricing up drugs, groceries
and new merchandise. Stanley sacked a ton of Gus’ coal
to ship to his mine. Mrs. McDougal back from vacation at
Fairbanks. Evening on mail. Radio weak, got KNX news
10 PM Amelia made Honolulu in 15 hours.
March 19, 1937 Business fair, cooler
30 to 38 above. Got off mail. Mail train derailed
at mile 85 causing 12 hour delay to Seward. Sharon drove
Eva and Marie over to Palmer. Bought 1/3 cord more birch
wood account coal short. Stanley packing grub for his mine.
Radio NG. Six hundred school children lost their lives in explosion
at New London, Texas.
March 20, 1937 No mail today, train in the
ditch over on Turnagain Arm. Over 400 bodies recovered
from New London, Texas school house explosion. Amelia
Earhart cracked up on 2nd takeoff, coming back to San Francisco
for repairs. Radio good, all stations on air, more strikers.
March 21, 1937 Sunday, A-1 day, 30 to
40 above. Packed grub outfit for placer mine to go with
Stanley’s freight via Willow Station. PM made up weekly cash
register report. Outside mail arrived 6:30 PM Sit down
strikers in Chrysler plant, defy court order. Grandson visited
store. Radio fair.
March 22, 1937 Business fair, A-1 day,
30 to 38 above. Self on new house, finished resetting all
nails on wallboard and plastic wood cracks in kitchen floor.
Stanley went to Knik for Ellexson’s dogs, got 8 dogs to move his
8 tons freight to his quartz mine on Craigie Creek. Radio
fair. Report that Mrs. Simpson, 1st divorce not legal.
Floods now in California.
March 23, 1937 Business normal, cloudy,
36 above. Paddy and Sharon left with 8 dog team, via Fishhook,
to move freight from aviation field to New Bullion Mine.
Stanley left with summer supplies on rail via Willow Station, taking
in new air compressor.
March 24, 1937 Business fair, A-1 day,
26 to 40 above. Self on carpenter work inside new house.
Mr. Fosket hit by a car at Matanuska. Tex Beeler sawing
up summer wood. Reported Stanley’s air compressor broken
at Seward transfer. Ma now chief clerk.
March 25, 1937 Got off mail and orders, AM
train went south, a day ahead of time. Stanley moving
summer supplies to his quartz mine on Craigie Creek. Dust
storm, blizzards and floods in States. Short wave NG, long
wave good, talking war in Europe.
March 26, 1937 Self in store, set up 1937 seed
display boxes. Received kitchen drawers for cabinet in
new house. Spanish government sent the Italian troops a
running today in rebellion. Stanley reported road bad moving
freight. Radio mushy. Southern Pacific Railway train
men going on strike.
March 27, 1937 Business slow, temperature
cooler, 22 to 40 above. In store most of day, finished
cracks in nook floor. Victoria mail arrived, PM. Jack now
pouring cement under Wasilla Roadhouse. Thirteen killed in
airplane crash near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, iced up. Radio
mushy, local station always good.
March 28, 1937 Easter Sunday, temperature
28 to 39 above. Pope Pius on the air, also Hong Kong.
Marie Martha attended church at Palmer. Made up weekly
cash register report and oiled store floor. Sold trapping
outfit to Inside man. Radio NG. can’t read side note.
March 29, 1937 Business normal.
Weather windy, 32 to 40 above. Ice on streets about gone.
Eggs and butter arrived on PM freight, wheeled it over to store
myself. Nothing but strikes in States. Spanish Royalists
put rebels running today. Dan Gray in. Radio NG.
Tony Diamond on air, wants to bond Alaska for two million for roads
and airports.
March 30, 1937 Business fair, A-1 day,
30 to 40 above. Still plasticing cracks in floor of new
house. Mid-week Outside mail arrived PM Now semi-weekly
mail from States. Persson sick at his mining camp and will
not come in for treatment. No long wave, short wave fair.
Miners returned to Inside.
March 31, 1937 Business fair, spring
day, 30 to 50 above. Still plastic wood cracks in hardwood
floor in new house. Coal low, buying birch wood.
All school kids being vaccinated to be immune from disease.
Baxter Felch and Sellers man here. No Outside radio, local
OK.
End of March Memo: OGH on new house,
puttying on new house floor: March 15th 4 hours, March 22nd
8 hours, March 23rd 8 hours, March 24th 8 hours, March 31st 8 hours.
April 2nd coal shoot 4 hours
April 3rd, 4 hours on floors, April 4th, 4
hours on floor, April 10th 8 hours on floor.
April 1, 1937 Business slow, cloudy 34
to 44 above. Got out monthly statements. Freight
train arrived but had no freight off of Tuesday boat. Stanley
at mine, nobody fooled today. No radio on long wave.
April 2, 1937 Business fair, cloudy 30
to 40 above. Put in 4 hours corking leaks in coal shoot
of new house. Trappers going out for muskrats. Mail
train north 11 PM. Marie Martha had her 5th birthday party,
gave her five one dollar bills. Fire in Gus’ Cat garage.
No long wave. London on short wave OK.
April 3, 1937 Business slow, A-1 day,
30 to 48 above. Finished corking coal shoot and plastic
wood in floor cracks. Got mail AM no freight coming.
Another storm in Minnesota, KLS midnight news. Alaska legislature
adjourned. heavy storm south Pacific. Radio NG, got KLS
midnight news.
April 4, 1937 Sunday, A-1 spring day,
48 above. Put wood filler on bathroom and breakfast nook
floors. Freight train arrived 5 PM had set-out.
Frank Kelly back from Seattle. Big load freight for Fairbanks,
took by our bacon and butter. Short wave fair.
April 5, 1937 Business slow, A-1 day,
46 above. AM had Heinie haul over 3 tons new merchandise
from set-out. Busy all PM pricing up new merchandise. Mail
train went south. Mussolini sore because Spanish loyalists
put the Dagos a running. Radio good, all stations on the air.
April 6, 1937 Business slow, cooler and
cloudy. AM finished marking and storing away new merchandise.
Norman Ervine in from Lucky Shot and left for States. Mail
train north, day ahead of time. Hans fired Bert out his cabin.
Radio good.
April 7, 1937 Business fair, partly cloudy
46 above. Stanley arrived with dog team from Willow Creek
via Willow Station and down railroad crossing at 10 PM last
night. Got his freight delivered at mine. Ordered
window shades from Sears.
April 8, 1937 Business normal, partly
cloudy, 48 above. Mail went south, also Ma and Marie Martha
left for Anchorage for weekend. Ma got rheumatism in hip.
Mid-week boat freight arrived, hauled over load fruit, vegetables
and dry goods with our truck. Mrs. McDougal in from Fern Mine,
going Outside to fix up income tax. Radio good, all stations
on air. All Europe talking war.
April 9, 1937 Business slow, warmer,
50 above at noon. AM opened up and priced Butler Bros.
goods. PM worked on hardwood floors in new house.
Grandma and Marie at Anchorage. Boat mail train arrived
6 PM. Depot Agent fell into Cads sidewalk stairs.
April 10, 1937 Business fair, warm day
up to +50. Self put in 4 hours on floors in new house.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with $3 worth of eggs and bought $12
worth of feed. Agent Browne back from 3 month vacation in States.
Grandma and Marie at Anchorage. Mud slide on railroad near
Matanuska. Persson gone to hospital, got scurvy.
April 11, 1937 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. PM washed walls in kitchen and linoleum , painted sink.
Made up weekly cash register sheet. Ma and Marie back from
Anchorage. PM freights, meats and eggs arrived. Weather
cloudy. Radio air 9 to 12. At dinner at Eva’s while
Ma in Anchorage.
April 12, 1937 Business slow, A-1 spring
day, 50 above. Stanley left for his mine, early AM via
car to mile 12 then snow shoes to his mine. Self on floors
of new house. Ma chief clerk. Wasilla streets dry,
ice on roads about gone. Radio fair after 9 PM Ten Navy
planes on way to Honolulu.
April 13, 1937 Business slow, A-1 day,
48 above. Got mail ready and no train south. Self
on hardwood floors in new house, 6 hours. Ball and horse shoe
players at it every day now. Streets dry but plenty of snow
in woods. Cancelled order for electric plant, order of November
29th. No Outside radio, local stations OK.
April 14, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature 48 above all day. Mail went south AM.
Self sandpapered floors in new house. ARC left with
plow to open road from mile 12 to Fern and Gold Cord Mines only.
Radio NG, got KNX 10 PM news. Mrs. Shaw back from McKinley
Park.
April 15, 1937 Two inches new snow, 34 to 46
above, snow all gone by noon. Put in 4 hours on hardwood
floors. Mrs. McDougal left for States to meet old Mac.
Rev. Youle visited on his way to Fairbanks. Floods in Washington
near Seattle. Evening, windy. Strikers holding up Alaskan
fishing boats.
April 16, 1937 Business slow, more snow
PM, 32 above, Wasilla white again. Sandpapered on hardwood
floors 2 hours. AM Freight train went north but didn’t stop.
PM Stanley back from his mine, got a foot new snow, got compressor
up to tunnel site. Radio good, all stations on air 6 to 10 PM.
Boat mail arrived.
April 17, 1937 Six inches new snow with sleet
storm all day, 34 above. Busy AM shoveling off walks.
Put in 4 hours on hardwood floors. Frank Hoffman, U. S. Marshal,
passed out in Anchorage, 66. Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with
dog team. Radio mushy. U. S. war fleet going to Honolulu
for practice.
April 18, 1937 Sunday, partly cloudy,
40 above. AM shoveled out track for auto truck, store to
freight sheds. PM made up weekly cash register sheet.
Adjusted floor registers on new house furnace. Boat freight
arrived, 5 tons. Jack and Al on a drunk.
April 19, 1937 Business fair, cloudy
30 to 40 above. AM unloaded 3 tons forage and seeds in
track warehouse. Brought over 2 tons groceries and hardware
to store. S and W and Marshal-Wells men here for orders.
Priced pants. Evening, 2 hours on cracks on floor new house.
Long wave NG, radio phone calls OK. Evening clear and colder.
April 20, 1937 A-1 day, 30
to 50 above. Checked down new merchandise. Worked
4 hours on floors of new house. Marie Martha got vaccinated
for small pox. CD broke lock on Gus’ coal shoot and took load
coal that Gus sold to me? Roosevelt wants 1½ billion
for relief voters? No long wave, local station only.
April 21, 1937 Business normal.
A-1 day, 32 to 40 above. Put up grub order for ARC Fishhook
camp on snow road. Put filler on doors and casings in new
house. Boat mail arrived PM. Auto roads full chuckholes.
Palmer - Anchorage road closed. Radio early then died out.
April 22, 1937 A-1 day, 30
to 50 above. Mail went south. Finished wood filler
on kitchen floor. Navy and airplanes in maneuvers at Honolulu.
Diamond trying to get appropriation for airfields in Alaska. About
out of coal. Long wave NG, local station only.
April 23, 1937 A-1 day, 32 to 50 above.
Boat mail arrived 5:30 PM. Schilling and Heinz drummers
visited. Colonist died at Palmer, 25 years old. Self
on doors and ceiling strips in new house. Snow slide on Palmer
- Anchorage auto road. All roads being cut up by autos.
Gus back from Seattle. No long wave, news on local station
only.
April 24, 1937 Business normal.
Cloudy, 40 to 50 above. Self in store all PM, put up $130
order for Thorpe’s Mine. ARC snow plow gang got grub outfit
for Fishhook Inn. Got road open half way to Mabel Forks.
Last spring private help had road open to summit. No Outside
radio, news over local station.
April 25, 1937 Sunday, clear with cool
breeze, 40 above. AM unloaded 30 rolls roofing and delivered
½ groceries to railroad for Thorpe Mine. PM freight
brought truck load produce and hardware, hauled it over and stored
away same. Thorpe’s left for their Grubstake Mine.
W. S. and Gene Horning arrived from California. Not a sound
on radio, A. B. Smith dead. Trusty and Stanley in.
April 26, 1937 Cloudy, 36 above, evening snow.
AM got off mail and finished pricing up new merchandise.
PM on inside finish of new house. Fern’s new red Cat arrived,
Fabyan tuned her up. Gene and father waiting account storm
at mines. Evening, Wasilla white again. Outside radio dead.
April 27, 1937 Two inches new snow, Wasilla’s
dusty streets white again. Self on wall strips all day.
Now ready to varnish kitchen and living room floors and casings.
Frank Hoffman buried in Anchorage Sunday. Special train from
Palmer, largest funeral ever held at Anchorage.
April 28, 1937 A-1 day, 34
to 46 above. ARC running smoother over roads, Palmer -
Anchorage Road closed. New Fern Cat trying to reach Fern
Mine over snow. Self put in 8 hours varnishing in new house.
Mail arrived midnight.
April 29, 1937 Business normal.
Cloudy, cold wind, 32 to 48 above. Mail went south AM. Self
varnishing floors in new house. PM White and Bergman kids
broke front window in store. Canneries now getting ready
for salmon fishing. Electric light plant for new house arrived,
ordered last November.
April 30, 1937 Cloudy, cool
wind. Self in store all day. AM hauled over truck
load new merchandise. Onan electric plant arrived for OGH
new house. Outside mail arrive 4 PM. Stanley returned
to mines, Paddy came in. Tanana’s ice still solid
May 1, 1937 Warming up, 48
above. Self on monthly statements all day. Ma chief
clerk. Shorty Gustafson visited, on way to Sweden, for
vacation. Hugo and Ulsh visited by airplane on way to Lucky
Shot. Stuart Vail gone to Nenana to fire on boat.
May 2, 1937 Sunday, cool wind, 34 to
48 above. Busy in store AM. PM plastic wood cracks
in new house floor. Freight arrived 6 PM Stanley
in from New Bullion Mine for help. Had him pull front tooth
with pliers. No radio. Swans and geese have arrived.
May 3, 1937 A-1 spring day,
60 above. No regular mail south. Stanley and Ray
left early AM for New Bullion Mine. PM worked 4 hours
varnishing in new house, finished vestibule. Shorty threw
big booze party at Matanuska. First real spring day.
May 4, 1937 Cloudy, cool
wind, 48 above. PM 4 hours varnishing in
new house. Got out order for wall paint Lathrop
up from tide flats. One year later baby boy here OK, now 4
months old and skookum.
May 5, 1937 Business normal, cloudy,
50 above, evening rain. PM varnished 2 windows
and rubbed down doors in new house. Trusty left with Gus
Cat for Independence Mine. ARC snow plow up to Persson quit
job, going to McKinley Park to buck snow.
May 6, 1937 Business slow, cloudy, cool,
48 above. Mail went south 11 AM. White family packing
up for McKinley Park. Colonist girl broke glass in store
door, $5 please. Victor McNeil off on 30 days vacation and
railroad pay? Arnold Edlund back on railroad job. Roosevelt
going fishing again.
May 7, 1937 First real summer day, 48 to 60
above. Outside mail arrived 6 PM also A. G. Dodson and
help for Independence Mine. Wasilla school visited Palmer
school and sports. German Zeplin exploded over Lake Hurst,
N. J. all instantly killed. Varnished in new house PM
May 8, 1937 Second summer day, 60 above.
Independence miners buying shoe packs but brought their clothing
in. Forty Mile Miller moved out to canyon near mile 12,
put up tent. ARC loaded rotary snow plow for McKinley Park.
Bought ton coal off Gus. Stanley in from mine.
May 9, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 58 above.
AM rush in store by absent minded week day customers. PM
made up cash register report. Fruit eggs arrived PM freight.
Evening, varnishing on floors in new house. Stanley got
stuck in mud driving to Sharon’s. Snow road open for Cats
to Gold Cord Mine.
May 10, 1937 Rain, AM 58
above. Busy in store all day with small purchases.
Ellexson’s out from Knik, 1st trip since December. Stanley
returned to his mine 5 AM. Body of man found in Knik River,
been dead some time. Swan flew over. Outside radio
still dead. Only 10% left to win ice pool.
May 11, 1937 Cloudy, 58 above.
Ma got a cold. Self in store all day. Cleaned ceiling.
King George Jr. service now in Westminster Abby being crowned
as King of England, big organ, loud. Radio good.
May 12, 1937 Weather cloudy,
40 to 60 above. Fruit and vegetables arrived on mail train.
Letter from Harry J. Martin, now in business for himself, quit
Eveready. Ice went out, 8:04 PM today, Buster Anderson of
Fairbanks, won. Radio fair. Snow slide on Lynx Creek,
caught 6 miners today.
May 13, 1937 Cloudy, showers, 40 to 48 above.
No down mail train, washout near Nenana. ARC snow road men
through, opened road to Gold Cord Mine only. Metz had his
garden lot plowed. Adm. Ueeck smoothing Knik Road. Radio
weak. Mrs. George Thomas passed out in Seattle.
May 14, 1937 Cloudy, 40 to
58 above. Mail went south and boat mail arrived.
Shonbeck in town. Metz planting Gus lot to spuds.
Several new white collar men arrived today. Oberg, Willis
and dad going to Bristol Bay salmon fishing.
May 15, 1937 Weather cloudy,
42 to 58 above. Ray Morrison in from New Bullion Mine.
More snow at mines. Adm. Ueeck smoothing up auto roads.
Colonist Day at Palmer. Freight arrived but no freight.
PM finished varnishing living room floor. Radio fair, got
KSL midnight news.
May 16, 1937 Sunday, store open AM.
PM made up weekly cash register sheet and varnished 2nd coat.
Evening, made screen for doors and bathroom windows.
No freight arrived. Gus threw a formal ham party last night,
fried ham etc. midnight. Short wave fair. Cuba, South
America in good.
May 17, 1937 Anchorage - Palmer highway open
for traffic again. Mail train went south but took no
mail. PM freight brought hardware and clothing, 1 truck
load. Stanley in from mine. Radio fair. Self
out at new house making screens until 10 PM. Farmers planting.
May 18, 1937 Business below normal.
Temperature 50 to 60 above. Hartley up from Anchorage with
big truck load for Bralaska. Farmers busy planting crops.
Fairbanks flooded out, $50,000 damage to city. Self making
screens for new house, awning arrived. Radio good after
9 PM.
May 19, 1937 Pick-up orders.
Temperature 50 above. Priced up hardware and clothing.
Varnished bathroom floor, last coat, ready to install tub.
Palmer graduating 10 in high school. ARC went to Knik to
repair mud holes in road. Outside radio weak as usual, news
over local station.
May 20, 1937 Warming up,
60 above. Got mail off, train 4 hours late account bridge
burned out. Answered Harry J. Martin’s letter about Alaska
Pacific Co. and K. T. Co. business for sale. Evening, graduating
exercises at Hall, 2 Snider’s, 1 White, 1 King 1 Oberg graduating.
Ross Sheely, ARRC visited.
May 21, 1937 Business normal. A-1
day, 66 above. Got 3 orders up railroad line. Mail
2 hours late. Started to put 2nd coat paint on new house.
Wasilla School closed with picnic on Wagner Ranch.
May 22, 1937 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
Grass green, birch leafing out, spring 2 weeks late and from
2-4 weeks late on Pacific Coast. Painted west side new house.
Evening, finished nail holes and cracks in bedroom, now ready
for paint Radio good. Yukon broke up, 19th, highest
water known, covered all islands.
May 23, 1937 Sunday, third summer day,
66 above. Painted windows and trimmings on west side
new house. PM got truck load eggs, butter, groceries and
hardware. Curtains and paint arrived for inside new house.
First picnic at Knik by Cad and party. No radio. Pyle
and Jefferson arrived to do ass. work on Marion Twin.
May 24, 1937 Business medium. Cloudy,
54 to 64 above. Paddy and Stanley left 4 AM for New Bullion
Mine. Car can go as far as Fishhook Bridge. Paddy
got pension doubled. Planting gardens in Wasilla, still
too cold. Priced up BB goods. Radio at 10 PM. John
II passed out at 98 years.
May 25, 1937 A-1 day, 50 to 54 above.
ARC gravel truck for Lucky Shot Road arrived. Railroad
put on twice daily gas car, bucking auto transportation on Anchorage
- Palmer Road. Bergman bought the Wagner house. Dorothy
Hill and Peter Nelson married. No long wave radio. McDougal
arrived from trip Outside.
May 26, 1937 A-1 day, 52 to 60 above.
Jake Metz painting his house on inside. Women chivareed
Hill and Nelson, newly weds. Lester Davis in from Gold Cord.
Autos can go to Fishhook Bridge. Self painting new house
outside. Only local radio. Ma OK, chief clerk K. T.
Co.
May 27, 1937 Partly cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
Mail went Outside. ARC moved 8 gravel trucks by rail, to
Lucky Shot swamp road. Cost as much as to open Fishhook Pass?
Kids now swimming in Lake Wasilla. ARC with truck, graveling
mush holes on Knik Road. Only local radio. Lester
Davis in town for drunk.
May 28, 1937 Business normal. A-1
day, 50 to 60 above. Self on painting job outside. Another
Wasilla schoolmarm, Miss Pryer, married, 2nd lot. Boat mail
train arrived, 10 PM. Oberg, after a drunk, went salmon fishing
at Bristol Bay. Jim Murray’s son died at Cache Creek.
May 29, 1937 Business below normal.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above. Lettuce and new carrots
arrived last night, selling at 20¢. Vegetables backward
on Pacific Coast. Shawn learning Eva to drive his Shorty sedan.
ARC got to Martin Mine, now opening snow road to Gold Mint
Finished 3 sides, 2nd coat paint new house. No Outside radio.
Steel strike and movies now on.
May 30, 1937 Sunday, Memorial Day, 52
to 60 above. Sharon, after week in Wasilla, left for New
Bullion Mine. Stanley and Lawrence came in. Shawn
let Eva use his car for joy riding this summer. Cut and
broke 2, 36 x 44 glass, put new glass in front door. No radio
all PM and evening on glass for front of store, re-stained front door
in store.
May 31, 1937 Still Memorial Day, cloudy
50 above. Closed store PM. All the Herning’s took
an auto trip through the Colonist District to the Butte Loop, had
lunch at Palmer, 3 hour trip. Evening on monthly statements.
Gus Grau’s father-in-law moved into house. Only local radio
news.
May Memo: Cold all month, farmers still
planting crops. Ma OK, chief clerk K. T. Co. Self
odd times. Painting inside and outside new house aft store.
Stanley at his mine.
June 1, 1937 Business below normal.
Cold wind, 50 above, had fire in furnace all day. Stanley
and family drove to Anchorage and returned, Mrs. Bixler guest.
On monthly statements all day. Trusty returned to Ala-Pac
Mine. Evening on book accounts. No Outside radio.
June 2, 1937 Business normal. Weather
cloudy, 50 above. Had a rush business, noon hour.
Fern help in to trade and Ellexson’s and McNeil in with first king
salmon. Got staging ready to paint inside rooms in new house.
No Outside radio. Germany declared war on Spain.
June 3, 1937 Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above,
still cold weather, midnight rain. Mail left for Outside.
Schoolmarm wedding couple back from Curry, kids decorated their
auto car. Finished green trimmings on new house. No
Outside radio. Tornado in Minnesota. War talk in Europe.
June 4, 1937 Business below normal.
Weather cloudy, 45 to 50 above, light rain. Snow in them
thar hills last night. Maurice Anderson, with outfit and
dogs, left for Jap Mine to run tunnel. Billy Tryck left to
drive gravel truck on Lucky Shot Road. Mail in 10:30 PM.
Began painting inside walls new house. Weak radio at 10 PM.
$125,000 fire on Seattle dock.
June 5, 1937 Business below normal, cloudy
52 to 58 above. Evening, light rain. Rica’s sister
here on a visit. Lief Jacobson in from Fern. Ala-Pac
Mine bought Zink warehouse. Got big mail. Lot of new
merchandise in route. Davis in and drunk. Got first
apricot coat on living room of new house. ARC opening snow road
to Fern. No Outside radio.
June 6, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, light rain 52
above. Usual AM trade. No boat freight, due midnight,
but no come. PM made up weekly cash register sheet.
Put in 4 hours painting inside new house. Stanley in from
mine. Old Doc gave Stanley and Eva back treatment, need twin
beds. Not a sound on radio. No flowers in Seattle, country
froze up.
June 7, 1937 Business fair, warmer, 56
to 66 above. Boat freight arrived, hauled over 2 truck
loads groceries and rubber goods. Fern took out 3 tons with
Cat trailer. Purser Lynch family rented Cads bungalow, another
family here. Evening, pricing and checking new merchandise.
Outside radio dead. Roosevelt and wife got 2 Kodiak bear.
June 8, 1937 Business below normal.
Summer day, 56 to 72 above, daylight at 12:30 AM why go to bed?
Finished pricing groceries. Bill Stoltze, electric man,
visited on way to Wishbone Coal Mine. Cad hauled load freight
for Fern. Stoll’s freight held by railroad for want of pay.
Outside radio dead. Boat mail arrived 7 PM.
June 9, 1937 Second summer day, 52 to 66 above.
AM dug out balance of freight in set-out car, 1 truck load.
Joe Palmer bought grub outfit for Kashwitna prospecting
district. Girls going nudist and swimming last 2 days.
Shonbeck visited. Bought ton of coal. KNX news, 10 PM.
Forty Mile Miller building a boat.
June 10, 1937 Business fair, A-1 day,
56 to 65 above. Milo Kelly and wife on BD Mine. George
Zink at ranch waiting for snow to go at mines. Snow road
now open to Gold Mint Mine. Auto cars from Anchorage now
calling at Wasilla. Brill car went south with out-mail.
No radio, evening painting living room in new house. Joe Palmer
left for Caswell.
June 11, 1937 Hot dog, 60 to 82 above, grass
grew 6” today. Priced up U. S. Rubber goods. Registered
passenger south, boat day late with tourists. Mine Ellic out
from Knik. Stanley and Paddy in from Mine. Pyle outfit
left and Thorpe’s left for Gold Mint Mine. Ma now chief clerk.
June 12, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy 52 to 66 above. Ala-Pac Mines Stoll allowed
to unload lumber held a week by railroad for $12,000 freight bill.
Seattle Chamber of Commerce tourists in Anchorage today.
McDonald, cashier Seattle First National, spoke over radio today.
Ray out on fishing trip. Colonist barn burned. Radio
after 11 PM. Anchorage - Palmer highway washed out.
June 13, 1937 Sunday, partly cloudy,
50 to 68 above. Mosquitoes arrived in Wasilla today.
No boat freight arrived. Put up awning over side door to
store. Stoll finished unloading 2 car loads lumber.
PM all the high school took a trip via mile 4 loop, Palmer and can’t
read. No radio. Willow Lucky Shot Road now open for traffic.
June 14, 1937 Weather cloudy, 60 to 72 above.
Mosquitoes working double shift. Got mail ready to go
but no mail train. Brill car, with tourists, went north.
PM hauled in 40 fence post and 2 radio poles from Victor’s ranch
for new house. High water at Knik River.
June 15, 1937 Business below normal.
Temperature 60 to 70 above. Mosquitoes bad. Growing
weather now. Mail train south but no mid-week boat.
U. G. Crocker passed out while on Inside trip. Pyle and
Jefferson in for spices, salmon canning going full blast. Short
wave good.
June 16, 1937 Business below normal.
Temperature 52 to 68 above. ARC Cat snow bucker, in from
Fishhook District. Got snow roads open to Gold Mint, Gold
Cord, High Grade and Fern Mines, summit still closed, 20’ snow.
Ed Holland in to go to placer mine. Stanley in with lame back
Outside radio at 10 PM Anchorage lining up for 3 day 4th of July.
June 17, 1937 Warm day, 58 to 74 above.
Brill car took boat mail. Ed Holland left for Grubstake
place mine. Stanley drove to Anchorage to get treatment
for his back, out of join. Stained 3 kitchen doors.
Mosquitoes bad. Amelia Earhart around half the world.
June 18, 1937 Hot day, 62 to 82 above.
Fern came in with truck, still 4’ snow at Fern Mine. Gottstein
visited via auto from Anchorage. Self staining doors and
casings for new house. Now all daylight, week of midnight son.
No Outside radio. Stanley at Anchorage for back treatment.
June 19, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature 52 to 70 above, evening rain. Dodson and Short,
in from Stoll Mine, buying for help. Gus went over to Colonist
sawmill for lumber account Pete Nelson’s new house. Boat
mail arrived. PM started to paint kitchen walls in new house.
Forty Mile Miller launched boat. Radio all static.
Heavy rain 11 to 12. Stanley back from Anchorage.
June 20, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
52 to 68 above. Busy in store AM Pyle and Jeffries
in to trade. Had first watermelon, 12¢ a pound from Anchorage
by Stanley. Noon, Stanley returned to his mine. Got
2 truck loads of groceries, fruit, etc. on evening freight; hauled
it over and priced same. No radio. Several autos here
from Anchorage. Railroad now on payroll. McDougal in from
mine.
June 21, 1937 Cloudy, showers.
Stanley back from mine, laying off until back gets better.
Dunkle here with plane, went to Palmer with Cad’s car and broke
down. Self painting kitchen and bath walls of new house.
Palmer - Anchorage Road flooded. No Outside radio, local station
OK.
June 22, 1937 Showers, 42
to 62 above. Stanley drove over to Palmer hospital for
Florence Shaw and 3rd baby boy. Horning in for butter and
carbide. Finished kitchen wall, one coat, stained and varnished
3 doors. No radio, local station OK.
June 23, 1937 Cloudy, evening rain, 52 to 65
above. Rainy season seems to be on. Everything
growing, night and day. Marie Martha not feeling well,
stomach trouble. Dinner at St. Clair’s account Isaac's family
moving to Anchorage. Palmer - Anchorage auto road still flooded.
June 24, 1937 Temperature 52 to 65 above.
Man that made our store awning now dead, died with his boots
on. Oscar Gill, ex-mayor of Anchorage, visited. Three
miles Palmer - Anchorage highway covered with 3’ water. Fern
hauling in concrete.
June 25, 1937 Weather cloudy, 50 to 66 above.
Mail train went south, Brill car north. Big bunch
tourists at Anchorage, going to Palmer and Fairbanks. Fern
got 2 car loads lumber for new residence at mine. Stanley drove
to Mabel Mine for Paddy Marion. Short wave good, no
long wave. Steel strike on.
June 26, 1937 Cloudy, 50
to 60 above. Self painting in new house. Plumber
Simonson, of Anchorage, visited to look over plumbing job in new
house. Fern bought new truck. Boat mail arrived 4 PM.
Evening, raining.
June 27, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
60 above. Busy, AM in store. Shipped order to O
and O at Caswell. Horning in for fresh meat. Stanley
and Paddy left for mine after a week in Wasilla. Chamberlain’s
son here looking for orders.
June 28, 1937 Weather cloudy,
50 to 66 above. No trains. Fern hauling in concentrates
and out lumber. Pyle in from Gold Mint Mine. Ellexon’s
in from Knik with 280 eggs and bought $8 chicken feed. Thorpe’s
left Sunday freight for Willow, 2nd attempt to mine.
June 29, 1937 Business still slow.
No paychecks coming in from ARC. Evening rain, 60 above.
Conroy in with McDougal truck, returned to Anchorage, did his
assessment work in 3 days, on Webfoot Mine? Finished kitchen
and bath, 2nd coat. Stoll and McDougal trucks busy in-freight.
Local radio only.
June 30, 1937 Weather cloudy,
60 above. Busy in store AM Shipped 2 orders
to Pittman. Eva and Mrs. Bixler drove to Anchorage, took along
all the babies, back at 7 PM. Stanley in from mine.
June Memo: Ed Holland left for Grubstake
to do 1937 assessment work. Fishhook Pass still blocked
with snow.
July 1, 1937 Weather cloudy,
48 to 60 above. McDougal’s brother here to visit.
Russian Priest’s wife here to visit Mrs. Oberg. Self busy
all day on monthly statements, over half delinquent account no ARC
payroll. Stanley trying to sell his mine to Jefferies. Got
KNX at 10 PM side note?
July 2, 1937 Business still below normal.
Temperature 56 to 64 above. Mail went south. Stanley
and Shawn made round trip to Anchorage PM. 10:15 PM news flash,
Amelia Earhart sent SOS call crossing Pacific to San Francisco.
Phone call from King at Palmer, ready to do plumbing. Paid
store license.
July 3, 1937 Partly cloudy,
58 to 68 above. Stanley drove over to Palmer for plumber, Mr.
King, to do plumbing in our new house, started to work PM. Self
hauled water pipe to house. Mail arrived PM. School buses
here for dancers at Palmer.
July 4, 1937 Sunday, partly cloudy, cool
day, 60 above. Several boys in from mines, some went to
Anchorage. Busy in store AM. Lots of cars up from
Anchorage, lunch picnic out at canyon, mile 12. Got load
of new merchandise hauled and stored away myself. Evening
rain.
July 5, 1937 Business below normal.
Weather cloudy, 60 above. Jack and Bert in to celebrate.
Evening train load of Anchorage celebrators returned. Evening,
KFI on air giving reports of Amelia Earhart’s plane down in Pacific,
out of gas. Stanley and Paddy returned to mine. Radio
fair, all stations came in 9 PM.
July 6, 1937 Weather cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Mail trains both south and north. Got ready to install
electric water pump in new house. Got bathtub in place.
Had to make frame to close in open end. Lawrence Fleck here,
going to work on bridge gang. Self at new house, missed the
news.
July 7, 1937 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Gus back from celebrating at Anchorage, brought extra fittings
for bathroom of new house. Lawrence Fleck left to work on
railroad bridge. Metz and Fred digging well and basement for
Pete. Installed electric plant new house. Radio fair,
Amelia not found yet in Pacific.
July 8, 1937 Weather cloudy, 56 to 64 above,
rain every night lately. Lee Hartley hauling in car lumber
for Independence Mine. Plumber got all fixtures installed,
ready to connect hot and cold water for OGH new house. First
strawberries from Persson ranch. No sign of Amelia Earhart,
down on Pacific.
July 9, 1937 A-1 day, 56 to 66 above.
Stanley drove to Anchorage account his life insurance and pick-ups.
Cad left for Seattle. Eva received wire from her dad, mother
in hospital at Dillingham, Bristol Bay District. Ike Bailus
visited. Received ton merchandise. Jap’s after salmon
at Bristol Bay District.
July 10, 1937 Business back to normal.
A-1 day, 56 to 84 above, sunny and hot all day. Set up
cook stove in new house. All connections now completed
on cold and hot water system. First melons arrived.
Chas Isaac's back from Anchorage, going prospecting. Amelia,
on Pacific, not found yet. Local radio, KSL news at midnight.
Hot wave in States.
July 11, 1937 Sunday, hot day, 62 to
82 above. AM tested out bath and water system in new house.
Plumber King’s time, 71 hours at $1.50 per hour = $106.50.
Flour, salt and fruit arrived on PM freight. No radio, local
station silent, Sunday.
July 12, 1937 Business still below normal.
Hot day, 84 above. AM hauled over 2 truck loads flour,
salt, etc. from set-out. PM cleaned up new house after
plumbing job finished. Stump family moved to Knik to put
up salmon. Fern Mine buying mining timbers off colonists.
No Outside radio.
July 13, 1937 Cloudy, rain, 66 to 74 above.
Stanley and Isaac's drove to Anchorage, car went haywire near
Palmer. ARC put in road camp on Fishhook and Willow Creek
side. Frank Swanson quit easy job with ARC account $2 a day
board to high. Made false end for bath tub. Some radio.
Jap’s fighting Chinese again. U. S. plane carrier combing Pacific
for Amelia.
July 14, 1937 Business below normal.
Cloudy, 62 above. Milo Kelly in, 1st spring trip from
BD Mine District. Dunkle and party looking over Gold Cord
Mine? Second Russian Moscow plane arrived in California,
via over North Pole, in 56 hours. Stanley back from Anchorage.
No Outside radio. Senator Burns, Democrat leader, died.
July 15, 1937 Weather cloudy, 64 above.
Self on mail and office work. Tryck out foreman job for
ARC, Snider and Pete Nelson foreman of camps. Metz got
job with ARC Willow. Stanley at home account back trouble.
No Outside radio. News by local station only.
July 16, 1937 Weather cloudy,
showers, 68 above. Got Outside mail off AM . PM finished
end on bathtub. Made fire in kitchen stove. Hot water
system worked OK. Hot wave over in States, took over 400 lives.
U. S. airplane fleet gave up search for Amelia. No Outside
radio. Jap’s trying to take Northern China and Alaska next.
July 17, 1937 Weather cloudy,
showers 56 above. Boat mail arrived PM. Monte Edlund
building home at Pittman. Jap after Northern China and Alaska
Bristol Bay salmon? Electrical storm in Portland tonight.
Painted vent pipe and corked rafters west side of new house.
Radio fair, KNX and KSL on at 9:30 till midnight. Gus got car
coal.
July 18, 1937 Sunday, showers, 56 above.
Usual Sunday AM trade. Eggs and butter arrived, shipped
on outfit north. Pyle in and out to Gold Mint Mine.
ARC trying to open Fishhook Pass, all shovel work. Salmon
at Knik. Outside radio fair 9 to 10. Local station silent.
July 19, 1937 Weather clear, 66 above.
Had second feed of local strawberries. Salmon late, first
run at Anchorage today. Evening, Eva left to see her
mother, sick in hospital at Dillingham, went to Anchorage to
catch airplane. Outside radio at 10 PM. Ma at Stanley’s
nursing baby while Eva is gone.
July 20, 1937 Business 50% off, no ARC
payroll. Temperature 64 above. Mid-week boat mail
arrived. PM self on medicine cabinet and extra wall cupboard
in bathroom. Three day battle in Spain, cost 18,000 lives.
Eva left Anchorage 9 AM by air, for Bristol Bay. Outside radio
good, 9:30 to 12. Marconi passed out.
July 21, 1937 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Ma and Stanley, baby nurses while Eva at Dillingham to see her
mother. Made extra side wall medicine case. Frank
Swanson and family moving to Anchorage to live. KFQD only
station on air.
July 22, 1937 Weather cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Salmon running at Knik. ARR Co-op trucks hauling slough
hay from Cottonwood Flats to colonist ranchers. Chas Isaac's
and Dan Gray prospecting at Glacier, head of Little Susitna River.
Heavy earthquake at Fairbanks and McKinley Park.
July 23, 1937 Weather cloudy, 54 to 60 above.
Mail went south. Colonists hauling hay from Flats.
Reported war off between Jap’s and Chinamen in Northern China.
On investigating tax dodgers, Mrs. F. D. Roosevelt was included.
No Outside radio. Nenana hit hardest by quake.
July 24, 1937 Partly cloudy, 52 to 66 above.
Put up order for Caswell Lake fur farm. Divine kids,
at Palmer movie last night. Butler goods and substitutions
arrived. Paddy found new ore vein on Jack Frisby abandoned
claims. No Outside news. Quake closed Richardson Highway.
July 25, 1937 Sunday, A-1 day, 70 above.
Store open 9 to 12 AM. PM made up weekly cash register
report and cleaned kitchen stove pipe and put in new front grate.
Two freight trains in. George Edlund got his fender knocked
off by engine on railroad crossing. Strawberries.
July 26, 1937 Business 50% below normal.
Temperature 54 to 62 above. Both Railroad and ARC behind
2 months on payroll. Customers still eating merchants
grub. Marie Martha and self took a fall off track warehouse
platform, no bones broken, one ankle hurt a little. Outside
radio in at 7 PM Jap’s and China fighting.
July 27, 1937 Partly cloudy, 52 to 66 above.
Gus drove to Anchorage for gas and K. T. Co. lumber for
Pete’s house. Fern trucks finished hauling car coal to mine.
Colonists all headed to Knik to meet the salmon. KNX news
all about Jap-China war. Bert Goodpaster passed out.
July 28, 1937 A-1 day, 56 to 70 above.
Trusty in from Stoll Mine. Gus back from Anchorage with
truck load lumber and gasoline. Colonist Snider’s house
burned down, family barely got out on ladder, one girl hurt.
Salmon at railroad bridge. KNX and KOL on at 9 PM.
Jap’s and Chinese fighting over Northern China. Spanish
Rebellion on 1 year and no gain, either side.
July 29, 1937 A-1 day, 62 to 68 above.
Self on office work all day, up to midnight. Eva back
from air trip to Dillingham to see her mother in hospital.
St. Clair looking for guy stoning his signs. Jap’s and
Chinamen fighting over North China, Jap’s trying to move in.
July 30, 1937 Rain, 60 above.
Mail went south AM. Brill car north from boat 8 PM.
Everybody catching salmon on Cottonwood Creek. San Francisco
hotels opened after 3 month strike. Received shirt and pair
shoes for birthday. Radio fair, some static. Salmon
pack larger than in 1936.
July 31, 1937 Weather cloudy, light rain,
60 above. Salmon season closes today. Anchorage cannery
trying to get on extension of time account late run. Completed
cabinet work and varnishing in bathroom. Bedroom and vestibule
yet to decorate. Mail arrived. No Outside radio.
Airplanes grounded account weather.
July Memo: New house about completed,
August 1st. One room to paint and connect up electric plant.
Self did all the inside work at odd times. Will have both
pressure and gravity on water system for safety. Marie says
Grandma won’t live in new house.
August 1, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, cool,
52 above. AM usual Sunday trade. PM made up cash
and then on monthly statements until midnight. New schoolmarm
arrived, couldn’t rent a house, went to Anchorage. Car with
house trailer went through to mines. All radio dead, not a sound.
August 2, 1937 Business slow, collections
fair. Temperature 60 above. AM hauled 106 cases
milk and 15 cases radio dry batteries from set-out to store.
Finished varnishing and rubbing in living room, new house, 6 PM
to midnight. Heavy rain. Everybody catching salmon.
Only local radio.
August 3, 1937 Business below normal.
Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Milo Kelly in from BD Mine
with his new truck after cable. Gus took engineer out to look
at Ward Shroufe’s quartz mine. ARC building road from pass
up to head of Willow Creek. Evening, thunderstorm. Radio
NG. Two wars on, Spain Rebellion and Jap and Chinese.
August 4, 1937 Partly cloudy, 52 to 66 above.
Stanley made round trip to Anchorage with Fred Nelson truck.
Fern building new bunkhouse. “Guy” here to fly over top
of Mt. McKinley. Windy Bill about to marry hi-opera singer.
War in most of news.
August 5, 1937 Heavy rain, 60 above.
Paddy and Stanley left, AM for New Bullion Mine, to clean up,
ready for sale? Dr. Romig married again, old guys like a
bed warmer? Railroad Co-op buying local spuds at 4¢
a pound, to feed colonists. No Outside radio. War
hot in North China with Jap’s.
August 6, 1937 Weather cloudy, rain,
52 above. Jap’s trying to take Northern China. Spain
Rebellion still on, about 50-50. Germany building another
Zeplin to take place of one that blew up at lake Hurst, N. J.
Fern truck went to Anchorage. No Outside radio.
August 7, 1937 Weather cloudy, showers,
54 above. Put up small order for O and O and Vic Blodgett.
Had fire in furnace all day, damp cold. Letter from ARC
no money to pay April, May, and July bills due us. Mrs. St.
Clair went to Fairbanks. Weak radio, got KSL and KNX news
August 8, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, cold,
40 to 44 above. Delivered 2 orders to railroad for shipment
north. PM made up weekly cash register sheet. Stanley
back from mine, 6” new snow at Fern. Wanda Soper married
to booze man. Radio fair 9 to 10 PM no news.
August 9, 1937 Business 50% off.
A-1 day, 40 to 70 above. Stanley returned to his mine.
Johnny Moore turned upside down in take off at Kanatic.
Jap’s and Chinamen fighting on high. Loop Colonist farmer
died today. New spuds and poor. Radio at 9 PM KNX news.
Ready to paint bedroom in new house.
August 10, 1937 Business rotten.
Partly cloudy, 52 to 66 above. Two mail trains, north
and south. Mrs. Isaac's back from Anchorage after a month
absence. Charley and Dan Gray prospecting, head of Little
Susitna above Gold Mint. Moore’s plane ruined, no one hurt.
Radio fair. Bixler’s at Anchorage, Eva home.
August 11, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 66 above. Orders from Herman and Ed Holland.
Ellexson’s in, closing time, to trade. Willie fishing for trout.
Had last mess of strawberries. Eddie Holland in from Grubstake,
55 days work. Radio 9 to 10 PM China-Jap war hard
at it over North China.
August 12, 1937 Partly cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Mid-week boat freight arrived. Stanley in from mine for
radio batteries. Milo Kelly in for compressor.
Pyle moving over to Craigie Mine. ARC fixed road.
August 13, 1937 A-1 day,
56 to 70 above. mail south, got 2 orders from up railroad
line. McNally and Landers in to trade. Out of spuds
and farmers won’t dig new spuds. Reported help for ARR Co-op
on strike account 10% cut. Local radio and news. Brown
girl went to McKinley Park.
August 14, 1937 Business normal.
Partly cloudy, 52 to 60 above. Russian fliers, Moscow
to New York, down near North Pole. Thursday for losses
and Friday for crosses. Joe Crosley out looking for the Russian
Jap’s killed 3 Americans in China war. Alaska Sportsman agent
visited. Radio fair 9 to 12. Stanley in from his mine.
Colonists cutting red tape.
August 15, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
50 to 60 above. Pyle and Sidney Black in for merchandise.
Russian flyer last heard from near North Pole. Joe Crosson
no find them. Boat freight arrived PM Sold out on B
and C batteries. Radio fair, got no news.
August 16, 1937 Business slow,
cloudy, showers, 56 above. AM planes hunting for Russia
#3 lost plane over North Pole. Congress passed farm loan
bill over President Roosevelt’s veto. China and Japan hot
at war today, also Spain Loyalists vs. rebels.
August 17, 1937 Business fair PM.
Cloudy today, 50 to 72 above. Gus Geller visited, taking
orders for fresh peaches. Stanley, with Leibing car, went
to mine to show prospective buyer. A bunch of Marines sent
to China war account Americans.
August 18, 1937 Business rotten.
Cloudy, rain, 58 above. Stanley back from showing prospective
buyer his mine. Pete Snider laid off ARC. A lot
of salmon let their fish go sour. Jap-China war all the
news. Rain till midnight. No Outside radio.
August 19, 1937 Cloudy, showers, 58 above.
Stanley returned to his mine, went out with Gus, his car on
the bum. Railroad laying off help. Frank Churchill,
old 1898’er passed out at Knik, 4 PM was hanging paper, died with
boots on. Radio fair, got KNX news. War hot in China.
August 20, 1937 A-1 day, 50 to 80 above.
AM opened up new ammunition. Got off south mail.
Evening, Brill train went north with boat passengers. Mid-week
boat freight arrived, hauled over one truck load groceries, evening,
priced up same. U. S. boat it by Jap bomb. Radio fair,
Canada news on OK. Several flyers gone to North Pole.
August 21, 1937 Business still slow.
Showers, 50 to 58 above. Priced up and stored away new
groceries. PM painting 2nd coat in bedroom of new house.
Shawn through on railroad bridge gang. Stanley in from his
mine. Bad earthquake in China, war zone. Fruit arrived.
No Outside radio.
August 22, 1937 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 above.
Rush in store AM. Pyle and Jefferies in for merchandise.
PM attended Frank Churchill’s funeral at Knik, fifty people
present, buried in McGuire cemetery, Rev. Bingle officiated.
ARC Fishhook camp through. No radio, local station silent
on Sunday. Ham dinner at Ellexson’s for Bixler’s.
August 23, 1937 Business 50% off.
Rain, 52 to 66 above. AM hauled over truck load groceries
and drugs from set-out. Eva made an auto trip to Anchorage
with the insulted Bixler’s. Marie Martha and Janise had dinner
with Mr. Metz, through on road work. Radio but mushy.
No news, fell asleep, washed sore feet.
August 24, 1937 Weather cloudy,
48 to 70 above. Fern received tank car of oil. Jap-China
war hard at it. Chinaman shot down 2 Jap planes.
Stanley out again to mines. Ed Holland in again, looking
for freighter to mine. Radio fair.
August 25, 1937 A-1 day,
48 to 70 above. Gill and Billy Maitland families visited
on way to Willow Creek, joy riding. ARC long delayed checks
arrived, due back to April. Tony Wickstrom and wife in from
Stoll Mine to trade. Finished inside painting. Radio
OK at 10 PM China cleaned up Jap’s today.
August 26, 1937 Weather cloudy,
58 to 60 above, midnight raining. Got out-mail orders.
PM did some varnishing in new house, lower floor about finished.
Cupboards yet to make. Zink in from mine. No Outside
radio.
August 27, 1937 Cloudy, rain, 60 above.
Mail went south, mid-week boat freight went north. Brill
car went north. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Got 3 orders
from up railroad line. White family returned from McKinley
park account school. No Outside radio. 1937 salmon pack
short 1½ million cases.
August 28, 1937 Business fair, 52 above.
Shipped 2 orders north. British vessels shot up in Spain
war. Russia may advance on Manchuria and help China defeat
the Jap’s. Ed Holland in looking for freighter. Got
world news midnight on KSL. Mail arrived.
August 29, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
60 above. Usual Sunday trade after mail and grub.
Milo Kelly wired Governor account ARC quit work on new road
to G. B. Mine. Dinner party at hotel Phil Allen by snotty
Bixler's. Ma baby tender. Two glass broken in Mabel cabin
by kids. Short wave OK, long wave 9 to 10 PM War hot
in China.
August 30, 1937 Business slow, rain,
58 to 62 above. Gus drove Louis Loberg to Anchorage account
Chas Isaac's trial. Stanley and Bixler’s drove to Knik
for chicken dinner, cost $1.50 each? Finished carpenter work
on closet in new house, now cupboards to make. Radio good
1st time in 60 days.
August 31, 1937 Business fair, cloudy,
rain, 56 to 66 above. Twelve mile canyon flooded over
road. Game hunters all out today for September 1st opening.
Admiral Ueeck plus gravel gang in from Willow Creek District
road work. Evening, on monthly statements. Radio
fair. Jap and China war hot at it.
August Memo: New house completed on first
floor; three room and bath; self did all the painting and varnishing;
now ready for new furniture.
September 1, 1937 Business still slow.
Weather cloudy, 66 above. Stanley making ready to go
Outside for vertebra treatment. Willow Creek District
alive with moose, bear, ptarmigan hunters. Self all day
on monthly statements. New cabbage and spuds on market.
1937 Spanish war still on. No Outside radio. Jap’s
ordered all boats keep out of war.
September 2, 1937 Business normal.
A-1 day, 56 to 70 above. Chinamen put it all over the
Jap’s today. Big fleet of Russian planes coming to help
China fight the Jap’s. All the farmers after moose. Radio
fair. Pat Snider married at Anchorage P. O. last night.
September 3, 1937 A-1 summer
day, 50 to 72 above. Railroad ditcher gang moved to Houston.
Hunters report plenty black bear. Joe Palmer left for Caswell
with grub outfit. Stanley left for Seattle account vertebra
treatment and to sell his quartz mine. Radio fair.
Bixler’s moved to Seldovia, clam eaters now?
September 4, 1937 Second Jacob Bond day, 72
above. Finished pricing hardware and batteries. Boat
mail arrived, PM. Over 100 killed by autos in States today.
Knik Glacier Lake ready to spill. Had 1st mess grouse and raspberries.
Revenue tax man here to audit books. Radio good, early and
late. China war hot.
September 5, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
46 to 52 above. Rush in store AM. Joe Brassel and
Pyle in from mines and out. Baby show at Palmer Fair, Buddy
Herning got blue ribbon, 1st prize $3 cash. PM adding up back
entries on NRA ledger. Radio good, sermons and orchestra of
Chas Runyon.
September 6, 1937 Labor Day, closed PM.
Temperature 48 to 52 above. Hartley delivered 40 cases
and barrel of oil, at midnight, from Anchorage. Standard Oil
man here inspecting operation finances at mines. Victor
and Tommy McNeil had a fight at section house. Put in new
glass front of store, broken by kids. Tabulating ledger.
Radio good at 8 PM mostly war news.
September 7, 1937 Business fair, A-1
day, 54 to 64 above. Wasilla, fall term, school opened.
Only 3 Colonist kids came in 2 school buses, all went to Palmer.
War on in Far East and Mediterranean. Submarine _____ British
and Russian Merchant Marine boats. Metz 1 day mowing grass around
buildings. Radio good, airplane wreck near Moose Creek.
September 8, 1937 Fall day, 50 to 56 above.
Self nailed rustic over cracks on new floor header side store
and painted same, 4 hours repairs. Russia after Italy account
submarine sinking her freight boat. Metz 1 day finished mowing
grass. Radio good early, later static, war news.
September 9, 1937 Cloudy,
46 to 50 above. All Europe talking war. Italy and
Germany helping the rebels in Spain war and Russia. England
and France in favor of Spanish loyalists. Metz 1 day
on new fence aft lots. Radio good. Jap’s driving Chinamen
back.
September 10, 1937 Business normal.
Partly cloudy, 56 above. Received order from O and O, Caswell
Lake fur farm. Mail went south, also Mrs. Wilmoth to Anchorage.
Ellexson’s in to trade. Painted end posts and fence, aft
of store.
September 11, 1937 Cloudy, 44 to 52 above,
evening rain. Helped Jake on fence around new house.
Mail arrived, got freight due 12th. Warren Tryck left
to attend Alaska University at College, Alaska. Metz 1
day on new fence aft lot. Radio fair, storms on Atlantic.
P. O. drunk.
September 12, 1937 Sunday, cloudy 50
above. New snow at Fern and Gold Cord last night.
Rush in store AM. PM made up weekly sales. Boat
freight arrived PM 2½ tons. Evening, priced up new
goods. No work on fence today. Bert through at Pyle Mine.
Radio NG until after 9 PM failed to get news.
September 13, 1937 A-1 day,
50 to 60 above. AM self and Metz hauled over 2½ tons
new merchandise from freight shed. Com. Karns arrived to
straighten out school trouble account kids going to Palmer school.
President Roosevelt 3rd son to have an open face bed mate.
Metz 5 hours on fence and 3 hours on freight. Radio NG, got
10 PM news. All war talk in Europe.
September 14, 1937 Rain,
50 above. AM put hay cut around buildings in Gus’ shed.
PM no work outside account rain. Opened up new goods.
England and France hot after pirate sent Marines in Mediterranean.
No early radio. Got Sam Hayes and Pete Pringle news.
September 15, 1937 Rain all day, 50 above.
Marie Martha fell down their cellar stairs, broke small bone
in elbow. Ma got sudden catch in knee, walking like Bill
Taylor? Baxter Felch arrived for Munsingwear orders.
Self and Metz ½ day, dirt on lawn. Radio good, all
stations on air
September 16, 1937 Heavy rain, 50 above.
Seward washed out account rain, Lowell Creek on a rampage.
In store all day. Ma nursing knee trouble. Duck
season open, Cottonwood Flats covered with hunters.
No work on fence. Radio fair early, later mushy.
September 17, 1937 Partly cloudy 50 above.
Mail went south. Ordered cash register supplies through
Stanley, now in Seattle. Metz on fence in alley. Skookum
baby Herning rolled off bed onto floor, no harm done. Metz
1 day on fence aft store. Outside radio NG. Postmaster
went to hospital after 3 day drunk.
September 18, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above, midnight raining. Ma had
to lay off work account sore knee. Thorpe’s through at
quartz mine, PM still celebrating. Eva had to distribute the
mail. Received 10 boxes fresh peaches. Metz 1 day grading.
No Outside radio. Letter from Stanley in Seattle.
September 19, 1937 Sunday, autumn here,
50 above. Birch trees turned to golden yellow. Five
bus loads of war veterans visited Wasilla this PM holding convention
at Anchorage. PM Metz and self finished lawn dirt around
new house. Metz ½ day on lawn. P.O. still intoxicated.
Radio news 8 PM only, all war talk. No frost yet.
September 20, 1937 Weather cooler, 42 to 50
above. Ellexson’s out form Knik for merchandise.
Self store keeper, Ma drove over to Palmer hospital to see about
bad leg, doctor said nothing wrong, needed rest like Wasilla Postmaster.
Metz cleaned up round between store and Roadhouse. Metz
1 day yard work and posts. Got 10 PM world news. Mrs.
Wilmoth back from Anchorage to sober up, this PM.
September 21, 1937 Weather cool, evening rain,
44 above. Colonist kids on strike; came to Wasilla School
today. Fred putting roof on Pete’s new house. Metz
painted fence posts around 2 back lots. Now ready for wire
and gates. Self in store account Ma’s game leg. Metz
1 day on fence. Outside radio NG. Roosevelt planning trip
to Seattle.
September 22, 1937 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50
above. ARC August paychecks coming in with month passed.
No trace of Moscow to San Francisco fliers down at North Pole.
Patzack going out to work for Milo Kelly. Seven million dollar
Standard Oil tank fire at San Francisco. Metz ½ day painting
posts. Radio good, all stations on air 8 to 10, war talk hotter.
September 23, 1937 Weather cool and cloudy,
44 to 50 above. Self busy in store all day. Ma nursing
game leg. Bought another ton Jonesville coal off Gus, the
kind with whiskers. Jap’s still bombing the Chinamen.
No work on fence today account weather. Radio fair. Roosevelt
in route to Seattle. Evening, rainy.
September 24, 1937 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50
above. Self and Metz all day grading lawn and painting
fence posts around new house. Moose hunters busy.
Lester Davis on usual drunk. School installing electric lights.
Metz ½ day account lawn, ½ day painting posts.
Outside radio no good. Legion program from Anchorage.
September 25, 1937 Weather
cooler, rain, 40 to 50 above. No outside work account
rain. Got out orders for clothing and hardware. Mussolini’s
son and black shirt arrived at Hollywood. Swen Edlund got
a moose. No work on fence today. Radio good, all stations
on air. War still on in China and Spain.
September 26, 1937 Sunday. Cool
rain, 40 to 50 above, usual AM trade. Mail went south
10 AM boat 2 days late at Seward. PM fitted storm windows
on basement new house, cleaned up yard. Davis and Fabyan on
a drunk. No work on fence. Radio good. Roosevelt
party now in Idaho.
September 27, 1937 First killing frost, 30
to 50 above. A-1 sunny day. Helped Jake on wire
fence around aft lots. Boat mail arrived 4 PM 2 days late.
All Europe condemning Jap’s for China warfare. Metz and self
1 day on wire fence. Radio good. All stations from baby
size up.
September 28, 1937 Weather cloudy, 42 above.
Wired C. E. Perkins, Chatfield, Minnesota to take over caretaker
of Eyota farms and send one 1936 and 1937 farm report.
No boat freight today. Metz on fence 1 day back lots.
Radio weak. All nations after Jap’s on account of China war.
September 29, 1937 Business 50% off.
A-1 day, 40 to 50 above. Chicken dinner at George Stanley
Jr.’s house, “Buddy” got the leg bone. Milo Kelly in
for his car coal, Fern had hauled it out? Finished new
wire fence around lots 1, 2 and 3. Metz 1 day on fence.
Radio good. Mussolini and Hitler defy the world.
September 30, 1937 A-1 day,
40 to 58 above. Finished cementing posts around back lots
and cleaned up humps on Mabel lot. Gus got 26 ton car Healy
coal. Bert moved into Cannon cabin. Metz 1 day finished
new fence. Outside radio no good. Mail late today.
October 1, 1937 Temperature 24 to 58, froze
¼” ice. Self on monthly statements and out-mail
all day and evening. Wrote Stanley to see M. Fisher about
buying K. T. Co. store. Tryck packed up ready to go Outside.
No outside work today. Outside radio no good. Metz
dug his spuds, 15 sacks.
October 2, 1937 Showers, 42 above. Oscar
Tryck and Billy left for Seattle and States. Carl Johnson
back on ARC job. Self and Metz finished hauling soil on
new house lawn. Radio NG Outside. Chinamen killed
16,000 Jap’s.
October 3, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
40 to 50 above. Gottstein visited PM. Tex Cobb and
LeWalter bought snowshoes for winter hunting camp. Delayed
boat mail arrived 4 PM. PM hung Mabel walk gate. Fern
trucks hauling in concentrate. Radio dead. Letter from
Stanley in Seattle.
October 4, 1937 Cloudy and rain, 44 to 50 above.
AM in store. PM helped Metz put barbed wire around top
of fence on back lots. Olson and wife visited, was
on PM freight for Caswell. Fruit arrived. Metz ½
day on fence. Evening, fixed Eva’s radio. Radio good
after 8 PM All war news.
October 5, 1937 Cloudy with rain, 40 to 50
above. Mrs. R. L. Short left for Seattle. Mountain
peaks covered with snow again. Mrs. Dodson and Trusty
in from Ala-Pac Mine to trade. PM hauled over truck load
groceries to store. Russia furnishing airplanes and war material
to China war. No Outside radio. Wasilla School installing
electric plant.
October 6, 1937 Cloudy, evening rain, 44 to
50 above. Jake finished wire fence between Mabel and new
house and dug holes for radio poles. All nations after
Japan to cut out China war. Radio after 9 PM all war news.
October 7, 1937 Rain and fog, 44 above.
No snow at mines thus far. Answered Harry J. Martin’s letter,
referred him to Stanley at Hotel Gowman, Seattle. Car of
winter coal failed to arrive. Metz dug hole for radio pole.
No Outside radio. Britton and France want U. S. to stop Jap
war.
October 8, 1937 Fog, 34 to 44 above.
Metz left for Weeler ranch to care for stock while Weeler on
grand jury. ARR Co-op trucks hauling mining freight to Willow
Creek. Gucker and S and W man here for orders also Hershey’s
man. Assembled radio pulleys. No Outside radio.
Boat mail delayed.
October 9, 1937 Business still slow.
Temperature 32 to 38 above. Evening cleared, northern
lights. Mail train south taking jury paneled to Valdez.
Evening, blow out at Town hall account Swen Edlund and wife leaving
for Seattle. Self ½ day on gate. No Outside radio.
Grand display of northern lights.
October 10, 1937 Sunday. A-1 day,
44 to 50 above. PM on outside work around new house.
painted front gate posts green. Put storm windows on east
side basement. Mail train arrived 10 PM. Lester Davis
over 2 week drunk, annual. No radio.
October 11, 1937 Cloudy, warm wind, 44 to 58
above. Self in store AM, packed order for Caswell fur
farm. PM greased and put new oil in truck for winter driving.
Letter from Art and Carrie, said times were on the bum back east.
No early radio, got 10 PM news.
October 12, 1937 Weather
cloudy, 44 to 58 above. Stump gone moose hunting.
Mrs. McNally in to trade. PM finished work on truck.
PM fruits, meats, groceries and hardware arrived. Hauled
over 1 load freight. PM Ogden Mills, ex-Secretary Treasurer
passed out. No Outside radio. Italy helping Spanish
rebels to win war.
October 13, 1937 Weather cloudy, 44 to 60 above.
AM pricing up new goods. PM on outside work aft store.
Fruit buried up in set-out. Fred Nelson got Pete’s new
house under cover. Milo Kelly in from mine, he fired the
2 Bolsheviks, Grau and Johnson. Radio good, 6 to 8, then
died out.
October 14, 1937 Business off 40%.
A-1 day, 36 to 50 above. AM in store. PM hauled
over 2 loads merchandise from set-out and hauled Eva’s and ma’s
tin can cooks to the dump. Zink received $1,500 payment
on mine claim from Ala-Pac Mines. Radio good, all stations on
the air, all war news.
October 15, 1937 Temperature 34 to 58 above.
Got orders and mail off. Shomaker visited PM gave him
order for paper and bags, etc. Chicken thieves caught,
young Soper in jail and Sharon _____ cited. PM on walks
and painting posts. Outside radio weak. Jas and Chinamen
still at war .
October 16, 1937 Rain all PM 42 to 48 above.
Oscar and Ernest unloaded ½ car of winter store coal.
Self put in new sidewalk by garage, to house. China cut
50,000 Jap’s off food supplies in war zone in China. Eva dined
on forbidden chicken? Hearing on chicken thieves tonight at
Palmer. Outside radio very weak, got KSL midnight news.
October 17, 1937 Sunday. Cloudy,
fog, rain, 40 above. Boys finished unloading 41 ton car
stove fuel. Put 6 tons nut coal in bin at new house, Eva
got 5 tons. Milo Kelly in for his engine and grub. No
snow in pass or on Bald Mt. Letters from Stanley in Seattle.
Radio mushy. Richfield news, all war talk.
October 18, 1937 Cloudy, rain 40 to 44 above,
4” new snow at mines. S and W fruit, Black Bear and Ball
Band, clothing, candy bars and groceries arrived and 40 cases
gas and oil, by auto truck “Ky-Colonel” had groceries from
Seattle. Hauled and stored freight PM Radio good.
October 19, 1937 Weather clearing 32 to 42
above. Mountains covered with snow down to timberline
last night, a full month later than usual. Self pricing
and storing away new goods and issuing checks for same.
China army drove Jap’s back today. No Outside radio, press news
over local station.
October 20, 1937 Weather cloudy, windy, 42
above, late snow blocked Fishhook summit Pass with drifts.
Paid Ball Band invoices. Government Landon, Republican, roasted
Roosevelt administration over the air. Town Hall program good
tonight. Nick Stephan bought outfit. Radio OK after 8 PM
Italy backing down on Spain.
October 21, 1937 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Fern outfit in to trade, also Mrs. Dodson, High Grade.
Priced up Ball Band and Black Bear new merchandise. Jack
and Bert went to Anchorage for load oil for Cads. Chinamen
got Jap’s on the run.
October 22, 1937 Weather cloudy, 42 above all
day. Mail went south, boat late at Seward. PM fitted
storm window to annex on new house. Chinamen holding back
the Jap’s on Shanghi battle line. Roosevelt advocates more
taxes or less relief. Ma took care of baby while Eva went to
mines.
October 23, 1937 Business about normal,
temperature +42. Self in store AM. PM doing outside
work around new house. Got fence outfit ready for Elmer’s
grave at Knik, to replace new posts. Evening, KFQD announced
that K. T. Co. would be on the air Monday at 9:15. Mail train
arrived at 10 PM. No Outside radio. Midnight northern lights
and partly cloudy.
October 24, 1937 Sunday, 34 to 42 above.
AM loaded up truck with posts and wire fence, cement, etc. for
trip to Knik. left at noon with Nels Larson; removed old
fence and installed new fence around Elmer’s grave, back 7 PM.
Ma storekeeper.
October 25, 1937 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Fabyan and Wade raised 2 radio poles at new house. PM
Metz cemented in poles. K. T. Co. on the air, 8:15, no
more credit after November 1st. Mrs. McDougal in to trade.
No Outside radio. K. T. Co. had good 15 minute program.
October 26, 1937 A-1 spring day, 40 to 48 above.
AM priced up and stored away S and W fine goods, came last week.
Today got second lot of S and W goods, truck load evening.
Pumped up and greased Olds car for trip to Knik. Only local
radio. China holding her own in Jap war.
October 27, 1937 A-1 day,
30 to 40 above. Metz and self left 7:30 with Olds car for
Knik. Put wire fence around Elmer’s grave, painted headboard,
re-assembled Frank McGuire headstone, fell down by the elements.
Fourteen killed at Jonesville Mine. Outside radio NG.
Ma had a scrap with Dr. Skookum.
October 28, 1937 Weather colder, 28 to 40 above,
ground now frozen ½”. Busy, priced up Armour and
S and W goods. Bill Stoltze visited, finished electric plant
in school. K. T. Co. on the air 8:15, no more credit.
Evening, on mail and orders. Outside radio dead. Fourteen
bodies recovered, local coal mine.
October 29, 1937 Weather clear, 28 to 44 above.
Mail went south. Paddy Marion left for California.
Put locks on all gates around new house. Evening, printed
sign, “No More Credit after November 1st”. Local radio only.
Gust Anderson left for States.
October 30, 1937 Weather
cloudy, wind, 36 to 42 above. Busy in store, mail arrived
PM. Chas Cad back from summer trip looking for lost mine
in Canada. Evening, Halloween party on at Hall by old people
dressed in Mayflower clothes. Jap’s bombing British at Shanghai.
Radio good 8 to 12. Ma’s birthday, knees weak.
October 31, 1937 Sunday, cloudy 32 to
40 above. Store open 9 to 12 AM-PM on weekly sales report.
Got 2 truck loads new merchandise. Evening, on monthly
statements. McDougal in for grub. No radio, dead outside.
Evening, warmer.
October Memo: Self did all decorating
in new house, now ready for furniture but no money to buy same.
Ma prefers to live in store apartment or Outside, so says Marie
Martha. Stanley in Seattle on business and back treatment.
November 1, 1937 Cloudy, windy, 38 to 42 above.
Finished monthly statements. No one paid a bill today.
Future sales CASH. Busy all day marking and storing away
new groceries. Fern in for a bunch of files. Mrs.
Lynch hubby arrived from Nenana last train. Radio NG, barely
got the news.
November 2, 1937 Cloudy, windy 38 to 44 above.
Packed 15 boxes fresh apples and 4 cases citrus fruit down
in basement. One credit customer paid October bill.
Bergman back on section after month vacation. Jap-Chinamen
war hotter every day. Radio weak.
November 3, 1937 Partly cloudy, 36 to 42 above.
Cleaned up in warehouse aft store. Put storm windows on
store annex. Got lumber to make concrete forms account electric
engine in new house. Evening, paid invoices. Radio
good early.
November 4, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 32 to 40 above. Rush in store PM.
Andy Trent and Ellexson’s in for supplies. Boys helped Pete
Snider get his car, upside down, out of ditch. Installed work
bench on west side cellar new house. Radio fair early. Duke
of Windsor coming to U. S. for a visit.
November 5, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature 30 to 36 above. First snow at Wasilla , frost
fell AM, PM light sprinkle of snow, ground frozen only ½”.
Cad bought outfit to fix up old Fishhook Inn for tourist trade.
Wasilla mines hauling in car coal. Radio good early,
southern and central stations came in good.
November 6, 1937 Weather cloudy, 30 to 38 above.
Put up order for Caswell Lake fur farm. Mail arrived 4 PM letters
from Stanley, coming home next week. J. B. Fleck’s sister
died in California. Germany-Italy and Japan vs. Russia and
England. Radio fair early. Got KSL midnight news.
Republicans lining up.
November 7, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
20 to 36 above. Store open 3 hours AM for absent minded
customers. PM made up cash, more business than on credit
sales. Got off O and O order. Got eggs, butter and tobacco
freight. Radio NG.
November 8, 1937 Winter is here, temperature
10 to 32 above. Evening, northern lights.
Nels Larson bought trap line grub outfit. Just before
the news, radio switch went haywire. Started first fire
in office heater. London came in good. 9 PM radio went
haywire. Lake Lucille froze.
November 9, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above. Busy in store AM.
Nels Larson left for his trap line with Jack Fabyan. Jonesville
Coal Mine closing down. PM made forms for Onan plant.
Radio fair, A-battery run out. Duke of Windsor coming to U.
S. for a social visit.
November 10, 1937 Weather cloudy, 24 to 36
above. Put up $25 grub order for Thorpe’s, going to Eska
Coal Mine to work, M. A. H. loaned them $25. PM filled furnace
coal bin, 2nd filling. Evening, measured up rooms in new
house for floor covering. Henry Ratzen out from Knik.
Radio good, all stations on air, news all war talk.
November 11, 1937 Business slow, A-1
day, 20 to 40 above. Thorpe’s left with Gus for Eska Coal
Mine. ARC snow plow, for Fishhook District, arrived.
Brazil went over to dictator. Jap’s captured Shanghai, China.
Radio NG, American Legion program from Anchorage.
November 12, 1937 Business slow, A-1
day, 10 to 30 above. Dug out gravel under annex of new
house for drain account exhaust from electric engine. Anna
Snider home from college, going to get married. Mom McDougal
in from Fern. Radio fair. Jap’s told Nine Power to go
to hadies.
November 13, 1937 Weather cloudy, 10 to 30
above. In store, ready to install muffler drum tomorrow.
Metz helping Weiler saw wood. Shanghai back to normal, Jap’s
now control city. School carnival at Hall tonight. Short
wave OK. Long wave weak. Mail arrived.
November 14, 1937 Sunday, weather clear,
10 to 30 above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM had Fabyan
help to pour concrete for cement block for Onan electric plant
in new house. Nagley’s on freight going north. Radio OK.
Evening, put up balcony fly over store stairs. Temperature
10 above midnight.
November 15, 1937 Weather
clear, 10 to 20 above. In store, priced up new drugs.
Finished installing fly in balcony to keep heat on first floor.
Plane with 3 men, from McGrath, landed here account fog in Anchorage.
Radio fair, Congress in special session.
November 16, 1937 Weather clear, 4 to 20 above.
Cad bought 2nd coupon book. Cash sales OK thus far.
Gus hauled load inside finish for Pete’s new house. Nels
back in from trap line. Radio OK. Nine Power fell down
on settling Jap-China war.
November 17, 1937 Weather clear, 10 to 20 above.
Mrs. McDougal, and truck driver, in late for freight and supplies
for help. Judge Hellenthall here account dividing Wasilla
Recording District with Palmer. Radio weak, all war talk.
November 18, 1937 Weather
clear, 4 to 20 above. In store and office. Gus traded
old for new truck Lucky Shot closed down, out of ore. Strike
on Alaska boats account rotating help. Radio weak, static from
electric at school.
November 19, 1937 Business normal.
Weather clear, 20 to 30 above. Evening, big wind, first
of fall. Had Jack drill holes through cement wall to install
muffler on electric engine in new house. Now ready for lights.
Radio weak. Another strike on Alaska boats.
November 20, 1937 Business dead. Wind
blew iron loose on railroad warehouse and coal shed. Eva’s
radio pole and several others and chimney’s went down. Green
stuff arrived on PM passenger train. Wind generally all over
Alaska. Rain in Seattle. Local radio, got 10 PM news,
KNX.
November 21, 1937 Sunday, moderate wind,
20 above. Shipped one order to Caswell. Boat freight
in at midnight, got ½ ton, only 300 pounds perishables.
Evening, oiled store floor. Cad traded big truck and sedan
for new Olds car. Outside radio NG, Anchorage on air 2 hours.
November 22, 1937 Partly cloudy, light wind,
14 to 28 above. Busy all day selling turkey day goods.
Ellexson’s out from Knik. Gus got his electric airplane
windmill working. Cad sealing over logs east side hotel.
No Outside radio. News over local stations. Fixed Eva’s
aerial.
November 23, 1937 Partly
cloudy, 18 to 24 above. AM hauled over truck load of new
merchandise from depot and put two truck loads Healy coal in furnace
coal bin. Pete Nelson had his new house wired for electric.
No settlement of Alaska boat strike, mail and passengers coming
via Vancouver B. C. to Juneau. Outside radio at 10 PM President
of Standard Oil Company died.
November 24, 1937 Blizzard on all day, 30 above,
light snow but all blew away. Got out Seattle mail.
Alaska boat strike off, next boat leaving Seattle Saturday morning.
Stanley supposed to sail for Wasilla. Sent Paddy balance
on check to Los Angeles. Outside radio weak. Got news,
Congress and war talk.
November 25, 1937 Windy, Thanksgiving,
20 above. Our turkey was a Knik chicken with all the trimmings,
Ma as usual cook. Guests, baby Stanley Jr. Marie Martha
and mother. Stanley Sr. still in Seattle. Only local
radio, boat strike over.
November 26, 1937 Second blizzard, 22 above.
Wind died out PM. At midnight, 4” new wet snow,
first real snow of winter. Priced up paper goods, bags, tablets,
Christmas cards, etc. Mail went south but no boat. Short
wave good, got London news, Congress scrapping.
November 27, 1937 Weather cloudy, 22 above.
In store most of day, cleaned snow off walks. Montgomery
in from Independence Mine, claims he took out $400,000 this summer.
Stanley wired, delayed another week in Seattle account deal on
his mine. Radio fair but Cads gas engine bad.
November 28, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
26 to 30 above. In store AM closed PM. Cut 5” hole
in sill to give electric engine air in basement. England trying
to make agreement with Germany, Italy to keep out of war.
Tom Cavanaugh passed out at 6 PM at Pat’s Beer Hall, died happy?
Radio fair, got world news.
November 29, 1937 More snow, 32 above all day,
light wet snow. School buses ½ hour late.
Tobacco only freight, no mail boat last week at Seward account
cook-waiters strike. Mrs. Vail and Isaac's back from Seward
jury. Cleaned walks and got in oil supply. Radio fair with
static, all war news.
November 30, 1937 Weather cloudy, evening clear,
10 to 26 above. Snowed 2” last night, had to clean walks
again. Finally got hole through sill for draft account
gas electric engine. Jap’s seized American tugboat.
FDR fishing Gulf Mexico to get away from unruly Congress. Radio
weak, got 8 o’clock world news, all war talk.
November Memo: New house still unoccupied.
Building 2 cupboards and connecting up electric lights yet
to be done. Rugs and furniture yet to come. No hurry,
as Ma would rather live in a Seattle apartment house than Wasilla.
No more credit sales after November 1st.
December 1, 1937 Clear, zero weather to 10
below. Wired Stanley to order Christmas fruit and vegetables
and candy for 11th boat. Got out orders for coffee and meats.
One school bus late. Cads Onan electric working OK.
Radio with static. Germany to settle Jap-China war?
December 2, 1937 Cold snap, 16 below zero all
day and 6 below noon. Shorty Gustafson here on visit?
Liebing brought in first mail from Fishhook District. Finished
orders for new merchandise and paid bills on 1st. Italy favors
Jap war vs. China. Outside radio dead, local station only.
December 3, 1937 Second big wind, +20.
School buses stuck in snow drifts by Wasilla Lake crossing.
Town had to feed school kids, 7 PM bulldozer opened road,
kids went home. Yukon on the rocks in Valdez Channel.
Mail went south. No Outside radio, big wind and static, local
station only.
December 4, 1937 No business. Big
wind blew out 6 PM, busy shoveling in coal all day. Mail
train arrived 11:30 PM. Cad stuck in snow drift at Wasilla
Lake crossing. Fishhook innkeeper in for building material,
3 carpenters working on Inn. Short wave OK, long wave NG.
December 5, 1937 Sunday, open 3 hours
AM. Calm, 20 to 28 above, warming up for more snow.
Letter from Stanley, leaving Seattle on SS Alaska on December
4th boat for Seward. Cleaned snow drift off walk in front
of store. No freight. Evening warmer. No Outside
radio. Elks on air from Anchorage, no news.
December 6, 1937 Weather cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
AM re-nailed galvanized roofing on railroad lot warehouse account
wind. PM put chains on truck, received loads freight
on PM train north. Roosevelt back from toothache fishing
trip to Florida. Stanley 33. Radio fair.
December 7, 1937 Business slow, A-1 day,
20 to 30 above. Checking down new goods. H. O. White
family moved to Anchorage. Jap’s got China about cleaned
up and no war declared. Congress bucking Presidents New Deals.
Radio NG, long wave, London Calling good.
December 8, 1937 Evening windy, 30 to 36 above.
Pricing up new merchandise and paying late invoices. Scarcity
of coal in Wasilla account Jonesville Mine closed up. Jap’s
worming their way into Nanking, interior China. Radio dead,
local stations only.
December 9, 1937 Third big wind, 10 to 20 above,
up till 3 AM account fires. Eva’s chimney burned out.
Got out-mail orders. Ordered Delaware rugs for new house.
Wind blowing through everything, hard to keep temperature up to
50 above. Got news on inside aerial, outside aerial down.
December 10, 1937 Big wind today, temperature
zero. Blew down Wasilla Roadhouse cement chimney, paper
roof on Wasilla Post Office, out closets upside down, roofs off
Peck’s barn and other ranches. Strongest wind since 1917.
Fishhook Beer Hall man in. Radio good on inside aerial.
December 11, 1937 Cold wind all day, temperature
zero. Radio pole, by old barn, went down last night.
Phil Coleman in from Wasilla Mines for help supplies.
Stanley arrived home on the 11 PM mail train after 3 month trip
to Seattle. Christmas fruit and vegetables. arrived.
Radio weak, storms in States, California flooded.
December 12, 1937 Sunday, wind died out
PM temperature 20 above. Busy in store AM. Gus took
Phil Coleman out to the Wasilla Mines. Nickalaska blew
back to Knik, drunk as usual. Storms and floods in States.
Radio fair. “SS President Hoover” on rocks near Japan.
December 13, 1937 Warm wind, PM 30 above.
Got Big Lake order ready to ship but no boat freight arrived.
Stanley back as chief clerk. November business off 50%,
store profit $94.94. Jap’s sunk U. S. boat in Nanking Province.
Radio good, Mussolini quit League of Nations.
December 14, 1937 Warmer after weeks wind,
temperature 24 to 30. Boat freight arrived 5 PM had one
truck load Christmas fruits and candy, etc. Ellexson’s
out from Knik, paid $74 on old past due account. Auto roads
bare after weeks wind. Rain from Kodiak to Cordova.
Radio good. Art Gillam down on trip Pt. Barrow.
December 15, 1937 Small trade all day,
cloudy, 30 above. McDougal back from trip to Seattle.
Dick Frances visited, going to work at Fern Mine. Vail’s
got old age pension, $35 a month. Cad hauling lumber from
Anchorage for remodeling old Fishhook Inn. Radio good, all
stations came in.
December 16, 1937 Business fair, A-1
day, 20 above to 4 below zero. Got out-mail for Seattle.
Sold hay, cut around store lots to rick for $5, Gus hauled it to
Peck’s ranch. Jap willing to pay for U. S. gunboat sunk at
Shanghai. Loyalists getting best of Spain rebels. Radio
good, heard Hoover speak.
December 17, 1937 Clear day, 12 above to 4
below zero. Got off Seattle mail. Eva went to
Anchorage account tooth, etc. Evening, Anchorage basketball
teams arrived, Wasilla girls won, boys lost game. Wilkins
circling North Pole. Radio fair. Jap’s bowing down
to Uncle Sam.
December 18, 1937 Weather cloudy, Chinook,
38 above. Stanley minding baby while it’s mother shopping
at Anchorage. PM re-nailed corrugated iron on railroad
warehouse, torn loose by high wind. Piggly Wiggly roasts
Co. Ohlson, manager Alaska Railroad in December Alaska paper.
December 19, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, rain,
38 above. Had 2 shipments for north freight. Received
one truck load groceries and hardware and 1 truck load gas and
oils. No snow in Wasilla. Hauled and
stored away new merchandise. Ma got sore toe
and Christmas turkey at Anchorage. Radio mushy, got 8
PM news. Congress backing President.
December 20, 1937 Cloudy, sleet storm, 30 above.
Priced up new hardware goods. PM put headers in attic
to make wallboard tight in new house. Wasilla School to
hold their Christmas Wednesday. Fabyan digging well and
cellar for Edlund. No Outside radio, storm brewing.
December 21, 1937 Business slow, no payroll.
Temperature 12 above. Finished pricing up new merchandise.
Shawn drove Eva, Marie Martha and baby Jr. over to Palmer for
a haircut. Fred working on Pete’s new house. Cad got
3 men remodeling old Fishhook Inn. Short wave from London
good, long wave weak.
December 22, 1937 Colder, 12 above to zero.
School closed with Santa Claus and presents at school, PM, then
general Christmas at Town Hall in evening. Fishhook Inn proprietor
froze his legs on trip to Anchorage last night. Long wave NG,
short wave London OK.
December 23, 1937 Zero weather to 6 below zero,
warmer Inside, 12 above. Navy took over Wood Island near
Kodiak for airplane base. Frank Kellogg, best man Minnesota
ever had, passed out. Christmas all over in Wasilla.
Shawn moved into Liebing cabin. No long wave radio. Liebing’s
took over Pete’s beer hall.
December 24, 1937 Business slow, off
payroll. Weather windy, 20 above. Santa Claus Alaska
boat 1 day late at Seward, no train south today. Navy after
boats on Pacific Coast commanded by Jap’s. London calling,
had good program, no Outside radio tonight. Long wave silent,
short wave OK, war talk news.
December 25, 1937 Christmas, store open
3 hours AM. Zero weather. Ma had a fine turkey dinner,
guests were Stanley, Eva, Sharon, Marie Martha and Stanley Jr.
1 year old. Marie Martha’s tree and Christmas presents.
Christmas cost grandfather $58 all told. London had fine program
AM. Long wave NG, short wave OK. Newton Baker passed
out.
December 26, 1937 Sunday, quiet in town.
Temperature zero. Eating remains of Christmas dinner.
Boat mail arrived, 4 PM no freight. New Fishhook Inn
manager got dumped over in Cads car on the 22nd, died today from
bruises and frozen legs. KFQD had on Yule Tide greetings.
Long wave no good, short wave with static.
December 27, 1937 Fourth big wind, 4 above
zero, big wind all day. Ray Cornelius bought grub for
Bald Mt. moose hunt. Gus and Stanley made round auto
trip to Anchorage. Busy with fires up to midnight, all heat
blown away. Got 8 PM news, radio then died out.
December 28, 1937 Big wind all day at zero.
Blew Cads veranda roof off in front of Roadhouse. Busy
making fires all day up to midnight. Roof on Gus’ warehouse
going. Dr. Baughman, old time Alaska doctor, passed out in
Juneau. No Outside radio. Flood in Seattle side
December 29, 1937 Big wind all day, temperature
zero. Received wire from Florence, got cash offer $4,500
for Seymour, Eyota farm. Busy keeping up fires all day.
10 PM wind blowed down to 10 miles per hour. No Outside long
wave, short wave weak, got London news.
December 30, 1937 Big 3 day wind died out PM
Zero weather. Arnold Edlund and Fritz Kessler in
town on vacation, off bridge gang. PM Kenneth filled coal
bin. Burned up extra ton during wind storm. Colony
farmers hit bad by storm. No long wave, short wave weak.
Now on inventory.
December 31, 1937 Weather clear, temperature
zero, -40 Inside at McCarthy, zero at Seward. Marie Martha
and grandmother left for weekend at Anchorage. Wired Florence
to accept $4,500 for Seymour farm, later no sale. No Outside
radio, missed holiday programs this Christmas.
December Memo: Stanley’s social security
number xxx-xx-xxxx, issued 8/18/1937 at Juneau by Social Security
board. Marie Martha and Grandma doing Anchorage on New
Year, Stanley and self on inventory. Alaska population 71,911.
1938
January 1, 1938 Open AM. Clear, no snow,
zero. Packed order for Caswell Lake fur farm. Took
inventory of motor oils, radio batteries and smoked meats.
Ate dinner with grandson, not able to walk yet. Ma and
Marie at Anchorage. Long wave NG, short wave mushy. Took
annual bath.
January 2, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy, 10 above.
Store open 9 to noon as usual. Got Outside mail AM, no
freight today. Ma and Marie still at Anchorage.
One relief on cash sales, no monthly statements account credit
sales. Ate dinner with Buddy Jr.
January 3, 1938 Weather cloudy, warmer, 20
above. Wasilla white again, 1/8” snow. Working
on inventory. Ma and Marie Martha returned from Anchorage
on PM freight. Rugs arrived for new house. No Outside
radio. School opened again. Thirty below zero at Copper
River.
January 4, 1938 Snowed 2” last
night, 30 above. Railroad making repairs at depot after
big wind storm. Gus got his wind charger back in place after
big wind. Cleaned walks and finished tabulating basement
groceries. All grocery Dept. taken. Loyalists getting
best of Spain rebels.
January 5, 1938 Business normal, morning rain,
40 above. First Chinook on today. McDougal and
Shorty in with Cat and sled for supplies and radio batteries.
Mine Ellec in from Knik with Tin Lizzie. All working on inventory.
No radio, only KFQD. Congress to give Alaska 2½ million
for 1938.
January 6, 1938 Chinook, 40 above. Busy
on inventory. Took part hardware in warehouse aft store,
gas, motor oils, etc. Wind blew Eklutna school bus off Knik
River bridge. Paddy wired back to Seattle. Midnight
eves dropping. Only short wave radio and local station news.
January 7, 1938 Warm, 40 above. Got orders
and mail off AM. Stanley left, again, for Seattle account
vertebra, back trouble and to sell his quartz mine. Ma
and self working on inventory. Radio fair, got 8 PM news,
mostly war talk.
January 8, 1938 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Ma and self on inventory. Stanley leaving Seward on SS
Baranoff for Seattle. Wrote O and O re-cash business.
Oscar and Barney started on railroad ice contract on Lake Wasilla.
Radio fair.
January 9, 1938 Sunday, sprinkle of snow last
night, 14 to 24 above. On inventory. Cad and McDougal
back from Anchorage via highway. Railroad agent paid August
to November back bill. Prof. Kleck moved from Frank ______
house to Cads bungalow. Evening, colder, rain AM? Long
wave fair, early then died out. Loyalists gaining on Spain rebels.
January 10, 1938 Business normal. Colder,
10 above to 10 below. Shorty in for McDougal and supplies.
Freight arrived, got 15 boxes fresh apples, necked them to store
with Yukon sled on ice. Jack Fabyan on a drunk. Mrs.
Bergman in Anchorage hospital again account rupture. Only
local radio. Alaska boats tied up account strike.
January 11, 1938 Temperature 10
above, windy. Shorty and McDougal left with Cat and sled
trailer for Fern Mine. Railroad installing gas water pump
in depot. Fifteen minute earthquake in Japan. Mail routed
by Vancouver, B. C. Seattle to Juneau account strike.
January 12, 1938 Business hungry. Light
wind, 10 above. Ma on clothing, self on hardware inventory.
Harry Sears over from ranch at Palmer. Frank Swanson up
from Anchorage to replace roofing blown off house. Wire came,
Seattle strike on Alaska boats settled, coming north tomorrow.
Radio NG, Wilkins flew from McKenzie River to Point Barrow.
January 13, 1938 Weather cold, zero to 10 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Got out-mail but no mail boat
at Seward this week account Seattle longshoreman strike.
Gus Gillis, salesman, visited account car load of orders.
Rufe Stephan out from Knik.
January 14, 1938 Weather colder,
10 below zero. On inventory, groceries and clothing departments
about finished. Roosevelt now counseling with big business
instead of trying to force New Deal on them. Radio fair.
January 15, 1938 Weather warmer,
windy 10 to 20 above. Busy on hardware inventory.
Train arrived but no Outside mail. Got 1 order from north
and 1 order from Palmer. Marie Martha bunking with her
grandma for a change. Short wave good, no long wave, all static.
KFQD only news.
January 16, 1938 Sunday, cloudy, warmer, 30
above. Self working on hardware shelf inventory.
Wasilla basketball teams got done up right in Anchorage last night.
Sir Wilkens made one flight around North Pole, saw nothing of lost
Russian fliers. Trusty in from Wasilla Mines last night.
Neither short or long wave today, dead .
January 17, 1938 Weather cloudy, 30 above.
Still on hardware shelf inventory. Ten thousand articles
to count. Berg and Wade up from Matanuska for small grocery
outfit. Eva got wire from Stanley in Seattle, OK.
Chinamen put Jap's on run today. Short wave fair, no long wave.
Moshier in to trade.
January 18, 1938 Temperature 20 to 30 above.
Delayed mail, account strike, arrived PM, came to Seward by
Revenue Cutter from Juneau. Took some inventory in warehouse
aft store. U. S. Army bombers left San Diego for Honolulu
today, trial flight. One inch snow. Radio mushy, mostly
foreign news.
January 19, 1938 Business dead.
Weather cloudy, 20 above. Self on screw and bolt inventory.
Paid Seattle invoices. Wired Stanley for radio batteries.
Jack’s back gave out on ice job. Sharon giving away his
litter of pups. No Outside radio.
January 20,1938 A-1 day, 20 above. Filled
up coal shoot in new house and fixed exhaust pipe from electric
gas engine. On hardware inventory. Finished out-mail
and audit on social security tax. News, all crime in States.
Radio mushy, all war talk and crime.
January 21, 1938 Weather colder, 10 above.
Boat mail went south. Stanley and Paddy at Windsor Apartment
Hotel in Seattle. Sent in audit, 6 months Social Security
tax. Gus and Monte helping on railroad ice contract.
No long wave, short wave weak. Zink got bad cold.
January 22, 1938 Business still slow.
Weather colder, zero to 10 below. On shelf hardware inventory
all day. Mail arrived 6 PM, got 2 tons merchandise coming
Sunday freight pears, bananas and lettuce came on passenger hot
car. Chicago ___ kidnapper caught and most of ransom money.
Long wave dead, Mexico and Germany on short wave.
January 23, 1938 Sunday, weather colder,
zero to -14. Store open 3 hours AM for the absent minded.
No freight today. Marie and Buddy got puppy dog for playmate,
named him Spot. Chas Isaac’s being treated by old Doc Wiggles
for back trouble. short wave good, S and W and Jello
program.
January 24, 1938 Weather warmer, 10 above.
Took all Graniteware on high shelves and ceiling hooks.
Freight arrived 6 PM. Jake helping to truck over 4 hand
loads perishables. St. Clair up from Finger Lake to trade.
No snow on auto roads to date. No long wave, short wave good.
January 25, 1938 Business fair, A-1 day,
zero to 18 above. Busy in store AM. Mine Elleck
out form Knik with dog team for radio batteries etc. PM
Jake and self hauled over 2 tons new merchandise from freight
shed and put truck load coal in store bin.
January 26, 1938 Weather cloudy, 10 above to
zero. Marked up and stored away new merchandise.
Store gas lamp on bum. Joe Palmer back from Caswell trap
line account liver trouble. Gus got 25 ton car Healy coal.
Paid Seattle invoices received on 24th. Radio fair. Big
ice jam at Nenana.
January 27, 1938 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Got mail ready for Seattle. Found letter in Florence
Blackman’s Christmas card that their 14 year old daughter died
last fall. Wrote Fred C. J. Peterson, old timer, had 70
rabbits for his fur farm. Short wave OK only. McDougal
in, went to Anchorage.
January 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, zero weather.
Mail went south. Self on hardware shelf inventory.
Post Master said he was resigning. Wasilla Mines truck
in for freight. Answered Florence Blackman letter regarding
Sylvester farm sale. Only local radio, long wave dead.
January 29, 1938 Temperature
10 above to 10 below. Self on shelf hardware inventory,
counting less than dozen lots, slow work. Had Harry White
recharge Onan storage batteries. Outside mail arrived.
Stanley saw new doctor that found cause of his nerve trouble.
Only local radio. Temperature 15 to 31 above Inside with snow,
Copper River -30.
January 30, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
10 above to 4 below zero. Usual AM Sunday trade.
PM, self on hardware inventory. Radio batteries, wired for,
arrived. Posted up week register sheet. Old John and
Jack getting in summers wood off Lake Lucille. Hartley hauling
freight to Wasilla Mines. Sun spots, no radio.
January 31, 1938 Business slow, January
sales 40% off. Shipped Yukon sled to Palmer and 45 rabbits
to Peterson Fur Farm, Anchorage, for Fred Davis. Got 1936
and 1937 Eyota farm report. Cash on hand, $231.08, interest
and taxes due, $514.10. Back rentals improved.
January Memo: “Open Winter”, no snow
in Wasilla. Auto road good to Fishhook Inn. Inventory
about completed. Ma and self in store. January business
off 40%, no payrolls. Stanley in Seattle, 2nd trip account
spinal trouble. January A-1 weather.
February 1, 1938 Temperature 20 above and windy
all day. Ladies held food sale in our store account starting
public library in Wasilla. Auto supplies yet to inventory.
Mrs. Bergman, section foreman’s wife, passed out, was very fleshy
and had cancer. One of White brothers passed out at Palmer.
Outside radio dead, local station only.
February 2, 1938 Business rotten.
Partly cloudy, zero. Self taking auto supply inventory.
12M Colony farm chickens now laying eggs, 60% big and small.
Business meeting in Washington D. C. a hot one, all talking at
once. FDR spending 20 million day. Just a whisper
on long wave.
February 3, 1938 Cold wave, 14 to 20 below
zero. Ellexson’s out from Knik with Tin Lizzie to trade.
Self on auto inventory. Art Gillam down again on 2nd trip
to Point Barrow. Eva left for visit at Seldovia, siwashes
and fisherman! No Outside radio. Two Army bombers collided,
all killed on Pacific.
February 4, 1938 Fifth big wind of winter,
temperature zero with 30 mile wind all day. Mail went
south and several people to attend Mrs. Bergman’s funeral in
Anchorage. Wasilla playing Eklutna basketball to night at
Eklutna. Marie with us and baby Jr. With Oberg’s while
mother visiting at Seldovia. No long wave. Congress
backing FDR on crazy war.
February 5, 1938 No business, big wind
all day, +4. Busy keeping up fires and temperature to
+60 inside rooms. Auto road blocked 4 miles out from Anchorage.
Yet to take on inventory. Whisper on long wave. Mail
train arrived at 11:30 PM.
February 6, 1938 Sunday, +12, wind died
out. Finished hardware shelf inventory. Shorty brought
in 6 Fern miners account no water to operate mill, plane took them
to Anchorage account highway being blocked by wind. Only
5 tons coal left out of car lot.
February 7, 1938 A-1 day, zero to -10, wind
died out, feels good. Joe Palmer returned to his trap line
on Kashwitna River. Freight arrived. Fishhook Inn
Roadhouse wife back after burying her husband. Ten men laid
off at Fern Mine account no water. Radio mushy. Harvey
Firestone, tire maker, passed out.
February 8, 1938 A-1 day, zero weather.
Tabulating inventory. Mrs. Oberg brought Buddy down to
store to see his grandmother. Marie Martha out to dinner
at Mrs. Slumberger’s. Bought 2 tons Healy coal off Gus,
fuel short. Long wave dead, short wave fair.
February 9, 1938 Business normal.
Zero weather to -12. Sold $42 cook stove. Jack
Fabyan on usual birthday drunk. Turned down $40 order
account no cash. Hurd’s school bus gone haywire. Congress
bucking Navy expansion. Outside long wave dead, short wave
OK.
February 10, 1938 Still zero weather.
Made out drug and grocery fill-in order. California hit
bad by wind storm, several killed. Women now boycotting
Jap silk goods account war on China. Beiler home. Long
wave dead, news from local station.
February 11, 1938 Mild wind, +20. Regular
mail went south. Mrs. Isaac’s gave Palmer the once over
today. Marie Martha visits her baby brother at Oberg’s twice
a day, lives with grandma while her mother digs clams at Seldovia
and her Papa in Seattle. Only long wave, 10 PM, news local station.
February 12, 1938 Windy, +22. Added up
25 hardware inventory sheets. Seattle mail arrived on
time. Stanley wrote he was getting along fine, expected
to leave on 19th for Wasilla. Big opening of old Fishhook
Inn tonight.
February 13, 1938 Sunday, wind died out,
20 to 30 above. All Wasilla sleeping today after Fishhook
Inn opening and basketball game at Palmer last night. Eighteen
days rain and wind raised havoc in California. Marie Martha
received Valentines from her Dad in Seattle, Eva digging clams.
February 14, 1938 A-1 day, 22 to 30 above.
Boat freight arrived, had 7 hand truck loads of cks. and tob.
Cellar window out at Eva’s house, she departed, leaving all doors
unlocked. Andy Trent in for mail, also Dan Gray. Short
wave OK PM, long wave dead, local station OK.
February 15, 1938 Mine Elleck out from Knik
with Tin Lizzie to trade. “Baranoff” lost part of her propeller
blade near Ketchikan, will be 4 days late at Seward. Buddy
and Marie Martha dedicated to mother Eva, Red Sails in Sunshine
while catching clams at Seldovia, Alaska. Short wave good
all day, long wave dead.
February 16, 1938 Warming up, 30 above, evening
windy. Priced up cks. and tob. Installed 100 new
ledger sheets in NCR ledger. Lawrence and Sharon replacing
tank and pipe frozen in Eva’s house while she is at Seldovia.
Long wave good, 1st time in weeks, short wave good.
February 17, 1938 Weather warmer, 32 above
and windy. Clearing up office bills and old invoices.
Wasilla girl and boys basketball won over Eklutna
last night. Fur fizzles gave a Fur Rendezvous program over
KFQD. Wind storm in States killed 8. Short wave OK,
long wave 10 to 11 PM only.
February 18, 1938 Big wind, 20 above.
Got out-mail and power of attorney for Clarence T. Perkins to
run my Eyota, Minnesota farms, as caretaker. Mail train south
tomorrow with 100 for Anchorage fur sale. A lot coming by plane
to Rendezvous. Short wave OK, long wave NG. Hitler got control
of Austria.
February 19, 1938 No business, big wind,
+10. Busy with fires to keep temperature up to 60 in store
and annex. Rendezvous train from north to Anchorage.
No mail boat at Seward until Tuesday 22nd. Russian scientists
taken off ice flow. Both long and short wave radio fair.
All eyes on Hitler.
February 20, 1938 Sunday, +12, wind died
out. Floods in Arkansas, 20,000 homeless. All Europe excited
account Hitler get ting rule over Austria. China putting
one over Jap's on last drive. Started to post 1937 ledger
accounts. Stanley on Saturday “Alaska” sailing.
February 21, 1938 Got January, February and
March posted in ledger. Wasilla teams beaten in sport events
at Anchorage. Britain’s Premier resigned over trouble with
Italy and Germany. Time for another war. Delayed mail
due 23rd, freight due 27th. Radio good all stations.
Government boat lost at Westward.
February 22, 1938 Store open AM, 6” new snow,
+30. Wasilla white after 2 months no snow. Posted
April in ledgers. “Baranof” in at Seward. Juneau sports
flew over to Anchorage, Fairbanks beat them at basketball.
Anchorage Fur Show wound up today. Fairbanks won all sport
games. No long wave, short wave fair.
February 23, 1938 Chinook, +38 past 24 hours.
Got ledger posted to July 1937. Fairbanks Special went north
9 AM. Mail train arrived 10:30 PM, broke axle out at Anchorage.
Chinamen dropped 20 bombs on Japan today. England all broke
up over Premier resigning. Radio fair.
February 24, 1938 Chinook, +40 all day.
Posting 1937 ledger. Got out Seattle mail. Got “Baranoff”
mail AM. Stanley and Paddy still working in Seattle to
sell Craigie Creek New Bullion Mine. Fur sale on at Anchorage.
Radio fair, all war talk in Europe and China.
February 25, 1938 Chinook Shower,
+42. Snowfall gone again in Wasilla. McNally’s in
to trade. Shorty quit work at Fern Mine, time for a drunk?
Eva’s mother, from Dillingham, at Anchorage. Eva arrived at
Anchorage from Seldovia. Put 2 tons coal in furnace bin, off
Gus. No long wave, short wave mushy. Vic Blodgett in.
February 26, 1938 Chinook, +44. Beeler
offered $900 for his log house. F. Marion and G. Herning
on boat leaving Seattle today. Eva returned from 23 days
digging clams at Seldovia, baby Jr. didn’t know her. Nine
months posted in ledger. Long wave NG. Vic Blodgett returned
to Pittman. Many got colds in Wasilla.
February 27, 1938 Sunday, cloudy, Chinook,
+48 and rain. Shipped $50 order to Joe Brassel
at Willow Station. Only November and December to post
in 1937 ledger. Marie Martha moved her bed back home after
24 days with her grandmother. Radio fair, got 8 PM news, all
war talk.
February 28, 1938 Chinook, frost out 2”, +44.
AM, self and Jake hauled over 2 tons new merchandise from set-out,
pricing up and storing away same. Davis shipped 58 rabbits
to Peterson Fur Farm, Anchorage. Three quarters got 1st colds
and Mrs. Cad in bed. Long wave silent, local station all war
news.
February Memo: Last week in February, wound
up with Chinook, 40 to 48 above. February was a windy month.
As yet, no snow in Wasilla. Fred Nelson still working on bros.
new house. Beeler family moving to Anchorage, selling house
for $800. Radio 50% off all winter. Stanley and Paddy
left Seattle for Wasilla on “Mt. McKinley”. Eva back from
23 day trip to Seldovia digging clams? Ma and Pa and Marie Martha,
K. T. Co. storekeepers. Business off 50%.
March 1, 1938 Chinook 44 to 60 above, real
spring day. Busy pricing up new merchandise. Got
November 1937 ledger posted. Buddy walking. Relief
patrons got their monthly checks. Jap's about finished drive
on China. Radio fair, got Outside news, another kidnapped in
New York.
March 2, 1938 Chinook, +44 rain last night.
PM finished posting 1937 NCR ledger, now ready to make out 1937
income tax report. Capt. Nick Gaikema visited, posting
notices account Churchill estate. No long wave, short wave good
Negro University program.
March 3, 1938 A-1 spring
day, 22 to 40 above. Self busy tabulating ledger for 1937
income tax report. Got out Seattle mail. California
hit by another flood, over 100 drowned, 15,000 homeless, why live
in Alaska? White’s in town. No long wave, short wave
OK. News all war talk.
March 4, 1938 Business normal.
A-1 day, 30 to 36 above. Received $50 order from
Big Lake fur farm. Mail went south. Mail boat due
Seward 12:30 PM, March 5th, one day late. Paddy and Stanley
on this boat. California flood, 10 million damage. In
store all day.
March 5, 1938 A-1 spring day, 22 to 40 above.
Finished tabulating ledger, now ready to file 1937 income tax.
No mail train today, over 11,000 homeless account California flood,
damage estimated at 50 million, many $50,000 houses
washed away. Paddy and Stanley arrived Seward. Short wave
OK, no long wave. Frost out in Wasilla.
March 6, 1938 Sunday. A-1 day,
14 to 32 above. Store open 3 hours AM as usual.
No mail train today, mail boat anchored in fog off Resurrection
Bay. Railroad ice contractors through, now hauling ice for
Cads beer joint, self got 1,000 pounds account making ice cream.
No long wave, short wave good.
March 7, 1938 A-1 day, 4 above to 38 above.
Frost out of ground on side street. Finished 1937 income
tax report. Loss on business $480.60, profit on rent and
bank deposit, $643.32, exempt $2,500 , hence no tax to pay.
Stanley and Paddy arrived 4 PM from Seattle, also Roy Morrison.
Short wave OK, Firestone program OK.
March 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 30 to 38 above.
Boat freight arrived, 2 days late. Boyce delivered load
wood to pay for glass broken, in store, by his oldest girl.
Self got kink on right hip. Forty Mile Miller applied for raise
in pension. Seed box arrived. Radio fair, long wave 7
to 9 only.
March 9, 1938 Rechecked totals on ledger, found
only 3 mistakes 1 year. Got out orders and mail.
Fairbanks Ice Tournament train passed through 9 AM. Gus
went to Anchorage account income tax. Mrs. Strigga moved
to Wasilla, quit her old man. Short wave good, no long wave.
March 10, 1938 New snow last night, Wasilla
white again after two months no snow, unusual open winter, but
lots of wind. Self nursing kink in right hip. Mail
train went south, back on summer schedule. Radio good, all
war talk .
March 11, 1938 Weather cloudy, 32 above, sprinkle
of snow. Cleared off 140’ of walks AM. Taking balance
off 1937 ledger. Max Baer won over Tom Farley in 15 rounds
but got a good beating. Boat mail arrived PM. Hitler
sent troops into Vienna and took over Austria. Radio good.
March 12, 1938 Temperature
30 to 38 above, PM clear. Self balancing up 1937 ledger.
Noon, Stanley and family (except Marie’s pup) left for weekend
at Anchorage with Slumdinger car and lover? Hitler’s troops
took charge Austria today. Short wave OK.
March 13, 1938 Sunday. Cloudy,
light wind, 30 above. Store open 3 hours AM as usual.
Boat freight arrived PM, got butter, eggs, vegetables and fruit
and trucked it to store. Myself, England and France worried
over Austria going over to Germany. Slumdinger party back
from Anchorage 6 PM.
March 14, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 35 above.
Self checking 1937 ledger balance. Oscar Anderson finished
railroad ice contract on Lake Wasilla. Pac-Ala-Wasilla
Mine Co. loading car ore concentrates to ship to Tacoma.
Most everyone got colds in Wasilla. Long wave NG, short wave
OK PM. All war talk in Europe account Austria.
March 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 32 above.
Self working on books. All Europe about to go to war
again. Hitler declared himself as dictator over Austria,
his birthplace and Germany. Our U. S. Navy on war practice
in Pacific Ocean. CIO Lewis on the air, London hookup,
telling the world about labor. Radio good. Snowing
Seward to Anchorage, none here.
March 16, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 30 above.
Got 1937 NCR ledger balanced. Bert’s Drug Store man,
at Palmer, visited about $15 sled shipped to Simpson collect
and not paid Also had a big bunch of bills for collection
account wildcat sales on credit. Radio fair, all war talk
in Europe over Hitler taking Austria.
March 17, 1938 Snow flurries, 20 to 30 above.
Mail went south. Zink went to Anchorage. Sharon fixing
up well, etc. at Fritzler ranch for Strigga family. Marie
Martha and brother got bad colds. German and Italian air pilots
helping Spanish rebels, killed 400, 1200 hurt. Radio fair.
March 18, 1938 Snow flurries, 20 to 30 above.
Hitler on the air 9 to 10 AM, said Germany took over Austria
to save civil war in Austria. Poland mobilizing troops vs.
Italy. Rebels making hard drive on Spanish royal troops,
by air. Radio good.
March 19, 1938 Weather cloudy, 16 to 28 above.
Put up one trapper order. War clouds easing off in Europe.
Ex-President Hoover over there, said there would be no immediate
war. Mail from Outside arrived. Floyd Smith visiting
Fleck brothers. Radio good, all stations on the air.
March 20, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy,
colder zero to 32 above. Usual AM trade, customers after
their weekend mail. Mrs. Fleck visiting at Stanley Jr.’s home.
Marie Martha at home with cold in head and ear trouble. No
freight today. Radio fair, both long wave and short wave.
March 21, 1938 Cold snap, 30 above to 8 below
zero. Boat freight arrived, 2 days late. One block,
in Fairbanks, burned out. Eva’s mother and Clyde Smith returned
to Anchorage by auto car. Chinamen drove Jap's back across
Yellow River. Mrs. President Roosevelt flew to Seattle.
Long wave weak, short wave OK. Marie Martha home with cold.
March 22, 1938 Nels Larson in Palmer Hospital,
old trouble, miners lung trouble. Sun across the line,
summer got to come soon. Mussolini wants to grab a piece
of war Spain, John Bull says no, all war talk now. Outside
radio dead.
March 23, 1938 Two inches snow last night,
22 to 30 above. Fritzler’s moved from Gus’ shack to Frank
Swanson’s cabin. Mine Ellick out from Knik with Tin Lizzie,
had to run in low, now 6” snow on auto roads. President Roosevelt
on vacation in the south. Congress sparring over New Deal
legislation.
March 24, 1938 More snow, 4 to 22 above.
Self nursing lame knee account fall off ladder a month ago,
got wind puff, like on a horse. Cars still going to Fishhook
Inn. Stanley made apricot ice cream. All war talk in
Europe again. Radio weak.
March 25, 1938 Snowed 1½’ at mines last
night. Cleaned off sidewalks. Mail train
on time for once. Marie Martha still at home account cold.
Montgomery in with car from aviation field on Fishhook Creek.
March 26, 1938 Alaska canneries held up by
labor account wages. Jap's agreed to keep out of Bristol
Bay salmon district. Spanish rebels, with aid of German
and Italian bombing planes, got the Royal government about whipped.
Radio NG. Basketball at Town Hall tonight, $1 each.
March 27, 1938 Sunday, clear and colder,
4 to 20 above. Store open 3 hours to supply the absent
minded. Mussolini warned France not to help Spanish Royal
government. Still Hitler and El Duce are helping the insurgent
rebel army in Spain? Jap's going to bombard missions in China
if they harbor any Chinamen.
March 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, 20 above.
No Easter eggs as yet. Sold a trapper outfit on north
train. Hauled over 2 truck loads new merchandise from set-out,
PM pricing up same. Chinamen now planting crops.
Spring weather in northern U. S. States. Marie Martha around
again. Short wave OK, no long wave. All war talk in Europe.
March 29, 1938 Finished pricing up new merchandise.
Installed iron pipe banister rail in new house. Snow storm
in northern states blocked traffic today. Congress appropriated
money to help small businesses. Radio fair, got 8 PM news.
March 30, 1938 Weather cloudy, 32 to 40 above.
Got out-mail and spring orders. Marie Martha drove over
to Palmer to see doctor about tonsils. All war talk today,
Mussolini said he would send 8 million soldiers over, 20M pilots
and was ready for war. England ranks 4th on war material.
March 31, 1938 Chinook, 42 above all day.
Mail went south, Ma too, to spend weekend at Anchorage, Purple
Ball, etc. Ellexson’s out from Knik with Tin Lizzie.
U. S. Navy on war practice at Honolulu, lost 2 planes, 2 men saved.
Stanley Sr. caught Seldovia crabs? Only short wave.
Mrs. McNeil went to Eklutna.
April 1, 1938 Payday for indigents. Temperature
+44. Gaston bought $12 grub, leaving $23 out
of relief check for booze: sample of man making $1,000 a year
and now living off tax payers. Ma at Anchorage. Finished
installing banister rail in new house. Short wave OK, long wave in
late, 10 PM got news.
April 2, 1938 First spring day, 52 above.
Pac-Ala in with 2 trucks for freight. Big dance on at Fishhook
tonight. Marie Martha’s birthday, 6 years old. Grandpa
broke, gave her $1 bill. Ma still doing Anchorage.
Short wave OK, got KSL midnight news.
April 3, 1938 Sunday, second spring day,
54 above. Snow all gone again and streets drying up. Scrubbed
floor and re-oiled same. Ma back from weekend at Anchorage.
The rebels made a big drive on Spanish Loyalists. Radio mushy.
April 4, 1938 Third spring day, 50 to 60 above.
Self put headers on wallboard joints in attic of new house.
Frost coming out and cars cutting holes in auto roads.
Nels Larson now on pension list, making a living off tax payers,
after blowing their money.
April 5, 1938 Fourth spring day, 50 to 60 above.
Roads all cut up to autos. Self assembled breakfast nook
in new house. Thorpe putting galvanized iron roof on Post
Office building. Wrote Pauli about business conditions at
Wasilla and mines. Radio NG.
April 6, 1938 Fifth spring day, 40 to 50 above.
Self working in new house on nook and cupboards. Independence
in with 2 trucks for freight. Section Foreman, Bergman,
in hospital. Got out order for clothing, S. F. No money
for road work on railroad. Streets now dry.
April 7, 1938 Sixth spring day, 52 above.
Assembled 7 cupboard drawers and shellacked same. Snider
sent in for small order to do assessment on High Grade Mine.
FDR asked Congress to appropriate four billion for relief and ex-unemployed.
Got KNX news.
April 8, 1938 Seventh spring day, 44 to 70
above. Sandpapered and stained breakfast nook in new
house. Mail arrived and 200 passengers on train for Inside.
Jap drive, today, rebels in Spain gaining on Loyalists. Short
wave OK, long wave NG. Ma and Eva at Palmer movies.
April 9, 1938 Eighth spring day, 30 to 50 above.
Rubbed down and varnished nook. Pac--Ala Mines hauling
in concentrates and cutting up road. Oscar Tryck back from
visit in States. Hitler given warning if he comes to Austria,
will be shot? Liebing drove to Gold Cord.
April 10, 1938 Sunday, in store AM, had
usual absent minded customers. PM, made up weekly cash
report. Boat freight arrived PM. Floods may come in
Ohio district after snow. Chinamen did up Jap's today.
All stations on the air at 6 PM. Congress backing relief bill.
April 11, 1938 Cloudy, cooler, 30 to 42 above.
Finished varnishing nook and started on work table in new house.
Diamond raised funds for railroad repairs. Fern received
tank car of oil. Stanley repainting inside walls in his
house. Chinamen now cleaning up on Jap's. Radio fair.
April 12, 1938 Self on new cupboards of new
house. President Roosevelt asked Congress, today, to appropriate
over 4 billion to care for Relief and business now over taxed?
What about coming generations? Radio fair.
April 13, 1938 Worked on work table in new
house. Buddy Brown turned over truck load Fern tank oil.
Stanley went to Palmer and drove back ARR Co-op Cat bought by
Gus. Paddy moved into Miller’s shack.
April 14, 1938 Partly cloudy, 38 to 52 above,
mail went south. Self on work table PM. Rebels gaining
ground in Spain and Chinamen defeating Jap's in interior China.
Mid-week boat. Only local radio. Signed Mrs. Cad
for school board.
April 15, 1938 In office AM. PM on work
table and cupboard in new house. Outside mail and bananas
arrived. Sent in Social Security report ending March 31st.
Chinamen killed over 10M Jap's today. War in China.
Only local radio. Buddy now walking in store.
April 16, 1938 Self on work table new house.
Lucky Shot Mine closed down, mine sold to Canadian man.
Gus got contract to haul 20 ton freight to mines. Chinamen
cleaning up on Jap's. Spanish rebels gaining ground.
Radio and wireless haywire account northern lights. Dance
at Fishhook Inn.
April 17, 1938 Sunday, cloudy, cooler,
30 to 40 above. May have more winter, yet, after 12 days
spring weather. April 25th is the average breakup.
Boat freight arrived 3 PM, got 1 truck load of groceries and building
material. Hauled out tin cans from tin can cook dump.
No Outside radio. Special Easter program over local station.
April 18, 1938 Self on combination work table
on new house. St. Clair’s in for Calamine and strips.
Big fight on in Congress over Roosevelt’s 4 billion relief bill
to spend it as he sees fit, bad business for coming generation?
Not a sound on long wave and short wave weak. Victor Marshall
back.
April 19, 1938 Gus and Stanley loaded Mabel
mill on 2 wagons to haul with Cat. Self on work table in
new house. Jap's brought in fresh troops where defeated
by Chinamen recently. Spring weather gone, winter weather
on.
April 20, 1938 Business dead, light rain,
42 above. Snow in hills, Bald Mt. white down to timber.
Stanley and Paddy, with Cat, hauled out 2 wagons, 5 ton mill for
Mabel Mine. Boat day late at Seward. Uncle Sam quit
buying Mexican silver account confiscating American oil in Mexico.
Radio dead, local station only.
April 21, 1938 Stanley back from landing Mabel’s
new mill. A consignment of breeding mink arrived by
express for valley farmer. Self on work table PM.
Roads in fair condition. again. Frost well out of ground.
April 22, 1938 Finished drawers and cabinet
work on work table, four large drawers and 2 compartments for
pots and pans. China getting best of Jap-China war, rebels
getting best of Spain. Government $25,000 committee
appointed to come and look over Alaska, vacation?
April 23, 1938 Started to make cabinet for
spices, etc. over work table. Standard Oil man here for
inspection of oil customers at Mines. Mr. Vail sick,
Nels in from trap lines. Outside radio dead, news on local
station.
April 24, 1938 Sunday, 60 above, priced
up new paints. Shorty and partners left on PM freight
for Cache Creek to prospect some placer ground. No local freight
arrived. Business went in the red, $28.40 last week.
No payroll, hence no business. All Outside radio dead, local
station on from 6 to 8 PM.
April 25, 1938 No business. Partly
cloudy, 50 above all day. Stanley went out to haul
Mabel cables from Fishhook Inn to mine with Gus’ cat.
Self cutting and fitting stainless steel on work table in new house.
Metz spading up garden. Another Colonist house burned.
Outside radio dead, local station news.
April 26, 1938 Got stainless steel cut and
fitted to 24 x 60 work table in new house. No boat freight,
held over at Seward, paid 4 invoices. Primary election, Democrats
in the lead. Outside radio dead. News from local station.
April 27, 1938 Windy, 44 above. Self
on cabinet over work table. Farmers staying home, making
ready to plant May crop. Anchorage raising funds to hire
an instructor to show kids how to play during vacation.
April 28, 1938 Mail went south. Week
delayed freight, at Seward, arrived 5 PM. 12C tons of
mining machinery for Inside. Oscar Bergman, retired section
foreman, died 5 AM, with heart failure, moved, yesterday, into
Beeler’s house, wife died 2 months ago. Ma got bad cold.
April 29, 1938 No business, cloudy, windy,
48 above. U. S. Pacs and Lee clothing arrived. Car
load lumber for Supt. Trusty Pac-Wasilla Mine. Several kids
got the mumps. Ma nursing spring cold. Fish strike
not settled yet. No fish, no taxes for Treasury of Alaska.
Radio fair, got KNX news.
April 30, 1938 Self jointing trimmings on spice
cabinet over work table. May dance on at Wasilla Hall.
Slide on Seward end of railroad delayed mail train one day.
Received refund check on overpaid 1934 taxes. Bill Tryck arrived
home.
May 1, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy 44
to 60 above. Morning like summer, PM cloudy and cooler.
Boat freight arrived 3 PM. Forty Mile Miller got nervous
spell, couldn’t sign his relief check, Stanley and Paddy drove
him over to Palmer Hospital, now 84? Sleepy town after last
night dance. No radio, local station off air Sunday during summer
daylight.
May 2, 1938 Relief customers received their
monthly checks, living off industry. Chinamen killed
10M Jap's today, tide turning. Hauled over 2 truck loads
of groceries and clothing from freight shed, priced up same.
Only local radio and world news.
May 3, 1938 Trusty in, Independence hauling
out car lumber. Self on china cabinet for new house.
Bergman buried by Mason’s in Anchorage today. Ma still has
cold. Mrs. Isaac’s on sick list. Local radio.
Chinamen put Jap's on run today.
May 4, 1938 Nels Larson brought in from his
trap line account heart trouble, went to Palmer Hospital.
Gus, Stanley and family drove to Anchorage for Mabel freight,
boat got caught in channel, couldn’t unload freight. No Outside
radio. Chinamen now putting Jap's on the run.
May 5, 1938 Business 50% off. A-1
day, 44 to 60 above. Joe Palmer went to Anchorage to sell
his furs. Mine operators opening old winter road, Knik to
Goose Bay, for Cat hauling. McDougal left for Outside to visit
his wife on vacation all winter. Chinamen now doing up the Jap's.
Stanley back from Anchorage, with Mabel freight.
May 6, 1938 A-1 day 46 to
58 above. Weiler disked Metz, Zink’s and my
garden lots. Stanley delivered truck load freight to Mabel
Mine. Smith here to run tunnel on old Frisbie Prospect.
Ice went out of Nenana 8:14 PM today, 6 on lucky number. Big
ice guess over at 8:14 this evening.
May 7, 1938 Business 50% off. A-1
day, 46 to 56 above. Gus and Stanley made round trip to
Anchorage for loads Hawkins freight, Buddy and Mrs. Crab? went
along. Last night, Lawrence and Joy party went over the bank
by lake above Tex Cobb’s place. Bunch of Lucky Shot boys won
$400 , each, on ice pool. No Outside radio. FDR wants
2 billion more for relief.
May 8, 1938 Extra help put on railroad sections.
Smith got car lumber for prospect camp on Archangel Creek.
Gus and Stanley got 2 more loads freight at Anchorage for Mabel
Mine. Farmers now planting gardens. Radio set on
bum.
May 9, 1938 Gus and Stanley hauling Smith’s
lumber to prospect mine on Archangel Creek. Fish strikers
still holding up industry. Forty Mile back from Palmer Hospital.
Only local radio and world news.
May 10, 1938 A-1 day, 40
to 56 above. On china closet PM. Ma still nursing
bronchial cold. Marie Martha went to Anchorage with her
dad for truck load Mabel Mine freight. Forty Mile Miller
claims they shanghaied him to hospital. Only local radio.
Cad covering logs on roadhouse with lumber.
May 11, 1938 A-1 day, 50
to 60 above. Self on china cupboard in new house.
Evening, shellacked cupboard and got out-mail. Bolshevik
Johnson leased the Gold Mint Mine. Hitler back from Italy
and ready to grab more T.
May 12, 1938 A-1 day, 46
to 60 above. Got mail off AM. Mrs. Beeler up from
Anchorage for household goods. Gus slid off glacier with
Cat going to Gold Mint Mine, went in ditch. Stanley hauling
Smith’s lumber for Gus. Willie Edlund opening beer hall.
Only local radio. Mrs. Bixler and kids arrived from Seldovia.
May 13, 1938 A-1 day, light
rain last night. Grass coming green and birch trees leaving
out, summer is here. Mail boat over due 2 days at Seward.
Spring breakup at mines. Colonists selling eggs, 16¢
to 25¢ a dozen. Only local radio with strike news.
May 14, 1938 Self on lawn of new house, raked
off all top sods and put on dirt on shallow spots. No
mail, boat due 6 PM Sunday.
May 15, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
32 to 60 above. Store open AM account absent minded customers.
PM and evening, worked on lawn around new house. Evening,
pumped up pressure tank, coil in store leaked, had to drain tank.
No radio, local station silent Sunday for summer.
May 16, 1938 Cloudy, frost
last night, froze ¼” ice, killed garden truck planted
May 1st. Put new valve leather in new house pump. Evening,
took down winters fly in balcony. Boat mail arrived 4 PM.
Prof. Klex threw dinner party for teachers. Local radio.
Jap's gaining on Chinks.
May 17, 1938 Weather cloudy, cool, 60 above
at noon. Cleaning up in store AM. PM cleaned up Mabel
lot. School had picnic at railroad bridge. Hawkins
wife arrived, also Milo Kelly and wife, went direct to Willow
Station. Cars crashed in London tunnel. Only local
radio. Big airplane lost near Los Angeles on trial trip to
St. Paul.
May 18, 1938 Weather cloudy, +50, snow on mountain
peaks, midnight raining at Wasilla and needed. Busy PM,
2 freight and mail trains here at once, got big truck load of
groceries and hardware. Willie Black arrived. Jap's
cut off Chinamen's grub supply. Only local radio, Cecil and
Sally and world news.
May 19, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers, 60 above.
Busy all day pricing new groceries and storing away. Schonnaker,
Pendelton salesman, here looking for fall orders. Collie
Tryck home from U of A college at Fairbanks. J. B. delivered
tob. from Anchorage with auto. News over local radio station.
May 20, 1938 Weather cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
In store all day. Stanley drove Gus’ truck to Anchorage
for machinery for Mabel Mine, also brought gas and lumber for
K. T. Co. Mrs. Oberg left to cook for Till at Gold Bullion
Mill. Norman Ervine back from Seattle to work at Mabel Mine.
Local radio. Jap fishing boats back in Bristol Bay.
May 21, 1938 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Cleaned up magneto and carburetor on truck. PM hauled
load dirt on new house lawn. Norman went out to work at
Mabel Mine. Jap's announced that, to China, war was half
over. Extra freight north. Only local radio. Dance
at Wasilla Hall.
May 22, 1938 Sunday, windy, still cloudy,
50 to 60 above. PM put 2 more truck loads soil on new house lawn.
Hauled over vegetables and butter from freight train. Nagley
on freight for home at Talkeetna. Wilmoth wants Federal building
for Postmaster. Local radio silent. Paddy left for
Willow with ____.
May 23, 1938 A-1 day, 50 to 66 above.
Put fertilizer on Mabel lot and planted 55 hills of White Rose
spuds. Lawns ready for grass seeding when it stops blowing.
Dan Gray back from Thorpe’s Grubstake Mine, first to come over Fishhook
Pass. Only local radio. Eb and Zeb, Cecil and Sally and
Black and Blue.
May 24, 1938 Norman took Eva and Bixler and
Cad to Sunny Knik for outing. Put 5 more wheel barrows
dirt on new lawn, now ready for grass seed. 20M fisherman
left for Bristol Bay salmon run, strike settled. Only local
radio. Black and Blue back on the air.
May 25, 1938 Weather cloudy, 44 to 56 above.
Stanley drove to Anchorage for load giant powder for Smith
mine. Self smoothed off 3 grass plots and sowed grass
seed. Connected garden hose to pressure tank in new house.
Wrote Diamond account Federal building at Wasilla. Local
radio, another big airplane crashed at Cleveland. War still
on.
May 26, 1938 Partly cloudy, 40 to 62 above.
Got mail off AM boat, 2 days late at Seward. Japan put
in new war generals account slowing up fighting the Chinamen.
Rebels still bombing civilians in Spain. More war talk in
Europe over invasion. Local radio. Judge ordered Alaska
railroad to move cars off dock crossing.
May 27, 1938 Business normal, weather
cooler, 50 above. Self on lawn around new house all day,
surfacing. Stanley drove to Anchorage for truck load freight
for Mabel Mine. Chinamen put Jap's on the run today.
Packed 3 orders for up railroad line. Local radio. War
still on in Spain and China.
May 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, 54 to 66 above.
In store most all day. Got 3 orders packed for railroad
north. Stanley and family went to Anchorage, came back with
a Wells used car. Mail train arrived 11 AM. Ordered
20 ton car Healy coal. Press news over local station.
May 29, 1938 Sunday, A-1 day, 50 to 64
above. Bixler arrived, also Joe Brassel from his trap
line, also Joe Alkire after long time in hospital account crushed
leg in Fern Mine. Reported McDougal sold his lease on Fern
Mine. Sowed Mabel lot in white clover. Local station
silent. Two freight trains went north.
May 30, 1938 Monday Memorial Day, 44
to 64 above. Washed store front AM. PM, Eva took
Ma and Pa and the kids into Sunny Knik to decorate Elmer’s grave,
at rest since 1906. Stanley went to his mine to move 10 ton
mill for prospective buyer of mine, with Lucky Shot Cat. Evening,
American Legion heard on World War program. Two kids kidnapped,
found dead.
May 31, 1938 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
PM worked on china closet. Evening, watered new lawn.
Stanley back from his mine, after moving in a 10 ton mill. Car wrecked
at mile 2. Another
kidnapping in States and airplane wreck
May Memo: May cool weather, rain needed.
Ma chief clerk. Stanley hauling freight to Mabel Mine
and Smith camp. Store for sale, plenty of buyers but no
money. Mines booming in Willow Creek District. Jap's
still fighting China and rebels in Spain.
June 1, 1938 A-1 day, 52
to 68 above. PM cloudy, 11 PM raining. Relief and
indigents failed to get their monthly check. Stanley and
family with Mrs. Slumberger, made round trip to Anchorage in his
new car. Put up awning over side entrance. Aage Hansen
in. Only half the canneries in operation account strike.
June 2, 1938 Business normal, cloudy,
cool, 48 to 58 above. Got mail off AM. Packed up $70
order for Aage Hansen account Willow Creek prospect. Horning
in for freight, had a mess of 1st king salmon. Black bear
around Beeler’s cabin. Bears coming down to meet salmon.
June 3, 1938 Cloudy, 42 to 64 above.
PM on china closet. Stanley went out to work for Smith
on old Frisby prospect. Heinie Snider in from High Grade.
Aage Hansen left for Willow Creek. Capt. Berger won wharfage
case over railroad. Local radio station only.
June 4, 1938 Business normal, cloudy,
cool, 40 to 50 above. Relief checks arrived, busy all day
with relief orders of all kind. Men in from Stanley’s mine
account deep snow, failed to land new mill at mine. PM worked
a while on trimming on china closet. Put up order for Joe Palmer.
Only local radio, short wave haywire. Brill car went north.
June 5, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
cold wind, 50 above. Busy in store AM. PM, got truck
load new merchandise and shipped 2 orders north on railroad.
Evening, put up two $30 orders for Gagnon and Stiles.
Stanley in and Paddy back from mine. Local radio silent.
Busy day in store.
June 6, 1938 Cloudy, cool, 40 to 58 above.
Priced up new hardware and groceries. Ma froze up, crying
for Healy coal. Herman Black in, struck gold vein near old
Bullion Mine, got 40 tons high grade ready to mill. Ellexson’s
in with king salmon. Local radio, Jap's still killing Chinamen.
June 7, 1938 Business normal, cloudy
day, rain, 60 above. Chas Isaac’s bought a $60 prospecting
grub order. Eva and kids made round trip to Anchorage by
auto, brought back case eggs. PM fixed tire on truck.
Rebels still killing families in Spain. Only local radio.
Cecil and Sally found $600 .
June 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 56 above, no real
summer weather yet. Metz replanted his garden.
Self in office all day on orders and mail. Evening, Stanley
in from Smith prospect. Chas Isaac’s and partner left to
prospect. Local radio and press news, war talk increasing.
June 9, 1938 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Brill car now on run. Spain rebels bombing ships,
72 passenger transport plane ready for service at Seattle.
Colonist selling mining timbers, delivered at 2½¢
a foot, cost 5¢ to cut. Local radio, Congress holding up
wage and hour bill.
June 10, 1938 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Mail train went south. In store most of all day.
Painting trimmings on china closet, Chinese red and enamel white.
Making ready to go to Grubstake. Gorilla warfare in Mexico.
June 11, 1938 A-1 day, 54
to 64 above. Light frost, down to 27 last night, killed
Metz’s spuds. Started to make sluice boxes and riffles to
prospect benches at mines. Received first cantaloupes and
new carrots. Local radio, Helmer Oberg back from States, broke.
June 12, 1938 Sunday, cloudy day, rain,
54 to 66 above, usual AM trade. PM made up weekly cash register
account. Priced up 1½ tons new merchandise.
Eva, chauffeur, took Ma and kids to Knik. ARC bulldozer re-graded
Wasilla Avenue to high school and grounds. Radio silent.
Stanley in from Smith prospect.
June 13, 1938 A-1 day, cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Self hauled over 2 truck loads new merchandise from set-out
and transferred ½ ton flour from track warehouse
to warehouse aft of store. First tourists, 17 arrived at McKinley
Park. Paddy and Stanley left for their New Bullion Mine.
Local radio.
June 14, 1938 A-1 summer day, 54 to 72 above.
Marked and stored away new merchandise. PM assembled balance
of china closet drawers. Grau in from Gold Mint Mine,
claimed they found rich ore. Hartley hauling car load new
machinery for Independence Mine. Raining midnight.
Local radio. Cecil and Sally found counterfeiters in tomb.
June 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, cold 54 above,
light rain last night. Self on riffles and sluice box
for mine. Car Healy coal arrived PM. Evening, shellacked
china closet drawers. Stanley in from his mine, snow still
there. Chinamen flooded out the Jap's. Wage and hour
bill passed.
June 16, 1938 Weather cloudy, cold 52 above.
Self and Oberg boys unloaded car coal. Stanley took 5
tons, Smith 2 tons. Eva made round trip to Anchorage with
Mrs. Bixler, Virginia took care of the kids. Big flood, 20
miles wide, in China, drove Jap's out, many drowned. Congress
adjourns tomorrow.
Assessment work cancelled for 1938.
June 17, 1938 First real rain,
42 to 52 above. Worked on riffles PM. Smith and Stanley
straw boss in from Frisby Prospect Mine, opened up $100 pay,
short. George Zink had a shock, paralyzed one side.
Oberg bros. and Bergman on a drunk. Congress adjourned.
Roosevelt Jr. son getting married. Flood in China.
June 18, 1938 Rain, cool, 52 above. Finished
riffles and sluice box. Lumber ready to ship to old placer
mine on Grubstake. McAllen arrived to supervise Fern Mine.
Fishhook Pass opened today. Fresh snow on mountain peaks.
June 19, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
light rain, 50 above. Busy AM. Section men down from
Pittman to trade. Self shipped lumber and grub to Willow
Station for my placer mine. Received 1½ truck loads
new merchandise. Answered G. L. Hurning’s letter at Port Alexander.
Radio silent Sunday. Car freight for mines.
June 20, 1938 Weather cloudy, snow on peaks,
50 above. Busy all AM pricing up $300 tob. shipment.
Making ready to go to Grubstake Placer Mine tomorrow via Fishhook
Pass. Helmer Oberg around town drunk. Eva and Mrs. Bixler
drove to Anchorage.
June 21, 1938 Self and Herbert Oberg left Wasilla,
with Gus’ red car, for Grubstake Placer Mine. Gus drove
to summit, walked down to Willow and Kelly took us to mail box
½ mile from mine. Arrived my cabin 3 PM, found everything
OK. Ma store keeper.
June 22, 1938 Doing assessment work at
Grubstake Placer Mine.
June 23, 1938 At Grubstake Placer Mine.
June 24, 1938 At Placer Mine.
June 25, 1938 At Placer Mine, Willow
Creek.
June 26, 1938 Sunday, A-1 summer day
at Grubstake, back from mines 6 PM, worked on sluice boxes.
At mines six days. Left Grubstake at 4 PM. Caught
Ross Sheeley car at mail box, left Sheeley car at mile 10, arrived
with Bragaw 6 PM. Stanley returned to prospect on Susitna.
Eva took Ma and kids joy riding. Evening got out Seattle mail.
Took bath at midnight. Hitchhiked mines to Wasilla in 2 hours, missed
Stanley’s car.
June 27, 1938 Partly cloudy, 60 above.
Hauled over 2 truck loads of groceries, hardware and drugs
from set-out. Eva drove to Anchorage for tin horn relation
to visit valley and mines. Private airplane crash near
Anchorage, 1 killed. Ken Laughlin here for air AB.
Local radio, press news.
June 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
52 above. Self busy all day and evening pricing up new merchandise.
Had stomach trouble all day. Evening, first 15 minute program
of the Matanuska Broadcaster went on the air, including all business
hours in the valley. Local radio press news. Trouble
in Europe again.
June 29, 1938 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Self nursing gut ache most of day. Priced up hardware and
drugs. Stiles man in for more grub. Congress passed
no assessment work for 1938. Anchorage advertised 3 day July fourth
celebrations. Local radio.
June 30, 1938 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
George Moshier got a grub order, going out for Game Warden,
to clean fish streams of debris . Japan broke, fighting the
Chinamen and killing civilian. June sales off 50%, no road
work. Local radio only.
July 1, 1938 Business rotten. A-1
day, 54 to 64 above. Herb Oberg in from placer mine for
the fourth. Kelly landed balance of sluice lumber and hydraulic
pipe above canyon. Recorded assessment exemption for year
ending July 1, 1938. Dr. Sheppard and party lost at South
Pole. Paid 1938-1939 store licenses. Mrs. Lundstrom
left for Tacoma. Cecil and Sally all broke.
July 2, 1938 Weather cloudy, 62 above, too
cool for garden truck. PM train brought fresh fruit and
vegetables and melons for fourth trade. Mrs. McDougal
back from world tour since last fall. Local radishes.
Monthly relief checks arrived, $300 tax money. Local
radio only. All making ready for 3 day fourth.
July 3, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening raining 64 above. Busy AM selling vegetables
and fruit for 4th July dinner. Metz and Zink left on freight
to celebrate in Anchorage, most Wasilla-ites stayed home.
Evening, Gagnon and wife, from Independence Mine, in for grub order.
No radio. Self nursing old stomach trouble all day.
July 4, 1938 Closed all day, weather
cloudy, rain last night, 50 above. AM put new leather
valves in store pump. PM assembled new copper coil in
cook stove in new house and painted moldings to go on spice and
china closets. Quiet in Wasilla, most people stayed home.
Cecil and Sally looking for job. Eb and Zeb installing broadcasting
set. Gut ache some better.
July 5, 1938 Weather cloudy, cool, 50 to 60
above. Thorpe’s bought small order and Gus drove them
to Grubstake. Stanley in from Smith’s camp. Self
on cupboards. Tourists on northbound train. Anchorage
strike on school house over.
July 6, 1938 Weather cloudy, 50 to 68 above.
Self nursing gut ache all AM. PM worked on kitchen cupboards
in new house, installing doors and varnishing same. Chinamen
drove back Jap's today. Japan about broke.
July 7, 1938 Business dead, cloudy, rain,
52 above. Self nursing pain in gut. Got out-mail
orders and outside mail. Assembled iron wheelbarrow.
Other nations pulling all their subjects out of Spain. Chinks giving
Jap's hell! Local radio. Smith on a drunk at Anchorage.
War on in Jerusalem, Jews and Arabs.
July 8, 1938 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
AM had Herbert help on yard work around new house. PM pumped
up tires and tuned up Olds car for trip to Grubstake Mine.
Mail boat and tourists arrived at Seward. Evening, greased
up Olds car. Evening raining. Local radio. Roosevelt
on tour of south and west States.
July 9, 1938 Partly cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Poor weather for gardens, need sun. Paddy and Stanley
bought outfit account of finding lost gold and copper mine on
Kashwitna once held by Red Kelly. Self nursing gut ache all
day. May Kellogg here, promoting Chickaloon business.
Sold first strawberry crates. Chinks received more bombing
planes and making it hot for Jap's.
July 10, 1938 Sunday, A-1 summer day,
54 to 72 above. Two pack horses left on PM freight, to find
and locate Red Kelly lost mine in Kashwitna District. PM put
final touches on Olds car. Had May Kellogg at dinner.
Gut ache better. Radio silent.
July 11, 1938 Weather cloudy, 58 to 62 above.
May Kellogg hitchhiked to Palmer. Forty Mile Miller on
high horse, wants deed to rear of Lundstrom lot so he can sell
his shacks and move to Homer. Packed outfit in Olds car for trip to
mines. Lundstrom doing repair work at school.
July 12, 1938 Up at 4 AM self and
Herb Oberg left Wasilla 4:30 AM in Olds car, for Grubstake Placer
Mine, arrived at 7 AM packed over grub and nails to cabin.
Worked on skid road. Ma now chief clerk K. T. Co.
July 13, 1938 At placer mine. Ma
running the store at Wasilla. Self at placer mine, July
12th to 24th. Put corrugated iron roof on cache. Blocked
up Craigie and Willow Creek bridge approaches, graveled road.
July 14, 1938 Self at placer mine.
July 15, 1938 Bench sluicing above canyon
on Grubstake Gulch with 12” boxes for prospect.
July 16, 1938 Self at placer mine.
July 17, 1938 Self at placer mine.
July 18, 1938 Self at placer mine, Ma
running K. T. Co. store.
July 19, 1938 Self prospecting benches
at placer mine.
July 20, 1938 At Grubstake placer mine.
July 21, 1938 At Grubstake placer mine,
sluicing on bench under bench ditch, Gilbert basin. Ground
sluicing into boxes.
July 22, 1938 At Grubstake placer mine.
Thorpe’s just started milling ore on Grubstake above Forks, Dan
Gray mill man.
July 23, 1938 Saturday, cleaned up prospect
in bench on Gilbert basin got 2 nuggets and about 2 ounces gold
on a 2 day ground sluice. Evening, packed grub, left in 50
pound cans this trip was 12 days at mines. Started ground sluice
Bear Claim, ready to return to Wasilla 4 AM Sunday.
July 24, 1938 Grubstake to Wasilla.
Up at 4 AM, closed up camp. Left with Olds car 6 AM, parked
at mail box. Above Kelly’s, met 2 cars on one way road,
had to go in ditch to avoid collision, took 2 hour to get car on
road. Arrived Wasilla 9 AM. Ma busy in store account
pay day on Section. Had 1st
strawberries.
July 25, 1938 A-1 day, 60 above. Pricing
up new merchandise all day. Stanley and Soper went to
Anchorage account Johnson making trouble over lease on Stanley’s
mine. Salmon running at Knik and Colonist’s running to meet
them? Tony Diamond spoke over KFQD.
July 26, 1938 Partly cloudy, 62 above.
Self in store most of day. Our freight blocked in set-out
by mining machinery. Stanley back to work at Smith’s camp,
bookkeeper, etc. Sharon in hospital with blood poisoning
in arm. Horning hauling car coal. Matanuska Broadcast
on air, included K. T. Co.
July 27, 1938 Business normal, cloudy,
showers, 64 above. AM hauled over 2 tuck loads new groceries
and hardware. McNally, Goose Bay Road builder, in for grub order.
Everybody going to Knik for salmon. Evening, Stanley in from
mines. Local radio good.
July 28, 1938 Summer day, 60 to 72 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Wired out for meats,
hardware and fruits. Goose Bay Road half finished from Knik.
Plenty of Knik salmon but few strawberries. Passenger train
south 11 PM. Local radio and press news. China-Jap war
still on. Roosevelt touring the west.
July 29, 1938 Second summer day, 60 to 74 above.
Mail went south AM. Wild berries scarce, Bert got 2 gallons.
Shoe drummer visited. Paddy fixing up and moving to Hartman
cabin. Evening, oiled store floor and put patch on knee of
pants. Jap's gained on Chinks. Local radio and press
news.
July 30, 1938 Weather cloudy, rain PM, 50 to
66 above. PM adjusted brakes on Olds car.
Mail arrived PM, no passengers. Salmon arrived at McNeil’s
ranch. Trucks hauling machinery all week to Fern and Independence.
Press news, grasshoppers eating crops in 4 states. Stanley in.
July 31, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening windy, 60 above. Store open 9 to noon, sales fair.
Butter, eggs and bacon arrived on PM freight. Made up weekly
cash register accounts. Evening, finished adjusting brakes
and tightened up rear wheels. Gottstein delivered case LS cigs.
Radio silent Sunday. Lawrence in to see his schoolmarm.
August 1, 1938 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above. Monthly checks, old age
pensions arrived. Busy all AM on grub orders, sales $100
out of $174 checks. Gaston located 40 acre track at
mile 12, Martin’s winter camp. Took off steering rod on Olds
car to repair. Russian’s and Jap's fighting on border.
August 2, 1938 Weather cloudy, 48 to 60 above.
Ma scrubbing floors. PM fixed up loose yoke on steering
rod, Olds car. Put $4 ad in Matanuska Fair circular.
Paid July radio ad over KFQD. Russian and Jap's fighting.
Good local radio.
August 3, 1938 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Russia and Japan fighting over Korea and Siberian border, dropping
bombs from airplanes. Jap's going broke with war on China.
Evening, visited at Pecks ranch and a real ranch. Joe Palmer
bought house. Cecil and Sally appeared on stage with old
white horse. News all political.
August 4, 1938 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
In office AM got out merchandise orders and mail. PM cleaned
up polish on Olds Creek Stanley through at Smith’s camp,
bad back again.
August 5, 1938 Business dead. Partly
cloudy, 56 to 66 above. Only a few salmon running in Cottonwood
Creek but a million or more going up Fish Creek to lakes ending
near Pittman. New York City gave “Hughes” big demo account
around the world in 91 hours.
August 6, 1938 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above.
Self on china and work closets, refitted front door. Bananas
and casabas arrived on 4 PM passenger train. Had second mess
of strawberries, grown in Anchorage? Stanley installed new
aerial. Secretary of the Interior, Harold Ickes and wife due
next boat. All war in China, Russia, Japan, Jerusalem, Spain
and 2 small countries.
August 7, 1938 Sunday, A-1 day, 74 above.
Mowed lawn around new house. Fitted doors on china closet.
PM Stanley took his mother and Mr. Metz up to see Smith prospect.
Brill north but no freight. Radio silent. Many cars
in, Sunday outing.
August 8, 1938 Another warm day 72 above.
AM watered lawn around new house. Very dry, no spuds unless
it rains soon. PM freight got 5 sacks Washington spuds,
had to pick over, mushy. Mrs. Ellexson in for horse to mow
hay for goats and sheep.
August 9, 1938 Another summer day, 70 above.
Self on china closet most of day. Gus delivered 40 cases
oils from Anchorage. Stanley back from Smith’s camp, brought
in his bed. Frank Kelly and old Sam in from mines.
Mrs. Ellexson got cut up with horse mower. Vida on visit at
Eva’s. Secretary Ickes arrived in Anchorage.
August 10, 1938 Rain all day, 50 to 56 above.
Need rain for spuds. Put knobs, etc. on china closet,
now ready for enamel and varnish. Secretary Ickes and wife
on Special to McKinley Park. Now 1/3 of U. S. living off
U. S. Treasury and tax payers.
August 11, 1938 Cloudy, 56 above. Varnishing
china chests. Mid-week freight arrived PM. Mrs.
McDougal in from Fern Mine for pick-ups. Evening got out
orders.
August 12, 1938 Business dead, A-1 day,
50 to 72 above. Got mail orders off 10 AM. Mrs. Gill,
Louise, Philip and wife visited, stayed at Knik last night.
Ellexson’s fish house burned down. Primed panels on china
doors, put on draw pulls and on windows.
August 13, 1938 Weather cloudy 60 to 70 above.
Self enameling china closets. Jap's and Russia still
fighting over Korea and Siberian border. Hot wave and
electric storm in eastern states. Evening dance on at Wasilla
Town Hall account library. News all war and primary election
in states.
August 14, 1938 Sunday, cloudy, 60 above,
store open 9 to noon. Mowed grass around new house.
China cupboard finished and put in place by sink. Indian
Jim died at Eklutna. McNeil and Mrs. Vail had slight stroke.
Radio silent.
August 15, 1938 Business normal.
Warm day, 74 above. Put finishing touches on china cupboard
and spice closet. Got Olds car ready for trip to placer mine
tomorrow. Got out-mail. Evening, packed 70 pounds
grub for mine. Too busy for radio, heard Eb and Zeb 6 PM.
August 16, 1938 Off for 3rd trip to Grubstake
Placer Mine, Stanley went along, supposed to leave at 5:30 AM.
Ma chief clerk and bottle washer. Heavy rain, didn’t go.
Tested out water system in new house, only 1 leak. Fitted
chair molding in kitchen.
August 17, 1938 Wasilla to OGH Mine.
Stanley and self left with Olds car 5:10 AM, arrived at mail
box 7 AM parked car and packed 80 pounds supplies to cabin.
Arrived at OGH cabin 9 AM.
August 18, 1938 Stanley and self at Placer
Mine. Ground sluiced on bench half way up Gilbert basin
on right side below bench ditch sluiced out some gold quartz.
August 19, 1938 Stanley and self sluicing
at Grubstake Placer Mine on bench prospect, hydraulic group.
August 20, 1938 At Grubstake Placer Mine,
Stanley and self cleaned up sluice boxes on hydraulic group
bench. Fixed penstock gate at head of bench ditch and packed
tools down to cache. Assessment work to 7/1/1939 completed.
August 21, 1938 Sunday, OGH Placer Mine
to Wasilla. AM, cleaned up box on ground sluice on Bear
group, only got 4 bitts. PM prospected on Homestake Claim,
got 52 10¢ pans Closed up camp, left 6:10 PM arrived
Wasilla 8 PM, rain and fog. Arrived at Wasilla with one
flat tire.
August 22, 1938 Weather cloudy, 58 to 64 above.
In store most of day. Milo Kelly visited looking for jackhammer.
Boat freight arrived, had only canned meats. Farmers
now have all kinds of new vegetables. Evening, mowed lawn
at new house. Eva got bladder trouble, Marie Martha sleeps
here.
August 23, 1938 No business, partly cloudy,
70 above. In store AM scraped oil off floor behind grocery
counter. Old John doing repair work around school house.
Gus now weighs all coal on his new scale. PM on kitchen
moldings.
August 24, 1938 Weather cloudy, 58 to 64 above.
PM on freight and varnishing in new house. Got chair moldings
ready to nail in place in kitchen. Stanley and family went
to Anchorage. Old John finishing Cads laundry room.
War and politics, no more midnight freight. Evening rain.
August 25, 1938 Partly cloudy 60 above.
In store and office on orders AM. Stanley and family back
from Anchorage, traded sedan for Ford coupe car. Forty
Mile Miller in from ranch. War news and politicians.
Gus got car coal.
August 26, 1938 Weather cloudy 50 to 58 above.
Boats late at Seward, no mail train south today. Lindy
and wife on air trip to Russia. Storm brewing on Gulf of
Mexico. Roosevelt busy endorsing politicians. News
all war talk in Europe, Jap's still fighting Chinamen.
August 27, 1938 Weather cloudy 52 above.
Days growing shorter fast. Mail trains went south 7 AM,
passed up taking Wasilla mail. Mail from boat arrived
6:30 PM. England warns powers she is ready to fight.
News baseball and golf and war news, storms in gulf states.
August 28, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy
50 to 56 above. Usual Sunday trade and after their mail.
Freight arrived PM only brought butter, other freight, groceries,
hardware and clothing coming tomorrow. Put in registered
over kitchen stove. Radio silent Sunday. Shorty back
from Cache Creek.
August 29, 1938 Weather cloudy 56 above.
AM in store PM installed 2 hot air registers in new house.
Cemented leaks on coal and truck sheds. Boat freight arrived
6 PM. Smith’s help quit job. Gulf storms died out,
warehouse strike in S. F.
August 30, 1938 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
AM hauled over 3 truck loads groceries, hardware and clothing
from set-out. All PM pricing same and storing away.
England and France ready to fight Germany unless she halts aggression
on small countries. Distributors all tied up by strikers in S. F.
August 31, 1938 A-1 day, 60 to 68 above.
Joe Palmer placed order for future delivery at Caswell.
Got order from Herman at Big Lake. Paid ad in Matanuska
Fair circular. Paddy bought Cad’s Kenny log shack to move
to mine, later deal off. George Grigsby spoke over KFQD.
All war talk in Europe.
August Memo: Self completed inside finish
on upper 2 rooms in new house. Built on electric engine
room, 10 x 12, to operate electric lights with Onan gas engine,
32 V, 1000 watts. Covered walls with plyboard also in annex.
September 1, 1938 Business normal.
A-1 day, 66 above. Busy AM in store. Indigents got
their monthly checks for grub and booze. George Nylen over
to trade from Palmer. Paddy bought 1000’ lumber from Smithy
for his mine Shack
September 2, 1938 Miss Harpster arrived
to teach school. Paddy and Stanley building shack at mine.
A-1 day, up to 70 above.
September 3, 1938 Business normal.
Partly cloudy, 50 to 66 above. Hunters on red hot for
ptarmigan and moose. George Small brought Mrs. Ellexson
home from Palmer Hospital. Paddy and Stanley building claim
shack opposite Mabel Mine on Fern Road. Stump on a drunk.
September 4, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy,
64 above. Busy in store AM. Palmer paid for a $71
outfit for winter trapping at Kashwitna. PM painted on
store front, all the rest of the Herning’s did the Palmer Fair.
September 5, 1938 Labor Day. Weather
cloudy, 50 to 70 above. Store closed PM. Self painting
front of store. Smith struck another rich ore body in lower
tunnel on old Frisby quartz claim. Car lumber and oil arrived
for mines.
September 6, 1938 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
AM hauled over truck load coffee and groceries and stored same.
PM made attic door and put in baseboards in north room, upstairs
in new house. Hitler still bluffing over Czechoslovakia.
News war talk in Europe. Dr. Chase on air for Alaska Treasury.
School opened.
September 7, 1938 Weather cloudy, 52 to 58
above. Self working in new house. Got battens and
casings finished in two upper rooms. Marie Martha entered
school, now 6 going on 7? All kind of crime and accidents
in states, why live in Alaska? Brought in KJR at 9:30, all
Europe ready to fight.
September 8, 1938 Rain, 56 above. ARC
graveling slump hole in front of Zink warehouse. Stanley
and Paddy finished their mining shack near Mabel Mine. Maybe
war in Europe tomorrow.
September 9, 1938 Weather cloudy, 52 to 56
above. Got off orders and mail AM, boat 2 days late at
Seward. PM on carpenter work, attic of new house.
Hitler and England ready to fight. Spain rebellion still
on.
September 10, 1938 Weather cloudy, fog,
44 to 54 above. Finished window casings in upper room of
new house. Stanley and family drove to Anchorage for weekend.
Plenty of new local vegetables. Miss Harpster moved in
to Bixler’s house, Mrs. Bixler left for Hope. News all war
talk and New Deal.
September 11, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 above. Store open AM as usual. PM made up weekly
cash register report and varnished windows in upper rooms of
new house, mowed lawn. Evening, took bath in new house.
Kids back from Anchorage. First good Outside radio, all stations
came in, war news.
September 12, 1938 Weather cloudy, 52 above.
Like a fall day, leaves turning golden on birch trees but as
yet no frost. Frank Kelly in for coal for Thorpe’s mine.
Stanley went to Anchorage with Gus’ truck for load lumber for Smith
mine.
September 13, 1938 Election day.
Weather cloudy, 52 to 58 above. Republicans gaining in
States. Busy in store all day, small sales by voters.
Czech’s got troops on border and warn Hitler to stay out. England,
France and Russia for Czechs. Outside radio weak. Talkeetna
went for New Deal, Demo.
September 14, 1938 Fall day, cloudy 52 above,
evening rain. Self painted red panels on front of K. T.
Co. store. Fixed up street light. Stanley drove out
and closed up buildings at his mine. ARC putting fine gravel
on Main Street. Maybe war tomorrow over Czech. Local
radio and press news only. Birches turning golden.
September 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, rain, 48
to 52 above. Self busy in office on orders and out-mail.
Stanley drove to Anchorage, going Outside for back treatment.
Washout at Rainbow, so no train to Seward until Monday.
September 16, 1938 Weather cloudy, 52 above,
snowing on high mountain peaks. Mail held up till Monday
account washout on railroad. Stanley and many others flew
from Anchorage to catch boat leaving Seward. Eva and Buddy
back from Anchorage. Old Mayor of Los Angels lost job, all guns
ready to fire in Europe.
September 17, 1938 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 52 to 58 above, light snow on high mountain peaks.
Autumn is here, birch all golden yellow. Sharon Fleck married
Florence Strigga Edlund this evening. Stanley on boat
for Seattle. All war news in Europe over Czechs, Hitler aggression.
September 18, 1938 Sunday. First
frost, down to 28 above. Busy in store AM. No trains
account washout on Seward division. PM built calidoor
over annex entrance at new house and painted storm door.
Ma, Eva and kids drove in to Knik. Stanley on boat to Seattle.
September 19, 1938 A-1 day,
32 to 58 above. Finished calidoor over annex. No freight
arrived. McNally through with Cat on Knik-Goose Bay Road
moved to upper Willow Creek with Cat to do placer mining.
September 20, 1938 A-1 day,
32 to 60 above. Railroad washout repaired, mail from last
weeks boats arrived, freight due tomorrow. All war talk in
Europe. Hitler gave Czechs 24 hours to decide. England
and France in with Hitler, Russia against Hitler aggression of Czech
territory. Received report on Eyota, Minnesota farms.
Radio good. Bad railroad accident in southern California.
September 21, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers,
50 to 60 above. Fred Nelson made round trip to Anchorage,
brought us cement and coal oil. McNally family moved back
to Fern Mine from Goose Bay auto road. Delayed boat freight
arrived 6 PM. No Outside radio.
September 22, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers,
46 to 56 above. Couldn’t get our delayed freight- buried
up in set-out with mine freight. Ray Bergman quit Section and
got on at Willow Creek Mines. Helmer Oberg back here again.
Fern got car winter groceries. Local spuds good. All
war talk and big storms in New England
September 23, 1938 Partly cloudy, showers,
44 to 54 above. After waiting 2 days, got freight out
of set-out car. Got 15 sacks of sand gravel for electric
engine building aft new house account cement work. PM Eva
and kids left for weekend at Anchorage. Stanley arrived in
Seattle. Radio good, all stations on air all night with Czech
war news.
September 24, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers,
40 to 46 above. Cool day, snow in Fishhook Pass and on mountain
peaks. Boat mail arrived on time. Self busy all day
pricing and storing away new merchandise. Turned on 500 CP
street lamp tonight. Hitler ready to fire on the Czechs.
No Outside radio. New England states recovering from six million
dollar flood.
September 25, 1938 Sunday, rain, snow
on mountain, 44 above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM made up
cash. Cleaned up store furnace and cemented cracks in fire
bricks, 6 hour job. Eva and kids back from Anchorage, collided
with Hartley in cars only damage bent fender. 11 PM took usual
Sunday bath. Ma cut my hair. No freight.
September 26, 1938 Cloudy, cold, 44 above.
Busy in store AM. Boat freight arrived 6 PM, 2 cars freight.
Wiley Post Dr. said if only 10 families left in Matanuska Colony,
was well worth the five million dollars spent, 180 babies, good
rec. Got out packs and wool pant orders. No Outside
radio. Czech war still pending until October 1st.
September 27, 1938 Weather cloudy, 44 to 50
above. PM hauled cks. and hardware over to
store from set-out. Hauled lumber for cement forms for electric
engine room of new house. England, French and Russia ready
to fight Hitler. Only local radio, all war talk over Czech trouble.
September 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, fall day,
44 to 50 above. Top of Bald Mt. covered with new snow.
Cars had to shovel snow to get over Fishhook Pass. PM cleaned
up lumber etc. so Eva could park car in garage. Europe to
have a four power meeting account Czech trouble.
September 29, 1938 Weather cloudy, cool, 40
to 46 above. Self pricing up guns and ammunition, cks. etc.
after 3 days got balance of our freight in set-out. Mrs.
McDougal in to buy private grub for her new house at mines.
Logan Stipp, Engineer on work train, visited. Four power compromise
on today to settle Czech-Hitler trouble.
September 30, 1938 Weather cleared, 24 to 48
above. Evening, northern lights, heavy frost. Mrs.
Senske moved out to Kellyville at Lucky Shot Mine. Curley
and an Anchorage car collided at bend by Patchell’s ranch, mile
1, both cars out of commission. Ma and Eva at Palmer movie,
evening.
September Memo: September business 50% off
from normal. Ma and self doing store work. Stanley
in Seattle for spinal treatment. Fishhook Pass still open
to traffic. September cloudy and rainy month.
October 1, 1938 Business normal.
A-1 day, 30 to 50 above. Payday for indigents spent half
for grub, other half for booze. Mail train arrived 6 PM.
PM self painted sash in front of store. All happy in Europe
account Czech trouble being adjusted cost Four Power $5,000,000.
Letter from Stanley in Seattle. Suicide in Anchorage account
no work. Three car wrecks on Willow Road.
October 2, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
42 to 52 above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM mended and
put stick on soles on work shoes. Priced up cks. and cake
goods. Got short wave set working, got Jack Benny, Jell-O.
Took bath in new house. Long wave mushy, short wave OK.
Local station silent.
October 3, 1938 A-1 d ay, 40 to 50 above.
Railroad Agent day off, couldn’t get our freight. PM finished
2nd coat trimmings on front of store. School erected poles
from schoolhouse to Wasilla Hall account electric light in Hall
for games, etc. No Outside radio.
October 4, 1938 Weather cloudy, 42 to 52 above.
Started cement foundation on electric engine house. Bert
and self, 6 hours on forms. ARR Co-op trucks hauling lumber
to Goose Bay account new mining dock Eva out joy riding PM.
All loving each other in Europe but Russia on war path account Czech?
October 5, 1938 Warm wind, 48 to 50 above.
Hauled over groceries and wallboard from set-out. Got
10 more sacks gravel sand for engine house. Joe Palmer
back from Caswell. A. C. Morgan visited, now mining at Cache
Creek. Paddy in from mines.
October 6, 1938 A-1 day,
50 above. AM poured cement in electric room foundation.
PM priced up new merchandise. Big storm in Philippine Island.
S. F. warehouse strike still on. Short wave radio fair, long
wave NG.
October 7, 1938 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50 above.
Cars still crossing Fishhook summit. Got order ready for
Pittman. Put in form for engine, cement block in addition
to new house. Answered Perkin’s letter, returned 1936 and
1937 farm report. Mrs. McNeil passed out. No Outside radio.
October 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Eva and kids drove to Anchorage for weekend with her mother.
Self in store AM. PM painting posts, etc. around new house.
No mail boat at Seward until Monday. Railroad depot closed
all day. No Outside radio. All war and sports news,
Cubs and White Sox.
October 9, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
light wind, 48 above. Busy in store AM. PM made
up cash register report and oiled store floor, 24 x 60 feet.
Eva and kids back from Anchorage 2 PM. Mrs. McNeil buried
at Sunny Knik, in Indian plot. Snowing on mountain peaks.
Bath in new house. London and Pittsburgh fair on short wave,
no long wave in.
October 10, 1938 Business normal.
A-1 day, 30 to 50 above. Rush in store AM mail went south,
4 days late. PM painted front of garage. Russia sore
on Lindy, claims he advised Chamberlain their air fleet NG.
Evening, full moon, down to 30 above. No long wave, short wave
mushy. Moony got out of jail again.
October 11, 1938 A-1 day,
30 to 50 above. Self and Bert started to put on wallboard
in new house annex. Dunkle visited. Shaw kids broke
into railroad warehouse, broke windows and screens, opened egg
cases. Fred, Gus and Zink went to Anchorage. Radio fair
but static killed it. Twelve days mail arrived 7 PM.
October 12, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers, 40
above, got 12 delayed mail, received letter from Mrs. George
G. Butz #2, inquiring about old KB stocks. PM Bert and
self nailed on wallboard in new house annex. First ship in
at Goose Bay with mining supplies.
October 13, 1938 Weather cloudy, 40 above.
Self busy in office on winter orders and fill-ins. Paddy
made trip to Smith prospect to exam new ore shoot. More snow
on mountains
October 14, 1938 Business normal, weather
cloudy, wind, 40 to 50 above. Mail went south. Hauled
over truck load new hardware AM. Eva and Mrs. Peg-Cad drove
to Anchorage AM. PM and evening pricing hardware.
KNX said spots on sun the cause of bad weather and the wars.
Radio good, both short and long wave. News all war talk.
October 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, windy, 48
above. Busy in store all day marking up new merchandise.
2 PM Eva, Buddy and Mrs. Cad back from Anchorage with flat tire.
Mail arrived on time, got peaches, grapes and bananas. Evening, basket
social on at Hall. No Outside radio, sun spots, working again.
Second letter from Stanley in Seattle.
October 16, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy, 44 to 50 above. AM finished pricing new hardware.
PM made up cash register sheet. Freight train arrived 3 PM,
had set-out and couldn’t get half of freight. Evening, took
bath in new house tub. Smith in town celebrating.
Short wave only, Jello-O program good.
October 17, 1938 Weather cloudy, windy 44 to
48 above. Busy in store, small trade all day.
Dan Gray in, cars stalled on Fishhook summit account snow drifts.
Nazi spies on trial in New York. Foot of snow in Montana.
Thorpe’s going Outside. Long wave radio good, short wave mushy,
all war talk.
October 18, 1938 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
44 to 48 above. AM got balance of freight in set-out after
mining companies took out 2 loads. PM transferred
truck load of coal to furnace bin. Dug out oil drum in annex
to put in electric engine house for muffler. Bert on the job.
Only local radio, KFQD Press News.
October 19, 1938 Weather cloudy, warm wind,
44 to 50 above. Gus left AM for Anchorage to get a truck
load of gas-oil and lumber for K. T. Co. Thorpe’s fixing
up well and things around Post Office building. Took forms
off cement foundation account engine room. Mines hauling in
mining timber. Radio good, all stations on air. Secretary
Ickes spoke at Los Angeles.
October 20, 1938 Sunshine and rain, 44 to 50
above. Sun ½ hour then rain ½ hour all
day, windy. Packed wallboard from garage to annex at new
house. Gus arrived PM with load gas-oil and lumber for K.
T. Co. from Anchorage. Evening got out-mail. No boat
in but SS Cordova going out.
October 21, 1938 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50 above.
Snow half gone on Bald Mt. peaks. AM self and Bert installed
drum account muffler to gas electric engine. PM laid foundation
timbers. Mail train went south. Reported Jap got
control southern China, last stand.
October 22, 1938 Weather cloudy, 44 to
48 above. Self and Bert on engine room all day.
Laid floor and got up studding. Local mail train went north.
No boat at Seward or Outside mail. Snow and cold weather in
Michigan and central states. Temperature +80 in New York.
Radio good, all war and football news.
October 23, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
rain AM 48 to 52 above. Self and Bert nailed shiplap on east
side new engine room. Warm wind all day, rain took off
most of snow on mountain peaks. Marie Martha and kids got
whooping cough. No boat or freight. No long wave,
short wave mushy, got no news.
October 24, 1938 A-1 day, 48 to 58 above.
Self and Bert on engine annex. Ready to put on roofing.
Anchorage Railroad Commissary burned last night, loss $200,000
. Railroad using groceries from Palmer farmer supplies.
No mail boat.
October 25, 1938 Weather cloudy, cool wind,
42 to 48 above. Self and Bert got roof and upper ceiling
on engine house. Mail boat due in Seward tomorrow with 11
days mail. Jap's finally took China’s last town, Hong Kong.
Arab. raising heck in Jerusalem.
October 26, 1938 Weather colder, 20 to 40 above.
Evening, northern lights, down to 20 at midnight. Got
galvanized roofing placed on annex and started boarding up north
end of new engine room. Railroad laid off all ex-help on
Sections. Gus got car Healy coal. Wilmoth’s started
building new Post Office. Only local radio. Lost flier
found in Rainy Pass District, missing a week.
October 27, 1938 Weather cloudy, 24 to 30 above,
snow flurries PM. Got north end closed in on engine house.
Received wire from Perkins, offered $3,420 for Seymour
Eyota farm. Eva received wire from Stanley in Seattle leaving
November 5th for home. No Outside radio. Press News
all war and sport talk.
October 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, cold 24 to
38 above. Regular mail went south to States. Put
rustic on west side engine house. Fabyan started to assemble
50’ tower for Cads new wind charger. Marie Martha out of school
account hoopy. John Lundstrom left for Tacoma, Washington.
No Outside radio. Got Press News over local station.
October 29, 1938 Business still slow.
Weather colder, 22 to 30 above. Self and Bert finished
outside of engine room building Outside mail arrived 4 PM.
Gus sold all his Healy coal, we got only 1 ton left. Not a
sound on long wave. London in on short wave.
October 30, 1938 Sunday, weather colder,
16 to 30 above. A-1 sunny day. PM fitted in window
on north end engine room. Boat freight arrived 5 PM.
Got double dose of fruit and vegetables account slow mail.
Hauled over vegetables and fruits. Bill Wagner, KFQD technician,
visited. Ma’s birthday. Busy with freight. Wagner
took 2 Crosley sets to repair.
October 31, 1938 Business froze up.
Weather colder, temperature 30, down to 10 above. Pricing
and storing away new merchandise AM. PM hauled over 2 truck
loads of blend flour from set-out and got a ton of sand account
engine house. Sears and Roebuck opened sale office in Anchorage.
Outside radio no good. Press News over local station.
November 1, 1938 Business normal.
Weather colder, 6 to 26 above. Busy in store all AM,
payday for indigent FDR pets. Mrs. McDougal in for fill-ins.
Engineer Anderson in, grading Cat road to Thorpe’s mine on Grubstake.
Fabyan raised Cad’s wind charger tower.
November 2, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 28 above,
first snow. PM hung door in engine room.
Paid McClarty for 84 hours, helper on engine house, now ready
for engine. PM, first snow, winters here. Radio
good, all stations, both short wave and long wave.
November 3, 1938 Weather colder, 24 above down
to zero. Self on office work most of day. George
Zink left for trip Outside. Independence Mine hauling up
more machinery. Spanish rebels sunk royalist ship. Chicago,
74 above today. No Outside radio, got Juneau news KNX.
November 4, 1938 Weather cloudy, evening snow,
22 above. Got mail off AM. Wrote Perkins and Prudential
Insurance Co. that I would not put any more money into maintenance
of Eyota farms. Independence hauled out last piece machinery.
Got grub order from Herman at Big Lake.
November 5, 1938 Three inches snow, temperature
24 to 28 above. Government weather station established at
Anchorage. Sold 4 dozen faces for Mask Ball tonight.
Jack putting side braces on Cads air tower, 36 feet high. Smith
compressor broke down. Smith in Seward going Outside. KPO
good, some static 9 to 10 PM.
November 6, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening snow, 20 to 28 above. Store open 3 hours AM.
Quiet in town after Masked ball last night. Radio good,
all stations come in. Hitler and Mussolini going to take
Russia, year 1941. England now operating airplane factories
at war speed. Radio good. Politicians hot on the air
account Tuesday election in States.
November 7, 1938 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 10 to 22 above. Boat freight arrived, 9
PM. Got 1½ tons groceries and hardware in hot car
set-out. Rush in store on indigent and several other tax
customers. Washington hot with labor amendments and California
hot on ham and egg amendments vote tomorrow. Radio fair, some
fading.
November 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 10 to 22 above.
PM had Gus haul freight from set -out, 1½ tons.
Dunkle’s car stolen in Anchorage. Jack finished Cad’s wind
charger 36’ tower 2 men 3 weeks work with Native pole timber.
Hot election in States today. Radio fair.
November 9, 1938 Temperature 12 above to 10
below zero. On hardware and clothing. McDougal’s
in Mrs. McDougal going Outside on vacation. Fern received
14 ton diesel engine for mine. Had Jack put guy wires on
50’ radio pole account wind. Germans confiscating Jews property
account killing everybody. No long wave, short wave ok, Juneau
station ok.
November 10, 1938 Weather stormy, 22 to 40
above. Windy, snow drifting, evening rain. Independence
Mine unloaded 14 ton diesel engine on skids but Cat couldn’t move
it. Rufe Stephan and wife in with Native goods. Germans
giving Jews hell. No long wave, got London news on short wave.
November 11, 1938 Weather warmer, 30 to 40
above. Wind blew snow on sidewalks, cleaned same AM.
Quake at 10:25 AM. With 2 Cats, they got away 7 PM with
14 ton engine for Independence mine. PM got door hung on
engine house. Another killing of higher up in Europe.
Short wave OK. Isaac’s went to Anchorage.
November 12, 1938 Wet storm, 34 above.
Traded bills electric _____ over new 500 watt engine for 1000
watt engine, delivered same today. Big football games
in States today. Germans driving out all Jews and Arab.,
keeping them out of Holy City. Poor radio, Pres News over local
station.
November 13, 1938 Sunday, sleet storm,
temperature 34, down to 18. Self finished trimmings on
engine room door and casing on window. Boat freight arrived
4 PM, trucked over perishables, 1000 pounds. Big mining man
in. ____flew to Mayo Clinic for gallstone treatment, 2 day
trip. 11 PM, took usual Sunday bath in new house. Short
wave good, got 8 PM news.
November 14, 1938 Squalls, 14 to 22 above.
In store all day. Opened up new candy bars. All airplanes
grounded. Lots of freight, expect turkeys to go Inside.
New family moved into Harrison cabin. Evening, snowing.
Short wave OK, most all sport news, snowing in States.
November 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 32
above. Diesel 12 ton engine was landed at Independence
Mine last night with 3 Caterpillars. Late snows blocking
roads for auto trucks to mines, Pass closed. Cad went to
Anchorage for gas. Radio mushy NG. Press News over KFQD.
November 16, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 above,
sleet storm last night. Self started to cut door through
annex to new engine room. Gus received car Jonesville coal.
Fabyan digging well at Goose Bay for mining company dock Filled
store tank. No long wave, short wave ok 6 to 7.
November 17, 1938 Weather colder, 20 above
to 12 below zero. Customers looking for coal and weather
strips. Health officer here yesterday store OK but must be
examined for health certificate to sell groceries. Got out-mail
and orders. No long wave, short wave fair.
November 18, 1938 Temperature zero to 8 below.
Mail went south 10 AM. Many on train from Inside, going
out for winter vacation. Anna Snider here. Pete bought
$700 car. Independence trucks hauling in oil to mines.
Put up balcony fly. Russell Shaw in from Park.
November 19, 1938 Business dead, weather
cloudy, warmer, 22 above. McDougal and Bud Browne in,
last trip with truck for winter. Wire from Stanley delayed
a week coming on November 20th sailing. Mail on time, got fruits
on passenger. Wasilla basketball playing Palmer tonight.
Radio on the bum, only short wave and local station.
November 20, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy,
30 above all day, more snow last night, took 2 hours to clean
off walks. PM worked on door entrance annex to engine room.
Put storm window on cellar basement. Turkey day freight arrived
fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and turkeys. Short wave
OK, long wave 9 to 10. Got no Press News.
November 21, 1938 Chinook on, up to 36 above.
AM had Gus haul over 2 loads new merchandise from set-out.
Fruit, vegetables and turkeys arrived. PM put ton coal in
store furnace bin. Customers buying Thanksgiving goods.
Long wave early then died out. Evening windy.
November 22, 1938 Wet snow, 34 above.
Self busy in store AM dealing out turkey day goods.
PM loaded up form for engine cement block in new house electric system.
Evening, paid turkey day invoices. Leibing drove to Knik
PM. Only local radio and Press News.
November 23, 1938 Temperature 22 to 34 above.
Fern truck in, last trip of winter account snow. Small
turkey day trade all day. Evening, poured cement block for
1000 watt lighting plant. Local radio, Cecil and Sally.
November 24, 1938 Chinook, 40 above.
Thanksgiving, store open AM for absent minded. Ma gave
20th turkey dinner at Wasilla, Paddy, Eva, Stanley Jr. and Marie
Martha guests, Stanley Sr. in Seattle.
Local station only, good radio.
November 25, 1938 Weather cloudy, 4 2 above
all day. PM varnished engine room door
and felted inside door frame. Ten foot drifts in New York
City. Down to 28 above at Miami. Big fire and 60 mile
wind in California, cold snap all northern states, why live in Alaska?
Pope about to pass out.
November 26, 1938 Weather cloudy, 40 above
all day. Snow about gone in Wasilla. PM painted
front of engine room. Big strike in France. Cold
snap in States yesterday, took 81 lives. Received letter from
Olive O. Myhre, attorney, calling $259.61 December 1st on or would
foreclose mortgage on Burnap farm. Short wave good, no long
wave. Press News all war talk.
November 27, 1938 Sunday, 3rd spring
day, 32 to 42 above. Snow gone on graded roads. PM
finished painting outside of electric engine room. Outside
freight arrived 4 PM got batteries and tob. Jap's finished
taking all of China’s large cities and ports. Evening, usual
bath in new house. Radio weak. Car freight arrived for
mines.
November 28, 1938 Wheeled over tob. and batteries
from set-out. Mining company received a lot drill steel.
PM got inside door frame to engine room fitted. Wired attorney
Perkins about closing sale of Burnap farm mortgage at Eyota.
Radio NG, no long wave, no 10 PM news.
November 29, 1938 Self on new engine room PM
and evening to midnight. Put engine on cement block got
anchor bolts perfect leveled up under ground muffler packed in
15 sacks sand. France all ready to fight strikers.
Short wave OK, no long wave still war news.
November 30, 1938 Finished priming coat on
engine room and cut pipe to connect engine to drum muffler.
Phoned Dr. Albright about health certification to run store?
Said he was coming over to Wasilla. Short wave good, no long
wave. Hitler still persecuting the Jews.
November Memo: New house ready to occupy
but Ma prefers to live in old store rooms. 1000 watt engine
for electric installed in new 10x12 annex. Stanley still
in Seattle, got back fixed up but closing stock deal with Smith
and associates on Frisby location.
December 1, 1938 Business normal. Busy
day, relief customers got their monthly hand out. Noon,
Dr. Albright visited and gave Ma and self exam for store health
certificate. Got out Christmas merchandise orders.
December 2, 1938 Weather clear and colder,
30 above all day. Got mail and Christmas orders off AM.
PM made water trap and pipe connection from engine to muffler
drum in electric engine house annex. Walden hauling Independence
freight with trucks as far as aviation field. Radio fair, Juneau
and Ketchikan came in.
December 3, 1938 Weather cooler, 32 to 34 above.
Mining companies building dock warehouse, etc. at Goose Bay
summer port, having trouble sinking a well. All north America
countries holding good will convention at _____.
December 4, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy,
light wind, 24 to 34 above. Usual Sears and Sawbuck Sunday,
AM customers for parcel post and mail. PM assembled door
between annex and engine room. Boat freight arrived 4 PM got
eggs and butter. Anchorage Elks had a memorial program 6 to
7 PM. Evening bath in new house. School day program over KPO.
No news. Anchorage Elks on air.
December 5, 1938 Light wind,
30 above. Only light sales. Self in store all day.
Wheeled over eggs and butter from depot. Independence hauling
mining timbers from Willies Lake Wasilla ranch. Italy and
France talking war over Africa colonies. London calling, only
good radio and Press News.
December 6, 1938 Still fine weather, 32 above.
Self finished nailing engine roof iron to annex to make storm
proof, also, made asbestos ring to cover engine exhaust pipe
through floor. All war talk in Europe to come off next April.
Stanley 34, now on boat for home. No long or short wave.
Press News on KFQD.
December 7, 1938 Weather cloudy, 34 to 38 above.
Sprinkle of snow last night. Morning, found 36 x 40 glass
broken in store front by drunken Natives last night, Stump paid
for same, $4 . Set glass in storm window in bathroom.
Stanley on boat for home. New York short wave good 6 to 7.
No long wave, Press News KFQD.
December 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 30 above.
Self on office work. Got out drug and hardware orders
and sent duplicate of November 30th orders by wire account Christmas
merchandise.
December 9, 1938 Weather cloudy, 36 above all
day. Noon, Bill Stokes arrived to assemble Onan electric
plant and make connection in new house with 200’ for store lights.
Noon, Eva got phone from Stanley, leaving Anchorage 2 PM on bus
for Wasilla, got lost and Eva and Ma had 2 cars go to Palmer to find
him eating sandwich, arrived home 9 PM. No long wave, local
Press News, all war talk.
December 10, 1938 Weather still mild, 36 above.
Self helping electric man, all day, string wire from new house
to store to install 5 - 100 watt lamps. Basketball at Wasilla
Hall tonight. Filled up ton coal shoot, new house.
Evening, tested out 2 Crosley sets, repaired OK. Mexican
short wave best program on long wave.
December 11, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
colder, 14 to 22 above. Electric man finished lights for
new house and store. Had 5 - 100 watts put in store and
12 lights in new house, supplied by 1000 watt, 32 volt DC Onan gas
engine. Stanley went to Smith Mine to check up tunnel and service
compressor. Radio NG, got no news. Electric lights.
December 12, 1938 Warm again, 34 to 40 above.
Bill’s service man was 3 days, 9th to 11th, wiring up electric
lights in new house and store. AM tested plant out account
radio too much static___ engine and main ____ NG. Sent for
compressor. Stanley on his mothers job part of day.
December 13, 1938 A-1 spring day, 34 to 38
above. Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage. Eva
swallowed her false tooth. Marie Martha got stomach trouble.
Spot got worms. Put corner boards on engine room and varnished
door. No long wave. Press News local station.
December 14, 1938 Weather cloudy, 34 to 38
above. Painted corner boards and window on engine room.
Charged up light batteries on Onan plant. PM Stanley, Jr.
and Eva and new tooth, back from Anchorage. Trucks and cars
going through to Independence Mine.
December 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, light wind,
38 above. Stanley helping mother out in store. Ma
got sore feet and bum knee. Business off 50%, need no clerks
account overhead at $7 per day. Cut air vent in side
wall account Onan air cooled engine.
December 16, 1938 AM 42 above and raining.
Ma and Marie Martha, two Martha’s, went to Anchorage to meet
Santa Claus. Eva cooked dinner under the new electric light.
Had Slumdinger pudding for dessert. Self finished air vent
in engine room. Radio mushy. Press News OK from local
station.
December 17, 1938 Business dead, weather
cloudy, windy 30 to 38 above. Stanley store keeper.
Marie Martha and her grandma at Anchorage Christmas shopping
and eating T-bone steak. Self on plywood in annex new house.
December 18, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
above freezing all day, moderate wind. Marie and Grandma
still at Anchorage. Train day late for Wasilla. Busy
in store AM. Mrs. Senske in from Lucky Shot. PM
on wallboard in engine room. Stanley went to Palmer.
Radio weak and mushy. Got 8 PM news.
December 19, 1938 Snowed
2”, temperature 28 to 32 above. Cleaned off walks.
PM nailed wall board on in electric engine room. Eva got
dinner ready in our house, Buddy guest. Freight arrived 7:30
PM with Ma, Marie and Christmas turkeys, candy, fresh vegetables
etc. from Anchorage. Radio good, some fading. Cold
wave in Europe.
December 20, 1938 Weather colder, +20, at noon,
+28, evening, +4. AM, Gus hauled over turkeys, butter,
bacon, fruit and vegetables from hot car. Priced up same.
PM charged electric light batteries and nailed on wallboard in
engine room. Radio in and out, all talk about Jews and South
American conference.
December 21, 1938 Cold snap,
+12 to -2. Cold wave in Europe and loss of lives.
Gus car Healy coal arrived. Flo and Eva packing Santa Claus
bags for kids Christmas at Wasilla Hall. Mary Vail got
a moose. Cars can only go to Fishhook Inn. Radio fair,
got 8 PM news.
December 22, 1938 Weather clear, +10 to -14.
School held Christmas exercises in Town Hall, Marie Martha
on program in red dress. Gus put 3 tons Healy coal in furnace
bin. Below zero all day, evening, warmed up to 10 above.
No long wave, Press News on local station.
December 23, 1938 Partly cloudy, zero weather.
Christmas mail train went south. Christmas for kids last
night, teachers leaving for holidays. Gus unloaded car
coal. We to get 20 tons. Evening, had haircut.
Radio fair, storms at sea .
December 24, 1938 Cold wave,
-12 to -20 busy with fires all day. Mail arrived 4 PM.
Coming, ½ ton fruit, vegetables, drugs and batteries.
Christmas greetings over local station. Rev. Ramsey held midnight
service. Dan Gray in.
December 25, 1938 Sunday, Christmas.
Warming up, -4 to +12. Ma had a 16 pound tom turkey dinner
as usual for Stanley and family (4), making 6 to eat it.
PM stained annex door to engine room in new house. Cost
Dad, $25 this Christmas. Business 50% off, no more clerk
hire. Radio NG, mushy, evening, windy.
December 26, 1938 Moderate weather, +12 all
day. Gus finished coal delivery, put 10 tons nut and 10
tons lump coal in our shed, now let her blow. PM Eva and Stanley
drove to Anchorage to see Eva’s mother. Marie Martha stayed
with Grandma. South and North American Conference over.
December 27, 1938 Weather cloudy, +12 all day.
Self hauled over 1000 pounds hardware, etc. on Yukon sled from
railroad freight shed. PM pricing up new goods.
Kids and Buddy back from Anchorage by auto. Evan Jones
visited, now opening up coal mine at Houston. Short wave OK,
long wave weak. Cold wave coming in States.
December 28, 1938 Partly cloudy, 10 to 14 above.
Anton Anderson, manager of Patsy Mine, bought 2 pair snowshoes.
Moving in 7½ tons to Patsy Mine, 1 mile above Fern.
PM Stanley helped to nail wallboard on engine room ceiling.
Marie Martha not feeling well. Radio fair, brought in 8 PM
news. France and Italy talking war.
December 29, 1938 Temperature
12 above and 1st wind. Paid all invoices. PM, nailed
molding on ceiling in engine room, new house. Spanish rebels
sunk royalists boat. Paddy bought Federal set, $65
for $25 , 4 years to sell same. Long wave weak, got 10 PM
KNX news.
December 30, 1938 Weather cloudy, still 12
above. Mail went south. Christmas card from George
Zink, now with family in Portland, Oregon, recovering from pneumonia
in Seattle. Spanish rebellion hotter than ever. Jap-China
war about over. Outside weak, Juneau news OK, war talk
France and Italy.
December 31, 1938 Weather cloudy, 4 to 10 above.
Ma and son started to take grocery inventory. Independence
Mine got car load mining poles. Old people party on at Town
Hall to see new year out and old year in. Put strips on engine
room ceiling. Radio good, all stations on air.
December Memo: K. T. Co. Identification
no. xx-xxx-xxxx, Social Security from Tacoma 2/24/1938.
December 11, 1938, electric lights in new house and store, 1000
watt Onan plant.
1939
January 1, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, zero
weather. Store open 3 hours AM. Indigents received
monthly checks. Shipped order to Herman at Big Lake.
Now on annual inventory. Eva gave Ma and Pa turkey dinner.
Ma roasted the Tom, 6 Herning’s to eat it. Radio fair, got
news.
January 2, 1939 Weather cloudy, zero weather.
Ma, Stanley and self on grocery inventory. Joe Palmer
back from trap line at Caswell. School opened after Christmas
vacation. Uncle Sam told Jap's wouldn’t give up U.S. rights
in China. Radio weak, all war talk again in Europe.
January 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, warmer, 20
above. All on grocery and clothing inventory. Ma
got lame foot and knee. Stanley drove to Smith Mine to measure
up new tunnel work and wire same to Seattle office. Radio
poor, Cad’s wash machine going.
January 4, 1939 A-1 day, 4 to 16 above.
Still on inventory. Self put new leathers in new house
force pump and changed pipe connections to pump. Cad’s long
delayed wind charger arrived but his assembly man is on a drunk.
Radio fair, all Seattle stations on air but California no good.
January 5, 1939 Weather warmer, 20 to 30 above.
Ma and son on inventory. Self on office work and cleaned
up all bills due, paid $312 premium on $12,000 insurance.
President told Congress we will have to keep on spending or it will
hurt business. Radio mushy, storm brewing. Ellexson’s
in with dog team.
January 6, 1939 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Mail went south boat in 1 day early. Wall installed a wind
charger at Beiler’s place. Willie Edlund installing gas electric
plant. New radical governor California pardoned Tom Mooney.
Radio fair.
January 7, 1939 Weather clear, zero to 10 above.
Finished wallboard in annex. Snider family back to town,
work at Goose Bay dock closed for winter. Ma and son on
inventory. Seattle mail arrived, PM. Eklutna boys
lost, girls won, basketball last night. Radio good, all stations
in on old Crossley set. Ellexson’s returned to Knik.
January 8, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
above. Charged unit of batteries for electric lights PM.
Assembled inside casing on annex window. Freight arrived
on time, got balance of groceries. Radio fair, caught Des
Moines, Iowa.
January 9, 1939 Spring day, 36 above all day.
Gus in from moving freight from Fishhook to Mint Mine by Cat,
all credit job. Buddy went over to Palmer to see doctor account
his water works and hose nozzle. Old Doc Wiggles sponging
for grub. Radio in and out.
January 10, 1939 Weather clear, colder,
4 to 20 above. Priced up new groceries and hardware.
Ma on inventory in balcony. Noon, Eva, Stanley and Jr. left
for Anchorage in Ford coupe. Army bombing planes half way
to Canal Zone for practice. Radio weak, static, all war talk
in Europe.
January 11, 1939 Temperature 4 above to 30
above. Evening, finished strips on ceiling in annex and
varnished window casing. Ma hobbling around with sore
feet. Kids back from Anchorage 4 PM. Chamberlain made
a hit with Mussolini, no war at present. Radio good, early,
then static. War on in D. C. over relief.
January 12, 1939 Charged storage batteries
as usual, to run electric lamps. Rubbed down 2 windows
and 2 doors, ready for 2nd coat varnish in evening room and annex.
Stanley to 50’ in air, views, of Wasilla from Cad’s tower
January 13, 1939 A-1 day, 30 above. Gus
installed new wind charger. Jack put up gin pole to raise
Cad’s 600 pound wind charger. Anchorage basketball team
here to play Wasilla. Three convicts shot trying to escape
from Devil’s Island. Radio good.
January 14, 1939 Weather cloudy, fog, 10 to
24 above. Anchorage basketball won over Wasilla last night.
Independence moved in last of car load of mining timbres.
Ma crippled with sore feet. All nations trying to find place
for persecuted Jews. Radio fair, Chicago in, some fading.
January 15, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, 20
to 28 above. Cad installed wind charger on his new 50’
tower PM. Eva and Stanley drove up to Smith’s camp to check
up tunnel work. Forty Mile Miller went nuts, sent him to Palmer
Hospital. KNX good, station on air.
January 16, 1939 Snow flurries all day, 20
above. Stanley completed grocery inventory. Self
remodeled Knik house work table for new house, Wasilla.
Mussolini helping Spanish rebels in Spain. Alaska Congress
voted $800,000 for roads.
January 17, 1939 Snow flurries, +20 to -2.
Gus and Stanley drove to Anchorage for powder account Smith’s
Mine and 35 cases oil for K. T. Co. back at 5 PM. Self took
inventory of nails. Cad assembling his electric wind chargers
12 foot propeller. Buddy sick. Radio skookum, early
and late. All war talk.
January 18, 1939 Weather colder, 2 to 6 above.
Opened up stainless steel and Pyrex glass cooking utensils.
Dressed down and shellacked top of work table in new house.
Dictators now ruling Europe. Ireland throwing bombs at British.
McDougal left to join wife in States. Radio A-1. Hot
debate in Washington D. C.
January 19, 1939 Weather colder, zero to -10.
Got out-mail. Paid last quarters 1938 Social Security
tax. St. Clair’s and Mrs. Ohnstad in to trade. McNeil
sick with stroke. Ohnstad in from trap line. Radio fair,
got world news, mostly war talk.
January 20, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 10
above to 14 below zero. AM got off orders and Seattle
mail. PM, cut moldings for work table, new house.
Put water in storage batteries. Ely, Section foreman, on
sick list. Buddy got bad cold. Outside radio weak, got 10
PM news, all war talk.
January 21, 1939 Weather warmer, 30 above all
day. Charged light batteries and enameled work table and
varnished 2 doors in new house. Received letter from Florence
Smith, wants job for her son, Buddy, 22. Eva and Stanley
and 50 Wasilla-ites went over to Palmer account basketball, Palmer
won. Forty Mile, O. C. Miller, passed out at Palmer Hospital.
Radio good, all stations on air, all war news.
January 22, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
snow, 14 to 30 above. Stanley drove to Smith’s camp with payroll.
PM, enameled legs of work table. $200,000 airplane crashed,
350 miles off Jersey Coast, 10 out, 13 saved. France helping
royalists to stop rebel drive in Spain. Took bath.
Radio weak, got part of news.
January 23, 1939 First big wind, 20 to 30 above.
Not many out today. Self charged electric batteries and
started to make storage chest in closet of new house. Metz
and Stanley appointed appraisers of Forty Mile Miller’s estate,
found $120 in cabin. Radio loud, all Europe on war talk account
rebels in Spain.
January 24, 1939 A-1 spring day, 20 to 30 above.
Refilled furnace coal bin. National Grocery man visited.
Wind blocked road to Fishhook Inn. Made frame for clothing
closet chest. Hot debates in Washington D. C. over Presidents
New Deals. Radio good early, 9 PM fading.
January 25, 1939 A-1 day, 20 above to 4 below
zero. Ripped out ½” plyboard for side and cover
on closet chest. Gus took Stanley and Anderson out to survey
tunnel in Smith’s Mine. Louis and Lewis fight in New York,
Joe Louis won in 2 minutes 29 seconds. Radio good. Got
Lewis fight 5 PM. More war talk in Europe.
January 26, 1939 Business rotten, weather
colder, 10 to 14 below zero. Charged electric light batteries
and shellacked closet chest. Mike and wife in from Knik
to trade. Quake killed over 15,000 in Peru, South America.
Stanley back from inspection of Smith Mine. Radio fair, some
fading. All war talk in Europe.
January 27, 1939 Temperature -20. Got
mail off AM. Wasilla basketball teams left on train to
play Anchorage tonight. Assembled side and cover on closet
chest. Jack cleaned out tin cans and pails lost in city
well. Radio fair early then died out. Old Kaiser 80
today.
January 28, 1939 Cold snap, zero to -20, busy
with fires and ashes. Charged batteries and varnished
closet chest in new house. Ma crippled up with sore knee and
bunions on feet. Buddy over bad cold. No Outside radio.
News of Alaska lawmakers in Juneau.
January 29, 1939 Sunday, weather clear, zero
to -22. Got late mail at 11 AM. Wasilla basketball
teams got done a plenty at Anchorage. Ma took 2nd bath in
new house. Airplane landed here account fog at Anchorage.
Radio weak, got 8 PM news.
January 30, 1939 Weather warming up, 2 to 20
above. Charged electric batteries. Enameled work
table and made shut off slide on coal shoot in new house.
Got 1,676 pounds groceries on PM freight.
January 31, 1939 Weather clear, 10 to 20 above.
Finished enameling work table for kitchen in new house.
Now complete and ready to go. Ma left on PM freight train
for Anchorage to get her bunions treated. Chamberlain told
Hitler and Mussolini where to head in on expansion. Paddy also
went to Anchorage. Radio good. Storms all through northern
states, now in California.
January Memo: Open winter trucks hauling freight
to Independence Mine. Four mines milling ore. Inventory
completed, business off over 50%. Ma at Anchorage account
sore feet and knee. Stanley went to Anchorage account
vertebra out on lower spine. January a cold month but little
snow in Wasilla.
February 1, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 30 above.
Two indigents traded out monthly pay. Smith’s tunnel
man in to send wire to Smith in Seattle. Put last coat varnish
on chest, table and door. Buddy and family ate dinner with
Grandpa. Ma at Anchorage account sore feet. Radio
weak. Got 10 PM news, all war talk.
February 2, 1939 A-1 day, 10 to 20 above. Fixing
coal door entrance to annex room in new house. Ma at Anchorage,
doctor-feet. Buddy and parents at dinner with Grandpa.
Serious storms and floods in States. Answered letter regarding
Colony and Alaska railroad letter. No long wave.
February 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, 12 below to
12 above. One school bus haywire today. Evening,
warmer and windy. Bud Browne in, through trucking for Independence
Mine. Stanley all doubled up this AM, vertebra came out on
lower spine, went to Anchorage for light treatment. Ma at Anchorage.
No Outside radio, got news on local station.
February 4, 1939 Sunny day, 12 below to 20
above. In store all day. Eva helped while doing
chores and cooked dinner. Stanley and mother back from
Anchorage PM train. Stanley got his back fixed but Ma came
back with same old bunions. Paddy back from Anchorage.
No Outside radio. Anchorage advertising carnival queens.
Wasilla beat Palmer basketball.
February 5, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy,
zero to 20 below zero. Labor liens put on Thorpe’s Mine,
new buyer failed on 2nd payment. Assembled 4 drawers for desk
in new house. Charged batteries. Freight on time.
Received ½ ton groceries and hardware fill-ins. Evening,
colder. Took bath in new house.
February 6, 1939 Partly cloudy, 14 below zero
to 10 above zero. Eva and Stanley, with Buddy, made round
trip to Anchorage with Gus. Stoll and Montgomery car stalled
going to Knik, walked back and Stoll froze his leg. Priced
up new stainless steel ware. Evening, warmer. Radio
dead, news over local station.
February 7, 1939 Weather cold, clear, -26,
lowest temperature of winter. Evening, +8 with wind coming
up. Priced up and stored away new groceries. Railroad
installed Flamo lights in depot. Wall hauling perishables
to mines. Stanley and Paddy paid Gus in full account haulage
to mines. No radio or wireless, both dead.
February 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 above all
day. Cold wave sweeping across northern states, 44 below
in North Dakota. Section Perkins on labor board up for trial
before Congress for not deporting Harry Bridges, labor leader.
Started to make office table in new house. Radio dead, news
over local station.
February 9, 1939 Weather cloudy, 12 above all
day. George Moshier in off trap line to trade. Ellexson
in with dog team from Knik. Arnold Edlund home, fixing up
his house. Eva left for Hope to visit dignity Bixler’s.
Cad now operating new wind charger. Only local radio, Outside
dead.
February 10, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 12
to 20 above. Self got frame made for office desk in new
house. Stanley, Buddy and Marie Martha now dinner guests while
mother visiting at Hope, Alaska. Outside radio dead, storms
and cold in states, local news.
February 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20
above. Sent mail Outside via Fairbanks by Air Mail to
Juneau, thence by Canadian boats to Vancouver and Seattle.
No weekend boat at Seward account strike in Seattle.
Lawrence Fleck flew to Bristol Bay account his Dad being sick.
No Outside mail account strike. Outside radio after 9 PM
Cold weather in States.
February 12, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
16 above all day. Gus went to Lucky Shot account contracting
hauling mine freight from Willow Station with Gus’ Cat.
Freight train arrived, only local freight. Took usual bath in new
house. Radio weak.
February 13, 1939 Business rotten, weather
cloudy, 20 above. Airplane down near Juneau with 4 Alaska
salesmen, one Chamberlain’s son. Flash, 9:30, Alaska boats
will resume sailing. Another Supreme Justice retired account
old age. Costs $5 per capita war protection. Long wave
dead.
February 14, 1939 Business froze up,
weather warmer, 20 to 30 above. Put top on office desk,
now ready to varnish. Put water in and charged light batteries.
Gus back from Lucky Shot, landed $2,000 freight haulage with Cat.
Ice Worms on the air advertising Anchorage Rendezvous. Outside
radio 9 to 10. Italian Pope buried today.
February 15, 1939 Business dead, weather
cloudy, windy, 36 above. Gus drove to Anchorage to get
a Cat man. PM Stanley and Buddy drove to Palmer, joy riding.
KFQD had on special program advertising Rendezvous. No
trace of pilot Cope and lost fliers. Eva at Hope. Radio
good early, then a lot of static. Big fog storm in New York.
February 16, 1939 No business, weather
warmer, 36 above. Severe storm in California and northern
states, why live in Alaska? Wrote Felch about the Goose
Bay all water terminal and Alaska Railroad and ARR Co-op.
Baranof to leave Seattle Sunday, strike over. Radio good,
all stations on the air early.
February 17, 1939 Weather cloudy, 36 above
all day. Mail train south, had over 200 going to take
in Rendezvous at Anchorage, 35 went from Wasilla, both boys and
girls basketball teams. World Fair at S. F. to open at 8 AM
tomorrow. Dr. Townsend at $200, old age pension. Long
wave no good. Dago tried to shoot Mussolini.
February 18, 1939 No business, weather
cloudy, sprinkle snow, 16 to 34 above. Stanley and kids drove
to Anchorage to meet mother from Hope vacation. Anchorage
Rendezvous opened today for fur sale and winter sports, about 400
outsiders came in to celebrate. Sent mail out by air via
Fairbanks. No long wave.
February 19, 1939 Sunday, weather warmer,
32 to 40 above. Quiet in town, majority at Anchorage Rendezvous.
Varnished office desk in new house. Gus loaded his Cat
for Lucky Shot freight job. Ma taking care of Eva’s dog
and fires at house while visiting. Started to post 1938 NCG
ledger.
February 20, 1939 No business, “Rendezvous”
got it. Weather cloudy, 34 above. Got ledger posted
to April. Stanley and family back from Anchorage at noon.
Palmer trucks after Lake Wasilla ice. All Europe wavering
over Spanish war. Snider back on job at Independence Mine.
Wind charger spoiled Outside radio.
February 21, 1939 A-1 day, 36 to 40 above.
Got ledger posted to June. Got truck load Healy coal off
Gus. PM cleaned pipe and chimney in new house, cemented
4 leaks. U. S. lost bombers in maneuver, fog. Radio good,
England borrowing 3 billion for war materials.
February 22, 1939 Closed PM, weather cloudy,
34 to 40 above. Wasilla basketball players back from Anchorage
Rendezvous sports. No more boats to Seward, strike
on again. Jap's notified all nations to get out of China.
Nazi meeting in Los Angeles, broke up with rotten eggs.
Short wave good.
February 23, 1939 A-1 spring day, 34
to 44 above. Snow all gone on Wasilla streets. Ledger
posted to October 1938. Stanley hauled out tin can cook
cans then drove to Palmer. All nations preparing for war.
Boat strike off, mail on Cutter arrived. Radio fair.
Two weeks worth mail arrived on Government Cutter at Seward, next
mail 28th.
February 24, 1939 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Mail went south. Yukon to sail tomorrow, strike over.
Ledger posted to December 1938. Auto road now open to Goose
Bay. Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage. Varnished
office desk in new house. Ma cooked 17 pound turkey left
over. Harvey J. Bartholf passed out, age 70. Received Eyota
farm report. No long wave, news over local station.
February 25, 1939 Weather cloudy, 34 to 44
above. Finished posting 1938 ledger. Marie Martha
went to Palmer for hair cut and ice cream cone. Regular
train went north but no boats or business. Yukon 2nd boat
left Seattle. Royalists of Spain surrendered to rebels.
No long wave, short wave weak again, all war talk.
February 26, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
34 to 46 above. First mail went Outside today, 3 week strike
over. Jack Fabyan and Strickler went to Goose Bay to build
water tower. Tabulating 1938 ledger account income tax.
No long wave, short wave fair, London good.
February 27, 1939 Weather cloudy, 34 to 44
above. Finished tabulating ledger, now ready to draw
off 1938 income tax report. Stanley and Eva and Buddy drove
to Anchorage, PM Lathrop in from Cottonwood to trade.
February 28, 1939 Still 34 to 46 above, self
tabulating 1938 income tax report. Mail off Baranof arrived
10 PM. Thorpe’s and Lundstrom back from Outside.
Stanley and Eva back from Anchorage 4 PM. France, Italy
and Germany all war talk. No long wave, short wave NG.
Storms in States.
February Memo: Ma and Pa still store
keepers. Stanley had to return to Seattle to have aluminum
belt fitted to hold vertebra in place comes out when lifting.
Marie Martha in school, can read well now and lives with Grandma
most of the time. February good weather, no snow.
March 1, 1939 Weather cooler, 32 above all
day. Finished 1938 income tax report, in the red.
Got out fruit and grocery orders. Sun back over west end
of Lucille Lake, now 12 hours daylight. Not a sound on long
wave. Farmers got new manager.
March 2, 1939 Weather colder, 4 to 30 above.
Mail train went south. Stanley left for Seattle to have
made and fitted aluminum cast to hold vertebra in place, 3rd trip.
March 3, 1939 Weather windy, 32 to 36 above.
Stanley left Seward for Seattle on SS Yukon at noon.
Thorpe’s arrived from Outside. Got truck load merchandise,
came on Baranof. Cad went to Goose Bay to start building
warehouse and dock Second mail arrived 10 AM. No long
or short wave. News on local station.
March 4, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 PM, raining,
40 above. Got Yukon mail. Self in store AM.
PM charged electric batteries and shellacked door in upper front
room new house. Evening, Ma took 3rd bath in new house.
Windy all day. No long wave, short wave no good. Local
station only.
March 5, 193 Sunday, weather cloudy, 34 to
44 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Snow slides on
bench road to Independence Mine, man and wife went over the
grade. Eva let fish man drive her car to Anchorage.
PM staining and puttying new house. No long wave.
March 6, 1939 Business slow, no payrolls.
Temperature 30 to 34 above. Self in store AM. PM
stained stairway annex to basement of new house. Evening,
Bristol Bay fish man back from Anchorage with Eva’s car. Peck
sold 6 Zenith radios. Evening, wet snow storm, mines blocked.
Firestone only good program on short wave, local news.
March 7, 1939 Weather clearing, 10 to 32 above.
Eva made round trip to Anchorage for a dozen cookies and 1 pound
halibut. Rubbed down 2 doors and window ready to varnish.
Answered Florence Smith and Martin letters. Evening, turned
colder.
March 8, 1939 No business, weather cloudy,
10 to 30 above. Varnished 2 doors and casings in new house.
Got out Seattle merchandise orders. Dog derby and ice
carnival excursion passed through to Fairbanks. No long
wave, short wave fair. Ellexson out from Knik.
March 9, 1939 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Mail went south but mail boat 1 day late at Seward. Old
John and Willie digging well on Wilmoth’s Post Office lot.
War still on in Spain, Madrid, old capital, holding on. No
long or short wave. World news over local station.
March 10, 1939 Weather cloudy, 20 to 34 above.
Received 2 orders from up railroad line. No mail today,
boat in 4 PM. Miss Seward won Fairbanks as queen of Queen
of Carnival also gets a trip to S. F. Worlds Fair, free. Four
airplanes here today. PM varnished annex and desk Radio
poor, got KNX 10 PM news and Fairbanks derby sport news.
March 11, 1939 Weather windy, 20 to 26 above.
Delivered 2 orders to railroad for Caswell. ARC
loaded 3 cars with trucks and Cat from north shipment, first sign
of spring work. Mail arrived, PM Stanley arrived in
Seattle. Yukon left, big list. Treasure Island station
good 2 to 5 PM No long wave, cold in New England.
March 12, 1939 Sunday, windy, cold, 14
to 30 above. Joe Palmer bought grub outfit to trap beaver
at Caswell. Freight 1 day late, got ton merchandise coming.
Welch’s grape juice and Jello program good, Treasure Island, S.
F. fair. Hair cut. No long wave, short wave good up to
7 PM.
March 13, 1939 Cold wind 10 to 28 above.
School buses stalled in snow drift on Wasilla Lake railroad
crossing. Up mail train stalled at Curry. Anchorage
excursion stalled at Fairbanks account Broad Pass blocked by wind
snow drifts. Construction on at Goose Bay. Radio good,
all stations on the air.
March 14, 1939 Weather clear, 20 to 25 above.
Sold Goose Bay Wrfg. and Trade Co. butter and egg order, now
building dock and warehouse. Delayed freight 4 days, arrived.
John and self wheeled it over, 1 ton. Paid Seattle invoices.
Hitler got control of Czech country. Worlds Fair short wave
station on all PM.
March 15, 1939 Weather clear, 14 to 28 above.
Another freight arrived. Joe Palmer left for his trap
line at Caswell. Independence got car load groceries.
Gus and Thorpe’s back from Willow Creek. Big snow slide on
Grubstake. Answered Perkins letter about Eyota farms.
Got 10 PM world news, all war talk in Europe.
March 16, 1939 A-1 day, 20 to 38 above, mail
went south. Lundstrom laid foundation for new Post Office
building. Theodore out from Knik for grub. Congress
to make FDR Santa Claus to drive all of Alaska reindeer.
Cad hauling building supplies to Goose Bay. Treasure Island
and World Fair on short wave good.
March 17, 1939 Weather clear, 24 to 34 above.
Eva and Paddy made round trip to Anchorage for a shamrock?
Red head taxi driver visited, was on way to mines. Started
to lay top floor in annex of new house. Cope lost plane found,
all were dead. Treasure Island, S. F. good, long wave weak.
March 18, 1939 A-1 day, 24 to 32 above.
Packed order for Big Lake and Native order for Knik. Laid
cleats for floor in annex of new house. All Democratic nations
turned down Hitler taking Czech country. The 6 bodies in
Cope crash brought to Juneau. Radio good, all stations on
the air.
March 19, 1939 Sunday, weather cooler,
10 to 30 above, usual absent minded AM traders. Boat freight
arrived 2 PM, had Gus haul over ton groceries and fruits.
Auto road still open to Goose Bay but closed from Fishhook Inn
to quartz mines above Fishhook Inn. Usual bath in new house.
Radio NG account wind charger running.
March 20, 1939 Weather cooler, 4 to 30 above.
AM pricing and storing away new merchandise. Let charged
batteries go for 3 days, not enough juice left to start Onan engine.
Gus drove to Anchorage to get parts for his Cat. Two car
freight arrived for mines. Radio fair, got 8 PM news, all
war talk in Europe.
March 21, 1939 Spring is here, no snow,
temperatures zero to +30. Finished pricing up new merchandise.
PM cleaned spark plug and oil line on Onan electric engine and
she turned over OK. Hitler grabbing all the colonies taken
away, tunes of World War. Wind and rain in Sates. Treasure
Island on short wave, good.
March 22, 1939 No business, town dead,
no payroll. Temperature 10 to 20 above, spring is here
but no blue birds, +20 all day. Got out drug order and Seattle
mail. Installed condenser on Onan engine and eliminated radio
static. Stoll quit Goose Bay project account Alaska Railroad
cut oil rates 30%. Long wave NG, short wave good.
March 23, 1939 A-1 day, 14 to 34 above, mid-day
sun now effective. Mail left for Outside by boat, 1 day
late at Seward ocean terminal railroad. Hitler announced,
today, he was through with aggression and other powers told him
so. Frame work up on new Post Office. Short wave good,
long wave mushy.
March 24, 1939 Business slow, no payroll, temperature
20 to 34 above. Eva and Paddy, with Alton Edlund as chauffeur,
and Buddy as mascot, made round trip to Anchorage account Eva’s
mothers birthday party. Mail train arrived 10:30 PM
Mussolini going after France. Treasure Island fine all PM
No long wave.
March 25, 1939 A-1 day, 20 to 32 above.
Got mail AM, 1,500 pounds merchandise due PM. Laid maple
floor in annex. Passenger coach wrecked last night, no
one hurt. Carl Fritzler finishing his house inside, near Vail
ranch. Big dance on at Town Hall tonight.
March 26, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 24 to
34 above. Town sleeping after big dance. Harry Sears
driving Cad’s truck to Goose Bay. Boat freight arrived
PM. Worlds Fair radio program came in fine, 1:30 to 4 PM
every day. Buddy sick with stomach trouble.
March 27, 1939 Weather cloudy, warmer 32 to
42 above. AM had Gus haul truck load merchandise from set-out,
PM, checked, priced and stored away same. McCord party lost
14 days, found on island near Kodiak and mighty hungry. Lundstrom
and Buddy got stomach flu.
March 28, 1939 No money, no business.
Chinook, 42 to 44 above. Auto roads mushy, evening rain.
First mid-week mail arrived 9:30 PM Two mails weekly from
now on. Reported 25 men at Independence Mine sick with flu.
Harry Sears bought the Flannigan Fur House.
March 29, 1939 Business on the flu.
Rain last night, 46 above, warm spell brought on many cases of
the flu. Twenty three cases reported at the Stoll Mine.
Frost coming out, roads being cut up. Thorpe’s returned to Grubstake,
also Gus with parts for Cat on Lucky Shot Road. Outside radio
NG, more war talk.
March 30, 1939 Weather windy, sleet, 10 to
20 above. Cold raw day and many got the flu. Heavy
snow in mountains. Zink, Horning and Al H. and wife on
mid-week boat for Wasilla. Mail went south, boat on time.
President FDR left for Hot Springs. Radio weak.
March 31, 1939 Cold day, clearing 8 to 20 above.
March average cold month, no snow. Two passenger trains
went north. Inside miners returning from Outside vacation
and S. F. Fair. England will back Poland on any war aggress
ion. All war talk.
April 1, 1939 Cold snap,
zero AM. Four lads mushed from Anchorage, looking for
work at the mines. Indigents now buying at Palmer.
Finished laying floor in new house annex. Now all Cat work
at last leg to mines. Boat strike on again in Seattle.
No long wave, short wave weak.
April 2, 1939 Sunday, weather windy,
2 to 28 above. Marie Martha had 7th birthday party at
forks in Wasilla. Bogard Road pit? gave her $1 for each year.
Four boys looking for work, went north on PM freight. No
news account wind charger going. Had in Treasure Island for
2 hours.
April 3, 1939 Big wind all day, 34 to 38 above.
Mail went south to catch mid-week boat at Seward, due Tuesday.
Bath PM. Fern and Independence trucking out car diesel
oil to Fishhook, then by Cat to mines. Stanley wrote, would
sail on April 8th boat out of Seattle. Short wave weak, no
long wave. Ma got usual spring cold.
April 4, 1939 A-1 day, 32 to 50 above.
Johnny Bergman back from Nancy located no beaver, his brother
in from mines on vacation. Sears fixing up the Flannigan
house. Fishing strike still on in San Francisco and Seattle.
No cannery boats allowed to sail. Hot election at Anchorage.
April 5, 1939 A-1 day, 30 to 48 above.
Ma nursing usual spring cold. Mid-week boat mail arrived
PM. KFQD silent tonight, Anchorage hot election put them out
of business. France and Poland ready to fight Hitler and
Mussolini. Both short and long wave fair.
April 6, 1939 Weather cloudy, cool wind, 30
to 40 above. Mail went south AM. Mrs. Cad in bed with
flu. Ma got a bad cold but still able to bake cream cake.
Hot wave in California, 81 above at Worlds Fair, Treasure Island.
Streets dusty in Wasilla. Radio good, all stations came in
6 to 10 PM.
April 7, 1939 A-1 day, 34 to 48 above.
Wire from Stanley said he would leave Seattle April 12th for
Wasilla. Both mail and freight trains arrived PM.
Italy took Albania by force today account control of sea.
Frame work on Post Office building now up. Short wave good,
long wave weak.
April 8, 1939 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
Extra passenger train went south. W. G. Smith arrived,
paid last October bill, sent a crew out to mine. Chamberlain
warned Mussolini and Hitler not to take any more small nations
or expect war. Radio weak, no long wave.
April 9, 1939 Easter Sunday, weather
cloudy, 40 to 50 above. All the “bad” people attended
church at Palmer, including Marie Martha. Boat freight
arrived, wheeled over drugs, eggs, and butter myself. Eva’s
mother got the flu. Ma’s cold better. Short wave weak,
no long wave.
April 10, 1939 Windy, 44 above all day.
Will have early spring if it does not snow again. Eva and
Paddy, with buddy as mascot, made round trip to Anchorage.
Cad fired Fabyan account being drunk and wrecking car. Ray Wolfe
visited about Grubstake Placer. No long wave, short wave weak.
Gold Cord shut down, out of oil.
April 11, 1939 Windy, 40 to 50 above, finished
storing away new goods. Jack Fabyan and Gold Cord miners
celebrating at Bert McClarty’s cabin, free grub and booze for
Bert. Wrote check for 3 invoices received. Mussolini
says he is not at war, just applying power over small nations.
Radio weak and NG today. Salmon boat strike off.
April 12, 1939 Cool day, 40 above. Another
strike on in Seattle. Stanley’s boat, Baranof will not
sail until Friday the 14th. Hot war talk in Europe over Hitler
and Mussolini grabbing small states. ARC starting road work
at Palmer. Radio fair, 4 to 8 PM only.
April 13, 1939 Cool wind, 40 above all day.
Mail went south and boat passengers went north at midnight.
Arnold Edlund left to work on bridge gang. Lundstrom nailing
roof on Post Office building Took balance sheet off January
1, 1939 inventory. Short wave fair PM All war talk
in Europe.
April 14, 1939 Business air, cool, snow flurries,
40 above. Boat mail arrived PM, 1½ tons merchandise
coming Sunday. Baranof left Seattle 9 AM, Stanley aboard.
Letter from caretaker Perkins said Prudential Insurance Co. wanted
to refinance Eyota farm loan at 4½% for 10 years. Radio
fair on short wave, no long wave, FDR on air.
April 15, 1939 Partly cloudy, 38 to 50 above.
Smith in from Ala-Willow Creek Mine. Fred and Jake drove
to Anchorage to see George Zink in hospital, in bad shape, didn’t
know them. President Roosevelt sent message to both Hitler
and Mussolini to get together on a 10 year world peace treaty.
April 16, 1939 Sunday, first real spring
day, 50 above. Everybody out in the sun. Lundstrom
got Post Office building under cover. Big freight train
north PM. Got 1½ tons merchandise, Gus hauled it over
to store. Stanley on the sea, on way home. Evening usual
bath new house. McDougal back from Outside. Treasure Island
good all PM, evening no radio.
April 17, 1939 Cool day, 38 to 48 above.
Priced up on new merchandise. Self in store all day.
Both McDougal and Horning visited on way to mines. Smith
took Spot-dog out to mines. Independence received car load
machinery. Hitler, only one, not to accept U. S. peace terms.
April 18, 1939 Business normal, second
spring day, 38 to 58 above. Busy in store all AM.
Several boys here looking for work in the mines. McNally’s
Cat in for heavy piece machinery, hauled on go-devil. Hitler
had his Navy on parade, showing what he could do. Worlds
Fair program at S. F. good.
April 19. 1939 Weather cloudy, 42 above all
day, 6 AM, the moon passed in front of the sun, was dark
for ½ hour but couldn’t see it account clouds. Busy
in store all AM. Sold McNally order for Goose Bay. Got
out hardware and fruit orders. Short wave weak today, long wave
at 9 PM.
April 20, 1939 Cool wind, cloudy 42 above.
Mail went south and boat mail arrived 6 PM on way north.
Eva and Paddy left 9 AM for Anchorage, got Stanley off train
and arrived Wasilla 7 PM. Harry Sears went north looking for
beaver. Stanley back from 48 day trip to Seattle. Worlds
Fair, S. F. only radio.
April 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, 40 above all
day. Mail train each way today. Eva and Stanley drove
to Palmer. Self nursing slight cold. All Interior
miners flying back to summer diggings, many gone out to get their
10 beaver. Radio mushy. Bud and Arlow went north.
April 22, 1939 Partly cloudy, 44 above.
Self breaking up cold. Stanley re-enameled car. Section
men putting in new ties. Evening, dance on at Town Hall.
War talk easing off but all making ready for war . S. F.
Fair, Treasure Island good all PM No long wave.
April 23, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, 38 to
42 above. McNally, Goose Bay gang, trading AM. Wasilla
dead AM after the dance. PM repaired fire grates in kitchen
stove, some job. Boat freight arrived PM. Self cold
broken, Ma still hacking cough.
April 24, 1939 Windy, 34 to 48 above.
Priced up new hardware and paid Seattle invoices. Ala-Pac
hauling out new car machinery. Evening, Stanley drove to
Palmer for meat and oils, and anti-toxin shot. No garden work,
too cold weather. No Outside radio.
April 25, 1939 Weather warmer, 38 to 58 above.
Kids drove to Anchorage and returned. Self wheeled over
800 pounds nails and hardware from railroad freight shed.
Wrote Savings Dept. Seattle Bank, would like to make a draw to protect
farm mortgage. Nenana ice rotten and ready to go. Radio
weak, no long wave.
April 26, 1939 Warming up, 40 to 60 above.
No one planting gardens yet. Stanley re-painting his
house. Self on office work all day. Berger launches
now calling at Anchorage, Knik Arm full of anchor ice. All
ready for war in Europe.
April 27, 1939 Business still slow, partly
cloudy, 38 to 58 above. Walden’s trucks took last of car
of machinery to Fishhook Inn. Bert has callers and all
on a drunk. Mail went south, boat on time at Seward.
Bergman girl here, back from Outside. Short wave weak.
April 28, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 46 to
58 above. Cleaned up street in front of new house.
Mail arrived PM. A little rush, in store, after train
arrival. Bob Claypool plane found down at Stony river, no
harm done. Evening, took Buddy to hospital account bruise
on knee. Radio weak. Hitler on air PM, Mussolini over
with talk.
April 29, 1939 Weather cloudy, frost, 26 to
50 above. A Mr. Mathews visited looking for lease on any
placer ground. He operated drag line for McGee Inside.
Nenana ice went out 1:26 PM today. Dr. Wolkaske and 4 others
won $17,000 each, my guess was for 1:48 PM, May 2nd. Radio
weak, no long wave.
April 30, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, 40 to
58 above, showers and snow in hills last night. Pac-Alaska
hauling mining timbers night shift, roads soft. Fitted screen,
engine room window. Charged batteries. New York World
Fair opened at noon today. Boat freight arrived, got paints
only.
May 1, 1939 Partly cloudy, 38 to 58 above.
In store AM account wash day. PM got truck ready for
summer use, one tire punctured with nail. Evening, Stanley
drove out to inspect cabin on Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, mile 8.
Lake Lucille opening up. Radio no good.
May 2, 1939 Partly cloudy, 40 to 58 above.
Railroad employing men on Sections. Poland joined England
and France vs. Hitler and Mussolini aggression. Stored paint
and varnish supplies in engine room. Mid-week mail arrived.
Gold Cord Mine sold for $250,000. Short wave half volume,
no long wave.
May 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
AM tuned up old truck Hauled over load hardware from depot.
Hauled out load tin cans Andy Anderson hospitalized account
appendices trouble. Mrs. Ellexson walked out from Knik,
got her 10 beaver.
May 4, 1939 More business, weather cloudy,
42 to 58 above. Self in store most all day. Mail
went south and mid-week freight arrived. Passenger boat
sunk near Manila. Poland boycotting German goods.
Terrible explosion in fireworks factory near New York. War
talk easing off. New York City short on coal account strike.
May 5, 1939 Partly cloudy,
44 to 58 above. AM hauled over fruit and vegetables with
Overland truck. Kids made round trip to Anchorage with
Tin Lizzie. Boat mail arrived PM. Received notice
on Griffith lot tax, $2.56. Peck took up mortgage on Willie
Edlund’s summer resort, $800. Radio weak, no long wave.
Zink no better, in hospital.
May 6, 1939 Weather cloudy, 44 above.
Still cool, no one planting gardens in Wasilla. Strangers
here looking for work. Evening, high school gave a farce
play at Wasilla Town Hall.
May 7, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy, snow
on mountains Ma did light washing, making ready for trip
to Anchorage. Boat freight arrived AM, had ton hardware and
rubber pacs, etc. High school play last night, big success.
Evening, took bath in new house.
May 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, cool, 40
to 50 above, still freezing nights. Priced up and stored
away rubber pacs and hardware. Metz started work on his gardens.
Last year, garden truck was up. Ma at Anchorage visiting
ex-mayors family.
May 10, 1939 Light shower, 40 to 50 above.
Self busy in office all day. Got out fill-in orders and
paid last invoices. Stanley setting type for July 4th ad.
Ma doing Anchorage. Boat day late at Seward. Thorpe’s
in from mine.
May 11, 1939 Business fair, weather cloudy,
40 to 52 above. Price marking new paint and enamels. McAllen,
supervisor of Fern Mine in for clothing and taking a few days
rest. School held annual races today. Ma still at
Anchorage, Stanley sub-clerk. Short wave 50% off, got PM
news.
May 12, 1939 Weather cloudy, warmer, 40 to
58 above. Removed 16 bales asphalt shingles from annex
to garage so I could finish annex floor. Stanley drove to Palmer.
Got delayed medical certificates account store clerks. Ma arrived
9 PM from Anchorage. Short wave fair, no long wave. Ketchikan
came in over radio 10 PM.
May 13, 1939 Warmer, 10°, 40 to 60 above.
Birch budding, red robins arrived, looks like summer was here
but need a good rain. Cook from Goose Bay bought Carl Fritzler’s
car. PM laid maple flooring in annex. ARC put 3 men
on road work. Metz planting spuds. Short wave weak,
no long wave.
May 14, 1939 Sunday, weather warmer,
50 to 60 above, grass showing some green. Mosquitoes out
on first shift. Kids and Buddy drove to Anchorage account
Mother’s Day. Took down winter balcony fly. Re-seeded
spots on new house lawn. Short wave OK. Took bath.
May 15, 1939 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above.
Self in store, Ma started to clean balcony shelves. Buck
Sparling arrived, been away 6 years from Wasilla. Kids back
from Anchorage 5 PM. Evening on out-mail. Radio mushy.
May 16, 1939 Weather warmer, 50 to 64 above.
In store. Wrote Perkin’s funds would be available by
June 10 to take up Schmidt mortgage to renew Prudential loan at
4½%. Four cars freight went over dump on Seward
Division. Worlds Fair radio OK today. All Europe still
talking war.
May 17, 1939 A-1 day, 48 to 54 above.
Mail went south to mid-week boat, no mail boat next Saturday.
King and Queen of England landed in Canada, will also visit the
U. S. World Fair and President at D. C. Annual school picnic
at Willie’s place today. Radio but weak. KFQD off air
½ hour.
May 18, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 40 to 56
above, grass green, birch budding. Stanley washed outside
store windows. No freight over dump. Evening, Harry
J. Hill, Ray Wolfe and Ed Willholth, Craigie Creek Mining Co. visited,
wanted an option on Grubstake. King and Queen of England arrived
at Montreal, Canada.
May 19, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Self laid floor in annex. Frank Kelly stalled here account
no train service, washout on railroad above Talkeetna.
Salmon fish strike settled, got 10% more wages. Wasilla
school closed today. Radio weak local station OK.
May 20, 1939 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Delayed boat freight, 3 cars, arrived. PM Gus got car of
coal. PM laid hard wood floor in annex of new house.
Metz finished planting his gardens. All kinds of fur buyers after
beaver catch.
May 21, 1939 Sunday, first good rain,
40 to 48 above. Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage to send
mail Outside tomorrow. No mail train north of Anchorage.
Five car loads of merchandise freight set-out at Wasilla, the hub
of the valley. Walden freighter installed oil tanks. Radio
weak.
May 22, 1939 Partly cloudy, 40 to 58 above.
Birch trees backward in leafing. Finished laying hardwood
floor in annex in new house. Charged light batteries 2 hours.
Henry Rathjen, old timer of Knik, left for Arkansas, his old
home. Inside District crying for rain, no water to operate.
President Roosevelt on the air.
May 23, 1939 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
In store, AM, fitted combination screen and storm door on engine
room of electric house. Paddy and Stanley drove to Anchorage
to cash checks received for Ala-Willow Gold Mine stock.
May 24, 1939 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Self cleaned up old material accumulated in office, paid invoices.
Our freight blocked in car mining merchandise. Part of
submarine men sunk off coast of Maine, recovered today. Ex-Queen
of England bumped with auto.
May 25, 1939 Partly cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
Put up first prospecting outfit for Neimie. Professor
Klockentager and daughter left for Outside. PM hauled over
truck load groceries from set-out and load leftover lumber from
electric engine house to railroad warehouse. Radio weak.
Twenty six men still on sunken submarine.
May 26, 1939 AM, light rain, 44 to 48 above.
Finished prospecting and option agreement account turn over
my placer claims to Ray Wolfe, Craigie Creek Mining Co. deal,
$10,000, $2,000 cash, balance to come off bedrock Mail arrived
7:30 PM Birch’s leafing. Twenty six left on submarine,
all dead, 200.
May 27, 1939 Weather cooler, rain, 40 to 44
above all day. Self in store, AM. PM, nailed moldings
in annex of new house. Buddy and dad drove to Palmer.
Timber man for coal mines got leave to cut mining timber around Lake
Lucille. Ma off her feed today.
May 28, 1939 Sunday, store open 3 hours,
AM way-freight arrived 5 PM with groceries, candy, clothing.
Old Quincy Adam Pyle arrived from California to check up on Gold
Mint leasers. Hung combinations storm door on engine room.
Radio NG. Varnished screens and sack on 2 storm doors.
May 29, 1939 Weather cloudy, rain, 42 to 58
above. Birch trees all leaved out, no sign of spring at
Fishhook Inn. Stanley and Eva drove to Anchorage so Buddy
could bring home the measles? Self checking and pricing up
new merchandise. Two hundred and three killed by autos in
States today. King and Queen at Vancouver. Short wave
good.
May 30, 1939 Tuesday, Memorial Day.
Temperature 44 to 58 above, light rain all day. Store open
AM. PM good program over WGXBE, Treasure Island station.
Memorial reading over KFQD. Juneau station good from
9 to 10 PM Buddy got the measles.
May 31, 1939 Rain, 42 to 58 above. Priced
up Tea Garden merchandise, no invoice came with goods.
PM recharged electric light batteries. C. D. Johnson moved
into Miller’s shack. Fred Edlund’s house burned down, also
CD’s, another yet to go? Short wave good.
June 1, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above,
snowed in hills last night. Paddy, Sharon
and Stanley drove to Anchorage. Paddy bought ½
ton car to use at mines. First excursion arrived, Seattle Chamber
of Commerce went on to Fairbanks. Evening, made Wasilla sign
on ash dump. Short wave good.
June 2, 1939 A-1 day, 42 to 60 above.
Paddy busy timing up his six bits car. Last sash on new house
storm doors and fitted moldings on desk, Buddy at home with
the measles. Mail arrived 10:30 PM. Answered Martin
letter. Short wave mushy. The 88 men on English sub, all
lost.
June 3, 1939 First real sunny day, 50 to 76
above. Self in store all day. Marie Martha took a
bath in new house. Seattle Chamber of Commerce returned,
4:30 PM, from Fairbanks. Spent 1 hour looking over
farm colony. Evening, put on 1 hour fine program over KFQD.
Warm day. Short wave good.
June 4, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Put final finish on office desk in new
house. Al Horning visited, joy riding from Anchorage.
PM Stanley drove his mother around the farm district, also
took Buddy out for an airing with measles. Evening, bath.
Short wave weak. The Chamber of Commerce returned to Seattle.
June 5, 1939 Light rain all day, 50 above.
Self in store AM, wash day. Paddy and Stanley, with their
two bits pickup, drove out to Mabel Mine via Palmer. McNally,
and family, moved to Knik to collect toll on Goose Bay auto road.
Buddy out again after week dose of measles.
June 6, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
54 above. Paddy and Stanley back from 1st trip to Mabel
Prospect, six bit car not working good, took it over to Palmer
hospital for an x-ray? Heinz, Schilling and Velvet Tobacco
man here for orders.
June 7, 1939 Light rain, 50 to 58 above.
Swallows here making nests on store front. PM, heard King
George and Queen crossed over into U. S. from Canada at Niagra
Falls on way to Washington, D. C. to visit with FDR and wife.
Stanley and family on joy ride to Anchorage.
June 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 to
58 above. In store, wash day. Ma and grandchildren
went for a joy ride with Eva. Heard King George and Queen
when landing at Washington D. C. and parade up River Avenue to Capital
building. Mrs. Zink and daughter arrived. Gus bought
Joe Brassel town lot.
June 9, 1939 Rain all PM, 54 to 60 above.
King George VI and Queen visited at Mt. Vernon, placed wreath
on George Washington’s grave, also on the Unknown Soldier’s grave,
having the time of their life. Marie Martha home getting
ready for the measles? Native Agent here for affidavit’s account
pension for old Natives. Gus got new radio. Worlds Fair
radio good.
June 10, 1939 A-1 summer day, 42 to 62 above.
PM smoothed up ½ annex hard wood floor and stained oak
color. Charged light batteries. Letter from caretaker
at Eyota said no rain, crops not up yet. Marie Martha got measles.
Short wave OK.
June 11, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy, 52 to
62 above. Store open 3 hours AM for the absent minded.
Self hauled over truck load merchandise from set-out and priced
up and stored same away. Heard train leave Pride Park with
the King and wife on way to Canada.
June 12, 1939 A-1 summer day, 54 to 64 above.
Wash day. Stanley made round trip to his mine
via High Grade over summit. Marie Martha back in bed with
measles. Snow slide took away Tunnel camp at Mabel Mine.
Cad Twins drove to Anchorage for load of gas.
June 13, 1939 Self in store, Stanley
drove his mother over to Palmer Hospital for an x-ray of her
sore knee. Paddy and Stanley drove to Anchorage for 2 tanks of
gas to run their Terraplane six bits car. Second crops of mosquitoes
on shift. Evening, put 5 barrows dirt on lawn.
June 14, 1939 Self in store and repaired awning.
Put strip of _________ on upper store front to keep Swallows
from nesting and smearing up store front. Eva took Ma over
to Palmer dentist for x-ray of her teeth, Marie and Buddy went
along. Snow shed out on railroad. Anchorage Elks had
program for Flag Day.
June 15, 1939 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Bought 2 tons Healy coal off Smith. Stanley hauled it
in his Terraplane. Evening, Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage
to see show, Ma stayed with the kids. Short wave good all
PM.
June 16, 1939 A-1 day, 62 to 78 above.
Put up side door awning. Professor King, of Eklutna Native
School, wanted to place grub order for drunken Nick Stephan, on
credit, turned it down. Evening, finished moldings in annex.
Isaac’s and Coleman fishing at Eklutna Lake. Wired Perkins
about mortgage on Eyota farms.
June 17, 1939 Weather cooler, rain, 50 above
all day. No weekend boat, no mail. Sanded and stained
balance of annex floor. Metz back from George Moshier’s,
Moshier not well. Veil also not well. Paddy and Stanley
drove to Anchorage.
June 18, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
rain 50 to 60 above. Paddy and Stanley back from Anchorage
8 AM, new six bits car went haywire near Anchorage. Boat in
at Seward. Editors excursion passed through 5 PM for Fairbanks.
Mail train arrived 7 PM. Varnished annex floor. Marie
Martha regular star boarder after measles. Short wave good.
June 19, 1939 More rain, 52 above all day.
Stanley came from Anchorage with six bit car, had to leave
her at Palmer Hospital, Eva went after him 6 PM with Ford coupe.
PM charged electric batteries and on office work. Railroad
depot got new coal bin. Jap's shot off British _____ at Shanghai.
Short wave OK.
June 20, 1939 Showers, 42 to 58 above.
Ma went over to Palmer dentist, had out gold tooth that held
in bridge, was all ulcerated. Mrs. Zink and daughter here
after some of George’s dishes and tools rented a house for George
at Anchorage.
June 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers 54 to
64 above. Shorty in from Grubstake with small order for
Thorpe’s Mine. Wilmoth bought aerial outfit. New house
and Post Office about finished. No mail south. Editors
excursion back from Fairbanks, took in colony.
June 22, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers 54 above.
Got truck load groceries. In store all day. Paddy
and Stanley left, AM, for their quartz mine. Mrs. Zink
and daughter returned to Anchorage with Zink’s tools and cooking
gear. Wire came that Henry Rathjen passed out on his trip in
States.
June 23, 1939 Weather cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Self in store all day. Sold first lot of strawberry crates.
McNally graded around new Post Office, with Cat, and Gus’ lot
and moved Victor’s house from mile 1 to Gus’ lot on Knik Street.
Brown’s oldest daughter back from Seattle. Evening, mowed
grass on new house lawn. Short wave weak. Letter from
Florence, wants to sell farms.
June 24, 1939 Partly cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Finished casings in annex in new house. Gust Anderson
in from Fern Mine, went on to Anchorage with Fern truck Stanley
in from Mabel Prospect. McNally clearing lots for Tryck’s
and Gus with Cat. Short wave fair, static on local station.
June 25, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
64 above. Short wave good. Russia took a crack at
Jap's.
June 26, 1939 A-1 day, 64 to 70 above.
Had McNally, with Cat, clear brush off 2 lots aft of
school house. Gus putting foundation under his new siwash
house, opposite Tryck house, on Knik Street. Evening, kids
drove to Anchorage for 3 day visit. Short wave OK.
June 27, 1939 A-1 day, 58 to 78 above.
In store all day. Wheeled over Schilling’s goods from
freight shed. Cad in Palmer Hospital, lame back. Gus
Benson, of 1899, Albert Gilbert party on Grubstake, visited,
lives in Connecticut. Navy plane arrived to investigate airports.
Fishhook Pass open to traffic. Short wave fair.
June 28, 1939 Warm day, 58 to 78 above.
Gus and Stanley drove over to Lucky Shot and put in bid on 800
tons freight. Mrs. Cad and old Pyle decorating the mountain
home. Boat mail arrived 10:30. Eva and Buddy back
from Anchorage, Marie Martha remained with her grandma.
June 29, 1939 Heavy rain, 54 to 64 above.
Congress extended assessment work, 90 days, from July 1st, over
old Ickes ruling. Ma had out another crowned dead tooth.
Evening, Dodson got tool prospecting outfit. Cad still in
hospital with lame back.
June 30, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers.
Stanley and self making ready to leave for placer and quartz
mine to represent July 1, 1939 to June 30, 1940 assessment work.
Marie Martha still doing Anchorage. Left 3:40 PM, arrived
mail box 5:40 at Grubstake 6 PM cabin floor covered with parky
dung.
June Memo: Too many highways and backing Uncle
Sam in business at Palmer. Had Boundary Street graded
by new house. June good growing month, lots of rain, red
top 3 feet high. Most all of Wasilla kids had the measles.
World’s Fair radio good.
July 1, 1939 Self at Grubstake Placer Mine.
Ma store keeper. Up at 6 AM, inspected ditch and dam,
no harm done by big Thorpe snow slide. Cleaned out stuff
in ditch, turned water on Bear Bench prospect. Stanley visited
at 3:30, closed up camp, left 4:40, arrived Wasilla 5:40. Wheeled
over July 4th fruit and vegetables. Radio fair.
July 2, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 58 to 68
above. Busy AM pricing up July 4th fresh fruit and vegetables
and melons. Filled gas tank on light engine. Kids
made round trip to Anchorage. Evening, mowed lawn and took
a bath. Short wave weak till 4 PM. Marie Martha came home
with cold.
July 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 to 58
above. Small sales all day. Making ready for the
fourth. Cad home from Palmer Hospital. Firecrackers
bombing all day, by kids. Big dance on at Wasilla Hall.
Jap’s and Russians at war on boundary line. Thorpe’s and Isaac’s
in from mines. Short wave NG till 5 PM.
July 4, 1939 Self busy in store AM, temperature
54 to 64 above. Ma and all the kids drove to Anchorage
to celebrate the Sunset Fourth. Mail train, south and north,
last weeks mail came back from Fairbanks. Busy pricing up
drugs and groceries PM. Over 500 killed in States.
Short wave weak. Jap’s and Russian’s at war. All war talk
again in Europe.
July 5, 1939 PM, heavy showers, 50 to 64 above.
Self, store keeper, up at 7 AM. Ma and kids back PM from
Anchorage with watermelon. Shorty back with a skate on.
Gus took Thorpe’s back to Grubstake Mine. Evening, paid
5 invoices. No short wave until after rain storm.
July 6, 1939 A-1 day, 58 to 70 above.
No gut ache now. McNally finished grading Boundary Street,
time 4 hours at $3.50 per hour with Cat. McNally graded
2 lots opposite depot account wardens new garage. Boat freight
arrived, Marie Martha received new bike. Jap’s still fighting
China and Russia. Short wave fair.
July 7, 1939 Hot day, 64 to 74 above.
Ma had teeth cleaned by Palmer dentist AM. Stanley had
Cat fill hole on alley of his lot. McNally started to overhaul
his Cat in our back yard. Mail arrived. Short wave weak
at noon, 4 PM, OK.
July 8, 1939 A-1 day, 58 to 72 above.
Self in store, priced and packed away Heinz new goods. Marie
Martha’s eyes and ears all swelled up with gnat poisoning.
Evening, finished mowing lawn around new house. Boat freight
arrived. Paddy in from Mine.
July 9, 1939 Sunday, rain all day, 52
above. Priced up drop shipment of tobacco. Made up
weekly cash register sheet. Kids down to Knik. Put 2nd coat
varnish on annex floor in new house. Postmaster moved into
their new house. Short wave weak all PM
July 10, 1939 Business normal, rain,
54 to 64 above. Put up order for Palmer at
Caswell. Paddy got his Flying Dutchman car out of hospital,
cost $57 for repairs. Evening, mowed grass around oil house
and garage. Short wave good. All war talk in Europe
and China.
July 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 58 to
64 above. Delivered grocery outfit for Joe Palmer at
Caswell. Unpacked and priced up late paint order.
Paddy and Stanley drove over to New Bullion Mine. Congress
turned down FDR amendment to Neutrality Bill. Short wave
weak.
July 12, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 to
64 above. Priced up Schilling’s new goods. Cocked
up hay in back lot. Got out bunch strawberry boxes.
Eva and Buddy at Anchorage. First watermelons arrived.
Army man inspecting for Navy airports. Short wave air.
Heat wave in States.
July 13, 1939 Weather cloudy, 54 to 70 above.
In store all day. Gust Haller visited Snider’s. Marie
son-in-law in for building material account house at mines.
Eva and Buddy back from Anchorage at noon, went in the ditch.
Ma had chicken dinner and watermelon. Radio at noon, weak.
July 14, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 to
64 above. AM doing outside work. Charged electric
batteries. Car load freight came but none of our goods.
Paddy and Stanley in from mine. Evening, took Marie Martha
to Palmer to see Shirley Temple picture. Short wave OK.
New paper out in Anchorage.
July 15, 1939 Rain, 54 to 64 above. Two
boat freights arrived 7 PM. Gus remodeling his new siwash
house on Knik Street, expects to catch schoolmarm? Two cars
freight for mines and set-out for Wasilla. Pilot Barnhill’s
plane burned up after landing. Short wave good after 4 PM
10 PM, DLR Australia, clear and loud.
July 16, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 54 to
70 above. AM hauled over two truck loads new merchandise
from set-out, priced and stored away same. Paddy and Stanley
left for their mine. McNally finished overhauling his Cat
and pushed loam from garage lot to new house lot for lawn cover.
Capt. Ward visited. Short wave no good till 5 PM, OK then till
10 PM.
July 17, 1939 A-1 day, 60 to 74 above.
Finished pricing up new groceries. Strawberries on market
at 25¢. Senske in from Lucky Shot. Agent Browne
built a coral for his pup. Walter Pippel visited the Bonanza
farmer at Palmer. Plane from Seattle in 13 hours. All
war talk in Europe and Asia.
July 18, 1939 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
Mail went south. McNally bought Cad’s pickup car, overhauling
same. Priced up new hardware. Slumdinger girl in from
mines. Kids in, bathing every day. Letter from Eyota,
Adm. Schmidt estate killed. Prudential load renewed on Burnap
farm for $9,000. Short wave weak at noon. No news at 3
PM.
July 19, 1939 Hot day, 60 to 88 above.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with red salmon. McNally and
Fern Cats went down to fix up Goose Bay Road. Stanley in from
New Bullion Mine. Evening, answered Perkins and Harry Martin
letters. Short wave fair.
July 20, 1939 Weather cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Self store keeper. Ma went to Palmer to have final work
on her teeth. Stanley returned to his New Bullion Mine with
fresh salmon. Kids in lake every day. Strawberries
plentiful. Short wave weak, got 5 PM news.
July 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, 58 to 70 above.
Stanley back from mine to meet Seattle banker come to inspect
the Alaska Willow Creek Prospect near Fern Mine. Took out
flat tire on Olds car. Cats back from fixing Goose Bay Road.
Short wave silent, news from local station.
July 22, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers 50 to
62 above. Eva, Buddy and Stanley drove to Anchorage
to set up a heating stove for Mrs. Fleck, stayed over. Spot
back home from Smith Mine. Boat for Northwest Passage hit
a rock near Cape St. Elias and filled with water, 2nd accident from
coast. Strawberries for supper. Short wave weak at noon,
news all war talk in Europe.
July 23, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
rain, 52 to 64 above. Quiet in town, many cars going to
Fish Creek below Knik to meet the first red salmon run. The
kids back from Anchorage. Mended spare tire for Olds
car. Mowed lawn and took a bath in new house. Short
wave weak, early, got the 3 PM news.
July 24, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 above.
In store and office, made out hardware order for August delivery.
All cars headed for Knik and Fish Creek salmon. Stanley
drove out to meet big banker at Ala-Willow Creek Gold Mine for
inspection. Lester Davis, out of jail, arrived. Short
wave fair, news all war talk. Horning in from mine.
July 25, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
Strawberry shipments now going north on railroad line.
Stockholder of Alaska Willow Creek Mine here inspecting work
did at mine under Smith’s management. Returned deed account
Seymour farm to sell for $3,500 cash, to L. R. Benedict.
Short wave fair, got all the news.
July 26, 1939 Weather cloudy, light rain, 50
to 60 above. Put up order for Ward Shroupe on Craigie
Creek. Wedding in town, Agent Browne’s oldest daughter
married Arlo the Cat man. Irish bombing London stations.
Shaw kids stole bunch of lath. Short wave good all PM
Rain wanted in central states.
July 27, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 50 to
54 above. Paddy and Stanley left to finish up assessment
work on their New Bullion Mine. Isaac’s in for tools, his
car in river on Gold Mint Road. A brakeman got hurt on
train, Wasilla to Pittman. Short wave weak, long wave sill
heard after 9 PM, all war talk.
July 28, 1939 Showers all PM, 50 to 70 above.
Congress cut 500 million off Presidents 2 billion spending fund.
Eva and kids drove to Knik for salmon. Rain bad on strawberries.
C. D. got best berries. Fresh fruit arrived on mail train.
Arlo and bride went north.
July 29, 1939 Real rain, PM, 46 to 54 above.
Downpour of rain PM, streets flooded. Freight arrived,
got first casabas and peaches. Adjusted form for cement
on west side cellar windows, new house. Kids broke into Town
Hall, burned papers on floor and wrecked everything. Radio
weak, PM, evening good.
July 30, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy,
evening rain, 58 above. Three score and 11, with lame
back, Marie Martha gave me 2 pair socks. Eva took
Ma and kids out for a joy ride PM. Evening, cemented up holes
in cement stairway in new house. Took usual bath, bath then
OK. Radio NG until 6 PM.
July 31, 1939 Partly cloudy, 54 to 60 above.
Busy in store, AM, small trade. PM, on Seattle orders
and mail. Stanley drove Sharon to Anchorage to take airplane
for Dillingham account carpenter job, 3 months. Shaw kids
robbed Paddy’s cabin. England about to take a shot at
Japan.
August 1, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Stanley took truck load coal for Gus, to Willow Creek Mines.
Leveled up yard around oil house after Cat scraped off sod.
Mail arrived 5:30 PM. Kids up before Commissioner for house
breaking. Noon radio weak, evening all stations on the air.
August 2, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Self storekeeper, Ma went to Palmer dentist to have Wasilla
strawberries and salmon removed from holes in teeth. Gus
drove to Anchorage. New 1st grade teacher and daughter arrived.
Radio good after 4 PM. Wired Florence about Seymour farm.
August 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain
50 to 54 above. Stanley in from Mabel Mine. Railroad
laying off Section men and repair gangs, no money? Gust
Haller back from Kodiak, said NG, 600 men walking the beach.
Japan hooking up with Germany and Italy.
August 4, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above.
Ma went to Palmer for electric treatment of her knee.
The kid wrecking gang painted basement floor with ashes in high
school building. Boat mail arrived. Put moldings and
cement on cellar stairs. Charged up electric light batteries.
Radio good, all PM and evening. War talk hot in Europe and
Asia.
August 5, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Paddy and Stanley in from mine. Preacher visited asking
for Sharon? Greenwood, Cat man, and family in from Goose
Bay to trade. Cad twins drove to Anchorage. Boat freight
arrived 6 PM.
August 6, 1939 Sunday, heavy rain all
day, 52 above. Ma and Stanley’s family out on joy ride to
Willow Creek district. Self busy all AM in store, sales
over $50. Mrs. Slumberger back from vacation. Woll’s
moved to Wolden's farm house near Palmer. Short wave good all
PM. Congress adjourned last night.
August 7, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
58 above. Kids made round trip to Anchorage. Marie
Martha stayed with Grandma. Hauled over groceries and hardware
and priced up same. Phil Allen, Matanuska Hotel man, passed out.
Radio good, both short and long wave.
August 8, 1939 Business fair, 40% below
normal. Weather cloudy, 58 above. Anton Anderson,
surveying timber account lease by Stoll from Government.
Forty Philippino’s, from Anchorage, had a party last evening in Wasilla
Town Hall. Bad tornado in Michigan today. All Europe troops
under drill. Radio good. Jap’s still fighting China and
Russia.
August 9, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 58
above. Received papers covering Prudential, received 10
year loan for $9000 on Eyota gift farms. Interest down to
4½%. Signed note and returned mortgage today.
Got out grocery order. Caretaker, Perkins, wrote that crops
were good in Minnesota. Radio OK, short wave, long wave mushy.
August 10, 1939 Weather cloudy, light rain,
50 to 60 above. Mail went south. Kids turned truck
loose by Post Office, landed 1 block below, no harm done.
Got first local potatoes. Ray Farrel, gone Outside for 21
years, back to Wasilla. Paddy bought a house at Palmer.
Short wave good till PM.
August 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above.
AM, cleaned up warehouse aft store and re-sacked fish salt.
PM, re-charged electric light batteries and started 3rd coat paint
on living room in new house. Outside mail arrived.
Short wave fair, no long wave. Trusty in to trade.
August 12, 1939 Heavy rain, PM
and evening, 50 to 62 above. AM, painted on ceiling in
new house. Ma had final dental work done at Palmer Hospital
and took another electric shock on lame knee. President Roosevelt
gone fishing again in North Atlantic with C.
August 13, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening rain, 50 to 62 above. AM, hauled over hardware
and produce from set-out, then hauled truck load sand from pit
on railroad crossing by Wasilla Lake. PM, leveled up ground
on east side of engine room, cemented on pit on cellar window.
Phil Allen buried in Anchorage. Only short wave. Ma went
to Knik with Eva and kids.
August 14, 1939 Light rain all day, 46 to 52
above. Blue Monday for Ma? Self in store all day.
Priced up new merchandise. New sawmill gang here to locate
mill by garbage dump on railroad. Stanley in from mine,
rained out. Metz rented Zink farm house. Evening,
radio OK.
August 15, 1939 A-1 day, 42 to 54 above.
Got mail off 10 AM. Stanley, Eva and Buddy left 10 AM
for Anchorage over highway. Re-painted three panels in living
room of new house. Local new spuds now available.
Another Edlund, out 11 years, arrived. Only short wave, war talk
easing off in Europe.
August 16, 1939 A-1 day, 40 to 66 above.
Frost reported in farm colony. Fern hauling concentrates
to Goose Bay for shipment. Old Hitler standing pat vs.
Poland. New York City flooded today with rain. Kids
back from Anchorage, PM. Short wave OK, Juneau in 9 PM
Finished painting ceiling.
August 17, 1939 A-1 day, 54 to 70 above.
Self store keeper. Chas Isaac in for prospecting supplies.
Mrs. Isaac in to stay home. Harry Sears got mines winter
mail contract away from Leibing. Paddy and Stanley went
to ready Bullion. Eva drove Ma to Palmer for electric knee
shock. Short wave OK, all war talk, Germany vs. Poland.
August 18, 1939 Windy, showers, 54 to 60 above.
Packed order for Herman at Big Lake. Mail and fruit arrived
4 PM. Stanley back from New Bullion Mine. Marie Martha
got 2nd new bike, Buddy rides her old 3 wheel bike.
August 19, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers 50
to 60 above. AM helped Stanley put on aft roof on their
six bit runabout, then it bucked and wouldn’t go. Stanley and family
and the “house breaker” made a round trip to New Bullion Mine.
Self hauled over 25 cases gas to oil house. Ray Wolfe and Harry Hill
visited and wanted extension of lease on my placer mine, now up.
Only short wave. Jap’s to make a good-will flight to Alaska in
September.
August 20, 1939 Sunday, heavy rain, 52
above. Self let 11 AM for mines with Stanley. Capt.
Berger and lawyer, A. J. Schweffie, in Berger’s car. Left
them at crossroads above Lucky Shot, walked down to Grubstake
cabin to meet Wolfe and Hill to inspect placer mine, they failed
to show up account bad weather. Cleaned up ground sluice
pit on Willow bench, put roof plate up on cabin, mowed grass.
August 21, 1939 Rain at Grubstake Placer
Mine. Up early, walked down Willow 2 miles to Craigie
Creek Mining Co. gas shovel. Prospect were in about 100’
bench, had Cat to move tailings. Wolfe and Hill had left for
Anchorage, didn’t see them. Closed up cabin, 1 PM, mushed up
to Kellyville, caught ride to Wasilla with Mrs. Senske, arrived Wasilla
4 PM. Hauled over load merchandise from set-out.
August 22, 1939 Weather cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Self in store, AM, Ma washed PM. Ma went to Palmer for
another electric knee treatment. Evening, charged light
batteries. Paid all invoices due. Kids back from Anchorage.
Marie Martha now riding her new bike. No short wave today.
August 23, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 50
to 60 above. Wolfe and Hill visited, re-extending lease
on placer mine. Professor Kleck decorating up his cottage.
Stanley lining room upstairs. Painted 2 ceiling panels.
Got out order.
August 24, 1939 A-1 day, 52 to 68 above.
Mail went south. Made 1939 report to Geological Survey,
D. C. Painted another panel, living room new house.
Marie Martha took header off railroad platform.
August 25, 1939 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Hitler-Poland war put off until Sunday. Other powers
demand arbitration. Ma had another electric shock on hr lame
knee at Palmer. Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik, went to Palmer
show. Got more sand for cement work. Mike Connelly drowned
in Six Mile River, Sunrise.
August 26, 1939 At Grubstake Placer Mine.
Left Wasilla 5 PM with Wolfe and Hill, prospective buyers of
placer mine. Arrived at cabin 7 PM, everything ship shape.
August 27, 1939 Sunday, at placer mine.
Up at 5:30, sawed 2 blocks fire wood. 9 AM, Wolfe and Hill
arrived, showed them over placer claims and panned on Homestake
from Forks down. Had lunch 1 PM. Worked on Bear ground
sluice till 7 PM.
August 28, 1939 Grubstake to Wasilla.
Up at 5 AM met Wolfe and Hill at mailbox 6:45, arrived Wasilla
7:45 in Wolfe’s car. AM, cleaned up store balcony.
PM, priced up new merchandise. Stanley and family drove
to Anchorage. Evening, foot bath. Short wave OK, war
or no war tomorrow. Hitler vs. Poland.
August 29, 1939 A-1 day, 52 to 68 above.
Cat loading 2 cars mining poles for coal mines. Car lumber
for Independence Mine arrived. In store, AM, Swift’s man
here. Kids back from Anchorage. Marie Martha stayed
for 3 days with Grandma Fleck. PM cemented pit on cellar
window of new house. Matanuska flooded from Knik Glacier.
All war talk, Hitler holding off.
August 30, 1939 AM fair, PM, rain, 50 to 60
above. Baxter Felch here AM for orders, ordered Lee overalls,
Munsingwear, Carnation milk and Christmas candy. PM, did
1 panel living room in new house. Jap’s formed new cabinet,
3 years more to control Chinks, also fighting Russians on the border.
All lights out in Europe. Radio fair, Poland and Hitler war
ready to fight.
August 31, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
50 to 56 above. Slide on railroad mail south 6 PM.
Stanley drove to Anchorage for Marie Martha. First good radio,
all stations came in. All war news. England and France ready
to help Poland vs. Hitler aggression. Radio good all PM and
evening.
August Memo: August rainy month.
Made 2 trips to placer mine account preparative buyers.
Laid hardwood floor in annex and repainted living room
in new house. Need more furniture before moving in.
September 1, 1939 Business fair, “indigent”
day. Rain, 48 to 58 above. War on in Europe.
Hitler began to bomb Poland cities. England and France gave
Hitler until tomorrow to cut it out or they would come to Poland’s
aide. Italy and other governments remaining neutral. Letter
from S. B. Woods, writer for Griffeth paper. Long wave dead
again. Short wave, all war talk.
September 2, 1939 More rain, 50 to 60 above.
Self in store all AM, filling up shelves and counter bins,
dusting, etc. Nick, the prize hooch maker during World
War days, visited. Mrs. Bixler visiting at Eva’s. Finished
cleaning walls in living room, new house, looks bully. Radio
fair. war still pending. New schoolmarm arrived.
September 3, 1939 Sunday, heavy rain,
40 to 50 above. Stanley unloaded 10 tons Healy coal, ½
for K. T. Co. and ½ for himself. England and France
declared war vs. Hitler account invading Poland. German
submarine sank British boat with 1400 passengers for Canada.
September 4, 1939 Partly cloudy, evening, heavy
rain, 40 to 50 above. Hauled over truck load hardware from set-out.
Stanley, Eva and Mrs. Bixler drove to Anchorage. War on
in Europe. Hitler bombed children’s orphan home and Warsaw,
Poland. Another boat sunk. All countries neutral and
against Hitler. Labor day, closed all PM.
September 5, 1939 Business normal.
Cloudy, showers, 40 to 50 above. New snow on the mountain
peaks. Fall term of school opened today. Bridge gang
here, moving Section house. War, France troops over German
border. Poles lost Warsaw but bombed Berlin. Joy riders
with V. Bixler back from Anchorage. Radio mushy, all
war news.
September 6, 1939 Still raining,
40 to 50 above. Red raspberries coming from Knik.
Wasilla lively with school kids. Hitler claims he has
taken 1/3 of Poland. French Army advancing in Germany.
England not doing much to stop Hitler.
September 7, 1939 A-1 day, 46 to 60 above.
Finished 3rd coat on wall panels in living room new house.
PM, Paddy and Stanley drove out to their New Bullion Mine for inspection.
Germans 20 miles from Warsaw and sunk 3 boats today. Received
$600 on sale of Seymour farm at Eyota, Minnesota. Marie in 2nd
grade.
September 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, 4 6 to 56
above. War finally got going September 1st. Hitler
after Danzig Port in Poland. John Chamberlin and Campbell’s man
here for orders in route Inside. Paddy and Stanley back from
mine. Rain took off new snow on summit. Mail arrived
6 PM. Hitler doing up Poland and France invading Germany, war
is on.
September 9, 1939 Partly cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
In store most of day. Cut galvanized iron strips to close
up leak in floor register in new house. Ray Wolfe visited,
wanted extension of deal for placer mine. Boat freight arrived
11 PM, got grapes, peaches and casabas. Europe war on full
blast.
September 10, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 32
to 60 above. Red cap Shriner’s party had dinner at Cad’s
then drove to Fishhook. AM, hauled over truck load of
fruit and groceries from set-out. Bridge gang moved railroad
Section house to high ground near auto road. Eva sore throat.
Ma stitch in back. War on, hard at it in Poland and Germany
and at high sea.
September 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening
rain, 44 to 56 above. Self in store until 3 PM then finished
cementing leaks around furnace in new house. Kenai Priest
held church at Knik. Hitler has sunk 25 boats and not in Warsaw
yet. English Army joined France in drive into Germany.
War hot in Poland. FDR calling for extra session of Congress.
September 12, 1939 Weather cloudy, 44 to 48
above. Birch turning golden yellow, autumn is here, big
frost is next. Stanley and family made round trip to Anchorage
PM. Put top coat cement on cellar window cribs. Mail
arrived 10 PM. Elizabeth Oberg married, left for Michigan.
All war news. President visited extra session of Congress.
September 13, 1939 More rain, 44 to 48 above.
Mail went south. In-mail 2 days late at Seward. Self
in store AM. Sent Florence letter about sale of Seymour
farm to attorney Perkins for a check up. Col. Ohlson and guests
stopped account Section house moving, took a punch at a workman, got
one back, then his car jumped the track near Pittman, put 1 man in hospital.
10 PM news, Warsaw holding off Hitler.
September 14, 1939 Weather cloudy, cooler,
32 to 40 above. Mrs. Senske took load dog salmon to their
Lucky Shot winter cabin at Kellyville. Lundstrom refinishing
inside Wasilla Town Hall. PM cemented roof on annex to house.
Charged electric batteries. Ex-King, Duke of Windsor, back
to England after 2 years in France. Poland still holding out
against crazy Hitler.
September 15, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 40
to 50 above. Dick Francis, old timer, and two other men
found shot and beaten to death in Cache Creek District.
Bridge gang repairing depot platform. Cad family had a row
in back yard. French driving Germans back All war in
Europe. Jap’s want peace with Russia account boundary.
September 16, 1939 A-1 day, 40 to 50 above.
Had Sears mow grass on lots around warehouse account fire protection.
Hitler still bombing Warsaw, gave them until Sunday to surrender
city. Pole’s have killed 100,000 Germans thus far.
Russia getting ready to take Northern Poland. Big dance on
at Wasilla Hall tonight. All neutral making ready account Germany-Poland
war.
September 17, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 36
to 50 above. Quiet in town, sleeping off last nights dance.
Grau in from Gold Mint Mine. Kids drove to Anchorage to
do their laundry. Russia moving into Poland. All ganging
up vs. England and France. PM repaired store furnace and
pipe, 6 hours. Hot war news, 31 boats torpedoed around England.
September 18, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening
rain, 44 to 50 above. Making ready for big wind and rain.
In store until 4 PM, then charged electric batteries and painted
two panels. Kids back from Anchorage with wash.
September 19, 1939 A-1 day, 40 to 58 above.
Mrs. Perkins, the 4th person murdered in Cache Creek District,
found, no clues to the perpetrator of deed. Snow down to timber
line on Bald Mt. last night, all went off today except on high peaks.
Dan Gray in. Last mid-week boat, tourist season closed.
England hands down future decisions on war with Hitler tomorrow.
September 20, 1939 Weather cooler, windy, 38
to 58 above. Hitler claims he has conquered Poland after
18 day war but the Poles still hold Warsaw, the capitol.
British claim they have captured the $20,000,000 Bremen boat.
Snodgrass arrived with big bunch cattle from Fishhook, going to
Flats for winter. Put weather strips on annex and engine room
door. Another heat wave and cyclone in California.
September 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, light wind,
44 to 40 above. Snow about gone on mountain peaks.
Extra session of Congress today. President Roosevelt wants
Congress to give him power account war in Europe? Prospecting
on Willow Creek, Ala-Gold Mine closed down. Eva and
Gus went to Anchorage.
September 22, 1939 Small business, cloudy,
evening rain, 44 to 60 above. Uprising in Romania,
Premier shot by Nazi Gang. Pole’s still holding capital,
Warsaw, cost Germany 500 planes and 150,000 soldiers to take Poland
and Russia to get ½. Independence Mine got car milk
and groceries. Eva stayed in Anchorage account mother.
Eighth day of hot weather in California.
September 23, 1939 Business normal, cloudy
and warmer, 450 to 60 above. AM packed $131 order for
Joe Brassel for his Craigie Creek quartz mine. Stanley drove
to Anchorage to get Eva. Message from Seattle with finance
for his mine. Tryck’s sold a lot to Fern miner. Snodgrass
put his herd cattle on Cottonwood Flats. Hitler making ready
for drive vs. the French.
September 24, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
showers, 50 to 60 above. Warm spell took snow off mountain
peaks. California 9th day over 100 above broken by rain
and floods. Russian Army 60 miles from Warsaw, Poles
still holding capital city. Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage.
Sines and Gibson held church in school house for Wasilla sinners?
Heat wave killed 80 in California. Russia heading for open
sea port.
September 25, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers,
50 to 60 above. AM hauled over truck load hardware and groceries
from set-out, priced up same. Mr. Hubbell, old time mineral
surveyor, visited. California swept by coast wind after long
heat wave. Poles moving into France. Karnes here inspecting
school. Europe war on but going slow.
September 26, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 above
all day. Golden birch shedding leaves, ready for winter
rest. Warm rains took all snow off mountain peaks. French
and Germans had first real battle on Western Front, French won.
Hitler still bombing Warsaw, Poles holding on by hand fighting.
Radio good, another heat wave due in California.
September 27, 1939 Weather cloudy PM and rain,
44 to 58 above. Martha Amelia, spent day at Goose Bay
Fern Mine ocean terminal. Stanley left, PM, for Anchorage
with Gus’ truck for load giant powder and material for his mine.
Warsaw surrendered to crazy Hitler. Russia now loving Hitler
account taking Poland. Radio good all PM and evening. Moose
hunters no get-um.
September 28, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, showers, 44 to 58 above. Stanley back, last night,
with load giant powder for his mine and 25 cases and barrel oil for
K. T. Co. Chas Isaac through prospecting. Willie Edlund
back from Seattle. Church 3 times weekly for Wasilla sinners.
Radio fair. Repaired water tank in kitchen and enameled same.
September 29, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers
44 to 54 above. Stanley took out load mining timbers and
hardware for his mine, using Cat from Fishhook Inn. Goose
Bay wharf and building completed and closed dock for winter. Hitler
asks England and France to quit war, if not, Stalin will help him
to win. Peace talks on Europe war.
September 30, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, showers, 44 to 56 above. Mail and boat, 1 day late
going south. Gus took coal, etc. final load freight out
to Stanley’s Craigie Creek quartz mine, had to use Cat on last
half mile. Evening, birthday party, Mine Elick at Knik.
Both grandson and daughter all night with grandma.
September Memo: Rain all summer and still
raining. Stanley just delivered $1,000 equipment and supplies
to operate his New Bullion Mine next season. Pass still
open. New amendment to Social Security Act: employees 65
or more must pay tax back to January 1, 1939. This hit ma
for $5.40.
October 1, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
showers, 44 to 46 above. New snow, again, on mountain peaks.
Stanley left, early with final supply for his New Bullion Mine
with his ½ ton car. Curley and Snider family in from
mines to trade. German submarines now sinking Swede boats.
All war talk in Europe. Wednesday, Hitler will tell them quit
or fight.
October 2, 1939 Weather cloudy, 44 to 50 above.
Stanley and Shorty back from Craigie Creek Mines. Six inches
new snow on Fishhook summit. Farmers busy digging spuds,
wet job. Freight train arrived 6 AM. Eva and Sharon
drove to Anchorage account their mother not well. Pay day
for indigents. Radio good. Fairbanks new station KFAR
on air.
October 3, 1939 Evening, clear sky for first
time this fall. Birch leaves all off, trees bare.
Eva and Stanley made round trip to Anchorage. Gust Haller
bought an outfit. Sears mushed in from New Bullion Mine account
part broke on Cat moving freight to power house. Our freight
buried in set-out. No long wave, short wave OK. Fairbanks
station KFAR weak.
October 4, 1939 A-1 day, 30 to 44 above.
Heavy white frost this morning. Stanley went to mine
with Sharon and Sears to train supplies to upper tunnel.
Lathrop in for Groceries. Our Sunday freight still not
available in set-out for mines. Evening, cloudy again.
Short wave OK. Chas Isaac gone to Goose Bay.
October 5, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
38 to 48 above. B. B. gang putting new roof on depot and
new plank in depot platform. Noon, got part of K. T. Co.
freight out of set-out, delayed for 5 days account mining freight
in cars. Hauled out tin cans to dump and hay cocks off back
lots. Stanley in for more grub. Radio mushy.
Hitler on air tomorrow.
October 6, 1939 Business small, cloudy,
rain, 38 above. Snowed 3’ on Fishhook summit closing auto
road. Stanley went out, AM, parked car at Independence Mine,
mushed over mountain to his mine account storm, closed up camp
and, with Cat, drove over pass to Fishhook Inn, arrived home 6 PM.
Snow last night at Valdez and Juneau. France and England
turned down Hitler’s peace plan.
October 7, 1939 Snow all day, 30 to 32 above.
First snow in Wasilla, 6” bench roads to mines blocked.
Walden driver turned over load oil. Some farmers caught
with spuds in ground, no hard freeze yet. Basket party on at
town hall. Hot debate, Washington D. C. on neutrality and repeal
of embargo.
October 8, 1939 Sunday, still snowing,
24 to 30 above. One foot new snow, largest fall in October
known. Cleaned off 250’ sidewalks. Priced up new merchandise.
Basket social, last night, a success. Buddy and sister
out all day in new snow. Evening, took bath in new house.
All war talk, no peace for Hitler.
October 9, 1939 Business normal, A-1
day, 14 to 30 above. Many farmers spuds not dug and grain
hay snowed under. He who hesitates is lost? Stanley’s
family drove to Anchorage to do wash by electric. Not much
fighting in Germany but Russia taking all small nations. Short
wave OK, no long wave.
October 10, 1939 Weather colder, 20 above AM,
30 above noon, 20 above evening. Self in store 8 hours.
Kids back from Anchorage 4 PM. Put fires on in new house
account cold wave. France, England and Hitler talking peace
terms. Hitler demands peace or he will whip the world?
Radio fair. Fairbanks OK after 9 PM.
October 11, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 10
to 30 above. Another heat wave in California, 90 above.
Freddie Johnson in from Gold Mint. Johnny Bergman got job
with ex-gang. Marie Martha got hair cut at Palmer. Big
fight in Washington D. C. on FDR neutralist bill. American refugee
passengers arrived New York.
October 12, 1939 Business normal.
Weather partly cloudy, windy, 30 to 38 above. Lathrop
in for $40 grub order. Sharon stocking up, afraid of Hitler.
Some farmers scraping snow off spud patch and digging spuds.
Self busy in store all AM. Ma trying to take on winter cold.
Radio fair. All nations watching Russian military locations.
October 13, 1939 Weather cloudy, 34 above all
day. Stanley left for Seattle to finish financing and equipment
for his New Bullion quartz mine. Ma in bed all day with
cold. British sunk 3 German
submarines. Bridge gang left Wasilla
for Divide. Radio mushy, half volume.
October 14, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 30 to 38 above. Received $75 order from Willow
Creek. Self busy in store. Ma in bed account cold, Eva
cooked our dinner. Stanley and Billy Tryck left Seward for
Seattle by Outside Passage.
October 15, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
34 to 44 above. Snow all blown out of Wasilla. Packed
$77 order for old Sam St. Pierre, Willow Creek. Ma up and
around part of day, has cold in shoulder and kidneys. Eva
and Buddy cooked Sunday dinner. No long wave, short wave on
and off, got no news.
October 16, 1939 Weather cloudy, 28 to 40 above.
Ma nursing cold in back, was up most of day. Germans
made another attack, by airplanes, on British Navy boats.
French Army advancing on German soil. PM nicked over 500
lbs. drugs and clothing from set-out. Radio mushy.
Arlow and wife and Brown Jr. back
October 17, 1939 Weather cloudy, 24 to 36 above.
Unpacked Butler Bros. dry goods, priced and stored away same.
Eva, Buddy and Jane made round trip to Anchorage over highway.
Two Cats hauled out big engines for Independence Mine.
English Navy bombed. Radio fair.
October 18, 1939 A-1 day, 18 to 36 above.
Priced up new drug order. Ordered 20 tons Healy coal through
Gus. Sold heater to Rica account Sharon rental.
Ma considerable better account cold settled in her back Cats opening
road on Fishhook Pass. Radio weak.
October 19, 1939 Weather cloudy, 20 to 32 above.
Got out merchandise orders. Eva gave Spot dose worm
medicine. Ma’s cold some better. Thorpe family
in from Grubstake quartz mine, reported 2’ on Grubstake Gulch.
Signed up Pete Snider blank for Navy. Short wave weak.
Big fight in D. C. over neutrality bill.
October 20, 1939 Weather colder, 10 to 30 above.
Self in store most of day. Received $50 order from Big
Lake fur farm. Not so hot for Hitler. Turkey and
Romania now in with England and France account war. Radio
good, all stations came in.
October 21, 1939 Business normal, weather
colder, 8 to 30 above. Packed 2 orders for Caswell and
Pittman. Ellexson appointed administrator on Henry Rathjen
Estate, went on his bond for $1000. Evening, pie social on
at Hall account funds for hot school lunches. Radio good.
Europe war on but not much fighting.
October 22, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy,
8 to 30 above. Wheeled over 800 pounds merchandise for
Pittman and Caswell to railroad shed. Joe Palmer left for
his trap line near Caswell. Freight arrived 4 PM hauled
over 1 big truck load merchandise. Russia and Turkey neutral
with France and England. Looks bad for Hitler war. Short
wave and Fairbanks station good.
October 23, 1939 Weather cloudy, snow, 20 to
30 above. Had Sears haul over balance of freight.
Self busy pricing and opening up merchandise. Hitler captured
American boat in North Sea, loaded with tractors. Sears moved
his mail shack to Mabel Forks. Only short wave. Got
ton coal off Gus.
October 24, 1939 Weather cloudy, 18 to 30 above.
Self busy all AM unpacking and pricing new merchandise.
Russians took charge of American boat captured by Hitler Navy,
being in neutral water. Sharon took Eva to Anchorage and
return. Ma still got hacking cough. Long wave NG.
News over short wave OK.
October 25, 1939 Weather cloudy. Priced
up Black Bear goods. Paid Eastern merchandise invoices,
discount earned November 10, $10.28. Hitler threatens to
bomb England and London by air, says England cause of war?
Radio good, all stations on the air.
October 26, 1939 Windy, 30 to 34 above.
Busy day with coal and out-mail. Got 10 tons Healy coal
off Gus, was to have 20 tons. Russians turned over American
boat to Germans, claimed contraband. Snow and cold on
German front battle line. Long wave weak, short wave OK.
October 27, 1939 Light snow 32 to 36 above.
Self in store all day. Made out 2 claims for Alaska Railroad.
Notified Ray and Alongo account bad check. Lady here with
Minnesota car from Palmer. Marie Martha received most stars
for last months school work. Plane with 12 passengers landed
here account Anchorage fog. Radio fair, all talk about war
in Europe, not much fighting.
October 28, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 34
to 40 above. packed 2 express orders for
north delivery. Letter from Stanley, arrived Seattle OK.
Hitler tried to bomb England, not a success, lost 1 plane.
Anchorage business men crying account rise in taxes. Long wave
NG, short OK.
October 29, 1939 Sunday, sleet storm
32 to 38 above. Put up balcony fly to keep heat down in store.
Freight arrived 4 PM put out set-out car. S. F. Treasury,
Illinois Fair closed this evening with half hour program on air.
No fighting in Europe today. Short wave good.
October 30, 1939 Chinook, 40 above all day.
Ma’s birthday, not so skookum, getting over bad cold with rheumatic
pains in back, like self, got sore feet. Isaac’s, Goose Bay wharf
watchman, in. St. Clair’s drove to Knik. Radio good.
Fighting on again in Germany, air raids.
October 31, 1939 Sleet storm, 2”, 34 to 36
above. Took all AM to shovel sleet off walks. Paddy
got late Sears all wave radio. Russia visited down other
powers, including U.S. will supply Hitler with war material.
10,000 Halloween children on parade in San Francisco.
November 1, 1939 Another sleet storm, 24 to
34 above. Self in store, Ma washing and baking. Gus
gone out to Fishhook Inn to move supplies to Mabel Mine account
of winter tunnel work. Mrs. Isaac left for Anchorage to
fight extra taxes. Plenty of moose meat now in town. Radio
good. New York World Fair closed in pouring rain.
November 2, 1939 Weather colder, 18 to 28 above.
Self in store, Ma keeping in shape by doing washing? Lester
Davis in town for annual drunk. Congress passed the neutrality
bill, will sell to all war nations for cash only. Radio good,
both long and short wave, all war news.
November 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, fog, 20 to
24 above. Put up order for Frank Gagnon at Lucky Shot Mine.
Matanuska streets flooded again. Norway put one over on
Hitler. Took the U. S. “City of Flint” away from German crew
and turned boat and cargo back to U. S. John Lundstrom
left for Tacoma. Radio good. Finland told Russia no
more military concessions.
November 4, 1939 Weather colder, 4 to 18 above.
Self in store, billed out 2 small orders north. Boy lost
for 5 days in Arizona, found all OK with sore feet. Russia
easing off on Finland demands. Dance on at Wasilla Town Hall
tonight. Letter from Stanley, in Seattle, delayed week.
Radio good, both long and short wave.
November 5, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy,
22 to 32 above. Busy in store AM closed PM. Drew oil
out Onan light engine. Shoveled snow from side entrance
to store and old garage. Boat freight arrived 3 PM set-out.
U. S. “City of Flint” discharging cargo in Norway port, will then
sale for home port of New York City. Radio fair.
November 6, 1939 Business froze up, weather
cloudy, 22 to 28 above. PM hauled over 1½ tons groceries
from set-out, checked up and stored away same. On Russia’s
22nd anniversary they panned Britain, France and U. S. as capitalists
and not for cause of Democracy. Only short wave.
November 7, 1939 Weather cloudy, 28 to 32 above.
Finished pricing new merchandise. Hot election in California,
the ham and eggs bunch lost out, also in Ohio. Cad lining roadhouse
with sawdust. Radio good, elections in several states,
war in Europe quiet today.
November 8, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 20 to 28 above. Busy PM with order for Goose Bay
and Willow Station. Patzack in with Senske’s horse from
Lucky Shot and order for Frank Kelly. Hitler bombed at his
birth town, he escaped by 15 minutes, his first aide killed and 16
others and 60 were wounded. Radio good.
November 9, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, windy, 28 above. Sold 2 orders, Goose Bay and Knik.
Mrs. Isaac rented her house and left to join her husband, watchman
at Goose Bay. Basketball game on tonight in Hall.
Soper moved down to his ranch. Short wave NG.
November 10, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 20
to 28 above. Eva got the bellyache, going both ways. Buddy
down to store every day, keeps his grandma busy to keep him out
mischief. Auto and boat strikes in States. U. S. bombers
gone to Brazil. Short wave weak, long wave fair. Rex
Elliott building house.
November 11, 1939 Partly
cloudy, 10 to 28 above. Got another order from Willow
Creek Saw Mill. Old Sam, Pittman Section boss, down
to trade. Sears back from moving oil and powder to Mabel
Mine for Gus. Armistice Day program on the air. Wire from
Stanley, delayed week in Seattle. No long wave, short wave
weak.
November 12, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy, 10 to 24 above, usual absent minded customers. Boat
freight in 3 PM, received ton groceries and shipped 206
pounds to Willow Saw Mill. Trucked over ½ ton perishable
freight to store. More talk than war, England and France won’t
quit unless Hitler gives back Check and Poland. Russia wants
Finland.
November 13, 1939 Weather cloudy, 20 to 24
above. Got over balance of new merchandise from railroad shed,
price up same. Gust Jackson down from Pittman for A-T Heater
and more cabin supplies. Ely, Section foreman installed electric
light plant. British sunk 2 German freighters. Ma trying
to take on another cold. Radio poor, Fairbanks and Juneau
on part of the time.
November 14, 1939 Weather colder, zero to 20
above. In store and on outside work. Club foot
Edlund moved into Gus’ cabin by Mabel house. Liebing’s truck
made trip to Knik, going bad. England, France and Germany
still fighting and talking peace terms. Radio poor.
November 15, 1939 Business slow, froze
up, temperature zero to 22 above. Ordered vacuum cleaner
and electric washer for new house. Hitler won’t accept Belgium
and Netherlands peace terms and told England he hasn’t started to
do real fighting. Other nations want to command our ships.
November 16, 1939 Weather cloudy, 8 to 26 above,
got out Seattle mail. PM, got truck load gas from
Anchorage by Lee Hartley truck who moved Russell Shaw’s furnishing
to Anchorage. Subscribed to Alaska Sportsman to C. E.
Perkins and Art Rogers for 1940. Short wave OK, long wave
weak, all war talk.
November 17, 1939 Warmer, 24 to 34 above.
Shaw family moved to Anchorage. Mail went Outside.
Rayan and Alongo made good bad check Received 2nd order
from Gagnon, Willow Creek. Agent Browne recovering from eating
a Matanuska dog and pickle at Palmer. Answered Kelly’s inquiry
about sale placer mine. Radio NG, only local station.
Stiles found his dog.
November 18, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 22 to 34 above. Got Gagnon’s order ready for shipment
to Willow tomorrow. Stage line still making Fishhook
Inn. Stanley on boat out of Seattle today for home.
Holland boat hit mine. Radio fair, Fairbanks good.
Auto strikes.
November 19, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 12
to 32 above. Nicked 600 pounds freight over to go on north
train. Turkey, vegetables and fruit arrived one week ahead
of date ordered for 30th. Hardware held over 1 week in Seward
account wrong billing. Mrs. Thorpe got tangled up with John
Barleycorn and broke her arm. Radio 50% good. Three boats
sunk by mines near England.
November 20, 1939 Second Chinook, 4 to 34 above,
self in store PM. Marie Martha and Buddy helped haul
over 3 Yukon sled loads fruit and motor oil, Buddy rode both
ways. Had Knik chicken, tough old hen, Eva and kids guests.
Stanley at Juneau, in route home on SS Yukon.
November 21, 1939 Business dead, Chinook
still on, 34 to 40 above. Eva and Oberg family going to
Anchorage. Marie Martha here with her Grandma, as usual,
and in second grade at school. Shonbeck, oil and mining
man, drove down to his Cottonwood farm, left order for grub.
Radio A-1, all stations on air.
November 22, 1939 Weather cloudy, 22 above
all day. Turned over $2.80, balance of Fred E. Roscher
deposit, to U. S. Commissioner. Roscher estate pending since
1930. Eva and joy riders Oberg, back from Anchorage PM.
November 23, 1939 “New Deal” turkey day
(not ours) Ely and Leibing families the Big Shot on New
Deal dinners. Store open all day. Colder, zero.
Stanley on SS Yukon, due in Seward today. Germans planting
mines in English Channel by parachute. Had fresh halibut for
our dinner. Radio A-1.
November 24, 1939 Weather cloudy, 12 to 18
above. Eight cars in the ditch last night account icy
roads. French claim 100 German air bombers shot down, German’s
claim 38. British boats sunk by subs. Marie Martha took
train to Anchorage to meet her dad due from Seattle. Radio
fair. School closed 23rd account New Deal turkey day.
November 25, 1939 Weather colder, 2 below zero
to 10 above. Put up front fly in balcony to keep heat
on store floor. California won pacific Coast football
game, on air 1 to 3 PM. Stanley arrived home after 6 weeks
on mining business in Seattle. KGBW reported flowers in
bloom in Ketchikan. Radio OK. No fighting today.
November 26, 1939 Sunday, -12 to +10.
Both girl and boy teams won basketball game over Palmer last
night at Wasilla Hall. This evening, big game on at Palmer,
Eva and Stanley drove over. Hardware, groceries and turkey
freight arrived PM. Hitler winning war with submarines.
Radio weak, received war news, another boat sunk.
November 27, 1939 Big wind, +28. AM pricing
up new merchandise. PM Stanley and self hauled over four
Yukon sled loads merchandise from set-out. Turkey’s and
capons arrived for 30th eat . First Naval battle by British
military, Hitler won. S. F. port tied up by strike. Census
taker visited John Q. Adams, 1940 census of Alaska, 71,911. Radio
weak, car freight arrived for mines.
November 28, 1939 Weather cloudy, snow, 20
to 26 above. Finished pricing up new merchandise.
Stanley helping mother out as chief clerk in store. All
talk in Europe. Russia threatens to invade Finland.
Roosevelt dictating when Republicans can hold convention.
Radio 50% off.
November 29, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 22
above. Ma cleaned and stuffed turkey, 12 pounder for
tomorrow Thanksgiving. Paid Seattle fruit and turkey
invoices. Russia ready to crush Finland. Russia wants
sea naval port there.
November 30, 1939 Real, “Old Time Thanksgiving
Day”. Ma baked a 12 pound turkey. Guests, Eva,
Stanley, Buddy and Marie Martha and Paddy Marion. Russians
turned loose bombing planes on Finland, without warning.
Finland shot down 3 planes.
November Memo: Not living in new house, Ma
prefers rooms aft store, outdoor toilet, empty slops, no bath,
only foot tub, empty ashes and outdoors for coal. Keep fires
in new house account self taking weekly bath. Only 2” snow
this far, temperature 2 to 20 above. Marie Martha eats and
sleeps here most of time.
December 1, 1939 Weather cloudy, 6 to 22 above.
Got off mail and Christmas orders. Boat 2 days late at
Seward. paid $5 for K. T. Co. ad on Wasilla basketball suits.
Russia bombing Finland, cities reported Finland sunk ARR Cruiser.
Radio fair, static from electric gas engine. All war talk.
December 2, 1939 Weather colder, 10 above to
8 below zero. Busy keeping up fires AM. Mr. Redwood,
old time hotel man, passed out at Palmer Hospital. The Fins
drove back Russian troops today. British tanker sunk but
British captured 3 German boats. Evening, warmer. Radio
good. Navy and Army football on air, Navy won 10 to nothing.
December 3, 1939 Sunday, cold, zero weather.
Swift’s man here, went north on mail train 5 PM, 1 day late.
Made sketch map of Grubstake placer claims for prospective
buyer. All nations against Russia for invading Finland.
Freight day late. Radio fair.
December 4, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 18 above.
Lathrop in from Cottonwood ranch for supplies. Johnny
Bergman back from bridge gang at 49. Eva and Stanley left
for Anchorage, only made it to Palmer. No freight today,
eggs, paint, oils due. Finland holding off Russian invaders.
All war news in Europe. Diamond spoke over KFQD.
December 5, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 24 above.
Last weeks boat freight arrived 5 PM received butter,
eggs and paint oils, etc. Sent F. M. Kelly sketch map of
Grubstake placer with details for future working placer or selling
out.
December 6, 1939 Cloudy,
windy, 24 to 30 above. Got out hardware order and answered
C. B. ________ inquiry about sale of store. Hilmer Oberg
forging checks and back in jail. J. Q. Adams, census taker,
here. Made application for Ma’s Social Security number, those
over 65 must pay. Stanley on half mark, 35 today. Radio
50%.
December 7, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
above. Basketball at full swing. Gave Western States
Grocery Co. details on sale of K. T. Co. store. Ellexson
out from Knik with dog team. Got out-mail. No outside
radio.
December 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, 28 above all
day. Mail south 10 AM. Self put ton coal in store
furnace bin. Metz on morning walk, nearly got bumped off
by auto account wind blowing. 20,000 Russians killed by Finland
today. Submarine boat crippled 3rd British destroyer .
Bomb plane sunk German submarine boat. German planes trying
to bomb Paris. Radio weak, got new OK. Buddy as busy
as a rat.
December 9, 1939 Weather cloudy, 22 to 36 above.
Self in store AM cleaning up and replacing goods on shelves.
Sent order for Christmas via airmail. Got word that Mrs.
Munson McMillan died in California in November. Paddy
and Stanley attended basketball at Palmer. Radio fair.
December 10, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 above all day. Store open 3 hours AM as usual.
Got word Nellie Hartman passed out in Tacoma, making $25,000 running
Wasilla Roadhouse 1917-1927, didn’t do her much good. Evening,
took usual bath in new house.
December 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, 28 above
all day. Electric washer and vacuum cleaner arrived for
new house, cost $99.95 and $34.95. Stanley and family drove
to Anchorage. Marie Martha went home with Worden, farmer girl,
for over night.
December 12, 1939 Weather cloudy, wind, 30
above all day. Douglas Fairbanks Sr. 56, great movie
star passed out today. Like old timers, in Alaska, Hollywood
stars are going. Ex-President Hoover made next Sunday, Fin-Day
account donations and medical supplies, President Roosevelt approved
it. Russia turned down League of Nations terms to settle war .
Kids back from Anchorage PM
December 13, 1939 Temperature 26 above all
day, evening 10 above, only 2” of snow thus far. Auto
roads good, cars still go to Fishhook Inn from there by Cat to
mines. Marie Martha now doing figures, good in reading, 2nd
term in school. Buddy talks with his hands, all same as Glacier
Park Indian.
December 14, 1939 Temperature colder, zero
weather. Self in store, janitor and electric light man.
Wrote Seattle National Bank about their Trust Dept. Sent
copy of Commissioners letter on estates. All nations donating
to Finland’s war expense.
December 15, 1939 Weather cloudy, 2 to 26 above.
Natives out from Knik with first snow shoes and to trade.
Ma went to Anchorage for weekend and to meet Santa Claus and the
Mayors family. Finland slaughtering the Russian’s and
still holding their own at war.
December 16, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 30
above. Ma doing Anchorage and Santa Claus. Marie
Martha not in it, had to stay home account school. Stanley
sub-clerk for mother. Ebb and Zeb put out all night program
over KNX account Salvation Army Christmas kids.
December 17, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, snow
PM, 24 to 30 above. Store open 3 hours, AM, as usual.
Finished splicing and nailing down linoleum in kitchen.
Evening, lacquered linoleum in kitchen. Ma back from
Anchorage PM freight.
December 18, 1939 Weather cloudy, 22 above
all day. Started laundry in new house. Eva did
her and Ma’s wash on Norge electric washer. British and
Germans had first real air battle today British lost 7 bombers,
German’s 12. Fins killed 7,000 Russian Evening, painted
kitchen floor, 2nd coat. Radio good, all about 2 wars going
on in Europe.
December 19, 1939 Business slow, no money,
temperatures 10 to 24 above. Self not feeling good around
the bowels. Sears opening up snow road, with McNally’s
bulldozer, to Independence Mine. Fins sunk Red battle ship
with their shore guns.
December 20, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
above. Christmas fund party bought candy and fruit for
kiddies Christmas, evening of 21st at Wasilla Town Hall.
Capt of German sink cruiser bumped himself off today, said he preferred
to die with his ship. Russians bombed many Fin cities today.
British captured several German boats. Radio not so good.
Mary Cad home from college. S. F. World Fair to run next year.
December 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, 42 above
all day. Mail south but held up by snow slide on Seward division.
Kids drove to Anchorage for weekend. Pioneer bus to Wasilla
basketball took Wasilla basketball team to Anchorage. School
bus to Wasilla people on to Palmer to see school program. Fins
holding Reds off. Mary Cad and Charley Tryck arrived from
college. Radio fair.
December 22, 1939 Weather windy, rain, 42 above,
first rain of winter. Internal trouble brewing in both
Russian and German armies? How much longer will the war
last? Evening, Wasilla school kids had their Christmas at
Town hall, cost us $6.10. All radio weak. Rain brought
Ma a cold.
December 23, 1939 Put up order for Big Lake
fur farm to ship to Pittman. Train got by snow slides, arrived
10:15 PM. Christmas fruit and vegetables came on mail train.
Stanley and Eva left car, came on mail train. Fins winning
Red war thus far. A-1 day, 32 above.
December 24, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 30
above. Snowed 8” at Anchorage. Busy AM pricing and
opening up Christmas fruit and vegetables, not much sale.
KFQD on air with Yule Tide greetings. Fins still holding off
Red Army. Postmaster returned to deliver Christmas packages.
Radio weak.
December 25, 1939 Christmas, warm 30
above, PM blizzard, evening +38. Storm from south east,
reached Wasilla at noon, evening turned to rain, Anchorage got
17”, 4’ at Divide and 2’ at Seward. Ma, as usual, cooked Christmas
dinner, had all the kids, 2 more now, Buddy and Marie Martha, grandchildren.
Christmas cost Dad $41.50, cash presents. Radio weak.
December 26, 1939 Business slow, all
sleeping. Temperature 30 to 34 above, heavy rain at
midnight, only ice left. Several cars in ditch and upside
down. Eva did hers and our wash in new house. Evening,
Ma took 3rd bath in new house. Self jointed up stair rail,
annex new house. On last bucket of coal, car due 28th.
Radio fair, all war news.
December 27, 1939 Weather windy, 32 above all
day. Car Healy coal arrived for Gus and K. T. Co. store
fuel. Ma and Marie Martha left on freight for weekend at Anchorage.
Bird and party arrived at new Zealand on way to South Pole.
Fins still killing and holding off big Red Army. Radio weak,
not news. Only spots of ice on roads to Wasilla.
December 28, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
above all day. Gus delivered 20 tons Healy coal for store
furnace. Marie Martha and Grandma doing Anchorage.
Eva got bean-pineapple dinner at our house. Four ships sunk
today in Europe war. Stanley on grocery inventory.
Radio fair.
December 29, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 30 above all day. Put up 2 grub orders, one goes
to Lucky Shot. Mail went south, boat 1 day late at Seward.
Ma and Marie Martha on t-bone steak at Anchorage. Eva,
the cook at our house. Earthquake killed 20M in Turkey.
Radio mushy, all war news.
December 30, 1939 Weather cloudy, 12 to 16
above all day. Stanley on grocery inventory. Got
Gagnon’s order ready to ship to Willow Creek. No fighting
on Western Front. Fin-Russian war most active now.
Marie Martha and her Grandma back from weekend at Anchorage,
train 3 hours late.
December 31, 1939 Sunday, colder, 6 to
16 above. Christmas week, mildest of winter. Ma
and son on grocery inventory. Radio good from Pacific to
Atlantic on air all night, Auld Lang Zine. Experts claim Hitler
bottled up. Truck load new merchandise arrived 6 PM Radio
good.
December Memo: Electric plant working OK.
Still living in rooms aft store. Take bath in new house
and use electric washer, Eva operator. Ma and Marie Martha
did Anchorage, 27-30 December. No snow in Wasilla. Inventory
on now. 1939 sales 40% off account ARR Co-op.
1940
January 1, 1940 Monday. Cloudy, zero
all day. Store open AM PM on grocery inventory.
Ate New Year dinner at Eva’s, roast beef, salad and ice cream.
Final football games on air. Mrs. McDougal, at Fern Mine,
had to call a doctor. No fighting in Europe today, making
ready for big battle. All the Herning’s well, Ma has game knee.
Radio fair, some static.
January 2, 1940 Weather colder, 10 to 14 above.
All busy on inventory. Self wheeled over 1,600 pounds merchandise
from set-out AM. Eva did all Herning washing in new house.
School open again. Turkey rivers flooding, many lost in flood.
Russian train, loaded with soldiers, wrecked. Radio fair.
January 3, 1940 A-1 day, 30 to 34 above.
All on inventory. Self finished groceries in basement.
Fins run Reds back on skis. Storm and 5 below in northern
Finland. Only air battles on, England-France-German war.
Congress in session again. President Roosevelt’s message received,
formally, by all parties. Edison’s son made Secretary of Navy.
No short wave, long wave fair.
January 4, 1940 Weather cloudy, 16 to 30 above.
All on inventory. self in office on out-mail, etc. Fins
knocking the ‘ell out of the Red Army thus far. Roosevelt asked
Congress to put up over two billion more for war defense. Government
now taking 60¢ of every dollar earned. New Deal good spenders.
Radio fair, war news and Congress at work.
January 5, 1940 Temperature 26 above 2” snow.
Got off mail, boat 2 days late at Seward. Cold wave Outside,
zero to -35 in northern states. Cad left for Pacific Coast.
Chas Isaac and wife in from hideout at Goose Bay. Wasilla white
again after 10 days. On hardware inventory. Radio fair.
England war boss quit job.
January 6, 1940 Weather cloudy, 8 to 26 above.
Self took hardware showcase inventory. Cad turned back
from Seward account his case by game warden. Mail train
arrived at 11:30 PM. Isaac family guest at Stanley’s.
Hoover sent Fins 3 million from U. S. Relief Fund. Many countries
helping the Fins account Russia war. Douglas Fairbanks estate
2 million dollars. Radio fair, most all war news.
January 7, 1940 Sunday, snow flurries, 14 above.
Witnesses going to Anchorage account Cad’s moose (cow) killing
last fall. Self working on hardware inventory.
Got Outside mail AM. Got M. A. H. Social Security number,
xxx-xx-xxxx from Juneau office. Elizabeth Bergman left
school cooking job to bull cook on extra gang at Chulitna. Pumped
up tanks for electric wash tomorrow. Radio NG, only KFAR,
no Outside, got no Press News.
January 8, 1940 Weather cloudy, snow flurries,
18 to 28 above. Electric wash day in new house.
AM cleaned snow off 180’ walks. Nagley Jr. visited, on
freight train for home at Talkeetna. Fins done up 17,000
Reds and captured 1000 horses. Roosevelt on air at dinner party in
New York. Evening, town people gave Mrs. Slumberger a shower
of grub at Beeler house. Radio weak, got news. Three
car tanks oil arrived for Independence Mine.
January 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, frosty, 8 to
18 above. Self on hardware inventory. Wasilla basketball
team with new seal-brown suits, won no games thus far. Fins and
Reds at it red hot. Only air raids on British boats by Germans
Talking of making Island of Guam airplane base. Radio poor,
no long wave, local stations OK.
January 10, 1940 Business snowed in,
4” snow last night, +20. Self cleaning walks all AM.
Got 2 radio masts ready to return to Connelly, no good here account
wind. Mrs. Dodson in from mine, came down on new snowmobile,
goes 40 miles on skis. Cad and Isaac back from cow moose trial,
case thrown out. England raided German Navy base by air bombs.
Static radio. Fins still doing up the Reds.
January 11, 1940 Weather warmer, 30 to 38 above,
also warm wave at Fairbanks. Packed 5 cross cut saws for
return to Seattle Hardware Co. account too soft temper.
Isaac returned to Goose Bay. Took saw and tool inventory.
Fins still doing up the Red invaders. War on a plenty now,
England and France vs. Germany. Russia vs. Finland. Radio
fair, Fairbanks good. Jap’s still fighting China.
January 12, 1940 Weather cloudy, warm, 20 to
36 above. Mussolini now neutral. England and France
fighting Germany and Russian’s trying to take Finland. Jap’s,
as yet, have failed to conquer China, only north and south.
America at peace. Stanley and family drove to Anchorage for
weekend. Self on radio supplies and Ma on balcony clothing inventories.
Colder on Pacific Coast.
January 13, 1940 Partly cloudy, 10 to 30 above.
No mail boat account strike in Seattle, self pricing up
new Granite Ware etc. Ma on clothing in balcony. Stanley
and family in Anchorage. Congress busy on war and other
funds. President wants to add 10% on income taxes. Jap cabinet
resigned. English Lords quarrelling? Ma took bath in new
house. No Outside long wave.
January 14, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy, 14 above. Ma having trouble with knee. Germany
making all Jews work at common labor. Finished pricing
up Granite Ware. Kids back from Anchorage. Freight train
north but no freight account no boat at Seward. Pa Walden hauling
3 tank cars of oil to Independence Mine. C. D. Johnson went
to hospital account face trouble. No radio account big wind and
wind chargers running all day.
January 15, 1940 Weather colder, 2 above all
day. Electric wash day in new house, Eva operator and
washed pa’s shirt tail, short 6” on woolen underwear. Oil
trucks making all the way to Independence Mine. Red air
raids on Fins, dropped 2000 bombs and only killed 40 Fins
and wounded 100. Canadians got 2 million bonds to help John
Bull at war. Radio good, both long and short wave.
January 16, 1940 Windy PM 10 to 26 above.
Took inventory of fishing tackle. Japans new cabinet wants
to be friendly with Uncle Sam. British lost 3 submarines.
Germany formed trade pack with Hungary. Fins defeated the
Red Army today. Thorpe’s at Anchorage account labor lean
on mine. Marie Martha got farm Co. Static radio, got news
over local station. Roosevelt advertised for 3rd term.
January 17, 1940 No business. Cloudy,
windy, 30 to 38 above. Generally mild all over Alaska.
Morning frosts in California and -54 in Finish war zone today.
On hardware inventory. Reds going to delay Fin war until
spring account cold weather. Reported Germans have 1 million
troops on Belgian border to drive through to France and England.
Radio fair, some static.
January 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 12 to 30 above.
Self on cooking utensil inventory. Made out fruit and
grocery order to Pacific Fruit Co. England going through
U. S. mail. Two Norwegian boats sunk. Reds bombing
Fin cities. Senator Borah had a stroke, recovery doubtful.
Congress cutting down Roosevelt’s operations, hot session.
Radio fair, got all war news. S. F. Fair to open 1940.
January 19, 1940 A-1 day, 24 to 32 above.
Self on shelf hardware inventory. Ohlin and Anderson cutting
ice for railroad on Lake Wasilla. Mail went south, boat
late at Seward terminal. Stewart family butchered veal.
Clothing and grocery inventory taken.
January 20, 1940 A-1 day, 18 to 30 above
self on Coleman inventory. Warring nations advising other
nations what to do. If Russia and Germany wins war,
then too bad for Scandinavian and South American countries.
Short wave only. Borah died in Washington, D. C.
Anchorage boys and girls played basketball with Wasilla boys and
girls, Wasilla won.
January 21, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
16 to 32 above. Self on hardware shelf inventory AM.
Got 2 weeks delayed Outside mail. Kids drove in to Knik
for usual Ellexson anniversary. Cad left for Seattle on “Alaska”
out of Seward today. Italian passenger boat burned at sea,
the 600 passengers saved. Radio punk, caught 8 PM news, British
still losing boats.
January 22, 1940 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
to 32 above. Self on hardware shelf inventory. Delayed
boat freight arrived 4 PM got coffee, fruit and drugs. Set-out
for Fern Mine. Reds showered Fins with bombs and artillery
fire, only killed 12 Fins, burned 800 Fin houses. Senator
Borah funeral in Washington, D. C. Senate Chamber today. Allies
and Krauts talking, no fighting.
January 23, 1940 Mild weather, 30 to 34 above.
AM took inventory of builders hardware. PM charged electric
storage batteries and filled store gas light tank. Got
part of freight out of set-out car, coffee and drugs buried up
among Fern Mine groceries. Senator Borah body taken from D.
C. to Idaho today for burial. Fern trucks hauling car groceries
to Fern Mine. Short wave on local stations only.
January 24, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Signed affidavit for C. S.
Hubbell, U. S. surveyor regarding Cannon’s right name. Mrs.
Cad and Jane had health exam at Palmer. Doctor coming over
to give the Herning’s a shot in the arm account store health.
Fins still holding off the Red Army. Radio weak. Mended
tear in my pants, usual shave.
January 25, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 above all
day. Priced up new drugs. Sent affidavit account
F. B. Cannon to C. S. Hubbell, Alaska Building, Seattle. Paid last
quarter employers Social Security tax, but had no form to fill
in. Brown Jr. and Kessenger operating Cads garage.
Red planes dropped down 200 fur coats and grub by mistake to Fin trenches.
No Outside long wave. All war talk, not much fighting.
January 26, 1940 Snow flurries, 18 to 30 above.
Mail went south, boat on time at Seward. Got $41 order
from Churchill’s siwash son. Ellexson out from Knik with
dog team, cars still going to Knik. Eva filling her summer ice
house. No fighting in Europe wars today, just talking it over?
No long wave, got 3 PM world news on short wave. Filled coal
bin.
January 27, 1940 Business fair, weather
cloudy, 22 to 30 above. Self in shelf hardware inventory.
PM cleaned up armature on electric light generator. Charged
batteries. Received letter from caretaker of farms, Schmidt,
mortgage paid on Singleton farm, crop prices down to 1933 level.
Ma took bath in new house tub. Self got sore feet . Mail
arrived. Long wave OK, some static.
January 28, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
18 to 28 above. On hardware inventory, AM good radio.
The Fins held back the 200,000 Russian drive today. No fighting
on Western Front by French and Germans Jap’s sore account
German subjects being taken off their boat. Three more tank
cars of oil arrived for mines. Texas froze up. Radio
fair.
January 29, 1940 A-1 day, 18 to 24 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Electric wash day in new house.
Isaac’s and Ellexson’s in from Knik. PM got hardware and
groceries out of set-out car. Fins put it all over the Reds
today. Germany sank 3 boats. GOP lining up for next
election. Cold weather in southern states. Radio week,
barely got the news.
January 30, 1940 PM rain, 29 to 40 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Eva, Stanley and Jr. drove to Anchorage.
Hitler made speech on 7th anniversary as Dictator of Germany,
claimed England started the war to crush Hitler’s rule, now ready
for big battle. Fins still defeating Red Army. Isaac’s
and Ellexson’s returned to Knik and Goose Bay. Lightening flashes
PM. School paper out. Streets all ice.
January 31, 1940 Chinook weather, 42 above,
rained last night, nothing but ice on roads left. Priced
up new groceries and stored away same. Kids back from Anchorage,
auto road all ice Anchorage to Palmer, down to gravel Palmer to
Wasilla after rain. Paid January invoices. Chamberlain says
no end to war until world peace terms agreed upon. Radio weak,
got news.
January Memo: January very mild weather,
no snow. Warmed up to 42 above and rain. Trucks
going through to the Independence Mine. More snow on Willow
Creek side, using Cat from Willow Station to Lucky Shot Mine.
Ma got lame knee. Marie Martha doing well in school, sleeps
and eats here. No payroll and no business, took inventory.
February 1, 1940 A-1 day, 32 to 44 above.
Snow gone in Wasilla, dirt streets, muddy. Warm all over
Alaska. Got out orders and south mail. Hurd’s school
bus in the ditch. Finland offered peace terms to Russia but
no allotments. Hitler says he’s only been practicing war in
past, now ready to fight. Radio fair.
February 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 44 above all
day, above freezing most parts of Alaska. Self on hardware
shelf inventory. Charged electric light batteries.
Mail went south. Roads all ice, several cars in the ditch.
Russia talking armistice after 3 months aggression vs. Fins.
Armenia in trouble over oil wells with warring nations. Radio
weak, no long wave. Got 3 PM news over short wave.
February 3, 1940 A-1 day, 28 to 30 above.
On hardware inventory. Buddy and self filled furnace coal bin
with large chunks of coal. Cloudburst in Los Angeles, flood
blew manhole covers off, all cars stalled. Palmer boys and
girls vs. Wasilla at Town Hall tonight. German’s lost 3 bombers
on British ships today. Only local radio, Juneau, Fairbanks and
Anchorage stations.
February 4, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
18 to 30 above. Finished taking shelf hardware. Freight,
PM 3 tanks oil and 1 car more for mines. We got ¾ tons
fruit and groceries Marie Martha helped me wheel it over. German’s
bombing a lot of English boats, only war maneuvers. Fins repulsing
all attacks by Russian’s. Evening, clear and 30 above.
Radio weak.
February 5, 1940 Business normal.
A-1 day, 14 to 30 above. Electric wash day at our new house
aft store, Eva operator Stanley, mechanic. Priced and stored
away new fruit and groceries. Chicago won Democratic Convention
meet this summer. Fins defeated Red Army, crack troops of
10M. India, colonists, making trouble for England. Static
on short wave.
February 6, 1940 Partly cloudy, 8 to 30 above.
Cleaned up hardware inventory in main store. Shonbeck
and Tarwater visited, 4 PM jury trial on at Town Hall. Old
Ingstrom vs. ARR Co-op account sheep eating his grain hay, was
awarded $50 Ray and Peterson lawyers. Reds vs. Fins only war
today. Radio weak, got war news.
February 7, 1940 A-1 day, 18 to 30 above.
Walden trucks hauling oil to Independence Mine. Milo Kelly
came out with $3,500 gold brick. Sears arrived with 2 ton
powder for Mabel Mine and 20 cases gas for K. T. Co. Hitler still
sinking British boats. Red Army losing tanks and soldiers vs.
Fins. No long wave, short wavy OK. Mild weather.
February 8, 1940 Weather cloudy, 20 to 26 above.
Self checking inventories. Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage
account big basketball game, Buddy and Marie Martha staying with
Grandma. Buddy kicked sister out of bed, wanted to sleep
alone. Fins killed 1,000 Reds today and held their line.
Airplane wedding here today. Short wave only and local stations
with news.
February 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 20 to 26 above.
Self checking hardware inventory. Kids back from Anchorage
1:30 AM. Out-mail went south 10 AM. Wire to Metz,
George Zink passed out in Portland February 6th and Harry Staycer
dropped dead at his Crow Creek mine today, was ex-marshal at Anchorage.
Only short wave and local radio.
February 10, 1940 Weather cloudy, 28 to 30
above. Self tabulating hardware inventories. Stanley
and Jr. took Marie Martha to Palmer dentist for exam. Tornado
in Georgia killed many today. Eklutna here playing Wasilla
basketball team. Swen Edlund and wife arrived from Seattle.
Mild weather continues.
February 11, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
40 above all day. Quiet in town. Kids drove to Goose
Bay for dinner with the Queen and King, caretakers of the dock.
Half ton hardware and produce arrived on PM freight, wheeled it
to store and oiled store floor. Mrs. Zink wants Jacob Metz
to be administrator of Zink estate. No long wave, short wave OK
but missed news.
February 12, 1940 Weather cloudy, 40 above
all day. Self tabulating hardware inventory. Electric
wash day at new house used for laundry and furnish electric lights
for K. T. Co. store. Reds doubled up on drive vs. Fins but
failed to break through and lost 10,000 soldiers. Allies
sending Fins 400 new planes. Short wave good, long wave weak.
Firestone had good program. Spring day.
February 13, 1940 Weather cloudy, 34 above
all day. Priced up new hardware. Stanley and mother drove to
Palmer for ice chain links and popcorn. Eva helped in store
PM. Roosevelt sending council over to Europe to settle the
war? Fins killed over 30,000 Reds and took 200 tanks on Red
Army drive today. Short wave only. Germany sinking neutral
boats.
February 14, 1940 Weather cloudy, 24 to 32
above. Self on office work all day. Got hair cut,
not many gray hairs seen. Evening, Stanley drove to Palmer
account basketball. Metz went to Anchorage account Zink
estate affidavit. Reds drove Fins back on one line today.
Two thousand British recruited for Fins. Only short wave,
all talk, only fighting is Reds and Fins. Two more boats sunk
today.
February 15, 1940 Business slow, no money.
Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above. Stanley
made round trip to Anchorage, Eva’s birthday, 36? Got out
balance of south mail. Buddy our pest all day, Marie Martha,
after school, went down to Colony ranch to sleep with the pigs?
February 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 14 to 36
above. Mail train south with Fairbanks, Anchorage Rendezvous
sports, 100. Mine Elick out from Knik with dog team.
Leibing and Fritz got a job at Gold Cord Mine. Stanley made
coach, Wasilla basketball team. Fins now hard pressed by Red
Army. Hitler sunk 2 neutral boats. Radio good, all stations
on air. Still mild weather in Alaska.
February 17, 1940 Partly cloudy, 10 to 36 above.
Got $40 order from Lucky Shot Post Office. Bus took
most all of Wasilla to Anchorage Rendezvous meeting, Eva went,
Stanley and kids with Grandma. PM refilled store furnace
coal bin. Metz back from Anchorage account Zink estate.
Fins hard pressed by Reds. Norway in trouble account boat
entry. Radio good.
February 18, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
18 to 36 above. AM packed $40 order for Frank E, Gagnon
at Lucky Shot. Stanley drove to Anchorage, Thorpe’s went along,
Buddy and sister our guests and Grandma put them to bed in their
house and stayed at guard. Charged electric batteries.
Boat freight arrived, had a set-out car.
February 19, 1940 Partly cloudy, 28 to 40 above.
Electric wash day at new house, Eva laundress, Stanley mechanic.
Got groceries over from set-out, priced up same. Stanley
left 11 AM account basketball at Anchorage. Shaw family back
from Anchorage. Red Army quit drove on Fins, lost too many
men and equipment. Reds bombing Fin cities and children.
Short wave good all PM Evening, long wave with static and weak.
Posted January.
February 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, 32 to 40
above. Got NCR cash ledger posted to May. Quiet
in town, all gone to Anchorage Rendezvous. Ski sports held
at Fishhook Inn account no snow near Anchorage. Fins still
back Red Army and will win the war if volunteer help arrives soon.
Stanley still at Anchorage. Radio weak. Japan about
broke.
February 21, 1940 Weather cloudy, 28 to 40
above. Self on mail and got 1939 ledger posted to June.
Eva and Stanley, with Mrs. Cad for ballast, drove to Anchorage for
final Rendezvous. Snow, blizzard closed down all fighting
the Fins. Roosevelt still fishing near Panama. Outside
radio NG. Got news from local stations. Streets dusty.
February 22, 1940 Store open AM, partly
cloudy, 30 to 40 above. PM and evening, posting 1939 NCR
ledger. AM Fairbanks Special with Anchorage Rendezvous sports
went north. PM big bus returned Wasilla basketball team.
Kids, with Mrs. Cad, got home 2:30 AM. As usual, Swede won
the $1,000 prize at Rendezvous. Europe war big talk, not much
fighting. Good George Washington program over short wave.
February 23, 1940 Weather cloudy, 20 to 38
above. Self posting ledger all day till midnight, got
2 more months to post. Mail one day early, Saturday to Friday
from boats. Report Fins lost 75M vs. over 300M of Red Army
and Fins drafted last soldier over 40. Fins lost merchant boat
today. Helmer Oberg and 3 others escaped from Anchorage jail.
Quakes in Turkey. Radio weak. U. S. made 20 million
dollar loan to Finland for airplanes.
February 24, 1940 Weather cloudy, windy, 26
above. Finished posting 1939 ledger, now tabulating for
income tax report on March 15 at Tacoma. Marie Martha had
out several baby teeth by Palmer dentist. Reported Herbeth
Oberg and partner broke into store at Palmer. Ellexson’s and
Isaac families returned to Goose Bay AM. Static radio not much
good. Rain on Pacific Coast.
February 25, 1940 Sunday, windy all day,
22 to 32 above. Got 2 shipments over to depot for north
freight. Joe Palmer returned to his trap line at Caswell,
sold his martin catch for over $300. Secretary Wells on
peace time in Europe meeting with no approval. Fins now lack
man power but still holding Red Army back, 300,000 Reds killed.
Radio weak, got news.
February 26, 1940 Big wind, 26 to 32 above.
Self on balance sheet 1939 ledger. Electric wash day at
new house, Eva put them in, Stanley took them out. Ma insists
on washing dirty sox etc. by hand. Reds after 3 months bombardment,
took Fins sea port. California Congress adjourned and
left relief fund short 6 million dollars. Political 1940
campaigning now on. Static radio, NG. Got news over local
stations.
February 27, 1940 Windy, 22 to 26 above.
Self tabulating ledger for 1939 tax report and keeping up fires.
Nels Larson in Palmer hospital account of slight stroke.
Mrs. Senske flew down from Lucky Shot. British and German’s
dog fighting in air and sinking boats. Floods out in California
and more storms coming. Outside radio NG. World News
over local stations.
February 28, 1940 Weather colder, 16 to 24
above. Self working on 1939 income tax report. Got
out orders for S and W and Pacific Fruit groceries. Eva and
Stanley joy riding to Anchorage and return. Buddy left with
Grandma to help limber up her legs? Marie Martha farming tonight.
No long wave, Reds with 100,000, driving back the Fins. Ray
Wolf visited.
February 29, 1940 Leap year. Cloudy,
cool wind, 18 to 32 above. Finished tabulating 1939 income
report, no tax to pay. Ice cutters through on Lake Wasilla,
had fine weather and no snow to bother with. Mail arrived.
Ex-President Hoover spoke before Congress D. C. on aid to Finland.
President Roosevelt on way to D. C. from fishing trip to Panama.
Short wave weak. Evening, long wave good.
March Memo: Still operating K. T. Co. store.
January 2, 1940 inventory $10,589.58 cost price and $15,562.01
selling price. Paint, building material, gas and oil
not taken. Pritchard Davis and partner of Spokane wants
$10,000 lease on my placer mine, royalty 25% on cleanup as payment.
February and March spring weather, no snow in Matanuska Valley,
28 to 44 above.
March 1, 1940 Weather cloudy, 16 to 32 above.
Buddy and self filled store furnace coal bin. Outside mail
arrived. More floods in California, 70,000 acres flooded,
6,000 people hit for hill tops. Fins returning account man
power vs. 200,000 Reds. Nels Larsen back from hospital.
Radio good. Conservative Democrat and Republican vs. New Deal
appropriations.
March 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 32 to 38 above.
AM finished 1939 income tax report, subject to notary seal.
Net profit only $592.41! Eva and Sharon drove to Anchorage
to see Ellen off for Bristol Bay by air. Marie Martha caught
chicken pox from the housebreakers, Shaw brothers. Radio
good all PM and evening.
March 3, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
warmer, 38 to 44 above. Charged electric batteries and
pumped up tank in new house. Evening, Ma took a bath, also
self, regular bath. Germans bombed passenger boat, over
100 killed. Boat freight arrived 4 PM got ½ ton groceries
shipped 2 orders to Willow. Mrs. Senske returned to Lucky Shot
Mine. Radio good. Paris and all foreign stations came
in. No snow in Wasilla.
March 4, 1940 A-1 day, 38 to 44 above. Ma looked
after Buddy and sister with chicken pox while mother did electric
washing in our new house and shrunken my shirt tail 7” toward
the north star. Elliott in from Goose Bay after mail and
groceries, had to leave dog team at mile 4 account no snow.
California still flooded, ten million dollars in damages.
March 5, 1940 Partly cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
Self in store AM. Stanley drove Mrs. Oberg to Palmer
to catch Anchorage bus account her son Herb in jail, now 2 sons
in Anchorage jail. Ohio rivers on rampage. Warmer at
Nome than in New York City. PM charged electric light batteries
and made hoods to cover engine and electric power pump and engine.
Radio good. England shipped Germany coal shipments to Italy.
March 6, 1940 Partly cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
9 AM special train passed through for Fairbanks dog and ice
carnival, arrived Fairbanks 10:30 PM. Reported over KFAR
250 and 1000 to meet them at train arrival. PM visited
on Marie Martha and Buddy nursing chicken pox, Buddy badly broken
out. Mailed income tax report to Conroy for seal. Radio
good, Chicago and southern states came in fine.
March 7, 1940 Weather cloudy, 36 to 44 above.
Outside mail went south AM. Basketball games on at Fairbanks.
England’s 20 million dollar boat entered at new York until war
is over. Russia wants all war off with Finland, afraid of volunteer
help coming to Finland. PM visited on Buddy and Marie Martha,
chicken pox drying up. Radio good. California flood receding,
10 million in damages, 6M homeless.
March 8, 1940 Weather cloudy, 36 to 40 above.
In store AM and office. Made out grocery order for air
mail. Sold portable radio set to Fritz at Gold Cord.
Fairbanks 80 mile dog race on today, finish tomorrow.
Ohlson asks Congress for 5 million to change Alaska Railroad
ocean terminal and 1½ million to repair railroad track
Radio weak, got basketball game in Fairbanks.
March 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Self in store AM. PM charged electric light batteries,
coal up, etc. Stanley made trip to Gold Cord Mine.
Russia - Fin peace back off. England gave back 11 boats of German
coal for Italy account blockade. Miss Fairbanks won carnival
queen, Mary Cadwallader was Wasilla queen. No long wave, short
weak, Fairbanks out and in.
March 10, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
28 to 38 above. Store open 3 hours, AM for absent minded.
Scraped and re-oiled floor in front by show case. Ma took
Buddy and Marie out for airing PM. Evening, Marie Martha back
again to sleep at Grandma’s house. Miss Fairbanks won Queen
of Carnival. No long wave, short wave OK.
March 11, 1940 Weather cloudy, 22 to 34 above.
Weather man says snow tomorrow. Electric wash day at
our new house, Eva operator. Buddy and sister out riding
bikes to shake off chicken pox scabs. Special train returned
with Fairbanks Dog and Ice Carnival rooters to Anchorage.
Thus far, Fins parlay with Reds for peace has failed. Congress
reducing appropriations. Short wave good, special news report
direct from Finland. Long wave weak.
March 12, 1940 Cloudy, windy 28 to 34 above.
PM charged electric light batteries. Put priming coat
of orange on banister in annex. Made coat hanger for bathroom.
Fins and Reds came to a peace term to stop war tomorrow. Volunteers
going to Fins aid got a joy trip, free, now in route. Short
wave weak, no long wave.
March 13, 1940 Partly cloudy 30 to 32 above.
Armistice between Red and Fin Army. Fins gave up some
sea ports but still in ____ as a government. Eva,
Buddy and Stanley drove to Anchorage, Marie Martha in school again
after dose of chicken pox. Mail boat one day late at Seward.
Walden hauling car groceries and gas machinery to Independence Mine,
also car oil. Long wave NG, short wave OK.
March 14, 1940 A-1 day, 30 to 32 above.
In store AM mail went south. Kids back from Anchorage PM
Grandma Fleck had the chicken pox. PM charged electric light
batteries and made veneer wood box for new house baby blue kitchen.
March 15, 1940 Business normal, A-1 day,
28 to 34 above. Got 2 orders from Lucky Shot Post Office,
also 2 mail orders for up railroad line. Self in store
AM PM at new house. Put up more coat hooks and enameled
annex banister rail. Charged batteries account store lights.
Romania now shivering under war threats, Hitler says he will protect
them. Radio good. Big storm in Atlantic Coast.
Special war news over KNIX.
March 16, 1940 Two inches snow, 10 to 20 above.
Wasilla black since February 1st, now white again, new snow.
Wrote Frank Kelly, placer mine not for lease. Billed up
2 orders for rail shipment. Outside mail arrived, 1 day late.
Reported no snow above Fishhook Inn, blizzard in Anchorage.
Airplane had to land at Wasilla.
March 17, 1940 Sunday, weather clearing,
10 to 20 above, evening zero. First zero weather since
November. Al Horning left for Anchorage at noon with his
3 airplane passengers. Under Secretary Wells held over
at Rome, making a hit with dictator leaders on world peace plan.
Romania ready for any intruders on their oil reserve. Boat
freight arrived, PM had a set-out. President Roosevelt trying
to settle Europe wars. Short wave good.
March 18, 1940 Weather colder, 8 below zero
to 18 above. AM had Gus haul over 2 truck loads of groceries
and hardware from set-out. Hitler and Mussolini talking
peace pact in Europe, with all nations but Russia. Thorpe family,
with man, returned to Grubstake quartz mine via Willow Station.
Wash day at my electric house, Eva put ‘em in, Stanley hung ‘em out.
Evening, 8 above. Radio fair. England, France and Germany
still sinking boats and subs.
March 19, 1940 Weather cloudy and windy, 11
below zero to 30 above. Pricing and storing away new groceries.
Stanley and Sharon left for 2 day trip to New Bullion Mine to
inspect snow conditions. Shorty Gustafson in town making
ready for his Craigie Creek prospect. Gust Jackson down from
Pittman to trade. British dropped 80 bombs on German airport
last night. Only short wave, big wind all PM
March 20, 1940 Cloudy, windy, 20 to 30 above.
AM cleaned out chimney in new house with soot destroyers and
re-assembled storage batteries. Aviator and 1 passenger
killed in tail spin, landing at Nechelchuk, Alaska. Paid
4 invoices and got out-mail. Stanley back from his mine on Craigie
Creek, snow only knee keep. Only short wave radio. Gus
received 2nd car of Healy coal.
March 21, 1940 A-1 spring day, windy, 20 to
34 above. Mail for States went south. Gus delivering
car Healy coal, took 5 tons, school 10 tons. All war and
peace talk in Europe. British and French lined up vs. Germany.
Only fighting thus far is by air. Wasilla blackout again,
snow gone. Only short wave radio. U.S. sale of airplanes
to warring nations big item now.
March 22, 1940 Big wind, 28 to 34 above.
Monthly school paper out, club cutting out free lunches to
school kids. Mail from States arrived PM. British
sunk boat load of iron bound for Germany, British lost one bomber
today. Hitler to pull off a surprise on Easter Sunday.
New Deal says no more milk. Radio weak, PM news. Evening
short wave only. Wind blew snow to ‘ell out of Wasilla.
March 23, 1940 Still windy, 28 to 32 above.
Stanley and family drove to Anchorage AM account 73rd birthday
of Grandma Fleck. Dance on at Wasilla Hall to raise funds
account hot lunches for school kids. PM charged electric
light batteries and repaired door in garage, bumped by car.
Now 2 boats sailing for Seward and railroad. Radio a blank,
only local station heard.
March 24, 1940 Easter Sunday, partly cloudy,
14 to 22 above. Bus took Wasilla bunch to church at Palmer,
6:30 sunrise service. Boat freight train arrived, we had
none. Kids back from Anchorage 7 PM. Finished enameling
banister railing in new house annex. PM and evening, no
radio, storm brewing. Train had mining machine for Inside.
KFAR, Fairbanks only station on air and 50% weak. Evening,
took usual Sunday bath in new house.
March 25, 1940 Weather cloudy, 22 to 40 above.
Isaac and Ellexson out from Knik and Goose Bay for supplies.
Wash day at our new house, Eva put ‘em in, Stanley hang ‘em out.
Ma took her 4th bath in new house. Opened up 1940 seed box
account spring around the corner. Hitler failed to pull
off Easter surprise.
March 26, 1940 Spring day, 38 to 48 above.
Arranged 1940 seed display. Started to cut opening in
annex wall for cooling closet. Eva and Stanley attended
ex-squawman’s birthday party at Knik. Buddy slept with Marie
Martha at our house. British sunk 2 more iron boats bound
for Germany. Got 3 PM short wave news. Evening, long
wave dead, only local stations.
March 27, 1940 Weather cloudy, 38 to 58 above,
was 11 to 52 above in Fairbanks. Ma went to Anchorage
for weekend. France sent Russia Embassy home. Colony
farmers going beaver trapping for summers grubstakes. Had
Stanley pull out another dead tooth, only 12 front teeth left.
Buddy B. and Jane C. in love again. Radio weak, got 3 PM
World News. Warmest day of spring.
March 28, 1940 Weather cloudy, 38 to 48 above.
Snow flurries last night all gone 2 hours after sun up.
Ma at Anchorage. Dr. Albrecht here, tested school kids
for TB and took my blood test account Health Dept. Stanley
drove to Palmer PM account parts for his car. Mrs. Cad started
to make garden with an axe? Balcan States calling for peace
terms. Only short wave. Wagner bought out KFQD Station.
March 29, 1940 Weather cloudy, 38 to 48 above.
Ma still at Anchorage on weekend. AM finished dec-a-dooing
kitchen walls, doors and china closet re-coated linoleum floor,
fawn lacquer. Eva, the cook, buddy, sister and dad star
boarders at our house. Snowed at mines last night.
Mail arrived on time. Wind storm and floods in States.
Germans claim they bombed British cruisers.
March 30, 1940 Weather cloudy, 34 to 48 above.
Wet snow in hills last night, evening 34 above and misting.
Ma doing movies at Anchorage. Put up beaver outfit for
Paddy and 2 partners. Painted panels and wainscoting in
kitchen, store. Six tons mining freight in route to Willow
for Stanley’s mine. Cad and McDougal left Seattle for Wasilla
today. Washed aching feet. World News on local station.
March 31, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
warmer 40 to 48 above. Paddy and Soper and Vail kid left
on PM freight to trap beaver on Kashwitna. Stanley and
Sharon left on PM freight to unload six tons machinery at Willow
Station for his Craigie Creek mine. Ma arrived home on PM
freight train after weekend at Mayor Gill’s, Anchorage. Charged
electric light batteries and evening enameled china closet in kitchen.
Fourth day radio dead. No news on Sunday evening.
April 1, 1940 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 40 to 42 all day. Mayors of Knik and Goose
Bay and families out to trade. All fools safe today.
Stanley out at his mine. Natives, from Knik, out to trade.
Self hauled over truck load groceries from set-out, priced and stored
away. Old Hitler accuses Uncle Sam is cause of Europe wars?
Eva, the Chinaman, on electric wash today. No Outside radio today.
Fairbanks weak at 9:30 PM.
April 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 44 to 46 above.
AM finished pricing up new merchandise. Frost coming out
and cars cutting holes in road. Isaac and Ellexson’s returned
to Knik AM. Ohnestad hauled out boat for Ellexson from
Knik. Marie Martha’s birthday, 8 years old in 2nd grade,
reads well and at top of class in school, gave her $8 check. Sixth
day radio dead. News over local station 9:30, heard Fairbanks.
April 3, 1940 Warm day, 42 to 60 above.
Walden hauling mining timber to Independence Mine. Metz
bought a lot back of school house, $10. Got out orders for
paint and produce. Churchill made Dictator of British-German
war. Gold Cord hauling in car oil. Stanley at his mine.
No rush for Anchorage airport, Fairbanks and Kodiak come first.
No long wave, short wave weak.
April 4, 1940 A-1 spring day, 44 to 54 above.
Mail went south. Stanley back from his mine, left 2 men
to clear snow out of tunnel and cuts. PM drove to Anchorage.
Sears digging well for Gus. Mrs. Roosevelt inspecting houses
in California, only those built by New Deal to live in.
Frost out of ground, streets dry but roads cut up by autos.
11 PM 34 above. Only short wave radio and weak.
April 5, 1940 Real summer day, 43 to 60 above.
PM charged electric batteries and ripped out frame for cooler
cupboard. Kids back from Anchorage PM. Evening, Marie
Martha went to see movie show at Palmer with Mrs. Oberg.
British made an air bomb hit on German cruisers. Everybody
out for their 10 beaver. No long wave only short wave.
Cad and McDougal back from Seattle and California.
April 6, 1940 Sixth real spring day, 42 to
58 above. Fairbanks reported 60 above at 8 PM.
Stanley drove his mother over to Palmer Hospital for blood test
account chief clerk in store. PM worked 3 hours on cooler
closet in new house annex. Sold beaver traps and grub outfit
at Pittman. FDR planting trees at Hyde Park house and Mrs.
Roosevelt visiting CCC camp in California. Nick Stephan, on
relief, out from Knik on usual toot. Ice Pool sale closed.
Long wave still dead, short wave weak.
April 7, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
42 to 52 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Stanley left
5 AM for his mine via Gold Cord - High Grade summit by car, dog team
and pack over summit. PM worked on cooler closet. Sun
eclipse in southern states PM. Warring nations got Norway over
barrel about shipping to Germany. Evening, got out grocery and
fruit orders. Radio good, all PM from Treasure Island station.
Matanuska flooded again.
April 8, 1940 Partly cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
Electric laundry day at our new house, Eva the Chinaman, did
2 wash in 2 hours. Stanley at his quartz mine. Worked 2 hours
on cooler closet. Germany now invading Norway and Denmark.
11 PM KFAR had a short wave hook up with London with all late
war news. Short wave OK, long way NG.
April 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Self in store until 3 PM then worked on cooler closet.
Germany now got control of Denmark and Norway ports. Naval
battle expected to come off tomorrow. Primary election in
States, FDR leading 2 to 1 thus far. Stanley at his mines.
Gus got 4 feet water in his new well. McNally quit the Fern
mine too much female boss. Short wave OK, long wave NG.
April 10, 1940 Cloudy, windy, 56 above.
Self in store most of day. First Naval battle on today.
British sunk 2 boats and 4 cruisers of German navy and downed 14
air bombers on Norway Coast. British loss slight.
Norway refused German protectorate. Lothrop in from Cottonwood
to trade. Beaver season now open. Short wave OK long
wave weak. ARC smoothing ruts on auto roads.
April 11, 1940 Weather cloudy, 42 to 58 above.
In store to 2 PM charged electric light batteries.
Worked 3 hours on cooler closet. Edlund’s went beaver hunting.
Road all cut up, no traffic to mines or Anchorage. Stanley
in from his quartz mine. No fighting today, talking it over
account Germany taking Denmark and Norway. 56 above at Fairbanks.
Radio good, both long and short wave.
April 12, 1940 Weather cloudy, PM 44 to 58
above. PM fitted molding on cooler closet.
Gus and Stanley drove to Palmer. Germans lost 10M soldiers, bombed
at sea on way to Norway. Mail arrived. Arlo, Bud and
Tom left for Cat job Inside. Radio weak, all war news.
Germany trying to take Norway.
April 13, 1940 Business slow, no payroll,
temperature 44 to 54 above. Frost last night, down to 30
above midnight, now raining. St. Clair’s closed booze joint
and left for beaver hunt today. British claim 6 German cruisers
sunk today. Boat freight arrived PM Ma took her 4th
bath in new house. Over 300 trappers now out for beaver.
Radio weak.
April 14, 1940 Sunday, rain last night,
56 above. Town dead, all gone beaver hunting, others on
relief. AM hauled over truck load groceries and hardware
from freight shed, also truck load tin cans to dump. Hitler
says not at war with Norway, just there to protect them from the allies?
Stanley left, 6 AM for his mine. Short wave OK, long wave 50%
weak. Hitler says John Bull did them no harm.
April 15, 1940 Partly cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Electric wash day, Eva the Chinaman, Buddy and Grandpa engineers.
British landing troops in Norway to drive out German invaders.
Stained and decorated cooling closet. Priced and stored
away new merchandise. Gas launches operating from lower Inlet
to Anchorage. PM short wave weak, evening OK, no long wave.
April 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 64 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Boat 1 day late,
no mail today. Nailed molding on cooler closet. Airplane
cracked up on forced landing at Anchorage. Through-freight
passed north at midnight. Roads improving, frost about out.
German’s got 60M troops in Norway, British troops after them.
April 17, 1940 Business dead, cloudy,
46 to 56 above. Raining at Fairbanks. Evening light
rain at Wasilla. Sent out order for paint and locks ordered
for Wasilla school building Germans still maneuvering in
Norway and not afraid of John Bull and his lion? Sold another
beaver grub outfit. Radio too weak for PM news. Local
station OK.
April 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Mid-week mail 1 day late. Stanley and 2 helpers in from
his mine. Got house up at upper train terminal.
Snowed 1’ at mine last 24 hours. Stanley and family drove
to Anchorage. All war talk today, no fighting in Norway.
Long wave in 2 hours only 6 to 8 PM. More beaver hunters went
north, 400 now out.
April 19, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 54 above.
Stanley back, PM from Anchorage. Varnished cooler cupboard
and charged batteries. British landing troops in Norway
for big drive vs. Germans Our government building more war
ships. Marie Martha saw pictures at Palmer. Radio good,
both long and short wave. Sprinkles of dry rain.
April 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Stanley and 2 helpers returned to his Craigie quartz mine.
Packed $17 order for Lucky Shot customer. British and
Norsky’s drove Germans back in northern Norway. Nenana
ice moved at 3:27 PM today. Clara Hanson, of Anchorage, nearest
to time, gets $90,000. Radio good.
April 21, 1940 Sunday. Partly cloudy,
44 to 56 above. Boat freight arrived PM. Cleaned up
in balcony. Paid Seattle invoices. Someone stole Cad’s
touring car last night. British and Germans bombing each
other in Norway. Mussolini about ready for war. No radio
PM evening OK.
April 22, 1940 Weather partly cloudy, 46 to
50 above. Self in store AM. PM engineer on Monday
electric washing, Eva the Chinaman. Buddy and self hauled
over truck load new merchandise from set-out, priced and
stored same away. Max Elliott and family moved away.
War now on in Europe, British, Germans and Norway. Afternoon, short
wave weak, evening OK. ARC smoothing out on roads.
April 23, 1940 Weather warmer, 50 to 66 above.
Sent mail, airmail route, by Fairbanks. Sidney Rae and
family arrived, rented old Post Office building Self in
store evening, burned grass along Wasilla Avenue. Ice took
out part of Goose Bay dock. Metz repaired his house inside.
April 24, 1940 Warm day, 52 to 66 above.
PM started to put more loam on lawn at new house and lined
up driveway. A new Noah’s Ark built in Tacoma, held up
in Seattle by Humane Society, was in route to Alaska. Hitler
claims Germany has control of southern Norway and has sunk 53 British
boats since April 13th. Evening, cloudy. Short wave
OK, no long wave.
April 25, 1940 Weather cloudy, 52 to 58 above.
Paddy and partners back from beavers, got less than 10 of them.
Partners had to walk back from Kashwitna with dogs. Nickalaska
in with his 10 beavers. Sidney Ray setting up his electric
welding outfit. Stanley in from his quartz mine for supplies.
Germans out done the British on today’s war in Norway. No
Outside radio. KFQD dedicated God Bless America to Herning
and Isaac.
April 26, 1940 Partly cloudy, 50 to 58 above.
Stanley bought small order for his mine, shipping to Willow
Station. Finished re-surfacing lawn at new house. Sent
4¢ balance due on Griffith, Indiana taxes 1939. The British
put one over on the Germans in Norway today. Mail train north
2 hours late. No Outside radio, got war news on local station.
April 27, 1940 Cloudy, evening rain, 50 to
60 above. In store AM, PM freight arrived. Hauled
over 1¼ tons and stored same. Buddy took header
on his bike and skinned his cheek. Kids sleeping here while
mother and dad at Anchorage, vice versa. Germans put one over
on British in Norway war today. McNally in, family gone Outside.
Snow off Bald Mt. to summit. Only short wave radio.
Evening, first spring rain.
April 28, 1940 Sunday, light rain, 40
to 50 above. Frogs croaking and trees taking on summer
garments. Took down winter fly in balcony. Kids back
from Anchorage PM. Mrs. Cad in Palmer Hospital account black
spots on her leg. Germans pushing back British in drive through
Norway. Tornado in Idaho, $50,000 damage. Only short wave
radio. Got World News.
April 29, 1940 Weather cloudy, rain, 44 to
48 above. Electric wash day at our new house. Isaac
and Ellexson’s out from Knik to trade. Bald Mt. white again
to summit. Some planting gardens in Wasilla. Alaska Weekly
says, thus far, Germans have best of war with Britain and France.
Stanley left, 3rd trip to his mine via Gold Cord summit. Put
more grass seed on new lawn. Day radio weak, evening OK on short
wave.
April 30, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
Primary election today. Busy in store most of day.
Truck on Palmer - Anchorage highway caught fire and burned up.
Shorty in from trip to Milo Kelly Mine. Germans got best
of Norway war today vs. the British. Reported Italy ready to
help Hitler win the war. Afternoon radio NG, evening short wave
OK. Mail arrived 11:30 PM.
May 1, 1940 Weather cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Mrs. Slumberger bought $26 outfit. Republicans gaining
on primary elections. Mrs. Isaac stayed in Wasilla, not feeling
well, Charlie went back to Goose Bay. British had best
of war in Norway today. Snowed 2” in Chicago, wind storms
in States. No afternoon radio. Evening, short wave
only. Warm all over Alaska today.
May 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 66 above.
Birch trees all green, also grass. In store, charged electric
batteries. States hit hard with snow storms and wind, why
live in Alaska? Beaver hunters coming home. Hitler has
control of Norway. Eva got frog in throat?
May 3, 1940 Business normal, A-1 day,
58 to 66 above. New Bullion Mine bought $200 outfit.
Stanley and Sharon in from mine for supplies and to see the cook.
Wasilla School annual “The Hub” off the press and a fine number.
British evacuated Norway, left all material, etc. behind, what next?
Primary election in valley went 50/50 by Republicans, New Deal
off. Bill Tryck back from Seattle. Self on lawn, PM Radio
good, both long and short wave. Storm over in States.
May 4, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers PM 54 to
58 above. PM put more loam on new house lawn.
Lothrop plowing Wasilla gardens. Stanley and Eva made round
trip to Anchorage. Buddy left with Grandma to run her game
leg off? Annual school play on at Town Hall tonight.
Paddy overhauling his airplane car. Germans claim they sunk
British battleship today. Radio good both Juneau and Fairbanks
and Pacific Coast stations.
May 5, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, 48 to 58
above. Stanley and Sharon left early for new Bullion Mine.
Big injun Grau mounting ARR Co-op barn copula for bell tower on
school building Another Edlund arrived from Seattle.
Roads fair, all kind of cars out today. Hungary mobilizing
her army. Radio fair. PM finished 2nd coat loam
on new house lawn.
May 6, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 70 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, operator got a bad cold.
War at Pasadena, California, professor shot board of director
account losing his job. Italy on the fence about the war,
now predicting the war will extend to Mediterranean. Re-assembled
annex storm door. School put copula over bell. Metz
planted spuds. Radio good, both long and short wave. ARC
doing repair work on roads.
May 7, 1940 Real summer day, 48 to 66 above.
In store most of day. Cad and Professor Kleck went to
Anchorage to meet school board account new gym for Wasilla school.
No fighting in Europe today, all talking about British evacuating
Norway. Primary elections in States, Republicans gaining votes
over New Dealers. Leibing’s got new car on months paycheck?
Snow gone on Bald Mt. to summit. London station good.
Treasure Island and coastal radio only. Everything now green,
2 weeks early.
May 8, 1940 Third summer day 58 to 70 above.
Dodson fishing at Wasilla cabins, caught 34” trout. Paddy’s
airplane car broke down on trip to Palmer. Sears finishing
inside of his Flannigan cabin at air field. Lloyd
George said Chamberlain should quit British war job. Traveling
men visited for orders. Radio not so hot. Evening,
Treasure Island and local station with war news.
May 9, 1940 Partly cloudy, 54 to 74 above.
Self in store all day. Washed up paint on front of store
and cleaned up counters. Dick Lander visited. Several
trout fishing on Lake Wasilla. Mid-week boat freight arrived.
Late flash: Germany had invaded both Belgium and Netherlands,
now going after England and France while England is changing war
management. Hell popping now! Short wave weak.
No long wave, World News over local station.
May 10, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers 54 to
64 above. Self pricing up new groceries and hardware.
AM hauled over ½ ton from freight shed. Mail train
3 hours late. Churchill made Premier and war dictator of England
account of Chamberlain resigned. Dutch and Belgians held
back German aggression today. Real war on now in Europe. Ma took
on annual spring cold.
May 11, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 to
66 above. Ma got bad cold. Stanley in
again-Finegan, from his quartz mine on Craigie Creek. Germans
hard fight to get through Belgium but held back, lost over 2,000 soldiers.
Kenneth Soper married Monte Edlund’s wife. She quit Monte
Edlund account bad disorder. Pierce moved to Kelly house.
Only short wave, all Mother’s Day programs and war news.
May 12, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy, 54
to 66 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Self hauled
over ½ ton groceries from set-out, priced and stored away
same. Mothers Day picnic at Sunny Knik with camp fire on
the beach, bacon and egg party. Germans still held back from
entering Belgium by the French and British troops. Ma nursing
cold. Short wave OK, no long wave. Stanley made round
trip to Anchorage.
May 13, 1940 Weather cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Blue Monday. Ma washed dirty clothes by hand Eva the
balance in electric washer in our new house aft store. Stanley
left for his mine, took Sidney Rae along to work. John Stump
moved to Branch Section. Mrs. Isaac’s taking treatment for
swelled feet and heart trouble Mrs. Cad for black leg.
Germans advancing in Belgium. Short wave 3 to 4 PM. Nazi’s
drove back England, France and Dutch in today’s war.
May 14, 1940 Weather cooler, light showers
48 to 54 above. Self in store all day. Ma still nursing
a cold. Farmers planting spuds. Elizabeth Bergman
married at Anchorage. High school graduating exercises at
Town Hall tonight. Chas Isaac, watchman at Goose Bay, in account
his wife sore feet. Holland turned keys over to Germans
Only short wave and weak. FDR wants to increase Navy account
war in Europe.
May 15, 1940 Light rain PM 42 to 48 above.
Stanley and Sharon in from mines, snowed 15” last night at
mines and still snowing down to Fishhook Inn. Cut new
corner stakes for placer mine. War hot today. Germans
lost 4,000 trying to push through Belgium to France, others lost 3,000
men. Had fire in store furnace today. Short wave OK, all
war news. Roosevelt asking Congress to add a billion to Navy.
May 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers, 42 to
52 above. Wash day, self in store. Rain all last night,
snow down to Fishhook Inn. School closed. Frank Savola,
graduate, married. Letter from Nagley Jr. wanted report on
Tom Alton, seeking a clerks job. Received report from C. F.
Perkins on Eyota, Minnesota farms to April 30, 1940. Balance on
hand $14.61, 560 acres, 4 farms rented for $1,600 cash. Winter
on again at mines, snow. Short wave only.
May 17, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 60 above.
Stanley and Eva made round trip to Anchorage. Sharon
took his wife over to Palmer hospital, got fish bone in stomach
that wiggles? Cut 2 x 4 x 3’ for new corner stakes
on placer claims, 18. Teachers all left town but Professor
Kleck. Germans pushed back allies on 60 mile line, now 100
miles from Paris, looks bad for allies. Mussolini all ready
to go. Ma looking for Buddy and sister. Only short wave,
all war news. U. S. to double up on Navy and Army account war
scare.
May 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Charged light plant batteries. Painted tops of placer
location stakes. Cool account new snow on mountain peaks.
Boat freight arrived 5 PM. 8:30 PM earthquake in Imperial
Valley, California, 4 killed, lasted one hour. Germans
drove French back 14 miles today, towards Paris? Congress
appropriating three billion for extra Navy and air machines.
PM no short wave, evening, good, all war news. Hitler in the
lead over French.
May 19, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy, cool wind,
50 to 60 above. Usual AM trade. Oil tank and box car
set-out, ½ ton for K. T. Co. Willie Edlund and St.
Clair’s back from beaver hunt. Creosoted corner posts for
placer claims. French put in old World War General to try to
stop German invasion to Paris. Now bath time. Only short
wave, all about war and California earthquake.
May 20, 1940 Partly cloudy, cool 48 to 58 above.
Electric wash day, Eva the Chinaman. Hauled over ½
truck load groceries AM. PM put 2nd coat paint on placer
corner stakes and painted top of posts in front of new house.
French stopped German advance today. Mussolini ready to grab
something while war is on, also Russia. Quake in California
a bad one. No radio until 6 PM Hoover asked to run for
President.
May 21, 1940 Weather cloudy, 42 to 58 above.
In store until 2 PM then repainted Elmer’s head marker and
tops of front fence posts of new house. Evening, paid Seattle
invoices. The Germans still driving back the French Armies,
looks bad. Wasilla Lake Roadhouse partner drowned in Lake Wasilla
fishing. Short wave, all Europe war news.
May 22, 1940 Still cloudy, 48 to 56 above.
In store most of day. Charged up electric light batteries
and planted garden seeds in oil house lot. Wire came that
Pete Snider died on Navy boat at Honolulu. War fighting about
even up today. Stanley in from his mine. Radio weak
PM evening OK on short wave only.
May 23, 1940 Partly cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Eva, Stanley and kids drove Sharon’s wife to Anchorage in her
car. Mail went south. Belgians holding Germans back
on approach to English Channel. Jap’s still bombing the Chinks
and about out of cash. Professor Klock and Mrs. Barigo left
to join summer school. Peck delivering milk again. Only
short wave radio, all war news. Hitler says they will be in London
and Paris in 3 days.
May 24, 1940 Weather partly cloudy, 48 to 56
above. In store until 3 PM then finished re-lettering
Elmer’s head marker, August 13, 1906. Kids back from Anchorage
at noon. President Roosevelt sent big ship over to Ireland to rescue
Americans Radio weak. Trusty in from mine, also Alonzo.
Q. A. Pyle arrived from California.
May 25, 1940 Partly cloudy, 48 to 60 above.
Isaac in from Goose Bay, also Ellexson who shot a bear!
Car of merchandise arrived for Wasilla and mines. Hitler
moving right along to English Channel and in sight of Eiffel Tower.
Paris looks bad for allies. Mrs. Dodson in town cleaning up
her rented cabin. Ma got more cold account too warm weather.
Only short wave, all war news and California floods and quake.
May 26, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Freight blocked in set-out, got only butter
and eggs out. Senske down from mine on vacation, said Jap’s
and Russia would take U. S. soon? Germans still driving
allies back Germans now ready to take Paris and London. Many
Anchorage cars up here today. Railroad bridge gang here for
repairs. Stanley returned to New Bullion Mine. Radio dead
3 PM to 6 PM got war news, allies still retaliating from Germans.
May 27, 1940 Partly cloudy, 54 to 66 above.
Snow gone on Bald Mt. to summit, cool nights. Garden truck
up but not growing. AM hauled over truck load new merchandise
from set-out, priced and stored away same. PM electric wash
day at our new house. Got special war news: King Leopold
ordered Belgian soldiers to evacuate northern Belgium, giving Germans
possession. French and British separated by Germans
Short wave good all PM German wedge separated French and British
Armies, also food supplies.
May 28, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 66 above.
Finished pricing new groceries. Bridge gang moved to
Matanuska. PM Mrs. Bixler and kids arrived
from Hope, also Elizabeth Bergman, now married, to live in
Wasilla. Allies held their own today. Belgian Army
fighting again. Started to letter placer corner posts.
Ma still nursing cold. Radio weak PM Evening, short
wave good.
May 29, 1940 Germans forced allies to retreat
in Flanders to English Channel. Germans now ready to bomb
London and Paris as they say Germans mechanical power too much
for the allies thus far. Lettered 4 placer corner posts.
PM set out-mail. Short wave weak PM evening OK, all war news.
May 30, 1940 Thursday, Memorial Day,
58 to 68 above. Busy in store AM closed PM,
many cars out. British and French evacuated troops at Flanders
under gunfire from Germany. British gunboats shelled the
Germans from English Channel while retreating. Evening, Stanley
and Sharon in from mine. President Roosevelt to place wreath
on Unknown Soldiers grave. Afternoon, no short wave, evening,
good, all war news.
May 31, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 66 above.
Self in store until 3 PM. Sears got job to do $300 assessment
work, quit our placer job. Express and mail train on time.
Received first cantaloupes of season. British soldiers
still retreating from Flanders. Fog on, not much aerial bombing
today. Roosevelt asked for another billion for war defense.
Ma cranky with cold. Short wave good, news all war talk.
June 1, 1940 Partly cloudy, 62 to 72 above.
Sold one assessment outfit. Stanley and Eva drove to Anchorage,
Ma looking after their kids. Swiss shot down to Nazi bomb
planes today. Germans still bombing ally soldiers retreating
to London. Red Cross wants 10 million dollars to care for
the needy in war zone Europe. Pyle moved to mountain home.
Only short wave and local radio, all war talk.
June 2, 1940 Sunday, cloudy, 62 above
all day. Mosquitoes bad actors today. AM hauled over
truck load groceries from set-out. Ma went to Goose Bay in Stanley’s
new Chev car. Self made box to cache grub leaving auto road
to Grubstake Mine, creosoted same. Made deal with Jack Fabyan
to work at placer mine.
June 3, 1940 Weather cloudy, 52 to 66 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, Eva the Chink, Stanley engineer.
Priced up new grocery merchandise. Had Jack make two 7/8”
drills, 1 spud and a bull prick for placer mine. Germans bombed
Paris, killed 45 and 200 wounded. Aircraft guns brought down
16 German bombers. Germans captured over 200,000 allied soldiers.
Mussolini ready for war. Short wave weak, news over local station.
FDR now asking billion for war defense???
June 4, 1940 Partly cloudy, 54 to 60 above.
Stanley returned to his mine via Fishhook summit. Pass
open for traffic today. Gus made round trip to Craigie
Creek. British bombing Hitler factory towns today and gave
U. S. an invitation to help allies fight Hitler. FDR asked
Congress to extend our debt to 49 billion dollars. Both short
and long wave fair. Evening, made concrete base for Elmer’s
head marker.
June 5, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 72 above.
PM greased up Overland truck. Shorty left for Craigie Creek
to put doors and window in his new log cabin. Allies and
Germans bombing each other from the air. Italy laid mines
in harbors and now raring to fight someone. U. S. making ready
for war. Short wave fair and got out orders and mail.
Had haircut.
June 6, 1940 A-1 day, 54 to 70 above.
Stanley and Sharon in again-Finagain from Craigie Creek, over
Fishhook summit. Germans, with 200 tanks, drove a 7 mile
wedge into French lines, but lost many men and tanks. Heinz
and Schilling men here for orders. Fern hauled 4 truck loads
of concentrates to Goose Bay for shipment. Cleaned ashes out
of store furnace. radio mushy. Matanuska flooded again.
Butler Bros. goods arrived.
June 7, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
AM put new leathers in store pump. Got Butler Bros. dry
goods. charged electric batteries. Ma took her 4th
bath in new house. Stanley made round trip to Anchorage
for pipe fittings for his mines. German bombed both Paris and
London today. Short wave OK. FDR asked for another billion
for war defense.
June 8, 1940 Cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Mosquitoes bad actors, waiting for tourists. Stanley
had Gus take out 2 truck loads of lumber, pipe, etc. for his mine.
Mrs. Senske in from Kellyville. Billy Tryck left to work
on road at Cache Creek Mine. Germans bombing French back
toward Paris, but with heavy losses. No short wave PM
Eva did the electric wash today account going on vacation.
June 9, 1940 Sunday, store open 3 hours,
self got grub and supplies ready for Grubstake Placer Mine,
to leave at noon with Gus Swanson’s pickup, with Jack Fabyn.
Arrived at mailbox 3:30 PM packed over 100 pounds grub, arrived
at placer cabin 3:30, all OK in cabin. Jack packed over another
load from mailbox. Cleaned up cabin and cut some wood.
No radio at OGH placer mine,
June 10, 1940 Self and Jack doing assessment
work at OGH placer mine at Grubstake. AM on Bear Group
ground sluice. PM inspected head ditch and survey for bench
ditch from Forks.
June 11, 1940 to June 14, 1940
No entries.
June 15, 1940 At Grubstake Placer Mine.
Up at 5:30 AM hotcakes, rolled oats, prunes, bacon and eggs for
breakfast. AM started to install 180’ hydro pipe in hydro
bench ditch. Stanley visited at noon, had dinner, then with his
car, drove to his quartz mine mill, now operating. Left at 5:30
and arrived at Wasilla at 7 PM. Sharon also came to town.
Radio good, all war news.
June 16, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, 44 to
60 above. AM on mail and office work. Stanley back
from Anchorage, bought ½ ton Chev truck for mine use at
Palmer. Tried to start Onan plant engine but no go. Evening,
watered lawn. French about to surrender to Hitler Army, all
Europe now at war and want U. S. to get in. Short wave good.
Buddy and sister at Anchorage.
June 17, 1940 Wasilla to Grubstake Mine.
Left Wasilla 8 with Stanley’s Chev Roadster via Palmer.
Old car run fine on level road but would not take the gas up hills,
had to back up from Fishhook Bridge to summit. Down at Willow
Bridge, got oil pump off Patzack's old car, then went fine, arrived
at mine cabin at noon.
June 18, 1940 to June 21, 1940 No entries.
June 22, 1940 In from Grubstake for weekend.
Stanley left car at mailbox and walked over to cabin, ate supper
with us. Left mailbox at 6:20, arrived at Wasilla at
8 PM old car hit her up 35 miles per hour. Outside freight
arrived, got 540 pounds. France laid down arms to Hitler,
peace treaty under negotiations.
June 23, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, 50 to
66 above. AM got out 200 berry crates for Ohlin and Anderson
and hauled over groceries from set-out and tin cans to dump.
PM tried to start Onan electric light engine, no go. Priced
up hardware and groceries. Evening, took bath. Treasure
Island 8 PM news. Germany got complete control of France.
Stanley returned to his mine. Evening, short wave radio good.
Germany and Italy now after England.
June 24, 1940 Monday, busy with orders
and out-mail. AM left for placer mine with Eva. Mrs.
Bixler and the kids, arrived at mailbox 1:40, at cabin 2 PM
went up to hydro bench prospect. Jack cleaning rocks out
of pit. Eva drove up to New Bullion Mine to see Stanley.
June 25, 1940 At Grubstake Placer Mine
until weekend.
June 26, 1940 to June 28, 1940
No entries.
June 29, 1940 Cloudy and fog. Jack
and self made new penstock and gate for head of canyon ditch.
Stanley arrived 3 PM. At 4 PM all left for Wasilla, arrived
at 5:45 PM. Fruit arrived for 4th of July trade, vegetables
to follow on freight on Money. Mines to Wasilla. Only local
radio. Russia getting in, again, on war.
June 30, 1940 Sunday, store open 3 hours,
AM 56 to 66 above. Stanley and self tried to start
Onan electric light engine, no go, think coil burned out.
Stanley made round trip to his mine. Priced up grocery invoices.
Merchandise due Monday.
June Memo: Only 2 rains. Self at Placer
Mine since June 8th. Opened new pay channel, got $25 for
2 days sluicing with hydro hose. Ma chief clerk in K. T.
Co. store. Stanley operating his quartz mine with 9 miners
and 10 ton ball mill. ARC building bridge across Willow to
Grubstake. All Europe at war. Jap’s still fighting Chinamen.
July 1, 1940 Partly cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Stanley made round trip to Anchorage for giant powder.
Eva and Bixler’s went to Anchorage account laundry. Boat
freight arrived PM, self hauled over big truck load from set-out,
priced and stored most of it away. Short wave radio good from Cincinnati,
Ohio and England.
July 2, 1940 Payday for indigents. Busy
all day pricing up and storing away new groceries. Stanley
left for his mine with pickup load groceries and Gus’ truck with
3 tons coal, powder and timbers. Jap’s driving all Americans
and foreigners out of China. British bombed German Navy base.
Eva and kids back from Anchorage with laundry. Radio mushy.
Max Baer won over Tony Gelatto in 7th round, now will fight Joe
Louis.
July 3, 1940 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above. Jack
Fabyan drunk, wrecked his car. Beeler house burned down
PM. Hitler sunk passenger boat sailing for Canada and
bombed suburbs of London today. First local strawberries
on market today. Short wave fair, some static.
July 4, 1940 Up at 6 AM A-1 day, 62 to
72 above. Store closed all day. All left for Anchorage
at 8 with Stanley sedan, arrived at 9:40. Street parade
10 AM U. S. soldiers with guns and motor cars lead parade
about 500 people celebrating at Anchorage. Had dinner at Baretto’s
Restaurant with Mrs. Fleck.
Met Mrs. Beeler, Kellogg, Miss Clark and Gill
family. Home at 6:15 PM. Saw ball game and drove
around city and out to Lake Spenard. One fire at Anchorage.
Radio good.
July 5, 1940 Weather cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Self in store, Ma washed. Senske in from mine with poisoned
hand. Stanley returned to his mine. Tried out Onan
engine with new fresh plug, no go. Jacky Slumberger married
on July 4th. Ford refused to manufacture airplanes for allies.
Short wave mushy. British got French Navy bottled up account
Germany.
July 6, 1940 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
In store all day, small sales and sold one outfit. Two
cars lumber arrived for Independence Mine. Isaac in from
Fishhook Creek prospect, his wife in Anchorage hospital for operation.
Expert singer on air 1 hour over KFQD. British still holding French
Navy from Germans Some air bombing. Short wave OK PM
on World News. English children arriving in Canada.
July 7, 1940 Sunday at Wasilla to Grubstake
placer mine. Self and Jack left Wasilla at 8:30 with Stanley.
Arrived at cabin at 10:30 AM. PM hauled 8 hydro pipe out
of creek below cabin. Put two 12” pipe across Grubstake for
foot bridge. Put two pipe in bench ditch to make road to cabin
from Cat road. ARC completed road and bridge across Willow
Creek. At Grubstake, no radio. Showers PM
July 8, 1940 At Grubstake Placer Mine
for a week. Ma store keeper.
July 9, 1940 Self at placer mine, Ma
and Marie Martha storekeepers.
July 10, 1940 Self at placer mine, Ma
storekeeper.
July 11, 1940 Self at placer mine, Ma
storekeeper.
July 12, 1940 Self at placer mine, Ma
storekeeper.
July 13, 1940 At placer mine. Cleaned
out canyon ditch and finished road bridge over ditch near cabin
and graded road from Cat road to cabin. Closed up camp.
6 PM left Lucky Shot Road at cutoff to Willow Creek at 6:20 PM with
Stanley’s car, arrived Wasilla 7:45. Ma gone to Anchorage
with Cad’s to see special show. Jack fell out car on arrival.
Got 9 PM news.
July 14, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, 62 above.
Busy in store AM. Roped up grub order for Joe Palmer,
going to Caswell. Stanley made round trip, AM to mines,
PM drove to Anchorage with Eva’s washing. Mowed part of grass
on new house lawn. Sears moving family to Anchorage airport.
11 PM took a bath in new house. Short wave good, 6 to 10 PM.
Got news, 8 PM all war talk.
July 15, 1940 Hot day, 64 to 78 above.
Busy in store AM. Hauled over truck load hardware and
roofing paper from set-out. Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage,
Stanley went on to his mine on Craigie Creek. Settled up with
Jack Fabyan for June and July work at placer mine. Democratic
Convention in session. Hitler and John Bull dropping a few bombs.
Short wave weak PM 10,000 soldiers for Anchorage airport, so reported.
July 16, 1940 Hot day, 56 to 72 above.
All the kids wearing britch cloths. Sharon in from New
Bullion Mine. Had dinner at Eva’s, strawberry shortcake
with whipped cream. Weather just right for strawberries.
Finished mowing grass on new law. Democrat Convention in
Chicago. Germany and Italy talking peace terms.
July 17, 1940 Light rain all day, 60
above. In store and on orders. Persson got $17 order.
First run of salmon at Knik. Plenty of strawberries on market.
Roosevelt won Democrat nomination at Chicago convention.
July 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Democrats closed their convention at Chicago late tonight.
President Roosevelt and Secretary Garner nominated. Roosevelt
returned to Washington, D. C. made ½ hour speech over radio
at close of convention. Convention was broadcast to all
foreign countries. A few air bombings in Europe today.
July 19, 1940 Weather cloudy 66 to 68 above.
Got out 3 airmail orders. Regular boat mail arrived
4 PM bananas, plums, cantaloupes and tomatoes came on express
train. Evening, put more fertilizer on new lawn. Hitler
appealed to British to quit war, otherwise he would confiscate
them. Only air bombing today. Italy lost war ship.
Short wave PM and evening. Had in Tokyo, Japan on news 3 PM
Out of eggs and butter.
July 20, 1940 Light rain, 60 above. Self
in store 4 PM boat freight arrived. Had a big truck load
of groceries and fruit. Painters finished painting section
house and inside of depot. Stanley in from his quartz mine.
Ritter up from Anchorage airport job. Jack Fabyan landed job
at airport. Democrats battling 3rd term deal, going over
to Republicans. Short wave NG, news over local station.
Cantaloupes and plums for supper.
July 21, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, up to
70 above. Opened up and priced up ton of canned meats
and fruit etc. Stanley returned with supplies to his mine
AM. Evening, cocked up hay cut on new lawn. Germans
flew over London with 80 bombers. British, with 5 __________
air bombers, drove them back Short wave weak, got news OK
at 6 and 8 PM.
July 22, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers 56 to
60 above. Ma did washing AM. S and W local man Lang, from
Anchorage visited, no orders. Stanley and Sharon in from New Bullion
Mine. Stanley and Eva drove on to Anchorage. Buddy and
sister slept at our house. British refused Hitler’s war terms,
will fight it out. Balkan states going over to Russia.
Short wave OK.
July 23, 1940 Business nil, weather cloudy,
66 above. Salmon running in Cottonwood Creek. Finished
patching up new lawn with 8 wheel barrows loam and re-seeding
froze out spots. Kids back from Anchorage PM. FDR and
Wilkie opened their presidential campaign speeches today.
FDR roasted bolting Democrats. War, more bombing, no harm.
Short wave OK. Conference at Cuba about the war.
July 24, 1940 Partly cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
In store, paid invoices. Anchorage soldiers ordered 600
pair snowshoes and sleeping bags, going at it like the Fins.
Hot wave still on in states. Iowa and Nebraska hit hardest.
Evening, Stanley in from his mine, let 2 miners go account lean ore.
Short wave weak, got war news.
July 25, 1940 Partly cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
In store AM got off mail and Social Security tax for 2nd quarter.
Stanley back from Anchorage, sent out his first gold brick to
Seattle. Big aerial battle over England today and several
boats sunk. Evening, special train with four club cars went
through to Fairbanks. Marie Martha went to McKinley Park on
trip.
July 26, 1940 Self left for placer mine 8 with
Stanley and Buddy, via Palmer. Left car at top Kelly
hill and mushed down hill to cabin. Mowed
grass on survey ditch on hydro claim. Re-piled hydro pipe account
snow slides. Put more hay in bed ticks. Evening showers.
At placer mine, no radio or news.
July 27, 1940 Self at placer mine.
Up at 5:45, grapefruit, hotcakes, bacon and Postum for breakfast.
Worked in and around cabin all day. Repainted iron cots
and sash. Regulated water in canyon ditch, cut grass around
cabins for fire protection. Closed up camp at 5:45.
Stanley was not at new Willow Creek bridge, met him at mailbox 6:30,
arrived Wasilla 8 PM Rain. Radio good, both short and
long wave.
July 28, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, partly
cloudy, 60 to 78 above. In store 9 to 12, no business,
indigents waiting for monthly paychecks. Stanley returned
to his mine with grub supplies. Marie Martha on vacation at
McKinley Park. PM took out coil and cleaned carburetor
on Onan light engine. British shot down 9 German bombers,
lost two more fighting over Armenia oil supply. Short wave
weak.
July 29, 1940 Hot day, 60 to 72 above.
Red Cross nurse with 2 kids in her car turned over coming up
from McNeil’s, only got cuts and bruises. Made out hardware
order. Sharon in from mine to catch salmon. Miner Roop
hauled out 2 truck loads of oil for Thorpe Mine. New mill arrived.
Heat wave on again in States, 100 above. British shot down 20
German planes. PM no short wave, evening, OK. News also,
London Calling.
July 30, 1940 Hot day, 54 to 74 above.
Self 3 score and 12, feeling fine except sore feet. Eva,
Bixler’s and kids drove to Anchorage. Filed assessment
work on 18 placer claims to June 30, 1940. Self put in 30
days at mines. Pan Am Congress over at Havana, all signed up
account war protection. Heat wave cooking crops in central
States. War maneuvers all air bombing. Radio fair, some
static. Dan Gray in for grub. Boat late, no mail.
July 31, 1940 Partly cloudy, 60 to 72 above.
Self in store and on orders and out-mail. Eva and Buddy back
from Anchorage. Evening, Stanley in from mine with high
grade ore. Hitler says he is only training, will be ready to
do up the British soon. Both South America and North America
now ready for Hitler if he beats England. Radio fair, all war
news in Europe and China.
August 1, 1940 Hot day, 60 to 72 above.
Metz in from Goose Bay for vegetables and more grub. Marie
Martha back from McKinley Park after visiting the half-breeds
and house beakers. Mrs. Slumberger back from Park.
Mail arrived 1 day late. Russia now making love to all nations
except U. S. selling Britain’s supplies. No PM short wave.
Evening, 4-H Club back from Fairbanks.
August 2, 1940 Hot day, 62 to 74 above.
Hair cut, Ma did it, Eva rubbered. McNally visited, trying
to sell his bulldozer and go Outside. Mail on time, got 3 ton merchandise
due tomorrow. Heat wave still on in central southern states.
Local peas and potatoes coming on market. Short wave strong
PM and evening.
August 3, 1940 Partly cloudy, 64 to 72 above.
AM in store. New parts arrived for Onan light engine, assembled
new coil, condenser and fuse but she failed to turn over, short
somewhere. Sold 2 pair snow shoes to Army Post. Bill
Wagner, engineer, took over station KFQD, special program 10 PM.
Germans still bombing British civilian English kids coming to
America. Short wave off PM World News over local station.
Stanley in.
August 4, 1940 Sunday, showers, 60 above.
Worked on Onan light engine all day, cleaned carburetor, turned
over 5 minutes then quit. Advertised Eyota farms in Rochester
Post through Perkins, caretaker. Burnap and Coger farms
for $12,000. Singleton and Elmira for $9,000. Leibing’s
in for $25 order. Evening radio fair.
August 5, 1940 Weather cloudy, 6 to 70 above.
PM hauled over 3 truck loads new merchandise from set-out, was
5 days coming from Seward, railroad service? Arnold Edlund
family moving to Army Post at Anchorage. Gold Cord got 2 cars
lumber. Dan Gray in from mile 14 for more grub. Bathers
in Lake Wasilla.
August 6, 1940 Cloudy, windy, 50 to 60 above.
Self busy all day pricing up new merchandise and storing away.
Stanley in from mine and drove to Anchorage. Mid-week boat
one day late at Seward. Edlund family moved to Anchorage,
only 3 families left in Wasilla account Army Post work at Anchorage.
Buddy and Sister sleeping here.
August 7, 1940 Partly cloudy, showers, 56 to
66 above. In store AM finished pricing up groceries.
Stanley back from Anchorage PM and drove on to his mine. Put
new spark plug in Onan engine and she turned over OK. Charged
on batteries 2 hours, all run down. Ohlin and Anderson deserted
farm to work at Army Post, leaving all kind of vegetables to rot.
Radio OK evening, Italy bombing British in Palestine District.
August 8, 1940 A-1 day, 50 to 66 above.
Self in store, AM charged electric light batteries, plant
now working OK. Hauled over truck load of oils from depot
shed. War doing things today. Four hundred planes in
action over English Channel. Germans lost 53 bombers vs. 26
British planes. Eva and kids out to Reed Creek for blueberries.
Radio OK. Rain at mines.
August 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above,
showers. Got grub pack ready for placer mine. Mowed
grass on street in front of new house. Electric lights now
working after engine trouble for a month. Stanley in for mail
but no train until 11 PM. Germany and Italy dropping bombs
on British but thus far got the worst of battle.
August 10, 1940 Partly cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
In store most of day. Gucker, S and W and Armour man here
for order. Cemented up holes on oil house roof mowed some
grass. Shorty and Jack up from Anchorage Army Post for clothes
and booze? Stanley in again-Finagain, from his mine.
Eva drove to Knik for raspberries and dog salmon. Radio fair.
Air full of bombs in England.
August 11, 1940 Sunday, Wasilla to placer mine.
Self and Marie Martha rode with her Dad’s car to Willow Creek
Bridge, arrived at cabin 10 AM got dinner, then started surveying
new ditch on north end of hydro group. Rained at 4 PM.
Grandpa the cook, Marie Martha dish washer and rod man. At mines,
no radio. Thorpe’s old sled dog passed out.
August 12, 1940 Marie Martha and self
at Grubstake Placer Mine, surveying new ditch on north end hydro
group. Miner Roop and brother visited to look over ditch
work with Cat. Picked quart blueberries 6 PM had blueberry
cobbler at 7 PM. Rev. Bingle, with 12 kids, drove car up to
Thorpe camp for outing. No radio at mines. A-1 day, no
rain.
August 13, 1940 Placer mine to Wasilla.
Marie and self traced our location line between Canyon, Bear
and Hydro groups, from cabins to north east corner post on hydro
group, found old notice board but no stake. Mowed grass on
line. Stanley arrived at cabins with car, left 1:40, arrived
Wasilla 1½ hours later. First auto car direct to placer
cabin over new road, 1½ hours to Wasilla.
August 14, 1940 A-1 day, 56 to 72 above. In
store most of day. Stanley out again to his mine.
Started to mow grass on Mabel lot. Left switch on, batteries
run out on electric light plant engine no go. Real war now
in Europe. All fought from air. U.S. mock Army drill near
Seattle. Local news now every hour 7 to 10. Radio good, bad
storms in N. C. and Texas after heat.
August 15, 1940 Cloudy, cooler, 60 above.
Wash day. PM fixed week plank in sidewalk to railroad crossing.
Gus brought us 100 gallons oil from Anchorage. Professor
Kleck having high school painted, outside. Air bombing by
British and Germans getting hotter every day. Communist party
barred from voting. Ma got stomach flu, vomiting. Radio
good. Hitler says he is winning the war and John Bull says
no.
August 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Ma got stomach trouble evening. Eva got stomach trouble,
several has had it. Ordered more parts for Onan light engine.
Another big air attack on London suburb today. Thirty seven
German planes shot down. Stanley in with cleanup from his
mine. Italians claim they’ve got British blocked on Mediterranean.
August 17, 1940 Cloudy, showers, 54 to 58 above.
Self got touch of flu, making rounds of town. Stanley
hauled over truck load groceries from set-out. British claim
1 to 4 bombers in air raids. New local spuds on market at 4¢
a pound. Howard Oberg back from McKinley Park, went to work
at old GB Mine.
August 18, 1940 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
52 to 58 above. A year ago, hot war talk, today over 1,000
bombing planes in air trying to take London. Germans got
4 planes to one British. Stanley made round trip to mine
and then drove to Anchorage PM Found short, pigtail ground
against brush spider, ran engine 1½ hours. Heavy rain in Willow
Creek District. Short wave 6 to 10 PM All war news, all air
raids.
August 19, 1940 Showers, 50 to 60 above.
Professor Kleck adjusted breaker points on Onan electric light
engine, run OK all AM. Mowed more grass on Mabel lot.
PM cleaned and repaired store furnace pipe. Craigie Creek
Mining Co. did no placer mining last year, took out $600
fine gold with gas shovel, total expense was $16,000?? Radio
a little mushy, not much air bombing today.
August 20, 1940 Partly cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Last mail train account mid-week boat went south, excursion
season closed. Stanley left 6:30 AM for his mine to clean
up and close down milling ore. Charged light batteries, got
½ grass cut on Mabel lot, also cut grass along sidewalks.
Payday 15 days overdue on railroad. Short wave OK, no long
wave.
August 21, 1940 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above. Got
out Seattle mail. Recharged old batteries on light plant.
Mowed more grass on Mabel lot, ¾ done. No payroll
for July on railroad. Stanley in again-Finagain, from his
mine. Wired his company, no payroll. Britain’s shot
down 1,000 German bombers thus far in August. Eva gave me 1½
mile joy ride. Canada to hook up with US account war protection.
No 3 PM short wave news.
August 22, 1940 A-1 day, 58 AM 68 noon, 78
evening. Mail went south. Charged batteries AM.
Cut grass on street in front of new house. Evening, Long,
the butcher for 6 years with ARR Co-op, visited looking for business
for himself and wife-to-be, likes our location. Stanley closed
down his quartz mine, no payroll for July, needs to do development
work to make mine pay. Radio OK, Germans using big SS Bertha guns
on Dover ???
August 23, 1940 Partly cloudy, 58 to 64 above.
PM charged batteries and cocked up hay on lots around new house.
Stewart Vail dobbing high school building outside. Mail
arrived, got Rochester Post. Cad and Isaac doing assessment
work for Independence Mine by riding around in pickup. War
bombing eased off today on London. Balkan states in trouble.
Radio fair. No payday on railroad or Army Post.
August 24, 1940 Partly cloudy, 56 to 64 above.
Ma making cake etc. Stanley brought in sit-down miners
from his mine, waiting for payday. PM freight train arrived
with oil tank cars but no local freight until Monday. Write
up of Cook Inlet District August 12th in Rochester Post by OGH.
PM hauled 2 truck loads of hay off back lots. Germans now shelling
London. Radio good. War getting hot on the British Isle,
reached by big 40 mile SS Bertha guns.
August 25, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
warm, 42 to 70 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Stanley
drove out to show geologists his mine. Roop’s brother visited,
said Cat was ready to dig ditch on hydro bench at Grubstake.
Evening, butcher Long, from ARR Co-op, visited, showed him over
store, wants to buy grocery department and install butcher shop.
Tried to locate cause of hit and miss on Onan engine, no find ‘em.
August 26, 1940 Nobody in town, temperature
56 to 62 above. Bixler family left for Hope. Stanley
out again-in again to his mine. John Thomas, old timer, passed
out at Willow Station. Three days delayed hardware freight
arrived PM. 700 German bombers attacked London but were driven
off. Radio fair. Electric wash day, Eva the Chink, Grandpa
operator.
August 27, 1940 Wasilla to placer mine
8 AM arrived at placer mine 10 AM. Roop, the Cat man,
started ditch on hydro bench. PM opened hole through high
knob near intake of ditch, no big rock in sight as yet.
August 28, 1940 Self on bench ditch at
placer mine with Caterpillar operated by Minor Roop, Lucky shot
freighter.
August 29, 1940 Self powder monkey on
ditch work at placer mine.
August 30, 1940 Self on ditch work placer
mine.
August 31, 1940 Self at placer mines.
Cat finished 1500 foot ditch on hydro group bench in 41 hours
at $5 per hour.
August Memo: Not much rain. Self
at placer mine 10 days in August. Surveyed and dug 1500’
ditch on hydro group bench account cleaning up bedrock on old
Homestake claim above Gilbert basin worked out. Miner Roop
dug ditch in 41 hours with bulldozer and Cat. Stanley closed
down his quartz mine on 22nd.
September 1, 1940 Sunday, at placer mines.
Rain and snow all day. First new snow on mountain peaks,
came down to brush line. Cleaned up cabin, installed another
spring cot. Washed up towels, etc.
September 2, 1940 At placer mine.
Up 6 AM grapefruit, bacon and hotcakes. Worked all AM packing
2 cords block stove wood into kitchen of old mess house in drizzling
rain. Snow on mountains down to brush line. Stanley
arrived with car at camp at 2 PM helped me put roll of roofing on
mess house. Closed camp 4 PM arrived Wasilla 1½ hours later.
Evening, on invoices and freight. Radio OK. Germans still
trying to bomb London with no success. Labor Day.
September 3, 1940 Drizzle rain, 48 above.
AM hauled over truck load groceries from Saturday set-out, priced
up and stored away same. Stanley drove to Anchorage and
returned. Self signed up joint six month $1,200 note with
son account money due labor on his mine. Trusty passed out
with pneumonia. US traded 50 destroyers for British island possessions
near U.S. Radio weak, all war and political news.
School opened.
September 4, 1940 Weather cooler, 40 to 56
above. Stanley left for Anchorage to catch boat for Seattle.
AM charged light batteries. PM not feeling well, pain on
right side. U. S. delivered the 50 destroyers to Britain at
Halifax, Nova Scotia. Radio fair, all war news and floods in
states.
September 5, 1940 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Eva and Sharon back from seeing Stanley off at Anchorage, flew
over to Seward to catch boat for Seattle. Self feeling
better. Charged batteries and painted hood on Stanley’s
Roadster. Airmail now from Anchorage to Fairbanks Tuesdays
and Fridays.
September 6, 1940 Weather cloudy, mist, 52
to 62 above. Sold, Edlund’s friend, winter clothing outfit
from Talkeetna. AM wire from Bailey, would pay all New Bullion
Mine bills. PM another wire, wanted itemized bills.
Cleaned carburetor on Onan engine, made no difference about
missing, short in wires somewhere. Hitler still air bombing London,
not much harm done and lost 37 planes. Radio mushy.
Two fights on air from New York and war news.
September 7, 1940 Weather cloudy, 60 to 68
above. PM charged electric batteries.
Cleaned up bed on Chev. Roadster. Mowed lawn at new house.
Ed Danielson’s brother visited. Germany made several hits
on London today causing many fires. Rain in Minnesota, holding
up threshing. No long wave. London got a bad bombing
from the air.
September 8, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
misty 54 above. Put balcony fly’s on lawn to clean off
smoke and dirt. Armature on light plant refused to work, more
trouble. New snow on mountain peaks, winter just around the
corner? London got a bad bombing today, 400 killed and over 1,000
wounded by German planes. Hitler has taken Poland, Norway, Belgium,
France and Netherlands, now after Britain. Radio mushy, wireless
static.
September 9, 1940 A-1 day, 50 to 56 above.
Dan Gray in for moose hunting outfit. Erwin and wife,
Standard Oil man at Seward, visited PM. Washed balcony
fly’s with garden hose and broom PM. War bad, Germans made
several hits in center of London with many fires, 600 killed.
Radio weak PM evening OK. Hot local election talk over KFQD.
September 10, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers,
52 above. Cleaned up balcony floor. Armature OK but
generator fails to charge batteries. Baxter Felch visited,
had no Ball Band order for him. Election day, Metz in from
Goose Bay to vote. Talkeetna went Democrat. Germans
still dropping bombs on London and British on Berlin. Radio
OK. Autumn is here.
September 11, 1940 Cloudy, showers, 46 to 52
above. Eva and Paddy made round trip to Anchorage.
Self in store most of day. No find generator trouble on
light engine. Mowed grass, etc. by track warehouse.
Hitler made big drive on London, hit the Kings swimming pool but
lost 73 bombers in raids vs. 17 British. To mail trains today.
Autumn. Radio fair. War now hot on London, 1,010 killed
thus far.
September 12, 1940 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
Brill car went north at midnight. Took Paddy’s measurements
for a Sears-Saw Buck baggy suit $15. Thus far, old London
getting the worse of air bombing by Hitler. Hercules Powder
Plant blew up in New Jersey, terrible explosion. Light frost
last night, autumn is here. Radio good. New snow all
gone on Bald Mt.
September 13, 1940 Light rain, 46 to 60 above.
Gust Jackson down from Pittman to trade. Leibing’s sent
in order from Gold Cord. Wire from Stanley at Seattle, seeds
were sent to B of A account of Ray Wallace Cat road
to mine. Buckingham Palace hit by five Hitler bombs today,
now hot war. Radio fair. Hot Europe war news.
Draft bill held up again.
September 14, 1940 Weather cloudy, light rain,
46 to 58 above. Got 2 small orders from Knik, shipped
one to Pittman. Elliott’s out from Goose Bay. Evening,
Jim St. Clair visited, has boss job at Army base at Anchorage.
No draft at B of A from Anderson to Stanley as yet account road
to Ray Wallace Mine. Airplane landed here, out of gas.
Boat freight arrived 5 PM. Radio OK, had in Japan and South America
3 to 4 PM. Mary Cad returned to U. of A.
September 15, 1940 Light rain, 46 to 60 above.
Gust Jackson down from Pittman to trade. Leibing’s sent
in order from Gold Cord. Wire from Stanley at Seattle,
seeds were sent to B of A account of Ray Wallace Cat road to mine.
Buckingham Palace hit by five Hitler bombs today, now hot war.
Radio fair. Hot Europe war news. Draft bill held up again.
September 16, 1940 No business.
A-1 day, 46 to 58 above. Two trucks moved Rex Elliott’s
house to Anchorage. AM went over to freight shed for eggs
and meats, only got 2 pieces, balance buried up in set-out since
Saturday. Charged electric light batteries, engine working
OK. Fog over London, dropping bombs hit or miss today. Evening,
radio good all stations on air. Four inches snow at mines.
September 17, 1940 Weather cloudy, rain, 46
to 48 above. Finally got eggs, meats, etc. out of set-out
after 3 days arrival, this is Alaska Railroad service?
British have lost 2,000 with 10,000 injured from Hitler’s bombs
over England past 10 days, but still holding strong. Big
tornado in St. Lawrence River District. Wendell Wilkie on way
to Pacific. Radio good, both long and short. No snow
on Bald Mt. yet.
September 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 48
above. New snow on Bald Mt. down to Old Knik Trail on summit.
Wrote Grubstake Mining Co. about changing Cat road to right hand
bench to Thorpe quartz mine. Gus Gillis delivered 25 cases
milk from Anchorage for $4.12 per case. London residential
district hit by bombs, not much damage thus far. Radio good.
Hitler after Italy and Spain to help take the British.
September 19, 1940 Light
rain, 46 above. Buddy sick with cold, colds making rounds
in town. Snowing on mountain peaks. Letter from Stanley,
having trouble to settle mining deal with Seattle investors.
British knocking ’ell out of German defense across English Channel
in France. German bomber shot down, crashed London house.
Radio good, heard Wilkie speaking to 65,000 people in Los Angeles,
made a hit.
September 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, rain, 46
to 50 above. Gus Jackson down from Pittman to trade.
Section Boss lost his job, too much booze. Senske’s
made last trip to Lucky Shot, 8” snow on Fishhook Pass. German’s
about to give up invading London and with Italy and Spain, going
after British Suez Canal. Wendell Wilkie made a hit on a Pacific
Coast trip. Radio good, all stations on air.
September 21, 1940 A-1 day, 44 to 50 above.
Willie Edlund and parents took back Wasilla Lake beer joint.
Self in store AM. PM poured cement block to hold walk gate
at new house in place. Ton of freight arrived, could only find
onions in set-out. Evening, big basket lunch dance on at Town
Hall by sport gang. Radio good, all stations on air.
Thorpe’s in.
September 22, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 above. Quiet in town after $200 basket dance last night.
Got ton Jonesville coal off Gus. Charged light batteries.
Ordered more parts for Onan engine. Hitler still bombing London.
Hitler submarines sunk boat 600 miles out from England with children
and passengers, most all lost. Radio fair, World News from Treasure
Island. Buddy dumpish.
September 23, 1940 Rain AM 52 above all day.
Ching washing again in our new house with electric washer.
PM got truck load freight out of set-out, held up 3 days at
Wasilla. Took tin cans to city dump. Britain bombed
Berlin for 4 hours and shot up French fleet in the Mediterranean.
Three year old kidnap found by 2 lumberjacks. England had best of
war today.
September 24, 1940 AM clear, PM rain, 52 above.
In store AM priced up and stored away ton new groceries.
PM put cement block brace on driveway gate. Mail train arrived
8 hours late. Anchorage - Palmer auto road still closed account
high water and mud slides. Ordered car winter coal.
War getting hotter in Europe and Asia. Radio fair, all war news
and kidnapping in California.
September 25, 1940 Partly cloudy, 48 to 50
above. Snow all gone on Bald Mt., floods washed out bridge
on Loop Road at Anchorage. Got out-mail, letter from Stanley,
was lining up new deal on his quartz mine. Hitler trying
to get passage through Finland, all land route to get a crack at
invasion on London. Stanley in Seattle. Radio fair.
British Air Force getting in work on Berlin.
September 26, 1940 Partly cloudy, 28 to 48
above. Light frost last night although weather man said
it would be 38 above. In store most of day. Farmers
now busy digging spuds, too wet to harvest grain. Road now
open to Anchorage after mud slides and high water. British
Navy shooting up Italian ports and French navy. U.S. cut scrap
iron shipments off from Japan. Radio mushy.
September 27, 1940 Frost, 26 to 48 above.
PM started to install 5” air pipe to furnace in new house for
better draft. Mail train brought our bananas, plums, peaches
and grapes. Metz in from Goose Bay to dig his spuds, etc. Gus
drove to Goose Bay for Elliott’s household goods, moving to Anchorage.
Letter from Stanley, no mining deal yet. Radio weak from
Outside. Jap’s joined alliance with Hitler and Mussolini.
September 28, 1940 Light rain, 42 above all
day. PM finished installing 7 joints 5” galvanized pipe to give
furnace outside air draft. Boat freight arrived 5 PM.
Marie Martha saw picture show at Palmer. Gus moved Elliott’s,
bag and baggage, from Goose Bay to Anchorage. Metz returned
to Goose Bay dock, watchman. Got fresh peaches, prunes and
grapes. Radio mushy. Hitler still bombing London and lost
over 1,000 planes this week.
September 29, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
42 to 50 above. AM charged light batteries and oiled up
Chev pickup. PM hauled over fresh fruit, eggs and butter from
set-out and store away same. London got a bad bombing by Hitler
today, hit hospital and killed many on way to church. Treasure
Island, San Francisco Fair closed, had fine program on air 8:30 to
10:15 PM Static radio, London only good station. Evening,
took usual bath.
September 30, 1940 Light rain, 40 to 46 above.
Eva did laundry with electric washer in our new house then
drove to Palmer account self starter that no-start her car,
Paddy, the mascot, went along and brought back a treat of Matanuska
Maid ice cream. Gus failed to return from Anchorage with
our gasoline, maybe in ditch. Evening, wind and rain.
Hitler loving Stalin again. Short wave weak, no long wave.
Hitler now bombing London.
September Memo: Dry summer, rainy season now
on all of September. New snow rained off on mountain peaks.
Matanuska Co-op farmers using umbrellas while harvesting crops.
Stanley in Seattle to switch company ownership of his mine to investors
with capitol to do development work. All Wasilla families
moved to Army Post at Anchorage leaving business in the red at Wasilla.
October 1, 1940 Warmer, 52 all day.
Eva and Paddy, her mascot, drove to Anchorage and back.
Gus arrived, noon, with 25 cases oil and gas for K. T. Co.
Thorpe’s making ready to go Outside. Hitler and Berlin got
the worst on air bombing today. Got out candy bar order.
Buddy sleeping here tonight. No Outside radio. All Europe
now at war, also Jap’s.
October 2, 1940 Cloudy, showers, 40 to
46 above. Mail went south to catch the SS Baranoff at
Seward. Answered Perkins 9/17 letter about sale of Eyota
farms. Hitler still bombing London and British Air Force
doing a good job on 5th bombing of Berlin and airports. Buddy
here all day, quit his home fires. September rain 5” vs. 2” normal.
Radio war news over local station.
October 3, 1940 Weather clearing, 24 to 42
above. First hard frost, trees all shed of leaves and
gone into winter rest. Mail arrived 10:15 PM from Seattle.
Received order from Pay-Day Wilson now at Nancy. Mine Ellic
in from Knik, drove on to Palmer. Youngest Bergman girl back
from Seattle. Thorpe’s left for trip Outside. Letter
from Stanley 9/30 deal about closed. Outside radio NG.
All Europe air full of bombs.
October 4, 1940 Partly cloudy, 22 to 46 above.
Charged batteries PM and repainted front walk gate at new house.
Mail arrived on time. Wire from Stanley, new mining deal
closed soon. Lloyd McNally and family back from States.
Italians quit drive to Suez Canal. Not much bombing in London
today. Radio fair. U. S. going full force on future war
material.
October 5, 1940 A-1 day, 20 to 46 above.
Hard frost, ground froze 1½”. Betts truck went
over bank above Fishhook Inn, driver badly hurt. PM took
boulders out road to railroad siding account hauling car coal to
bins. S and W backorder arrived. Hitler and Mussolini
now going to clean up on Britain in secret way. Farmers busy
harvesting crops. Radio good. Secretary Knox would send
war ships to Shanghai.
October 6, 1940 Sunday big wind,
44 to 48 above. Snow about gone above timber line.
No freight due tomorrow? On last hod of coal, car overdue
1 week. Hitler sent 15M troops into Armenia to protect oil
wells being set on fire. No bombing London today. Army
Post now working men 56 hours per week vs. 40 hours per law.
Static radio.
October 7, 1940 Weather cloudy, 44 to 48 above.
In store AM outside PM. Hauled hay cocks off Mabel lot
and burned same. Coal car failed to arrive. Saturday
boat freight arrived, but blocked in, in set-out car. Geological
Survey party visited on way to finish survey below Wet Gulch.
Hitler got 3rd surprise, about ready to launch on London. U.S. soldiers
installed at Fairbanks.
October 8, 1940 Partly cloudy, 46 to 50 above.
Not much doing. Our freight in set-out, mixed up with
mining merchandise. London got a bad bombing today as well
as Berlin by British. U. S. decided to move Marines and 16M
Americans out of China District, invaded by Jap’s, now in with Hitler
and Mussolini. Only local radio.
October 9, 1940 A-1 day, 46 to 58 above.
October 6th freight still in set-out. Mild weather helping
farmers out in harvesting their crops. Congress to take
a recess to November 18th. Hitler still bombing London, hit
2 hotels and department store. Sharon’s wife had a baby boy
at Palmer Hospital this evening. Radio fair, all war news in
Europe and Asia.
October 10, 1940 AM 40 above,
evening 28 above and wet snow, first at Wasilla, came from south
west. AM filled mush-hole with gravel at car siding and
hauled over truck load. Groceries unavailable in car for
5 days account mine freight. Wilkie made a hit on Pacific
Coast tour, now speaking in Northeast states, final campaign speeches
for President. Radio fair, bombing increasing all over Europe.
One 20 ton bomber landed at Fairbanks.
October 11, 1940 Winter here, 14 to 48 above,
6” new snow fell last night. Busy cleaning off walks. Mail
arrived on time, letter from Stanley, new mine deal ready to
sign up, coming home on next Seattle boat. Mrs. Senske hospitalized
account appendices out. Three feet new snow at High Grade
Mine. British subjects leaving Armenia. No long wave,
short wave OK. Turkey standing pat against Hitler.
October 12, 1940 Cloudy, warmer, 40 to 58 above.
Snow about gone on roads and street. Football on the
air, also President Roosevelt on unity of all North and South
America countries. Berlin and other cities getting their
share of British bombs. Armenia turned over to Hitler rule
today. Freight arrived 6 PM. Evening, still 40 above.
Radio OK on short wave, all war talk.
October 13, 1940 Sunday, Chinook, 42
to 48 above. Necked over 2 loads meat and lard from freight
shed. All wind chargers going today. AM charged light
batteries. Ma had a chicken dinner, Buddy, sister and mother
guests, Daddy still in Seattle. First football game in Anchorage
broadcast over KFQD. Hitler got bad bombing today. Short
wave good, Rochester back on air. Court on at Anchorage.
October 14, 1940 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 44 to 50 above. Section Boss of Pittman
bought a $25 order. Rufe Stephan out from Knik to trade,
also Dan Gray from mile 29 Fishhook. Old Hitler now walking
over Bulgaria, Russia may stop him? Tom Mix killed in his auto.
Electric wash day at our new house.
October 15, 1940 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Put up balcony fly at stair end of balcony. Isaac back
from Knik trip. British battleship sunk 2 Italian cruisers.
1000 planes bombed London today, not much damage, Berlin also
bombed. War getting faster these days. Evening, windy.
Radio good, all stations on air.
October 16, 1940 A-1 day, 52 above. Eva
and Paddy made round auto trip to Anchorage and forgot what they
went for? Re-stained front door on new house and painted
steps. Mild weather helping farmers to gather in their crops.
More talk than war today in Europe. Radio good, evening all
stations on the air. Stanley not on boat.
October 17, 1940 Temperature 44 to 50 above.
PM repaired garage doors broken by Eva. Charged electric
light batteries. Made out 3rd quarter Social Security tax
report and paid Alaska Sportsman. The Royal Air Force knocking
the ‘ell out of German air and oil ports and London still being
bombed. Car coal due Sunday.
October 18, 1940 Second freeze, 20 to 48 above.
On last hod of coal, car due 20th from Healy. Billie and
Dad drove to Goose Bay to see Metz the dock watchman. Grisly
old politician here, peed all over Ma’s toilet seat, poor shot?
British Navy guns effective again today on German cruisers. Armenia
and Bulgaria all war talk today. Radio fair. painted steps,
2nd coat on new house. Baby Fleck home from hospital.
October 19, 1940 Weather cloudy, snow, 30 to
34 above. PM ground white with 1” snow, 3” at Anchorage.
McNally in from Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, mile 8. Pauli,
of Washington Creamery, and Gus Geller visited PM. Stanley
left Seattle on “SS Aleutian” for home today. Only one raid
on London today. freight train arrived but left our freight
at Seward. Our winter coal due October 20. Short wave OK,
all war and defense talk and Wilkie the next President.
October 20, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
to 34 above. Town dead, all moved to Army Post at Anchorage.
Independence Mine installed movie pictures in dormitory at mine.
PM put tire chains on truck and greased bearings. Second
football game, PM at Anchorage but got rained out. England
has no food supplies, other neighbors starved out. Radio
fair, war news and local football game.
October 21, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Car coal arrived, Gust Haller and self unloaded same.
Gus moved McNally family to Anchorage. British claim their
Air Force is gaining. Congress, D. C. taking a recess. Evening,
got out-mail and orders. President campaign hot Outside.
Radio mushy, not World News. Stanley on boat for Wasilla.
October 22, 1940 Partly cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Haller and self, all day, unloading car winter coal. Gus
back from Anchorage, brought us 15 cases oil, put 2½ tons
coal in Eva’s bin. Saturday boat freight arrived in set-out
but, as usual, not available. Germans now making concrete bombs
out of steel, crazy war? Static radio not good. Four inches
snow in Anchorage, ½” at Wasilla.
October 23, 1940 Cloudy, 30 to 32 above.
Self hauled 4 loads nut coal from car to new house. Evening,
light flurry of snow. “SS Aleutian” due at Seward the 24th.
British bombers knocked the ‘ell out of Italian troops moving
toward Suez Canal today and dropped bomb on German battleship.
October 24, 1940 A-1 day, 30 to 44 above.
AM hauled over truck load merchandise from set-out, 5 days from
Seward, PM priced up and store away same. Stanley arrived from
trip to Seattle, beat railroad train one day from Seward, came to
Anchorage by airplane then auto to Wasilla. British now knocking
the ‘ell out of Berlin. U. S. draft, 21 to 35, one year
_______ for Army.
October 25, 1940 Cloudy, fog last night 30
to 34 above. Finished pricing new hardware and groceries.
Stanley replacing cribbing in top of his well. All GSH
family took in movie at Palmer and Buddies first show.
Hitler now doing it, bombing London. Pope going to get all
war nations together and have President Roosevelt settle the Europe
war.
October 26, 1940 Weather cloudy, 36 to 46 above.
Stanley and family drove to Anchorage for weekend. Ma
cooking and cussing. Self in store, eggs and butter now
selling at 50¢. Lothrop in to trade from Cottonwood.
Hitler will talk peace terms if he can rule France and all the Balkan
States?
October 27, 1940 Sunday. A-1 day,
44 above all day. PM painted red trimmings on store front.
Charged light batteries. Kids back from Anchorage 5 PM.
Evening, paid all bills due. Jack Fabyan and party up from
Anchorage Army Post to look see. Mrs. Barigo went to Talkeetna
for weekend. Radio mushy, no news.
October 28, 1940 Partly cloudy 34 to 44 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, Eva the Chink, electric
cost 20¢ a day. Returned Lilly’s 1940 seed box.
Sharon and Stanley picked 2 truck loads Ohlin’s farm vegetables
on deserted farm account Army Post work. Italian troops
started to mop up Greece today. Britain going to help Greece,
also Russia may step in?
October 29, 1940 Business fair,
A-1 day, 34 to 48 above, 60 above in sun. Ma left on train
for Anchorage for weekend and to visit Mayor Gill family. Gus
got car Healy coal. Stanley hauled his own coal. PM
washed white paint on front of store counters. Greeks holding
off Italian invaders. Wilkie campaigning in southern states.
October 30, 1940 A-1 day, 34 to 46 above.
Stanley helping out in store, during school rush, while Ma is
doing Anchorage. Charged light batteries and got out-mail.
Isaac shopping at Palmer for Ellexson’s and delivering at Knik.
Italians lost several while invading Greece. Radio good both
long and short wave. Eva dinner cook.
October 31, 1940 Temperature 20 to 46 above.
Stanley took his car over to Palmer account loose bearings.
Self busy in store all day. Dick-a-doo'ed balcony stairs
and oiled antennae arm on awning. Ma doing Anchorage until
Saturday. Greeks knocked the ‘ell out of Italian invaders.
Wilkie winding up campaign speeches. Radio good, got all
the news. Evening, colder, down to 20.
November 1, 1940 Business normal.
A-1 day, 18 to 48 above. Started to cut in cooler between
kitchen and annex to store. Evening, worked on same and
Netrokoted the kitchen floor. Got $100 order from Buck Sparling
on Craigie Creek. Kids drove over to Palmer, PM. Greeks
still holding back old Mussolini’s Army. British lost some ships
by Hitler. Ma still doing Anchorage.
November 2, 1940 Colder, windy, 30 to 34 above.
Stanley and family drove to Anchorage, 4 PM Ma and kids arrived
on train from Anchorage. Self busy in store all day, got
one $30 order. Evening, Paddy and Willie back from jury duty.
Metz, watchman, in from Goose Bay, Dan Gray took the job for the
winter. Greeks still holding off Italian invaders.
November 3, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, colder, 26
to 32 above. Self busy, AM put up $34 order for Mrs. S,
teacher. Stanley and Eva arrived from Anchorage at noon.
PM delivered Mrs. S’ order and Bucks freight to railroad for Willow
Station. Charged light batteries and put up front balcony
fly in store. Greeks captured 1,200 Dago’s and Army supplies.
Londoner’s had good sleep, no bombs today.
November 4, 1940 Weather colder, windy, 24
to 28 above. AM electric wash day at our new house.
Hauled over load hardware and drugs from set-out, priced up
same. Stanley left, 7 AM to register for job with Army Post
construction at Anchorage. Bert’s Drug Store robbed at Palmer
of $80. Greeks too much for Italian invaders with help
of 40M British troops. Big rally for Wilkie in eastern states.
November 5, 1940 Cold wind, 20 above all day.
Election for U. S. President, Wilkie vs. Roosevelt, 3rd term.
PM and evening, returns on the air, FDR leading. Agent
Browne’s family left for States. Stanley back from Anchorage.
Self nursing stomach cold. Ma made batch of donuts.
November 6, 1940 A-1 day, 20 to 26 above. Priced
up new drugs. FDR won 3rd term election but not from
business and industry, got the labor vote and the 10 million on
the dole. All houses in Wasilla now rented. The Greeks
cleaned up Italian invaders today. No snow at Wasilla.
November 7, 1940 A-1 day, 20 to 28 above, evening,
got out 2 grocery and fruit orders. Kids now skating on Lucille
Lake. Government scale inspectors here to check up scales.
Italy getting the worst of it in Balkan State drive. London
still being bombed by Hitler. U. S. Treasury wants 5
billion more.
November 8, 1940 Weather cooler, 16 to 26 above.
Put up $35 order for McGinty at Willow Station. Noon,
kids drove to Anchorage for weekend. Buddy and sister sleeping
and eating with Grandma. Roosevelt going 50/50 with airplanes
for Britain. Tacoma’s new suspension bridge blown down.
Hitler says he’s only used up one mo. bombs.
November 9, 1940 Cool day, 4 to 24 above.
Sold Section Foreman order at Pittman. Louise Gill and
2nd husband visited on way to Knik to skate. Eva and Stanley
back from Anchorage. Elizabeth Bergman moving to mines.
Metz got new mail order radio. Greeks raising heck with Italian
invaders. Grapes, pears and bananas arrived. Germany
slowing up.
November 10, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
10 to 30 above. Got off 2 railroad shipments and hauled over
load groceries, etc. from PM freight north. No snow and fine
skating on Lake Lucille. Bad quake in Romania, 1,000 killed
and 3,000 wounded. Key Pittman, silver king, passed out, also
Premier Chamberlain of London. Evening, wind and warmer.
November 11, 1940 Weather cloudy, 34 above
all day. Electric wash day at our new house. Self
finished pricing new merchandise. Stanley and Eva, with
Paddy and Willie, jury men, left for Anchorage on highway.
Greeks put it all over Dago’s today. Hitler made big drive
over London and lost 26 bombers vs. 2. Radio mushy, big storm
all through states. War hot today.
November 12, 1940 Weather cloudy, warmer, 34
to 38 above. Worked on cooler closet aft kitchen, in rear
of store. Buddy and sister regular boarders while mother
and father doing Anchorage. Ma nursing cold. Greeks
captured a division of Italian invaders with guns and supplies.
Prussian Premier visited to Germany account future war plans
American bombers ready for shipment to England airport. New Agent
account Brown on vacation.
November 13, 1940 Light rain, 40 above.
Storm in states took over 900 people in Minnesota. The British
put the Italian fleet out of commission today and the Greeks drove
them out of Greece. Answered Perkins letter of October 18
about sale of Burnap farm at any price. New Agent at depot,
Brown on vacation.
November 14, 1940 Partly cloudy, 38 to 40 above.
Stanley and Buddy made round trip to Anchorage for Grandma
Fleck’s baggage, etc. account moving to Wasilla. Royal
Air Force knocked down 19 German bombers and bombed Hitler and Russian
Guest out of their Berlin banquet account war deal. Two more
powder explosions in States. Radio fair. Mussolini’s
Army retreating out of Greece.
November 15, 1940 Weather cloudy, 38 to 40
above, streets muddy. Turkey day vegetables arrived on
passenger train 4 PM. Hitler bombed London section with
400 planes, manufacturing section all wiped out. Berlin
and airports got her dose from British. Shorty here on a drunk.
Installed ventilation in light plant room account air cooled engine.
Short wave OK, no long wave. Dago’s on the run in Greece.
November 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34
above. Self in store AM and charged light batteries.
PM Ma attended baby shower at Cads account Elizabeth Bergman
six months along. Both British and Germans destroying property
by air bombs and killing civilian Greeks have routed all
Italian invaders out of Greece. Evening, raining. Radio
fair, all football and war news.
November 17, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
to 40 above. AM hauled over balance of vegetables and
fruit for dictator. Thanksgiving, November 21st. Italian
invaders of Greece beaten back thus far. Eva and Stanley
left for Anchorage PM to haul back mother Fleck’s fruit.
Ma caretaker of Buddy and sister, as usual. Evening warm up
to 40 above. Radio NG. Japan station at Tokyo and
England only stations.
November 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 32 above
all day. Electric wash day, Eva the Chink. Wasilla
white again, 2” new snow fell last night. Hitler and Mussolini
on the downgrade but still say they will crush old England.
American bombers speed 400 miles hr. now ready for British airport
and trained aviators going from Canada. Radio not so hot but
war and preparedness still hotter.
November 19, 1940 Weather cloudy 20 to 32 above.
Busy on small sales on turkey day vegetables and fruit.
Grandma Fleckenstein arrived to live in Wasilla for balance of
winter. Greeks want U. S. bombers to combat Italians in the
air. Congress voted to stay in session. Self got annual
hair cut. Radio fair. Battleship, Dak, under construction,
caught fire.
November 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, 28 above.
Dictator trade on turkey fill-ins, we had no turkey for sale.
Refilled store furnace coal bin, 2nd filling. Hitler trying
to bomb Burnham near London. Greeks holding own vs. the
Dago’s. Barn dance at Palmer tonight. Metz on turkey
dining for bachelors. Radio fair, no long wave, Tokyo good,
London didn’t come in.
November 21, 1940 Democrat Thanksgiving Day,
colder, zero to 16 above. Ma cooked the turkey and dinner
was at Stanley’s house. Invited guests, Ma Fleck, Paddy
Marion, Chris Isaac and all the Herning’s. PM re-painted china closet
and cooler closet in store kitchen. Greeks got Dago’s on the run
account fog and rain.
November 22, 1940 Business froze up.
Weather colder, 10 below zero to 10 above zero, busy with fires,
no school. Finished up Democrat turkey. Greeks
captured 800 Dago’s, balance of Dago’s on retreat. Germans
bombing all small towns near London. Bulldozer opening snow
road from Fishhook Inn to Independence Mine. Radio NG.
Got news Jap and Mexico short wave only.
November 23, 1940 Big wind, 8 below zero to
30 above. Windy after 9 AM busy with fires to keep warm.
Mrs. Clo. Isaac got the flu. Buddy and sister sleeping
and eating at our house. Armenia and Hungary joined the
four power axis. The Dago’s still retreating from Greece
invasion. Radio NG, no news from Treasure Island station.
November 24, 1940 Sunday, big wind all day,
2 below zero to 30 above. AM cleaned up new house and charged
light batteries. Eighteen ton engine loaded on big sled,
couldn’t haul it account little snow. Britain’s giving Germany
worst of air bombing. Dago’s still retreating from Greeks.
KFQD now on the air Sundays from 6 to 9 PM.
November 25, 1940 Wind dieing out, 26 to 28
above, small trade all day. Eva did wash in our new house.
Capt. Sliver got another moose. Metz complained of having
a weak spell. Bill Taylor gone on relief and growing weak.
New 1941 car arrived for party at mines. Greeks captured
10M Italian soldiers. Self pricing up new merchandise all
day. All Outside radio dead, news over local station.
November 26, 1940 Third windy day, 26 to 30
above. Still opening up and pricing new merchandise.
Ma busy cussing the wind. Charged light batteries as usual
for 2 houses. Still using gas lights in store. Hitler
letting Mussolini fight it out with the Greeks. Hitler lost
4 bombers over London today. Outside radio gone dead, only local
station.
November 27, 1940 Light wind, 20 to 30 above.
Opened up Christmas candies in 1 pound cello packages.
Got out-mail and orders. Paddy, Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage,
PM Buddy grandpa’s swamper, Marie Martha got cold. Buddy and
sister eating and sleeping at Grandma and Pa’s house. War in
Europe not as hot today. Greeks holding their own. Short
wave OK, no long wave.
November 28, 1940 A-1 day, 20 to 28 above.
Kids back from Anchorage at midnight. Reported Jonesville
coal running into bone, cannot supply railroad and trade.
Over 4,000 turkeys iced in, in November 13 Minnesota storm.
Dago’s still on retreat from Greeks. Old Doc Shakum out of
dope, drug house refused to supply it. Only short wave and weak.
World News over local station.
November 29, 1940 A-1 day, 26 above all day.
No snow in Wasilla, sunny day. AM refilled furnace coal
bin, 3rd filling (2 tons) with Stanley’s pickup. AM Onan
engine failed to start. PM cleaned breaker points and
spark plug and she kicked of OK. Hitler still bombing London
suburban towns. Jap’s still fighting the Chinks. Lewis
ousted out CIO Federation. Radio NG, long and short, only Tokyo
came in, local station OK.
November 30, 1940 More wind, 26 to 30 above.
November mild month, no snow in Wasilla. Chelan Lake apples
arrived. Basketball on at Town Hall, Wasilla High School
vs. Eklutna Natives. Greeks only real fighters driving the
Dago’s back home. Minnesota farmers not allowed to sell the
4,000 storm frozen turkeys. All football radio today.
November Memo: A-1 weather, came in 48 above,
went out 26 above. Had one cold snap, -10 and one rain.
No snow in Wasilla. Still living in 4 room aft store, use
new house for bath and electric washer, Ma still prefers wind and
no house improvements to new modern house aft of store lot.
Stanley out of work, Ma his cashier. Buddy now talks plain and
full of it. Poor radio, no long wave, all Europe war news.
December 1, 1940 Sunday, A-1 weather, 26 above
all day. Store opened 3 hours AM for absent minded.
Cranked Onan engine half hour to start. Charged batteries,
6 volt battery warn out. Wasilla done up Eklutna last
nights basketball game. Got 10 boxes new assorted apples,
short 2 boxes. Took bath, 11 PM in new house, Ma took one
last night. Cad building new apartment house at Anchorage.
Local station, KNX, 9:30 to 10 PM good.
December 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 26 to 40 above.
Stanley drove Ma and Mrs. Fleck to Anchorage and return, Ma
account glasses. Eva and Buddy helped me in store.
Failed to start Onan light plant engine, batteries no good.
Sent order for Christmas candy and vegetables. London being
badly bombed by Germans Greeks still got Dago’s on the run.
Chinks defeated large Jap group. Only local radio.
Evening windy again.
December 3, 1940 A-1 day, 32 to 34 above.
Put new spark plug in Onan light engine and with new breaker
points and condenser, turned over OK. Tried to snow, PM but
too warm. Chicago 5 below and cold wave through New England
states, why live in Alaska? Germans claim they sunk 18 British
freight boats today. Greeks ousting Dago invaders. Only
short wave and local station and Jap’s.
December 4, 1940 Weather cloudy, A-1 day, 32
to 38 above. Self in store AM. Charged batteries,
PM and got out-mail. Stewart Vail lowest bidder on railroad
ice contract off Wasilla Lake. British buying U. S. boats
to replace those sunk by Hitler. Both Britain and Germany
suffering from repeated bomb attacks. Radio fair, long wave NG.
December 5, 1940 Weather cloudy, 2” snow, 30
above, Wasilla white again. Finished up Christmas orders
due December 22, at Wasilla. Paddy and Stanley drove to
Palmer for donuts and unit cells. Britain bombing German
factories, etc. With results. Dago’s still retreating
from Greece.
December 6, 1940 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Ma taking on another cold. Stanley 36 today, just out
of the conscription for Army training. Mail boat one day
late at Seward. Greeks captured Italian trucks loaded with
army supplies, and driving Dagos out of Albania. U. S. trading
12 destroyers for Naval Ports in Mexico. Got KNX 9 PM.
December 7, 1940 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Boat freight arrived PM also mail. Sharon had out 17
teeth. Buddy and Grandma nursing colds. Shakeup in
Italy, 2 Army Generals quit ranks. Hitler dropped no bombs
today. Four cars stolen in Anchorage. Two cars freight
arrived for mines. Radio fair, football on air. Europe
wars quiet.
December 8, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy, 26 above all day. Our freight blocked in set-out
with mines freight. Mussolini’s military force quitting
their job, looks like revolt. Germans gave London worse
bombing as yet, today. Russia and U. S. about only countries
not at war, looks like Britain and U. S. will have to stop Jap’s on
tin and rubber China.
December 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 16 to 34 above.
Ma nursing cold, no wash today. Eva did electric wash
PM. Duke of Windsor and wife on way to Miami, Florida from
Bermuda Island account tooth ache. No bombing on London today.
Greeks driving Dagos out of Albania and British driving dagos out
of Egypt Dist.
December 10, 1940 Chinook, 40 to 48 above.
Ma just browsing around with cold in head. Stanley made
round trip to Anchorage with his mother-in-law. London got
a 40 hour rest on bombing. Hitler’s speech today, told his subjects
he would beat England and then conquer the whole world? Radio
fair.
December 11, 1940 Business normal, Chinook,
30 to 46 above. Snow all gone, frost out 2”. Ma did
washing machine wash, grandma says: the old way best way.
Buddy and Dad drove to Palmer, PM all kind of cars in ditch
account ice. Dan Gray, in for grub outfit, from Goose Bay
wharf. Dagos on the retreat from British and Greeks. Radio
fair, John Bull after a loan from Uncle Sam.
December 12, 1940 Third day of Chinook, 40
to 46 above. North Dakota 24 below zero, snowing in Chicago.
Midnight 44 above in Wasilla and raining. Coil burned out
in Stanley’s car. National Grocery delivered us 25 cases
milk. British captured 34,000 Dago troops, in Africa, in route
to Suez Canal. Ambassador from England died in Washing D. C.
today. Squaw-man wedding. Radio fair, Fairbanks good.
Stanley best man at squaw-man wedding.
December 13, 1940 Weather cloudy, Chinook,
40 to 48 above. Buddy and sister with Grandma, folks drove
to Anchorage to see ball game. Mail train 2 hours late, no
mail. Gus and Jake put new floor in cabin aft Mabel cabin.
Ten to midnight rained here. Duke, ex-King now at Miami, visited
on FDR cruising in Caribbean sea waters. Radio fair. British
and Greeks got Dagos on the run.
December 14, 1940 Snowing all day, 20 above.
Last night, 4 days Chinook wound up with rain and a foot new
snow this AM first real snow. Busy cleaning sidewalks.
Shipped grub order to Pittman. Buddy and sister busy wading
in snow. Canadian boat, with war material, sunk off Ireland
by submarines. Reds beat Fins year ago, Greeks beat Dagos November.
December 15, 1940 Sunday, now 2’ snow,
20 above. Busy AM cleaning off walks. Charged light
batteries. Old Doc in from ranch, Metz shaved and cleaned
him up, Gus took him to Palmer Hospital account sore finger.
Spot nursing sore foot, caught in trap. Hitler refused to help
Mussolini’s retreating armies from Greek drive. Poor radio.
FDR now at warm springs.
December 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 18 to 20
above. Electric wash day at new house. Got out-mail.
School buses had hard going in new snow. Ma still nursing
cold in head. Stanley drove to Palmer for donuts. British
drove Dagos out of Egypt and captured 30M. London air bombing
light today. Short wave OK.
December 17, 1940 Business fair AM.
A-1 day, 24 to 26 above. Self busy, with small orders.
Stanley shoveled off drifts on walks. Self shoveled off drifts
to new house. One school bus stalled. Cars failed to
reach Fishhook Inn. England crying for U. S. loan and more bombing
planes. California hit by wind storm and floods today.
Radio fair, long wave mushy. School closed in states account flu.
December 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 32 to 36
above. ARC opening snow road to mines. Wasilla
Postmaster swamped with Christmas parcel post mail order houses.
Cars stalled in snowdrifts near Palmer. No bombs on London
today. Hitler having trouble with French diplomats.
FDR back in D. C. from Caribbean trip. Radio good.
December 19, 1940 Partly cloudy, 26 above all
day. Sold candy and fruit account Wasilla 1940 Christmas
for Kids at Town Hall, December 21st program. No raids on
London today. Hitler sending troops to help Italians stop
the Greek drive in Albania. President of Finland died.
Boat mail one day late at Seward. Italian drive vs. Greece
a failure. Radio good after 6 PM. Lots colds these days,
too warm.
December 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, 26 to 28
above. Received $100 order from Big Lake. School
closed for hallow days. Weekend mail one day late.
British fleet covered Italy’s waters but no Dagos in sight.
German planes landing Dagos in Albania for reinforcements, afraid
to go by water route. FDR’s plan to loan ships, etc. to Britain
turned down. Only short wave radio. Three minute earthquake
in eastern states.
December 21, 1940 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 34 to 38 above. Packed ½ ton, $115,
order for Big Lake fur farm. Christmas fruit and vegetables
and candy arrived. Christmas for school kids on at Town Hall
tonight. Shortest day of year and winter begins. Received
letter from Burt Eaton, Uncle Horace’s kid, at Red Wing, Minnesota,
has 4 girls, wife dead. Poor radio, all Europe at war.
Hitler after France today.
December 22, 1940 Sunday, sun up 9:14,
down 2:41, +4 to +18, evening, clear and colder. Frank’s
store burned down at Matanuska December 19th, formerly Krog’s store,
due Krog $2,500? PM delivered ½ ton to railroad
account shipment to Pittman. Freight train in at 10:30
PM Auto road open to Fishhook Inn. Trucks moving in
oil and groceries to mines. Congress going to help England with
war materials. Outside radio NG, news over local station.
December 23, 1940 Weather colder, zero to 6
above. Electric wash day at our new house. Ma prefers
to wash dirty clothes, old way, in tub. Hauled over truck
load new merchandise from set-out. Small Christmas trade,
sold $15 clothing. Prime Minister Churchill warned the Italians
to get rid of Mussolini and stop war before being annihilated.
Gave Buddy $4 for birthday, 4 years old. Radio poor,
local station had good Christmas program.
December 24, 1940 Christmas Eve.
Temperature zero to 8 below. Busy checking new merchandise
and storing away same. Busy with fires. Ma busy
cooking. Marie Martha, with bus load, attended Palmer’s Christmas
program. Billy Tryck and _______ home for Christmas with
their Dad. Small Christmas trade, most everybody out of town.
Christmas Eve party at Eva’s, Marie got scooter, Buddy steam shovel.
Evening radio good, all stations on air.
December 25, 1940 Christmas, weather
colder, zero to 12 below. Mild spring weather in east
and middle states but rain and wind on Pacific Coast high seas,
cleaned out all summer resorts on Pacific Coast. Seven feet
snow in mountains, over 100 killed, Christmas, in states and over 400
for weekend. Had Christmas dinner at Stanley’s house.
Ma roasted the chickens and made the salad, cost Dad $35, Christmas got
6 presents and diary. Radio fair, local station. Heard
King George over KNX at 10 PM.
December 26, 1940 Partly cloudy, 20 above.
Mrs. Fleck in Lundstrom house, sick with the flu. Jake
Metz got a bad cold. Ritter home from Anchorage Army Post
with stomach flu. Several in Army Post got flu and German measles.
Buddy got the earache today. Marie Martha and Grandma getting
over bad colds. Only war today in Egypt and Romania, several
British boats sunk. Radio fair, Hitler on another drive in Balkan
states.
December 27, 1940 Business slow, all gone on
vacation. Temperature 20 above, light snow last night,
snowed all over interior. Another big wind storm due tonight
along California coast. British bombed again today, hospital
and some houses. Jap’s made a big haul on Chinks and war
supplies. Russia buying Swedish boats. Greeks still driving
Dagos home.
December 28, 1940 Wasilla deserted, 6 to 10
above. Grandma Fleck in bad shape from cold, sent to Palmer
for doctor. PM charged up light batteries and refilled store
coal bin. Final figures on Presidential election tabulates
17 for Wilkie and 20 for Roosevelt out of 100 voters, only 62 out
of 100 voted for President.
December 29, 1940 Sunday. Cloudy,
zero to 8 below. Got 2nd class mail. A box of Swan
cigars from factory account Christmas from old timer, H. W. Nagley,
Talkeetna, Alaska. Stanley drove Mrs. Fleckenstein over to
Palmer Hospital, has very high blood pressure with cold, in very
bad shape. President Roosevelt on air to 80 million people on
war conditions, etc.
December 30, 1940 Cold wave, 10 below to 20
below zero. Electric wash day at our new house.
Busy keeping up fires. School opened up again. Eva and
Stanley drove over to Palmer Hospital to see Eva’s mother, was
some better. Foreign powers commenting on President Roosevelt’s
Sunday broadcast on war conditions. London bombed.
December 31, 1940 Old year out, temperatures
16 below to 24 below zero, business fair, sold three $25 coupon
books. Airplane landed at Wasilla account ground fog at
Anchorage. Ma and son on grocery inventory, self charged light
batteries and on coal in and ashes out. Our government speeding
up manufacturing bombing planes to save England from Four Axis of
Power.
December 1940 Memo: Alaska population,
71,911. All Europe at war and Jap’s trying to conquer
China. U. S. busy in preparedness account any future invaders
in N. A. account Army Post construction at Anchorage and high wages
drew ½ of Wasilla people, hence business slow and off 66%
from normal. Buddy now 4 years old and a live wire.
1941
Miscellaneous notes on inside leaf of 1941-1945
journal read:
Mostly Second World War diary. May 8,
1945, World War II over in Europe. Jap’s in Asia still
fighting. Jap’s surrendered August 14, 1945 in Pacific.
C=100 M=1000. Christened
Orville George Herning in Eyota, Minnesota, now O. G. Herning,
General Merchandise, Wasilla, Alaska. Death benefit, $100,
dues from K. P. Lodge # 18 at Naugatuck, Connecticut. Twenty
year life insurance now in Seattle First National Bank. Minnesota
only 10 years older than Dad OGH, Minnesota a state 1858, OGH born
1868 at Eyota, Minnesota.
1940 Valley census, 1,444 people when I pass
out, plant me along side of “Elmer” at Old Sunny Knik.
Hereafter, Mattie A. Herning will be listed
as Ma in this diary, wrote up daily.
January 1, 1941 All Europe at war vs. England.
New Year, cold wave 22 above to 12 below. Closed store,
PM working on inventory. Charged electric light batteries.
Evening, cleaned marks off kitchen floor. Still living
in rooms aft store, only use our new house for bath and laundry.
Radio fair. Champion football games played off.
January 2, 1941 Thirty seventh year in business.
New year, cloudy, 32 above. Ma and self in grocery inventory,
store closed PM. Marie Martha helped me to wash and shine
up 2 tubs full of Mabel cabin dishes, mud 2” deep. Spring
weather in January? We’re now in World War, Japan the aggressor.
Radio good. General McArthur still holding off Jap’s in
Philippines invasion.
January 3, 1941 Business slow, 10 to 24 above,
cold snap broken. Self refilled furnace coal bin.
Got ½ ton Jonesville to mix with Healy coal for heat.
Ma and son on grocery inventory. Stuart Vail started to cut
ice on railroad contract. Ireland bombed today. Radio
fair. U. S. to build 200 freight boats for England.
1941 Congress in session.
January 4, 1941 A-1 day, 28 above. All
on inventory, sold one $25 order. Eva and Stanley brought
Eva’s mother home from Palmer Hospital, much improved. Mail
and bananas arrived. War hot in the Far East vs. the Dagos.
Radio fair. Chilligan shot McGinty Stephan while moose hunting at Willow.
January 5, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 26 above.
Self finished inventory of groceries in store basement.
Ma and kid went joy riding to Palmer. Paid $312 premium
on 1941, $12,000 fire insurance policy. And now the days
grow longer. Radio good, long and short wave. Real war
now going on in Europe, Uncle Sam preparing for any invaders.
January 6, 1941 A-1 day, 30 above. Electric
wash day at our new house. Hauled fruit over from depot
with Yukon sled. Refilled coal shoot at new house.
Midnight, re-finished kitchen floor with fawn Nutrokote. Mrs.
Ellexson out from Knik. Short wave good. President Roosevelt
spoke in Congress chambers on the preservation of our nation, went
over big.
January 7, 1941 A-1 day, 28 to 32 above.
Ellexson and Isaac placed order account trap line. Eva
and Stanley made round trip to Anchorage. Self on hardware
inventory, Ma on dry goods inventory, Buddy mascot. Dagos
about drove out Albania. Outside radio NG, local station only.
Roosevelt appointed a Defense Board.
January 8, 1941 Windy, 30 above all day.
Ma and son on inventory. Self paid invoices and got out
orders for hardware and groceries. Ellexson’s and Chas
Isaac left for Sunny Knik with Gus and dog team. Greeks still
driving Dagos out of Albania. Radio good, all stations on
air. France now making love to U. S. and plenty hungry.
Hoover sending ship load grub for relief subjects in Europe.
January 9, 1941 Cloudy, windy, 26 above.
Finished inventory in hardware show case, handles and nails
next. Stanley on ammunition, Ma on dry goods. Mail
went south. Charged light batteries, as usual. Don
Gray in from Goose Bay. British driving Dagos out Ethiopia.
January 10, 1941 Cloudy, 18 to 28 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Got two merchandise orders
from Willow. Stanley and Buddy drove to Palmer for new red wagon?
Dago invaders about drove home, no help from Hitler. Mr.
Metz, caretaker for Doc Shakum’s dogs. Radio fair. Jap’s
still bombing the Chinks. Mail arrived.
January 11, 1941 Weather cloudy, 14 to 28 above.
All on inventory, charged batteries. Ma took bath in
new house to relieve sore joints. Evening, Brill car up
from Anchorage with basketball teams vs. Wasilla. Hitler
and Duce shot up British Navy in Mediterranean. Radio fair.
Jap’s going to help Germany vs. U. S. helping Britain at war.
January 12, 1941 Sunday, cloudy, 4 above to
24 above. Store open AM as usual. PM self and Ma
on inventory. Boat freight arrived. Shipped 3 orders
north on railroad. Section man’s car killed Mrs.
Slumberger’s dog. London got bad bombing
today. Radio fair, 3 PM news and Charlie McCarthy.
Annual cash checked out, $1,871.41 short. Evening, colder.
January 13, 1941 A-1 day, 24 to 34 above. Eva
on electric washer, Pa pump man and engineer. PM had foot
agony, evening soaked feet in Epsom salts water. Germans
bombing suburban towns in England. Dagos still retreating.
Radio fair. Congress busy on bill to help Democratic nations
with war material.
January 14, 1941 No business, A-1 day,
24 to 32 above. All on inventory. Anchorage advertised
February Fur Rendezvous on the air. No bombs dropped on
Britain today. Hitler asked Spain to help him out in the
war. Radio poor, no long wave. Strikes at airplane plants,
want 25¢ per hour more. Evening, 8 above.
January 15, 1941 Colder, zero to 12 above.
Self on shelf hardware inventory. Busy with fires, charged
electric light plant batteries. Stanley took Mrs. Oberg, Paddy
and several others to Anchorage. Buddy and sister sleeping
at our house, Ma caretaker. Radio good all evening. Britain
accused U. S. of helping out Hitler with war material cotton oils
through Russia. Now the days grow longer.
January 16, 1941 Weather clear, 16 above down
to zero. Self on hardware shelf inventory, Stanley on clothing
inventory. Railroad ice men shipped first car.
Gus got 20 ton car of Healy coal. British bombed Hitler’s
Navy base for 8 hours. Hitler short bombs and oil.
Radio fair. U. S. talking of loaning British Navy gunboats.
Debates in Congress over helping England in war.
January 17, 1941 Weather windy, 2 to 24 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Got out order for grocery
and fruit. British want more U. S. help but have no more
money? Army Post laying off labor at Anchorage froze out.
Radio spasmodic account northern lights. Wireless failed
to come through from Seattle. Evening, windy.
January 18, 1941 Weather cloudy, windy, 16
above. Self on hardware inventory. Stanley completed
grocery and clothing inventory. Finished taking 1941 inventory.
One of the Fur Queens in Anchorage got the measles along with over
100 kids. Stanley took Mrs. Fleck to Palmer Hospital.
Greeks making final cleanup on the Dagos.
January 19, 1941 In store AM, PM closed.
Charged electric light batteries. Answered B. A. (Dell)
Eaton’s letter at Red Wing, Minnesota, Uncle Horace Eaton’s
boy. Mail train arrived at 11:30 PM. Radio NG, only
local station. Fire at Army Post at Anchorage.
January 20, 1941 Weather cloudy, 10 to 22 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, Pa the pump man, 224 gallons
of water. Got Outside mail. Plenty of measles in
sun set Anchorage and 4 fires. Auto roads good to mines and
Anchorage. No bombs on London today. Radio NG until
evening, then static. President Roosevelt inaugurated,
3rd term, on the air.
January 21, 1941 Weather partly cloudy, 2 to
16 above, evening fog. Alonzo brought his car in for
storage. Auto road closed from Mabel to Fern Mine but open
to upper Fishhook Creek. Report Russia declared war on
Hitler account Bulgaria. British drawing Dagos out of Ethiopia.
New Congress in session. Radio NG, only local stations
with world news.
January 22, 1941 Big wind, +28 to -8.
Noon, kids drove to Anchorage, had Mrs. Slumberger as joy rider.
Buddy and sister with Grandma, as usual, eat and sleep here.
Conscription day in Alaska, school closed and teachers on register
board. Freight 5 days late. Radio NG, only local station.
Wilkie flew to London to inspect war conditions.
January 23, 1941 Partly cloudy, 16 above all
day. Self tabulating inventory. Wind blocked auto
roads in places. Kids back from Anchorage last night.
Evening, made 2 months cash register sheets. Uncle Sam
going full blast on future war material. Greeks and British
got Dagos about licked. Radio poor, only local station.
January 24, 1941 Business fair, weather colder,
-4, evening wind +10. Busy shoveling in coal. Mail
arrived 5 PM. New Lord Ambassador from England arrived
in battleship “King George V”. U. S. got trade agreement
with Russia again. Revolt in Romania. Wendell
Wilkie arrived in London. Radio NG, only local station with World
News.
January 25, 1941 Big wind, +10. Trapper rented
Gus Miller cabin. Busy with fires account 50 mile wind.
Marie Martha drove to Palmer for hair cut. Several old
pioneers died in Sitka with the flu. Presidents Ball on
at Palmer tonight. No Outside radio, only Anchorage and Fairbanks
station heard.
January 26, 1941 Weather clear, big wind and
2 above. Wind with 2 above would freeze a brass monkey.
Gillis Anchorage truck delivered 20 cases milk at $4 case.
Girls won, boys lost, last night basketball Wasilla vs. Palmer.
Outside radio dead, only local station. Wind hard on fuel.
Cads installed oil heater.
January 27, 1941 Windy, 12 above all day.
Weather man says milder weather with snow tomorrow. Electric
wash day at our new house. Stanley, Buddy and self wheeled
over 1,200 pounds groceries from railroad shed. Ice men no
work, too windy on lake. Jap’s trying to love Russia?
No bombs over England for a week. No Outside radio.
Six inches snow in New York City, floods in California. Sam
White landed plane here account fog at Anchorage.
January 28, 1941 Weather cloudy, light snow.
Priced and opened up new groceries. Charged light batteries.
Sam White plane got off, AM for foggy Anchorage? Paid invoices
due. Now 3 boats weekly, Seattle to Seward. Dagos still
on retreat for home. Radio NG, only local stations.
January 29, 1941 First blizzard, southeaster
struck Wasilla 8 AM. All streets in Anchorage and to
Army Post blocked, 50 cars stalled. School buses made
round trip here. Isaac had china wedding. Radio fair
on short wave. Several airplane crashes in states.
Lend lease bill account England on debate in D. C.
January 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 above.
Anchorage got dug out of snow storm today, roads now open.
Road closed from canyon mile 12 to Fishhook Mines. Mid-week
boat arrived at Seward. Eighth year for Hitler, now trying
to dominate the world. President Roosevelt now 59 years
old. Only short wave and weak. Presidents Ball on
tonight.
January 31, 1941 Big wind, 18 to 28 above.
Got mail off on mid-week boat. Roads blocked on Palmer-Eklutna
end. Big arguments in Congress over Land Bill account war
supplies to England. Joe Louis won his 13th champion fight.
Reported Hitler going to gas London. Radio fair, got 8 PM
news. French making trouble for boss Hitler.
February 1, 1941 Weather cloudy, 18 to 30 above.
Business fair account indigents payroll. Nels Larson
in Palmer Hospital account bad teeth, also Smith McDougal of
Fern Mine, caught in rock slide. Stanley drove to Palmer
to see basketball. Self on hardware inventory aft warehouse.
Ice men snowbound. Ellexson’s in from Knik with dog team.
February 2, 1941 Sunday, Ground Hog Day, +38.
Mid-week boat freight arrived, 5 days from Seward, 150 miles,
Government service? Hitler getting short of bombs, probably
will use gas bombs next. France bucking Hitler’s demands.
Self on warehouse hardware inventory. Radio weak. Ground
hog didn’t see his shadow today.
February 3, 1941 Weather cloudy, rain, 38 above.
Ellexson’s bought small order, also Anna Stephan from Knik.
Hauled over 15 cases gas from railroad shed. Dumped tin
cans. Snow slide delayed mail train. Snow slide, below
Knik River bridge, blocked auto traffic, highway now all ice.
Electric wash day at our new house for the neighbors. Politician,
William Gibb McAdoo, 71, buried at D. C. son-in-law of Thomas Woodrow
Wilson.
February 4, 1941 Chinook, 34 to 42 above, PM
sleet storm. Roads blocked by slide near Knik River bridge
for 5 days, also mail train 2 days late account slide. Self
on hardware inventory aft store. Wendell Wilkie saw all the
Lords in London and now flying back to tell Congress what he saw.
Radio fair, got 3 PM war news.
February 5, 1941 Weather partly cloudy, 38
above. Got hardware and eggs out of set-out, delayed
in car 4 days. Priced up hardware, PM and charged light
batteries. Germany trying to get France to help fight England.
ARC got road open at Knik River bridge and to mines. Only
short wave. Sleet storm last night.
February 6, 1941 Clear, colder, 16 to 26 above.
Millich and Mary in from mines. The U. S. bomber that
flew to Fairbanks, last fall, cracked up while Outside for overhaul.
Col. Ohlson now in D. C. account Portage Bay ocean terminal.
Short wave only and local stations. Eb and Zeb not on.
The British have drove the Dagos out of Egypt.
February 7, 1941 Zero weather. With local donations,
Bill Taylor, old timer on Lake Wasilla, was sent to the Sitka
Home. Mrs. Fred Simmon’s, old timer of Knik, passed out
in Anchorage. Gus took Ellexson’s groceries to Knik.
Radio poor.
February 8, 1941 Weather colder, 16 above to
8 below zero. AM hauled over truck load groceries, car
froze up, took 1 hour to start same. All road now open
for traffic. Old timer, Mr. Wilson of Knik, passed out
at Sitka Home. Kids got colds. Radio fair, both short
and long wave. lend lease bill passed the House to aid Britain.
February 9, 1941 Sunday, sunny day, 16
to 26 above. British Navy shelled lower Italy. Hitler
trying to get in on north end of Greece. PM kids and ma to
joy ride to Knik. Three more men hurt at Fern Mine (Gustafson
foot injury, Hagaman 3 ribs broke, Poletto back and pelvis damage).
Radio fair. Got news on KPO, SF, more floods in California.
February 10, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 28
above. Electric wash day at our new house, cost $4 per
week, service expensive? Some measles around. Hitler
moving 500,000 troops into Rumania for a drive somewhere.
Evening, wrote Bud Hamon about Alaska Railroad ocean terminal.
Radio fair, all war news.
February 11, 1941 Cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Stanley’s passenger car went haywire in rear end, took it to
Palmer for an overhaul. PM refilled store coal bin.
Wilkie visited on President FDR today about his trip to Europe war
zone. Dan Gray, watchman in from Goose Bay. Short wave
only, got 8 PM news, war hot in Europe.
February 12, 1941 Business normal.
Cloudy, 30 to 36 above, Lincoln Day. Put up 2 orders for
Caswell and Goose Bay. Two Army trucks drove in to Knik.
Ma went to Anchorage for weekend on PM freight. A namesake,
Carl Herning, from Fairbanks, visited, has 2 brothers in Anchorage.
Radio good, got war news, KEX at Portland. Dagos got ‘ell
today.
February 13, 1941 Chinook, 38 to 42 above.
Dan Gray returned, with $50 grub outfit, with three Army trucks,
to Goose Bay. Roads now all ice. Army cutting out
road from Goose Bay to Point McKenzie to install big guns and
radio, etc. No short wave, local station only. Eva the
cook at Pa’s house.
February 14, 1941 Chinook, 38 to 44 above.
Roads all ice, evening raining. Stanley made set new
ice chains for tires to avoid side skidding into ditches, got
his car gear replaced. Four snow slides on Seward Division.
Radio NG, war in Europe, Africa and China hot at it. Ma at
Anchorage, my valentine.
February 15, 1941 Chinook, 38 to 48 above.
Rained all last night, snow all gone, ice left. Self in
store all day. Evening, Stanley, Eva and Isaac drove to
Knik to visit ex-squaw man and Eva’s birthday. Radio NG,
only local station. Ex-King Alfonso of Spain about to cash
in with heart trouble. Ma at Anchorage behind 4 snow slides.
February 16, 1941 Sunday, Chinook, 40 to 48
above. Hurricane in Spain, blew electric train off bridge,
set fires, over 400 killed and many wounded. Wallace visited
on President, would not let public know war investigation in Europe.
Wilkie going to China. Radio fair. Charlie McCarthy program
good. More floods in California. All snow gone in Wasilla.
Ma back on mail train 2:30 AM.
February 17, 1941 A-1 day, 32 to 54 above,
real spring day. Electric wash day, costs $4 and Ma does
her own? Jack Fabyan home on vacation from Army Post construction
at Anchorage. Big war talk now. Hitler going to crush
Greece and Jap’s got 40 war boats near Indochina vs. U. S. and Britain.
Dan Gray had light stroke at Goose Bay. Local station hot on
air with Anchorage Fur Rendezvous.
February 18, 1941 A-1 spring day, 26 o 40 above.
Joe Palmer left for Caswell trap line. Eva and Stanley
drove to Anchorage for opening of Fur Rendezvous and prize fight
tonight. Buddy and sister under Grandma’s care as usual.
Jap’s offered as mediators to settle Europe war. Germans ready
for drive through Hungary to Greece. Radio good, all stations
on the air. Ledger posted to May.
February 19, 1941 A-1 day, 20 to 40 above.
Self posting 1940 ledger, got 7 months posted. Old Martin
Mill burned up at Free Gold Mine. U. S. subjects visited
home from Manila and Indochina. Looks like war vs. Jap’s
by U. S. and Britain. Radio good all stations. Army Post
band gave concert in Anchorage High School. Storm and cold wave
in states.
February 20, 1941 A-1 day, 15 to 36 above.
Snow all gone in valley, spring weather all over Alaska?
Self got ledger posted to October. KFQD on air all PM
with games. Looks like war with Japan over Indochina.
Palmer basketball team beat both Seward and Anchorage High School.
After school, Marie Martha at Palmer dentist. Only short wave
and local station account storms Outside.
February 21, 1941 Weather colder, 16 to 32
above. Big military parade in Anchorage by Army Post
showing all their guns and war equipment. Big fight in
Congress over lease lend bill to help Britain out. Jap’s
on the fence over Indochina. Finished posting 1940 ledger.
Short wave and local station only.
February 22, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30
above. February 22nd, remember George. Eva and
Stanley drove to Anchorage to see final of Fur Rendezvous.
Patsy Chisholm won Queen contest. An old man won beard growing
contest. Over packed Community Hall dance. Evening,
Buddy and sister sleeping and eating here. Daylight and
darkness now even. Only short wave and local station.
Good radio, old Doc Shakum returned from Palmer Hospital.
February 23, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 28
to 40 above. Self busy tabulating 1940 ledger for income
tax report. Chas Isaac and wife left for Knik on spring beaver
hunt. Fairbanks Special took Rendezvous sports back home.
AM freight arrived. Now Indochina, big war talk. Ma
taking on cold. Short wave weak. Got news and Charlie
McCarthy. No snow in Wasilla.
February 24, 1941 Partly cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Self tabulating on 1940 ledger. Electric, $4 wash day
in our new house. Big fight in Congress over lease lend bill,
look for vote on same next week. Isaac and Ellexson in from
Knik for more beaver supplies. About out of coal. No short
or long wave, local station only. The British warned Japan
to keep out of Indochina.
February 25, 1941 Partly cloudy, 20 to 28 above.
Finished 1940 income tax report, $39.99 in the red account
of Government competition in business. Independence hauling
in car oil. Jap’s trying to fix up invasion of Indochina
with the British. Only short wave and local station.
War easing off in Europe.
February 26, 1941 Weather colder, 18 to 28
above. Filled in tax report, ready for notary seal.
Stanley loaded up Mrs. Fleck’s furniture, going back to Anchorage
tomorrow. Curlie Alonzo and wife moved from Fern Mine to ranch.
School now in session 6 days per week account new addition to building.
Radio weak. Hitler says he will sink all British cargo boats,
grub now short in Europe.
February 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 14 to 24
above. Stanley and Sharon left with Mrs. Fleck’s furniture
for Anchorage, Mrs. Fleck went on AM train, car hit ice groove
and turned over on side, bent rim on hind wheel but they made
it into Anchorage. Agent Browne and family returned.
Radio weak. Britain told Jap’s no invasion on Indochina.
Marie Martha got Hitler measles.
February 28, 1941 Weather cloudy, 18 to 28
above. Agent Browne on shift again, after trip Outside.
Stanley Millich in from mine with sore eye. Stanley and Buddy
drove to Palmer after ice cream and Maca yeast. Time up account Jap’s
making a drive on the French colony in Indochina. 11 PM re-painted
kitchen floor. Short wave very weak, local station OK.
About out of coal.
February 1941 Memo: February mild month,
10 days April weather. No snow in Valley. Jap’s
trying to lick Uncle Sam and John Bull.
March 1, 1941 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 26 to 36 above. Beaver season open, sold
beaver hunt outfit and old age pension orders. Hungary joined
the Axis Powers and Hitler moved in his Army. Indochina invasion
by Jap’s under negotiation by French Colony. Short wave no
good, got World News from local station.
March 2, 1941 Weather windy, 28 to 34 above.
Self working on hardware inventory in warehouse aft store.
Charged light batteries. Evening, took bath in new house.
Only eggs and butter arrived on PM freight. Miner broke his
leg at Lucky Shot. No short wave PM local stations OK.
Making ready for more war in Europe and Asia, Jap’s and Hitler.
March 3, 1941 Weather windy, 48 above all day.
$4 wash day at our new house. Paying $2.50 cwt for local
spuds. Mail train in, 12:30 midnight. Slide on Seward
Division. Mrs. Cad left for Fairbanks Ice Carnival and to visit
Mary at college. Short wave weak big war talk. Ex-King
Alfonso of Spain died with heart trouble.
March 4, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 44 above.
Stanley and Paddy drove to Anchorage to do carpenter job for
Ma Fleck. Hitler wants 10 days more to install troops in
Hungary, then a big drive, but Russia says no. Packed beaver
grub order for Willie and partner. Chet in from mines.
No short wave PM long wave dead. Local station and Fairbanks
only.
March 5, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 44 above.
Paid invoices and got out fruit and grocery orders. Mines
getting short of water. Jonesville, no water to wash coal.
Ice men through on railroad ice contract. Talk of World War.
Anchorage Special train to Fairbanks dog derby and ice carnival
went north. Radio NG, only local stations. Hot war talk,
U. S. wants to get in.
March 6, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 40 above,
evening snowing. AM Stanley and Paddy drove to Anchorage
to do carpenter work job for Mrs. Ma Fleck. Hitler wants
10 day more to install troops. No war today, only talk it
over. Radio fair. 4 PM Stanley back from Anchorage
with pick-up merchandise. Bill Edlund and partner left for
beaver hunt.
March 7, 1941 Partly cloudy, 34 to 38 above.
New snow all gone, heavy snow at Fishhook Mines. Stanley
and Sharon left on PM mail train for a beaver hunt. Boat
freight arrived 6 PM 2,650 pounds groceries. Capt. Sliver
and Mary, beaver partners. Short wave fair, got 8 PM war
news. Fight still on over lease lend bill to help England fight
Hitler. Fifteen minute blackout in Seattle at 10 PM.
March 8, 1941 Partly cloudy, 30 to 42 above.
Eva took a joy ride to Fishhook Inn with Cad. Paul Warrick
now operating old Fishhook Inn. PM hauled over 1½
tons groceries from railroad freight shed with old truck, then busy
pricing and opening up cases. No snow in Matanuska Valley, 10” snow
at Washington D. C. 12” of snow at New York City. Short wave
fair. Jane Jones of Nome selected as Ala Queen at the Fairbanks
Dog and Ice Carnival. London bombed today.
March 9, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy, 38 to
42 above. Shipped one order north. Busy all AM pricing
and storing away new merchandise. Sold Carl Fritzler windows
for his new Anchorage house. Hitler’s troops now in Bulgaria,
ready for a drive on Greece. Evening, raining. Crocker’s
won basketball over the Fairbanks Clothers in 3 games. Anchorage
High School lost to Fairbanks High School, all games over at Fairbanks
High School. Short wave 50% short, Fairbanks good. Sports
ended Carnival today.
March 10, 1941 Partly cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Electric $4 wash day at our new house. Ma insists on doing
her was old way, in the tub and got a game knee. Finished
pricing and opening up new groceries. Anchorage-Fairbanks
bunch still in Fairbanks account snow drifts in Broad Pass.
Stanley and Sharon on trap line down little Susitna from Houston.
Short wave OK on news. Hitler’s Army about ready to invade Greece.
Gus got 10 ton car of coal, second coal.
March 11, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 42 above.
Self in store all day. Sold a sack of calf meal,
spring here? The lend lease bill now a law. FDR wants
only 7 billion to finance if Hitler says it will delay the termination
of Europe war one year? Radio weak. Dan Gray out from
Goose Bay for grub.
March 12, 1941 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Self in store and office got out grocery order. Anchorage-Fairbanks
Special train, with 225, returned at 2 AM. Mrs. “Goat”
Snider up from Anchorage. Ernest Ohlin here for is spuds,
from Anchorage. Short wave good. Hitler says he
will sink all of U. S. supplies sent to Britain.
March 13, 1941 Weather colder, 20 to 30 above.
Mail train 2 hours late going south. Sharon and Stanley
back from beaver hunt, found many houses but no beaver in them,
fifty miles and no beaver? British now using U. S. bombers
with good results on Berlin and airports in Germany. Short
wave fair, no long wave. U. S. rushing war material to Britain
under lend lease bill.
March 14, 1941 A-1 day, 14 to 28 above. Boat
mail arrived. Agents kids left for Yukon District to work
on Magee’s placer mine. Royal Air Force shot down 13 Nazi
bombers. Heaviest bombing of season on both sides by British
and Germans. Eva and Stanley’s 16th wedding anniversary.
Radio fair. First 40 million powder plant completed for U.
S. more in making war materials for England being rushed. Hair
cut.
March 15, 1941 Weather windy, 26 to 36 above.
Stanley and Sharon drove to Anchorage to finish Ma Fleck’s garage
house. President Roosevelt on air 4:30 PM from Press
Club banquet, speech on benefit of lease lend bill to help Democratic
nations with material. Radio weak. Hitler still making
ready for drive on Greece. All kind of strikes in states,
want more pay and shorter hours.
March 16, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30 to
40 above. Kids back from Anchorage PM saw two wrecked
cars in route. Gust Jackson down from Pittman to trade.
Truck load groceries and drugs arrived on PM freight. Eighty
mile wind storm in Minnesota, 50 froze to death. Dance hall
bombed in London. Short wave good. all war news.
March 17, 1941 A-1 spring day, 38 to 48 above.
$4 wash day at our new house, Ma still prefers the old way.
Self checking pricing and opening up groceries. Independence
hauling out car load steam pipe. Still making ready for big
fight in Europe. Irish program on KFQD. Radio weak.
Boat left New York with 1½ million dollar supplies for
Hungary and France.
March 18, 1941 A-1 spring day, 32 to 38 above.
Unpacked new drugs and priced up same. Ma having knee
trouble again self got sore feet, otherwise OK. Army scout
planes over Wasilla all day, doing maneuvers. Letter from
Bert Eaton. No snow, streets dry. Radio wave full of
cracks from Army airplanes. British and Greeks got Dagos about
cleaned up.
March 19, 1941 Partly cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Air full of scout planes but no Jap’s yet in sight. Another
death at Willow Station. Got out-mail and orders.
London got worst bombing yet today. President going fishing.
Short wave silent, evening, long wave came in good on KEX.
March 20, 1941 A-1 day, 32 to 48 above.
Completed final inventory of store supplies in warehouse.
Commissioner Wilmoth went to Willow Station to report on trapper
Martin’s death. Western Minnesota storm, 66 froze to death,
found in their autos, 85 mile gale. Thorpe’s back from visit
Outside. Twenty two below zero in New York state. Radio
fair. FDR taking 20 days off for fishing after 7 billion dollar
lease lend bill passed Congress.
March 21, 1941 Spring is here, snow all gone
in valley. A-1 day, 38 to 48 above. Self tabulating
hardware. PM charged batteries for pickup car. Mail
arrived on time. Letter from Lydia May Kellogg on oil and farms.
Evening, Ma and all the kids took in show at Palmer, Buddy the mascot.
Lester Sumrall, world trotter, on the air describing conditions in
foreign countries. Radio weak. Seven billion lend lease
bill ready to vote on at D. C. Rain in California, bad on oranges.
March 22, 1941 A-1 day, 34 to 50 above.
Priced up new groceries due 23rd. Stanley repaired door
on pickup from tip-over in ditch to Anchorage. Recharged
battery for pickup car. Germans have sunk over 200M tons of
British cargo to date. Turkey standing pat vs. Four Power Axis.
Short wave NG. Jap’s determined to take Indochina, Reds neutral
with Turkey. Dagos lost Ethiopia.
March 23, 1941 Sunday, weather windy,
34 to 46 above. Eva and Paddy, mascot, drove to Anchorage account
mother Fleck’s birthday. Ma left caretaker of buddy and
sister. Buddy drank bottle pop then did poo in his pants.
12 cwt new fruit and groceries arrived PM. Rain on Alaska coast.
Outside radio NG, got war news over local station. British
have bagged 130,000 Dagos thus far in Far East.
March 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
No wash day, Chink in Anchorage. New schoolmarm arrived
from North Pole, to take over Professor Tuesbury’s job. Farmers
selling spuds to the Army Post at $2.85 cwt. Rain on coast.
Radio fair. Wilkie speaking in Canada. Jap’s say U. S.
will be in war by May next account furnishing supplies to Democratic
countries. Kids back from Anchorage PM.
March 25, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Electric, $4 wash day at our new house. Stanley fixed
up tires on pickup, hauled over balance of groceries from railroad
and tin cans to dump. Hitler still making ready to do up
Greece. Strikes, many in states. Radio good, all stations
on air. Swen Bodin and party fishing on Lake Wasilla from Anchorage.
March 26, 1941 Weather cloudy, 42 to 44 above.
Got out-mail and orders. Wendell Wilkie back in New York,
made a great hit on tour of Canada. Lease lend bill passed
and sent to FDR down at his fishing camp below Florida. Radio
good, all stations in. Germans about ready to strike at Greece.
Hungary on verge of a revolt.
March 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Ma taking on usual spring cold. Mail went south.
Bad spots on auto roads, frost coming out. Hitler lost out
on Yugoslavia. The young King Peter took over the Government
and refused to join the Axis Power. All kind of strikes on
Government work. Snow half gone on Bald Mt. Radio fair.
Hector Smith got a job in New York, they gave him a banquet at Community
Center. Talk of bringing Eklutna electricity to Wasilla, 3rd
time.
March 28, 1941 Partly cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
Metz clearing his lot back of school house. Dogs got distemper
in Wasilla. Mail train 2 hours late, many autos and Cats
on train for Fairbanks District. All radio stations changed
frequency today, Mexico and South America countries also.
Radio weak. Jap council now at Berlin to talk over war Axis.
March 29, 1941 Partly cloudy, 38 to 48 above.
Self took last of pipe, iron and lumber inventory at railroad
warehouse. Stanley drove to Palmer account infected knuckle.
Jap’s talk with Hitler not so hot. Some battleship war today,
not much harm done. Radio weak, only news by local station.
Gas boats now calling at Anchorage. Section men burning grass
along track
March 30, 1941 Still cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
Paddy put in $225 bid on ARR Co-op farm house. PM cleaned
and oiled store floor. Got ½ ton groceries on
PM freight, hauled same over and stored away. Wireless dead
until 10 PM war news not much doing. All March was April weather,
no snow in Valley. Radio NG. Premier from Japan visited
on Hitler then going to see Mussolini.
March 31, 1941 Weather cloudy, 44 to 48 above.
Electric wash day at our new house. Eva lost her diamond
in tub. Self figuring cost of iron and put coal chunks in store
coal bin. The British wiped out the Italian war fleet.
Dan Gray in from Goose Bay. Outside radio NG. U. S.
captured Italian and German boats on East Coast, may mean war?
April 1, 1941 All Fools Day. Business
fair, pension payday. Temperature 38 to 48, 60 above in
sun. Mrs. Vail got 2 ribs cracked, run into Army truck near
Palmer. Dan Gray, watchman, returned to Goose Bay. Roosevelt
tying up all Axis boats in U. S. ports. Britain, with new
bombs, shot up Germany’s air and sub ports. Short wave OK, got
war news 3 PM. Letter to Diamond about elements on Alaska Railroad,
Kachemak Bay only port.
April 2, 1941 Weather cloudy, 32 to 46 above.
Marie Martha 9 years old. Took stock of pipe fittings.
Ma on one leg, got bad knee. Dinner at Marie Martha’s house
account her 9th birthday had a kid party, 4 PM. No mail
train account no boat in. All kind of strikes in States.
Radio NG. Harry Bridges up for trial again account of being
deported and a socialist.
April 3, 1941 A-1 day, 32 to 48 above.
Self cleaning up around hardware counters. Ma cleaned
up clothing show window inside. Stanley washed windows
outside. Stanley Millish home from hospital account sore eye,
hurt at mines. Gas boats now docking at Anchorage.
Mrs. Silas Vail died from auto accident, came to Valley in 1915.
Yugoslavia standing, Hitler drove off. Outside radio dead,
news over local stations. U. S. grub supply boat reached Hungary.
France short of food.
April 4, 1941 A-1 spring day, 38 to 48 above.
Twenty five Wasilla-ites attended Mattie Vail’s funeral at Palmer.
Got out-mail for Sunday train. South Yugoslavia and British
ready to meet Hitler invasion. 1941 NCR book inventory $7,590.56
cost, actual stock $12,239.85, selling price $18,255.46. Local
stations were dead. Long wave came in fine. Railroad to
go through Portage Bay per order of the Navy.
April 5, 1941 A-1 spring day, 48 to 52 above.
Stanley, Eva and Paddy drove to Anchorage for weekend, Ma and
game knee caretakers of kids, as usual. Varnished and dressed
hardware show window. Hitler started his drive on Yugoslavia
and Greece today. No short wave. War on, again, in
Balkan States. Strikes still on in U. S. States.
April 6, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy,
48 to 52 above. Two truck loads of Army men here bought
$5 worth of candy and fishing gear. Kids back from Anchorage
at noon. PM burned old grass on Wasilla Avenue in front of
garage and warehouse. Charged batteries. Hitler started
invasion on Yugoslavia and Greece. Jap’s still fighting China.
Railroad train every day, now on.
April 7, 1941 A-1 spring day, 48 to 54 above.
Self in store most of day. Ma got bad pain in knee and down
to ankle neuritis. McDougal back from Outside. Ten
Navy planes flew over in 5-each formation, doing practice. Germans
drove 25 miles into Yugoslavia. Bombs in the air. Short
wave fair. War on again. Hitler trying to take Greece and
Yugoslavia and Estonia lost to the Greeks.
April 8, 1941 Summer day, 36 to 52 above.
Ma put in bad night with knee and leg pains, used electric battery
on leg, went to Palmer to see doctor, Mrs. Cad got same trouble.
Paid taxes on Griffith two lots and weekly paper and adv. to see
two lots in Griffith. Hitler making a drive to Greece but with heavy
losses. Russia may join England to stop Hitler world power.
April 9, 1941 Summer day, 40 to 50 above. Ma
took another red light treatment on her knee. Cancelled
Alaska Weekly 4/20. Paid K. P. dues to 4/1/1942, also Griffith,
Indiana taxes on 2 lots. Wrote Lulu M. Fairbanks, business
for sale. Radio best ever, all stations on air. Hitler
making big drive on Greece.
April 10, 1941 A-1 spring day, 40 to 54 above.
McDougal passed through to Goose Bay. Ma still nursing
game knee. Paddy got carbuncle on his neck. Starting
survey and work on new road up Matanuska River to Richardson Highway.
Berlin got bad bombing today by RAF. Isaac back from beaver
hunt. Radio weak. Germans cleaning up on Slavs but with
heavy losses. U. S. to fortify new Poland vs. Hitler.
April 11, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 54 above.
Auto roads around Anchorage out of commission. Ma took 3rd
light treatment on her knee at Palmer Hospital, not effective
as yet. Vic Blodgett passed out. Hitler claims big
victories in Yugoslavia, the other side says no. Paul Warrick
visited. Short wave weak, evening, long wave fairly good.
Soper moved back from ranch.
April 12, 1941 Business fair, weather
cloudy, 44 above all day. Stanley made a trip to Palmer
for Paddy Marian. Billy Tryck now working for ARR Co-op
garage. Hitler making a drive through Greece and Yugoslavia,
not much success thus far. Mussolini says Roosevelt is 200
years behind the times. Now mail from Seattle 3 times weekly.
Radio weak, storms on coast, local station OK. Frost out of
ground in Wasilla.
April 13, 1941 Easter Sunday, weather
cloudy, 40 above. AM Stanley took his mother to Anchorage
for knee treatment, kids went along. Cleaned and re-varnished
kitchen floor. Now 3 mails per week. Fine Easter programs
all PM by short wave. Received Easter basket from Marie Martha
and Buddy. Millish family left for Seattle. Short wave
good.
April 14, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 52 above.
Ma at Anchorage for knee message, Eva K. T. Co. cook.
Trout running down Cottonwood Creek. Evening showers.
AM electric wash day, Eva wash mistress. Navy bombers in formation
over Wasilla. Hauled over truck load groceries from set-out,
priced and opened up same. Radio from all over the world.
Greeks and Slavs holding out vs. German invaders. U. S. bombers
landed in England.
April 15, 1941 Snow last night, all gone 9
AM PM light rain, 40 to 42 above. Self in store
all day. Ma at Anchorage with game knee. Stanley
drove Gus’ truck to Palmer for building materials for Paddy.
British and Greeks retreated from German tank drive but Germans
lost 40 tanks and several bombers. Radio fair. Big quake
at Colima, Mexico. Colima fire and half of people killed.
U. S. ready to ship supplies to Greece.
April 16, 1941 Rain, PM 40 to 52 above.
Ma at Anchorage account game knee. Three feet of snow in
hills, roads blocked above Fishhook Inn. Paddy remodeling
Nellie Hartman log house. Got out weekend orders and mail.
London got worse bombing as yet. British sunk convoy of 8
Italian ships. Radio good, real war in Europe today, both sides
won. Evening, raining. May Kellogg moved to Wasilla.
April 17, 1941 Three inches snow-rain, 36 to
42 above, ground white again this AM. PM snow all gone.
Got 600 pounds new hardware, priced up same PM. Germans
lost 20M men on drive vs. Yugoslavia today. Many killed on
London bombing yesterday. Jap’s still invading Indochina.
Letter from Ma in Anchorage, getting relief on game knee. May Kellogg
visited with oil story. Radio weak PM OK evening. Ma
sent us halibut and crab meat and cottage cheese from Anchorage.
April 18, 1941 Weather cloudy, 42 to 46 above.
Self finished pricing up new hardware and fishing tackle.
Had first mess trout from the Cottonwood Creek, trout now running.
Willow Creek District covered up with new snow. Willie and
partner back from beaver hunt, got 19 big ones. Ma back from
Anchorage with Avocet cream and frozen strawberries, Yolly!!
Her knee much better from massage treatments. Radio weak.
On German drive, Greeks and British killed over 50M Germans.
April 19, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 42 above.
Andy Trent visited for merchandise. Congress got bill
up to eliminate strikes, 24 now holding up U.S. material for war
preparedness. German drive vs. Yugoslavia and Greece meeting
deadly resistance. Ma on shift today, leg much better.
Radio weak. London bombed again and losing lots of cargo boats
by Hitler submarines.
April 20, 1941 Sunday, cloudy, 38 to 54 above.
Store open, 3 hours AM for absent minded. Stanley repairing
and painting old Chev pickup. Raked off old grass and
dead leaves on new house lawn. Charged light batteries and
pumped up tank for wash day. Evening, printed register sheets.
Radio NG, both sides in Greece war, claim advances . German
losing soldiers and tanks.
April 21, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 56 above.
AM electric wash day, except Ma, old way the best. Eva and Stanley
drove to Anchorage to locate a job, Buddy and sister left with
Grandma and her sore leg. Gave Dr. N. H. Crowell, publisher of Vancouver,
Washington, 600 word write up from birth to Alaska, no charge.
Radio good. Hot fighting in Greece and Yugoslavia and
Hitler making some progress but losing soldiers.
April 22, 1941 Temperature
38 to 54 above, 62 in the sun. Ice out of Lake Lucille.
Self in store all day, got sore feet. Kids back from Anchorage.
Metz clearing his lot back of school house for a garden spot.
Hitler says he has cleaned up on Greece and Yugoslavia, they say
no. British won another Naval battle on foot. Congress to put
a billion dollar tax on small tax payer to finance war materials.
April 23, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 52 above.
Self most of day on order to Butler Bros. San Francisco.
Buddy took an afternoon sleep at Tryck’s house. Had Outside
frozen strawberries and whipped cream, not bad to take?
Mrs. Barigo’s daughter back, quit her Russian newly wed husband
at Kenai. Jap’s now trying to love Uncle Sam, don’t want war
with U. S. on Indochina. Radio fair, London came in good.
Hitler driving ahead in Greece but lost 60M dead and 200M wounded
soldiers, some dictator?
April 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 54 above.
Stanley repainted Chev pickup. Engineers from Anchorage
Army Post surveying around Wasilla for emergency landing field.
The ARC graders smoothing up roads. Wasilla School annual,
“The Hub”, out, enrollment 68, only 3 graduates. Spring is
here, 82 geese flew over in Army formation.
April 25, 1941 Temperature 48 to 50 above and
windy. Finished shoveling garden spot by garage.
Answered Bert Eaton's 2nd letter about family records of Hewett’s
and Kendall’s. Second soldier died at Anchorage Army Post.
Everybody trout fishing. Radio NG, local station only.
April 26, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 54 above.
Got out Seattle mail. Burned off old grass on new house
lawn. Anchorage soldiers here fishing for trout in Cottonwood
Creek. British and Greeks had to evacuate. Greece
under German invasion, looks bad for Britain, U. S. help too late?
Radio fair. Harry Bridges on trial again for deporting
to Australia. School graduation on in Hall.
April 27, 1941 A-1 day, temperature 48 to 58
above. Several joy riders out today. Germans got British
retreating in Balkan States but British knocking the tar out
of German industry with ton bombs. Evening, National Groc.
truck delivered ½ ton sugar. Ma took third annual bath
in our new house, aft store. Eastern states gone on daylight savings
time.
April 28, 1941 Partly cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Electric wash day in our new house for the neighbors. Ma
prefers to do it the old way. U.S. rushing war supplies to
Britain and China. The Chinks done up the Jap’s today and
got many guns, tanks, etc. from Jap’s. Germans took Greece
with heavy losses. Radio weak. If coal strike not settled
soon, all companies making war material will have to close down.
April 29, 1941 A-1 day, 50 to 54 above.
Self in store AM to 3 PM. Refinished front door on new house,
chocolate color. PM got truck load of groceries. Germans
using big SS Bertha guns on Dover, England at 20 mile range.
Metz placed grub order for Goose Bay. Short wave weak.
Lindbergh resigned as Colonel of Air Corps after President criticized
his speech on the war situation, now a private citizen. School
picnic at Edlund’s and Peck’s on Lake Wasilla.
April 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
AM priced and opened up new merchandise. Stanley went
to Palmer. Put up order for Metz at Goose Bay. Received $50
order from Buck Sparling at Lucky Shot. St. Clair’s reopening
beer hall on Finger Lake ranch. Radio fair. President
Roosevelt on the air, wants more money and bill for little fellows
to buy government bonds. U. S. Treasury about broke.
May 1, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 54 above.
Cad, with 2 sedans, moved Jake Metz to Goose Bay account watchman
at dock for summer at $60 a month. Eva and Stanley drove
Mrs. Sid Rae to Anchorage to see lawyer account divorce. Loretta
Hapster and Mrs. Barigo and daughter left for States, through teaching
at Wasilla. No PM radio, evening fair. U. S. trying
to send grub to ships to aid Britain in war against Germany.
Minor Roop bought Lundstrom house, switched to Thorpe house. Wasilla
School closed.
May 2, 1941 Partly cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Kids back from Anchorage. Mrs. Kellogg got to vacate old Post
Office account sold to Minor Roop from Thorpe’s. Germans
making inroads on British in Balkan States and Africa. U. S.
planes and ships going forward to Britain. Farmer arrived to
take over C. D. Johnson ranch on Lake Wasilla. Short wave fair.
Many Congressman favor U. S. to join Britain to stop Hitler’s invasion
through Europe.
May 3, 1941 Partly cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Birch trees are leaving. Miller, trapper, won ice pool
at 1:50 AM $106,000. Shipped grub order to Willow.
More soldiers here on 30 day furlough, looking for cabins.
Britain’s hard pressed, by Hitler, in drive to Suez Canal District.
Lothrop here plowing up gardens. Short wave OK. British
need help to stop German invasion.
May 4, 1941 Sunday, A-1 summer day, 50
to 64 above. Miller had 8 partners on ice pool.
PM took down winter fly over balcony. Gottstein delivered
case cigarettes PM. Ma and kids drove out to Fishhook Inn.
Hitler made a speech, was freeing all small nations from British
rule and Democracy was NG. Radio fair both short and long
wave. Most strikers going back to work.
May 5, 1941 Second summer day, 44 to 64 above.
Several soldiers here on 30 day furlough and have a few $1
bills to spend. Answered A. C. Penning's letter about
sale of Griffith, Indiana lots. Stanley visited to Anchorage
account job at Air Base, kids with Grandma. Electric wash
day. Radio good both long and short wave.
May 6, 1941 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Self in store AM. PM started to re-paint front of new
house. PM kids back from Anchorage. Greece cut off
from food supplies. FAA wants to purchase Larry’s planes.
Talk of short route to Orient now via Alaska. Radio fair.
Self painting all PM.
May 7, 1941 A-1 day, 50 to 62 above.
Finished 1 coat paint on front of new house, 8 hours.
A dozen Army trucks with trailers here and returned to Anchorage.
Hitler bombing all over England and Ireland today and lost 1 plane.
Buck Sparling in from Craigie Creek. Radio good, all stations.
Dan Gray, watchman, Goose Bay on way home at mile 29.
May 8, 1941 Light rain, 42 to 48 above.
Old timer, Cox, 84 years old, down from Montana River to trade.
Army trucks again maneuvering around Wasilla. Ambulance took
May Kellogg to Palmer Hospital, legs gave out. kids drove
to Anchorage. Buck Sparling went to Anchorage. Radio
fair.
May 9, 1941 A-1 day, 42 to 54 above.
Kids back from Anchorage. Finished 2nd coat of paint on front
of new house, 5 hours. Stanley made tool chest, expects
a job at Army Post soon. Mail train 3 hours late. Planted
22 hills spuds. Jap’s given up aggression in China, want to
establish trade treaties. Evening showers. Radio fair.
May 10, 1941 Partly cloudy, 48 to 64 above.
Painted 3 hours on new house trimmings, green. Fish excursion
went north with 5 cars loaded with Army soldiers. Late
storms blocked roads over benches to mines. Col. Lindbergh
on the air at Minneapolis on war prospects, 1,200 inside and 2,500
outside listened to his speech and a million more on Columbia hookup.
Fred Nelson home from 1 year in Seattle. Radio extra loud.
Britain got worse bombing of war. Britain still holding out
in north Africa. Hot war today.
May 11, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 48 to 64
above. In store AM had a bunch of soldiers $1 trade.
Harmon and gang down from Houston Section to trade. Ma and
kids went joy riding through Matanuska farm valley. Radio
fair. Bombs hit five hospitals and house of Commons in London
today. Berlin and shipyards got same dose. Five hours
painting new house.
May 12, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Self feeling bum, slight cold. Electric wash day at new
house. Air full of Army bombers maneuvering. Shorty
skied in to his mine on Craigie Creek, lots of snow. Hitler's
1st aide, Rudolf Hess, quit him and landed in Scotland today.
Radio weak, not much action in war today. Gardens being planted
for 1941 crop.
May 13, 1941 Weather cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
Stanley and Marie Martha drove to Anchorage. Self painting
all day. Senator Nye on air ciphering President Roosevelt’s
promise to keep U. S. out of war. Rudolf Hess broke his
ankle in parachute landing in Scotland, Has quit Hitler Air Force.
Radio good. Senator Nye roasted FDR on his campaign pledge
to keep U. S. out of war.
May 14, 1941 Weather cloudy, 58 above all day.
Hauled over eggs and meats with Stanley’s pickup. Painted
on 2nd coat, 2 hours, at new house. Evening, Stanley and
Marie back from Anchorage. Soldiers now fishing at Herman’s
Lake. Hitler offered France independence if she would join
the Axis Powers, no deal. Radio good. Not much war,
all talk about Hess landing in Britain, quit Hitler. Rudolf
Hess, Hitler’s 3rd man, the big attraction in London.
May 15, 1941 Weather cloudy, 42 to 52 above.
Straw Hat Day. Self in store AM one order went to Pittman.
Painted 2 hours. Stanley got phone to report to Army Post
for work, left PM. Clyde King Jr. got new dairy herd.
America first orators on the air with our view, no war.
Army scout plane over Wasilla today. Radio good, most all
Hess talk.
May 16, 1941 Weather cloudy, 38 to 58 above.
Bids posted for new gym for Wasilla High School. Fred
Nelson repainting Gus’ cottage on Knik Street. Self on
2nd coat, 2 hours, new house. Stanley back from Army Post,
had exam to go to work Sunday at $1.50 per hour in carpenters department.
Radio weak. Hess mission to Scotland not as yet ciphered
out by the British. Big boat with freight now at Anchorage dock
May 17, 1941 Weather cloudy, 58 above all day.
PM on green trimmings at new house. Crib and Co. Anchorage,
got contract on Wasilla new gym for $21,000. PM freight
got ton of groceries and fruit. Andy Trent over from Palmer
for grub order. Moshier in hospital. Radio weak, no long
wave. War on in North Africa. Hitler drive to Suez Canal.
Trees and grass all green, summer is here.
May 18, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy, 34
to 58 above. Stanley left 4 AM to start work on Army Post
job at Anchorage. Busy in store AM bunch of soldiers here
all the time trout fishing. Word came that Mr. Pyle passed
out in Los Angeles, was up here every summer for Marion Twin Mine.
Planted lettuce and radishes. Radio weak, no bombs fell on
London today. All fighting now in North Africa and subs sinking
British cargos.
May 19, 1941 Partly cloudy, 42 to 54 above.
Self in store until 3 PM. Painted on house annex, last
coat. Electric wash day. Independence Mine had a car
of groceries. Big boat unloading piles for Anchorage railroad
dock extension. Most strikers going back to work. Stanley
on job at Army Post. Radio fair. Jap’s easing off on
Indochina invasion, want to settle by arbitration, Jap’s going broke.
May 20, 1941 Light rain, 50 above. Self
in store all day. Paid 2 invoices, $246.26. National
Groceries man visited. Hitler sunk boat with 130 Americans, all
were saved. Our bombers sent to British, now in action at
Northern Africa. Repaired exhaust on electric light engine.
Radio fair, no bombing on London today. Jap’s still bombing
Chinks in Indochina District.
May 21, 1941 Partly cloudy and cooler, 50 above.
Another bunch of soldiers fishing at Herman’s, Big Lake a three
hour mush. Got out fruit and grocery orders. Painted
2 hours on engine room of new house. Germans making slow
advance in North Africa and Suez Canal District. Eight hours
painting 2nd coat on new house. Only short wave and local
station. Bids on tunnel to Portage Bay, one million above
estimate by railroad engineers. More snow at mines.
May 22, 1941 Partly cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
Nine Army bombers maneuvering over Wasilla today. Convoy
landed a million dollars worth of U. S. goods at London today and
sunk one German submarine in route. Germans trying to force
all French resources. Radio weak, only short wave. Boats
out of Seattle loaded with passengers, mostly tailing Army men at Kodiak
and Anchorage.
May 23, 1941 A-1 day, 50 to 56 above.
Self in store until 3 PM. Two hours painting engine room
door and east window sills, etc. Cad’s installed electric
ice cream freezer. Mail train 3 hours late. Lindbergh,
Nye and others vs. U. S. in war. Radio fair. British
and Germans hot at it for possession of Greek islands and eastern
oil fields, many Germans killed.
May 24, 1941 Weather misty, 38 to 54 above.
Self in store all day. Third bunch of soldiers fishing
at Big Lake, 14 mile hike from Wasilla. Baby born on airplane
from Ruby to Fairbanks, couldn’t wait. Germans trying to take
Island of Crete. Radio silent, only local station. British
losing boats faster than they can build them with U. S. help.
Stanley home from weekend work at Air Post, ½ day off with pay?
May 25, 1941 Sunday, first real rain
42 above. Snowed 2’ at mines. Three car load of ARC
gravel trucks arrived for use on new Matanuska Road to Richardson
Highway. Stanley and Sharon returned to work at Army Post 4
AM. Put green stripes on engine room. Only short wave radio.
British getting worse of battle at Crete Island in Mediterranean.
Railroad men want more pay, $1.80 more per day or strike.
May 26, 1941 Showers, 48 to 58 above.
Electric wash day at our new house. Self in store all day.
Hills covered with new snow down to brush line. German battleship,
“Bismarck”, sunk several British cruisers and 1 battleship of old
type. Cad building room on to Krock house. Ten million
dollar electric storm in San Francisco. Only short wave and local
station. War hot in Egypt and North Africa. Hitler losing
lots of soldiers.
May 27, 1941 A-1 day, 32 to 68 above, frost
last night. In store most all day. Touched up green
trimmings on engine room, painted 2 hours. President Roosevelt
on air with fire side chat about present war and our own protection
vs. same. Navy bombers maneuvering over Wasilla. Lost another
front tooth. Short wave OK. German battleship, “Bismarck”,
sunk by American bomber after sinking five British cruisers.
May 28, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
AM hauled over truck load groceries and hardware from set-out.
Painted on engine room. Evening, Stanley drove up from Army
Post, for family duty? All Foreign Powers Com. on FDR radio
fireside speech yesterday on war. Painting on annex and engine
room, 8 hours. Radio fair. Germans claim they have taken
Island of Crete and ______ Pass to Egypt.
May 29, 1941 Weather cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
Self busy in store AM. Mr. Metz out from Goose Bay.
Stanley and family left, 4 AM for Anchorage for weekend.
Painted 2 hours on engine room and annex. British lost another
cruiser. Germans about got central of Island of Crete, British
retreating. Eight ft. snow at Gold Cord Mine. Radio
fair, no long wave. War now in the Mediterranean at Crete.
May 30, 1941 Memorial Day, closed PM.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Only thing doing, in Wasilla,
is planting gardens. Cad building room on Professor Krock’s
house and self repainting new house aft store. Had first
feed of king salmon. Japan and Hitler ready to fight U. S.
if necessary. They want U. S. to keep off sea. Only
short wave. Anchorage soldiers gave fine program over KFQD.
1,500 men now working on Army construction at Anchorage.
May 31, 1941 A-1 day, 42 to 58 above.
Self in store AM. PM painted 2 hours, 2nd coat on new house.
PM kids back from Anchorage for weekend at Wasilla. Big
fire in Jersey City, six blocks along waterfront, a million dollars
worth of goods for Britain burned up, also 2 grain elevators. Radio
fair. Britain got a ship load of U. S. grub. run blockade
OK. Hitler driving on to Suez Canal District.
June 1, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 50 to 68
above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM all the Herning’s
drove to Knik and Goose Bay. Cleaned up Elmer’s grave at
Knik and reset head marker on concrete base, then drove down to Goose
Bay dock, many cars parked along road fishing and lunching and shooting.
Radio fair. Jersey dock fire still burning. British lost
another boat. Hitler bombing Ireland sea port.
June 2, 1941 Summer day, 50 to 72 above.
Cashed three pension checks, living now off tax payers.
Stanley returned to his work at the Army Post construction.
Electric wash day for neighbors at our new house. Buddy sick,
spewed all over Grandma’s bed. Painted on new house, 8 hours.
Radio good. Europe war fighters now making ready for Suez
Canal and North Africa.
June 3, 1941 Summer day, 54 to 74 above.
All the kids in swimming today. Finished painting new
house, 2 coats, total 60 hours, 3 gallons Fuller’s paint at $4
and ½ gallon boiled oil at $1.75 a gallon. Snow slide,
100’ x 20’, at Knik River bridge today, blocked auto traffic.
Quarter million dollar bomber, for Britain, cracked up in San Francisco
Bay on trial trip today. Hitler and Mussolini ready to fight
U. S. Radio weak. Berlin got a bad bombing today by the
British, also German troops in France.
June 4, 1941 A-1 day, 58 to 74 above. In store
until 3 PM then mixed up drab paint for side wall of store.
Painted two hours. School Commissioner, Ryan, here account
gym and playroom for school, decided no gym this season. Radio
fair. Ex-Kaiser Wilhelm died, at age 82, today. Strikers
raising heck with war supplies.
June 5, 1941 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above.
Hot weather, mosquitoes bad actors. Painted 4 hours on
80’ side of store. Trucks busy hauling lumber and oil to
Fishhook Mines. Hitler now trying to force France to fight
Britain. Jap’s, still driving into Indochina and warn U. S.
to keep out of war. Shower last night.
June 6, 1941 Summer day, 60 to 70 above.
Painted on store, 15 hours. Evening, Eva went to Anchorage
with Brown’s, took in tobacco order. Ma gave kids a bath
in new house, kids sleeping here. Hitler and Jap’s gave warning
they would conquer all nations. Radio good, all stations.
President gave labor notice to go to work or Government would step
in and take over.
June 7, 1941 Rain all day, 50 to 56 above.
Overhauled carburetor on Onan light engine account flooding.
Butter and eggs arrived, price up 5¢. Mrs. Roosevelt
on the air, war talk and democracy. Priest and preacher on
the air account moral of Navy and Army. Radio fair. Hitler
making ready for drive vs. Palestine. President told labor that
strike must end the 9th. Stanley home for weekend from
Army Post, Anchorage.
June 8, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
52 to 58 above. Got $75 order for Willow Station to Ray
Boedecker, first prospecting outfit, packed same for shipment.
Little Susitna about over her banks. Paddy and Bert doing
assessment work for Renshaw. Radio fair. Britain
and Hitler making ready for another fight. Two more war factories
burned, sabotage on war materials.
June 9, 1941 Business normal, weather cloudy,
52 to 62 above. Sold 2 outfits, sales over $100. Electric
wash day at our new house but Ma prefers to do hers the old way?
Two pack horses for Willow District. Gardens growing fine,
grass knee high. No long wave. Government
took charge of striking factions, must go back to work or Army.
June 10, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Hauled over 2 outfits to railroad for shipment to Willow.
Hauled plank and 6’ horses to side of store account painting.
Eva and Mrs. Isaac went to Anchorage 4 PM with Agent Browne.
Two pack horses shipped to Willow Station. Radio fair.
Fighting now at Syria. French, Hitler, British. Jap’s still
fighting China.
June 11, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 68 above.
Painted 7 hours on store building Thorpe’s went to mine
via Willow Station. Mail train 9 hours late. Hard
quake at 11:45 PM things swung in store for five minutes, motion
north and south. Gang Army trucks went to mines. Only
short wave, war not as hot. Uncle Sam put strikers back to work
or go into Army at $20 a month.
June 12, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 58 above.
In store all day. Snow off Bald Mt. to summit, three weeks
late. Work train went north. Autos on every freight
for Fairbanks. Gucker, Armour and S and W man here for
orders. Radio weak. U-Boat sunk U. S. cargo boat off
coast of Brazil. Only 11 arrived at Brazil port, 35 missing.
June 13, 1941 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Painted 7 hours on store building, Eva painted 2 hours,
AM finished side. Waldin truck with trailer wrecked on
road to mines. Boat in at Goose Bay with freight for Gold
Cord Mine. Fairbanks Explo. Co. shut down account strike.
Radio air. War center now in Egypt and Africa.
June 14, 1941 Partly cloudy, 58 to 72 above.
Painting trimmings white on side of store, mosquitoes bad.
Painted out signs: Herning Place and Everything for Everybody.
Stanley home with new car helped haul over truck load freight
from set-out. Sharon took wife and baby to Anchorage for
a week. Radio weak. Jews want to fight Hitler at Palestine,
British say no. Anchorage Army Post preparing to train Alaskan’s
for soldiering.
June 15, 1941 Sunday light rain, 50 to
64 above. Pricing up new merchandise AM closed PM as usual.
Vida Deigh and mother visited at Eva’s. Stanley left, 6 AM
for Army Post. Jap’s sent 100 war vessels down to Philippines.
Hitler says he will sink any and all boats, send over by America.
Short wave OK. Another machinist strike, defying Government
control of factory. Bad CIO strike in Fairbanks Mines.
June 16, 1941 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Laundry day at our new house. Finished pricing up new
merchandise. Got out Seattle mail. Tessie’s car
burned up at midnight by Independence warehouse. President
froze all foreign accounts and money of foreign clubs in U.S.A.
taking foreign shops over. Only short wave radio.
Russia mobilizing vs. Hitler. Gust Haller got new job with jewelry
store in Anchorage. Bath night.
June 17, 1941 Bunker Hill. Business
fair, A-1 day, 58 to 72 above. Received $40 order from Montana
Soldiers here on maneuver. Soldiers in engineer department,
camped by Peck’s ranch for the summer. British lost 20 planes,
one was American bomber. French now fighting British.
Only short wave radio, local station OK with World News. Ma’s
neuritis bad.
June 18, 1941 A-1 day, 56 to 70 above. Packed
order for L. Cox. PM charged batteries and hoed garden,
spuds, radishes and lettuce. Paddy in for more grub to finish
assessment work. Stanley up from Army Post, 6 PM took Ma
joy riding, east. No PM news account electric plant going at
Roadhouse next door. Hitler losing men and tanks on drive to Suez
Canal District. All boats out on Wasilla Lake, fishing.
June 19, 1941 Weather cloudy, 60 to 64 above.
Self in store most of day. Evening, put eave trough over
side entrance to store. Got out-mail. Wheeled over
butter, bacon and eggs. Britain against it, losing large
cargos by submarine boats. Cat excavating for Wasilla gym.
Radio fair. Hot war in Libya and Egypt District, British ,
French and Germans FDR ordered all foreign councils to get out
of U. S. by July 10th.
June 20, 1941 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above. PM finished
2nd coat on trimmings and re-nailed down galvanized roof in
store. Minor Roop here with his new eight ton truck and
now living in Wasilla. fishing and swimming now in order
on Lake Wasilla! Only short wave. President Roosevelt demands
pay for sinking S.S. Moore off Africa Coast.
June 21, 1941 Longest day, A-1 day, 60
to 74 above. Painted upper part of store front, 6 hours.
Summit Pass to Willow Creek plowed out today, cars went over.
Stanley home for weekend. Photo planes arrived at Anchorage
to map Alaska from the air. Germany declared war on Russia.
Only short wave. War on at Libya. Paddy through with
assessment for Gold Cord Mine.
June 22, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy, PM rain,
54 to 60 above, all day light. Charged light batteries,
mowed lawn. Anchorage Mayor Stoltz, visited to figure on
gym light wiring. First days battle, Hitler against Russia.
Hitler claimed 33 out of 35 Russian planes and many at airport.
Only short wave. Local station and Ritchfield gave war news.
Another submarine lost with 35 U.S. on board, sunk in dive test off
Maine.
June 23, 1941 Light rain, 56 to 60 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, Ma still doing the dirty
ones the old way. Mail trains both ways today. Rain
taking off snow in mountains. Germany and Russia hot at it,
both claim victory in air. Only short wave, local station good,
also S. F. Treasure Island. Joe Palmer gave up pack horse prospecting.
June 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, showers, 50 to
54 above. Ma made rhubarb pie, radishes out of our garden.
Now pouring concrete at school gym, men on job. Cad building
bedroom aft Roadhouse. Trucks now going over Fishhook summit
to Willow. Only short wave. Krauts and Reds hot at
war with tanks and planes, 3rd day of fighting.
June 25, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Self painting front of store, 5 hours. Stanley up from
Army Post to take family to Anchorage for weekend. Japan
on the fence account treaty with Russia and Germany. Russia-German
war, both claim large captures. Africa war quiet. Only
short wave. U. S. strikers about settled. U. S. offered
aid to Russia against Hitler.
June 26, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above,
mosquitoes bad. AM in store, PM on office work. All
the GSH. kids at Anchorage. Finland joined Germans in
war vs. Russia. Hitler lost 2 subs, Turks 1 large boat
with all on board. Jap’s trying to cut off China U.S. supplies.
Radio weak. Big earthquake 5,000 miles from nowhere.
Wheat $1.04, all merchandise higher. Cads opened ice cream parlor.
June 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Mosquitoes on double shift and without pay. AM drawing
balcony section sash blue. Charged light batteries. Opened
up Butler Bros. goods. Lame today, cut sole of foot through
callous. Ala-Soldiers program on the air. Radio weak.
Reds and Nazi’s fighting along Balkan State boarder with tanks and
bombers.
June 28, 1941 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Put red trimmings on front of store and refinished front door.
PM hauled over truck load merchandise from set-out. Stanley
and family back from Anchorage, 4 PM Eva searched for placer mine
attorneys. Professor Klock flew to Seward to meet his bride
to be. Radio weak. War on between Russia and Hitler.
Hitler going to put a Czar back on Russian throne.
June 29, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
56 to 76 above. Lots of drunks around last night.
Priced up new merchandise. Charged light batteries.
Mail train both ways. Answered cousin Susie Easton Courtney’s
letter, Los Angeles. Hitler claims done up the Russians but
they say no, holding all lines. Soldiers claim gold strike on
Little Susitna, above canyon, panned out $2 coarse gold?
June 30, 1941 Showers, 56 to 60 above.
With Gus, left Wasilla 12:30 noon for OGH old placer mine.
Put Paddy off at New Bullion quartz mine, upper Craigie Creek.
PM inspected upper ditches and dams, one partly washed out.
Parky ate up kitchen oil cloth. No radio, at OGH placer mine
with Gus Swanson. Roop took a Cat load up to Thorpe quartz mine
above Fork on Grubstake.
July 1, 1941 July 4th fruit, melons and new
vegetables arrived. Self back from placer mine. Had a truck
load vegetables, fruit, etc. AM cleaned out Bear Bench
Prospect and canyon ditch and turned in water on Bear, cut in bench.
ARC building Cat road from bridge on Willow to Thorpe quartz mine.
Kids tin canned Professor Klox, newly wed. Home, 3:30 PM from
placer mine. Evening radio good, all stations. Russia
and Germany hot at it with air bombers and tanks.
July 2, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above. Busy,
pricing and opening up new order. Evening, meeting to
get Wasilla-ites to sign up for electric lights and power to be
furnished by the government. Application for electric power,
Matanuska Electric Association. Mail train north at midnight
and no one on board. Radio fair. Germans claim they got
Russians locked but Russians say no. British now got control
of North Africa.
July 3, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
Busy on Outside fruit and vegetables, sales for July 4th eats.
Hauled one truck load merchandise from set-out. Stanley
home for fourth. Professor Klock introduced his new bride.
Got out-mail and orders. Loraine Strigga in hospital.
Signed up as member of Matanuska Electric Association, cost $5.
Evening, rain. Radio weak. Russians retreating from German
drive.
July 4, 1941 Store open, AM. Rain quit
AM sun out PM Three day celebration on at Anchorage.
Parade and President Roosevelt on the air 11 AM over local station.
Stanley drove out to his mine, snow slide had hit mill plant.
Morning, Buddy and sister went to Anchorage with Uncle Sharon.
Temperature 56 to 60 above. Stanley went to Anchorage.
Radio fair. Hitler losing many soldiers and bombers in drive vs. Russia.
July 5, 1941 AM sun, PM rain, 60 to 70 above.
Self in store all day and priced up Heinz goods. Stanley
and family back from Anchorage for weekend at Wasilla. Isaac
back from 4th at Knik. Russians are retreating from German
invasion with heavy losses to Germans. Radio fair. Anchorage
soldiers claim gold strike on Little Susitna from mile 13 to Fishhook
Inn? Paderewski, greatest pianist, buried in N. W. City, age
81, had pneumonia.
July 6, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
56 to 66 above, store open 3 hours, AM. Put up order for
Big Lake. PM adjusted office, outside door. Re-stained
and varnished front store door. Louise Gill, with new husband,
visited on Ma. Jap’s and Germans continue invasion to conquer
the world. Local strawberries. Only local radio, telling
of final 3 days of 4th at Anchorage.
July 7, 1941 Sun in AM heavy rain PM temperatures
56 to 70 above. Electric wash day in new house, Ma, the
old way, in room aft store. Boats leaving Seattle still
have full passenger list but mostly women to join husbands at Army
base construction. J. G. Johnson’s sister here. Mrs.
Isaac went to Anchorage. Local station only. Russians still
holding back the Germans British bombing German shipyards and
ammunition dumps.
July 8, 1941 Partly cloudy, 66 above all day.
Put up awning over side entrance. Got out Seattle mail.
Kids got strawberries from deserted Ohlin and Anderson ranch.
Both British and Russians put it all over Hitler with bombs today.
U. S. took over Iceland for Navy Port. Ma and kids at Anchorage.
Mrs. Dan Donovan passed out. Only short wave and local
station. Willow Creek Mines got new truck. Paddy went
out to the New Bullion Mine to repair mill.
July 9, 1941 Partly cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Painted, 2 hours, on front warehouse, aft store. Loraine
Strigga sick in Palmer Hospital. Russians ranted and killed
over 5M Germans today. Germans bombing England again, after
a months delay. Army bombers over Wasilla today. Bill
Taylor passed out at Sitka. No long wave. Old Doc Shakum
got word to come to the Pioneer Home at Sitka.
July 10, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Self in store, light rain, AM. PM cleaned up breaker points
and dynamo brushes on electric light gas engine. Russians
still holding vs. German invasion in Russia. French want peace
with England. Metz in from Goose Bay to trade. Had lettuce
out of our garden. Only local station with World News.
Axis Powers object to U. S. taking over Iceland from British for
war base.
July 11, 1941 Partly cloudy, 66 above. Painted
4 hours on warehouse front. Evening, re-stained doors
on side entrance to store. MAH, clerk B, left for Hot Springs
near Circle City, Alaska. Nazi losses in drive into Russia,
700,000, now halted by Russia. Ma left on 6 PM train for Hot
Springs, Alaska to try cur her arthritis in knee. Radio fair.
Tom Cavney, from Seattle, visited.
July 12, 1941 Partly cloudy, 52 to 72 above.
Eva now dinner cook while Ma away for Hot Springs cure.
Marie Martha and Shirley biked down to Ohlin ranch and picked
2 gallons strawberries. Evening, Stanley arrived home from
Army Post, no half day off, work now 7 days a week. Radio
fair. French signed peace terms with England today. Germans
claim advance on Reds today.
July 13, 1941 Sunday. Sunny AM
cloudy PM 56 above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM made
up cash register readings for week and finished painting front
of warehouse aft store. Hitler quarreling with High Command
over Russian invasion? Eight hours total time painting warehouse.
Ma on stage, Fairbanks, to Hot Springs. Short wave and local
station. Congress after Secretary Knox about convoy to England.
Jap’s now on the fence about Russia and China.
July 14, 1941 Business normal.
Weather cloudy and windy, 60 above. Eva did electric washing.
Put up one order for Pittman. Land surveyors here to trade.
Reds put one over on Hitler, both on land and sea today.
200,000 Poles helping Reds. Ma at Hot Springs, boiling out
leg, 1st bath, said it was too hot. Radio fair. Roosevelt
asking for five billion more for Army and Navy airplanes.
July 15, 1941 A-1 day, 56 to 76 above.
Eva, dinner cook, Buddy and sister boarders. All farmers
heading for Fish Creek to meet salmon. Hitler vs. Reds,
both claim they are taking tanks and planes. Ma boiling
out at Hot Springs, Alaska. Radio fair, new Seattle station
KIRO, 50,000 watts, came in 11 to 12 PM. Got out-mail.
July 16, 1941 Windy, 60 to 70 above. Salmon
running at Cottonwood Creek. Received letter from Ma at
Fairbanks, on way to Circle hot Springs. Stanley up from
Anchorage, 6 PM drove out to his mine, back 11 PM. Adm. Ueeck
plowing aviation field with tractor. Radio mushy. Not
much war today, all talk. U. S. bomber planes going to England,
South American route.
July 17, 1941 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Self store keeper, Eva, dinner cook, Buddy and sister boarders.
Mail in at midnight, down at 10 AM. Plenty of strawberries.
All eyes on Japan changing management. Russia holding back
Hitler. A real war, 9 million fighting. Ma at Circle
Hot Springs. Short wave and local station, American Legion
on the air. Joe Brassel caught in snow slide, got out self after
1 hour, went to hospital.
July 18, 1941 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 to
54 above. Had Roop level off street in front of warehouse
aft store and at new house, with bulldozer. Ma boiling out
at Circle Hot Springs. Radio good, long wave in 9 to 12 PM.
Everybody after salmon, even the soldiers. Light rain all day and
cooler.
July 19, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 64 above.
Wasilla women taking first aide lessons, Eva practiced on my
lame side this PM. Rae and Edlund, each shot black bear
in their back yards. Stanley home for overnight. Ma taking
baths at Circle Springs, said water was too hot. Radio fair.
New station, KIRO in Seattle had fine program 10 to 11 PM.
July 20, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 to
70 above. Jackson down from Pittman to trade. Isaac in
from mines. Eva put up an Anchorage dinner salad,
vegetables, meatballs and strawberries. Painted front of garage
to match new house, 3 hours and 1 gallon paint Ma bathing at
Circle Springs. Short wave NG, failed to get war news.
mailed 2nd letter to Ma. Buddy and sister went to Anchorage
for weekend with Daddy.
July 21, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
Eva did electric wash. Letter from Ma, had taken 5 hot baths
and likes them, meals are fine but hotel noisy place to midnight,
bar. Evening, self took bath in new house. Radio weak.
Fierce fighting, Nazi’s vs. Reds, Reds holding all lines.
Many forest fires on Pacific Coast. Buddy back from Anchorage.
July 22, 1941 Partly cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
AM cleaned up balcony. PM charged batteries. Railroad
bridge gang here. Paid Social Security tax for 2nd quarter.
Hitler bombed Moscow today, not much damage done. Reds holding.
Ma meeting people at Circle. No long wave, got Richfield 8 PM.
Congress voting to hold 1 year draft over for another year.
July 23, 1941 Weather cloudy, cool, 56 to 58
above. Self in store 8 hours, cleaned up warehouse doors
aft store for re-staining. Stanley up from Anchorage via
Palmer, to his mine via High Grade summit, arrived home 9:30 AM.
Third bombing of Moscow, no harm done. Reds holding off
Hitler. Ma circulating at Circle Springs
July 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Rain last night and all day. Received invoices for fruit
and groceries. Pittman Section man down for groceries, tobacco
and booze? Mrs. Elliott in from Goose Bay for mail.
Ma at Arctic Circle Springs. French allowing Jap’s to enter
China. Radio mushy. Reds and Nazi’s hard at it, both
claim war advances. British bombed German battleships.
July 25, 1941 A-1 day, 56 to 66 above. Letter
from Ma, said she was coming home last of week, 26th said Zimmerman
and Stewart were mining. Boat late, no mail today.
Had strawberry shortcake out of Eva’s garden. Ma at Circle
Springs, Alaska. Radio fair. U. S. froze Jap and China
funds in U. S. account Jap’s invading Indochina. Russia still
holding off Hitler.
July 26, 1941 Business transit trade.
Rain, 50 to 60 above. Ma on way home from Circle Hot Springs.
Finished big strawberry shortcake. Congress passing a bill
to hold over first 1 year draftee’s account war with Japan, over
invading Indochina. Reds have killed over 750,000 Germans.
Stanley up from Army Post, brought tobacco for K. T. Co.
Radio fair, KIRO new 50,000 watt Seattle station came in 10 to 11 PM
with request program.
July 27, 1941 Sunday, cloudy, 50 to 60
above. Busy in store with transit trade. PM oiled
store floor and enameled kitchen floor warm gray. Repainted
posts in front of new house. Ma somewhere in route home from
Hot Springs. Janet Bixler visiting Marie Martha.
U. S. fortifying the Philippines account Japan invasion in Indochina.
Radio fair. Reds still holding Nazi’s back after 6 week bloody
war in Russia.
July 28, 1941 A-1 day, 74 above. Eva on electric
washer. Hauled over truck load groceries from set-out, 5 days
from Seward? Both Reds and Nazi’s claim victory today.
Forty Jap boats on Pacific, afraid to land at San Francisco account
seizure. Strawberries and more strawberries. Ma at
Curry Hotel in route home. Radio fair. Paddy in from New
Bullion Mine, fixed up mill broken by snow slide. Evening, enameled
floor.
July 29, 1941 Business fair, cloudy, showers
54 to 56 above. Ma arrived home from 18 day trip to Circle
Hot Springs to limber up knee trouble, not much good. Priced
up new merchandise. Transit trade mostly. Ma arrived
on 10 AM train from Curry, knee some better and gained some in
weight, thanks Springs, wonderful place to rest up. Eva and
kids drove to Palmer, PM Radio good.
July 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, rain 60 above.
Ma made strawberry shortcake with whipped cream for my 73rd
birthday. The kids gave me a silk shirt. Now 36 years
in mercantile business and no offer to sell out. Ma back
on the job. Quake at 4 PM.
July 31, 1941 Business slow, cloudy,
52 to 56 above, light rain. Self in store all day.
Noon, First Aid picnic, Wasilla women and kids at Edlund’s, Wasilla
Lake resort. Many bears came down to fish for salmon on
Cottonwood Creek. Mail train arrived at midnight. Radio
fair. U. S. helping Russia with war supplies vs. Hitler invasion.
Jap’s trying to settle war with China.
August 1, 1941 Business fair, cloudy,
52 to 60 above. Joe Brassell back from Anchorage, recovering
from snow slide at his mine on Craigie Creek, bought grub order
for his mine. PM charged light batteries and mowed grass
Front Street, new house. Gaston rented Cannon cabin. Radio
weak. Nazi’s vs. Reds, hard at it with no gains.
August 2, 1941 Business fair, cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Evening, Stanley up from Army base.
Packed Joe Palmer’s order for pack horse transportation.
No more mail until Tuesday the 5th. Carpenters got roof on
new gym annex to Wasilla High School. Heavy quake somewhere
in Pacific Ocean. Paddy went out to New Bullion Mine to lock
up tools. Radio fair. Nazi’s meeting defeat by Reds.
Jap’s silk boat allowed to discharge and return home.
August 3, 1941 Sunday, sultry day, 54
to 60 above, showers. Eva and Paddy went to Anchorage with
Stanley 5 AM kids with Grandma as usual. Valley now full of
bears, killing cows and pigs. Reds killing many Nazi’s and Britain
bombed Berlin with 300 planes to only one Nazi plane over England.
Radio weak. No long wave.
August 4, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
In store most of day. Got merchandise from Armour Co.
Got out-mail. Set 1 glass in Mabel cabin. Stanley
brought Eva home from Anchorage. Carpenters working on
inside of gym.
August 5, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Delayed wash day at new house. Ma chased check for crazy
deserted soldier, Marshal overtook him at Pittman and returned
him to Anchorage Army Post. Had Wasilla strawberries and
Washington watermelon and Wasilla new spuds for dinner, not hard to
take? Second large boat at Goose Bay. Got 1st new Matanuska
spuds at 5¢ a pound. Radio weak. Reds still holding
lines vs. Nazi invaders. U. S. and British about in Indochina.
August 6, 1941 A-1 day, 66 to 70 above.
Oiled up generator and magneto on Olds and Overland cars.
Burned up grass cut around new house. Metz in from Goose
Bay for more grub. Two to three cars oil and merchandise every
week for the mines. Isaac had birthday party on quiet.
Willie Edlund back from Bristol Bay, got $900 worth of salmon.
Radio weak. British and US told Japan to go slow on invasion of Indochina.
Reds still holding Nazi’s in Russia.
August 7, 1941 Hot day, cloudy, 72 above.
Ma in the wash tub. Charged light batteries and mowed grass on
Mabel lot. McDougal visited at store for pick-ups.
Looks like defeat of German Army in Russia. Radio weak.
Sultry weather. Anchorage dock repaired to land Government freight
only.
August 8, 1941 A-1 day, cloudy, 60 above. Started
to clean up and fix up Mabel cabin, wrecked 2 years ago by Shaw
house breakers. Navy bombers maneuvering over Wasilla.
Auto thieves in Anchorage. Marie Martha took in show at Palmer
with Mrs. Peggy Cad. Hot fighting between Reds and Nazi troops.
August 9, 1941 A-1 day, 66 above. Ma woke up
last night with old trouble, pain in knee, had slept good since
back from Circle Springs. Stanley drove to Knik for salmon
strips and raspberries. Charged batteries and did some
repairs on Mabel cabin. Paddy started to dig well.
No long wave. Hitler going to get the Reds next week, has been
8 weeks doing something but no ketch ‘em?
August 10, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 56 to
66 above. Store open 3 hours AM for absent minded customers.
Nels Larson had another stroke, Gus took him to Palmer Hospital.
Several cars here from Anchorage, joy riding. Delayed freight
arrived PM Ma’s leg bothers her sleep. Roosevelt out
fishing and resting up along Maine shore. Reds bombed Berlin,
2nd time. Jap’s in route to Singapore, China.
August 11, 1941 A-1 day, 66 to 72 above.
Made ready for trip to placer mine. AM electric washer
operating, Ma washing dirty clothes by hand. Sunday freight
blocked in set-out. Charged light batteries. No glass
at Palmer. No long wave. Reds still holding and slaughtering
the Germans Draft Bill up for 18 month extension.
August 12, 1941 Marie Martha and self
left for placer mines to reset new corner stakes on Bear Canyon
and hydro groups, 18 claims.
August 13, 1941 At Grubstake placer mine,
putting new corner stakes in placer mine.
August 14, 1941 At Grubstake placer mine.
August 15, 1941 Hot weather. At
Grubstake Placer Mine, resetting new corner stakes on 3 placer
mines since 1908. Marie Martha swamper.
August 16, 1941 Grubstake to Wasilla.
A-1 day, 56 to 76 above, hot day. Up at 6 AM hotcakes as
usual. Marie Martha chained off head of Bear Group and set
new stake on north east corner. Back at noon, cleaned up cabin
and washed towels. Left mine at 2:50, arrived Wasilla 4:20.
Charged batteries.
August 17, 1941 Sunday, perfect day, 58 to
72 above. Stanley returned to Base job at Anchorage Army
Post. Store open 3 hours, AM Groceries and eggs overdue
one week. PM took down and cleaned out stove pipes on heater
and kitchen range. Charged light batteries. Evening,
Metz in from Goose Bay. Radio fair. Hitler claims advance
into Russia. President FDR back to work at Washington, D. C.
Now, restriction on use of gas in eastern states.
August 18, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 74 above.
Electric wash and bath day at our new house. Our groceries
in set-out are buried up with mines freight. Evening, cleaned
up the Mabel cabin. Shorty in to trade, now working at Independence
Mine. Radio fair.
August 19, 1941 Perfect day, 60 to 78 above.
AM finally got weeks delayed groceries out of set-out and 1
package short. Two men here taking photo views, went on
to Talkeetna. Nagley Jr. on train to Anchorage. Government
aviators at Lake Wasilla learning to swim. Now on 3 boats
a week at Seward. Local vegetables now on market. Radio
weak. Germans claim advances on drive vs. Russian War
in Suez Canal District quiet.
August 20, 1941 Perfect day, 60 to 70 above.
AM put in new cribbing to cellar windows side of store.
PM worked 2 hours on Mabel house, inside. Stanley home,
evening, for family duty. Gus delivered grocery order at Morrison
ranch. Evening, fixed Mabel roof and got out orders.
Radio good, all stations. Hitler made big drive on Reds today.
Other war zones quiet.
August 21, 1941 Partly cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Self in store all day. Kids in swimming, 2 cars merchandise
arrived for mines. Minor Roop’s brother visited.
Germans advancing in Russia, claim they killed one million Reds.
Paddy’s drive well point a failure. Two mail trains today.
Radio good. New Seattle station, KIRO came in. Evening,
KNOX strong.
August 22, 1941 Hot day, 60 to 80 above.
AM inspected new school gym, 3 weeks, yet to finish.
PM charged batteries and readjusted east window in Mabel cabin.
Placed order for penstock at mines. Evening, got out-mail
and orders. Radio fair.
August 23, 1941 Hot day, 60 to 76 above.
In store, AM. PM cut up lumber for 2 penstocks for bench
ditch at placer mine, hot job, was 80 in the sun. The Duke
of Kent visiting U. S. and Canada. Government took over
another strike on defense material. Radio good, all stations.
War hot in Russia, Reds still holding off Hitler’s drive.
August 24, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 to
74 above. AM finished sawing up penstock lumber for bench
ditch at placer mine. Roop’s brother here waiting for Roop
and Cat from Anchorage. Roop going to
Grubstake to finish my bench ditch. Charged
light batteries. Stanley and family drove to Anchorage
account Marie Martha’s eyes. Radio good. Nazi’s still invading
Russia and after Armenia oil fields.
August 25, 1941 No business, A-1 day, 60 to
72 above. Minor Roop’s brother loaded penstock for Grubstake
Placer Mine. Cat man failed to show up from Anchorage.
No electric wash today, Eva at Anchorage. Out of butter
and eggs, same at Seward 8/23. Hired Fred Nelson
to go to placer mine to complete work. Radio good. Hitler
claims he is driving back the Reds in Russia.
August 26, 1941 A-1 day, Wasilla to placer
mine. Left Wasilla, with Fred Nelson and his pickup,
at 8:30 AM arrived at Grubstake cabin 10:30 AM. Had to
pack grub 1,800 feet from new bridge on Willow over Cat road to
cabin. PM wheeled tools up to bench ditch and blasted out
rock No radio at Grubstake cabin. Ma the storekeeper.
August 27, 1941 A-1 day, self and Fred at placer
mine blasting slide rock out of new bench ditch. See
mine diary for details.
August 28, 1941 A-1 day, at Grubstake Placer
Mine.
August 29, 1941 AM foggy, PM clear
at Grubstake Placer Mine.
August 30, 1941 A-1 day at Grubstake Placer
Mine.
August 31, 1941 Sunday, Grubstake to
Wasilla. AM worked 6 hours, one day at Grubstake Forks.
PM put streamers on survey stakes along new bench ditch.
Cut out brush between canyon and Bear Groups. Closed camp
at 3 PM arrived Wasilla 5 PM. Pulled car out of ditch at mile
9. Ma gone to baby shower. Stanley home for Labor Day.
Reds still holding back Nazi’s. British gaining on
German invasion. Jap’s vs. U. S. and British, Indochina invasion.
September 1, 1941 Temperatures 58 to 66 above.
Duck hunters busy all day in store. Thirty one cars drove
to Cottonwood Flats for ducks. Roads lined with cars from
Anchorage. Charged light batteries. Painted 2 sash
in Mabel cabin. Evening, got out Seattle mail and orders.
Labor Day, Stanley drove to his mine. Radio fair. Reds
and Nazi’s hard at it. President Roosevelt on air on defense
account war.
September 2, 1941 A-1 day, 46 to 52 above.
Self in store to 3 PM. Light engine failed to turn over.
Minor Roop visited, wanted $6 per hour to finish hydro bench ditch
with bulldozer. Mayor Gill and wife visited on way to McKinley Park
with Colonel Ohlson, Alaska Railroad.
September 3, 1941 A-1 day, 46 to 66 above.
Metz in from Goose Bay for grub. Fred Nelson put posts
and sills in cellar of Mabel cabin to hold up floor, 6 hours.
ARC Cat graded 2nd Avenue from Main Street to school house and
new gym on Knik Street. Anna Stephan on a big drunk.
Radio fair. Second Russian plane reached U. S. via Nome with
27 high officials to confer with President Roosevelt.
September 4, 1941 A-1 day, 58 to 64 above.
Self on Mabel cabin most of day, painting and fixing up inside
for rental. Paid all invoices due. Fred fixing up
J. S. Johnson house for rent. Cancelled ditch work at mine.
Radio good, all stations.
September 5, 1941 A-1 day, 44 to 68 above.
In store, sold one hunting outfit. PM worked on inside
Mabel cabin, adjusted doors. Fred Nelson completing Paddy’s
well on Main Street. Senator Taft of Ohio on the air account
national unity. Big wind storm at Minneapolis. Radio
good. Reds holding Hitler’s invasion. Berlin being bombed
by Reds and RAF London.
September 6, 1941 Weather cloudy, 42 to 56
above. Self about all day cleaning 2 store furnaces,
found 76¢ in change. Had to make new screen.
Charged light batteries. Stanley home over night from Anchorage.
Made copies of placer notices. Radio fair. U. S. landed
2 ship loads oil at Russia. Germans lost a million men on Russia
invasion.
September 7, 1941 Sunday, self and Fred Nelson
left, AM in his car, for OGH Placer Mine. AM hauled penstock
lumber up new Cat road opposite Forks on Grubstake. PM
skidded same 800 lbs. down hill to big dam at Forks. No
radio, self at Placer Mine. Someone stole 7 pieces 2x12x5
fir plank at Willow bridge, was for penstock at dam.
September 8, 1941 A-1 weather. Self and
Fred installing 8’ penstock in dam at Forks of Grubstake.
First frost at night, autumn at mines.
September 9, 1941 A-1 weather. Self and Fred
finished installing 3x5x8 ft. penstock with 2 gates in big
dam on hydro claim at Forks of Grubstake at 2 PM. Brought
tools to camp in wheel barrow, left camp 4 PM home 6 PM. Fred
3 days at Placer Mine. Radio good. Reds driving back
the Nazi’s on Russian invasion. Hitler sunk 3rd U.S. freight boat
in Red Sea.
September 10, 1941 Self in store, filled up
shelves. Charged light batteries. School teachers
all back but not ready account remodeling building and new gym.
Stanley home overnight. Radio fair. Fierce fighting
in Russia by Nazi’s vs. Reds. Shirley had birthday party, Marie
Martha star guest.
September 11, 1941 Cloudy and cool, 56 above.
Gus made round trip to Anchorage, brought load of gas and oils
for K. T. Co. and flue for Mabel cabin. Ma attended party at Senske’s
ranch. 4 PM President Roosevelt on the air about Hitler
sinking our boats in Atlantic. Don’t sink our boats, FDR to
Hitler. Radio good. Reds still holding off Nazi’s and
call for U. S. bombers, losing 25 per day.
September 12, 1941 Weather cooler, 34 to 54
above. Self in store AM. Put up $25 order for Limer
at Montana Station. Fruit and groceries arrived on PM freight.
Put new galvanized pipe in Mabel safety flue. Sold old gun
reloading powder shot and wads. First sign of autumn.
Radio good. Axis Powers roasting President Roosevelt’s speech
yesterday. Reds and Nazi’s hard at it, 90,000 Nazi’s killed
today.
September 13, 1941 A-1 day, 34 to 52 above.
Stanley home overnight. Hunters out for their moose.
Matanuska Electric Association surveyed for line poles in Wasilla
today. Gus hauled over pickup load groceries from railroad
freight shed. Self busy all PM checking and pricing new
merchandise. Reds driving back Nazi’s today. British lost
8 merchant boats today by Nazi U-Boats.
September 14, 1941 Sunday, weather cooler,
34 to 52 above. Busy in store, with small trade.
PM painted door to Mabel cabin. Evening, got out grocery
orders and mail. Earthquake in Turkey and California.
Radio good. Hitler to clean up Reds in 2 weeks, then Britain.
Jap’s still got chip on shoulder.
September 15, 1941 A-1 day, 28 to 54 above,
first frost. Electric wash day on 5 batteries. Mail
went south and north. School opened for fall term account
repairs delayed opening. Three car loads arrived for mines.
PM worked on repair of Mabel cabin. Nazi’s trying to take Leningrad
in Russia with heavy losses. U. S. to man merchant vessels with
guns.
September 16,1941 A-1 day, 34 to 52 above.
Usual kid trade from school. AM painting inside Mabel
cabin. Lady tourist from Montana visited, likes Alaska.
Evening, delegate Diamond spoke over KFQD. Anna Simons passed
out. No long wave. Germans hard hit on invasion of Russia.
Winter now against Nazi’s. Some fighting in Africa.
September 17, 1941 Weather cloudy, 44 to 54
above. Self in store to 2 PM then painted inside Mabel
cabin. Stanley home for overnight to warm up bed post.
School kids cleaned up 5¢ candy bars. Army officers
got 2 moose, Willow. Ordered rug and bed for Mabel cabin.
No long wave, short wave OK. Hitler lost 10,000 men today,
drive vs. Reds.
September 18, 1941 Light rain, 52 above.
First snow on high mountain peaks. In store until 2 PM
then painted inside Mabel cabin. Farmers bringing in new
celery and donuts. Only one new white school bus, Dinkel
the driver. Radio dead. No short wave, local station
OK. A scheme on to irrigate Africa deserts. War the
same.
September 19, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 above
all day, evening, windy. First fire, of season, in furnace, fall
1941. In store until 2 PM. Hauled over oils and stove
pipe and hauled tin cans to dump. Worked 3 hours on Mabel cabin.
Evening, soldiers of Alaska Program and band on air, good. No
short wave. Germans claim Ukraine and near at Leningrad.
The two Russian flying boats back at Sitka on way home.
September 20, 1941 Weather windy, 48 above.
Self in store most all day. Len Witt appointed agent for
Pacific Fruit Co. and family visited. Gus received 1st car
Healy coal. Final work on Wasilla new gym completed.
Battleship linoleum for concrete floor here. Stanley home
overnight from Anchorage Army Post construction. Outside radio
dead. Germans making strong drive on Reds before winter sets
in.
September 21, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy,
42 to 48 above. Healy coal arrived, bought 12 tons off Gus.
Fruit and melons arrived. Groceries left at Seward.
Farmers digging spuds, Co-op paying $2.85 cwt. Had
moose meat and liver for dinner, fine. Germans moving eastern
troops to Russia to supplement soldiers killed by Reds.
September 22, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 54
above, sun crosses the line. Electric wash day by Eva
in new house. With pickup, hauled over fruit and butter from
railroad shed. PM fixed up Mabel toilet. Anchorage
Army bombers over Wasilla all day, maneuvering. Vic Ogren fixing
up Hart log cabin for a house. Germans applying all their force
vs. the Red Army. A 6,000 ton freighter sunk near Iceland by Germans
September 23, 1941 Busy in store, AM
weather cloudy, 54 above, wind on coast. Farmers buying
gunny sacks and digging their spuds, Co-op pays $2.85 cwt.
No real autumn account wind blew off leaves. PM finished Kalsomining
in Mabel cabin. Sent order for Pyrex and light batteries.
Russians claim they have killed 3 million Germans in Russia invasion.
Big flood in New Mexico. Another boat sunk near Iceland by
sub.
September 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, warm wind,
50 to 60 above. No snow on Bald Mt. yet. Received
1940 and 1941 Eyota farm report. Self in store most of day.
Drew 1 window sash, Mabel cabin. Friday freight arrived,
6 days from Seward. Reds claim over 2 million Germans killed.
Nazi’s claim over 1 million Reds killed, real war. Radio fair,
Juneau good. All kind of strikes again in States. Hotel
strike on San Francisco, California, want war time pay.
September 25, 1941 Weather cloudy, light rain,
50 above. In store most of day. Out of a ton of
groceries, got box candy bars and cks from set-out. Painted
2 Mabel windows. Evening, got out Seattle mail. Army here
on maneuvers. No heat working in school. Radio fair.
Reds still holding back German drive in Russia.
September 26, 1941 Rain AM 44 to 50 above.
Got freight out of set-out PM. One week for boat delivered
at Seward. Heads coming off in France to those opposing
German rule. Capt. Gaikema busy with duck hunters on Beluga
Flats on Inlet. Real war in Russia. Nazi’s vs. the Reds,
3 million dead thus far, Reds holding their own.
September 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 54
above. In store until 2 PM then painted inside Mabel cabin.
Eva joined the spud pickers on Kit Carson ranch. Old timer,
George Grennon, visited looking for cabin account quitting ranch.
Stanley home overnight only. Mrs. Sal Silverman visiting the
Wilmoth’s. Germans ready to quit drive into Russia after 14 week invasion
with great losses. Hitler had man and woman shot for listening
to radio.
September 28, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 40
to 58 above. Eva spud picking at $5 per day, Grandma,
as usual, looking after the kids on one leg but a good strong voice.
Painted ceiling in Mabel cabin. George Grennon moved into
Miller cabin. Outside radio dead. Football on full blast
in States.
September 29, 1941 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Electric wash day by spud picker Eva. Self put in 5 hours
on renovating Mabel cabin for rent. Louis knocked out Nova
in 6th round, 2nd fight vs. Louis. Mrs. Sol returned to Anchorage.
Ma’s knee bad again. Snow and sleet bad on Germans in Russia.
September 30, 1941 A-1 day, 28 to 60,
killing frost. Busy in store until 2 PM then stained doors
in Mabel cabin. Eva got $5 and piles picking spuds. Still
sinking cargo boats and cutting off heads in Europe war, Hitler rule
weakening. Radio fair. Got news. Twin wedding
tomorrow at Cads.
October 1, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 58 above.
Self in store all day. Big wedding at Wasilla Roadhouse,
3 PM Mary “twin” Cad took on Roy Bergman, miner at Independence
Mine. Evening, Stanley home to massage the potato digger?
Radio good. War in Russia slowing up account winter weather.
Hitler killing off radio listeners.
October 2, 1941 A-1 day, 40 to 58 above.
In store until 2:30 PM then painted on Mabel ceiling.
Oscar Anderson, rancher, wounded himself while hunting for moose.
Section men cleaned up grass, etc. around track warehouse account
fire. Dug my spuds. Radio fair. No heads off for
listening in like in Hitler rule. Shortage of steel and aluminum
for war material.
October 3, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Wonderful fall, no snow on Bald Mt. or Fishhook Pass thus far.
Painted 5 hours in Mabel cabin, ceiling 2nd coat. Bids posted
for old Wasilla Schoolhouse. Highway open to Chickaloon,
Eva and Buddy went to look-see. Radio good. Hitler told
his people he was fighting Russia to keep them out of Balken States?
October 4, 1941 Light rain, 42 to 50 above.
Thorpe in from mines. Metz through at Goose Bay dock.
Soldier boys bought 3 guns, 22-410. Packed grub order for
Caswell. Metz bought winter grub outfit. Mines building
oil storage tank by depot.
October 5, 1941 Sunday, light rain, 42
above. First snow on Bald Mt. and none on the Flats.
The bull jumped the bell cow, now what do you think of that farmer
poetry. Busy all AM in store pricing up new merchandise.
Re-oiled store floor, repainted 2 windows in Mabel cabin.
Stanley home all day account bad stomach, 1st day off. Snow
down to timberline. Radio good, Russians drove Nazi’s back,
20 miles from Leningrad.
October 6, 1941 Weather clearing, 26 to 52
above. New snow on mountain peaks. Winter on at
Willow Creek Mines. Electric wash day at house, by hand
wash day at store. Painted wainscoting in Mabel cabin.
Packed grub order for Palmer’s Caswell trap line. Radio
good. Firestone Jr. on the air on Community Chest. Europe
war the same, killing, starving and sinking boats.
October 7, 1941 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above, full
moon and frosty nights. Refilled stove and office gas tanks,
20 gallons. Reassembled closet door in Mabel cabin.
PM a woman, new arrival from Seattle, at Wagner cabin, jumped
into Lake Lucille and drowned, didn’t like Alaska. Radio
fair. Hitler says he doesn’t want Moscow, just cleaning up on
the Red Army.
October 8, 1941 A-1 day, 26 to 42 above. Joe
Palmer left for trap line with 300 pounds grub. Fruit
and melons arrived but no groceries. PM cleaned grease
off doors in Mabel cabin. Gus sold his Cat at par price.
Deacon Plank says: On first frosty night, it’s time to turn in the
buck rams for spring lamb crop. AM on jury account Holmbeck
drowning in Lake Lucille, Yesterday.
October 9, 1941 Partly cloudy, 26 to 40 above.
A-1 weather. Gus, and Eva the mascot, made round trip
to Anchorage for oil. PM worked on doors in Mabel cabin.
Out of candy, yeast and onions, same overdue 1 week from Seward.
Stanley home evening. Radio fair. Reds retreated
today, heavy fighting near Leningrad, Russia. Jap’s still
invading Indochina.
October 10, 1941 Weather cooler, 20 to 44 above.
Stanley and family gave Ma an electric table lamp account
wedding anniversary, 47 years and didn’t know it. Painted
doors and trimmings in Mabel cabin. Ton groceries delayed,
arrived in set-out and not available. Radio fair. Congress
passing another Lend lease Bill for six billion. Nazi’s made
big drive vs. Reds today.
October 11, 1941 A-1 day, 10 to 32 above.
Freight, in set-out, blocked by mine freight, not available.
PM painted 3 hours on Mabel cabin. Light plant on from
5 to 6 PM. Stanley home evening. Houses being wired
for electricity. New snow gone on Bald Mt. Outside radio
NG. Hitler claims pushing Red Army back
October 12, 1941 Sunday, cold wind, first
chilly day, put up balcony fly. Gus, 1 load, Columbus Day.
Business good AM after 2 days. Got truck load groceries
out of set-out. PM painted mop boards in Mabel cabin. Evening,
got out grocery order. No mail south for a week. Radio
fair. Stanley home, made trip to his mine. Russians retreating
from German drive.
October 13, 1941 Cool day, 10 to 32 above.
Opened up and priced new merchandise. Talk of Army putting
in branch post at Wasilla. Second freight boat in at Goose bay
with freight for mines. Tex Cobb took Metz’s watchman job
at Goose Bay for winter. Eva, electric wash day. Ma
the old way to get out the dirt? Radio NG. Nazi’s claim
they are within 90 miles of Moscow. U. S. rushing tanks and planes
to help Reds.
October 14, 1941 A-1 day, 10 to 34 above.
Self in store until 3 PM then painted windows in Mabel annex.
Wrote Perkins, sales agent, could add 3 to 5% above sale price,
$9,000 Singleton farm and 5% above sale of Burnap farm for $9,000.
Self to get $500 sale. Real war in Russia. Reds drove
Nazi’s back 8 miles from Moscow.
October 15, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 36 above.
Had 1 shipment to Pittman. Had Fred cleat sill cracks
in basement. McNally sold his Cat bulldozer. Finished
painting in Mabel cabin. Week delayed mail arrived.
Hitler shelling Moscow but failed to take Leningrad in Russia.
Radio weak. No long wave. Evening, pricing up groceries
and hardware. Drugs now at Seward in route to Wasilla.
October 16, 1941 Weather windy, 36 above.
In store until 3 PM Uncrated new cook stove in Mabel cabin
and hung curtains. Run light plant from 5 to 6 PM.
Evening, priced up hardware and drug invoices. Germans within
40 miles of Moscow. 1917 school house up for sale.
Radio fair, got 8 PM news over KPO and Veterans program over KGO.
Ma’s knee bad again.
October 17, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 40 above.
Self in store all AM. PM set up stove in Mabel cabin.
Had to refit grates. Butter and ham cases arrived, balance
of merchandise of 2 boats still in Seward. Alaska Government
Railroad Service? Radio good, KOA Denver in with special
news, also from Hollywood, Moscow being evacuated.
October 18, 1941 Snowing, +28, 1st new snow
at Wasilla, from south west all day. Cleaned off walks and
cleaned floor in Mabel cabin. Furniture now at Seward.
Stanley home now, Sundays off at Army Post. Elmer’s birthday.
No long wave. Nazi’s claim big capture of Reds and guns.
Marie Martha farming weekend and snowed in.
October 19, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 20 to 32
above. Busy AM cleaning snow off of 300’ of sidewalks.
Finished cleaning floor and enameled chairs in Mabel cabin.
Week delayed freight arrived in hot car. Stanley now home
Sundays. Radio good. Germans lost 4 million thus far
in Russian drive and still 40 miles from Moscow.
October 20, 1941 Weather colder, 4 to 30 above.
Eva on electric wash in our new house, Ma prefers washboard in
rooms aft K. T. Co. store. Got freight out of set-out.
Furniture for Mabel cabin arrived. Stanley back to Army Post
at 6 AM. Army survey broke camp on Lake Wasilla. Radio
fair. Another bunch of Canadians arrived in London to fight
Hitler. Jap’s ready to take crack at U. S. and England.
October 21, 1941 Weather colder, 4 to 26 above.
AM pricing up new merchandise. Evening, painting floor
in Mabel cabin. Hitler still trying to take Moscow.
German subs sunk 2 American freighters today. Rentals scarce
in Wasilla. Radio fair. Self working all evening in Mabel
cabin, now about ready for rental.
October 22, 1941 A-1 day, 20 to 38 above. Busy
all day in store. Put up 2 grub orders for north on railroad.
Dan Gray in, now winter watchman at Mabel Mine. Evening,
National Grocery delivered milk and tobacco, milk up 15¢
a case. Radio weak. No advance on Moscow today, Nazi’s
lost a lot of men. More strikers in States, railroad next.
October 23, 1941 Weather cloudy, 34 above.
Self in store all day. Ma phoned Stanley for shortages
on 2 orders north. Snow stopped Russian drive. Hitler
took all the Norwegians winter clothing for the German Army.
No long wave. many goods shortages account defense orders.
October 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, 10 to 30 above.
Got 2 orders from Willow. Milo Kelly in with truck over
Fishhook Pass. Evening, packing on Joe Brassel order.
Freight arrived in set-out but not available as yet. No long
or short wave. Reds still holding back the Nazi’s. Snow
storms bad in Russia. Hitler shooting fifty French for every
German officer killed.
October 25, 1941 Business normal, cloudy
20 to 38 above. Got 4 orders ready to ship to Pittman,
Willow and Montana Stations, October 26th freight north.
First Big Basket dance on at Wasilla new gym to raise funds for basketball.
No Outside radio. President Roosevelt and Chamberlain visited
down Hitler for executing French and Czechs private citizens, 50 at a
time.
October 26, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 to 40 above. AM delivered truck load groceries to railroad
for north shipment. Stanley home for weekend. Gym dance
brought in $400. Got haircut. Marie Martha got sore
throat, Grandma a cold. Only local radio. Jap’s say
no more U. S. freight to Russia. U. S. arming our freight
boats.
October 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 30 to 42 above.
Snow going fast. AM wash day at our new house.
PM got fruit out of our set-out, groceries buried up. Gus
took gunny sacks to Buggee at Palmer. Stanley got house wired
electric. Radio fair. President Roosevelt on air with war
talk. Hitler waiting for freeze up in Russia war drive.
October 28, 1941 A-1 day, 22 to 40 above.
Got 2nd lot freight out of set-out, bananas all mash, 1/3 of
freight still short. Evening, made wash stand for Mabel cabin.
No boat until Thursday. Evening, rain. First basketball
practice. Radio fair. Axis Power didn’t like FDR
radio speech, said he was crazy for war.
October 29, 1941 Weather cloudy, 30 to 42 above.
PM finished painting inside Mabel cabin, now ready to occupy.
Evening, light rain. Mail went south. Radio fair.
German subs still sinking British cargo ships, 14 today.
October 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, showers, 34
to 44 above. In store to 3 PM then got battery out of
pickup truck and put same in light plant six battery set.
Sold $25 order at Palmer. Got order from Big Lake.
Ma still going strong but has one bad knee, Martha Amelia’s birthday,
72. Radio fair.
October 31, 1941 Monthly sales up $700.
Self in store, sent hardware and grocery orders by air mail. Halloween
party on at Ely’s Section House. Paddy had his house wired
for electric. Marie Martha and Grandma nursing colds.
Local radio only. U. S. Destroyer sunk near Iceland by German
sub.
November 1, 1941 A-1 day, 28 to 38 above.
November 1941 in like a lamb. Self on outside work, refilled
furnace coal bin and put on storm windows. Mail arrived 5 PM
received invoice covering October 1st order, was due October
15th. Stanley home for weekend. No Outside radio.
Reds still holding off Nazi’s on Moscow. Nazi’s losing men
and tanks.
November 2, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy,
32 above. Store open 9 to 12 noon. Put 3rd coat on Mabel
cabin floor. Finished wash stand with veneer top.
Louise Gill at Ellexson’s, Knik, over weekend. Evening, clear
and windy. Wasilla all ready for Eklutna Electric. Several
got colds with Marie Martha and Grandma. Only local radio.
Fuller’s Old Fashioned Bible Hour on at Boston, 16,000 auditorium.
November 3, 1941 Mild wind, 40 above.
New snow all gone in Wasilla. AM got truck load groceries
that was due here October 15th. Batteries 1 month delay
for light plant arrived. Electric wash day at our new house,
Eva the Chink and Ma on washboard preferred. No Outside radio,
dead. Germans still pounding away on Reds with heavy losses
and want Jap’s to counter attack.
November 4, 1941 Weather cloudy, 38 above.
Finished opening up and pricing new groceries. PM installed
new Gould storage batteries in light plant. Deadbeats failed
to get their monthly Government paychecks. Got out-mail.
Fishhook Pass closed. Outside radio dead. Germans
lost 90,000 in drive on Moscow today. U. S. lost another boat
near Iceland.
November 5, 1941 Weather cloudy, 8 to 24 above.
Gang cutting brush along highway account electric power line
from Eklutna. Evening, stained Mabel wash stand. Shaved
and washed sore feet. U-Boats all around Iceland looking
for ships to sink. Skating on lakes good. No Outside
radio. Reds still holding back the Germans at Moscow.
Congress fighting about the repeal of the neutrality law.
November 6, 1941 Light snow all day, 20 above.
Matanuska Electric Association delivered electric light poles
in Wasilla today, expect juice for Christmas? Two passenger
trains here at 10 PM north and south. The Reds knocked the
‘ell out of Nazi’s today so U. S. loaned Reds a billion dollars.
Two feet snow at mines, none at Wasilla. Outside radio dead.
Hitler urging Jap’s to fight U. S. Jap’s want to sink our trade.
November 7, 1941 Light snow, 18 above.
Cleared 300’ walks. PM got truck load of groceries and
hardware, long due. Generator on electric plant failed to
charge batteries. Evening, made out 2 claims for merchandise short,
$31.77. Radio dead. Reds killing Germans on advance in
Russia and Hitler still sinking British cargo boats.
November 8, 1941 Weather cloudy, 28 to 34 above.
Pricing and opening up new merchandise all day. Don Wilson
wiring Post Office building for electric lights. Found
trouble with Onan generator, brush warn out. Thorpe’s looking
for work, on last $50? Jack Korba, Onan agent, Fairbanks.
Only local radio.
November 9, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy, zero
to 24 above. Stanley made new brush for generator on light
plant, worked OK but still a short, battery wouldn’t charge. Put
up winter fly in west end of balcony. Shortage of coal in Wasilla.
Radio fair. Germans freezing out fighting the Reds.
British bombing Germany and bombed 16 boats in Mediterranean.
November 10, 1941 Big wind, 34 above.
Finished marking new hardware and groceries. Tried Onan
engine again but generator shorted. Evening, got out-mail
and orders. No electric wash today, no pump 16 pails of water,
Yolly! Gus made round trip to Anchorage for load of K. T.
Co. oils. Local radio. Reds and cold weather bad on Nazi
troops. Hitler now trying for Soviet oil fields.
November 11, 1941 Armistice Day, open
AM closed PM 20 to 32 above. Half day school. PM and
evening, installed Mabel rug and furniture. Evening, Stanley
up from Anchorage with another new car? Had 2 passenger
trains but no mail. Trapper Willie in from Pittman. Working,
no radio.
November 12, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 28
above. Self in store all day, evening, screwed runners
on rocker and nailed on brass strips on linoleum. Liebing’s
in from Gold Cord Mine. Storage oil tank going up by siding.
Local radio. Reds put it over the Nazi’s today. Italy lost most
of its Naval fleet. Jap’s ready to fight.
November 13, 1941 Weather colder, zero to 18
above. Ma nursing cold. Eva went to
Palmer. Another pole delivered for Wasilla electric lights.
Poles in as far as Holler’s ranch. Basketball practice on
at gym. No mail until Saturday boat. Local radio.
Reds still holding back Germans drive.
November 14, 1941 Still cold, 4 to 20 above.
Evening, finished nailing brass stripe on linoleum and shellacked
chair and table in Mabel cabin, now ready to rent at $15 a month.
Electric light association delivered poles at school and gym.
Pole gang still 8 miles from Wasilla. Only local radio.
Cold snap in northern states. Nazi’s froze up in Russia, no
fight today. Jap’s about ready to take a shot at Uncle Sam.
November 15, 1941 Weather colder, zero to 8
above. Received set brushes for electric light generator
from Fairbanks. Marie Martha helped me to install, worked
OK but needs smoothing up. Kids, regular boarders, stayed overnight,
mother doing Anchorage. Stanley home 9 PM. All kind
of strikes in states for more pay. Radio fair. All of
Hitler’s drives vs. Red Army being repelled. Jap Ambassador arrived
at Washington, D. C. to talk over war with U. S.
November 16, 1941 Sunday, weather warmer, 4
to 30 above. Good trade, AM PM closed. Stanley
installing electric light fixtures in his house. Sold old
barber chair to Anchorage Army boys for $50. Ma out joy riding
with Stanley. No Outside radio. Hitler up against it
on invasion of Russia with U. S. and Britain furnishing Russia.
November 17, 1941 Spring day, 30 to 32 above,
snow flurries. Electric wash day in our new house.
House generator working fair, plenty of lights in store.
Stanley returned to Anchorage with sack spuds for Ma Fleck.
Many bombing planes, crashing down in States. Local radio.
Hitler shot some of his Generals for not wanting to drive on Leningrad,
Russia, a world murderer.
November 18, 1941 A-1 day, 38 above.
Self in store all day. Coal gone in furnace bin and wood
short in Wasilla. Matanuska Electric power gang dug holes
for electric poles in Wasilla today. Two passenger trains,
but no mail. Mrs. Barigo’s son-in-law and family back from
Seattle, lost one eye. Put new A battery on radio. ma took
4th bath in our new house? Radio fair. Reds and Nazi’s
still fighting. Jap Ambassador at D. C. trying to settle Far
East war with China.
November 19, 1941 A-1, sunny day, 32 above.
No green stuff for dictators turkey day on 20th.
Ours to come for 27th, real turkey day. Stanley home,
evening, for Ma’s big turkey feed tomorrow. Located short
on Onan engine. Radio fair for 8 PM Richfield war news.
Germans making another drive vs. Reds. U. S. arming all
merchant vessels.
November 20, 1941 Open AM, weather colder,
4 to 24 above. Turkey day. Ma baked it and Eva furnished
the trimmings, ate same at Stanley’s house. British, with
U. S. tanks, making a drive to clean up Nazi’s and Dagos in Africa.
Evening, Stanley and family drove to Anchorage. Radio fair.
Fierce fighting. Nazi’s vs. Reds in Russia. Last weeks
boat freight still at Seward.
November 21, 1941 Temperature 6 to 36, evening,
rain. Buddy and sister doing Anchorage with mother and
dad. Another baby boy arrived at Sharon’s ranch.
Pears and grapes arrived, balance of fruit still at Seward?
Heavy fighting now in Africa, British vs. Germans No Outside
radio. Hitler now on 2 war fronts in Russia and Africa.
November 22, 1941 A-1 day, 38 to 40 above.
Rain last night, left all roads a glare ice after 6 hours rain,
only a few cars moving. Basketball team went to Eklutna.
Stanley and family stayed in Anchorage, mother and kids coming
on train Sunday PM. School promised car of Healy coal soon.
Radio fair. Big drive, by British, vs. Nazis and Dagos in Africa,
using U. S. tanks and bomber planes. Hitler driving toward
Moscow with losses.
November 23, 1941 Sunday, weather colder,
20 above all day. Stanley and family arrived home at noon
from Anchorage. Eklutna siwashes beat both Wasilla basketball
teams last night at Eklutna. Not many autos moving account
icy roads. Radio fair. Hitler going to make Germans
ruler for next 100 years. Japan on the fence about war with
U. S.
November 24, 1941 Weather colder, zero to 10
above. Electric wash day at our new house, Eva the Chink.
PM got one truck load merchandise out of set-out, balance buried
up with mine freight. Whole block burned up at Seward today,
2nd big fire in Seward. Radio good. Fighting in Europe
and Africa still going on as well as in China, Uncle Sam next?
November 25, 1941 Sunny day, zero to 6 above.
Pricing and opening up new merchandise and dry goods.
Order delayed for six weeks arrived with many shortages, mail
train, both ways, today. Knik Nick out on usual drunk.
Millich bought small order for coal mine. Radio good.
Ten minute earthquake recorded, location not known, they think around
Iceland.
November 26, 1941 Big wind, 10 above.
Shipped two small orders to Willow. Got balance of freight
out of set-out. Busy with fires all day account wind.
Uncle Sam told Japan to get out of China and quit the Axis bunch
and be a friendly nation? Radio good. Hitler fighting both
Russians and British in North Africa and shooting all who escaped
him in the Balkan states.
November 27, 1941 Still windy, 10 to 16 above.
Ma busy pricing clothing and merchandise just received.
Self busy with fires and invoices. Quake in California
but no damage done. Wasilla and Palmer schools out of fuel,
Army commandeered all the coal. Farewell party for Dr. Albrecht
last night at Palmer, Eva waiter, Flo guest artist…no thanks hash
and tomatoes.
November 28, 1941 Big wind, 6 to 14 above.
Priced up new hardware and stoked fires. Short fuel in
Wasilla and short of electric lights in Anchorage, all because of
defense. Walden and bride back from States. Millich family
left for coal mines. Radio good. Heavy fighting in Russia
and North Africa today. British advancing in Africa.
November 29, 1941 Wind off 10 PM 10 to 18 above.
Ma sick all night, had vomiting spell, stayed in bed all day
account cold. An Army truck smashed up two mining trucks
on Willow Creek Road. School dance on tonight at gym.
Evening, Stanley home for weekend. Radio fair. Reds
and British knocked the ‘ell out of Nazis today.
November 30, 1941 Sunday, flurry of snow,
12 above. AM bought cord birch wood to piece out coal shortage.
Packed up all corrosive shells, 3 assorted cases, sold to Parkinson,
Wasilla High. Evening, Stanley returned to Anchorage.
Local radio. Reds counterattacking Nazis in Moscow area.
December 1, 1941 Weather colder, 20 below zero.
Busy with wood fires. Eva did electric wash at our new
house. Self not feeling good. Evening, Sexton delivered
load wood. Jap’s on the fence about fighting Uncle Sam in
Indochina and Pacific. Evening, -16. School bus froze
up, no kids at school today. Local radio. Nazis retreating
from Reds with losses. Hitler aggression about over.
December 2, 1941 Still cold, 10 above to 8
below zero. Re-piled wood out of coal bin. Got
3 ton of Healy coal. Jap’s will have to back down on fight
with U. S. British and Australia. Their demand, Jap’s quit
invasion of China and lower colonies. Car coal came for school.
Radio fair. Reds pushing back Nazi invasion in Russia.
December 3, 1941 Still cold, 10 above to 4
below zero. Gus busy delivering car of Healy coal due
here 6 weeks ago. Wasilla was burning green wood at zero
weather and windy. Palmer - Anchorage highway flooded with
water at mile 44. Local radio. Reds putting it all over
on Hitler now. Leg of lamb for dinner.
December 4, 1941 Temperature 12 above all day,
evening, 18 above. Palmer to Knik bridge road closed account
high water at mile 44. Weeks mail went south. Eva
left on mail train for Anchorage account phone call that her mother
was very sick. Kids boarding with grandma, as usual.
Vic Ogren moved into his new house on Second Avenue and Boundary Street.
Jap’s stalling on China invasion with U. S. and Britain, hoping
Hitler will win Russian war.
December 5, 1941 Partly cloudy 12 to 20 above.
Matanuska Electric Association now selling poles in Wasilla.
New family, from Seward, moved into the Wagner house. Anchorage
family hunting moose at Knik. Palmer and Wasilla out of
gas . Payday for 5 indigents living off their neighbors here.
Reds got the Nazis on retreat from Moscow. British cleaning
up on the Hitler North Africa invasion. Rush in store all PM.
December 6, 1941 Partly cloudy, 16 below zero.
Electric poles going up all through Wasilla and to school.
Highway to Anchorage still flooded. Stanley couldn’t drive
home for his 37th birthday and dinner. Mrs. Fleck, Eva’s
mother, in hospital. Received $35 order from Fox, Montana.
Local radio. Hitler now getting bumped from all sectors.
December 7, 1941 Sunday, weather cold,
20 below zero. Beginning of war with Japan. War
finally on with Japan this morning. Japan bombed Honolulu,
Guam and the Philippines, also a U.S. and British ship, while talking
peace at D. C. PM all radio on the air with Japan war news.
U. S. must now clean up the Jap’s.
December 8, 1941 Business good account
war. Temperature 20 to 30 below zero. Busy with
fires. PM rush for groceries account Jap war on U. S.
Jap’s bank account froze by U. S. and all Jap’s rounded up.
Thirty eight Jap planes shot down. Radio fair. Local station
off air. Evening, KGO on with war news.
December 9, 1941 War business good, warmer,
20 above. Eva went to Anchorage by rail, also Buddy, to
see her mother in hospital. U. S. acknowledged surprise defeat
of U. S. Islands in Pacific, by Jap bombers on December 7th.
British fighting Jap’s in South China. First blackout at 5
PM account Jap bombers. President Roosevelt on the air at 5
PM with advise to people on war with Japan.
December 10, 1941 Warmer, 32 above all day.
Delayed mail arrived 5 PM. Ma, with bad cold, both stocker
and border for the kids while mother at Anchorage. Paddy
and Buddy back from Anchorage by train, Eva stayed account mother
very sick. Reliance delivered milk and sugar by truck Germany
and Italy declared war on the U. S. Radio good, war news from
foreign reporters. U. S. knocked the ‘ell out of Jap’s today
at the Philippines.
December 11, 1941 Wind and warmer, 32 above.
Got bananas, sweet spuds, tomatoes and case eggs out of set-out.
Balance of groceries buried up. Charged electric light batteries.
Evening, gave sore feet good soaking in Epsom salt solution.
Radio good. heard all foreign reporters give details of war
in Europe, Africa and China.
December 12, 1941 Evening rain, warm, 42 above
all day. PM got truck load of groceries, Thanksgiving
fruit arrived. Got new circulating heater for Mabel cabin.
Reds annihilated 85,000 Germans retreating in Russia. U. S.
conscription now 18 to 65 years. Radio good. All of
South America declares war vs. Hitler and El Duce.
December 13, 1941 Chinook, 38 above.
Had Gus haul over load gas and tobacco. Eva back from
Anchorage by relay. Slide blocked highway near Knik River
bridge. Roads all ice. Gus received car of Healy nut
coal. Radio fair. Jap troop transport sunk and many planes
shot down near Manila. Reds got Nazis going south.
December 14, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 above all day. Gus delivering 2nd car coal. Delayed
lettuce, celery and grapes arrived. Wired for batteries
and candy. Reds got Nazis on the run. U. S. doing good
work vs. the Jap’s. No Outside radio. Coal bins full
again.
December 15, 1941 Weather cloudy, 8 to 20 above.
Electric wash day, Eva Chink. Ma nursing cold in chest.
Earthquake at midnight. Put new oil in light engine.
Put 3 ton nut coal in bin at new house. Fred finished unloading
Gus’ car Healy nut coal. Jap’s too strong for British in
Far East. Static radio. Dover shelled by Nazis.
December 16, 1941 Weather colder, zero to 8
above. Self in store all day. Ma still nursing cold.
Marie Martha bought a motorbike for $20 off Ely girl. Evening,
Stanley home, first time in 2 weeks. Radio fair.
War not so hot. Jap’s and Hitler slowing down.
December 17, 1941 Weather colder, zero all
day. Mail arrived last night, no electric iron for Eva
from Paddy for Christmas, none in stock. Eva sick today.
Bomber planes over Wasilla from Anchorage Post. Guam Island
still intact that lost to the Jap raid a week ago. Radio fair.
British outnumbered in Indochina but still holding off the Jap’s.
December 18, 1941 Weather clear, temperature
zero. Ma’s cold in chest some better. British driving
Nazis and Dagos out of North Africa. Jap’s not making much
headway fighting U.S. Local radio. Army caught Jap
radio outfit on Cook Inlet, Seward laundry Jap in on it.
December 19, 1941 Business slow, froze
up. Temperature zero to 8 below zero. Car coal
arrived for K. T. Co. store use, plenty of fuel now. Joe
Pierce quit Walden to work for railroad on T and T Line. Santa
Claus held up by kids in N. C. Co. Store. British got control
of North Africa but hard pressed by Jap’s Far East. No long
wave. Germans moving ¾ of Army out of Red Russia, lasted
3 months with great losses.
December 20, 1941 Weather cloudy, zero to 10
above. Got all coal bins filled up with Healy lump coal.
Now let it blow and freeze. Jap’s lost troop transport
and several planes today. U. S. launched 3 new submarines.
Stanley home overnight from Army Post construction. Local
radio all Christmas ads. Reds still driving Germans south.
Jap’s paying for Indochina invasion.
December 21, 1941 Sunday, warmer, 16
to 20 above. Fred finished unloading car K. T. Co. Healy
coal. Mrs. Oscar Gill, Louise, and 2nd husband visited from
Anchorage. Stanley back to Army Post 6 AM. Evening,
finished S and W order. Wedding day for Jane Cad and Budd Brown.
Radio fair. Hitler now retreating, got enough of Reds.
Jap Far East war on in Indochina and Philippines.
December 22, 1941 Weather warmer, 10 to 22
above, at the bottom, now the days grow longer. Electric
wash day, Eva the Chink. Nailed iron roof back on coal sheds.
A few Christmas buyers. Hitler made himself Com-Chief but Army
still on the run. Radio good. Nazis and Dagos on the run
in North Africa. Jap’s bombing British and U. S. in Far East.
December 23, 1941 Small trade, weather
cloudy, 16 to 20 above. Got 2 orders off for Pittman.
Ma baked chocolate cake for Buddy’s 5th birthday party.
No school program for Christmas because of blackout. Jap’s
making hard drive on islands near Philippines and sunk oil tanker
100 miles from Los Angels. Churchill at Washington D. C.
to see President Roosevelt on war situation. Radio fair.
Hitler now on the retreat in Russia and Africa. All South America
with U. S. vs. Jap invaders.
December 24, 1941 Pick-up trade, weather
cloudy, 20 to 30 above. Sold out all fresh vegetables.
School closed at noon, had no public program. Charged
light batteries. Ma took 4th bath in new house.
Made out claims for egg and candy shortages. Stanley home
6 PM for Christmas. Radio good. Jap’s sunk another boat
off Los Angeles.
December 25, 1941 Store open 3 hours
AM. Temperature 32 above all day. Noon, capon dinner
at Eva’s, ma cooked the capon. Received 2 shirts, pair
shoes and slippers from Santa. Cost me $25 cash presents.
Christmas blackout account war with Jap’s. Radio good.
British lost Hong Kong to the Jap’s. Churchill spoke before
U. S. Congress on the war.
December 26, 1941 Weather cloudy, 30 to 36
above. Customers sleeping Christmas off. Shipped
4 pints Avocet cream to Willow. Big demand for radio batteries,
temporarily sold out. Prime Minister Churchill at D. C.
before congress, made a big hit. Jap’s lost transport and
sub today. Jap’s trying to take Philippine Islands. War,
whole world now at it. Mussolini down and out, Nazis getting
out of Russia.
December 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 32 to 36
above. Self in store and charged electric light batteries.
No mail train all week. Co-op sheep back from Cottonwood.
Ladies gave shower at Dorothy Nelson’s for Pecks daughter, half Eskimo.
Jap’s bombed Manila today after city declared neutrality. Reds
and cold weather driving German out of Russia. Dutch in East
India downed 14 Jap bombers.
December 28, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
to 36 above. Shipped pair snowshoes to engineer dept.
at Portage Bay Tunnel. Set up new circulating heater in
Mabel cabin. Jap’s still bombing Manila, a neutral city
and other islands between Australia and the Philippines.
December 29, 1941 Cloudy, windy 30 to 34 above.
Electric wash day at our new house. Mail train in 3 AM
got groceries and batteries coming. Jap’s slowing up on drive
in Indochina, losing planes and transports. British bombed
Hitler’s bases in Norway. Nazis and Dagos about cleaned
up in North Africa. Nazis retreating south out of Russia.
The Axis of Power slowing down with heavy losses. Churchill now
touring Canada on war talk.
December 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, rain, 38
to 46 above, Chinook. Streets all ice again. Connected
coal heater to range pipe in Mabel cabin. Ma started to
take grocery inventory. Nazis losing heavy on retreat out
of Russia. Jap’s trying to take the Philippine Islands.
Reported Jap submarines off Kodiak island today.
December 31, 1941 Business fair, rained
all last night and today, frost out 2”. Started to take
inventory. School out at noon. Stanley home at 7
PM for New Year. Charged electric batteries and got 2
tubs full Mabel dishes ready to wash up. 1941 ended with blackout
and no snow in valley. Years profit $478.23? Radio
fair, Philippines about taken by Jap’s big drive. Hitler
snowed under in Russia and North Africa.
December Memo: What is dancing? It is
the privilege of hugging and caressing another mans wife, sister
or sweetheart in open public, otherwise he would get his head knocked
off in doing the same thing not on a dance floor?
Favorite songs:
1. It’s nice to get up in the morning,
but it’s nice to lay in bed.
2. Through the keyhole in the door.
3. The Boston fire.
4. Nellie the Milkmaid
5. Old Mother Brannigan’s pup.
Cost of new house on lots 1 and 2 block 1
Wasilla, Alaska
2 lots clearing, grading, fencing and sidewalks
$ 327.31
Cement basement, coal bin and well
$ 626.85
Lumber and inside material
$1,628.31
Carpenter work at $1 per hour
$1,322.00
Engine house annex
$ 194.97
Plumbing, bath and water system
$ 501.71
Electric light system
$ 108.60
Furnace and cook range
$ 164.45
Labor on floor and cabinets
$ 168.00
Carpenter work inside
$ 124.00
Paint and varnishes
$ 90.25
Total cost of new house
$5,598.11
All materials at cost price
All labor at $5 and $8 per 8 hour day.
1942
January 1, 1942 Warming up, 10 above. Cashed
2 pension checks, $70, traded out most of it. Eva and
Stanley made round trip to Anchorage to collect rent for Mrs. Fleck,
now in Palmer Hospital. Hitler sending airplanes to Italy
to help bomb the Greeks. No short wave PM World News on local
stations.
January 2, 1942 Chinook, 42 above. Busy
on inventory, hauled over 1,400 pounds new merchandise.
PM self checking and pricing up new groceries and charged electric
batteries. Electric company stringing wires on new poles in
Wasilla, juice later on. Jap’s took Manila today. Radio
good. U. S. and Philippines lost Manila to Jap’s today, hard
fight.
January 3, 1942 Weather hazy, 32 to 38 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Charged batteries,
lights all day. Two trains here at 9 PM now run at night
to avoid Jap bombs? Churchill back at D. C. account war talk
with President Roosevelt. Radio fair. Roads now muddy
after 36 hours rain.
January 4, 1942 Sunday, weather hazy, 34 to
38 above. Received batteries wired for, a week at Seward,
railroad service? Took sugar, flour and salt inventory.
Mail went south. Jap’s ordering all whites to stay inside
at Manila, if on streets will be shot. No Outside radio.
Morgenthaw on air to buy more bonds.
January 5, 1942 Weather clearing, 22 above
all day. Sold out on butter and eggs, same at Seward.
Waiting delivery by Alaska Railroad. Eva run the electric
washer, Ma prefers the old washboard? Evening, Stanley
up from Army Post, brought case butter. Evening, clear and
colder. Radio fair. U. S. Dutch and Chinks put it all over
the Jap’s today.
January 6, 1942 Weather colder, 22 above all
day. Now, no more whisky or perishables to be shipped to Alaska,
war order, only flour, sugar, bacon, beans and dried fruit, back
to 1898 rations? Evening on mail. 60,000 bombers
for 1942. Radio fair. Nazis still going south.
Jap’s made some gains.
January 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, 14 to 18 above.
Charged electric light batteries. Auto roads rough after
rain and thaw. General McArthur hard pressed by Jap bombers in
Philippines. $1,500 reward for first U. S. bomber to bomb
Tokyo Japan. Radio fair. Jap’s and Chinks only lose war
bombers today. Evening on office work.
January 8, 1942 Spring day, 20 to 30 above.
Fairbanks kids moved into Gus’ sport cabin by Mabel. Alaska
Steamship Company raised freight and passenger fairs 45%.
Evening on annex inventory and mended my pants by gosh.
January 9, 1942 Weather clear, 10 to 30 above.
Finished annex grocery inventory, Ma on clothing inventory.
Railroad ice contract taking 1,000 tons out of Lake Wasilla.
Families here less than 5 years ordered outside to eat grub.
Radio good, mostly war talk and how it will all end. Dempsey
in the Army.
January 10, 1942 Windy, 28 to 38 above, charged
batteries. Grandma chasing Buddy while his mother at Anchorage.
Made out large grocery order evening. Evening, Eva and Stanley
back from Anchorage. Old Hitler about licked in Russia.
Local radio, war invaders making ready for another drive.
January 11, 1942 Sunday, A-1 spring day, 38
to 40 above. Finished basement inventory. Reported
7 boats at Seward, to take families ordered out of Anchorage account
grub shortage. Jap’s making big drive in Indochina but paying
dearly for it. Radio fair. Hitler on retreat in Russia and Africa.
Louise Gill visited PM.
January 12, 1942 Partly cloudy, 36 to 40 above.
No snow in Wasilla, spring weather past 10 days. Eva on
electric washer, Ma on washboard for strength. Two government
transports in at Knik Harbor Ship Creek Dock Radio good.
Jap’s got the best of Indochina war drive.
January 13, 1942 Weather cloudy, 42 above all
day. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine for mail and pick-ups.
Week’s mail arrived, coffee, meats and butter due. Local Red Cross
now fixed up for Jap and Hitler bomb raid, Eva and Clo. nurses?
Radio fair. Jap’s lost heavy on aggression on Indochina today.
January 14, 1942 Spring day, sun and 42 above.
AM had Gus haul over truck load delayed groceries, 30 days
from Seattle. PM priced and opened up new merchandise.
PM school staff went to Palmer for TB test. Jap’s got control
of Manila but losing other places. Radio good. Joe Louis
in the Army now, whole world at war.
January 15, 1942 Clear and colder, 20 above
all day. Week of spring weather and no snow. Tabulating
grocery inventory. Navy sunk 2 Jap subs and one 17,000 ton
freighter. McArthur still holding on in Philippines.
South America getting together on war. Radio fair. U.
S. doing some good in Far East Jap war. Reds still driving Nazis
out of Russia.
January 16, 1942 A-1 day, 20 to
30 above. Rubber tires off the market account defense supply.
George Roll, merchant at Hope, passed out December 29th after
selling out business. U. S. has sunk 26 boats in Jap war.
Jap’s claim 31 U. S. boats. Axis Powers losing ground in Russia
and Africa.
January 17, 1942 Cloudy, windy, 34 above.
Big wind last night. Anchorage basketball teams here to
play Wasilla, Anchorage won. Evening, Stanley home for overnight.
U. S. sub sunk 3 Jap boats in Jap Harbor today. British
captured 5,000 Germans in Africa. Radio fair. KFQD had on
program account 5,000 nights of broadcasting, OGH mentioned.
January 18, 1942 Sunday. A-1 day, 42
above. Store open 3 hours AM self nursing sore feet.
Took inventory of rubber goods. Reported would be short
on sugar, advised using more syrup and honey. Radio good.
KFQD now re-broadcasting short wave war news 1 PM.
January 19, 1942 Windy, 38 to 42 above.
Electric wash day. Sold $110 Victrola to Indian for $60,
cost. U. S. lost 2 bombers in Far East war with Jap’s.
Hitler told his people the reason of retreat in Russia was too cold
to hold rifle. Radio fair. German sub sunk boat off N.
C. coast today, 3 lately.
January 20, 1942 Light snow, 32 to 38 above.
Wasilla white after 30 day black L. Cox down from Montana
for grocery order, Cox now 84 years old. Packed Victrola
for shipment. Two mail trains, got 3 ton of groceries in
route. Sold last of all old ammunition. Radio fair,
some static. Axis Powers going to make allies come to knees?
January 21, 1942 Weather cloudy, 36 above.
Shipped 170 pound Victrola to Montana Station. Charged
batteries. Stanley home overnight. Jap’s after Burma
Road and Singapore in China. Jap’s lost 13 planes.
McArthur holding on yet. Radio good. Heinie Snider’s
dog died. Russia still driving Nazis south.
January 22, 1942 Weather cloudy, 24 to 28 above.
Paid under-charge on Healy coal. Delayed freight, at Seward,
arrived 11 PM. 600,000 troops and bombers sent to Pearl
Harbor to fight Jap’s at Philippines and India. Reds and
Britain cleaning up Hitler. Radio good. Both Louis and
Dempsey now in the Army, to KO the Jap’s?
January 23, 1942 Weather clear, zero to 24
above. PM had Gus haul over two truck loads of groceries
that came at midnight. Busy checking and pricing new groceries.
Rice and Wesson oil up 30%. War risk and insurance now 2%.
Jap’s lost on all engagements today. Anchorage Army bombers
maneuvering over Wasilla. Radio good. Nazis recaptured
town in North Africa but freezing up in Russia.
January 24, 1942 Weather clear, zero
to 12 above. Self pricing and opening up new groceries.
Sugar will soon be rationed to one pound per week. Jap’s
losing many boats and planes in Far East war.
Stanley home overnight, Floyd Smith with him.
Radio good.
January 25, 1942 Big wind, 10 above.
Trapper rented Gus Miller cabin. Busy with fires account
50 mile wind. Marie Martha drove to Palmer for a haircut.
Several old pioneers died in Sitka with the flu. Presidents
Ball on at Palmer tonight. No Outside radio, only Anchorage
and Fairbanks radio heard.
January 26, 1942 Weather colder, 6 below zero
to 14 above. Electric wash day, Eva the Chink. Packed
grocery order for Pittman. Paid late invoices. Our
boys did a good job on the Jap’s today in Far East and U. S. troops
were landed in Ireland today to help out the British. Radio
good. Allied nations now got Axis Powers on the run.
January 27, 1942 Partly cloudy,
10 to 16 above. Sent airmail order for sugar
and groceries. Gas failed to arrive on PM freight.
Sent $30 to Pittman. Jap’s losing heavy on Burma Road invasion
in China. Bus cars froze up. Evening, church in school
house. Radio good. Hitler trying to stop German retreat
out of Russia and North Africa.
January 28, 1942 Weather colder, zero to 10
below zero. Sprinkle of snow last night, Wasilla white
again. Sven Edlund and wife left for Seattle, Willie left
to keep the home fires burning at Lake Wasilla summer resort.
U. S. bombers still knocking down Jap planes, cruisers and cargo
boats. Radio good. Churchill up before Commons for a confidence
vote.
January 29, 1942 Weather colder, zero to 14
below zero. Finished pricing new groceries, cooking oils
and rice up 25%. Sharon drove to Anchorage for his sister
Ellen and family , moved into Oberg house. Evening, Stanley
up from Army Post with part of Ellen Fleck-Smith family. Radio
fair, static from Cads light engine. A dozen subs on Atlantic
Coast.
January 30, 1942 Light wind, 22 to 34 above.
No snow thus far in Matanuska Valley, about 2’ at mines.
Auto roads good. Jap’s want General McArthur to surrender
Philippine Islands, nothing doing. Jap’s now within 18 miles
of Singapore but losing lots of soldiers. Radio good.
Reds still driving Nazis out of Russia. British retreating
in Africa from Nazis.
January 31, 1942 Weather windy, 20 to 30 above.
Presidents Birthday Ball all over Alaska and U. S. account
infant paralysis fund, Roosevelt’s 60th birthday. War
Chief of U. S. Army fighting the Jap’s and Hitler. Buddy
rode his bike through $5 show case glass. Evening, Stanley home
for over Sunday, first Sunday off at Post. Evening, put las-stick
sales on shoes. Radio good. Jap’s driving into Netherlands
and Australia with heavy losses.
February 1, 1942 Sunday, cloudy, windy, 24
above. Store open 3 hours AM for absent minded customers.
Out of gas, spuds and onions. Our Navy put it all over
the Jap’s today. Army bomber crashed at Anchorage, 2 aviators
killed. Radio fair. Jap’s got a beating today.
South America quit Axis Powers.
February 2, 1942 Weather hazy, 28 to 34 above.
Electric wash day. AM necked over eggs, butter and meats
from depot. Mrs. Rae went to Anchorage with Stanley looking for
a job. 30,000 crack Jap soldiers failed to route General McArthur
in Philippines and some taken prisoner.
February 3, 1942 Weather cloudy, 38 above.
Outside mail arrived. Groceries coming on “Alaska”.
U. S. debt now sixty billion dollars. U. S. landed troop
at Philippines to help General McArthur. Jap’s hot after
Singapore. Chinaman cleaning up on the Jap’s. Our Navy
still sinking Jap boats.
February 4, 1942 Weather cloudy, 38 above.
Packed grub order for Herman at Big Lake. Gus drove to
Anchorage for oil and to fix up tax report. Jap’s did
a lot of dirty work with air bombers in Far East today. Radio
good. Fred Allen on air with court trials. British retreating
from Nazis in Africa.
February 5, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Matanuska Electric Association working on electric wires in
Wasilla today. Shipped Herman order. Jap’s making
desperate effort to clean up on Burma Road and Dutch East Indies.
Freight arrived. Radio fair. Russians and Jap’s the only
fighting today.
February 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 36 above.
Electric wires now on insulators but wire is 6 miles from Wasilla
to connect up. Russians only ones doing real fighting,
running Germans out of Russia. PM had Gus haul over 1 ton
oil and 2 tons groceries from depot, freight up 40%. No Outside
radio. German sub sunk another boat near New York, 14 in all.
February 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Pricing and opening up new groceries with 45% boat freight
added. Thorpe’s and Olson’s hoarding grub account war.
Jap’s losing boats and planes but bring up reinforcements.
Stanley home for weekend. Dodson quit job at Independence Mine
and several others.
February 8, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
30 to 40 above. Store open 3 hours AM Bunch of Army
men fishing at Edlund’s on Lake Wasilla. Basketball last
night, our girls won, boys lost PM Ma joyriding over to Palmer
with son and kids. Put new glass in show case.
February 9, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Self in store, up 1 hour early per order of the President, now
on daylight savings time. Spinal meningitis at Palmer.
George Small here for stove pipe, Palmer out.
February 10, 1942 Sprinkle of snow, 32 above.
Mail train north and south. Big item, now, 1941 income
tax. Jap’s making big drive in Dutch East Indies District.
Stewart Vail family moved to Anchorage, Stewart got watchman job.
February 11, 1942 Chinook wind, 42 above.
Self in store and on merchandise orders. School now on
1 hour later time instead of ahead. Jap’s got 10 to 1 vs.
invading Dutch East Indies and now shelling Singapore’s British base.
February 12, 1942 Chinook wind, 46 above all
day. In store replacing stick-on shelves, etc.
Ed Coffey, Anchorage insurance man visited account icy road,
left his car and returned by rail to Anchorage. British still
holding Singapore. Jap’s lost 3rd airplane carrier.
February 13, 1942 Third day of Chinook, 40
above. Warm wind, streets and roads drying up.
School basketball teams drove to Anchorage for final games with
Anchorage teams. Germans run their fleet through Straights
of Dover without any losses. Singapore still holding off
Jap’s. Disruption at Independence Mine force.
February 14, 1942 Chinook, 30 to 40 above.
Wasilla dead, all sleeping after Anchorage basketball game
last night. British still mowing down advancing Jap’s
on Singapore, China landing troops to help hold open the Burma
supply road. Nels Larsen went to Palmer Hospital. Radio
fair, ten nations now at war with Axis Powers. Buddy and sister
here overnight.
February 15, 1942 Sunday, Chinook, 30
to 40 above, 50 above in sun all PM Stanley home for weekend.
Palmer - Anchorage Highway iced up. Jap’s finally took Singapore.
Jap’s walking right along in Far East Indies District but with
heavy losses.
February 16, 1942 A-1 day, 20 to 38 above,
50 above in sun. Registration day, 22 to 46 years, our
government wants 9 million more soldiers to clean up on the Jap’s
and Hitler. Jap’s lost 3 cruisers and a transport in today’s
aggression in East Indies. No school today account registration.
February 17, 1942 Sprinkle of snow, 30 to 34
above. Posted January 1940 NCR ledger. Gus took
groceries to Buggee at Palmer. Australia and the Dutch
ready to combat the Jap invaders. Chinamen helping to keep
the Burma China Road open. English Parliament after Churchill
account German boats through Dover Straits.
February 18, 1942 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Put final decorations in Mabel cabin and ½ cord stove
wood. Jap’s still losing cruisers and transport boats
loaded with soldiers. Reds now driving Nazis out of White
Russia.
February 19, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 40
above. Ma left for Anchorage, 4 PM via with Gus to Palmer to
catch bus or train. Rev. Bingle visited to beg a gunny sack
Evening, repainted kitchen floor. Jap’s got a good beating
in Far East today.
February 20, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 38
above. Ma arrived at Anchorage 12 midnight. Self
busy in store all day and posted March NCR ledger. Eva now
dinner cook. Jap’s making drive on java. Subs on Atlantic
Coast.
February 21, 1942 A-1 day,
20 to 30 above. Eva dinner cook. Posted April and
May in NCR ledger. Ma arrived home 8 PM in Stanley’s car.
Old timer, Nils Larsen passed out at Palmer Hospital. Jap’s
lost heavy today in Far East war.
February 22, 1942 Sunday, cloudy, 10
to 30 above. Eva and Stanley made round trip to Anchorage
for Eva’s sake. Got ½ of 1941 posted in ledger.
February 23, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34
above. Electric wash day, Eva Chink. Arnold Edlund
moved his family back to Wasilla from Anchorage, bombs.
Tryck fixing up old school house to rent. President Roosevelt
on the air, 45 minutes, telling the people all about the war.
February 24, 1942 Weather cloudy, 28 to 34
above. Two mail trains, received 8 invoices of merchandise
but no delivery as yet. First Jap submarine on Pacific
Coast fired on oil refinery near Santa Barbara, quarter mile off
shore but missed it’s mark. Jap’s still invading Java and
Dutch Indies with heavy losses.
February 25, 1942 Weather cloudy, 26 to 36
above. Had Gus haul over 3 truck loads merchandise from
set-out, PM only half came over from Seward. McArthur still
holding Jap’s off at Philippines. Jap’s lost 32 planes
today in East Indies drive. Los Angeles bombed by Jap’s
today.
February 26, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 36
above. Planes landed at Lake Lucille overnight, waiting
for Army clearance to Anchorage. Busy pricing and opening
up new merchandise. Evening, posted October 1941 in ledger.
Ma played Home Sweet Home on the washboard.
Jap’s lost 27 planes and 2 boats in Far East today.
February 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 26 to 34
above. St. Clair’s visited, after ice for their summer
resort. PM had Gus haul over 2 loads freight from railroad
shed. Evening, got ledgers posted up to December 1941. Stanley
up from Anchorage, took family back for dental work. Brown
wrecked his car. Local radio, McArthur driving Jap’s back on
Philippine Island. Far East now a war zone.
February 28, 1942 Partly
cloudy, 30 to 38 above. Finished posting 1941 ledger,
now ready to make out 1941 income tax. Evening, Stanley
and family back from Anchorage. Auto roads good, no snow.
Railroad installed warm room in-freight shed. Sprinkle of
snow. No Outside radio, Jap war in Far East 50/50.
March 1, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
new snow, 24 to 40 above. Wasilla white again, 2” new
snow. AM cleaned off walks. Stanley sold heater for Thorpe
rancher. Ski train went to Curry and return. Tabulating
1941 ledger for income. Nels Larsen buried at Anchorage.
March 2, 1942 Weather colder, 8 to 32 above.
Electric wash day by Eva but not for Ma, old way best.
Jap’s still making big drive in Far East Islands but with heavy
losses, men and boats. Reds shot down 77 Nazi planes rooting
Germans out of Russia. Sub sunk tanker in Atlantic.
March 3, 1942 A-1 day, 24 to 34 above.
Finished tabulating 1941 ledger, now ready for 1941 income tax
report. Eva learning to operate typewriter. Buddy
learning to use all kind of bad names. Got 3 orders from north.
Reds downed 162 German bombers.
March 4, 1942 A-1 day, 10 to 34 above.
Making out 1941 income tax. Got 2 orders ready to ship
north. Buddy went down with school bus driver to see new
lambs. Army bombers wrote sign in the air. Jap’s lost
boats and men trying to invade Java and Island ports.
March 5, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening, snowing,
24 to 38 above. Working on income tax report. Grandmother
and baby niece burned up by oil stove in Palmer. Jap’s landed
60,000 troops near Java to replace 2 transports lost there yesterday
by allied bombers. Alaska to Seattle, auto road, to start
soon.
March 6, 1942 A-1 day, 30 to 38 above.
Snowed 4” last night. AM cleaned off 180’ sidewalk.
PM and evening, filling in 1941 income tax report. Java
about to surrender to the Jap’s. Reds still driving Nazis out
of Russia. Local radio. Exhibit fair on at Anchorage.
Mines now off the preferred buying list.
March 7, 1942 A-1 day, 28 to 38 above. Finished
1941 income tax report. Profit on sales, $1,387.02.
$1,500 exemption so no tax to pay. Party on tonight account
funds for Red Cross. Stanley home for weekend, brought Gus
and Cad from Anchorage. Jap’s finally took Java in East
Indies, Australia next?
March 8, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
28 to 38 above. Usual AM traders. PM Stanley took
Ma joy riding over to Palmer. Got out-mail. Sent income
tax report to Joe Conroy for Notary seal, by Stanley. Two
Army planes landed here, short of gas.
March 9, 1942 Regular business, misty, windy,
34 to 38 above. Wash day at our new house by the neighbors,
pumped 16 pails of water. Costs $5 a week to operate
electric and for fuel? Jap’s moved right along from Java
to New Zealand, Australia next stop? Road blocked from Fishhook
Inn to mines.
March 10, 1942 Weather misty, 24 to 30 above.
Late snow blocked bench roads to mines. Dan Gray, watchman
at Mabel Mine, in for grub ad mail, said soldiers shot up his
cabin at mile 13. Cleaned soot out of new house stove. Evening,
Eva went to Anchorage. Evening, patched my war time woolen
pants.
March 11, 1942 A-1 day, 24 to 28 above. Star
plane landed here for more gas. Gus and Fred drove to
Anchorage to pay taxes. Evening, Stanley from Anchorage
with tobacco for K. T. Co. No more gas at Anchorage until March
24th, now on ration. 8 AM bombers shot down two Jap transports
and damaged 9 others boats. Jap’s trying to land troops in
Australia. India wants independence from Britain and will
fight Jap’s.
March 12, 1942 Weather colder, 4 below zero
to 22 above. Got hardware and drugs out of set-up cold
car. Hot car due this PM with groceries and meats.
Klem, railroad ice contractor through. AM sub sunk 7 Jap
boats in Jap waters.
March 13, 1942 Still colder, 20 above to 10
below zero. A-1 sunny day. Sun now back to north
west corner of Lake Lucille, 12 hours daylight. Party of
3 auto thieves caught here. Jap’s got nowhere today.
China Army now bumping off Jap’s. Reds still driving Nazis
out of Russia.
March 14, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Refilled furnace coal bin. Received truck load oil and
gas. Stanley home from Anchorage, 5 PM. U. S. transport
with 10,000 soldiers torpedoed off coast of Brazil. U. S.
Dutch and British lost 12 cruisers in Indochina battle in February.
March 15, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 20 to
30 above, 48 above in sun. Store open 3 hours AM , Teachers
all broke, no paychecks for 2 months. Hitler on the air,
told his people he would clean up Russia and the allies when
summer comes. Winter too cold to fight. Ma and kids trip
to Palmer.
March 16, 1942 Partly cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Electric wash day at rear. Got out order to Butler bros.
14 Jap bombers raided north Australian coast. U. S. bombers
raided Jap airports in Java. Britain raided Nazi ports.
March 17, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above to
4 below zero. Delayed car freight arrived PM 7 days
from Seward. General Douglas McArthur sent to Australia to
command war vs. the Jap’s. A hurricane in central states
killed 147. Irish are all Swedes at Anchorage.
March 18, 1942 Weather cloudy, 16 to 28 above.
Fred hauled over groceries and drugs from set-out, 1,019 pounds,
part lot freight held at Seward for a week. Stanley up
from Anchorage for overnight. U. S. sunk 11 Jap boats and
lost one bomber. All nations approve General McArthur’s
appointment over Australia war.
March 19, 1942 Partly cloudy, 16 to 26 above.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with dog team. Spot got locked
up in Gus’ warehouse for 3 days before found. U. S. and
Dutch knocked the ‘ell out of Jap’s today, likewise Reds vs. Nazis.
Pricing new merchandise all day.
March 20, 1942 Weather cloudy, 8 to 24 above,
40 above in sun. Rented Mabel cabin to new Professor of
Wasilla schools, just arrived. Professor Krock drafted
to war. Stanley up from Anchorage, took family back Marie Martha
to see dentist. Also Tryck account of Collie’s wedding tomorrow.
No more coffee, pork and beans in 1942, pork in tins.
March 21, 1942 Weather windy, 8 to 26 above.
Sold 3 orders or groceries. Fixed side window in Mabel cabin
account wind. Airplane stored in Gus warehouse, private
owner gone to war. Evening, Stanley and kids back from Anchorage.
March 22, 1942 Sunday, weather cooler,
10 to 20 above, 40 above in sun. Store open 3 hours.
PM took down old store aerial account electric light wires below.
Ski train back from Curry. Stanley left for Anchorage Army Post at
6 AM as usual. U. S. knocked down 23 Jap bombers.
March 23, 1942 Weather windy, 14 to 22 above.
Electric wash day. Matanuska Electric Association inspector
here, only inspected 4 house wiring. No pay deposit, no
juice? Billy Tryck brought his dad back from Anchorage after
Warren Tryck’s wedding Saturday. Evening, got out Seattle mail.
Cars short of gas, 2 gallon limit.
March 24, 1942 Weather windy, 20 to 32 above.
Eva, sister and brother made round trip to Anchorage account
mothers birthday. Gus left on north train for Circle Hot
Springs to get boiled out of game leg and hip trouble. Freight
train north with soldier outfit for aviation field somewhere.
Local radio. Reds still driving Nazis out of Russia. Jap’s
halted from taking Australia.
March 25, 1942 Partly cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Packed grub order for Willow. Army Post making Cat road
from Pittman to Big 10 Mile Lake. U. S. bombers put 3 Jap
airports out of business today. British to give India home rule.
March 26, 1942 Spring day, 30 to 44 above.
Professor Krok left for Anchorage account Army draft.
Marge Rambeau new Superintendent of Wasilla School. PM
put up curtain pole and made ironing board for Mabel cabin.
Snow all gone in Wasilla, streets muddy. Eva and Isaac at sport
party at Knik.
March 27, 1942 Second spring day, 30 to 44
above. Wasilla High left by bus to play basketball in
Anchorage. Joe Louis private fight vs. Abe Simond, 255½
pounder at New York, Joe won with KO in 6th round. Africa
Army returned home to Australia.
March 28, 1942 No business, third spring day,
32 to 48 above. Fixed window to coal bin. Only 7 inspected
for new electric lights soon to come? British loaded old
cruiser with dynamite and headed her into German submarine dock in
France and blew up boat and dock Farewell party at Town Hall
for Professor Kleck
March 29, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, snow,
24 to 36 above. White again, light flurry of snow PM.
Totaled up 1942 inventory, $10,596.97. Totaled NCR Jan
2nd inventory, $6,414.14. Grocery and clothing department
declining. PM Eva went to Anchorage with Klock's. Professor
Klock drafted, kids slept here.
March 30, 1942 Four inches snow
last night, 30 to 40 above. AM cleaned off 180’ new snow
on sidewalks. Jap’s drove back with heavy losses in Philippines.
Flood in New Guinea drove Jap’s out of valley. Jap bombers
hit by auto aircraft guns 4 miles up in air. Evening, Eva
and Mrs. Klock back from Anchorage. No electric wash today,
Chink at Anchorage.
March 31, 1942 A-1 day, 32 to 40 above.
Electric wash day, Chink 1 day late. Mail in and out.
Metz appointed watchman of Nels Larsen property. American
and Australian bombers knocking the ‘ell out of Jap airports.
Reds reducing German Army every day.
April 1, 1942 Cloudy, 30 to 38 above, snow
flurries AM. Frost coming out ground water running everywhere.
Fred hauled over truck load of groceries from set-out, hardware
and meats left at Seward? Railroad service? Jap’s supplies
and airports badly bombed with little resistance. Eva had
electric lights inspected, now ready for juice.
April 2, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Pricing and opening up new groceries all AM. Marie Martha’s
10th birthday, Ma made her a birthday cake, Pa gave her $10 defense
bond. Evening, Stanley drove up from Army Post.
Jap drive on Philippine U. S. Post a failure.
April 3, 1942 Rain all day, 42 above.
Gust Jackson down from Pittman to trade. Roads all cut
up account rain and frost coming out. Mrs. Cad went to Anchorage
with Stanley. Jap’s being checked on all invasions in Far
East. Reds making it hot for Germans. Germans bombing
British towns again.
April 4, 1942 Spring day, 28 to 40 above. Roads
in bad shape. Getting lots of snow at mines with rain here.
Most war now in Far East and Reds driving Germans out of Russia.
Subs have sunk 100 vessels in Atlantic. Sale of ice pool
tickets closed today.
April 5, 1942 Easter, first warm day,
32 to 60 above. Soldier dance and booze party at Hall last
night. Ski special back from Curry 10 PM. Jap’s losing
half of their planes on invasion in Far East. Spring floods
in Russia bad for Nazis. Snow slide closed road to mines.
April 6, 1942 A-1 spring day, 32 to 50 above.
Electric wash day at new house. Knik Road all cut up by
Army truck. 197 Jap boats sunk to date, 92 Jap planes shot
down to date, 3,700 Jap’s killed at Burma Road. German troops
retreating near Black Sea.
April 7, 1942 A-1 day, 34 to 48 above. Army
truck still here cutting up the soft roads. Road open again
to upper Fishhook. PM freight brought hardware and butter,
etc. 29 days from Seattle. U. S. troops on Philippines now
hard pressed by big Jap drive. Evening, Stanley home.
April 8, 1942 Weather windy, 40 to 48 above.
Wind drying up mud on roads. Opened up and priced new
merchandise. Auto cars, for Fairbanks, put off here, railroad
service? Army now driving trucks to Big (10 mile) Lake over
bulldozer road from Wasilla. Jap’s pushing back U. S. troops
in Philippines.
April 9, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 58 above. Helped
Jake to obtain entrance in Nels Larsen (deceased) cabin account
lost keys. General Wainwright forced to give up Jap control
in Philippines account 200,000 Jap’s vs. his 36,000 Army. Town
Hall program on war, good.
April 10, 1942 Partly cloudy, 38 to 48 above.
Light snow last night all gone by noon. Mrs. McDougal visited,
said lots of snow at mine. Anchorage Army bombers over Wasilla
every day, maneuvering. Baby Snooks on Maxwell House program
good. India turned down British deal for independence after
war. Jap’s now control Philippines.
April 11, 1942 A-1 day, 34 to 42 above. Got
last of snow for battery water for electric plant. Jap’s
badly beaten in today’s maneuvers. Reds annihilating German
intruders in Russia. British dropped 10,000 pound
explosives on German military plants. Evening, Stanley home
for one night, from Anchorage.
April 12, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
38 to 48 above. Store open 3 hours, AM for absent minded.
Edlund summer resort opened under new management on Lake Wasilla.
Shorty and Thorpe’s on usual drunk. Mussolini on a nervous
breakdown.
April 13, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
Buck Sparling in from Wet Gulch for supplies. Dodson prospecting
Little Susitna coal deposits. Fairview Sawmill outfit in
for supplies. Electric wash day. Local and short wave
hook up. U. S. bombers did good work on Jap’s in Far East
and Reds on Germans.
April 14, 1942 Spring day, 32 to 50 above.
L. Cox down from Montana, $50 grub and clothing order.
Eva and Buddy went to Palmer, PM with Uncle Sharon. British
and Chinks being drove back on Burma Road by Jap’s. Jap’s losing
in other sections. Hitler about to get French Navy control.
April 15, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
U. S. bombers did business today from Australia base, flew 2M
miles, bombed ports held by Jap’s in Philippine Islands and sunk
several Jap boats. Old Laval got control of France through
Hitler. Looks bad for French free government. Stanley
home overnight. Matanuska Electric juice in Wasilla.
April 16, 1942 A-1 day, 34 to 50 above.
Ma left with Stanley for weekend at Anchorage. Eva
dinner cook for K. T. Co. help. Rushed all PM with orders.
Eva at library. Denali mail came over on PM freight.
Lathrop and partner in for grub outfit. Local radio and short
wave. Jap’s all excited over U. S. bomb raid on Philippines.
April 17, 1942 Spring day, 34 to 58 above.
Roads drying up, one mush hole on Knik Road at mile 2.
Mrs. LaValley bought $25 order. Mail arrived on freight.
Teachers got delayed paychecks. Ma at Anchorage for weekend.
Only 3 got new electric lights.
April 18, 1942 Summer day, 38 to 58 above.
Jap’s reported Tokyo bombed by American fliers and also 2 suburban
towns, claim they shot down 11 U. S. bombers. No report
as yet by our war department on above Island Evening, Stanley
brought Ma back from Anchorage.
April 19, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 40 to
50 above. Radio off until 6 PM. Cleaned and oiled
store floor PM and burned lawn grass. No report as yet by
U. S. on Tokyo bombardment Saturday. Evening, took usual
bath in new house. British now using 1,000 planes to bomb German
industrial centers.
April 20, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 50 above.
Eva did wash at home on new electric power line. Ma done
hers in tub as usual. Evening, Stanley home to install electric
pump over well. No U. S. report as yet on Tokyo bombing.
Hitler’s birthday, gave no speech, Russians got him about licked.
Burma still holding out.
April 21, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 58 above.
Mail train in and out. Stanley installed 110 volt electric
pump, no water came up, stayed down in 26’ well. Eva still
pump man. Letter from Attorney Perkins will try to sell Burnap farm
at Eyota, Minnesota. 100 geese flying west today. U.
S. starting defense on Jap’s in Far East. Reds and British on
Nazis.
April 22, 1942 Weather cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Pricing new groceries and hardware. Ritter home from
Army Post to plant crop at mile 3 Knik Road. Mussolini
wants to quit the Axis Powers, says double crossed. Stuart Vail
up from Anchorage, says he got section foreman job. Senske in
from Chickaloon Road camp. Local station and short wave hookup.
School got valley lights.
April 23, 1942 A-1 day, 48 to 58 above.
Ma did mid-week washing. Armour’s meats, etc. arrived.
Uncle Sam busy convoying Lease Lend goods to Britain, Russia
and North Africa and Australia and not on the defense vs. Jap’s
and Hitler. Frost about out, planting soon.
April 24, 1942 A-1 day, 28 to 58 above.
Packed away Armour meats, etc. Wasilla Roadhouse had a chimney
fire, caught in time, no damage. Paddy went to Anchorage
on PM freight. Metz getting gardens ready to plant.
Tryck moving old school house on to his lot for apartment rent. One
U. S. bomber landed in Siberia after raid on Turkey, lost their bearings
on return.
April 25, 1942 Cold wind, 38 to 48 above.
Self in store, cleaned shelves. More war restrictions,
can’t come or leave Alaska without orders from Army Post.
Evening, Stanley home from Army Post for night only. Dance
at Hall.
April 26, 1942 Sunday, real summer day,
40 to 60, and 70 above in the sun. Store open AM.
PM self operated the electric washer, 2 PM. Cigarette smoker
touched off sod soaked with oil in front of depot, Section men saved
2 big oil tanks but Gus’ coal bin and railroad coal bins burned up.
Lucky for town, no wind.
April 27, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 56 above. Walden’s
oil tank truck standing by with a load of water account coal
bin fire in front of depot still burning. PM Paddy and self
jointed up 20’ of ¾” pipe for Stanley’s electric pump.
April 28, 1942 A-1 spring day, 30 above AM
40 above noon, 60 above PM. Coal fire finally out.
Gus arrived home 4 PM from Hot Springs Circle District to find his
coal bin burned up. Stanley home, evening, tried to install
¾” pipe inside 1¼” well pipe for electric pump but wouldn’t
go only half way in. Primary election today.
April 29, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 50 above.
Self on plumbing job all AM. Fixed Eva’s water system account
broken joints. ARC fixed mush holes on Knik Road.
Chena ice, in slough, went out. Chas Porter, of Anchorage,
won the pool, $3,000, Nenana Pool . U. S. landed troop and
war supplies in Australia, in 2 weeks will make a drive on the Jap’s.
April 30, 1942 Weather cooler, cloudy, 32 to
48 above. Nenana ice went out 1:28 PM pool, $85,000.
Three individuals and 8 company tickets won the pool. Jap’s
took Junction of Burma Road. Twenty Jap planes shot down today.
Hitler short of supplies on Russian drive. Ma cut Grandpa’s
hair. Marie Martha sick. Reds downed 1,000 Nazi airplanes
since January.
May 1, 1942 Weather cloudy, 38 to 58 above,
74 in the sun. May Day not observed, everybody making war
material or fighting in the World War. Cad making his garage
over into a cocktail lounge. Marie Martha in bed all day
after changing to summer clothing. All the kids got colds
likewise. New family, A. W. Franz, arrived in Wasilla.
May 2, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 58 above. Town Hall
wired for Matanuska Electric Association. Evening, dance
on at Hall for the fornicate soldiers. Chas Isaac working
on Section. Chinaman repulsed Jap’s today on Burma drive.
Evening, Stanley home, fixed leaky pipe and the cook. Jap’s
failed thus far on drive vs. Burma Road and Philippines. Reds
pushing Nazis back.
May 3, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 40 to 58
above, summer is here. Took down winter balcony fly.
Dawned summer pants and took usual Sunday bath. Ma helped to do
laundry on electric washer in new house. War, as usual, Jap’s
and Germans losing equipment and soldiers.
May 4, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Self in store all day. ARC smoothing up Knik Road.
Gang now working on Chickaloon to Richardson Highway Road.
U. S. stalling Jap’s from invasion of Australia and India.
May 5, 1942 Summer day, 40 to 60 above.
Olson boy and Ted Klim gone to Fairbanks for summer job.
Carl Tweeden, ex-Wasilla Lake rancher, 1917-1918, in town.
Two mail trains, got ton groceries coming. New coal bin
arrived for depot. Jap’s got Philippines after 8 months fighting
and heavy losses. Local radio and short wave news. Reds
and British putting it all over on Hitler.
May 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 54 above.
In store all day. Priced up groceries in route.
Evening, Stanley home overnight from Army Post. Jap’s got
full possession of Philippines proper. U. S. Marines soldiers
and Philippines taken, 3,885. Radio good. British trying
to take over French Madagascar to halt Jap drive.
May 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening rain, 48
to 58 above. Self in store PM. Received ½
of freight listed and due today. Hills Coffee, butter,
clothing, Washington Creamery goods still at Seward. Corigador,
U. S. Fort in entrance to Manila Bay, fell to Jap’s May 6th.
Radio fair.
May 8, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 68 above. Finished
pricing up new groceries. Ma up at 5 AM out in cold store
to take on a cold. Eva went to Anchorage with Gus. Robbins
here.
May 9, 1942 A-1 day, 48 to 58 above. Ma got
the kids cold. Sold one old age outfit. Sam Stone
visited, sold his ranch at Willow Station to Army Post for airplane
field. Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage. Eva’s
mother not well. Stanley now has boss job at Army Post. Jap’s beat
it out of Coral Sea after losing 18 boats. Nazi subs now sinking
boats in Gulf Mexico.
May 10, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, 58 to
64 above. Business up 50% last 9 days. Jane and Mary Cadwallader,
21 year old twins had birthday party at roadhouse. Ma and
self did electric wash in new house. Evening, short wave good.
Short wave OK, 5 to 10. Hitler lost more soldiers now than
1st World War.
May 11, 1942 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above. Paid
five invoices, $452.20. Birch trees leafing out.
Twenty four Jap boats sunk in Coral Sea by U. S. China troops
killed 4,500. Jap’s are relocating on Burma Road. Reds still
driving Nazis out of Russia. Nazis lost 37 planes at Cairo
Africa on Manila drive. War coming over our way vs. the Jap’s
and Nazis. Buck Sparling is going to Kuskokwim.
May 12, 1942 First warm day, AM 50 above, 70
to 80 PM. Three prong Cottonwood tree at side of store
all leaved out. Green grass showing up, summer is here one week
late. India preparing to stop Jap’s. Nazis making
spring drive vs. Russia.
May 13, 1942 Second hot day, 60 to 78 above.
Delayed clothing, meats and groceries arrived. ARC still
graveling on Knik Road. Kay Kaiser on air with patriotic
show. Nazis trying to stop Red drive but losing heavy.
Jap’s quiet after Coral Ocean recent defeat. Kids out in
bathing suits. Germans going to use gas to win war.
May 14, 1942 Third hot day, 60 to 76, 90 in
the sun. Timber fires on Knik Road, mile 4 Willow Road
and on road to Palmer. Very dry, plow doesn’t reach moisture.
Allies the aggressors on three war fronts, taking heavy toll.
Received delayed freight, 30 days from Seattle. Local radio
with war news. Soldiers here looking for beer.
May 15, 1942 Fourth hot day, 60 to 78 above.
Wasilla High School closed, went on picnic at Edlund’s Resort.
Snow slide near Knik Bridge on Palmer - Anchorage Highway.
Reds driving Nazis back and U. S. bombers wrecking Jap’s air drives.
Local radio with short wave war news. Ma nursing usual warm
weather cold.
May 16, 1942 Fifth hot day, 60 to 80 above.
Cad got load lumber to fix over his garage into cocktail lounge.
Four fires burning in woods. Reds still driving Nazis out
of White Russia. Axis subs have sunk 194 boats on Atlantic Coast,
U. S. shipping lane. Stanley home evening. Reported
Jap’s making ready for 2nd drive on Australia. Chinaman got
Jap’s choked on Burma Road drive.
May 17, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 72 above.
Section men moving junk out Cads garage to Nellie’s chicken
coop to make ready for a Cocktail Bar. Ma helped do electric
wash at new house. Evening, planted 24 hills of spuds.
Jap’s taking a rest. Nazis hard pressed by Reds, big fight coming
up.
May 18, 1942 Weather cooler, cloudy, 46 to
60 above. Stanley one year with Army Post construction at Anchorage,
after 3 months, got a boss job at $12.50 a day. Second lot
of U. S. Army planes and tanks landed at Irish port to help British
drive vs. Axis in near future. Subs still sinking boats on Atlantic
coast. Chinks still holding Burma Road District with U. S. help.
Planted radishes.
May 19, 1942 Weather cloudy, 46 to 54 above.
Milo got Carson’s team to dig his garden plot. Stanley
home evening, helped him pull pipe and point out of well, put back
check valve and point with 1” pipe, valve broke off. Reds
knocking the ‘ell out of the Nazis. U. S. same with Jap bombers
in Far East.
May 20, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening, rain,
60 above. Snow gone on Bald Mt. 2 weeks late this spring.
Eva and self pulled point out of Eva’s well, got 2” casing ready
for well. Evening, up to midnight, drove new point and installed
electric pump but no work. Busy on outside work so got no
war news. Wasilla School closed.
May 21, 1942 Cool day, 54 to 58 above.
Section men down from Pittman to trade. Valley fire burned
off 25,000 acres of timber. Valley farmers dieing for rain,
dust 6” deep. Reds killed 12,000 Nazis in Khorkov District
drive.
May 22, 1942 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
U. S. still supplying allied nations with food and war material.
Axis subs now sinking boats in Gulf of Mexico, sunk 2 Mexican
oil tankers. Draft on June 30 for all boys 18 to 21 years.
Reds and Nazis hard at it in Khorkov. Jap invader taking
a rest. Teachers last day.
May 23, 1942 Partly cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Cleaned up dead grass along warehouse aft store. Kids took
bath in our new house, took 9 pails of water. Evening, Stanley
home, tried out pump on well point, no good for electric pumps.
Three soldiers on watch at depot. Reds retreated on one front
today but drove Germans back on 2 other fronts.
May 24, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 56 to 66 above,
80 in sun. Worked all day and evening on Stanley’s well in basement.
Made new cribbing, sunk same, 5’ to 16’ more to go to dig out
well points and make basin for water supply. Stanley home
evening and helped to start cribbing. Jap’s still bombing
Burma Road District. Hitler’s people crying for food.
May 25, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 to 68 above.
Reported that Fishhook Pass open for auto traffic. No
water at Eva’s house, did her wash at our new house, the old reliable?
Put up tackle over Stanley’s well. Evening, Fred hoisted out
5’ dirt, 11 more feet to point Reds stopped Nazi drive, lost
1M troops and many tanks. Mexico declared war on Axis.
May 26, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
50 to 60 above. Johnny Toughluck down from Caswell Station
for cooking utensil outfit. Sold out on eggs and oranges.
Evening, Stanley up from Army Post to work on his dry well, Fred
helping him. About 50/50 with Reds and Nazis today.
Army man here with map to get detail from Big Lake to Goose Bay.
May 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 42 to 60 above.
In store all day. PM dug out drains under sidewalk.
Helped Stanley on well, evening to 10 PM got 6’ to go to get
water. Mail north 1 day late. Got hardware and groceries
in route. British and Germans at it again in North Africa.
Reds holding Nazi drive in Russia. Chinks blew up 1,500 Jap’s
in mined trenches.
May 28, 1942 Partly cloudy, 32 to 62 above.
Frost last night, nothing growing account no rain, all dust.
Stanley home, evening, worked on well. Eva and self pulled
up rocks and sand, uncovered point and barrel, only 3” in water
above point Only 3’ more to dig for plenty of water.
May 29, 1942 Weather cloudy, 48 to 56 above,
cooler weather. Stanley home, evening, finished cleaning
gravel out of well and sunk 50 gallon oil drum, 24” in water, couldn’t
bale it out. Now ready to install electric pump, well 28’
deep. Hot fighting on all 3 fronts, Africa, Russia and Far East,
Axis losing heavy.
May 30, 1942 No business, weather cloudy,
light rain, 46 to 50 above. Store open AM 3 AM. Stanley
and family left for Anchorage account Memorial Day. Seven
Army trucks and 50 soldiers, with bulldozer, passed through to
Goose Bay to build airplane landing field. Truck load merchandise
arrived. Jap’s lost 14,000 on new Burma Road drive. Mexico
declared war on Axis.
May 31, 1942 Sunday, light rain, 50 above.
British made big drive on Cologne with 1,250 airplanes,
destroyed city and German railroad terminals, only lost 44 planes.
British went prepared to clean up on all German industries.
Evening, Stanley and family back from Anchorage. Russians
laid off on war drive today. Hot fighting in desert in Africa.
U. S. still blasting Jap air drives.
June 1, 1942 Weather cooler, cloudy, 50 to
56 above. Made fire in furnace, cold all day. Evening,
Stanley brought Smith boys back from Anchorage. Eva did wash
at our new house. RAF dropped six million pounds of bombs
that destroyed city of Cologne and Hitler railroad center.
Three Jap subs tried to torpedo Sidney, Australia but were destroyed
by death bombs.
June 2, 1942 Hardware sales good.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above, June came in cloudy and cold.
Eva and kids threw well dirt out of cellar, going to have open
well. RAF 1,000 bombers raided Essen Krupp Works.
British winning in Africa fight. Chinese took 4 Jap holdings.
Reds and Nazis getting ready for final battle. McArthur bombing
Jap airdromes.
June 3, 1942 Weather cloudy, cool, 50 to 56
above. No swimming today, too cold. Jap planes bomb
Dutch Harbor, Aleutian Islands. Local radio off air.
Nazis routed British in Cairo District. Stanley hooked up
electric pump but no water come at 17’. Jap’s now trying to
bomb Alaska.
June 4, 1942 Weather cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Reported Jap’s brought in two airplane carriers near Dutch
Harbor. Our bombers sunk one and other had to go on beach.
We lost one plane, no detail report as yet. Evening, helped
Stanley reassemble electric pump, no work. Eva and Gus made
round trip to Anchorage. Local station off the air account
bombing raid at Dutch Harbor, only New York radio on air.
June 5, 1942 Partly cloudy, 48 to 60 above.
Writing this diary at 11 PM and still daylight. Sprinkle
rain. Stanley home at noon to work on his new electric pump.
Put vacuum pipe at bottom of well, then pump would only raise priming
in 11’ pipe, NG. No radio account Jap bombers at Dutch Harbor.
June 6, 1942 Partly cloudy, 50 to 62 above.
Noon, electric pump agent over from Palmer, found injector defective
on pump, reason it wouldn’t work. Stanley home evening, all
took bath at our new house. Evening, KGEI had Cavalry Victory
program account Naval victory at Mid Island past 3 days. No
local radio, got news over KGEI. Big day for United Nations over
Jap’s and Germans
June 7, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 50 to 60
above, 80 in the sun. Store open 3 hours, AM as usual.
Eva went to Anchorage with Stanley to see her mother off to Seattle,
kids sleeping here as usual. Ma and Marie Martha did electric wash
at new house. Self cut and threaded upper pipe for pump.
No KFQD, got war news over KGEI. Five Jap subs sunk. Out
of eggs.
June 8, 1942 Partly cloudy, 52 to 68 above.
Self in store AM. PM mechanic came, put new injector on
Stanley’s electric pump, after some adjustments on air and pressure,
it worked OK on 17’ water lift. Warming up kids bath took
2 hours to make electric pump work. Got details on U. S. gunboats
vs. the Jap’s at Midway Island. Jap’s lost 12 boats.
June 9, 1942 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above.
Inspected Stanley’s electric pump system, several leaks in old
line. Evening, Stanley and Eva back from Anchorage.
Stanley tightened up leaky pipes, pump works OK. Jap’s still
bombing Dutch Harbor. One hundred Canadian airmen arrived
at Anchorage Army Post.
June 10, 1942 Partly cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Black bear Clothing arrived in set-out, 22 days from Seattle.
Jap’s reported only 1 plane carrier lost in Midway Island battle
and they got 1 U. S. carrier and 14 planes on Dutch Harbor Island.
Our claim, 8 killed and 40 wounded, lost 1 plane. Germans
making a counter drive in Russia and Libya with heavy losses vs. allies.
June 11, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Very dry and smoky, rain needed. Russia, England and U.
S. signed a 20 year joint pack for future peace of the world and
agreed to eliminate the Axis regime. Jap’s still trying to take
Burma Road District. Russians held Hitler drive. Local
station back on air after 6 day account Jap raid on Dutch Harbor.
June 12, 1942 Weather cloudy, 54 to 56 above.
Windy, dust storm, so dry. Reported Jap’s landing on Rat
and Attu Island, 750 miles from Dutch Harbor Westward. U. S.
Lexington airplane carrier was sunk by Jap’s, we got 3 Jap carriers.
Red and Nazis hard at it, also British and Nazis in Libya, Africa war
zone.
June 13, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Gus moved his garage from Knik Street To Boundary Street
for a cabin to rent. Reported the Army took over Goose Bay
docks. Heavy fighting at Libya in Africa. Jap’s quiet after
Midway Island beating.
June 14, 1942 Sunday, temperature 60
to 66 above. Fine Flag Day program over KGEI, 7:30 to 9
PM with Army hour, details of Midway Island battle. Also,
Douglas C54 bomber on way to Santa Anna Airport tuned in with load
of cadets speaking. Reds hard pressed by Nazi drive.
June 15, 1942 Summer day, 72 above, evening,
light rain. Down at Aleutian Island, U. S. bombers sunk
1 Jap cruiser and 1 airplane carrier. Jap’s now on the
run in western Pacific war zone. Nazi subs still sinking
boats on Atlantic.
June 16, 1942 Partly cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
AM assorted freight out in set-out, PM Gus hauled it to store,
finished 10 PM RAF sunk 8 Italian war cruisers in the Mediterranean.
June 17, 1942 Wasilla to Placer Mine.
Fred and self left Wasilla at 7:20, arrived Willow Bridge 9 AM.
Brought car up skid road to cabins, got stuck, put on chains and
made it through. PM worked on Bear Bench sluice. Found camp
in good shape.
June 18, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mine, Ma storekeeper.
June 19, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mines prospecting for bench gold.
June 20, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mine, ground sluicing bench ground.
June 21, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mine on Grubstake Gulch.
June 22, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mine, ground sluicing on hydro bench.
June 23, 1942 Fred Nelson and self at
Placer Mine. finished ground sluice, ready to clean up
boxes.
June 24, 1942 Finished 1941-1942 assessment
work at Placer Mines. AM cleaned up it and sluice boxes,
got about $10 out of hydro bench ground sluice. Cached
tools, painted cabin roof, dried out hydro hose, cleaned up and
closed camp 6:30. Fred and self arrived Wasilla 8:15.
Winston Churchill over here again account war, Axis Powers weakening.
June 25, 1942 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above. Busy
pricing and opening up new groceries. PM another ton groceries
arrived, stored away same. War hot on all 4 fronts.
British losing on Africa drive. Reds still holding German
drive into Russia. Chinks, with U. S. bombers, put Jap’s on
the run.
June 26, 1942 Weather cooler, 60 above, busy
all day pricing and opening up ton new groceries. PM
light rain. British bombed Bremen, Germany submarine base
with 1,000 planes. Heavy fighting in Africa desert and
at Tobruk. Radio fair. Axis getting it in the neck.
Hi Gill died.
June 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
All AM repacking barrel pop. Sexton’s cows ate up Klim’s
cabbage. Dance on at Goose Bay tonight. Stanley home
for overnight. U. S. and Britain preparing for drive on Germany
and Jap’s at Burma Road. Radio fair.
June 28, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Prowler wanted to get into store, 3 AM
for ham and eggs. Eva went to Anchorage with Agent Browne account
Hi Gill (Warren T. Gill) funeral. Hot fighting in Russia
and Africa desert. Electric wash day.
June 29, 1942 Temperature 54 to 74 above.
Some soldier trade. Soldiers moving gasoline from car
to Goose Bay airport. Germans pushing British back in Libya.
In 2 week drive U. S. picked up 210 tons of old rubber in States.
June 30, 1942 June a dry month, no rain.
Temperature 54 to 70. Busy with Air Mail. Fourth of July
vegetables and fruit failed to arrive. Filed final 1941-1942
assessment on Placer Mine. 1942 to July 1st 1943 exempt by
Congress. Allie situation improving in North Africa.
Russians holding German drive at Kirkook. Cad got his new cocktail
bar ready to open July 1st.
July 1, 1942 Weather cooler, 55 to 60 above.
Evening, Stanley fixed up the old Chev pickup and sold it to
Franz the preacher for $150 cash. Hot fighting in all
Europe sector. Germans claim capture of Cairo from
the Reds. Jap’s reported maneuvering troops in Manchuria to
attack Siberia. July came in cloudy and cold. Jap’s going
to help Hitler vs. Reds.
July 2, 1942 Windy and cool, 54 to 56 above.
Finished pricing new hardware. No more nails and other
steel tools available, war comes first. Mechanical jobs, router
map and pump connections. Thursday for losses, both Reds
and British drove back by Germans Jap’s quiet. Eight
spies landed by German sub on Atlantic Coast, caught by U. S. patrol.
July 3, 1942 Weather windy, 52 to 62 above.
Cad opened Cocktail Bar in his garage. Marie Martha got
earache. Army still hauling supplies to Goose Bay.
British holding German drive to Suez Canal. The Flying Tigers
destroyed 250 tanks and 300 Jap planes. Germans took 1 Red town
but lost 15,000 soldiers. Bremen Nazi sub base burned, 5th time.
July 4, 1942 Quiet day, weather cloudy,
cool, 56 above. AM cleared up balcony. PM closed.
Very quiet 4th. Everybody working on defense materials, even
President FDR. First U. S. bombers bombed Nazi industries
in Netherlands.
July 5, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 to 70
above. Ma and self did electric washing in new house.
Evening Stanley took all the Herning’s joy riding to Lake View
Government Farm and Lake View. Hard fights in Russia, Nazis
vs. Reds. Germans stopped by British in Libya.
July 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 58, first
real rain of season this evening. Ignored Matanuska Electric
Association bill of $2.53 for June; not connected to our electric
line, no service rendered. Our subs sunk 3 Jap cruisers at
Aleutian Islands and 1 fire. British made Nazi retreat in
Libya in Egypt. Reds hard pressed by Germans
July 7, 1942 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
Buddy and sister went to Anchorage by train with their Grandma,
Martha Amelia Matilda for weekend vacation. Fine day after
all night rain. Jap’s being routed at Burma with aid of
U. S. bombers.
July 8, 1942 Weather cloudy, 54 above, evening
rain. Had Gus take kitchen water over to Palmer for new
bottom, rusted out. Had a rush in store at 4:00 to 6:20
sold over $50 merchandise. Things going better in Libya
for the allies. Nazis bring up reinforcements. Chinese
doing good work vs. Jap’s with aid of U. S. bombers. U. S. sub
sunk more Jap cruisers in Aleutians.
July 9, 1942 Partly cloudy, 52 to 68 above.
PM had Fred reassemble one arm on store awning, it was pulled
out of place by kid hanging on to awning, 3 hour job. Ma and
kids back from Anchorage 7 PM by car with Stanley. Gill in
hospital. Reds hard pressed by Nazi drive.
July 10, 1942 A-1 day, 52
to 70 above. Germans broke through on Don River leading to Russian
Caucasus Oil District but with heavy losses in tank and man power.
Rommel, Nazi General, starting another drive in Libya District
for Suez Canal. Gave $100 in old rubber to Uncle Sam.
Chinese routing Jap’s in Burma Road District with aid of American
bombers.
July 11, 1942 Weather cloudy, 52 to 70 above.
Ma baking, self priced up Armour meats, etc. Germans crossed
Don River on way to the Caucasus Russian Oil District.
British stopped Nazi drive at Libya. Chinks got the Jap’s
on the run. Evening, Stanley home, took his mother and family
out to Fern Mine.
July 12, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening rain, 56 above. Store open AM. PM Ma and
self did electric wash at our new house. My potatoes now
in bloom. Russians retreating before German drive at Don
River. Germans retreating in Libya war. Jap’s landing
more troops to invade Indochina but losing out at other occupied ports.
July 13, 1942 Partly cloudy, 50 to 58 above.
Quiet in town. Farmers busy cultivating crops. Good rain
last night, helped burned out crops. Russians had to retreat
from German drive but British put it all over the Italians and
Nazis in Libya, Africa war zone. Chinks driving Jap’s back
in Burma war district. Sharon moved family to Anchorage.
July 14, 1942 Weather cloudy, 58 to 70 above.
Got off orders and Air Mail. PM train brought a bunch
of soldiers, transferred to 8 Army trucks for Goose Bay Airport.
Reds in retreat, killed 75,000 Germans at Don River. Radio
fair. Ellen and kids hoed Sharon’s spuds. No cocktail
tonight.
July 15, 1942 Business dead, light rain,
52 to 58 above. Hitler’s 6 week cleanup of Reds still
undone from a year ago. Largest battles of war now, Nazis
vs. Reds. Nazis lost over 300,000 last year and 1,000 planes.
Libya war now in British hands. Stanley now boss over 200 men
at Army Post. Jap’s maneuvering Chinamen w aid of U. S. bombers
got Jap’s running.
July 16, 1942 Rain, 52 to 58 above, salmon
again running in Cottonwood Creek, got a mess. Mrs. Brewington,
of Anchorage, rented Snider’s cabin on railroad. Germans
lost over 900,000 men vs. drive on Russians and 2,000 planes.
Reds lost 1/3 this amount. Radio mushy. Truck loads
of Army supplies went to Goose Bay Airport.
July 17, 1942 No business, light rain
56 above. Army trucks towed 3 guns to Goose Bay Airport.
First local vegetables and salmon on market. German drive
for Russia oil fields. British holding Nazis in Libya.
British bombed 2 more Nazi sub factories.
July 18, 1942 Business dead, cool light rain,
52 to 58 above. Everybody catching winter supply of fresh
salmon. About a 50/50 war today in Egypt, Russia and China.
Evening, Stanley home overnight. British still bombing German
sub bases and industries. Merrill Phillips gave summary of
the war.
July 19, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
60 to 68 above. Army hauling car load dynamite to cache
on Palmer Road. Russians retreating but Nazis losing heavy.
PM did electric wash at new house.
July 20, 1942 Business dead, partly cloudy,
60 to 70 above. Many headed for Fish Creek below Knik for
salmon. British captured 4,000 more Nazis in Libya, Africa.
Reds holding off Nazi drive. Chinamen got Jap’s on retreat.
U. S. farmers supposed to feed all of war torn countries this fall
crop.
July 21, 1942 A-1 day, 54 to 74 above.
Salmon going in kegs for winter use. Our fish salt arrived
PM freight after week delay. McDougal’s selling all personal
furniture, etc. at Fern Mine? Nazis losing heavy on all
3 war drives and belligerent countries giving trouble. U.
S. subs sunk three more Jap cruisers in Aleutians at westward, 14 since
invasion.
July 22, 1942 A-1 day, 60 to 80 in the sun.
AM had Gus haul over truck load groceries and fish salt, PM priced
up same. Evening, painted screen door and sewed up rag
rug, ready to wash. Still heavy fighting in Russia vs. Germans
and at Libya. No train, railroad tunnel caved in near Healy.
Chinaman and U. S. bombers got Jap’s on the run in Burma Road district.
July 23, 1942 Mail train delayed 2 days account
cave-in went south. S. W. Vail buried at Palmer,
PM was first homesteader in 1915. Secretary of State, Cordell
Hull, on air about seriousness of war. Reds hard pressed
by Nazis drive for Russian oil fields. Lots of salmon.
July 24, 1942 A-1 day, growing weather, 60
to 78 above. Jackson down from Pittman for groceries.
Professor Krock’s dog home to check up on expected increase in family.
Nazis losing heavy on Caucasus oil drive. Jap’s launching
new drive at New Guinea Far East.
July 25, 1942 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Knik Natives here and all drunk. Mrs. Klock made round
trip to Anchorage, Eva swamper. Matanuska Electric Association
agent visited about our hookup. Frank and self fell old 50’ radio
pole by garage. U. S. subs sunk 6 more Jap boats in Far East.
Nazis making desperate drive in Don River district to the Russian
oil fields.
July 26, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 to
68 above. AM cut tops off birch trees by garage account
new electric light wires, 110 volts to new house. PM did electric
wash at new house. Chinks routed Jap’s today.
July 27, 1942 Hot growing weather, 60 to 78
above. Army trucks hauling oil and supplies for 100 soldiers
at Goose Bay. Got out grocery and fruit orders. Nazis
took 2 towns on Don River in Russia. Jap’s bombed out trying
to land troops in New Guinea. U. S. now bombing Germany. Kids
in swimming.
July 28, 1942 Hot day, 64 to 76 above.
No mail trains today. Leibing in with Cat to grade around
Independence oil tanks. Russians still retreating in Don
River war zone. Slavs now fighting Italians on their home
ground. Chinks recaptured 50 miles railroad held by Jap’s
in Burma district. Ellen moved to Fleck ranch.
July 29, 1942 Warm day, 62 to 76 above.
Independence Cat pushed gravel up around Independence oil tank
to keep water out. Hamburg Germany all shot up by 600 British
bombers. Reds holding off Nazi drive on Don River. U.
S. bombers destroying Jap airports. Evening, Stanley home
overnight from Army Post Base.
July 30, 1942 Hot day, 62 to 82 above.
After the Rebellion 1868 to present, World War #2 - 1942.
Self still going strong except for sore feet. Had strawberries
and cream and got usual dress shirt for birthday. Ladies
gave Mrs. Professor Klox 7 month along baby shower. Life
and death struggle between the Reds and Nazis in Russia.
July 31, 1942 Hot day, 62 to 82 above. Self
posting price ceiling for customers inspection for August 1st.
Knik Glacier Lake broke out. Eva and kids with Mrs. Krock,
went berry picking up Chickaloon Road and got none. Reds
still holding Nazi drive in Don River district, Russia.
August 1, 1942 Hot day, 64 to 74 above.
Independence Cat making road in to Strickler’s Fairview sawmill.
Opened up vent under Mabel cabin. Reds holding Nazi drive
to Caucasus oil fields. Britain bombed 6 mile square town
on the Rhine. British on offensive in Libya. U. S.
downed 11 Jap planes and one boat.
August 2, 1942 Sunday, weather cooler,
58 to 64 above. Store open 3 hours for absent minded.
Did electric wash, 1 to 1:30, at new house. Louise Gill visited.
Bloody war in Don River district in Russia, Nazis losing heavy.
British in lead in Cairo district. Jap’s underdog in New
Guinea and Burma Road district in China.
August 3, 1942 No business, light rain, 50
to 70 above. Self got tickling in throat from low neck
on shirt. Independence Cat through making skid road for
saw mill at Fairview. Hitler now using 17 year old boys on
drive vs. Reds. Jap’s failed to destroy U. S. airdromes in
Far East. Reported Sliver’s got a moose.
August 4, 1942 Hot day, 54 to 78 above.
South mail 8 hours late, north mail 8 hours late. Cad
moved Kenny log cabin over to Harrison cabin for a wood shed.
Cossacks knocked the ‘ell out of German drive. U. S. bombers
cleaned up on Jap airdromes in Burma and New Guinea. Evening,
put new balance weight on coal bin door at new house. Evening,
Stanley home.
August 5, 1942 Partly cloudy, 56 to 76 above.
Jackson down from Pittman to trade. McNeil bought grub
order. Evening, finished replacing balance weight on coal
bin door, new house. Nazis still driving toward Russian oil
fields but with heavy losses. Quiet on Libya front. Jap’s
trying to establish new airdromes in Far East.
August 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Matanuska Electric Association truck here to connect line to
our new house. Put water in 6 storage batteries and charged
them full. Nazis claim now 50 miles from Russian Caucasus
oil fields. United Nations sent war council to help out Russia
vs. Hitler invasion of Russia.
August 7, 1942 First big wind, 54 to 60 above,
windy all day and evening. Mowed grass around house
and garage. Eva and kids drove over to Palmer movies.
Fred Nelson got job at Army Post. Nazis got nearer to Caucasus
oil fields but lost ground in other sectors. Our sub sunk new
Jap airplane carrier as she was anchored in Japan port.
August 8, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 above all
day. Train load of U.S. Army trucks and trailers with 2
cars of soldiers went north, also a train load of gasoline.
Reported, 2nd Jap attack in Aleutian Islands. Russians had
to retreat from Nazi drive.
August 9, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
52 to 56 above. Store open 3 hours. Isaac family moved
to Anchorage. PM did electric wash at new house.
President Roosevelt and Queen Wilhelmina spoke on Cavalcade Victory
Hour. Reds killing many Nazis on drive to oil fields.
RAF bombed Rhine. U. S. Navy on offense at Solomon Islands
and Aleutian Jap defense. India wants England to get out.
August 10, 1942 A-1 day, 56 to 74 above.
Matanuska Electric Association connected our new house to main
line electric wires. Our Navy and bombers on 3rd day offensive
vs. the Jap’s trying to occupy Solomon Islands, north of Australia.
Reds still holding off Nazis. India scrapping over England
protectorate.
August 11, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 to 76 above.
British trying to evacuate their navy out of Mediterranean account
no repair shops, have sunk ½ of Italian war fleet.
Our Navy and bombers trying to drive Jap’s out of Kiska and Attu
Islands in Aleutians China about recovered Burma Road.
Fourth day of siege at Solomon Islands offense.
August 12, 1942 Partly cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Matanuska Electric Association turned on juice at new house
and line to K. T. Co. store, have waited 5 years for this electricity.
Now connected to 110 V, AC electric at $3.50 per month.
Sunday school picnic at mile 12. Posted all day on price
ceiling. A 50/50 now on Red and Nazi war. Navy transfer
landed on Solomon Islands, Far East.
August 13, 1942 Business dead.
Weather cloudy, 56 to 64 above. AM finished tabulating
price fixing report on November 1941. Grocery clerk, Claire
Johnson, of Palmer Rationing Board visited for checkup. Fighting
on all 5 war zones, going strong and in favor of allies. Nick
Stephan jailed for killing moose out of season.
August 14, 1942 Evening rain, 52 to 60 above.
Self compiling clothing and hardware November ceiling prices
for OPA. U. S. Marines now got control of Solomon Islands.
India rioting vs. British control. Germans losing heavy
on Russia oil drive. Italians retreating from Cairo district.
Chinaman got the Jap’s retreating in Burma war zone.
August 15, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 62 above.
Worked all day and evening on price ceiling OPA report.
Stanley home, evening, with new Silvertone radio. Electric
worked OK in our office. Hitler now killing off the Dutch
account bombing railroad train. All war now in favor of the
allies but Russia hard pressed by Nazis.
August 16, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, showers
56 above. Worked all day and evening on price ceiling OPA
report. Stanley got Sunday and Monday off from Army Post
construction. Drove up to coal mines, PM. No washing
today account 1 10 volt, our washer 32 volt. War about same,
not much gain on either side. Ma got cold.
August 17, 1942 Light rain 54 above.
Finished price ceiling report at midnight. Mrs. McDougal
and partner in to ship 2 tons groceries, etc. stored in our track
warehouse, to Seattle, quitting the mine to join the Army.
Germans about to enter Reds oil fields. Marie went to Anchorage
with her Dad.
August 18, 1942 Light rain, 48 to 54 above.
Got mail and orders off AM. Sears bought a $60 grub order.
Sears had a truck load of cabbage and lettuce for Anchorage delivery.
More U. S. bombers arrived in Egypt. Reds hold back Nazi
drive to oil fields. Our Marines got control of Solomon Islands
in Far East. Ma and pa got colds.
August 19, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Received delayed Outside mail. No more 22 cartridges and
Coleman supplies available or stove pipe. Allies tried
2nd invasion cross English Channel to France but returned heavy
fighting on all 3 war fronts. U. S. sub sunk Jap cruiser in
Aleutians, making 23 sunk, all told, to date.
August 20, 1942 Partly cloudy, 60 to 74 above.
Eva and Buddy went to Anchorage. Big freight train arrived,
had 50 pound box of produce for Wasilla. Report the new commando
invasion of Nazi France was a success. Brazil, Nazi lover,
lost four boats by Nazi subs?
August 21, 1942 Partly cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Three Army trucks hauling oil to Goose Bay airdrome.
No boat freight delivered, out of eggs and bacon. Our Marines
took Jap air base island near Solomon group, killed 670 Jap’s,
took 30 prisoners, all left. Reds holding Nazi drive.
August 22, 1942 Partly cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Got order ready for Big Lake. Some farmer trade PM.
U. S. sunk 4 Jap boats in Solomon Island district. Reds
slaughtering Nazis on drive in Russia. Brazil declared war
vs. Nazis. Marie Martha back from week visit at Anchorage.
Chinaman retook railroad held by Jap’s and sunk several river barges.
Evening, dance on at Hall.
August 23, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 52 to
60 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Quiet in town after
dance at Hall and booze fighters at Cad’s Cocktail Bar last night.
Evening, sold Onan electric plant washer and vacuum cleaner all
for $275 cash, cost $335, used same 2 years.
August 24, 1942 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above. Dismantled
Onan electric light plant at new house. Elmer Johnson, of Spenard
Lake in Anchorage, took it away. Reds hard pressed by Nazis
near Russian oil fields. Evening, on out-mail, got invoices
but no delivery of merchandise laying at Seward dock.
August 25, 1942 Weather cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Got off Air Mail, received delayed butter and eggs invoices.
Mailed order for socks, mitts, etc. Nazis still driving
toward Russian oil fields with heavy losses. Our bombers
shot down 53 Jap planes Sunday. Evening, Stanley home overnight.
Out of eggs and bacon, laying at Seward dock
August 26, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Reds drove Nazis back 35 miles from Stalingrad and killed
45,000 and shot down 296 Nazi planes. U. S. downed 33 Jap
bombers. U. S. lost 4 in Solomon Islands and 13 ships in Navy
battle. Quiet in North Africa war zone. China got Jap’s
on retreat, took back railroad.
August 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Sprinkle of rain. Army hauling car load Carnation Milk
to storage in vacated farm houses. Reds line still holding
at Stalingrad, Russia. Jap Navy retreated from Solomon Island
fight. Four Russian bombers bombed Berlin, 2nd time.
August 28,1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Last evening, Mrs. Ely fed 28 soldiers unloading cars and out
of grub. Nazis made no advances today and lost heavy by Reds.
U. S. got control of Solomon Islands. British and U. S.
bombing Germany factories and Nazi ports.
August 29, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening rain
50 above. Cut grass along sidewalk and warehouse for
fire protection. PM freight brought groceries and hardware,
two truck loads. Short of bacon and canned meats. Ellen
Fleck bought $45 order. Evening, dance on at Hall.
War now in favor of allies on all fronts. Stanley home evening.
August 30, 1942 Sunday, heavy rain, 50
above. Self pricing and opening up new groceries, 1½
tons. Electric lights off from 6 to 9 PM. Stanley
home, evening, from Army Post, brought electric vibration for hair,
sore joints and penis stimulator? Only real fighting today
around Stalingrad, Russia oil fields.
August 31, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Olson back from Bristol
Bay fishing. Hot war in Russia, Nazi vs. Reds. Fighting
in north Africa on again. Jap’s lost air power in Far East.
50,000 teachers short account war work. About 50,000 nurses
wanted for Army.
September 1, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56
above. Sold Metz a $45 order. Priced up new hardware,
no more stove pipe, watches, aerial wire and 22 cartridges available
during war duration. Reds holding Hitler drive at Stalingrad
district. Flood in China.
September 2, 1942 Rain PM 60 above. Payday
for indigents. Rush in store 4 to 6 PM. Pecks quit
dairy business, cow too old, no cream or milk. China has
regained all of Burma Road district from Jap’s. Heavy
fighting in Russia and north Africa. School teachers arriving
for 8th opening.
September 3, 1942 Weather cloudy, 44 to 60
above. Stanley took family to Anchorage to buy clothes for kids,
home 7 PM. Germans claim they will take Leningrad in 3 hours
more fighting. Fighting again in north Africa desert with
new tanks. Jap’s trying to regain Solomon Islands. Ma
got cold in eyes.
September 4, 1942 Partly cloudy, 42 to 66 above.
Ma had a bad spell last night, cold in chest, stayed in bed
all day, evening much better. Eva the cook. Marie
Martha at Anchorage. Gus brought Stanley’s oil heater up
from Anchorage. Reds stopped Nazi drive on Leningrad today.
Evening, plane landed here, out of gas. Chinks still routing
the Jap’s in Burma war district. U. S. Marines driving Jap’s
out of Solomon Island district.
September 5, 1942 A-1 day, 42 to 68 above.
Harry Sears selling vegetables by the ton at Anchorage.
Professor Pendleton, new principal at Wasilla School.
One new teacher, rest old staff. Marie Martha back from
weekend at Anchorage. Reds stopped Nazi drive on oil field.
Ma’s cold in chest and eyes some better. British pushed back
Nazi drive at Libya. Duck hunters at it.
September 6, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 50
to 60 above. Past week sales good on rubber goods and ammunition.
PM cleaned out furnace in store and at new house, 9 hour job.
Ma up but not feeling good. Reds holding off Nazi drive.
Chinaman doing good work also the British. U. S. tanks bombing
in north Africa.
September 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 above.
Wash day but no electric washer since sold 32V electric plant.
Five teachers here, ready to plug in tomorrow. Reds blocked
the Nazi drive on Stalingrad. British drove Nazi’s back in
Libya district. Jap’s losing out in Solomon Island district.
Chinks got Jap’s on run in Burma district.
September 8, 1942 Business normal, weather
cloudy 48 to 68 above. Territory election, 19 votes.
School opened with 83 kids. PM had a rush in store, sales
over $100. All sold out on 12 gauge shells and 22 cartridges
and no more available. Reds holding Nazi drive on Stalingrad,
bloodiest battle of war.
September 9, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56
above. Evening, Stanley and Fred home from Army Post,
brought desk lamp and extension cord for lamp in kids bedroom.
Buddy’s 1st year in school. Reds still holding Nazi drive
on Stalingrad. Jap’s on the offense in New Guinea and losing
heavy on equipment by U. S. bombers.
September 10, 1942 Weather cloudy, 48 to 60
above. Ely, Section foreman, on vacation. Eva and
Paddy patched roof on Town Hall. Preacher hording supplies.
Fierce battle on vs. Reds and Nazis. Germans losing on
north Africa drive for Suez Canal. Draft board talking of
rounding up 18 year old kids and a price ceiling of farm produce.
September 11, 1942 Cloudy mist, 48 to 56 above.
Hardware sales good, barbed wire, etc. Army hauling another
car oil to Goose Bay Air Port. Reds holding off German drive
on Leningrad. British took Madagascar from French for
Navy port, only during duration. Jap’s halted on drive
to Port Moresby. British bombing Rhine factories.
September 12, 1942 Weather cloudy, 48 to 60
above. Out of eggs and butter, due here last week.
Stanley home overnight. New local spuds 6¢ a pound.
Snow in Russia war zone. Reds gave up one Black Sea navy base
but hold front. Jap’s stopped on drive to Port Moresby by
U. S. bombers.
September 13, 1942 Sunday, showers, 50
above. Out of butter and eggs, same due September 8th.
Local spuds up to 6¢ a pound. PM cleaned and oiled
store floor. Hitler making last desperate drive on Stalingrad
and oil fields. Russian’s halting every attack War
quiet in other sectors. Patzack visited on way to Anchorage.
September 14, 1942 Rain and snow, 40 to 50
above. First new snow on mountain peaks. New family,
from Naknek, moved into Oberg’s house. Bought sack local
spuds, 6¢ a pound. Hitler’s troops reached suburbs of
Leningrad. Reds killed 1,000 and still holding city. British
bombing German industries every day.
September 15, 1942 First frost, 24 to 48 above.
Ma left, by train, for weekend at Anchorage. Stanley home,
evening. Evening, same old cook. PM busy in store.
Got out Air Mail. Germans claim entering suburbs of Leningrad,
Reds say no. New tax bill up to get six billion dollars.
September 16, 1942 Weather cloudy, 42 to 50
above. Ma at Anchorage, Eva the cook. Farmers digging
spuds after first freeze. Hitler throwing all reserves into
Stalingrad drive but Reds holding firm. British about got
control of French Madagascar in South Pacific. Reported United
Nations got control in Far East war district.
September 17, 1942 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50
above. Ma still doing Anchorage. Second new snow
on mountain peaks. April 6th money order for K. P. dues, lost
in-mail. All war fronts about on a 50/50. U. S. bombed
Jap’s on Kiska Island. Delayed butter and eggs arrived PM
car coal due.
September 18, 1942 Weather cloudy, 44 to 50
above. Krockenter sold his car, his wife and baby son in
hospital. Quiet on north Africa front. Nazis entered
suburbs of Stalingrad but were repulsed by guns from all house tops.
Jap’s within 18 miles of Port Moresby. Ma at Anchorage.
September 19, 1942 Partly cloudy, 48 to 58
above. Old Fishhook Inn, now a booze joint, burned down
today. Stanley brought Ma home 4 PM from Anchorage.
Jap’s halted on drive to Port Moresby. Two million soldiers
now in England.
September 20, 1942 Sunday, weather rainy,
52 to 60 above. Town dead after beer hall dance last night.
George Grennan applied for old age pension, 84 years old.
Soldiers wrecked Senske car near Palmer. Ma had a bad spell,
midnight, with bronchitis. Autumn is here, birch golden color.
Evening, Stanley home overnight. Fierce fighting in Stalingrad,
Reds still holding city.
September 21, 1942 Heavy rain, 52 to 56 above.
Palmer road to Knik Bridge closed by 3’ water on cut off.
Gus Gillis, National Geographic, visited. Nazis tried
to enter Stalingrad but were drove out by the Reds. Jap drive
on Port Moresby halted. British about cleaned up on taking
over French Madagascar. Nicolaska out of jail account killing
moose.
September 22, 1942 Weather clearing, 48 to
70 above. Krockentiger's home with baby boy. Canyon
Road washed out at mile 12. Several slides on railroad above
Willow. Repair train here several hours. Repair gang
out of grub, sales good today. Jap’s trying to re-capture
Solomon Islands now held by Marines. No mail trains today.
September 23, 1942 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above.
No trains account wash out on North Division. Both Little
Susitna and Montana Bridges washed out. Hand to hand fighting in
streets of Stalingrad. Reds still hold the city of Stalingrad.
Other Nazi lines weakening. U. S. bombers knocking the tar
out of Jap supply bases in Solomon and New Guinea districts.
September 24, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60
above. Railroad blocked on North Division, out-mail still
here, reported it will take a month for repairs on railroad.
Our groceries laying at Anchorage. About a 50/50 on the
Red and Nazi war at Stalingrad, Russia. British got control
of Madagascar today. U. S. bombing Jap supply bases. Brazil
cleaning up on German spies, etc.
September 25, 1942 Rain, 50 to 54 above.
Golden leaves on birch trees shedding, road closed in canyon
at mile 12 account washout. Railroad delivered part of
groceries long overdue and all wet. Reds killed 1,500 Nazis
in streets of Stalingrad today and holding city. Wilke at
Red front, observing. Jap’s about all in at Aleutians with
storms and US bombing. High water on railroad and auto roads.
September 26, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 above
all day. Worked most all day on store pump and well in
basement, cleaned out well, Marie Martha helper. Reds still
hurling back Nazi drive on Stalingrad, killed over 5,000 Germans.
U. S. bombers blasting Jap boats and supplies. Wendell Wilkie
in Russia, says 1,000 bombers on Germans probably will put Hitler out
of business. Drugs and groceries due.
September 27, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
52 above all day. Alaska Railroad all washed up, no trains
past week. Self on well and pump in store basement.
Mended cribbing, put on sand screen. Leaves leaving golden
birch. Stanley home overnight. Wasilla short of fuel
and grub. All four war fronts on about a 50-50. U. S.
getting control of the air.
September 28, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56
above. Cleaned out water tank and pipes. Bacon,
eggs and butter arrived, was due September 15th. War looks
bad for Reds in Stalingrad. Today 25,000 Nazis entered Stalingrad.
Our bombers raided Jap location in Aleutians, killed 150 Jap’s
and sunk several boats.
September 29, 1942 Weather cloudy, 52 above
all day. Sold $40 order to Pittman. Soldiers trucking
car coal to Army Post at Goose Bay. Our car coal overdue since
9/15 account washout on railroad. Reds recovered and drove
Nazis back in Stalingrad and all lines for 100 miles. Wendell
Wilkie landed in China. Thirty day mail arrived. U. S. bombers
drove Jap’s back 10 miles from Port Moresby. Autumn is over.
September 30, 1942 A-1 day, 48 to 68 above.
Buck Sparling back from Inside prospecting, bought grub and left
for his cabin on Wet Gulch. Joe Brassel in from Craigie Creek
Mine, placed winter order and left for Anchorage for medical attention.
U. S. bombers got Jap’s retreating from Port Moresby. Stalingrad
still held by the Reds. Reds have dropped over 100 ton of bombs
on German cities. Dug spuds.
October 1, 1942 Business above normal.
Weather cloudy, 52 to 64 above. Sales, $202.15.
Willie Edlund down from ARC Mat. summit Road camp to buy clothing
for help. Eva went to Anchorage with Agent Browne family.
President Roosevelt ended a week flying trip, 8,000 miles, inspecting
all Army industries, coast to coast. Nazis 28th siege on Stalingrad
still a failure. Jap’s on retreat in Far East.
October 2, 1942 Weather cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Senske in from Matanuska ARC camp. New snow all gone on
mountain peaks. All sold out on candy, only half came.
Fierce fighting in Stalingrad, Reds still hold part of city.
U. S. subs sunk 4 Jap boats. Evening, cooler. U. S.
bombed Jap on island at Westward Aleutians
October 3, 1942 Weather cloudy, 34 to 54 above.
Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine to trade. Cows ate up $400
worth of Harry Sears lettuce. Germans bringing up reinforcements
as fast as Reds mow them down at Stalingrad. Wendell Wilkie
loving Chinaman for President FDR Club. Dance on at Hall.
October 4, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
32 to 40 above. Fights and drunks, midnight at Cocktail
Bar. Louise Gill and hubby visited PM. PM cleaned out
stove pipes on cook stove and heater. The Allied nations say
they will win world war. Hitler says the same. Too busy
to hear war news. St. Louis won 3 games in World Series vs. New
York.
October 5, 1942 Weather cloudy, 36 to 52 above.
Put up 2 trapper orders. Three co-op farmers in to trade.
School kids ate up 10 boxes candy bars, 240 at 5¢. Reds
still smashing German drive on Stalingrad. U. S. bombing Jap’s
on Western Aleutians Eva spud picker today, $5? Congress
gave President authority to fix prices on grub and labor.
October 6, 1942 Light rain, 48 to 52 above.
Completed packing 2 trapper orders. No mail south today.
Paddy went out to Mabel Mine to help Dan Gray close camp for winter.
Reds still holding Nazis off from Stalingrad invasion. Australian
troops driving Jap’s back to New Guinea. Matanuska farmers
rained out on digging spuds. Trappers getting ready for winter.
October 7, 1942 Rain all day, 38 to 42 above.
Mail train north, none south. Professor Krock’s month old
son weighed 9 pounds. Sold out on candy bars again.
Hitler sent Armenians against Stalingrad today and Reds killed
1,200 Reds driving back Nazis on all fronts. Stalin demands
allies to open 2nd front. Jap’s about routed from base on Aleutian
Islands. Hitler now killing Norwegians for mass rule.
October 8, 1942 First snow, 32 above.
Rain turned to 4” snow. AM cleaned off walks. Thursday
for losses, Knik school bus over the Cannon Hill, electric lights
off all PM, Stanley’s car on highway to Anchorage, stalled.
Nazis giving up drive on Stalingrad. National groceries, due
September 8, arrived today. Wet snow, ground not frozen, some
spuds still in ground.
October 9, 1942 More snow and rain, 32 to 34
above. Rubber sales good. Gus hauled over National Grocery
merchandise. Evening, Eva went to Anchorage with Brown’s.
Krockenleger, wife and 1 month old baby boy left, by boat, for
Seattle. Reds still holding off German drive. U. S.
bombed Jap’s at Kiska Island at far end of the Aleutian Islands.
Wilkie left China for home.
October 10, 1942 Weather cloudy, light snow,
32 above. Joe Palmer left for his Caswell trap line.
Two Army bulldozers scraped snow off Knik Goose Bay auto road.
The British and American Air Force bombing German industries.
Nazis still bombing Stalingrad, Russia. Evening, Stanley home,
basketball on at Hall. Forty eighth wedding anniversary, 2
years to go for Golden Wedding.
October 11, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 above PM Put up fly over balcony stairs. Business
normal first 9 days of October, $100 a day. Sleepy town after
basket social and Cocktail Bar last night. Still about 50-50
Nazi-Red war. U. S. bombing Jap’s, New Guinea airport.
Britain and U. S. bombing German industries. Jap’s trying
to retake Solomon Islands.
October 12, 1942 Weather windy, 30 to 34 above.
Busy with fires account cold wind. All gold mines ordered
closed October 15th. U. S. wants miners for copper. Severe
snow storms in Russia hard on German intruders. Rubber coordinator
says there will be new tires. U. S. lost cruisers in Solomon
Islands encounter vs. the Jap’s. President FDR on the air 5
PM.
October 13, 1942 Weather windy all day, 38
to 40 above. Watchman’s job off at Goose Bay, Army taking
over the Fern dock. Mail north but no south mail. Joe
Brassel back from medical treatment at Anchorage and ready for
trap line. Stalingrad still held by Reds. U. S. bombing
Kiska Island Jap base with no resistance. FDR wants 18 year
old boys for the Army? Jap’s getting the worst of it at Solomon
Islands. Wendell Wilkie arrived in States, will see FDR tomorrow.
October 14, 1942 Weather cloudy, 40 above.
Got Joe Brassel order ready for shipment to Willow.
Thorpe’s and Buck Sparling arrived from Willow Creek district.
Thorpe did the Cocktail Bar. Wendell Wilkie visited on President
with report on around the world war zone. U. S. bombers blasting
Jap’s out of Kiska, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Stanley here
evening.
October 15, 1942 Weather cloudy, warmer 42
to 50 above. Packed $120 grub order for Buck Sparling.
Joe Brassel got off with his $80 order for Willow. Thus
far, Hitler has failed to take Stalingrad after 1 year fighting.
Last weeks new snow all gone. Jap’s failed to recapture Solomon
Island, lost several cruisers today.
October 16, 1942 Weather clear, 28 to 50 above.
Finished B/L groceries for Willow. Buck Sparling left
for Willow via Fishhook. McDougal in, mine closed down for
duration. Evening, Stanley and family at show over at Palmer.
Jap’s shelling Marines on Solomon Island. British making final
clean-up on control of Madagascar. Heavy fighting at Cairo,
North Africa.
October 17, 1942 Partly cloudy, 34 to 48 above.
Put in three 16’ shelves in annex to hold small lots of groceries.
Shipped 71 pounds to Willow for Sparling. Cleaned up
loose grass on Mabel lot. Reds had to retreat 4 times
from Nazi drive on Stalingrad but holding all other fronts for 100
miles. Eva went to Anchorage, 5:30 with Stanley. Jap’s
about bombed off Kiska Island. Jap’s now bombing Marines on Solomon
district.
October 18, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
40 above. As advertised, closing down grocery department.
Evening, Marie Martha helped to removed groceries from shelves
to annex and basement. No time for radio news. Stanley
home overnight. New teacher of 3 score or more arrived to fill
vacancy. Summer weather again. Elmer’s birthday.
October 19, 1942 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Sold 2 bulk orders. Gus drove to Anchorage with pickup.
Paddy in from week at Mabel Mine with Dan Gray. Germans
still driving at Stalingrad with heavy losses. Jap’s shelling
US Marines in Solomon Islands. US bombers got Jap’s about
cleaned up at Kiska, Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
October 20, 1942 Weather cloudy 44 above all
day. Mail south and north. L. Cox, 85 years old,
arrived from Montana Station for grub order, returned on PM mail
train. Olson’s got roof on new $5,000 house on C. D. Johnson
ranch. Drugs and fruit arrived on PM freight. Reds still
killing Nazi drive. U. S. bombers giving Jap’s ‘ell on Kiska
Island? Navy battle on Solomon Island still in making. Summer
weather.
October 21, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 50 above.
Floyd Smith, merchant from Bristol Bay, arrived, Ellen Fleck’s
hubby, placed $75 grub order. Whisker’s placed $25 grub
order. Germans and Jap’s slowing down in war drive.
Other allied nations speeding up on war offense in all sections.
Eight billion tax bill levied on people. Stanley home for week
from Army Post.
October 22, 1942 Showers,
40 to 50 above. Preacher delivered Smith’s goods on Knik
Road. Cleaned and veneered grocery shelves for clothing display.
Army tanks here maneuvering on Willow Creek Road. Stanley
home fixing up house for winter weather. September 15, car coal
due?
October 23, 1942 Weather cloudy, showers, 46
to 50 above. Pricing up drugs and groceries on delayed
invoices. Sold old Lang stove out of Mabel cabin.
Evening, Ma and Stanley’s family did the picture show at Palmer.
Winter on in Russia, slowing up the German drive on Stalingrad.
U. S. and British bombing German industries.
October 24, 1942 Light rain 34 to 40 above.
Stanley returned to boss job at Army Post construction work.
New snow on the mountains with rain on the flats. U. S. and
British bombed northern Italy today. U. S. bombers sunk four
Jap cruisers in Solomon war zone. Mrs. Roosevelt doing London
war zone today.
October 25, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
fog 38 all day. Removed all toilet preparations down
with drug department and cleaned lower shelves. Sold Mrs.
Senske $115 grub order. U. S. and British drove 2 miles
into German North Africa defense and gave North Italy another
shower of bombs. Thorpe’s down living with Senske’s on ranch.
Eva got truck load of Buffalo coal.
October 26, 1942 Light rain,
40 above. Moved overalls and pants down from balcony
tables to shelves in store, replacing grocery department, closed.
Wendell Wilkie on the air account recent trip to all war zones.
Eva and Floyd Smith drove to Anchorage, grandma boarding kids.
British and U. S. drove 2 miles into Nazi war zone in North Africa.
October 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 40 above all
day. Put up fly in west end of balcony to hold down heat and wind
during winter. Kids cleaned up all the 5¢ candy bars.
Heavy fighting in Solomon’s, Jap’s vs. U. S. Navy. Chinaman
driving Jap’s out of Burma district. Wasilla short of fuel,
wood $15 a cord. Nick Nicholi bought outfit.
October 28, 1942 Weather cloudy, 28 to 42 above.
Got down shoe packs and rubbers and filled up grocery shelves.
First fuel relief, got 2 cords, our car coal 40 days past due.
Heavy fighting in Solomon district. British routing Germans
in North Africa war zone. Reds on offensive. Report
says Nazis hold 2/3 of world resources, means a long war. Out
of milk, butter and bacon.
October 29, 1942 Weather cloudy, morning 32
above, noon 38 above, evening 26 above. Weather colder after
16 days of spring weather. Finished pricing and storing drugs.
Farmers made final cleanup of spuds and grain after first frost
on the 8th. In Libya district, British driving the Germans
back 4 miles. Heavy snow and zero weather in Russia.
Germans found frozen in dugouts. Jap drive still on at Solomon
Island district. Our U. S. Marine’s outnumbered, looks bad
for U. S.
October 30, 1942 Weather clear, colder, 24
to 32 above. Ma’s 73rd birthday, in good health except
sore feet, knee trouble better. Finished pricing last of
delayed merchandise. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine for merchandise.
Germans up against both snow, zero weather and Red Army. Jap’s
quit Solomon Island drive with Navy. Gave Ma $74 for birthday.
Allies on retreat in all war sections. FDR talking of drafting
women.
October 31, 1942 Weather clear, 12 to 28 above.
Dan Gray, watchman at Mabel Mine, in to cash his monthly $75
check. Library Club bought Nels Larson’s cabin on Main
Street for City Library. War is on, Farmers want $15 a cord
for wood, up $5 a cord. Received partial lot, October 5th
Pacific Fruit order. Allies got Axis on the run in all sectors.
Evening, Stanley home.
November 1, 1942 Sunday, cold snap, 6
to 28 above. Stanley and Fred returned to Army Base 6:30
AM, working hours now 8:30 AM to 5 PM on construction work.
Olson’s quit milk route. U. S. bombers sunk 5 more Jap boats
and cruisers and a lot of planes. British driving Nazis
back at Cairo. Started to clean walls in new house. Marie
Martha sore throat. Ma OK thus far.
November 2, 1942 Weather colder, 4 to 20 above.
Dinkle, bus driver, got 2 caribou at summit of Matanuska-Fairbanks
new highway. Marie Martha home with the mumps. Got
off clothing and Nation order to Butler’s. Allied nations
on the offense. Allied nations lost 511 boats by Axis, to
date. Mrs. FDR having high time in London and FDR wants more
war power.
November 3, 1942 Weather cold, 4 to 18 above.
Mail train both ways. Eight boats in at Seward, one with
rails for Portage Bay Tunnel and cut off. Allies got Nazis
on the run in North Africa. Jap’s quit round one at Solomon
Islands. State election on, Republicans winning. New Capt.
Glenn Highway now open, Palmer to Fairbanks by auto, 21 hours.
November 4, 1942 Weather cloudy, sprinkle of
snow, 22 to 28 above. Wasilla white, 2nd time this fall.
Wasilla Lake froze over. Swept off 200’ sidewalks.
U. S. and British captured 9,000 Nazi, 250 tanks, downed 600 planes,
sunk 50,000 cargo in Libya war zone today. Biggest war yet in
North Africa. Reds holding all lines vs. Nazis in Russia.
Jap’s on retreat today.
November 5, 1942 Weather cloudy, 18 to 30 above.
Rubber mouse stolen out of K. T. Co., returned by school kids.
Shortage of wood and coal in Wasilla. Allies about got
Nazis licked in Cairo district, North Africa. Chinks captured
2 Jap supply boats. Future for Allies looks good.
Draft Bill up to take 18 year old kids into the Army. U.
S. now short on man power, women next.
November 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 28 to 32 above.
George Small visited on way to Knik. Stove pipe sold
out and none available. Hardware, groceries and produce
overdue one month. British and U. S. drove Nazis back 80
miles in desert of North Africa and captured ___ thousand Germans
and Italians. Allies got Axis on retreat in all war zones.
Looks like beginning of the end of war.
November 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, 18 to 34 above.
U. S. troops and fighting gear landed in French North Africa
under command of General Eisenhower, will meet rear of Nazi
Rommel retreat to Libya. Second front now open to drive
Germans out of Egypt and North Africa. One year from Pearl
Harbor and U. S. forced into World War.
November 8, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
light wind, 28 to 32 above. Quiet in town except for wood
saw. Rommel, with 30,000 Germans, deserted 90,000 Italian
troops and fled into Egypt district. Nazis in Russia retreating.
U. S. sunk 2 more Jap boats at Solomon.
November 9, 1942 Weather cloudy, 28 to 30 above.
Made $5 on hardware sales. All war talk, now in North
Africa. Over 100,000 U. S. troops landed to start 2nd front
and drive Hitler out of Egypt and Africa. Italian troops captured
and 25,000 Germans trying to reach Italy. Bought Marie Martha
a $100 Savings Bond. Jap’s losing on Solomon Island drive.
November 10, 1942 Weather cooler, 28 to 32
above all day. Mail out and in, received meat and egg
invoices, but no delivery of goods, a month overdue. U. S.
Army making progress in French North Africa. Hitler sent
Goring to North Africa to see what became of Rommel and his army.
Smith bought colony seven room house.
November 11, 1942 Weather cloudy, 32 above.
New snow all gone in Valley. School in session, Anchorage
on vacation. American Legion had a fine program at Idle
Hour, Lake Spenard. French in North Africa turned all airports
over to U. S. troops. Hitler invaded France with big army.
U. S. bombers took another crack at Jap’s on Kiska Island, Aleutians
Nazis losing in Russia.
November 12, 1942 Snow flurries, 24 to 28 above.
Freight train, north, but no deliveries. British failed
to catch up with Nazi Rommel's retreat in North Africa. Neutral
French General advised French fleet to join Allies or move down
to Madagascar to avoid capture by Hitler. Russians holding
firm vs. Germans U. S. bombers and subs knocking the ‘ell out
of Jap boats at New Guinea, Solomon and Kiska in Aleutians.
November 13, 1942 Weather colder, 8 to 18 above.
Snow flurry last night, Wasilla white again. Jap’s about
cleaned up on Kiska Island by our bombers. Hitler’s Army
through France reached Spanish border in route to North Africa.
All North Africa joined up with U. S. Army to fight Hitler and Bruno.
To date, U. S. lost over 6,000 men fighting the Jap’s. Jap’s
lost over 100,000.
November 14, 1942 No business, weather
clear, +18 to -4. Stanley made round trip to Anchorage
with family. National Grocery Co. closed out in Anchorage.
War progressing in North Africa. Hitler flying in troops
from Italy to stop ally drive. Eighteen year old draft bill
signed by President.
November 15, 1942 Sunday, winter weather, 10
above to 10 below zero. Stanley back to Anchorage on
Army Post construction, now working 40 soldiers along with
regular carpenters. United allies got German and Italians
on retreat in North Africa and killed 75,000 Dagos. Navel
battle on, 6th day at Solomon Islands.
November 16, 1942 Weather windy, 20 to 26 above.
Cases of ham and bacon returned from Fairbanks, butter and
eggs still at Seward? Government wants to cache a lot of
merchandise with merchants for emergency rations. Looks
like a long war? After a six day battle, at Solomon’s, Jap’s
lost 23 boats, U. S. only 8. Bought a cord of birch wood for
furnace.
November 17, 1942 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20
above. Woods full of moose hunters, only one moose taken
and he came into back yard. Government wants to cache 114
tons groceries in Wasilla for civilian emergency rations.
Rejoicing over U. S. victory at Solomon Islands with another attack
due. McArthur knocking stuffing out of Jap’s in New Guinea
war district. Stanley home evening.
November 18, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above
all day. Priced up 10/31 invoice, delayed in-mail one
month. Wrote Donald W. Hagherty, field agent for Government
emergency supplies, 510 Virginia Street, Seattle, Washington, conditions
here. Allies moving north to Mediterranean.
November 19, 1942 Zero weather, +8 to -8.
Nome Eskimo’s sold $100,000 worth of parkas to Army Posts in
Alaska. Food rationing in Alaska excluded. Allied Armies
pushing north to sea. U. S. Navy and bombers master of seas in
Far East war zones. Received part of Armour and hardware goods
today.
November 20, 1942 Windy, 10 above to zero.
Paid 1943 Geographic magazine dues and paid monthly electric
light bill, $3.50. Eva Marie and Mattie Matilda shopping at Co-op
store in Palmer. Floyd Smith shopper. Allies on offensive,
all war zones. Reds killed over 20,000 Germans in Russia.
Mailed letter direct to Seattle account Government emergency
supplies, 3 months Wasilla.
November 21, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above.
Alaska Pacific Highway opened, can now drive car from Palmer,
via Fairbanks, to Seattle, Washington. Allies and Nazis
crashed in North Africa, Nazis had to retreat with heavy losses.
Turin, Italy bombed. Worden’s moved into Wagner house.
Evening, Stanley home with 11 pound dressed tom turkey, 85¢
a pound at Anchorage.
November 22, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, 6
to 12 above., Town dead after last night Cocktail Bar celebration
by wets. Cleaned and veneered top of grocery counter. Louise
Gill and hubby at Knik last night for weekend. Reds driving
Nazis back, captured a lot of guns, tanks, etc. Jap’s about
conquered in New Britain.
November 23, 1942 A-1 day, zero to 20 above.
Moose hunters on all trails. Most all French colonies
in Africa have joined the Allies. U. S. lost 340 and 1,000
wounded in North Africa war thus far. Jap’s losing in Far
East, China going strong vs. Jap’s.
November 24, 1942 A-1 day, 6 to 10 above.
Set-out, with delayed freight, arrived PM, 30 days from Seattle?
Reds still driving Germans back, killed 16,000 today. Advances
by Allies in North Africa, Australia and US driving Jap’s out
of New Guinea.
November 25, 1942 Weather cloudy, windy, 10
above. PM got 30 days delayed freight out of set-out.
Evening, Stanley up from Anchorage with 45 boxes candy bars.
Russians doing good work driving Germans from Stalingrad war zone.
Turkey dance on tonight at Town Hall.
November 26, 1942 Turkey Day, weather
colder, +6 all day. AM priced new merchandise. Ma
gave a turkey dinner at 1 PM Paddy, Eva and kids the guests.
Stanley at Army Post construction, got home evening. Gus drove
to Anchorage for oil and turkey dinner. Reds routed Nazis out
of Stalingrad district, killed 260,000 in past month. President
FDR on the air with thanks.
November 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, zero all
day. Eva made round trip to Anchorage with Cad as mascot.
Out of wood and only 500 pounds of coal left. Car was due
September 15th. Coal mine blew up.
November 28, 1942 Cold wind, 10 above.
Made out order for Pyrex Ware. Fuel shortage again in
Wasilla. Allies doing well on offensive in all war zones.
A big battle due at Tunis Algeria Africa. Allies within 20
miles of city. No snow in Wasilla, roads good to Fishhook Mines.
November 29, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
warmer, 22 above. Seven cars at Cocktail Bar last night.
PM sawed up part of old radio pole and drained water system in new
house. Germans lost 66,000 in latest Stalingrad drive, frozen and
killed. Allies driving Nazis out of Africa. Jap’s losing
heavy in New Guinea, boats planes and soldiers. Evening,
Stanley home, offered a job with Gottstein Co.
November 30, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above
all day. Delayed milk and candy order arrived 27 days
from Seattle? Reds crushed more German invaders in Russia.
Allies of offensive with progress in all war zones. Japan
radio said they and China preparing for reconstruction after the war.
Maybe by ally order? Moose hunters out every day. Soldiers
can kill moose and no hunters license.
December 1, 1942 Weather damp, 6 to 16 above.
Got 2nd cord birch wood for furnace, coal used up. Car
due 10th. Evening, Stanley home overnight, brought tubes
for Dan’s burned out radio. U. S. subs have sunk 148 Jap boats
since last December. Allies doing good work vs. Axis in North
Africa. Fred C. J. Peterson visited; sold mink ranch for $20,000
at Anchorage, going Outside.
December 2, 1942 Weather cloudy, 6 to 12 above.
Light flurries of snow last night. Dan Gray in for grub
and mail. Oil short at Anchorage. Got phone order for
2 cases coal oil. Ocean Grove Cocktail Club burned up over
400 in Boston. Allies progressing in Africa.
December 3, 1942 Weather colder, 10 above to
zero. September 15th car of coal still due. Now
burning green birch, NG. Germans now retreating from all
gains on Russians last summer with a lost of over 100,000 soldiers.
Germans only got 60,000 to fight over 100,000 allies in North Africa.
Jap’s lost out on 6th drive to route U. S. out of Solomon Island war
zone. Mrs. Ezi visited.
December 4, 1942 Cold snap, zero to 12 below
zero. Busy with wood fires, coal all gone. Reported
Jap’s lost 9 ships and 7,000 troops on November 30th drive on Solomon
Island war zone. U. S. and British were repulsed today on drive
vs. Tunis. George Grennan sent to Palmer Hospital for check up and
clean up, 84 years old.
December 5, 1942 Business dead, partly
cloudy, zero to 10 above. Government agent visited account
storage of emergency war time supplies. Government released
report on Pearl Harbor a year ago, number of boats damaged 7,
1 sunk, over 2,000 were killed by Jap’s first Island Free
for all dance on at Town Hall and Cocktail Bar. Stanley home
evening.
December 6, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
zero to 14 below zero. Busy, AM trying to get heat out of green
birch. Several cars at Cocktail Bar froze up last night.
Russians driving Germans out of Stalingrad district. Italy
bombed.
December 7, 1942 Zero weather all day.
Got some coal off Cads, shortage of coal in town. Jap’s
lost over 600,000 since beginning of war vs. U. S. Allies
doing fair on the offense vs. Axis. Lots of cars frozen up
in zero weather. Sent order to National Grocery Co. Seattle.
December 8, 1942 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Last year, Jap’s have lost ¼ of their Navy and over
600,000 soldiers. Big war on in North Africa vs. British
and French driving Italians and Germans out. Axis now losing
in Far East, Russia and Africa. Cold spell broken.
Eva got the flu. Stanley home, evening.
December 9, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above all
day. Blackout from 4 PM to 8 AM at Anchorage, none at Wasilla.
Pete Nelson quite sick. Minor fighting in North Africa.
Russians killing and driving Germans out of Russia. Jap’s
made another drive on Solomon Island, lost 1 battle ship and 3 cruisers.
mail and Christmas goods burned up in box car at Seward. Eighteen
year old kids drafted for Army.
December 10, 1942 Four inches snow last night,
10 to 18 above. AM cleaned off 180’ walks. Wasilla
white again after week of zero weather. Lend Lease sent 6.49
million pounds to Allies last month, increase over a million pounds.
British bombed twice today, Italy’s arsenal and sub factories, 6th
bombing, where Hitler gets supplies for Africa.
December 11, 1942 Business fair on hardware.
Weather colder, 10 above to 10 below zero. Busy with
fires and no fuel. Klim got the 1,200 ton railroad ice
contract to cut on Lake Wasilla.
December 12, 1942 Still cold 10 above to 12
below zero. Stanley home overnight. Sold 9 pair
coon-tail knit boots at Anchorage. Allies on offense in
all war zones with success. Jap’s have lost 138 boats and
591 airplanes. Sub sinking boats in Mediterranean.
Reds driving Nazis south. Transport “President Coolidge” hit mine
and sunk, 4,000 troops on way to Far East, only 4 men lost.
December 13, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, 10
above all day. Quiet in town after basketball and Cocktail
Bar last night. Our late bombers knocking down Axis bombers
10 to 1. U. S. offensive in all war zones improving daily.
Replacing women for man power in all U. S. industries. Section
and Depot out of coal. K. T. Co. now burning Wasilla Roadhouse
Buffalo coal.
December 14, 1942 Weather still cold, 10 above
to 10 below zero. Ma making ready for Christmas trip
to Anchorage. Army unloading 5 cars flour, sausage, etc.
storing in ARC garage. Sent K. T. Co. 1943 calendars to
Perkins Brigs and Roe in Minnesota. Allies doing good work
vs. Axis.
December 15, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening wind,
4 to 8 below zero. Ma left, 11 AM train for Santa Claus
at Anchorage. Emil Lansh delivered five tons premier coal to
K. T. Co. cost $13.94 delivered at Wasilla. Received invoice
for cases butter and eggs. Allies losing 1 to 3 bombers
vs. Nazis in North Africa offense. Stanley home 2 hours early,
evening, drove to Palmer. Floyd Smith’s Colony house passed
through Wasilla to Fleck ranch.
December 16, 1942 Big wind, 10 above.
Ma doing Santa Claus at Anchorage. Congress adjourned to
January 6th. Suburbs of London bombed by Germans today.
Another million dollar fire in Boston. Painted kitchen floor.
December 17, 1942 Business froze up, big wind,
10 above. Have to fire up every 2 hours account wind,
night and day. School bus stalled in snow drift till noon
at Lake crossing. Rommel’s retreat cut in half by Allies.
One French war boat turned over to Allies. Ma back 11 PM.
December 18, 1942 Third day of big wind, died
out during evening, 10 above all day. Capt. Slivers found
frozen to death near his cabin at mile one, went home drunk, failed
to arrive, first victim of Wasilla Cocktail Bar. Allies doing
good work on offensive in North Africa. Fifteen round smoker
at Anchorage. U. S. subs sank 8 more Jap boats.
December 19, 1942 Business slow, 8 above all
day. Cleaned Premier rocks out of store grates, too much
rock. Allies beating it all over the Nazis and Jap’s.
Reds drove Nazis back 37 miles and took 10,000 Chinks on offense
vs. the Jap’s. Stanley home, evening, from Army camp construction
work, brought candy and tobacco for K. T. Co.
December 20, 1942 Sunday, weather colder,
22 to 12 below zero, with birch and coal, heat OK in store.
KFQD on air with Christmas carols from Anchorage Presbyterian
Church. U. S. bombers downing Nazi transport planes from
Italy to North Africa war zone. Butter rationing also on
in Canada.
December 21, 1942 Weather colder 24 to 10 below
zero. 750 Co-op sheep, ¼ mile long, passed through
Wasilla from Cottonwood Flats to Palmer. Government now
drafting 18 year old kids to fight world war in Asia and Europe?
All Axis weakening under Ally pressure of bombers and tanks.
Hitler, again, retreating from invasion in Russia, lost 47,000 soldiers
last week and supplies.
December 22, 1942 Business fair, Christmas
sales. Windy, 8 above, shortest day of year and a cold
one. Capt. Sliver’s buried on knoll back of his cabin at
mile 1. U. S. bombed Jap’s on Kiska Island in the Aleutians
with no defense. Germans bombing suburban towns near London with
slight damage.
December 23, 1942 Still cold, 8 above.
Outside mail arrived, received 4 invoices but no goods.
Evening, school Christmas on at Hall. Buddy, 6 years old
and 1st year in school. Evening, Stanley home 2 days for Christmas
from Army Post construction work.
December 24, 1942 Still colder, 24 to 12 below
zero. Busy with fires. Dan Gray in for Christmas.
Stanley home over Christmas. Evening, Ma and self saw Buddy
and sister’s Christmas tree and many presents from Santa Claus.
No school today. Allies still on offense vs. the Axis powers.
Self received box cigars, pair pants and night shirt for Christmas.
December 25, 1942 Christmas, partly cloudy,
4 to 10 below zero. Two hen chicken dinner at Stanley’s house,
grandma roasted the hens. Kids received enough presents for
all the kids in Wasilla. Evening, Buddy and sister attended
free picture show at Palmer without escorts. All factories
closed Christmas day, 1st day rest of this year, by labor and others.
December 26, 1942 Evening windy, 22 above.
Stanley home until Monday from Army Post construction.
Stanley and family and Grandma drove to Colony looking for wood.
No coal yet from Healy Mine. Allies doing good work vs. Axis.
Reds driving Germans out of Russia. Jap’s now on the run
in China and New Guinea and on the Kiska Island in the Aleutians
December 27, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, warmer
24 above. Stanley drove Paddy over to Palmer Hospital
account asthma trouble. Mrs. LaValley (siwash McNeil) and
girl got knocked down by auto at Palmer picture show, being fat,
no bones broken. Allies now master of the air but not Nazi
subs. Jap’s getting nest eggs dropped on them everywhere.
Stanley returned to Army Post.
December 28, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above.
Received partial lot of Armour groceries, Gus hauled it with
Coleman’s car. Paid all invoices for 1942. Allies
now got Axis on retreat in all war zones. Railroad gone on
butter ration. Eklutna Electric short of energy to supply patrons
in Valley and Anchorage.
December 29, 1942 Weather colder, 14 above
to zero. Received mail via Fairbanks, 1 month to 6 weeks
in route. Ohnstad home on weeks vacation from Army Post.
Jap’s short of food in Solomon’s. Army taking all the fruit
in February. Butter on ration. Eva got the topsy lals,
no go to Anchorage.
December 30, 1942 Partly cloudy, zero weather.
Metz, Bert and Capt. Sliver’s received, each, a 25 pound box
full of Christmas eats from the “Ky Colonel” at Anchorage.
Jap’s failing in all defense and Nazis also losing heavy in Russia.
Allies routing Nazis out of North Africa. China doing good
work vs. the Jap’s. Farmers butchering. Stanley home
overnight. Thorpe’s gone to work at Independence Mine.
December 31, 1942 Weather cold, below zero
all day. Sold 100 pounds butter, out of gas. Betts
back from Seattle. Now using electricity from Eklutna
power plant, 10¢ a KW. Reds drove Germans out of Stalingrad.
Jap’s have lost 1,286 bombers since starting Pearl Harbor war
vs. U. S. Our bombers now in Africa.
1943
January 1, 1943 No business, cold, zero to
10 above. Still living in rooms aft of store. New
house, with all improvements idle. Ma prefers to empty slops
and ashes, prefers to scrub by hand and pack in fuel in four cold
rooms? Real war on in Russia, North Africa and Far East.
Allies on all offense. Stanley on base job on Army construction
at Anchorage.
January 2, 1943 Still cold, +6 to -6.
On grocery inventory and clothing. Got 1¼ ton Premier
coal. Several got the flu. Allies talking terms
when war is over. Report Germany and Japan have another
year of war supplies, looks like a long war? Stanley home
overnight. Kiska Island bombed by U. S. today, not much left
of Jap’s.
January 3, 1943 Sunday, still colder, 24 to
12 below zero. Cars at Cocktail Bar froze up. Self
on tobacco inventory, Ma on clothing department. First
Anchorage ski party at Fishhook. All Allies doing good work
vs. the Axis Powers. Thirty eight below zero at depot.
Cold drive for Stanley to Anchorage Army Post. Self up most
of night with fires.
January 4, 1943 Weather warmer 4 to 10 above.
On inventories. Sent Professor Krock $10 for lamp and
skates sold. Adolph Olson killed in auto wreck with soldiers
near Palmer January 1st, all were drunk except one. Allies
gave Axis hard pounding today in all war zones. Jap’s and Germans
casualties heavy. Roads still open to mines, no snow as yet
to bother. Zero weather.
January 5, 1943 Partly cloudy, zero to 10 above.
Ma and self on inventory. Stanley home overnight.
Trouble in school account no discipline. Jap’s losing out
in Solomon and Burma and Reds driving Nazis out of Russia.
Big battle yet to come off in North Africa. Lots of decorating
U. S. officials in war bravery. Hitler turning gray with
war.
January 6, 1943 Weather windy, 10 above to
34 above in evening. On inventory. Sold another
airtight heater. Electric lights on and off all evening.
Nazis in Russia and Jap’s in Solomon’s and New Guinea got ‘ell
today. Congress in session again. Mrs. Adam’s well froze
and totem pole in closet. Reported Mrs. Lindstrom passed out
in Tacoma. Mrs. Forker still living at 85 years in Washington.
January 7, 1943 Weather cloudy, snow, 16 to
28 above. Drew coal oil out of leaky tank. No more
coal oil or gas in tin cans. President Roosevelt delivered
message to Congress on war situation 1942. All the Axis on
defense now and getting it in the neck daily. Marie Martha scalded
leg from knee down. Light snow last night. Over production
on war materials in 1942.
January 8, 1943 On inventory. Cleaned
snow off walks, 8” and more coming, +20. Jap’s about cleaned
out of New Guinea and Solomon district. Jap’s lost 531
planes to date. Red Army capturing and running Germans
out of Russia daily. Marie Martha went to hospital with burn
on leg. Allies now meeting resistance in driving Axis out
of North Africa. Germans bombing England again.
January 9, 1943 Weather cloudy, 10 above to
8 below zero. Mrs. Cad left for Skinneapolis, Minnesota.
On inventory, received freight, clothing, crackers, juices and
coffee due December 10th. Mrs. Greshmaw hauled it over from
railroad freight shed, Eva swamper. Allies knocking the
‘ell out of Jap’s. Bombers and supply boats in Far East only
bombing by air in North Africa. Nazis losing heavy at hands
of Reds. Stanley home overnight. First real snow, 1’
past 2 days.
January 10, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, evening
windy, 10 to 20 above. Pricing up new merchandise.
Anchorage won over Wasilla at basketball last night game at Wasilla.
No cars moving today account deep snow. President Roosevelt
wants 100 billion dollars for 1943 war expenses and Lease Lend gifts
to Allies. All profits go to taxes these days and years to come.
Jap’s losing heavy in Far East and Germans on Russia invasion.
January 11, 1943 Business good on hardware.
Self on hardware, $60 order. Ma on clothing inventory.
Snow drifts blocking auto traffic, +30 all day. No mail trains
today account snow. Navy reported 4 airplane carriers and
29 cruisers sunk by Jap’s in past maneuvers by Jap’s.
January 12, 1943 Weather windy, +30, snow drifts
blocking auto traffic. Late snow blocked railroad the
Broad Pass district. Stanley home overnight.
January 13, 1943 Weather misty, +16 all day.
On inventory. Cad made round trip to Anchorage.
Olson family out moose hunting. Air bombing in Libya,
shot down 38 German planes and lost only one. Same vs.
the Jap’s. Russian manpower only real fighting. Coal
shortage again in Wasilla. Auto road blocked to mine by late
snow. Dan Gray in for grub from Mabel Mine.
January 14, 1943 Weather colder, +24 to -22.
Received 2nd 3½ ton load Premier dirty coal. No
Healy coal available, Army takes it all. Reds knocking
the ‘ell out of Germans U. S. and British doing effective
bombing in North Africa and Far East war zones. China doing
up Jap’s. Cold wave still holds on.
January 15, 1943 Colder yet, +10
to -32, busy with fires. Returned coal borrowed from Mrs.
Cad when out, now Cad is out of coal at -30, hard on booze?
U. S. subs sunk several Jap boats. Allies now busy bombing
all Axis factories and supply bases in Germany. Everybody
now pays income tax and new Victory tax and buys bonds.
January 16, 1943 Third cold day +10 to
-24. On extracts and spice inventory and busy firing furnace.
Allies lost 12 planes vs. 37 Jap’s. All aerial fighting in
North Africa. Reds got 75,000 Germans trapped. RAF bombing
German industries. China captured several Jap towns.
Stanley home overnight. Old Sam Pierre in from Willow saw mill.
January 17, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, warmer,
4 to 10 above. Finished grocery inventory. Ma washed
and cussed Premier dirty coal, blocks stove in 3 days with soot
and rocks. RAF bombed Berlin with 500 planes and ton blockbusters.
Reds mopping up on Germans. Big success for Allies in all
war zones today with bombers.
January 18, 1943 Weather still cold, 14 to
8 below. Packed grub order for Caswell. The Ky Colonel
visited, through at Army Post. RAF lost 16 planes bombing
Berlin Sunday, 2nd time. Hitler tried to bomb London and lost
6 planes, not much damage done. Reds now occupy Stalingrad,
Germans wiped out. Jap’s losing heavy in Far East engagements.
January 19, 1943 Weather still colder, 10 to
24 below zero. Packed Native order for Knik. Mail
trains cancelled this week. Both Mrs. Browne and Ely in
for overhaul. Allie Army within 20 miles of Tripoli in North
Africa. U. S. subs sunk 5 ships and 1 destroyer vs. Jap’s.
Stanley home evening.
January 20, 1943 Weather still cold, 12 to
22 below zero. Self got rheumatism in arm and shoulder.
_________ house, filled with Army groceries, burned down on Metz
ranch. 1,000 Jap’s killed in Solomon district. London
bombed, 34 children and 34 others killed. U. S. and RAF doing
good bombing in North Africa. One thousand new soldiers for
Anchorage.
January 21, 1943 Weather warming up, zero to
8 above. Off side of shoulder and forearm froze up and
not working properly. Gust Haller back from Tenakee Hot
Springs, going to move to Seldovia. Italians deserting
Tripoli as U. S. and British advance. Jap’s about through
in Guadalcanal and Solomon zone. Reds got Nazis about run out
of Russia. Cads electric pump froze up.
January 22, 1943 Big wind, 12 to 18 above.
Auto road blocked by drifts at Wasilla Lake railroad crossing.
Floyd Smith went to Anchorage for back treatment. Shortage
of fuel, Depot and Eva out. All war by air bombing except Red
annihilating the Germans. Waldon’s trucks all haywire.
Evening, checking up 1942 sales, waiting for NCR ledger sheets to
post 1942 for income tax.
January 23, 1943 No business, second day big
wind, 4 above. Auto road blocked to Palmer with snow
drifts. Busy keeping up heat to 40 in store and 60 aft of
store. Allies took Tripoli.
January 24, 1943 Sunday, still windy, at 12
above. Ma doing wash. Railroad rotary cleaned out snow
drifts below Wasilla. Auto road still blocked to Palmer.
Allies advancing vs. Axis in all war zones. Italy now doomed.
Evening, wind went into low after 3 day storm. Got bills
for five orders merchandise but as yet no delivery. 2 million
800 thousand babies born in 1942?
January 25, 1943 Wind died out, 18 above.
Tabulated grocery and tobacco inventory. Got 8 hods of
Healy coal. ARC baby Cat all day cleaning out 300 yard snow
drift at lake crossing. Evening, road open to Palmer.
January 26, 1943 Weather cloudy, zero to 8
above. Secret conference for world peace held in Africa
January 14 to 24. President Roosevelt and Premier Churchill
flew to conference along with all Navy Admirals and war experts,
two noted French war Admirals joined. They demanded unconditional
surrender and defeat of all Axis. Freight engine derailed in
snow drifts at Lake Wasilla crossing, Logan Stepp engineer. Stanley
home PM.
January 27, 1943 Weather cloudy, 10 above to
4 below zero. Got another load furnace wood. Railroad
wrecking crew got big engine back on track at east end switch.
Stanley and family drove to Palmer for hair cut. Floyd
Smith flew to his store in Dillingham. Stanley got 1 day off
from Army Post.
January 28, 1943 Weather cloudy, 18 above all
day. Another train wreck on branch. Received clothing
that was due 12/28, been at Fairbanks since 12/28, service?
Army truck maneuvering through snow drifts on mine roads.
Military experts holding conference in Africa for future war.
January 29, 1943 Weather cloudy, warmer 24
to 30 above. Priced up Butler Bros. clothing and notions.
Self got muscular pains in arms and thigh. President Roosevelt
visited on President of Brazil on way home from Africa. Allies
gaining on all war fronts. Sent in order for all kinds of
notions to Tip-Top Co. Seattle.
January 30, 1943 Weather cloudy, 24 to 28 above.
Self not feeling well account rheumatism. Received B/L
of candy and S and W goods but, as usual, no railroad delivery.
Hitler’s 10th anniversary, had Goring read his speech to German
people and RAF dropped bombs on Berlin and stopped the program.
Many Axis supply boats sunk today. Stanley paid $36.60, 1942
income tax.
January 31, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, 34
above all day, evening, snow flurries. Ruf Stephan family
drunk as usual. Self not navigating very well account of
muscular rheumatism. Louise Gill and hubby drove to Knik to
see ex-squaw man. Reds captured 28 Nazi officers and one
General and all kinds of war materials. Germans are retreating.
President FDR back to White House after 4,000 mile trip to Africa
war zone.
February 1, 1943 January thaw,
32 above. Big storm warning for February 4th. Self
crawling around with muscular rheumatism in arms. Our bombers
knocked down 326 enemy planes in December. We lost 96 planes
in December.
February 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, 28 above all
day. The ground hog saw his shadow, hence 6 weeks more
winter weather. Ma finished inventory on clothing department
and first aid, rubber goods in balcony yet to take. Not much
left of German invading Army in Russia. Jap’s trying again
for the Solomon district. President FDR told news reporters
of his 14 day trip to Africa. No mail trains.
February 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 18 to 24 above.
General McArthur lost Philippines and now in Australia directing
war vs. the Jap’s at Solomon and New Guinea. Reds captured
24 German Generals and many troops and now regained Stalingrad
war district in Russia. RAF bombing German cities.
Allies bombing Germans in North Africa. Jap’s trying to recapture
Solomon Islands by air and cruisers.
February 4, 1943 Total eclipse of the sun,
3:15 to 3:30 partly cloudy, 12 to 18 above. Received 2
truck loads of candy, groceries and hardware, was due in December.
Allies making ready for big battle in North Africa. Jap’s using
cruisers and planes vs. Solomon’s.
February 5, 1943 No business, big wind and
-2. No school, road blocked at Wasilla Lake railroad
crossing and two Anchorage cars drifted under. Ely quit
Section and moved to Anchorage, took job in power department.
Electric lights went black at midnight last night and still out.
No radio, no electric lights, no school, roads blocked in account
big wind, cold day.
February 6, 1943 Big wind zero to 14 above,
busy with fires. Eva and Marie returned 6 gas cans of coal
borrowed. Roads still blocked with snow drifts. Lights
on again at noon. Cads water system all froze up. U.
S. knocked down 33 Jap planes today. British subs sunk 4
Italian supply ships. Anchorage had coldest and windiest day
since 1919 and Wasilla 3 months of unusual winter weather.
February 7, 1943 Sunday, big wind, temperature
zero. Roads open again. Stanley home overnight
from Army Post. Self, rheumatism worse
in arms. Started to post 1942 NCR ledger. Gillam
air crash near Ketchikan, Gillam froze on way to beach, lady
passenger died from crash, 4 others reached beach safely.
February 8, 1943 Wind dieing out, 2 to 10 above.
Self getting stiffer with rheumatism. Got 1942 ledger
posted to March. Water system at Cocktail Bar froze up
and electric burned out their radio. Reds knocking the ‘ell
out of Germans, taking supplies and many prisoners. RAF blasting
German industries. Battle at Solomon’s still on. Shoes
go on ration, 3 pair to customer per year.
February 9, 1943 Light wind, zero to 10 above,
cold wave over Alaska. Self nursing rheumatism.
Stanley brought electric vibrator. George Grennan, 84, passed
out in Palmer Hospital, was farmer 28 years in Matanuska Valley.
U. S. cleaned Jap’s out of Guadalcanal in Solomon Island district.
Losses by Navy. Reds driving Germans out of Russia. Got
3rd load Premier coal and rock at $14 a ton.
February 10, 1943 Weather still cold, zero
to 10 above. Mail arrived, PM, 40 days from Seattle.
Marie Snider Betts had a baby boy. Got NCR ledger posted
to May. All reaching power gone in arms and right leg getting
stiff. The Allies on the defense and got the Axis retreating
in all sectors. Fred Klim and Dad on ice contract for Alaska Railroad,
cutting on Lake Wasilla.
February 11, 1943 Windy, zero to 18 above.
Received annual report on Eyota farms. Muscles too sore
to do much. Posted May in ledger. Allies have twice
as many troops in North Africa war zone as the Axis, making ready
for big fight. Jap’s lost out in Solomon war zone.
February 12, 1943 Warming up, 30 above. Sold
2 outfits over $100. Self, arm and calf muscles still
haywire. Posted June in NCR ledger. President Roosevelt
on air on war talk and late trip to Africa war zone. Reported,
in 10 days, Reds will clean Germans out of Russia. U. S. bombers
knocking down Jap’s in all Far East war zones, China ditto.
February 13, 1943 A-1 day, 20 above.
Got hair cut and posted July ledger. Stanley home, Sunday
off at Army Post. Strickler family left for States.
Got matches due 2-4 weeks back from Fairbanks. Big battle,
if any, yet to come off in North Africa. Reds got Hitler cleaned
up in Russia. Chinks going after Jap’s again.
February 14, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
12 to 28 above. Self nursing muscular rheumatism, mostly
in arms. Army Post cut off Sunday work for a month. Ma and
Stanley and Eva inspected Floyd Smith’s new house on Knik Road.
Allies hammering Axis from air.
February 15, 1943 First warm day in 3 months,
+40. Got ledger posted to October. Jap’s knocked
down 8 US planes today and Rommel drove back Allie troops in
North Africa, not so good. RAF still bombing German industries.
Reds still driving Germans out of Russia with heavy losses.
February 16, 1943 A-1 day, 32 to 50 above.
Mail train both ways, rheumatism bad today in both arms.
Got another cord stove wood, $13. U. S. lost 4 to 7 planes
in recent Solomon Island crap with Jap’s and 1 plane at Kiska
Island vs. the Jap’s. Alaska still safe from invasion.
February 17, 1943 Weather cloudy, 32 above.
Long 3 months of zero and windy weather broken. Got 1942
NCR ledger posted, now for balance sheet and tax or no tax.
Stanley home overnight. Allies meeting counter attacks in North
Africa. Reds got free sailing. U. S. subs sunk 5 more
Jap boats, 181 to date. Dan Gray in for mail and grub.
February 18, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 34
to 42 above, first Chinook of winter, roads icy in many places,
bad at Knik Bridge. Fred Edlund in hospital, was so cranky they
kicked him out.
February 19, 1943 A-1 day, 34 to 40 above.
Self about out of navigation, arms and legs fail to work.
Now tabulating ledger for income tax report, received no blanks.
Auto drivers report road icy. Allies
maneuvering for attack on Nazis in North Africa.
February 20, 1943 Flurry of snow, 30 to 36
above. Stanley home, evening, for over Sunday from Army
Post at Anchorage. Self nursing stiff arms and legs.
Allies did a lot of bombing in North Africa.
February 21, 1943 Sunday, light rain
all day, +38, roads mushy. Slide at Knik River Bridge
district. Evening, Stanley left 3 PM for Army Post account
bad weather. Tabulating income tax report, only $1,200 allowed
for family. Axis putting up a fight in North Africa.
Evening, some better under new medication.
February 22, 1943 Light rain all day, 42 above.
Three hundred foot slide on auto road near Knik River Bridge.
Three feet of new snow at mines. Army bogged down in North
Africa with rain. Russians killed over 750,000 Nazi troops
and captured over 250,000 troops. Evening, finished tax report
for 1942. McArthur dropping bombs on Jap’s on all island airports.
February 23, 1943 Partly cloudy 44 to 50 above,
snow all gone and chuck holes now in auto roads. Dan Gray
in. Doctor from Palmer Hospital, over for supplies, we had
‘em. Mostly sparing for maneuvers in North Africa.
Reds mopping up on Germans Congress hot at it on new war laws.
February 24, 1943 A-1 day, 42 to 52 above.
Arms and calves of leg bad today. Got out over $100
in claims vs. railroad for shortage of goods. Allies put
it all over Rommel today in North Africa. U. S. sunk 4 Jap
cruisers, Axis on retreat. paid 1942 income tax, $96.12.
Palmer-Eklutna Road open a gain. Stanley home in evening.
February 25, 1943 Partly cloudy, 44 above all
day. PM free show at Palmer for school kids. Bad to
worse, got lame ankle. Axis on the defense. McArthur
lost Philippines, now in Australia bombing Jap’s on all islands.
President FDR on sick list today. Self rheumatism no better.
February 26, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48
above. Lost candy on 12/18 invoice arrived, also first
aid drugs. Mumps going around again among school children.
Usual air bombing by Allies. China ready to fight when supplies
arrive. Self, motive power bad with game ankle.
Spring weather.
February 27, 1943 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
Paddy gone to Captain Slivers hunting camp on Susitna, trying
to bag some beaver. Allies doing good work bombing all
Axis airports, etc. Word came, Alaska would be rationed
March 1st. Jap’s up against it, 4 cargo ships sunk by Allies.
February 28, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, 18
to 40 above. Stanley home now over Sunday evening.
Stanley gave me a hot bath and rub down for muscular rheumatism.
Right leg bad, can’t go down cellar. Nazis counter attacking
Reds but with heavy losses. War now in Allies favor.
All food rationing effective March 1st.
February Memo: Last 3 weeks of February brought
warm weather after 3 months of zero weather and wind.
Coldest winter in years but little snow. No snow in
Wasilla. Self crippled up with muscular rheumatism. Self
not so hot.
March 1, 1943 Weather cooler, 30 to 40 above.
Self not able to go down to furnace room account bad right ankle.
Bath relieved pain but muscles stiffer than ever. Matanuska
Valley Electric meeting at Palmer, Eva attended. 1942 tax
report mailed week earlier, only $1,200 deduction and 6% rate
made tax of $96.12.
March 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, 22 to 40 above.
Self feeling some better, right ankle improving. Eva went
to Anchorage with Brown’s, took Marie Martha’s baby carriage.
RAF bombed Berlin with 500 bombers, set 6 square miles on fire.
Nine bombers failed to return. Extra air bombing by Allies
in all war zones.
March 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 32 to 42 above.
Felt some better today, right ankle and leg limbering up.
The 900 tons dropped on Berlin by RAF and U. S. bombers was seen
180 miles away. The Reds recaptured one Nazi base, equal to Berlin.
The Jap’s big convoy to North Australia scattered and sunk by U.
S. bombers. Floyd Smith home.
March 4, 1943 Weather cloudy, 20 to 42 above.
Stanley home for day only. PM made ready to go to Anchorage
with Stanley for rheumatism treatment. Jap convoy ships going
to New Guinea. Nazis putting up stiff fight vs. the Red offense.
Allies winning all air battles. Germans still strong with
subs.
March 5, 1943 A-1 day, 26 to 40 above. Stanley
drove me to Anchorage to see doctor, no rooms available, back
home 4 PM took one spinal massage. Big rejoicing account
Allies cleaning up 28 Jap boats and over 100 airplanes on way to
New Guinea. RAF bombed subs and boats in Mediterranean.
March 6, 1943 A-1 day, 32 to 42 above.
Self nursing neuritis in left hand and right leg, bad today.
Reds cleaning up on Nazis. Rommel’s Nazi Army making a
firm stand in North Africa. City Manager law passed in Alaska.
RAF bombing German sub factories. Jap’s at a loss what to
do next.
March 7, 1943 Sunday, A-1 day, 14 to
50 above. Stanley drove me over to Palmer Hospital
for checkup on rheumatism, doctor said teeth would have to come
out. No dentist, will have to go to Anchorage. Allies
still bombing Axis with good results. Hitler leaving belligerent
soldiers to fight the Reds. Stanley brought Paddy in from trap
line at mile 8, no beaver yet?
March 8, 1943 Weather cloudy, 36 above, snow.
Rheumatism no better, going on train to Anchorage to have teeth
out. Sold bicycle I had on hand 18 years. Montgomery’s
Army beat Rommel back, with heavy losses, in Africa. Reds taking
several cities help by Germans Jap’s made air raid on Allies
in Far East not much damage. Evening, snowing.
March 9, 1943 Wasilla to Providence Hospital
with Eva, left 10 AM train for Anchorage. Went up to Eva’s
mothers house for lunch. Called on Dr. Walkowski for medical
exam account rheumatism. 4 PM, hospital for x-ray of teeth
and body. Got New York Alaska Gold Dredge Co. room, $10 a
day. Ma storekeeper, self at hospital for medical checkup
and teeth extraction.
March 10, 1943 Self at Providence Hospital,
Anchorage. Had x-ray of teeth and shoulder. 2 PM,
Eva visited, 7 PM Stanley visited and gave me a hot bath.
Ma storekeeper at Wasilla.
March 11, 1943 At Providence Hospital,
Anchorage. Dr. Pierce visited, said he would extract
teeth Friday 2 PM, Mattie and Mrs. Gill visited. Mattie
and Stanley visited evening.
March 12, 1943 At Providence Hospital,
Anchorage. Dr. visited and look see. Mr. Larson,
from Cache Creek, visited Mattie and Mrs. Gill. Mattie returned
home, evening. Nick Wilder and Stanley visited.
March 13, 1943 Louise Gill visited and drove
me over to dentist. Had all remaining teeth out.
Stanley visited, evening. Self busy washing blood out from
teeth extraction. No visitors or doctor to look see.
No supper, teeth out.
March 14, 1943 At hospital. Dr.
visited to look see only. Stanley, Louise Gill and hubby
and Chas Isaac visited. Evening, nurse gave me a rub down.
March 15, 1943 Dr. visited, said go home
for 2 weeks then return for a checkup? Eva visited, PM,
on her anniversary. Got new coat, listened to radio on
earphones in bed. No improvement, going home tomorrow.
March 16, 1943 Checked out of Providence
Hospital 4 PM, for 5 PM train to Wasilla. No train until
9 PM. Mushed up to Stanley’s Fleck cabin, only Sharon home
from Army work, Stanley soon arrived. Left 7 PM, arrived
home with Stanley’s car 9 PM, pretty stiff. Paid invoices
and made up deposits. Home again after 7 days at Anchorage.
Had teeth out, rheumatism still there.
March 17, 1943 A-1 day, 42 above. Self
fighting rheumatism in arms and legs. Warm spell yet.
High school boys wheeled over fruit and vegetables from shed.
March 18, 1943 Weather cooler, 6 to 36 above.
Self anchored until 10 with muscular rheumatism. Ma fighting
Premier coal dust, scrub, scrub, scrub? Stray horses in
town. Stanley home evening.
March 19, 1943 Weather cloudy, 8 to 28 above.
Rheumatism bad all day. Floyd Smith leaving for Bristol
Bay to replenish his store business during fishing season.
Allies meeting strong resistance in North Africa. Allies
bombing all Jap orts in Far East and at Kiska Island.
March 20, 1943 Weather hazy, 8 to 26 above.
Rheumatism bad all day in legs. Eight hundred industries
turning out war material besides a lot of small plants.
Nazis again rounding up and killing a lot of people. Nazis
stopped Red drive in Russia. Jap’s short of supplies at all
aerial bases in Solomon and Burma war zones.
March 21, 1943 Sunday, first day of spring,
zero to 30 above all day, windy. Muscular trouble no better,
have to have help to dress. Premier Churchill on hookup
on world war conditions. Allies meeting resistance in North
Africa and Reds in Russia.
March 22, 1943 Weather cooler, 4 to 20 above.
Arms and legs still stiff. Paid invoices and ordered milk
and fruit. About a 50-50 between Allies and Nazis in all
war zones. Jap’s bombed in all island possessions in Far
East. Cold wind. Eva fell down stairs and Ellen Smith
bruised knee, 2 more cripples.
March 23, 1943 Weather colder, 2 to 18 above.
Sixteen below zero in Valley. Same rheumatism trouble,
just crawling around, up and down. RAF bombing German sub
bases. Heavy fighting in North Africa and Reds vs. Germans
No trains account snow slides. Jap’s lost 150 planes in Far East
war zone.
March 24, 1943 Cold wind, 8 to 20 above.
Rheumatism some better in legs. Paddy in from mile 8 trap
line. Ellen Smith went to Anchorage with Stanley 5:30 AM
account knee bruise. Allies superior in air vs. Nazis.
Germans holding strong vs. the Reds in Kharkov district. Allies
bombing Jap’s heavy in all Far East with no losses. Coal man
arrived 9 PM with 4½ tons.
March 25, 1943 Weather windy, 10 to 20 above.
Rear end plugged up, took 2 doses castor oil and 3 doses
sal hepatica to get operation. Ma busy with fires account
wind. Allies did good bombing in North Africa and over France
and German industry. Ma busy with fires account wind.
March 26, 1943 Weather windy, 26 to 36 above.
Rheumatism tightening up in thighs. School bus stalled
in snow drift at lake crossing. Mail train went south.
Received big lot of mail carried north. Allies tightening
up on Nazi Rommel’s army in North Africa. Jap’s bombed 25 times
in March at Kiska, Aleutian Islands.
March 27, 1943 Snowing all PM, 30 above.
Pain in arms. Cad on 3 legs account bump on knee.
Stanley home overnight. Allies on offensive in North
Africa and in Japan. RAF bombing German industries. Stanley
home overnight.
March 28, 1943 A-1 day, 20 to 40 above.
Stanley drove me to Anchorage for checkup on rheumatism by Dr.
Walkowski. Blood better, gave medication for bladder and
urine, Eva and Paddy were mascots, back home 6 PM.
March 29, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy 30 above. Self crawling around with rheumatism.
Big dance on at Cocktail Bar last night. Mr. Latham, hardware man
from Montana, visited looking for location in Alaska.
March 30, 1943 A-1 day, 16 to 40 above.
Stanley home on 30 days vacation after 2 years with Army Post.
1942 inventory over $10,000 at cost. Got mail ready but no
train. Allies got Axis on retreat in North Africa by air
bombing. Berlin bombed 3rd time today.
March 31, 1943 Light wind, 30 above.
Same rheumatism in arms and legs, wrote Dr. Walkowski
account cold weather wouldn’t be down for 2 week checkup.
Rommel’s Army got blasted today by the Allies. Whole string
of Jap planes shot down today. Castor oil and salts worked.
April 1, 1943 Partly cloudy, 30 to 36 above
today. Legs stiff AM but PM limbered up. Stanley
home on time off with pay from Army Post. Stanley and family
drove to Palmer for haircuts. Wasilla got April fool by transformer
on electric line, put radios haywire. No war news account
electric line disturbance all day.
April 2, 1943 Partly cloudy, 8 to 40 above.
Marie Martha’s 11th birthday, Ma baked her a cake. Evening,
all but self took in picture show at Palmer. Static cut off
2 hour radio. Bomber with 9 officers cracked up in takeoff
at Anchorage Army Post, all killed.
April 3, 1943 A-1 day, 30 to 50 above.
Army moving store grub in ARC garages to cars on railroad.
Allies pounding Rommel’s army in North Africa. RAF still
blasting German sub factories. Reds gone into camp after
killing one million Germans in Russia. Rheumatism all the
same.
April 4, 1943 Sunday, A-1 day, 32 to
56 above. Arms sore today. Mrs. Barigo, teacher,
flew Outside account death of her father. St. Clair’s visited
on way to beaver hunting. Allies driving at Rommel from all
sides in North Africa. Reds got Germans drove to south.
Marie Martha hurt knee on swing.
April 5, 1943 Weather cool AM, 14 to 48 above.
Rheumatism bad in legs today. Stanley ironing up new
tool chest made of plywood. Allies on offense in North
Africa. RAF lost a dozen planes bombing German industries
today. A Jap convoy and airports bombed in Far East.
April 6, 1943 A-1 day, 30 to 48 above.
Thighs sore all day. Received phone call, room with bath
on 1st floor now available, waited 2 weeks, going to Anchorage
tomorrow to take light treatments for rheumatism. Allies
bombing Axis at all war zones but losing 1 to 4 planes.
April 7, 1943 Wasilla to Anchorage, left
Wasilla 9 AM, arrived Anchorage 11:30. Got room and
bath at Parson’s. Stanley left for home 3 PM. Allies
captured 6,000 Rommel’s army. Kiska raided by U. S.
April 8, 1943 At Anchorage, A-1 day,
25 to 46 above. Took first light and rattle snake oil treatment
at Liske’s, then walked 6 blocks to find Dr. Walkowski’s office.
Evening, heard war news and Jerry of the Circus. Ma went to
movies. Took bath last night, rheumatism bad today.
April 9, 1943 Ma and self in Anchorage.
Snowed all day, got haircut and took 2nd light treatment.
Got moved to room with twin beds. Clyde King Jr. left for States
with stomach trouble, also Mrs. Parson’s. Montgomery got
Rommel on retreat. Jap’s got 4 U. S. boats.
April 10, 1943 Anchorage still white,
temperature 19 to 47 above. Ma had a shampoo, self took
3rd light treatment. Right calf and arm stiff today.
Passengers, from boat in, over from Seward. Allies doing
good work on offensive. Jap’s about bombed out of Kiska base
in Aleutians
April 11, 1943 Sunday at Hotel Parson’s.
Self felt better today, could dress myself. Stanley and family
down from Wasilla. Evening, Ma took in picture show.
No news, A-1 day, snow gone. Stanley storekeeper while Ma
and Pa at Anchorage account Dad’s rheumatism.
April 12, 1943 Ma and self at Hotel Parson’s.
Self took 4th light treatment for rheumatism, some better.
Had a phone call from Stanley at Wasilla. All Allies doing
good work vs. the Axis. First big boat in at Anchorage dock
One meal and 2 lunches, daily diet. Met Chas Harper.
April 13, 1943 At Hotel Parson’s.
Temperature 28 to 44 above. AM same old thing, oatmeal
and coffee from Mrs. Gill’s. Ma washed our underclothes at
Mrs. Gill’s. Dinner at 1 PM, then took light treatment at
Liska’s. Evening, soda fountain lunch. Rommel and Jap’s
bombed a plenty today.
April 14, 1943 At Parson’s Hotel, Anchorage.
A-1 day, ice about gone in Inlet. Two launches arrived.
AM, Stanley down from Wasilla for candy, etc. returned
at noon. Evening, visited Louise Harry Frederickson’s home
in suburbs. Real war on in North Africa.
April 15, 1943 At Hotel Parson’s.
Temperature 30 to 50 above. Took 7th light treatment, not
much improvement yet. Harbor at Anchorage free of ice.
Met Snider family. Evening, Ma took in show. Jap’s
making ready for drive on Australia. Allies hammering Rommel’s
army in North Africa.
April 16, 1943 At Parson Hotel, Anchorage.
Temperature 24 to 50 above. Same routine, Mrs. Gill’s
oatmeal and coffee for breakfast. PM, took 8th light treatment.
Evening, Ma gave me a hot bath, heck of a job to get in and out
of tub.
April 17, 1943 At Hotel Parson’s, Anchorage.
Temperature 23 to 48 above. Stiff as a poker after taking
hot bath. Took 9th light treatment, got limbered up, visited
on Gill at his garage. Met Hardware man from Montana, going
Outside to sell his business.
April 18, 1943 Sunday at Anchorage.
No medical treatment on Sundays. Ma attended church with
Mrs. Gill. Stanley and family, with Agent Browne and Clara,
teacher, at noon from Wasilla out to dinner, cost $5.35 for 6 plates.
Visited Gill family. Kids returned home 6 PM.
April 19, 1943 At Hotel Parson’s.
Temperature 27 to 50 above. Took 10th and final light treatment
at Alex Liska’s, cost $65. Going home tomorrow by train.
Allies downed 95 out of 100 German transports today. Got
Germans on the run in North Africa. Jap’s bombed at Kiska again
today. Ma out shopping.
April 20, 1943 Anchorage to Wasilla.
Paid Parson Hotel bill, $70 for 14 days. Ma out shopping.
Gill family took us to depot at 2 PM, train late 2 hours, arrived
home at 5:45. Stanley had store and office all cleaned up.
Allies on offensive, advancing in North Africa.
April 21, 1943 A-1 day, 30 to 50 above.
Got chill in legs at outside toilet, legs stiff all day.
On office work and excise taxes. Heavy fighting in North
Africa and RAF bombed Berlin on Hitler’s birthday. Reds holding
Nazis. Kiska bombed 8 times today. Army putting Soldiers
on Section work, 10-15 men.
April 22, 1943 Weather cloudy, 30 to 44 above.
Self full of rheumatism, all day. Sent in November-January
and March excise tax. St. Clair’s moving to Knik with horse
and auto trailer. Stanley emptied tin cans. Roads
in bad shape, frost coming out. Allies losing 50% of all shipping
sent to Africa. War hot in all sections.
April 23, 1943 Partly cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Legs stiff all day, evening better. Mush holes on auto
roads. Joe Palmer back from beaver hunt, got his ten.
Allies knocked down a bunch of Axis transport planes. Jap’s
making ready for another bomb flight in Far East Island district.
Dog mating time.
April 24, 1943 Showers, PM, 44 above.
Some better today account rheumatism. Stanley made round
trip to Anchorage. Eva and Paddy and one beaver mascots.
Spuds all sold in valley, $6. Lots of mush holes on roads.
Army doing night flying. No radio account static.
April 25, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy,
29 to 50 above. Stanley returned to Anchorage Army Post
construction after 3 week vacation and was K. T. Co. storekeeper
while Ma and Dad were at Anchorage for 2 weeks light treatment.
Electric static killed radio for past 2 days, missed Easter program.
April 26, 1943 Partly cloudy, cool, 42 above.
Hands drawed up, no power, can’t stand, cold on legs. Allies
did heavy bombing on Axis in North Africa. Also Jap airdromes
bombed in Solomon and New Guinea district with no losses to U. S.
planes. Farmers waiting for warm weather to start planting, freezing
nights.
April 27, 1943 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Muscular action better today. Mail arrived, received 5
delayed invoices, 3,452 pounds due. Allies put it all over
Nazis in North Africa today. Heavy bombing on Jap’s at Kiska
Island. Ice out of slough at Fairbanks, ice pool next.
April 28, 1943 A-1 day, 40 to 52 above.
Legs better, wrists stiff. Cocktail Bar went crazy, knocked
down Roadhouse veranda, car failed to turn the circle.
Allies advancing in North Africa. Kiska Island bombed heavy
today. Ice went out 7:22 PM, 4 tickets won $80,000.
April 29, 1943 Business fair on forage.
Temperature 56 above. Cocktail Bar got truck load of booze,
but no groceries available. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine.
Got out deposits and out-mail. Going slow vs. Nazis in North
Africa. Kiska bombed. Evening, Stanley home, got new
job, in charge of all materials at Army Post, has office.
April 30, 1943 Weather hazy, cool, 40 to 46
above. Left wrist fails to operate. Now able to dress
myself. Jack Fabyan in from Independence Mine. About
a 50/50 go in battles in North Africa.
May 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, cool 40 to 48 above.
Pricing up notion goods due last February. Eva and Paddy
filled furnace bin with wood. Big poker game on at Cocktail
Bar last night. Heavy fighting in North Africa.
Allies sinking Axis boats. Evening, Stanley home.
RAF lost 13 bombers over German industries.
May 2, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, cool
40 to 46 above. Soldiers off Section, in to trade.
Big crowd at Cocktail Bar last night and stole bunch of booze.
Agent Browne’s kids up from Anchorage over weekend. Three
freight trains north with war material. Gus back from Hot
Springs, Alaska. Buddy now rides 2 wheel bike.
May 3, 1943 Weather cool, wind, 40 to 50 above.
Bought ½ cord stove wood for Mabel cabin. Snow still
down to brush line on mountains, freezing nights. Allies pushed
Axis back in North Africa and sunk supplies. Stalin visited
for another 2nd front vs. Germans in Europe.
May 4, 1943 A-1 day, 40 to 62 above.
Delayed cases of oil and groceries arrived, Gus hauled 2 loads,
Eva and Paddy swampers. Axis weakening vs. Allies drive
in North Africa. Evening, pricing up new merchandise. Milk
arrived but no butter and eggs. Allies lost several planes vs.
Jap’s today.
May 5, 1943 A-1 day, 56 above. Ray Wolf
and brother here, bought supplies for his Haller Ranch.
Shoe packs about sold out. High school boys gone salmon
fishing down Cook Inlet. Allies about to take Tunis.
May 6, 1943 First summer day, 66 above.
Pricing up new goods. Evening, paid all invoices due.
Stanley home overnight from Army Post. Allies now within
artillery fire of Tunis, German stronghold in Africa. Kiska
and Jap airdrome bombed aplenty today.
May 7, 1943 Partly cloudy, 54 above.
Smoothed up ash pile on street. Received invoice for butter,
eggs and meats due a month ago. Allies cleaned up on Axis
at Tunis and Tunisia in North Africa. Reds drove a wedge
into Nazis, killed 10,000 Germans. Eva, kids and Clara mushed
half way to Palmer to see picture show.
May 8, 1943 Partly cloudy, 52 above.
Not so good after shoveling ashes last night. Great rejoicing
over Allies driving Nazis out of Tunis, North Africa. Reds
driving Nazis into Black Sea. New Guinea and Burma bombed.
Stanley home evening. Sold our electric house pump at Anchorage,
$55.
May 9, 1943 Sunday, A-1 day, 54 above.
Farmers busy planting. Marie Martha run nail in foot.
Metz plowed his garden Saturday. Allies took over Tunisia
and captured 50,000 Germans and Dagos. Jap’s bombing North
Australia. Reds doing good work on offensive vs. Axis.
China needs more war materials.
May 10, 1943 Second warm day, 60 to 66 above.
Got electric pump ready to ship to V. B. Stephans at Anchorage.
Self weak in legs, have to lay down. Allies making drive on
Germans left in North Africa. Jap’s bombing Darwin, Australia.
Jap’s bombed at Canton, China with heavy losses.
May 11, 1943 Third summer day, 60 to 70 above.
Dang legs not working good today, too much exercise yesterday.
Fire started near school, burned west of Willow to river.
Allies took over 100,000 Germans in North Africa. 50,000 left
in Tripoli district to mop up North Africa. Churchill visiting
President FDR.
May 12, 1943 Fourth summer day, 54 to 84 in
sun. No green grass but birches leafing. Great rejoicing
over Allies defeat of Italians and Germans in North Africa, captured
over 150,000 including 12 Generals. Reds driving Nazis
out of Russia. Allies bombed Solomon and New Guinea.
Stanley home evening, loaded electric pump, sold at Anchorage.
May 13, 1943 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Delayed eggs and meats arrived, left butter in Seward.
Big war conference in Washington D. C. for future drive on Axis.
Holland and Belgium ready to rebel vs. Hitler. China getting
help from U. S. Last 3 days started garden planting for Victory.
May 14, 1943 Business slow, summer is
here. Wrote Attorney Perkins to sell Burnap farm for amount
of mortgage, $10,000. Germans and Dagos all cleaned up
in North Africa, 175,000 prisoners. U. S. bombers and Navy
cleaning Jap’s off Attu Island in the Aleutians Jap’s
hit hard at Burma and New Guinea today. School closed.
May 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
ARC removing old warehouse on railroad track lot. Ellexson’s
and St. Clair’s here, all going fishing at Pt. Campbell.
U. S. and RAF made heavy bomb raids over Germany, France, Holland
and Belgium. U. S. landed on Attu Island vs. Jap’s. Stanley
home overnight.
May 16, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
showers, 40 to 50 above. Four kegs butter short, arrived
from Fairbanks. Army cars tried to go to Big Lake over
Cat road. Trappers getting triple price for beaver.
All war fighting is from the air. Allies winning by large
odds. First rain.
May 17, 1943 Weather cloudy, cool, 40 to 50
above. Self feeling much better, took a Calatab.
Nazis bombing London again. Seventh day of bombing at Attu
Island, troops landed but no reports.
May 18, 1943 Weather cool, 40 to 50 above.
Evening, Stanley took family to Anchorage for week vacation
and dental work. Bombing of Mohne and Eder dams flooded
Uhr factory district in Germany. Jap’s sunk Red Cross Hospital
ship in Australia, 288 drowned. Nazis being bombed in all
war zones. U. S. driving Jap’s off Attu Island in Aleutians
May 19, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
44 to 54 above. G. S. H. family at Anchorage. Rain
just right for crops. Churchill spoke before U. S. Congress
on war situation said China must get help and Japan reduced to
ashes as soon as possible. Allies bombing Sicily near Rome.
Americans took ridges on Attu Island, got Jap’s back up to Sea.
Self on office work.
May 20, 1943 Weather cool, 40 to 50 above.
Got out fruit, groceries and hardware orders. Rev. Bingle
visited, stationed at Fairbanks. U. S. making good headway
at driving Jap’s off Attu Island in Aleutians RAF and U.
S. bombing Germany day and night. Reds doing good work vs.
Germans.
May 21, 1943 Partly cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Birch leaves turning autumn account frosty nights. U.
S. took Attu Island, now mopping up on Jap’s. RAF and US
bombing Berlin and Churchill and Roosevelt conferring with military
Generals for future prosecution of war. Jap’s losing 16 to
1 planes in air battle vs. U. S. White pig came to town.
May 22, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Self around but can’t do much, no strength in hands.
Ely boy and 3 others tried to get in railroad warehouse at 11 PM.
Jap’s divided into 3 bunches on Attu Island, will have to surrender
or be annihilated by U. S. Army. Stanley and family doing
Anchorage. Frost nights.
May 23, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy, 50
above. Stanley’s family with him at Fleck house at Anchorage.
Swept floors in new house. Many joy rider cars today.
Reported Japans Admiral of Navy was killed last April. Jap’s
still on Attu Island but cornered up. Jap’s trying to take
China’s big rice fields with 40,000 troops.
May 24, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
Jap’s bombed 2 of our war ships standing by at Attu Island,
no report as to damage. RAF dropped tons of bombs on German
factories. Germans losing heavy on summer fruit in Russia.
May 25, 1943 Business fair on hardware.
Temperature 50 to 60 above. Paddy filled up holes on street
with Premier rock ashes, side store. Allies knocked down
320 Axis planes past week in Mediterranean and lost 32 bombers.
Jap attack on Attu Island, lost 12 bombers, U. S. lost 2.
Jap’s cornered but still holding out on island. Nazis bombing
England towns but not much damage. Allies bombing Germany night
and day. Stanley family home.
May 26, 1943 Business good on hardware.
Weather cloudy, 56 to 60 above. Buddy, Marie and mother
home from weeks vacation at Anchorage. Rae Wolf’s renter
on Haller farm bought a hardware outfit. Dortmund, Germany
industrial city laid to waste by RAF, 2 and 4 ton bombs. U. S.
cleaned up Jap’s on Attu Island. Evening rain.
May 27, 1943 Partly cloudy, 50 above, a sprinkle
of rain each night. Garden stuff up but not growing account
frost at night. 75,000 Jap’s and 2,000 planes in route to
China war capitol and rice fields. Allies downed 363 Axis
planes, lost 33 in Mediterranean Ocean. Sent card views of
Alaska to Perkins and Florence at Eyota, Minnesota.
May 28, 1943 Partly cloudy, 56 above.
Frank Smith hauled over delayed oils and paints from freight
sheds. Chas Isaac, from Anchorage, and Jack Fabyan, from
mines, visited. RAF bombed Essen, Germany. Twenty three
planes failed to return.
May 29, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Repaired walk front of warehouse aft store. Anchorage
hardware dealer visited to compare prices. Allies still
bombing Sicily and islands near Italy. Reds knocking down
Axis planes 6 to 1. Mrs. Cad back from Minnesota. Stanley
home overnight.
May 30, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy, 40
to 60 above. Store closed, PM, as usual. One lot
of Jap’s and snipers still holding out on Attu Island. Allies
have dropped 5,000 tons in Ruhr Valley, Germany and 1,000 tons on
Essen in one hour and sunk 4 German submarines.
May 31, 1943 Second Memorial Day at Anchorage.
St. Clair and Ellexson’s in from Pt. Possession fish camp.
St. Clair stored his car with Gus. Jap’s finally cleaned
up on Attu Island by U. S. Army. Bombing by Allies in all
foreign districts big success today. Chinks with U. S. bombers,
turned back Jap 75,000 troop drive on China’s war capitol and rice
fields.
June 1, 1943 Heavy rain last
night, 50 to 70 above. Soldiers gave free picture show at Town
Hall.
June 2, 1943 A-1 day, 50 to 68 above.
Self in store part of time. Got no strength in hands account
rheumatism. Bombing all Italian island airports and Sicily.
U. S. Army cleaned up 1,500 Jap’s only 4 surrendered in Attu Island.
Reds knocking down German planes. Chinks wounded and killed
30,000 Jap’s in drive on China war capitol.
June 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 above all day.
Got out-orders and mail. Ma and kids walked down to Ellen
Fleck’s new house on Knik Road. Reds downed 162 Axis planes.
Reds lost 27 in dog fight. Chinks put Jap’s on the run with
heavy losses in invasion. A million coal miners on strike,
government took over mine.
June 4, 1943 Weather cloudy, 64 above.
Mail went south. Buddy and sister with Paddy as escort,
went to Anchorage for weekend. Self right knee pained all
day. Eva and Smith’s at Palmer show. Chinks and
U. S. bombers drove Jap’s out of Yangtze Valley, Central China.
June 5, 1943 Light rain, 40 to 46 above.
Rheumatism better but no strength in hands and right knee gets
weak. Snow gone on Bald Mt., 2 weeks late. Allies blasted
3 75,000 ton Italian battleships moored in harbors.
Kids home from Anchorage.
June 6, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening rain, 50 above. Store open 3 hours AM, as usual.
Ma and kids walked down to Ellen’s ranch, Ellen got infected
finger. Reds knocked down 552 German planes and lost 212.
Chinks got Jap’s on retreat with 50,000 Jap’s killed. RAF
still bombing German factories.
June 7, 1943 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Harry Sears, the kingpin gardner, in for supplies. President
Roosevelt on air, PM, spoke to 40 delegates about peace time
food conference when war is over. All Allies bombing the
‘ell out of Nazis in all sectors. Son of late Theodore Roosevelt
buried in Anchorage Army Post.
June 8, 1943 A-1 day, 58 to 72 above.
Took in sun bath for my rheumatism. All talk, when and where,
the allies would strike Axis next. Argentine still neutral
but on American side. Second Army picture show at Hall.
June 9, 1943 Summer day, 60 to 74 above.
Self out in sun for rheumatism. Morris Hurst, from Gulkana
new road district, visited, wanted to buy whole stock of K. T.
Co. merchandise. Islands around Italy heavy bombed and Reds
downed 174 Nazi planes in Russia. Jap’s out with Zero bombers
but too slow for U. S. bombers.
June 10, 1943 Summer day, 44 to 78 above.
Tabulating January to June sales to add to January 1st inventory
account sale of business. Fruit and oil shortages arrived,
PM freight. China cleaned up the Jap’s in central China.
Allies trying to win the war with ton block busters.
June 11, 1943 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above.
Merchandise stock to June 1st $9,036.37.
Kids with Stanley at Anchorage. Allies took Pantelleria
Island held by Italians in Mediterranean Sea, 8,000 Italians
surrendered, was taken by air power.
June 12, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
In store, rheumatism better. Archie Lewis visited, now
on Fairbanks end of railroad. Tourists now visiting Lake
Wasilla summer resort. Allies took another military island
from Italians in Mediterranean. Now have control of shipping
in Mediterranean. RAF and U. S. bombing all industrial cities
in Germany with 224 ton bombs. All the kids at Anchorage.
June 13, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy,
50 to 64 above. Lots of soldier trucks here. Fishhook
Pass to Willow Creek was to be open today for cars. Great
rejoicing account capture of Pantelleria, Casauria and Kenova, Italian
islands in Mediterranean, by Allies, over 300,000 prisoners taken
in Africa. Kids in Anchorage. Past week Reds shot down
548 Nazis in planes.
June 14, 1943 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Kids still doing Anchorage. Joe Brassel left an order
for his Willow Creek camp. U. S. subs sunk 12 more Jap boats
making 256 to date.
June 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Paddy and Ward Shrope left for Montana Creek district to find
coal. Army picture show at Hall. Allies bombing Sicily,
next island to capture. RAF lost over 100 planes late bombing
Germany. Allies now ready for invasion on Nazis but on land
or air?
June 16, 1943 Partly cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
L. Cox, 87 year old timer down from Montana Station for grub
outfit. Joe Palmer gone to Sheep Mountain to prospect.
Cutworms eating up farmers crops. More U. S. planes and pilots
landed in Ireland. Cads getting in winter wood account no
coal.
June 17, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
Got out Seattle mail and orders. Mr. Cox returned to
Montana Station. U. S. bombers shot down 77 Jap planes
in a big aerial fight over the Solomon’s. We lost 6 planes.
Chinaman drove Jap’s out central China.
June 18, 1943 A-1 day, evening rain, 60 to
72 above. Sent shipment north on railroad. Mail
went south. Ellen Smith went to Anchorage account sore finger.
King George flew to North Africa on inspection tour. Congress
appropriated 71 billion for 1944 boats and bombers.
June 19, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 78 above.
Ex-Marshal from Palmer bought $42 merchandise outfit.
Milk and egg, delayed from Armour, arrived. Auto road,
at mile 10, below Palmer, flooded. Allies still bombing Sicily
and lost 8 bombers. Hitler making no gain vs. Russia.
Jap’s back on defense. British going to help China vs. Jap’s.
Kids home from week at Anchorage.
June 20, 1943 Fathers Day, Dad got pair
of sox. Sunday, hot day, 64 to 84 above. Palmer Road
flooded, 2 feet deep. Stanley and family home from Anchorage,
now has Sundays off. Stanley and Frank hauled over 2½ tons
merchandise from freight shed. Reds downed over 3,000 Nazis
past summer. Jap’s bombed Darwin, Australia. Jap’s lost
32 bombers. PM all Herning’s visited on Ellen Smith. Lewis
ordered coal miners to strike again Monday.
June 21, 1943 Second hot day, 70 to 86 above.
AM pricing up new merchandise. Morris Hurst from Gulcana district
on new highway, arrived to buy K. T. Co. merchandise stock
Inventory price to date, $9,368.92. Allies on offense in all
war zone. Hitler has lost over 6 million soldiers vs. the Reds.
Reds lost 4 million vs. Hitler and still fighting.
June 22, 1943 Third hot day, up to 80 above.
Grass knee high, rivers up to banks and over. Palmer-Eklutna
Road still flooded. Mrs. Thorpe in from Independence Mine.
Small garden truck available. War, by bombing, hot at it.
Chinks killed 40,000 and drove 60,000 Jap’s out of central China.
June 23, 1943 Fourth hot day, 72 above.
Buyer for store failed to show up from trip to Anchorage.
Inventory to date stands at $9,045.36. RAF and U. S. bombed
Rhur and other German industries with 700 planes, 64 failed to
return. Sicily heavy bombed near Italy.
June 24, 1943 Hot wave over, 60 to 64 above.
Cleaned up Cannon baggage and old radios and stored in loft
over annex. Secretary Knox reported we have lost over 63,000
in World War thus far. Coal strike off. Allies still
bombing Nazis and Jap’s.
June 25, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Mail train 2 hours late account hot box. Army picture
show on at Hall. King George back in London from
a 5,800 mile trip to North Africa and other war zones. Germany
and Sicily bombed night and day by RAF and U. S. bombers.
Assessment work nil until war is over. Marie Martha with Edlund’s
at Anchorage.
June 26, 1943 Weather cloudy and cool, 50 to
60 above. Self in store, AM, rheumatism better, all in
wrists, can lift only 10 to 15 pounds. Hats and caps due
2 months ago, by express, arrived. Two hundred soldier excursion
to McKinley Park on every week. Allies sill bombing the Nazis.
Wire from Perkins, offer on farms. Stanley home evening from
Army Post, also Marie.
June 27, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
cool, 60 above. Capt. Nick Gaikema, old timer on Cook Inlet
and Knik, was buried by Elks at Anchorage today. Lots joy
riders and fisherman out today. Allies preparing for 2nd
front vs. Nazis in Europe.
June 28, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Cook, freighter, through freighting for Woolsey and going Outside.
U. S. subs sunk 8 more Jap ships and one cruiser. Greeks
blocked Nazi railroad with land slide. Jap’s bombed Darwin
with 18 bombers. U. S. to build 100,000 more planes.
June 29, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
50 to 60 above. Fish salt and National Grocery arrived,
465 pounds of candy due also. Mowed out grass in paths with
crippled arms. Frank hauled over freight. Hitler
executed German high school kids for issuing freedom circulars.
June 30, 1943 Weather cloudy, showers, 56 above.
Sold Kid horse’s old pack saddle for $5. Hurst back from
Gulkana but didn’t call to buy out store. War goes on by
air bombing Axis industries. U. S. took 2 more islands in
Solomon district. Quiet on Red-Nazi front.
July 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Stanley home overnight from Army Post. Got out Seattle
mail and deposits. Air battle on in central Solomon’s.
Jap’s lost 101 planes, we lost 17. Took 2 islands for air
bases. Allies dropped 19,000 tons of bombs on German industries
in June. We lost one transport in Solomon’s.
July 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Joe Chilligan and family down for 4th. War picture show
at Hall by Army. Our bombers got control of 3 islands in
New Georgia and Solomon district. Sicily heavy bombed, also
German district. Hitler’s drive on Reds yet to come.
July 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Legs get weak from rheumatism. Stanley home, evening,
for July 4th, going to Willow Creek. Quiet in Red front
in Russia. Hitler afraid of Ally invasion in Berlin.
Allies bombing Italian island bases and Sicily. Jap’s lost
184 planes in New Georgia.
July 4, 1943 Sunday, temperature 60 to
80 above, perfect day. Closed all day. All the
Herning’s, 6, left Wasilla 9 AM had chicken dinner at Grubstake
Placer cabin. Mowed grass around cabin, drove up to Independence
Mine on way home, back 3 PM Stanley and family and Grandma left
for Anchorage 4 PM. Evening, painted kitchen floor.
July 5, 1943 Store closed, partly cloudy,
60 above. Kids and Ma taking in July 5th celebration at
Anchorage. Buddy entered 6 to 8 year olds foot race.
Naval battle at New Georgia Island in Far East. Nazis opened
front vs. Reds but were repulsed. Self eating up salad and
fried chicken leftover from fourth. Ruled up a bunch of NCR sheets.
July 6, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
54 to 64 above. Self lone storekeeper. Busy all PM.
Ma and kids back from Anchorage 4th at 7 PM. Letter from
C. T. Perkins, had sold Burnap farm and Coger 80 at mortgage price.
Transfer to take place October 1st. Navy fight near New Georgia
Island.
July 7, 1943 Light rain, 54 above. Wired
and wrote Perkins to close up sale of 2 farms at Eyota, Minnesota.
Shorty lost his car in booze deal. No more old potatoes
on market. Hitler lost 30,000 in drive vs. Reds, also 1,000
planes, 3 days drive.
July 8, 1943 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 above.
Red top grass 3’ and matured. Trains north loaded with
ties and coal and oil. Jap’s heavily bombed at Burma and
other Jap supply posts. U. S. downed 115 Jap planes, lost 20.
Reds holding and killing a lot of Germans on last Russian drive.
Rhur district in Germany 2/3 knocked out of production of war materials.
July 9, 1943 Weather cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Parson’s Hotel at Anchorage sold to Mrs. Jack Chisholm.
Reported General Eisenhower has invaded Sicily sub base.
U. S. subs have sunk 282 Jap boats to date and Burma about to
fall. Army picture show at Hall tonight. Shorty on a
drunk.
July 10, 1943 Weather cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Ma scrubbing all AM. Report says British, U. S. and Australian
troops landed on 100 miles of water front on Italian Sicily
Island under protection of bombers and U. S. Navy. Reds
holding 6th day drive on Nazis.
July 11, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Mrs. Chiang Kai-shek plans returning to
China, was nearly captured by the Jap’s. Allies advancing in
Sicily and fighting ahead vs. over 300,000 Italians Reds holding
Nazi drive thus far. RAF lost 10 planes over Germany.
July 12, 1943 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Made out order for fruit and groceries. Hand cut grass
at house and around grass. Allies along 150 mile front and
took 10 towns and 4,000 prisoners at Sicily. Knocked down
47 bombers and lost 7 U. S. Reds holding Nazis and killed
40,000 in drive on Russia.
July 13, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 76 above.
Mail arrived. Glass, sash and fall ammunition, delayed,
arrived. Allies pushing ahead in Sicily to contact the 300,000
Dagos on Sicily. Germans losing heavy in drive on 150 mile
Red front. Jap’s lost supply boat at Kiska. RAF lost
13 planes on 2,000 mile raid on Italy from London.
July 14, 1943 Hot day, 60 to 82 above.
Had Frank haul over sash and window glass from railroad shed.
Evening, Stanley home and returned to Anchorage with Eva.
Ma sleeping at Eva’s house with kids. Allies took 12,000
in Sicily. Cad and wife left for Circle Hot Springs in auto.
July 15, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Got out-mail and order for Bear fall clothing. Ma sleeping
with kids at Eva’s house, Eva doing Anchorage. Allies advancing
on all fronts but losing several planes. Wendell Wilkie
out for next President. U. S. took another island in New
Georgia district, lost 1 cruiser.
July 16, 1943 Hot day, 60 to 78 above. Kids
hunting for strawberries, berries froze out last winter.
Allies moving ahead in Sicily, took 8 airdromes and 20,000 prisoners.
Second summer invasion of Russia by Nazis. Reds holding all
lines at heavy toll to Germans and planes. Ma and kids at
Eva’s house. 82 ton bombs on Jap’s on Munda and New Georgia.
French General calling on FDR.
July 17, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 68 above.
Fred started to mow grass in lots and around warehouses.
Allies have taken ½ of south Sicily and 8 airdromes.
RAF and U. S. still bombing German industries. Reds annihilating
German invaders in Russia. Navy bombed Kiska Island 5 times
past week. Eva back with Stanley from week at Anchorage.
July 18, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy,
56 to 66 above. Fred mowing grass on house lot. Strawberries
on market but NG. Churchill and Roosevelt invited the Italian
people to kick Mussolini and his gang out before the Allies
bombed all of Italy. Invasion of Sicily goes on. Nazis lost
163 planes vs. 59 Allies last week.
July 19, 1943 A-1 day, 56 to 68 above. Fred
finished moving grass and repaired foot approach to railroad
track warehouse. North Africa Allies bombed Rome today and
now have taken 1 /3 of Sicily. Reds holding German drive and
sunk several boats in Black Sea.
July 20, 1943 Wasilla to Curry Hotel,
on way to Circle Hot Springs to get rheumatism boiled out.
Left Wasilla 5:15 PM, Talkeetna 7:30 PM, arrived Curry Hotel 8:15.
Had a chicken dinner with olives, apricots and cake. Capt.
Lathrop and 2/3 soldiers on train. Railroad fair, Wasilla
to Fairbanks $20.45; dinner $1.75, breakfast $1.25, room $3.50,
total $26.95.
July 21, 1943 Curry Hotel to Fairbanks.
Up at 6 AM left 8 AM, arrived Fairbanks 5:30 PM Met
Cad’s wife at Nordale Hotel. Taxi drove me to several private
residences then got a room through Eva McGowen, Fairbanks Housing
Bureau, at Mrs. Mattson’s private, up to date, home with room and
bath. Had ravioli supper at Model Café.
Fog on summit, clear and hot at Fairbanks. Saw Dunkle, on train,
about coal.
July 22, 1943 At Mrs. Mattson’s private
home, 829 6th Avenue, Fairbanks, nice and quiet. Stage
failed to go to circle. Out tomorrow at 10 AM. Saw
Cad’s on street. Visited local airports. Got an evacuation
after 3 doses sal-hepatica. Visited McKennan, 81, retired
blacksmith, also has rheumatism. A-1 day, saw fine gardens and
flowers. Fairbanks busy place, hotels full up.
July 23, 1943 Fairbanks to Circle Hot
Springs by auto stage, arrived Hot Springs 4:30 PM had
dinner 6 PM, Yukon salmon and all kind of green vegetables.
Rain and fog over summit. Good weather from Miller’s place
to Circle had to stop account caribou on road at summit.
Brought cook and waitress for Circle Hotel. Evening took
bath. Meals $4.45, room $5, barber $2. Got room #20 at
Hot Springs.
July 24, 1943 At Circle Hot Springs,
up at 6:30. After breakfast, walked to end of road on
bench above Hotel, one mile. Big crowd here at midnight.
After supper, walked out to aviation field, one mile.
Took 2nd bath at 9 PM then retired.
July 25, 1943 Sunday at Circle Hot Springs.
Up at 7:30, shaved, breakfast 9 AM dinner at 6 PM.
Walked one mile on Avenue Road. Evening, watched swimmers in
open pool and met Mrs. Woodhouse and Mr. Taylor from Anchorage.
Third bath. By radio, Mussolini had
July 26, 1943 A-1 day at Circle Hot Springs.
AM walked a mile out Aviation Road. PM, walked 1½
miles out highway. Wrote home about all events to
date. First plane arrived. Quiet, half of crowd gone.
Took baths Good eats, Yukon salmon and all kinds of vegetables.
War news at 12:30.
July 27, 1943 A-1 day at Circle Hot Springs,
Alaska. Slept over 1 hour after breakfast. Walked
a mile up Graveyard Road, cut through brush to Avenue Road and
back to town. Mailed first letter to Ma and kids at Wasilla,
Alaska. Big bath and sweat at 10 PM. Italy still on
defense. Reds holding Nazi drive. Jap’s on defense, China
OK.
July 28, 1943 Pa at Circle Hot Springs.
Ma and Marie Martha storekeepers at Wasilla, Alaska. Up
at 7 AM and shaved. Prunes and hotcakes for breakfast.
Walked a mile down Blueberry Road. Finished reading Newsweek.
Mrs. Dunkle left for Anchorage. President FDR on air at 4:30
PM, summing up war. Hank Reed here, knew Stanley.
July 29, 1943 Up, 7 AM, Circle Hot Springs
Hotel. Took a walk after breakfast. One crippled
soldier and 3 others returned to Fairbanks Army Post. Two
other cars left, only half a crowd at hotel. Several cabins
rented. Now bath time.
July 30, 1943 OGH at Hot Springs account
rheumatism. Took 10 baths and much improved, walked 1
mile. Had Yukon salmon and vegetable dinner. Received
1st letter from Ma and birthday sox from Buddy and sister.
Sent letterhead of Springs to Roe but no writing. Drew trout
brook resort. Evening showers.
July 31, 1943 At Circle Hot Springs.
Two planes flew over, one was a Russian plane. Shaved
and took morning and evening baths. Springs truck in from
Fairbanks with big load freight. Allies captured 1,000 more
Germans in Sicily. Walked a mile and ate raspberries on road.
August 1, 1943 Tenth day at Circle Hot
Springs. Can walk up and down stairs OK, some stiffness
still in right knee. Hotel filled, 12 cars came in last night,
½ were soldiers. Ate raspberries for lunch out on
trail. Caught by shower 5 PM, got under cover at cabin.
Cars gone to Circle to see boat. Gave knee and
wrist a hot water bath 8 AM and a 20 minute bath at 10 PM, evening
rain.
August 2, 1943 At Circle Hot Springs.
PM big thunder storm. Temperature here about same as at
Wasilla. Walked usual mile. Usual morning and evening
baths and considerable better. Doctor here on vacation.
Allies bombed Armenian Nazi oil fields. U. S. Navy bombed
Kiska. No extra tourists today. Lots of rabbits here.
August 3, 1943 A-1 day at Circle Hot Springs.
Took morning bath at 6:30 AM. Walked a mile AM, PM
1½ miles. Had meat dumpling and all kind of vegetables
and raspberry shortcake for 6 PM dinner. U. S. landing troops
on Kiska Island to clean up Jap’s. Paid 12 days bill at Circle
Hot Springs, and stage to Fairbanks, $82.
August 4, 1943 Circle Hot Springs to
Fairbanks. Left Circle 9 AM, arrived Fairbanks 2:30 PM
Hot day, saw herd of caribou on summit. Got room at Nordale
Hotel. Bought ticket on Star Airlines for 10 AM tomorrow.
Meals $2.50, air fare to Anchorage, $38.50, taxi $1.
August 5, 1943 Circle to Fairbanks by
stage 6 to 9 PM, to Anchorage by plane. Taxied to Stanley’s
cabin, found him painting kitchen in Fleck’s house. Rained
heavy all AM, delayed 10 AM plane. Too late at Anchorage to
catch bus to Wasilla, 10 came on plane. Gus Geller passed out.
Coffee and pie, 10 PM at North Pole Bakery with Paddy.
August 6, 1943 Anchorage to Wasilla on
Willow Creek Stage, had breakfast with Stanley 6:30 AM.
Left Anchorage 3 PM, arrived Wasilla 7 PM, all well at home.
Received from Perkins, a deed to sign for sale of Burnap Farm
and Croger 80, consideration $1 and mortgage on same. Eighteen
day trip, 14 days at Hot Springs. U. S. took Kiska.
August 7, 1943 Weather cloudy, 58 above.
Self checking up invoices. Ma scrubbing and washing Hot Springs
clothing worn by my. Both German and Italian people getting
the jitters over the war. Reds driving back Nazis.
U. S. Navy sunk 3 Jap cruisers and occupied Munda.
August 8, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening rain, 58 above. Fisherman picnic at Lake Wasilla
from Anchorage. Made over old grate for kitchen, no fire
at noon, ate dinner at Eva’s. Stanley back to Anchorage 5
AM. Allies advancing in Sicily. Reds driving Germans
back and out of Russia. Posted up July register sales, $14.28
in the red. Evening on corns and sore feet.
August 9, 1943 Heavy rain, 52 to 58 above.
Self in store AM. Ma did the laundry by man power.
Jap’s losing Munda, now on defense. Germans evacuating
one million people out of Berlin. Reds got Nazis on the
run in Russia. Chinks knocking the ’ell out of the Jap’s in
China. Right leg not so good.
August 10, 1943 Weather cloudy, showers, 52
to 60 above. Road in canyon, mile 12 on Willow Creek Road,
washed out. Self got out flour order and other office work.
Good news from the Ally war offense. Now Italian war council
going to fight Allies. Farmers doing well selling garden truck
at Anchorage.
August 11, 1943 Partly cloudy, 58 to 62 above.
Got out sugar and flour order. Evening, Stanley home
and took family to Anchorage. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine,
also Al Dodson with sick wife.
August 12, 1943 Business fair on hardware.
A-1 day, 56 to 64 above. Made up bank deposits, $739.96.
Blueberry pickers up from Anchorage. Farmers doing well
on vegetable sales to Army post. Germans retreating out of
Sicily. U. S. bombed Jap base 1,200 miles from Tokyo and
sunk a dozen barges.
August 13, 1943 Evening rain, 52 to 60 above.
ARC repaired washout on 12 mile Canyon Willow Road. Washouts
also on new Matanuska Road, Knik River bottom flooded from Glacier
Lake. Allies bombed both Berlin and Rome. Germans
retreating from Sicily. Army picture show at Hall.
August 14, 1943 Weather cloudy, showers, 52
to 56 above. Self in store AM. Ma Sunday cook.
Washout in canyon, mile 12, repaired. Got 4¼ tons
of Premier dirty coal. Groceries at Seward, since August
3rd, received PM 189 boats and 101 Jap planes downed in June.
Germans retreating out of Sicily, using Italians for rear guard.
August 15, 1943 Sunday, cloudy, showers, 50
to 54 above. Store open AM as usual. Sent K. T. Co. calendars
to Rampart and Circle Springs. Eva and kids in Anchorage
with Dad fixing up Fleck house to live in during winter.
Allies on offense in all sectors. Over a million evacuated
from Berlin. U. S. driving Jap’s off Kiska Island. Burma nearly
blasted out by U. S. bombers. Key base of Jap’s.
August 16, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 to
56 above. Frank hauled over truck load groceries from railroad
shed, busy pricing and checking same. Reds took 130 villagers
from Germans with heavy losses to Nazis. U. S. shot down
48 Jap planes, we lost 4 planes.
August 17, 1943 Weather cloudy with showers,
50 to 54 above. AM finished checking and pricing up new
groceries. Jensen’s placed good order. Sent L. Cox
order to Montana Creek. Evening, Stanley and family home from
Anchorage. Allies completed full possession of Sicily and bombed
Italy. Mailed deed account sale of 2 Eyota farms.
August 18, 1943 Rain AM, clear PM, 50 to 60
above. Buck Sparling in for supplies. Frank Smith
took a load in to Anchorage for Eva’s house at Anchorage.
Allied war council meeting in Quebec, Canada account next blow to
Axis. To capture Sicily, cost Allies 25,000 vs. 167,000 Nazis
killed. U. S. bombed 225 Jap planes and lost 3 bombers.
August 19, 1943 Rain PM, 44 to 60 above.
Got out Seattle order for school days. Frank Smith brought
over candy and tobacco from Anchorage. Reds driving Germans
out of Russia. RAF downed 50 German planes and lost 12.
Sparling left for mines.
August 20, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 above
all day. Thorpe’s through at Independence Mine, left
for their mines on Grubstake. New snow on mountains
City of Anchorage bought Eklutna Electric plant. Allies
bombing Italy mainland. Evening picture show at Hall.
August 21, 1943 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Stanley home overnight, doesn’t like his red tape boss job
at Army Post, work is OK but too many Army dictators. Germans
have lost a million men since July 5th drive on Russia. U.
S. and Canadians got possession of Kiska Island, the 10,000 Jap’s
evacuated. Allies blasting Naples and railroad in Italy
from new air base on Sicily.
August 22, 1943 Sunday. More rain,
50 to 56 above. Good business AM, closed PM. Stanley
wanted Ma and self to go Outside and he would run store for winter.
No Jap’s found on Kiska when U. S. troops landed. Jap’s have
lost 1,600 planes since June. Soloman Jap base captured, Tokyo
next? Heinie Snider on air with Shriner program.
August 23, 1943 Rain all
day, 50 above. Germans retreated from Kharkov with heavy
losses. U. S. cleaning up Kiska for an air base vs. Japan.
Bill Edlund back from Bristol Bay fishing.
August 24, 1943 Light rain, 50
to 58 above. Bacon arrived, received invoices of clothing
and hardware in route. Stanley home evening with usual ice
cream. Ally War Council over at Quebec, Canada. RAF
and U. S. bombed Berlin with 700 planes and dropped 90 ton of bombs.
U. S. bombing railway centers in Italy. Jap’s tried to bomb
Chunking, China but were beaten off with losses. Ray Bergman
back from Aleutian war zone.
August 25, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
50 to 56 above. Figured cost prices on clothing and hardware
goods in route. Stanley got 2 weeks off at Army Post, took
family to Anchorage, building room on Fleck house. Allies
dropped 112 tons bombs on Waywak and New Guinea Jap airdromes.
Chinese downed 39 Jap planes at Hankow. Western Italy bombed
and railroad centers.
August 26, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 to
60 above. Two trains each day. PM, received hardware,
clothing and meats. Got out orders, deposits and mail
for Seattle. Allies bombing all Nazi war zones. Berlin
hard hit and railway centers in Italy and Burma and China.
Reds got Nazis on run out of Russia. Planes to take Burma
and open up supply route in to China. Eva and kids at Anchorage.
August 27, 1943 A-1 day, evening rain, temperature
50 to 60. Mail went south. Two cars over new highway,
arrived here looking for Anchorage. Allies dropped 180
tons of bombs on Jap’s in the New Guinea district. China
downed 54 Jap bombers vs. losing four. Italian railway centers
heavily bombed. Reds got the Germans on the run. Evening,
picture show on at Hall, all darkies. Army hauled gas from
Goose Bay.
August 28, 1943 AM, clear, PM, cloudy, 50 above,
evening, more rain. Grain crops all down account wind
and rain. Priced and stored away clothing, sold $50 worth.
Allies knocking the ‘ell out of railway terminals in southern
Italy and ball bearing factories in Germany. U. S. took New
Georgia Jap terminal. Reds driving Nazis back to Black Sea.
China troops, with U. S. bombers, driving Jap’s out of China.
Stanley’s family at Anchorage. Railroad agent went fishing.
August 29, 1943 Sunday, light rain, 52
above. Pricing and opening up new Pyrex Ware. Eva and
kids, with Stanley, at Anchorage, fixing up house for winter
use. RAF and U. S. shot down 30% of German bombers and lost
57. Reds crushing Germans, tank and airplanes. Jap’s
heavily bombed in China, Burma and Solomon war zones.
August 30, 1943 Showers, 48 to 62 above.
Oiled gear on store awning. Sent another order to Black
Bear. 191 Jap planes down, we lost 14. Three million
Jews in Europe calling for help. Reds killed 5,000 Germans
and took back 150 towns. Ma got a cold.
August 31, 1943 A-1 day, 48 to 66 above.
August sales profit, over expenses. Woods full
of cranberry pickers, selling at 20¢ a pound. Hand
cut grass around sidewalks. Allies lost 28 panes over Germany.
Allies lost 15 planes over Italy. Thirty seven Jap planes shot
down and barges. Rioting in Denmark vs. German control.
Reds captured more villages. Rae Farrell __________________.
September 1, 1943 A-1 day, 44 to 58 above.
Lawrence Fleck moved his furniture from Gus’ house and quit
his wife. Berlin bombed 600 planes down, allies lost 100.
Italy and France bombed by Allies. Pope on air, appealed
to all nations for peace. Reds killed 35,000 and captured
5,000 Germans Denmark resisting Hitler.
September 2, 1943 A-1 day, 44 to 60 above.
Evening, Stanley and family home from Anchorage. Ally
and Canadian troops landed on Mainland of Italy and bombed railway
and factories, 6,000 taken. Jap’s left all kind of war
material on Kiska Island. Reds killed 2,400 Nazis and took
2,700 prisoners today.
September 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60
above. Cleaned up warehouse aft store account 5 tons
merchandise due. Stanley and Sharon drove out to New Bullion
Mine on Craigie Creek. Allies advancing on mainland of Italy,
across channel from Sicily. Reds liberated fifty more towns
and killed many Germans Jap’s have lost 1/3 of their boats
and over 1,000 airplanes. Picture show at Hall.
September 4, 1943 Rain all day, 50 above.
Stanley made round trip to Anchorage with Ellen, brought back
¾ bed. Air full of lead by duck hunters. Allies
advanced 12 miles in Italy and took 3 airdromes with no resistance
by Dagos. Berlin bombed, we lost 22 planes, Jap’s lost 15
barges. Reds took 3 Nazi bases and killed 17,200 on 600 mile
German war front.
September 5, 1943 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50
above. Stanley and family moved to Fleck house at Anchorage
for winter, Ma went along for week vacation at Anchorage. Pulled
store pump out, put on screen. Allies 40 miles inland in
Italy, took 2,000 Italians, paralyzed railroads. Reds took
250 towns. RAF bombed Germans
September 6, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain
48 to 50 above. Ma at Anchorage with Stanley and family.
Store closed all day. Overhauled pump in new house and
cleaned 4 panels on ceiling in living room.
September 7, 1943 Heavy rain all day, 42 above.
School opened, 1/3 siwashes? Self busy, all day, in store.
Ma left Anchorage, home 8 PM. Slide on railroad and 12
mile canyon road washed out, 2nd time. Allies and Reds
advancing in all war zones. 400,000 Germans killed and one
million wounded since July. Lye, Jap’s big base, New Guinea
surrendered by U. S. and Australia troops. No work on railroad
Section today, rain.
September 8, 1943 Still raining, 46 to 50 above.
Italians surrendered to Allies, laid down arms and turned over
all Navy to Allies. Germans now fighting alone.
Reds drove Germans back another 12 miles. Jap’s cornered
in New Guinea district and supplies cut off, looks like 1943 would
end World War. Farmers getting $14 a crate for celery.
Farmers rained in on crop harvest, small grain.
September 9, 1943 Light rain, 48 to 54 above.
On office work, farmers rained out. All out of candy and
crackers, 10 tons merchandise in route somewhere? Allies landed
more troops in Italy. Germans resisting evacuation of Italy.
33 Axis planes down, we lost 6. RAF over France and Germany,
downed 15 Nazi planes and lot 10. Reds took key railroad junction
and 300 towns. U. S. subs sunk 6 more Jap boats.
September 10, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 50
to 60 above. Mrs. Isaac home for weeks vacation from Anchorage.
Germans 2nd summer drive on Reds now a failure and on retreat.
More Ally troops landed in Italy. Germans making a stand
to hold Italy from Ally invasion. Army picture show at Hall.
September 11, 1943 Weather cloudy, 48 to 52
above. Stanley and family home, PM. Stanley helped
with car freight spotted at our railroad track warehouse.
Allies still bombing Germans in Italy. Reds still driving Germans
south in Russia and killed 4,000. RAF losing planes over Germany.
Jap’s losing out in Solomon’s and New Guinea district.
September 12, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
48 to 50 above. Stanley and self, with Frank’s pickup, unloaded
10 tons new merchandise from set-out to store and warehouses.
Stanley and family returned to home at Anchorage. Allies
got all of Italy battle fleet. Reds driving Germans out of Russia.
U. S. took sea Jap drome and shot up other Jap airdromes in Solomon’s
and New Guinea.
September 13, 1943 AM rain, evening, clear,
42 to 54 above. Finished marking new merchandise.
Ma got cold in head. Autumn is here, birch turning to golden
and as yet no frost. Allies took Solomon Jap Post and sunk two
cargo vessels and 30 Jap barges. Reds captured another rail
center. Germans in Italy putting up stiff fight vs. Allies.
September 14, 1943 Partly cloudy, 32 to 60
above. Nearly a frost last night. Birch trees all
golden color. Hitler’s 2nd summer drive vs. Reds reported
400 to 1,000 killed and 1½ million wounded. Germans
have only one railroad left. 80 units Italian fleet turned
over to Allies. Germany heavy counterattack vs. Allies in Italy.
One American sub lost. RAF sunk 10 German boats. Solomon’s
taken from Jap’s.
September 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, 46 to 54
above. Independence Mine hauling oil from Wasilla tanks
to mine. Carbray, Seattle hardware company, Alaska Department,
visited. Germans putting all they have to stop Allies driving
them out of Italy. Reds took last railway junction from Germans
and downed 93 planes. Jap’s about all in, in New Guinea and
Solomon war zone.
September 16, 1943 Light rain, 44 to 54 above.
Joe Brassel in for winter order of grub, etc. Got out
Seattle mail. Heavy fighting in Italy, Allies vs. Germans
Reds knocking the tar out of Hitler’s summer drive in Russia.
Jap’s lost 48 planes in New Guinea. Farmers waiting on rain
account digging spuds. Autumn glorious.
September 17, 1943 Weather cloudy, PM 44 to
54 above. Joe Brassel and Peter Johnson went to Anchorage.
No mail south today. Wild cranberry picking now in order.
Two Allied Armies met and drove Germans back in Italy. Reds
took last railway center held by Germans for 2 years. Usual
Army show at Hall tonight. Bought two $100 Victory Bonds for
Buddy and sister.
September 18, 1943 Rain, 42 to 54 above.
Received candy and crackers on PM freight. 8 PM, Eva,
Buddy and Stanley arrived from their Anchorage home. Priced
up candy and crackers, 800 pounds. Allies advancing in
Italy and Reds in South Russia vs. Germans RAF still bombing
Berlin. Allies cleaning up on Jap’s in New Guinea.
Farmers digging spuds with high school kids.
September 19, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
44 to 58 above. New snow on Bald Mt. peaks. High
School off for a week to help farmers dig spuds. Reds took
1,200 towns and drove Axis south. Allies put Germans on run
in Italy and Jap’s in New Guinea. PM Stanley and family returned
to Anchorage house. Evening, finished cleaning ceiling in new
house.
September 20, 1943 A-1 day, 42 to 52 above.
Raked up loose grass around building Sent in Victory estimated
1943 tax report, under $3,500, no tax to pay. Allies 12 miles
from Naples held by Germans A portion of Italy Army now fighting
with Allies vs. Germans Autumn here a week early.
September 21, 1943 Light rain, 48 to 52 above.
Snow gone on Bald Mt. today. Joe Brassel back from trip
to Anchorage. Logan Stipp, engineer on railroad, and party
visited on way to Sunny Knik. Churchill said Allies were
ready to invade Western Europe. Both French and Italians
helping Allies to drive Germans out of Italy. Metz selling his
crop of spuds.
September 22, 1943 First fall day, mist, 46
above. Birch shedding leaves, autumn here one week early,
slight frost. Big drive on for 13 billion dollars, 3rd Bond
loan to Government. Four Jap bases bombed, several boats
sunk, cost 4 American planes. Allies bombing Germans in Italy,
no losses. Reds pushed Germans back to beginning along 800
mile battle front.
September 23, 1943 Heavy rain, PM, 32 to 52
above, frost last night. Shorty home after operation on
stomach. Joe Brassel left with winter grub for trap line
on Willow Creek. Germans still holding Naples and Rome in
Italy. Red advance today, killed 8,000 Germans RAF blasted
German and French railroad and factories. Forty Jap bases
bombed, freighter sunk, score, 6,800 Jap’s dead today.
September 24, 1943 Weather cloudy, cooler,
40 to 46 above. Farmers having a heck of a time digging
spuds in the rain. Evening, Army picture show on at Hall.
Gerrit Snider woman families spending day on old fox ranch.
September 25, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain, 32
to 42 above. Evening, raining. Al Dodson visited to
find out location of coal between summer and winter road to Willow
Creek. Buddy and sister arrived 2 PM freight for weekend
in Wasilla. 7 PM, Stanley and Eva arrived from Anchorage by
auto car.
September 26, 1943 Sunday, evening rain,
42 to 48 above. Busy day, cleaned store furnace and pipe
and Stanley installed electric lamp in basement. Stanley
and family, with Ma, returned to Anchorage home.
September 27, 1943 More rain, 42 above.
Ma at Anchorage at Stanley’s house. Self busy in store
all day and evening. Repainted kitchen floor and water tank.
Still heavy fighting in Italy, Nazis vs. Allies. Jap’s trying
to bomb our air fields at ken from them in Solomon district but without
success. Fishhook Pass closed.
September 28, 1943 More rain, 42 to 46 above.
Many patches of spuds rained in. Snow down to timberline
on mountain. Ma home at 7 PM, left Anchorage 2 PM had
a hot box at Matanuska. Sumner Wells quit Undersecretary
job at D. C.
September 29, 1943 Rain, AM, 42 to 50 above.
Got out order for drugs and Christmas goods and birthday,
kids presents. Cars coming from Fairbanks over new Matanuska
Highway. William Senske in Palmer Hospital. Allies
closing in on Naples, Italy. Reds retreated from German heavy
drive. Seven Jap ships and 20 barges sunk and 58 Jap planes
down.
September 30, 1943 Weather cloudy, 42 to 46
above. Got out merchandise orders. Allies captured
13 air fields in Italy from Germans Allies dropped 140 tons
bombs on Jap’s in New Guinea district. Reds now crossing
Dnieper River. Coal and oil short in eastern states.
Matanuska Co-op farmers can now get title to farms.
October 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, 42 to 50 above.
Allies captured Naples, Italy, held by Germans They destroyed
lots of property and sunk boats in harbor then evacuated.
All belligerents now helping to crush Hitler. Reds still
driving Nazis out of Russia across the Dnieper River. Picture
show at Hall. Jap’s putting up some aerial fight but losing airdromes
established in islands in Far East.
October 2, 1943 A-1 day, 46 to 56 above.
Engineer on railroad and family rented the Mabel cabin.
Made out S and W grocery order. Stanley, Eva, Paddy and Buddy
up from Anchorage home evening. Allies trying to drive Germans
out of Italy and get Pope out of prison. Reds still driving
Germans south. Another Jap airdrome taken.
October 3, 1943 Sunday, second A-1 day,
42 to 58 above. Baldy white to timberline. Put up
heat flap over balcony stairs. Carl (1917) Tweeden back
on his homestead on Wasilla Lake after 20 years outside.
Ma had a chicken dinner for son and family, they returned to Anchorage.
Germans still holding on in Italy. China hit the Jap’s in
Indochina.
October 4, 1943 A-1 day, 42 to 64 above.
Finished closing up air holes in balcony fly. Sent orders
for more crackers and candy.
October 5, 1943 Weather cloudy, 1st wind, 48
to 50 above. Leaves all off birch trees and gone into
winter sleep. Ham and bacon arrived. Dan Gray in for
mail and grub, Mabel. Germans still fighting the Reds and
now about drove out of Russia. RAF dropped 500 tons bombs on
Rhine and German industries and lost 12 planes. Chinks drove
Jap’s back in Indochina. Sold one outfit. Jap’s lost
40 barges and many soldiers on retreat from new Guinea district.
October 6, 1943 Light rain, 50 above.
Got cord birch for furnace. Got invoices of hardware but
no freight. Allies advancing vs. Germans in Italy.
RAF lost 6 planes over Germany. Heavy rains halted Red drive
vs. Germans, now waiting for winter.
October 7, 1943 Weather cloudy, 52 to 56 above.
Snow half gone on mountains. Thorpe family in from Grubstake.
Reds and Dnieper River in 3 places with heavy losses to Germans
Allies slowly taking aviation fields from Germans in Italy and
Allies taking airports from Jap’s in New Guinea. Chinks
halted 2nd Jap drive in Indochina.
October 8, 1943 Partly cloudy, 42 to 52 above.
Had 1st ptarmigan dinner, donated by Mrs. Thorpe. Usual
Friday night picture show, by Army, on at Hall. Hardware,
meats and clothing here, laying in at Seward. U. S. and Jap’s
had a Navy battle, Jap’s lost 3 cruisers and 15 planes per day vs.
2 of our planes. Germany bombing England. Reported Milo
Kelly dead. Reds downed 87 German bombers. RAF bombing
German industries but losing many planes.
October 9, 1943 Weather cloudy, 48 to 54 above.
Sears hauled hoist out from Goose Bay dock for Cad. Lynch,
from Independence Mine, in and repaired galvanized roof on mine
oil tanks. RAF shot down 142 Nazi bombers and lost 86 in raid
over Germany.
October 10, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
showers, 42 to 54 above. Received box cigars account wedding
anniversary. One more year to go for Golden Wedding.
Freight arrived. Stanley and family, with Isaac, returned
to Anchorage 2 PM. RAF downed 232 Nazi planes over Poland.
World Series ball game on, also football.
October 11, 1943 Weather cloudy, cooler, 42
above. Priced clothing, hardware and fruit, part of B/L
and invoices missing. Put on storm windows and plastic in
cracks on roofs. Refilled furnace coal bin with birch wood.
Fred Nelson took school janitor job at Seward at $2,500 a year.
Slow advances vs. Nazis in Italy. Reds pushing back Germans in
and out of Russia. Jap’s lost another airdrome and retreating
out of Solomon Island district.
October 12, 1943 Partly cloudy, evening
rain, 42 above. Opened up and priced 10 kegs nails.
Was out of commission, wire nails since April. Shorty rigged
up gas saw to saw stove wood. Treaty with Portugal to use
the Azore Island by Allies for sea base during war.
October 13, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 32
to 42 above. Received invoices overdue. Priced up
balance of hardware except Brownie dishes. Allies Rabaul
New Guinea and sunk 3 Jap boats. Allies bogged down in Italy
account rain. Italy declared war vs. Germans after 3 years
with Nazis, went over to Allies. Reds still driving Germans
back home.
October 14, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 38
to 42 above. Got out Settle mail. William Senske
home with chest trouble. Farmers making final cleanup on
spuds and grain. Allies now got control of the Solomon Island
district after taking Rabaul. Reds driving Germans home.
RAF bombed German ball bearing factory. Slow offense in Italy
because of rain.
October 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 46
to 50 above. Ma dolled up to go to Anchorage but no train,
in the ditch North end. Still pricing up hardware. Evening,
usual picture show at Town Hall. Reds drove Nazis out of Crimea
district. Ten Jap planes over Attu Island, no harm done.
October 16, 1943 Weather cloudy, 42 to 48 above.
Marked and put away pipe fittings. Hard working Smith
passed out at Palmer and K. T. Co. out $200. Evening, Stanley,
Eva and Bud up from Anchorage. Ma still dressed up but going
nowhere. Allies moving forward, now 1-- miles from Rome.
One American aviator downed by Nazi planes. Reds broke up counterattack
and sunk 10,000 ton Nazi ship. Jap losing at all island airdromes.
October 17, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
cool, 30 to 40 above. AM, opened up Brownie china ware
and 3 sets dishes. Snow back to mountain peaks. PM,
Ma went to Anchorage with Stanley and family. One hour raid
on London. Germans trying to hold Crimea. Joe Palmer home,
was 3 months with ARC. Jap’s lost 103 planes vs. 2 of our planes.
October 18, 1943 Partly cloudy 40 to 50 above.
Elmer’s birthday, would be 48. Ma at Anchorage having
eyes tested. Evening oiled kitchen clock Many Jap
planes shot down today. Reds advancing, Allies up against
stiff resistance in Italy. Germans bombing London. Wendell
Wilkie’s hat in ring for President. Sales tax pending.
Offered school lots $125. Out of eggs.
October 19, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 above.
Matanuska Electric Association manager, Maugh, here; agreed
to cut in electric lights in Mabel cabin; renter to pay when
occupied only. Train late, arrived 10 PM Ma failed
to return from Anchorage. Fourth bombing in London.
460 Jap boats sunk by U. S. submarines to date.
October 20, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 above all
day. Mrs. George Small brought Mrs. Ellexson out form Knik
to trade. Had small trade all day. Two freight trains
collided near Kern Creek. Ma still at Stanley’s house at
Anchorage. Reds got Germans on retreat. Allies vs. Resistance
in Italy. Jap’s still losing in Far East. More bombs
on England, not much damage. RAF still bombing German industries
and Berlin.
October 21, 1943 A-1 day, frost, 16 to
38 above. Ma still at Anchorage with Stanley.
Evening, got out-mail. Allies moving slow in Italy vs. Germans
Greeks now fighting Germans RAF still bombing German airplanes
and ball bearing factories. Ally powers meeting in Moscow.
Spuds down to $4.65 a hundred weight.
October 22, 1943 Weather cloudy, 20 to 40 above.
Section soldiers down, evening, to see Army picture show and
trade. Ma home 5 PM and Floyd Smith came from Anchorage in
Stanley’s car. Jap’s stopping chinks from taking Burma Road.
Allies report 22 Jap planes down. Jap’s report 164 Allies down
vs. 49 Jap planes. Yugoslavs took 4 towns from Germans.
Ray Farrell’s wife back at cocktail cabin.
October 23, 1943 A-1 day, 28 to 38 above.
Frank Smith and father returned to Anchorage. Frank Smith
had teeth overhauled. Ma in washtub AM. Admiral Eyck
on duck hunting trip, visited.
October 24, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
cooler, 18 to 36 above. PM, put up fly over west end of
balcony to save heat. Reds got Nazis on retreat across Dnieper
River and many rail centers taken. Yugoslavs captured 2nd
largest ironworks from Nazis. Slow advances by Allies in Italy.
Nazis invading Italian stores and banks. Jap’s retreating
in New Guinea and Solomon’s.
October 25, 1943 PM sleet storm, 36 to 38 above.
Delayed meats and groceries arrived. First cheese in
six months. Mile 12 Canyon Road closed account washout.
Train loads of lumber, coal and oil going north for Army at Fairbanks?
Twenty three Jap planes down today and over 700 in past few weeks.
Allies advancing slow in Italy. Reds took steel town.
Jacky Betts family back to the Snider home. Half of the soldiers
through on section work. Eggs cut off of order.
October 26, 1943 Showers,
34 to 40 above. Priced up new merchandise. PM, mowed
lawn at new house. Made fire in Mabel house heater.
Pulled carrots, put wood in store basement. Mail arrived.
Allies advancing slow, now 90 miles from Rome. Reds got 100,000
German troops trapped in White Russia district. Four Nazi subs
sunk in English Channel. Dan Gray in for mail and grub.
Jap’s lost 500 planes last week. Snow down to timberline, 14”
at Mabel.
October 27, 1943 First snow, gone by noon,
36 above, freezing nights, snow down to brush line again on
mountains Got bills for ton of groceries in route.
Germans now fighting 3 war fronts, Russia, Greece and Italy.
RAF knocking tar out of German industries. Jap’s losing
airfields. Reds killed 4,000 Nazis in Crimea war district.
Jack Fabyan home, made $5,000 at Army Post, now broke.
October 28, 1943 Weather colder, 20 to 32 above.
Trappers leaving for hunting grounds. Got out Seattle
mail. Sexton home, building addition to house. Reds
killed 10,000 more Germans and driving them south. Jap’s
got a big dose of bomb pills today. Slow progress in Italy
by Allies vs. Germans Eggs cut off last 2 orders, hens on a
strike in valley.
October 29, 1943 Weather cold, 10 to 22 above.
Mail went south. Admiral Eyck and wife over from Palmer
to trade. Evening, Section soldiers, from Willow, Houston
and Pittman down to see Army picture show at Town Hall. U.
S. subs sunk 10 more Jap boats. Germans cracked up all along
Crimea line vs. the Russian.
October 30, 1943 Weather colder, 16 to 26 above
all day. Ma busy cooking for her birthday. Kids up
from Anchorage for over Sunday, Grandma’s birthday. Cannon
house on ranch burned down by Indian occupants. Germans preparing
to destroy Rome if Allies attack them. Allies still 80 miles from
Rome.
October 31, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
20 to 28 above. Ma gave chicken dinner for all the Herning’s
account her 74th birthday. PM received 2nd cord birch wood.
Cleaned and oiled store floor.
November 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Ton and a half of groceries arrived. Self hand truck
over 1,000 pounds perishables as no truck available. Evening,
made out Pyrex and Brownie dish order.
November 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 26
to 32 above. Natives on a fighting drunk. Sexton
hauled one ton groceries from freight shed. Betts Bros.
brought us a tank of Pearl oil from Anchorage. Government
took over coal mines account strike for more wages. Allies
took 2 towns in Italy from Nazis with heavy losses.
November 3, 1943 First snow, 1”, 30 above.
All day, opening up and pricing cookies and crackers.
Wasilla white, first snow in valley. Heavy earthquake, 5:30
AM, for two minutes. Rabaul in New Guinea bombed, 67 Jap
planes down, we lost 7 planes, 7 Jap ships sunk. Jap’s short
of rice and manpower, drafting 15 year old boys. Nazis retreated
500 miles in Russia. King of Italy asked to abdicate.
November 4, 1943 Weather cloudy, 20 to 32 above.
Monkey see, monkey do. Japan visited assembly of 6 Asia
powers to set plans for future greater Asia and to free Asia
from Anglo-American yoke.
November 5, 1943 Weather cloudy, 18 to 26 above.
Had Shorty and Metz saw up $25 radio pole for stove wood, wood
now costs $17 a cord. No coal available, Army and railroad
using it all. Reds within 60 miles of Polish border and got
control of Dnieper River district. Allies advancing slow vs.
Nazis in Italy. A new B-29 U. S. bomber out. Four Jap
cruisers and 100 planes destroyed in Bougainville war zone. Half
million coal mines back to work. Evening cooler.
November 6, 1943 Partly cloudy, 4 below zero
to 20 above. Floyd Smith trying to get materials to build
garage on ranch. Windy evening, busy with fires, wood and
coal. Reds got control of Russia 3rd largest city held by
Hitler for 2 years. Streets filled with Nazi dead soldiers.
Nazi lines being pushed back by Allies in Italy. RAF still
bombing German industries, London also bombed.
November 7, 1943 Sunday, weather windy,
32 to 36 above, big wind all day. Stanley and Eva up from
Anchorage at noon and returned 4 PM. Gas short in Anchorage.
Marines landed on Bougainville , Solomon Island. Jap escort
and cruisers shot down. Germans lost heavy on retreat from
Reds out of Crimea district. Nazis drove back 10 miles several
towns captured. Big brush fire near Los Angeles.
November 8, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy 32 to
38 above. PM, good farmer trade. Floyd Smith after
pipe for water system. Late fight vs. the Jap’s, we lost
42 planes vs. 233 Jap’s down. Allies 70 miles from Rome.
Nazis got Rome mind to blow up city if Allies take it over, so reported.
Big snow in Minnesota. Reds on the March, Nazis on the run.
Chinks killed 3,000 Jap’s today.
November 9, 1943 A-1 spring day, 32 to 38 above.
Late snow all gone in valley. Received 4 invoices, 21
cases eggs coming. Reds killed 15,000 Germans and captured
7,000 more. Allies bombing Nazi quarters in Italy.
Jap’s lost 62 planes, 4 cruisers and 6 barges vs. 6 Allie planes.
FDR on the air. 42 Allied nations met in Washington, D. C.
on future peace conference after war.
November 10, 1943 Weather cloudy, 22 to 32
above. Busy figuring prices on 1,000 new merchandise in
route. Victor McNeil, TB, in Juneau, wants to sell 80 acre
farm at mile 1 Willow Road for $1,000. Shorty busy with gas
saw on stove wood. Mrs. Slumberger up from Anchorage for weekend
with Jackie.
November 11, 1943 Warm wind, 38 above.
Busy in office paying merchandise bills. Sold out on candy,
apples and coffee, those goods laying at Seward. Navy and
air bomb battle on vs. Jap’s in Solomon Island war zone. German
blackout, no radio account RAF invasion with 1,000 airplanes.
Snow in Italy, no advances by Allies today. Reds still knocking
the ‘ell out of Germany.
November 12, 1943 Spring day, 28 to 38 above.
Betts back from trip over new Matanuska auto road to Inside.
Animal picture show for school kids in school auditorium. Fuel
short in Wasilla.
November 13, 1943 Sprinkle of snow, 22 to 30
above. Wasilla white again, 2nd snow. Freight failed
to arrive from Seward. Farmers asking $1 a pound for chickens
and $1.25 a dozen for eggs, but few eggs. Storm delayed war
in Italy. RAF bombed France and Germany. Reds took last
railway junction from Nazis.
November 14, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
above all day. First truck load of coal came to town.
Stanley’s family up from Anchorage, 1 PM, and returned 4 PM
to Anchorage. Lone German plane bombed a suburban dance
hall in London and killed many. Berlin bombed by RAF mosquito
fleet and Italy railroad bombed. Jap’s bombed in Burma, New
Guinea and Hong Kong district in China. One U. S. plane lost.
November 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, 32 above
all day. Moose season now open. Ordered a car of
Healy lump coal. Jap’s get ting bombed at Rabaul.
Reds 25 miles from Poland. Slow advances in Italy by Allies.
Railroad bombed in Bulgaria.
November 16, 1943 A-1, frosty, day, 30 to 36
above. Sprinkle of snow last night and all trees white
with frost. Big gang of moose hunters here for lunches.
PM train but no freight. Burma about blasted out, 2/3 Jap’s
ships burned in harbor. RAF bombed Nazis in Norway ports.
Dahl Smith, trapper, here for Matanuska district. Allies moving
slow in Italy account storms.
November 17, 1943 AM, light
snow, 32 above. Moose hunters everywhere. Swept snow
off walks. PM sunny. Storms in Italy halted war.
Reds had to retreat vs. heavy Nazi counterattack in one section
today. Rabaul taken from Jap’s.
November 18, 1943 Weather cloudy, 30 to 40
above. Moose weather, one reported killed. Allies
bogged down in Italy. RAF made 3rd bombing on Nazis in Norway
and German chemical works. Reds killed 4,000 Germans
Chinks holding Jap’s in so. China drive with the aide of our planes.
November 19, 1943 Blizzard, AM, 32 above, 2”
wet snow, windy. PM shoveled off walks. Three valley
farmers, out after moose, came in soaking wet. No freight.
All out of candy, apples, eggs, bacon. Berlin heavy bombed,
32 failed to return. Jap’s lost 15 planes and 90,000 tons supplies
sunk today. Reds dropped parachutes behind Nazi lines on Dneiper
and killed 2,000 Nazis. Wool released for consumers.
Slide on auto road.
November 20, 1943 Chinook, 40 above, rain.
Still no freight, been at Anchorage a week. Stanley not
coming home for weekend account bad auto roads. War production
up 5 to 10% October. New drive, by Chinks, with U. S. bomber
aide, halted Jap’s in China. RAF dropped 3,000 tons of 2
and 4 ton shells on Berlin. Allies advanced in Italy.
Gilbert and Marshal Island bombed by Allies. 42 nations to
pay 1% U. S. half billion war relief in Europe.
November 21, 1943 Sunday, Chinook, 36
to 40 all day. 1½ tons freight arrived last night.
Betts Bros. hauled it to store PM, case bacon lost in transit.
No candy or fruit but eggs aplenty, 90¢ a dozen. Got
Sexton’s last cord birch wood. Evening, all global war
from the air except Russia. KFQD dedicated their new 1,000
watt transmitter. Jap’s on the defense, losing boats and planes
daily. Ma did wash with midget electric washer.
November 22, 1943 Partly cloudy, 36 above all
day. Self busy checking and pricing up new merchandise.
Finished OPA report on new merchandise got this fall. U.
S. took Gilbert Island from Jap’s. Chinks hand to hand fighting
Jap’s in Chunking district and bombers sunk a lot of Jap riverboats.
U. S. reports 142 million dead and wounded since Word War II.
Billy Tryck discharged from war duty.
November 23, 1943 Business good, sales
over $250. Temperature 36 above. Busy all PM, sold
3 orders. Still checking and pricing new merchandise.
War maneuvers in Italy bogged down account storms, rivers over banks.
Reds lost some ground from Nazi big drive, trying to hold on.
Chinks captured some Jap’s in Chunking area. Burma heavy bombed.
Berlin suffered another heavy bombing Island Jane Cad had a
baby girl last night at Anchorage.
November 24, 1943 Heavy rain all day, 36 to
42 above. Auto roads all ice, no train. Ma and schoolmarms
all dolled up to go to Anchorage. 2 PM train 12 hours
late. U. S. now got control of Jap Gilbert Islands.
Next jump to Tokyo? Berlin burning after RAF dropped 2,300
tons of bombs. Allies planning post war bank. Reds meeting
Nazi drove. Slow war in Italy account rain. Local roads
all ice.
November 25, 1943 Turkey day, spring day, 38
to 44 above. Ma and 2 schoolmarms got away, 4:30 AM, for
Anchorage. Ma took a four pound chicken for her turkey dinner
at Stanley’s house. Floyd Smith bought our 1921 Olds touring
car to run his wood saw. 72 Jap planes down vs. 4 of our planes
in Gilbert Island fight.
November 26, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 38
to 40 above. Ma didn’t arrive at Anchorage until 9:30 with
her chicken and 2 chicken school teachers. Ice all rained off on
auto roads. RAF knocked down 600 Nazi planes in September and
October. Army advanced some toward Rome. Jap’s lost 2,953
planes vs. 344 of ours. Matanuska Valley bare again after 3
days Chinook. Baby Snorks had her tonsils out over radio.
November 27, 1943 Spring day, 40 above all
day. Snow on mountains half gone. Ma at Stanley’s
house at Anchorage for weekend and turkey. Self busy in
store and pricing Christmas goods. Berlin got 5th night raid
by RAF bombers, 1/3 of city on fire, heavy losses. Bombing all
over Jap island airdromes. Jap’s and Germans trying to force
women into Army work account short of manpower. Reds killed
many Nazis. Palmer under quarantine.
November 28, 1943 Sunday, temperature
38 above all day, 9th day above freezing weather. Ma and
kids failed to come home from Anchorage, too much turkey?
Finished pricing up drugs and Christmas goods. 14,000
tons of bombs dropped on Berlin since January 1st, city in ruins.
Chinks killed 4,000 Jap’s. Reds took 175 more towns held by
Nazis. Jap’s killed a lot of our Marines but were defeated.
November 29, 1943 Tenth spring day, 32 to 38
above. Rush in store 10 AM to 1:30 PM. Fires all
out and no lunch. Floyd Smith drove to Anchorage.
Ma still doing Anchorage. 200,000 people left Berlin account
raids. Bremen heavily bombed. Allies made some advances
in Italy. Reds killed 900 Germans and sunk 10,000 ton boat.
Islands held by Jap’s heavily bombed. Post War Council
wants 2½ billion for
reconstruction.
November 30, 1943 Business good, sales
$100 a day for the past 7 days. Warm spell about over,
28 above. Self busy in store. Got 1st truck load of
Buffalo coal. Ma arrived 6 PM from Anchorage with Floyd Smith’s
pickup. 8th Army took 4 Nazi held towns in Italy.
Chinks captured Jap war supplies. Reds took 5 towns from Nazis
today. Tons of bombs dropped on Jap held airdromes.
Hellhawk shot down 102 Jap planes past few weeks.
December 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 32
above all day, Ma busy washing and scrubbing. Bad news
from Japan war zone. 1,097 Marines and soldiers killed
in battle and over 1,000 wounded vs. over 6,000 Jap’s killed.
Our Army won out. U. S. President, China and Winston Churchill
held 5 day war conference at Cairo, North Africa about aggressors
and liberating small nations.
December 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, colder 28
above all day. Three powers in North Africa conference
made plans to release all small nations in Asia from Jap rule,
including Manchuria and Korea, leaving Japan only her home island.
8th Army on retreat. Reds stood off Nazi drive and killed
1,500 Germans Chinks routed Jap’s. Churchill and Roosevelt
now in conference with Stalin somewhere in Europe regarding finish
of war.
December 3, 1943 Weather colder, 16 to 20 above.
Roosevelt, Chamberlin and Stalin in conference on war in Europe
after 3 power meet in North Africa. Berlin still being
bombed. RAF lost 41 planes in raid today. Allies bombed
railway centers and sunk 5 enemy war ships in Italy. Reds
driving Nazis back in all sectors.
December 4, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 28
to 32 above. All out of onions, oranges, apples and candy.
Candy from Anchorage went to Fairbanks. Berlin heaviest bombed
city, all in ruins. 1,200 Norway students jailed by Nazis
for demo, 8th Army advancing and 5th Army took many Germans
in Italy. Red Army took 40 more towns. Chinks knocking
the ‘ell out of Jap invaders.
December 5, 1943 Sunday, rain last night,
34 to 40 above. Ma had chicken dinner but owing to rain
and bad roads, kids failed to drive up from Anchorage. Paddy
and partner out on trap line on Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, mile 8.
Stalin back to Moscow from Iran conference with Roosevelt and Churchill.
Australian troop vs. Jap’s in New Guinea. Jap’s bombed U. S.
airports, 3 killed on Gilbert Island. Ally armies advanced toward
Rome. Midnight temperature 40 above.
December 6, 1943 Weather cloudy, 32 to 40 above.
Stanley 39 years old. Evening, sprinkle of snow.
Auto road to Anchorage in bad shape. Candy and meats, ordered
in October, arrived. Roosevelt and Churchill back to North
Africa after 4 day conference with Stalin at Iran account future
war.
December 7, 1943 A-1 day, 32 to 38 above.
No mail train. Chas Marino visited. Joe Palmer and
dog left for Caswell trap line. Harry Sears building $1,000
hot house on ranch at Fairview.
December 8, 1943 Sprinkle of snow, 24 to 38
above. Rejected 1 keg butter covered with acid in transit.
72 Jap planes down and 10 boats including 2 cruisers in Marshal
Island district and 195 tons of bombs dropped in New Guinea Jap district.
18 Jap’s down at Burma, we lost 12 planes. 20% of German industries
destroyed.
December 9, 1943 Business good on hardware.
Weather cloudy, 36 above all day, evening, sprinkle of snow,
Wasilla white again. Billy Tryck drove to Anchorage account
back trouble and took Stanley’s mail. Post war reconstruction
big talk by the 4 leading allied nations. Allies gained all
high points leading to Rome. Chunking liberated from Jap’s by
aid of U. S. bombers, 10,000 Jap’s killed.
December 10, 1943 Temperature 30 above, 4”
snow. Cleaned snow off 200’ sidewalks. Mail south
1 day late. President Roosevelt flew from Cairo to Malta
Island. Bids out for 1,500 tons of ice from Lake Wasilla.
Marshal island and New Guinea bombed by Allies. Reds took
last of 4 railroad hubs in Dneiper. London bombed by Nazis,
lost 4 planes.
December 11, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
to 36 above. Joe Palmer back from Caswell, gave up trap
line, too old for job. Frank Watson, old time rancher,
buried at Palmer, was mining partner of Sam Kelly. 103 planes
and 136 Nazi tanks destroyed by Reds today. RAF downed 138
German planes and lost 37 in fight over Germany. Five German subs
sunk in North Atlantic. Outside radio good. Wilkie on
peace program.
December 12, 1943 Sunday, Chinook, 36
to 42 above, new snow about gone. Mrs. Jackson back from
weekend, brought papers and magazines from Stanley’s. Allies
bombing all Nazi war zones. Slow advance in Italy.
U. S. battleship bombed Jap island air base. Biggest battle of
year in Dneiper River district. Germans trying to hold district,
many killed. Chinks got Jap’s drove out of rice crop district.
December 13, 1943 Temperature 42 above, rained
all last night. New snow all gone in valley. President
Roosevelt visited Sicily on way home from conference with Stalin
and Churchill. N. W. Germany bombed today. Allies lost
7 planes. Jap oil refinery bombed, also Marshal Island.
Jap’s retreated from raid on China rice fields with heavy losses.
President Roosevelt private secretary passed out, McIntire age 65.
Over a month of mild weather, 30 to 42 above, big savings on fuel.
December 14, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain at night,
30 above. November 1st fruit arrived, 10 cases, no Tryck,
had to neck over 1,065 pounds from depot. Arthur
T. Rogers, Mattie’s brother, 76, passed out 12th at Everett, Mass.
Reds halted Nazi drive in south Russia. Slow war in Italy
account bad weather. China troops put Jap’s on retreat.
German cities 1/3 bombed out by RAF and U. S. bombers.
December 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, colder, 20
above. Electric light men wired Thorpe’s and Bixler houses.
Auto road from Palmer to Anchorage all iced up. Reds took
60 miles in Dnieper River bend from Nazis. U. S. bombers
destroyed 3 Jap air bases today. Allies driving ahead vs.
Nazis in Italy. Twenty five million dollars appropriated for
Spanish war vets, monthly pay raised $15, more at taxes.
December 16, 1943 Weather colder, 10 to 14
above. White again, snowed 6” last night. AM swept
off 200’ sidewalk. Nazis bombed large Ally convoy off
south coast of Italy, many killed. Reds doing good work
vs. Germans
December 17, 1943 Weather clearing and colder
8 to 14 above. Two more inches new snow last night.
Swept of 200’ sidewalk. President Roosevelt arrived home
from 3 power conference in Europe. Churchill somewhere
in North Africa. With attack of pneumonia. Stalin
back in Russia directing drive vs. Germans
December 18, 1943 Weather cloudy, cold zero
to 8 above. Mrs. Jackson, teacher, left for weekend with
new soldier husband at Anchorage. PM got 6 tons Buffalo coal,
half dirt, at $13.75 a ton, in bin. Paddy bought 3 tons for
mile 8 trap line cabin. Jap’s lost 11,000 vs. China 10,000
battle in rice fields, Jap’s then retreated to ocean base. Allies
pushing Nazis back to Rome. 250,000 Reds now in control of Dnieper
bend. Cows milk and meat rationed at Anchorage, also short on electric
energy.
December 19, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
22 to 26 above. Sold last 2 sets dinner china. Stanley and
family and Mrs. Isaac, mascot, up from Anchorage, home for dinner,
returned 3 PM. Reds drove Nazis back 18 miles and took
20,000 prisoners. Allies moving slowly on road to Rome.
Not much left of Berlin after three million pounds of bombs.
December 20, 1943 Business fair on Christmas
goods. Temperature 26 to 30 above. Jacob Metz got
a bad fall on icy walk, they took him to Palmer hospital.
Powder boat blew up at Oslo, Norway and killed thousands and
wrecked the town. Chinese aviators doing good work in driving
Jap’s out of China. Allies bombed German held railroad terminals
in Italy and shot down 59 Nazi planes.
December 21, 1943 Weather cloudy, 38 to 42
above, midnight rain, Chinook. Wasilla can’t stay white.
Small Christmas trade but no goods available. Candy and
fruit for Christmas trade still due. Allies heavy bombed all
war zones and lost 11 planes in Italy, 2 in China and 6 in New Guinea
district vs. over 100 Nazi planes. marines took Gilbert Island
in 17 hours, from Jap’s but lost heavy. Ma got a 14 pound turkey
from Anchorage, cost 90¢ a pound.
December 22, 1943 Rain turned to 4” snow.
Temperature 22 to 30 above. Cleaned snow off 200’ walks.
Received Outside mail, Christmas cards, but no sign of Christmas
candy and fruit orders. 30,000 Jap’s killed in China rice
bowl in December.
December 23, 1943 Weather cloudy, colder, 12
to 20 above. Got out-mail and bank deposits. School
closed for 3 days for Christmas. Evening, school program
at Town Hall. Allies on offense in all war zones from the
air. Roosevelt trying to stop railroad strike on January
1st. Leonard Grau, from Anchorage, visiting the Senske family.
Ma got pain in back stuffing 14 pound turkey.
December 24, 1943 Fog, colder, 6 above all
day. Ma busy cooking for Christmas dinner. Car Healy
coal arrived last night, was ordered in October. Stanley
and family arrived from Anchorage. Jacob Metz back from
Palmer hospital.
December 25, 1943 Sunday, temperature
30 above, windy. Had 14 pound turkey and all the Herning’s
home for dinner. Gave Buddy and Marie war bonds and other
$42 cash. Stanley got vertebrae’s out in back and in bad shape.
Jake Metz in bad shape from fall on ice. Now three million,
400 thousand soldiers in overseas war zones. Smalls
got two moose.
December 26, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 to 34 above. They took Metz back to Palmer hospital at
midnight. Stanley and Eva, with guests, returned to Anchorage
after lunch. Buddy and Marie staying with Grandma for school
vacation. Small took Ellexson back to Knik. Reds drive
25 miles into German lines. Allies took 2 hilltops on road
to Rome.
December 27, 1943 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34
above. Harry Sears unloading our 40 ton car of Healy
coal, was due October. Buddy and Marie now star boarders.
Marie helped Ma do the washing. Navy battle, British sunk
one German 25,000 ton battleships, have only 2 left. Reds freed
100 Russian towns held by the Nazis for 2 years and put 100,000 on
retreat. Marines took new Britain with no losses.
December 28, 1943 Weather cloudy, 30 to 36
above. Streets and roads all ice again. Sears finished
unloading 41 ton car coal; in bins now; got over 50 tons coal,
so let her blow. Our subs sunk 12 Jap boats, total of 536
in 2 years of war. U. S. troops advanced on 4 Jap islands.
Reds taken all but one railroad from Germans in south Russia.
Evening, usual bath. Eisenhower and Dolittle making ready
for final drive on Germany. Government took over railroad
account January 1st strike.
December 29, 1943 Spring weather, 30 to 32
above. Fog with sprinkle of snow PM. Ma nursing
a cold and cooking for Buddy and sister, in school here while
on vacation from Anchorage. Eighth heavy air raid on Berlin.
Germans lost 3 destroyers off coast of Spain. 19 Nazi planes
down, also 37 Jap planes. Railroad and steel strike off.
December 30, 1943 Weather colder, 22 to 26
above. Kids in school all week, leaving tomorrow with
Grandma for Anchorage. 3,000 Allied planes over Germany
and France, 30 bombers lost. 300,000 German soldiers on
retreat from 185 mile front in Russia today. Marines only
11 miles from goal in Rabaul. Shortage of fuel in New England
states. Meat ration improving.
December 31, 1943 Weather cloudy, colder, 16
to 22 above. Ma and kids returned, by train, to Anchorage.
Self got 1st cold from Ma, Buddy and Marie. Put up $70 order
for Culver, rancher at Knik. Oscar Gill and wife visited,
was on way to Knik. Allies making ready for second front
vs. Germany. Sold 2 lots by school house, $125. Self
busy in store, lunch at 2 PM, supper 8 PM.
1944
January 1, 1944 No business, closed for inventory.
Temperature 12 above. Still living in rooms aft of store.
Ma on weekend with Stanley and family living at Anchorage.
Finished back of 14 pound turkey with dressing and whipped cream
on plain cake. Germans all drove out of North Africa.
Reds 7 miles from Polish border with Nazis retreating. Stanley
promoted to checking materials at Army Post, Anchorage.
January 2, 1944 Sunday. Partly cloudy,
zero all day. Busy with fires. Ma at Anchorage.
10th air raid on Berlin, Allies lost 28 bombers. New Guinea
taken by Marines. Germans on retreat in Russia.
January 3, 1944 Weather colder. Busy
in store, sales over $100. George Small bought $75 grub
order. Lathrop in from Cottonwood for supplies. Tryck
moved Metz’s perishables to our basement. Jacob Metz, old
time rancher, died in Palmer hospital today. Evening, painted
kitchen floor. Ma in Anchorage with Stanley and family.
War about the same.
January 4, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 26 above.
No mail train on account Ma still at Anchorage. Late PM
freight brought Christmas candy, milk and motor oils, wheeled
over the candy on account no truck S and W groceries due
since October. 4,100 Nazi planes down in 1943. Reds
killed 4,000 Germans today.
January 5, 1944 Colder weather.
Put up 2 orders, no truck to haul milk and hardware from railroad
freight shed. Marines moved forward on New Britain.
Allies sunk 2 Jap cargo boats. Ma home on midnight mail train.
Outside radio good.
January 6, 1944 Weather windy, 34 above all
day. Sears hauled over truck load of groceries and hardware,
charged double price. Busy checking and pricing up new merchandise.
Judge Wilmoth sick and many got flu or colds. Jim Simpson
moved to Red’s trap line at Fish Lake. Cadwallader let bartender
go, no business for 2 weeks. Heavy fighting in New Britain.
600 Jap’s killed and 19 planes down.
January 7, 1944 Weather cloudy, 28 to 34 above.
No mail train south. Busy pricing up new merchandise.
Mrs. Gershmel back from hospital with 5½ pound baby girl.
Wilmoth down and out with general bad health. Allies forcing
war with heavy bombers. Red got Nazis about drove out of south
Russia. Chinks got Jap’s drove out of south China. Ma
got lame hip. Wasilla sent flowers for Metz funeral at Anchorage.
January 8, 1944 Rain for 12 hours, 36 to 40
above, roads all ice again. Mail south. Mrs.
Herbert Hoover, 68, passed out. Bombers over western Germany,
32 bombers down, RAF lost 17. U. S. subs sunk 10 more Jap
boats. Allies got rough going driving Germans out of mountain
tops near Rome. Reds got Dnieper River Bend and railroad centers
under control and captured Nazi supplies.
January 9, 1944 Sunday, partly cloudy, 34 above.
Snow all gone after 12 hour rain, roads all ice. PM fitted
long front grate into kitchen by hack sawing off 4 parts.
Al Dodson in town, also Leonard Grau from Anchorage after his
moose. Paddy in from trap line at mile 8 on Forty Mile Miller’s
homestead. Too busy for radio and war news. Ma got
lumbago in hip, self got sore feet, otherwise, OK.
January 10, 1944 Weather windy, evening rain.
Pricing up new merchandise. Al Dodson and Paddy moved
supplies to coal camp, once Thorpe Mine. Anchorage schools
closed on account measles. Allies making ready for 2nd front
vs. Germany by land invasion. No wash, Ma got lame hip.
Jensen broke. Boy blew in $1,000 bank account at Anchorage.
January 11, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 32
to 36 above. Still pricing new merchandise, out of coffee.
Mailed deed on account 2 lots sold to Department of Education at
Juneau, $125. President Roosevelt on air on account trip to
Europe on war and post war plans N. W. Germany bombed 98 industries
out of commission. Ma did washing with midget electric washer,
still got lame hip.
January 12, 1944 Weather cloudy, 36 above all
day. Self working on grocery inventory. Paddy in
from mile 8 trap line. 700 Ally planes over Germany, 100 Nazi
and 3 factories put out, allies lost 54 planes. Reds downed
100 Nazi planes in lower White Russia and freed 50 towns.
Allies now have 4 airfields in Solomon Island war district and bombing
Jap airdromes.
January 13, 1944 Partly cloudy, 28 to 34 above.
Mild weather still prevails, only 6” of ice on Lake Wasilla.
No bids offered on 1,500 tons railroad ice. Raid on 3 airplane
factories in Germany yesterday, we lost 54 bombers and Nazi lost
150. Several advances in Italy vs. the Nazis. Jap’s
crying for more planes. FDR wants 100 billion for 1944 war.
January 14, 1944 Weather colder, 8 to 16 above.
Delayed coffee and meats arrived, finished grocery inventory.
Cost 100 billion to operate 1943 war, FDR wants same for 1944.
Allies advancing in all war sectors. Doctor visited for
Wilmoth.
January 15, 1944 Weather colder, zero AM, 6
above noon, 22 above evening. Postmaster Wilmoth taken
to Palmer hospital for checkup. Natives here on usual drunk.
Land troops closing in on Burma. 31 Jap barges, with troops,
destroyed. Poland wants boundary line fixed. Berlin
bombed again today.
January 16, 1944 Sunday, sunny day, 8 to 18
above. Jacob Metz, old timer buried in Anchorage today
by IOOF. First ski party at Fishhook today. Tabulating
grocery inventory all PM Allies drove Germans out of all high peaks
above Rome. U. S. subs have sunk 396 Jap boats to date.
January 17, 1944 A-1 day, 18 to 30 above.
Metz and 4 others in cold storage on account no manpower to dig
graves at Anchorage. Agent Browne and wife on weeks vacation
at Anchorage. Allies on top of mountains ready for drive on
Germans in Rome. Quake in Argentina, killed 5,000, only 20
buildings left in town. Reds killed 100,000 Nazis and took
200 tanks. Germans on retreat in white Russia.
January 18, 1944 Weather windy, 30 to 36 above.
Finished tabulating grocery, tobacco and forage inventory.
Red Cross helping San Juan, Argentina quake. Mail train
6 hours late. Churchill back in London after 6 weeks in Africa
with pneumonia. FDR also had a cold in Africa. Government
turned railroads back to owners. Germans well fortified at
Cassino, Italy.
January 19, 1944 First real snow, 6” PM, 30
above, southeaster and still a coming. Tabulating 1943
merchandise, sales $15,369.10. Average sales, $51.23 per
day, 50% below normal. Reds advanced 19 miles, defeated
German divisions and took heavy artillery. Allies will have
to take Cassino before reaching Rome. Tons of bombs being dropped
on all Jap airdromes in New Guinea district.
January 20, 1944 A-1 day, 12 to 24 above.
Tabulating inventory for income tax report, due March 15th at
Tacoma. Germans shelled coast of England. Seven airdromes
bombed in Italy. Nazis using Armenian soldiers vs. Red Army,
500,000 killed to date.
January 21, 1944 PM, cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Ma left, on train, for weekend at Anchorage with Stanley and
family and pictures? Evening, completed 1943 inventory,
cost price $9,371.47, sell $13,532.36, inventory $935.89 less
than 1942 inventory. Reds killed 40,000 Germans past week.
Our subs sunk 12 more Jap boats and lost 2 bombers in air raids.
January 22, 1944 A-1 day, 30 to 36 above. Packing
pistol mamma at Anchorage. Evening, posted February in
ledger. Allies made landing on west coast of Italy, 30 miles
from Rome and out for Germans at Cassino and blasted 4 airdromes,
only 1 left. RAF lost 52 bombers out of 1,000 over Berlin
and towns in Germany today. Our bombers at Aleutians bombed Jap
airdrome.
January 23, 1944 Sunday, weather colder, 6”
more snow, 20 above. Graham, garager, over, bought $30
hardware. Cleaned off walks. Posted February and
March in ledger. Writer here for Knik history. Allies
advancing over west coast landing 30 miles from Rome, took 4 towns
from Germans Ma at Anchorage with Stanley and family.
January 24, 1944 Zero weather to 10 above.
Ma at Anchorage. Two lots of groceries at Seward for over
a week. Posted April in ledger. Hotcakes for supper
with peaches. Allies advanced 4 miles toward Rome.
Pope refuses to leave Rome, soon to be bombed unless Germans evacuate.
Jap’s lost 350 planes in past 30 days, we lost 79. RAF bombed
western Germany.
January 25, 1944 Business blew out on
account big wind, +20, school busses stuck in snow drifts.
No trains, Seward end blocked on account wind. Ma still
at Anchorage, wind-bound. Jap’s lost 43 planes at Rabaul,
we lost 5 planes. Allies advanced 12 miles from west coast
landing near Rome. Nazis declared curfew in Rome.
Posted May ledger. Reds took last railroad terminal from Nazis,
also big guns.
January 26, 1944 Business good light
snow all day, 18 above, no school, wind blocked roads.
PM, rotary snow plow opened snow drifts. on auto roads.
No train, Ma blocked with 19” snow at Anchorage. Allies ½
mile from Cassino. Germans entrenched above Cassino, to shoot
up allies when they enter city. Reds took last railroad held
by Germans 2 years.
January 27, 1944 PM, colder,
zero to 10 below zero. Railroad snow bound on Seward division.
Ma snow bound at Anchorage. Supper at 7 PM, meat loaf.
Three American soldiers escaped from Jap prison, reported over
3,000 died from starvation and ill treatment by Jap’s. Germans
trying to stop allies from Rome. No school, snow bound.
January 28, 1944 Weather cold, 28 below zero
all day, no school, busses froze up. No Alaska Railroad
trains either way. Busy with fires. Ma anchored at
Anchorage on account no traffic. Berlin bombed 13 times
and still burning. Posted July. Eddie Canter selling
war bonds at KPO for 24 hours. Evening, clear and 30 below
zero.
January 29, 1944 Weather colder, 10 below zero
to 40 below zero. No trains, Ma froze in at Anchorage.
Eddie Canter over KPO on account four billion bond drive, sold
over 33 million bonds in 24 hour drive. 1,500 ally planes bombed
Frankfort, Germany, 102 planes down, lost 31 bombers. Reds
lost 2,800 soldiers by German counterattack today.
January 30, 1944 Sunday, weather cloudy,
warmer, 18 above. No trains today, Ma still anchored
at Anchorage. Seward division blocked with slides.
ARC plowed out school bus road, 2nd time. Got ledger posted
to September 1943. RAF bombed Berlin, 13th time. 193
German planes down vs. 51 allies. Reds took 100 more towns held
by Germans Jap’s all on defense and losing every day.
January 31, 1944 Business good all PM
Temperature 12 to 18 above. Ma arrived from Anchorage on
11 PM freight after week snow bound at Anchorage.
Elic over from Eklutna for moose. Four U. S. airplane carriers
ready for blasting Jap’s out of New Guinea district.
February 1, 1944 A-1 day, 24 to 30 above.
Ma back on the job and it the was tub as usual. Posted
September in ledger. U. S. Navy fleet and bombers established
a beachhead on the Jap Marshal Island, held by Jap’s since 1st World
War. Turkey still neutral. Allies 10 miles from German
held Rome.
February 2, 1944 A-1 day,
18 to 28 above. Willie Edlund back from Seattle and bought
a $60 order for ranch. Busy, PM, sales over $100.
Evening, posted October in ledger. Billy Tryck drove to
Anchorage, got job with ARC. One airfield taken from Jap’s
on Marshal Island.
February 3, 1944 Weather cloudy, 26 to 30 above.
Trains moving again but only hauling coal and Army goods.
Got out Seattle mail. Our Marines landed in central of
Marshal Jap strong base, killed 1,000 and we lost 27 dead and
100 wounded in landing. Reds got 10 divisions of Germans
trapped. Allies had to retreat from drive on Cassino, Italy.
February 4, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 28
to 32 above. Mail went south, 1st time in 2 weeks.
Klim got the 1,400 ton railroad ice bid, $2.75. Got ledger
posted to December 1943. Marines and Navy advancing vs. Jap’s.
February 5, 1944 Weather cloudy, 28 to 30 all
day. Finished posting 1943 NCR ledger. Now ready
for tabulating and income tax. Star Co. here on account pulling
plane out of woods below Goose Bay. Our Marines advancing
in Jap held Marshal Islands. Allies got tough going vs. Germans
near Rome. October and November groceries arrived, 3 truck loads.
1,400 RAF planes over German plants in France.
February 6, 1944 Weather cloudy, 24 to 30 above.
Graham, Palmer garage man, over for supplies. Outside
mail arrived. Received letter from Andy Trout in Portland,
went on Tryck’s bond on account administrator of Jacob Metz estate.
Germans bombed hospital near Rome and killed 27 patients.
U. S. has lost 19 subs in Pacific war zone.
February 7, 1944 Temperature
20 to 30 above. Army Cat with big sled went to Goose Bay
district for airplane down in woods.
February 8, 1944 Sunday. A-1 day,
20 to 36 above. Army trucks and Cat here on account plane
down in woods. Noon, Stanley and family, with Mrs. Isaac
(mascot) arrived, returned to Anchorage 5 PM. Reds killed
4,000 and got Germans trapped. Allies in Cassino in hand to
hand street fight near Rome. RAF over Berlin. Tommy McNeil
blew his block off.
February 9, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
above all day. Got 1943 NCR ledger tabulated, now ready to
make out 1943 income tax. Allies trying to dislodge Germans
in hills around Cassino near Rome. Nazis trying to push allies
back into sea, now 150,000 casualties with 34,000 dead. 43%
of German industries destroyed. Reds still driving Nazis out
of Russia.
February 10, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 14
to 30 above. Thorpe, Peck and Shorty appraised the late
Metz estate. Allies on beach near Cassino, Italy countered
attack by Germans but held their ground. New Guinea now
in hands of Allies and killed 14,000 Jap’s and took several prisoners.
Allies making new air fields in Marshal Island group.
February 11, 1944 Spring day, 38 above all
day, 30 above evening. Cat and big sled back from Goose
Bay district where airplane landed in woods. Car down from
Fishhook, mile 16. Allies having hard time to hold their bridge
head landing at Cassino, Italy vs. the Germans Reds took iron
and magnesium district from Germany. Popes summer home bombed.
February 12, 1944 A-1 day, 30 to 36 above.
Air men tried to load sled with airplane on flat car but failed,
then got plane on 5 ton truck and motored to Anchorage.
Allies holding on to Beachhead near Casino by aide of Navy
shelling. Reds knocked down 33 large German transport planes.
February 13, 1944 Sunday, partly cloudy,
26 to 36 above. Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage,
5 PM, Ma returned to Anchorage with kids for weekend rest-up,
steam bath and pictures. Sent in income tax report for
1943. Treatments on account rheumatism cost $431.60.
Big storm in States with 15 froze to death, why live in Alaska?
War about the same, all air bombing. Harold Kinney visited,
now at Portage.
February 14, 1944 Weather cloudy, 30 to 36
above. Army, all AM, loading Cat blade and Caterpillar
on big trailer truck for Anchorage Army Post, used at Goose Bay
to get Army plane out of woods. Ma at Anchorage steam baths
and pictures. 50/50 fight by allies vs. Germans in Rome war
zone. Reds reached Polish border and driving Germans south.
February 15, 1944 Chinook, 36 to 40 above.
Eva 40, half way and as fat as a pig. Busy all PM, in
store. Ma back from Anchorage 5 PM mail train. Floyd
Smith back from fur buying trip Inside. Rabaul bombed by 250.
Twenty out of fifty Jap planes knocked down. Over 40% of German
industries knocked out by RAF.
February 16, 1944 Chinook, 36 to 46 above.
Evening, hail showers and windy. Klem started to cut
railroad ice on Lake Wasilla. Ma on midget washing machine.
Floyd Smith and daughter went to Anchorage on stage.
February 17, 1944 A-1 day, 20 to 30 above,
50 above in sun. Road all ice again. Got out groceries
and candy orders by air mail. U. S. Navy and bombers shelled
the Jap’s big airdrome at Trook in the Far East. Allies holding
vs. German drive at Cassino, Italy. 1,000 U. S. troops lost
on transport in Atlantic, big storm, 1,000 saved. Berlin still
burning.
February 18, 1944 Weather cloudy, PM, rain,
36 above. No trains. Railroad blocked near Curry.
Streets and roads iced up again. Reds killed 22,000 Germans
Allies made a 6 hour drive on Cassino by land, air and sea and
lost 9 bombers vs. 3 Germans.
February 19, 1944 Partly cloudy, 20 to 36 above.
Mail train south 1 day late. Icy going, everywhere.
Ellen Fleckenstein Smith back from Anchorage. William Senske
visited after 4 month sickness. Allies taken 1/3 of Cassino.
Heavy counter attacks by Germans
February 20, 1944 Sunday, weather cloudy,
20 to 30 above. Few cars on the road on account ice.
Worked all PM to midnight on red tape 1943 income tax report.
2,000 ally planes over Germany, northern France and Holland, 79
bombers failed to return.
February 21, 1944 A-1 day,
30 to 38 above. Wasilla streets all ice. Days longer,
no more lights in store. Used only 30W last month, minimum
charge of $3.50. Two thousand more planes over German industries,
we lost 20 bombers.
February 22, 1944 George Washington’s
birthday. Finished 1943 tax reports on account extra fuel
and OGH medical expense, only $2.95 taxes to pay vs. $292 last
year. Allies bombing German airports from Italy and England.
Reds took iron district. Germans strong in Italy but allies
advancing. School in session today. Ritter up
from Anchorage.
February 23, 1944 Weather cloudy, 26 to 32
above. Made out hardware order and motor oils. Jack Fabyan
trapping beaver near our Old Knik-Willow trail on Susitna River.
Reds got Germans drove back into Armenia. Allies up against
big fight from Beachhead, Cassino, Italy. U. S. now 600 miles
nearer to Tokyo.
February 24, 1944 Wet snow 34 to 36 above.
Drugs and hardware arrived last night. Wrote Perkins,
no cancelled note or mortgage for sale of Burnap farm and Coger
80 October 1st, as yet to receive. Allies blasting German airplanes
and ball bearing factories, lost 49 bombers. German attack
on ally Beachhead in Italy broken up.
February 25, 1944 Weather cloudy, 32 to 38
above. Priced up new drugs and hardware. Half a
dozen went to Anchorage for weekend. Allies got control
of Rabaul, Truck and west end of Burma, now 1,200 miles from Japan.
Germans 100,000 troops failed to dislodge allies Beachhead near Rome,
Italy. Mailed tax report.
February 26, 1944 Weather cloudy, 20 to 34
above. Chas Isaac flew from Anchorage to Ellexson’s beaver
camp on Little Susitna. Joe Chilligan and family down
from Houston for usual Saturday night drunk. Allies killed
15,000 Germans in Beachhead battle near Rome. Reds stopped
all counterattacks by Germans German plane plants about bombed
out.
February 27, 1944 Weather cooler, 20 to 26
above. Stanley and family up from Anchorage 1 PM, returned
4 PM, all drove down to Smith and Fleckenstein ranch. Only
patrol in Italy on account bad weather. Reds got Germans about
out of Russia. RAF got German factories about bombed out of
airplane production. U. S. now finished airfields in Far East
islands, 1,200 miles from Tokyo.
February 28, 1944 Weather cooler, 10 to 26
above. Wash day with midget electric washer. Snow,
rain and mud at Cassino delayed warfare in Italy. Reds doing
all the land fighting. British have made midget subs.
Two thousand bombers over north France and Germany most every
day. Two hundred planes over Rabaul, we lost one. Chinks
doing good work vs. Jap’s in Indochina.
February 1944 Memo: Very mild winter
thus far. Had 6 weeks spring weather during short days,
30 to 40 above and no snow. Stanley and family living in
Fleckenstein’s house this winter. Stanley checker of Army
materials. World War number two, allies on offense. Outside
radio good.
March 1, 1944 A-1 day, zero to 38 above.
Contractors busy cutting ice for railroad on Lake Wasilla.
Allies up against 150,000 Germans below Rome. Reds now
on Gateway to Baltic Sea. RAF and U. S. got German factories
bombed out of production above ground?
March 2, 1944 A-1 day, 20 to 38 above, 58 above
in the sun. Blow blocked big school bus. ARC bulldozed
out drifts, PM. U. S. landed strong forces on Admiralty
Island, no Jap opposition. Hitler advancing strong from
trying to drive allies back into the sea near Rome.
March 3, 1944 Weather colder, 10 to 36 above.
Had school kids refill furnace coal bin, 3rd filling. Ma
all dressed up to go to Anchorage on 10 AM mail train. Mail
train arrived 6:15 PM, late as usual. Nazi railroad yards
bombed at Rome. Berlin bombed by daylight with new 6 ton bombs.
March 4, 1944 A-1 day, 20 to 36 above, 50 above
in the sun. Ma at Anchorage for weekend. Gus back
from Anchorage, arranged to fly in to Hot Springs next week.
Allies killed 3,000 Jap’s on Admiralty Island, we lost 61 and 240
wounded. Allies captured 3,500 Germans in Anzio Beachhead drive,
Italy.
March 5, 1944 Sunday, A-1 day, 20 to
30 above. Ma arrived home at noon with Stanley and family,
by auto. Gus Swanson left for Anchorage with Stanley and family.
Gus going to fly to Circle Hot Springs for leg treatment.
March 6, 1944 Weather clear, colder,
zero to 20 above. Anchorage soldiers making overland trip,
Talkeetna to McKinley Park, returned by train, 6 cars, last night.
This was maneuvering training. RAF over Berlin by daylight.
March 7, 1944 Big wind, PM, 20 to 30 above.
Made out order for S and W groceries. No mail train
today north. Reds killed 22,000 more Germans and took railroad
leading to Warsaw. Not much doing near Cassino, Italy
on account weather. 65 tons dumped on Jap airdromes.
Marines landed on north end of New Guinea. 28,000 planes
sent to help the allies. 4,000 planes now in the Far East
vs. the Jap’s.
March 8, 1944 A-1 day, 26 to 36 above.
No mail train, railroad blocked on Seward Division by snow and
wind. Dan Gray, watchman at Mabel and Fern Mines, in for
mail. Reds near Odessa. U. S. airfield established
on Admiralty Island. Snowing in Rome, no fighting. 1,000
bombers over Berlin and ball bearing works.
March 9, 1944 Weather blustery, 10 to 28 above.
South end of railroad blocked with slides. Congress fighting
over vote for soldiers. Berlin about flat from 5 days air
bombing by 2,000 RAF and U. S. planes Reds routed 9 Nazi
divisions. Germans lost 40,000 troops in 5 weeks.
Railroad to Rome bombed.
March 10, 1944 Weather colder, 10 to 20 above.
Self on the job, rheumatism about gone, legs a little stiff.
No mail train. Groceries and meats at Seward for last week.
Reds took Ouman from Germans and killed 20,000. Allies bombing
railroad yards near Rome.
March 11, 1944 Weather colder, 20 above to
20 below zero. Self in store, busy with fires today.
No mail train. Snowed in Broad Pass. Wasilla-ites dug
up $100 on account school nurse. Oscar Tryck administrator
of Metz estate. Allies trying to win the war with four and six
ton bombs from air on Nazis. Twenty billion in land lease to
allies, we got back 2 billion in trade. As usual, Uncle Sam paying
the bills.
March 12, 1944 Weather cloudy, blustery, 16
to 26 above. Snowbound mail train went south. All
the kids, with Mrs. Isaac the mascot, up from Anchorage, 1 PM to
eat Ma’s chicken dinner. They returned to Anchorage at 3:30.
Only patrol allies blasted Nazi railroad to Rome. Reds took
35 tanks and 500 trucks from Nazis. Reds now 42 miles from Nazi
Black Sea base. Nazi factories, in north France, bombed by allies.
Jap’s now on the run from U. S. bombs but put up fight at Rabaul
airbase.
March 13, 1944 Weather cloudy, 40 above all
day. Out of 78 cases of merchandise due, the railroad delivered
a dozen cases today, pigs feet and cookies. Paddy in from
his trapping camp. War in Italy bogged down on account storms.
Pope crying, don’t bomb the Vatican. Reds took town at mouth
of Dnieper River, captured Nazi material and freed 60 towns.
Allies working to re-open Burma Road in China, held by the Jap’s.
March 14, 1944 Delayed mail train arrived
with Outside mail, +40 all day. Trucks hauling Lake Wasilla
ice to Palmer.
March 15, 1944 Auto roads all ice, snow water
running everywhere, +40. Wheeled over butter, meats and
crackers from freight shed.
March 16, 1944 Ice gone on auto roads,
now 2” of mud and loose gravel. Bacon arrived, 2 installments
out of 78 cases due. All teachers left, by bus, for Friday
convention at Anchorage.
March 17, 1944 No school today, all at Anchorage.
Floyd Smith back from a buying trip to Seattle for his store
at Dillingham, Bristol Bay district.
March 18, 1944 Business slow, 38 to 44°.
70 cases merchandise, 10 days overdue from Seward dock
March 19, 1944 Snow flurries, +32°
all day. Stanley and family arrived 12:30 from Anchorage,
had a blowout, was 4 hours making the 2 hour trip. Gave
Buddy $100 bond, makes $225 and Marie Martha the same.
March 20, 1944 Wash day with midget electric
washer. Payday for Matanuska Electric lights, $3.50 per
month whether you use it or not.
March 21, 1944 First spring day, temperatures
zero to +30 all day, windy. Muscular trouble no better,
have to have help to dress.
March 22, 1944 A-1 day, 10 to 40 above.
No mail train, waiting for 2 boats due at Seward today.
March 23, 1944 Received Outside mail.
Two boats at Seward, candy and 2 lots of groceries due.
March 24, 1944 Mail arrived 4 AM. Mr.
Monkman left for Fairbanks to see his daughter.
March 25, 1944 Delayed mail went south.
March 26, 1944 Durrell Finch passed out
on February 12th at Arvada, Colorado, was ACC agent at Cook Inlet
in 1900, then at Aleutians until 1942, then evacuated to states
on account war. Dodson in from High Grade Mine to meet his wife
from Seattle.
March 27, 1944 Sleet storm all day, 32-36°.
All sold out on candy and sweet cookies. Had invoice coming,
over 2 tons groceries since 3/14.
March 28, 1944 Made out paint order.
Mail arrived but no delayed freight.
March 29, 1944 Cold wind, -2° to
+2° all day. Shorty sawed up Cadwallader's summer
wood. Reported -40 at Broad Pass. Ellen Fleckenstein
went to Anchorage.
March 30, 1944 Colder, -4° to +20°.
Klem through with ice on Lake Wasilla for railroad supply at
Anchorage.
March 31, 1944 Colder, zero to -10°.
Ma all dressed up, didn’t go nowhere on account no transportation
to Anchorage, both auto cars and railroad froze up. Received
2 truck loads freight, lost shortages.
April 1, 1944 Weather +2° to -10°.
Ma all dolled up for 2 days, got away PM for Palmer, with Cadwallader's
car, to catch the branch train for Anchorage on account Marie Martha’s
birthday, April 2nd.
April 2, 1944 Cold, +20° to -10°.
Ma at Anchorage on account Marie Martha’s 12th birthday, now
living in Anchorage. Self store keeper, bookkeeper and janitor.
April 3, 1944 Cold, +26° to
-10°. Mr. Monkman back from Fairbanks. Chas
Isaac in from Ellexson’s beaver trap line
April 4, 1944 Dan Gray, watchman at Mabel
Mine, in for mail and grub. Klem cutting Lake Wasilla ice
for Palmer Co-op. Two Anchorage families up here to trade.
Ma home on PM mail train from Anchorage. Anchorage city
election, Ray Wolfe leading for mayor.
April 5, 1944 A1 day, +32 to +48.
Ma operating washing piano. finished pricing up new merchandise.
Paid Griffith income taxes for 1943 and K. P. Lodge dues to
April 1, 1945.
April 6, 1944 Mrs. Sexton had a stroke, mother
of 13 children and only 33 years old. Sven Edlund and
wife back from Seattle, on Wasilla Lake summer resort.
April 7, 1944 Mail on time south, first
time in 2 weeks. Big battle at Carolina Island. We
sunk 46 Jap boats and downed 213 planes, we lost 18 planes.
April 8, 1944 Streets drying up in Wasilla.
Anchorage highway in bad shape.
April 9. 1944 Spring day, +40 to +50
frost out from ground 2”. Burned dead grass on side street.
Only a few cars moving on account bad roads. Easter Sunday
chicken dinner.
April 10, 1944 Snow all gone in Wasilla.
April 11, 1944 No mail train. Made
out order for Black Bear clothing.
April 12, 1944 Storm and wind brewing.
Freight train lost 2 cars merchandise on Turnagain Arm.
April 13, 1944 Two truck load groceries
arrived. Got out airmail for Seattle.
April 14, 1944 Mail train south 5½
hours late. Got new goods on invoices priced up.
April 15, 1944 Self all day pricing and opening
up new merchandise. War conditions different from a year
ago. Allies got control of Africa, party of Italy and Germans
all drove out of Russia with heavy losses. Allies have control
of Far East vs. the Jap’s. A defeat of Hitler soon to come?
Frost coming out, auto roads in bad shape. snow gone in valley
but plenty in hills.
April 16, 1944 Finished pricing and checking
up and opening up 62 cases S and W Fine Foods. Stanley
and family up from Anchorage 1 PM, returned 5 PM with Mrs. Cadwallader,
mascot.
April 17, 1944 Self got a touch of stomach
flu. Gershmel’s sold $1,100 in milk in Wasilla last 11
months, and in a dead town?
April 18, 1944 Outside mail arrived, mostly
OPA. Berlin factories heavily bombed. WE lost 25.
Belgrade airports and railroad bombed. Reds now 150 miles
from Nazi held oil fields.
April 19, 1944 Train loads of oil and
lumber still going north for Army use.
April 20, 1944 Dewey, Governor of New
York state, holds lead for Republican President nomination and
Roosevelt for 4th term thus far. Reds sunk 12 Nazi ships
in Black Sea. Only railroad bombed in Italy. Quiet
on Beachhead. Our Air Force now larger than RAF in England.
Factories in north west France bombed today.
April 21, 1944 Delayed bacon, meats and
cheese arrived. Section gang increased by 4 soldiers.
Was to be Army movie at Town Hall but crowd failed to arrived.
Cologne and railroad yards bombed. Nazi counterattack Reds
in Romania with heavy losses. Hitler’s birthday, no speech.
April 22, 1944 Partly cloudy, 50 above
all day. Allies now occupy north Africa and Sicily, Italy.
Germans still hold Rome and north Italy. Italy joined allies.
April 23, 1944 Sunday. Stanley and family
arrived at noon, returned to Anchorage 5 PM. Paddy Marion
with 1 beaver pelt, got a watchman job at Anchorage at $240 a month?
April 24, 1944 Streets dusty, roads drying
up. Made out drug order. Wilmoth took 2nd blood
infusion at Palmer Hospital.
April 25, 1944 Primary elections.
Mrs. LaValley, $14 a day cook in Anchorage here over weekend.
Natives weekend drunk wound up with one in hospital.
April 26, 1944 ARC smoother, filling
ruts on auto roads. Richardson Highway got one million
to improve road. One truck from States came through to
Anchorage over Alaska Highway.
April 27, 1944 Green grass coming, also
mosquitoes. Snow off to timberline but plenty on mountains
April 28, 1944 Secretary (Frank) Knox
of the Navy passed out with heart failure, age 70. Talk
of combining the Army and Navy as one unit and aviation as one unit.
Larry Adler, expert harmonica player on the air. U. S. and
RAF dropped 68 tons per minute last 3 days on Germany, northern France
and Belgium Nazi industries, big boast for Admiral King head of
the Navy.
April 29, 1944 Geese in the air, spring
is here. Army picture show at Town Hall for soldiers working
on sections.
April 30, 1944 Dozen Army trucks here
from Anchorage. Busy day, took down winter fly over store
balcony. Sowed white clover on new house lawn. Stanley, family
and Mrs. Isaac up from Anchorage.
May 1, 1944 Bert McClarity gone to Palmer
Hospital on account of infection in foot.
May 2, 1944 Dan Gray in for mail and
grub from Mabel and Fern Mines. Trout running down Cottonwood
Creek. Mississippi River on a rampage, up 39’, highest in 100 years.
May 3, 1944 Germans all drove out of
Africa and Russia, now on the defense. Farmers making
ready to plant crops, celery, spuds, main crops. German house
of records blasted today.
May 4, 1944 Dinkle school bus stuck in
mud hole. Nenana ice moved at 2:08 PM, 11 guesses on
the minute, 5 were company tickets, 6 individuals. Total
pool $1250. Truck load hardware arrived.
May 5, 1944 Frost last night. Opened
up new hardware and priced Brownie ware, 90 piece assortment.
High School on a picnic at mile 12 Willow Road.
May 6, 1944 Farmers busy planting small
grains. No freight deliveries today. Fruit and groceries
and paint due.
May 7, 1944 Isaac family up from Anchorage.
Stanley’s family up from Anchorage. Several bad mush holes on
auto road.
May 8, 1944 Six cars in mush holes near
Palmer all night. Reds break through Nazi concrete defense
in Crimea and sunk 3 Nazi boats in Black Sea. Allies still
blasting Germany, France, Belgium and Romania industries.
General Arnold built up largest air force in the world.
May 9, 1944 Rented Mabel cabin to railroad
inspector, M. Sommers.
May 10, 1944 Grass now green, but no
sign of birch trees leaving out. Connected Mabel cabin
to high power electric line and Sommers put in his own phone.
Uncle Sam supporting the 140,000 babies made by soldiers over
seas? Paint for spring clean up arrived.
May 11, 1944 Got out Seattle mail and orders.
Twenty seventh day regular bombing Nazis. Reds took last
Nazi strong base on Black Sea. Reds now control all of Crimea
and Black Sea. Fifteen Nazi blockade runners sunk Nazi planes,
we lost 26. Jap’s got complete control of Hong Kong, China
railroad.
May 12, 1944 Grandma, Martha Amelia,
left by mail train for weekend at Anchorage. School closed
at noon, no picnic on account rain.
May 13, 1944 Evening, Army picture at
Hall. Cocktail bar did good business.
May 14, 1944 Late spring, no birch leaves
as yet. Teacher, Monkman, and hubby, left for their home at Anchorage.
May 15, 1944 Business off 40%.
Farming slow, ground too wet to plant. Ma still at Anchorage
eating T-bone steak and seeing movies?
May 16, 1944 Birch trees leafing out,
a week late. Matanuska Electric Association installed
meter in Mabel cabin. Ma raised Anchorage and came home
PM train. Allies drove Germans back 20 miles from 1st defense
line and captured 3,000 Germans in Cassino, Italy. French soldiers
the heroes. Penicillin new germicide.
May 17, 1944 Ma washing and scrubbing, as usual.
Spaded up Victory Garden by oil house. Two Geodetic men
tried to go to Big Lake, with Jeep, over Cat road.
May 18, 1944 Summer red breast robins are here.
Trout fishing now in order. Cassino and several Nazi key
points taken by allies and approaching Hitler line, 65 miles from
Rome. 4,500 Germans also taken prisoner, 1,000 planes bombed
Romania oil fields. Jap airfield taken by allies in Burma.
Only 80 miles left to open old Burma road to China.
May 19, 1944 Mush holes on road bad for
autos on account deep frost. Stanley’s 3rd year at Army
post. Farmers late in planting vegetable crops.
May 20, 1944 Frost last night, ARC slow in
repairing mush holes on auto road. Cat plowed out snow
road Fishhook Inn to Independence Mine.
May 21, 1944 Spent day at new house,
pumped up water tanks. Had to replace a tee, broken by
winter freeze. Installed electric washing machine but Ma
still prefers old way to get the dirt? Army pictures at Hall
last night. Allies pounding Hitler defense line below Rome.
Evening, bath at new house.
May 22, 1944 Planted 20 hills of potatoes.
Frank Smith flew over to Dillingham to help his father in store
during salmon canning season. Army jeep failed to reach
Big Lake via Cat road from Pittman. Nazi divisions halted
French and Canadian drive on Hitler line below Rome. Scotland
bombed by Nazis. Allies planes still bombing Nazi railroad
and truck lines in north France and Belgium.
May 23, 1944 Deep frost still coming
out of ground. Revised income tax law passed by Congress.
Thirty million small tax payers will not have to make out tax
report, government agents to do it. Allies maneuvering on Hitler
line in Italy and bombing railroad and Hitler supply lines.
May 24, 1944 Jackie, baby and mother
Slumberger, leaving for Outside to doctor baby. Allies
made gains on Hitler line below Rome, also blasted Nazi trains
in France, Belgium and Germany. Now about ready for land
drive to Berlin. Chinks routed Jap drive on railroad to central
China.
May 25, 1944 Answered Robert M. Messner’s
letter, sent calendar. Professor Pendleton now on fire
patrol? Delayed tissue and drug order arrived. Ally
armies joined on 60 mile front and drove Germans back near Rome.
Allies took 10,000 German prisoners in 14 days.
May 26, 1944 Farmers busy planting spuds
under deep frost, makes ground wet. Mary Cadwallader
Bergman back from visit to her husband in radio department in
Florida. Allies 26 miles from Rome, got Hitler line on retreat
and total of 12,000 Germans taken prisoner. Reds sunk 4 more
Nazi boats off Norway.
May 27, 1944 Opened up and priced new
drugs. Evening, Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage.
Marie got foot in plaster of Paris cast on account infected toe.
Allies captured 12 more towns below Rome and cut Cassino Road leading
to Rome. Allies took last Jap airdrome in New Guinea.
May 28, 1944 Made fire in new house for bath
and electric laundry. PM, painted felt roof over oil
house. Eva and kids home from Anchorage for summer.
Eighteen German divisions trying to stop allies from taking Rome.
All Nazi transportation and oil targets bombed.
May 29, 1944 Stanley and family for dinner.
Stanley returned to his Army work 5 PM, family stayed home.
May 30, 1944 Quiet in town. Another
tee cracked by ice in new house water system, failed to all drain
out of pipes last winter. Nazis staging hard fight vs.
ally drive to Rome. Allies had out 4,000 planes over Nazi
held Europe, hit railroad factories and airdromes.
May 31, 1944 May went out 2 weeks late
on vegetables. Painted felt roof over back door shed.
Received invoice for groceries, produce and clothing but no delivery
of goods. Allies 14 miles from Rome but had to dislodge the
Germans 1,200 ally bombers hit 4 Nazi railroad yards.
Germans attack Reds and lost 164 planes in Romania oil fields.
June 1, 1944 Had to make fires in furnace.
Joe Brassel in from trap line, had 5 beaver. We now have
3½ million soldiers overseas ready for 2nd Berlin invasion.
Also 17,000 airplanes and bombers.
June 2, 1944 Mail went south, got Outside
mail from the north. PM, hen party at Mrs. Browne’s (depot)
for a Mrs. Lynch.
June 3, 1944 Army post pictures at Hall
in evening, admission free, Town hall free, another drain out
of tax payers money. Germans retreating into Rome from Hitler
line or face capture by allies. RAF and U. S. still bombing
Nazi lines in north France, Belgium and Germany.
June 4, 1944 Stanley left 6 PM for Anchorage
Army Post. ARC graders smoothed out Knik Road.
Snow on mountain sides keep it cool weather.
June 5, 1944 Invasion of Nazi held Europe
launched by American and British troops on the north coast of
France, across the Channel from England.
June 6, 1944 Air full of news about ally
invasion of Normandy Beach on north end of France. Allies
lost two destroyers and only 1% of planes in Beachhead landing.
Not much German defense at this point of landing over 4,000 ships
and 11,000 planes escorted troops landing, making beach landing complete.
June 7, 1944 First summer day, 50 to
72 above. Priced up new clothing, no sheets or cases available
or boys overalls. Allies on 60 mile French Normandy beach
front landing moved back 10 miles from beach. Took one town.
More troops and supplies coming over from London for allies.
U. S. bombers flying from London to Russia over Nazi held Balkans.
June 8, 1944 Finished pricing new clothing.
Railroad accident at Birchwood, Army speeder hit by tramp train,
one soldier killed, several injured. Allies holding Beachhead
in France vs. Nazi attack All railroad from Paris bombed
out.
June 9, 1944 Showers, +78 in sun. Plane
cracked up from Fairbanks. Birthday party at the Smith
ranch, Ma wobbled down there with Eva and kids. Allies making
slow going inland from Normandy Beachhead in France, captured 4,000
Germans.
June 10, 1944 Put screen door on Mabel
cabin. Started to wash one balcony fly. Stanley
home, evening, for over Sunday. Allies now 13 miles inland
on Normandy Beachhead in France. Look for heavy counterattack
by Germans soon. Allies bombed 3 oil fields in Romania.
June 11, 1944 Washed paint in front of
store with Dic-a-Doo. Evening, repainted red trimming
on store front. Cocktail Bar did a good business, many cars
here from Anchorage. Allies on 2nd phase of Normandy Beach.
Ally armies now 70 miles above Rome after Germans on retreat from
Rome. Reds opened drive on Finland. Jap’s busy dodging
U. S. airplane bombs.
June 12, 1944 Everything growing by leaps.
President FDR on air on account $50 war bond drive and reviewed
progress of war since 1942. General Eisenhower visited Normandy
Beachhead for 5 hours. Chinks took town on Burma Road.
June 13, 1944 Outside mail arrived. Every
train, from Fairbanks, loaded with Army trucks. Trains
going north with lumber and gasoline. German counter attack
routed allies near north end of Normandy beachhead. Allies
advance 20 miles inland from beachhead. Reds advance 15 miles
vs. Fins. Ally troops now 80 miles north of Rome.
Jap’s lose another airport island, 141 planes and 13 boats, we lost
15 planes in combat.
June 14, 1944 Had to draw water out of
tanks in new house to replace broken tee. Used water
to wash balcony fly. Germans, with 1,000 tanks and 4 new
divisions, captured 4 towns from allies on Normandy second beach
line. Allies bombed Nazi airfields. 700 ally planes, from
Italy, bombed oil wells.
June 15, 1944 Independence Mine operating again
with only 10 men. U. S. reported new B29 bomber launched
and flew to new airfield made by Chinks in China. Bomber has
more guns and rises 30,000 feet in air, speed 300 miles per hour.
They bombed mainland of Japan today. Allies holding on Normandy
beachhead.
June 16, 1944 Shipped one order to Willow.
Railroad took half plank out of street crossing. Train
south had 12 more Army trucks, making over 100 back from Fairbanks.
All trains north loaded with oil and lumber. Diesel engines,
for Whittier tunnel, arrived.
June 17, 1944 Mosquitoes on double shift
past week. Stanley and family, with Vida’s mother, home
from Anchorage home at 6 PM Sgt. Sommer, renter of Mabel
cabin, in hospital with lame back. Allies on offense in Italy,
France, Finland and Jap bases in Far East. Chinks took large Jap base
in North Burma. 3,283 of our boys killed on Normandy French
beach and 1,200 more wounded by Germans
June 18, 1944 Fathers Day, got a shirt.
Stanley and family, with Vida Deigh’s mother, left 7 AM for
Fairbanks via the new Matanuska Highway, on vacation trip.
Stanley got 3rd promotion at Anchorage Army base, assistant to
Superintendent of Materials. Hitler now sending self controlled
torpedo pilot planes over Channel to King George. This planes
exploding when it hits its target (no pilot).
June 19, 1944 Stanley and family on vacation
with auto car to Fairbanks. Sgt. Sommer back from hospital.
Some rejoicing on account allies success in all war zones.
One third of Saipan taken with Jap airfield in the Mariana Island
group. U. S. Navy destroyed 300 Jap planes in Mariana Island
district.
June 20, 1944 Put up awning over side entrance
to store. Reported Jap’s are coming out with Navy and
600 airplanes to meet allies off Mariana Islands. Allies
3½ miles from Cherbourg of Normandy and got 20,000
Germans trapped. Allies lost 54 bombers vs. 66 Nazis.
Finland port taken by Red Army.
June 21, 1944 Priced up new hardware, candy.
Groceries, butter and milk in Seward? Adam Werner, old time
rancher, died at Palmer. Kids at Hot Springs, Circle.
June 22, 1944 Real summer weather past week.
Stanley and family at Circle on Yukon, on vacation trip over
new highways. Jap’s lost 14 vessels in battle at Saipan
near Mariana Islands. 2,200 planes bombed Berlin and Cherbourg
at Normandy, France. Reds pushing Fins back to surrender.
June 23, 1944 Reported bridge out on new highway.
Stanley and family on north side? Allies now have ½
of Saipan Islands and Jap air lanes. Jap’s lost 84 vessels
in late battle, total of 774 since Pearl Harbor. Hand to hand
fighting at Cherbourg. French Port held by the Nazis. Allies
face strong counterattack by Nazis in north Italy war zone today.
June 24, 1944 Thorpe’s bought grub outfit for
mine. Stanley and family arrived home from six day auto trip,
1,200 miles, over new Capt. Glenn - Richardson and Steese Highway
to Circle City on the Yukon River via Fairbanks.
June 25, 1944 Had Stanley, Eva and grandchildren
at dinner. Stanley returned to his Army Post job after weeks
vacation, left family at home. Re-stained front door at new house,
pumped up water tanks and painted panels in front of store. Palmer
- Anchorage highway flooded. Mosquitoes putting in double
shift last 10 days.
June 26, 1944 Cherbourg City and Harbor fell
to allies. Third largest port in France taken 20 days
after invasion on Normandy Beach in France. Reds advancing
on 150 mile line vs. Nazis in White Russia, has two to one tanks
vs. the Germans and killed 11,000 Nazis.
June 27, 1944 Delayed January rubber
packs and groceries arrived, temporarily out of eggs and bacon.
A new family, from Juneau, arrived. Thorpe left for mines.
June 28, 1944 Finished pricing new groceries.
National Grocery Co., visited. Sold clothing and hardware
order to farmer. Fresh fruit coming on Seattle market.
June 29, 1944 Ernie Peck returned to Navy school
after a week furlough at Wasilla. Eva and Buddy went
to Anchorage with Frank Smith. Out of fly spray.
June 30, 1944 June came in cold but last
half was warm growing weather. Mowed grass on new
house lawn. Allies lost more soldiers in drive on Saipan
Island than any other invasion in Far East and have only taken
½ of island from Jap’s thus far.
July 1, 1944 Army picture show at Town
Hall. Snow finally gone on Bald Mt., one month late.
Stanley up from Anchorage 6 PM with Army truck, returned 7 PM
with Ma and Marie to celebrate 4th at Anchorage. Allies
took 2,000 Germans at Normandy. Bert back from hospital.
July 2, 1944 Ma, with Stanley’s family,
at Anchorage. Quiet in town, only a few soldiers.
Cleaned and repainted kitchen floor. Davis, head of Red
Cross, died on account overwork.
July 3, 1944 Self only clerk, Ma at Anchorage.
Ellexson’s and George Small in from Knik. Evening, Mrs.
Rae Farrell visited to see Ma. Rae is July 4th bartender
for Cadwallader's. Reds captured the capitol of White Russia
held by Germans for 3 years.
July 4, 1944 Ma with Stanley and family
at Anchorage. Army Post helped Anchorage to celebrate the
4th.
July 5, 1944 Ma still celebrating at
Anchorage. Edlund’s summer resort on Lake Wasilla had
a big crowd on the 4th. All the Cadwallader's were at Anchorage
all day. American subs sunk 17 more Jap boats. Allies
bombed Nazi Germany from France to Russia. Three hundred dead
July 4th. Allies captured railroad center in Normandy.
Nazi flying robot bombs over England. Reds now in Poland.
July 6, 1944 Ellexson’s and Small’s in from
Knik. Had peach cake and cream for supper. Jap island,
Saipan, finally taken. Twenty thousand Jap’s cornered and
without water for 3 days. Allies up against hard fight now
over Cherbourg. Nazi rockets over England. Reds liberated
400 more towns. Nazi rocket planes have killed 2,752 and
injured 8,000 more in London.
July 7, 1944 Julie McCann, teacher, back
home, through at Bert’s drug store in Palmer. A soldier
killed a sergeant with a knife at Montana Station on Alaska
Railroad.
July 8, 1944 One hundred and thirty five
people lost in Barnum and Bailey Circus fire in Connecticut,
mostly children.
July 9, 1944 Gus in Providence Hospital in
Anchorage. Fixed wringer on electric washer. Made
fire for evening bath in new house. Reds took railroad center
leading to Warsaw and captured 19 Nazi Generals. Allies
bombed Romania oil fields from Italy. Did my laundry.
July 10, 1944 Got out S and W and Hills
Bros. orders. 157 dead from circus fire at Hartford.
German halted ally drive in Italy. 55,000 children evacuated
in England on account Nazi robot attacks. Reds 60 miles from
German border, captured 2 Nazi Generals.
July 11, 1944 Weather cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Army unloaded Caterpillar graders for Goose Bay airfield improvement.
Forty 4-H Club girls arrived on train for week vacation at Kings
Lake, mile 4. Ma arrived home after 10 days at Anchorage.
President FDR said he would accept 4th term if the people wanted
him.
July 12, 1944 A-1 day, 60 to 74 above.
More Army Cats and graders arrived for Goose Bay airfield.
Sexton family moved into town. Betts Bros. hauling oil to
Independence Mine. 1,200 ally bombers over France and Germany.
July 13, 1944 Light rain, 58 above all
day. B. B. bridge gang here for a week. Frank Smith
up from Anchorage job. Reds took 3 more German Generals
and captured 4,000 and killed 8,000 Germans.
July 14, 1944 Light rain all day, 54
above. Train loads of drum oil going north every day.
Eggs arrived, was 21 days from Seattle. The Seward 4-H
girls returned home on train. General Charles de Gaul, French
diplomat, to see President Roosevelt in Cherbourg, France today.
July 15, 1944 Light rain all day, 50
to 60 above. Cadwallader employing bartender again.
Usual Army picture show at Hall. Cut grass along sidewalks.
July 16, 1944 Rain all day, 54 to 60
above. Three passenger cars of soldiers here all day
on fishing excursion. Stanley and family up from Anchorage
at noon with Eva’s California cousin. Had 1st strawberries
and July 4th hair cut? Germans short of ammunition and Jap’s short
of grub and war materials.
July 17, 1944 Cloudy, 54 to 60 above.
AM, heavy blast somewhere, shook buildings in and around Wasilla.
Fish recorder and kids in from Fish Creek near Knik for grub, hiked
all the way. Reds liberated 200 Poland towns and now 7 miles
from Nazi border.
July 18, 1944 Cloudy, 58 to 62 above.
Had Shorty haul over truck load of groceries from railroad
shed to store, candy delayed one month, arrived. National
Groceries, hardware, coffee and crackers still in route.
July 19, 1944 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Evening, Stanley up from Anchorage, Eva returned with him, kids
left with Grandma as usual. Local strawberries on market
at $8 a crate.
July 20, 1944 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Farmers driving to Knik beach looking for red salmon run (late).
President Roosevelt nominated for 4th term at Chicago Democratic
Convention.
July 21, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Mail south, trains north loaded with drums of oil, lumber and
coal. 2,000 bombers over Nazi Europe, 36 failed to return.
Heavy rain in Normandy, slowed down advances. Revolt by German
officers predicted. German robot planes still blasting England.
July 22, 1944 Cloudy, 58 to 62 above.
Marie Martha and Buddy regular boarders, mother at Anchorage.
Evening, Stanley up from Anchorage. Paddy McDonald, 1914-1916
old timer, on weeks vacation from Fairbanks, came over new Matanuska
Highway. More talk of revolt by Nazi Generals and army.
Our troops now have two beachheads on Guam Island vs. Jap’s.
July 23, 1944 Cloudy, showers, 58 above.
Red salmon picnic at Fish Creek - Knik, some got 200 salmon,
run heavy.
July 24, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 58 above.
Mrs. Thorpe sold the Miller greenhouse to a Nome man. Refilled
Pearl oil tank. Five hundred planes, from Italy, bombed
Nazi ball bearing and oil refineries on flight to Russia.
Two Nazi Generals, in Hitler bombing, died from shock
July 25, 1944 Cloudy, showers, 52 to
60 above. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine for grub.
All cars headed for Sunny Knik to meet the red salmon run.
Allies up against 20 Nazi divisions on 100 mile Normandy front.
Reds killed half million Nazi’s past month. Jap’s losing
out on Chinks railroad drive.
July 26, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Priced up Pacific Groceries. The Army enlarging aviation
field at Goose Bay on Knik Arm. American tanks now fighting
German tanks in lower Normandy on way to Paris.
July 27, 1944 Cloudy, showers, 56 to 60 above.
Fish warden and family out from Knik for grub order.
July 28, 1944 A-1 day, 52 to 60 above.
Mrs. Bixler and kids here on vacation, guests of Eva. Mail
went south. Reds 30 miles from Warsaw, took 12 Polish cities,
Germans retreating. Bulgaria trying to get out of war, were
on Nazi side. Romania oil districts blasted, 35% of oil lost
by Germans 53,000 Germans captured since D-Day. Robots
landed in London streets, many killed. Two B-29’s over Manchuria
today.
July 29, 1944 A-1 day, 56
to 76 above. Delayed National Groceries arrived.
Received first brooms and Vienna sausage. Allies advancing
in Normandy, dropped 70,000 tons of bombs on German troops and
2,500 tanks. Nazi oil plants bombed, 59 Nazi planes down, we
lost 85 in all raids. Army picture show at Town Hall.
B-29’s bombed steel plants and railroad center in Manchuria.
Stanley home.
July 30, 1944 Rain, 56 to 62 above.
Shriner picnic at Edlund’s summer resort on Lake Wasilla.
Stanley and family returned to their Anchorage home.
July 31, 1944 Rain, 56 to 58 above.
Received usual shirt, socks and tie for birthday, should be good
for another year. Received drop shipment of candy, 2 months
past due. Reds took 4 German bases and liberated 1,500 towns
in Poland and now 10 miles from Warsaw.
August 1, 1944 Showers, 52 to 60 above.
Got out hardware order, Brownie and Pyrex ware. Train loads
of gas and lumber still going to Fairbanks. O’Hara Bus Line
now going to Circle on Yukon, from Anchorage, weekly. Reds
have 200,000 Germans trapped in Poland. Capitol city, Warsaw,
now on fire from bombing. President of Philippines died in New
York. Nazi robots still falling on England, killing many.
August 2, 1944 A-1 day, 58 to 72 above,
80 in shade. Army bringing airfield grading equipment back
from Goose Bay. Planes from Italy bombed Nazi oil tanks
in France. Reds have reached one Nazi Baltic port and are
shelling Nazi held Warsaw.
August 3, 1944 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Letter from Richard Hyer of Warner, New Hampshire about selling
his homestead for $1,000.
August 4, 1944 Rain, 50 to
60 above. Last Octobers Munsing order arrived. New
gains on Guam Island, 7,000 Jap’s on retreat. Jap’s now
fear bombing of homeland. Allies got Nazis on the run below
Normandy. Allies destroyed 3,500 tanks and captured or killed
200,000 Germans since D-Day in France.
August 5, 1944 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Made out drug order. Evening, big Army picture show at
Town Hall. Allies got Nazis and Jap’s on retreat on all
war fronts. Allies advanced 27 miles and took Brest,
French sea port from Germans Reds now in Prussia.
August 6, 1944 Rain, 56 to 70 above.
No kids from Anchorage today, car in hospital. Self anchored
at Wasilla, business 50% below normal. Hardware and clothing
stock low on account of no merchandise available. Thirty eight
more Jap boats sunk today.
August 7, 1944 Rain, 56 to 60 above.
Willie Edlund back from Bristol Bay salmon catch. Banker
Tarwater, of Anchorage, died in Seattle hospital. Reds took
two Nazi oil centers in Poland.
August 8, 1944 Rain, 54 above.
Sold two grub outfits. No mail train on account washout
on north division. Stanley, Eva and Buddy up from Anchorage with
Frank Smith. Eight German officers hung today on account plot
on Hitler. Twelve German ships blasted off Norway. Strawberries
rained out.
August 9, 1944 A-1 day, 50
to 64 above. Groceries and clothing arrived, Shorty and
Buddy hauled it to store from railroad.
August 10, 1944 A-1 day,
52 to 68 above. Self pricing new groceries received.
Betts Bros. hauling oil to mines. Gus sold Nels Larson house
to Nome man for $700, second house sale in a week. Allies now
59 miles from Paris. Reds threw 3 large armies vs. Nazis in
Poland and Prussia war fronts.
August 11, 1944 A-1 day, 52 to 60 above.
Fred Peck and “Whiskers” getting high school building ready
for fall opening. President FDR at Aleutians, will be on
air from Seattle tomorrow. No trains, washout on north division
of Alaska Railroad.
August 12, 1944 A-1 day, 62 to 66 above,
evening rain. Alaska Railroad out of commission on account
high water. A three way wedge drive toward Paris got Germans
on the run with aid of Ally bombers over German troops. Reds
still forcing Germans out of Poland and Prussia. Army picture
show on at Town Hall.
August 13, 1944 Rain, 52 above all day.
No mail train from north division on account washout. Continuous
rains making head lettuce all slime. Stanley and family
and Ma left for Anchorage 4 PM.
August 14, 1944 Cloudy, 54 to 66 above.
Four allied armies surrounding German 7th army and put them on
retreat with heavy losses. Five hundred planes, from Italy,
bombed Nazis in south France.
August 15, 1944 A-1 day, 54 to 70 above.
Mrs. Kohler Fisher arrived on mail train, washout on railroad
repaired. Freight train south had 150 cars in tow.
Allies made 3 beachhead landings in southern France with no opposition.
Germans retreat to Paris and being bombed from air.
August 17, 1944 50 to 66 above.
Sold first winter outfit. Sales $362.65. Ma at movies
and on T-bone steaks at Anchorage. Mrs. Gresham went to
hospital for major operation.
August 18, 1944 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Army reloaded Cats and graders on flatcars for return to Anchorage
Army Post.
August 19, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Teacher from Inside with billy goat husband arrived. All
teachers now here (5) ready to open school.
August 20, 1944 Rain, 52 above. Brill
car here all day with soldiers. Received $200 grub order
from Knik. Our kids failed to show up from Anchorage today.
Mary Cadwallader had a baby girl. Ray Bergman back from
war.
August 21, 1944 Rain, 52 above. Had Shorty
haul over 2 loads groceries from railroad freight shed,
got eggs and bacon and balance of shoe pack order. Allies
circulating Paris. French underground driving Germans out
of Paris. Germans beating it for homeland with heavy losses.
B-29 bomber hit Jap steel yards and factories.
August 22, 1944 Rain 52 to 56 above.
Got our extra orders for groceries, meats and eggs. Boice’s
moving from Vail ranch to Oberg house.
August 23, 1944 Showers, 52 to 64 above.
Priced and opened up new groceries. Paris liberated today,
50,000 armed French with aide of civilians drove the Germans out
of Paris, hence, Paris free after 4 years 79 days rule by Nazis.
Romania visited for armistice, big day for allies.
August 24, 1944 Sun AM, rain PM, 50 to
60 above. Got out orders for groceries and clothing.
Germans turned tail on French in Paris, trying to destroy the city
before leaving. Tom Price, U. S. Commissioner in Anchorage, passed
out.
August 25, 1944 Rain, 50 above.
L. Cox down from Montana Station for winter grub. Mrs.
Thorpe brought out from Grubstake to hospital, reported had cancer.
French got control of Paris center, Germans now on outskirts
of city.
August 26, 1944 Rain 50 to 56 above.
Reported 10,000 draft evaders in U. S. Heat wave hit
southern California today, 98 to 114 above. U. S. Army
picture show at Town Hall.
August 27, 1944 Light rain, 52 above
all day. Stanley hauled tin can garbage to dump.
All at dinner with Grandma. Stanley returned to Anchorage
1 PM Eva and kids stayed home in Wasilla. Three new
families moved to Wasilla.
August 28, 1944 Light rain, 50 to 56 above.
Shipped one outfit to Montana Station. School opened for
fall term. Allies cleaned up Germans in south France, killed
16,000 and took 65,000 prisoners. Reds eliminated 12 German
divisions in Romania.
August 29, 1944 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Six trucks, hauling freight from Anchorage to Willow Station
air field to go Inside by planes. Alaska Railroad over
taxed with freight. Mrs. Gill from Anchorage visited.
August 30, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Don Boice bought an $85 grub order. Partial lot of hardware
arrived, no Pyrex or Brownie. Three orders for groceries
and candy overdue.
August 31, 1944 Rain 48 to 50 above.
Sharon’s youngest boy in hospital on account stay-away poisoning.
Republicans on the air for November votes. Allies moving by
leaps and bounds in France, now 5 miles from Belgium and 55 miles
from German borders, have killed or captured over 400,000 Germans
since D-Day in France. Reds took Romania capitol.
September 1, 1944 Rain 36 to 46 above,
wound up with snow down to timber line last night and snow from
Palmer to summit of Matanuska - Capt. Glenn highway. Stanley
drove up to Mabel Mine, too much snow to go to his mine on upper Craigie
Creek.
September 2, 1944 A-1 day,
28 to 42 above, heavy frost last night, caught farmers with
all vegetables in the ground, was 4 to 7 degrees below freezing,
but warming again tonight, may save crops if dug at once, labor
scarce. All Nazis on retreat from allies. Allies crossed
Belgium border. Reds on Bulgaria border, all heading for Berlin.
Stanley cleaned up yard and garden.
September 3, 1944 Sunday. Cloudy,
56 to 60 above. Farmers busy trying to harvest crops.
Stanley and family and mascot Ann, left for their home in
Anchorage. Duck hunters busy on tide flats. Battle
in France about over. Battle in Germany to begin. Heinie
Snider here on 10 day vacation.
September 4, 1944 Light rain, 44 to 48
above. Blueberry pickers going to the hills - duck hunters
to the flats. School in session today. Willie Edlund
sold his ranch and summer resort on Lake Wasilla for $12,000.
September 5, 1944 Cloudy, 48 to 60 above.
Some change, allies now have control of Italy, France and entering
Belgium and Holland. Reds occupy Romania and Finland and
all on their way to Berlin.
September 6, 1944 A-1 day,
40 to 64 above. Fred Winter, old timer, visited from his
home on Big Sushitna. Ma lost the gold out of molar.
Allies made new gains in Italian front to France. Fins sent
delegations to Moscow to square up with Stalin. Bulgaria
told Hitler to move out.
September 7, 1944 Rain, 46
to 50 above. Betts truck made round trip to Willow Creek,
pass still open. New couple started lunch room in Cadwallader’s
beer hall. Scrubbed and hung up balcony fly for rain to
clean. Electric light off all AM and evening. Republican
Buggy and Peterson visited. No radio or war news on account
lights off all day and evening.
September 8, 1944 Heavy rain last night, 52
to 60 above. Ma went to Anchorage on account lost tooth.
Electric light on again at 11:30 PM, been off 24 hours. New snow
all rained off bald Mt. Soldiers digging spuds for farmers.
September 9, 1944 More rain,
46 to 56 above. Lights off until 11 PM on account work
on Eklutna power plant. Allies, one million troop, now
14 miles from German border. Jap’s took another town on China
railroad but dodging American bombs elsewhere.
September 10, 1944 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Big crowd last night at opening of lunchroom in Cadwallader's
beer hall. Took down awning at side entrance to store and
mounted 50 gallon oil tank.
September 11, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 58 above.
Doctor visited for Postmaster Wilmoth and railroad agent Brown.
September 12, 1944 Territorial Election.
Temperature 50 to 60 above. Ellexson’s out from Knik.
Ma arrived home from Anchorage on mail train. Autumn here,
birch turning golden. Two ally armies now on German soil
with 300,000 Nazi prisoners taken in France.
September 13, 1944 Rain,
50 to 60 above. Ellexson’s returned to Knik. Section
man, McFaddin, bought Metz cabin. All cabins now rented but
three.
September 14, 1944 Rain, 48 to 54 above.
Sold all traps to Leslie King, trapper staying in Gus’ Forty
Mile Miller cabin.
September 15, 1944 Cloudy, 34 to 50 above.
Received invoice by airmail of groceries, butter, eggs, ham
and fruit in route. Bill Senske home from ARC road.
Allies at gates of Philippines. More robots hit London.
September 16, 1944 A-1 day, 50 above,
mountains bare of snow, rained off.
September 17, 1944 Rain, 48 to 52 above.
Rained all day and night. Mrs. Isaac up from Anchorage
for weekend and returned to Anchorage with Stanley and kids, also
Clara Slumberger, teacher left for Outside. Wilmoth taken
to Palmer hospital. American churches sending 7,500 tons
clothing to ragged people in Europe for winter.
September 18, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 56 above.
School closed for week on account all kids on harvesting spud
crops. Joe Brassel bought the Lewis cabin.
September 19, 1944 Cooler 42 to 46 above.
One hundred soldiers with Palmer and Wasilla school kids, helping
farmers to dig their spuds. Three million now on government
payroll. Allies and Reds now 300 miles from Berlin.
September 20, 1944 Big wind, 50
above all day. Dodson’s in from High Grade Mine.
Dodson got the grip. Wilmoth in hospital, second time.
Wind blew birch frosted leaves off. Germans holding allies
back on the Rhine.
September 21, 1944 Big wind, 50 to 60
above. Autumn here with big wind, good for farmers hay
and spud crops.
September 22, 1944 A-1 day,
46 to 58 above. Spud week, school closed so kids can pick
up spuds. Noon, got a set out with 8 tons groceries.
Shorty hauled over 5 1,500 pound loads. Real fighting
in Europe. Nazis making last stand to hold the homeland.
Mountains clear of snow. Jap’s losing Philippines but gaining
on China railroad.
September 23, 1944 Cloudy, 48 to 54 above.
Late wind stripped leaves from trees. All growing elements
gone into winter hibernation, like the bears? Germans
making strong effort to hold the Rhine River district vs. allies.
Allies made some gains in northern Italy. Busy all day with
freight. Evening, picture show.
September 24, 1944 A-1 day, 54 to 64
above. Stanley arrived from Anchorage alone, kids had colds,
returned PM, Agent Browne as joy rider. Self busy all day
and evening checking and pricing new merchandise. Reported
Wilmoth in coma at the Palmer Hospital past 3 days.
September 25, 1944 A-1 day, 44 to 68
above. Still pricing up 8 tons new merchandise.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with Tin Lizzie for more grub.
School open again after harvest week on spuds.
September 26, 1944 Fog, 42 to 48 above.
H. W. Wilmoth, Wasilla Postmaster and U. S. Commissioner, passed
out in Palmer Hospital today. Hauled load of sand on account
cement blocks under sidewalk at house.
September 27, 1944 Cloudy, 42 to 48 above.
Got mail out of dead Post Office. Still pricing new goods and
four more orders due. Sold out on vegetables and fruit.
.
September 28, 1944 Cloudy, 38 to 46 above.
Self busy pricing new merchandise and got out Seattle mail.
Allies up against real fighting on German west line. McArthur
blasting his way back to the Philippines. 10,000 Jap’s
killed and many Jap boats sunk. Reds moving slow on road
to Berlin.
September 29, 1944 Weather cloudy, colder 38
to 48 above. Bald Mt. white again, 2nd time. Still
checking and pricing new merchandise. First grapes and
pears arrived. McFadden attaching Gus’ garage to Metz house
for more house rooms.
September 30, 1944 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Still pricing up new merchandise and more due. All sold
out on canned vegetables and fruit. Big order sent out on
July 11th still due.
October 1, 1944 Cloudy, 28 to 48 above.
Stanley and family, with Mrs. Cadwallader, left to attend Wilmoth
funeral at Anchorage. Wilmoth, 74, was Postmaster, Recorder
and Commissioner for 25 years at Wasilla.
October 2, 1944 Cloudy, 22 to 44 above,
second hard frost, raining after midnight. Now pricing
up drug merchandise. Got out Seattle mail. Reds making
most advances on to Berlin. Allies up vs. Germans on west
line in Holland and France. Allies in north Italy advanced
some vs. German in mountain passes.
October 3, 1944 Cooler, 30 to 40 above.
Airmail from north. A part of S and W fruits and vegetables
in route. OPA held up prices for 60 days after canning.
October 4, 1944 Cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
Out of 3 shipments, laying at Seward, received 1 case bacon today.
District Judge Helenthaw visited on account new Commissioner
to replace Wilmoth, deceased. Cadwallader and Mrs. Sidney
Rae, et al after the Commissioners office.
October 5, 1944 Showers,
40 above all day. Now pricing new drug order. Got
out Seattle mail. Farmers got most of their crops in after
three windy drying days. Allies broke through cement wall
on Nazi line, now up vs. artillery fire from Germans.
October 6, 1944 Cloudy, 32 to 56 above.
Stanley and family home for weekend. U. S. Postal inspector
here to audit third quarter report on account dead Postmaster.
Allies took German town near Holland and 1,000 bombers hit Berlin.
October 7, 1944 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Stanley and family drove out to Mabel Mine looking for ptarmigan
Heard over KPO radio that Wendell Wilkie, 52, passed out in
New York.
October 8, 1944 Cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Opened and priced Black Bear clothing. Ma had chicken dinner
for kids, left for their Anchorage home PM. Tony Vickaryous shipped
3 car loads of spuds to Army at Anchorage. Got haircut,
took weekend bath in new house.
October 9, 1944 Cloudy, 40 to 44 above
all day. Put coal and wood in store coal bin. Amy
McPherson, evangelist, buried in Los Angeles, 500 autos followed
her to grave. Allies advancing in all war sectors.
Churchill and party gone to Moscow to see Stalin.
Robots bombed England. McArthur has taken 10 islands near Philippines,
now ready to hit main island. Evening rain.
October 10, 1944 Cloudy, 44 above all
day. Big event, Golden Wedding for Orville G. and Martha
A. Herning. Guests: Gill’s, Isaac, Stanley and Eva from
Anchorage, Ellexson’s from Knik, local Brown’s, Cadwallader’s,
Oscar Tryck, Ellen Smith, Shorty and Paddy with liberty cake, turkey,
cakes and sandwiches, wine and beer. Presents, gold platter,
desk pen, umbrella, party over 10 PM.
October 11, 1944 Cloudy, 42 above all
day. Eating turkey, cake and salads left over from Golden
Wedding. Borden bought Shorty’s school lot, $75. New
Postmaster looking for building Dan Gray, watchman at Mabel
Mine, bought grub outfit for mine.
October 12, 1944 Heavy rain, evening
40 above. Put up trapper order for Goose Creek.
Got out-mail. thanked KFQD for program on air on account of
our Golden Wedding.
October 13, 1944 Cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
Mountains white again down to timbers. Finished pricing
school supplies. Island of Formosa bombed, 63 Jap ships
sunk and over 200 planes down, we lost 43 planes. Dodson
in from High Grade Mine. Dan Gray returned to Mabel Mine.
October 14, 1944 Cloudy, 40 above.
Got 3 tuck loads groceries and hardware, long overdue, Pyrex
ware arrived. Evening, Army picture show on at gym.
We are now paying over 4 billion a year interest on War Bonds.
Allies advancing slow toward Berlin, now 300 miles from Berlin.
October 15, 1944 Misty, 34 to 40 above.
Eva and Stanley with guests arrived from Anchorage, returned
3 PM. Finished digging ditch under sidewalk, west side new
house to give drainage. Allies shot down 43 Jap planes off
Philippines.
October 16, 1944 Cloudy, and windy, 38
to 42 above. Checking new merchandise, no invoices for
hardware and groceries. Finished ditch under sidewalk at
new house. Jim McDonald, ex-Willow Creek mining engineer
visited, now with Buffalo Coal Mine. All but 3 houses rented
in Wasilla. Evening, usual bath in new house.
October 17, 1944 Misty, 40
above all day. Put coal and wood in store furnace bin,
emptied ash can etc. Sgt. Sommers speeder jumped the track,
only harm to the speeder. Leslie King, trapper, left for
Goose Creek.
October 18, 1944 Cloudy, 40 above.
Wrote caretaker of Eyota farms to sell for $12,800 cash up
to April 1, 1945.
October 19, 1944 A-1 day,
40 to 44 above. Anderson family, with Ford tractor, left
for Big Lake to farm. Sixty mile hurricane in Florida.
McArthur about ready to recapture the Philippines. Allies
making slow progress vs. Germans Greece now liberated by British
Army.
October 20, 1944 Cloudy, windy, 42 above.
Priced up new Pyrex ware. Fixed broken post on team gate
to oil house.
October 21, 1944 A-1 day, 34 to 40 above.
Started to put up winter fly over balcony stairs. Stanley
and family arrived from Anchorage with mascot Ann.
October 22, 1944 Colder, 22 to 44, evening
rain. Ma had a chicken dinner, $1 a pound for Stanley
and family and Ann and Slicker the new 1 month old puppy.
Finished installing balcony fly. Allies advance on all
war fronts and Chinks halted Jap invasion on China railroad.
Ellen Smith and sick boy went to Anchorage with Stanley.
October 23, 1944 Hazy, 34 to 40 above.
Self closing up cracks in balcony fly over stairs in K. T.
Co. store. Fly saves 50% of heat. Great rejoice in
Philippines on arrival of U. S. troops retaking island from Jap’s.
Many robberies at Anchorage, cash register and individuals.
October 24, 1944 Clear, 34 to 40 above,
26 above, snow on mountains, down to timberline. Sun setting
south of Lucille Lake indicating winter is around the corner.
Report Navy battle on with the Jap’s off the Philippines.
Reds advancing in east Prussia, Holland short on grub. Got
2nd trappers order, Caswell.
October 25, 1944 Big wind, 34 to 36,
evening 26 above. New railroad agent, Brown off for a
month. Navy battle with Jap fleet off the Philippines, we
lost 1 carrier and 1 ship damaged.
October 26, 1944 Big wind, 34 above.
Roofing paper and corrugated iron in the air. Electric
lights off all day, froze out last night in bed. Ma making
ready to go to Anchorage for 75th birthday. No radio or war
news today at Wasilla, just wind at 60 miles per hour, that’s all.
October 27, 1944 Wind died out, 28 to
34 above. Ma all dressed up for 10 AM train to Anchorage,
got away at 2 PM. Electric lights on again at noon.
Navy battles Jap’s, lost 28 war ships vs. 6 American ships.
Reds advance in Hungary and East Prussia, on to Berlin. Greece
free from Nazi rule.
October 28, 1944 Cloudy, 32 above all
day. Store full of siwashes from up railroad line. Farmers
still plowing farm lots. Halloween party and picture at
gym. Got 5 tons Buffalo coal. Tokyo radio says allies
lost 145 war ships in past 14 day fight near Philippines.
October 29, 1944 Cloudy, windy, 40 to
44 above. Siwashes from up railroad line here on usual
drunk. Several Army trucks with soldiers visited at Wasilla.
Ma at Anchorage. Drained water system in new house and put
shear boards over cellar windows.
October 30, 1944 Perfect day, 40 to 46
above. Sommer fixed roof on shed to Mabel cabin, damaged
by wind. Ma celebrating her 75th birthday with Stanley
and family at Anchorage. McArthur now making clean up of
Jap’s on Philippine Islands in Pacific.
October 31, 1944 Perfect
day, 40 to 48 above. Small trade all day. part of
S and W fine foods arrived, also butter. Ma arrived home,
4 PM mail train from weekend at Anchorage. 600,370 German
prisoners taken by allies since D-Day and Reds have killed 1½
million up to September on retreat. U. S. bombed Jap
boats in Manila harbor, sunk 3.
November 1, 1944 A-1 day,
34 to 50 above. November came in like a lamb, no heavy frosts
as yet, farmers plowing. Ma in washtub as usual, likes
the old way the best? New B-29 bombers flew over Tokyo today.
Nazis putting up stiff resistance vs. allies. Nailed iron
back on coal shed, blown off by big wind.
November 2, 1944 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine. Betts Bros. bought truck load
oil, etc., from Anchorage. All out of candy and eggs.
Germans putting up their best vs. allies. Ambassador from China
recalled, Chinks object to FDR?
November 3, 1944 Cloudy, cooler, 30 to 34 above.
Priced up delayed overalls and woolen pants. Mail went
south. Last of Germans drove out of Belgium. Communist
Party in France making trouble for Liberal party.
November 4, 1944 Cloudy, 30 above all
day. Drew out 25 gallons Pearl oil and got tank on platform.
Buddy and sister arrived from Anchorage with Jane Cadwallader
for weekend with Grandma. Evening, Army picture show on
at school gym. Heavy fighting on all Army fronts. Reds
hammering at Budapest. Air full of campaign talk on account
November election.
November 5, 1944 Partly cloudy, 30 to
34 above. Stanley arrived from Anchorage with Mrs. Isaac and
Jackson and Floyd Smith back from Dillingham, Bristol Bay, sold
out his store. Ma got dinner for 9 hungry goats. Bitter
fighting on Germany front. Reds using 600 tanks in Budapest.
November 6, 1944 Cloudy, cooler, 26 to
34 above. Shorty sawing up Cadwallader's winter wood.
Joe Brassel moved out to Forty Mile Miller’s old cabin to trap
beaver, etc. Stalin gave a 40 minute talk on world war situation
and well received by the allies. Reds now throwing shells into
Budapest, a German stronghold. Jap Navy and air planes about obliterated.
November 7, 1944 Cloudy, 10 to 32 above.
Presidential election, Roosevelt won 31 states vs. 18 for Dewey.
Over 13 million votes for Roosevelt and over 13 million for
Dewey. Dewey conceded election to Democrats at 3 with many
returns not in.
November 8, 1944 Cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Oscar Anderson in from Big Lake with tractor for supplies for
ranch. Election returns still coming in, not much change
in senate. Allies making slow gains vs. Nazis. China
in a bad way for want of supplies. No snow in valley and half
gone again on Bald Mt.
November 9, 1944 Cooler, 6 to 24 above.
Most all foreign nations approve Roosevelt’s 4th term
nominee.
November 10, 1944 Cloudy, 14 to 26 above.
ARC removing garage from Wasilla to Palmer. Betts Bros.
hauling diesel oil to Independence Mine where only a dozen men
are working.
November 11, 1944 Snow all day, 20 above,
first real snow at Wasilla. Ground only froze 1” deep.
Wood dealer busy, we got 2nd cord birch block wood with coal.
Allies 9 miles in on 70 mile German front. Nazi robots hit
England. No Army picture show tonight, snowed in.
November 12, 1944 Cold wind, at 20 above.
Clothing sales good today, one family $70. Stanley and
family and new pup arrived at noon. Army hour on 11 to 12 PM,
gave all detail of war during past week.
November 13, 1944 Cold, 10 above and
windy. Bought cord dry slab wood at $15. Busy with
fires on account cold wind.
November 14, 1944 Windy, 20 above.
Oranges and apples arrived, no eggs. Budapest crumbling
under Red drive in Hungary. Mail train 2 hours late.
November 15, 1944 Chinook wind, 38 to
44 above. Gus and Fred making ready to go Outside to Hot
Springs. Farmers killing beef, pork and lambs. Jap’s
lost 440 planes in Philippine scrap and several boats.
November 16, 1944 Cloudy, 34 to 40 above.
Seven cars here on moose hunt, Floyd Smith got one not far from
Wasilla. Joe Palmer and Mrs. Peck left for Caswell trap
line.
November 17, 1944 Sunny day, 32 to 40
above. Moose hunters hot on the trail, 5 killed near Wasilla
and river. Forty members of Knik Arm Teachers Association
holding annual at Anchorage.
November 18, 1944 A-1 day, 34 to 44 above.
Leonard Grau and partner up from Anchorage for a moose and
many cars on moose trails. No snow in valley and half gone again
on mountain peaks, easy on fuel.
November 19, 1944 Cloudy, windy, 36 to
46 above. Stanley and family and two Smith’s arrived
from Anchorage, returned 3 PM with Ellexson’s on court panel.
Allies liberated 20 Nazi towns.
November 20, 1944 Cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Smith and Fleckenstein shot a moose and bear in their back yard.
Moose hunters up here from Anchorage. Allies made some
advances on German line on account good weather. Reported
we lost 10 ships in drive on Philippines.
November 21, 1944 Cloudy, 30 above
all day. Reliance merchandise and B.R. eggs arrived, truck
load. Coleman, old time prospector, now with Eklutna Power
Plant, here on vacation. Reds took 12,000 German prisoners.
KFQD had program, annual dedication of 1,000 watt transmitter.
November 22, 1944 Cloudy, cooler, 22
to 28 above. Priced and opened up National Grocery merchandise.
Kennedy bought Leibing house near Town hall for $500.
Dictator FDR named November 23rd as turkey day. Diphtheria in
Nome, moose meat in Wasilla.
November 23, 1944 Dictator, “FDR” turkey
day, 26 above. Ma and self ate turkey spread on bakers bread,
kids at Anchorage. Allies advanced all along the Rhine.
German West Wall crumbling under ally heavy land and air fire.
Reds downed 43 Nazi tanks. B-29 bombers hitting Jap’s hard
in land and sea.
November 24, 1944 Cloudy, colder, 6 to
26 above. Post Office taken over by Mrs. Carter and moved
into Nels Larson house, making 5th move since 1917. Tokyo
bombed by B-29 American bombers. Allies got 3 bridges across
the Rhine. Reds downed 118 German tanks and drove long wedge
into Hungary. Eva and Stanley arrived 5:30 PM with kids for weekend
with Grandma. Auto roads slippery.
November 25, 1944 Colder, zero to 20
above. Agent Browne back from month vacation at Anchorage.
Army picture show on at gym tonight. Allies driving hard
on 400 mile wall of German west front and the Reds driving on
last Nazi line. Judge Landis, 78, baseball commissioner,
passed out. Marie and Buddy went skating.
November 26, 1944 Cloudy, 20 to 28 above.
Turkey day for all the Herning’s in Wasilla with Paddy Marion
guest. Ma roasted a 15 lb. turkey, $12.75. B-29 2nd
bombing of Tokyo. General Arnold gave detail of the bombing
on Army hour. Allies advanced on central and north 500 mile German
line. Gus Swanson and Fred left for Outside.
November 27, 1944 Hazy, 24 to 30 above.
Whiskers installing Post Office fixtures in Nels Larson house.
Evening, Ellexson’s back from Jury, Shorty drove them to Knik.
Ally forces advanced all along 500 mile held Nazi line.
Tokyo bombed 3rd time by B-29’s. Betts Bros. hauling oil to
the Independence Mine, no snow up to Mabel forks of road.
November 28, 1944 A-1 day, 28 to 40 above.
Betts Bros. and families going Outside, returned Anchorage
to Wasilla on account no boat at Seward for a week. RAF
heavy bombed German industries and German troops along west war
line. Reds still advancing on east Nazi war front. Two Aleutian
aviators here on vacation.
November 29, 1944 Cloudy, 30 above all
day. Self refilled furnace coal bin. Government
releasing part of 1944 evaporated fruit. Government has 145
million pounds of dried eggs. Government will ration canned
vegetables in December. Allies slowly advancing on west Hitler
line.
November 30, 1944 Fog 12 to 22 above.
November very mild weather and no snow in valley, mostly 30 to
40 above zero. Germans retreating from some towns on the
Rhine. RAF and U. S. Air Force hitting German army lines and
industries hard.
December 1, 1944 Cloudy, 8 to 18 above.
Joe Brassel in from trap line on Forty Mile’s old ranch at mile
8. Damp and chilly all day, white frost. Allies up vs.
6 million Germans on invasion of Germany. German airplanes
reduced over 50%, have but little air protection for their armies.
December 2, 1944 Cloudy, 24 to 28 above.
Betts bros. and families left on boat for Seattle. Marie Martha
and Maxine arrived on freight train to attend Wasilla High
School dance at gym. Allies hit Germans and Jap’s hard
in all war zones today. McAllen, ex-Willow Creek Supervisor
passed out in Fairbanks.
December 3, 1944 Light snow, 12 to 32
above. Kids arrived from Anchorage, returned to Anchorage
3 PM Wasilla and trees white again. Germans made strong
counterattack and lost 50,000, killed and wounded. Reds advancing
on east Nazi line. Fourth bombing of Tokyo by B-29 bombers.
December 4, 1944 Colder, 8 above all
day. All out of apples, oranges and onions. Fruit and
groceries and meats arrived PM. Oscar Downing hauled over
freight, 2 tons. Snowed 6” last night.
December 5, 1944 First cold wave, 22
above AM, 12 above noon, 26 below zero PM. Busy all day
pricing and opening up new goods and keeping hot fires going.
Nazis retreating on 500 mile west front. Allies 22
miles from Cologne. Reds hold 2/3 of Hungary and 50 miles
from Austria border. Berlin bombed.
December 6, 1944 Cold, zero
to 16 above. Still checking and pricing new merchandise.
Shorty got stalled taking Ellexson’s to Knik last night, Betts
truck towed him back to Wasilla. Sgt. Sommers and partner
bought a grub outfit, in Mabel cabin. Stanley 40, with Army
Post at Anchorage.
December 7, 1944 Cloudy, 4 to 10 above.
Shorty’s car froze up last night at Knik, Betts Bros. towed
him home. Both Germans and Jap’s being hit hard by allies.
Give me a tow, the cry of auto drivers since zero weather.
December 8, 1944 Cloudy,
warmer, 28 to 30 above. Self storekeeper, bookkeeper and
janitor. Ma left for Anchorage on AM mail train. Moose
hunters all around Wasilla, killed 7 bull cow moose to date.
Allies advance vs. German concrete pill boxes. Reds capturing
Nazi prisoners every day. U. S. lost 2 cruisers in Pacific.
December 9, 1944 Cloudy, 16 to 30 above.
Hurd and a preacher got 3 moose, four miles west of Hans Friedland
ranch. Seventeen Nazi divisions knocked out by the allies.
Reds reached the Danube River. Rebellion in Greece and
new cabinet in Rome.
December 10, 1944 Rain last night, 40
above all day. Moose hunters stole Ma’s clothesline.
Ma at Anchorage seeing dentist. Snow gone, streets all ice.
December 11, 1944 Showers, 38 to 44 above.
Ma at Stanley’s house at Anchorage. Several cars in ditch
on account icy roads. Jack Fabyan got his bull moose
near Wasilla.
December 12, 1944 Rain, 40
above. Auto roads all ice. Ma home on mail train
4 PM from Anchorage. Allies took 30 towns on German border
and 2,000 bombers hit German industries. B-29’s over Tokyo
and sunk three Jap transports.
December 13, 1944 Cloudy, 30 above.
Got out Seattle mail. Not many cars moving on icy roads.
December 14, 1944 A-1 day, 28 above.
Moose season closed, over a dozen bull moose killed around
Wasilla. 52 booze joints in Anchorage and half as many
churches.
December 15, 1944 Cloudy, 30 to 38 above.
Refilled furnace coal bin. Mail train 6 hours late, got
2 tons groceries, candy and hardware, fruits short. Allies
first landing on German soil from France border. Reds near
Austria line.
December 16, 1944 Cloudy, 40 above, evening
rain. Seventh day of spring weather, bad on moose meat.
Busy all day checking and pricing new merchandise. Germany
still sending robot torpedo’s into England. Reds will soon
be on German soil.
December 17, 1944 Rain ended with snow,
34 above. Got Christmas candy ready for sale. Floyd
Smith took wife to Anchorage hospital for minor operation.
Weather man says 34 above in Wasilla.
December 18, 1944 Two inches of snow
last night, 20 to 28 above, Wasilla white again, Chinook over.
Busy all day checking Brownie and Blue ware and new hardware, partial
lot of Christmas candy and fruit here.
December 19, 1944 Cloudy, 28 above. Eva
and Stanley arrived from Anchorage 11 with Ann as mascot. Christmas
cards arrived in-mail from States. Nazis drove allies back
on Belgium border. Allies downed 190 Nazi planes and allies
lost 85 bombers, not so hot? B-29 doing damage to Jap homeland
and in China.
December 20, 1944 Business good on Christmas
candy. Light snow last night. Weather man says
rain tomorrow. Christmas shoppers PM.
December 21, 1944 Sold $75 fruit.
Ton of fruits and vegetables arrived last night. Mail train,
out of Fairbanks, jumped the track and 2 cars rolled over, several
badly hurt including college students.
December 22, 1944 Cooler, 8 above all
day. Busy with small trade and pricing Blue and Brownie
ware. Cadwallader's new bartender went on a drunk and fired.
December 23, 1944 Cloudy, 8 above all
day. Kids arrived from Anchorage for weekend at home
in Wasilla. Christmas for school kids at Town Hall followed
by good picture show by Army Post boys.
December 24, 1944 White Christmas, 6 to 16
above. Christmas dinner with Stanley and family as usual
guests. They returned to Anchorage home at 3 PM.
Self received pair shoes, diary, socks and tie from Santa, cost
me $47 in cash. Had 2 roast chickens, came from Wells, Minnesota
and were A-1. Section Natives here on usual weekend drunk.
December 25, 1944 Christmas. Cloudy,
12 to 20 above. Store closed all day. Ma and Self
alone, eating up last of Minnesota chicken and big carton of
cookies, candies and donuts made by the Gill family of Anchorage.
Had our family Christmas on 24th. fine Christmas programs over
KFQD and KPO from overseas.
December 26, 1944 Cloudy 14 to 20 above.
Still eating on Minnesota chicken and Mrs. Mayor Gill’s donuts.
Buddy and sister arrived on mail train from Anchorage on school
vacation.
December 27, 1944 Cloudy, 20 above
all day. Kids sliding down Cannon hill. Thorpe’s
visited for clothing on way to Independence Mine. Government
got 20 billion in 6th war bond sale, wanted 16 billion. Reds
entering Budapest from 3 sides, driving Germans out of city.
December 28, 1944 Colder, zero all day.
Paid all invoices due to date and got out Seattle mail.
Part lot of fruit and groceries arrived today. Marie Martha
and Wanda hauled it over to store on Yukon sled, dad at rudder.
Allies holding off German offense and made some advances. Reds
got Budapest under control.
December 29, 1944 Big wind, 12 to 18 above.
Sears and ice cutters built a living shack on Lake Wasilla.
Ma and kids left for Anchorage on mail train. Lights on
and off all day. Shorty took Christmas presents to Knik. Busy
with fires all day, up to midnight on account big wind.
December 30, 1944 Big wind, 10 above.
Ma at Anchorage with Stanley’s family for New year celebration.
Self busy with fires until 2 AM. Buck Sparling in Palmer
Hospital. Auto roads blocked.
December 31, 1944 Old year out. Windy,
16 above all day. Busy with fires. Had dinner,
meat loaf, eggs, potatoes, bread, jam and milk. Ma with
kids at Anchorage, got truck load fruit PM. Old year out
with a 3 day big wind.
1945
January 1, 1945 Warming up, 20 to 30 above.
Ma on Happy New Year with kids at Anchorage. Self busy
with new merchandise and keeping fires going. Quiet in Wasilla,
no visitors at cocktail bar. Fourth year of war, one more
to go and allies have over 50% control. Stanley on same job
with Army Post at Anchorage.
January 2, 1945 Wind died out, 30 above.
Ma home on PM mail train. Self busy all day in store, sales
$177. Drifts on auto roads were removed by ARC Cat. Heavy
quake at 3 AM this morning, woke me up.
January 3, 1945 Cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Got 2½ cords wood for furnace at $15 a cord, war price.
Stored 15 boxes apples in store basement. Allies made some
gains vs. Nazis in Belgium and west war line. Lights off
6 to 10 PM Ma in wash tub as usual.
January 4, 1945 Cloudy, 28 above all day.
Got out-mail, paid 1945 fire insurance premium, $260 on $10,000.
Ma still chasing buffalo coal dirt. Germans still trying
to hold 40 mile gain back in Belgium. Rev. Bingle visited.
January 5, 1945 Cloudy, 26 to 30 above.
Finished pricing up drugs. Real winter at Europe battle
lines. Heavy fighting, Germans vs. allies in Belgium and
north France.
January 6, 1944 Cloudy 22 above all day.
Mother Thorpe in from Independence Mine on account of her pension,
with hubby making $6 a day.
January 7, 1945 Cloudy, no snow and 20 above
at Wasilla. Jap’s losing badly, hit by B-29 bombers on
all islands.
January 8, 1945 Cloudy, 22 to 24 above.
Betts bros. hauling oil to the Independence Mine, working only
20 men. Ice men on job on Lake Wasilla, railroad ice contract.
January 9, 1945 Cloudy 24 above. Eva
and Stanley arrived 11 AM returned to Anchorage 3 PM.
Hardware, oil and coffee arrived. FDR wants 80 billion
for next year of war, means $660 from every person. McArthur
now bombing the ‘ell out of Jap’s from islands to Tokyo.
January 10, 1945 Windy and 30 above all
day. Shorty hauled over 20 cases coffee, barrel of oil and hardware
from railroad shed. Oscar Anderson in with Ford Cat for
merchandise from Big Lake. McArthur drove 10,000 into Luzon
Island and established 3 beachheads in Philippines.
January 11, 1945 Cloudy, 32 above all day.
Floyd Smith wants to buy store and property. Priced up
new hardware.
January 12, 1945 Cloudy, 18 to 26 above.
U. S. in Pacific making most headway in war, sunk 71 Jap boats
and downed 39 Jap planes near Philippines. Chinks blasted
large land slide on Jap held railroad.
January 13, 1945 Cloudy, 16 to 24 above.
Maxine and Marie Martha arrived on PM freight to attend barn
dance at Hall. Allies advanced as Germans retreat, had
900 planes over Germany, only on patrol now in northern Italy on
account snow and cold weather. Jap’s lost 289 ships since January
2nd, 6 transports sunk.
January 14, 1945 Cloudy, 24 above all day.
Big farmer community party at Wasilla Town Hall last night.
Maxine and Marie Martha star guests, returned to Anchorage on
3 PM passenger freight.
January 15, 1945 Clear, colder, 6 above.
Christmas candy arrived, ham, no bacon. Edlund’s summer
resort on Lake Wasilla taken over by Johnson and wife.
German counterattack, they lost 90,000, we lost 52,000 and 53 planes.
Winter now on battlefront. McArthur moving down Luzon Island
to Manila.
January 16, 1945 Cloudy, 8 to 18 above.
Got out 2 produce orders, airmail. Opened up Christmas
candies. McArthur rolling down highways on Luzon Island
to Manila, 80 miles away. Greece visited truce to settle local
rule. Babe White passed out in California.
January 17, 1945 Cold wind, 14 above
all day. Checking for inventory on groceries on
account sale of stock to prospective buyer. Reds took
Warsaw and liberated 500 more towns held 3 years by Nazis.
January 18, 1945 Cold wind, 20 to 24
above. U. S. Signal Corp installing next telephone and
telegraph line from Anchorage to Fairbanks, connecting with
all lines in States.
January 19, 1945 Cloudy, warmer, 30 to 40 above.
Finished pricing Christmas candy. Eva, Stanley, Mrs.
Isaac and Ann, the mascot, arrived from Anchorage AM and returned
PM Reds in Poland, through snow, reached 4 miles of Prussia
border.
January 20, 1945 Shower at midnight,
40 above past 24 hours. FDR sworn in as President next
4 years and 4th term. Three million Red army pushing Germans
out of Poland and Hungary. Allies making slow progress vs.
German border at Belgium and Holland.
January 21, 1945 Cloudy, 42 above all day.
Forty eight hours of spring weather while northern states below
zero with snow and blizzards. Frank Bayer visited.
Ellexson’s with dog team returned to Knik. Allies on offense
in all war zones. Reds pushed 16 miles into Prussia on way
to Berlin. Working on inventory. Rain made roads icy
again.
January 22, 1945 Cloudy 38 above all day, 4th
day and night above freezing weather. Wash day, self on
inventory. Lester Davis here from Independence Mine.
Auto roads icy after rain. Reds advancing into Poland and
Hungary, killed 60,000 Germans, took 20,000 prisoners. Formosa
bombed from U. S. carriers.
January 23, 1945 Colder,
14 to 24 above. George Nylen, old time farmer in Matanuska
Valley, passed out at Sitka Home. Germans now drove back on
to their own soil after 5 years of aggression.
January 24, 1945 Cloudy, 22 above all day.
Self on grocery inventory. Total of 1944 merchandise
purchases, $14,905, merchandise sales $18,409.44.
January 25, 1945 Cloudy, wind, 22 to 30 above.
Still working on 1944 inventory. Evening, Betts bros.
driver and Lester Davis loaded our Old Knik Hall safe to go to
cocktail bar in Anchorage. McArthur now 49 miles from Manila.
Jap’s took all grub and Manila people starving until allies give
relief. No snow in Wasilla. Jack and Kennedy moved out
to trap line.
January 26, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 40 above.
Floyd Smith left by air for Bristol Bay on account payment
due on sale of store, wants to buy us out on return. Tokyo
bombed today by B-29’s. Jap’s putting up fight to hold
Manila. Betts left, with safe, for Anchorage.
January 27, 1945 Warmer, 42 AM to 40 midnight.
Showers last night, roads all ice. Harry Sears fell off
ice car on rails, had to go to hospital for checkup. Red
Army across German border and Germans evacuating Berlin. B-29
bombed Tokyo and U. S. subs sunk 29 more Jap boats. Schools
and clubs closed in eastern states on account no coal.
January 28, 1945 Chinook, 40 above, light rain,
muddy underfoot. No cars on roads on account ice.
Took tobacco inventory. Reds on direct road to Berlin,
took 60,000 German prisoners. The Burma Road renamed Stillwell
after General Stillwell.
January 29, 1945 Cloudy, 44 above all day.
Finished grocery and tobacco inventory. Olga Peck bought
$50 grub order for Caswell trap line. B-29 downed 119
Jap planes and lost 5 B-29 bombers. McArthur 38 miles from
Manila.
January 30, 1945 A-1 spring day, 42 to 48 above.
Snow and ice all gone, streets muddy. Mrs. Peck and sister
left for Joe Palmer’s trap line to catch beaver. Hitler
on air on account 12th year as leader of Germany, says we win or
die.
January 31, 1945 A-1 day, 22 to 52 in sun.
Mail train arrived 1 day late. Betts family back from
trip to Seattle. Reds now only 45 miles from Berlin.
February 1, 1945 Cooler, 18 to 26 above.
Repaired coal shoot window. McArthur freed 510 American
and British prisoners taken at Manila in 1941. B-29 bombed
Singapore in China. Jap’s sunk 2 of our mine sweepers in
Pacific. Ice gone on auto roads.
February 2, 1945 Eighth real spring day, frost
out 4”. Bought 2 more cords of birch wood, $30.
McArthur taken all roads on Luzon Island leading to Manila, only
20 miles away with 5 divisions on roads to Manila.
February 3, 1945 Perfect day, 22 to 34
above. Kids arrived at noon from Anchorage and returned
at 2:30 with spuds etc. Delayed bacon, butter, milk, etc.
arrived. Allies dropped 2,500 tons of bombs on Berlin and
adjacent oil and railroad centers. .
February 4, 1945 Light snow +22, Wasilla
white again. McArthur’s troop took Manila and freed 3,000
more prisoners. Jap’s put up but little fight. Tabulating
cost of new house aft of store.
February 5, 1945 Cloudy, 22 to 30 above.
Tryck sold old school house to a church outfit and Arnold Edlund
sold his house to the absent minded professor. Hitler hit
hard from air and land.
February 6, 1945 Snow flurries, 30 to 34 above.
Signal Corps work and living cars here on account installing
phone wires to Fairbanks, connecting up with Washington, D. C.
February 7, 1945 Colder, +16 all day.
Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt in war conference, some place
on Black Sea in Europe. Fifteen of Churchill’s aides lost
in plane going to Black Sea.
February 8, 1945 A-1 day, 22 to 26 above.
Stock inventory (February 1st) $8,227.53 at cost. Stock
inventory (February 1st) $11,654.61 sell. Allies gained
some on western front. North Manila cleared of Jap’s.
Allies lost over 27,000 soldiers past week. Army picture show
last night.
February 9, 1945 Cloudy, 340 to 40 above.
Filled up furnace coal bin with birch. Tabulating on new
house materials. Allies making it hot for both Jap’s and
Germans Greece at war again on account self government.
German Generals refuse to protect Berlin. Ten Signal Corps
cars here on side track while wiring to Fairbanks.
February 10, 1945 Cloudy, 38 above. Big
quake in Tokyo followed by B-29 bombers. Canadians advanced
17 miles into German lines. Auto cars now drive to Big Lake
to fish.
February 11, 1945 Colder, windy zero
to 10 above. Elmer Sexton on 30 day furlough from Army
in Aleutians Jap’s still hold Manila Harbor.
February 12, 1945 Cold wave, 8 above to 18
below zero. Eighth day of Big Three meet in Crimea on
account world war future plans Germans still hitting England
with robot planes.
February 13, 1945 Cold, zero to 22 below
zero. Self up 7 AM on account fires in both furnaces.
Eva and Stanley arrived at noon, back to Anchorage 3 PM.
Sixty three nurses freed in Manila, held by Jap’s 3 years.
Dan Gray in town.
February 14, 1945 Warming up, 10 above.
Soldiers with Cat Jeep back from trip to Big Ten Mile Lake.
Big Three conference over in Crimea. Churchill flew to
Greece and Roosevelt to Rome to see Pope?
February 15, 1945 Cloudy, 18 to 24 above.
Got two Shorty truck loads of freight. Filled furnace
coal bin with wood. Bill up to deport Charlie Chaplin.
2,000 bombers over German oil plants, etc. Canadian Army near
Rhine River.
February 16, 1945 Warmer, 20 to 30 above, snow
in other parts of Alaska. Priced up new candy and hardware.
Tokyo bombed by 1,500 planes off airplane carriers backed by U.
S. Navy. McArthur cleaning Jap’s out of Manila by water front.
February 17, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 38 above.
Priced up oils and hardware. Stanley and family arrived
from Anchorage to attend Ball at Wasilla Town Hall.
February 18, 1945 Windy, 38 to 40 above,
spring weather here again. Kids left for Anchorage home.
Army picture show at Hall last night. War will cost 238
billion, so says Secretary of Treasury in D. C. German transport
sunk with 5,000, only 1,000 saved.
February 19, 1945 Cloudy, snow, 32 to 38 above.
Grub order to Cox, Montana Station. E. B. (Buck) Sparling,
old time prospector at Willow Creek, passed out.
February 20, 1945 Hazy, 32 to 36 above,
sprinkle of snow last night. Army short of nurses, 20,000
needed. We have lost 265 navy vessels in Pacific war in recapturing
Manila and Philippines.
February 21, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 50 in sun.
Priced and opened up new Reliance merchandise. Army Signal
Corps 10 cars moved north to Houston Station.
February 22, 1945 Cloudy, 24 to 38, showers.
Betts bros. truck drove to Independence Mine. Caught
up office work. South American states in war and peace conference
at Mexico City, also U. S.
February 23, 1945 Rain last night, 44
to 48 above. Posted 3 months in 1944 NCR ledger. E.
B. Sparling, old timer, buried at Anchorage. Turkey joined
allies, declared war on Nazis. Reds took 23,000 Germans
in Poland. McArthur mopping up Jap’s in Manila.
February 24, 1945 Cloudy, 40 to 48 above, evening
rain. Rain made Wasilla black again. Posted NCR ledger
to July 1944. The 65 prisoner nurses, in Manila for 3 years,
landed at S. F. all well but thin.
February 25, 1945 Cloudy, 32 above, 1” snow.
Rain last night, wound up with snow. Posted NCR ledger
to October 1st, 1944. No kids from Anchorage today.
Cars now go to Big Lake over ice road to fish, via Pittman.
February 26, 1945 Sprinkle of snow, 24
to 34 above. Finished posting 1944 NCR ledger, now ready
for income tax headache? All south and central American
states in a huddle in Mexico City figuring a plan to love each other
after the war. Tokyo now getting same dose as Berlin from the
air.
February 27, 1945 Six inches snow, 32 to 36
above. First real snow storm but wet. Mail train
stalled here 3 hours on account hot box on engine. Did a rushing
lunch business on account delay to Curry Hotel. Dodson’s in
town fixing car. Heavy wet snow from the southeast.
February 28, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 40 above.
Tabulated exp. account for tax report. RAF planes gave
support to Army and shot up military post in Germany. First
U. S. cargo boats entered Manila Bay. Floyd Smith back from
Bristol Bay.
February Memo: Allies landed on Admiralty Island,
50,000 Jap’s face doom. Fourteen more Jap boats sunk by
our subs. Germans, 150,000 strong, making 3rd drive on ally
beachhead near Rome, Italy. Fins trying to find way out of
the war vs. Russia. China going to make Japan pay for all damage
done in China during the war.
March 1, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 40 above.
Beaver season open. Working on income tax report.
Ma, as usual, in the wash tub? President Roosevelt on air
on account trip, 14,000 miles to Big Three Crimea conference.
Evening rain.
March 2, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 42 above.
Sun now sits on north end of Lucille Lake and PM doing business.
Someone pilfered Mrs. Fisher’s house, got $50 and took suit cases.
U. S. flag raising on Manila Bay. Ma went to Anchorage
for weekend.
March 3, 1945 Blustery, 32 to 36 above.
Dance on at Town Hall. Evening, worked on tax report.
Reds breaking Nazi line to Black Sea ports. Ice men about
through with 1,600 ton contract off Lake Wasilla.
March 4, 1945 Four inches of snow, 30
to 36 above, wet sleet storm all day. Ma at Anchorage on
T-bones and pictures. Self on tax report. Coal miners
want Government to take mines. Sore feet.
March 5, 1945 A-1 day, 20 to 32 above.
Wire from Perkins, offer of $7,200 for Singleton farm less rental
$560, deal to close July 1, 1945, $6,640 net. Ma doing pictures
at Anchorage. Self rushed in store all day. Allies
and Reds got Hitler on retreat in all war zones. Marines busy
blasting Jap’s out of foxholes. Talk of aviation field at
Wasilla and auto road over Bald Mt. to Willow.
March 6, 1945 Cooler, 20 to 30 above.
Picked up peaches and corn at Anchorage. Received 4 invoices
covering meats, groceries and candy now at Seward dock.
Received first can coal oil in 2 years. Ma back from weekend
at Anchorage. Chas Isaac returned to Anchorage.
March 7, 1945 A-1 day, 20 to 32 above.
Got 2 tuck loads groceries, ham and bacon was short.
Road open to Independence Mine. Billy Tryck home for week
vacation from Anchorage.
March 8, 1945 Cloudy, 26 to 32 above.
Carl Fritzler, Matanuska rancher, now at Port Angeles, Washington,
visited. Got out big mail and 1944 income tax, $272.72.
Allies crossed the Rhine today, now on way to Berlin.
Jap’s on the defense dodging B-29 bombers. Paid K-P lodger
dues 1945.
March 9, 1945 Cooler, 10
to 22 above. Self got lame back from lifting packages.
Ma got pain in the neck. Some rejoicing on account ally
armies crossing the Rhine. Fifteen square miles of Tokyo
burning from B-29 raids. Supplies now moving over Burma Road
held past 3 years by the Jap’s, to China.
March 10, 1945 Cooler, 8 to 30 above.
Self got backache. Wrote Perkins to close deal on Singleton
farm at $45 an acre, Elmira Qtr. at $35 an acre. Allies
getting troops across Rhine River with little opposition by Nazis.
March 11, 1945 Cool, 14 to 22 above.
Stanley quarantined at Anchorage. Floyd Smith brought
up our tobacco and candy. Allies getting troops across
the Rhine for drive to Berlin. B-29 bombers raising heck
with Jap industries. Self got backache.
March 12, 1945 Cooler, 6 to 24 above, sprinkle
of snow last night. Ice men through with 1,600 ton contract
with railroad off Lake Wasilla. Germans tried to wreck bridges
with artillery fire.
March 13, 1945 Cool, 8 to 22 above. Mrs.
Pearl Horning, years at quartz mining in Willow Creek District,
passed out at Seattle. Old Chris Gustafson, Nelchuk Mine
passed out at Anchorage. Berlin all fire from 22 bomber
raids. Professor Pendleton’s mother passed out.
March 14, 1945 Colder, 10 below to 20
above. Eva and Stanley, 19 years married, arrived from
their Anchorage home, returned PM to Anchorage. U. S. closing
down Canadian oil line to Whitehorse.
March 15, 1945 Still 10 below
to 20 above. Oscar Gill stricken with heart trouble at
Juneau Legislation. Sears cutting Wasilla Lake ice for Palmer-ites.
Allies dropping tons of bombs on Nazi railroad docks and oil refineries.
McArthur still chasing Jap’s out of foxholes at Manila.
March 16, 1945 Still 10 below to 22 above,
noon 40 above in sun. Lost cider and cheese arrived from
Fairbanks, Armour meats arrived. Allies advanced 15 miles
across Rhine, cost 4,000 Marines to take Jap island, Iwo Jima.
All talk about world peace conference.
March 17, 1945 Warmer, 12 to 24 above.
Dan Gray, watchman, returned to Mabel Mine. Kennedy
in from Fabyan trap line, got 18 beaver. Nazi robots still
hitting England. Three hundred German officers shot for
saying war was lost to allies.
March 18, 1945 Warmer, 24 to 32 above.
Tabulated cost of new house, material $5,270.80, and lot $327.31.
Bridge across the Rhine collapsed with several U. S. engineers
working on it. Allies captured first airdrome across the
Rhine River. Reds take Nazi Baltic Sea port.
March 19, 1945 Warmer, 30
to 38 above. Windy, roads blocked by drifts. No school
bus from Fairview. Reds took 30 towns in Prussia.
Nazis caught on west side of Rhine on account bridges out, only
one oil plant left in Germany.
March 20, 1945 Cloudy, 24 to 36 above.
Willie Edlund bought beaver outfit. Admiral Eyck opened
up snow drifts on auto roads. Navy and airplane battle
with Jap’s, downed 202 Jap planes and 2 battleships and cruisers.
One U. S. ship damaged.
March 21, 1945 Cloudy, 32 above all day.
Motor oil and candy arrived. Five moose seen on railroad
to Pittman. Allies put pontoon bridge across Rhine, Germans
blew up railroad bridge across Rhine. Mr. Monkman went to
Anchorage hospital.
March 22, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 42 above.
Got out orders for groceries, fruit, butter and bacon.
Auto roads icy.
March 23, 1945 Cooler, 24 to 28 above.
Reported M. J. McNeil, ex-squaw man from Sunny Knik, died with
stroke in Fairview farming district. McNeil family all
gone but Blind Nicoli. Jap’s say war will last until Roosevelt
and Churchill are dead.
March 24, 1945 Cool, 26 6o 34 above.
A. J. Swanson, old time stock man, passed out at Palmer after
30 years ranching and horse raising at Matanuska. Alaska
Legislation session over. Reds 40 miles from Austria border.
Tabulated cost of Wasilla property, $25,388.85, stock and buildings.
900 ship workers on strike.
March 25, 1945 Cooler, 20 to 32 above.
Kids up from Anchorage home 10 AM had moose steak dinner.
Mrs. Isaac sent me a chocolate cake and kids ate it up with moose
dinner? Eight Jap ships sunk and Jap electric plant on
Formosa bombed.
March 26, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 38 above, light
PM snow. Reliance man visited for an order. Shorty
brought Ellexson in from Knik, on way to Anchorage. George
Small got truck load of lumber at Knik.
March 27, 1945 Snow flurries, 30 to 50 in the
sun. Received shipment of eggs, butter and groceries.
Eggs down from 85¢ to 65¢ a dozen. Beaver hunters
coming in with $400 catch.
March 28, 1945 One inch snow, 30 to 40 above.
Payday for indigents out of tax payers money, five in Wasilla.
Reds drove Germans out of Hungary. Jap’s still hold two
islands near Manila. Mrs. Monkman gone to Anchorage on
account husband in hospital. Clara sub teacher.
March 29, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
usual night snow flurries. Jap’s dieing in foxholes,
everywhere, wouldn’t surrender.
March 30, 1945 30 to 40 above,
4” snow last night. Ma left on mail train for Anchorage
on account Marie Martha’s birthday on April 2nd. Had rush
in store, noon to 2 PM Cleaned 4” wet snow off walks.
Singapore bombed by B-29’rs.
March 31, 1945 Snow flurries, 30 to 40 above.
Ma at Anchorage for weekend. Chilligan here on usual drunk.
Self busy all PM in store. Nazis sunk three transports.
John L. Lewis trying to pull off coal strike, wants 15 million more
wages.
April 1, 1945 Cloudy, 30 above all day.
Ma at Anchorage and Easter Cleaned and painted kitchen
floor. Evening colder.
April 2, 1945 Colder, zero
to 20 above. Ma at Anchorage on account Marie Martha’s
13th birthday. Got 2 more cords birch blocks for store furnace
to burn with coal. Allies on north line, advance 15 miles into
Germany, now 180 miles from Berlin. French celebrated Easter,
first time in 4 years.
April 3, 1945 Windy, 16 to
30 above. Ma back from Anchorage 4 PM train. Fabyan
and Kennedy in from trap line, got 10 beavers, each, $760.
April 4, 1945 Big wind, 20 to 30 above.
Busy with fires, school bus stuck in drift by Lake Wasilla.
10:30 PM electric lights popped out. One truck load groceries
arrived, 2 more due. Reds drove Germans out of Hungary.
Allies have 3,000 planes over Germany.
April 5, 1945 Big wind, 20 to 26 above, 2nd
day of big wind, no school. 2 PM electric lights on again.
British 7th Army broke through Nazi east line. U. S. 3rd
Army now 130 miles from Berlin. U. S. troops got ¼
Okinawa, Jap island.
April 6, 1945 Wind quit 16 to 30 above.
Cats opened auto roads PM Big wind hit Anchorage hard,
blew in plate glass windows. Allies put in 9 new bridges
over the Rhine to get in supplies.
April 7, 1945 A-1 day, 20 to 28 above.
Finished pricing and storing new groceries. Auto roads
open again after big wind for 3 days. Jap Navy came out
vs. our fleet. Jap’s lost 1 battleship and 5 cruisers, we
lost 3 cruisers and won battle. Food for civilians cut 10%
and more shortages by July.
April 8, 1945 Cloudy, 30 above all day.
Dance at Town Hall last night. Natives from Houston down
on usual drunk. Trenton’s Cocktail Bar on Lake Wasilla
doing good business. German rockets have killed 8,436 British
people to date.
April 9, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Whiskers doing cabinet work in Arnold Edlund house bought by
Professor Pendleton Jr. Reds hand to hand fighting in Vienna
Austria. Short wave radio good.
April 10, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Cookies and Heinz merchandise arrived, also butter and eggs.
Mrs. Carl Fritzler arrived from states. One million German
prisoners taken on drive into Germany. Reds took 134,000
Nazis in Vienna.
April 11, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 50 in sun.
Alaska Weekly reported Mrs. W. S. Horning and A. O. Wells have
passed out, both old time miners in Alaska. Five moose near Wasilla
protected by game law.
April 12, 1945 Windy, 30 to 40 above.
Noon news, word came that President Roosevelt passed out at Warm
Springs, George with hemorrhage, died at 11:30 Wasilla time.
Harry Truman sworn in as President. Roosevelt was serving
on 4th term as President and 32nd U. S. President, 4th term and chief
of war too much for him. Thursday for losses.
April 13, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 42 above.
Filled up furnace coal bin with wood. Eva and Stanley up
from Anchorage, brought cigarettes, candy and gum. Returned
to Anchorage 2 PM Most on the air history of FDR passing.
April 14, 1945 A-1 spring day, 30 to 50 above.
Funeral services for President Roosevelt at White House in
D. C. no flowers, private funeral. Burial at Hyde Park,
New York tomorrow, at home place. Allies captured one big
Nazi leader and son. Philippine islands now under control
by U. S. Army.
April 15, 1945 A-1 day, 38 to 60 in the sun.
Snow gone, streets muddy. President Roosevelt buried
at Hyde Park. Hollywood had special program. We are
now feeding over 500,000 German prisoners, more coming? Cleaned
and oiled store floor. Short wave good.
April 16, 1945 Cloudy, 32 to 48 above.
New President Truman’s first speech before Congress on World
War, etc. on the air. 22 Nazi aircraft shot down in past
4 weeks. Ninth Army 50 miles from Berlin, Red Army 30 miles
from Berlin. We lost 11 super bombers on raid over Tokyo.
Early spring in central states.
April 17, 1945 A-1 spring day, 40 to 60 above.
Roads breaking up. Mail train north 1½ hours late.
Allies and Reds soon to meet and drive in on Berlin. Two
high German officers suicided. Truman on air. Jap’s
putting up stiff fight.
April 18, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 56 above.
Anderson, with Cat, in from Big Lake for supplies. Finished
invoices of store property and lots, $11,876.89, new house and
lots cost $5,756.39. New house only partly furnished.
Allies and Reds moving on to Berlin but meet strong counterattacks.
1,700 Nazi planes down in 10 days. Joe Brassel in from mile
8 trap line, went to Anchorage with his beaver.
April 19, 1945 Cloudy, 40 above all day.
First swans flew over, spring to follow? Shorty returned
Mrs. Ellexson to Knik, roads bad. Vern Johnson, Anchorage
meat man, was acquitted of killing old man with auto? 315,000
German prisoners taken in Rhine District now held by allies.
April 20, 1945 A-1 spring day, 40 to 50 above.
Many soft spots on auto roads. Wolves taking big toll
on caribou in Yukon District.
April 21, 1945 A-1 spring day, 40 to 54 above.
Priced and opened up new grocery and clothing. Frank
Smith back from Anchorage on account frost out on Knik Road,
had to leave his car in Wasilla. Jap’s still holding one
end of Okinawa Island. Congressmen sent to investigate Nazi
crime. Auto road about closed by mush holes.
April 22, 1945 A-1 spring day, 40 to 56 above.
Kids up from Anchorage with Mrs. Isaac as mascot, returned 2
PM Priced up Black Bear socks, no pants or work shirts
available or gloves.
April 23, 1945 Cloudy, 40 to 54 above.
Roads drying up in places. Gas launches, in at Anchorage.
Joe Palmer back from trap line with Mrs. Peck and sister, got
beaver limit. Jap troops still on Okinawa Island.
Soldiers on vacation at Wasilla Lake Resort, trout fishing good.
April 24, 1945 Cloudy, 42 to 50 above.
Fishing parties out for trout. We got first mess of
trout, potlatch. Russian Army taken half Berlin, 3 million
people trapped in Berlin. Hitler ordered them to stay and
fight it out.
April 25, 1945 A-1 spring day 40 to 50 above.
World Peace Conference opened in S. F. by President Truman.
April 26, 1945 Cooler, 32 to 42 above.
Got out orders for butter and milk. Eighteen year olds
to get 6 months training before entering war.
April 27, 1945 Cooler, 32 to 42 above.
Cleaned shelves and floor in balcony. Willie Edlund
and partner back from beaver hunt. Reds and allies join
up on drive to Berlin. Canadian Army driving Germans out
of Holland. One million Dutch starving.
April 28, 1945 A-1 spring day, 32 to 52 above.
Got balance of Armour and National Grocery orders. Beaver
trappers got $300+ for 10 catch. Reds drove Germans into
subways and underground channels. Hitler reported very sick
man.
April 29, 1945 Cloudy, 40 to 58 above.
Removed winter fly over store balcony, geese have arrived,
ice out of Lake Lucille. 45,000 ton aircraft carrier launched
at New York Navy yard, christened Franklin D. Roosevelt, requires
3,000 to man ship. Mussolini and 17 aides killed by his own people.
Reported that German’s want to surrender.
April 30, 1945 Cooler, showers, 38 above.
Inventory of merchandise to date $7,206.39, store and
new house $17,633.28. Reds planted Russian flag at Berlin.
German’s all ducked into subways and underground foxholes.
U. S. Ninth Army joined up with Reds, 51 miles from Berlin.
Jap’s lost over 100 planes, B-29’s making it hot for Jap’s.
May 1, 1945 Misty all day, evening snow. Allies
demand seeing Hitler’s body to prove death report. 75,000
Germans, holding pass in north Italy, have surrendered. Bruno
Hess brother and several high ups captured. Reds took central
Berlin. Jap’s about cleared up on island of Tokyo.
May 2, 1945 Snow last night 6”, 20 to
24 above. Radishes and celery crops snowed under.
Reds captured 70,000 and surrender of Berlin today. German
General says both Hitler and Goering committed suicide rather
than be taken. Only Nazi troops in Holland and Norway left to
fight.
May 3, 1945 Cold weather, 6 to 30 above, Christmas
weather in May at Wasilla, 6” snow still with us. Germans
holding out in Norway, Denmark and two towns in Germany.
White flags going up everywhere. Allies now boarding over
two million Nazis.
May 4, 1945 A-1 day, 8 to 30 above. School
held graduation exercises. All new Outside men on railroad
section quit job. Over one million Nazi soldiers in Holland
and north Germany run up the white flag to ally armies. Jap’s
still in portion of Okinawa Island and sunk 4 U. S. boats today.
May 5, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 50. School had picnic
in Hall on account snow. Warmed up, new snow going fast.
To date, 400,000 Germans surrendered to allies and Reds.
Took Reds 12 days to capture Berlin and 70,000 prisoners. B-29’s
bombed Japan home islands three times today. Burma Road open
by British. Trout running down Cottonwood Creek.
May 6, 1945 A-1 day, 32 to 40 above, snow 2/3
gone, hot sun all PM, Fairbanks 42 above, ice still in.
We lost 391 soldiers in killing 93,000 Jap’s.
May 7, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Sun cleaned up last of snow, six days of winter weather over?
Malatov held 2nd press conference, leaving S. F. for home in
Russia. Reported Germans to sign final unconditional surrender,
6 AM on May 8th. War in Europe over?
May 8, 1945 Five year Europe war ended,
both Hitler and Mussolini dead. Business good, A-1 day,
44 to 60 above. Roads all dry now but rough going. War
in Europe over at 1 PM today. Germans signed unconditional
surrender to Russia, England and U. S. Russians have charge
of Berlin and allies have charge over other cities. Now Japan
next to clean up. No more blackouts, lights turned on Miss Liberty
in New York Harbor.
May 9, 1945 Spring day, 44 to 54 above.
Candy arrived, 1 case lost as usual. Malitov returned to
Russia from S. F. Conference. Ally troops in north Italy
on way home. Goering, Nazi air chief captured. Russians
fired 1,000 shots on account VE day. Europe liberated countries
celebrating VE day but no celebration in U. S. 400 B-29 bombed
Jap industries.
May 10, 1945 A-1 spring day 46 to 60 above.
Kennedy left, today, to construct a log cabin summer lodge for
sport bunch. German army in Czechoslov refuse to surrender
to Red army. Jap airplane plants bombed by 400 B-29 bombers.
Norway free and rejoicing. Grub a big problem in Europe.
May 11, 1945 Cloudy, evening rain, 44 to 54
above. Ma took train for Anchorage on account Mothers Day
and weekend with Stanley. A million dollar snow storm in
New England states. L. Cox down for grub.
May 12, 1945 A-1 day, 42 to 58 above.
School closed for summer vacation. Good fishing, trout
running down Cottonwood Creek. Farmers busy plowing and planting
crops. Two hundred more Nazi officials caught and up for trial,
Goering indicted. Jap’s still on Okinawa Island in foxholes.
Ma at Anchorage.
May 13, 1945 Mothers Day, temperature 48 to
60 above. Self busy in store AM PM cleaned and repainted
kitchen floor. Good program over short wave. Churchill
on air summing up Europe and Asia wars. Nazi workers to
rebuild France, Russia and England.
May 14, 1945 First summer day, 48 to 66 above.
Ma still at Anchorage. Small trade all day in store.
Shipped $30 order to Montana Station. Evening, burned
grass around new house and painted kitchen floor, 2nd coat.
Allies busy policing surrendered Germans Five hundred bombers
hit three home islands near Japan. Two hundred Jap planes
down, we lost 3. Railroad put new galvanized roof on warehouse
and closets. Green grass coming up.
May 15, 1945 Cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Ma back from Anchorage PM train with sea breeze cold.
Mrs. Oberg visited on way to Gold Cord Mine. Forty fifth
day vs. Jap’s on Okinawa Island. Sexton and Boice working
on Section, outside help quit.
May 16, 1945 Cloudy, 42 to 52 above.
Ma nursing bad Anchorage cold. PM got 5 truck loads of
merchandise. Sold out on fresh fruit and bacon. Ice
out 9:41 AM, Seward won the pot. Germany going under military
rule by Russia, France, British and Uncle Sam. Jap’s putting
up desperate front to hold home islands.
May 17, 1945 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Priced up new merchandise. Just reported Jap’s dropped
five ton bomb on U. S. airplane carrier Franklin in March, killed
800, wounded 200 but carrier made it back to Navy yard. Bad
weather for crops in States, late cold spring.
May 18, 1945 Real summer day, 58 to 72,
and 80 above in the sun. Red breast robins arrived again.
ARC smoothing up roads, Wasilla streets dusty. Quiet in
Europe after 5 year war, grub big item. B-29’s, 500 strong,
blasting Jap islands. Bill Edlund left for salmon fishing.
Marie Martha in hospital with earache and flu. First hot day.
May 19, 1945 Cooler, 48 to 64 above.
Finished pricing up new hardware. Two lady preachers
moved into Lundstrom house. Pendleton Jr. moved into Arnold
Edlund house. Germany divided into 4 sections to be rebuilt
by Russians, British and U. S. War criminals prosecuted.
Eva’s mother arrived in Anchorage on last boat from California.
May 20, 1945 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above. Several
cars up from Anchorage for weekend at Lake Wasilla Resort.
Tryck brothers weekend to visit their father. Cleaned furnace
and kitchen stoves. Turned on water plumbing, no leaks.
Jap’s won’t surrender on Okinawa Island. Allies have taken
three airfields on Okinawa. 5,000 tires captured in Philippines.
10,000 ton Jap cruiser sunk.
May 21, 1945 Cloudy, 50 above with showers.
Grass is green but birch sleeping. Gerrit Snider and wife
here on weekend. American First Army in Germany on way to
U. S. and Pacific war zone. Island of Okinawa only 350 miles
from Japan. Jap’s bombed 5 U. S. ships today with Japan suicide
squad. Kennedy digging well, sold $45 pump.
May 22, 1945 Light showers, 50 to 60 above.
Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage, Buddy and sister
on vacation. One thousand soldiers, from Europe, arrived
by bomber planes at Conn. airfield. Nine thousand tons of
bombs dropped on Japan past week, we lost 2 B-29’s. New draft,
all under 30 years. Sold out of bacon and fruit.
May 23, 1945 Showers, 44 to 50 above.
Late spring, farmers now planting. Buddy and Marie sleeping
in store balcony. Churchill resigned as war Premier.
King elected a cabinet, election to come off in July in London.
Three hundred more German officers taken prisoner. 550 B-29’s
over Tokyo.
May 24, 1945 Light showers, 50 to 54 above.
Ma Perkins and two others let out of Presidents cabinet.
Five ships loaded with U. S. soldiers arrived at New York City
on way to Pacific war zone after 30 day furlough. Liquid
fire dropped on Tokyo, burned for 5 hours.
May 25, 1945 Misty, evening rain, 50 to 58
above. Several got the flu. New family moved into
Cadwallader’s bungalow. Ma busy cooking for kids.
Eleven U. S. ships hit by Jap suicide squad off Okinawa Harbor,
Jap’s lost 144 planes on the Island More fire bombs on Tokyo,
business district burned out. Sugar cut in ½ July 1st,
more tires and gas.
May 26, 1945 Heavy rain last night, 50 to 58
above. Pumped up water tanks in new house, Buddy and sister
took bath in new house. 200,000 airplane workers to be
laid off, only B-29 and rocket planes now being made. 166
suicide planes shot down, we lost 12 B-29’s in raid on Jap’s.
Entire city of Tokyo now burned down.
May 27, 1945 A-1 day, 60 to 74 above.
Birch and Cottonwood trees came out all dressed up after warm
rain but one week late. 100 bombers per day to return from
Europe, hope to return 50,000 soldiers per month. Forty
square miles of Tokyo in ashes. Seventh Infantry advanced on
Okinawa, Japan pill boxes. Took bath in new house.
May 28, 1945 Cloudy, showers, 50 above all
day. Hauled over three truck loads hardware and groceries
from railroad shed. Buddy and party went fishing, got 56
trout. Marie Martha went down to Dinkel farm overnight. Ray
Bergman arrived by air.
May 29, 1945 Cloudy, showers 52 above.
Another truck load of groceries arrived. Stanley arrived with
Eva’s mother for a visit with Sharon and Ellen Fleckenstein on ranch.
British casualties over a million. Whisker’s plowing Cadwallader’s
lot.
May 30, 1945 Memorial Day, cloudy, 40
to 56 above. Self pricing new merchandise. Eva and kids
at home for weekend in Wasilla. KFQD War Bond drive sold over
$60,000 in bonds. Our troops now occupying Naha, capitol
of Okinawa Island. Soldiers over 35 years to be released
from Army. Army Cat drove to Big Lake.
May 31, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Busy pricing up new notions. Betts bros. drove to Independence
Mine. 35,000 troops still on Okinawa. 450 giant
bombers hit Japan industries with fire bombs. 5,700 government
employee’s dropped off payroll.
June 1, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Frost last night. Eva and mother returned to Anchorage
on mail train. Julia McCann, teacher, left for Anchorage.
Sgt. Sommers, 1 year in Mabel cabin, moved up to Bixler’s cabin by
Post Office. 3½ million soldiers in Europe to be moved
to Pacific war zone. 7% less meats for June. June two
weeks late.
June 2, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 66 above.
Busy pricing new merchandise and claims for goods lost in transit.
Stanley up from Anchorage, took kids back to Anchorage home.
Cadwallader leased his cocktail bar, crowd of soldiers there tonight.
Reported French traitor Laval committed suicide. Russian police
cracking down on Nazis in Berlin. No growing weather yet.
June 3, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Cadwallader’s cocktail bar working again. Remodeled grates
in cook stove. Chinks have driven Jap’s back 150 miles in
south China. 21,000 Jap’s still on Okinawa Island and 65,000 killed
in battle with U. S. Marines. Predicted that 10 days more
will eliminate Jap’s. Took bath.
June 4, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 66 above. Three
goats came to town eating up all the tin can garbage. Two
women preachers in town for the summer. Kobe, Japans 2nd largest
city bombed. King Haakon returned to Norway.
June 5, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 68 above.
Snow gone on Bald Mt. two weeks late. First growing weather
is here. Council of allied nations in Berlin divided Germany
up into 4 sections under military rule by Big Four allies.
June 6, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Finished pricing up notions. Fire patrol run three visiting
goats out of town to save gardens. Mrs. Isaac up from Anchorage
to round up three girl housekeepers.
June 7, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 66 above.
Soldier boys here fishing. Auto road open to Fern and Independence
Mines, also Capt. Glenn Highway open to Fairbanks and Valdez.
U. S. Supreme Justice rounding up German war criminals. Harry
Sears lost part of hot house by fire. Radishes on the market.
June 8, 1945 Cloudy, showers, 50 to 58 above.
Priced up new paint and varnishes. A midnight passenger
train north. Mrs. Sexton passed out from stroke, came here
with Colonists and 7 kids. 9,000 casualties, past week, in Pacific.
Repaired Mabel lot fence. Evening rain.
June 9, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above, evening
rain. O’Hara bus line extending trips to Wasilla, only
90¢ to Palmer. Bob Lathrop in from Cottonwood to trade.
Five billion raised on 7th war loan.
June 10, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above, PM rain.
Annual railroad picnic arrived, 7 cars, 350 people, cocktail
did a good business. We sold candy, gum, salmon eggs.
Mrs. Isaac returned to Anchorage. Rica, old time school
teacher, visited and has several kids. Evening bath in new
house.
June 11, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above, evening
rain. Another preacher family moved into Cadwallader’s
school cabin. Cold, nothing growing. Russians decorated
General Eisenhower with $12,000 war button? Fight on to do
away with southern pole tax.
June 12, 1945 Cloudy, showers 50 to 56 above.
Stanley, Eva and Buddy visited from Anchorage, returned 2 PM.
General Eisenhower guest of London with King and Queen and decorated
by King George, will arrive Washington next for big reception.
June 13, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Got 2 truck loads groceries less usual shortages. Big
three meeting to settle Poland dispute, who shall rule?
Fishhook Pass open to Willow Creek. Evening paid all invoices.
June 14, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above, 80 in
the sun. Busy pricing up new groceries. Cadwallader
family took a trip up the Capt. Glenn Highway to Valdez.
Big day in Paris on account reception for General Eisenhower
on way to U. S. Gordon Bettles, 86, passed out in Seattle.
June 15, 1945 Cloudy, 56 to 70 above.
Ma left for weekend with Stanley and family at Anchorage.
Thorpe’s hauling their supplies to Grubstake, bought $70 order.
Butter rationed July 1st to Alaska.
June 16, 1945 Summer day, 64 to 72 above.
Ma at Anchorage for weekend. Cadwallader’s back from trip
to Gulkana on Capt. Glenn Highway. Thorpe’s with two mill
partners, moved out to Grubstake area over Fishhook Pass.
Weekend Anchorage sports here.
June 17, 1945 A-1 summer day, 64 to 74 above.
Busy in store, lots of autos in town. Ma at Anchorage.
Washed my under clothes, etc. and kitchen walls, supper at 9.
Father’s Day and Dad washed his clothes? 450 B-29’s dropped
3,000 tons fire bombs on four large Jap cities.
June 18, 1945 Cloudy, showers, 54 to 74 above.
Third summer day but nothing growing. Big day at Washington,
D. C. on account arrival of General Eisenhower from Europe war
zone. General Buckner, formerly at Anchorage Post, killed
on Okinawa Island in Far East. Ma at Anchorage. Evening,
painting kitchen floors.
June 19, 1945 Cloudy, showers 54 to 64 above.
Bus load here at noon, also railroad gang bought supplies.
Total of 14 Jap cities bombed out by B-29’s. Ma at Anchorage.
No mail train. Four million greeted General Eisenhower in
New York City today.
June 20, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 64 above.
Ma arrived home on 1:30 train. Mrs. Gershmel quit husband
and ranch and went to Anchorage with two kids? Big day for
General Eisenhower at West Point, New York. Paddy arrived.
June 21, 1945 Cloudy, showers 54 to 64 above.
A. A. Shonbeck and John Beaton, old timers, drowned in a truck
over the bank at Ophir on way to claims. Joe Brassel left
for Willow Creek.
June 22, 1945 A-1 day, 54 to 70 above.
Floyd Smith bought grub on account prospecting on Willow Creek
District, for gold. Palmer woman suicided in Matanuska River
near Sutton. F. B. Connelly, salesman, visited. Agent
Browne went to hospital. American flag raised on Okinawa
Island, cost us 45,000 wounded and killed.
June 23, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Paddy home from Anchorage on a month prospecting in Willow
Creek District. United Nations (50) completed World Alliances
to stop all future wars. General Eisenhower at home town
in Kansas.
June 24, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Not many joy riders today. Mosquitoes bad.
June 25, 1945 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
May Carter made final payment on Post Office building to Gus
Swanson. Received letter from Gus Swanson, now with Fred
Nelson at 8102 29th St. S. W. Seattle, Washington, just out of hospital.
General Arnold on inspection of Pacific air fleet. More air
bombs every day vs. Japan island holdings. More meat and cigarettes
in states in near future. Butter off for Alaska.
June 26, 1945 Weather misty, 54 to 68 above.
Gus Benson (1899’r) visited, now lives in Florida. President
Truman on air with closing speech of United Nation Conference,
was in session 63 days to draft a world non-war charter by 50 nations
a / no more future war. Jap oil refinery bombed, we lost 5
B-29’s. Evening rain.
June 27, 1945 Light rain all day, 52 to 64
above. Stanley and family, with Ann as mascot, up from
Anchorage 10 AM returned 2 PM. Marie Martha with 4-H Club
week picnic at Kings Lake, also car load of kids from Seward.
President Truman flew from San Francisco to his home of Independence,
Missouri. Will take all summer to return soldiers.
June 28, 1945 Rain all day, 50 above.
Mrs. Thorpe and Brown in from mines for pick-up supplies.
Answered Gus’ Seattle letter about rents and deeds. Twenty
three more Jap boats sunk and 450 B-29 bombers dropped fire
bombs on three more Jap cities making 18 burned up to date.
McArthur mopping up Jap’s in Luzon. First radishes on market,
50% no good.
June 29, 1945 Light rain, 50 to 56 above.
Out of butter, eggs and canned fruit, S and W order 60 days past
due. Seward 4-H Club returned home. Bombers from
Philippines hit Formosa storage tanks.
June 30, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above.
O’Hara bus now on Wasilla run. Agent Browne still under
the weather from eating a big Palmer beef steak? B-29
from Okinawa bombing Jap oil refineries and industries.
Sixteen more Jap boats sunk.
July 1, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Wasilla to Grubstake with Frank Smith, left 8 AM arrived 10
AM, cabin in fair condition. PM went over ditches and
dams. Big snow slide run from Forks down creek to foot of
Homestake Claim, tore out flume gates. One thousand feet of
creek still full of snow. Got back to Wasilla 6 PM Ma left
for Anchorage to spend 4th with Stanley and family.
July 2, 1945 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above. Had two
renters for Mabel cabin, one for storage and one with lap dog,
no rent. Received bills for butter, cut down 75%.
Canadian Army dominating at Borneo oil fields vs. Jap’s.
Two auto strikes.
July 3, 1945 A-1 day, 58 to 70 above.
Butter and eggs arrived, only ¼ allowance, butter rationed
to 25% of purchases. King Leopold of Belgium quit throne.
Mosquitoes bad. Received deed on account sale of Singleton
farm at Eyota, Minnesota for $7,200 cash.
July 4, 1945 A-1 day, no rain until midnight.
Priced up new merchandise and paid invoices received. Put
fresh fruit and butter in basement. Thorpe in from Grubstake.
Philippine war campaign closed after killing 450,000, we lost
65,000 dead and wounded. Ma celebrating at Anchorage, Pa
on sardines, eggs and soup.
July 5, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Ma home from Anchorage on 1 PM bus. Cadwallader leased his
cocktail bar. Big U. S. Fourth of July celebration in all
foreign countries occupied by our soldiers. Bombs falling
everywhere on Japan and 5 Jap ships sunk today. Election
in England after 40 years Conservatism vs. Socialists.
July 6, 1945 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
All kind of used auto cars coming down from Fairbanks by rail.
One hundred Mustang planes operating from Okinawa over Japan.
Thirty Jap towns burned out and sixteen more Jap boats sunk.
War prisoners and Mexican labor helping to harvest crops in States.
Jap sugar plant bombed. Boice family moving to Anchorage.
July 7, 1945 Hot 60 to 80 above. Allies
having trouble in policing Germany.
July 8, 1945 A-1 hot day, 60 to 74 above.
Quite a few cars at cocktail bar now under lease. Grass
now knee high, no strawberries yet. Movie picture of General
Eisenhower in the making. Three British Carriers hit by Jap’s,
Jap’s got usual bombing. Evening bath in new house. Mosquitoes
very bad and no tourists to bite.
July 9, 1945 A-1 day, 60 to 76 above.
Paddy went to Palmer Hospital on account high blood pressure,
trip to Mabel Mine too much for him. Ma and self signed deed
for $7,200 less $260 rental, covering sale of Singleton farm
at Eyota, Minnesota, sale through Clarence J. Perkins, my caretaker
of farms. One farm left, Elmira quarter, price $5,600.
President Truman and party on way to Berlin for Big Three meeting,
went by boat.
July 10, 1945 Hot, 60 to 80 above. Sexton
sold his Jenkins ranch on Lake Lucille. Stanley and family
arrived, drove to Knik, left 6 PM for Anchorage, kids stayed over.
Received letter from Gus in Seattle, now living on berries and fruit.
Navy now control all seas up to Japan Island. One thousand
bombers over Japan, 154 Jap planes down, 23 Jap boats sunk.
July 11, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
On office work, paid invoices due. Mosquitoes drove kids
out of balcony bed, so slept with Grandma and Grandpa.
Buddy went fishing. President Truman and party arrived at Berlin
for Big Three Conference. Two thousand U. S. bombers now
knocking the ‘ell out of Jap airdromes and industries. Corn
crop a failure in most states, weather too cool.
July 12, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Had call from Harry Ryan of Palmer, cold storage wanted and wanted
price on K. T. Co. stock and buildings. Sixty thousand U.
S. troops flown home from Europe, two planes lost at sea. Big
Three meeting in William Kaiser’s old mansion near Berlin.
July 13, 1945 Cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Kids had outdoor lunch at playground by schoolhouse. A
bunch of Fairbanks kids arrived for picnic at Kings Lake.
Paddy arrived home, last evening, but had to return to Palmer Hospital
today, dizzy spells. Buddy went down to Dinkel ranch for overnight
with pigs? Two thousand planes now bombing Jap industries, lost
10 planes.
July 14, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Buddy back, at noon, from visit on Dinkel farm. Big slide
on Richardson Highway near Fairbanks. Another kid party,
from Anchorage, to Kings Lake. Three war ships bombed mainland,
275 miles from Tokyo. Capt. Glenn Carrington visited.
July 15, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Busy opening up and pricing new merchandise, three truck loads
of groceries arrived. Ma gave Buddy and sister a bath in new
house. U. S. Navy still bombing Jap’s home islands, 250 miles
from Tokyo. Salmon running up Cottonwood Creek into Lake Wasilla.
July 16, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Eva and
Stanley arrived, with new car, from Anchorage, on way to Circle
Hot Springs and all points on new highway to Fairbanks and Valdez.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Made invoice report
for Harry Ryan, pres. buyer. Printers strike on in New York.
Salmon but no strawberries.
July 17, 1945 Rain, 50 to
56 above. Eva, Stanley, Grandma and the kid all left for
trip over new Capt. Glenn Highway, Richardson Highway and Steese
Highway to Circle Hot Springs, including Valdez, 10 day outing.
Reported Hitler and wife landed from submarine in Argentina,
South America. U. S. and British Navy now bombing Jap home island.
July 18, 1945 Light rain all day, 50 to 58
above. Ma and the kids supposed to arrived at Circle Hot
Springs today. Got first strawberries, need more sun.
Betts bros. hauled two small storage buildings from Fishhook to
Wasilla for Cadwallader. Our Navy still blasting islands near
Tokyo with no reply from Jap’s. Took foot bath on account sore
feet. Many now salting down red salmon.
July 19, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 80 above.
Betts bros. brought down third shack from Fishhook Inn.
More strawberries on market today at 40¢ a pint or $9 a crate,
Co-op price. Ma and the kids now at Circle Hot Springs boiling
out.
July 20, 1945 Hot 58 to 70 above. Ma
and kids at Circle Hot Springs, self lone storekeeper.
Had oatmeal with strawberries for breakfast. Received two truck
loads groceries. U. S. and British navy shelled Japan coast
line for six hours. Evening rain.
July 21, 1945 Rain 24 hours, 58 to 62 above.
Ma and kids (4) on rainy vacation over new highways on the Inside.
Mrs. Isaac arrived for two week vacation. Several weekend
autos here for grub. Big Three on fifth day conference at Berlin.
Europe soldiers arrive at New York every week on way to clean up
the Jap’s. Sold all empty kegs for salmon pack with fish salt.
July 22, 1945 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Ma, Stanley and family somewhere on Inside highway, self storekeeper.
Elmer Priest and wife visited from Pay-N-Take-it store at Anchorage,
wanted to buy K. T. Co. business. Navy blast coast islands
in Japan. Jap’s bombing Navy and B-29 in all Jap sectors.
Evening bath.
July 23, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Stanley and family, with Grandma as mascot, arrived 4 PM from
week outing to Circle Hot Springs and all places on new highway
to Copper River District. Borneo oil wells produce fifteen
million barrels per annum, now in hands of Australian troops.
3,400 bombers flown from Europe to USA on way to Japan.
July 24, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 64 above.
Stanley and family laid over. Ma in the wash tub.
Had strawberry shortcake out of Stanley’s back yard. New schoolmarm
from New York arrived to teach at Wasilla. Bill Horning arrived
on way to mines to look see.
July 25, 1945 Hot day, 60 to 76 above.
Betts bros. have moved 4th house from mines to Wasilla.
Stanley and family left 1 for Anchorage home. Several
looking for rents at Wasilla. Bill W. S. Horning visited.
Cadwallader’s left for 10 day trip over new highway. Strawberries.
July 26, 1945 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Eggs came through but no butter. New, New York teacher
rented Rica’s house. Bert McClarity moved to Kelly house.
Allies advised Jap’s to surrender now before being annihilated.
Labor Party won election in England ousting Chamberlain and Progressive
Party. Plenty of salmon and strawberries on market.
John Bergman here on furlough.
July 27, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 64. Farmers
busy haying. Big Three asked Jap’s to surrender or all
industries and cities would be bombed out. Our government
built fifteen million dollars worth of plants to aide manufacturing
of war materials, all tied up on account moving soldiers from
New York to pacific Coast and China. Received birthday cards
from Matt’s relatives in New England States.
July 28, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Strawberries up to 75¢ a pint box. Had Whiskers mow
the lawn and grass on Mabel lot and street with machine.
Senate ratified United Nations peace charter by vote of 89 to 2.
Airplane crashed into Empire building and killed several, bent iron
girders and set two stories on fire. B-29’s bombed six Jap cities
on mainland, several boats sunk.
July 29, 1945 A-1 day, 60 to 64 above. Railroad
trade from Pittman and Houston. Sexton’s bought Ogren
house on Boundary Street. Sexton’s dug well at Kennedy house.
Remainder of Jap Navy sunk in harbor by B-29 bombers. Sixteen
million dollar damage to Empire building in New York, hit by airplane
on 28th. Two million Germans killed in war and two million
wounded.
July 30, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above, 84 above
in sun. Got off drug and grocery orders. Got pumpkin
pie for birthday present and wire from Marie Martha. Fifty
more Jap boats sunk by Navy. The heart of Jap industries
bombed out. Paddy rented his house to New York schoolmarm.
Salmon going into kegs for winter food. 1868-1945.
July 31, 1945 A-1 hot day, 60 to 72 above.
Had one shipment to Houston. Received bacon and five
kegs butter. Harry Ryan, prospective buyer of store and
business, visited to look over property. 1,200 super bombers
now ready to hit Japan homeland. Sixty eight ships and 200
Jap planes shot down today. Marie and brother sent sox and tie
for my birthday from Anchorage.
August 1, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 64 above all day.
Whiskers painting school house. Mrs. Thorpe in for groceries,
$48 order for Grubstake Mine, Willow District. Big Three
Conference at Berlin ended. President Truman calling on King
George. Japan now in graveyard group, 800 super planes bombing
home islands. 1,300 service men, in Army, call to work on railroad
transportation.
August 2, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Got out Seattle orders. Sent deed for Carter house and
lot for Gus Swanson to sign at Seattle. President Truman
ate lunch with King George then sailed on U. S. Cruiser for Washington,
D. C. 820 B-29’s dropped 6,632 tons of bombs on Mr. Jap today
and Jap’s still like it? Congress on recess until October 10th.
August 3, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Chas Isaac fixing foundation under log house, rotted out.
Big Three agreed on plan to control Germany. Stanley and Eva arrived
with tobacco and candy for K. T. Co. from Anchorage, returned midnight.
August 4, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Washington, D. C. Congress party here to look see. Train,
Anchorage to Seward, jumped the track, all got bad bruises, came
out lucky. Jap’s getting usual daily bombing from air and
Navy. Sore feet. Cadwallader back from week trip
over new highway.
August 5, 1945 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above, evening
rain. Mrs. Isaac returned to Anchorage home. Big
Three meeting at Potsdam lasted 17 days, Poland given a slice of
Germany, Russia took a slice of Germany. Ma had a sick stomach
all day. Evening, usual bat in new house.
August 6, 1945 Showers, 56 to 66 above.
U. S. and British scientists invented new atomic power bomb,
equal to 20,000 tons of TNT to be used on Jap’s soon. Bad
weather grounded B-29’s at Okinawa Island airfields today.
Fourteen out of 81 Jap cities bombed out. New local spuds.
August 7, 1945 Light rain, 56 to 64 above.
Fred Jensen, Olson and Willie Edlund back from salmon fishing
at Bristol Bay. The new atomic bomb dropped on Jap army
base of Hiroshima did more damage than 2,000 B-29 bombers.
Blast was felt 10 miles away and smoke and ashes went up in air 40,000
feet and destroyed everything for 4 and 1/10 miles. It took
five years to perfect the bomb.
August 8, 1945 Light rain,
52 above. Russia declared war on Japan. Russia has
one million troops on Siberia-Manchuria border. Second
Jap city hit with new atomic bomb confiscates everything in a 4
mile square radius. The whole world now crushing Japan.
August 9, 1945 Rain all day, 52 above.
Another new family moved into Rica’s house, have three high
school kids. Russian Army moved vs. Jap’s for Manchuria
border. Ally planes helping Red out. President Truman
on air with detail of Big Three Council at Berlin. Congress
road committee here. Jap’s lost 68 more boats today.
August 10, 1945 Rain, 52
to 62 above. Flash through Sweden, Jap’s ready to surrender
if Emperor spared, war still on. Russians advanced 130 miles
into Manchuria, also entered Korea Island. Ninety vessels
and 47 Jap planes down today. Knik Glacier flood broke out.
Peas on market.
August 11, 1945 More rain, 52 to 56 above.
Sold one $114 grocery order. Allies submitted ultimatum
to Japan, can keep Emperor but under rule of ally commander over
Japan. Reds advanced 50 more miles in Manchuria.
August 12, 1945 Rain all day, 50 above.
Cleaned out stoves and repainted floor in Mabel cabin.
No word from Japan on final peace terms and the battle went on.
Reds sunk two Jap cruisers at Korea. 800,000 tons supplies
for China and six million tons coal to Europe.
August 13, 1945 Cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Martin Sommer, Signal Corp man at Wasilla for over one year,
visited Outside. Kennedy back from building log club house
on upper Yentna River. Jack Fabyan in from Independence Mine,
closed down on account OPA wage limit. Both Allies and Reds
pushing fight vs. the Jap’s while pace treaty pending.
August 14, 1945 Rain, 50 to 54 above.
World War Two ended by Jap’s surrender. Big demonstrations
in all U. S. large cities. This war cost U. S. three hundred
billion dollars and a million soldier boys killed and wounded.
Five year war over!
August 15, 1945 Cloudy, evening rain, 48 to
52 above. First day war peace celebration in States and
elsewhere but war still going on in Jap war zones.
General McArthur, U. S. Supreme Commander over Japan ordered
Jap officials to fly to Manila for conference and sign Potsdam peace
terms to settle Jap war. Ma and Flo went to Anchorage, train
4 hours late as usual.
August 16, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 60 above.
Self lone storekeeper, Ma at Anchorage visiting the kids and
taking in picture shows. Lots of rioting, VJ Day, in San
Francisco, took 2,000 police to break up the mob. Jap’s stalling
off in signing peace treaty. Jap’s shot up 12 U. S. Transports
near Jap coast, war still on?
August 17, 1945 Temperature 52 to 68
above. Four U. S. photo planes over Tokyo District fired
on by Jap’s. Reds took 20,000 Jap’s in Manchuria and gave
Jap’s until Monday to surrender. McArthur gave Jap delegation
until Sunday to report at Manila. Mrs. Oberg here fixing
up house. 360 war plants turned back
August 18, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 70 above.
Mrs. Oberg paid 1934 grocery bill. Ma still doing Anchorage.
The peace time Jap delegation landed at Manila to hear peace time
instructions from General McArthur, Supreme Commander. Self
busy in store. Willie Edlund left for Seattle.
August 19, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 70 above.
Scrubbing kitchen floor, repainted same. Mowed grass
around Mabel cabin. This is a day of prayer all over the
world on account end of World War II. Washed my own clothes.
Jap’s now surrendering in most sectors.
August 20, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Many hunters have gone up the Capt. Glenn Highway after caribou
and sheep. Many out picking wild berries. Reds took
three Jap key cities in Manchuria. Jap’s took back a 25
page document from Manila on account unconditional surrender.
August 21, 1945 A-1 day, evening rain, 50 to
60 above. Thorpe in from Grubstake for grub. Self
busy in store all day. Ma home on mail train. Matanuska
River high, 3 piles out on bridge. Lend Lease cancelled.
Allies to land occupation troops in Japan on Many ally
prisoners in Japan released.
August 22, 1945 Rain all day, 54 above.
Dinkel’s placed a $45 order, failed to get his caribou.
Warner got a sheep at Testilena. McArthur making arrangements
for entry into Tokyo with troops and Navy to settle Jap surrender
the last of August. Reds control Manchuria. France Premier
arrived D. C. for talk with President Truman.
August 23, 1945 Rain, 54 above. Hauled
over five truck loads new merchandise from railroad freight
shed. Evening, fixed sidewalk at Mabel cabin. Got out-mail.
General McArthur busy arranging for landing and occupation of Japan.
Jap’s dropped bomb on battle ship Penn and killed 20 Marines.
32,000 allied prisoners released in Japan. New local spuds.
August 24, 1945 Rain, 52 to 56 above.
Self checking and pricing new merchandise. Farmers want
10¢ a pound for spuds. 52 U. S. subs lost during Jap
war. Britain’s crying because Lend Lease cut off ½
million new autos. OPA has released canned goods and gasoline
and shoes.
August 25, 1945 Heavy rain, 50 above.
Mr. Johnson, teacher and wife, arrived and rented Mabel cabin.
Self pricing new merchandise. Mrs. Fischer arrived on
account teaching in school. Only 30% of Tokyo remains after
bombing by B29’s, four million evacuated.
August 26, 1945 More rain, 52 above.
Still pricing new merchandise. Received pants and work
shirts due last April. 383 U. S. war ships moving in at
Tokyo Bay. Russians will turn over Manchuria to China,
they to get Port Arthur. Long wave radio good. Plenty of
wools and child clothes by November, also radios and washing machines.
August 27, 1945 Rain, 50 to 60 above.
Priced up new paint and hardware. Fall term of school opened
today with 5 teachers. Tornado on Texas coast moving east
with increased velocity. Britain’s coming to U. S. to
bargain for more grub and supplies. Ordered car load of
Healy coal. Leather shoes on market soon.
August 28, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Made out order for Schillings merchandise. Stanley and
family, with Paddy as mascot, arrived here from Anchorage home,
Eva and kids stayed, Stanley back 5 PM. Mrs. Thorpe in from
mine and went to Palmer Hospital for checkup. Axtell back from
Seward. Lights off two hours on account cleaning power dam
at Eklutna electric plant.
August 29, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 54 above.
Eva and kids here on vacation. 10,000 Marines have landed at
Japan Naval Station at Yokosuka and General McArthur and Army at
airport 20 miles from Tokyo Bay. Five hundred more prisoners
on way home for Japan. Reds took 513,000 Jap’s in 20 days
in Manchuria. General Charles de Gaulle President of France,
in Canada.
August 30, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. U.
S. troops closing in on Tokyo, took over Tokyo radio station.
British are taking over Hong Kong. Reds have taken over
Manchuria and Korea Island. President Truman suggested we
cancel the forty two billion Lend Lease fund to allies, we got fifteen
billion from allies in supplies. U. S. flag raised over Tokyo
Navy base today.
August 31, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Stanley up from Anchorage at noon, took family back to Anchorage.
Dan Gray returned to Mabel Mine. 30,000 U. S. troops landed
in Japan. British Navy reoccupied Hong Kong. Radio
Tokyo now operated by U. S. France got a long time credit
from U. S. 1,800 American prisoners on way home from Japan
but in bad health.
September 1, 1945 Rain, 50 to 54 above, first
new snow on high mountain peaks. Duck hunters out everywhere.
Sunday, heard the signing up of Japan surrender to ally powers
on battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay at 4:30 PM Wasilla
time. Took Jap’s 17 days to sign on the dotted war line.
September 2, 1945 VJ Day, end of World War
II. Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Program on the air,
President Truman speaks to the Army, Navy and all that prosecuted
the war, will take over a million soldiers to police Japan.
10,000 Marines took over Jap Navy base, 400 U. S. ships at Tokyo.
Elmer Priest, prospective buyer of K. T. Co. visited.
September 3, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Labor Day and first Labor Day celebrated during war period.
Duck hunters on the flats, woods full of moose hunters, hills
full of blueberry pickers with no OPA dictation? We lost 250,000
dead and 750,000 in hospitals in World War.
September 4, 1945 Cloudy, 50 above, evening
heavy showers. Olson got his moose on Lake Wasilla and
Fred Jenson got his on Lake Lucille. Floyd Smith got a caribou
on Capt. Glenn Highway. Estimated it will require 400,000
U. S. troops to police Japan. U. S. now busy on occupation
of Japan. The woods are full of red hat moose hunters.
Mrs. Thorpe in from mine.
September 5, 1945 Rain, 50 to 54 above.
Government electric man visited with Mr. Man checking up government
investment in rural electric power, heck of a time checking up.
Jap surrender all over China, Manchuria and in all islands in the
Far East. Trouble in Italy on account forming a new government.
Prisoners held by Jap’s in terrible condition.
September 6, 1945 Had first moose steak, 8
year old bull and no teeth to masticate it? Got out Black
Bear Clothing order. Farmers garden truck waterlogged on
account rain. 600,000 Army officers to be released from
Army and soldier boys coming home slow, will take a year for discharge.
Railroad busy hauling Army junk back from Fairbanks to Anchorage.
September 7, 1945 A-1 day, 42 to 72 above.
Axtel’s bought the Otto Langal cabin from Louie Loberg.
90,000 gone on strike for higher wages. Nineteen large transports
crossed Pacific to bring soldiers back home. General McArthur
busy laying down the surrender law to the Jap’s.
September 8, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 54 above.
Frost in valley didn’t reach Wasilla last night. Flag raised
over Tokyo, Saturday the 7th. General Wainwright arrived
in San Francisco after three years as Jap prisoner. Final
surrender of Jap’s in China. Korean’s gave U. S. soldiers big
reception. Anchorage too big for electric and water supply.
September 9, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 54 above.
Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage, brought up usual
candy and tobacco for K. T. Co. store, returned to Anchorage 8:30.
San Francisco gave General Wainwright a three hour parade then he
flew to Washington D. C. for report. Over one million soldiers
in Pacific zone coming home, 690,000 to remain. One out of
2 in Navy will be discharged. Annual car load of coal arrived.
September 10, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 60 above.
Frost at Palmer and Anchorage but bypassed Wasilla last night.
Young Axtel and partner unloading our 37 ton car of Healy River
coal. Reported Hitler still alive on a submarine somewhere.
General Wainwright big reception at Washington D. C. today.
1,000 ducks and many moose taken by hunters.
September 11, 1945 Cloudy, evening rain, 48
to 60 above. Now 30 tons of coal in bin, let it snow.
Thirty eight Jap officials rounded up as war criminals. Togo
tried suicide. Congress fighting over draft law, kids 18 to
22 should be in school. Mrs. Thorpe and Axtel in town, quit
mine on Grubstake, no quartz.
September 12, 1945 A-1 day, 48 to 60 above.
Got two truck loads of groceries and hardware, busy with freight
and storing same. Silas Sexton and mother and friends visited
on way back to Seward from auto trip to Fairbanks. Congress
wants to muster out most of the Army. Navy men over 35 can
quit their job. Two new families arrived, rents all full up in
Wasilla.
September 13, 1945 A-1 day, 50 above.
Birch trees turning golden. New York City gave General
Wainwright big reception today. General Pershing of World
War I, was 85 today and in good health. War is over but 278
more of our boys killed on police duty. Big quake in Chili, South
America. Atomic turnips for sale?
September 14, 1945 Rain, 44 above, snow
on mountain peaks. Made fire in store furnace. Winter
now just around the corner? Pacific Fruit agent at Anchorage
visited. Will take until October 15th to disarm all of
the Jap soldiers. Matanuska lettuce flown to Seattle market
and to Nome, Alaska.
September 15, 1945 Rain 44 above.
Finished opening and pricing hardware. Auto workers demand
30% more wages. Two hundred injured and over 300 autos
burned in hanger near Miami, Florida during hurricane storm.
More Jap war criminals arrested. London short on grub and clothing.
All Jap news agencies taken over by McArthur also radio stations.
September 16, 1945 Cloudy, 38 to 50 above.
Birch leaves now golden. Many cars here from Anchorage.
Two bus lines here every day 2. Ten million tons of food wanted
to feed starving Europe this winter.
September 17, 1945 Cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
Ma got usual first frost cold. Spud week, school closed
so 80 kids could pick up spuds. Ordered three dozen U.
S. shoe packs. 29 Jap criminals now in jail. Florida
storm cost 8 million dollars, citrus food destroyed. 350,000
to go on strike for 30% more wages?
September 18, 1945 A-1 day, 28 to 54 above.
Stanley and Eva up at noon. Mrs. Thorpe and mining friend
returned to Anchorage with Stanley. Emperor of Japan says
he will prosecute the Japan war criminals. Lord Haw Haw turned
out to be an American, was traitor on Nazi Radio. Ma nursing
bad cold. Suburbs joined Anchorage, now big injun.
September 19, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Joe Palmer in Palmer Hospital, tried wrestling with his big dog,
got broken ankle and broken ribs. Joe 75 years old vs. 2
year old dog, counted out. Congress wants soldiers returned
not for six months to a year? Thorpe and Brassel in from Willow
Creek Mines, new snow on mountain peaks.
September 20, 1945 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Repaired shed and oil house roofs. Sent order for shoe
packs and clothing. Railroad station closed, agent on a
hair cut. 1,200 evacuated from flood in North Carolina.
Hereafter, freedom of news for all nations. Five U. S. war
ships returning to Pacific Coast with American soldiers at San Francisco.
Oil workers on strike again, will ration gas again.
September 21, 1945 Misty, evening fog, 40 to
48 above. Received truck load groceries, socks and mittens
on way by express. Three soldiers, with wives, looking for
farms. Healy coal cost $11.35 in bin. All Europe short
of grub, fuel and clothing for coming winter months.
September 22, 1945 Rain all day, 40 to 60 above.
One hundred Anchorage soldiers joined the school kids picking
up Matanuska spuds. McArthur going after Jap Emperor’s
fortune and other Jap bank accounts. Jap’s must pay all
damages to U. S. on account of the war.
September 23, 1945 Rain, 50 above. Russian
with horse and wagon here, was interpreter during World War
II. May Carter, U. S. Commissioner and Postmaster, bought
Stanley’s house on Main Street for $4,000. Rain holding up
spud digging in valley. McArthur busy rounding up Jap war
criminals for trial.
September 24, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
School in session after spud week. New Secretary of War
trying to bump off General McArthur. Mrs. A. O. Wells, of Broad
Pass, was murdered today in Anchorage, no clue.
September 25, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 60 above.
OPA here checking our prices. Self taking on Ma’s cold.
Empire building in New York closed on account strike. Strikers
want extra war pay with a 40 hour week. Several battleships and
carriers returning to Pacific Coast loaded with soldiers. Mrs.
Browne, railroad agents wife, in hospital. New snow rained off
Bald Mt.
September 26, 1945 Windy, 50 to 56 above.
OPA finished checking our prices on all merchandise, more headache.
Natives driving French out of Indochina. All small nations
want say in Big Five Treaty Conference. Latest strike, high
school students in Ohio vs. colored students.
September 27, 1945 A-1 day, 44 to 56 above.
L. Cox down from Montana Station for usual winter grub order.
Got out orders for groceries. Betts hauling two cars oil
to Independence Mine. Emperor of Japan visited on General
McArthur for future orders.
September 28, 1945 Cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
School kids, soldiers and farmers busy with spud crop.
Tourist from St. Louis, Missouri visited. Extra train from
boat passed north at midnight with 200 passengers. Stanley
and family arrived to close sale of his house on Main St.
September 29, 1945 Rain, 44 to 60 above.
Stanley closed sale of his house and moved furniture into our
new house on Wasilla Avenue. Mrs. Ellexson visited, have
bought one acre tract at Palmer for future home. Over 600,000
idle on account strike. Philippines asked U. S. to help restore
industry destroyed by Jap’s. Trial on for war criminals in Berlin,
Jap’s next.
September 30, 1945 Cloudy 44 to 48 above.
After 4 years, daylight savings time now back to standard time.
Kids returned to Anchorage home, slept in our new house last night,
Marie and Buddy in my den. Evening, cleaning store furnace
and cementing holes in fire brick
October 1, 1945 Cloudy, 38 to 58 above.
Received Black Bear Clothing, eggs and butter. Shipped
$50 grub order to Montana Station. Mrs. Agent Browne back
from hospital. Farmers digging spuds but no market.
McArthur looking for loot in 21 Jap banks. Reconstruction
of China government on.
October 2, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Pricing up Black Bear clothing. Freight brought three
backorders of groceries and fruit. Kennedy and partner went
out to fix up trap line near Bald Mt. Five Power Peace Conference
closed in London, was a failure. 100,000 coal miners and 2,000
oil workers out on strike. Bald Mt. peaks white again.
October 3, 1945 Warmer, 50 above all day.
Shorty hauled over 4 truck loads delayed groceries, fruit and
oil. 1½ million tons sugar found in Java, cached
by the Jap’s. Russia demands a Four Power Commission to govern
Japan now under General McArthur’s dictation. Government
taking over oil strike.
October 4, 1945 Rain, 38
to 50 above. Self checking and pricing up new merchandise.
17,000 acres of California timber burned. Congress reducing
1946 taxes five billion dollars, twelve million to be exempt on
lower levels to save headaches? New farmer located
homestead near Paradise Lake at mile 4.
October 5, 1945 More rain,
40 to 44 above. Self busy pricing new sox, etc. Snowing
at mines and on mountain peaks. Baker and wife, from Inside, bought
Miller greenhouse. 530,000 now out on strike, oil workers
forced back to work by Navy. Anchorage took suburbs
into city, some four blocks added.
October 6, 1945 Showers,
40 to 58 above. Finished pricing Bear clothing.
Dr. Ryan, School Commissioner, here. Carl Strickler back
on his ranch. 150,000 coal miners idle, also local coal miners
on strike, want superintendent fired.
October 7, 1945 Cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
A few soldiers in town sparking schoolmarms? Priced up
Schilling merchandise. Put sods around cellar windows to
keep out winter Chinooks. John L. Lewis figuring on forming
new All World Labor Union? Women to get one pair nylon hose at
Christmas, no underwear on account OPA ceiling prices. Strike
and peace conferences now in order?
October 8, 1945 Showers, 38 to 48 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Preacher opened
up lunch and ice cream cone counter in old school house for school
kids? Trials now on account traitors and war criminals in
Europe and Asia. War in Indochina and Palestine still on.
Steel manufacturing companies shut down on account coal strikes.
October 9, 1945 Showers, 38 to 42 above.
Past week, hot wave in Seattle. Sold three grub outfits.
Pierre Laval, French Premier and traitor got the death penalty
in France. Eighth day of longshoreman’s strike in New York.
457,000 now idle on account strikes. Britain gets five billion
dollar loan from Uncle Sam tax payers? Got check for sale of
Singleton Eyota, Minnesota farm, $6,566.75 net.
October 10, 1945 Showers 38 to 40 above.
Only 51 years married, Ma went to Anchorage for weekend
with Stanley and family. Detroit Tiger’s won World Series
ballgame over Chicago Cubs, 4 out of 7 games played. Hollywood
movies joined strikers. Strike situation growing worse.
Farmers potato crops bogged down with rain.
October 11, 1945 Showers 32 to 40 above.
Two feet new snow at mines. Ma doing pictures at Anchorage.
132 MPH typhoon at Okinawa cleaned up 90,000 U. S. soldiers camp
and airplanes, five soldiers killed. 200,000 soldiers from
the Pacific coming home each month. Longshoreman’s strike in
England held up grub.
October 12, 1945 Windy, 40 to 44 above.
Cadwallader had Anchorage Gravel Co. dig two deep cesspools
with gas shovel. First paychecks for teachers arrived.
Revolts in Palestine, Argentina and Indochina on account home rule.
450,000 now on strike in U. S. All industry except railroad
want 30% more wages? Japan to be ruled by four allies.
Ma at Anchorage. Typhoon in Far East did more damage than war.
October 13, 1945 Showers, 40 to 44 above.
Cadwallader had gas shovel dig cesspool on Wasilla Avenue to
connect cocktail bar? Farmers digging last of spuds out
of mud, by hand, on account rain. Java driving foreign colonies
out. Strike off at Ford plants, also longshoreman at New York
Harbor.
October 14, 1945 Snow, 32 to 36 above.
All summer rain wounded up with six inches heavy wet snow.
No frost in ground, too early to stay on? Ma home at noon
with Stanley and family and Mrs. Isaac as mascot. Evening,
made fire in new house and shoveled off sidewalks, snow half water.
Stanley paid for lumber in his 1933 house.
October 15, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Anchorage gas shovel finished excavating for Cadwallader, 2
cesspools and cellar. Shoveled off 8” new snow on walks.
Pierre Laval, French war traitor, shot by firing squad today.
General McArthur on air on account peacetime news after Japan
surrender. Five U. S. Navy warships arrived at Seattle from
Asia.
October 16, 1945 Cloudy, 14 to 34 above.
Received truck load fruit and one of milk by noon freight.
Made first fire in office heater. Overseas soldiers arrived
in Boston, New York and San Francisco on way home. Strikes
holding up business everywhere in States. Big silver cache
found in Japan. Gas shovel dug cellars for Betts bros. at
greenhouse.
October 17, 1945 Rain, 38 to 42 above.
New 8” snow about gone. Gas shovel left for Gulkana.
Self busy pricing new merchandise. Lester Davis here on
usual drunk. McArthur finding gold, silver and diamonds
stored by Jap’s. Gus and Fred left Seattle for Wasilla today,
by boat.
October 18, 1945 A-1 day, 40 above. Pecks
and Ellexson’s bought winter grub outfit. Snow all gone.
Lester Davis around, drunk as usual. Part of longshoreman
and coal miners back to work, yet over two million idle on account
strikes. 21,000 soldiers due from Asia. Took down side
store awning.
October 19, 1945 Cloudy, 32 to 38 above.
Packed Joe Brassel grub order for mile 8 trapping camp.
The Forty Mile Miller greenhouse being remodeled by new owner,
a cook. More strikes in states, want 30% more wages.
Late typhoon in Pacific injured over 400 people and some dead.
Carl Fritzler remodeling his farmhouse on ranch.
October 20, 1945 Showers, evening snow, 32
to 38 above, Wasilla white again, rain to snow. Dan Gray
in, 3’ of snow at mines. Joe Palmer, first call since broken
arm. Pricing up Saginaw, Michigan clothing. Twenty
ships to return 52,000 soldiers from Pacific Far East in 30 days.
War murders up for trial in Europe. Carter’s moved in Stanley’s
house.
October 21, 1945 Rain, 32 to 36 above.
Tryck’s brothers, from Anchorage, visited their Dad in Wasilla.
180 million starving in Europe and no fuel or clothes caused
by war. Revolt in Venezuela won by the insurgents.
Going to use atomic bombs to cure deaf mutes?
October 22, 1945 Six inches snow 30 to 40 above.
Mabel Mine doing tunnel work. Davis back till drunk.
Ohnstad’s Cat pushing gravel back into sewer ditches for Cadwallader.
Election in France divided equal among three political
parties. 205,000 still out on strike. Army plane
cracked up at Anchorage, 22 killed.
October 23, 1945 Clearing, 28 to 32.
Delayed candy, hardware and juices arrived PM Congress
going after youths 17 to 20 to take one year military training.
Big wind at Anchorage broke things up in general. 34,000 soldiers
to arrived, today, on Pacific Coast from Asia. Coal strikers
back on job. London grub on docks tied up by longshoreman strikers.
October 24, 1945 Clearing, 12 to 28 above,
winter arrived today, two weeks in advance? Self busy
pricing up new merchandise and more fire in furnace. The
five billion tax reduction for 1946 passed by Congress. Traitor
Quisling, shot by Norwegian court.
October 25, 1945 A-1 day, zero to 30 above,
winter is here. Lee Hartley, owner of St. Clair Resort,
visited. Agent Browne selling household furniture and going
to Anchorage. More strikes every day, want war wages.
Pacific Navy now at New York Harbor for celebrations. Evening,
windy, may blow back to summer time?
October 26, 1945 Colder, 14 to 22 above.
Still pricing up new merchandise. New Venezuela government
acknowledged by southern states. Argentines still quarreling
over who will run government, she was with Hitler during war.
Big question, how to control the new atomic bombs?
October 27, 1945 Cloudy, 18 to 22 above.
Kids arrived, noon, returned to Anchorage 2:30 PM brought tobacco
and candy. Local trouble now in Brazil and two factions,
in China, fighting it out. Allies busy policing Germany and
Japan. Navy day at New York. Hollywood movie strike over.
October 28, 1945 Cloudy, 26 above, wind cleaned
snow out of Wasilla. Refilled furnace coal bin, 2nd time.
Hung fly on west end of balcony to save winter heat in store.
Civil war on in China and Java and Arab. don’t want Jews in Palestine.
Russia wants say in ruling Japan. Evening snow.
October 29, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 40 above.
Another Army plane crashed on mountain, 15 miles south of Anchorage.
235,000 still out on strike and more striking for war wages?
China Communist and Royalists still fighting for control locally.
Joe Brassel moved out to trap like, mile 8. Eva left for California
on account mother very sick
October 30, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 36 above.
Kennedy and partner bought trap line grub. Jack Fabyan
and Col. Revelle’s son on big drunk. Borden had well drilled.
Gus and Fred back from Seattle. 17,500 soldiers to work
unloading grub held up by longshoreman strike. Eva flew
to Juneau today. Ma 76th.
October 31, 1945 Cooler, 22 to 26 above.
Eva hopped from Anchorage to Juneau, first leg to California
to see her mother. Ray Bergman arrived, drafted out World
War II as radio operator. Nome, Alaska flooded out by big
tide wind, one million dollars damage. Anchorage gang after
pile driver at Goose Bay Fern Dock Emperor of Japan to dig
up his fortune.
November 1, 1945 Colder, zero to 30 above.
Received 4 truck loads of merchandise. Forty ships with
56,000 soldiers on way to U. S. from Far East. Russian troops
withdrawing from Manchuria. Eva at Juneau on way to California
by plane.
November 2, 1945 Cold, 8 below zero to
14 above. Ma left on train for weekend with kids at Anchorage.
Self busy with customers and pricing up new merchandise. Congress
passed six billion dollar tax reduction for 1946. Plane 17
hours from Japan to U. S. A. 250,000 still on strike for 30%
more wages. As reparation, we got some of Japans gold.
November 3, 1945 Cold, 8 above to zero.
Ma at Anchorage with Marie. Noon, J. B. Fleckenstein, from
Bristol Bay, visited, Eva supposed to arrive in California to
see mother, very ill. President Truman trying to settle labor
strikes in States.
November 4, 1945 Cold, 5 below to 14
above. Busy on clothing sales and with fires, drained
water out of tanks in new house. Hottest day in San Francisco
in 20 years, 94 above. Doolittle flew California to D. C.
in six hours. Ma with kids and pictures. Evening, did
the wash.
November 5, 1945 Warmer, 14 to 24 above.
J. B. Fleckenstein flew to California on account wife very sick.
Self busy in store all day, sold two good orders. Evening,
washed underwear, sox, etc. and repainted kitchen floor.
Two big Army planes crashed near Manila. More auto strikes,
over 300,000 on strike for 30% more wages.
November 6, 1945 Cloudy, 18 to 28 above.
Received pears, grapes and casabas on PM freight. Ma
arrived home on mail train. Cab and street cars on strike
in D. C. over a million will have to walk. Strikers committees
and operators met in Washington, D. C. today, no agreement made
and more striking.
November 7, 1945 Cloudy, 34 above. Ma,
like self, got sore feet. Matanuska well drilling outfit
put down three wells in Wasilla. Mrs. Trenton Johnson had
baby at Palmer Hospital. Rioting in Jerusalem by Arab.
Civil War in China. Italy wants back colonies. Kennedy
shot black bear at his trap camp on Susitna.
November 8, 1945 Snow, 30 to 32 above.
Kids, Marie Martha and brother, arrived on noon freight for
weekend with Grandma. Betts bros. loaded Goose Bay hoist
at Cadwallader's for shipment. Arab. killed 100 Jews in
Palestine. British sent troops to stop Java trouble.
Civil war in China. U. S. has sent 4 million tons grub relief.
SS Yukon, with thanksgiving turkeys, held up by strike in Seattle.
November 9, 1945 Cloudy, 20 to 28 above.
Kids sledding down Cannon hill. Made out three drug claims,
over $30 merchandise missing in shipping. Premier of England
on way to see President Truman on account atomic bombs, etc.
More strikes, won’t accept 10% raise in wages, wants 30%.
Teachers institute, at Anchorage, all schools closed Thursday and
Friday. Wasilla’s Trenton summer resort had baby girl.
November 10, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 28 above.
Made third filling of furnace coal bin, burning two tons per
month, no winds. Island colonies in Pacific-Asia, want home
rule. Baker’s gone on strike in San Francisco.
November 11, 1945 Cloudy, 20 to 28 above. Stanley
arrived from Anchorage, took kids back to Anchorage, Eva now
with mother in California. Agent Browne and wife left Wasilla
on noon freight for Anchorage then going Outside on vacation.
Electric workers now going on strike, want $2 a day raise.
Cold wave on in north States. Evening, windy.
November 12, 1945 Big wind, 10 above
all day. Busy with fire on account big wind. General
Ike arrived in Boston from Germany for conference with President,
is in favor of consolidating management of Army with Navy.
President Truman, McKinsey and Prime Minister Atlee in conference
over the new atomic bomb. Jim Kennedy shot a black bear on his
trap line, out late?
November 13, 1945 Big wind, 10 to 20 above.
Busy with fires all day. Electric lights off 2½
hours on account tree on wire. New railroad agent, at depot,
named Shoemaker, but doesn’t mend shoes. Prime Minister Atlee,
of London, addressed our Congress today on peace time world security,
etc. Civil war in China and Java, who is the boss? School
closed on account electricity off.
November 14, 1945 Third day big wind, 10 to
14 above. Electric lights off and on. Received letter
from Eva, now with mother and dad at Eureka, California, said
flowers in bloom. Wind in bloom at Wasilla, Alaska.
Now five boats tied up in Seattle with Thanksgiving freight for
Alaska. More strikes, less eats? Arab. stoned British
taxi cars in Palestine, no peace yet.
November 15, 1945 Windy, 8 to 14 above.
Wind died out at midnight. Eva among roses and orange blossoms
in Eureka, California. Arab. want control of Jerusalem?
Like other colonies, don’t want British, French and Dutch rule
over them. Japan has no money to pay war debt. Trapping
season open today.
November 16, 1945 Cloudy, 8 to 14 above.
Sharon drove out to mile 8 to look after Joe Brassel on trap
line. Ptarmigan coming down from mountains on account
feed covered with snow. General Eisenhower, in Washington,
D. C. reporting on Germany occupation. All boats to Alaska
held up by strike, Kodiak hit hard.
November 17, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 18 above all
day. Refilled furnace coal bin, 4th time, now on 8th
ton of coal on account early winter. Sletson, the cook,
remodeling Forty Mile Miller’s greenhouse. Betts now in
new house west of railroad depot. Howard Oberg arrived from
Army, making two Wasilla boys from Army.
November 18, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Below freezing weather past month. Auto roads iced up
from wind. Mrs. Slumdinger, from Anchorage, calling on Betts
kids over weekend. War criminals up for trial in Berlin,
Japan and Manila. Strikes, in U. S. growing worse every day,
want war wages. Ma making ready for turkey at Anchorage.
November 19, 1945 Wind, 14 to 24 above.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik. Kennedy in from trap line
for grub. Mrs. Dodson went to High Grade Mine. Civil
war in China growing worse, also Java fighting British rule.
Bread strike in Seattle. Made out coffee and grocery orders.
November 20, 1945 Warming up, 30 above all
day. Ma left on train for usual weekend at Anchorage,
this time turkey day. Renewed 1946 Alaska Sportsman Christmas
gift to Roe and Perkins, Minnesota. Boat strike in Seattle
over weekend. Several Jap’s and Germans commit suicide rather
than stand war trials. Second letter from Eva at Eureka, California,
with mother.
November 21, 1945 16 above all day. Ma
at Anchorage for turkey day with kids. Self presented
with a ptarmigan from Signal Corps boys. Basket turkey party
on at Hall but no turkey? Jimmy Doolittle on air about Air
Force and future wars. Civil war in Far East.
November 22, 1945 Turkey day per order of government.
A-1 day, 26 above. Had fried ptarmigan, potatoes and fruit
cocktail for dinner. Ma at Anchorage feasting on turkey
and movies? Eva with mother in California. Evening,
sent Delmer F. Boyer of Willamine, Oregon, price on K. T. Co. store.
Good turkey program on KPO.
November 23, 1945 12 to 18 above, 3” new snow
last night. Ernie Pyles wife, 44, passed out, has been
sick since Ernie shot in war. General Ike in hospital on account
bad cold. Third letter from Eva in Eureka, California, mother
better, too hot for dad. Eva has high blood pressure, coming
home November 27th. Pearl Harbor probe on again. Ma at
Anchorage.
November 24, 1945 Warmer, 20 to 30 above.
Self plugged up with Dutch cheese, took three treatments to get
operation. Weekenders here fishing. Anderson, rancher
at Big Lake, in with two wheel tractor for supplies. Royalists
and Communists fighting for possession of Manchuria. Atomic
bombs and war criminals all the news.
November 25, 1945 Cloudy, 20 above all day.
Stanley, kids, Grandma and Mrs. Isaac arrived from Anchorage,
had hotcake dinner with eggs. Self got Christmas haircut.
Stanley returned to Anchorage. Now a million out on strikes.
Paper strike in Seattle, bread in San Francisco. Five moose
at Section House.
November 26, 1945 Cloudy, 20 above all day.
Ma in wash tub as usual. Marino bros. over from Matanuska
ranch to trade, bought $40 order. Both ptarmigan and moose
plentiful around Wasilla. Nazis killed six million Jews during
World War II. All Pacific soldiers to be home for Christmas.
School bus in Washington into lake, 13 drowned.
November 27, 1945 Colder, 2 below zero to 10
above. Eva’s father back from Eureka, California and
flew on to Dillingham, Alaska. Eva to leave Eureka today
for home at Anchorage. Electric lights off all day, used
gas in store. Without lights and radio, hence no news.
Blackout in Wasilla. hardware, fruit, cookies and groceries
on Yukon due December 1st, boat strike over.
November 28, 1945 Blustery, 20 above.
Sold one $40 order and one $20 order. GMC strikers want
$2 more per day. Lights on again at 6 AM. Our freight
coming on SS Yukon, due October 3rd. War criminals on trial
in Germany. Chinks fighting it out for rule of China and Manchuria.
Evening wind. Butter up 5¢ a pound, eggs 6¢ a dozen,
sugar short.
November 29, 1945 Windy, 8 to 10 above.
Fabyan and Revelle moved out to Hans Frydenlen’s old ranch.
Sold out on butter and bacon and bacon cut off invoices coming.
Got out merchandise orders and mail. Stalin still on vacation
after war. All winter weather in November. Moose all
located by Anchorage airplanes for December 1st kill.
November 30, 1945 Weather cold, 14 above all
day. Kennedy in, off trap line, for grub. Peace
time and strikes big issue of the day. Eva in Seattle on
way home, her mother back to normal. Hunters all set for
moose tomorrow. U. S. plane made trip around the world in 96 hours
and 50 minutes. Civil war in China and java still on.
Reds after Prussia oil. Earth quake in Far East wiped out several
towns by tidal wave.
December 1, 1945 A-1 day, zero to 14 above.
Winter storm on Atlantic Coast did lots damage, several killed
or frozen. Moose season open for 15 days, woods full of hunters
from Anchorage. Leonard Grau back to ranch. Rudolph
Hess not crazy, is in war criminal trial in Germany. Jap
money not enough to pay war debt. Ma busy with 12 lb. turkey for
December 2, 1945 Cloudy, 12 above. Turkey
day at our house. Ma served a twelve pound turkey and trimmings.
Stanley, Marie, Buddy and self were guests, Eva in Seattle on
way home from Eureka, California. Moose hunters everywhere.
Mrs. Carl Fritzler arrived from Seattle to hole up on ranch.
Volunteers eliminate Army draft. War criminals on trial
in German, 19 all told.
December 3, 1945 Colder, 6 below zero to 8
above. More moose hunters every day. Soldier and
wife moved into Post Office building Discharged soldiers
arrive weekly. Railroad transportation inadequate.
Republicans held convention at Anchorage. Civil war in Manchuria
still on. Government truck load of fruit and Armour meats
from first strike boat.
December 4, 1945 Zero weather, cloudy.
Moose hunters now bringing in their kill. Government
has closed down alcohol rubber plants, cost over a million.
Food sent to starving Germans? 450,000 now out on strikes
but Pacific Coast lumber strikers back to work. Long wave
from Chicago all about Italy.
December 5, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 18 above.
A bull moose passed by our new house but nobody was home.
Congress passing law to regulate strikes with 30 day cooling
off added. War criminals up before World Court in Germany.
Big storm on Pacific Coast.
December 6, 1945 Colder, 10 below zero all
day. Refilled furnace coal bin, coal half gone.
Kennedy brought in his moose from trap line. Butter cut
down 50% on deliveries. Hot arguments over atomic bomb.
Lots of snow at Seward. Eva held up in Seattle on account
bad flying weather. Stanley 41 today and in business in Anchorage.
December 7, 1945 Colder, zero to 16 below.
Six and one half million Germans will be returned to homeland
from other countries by next summer. Jap General, war criminal
at the Philippines, sentenced to be hanged. Big three to
meet in Moscow on account atomic bombs future. No school,
bus froze up.
December 8, 1945 Warmer, 10 to 20 above.
Fred Nelson went out for his moose but no ketch-em, but saw
two cows. All kind of fighting in small colonies over who
should rule. No auto cars for Christmas, auto strikes still
on. Eva got back to Anchorage last night by plane from California.
December 9, 1945 Hazy, 22 to 28 above.
Anchorage moose killers gone home with moose. California
to New York in 5 hours 17 minutes by plane, 432 miles per hour,
2 engine plane. General Patton badly hurt in auto crash
in France. Jap landlords must turn farms over to Jap farmers.
No settlement of strike.
December 10, 1945 A-1 day, 22 above.
Co-op moving Army shacks from Gulkana for farm shops, etc.
Fifty percent of war soldiers back home. A Jap General, in
Philippines, trying to have U. S. Supreme Court save his neck
from hanging. Ma and self have sore feet, hard to navigate.
December 11, 1945 Repeat last years weather,
40 above, hazy all day, evening sprinkle of rain. Anchorage
hunters still after Wasilla moose. 400,000 steel workers
going on strike in January, means 700,000 will be out of work.
Nazi war criminals being shown movie picture of their crimes committed.
Had moose liver for treat. Christmas freight in Seward.
December 12, 1945 Spring day, 40 above and
icy roads. Kids staying home at Anchorage. Over
two dozen moose killed around Wasilla and Anchorage sports still
hunting. Cars now driving over snow road to Big Lake.
Second cold wave in all northern states. 500,000 strikers
till holding off for $2 more per day. Big Three holding conference
in Moscow about atomic bombs.
December 13, 1945 38 above all day.
Mr. and Mrs. Cadwallader left for Outside, on the 11th, via
rail to Fairbanks, auto bus to Whitehorse, rail to Skagway, boat
to Seattle. Answered Perkins letter about sale of last farm
at Eyota, Minnesota. Northern states buried up with snow
vs. April weather here. Cookies and 38 cases of hardware arrived
but agent away.
December 14, 1945 Cloudy, 28 above all day.
Couldn’t get cookies and hardware out of freight shed, was blocked
by furniture. Eva and Stanley here for dinner. Two Army
plane pilots collided six miles from Goose Bay and were killed.
Big Three now in conference in Moscow. Thirty two below zero
in states. Roads here all ice.
December 15, 1945 Colder 10 to 20 above.
Our merchandise still blocked in railroad freight shed by
big lot of crated furniture. Put back $6,000 life insurance
money, loaned to Eyota farm six years ago, in savings account,
Seattle National Bank. Russia got 100 locomotives and other
machinery from U. S. loan? War criminals now being hung in Europe.
December 16, 1945 Cloudy, 30 above all day.
Ma got ready for Santa Claus trip to Anchorage, as usual, train
4 hours late. U. S. offered nine to fifteen thousand for
surplus ships that cost one million dollars to build. Surplus
tractors, Cats and trucks left in war zones will be left there, would
help the American farmers if brought home. Self, five jobs,
clerk, janitor, bookkeeper, freighter and cook.
December 17, 1945 Hazy, 30 to 34 above.
Ma consulting Santa at Anchorage. Hauled over one truck load
of merchandise blocked in railroad freight shed for 3 days by
Stenson’s furniture. Coal bin empty, self got sore feet.
Four feet of snow fell, last night, at Buffalo, New York, forty below
zero in Montana.
December 18, 1945 Hazy, 34 above all day.
Got truck load of perishable freight but no Christmas candy?
The Pullman Car Manufacturing Co. selling out to railroads.
More Jap war criminals up for trial. Hills coffee off market
on account strike. Ma back from Anchorage but no Santa Claus.
December 19, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 14 above.
Self busy checking, pricing and opening up new merchandise.
Had kids refill furnace coal bin, 1½ tons. Big Three
holding powwow in Moscow. American Ambassador will try to settle
China’s civil war. Dutch losing rule in Java. Out of
eggs and bacon but 40 bull moose in locker. Sore feet.
December 20, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Sold school Christmas
party, $32 order less $5 donation. Got load of birch wood
to piece out coal. Several thousand returning troops held
up on Pacific Coast for want of railroad transportation in States.
December 21, 1945 Colder, 8 to 12 above.
Eva and Stanley arrived at noon from Anchorage, took Ann Fleckenstein
back with them for Christmas. General Patten, with cold,
died from crash in auto wreck in Germany, was only 60 years old.
400,000 strikers turned down President Truman’s plan for settlement
of strike. Free picture show for kids at Palmer, no school.
December 22, 1945 Colder, 20 above to 6 below
zero. School closed for holiday vacation. School
entertainment at Hall with candy, fruit and nut bags for all the
kids by crowd present. Sold out on eggs, butter and bacon.
Still 30 below zero in northern states. Congress adjourned
until January 16th. Evening windy.
December 23, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 14 above.
Quiet in town after Christmas program. Ma did washing,
ready for Santa. General “Guts” Patten buried in war zone
at Luxembourg, Germany U. S. cemetery. Big arguments over
rights of laborers to strike. Buddy’s 9th birthday.
More soldiers stalled on Pacific Coast, no railroad transportation.
December 24, 1945 Zero weather to 10 below
zero. Ham and bacon arrived but no candy or fruit.
Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik to spend Christmas with George
Small family. Tryck brothers up from Anchorage to be with
father for Christmas. Had rush on clothing sales.
President Truman sent Christmas to all soldiers overseas.
Outside radio weak. Good program on local station KFQD.
December 25, 1945 Christmas, zero weather,
partly cloudy, no dinner guests today. We had baked beans,
homemade candy and donuts from Gill’s and fruitcake from Nelson’s.
Bull moose roast took place of turkey in most Wasilla homes.
KFQD had fine program with Outside hookup. No white Christmas,
wind blew frost off trees. Kids at Anchorage, coming up on 27th
for turkey dinner. Jelly from Knik.
December 26, 1945 Cloudy, 30 above. Small’s
took Grace Ellexson, full of turkey, to Knik. Matanuska
Electric put meter borrowed back in our new house. Auto
truck hit guy wire, lights off for two hours Christmas eve.
Electric workers want $2 more per day or strike. Ma busy with
turkey and trimmings for tomorrow dinner for Anchorage kids.
December 27, 1945 Hazy, 28 above.
Kids and Paddy arrived for Christmas turkey dinner with
Ma, Marie and brother stayed for weekend. Self received
two shirts and sport coat, cost me $35 for return. A truce in
China for a month to try to settle civil war. Had to give up my
bed to Buddy and sister. Labor going crazy with strikes, expect
a million out in January.
December 28, 1945 Mild, 30 above. Buddy
out skating. Mrs. Dodson in and going Outside. President
spent Christmas week with mother and friends in Kansas. Big
Three atomic parley over in Moscow.
December 29, 1945 Received one truck load freight,
Christmas candy arrived. Out of eggs with four cases
laying in Seward? Had leftover turkey for dinner.
Floods in Oregon. Ma making ready to return to Anchorage
with kids. Filled coal bin. Big garage fire in Anchorage.
Wood saws going in Wasilla.
December 30, 1945 A -1 day, 20 to 28 above.
Ma with kids left for Anchorage on noon freight train. 40,000
tons of flour sent to starving Germans All mighty hungry
in Europe after war.
December 31, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 18 above.
Ma at Anchorage for New Years with Stanley and family.
Self rushed in store all day. Big Three nations trying to dictate
place to small fighting nations? Christmas week, mild weather.
Midnight, re-painted kitchen floor.
1946
First page of journal says:
This diary from Eva and Stanley Christmas 1944
Orville G. Herning 1868-1946, 68th year
Birthplace Eyota, Minnesota July 30, 1868
Arrived in Alaska May 2, 1898, 48th year in
Alaska.
January 1, 1946 Cloudy, 34 above.
January came in mild weather. Made up December cash register
recording. Still doing business at general store, Wasilla.
Ma has a game knee, Self sore feet. KFQD had fine program.
Had leavings of Christmas turkey for lunch. Evening windy.
January 2, 1946 A-1 weather, 36 above.
Out of Hills coffee account of strike. Butter orders
cut down 50%. 200,000 meat packing house workers to go on
strike and all the telephone workers. 450,000 to strike,
50% auto workers back on job but no materials. 700,000 steel
workers want $2 more per day. Memo: merchandise stock invoice
$9,456.62, personal property $17,603.87, total $27,060.49 at Wasilla.
No snow in Wasilla.
January 3, 1946 Colder, 10 to 20 above.
Sent KFQD staff Christmas donation. William Joyce, Lord
Haw Haw over German air station during war, was hung in London
today as a traitor. President Truman was on the air account
of world peace and strikes in U. S. delaying industry. Churchill
and family coming to U. S. on vacation at Miami Beach. Taking
E vitamin for weak heart, blood clots and hemorrhages.
January 4, 1946 Colder, 6 to 10 above, morning
fog. Butter and bacon arrived, eggs missing? Teacher
and wife in Mabel cabin moved to Bixler cabin. New man
teacher arrived to take Mrs. Fisher’s place in high school.
Several Alaska boys arrived from Army and 18 year old kids being drafted?
Pearl Harbor still being investigated. Letter from Mrs. George
Zink says Portland best place to live.
January 5, 1946 Hazy, 10 to 20 above.
Christmas freight, three loads arrived. Hills coffee off
market account of strike. United Nation banking delegation
meeting in London to establish all nations world bank. China
civil war gang visited truce. Quarter of a million dollar fire
in Fairbanks. Tornado in Texas killed 30 and put 100 min hospital.
KFQD put on a fifteen minute program account of OGH Christmas donation.
January 6, 1946 Cloudy, 4 above to 6
below zero. Richard DuBeau with Bourden Co., visited,
wanted price on our store, has $3,500 log house in Anchorage
for a trade-in? 5,000 tons raw rubber burned up in Far
East. California fruit over smudge pots account of frost.
Mrs. Roosevelt with all nation convention now in London.
January 7, 1946 Colder, zero to 10 below zero.
Busy pricing and opening up new merchandise and stocking fires.
Railroad agent, at Anchorage, his wife phone operator. China
civil war leaders trying to settle who will govern China in future.
Emperor of Japan told his people he was not God. Twelve moose
saw near Pittman along railroad.
January 8, 1946 Colder, zero to 10 below zero.
Busy with fires. General Marshal arranged a truce between
China civil war soldiers. Reported that Russia has perfected
the atomic bomb? New York City will have a blackout if
7,000 electricians go on strike. Soldiers appealing to Washington,
D. C. for muster out of Army.
January 9, 1946 Cold, 14 above to 4 below zero
all day. Fuel going fast account of wind and cold.
Big Three lining up small nations and turning over to democratic
government. General McArthur doing good work in Japan but
with Germans, not so hot. U. S. going blackout account of electric
strikes. Now a million out on strike, want $2 more per day.
Peace time with strikes?
January 10, 1946 Cold, 8 above to 10 below
zero. General Marshal got the warring factions, in China,
to sign a truce and make up. First assembly of United Nations
opened session in a London palace. Reported five million
American soldiers have been mustered out of Army to date. Western
Union now on strike. Eva and Stanley up from Anchorage for dinner,
brought coffee and candy.
January 11, 1946 Warmer, 24 above all day.
Soldiers in foreign lands holding protest meetings, why not
be mustered out of Army now the war is over? No papers printed
in Seattle for seven weeks and now all walk account of bus drivers
strike. Long distant telephone operators on strike. Butter,
sugar and cooking oils short 50% again.
January 12, 1946 Warm, 24 above. Had
furnace coal bin refilled. No settlement of strikes thus
far. Seattle’s seven week printers strike ended.
Progress being made now by United Nation assembly for peace.
Good reports on China civil war. Government to buy up all egg
production to stable prices?
January 13, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 30 above.
Started to post 1945 inventory. 1945 annual sales, $21,354.01,
net profit $1,793.10 for 1945. Telephone strike off for
30 days. GMC workers accepted 18% raise on wages.
Housing a problem in states. One million dollars to develop
Alaska oil fields near Pt. Barrow, government contract.
January 14, 1946 Cloudy, 30 above all day.
Received Heinz 57 Varieties, hardware and more butter and eggs.
Strikes easing off account of Congress in session again.
United Nations now working on peace and location of world homesite
in United States. Self on inventory. Cars going to
Big Lake on fishing trip over Cat road. And now the days grow
longer. Mrs. Fisher quit school and flew to Juneau.
January 15, 1946 Misty, 24 above all day.
New merchandise checked short on hardware and soups. Ernest
Lane, new high school teacher, bought grub and cooking outfit.
200,000 electric workers on strike for 30% more. Seattle
back to normal after three month strike. Mail train arrived,
put first class mail on to Fairbanks. Winston Churchill family
arrived from London for vacation at Miami Beach, Florida.
January 16, 1946 A-1 sun day, 30 above.
Clyde King Jr. back from Seattle, establishing a $10,000 concrete
plant near Palmer. Meat workers on strike, want 17½¢
more per hour, was offered 7¢ raise. Snow in southern
states. Government still investigating Pearl Harbor. More Nazi
war criminals up for trial. U. S. will hold all islands taken,
in far East, on military bases.
January 17, 1946 Misty, 20 to 28 above. Big
load oat hay drove up to school house. All the big four
meat packers help out on strike. Army has banded soldiers
from any more coming home demonstrations. President Truman
has bills up before Congress account of strike legislation. China
civil war settlement not so hot. No kids today from Anchorage.
January 18, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 28 above.
Carried as mail, arrived from Fairbanks, three tons Reliance
groceries now due. Got smoking pipes, first in three years.
Harry Sears going on trap line at Big Ten Mile Lake. Meat and
steel parley didn’t work out so will strike. Now 365 government
hospitals for soldiers. United Nations chewing the rag in London.
War criminals being hung every day.
January 19, 1946 Wind and 32 above. Received
first Outside chickens, sell 80¢ a pound. O’Hara
bus line advertised dog derby at Santa Claus Lodge on Capt. Glenn
Highway. Fur Rendezvous to be held at Anchorage. Henry
Kaiser signed up for 18½¢ advance in steel wages at
his California plant. Eastern steel workers demand 25¢
per hour. General Eisenhower on air about delay of soldiers
out of Army draft.
January 20, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Had chicken dinner, southern style. Evening, worked
on 1945 invoice report. Head of France resigned, he had
put France on her feet after World War. All Jap airplane
factories dismantled. All men in Anchorage growing whiskers
for Fur Rendezvous in February. Homer farmers coming to the
front. No meats in states account of Big Four help on strike.
L. V. Rae, attorney, passed out at Seward, $100 owing K. T. Co.
cancelled?
January 21, 1946 Misty, light breeze,
24 above all day. Last hardware cases arrived. Mrs.
Butler doing Anchorage, left her kids here without supplies.
T-bone steak off market account of meat strike. President
Truman message to Congress not favorably received. Ten million
dollars for Alaska Highway. Light breeze.
January 22, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Eva, Stanley and Mrs. Isaac up from Anchorage for chicken dinner
account of wreck at tunnel. Mail train arrived at Wasilla
11:45 PM. Another buyer for K. T. Co. business from Anchorage.
Congress passed a portion of President Truman’s fact finding board.
January mild weather but as yet no thaw. Now a million on strike
in States, what 30% more wages? Lots of moose here to get away
from wolf packs.
January 23, 1946 Cloudy, 16 to 26 above,
4” new snow. Put up grub order for Joe Palmer’s trap
line at Caswell. Government taken over meat industry account
of strike. 215,000 railroad trainmen talking strike?
Unions have gone hog wild on strike. Betts brothers moved Lander’s
barn from Fishhook Inn to Cadwallader lot in Wasilla. Willie
Edlund back from Seattle. Bear hunt at Point Barrow tomorrow.
January 24, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 30 above. Only
booze came on freight today. Two airplanes, with polar
hunters from Anchorage arrived at Point Barrow. Russia up
before U.N. for troops on adjacent colonies? Demo of atomic
bomb in Pacific in May. Anchorage men all growing whiskers
for Rendezvous. Mrs. Peck and sister left for Caswell trap line.
Ordered Percy Crawford 1946 calendar.
January 25, 1946 Hazy, 30 above
all day. One plane back from polar bear hunt at Point
Barrow, other plane not reported as yet with 21 people.
Now, with radium, got signals from the moon and now making a plane
that will fly to the moon? Man and wife, from Seattle, visited,
wanted our price on store. Ford had to shut down for want of steel.
Earthquake in Switzerland.
January 26, 1946 A-1 sunny
day, 16 to 30 above. Ford labor signed up for 18¢
more per hour. 193,000 packing house back to work under
government. Steel workers holding out for 19½¢
more per hour. One and one half million now idle account
of strike. Quake shook Italy and a 2nd one in Switzerland.
January 27, 1946 Chilly, 18 to 30 above.
Posted three months in NCR ledger. Mrs. Ellexson out
from Knik on way to Isaac silver wedding at Anchorage. Woodley
arrived, from Seattle, in nine hours with new 21 passenger.
$100,000 airplane at 3 PM at Anchorage. Six hundred more brides
with 300 babies left London today for home in USA Steel strikers and
GMC out for 19½¢ raise. Meat strikers back on job
Monday.
January 28, 1946 Cool, 12 to 20 above.
Three tons delayed groceries arrived at noon, freight shed
all locked up, agent at Anchorage. All small industries
closed down account of steel strike, no materials. Peace
parley going slow, decided to build home for United Nations in USA.
Joe Palmer left for Caswell trap line. Big midnight moon.
Doctored up sore feet. Evening light snow.
January 29, 1946 Snowing at 20 above,
first heavy snow all over Alaska. Harry Sears 2nd trip
to Big Lake trap line, caught a $60 mink? Jensen and Fritzler
bought grub outfit. Election day account of dead legislators.
Isaac’s silver wedding at Anchorage, our gift was 25 silver dollars.
Busy cleaning snow off walks. Mrs. Thorpe under weather account
of cancer. Several wrecks at sea account of storms. Settlement
of China’s new government progressing. Quiet at Java.
January 30, 1946 Colder, zero to 20 above.
Finished checking, pricing and opening up three tons groceries.
Ninety seven old war ships, subs, etc., to be blasted by atomic
bomb in May. Congress disagrees with President Truman on
bill to regulate labor strike. Industry now paralyzed by strike.
Six inches new snow. Mail train arrived 12:30 midnight.
Still hanging war criminals.
January 31, 1946 Cloudy, 16 to 20 above.
January mild weather, only six inches snow on the 30th.
Indigents got their monthly checks. Mrs. Ellexson back from
Anchorage, Betts drove her to Knik in hot house car. Gus now
comes to store in four wheel push cart, operates like a baby walker?
Trappers now going out for beaver. Coffee shortage for next
sixty days, butter off 50%.
February 1, 1946 Cooler, 10 to 16 above.
No mail train south. Received wire from Oregon buyer
for K. T. Co., coming up if business not sold. OPA advancing
raw sugar ½¢ per pound. Russia advises a tunnel
under Bering Sea near Nome, Alaska. Standing U. S. Army to
be reduced to one million next year. Expect break in steel
strike soon. Ford had to close down account of no steel for cars.
February 2, 1946 Cloudy, zero to 10 above.
Ground Hog Day failed to see his shadow at Wasilla. Harry
Revelle bought $50 grub order for trail camp at mile 3.
Mail train south one day late. Ma had chicken dinner, southern
style. 1,700 mothers with 600 babies left London today for
USA home. Evening, colder. New shoemaker now at Palmer.
February 3, 1946 Windy, 10 to 20 above.
Stanley and family arrived for chicken dinner, back to Anchorage
2 PM. Posted three months in ledger, half done. First
dog races at Santa Claus Lodge on upper Capt. Glenn Highway today.
40,000 British troops to police Japan. Early cold winter with
Matanuska winds has about consumed our car of Healy coal.
February 4, 1946 Windy, 20
above. SS Yukon went on the rocks 30 miles from
Seward, had 400 people aboard, stern of the boat broke off, passengers
safe in bow of boat. Forty nine of one hundred women and kids
removed by small gas launches, other boats came to rescue before
darkness. No lives lost thus far. Bill Edlund left for
beaver trap line. Had to order another car of Healy coal.
February 5, 1946 Colder 10 to 20 above.
Stanley flew plane from Anchorage, landed on ice at Lake Lucille,
brought coffee for K. T. Co., first trip. China to get U.
S. small battle ships. Several boats in trouble off Columbia
River bar in Oregon account of high seas. Only half of passengers
removed from SS Yukon, wreck near Seward. Spot on sun
effects radio on 6th and 7th. Eight hundred Alaska boys killed
in War II.
February 6, 1946 Cold, 12 to 16 above.
Last of people on wrecked SS Yukon, 200 soldiers, 245 civilians
arrived at Anchorage 12:45 midnight, 484 accounted for with
only 22 missing. Airplanes saved many by dropping food
and sleeping bags. Minnesota got all the weatherman had today.
Dust storm in Kansas.
February 7, 1946 Cloudy, 10 to 18 above.
Hen meeting at town library. William Senske in Palmer
Hospital with stomach trouble. Several farmers going out
for beaver. Late report, only four civilians and eight others missing
on SS Yukon wreck. New York City froze up account of tug boat
strike. Congress red hot with labor strike bills.
February 8, 1946 Snow, 10 to 16 above.
Superintendent of Anchorage Standard Oil was lost on SS Yukon
wreck near Seward. New York City short on food and fuel
account of tub boat strike. OPA Bowles let out of job,
would not increase selling price to offset labor prices 16¢
more per hour offered meat laborers. Palmer Co-op heating
plant on bum, and no funds to replace, $40,000.
February 9, 1946 Second cold wave of
winter, +10 to -20. Got another nibble on sale of K. T. Co.
business, a Mr. J. A. Matocha arrived, by plane, from Oregon
today, wanted to buy stock with option on store buildings.
Plenty of buyers but no money. Kennedy and partner in off
trap line, too cold to trap beaver.
February 10, 1946 Cloudy, 10 to 20 above,
sprinkle of snow. Harry Sears in from Big Lake trap line
for grub, bought $50 order. Ma left on freight train for
Anchorage, waited at depot two hours. Posted on 1945 ledger, three
months to post. Queen Mary arrived New York with 2,000 English
brides that married American soldiers at war. Churchill visited
President Truman today. Second car of Healy coal arrived account
of store. Russia held election first since 1937.
February 11, 1946 Business froze up,
14 to 28 above. Now Pittsburgh tied up by electric strike,
will also freeze up. Bill Wagner of KFQD now recording Santa
Claus dog races Capt. Glenn Highway. Bill Edlund back from
trap line with bad cold and went to Palmer Hospital. Ma on
weekend at Anchorage with son and family.
February 12, 1946 Windy, 30 above all day.
No one as yet to unload car coal. No mail train, snowed
in at Seward. Most all business in U. S. tied up by strikes.
Labor demands $2 more per day or 30% more wages. U. N. having
trouble in locating home for world capitol in U. S. preferred.
Ma at Anchorage, held up mail train one day account of seeing another
picture show.
February 13, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 34 above.
Betts bros. drove to Anchorage for load stove oil. No
one has yet to unload car coal for K. T. Co. furnaces. Harold Eykes
quit his job as Secretary of State past 13 years. Steel strike
still holding up all industries. Tornado destroyed 25 houses
in Oklahoma today. Ma still holding up mail train at Anchorage
to see more shows?
February 14, 1946 Light wind 24 to 32 above.
Ma arrived home on freight train. No Seward mail train
as yet. Seven inches snow today at Anchorage, none in Wasilla?
Five towns in North Dakota snowed in for a week with only 10 days
fuel on hand. Reported U. S. dairies can’t stay in business
unless a 8¢ to 12¢ a pound advance on butter. Drunken
wreck of SS Yukon being investigated.
February 15, 1946 Snow, rain and wind at 34
above. Big quake on Pacific Coast hit Seattle hard. Part
of steel strike settled at 18½¢ per hour more wages
and advance $5 ton on steel. President Truman says we must
tighten our belt, eat more dark bread to save starving people in Europe
and Asia. Wilson boy unloading our car of Healy coal.
February 16, 1946 Cloudy, Chinook 34 to 38
above. Railroad blocked at both ends with snow slides,
also highway blocked near Knik River bridge. U. S. Republic
plans strike over with $5 ton added to steel and 18½¢
per hour to wages. Wilson boy and helper unloaded 24¼
ton car of Healy coal for K. T. Co. store heating plant. Willie
Edlund out of hospital and back to beaver trap line.
February 17, 1946 Cloudy, 36 above. Put
shear board in front cellar windows at new house to keep out
snow slides off roof. Delayed mail train went south. Posted
ledger, five months to post then income tax report. Railroad
and highway open again after slides and storms. Chinook weather,
soft underfoot.
February 18, 1946 A-1 sunny
day, 36 above. Olson’s son-in-law (on section) moved family into
Harrison cabin. With the aid of castor oil and Sal Hepatica,
made trip to the dump pile, six miles. Icy highway near Knik
river bridge. Greyhound bus drivers back to work. Nation
wide telephone strike making. More radar experiments with man
in moon. Between tunnels, on railroad, stormed out. Alaska
Railroad workers got a raise on wages to avoid a strike?
February 19, 1946 A-1 day,
26 to 36 above. Highway open but railroad closed.
Got prices out catalog to cover Portland invoice of hardware missing.
440,000 steel workers back on job. Railroad workers talking
strike. Several shot up in election held in Argentina.
Evening, colder. Bill Wagner’s trip to Santa Claus dog derby
on the air KFQD. Talk of U. S. going on brown bread to help starvation
in Europe.
February 20, 1946 A-1 day, 24 to 34 above.
Checking down Portland hardware. Made out order to National
Grocery Co. Railroad still blocked on Seward Division.
Russia still has troops in Manchuria and would like to control
Iran. Talk of putting U. S. on rations to help feed starving
people in Europe. Moose all around town in three to dozen
lots. Evening, gave sore feet dose of Epsom salts.
February 21, 1946 No sun, 30 above all
day. Self pricing Portland hardware. Got out orders
and mail south. Bill Wagner’s 2nd Santa Claus dog derby
on the air. Bill up by Congress for fifty million for school
lunches coming year. Eleven dairymen went on strike in Illinois.
Klein and son cutting ice for railroad on Lake Wasilla. Airplane
traffic up 250% from Seattle to Alaska.
February 22, 1946 26 to 30 above.
Finished posting 1945 ledger. Took castor oil, 2 caletabs,
dose Sal Hepatica to get a move on, it worked by 9 PM. Bill
Wagner reported 3rd Santa Claus dog race over KFQD, one more to
go. Several Homesteads taken at Paradise Lake. Oil shortage
at Anchorage account of railroad slide on Seward Division.
February 23, 1946 A-1 day, 28 to 40 above.
Sold $75 order to a GI. No through trains, as yet, from
Seward account of snow slides. Ship loads of foreign arriving
in USA with many babies. Planes bringing perishables
from Seward boats to Anchorage account of railroad out of commission.
February 24, 1946 Cooler, 12 to 30 above.
Stanley and family, with Paddy as mascot, arrived at noon, brought
coffee and candy bars, back to Anchorage. Tabulated expense
account for income tax report. Milk and traffic strike
on in eastern states. Hot election in Argentina with usual
shooting up of voters. Four moose crossed Lucille Lake.
Peace time war now on in U. S., it’s labor strikes? One trapper
for each beaver in sight. McClarity, Senske and Fred Edlund
drawn on jury account of Kodiak safe robbery.
February 25 1946 Colder, zero to 30 above.
Five million tons grub and seeds sent overseas for relief.
Carter and Coghlen gone out for beaver. Car with five went
into river at Palmer Bridge and three hospitalized, too
much booze. Alaska Railroad still snowbound. Dan Gray
in from Mabel Mine for supplies. Auto road open to Mabel
Forks.
February 26, 1946 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Auto roads all iced up. New York City traffic strike
settled. Longshoreman Pacific strike settled. Elaine
Campbell won Rendezvous Queen at Anchorage. Rendezvous opens
tomorrow, all kind of races. All nations got eye on Russia.
Ma left for Anchorage Rendezvous. Railroad still blocked.
California donating one million for ex-servicemen.
February 27, 1946 Cloudy, 38 to 42 all
day. Palmer orchestra at Hall last night, music and speeches.
Roads all ice, slow going. Railroad blocked to Whittier,
open to Seward. Butter and sugar on ration in states.
Ford now operating all plants. All houses now rented except Mabel cabin.
February 28, 1946 Cloudy, 30 above all
day. Electric pickets had a mix-up with police.
Longshoreman threaten to tie up traffic on Pacific Coast.
First delivery of freight for ten days due to slides. President
Truman recommended ten million dollars for Alaska roads, etc.
China wants control of Manchuria held by Russian Ma at Anchorage
Fur Rendezvous, sales and sports of all kind. Mrs. Slumberger
visiting her kids at Lucille Lake. Everybody out for beaver,
large one worth $60.
March 1, 1946 A-1 day, 30
to 40 above. Cadwallader and wife arrived home from trip to states.
Reds moving Jap machinery out of Manchuria. Alaska seal
now over one million. France closed border to Spain.
Alaska to be the 49th state? Housing and strikes now big
problem in states.
March 2, 1946 Cooler, 16 to 34 above.
Eggs and lard arrived PM freight as usual, coming on installment
plan? 175,000 steel workers offered 18½¢ more
wages per hour and holding off for 19½¢ per hour.
Butter, oils and fats now short in states. Chas J. Tecklenberg,
old timer, passed out in States, will be buried at Seward. Ma
home, PM freight, Rendezvous over at Anchorage. M. J. Spears won
beard contest at Anchorage Fur Rendezvous.
March 3, 1946 Cloudy, 32 above all day.
Airplanes packing fresh vegetables to Anchorage from Seattle.
Finished pricing Portland hardware. Started to fill in
1945 income tax report. M. J. Spears won the beard contest at Fur
Rendezvous at Anchorage. Ex-President Hoover visited on grub
conference to feed starving in Europe. Bombay India demand
self government. Strikers have lost over two million in wages.
March 4, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 38 above.
Received balance of eggs, butter and bacon on noon freight train.
Special train returned Fairbanks sports, from Anchorage fur
Rendezvous. Evening, worked on tax report 1945. J.
P. Morgan visited, was on way to his cache at Moose Creek Mine.
Strikes brewing. Railroad working after 15 days of snow slides.
Had Outside chicken dinner at 80¢ a pound. Wheat was
up 3¢ a bushel, short 16 million tons.
March 5, 1946 Cloudy, 28 above. Cleaned
ice off walks. Big Three nations dictating to Spain and
Argentina about form of government. China wants Reds to get
out of Manchuria. Allies want Reds to get out of Iran.
Reds want British to get out of Cairo and all want U. S. loan and
grub. Churchill and President Truman on the air 5 PM.
March 6, 1946 Colder, 4 to 28 above. ARC King
ran a line for new farm road from mile 3 Knik Road east to Fairview
District. President Truman on the air with meeting of all
churches, asking Christians to help save food for those starving
in Europe and Asia. Self stomach not working, nothing passing
from upper to lower bowels.
March 7, 1946 24 to 34 above. Self got
bowels to working, lost two meals during plug up. Butter
short, only one pound to a customer. All government land now
open to location , over two million new homes wanted. Telephone
strike averted, they now get six million more wages per year.
Six Australian war brides arrived with babies. Ice men
busy loading six hundred pound cakes off Lake Wasilla for Alaska Railroad.
Stanley flew his plane over to Ellexson’s trap line.
March 8, 1946 Cool, 10 to 28 above, wind
and light snow. Eva and Stanley arrived, brought candy
and tobacco, back to Anchorage. Kennedy in from beaver trap line,
too cold, beaver no come out. OPA raised sale of meats 10%.
One hundred television stations to be installed this year.
Russia ordered to remove troops out of Iran and Manchuria.
Anchorage short of electric juice, water power froze up.
March 9, 1946 Cold wave, 18 above to 20 below
zero. Russians bucking U. S. and Britain’s request to
move troops out of Iran and Manchuria where Reds have taken
all of Jap equipment. International Bank for UN being established.
Republicans and Democrats milling up to defeat operation of OPA.
Japan needs 2½ thousand pounds of rice. St. Lawrence
Ocean canal to Great Lakes up before Congress for consideration.
March 10, 1946 Cloudy, 14 to 24 above.
Betts brothers hauling surplus Army merchandise from Post to
Anchorage account of sale. Ice men rushing contract up March
15th. O’Hara dog train at Whitehorse dog races. Uncle Sam
now in debt 278 billion. Merchandise and grub growing short. Money
strikes stopped production.
March 11, 1946 Cool, 16 to 20 above.
Trains moving again but not many boats. Old Victoria
to come back on run, to replace SS Yukon lost. President
Truman wants to reduce wheat consumption 40%, fats 20% to help feed
the starving in Europe, if so, tighten up your belt. Sexton’s
sold their house to Mrs. Mazula at corner of First Avenue and Boundary
Street. Five hundred policeman guarded arrival of Churchill
at New York City, now on way home.
March 12, 1946 Cold, zero to 12 above.
Sexton brothers beaver trapping, going to Big Lake district
by Fordson. Hoover says short eight million tons to feed
starving in Europe and Asia. Russians 20 train loads moving
out of Manchuria today. Churchill placed wreath on FDR grave.
Storm blocked railroad in Rockies. North mail train 8 hours
late, full up with passengers.
March 13, 1946 Cold, 12 above to 14 below zero.
Received letter from Flo and Roe at Eyota, on old homestead.
Roe’s heart trouble better, now doing own work but Florence not
as good from overwork. GM strike settled. School bus froze
up. More trappers gone out for beaver, price to $40 to $80
each. Radio went haywire after 2 years electric service with
no repairs.
March 14, 1946 Cold, 10 to 14 above.
No news, radio set haywire. Sun now has got around to
NW end of Lake Lucille when it sets, spring soon here? Wrote
Stanley about dead radio, if no new tubes available at Anchorage,
buy a new electric radio set. More farmers left for beaver houses.
March 15, 1946 Colder, 10 above to 14
below, 21 below a depot. No radio, dead set. Stanley
landed on Lake Lucille at noon with his plane from Anchorage.
Harry Revelle and Fabyan in from Little Susitna River trap line
for more grub. Got calls for butter from Palmer and Anchorage.
School bus froze up so no school.
March 16, 1946 Cold, 12 above to 20 below
zero. The 20% added to wheat flour production cuts poultry
food short. Ex-President Hoover and a dozen food experts
sent to Europe to investigate starving. No radio,
no news.
March 17, 1946 Cold, 12 above to 22 below
zero. Self stomach on the rumbles, lower department plugged
up. Betts bros. busy delivering fuel oil. Ice man’s
contract up the 15th with several hundred tons short for railroad.
Jack Fabyan in from beaver trap line, all beaver houses froze up.
No radio, no news.
March 18, 1946 Cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Four truck loads of groceries and oil arrived. Prospective
buyer for new house by railroad foreman. No radio, no
news.
March 19, 1946 Cloudy, 20 to 30 above,
4” new snow. Self had to lay down account of stomach
flu and failed to check and price up two tons merchandise received.
Stanley sent up tubes for radio but self to sick to install them.
Ma was busy in store.
March 20, 1946 Wasilla to Providence
Hospital account of stomach trouble. Left with Stanley’s
auto for checkup at Anchorage hospital, got room no. 314.
Dr. Wolkoskie had an x-ray of my stomach, was all plugged up between
upper and lower deck.
March 21, 1946 In Providence Hospital,
had more x-rays of stomach. Stanley and family visited
at 2 and 8 PM, visitors hours.
March 22, 1946 Self in Providence Hospital.
March 24, 1946 In Anchorage hospital.
Had no x-ray account of previous stomach trouble. Taking
iron pills and one shot in arm.
March 25, 1946 In Providence Hospital.
March 26, 1946 In Providence Hospital
for checkup.
March 27, 1946 Still in Providence Hospital.
Room cost $10 per day, doctor $5 and medicine $1. Eight
nurses and helpers on the job. Self takes own shower, bath
and shave every morning.
March 28, 1946 At Anchorage, $16 per
day.
March 29, 1946 Stomach treatment at hospital.
April 1, 1946 Cloudy, 6 to 36 above.
Eva and Stanley here for chicken dinner, was an old tough hen,
back to Anchorage 1 PM. Got 1½ rick dry spruce for
furnace. All coal miners out on weeks vacation. Below
zero Inside. Ninety foot tidal wave at Aleutians, light house
destroyed.
April 2, 1946 Back from Anchorage hospital.
Marie Martha 14 years old. Stanley drove me home from Anchorage
to Wasilla. Piggly Wiggly man came with us to look over
sale of K. T. Co. store. Thirteen days in hospital cost
$231.50, besides Dr. fee of $75 = $306.50. Ma busy in store
PM.
April 3, 1946 Cloudy and cool. Self not
so hot, had to lay down most of day. Mail train north one
day late. Railroad was blocked a week with snow slides on
Seward end.
April 4, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 38 above.
Self better today, caught up mail and paid all invoices.
Three Army scouts with dog team arrived from trip down Yukon to
Kuskokwim and Rainy Pass District. Home show at Hall to raise
funds for library.
April 5, 1946 A-1 day, 34
to 44 above. No registered mail train south. Boats
all tied up by strikes, none out of Seattle until April 12th.
Salmon fisherman to strike for more wages before salmon run.
Got grocery order. Harry Revelle in for more grub on trap line.
April 6, 1946 A-1 day, 22
to 58 above. Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage and stayed
overnight. Ski train to Curry stopped here half hour at
Cadwallader’s Cocktail Bar. Self can hardly move around account
of legs being numb. President Truman on air from Chicago.
Joe Brassel in from winter trap line at mile 8.
April 7, 1946 Cloudy, 15 to 35 above.
Kids returned to Anchorage home after lunch. Auto roads
getting sloppy. Talk of cutting 30% off sugar ration.
Fisherman making ready for salmon run at Bristol Bay District.
T. W. Hawkins passed out, 78.
April 8, 1946 A-1 day, 18
to 38 above. Reported deal on for Cadwallader’s Roadhouse.
April 9, 1946 Cloudy, 26 to 36 above.
Klein finished 1,500 ton ice contract for Wasilla Lake for Alaska
Railroad. Wasilla school kids vaccinated account of small
pox in Seattle, brought from China? Cadwallader’s Cocktail
bar open evenings. Received bid of $23,000 for store business
and buildings from Willamina, Oregon.
April 10, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 44
above. Stomach not working well today. Mrs. Dodson
back from Seattle and Al Dodson in from Fern Mine. Lewis
pulled off coal strike and says there will be no settlement soon.
A sixty day cooling off for labor unions. Another local
buyer wants to buy business.
April 11, 1946 Cloudy, 32 to 42 above.
Self had to hit the hay most all AM, feeling better evening.
Governor of Alaska on the air over KFQD about the special Alaska
session at Juneau, Alaska to have sales tax to pay soldiers and
school teachers extra money. Carter and Coghlen in from beaver
hunt.
April 12, 1946 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
FDR dead one year. Dedication of 33 acres of Hyde Park
as National Shrine to U. S. Government from FDR estate and all
FDR personal effects. Nylon hose strike in San Francisco,
seventy police to quiet 15,000 women shoppers for hose. Heinie
Snider fixing up house on Lucille ranch to live in.
April 13, 1946 A-1 day, 48 above. Mrs.
Ellexson out from Knik to trade. Matanuska bus broke spring
on rough road near Palmer. Kids, 18 to 20 not to be drafted
in future Army. Ray Bergman bought Gus house on Knik Street.
April 14, 1946 Cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
Self in bed most all day account of stomach trouble for past
three weeks. China Communist and Royal Armies in Manchuria
fighting again. Reds to move out of Iran by May 6th.
April 15, 1946 Temperature 60 above in sun
all day. Norman Lang of Mt. View Storage, at Anchorage,
visited, looking for baby rabbits. Bottom went out of auto
roads today, snow all gone on roads and Wasilla streets.
Self better today.
April 16, 1946 Cloudy, 42 above all day.
Eugene Coghlan went to work in Wasilla railroad section.
All Alaska boats tied up by strikes. Airplanes packing
two tons of perishables to Anchorage daily. Nelson bought
a tract of ground north of Town Hall for shop. Now collecting
Alaska sales tax 1%. Joe Brassel drew his pension deposit here,
three months, $135.
April 17, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 42 above.
Stanley and Eva arrived 10 AM, back to Anchorage over highway
2 PM, Mrs. Slumberger auto guest. Joe Brassel went to
Anchorage with his beaver catch. Snow and ice all gone
on roads.
April 18, 1946 Cloudy, 40 above all day.
One third of Army supplies in stock to be confiscated, no value.
“Victoria” arrived at Seward, unloading perishables and mail
only account of strike. Floyd Smith visited, like self,
stomach trouble. Bill Edlund and partner went to Anchorage
with beaver skins.
April 19, 1946 32 to 38 above all day, snow
flurries. Big school bus stalled in mud. Self both
stomach and feet in bad shape. Flour rationed at 75% of
past sales. Now one hundred million tons of wheat going to
Europe, monthly, to feed the starving. Al Harter, 10 years on
Inside, visited. Anchorage waiters on strike, want $8 per day.
April 20, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Snow at Seward and Kodiak today. Self stomach bad all
day. Bill Edlund got average of $51 for beaver. Longshoreman
strike settled. Boats are loading freight for Alaska.
“Victoria” unloading at Seward. Baseball on again.
April 21, 1946 Cloudy, 32 to 42 above.
Got stomach working again. Anchorage electric workers to strike
tomorrow. Clifford Shellenberger shot himself at Denver,
had burglars tools and loot, father lives at Skwentna. No
freight for Alaska, strike on again. First Easter since beginning
of war.
April 22, 1946 A-1 day, 34 to 54 above.
Section men burned grass around depot and warehouses on track
President Hoover and grub party now in India on food shortage.
Two more babies due soon in Wasilla.
April 23, 1946 Cool, 34 to 44 above.
Mail train, north, four hours late, brought 2nd class mail off
SS Victoria. School kids, at Anchorage, went on strike
to oust the superintendent who fired three teachers, favorites
of kids. Telephone service dead at Anchorage. Paid K
of P dues, 1 year to April 1947. Half of restaurants closed
at Anchorage, waiters want more pay, $8 a day.
April 24, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above in sun.
Farmers in for mail and to trade. Ryan and lawyer visited,
from Palmer Cold Storage Co., and wanted to buy K. T. Co.’s business
at cost for stock and credit for buildings. Phone strike
over in Anchorage. Snider landed on Lucille ranch with bunch
of small chickens. Self better today, had regular movement.
April 25, 1946 26 to 46 above.
Roads mushy account of frost coming out. Picket lines
withdrawn on Seattle docks. Anchorage got 10 car loads
groceries off SS Victoria at Seward. Fisherman want 30%
raise?
April 26, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 48 above.
Mail went Outside, eggs and drugs arrived off of SS Victoria.
Now sold out on apples and oranges. Now coal strike holding
up steel industries and manufacturing autos.
April 27, 1946 A-1 day, 38
to 58 above. M. D. Snodgrass, old timer, visited, now retired
at 70 but still in politics, a Republican. President Truman
on week cruise in southern waters on Atlantic. Chief Justice
Stone buried in D. C. Out of soaps and fresh fruit account of strikes
and no boats.
April 28, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 48 above.
Took winter balcony fly down. Stanley, Buddy and Isaac
arrived, Eva and Marie had sore throats so stayed home at Anchorage.
Piggly Wiggly manager and butcher visited, would like to buy us
out but no money. Streets dusty today.
April 29, 1946 Cloudy, 32 to 50 above.
Horton Hotel man at Palmer, visited. Big improvements
at Palmer, hotel, concrete plant, etc. Al Dodson in from
Fern Mine. Auto road open to Mabel Mine. Big Four meeting
in Paris. Heinie Snider on the air, primary election.
Chinks at war over control of Manchuria.
April 30, 1946 Election day, Republicans
going strong at all poling stations. Japan and Germany
to be policed for 25 years.
May 1, 1946 A-1 day, 40 to
60 above. First mosquitoes on deck today. Wasilla
went Republican in primary election yesterday. U. S. and
Argentina furnishing most of wheat for starving Europeans. Pension
checks arrived, rush on orders, AM
May 2, 1946 A-1 day, 30 to 60 above.
Frank Smith through in high school, school graduating exercises
at Town Hall, only two. Railroad will have to close down
if coal strike lasts 10 more days.
May 3, 1946 A-1 day, 38 to
58 above. Had to take enema to move bowels. Still
scrapping over OPA and price controls that help to make black
market? Big riot in San Francisco prison. Prisoners
held up officers with a machine gun? Industries and railroad
tied up big coal strike and railroad strike next.
May 4, 1946 Rain, 30 to 40 above, new
snow on mountains Cars from north covered with snow.
Sorenson’s fixing up ranch at paradise Lake, mile 4. Bud
Browne and family up from Anchorage for weekend at Cadwallader’s.
Self better.
May 5, 1946 Cloudy, 32 to 38 above.
Stanley and family arrived at noon brought usual tobacco and
candy for store sales, back at 3 PM via mile 10 Forks to Palmer
account of mush holes on Wasilla-Palmer Road. Boats loading
freight in Seattle, for Alaska. Stores out of many merchandise
account of boat strike. Ice went out at Nenana 4:40 PM, each
won ¼ pool.
May 6, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 40 above.
Soldiers grading Cat road from Wasilla Avenue to old Tweeden
ranch on Lake Wasilla. Floyd Smith home from Anchorage
with stomach trouble. Congress advocated to jail John L.
Lewis to avoid any more strikes. Industries to close down for
want of coal. Stanley won 1/11th of Anchorage guess on Nenana
Ice Pool, 5/5/1946, were on the minute, $108,000 ice pool.
May 7, 1946 A-1 day, 38 to
58 above. Still too damp for farmers to plant crops.
Fairbanks farmers have planted spuds. Several hot houses operating.
Received invoices, groceries, candy and hardware. Boats
loaded 4/29 to 5/1 for Alaska. A month of delayed freight on way
to Alaska. Burned grass on new house lawn and street.
May 8, 1946 A-1 day, 40 to 68 above.
Self pricing merchandise in route with gut ache. Evening,
got relief. Gerrit Snider remodeling his house on Lucille
Lake ranch. Coal strike raising heck with other industries
for want of fuel. UN still dictating to Russia.
May 9, 1946 A-1 day, 58 to 66 above.
Railroad brush burner passed through. Electric strike
visited off and railroad strike delayed for 30 days. Ford
closed down for want of coal. GMC closed down for want of
fuel in 10 days. Wasilla School closed today for summer vacation,
+88 in sun. Ex-President Hoover and grub party landed at San
Francisco.
May 10, 1946 A-1 day, 50
to 68 above. Self lone storekeeper, had small trade all
day. Harry Revelle in for monthly grub, living on Frydenland
farm. Received invoice for fruits and Armour goods.
Coal miners back to work for two weeks only. Ma, railroad
to Anchorage for weekend and Mothers Day. Bergman’s moved into
Gus house on Knik St.
May 11, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 40 to 46 above.
Light trade in store all day, hard on sore feet. Johnson’s
and New York teacher left for Fairbanks by auto over Capt. Glenn
Highway. Evening, cleaned and painted kitchen floor.
School kids got report cards. Ma at Anchorage, also Mrs. Cadwallader.
Only two graduates from Wasilla High School, Frank Smith and _________.
May 12, 1946 Hazy, windy, 40 to 50 above.
Colored lady selected as U. S. Mother. Fisherman up from
Anchorage for Wasilla Lake trout. PM turned on kitchen and
bath water in new house and swept floors. Evening, washed
my clothes.
May 13, 1946 Misty, 40 to 44 above.
Ma home on freight train. Received five Shorty truck loads
of freight released by the longshoreman strike for month duration.
Railroad and longshoreman preparing for future strikes.
Only two weeks wheat for flour on hand after feeding Europe.
Truman wants Hoover to go to South America to round up grub for
starving Europe.
May 14, 1946 Cool, 40 to 44 above.
Self busy checking and pricing up new merchandise, candy, fruit
and hardware in route. Sharon doing carpenter work on Heinie
Snider’s ranch. Sexton’s moving back to Jenkins lake ranch.
Spring 10 days late for planting. Capt. Glenn Highway open
to Fairbanks.
May 15, 1946 Cloudy, windy, 50 above.
Finished checking and pricing new merchandise. Independence
Mine want 75 miners to start milling ore but no labor to
be had at OPA wages. O’Hara buses now to Valdez and Whitehorse.
Trouble in Greece, no stable government? Red Jack Bartell,
old Cook Inlet boat captain, passed out at 86 years old. Evening,
paid for merchandise recovered over $1,000 and more merchandise due.
May 16, 1946 Cloudy, 42 above all day.
Stanley and family arrived 10 AM, back to Anchorage 2 PM.
Gus left for Outside account of leg treatment. Mrs. Stetson
back from Eska Coal Mines where husband is cook. First sign
of green grass.
May 17, 1946 Cool weather,
no sun, 40 to 48 above. Late spring, everybody wearing
topcoats account of cold wind and cloudy. President Truman
seized all the railroad account of strike tomorrow. Old John L.
Lewis has put industries out with strikes for 30% more wages.
Ice went out of Lake Lucille.
Midnight and Army plane over Wasilla.
May 18, 1946 Cool, 38 to 50 above.
Priced up new candy and fruit. Railroad strike averted
until 23rd by President Truman. Senske around again after
ailing all winter on ranch mile 3. Ma got bad left earache
and extended through nose to throat. Leonard Grau and family
up from Anchorage to inspect their Cottonwood Creek ranch.
Self hard to get around account of sore feet.
May 19, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 40 to 54 above.
Cool, no sun, no growing weather yet. Ma stayed in bed
account of earache and throat trouble, had Shorty take Ma to
Palmer Hospital, Dr. lives 6 miles out, no service today.
Chas Isaac here to see Dodson.
May 20, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above,
still topcoat weather. Soldiers here fishing for trout.
Government had to take over railroad and coal mines account of
strikes. Another plane crashed into New York skyscraper.
About all steel works closed down. Ma in Palmer Hospital with
throat trouble. Eva and Stanley arrive to see Ma. Evening,
gave sore feet hour treatment.
May 21, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 54 above.
Trout fisherman here from Anchorage. Government now operating
railroad and coal mines account of strikes. Big Four meeting
in Paris to settle boundary lines not a big success, Russia
aggressive. Ma in Palmer Hospital. Still store feet.
May 22, 1946 Cold, 50 to 56 above.
More new snow at Willow Creek Mines. Reported about thirty
million Chinks starving, civil war raging in Manchuria.
Stomach plugged up again, had to lay down between waiting on customers.
Mrs. Harvey visited on Ma in hospital, hope to be OK soon.
May 23, 1946 Cloudy, 50 above all day.
Nothing growing account of cloudy days and down to 32 at midnight.
Railroad strike on, most all lines tied up and now under U.
S. management with only 10 days supplies on hand. Ma sent
letter by drunken Annie and she lost letter. Phone call Ma
would be home in two days more. Only one meal today.
Ma had lots of callers at hospital today.
May 24, 1946 A-1 day, 50
to 70 above. Palmer Hospital burned down last night, all
patients and equipment (including Ma) were saved and moved to Army
Hospital at Army Post. Stanley took Ma to Anchorage at noon.
May 25, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 48 to 54 above.
Self busy in store with gut ache and sore feet. President
went before Congress about railroad strike and a drastic law
put the strikers on the run and back to work. This tie-up
cost four hundred million dollars. Congress to put curb on
all future strikes. Ma at Anchorage with Stanley, family recuperating
from throat trouble. Strike ring broken by Congress, go in
Army or jail.
May 26, 1946 Cloudy, A-1 day, 54 above,
80% railroad back to normal but coal strikers many out account
of no contract. Railroad employees to get 18½¢
more per hour. Anchorage Priest visited. Birch and
cottonwood trees now all dressed up for summer, 10 days late.
Ma at Anchorage. Did my wash.
May 27, 1946 Cloudy, showers, 54 above.
Soft coal strikers 15 day truce ended, no contract, no work.
Molotov raked over U. S. and Britain, said they were ganging u
p on Russia. Month delayed strike freight arrived PM
All industries tied up now by coal strike.
May 28, 1946 Showers, 54
above all day. Received one truck load hardware and meats.
Received sale deed of Griffith, Indiana lots to sign up for $175
cash. J. P. Morgan visited, was on way to Cache Creek.
Road now open to Fern Mine. Many elections in Europe going
Socialist. Ma arrived home from Anchorage after nine
day medical care account of ear and tonsil trouble. Stomach
no good, only one meal today.
May 29, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Packed one order for Houston. Paddy arrived from Anchorage
for summer at Wasilla. Labor strikes about settled with
longshoreman strike scheduled June 15, all want 30% more for 18½¢
per hour. Ma back on job but not well account of throat trouble.
May 30, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
First Memorial Day since beginning of war. Soldiers graves
were decorated throughout the world. Ex-President Hoover
on way to South America to report to U. S. on food situation.
Starvation now worse than war?
May 31, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 64 above. Snow still
down to brush line on mountains Eva and kids to California
by air. UN having a heck of a time over Russia, Argentina and
Spain. Hard coal miners now on strike. Hard to get around
with sore feet. Ma nursing sore neck and throat trouble.
June 1, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above. Black
market on meats in states. We are now on 80% white flour
bread. President lining up Navy and Coast Guard account
of longshoreman strike June 15th. Mrs. Kazula fixing up house
on First Avenue and Boundary Street.
June 2, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Lots of joy riders out today. Shoveled ashes and re-painted
fence posts at new house. Congress beginning to crack down
on labor strikes that are tying up industries. O. O. Krogh,
old time Matanuska storekeeper, passed out in California, was 80, wife
died years ago.
June 3, 1946 Hot day, 80 above. Neil
Brown and dentist Adams up from Anchorage account of trout
fishing. President of Russia passed out. Carter Glass,
old time senator passed out. Hard coal miners now on strike.
Snow still down to brush line on Bald Mt., two weeks late. President
Truman busy with strike laws.
June 4, 1946 Hot, 74 above. Eva
and kids arrived in California today to visit Eva’s mother’s
relations. No radio account of static. Now two pounds butter
limit to customer, weekly, and ½ slab of bacon, no
Tom’s. Sold Griffith, Indiana lots for $175 to Griffith town
clerk.
June 5, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Big hotel fire in Chicago, 50 dead and 200 in hospital.
Congress voting on OPA extension for 1946. Fresh vegetables
being flown in to Anchorage from Seattle; local radishes.
Twelve cases cookies arrived today, also eggs.
June 6, 1946 Summer day, 50 to 70 above.
Self nursing gut ache all day. Cadwallader remodeling
Fishhook Inn shacks on Wasilla Avenue. Betts siding up his
new house opposite depot. Professor Pendleton making repairs
on high school and gym. Russia all the talk, not in tune with
Big Four.
June 7, 1946 Summer day, morning 72, noon 80,
evening 60 above. Preacher bought three acres of Cannon homestead
and building house there. Hard coal strike settled.
OPA to raise eggs 1¢ a dozen, butter 11¢ a pound.
Alaska Shipping Board to continue to July 1947. Judge Brown,
once at Valdez, passed out at Oakland, California, age 82. Fresh
king salmon soon, halibut on market.
June 8, 1946 A-1 day, 50
to 70 above. America short in feeding over three million
on breadlines in Europe and Asia. China gone on 15 day truce
to settle local political trouble. Coast to coast marine
strike on June 15th, next big headache?
June 9, 1946 Rain all day, 50 above.
Sold out on screen doors. Stock destroyed $600 worth of
Harry Sears vegetable crop last night. Another hotel
fire at Dubuque, Iowa, a dozen missing, many burned. Anchorage
took on new city manager at $12,000 per year. Fifteen degrees
warmer in Yukon District than on coast.
June 10, 1946 Cooler, 50 above all day.
Hoover shipped thirty million tons corn syrup for Europe relief
of starving children. McKinley Park new hotel now ready
for tourists, was closed during war. Eva and kids now at
Eureka, California on summer vacation.
June 11, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above. Dan Gray
in for $75 outfit to replace theft cleanup at mile 14 cabin.
Received blanks from land office account of filing land ownership
of Alaska property. Local radishes on market at two bunches
for 25¢. Ma received letter from Marie Martha now at
Eureka, California, complained about hot weather. Kennedy bought
Chris Fleckenstein’s homestead on Cottonwood Creek.
June 12, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Kennedy took Dan Gray and outfit to his cabin at mile 14 Willow
Creek Road. Stanley visited at noon, no candy or gum in
Anchorage. Company to rebuild Palmer Hospital with 25 beds
to cost $125,000. Carl Johnson visited. Mosquitoes bad.
June 13, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Priced up merchandise now in route. Brill car now added to passenger
service. Toughluck Jr. here on drunk. Pope in bad
by advising voters in recent Europe elections. Wheat crops
being harvested in southern states will relieve bread shortage in
Europe.
June 14, 1946 Cool, 44 to 54 above. Maritime
strike off 1¢ per hour. All ears open to atomic
bomb test on July 1st in Pacific. Big Four in session
again in Paris to settle treaties with smaller nations. Cox
down from Montana to trade. OPA getting a dubbing by Congress,
D. C.
June 15, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Trouble in Supreme Court account of appointing new justice.
ARC opening Fishhook Pass account of new fishing lodge at Willow
Creek. New vitamin E for weak heart and blood clots in veins
and hemorrhages, helps failing heart. First special excursion
to McKinley Park.
June 16, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
All quiet on labor front with talk of more strikes next September?
Food rationing for Europe being filled with new wheat crop in
USA. Big Four peace treaty in session in Paris. Eva
and kids now with mother at Eureka, California on summer vacation.
June 17, 1946 Cloudy, 46 to 60 above.
Big storm from Canada down to Great Lakes near Detroit.
Fred Nelson made round trip to Anchorage. Stanley’s help sick
at bar, can’t come up for few days. Betts bros. hauling oil
in drums to Independence Mine.
June 18, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
Self stomach on the bum all day. Tornado at Windsor, Ontario,
Canada, just missed Washington D. C. and hit Baltimore.
Indian going to try out British new treaty. Letters from
Eva and Marie at Eureka, California, now living on cherries, strawberries
and watermelons. Cadwallader took over Gus railroad warehouse.
Fishhook Pass now open.
June 19, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 70 above.
Joe Louis still champion, knocked out Billy Conn in eighth round
tonight at Madison Square Garden, New York. New paper, Matanuska
Valley Post.
June 20, 1946 A-1 day, 60
to 80 in the sun, longest day. Snow still visible on Bald
Mt., one month late. Stanley up from Anchorage 11 AM, returned
1 PM Got July 4th haircut. Post Office remodeled with
new boxes.
June 21, 1946 World War II GI Veterans
holding session in Anchorage to establish Alaska branch.
All freight delayed one month account of late strikes.
Now out of bacon, fruits and many groceries. Now air freight
to Alaska account of strikes.
June 22, 1946 Cool, 44 to 54 above. Thorpe
on usual drunk before going to Grubstake Mine. 4-H clubs
making ready for week picnic at Kings Lake. Snider erecting
all kinds of buildings on his Lucille Lake ranch out of war fund
wages saved.
June 23, 1946 Cloudy, 47 to 60 above.
Self nursing stomach ache all day. Thorpe’s left for Grubstake
Mine. Thirty second quake at Seattle and Vancouver, cracked
cement walls but no other damage, extended to Oregon. A
dummy atomic aerial bomb dropped at Marshal Island practice today.
Big ships at Anchorage for July 1st demonstration. Arab.
demand independence from British by next September.
June 24, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Russia objecting to Big Four plan for treaties account of small
nations in Europe, especially Italy. Another tornado storm
in Canada. May 20th fruit order arrived, all rotten.
Self stomach bad all day.
June 25, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Self had stomach ache all day. Clyde Berkett and family
visited, are on vacation from Fairbanks, came over new Capt. Glenn
Highway. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce in New York City
and visited on President Truman, Governor of Alaska is pilot for
this aerial bunch. Received check for sale of Griffith, Indiana
lots.
June 26, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Self still nursing gut ache. Stanley arrived with candy
and tobacco, Flo Isaac was mascot, back to Anchorage 1:15.
Burkett family visiting at Willow Creek Mines. Maritime strike
not fully settled on working hours. Got three truck loads freight,
half of lot due.
June 27, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 72 above.
Orah Dee Clark, 1917 teacher at Wasilla, visited, now with OPA
at Nome. Burkett’s and Mrs. Cadwallader drove to Anchorage.
New law, Privates don’t have to salute officers when off duty.
Joe Brassel left for mine on Craigie. Got new stomach laxative
visited Imbicoll with cascara, prescribed by Mayo Clinic. McFadden’s
got another baby boy.
June 28, 1946 Hot day, 64 to 74 above.
Self had to lay down most of day account of stomach pains.
Ellen Smith went to Anchorage to see Floyd now in hospital with
pulmonary trouble. Good will plane, with 20 Anchorage Chamber
of Commerce, back from States, brought new city manager with them.
Big celebration at Merrill Field for return trip of Anchorage Chamber
of Commerce over KFQD. Eva and kids on a fifteen pound watermelon,
cost 88¢.
Jun 29, 1946 Self no good on job account of
stomach trouble. Congress put the skids under OPA extension
to 1947 then Truman vetoed the bill to save votes? Farmers
dumped 10,000 gallons of milk account of price. Look out
for atomic bomb 11 AM down in Pacific, Sunday. President Truman
on the air account of OPA.
June 30, 1946 Hot, 60 to 76 above.
Atomic bombs in Pacific, will report damage by same Monday.
Big train excursion of 12 cars here all day from Anchorage.
Railroad picnic this year at Girdwood. Clyde Burkett and
family left for home at Fairbanks over Capt. Glenn Highway.
New coffee and ice cream parlor opened corner of Main Street and
First Avenue.
July 1, 1946 Hot, 84 above. Beer
and ice cream in order today. Atomic bomb demonstration
at Marshal Bay in Pacific only sunk five old war boats but set
many on fire. Movie strike in Hollywood. Reported
Cadwallader’s sold out hotel and bar. OPA knocked out.
Kennedy sold house in Wasilla, bought ranch property.
July 2, 1946 Cloudy, evening rain, 44
to 64 above. Stanley up from Anchorage most of day, all
alone, no candy. Chiselers living off tax payers received
their monthly check. E. L. Peck now working at Anchorage,
lost out on school repairs vs. professor. Answered P. H. Hart
letter from Eagle, Alaska, he wants barrel of butter.
July 3, 1946 Cloudy 50 to 60 above.
Ma left for Anchorage on train. Cadwallader had Cat smooth
up his lots on Wasilla Avenue. Siwashes down from up railroad
line for usual drunk. Late PM, three tons delayed groceries
arrived. Palmer will celebrate tomorrow at Trent’s Lake Wasilla
Resort.
July 4, 1946 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above,
cloudy, no rain. Ma with Stanley at Anchorage. Eva
and kids with mother in California. All the people in the
valley celebrated July 4th at Trent’s Resort on Lake Wasilla.
Only 13 deaths in States, they figured on 1,300 on the fourth.
Anchorage had a thirty minute parade.
July 5, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above.
Got four truck loads of groceries and hardware. Ma arrived
home by train at noon. Busy pricing and checking groceries,
two tons more arrived. Evening, pricing up Reliance invoices.
Stomach better but no movement today. Letter from Marie, no
4th in Eureka, California, just ate watermelon.
July 6, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 70 above.
J. P. Morgan passed out at his mine in Cache Creek District,
with heart trouble. Morgan was past store keeper and dredge
operator. Peck back from longshoreman work at Anchorage.
Mrs. Wilson in from Independence Mine to see her garden.
July 7, 1946 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Pricing up 2nd lot of groceries and candies. Not many cars up
this way today. Report that July 4th toll took about 400,
very low rate, usually over one thousand. China wants U. S.
advisors to get out. Excursion train to Curry Hotel to see
Mt. McKinley? Ma’s knee bad today and my stomach better.
July 8, 1946 Hot, 74 above.
Still pricing new merchandise and candy for a while, over 400
pounds, but no raisins, cheese, jams, tomatoes and coconuts and
fish. No cooking utensils on market. Received dozen
brooms, clocks and watches. Congress busy trying to reinstate
OPA prices. Beef up to 22¢ a pound on foot.
July 9, 1946 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Pacific Fruit Anchorage agent here for orders. Dan
Gray in for grub. Ray Bergman trying for Army loan to buy
out Cadwallader’s bar and roadhouse, etc. Big question in
Wasilla, where to dump? Harvest on in States, now a plenty
of bread for starving countries.
July 10, 1946 Cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Self nursing stomach all day, now trying Dr. Pierce’s stomach
medicine. Stanley up from Anchorage, Paddy went back with
him. Palmer carpenters looking for nails by the keg. Nails
are short in States. All sheet steel 25% short, also lumber.
July 11, 1946 Hot, 80 above all day.
Lathrop in from Cottonwood to trade. Big Four in Paris
not doing much in adjusting small powers peace treaties.
Meats and butter going sky high over old OPA prices. Car
of lumber arrived for mines. Local strawberries $14 crate or
60¢ a pint box.
July 12, 1946 Temperature 70 to 86 above.
Everybody thawed out these days and looking for the lake or
shade. The Big Four Treaty Council in Paris through until
September. One boat left Seattle with grub two others tied up
at Ketchikan and Juneau account of wages.
July 13, 1946 Cooler, 60 to 70 above.
Farmers making ready for red salmon run at Knik. Congress
working o new OPA price list.
July 14, 1946 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Stanley here at noon from Anchorage, going on vacation to Eureka,
California to come back home with family. Anchorage beat
Fairbanks ball team two out of three games played at Anchorage.
Congress passed the 3½ billion dollar loan to Great Britain.
July 15, 1946 Warm, 54 to 74 above.
Peck and Kennedy re-digging old well on Wilmoth store lot for
Cadwallader. Cadwallader took McDougal to Goose Bay.
Evening, three truck loads of kids went to Knik to meet red salmon
run now on up Fish Creek. Had first mess strawberries at 50¢
a pint and cream at 35¢ a pint, two dishes cost 85¢.
More longshoreman strikes account of back wages not paid.
July 16, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 68 above.
No more freight coming to rail belt until longshoreman paid
back wages account of recent strikes. World court still convicting
and executing World War II criminals, mostly Germans. Fairbanks
and Anchorage man visited, wanted to buy out K. T. Co. business.
Mrs. Gill and kids visited from Anchorage.
July 17, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Self nursing gut ache most of day. Shorty is having his
teeth out by Palmer dentist. Orders coming in for fish barrels
and salt. Red salmon running up creeks off Knik Arm.
Local strawberries 35¢ box. Pecks bought their winter
flour sugar and milk.
July 18, 1946 A-1 Day, 54 to 74 above.
Stomach some better, self trying ice cream diet with strawberries
for stomach pains. Sold fifty berry crates. Senske’s
got quite a few strawberries. Betts bros. graded lot by
railroad Knik crossing for an oil station. Bunch of Yugoslav’s
executed for being traitors to their country.
July 19, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Stanley on vacation now with family at Eureka, California.
Woman found murdered in a truck in suburbs of Anchorage. Whiskers
re-painting Wilmoth house. Kenneth Lohnes bought two lots
off Tryck for $300.
July 20, 1946 Cloudy 48 to 60 above.
Wasilla offered Palmer our Town Hall for temporary hospital
account of fire. Government cutting out union labor on government
jobs account of strikes. Prices dropped on black meat market.
OPA if revived to keep hands off on meats and dairy products.
July 21, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Cars going to Knik Beach to meet red salmon run. Downing
sold all his old spuds to Army Post at Anchorage. Tottenham,
Eyota, Minnesota neighbor visited, now private barber in Anchorage.
British having trouble to control Palestine. Salmon running
into Lake Wasilla. Mosquitoes still bad.
July 22, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Same old gut ache all day. Talk of cutting off China’s
oil supply to stop civil war. GI’s finding a lot of German
stolen art, property, etc. Salmon week at Wasilla Lakes.
Eva’s mother back in Eureka, California hospital, all her kids
now at Eureka on vacation.
July 23, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above all day.
Letter from Stanley and family in Eureka, California, making
ready to come home. New prices, butter up 30¢ a pound,
bacon up 13¢ a pound, lard cut off. Canned meats up
account of OPA control of prices off. Salmon and berries plentiful.
July 24, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Nursing stomach most of AM. Deep water bomb sank more
guinea pig vessels, threw water spray 2,000 feet in diameter
and two miles high. One old battle was sunk, will be several
days before detail of damage. Moving picture at Town Hall.
Ma said like the seats, not much good. Deep water atomic bomb
dropped in Pacific.
July 25, 1946 Cloudy 48 to 60 above.
Everybody after their winter salmon. Norman Lang and
wife of Mt. View store and town lots, visited, wanted to buy
8 and 16 penny nails by the keg. Now building construction
held up for want of nails. Palmer voted to set up Army
Post dog houses for hospital.
July 26, 1946 Mrs. Isaac home for berries and
salmon. Alaska boats held up in Seattle by strike.
This time they demand a special brand of toilet paper?
Wasilla head lettuce 25¢, at Anchorage 60¢. Same
old bubbles in stomach. Betts bros. lost Independence.
July 27, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
Sharon still building for Heinie Snider on his ranch. Reported
only half catch of salmon at Bristol Bay. Grub short in
Alaska account of boat strike again. Cadwallader’s left
on summer auto vacation in the Yukon and Copper River District.
Self on the hay all PM
July 28, 1946 Rain, 50 to 60 above. Rufe
Stephan and family, on Pittman, down to trade. Big Four
peace treaty gone in 4th session in Paris. Report that
oils and fats will be short next year on market. A bill up, to
put OPA back by August 20, on price control and payroll?
July 29, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
farmers trying to peddle vegetables but everyone has a Victory
Garden. Mrs. Slumberger had Fred build a one room shack
on her Main Street lot. Government now after war time grafters,
some got paid but made no delivery. Only half run of Bristol
Bay salmon.
July 30, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Had fresh salmon and strawberries and ice cream for birthday
dinner, 1868-1946. Letters from Stanley and family now
in Portland, Oregon on way home. Moose lost to Fairbanks
ball team at Fairbanks, now sure tie.
July 31, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Kids on way home from States. Chatwood’s opened store in
greenhouse. Big Four agreed on several treaties for Italy
and other nations. Some to pay a billion war debt that helped
Hitler. Russia wants largest share of all reparations and would
have been licked only for the help of the USA? July was a dry month,
good for berries.
August 1, 1946 Windy, 54 to 64 above.
Paid Seattle merchandise invoices and got out orders for more
fruit and groceries. Stomach some better but no visit to
Mrs. Jones today. One of Betts bros. got a freight contract
out of Valdez. Big wind at Anchorage.
August 2, 1946 A-1 day, 54 to 74 above.
Kids now cooling off in Seattle on way home from California,
arrived at Anchorage 10 PM, only 7 hours from Seattle by plane vs.
7 days by boat. Had usual gut ache all PM. Congress gave OPA
orders to resume same price operation. Bread up 2¢ to
get 8% raise 20th of August.
August 3, 1946 A-1 day 54 to 68 above.
Stanley and family here at noon, big day at Wasilla, kids home
from vacation in California, arrived last evening at Anchorage,
only 7 hour trip from Seattle. Ma got a $40 coat and self
a $6 pair of shoes, donation by kids. Mrs. Isaac after weekend
returned to Anchorage with Stanley’s. Congress adjourned for
balance of year, first since 1939.
August 4, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Cadwallader’s back from vacation by car Inside. Warren
Tryck through with Army, with wife, now at home with father.
Canadians held up O’Hara through bus lines to States over Alaska
Highway. Stomach bad all PM. Stetson, the baker, in
town, has sold out Forty Mile Miller greenhouse. Bad quake
on lower Pacific coast.
August 5, 1946 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above.
Coffee and delayed meats and produce arrived at noon, case all
busted up? All bars, churches and meeting places closed
for eight days at Anchorage, all quarantined account of diphtheria
from westward.
August 6, Cloudy, 48 to 60 above. Now
10 degrees cooler in Yukon district, winter soon here.
Russians demand 2/3 vote on all treaties with Hitler nations along
with a billion dollar reparation. President Truman and
daughter flew to Missouri to vote. Big Willie Edlund left
for Seattle. Big catch of Alaska halibut off Cape Spencer.
August 7, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above., light rain.
Had to lay down PM. Anchorage traffic closed account of
diphtheria on Palmer - Anchorage Highway. Alaska medical doctor
to take shots in arm account of diphtheria at Palmer for all in
the valley. Hell still popping in Jerusalem.
August 8, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Got out Seattle mail and orders. Floyd Smith, late out
of hospital, visited. Big quake in Indiana. Another
big lot of German war officials rounded up by World Court for trial
vs. war crimes of World War II. $4 donation to Palmer new hospital
to replace old Co-op burned down.
August 9, 1946 Hot, 54 to 74 above. Indigents
received their monthly checks. Delayed fruit and relishes arrived.
Palmer run out of inoculating medicine for diphtheria scare.
Army airplanes cracking up more every day down in USA.
Only local excursions thus far in Alaska.
August 10, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Priced up balance of new merchandise. Soldiers have had
12 billion dollars for support and to continue three years.
Congress reserving a billion dollars of war supplies hard
to get this to go with future defense, war three? Anchorage
quarantine extended to August 17.
August 11, 1946 Rain, 60 above.
Cadwallader got Cat spotting Gus’ Fishhook shacks on Wilmoth
lots along Wasilla Avenue. Philadelphia short one million
loaves bread account of strike. No kids home for weekend
account of quarantine of Anchorage.
August 12, Rain, 60 above. Maybe President
Truman will fly to Alaska to “look see”. Airplanes now
bringing perishable freight to Anchorage in eight hour daily
trips. Mrs. Mazula now located in her new house on Boundary
St. Several summer houses going up on west end of Lake Wasilla.
August 13, 1946 Showers, 40 to 60 above. Stanley
up from Anchorage during noon hour, brought usual candy and
tobacco. Usual strikes Outside, two million people not
working. Al Dodson in from Fern Mine for supplies.
August 14, 1946 A-1 day, first fall frost
last night in low places. Ceiling price off coffee, adv.
10¢ a pound at once. 1946 will be short on fruit pack
and some vegetables, also quality. Jack frost gave Ma a cold.
August 15, Cloudy, 40 to 50 above. Frost down
to 18 and killed most all vegetables last night. Received
two truck loads Reliance groceries. President Truman on
18 day vacation along coast of Maine. Self had gut ache all
day.
August 16, Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Stomach
bad all last night, couldn’t stop pain. Ma nursing bad
cold. Cleaned up all Peck’s garden but potatoes and another
frost tonight. Sharon took cable hoist to Stanley’s mine.
August 17, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
Big fight over peace treaties to small nations in Europe.
War in Calcutta today, 200 killed and over two million damage
to property. Finished pricing and storing new groceries
and hardware. Ma nursing cold. Fourteen day quarantine
lifted at Anchorage. Acute pain in stomach up to midnight.
August 18, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
Self nursing stomach all day, only on milk diet and a little
fruit. All vacant houses taken in Wasilla. Five hundred
thousand Jews want Palestine but the Arab. say no. Hell popping
in Europe. Now 100 boats tied up on Great Lakes.
August 19, 1946 Showers, 40 to 50 above.
Evening, Stanley and family arrived. Kids stayed for
weekend before school. Floyd Smith and
family on caribou hunt on Capt. Glenn Highway. British
having trouble in controlling colonies.
August 20, 1946 Showers, 40 to 50 above.
Buddy caught mess of trout and salmon. Dan Gray in for
grub from his camp mile 14. Self nursing gut all day.
Paddy here on weekend from Anchorage. Early frosts put farm
vegetables off market. Unusual heavy frost.
August 21, 1946 Showers,
44 to 54 above. Paddy sold the Jack house to Kennedy on
north end of Main Street. Marie Martha staying with Marie
Smith on ranch, mile one half while family out for caribou.
One hunter shot at Eureka roadhouse. Yugoslavs shot down two
American planes intruding. 3,500 killed in Calcutta district
in India. Roy Morrison returned to Wasilla after four years
in Army.
August 22, 1946 Rain, 33 to 50 above.
Self nursing stomach. Free picture league baseball at Wasilla
25¢. Two more families than cabins to rent.
President Truman left coast of Maine, too windy to fish, sailed
south. Smith family back from caribou hunt. Deal
off on sale of Jack house to Kennedy.
August 23, 1946 Showers 48 to 60 above.
War at peace going on strong. All countries in Europe looking
for favors and U. S. loans? Prairie and timber fires going
strong in Montana and Idaho woods. Kids sleeping in store
balcony while visiting Grandma. Wild berry week.
August 24, 1946 Cloudy 50 to 60 above.
Fruit and vegetables arrived. Meat packing house about
to be closed again. Eva and Stanley arrived to take kids to Anchorage
account of school. Borden (Whiskers) arrived with new car
from vacation Outside. Other teachers arrived for opening
of school. New local spuds 6¢ a pound.
August 25, 1946 Cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Stanley and family left for their home at Anchorage.
Anchorage held first aerial show at Merrill Field, did all kinds
of stunts to parachute jumping.
August 26, 1946 Showers, 40 to 50 above.
Self not up until noon account of pain in stomach. OPA
raised manufacturing price on clothing two to eight percent but
not on selling prices. Coffee and butter on free list, price
up. Secretary Byrnes, the big shot, at Paris treaty.
August 27, 1946 Self left on Brill car
for Anchorage hospital. Stanley met me with car at depot
at noon. Couldn’t get a room in hospital so slept in Buddy’s
room.
August 29, 1946 At Providence Hospital,
room $10 per day. Dr. A. S. Wolkoski, hospital care $5
per day. Have spent over $500 since April for treatment and
still only partial relief.
August 30, 1946 In Providence Hospital
19 days, got out September 17th and stomach far from cured.
August 31, 1946 Sales off 1/3 account
of strikes, no merchandise.
September 14, 1946 Autumn is here, birch
golden brown.
September 16, 1946 In Anchorage Hospital.
Eva’s mother arrived from Eureka, California, 7½ hours
from Seattle.
September 17, 1946 Providence Hospital
to Wasilla. Checked out of hospital 8:30 for home.
Nineteen days in hospital, cost $315.10. Left Anchorage
10 AM on O’Hara bus, at Palmer at noon, arrived home 1:30
PM Ma OK in store. Spent PM on back mail.
September 18, Cloudy, 50 above. Self
back on job again, had no stomach ache today. Eva, Stanley
and Mrs. Isaac, mascot, arrived and returned to Anchorage AM.
Self busy marking and storing new merchandise. Joe Louis
still champ, did opposition in 1st round. All shipping tied
up by strikes. All out for moose but no catch ‘em. Last year
shot 40 bulls around Wasilla.
September 19, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Joe Brassel in from his mine on Craigie Creek. Joe Palmer
now on $60 pension check monthly. Self on mail and bank
accounts while at Anchorage for three weeks. Peck and Palmer
bought grub outfit.
September 20, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Bloating in stomach, had to lay down most PM. Sold out
on six penny and 8 penny nails for repair work and no more on market.
Lumber scarce, only rough local lumber available. Joe Brassel
went to Anchorage.
September 21, 1946 A-1 day, 32 to 50
above. Bad stomach all day. Longshoreman strike
over but another scheduled for September 30th? President
Truman fired Harry Hopkins from his cabinet account of his views
on Europe affairs. Birch trees beautiful all dolled up with
autumn crimson. Big hunk of Niagra Falls caved in on American
side.
September 22, 1946 A-1 day, 30 to 50
above. Frosts at night. All marine boats moving
again after 17 day strike but all kinds of small strikes now on.
Airplane crashes most every day now. Ray Bergman took over
Cadwallader’s beer hall, roadhouse deal off.
September 23, 1946 A-1 day,
28 to 50 above. Had Fred re-nail down edges of galvanized
store roofing. Marine boats sailed today but all loaded for South
Pacific ports. Nome crying for winter grub.
September 24, 1946 A-1 day,
30 to 50 above. Had Fred paint galvanized roofing around
chimney aft of store, 4 hours $2.70 and two gallons pain $1.35.
Creosote rusting galvanized iron after 29 years service. Self
and Argo cleaned and cemented store furnace, fire in furnace.
Snodgrass, Peterson and Gill Republican candidates, October election
visited.
September 25, 1946 A-1 day, 18 to 46
above, first hard freeze. Farmers rushing in perishable
crops, will be hard frost tonight. Self in store most of
day. U. S. troops to be moved out of China and let civilians
fight it out for government control. Big wind storm in States.
Meats off market.
September 26, 1946 A-1 day, 20 to 44,
first cold snap. Had to make fires in new house account
of water system. Democrats at loggerheads at Washington,
D. C. over foreign affairs. Cold nights down to 18 above.
Made out meat and cracker orders.
September 27, 1946 A-1 day, 20 to 48 above.
Kids arrived from Anchorage, Mrs. Isaac mascot. Took chickens
and vegetables back with them. Let out bath and range
water in new house for winter. Drained water in new house,
no one living there as yet?
September 28, 1946 Cooler 18 to 46 above.
Got out order for groceries. One boat left for Nome and
one boat left for Bristol Bay. Will be last boats of season.
No boats for Alaska for a week.
September 29, 1946 A-1 day, 30 to 40
above. Finished grocery order. Evening, put up
winter fly over stairs to store balcony. Chinks still arguing
who is to govern China.
September 30, 1946 A-1 day, 18 to 48
above. City of Pittsburgh all tied up by strike.
Hollywood on another strike and Pacific coast voting tonight
on another maritime strike. Strikers about broke, spending
war money. Horton block burned up at Palmer. Ray Morrison
married Virginia Brown and living in Zink house.
October 1, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 47 above.
Farmers busy digging spuds. Small grain all dry and ready
for barn or threshing. Wonderful autumn, birch trees just
shedding leaves. Marine boat strike on again. Palmer
fire cost $53,000.
October 2, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 48 above.
Gold Cord help (4) in for winter clothes. Evening, Bud Browne
visited, wanted our price and terms on store business. Had
grouse for dinner, thanks to “Whiskers” for first bird and mighty scarce.
Ma went to Anchorage by train.
October 3, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 50 above.
Several strange customers. Stove pipe and wool sox now
in demand. Had Fred put in new door sills and flooring at
entrance to K. T. Co. store, was on job all PM. Ma at Anchorage,
Pa storekeeper. Sore feet all PM Fred half day.
October 4, 1946 Hazy, 32 to 50 above.
Some new farmers visited. Strikers let another boat load
of groceries for Nome. Betts back from Inside contract account
of truck broken up. Ma back home on noon freight. Stomach
and legs not so good today.
October 5, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 48 above.
On office work AM On bunk most PM, weak in legs. Fern
removing galvanized roofing from Goose Bay dock. Capt. Lathrop
81. Strikers held up Nome oat, didn’t like her cargo.
Ma growling about dirty house. Fritzler family and Sharon’s
wife left for Seattle, went Alaska Highway in house car.
October 6, 1946 Cloudy, 34 to 50 above.
Self looking up men’s clothing order. Big storm about to
hit Florida coast. Dream boat trip to Europe over North Pole,
compass went out of commission. Industries bucking OPA prices
account of no sale profit. Ex-Governor Pinchot, 81, passed
out. He came to Alaska and got President Theodore Roosevelt
to tie up all coal and timber in Alaska. Out of fruit, bacon,
onions and boats still on strike.
October 7, 1946 Cloudy, 35 to 55 above.
Still making out Hurch-Wies Clothing order. Cadwallader
having well drilled near Fred Nelson’s. Non-stop flight from
Honolulu to Cairo. U. S. quarrelling with British over ruling
of Jerusalem. Politicians hot on air, election tomorrow.
October 8, 1946 Showers, 35 to 45 above.
Election day. Eva, Stanley and Paddy as mascot arrived,
returned to Anchorage PM. Put up winter fly over balcony
in front of store. Storm moved up Atlantic coast states.
No freight or boats, strike still on. $40 order from L.
Cox, Montana Creek.
October 9, 1946 Showers,
34 to 44 above. John Hedberg, old time squaw man at Knik,
visited, buying 200 acre farm on Wasilla-Willow Road at $20 an
acre. Britain squabbling with Russia over treaties.
Russia short on wheat. Cost U. S. twenty eight million dollars
to police Germany this far. Civil war brewing in China.
October 10, 1946 Showers, 25 to 42 above.
Sent Stanley’s table and lounge to Anchorage by Kennedy.
Received invoice account of new fire bricks for store furnace
from Cole at Chicago. Got off big clothing order to Hursch-Weis
at Portland. No supper, stomach went on strike. Wedding
anniversary.
October 11, 1946 Rain, 38 to 48 above.
Shipped grocery order to Cox at Montana Creek. No letup
on strikes. Six hundred boats now tied up. Perkins
sold Elmira quarter at $35 an acre, this is last of Dad’s estate
to me. Gas blew off stomach, evening feel better.
October 12, 1946 Rain, 28 to 48 above.
grub getting short. One mine outfit wanted all our milk
and coffee. No settlement of strikes in sight. Coffee
and meats off market Outside. President Truman on air Monday.
October 13, 1946 Showers, 40 above all day.
Too many airplanes, some crashing most every day, but a majority
Army planes. Made up invoices to September 30th, stock down
$2,000 account of no boat freight for 30 days. Got three big merchandise
orders tied up with strikes. Snow on Bald Mt. down to brush
line.
October 14, 1946 Showers,
38 to 48 above. Railroad packing Army freight from Whittier
to Ladd Station Field, Fairbanks. All marine boats, 600
still tied up. Pittsburgh traffic strikers going back to work.
Canada had big Memorial Day. Treaty Assembly over in Paris,
next meeting will be in New York. Shorty and Mrs. Wilmoth getting
false teeth.
October 15, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Out of eggs, no meats of any kind. They let meats go
on market in States, pork chops up to $1 a pound. Beef,
on foot, up to 26¢ a pound. Mailed deed covering sale
of Elmira quarter, last of Dad’s estate. Sixteen out of twenty
one German war criminals were hung after a years trial, Hess got
off. Goose Bay wrecking gang through.
October 16, 1946 Showers, 40 to 50 above.
Live stock coming to market and all kind of steaks. High
ceiling off again on meats. No settlement of marine strike.
Carl Fritzler and family arrived at Whitehorse, 1,500 miles on
trip Outside. Car Healy lump coal arrived. Farmers
got out their spuds, only 50% crop yield.
October 17, 1946 Rain, 35 to 45 above.
Lee Hartley on St. Clair ranch, got a grub outfit. No
one to unload car coal. Great squabble over meats.
Trucks over two miles long on way to market with livestock
One hundred ton fish boats loading grub for Alaska? OPA price
on coffee now off.
October 18, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
No one to unload car coal for heating store, want $3 a ton for
haulage? Eva and Stanley with Paddy as mascot up from Anchorage
AM, back PM. No candy or cigarettes left in Anchorage.
Meat market crazy Outside. No boats, no grub.
October 19, 1946 Windy, 30 to 40 above.
Got Fred Nelson to unload car of coal for store us. Cadwallader’s
got 1,000 gallon tank for store fuel oil. No more red whiskers,
Carl Paulson cut them off. Strikes still on and grub short
in Alaska.
October 20, 1946 Cloudy, 40 above.
Mrs. J. B. Fleckenstein, Eva’s mother, passed out last night
at Eva’s home in Anchorage (heart trouble). Slow biz on
the peace treaties. Russia bucking the Big Four. Local
beef selling for 60¢ a pound, eggs, $1.50 a dozen.
October 21, 1946 Cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
Fred started to unload car coal. Steel strike over, other
industries can now manufacture wares. Long strike in Pittsburgh
over. Hollywood still on a strike. Fred 7½ hours
on 10 tons store coal. Second class came through.
October 22, 1946 30 to 40
above. First snow, Wasilla white until noon then snow
gone. Trying to settle marine strike on installment plan.
Floyd Smith returned to Anchorage. Fred seven hours on store
coal, eight tons.
October 23, 1946 No merchandise account
of strike. Now all set for winter fuel. President
Truman opened the League of Nations at old fairgrounds in New
York. Lewis to order all coal mines on another pay strike November
first. Fred finished coal, 2½ hours, 17 hours total,
27 ton car coal.
October 24, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 38 above.
Dan Wilson, with wife, back from the Army. One boat to
load for Seward coming week. Juneau got some freight.
Cordova out of meats. Some October 1st perishables coming
to Anchorage by plane. Wasilla white again all day. mail
and perishable freight by airplane, only past month.
October 25, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 34 above, snow
sticking on this time. U. S. shot three and a half million
to cover Austria and other police expense. Lewis threatens
another coal strike November first, if so, Congress will put the ki-bosh
on old Lewis. Royal Chinks got Communists on the run.
October 26, 1946 Cloudy, rain all night, 30
to 40 above. Marine strike still on, boats loaded for Alaska
but held up. All football sports now.
October 27, 1946 Cloudy, 34 to 44 above,
clear evening. Wasilla black again, rain. Made
out hardware order. Ma got ready to go to Anchorage on evening
Brill car account of Mrs. Fleckenstein’s funeral, Monday AM
Chas Isaac visited, been hunting ptarmigans? Nome washed
out by ocean storm.
October 28, 1946 Cloudy, 35 to 46 above. Ma
at Anchorage account of Eva’s mothers funeral. Self storekeeper,
up and down all day. Evening, took enema to clean out
rectum. No shipping as yet account of strikes. Mrs.
Neil Brown in hospital again at Anchorage.
October 29, 1946 Windy, 40 to 44
above. Roads muddy. Self lone storekeeper, Ma at
Anchorage for funeral and birthday. Malatoff came across
with a favorable speech before United Nation assembly in New York.
Grub in Alaska getting short. One boat to leave Seattle tomorrow
after 30 day strike. Lights out 10 PM, all evening.
October 30, 1946 Cooler, 34 above all
day. Ma’s 77th birthday, still going strong with one game
knee. Ma talked with relations at Everett, Massachusetts.
Sharon Fleckenstein went to Palmer account of stomach trouble.
Ma back from Anchorage on noon mix-train Cars from all sections
looking for unavailable groceries, cooking oils, raisins, ptarmigans,
tissues and Kleenex.
October 31, 1946 Colder, 12 to 24 above, mild
weather during October. Halloween. Cotton off, $10
a bale. Five tons perishable air freight for Anchorage and
five tons for Fairbanks at 20¢ to 26¢ a pound.
Boat loading for Kodiak and Seward but must have a return cargo?
Soft coal strike off. $1.05 a pound meat down to 55¢ or
no sale, Washington D. C.
November 1, 1946 Big wind, 28 above.
Basket party at Town Hall. Ma didn’t go account of big
wind. Extra passenger train goes up Friday and south on
Monday. Quiet in China, talking it over, who should rule.
November 2, 1946 Cloudy, 30 above all
day. Cornelius, from Palmer, bought his winter clothing.
Al Dodson in from Fern Mine. Engineer held up boat sailing
for Kodiak. Heavy storms in north and Pacific coast.
Self in bed with gassy stomach. Betts bought grub outfit.
Eggs, bacon, butter and canned meats sold out.
November 3, 1946 Cloudy, 20 to 36 above.
Stanley and family, with Eva’s Dad, J. B. Fleckenstein arrived
at noon for a two day visit at ranch with Sharon and Ellen.
President Truman home in Missouri to vote Tuesday election.
Our years production gained 7% 1946. OPA ceiling prices off
on leather shoes, a million pairs short.
November 4, 1946 Snow, 28
to 32 above. $80,000 fire at Cordova. Hot politics
in States. Progressive Democrats and Republicans trying
to win. Shorty sawed up logs in old Hartman barn, 28 years
old.
November 5, Cloudy, 20 above and up.
Election in States. J. B. Fleckenstein visited on way
to Bristol Bay. Hot election in States. Returns thus
far about 50/50. Republicans are bumping off the Democrats
right and left. Boat strike still on in Seattle. Six inches
new snow. Down to flour and sugar account of strikes.
November 6, 1946 Snow, 28 above.
Election returns not all in but Democrats conceded they have
lost out. Now a Democrat President and Republican Congress.
Republicans won election, been out of government control since
1930, whoop-la? Now it is time to clean house, the New Deal
and OPA and government payrolls. Governor of Alaska flew to
Washington, D. C. to get grub relief account of 30 day strike.
November 7, 1946 Temperature 36 above,
cloudy and roads icing up from thaw today. Anchorage
Storage Co. here to buy milk and sugar. Seward short of
grub for children’s home only on boat with government supplies loaded
for Whittier. Sears and Carson left for Seattle over Alaska
Highway with Sears car. Aerial pilots strike settled, boat strike
still on.
November 8, 1946 Sleet, 40 above. Capt.
Lathrop with two trucks and eight others, coming to Alaska over
highway. Great pressure is being applied to end the forty
day marine strike. Milk, eggs, butter and bacon all gone.
Billy Austin, “squaw man”, visited, moving from Susitna Station to
Willow Station.
November 9, 1946 Cloudy, 12 to 20 above.
Light snow last night, walks to sweep off, as usual.
President Truman says he hopes to agree with Republican party
in House and Senate. Marine says only small boats not connected
with companies can pack freight to Alaska. No freight boats
to Alaska since September 21st, both grub and stock food used up.
Christmas toys and clothing coming by air to Alaska account of strike.
November 10, 1946 Cloudy, 34 to 40 above.
Harry Bridges says no agreement in sight to settle marine strike.
Colorado digging out from late snow storm. OPA kicked out
only ceiling left on rentals, rice and sugar. Big plane crashed
on takeoff at Anchorage, no one hurt , hit a snow drift. Republican
Congress will declare World War II ended.
November 11, 1946 Rain, 40 above.
Will be short on sugar for another year account of plantations
destroyed by war and 40% of our rice goes to Asia for trade.
Late democratic elections in Europe went Communist.
November 12, 1946 Light snow, 30 above.
Stomach full of gas last night. Letter from farm caretaker,
Chatfield, Minnesota about deed to Elmira quarter. Roe sold old
homestead Scott and Briggs farms, moved to town. Strike still
on, labor and unions want to hire all the boat crew, Captain, etc.
November 13, 1946 Cloudy, 24 above and
up. Three feet new snow in Colorado, airplanes delivered
feed to livestock to feed them. Claim now the marine engineer
all holding up boat strike.
November 14, 1946 Clear, 12 above to
12 below zero. Reported 45 day marine strike over on
Pacific coast but will be several days before boats sail for
Alaska. All demands not settled yet. This strike
cost twenty five million dollars. Reported new railroad, Fairbanks
to Teller. Forty five day strike over but no boats moving,
will take a week to load freight, 3,000 tons. Answered Perkins
letter account of closing sale of Elmira farm.
November 15, 1946 Clear, 6 above to 20
below zero. Matanuska Pete Johnson here looking for
hardware merchandise. Received invoice for five kegs nails.
Boat due at Seward about Thanksgiving with 3,000 tons freight,
2/3rd for rail belt, balance for Kodiak and Seward. Teachers
convention in Anchorage on 15th.
November 16, 1946 Clear, 10 above to
10 below zero. 2,500 ton, “Roper” loading freight for
rail belt to sail. Thursday 21st, no turkey? Sent
order for Heinz 57 Varieties. Big Four treaty meeting now
in New York.
November 17, 1946 Zero weather.
Teachers back from Anchorage convention. Self filled coal
bin in store basement. Old Sam Peters and bunch celebrated
last night at cocktail bar. No kids from Anchorage,
weather too cold.
November 18, 1946 Cloudy, 6 above to
10 below zero. Marine strike to end 20th of May last
until 1947. Labor now claim ship owner, look out.
Hope to get Christmas merchandise but labor says it’s doubtful.
Another storm at Nome, sea ice crushed buildings. Seventeen
tons merchandise flown into Fairbanks.
November 19, 1946 Cloudy, zero weather.
President Truman on week fishing trip in Florida, says Lewis
will go to jail if he calls the coal strike. Talk of Pacific
coast marine strike to end this week, shipments for Christmas only.
Million dollar election at Anchorage today account of phones and
lights. Good lodge, K of P wants to disband.
November 20, 1946 Cloudy, 2 to 14 above.
Laundry blew up Outside and killed four and many in hospital.
Strike postponed to 23rd for settlement. John L. Lewis
may be in jail tomorrow account of defying government orders.
Anchorage election turned down electric power plant, voted yes
on dial phone. Homelike flour sold out.
November 21, 1946 Warmer, 14 to 24 above.
Eva and Stanley up for dinner, brought air freight, cigarettes
and turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Evening, big fire,
Marion Twin two story log house burned down, six to seven o’clock,
was occupied by Chatwood’s Notion Store at corner of Main Street
and First Avenue. Now on air freight tobacco, cigarettes up
to $2 a carton.
November 22, 1946 Cloudy, 24 above. Nails
about sold out and clothing and groceries short. Lewis
and his gang up for contempt of government orders. Lady from
Houston down to trade local chickens $1 a pound and eggs $1 a dozen,
local spuds 5¢ a pound. Paid Geographic magazine $4 for
1947.
November 23, 1946 Two month marine strike settled
except checkers union, want to say how many on job? Alaska
Railroad have 22 trucks coming over highway with supplies.
Coal miners going out on strike account of Lewis going to jail.
November 24, 1946 Cloudy, 28 above.
Reported 200 marine boats started to unload strike merchandise
help up for 50 days. 400,000 coal miners gone out. Lewis
on trial tomorrow for contempt.
November 25, 1946 Clear, 30 above
to 2 below zero, windy. Received B/L for eggs, butter
and meats, also eight cases motor oil dated November 19 on SS Grommet,
first boat out of Seattle in 50 days, other boats to follow next
week if checkers trouble is settled. Coal strike 25% rationed,
many schools closed account of no fuel. Steel industries
hit again by coal strike, also railroad.
November 26, 1946 Cloudy, zero to 28
above. SS Grommet due at Seward Friday with 200 tons
for rail belt. All ports on Pacific coast now loading
boats. Alaska phone system installed, can now phone any
town in Alaska. New radio phone installed today, in addition
phone to States. Red Jack’s squaw visited, lives at Eklutna.
November 27, 1946 Colder, 10 above to
4 below zero. John L. Lewis trial for contempt off till
Friday. No more boats sailing out of Seattle. Butter, milk
and bacon sky high since OPA prices off. Self busy with coal,
no one to fill bin. Ma busy preparing eleven pound turkey, cost
$1.20 a pound by air express.
November 28, 1946 Turkey day. Cloudy, 20 above.
Stanley and family arrived to help eat the airborn turkey, returned
to Anchorage 2:30 PM Buddy helped me fill the coal bin.
No business at cocktail bar today. Alaska well supplied
with turkeys by air.
November 29, 1946 Slow business, no merchandise,
8 above. Lewis trial postponed till Monday. Coal
shortage in many states, going to pipe in gas to eastern states.
First boat in 54 days arrived at Seward. Air freight from
Seattle 30¢ a pound, fare $120.
November 30, 1946 Cloudy, 8 above all day.
Paid $500 on merchandise help up by strike, supposed to be in
Seward on 29th. Strikers allowing two more boats to load
at Portland for Alaska only. Mostly zero weather through
November only six inches of snow. Over four million effected
by coal strike.
December 1, 1946 Cloudy, 8 above all
day, quiet in town. Preacher moved to Palmer, better
picking. Mrs. Rhine C/S man’s wife, a victim in fire at
Army barracks at Anchorage. Got out-mail. Finished eating
eleven pound turkey.
December 2, 1946 Big wind, 8 to 20 above.
Palmer got three car loads of freight off SS Grommet from Seward
but we got none. Estimated five million will be idle account
of coal strike. Lewis up for contempt.
December 3, 1946 Big wind, 14 above.
Lewis and his 400,000 coal miners convicted of contempt of
court order vs. Uncle Sam. Relief boats from Portland held
up by checkers strike. One boat in 64 days account of marine
strike.
December 4, 1946 Temperature 2 to 8 above.
First strike freight arrived after 60 days. Armour and
Pacific fruit arrived. Fred hauled it with Shorty’s Chevrolet.
Busy selling eggs, bacon and butter for supper. No groceries
or crackers or hardware came on first boat.
December 5, 1946 Colder 2 to 10 below
zero. Hungry customers got all the bacon and onions and
five boxes $8 apples. Flour about sold out, no mush.
Chatwood arrived over Alaska Highway with truck load Christmas merchandise.
Betts bros. left for Seattle over Alaska Highway with two five ton
trucks. John L. Lewis got $10,000 fine for contempt of court.
December 6, 1946 Colder, zero to 14 below
zero. Stanley 42 years old, born at Seward 1904.
Ma got ready to take 10 AM train to Anchorage, train arrived 3 PM,
snowbound in Broad Pass. Another boat loading Alaska merchandise
next Monday at Portland. Forty four below zero at Fairbanks
last night.
December 7, 1946 Big wind, PM 4 above.
Busy with first account of wind all day. Carson and Johnson
flew back from Seattle, couldn’t buy any auto trucks.
Over 100 burned in hotel fire. Lewis ordered coal miners
back to work to save his own skin. 400,000 coal strikers
back on job until March 1st. Dan Gray and Mrs. Johnson in from
mines. Ma at Anchorage.
December 8, 1946 Windy, 4 below zero.
125 burned to death in Atlanta, Georgia hotel fire and today
many in Canadian hotel fire. Reported marine strike to be settled
tomorrow as usual. Ma at Anchorage weekend. Had to
replace fires every two hours account of wind.
December 9, 1946 Cold, 4 below zero.
Sixty nine day marine strike over . Cold wave all over
Alaska, down to 44 below zero in Yukon district. One boat
loading in Portland and four in Seattle for Alaska ports to sail
Saturday 21st, doubtful for Christmas. Ma home from Anchorage
on noon freight. Doubtful if rail belt gets any merchandise
due for Christmas.
December 10, 1946 Colder, 14 to 18 below
zero. Busy with three fires every two hours. Roe
wound up with his 360 acre estate farm with 8 acre plot 4 cows,
chickens and an old Ford. Reported two boats loading for rail
belt. Letter from Roe and Flo, sold old Herning homestead and
moved to eight acre farm at Chatfield, Minnesota. Mary Cadwallader
had another Bergman baby.
December 11, 1946 Cold, 10 to 20 below zero.
Had Fred refill furnace coal bin. Onions and C. B. hash,
short 12/4, arrived. Rockefeller offered to buy eight million
dollar site for the United Nations capitol along the East River.
Boat loading at Portland delayed by hiring of mate for boat.
Cold wave all over Alaska.
December 12, 1946 Cold, windy zero to
12 below zero. School bus froze up. Auto workers
want 30¢ more per hour on January 1st. Four boats now
loading in Seattle, for Alaska, only one for rail belt. Heavy
rain and flood in Washington. Twenty five below zero at Anchorage.
December 13, 1946 Cold wave, at zero
all day. SS Alaska left Seattle today for Seward with
relief supplies. Rain and floods near Seattle, stock drowned
on low lands. Snow blockade in Broad Pass. Kennedy’s
partner here to trap on Little Susitna.
December 14, 1946 Cold, 4 below zero, windy.
United Nations accepted the 8½ million dollars gift
for a capitol site in Manhattan, New York. Boat load potatoes
for Alaska burned up. Weekend excursion to Curry off.
Shorty and Mrs. Dodson left by air for Seattle. Trains late
account of wind drifts on summit.
December 15, 1946 Cold wave, 10 to 14
below zero. Moose season open again. Thorpe got
his moose. A dozen cars here 6 AM moose hunting. White
River flood in Washington run out 200 families, worse in history.
Ma did washing and busy sending out Christmas cards.
December 16, 1946 Snow flurries, 2 to 14 above.
Many Anchorage hunters here looking for Wasilla moose.
Peter Nelson got his moose. School busses got thawed out.
Transferred farm sale to savings account, $6,000. Harman,
Section boss, on two month vacation.
December 17, 1946 Warmer, zero to 20
above. Fred and Pete Nelson got a moose six miles from
Wasilla, gave us some liver. Some dozen moose shot near Wasilla
by Anchorage hunters? Boats now loading for Alaska.
December 18, 1946 Business slow, no merchandise.
Windy, 20 to 24 above. Moose hunters packing out their
meat to Wasilla, not enough snow to sled out. Florence Fleckenstein
and two boys back from Seattle by air. Grocery relief boat
held up at Ketchikan by strikers.
December 19, Cloudy, zero to 4 above.
Moose hunters busy packing out moose north of Pittman.
Argo Jensen got a two year old moose two miles from Wasilla.
January 1st, longshoreman want 14¢ more per hour, auto workers
want 30¢. Friday and Monday mail train off. Got
out meat orders.
December 20, 1946 Cold, 10 above to 20
below zero. Railroad blocked in Broad Pass. Eva
and Stanley arrived with our Christmas turkey, 95¢ a pound,
magazines and cases assorted cigarettes, returned to Anchorage
with car. Alaska Railroad caravan arrived over highway.
After 60 days, SS Alaska arrived in Seward with strike freight.
December 21, 1946 Hazy, 20 above to 10
below zero. Cars all froze up. Martin Olson burned
up his hay barn and tractor with blowtorch on tractor.
Greatest quake in Japan ever recorded. Seven day moose season
over. School Christmas at Hall.
December 22, 1946 Snow, 14 above all
day. Had Fred refill coal bin. Moose hunters leaving
for homes. Floyd Smith visited. No trains moving
account of snow blockade. Warren and Billie Tryck to visit
Dad.
December 23, 1946 Temperature 10 above to 14
below zero. Snowed 4 inches. Jack Fabyan in from Fern
Mine for Christmas drunk. Last Friday’s mail train south,
none of our freight on SS Alaska 19th delivery at Seward.
Midnight eaves dropping, warmed up.
December 24, 1946 Business slow, no freight
arrived. Temperature 24 to 28 above. Had our Christmas.
Stanley and family and Paddy as mascot arrived from Anchorage
for turkey dinner with ma usual turkey cook? Received invoices
account of strike merchandise.
December 25, 1946 Snow 6”, 24 above.
Quiet Christmas in Wasilla account of no arrival of new merchandise.
Had our family Christmas 24th. N. C. Co. garage burned at
Fairbanks. No arrival of new merchandise, held up for 60
days by strike. Only Anchorage, Fairbanks freight on first
boat. Christmas cost me $41. Stomach bad, in bed most
all day. Got pair pants and shaving set for Christmas.
December 26, 1946 Hazy, 18 above all
day. Two more strike boats in at Seward but no rail freight
until Monday the 30th. Three planes cracked up with China,
Christmas passengers most all killed and one U. S. pilot.
Paid $1,779.60 for merchandise in route and due here. Sent
KFQD usual Christmas gift. Received B/L for five tons new merchandise
due here.
December 27, 1946 Quiet in town, 20 above
all day. No freight delivered. Boats tied up at Seward
dock by winch men quarreling over which winch men should do the
hoisting. Longshoreman labor took a raise of 3½¢
per hour for the 14¢ demanded on January 1st. Big steel
and Dupont to pay fifty million dollars each account of labor time
going to and back from work, back to 1938.
December 28, 1946 Misty, 24 to 30 above.
Self nursing stomach all day. Doctor and patient lost
in plane from Seward to Hope, Alaska. No new freight delivered
account of strike on boats at Seward dock O’Hara bus and
garage burned at Gulcana. Seven hours by air, Anchorage to
Seattle for $120. That beats the little brown bulls race around
the hay stack by a bumble bee.
December 29, 1946 Misty, 20 above all
day. Self stayed in bed all with gassy stomach, evening,
got first relief. No trains moving account of freight tied
up at Seward dock by winch men. Several bad hotel fires in
States and railroad wrecks, also airplanes. Ma washed.
December 30, Cloudy, zero to 5 below zero.
No freight arrived. Dock strike still on at Seward.
Republicans are lining up to cure the strike
business when Congress meets in January. Only one mail
per week hereafter on railroad.
December 31, Cloudy, 16 to 30 above.
Boats left Seward with part of Alaska cargo but finally returned
and are discharging same, all for rail belt, after 60 days marine
strike. Ate last of Christmas turkey and fruit cake.
Zero weather most of December, 6” snow. Business 1/3 off since
August account of strikes. KFQD put on special New Year program.
1947
January 1, 1947 Cloudy. Strike freight still
in Seward. Winch men refuse to hoist freight. Blue
New Year in Wasilla on account no freight for 65 days, held up
by marine strike. Ma and Pa all alone, kids failed to come
up from Anchorage.
January 2, 1947 No business, no freight, 10
below zero. Fog, trees white with frost. First hardware
and Heinz groceries arrived. Three boats being unloaded
at Seward dock First boat in, “Reef Knot”, last to discharge.
January 3, 1947 Cold, 4 above to 10 below zero.
Pete Nelson hauled over two jags of new merchandise from railroad
shed. Eva and Stanley, with Mrs. Isaac as mascot, here for
dinner. Virginia Brown Morrison returned to Anchorage with
Stanley’s car. Got a little gum and bars from Anchorage.
No freight from boats has arrived at Anchorage.
January 4, 1947 Snow, 30 above. Priced
up September 4th hardware order, just received on account marine
strike. All the Willow Creek Mines shut down. Fern
rebuilding mill. Mrs. Neil Browne passed out at Anchorage.
Betts Bros. on way home over Alaska Highway.
January 5, 1947 Warmer, 26 to 36 above, light
snow with sleet. Cold in States, down to 31 below zero.
High tides covered some islands in Far East. Nine men reported
lost on Antarctic plane. Snow drifts blocked train Broad
Pass.
January 6, 1947 Cloudy, 28 above. Priced
up new drugs and candy. President Truman spoke before
Congress, told the Republicans he would go 50/50 with them on future
leg. Railroad blocked by ice on rails at Rainbow Station, several
cars derailed. Anchorage received first strike freight today.
January 7, 1946 Cloudy, 34 above. Airmail
arrived, also two train loads of strike merchandise at Anchorage.
Secretary Byrnes quit cabinet job on account bad health.
SS Rose Knot loading Alaska freight out of Seattle. Alaska
steamship line under government lease. Now six inches snow,
drifting
January 8, 1947 Business slow, no freight delivered,
10 to 26 above. Strike freight now at Anchorage, our six
tons mixed in with Anchorage freight. Flour, sugar and coffee
- only old stock left on hand. Paid $260 premium on $10,000
1947 fire insurance.
January 9, 1947 Cold, zero to 10 above.
In bed most of day on account stomach. Snow drifts blocking
roads. Man killed by snow plow on Seward division. School
bus late on account drifts. Our freight held up at Anchorage.
Snider up to look over Lucille ranch. Palmer picture man visited.
January 10, 1947 Cloudy, zero. Railroad
won’t deliver strike merchandise for want of freight checkers,
so are holding goods in cars. Bud Browne flew in from Whitehorse
on account his mothers funeral. Pete Nelson filled coal
bin. Fred Nelson out of commission on account bad fall.
January 11, 1947 Cloudy, 16 above to zero.
Self finally got relief from stomach plug up in lower bowels.
No freight from Anchorage on account no cars and no checkers, Rose
Knot docked at Seward for three days, no cars or warehouse room
for freight on ship.
January 12, 1947 hazy, 16 above. Mrs.
Neil Browne’s funeral at Anchorage, Wasilla sent flowers.
Browne was Wasilla railroad agent for ten years. Republican
Congress lining up to reduce government payroll run hog wild by
Democrats.
January 13, 1947 No business, no new merchandise,
2 to 16 above. Railroad could only deliver half of strike
freight delivery for want of cars and checkers. Canada put
one cent a ton per mile on American truck transport hauling freight
over war time Alaska Highway after U. S. built the highway.
January 14, 1947 No business, no freight, cloudy,
16 to 20 above. Shorty got back from one month air trip
to Tacoma. Eva and Stanley up for dinner from Anchorage.
As yet, no tobacco delivery at Anchorage. Boat freight
all balled up at Anchorage. Train delayed one hour on account
moose on track Betts Bros. arrived over Alaska Highway.
January 15, 1947 No business, no goods, 6 above
to 12 below zero. Paid for $250 worth of flour. In
route flour adv. $2 sack ARC smoothers opened Knik and
Cottonwood auto roads. Railroad received two more oil engines.
Got a rick of birch blocks for furnace, coal low.
January 16, 1947 Business fair, 30 below, clear.
Bacon and butter arrived off strike boats. Big grocery
order still held up at Seward dock Fern help arrived from
mine. Slide took out Snowbird buildings. Cold wave,
30 below.
January 17, 1947 Cold wave, 24 to 36 below
zero. Government thermometer registered 46 below zero.
Railroad blocked, both ends, by drifted snow. Self on night
shift with fires. No trains.
January 18, 1947 Cold wave 12 to 24 below zero.
No trains today, froze up? George Small trying to open
road to Independence Mine to let out help. Mine closed for
winter. Butter and bacon now $1 a pound, eggs 90¢ a dozen.
Third day of cold wave.
January 19, 1947 Cold, 20 to 30 below zero.
Ma did washing. Not many cars moving on account cold wave.
Down to 60 below zero in Yukon district and Canada. Democratic
elections in foreign countries.
January 20, 1947 Colder, zero to 36 below zero,
fifth day on cold wave. No freight moving on railroad.
Mail train got out snow drifts in Broad Pass.
January 21, 1947 No business, no freight, 14
above to 6 below zero. Got three out of 15 cases of coal
oil. No trains moving on account snow blockade at mile
49 and Broad Pass. Four tons groceries held between Seward
and Anchorage, probably half frozen. Still zero weather.
January 22, 1947 No business, no goods, 8 above
to zero. Eva and Stanley arrived from Anchorage, picked
up some candy and tobacco but cars still unloaded and merchandise
frozen. Army Post lost car load of fruit. Gill family
left for Juneau Legislature. Reported train killed 14 moose
on track.
January 23, 1947 Cold, 4 to 20 below zero.
Railroad claim can’t move strike freight from Seward on account
below zero weather. No trains north, Broad Pass still blocked
with snow drifts. Fuel short in Wasilla on account wind
and zero weather. Seattle goodwill party loving Alaska.
No let up in zero weather.
January 24, 1947 Colder, 32 to 36 below zero.
Evening, no lights. Freight north to Curry only, brought
us four box apples out of 20 due. About out of flour, sugar
and milk. No freight delivered until Broad Pass open.
January 25, 1947 Froze up, down to 40
below zero. Down to 60 below zero Inside. The four
boxes of apples received were frozen, returned some to railroad.
Snow plows finally opened Broad Pass. No trains today.
January 26, 1947 Colder, 22 below to 42 below
zero, everyone busy with fires. Registered fifty
below zero on Government thermometer. Capone died at summer
home in California. Alaska Railroad froze up, no trains.
January 27, 1947 Business froze up, 4
to 40 below zero. No let up on cold wave. Mail train
off track at mile 12. Dan Gray in from mile 29. Broad
Pass open but no trains. Congress busy on strike legislation.
January 28, 1947 No business no freight
delivered, zero to 38 below zero. Way freight to
Curry only. No mail delivered for two weeks. New Congress
working on tax bills, will let jewelry, furs, tobacco and liquor
ride. Income tax to be reduced. Admiral Bird having trouble
landing supplies at South Pole, 70 below.
January 29, 1947 Cold, zero to 38 below
zero. Mail train went north after two weeks froze up,
no freight. Big wind storm at Vancouver, Canada. After
14 days below zero, fuel about gone. No school past week,
cars froze up.
January 30, 1947 Cold, 4 below to 38
below zero. Six families and all help down from Independence
Mine. Mine closed for winter. Mabel and Snowbird
still working. School bus froze up all week.
January 31, 1947 Fifteenth day, zero
to 42 below zero weather, man says no let up. Had Fred
refill furnace coal bin, now on last five tons of 25 ton car.
Centennial Flour Mills burned down, lost $500,000. President
FDR birthday, democrat parties on all over U.S. Mail train
stalled in Broad Pass.
February 1, 1947 Warmer, zero and
windy. Mail train stuck in Broad Pass, failed to reach
Fairbanks. Anchorage - Palmer Highway blocked with snowdrifts.
No valley bus service today. Airplanes three times weekly
to Minnesota.
February 2, 1947 Cold, zero to 38 below
zero. Busy with fires on account wind. All trails
still blocked by wind storm. SS Alaska on rocks near Cordova.
February 3, 1947 No business for want
of goods still held up at Seward since January 1st. Way
train from Anchorage to Curry only. Was 14 below zero and
windy today. Weather man says no let up. No school,
roads blocked.
February 4, 1947 Cold wave still on,
10 below to 36 below. Got truck load of 2nd class mail.
After three weeks, SS Rose Knot from Portland got unloaded at Seward.
Anchorage - Palmer Highway open to traffic, no freight.
February 5, 1947 Still cold, 10 to 26
above. Held up mail supposed to go south this evening.
No freight moving as yet. Received one case met carried to
Fairbanks, ¼ was missing. Warm wave coming. Congress
red hot on reducing the budget.
February 6, 1947 First above zero in
three weeks. Today two above zero. mail train went
south. Democrats want Truman to run for next President.
Man murdered in cab by drunken soldier, party from Anchorage on
way to Trent Resort, Palmer. Fred went to Anchorage.
February 7, 1947 First above freezing
in five weeks, 36 above today. Relief on coal and wood.
Kids up from Anchorage at noon, Paddy was the mascot. Over
$200 worth of tobacco just released in Anchorage after three weeks.
Cold wave to hit States then back to Alaska.
February 8, 1947 Chinook, 36 to 56 above.
Big day, five tons of strike freight back to December shipments
arrived. Refused oranges and apples froze up. Fred
helped to store away freight. First A-1 day, still 40 above
at midnight. Refused 30 boxes fruit, frozen.
February 9, 1947 Chinook, 40 above, second
spring day. Self busy checking and pricing up new merchandise.
Alaska Legislature in session at Juneau. Anchorage lawyer
Ellis passed out in D. C. Coal short now on birch wood.
February 10, 1947 Third Chinook, 40 above.
Busy pricing new merchandise and sales good all PM Self
stomach bad all evening. All trains operating again after
two weeks cold weather and drifts.
February 11, 1947 Warmer, 30 to 40 above.
All the late goods held up three months by strikes and railroad
was frosted, fruit froze badly. Bergman bought the fruit
at 50¢ a case from railroad. Many items short.
Mine Elick out from Knik with dog team.
February 12, 1947 Windy, 16 above.
Eva and Stanley arrived 10 AM, brought gum and candy and magazines,
returned to Anchorage after lunch. Railroad busy moving
three months strike freight now at Seward. Not much Lincoln
celebration. Now burning birch in store furnace. Fifteen
dollars a cord for birch wood.
February 13, 1947 Snow, 15 to 20 above.
Snow drifts block all traffic to Wasilla, only Knik Road open.
Paddy McFadden transferred from Pittman to Nenana Railroad
section. Ex-President Hoover now in Europe checking up
on food supplies as furnished by Uncle Sam. Strikes for
March 1st reported.
February 14, 1947 Snow drifts, 16 above,
wind. Cars stuck at crossing by Lake Wasilla. Self
worked on income tax report. Stomach bloated from eating
tuna fish. Republican Congress wants to reduce President
Truman’s budget five billion.
February 15, 1947 Chinook, 40 above.
Self in bed all with old stomach trouble. Second plane,
Seattle via Anchorage to Tokyo in ten hours. President Truman’s
mother fell and hurt hip.
February 16, 1947 Chinook, 44 above.
Self in bed with stomach trouble. Boy Scouts from Anchorage
at Palmer. O’Hara bus turned over in ditch on return trip
to Anchorage, no one killed but most all got bruises. Over
dozen railroad and airplane accidents in States. Only two
ton coal left, buying wood.
February 17, 1947 Chinook weather, 44
above. Walks and streets all ice. My stomach still
boiling over. PM got sixteen pieces out of 40 cases due
since last December. Auto drivers busy keeping out of ditch
on account icy roads. Fires reduced 12 to 2 today.
February 18, 1947 Chinook weather, 44
above. Packard cars arrived at Anchorage over Seattle-Alaska
Highway for Yellow Cab Co. $50,000 apartment house burned
up in Anchorage, several badly burned. Alaska Legislature
going to move capitol from Juneau to Palmer farm district.
Hot tamales helped stomach some.
February 19, 1947 A-1 weather, above
freezing. Three shipping companies, to Alaska, want
35% more freight, they got 16% on freight last year 1946.
35% added means over four million added to pre sent freight rates.
February 20, 1947 Cloudy, 32 to 36 above.
Denali in at Seldovia. Ice came into Seldovia Bay.
Cold weather at Seldovia, 8 above. Ice took out Homer dock
Al Dodson in town, mines closed.
February 21, 1947 A-1 day, 26 to 42 above.
Admiral Bird flew over South Pole and found new landmarks.
England surrendering control to India next July and want United
Nations to take over control of Jerusalem and Jews?
February 22, 1947 Cloudy, few cars moving on
account icy highway. Cold and storm wave hit New England
states, killed 51, many hurt. Agents wife had a boy.
February 23, 1947 Spring weather, 38
to 58 above. Storm and cold wave hitting north east states
hard vs. spring weather in Alaska. Highway roads down to
glare ice. Had usual hotcakes for Sunday dinner. Stomach
bad.
February 24, 1947 Spring day, 40 above.
laid down most of day, no energy. Farmers selling some spuds,
want 6¢ a pound. December hardware and clothing strike
freight still due. Freight trains north every day.
Outside radio good.
February 25, 1947 Business slow, 42 above
all day. Self on bed most of day. Streets down to
glare ice, no cars moving. John Bull said President Truman
blocked the Jew movement in Palestine. One Senator said they
were damn liars.
February 26, 1947 Warm, 46 above all day.
Mrs. Cadwallader left for Anchorage Rendezvous. Part of
delayed clothing arrived PM freight, off SS Rose Knot from Portland
December 10th. Had two truck loads, self just able to truck
it into warehouse. A lot of freight for mines but now closed
down.
February 27, 1947 Cloudy, 26 to 40 above.
Gut on rampage all day. Failed to check and price up new
hardware and clothing. Highway impassable from Palmer
to Knik River bridges. Railroad lost a big barge near Ketchikan
with 40 tons medical supplies and December load machinery for Alaska
Railroad.
February 28, 1947 Warm 30 to 40 above.
Out stove coal, no fire past two days. Checked up some
on new hardware. Stomach in bad condition. About
out of coffee and sugar and trouble brewing in China with local
government.
March 1, 1947 Spring weather 20 to 40
above. Got Armour merchandise, first shipped in December
and last to unload at Seward dock Reported forty more cars
of freight still on side tracks, mostly Army Post freight. Snow
about all gone at Wasilla and Palmer. Palmer Marshal rounding
TB Natives.
March 2, 1947 A-1 day, 30 to 48 above.
Stanley and family arrived, brought candy bars, tobacco and
magazines, back to Anchorage at 2 PM Self short 20 sacks
sugar from due shipment. Out of Healy coal. Roads down
to gravel many places. Dan Gray holding up in town.
Santa Claus Gulcana race over $700.
March 3, 1947 Cooler, 30 above all day.
Self opening up and pricing December hardware billing.
Army Post boys building summer cabin out on Big Lake. 35%
more freight after April 1st.
March 4, 1947 Business fair, 26 above
all day. Finished checking new hardware. Britain
wants to turn Jews over to United Nations. Another fire in
Chicago hotel. 15,000 Mexicans stormed palace where President
Truman appeared, boy and girl killed as result. Evening, stomach
bad.
March 5, 1947 Hazy 30 to 40 above.
Self on cot most of day on account stomach non-operative.
Beef up to 30¢ a pound on foot. Butter holding at $1
a pound. Business all tied up on account idle workers.
Booked for April 1st strikers.
March 6, 1947 Cloudy, 26 to 36 above.
Johnson from Independence mine brought the O’Berg house.
Klein and Fred Nelson cutting railroad ice, Carson doing the haulage.
Sleet storm over northern states.
March 7, 1947 Misty, 25 to 35 above.
Self nursing stomach all day. Small nations being turned
over to United Nations. 1,600 tons of Wasilla ice for
railroad.
March 8, 1947 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Opened up Portland December clothing just received. Only
saleable merchandise, now, socks and Hickory pants. Frank
brought five sacks sugar and 10 cases milk from Gottstein Co. for
K. T. Co. Roads in bad condition.
March 9, 1947 Cloudy, 24 to 34 above.
More hotel fires in states. Secretary of State flew to
Moscow for a Big Four conference to settle treaties with small countries.
Ex-Agent Browne and all the kids visited PM, snow about gone.
Having April weather in March.
March 10, 1947 Cloudy, 32 above.
Self nursing stomach. Senator said to stop wars, U. S.
should make and store plenty of atomic bombs. Navy saving
money by cutting off $97,000 order for silver finger bowls.
March 11, 1947 Cloudy, 30 above. Eva
and Stanley arrived, brought some gum and bars. Returned
to Anchorage PM, highway fair. Jews still using bombs on
British patrol in Jerusalem. Communists fighting China government.
Got Seattle mail but no freight.
March 12, 1947 Cloudy 25 to 35 above.
Self up and down most of day. Got ½ cord stove wood,
cost $13, ready for stove. Two train loads Army freight
going to Fairbanks every day.
March 13, 1947 Cloudy, 24 to 34 above.
Weather man reported bad weather for next two days. Cold
Inside, sleet wind and snow elsewhere in Alaska. All boats
warned to keep Inside. Seattle ferry boat help on a strike.
paid last of strike freight in December and up to Feb 28th.
March 14, 1947 Misty, 32 above.
No appetite, no energy. Only work at Wasilla is railroad
1,600 ton Wasilla ice for Anchorage. Bad weather hasn’t
struck Wasilla as yet. Cold at Bristol Bay.
March 15, 1947 Misty, 26 to 34 above.
Cold wave on Inside broken. All airplanes still down.
Martin Olson and son went fishing at Big Lake with tractor.
Highway improving, ice gone. Still April weather.
March 16, 1947 Misty weather, 30 above.
Was in bed most of day. Oil tanker broke in two at sea,
rear end, with part of crew, still floating. Big four now
at Moscow trying to adjust peace terms.
March 17, 1947 Warmer, 40 above all day.
Self nursing dead bowels most of day. Got trap order
from Stinson at Knik. Expert cook back and rented Mabel
cabin. Stimson bought the greenhouse, fixed up then sold
out two years ago. Pat McFaddin cabin sold to widow lady.
March 18, 1947 Windy, 44 above.
Highway from Wasilla to Knik River bridge all gravel from Knik
River to Anchorage all ice and badly cut up. Eva and Stanley
arrived for dinner, back to Anchorage 1 PM, brought magazines.
All the rubber companies to go out on strike.
March 19, 1947 Cloudy, windy, 44 above all
day. Gave Mabel cabin once over before renting to George
Stimson now at Copper Center. Wasilla bare of snow and streets
muddy. Strikes brewing in States for April 1st, more money.
March 20, 1947 Cloudy, 28 to 42 above.
Frost coming out, roads cut up. Valley Electric Light
collecting day. Shorty went to Knik, took load siwashes and
part of Ellexson’s dog feed, etc. Kennedy gave us a mess of
salt king salmon. Self no good, no appetite.
March 21, 1947 Cloudy, 40 above. Quiet
in town, bad roads. Shorty got stuck going to Knik with
passenger car, had to use old Chevrolet to complete trip.
Oysters for supper, worked pretty good. Still misty weather.
New snow in some places.
March 22, 1947 Misty, snow last night.
Weather man says snow and rain next two days all over Alaska,
temperature 18 to 40 above. Self no energy, up down most
of day.
March 23, 1947 Snow, 32 above.
President gave orders to cull out all Communist’s on government
jobs, 20-30% to be cut on incomes. Got ½ ton coal
from new house, out at store.
March 24, 1947 Misty, 8 to 20 above.
Stimson’s moved into Mabel cabin last night. Road all
cut up by ice truck. All the phone operators to go on strike
on account back pay.
March 25, 1947 Cloudy, 25 to 35 above.
Eva and Stanley arrived, back 1 PM to Anchorage. Special
Easter display in all Anchorage stores. United Nations,
one year old, John D. Rockefeller gave them capitol site on Hudson.
World peace in hands of Stalin?
March 26, 1947 Snow flurries. Bell telephone
strike to come off April if they don’t get $12, more in wages,
per week. Anchorage to vote on a twelve million dollar
new airport. Planes now too large to land at Merrill Field.
March 27, 1947 Snow flurries, only Army
Post freight moving. SS Rose Knot held up in Seattle with
our freight, Easter candies, milk, coffee, cookies, etc.
The sailors ordered heat put into their rooms. Out of butter,
ham and salt.
March 28, 1947 Colder, 5 to 35 above.
Self around AM but PM no good for lack of energy. Ice men,
for railroad, about through. Anchorage voted for new aviation
field and larger water system. Too many people for
available service. Still April weather.
March 29, 1947 Cooler, 24 to 34 above.
Paid for Easter candy. Eggs and butter still in Seattle.
Coal miners laying off for a week in memory of the dead.
Only one boat on way to Alaska. Perishables coming in by
airplane.
March 30, 1947 Cool, 12 to 36 above.
Not many cars moving on account rutty roads. Big Four
on Germany reparations, getting nowhere. A separate UN
council appointed to settle all small nations disputes.
Pace now worse than war? Oiled part of store floor.
March 31, 1947 Cloudy, 14 to 34 above.
Shorty took Dan Gray and grub out to his snow slide camp, mile
14 (old 29, Forty Mile Miller camp). ARC smoother
on roads. Malatoff blocked Germany treaty. Russia
wants their way of government. Out of furnace coal and wood.
April 1, 1947 Out of hospital, one year
ago, now about half ready to go in on account stomach trouble.
We had April weather all through March, 30 to 40 above.
Now April beginning cold.
April 2, 1947 Cool wind, 5 to 35 above.
Mayor election for Alaska, most old Mayors re-elected.
Two thousand mile Alaska and Canada telephone line open for public
business. Airmail service improved. Marie Martha’s
birthday.
April 3, 1947 Cloudy, 8 to 34 above.
Got balance of Armour goods, prices still high. Nick
McNeil went to Palmer Hospital on account bump on knee by auto.
Senske out again after stomach trouble. Coal mines closed
down for government inspection.
April 4, 1947 Cloudy, 34 above. Telephone
strike pending. Big Four Moscow meeting to agree on Germany
treaties having rough going. Reds want control. Three
new Anchorage mayors contesting the vote. Posted register
sheet and got out-mail.
April 5, 1947 First real spring day.
Stomach bad, no movement. Betts bros. putting in an oil
service station south of railroad freight shed on Knik Road.
U. S. budget balanced 1947. Ma left on O’Hara bus for Easter
at Anchorage.
April 6, 1947 Easter Sunday. Partly
cloudy, 34 above. ma in Anchorage with Stanley and family.
Store closed all day. On bed most all day.
April 7, 1947 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Pa store keeper, Ma at Anchorage. Frank Smith and Dad
visited to look over K. T. Co. stock for sale, wanted more lot
space for garage and cold storage plant. No eats, stomach boiling
all day.
April 8, 1947 Another buying day of K.
T. Co. merchandise and real estate by Evan Jones son-in-law.
They want our new private house also, cost $5,756.39, with garage
$6,325.50. Stanley brought Ma home from Anchorage.
Stomach some better by not eating for two days.
April 9, 1947 Stanley up from Anchorage
with another buyer for K. T. Co. business, to pay cash for grocery
department, clothing, hardware and building on option. Was
in business at Anchorage, now working for railroad and son-in-law
of Evan Jones (coal fields). Bad stomach, in bed all day.
April 10, 1947 A-1 day, 28 to 44 above.
Self on bed most of day account bloated stomach. Ma got
lame shoulder. United Nations going slow in settling small
nations peace terms, etc. Greece and Turkey want $200,000
loan.
END OF HERNING'S DIARIES............he died
4/18/1947 in an Anchorage hospital.
Note from Coleen: It took me
6+ years to type up Mr. Herning's journals, mostly because his handwriting
was very hard to read. However, through those years, I felt as
though I really got to know him and it was a sad day when the transcription
was complete. Goodbye Mr. Herning, it has been a true pleasure
to "know you", RIP From: Coleen Mielke 2017
Orville George Herning born: 7/30/1868
Eyota, Minnesota
died: 4/18/1947 Anchorage, Alaska
married: 1894
Martha Amelia "Mattie" Rogers (wife) born: 10/30/1869
Naugatuck, Connecticut
died: 1/6/1958 Anchorage, Alaska
Children:
1. Elmer Herning born: 10/18/1895 Naugatuck, Connecticut
died:
8/13/1906 Knik, Alaska
2. George Stanley Herning born: 12/6/1904 Seward,
Alaska
married: 3/14/1926 Eva Marie
Fleckenstein
died: 1987 Cassville,
Missouri
children:
Marie Martha 1932
George Stanley Jr. 1936
IN CELEBRATION OF
WASILLA, ALASKA's 100th ANNIVERSARY
I SHARE WITH YOU
the
HERNING DIARIES
1898 - 1917 Knik,
Alaska
1917 - 1947 Wasilla, Alaska
Orville George Herning 1868 - 1947
Transcription
of his original leather journals done 2005-2011
by
Coleen Mielke of Wasilla
Permission
to publish granted by
O.G. Herning's grandson: Bud Herning 2005
Measure
Website Visitors
Some minor spellings corrected for clarity
only. I left the surname spellings exactly as Herning wrote them.
NOTE: Herning was a phonetic speller,
especially when it came to people’s names. You will find multiple
spellings for the same person. Example: MacLean, McLean, McClean and
Maklun are all the same person, so keep that in mind when "searching"
his journals. One more tip: "passed out" in Mr.
Herning's diaries means that someone died.
HERNING's JOURNALS ARE A RARE
AND VALUABLE RESEARCH SOURCE.
THANK YOU MR. HERNING
Notes inside cover of 1898 diary:
O. G. Herning Naugatuck, Ct., Manager of the
Fourth Expedition of the Klondike and Boston Gold Mining and
Manufacturing Company to Cooks Inlet. E. C. Davis and Co.,
official Brokers 244 Washington Street, Boston, Mass. The 4th
Expedition left Boston Wednesday evening, March 23, 1898 by special
car, bound for Copper River or Cooks Inlet by way of Seattle, Washington
with the following men (and next of kin):
O. G. Herning Naugatuck, Ct.(father E. S. Herning
of Laird, Minnesota and sister Mrs. R. Smith of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.)
Edward C. Kirkpatrick West Medford, Mass. (mother
and sister in West Medford, Mass.)
George H. Brown Hope Valley, R. I. (sister
Mrs. AM Jillson Hope Valley R. I.)
Fred M. Young East Bridgewater, Mass.
(wife Florence M. Young)
William H. Thorne Winchester, Mass. (wife
Jeanie)
George F. Butler Winchester, Mass. (wife
Millie)
George F. Burrows Bedford Basin, Halifax Nova
Scotia (sister, Mary Moore)
Michael Dineen West Surrey, Mass.
H. P. Daniels Concord Junction, Mass.
(wife Julia)
Daniel Coleman Wellesley, Mass.
1898 Supply Outfit:
Three suits medium underwear
1 Tool chest and tools
2 suits heavy underwear
1 Stencil complete
½ dozen all weather sox
1 revolver and
150 rounds cart.
½ dozen medium sox
2 pair wool
pants
2 jersey shirts
½ dozen Turkish towels
2 wool blankets
2 common towels
1 rubber blanket
1 muffler
1 rubber mittens
1 hydraulic
outside coat
2 rubber boots
1
compass
1 rubber ankle boots
2 dozen bachelor buttons
1 Hy oil tanned shoes
1 suit hy. wool
1 felt knit boot
1
suit water proof hat
1 rubber hat
2 suits overalls and coats
1 rubber coat
1 sail bag
1 hunters knife
2 snow glasses
Hooks and lines
5 pair mittens
1 magnifying glass
1 water proof
sleeping bag
1 barber sheers
1 money
belt
1 barber brush
1
sweater
3 saw files
2 money bags
230 sheets writing paper
1 pair creepers
1 account and receipt boot
1 suit mackinaw
1 oil stone and razor strap
10 Asbestos shirts
1 hair clippers and comb
1 4’ man saw
Needles and thread
1 box CR rivets
¾ dozen handkerchiefs
5 pair creepers
1 flannel shirt
1 auger
medicine outfit
transparent window glass
2 spools wire
2 lb. citric acid
16 yds. sailcloth
Dutch oven
100 lb. 12 cut nails
mosquito netting
24 lb. fig bars
magnet
5 cakes tar soap
Address Book:
Seattle Trading Company 111 Occidental Avenue
Seattle, Washington
Mosquito Proof Tent Company 706 2nd Avenue
Seattle, Washington
Aetna Life Insurance Hartford, Connecticut
J. N. Johnston Knik Station, East Side of Inlet
Dr. S. E. Kostright 112 Jane Street Seattle,
Washington
A. Beverly Smith (leader of Tanana Mining Company)
J. O. Buzzard Hope City, Alaska
Paul Revere Mining and Supply Co. Revere, Mass.
(James DuBour’dieu, Willis U. Jacobs, Frank
Haskel)
J. B. Mathews, Agent A. C. Co.
Expedition no. 4 left Boston March 23, 1898
arrived Seattle, Washington March 29, 1898.
April 1, 1898 Paid fare from Seattle to Tyonek,
$40 per man.
April 12, 1898 Left Seattle for Turnagain Arm
Cooks Inlet, Alaska on SS Dirigo from Yesler Wharf.
April 17, 1898 Seventy miles out in Icy Strait,
condenser broke and we had to put back to Juneau.
April 18, 1898 We rammed a hole in the SS Czarina
then tied up for repairs.
April 26, 1898 Midnight, left Juneau for Valdez.
April 29, 1898 Arrived 6 miles from Valdez
10:30 AM, got off course, stuck bow in mud. 7:30 PM
pulled off then grounded 8:30 got off and started for Valdez.
Arrived Valdez 10:00.
April 30, 1898 Left Valdez at noon for Cooks
Inlet against snow storm, took on 4 men.
May 2, 1898 Arrived at Tyonek 11 AM had dinner
on boat then commenced landing baggage and freight by lighter.
Got freight ashore 8 PM. Got up two tents, one over the other
to sleep in got to bed at 12:00 rained all night.
May 3, 1898 Re-piled freight put up 3rd tent
for baggage.
May 4, 1898 Put up 4th tent
for kitchen.
May 5, 1898 Cleaned rusty hardware and fixed
handles, axes and picks. Went with steam launch to find
coat which was 5 miles down Inlet.
May 7, 1898 By mutual consent of Party, Manager
Herning bought one Sea Otter boat, anchor, one pair oars, two
row locks, complete for the sum of $75, from J. N. Johnston of the
A. C. Co.
May 10, 1898 Drew up and signed contract
with J. N. Johnston of the A. C. Co. to locate company no. 4
in gold belt off Sushitna River, $100 down, $300 note payable May
1, 1899. Was not to charge more than $15 for guide and notary fee.
No bargain if the claim doesn’t suit no. 4 party.
May 17, 1898 A convention of no. 4 party took
place in sleeping tent with Manager Herning as presiding officer.
On motion carried, George Burrows was elected to go with party to
investigate gold placer mines on Gold Creek as first representative
of no. 4 party. Daniel Coleman was elected as reserve in case
representative failed to go north on investigating tour of gold fields
on Gold Creek off the Sushitna River. Brown and Daniels were elected
to manage and sail our new Sea Otter boat while moving our supplies
from Tyonek to A. C. Co. store on the Sushitna River. William
H. Thorne was elected to the high honor of chief cook until no. 4 party
got into regular camp and with the power to appoint his two assistants.
May 25, 1898 Got ready to go on investigating
expedition for gold according to contract with J. N. Johnston.
Left Tyonek on Johnston’s sail boat in PM. Anchored off
Fire Island overnight.
May 26, 1898 Arrived at A. C. Co. store on
Knik at noon.
May 27, 1898 Started with two men, 150 lbs.
provisions and 2 Indian guides for Willow Creek Mining District.
May 29, 1898 Arrived Willow Creek Mining District
at 8:30 PM.
June 6, 1898 Staked the Martha Claim, 160 acres.
June 11, 1898 Held miners meeting and formed
the Willow Creek District with R. L. Herndon Recorder.
Staked 7 claims and started for A. C. Co. store on Sushitna.
Arrived at store 2:30 PM, had dinner and with 2 Indians, went
in canoe down to mouth of river and found our camp. Cost for
canoe, $6 for 30 minute ride. Cost of recording claims $11.
June 19, 1898 Came down to Tyonek with our
own boat.
June 21, 1898 By mutual consent of the Party,
Manager Herning bought 19’ dory, sail and three pair oars complete
$20.
June 22, 1898 Paid over deposit money, $100
on Johnston locating deal to Thomas H. Hanmore, agent of A. C.
Co. store.
June 25, 1898 Stored our placer machine with
A. C. Co. owner Reed.
June 27, 1898 Left Tyonek with last two loads
for camp at mouth of Sushitna River. Had to leave part
of load at Three Mile Creek and wait for next tide.
July 2, 1898 with Indian guide, six men
and two boat loads, started on fuel trip to A. C. Co. store on
the Sushitna River. Arrived the 6th, returned the 7th.
July 8, 1898 with 9 men and 800 lbs. provisions
and tools, started for Willow Creek Gold Mines from camp at
the mouth Sushitna River by way of Knik River. Indian guide, Knik
Station to Willow Creek, $6.
July 10, 1898 At Knik Station
July 11, 1898 At Palmer’s store Matanuska.
July 12, 1898 Came back to Knik Station
July 14 to 17, 1898 At the mines. Bought fish
from Indians 25¢.
July 22, 1898 Trail work on Andrews Claim
July 25, 1898 Went to foot of mountains for
balance of provisions. Clean up on Andrews Claim $18.60.
July 29, 1898 Moved over to Martha Claim
July 31, 1898 Turned creek on Martha Claim
August 6, 1898 Clean up on sluice $1.
August 8, 1898 Departed from mines. Paid
for mail delivery $3.75.
August 10, 1898 Noon, arrived at government
camp.
August 11, 1898 3 PM at Knik store.
August 12, 1898 Left Knik for Goose
Bay
August 13, 1898 Left Goose Bay for Crescent
Bay
August 15, 1898 Left Crescent Bay for Kirk
camp
August 17, 1898 Arrived Kirk camp, Sushitna
River. Bought fish from Indian camp 25¢.
August 18, 1898 With 3 loads provisions
left Kirk camp for Sushitna store.
August 24, 1898 Arrived at Sushitna store,
located camp across the river at camp Comfort and proceeded
to build cache and cabin, for winter load quarters.
August 27, 1898 Business meeting of Expedition
no. 4 at camp Comfort, manager O. G. Herning chairman.
The question whether all of the party should winter in Alaska was
brought up. By an agreement read by O. G. Herning that all
or any portion of the party could winter in the states if they so
desired, by unanimous vote of the party.
September 4, 1898 Bought 80 lbs. quick silver
from A. Beverly Smith $30.
September 5-9, 1898 With 3 men, in Sea Otter
boat, left Sushitna Station for Tyonek. Camped at mouth
of river on account of rain and wind.
September 9, 1898 Arrived at Tyonek.
September 10, 1898 Bought provisions at Tyonek,
$9.85, flour, sugar and nails from A. C. Co. $15.45.
September 18, 1898 Three men with boat returned
to Sushitna Station.
September 19, 1898 Nine men waited at Tyonek
for boat for Seattle.
September 22, 1898 Col. Marr and I played for
a Ball (dance) at the Priests house, 6 ladies and 30 miners present,
left at 10:30 PM.
September 24, 1898 9:30 on Saturday, left Tyonek
on steamer Dora for Juneau, arrived Saturday October 1st.
October 5, 1898 Wednesday 5 AM, left Juneau
on SS Al-Ki for Seattle, arrived Seattle Sunday 1 PM,
October 9th, 1898 Boat fare from Tyonek to
Seattle, $65 per man, 4½ days.
Gold Dust Report for 1898
ounces
dwt gr.
Prospects at Martha Claim
10 10
September 12th from Homestake
38
15 4
Total amount of Gold Dust 1898
39
5 14
Gold Dust paid out 1898
August 10th, Sent E. C. Davis and Co. 6
0
0
September 12th Paid Members no. 4
19
12 19
November 11th Delivered 2 Nuggets to Company
16
1
The balance of gold dust due to the company
was used to buy provisions at mines and to keep the boys together
and give those who were sick, privilege of saving enough to come
out on. $35 was expended for Brainard's flume and sluice boxes.
$25 for the Maklun cabin and provisions and the company still has $201.55
worth of provisions now at the mines. While the amount is small,
and does not conform to my contract, I trust it will prove satisfactory
to the company.
Distance pointers on Cook Inlet from Tyonek:
To Sunrise 65 miles, Knik Station 70 miles, Sushitna Station
53 miles, Sushitna River 25 miles, Sushitna River Forks 107 miles,
Sushitna River Falls 153 miles, Indian Creek 145 miles, Government
trail on Knik 82 miles, no. 4 party mines 110 miles, Knik River
90 miles, Matanuska River 90 miles, Crescent Bay on Knik 55 miles, Goose
Bay on Knik 60 miles, Ladd’s Station 5 miles, Beluga River 15 miles,
Fire Island 30 miles, Seattle 6-7 days 1425 miles.
Distance pointers from mouth of Sushitna River:
To Forks 82 miles, Indian Creek 120 miles, Falls 128 miles, Talkeetna
65 miles, Willow Creek 70 miles.
Population: Tyonek 25 to 500; Sunrise 200 to
3000; Hope City 50 to 200; Sushitna Station (winter 1898-1899)
50; Knik 25.
1899
April 2, 1899 Left Seattle on schooner General
Siglin - Capt. Johnston for Tyonek Alaska, direct by outside
passage via Cape Flattery to Cape Elisabeth, was towed by Tug
Doctor to Port Townsend then set sail.
April 3, 1899 Noon, passed out straits to open
sea. Head wind the 4th to 8th south east winds, made good
time, 600 miles 9th to 10th, snow squalls and rough, 11th to 12th
very calm.
April 12, 1899 Sighted land, Mt. St. Elias,
120 miles NE, was 375 miles S. E. Cape Elisabeth. It was
calm on the 13th and fair wind on the 14th. At 4 PM was
194 miles Cape Elisabeth, Cook Inlet.
April 15, 1899 Noon sighted Middleton Island
and entrance to Prince William Sound also Resurrection Bay and
Kenai coast. Range 94 miles from Cape Elisabeth was very
calm afternoon and evening.
April 16, 1899 Fair wind, sailed from Point
Gore to Cape Elisabeth, 100 miles in 9 hours, arrived at Cape
4 PM Sunday.
April 17, 1899 Monday noon, arrived at Seldovia,
Kachemak Bay just inside Cook Inlet. Started out for
Anchor Point then came back and anchored in Seldovia Bay.
Left letters there for Dora. Passed steam schooner Jennie
just up from Frisko and a Bark with cannery supplies. Evening
visited on A. C. Co. and Northern Commercial Company agents Black
and Smith at Seldovia.
April 18, 1899 Left off a few things for the
tug Perry and left Seldovia for Tyonek at (no wind, didn’t
go). 1898 - 1899 was a mild winter, no sickness reported.
4 PM steamer Walcott arrived from Sitka.
April 19, 1899 5 AM left Seldovia for Tyonek,
took on the delayed mail. Arrived at Anchor Point just
opposite of Mt. Iliamna. Took picture of mountain.
April 20, 1899 Calm, dropped anchor at noon.
PM got wind and got up as far as East Foreland fine weather.
April 21, 1899 Light wind got up as far as
West Foreland, anchored in Trading Bay about 12 miles from Tyonek,
rained all night.
April 22, 1899 Still raining, weighed anchor
at 9 with the tide and easterly wind, started for Tyonek.
Arrived at Tyonek at noon, found all well and the no. 2 party
all gone up to Willow Creek. All the ice went out and of the
Inlet on April 12th. Our boat, General Siglin, was the first to
arrive and bring mail dated September 20, 1898 to April 4, 1899.
April 23, 1899 Heavy wind and rough sea.
Wrote letters to wife and company at J. N. Johnston cabin.
Will go north on 24th at noon. Fair weather but cold wind.
April 24 - 25, 1899 Clear and warm. Developed
8 plates in Johnston cabin. Still waiting for the Perry
to come up from Seldovia with registered mail. April 25th
very fine day.
April 26, 1899 Perry arrived from Seldovia
Bay brought up delayed mail from Homer post office, also my
$200 left there last October.
April 27, 1899 With J. N. Johnston, Harry Millish
and Mr. Wade, left Tyonek on sloop for Knik Station. Left
at 11 AM in a rain and snow storm arrived at the mouth of Knik
Arm at 8 PM. Next tide 8 AM.
April 28, 1899 7:30 AM started for Knik Station,
snow all gone out of woods.
April 29, 1899 Left Knik with Mr. Lee and his
pack train for Willow Creek Mines. Camped at 2nd Lake on
the 1st day.
April 30, 1899 Reached foot of mountains, camped.
May 1, 1899 Crossed over mountains arrived
at camp 7 PM found boys living in tent on Willow Creek had up
10 saw logs to mines, two sawed and fire wood cut.
May 2, 1899 With Daniels, Dineen, Young and
Butler, took up 3 loads fire wood to Andrews Claim. Found
cabin in good shape with bank of snow front of door.
May 3-5, 1899 Hauled logs and fire wood to
Andrews and Martha Claims.
May 6, 1899 Moved camp from cache to Martha
Claim. Set tent over board floor. PM cut 27 logs
for cabin on Martha Claim 13’ x 15’. Hauled up four loads
fire wood and took picture sledding on the trail.
May 7 - 8, 1899 Sledded to Martha Claim.
May 9, 1899 Grover and Fonda came up from Canyon
Mines.
May 13, 1899 Heavy snow storm.
May 15, 1899 Finished sledding to Andrews.
May 16, 1899 Sledded last of logs to Martha
Claim. Mail arrived from Knik, 2nd mail.
May 17-18, 1899 Built cabin on Martha Claim
and dammed creek on section no. 1 ready for sluicing.
May 19, 1899 Whipsawed etc.
May 20, 1899 With Fred Young and Mr. Perry,
left 2 AM for cache over Bald Mt. near Little Sushitna.
In PM packed 300 lbs. up to summit of Mt. Left summit with
3 sled loads for Willow Creek. Perry arrived home 6 AM Young was
sleep and I sprained my ankle so left loads on bench, 2 miles from
Andrew Claim. I arrived there at 9 AM.
May 22, 1899 AM pulled home sleds. First
rain of the season. PM shoveled out snow from flume and
sluice boxes on Andrew Claim. First commencement of breaking
up of Grubstake Gulch. Willow Creek commenced to break up
May 20, 1899.
May 29, 1899 AM Bates and Cameron came up from
canyon to Martha Claim.
May 31, 1899 Moved into new cabin on Martha
Claim.
June 1, 1899 First set sluice boxes on section
one Martha Claim.
June 2, 1899 Snowed all day.
June 3, 1899 J. N. Johnston, with Natives,
came in to mines took dinner and supper with us on Martha Claim.
Evening went down to Andrews cabin had 10 PM lunch. Shot
ptarmigan on roof of cabin.
June 5, 1899 Commenced sluicing on section
one of Martha Claim.
June 7, 1899 Fonda, Falkner, Hayes and Churchill
came up from the canyon. Sluiced 2 days then broke camp,
gave it up on account of too many boulders.
June 8, 1899 Bought Mr. Johnston’s provisions.
Johnston left for Knik Station with Fonda. Sent out 1st
mail out from Willow Creek to go east. Bought 5 lbs. sugar
off Fonda $1.
June 11, 1899 First cleanup on Martha Claim
4 days work, 6 dwt. 2 gr. Shoveled in 3 box lengths down
4 feet and no bedrock
June 12, 1899 With Butler and Coleman left
Martha Claim for Homestake Andrews Claim to get ready there
for sluicing. Left Young, Daniels and Dineen on Martha
Claim to sink down to bedrock
June 17, 1899 First cleanup of Andrews Claim,
2 men 1 day, 5 p. 20 gr.
June 18, 1899 Second cleanup on Martha Claim
June 22, 1899 Third cleanup on Martha Claim
total 10 p. and 10 gr. Three men sluiced 2 weeks, 4 box
lengths, 16’ wide and 6’ deep. Got coarse gold, 5¢ to
13¢ pieces. Daniels, Young and Dineen started to move
down to Andrews Claim, to live in Brainard’s cabin.
June 24, 1899 Third cleanup on Andrews Claim
got 2 oz. 19 dwt. Five and a half days, one man, about
$6 per day to the man.
June 25, 1899 PM Butler and Coleman went up
to Martha cabin for personal baggage.
June 28, 1899 Commenced working double shifts
on Andrews Claim. Coleman, Butler and self went on 1st
shift at 3:30 AM. Daniels, Young and Dineen on 2nd shift at
noon to 8 PM. 2 PM six Indians arrived with 300 lbs. provisions
sent by J. N. Johnston of the A. C. Co. from Knik Station. Gave
Indians their dinner.
June 29, 1899 Found 70¢ nugget on Andrews
Claim also 10¢ to 35¢ pieces.
July 2, 1899 Prospected creek above 1st bar
and first setting of flume and sluice boxes got good prospects.
Will set flume and boxes on the 3rd. Chapman and Hayes came
up in PM, was working for Jifkin on Willow Creek near Wet Gulch.
July 4, 1899 Butler and self set sluice
boxes on 2nd move, Daniels, Dineen and Young didn’t work.
July 6, 1899 Noon finished dams and sluiced
in PM. Got good prospects 25¢ to the pan.
July 7, 1899 Saw a gray wolf going up mountain
across from Andrews Claim.
July 9, 1899 Faulkner, Russell, McLane, Callahan
and Donahue visited in PM they were up on the mountain and
saw two caribou. Donahue brought up letter from Johnston.
Took out one pan $1.25, one nugget went 90¢, another pan
went 35¢, three other pieces went 50¢. This was on 2nd
move up Andrews Claim.
July 12, 1899 Rained all day. First heavy
rain of season and snowed on the mountains.
July 13, 1899 Was asked over to Brainard’s
cabin by Young, Daniels and Dineen, they talked of going out
and wanted to know how much money was coming to them.
July 14, 1899 Cleaned up on 2nd mine of big
boxes got about 4 ounces.
July 16, 1899 Rained no one worked. Callahan
and Zorn came up PM.
July 17, 1899 Cleaned up ¾ ounce from
bar. Moved boxes to 3rd setting by 2nd set of flume boxes.
July 19, 1899 First heavy rain washed
out trail box and over flowed flume dam. Did considerable damage
on Gilbert’s Claim and to dams on Willow Creek.
July 23, 1899 Coleman and myself worked
6 hours in AM, too much rain for such sports. In PM Gilbert
and his crowd visited at cabin, said Perry and Romig were going
out by via Knik Station.
July 24, 1899 Monday Fred M. Young, Michael
Dineen, H. P. Daniels, Daniel Coleman and George Butler visited
for their share of the gold dust, divided up same: Company
½, each man received 1 oz. 5 dwt. 7 gr. = $19.31. Heavy
rain, no work.
July 27, 1899 E. Cameron came up to Homestake
Claim, wanted work, finally decided to go to Sunrise City and
appointed me Deputy Recorder of Willow Creek until June 11, 1900.
Very warm fine weather.
July 30, 1899 Last cleanup on 2nd set of flume
boxes, got 9 ounces 4 dwt. 22 gr. Six days work by six
men = $23 for week to the man. In PM went down to Gilbert’s
cabin took picture of cabin and Gilbert’s miners.
July 31, 1899 Were to reset flume boxes up
creek. Removed sluice boxes and dug ditch for 3rd setting
of flume boxes.
August 3, 1899 Gave F. M. Young balance of
gold dust due him 0-14-14. He said he was going out to
Knik, he might possibly return again.
August 4, 1899 Ready for sluicing on 3rd move
of flume boxes. Gave H. P. Daniels balance of gold dust due him
0-14-14.
August 8, 1899 Mail came in, sent out letters
cost me $1.40. Rainy day. Also received 1st letter
from company. H. P. Daniels and Young finished.
August 10, 1899 Sent E. C. Davis and Co. gold
dust due to him 6-0-0.
August 15, 1899 H. P. Daniels visited at Homestake
cabin and we settled up personal account to date. Gold dust
due to him 0-8-18½, for provisions 3-16-0.
Said he was going out to Knik the 16th.
August 16, 1899 H. P. Daniels and F. M. Young
left Willow Creek for Knik. Rained hard all day.
August 17, 1899 Still raining and snowing on
the mountain peaks. Called on Gilbert and paid for 50
lbs. rice bought in March.
August 19, 1899 Very fine day. Gilbert,
Zorn and MacLean came up to our mine brought back shovels.
Took picture of whole gang sluicing came out OK.
August 20, 1899 Light cold rain. I picked
1 quart blueberries and moss berries in 10 minutes. Had
2 large shortcakes for dinner 1st of season.
August 23, 1899 First cold spell of season.
August 24, 1899 Coleman finished work.
Paid J. W. McLean gold dust for provisions 0-3-22.
August 25, 1899 Coleman quit work said he was
not able to work would try and recuperate up for final trip out
in September.
August 26, 1899 Al Gilbert and his six men,
with four of no. 2 boys, left on final trip for the Sushitna
Station down Willow Creek. Took picture of Gilbert Party
in front of cabin I bought off MacLean, Callahan and Zorn.
Boston Claim no. 50 Willow Creek located by James Bates August 31,
1898. Irene Claim no. 47 Willow Creek located by Frank Churchill
August 31, 1898, sold to Romig and Lightcap June 20, 1899. Lucky
Strike Claim no. 44 Willow Creek located by G. Cameron August 31,
1898. Rock Claim no. 37 on Rock Creek located August 18, 1898
by G. Cameron and W. M. Litchfield. E. C. D. and Company no.
2 Claim no. 57 located by M. Cameron September 1, 1898. Assay
work recorded June 9, 1899 by H. L. Grover, manager. McLean’s share
of gold dust for cabin 1-12-19.
August 27, 1899 Rained all day, parky stew
and blueberry shortcake.
September 1, 1899 With Butler and Dineen, done
assessment work on the Little Wonder Claims. Built two
dams and prospected same. Went up to head of left hand fork of
Grubstake Gulch went up on Mt. range between Grubstake and Rock
Creek, shot ptarmigan. Came down on ridge to cabin, got home
at 7:30 PM saw caribou and bear tracks also.
September 2, 1899 Someone rifled my private
papers. Coleman only man in cabin. Paid Carlson
off in dust PM.
September 4, 1899 Very fine weather September
1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Finished sluicing on Homestake Claim,
cleanup 1 ounce, 3 men, 1 days work. Change of weather cold
with rain.
September 5, 1899 Went down to my new cabin
on Grubstake Gulch, piled up provisions and covered them over
with rubber sheeting. Washed up dishes etc. Made shutter
for window, cut lot of wood for future use. Hansen and Big
George went to Knik. Morris said he was going out on the
7th after his mail.
September 6, 1899 Butler and I went up on west
fork of Grubstake Gulch prospected the Herning and Polar Claims
and came back over the hogback. Shot 4 ptarmigan, 1 wee
rabbit, 1 parky and 1 whistler, got home 6 PM. Made pea
soup and blueberry shortcake only ate 3 pieces apiece.
September 7, 1899 Built wing dam down near
mouth of creek and set up small boxes and sluiced in PM on
the rim.
September 8, 1899 Cleaned up at noon, 17 dwt.
.
September 10, 1899 Light rain.
Butler trimmed up my hair, made mince and apple pie. Had
rice cabbage for dinner. PM went up to south hogback picked
4 quarts blueberries, had shortcake for supper on Sabbath day.
September 12, 1899 Noon finished sluicing
on rim took out 2 ounces 12 dwt. 23 gr. = $5 to the man.
Closed up Homestake Mine for 1899.
September 13, 1899 Doc Callahan arrived
from Knik. Pouring rain snow on mountains. Heavy
rain and wind, expect to go out to Knik Monday 18th of September.
September 18, 1899 Transferred A. B.
Smith power of attorney to me, to Wm. H. Callahan to act in
my stead until April 1, 1900 on Smith goods at Sushitna Station.
Goods at Ward’s cabin $81.50.
September 19, 1899 Butler, Dineen and
myself went up to Martha Claim, piled up our 12 sluice boxes in
good shape, dried out the cabin, took inventory of provisions, tools,
etc. and returned to Homestake Claim by way of left hand bench
and in a pouring rain, shot ptarmigan. Doing assessment work on Bear
Claim right hand fork of Willow Creek.
September 21, 1899 Sledded firewood from
cache to cabin went up on west bench and shot 7 ptarmigan.
All ready for Knik on 23rd if weather will permit to cross mountains.
September 23, 1899 With Butler and Coleman,
left Homestake cabin Willow Creek for Knik Station. Crossed
over mountain, snow 18” deep, reached timber line near Little
Sushitna at 6 PM camped for the night.
September 24, 1899 Crossed river, ate
dinner arrived at small lake at 5 PM, found Govt. pack
train 6 horses in charge of squaw man, H. H. Hicks, on way to Willow
Creek to meet Govt. pack train from Sushitna River who were on way to
Knik Station for winter.
September 25, 1899 Passed Big Lake ate dinner
at 1st crossing of creek. Bill Morris and Chris Hansen
came along from Knik Station with two pack horses on way to Willow
Creek, reached Cottonwood City at 5 PM, camped at Millish cabin, shot
two grouse.
September 26, 1899 In AM came down on tide
flats to Knik left packs half way down.
September 27, 1899 Butler and I took dory,
went up after our packs. Noon of September 26th when
we arrived at Knik Station, Mr. Tuell (ACC agent) gave us our
dinner consisting of new potatoes, turnips, moose meat, etc.
Doc Callahan and Mike Dineen arrived from Willow Creek just as we
were through with dinner. Mr. Tuell gave us use of the Beedy
cabin. Five bachelors took possession to wait there for the
Perry to take us to Tyonek on or about October 2nd. All summer
yet at Knik, was winter at mines when we left.
September 29, 1899 Left Knik on Perry for Tyonek,
arrived at midnight met heavy seas between Fire Island and Ladd
Station slept on board got breakfast went ashore Saturday 8 AM,
took up quarters in Revere cabin. The big steamer Cleveland,
with Govt. supplies, was anchored in front of Tyonek. The SS
Kodak arrived looking for passengers.
October 2, 1899 Paid Brainard balance on sluice
boxes for Homestake Claim.
October 3, 1899 Doc Callahan and Mike
Dineen left with A. C. Co. sloop for Sushitna Station. I
transferred power of attorney from R. C. Smith, F. L. McGuire, James
O. May, Fred H. Mills, F. M. Twitchell and Judge Herbert L. Hotchkiss
to William H. Callahan, to locate mines for same in my name place and
stead.
October 9, 1899 Steamer General Siglin arrived
from Seattle at Tyonek. PM, went to Sunrise with freight
for U. S. M. Co., expected to return to Tyonek and take on passengers
for Seattle.
October 14, 1899 Butler shot 9 grouse,
big roast expected noon of 15th.
October 15, 1899 The SS Excelsior arrived
to take out Capt. Glenn’s outfit to Valdez left at once for Knik
Arm.
October 17, 1899 Left Tyonek on the General
Siglin for Seattle had 67 passengers on board.
October 25, 1899 Off Cape Flattery head winds
prevented us from entering the straits.
October 31st Port Townsend 6 PM
Arrived in Seattle, time 14 days.
1900
Herning spent part of the winter in Boston,
Mass., where his employer was based. Only the journal entries
that pertain to Alaska are listed here:
Beginning of diary says:
Name: Orvel G. Herning 250 Cherry Street Naugatuck,
Conn.
Wife: Same address as above
Make of my bike: Putie number 2880
Number on case of my watch: 22665
Number of the works: 7,853,821
My weight: 175 to 185 lbs. on October and December
1899
My height: 5’ 10½
Size of hat: 7¼
gloves 8½
hosiery 10½
collar 15½-16 cuffs
10½ shoes 8½-9 shirt 15 to 15½
drawers 36
January 7, 1900 Received views of H. Henshaw,
Sacramento, California, of Sunrise City, Alaska.
January 18, 1900 Got letter from Klondike Director,
A. M. Bridgman, Stoughton, Mass.
January 21, 1900 At home answered Butlers letter
sent bill etc. Sent Frank Haskell 5 Alaskan views.
January 25, 1900 Got letter from E. C. Davis
and Co. and Bridgman about mines.
February 4, 1900 Sent F. M. Young 43 proofs
of Alaskan views. Sent A. B. Smith views of Willow Creek mines.
February 13, 1900 Wrote to A. M. Bridgman and
telegraphed Gilbert of Frisco about his claims. Received returned
letter from Al. Gilbert. Sent E. C. Davis and Co. my report to
stockholders.
February 15, 1900 Sent E. C. Davis and Co.
my report to stockholders.
March 23, 1900 Received letter from Davis and
Co., could not raise money to buy the hydraulic plant.
Wanted me to set a price to go to Willow Creek and Cape Nome.
March 25, 1900 Took picture with Klondike rig.
Answered Companies letter, Cook Inlet $1,000, Cape Nome $2,500,
to invest $25,000.
March 28, 1900 Wrote Davis and Co. that I would
do assessment work on Willow Creek for $1,000. Put K and
B stock on market for 10¢ share.
April 18, 1900 Received Power of Attorney from
Al Gilbert to do assessment work on his claims, Willow Creek,
Alaska.
April 20, 1900 Received letter from E. C. Davis
and Co. to get ready to go to Cook Inlet, Alaska.
April 24, 1900 Received letter from previous
employer, accepting my resignation to go to Alaska for E. C.
Davis Co. Received letter from E. C. Davis Co., to get
ready to leave for Alaska May 1st. $1,000 salary was ready.
Also letter that J. O. May for the boys to finish R. I. then get
through for the season.
April 27, 1900 Received letter from Davis and
Co. to arrive at their office, Boston, 2:30 PM, money was ready.
April 29, 1900 At home, packed up for Alaska
via Boston. Alaska next, via Willow Creek Mining District,
Cook Inlet.
May 1, 1900 Boston, Mass. Went in to
see E. C. Davis and Co., got tickets, etc. for Seattle.
May 2, 1900 Received $1,000 of Klondike and
Boston Co. before leaving
May 7, 1900 Seattle, bought outfit off Seattle
Trading Co. Bought Eastman camera, had business cards
printed, bought personal clothing. Had Freise take my picture
to send home.
May 8, 1900 Finished buying goods for Alaska.
Butler wasn’t up to do assay work. Saw Daniels, was going
to Nome.
May 9, 1900 8 AM passed Port Townsend weather
cloudy. Passengers on Board 80, 160 miles from Seattle at 8 PM.
First stop Ketchikan Bay, cold and cloudy no snow.
May 10, 1900 On SS Bertha, passed several fishing
stations. Weather was cold and cloudy no snow on mountains
thus far. Crossed Queen Charlotte Sound was just a little rough
made a few sick, chicken for dinner.
May 11, 1900 Passed the SS Al-Ki going
south. Took picture of water fall and the Narrows, on
Hurricane deck all day.
May 12, 1900 8:30 Arrived Ketchikan.
Ketchikan is 135 miles south of Juneau copper ore district.
May 13, 1900 On the SS Bertha, arrived at Juneau
11 AM saw Dr. Ballance and Gus Benson. Took 3 views of
Juneau. Left Juneau for Sitka 5 PM. Took on freight at Treadwell
took snap midget train and one of Douglas.
May 14, 1900 SS Bertha arrived at Sitka 1 PM.
Took picture of Greek Church and water front. Left Sitka
at 5 PM. Next stop Latuya Bay.
May 15, 1900 Arrived Latuya Bay 7 AM, left
2 PM. Took snap of Bay and seals. Yakutat next stop.
May 16, 1900 On SS Bertha arrived Yakutat 2
AM, took on 40 Indians for Icy Bay. Landed Indians
among floating ice at 2 PM, part of Malaspina Glacier. NE wind
and sea getting rough, could not land at Kayak - high surf.
May 17, 1900 Arrived at Nuchek 2 PM left lumber
for A. C. Co. Departed at 4:30 PM for Orca, some rain and
cold north wind. Now entering Prince William Sound.
Arrived at Orca 10 PM left a few passengers. Departed 4:20
on for Valdez.
May 18, 1900 Left Orca 4:30 AM, arrived at
Valdez 11 AM. Loaded Government cattle and freight on scow and
they got her aground on beach. Looked Valdez over. Government
had, at Military Post, 108 soldiers and 50 helpers - their post
was across from Valdez on east side of sound. Had not commenced
to build yet.
May 19, 1900 On SS Bertha. Got scow off beach
at Valdez loaded on Capt Abercrombie’s freight,
towed across to the U. S. Post, left scow and
departed at 2:30 PM. Took snap of Abercrombie and the Launch
Killie in front of post. There were 125 people at Valdez
and 50 had gone over Glacier to Copper River.
May 20, 1900 Midnight arrived at Landlock Bay
left freight. 1 PM arrived at Post. Dick left freight for
P. D. G. M. Co. and Paul Buckley and wife and 4 men. 5 PM left
for Seldovia. Cook Inlet very calm all along Kenai Penn., weather
fair.
May 21, 1900 Rounded Cape Elizabeth at 8:30
PM, arrived Seldovia 3 AM found Perry and Siglin there, Siglin
with hole in her. Arrived Homer 5:30 left freight and passengers,
left 7 AM arrived Kasilof and Kenai at 4 PM left mail. Arrived
at Tyonek 9 PM took cabin back stock Had Davis launch inspected.
May 22, 1900 Arrived 8 AM had boiled egg, cheese,
crackers, butter and coffee for breakfast. Pumped out
Davis launch. Perry left for Sunrise. Had pea soup, fried
ham and eggs for dinner. Took picture of D. Finch and his
two dogs. Perry was to return and take us to Knik - very fine
weather. Doc and Mike had gone to the Point.
May 23, 1900 Still waiting for the Perry to
return from Sunrise City. Went up on the hill to see Hanmore's
farm and gun for grouse.
May 24, 1900 Bought powder and fuse.
Made skate protectors went out gunning. Perry arrived,
took load off the schooner Pearl for Hope and Sunrise left at 10
PM, sea getting rough. Wrote letter to Seattle Trading
Co. short 11 pack, Royal Yeast and 5 lbs. baking powder, got soda
instead.
May 25, 1900 Cloudy and windy, rough sea.
Perry took balance of freight from schooner Pearl for Sunrise
and Hope. Pearl left for Kodiak. P. S. Pacific, S. W.
Co. tug boat are at Tyonek with fisherman. Supt. Gompertz took
launch E. C. Davis and Co. no. 1 on trail. Was to paint
and put her in A-1 order and return her from Kenai if price and launch
did not suit.
May 26, 1900 Palmer arrived at Tyonek, went
down to coal mine for road coal, returned to Ladd Station
with Butler and Indian, left Tyonek with freight and baggage in
Dory for Ladd Station, visited on Harvey. On way up at Ladd
Station saw Churchill. Bought 6 lbs. N. C. tobacco, 2 suits
underwear and corduroy coat on sale at Ladd Station. Left Ladd
Station with Palmer for Knik 11 PM.
May 27, 1900 Tide left us on mud flats in sight
of Pt. McKenzie and abreast Pt. Campbell at 11 AM. Started
for Knik 2:30 flood tide at Knik. 7:30 took up quarters
in Beedy cabin had flapjacks, ham, butter, cream and coffee for
supper. Raining, turning to snow.
May 28, 1900 Bad brook trout for breakfast,
still raining some snow. Engaged the two white horses
of George Palmer to pack 300 lbs. grub from Knik to Bald
Mt. Snowed at Little Sushitna River and Bald Mt., Indian came
in from there.
May 29, 1900 Snow and rain, breakfast, fried
salmon, hotcakes, coffee, cream etc. Dinner, turtle
soup, baked potatoes, stewed corn, bread, crackers coffee and
cream. Went up on the bank to view Bald Mt. was covered
with snow.
May 30, 1900 Repacked provisions had six packages
- 392 lbs. - all ready for pack horses. Had boiled brook
trout, potatoes, corn, coffee etc. for dinner. Expect to start
for the mines Sat. weather right.
May 31, 1900 Left Knik by boat with freight
for the Cottonwood arrived 10:30. Took pack from Cottonwood
with Lee’s 2 white horses to Willow Creek. George Palmer
agreed to send in-mail last of June.
June 1, 1900 Left Cottonwood for Willow Creek
with two white horses, Bill Morris in charge. Took dinner
1st crossing of creek. Arrived at Big Lake 5:45 PM went into
camp. Had boiled rice, sugar and cream, coffee, saloon biscuit
and butter, boiled ham for supper, spruce bows for bed.
June 2, 1900 Left Big Lake 8:30 AM arrived
at Little Sushitna River 1 PM. Had dinner, took picture
of pack train crossing river. Jumbo (horse) fell over bank
near river, broke open box goods but no harm done only sugar.
Made camp about 1 mile from Bald Mt. Rice and salmon for supper,
weather fine.
June 3, 1900 Arrived at Herning cabin.
Reached summit of mountain 1 PM left provisions on a rock, returned
to camp at foot of mountain. Morris left for Knik with 2 pack horses
at 4:30. Shot 4 ptarmigans and had supper 11 PM. Reached summit
at 2 AM Monday. Snowshoe'd over to Willow Creek arrived at my cabin
at 5:30 AM, shot 5 ptarmigan.
June 4, 1900 Things at Homestake and Gilbert
cabin in fair condition, pork was rusty and several things gone
according to list. Took out bedding, sugar, fruit, axe,
some cooking utensils. Cleaned up my cabin, ate 4 ptarmigans
for dinner. No snow on Willow Creek but considerable on Grubstake
Gulch and mountains.
June 5, 1900 Remodeled bunks in my cabin. Started
for mountain by way of Grubstake Gulch to sled over provisions.
Got sleds to 1st summit, was storming on mountains so we returned,
arrived 2 AM.
June 6, 1900 Storming on the mountains.
Tore down and removed Gus Benson tent cabin to make calidoor
in front of my cabin. Took off saddle boards and weather
strips, covered roof with heavy duck to keep out storm. Tyoon
Bill’s dog left at noon to Knik most likely.
June 7, 1900 Snow storm covered creek bottom
white. Went up to Homestake cabin, brought down Jack and rubber
boots, rain coat, tools etc. to my cabin.
June 8, 1900 Very clear after the storm.
Left for Bald Mt. to sled over grub by way Grubstake Gulch.
Saw bear on gulch, arrived mountain 11 PM with two sled loads,
left mountain for Wet Gulch, no snow other way. Remember
coasting down the mountain 40 miles per hour.
June 9, 1900 Sledded grub as far as right hand
fork on Wet Gulch, no more snow, cached it there. Air full of
smoke, forest fire below.
June 10, 1900 AM done washing and baking.
Made my bunk mosquito proof - dude will have to stay on the outside.
Wrote one sheet to Mattie, made shammie bag for gold watch.
Put shelves up in cabin.
June 11, 1900 Butler and I went over to Wet
Gulch and packed over 100 lbs. grub. Cut gable end in calidoor
and oil sheet over roof of cabin. Made garden. Mosquitoes
thick tonight. Baked 1st raised bread. Put lock on
my cabin door.
June 12, 1900 Went up to Martha Claim found
provisions etc. in good shape except bacon which the mice had
eaten. Found two old channels where we could turn the creek
which prospected. Killed 4 parky’s, will move up to Martha
Claim Wednesday.
June 13, 1900 Went up to Martha Claim started
ditch abreast of cabin to turn creek into old channel.
Packed up what grub we needed and teamed out trail. Shot 2
ptarmigans and caught 2 parky’s on way up.
June 14, 1900 Moved up bedding from my cabin
to Martha cabin. Worked on ditch near cabin on Martha,
considerable frost in the ground. Fixed up two bunks with
mosquito proof. Caught 2 parky’s, very fine weather, mosquitoes
just ripe.
June 15, 1900 Worked on dam and ditch.
Very nice weather snow on mountains nearly gone, the creek is
a foot high. Had ptarmigan and parky stew, beans,
biscuit, butter and coffee for dinner. Panned out two pans of
dirt in ditch and got good colors.
June 16, 1900 Worked on dam and ditch, blasted
out rock in ditch, most completed. Some fog on mountains
tonight, made table suitable for two, after supper. Menu
- pea soup, baked pork and beans, bread and butter, rice with sauce,
apple sauce, coffee with cream.
June 17, 1900 Worked on ditch 2 hours to finish
but was stopped by rain, got good prospects in ditch.
Went down to my cabin for supplies. Had dinner bean soup,
baked beans, boiled potatoes, bread and butter, coffee and cream,
mince pie. Evening made and put up table. Rainy day.
June 18, 1900 Rained all day. Let creek
into ditch and built about 30’ of dam got soaking wet.
June 19, 1900 Rained all day. Lowered
dam some and made flume gate for dam also put one of the old
tents over roof of Martha Cabin as she was leaking. Bear
came down side of mountain south of cabin during early noon.
Evening wrote a few lines to Mattie.
June 20, 1900 Still working on dam, completed
to 2nd fork of channel. Dam 4’ high and 4’ to 6’ wide.
June 21, 1900 Worked on dam, had to widen ditch
as it wouldn’t carry the creek when she was high. Made
the ditch 12’ wide at mouth.
June 22, 1900 Lowered ditch and raised up wall
in case high water. Carried up head sluice box from last
years prospect hole down creek at foot of claim. Everyone
went down to my cabin for more grub.
June 23, 1900 Finished dam wall which is 100’
long by 3’ to 5’ deep by 2’ to 4’ wide. Built same
and cut ditch 100’ long 12’ wide by 3’ deep in 8 days, two men at
work. Cut ditch wider and got ready to set sluice boxes just
below Martha cabin on north side of basin.
June 24, 1900 Didn’t do much only cooking cut
wood, etc., hands very sore after building dam. Sunday
dinner parky stew, baked beans, bread and butter, coffee and cream,
rice pudding.
June 25, 1900 Carried up sluice boxes from
foot of claim to north side of creek in front of Martha cabin.
Built part of sluice dam. Set boxes in creek bed and had
to widen ditch where we turned the creek on account of high water.
Shot a ptarmigan with a stone.
June 26, 1900 Set riffles and got water running
through sluice boxes. Now got ditch as wide as Willow Creek,
water still high. Sunny and very fine. Small mosquitoes
began.
June 27, 1900 First sluicing. Raised
up 100’ dam 1’ finished sluice dam. Now have control of
water OK. Small mosquitoes very savage. All ready
now for actual sluicing.
June 28, 1900 Removed a ton of rock from ditch
and then corked dam to stop a couple of leaks. Went down
to Homestake cabin for rubber boots, sluice boxes, etc.
Shot black duck in creek. Mosquitoes very savage.
June 29, 1900 Commenced actual sluicing on
Martha Claim. Got 5¢ pans in gravel, shortened one
box length. Rain and lots of it raised creek highest of
season, put patches on my old boots. Evening wrote to Johnston
and Gilbert.
June 30, 1900 Rained all day. Dug small
ditch from sluice dam to relieve and shut off water from sluice
boxes, got good prospects in ditch. Cut up stove wood and
looked after big dam, water very high.
July 1, 1900 Patched boots and did some cooking,
parky stew with dumplings, mince meat and beans for dinner.
July 2, 1900 Sluiced all day one box length.
Creek gone down one foot. Grass knee high, mosquitoes
very calm. Sluiced 9 hours.
July 3, 1900 Shoveled in 4½ hours. Left
Martha Claim for my cabin, 5 PM left my cabin for cache
over on Wet Gulch with butter, packed over case of cream, 25 lbs.
potatoes, 15 cond. milk, eggs etc. 112 lbs. Met Morris coming
in from Knik. Got 6 letters from Mattie one from J. O. May.
July 4, 1900 Went up to Homestake prospected
Gilbert’s Claim above canyon.
July 5, 1900 Sluiced on Martha Claim 5 hours.
Left 7 letters with Bill Morris to go out with Indian.
July 6, 1900 Sluiced all day, 10 hours.
Found 10¢ nugget, 1st coarse gold. Nearly down to
bedrock, ½ of 1st set up done. Cloudy and foggy all
day and the band plays on.
July 7, 1900 Sluiced 11 hours cleaned up on
riffle got 1/3 oz. fine gold. Cloudy and foggy.
July 8, 1900 Got 5 parky’s ready for the pot.
With Butler went up to Bear Claim and put up new notice
board and prospected up to head of Martha Claim. Got sample
of black sand for assay, got colors in every pan. Went through
pass to head of Little Sushitna River came home soaking wet.
July 9, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours found some coarse
gold. For dinner fried parky’s, bean soup, baked beans, bread
and butter, coffee with cream, mince meat. Supper cold parky,
granulated potatoes, coffee, cream.
July 10, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours with better
prospects in sight. Finished 1st set up about 75 cubes
of gravel. Wrote few pages to Mattie about packing up for
trip to mines.
July 11, 1900 Sluiced 8 hours. Bill Morris
came up after onions from our garden had ¾ oz. Willow
Creek gold taken from 4 box lengths. Indian went to Knik
with our 1st mail out from Willow Creek.
July 12, 1900 Finished 1st set up on
Martha Claim, time for one man 164 hours. Hail storm for 15
minutes clear and cool in evening.
July 13, 1900 Tore out sluice dam, turned outside
channel in small cut. Took out sluice boxes, got ready for 2nd
set up. Cut the willows down that hung over the creek.
Trout for supper.
July 14, 1900 Built sluice dam set boxes now
ready for working out 2nd set up. Parky stew for dinner.
shot big parky with hatchet out of cabin door, dandy shot.
July 15, 1900 Rained all day, did not work.
For dinner, had parky pot pie, vegetable soup, onions, vegetable
Alaskan style, bread and butter, coffee and cream. Went
down to my cabin for more grub. Called on Bill Morris who
was sluicing at 7 PM, dog was sick
July 16, 1900 Finished sluice dam and opened
drain ditch. Rained most of PM saw beautiful rainbows
at head of Willow Creek. Weighed up 1st clean up had 8
dwt. and 23 gr. 45¢ for day for digging drain ditch.
July 17, 1900 Sluiced 9 hours, found some coarse
gold 6” above clay bedrock Dinner pea soup, beans browned
in the pan, bread and butter, coffee with cream. Supper
baked peas, rice, peaches etc.
July 18, 1900 Sluiced 4 hours, heavy rain and
hail storm. Put soles on boots, cut fire wood and ground
axes. For supper parky stew with green peas, rice, peach
sauce etc.
July 19, 1900 Snow on mountains at the head
of Willow Creek. Hard weather on skeeters. Took picture
of 2nd set up. Sluiced 5 hours turned over big boulder found
no coarse gold under it as expected.
July 20, 1900 Sluiced until 5 PM, heavy rain,
no skeeters to bother but the sand flies are getting in their
work. Caught 2 parky’s in traps, shot one with a club, parky
stew tomorrow.
July 21, 1900 Sluiced 3½ hours, cleaned
up got 8 pwt. and 8 gr., three box lengths. Morning got
stitch in back evening put on large mustard plaster.
July 22, 1900 Back some better, done my washing.
Butler caught 2 dozen brook trout and I chinked up and corked
up big dam. Trout day, 3 dozen fried trout, potatoes, brown gravy,
bread and butter, coffee and cream, apple dumplings for Sunday dinner.
Temperature 65.
July 23, 1900 Went prospecting up to forks
of Martha Claim found gold in every pan and some cent pieces.
Had fried ptarmigans for dinner, caught 4 parky’s in traps. Bill
Morris still sluicing on Willow at mouth of Grubstake. Temperature
65.
July 24, 1900 Put in celloid window in my private
cabin, done baking etc. Prospected canyon on Gilbert’s
Claim got 36¢ in 12 pans. Cleaned out 4 boxes on Homestake
got 7 pwt. 15 gr. - $6.10 in 2 hours.
July 25, 1900 Prospected on Homestake, took
out 2 pwt. 3 gr., $1.70 in 5 pans. Cleaned out and re-corked
6 boxes and got 11 pwt. $8.80 and built sluice dam ready for sluicing.
Parky stew for dinner.
July 26, 1900 Set up 6 boxes built sluice dam
to sluice on bank, half way between Johnston’s and Homestake cabins.
Cleaned up Homestake cabin and fixed up the stove got home 8 PM.
Already to commence sluicing Friday morning.
July 27, 1900 Moved up from my cabin to Homestake
with provisions, filed man saw and did some baking. Sluiced
6 hours 1st sluicing on Homestake 1900. Found all coarse
gold mostly bedrock digging.
July 28, 1900 Sluiced all day 10 hours. Cleaned
up 1st riffle got 15 dwt. 11 gr. 6 hours most coarse gold,
1¢ to 5¢ pans Caught a weasel in trap under cabin, we
let him go free. Mosquitoes and sand flies quite bad.
July 29, 1900 Butler and I left Homestake
for Martha Claim, at dinner there was baked beans, mince sauce,
pea soup, bread and butter, coffee and cream. Butler caught
17 nice brook trout. Brought back tools.
Stopped at my cabin and got clothing, cream, etc.
July 30, 1900 Sluiced on bank 10 hours. Fog
and rain all day. Seventeen brook trout, potatoes, brown gravy,
bread and butter, peach sauce, Birthday Dinner.
July 31, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours then cleaned
up got 1-19-15. Two days work $8 to the man avg. to date
$5.50 to the man. Got one nugget 56¢ total with dust
from joints of boxes 2-4-6 $9 to the man.
August 1, 1900 Moved boxes up the creek 8 lengths,
got $4 from joints of boxes. New set up to sluice bank
left hand side up as far as where Andrews left off. Blasted out
boulder. Quit work at 8:30 PM, parky supper.
August 2, 1900 Built 2nd sluice dam - Homestake
Claim sluiced, very heavy rain. Morris said if the mail didn’t
come in by Sunday August 5th he would go out to Knik to get it
and some tobacco.
August 3, 1900 Sluiced 8 hours rain most all
day. Found one pay streak in bank 1 to 5¢ pieces.
Creek up, cool rains and quite a bit of snow still on left fork
Grubstake. Evening wrote few lines to my wife.
August 4, 1900 Sluiced 8 hours. Indian arrived
with mail and 1 bag flour, 20 lbs. sugar.
August 5, 1900 Got up at 7 AM, Indians were
ready to start for Knik. Sent letter and $10 to Palmer
for provisions, told him I would pay $2 to get mail out on SS Bertha
August 20th. Dinner 3 lbs. fresh salmon, taters, bread and butter,
coffee and cream, peach pie. Rain in evening.
August 6, 1900 Rain, creek very high, could
not sluice. Moved 6 flumes down creek 220 yards. Floated
boxes down creek, got wet from head to foot. Parky's for dinner.
August 7, 1900 Prospected, water still high,
sluiced 4 hours. Packed up and cut up firewood very warm
after the 24 hr. rain storm. Caught weasel in trap.
Commenced wearing leather shirt.
August 8, 1900 Cleaned up got 1 oz. 1 dwt.
and 21 gr. 23 hours work. Fixed up dam and ground
sluiced away bank. Evening made an Alaskan flute out of
tin it was dandy. Got 40¢ nugget.
August 9, 1900 Sluiced 7 hours water high,
prospect run out on bank. Took picture of Homestake Claim
from foot of same. Rain cold like fall weather 1st real fall day,
windy.
August 10, 1900 Cold rain all day with snow
on mountain peaks. Sluice dam went out, did not work.
Butler picked first mess of bog and blue berries made tin flute,
a dandy, made drawing of Martha Claim. Cold fall rain, snow
on the mountain peaks. 1st shortcake.
August 11, 1900 Cleaned up boxes to move up
creek and work creek bed where Andrews left off. Set up
flume boxes and repaired some that was broken by snow slides winter
1899 and 1900. Water very cold and hats leaking badly.
Skeeters gone.
August 12, 1900 Cold rain and foggy, creek
very high. Went down to my cabin for potatoes and cream.
Cut firewood etc. Flume dam to build Monday - Called on Morris.
August 13, 1900 Built flume dam, moved
boxes to third set up on Homestake. Creek high and water cold
worked 11 hours. Now ready to work in creek bottom where
E. Andrews left off 1898, set up 6 flume, 7 sluice boxes.
August 14, 1900 Sluiced 8 hours got $1.17 on
pan on bedrock Supper boiled rice and blueberry shortcake
4” a cube each, coffee, cream, bread etc.
August 15, 1900 Genuine old fashioned fall
rain. Cold wind with snow on mountain peaks, creek high.
Did no sluicing cut fire wood put more rock on flume dam, etc.
August 16, 1900 Creek very high, took out our
flume dam during night. Snow on the mountain peaks and
highest water of season. Went down to my cabin and made a
pump for bedrock use. Made over dam gate, double the size, cut wood.
Had blue and bog shortcake for supper.
August 17, 1900 Cold rain all day creek higher,
can not sluice until creek goes down. Located claims,
Hillside Bench Claim – A. M. Bridgman, Big Bolder John R. Newman,
Jos. H. Allen, Thos. E. Griver, Elevated claim, H. A. Stearns,
Claud L. Allen, Edw. C. Davis.
August 18, 1900 Rain harder than ever, creek
on the rise. Our sluice boxes moved off of foundation but did
not float away. Cut down bank on left hand side.
Cut fire wood etc.
August 19, 1900 Rain 90 hours, streams are
highest known since 1896. It took out front of Morris
Claim and filled up drain ditch. Made notice boards for
Big Bolder, Elevated and Hillside Placer Claims. Took down
Klondike cloth bag to my cabin. For supper blueberry shortcake.
August 20, 1900 Went up to Martha Claim took
picture of down Willow Creek. Big dam on Martha Claim
stood flood OK. Butler caught 18 beauty brook trout. Turned
water off sluice boxes put more rock in dam.
August 21, 1900 Heavy rain all day. Wrote
to E. C. Davis and Co. about the conditions of things at the
Mines. 140 days one man 10 to 14 hrs. mostly on Martha Claim
- Morris $6.18 ground sluicing. Look for dust last of October.
Washed Out.
August 22, 1900 Sluiced one hour on bank got
4 dwt. and 3 gr. Cut rods to fix up dam. Evening
Bill Morris came up and stayed for supper, had rice and blueberry
shortcake, coffee with cream, bread and butter. First clear sunset
in August clear and colder, first frost. Ending of a 144
hour rain, longest and heaviest rain known here.
August 23, 1900 Clear as a bell. Rebuilt
flume, dam creek going down fast. Put on sod on dam 15’
long, a Jim dandy. Got wet as usual, blueberry shortcake
for supper.
August 24, 1900 Back-walled flume dam, rebuilt
sluice and reset boxes, opened drain ditch. Now ready
for work where we started on the 14th and got washed out.
Weather most perfect. Rover visited on us all day.
Wrote a few lines to Mattie.
August 25, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours, blasted out
drain ditch at noon time. Creek down to normal size.
Sent Rover home with tag on his collar for Bill Morris.
August 26, 1900 AM done cooking etc. cut hair
and whiskers. Morris visited to get his dog Rover. Put
up location board on Big Boulder Claim. Went down to my
cabin to sharpen crowbar. Had big blueberry shortcake for supper,
4” x 8”.
August 27, 1900 Sluiced all day in cold wet
rain, picked up 19 gr. small pieces on bedrock. Put in
two blasts to open drain ditch, evening painted drill bar.
The devil and rain seems to be with us, when will the sun shine again!
August 28, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours. Got one side
worked up to sluice dam. Evening brought down flume that
was broken by snow slide, will joint it on to rear of flume tomorrow
to help out drain ditch back water etc. Got up last night
in my sleep.
August 29, 1900 Cold rain with snow on mountain
peaks. Brought down broken flume fixed it up and set it in as
tail flume box. Bill Morris came up at 5, stayed for supper
- going to Knik tomorrow.
August 30, 1900 Sluiced 7 hours put in several
blasts to open bedrock - found in creek a 10 gr. nugget.
Cut and packed up firewood to last a week.
August 31, 1900 Sluiced on left side of boxes
10 hours. Found good paying bedrock, took out 49 grains
in 3 pans, gold in sight all day. 6 PM came on rain as usual.
Butler’s bread went back on him so we made raised donuts of it.
Found several 10¢ nuggets.
September 1, 1900 Sluiced 10 hours. Gold
in sight all day, took out 1 dwt. to the pan. Cleaned
up one riffle and took out 5 dwt. 11 gr. Found good paying bedrock
that run into right hand bank.
September 2, 1900 Sluiced 5 hours, took out
$1 pan and 1 - 30¢ nugget. Went up to Martha Claim
took out sluice boxes, cleaned up cabin. Caught 18 fine
brook trout, shot 2 ptarmigans and 2 parky’s, got home at quarter
of nine. Evening dressed game.
September 3, 1900 Cold and rain came on. Got
$51.56 for 7½ days work by two men. Had fried
brook trout for dinner. Evening much colder, snowing on
mountains Got 5 more days work we would like to do but the
weather is doubtful. Clean up 3-4-11.
September 4, 1900 Cold rain all of AM. Sluiced
4 hours creek on the rise again. For dinner fried parky’s.
For supper fried ptarmigan. Caught weasel in trap, making
it 6 in all.
September 5, 1900 Finished sluicing.
For 13 hours work cleaned up 19 dwt. and 12 gr. $15.60.
Pay streak run under flume so had to give up sluicing unless we
moved over the flume. Weather cold and clear.
September 6, 1900 Ground sluiced on Gilbert
Claim took 10 gr. Cleaned out Homestake sluice boxes got
11 dwt. 8 gr. Piled boxes on bank just below cabin.
Put tools in cabin, closed up business for season of 1900.
Knik Next.
September 7, 1900 Left Willow Creek for Knik
Station. Left Homestake cabin at 11:30 AM crossed over
mountains, shot 9 ptarmigans with 4 shots in timber near Little
Sushitna River. Had beans, coffee and donuts for supper. Made
a lean to, to sleep under retired 11 PM.
September 8, 1900 Had boiled ptarmigans and
donuts for breakfast. Broke camp 8 AM arrived at 1st lake
for dinner had coffee at small creek crossing for supper 5:30 PM,
at the Cottonwood 8:30. Stayed over night with a prospector
there came down to Knik Sunday AM.
September 9, 1900 Arrived at Knik 11
AM, took up quarters in Shorty’s cabin. Had no breakfast
on account of tide being high. Dinner boiled ptarmigans, whole wheat
biscuits, cream new potatoes from Palmer’s garden, lettuce, coffee
etc.
September 10, 1900 Palmer says this is Tuesday
but I don’t believe it yet. Very fine day got up at 8,
had a boiled dinner, 2 ptarmigans, carrots, parsnips, turnips
and new potatoes from Palmer’s garden with cranberry mince on the
side. Recorded claims and assay work. Waiting for the
boat to Tyonek.
September 11, 1900 Not much doing only enjoying
vegetables from Palmer’s garden. Shot one grouse.
Had mess of green peas with new potatoes. Bought parky robe,
2 moccasins, ladle and bidarka from Palmer. Tyonek tomorrow
if weather permits.
September 12, 1900 Left Knik on way to Tyonek
with Indian Goosmer and his sail boat. Arrived Fire Island
for dinner, went hunting, got 3 blue grouse and 2 large rabbits.
Camped over night on the beach. Saw plenty of markings from
moose on the Island. Grouse for supper, rabbit for breakfast.
September 13, 1900 Left upper end of
Fire Island at 8 AM had good voyage across, had to row
all the way, no wind, arrived Ladd Station 2 PM. Frank Churchill
was in charge he gave us a good warm dinner and supper. Left
Ladd Station at 6:30 AM, got to Tyonek 7:45 PM. Took quarters
in cabin next to no. 2 Boys cabin got letter from Mattie.
September 14, 1900 Got 2 rolls film and registered
letter Mattie sent with birthday present. Butler got registered
letter containing divorce from his wife, he was much surprised
and will now stay in Alaska. Found Davis Launch returned,
was housed over but P. W. Co. but couldn’t use her.
September 15, 1900 Old fashioned tail wind.
Noon took surf scene and a picture of Davis Launch. Sold Butler
shotgun and Indian Stephan old sweater, gloves, shirt, etc.
Took order from Butler for 1 can Carnation cream and 12 lbs. Elgin
butter to ship from Seattle on SS Bertha Oct. 8th with his baggage
and watch from Blake Hotel, Seattle. High surf.
September 16, 1900 Repacked my clothing washed
white shirt collars. Bought 2 more moccasins for speculation,
sold two handkerchiefs and arctic sox for 50¢. Read
over Mattie’s letters. Finished letter to my sister Clara.
Started letter to Mattie. Expect SS Bertha the 23rd.
September 17, 1900 Butler and I went up to
Ladd Station in small dory and got balance of A. B. Smith
goods and dumped them off to Butler for $7. Arrived
at Tyonek 3 PM. Hanmore beached the Davis launch for the winter.
September 18, 1900 Done washing. Talked with
Thomas Hanmore about oil wells down the Inlet, will take out
samples of it. Early morning Butler went out and shot 5
grouse. Had stuffed and baked duck and grouse for dinner.
Butler filed up saws. Evening mended clothes. Wrote
to Cleghorn about photos. Steamer Roland from Nome came in
and left off 5 prospectors.
September 19, 1900 At Tyonek, helped Butler
build a cache near no. 2 Boys cabin. Tore down the Revere
Boys donkey barn to build same. Bought another pair moccasins
very fine warm day. Had fried grouse for supper. Mended
clothes in evening.
September 20, 1900 Had grouse pot pie for dinner.
Tried our hand at laundering white shirts etc. Evening, Hoover
of Mills Creek visited on us. Butler gave me special power
attorney to sell his interest in mines.
September 21, 1900 Perry arrived from Sunrise
with 15 passengers for SS Bertha. Met Com. Brooks from Sunrise
and Mr. Cook of Hope. Received from Butler the balance on
A. B. Smith outfit from Ladd Station $7. Mailed letter to
A. B. Smith and Cleghorn. Called on Humpy Stephan his Bobbie
was sick.
September 22, 1900 At Tyonek helped Butler
on his new cache. Took picture of cache and the Hanmore
cabin we were living in. Looking for the SS Bertha on morning
tide 4 AM Wrote to Dr. Glancy.
September 23, 1900 No SS Bertha. Looked
at Hanmore’s undercurrent sluice box and apron. Had Mrs.
Cook and Passwater with us for supper. Evening got sample of Cook
Inlet lubricating oil from Mr. Hanmore. Rain evening bought
birch baskets.
September 24, 1900 No SS Bertha yet, I think
she visited at Kodiak first. Mrs. Fred Smith and
Bob Mickelson of Sunrise City visited on us. Cold rain with wind
and the surf getting rough -- they run the mink into the creek.
Two men arrived from Nome via Iliamna Bay.
September 25, 1900 At Tyonek, rain and no SS
Bertha. Mr. John Sudan of Palmer Creek and New York visited.
Nome report 600 people coming over from Bristol Iliamna Bay to
catch SS Bertha out Oct. 20th.
September 26, 1900 Rain and rough surf.
Perry drug anchor and had to put for Ladd Creek. Mr. Cook
came around with a petition for a Deputy for Cook Inlet mines and
oil.
September 27, 1900 Perry returned on high tide
but no SS Bertha yet. Noon took picture of Government
buildings. Traded clock and old pants for bidarka canoe
and got 2 bitts to boot.
September 28, 1900 SS Bertha arrived at Tyonek
6:30 AM, left Tyonek 11 AM, arrived Kenai 3:30, left mail and
freight. Left Kenai for Kadiak, Mr. Passwater roommate.
September 29, 1900 Passed out Cooks Inlet by
Cape Elizabeth and Barren Island 3:30 AM, arrived at Kadiak
2:30 PM to leave off over 100 tons freight. Took picture
approaching the dock and back view of town from hillside.
Evening, attended Russian church, also took picture of church.
September 30, 1900 Left Kadiak at 1:30 PM for
Valdez, weather very fine, smooth sea.
October 1, 1900 Arrived Montague Island, Prince
William Sound 8 AM. Arrived at Naked Island 5 PM. Left
off a Russian and family who will look after foxes on island
for 2 years. Latouche Island, one mine. Smooth sea,
passed the SS Newport on her way out.
October 2, 1900 Arrived Alaska Commercial
Co. wharf, head of Military Port Valdez 12 AM,
transferred some coal. Arrived Valdez
at noon, took three pictures. Crossed over to U. S. Post
Swanstown 4 PM. Left off freight, took on several and Mrs.
Capt. Abercrombie. Left at 6 and arrived Virgin Bay 8 PM.
October 3, 1900 Arrived at Virgin Bay, tied
up at Neenach’s Dock. Took on 300 tons copper ore taken
from beach at low tide. Now sinking shaft to drift underneath
tidewater. Left Virgin Bay for Orca at 6 PM.
October 4, 1900 On SS Bertha, arrived Orca
12 PM, left 4 AM. Smooth sea out of Prince William Sound
and to Kayak. Passed Bering Glacier at 5 PM also the SS
Excelsior bound for Orca. Arrived at Kayak 8:30 PM left off
a few tanks oil and freight. Left Kayak 10 P M.
October 5, 1900 Arrived 12 AM Yakutat, left
5 AM. Arrived near Lituya Bay midnight headwind and choppy.
October 6, 1900 Wind and rain, only made 4
knots per hour. Saturday night hoved too near Lituya
Bay.
October 7, 1900 On SS Bertha, passed Lituya
Bay, rain and head winds. Arrived across sound, had
to dodge large cakes of ice floating out of sound. 6 PM Inside,
smooth water and lots of floating ice all came down to dinner.
October 8, 1900 Arrived Juneau 6 AM got letter
from Mattie at post office. Tied up along SS Dirigo to
take on coal, left Juneau at 10 PM, Seattle soon to follow.
October 9, 1900 Arrived Wrangle Narrows noon
finished at 2:30 PM. Cloudy with some rain. Passed
tug boat in Narrows. No SS Dirigo or Seattle yet in sight.
October 10, 1900 On SS Bertha, arrived Dixon
Entrance at 8 AM passed out 11:30. Passed SS Humbolt on her
up-trip. Rain most all day.
October 11, 1900 Passed the SS Al-Ki 11 AM
and the small town Bella Bella at 11:30 took snap of the SS
Al-Ki and Indian graveyard. Turned over Butler’s watch
to purser Linden to be repaired and returned.
October 12, 1900 Passed through the Seymour
Narrows after dinner, arrived at Comox, B. C. 8 PM, could not
go in was dark could not see the buoys dropped the mud hook till
5 Saturday morning.
October 13, 1900 Union Day, arrived Comox,
B.C., 7 AM arrived to take on 260 tons coal for SS Bertha’s
up-trip. Coal bunkers are 7 miles from town. SS Farallon
was taking on coal.
October 14, 1900 Passed Victoria 8:30 AM arrived
Port Townsend at 2 PM went into quarantine until 3 left at 3:35
for Seattle. Arrived Seattle 8:30 PM took rooms at
the Northern.
October 15, 1900 At Seattle bought goods for
Butler and got his gun and bag ready to ship to Tyonek.
Left on Great Northern Railroad 8 PM train St. Paul
to Chicago.
October 29, 1900 Cleaned my gold.
October 30, 1900 Mattie’s birthday, gave her
Alaska parky robe. .
November 16, 1900 Dust 5-10-6, nuggets 5-11.
November 23, 1900 Sent 6 oz. gold dust to U.
S. assay office, Seattle by American Express Co.
December 14, 1900 Evening, worked on map of
Willow Creek.
December 15, 1900 Got 10 nuggets, 5 dwt. 11
gr. mounted for stick pins, made up, they weighed 10 dwt. and
20 gr.
December 28, 1900 Sent Davis and Co. report
on Willow Creek Mines, also drawings and pictures of Willow Creek
Mines. Draft $56.61; dust 1 oz. 2 dwt. 18 gr., also location
notices to new mines and assessment work.
1900 GOLD DUST CLEANUPS
CLAIM
DATE
OZ DWT
GR
MARTHA 7/12
SLUICING
8
23
MARTHA 7/21
8
08
HOMESTAKE 7/24 CRACKS
7
15
HOMESTAKE 7/24 PROSPECTING
12 PANS
11
7/25 PROSPECTING 5 PANS
2
03
HOMESTAKE 7/25 CRACKS
11
00
7/28 1st CLEAN UP
15
11
7/31 2nd CLEANUP
2 4
06
8/8 3rd CLEANUP
1 1
21
8/11 4th CLEANUP
5
10
8/22 5th CLEANUP
4
03
9/3 6th CLEANUP
3 4
11
9/5 7th CLEANUP
19
12
PROSPECT 9/7
GILBERTS
10
GROSS TOTAL
10 14
0
CLEANED OUT
4 9
NET TOTAL
10
9 15
CRACKS AND PROSPECTING
20
15
NET BALANCE SLUICING
9 9
0
1901
January 5, 1901 Received letter E. C.
Davis Co. acknowledging receipt of draft, dust and report and
map of Willow Creek. Was well pleased with my work for season
of 1900.
January 7, 1901 Answered company letter
stating my price on the Willow Creek mines and to help organize
a new Company.
January 22, 1901 Received letter from Bridgman
said he was well pleased with Alaskan report.
January 27, 1901 Answered Allen’s letter
referred them to A. B. Smith to help sell the mines. Asked
them to close my interest out.
February 1, 1901 Replied to A. B. Smith letter
that I would give him $50 if sale was made and I sold my 1/10
interest otherwise all I could promise was a salary with the new
company-to-be. Wrote to E. C. Davis Co. that A. B. Smith would
serve them in NY.
February 4, 1901 Sent A. B. Smith letter in
detail about Willow Creek Mines also a Johnston and Herning map
and sketch map of Willow Creek.
February 12, 1901 Received letter from George
Palmer Knik Alaska.
February 14, 1901 Wrote A. Beverly Smith, advised
him to get option if saw chance to make money for Smith and Herning.
February 19, 1901 Received letter from Al Gilbert
of Bakersfield, Cal. would take $100 for his tools, rights etc.
to his two claims on Grubstake.
February 21, 1901 Received letter from Smith
and Bridgman about forming Syndicate Co.
February 24, 1901 Wrote A. B. Smith about Syndicate
Co. and Gilbert property and working mines.
February 26, 1901 Wrote Allen that they must
either sell my interest or for a Syndicate to develop, not buy
the mines.
March 6, 1901 Answered Al Gilbert’s letter,
gave him news of Willow Creek, sent bill of sale $100 for Lottie
and Last Chance claims, tools boxes, etc. Sent note for amount
to be paid Nov. 1, 1901.
March 8, 1901 Griffith and wife visited, showed
them pictures of Alaska and had genuine old fashioned Alaskan
talk.
March 9, 1901 Wrote Bridgman, told him I would
stop sale of Willow Creek mine unless I was guaranteed sum of
$2,600.
March 11, 1901 Wrote A. B. Smith that I had
written Bridgman that I must get $2,000 or would stop the deal.
Also wanted A. B. Smith to dictate letter to send to Davis and Co.
about the mines.
March 12, 1901 Received letter from Mr. Cartwright
with film negative of camp on Tyonek beach. Also one from
George Hadlock - boats on Tyonek beach. Also silver quartz
from Dr. K of the Lucrative Mines Bonanza, Colo.
March 20, 1901 Received bill of sale from Al
Gilbert for Lottie and Last Chance Mines on Grubstake. PM letters
from Mr. Bridgman wanted me to come to Boston.
March 22, 1901 Wrote to Bridgman final result.
Was to telegraph if my plans suited.
March 26, 1901 Sent Bridgman sample of Cook
Inlet lubricating oil.
March 27, 1901 Received letter from Mrs. G.
F. Butler inquiring about her husband. Wrote A. B. Smith that
the company would raise the dough and that I may come east before
going to Alaska.
March 28, 1901 Received two letters from A.
W. Bridgman said they would have all the money that I needed inside
of 30 days and Allen would write.
March 29, 1901 Received letter from J. H. Allen
(Davis and Co.) saying they would have all the cash I wanted
inside 30 days.
March 30, 1901 Sent supplies to Butler to leave
Seattle April 8th on SS Bertha from Seattle. Received
letter from Passwater and Bridgman. Passwater was going
north on SS Bertha April 8th.
March 31, 1901 Sent Allen dictated letter.
Gave KB Co. up to April 15th to fulfill agreement to sell out
and get me $2,600. Would not agree to work for them after
that date.
April 1, 1901 Must leave here 4th if to do
assessment work they were to telegraph the money.
April 3, 1901 Letter from Bridgman about oil
in Cook Inlet also letter from Smith about K and B deal. Wrote
to Hanmore and Passwater on SS Bertha in route to Alaska.
Told Passwater that I would try and call him at Hope City, May or
September.
April 4, 1901 Received telegram from Davis
and Co. read: had meeting with Bridgman and friends would
have assessment funds by 15th and pledges for plant they believed.
Wrote F. A. G. M. Co. that I would sell for $15,000, I to be retained
as manager.
April 5, 1901 Wrote Bridgman that we had no
oil property that the no. 2 Boys could have had. Wrote
Smith that I did not take him up on assessment fund.
April 6, 1901 Received letters from Allen and
Bridgman saying assessment fee would be ready 15th and hoped
to have pledges for plant.
April 8, 1901 Wrote Al Gilbert to address me
at Seattle, send note to Sylvester Bros. or Scandinavian American
Bank for collection if discounted. Send key to cabin and
amount dust taken out 1897, 1898, 1899. Wrote Allen that things
must be closed up April 15 or would start with a clean slate.
Wanted $800 for assessment work. Also wrote Bridgman.
April 9, 1901 Received letter from Moulton,
Turnagain, wanted option for 90 days lowest price on mines.
April 12, 1901 Sent Dr. Moulton another map
(Johnston and Herning) could give option on Grubstake.
Received message from E. C. Davis Co. read: Farnsworth reports
pledges meeting 16th unquestionably favorable. Will that
do? Answered 8 PM would wait had traffic to Seattle engaged.
Wrote letter would wait for plant.
April 13, 1901 Letter to Davis and Co. would
wait for plant, wanted to send men and horses in to get ready,
would come to Boston if money for plant came forth. Received
letter from Davis and Co. With circular letter sent out
10th to stockholders.
April 17, 1901 Noon Received message from Bridgman:
come and meet new company at once, wire Allen. Worried
I would arrive Boston 19th at 3 PM by Boston and Albany R .R.
April 18, 1901 Wrote Butler of new deal, to
keep quiet until I arrive.
April 19, 1901 Arrived at Boston, put up at
Hotel Essex room 265 (1.50 day).
April 20, 1901 Visited on Davis and Co. were
surprised to see me, failed to get my message. Bridgman came
in and met Mr. Farnsworth the promoter. Was with Farnsworth
all day. Had dinner with Allen.
April 21, 1901 Went out to Mr. Farnsworth’s
house in Roxbury had dinner showed my views Seattle to Willow
Creek.
April 22, 1901 Called on Davis and Co.
at Mr. Farnsworth’s office, 7 Exchange Place, met Mr. French,
Mr. E. B. Estes, Hon. J. O. Burdett Chairman Republican Com. and
Mr. Church.
April 23, 1901 Called on AONW Mr. Burt. Evening
met Hon. Senator Morse at Adams house. Also met Mr. Phelps.
On street met W. N. Jacobs of Revere Party.
April 24, 1901 Was with Mr. F. Estes and Church
all day met Senator Morse evening. Seven men now pledged
for new company. Evening wrote J. O. May he was to wire,
wanted him to join new Co.
April 27, 1901 Introducing J. O. May to new
Syndicate and Davis and Co.
May 1, 1901 Bt. 1,200 shares Dirigo oil stock,
I am to pay $150 next Oct. or when I get the money.
May 2, 1901 Gold mining in Boston.
May 3, 1901 Talking gold mining.
May 6, 1901 Received message from Frank McGuire
that he wanted to go in on new Syndicate. Also letter from
J. O. May that he could furnish two pool men.
May 15, 1901 Held 1st meeting of new company
at Davis and Co. office. Mr. Clough was elected trustee
for company. Farnsworth and Mr. Urann were elected new directors.
May 16, 1901 Directors meeting
and money paid in. J. O. May Pres., E. B. Church Treas.,
W. A. Farnsworth Secy., myself Manager, of the mines. Mr.
Soule of Gardner Maine arrived and joined the pool.
May 17, 1901 Re-organized K and B Co. Directors
meeting at Davis and Co. office. Dr. Tracy and Mr. Soule
took dinner with us at the Essex. Phoned Frank about his
share.
May 18, 1901 Davis and Co. paid over to me
$1,000 first money to buy plant etc.
May 20, 1901 Received $100 check and 400 shares
Crescent Oil stock of Davis and Co. total $150 on account of
$500 due on company deal.
May 31, 1901 Looking up men horses and machinery
in Seattle.
June 3, 1901 Met 3 of Mulligan party, wanted
7½ day to go to Alaska. Met miner from Unga wanted
to go to Alaska - rented typewriter.
June 4, 1901 Visited at Conway Bros. stables,
in Seattle, looked over 4 horses and rode after them. Sent
pictures and letter to A. B. Smith about write up etc. Wrote
Farnsworth must have $500 more.
June 5, 1901 Looked over horses, decided on
2 bay and black was to see saddle horses. Gave in order
for plant at Mitchell Lewis and Co. SS Bertha heard of at
Union Bay.
June 6, 1901 Bought three horses from Conway
Bros. Paid down $100, balance due $170. Brown pony
$45 (4 yrs.), black gelding $125 (4 yrs.), bay $100 (8 years).
June 7, 1901 Friday looked at harnesses etc.
Drew contract with C. E. Hovey to go to Alaska for 1 year, salary
$240 fair and board. Put in order for provisions with Sylvester
Bros. and Co. Saw A. C. Co. about freight and fare to Knik.
June 8, 1901 Brought horses to harness shop
to get fitted. Opened bank account with Scandinavian American
Bank, private and for K and B Co. Ordered K and B stamps.
Bought double and single harness, 3 blankets, 3 pack saddles,
riding saddle and bridle. Bought hardware evening packed.
Fare for 3 to Tyonek
$180
Freight on 3 horses
$181
Balance
$174
Check Sylvester Bros.
$ 37
Cash for OGH
$100
Mdse. for Butler
$ 28.92
Mdsc.
$215.78
Harness
$ 69.97
Freight on merchandise
$ 28.80
Check for OGH
$ 50
$1,065.97
June 11, 1901 SS Bertha left Seattle for Cook
Inlet via Juneau. Hired C. E. Hovey, Elliott and Lewis
to go to Willow Creek and shipped three horses
with pack saddles and harnesses. Tickets for Elliott
and Lewis to Juneau $24, for typewriter $1.50, hack $1, feed
$1, putting shoes on horses etc. $3.40.
June 12, 1901 2 Passed through Seymour Narrows.
British boat overhauled us on way to Skagway. Purser on
SS Bertha wanted more money on account of mistake made in Seattle.
PM passed Queen Charlotte Sound was a little rough several were sea
sick.
June 13, 1901 Cloudy fine sail. Evening
passed Dixon Entrance very calm.
June 14, 1901 Passed the SS Topeca on her way
to Seattle. Very nice scenery. From 5 to 7 PM passed
through the Wrangle Narrows, passed a wrecked ship. Wrote
to Farnsworth and Sylvester to wire W. A. Farnsworth to accept terms
on plant, pay $1,000 down ship August 8th on SS Bertha.
June 15, 1901 Arrived Juneau 8 AM. Did considerable
trading, bought mattress and pillow, shoes for horses, rubber
coats for Elmer and Mattie, medicine, etc. Left Juneau at
noon for Sitka cool but fine. Sent $90 check to Sylvester
for Gilbert, $30 check for singletrees and whiffletrees to be shipped
with plant. Wrote Mitchell and Co. $1,000 down. Message
to W. A. Farnsworth, pay $1,000 on plant ship plant Aug. 8th on SS Bertha.
June 16, 1901 Arrived at Sitka 8 AM sent M.
L. Urann, Gilbert location notices. SS Cottage City arrived
with excursionists. Left Sitka at 10 AM by straits passed
out to open sea at noon, smooth seas. Evening showed Alaskan
views in dining hall.
June 17, 1901 Arrived at Yakutat took picture
of town. Put off freight, left at 3 PM. 10 PM passed Icy
Cape upper end of the Malaspina Glacier.
June 18, 1901 Passed Cape St. Elias went in
a new channel to Kayak. Left off some freight for oil
and coal company located out the mouth of the Chilkat River just
east of Copper River, departed at noon. Took picture of Chilkat
River. 6 PM opposite Copper River, 9:30 arrived Nuchek,
10 PM entered Prince William Sound.
June 19, 1901 12:30 AM hit rock going in to
Virgin Bay arrived at Virgin Bay 2 AM. Arrived at Swansport
9 AM put off cattle for government. Arrived at Valdez 11
AM put off 10 horses and freight onto lighter Perry. Left
Valdez for Latouche 7 PM raining as usual.
June 20, 1901 6 AM Latouche, put off freight
and men for A. K. Beatson. Left Latouche 9 AM for Cook
Inlet, passed Seal Rock 6:30 PM, the rocks were covered with
sea lions took picture. Calm sea with ground swell, birthed
light and rolled badly 10:30 passed Pt. Gore could see Cape Elizabeth.
June 21, 1901 4 AM rounded cape Elizabeth into
Cook Inlet arrived Seldovia 6 AM. Arrived at Homer at
8, left off Mr. Stone, Mr. DeWeese, Mr. Dowling and several others.
Left Homer at 10 AM. 4 PM arrived Kasilof, 6 PM arrived Kenai.
Took photo of Mt. Iliamna and Mattie and Elmer on board the SS
Bertha.
June 22, 1901 Arrived Tyonek 1 AM, schooner
St. Paul was waiting for freight and passengers. Went
ashore took breakfast with Butler, dinner with Hanmore, Judge Brooks
Chef. 3 PM boarded St. Paul with freight horses etc. for
Knik. Arrived Palmer’s storehouse 10 PM. Wind left us,
would not land horse on right hand side. Moved over to left
side and waited for flood tide to land horses and freight.
June 23, 1901 Sunday 5 AM commenced landing
horses. Bay swam ashore 1st then Nig swam ashore. Then
he jumped in again and swam nearly to Crescent Bay. Got freight
and passengers landed at 10 AM. Made camp opposite deep
water harbor. 5:30 retired 11 PM had to get up, high tide flooded
our tent. Cooked oatmeal and coffee at midnight. Took
horses up to Goose Bay.
June 24, 1901 Took picture of camp on the beach.
8 o’clock started with baggage for Knik Station. Left
Elliott and Lewis off at Goose Bay to bring up horses along the
beach to Knik. Arrived Knik 1 PM boys arrived with horses
8 PM. Made camp in the Beedy cabin. Contracted with
Palmer for oats and hay $25. Alaska Commercial Co. store closed.
N. A. A. Co. all out of supplies expected. Mattie’s 1st cabin
experience.
June 25, 1901 Sent boat down to mouth of Knik
Arm after provisions. Returned to Knik Station at 2 PM,
short box of butter. Cut firewood, hitched up team on sleigh
and hauled up wood and supplies. Stored supplies in the
Beedy Store. Took picture of team and supplies. Let
Palmer have one slab of bacon and ¼ sack flour.
June 26, 1901 Mosquitoes quite lively but not
bad enough to wear net.
June 27, 1901 Made table, stools, etc., and
blankets for horses. Horse flies very bad. Bought
52 lbs. moose meat at 10¢ lb., moose meat for dinner grouse
for supper. Waiting for Northern Commercial Co. supply
boat, want sugar and salt before starting for Willow Creek.
June 28, 1901 Warm and very fine. Capt.
Northern Commercial Company supply boat arrived had only flour
and sugar, removed Knik Store. Palmer put in a stock of goods
on his own account. Evening Mattie sang with flute accompaniment,
audience Judge Brooks, George Palmer and many others.
June 29, 1901 Supplies delivered from Northern
Commercial Company boat. Evening Judge Brooks left for
Valdez with Indian curios for sale. Offered Northern Commercial
Company $200 for a 40 to 50 ton scow to be delivered in Knik before
Aug. 20th was to let me know early about delivering scow. Wrote
W. A. Farnsworth, T. W. Hanmore and Linden about butter lost on SS
Bertha - June trip.
June 30, 1901 Got provisions ready and boated
same up to Cottonwood from Knik. Went by summit, came back
outside, got stuck 2 miles out on mud flats anchored boat and walked
ashore, arrived Knik 10:30 PM. Bought butter and sugar from
Palmer. Ready to start for Willow Creek July 1st.
July 1, 1901 Took baggage out to boat on flats.
Butler and Hovey boated up to the Cottonwood, Lewis and Elliot
took up horses. I stayed with Mattie and Elmer. Wrote
Sylvester Bros. and Co. not to send any hay but add ½ box
soap to order.
July 2, 1901 Left Knik 5 AM arrived at Cottonwood
(on Frank) 6:30, left Cottonwood at 8:30 with 3 horses 4 men
and 600 lbs. grub for Willow Creek. 11:30 reached 1st crossing
Trout Creek, cooked dinner. 5:15 arrived at 1st small lake
beyond Big Lake made camp for the night.
July 3, 1901 Left camp 9:20, arrived at Little
Sushitna River 11:30, crossed over and made camp. Grouse
and moose meat for dinner. Left 3:20 arrived at timber
line 7:15. Nig was played out, saddle hurt him. Grass
shoulder high on bench to Bald Mt.
July 4, 1901 Arrived Willow Creek, left timber
line to cross over Bald Mt., reached summit 9:30.
Reached forks of Wet Gulch 11:30, heavy rain.
Warmed up a pot of beans, reached Homestake cabin 2 AM.
Everyone wet, Nig’s back scalded very bad. Went down
to my private cabin to sleep, skeeters kept me awake till 3.
July 5, 1901 Horses were gone from Homestake.
Lewis and Elliott started out after them over to Wet Gulch.
At 5:30 I went up on bench back of Homestake cabin and found horses
feeding, went up on mountain and saw boys came back, fixed
up store and doctored up horses. Nig’s back was very bad from
saddle sore.
July 6, 1901 With Elliott and two pack horses
went up to Martha cabin for hardware and supplies. Boys
cut firewood. PM cleaned out J and B cabin for a cache to
store supplies. Filed saws light rain.
July 7, 1901 Run pipeline survey and lined
up the Homestake claim. Arranged to build dam just below
forks on Grubstake Gulch. Cleaned up my cabin, built cord
bed and removed some things from the Gilbert cabin, minded store.
Rain PM ready for Knik 4 AM.
July 8, 1901 4 AM heavy rain so did not start
for Knik. Cooked breakfast, cleaned up calidoor etc.
4 PM left Homestake cabin with 3 horses for Knik, reached forks
of Wet Gulch 6 PM, summit of mountain 7 PM, timberline 8 PM and
Little Sushitna River 11 PM. Coffee and donuts for supper set
up tent retired at 3 AM Tuesday morning.
July 9, 1901 Sausage for breakfast, had to
hunt up horses in woods. Left camp Little Sushitna River
at 9:30, river was belly deep. Arrived Big Lake at 2 let
horses feed, left at 3. Arrived at the Cottonwood 7:30 and
at Knik 9:15, found Mattie and Elmer well, but worried, because I
was 1 day late. Took bath. Palmer had started for Sunrise
but had to turn back on account of Turnagain Arm blow.
July 10, 1901 Hitched up team hauled up 3 barrels
lake water. Doctored up horses back, open in 3 places.
Left 4 men at the mines to cut timber for flume gate for dam.
Cut up wood and got ready to build pipe dam.
July 11, 1901 Doctored up horses backs.
Mattie washed. Palmer sold the Beedy store building
to Shorty so will have to move my supplies elsewhere. Palmer
and Shorty went down to storehouse for boat scow and load of
coal.
July 12, 1901 Doctored up horses. Moved
part of goods into Beedy cabin where we live. Palmer and
Shorty did not return.
July 13, 1901 Palmer returned with boat load
of coal from Point Campbell on early tide. PM hitched
up Tom and Nig and moved all our supplies from Beedy Store to
Alaska Commercial Co. cache. Shorty bought the Beedy store
off Palmer for a residence. Cleaned salted and smoked the
bacon. Got ready to leave for Willow in morning.
July 14, 1901 Bought 2 salmon and pair gloves.
Made grub box. Rest of moose for dinner. PM hunted
up horses, they were up near Millish place on the creek.
Nig’s back much better waiting for clear weather.
July 15, 1901 Wrote to Secretary W. A.
Farnsworth about what was going on with Jacks mine and F. A.
G. M. Co. and boys on Sushitna River and Caribou Creek Wrote
Urann duplicate letter about supplies ordered and to bill freight
to Knik. Got ready for trip to mines with family.
July 16, 1901 On trail with 3 horses, wife
Mattie and son Elmer. Left Beedy cabin at Knik Station for Willow
Creek at 7:15, arrived Cottonwood 9 AM. 11:30 arrived grass
flat creek crossing, ate dinner. 2nd crossing of Trout Creek,
arrived Big Lake 2:30. Arrived Little Sushitna River, camped
for the night at 6:30. Mattie rode Frank astride, Elmer and
I rode Nig. Tom carried 200 lbs. provisions. Trail muddy
in places weather fine AM rain PM.
July 17, 1901 In the morning, our horses, Tom
and Nig were gone, found them at 2nd bench from river on way
to Knik. Left camp at Little Sushitna River, arrived timber
line 1:15. At summit of Bald Mt. began raining. We
were caught in heavy fog, crossed over and hit Wet Gulch OK, arrived
at my cabin on Willow Creek 5:15. Hours actual travel 15.
Mattie was done in from riding and Elmer’s pants were wet.
July 18, 1901 Had oatmeal, bacon and moose
meat with bread butter and coffee for breakfast. Put out
all the blankets to dry and air. Mattie cleaned up shelf,
made broom, cleaned up cabin in general. Butler came down
about noon, out for moose and game. Hovey came down evening.
Cleaned out a few things from the Gilbert cabin, skeeters bad after
4 PM.
July 19, 1901 Carried up 4 sluice boxes, to
carry water by dam, so we could lay the foundation for dam.
Found prospects of gold in digging into bank for dam. Got
wet in placing sluice boxes. Butler made frame for wheelbarrow.
Boys had sods all cut and whipsawed, 2 logs for gate in dam.
Mattie and Elmer came up for first time.
July 20, 1901 Week ending July 20th exceptionally
fine for rainy season. Laid ½ of foundation to
hydraulic dam. Set in flume gate. Boys packed mossy
sand into dam with old Tom. Mattie and Elmer came up and
watched operations. Prospect 21 gr. = 70¢. Butler
nuggets $1. Made breast collar for Tom.
July 21, 1901 Worked around cabin all day.
Elliott and Lewis went out hunting up Martha Claim way, they
saw 2 moose. Mr. Hovey came down from Homestake cabin.
Took out prospect below my cabin and got 2¢ piece in the
pan. Skeeters very bad.
July 22, 1901 Very fine and warm, got in all
the bottom to the dam. Rigged up breast collar for old
Tom and used sled to move sods to dam. Mattie did the cooking
and Hovey the cook helped on the dam work. Evening covered
roof of my cabin with 10 oz. canvas sacking.
July 23, 1901 Made stone boat. Got dam wall
high enough so the water ran through the flume, put 3 rock on
dam from 1 to 5 ton. Mattie. got dinner and supper at Homestake
cabin. Took out prospect below the Homestake cabin. Mattie
quite homesick.
July 24, 1901 Elliott brought down horse and
packed back a load of wood on Tom. I took Nig and
with Elmer rode down to Jifkin cabin. Got 10 lbs. no.
2 dynamite, full coil fuse, part of a box of caps and borrowed
a crowbar. Got home 1:30 PM. Worked with boys on dam, blasted
one rock. Mattie cooked dinner.
July 25, 1901 Blasted out rock and built up
dam very fast. Now ready to cover flume in dam. Dam built
up 6’ high. Evening worked on covering roof of cabin with
canvas. Took out 5¢ pan of dirt on bench near dam.
July 26, 1901 Boys came down to my cabin with
horses and packed up 4 logs to cover top of flume in bulkhead
dam. Got top of flume packed and covered and wall up above
flume box. No rain for 9 days.
July 27, 1901 Dug through ledge for intake
to hydraulic pipe and panned out 1¢ colors. Run head
line for 14” pipe with bend of 35°. PM very foggy, got
dam up within 2’ of grade. Coarse gold on bench.
July 28, 1901 Hovey and Butler came down and
went down Willow Creek and prospected on Johnston’s Claim got
1¢ pieces and 30 colors to the pan. Butler took out 4 gr.
to the pan, right fork above new dam and 5 gr. right fork below
of dam. Horses came down for salt.
July 29, 1901 One more layer rock finishes
dam. Run line for first 500’ of pipe from dam.
Boys were to finish dam and build crib backing to strengthen dam.
Ready to go to Knik for mail 4 AM 30th.
July 30, 1901 Left my cabin on Willow Creek
for Knik to get the mail, rode Nig. 5 AM arrived
Forks Wet Gulch 6 AM, arrived summit of hog back 6:35, arrived
south summit Bald Mt. 7:15, arrived Timber Camp 7:45, arrived
Little Sushitna River 9:35, left Little Sushitna River 10:35,
arrived Small Swamp 11:15, arrived 1st Lake 11:30, arrived 2nd
Lake 11:45, arrived Big Swamp 12.05, arrived 3rd Lake 12:25,
arrived Big Lake 1:35, arrived Upper Creek Crossing 2:30,
arrived Lower Creek Crossing 3:00, left Lower Creek Crossing
3:30, arrived Fish camp 4:30, arrived Cottonwood 5:25, arrived Knik Station
7 PM.
July 31, 1901 Got mail from Palmer, 5 letters
for Mattie, 2 for Hovey, one from company, forwarded from Seattle,
no word about plant. Answered company letter - wanted another
team - would raise price of my interest in claims if were not bought
by October. Bought Jifkin’s tools and outfit from George
Palmer for $15. Paid Palmer grocery bill in full $33.55.
Palmer was going to Wood Island on the 5th - agreed to look after scow
and send mail back from Tyonek.
August 1, 1901 Left Knik for Willow Creek with
Nig, mail and 50 lb. pack. Knik Station 7 AM, Cottonwood
8:45, Fish camp 9:35, left Fish camp 10:00, Lower Creek Crossing
11:00, Upper Creek Crossing 11:30, Big Lake 12:15, left Big Lake
1:00, 2nd Lake 2:00, Big Swamp 2:15, 3rd Lake 2:35, Small Swamp 3:00,
Little Sushitna River 3:45, left Little Sushitna River 4:00, Timber
camp 5:45, summit of Bald Mt. 6:50, my cabin 9:00, Trip
in 14 hours. Found Mattie and Elmer gone to bed. Remember
the run that Nig gave me on Bald Mt.
August 2, 1901 Moved the flume boxes so we
could sluice out bank on right hand side of creek on Homestake
where we left off season 1900. Skeeters about gone, much
cooler evenings. Rain was cold.
August 3, 1901 Packed up flume gate from Gilbert’s
dam to place in top of big dam. Blasted rock out of pipeline
ditch near dam. Mattie came down to my cabin 3 PM, Elmer
and I came down 6 PM had rice, peaches and cream, hot biscuits
and coffee for supper.
August 4, 1901 Hovey relocated the Brainard
claim on Willow Creek.
August 5, 1901 On Grubstake, worked on dam.
PM with Elmer, Nig and Frank went down to Jifkin cabin and packed
up the following: 2 draw knives, 1 iron plane, 1 chisel,
2 bitts and bit stalk, (1) 2’ plumb level, small monkey, 1 nail,
1 ball peen, 1 smoothing, 2 handsaws, 1 counter scale, 1 dozen asst.
files, 30 cans sweet corn, 20 bars Ivory soap, 20 lbs. bayo beans,
8 lbs. baking powder, 3 lbs. salt, 15 lbs. dynamite coil fuse.
August 6, 1901 Worked on dam all day, got 2/3
of it up to grade. Put extra brace in flume, pressure of
dam crushed it in. Evening split wood. Mattie put out washing.
August 7, 1901 Rain all day with wind and quite
cool. First storm that prevented working on dam.
Sorted bayo beans.
August 8, 1901 Heavy rain last night,
with snow on mountain peaks at head of Willow and Grubstake.
With Hovey and horses, packed up 4 loads of firewood from my cabin
to Homestake cabin. PM finished dam on right side of pipe
and got up rock enough to finish dam.
August 9, 1901 Mattie, Elmer and self went
up to Homestake Claim. Got dam up within 1 row of grade
and filled in, in front of dam. Mattie baked bread. Cut
Elmer’s hair, fixed steel trap to catch parky’s. Skeeters
all gone.
August 10, 1901 Peaks all white with snow down
to Homestake cabin. Fixed up calidoor of Gilbert cabin
for horses. Evening raining in valley snowing on peaks.
Put up shelf under my calidoor. Elliott gave us a blue grouse.
Took picture Willow and Grubstake.
August 11, 1901 Hovey came down after flour
and coffee, sent up sack tobacco, was all out of sugar.
Butler came in with one ptarmigan. Had baked blue grouse beans
coffee rice and cream for dinner.
August 12, 1901 Brushed out trail between my
cabin and the Homestake Claim. Finished main wall of
big dam. With Tom, hauled up rock to fill in around intake
to pipeline in dam and rock for back-walling big dam. Finished
big dam.
August 13, 1901 Set sluice boxes by flume on
bank of creek direct below the Homestake cabin. Fixed
up riffles and 4 men commenced to shovel from right hand bank.
Took out several pans 5¢ to 10¢ to the pan. Mattie
did the cooking, Elmer helped to shovel.
August 14, 1901 Sluiced 4 hours, found coarse
gold on rim of bank. Laid foundation to brace wall back of big
dam. Evening half soled Mattie’s shoe.
August 15, 1901 Sluicing 4 hours from bank
as heretofore, worked on back wall, got wall half way up.
Mattie came down from Homestake to my cabin to bake bread etc.
Elmer and self came down at 6:30. Ginger bread, rice and baked
beans for supper.
August 16, 1901 Cold rain from the east, men
layed off. I went up to Homestake took up bread and milk to
boys. Fixed sluice dam. The flume was running full
and water was within six inches of top of flume. Brought
down the horses to Gilbert cabin.
August 17, 1901 Gulch very high, 2nd day of
rain, water ran over flume dam and sluice boxes and washed out
sluice boxes. Water came up to top of pipeline dam, filled
the flume and pipe ditch
overflowing. Began to clear 6 PM clear sky.
August 18, 1901 Me, Elliott and Lewis and horses
went down to Jifkin cabin brought back 2 sacks flour and shot
6 grouse. Took inventory of tools etc. Went up to the
Homestake Claim framed out one box that was washed out by the
flood and got 5 dwt. 16 gr. Pulled out one flume box.
August 19, 1901 With men and horses went down
to Jifkin cabin, 2 miles below my cabin, to build a winter barn
for horses while sledding in hydraulic pipe. Made basement
barn, cut logs and pulled up same with old Tom, got up 3 layers
of logs. Had grouse for dinner, ptarmigans for supper, shot 10 grouse.
Cloudy but fair.
August 20, 1901 With men and horses went down
to Jifkin cabin to work on horse barn. Got up sides ready
for his roof. Had 5 grouse boiled for dinner tomatoes bread
and coffee.
August 21, 1901 With men and horses went down
to finish the barn near Jifkin cabin at mouth of Wet Gulch on
Willow Creek, Hovey went down with us. Got roof on barn door
made etc. Butler stayed down all night to hang door and finish
up Thursday AM.
August 22, 1901 Rode Frank, led Nig with pack
down to Jifkin’s, finished barn. Nig came home, had to
pack up tools etc. on Frank, arrived home 8. Hovey, Elliott
and Lewis completed back wall to big dam. Flume boxes to be
taken out of creek - now ready to go back to Knik.
August 23, 1901 Left mines AM went up to big
dam took two views of dam, old Tom, boys. Picked up tools and
boys, took out the sluice boxes and one flume. Picked up
things in general. With Mattie and Elmer on Nig and Frank
packed, left my cabin for Knik. Arrived Little Sushitna River
7:45. River was high camped in tent over night. Rained
all night.
August 24, 1901 Got up at 5 AM broke camp at
7:30. Mattie and Elmer crossed the river on log jam,
water was up to horses belly. Arrived 1st crossing of
creek for dinner. Arrived Cottonwood 4 PM, at Knik 6 PM.
Everything fairly good shape in our cabin. Had supper at
8, peas, hot biscuits, molasses, cream and coffee. Shorty
had returned from Tyonek no mail. Palmer gone out for goods.
Rain all day.
August 25, 1901 Got up at 7:30. Mattie
baked bread. Cut wood and fixed up Tuell's cabin, ready for
the boys. Knik Station boys arrived from the mines with
old Tom, had wet trip and old Tom rolled down the bank near Sushitna
River, no harm done. They left part of pack at the Cottonwood.
August 26, 1901 Rainy all day. Men sore and
tired from trip out from the mines. Had fried grouse for
dinner. Palmer expected in last of week with goods for his
store and a scow from Northern Commercial Company to lighter my
plant from ship.
August 27, 1901 Hitched up Tom and Nig and
hauled in 3 loads of fire wood. Mattie cooked a barrel
of beans and baked bread all day for the guests?
August 28, 1901 Went down and looked over Government
quarters with view of fixing up the same for winter quarters
winter of 1901 and 1902. Hauled up 2 barrels of lake
water and Mattie done the washing. Went up to the Cottonwood
and brought back our Sea Otter boat. Hovey cut up firewood.
August 29, 1901 Building winter quarters.
Cut windfall stumps and roots out of Government trail from Knik
to government camp. Tore down storehouse 14’ x 24’ and commenced
remodeling for storehouse and cabin. Also had logs cut for
shakes for roof. Mattie came down to look over winter quarters.
August 30, 1901 Hauled up 2 barrels lake water,
took stone boat down to government camp. Hauled up moss
and shake logs. Elmer rode Frank up to Knik alone.
Mossed and laid up logs to one cabin and cleaned out Capt. Glenn cabin.
Full moon weather clearing.
August 31, 1901 Helped Mattie with baking etc.
Boys got up shake logs, commenced to split shakes, got cabin
ready for roof. Butler shot 10 grouse in one covey. Boys
hauled up water for washing.
September 1, 1901 Sunday, trimmed hair
etc. Mattie baked 6 loaves of bread. Had 10 fried
grouse and cranberry sauce for dinner. Boys did their washing.
Gnats very bad. Patchell returned from prospecting
on Matinuski.
September 2, 1901 Building winter quarters.
With Elmer on Frank, went down to government camp and dug cellar
in the Capt. Glenn cabin. Men worked cutting shakes and hauling
up moss and logs. Elmer rode Frank home to Knik alone.
September 3, 1901 Clear and much cooler.
Hauled up saw logs to government camp, put up ridge pole on
the men’s cabin and cut the rafters etc. Evening addressed
letters to W. A. Farnsworth and M. L. Urann. Sent Urann bill
of sale of the Gilbert Claims. Ready to go after the mail
and steam launch, weather permitting, tomorrow.
September 4, 1901 With Butler in Sea Otter
boat, left Knik for Tyonek to bring up the Davis steam launch
to Knik Harbor. Had fair wind from Goose Bay and Pt. McKenzie
to Fire Island. Arrived half way down the Island at 4 PM.
Had fried grouse for supper. Went down the beach looking for
more grouse returned at 7:30. Set up tent on beach retired
9:30 at 10 the high tide washed into our tent. Turnagain Arm
wind and high surf.
September 5, 1901 Got up at 7:20 oatmeal for
breakfast. High surf Turnagain Arm wind. Started
out across the island for a hunt, being too rough to cross the
Inlet. Returned at 3 PM with 5 grouse. Butler came in
with one rabbit and no moose. Cloudy all day with a good clear
sunset. Surf smoothing down.
September 6, 1901 Fried rabbit and grouse for
breakfast. Left for Tyonek at 11:15 AM. Arrived at 3 mile
at 7:15 PM, at Ladd’s 8:30 PM, very short and sluggish tide.
Called on Churchill had coffee and lunch. Morris was there
from the Sushitna River. Arrived Tyonek 11:45 made camp in steam
launch. Hanmore way gone down the Inlet.
September 7, 1901 Kodak arrived on way to Knik
with G. W. Palmer’s stock of goods. Hanmore came back
from down Inlet. Took up quarters in no. 2 cabin.
Kodak left at 6 PM, sent letter to Mattie.
September 8, 1901 Excelsior arrived.
Received letter from Gilbert and A. B. Smith. Sent letter
to A. B. Smith with OK for Densmore machine, shoes, etc., and
magazines. Excelsior left at 2 PM. The Capt. wanted
to buy the Davis launch. I set the price at $350. He
wanted the launch next April. Took apart engine found reverse
link broken.
September 9, 1901 Saw Hanmore about scow, bought
it for $50, anchor $8.50. Paid off bill against launch
$129.15. PM fixed slide to reverse lever and broke the other.
Cut off slides were badly rusted in.
September 10, 1901 Rain wind and big surf.
Worked on repairing up launch. Fixed reverse link took
out shaft and cleaned journals. Capt. Oliver Smith, Kodak
returned from Knik received letter from Mattie with plug for condenser
pipe. Kodak steamed down the Inlet at 2 PM - now ready to steam
up the launch.
September 11, 1901 Bought 30 lb. anvil $3,
vice $4, 5 gallons coal oil and groceries off Alaska Commercial
Company $22.87. Steamed up launch pump or injector would
not work. Pipe to steam gauge rusted out. Evening Everhardt
visited. PM tide Litchfield left for Ladd’s on way to post
on Sushitna River.
September 12, 1901 Drilled hole through reverse
link broke drill and had to make new one. Steamed up launch
but pump wouldn’t work. Put tackle on scow ready to pull
her into the creek on high tide. Schooner, St. Paul, arrived
from Kodiak with Sleepers plant bound for Hope. Hanmore agreed
to get our mail at Sunrise and leave same at Knik harbor.
September 13, 1901 Got eccentrics loosened
up. Steamed up launch pump, Everhardt helped us. Tide
not high enough to float the scow. Sent May and Farnsworth sample
of Homestake gold by registered mail.
September 14, 1901 Worked on fitting up scow.
PM got Indians to help to launch scow, pried her up and moved
her 15’, took 1½ hours.
September 15, 1901 With 2 dozen Natives and
tackle, pulled scow into the creek. Used the Lindquist
cabin for anchor to pull on, took 1 hour. Took pump all apart put
her together and she worked fairly well. Steamed up to 160
lbs., ran engines a little. Now ready to launch the
steam launch.
September 16, 1901 Wind and showers at Tyonek.
Got pump working and adjusted the engines. Took out left
hand shaft cleaned journals and broke off set plug in removing
same. Bored out set plug and cut new threads.
September 17, 1901 Got shaft in place run engines
and pump and packed stuffing boxes. Put skids under launch ready
to slide her into creek. Tide was too short to float launch.
September 18, 1901 Mail day. Pulled launch
into creek with luff tackle. High tide 7:30 run
launch down to mouth of creek got bow stuck on bank.
September 19, 1901 Tides growing short, couldn’t
get scow or launch out of creek. Picked up 2 ton of beach
coal and put same into scow. Bought 2 pair rubber boots
off Alaska Commercial Co., $13 groceries $3.
September 20, 1901 Tyonek, put 2 ton of coal
on scow and same on the launch. Bought swivels for anchor
chain $1, figs for Elmer 50¢. Duck supper then put provisions
and bedding aboard launch. Got scow out on high tide anchored
her out in deep water but couldn’t get launched, out too late on
the tide. SS St. Paul arrived with 30 passengers for SS Bertha.
September 21, 1901 Tide very short only came
to mouth of creek. Took out pump head cleaned same repacked
stuffing boxes put pump together and she worked alright.
Retired 12:05 waiting to see if tide would raise the creek.
Oh that screwing tide was no good.
September 22, 1901 Left Tyonek for Knik.
The devil and tide are against us. Noon tide didn’t reach
creek so proceeded to dam up the creek and boom out the launch.
Floated launch down to dam but the tide failed to reach our dam.
Litchfield arrived from Sushitna Post, Morris and Churchill from
Ladd’s.
September 23, 1901 Got launch out of creek,
tore out dam and the tide just reached the launch at 1 PM.
Picked up scow and at high water started for Harvey’s to take
on more coal. Couldn’t stem the tide above Tyonek spit so
had to anchor 8:15 PM, weighed anchor for Fire Island and Knik Arm
very dark night.
September 24, 1901 Reached Fire Island with
scow and Sea Otter boat in tow. Exhaust pipe to pump blew
out at 2 AM and check valve failed to work. Before we could make
repairs and cross the Knik Channel, the tide turned and carried us
back toward the Beluga. 9 AM tried it again, reached Fire Island
and a Sushitna wind blew us in to mouth of Turnagain Arm, anchored
scow and run the launch under lee of the Island 4:30. 1st real
meal in 48 hours.
September 25, 1901 Got up at 4 AM, sky very
clear, bright moon. Found the wind had sent our scow adrift,
more trouble in Alaska. Cooked oatmeal and coffee and kept launch
afloat till daylight then loaded launch with beach wood at 8 AM,
run out to scow where she had held anchor on edge of the
bank of Knik channel. Wind blew from Knik so put
back to Fire Island, before reaching island wind died out with flood
tide so steamed back, picked up scow and put for Knik Harbor, arrived
3 PM. Anchored scow at Knik Harbor.
September 26, 1901 Tide ebbed so had to beach
launch near Fish Creek, 3 AM found launch floating, got up steam
and just made the Knik Channel. Arrived Knik 4 AM.
Palmer had returned with mail from Sunrise. AM discharged launch
and cut fire wood. PM left at 6 with full crew and arrived
Knik Harbor 8:30 PM. Anchored and retired for the night.
Had 5 men to help handle plant that was to arrive on SS Bertha and be
delivered at Knik Harbor.
September 27, 1901 Woke up at 4 AM and found
launch had broken her anchor rope and gone adrift up near Crescent
Bay. On ebb tide, steamed back to Knik Harbor, tied up along
scow cooked breakfast then boys went ashore to cut wood.
Scow dragged anchor so cut launch loose and stemmed the tide up to
storehouse. Palmer and Shorty with coal left on PM tide for Knik and
agreed to come back for load of freight off SS Bertha.
September 28, 1901 At Palmer’s storehouse at
mouth of Knik Arm. Went up to point above harbor and towed back
scow. PM got out logs for wharf near storehouse. Beached
the launch for the night as we had lost the anchor.
September 29, 1901 Heavy north winds.
Had to re-pipe connections to pump. Built a wharf 30’
long to hold part of hydraulic pipe. Had dinner ashore.
Scow drifted to point above harbor toward Crescent Bay. 7
PM with launch started out to find scow, had to buck tide to Crescent
Bay. Anchored at midnight didn’t see the scow.
September 30, 1901 Steamed in to Crescent Bay
4 AM, cut fire wood and put back to Knik Harbor. Noon found
scow, it had come back and anchored herself on edge of channel
at Knik Harbor. Towed scow ashore and tied the darn critter to a
tree. On ebb tide, towed scow down below storehouse and beached
her. Shorty came down for load of goods brought us bread milk
and sugar.
October 1, 1901 Let launch go aground, anchored
scow at low water mark, cut wood. Heavy wind from the north with
sleet rain.
October 2, 1901 Towed Mr. Jonah scow into creek
below storehouse on Knik Harbor and tied her up to two big stakes
fore and aft. Went up creek after wood, got launch aground
trying to turn around. Left for Knik City 5:30 PM, arrived Knik
City 8 PM. No SS Bertha or plant arrived. Out of grub
so went home.
October 3, 1901 Butler and Hovey cut wood.
With Elliott and Lewis and Elmer, rowed up to Cottonwood after
the horses, shot 2 grouse. Looked at hay near Chief’s house.
Hauled up 2 barrels of water and 2 loads of wood for launch. Sharpened
saws and axes couldn’t see any boat in sight at mouth of Knik Arm.
October 4, 1901 Finished cutting wood for house
and launch. Went down to government camp to complete work.
Finished roofing cabin and got up saw logs. Chinked ceiling
to Capt. Glenn cabin, found dead rabbit in cellar. Bought 85
lbs. turnips off Shorty at 3¢ - $2.55 was charged to my account
with Palmer.
October 5, 1901 Boys cut poles for chinking
cabin. Helped Mattie till 10 then went down to winter camp
and cribbed up cellar. Self hauled in big load of small poles
and packed up load of moss on Nig and Tom. Evening hauled up
3 barrels of lake water. Whip sawing lumber for floors, then cabins
complete.
October 6, 1901 At Knik warm and fine. Turned
over and piled up last of hay near Chief’s house. Made old connections
to pump with oil cap attached. Evening flute and voice
concert. Mattie loomed up in a new waist, Yolly!! Bill
of fare potatoes, turnips, pink beans with soup, bread, butter, coffee,
sugar and cream. Men did their washing.
October 7, 1901 Mail arrived. With boys
went up to Chief’s house, built crib to dry hay on then went down
to government camp and whipsawed until noon. Noon Patchell
arrived from Sunrise with mail. Plant and provisions
to arrive on SS Bertha. Father had left for Seattle on way
north. PM whipsawed floors for cabins.
October 8, 1901 Moose meat for breakfast at
only 5¢ a pound. Went down to winter quarters, flumed
spruce log. Started boys to whipsawing had to file and
set saw. Fitted one window in Capt. Glenn cabin. PM
whipsawed myself. Elliott and Lewis stacked hay near Chief’s
house. I brought horses down from the Cottonwood so we could
haul logs and water.
October 9, 1901 Hauled up 3 barrels of lake
water then sent team down to Capt. Glenn camp to haul in 3 saw
logs and small poles. Not feeling well, stayed at home in
Knik. PM finished sawing log and fitted stops to window and put in
door casing to my cabin. Sent horses down to Fish Creek to feed
on creek grass.
October 10, 1901 Whipsawed and fitted door
and windows to winter cabins. Bought window 10” x 12”x
6 lights, off McConahay for Capt. Glenn cabin. Put up hay until
3. Mattie and Elmer then went down to the winter camp.
Married 7 years today. New potatoes, turnips and moose meat bill
of fare.
October 11, 1901 Cloudy and felt like snow.
Whipsawing and laying floor in boy’s cabin. Finished stacking
hay at Chief’s house. Fitted door to my cabin, came home
in Sea Otter boat 6 PM. Bought off Palmer coal and wood, cook
stove $5, 8 joints of pipe $2. Palmer, Shorty and Patchell
went up to the Cottonwood to hunt ducks.
October 12, 1901 Raining, cold south east wind.
Hovey finished laying floor to men’s cabin. I hung door
in Capt. Glenn cabin and whipsawed 3 cuts, cabin ready for
floor. All caulked and ready for fixtures.
October 13, 1901 Worked on cabin. Made
flue boxes for chimneys. Set up cook stove in Capt. Glenn
and Lee cabins - whipsawed. Mattie came down in PM.
Nig and Frank came up from Fish Creek, Tom didn’t come.
Morning froze ice ¼”. Evening felt like snow.
October 14, 1901 At Knik. Worked
on cabins. Boated down Butler’s traps and 8 bags of oats.
Set casing for chimney flue. Noon went down to Fish Creek
looking for old Tom and found him dead, looked like poison,
poor old horse dead. Evening ordered sugar, flour, oatmeal,
cornmeal, lard and butter off of Palmer. Will get same at Hope
City.
October 15, 1901 Got up blue clay for chimney
flues. Jointed 10 boards for Capt. Glenn cabin. Butler
went down to Fish Creek to take the hide off old Tom. Now keeping
Nig and Frank in krell and barn.
October 16, 1901 AM boated down clay for flues
at winter quarters. Boated up barrels of water, went
down to Fish Creek to examine Tom. Decided he died with
wind colic. There was no signs of poison or a struggle where
he was. The inside of his stomach had busted. PM built
clay chimney in Capt. Glenn cabin. Commenced laying the floor.
Rain.
October 17, 1901 Boated down barrel of salmon,
beans, etc., to winter quarters. Boys mudded flue to their
cabin and I finished laying floor to our cabin. Nig sneaked
away and went up the beach toward Cottonwood.
October 19, 1901 AM got launch ready for trip
to Tyonek. Left Knik at 12:30 noon with all hands aboard.
Arrived at harbor mouth of Knik Arm 3:30 PM. Elliott and
Lewis boated around to Point Campbell, will remain and hunt moose
until we return from Tyonek. Hope to return by the 25th. Picked
up 1/3 ton of coal, located vein on beach near Point opposite Pt.
McKenzie.
October 20, 1901 Left Knik Harbor at 11 AM
on steam launch with Butler as pilot, self engineer and Hovey
as flunky. Arrived Ladd Station 6:30 PM, visited on Churchill,
11:45. Left Ladd’s, arrived Tyonek 12:45 morning. Anchored
in front of government camp. Got up at 7 went grousing.
October 21, 1901 Breakfast at seven, went ashore
delivered mail to Hanmore, wrote Hovey personal check for $24.50.
Got Elmer 3 pair stockings, Mattie oranges and gum. Left
Tyonek at noon. Went up as far as Harvey’s, picked up one ton
of coal. Arrived Ladd’s 9:45, anchored for the night.
October 22, 1901 Left Ladd’s at 9 AM, pipe
in boiler sprung a leak. Sushitna River wind held us back.
Anchored 10 miles off Fire Island 1:30 PM, boiler leaking badly.
Weighed anchor 8 PM, arrived lee of Fire Island Wednesday morning.
Had to run the pump constantly and one man baled out the ash pit.
October 23, 1901 Weighed anchor 10:30, drifted
until 12:30, got up steam. Arrived at harbor 3:30.
Butler went ashore for coal. When he came back to ship she
commenced to drag anchor. Got up steam and got her into
the eddied tide outside Pt. Campbell on flood tide. Evening
left for creek in harbor. With Sea Otter boat, left midnight
for Knik for more grub and the boys.
October 24, 1901 Sailed up off Fish Creek when
the tide turned, couldn’t make landing until I arrived off
lower point of Goose Bay. On flood tide, started again for Knik.
Arrived Knik 12 PM, was out all night, had only an orange for
breakfast. With Elliott and Lewis, left camp 5 PM for Knik
Harbor. Arrived in creek 7:45 PM, couldn’t get boat up to scow
and launch. Boys slept in Otter until 3 AM when the tide floated
them in. I waded through mud up to launch.
October 25, 1901 No SS Bertha as yet. Butler
and Hovey had leaky pipe in boiler plugged. Boys cut
firewood for launch. Butler got mast and yards for sail
on scow and we put in rubber packing in connecting couplings to
feed pipes to the boiler. Hovey was busy cooking for the crew.
Expect SS Bertha with plant and supplies on any tide.
October 26, 1901 Cloudy but fair at Knik Harbor.
Left creek, with launch, for beach coal at lower end of harbor
- packed up ¾ of a ton. Returned to creek, cut more fire
wood and mast for launch. Pipes in boiler commenced leaking
but not badly. Had fried potatoes, bacon, biscuits, butter
and coffee for supper. No SS Bertha on PM tide. Evening
clear and bright moon.
October 27, 1901 No SS Bertha as yet.
Sent Butler and Lewis down to lower end of harbor for more coal.
Elliott and I fitted mast and square rig sail on scow, split
wood, etc. Hovey was busy cooking all day and hemmed sail
sheet for launch. Tide covered grass flats, Butler shot
mallard duck.
October 28, 1901 Fitted mast in launch and
made anchor for scow. Sighted SS Bertha off of Fire Island,
she arrived at Knik Harbor 3 PM. Towed scow out to SS Bertha
from creek, then she moved up in front of Palmer’s storehouse.
Loaded scow and put oats and one load of pipe ashore.
October 29, 1901 Wind and snow. Launch
went aground, burnt out plug in pipe. Ate supper on SS
Bertha and had stateroom. 4 AM found scow had gone up
to Crescent Bay. She came back 10 AM - caught her and run
her on the beach below creek. SS Bertha finished discharging
at 3 and left at 3:45. Got launch off 6:30 and went down to scow.
October 30, 1901 Hovey and self kept watch
to keep boats afloat Tuesday night. Against head wind,
5 AM, steamed with launch and scow loaded with 16 tons
of hydraulic machinery for Knik. Off Goose Bay, tide turned
and we landed at point below Goose Bay. Wind blew up on the flats
of Fish Creek landed at Knik at 8 PM.
October 31, 1901 Cold Matanuska wind.
Boys cut logs for a platform to land the hydraulic pipe on, on
the beach just above Palmer’s house. With Hovey and Butler,
took some supplies down to winter quarters. Packed 1,200
lbs. up the bank from tide water to cabin. Launched scow but the
steam launch wouldn’t float so couldn’t leave for Knik Harbor for more
pipe and horse feed. Cold and windy.
November 1, 1901 Tried to launch the
launch, got her up on skids and hope to slide her in on high
tide with Elmer, went down to Capt. Glenn camp for oil and cream.
Put 4 cases of cream in cellar to keep from freezing. Channel
in front of Knik was filled with anchor ice. Some alarm felt
about Palmer overdue from Sunrise City by boat.
November 2, 1901 Wind died out, has been blowing
hard from NE since Oct 28th. Slush ice making fast in
Arm. Got blocks and pulled launch off of bank into channel.
Getting ready for trip down to Knik Harbor for rest of pipe, horse
feed and balance of provisions. High tide at 11 PM.
Boat would not float so had to wait over a tide.
November 3, 1901 Got launch afloat 11:30.
Condenser pipe was frozen up, floated down on tide just below
winter camp then had to beach launch and scow. Put steam
hose on condenser pipe, got it clear and at went up to Knik with
Mattie and Elmer. Boys slept on launch. I came down
at 11 PM, got up steam and steamed off for Knik Harbor; made the run
of 25 miles in 3 hrs and 10 minutes.
November 4, 1901 Still cloudy but mild weather.
Arrived at Knik harbor at 4:10 AM. Beached launch and scow
near pile of pipe below Palmer’s storehouse. Worked on getting
pipe out of mud up to high tide noon. Plenty of ice and high
surf had washed pipe on beach full of mud and sand. Very wet
and cold job.
November 5, 1901 Heavy surf and great fields
of anchor ice running in Arm. Got pipe below storehouse
loaded, except 2 nests buried deep in mud. Midnight tide, steamed
up to storehouse, beached scow and launch. Decided to leave scow
and tied her up to Palmer’s storehouse because of running ice - half
loaded with pipe. Cleaned and put all the pipe we could above
tidewater mark. Palmer arrived, lost his boat on Pt. Campbell.
November 6, 1901 Got fire wood and 42 sacks
of oats and 7 sacks provisions aboard launch, put 18 sacks oats
on Sea Otter, anchored launch out, ready to leave at low water
for Knik. Departed 11 PM with launch and Sea Otter boat for
Knik, had all we could do to steam through ice crossing channel to
Goose Bay. Up at Goose Bay, run into another field of ice, went
around it and got into open water in Knik channel.
November 7, 1901 Arrived at Capt. Glenn camp
2 AM, beached launch, boys went up to cabins and self walked
up to Knik - retired 4 AM. Got up at 7 and got wood and
lake water for Mattie. Went down and got launch ready to steam
up to creek at winter camp to discharge freight. Discharged freight
and steamed up to spring at Knik - Elmer and Mattie were aboard.
Beached launch for the night.
November 8, 1901 Got ready to move down
to Capt. Glenn camp for the winter. Condenser pipe was
frozen up on launch so had to boat our goods down in Sea Otter and
Palmer’s scow. Arrived at camp 6 PM packed up bedding etc.
Rather cold in cabin, stove wouldn’t burn up. Retired at 11 and
slept warm for the night.
November 9, 1901 Stored away provisions and
got things ship shape in general at winter quarters. Elliott
went up to Cottonwood for Nig and Frank - snowed heavy 3 hours
soft wet snow. Got heater and cook stove connected and she warmed
things up A-1. Elliott arrived with the horses and they were
as fat as butter living only off lowland grass.
November 10, 1901 Cloudy but warmer with little
running ice. Worked around our new winter cabin, put up
cupboard, pins for clothing, etc. Boys packed up hay and
provisions that remained on beach below cabin. Went up to thaw
out condenser pipe on launch that lay on beach near spring at Knik
Station, got pipe cleared. Called on Palmer, he wanted to sell
the hay that was taken down to Knik Harbor for Sunrise parties.
November 11, 1901 Sunshine and warmer.
Worked around cabin. PM went up to Knik with team to get bobsleighs,
found draw bolts to be 2” short, put sleigh together and started with
a bag of blacksmith coal and iron rod for winter camp. Frank
didn’t like the whiffletrees and made his heels fly. Talked with
Miller about making trip to Tyonek in launch. Dandy hotcakes
for breakfast.
November 12, 1901 Worked around cabin. 3 PM
went up to spring, steamed up launch, pumped tanks dry, blew
off boiler and opened all vents, got timbers ready to float her
Wed. at high tide. Butler lengthened draw rods on new bobsleighs.
Snowing hard evening.
November 13, 1901 With Elliott and team went
up to get sleighs, much colder. Filled barrels with water, had
rabbit for dinner.
November 14, 1901 Much colder. Drove
up to Knik, put nails, hydraulic hose, iron rods, boxes, etc.,
into A. C. Co. cache. Bought overalls for Elmer, axe handle,
7 files, ball of sewing cord, from Palmer. Evening made table
for our typewriting machine, the Densmore. Made contract
with Shorty to go to Tyonek for mail and money for $15.
November 15, 1901 Both Elliot and Lewis
packed up 42 sacks oats on Nig and Frank from beach below Capt.
Glenn cabin to storehouse. Worked in shirt sleeves as though
it was 10 above. Hovey made cover for launch, snowed 2”, 1st
that come to stay. Cut Elmer’s hair Mattie cut mine.
November 16, 1901 Carried up barrel water and
cut wood. Elliott drove up to Knik and got 2 x 4’s,
enough to make bottom for box of sleighs. Foggy on Arm and
trees in woods covered with white frost. Evening bought
16 lbs. moose meat from Goosmar at 5¢ lb., gave the men each
roast.
November 17, 1901 Trees covered with frost.
Sunday dinner baked rabbit with dressing, boiled turnips, boiled
peas, squash pie, coffee, cream, bread and butter. Boiled moose
meat, oatmeal, baked beans, for breakfast peaches with cream for supper.
November 18, 1901 Elliott and Lewis drove up
to Chief’s house after hay. Put tarpaulin cover over
aft of house on steam launch. Took picture of winter K
and B Co. camp. Cut fire wood and dubbed around cabin getting
ready to develop pictures taken during summer. Ordered moccasins
for Elmer and Mattie.
November 19, 1901 Elmer and Mattie walked up
to Knik, got cloth for lantern and cupboard. I stained
the table, bed, wood box and cupboard, walnut. Got much
warmer during day with wind during evening. Evening developed
2 film rolls.
November 21, 1901 Went up to Palmer’s store,
got sheepskin mittens for Elmer (40¢). Bought Hicks
single barrel shotgun off Palmer and a dozen brass shells
for $5 (16 g. breech loading). Bought boys axe for Elmer ($1).
Mattie sewed new moose skin soles on Elmer’s moccasins.
November 22, 1901 Fried grouse for breakfast.
Chimney caught fire, put it out and had to cut out part of box
flue and re-mud it with blue clay. Made canvas bunk for Elmer and
he commenced sleeping alone. Hovey visited during evening.
November 23, 1901 Pulled out the Sea Otter
boat with Nig and laid her up against bank below winter cabin.
Raised ceiling to small pen in barn and fitted it up for a night
stable for horses. Evening took dose of R. salts sent from
Stewart and Holmes.
November 24, 1901 Full moon tide came up to
grass flats and bank. Elliott hauled over jag of hay from Lee’s
cabin then we went out in the woods and got a load of boughs to
side up horse barn. Made fried donuts, Mattie laughed at me thought
I couldn’t make them.
November 25, 1901 Patchell visited and looked
over my pictures of Alaska and took dinner with us. PM filed
man saw and cut wood. Evening wrote order for McConahay
to get my mail and money at Tyonek.
November 26, 1901 Highest fall tide.
Re-handled axe and fixed the bed. Mr. McConahay visited.
PM went up to Knik got Mattie a pair of moccasins with hair lined
legs. Made price of salary to Butler at $300 for 11 months
- up to June 1st 1902. Evening with Mattie and Elmer, went
up to Knik to look after launch and pipe. Weighed Mattie, 127, Elmer
48, self 179½.
November 27, 1901 Cut fire wood and fixed around
barn carried up barrel water. Evening, with Hovey, went
up to spring and tried to list launch over on her left hand bilge.
Got her up level and made guy line fast. Last of full moon tide
which was higher than the Oct. tides, channel full of ice. Wrote to
my sister Clara.
November 28, 1901 Thanksgiving Day, dinner
menu - two baked ducks with dressing and cranberry sauce, boiled
turnips and potatoes, bread and butter, coffee with cream, squash
pie and oranges for dessert. Shorty visited gave him 10 lbs.
pork, 14 lbs. saloon biscuits, tea and sugar for trip to Tyonek.
Oysters for supper. Hovey visited.
November 29, 1901 Three below zero.
Made money bag for McConahay to carry back my $1,400 from Tyonek.
Wrote letter to Churchill about contract for trap poles and
sent short letter out by way of Iliamna Bay to Mattie’s folks.
PM went up to Knik, got tea and sugar for Shorty.
November 30, 1901 Cold west wind. Shorty
started for Tyonek after our mail and my money. I carried
up a barrel of water, sawed wood, split wood, cut insoles
for moccasins. Developed 5th film role. Mattie made Elmer pair
drawers out of my old shirt.
December 1, 1901 Light snow falling west
wind. Cut insoles out of deer skin for Elmer and my moccasins.
Took the soles off Mattie’s and Elmer’s moccasins, cut larger
ones and Mattie siwashed them in. Put numbers on 4 dozen
films, done some printing. Horses left camp for the Cottonwood
Saturday.
December 2, 1901 Went up to Knik, cut a log
1 foot through by 18’ long, put it under the bilge of the launch.
Loosened lines and she sat square on keel. Stephan
and Efim visited. Bought parky robe (63 skins) off Efim
for $4.
December 3, 1901 Carried up barrel of water
and put sand on path. 9:30 AM left camp for the horses,
found them eating heads off wild rice at 1st creek by Cottonwood,
got them home at 1:30, traveled 12 miles. PM got pack ready
for trip Wednesday over trail to Little Sushitna River.
December 4, 1901 With Butler and Stephan commenced
swamping out sled trail to Little Sushitna, got as far as 2nd
lake. Team trail Knik to mines Indian Stephan guide.
December 5, 1901 Left camp 8 AM to swamp
out trail to 2nd lake and picked out trail over to 3rd lake.
Got home at 4 PM. Palmer sent Indian down after outgoing
mail.
December 6, 1901 Fairly cloudy and storm brewing.
Sent out first overland winter mail, 9 letters in all
via by Indian to Sunrise. Made 2 mile of team trail out to
3rd lake from Knik. Trees covered with snow making it disagreeable
chopping. About 4” of snow in woods.
December 7, 1901 Took 7½ hours to reach
end of new trail cut to 3rd lake except 1,200’ open timber.
Mattie and Elmer came part way out on trail. Bought 2 new
axes off Palmer. Ready to take out team and gang Monday morning.
December 8, 1901 Got ready for trip over team
trail with horses. Mattie fried 48 donuts. I cooked
10 quarts of beans and piece of corn beef. Also got saloon
biscuits, bread, beans, rice, rolled. oats, butter, coffee, etc.
December 9, 1901 AM -2, PM -8. Left home
with team and camp outfit, guide, and axe man to swamp out trail
Big Lake to Little Sushitna River thence to mines. Cut out
1,200’ to reach big lake, crossed lake 2 miles made camp at 3 PM.
Dinner over at 4:15, retired at 8:30, camp lean-to, big
fire in front.
December 10, 1901 Goosmar and Efim arrived
for breakfast and to help swamp out trail. With Stephan
and Butler, made trail over to brook on swamp. Left Sushitna
River trail at noon, followed hunting trail to river, made camp at
2:10. Goosmar went home after his breakfast. Very cold
for camp life big fire all night.
December 11, 1901 Trail work 3rd camp, left
camp 9:30. Cut one mile to Fish Creek, went up
creek 2 miles, crossed black spruce swamp to
birch grove, made camp. Light rain and warmer feet wet
snow most all gone.
December 12, 1901 AM +40, left 3rd camp, cut
out 2 miles of trail through thick black spruce. Indian
boy arrived with note from Mattie saying McConahay had arrived
with mail and money from Tyonek. Fed horses, ate lunch and
left camp at 2:15 arriving at Knik 4:15 - home 5:00. Shorty
came down with mail and money $1,200 cash in fives, tens and twenties.
Paid Shorty $20.
December 13, 1901 Got up water for Mattie left
home 11, Knik at 12. Arrived back 3rd camp 2:30, light
rain. Boys cut 1½ mile, had to come back to camp, no water
ahead. Mattie and Elmer rode out as far as 2nd lake.
Paid Palmer $100 on account.
December 14, 1901 Light rain all day,
+40. Men left camp 9:30, self loaded up camp outfit, left
up trail 10:30. Reached the burnt district made camp edge of timber
(no water).
December 15, 1901 Light rain during AM
+30. Cut through burnt district to small creek, made
camp. Evening windy another caller for lunch. Nig rolled
and broke his hame. Frank lost cock eye feeding.
December 16, 1901 Left camp, 8 ½ mile
cut through burnt district to small creek. Went up creek
2 miles plenty of air holes and very icy, snow gone. Nig
broke in a mire hole went down to hips, took 6 men to lift him out.
Made 18’ bridge to get off creek bottom on to ridge.
December 17, 1901 Cut out trail through ridge
½ mile, reached swamp went up swamp 2 miles (horse, Frank
came back). Went through another icy pass to swamp and
heavy timber, had to make camp (no water) one mile from 4th lake.
Making trail - Knik to Willow Creek.
December 18, 1901 Left 7th camp,
cut through to 4th lake, crossed lake ¾ mile, cut through
black spruce swamp 1½ mile to 5th and last lake on trail.
Made camp beside a small open brook, quite windy. Beans,
milk and sugar all gone.
December 19, 1901 Eighth camp. clear
colder but very fine. With guide, crossed 5th lake ¾
mile blazed out trail 2 miles. Arrived Little Sushitna River and
three miles on other side on foothills going in to Willow Creek.
Boys cut trail to within 1 mile of river no snow on river bottom and
ice in river breaking up.
December 20, 1901 First freeze in 8 days.
Broke camp 7:30 for Knik. Cached camp outfit at 5th and
last lake to Sushitna. At 2nd creek had to take the horses
along the bank. Men pulled the sleigh on ice and on
Fish Creek. Both Nig and Frank fell on ice because they aren’t
shod. Arrived home 2 PM. camp to Knik 5 ½ hours.
December 21, 1901 Paid Indian guides $32.
First nights rest with clothes off for one week. Took care
of horses. Elmer helped to cut boughs to side up barn.
Cut load of birch wood. Evening made out part of Elliott’s,
Lewis and Hovey's store account on credit.
December 22, 1901 Hooked up on sleighs with
Mattie and Elmer drove up to Knik, left them at store, drove
around point to Stephan’s house for jag of hay. Arrived home
2 PM Got Palmer’s store bill up to date. Bought moccasins
off Goosmar, for Elmer, 75¢.
December 23, 1901 Mattie and Elmer walked up
to Knik. Wrote to company. and W. A. Farnsworth - wanted
$1,000 for help and my salary guaranteed. Wrote to A. B.
Smith about Litchfield leaving river and Palmer making a change
Knik to the Post.
December 24, 1901 Monday evening snowed 1½”.
With Elmer walked up to Knik to find out if Stephan was going
to Sunrise with the mail. PM with team, Mattie Elmer and Mr.
Hovey drove up to Chief’s place for balance of hay. Shot ptarmigans
on way back. Paid McConahay account in full.
December 25, 1901 Christmas Day Knik Alaska.
Christmas dinner - 3 fried ptarmigans, boiled potatoes and
turnips, fig bars, squash pie, tea. Mattie finished sewing new
bottom on skirt and made Elmer pair drawers. Elmer got Indian sled
from Santa.
December 26, 1901 Miller visited and wanted
pay for fixing up saw. Evening wrote to W. A. Farnsworth
- wanted $300 to $400 to fix up the launch, wanted anchors and
fittings shipped in on April boat, also to know if company would carry
me over another season - wanted $1,000 for helpers wages.
December 27, 1901 PM 18 below zero. Worked
around cabin. Mattie made deerskin and wove mittens for
Elmer. Stephan visited, paid him for Elmer’s sled.
Gave him Rhinitis for to break up colds.
December 28, 1901 PM 18 below zero. Hazy
all day, light snow. Cut wood, made can water bucket
and fixed sugar barrel for flour barrel. Hauled in load of birch
wood. Left sleigh over at Butler’s shop to have bolts headed
up. Miller came after cook stove.
December 29, 1901 PM 22 below zero. Fog
bank in front of the sun. I cut the wood and Mattie did some fancy
cooking. Figured future expenses to June 1st 1902, expenses
$862.48 cash on hand $860. Evening played the flute and sang.
December 30, 1901 AM 32 below zero. Clear bright
sun average wind, coldest weather to date. Printed pictures
to send to K and B Co. Sewed up Nig’s blanket. Mattie
fixed over her underskirt, yollie! Evening Hovey visited.
December 31, 1901 AM 26 below zero. Warming
up, westerly wind in evening. With Mattie and Elmer walked
up to Knik. Bought lining for horse blankets, sheepskin
flannel for mittens, etc. Evening Mattie made a new chest
protector for Elmer. Self made skin mittens.
GOLD DUST REPORT
ounces
Dwt. Gr.
Martha July
12th 8
23
Martha July
21st
8
08
Homestake July 24th
(cracks)
7 15
Prospecting July 24th (12
pans)
11
Prospecting July 25th (5
pans)
2 03
Homestake July 25th
(cracks)
11 00
Homestake July 28th
(1st clean up) 15
11
Homestake July 31st
(2nd clean up) 2 4
06
Homestake August 8th (3rd
clean up) 1 1
21
Homestake August 11th (4th
clean up) 5
10
Homestake August 22
(5th clean up)
4 03
Homestake September 3rd
(6th clean up)3 4
11
Homestake September 5th
(7th clean up) 19 12
Prospect September
7th (Gilbert’s) 10
Gross Total
10
14
0
Cleaned Out
4
9
Net Total
10
9
15
Cracks and Prospecting
20 15
Net Balance sluicing
9
9 0
Addresses:
A. Beverly Smith 416-A Lafayette Avenue Brooklyn,
New York
A. M. Bridgman Director of K and B Gold Mining
Co. Stoughton Mass.
A. Rogers 19 Lewis St. Everette Mass.
J. E. O’Brien Orford Inn So. Manchester
Conn.
Frank Haskell 4 Adams St. Charleston Mass.
(Revere Party 1898)
Al Gilbert 915 Market St. San Francisco, California
H. Henshaw Sacramento, California
William H. Callahan 209 Park Ave Utica, New
York
J. W. Macklean 522 Columbus Ave. Boston
Mass.
R. C. Russell 3400 Fillmore St. San Francisco,
California
H. D. Nash Marin County San Rafael, California
Gus Benson (on the hill) Juneau, Alaska
G. W. Passwater Hope City hydraulic mining
J. H. Cook 317 Smith Bldg. Pittsburg
PA (hydraulic mine at Hope City)
John Sudan Indian Creek Sunrise City
(from New York City)
Capt. Dunn Quartz Mines near Homer (from New
York City)
J. D. Meenach Virgin Bay Prince William
Sound (copper mines)
Mr. Gompertz Kenai Cook Inlet Supt.
Pacific W. Co.
J. N. Johnston Seattle, Washington
C. D. Ladd 528-501 Kearny St. San
Francisco, California
A. K. Beatson Latouche Island Prince
William Sound (copper mines)
Dall DeWeese Homer Alaska
Canon, Colorado (hunter private collection)
F. M. Young Box 192 East Bridgewater,
Mass Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
G. H. Brown Hope Valley,
Rhode Island Expedition no. 4
1898-1899
G. F. Burrows Bedford Basin Halifax,
Nova Scotia Expedition no. 4
1898-1899
Michael Dineen 28 Hall Place West Quincy, Mass.
Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
William H. Thorne Winchester, Mass. Expedition
no. 4 1898-1899
G. F. Butler Tyonek Alaska
Seattle, Washington Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
Edw. C. Kirkpatrick West Medford, Mass.
Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
H. P. Daniels Concord Junction, Mass.
Expedition no. 4 1898-1899
Daniel J. Coleman Wellesley, Mass. Expedition
no. 4 1898-1899
Dr. S. E. Kartright 818 Willow Ave. Hoboken,
New Jersey
George Hadlock 37 Lake Place New Haven, Conn.
George Vandover 785 Baldwin St. Waterbury,
Conn.
Reid and Orr Co. Rochester, Minnesota
(jewelers)
Claud L. Allen 209 Wash St. Boston, Mass.
(attorney)
Marcus L. Urann 50 Bromfield St. Boston, Mass.
Purchased at Palmer’s store-- Knik 1901
Tin ware 60¢, beans 20¢, blanket
75¢, boating supplies $6, 52 lb. moose meat $5.20, stove
$8, tub and board $2.50, 60 lb. sugar $4.80, 30 lb. butter $10.50,
tobacco 50¢, two pair sox $1.20, pail 50¢, leather
shirt $3.50, med. for horses 25¢, two money bags 25¢,
10 lb. salmon 25¢, smoked tan gloves 50¢, 15 gallons cranberries
$1.10, 10 lb. sugar $1, 85 lb. turnips $2.55, 80 lb. moose $4,
80 lb. potatoes $2.40, 4 lb. rope (no price), 10 lb. lard (no price),
shotgun $5, parky robe $4 (on consignment by Efim), 10 lb. salt and 5
lb. sugar for brine bought at store in trade for Stephan work, hat $1
bought at store in trade for Efim work ,moccasins 75¢ (made by Goosmar).
1902
January 1, 1902 Warming up westerly winds.
Got up 5:45 AM cut load of fire wood and riveted up bolt heads
on sleighs, drilled holes in strap iron on Nig’s broken hame.
Filed man saw. Evening sewed fur lining in cap. Winter
quarters K and B Co. Knik, Alaska
January 2, 1902 Clear and fine all day. Printed
pictures for K and B Co. office in Boston. Elmer and self went
down to Fish Creek after ptarmigans, got none. Evening
made typewritten list of pictures for Co.
January 3, 1902 Fixed and sewed on horses blankets.
Opened Box no. 1 K and B Co. outfit, brought home tap and die,
pipe cutter, monkey wrench, 1 ball peen hammer. Fittings
for hydraulic pipe OK.
January 4, 1902 Snowed during night 1¾”,
total snow fall at Knik to date 5½”. Hauled up two loads
of birch wood. George Palmer visited and asked me to come up to
Knik Station and doctor up sick Indian, Nicketa and Ephim’s
Bobbies both sick, also two boys with colds and fever, gave fever
med, Dover powder and treatments.
January 5, 1902 Light snow during the
day. Ground my axe, cut open water hole. Drove up to Knik with
Mattie and Elmer. We gave Nicketa’s sick wife rice and bread,
also Ephim’s wife bread. Got A. C. Co. old bellows,
ours was too small. Evening wrote answer about Wood Island
Station. Mattie wrote home as usual. Rabbit for dinner.
January 6, 1902 PM 6 below zero, light
snow. Designed and cut out Mountain sheepskin mittens for self
and wife. Mattie sewed on mittens and self on horse blankets.
Evening wrote to W. A. Farnsworth, told him that I intended to
build a cache at Knik and I looked for the $200 short on money sent
in, in October 1901, also about pictures.
January 7, 1902 PM 26 below zero. Went
out with guide Stephan to look up easier team trail from Knik
Lake to 1st lake on summit, decided to use old trail, cut out
and fixed up part of it. Mattie and Elmer were at Palmer’s
store when I came in. Very cold day. Lunch was frozen
stiff at dinner time. Gave Ephim’s wife crackers.
January 8, 1902 PM -30. Wrote order $10.05
for clothing of MacDougal and Southwick Co. Seattle, to be
shipped through S. Bros. and Co. on first boat in April or May.
Mattie baked bread, cake etc. PM cut wood and nursed bronchial
cold.
January 9, 1902 Very cold
day, PM -36. Stephan and Ephim visited. Gave Ephim
crackers and rice for his sick Bobbie. PM cut wood and
carried up lake water. My cold some better. Chimney caught
fire breakfast time, no harm.
January 10, 1902 Thermometer was frozen
up, too cold to do much outside, -36. Cut wood, banked up
stable etc. Sewed on horse blanket and patched leather
mitten. Mattie sewed new soles in Elmer’s big moccasins.
Palmer reported -40 9 AM at Knik.
January 11, 1902 AM -40, cut wood, sewed
on blankets etc. Indian caller for dinner, Matt’s
fellow. Growing a little warmer.
January 12, 1902 AM -24. Fixed
can over into a water bucket, carried up barrel of water.
Cut out Mattie and Elmer a pair each of mountain sheepskin mittens.
Goosmar visited, wanted work, said his Bobbie had only 2” of tea.
January 13, 1902 PM +5. Stephan and Goosmar,
worked on leveling up team trail through timber north of Knik
Lake. Morning, Native visited and helped Mattie make her
twilight. Bought piece of moose skin off of Goosmar.
Mattie fell down cellar (4’ deep).
January 14, 1902 With Goosmar and Stephan worked
on trail on other side of Knik Lake. Mattie and son came
up 2 and came home with me. Evening looked up pipe fittings.
Hovey visited.
January 15, 1902 Finished trail work
by Knik Lake, 3 men 3 days to fill in holes and fix up trail
across Knik Lake. Paid off Natives. Hovey came
up to inspect trail. Got a pair of hame’s off of Palmer
to fix up Nig’s broken one.
January 16, 1902 With Elmer went up to launch
to measure fittings. PM cut wood, took down stove pipe
and fixed same. Had another fire in chimney. Mattie got
on her high horse about tobacco, etc.
January 17, 1902 First mail arrived, received
6 letters, sent out 6 letters. Elmer and self finished team trail
near Knik Lake. Palmer came down after the mail out 9 PM.
January 18, 1902 Snowed 2”. Ash storm
AM made snow gray color, melted one foot of snow and cleaned up
2 ounces ash. Went to look up horses, were out overnight, they came
back at noon. Mattie and Elmer walked up to Knik. Evening sewed
strap on field glass case.
January 19, 1902 Big wind last night.
Worked on fixing Nig’s hame. Wrote letter to J. O. May
about the plant supplies wanted for launch and cash to carry me
over etc. Stephan returned Elmer’s sled repaired.
January 20, 1902 Got hame finished and
horseshoes toed and caulked. Mattie sewed new soles onto my
moccasins. Sewed on blankets. Evening wind and light
rain.
January 21, 1902 Rained most all night.
Shod Frank and Nig. With Elmer, cut wood up on the Government
trail near the swamp. Evening wrote to Capt. Johanson about
the 5 nests of pipe they dumped below tidewater, now ready to move
the hydraulic pipe.
January 22, 1902 Commenced moving hydraulic
pipe. Drove up to Knik from winter camp, one mile below
and loaded on 12 lengths, 144’ of hydraulic pipe and sledded same
to summit above Knik Lake, distance 2 miles. Brought home load
of birch wood and cut up same.
January 23, 1902 Moved two loads 276’
hydraulic pipe to summit above Knik Lake. Mattie took pictures
of team and load.
January 24, 1902 Hauled to summit 2 loads,
288’. Mattie sick with neuralgia in her jaw. Left sleighs
at shop and cut off drill steel to make hook for log chain.
Cut wood and made this ink.
January 25, 1902 Light snow. Hauled 2
loads 288’ hydraulic pipe to summit above Knik Lake, pipe
half up. Brought home load of birch wood. Evening
wrote to father at Sioux Falls, S. D. said we would be out in Nov.,
to write up to Sept. 1st.
January 26, 1902 Evening light snow.
With Elmer and Mattie, drove up to Knik and hauled load of
pipe to the summit, making 8 loads and total 1,152’. Put front
shoes on Nig and caulked up extra pair and made clamp for evener
chain connections.
January 27, 1902 Rained last night and all
day, turned to snow 9 PM and still a coming. Cut legs off moose
skin moccasins and cut 3 pair soles out of same. Mattie
sewed 1 new moccasin, I cut soles, uppers and legs. Covered
oats with canvas.
Hydraulic pipe delivered at Knik October
30th, 1901 landed pipe at Knik at 8 PM.
19 lengths of
14” 228 ft.
19 lengths of
13” 228 ft.
19 lengths of
12” 228 ft.
40 lengths of
11” 480 ft.
25 lengths of
10” 300 ft.
38 lengths of
9” 456 ft.
1 flanged
9” 12 ft.
1 flanged
10” 12 ft.
Total number of feet 1,944
January 28, 1902 Storm near, snowed 2”.
Had Frank shod. With Elmer, walked up to Knik.
Checked up box no. 7 and remainder of pipe, total 1,944’
landed at Knik ready to sled to mines. Evening Hovey visited
and said that Lewis and Elliott expected $4 per day for 300 days in the
year, which is all rot, as they are now finishing their 3 months vacation
as agreed and was to get $200 fare, one way and grub for 1 year.
January 29, 1902 Water pools from rain all
frozen. Went up to Knik and bought Tuell’s cabin for $50.
Patchell came in, had lost his way on our team trail to the
Sushitna River. With Mattie and Elmer took canvas up to the Tuell
cabin to cover the ceiling. No sale, see February 12, 1902.
January 30, 1902 Evening clouded up and
warming up. With Elmer drove up to Knik, bought camp provisions
off Palmer. Notified guide Stephan we would leave for
foothills by trail Friday. Got provisions for trip with full
gang to swamp out trail to summit. Evening sewed moccasins.
Mattie baked bread and donuts.
January 31, 1902 Total snow fall to date 19½”
at Knik. A storm prevented trip to the Sushitna River.
Mattie sewed soles in Elmer’s moccasins. Elmer tried his
new snowshoes. Evening clearing.
February 1, 1902 Second trip out for trail
work. Left winter camp with team and 6 men to build halfway
camps on the Little Sushitna River and swamp out trail to summit
of foothills near Willow Creek. Left Knik 10 AM, trail very
heavy and trees covered with ice and snow. Arrived at camp no. 6
at upper end of Crooked Creek and made camp. Cloudy all day.
Star light evening. Colder. Retired at 11 PM.
February 2, 1902 Made camp no. 9, north side
of last lake on trail to Little Sushitna River. Arrived camp
8, 1 PM, picked up camp outfit, crossed 2nd of twin lakes
and made camp. Snow knee high, couldn’t make through to river.
Dinner at 3 PM. Two moose had crossed Twin Lake no. 2. Patchell
was camped at camp no. 3.
February 3, 1902 Left camp no. 9 at 9 AM.
Cut out end of trail, reached Little Sushitna River 11 AM.
Went across river to open the trail to 1st bench.
Ate dinner on bank of river. Cut out trail ¼ mile
and established river camp on 1st bench, made camp by 5 PM.
Evening much cooler, slept cold in sleeping bag and 1 blanket on
the banks of the Little Sushitna River.
February 4, 1902 Left the Boys swamping
on trail with team. Left river at 10:15 AM, arrived at
Knik 3:45. Actual time out to Knik from river 5 hours, fed
horses at camp no. 6. All sand over trail and covered with snow.
Came to Knik for load of pipe.
February 5, 1902 Left Knik with 6 hydraulic
pipe and 230 lbs. of oats at 10:30 AM. Arrived at Sushitna
River camp 6 PM, actual time traveling 6½ hours.
Fed horses at 3rd camp. Weather clear. Found Patchell
camped on river, out for moose and martin. Saw a dozen moose
tracks on lakes and creeks, one wolf. Moved 1st load of hydraulic
pipe.
February 6, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp at
9:30 AM, arrived at Knik 2:45 PM, actual traveling time 4 hours
45 minutes. Found Mattie and Elmer at Palmer’s store.
Got bundle of hay from Palmer. One Copper River Indian arrived at
Knik. Evening got salmon, beef and potatoes, ready to take
out to half way camp.
February 7, 1902 Left Knik 9:15, loaded 9 pipe
on summit, left summit 10:20, arrived Sushitna River
camp 5 PM. Actual hours travel six, Mattie and Elmer came with
me across Knik Lake. Stephan and Neketa commenced work.
February 8, 1902 Hauled load of birch
wood to camp and left Sushitna River camp at 9:15, arrived 3rd
camp at noon, fed team. Arrived at Knik at 2.
Draw rod on aft sleigh broke, made a new one, Mattie helped.
Mattie and Elmer came up to summit to meet me. Brought home load
of birch wood.
February 9, 1902 Left summit with 9 pipe and
2 cut oats at 11 AM, arrived at Sushitna River camp 5:30 PM,
had snowed 2” during the night, trail sticky and sleighs pulled
heavy. Boys had cut through to end of ridge, 8 miles above
the Sushitna River. Snow on ridge about 2’.
February 10, 1902 Got tent camp ready and hauled
in load of birch wood, left Sushitna River camp 10 AM, arrived
3 PM, did some smoothing up on trail on way to Knik. Evening
got more supplies ready for camp. Patchell shot a moose on
ridge, bought half of it for $8. Evening Morris and Herndon
visited, I bought their claims on Willow Creek for $100 (2 claims).
February 11, 1902 Left Knik, Mattie and Elmer
went with me 10 AM, arrived Sushitna River camp 5:15. Wind
drifted in track on twin lakes. Set up small tent. Boys
had made brush barn for horses and built a platform cache.
February 12, 1902 Morning all at Sushitna River
camp, evening 42 above zero. Morning moved Sushitna River
camp to summit of 4th bench, left for Knik 11:40, arrived 5:15.
Shot one ptarmigan on way home. Gave Morris and Herndon each
my personal check for $50, payment for Little George and Telluride
Claims on Willow Creek. Bought McConahay's two cabins and
boat at Knik Station for $110 ($35 for boat).
February 13, 1902 Left summit with 9 hydraulic
pipe 10:45, arrived at Sushitna River camp 5:15. Patchell
came up for moose meat provisions, 10 lbs. apples, 10 lbs. rice,
10 lbs. corn meal, ½ lb. baking powder, 2 lb. can butter,
1 lb. coffee. Big wind broke off many tree tops and blocked
trail some. Guide Stephan shot a cow moose. Evening fixed
up tent to stand strong wind.
February 14, 1902 Left camp 8:30, arrived Knik
3 PM, shot 2 ptarmigans and 1 blue grouse on way home.
Brought load of birch wood down to McConahay cabins at Knik.
Evening developed 5th roll all came out good. Photos of Big
Lake, Fish Creek and inside quarters. Got birds ready for
breakfast. Paid Palmer $4 for Patchell account.
February 15, 1902 Left Knik 9:20 with 12 hydraulic
pipe, arrived at Sushitna River camp 5:15. Patchell had moved
up on 4th bench by our camp. Butler came down stayed for
supper, had moose meat, rice, bread, coffee. Boys swamping
out trail five miles above river, alders very thick
February 16, 1902 7 AM drove up to 3rd bench
with 7 hydraulic pipe. Brought Neketa and Lewis out with
me to fix up grades on trail, brought out half of moose for Stephan.
Neketa took mail over to Sunrise, time 12 days.
February 17, 1902 Loaded 14 pipe at Knik and
put on 6 more at the summit. With Lewis, arrived at Sushitna
River camp at 6 PM. Lewis went up to trail camp no. 11.
I shoveled snow on trail around camp where it had been covered
with brush.
February 18, 1902 Hauled out nest (6
pipe) up on 4th bench above Sushitna River camp, got back at
9:45 to camp. Took up supplies for Hovey and he was down
to pipe landing after same. Arrived Knik 3:30, did considerable
fixing on the trail. Elmer and Mattie came up to Knik helped
me get hay for horses.
February 19, 1902 Noon, +36. Left Knik with
12 pipe. Mattie and Elmer went with me to the Sushitna
River camp at summit, took on 3 more pipe, making 15 in all.
Arrived at Sushitna River camp 5:15 PM had ham, beans, rice, coffee
and bread and butter for our supper.
February 20, 1902 Evening 26 above zero.
Hauled 6 pipes to 4th bench above Sushitna River. Left
camp at 9:30, arrived Knik 4 o’clock, did some work on the trail.
Hovey came down, wanted to move camp farther up toward summit.
February 21, 1902 Took in 17 hydraulic pipe.
Warm weather and sun making trail bare in spots. Shot
one rabbit and three grouse on my way to camp.
February 22, 1902 Hauled one nest of hydraulic
pipe up to camp 11, then moved camp up to the summit, about
7 miles from the Little Sushitna River. Snow 3’ deep and
had to break trail. Got back to river camp 6:30 PM and camped
for night.
February 23, 1902 Mattie cut my hair.
At winter quarters, Govt. camp, Knik Alaska.
February 24, 1902 Left camp with 17 pipe and
100 lbs. oats, got hung up in grade at camp no. 3. Butler
came down to my camp on river and reported trail cut through
to Willow Creek. Matinuski Indians arrived at Knik.
February 25, 1902 Took pipe to camp no. 10
then drove up to summit for boys and camp outfit. Got
back to river camp 1 PM. Horses tired so camped for the
night. Stephan walked to Knik, worked 20 days.
February 26, 1902 With all hands, left Sushitna
River camp at 7 arrived at Knik at noon. Shod Frank and made
draw rod for sleighs. Shot 2 grouse on way out. Evening
loaded shells.
February 27, 1902 Mail arrived, received 10
letters. Left Knik summit 10 with 14 hydraulic pipe and
3 bags oats. Reached Sushitna River camp 5:45. Had grouse,
beans, rice, toast and coffee for supper.
February 28, 1902 Hauled 8 pipe up to 4th bench
got back to camp 10 AM. Arrived at Knik camp 4 PM.
Martha and Elmer came up on trail above Knik Lake to meet me.
Had Boys cut 1 cord birch wood each along bank for steam launch.
March 1, 1902 Mattie and Elmer made their 3rd
trip with me to Sushitna River camp. Beans, rice and ham
for supper. Evening cloudy and warmer, Boys cut 40 logs
for barn at Knik.
March 2, 1902 Evening 15 above and snowing.
Hauled 7 hydraulic pipe up to 4th bench. Met Patchell
on way to Knik with 2 wolverine specimens. Left camp 10 AM
arrived Knik camp 4:10. Evening ground coffee. At both cabins
chimneys caught fire. No harm as usual.
March 3, 1902 Snowed 1”, total to date 20½”.
Lewis and Elliott helped load logs for barn at Knik, delivered
12 logs. Hydraulic load for mines consisted of 5 pipe, 1
gate, 3 Y’s, 3 boxes of lugs and stem for head gate. Also 2
sacks oats, total one ton. Trail drifted full on Big Lake,
arrived at Sushitna River camp 7 PM. Had Boys cut corner posts for
barn and small poles.
March 4, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp 10 AM,
arrived Knik 4 PM. Broke draw rod on sleigh, made new
one before supper. Evening cut thread on draw rod. Hovey
visited, agreed to fix up packsaddles. Let Palmer have one
can of coal oil for Copper River 2nd Chief.
March 5, 1902 Hauled up 2nd load of logs for
barn at Knik. Lewis and Elliott went with me to summit.
Took in last of hydraulic pipe, one 1” iron rod, 2 sacks oats,
1 valve stem. Trail on Big Lake drifted full, rest of the
road good going. Arrived camp 5:30. Moved last of hydraulic
pipe from Knik to Little Sushitna River (53 pipe up on 4th bench).
March 6, 1902 Hauled 10 hydraulic pipe
up to 4th bench. Left Sushitna River camp for Knik at
10 AM, arrived home 4 PM. Hauled down load of birch
wood from other side of Knik Lake to Shorty’s cabin for fire
wood, evening cut wood. Hovey sewed sheepskin on Nig’s
harness to prevent chafing. Mattie fixed my mogs and mittens.
March 7, 1902 Hauled up 3rd load of logs
for barn. Loaded at Knik 3 gate valves, 1 box misc.,
3 bundles hydraulic hose, 2 bundles baling wire, 1 rod drill steel,
1,850 lbs. Arrived at Sushitna River camp 6 PM, much colder.
March 8, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp about
8 AM. At Birch Grove took on load of fence rails, delivered
same at Knik to fence in garden, cabins, etc. Arrived winter
government camp at 4:30. Evening gave Frank a treatment,
oil and salt, mended mittens.
March 9, 1902 At home all day, first
day off in 5 weeks. Horses worn and tired. Chimney
and roof caught fire. Got supplies ready for mines.
Cut firewood (Mattie helped to saw). Evening wrote to
Whitney and Lehnes for U.S. inspection on steam launch.
March 10, 1902 Left home 7 with 7 sacks oats
and 2 of wheat flour. At Knik, bought from Palmer, 12
sacks flour, took standard gate, coil wire rope, keg 12d nails,
box rivets. Arrived Sushitna River camp at 6 PM. Very
cold. Stephan was camped with family at camp no. 6. Met
Neketa with load of goods from Tyonek for Palmer.
March 11, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp 9 AM
took on load of fence rails and fire wood at summit above Knik
Lake, left same at Knik cabins, arrived home 5 P M.
Everhardt was at Palmer’s store.
March 12, 1902 Moving Day. AM packed
up and moved from winter camp to Beedy Store and cabin
at Knik. Evening wrote to Churchill and Finch. Sent $60.47
by Everhardt to Alaska Commercial Co. at Tyonek.
March 13, 1902 Boys hauled in balance of logs
for cache and barn at Knik. Worked around new cabin at
Knik. Evening talked with Palmer about supplies, he was all
out and doubtful about getting more.
March 14, 1902 Windy, cloudy, evening warming
up. Fixed stove and pipe, cut wood. Went down to Capt. Glenn
camp after load of supplies. Evening put up shelves.
March 15, 1902 Light snow. Went down
to government camp got load dry logs and blacksmith tools, delivered
same at Knik cabins. Put up shelves, had Ephim cut wood.
Evening paid account in full at Palmer’s $265.70.
March 16, 1902 Light southerly winds, warming
up. Bath morning. Had Ephim cut wood. Loaded shells,
put covering on side of launch to keep sun off. Evening
got supplies ready for final trip to mines. Evening found
black dog in water closet pit, had to pull him out with a rope.
March 17, 1902 Last trip, off for the mines.
Left Knik at 8 with load of provisions and men for the mines.
Arrived Sushitna River camp 4 PM. Camped for the night,
took pictures of twin lakes and crossing the Little Sushitna River.
Mattie and son remained at our new cabin at Knik.
March 18, 1902 With men, camp outfit and provisions,
left Sushitna River camp for summit of mountains. After
dinner, shoveled out trail ½ mile on summit, snow 3’ deep
and crusted from snowshoeing on same. 4 PM self with team
left for Sushitna River camp for more provisions.
March 19, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp
with 800 lbs. provisions. Arrived summit camp 12:30, snowed
2”. With men, shoveled out trail to small creek on summit.
5 PM left for Sushitna River camp, arrived 7:30. Evening
sewed moccasins, retired at 11.
March 20, 1902 With 14 sacks flour, left Sushitna
River camp, arrived camp 12-1:30. Loaded on camp outfit
and moved same 1½ miles to creek on summit. Had
boys build brush barn and cache and platform for the hydraulic
pipe. Left summit 3:30 PM, arrived Sushitna River camp 6:30.
Shot 2 grouse.
March 21, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp
with 700 cwt. oats, other small stuff to total of 1,000 lbs.
Trail heavy, arrived summit camp 1 PM. Boys finished cache
and barn and had bridged the creek. Made go-devil to break
out trail. Stayed at summit camp.
March 22, 1902 AM finished go-devil.
PM broke out trail from summit camp down to long hill between
12 and 11. Also broke out trail 1 mile north summit camp,
then made landing for hydraulic pipe and shoveled out 1 mile of trail.
March 23, 1902 Snowed 8” last night.
Drove go-devil over trail above and below summit camp.
Men shoveled out trail, drove over trail above summit camp
about 2 miles.
March 24, 1902 Light snow all day. Broke
out trail from Sushitna River to summit. Hauled up 3
sacks oats on go-devil. Men shoveled out trail.
Evening 2” snow, Gave Patchell note for Mattie.
March 25, 1902 Broke out trail to Big
summit swamp. Went to find Willow Creek, found good trail
and reached the creek 3:30, 1 mile below R. and L. cabin.
Arrived summit camp 6:30. Elliott and Hovey hauled
2 loads supplies from no. 12.
March 26, 1902 Made a go-devil.
PM broke out 1 mile trail to ridge for camp no. 14.
March 27, 1902 Went over trail with go-devil
and then moved summit camp to ridge camp 14. PM ran trail
line to small creek. After supper drove back to summit
camp so the team could have shelter. Made a tent for self,
retired 11 PM. Traded sack flour for 60 lbs. moose meat
with Native.
March 28, 1902 AM, drove both go-devils over
trail from 12 to 14, drifted some on swamp. PM broke down
½ mile trail north of 14. Left summit 5 PM for
the Sushitna River camp for load of oats and my tent and camping
outfit. Arrived 7:30 had moose steak, bread and peaches for
8 supper.
March 29, 1902 Left Sushitna River camp with
7 cwt. oats and moved camp outfit (300 lbs.) to summit.
Put up camp then drove to no. 14 with 7 oats and 3 cwt. flour.
Had supper and returned to summit. Snow settled and going
fast.
March 31, 1902 At Knik “attending” to wife.
Men opening up trail from 14 to Willow Creek.
April 1, 1902 Left Knik with 100 lbs. sugar,
200 lbs. (20 pieces) iron, 2/3 case cream. Arrived Sushitna
River camp 3 PM. Took on 2 bundles hydraulic hose 255 lbs.
Draw rode broke at foot of big hill, trail soft.
April 2, 1902 Took small load and pulled go-devil
behind sleigh to camp 14, broke out trail about 2 miles.
Arrived summit camp 9, retired 11.
April 3, 1902 Hauled load of provisions from
summit to camp 14. Finished trail from 14 to Willow Creek
bench. Supper at 14 then drove to summit camp. Evening
sewed up moccasins retired 11:30.
April 4, 1902 Hauled balance of provisions
from summit to 14. Run over trail with go-devil. Evening
wind and snow, boys fixed up R. and L. cabin. Ready to move camp
14 to Willow Creek.
April 5, 1902 Drove from summit to 14,
broke trail to Willow Creek. With Mr. Hovey moved camp
14 to Willow Creek. Boys sledded camp outfit up creek one
mile to K. and L. cabin. Light snow all day.
April 6, 1902 Drove go-devil over trail from
summit to Sushitna River camp, found 1’ water over ice on river.
Brought back bag coal and box lugs. Frank played out.
April 7, 1902 Wrote note to Palmer and Mattie.
Frank was sick so didn’t drive down to river. Patchell
went out to Knik. Drove to 14, put on light load and drove
up to Willow. Willow is 5 miles from summit camp. Men
shoveling out trail on bench to Willow Creek. Arrived camp
5 PM. Made wooden bottle, gave Frank dose of red pepper and lard
oil.
April 8, 1902 AM let horses rest, gave Frank
more oil and capsi. Drove to 14, took on ½ ton
provisions, delivered same on bench of Willow Creek. Moose
steak, potatoes for supper.
April 9, 1902 Drove from summit to 14.
Met Lewis, said he couldn’t make trail on Willow because of
shell ice. Drove to 14, took on ½ ton and drove to
Willow, found men in cabin. I gave orders to make single trail
up creek. Found hole under horses tongue.
April 10, 1902 With Nig, drove to 14.
Took on 800 lbs. feed and provisions and hydraulic hose, landed
same on Willow Creek at noon. Men couldn’t make trail on creek
because of shell ice and holes. Stephan delivered letter from
wife, traded provisions for the moose meat.
April 11, 1902 Sent letter to Mattie to send
medicine for horse. Drove from summit to Sushitna River camp
with Nig, brought back bundle hydraulic hose. Patchell
had caught another wolverine and brought letter for Butler and
Hovey. Evening new soles on moccasins.
April 12, 1902 With Nig, took over balance
of outfit to Willow, found men taking the day off sewing moccasins.
Hired Evan and 2 partners to sled at $1.50. Boys broke
trail and got 3 sleds from Gilbert’s on Grubstake.
April 13, 1902 First thaw in 5 days.
Left summit, took shortcut to 14 arrived Willow 8:20.
Helped Elliott pull 425 lbs. to R. and L. cabin. Left off
200 lbs. oats, then sledded up to Linder’s, half way up creek, 3
Natives loaded 600 lbs., Butler and Lewis 350 lbs. PM
Natives and Lewis took up 750 lbs. Had Butler and Elliott bring
up coal, lugs and oats and cache same at R. and L. cabin (12 sacks
oats). I left at noon for summit, packed over packsaddles,
broke camp, left summit with team and sleigh, arrived Sushitna River
6:10. Put up tent, had supper, on way to Knik with horses.
April 14, 1902 Got up 4 AM, left Sushitna River
camp 6:30 river frozen solid, arrived camp 10:30. Arrived
Knik 2 PM. Met Mattie at water hole on Knik Lake. Gave
Frank a treatment, 12 cathartic pills, put up feed boxes under
calidoor. Frank ate oats and seems to be on the gain.
Patchell moved in to Knik from spring hunt around Little Sushitna
River, camped on our trail, so did the Natives.
April 15, 1902 At Knik with sick horse.
Drove down to Capt. Glenn camp with Nig and got floors in cabins.
Put same under A. C. Co. cache at Knik. Palmer got off for
Hope (open boat). Hauled 2 barrels water and load of birch wood
for Martha. Doctored up Frank, the horse.
April 16, 1902 Got up 2 barrels lake water,
intended to leave at noon for mines, but was too warm and soft.
Doctored up Frank, cauterized hole under tongue. Evening
wrote order for Palmer to get supplies for launch and 3 pair
boots, 2 size 8 and 1 size 9, leather soles.
April 17, 1902 Got up at 4 AM, left Knik on
foot for Willow. Arrived Little Sushitna River camp at
noon, cached stove and tent, left at 1:10 with 50 lb. pack, arrived
summit camp at 4. Cooked lunch, left at 5, reached R. and
L. cabin, Willow Creek at 8 PM, actual travel time 10½ hours.
Fish Creek overflowed, rest of trail very good.
April 18, 1902 Got up at 4:30 left R. and L.
cabin at 6 with pack and 25 lbs. coal on Indian sled, trail
very soft, had to wear snowshoes. Met Evan and partners
half mile below Jifkin cabin, they had sledded each 5 days, paid
them each $5 and gave them credit at Palmer’s for $2.50 each.
Arrived Jifkin camp at 9 AM. Gave men orders to get out frame
for cache and cabin. Left at noon with half case milk and bedding,
arrived my cabin at 1. Wolverines had been in cabin, turned
everything upside down, ate a tub of butter and ate up 500 lbs. bacon
in the cabins.
April 19, 1902 Got up at 5:30 pulled sled down
to Jifkin camp. Pulled back load of poles for cache.
Load went in snow bank out of sight. Hauled up part of stove and
1 stick firewood. Opened Morris cabin, roof leaking
badly, found a lot of our no. 2 outfit in cabin. Evening looked
over medicine case and greased up tools.
April 20, 1902 Went down to Jifkin camp
for dinner. Hovey came back with me, he blew the end off
my 16 g. shotgun, because it was full of snow. After supper,
went down to Morris cabin. Sledded back 13 lbs. berry coffee,
2 cans matches, 1½ lbs. L. W. beans, 1 pt. vinegar,
5 lbs. spices, 1 caribou skin. Evening big easterly wind, put
cloth in window frame of my cabin at Willow Creek.
April 21, 1902 Hired Billy the Native to sled.
Pulled fire wood out to bank on Willow Creek. Hauled 4
loads of fire wood up to the Gilbert cabin and made sled team
up the bench to canyon falls. Evening scoured up pots etc.
Evening clear and colder, snow soft and settling. Lewis hauled
out timbers for cache. Butler sledding over mess house timbers.
Now living at my own cabin.
April 22, 1902 Finished hauling, cut
firewood and cache timbers and part of mess house frame.
All hands agreed to commence work at 2 AM. Evening cooked
beans and fruit, men to take dinner at 7 AM at my cabin hereafter,
ptarmigans very plentiful and tame.
April 23, 1902 Got up 1:30, self sledded up
5 loads firewood. Men didn’t show up, they thought it
too soft to sled but the crust was hard and good up to noon. Got
3 loads of tools from Morris cabin. Launch supplies should
arrive at Knik Harbor.
April 24, 1902 Got up at 2 AM trail would not
bear without wearing snowshoes. With Elliott and Native,
got up six loads of firewood. After dinner (7 AM) went
over to the Morris cabin, took up floor and roof and cloth covered
ceiling in annex and sledded over roof and floor lumber to Gilbert
Claim. Lewis sick. Billy finished, sent small pack to
Mattie at Knik. Shot 6 ptarmigan.
April 25, 1902 Southeaster all day.
Cleaned up around my cabin. Had peach dumplings and boiled
ham for dinner etc. After supper, broke out trail down
to dump on bank on Willow, snow soft. Sewed sole in moccasin,
retired 10:30. 1st mail boat should arrive.
April 26, 1902 Sleet and snow at Willow Creek,
westerly storm all day. Men didn’t show up for work.
AM got up 1 load for cache. Cut off barrel of shot
gun and put on new sight. Shot 2 ptarmigans in front of cabin
door. Evening made out sluice box. Evening, colder and clearing.
Loaded up shells.
April 27, 1902 Sun shining but light snow fell
all day. AM went up to Martha cabin found things alright
shoveled snow off sluice boxes. Hovey came up and helped
me sled back cooking gear, 100 lbs. LW beans and tent. Arrived
my cabin 12:30. Hovey ate dinner with me. Evening cleaned
up cooking utensils and sewed up my gloves.
April 28, 1902 AM got up 9 loads cache timbers
and firewood. Tore down sides of Morris cabin, sledded over
3 loads to my cabin and cache. Lewis worked, laid off sick
since 24th.
April 29, 1902 Got up 2 AM trail good and hard.
Finished sledding cache timbers (21) and firewood logs (60) and
got up some of mess house frame work and made trail from bench to
the canyon. Ordered Butler to sled out mess house timbers.
Got out 21 in 2½ days. Men ate dinner at my cabin.
April 30, 1902 Hovey, Elliott and Lewis each
bought a load of provisions from camp at Jifkin. Got up
all long frame timbers. Supper at 1 PM in order to do the sledding
on the crust.
May 1, 1902 Elliott, Lewis and Hovey sledded
up 3 loads of provisions from Jifkin. Sledded balance
of framework up on canyon bench. Butler laid in bed,
thought it too soft to sled. Cleaned out Gilbert cabin for
bunkhouse. Butler came up to my cabin, wanted to sell out his interest
in the mines for $400, denied that Thorne staked him in 1898, said
he bought 450 shares stock and gave it to his wife. I offered
him $300 for his interest right now.
May 2, 1902 Sledded until 11 AM, got up all
of framework, then hauled down 12 loads of Morris cabin
logs for cache and annex to my cabin. Boys brought up 4
loads, balance of provisions. Two Natives arrived from
Knik with letter from Mattie. Ice didn’t go out yet in front
of Knik. SS Bertha on the rocks. Miller brought home
by Palmer and Patchell, was living on crows, crazy. Frank
better but has sore foot.
May 3, 1902 Moved camp, Jifkin to Gilbert’s.
On way down my sled struck a dry stick, the end flew into my
right eye and nearly put it out, very painful. The boys sledded
over roof and floor of annex to Morris cabin. I nursed my
eye. Hovey took quarters in my cabin to do the cooking for
the camp, rest slept in Gilbert cabin. Sent out letter to
Mattie by Natives.
May 4, 1902 Cloudy weather, very soft
snow going fast. Nursed my eye, very sore, did no work.
Had ptarmigan stew with dumplings for dinner. Now all
camped on Gilbert Claim.
May 5, 1902 Men, went up to Martha cabin
and claim, took off roof of cabin, brought back 4 loads.
PM started to side up calidoor on my cabin with barn logs.
May 6, 1902 Clear, started to sled at 2:30,
took up 4 loads of roofing to canyon for mess house then went
up to Martha Claim for balance of roofing and 13 sluice boxes.
Got stringers and house logs from Morris cabin, worked on calidoor
until noon. I broke new trail to canyon and Morris cabin.
Snow well crusted. Took boat down to Knik Harbor for Urann.
May 7, 1902 All hands up at 2 AM. Delivered
78 12’ boards on canyon bench. Knocked down 5 of
Morris boxes and got 4 small boxes from Homestake for mess house.
Delivered 11 of Gilbert boxes near mess house. Got one load
hydraulic from Morris cabins. Cleaned up 12 gr. dust in Morris
boxes. Demanded cabin keys from Butler.
May 8, 1902 Went down timber line 3:45
AM, cut 3 saw logs, delivered same at 1899 saw pit.
Brought back two 6” sticks for calidoor doors,
windows. Lewis rode his sled over the bank into Willow Creek, nearly
broke his ankle and leg. Hauled him on sled back to cabin gave
him ¼ morphine and removed the swelling with hot water, bathed
with wood alcohol.
May 9, 1902 Up at 5 AM, I sledded up box from
lower end of Morris Claim. Worked on my calidoor got floor
laid, door hung and end boarded up, now about completed. Lewis
came out on crutches, but had to soon retire. 8 PM,
two light earthquake shocks. Willow Creek half open. Very
warm daytime, freezing nights. Shot 8 ptarmigans front of cabin
door, ptarmigan very plentiful, parky’s out.
May 10, 1902 Completed my calidoor which made
a kitchen 8’ x 10’, 2 windows and 1 door, cabin now 10’ x 20’.
Snow 2/3 gone on north side of Willow Creek. This is the day
we were to go out to Knik and get up balance of hydraulic pipe from
Knik Harbor but because of the accident to Lewis, cannot get away,
waiting for his foot to mend.
May 11, 1902 Self got up at 3:45, sledded windows
and Morris table from my cabin to mess house location above canyon
on Grubstake and delivered 10 of frame work for mess house. Sled
down 2-40 gate to my cabin. After breakfast made kitchen table
and sideboards in new kitchen and sideboards for my bed. Men
loafed, Lewis on the sick list, not improving very much.
May 12, 1902 Started to build cache, 8’ x 12’,
between my and Gilbert cabins, set her up in the air 10’ on
4 posts. Got up stringers and floor plates from post
holes, took out two pans of dirt, one had 12 colors, other eight,
went ½¢ to the pan. Evening cut down door sill between
annex. Evening freezing.
May 13, 1902 Got up cache ready for the
roof. Shot 10 ptarmigans in 6 shots, had baked ptarmigan pie
for dinner.
May 15, 1902 AM completed cache, time for one
man 9 days, which does not include delivering stock. Capacity
of cache 10 tons, put provisions in cache. With Butler
and Elliott broke trail up Grubstake to summit of mountains, delivered
tent. Evening packed up now ready to sled Lewis over Bald
Mt. to timber line. Had Hovey salt down 3 dozen ptarmigan.
Snow all gone on Craigie hog back.
May 16, 1902 Left Willow Creek 3 AM
for Knik with men. Sledded Lewis over to timber line of
Bald Mt. by way of Grubstake. Had to pull sleighs to summit
with long rope, grade 65° for 200 yards. Arrived timber line
3 PM had to sled down Bald Mt. on bare ground 1 mile. Set up
tent and camp stove. A few mosquitoes but not to bother, saw 2
brown bear.
May 17, 1902 With Hovey and Elliott, left timber
line camp at Bald Mt. With 40 lb. pack. Arrived
Little Shushitna at 9, dinner at Big Lake, arrived Cottonwood
5:30, Knik 7:30 PM. Rained from 5 to 7, trail on beach very
slippery. Met Native of Cottonwood with letter from Mattie
– Frank the horse had died and Nig was lame.
May 18, 1902 At home with family at Knik.
Mail had arrived and provisions and launch supplies had been
delivered at Knik. Left Butler with Lewis at Bald Mt. Elliott
and Hovey bunked him in Tuell cabin.
May 19, 1902 Started Elliott on Nig with
provisions for Elliott and Butler and to pack out Lewis.
Nig went lame, so Elliott had to return. Sent Native with
grub, 25 lbs., cost $2. Started to paint and fix up launch.
Evening lanced Nig’s foot, gave him relief at once.
May 20, 1902 Got engines cleaned up, sides
and top of launch painted. Elliott broke cross to main
steam pipe, sent for another one by Palmer who was going to
Sunrise. Evening doctored up Nig. Got Mattie water
from Knik Lake. Nig’s foot much improved. Native arrived
from trip to Bald Mt. paid him $2.
May 21, 1902 With Elliott and Hovey fixing
up launch for trip to Knik Harbor for the remainder of the hydraulic
pipe.
May 22, 1902 Got piping finished, sail made
for launch, put her in the water. PM with Nig, Elliott
and Hovey and Natives moved her 50’ evening tide floated launch.
Mud flats cut away up to 200 yards below spring. Self worked
around launch until 10 PM. Now ready to steam her up.
May 23, 1902 Got wood, water and supplies aboard
steam launch. With Elliott, Hovey and two Natives (Stephan
and Neketa) steamed off for Knik Harbor to get balance hydraulic
pipe, took Elmer with us.
May 24, 1902 Got up 5 AM found scow sitting
on cake of ice, put on tackle but couldn’t pull her off, tide
no where near here. Had to return to Knik for more help, brought
3 bags oats.
May 25, 1902 Mattie spent two nights alone,
Elmer with me at Harbor. Lewis and Butler arrived from Bald Mt.
Elliott and Butler scrap over vest and compass.
May 26, 1902 Bought Butlers 1/20th interest
in K and B Willow Creek placer mines, then paid him up and let
him go for disturbing the camp. Got provisions out of Palmer’s
cache. Let Palmer have 32 sacks flour, barrel cube sugar,
chest of tea. Evening got ready to go to Knik Harbor.
May 27, 1902 Left Knik with launch, 9
Natives, Hovey and Elliott for Harbor. Arrived 11 PM.
Natives slept in storehouse, Neketa was interpreter. Got
scow off of ice berg. Cleaned out dozen nests of pipe on
beach near storehouse. Worked 10 hours.
May 28, 1902 Launched scow at 5 PM, had to
move her 75’ and unload all of the pipe. Reloaded the hydraulic
pipe, worked 13 hours. Elliott and Hovey worked 15 hours.
Anchored scow out on high tide ready to start for Knik. Light
rain evening.
May 29, 1902 Left Harbor at 6 with launch
and scow, load of pipe (2,640’) arrived Knik 9:30. Left
boats on flat. Midnight took scow up Cottonwood channel to
Stephan’s house to discharge pipe.
May 30, 1902 With 11 Natives, made log platform
and unloaded hydraulic pipe. Time: 11 Natives 3 hours.
PM got ready for last trip to Harbor and expect to go to Tyonek
for mail and money.
May 31, 1902 Made out bill of provisions
to be ordered through George Palmer. Paid Lewis
half of salary $103.50 for hay $6.50 extra. Paid Elliott
to balance $104.50, paid Hovey to balance $8 with
Palmer and outfit, started for Tyonek got stuck on bar had to wait
over.
June 1, 1902 Launched scow, Lewis and Butler
passengers, left for Tyonek arrived Knik Harbor 7 AM.
Left, coaled up launch 2 PM, head wind all the way, arrived Ladd’s
11 PM.
June 2, 1902 Arrived Tyonek 3 AM found no mail
or money. Had king salmon for dinner, got orders and checks
ready to send out with Palmer. Tonquin left for Seattle with
Palmer and furs etc.
June 3, 1902 Left Tyonek 2 AM for Ladd’s
had to buck the tide, took 4 hours Saw Mr. Sater, foreman
of cannery, he gave me some king salmon. Arrived Pt. Campbell
took on 700 lbs. beach coal. Anchored for flood tide, left
Pt. Campbell at 11 AM stopped at ship and scow. SS Kingfisher
also came in.
June 4, 1902 Arrived at Knik with steam
launch 3:30 AM, slept till 10:30. Got ready for trip to
harbor for balance of pipe. Brooks George survey party off
for Mt. McKinley. First mosquitoes to bother.
June 5, 1902 Left Knik 6:30 with launch and
6 Natives to pick up balance of hydraulic pipe at harbor.
Pipe busted in boiler while at anchor, evening took out and plugged
same. Got all loose pipe, feed and hay aboard scow.
Delivered salmon to Capt. on Occidental ship.
June 6, 1902 Bought moose meat off Indian Jim,
got balance of pipe loaded at 4 PM. Anchored scow at
low water mark, now ready for Knik with last load of hydraulic
pipe and horse fodder. Self on watch, low water at
midnight.
June 7, 1902 Missed scow so had to buck tide
and steam back, got up scow anchor 3 AM tide, turned before
we arrived at Fish Creek. Anchored scow at Fish Creek with
launch, bucked tide to Knik. PM tide brought up scow, landed
feed at Knik., Scow at Stephan’s house. Elliott burst out
tubes in boiler.
June 8, 1902 Got up 2 barrels water and put
18 sacks oats in cabin. Paid off 6 Natives for 22
hours at 15¢ = $19.80. Evening rowed out to launch,
weighed anchor and set her over on the mud flat. Pumped her
up and found 1 pipe leaking caused by Elliott running her without
water. Skeeters bad.
June 9, 1902 Unloaded scow, 2nd and last
load of hydraulic pipe from Knik Harbor. Last Nov. 1 load,
making 3 loads in all with provisions and horse feed.
About half of hydraulic pipe filled with mud and gravel, took 2
hours and 11 men to un-nest one nest of pipe. Ice had jammed
up pipe considerable.
June 10, 1902 Plugged leaky pipe in boiler.
Cut wood for launch. Left Knik 10 PM with launch and scow
to meet Tonquin at Knik Harbor. Arrived coal bank at harbor
3 AM. Mattie and Elmer went along.
June 11, 1902 At harbor, Mattie and Elmer
and men laid down for a nap, self went ashore for coal, got boots
full of water. Tonquin arrived 8 with 11 hydraulic pipe
and 2 boxes fittings. Horses from Homer did not come up.
PM got more coal, left harbor 7:20, arrived Knik midnight, ground
swell on beach, Mattie afraid. Natives all drunk at Knik, also
Patchell.
June 12, 1902 Arrived from Knik Harbor 1 AM,
had to anchor scow at Fish Creek. Bucked the tide with
launch, retired 2:30, got up at 8 AM, got up water and wood for
launch. Elliott cut wood for launch. Hovey fixing Sea Otter
boat.
June 13, 1902 Completed annual report
to K and B Co., cash expended $4,366.53, year ending May 31.
Cost of hydraulic plant $4,394.22 at Knik. Company Dr. to
self $244.09, Mattie $184. Elliott made new stone boat.
Hovey repaired Sea Otter boat. Brought up scow from Fish Creek, mosquitoes
fierce.
June 14, 1902 After mail wrote letters to K
and B Co., Mr. Urann., Sylvester Bros. order for sleigh
and Palmer’s Seattle order for medicine. Steamed up launch,
pipe in fire box blew out, so had to wait over a tide, fixed same
ok.
June 15, 1902 Left Knik 2 with launch and scow
in tow with Hovey Pilot, Elliott Engineer, Herning Captain and
Simeon mail carrier. Arrived Harbor 5:30 left scow.
Arrived Fire Island Turnagain Arm side at 8 AM.
June 16, 1902 Anchored at Fire Island sent
Elliott with Simeon after mail at Sunrise. Mailed report
to K and B Co. Hovey and self wooded up launch.
Boys didn’t come back as expected.
June 17, 1902 Boys arrived from Sunrise with
mail, left at once for Knik. Sailed launch, pipe blew
out in fire box, put out fire. Had to anchor at Goose Bay
4 PM.
June 18, 1902 Left Goose Bay 12 midnight, head
wind, arrived Knik. Palmer’s scow sunk.
June 19, 1902 Dismantled launch and laid her
up on flat above Knik. Oiled all the tools etc.
Made ready to leave Knik for Willow Creek on 3 AM tide via Knik
to Cottonwood. Mattie and Elmer to go along.
June 20, 1902 Left Knik for Willow Creek second
trip season. Outfit, Hovey and Elliott, 2 Natives, family
and self packed 200 lbs. provisions on Nig, boated up to Cottonwood.
Started too late on the tide looked like rain so laid over 4 hours
at Cottonwood.
June 21, 1902 Left Cottonwood 6:15 AM arrived
for dinner, 2nd lake 11:15, arrived Little Sushitna River 3:30,
very hot mosquitoes lively, trail fine. Commenced to rain,
all got wet, arrived timberline camp 6 PM. Tents stood ok
and was dry inside. Cleared in evening got clothes dried out.
June 22, 1902 On trail 5 hours.
Left timberline camp 11:30, Nig had wondered off, found him halfway
up Bald Mt. Arrived at my cabin 3:15. Mattie and Elmer saw
a brown bear crossing Bald Mt. Simeon and Ephim came in to
whipsaw lumber.
June 23, 1902 At the mines. Took
Monday off for Sunday. Men fixed up bunks and laid floor
in Gilbert cabin. Self fixed brine on meats and butter.
Mattie was very busy cooking.
June 24, 1902 Light showers over Craigie
Creek. Hovey and Elliott did 1st work at mines on 3 month
contract. Natives whipsawing, Simeon and Ephim 10 hours
each. Hovey built water closet. Elliott hauled frame
logs up to canyon on Grubstake.
June 25, 1902 Natives whipsawing penstock.
Elliott and Hovey fixing over sluice boxes. Cut down
tree in front of cabin window. Men worked 10 hours.
June 26, 1902 With men and Nig, went down to
timber “1899 saw pit”, cut up penstock in short lengths.
Packed 3 logs up to the Gilbert Claim in two loads. Ephim and
Simeon 5 hours each.
June 27, 1902 Framing mess house. Simeon 10
hours, Ephim 10 hours at $1.50. Got frame up and sides
on mess house. Skeeters very bad.
June 28, 1902 Mess house enclosed, roof half
on, floor 2/3 laid. Simeon 10 hours, Ephim 10 hours.
Elmer and self cleaned up gold from 2 old boxes.
June 29, 1902 Natives finished work and left
for Knik. Tore out old bunks in my cabin, put side rail
on double bed. Hovey went prospecting. Baked Ptarmigan
pie for dinner.
June 30, 1902 Mess house completed except ½
roof and ¼ of floor, short of lumber. Nig’s feeding
ground is on Homestake bench, comes down to cabin every night
and stands around the smudge.
July 1, 1902 Working on mess house. With
Elliott and Nig, packed up ½ dozen slabs from 1898 saw
pit. Also penstock pieces and 2 sluice boxes from Homestake
sawpits. 1 window and door fitted.
July 2, 1902 Got doors fitted and 2nd window
and roof on mess house, except a dozen battens. Started
to frame penstock wide sluice boxes. Mattie went panning
for gold got 3½ ¢ with $100 worth of mosquitoes.
July 3, 1902 Mess house completed outside.
Total hours for one man 205. Creeks very low everything very
dry.
July 4, 1902 Sharpened up saws and planes,
put fly over sluice box material. Commenced to joint
up sluice boxes. Dinner fried ptarmigans and onions,
baked beans and potatoes, coffee, mince pie. Evening covered
roof with canvas.
July 5, 1902 Made 3 large sluice boxes size
12’ x 21” x 22¾” x 11” deep. Evening quite cool took
a bath.
July 6, 1902 Jointed penstock on one box. Tore
out Callahan bunk in my cabin put up shelf 10’ long by 21” wide.
Elmer and Elliott went out for a hunt, they brought in
ptarmigan.
July 7, 1902 With Elliott packed up 5
roof boards to mess house then went up to Homestake and
blocked up flume boxes in creek. Went up to hydraulic dam,
found 1 sluice box broken in half by snow slide. Bank of snow
in creek below hydraulic dam.
July 10, 1902 Cut hay near big boulder.
Hovey put last of battens on mess house roof. Covered big
boxes with brush. PM lined off grade for ditch around
canyon.
July 11, 1902 Simeon brought in first mail
(8 packs in all). AM started to dig ditch around canyon
on Gilbert Claim. I stacked ½ ton hay near boulder.
July 12, 1902 Sent out-mail by Simeon
and arranged with him to go and get July SS Bertha mail and August
SS Excelsior mail. Received word from Hanmore that lost box
of medicine had arrived. Wrote Sylvester Bros. about
headless nails and ordered 30’ of 3/8” machine steel. Sent
J. O. May maps of Willow and duplicate to W. A. Farnsworth. Simeon
arrived with the mail OK and not having change enough, I gave
him credit at Palmer’s store for one dollar. I paid him $1 for
taking my part of the mail over to Sunrise as agreed, and $10 to bring
the mail back, $5 Sunrise to Knik and $5 from Knik to Willow Creek.
July 13, 1902 Elmer caught a parky and magpie
in steel trap. Elliott shot 3 parky’s.
July 14, 1902 Resumed work on ditch around
canyon. Ditch half done, average depth 5’. Mattie and
Elmer visited to inspect ditch and pick up “nuggets” on the dump.
July 15, 1902 Working on ditch around
canyon found fair amount colors in ditch. Took out 2 pans
above falls, got 7¢ equals $3.50 to the yard. Evening
Elmer and I dressed 4 parky’s, Elmer caught them in trap.
July 16, 1902 Got ditch down another 9” of
grade. Took pictures of ditch, falls and Mattie panning
out gold (1¢).
July 17, 1902 Finished canyon ditch total time
for one man 150 hours. Size of ditch dug: 2’ wide, 5’
deep by (left blank) long. PM with Elliott, set up sluice
boxes in old ditch above canyon.
July 18, 1902 Commenced sluicing in old
ditch above the canyon. Set up six small boxes, got from
1
to 2¢ to the shovel of gravel.
This ditch connects the new canyon ditch sluicing to clean out
ditch and made same deeper. New ditch has 5’ loam on top of
gravel.
July 19, 1902 Sluiced 9 hours in old ditch
cleaned up half of the riffles. Skeeters about gone, wore
no net since Thursday. Creek very low, Elmer fell in.
July 20, 1902 Took scythe up to mess house,
cleaned up balance of boxes, got 2 dwt. Elmer and Elliott
went out for ptarmigans, they shot five. With Mattie and
Elmer, went up to Homestake, took out 15¢ one pan 6½
another. Evening changed the boxes.
July 21, 1902 Finished shoveling in on
1st set up. Took from joints 2 5/8 dwt. Started
to build dam across creek above canyon to run water through new
ditch around canyon. Two heavy showers, got dam half done.
Evening cut wood.
July 22, 1902 Fog beginning of the rainy
season. Got dam about completed set up sluice boxes
in upper end of old ditch, ready for shoveling in. Took
out 10¢ pan in ditch. Evening cut wood as usual.
July 23, 1902 Light rain all day and
colder. Worked 7 hours in old ditch, cleaned up ¾
of 1 oz. some 10¢ pans. Total time sluicing
to date 81 hours. Made $4 each, average to date 24¢
per hour to the man. Mattie picked first blue and salmon
berries. Fixed up my old boots for Elliott.
July 24, 1902 Sluiced 8½ hours, total
hours to date 106½. Found one 51¢ nugget, struck
clay bedrock. Evening cleaned up gold and cut wood.
July 25, 1902 Went up to hyd-dam pulled out
loose boards from flume. Caught Nig, brought stone boat
down to canyon ditch. Hauled rock to finish bar of dam to
turn water into ditch.
July 26, 1902 With Nig hauled up rock and sods
to finish ditch and wing dam on creek above canyon. Built
part of dam that turns creek from old ditch into the new one.
Finished 50’ dam across creek above old ditch and built sluice
dam.
July 27, 1902 Cut hay up on the Homestake Claim.
Took snap of left hand fork and a general NE view. Came
back over mountain, could see Knik Arm, Fire Island and Mt. Sushitna.
Had 1st blueberry shortcake.
July 28, 1902 Got sluice dam in shape, removed
3 big rock from ditch. Now at head of ditch and down to bedrock
(clay).
July 29, 1902 AM finished sluicing out old
ditch, sluiced 6½ hours, clean up was 7 dwt. Total
hours 1 man to date 126. Average per hour 32 cents.
Total 41.27.
July 30, 1902 Turned water around canyon.
Finished dam between old and new ditch and started water through
ditch. Now sluicing walls of ditch, old ditch 120’, new
one 300’. 1st cold fall rain. Mattie put new soles on
moccasins.
July 31, 1902 Cleared foundation for annex
to mess house. Worked on widing out new ditch around canyon.
Took out 6¢, 3 pans below canyon falls. Mattie picked pail
of blueberries and wrote copy of location notices of K and
B Co. claims. Evening cut wood as usual.
August 1, 1902 Got ditch sluiced out 2’ wide
nearly carries the creek. Started to make a road from
canyon bench down on to the Last Chance Claim basin. Took
out 3 pans above canyon falls got 3¢.
August 2, 1902 Old ditch 120’ long, new ditch
300’ long, dam 50’ long. Stephan came in with mail from SS Bertha.
Palmer arrived. Finished road above canyon.
August 3, 1902 Received 2nd letter from Farnsworth
saying $1,500 had been deposited for me at Scandinavian American
Bank. They had protected my personal checks. Shot 4 young ptarmigan
with 2 stones, Elliott got 7. Mattie and I took out 5 pans
on the Homestake, got 3 dwt. and 5 gr. total for 2½ hours
$2.57. Blueberry pie and ptarmigans for dinner.
August 4, 1902 Commenced building road off
of bench down to Willow Creek. I, with Nig and 150 lb. pack
left Willow Creek for Knik. Arrived timberline camp 7 PM.
Went out by pass between Grubstake and Wet Gulch.
August 5, 1902 At the Little Sushitna River,
met ACRR survey party running line from Resurrection Bay up
Big Sushitna River, across divide to the Yukon District.
Arrived Knik found Knik on the boom.
August 6, 1902 Had to anchor launch nearer
shore. Put 2 tons hay and 2 tons of oats into Beedy cabin.
Men at Willow Creek swamping out trail cutting hay, etc.
August 7, 1902 Put down stake and aft line
on steam launch. Men cut hay at Jifkin cabin.
August 8, 1902 Gave Palmer order for medicine
and camera supplies.
August 9, 1902 Left for mines at 5 AM, took
30 lbs. sugar, 2 sides bacon, 3 cans beef.
August 10, 1902 Mattie and self went up to
Homestake, carried down box from hydraulic dam. Did some
sluicing and in 1 hour cleaned up 1 dwt. lost more than that in
cracks. Elmer and Elliott went out for ptarmigans got 5.
Hovey picked a pail of blueberries.
August 11, 1902 Men graded road from bench
down on to Willow Creek. I cut out road from my cabin to new
road 1,000’. Evening dressed ptarmigan Blueberry shortcake
for supper.
August 12, 1902 Finished road from bench to
Willow Creek. Cleaned out canyon ditch. Mattie took picture
of road. Light cool rain, feels like fall.
August 13, 1902 With Nig got up rock and sods
to build sluice dam above canyon falls. Got 6 boxes set
and commenced to shovel found good prospects, lots of rock.
Evening cut wood as usual and half soled Mattie’s shoe.
August 14, 1902 Heavy shower raised creek -
overflowed canyon ditch and sluice boxes. Took out 1 dwt.
3 gr. silvered in tail riffle.
August 15, 1902 Cold rain, had
to clean out canyon ditch.
August 16, 1902 Sluicing above Canyon Falls,
total one man to date 43 hours. Clean up today 15 dwt.
4 gr., total to date 1 - 2 - 19. Blueberry shortcake and rain and
an ugly cook for supper.
August 17, 1902 Took up tent, split some wood.
Went up to Homestake took out 2 dwt. in 6 hours. In all
6 dwt. 5 gr. in 14 pans all coarse gold. Found 2 - 10¢
nuggets. Elliott and Elmer went out for ptarmigan and
Hovey picked pail of blueberries.
August 18, 1902 Sluicing above Canyon Falls.
Clean up 18 dwt. 8 gr. = for 3 men 9 hours, 1 nugget 27¢
and 3 at 10¢ each. One piece of silver 10¢ and
one ruby. Average per hour per man today 58¢. Elmer
panned out 7¢. Evening Mattie called me a fool for correcting
Elmer.
August 19, 1902 Sluicing above Canyon Falls.
Clean up 11 dwt. 15 gr. (two boxes). Average per man today
35¢. Had to move several big rocks. Went out and shot
ptarmigans, then dressed them. Evening, raining quite hard.
Streams wet very low.
August 20, 1902 Creek raising a little. I cleaned
out ditch and back-walled ditch dams. Clean up 6 dwt.
3 gr. 6 hours work. 17 hours for 1 man = 22½¢
per hour.
August 21, 1902 Very fine day first frost.
Put men to swamping out trail up on bench to mess house.
Elmer and I cleaned up balance of bedrock got 12 dwt. 7 gr. and
took out 1 dwt. 22 gr. in tail riffle (total 14-6). Only
sluiced 2 hours made $9.83. PM cut hay near boulder rock
August 22, 1902 Total hours sluicing above
Canyon 116. Took out 3-19-11 average per hour 54¢.
Took boxes out of creek got 6 dwt. 6 gr. in cracks. Men finished
trail from Willow to mess house.
August 23, 1902 Located Gopher and Nutmeg Claims
for R. C. Smith and J. W. Rogers. Housed tools and got
ready for Knik. Left Willow Creek at noon with family
Nig and men, arrived Timber camp 4:30. Took up camp outfit
arrived at Little Sushitna River at dark. Made camp at junction
of Willow and ACRR trails. Pleasant all day.
August 24, 1902 Started to build cache.
Mattie ran the camp, ptarmigan stew for dinner.
August 25, 1902 Steady rain until 4 PM. Got
foundation and sides up on cache ready to cover with tent roof.
August 26, 1902 Left Sushitna River at
6 AM. Arrived Big Lake 8:30 and ate lunch. Arrived
at Knik 3:15 PM. Got up at 2:30, cached camp outfit.
Arrived Cottonwood 12:15. Mattie, Elmer, Elliott and self
came down Knik in Sea Otter boat. Hovey came on Nig.
August 27, 1902 Received mail from SS
Excelsior. Horses arrived at Knik. Palmer gave us
new potatoes and lettuce. Found one new horse at Fish Creek.
August 28, 1902 Building cache at Knik.
Got sills down and floor layed to cache and started side walls.
Mattie brought new waist and sailor hats for herself and Elmer.
August 29, 1902 Working on Knik cache.
Cut Elmer’s hair, Mattie cut mine.
August 30, 1902 With Elliott, rowed down to
Goose Bay for sleighs and scraper. Found no signs of horses,
Miller was there, had mail from Sunrise. Brought up one horse from
Fish Creek, went out to look up bay and white horse couldn’t find
them.
August 31, 1902 Hovey and Elliott’s time up:
Hovey 88 days, Elliott 91 days. Due Hovey $231.95, due
Elliott $237.50.
September 2, 1902 Worked on cache. Mr.
Chalk and Tuell ACRR survey arrived, brought out pack train,
had reached the Big Sushitna River, they went to Tyonek with
Miller. Went down to Lee’s for more logs to finish cache. Evening
took down boat so we could tow up logs on morning flood. Sent
mail down to Tyonek.
September 3, 1902 Morning towed up logs to
spring. Got up wood and lake water. Had men cut hay near
Stephan’s house. Self hauled in hay off of trail and cached
sleds and scraper. Evening towed up logs from spring to
cache at Knik. Mattie helped me move launch down to the beach
by the spring, then got grub ready for trip to Knik Harbor.
September 4, 1902 With Elliott left Knik with
Sea Otter boat for Knik Harbor to bring scow up to Knik.
Stopped off at Goose Bay to look for horses, arrived at harbor at
noon. Found scow drifted down near coal bank. Left
harbor 3:40, set sail on scow but no wind. Didn’t get out of harbor until
7. Got across channel and anchored 8:30. Tide turned, rained all
night, slept on scow.
September 5, 1902 Weighed anchor near Goose
Bay. Palmer also lay at anchor, he caught up to us at upper
end of Goose Bay; he had his lost scow in tow, found her off the
Little Sushitna River. Arrived Knik at 8 AM anchored scow
near the spring. Self with Nig went up to summit above Knik Lake
looking for horses. Chalk (ACRR) with Miller returned from
Tyonek, Alaska Commercial Company had no shingles.
September 6, 1902 Hauled up 2 barrels
water, got salt pork, beans and rice out of
Palmer’s cache and box of hams. Put hay in back of Stephan’s.
Time cutting, 3 men 22 hours. Evening put salt pork in barrel.
September 7, 1902 Cleaned up hams, took
care of horses. ACRR man arrived from the Cottonwood in
Miller’s boat. Had oyster supper.
September 8, 1902 Big wind. Got
ridge pole and ends up on cache. RR men left for Knik River
to run a line from there up Eagle Creek over to Bird and around
Turnagain Arm. Grouse stew and new potatoes for dinner.
1st gale, cold, high surf.
September 9, 1902 Big wind filled scows anchored
at spring, floated out part of floor and scattered oars and
planks along the beach. Deepest channel on the Arm now in front
of Knik. Worked on cache. Evening developed pictures
taken at mines. Hanmore wrote to Palmer that the Tonquin would
call for Mrs. Herning at Knik Harbor September 15th.
September 10, 1902 Cache completed except shingling
roof time for one man 76 hours. Started basement for barn
in back of my cabins. Wrote to W. A. Farnsworth about lost
horses. Mrs. Sheldon and son visited.
September 11, 1902 Started barn in back of
my cabins at Knik with teams and scraper, cleaned out a place
18’ x 24’, 6’ into the bank. Made road from barn out to Patchell's
cabin. Now ready for logs. Got gold ready to send up to K
and B Co. Boston. Sample weighed 5 oz. 9 dwt. 3 gr. = $87.30.
Check for silvered gold 6 oz. 12 dwt. 7 gr. = $105.83.
September 12, 1902 Bought the Lee dance hall
off Palmer for $10. Tore down dance hall and got 70 logs, sided
on both sides, hauled out part of the logs to bank on beach.
September 13, 1902 Hired Elliott for the winter.
Got balance of logs over bank at Lee’s and hauled them out
on the beach and made a raft out of them (70 logs). Evening
made copies of location notices K and B claims on Willow Creek.
Palmer left for Sunrise. Goosmar and family came up from
Fire Island, had plenty of moose meat.
September 14, 1902 Finished making copies
of placer location notices and attached same to Morris and Herndon
and Butler deeds to Co. Elliott went out and got 4 grouse.
Elliott went out to look for lost horses. I took Sea Otter
boat down to log boom at Govt. camp. Evening Mrs. Sheldon
and son visited.
September 15, 1902 Had Elliott get out
timbers to make derrick to hoist pipe. Got ridge pole
for new boom. Boarded up roof on cache. Went down
to float up dance hall logs, tide not high enough. Hovey
started to make sail for Sea Otter boat.
September 16, 1902 Started up raft of logs
from government camp. Tonquin came in to Goose Bay, sent up
boat with Palmer. Mattie, Elmer and Hovey got ready to
go out to the States. Went down in Sea Otter, bucked tide.
Tonquin anchored at Fire Island on account of tide.
September 17, 1902 Left Tyonek, anchored off
Kenai for flood tide. Midnight went in to Kenai.
Mr. Bass, the hunter, came aboard AM. Called at Kasilof,
took on two English hunters and Mr. New and Fletcher.
Midnight arrived at Seldovia.
September 18, 1902 At anchor on board
the Tonquin, Seldovia Harbor, waiting for the SS Bertha
via Seattle. Buzzard’s went clamming, chowder for dinner.
September 19, 1902 On board the
Tonquin at Seldovia. Mr. Richardson and Deweese
was at Seldovia hunting. Mr. Bass went out for bear and
moose.
September 20, 1902 Seldovia waiting for
SS Bertha.
September 21, 1902 Halibut.
Seldovia, waiting for my old tub to come along via Seattle.
September 22, 1902 Weather windy. Evening
the SS Bertha arrived. Mattie and Elmer went aboard had
lunch with them. The SS Bertha sailed at midnight. Helped
load freight on Tonquin. Left early Tuesday for Kenai.
Funds didn’t arrive on SS Bertha.
September 23, 1902 SS Newport came in
on the way to Juneau, left Seldovia for Kenai. Saw SS Bertha
on her way to Iliamna Bay. Windy but had good trip to Kenai
arrived there 8 PM.
September 24, 1902 Decided to remain
at Tyonek as none of my freight came up from Seldovia.
Mrs. Tuell came up on the SS Bertha to winter with Charley at
Sunrise, was homesick.
September 25, 1902 Tonquin left for Sunrise.
Was invited to stop with Eberhardt and Anderson.
September 27, 1902 Weather windy.
Eberhardt and Anderson building a new cabin boat on Tyonek beach.
Tonquin on way to Seldovia for another load of freight.
September 28, 1902 Big wind and surf,
high tides broke up two of Hanmore’s boats and nearly washed
out the cannery at Ladd’s.
September 29, 1902 Miller came down with
Chalks party, went back in blow and was thought to be lost on
way Tyonek to Knik.
September 30, 1902 At Tyonek waiting
for Tonquin to deliver freight from Seldovia.
October 1, 1902 At Tyonek, went out gunning,
got 2 grouse.
October 2, 1902 At Tyonek, helped boys
pick up ton and a half of beach coal.
October 3, 1902 Freight arrived from
Seldovia.
October 4, 1902 Bought bill of goods
from A. C. Co., 6 pair boots, 6000 shingles, etc. Got ready,
loaded freight in Hanmore’s sloop for trip to Knik.
October 5, 1902 Cloudy with wind and
rain. Tyonek to Knik, got sea sick, left Tyonek with
load of freight for Knik. Had Hanmore’s sloop, Butler and
Harvey in charge, off Fire Island at dark, anchored on
mud flats for the night. Center board broke off, boat filled
half full of water, corked it back up. Very rough tide got
sea sick. Burr, got lost with Palmer’s boat. Saw Miller’s
boat beached on Sushitna River flats.
October 6, 1902 Calm sea at 4 AM, weighed anchor
and made into Knik Harbor. Laid over for next flood, left
harbor 2:30 AM, at Knik 6:30. Found Ladd’s cat in cabin,
dishes all knocked down and cat sh--t all over floor.
October 7, 1902 Got up 5:30 cooked ham, eggs
and hotcakes for breakfast. Started to shingle cache
at Knik. Barrel of sugar and crackers were damaged by water
on trip up from Tyonek. Harvey and Butler went down to government
camp. Mrs. Sheldon is on the high horse. Miller arrived
at Knik OK.
October 8, 1902 Mrs. Sheldon left Knik for
Tyonek by Miller’s boat. Finished shingling cache. Paid
Mrs. Sheldon 2 weeks board for Elliott $14, 4 days labor
her son $6, total $20.
October 9, 1902 Rowed up to Cottonwood
to look up horses, found 3 and other “gray” cast on the flats.
Got rig ready to hoist up the gray horse. Palmer put up three
poles and with luff tackle put gray on her feet . Had to
leave her swung up as she was sore and very weak.
October 10, 1902 Married 8 years today.
With Elliott and Native, went up to get gray mare, found
her swung up OK. Took off sling, hind leg swollen badly,
walked her down the beach to trail on bank. Too weak
to climb trail on bank, she fell down, so had to leave her. The path
so narrow between bank and channel, couldn’t raise her except to
roll her into the boat. Got home 2 PM rained hard all of PM.
October 11, 1902 On flood tide took Palmer’s
scow and went up after gray mare. She was dying so dumped
her into the channel. One side was all rotten and her head
was rotten. Blood poison had set in and she had kidney trouble.
Evening wrote to ACRR Anderson for a pair of his horses. Also wrote
to Mattie.
October 12, 1902 Blew a gale all PM.
Thought that we could see a wreck across the Arm. Did
washing and baked bread, had fine luck with bread, my 2nd trial.
PM Elliott rounded up the horses.
October 13, 1902 Cloudy with snow flurries.
Moved provisions and oats into cache. Moved flour and
beans out of Palmer cache into our own, also moved oats out of
boat house. Miller arrived from Tyonek OK, was out in the blow
Sunday. Patchell walked up to Goose Bay, from there he came
up in my Sea Otter boat. He left rest of the gang down on Sushitna
River flats waiting for high tide to float Palmer’s boat.
October 14, 1902 Put barrel goods and feed
in cache, 12,974 lbs. Hauled in logs for barn, short a few sides
for barn. Evening cloudy looked like snow.
October 16, 1902 Started to whipsaw ceiling
for barn. Goosmar arrived from Goose Bay. Burr and Hall
came up with him, they sunk Palmer’s sloop on the Sushitna River
flats. Evening Palmer went down to try and get the sloop.
Miller left with all his gear for Sunrise.
October 17, 1902 Weather freezing.
Whipsawed 90’ of 2 x 6. On evening tide, moved
launch and scow from springs up to Knik in front of cache.
Evening Palmer got back, both his sloop and river boat were
lost and he couldn’t find them. Evening baked rice pudding,
had codfish for breakfast.
October 18, 1902 Elmer’s birthday. Whipsawed
108’. Evening pulled scow and launch up near cache,
tide not high enough to float them up on the bank. Evening
Mr. Hall visited. Codfish la-mode for supper.
October 20, 1902 With Elliott, Sea Otter boat
went up to Cottonwood to get ceiling stock, got back with boat
load at 12:45, sawed 2 x 4’s.
October 21, 1902 Evening snow.
A tough day at boating. Went up to the Cottonwood for
raft, for ceiling of barn. Wind off of land, had hard work
to get to Cottonwood Creek. Coming back wind got stronger,
blew us out to middle of Arm, anchored raft and didn’t make shore
until we struck Goose Bay Point. Towed boat up to Fish Creek.
Evening went down after boat. Baking bread until 11 PM.
October 22, 1902 Arranged with Palmer to pay
Native labor. Got quarter moose meat off Palmer.
Sent out letters to Mattie and Mr. W. F. Chalk about using RR
horses. Goosmar and Stephan off for Tyonek.
October 23, 1902 Rowed down to Fish Creek to
locate raft, it was not there. Snow commenced 8 AM and
covered the ground white by noon, then abated. Mr. Hall visited,
said he was beginning to find Burr out as a liar. Put horses
in barn.
October 24, 1902 Hauled in 10 logs on sleighs.
Hall and Elliott whipsawed ceiling stock. Hung barn door and
sided up casing and logs to same. Oiled up flute. Palmer’s squaw
got back from Moose Creek.
October 25, 1902 Snowed quite hard during the
PM. Finished whipsawing ceiling for barn. I sailed
up to Stephan’s to see if RR horses were eating our hay.
High-toned funeral of the season for Mrs. “Squaw” Palmer, buried
at Eska. Evening got bread ready.
October 26, 1902 Boys finished laying
ceiling and started to crib up above ceiling. Self baked
bread. Goosmar got back from Tyonek but mail boat had not
arrived, so no mail.
October 27, 1902 Got ridge pole and rafters
ready to raise. With Sea Otter, rowed up inside channel to summit
after horses, they were gone up to Cottonwood. Goosmar left
with Burr for Sunrise and will bring back the mail. Put wash
to soak.
October 28, 1902 Started to clean hydraulic
pipe. Got up tackle and hoist and cleaned 3 nests , 7 pipe.
With men rowed up to Cottonwood for horses. They were
1½ miles above Cottonwood and it got dark, so we couldn’t
catch them.
October 29, 1902 Patchell came down from the
Cottonwood, said Nig and Joe was not there. Saw swans
ducks and geese flying north. Saw first ptarmigans along
the beach this fall, out early. Evening baking bread from
10 to 12:30. Bought a pair of house moccasins from
Palmer.
October 30, 1902 Mattie’s Birthday.
Cleaned 28 hydraulic pipe. Light snow storm all day, ground
white since 21st. Evening exchanged moccasins, others were
too small. Knik Lake frozen over.
October 31, 1902 Clear and colder, will freeze
hard tonight. Morning sent man down to government camp
to look up Nig and Joe got them OK. Used Nig to hoist the
pipe, raised a flanged nest of five took all day to clean them.
Total cleaned to date 54. Evening cooked moose stew. Put Nig
and Joe in the barn.
November 1, 1902 First anchor ice on Knik Arm.
Cleaned nest of 6 pipe that the SS Bertha dumped near low tide,
was full of gravel and hard to un-nest. Goosmar arrived with
the mail. Got two letters from Mattie from Valdez and Juneau,
she had a very rough voyage.
November 2, 1902 Cleaned a nest of pipe,
total cleaned 63 pipe. Noon while splitting wood, Elliott cut
off his forefinger on the left hand, I Bandaged
it up with iodine antiseptic, it didn’t work. I went down to
Govt. camp brought back Sea Otter boat.
November 3, 1902 Noon pulled out our
Sea Otter boat and Goosmar’s sloop with Nig. Dressed
Elliott’s hand then got bread ready to bake. Goosmar gave
me 12 lbs. moose meat for pulling out his boat, I gave him
8# sugar. Navigation about closed by anchor ice.
November 4, 1902 Henry, Hall’s friend, came
for dinner. PM dressed Elliott’s hand. Shell ice
all over the upper Arm from Knik. Indians sledding across
Knik Lake.
November 5, 1902 Evening helped Elliott dress
his hand. Evening Hall wanted to quit cleaning pipe, he
thought that I thought he was no better than an Indian because
he couldn’t make fast the rope on a lift. Evening talked
to Palmer about funds.
November 6, 1902 Cleaned last of pipe
nests that were dumped on the beach at Knik Harbor. Stephan
and self cleaned 6 pipe, total 93. Evening got my bill from
Palmer. Cut Palmer’s hair and got pair of house slippers
for 6 bitts. Helped Elliott dress his hand. Freight measurement
12.6 tons.
November 7, 1902 Worked on hydraulic pipe,
cleaned last of graveled nests and 35 of others, Stephan worked.
Evening paid Hall wages due to date $31. Hall wanted to work
again and said he would work up to December 15th. Took down
tent that the men lived in, in front of my cabin. Fired Native
out of cabin, he was drunk.
November 8, 1902 Hall commenced work again
at $2 per day. A. W. Hall commenced work again. Worked
on hydraulic pipe;, tackle rope broke in raising a heavy nest that
was full of mud, weight over a ton.
November 9, 1902 Cleaned up the cabin,
did my washing and got up 2 barrels of water. Hall moved
down to our cabin. Evening started letter to Mattie.
Helped Elliott dress hand.
November 10, 1902 Worked on hydraulic pipe.
First Native of season arrived from Sushitna River Post.
Lakes frozen over, traveling good. Letter to Palmer from Litchfield
stated there was a letter for me at Tyonek with money and
it came up on last SS Bertha.
November 11, 1902 Got hydraulic pipe nearly
cleaned. Paid Palmer $100 of company bill from my
personal account. Got pair caribou moccasins from
Palmer.
November 12, 1902 Finished cleaning hydraulic
pipe. Stephan on pipe to date 10½ days, Elliott,
Hall and self 32½ days total 43 days for one man. Wages
$80.75, board $20, total $100.75.
November 13, 1902 Started to put roof on barn.
Got up ridge pole and rafters. Stephan had sore eye didn’t
work. Started to rip 12” boards in 4” strips for roof boards
with whipsaw. Got vegetables from Palmer.
November 14, 1902 Whipsawed ( 24) 1 x 4 x20’
strips, got east end of barn 2/3 up. Stephan commenced
work again at $1 a day and dinner. Evening put bluestone on
Elliott’s hand for proud flesh. Tides over bank.
November 15, 1902 Pulled up scow and launch
with Nig on evening tide. Evening burnt alum to cut proud flesh
off Elliott’s cut finger. Evening light rain.
November 16, 1902 Joe rode up to Cottonwood
to get Tony. Evening baked 6 loafs of bread. Tide floated
scow got blocking under her, tide came within 6’ of cache.
Rabbit stew for dinner. Largest fall tide, full moon.
Evening Joe and Nig skipped out to Govt. camp.
November 17, 1902 Got gables finished and one
side of roof boards on barn. Tony rode down to government camp
for Joe and Nig they were gone, found them at Fish Creek. Beach
very icy, tide high, had to come back through the woods.
November 18, 1902 Whipsawed roof boards for
other half of roof on barn. Evening got up two barrels of water.
Wrote two pages on typewriter to my “Bobbie and papoose”.
Cooked peas for tomorrow.
November 19, 1902 Snowed about 2”. Hall and
I nailed on two bunches of shingles on barn and put on roof boards
on south side. Evening brought shingles in house to thaw
out.
November 20, 1902 Southerly storm, high wind
blew snow into cache and cabin attic, now 4” on the level. Finished
boarding up roof and laid two bunches of shingles. Evening
baked bread till 11 PM.
November 21, 1902 Hung attic door, put small
poles over cracks in barn, finished shingling south side.
Stephan came to work, got up 2 barrels of water from
lake. Lakes possible for teams, 7” of ice.
November 22, 1902 Trail in woods good, swamps
too soft. Cleared snow and manure out of barn, banked
up snow. With team on sleigh, crossed Knik Lake went up to
summit and got load birch poles to build manger in barn also got in
1st jag of native hay.
November 23, 1902 Fixed up harness, put new
tongues in snaps that were broken. Sewed up my gloves.
Evening wrote to Mattie and took a bath. Boiled dinner today
cabbage etc.
November 24, 1902 Cut off log for shingles,
split 300, want 300 more to finish roof on barn. Cut out
artic socks out of sheep skin. Evening sewed up same and
mended other artic sox. Had fried ham and eggs for supper.
Evening snowing.
November 25, 1902 Total snow 8”.
Hall and I built mangers in the barn for horses. Got
up 2 barrels of lake water.
November 26, 1902 Finished manger and started
to put partitions in stables. Coldest day of season to
date, -3. Evening baking bread up to 12 midnight.
November 27, 1902 Thanksgiving day, clear
and cold all day, 16 below. Got partition in stall finished.
Tied horses in stall. Had rabbit, assorted cakes nuts
candy and raisins for dinner.
November 28, 1902 AM -26. Got mountain
sheep skin off Palmer. Evening made slippers to wear
inside of moccasins. Fell out of cache door and bruised
my right thigh badly. Fish Creek froze over.
November 29, 1902 Hauled down load of birch
and cleaned out trail up to summit above Knik Lake. Got
timbers for bed to sleigh. Made temporary hay rack, hauled in
load of hay from Stephan’s. Evening until 12, worked on fixing
watch.
November 30, 1902 Sunday, no work.
Rabbit with dumplings and apricot pie with vegetables for dinner.
Evening got smoked tan moose skin from Palmer to make me a leather
coat, also 8 yard canvas to cover blankets for horses, Joe and
Tony.
December 1, 1902 Hauled in balance of
hay from Stephan’s slough and from government camp. In
all about two tons in the barn. Got up load of birch (dry)
wood. Evening cut out coat from moose skin.
December 2, 1902 AM 12 below. Cleared
out trail over to swamp beyond birch grove hauled down two loads
of birch firewood. Evening sewed muskrat skins in cap to
protect ears and neck. Gave Palmer’s woman leather coat to
make.
December 3, 1902 Made bed for sleigh
to haul pipe on. Made 8 loaves of bread. Evening designed
and cut out sheepskin gauntlet mittens.
December 4, 1902 Morning, windy.
Made go-devil for breaking out trail. Made 6 loaves of
bread to use on trail.
December 5, 1902 Morning 10 below.
Hall cut wood. I fixed up water barrels and bunched shingles
etc. Evening got moose skin coat finished, a dandy.
December 6, 1902 Drove over to Fish Creek cleaned
out trail and swamped out short cut to avoid hill just
below forks of K. B. and Sushitna River trail. Fish Creek OK, 8”
of ice. Brought back pole for tongue on the go-devil.
December 7, 1902 Made 4 galvanized iron
(6” stove pipe 10’ long). Fixed extractor on shotgun.
Evening sewed canvas cover on 4 horse blankets. Even steady
cold weather.
December 8, 1902 Put pole in go-devil, made
whiffletree draw strap and two draw rods for red sleigh.
Evening cut threads on rods (5/8) and oiled and cleaned up dies.
December 9, 1902 Drove new go-devil over trail
from Knik to jump off place. Ate camp dinner, graded down
hill, got home at 8 PM. Clear bright moonlight.
December 10, 1902 First warm spell in 15 days.
Drove go-devil over trail to camp no. 3. Fixed grades
at camp no. 3 and at junction of K. B. and Sushitna River trails.
Trail now in A-1 shape to Meadow Creek. Got home at 8, shot
one ptarmigan. Evening gave horses each an oil treatment.
December 11, 1902 Warmer, finished shingling
barn had to make 250 shingles. Evening cut out canvas feed bags
for horses. Got blanket cleaned to mount on parky robe.
Getting ready to leave for Willow Creek. Snowed 3”.
December 12, 1902 Broke out trail across Knik
Lake and over to hydraulic pipe at Stephan’s house. Simeon
ready to go to Tyonek for money, mail, etc. there.
December 13, 1902 Sent Simeon to Tyonek.
Very busy day getting ready for 1st trip to the mines over
winter trail. Made coal oil-can stove, fixed hooks on
chain and whiffletree. Finished Joe’s blanket and made
bread retired at midnight, 38 above.
December 14, 1902 Left Knik for Sushitna
River with camp outfit and go-devil on sled, drove Joe on the
lead. Fish Creek was overflowing. Meadow Creek just
froze enough to bear up team but broke in places. Camped
at Trail camp no. 6 at the head of Meadow Creek, snow 2’ deep.
December 15, 1902 With go-devil, cleaned
out trail from camp no. 6 to Sushitna River. River frozen
over and in fine shape. Everything alright at river camp
except barn. Swamps not frozen in places Joe broke through
on Beaver Swamp. Swamps rough full of holes. Evening
sewed up mittens etc.
December 16, 1902 AM broke camp at no. 6 and
moved outfit over to Sushitna River. Bridged mush hole
on Beaver Swamp and lowered grade 2’ at trail camp no. 7.
Made camp near barn on Sushitna River, laid down pole floor covered
with boughs.
December 17, 1902 Tore down and rebuilt brush
barn, made it big enough for three. Drove go-devil over
trail from Sushitna River camp to the bears den. Evening
sewed up Nig’s blanket.
December 18, 1902 Broke out trail up to long
grade on ridge, snow 20” deep, holes not filled with ice as
they were last year and not frozen underneath in places.
Found Patchell camped at no. 11, he had caught one martin.
December 19, 1902 Broke out trail to camp.
no. 12, snow 3’ deep on ridge. Very cold day got home
(Sushitna River camp) 8:30 PM. Old Joe fagged out.
December 20, 1902 Fixed up camp and barn at
Sushitna River then drove to Knik. October mail, that had
been held at Sunrise, arrived overland.
December 21, 1902 Sent out 1st overland mail
of season. Sent Mattie 6 pair fur lined slippers for myself,
Elmer and Grandma. Sent Mattie $100 for X-mas present.
December 22, 1902 Sun shown 4 hours. Made galvanized
iron stove pipe and baked 8 loaves of WW bread. Evening
cut button hole in winter coat fixed up same, Elliott filed saw.
December 23, 1902 Mounted galvanized pipe on
roof plate for Beedy cabin. Elliott gunning out and filing
man saw. Got 3 dozen canned meat from Palmer for trail and lunches.
December 24, 1902 K and B money arrived from
Tyonek. Simeon got back with $650 and a box of clothing
from Mattie that arrived in October. Paid Palmer and Elliott
in full. Made chocolate cake donuts.
December 25, 1902 Busy getting ready for 2nd
trip to open up trail Sushitna River to mines. Baked bread
etc. X-mas dinner was potatoes, turnips, cabbage, lima
beans, rice, fine chocolate cake, assorted nuts and candy.
Our turkey broke out of the coop.
December 26, 1902 Left Knik at 10 with men
and two weeks provisions for mine and horses to open up trail
over summit to Willow Creek. Had dinner at camp 3, very
cold N. W. wind. Trail on Big Lake drifted over. Joe
went through on Meadow Creek right down to his hips but we got him
out OK. Arrived Sushitna River at 8 PM. Got dark after leaving
Meadow Creek.
December 27, 1902 Got up at 6:45. Drove go-devil
over trail to Twin Lake. All grades from Knik to Sushitna
River now in A-1 order. Evening made sleeping bag out of
parky robe. Old Joe in bad shape but eats well.
December 28, 1902 Drove go-devil over trail
up to swamp above no. 12, had to do considerable swamping and
filling in. Snow 3½’ deep above no. 12, saw several
fresh moose tracks. Patchell came out from Knik to trap.
Evening clear and colder.
December 29, 1902 Too cold for trail work,
PM 40 below, remained at camp. Thawed out and sewed up
small tent for summit camp. Elliott caught cold and had a bad attack
of the asthma.
December 30, 1902 Too cold to leave camp. Elliott
quite sick with cold and asthma. Evening put turp and lard
on his chest and back and gave him aconite every hour till 1.
Sewed up Nig’s blanket. Old Joe badly done up from the severe
cold weather. Evening the thermometer froze up at 44 below
zero.
December 31, 1902 Still around the 40
below mark. Evening part cloudy and warming up a little.
Evening Elliott very bad could hardly catch his breath, I sat
up with him mostly all night and gave him olive tar and aconite
water. Patchell left for Knik, we decided to go in the morning.
1902 SWAMPING OUT TRAIL FROM LITTLE SUSHITNA
TO WILLOW CREEK
February 4th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 5th 3 men
7 hours
21 hours
February 6th 3 men
7 hours
21 hours
February 7th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 8th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 9th 5 men
7 hours
15 hours
February 10th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 11th built cache
and barn
February 12th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 13th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
February 14th 5 men
7 hours
35 hours
Size of Cache 8’ x 12’ with 3’ sides
Used north side Morris cabin for sides - Used
east side Morris cabin for ends - used roof annex Morris cabin
for roof - used door Morris cabin for door - wanted 24, 9’
poles for floor.
Used floor annex for floor in Gilbert cabin,
used Gilbert cabin for ____ house 1902. Used Gilbert cabin
for tool house 1903.
Mess House 12’ x 20’ with 6’ sides
Used roof Morris cabin for floor in mess house,
used roof Martha cabin for ½ roof in mess house, used
old sluice box lumber for roof in mess house, used old sluice box
lumber sides and ends for roof in mess house, used door Morris cabin
for door in mess house, used floor Morris cabin for floor my cabin,
used window Morris cabin for window my cabin which will enlarge my cabin
to 10’ x 20’.
Martha Claim sluice Boxes
10 boxes will make 5 large boxes
2 old boxes will make 6-12’ boards
Sides of old boxes 10-12’ boards
(20 boards)
Gilbert Claim sluice Boxes
20 boxes will make 10 large boxes
Sides boxes will make 20-12’ boards
Broken boxes will make 15-12’ boards
Small boxes Homestake 12 -12’ boards (47 boards)
Morris boxes will make 36 boards
Total no. 2 boards for buildings 103-12’. long
Wanted for mess house roof 30 boards
Wanted for mess house sides 48 boards
Wanted pinestock for 15 large sluice boxes
Wanted 2 saw logs for Pinestock delivered.
1903
Undated, inside cover of 1903 journal, Herning
wrote: “This Diary begins the new year in Alaska and the thermometer
-25 with O. G. Herning and his men out on the trail at Sushitna
camp. One man caught cold and was threatened with pneumonia, so
had to bring him to Knik Station. Getting trail ready to move balance
of the hydraulic plant from Knik to Willow Creek. This diary closes
the year with O. G. Herning and family wintering in Seattle Washington.
January 1, 1903 Sushitna camp to Knik Alaska.
Elliott bad last night gave him medicine most all night.
Left Sushitna camp at 10 AM for Knik, came right through arriving
at Knik 3:30. Had no trouble crossing Meadow Creek, 1st time over
without breaking in. Beaver Pass was overflowing, trail blowed
full on lakes but very good through the timber. Nakeeta came
back with the outgoing mail, was so windy and stormy he couldn’t cross
the divide over to Turnagain. Palmer sent another Native but
will arrive Sunrise too late to catch the out-mail boat for December.
Evening Elliott much better gave him fever tablets put mustard plaster
on his chest. Broke my thermometer.
January 2, 1903 At Knik. Hall quit and
moved his bed and baggage up on the hill to the Tuell cabin.
I cared for the horses, cut wood, baked bread and cleaned up
the cabin. Chief Tyoon came down to trade, are having a powwow
tonight in his honor. Snowed 1” last night cloudy and snowing
tonight. Elliott nursing his cold and asthma - much better.
Evening sewed up leather shirt and moccasins.
January 3, 1903 with Nig and Joe, hauled the
first load of hydraulic pipe from Knik up to summit, brought
back load of birch wood. Elliott helped to saw and cut
firewood. Gave Joe ½ lb. Epsom salts. Evening
cut out chest protector for Elliott, patterned after mine and sewed
binding in mine. Evening clear bright and colder, -20.
January 4, 1903 Cleaned stove pipe and fixed
collar connecting cook stove to heater. Elliott shot 14
ptarmigans between Knik cabin and spring. Evening, borrowed
Winchester from Palmer and bought box of 45-70 cartridges 80¢.
Loaded up grub box for 3rd trip out on trail, loaded up shells for
shotguns. Gave Joe dose of nitro. Matinuski Indians
visited my cabin wanted to buy our dishes etc. Two Indians
stood 6’ 6”.
January 5, 1903 Third trip out to open the
trail. Got up at 6 put on 8 cwt. hay, 3 cwt. oats and
provisions enough to last two weeks. Was snowing when we
left Knik. Ate dinner at trail camp no. 4 in the burnt district.
Arrived Sushitna camp 6 PM had snowed 4”. Had Old Joe on the lead,
his cough began to smell rotten. Evening stewed mess of ptarmigan.
Expect to establish summit camp tomorrow.
January 6, 1903 Got up at 6 loaded up camp
outfit, 4 cwt. hay, 5 cwt. oats and started out for the summit.
Snow on ridge 4’ deep, cached part of forage at summit of ridge.
Went without dinner in order to get through to summit, arrived there
at 4:30, found cache in good shape but barn settled at one end so
we couldn’t stable the horses. Had dinner - ptarmigans, beans,
bread and coffee. Old Joe smelling very rotten, could hardly
go near him. Retired at 11:30 pitched tent on old camp ground.
January 7, 1903 Snowed 4” last night,
growing warmer. Raised up and fixed roof of barn. Snow
covered barn all over except the front. Got up dry wood
- got very wet working in snow - let horses rest. Evening sewed
up mittens. Old Joe began to run at the nose and seemed to
be some better.
January 8, 1903 AM reset our tent put in boughs
and established this camp for the winter. Drove go-devil over
trail down to long ridge and hauled back 400 cwt. of forage.
Had Elliott cut wood and dry out tarpaulin and horses blankets.
Morning found Old Joe cast, got him up - seemed to be better but poor
and weak. Evening sewed up Joe’s blanket.
January 9, 1903 Drove go-devil over trail from
summit to camp no. 12, opened trail from summit to 2nd swamp
toward Willow Creek, snow 4’ deep. Found Old Joe cast again,
had hard work to get him up - was discharging from both nostrils
gave him aconite and red pepper. Creeks overflowing so will have
to wait for zero weather before we can return to Knik.
January 11, 1903 Finished swamping out trail
to no. 14. Swamps very soft not frozen, would have mired
the horses only for the deep snow which held them up. Had Elliott
make snow plough attachment for sleighs. Got back to camp
at 8:30 and baked 2 loaves of bread and boiled ham. 4th day
of big wind, snow settling fast.
January 12, 1903 Opened up trail from no. 14
to small creek two miles from Willow Creek. Drove go-devil
over trail twice packed her down in good shape. Horse broke
through on swamps. Snow going fast, now only 2’ deep.
January 13, 1903 AM drove to long ridge for
balance of forage. Met Patchell there, he was just in
from Knik, said lakes were flooded and full of air holes.
At high noon came on a blizzard and snowed 6” by 6 PM then
storm abated. Sewed up Joe’s blanket and baked bread.
Getting short of both provisions and forage.
January 14, 1903 Largest tide of fall and winter,
made a lake out of swamp in back of Stephan’s and floated scow
off timbers at Knik. Northeaster and sleeting. Drove
go-devil over trail from summit to creek beyond no. 14. Last
nights snow filled trail full on swamps. Out of bread, beans and
candles – 30 MPH wind.
January 15, 1903 Clear and cold. Opened up
trail from small creek to within ½ mile of Willow Creek.
Elliott finished grade at no. 14 and cut brush out of trail.
Self went without dinner, Elliott had the lunch pail but no matches
so did ditto. Arrived summit camp, found Old Joe cast again and
nearly a goner, gave him aconite. Had to bridge small creek.
Much colder.
January 16, 1903 Clear and cold. Finished opening
up trail over to Willow Creek found creek in bad shape, had been
high and broken up and covered with shell ice and not possible
for team. While at the creek a hawk rode down a mallard duck
--- I caught the duck it was very fat. Went without my dinner.
Old Joe some better. Knik tomorrow if we can move Old Joe.
Tony a little “off”.
January 17, 1903 Trail now open from Knik to
Willow Creek. Old Joe a little better so left summit
camp for Knik, actual traveling time 9 hours. Brought
go-devil out to trail camp no. 6 at Meadow Creek had camp fire lunch
there. Twin Lakes flooded and full of air holes water 6”
deep, creeks frozen up OK. Big Lake soft at upper end. Sat
up until 2:30 reading letters and caring for horses.
January 18, 1903 Cleaned up cabin and started
to get mail ready, 2nd mail out overland. Now ready to commence
moving hydraulic pipe away from Knik to mines.
January 19, 1903 Jointed up new sleighs and
broke out trail across Knik Lake and over to hydraulic pipe at
Stephan’s. Writing letters and doing cooking, was up all night letter
writing.
January 20, 1903 Hauled up 2 loads hydraulic
pipe to summit above Knik Lake, 27 pipe in all. Talked with
Palmer about RR horses, he had nothing to offer but wanted to
buy feed. Colder again -6.
January 21, 1903 Made snow plow attachment
for sleighs. Hauled 18 pipe up to summit above Knik Lake,
brought back some firewood. Evening did some sewing, took
bath. Gave Old Joe ½ lb. Epsom salts and a quart of
oil, what shall the harvest be? Matinuski, Sushitna, Tyonek
and Knik Chief’s are now holding a “potlatch” at the Vacelof’s house.
January 22, 1903 Self sick all day, being
up 2 nights letter writing too much for the old man. Ate
nothing, took Warburg's tincture fixed me up OK worked all day
just the same.
January 23 1903 Clear, 1st trip
moving hydraulic pipe toward mines. Landed 18 pipe at upper end
of Meadow Creek and returned to Knik, will sled it all to Meadow
Creek first then from Meadow Creek to long ridge above Little Sushitna
thence to Willow Creek. Left Knik 9 AM road very heavy had to
make platform to land pipe on. Tony a little sick, didn’t get
home till 9 PM. Doing chores up to 2 AM. Andrew got back
with 5 pair snowshoes and 2 of my sleds from timber line on Bald Mt.
Gave him 1 sled and $1 for going after them.
January 24, 1903 Hauled up 16 pipe to
summit above Knik Lake, brought back load of birch wood.
Met Bill Morris with sled and outfit on way to Knik from Sushitna
and Tyonek. Tony’s heels sore from trail making and a little
off his feed so didn’t cross over to Meadow Creek. Had baked
ptarmigan pie for dinner , Yolly!! Sushitna Chief and aides
left for Sushitna Post, Natives report 10 RR men on way Sunrise to
Knik. Evening took bath.
January 25, 1903 Did baking and washing
cut Elliott’s hair and he cut mine. Baked 10 loaves of
bread. Elliott bled horses for lampers. Old Joe on the
mend but looks tough. Bill Morris a guest at Palmer’s.
Had rice cakes and bannocks for breakfast. Retired at midnight,
22 below.
January 26, 1903 AM -30. Had Elliott wash and
oil up double harness halters etc. Mended Joe’s blanket.
Cold wave hit Old Joe hard. Nig knocked him over in the barn,
we had to help him up with a 4 gallon can and 10’ of rubber hose,
made a fountain syringe and pumped soap suds into him, seemed
to do him no good, very weak again. Meadow Creek tomorrow weather permitting.
January 27, 1903 Took over 2nd load of pipe
to Meadow Creek. Light snow all day, trail heavy, landed 20 pipe.
Evening put extension on snow plough to use under the pole on sled.
Gave Goosmar 5 lbs. sugar, he is to give me moose meat for the
same. Two young white men arrived from Sunrise.
January 28, 1903 First time above zero
in 14 days. Hauled over 20 pipe to Meadow Creek.
Arrived home found Old Joe lying down in barn and about breathing
his last, gave him aconite camphor and 4 Dover powder.
Snow yesterday made trail heavy, met Bill Morris on his way out
to Meadow Creek to try and get a moose. Men from Sunrise
went back to Little Sushitna where they have been trapping all
winter. Fried ptarmigan for breakfast.
January 29, 1903 Hauled over 20 pipe
to Meadow Creek, total delivered 78. Meadow Creek was
overflowing, nearly got stuck near horseshoe bench. Brought
back go-devil, left the sleigh at lower end of Meadow Creek,
go-deviled trail out to Knik. Morning found Old Joe dead, probably
had the epesudic and lung trouble and liver complaints. Bill
Morris was camped on Willow Creek living in Patchell’s tent. Elliott
set 7 snares for rabbit.
January 30, 1903 Buried Old Joe in the
briny deep, took picture of his departure. Hauled 17
pipe to summit above Knik Lake, brought back some birch wood.
Let horses rest during AM as they were very tired from yesterday
trip. Cut firewood and filed man saw.
January 31, 1903 Hauled 20 pipe over
to Meadow Creek and brought back heavy sleighs. Bottom on trail
granulated and doesn’t pack, both horses and sleighs cut through.
Tony not feeling right, indications show that he is not yet acclimated.
Morning -24.
February 1, 1903 Snow and wind all day.
Baked 10 loaves bread and two mince pies. Elliott
cared for the horses. Elliott and Patchell had a talk about
K and B outfit and the RR horses. He gave Palmer away
about the price to sell them for. Palmer was to sell them for
$50 but he asked Elliott $75 each.
February 2, 1903 Snowed 9” last night and Sunday.
Broke out trail, up as far as swamp beyond birch grove, brought
back load of birch wood. Hauled 18 pipe to summit above Knik Lake.
Elliott cut up firewood. Evening got three ptarmigans ready
for a stew. Had creamed codfish for supper. Knik Lake
overflowing again. Prince shot a young moose that crossed the
Big Lake Saturday. Patchell shot one of the RR horses, it had
frozen its nose.
February 3, 1903 Self broke out trail to Meadow
Creek, took over 9 pipes. Met Bill Morris on his way back
to Knik, snow was too light to follow the moose. Had
Elliott cut birch wood at summit above Knik Lake, brought down a load.
Evening wrote to Mattie.
February 4, 1903 Snowed 3” last night
with a cold NW wind. Hauled over 14 pipe to burnt district, trail
drifted full and heavy. Elliott and I wore our
snowshoes which helped to pack down the trail.
Total pipe delivered at Meadow Creek 121.
February 5, 1903 Hauled 15 pipe over to burnt
district. Hauled down load of birch wood from summit. Two
Natives came over from Sushitna Post. Lakes overflowing
again.
February 6, 1903 AM blizzard, hauled
over two loads of pipe from Stephan’s to Knik Lake to save time
in starting off in the morning. Sold Matinuski Natives
my field glasses for $10 and hand axe for 4 bitts. Evening
Bill Morris visited, said he would go out with us in the AM and try
to get a moose. Evening wrote more to Mattie about cooking deal,
landing at Goose Bay and that I would be at Knik 1st week in May.
February 7, 1903 Hauled 13 pipe over to the
burnt district and broke out trial, total pipe delivered 149.
Snow granulated and impossible to get a hard bottom on trail.
Mail carrier one week behind time. Knik Lake overflowing.
February 8, 1903 Baked 10 loaves of bread.
Had roast moose meat and browned potatoes on the side for dinner.
Washed my flannels. Frank a Matanuski Native, visited
and said Palmer told him my glasses were no good and I asked to
much for them. Sold him some baking powder and medicine 60¢.
Much colder again. Filed down Tony’s grinders.
February 9, 1903 AM 34 below. PM hauled 3 loads
and last of hydraulic pipe from beach at Stephan’s to trail on
Knik Lake. Evening much colder. Evening developed one film
roll pictures of pipe, boats etc. at Knik. Made a ginger bread
for supper - was too rich.
February 10, 1903 AM -42. Elliott cut
wood and cared for horses and I did the cooking. Printed
20 pictures. Goosmar’s brother came over from the Sushitna Post.
Numbered my pictures 102 to 110.
February 11, 1903 AM -32. Ice on
the water bucket, first time this winter. We think
the thermometer was wrong, probably -44. Too cold to go
out on trail, Knik Lake overflowing again from air holes and pressure
of snow on ice. Mended up my leather shirt and sewed new bottom
on Tony’s nose bag. Evening wrote Sylvester Bros. about the
horses and Butler order.
February 12, 1903 Zero degrees, cloudy
warming up some. Hauled over 12 pipe to burnt district,
made the trip in 8½ hours. Big air hole opened up
on Knik Lake, 6’ off trail, water flooding ice. Brought
home a few dry sticks from the burnt district. Stephan gone
out to Twin Lakes for moose. Second mail arrived 10 PM, took about
23 days.
February 13, 1903 Landed 15 pipe at burnt district
Trail soft again and lakes flooding. On way home, when
I drove down onto Knik Lake, Nig got frightened at pile of pipe
and some kid, and tried to run away. His first brake, of that
kind, since I owned him. Got mail this morning 2 letters and calendar
from Mattie.
February 14, 1903 Westerly storm, lakes flooding
and warmer. Brought home load of birch wood, now making the
round trip in 8½ hours. Had Nakeeta make me a pair
of moose skin mittens with knitted wristers 60¢. Friday
a big lump of snow fell from trees and went down my back, today I
have a cold in my head. Evening read Valdez papers up to Jan.
22.
February 15, 1903 Very soft today, lakes flooded
with water. Had Nakeeta put facing on sheep mittens and
sew new soles in moccasins. Self darned up my darn old
wool mittens. Got 98 lbs. potatoes from Palmer. As
February mail was in, decided not to send over again until March.
Baked 10 loaves of bread. Made moose stew and boiled pot of beans.
Evening wrote to Mattie about K and B Co. affairs.
February 16, 1903 Landed 15 pipe at burnt
district, lakes flooded and load cut through. Three moose
crossed the trail on Maidens Alley. Total pipe delivered
205. Trailed 2 logs behind sleigh from Big Lake to Knik to
smooth down the snow into water on lakes. Traded Yukon sled for
40½ lbs. moose meat with Nakeeta. Temp. 36 above.
February 17, 1903 First trip that snow was
packed down and the sleigh run easy. Fish Creek overflowing.
Not feeling well today, cold in the head and throat swollen outside.
Evening wrote another sheet to Mattie. Knik Lake very bad
shell ice, water a foot deep under snow.
February 18, 1903 Some water on the Big Lake.
Total pipe delivered 239, a few more loads to go. Had
Elliott to stay home and cut fire wood. Moose crossed
trail just above Knik Lake and 2 crossed near Fish Creek. Three
white men from Sunrise arrived. Prince shot his 2nd moose this
year. Evening answered Elmer’s letter and read Matt’s earache
about trip on the SS Siglin, etc.
February 19, 1903 Light rain so didn’t
take the team out of the barn. Elliott went after the
moose above Knik Lake, “he no ketch him”. Fitted horse shoes
on Tony and had to weld on toe calk, a daisy job. Nailed 1
shoe on Tony, put oakum and sole leather under shoes. I am not feeling
well, acute pain in the head, took Warburg’s and applied snow
to head. Two prospectors in town on way to McKinley District.
February 20, 1903 Evening Elliott had the “blues”
wanted to quit the last of March. I told him he could quit
right now but he decided to stay. Evening did cooking and
read over Matt’s “1000 mile” letter. Self shot rabbit with
45-70 rifle.
February 21, 1903 Landed 17 pipe on Meadow
Creek, only 6 more to go and one Y. Total pipe delivered
272 at burnt district - 146 on Meadow Creek 126 - yet to come
6, total 278. Drove to upper end of Meadow Creek,
it was open on both sides of road about half way up, will have to
make road along the bench. Creek overflowing at south end.
Saw fresh tracks of 3 land otter and 1 moose and a wolf stole a rabbit
from Elliott’s trap. Rabbit stew for supper.
February 22, 1903 Shod Nig and Tony.
Evening baked 12 loaves bread and wrote 3 sheets to “Dear”
Mrs. Herning. Evening began to rain and continued until morning.
Shot a ptarmigan near cabin.
February 23, 1903 After rain, the trail was
too soft to travel over. Had Elliott put snow plough attachment
on new go-devil and widened the runners to 1’ in width.
Self welded ring on small binding chain and drew out the ax Hall
broke - got the temper alright - my 1st experience. PM re-sacked
24 sacks oats, put them in double sacks. Put oatmeal and rice in
canvas sacks making 156 pounds rolled oats and 40 pounds of rice.
Evening mended my suspenders retired 11 PM.
February 24, 1903 Hauled with go-devil
3 cwt. hay, coil of cable and one Y to Meadow Creek. Broke
out new trail around rapids on Meadow Creek, got home 7:30.
Trail very soft lakes flooded with water on top of ice, Fish Creek
overflowing at upper end. Nakeeta shot 3 moose and Prince got
one down at fish camp.
February 25, 1903 with load of forage
and provisions, drove over to trail camp no. 6 on Meadow Creek
to open up trail over to Little Sushitna. Put up fly for
camp on Meadow Creek. Shot a rabbit with my 45-70.
February 26, 1903 Snowed 2” last night,
made a new short cut at upper end of Meadow Creek to avoid driving
on the creek as it was opening up and not safe. go-devilled trail
on creek and up to Beaver Pass. Horseshoe Swamp covered
with moose tracks, 22 above.
February 28, 1903 Finished opening up
trail from river. Twin Lakes flooded with water.
Found tent at Sushitna camp crushed down by the snow. River
opening up on channel side, ice 8” thick under trail.
March 1, 1903 Left camp no. 6 Meadow
Creek, for Knik, for more grub and forage. Now ready
to sled pipe from Meadow Creek to ridge. Trail open to Little
Sushitna. Trail open from Meadow Creek to river. Trail work
harder on horses than a months sledding. Saw moose tracks
every direction.
March 2, 1903 Baking and getting ready
for 2 week trip out on trail. Elliott put wood in shed
cabin, fixed camp stove. Took a bath and changed clothes.
Vacilof came after his dog “”.
March 3, 1903 Left Knik with load of
provisions and feed for horses. Brought road scraper,
balance of gate and 2 pipe. Trail fine out as far as Twin
Lakes then the bottom gave out and horses broke through 18”, took
2 hours to come from last lake to Sushitna camp. Sushitna
River up 2 inches over ice. Supper at 7 retired at 9, horses
all tired out. Evening soft “Tom” came back to camp, 30 above.
March 4, 1903 Braking trail, went over
trail between Twin Lakes and Sushitna camp twice with snow
plough and once with go-devil. Just below freezing all
day much colder in evening. Had to put more filling on road
that comes onto river, river open within 6’ of road. Shoveled
snow off pipe at Sushitna
camp. A moose followed our trail
from Meadow Creek to Beaver Swamp and three on Twin Lake no.
2. Trail now in good shape for hauling pipe. Nig stepped
into an air hole on Twin Lake.
March 5, 1903 Froze hard last night,
froze up overflow on river and lakes. Had Elliott build manger
in barn, make platform to land pipe on, fix road at Sushitna camp
also made cache for meat. Evening sewed mittens, buttons
on shirt and pockets in pants.
March 6, 1903 Another cold snap, 10
below zero. AM landed 200 cwt. hay at Sushitna camp. Shot
2 ptarmigan. Met Billy coming from Willow Creek, he had
shot 3 moose. Evening stewed ptarmigans and boiled pot of
peas. Tim-Buck-Two left camp.
March 8, 1903 Took picture of pipe haul
while on Meadow Creek. Moose crossed trail near Twin Lake
no. 2, I followed him, he went down the river, got dark
so had to give up the chase, got back to camp 7 PM. Broke my
16 gauge gun stock on Tim. One year ago today landed last of hydraulic
outfit at Sushitna.
March 9, 1903 Total pipe at Sushitna
114. Goosmar came out to trap. Fifth day of freezing weather,
trail A-1. Evening sewed up my moccasins.
March 10, 1903 Freezing all day. Had
Goosmar at supper. Ink frozen up not much good.
Got stitch in back Hydraulic outfit landed year ago at Little
Sushitna.
March 11, 1903 Goosmar shot a moose gave
us some liver.
March 13, 1903 First thawing weather
in 8 days. Landed last of pipe at Sushitna camp.
Landed 40 pipe and 200 cut iron, total pipe landed 277. Bought
4 quarters of moose from Goosmar, 175 lbs. for $7, and 2
sacks flour, 20 lbs. sugar. PM had Elliott build cache for
meat and cut wood. Billy and gang came over for the 3 moose he
shot.
March 14, 1903 Opened up trail from Sushitna
camp to pipe landed last winter near no. 11 and fixed grade
on 1st bench. Snow 4’ deep off trail and about 20” deep
on road we broke out in January. Elliott having 2nd attack
of asthma. Goosmar left for Knik, sent note to Palmer to send
in-mail if we were not out by Monday evening 16th. Horses foot bleeding
again.
March 15, 1903 Drove go-devil up as far as
bear den, broke out ½ mile trail. Snow froze
out on old road bottom, very hard on horses. AM put up and
mended tent that snow crushed in, in January at Sushitna
camp.
March 16, 1903 Crazy Ephim from Old Knik visited
at breakfast time, out for a hunt, had bow and arrow and no
gun, he said Nakeeta had not arrived with the mail from Sunrise.
March 17, 1903 Broke out trail up to
top of long ridge. Snow on top of ridge 5’ deep will have
to do some shoveling. Elliott made place to land pipe near
summit of ridge. 4 PM heavy snow storm.
March 18, 1903 Drove snow plough up to holes
on trail. Drove go-devil back to Sushitna camp.
Trail up as far as 3rd ridge and finished a place to land
pipe and filled up holes on trail. Trail up as far as 3rd ridge very
good. Now ready to go to Knik for provisions - supplies for
summer at mines -also expect March mail. Evening cloudy and hail
storm. Horses worn out from breaking out trail.
March 19, 1903 Came out for supplies
for summer at the mines, forage, etc. Left Sushitna camp
9 arrived Knik 4:30 partly cloudy. Had to break out trail
all the way, 8 inches snow. No mail arrived.
March 20, 1903 Sent Elliott out with
10 bales hay, 2 sacks of oats and 4 pipe as far as Meadow Creek.
Self baking bread, 2 ginger breads and rib
roast. Started letter to Mattie about fitting up the
cabin and what to get: 15 rolls rope, 72 cabot, 300 ft. flooring
(18’), 2 bedsteads and fittings, clothing, etc. Come August.
March 21, 1903 Sent Elliott out with
4 bales hay and 14 sacks oats to Meadow Creek . I baked
bread, beans, etc. Fixed stalk to 16 gauge gun, got
cartridge for six shooter 44 cal. Sold Patchell 4 sacks oats
for RR horses at $3 sack.
March 22, 1903 Let horses rest.
Self still baking bread, now got 33 loafs. Oiled up clock
and watch, did my washing. Looked up accounts, over $800
due me from company for payments on their accounts. Cut
Elliott’s hair, Elliot mine ditto. Freezing.
March 23, 1903 Sent Elliott out with
load of forage and provisions, oats, beans, peas and fruit 25
cwt. He arrived home at 5, broke cross bars to bed of
sleigh a and had to put in new ones. Self peeled mast pole
for Sea Otter boat. Put new set harness in cache got out what was
needed to go - about 1½ tons. Elliott said Hall wanted
to work again. Told Palmer I would take back provisions he
bought from me last June. Palmer wanted to set up credit accounts
so I could hire the Natives.
March 24, 1903 Sent Elliott out with
ton of supplies. Hauled over from Palmer’s store 32 sacks
flour and put it in the cache, 3 barrels sugar, a chest
of tea, barrel of butter, 100# salt box, hard tack, 25# lima
beans, 10# nails 6d. Took back tea, sugar and flour I
sold to Palmer last spring. Self busy packing up mining stoves,
drew out ax and ground up 2 axes. Bought four quarters of a
moose from Prince. Indians reported the wolverines had eaten
up our meat at Sushitna camp. Now ready for final trip to mines.
March 25, 1903 Left Knik 9 AM arrived
Sushitna at 6 with last of provisions and incidentals for mines.
Had to break out trail from Meadow Creek - wind had blown trail full.
Goosmar came out. Sent Shorty note to send me 6 Natives
on April 15th to saw lumber. Wolverines, or Natives, stole
1 quarter of meat and bag of bacon from cache while we were gone to
Knik. Patchell got Johnny Kon Kaw.
March 26, 1903 Drove over to Meadow Creek
for load of provisions. Landed 25 cwt. at Sushitna cache.
Heavy snowfall after dinner. Billy came out to Willow Creek,
trail was heavy. Evening cleared.
March 27, 1903 Hauled coil, cable, scraper,
part of gate and one Y to summit ridge, pulled snow plough behind
sleigh coming back. PM go-deviled out trail up to pipe I
landed last winter beyond 3rd ridge. Filled up low places
on trail, cut new water hole near road from river to camp. Colder
and freezing hard. Evening sewed tie strings on Nig’s blanket.
Ephim and Pete were on way to Willow Creek, mail had not arrived.
March 28, 1903 Drove over to Meadow Creek
for load of provisions, landed 26 cwt. Trail drifted in
on lakes and swamps. Shot a ptarmigan. Freezing hard
tonight. Steak and potatoes for supper. Evening cut up
steaks and stewed ptarmigan.
March 29, 1903 Landed last of forage
and provisions at Sushitna cache from Meadow Creek, 14 bales
hay, 7 cwt. oats and 4 hydraulic pipe. Looked up short cut
from Lake no. 5 to Beaver Swamp, blazed out same, shot a rabbit.
Had ptarmigan stew with dumplings for supper. Tim-Buck-Two left
camp for Knik I guess. Evening boiled beans.
March 30, 1903 Commenced moving pipe
Sushitna to summit ridge. Trail soft, holds up sled but
horses break in, 2’ in places. Elliott troubled with asthma again,
he remained in camp. Stephan was to come to work today and
bring out-mail, didn’t show up, I think the March mail had not arrived.
March 31, 1903 Had Elliott shovel out trail
at ravine crossing and pipe. PM wet snowstorm, let horses
rest, loaded up shells. Evening sewed up overalls put in
watch pocket. Evening still snowing. No mail yet.
April 1, 1903 Snowed 7” last night. Had to
drive go-devil over trail from Sushitna camp to ridge.
PM landed 13 pipe. Trail wouldn’t hold horses, pulled
snow plow behind sleigh coming back to camp. Simeon and wife
and two Natives camped on river on way to Knik from Willow Creek.
Hired Simeon and 4 Natives to help open up trail from ridge to Willow
Creek. Elliott’s winter contract up, hired him for $2.50 per
day up to June 1st 1903.
April 2, 1903 PM landed 16 pipe at ravine crossing
and shoveled snow off pipe left there last winter. Traded
Simeon 5 # tea for quarter of moose meat, I am to give him the
tea when I come back to Knik in May. Sent Palmer word
to make me a fly 12’ x 18’ out of cabot and send it out to Sushitna
camp. Billy and Goosmar went out to Knik. Evening young
Nakeeta came out looking for Ephim, he said Nakeeta had not arrived
as yet with the March mail.
April 3, 1903 Tony broke through trail at no.
12 and was so weak he could hardly get up on his feet. Total pipe
landed at ridge 93. Evening Evan from Old Knik visited wanted
to work, gave him supper. Evening trail soft NE wind, cloudy
and warm. Sushitna cache about broken down with weight of
provisions. Ephim and Little Nakeeta went out to Knik.
The Natives think that Chief Nakeeta is dead, been gone after mail
30 days.
April 4, 1903 Landed 15 pipe, total 108 at
ridge. Tony getting very weak, fell down several times
and could hardly raise. Gave him ½” advantage on
evener. PM trail too soft to sled on, let horses rest.
The cache Butler built last winter broke down, had to put new timbers
under it and re-cache provisions. PM shoveled out pipe below
Sushitna camp. Snow 3½’ deep on pipe. Evening Crazy
Ephim visited said he was going up the Big Sushitna.
April 5, 1903 Snowed 6” last night and
10 more today very heavy storm. Self drove up over trail
to ridge to keep it open, landed 2 cwt. iron. Had Evan and
Pete for supper will commence work tomorrow. Crazy Ephim
went over to Willow Creek. Evening cooking until 11 PM., what
shall the harvest be? Snow balls! came back to camp, had
been to Knik, he soon left camp with a cord wood stick as a rudder.
Elliott remained in camp.
April 6, 1903 Landed 11 pipe, total 119,
then broke trail ½ mile on ridge, snow even with Tony’s
back. Had Elliott make another landing place for pipe.
Hired Evan and Pete to work for $1.50 day, sent them over to cache
on summer trail for shovels and camp outfit. Native Afinassi
came to camp wanted to work 1 month so I hired him as he had no sick
babies or Bobbie to call him away.
April 7, 1903 Freezing all day, 10 below.
Landed 12 pipe, total 131. Started Natives in shoveling
trail out over ridge. Evening 5 more Natives came out to
work from Knik: Stephan, Simeon and brother, Ephim and ________
(left blank), fed them supper. Affinassi commenced work.
Palmer sent out fly 12’ x 18’.
April 8, 1903 Very cold last night, froze
3” on running water. Setup camp 1 mile beyond ridge for
trail makers. Sent Elliott up to do cooking and look after
the Natives and work. I packed up camp outfit and delivered same on
ridge at noon. PM landed 12 pipe and 4 cwt. oats. Dull heavy
pain over left eye all day, kidney trouble I guess. Eight Natives
working. Ink frozen up solid
April 9, 1903 Landed 10 pipe, total 153.
Discontinued trail making by Natives as it cost $33 for ½
mile and more snow coming. Made contract with Natives
to sled provisions from ridge to cache for 2½¢ lb.,
they to board themselves. Landed 5 cwt. provisions on ridge
and broke out trail coming home to S. camp. Goosmar for lodger
tonight. Nothing heard from mail. Mills and Teck
back to Knik from Matinuski.
April 10, 1903 Snowed 14” last night.
When breaking out trail, the whiffletrees slid in 14” more on
sides. Evan wanted to continue by the day. Sent Elliott
with Natives to Gilbert cabin for sleds. Evan and I broke out
trail and landed 1,000 lb. provisions. Tony very weak.
Moving provisions from Sushitna to top of ridge.
April 11, 1903 Elliott and Natives got
back at noon from mines. Affinassi shot a moose near Linder’s
cabin. Evan and I sledded up provisions to ridge. Moved
mess camp back to landing place for hydraulic pipe at ridge near
crossing. Gilbert cabin covered over with snow. Snow
level with top of door at OGH cabin. Evening packed up balance
of provisions retired at 12.
April 12, 1903 Delivered last of provisions
on ridge. Natives sledding to Willow Creek setup camp on
ridge, men to build cache for forage. February mail arrived.
Company sent PO orders for $1,200. F. W. Lloyd coming in with
horse and provisions wants to work. Mail man arrived 5 PM, met
him at bears den. Palmer sent small rope.
April 13, 1903 Elliott and men had posts up
and logs cut for cache. I worked on cache, broke out trail coming
“home” to Sushitna camp. Loaded up pipe for early morning trip.
Found someone had been into my camp and ate ½ pt. sauce
and ½ loaf bread, part of gingerbread, meat, sugar and drank
a can of cream. Son-of-a-gun was living high. I saw tracks
down river but don’t know where he came from. Evening reading
Christian papers sent in my G. Langdon, Plymouth Ct. Clear 20 to 34.
April 14, 1903 Windy, snow squalls
32 above. Evan went home, sister reported as sick. Elliott
finished cache. Evening big NE wind, read over last mail again.
Expect to go over to mines to cache provisions in the morning.
April 15, 1903 AM delivered balance of
forage at ridge cache Elliott put crib under pipe. Encountered
blizzard crossing from ridge to Willow Creek, in half hour no
trail to be seen, snowshoes sank 1’ and covered with heavy wet
snow. Reached creek 8 PM found Natives with provisions camped
at R. and L. cabin. Hardest trip in all my time in Alaska,
took 7 hours to cover 2½ hour trip. Left Indian camp
9 PM for my cabin on Grubstake had to break trail. It got dark at 11
PM so camped under tree, siwash fashion, near Linder’s cabin.
April 16, 1903 Started out at daylight reached
my private cabin at sunrise found long shelf in end of cabin
covered with 1’ of snow, cleaned it out, then got breakfast, no
sleep or supper last night. Natives delivered 1,290 lbs. provisions
at cache weighed up and cached same.
April 17, 1903 Snow squalls. Natives
delivered 1,829 lbs. provisions at cache on Grubstake, I weighed
up and cached same. Started yeast for bread. Ephim
shot a brown bear on bench, one hundred yards from my cabin, it
was just out of his den.
April 18, 1903 Natives delivered
1,642 lbs., last of provisions - total 4,761 lbs. gross at
2½¢ lb. = $119.02. Gave Natives credit at
Palmer’s for $117.05. I got camp outfit provisions ready
for lumber camps and del. 150 lbs. Made contract with Ephim
and Affinassia to cut and deliver dry wood at mess house at 50¢
per sled load and to deliver oats at cache from R. and L. cabin at
75¢ per sack Evening baked bread.
April 19, 1903 Clear and freezing. Self
sledded 200 lbs. provisions and camp outfit from private
cabin to lumber camp. Barn completely covered with snow and
loft of cabin full of snow. Shoveled out same, setup stove
and arranged camp for arrival of swampers and sawyers, got back at
7, went without dinner. PM went up to the Gulch, mess house was
part full of snow, other cabins OK. Snow on Homestake bench 30
to 40’ deep and creek full of slides. Brown bear visited all cabins
today.
April 20, 1903 Left private cabin for trail
camp. Stopped at lumber camp and put window in cabin.
Arrived at Sushitna 8 PM. Elliott had all the pipe delivered
at ridge except 68. Evan had not returned to work. Now sledding
nights, trail too soft in day time.
April 21, 1903 Got up at 2 AM, Elliott and
I delivered 37 pipe at ridge, through at 3 PM. Natives
all gone to Knik to spend their wages and attend funeral of Stephan’s
baby. Ephim and Affinassa sledding at mines.
April 22, 1903 Fair and warmer.
Landed 17 pipe and a load of gates etc. at ridge from 4 to 12
AM. Two more loads to come and Sushitna camp outfit.
PM Evan came back reported his sister very sick, paid him off - 8 days
$12. Sent Palmer P.O. order $100 to apply on account.
April 23, 1903 Got up at 3 AM landed
17 and last of pipe and a load of machinery at ridge.
Heavy rain for 2 hours during AM. Moved Sushitna camp to
ridge. At noon contracted with Chief Nicoli and partner
to deliver 30 pipe at mines for $2 per pipe. Chief ½ day
at $1.50, Evan ½ day at $1.50. Evening got outfit ready
for mines, 440 pipe delivered on ridge.
April 24, 1903 Fair and warmer.
Got Elliott off for the mines with Natives at 7 AM. Sledded
their camp outfit over ridge with horses. Evening Peters arrived
from Knik wanted to work, had him sled scraper to mines. Took
Inventory of pipe supplies etc. in cache at ridge. Evan 1
day, Chief 166 lbs. Retired 11 PM ready for Knik.
April 25, 1903 with horses, deep snow and soft
weather, closed up teaming. Got up 3 AM, cached camp outfit
in forage cache with 20 sacks oats, 11 bales hay. Left
sleighs, had about 150 lb. pack on Nig. Left ridge 9 AM very
soft, trail down to Sushitna camp would not hold, some
places horses go in 3 to 4’, Little Sushitna opening up.
Twin Lakes flooded with 8” water. Snow 2½’ deep Sushitna
to Fish Creek. Old trail no good. Fish Creek flooded
from rim to rim - water over ice knee to belly deep on horses.
Snow 2’ deep, Fish Creek to summit above Knik Lake. At Knik snow
all gone on banks along beach only 1’ over to lake. Knik Lake covered
with snow and but little water on ice no air holes. Arrived at Knik
10 PM. Palmer got off for Sunrise the 23rd.
April 26, 1903 Up at 6 AM, cared for
horses gave them a good grooming, both about half shed off.
First cut on Nig’s feet this winter - got down with a pack on
and cracked his right foot when getting up. Tony cracked
himself as usual. They broke through on trail ridge to Sushitna.
Had I waited another day, lakes, creeks and river would have been
hazardous crossing. Rained while coming down Meadow Creek
yesterday and with both feet wet, caught cold, pain in right ear and
tonsil badly swollen. Used tincture iodine outside, peroxide
water inside, very painful tonight. Sold Prince old broken
shotgun $2 and 16 brass shells $1. Patchell came for another
sack of oats for RR horses. Bread raising tonight expect Palmer
with mail any tide.
April 27, 1903 At Knik. Elliott working
Natives at mines - getting out firewood and saw logs.
I am sick today, right ear and glands below same very sore and painful.
Using peroxide, Vaseline, Warburg’s and treatment, tongue
badly coated. Hired Prince to cut up wood and store in cabin.
PM we cut two loads green birch wood. Baked 10 loaves bread
and good enough for a king. Developed film roll last night, pictures
came out fine, numbered them today - 113 to 125. Had Prince for
dinner and supper. Evening took a bath and changed my “old rags”.
Gave Simeon tea for moose meat.
April 28, 1903 Feeling some better today.
Had Prince help me haul in two loads of birch wood. Put
forage in barn out of small cabin. Split up a lot of birch
and stored in my cabin for future use and safe keeping. Bill
Morris agreed to feed and care for the horses until I came out after
them in June. Put sleighs in loft of barn. Printed and
toned a few pictures, are very good. Evening wrote two typewritten
sheets to my “Bobbie and papoose”. Palmer didn’t come with April
mail.
April 29, 1903 PM had Prince help to clean
out small cabin. Put barrels overhead and balance in
cache, cleaned up engines in launch. Evening wrote Mattie
late news about trip out from the ridge to Knik and about coming
out next fall. Evening Pete and young Goosmer did my washing, “,
Yolly!!” Feeling some better, throat sore and ear aches some.
April 30, 1903 Clear and windy.
Made lock for attic door in barn and put up medicine box. Sorted
over papers and old letters until 11 PM. Mounted Elmer’s,
Mammas and my pictures and hung on the wall over table. Nothing heard
or seen of Palmer, think that the mail boat is late. Knik flats
covered with ice, channel open but full of ice. Had can
of pineapple for supper for a change. Gave Pete and Goosmar 10¢
each for doing washing.
May 1, 1903 Sent off my report of money expended
June 4 to date. Amount to date $1,469.07 received from
company, balance paid out from my own funds. Evening Palmer
got back with April mail, came up on the SS Bertha. Cook Inlet
Trans. Co. bought the SS Tyonek. Received letter Scand.
Bank saying $2,000 more shipped on the 1st boat. The Pacific
Alaska Ex. sent card, a valuable pkg. was at Sunrise awaiting my orders.
Got prospectus of K and B Co. illustrated.
May 2, 1903 Made out statement of bills payable
and cash on hand at Knik May 1/03. Due self, money advanced
to K and B Co. $986.09. Due labor to date $364, due Palmer $119.26,
total $1,469.35. Cash available $2,200, net $740.65, asked
for $819.35, total season 1903 $1,560. Personal checks issued on
Scandinavian American Bank $1,325.91, due salary 1902
$674.09, due salary 1903 $2000, total due $2,674.09. Wrote Mattie
not to accept stock as part payment on claims.
May 3, 1903 Put window in small cabin
and put up galvanized iron stove pipe. Made wooden shutter
for attic window in big cabin. Made cover for oat box in
barn. Cleaned hair out of horses. Paid March mail service.
May 4, 1903 Mailed statements of funds
on hand and bills payable to W. A. Farnsworth, wrote
Hanmore about proposed new trading company here on the Inlet.
Wrote A. C. Co. Kodiak about gate valve handle. Paid Palmer
$100 on store account. Bought new pair leather boots,
cut price $2.25. Acknowledged receipt of money to Scandinavian
American Bank. Left 10 letters with Palmer, 2 letters and
1 pkg. for Mattie, retired 12:30.
May 5, 1903 Didn’t hear the alarm, got up at
5 left Knik at 7 with pack on Elmer’s Indian sleigh, fairly good
going over as far as Fish Creek, creek flooded - took to the woods.
Snow all gone at burnt district and Meadow Creek. Water knee deep
in ravens on trail. Meadow Creek open so cached sled and cut
across burnt district and came out at 1st Twin Lake. Swamps
flooded beyond 2nd Twin Lake, had to take to woods, feet wet
and nearly frozen. Arrived at Little Sushitna 10 PM,
legs nearly paralyzed from ice water. River open and high
so camped Indian fashion for the night under a tree no blankets or
grub. Sick all day, vomited many times, I drank river water,
stayed with me.
May 6, 1903 Left camp under spruce at
4 AM, fell tree across river - half of it was under water.
Took off shoes, with pack on back, scaled the log, gee wasn’t the
water cold! Put skids under go-devil at Sushitna camp.
Snow most all gone up ridge. Arrived ridge camp 8 AM, had pot of
coffee, cakes and mutton for lunch. Looked after pipe, left at
noon for mines, snowshoeing on mountains good, arrived at lumber camp
9 PM., Natives had delivered 30 loads of firewood. Elliott had
up 30 saw log posts sawed up.
May 7, 1903 Six Natives were sawing logs below
my cabin on Gilbert Claim. Elliott peeling logs
and lining up same. I was very sore from trip from Knik to mines
on winter trail. Set sponge for bread. Snow on creek
basin level with sawpit horses.
May 8, 1903 Logs sawed - about
2,200 ft. to date. Had Stephan saw firewood 5½
hours $1.10, boarded himself. Made out estimate for penstock
for 40 sluice boxes. Dug water hole on Grubstake no ice and
snow 10’ deep on creek.
May 9, 1903 Elliott finished peeling
the 30 logs and lined up balance of same. Stephan fell
from top of saw pit and broke tiller hole in saw. Easterly winds
and snow settling fast .
May 10, 1903 Logs all sawed but 2. Elliott
and I re-piled lumber and covered it over with tarpaulins.
Went up to mess house to get measurement of poles to build bunks.
Got grub ready for lumber camp. Expect to get out and saw
up 15 more logs. Natives bought more grub.
May 11, 1903 Natives finished sawing up 1st
lot of 30 logs. Three Sushitna Natives came in to work.
Palmer sent Simeon Jr. back to get Natives time so he could cash
my orders. Wrote six orders on Palmer for $72.05. Borrowed
$25 from Elliott to pay labor.
May 12, 1903 Got up at 1 AM Elliott and
I got out 14 saw logs. Sushitna Natives sledded up 7 logs
to Gilbert saw pit. Knik Natives laid off, now living at
lumber camp 2 miles down Willow Creek from my cabin.
May 13, 1903 Elliott and I finished getting
out 20 saw logs, makes 50 in all. Too soft to sled logs
up to creek, so we went to Gilbert cabin, peeled and lined up 5
saw logs. Andrew quit, gave him credit at Palmer’s for $10.80.
Lloyd and Harcus arrived timber line on Bald Mt. Sent Native
over with 2 pair snowshoes to cross over mountain.
May 14, 1903 I peeled 1 log and started bread.
Stephan finished, gave him credit at Palmer’s for $15.95.
Snow going fast, ½ Craigie Hog Back now bare. Brush
on Willow Creek beginning to show up through snow “and the band
plays on”. Lloyd and Harcus arrived at lumber camp worn
out from trip Knik to Willow Creek, 3 days, wanted to work.
May 15, 1903 Natives sledded up 2 logs
and whipsawed today. PM exciting time, Natives saw 3
bands of caribou coming down Craigie Mt. to Willow Creek, 14 in
one bunch, 7 in another bunch up on top of mountain, Nakilla
went after them, shot 4 and wounded 2 out of 7, rest took to the
top of mountain.
May 16, 1903 Natives finished sawing 9 more
logs at Gilbert saw pit, 39 in all. Too soft to sled logs
up from timber so will move down and saw logs in woods, snow going
fast.
May 17, 1903 1st Sunday off in weeks. Baked
10 loaves of bread. Moved down to lumber camp to help with
the balance of logs. Lloyd and Harcus, Elliott and myself
now eating at lumber camp.
May 18, 1903 Up at 4 AM. Elliott and
I got out 4 logs and the Native 2 logs, up to saw pit ground.
Built saw pit large enough so 6 men could saw on it.
May 20, 1903 Natives finished whipsawing 48
logs in all about 5,000’. Nakilla sledded 4 loads of lumber
from timber up to Gilbert Claim. Paid off Sushitna Natives
$19.75 net. Saw wolverine opposite lumber camp near Wet Gulch.
Natives finished working.
May 21, 1903 Got tools and lumber ready to
sled from lumber camp up to Gilbert Claim. Natives sledded
up 300’. PM settled up with Natives, paid Chief and Peter $14.30
by credit at Palmer’s. Number of logs sawed 48, cost to saw them
$131.80, cost each log $2.95½. Flume boxes penstock
bottoms 3 x 4 x 3.6 long. Penstock posts 3 x 3½ x 3 ft
long penstock collars 3 x 6 inches 3½ ft. long. Had
Elliott knock down old boxes at Jifkin’s.
May 22, 1903 Elliott and I hauled up
120’ of old sluice box boards from Jifkin’s to mess house.
PM re-piled lumber off snow onto ground at Gilbert Claim.
Evening clear and freezing.
May 23, 1903 Got up at 1 AM and sledded 262’,
balance of lumber from timber up to Gilbert Claim. Delivered
420’ slabs and boards at mess house for kitchen addition, finished
with sledding at noon. PM repaired roof on lumber camp.
May 24, 1903 Elliott moved up to my cabin
from lumber camp. Lloyd and Harcus came up, had them at
dinner, they decided to go out to Knik. PM sledded lumber
across creek from Gilbert saw pit, put 8 sacks oats into cache, full
to roof. Put pork in brine, salted down 8 ptarmigan. Put
up single bunk over my bed. Got grub ready for trip to Knik for
horses. More help and money at Sunrise.
May 25, 1903 We got up 4 AM. Left
my cabin at 6:30, snow shoed up Grubstake through Wet Gulch Pass,
snow deep to summit of Bald Mt. Grubstake Creek filled from
bank to bank. Snow 1/3 gone on north side of Willow.
Arrived timber line 11 AM. Elliott sprained his ankle coming down
from Bald Mt. trail down to Little Sushitna. Camped for the
night. Supper roast beef corn bread coffee.
May 26, 1903 Up at 3:30 left river at
5:30 cleaned out trail over to Big Lake. Caught mess of
trout in Native’s fish trap at Big Lake, trail good. No rain
during this trip for once. Ate lunch at Big Lake arrived Knik
6 PM. Elliott came in on 3 legs, ankle swollen and very sore.
Found horses doing well. Palmer and mail still at Knik. Up
till 12 cooking. Paid Affinassi $5.25 on account.
May 27, 1903 Fried trout for breakfast.
Started to overhaul Sea Otter boat, put on new sail, fixed rudder
irons, wash board and cut a foot off aft deck Gave Stephan
sail for Ruby L. Andrew and Hall at Knik going up Knik River,
claim to have struck $5 diggings. Evening typewrote 1 sheet
to “Dear Mrs. Herning”. Mixed up bread. Paid Ephim $1
on account. Sold Elmer’s accordion, total due Elmer $1.
May 28, 1903 Got carpenter work done on Sea
Otter boat, sail made, boat caulked and partly puttied.
Worked on sail and baked 10 loaves of bread. PM Lloyd and
partner arrived from Willow Creek, had them for supper. Evening
changed clothes and took a bath. Got 2 R. beef, 2 R. mutton and
½ dozen sardines from Palmer.
May 29, 1903 Elliott, Chief Nicholai and I
left for Sunrise with Sea Otter boat. Arrived Fire Island
4 AM but had to row all the way.
May 30, 1903 Arrived Sunrise 9 AM found
$2,000 awaiting me at Express Companies office. Bought bill
of goods from A. C. Co. store. Fine trip - sailing breeze
up Turnagain Arm. Express on money $40, supplies A. C. Co.
Sunrise $18.70, meals hotel $3, paid Chief in full $30, paid Elliott
back for borrowed cash $25, took up personal check given to Elliott
$100, sent Mattie $200.
May 31, 1903 Left Sunrise for Hope, met Buzzard
ate supper with him. Sent Nicholai over to Sunrise to get
Harry Watson for camp cook. Slept in Buzzard’s store house,
meals at Hope $3. Did some trading with A. C. Co. store.
Went up to hydraulic on Bear Creek. Mrs. Smith, Sleeper and Mrs.
Watson on tear. Hot time in Hope tonight Sleeper and Smith
fighting Mrs. Watson.
June 1, 1903 Bought box of dynamite off
Buzzard. Ate dinner at Buzzard’s Bear Creek camp, meals at Hope
$2.50. Finished trading at A. C. Co. store. At midnight
BIG EARTHQUAKE - strongest one felt since in Alaska - threw dishes
off shelves in store. Ready for Knik but too much wind so
had to lay over. Elliott is to get $3 a day from this date through
mining season.
June 2, 1903 Midnight left Hope for Knik
took along Watson for camp cook. Contracted with Harry
Watson to cook for 3 months at $75 a month. Dynamite from
Buzzard $5, supplies from A. C. Co. Hope $20.45, meals at Hope $3,
iron handle 25¢, cartridges 35¢.
June 3, 1903 Came right through, had
lunch on Fire Island in Knik 11 AM. Pulled out Sea Otter
to dry. Paid Nicholai for 4½ days boating to Sunrise
$6.75, paid Ephim balance on account $35.80.
June 4, 1903 Painted up Sea Otter boat
and front of cabin. Got grub ready for prospecting trip
to Eagle Creek. Harry Watson commenced work. Steamer
Tyonek came to Knik for Palmer’s supplies. Paid Palmer in
full $189.13, paid Peter $20, paid Affinassi $8.
June 5, 1903 Left midnight - Knik to
Eagle Creek - with Lloyd, Harcus and Elliott. Crossed
Arm to Crescent Bay. Killed a porcupine. Agreed to
give Lloyd and Harcus work at mines at $3 and board 9 hours work.
June 6, 1903 On noon tide, went up creek
to tide water level on Eagle Creek. PM looked up route
up creek, camped at ACRR old camp. Packed up Eagle Creek
and only got half way up.
June 7, 1903 Made up to canyon on Eagle
Creek, prospected some, found no gold.
June 8, 1903 Went up to canyon, grub all gone
so had to turn back, had to shoot rabbits for meat.
June 9, 1903 Left camp near head
of Eagle Creek for Crescent Bay. Fish and coffee for
supper, arrived at camp 11 PM, had beans, sauce, pilot bread,
cakes and cookies etc. for supper.
June 10, 1903 Left for Knik, rowed out to Goose
Bay bar, waited for flood tied arrived Knik 4 PM.
June 11, 1903 Put timbers under scow
got outfit ready for mines. Paid Nakeeta $1 for use of
boat. Paid Palmer in full to date $16.35, paid Morris
$5 for care of horses in May, paid Elliott for wages due Dec.
27, 1902 to June 1, 1903 $303, moose meat 8 lb. 40¢. Hired
Lloyd and Harcus to go to prospect headwaters of Eagle Creek, furnished
guide and grub and each to get $1.50 per day. Hired Stephan
for guide at $1.50 per day. Sent them out at 8 PM.
June 12, 1903 Closed up Knik camp at 7.
Sent Elliott up to Cottonwood with horses. Had Native take
out self and cook in boat, paid Natives 50¢. Left
Cottonwood at 10:30, dinner at creek, arrived Little Sushitna 7
PM went into camp, trail very fine. Quite a few mosquitoes
around lakes and swamps, self packed grub. Horses packed 1
box dynamite, 1 box cheese, 1 bag rice 50 lbs., 1 bag rolled oats 40
lbs., 1 ball small rope, canvas for bunks, 50 lbs. oats, small grip,
USA tent, 1 set harness.
June 13, 1903 Little Sushitna up, left
camp 7 AM cut new trail along creek to avoid alder swamp near
timber line on Bald Mt. Snow for 300 yards on summit of
mountain so had to unpack horses, crust held them half way across,
snow 6’ deep. Patches of snow on Wet Gulch hog back and
along mountain bench around to Grubstake. Gulches just beginning
to open up. Canyon full of snow - Willow Creek up. No
green grass for horses. Nig turned over pack and fell on side
of mountain came up on his feet. Elliott lost box off Tony in
Wet Gulch.
June 14, 1903 Elliott went to look for
box, found it on Wet Gulch. Harry baking and cleaned up
cabin. Self mended stockings etc. Now have good cook
all the same as married “except”. Raw cold wind, cloudy,
snow about ¾ gone in gulch.
June 15, 1903 Elliott and I put up frame
for mess house kitchen. Snow in canyon for 500’ and 50’
drift above falls. Canyon ditch full of snow at lower end.
Water tore hole in ditch above falls and let water back into creek.
Evening put up canvas bunk in my cabin for Harry the cook.
June 16, 1903 Got up sides and ends to
mess house kitchen, now ready to lay floor and roof. Nig and
Tony went over on Craigie hogback looking for grass, large patches
of snow over there yet. A few skeeters hatched out today.
Using my cabin for mess house until mess house at canyon is completed.
June 17, 1903 Started to lay floor in kitchen
out of slab, got frame to door ready. Evening horses came
back to cam, they were gone 2 days up Willow Creek both looking
fine. Lloyd and Harcus prospecting on Eagle Creek for me, they
ought to be on way to Knik. Put screen over bed - skeeters hatching
fast but not troublesome. Harry planted potatoes and radishes.
June 18, 1903 Got floor laid and door
made and windows cut in mess house. Put up canopy over
Harry’s bunk. Skeeters bad this AM the small kind.
Evening wrote a few lines to Mattie.
June 19, 1903 Got work tables up and
door hung in mess house kitchen. Went up to Homestake,
creek full of snow from saw pit up to dam and crushed 2 flume boxes.
Brought down some cooking gear to mess house. Evening skeeters
very bad made a smudge for horses. Creek opened up below canyon
today canyon full of snow direct below the falls.
June 20, 1903 Made dining room table
to seat 10 men, put windows in kitchen. Warmest day as
yet creeks high and mosquitoes quite lively. Evening made smudge
for horses. Radishes up.
June 21, 1903 Put up large shelf 8’ x
4” loft of kitchen for to store supplies on etc.
Put cloth around sides of cabin in bunk house to keep out skeeters.
Packed up 4 slabs - my cabin to mess house. Evening skeeters very
bad made big smudge for Nig and Tony.
June 22, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus arrived from
Knik, reported the Little Sushitna overflowing its banks.
Got duplicate mail from Tyonek. Elliott and I took horses
and packed up shingle bolts from timber to mess house also packed
up a dozen slabs in 1 load and got roof on kitchen. Lloyd and
Harcus packed up their outfit from our lumber camp. Mosquitoes
very bad down in the timber. Creeks going down a little.
June 23, 1903 All hands pulled the flume out
of the creek on Homestake, knocked flume apart to make sluice
boxes. Made bench for table, put perlin plates under kitchen
roof. Went up to hydraulic dam, snow all gone above and below
dam. Gulch full of snow above Homestake water place. Elliott
fell in creek while getting out flume. Parky’s ate my shoe.
June 24, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus making
large sluice boxes. Elliott and I working on mess house.
Packed up 144’ of slab on Nig and Tony. Put canvas on roof
of kitchen and setup stove. Lloyd and Harcus with Stephan as
guide, were gone 7 days prospecting Eagle Creek, found 3 locations,
one made by Patchell who sneaked in after them. They made no
locations. Gulches had all been swept out. Glacier at head
of Eagle Creek. Stephan time 7 days, Lloyd 3½ days,
Harcus 3½ days.
June 25, 1903 Setup stove and put up
shelves in mess house kitchen. Started to put up bunks.
Lloyd and Harcus making sluice boxes.
June 26, 1903 Light snow on mountains
and light rain since yesterday. Got up 4 bunks, packed
down 2 bunks from Homestake cabin. Lloyd and Harcus making
sluice boxes. Evening very cool.
June 27, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus finished
making 9 sluice boxes, put Lloyd to getting out riffles 1½
x 2 inches and Harcus sharpening up picks and drills. Elliott
and I put up 6 bunks, cut attic window in kitchen of mess house.
Started to get grade for hydraulic pipeline. Horses looking
fine, creeks lowering fast. Upper Grubstake covered with
snow. Snowed on mountains last night.
June 28, 1903 Lloyd sawing out riffle
poles, Harcus sharpening up tools. Elliott and I finished
grade level for hydraulic pipeline at dam for 400 yards. Evening
got ready to go to Knik for plough and June mail and the NE farmers
Farnsworth was to send up on SS Bertha (*this page
has sketch of creek, pipeline, bench, etc.)
June 29, 1903 with Nig and Tony left mines
at 5:30 AM arrived Knik at 6:30 PM. Elliott and Harcus
started to dig hydraulic ditch at dam. Lloyd making riffles.
Found no mail or men at Knik. Found plough delivered at Knik
from A. C. Co. Tyonek.
June 30, 1903 At Knik, got plough ready to
pack to mines also scythe, whiffletrees, box of can goods, 1
dozen cream, oil cloth, etc. Left oil cloth pattern on sale
at Palmer’s. Paid store bill at Palmer’s $5.90. Washing
50¢, paid Goosmar 50¢ for getting gloves that were
left on Fire Island June 3rd. Hired Hall and Burmburg to work
at mines for $3 for 9 hour day. Sent after mail to Sunrise.
July 1, 1903 Left Knik at 5:30 put all
of pack on Nig, rode Tony part of way. Arrived Little Sushitna
2 PM fed horses, arrived mines 8:30 PM. Rain and hail
storm coming over mountains and down Wet Gulch. Very smoky
no rain at mines. Hall and Barmburg left Knik same time.
Got feet and legs wet, cold rain. Warmest day as yet
of summer.
July 2, 1903 Lloyd finished riffles and
started in on hydraulic ditch for pipeline. I and Tony
packed 15 cwt. provisions form cache to mess house. Mess house
now ready for occupancy. Lloyd and Harcus moved up to mess
house. Hall and Bramburg as yet on trail Knik to Willow Creek.
July 3, 1903 Moving day. Harry
and I packed up camp outfit from my cabin to mess house.
Self put blanket cover on table under oilcloth, put oilcloth on
kitchen work table, fixed up 3 bunks. Hall and Henry arrived,
was 2 days coming from Little Sushitna. All hands sleeping
at mess house except Elliott and I at my private cabin. Evening
first meal in mess house.
July 4, 1903 Packed up plough and scraper
to dam. With horses opened up 60’ ditch, men finished 240’
ditch. Mosquitoes very bad, small kind. Evening talked
with Elliott about moving plant to mines next winter. Said
I would pay wages for actual time and $50 for month between moving
plant and getting out lumber. Had oyster supper at mess house
no red lemonade or peanuts. Hall and Henry commenced work.
Evening wrote Mattie.
July 5, 1903 AM run grade to hydraulic
ditch intake of dam, men digging ditch. Elliott made go-devil
to haul pipe and sluice boxes on. Whitney brothers arrived from
Boston, hired to work for the company for one year, stipulation
each to get 5,000 shares of stock, $150 fare and board for 1 year.
Put them in Gilbert cabin. Natives shot at brown bear over on
Craigie Creek.
July 6, 1903 The Whitney brothers helped me
set stakes in PM. Put Whitney’s to scalping sods.
Elliott and I opened up 300’ of pipeline ditch with horses plough
and scraper. Men got ditch at hydraulic dam about completed.
Hauled up a few sluice boxes on new go-devil.
July 7, 1903 Cut sods with horses, men filled
in two low places on pipeline grade. Ditch near intake
down to bedrock, have to blast out 25’ of same. PM finished
wall at intake at hydraulic dam. Boys working on pipeline grade.
Evening heavy rain quiet cool. Wrote a few lines to Mattie.
Mosquitoes fierce and furious.
July 8, 1903 Elliott and I made road from saw
pit on Grubstake up on left hand bench. go-deviled up lumber
for gates at dam. Men got lower end of ditch about down
to grade. Evening Frank Whitney panned on Willow Creek found
fine colors.
July 9, 1903 Elliott go-deviled up hydraulic
pipe to dam. Lloyd put in gate to ditch and dam. Men finished
pipeline ditch. Put Hall and Bahrenberg to clean out canyon
ditch PM. Self run grade to ditch, handled 4 stone hammers
and helped to cut out team trail up Grubstake. Elliott got horses
over the dump no harm done, horses and load rolled over and over.
July 10, 1903 Got up balance of pipe
and riffle poles to Homestake claim. Hauled up hydraulic hose
and sluice boxes. Lloyd finished gates at hydraulic dam,
2 men finished cleaning out canyon ditch. Self and Harcus
made collar to connect hose to Y, sharpened drills, etc. Started
to connect hydraulic pipe. Mosquitoes doing business today.
Evening riveted bale on pail.
July 11, 1903 Got pipe connected with ditch
ready for operation. Run ditch down to end of Homestake
Claim with horses. Got canyon ditch cleaned out, ready to
build in dam washed out last fall. All material delivered on
ground with horses. Put in two blasts in canyon ditch, it threw
rock on the mess house roof. Expect to turn water in pipeline ditch
tomorrow.
July 12, 1903 Worked with men and horses
on last of pipeline ditch. Self with horses scraped out 150’
ditch. Turned water into pipeline. Gate in hydraulic
dam stuck. After supper Elliott helped me to raise gate,
it broke in 2 pieces, dam filled to within 4 inches of top.
July 13, 1903 Finished pipeline ditch, made
new gate for hydraulic dam built up low places along ditch.
Used horses to cut sods and move up lumber for gates. Now
ready to commence sluicing. Mosquitoes quite bad. Mail
man 3 days overdue with June mail.
July 14, 1903 Blasted out ledge for overflow
at hydraulic dam to let water around dam when creek is high.
With horses, hauled rock to dam to cover gate frame guide.
Placed 2nd new gate in dam flume, gate worked OK, shut down gate
and run water through pipeline and pipeline ditch. Hall and
Bahrenberg got dams closed in and water running through canyon ditch.
Now ready for sluicing.
July 15, 1903 Got canyon ditch and dams
completed. Ditch carrying 4/5 of creek, creek high.
Corked sluice boxes and built wing-dam on Homestake. Whitney
brothers finished ditch for high water at hydraulic dam. Evening
cleaned out under cache and put up canvas on two sides for storm
barn for horses. Took a 1¢ pan of dirt out of canyon ditch.
July 16, 1903 Got in wing dam and boxes
set on Homestake. Water high, hard work, to cope with water.
Got canyon ditch in shape to carry creek.
After dinner several large rocks slid into ditch, cleaned them
out and raised dam 6 inches. Ditch carrying creek OK.
At 5 PM land slide went into ditch, stopped all water and the force
broke a 6’ hole in side of dam. Elliott laid off sick. Evening
Whitney boys went fishing for trout on Willow, went as far as Boulder.
Sold Clarence pair gum boots $7 cash.
July 17, 1903 Very cold storm with wind,
creek still rising, no work today. Self looked after
pipeline and boxes, water within 9” of top of hydraulic dam. Water
running through pipeline and ditch OK. Packed up 350 lbs.
provisions from cache to mess house. Made window frame for
dining room window. Put new handle on claw hammer. Some
snow yet on south side of Craigie Mt. Sixth day of cold rain.
July 18, 1903 Got hydraulic hose working. Had
Harcus make new drill and sharpen up picks. Elliott and
Lloyd ran hydraulic hose. Self, with Whitney’s and Tony,
packed up lumber for flume in sidewall of canyon ditch, made same.
Canyon ditch wall now ready to close-in again. Had Hall
and Henry build back wall to ditch wall.
July 19, 1903 Elliott, Lloyd and
Harcus running hydraulic hose, finished 1st setup, time day
and half. Self with rest of gang rebuilt ditch wall at canyon.
Once more got canyon ditch carrying all of creek, now ready to
sluice in canyon. Evening put cloth in window frame for mess
house dining room. Put handle on another hammer.
July 20, 1903 Had men put in another line of
hydraulic pipe to carry surplus water. Self worked at
canyon, setup small boxes and worked on ditch with Hall
and Henry. Evening cleaned up 3 riffles, got 4-14-4, one 35¢
nugget, 3 dwt coarse gold.
July 21, 1903 First fair dry day since
July 11th. Finished 2nd pipeline, moved sluice boxes
to bend of gulch, put in 5 boxes to carry creek. Sods all
scooped off bench and ready to set sluice boxes. PM sluiced
in canyon, 2 men with small boxes. Evening prospected canyon
by panning. Haven’t powder
enough to open pot holes under falls. Five
days work, 1 man cleaned sand out of 1st clean up, net weight
4-3-13 for 40 yds. No mail man yet.
July 22, 1903 Got setup about ready on
2nd move up creek on Homestake. For 3 hours, piped into boxes,
creek down about one half . Self, with Whitney’s, pulled
balance of boxes out of creek. Hall and Henry sluicing in canyon.
Canyon ditch cutting at lower end, down 30’ deep. Last of snow
at foot of Homestake just gone. Snow yet spans the creek above
Homestake cabin, 100’ long.
July 23, 1903 Three men piping on 2nd
setup 9 hours. Whitney’s scalping sods. Hall and
Henry sluicing in canyon. Now ready to run 2 shifts on squirt
gun and 1 hand sluicing. Elliott and Hall on morning shift,
Lloyd and Harcus on PM shift, Henry and Clarence hand sluicing
in canyon. Frank, rock man, self on clean ups and running squirt
gun while men eat their meals.
July 24, 1903 Three AM Elliott
and Hall commenced on morning shifts. Noon Lloyd and
Harcus went on PM shift, piping finished at 9 PM. Put Clarence
Whitney on hand sluicing in canyon with Bahrenberg. Put
Frank Whitney to handling rock, day work 7 to 5 PM. Self run
nozzle while morning and evening shifts eat their meals. Help
to handle rock and make moves clean up etc. Evening cleaned rock
out of canyon ditch.
July 25, 1903 On shifts, 6 PM ditch
broke out. Self with Lloyd and Harcus repaired ditch, finished
at 11:30 PM. No bottom as yet to pothole in canyon.
PM self made nugget riffle for small boxes.
July 26, 1903 Sunday, cleaning bedrock,
ready to clean up on 2nd setup in morning. Finished pothole
in canyon prospected poorly at bottom. Evening did washing.
July 27, 1903 Cleaned small boxes in canyon,
moved boxes up to near falls. Cleaned up big boxes and
moved up in gravel bank on bend of creek. Pay streak 15’ wide,
3’ deep, worked until 10:30. Clean up on 2nd move 4-11-17.
Canyon 11 dwt, total 5-2-17.
July 28, 1903 Creek lowest of season,
commenced piping in on 3rd setup. Hand sluicing under canyon
falls. Self working from 6 AM to 6 PM. Snow slide
over creek below Homestake cabin, just broke in over creek, 100’
long on rim of creek yet.
July 29, 1903 Finished 3rd
setup on bench of creek, opened channel to carry creek.
Next setup in creek bottom, started wing dam to turn creek.
Not much gravel below canyon falls bedrock high up.
July 30, 1903 Built wing dam to run creek
over bench, now ready to setup boxes for 4th setup, 2nd shift
only worked 5 hours. Clean up on 3rd setup, time 10 days
for 1 man, 2-7-16 or $38.13, $3.80 per day. This setup was
on bench. Piping out ditch to carry creek, found one 43¢
nugget. Evening self with Tony packed up 175 lbs. provisions
from cache to mess house.
July 31, 1903 Had Harcus make bed rock
scrapers. Natives arrived with mail, letters from Mattie
with birthday presents AV and fountain pen. Sent National
Grocery Co. order for 6 tons groceries, wrote Mattie would come out
Sept. on SS Bertha.
August 1, 1903 Sluicing on 4th setup.
Worked bedrock by hand took out 50¢ pan. Elliott finished,
got the “belly ache”. Natives left for Knik with mail.
Natives packed in 94 lbs. fresh salmon, cost 10¢ lb., delivered
to the mines. Mail service $4.
August 2, 1903 Sunday, no work today,
wind and rain. Self looked after ditch and pipeline,
dam full to the top. Cleaned up on Homestake, 4th setup,
1 man 15 days, piped only day and half 3-18-18, $63 = $4.20 per
day. Actual time for piping $8.40 to the man. Evening cleaned
and weighed gold.
August 3, 1903 Reset boxes for 5th setup. Self
and Harcus cleaned bedrock, found 83½¢ nugget in
canyon under rock slide. Hall finished, he is going prospecting
up Knik River. Cash on hand $585, bills payable $322, net
cash $263.
August 4, 1903 Self sluiced canyon, cleaning
bedrock, lots of fine gold in sight. Lloyd, Harcus and
Frank Whitney on day shift, piping at 5th setup on Homestake.
Elliott and Hall left for Knik.
August 5, 1903 Self helped to clean up
so as to add on 2 boxes on 5th setup piping. Got 13 dwt
18 gr. under 1st riffle. Clarence sluicing in canyon.
Evening started a letter to Mattie. Only 6 men now in camp.
August 6, 1903 Frost last night. Got
reset of boxes going on Homestake, took out 6 dwt from bedrock
work. Sent Frank over on Craigie hogback to cut hay.
Self worked in canyon. Evening did washing.
August 7, 1903 Cleaned up in canyon, got 1-4-2
for 1 man 6 days. Reset boxes for ground sluice. Went
up to look after squirt gun got 50¢ pan on bedrock and 25¢
pan on rim gravel. All swept in, ready to add on more boxes.
Good bedrock in sight, have to clean same by hand.
Frank mowing hay “by gosh”.
August 8, 1903 Arranged to add on boxes to
5th set up piping. Took out 5 pans on bedrock got 6 dwt
18g. = $5.40 or $1.08 to the pan. PM cleaning bedrock, lots
of gold in sight. Had Frank and Clarence stack and cover over hay
about ½ ton. Evening horses came down to camp, Tony’s
left knee badly swollen, had bruised it in some way. Tony getting
fat, ribs don’t show.
August 9, 1903 Sunday cleaned up boxes
on 5th setup, got all told 6 oz. 9 dwt 21 gr. = $104.40,
20 days 1 man including dead work, average $5.22 per day.
Average actual time piping $6.52 per day to the man. Last
3 days paid $10 to the man. Put on 2 more boxes, now got 19 boxes
set up. PM piped 3 hours. Clarence ground sluicing in canyon.
Warmer and more rain. Creek lowering a little, yet a sluice
head above normal.
August 10, 1903 Three men piping, self
helped to finish ground sluice in canyon, clean up 10 dwt 21g.
for one man, 4 days. Mosquitoes biting more today.
August 11, 1903 Finished piping up to
wing dam, stopped operations in canyon. Put Clarence to
cleaning bedrock after piping. AM all worked on bedrock
August 12, 1903 Finished bedrock and boys scalped
sods, had to blast out ledge to reset boxes. Cleaned up
half of boxes, got 2 oz. 11 dwt more in boxes, now through with 5th
set up. Creek lowest of season, about down to normal.
Last of snow slide in creek below Homestake just melted away.
Salmonberries ripe also a few blues.
August 13, 1903 Cleaned up 2 oz., bedrock
work, paid $5 a day to the man. Got 3 dwt of nuggets, one
went 80¢. Moved boxes, started piping on 6th setup. Blasted
out part of overflow at hydraulic dam. Evening couldn’t catch
horses, wanted to go to Knik Friday. Evening pulled rock out
of canyon ditch.
August 14, 1903 Worked on blasting out overflow
at hydraulic dam and worked on bedrock, Lloyd and Harcus piping.
Took all hands to drive horses down to camp 5 PM. Evening
staked Tony out, he broke his rope and got away, caught them at mess
house after a long chase. Got ready for Knik.
August 15, 1903 Started for Knik, with
horses at 5 AM, packed sacks oats, tarpaulin, wrench, 2 hammers
and man-saw over to Sushitna cache and covered with canvas.
Arrived at Knik 8 PM very warm day. Got 2 May letters from
Mattie, 8 letters for men, no company mail.
August 16, 1903 At Knik. Got Morris to
look after Natives cutting hay. PM went out to show Natives
about cutting hay. Got ready to return to mines. Wrote
to Urann and May about Whitney’s and my salary and about connecting
claims, Willow Creek and Grubstake.
August 17, 1903 Tony’s knee badly swollen
from fall at mines so didn’t return to mines. AM men finished
adding on boxes, piped and worked bedrock Sent mail over
to Hope, paid Native for July mail $2.75, paid Morris for
June mail $3, traded at store $1.40. Horses started for the
Cottonwood, caught them at 1st creek.
August 18, 1903 Left Knik 6 AM for mines,
packed in sack of flour and 50 lbs. provisions, odds and ends.
Creek high, Harcus and Lloyd cleaned up boxes, no work.
Clean up 3 oz. 12 g. for 2 days work by 4 men = $48.60 or $6 to the
man. Self arrived at mines 8 PM no work today sluicing. Had red
currants and sugar and 3 saloon pilots for dinner at Little Sushitna
and tea.
August 19, 1903 No sluicing, creek high.
Left with Whitney’s, swamped out trail along bench to 1st mountain
gulch, trail from mess house around mountains to Knik.
Evening found out clean up and logged same. Now
have $519.76, have been sluicing 1 month, one half of time doing
dead work. Started to use new fountain pen works OK, Yolly!!
Had 1st blueberries at mines, Yolly!
August 20, 1903 Started sluicing, creek
high. Worked on bedrock, 5 men all day. Clarence paid $2.30
on mail service. Had 1st mess of ptarmigan since May.
August 21, 1903 Finished cleaning bedrock
on 6th setup. Cleaned up got 4-2-3 and several 50¢ nuggets,
most all coarse gold. Now ready to make 7th move up creek,
got out over 3 lbs. of gold since July 20th, actual sluicing
about half the time, balance dead work. Creek high all summer.
August 22, 1903 Got boxes set up and
commenced sluicing on 7th setup. Took out $1.20 pan on
bedrock, creek lowered some. Will soon close up mining and
finish dead work so as to be ready for early operation next season.
Stewed moss berries for supper. Nig and Tony came down to
camp, Tony’s knee some better, swollen some but not lame,
both hog fat. Nig got his usual lump of sugar.
August 23, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus finished work.
With Whitney’s, cleaned rock out of canyon ditch. Two and a half
hours on bedrock, Frank cut hay, Clarence and I piping. Evening
paid off Lloyd, $177.90 and Harcus $179.40. Sent out 2 letters
to Mattie, one to Juneau, one to Hotel Stevens Seattle. Also
wrote to Sylvester Bros. about delayed mail to write me at Juneau
if my wife was not coming as per arrangement.
August 24, 1903 Lloyd and Harcus left
camp for Knik. With Whitney’s piped in and cleaned boxes,
got $21.10. Built wing dam up center of creek got ready to
add on 3 more boxes. Cold NE rain with wind. Blues for supper
and ptarmigans for dinner. Now only 4 left in camp, cost to
run camp $5 per day. Service alone costs $1 each man.
August 25, 1903 Finished putting on 3 boxes
had to put in 4 blasts to open up grade on bedrock. Whitney’s
worked bedrock and I piped in on rim, took out 2 pans got 1-18 or
$1.40.
August 26, 1903 Showers all day.
Piped in 2/3 of day, boys on bedrock Found 17¢
nugget, took out 80¢ pan on bedrock in the rim. Finished
7th setup ready to clean up in morning.
August 27, 1903 Cleaned up boxes, got
2-5-3 = $36.10 about $5 to the man for actual time sluicing,
average $8 to the man. Removed boxes and made new setup on left
hand bank of creek. Evening Clarence and I split up 3
blocks that Harry couldn’t split. Weighed up gold. Evening
clear sunset and cooler. First snow fell on Craigie and Martha
peaks last night. Mosquitoes all gone, creek lowest of season.
August 28, 1903 Very fine white frost
last night. Piped gravel down to boxes all day, boys piled
rock. Evening horses came down, Tony’s knee swollen and
some leg peeling off, washed it good put on turp. and oil and lard.
Evening loaded up shells. Self caught a young ptarmigan on the wing,
half grown.
August 29, 1903 Piped in all day, boys
handled rock. Had Frank put up hay on Homestake bench to feed
horses next week, while gathering up tools, boxes and running
balance of pipeline grade. Blueberries right in prime.
Third frost came last night. Clear and quite cool this evening.
Expect to finish piping for this season tomorrow, creek down to normal,
water getting cold.
August 30, 1903 Finished mining for this season.
Total time mining, dead work included, 38 days. Clean
up 1-6-22, net 10-1. Piped in 2½ days, 3 men, no
hand work on high rim, no gravel, loose barren schist. Fourth
frost, shot 3 ptarmigan. Had 1st “blue” shortcake for supper
of season. Always stewed blues with hot biscuit heretofore.
August 31, 1903 Fifth frost last night.
Hauled boxes out of creek to dry out, took up hydraulic hose,
cleaned out pipeline ditch and fixed holes cut in wall of ditch.
In 1½ hours pounded out 8 sluice boxes and got 1-4-15 = $19.70
- ten more to clean up. Had ptarmigan stew for dinner, blueberry
shortcake for supper, berries and cream. Harry picked a pint
bottle full of large “blues” for me to take below.
September 1, 1903 Cleaned out ditch at
discharge of pipeline. Took down part of 13” pipe
and removed 6” Y. Lowered grade of pipe and got double
row of 13” and 14” pipe connecting ditches about installed.
Cleaned out 5 more and last of sluice boxes. Evening, Harry
had a blueberries picked, 12 quarts in 1½ hours. Horses
came down, tied Tony up, will commence working them tomorrow.
September 2, 1903 Got small boxes out
of canyon, took horses up with us to pipeline, got 2nd double
pipeline about connected. Finished pipeline and ploughed sods
with horse and built up low places to protect pipeline from snow
slides. Hauled up rock to brace pipeline and sod wall at foot
of dam ditch, hauled hydraulic hose to the Brainard cabin and brought
load of hay down to Gilbert cabin on stone boat.
September 3, 1903 Working with go-devil
and horses all day. Hauled up dynamite from Gilbert
cabin to Brainard cabin, moved all of 17 sluice boxes
down to foot of Homestake claim, also moved five 14” pipe down to
lower end of ditch and three 13” pipe down to connect ditch with hydraulic
hose. Put tools in Brainard cabin, also coil baling wire.
Hauled down another jag of Homestake hay to Gilbert cabin. Now
ready to open up in early spring on Homestake. Expect to pack
hay down to lumber camp tomorrow and go down creek.
September 4, 1903 with horses, packed
300 cwt. hay down to lumber camp and packed out trail down as
far as Linder cabin, found good possible sleigh trail from Jifkin’s
down to Linder’s. Frank and Harry chinked up Jifkin cabin.
All hands ate grouse supper at lumber camp, got home 9 PM.
September 5, 1903 Repaired flume box in hydraulic
dam and filled in below flume box with rock, cold
and wet job. Took 3 hours to remove flume gate. Let
water out of dam and got things in shape for winter weather.
Snowed last night on mountains at head of Grubstake and Craigie Creek.
September 6, 1903 with horses, worked
on pipeline ditch 60’ long to connect with main pipeline.
From pipeline ditch, run ditch 100 yards to foot of Homestake
Claim for ground sluice to hydraulic hose outfit for next seasons
work. Heavy showers got wet. Had the boys put hose on
roof of cabin to dry and put tarpaulin on roof to keep Brainard cabin
dry. Quit work at 5, made shutters for windows on mess house.
Evening did my washing.
September 7, 1903 Finished work on hydraulic
ditch, self corked up hydraulic dam. Put balance of tools
in Brainard cabin, hauled scraper and plough down to the Lottie
- Gilbert Claim. Graded on road from foot of Gilbert Claim around
hogback on left of gulch. Decided to leave for Little Sushitna
tomorrow noon. Evening, cleaned up silver, got 6 dwt 15 gr.
Total clean up for this season 48 oz., 6 dwt, 1 gr. Getting
cabins ready to close up for this season. Snow on mountains
last night.
September 8, 1903 Finished road up hogback
on the Gopher Claim, got ready to leave for Sushitna camp.
Sent Frank down to close up lumber camp, he ate dinner there and
started out for Bald Mt. Harry left camp and met Frank on
Wet Gulch. Clarence and I and horses got away at 4:30. It got
dark after reaching timber line, we didn’t arrive at Sushitna camp
until 10:30. Frank and Harry were not there, they lost the trail
on Bald Mt.
September 9, 1903 Frank and Harry, our cook,
arrived Sushitna camp, lost the trail on Bald Mt., went
down right hand gulch 3 miles east of Bald Mt. They were out
all night, no supper, found trail at timber line near dark so had
to camp. Self with Frank and horses left for ridge camp on winter
trail via on RR trail from Little Sushitna, arrived ridge camp at
dark. Clarence and Harry cut hay at Sushitna camp.
September 10, 1903 Re-piled gates etc.,
pipe piles stood OK. Ridge cache and contents in A-1 order.
Showed Frank over trail beyond the ridge. Left ridge 3
PM arrived at Sushitna camp on summer trail at 7. Boys
had sides up on cache, ready for roof. RR trail fairly good some
mush holes near ridge.
September 11, 1903 Got up ridge pole
and rafters on cache, covered roof with tarpaulins. Packed
hay up to cache now ready for Knik. Cached harness, axes,
grub box, etc. in cache. Caught a dog salmon with hook and line.
September 12, 1903 Got off at 9:30 for Knik,
ate dinner at upper creek crossing, arrived Cottonwood at 4
PM, tide out so boys had to walk down to Knik. Tide flats
very muddy, arrived Knik 6:30 with horses. Boys came in at
7 all wet and tired out, trip down beach worse than all the rest of
the trip. Palmer back from Seattle, received July and Aug. mail.
September 13, 1903 Sunday off today,
light rain. Breakfast of new potatoes from our garden, grouse
stew, biscuits and coffee. Boys all very lame from trip.
Made out list of work to be done on trail, supplies to get etc.
for the Whitney’s. Indians only cut 1/3 ton hay, no Natives at Knik.
Rain and wind and no way to get over to Hope to catch local boat
down for the SS Bertha.
September 14, 1903 Self and Frank went with
boat to Cottonwood to get Sea Otter boat. I shot 6 yellow legs
and two ducks, Frank couldn’t hit anything. Got ready to leave for
Tyonek. Settled up with Palmer, arranged with him for $50 credit
at store. With Morris and Frank left Knik at midnight for Tyonek.
September 15, 1903 Wind abated some so
decided to try for Hope or Tyonek. Busy making out list
of work for Whitney’s, for lumber etc. Engaged Bill Morris
to go down to Tyonek with me. Got baggage ready to leave Knik
on morning ebb. Squared up account with Palmer and opened
credit account for $50 to run the house. Arrived Fire Island
6 AM, left Fire Island 7 PM, arrived Susitna 11 PM.
September 16, 1903 Left Susitna for Tyonek,
Morris remained at Susitna. Had hard work to reach 3 mile,
got fair wind and came down on flood tide. Arrived Susitna
2 AM, slept in work shop at cannery. At Tyonek received August
18th letter from Mattie. Were guests of Mr. Finch. Paid
A. C. Co. for plough and scraper, got $9 rebate of money sent up
October 1901. Bought can goods $1.50 for return trip to Knik.
September 17, 1903 SS Tyonek arrived 7 PM left
at midnight for Kenai. Left smooth tide.
September 18, 1903 Arrived Kenai AM,
arrived Seldovia midnight, no boats had arrived. Thirteen
passengers who came down to go on Excelsior were wandering about
the beach.
September 19, 1903 Got another duplicate
letter from Mattie. Met Andrews, he thought his stock
was no good but was satisfied when he found out it was the same
old company. Took dinner with Andrews at the Seldovia Restaurant.
September 20, 1903 Some went to church.
No boat today. Evening had music, flute and guitar.
Smith (AC) and Mrs. Shaw did the waltz act. Mrs.
White Smith and Mrs. Collins were at Seldovia.
September 21, 1903 3 AM the SS
Bertha arrived reported SS Excelsior caught fire on up-trip
and they had to sink her. SS Bertha passed Newport
just outside the Cape. Got August 18 and Sept. 2 letters
from Mattie she had not received my July and August letters telling
her when to leave for Juneau. K and B freight came on SS Bertha
but no horse. Had to pay the freight of $102.25 Seattle to
Seldovia, $46.20 Seldovia to Knik. Paid in gold dust
9 oz. 5 ½ dwt SS Newport arrived westbound.
September 22 1903 SS Bertha got away
late last night. Went over to Homer and Aurora, were just off
Anchor Point, Tyonek on way to Sunrise. SS Bertha full
up, had to take room off dining room. Mr. Riley and Hagley,
hydraulic men from Kenai River, were roommates. PM arrived Iliamna
and Inherskin Bay, took on oil men from Government Survey. 6 PM
off for Kodiak.
September 23, 1903 SS Bertha arrived
at Kodiak 11 AM put off 120 tons of freight. Some miners,
on way outside, stopped off on account of recent beach diggings
just found near Kodiak. Several rich quarts veins were located
this summer. Left Kodiak 8 PM for Valdez district.
September 24, 1903 In route, Kodiak to Valdez,
very smooth tide no one sick. Arrived at Latouche Island
6 PM weather very fine. A few men got aboard at Latouche.
September 25, 1903 Arrived at Valdez
3 AM. About a dozen passengers got off and some four
dozen got on, mostly were “Hooks”. Left Valdez at 11 AM.
Left Fort Liscum at noon took on four soldiers. Met James Fish
Sr. and Gus Benson.
September 26, 1903 Arrived Kayak at 5 AM took
on several passengers. Quite a few remained, couldn’t
get berths. Left Kayak 7 AM, Yakutat next stop. Took
two snaps of Cape St. Elias.
September 27, 1903 Arrived at Yakutat, 3 AM,
took on salt salmon. Natives came aboard ship to sell
curios, they did a big business. Got away from Yakutat at
1 PM, very fine weather still prevails. Juneau next.
Took on several passengers all have to bunk on the floor.
Caught light cold last night door was open near my head.
September 28, 1903 Got inside straits early
this morning. Ice very thick in Icy Straits. Arrived
at Juneau 5:30 PM went to Post Office and got letter from Mattie,
said she would leave Sleepy Eye (Minnesota) about Sept. 17th and
Seattle Sept 24th for Juneau. Lynn Canal boats all late,
bunched together on sailing dates. Expect Seattle in the 30th.
Took quarters, at the Occidental, in a $6 room. Retired 9 PM.
Put gold dust in hotel safe.
September 29, 1903 Fine weather still
prevails at Juneau. Got hair cut 50¢, clothing $10,
200 cwt.
w. w. flour off Decker Bros. for D. Finch at
Tyonek $5.40. Had shoes topped $1, Florida water 25¢,
daily papers 30¢, fruit 40¢. Retired at 10:30
got up at 11:30 to meet Mattie and son on SS Dolphin they were
not on board.
September 30, 1903 2 AM met City of Seattle,
found wife and son on board. All retired at 3:30 AM.,
room 16 Occidental Hotel. Had breakfast with wife and son
9 AM. After lunch took a walk up to hydraulic plant in Silver
Bow Basin, got back at 5 PM. Dinner at 6:30, Mattie and Elmer
quite tired from trip. Paid Hotel Occidental for 1 week,
up Oct. 7th, $5.50 per day for suite 16 and 18, electric lighted
and steam heated.
October 2, 1903 Elmer had earache. PM went
for a walk went up by court house thence north along beach about
2 miles. Got fruit 25¢, spoons 25¢, whiskbroom
25¢, nuts 5¢.
October 3, 1903 Mattie, Elmer and I went over
to see the great Treadwell Mine. Saw the Glory Hole and
went down the shaft to the 600’ level. Took in the concentrators
and stamp mill. Evening not well myself, powder effected
my head.
October 4, 1903 The SS Topeka arrived,
got no mail. Light showers, stayed in rooms most all
day. Elmer’s earache much better. Made out and checked
up lumber list for flume boxes, 1904, at mines.
October 5, 1903 Made out list to complete 60
boxes. Lumber on hand, 82 - 1½” bottoms, 102
1” for sides, 22 - 3 x 4 sills, 41 - 3 x 3’.x2”
posts. Made out order for 38 - 1½” bottoms,
290 – 1” sides, 260 - 5/8” cleats, 46 - 2½” x 7 collars,
12 - 3 x 4 sills, 20 - 3 x 3½ posts. Estimate of logs
- 75, all to be 12’ 6” long. 1½ bottoms, 10” small end,
1” from 7”, small end. Mailed above list to Whitney’s at
Knik.
October 6, 1903 Last evening they held a banquet
at Occidental in honor of Capt. Greely who laid the Government
cable from Juneau to Sitka. Cottage City arrived last night
no mail as yet. Elmer feeling A-1 now. Hotel rooms
all taken.
October 7, 1903 Mr. Jarrett and wife visited
to see my gold. Jarrett is interested in hydraulic and
quartz near Juneau - engineer for his company. Paid 2nd
week board in advance $37.50.
October 8, 1903 Mattie went out to look up
rents. PM Elmer went to school. Self worked on accounts.
Evening wedding supper at Hotel Occidental. Kids shivereed,
them got $2. SS Dirigo came in.
October 9, 1903 Elmer 2nd day at Juneau school.
Mattie and Mrs. Jarrett out looking for diamonds. SS Topeka
came back, reported Cottage City broke down 75 miles below Juneau,
engine low pressure business, broken. Talked with Graham
the cigar man about river boat on the Big Sushitna.
October 10, 1903 White frost last night.
SS Farallon came in on way south. Bought a pair pants $6.50,
shirt $1.50, drawers $1, socks (3) 60¢, towels 50¢, apples
and candle 20¢. Evening went to hear concert at Kauffman's
store. SS Dolphin arrived from Seattle expect mail.
October 11, 1903 SS Al-Ki arrived north bound
with explosives. Elmer went to Sunday School. Evening
large crowd at dinner at Occidental Hotel. Evening visited
in parlor, Mattie sang. Received letter from Knik boys, got
back OK, provisions arrived 25th Sept. Received letter from Sylvester,
F. S. could raise money if I pulled out from K.B. his own
offer.
October 12, 1903 Wrote to Palmer, sent him
draft for $50 to apply on K. B. account. Wrote to Whitney
brothers Knik, sent list of provisions that I want sledded into
mines.
October 13, 1903 Drew map of trail, Knik to
Little Sushitna, showing all the bad places. Sent same
to Whitney at Knik. SS Bertha due tonight, left Seattle
the 8th 8 PM. Evening summed up sluicing days for one man, 124
days piped 24½ days 8 hours.
October 14, 1903 SS Bertha arrived 8
PM. Got letters from Farnsworth saying he had wired $500
to Seattle Scandinavian American Bank for Mrs. Herning’s
use - had no funds to send to Knik until November. Letter
from Scand. Bank stated there was $510 in bank subject to my personal
checks. Only 4 passengers on SS Bertha, had full load
of freight. SS Humbolt arrived.
October 15, 1903 First snow at Juneau
arrived last night. No frost as yet in the ground, down to 34,
froze some last night. Wrote to Scand. Bank not to pay out my money
on K. B. accounts. Wrote father I could not take charge of
the farm at present.
October 16, 1903 At Juneau,
30 to 45, everything white with snow this AM. Received
message from Farnsworth and Urann saying $500 sent to Scand. Bank
and 20,000 stock mailed.
October 17, 1903 Wrote Sylvester Bros. that
we would come below after I received mail from Boston.
SS Humbolt arrived on way to Seattle loaded with Dawson people.
Reported 6 below at Dawson and the rivers closing up. River
boats stalled and many tons of freight at White Horse yet to go (Dawson).
October 18, 1903 Snow all gone south.
Elmer’s birthday, 8 years old, gave him a blow accordion.
Evening Herning family visited Jarret family in hotel parlor.
Talked with Davis the assayer about assay on rock from Matanuski
Dist.
October 19, 1903 No boats in. Wrote
father we would come down last of month, invited him to
come to Seattle.
October 20, 1903 SS Dolphin arrived got no
mail. Answered Gilbert’s letter, wrote all the Cook Inlet
news. Wrote Gilbert would be in Seattle last of month.
Evening the Valencia arrived had only paper mail.
October 21, 1903 Went to the head of Silver
Bow Basin. Two quartz mines in operation - hydraulic shut
down and practically worked out. SS Dolphin returned from
Skagway via to Seattle. Paid for one week to date $37.50 at
Occidental Hotel Juneau, Alaska.
October 22, 1903 Heavy rain caused land slide
on Swede Hill (Juneau) - drove three cabins down to the beach.
October 23, 1903 Took several snap shots of
Juneau court house, hospital, etc. Mrs. H. visited on Mrs.
Jarrett at her new home. Entered Natives accounts on day book.
October 24, 1903 Invited out to dinner at Jarrett’s.
5 PM SS Seattle arrived, got letter from Farnsworth
and Urann with balance K. B. stock due 20,000 shares. Total
K. B. stock 62,600 shares.
October 25, 1903 SS Dirigo arrived at noon.
Acknowledged receipt of K. B. stock. Requested Farnsworth
to return my personal check vouchers. Urann to return papers
for Gilbert Claim. Was asked to represent Knik at Territorial
Convention held at Juneau October 26th. The SS Jeannie arrived
from the west, was 5 days from Valdez to Sitka 2½ days travel.
October 26, 1903 Attended Territorial Convention
at Juneau. Judge Delaney, ex-Governor Swineford, gave
up the contest and quit the convention. Territorial form
of Government was voted down. Meeting adjourned 4 PM until
October 19, 1904. Evening Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett visited.
Entertained them at Whist.
October 27, 1903 Saw Inspector Lenhers about
Davis launch engineer license, I am to apply next spring.
He said I could get a special engineer license to run my own
boat. SS Seattle left for Seattle with full load of passengers
mostly from Dawson. 9 PM with family left Juneau for Seattle
on the SS Valencia.
October 28, 1903 In route on SS Valencia.
Arrived at Wrangle 2 PM. Run under slow speed all night
so as to arrive at Kasann at morning. AM put off some
freight at the Olympia mine. Lehners and Whitney got aboard
at Wrangle.
October 29, 1903 On SS Valencia arrived at
Kasaan Cannery and Quartz camp, took on passengers.
Noon, after a rough trip, arrived at Loring fish camp to take
on 200 tons of salmon. Both Mattie and Elmer got seasick
for the first time. Lenhers and Whitney left for Ketchikan
on small steamer SS Alaskan. The bark, William H. Macy
at wharf loading salmon.
October 30, 1903 On SS Valencia at Loring.
Took on 8,000 cases of salmon. Left Loring at 4 PM arrived
at Ketchikan at 6 P M, took on a few passengers. Valencia
loaded down to the sea hole. Passed through Dixon Entrance
during the night. Mattie’s 34th birthday.
October 31, 1903 Passed through Dixon Entrance
last night, head wind today. Took picture of Elmer and
Mattie in stateroom. Passed through Millbank 7 to
8 this PM. Mamma was afraid and said “New York” several times,
Elmer laughed.
November 1, 1903 Passed through Queen
Charlotte Sound, not very rough. 3 PM Passed through Seymour
Narrows.
November 2, 1903 On SS Valencia arrived
at Victoria 4 AM, left at 7. Arrived at Port Townsend 10:30,
left at 12 noon. Arrived Seattle 3:30 PM took quarters
at Hotel Stevens.
The Herning's spent the rest of 1903 in Seattle.
I have included only those entries that are connected, in any
way, to Alaska.
November 4, 1903 Sent Gilbert $100 balance
due in full on claims.
November 6, 1903 Met Passwater and Hunt from
the Inlet.
November 7, 1903 Saw Doc Herndon just out from
Knik. .
November 10, 1903 Received letter (Oct 7th
Knik) from Whitney’s.
November 11, 1903 Deposited gold dust
with Sylvester Bros. 30 oz., 1 dwt, 15 g. = $481.30.
Bedrock gold in hand 2 oz., 4 dwt, 15 g. = $35.70.
Elmer’s nuggets 2-18 = $2.20. Total of dust $525.
November 18, 1903 Met Buzzard. Made preliminary
arrangements to ship powder on schooner to Cook Inlet next spring.
November 23, 1903 Told J. O. May how
the Whitney’s were hiring help etc. and not to count me as
a Syndicate member.
November 27, 1903 Met Hanmore, Gomper
and the Litchfield Bros. SS Excelsior in from the north
but no mail.
November 29, 1903 Mr. Hovey visited on us.
Talked over affairs in Alaska.
November 30, 1903 Received letter from May
returned from Juneau which stated the results of the K. B. meeting.
May said all approved my plans and work that they would raise
3,000 at once by company notes.
December 1, 1903 Wrote to J. O. May about
Gilbert Claims that I would send in report when Farnsworth returned
1901 vouchers and my personal check vouchers.
December 6 ,1903 Report came from Sitka that
the “Cutter Rush” found only wreckage of the SS Discovery,
no signs of dead or live bodies. The SS Discovery was lost
in a storm off Yakutat Nov. 9th. Had about 30 passengers
from Nome and way ports.
December 11, 1903 No mail from north.
Mailed dozen and a half trail views to W. H. Elliott at Hope
Alaska. PM got mail ready to send to Knik. Wrote Palmer
and Whitney’s that I wouldn’t send any money - would be there in
time to pay off Natives. Wrote Harry Watson that I wouldn’t
send his $100 as A. C. Smith had come out and that I might come in
early.
December 14, 1903 Got K. B. books ready to
post in ledger rough balance sheet shows cash received
$5,550 gold dust $879.56 total $6,429.56. Cash paid
out for mining supplies provisions labor horses transportation
etc. $6,687, balance self $257.76. Received letter from
J. O. May come east.
December 16, 1903 Wrote May sent balance
but not as official report. Grand total expended at mines
June 1901 to date $17,233.74. Received out of this $1,825.91
on my first year salary.
December 19, 1903 Sent J. O. May moccasins,
gold nugget pin and comb holder box. Received letter from Urann
said he would forward my papers if requested.
December 20, 1903 Wrote Urann to send
on papers connected with companies option on the Gilbert Claims.
Wrote J. O. May that I wouldn’t come east and that the company
must come up by April 1, 1904.
December 22, 1903 Wrote to W. A. Farnsworth
to send vouchers for horses, bobsleighs, etc. and told him about
the interview with the Nat. Groc. Co., also wrote to May about
the same.
December 25, 1903 Santa Claus day.
Elmer got 2 books, steam engine, necktie, pair suspenders and
ring. Mattie (from home) gloves, fancy collar, self
necktie, pair gloves. Had 8 lb. turkey for dinner and all
that went with it , Yolly! Self printed and toned Alaska views
all day. Santa put 5¢ in Elmer’s stocking and $5 in Mammas.
December 28, 1903 with Elmer went downtown
had Elmer’s hair cut bought him a $3 coasting wagon.
Met W. J. Morris had been in town 2 weeks. Got two letters
from J. O. May said K and B Co. would pay my salary and
wanted to give 9 months 6% interest notes for my interests in K.
B. mines.
Addresses:
Sylvester Bros. Room 66 Union Blk. Seattle
Washington
Sylvester Bros. 214 Republican Street Wash.
Marcus L. Urann 77 Summer Street Boston
Mass.
Thomas W. Hanmore c/o M. F. Wright Bailey
Bldg. Seattle Washington
E. Andrews Sta. A. Seattle Washington
Harrison Hot Springs British Columbia (near
Seattle)
Rouble Hydraulic Elevator cost $600 (300
lbs. pressure) Wolf Creek Oregon
J. F. Riley 470 Duglass St.
San Francisco California Supt. Kenai Placer Mining Co.
Mr. Heggland his foreman.
A. Beverly Smith 260-262
West Broadway New York
1903 HOMESTAKE
August 21 clean up for 2 days 4-2-3 $65.70
by 6 men or 9 days actual time for 1 man
August 22 1 pan on bedrock $1.20
August 24 1-6-9 part of cleanup $21.10
August 25 Two pans 1-18 $1.40
August 26 1 pan rim rock 93¢
August 27 Cleanup 2-2-5 $33.77
7 ½ days for 1 man sluiced 4 ½ actual time .
Avg. to man $5
August 30 last clean up 2-1-7 $33.03
Canyon $54.17 - Homestake $719.56 - Total $773.73
1903 GOLD DUST
July Clean ups Homestake and Canyon
July 21 4-3-13 Homestake
July 27 4-11-17 Homestake
July 27 0-11- 0 Canyon
July 30 2-7-16 Homestake
Aug. 2 3-18-18 Homestake
Aug. 2 1- 0-17 Canyon
Aug. 3 0 - 1-1 Canyon (nugget)
Aug. 7 1-4-2 Canyon
Aug. 8 0-6-18 Homestake (5
pans off bedrock)
Aug. 9 6-3-3 Homestake
Aug. 10 0 -10-21 Canyon
Aug. 12 4-11- 0 Homestake
Aug. 18 3-0-12 Homestake
Aug. 19 6-0-0 Homestake
Aug. 21 4-2-3 Homestake
Aug. 22 0-1-12 Homestake (one pan)
Aug. 24 1-6-9 Homestake
Aug. 25 0-1-18 Homestake (two pans)
Aug. 26 0-1-4 Homestake (one pan rim
rock)
Aug. 27 2-2-5 Homestake
Aug. 30 2-1-7 Homestake
Total 48 oz. 7 dwt 4 gr.
3 oz. 7 dwt 17 gr. Canyon
44 oz. 19 dwt 1 gr. Homestake
January 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Box 45-70 .80
For making moccasins .50
Paid Palmer mail service $3.75
overalls .50
lamp wicks .05
Paid Native to bring back snowshoes and sled
from Bald Mt. $1
Paid Goosmar to bring letter .50
Box Lady Grace 1.50
February 1903 Expenditures at Knik
36 lb. moose meat 1.80
Hunting axe .50
Box Lady Grace 1.50
moose skin mittens .60
Bottle ink .10
40 lb. moose meat 2.00
March 1903 Expenditures at Knik
74 lb. moose meat 3.70
matches .25
175 lb. moose meat 7.00
Rent on cabins at Knik, 1 year 60.00
April 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Paid Evan of Old Knik-credit at Palmer’s store
12.00
Paid Natives by credit at Palmer’s store 117.05
May 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Paid Palmer March mail 6.50
ankle boots 2.50
Paid Chief Nicolai for whipsawing 30.00
Paid Chief and Peter by credit at Palmer’s
store 14.30
Paid Sushitna Natives 22.02
Paid Stephan by credit at Palmer’s store 15.95
Paid Ephim by credit at Palmer’s store 1.00
Paid Affinassi by credit at Palmer’s store
5.25
June 1903 Expenditures at Knik
40 lb. box dynamite 5.00
Paid Nicolai to guide Knik to Sunrise 4½
days 6.75
Paid Ephim for work at mines 34.80
Paid Affinassa for work 18.00
Paid Nakeeta for use of boat 1.00
5 lb. chewing Lloyd 3.00
2 lb. smoking Lloyd 1.50
Paid Morris for caring for horses for May 5.00
July 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Groceries from Palmer’s store 5.90
5 lb. chewing - Lloyd 3.00
2 lb. smoking - Lloyd 1.50
August 1903 Expenditures at Knik
Paid Palmer for June mail 3.00
Paid Native for July mail
2.75
Pick from Palmer 1.40
bottle ink .10
September 1903 Expenditures at Tyonek
29 lb. anchor 2.90
24 lb. 5/8 rope 1.92
Seattle to Seldovia 102.25
Seldovia to Knik 46.20
Seldovia to Juneau 30.00
1904 Part of year spent stateside, I have included
only the entries that mention Alaska.
First page: This diary begins the New Year
at Seattle Wash. Self and family living at 1743 Melrose Place.
One year ago self was in Alaska with the glass down to 50 below.
This diary closes with OGH and family living in our own home at Seward
Alaska.
January 1, 1904 Wrote May I would take cash
for 1/10th interest and time on the Gilbert Claims salary must
be paid
January 7, 1904 Took off balance sheet K and
B Co. account of operations etc. in Alaska:
Total $19,492.65
Due labor $ 2,247.62
Balance $17,215.03
$ 64.50
Balance $17,279.53
January 9, 1904 Made duplicate copies of balance
sheet and statement of how cash was received and paid out by
Supt. mines. Took Elmer to Dr., he prescribed for heart trouble
which he claimed Elmer was effected with, vaccination worked OK.
January 11, 1904 Wrote my ultimatum and sent
balance sheet of ledger account from May 17, 1901 to Oct. 27,
1903. Demanded salary due $1,960.47 paid in 60 days.
Gave K and B Co. option on my interest in mines, $500 cash
and 5,000 shares in stock for 1/10th interest in 1898 location to
be paid by April 1 1904. $20 and 20,000 shares of stock for the
Gilbert Claims, stock to be delivered at once and K and B Co. note
bearing 6% interest payable in 1 year or claims revert back to me.
All mailed today to W. A. Farnsworth fiscal agent for K and B Co.
January 25, 1904 Received reply from Urann
acknowledging receipt of my report. Return cards with
my report. Mattie received letter from Mrs. J. O. May
said May had been sick was in N. Y.
January 29, 1904 Wrote to J. F. Riley, S. F.,
about prospecting season 1904. Wrote to Griffith about
taxes. Received letters from J. O. May in regard to my report
and from Ruble Elevator Co., also letter from W. A. Farnsworth
acknowledging receipt of my report.
January 31, 1904 On K. B. books checking down
$3.45 out of balance. PM with Mattie and Elmer took trip
on ferry over to West Seattle found it to be a nice place but
no paved streets or trolleys. Excelsior sailed for Valdez,
full cargo and passengers some freight for Valdez and Tanana.
February 3, 1904 Answered Farnsworth and Mays
letter told them it would cost $2,000 to install Ruble Elevator,
ready for operation. PM went downtown received letter from
James Bates 21 Waban St. Naugatuck Mass. wants to get hold of Alaska
oil land.
February 4, 1904 Many passengers leaving for
the north going to new Alsek diggings via Dalton Trail.
February 5, 1904 Wrote letter to the Whitney’s
at Knik Alaska. SS James Dollar sails this evening at
8 PM, outside course for Seward and Valdez direct. PM wrote
to Bates about oil land said I would look it up. Nelson,
Ensign and Sylvester offered me an option on 640 acres oil land in
the Kayak Oil District, $3.50 per acre and 1/3 of Syndicate stock
in Co. to be. Evening Elmer was sick with the belly ache.
Got Elmer’s vaccination certificate - Dr. McCulloch Bailey Bldg.
February 6, 1904 Drew map of Kayak Oil Fields.
Wrote James Bates his company could get option on 640 acres
oil land near Octolee Oil Co. at Kayak. Terms $3.50 acre
and 1/3 of Syndicate stock. Sent Bates sample of Kayak oil and
booklets on Kayak oil fields. Got option on 42 oil claims
from Thomas Hanmore at $1 per acre and stock consideration.
February 7, 1904 Called E. Andrews over the
phone, got verbal contract from him on 800 acres oil land at
Kamiska Bay Cook Inlet for 50¢ acre cash and 1/3 of Syndicate
stock in new company to be. Made new map showing Kayak, Cold Bay
and Cook Inlet Oil Fields.
February 8, 1904 Wrote to Bates about Andrews
and Hanmore oil land in Alaska. Quoted the land at $1 per
acre and 1/3 of Syndicate stock but advised him to buy the Kayak
oil land in preference.
February 10, 1904 Received letter from
Urann said company had arranged to place $2,000 in bonds and
funds would come forth. Wrote Urann about the oil in Alaska.
February 11, 1904 Received a letter from
J. O. May said they had arranged to float $10,000 bond at 85¢,
that the stock had been ordered sent to me and $652.30 in money
that he may come to Seattle to see me. Got tracing
paper to make maps of K and B Placer on Willow Creek and medicine
for Elmer.
February 12, 1904 Big wind last night one ship
dragged anchor and brought up on Alaska cable. Self made new
drawing of K. B. mines on Willow Creek worked on it until midnight
to get it off the table.
February 13, 1904 Finished map which shows
up all the K and B Co. property in the Willow Creek Mining
District as located and purchased by me since 1898.
February 17, 1904 Getting out estimates for
connections on pipeline with elevator. Decided to put in
two different lines one from canyon to run elevator on Willow Creek.
February 18, 1904 Received letter from
J. O. May with call for stockholders meeting in the Sherman
Mining District, Hindale County Colorado 14th March 1904 to
issue $20,000 of 6% bonds and to change the Co. office to Denver.
PM worked on estimates for pipeline and connections.
February 19, 1904 Mailed Mattie’s and self’s
proxy to vote, to W. A. Farnsworth 62,000 shares self, 650 shares
Mattie. Saw Andrews attorney, Sauter, talked over K. B. affairs
and oil. Saw M. L. and S. Co. about elbows etc. Elbows
$6 and $9, 12-0 hydraulic 6” hose 3 stitch, 29¢ ft., hydraulic
nozzle $12, no. 1 giant $55, no. 2 giant $75.
February 20, 1904 Wrote to May, asked
for $400 to buy horse and mower rake etc., and $500 to pay deposits
on goods needed to be ordered here. Heard from Riley, he wanted
7 months work at $100 and found, plus all expenses.
February 22, 1904 Elmer went to school.
Received letter from Farnsworth, K and B Co. With check
for $652.30, $500 and 5,000 shares of K. B. stock for my original
1898 locations jointly for K and B Co. in Willow Creek Mining District
Alaska. Engaged births on April SS Bertha room 16.
February 23, 1904 Made out deed of my
1/20th interest in 1898 locations on Martha, Bear, Balm, Herning
and Little Wonder Claims to the Klondike and Boston Gold Mining and
Mfg., consideration $500
cash and 5,000 shares of the K and B non-assumable
stock Mailed deed to the K and B Co. Boston office today.
Received letter from Fred C. Gruber Campello Mass. asking about
Kayak oil and K and B Co. Deposited $652.30 in Scandinavian
American Bank. Received drawing and pictures of the Ruble
Elevator.
February 24, 1904 Went downtown looked up cost
to ship schooner to Cook Inlet 26’, 8½’ beam $25.
Talked with King and Winge boat builders
W. Seattle. Received letter from Bates about oil, and
Ruble about the Ruble Elevator. SS James Dollar’s 2nd trip
outside course to Seward and Valdez and Yakataga. Wrote to Palmer
to say I was coming on the April SS Bertha.
February 25, 1904 Made an inventory of
Homestake, Herning, Morris, Gilbert and Jifkin tools, provisions
etc. PM made out order for hydraulic supplies, sent list
for estimates to Joshua Handy and Co., Schaw Ingram and Batcher Co.
S. F. and Sacramento California. Answered Fred. C. Gruber
Campello Mass. letter about oil and K and B Co., said I would buy stock
for 5¢ wouldn’t sell same for less than 50¢.
February 26, 1904 Answered Rubles letter
would let him know if I decided to go to Oregon to see elevator.
Draw $25 on bank. Sent Gruber booklet about Alaska Petroleum
and Coal Co.
February 27, 1904 Wrote May that I preferred
the bonds to cover the Gilbert property. Wrote Riley
not to count on job, would let him know by March 15th.
Received letter dated January 20th at Hope from
W. H. Elliott, acknowledged receipt of
pictures and wanted to work for me next season in Alaska.
Looked over furniture beds iron spring and mattress complete
$10.50, oven range $34, at Homes Furniture Co. Got sox for
Elmer and Mattie.
February 28, 1904 SS Queen reported on
fire off Oregon coast.
February 29, 1904 Answered Elliott’s
letter said there may be an opening. Received letter from
Farnsworth about transfer of claims D and Co. to K and B Co.
Queen arrived lost 14 passengers through fire at sea.
March 1, 1904 Made out list of K. B. claims
and map of the same: Martha group - 8 claims, Bear - 1
claim, Balm - 2 claims, Herning - 1 claim, Little Wonder - 3 claims.
Davis and Co.: Elevated - 3 claims, Boulder - 3 claims, Hillside
- 1 claim. By purchase: J. O. May Group - 3 claims, Whistler
- 1 claim, Little George - 1 claim, Telluride - 1 claim, Homestake
- 1 claim. Total 29 claims. Forward same to K and B Co.
Called on Sauter he received Andrews stock J. A. Becker, agent
for Caldwell Bros. Co., wanted to bid on hydraulic supplies.
March 2, 1904 Got another option from Andrews
on oil land - 800 acres. Andrews wants 100,000 promoters
stock and 250,000 Treas. stock or 1/6th of production for land,
I am to get 100,000 shares for promoting company. Wrote A.
B. Smith about above oil deal. Ordered shirts for Elmer and
self at $2.50 and $3.50 respective.
March 3, 1904 Letter from Murry and Tregurtha
Co. South Boston, said they couldn’t furnish size of pipe connections
on launch. Made out list of supplies for launch etc. and
hydraulic hose to present to the Caldwell Bros. Co. 115
Jackson St. for prices. Met Mrs. Capt. Shaw on Pike St.
Capt. Shaw was on The SS Queen when on fire last week.
March 4, 1904 Received reply from Schaw
Batcher Co. Pipeworks Sacramento that my order for hydraulic
supplies was turned over to their agents at Portland, J. R. Bowles.
Wrote to A. B. Smith in full about 800 acres oil land at Kamishak
Bay and 640 acres at Kayak.
March 7, 1904 Went down to see Capt. Shaw about
taking sloop from Seldovia to Knik, also about dynamite.
Gave Caldwell Bros. list of hydraulic outfit to quote prices
on. Made out power attorney. to send to Jos. to sign and
return.
March 9, 1904 Went to Ballard to see
sloop, PM went over to West Seattle to look at sloop - King Winge
wanted $175 to build sloop 27’, 7’ beam covered in
without sail fittings. Received Joshua Hendy estimate on
hydraulic outfit. Received letters from J. O. May wanted some
of my Litharge water to have examined.
March 10, 1904 Received letter from W. A. Farnsworth
said funds would come forth and bond out the 15th. Received
telegram from A. B. Smith of N. Y., said he couldn’t handle
oil land.
March 11, 1904 Printed and toned out
4 dozen Alaska views. Took Elmer downtown after school,
had his hair cut and got him a new pair of shoes “for bad boys”.
SS Santa Ana arrived from Valdez.
March 12, 1904 Capt. Shaw talked over best
way to get our powder up to the mines. SS Bertha arrived no
word from Knik thus far his winter.
March 13, 1904 Printed pictures. Evening
made up estimate for lumber needed in Knik cabin, 1,000’ tongue
and grooved. SS Portland sailed for Cook Inlet in place
of SS Bertha.
March 14, 1904 Bought sewing machine the “Arlington”,
drop head, for $10 to take to Alaska.
March 15, 1904 Went down to Schwabacher Dock
to see about landing Columbia river boat, said I could put
it on the wharf. PM printed more views and toned out 40,
ready to mount.
March 16, 1904 Went over to Ballard and
bought a Columbia river boat fitted with forward cabin and sail
gear complete price $80 - owners name, Louis Davidson 265 Ballard
Ave. PM toned out 53 views of Alaska.
March 17, 1904 Earthquake last
night for 20 seconds no damage. Wrote to Jos. J. O. M.
and for land laws on Alaska at D. C. Mattie had toothache.
March 18, 1904 Mattie went downtown had
dentist drill hole through her toothache tooth which relieved
it. Ordered two hydraulic hose reducers 15’ long each, 10” large
end, 6” small end to cost $20 Puget Sound Tent and Dock
Co. Bought wire pliers 50¢ and bevel square 25¢,
overalls for Elmer and myself $4.80. Looked at some horses
to mate Nig.
March 21, 1904 Met Hanmore he said schooner
would take up powder to the inlet.
March 22, 1904 Went downtown with Elmer
and Mamma. Got Elmer hoop. Met Hovey at office of Loeb
Lumber Co. gave them list of lumber needed. Called
on Andrews at office of P. S. Dredging Co. he would go prospecting
for me if wanted.
March 23, 1904 AM made out my contract
for 1904 with K and B., sent it to president and secretary
to sign. Met Sweeney on 2nd Avenue, wanted one of my Alaska
maps to help make ACRR map. Received stock from
Co. for the Nutmeg and Gopher Claims.
March 25, 1904 Mattie not feeling well.
Elmer went before the Teachers Institute at High School to give
exhibition with 5 other kids from Cascade School mostly singing.
SS Excelsior in port and old SS Dora ready to sail - to take
run from Valdez to the Westward as mail boat, in place of the SS Newport.
March 26, 1904 Made out receipts for stock
received for Nutmeg and Gopher claims to send to J. W. Rogers
and R. C. Smith the 28th. Received telegram from W. A. Farnsworth
stating funds would be telegraphed to Scandinavian American Bank
Monday 28th. Wrote Rouble I would be at Wolf Creek the 30th.
March 28, 1904 Met Buzzard, visited on Caldwell
Bros. hadn’t prices on 7” pipe. Called on the N.
S. Blow Pipe and Hydraulic Works, gave them chance to figure
on hydraulic outfit. No funds came to bank as wired would
arrive by W. A. Farnsworth
March 29, 1904 Gave Mr. Buzzard my order
for 500 cwt. giant powder, 1,000 caps, 3,000’ fuse, paid
cash $72.50 out of own funds. Freight to be paid at Hope,
Alaska. Placed order for hydraulic supplies with N. S. Blow
Pipe Co. for $280.50, FOB Seattle. Gave Quaker Drug Co. order
for Med. stores to take to Alaska.
March 30, 1904 Wrote Riley that I thought best
not to prospect this year in Alaska. Answered McGuire’s
letter about his claim, advised him to take stock for claim.
PM Mattie and self bought furniture at Holmes to take to Alaska
also bought cook stove for the K and B Co., $34.
April 1, 1904 Got credit for $350 on personal
account wired from N.Y. by K and B Co. PM took Elmer down
to dentist had one tooth out and one filled. Bought Elmer
new drum and ball. Mattie came downtown got paper for dining
room at Knik. Ordered 10 gal. asphaltum paint for hydraulic pipe.
April 2, 1904 G. L. Holmes Co. balance on furniture
$71.60. Cook stove for K and B Co. $34, furniture for
self $57.60, total $91.60, extra bake pans 50¢. Bought rubber
goods from C. R. Winslow and
Co., 9 pair giant boots $54, for help for K
and B Co., rubber goods for myself $29.44, total check $83.44.
Ordered fly blankets, nose bags, rope. Received letter from
J. O. May said that funds would be deposited in bank after I had
gone to Alaska.
April 3, 1904 Wrote May that company
must come up with funds before I left for Alaska. Mattie and
I went over to Ballard to see if my boat was OK. Took pictures
of Mattie and Elmer with their Klondike hats on, took picture
of Elmer with his drum.
April 4 ,1904 Ordered supplies from the
Puget Sound Duck and Tent Co., hose canvas etc. $57.51.
Received letter from Farnsworth about the bond issue, answered
the funds must come forth by 8th. PM met some boys who wanted
to go to Alaska to work in the mines. Company wired $400 to Scandinavian
American Bank. Clara wrote that Grandma Herning died March
3rd.
April 5, 1904 Got prices on mower etc.
of the Polson Implement Co. Ordered lumber for cabin at Knik
from the Loeb-Cutter Lumber Co., bill $40.79.
April 6, 1904 Minted 7.32 oz. dust at
U. S. Assay Office then went to Ballard to see about my boat which
arrived at Seattle OK, moored her at boat house by Schwabacher Wharf.
Bought mower $55, hay rake $27.50 and plough $16 (for Alaska) discounted
cost $90. Ordered sewing machine to be at wharf the 8th.
April 7, 1904 Received first mail from Knik.
Boys landed pipe on Grubstake in February. Reported 35
days in opening up trail up Willow Creek. Received Mining
Laws from Washington D. C. on homesteads and mining in Alaska.
Wired J. O. May that plant was on ground OK not to fail on funds.
April 8, 1904 Met Sprauge and Shaw they wanted
to buy my steam launch at Knik. Received message from
J. O. May, said contract would be fulfilled. Freight all delivered
at wharf except giants and pipe. Changed sailing date
as SS Bertha agreed to call at Seldovia, billed to leave Seattle the
17th. Got shipping bill of most all freight billed for Knik.
Deposited $110.72, returns from 7.32 oz. dust in bank.
April 11, 1904 Got wire from W. A. Farnsworth
that $600 was sent to Puget Sound Bank, same from
J. O. May, said all funds ready the 20th would that do? Bought
small bill of groceries at Nat. Groc. Co., clover, timothy,
rye and seed potatoes from E. J. Bowen. Two 4-tine forks,
one spading fork Whiton Head Co. $12.50.
April 13, 1904 Arrived at Wolf Creek
8:30 AM, walked out to Golden Oregon and met W. N. Ruble.
Went up to placer mine and took a look at the Ruble Elevator.
Had rock stumps etc. piled up 30’ high, all done by nozzle.
Ruble was re-setting his giants. Remained with Ruble overnight
at Golden Oregon.
April 14, 1904 Saw Ruble Elevator working.
Drove the heavy rock over grizzly 20’ high. PM bought
right to use Ruble Grizzly in Alaska for $180, paid for it by
personal check. Golden to Wolf Creek to catch train.
April 16, 1904 Called at bank, W. A.
Farnsworth funds that was to come forth the 12th not at hand.
giants from Frisco yet on way. Ordered chains made to use
to joint up hydraulic pipe. All of outfit on wharf
except hydraulic pipe.
April 18, 1904 PM bought tickets for
Elmer $23.50, Mamma $47, my self $47 - Seattle to Seldovia,
Alaska $117.50. PM got $2,000 by wire from K and B Co.
April 19, 1904 Paid N. S. Blow Pipe hydraulic
bill $342.45, freight on general supplies $160.95, storage on
boat $2, rent, lights, etc. $9.10, laundry 30¢, drew $18 out
of Scandinavian American Bank got $1,200 in certificate of
deposits from the Puget Sound National Bank. We leave Seattle
9:45 on SS Bertha for Knik Alaska. Had dinner with Ed. Sylvester,
they saw us off on the boat, also Mr. Hovey.
April 20, 1904 Mamma, Elmer and myself
in room 16. New Capt. and Purser on SS Bertha also Steward.
Breakfast was bum. SS Bertha went Outside route, 10 AM
passed out straits by Cape Flattery, choppy sea and most everybody
sick Elmer was first to holler “New York”, Mattie 2nd, myself
third. Sitka first stop.
April 23, 1904 Rough last night, aft
wind and big seas all day. Arrived Sitka 6 AM too late
to get in , so anchored outside. Wrote to W. A. Farnsworth,
bought Ruble Elevator, funds needed: Elevator $1,000, grub
$500, 1904 salary due $3,000 total $4,500, received
$3,350. Gilbert property $2,000, incidentals $150, total of bond
$10,000. Deposit all funds to my Scandinavian American
Bank. Wrote arrangements made with Whitney’s. Snowing
while leaving Sitka.
April 24, 1904 Weighed anchor at 5 AM
arrived at Sitka 6 AM. Mailed K. B. papers, certificate
of Incorporation at Sitka to be filed with Secry. Wm. L. Distin
for District of Alaska situated at Sitka. Left Sitka at 8
AM, Yakutat next stop.
April 25, 1904 Arrived Yakutat at 8 AM departed
9:30 AM for Kayak. Took two snapshots of Yakutat.
8 PM near Cape St. Elias, had smooth sea up to 8 PM a little wind
and swell coming up. SS Santa Ana just left Yakutat, was
held up 2 days for wind, it had ACRR engine aboard for Seward.
April 26, 1904 Arrived Kayak 8 AM, fine
voyage from Yakutat. SS Santa Ana lay at anchor at Kayak.
Took snapshot of ACRR engine aboard the Santa Ana and snap of Kayak.
New gasoline schooner “Northland” and old Perry were at Kayak.
Couldn’t land oil supplies, had no lighter, so left them aboard.
French Pete and family and English oil man got off at Kayak.
Left Kayak 8:15 PM for Valdez SS Santa Ana followed. Snow squalls
all day.
April 27, 1904 Arrived at Prince William Sound
6 AM, Valdez 11 AM. Mattie visited with Mrs. Fish
Sr. and missed her lunch on the boat. Filed 2nd
set of K. B. certificates etc. With Clerk Dist. Court at
Valdez cost 50¢. Met Judge Gallegher of Kodiak.
Left Valdez at 11 PM for Latouche. Snow and rain last night.
Sent Jos. and Dick their stock 2,000 shares each.
April 28, 1904 Arrived at Latouche 8
AM, put off first for the A. K. Beatson Copper Mine.
Sent deposit book to Scandinavian American Bank in Seattle with
order to place $500 in their savings dept. and return vouchers.
Arrived Seward 5:30 PM, had a pleasant trip from Prince William Sound,
there were about 100 people on wharf and as many working, Seward
is booming. Six miles of grade ready for RR. Met Judge
Hildreth Chief Engineer ACRR, agreed to give Herman Person and partner
work June 90 days. Left Seward 8:30 PM for Seldovia.
April 29, 1904 Arrived at Seldovia 11:30
AM. The Steamer Tyonek was up the Inlet, lightered all
freight ashore. Scow loaded full up from Portland.
Ate dinner and supper on SS Bertha. Short no. 1 giant and
can paint. Took up quarters in Herbert’s cabin, Buzzard
and Anderson slept on floor. SS Bertha left port at 10:30
PM on return trip.
April 30, 1904 Living in Herbert’s cabin.
SS Tyonek, went to Hope and Glacier Creek with hydraulic supplies,
will take us to Knik next trip. Nine men and 3 horses also
here bound for Knik. SS Dora arrived on westward
trip, had quite a few passengers for the Inlet. SS Tyonek left
4 PM with Tyonek and Hope passengers and Glacier Creek freight.
Took snapshots of Seldovia. Eating our meals at the Greek
and Russian Restaurant OK.
May 1, 1904 Not much doing today Sunday
observed. One hotel up and another, building another storehouse.
Natives whipsawing. Large coal scow under construction.
Boats building Evening Native dance in hotel.
May 2, 1904 Nothing doing except building
operations at Seldovia. Got books out of trunk and posted
on same. PM boat party, Elmer, Native kids, Mamma and myself.
Evening played flute, Mattie sang. Expect SS Tyonek in port
tomorrow. Elmer and Cleghorn kids went after barrel water in boat.
May 3, 1904 At Seldovia. Took down no.
of certificates of deposit with the Puget Sound National Bank
as follows: 27 certificates in $100, $50, and $25, No. 109059
to 62 (3) $100 each, 109062 to 74 (12) $50 each, 109074 to 85 (12)
$25 each, total amount $1,200. Very fine day. Elmer playing
with the Native kids boating etc. SS Tyonek arrived 9 PM 3 days round
trip Seldovia to Hope and Glacier Creek.
May 4, 1904 SS Tyonek commenced loading
at 2 AM. Got up at 5 AM and brought boat out of creek to
SS Tyonek. Sailed from Seldovia for Knik 9:30 AM, 15 passengers,
3 horses, 25 tons freight for Knik. Took scow load of freight
in tow for Hope. Dropped anchor 8:30 PM off Kasilof to wait
for flood tide.
May 5, 1904 On SS Tyonek, raised anchor
at 1:30 AM off Kasilof in route to Knik. At noon anchored
off Point Possession to wait for flood tide. Farmer boys
went ashore to hunt. Weighed anchor 4:30 PM, arrived at Hope
10 PM to leave scow and freight. Warm and fair today could see
Mt. McKinley. Left scow loaded with saw mill etc. at mouth of
Bear Creek.
May 6, 1904 Left Hope, it was very muddy
on flats around wharf. Anchored off Fire Island to wait
for flood tide for Knik. Some of the Boys went ashore to
hunt moose, grouse etc. SS Tyonek arrived Knik at 9:30 PM.
Hired Natives to handle freight, cost $2.95. SS Tyonek left
on ebb tide.
May 7, 1904 Up at 8 AM stored most of
freight in cache. Put lumber in barn, hydraulic pipe
along side cache. Paid off Simeon $23.60, Peter $22.18, Billy $20.20,
Andrew $19.80, Total $85.79. Received for grub $39.19. Used
horses to cache freight.
May 8, 1904 At Knik. Got bill rendered
at Palmer’s from Sept. 15, 1903 to date, $190.67 as follows:
Burr $26.50 launch, Hall $52.50 trail, Stephan $23, Native labor
$2.88, tools and axes $2, fork 80¢, 1 man saw $3, scythe
$2, cook stove $16, utensils $3.65, total $192.17 .
May 9, 1904 Harcus and myself set up
mower, hay rake and plough. Whitney’s and balance of Natives
arrived from Willow Creek. Paid off Sushitna Evan and his
brother for labor at mines $117.67, received for grub $27.29, net
cash $90.38.
May 10, 1904 Paid off last of Native
labor at mines. Stephan labor $59.65, Stephan grub $11.75,
Ephim labor $52.90 Ephim grub $11.09. Paid Palmer’s
Store account Sept. 15, 1903 to May 9, 1904 total of $192.17
- Oct. cash $50 May 10, $142.17. Had Harcus and Clarence shingle
peak of barn. Frank and self ploughed garden in front of
cabin at Knik. PM planted 65 lb. potatoes front of cabin 1/7th
acre.
May 11, 1904 Ploughed up Stephan’s and
Nakeeta garden back of Stephan’s old place, sowed rye on same.
Stephan agreed to take 1 box of potatoes for use of his garden.
I also ploughed up his garden at Knik.
May 12, 1904 Finished planting
rye and made hike across flats to Stephan’s old place and rebuilt
fence around rye field about ½ acre. Self and Frank drove
down to government camp and broke up small piece and planted to rye
and clover. Now ready to pack grub to Shushetna cache.
May 13, 1904 Packed 450 lbs. from
Knik to Sushitna cache on Tony and Nig. Everything OK in
cache. Set up new 10’ x 12’ tent. Clarence fenced
in garden at Knik. The “farmers” were camped at RR cache.
Got 100 lbs. rice from Palmer.
May 14, 1904 Left Sushitna camp, caught
up to farmers at 4th lake and helped them build a bridge. Took
dinner at Big Lake. Arrived at Knik 6 PM.
May 15, 1904 SS Tyonek arrived at 6 AM
to take out Palmer and his furs etc. Received letter from
Sylvester Bros. With tel. from W. A. Farnsworth saying $2,000
had been wired to Seattle. Also a letter from Secretary
of Alaska about filing company papers. Evening painted bottom
of Sea Otter boat black. Got 76 lbs. sugar and 50 lbs. gran.
potatoes from Palmer. SS Tyonek brought my Columbia river boat.
May 16, 1904 Getting ready to hit the trail
Knik to Willow Creek. Launched the Sea Otter boat, leaked
badly so pulled it out and covered it over with canvas. Put
spar in Columbia river boat, will boat our outfit in same to the Cottonwood
in the morning. Boys put wood in cabin. Got packs
ready for mines. Promised John Downing work June 1.
May 17, 1904 Weather fair. With 4 men
and family left Knik for mines. With Columbia river boat,
boated up horses, packs and men to creek below Cottonwood.
Left Knik 6:30, left Cottonwood 9:30, had lunch at Big Lake, arrived
Sushitna camp at 6:30. Trail from Big Lake to river quite wet.
Set up two tents at river. In party - Harcus, Watson, Whitney
brothers, Elmer, Mattie and myself with Nig and Tony.
May 18, 1904 Sushitna cache to Willow Creek.
New snow on approach to Bald Mt. made it very hard climbing.
Mattie got sick on mountain, she ate too much snow.
Snow 4’ deep between mountain swamp and draw to wet Gulch.
Had to leave most of pack on mountain. Nig broke trail about
400 yards then patches of snow from head of Wet Gulch to Willow Creek.
Came up Willow Creek from Jifkin’s on what was winter trail.
Ate supper at my cabin, men then went to mess house.
May 19, 1904 At mines. All quite
sore from trip over mountain. Mattie sick with sore throat.
Looked over pipe and lumber. Enough sticks to make 26
flume. Shot 4 ptarmigan. Evening horses started off
on winter trail caught them half way to Jifkin’s. Packed grub to
mess house on horses.
May 20, 1904 PM snow squalls covered
valley white. Snow all gone on Craigie Mt. and hogback
except a few streaks in draws. Snow 2/3 gone on south sides
of Willow Creek and all gone in Willow Creek basin. Grubstake
open up to Homestake. Trail open from my cabin to Homestake.
Had men sharpen up tools. Sent Frank down to Jifkin cabin for
utensils etc. Mattie throat some better. Put canvas lining
in cache.
May 21, 1904 Froze last night.
Started to get out material for hydraulic flume. Cut
30 collars, sills 8x4 ft., 7 posts 26 x 3’ 8”. Cut 60
center sills 3½ x 4 x 4’ and 120 posts 3 x 3½
x 3’ 8” in all to make 30 flume, 27 wide 3’ 8” high by 12½’
long. Use 2½ - 1½” boards for bottoms 4-10” boards
on each side. Put up shed roof to keep tools dry. Evening
washed and doctored up Tony’s sore back.
May 22, 1904 Men working on penstock for hydraulic
boxes, jointing up bottoms. Started with horses for Bald
Mt. to get pack left there on way in to mines. While shoveling
out Gulch crossing, 1 mile from cabin, horses got away and came back
to cabins, then too late to make trip. Some snow on mountain trail.
AM went up Grubstake to hydraulic dam no snow in reservoir.
Creek most all opened up, snow 2/3 gone on bench. Evening burnt
off hogback on Grubstake.
May 23, 1904 Jointing up bottoms and sides
to hydraulic flume also collars. Went over to Bald Mt.
for pack left there on trip from Knik mines. Went over by
bench trail around mountain to Wet Gulch (3 hours) came back via
Wet Gulch and up Willow Creek bottom. Pack weighed 300 lbs.
(2 nozzles, leveling inst., log chain, boots, rice, lard, box sundries
and clothing).
May 24, 1904 Jointing up flume. Self and Elmer
with horses went down to timber line and packed up 5 bags of
spruce boughs to put in bunk. Used 3 planks for floor 2½”.
Used 1” boards for sides, 3” strips to brace collar posts 2’ 4”
long. Used 2 x 4 to brace center posts.
May 25, 1904 Making hydraulic flume.
One of the “farmers” mushed over from timberline Bald Mt.,
said they had their garden planted. Two were going to
Knik to build winter quarters and two were going prospecting
up Mt. McKinley way.
May 26, 1904 PM sent Elmer and his Mamma
up to the boulder on Willow Creek to burn off the grass.
Made a big fire they had to take to the creek bottom. Whitney
brothers done up from ripping up lumber “muscles all in”.
Harry planted garden up at mess house on Grubstake Gulch.
Nig crawled into the Gilbert cabin.
May 27, 1904 Self with horses went over
to Sushitna cache to get balance of provisions etc., arrived
at cache 6 PM. Shot 2 ptarmigans on Bald Mt. With some
stones, ate them for supper. Reset tent and got packs ready.
Retired 10:30 PM went over by mountain trail from my cabin.
May 28, 1904 Snow hail and rain.
Got up 5:45, ate coffee, bread and ptarmigan Got horses
packed and left river for mines at 8:30. Packed over 385
lbs. came back on mountain bench trail from Wet Gulch. Lost
can baking powder. Arrived at mess house at 3:30 PM, feet wet
to knees. Men building flume. Evening cleaned up Elmer’s
“22 Special”.
May 29, 1904 Whitney brothers laid off today.
Harcus did some blacksmithing. Self and family went up to hydraulic
dam spiked in flume that was loose. Evening took out 3 pans
on Willow Creek below my cabin, got colors in each pan. Boys
put old tent over mess house roof.
May 30, 1904 Windy and cold. Downing
arrived from Knik to work for season. Self and Frank made road
from lumber at saw pit to road up to mess house by Gilbert Cabin.
Evening Person and partner arrived from Seward to work for season,
90 days, brought in-mail dated May 9th.
May 31, 1904 Fair and sunny. Downing
commenced work. Men jointing flume, sawed riffle poles
in half and hauled up same to Gilbert basin. Harcus, Clarence
and Downing on flume. Frank hauling riffle poles. Self and
new men put partition in mess house and put up two more bunks making
8 bunks in bunkhouse.
June 1, 1904 Person and Tookalsen commenced
work on 90 day contract at $3. Started to un-nest and smooth
up joints of hydraulic pipe. Self finished work in mess
house. Frank hauling riffle poles and penstock Harcus
and Downing jointed hydraulic pipe. Person and Tookalsen cleaned
out canyon ditch, AM on hydraulic pipe PM. Clarence jointing
up boards for flumes.
June 2, 1904 Men finished rounding up ends
of hydraulic pipe, found taper joints OK. With two men
walled up canyon ditch, was breaking through at lower end, took
2½ hours. Got out stock and took up tools to hydraulic dam
to fix flume. Put seats in bunkhouse. Harcus, Downing,
Person and Tolkasen 1 day on hydraulic pipe. Clarence jointing
up sand and shear boards. Frank hauling up flume material.
June 3, 1904 First heavy rain of season.
Men working on hydraulic pipe and flume. Self measured line
for hydraulic pipe: main line 1,800’, branch line 1,200’.
Started to rebuild old boxes for hydraulic hose work. Evening
raining.
June 4, 1904 Snow all gone above mountain
trail from mess house to Wet Gulch. Getting hydraulic
pipe and flume ready for use.
June 5, 1904 Harcus started to rebuild 7 of
the Andrew boxes 18 ¾” the clear and 18” high. Self helped
to fix stone boat. Made horse to file saws on at mess house.
Elmer and Mamma helped to survey line for pipe PM. Evening
Elmer and self shoveled snow drift off approach to hogback near
lumber pile.
June 6, 1904 Getting flume boxes and pipe ready
to lay and use. Got about ¼ of pipe hauled up to
pipeline. Boys about finished riveting on lugs. Got
600 riffle blocks sawed. Self helped with pipe and run pipeline
down basin.
June 7, 1904 Had men clean out pipeline
ditch. Self on rock work in ditch supt. work etc. Now ready
to joint up hydraulic pipeline. Evening light rain snow
all gone to and above hydraulic dam on Grubstake, no snow on Grubstake
benches.
June 8, 1904 Finished ditch to connect hydraulic
pipeline. Put in two dams and turned creek into right
hand channel on the Gilbert basin. PM started to connect
up pipe, commenced at ditch end.
June 10, 1904 Had to dig through small
ridge to let pipeline run down from ditch to Gilbert basin,
blasted out big rock. Got Y connected to connect hydraulic
hose. Harcus finished rebuilding small boxes.
June 11, 1904 Heavy frost. Got pipeline
laid down to Gilbert basin at upper end. Harcus and Clarence
finished putting lugs on 9 and 10 pipe and cut pipe to fit giant.
Put in one blast to remove large rock from pipeline. Frank hauling
pipe from foot of Grubstake to the Gilbert basin. Evening told
Harcus all about the work to be done on pipeline, hose, etc. Elmer
got 93½¢ gold dust.
June 12, 1904 Got all the pipe etc. landed
on the ground ready to set up and connect giant. Got half
of pipeline connected up. Harcus made connecting pipe to
fit giant. The no. 9 pipe being the same size wouldn’t fit.
Elmer his Mamma and Harry the cook panned out 56¢ at upper end
Gilbert basin. Frank finished hauling pipe to Gilbert basin from foot
of Grubstake.
June 13, 1904 Self with 3 men jointing
up 10” pipe down Gilbert basin. Harcus and Whitney’s putting
gate in ditch and building in head of ditch where pipeline connects.
Self with family and horses left Willow Creek for Knik. Arrived
at river cache at 6:05 PM light rain from razor back to river.
June 14, 1904 Arrived at Knik at 1:30 PM, mosquitoes
were quite numerous on trail. Tide was out so had to
leave boat at Cottonwood. Found everything OK at Knik.
5 gallon can of lost paint was returned by SS Tyonek (no mail).
Got from Palmer, on credit, 126 lbs. sugar at 8¢ = $10.08,
2 lbs. butter 70¢, moccasins for self and Elmer 50¢, 10
lbs. moose meat 50¢.
June 15, 1904 Got up at 5 AM rowed up to Cottonwood
for Columbia river boat got back at 9:30. Rigged sail
on boat, ready for trip to Hope for powder. Agreed to buy
Mallery mare for $100. Left Knik at 8:45 PM with family, Mallery
and Isaac Bainter, headed for Hope in Columbia river boat.
June 16, 1904 Arrived Fire Island lower
spit at 2:30, rainy, no wind until we arrived at Knik Harbor.
Bucked tide half way along Fire Island, ate lunch on Fire Island.
Left Fire Island at 4 AM. Wind out of Turnagain Arm so anchored
off island. PM tide windy so made camp on Island. Had
hard work to get boat out of surf.
June 17, 1904 Snowed on mountain peaks.
Big wind and surf today, couldn’t leave island. Got 1 salmon,
8 lbs. flour, 1 lb. lard, from Natives. Grub about used up,
caught a mess of smelt. Under fly near campfire all day,
evening quite cool. Nakeeta had paper mail. Mr. Mallery
gave us use of one of his blankets.
June 18, 1904 Got up at 4 AM left Fire Island
5 AM. Fair wind to begin with. Wind came out of Turnagain
Arm, tide rips quite bad had to put in at island on right of mouth
of Turnagain Arm in Chickaloon Bay. Made camp under spruce
tree. Salmon and bannocks for lunch, windy all day.
June 19, 1904 Camped at island on Chickaloon
flats. Rough tide AM. Grub most gone so decided
to all go overland to Hope. Left island at 8 AM. At
summit of 1st mountain, old man Mallery fagged out, sent Simeon
with him to beach, rest of us and Mr. Bainter came over mountains to
Hope, arrived 11 PM. Had no supper until 12 midnight.
Old man came down beach to Hope, reported us lost and without grub.
Hope people sent out two parties with grub, one overland and one by
boat, but we didn’t see them. Took up quarters in Mother De’Hotel,
Watson’s cabin.
June 20, 1904 Weather at Hope fair.
Got up at 8 AM had 6 hours sleep. Elmer got up at noon.
Overland party got in at 4 AM. Boat party got back at 10:30
AM. Had gone over as far as our boat at island in Chickaloon
Bay, all on account of old man Mallery reporting us lost. Ordered a few
supplies from AC Co. PM family and self went up to see Bear Creek
hydraulic mine.
June 21, 1904 Weather at Hope cloudy.
Got 500 lbs. powder, 1,000 caps, 300’ fuse from Buzzard.
Put it in Affinassi boat ready to go out on midnight tide.
Supplies from AC Co. Hope $25, for recording fees $20.80,
draying $1.50, paid Buzzard freight on powder $15 to apply.
Gave Mattie $265, board at hotel $6. PM went up Bear Creek
as far as Sleepers mine. Evening visited on Buzzard.
June 22, 1904 Left Hope with Elmer, self
and 500 lbs. powder in Affinassi sloop for island in Chickaloon
Bay where we left our boat, arrived at 2:45 AM. Camped
under big ledge slept until noon. Tide rough so didn’t
go to Fire Island. Paid Affinassa $4. Left Mamma at
Hope to go out to Juneau. Elmer felt bad to leave his Mamma.
Noon two Natives arrived to hunt moose for Buzzard.
June 23, 1904 Left Chickaloon Bay at
1:30 AM via Fire Island to Knik. Wind came up, strong seas
rolled choppy had to cross mouth of Turnagain Arm to get lee.
Gunnel went under one time. Shipped a barrel of water,
boom guy came loose, let boom into water, caused trouble.
Elmer scared at first then slept through the rest of 2 hours of rough
seas. Made it up to Pt. Campbell left on flats, 1 mile off shore,
waited 7 hours for tide then got up to upper end of Knik Harbor at
2:30. Waited for tide until 9 PM. Arrived at Knik 1:30.
June 24, 1904 Arrived at Knik this morning
at 1:30. Tak gave us tea. Took powder up to Stephan’s
old place put it in root house. Paid Tak store
bill at Palmer’s $43.25. Getting ready to leave for mines.
June 25, 1904 Made out order for hydraulic
and provision supplies, sent it to Sylvester Bros. Took Columbia
river boat up to slough by Stephan’s old place and anchored it.
Got 300 lbs. ready to pack to mines. Tak helped me finish
hoeing potatoes.
June 26, 1904 Water made me sick, threw up
breakfast. Got horses packed left Knik at 8:30.
Packed Tony with sugar, cheese, macaroni, etc. Packed
Nig with 100 lbs. giant powder. Arrived Big Lake 2 PM.
Arrived Sushitna cache 6 PM. Elmer and I had peas, minced ham,
crackers and coffee for supper.
June 27, 1904 Elmer and I, with horses,
left Sushitna River cache at 8 AM arrived at mess house at 1:45
PM. Boys had pipeline completed and giant set up and were
cleaning out canyon under falls and operating hydraulic hose
at upper end of Gilbert claim. Harcus cleaned up one box
got 5 oz. 10 dwt. = $88. Evening Elmer cried because he couldn’t
run the hydraulic hose said he wished that he went with Mamma.
June 28, 1904 Took charge of work cleaning
out canyon under falls. Harcus running hydraulic hose
at upper end of Gilbert claim. Cleaned up on box in canyon
got 10 dwt. 3 g. = $8.10. Clarence and Whitney wanted to
work by day for wages instead of annual contract for stock and cash,
agreed to let him do so.
June 29, 1904 Started to bail out and clean
up Glory Hole under canyon falls. Went down 81’ found a
smooth bottom but not a color of gold. Found several
large boulders and 4’ of gravel in hole took 3 men 8 hours each.
June 30, 1904 Covered all the mountains white
with snow last night. Pulled boxes out of canyon, cleaned up 4
dwt. 22 gr. Sent men up to clean bedrock at hydraulic hose
setup. Two farmers that went prospecting up Big Sushitna arrived
and ate dinner with us.
July 1, 1904 Cleaning bedrock hydraulic
hose setup, I piped down to bedrock to set flume boxes
for giant. Had 2 men on rock cutaway bank on upper side of canyon
ditch to keep from caving in on flume.
July 2, 1904 Got canyon ditch ready to set
in flume boxes. Had to put in 3 blasts. Cleaned
up hose boxes, 2-12-17 = $40.56. No skeeters quite cool
creeks low.
July 3, 1904 Started to build flume boxes in
canyon ditch. Had to blast out bedrock to get grade, ran
hydraulic hose (wet job). Put Harcus in charge building
flume boxes. Evening did washing for Elmer and myself.
July 4, 1904 Piping with hydraulic hose.
Had Frank and Downing repair hydraulic ditch. Clarence
and I finished piping in 2 boxes at a low place in creek.
Harcus and Swede’s building flume in canyon ditch got 6 set up.
Elmer got up for breakfast, 6 AM, for first time, usually sleeps
until 10 AM.
July 5, 1904 Rainy. Two Natives
arrived from Knik last night with a paper to get signers for
post office. Self running hydraulic hose. Harcus got 7 flume
boxes set and most of block riffles in. Cleaned up 2 boxes
hydraulic hose, got 1-17-10 = $29.98. Hired Nicholai Jr. and
partner to handle rock at $2 day, they are to board themselves. Sold
them grub - flour 25 lbs., rice 6 lb., crackers, 4 lbs. tea, ¼
lb. sugar.
July 6, 1904 Froze, scale ice last night.
Hired Nicholai and Evan to handle rock at $2 and they to board
themselves, commenced work today. Had Natives pile rock,
other boys cleaning bedrock, self doing piping. Evening
cloudy and cold.
July 7, 1904 Snowed on all the mines and down
as far as mess house. Had 3 men and 2 Natives on hose boxes.
Had boys put in 2 water gates to turn out water. Started
giant to pipe into flume boxes. Evening fixed lock on cache.
July 8, 1904 Water very low only enough
to fill small boxes. Started to clean out direct above
canyon falls to set in boxes. Put Downing and Frank working
roustabouts around giant. Evening Elmer tried to make a flying
machine out of two pieces of slab.
July 9, 1904 Got canyon ditch piped down to
grade up as far as gate in side dam. Men got rock cleaned
out of creek bed above canyon falls. Got bottomed up ready to set
in 3 more boxes hydraulic hose. Evening Harcus sharpened drills,
made small 7/8 bar to open bedrock Sold Person 2 pair boots.
July 10, 1904 Men setting up more flume, added
4 to run in canyon ditch making 11 in all. Self bottoming
up with hydraulic hose took out 50¢ pan on bedrock on bar
50’ from creek.
July 11, 1904 Hose busted last night,
I sewed it up. Did no piping, AM, bottoming up plenty of
gold in sight. Harcus with men adding 7 more flume to giant
boxes. Natives too much sick, quit work. Paid them for 6 days
each $12 each, grub $4.55.
July 12, 1904 Mail arrived. Doubled up
hydraulic hose 30’ from nozzle where it kept breaking out.
Got bottomed up, clean up tomorrow, lots of gold on bedrock
Got giant moved back so as to pipe into 2 run of boxes ditch and
creek above canyon. Four Natives arrived from Knik, they brought
3 salmon $1, Whitney 3 letters 75¢, Downing 1 letter 25¢,
Watson 2 letters 50¢, myself 4 letters $1.
July 13, 1904 Harcus got double run of boxes
completed. Had 2 men tear down Homestake cabin and Frank hauled
it down to mess house. Billy and Andrew went hunting for
caribou. Sold Ephim some grub. Clarence and I got
bedrock cleaned ready to move hose boxes.
July 14, 1904 Got bedrock worked down
to move hose boxes. Cleaned up, got 8 oz., 2 dwt. = $129.60.
Started giant on double run of boxes in ditch and above falls.
Ephim commenced work. Billy and Andrew got back with 2 qtrs.
moose meat, killed it at the head of the Little Sushitna. Ephim Jr.
and Pete went to Knik.
July 15, 1904 Billy and Andrew commenced
work around hose boxes at $2 a day “eat themselves”. Took
down first setup of hose boxes and reset same farther up creek.
Made one new shear board got ready to pipe in. Evening panned
above canyon got colors in every pan (giant work).
July 16, 1904 Piping in on 2nd setup hose boxes
and working bedrock Took one pan off bedrock $1.30.
Creek raised a little, hose boxes carry it all.
July 17, 1904 Sent Frank to Knik for
flour sugar and boots. Started to pipe in bench at head of
Gilbert claim. Found pay on bench right hand side of canyon.
July 18, 1904 Got bench piped down to
bedrock with hose. Found slide on top, willows buried
in, gold in gravel and bedrock on upper end Gilbert claim.
Took out half dozen pans on bench near mess house, got colors
and good prospect in top gravel. Elmer complained last 2 days of
the toothache - has Negefal for playmate.
July 19, 1904 Frank at Knik for supplies
gone 3 days. Got set to pipe in upper end of bench.
Hose boxes piped out tailings 5 to 8 - 4 men on giant.
July 20, 1904 Frank arrived from Knik. Bought
from Palmer on credit 1 pair overalls (for Stone) $1, 1 pair sox
(for Stone) 50¢, 3 chewing (for Persson) $1.80, 2
sacks flour (for company) $3. Ready to bottom up for first
time with giant. Elmer’s jaw swollen up from tooth. Frank packing
Sushitna cache to Grubstake. Sold boots to Frank, Clarence
and Tookalson.
July 21, 1904 Had to pipe tailing away
from hose boxes, started to set up Homestake cabin adjoining
mess house with 12’ calidoor between. About ready to move
flume out of canyon ditch and attach to line dumping over canyon
falls. Elmer bad toothache.
July 22, 1904 Doing piping with hydraulic hose.
Harcus got ditch run with giant bottomed up. Two men rebuilding
Homestake cabin at mess house. Evening put carbolic acid
into Elmer’s tooth. Elmer sleeping until noon lately.
July 23, 1904 Looked after rebuilding
Homestake cabin, made cleanup flume in canyon. Got 2 oz.
out of clay gravel in ditch and 4-11-17 from head of ditch = $105.37
from ditch. Noon Mallery’s partner arrived from Cottonwood
to work at mines and 2 other men came in to prospect on Willow Creek
down at canyon. Got calidoor covered in attachment to mess house.
July 24, 1904 Cramer and G. H. Mallery
commenced work at mines $3 and grub. Having trouble with
tailing hose boxes. Hose busted twice. AM pulled
flume out of canyon ditch. Evening cleaned up canyon flume
got 6-14-16 out of gravel.
July 25, 1904 Sunny very fine day.
Blasting out bedrock to bottom up and add on more flume to
canyon boxes. Got Homestake cabin about ready, put partition
in, made room for 4 bunks. Clarence piped out tailing hose boxes.
Evening Natives finished work, plenty fish come at Knik.
July 26, 1904 Natives left for Knik.
Water lowest of season not enough to fill pipeline for hose
and giant. Cleaned up 4-2-3 gravel gold. Frank and I on
hose run and fitting bunks etc. in annex to mess house. Evening
weighed and cleaned up 17 oz. 8 dwt. 12 gr. Tied up horses
to go to Sushitna cache for grub.
July 27, 1904 Got annex to mess house, bunks,
etc. completed, 4 bunks and 6’ x 10’ storeroom. Theodore
arrived with 66 lbs. fresh salmon. Sent Frank over to Sushitna
cache for balance of grub there. Huff visited, camped at cabin
below Jifkin’s. Walt the farmer went to Knik for 6 weeks grub.
Clean up giant run 9-1-10.
July 28, 1904 Weather rainy. Frank arrived
from Sushitna River cache with flour, milk, salt and potatoes,
then hauled up load of 10” pipe and slab. Harcus blasting
out bedrock and jointing on more flumes for 2nd run with giant.
Got gravel all in ready to bottom up hose run.
July 29, 1904 Got Frank, Clarence
and Persson working on hose run. Bottoming up hose run plenty
of water. Harcus blasting out bedrock and jointing on flume
for 2nd move up creek with giant. Got a total of 22 oz. 7
dwt. 19 gr. first setup, opening up ground with giant. Harry and
Took both got toothache Elmer tooth OK.
July 30, 1904 Heavy rain.
Got 2nd move up creek ready to operate giant, jointed up 11 flume.
About ready to clean up hose boxes and 3 more will commence on
Homestake claim. Now ready to work shifts on giant run.
Evening worked around annex to mess house to stop leaks etc.
Thirty sixth birthday today.
July 31, 1904 Sunday first day off this
month. Started shifts on giant run at 2:30 AM. Men worked AM,
self all day bottoming up with hydraulic hose. Palmer back
with goods, sent in no mail. Harry about sick with ulcerated
tooth. Elmer getting new molar.
August 1, 1904 Got hose run bottomed up ready
to clean up. Clarence and I running hydraulic hose. Started
shifts on giant run, 3 men on each shift, Harcus day piper.
Lots of gold in sight on clay bedrock Evening made Elmer
two small sluice boxes, put sail on boat.
August 2, 1904 Cleaned up hose boxes 2nd setup
got 21 oz. 15 dwt. in all this run, $426.33 for 66 days
work for 1 man. Started to set up 3rd run of hose boxes. Elmer
started sluicing with his midget boxes found a small nugget.
Got 8 dwt. 12 gr. nugget in hose clean up, one weighed 2 dwt. 6
gr. $1.80 one went 50¢ several 30¢.
August 3, 1904 Got boxes in for 3rd setup,
hydraulic hose now ready to pipe in beginning Homestake claim.
Evening had to go up to dam and shut off water from ditch on
account of storm (plenty of water). Elmer made his first
clean up from midget boxes got 60¢. Had land slide near
giant from high bank.
August 4, 1904 Rain. Clarence and I got
up shear boards and had to put on 200’ of new hose, old hose
worn out. Ground sluiced into hose boxes PM. Harcus
got bottom in on giant run now ready to pipe in bench. Lots of
gold in sight on both giant and hose setups. Evening wrote notices
on boards to put up on claims big blasting today.
August 5, 1904 Got hydraulic hose 3rd run ready.
Doubled up 60’ of hose to stand the pressure, water low today.
Harcus got creek bed bottomed up now ready to pipe in bench.
Will have to move pipe and giant to work bench. Mail arrived,
wife is at Valdez. Natives arrived with 118½ lbs. fresh salmon.
Put up May group stakes. Evening Elmer and self put up
Boulder stake 2 claims below Craigie.
August 6, 1904 Elmer and I left mines
for Knik, arrived 6:05 to put up hay and pack grub
to mines. Found Mattie back from Juneau and party of RR
men at my cabin. Mr. Bellaine, ACRR Construct Co., Judge Hildreth,
Marshal Sexton, Bill Buckley and millionaires Shed and Johnson from
Chicago on inspection trip of Knik Valley, they ate supper at our
cabin. Mattie and I got up at 4 AM to get breakfast for RR party.
August 7, 1904 Sunny and fine at
Knik. Morning helped RR party pack horses. All left for
the Matinuski Coal Fields. Got mowing machine ready, hauled
2 barrels water. PM cut grass on flats by Stephan’s old
place (smooth and dry). 3 PM Mattie taken suddenly sick had
to leave off work. Paid Stephan $2 for old root house where
I kept my giant powder, bought some mountain sheep 75¢.
August 8, 1904 Warmest day of season
75. Run mower all day cut 8 acres on tide flats.
Had roast mountain sheep for dinner was very fine. Took
pictures of hayfield and pictures of rye field.
August 9, 1904 Run mower at Knik, stacked 1
ton hay. Bought case coal oil from Palmer. Men mining
at Willow Creek, Mr. Harcus foreman.
August 10, 1904 Finished mowing hay and put
up ½ ton. Built crib to stack on, Elmer and Mamma helped,
raining. Brought down 800 lbs. hay to barn on stone boat
covered hay stacks with tarpaulins. Evening wrote to K and
B Co. sent deed in escrow to Puget Sound Bank Seattle for K and B
Co.
August 11, 1904 Rain, rain, rain, heaviest
rain of the season. Ordered supplies from Palmer for
mines. Fixed our pack bags, got sample of gold ready to
send to K and B Co., 5 oz. 12 dwt. 21 gr. = $90.30. RR
party got back (good and wet) from the Matanuski Coal Fields.
Had Mr. Bellaine, Judge Hildreth and Mr. Johnson to tea.
August 12, 1904 Rain and wind, high water
at mines. SS Tyonek came up from Goose Bay for RR party
at 5 AM, sent out-mail and sample of dust. Paid Palmer for
supplies $91.68, discount $12.97, net cash paid $78.71.
August 13, 1904 Left Knik 11 AM for mines.
Had 3 of Palmer’s horses to pack in grub. Arrived Little
Sushitna 7:45 PM rained last hour of trip got legs and feet
wet. With 5 horses packing supplies to mines Knik to Willow
Creek.
August 14, 1904 Left Sushitna cache at 8:45
arrived at mess house at mines at 2:30 with 5 pack horses and
800 lbs. supplies, credit Palmer’s horses to 504 lbs. High
water at mines but did no damage. Harcus cleaned up 1 box
giant got 6-7-20 one 80¢ nugget.
August 15, 1904 Got Stephan off at 7
AM for Knik with Palmer’s horses, paid Stephan $5 for 3 day
trip.
August 16, 1904 Bottomed up work on bench
with giant clean up 12-9-17. Now ready to move giant up
creek, 3rd move, and joint on more flume. Cramer’s 8th day
jointing material for more flume. Had Frank haul up flume and
riffle poles to Gilbert basin.
August 17, 1904 Got hose run (no. 3) bottomed
up ready to clean up. Took out 1-12-22 more from flume.
Got 2 bits to block riffle below cleaned riffles. Double head
of water since rain the 11th. Elmer’s clean up 10 gr.
Total gold out : 87-12-13 = $1,402.03 hose ahead of giant.
August 18, 1904 Cleaned up hose boxes
last of 3rd setup and about last of sluicing on Gilbert claim
with hose got 2-2-21 bedrock. Gilbert claim got 5-15-18
gravel bench on Homestake claim total 7-18-15. About ready
to sluice at foot of Homestake. Total gold 95-11-4 = $1,527.93.
Expense to date $1,726.90.
August 19, 1904 Wind and rain squalls.
Got 4th setup hose run completed ground sluiced 3 hours,
very wet but had to work to complete setup ready for high water
should it come. Cost 10½ days at $3 = $31.50 to
joint up 10 flume boxes.
August 20, 1904 Got 4th setup, hose boxes ready
at noon. Piped off gravel on small bar at foot of Homestake
claim. Found gold on bedrock but little in gravel.
Took out 37¢ pan on bedrock by head box, cached it in Elmer’s
“gold bottle”. Harcus got most off bedrock blasted out for
3rd setup of flume.
August 21, 1904 Running hydraulic hose, got
down to bedrock on bar, foot of Homestake, took out 50¢ pan
coarse gold. Harcus got bedrock blasted out for flume boxes.
Evening fixed my boot. Put 50¢ pans into Elmer’s gold
bottle.
August 22, 1904 AM ditch broke out, took
4 men 2½ hours to rebuild it. Double sluice head
of water for hose boxes. Harcus got in 11 more flume on
3rd setup of giant, now ready to pipe in good pay gravel.
Evening, cleaned one pound of gold.
August 23, 1904 Commenced raining hard at midnight,
everything flooded at the mines. 5 AM Grubstake coming
up fast. 7 AM water going over reservoir dam. 4 PM
hose boxes flooded. Morning Harcus and men put in shear
board giant run and built up dam. Clarence and self looked after
hose boxes, ditch and big dam - 4 to 7 had Harcus and 2 men put in
two shots in overflow at big dam.
August 24, 1904 Water going down fast,
boxes stood the flood OK. Men not working on account
of high water. Did washing and cleaned some gold. Evening
made window frame and put in mica in place of glass window for mess
house dining room. Sam shot mess of ptarmigans, Frank and
George saw brown bear above Martha claim.
August 25, 1904 Freezing nights. Snowed on
mountain peaks last night - remained today. Harcus got
3rd setup of giant completed pipe ¼ day. Clarence and I
rebuilt wing dam and cleaned up hose boxes got 18 dwt. 2 gr.
bedrock gold when setting head box.
August 26, 1904 Took out hose boxes and repaired
those damaged by flood and reset same, ready to operate.
Men went on shifts again this morning. Go to work at 3
AM off at noon. PM shift go on at noon off at 9 PM.
Opened up fine pay gravel with giant in Gilbert basin. Snow
on mountain peaks. Evening went up to head of gulch for horses
couldn’t find them. Intended to go to Knik tomorrow evening
packed up.
August 27, 1904 Started piping with hose again.
Finished balance of bar, picked up 20¢ nugget on
bedrock. Got 50¢ to the pan in gravel above clay on giant
run. Frank found horses up gulch about 2,000’ above creek -
now ready to go to Knik in the morning.
August 28, 1904 Left mines, with
horses, 6:50 AM arrived Knik 6:30. Mamma and Elmer OK.
Received word from Scandinavian American Bank that no funds
had been deposited by K and B Co. Left Harcus in charge
of the mines.
August 29, 1904 At Knik, too wet to cut hay,
started to clean out little cabin to make bunk house for the
men. Knik Chief and Stephan commenced work on hose run
at mines. Bought 18 lbs. bear meat off Stephan at 10¢
= $1.80. Bought sorrel mare from W. A. Edmunds for $100.
Put feed box in stall for 3rd horse at Knik.
August 30, 1904 Scattered out a bunch of hay
to dry, hauled it to the barn PM. Removed launch pump engines
and boiler tubes from little cabin to barn. A. Litchfield
and Red Jack brought in English hunter, a Mr. Littledale.
August 31, 1904 Hired Ephim to cut wood
and help fix up little cabin. Self started to put up bunks
in cabin. Had duck dinner with potatoes out of our own
garden, Yollie!
September 1, 1904 Completed bunks in
little cabin at Knik. Started to mow more grass with machine
on tide flats. Men working at mines: Harcus, Tooklasen,
Persson, Cramer, Mallery, Downing. Gold dust at Knik: coarse
2-6-0, fine 43-4-18 = $728.60. Ephim cut wood built fence around
hay stack.
September 2, 1904 Cutting hay and rye
at Knik, hauled it off flats to dry. Developed 5 film rolls,
all quite good. Ephim half day on hay.
September 3, 1904 Had Ephim and Andrew helping
to stack hay. Hauled ½ ton hay to barn.
September 4, 1904 Stacked balance of hay, had
½ ton of rye. Put fence around 2 stacks and covered
with canvas. Paid Palmer for use of pack horse to take 504
lbs. of provisions Knik to mines on 13th $25, supplies $33.13.
September 5, 1904 Left Knik with Nig, Tony
and Maud for the mines. Rode Maud, packed Nig and Tony
with provisions. At Cottonwood took on Cramer’s horse.
Got Nig down near Big Lake had trouble with horses. Arrived
Sushitna cache and camped for the night, big wind many windfalls.
Lost my grub when Nig fell in mud hole, so had to cook a duck and
potatoes for supper and breakfast.
September 6, 1904 Fine day, froze got
up at 4:30, duck and “taters” for breakfast. Left Sushitna
cache 6 AM arrived mess house at mines 11:30. Froze ½
inch on gulch last night, ice remained on bench all day.
Men finished working shifts. Harcus gave Stephan and his
brother “Chief” work on hose for 6 days. Inspected work, bench
paying well (giant). Bill and Spack arrived from Upper Susitna
via to Valdez.
September 7, 1904 Took charge of hose,
bottomed up ready to clean up. Sent Frank out for ptarmigan,
he shot all of three. Harcus bottoming up bench with giant.
Water low again but enough as yet. Had Sam repair old Yukon
sleds.
September 8, 1904 Cleaned up hose boxes got
7-9-8 off Homestake and 1-18-4 off Gilbert bar, total 9-7-12.
Frank and Downing moved boxes out of creek, closed down hose.
Total taken out with hose 63-13-15 = $1,018.90 (50-8-13 off Gilbert
bar and 13-5-2 off foot Homestake bar). Harcus and I started to clean
up flume boxes.
September 9, 1904 Snow and rain. Paid
off six men mostly in gold dust. Finished cleaning up last
of flume, 25 boxes got 15-14-18 (silvered) fine gold below 3rd
box got (left blank) coarse gold in first 3 boxes. Total
clean up for 11 days work by 6 men. Noon boys left mines for
Knik. Packed all their blankets on Cramer’s horse took picture
of party leaving camp. Evening cleaned gold dust.
September 10, 1904 Got riffle blocks back in
place, built dam along shear board, piped in with giant.
Cleaned and weighed up 15-19-17 gold dust. Mountain tops
covered with snow last night.
September 11, 1904 AM bottomed up with
giant. PM cleaned up, got 17-16-0 = $284.80 piped in
1 day - three men’s work and last for the season. Closed
down giant at noon. Average to the man piping with giant last
day $71.60 now in good pay dirt. Evening cleaned and weighed
up 17 oz. 16 dwt. of gold.
September 12, 1904 AM packed up tools
around giant, turned water off pipeline in creek and tried to
remove gate in reservoir dam. Fixed bottom in gate of dam
and back wall. Harcus made a rock hook to pull sods out of
dam in front of big gate, failed to raise gate. Evening cleaned
and weighed up 16-12-7 last of gold dust.
September 13, 1904 Total gold taken this
season to date 171-11-12 = $2,745.20. Herning gold (25-14-03)
= $411.30 total $3,172.50 before cleaning. AM pulled out
gate in hydraulic dam and got water off pipeline laid in creek bed.
Harcus fixed up saw handles, chain, etc. Frank and self sawed
94 riffle blocks.
September 14, 1904 Had Harcus iron over bobsleighs
that the boys smashed up last winter. Frank and self
ripped out enough penstock for 15 boxes, 20 all total ready.
Re-piled lumber. Hay and hose yet to put under cover, waiting for
a dry day. Will take inventory tomorrow. Took measurement
of bolster to be made at Knik.
September 15, 1904 Hauled up penstock to Gilbert
basin enough to make 17 boxes, put up stakes on winter trail.
Hauled down ½ ton hay from Grubstake and ¾ ton
from Willow near Boulder - put it in Gilbert cabin. Harcus fixing
tools - made brake and draw rods for bobsleighs. Took inventory
of tools etc. in Gilbert cabin.
September 16, 1904 Snowed on mountain tops
most all day, evening clear and cooler. Cached hydraulic
hose and grub left over at mess house in cache. Now ready to
close up camp and leave for Knik tomorrow. Used team to haul in
hose, wood and grub. Maud fell on the mountain skinned eye
and side.
September 17, 1904 Frank hauled down balance
of hay to Gilbert calidoor, in all about 1 ton at mines.
Dust from Gilbert claim 158-6-10, Homestake 15-5-2. Put
up notice board on Homestake. Wrote notices for Balm claim and
relocated bench claims on Grubstake visited Gopher claims (R. C. Smith,
J. W. Rogers and W. H. Rogers locators). Got 200 ft. of hose
dry and put in annex. Closed up camp at mines. Self with
3 horses and 3 men Harcus, Whitney and Watson, left mines for Knik.
Arrived at Sushitna cache and camped for the night. Shot only
2 ptarmigan
September 18, 1904 Fixed roof of cache, took
down tent, packed tent and my bedding to Knik. Encountered
many windfalls - ate lunch at 1st creek crossing, arrived at Knik
6:30 PM. All the boys had gone to Hope to catch the boat
out. Found Cramer and Edmunds stopping in little cabin - wind
had downed their tent. Columbia river boat was caught by a
drift log and sunk in the slough above Knik. Let boys stop in
little cabin - big wind all day. Let Watson ride Maud out from
mines to Knik.
September 19, 1904 Froze quite hard last
night at Knik. Self cleaned 25 oz. gold. Paid Harry Watson
for meat bill run last February $11.30.
September 20, 1904 Dug first crop of potatoes
raised in garden at Knik, got one ton - cached them in the barn
until root house is built. Tak arrived from Sunrise - no mail.
The SS Tyonek had not come back from trip to meet the SS Excelsior
the 12th. Herman and Stone, Downing and Huff went over trail
from Sunrise to Seward. Clarence and Mallery waiting for SS
Tyonek at Sunrise.
September 21, 1904 Worked on drying out 2 stacks
of hay which had heated. Scattered out and restacked
it.
September 22, 1904 Put handles on 2 axes, double
bit and pole axe. Got out 30 spruce logs near lake by
spring to build a new root house. Swamped out windfalls
on trail from Knik to lake back of spring. Evening checked
up farmers outfit - tools net value $28.50, horse gear $17, camp outfit
$10. Had offer of 3¢ per lb. for my ton of potatoes.
September 23, 1904 Cleaned out cache ready
to receive 1905 supplies. Shoveled out bank for root house
in back of little cabin, annex to be 8’ x 12’ inside. Evening
weighed up balance of gold dust on hand: coarse (flat bottle)
12-11-18, nuggets (square bottle) 1-12-08, fine (cream
bottle) 42-10-09. Total on hand 56-14-14, fine in
sack 9-18-18. Grand total 66-13-5 at $16 oz. = $1,066.56.
September 24, 1904 Frank rode Maud to Cottonwood
looking for Nig and Tony. Nig and Tony showed up at
11 AM had been down to the government camp. Cut Elmer’s hair and
puttied and painted window in barn. Hunted up stick in woods for
go-devil to skid in logs on, made same but of birch. Farmers
set price of $300 on outfit, 2 horses and pack gear with hay to
winter horses, camp outfit tools and shotgun.
September 25, 1904 Made Y go-devil, put mower
under cache. Frank cut logs for ceiling in little cabin.
Self hauled in logs for root house. Evening sold Harcus pair
ankle boots $2.50. Harcus and party getting ready to go
up Knik River to investigate Hall’s prospect on bar. Evening
offered Cramer $150 for his horse and hay camp outfit and tools as listed.
September 26, 1904 Not freezing at night,
snow all gone on mountain peaks that came the 16th. Made
two horses for saw pit, placed them between house and barn at Knik.
Hauled up Cottonwood logs to whipsaw for ceiling of little cabin.
Harcus and party of 3 left on morning tide for Knik River.
September 27, 1904 Got out saw logs for ceiling
and root house. Had Natives rip 10 logs, 17’, cost $4 for
sawing at 20¢ a cut, borrowed the farmers whipsaw. Ceiling
now ready to joint up for little cabin. Got out birch runners
for stone boat. Traded Stephan sack flour for hind quarter
of young moose meat – the flour to be delivered to Stephan when supplies
come in.
September 28, 1904 Cut hole for window in little
cabin on east side and started hole through logs for door from
cabin into root house. Laid first row of logs on root
house. Heavy rain all day.
September 29, 1904 Hauled in balance
of logs for root house. Got up saw log and had Natives
saw up 8 – 15’ boards – 120’ cost $3.60 - to use for saddle boards
on barn and roof boards for root house. Laid logs in root house.
Sold Stephan my dollar 22 gun for $1.50 also 2 boxes of 22 at 35¢
to be paid for later.
September 30, 1904 Froze ice ¼ inch
thick last night. Got logs 2/3 up on root house.
Natives labor getting moss 60¢.
October 1, 1904 Freezing nights - dark at 6
o’clock Got logs laid up in root house and rafters up,
roof and ceiling yet to place. Evening looked up price
of iron bed landed at Knik complete - bed $5, freight $1.60,
springs $4, freight $3.15, mattress $4.50, freight
$6.75. Cost in Seattle $13.50, cost at Knik $25.
October 2, 1904 Got roof on root house used
5 bunches of shingles (1,250 shingles). Evening repacked
medicine chest.
October 3, 1904 Jointed up 21 slabs for ceiling
in little cabin. Tore out old ceiling which was covered
with about a ton of dirt, now ready to place new ceiling also in
root house. Evening packed rubber goods on top of medicine and
nailed up box and marked it for Seward Alaska.
October 4, 1904 Coldest night this fall
16 above. Jointed up 3 logs to raise ceiling in little
cabin. Got ceiling laid and chimney in and mostly mossed
cracks. Hauled up barrel water for house with Maud. Bought
minimum thermometer from Palmer for trail use $1.50. Root house
ceiling and door yet to joint up.
October 5, 1904 Laid ceiling in root
house, cut door between little cabin and root house.
Made door, put on hasp and lock. Cabin and root house finished
except corking up and banking up root house with dirt. Harcus
and Cramer got back from prospecting trip up Knik River.
October 6,1904 Had Frank bank up root
house with sod and sand. Self finished woodwork
in cabin. Threaded draw rods for sled and tallowed
the dyes. Evening boxed up hardware, clothing and typewriter.
Mr. Littledale the English hunter returned to Knik. Expect
boat in the 7th.
October 7, 1904 Got up shelves and moved cooking
gear into little cabin. Put new runners on stone boat
and moved sled out of barn. Evening wired and marked boxes
for Seward Alaska. Made out lumber list 125 logs. Left
2 oz. dust with Frank. Evening paid store bill at Palmer’s to
date $15.70.
October 8, 1904 Frank hauled down balance of
hay to barn also hauled up 10 bags of moss to finish chinking
little cabin. Finished chinking ceiling in root house and
cabin and commenced to cover with dirt. With Nig pulled up Sea
Otter boat. Evening bought Cramer’s roan horse and tools for
$125 also 1/3 of hay.
October 9, 1904 Cloudy and warmer not
freezing. Had Frank put poles in for lining in root house
and finished banking ceiling etc. Self put glass in barn
window - made fork rack. Fixed up pack saddle Stephan broke
coming out form Willow Creek. Evening tide floated both
scow and launch, anchored scow out to receive supplies and
moved launch farther up bank.
October 10, 1904 Frank got out poles
to make crib lining in root house. Self made crib to pull
launch upon and corked up scow. SS Tyonek arrived with supplies got
freight discharged at 6 PM, short 2 grizzly rails and no. 2 giant and
1 ton of feed and nails. 6:30 PM left Knik for Seward. Self
and family had 10 boxes freight.
October 11, 1904 Arrived at Tyonek at midnight
the 10th. Left Tyonek 7 AM arrived at Kenai 11 AM.
Paid Cramer $5 for 2 man saw 2’ square, gold for scythe and smooth
old hand saw, flask of quick 4 lbs. 1 gold pan odds and ends.
Went up town in Kenai to take snap of church farm and cross foxes.
Left 5 PM for Seldovia.
October 12, 1904 Arrived at Seldovia 2:30 AM
was a little rough around Anchor Point. Paid freight
bill $101.75 by check on Scandinavian Bank. Company freight
$73, Knik self freight (10 boxes) $3.75, Seward self fares $25 via
Seldovia - total $101.75. Now boarding on SS Tyonek, 50¢
meals, waiting for SS Excelsior. Wrote to Whitney F.
H. sent shipping bills with what provisions to leave at Knik.
Sent Scandinavian American Bank deposit book no. 10983 with order
to pay $100 to my open account.
October 14, 1904 SS Tyonek left
Seldovia 8:30 AM for upper Inlet. Meals on Tyonek $7.50,
meals at Kafoury’s $1. Noon, left Seldovia on SS Dora at
1 PM with family ½ ton freight for Seward. Left 28
passengers at Seldovia waiting for the SS Excelsior via Seattle.
Went to Homer and came back to Seldovia with passengers.
October 15, 1904 Left Seldovia 2 AM on SS Dora
had fair weather to Seward.
October 16, 1904 Arrived at Seward, took
up quarters at Hotel. Met Sheriff Sexton and family.
Chief ACRR Engineer Swanitz, invited me to take trip over the
summit road, about 12 miles, road was graded to Kenai Lake some 20
bridges.
October 17, 1904 SS Santa Clara arrived, had
125 tons for Cook Inlet, it left at 1 PM for Cook Inlet,
had on board a school master for Hope. Talked to ACRR man, Bellaine,
about a building lot, looked up lumber prices, made
arrangements with Brown and Hawkins to furnish cash for gold
dust 42-10-9. They to mint dust and credit me to same less
express etc.
October 18, 1904 Made arrangements for lot
30’ x 100’, $250 cash in 30 days. Finished lumber 35 per M,
rough $25. Hired help to clear our lot on 3rd Avenue. Total
clean up 171-11-12, $2,300 in dust.
October 19 1904 Bought 4th lot from corner
of Adams on 3rd Ave. west side of street, from Ballaine ACRR
net $250 - 30 days time. Opened account with Brown and Hawkins
42-10- 9 in dust to be sent out and melted and I to get the net on
same. Evening SS Santa Clara returned from Seldovia, had Carter’s
dredger on board, couldn’t land it, no lighters at Seldovia.
Mr. J. Girdwood 28 White St. New York wanted me to send dimensions
of launch.
October 20, 1904 Commenced clearing lot on
3rd Avenue. Looked at several cabins for rent all leaked
but one. Sleeting today.
October 21, 1904 Got lot cleared of trees
brush etc. ready for foundation of house. Part of lumber
delivered on ground. Evening got $75 on account from Brown
and Hawkins. Evening Mamma and son attended Sunday School
social. Evening wrote to F. H. Whitney at Knik enclosed $50 to
pay Natives etc. Wrote Blodgett to be sure to land me a no. 2
giant at Knik.
October 22, 1904 Got lot cleared and foundation
down for house on 3rd Avenue Seward. Had shingles and dimension
lumber delivered on lot. Evening SS Bertha arrived on
up-trip, no mail or lost giant on board. Huff and Downing
left Seward for Knik. Sent Frank Whitney $50 in currency.
PM crazy man hung himself in the jail. Got 125 lbs. nails off Brown
and Hawkins.
October 23, 1904 Elmer attended Sunday school.
PM we were invited out to dinner at Judge Hildreth’s.
October 24, 1904 Snowed 4” last night.
Men had to lay off on building house. Paid E. G. Stokes
order $3.50 for work clearing lot and $10 each on stove and bed.
October 25, 1904 Got roof on, ready to shingle.
Got ready to get our own meals in McNeely’s back kitchen.
Bought small bill of groceries at Brown and Hawkins.
October 26, 1904 Got cottage shingled and put
on some rustic on north side. Had safety flue made - galvanized
iron - for chimney and put same in, cost $11. SS Bertha got back
from Cook Inlet. Sleeper, Smith, Collins, White arrived
on way to court at Valdez also Harry Watson got no mail.
October 27, 1904 SS Santa Ana arrived.
Ballaine and money men for ACRR arrived also new engineer to
take Col. Swantz place. Bainter and four mushers arrived
from Sunrise via winter route. Bed, mattress and springs -
got dresser small table linoleum and cooking utensils from Mrs.
Tecklenburg all cost $52.75. Mrs. Teck and mother left for Seattle
on SS Santa Ana.
October 28, 1904 Finished cottage on outside
and ceiling on hangers up in attic. SS Dora arrived on
westward trip. Surveyors for Alaska Central Railway left
for Knik and Turnagain Arm. SS Corwin arrived from Nome via to Seattle.
Reported strike of $1,800 to the pan in tundra near Anvil Creek at
Nome.
October 29, 1904 Snowed 4” last night.
Got walls ceiled up inside window and wood frames ready to
put in - laid T and G floor also. Bought heater from Merrifield
$12, paid down $5. Nelson Bros.
delivered ½ cord 10” stove wood at kitchen
back of hotel. Made Elmer a sled.
October 30, 1904 Put new heater in cottage
to dry out walls. Gray and Col. Swanitz offered me $600
for steam launch if delivered at Seward. Mattie’s birthday.
October 31, 1904 Carpenters worked on inside
of cottage, laid attic floor, put in stairs, got in one window
and door. Halloween. Elmer and Mattie White put tick-tacks
on barbershop and restaurant. Evening story party at McNeilly
Hotel office.
November 1, 1904 Carpenters finishing inside
of cottage. Got in all the windows and outside doors.
Got stairway finished. Self corked casings around windows
and doors and started to make china closet.
November 2, 1904 Got partitions in cottage.
Bought man saw from Brown and Hawkins $4 and made a flour box.
RR party of millionaires left for Lake Kenai.
November 3, 1904 Carpenter finished cottage
(McNeilly contractor). Self jointing up china cupboard.
Mattie swept out the rooms now ready to move in. Total 28½
8 hour days 1 man building cottage 20’ x 26’ - 6 rooms.
Help 157 hours at 50¢ = $78.50, boss 59 hours at 60¢=$35.40.
Cost of labor $113.90 contract price $150.
November 4, 1904 Moved cooking utensils furniture
etc. from hotel to new cottage 3rd Avenue Seward. Paid Stokes
$20 balance on stove and bed outfit. Paid freight $2.80 on
box clothing from Portland. Got cook stove set up and one
bed. Had beans, donuts, bread and Postum for supper.
Nelson Bros. delivered another half cord of firewood. Bought
kitchen table $1.25.
November 5, 1904 Worked on china closet and
fitting up cottage inside. Got parlor stove set up.
4 PM met RR party, Osborne and Thomas talked over future prospects
of ACRR gave them data etc. on country around Knik, they wanted
some of my views. Got partition collar for stove pipe 75¢,
key hole saw 35¢.
November 6, 1904 Got china closet finished
except doors. Put up shelf for water pail wash dish etc.
Elmer attended Sunday School. Thawing today snow about gone
at Seward Alaska.
November 7, 1904 Made step for back door.
Got 25 lb. lead, 5 gal. oil, 1 gal. terps, 5 lbs. ochre (dry).
Put priming coat on front of cottage. Checked up bill of dry goods
that came from Portland everything was OK.
November 8, 1904 Cloudy with light rain
last night. Put on priming coat on one side and end of
cottage. Evening made doors for china closet. Windy
tonight.
November 9, 1904 Snowed 4”. Helped Mattie
do washing and hung china closet door. Mr. Osbourne visited to
get some of my pictures of Knik. Sold him 4 of my maps of
Cook Inlet and our new rabbit robe for $15. Evening Mattie “Smith”
White visited on Elmer. Played Pit. Elmer saw her home
to Hotel McNeilly.
November 10, 1904 H. C. Osborne, 40 of Toronto,
Canada wants 3 sets of Knik views sent to above address through
Mr. Keelar of Alaska Central Railroad Co. Made kitchen
table, put pulls on drawers and completed china closet. Got
pulls for drawers 3 at 10¢ = 30¢.
November 11, 1904 Had H. Reese help cut down
large tree back of house, got out posts for wood shed.
Mr. Osbourne visited, Mrs. Smith visited, Mrs. Brownell visited,
wanted us to join magazine club.
November 12, 1904 with helper got up
shed for to cover firewood 8’ x 14’ covered in on 2 sides north
and west. Ordered lumber for closet and rough boards for
woodshed. Sent back to lumber yard 40’ door jam 130’ 1”
x 6” casing. Evening put up curtains in front of house.
November 13, 1904 Got woodshed all housed in
on west and north side filled under firewood and lumber.
Evening Mrs. Sexton and son Neil visited. Almost a blizzard
toward evening big NW wind.
November 14, 1904 Freezing weather all day.
Laid linoleum in kitchen. Evening made out statement of
account: supplies wages etc. $5,492.89, March 12, balance
due Herning $2,020.47, May 17 Salary due $2,000, total $9,513.36.
Cash received in April K and B Co. $3,350 dust (gross) $2,761.20 other
sources $1,36.55, total $6,247.75. Balance due Herning $3,265.61
above, not from my ledger account.
November 15, 1904 Fair and colder, freezing
hard all day. SS Excelsior arrived from Seattle.
Received notice from Puget Sound Bank that K and B Co. took up option
on Gilbert claim, paid over the $2,000 and 20,000 shares K and B
stock. Received from Puget Sound Bank $500 in certificate of
deposits credit above to K and B Co. November 1, 1904. Sent K
and B Co. statement of account April to November.
November 16, 1904 Paid Yakutat Lumber Co. bill
rendered for lumber for cottage $291, Young for lumber $17.86,
Brown and Hawkins for lumber, McNeilly for door $3. Paid W.
A. McNeilly for building cottage $150. Paid Bellaine on lot $100.
Paid Brown and Hawkins on account by draft $50. Had electric
fixtures put in, lights turned on tonight 1st time.
November 17, 1904 Own home at Seward.
Had Nelson Bros. deliver cord wood. Refinished iron bed,
in grass green.
November 18, 1904 On inside work varnishing
and staining cottage at Seward. Paid Seward Lumber Co.
bill $17.86. Put finish coat on Elmer’s bedstead. Evening
jointed leaf in table. Started to make up bill of clothing
etc. order to be sent to Portland Oregon.
November 19, 1904 Snowed 2” last night
big wind today. Got kitchen stained and front bedroom
sitting room varnished. Put up Elmer’s bed in kitchen bedroom.
Evening bought Mattie new tub boiler and wringer. Evening
cut Elmer’s hair.
November 20, 1904 Started to cloth front bedroom.
Elmer attended Sunday School. Sunday roast 90¢.
November 21, 1904 Finished lining bedroom and
varnished base boards etc. now ready to paper. Evening
Mattie was a little sick. Ordered 2 x 6 ’s and flooring for
back and front veranda.
November 22, 1904 Evening papered ceiling in
parlor bedroom. SS Dora arrived from westward trip 10 days overdue,
didn’t call at Seldovia where large crowd were waiting to come
out.
November 23, 1904 Snowed 2” last night.
Finished papering parlor bedroom, total time 6 hours.
SS Portland arrived in place of SS Bertha. Mamma attended
school exercises PM.
November 24, 1904 Turkey day but no turkeys
in town. We had dinner with U. S. Marshals folks, George
Sexton, at corner 3rd and Adams, in Seward. Evening attended
a party, proceeds to go to pay school debt raised $29.
November 25, 1904 Put up bed in parlor bedroom
and varnished parlor floor. Evening Mattie made out order
for clothing from Portland Oregon.
November 27, 1904 Not much doing. SS Portland
returned from Seldovia with 17 passengers from the Inlet.
Mrs. Shaw visited on Mattie, she and Capt. on way to Seattle.
Made out order for provisions to send to the National Grocery Co.
in Seattle $125.
November 28, 1904 Started to build water
closet in our own back yard, dug pit and cut frame. SS Santa
Clara arrived 2 PM, it came on the SS Santa Ana run. Made
out small order for drugs. Wrote Sylvester Bros. about Seward’s
business outlook. Bought ½ ton Wellington soft coal
$9 delivered.
November 29, 1904 Got closet up except
door and roof. SS Santa Ana expected December 12th with
another RR engine for Alaska Central Railway Co. Sent J.
Girdwood 28 White St., NY, specifications of steam launch.
December 1, 1904 Rev. Mr. Sly visited
said he was going to establish a reading room in Seward.
Shingled closet put in door frame and part of cornice. Evening
Mamma and Elmer went downtown. Self put leaf on table which
makes table 45” x 42”. Five hours on closet.
December 2, 1904 Paid electric bill for wiring
house, 4 lights $10.20, groceries $3.75, lathe 25¢,
“rotten sausage” 25¢.
December 3, 1904 Heavy showers rained
last night and all day today some wind. Finished closet
seat and stained it. Put 3 more boards on wood shed and
cup up balance shiplap 6’ long for floors on veranda.
December 4, 1904 Still raining this morning
turned to snow. Had pork roast for dinner. Evening all
went to church to hear the Rev. Mr. Sly.
December 5, 1904 Put wood under shed and put
up 2 shelves in kitchen. Evening Sexton “kids” visited, played
Pit. Evening played flute and Mattie sang. 10 PM Mattie took sick.
December 6, 1904 Called Dr. Sleem, Mattie had
labor pains 2 AM. She gave birth to a son at 7:10 AM.,
Mrs. Stokes nurse Seward, Alaska. No sleep last night.
Hustle bustle today. Mamma and baby son both doing well.
According to reckoning only a 7 month babe but fully developed hair
nails etc. and weighed 6½ lbs.
December 7, 1904 Put outside casing on closet
door. Bought lumber to make closet door and wardrobe in
bedroom $2.85, hauled it home on Yukon sled. Bought new rip
saw $1. Mamma and son doing well. Seven K. of P.’s in town.
Invited to play for school Ball on Xmas eve.
December 8, 1904 Made and hung door on water
closet. Mamma and son Jr. quite well 3rd day on terra firma.
Evening Elmer coasting with kids down 4th Avenue Seward, Alaska.
December 9, 1904 Finished water closet and
painted it. Elmer had to buy a new sled $1.50.
December 10, 1904 Tenth day soft weather not
enough snow left for sledding. Bought another cord of
wood put most of it under shed. Notices out for masked Ball for
benefit of school fund Xmas evening.
December 11, 1904 Mattie had several callers.
Self and baby getting along nicely. Elmer attended Sunday
School.
December 12, 1904 First mail arrives from Hope
and Sunrise by overland route, got no mail.
December 13, 1904 Not much doing.
Had some location notices filed of Willow Creek placers.
Wrote to Sylvester Bros. for price of pipe and deflector shipped
by the U. S. B. Works Seattle. Wrote the U. S. B. Works
about missing giant. Self troublesome with 1st cold of this
‘winter’. Mamma and babe doing well.
December 14, 1904 SS Santa Ana arrived with
cargo of freight and a few court people from Valdez.
December 15, 1904 Snowed 2”. Bought
½ hind quarter of moose 32½ lbs. at 20¢ =
$6.50.
December 16, 1904 Temperature 30 to 36 above,
December 1st to date. Cold wave tonight, down to 22 above
- change of weather. Baby seems to have slight cold doing well
babe and Mattie.
December 17, 1904 Fell a tree in front of cottage
and sawed it up into stove wood. Evening gave Elmer a bath and
took one myself. Mamma and babe doing well.
December 18, 1904 Mamma Mattie got up, was
in bed 12 days. Got K. B. books posted up to date.
Now ready to take off balance sheet and make out annual report
of business at Willow Creek mines for this season 1904. Elmer
attended both church and Sunday School. Evening clear
and colder.
December 19, 1904 Paid Dr. Sleem $75 for attending
Mattie during confinement. Nurses time up tomorrow AM.
December 20, 1904 Closed up K. B. books for
this season. Total amount of biz. $13,617.68, 1st report
of biz $19,489.11, total to date $33,106.79. Liabilities
$3,195.15 (due Herning) - assets (left blank). Mrs. E. G.
Stokes, nurse for Mattie, finished (2 weeks for $30). Cut up
one tree into blocks for heater. Mamma now chief cook, nurse,
etc. I am the bottle washer, flunky, wood chopper, papa “2 times”
etc. All at 3rd Avenue Seward, Alaska.
December 21, 1904 Fell and cut up another
tree in front of cottage. Started to make typewritten copy
of annual report to K. B. Company. Mrs. Gheder visited on
Mattie. Very clear and colder this evening. Mrs.
Schalk gave Elmer a checker board for Xmas present.
December 22, 1904 Cut down another tree and
sawed up ½ of same. Got report segregated, ready
to finish bill out to K and B Co. Evening SS Dora arrived
on return trip from Westward via Valdez 10 days overdue. Evening
Mattie went downtown, self attended my “new baby boy”.
December 23, 1904 Did washing for Mattie
and the baby. Evening self and Elmer attended Masquerade
Ball, proceeds to go to the Seward school fund. Self
played 2nd on the piano. Mrs. (Hawkins) Brown won the ladies
prize, Mr. Deremis won the gents prize for best sustained characters.
December 24, 1904 Very cold all day with
30 mile wind. Xmas tree tonight for the children.
Elmer got a box of Barnums cracker animals, bag each of nuts and
candy, cards, etc. SS Portland arrived on westward trip.
Our trunk left in storage with Seattle Transfer Co. arrived on SS Portland.
Mamma attended Xmas tree exercises while Dad minded the baby.
December 25, 1904 Christmas, had trunk
delivered at house 50¢. Made out inventory of assets
at mines. Ice froze 4” in 36 hours on the glacier stream.
No turkeys in the market had roast moose meat, vegetable, etc. and
lemon pie for dinner. Elmer got pail of candy from Hildreth’s
and box candy from B and H, cup and saucer from Mrs. Sexton and 75¢
in his stocking this AM. Mamma found $10 gold piece in her stocking.
December 26, 1904 Got letter with report ready
to forward to K and B Co. Got location notices
from the recorders office at Seward 3 more yet to come.
School vacation. Mamma and babe doing well. Mattie
wrote home for trunk and clothing. Cut wood for the usual
supply.
December 27, 1904 Snowing. Made
out lumber list to be sawed at Willow Creek for elevator and mailed
same to F. H. Whitney in charge at Knik Alaska. Geo Buzzard and
wife visited us on their way to Hope. Elmer helped me
saw up a log.
December 28, 1904 Snowed about 3”, then rained
most all day. Mailed copy of report to J. O. May, Pres.
December 29, 1904 Snowed 10” today heaviest
fall of winter. Mattie had quite a few callers. Evening
SS Santa Clara arrived. My supplies from National Grocery
Co. and Medicine arrived on this boat.
December 30, 1904 Had supplies delivered at
the house, stored them in the attic chamber. Evening and
PM started to make out mining deeds of claims relocated on Willow
Creek to the K and B Co. Groceries $168.27 , supplies self $13.92,
freight $21.25, wharfage and ctg. $4.90, medicine from Quaker
Drug Co. $3.10, Exp. on med. $2.50.
December 31, 1904 Made out deed of Martha claim
to K and B Co. Paid freight and express bills. Dance
tonight at Moose Hall, Herning on music. Self and
Elmer attended New Years Ball got home at 12:30. Snowing
hard, total fall for the past 48 hours 24 inches and more coming.
Addresses in back of 1904 journal:
W. N. and S. C. Ruble The Ruble Elevator
Golden, Oregon
J. F. Riley 470 Duglass St. San Francisco,
Calif. (Placer and quarts man Mr. Heggland his foreman season
of 1903 Kenai Lake)
Judge O. E. Sauter 524 N. Y. Block Phone
White 51 Seattle
Clark Davis Alaska Petroleum and Coal Co. (manager)
730 NY Block Seattle
The Leppy Co. Kayak
Purchases 1904: Columbia river boat $80,
Ruble elevator $180, Native labor for May $90.38, 80 lb. flask
of quicksilver $52, June boating Affinassa $4, Simeon for trip
to Hope 7 days $10.50, July, Nicholai 6 days $12, Evan 6 days $12,
152 lb. moose meat from Billy and Andrew $15.20, 8 lb. moose meat
from Negifal 80¢, Paid Stephan for 3 days on trail $5 and 18 lb.
bear meat $1.80, paid Ephim for rabbit robe $7.50, caribou skin $1.25,
paid Andrew $1 for 5 ducks, paid Nakeeta for mail $3, paid Prince
$1 for 6 ducks, paid Stephan wages of $10.80, paid Chief wages of $10.80,
three fares Knik to Seldovia $25. Received $2,000 cash from K
and B Co. for Gilbert claim
1904 Clean Up before melting: Gross:
hydraulic hose run 62-4-16 giant 109-6-20 total gross 171-11-12.
1905
Inside diary cover: This diary commences the
year with O. G. Herning and family living in their own home
at Seward, Alaska, Elmer attending the Seward school, Miss Kurtz
teacher.
January 1, 1905 Happy New Year came in with
2’ of snow in the past 48 hours. My family living in our own cottage
at Seward District of Alaska. Mattie attended the reception given
by the Kenai Club. Elmer attended Sunday school. Evening
figured up net cost of supplies landed at Seward. Save $1
on barrel of flour, 10% on sugar 25 to 100% on can goods. Reliance
Oyster Cream Soup for supper and raspberries.
January 2, 1905 Had Sexton and Leonard sign
as witness to the Martha, Boulder, and May Group of placer claims
as deeded to the K and B Co. Made out deed for the Gopher
claim to the K and B Co. The SS Portland now one week
overdue from her westward trip to Seldovia and Kodiak.
Evening Mattie visited on Sextons, Elmer on Barthold's. Self
minding the baby now 1 month old.
January 3, 1905 Cloudy. Made out deeds
of the Balm and Herning placer claims to the K and B Co.
Elmer wrote a letter to his grandmother on the typewriter.
Evening played some on the flute. Not much doing.
January 4, 1905 Had Doremus and Schalk sign
as witnesses to the deeds of the Balm, Herning and Gopher placer
mines. Did washing for Mattie. Mrs. Gabriel visited.
Evening answered Mallory letter about his outfit at Knik. Read
the Mining and Scientific Press which contained a write up about
Herning’s at Seward and about the Mine at Willow Creek.
January 5, 1905 Put up medicine box in attic
chamber. Set up electric battery. Showed Miss Sexton
photos taken at mines and Knik. Rev. Mr. Sly visited. Evening
Arthur Gray and Elmer played checkers.
January 6, 1905 G. H. Mallery loss on gold
after melting $3, cottage supplies $2.50, ½ cord wood
$2.50. Sent Ruble the Juneau paper with write-up of Herning
at Willow Creek and about the Grizzly. Left deeds (6) to be recorded
at Hildreth’s. Evening looked over funny sheet with Elmer.
Baby 1 month old today.
January 7, 1905 Light rain for the past 60
hours clear tonight. Started to make clothes closet in
kitchen bedroom. Collect from SS Tyonek - cost 1 wood rail $1.57,
freight 37¢, total $1.94. Freight on giant 8’ $1.20,
freight on deflector 1’ 15¢, total $1.35.
January 8, 1905 Mattie took baby out for first
time visited on Sexton’s. Evening played flute.
January 9, 1905 Finished upper part of clothes
closet. On again off again the Seward electric lights.
January 10, 1905 Made out blank power
of attorney for 12 names to send to Jos. to have signed up for
Lode and Placers. Wrote Jos. about having him get signers
for power of attorneys.
January 11, 1905 Bought ham 19 lbs. at 20¢
and 1 qt. turp. at 40¢. Took a walk up 4th Avenue and up
RR other side of lagoon. Evening talked with Nelson Bros.
about their placer claims 9 miles from Alaska Central Railway
near summit with a view to sell to a stock company. Wrote to
Bates about Nelson Bros. placer mines.
January 12, 1905 Sunrise mail arrived got no
word from Knik.
January 13, 1905 Natives started to saw up
trees on lot. Evening Rev. Sly visited to get donations
to buy organ for reading room, gave him $2. Dr. Sleem used
my typewriter.
January 14, 1905 Piled up 2 cords of wood and
split up ½ cord. Evening toned out 26 prints, views
of giant and mining etc. Evening self and Mattie attended
Ball given by M. Eide, self played the piano got $3.00. Mattie
came home 10:30, Mrs. Stokes looked after the baby.
January 15, 1905 Several callers today
to see the baby. Showed McNeilly plan of elevator.
Made shade frame for electric light in sitting room. Elmer
attended Sunday school as usual.
January 16, 1905 Got K and B Co. deeds from
recording office at Seward, Alaska. Six deeds cost to record
$23.85, 3 location notices $7.30, total $31.15, sixteen
notary seals $6.00. Got above ready to register and forward
to K and B Co. Paid old Native 3 hours at 20¢ = 60¢,
young Native 8½ hours at 20¢ = $1.70 total $2.30.
January 17, 1905 Mailed deeds to K. B Co.,
6 deeds and 8 location notices covering 33 claims on Willow
Creek and Grubstake Gulch. All were recorded at Cook Inlet
Precinct at Seward, Alaska.
January 18, 1905 Put bread drawer in china
closet. Figured up lumber list made out 6,480’ cuts by
whipsaw at 3¢ = $194.40, one inch boards not included.
Mail arrived from Crow Creek but none from Knik.
January 19, 1905 No boat now for 20 days.
RR supplies getting short. Self OK six months grub in attic.
January 20, 1905 Invited to play piano at ladies
social tomorrow evening. Alaska Central Railway Co. started
to put in another wharf for RR purposes only. Elmer crazy
for a coronet.
January 21, 1905 Received first mail from Knik
by a Mr. Strong from the Big Sushitna, all OK at Knik,
December 31st only 2” of snow. Frank cut 6 tons hay on Meadow
Creek in December, lost 1/3 of hay at Knik by high tide. Evening
played for the Ladies Athletic Club social big crowd good time got
home 2:45.
January 22, 1905 SS Bertha due today.
No boats in port since December 30th.
January 23, 1905 Evening developed 2 film rolls,
½ dozen size, of giant at mines, got 9 out of dozen
roll that were OK. The Ladies Athletic Club gave me a box of
cigars for playing flute and piano at their social Saturday evening.
January 25, 1905 with Neil Sexton left home
6 AM walked up to Resurrection River to hunt ptarmigan,
saw none, saw wolverine and porcupine tracks, shot duck at
lagoon on return. SS Portland arrived. Old Wortman and King drew
on Puget Sound Bank $40.15. Jos. wrote that J. O. May died
on Xmas day 1904.
January 26, 1905 Mr. W. A. Langell left for
Knik 6 AM. Printed and toned out 15 views of mines on trail
etc. Evening cleaned up my flute. Baby wide awake
from 8 to 11 every night (works for night shift).
January 27, 1905 The new Electric Power Co.
wanted to buy the K. B. Launch. Talked with Engineer Colonel Swanitz
about Knik Harbor as a landing place for ACRR supplies. Paid
balance for recording deeds and claims $5.15. Bought cot off
Miss Gorder, $4.50, to make lounge. Evening posted up K. B.
books to date. Mamma and Elmer attended church social at Mission.
Self minded the baby.
January 28, 1905 Got vouchers ready to
send to W. A. Farnsworth at K and B Co. Asked for $500
to pay Native labor in the spring and $2,000 to pay off help. Evening
kids had a ball at Moose Hall, ice cream etc. SS Dora and
SS Portland arrived last night, Portland for Seattle - Dora for
the Westward. SS Dora bought Alaska Central Railway powder.
January 29, 1905 SS Santa Ana arrived
this morning. Received letter from Cramer, wants to come
back to Alaska. Received box dry goods on SS Santa Ana from
Portland, Oregon. Right tonsil badly swollen this evening.
Sent for 2 Lobo horses for Elmer $1.65. Evening unpacked dry
goods wall paper etc.
January 30, 1905 Paid freight on box dry goods
from Portland freight RR 25¢, freight Seattle to Seward
$1.80. Freight cost 13% of cost of goods. Paid for commode
to match our dresser $7.50, was $14.00. Started to tack on
lining in 2 rooms to be papered. Self got mild attach of tonsillitis
right side.
January 31, 1905 SS Santa Clara arrived
10 days from Seattle, outside course. Sent order to Quaker
Drug Co. Seattle, things for baby. SS Santa Clara left
port at 10 PM Col. Swanitz and Bellaine went out. Safe
for Seward bank arrived.
February 1, 1905 Got wall cloth in ½
of sitting room. Made copy extracts from Frank’s letter
from Knik for the Gateway. Met Mr. Hale the new Seward banker.
Started to read “Frenzied Finance” by Tom Lawson of Boston who is
showing up the “system” and Standard Oil, copper, etc. as “watered”
and sold to the public.
February 2, 1905 Mr. Strong visited said that
he would leave for his placer mine at the Forks on Big Sushitna
via Knik in the morning, he sent my mail to Frank by Langill
so had no mail for Knik.
February 3, 1905 Evening the school kids gave
Miss Kurtz their teacher a surprise party, held same at
Dr. Sleem’s Hall.
February 4, 1905 Official report came that
Alaska Central Railway had changed official heads and management.
The 8 heads sold out to Osbourne and his gang with Poland Chief
Engineer. All the old officials let out but Ballaine.
Will build 100 miles this season to Knik. All invited to attend
a surprise party for Miss Sexton and Mr. Crosby being their birthdays.
Mamma and Elmer attended, self minded mine baby boy.
February 5, 1905 Played the flute at the Sexton
party. Elmer attended Sunday School. Plum pudding for dinner.
February 6, 1905 Evening gave Herman Person
4 pictures of giant etc. at mines 1904. Baby 2 months old
today and weighed 9 lbs. a gain of 3 lbs. in 2 months. Evening
wrote to A. B. Smith New York about my work at mines last season, the
ACRR and the proper time to put a boat on the Sushitna River.
February 7, 1905 Took picture of 4th
Avenue. Evening dried prints on ferrotype. Sunrise
mail arrived 3rd mail overland this winter.
February 8, 1905 Saw Ballaine about deed to
my lot, could get same Monday next. Received register from W.
A. Farnsworth Boston dated may 31st 1904 containing first
mortgage $20,000 bond at 6% per annum interest payable January 15th
by Puritan Trust Co. Boston 6 payments last 1909. This bond to
be recorded here.
February 9, 1905 Got blacksmith to make sheet
steel grate for cook stove, evening put it in. Gave $5
toward public school fund.
February 10, 1905 Got pictures sealed up and
wrote W. A. Farnsworth to send $20 to pay recording fee on
bond mortgage. Bond contained 4,000 words. Evening all
went over to Sextons. Self practiced music for the barn
dance tomorrow night with violin and piano. Took baby out
for the first time.
February 11 1905 Huff and Tak arrived from
Knik received letter from Frank. Only 4” of snow at Knik,
hadn’t done any sledding. Reported Mrs. Squaw Palmer dead.
Evening played flute at barn dance. Proceeds to go to Seward
School. Paid $1.50 toward street light Adams and 4th.
February 13, 1905 Tak visited to talk over
sale of his Matinuski Coal Mine, wanted $5,000 down as bonus
and $100,000 for his 14 claims. Evening visited and said
that Mrs. Smith had formed a company in Boston - he to get $25,000
cash they to make a stock company to handle the property. This
news came the 12th by inquiry of Judy and Hildreth about the property.
My option declared off. Was to get deed of my lot but they didn’t
have the blank forms, had to send to Seattle.
February 14, 1905 Visited at Gateway office
and walked out as far as the new Y to be. Evening Tak visited
said “Mother Smith” was liable to get into trouble over his coal
deal. Evening attended party at Sleem’s Hall given in honor
of Dr. Dagget the dentist.
February 16, 1905 Made new wood box for kitchen
and stained it. Got all the trees cut down in street in
front of cottage. SS Dora overdue 4 days from Westward trip.
Mattie put up pictures on wall in sitting room.
February 17, 1905 Fell last of trees
in front of house. Seward Gateway had notice of Mr. May’s death.
Evening wrote letter of condolence to Mrs. J. O. May.
February 18, 1905 Made out order for
2 pair shoes “Alp” high leg with 2 buckles at top in russet
$3.50 and pair medium shoes in black Sent $8.75 to
Regal Shoe Co., $1.75 allowed for postage. Bought corn popper and
toaster. Invited to play for the Whist Club. Evening made diagram
of pipeline auxiliary on bench for next summers work. Wrote
J. B. Agent about his bum opener on butter cans.
February 19, 1905 Elmer attended first Episcopal
services held in Seward. Evening Tak visited, had
been sick all week with the grip. Evening clear as a bell,
thermometer about 30 above. Burr and his expert arrived from
Sunrise, also Native Affinassa came over from Hope.
February 20, 1905 SS Dora arrived on return
trip from Westward. Helped Mattie with washing and sledded 1½
cord block wood from street in front of house to woodshed in back
yard. Evening wrote to Dr. McCullogh of Seattle about babies
navel and sent check for $5.
February 21, 1905 Snowed 6” last night. PM
minded the baby, while Mattie attended Washington school exercises,
Elmer was dressed to represent George Washington. Took 3
snaps of school kids marching down street, Elmer led with drum.
SS Santa Clara arrived but little mail. Got medicine for babe
by mail from the Quaker Drug Co. Seattle. Mail to arrive on the
SS Bertha expected in port tomorrow, SS Clara left port 8:30 PM.
February 22, 1905 Printed a few pictures, getting
them ready to send to Osbourne, head man of the ACRR. Evening
self and family attended Whist Club Ball, came home at 11:15,
Mrs. Stokes minded the baby. Snowing again tonight.
February 23, 1905 Snowed 5 more inches
wet snow. Made paths, split wood, met Buzzard from Hope
going to Seattle. Evening 8:30 SS Portland arrived, left
for the Inlet at 11 PM.
February 24, 1905 PM visited on Seward (Mr.
Hale) Bank, their corresponding banks are Chase Nat. NY
and Puget Sound National Seattle. Wrote letter to Frank
at Knik - said I had arranged for a camp cook - would give Morris
work. Sent introduction letters to Mr. Atwood, at head Alaska
Central Railway Engineers, via to Forks on Sushitna. Wrote W.
A. Farnsworth that I would bank at Seward, to send funds through Chase
Nat. of New York.
February 25, 1905 Deposited balance of
gold dust 12-8-3 with Seward Bank to be melted and assayed by
Gateway Assay Office. PM minded baby while Mamma went out calling
etc. Evening saw Tak, he wanted me to get him a job as guide
for the engineering party up the Sushitna. Had tinner
make 2 blowers for the Seward Bank, copper 9½ inch $1.00,
copper 6½ inch 85¢.
February 26 ,1905 SS Santa Ana arrived 8 AM,
received letters from W. A. Farnsworth and wire stating he had
deposited $1,000 in the Puget Sound National to my credit on the
8th. The SS Santa Ana bow at water line was badly cut up with the
ice in Valdez Harbor. Answered F. A. Farnsworth letter about
operating this season. Sent to Puget Sound Nat. Bank for $1,000.
February 27, 1905 Bought Billy Burns carriage
for our baby. Saw Buzzard, sent order by him for Elmer’s boots
and rubber coat and box of Solio prints. Made out
itemized statement to use for vouchers for labor mining etc. which
classifies labor cost of operating provisions etc. Evening
Tak visited and gave us his experience while working for the oil
and coal English Syndicate at Kayak. Wants to go as guide
for engineering party up Matanuska and Sushitna. Called on
Seward Bank, said I could draw all money needed through them.
February 28, 1905 PM printed pictures
and toned out 4 dozen to send to Osborne. Evening ferrotyped
prints. 6 AM SS Portland arrived, Buzzard went out
on her. SS Dora arrived on trip to the Westward. Wrote Capt.
Shaw about lost giant, sent copy to U. S. “Blowhole” Co. Seattle.
March 1, 1905 Fell last of trees in alley back
of cottage. Got cloth on all but one end kitchen bedroom.
Huff visited said he was going to Knik tomorrow. Evening
Tak visited, talked over the mineral lands in the Matanuski Valley.
Elmer started to read from first reader.
March 2, 1905 Finished tacking cloth on kitchen
bedroom now ready to paper same. Evening made out list
for store supplies at Knik. Huff left Seward for Knik via
overland with dog team.
March 3, 1905 Having the usual beautiful
spring weather. With hand sled, sledded 1¼ cord
wood from street to woodshed. Started to paper kitchen bedroom
got on ceiling time 2 hours. Evening got Knik views ready to
mail to Osborne in Toronto Canada.
March 5, 1905 Elmer attended Sunday School.
PM Mattie went out calling, also had callers. Evening chimney
flue burned out. Tak visited.
March 6, 1905 Made out order for provisions
to be sent up on April SS Bertha from Nat. Grocery Co. Seattle.
Made out order for 500 letterheads, 500 bill heads, and 500 personal
cards. Sent order to Lowman and Hanford Printing Co. Seattle
to ship with Nat. Grocery Co.s order. Evening Mr. Foster visited,
hired him and partner for the mining season on Willow Creek. Guaranteed
them 100 days work at $3 and board. Evening Elmer attended birthday
party for Irving’s.
March 7, 1905 Made out order for seeds, camp,
and hardware supplies. Sent same to Sylvester Bros. Seattle
to ship on April SS Bertha. Ordered wagon and new saddle
blankets for horses etc. Rained all day. Sent Sylvester
Bros. check signed in blank on Puget Sound National Bank to pay
for supplies.
March 8, 1905 I was summoned as juror
on the Young trial for selling supplies without a license, was
foreman of jury, Young was acquitted. Wrote Buzzard about
camp cook. Any arrangements made by him would be satisfactory
to me.
March 9, 1905 Checked up wood cut in front
and back of cottage, total 12½ cords cost $2.75 per cord
cut and split into 16” blocks. 12½ cords net $34.37
paid to “ Old Man”, $24.40, balance due $10. Kemp melted 12-8-3
gold dust into brick, after melting weighed 11-16-9 loss in melting
4 4/5%. Was first gold melted and assayed in Seward.
Evening SS Bertha arrived had no mail.
March 10, 1905 A most perfect day.
Split up ½ cord into shape for cook stove, put same
under shed. Noon took picture of baby and Elmer.
Three houses being moved in town. Evening developed 12 exp.
film rolls. Mailed registered 40 views to H. C. Osborne
Toronto.
March 11, 1905 Elmer helped me pull in cord
of wood from street to back yard. Printed 24 pictures taken
at Seward, school kids, streets, dog team, etc. Called at
bank they didn’t have amount assay on gold as yet. Evening
the school kids gave a Ball to get funds to start a library.
Self and Bartholf played for them, guitar flute and violin.
Had ice cream and cake for lunch.
March 12, 1905 SS Excelsior arrived.
Three letters from K and B Co. W. A. Farnsworth said
I could depend on $1,000 March 15th and $2,000 more June 1st.
Letter from Bates. First copy of Mining Scientific Press
arrived. Letter from Cramer said he would come to work
at the mines.
March 13, 1905 SS Santa Clara arrived,
had 110 passengers lots of freight and engineer for the Alaska
Central Railway The Chief, Mr. Pollan, arrived also Mr. C.
E. Chalk . Wrote to Buzzard to get me a good hat $5. Our box of dry
goods etc. arrived from Conn. 40 days on the road. Evening wrote
Frank a few lines to get out 6 logs at Knik and extra flume stock for
12 boxes. Sent him check for $100 on Puget Sound. SS Clara left
3 PM. Wrote Sylvester Bros. to send man to run the launch.
March 14, 1905 Paid freight on box dry
goods from Naugatuck, $5.60 from Seattle, $5.17 by rail to
Seattle, $10.77 Naugatuck to Seward. Paid J. Hienmiller
balance on cutting wood $10. Evening fixed up Johnston and Herning
map of Knik country for the RR engineers. But baby into short
clothes. Opened account with the Seward Bank.
March 15, 1905 Self nursing cold. Evening made
out hardware list for store supplies. Had to pay $2 to
have mainspring put in watch.
March 16, 1905 SS Dora arrived on return
trip from the Westward. Had a lot of fur specimens for
Portland fair. Evening compiled hardware list for store
“to be” at Knik.
March 17,. 1905 Talked with Nelson Bros.
about future prospects of Matinuski country. Evening
played for Ball given by Williams and Cavanaugh, Moore Hall.
Had to take the lead all evening on the flute, guitar for a 2nd.
March 19, 1905 Groceries ordered April boat
$356, hardware ordered for April boat $274, total $720.
Answered Mrs. A. Culvers letter about her son in law and prospects
of K and B Co. (at Rockland Mass.).
March 20, 1905 Ordered lumber to complete veranda.
Hired Morris to help do the work at old price 50¢ per
hour. Graded lot on south side. 4 PM lumber arrived
and commenced to build back veranda. Got down foundation
and laid the floor. Nails for veranda 50¢.
March 21, 1905 Building back porch on cottage
at Seward, got it almost completed. Evening ordered 200’
of ¾ Manila rope and one bale 3/8 rope from Sylvester
Bros. to come on April SS Portland.
March 22, 1905 Commenced on foundation on front
veranda, got down foundation floor and posts up. Cost to
build back porch 26 hours at 50¢ = $13.30.
March 23, 1905 Got front porch
about completed ready to shingle put on hip roof. Had
first halibut steak 10¢ lb. SS Portland 1 day overdue.
March 24, 1905 Got front veranda finished
except dormitory roof for ornament in front. Nails 40¢,
hinges 20¢, 32 tin shingles 64¢, 8’ flashing 50¢.
March 25, 1905 Took one day to put on dormitory
roof. Had Morris help to make frame for springs - folding
bed. SS Portland arrived, got cable message from W. A. Farnsworth
of Boston dated March 21, $1,000 deposited Chase Nat. New
York to my credit. Wire to Seattle would deposit $1,000 March
20th and $2,000 by June 1st.
March 26, 1905 Sent to Loeb Cutter Lumber
Co. Seattle for 10,000 shingles, 12 - 1 x 14 x 14 fir
D 4’s, 12 - 1 x 3 x 12 sized, 4 window sill 20 x 24 (41) to
draw on Puget Sound Nat. Answered Bates letter time is worth
money. Sent answer to his questionnaire about hydraulic pipe
freight etc. Wrote A. Beverly Smith about prospects up here what
doing etc.
March 27, 1905 Wet snow storm all day.
SS Santa arrived, had considerable freight, some passengers,
from Valdez and Skagway. 4 PM SS Dora arrived. Sent
order for goods.
March 28, 1905 Wrote Hanmore that I would buy
8 coal claims on the Matinuski. Wrote Sylvester Bros. about
the steamboat and trading business on the Sushitna. Got
write up of the steamboat enterprise ready to have published in
the Gateway and Seattle Times. Wrote Cramer to come on April
SS Portland or the SS Santa Ana. Could draw on me for fare, Seattle
to Seldovia. Paid Graff for his shingles. Lumber for
verandas $41.61.
March 29, 1905 Met C. E. Keesler rep. for Puget
Sound Duck Co. Saw (Gateway) Kemp about publishing write
up of Sushitna country and about steamboat to be put on the river.
Evening started to correct drawing up to date of the Johnston and
Herning map of the upper Cook Inlet country.
March 30, 1905 About 6” of snow fell the past
two days, only snow fall in March. Got steamboat write
up in “Gateway” after making several corrections. Evening worked
on Johnston and Herning map of Alaska, got it nearly revised.
March 31, 1905 SS Portland returned
from Kodiak 3 days late (head winds). Painted posts etc.
on veranda. Evening cut Elmer’s hair. Finished revising
Johnston and Herning map of Alaska. The Gateway came out with
column write up about the steamboat to be run on Sushitna River, Yentna
and Beluga.
April 1, 1905 SS Santa Clara arrived, 151 passengers
and 400 tons freight. Got Johnston and Herning drawing
ready to mail to Johnston. Sent Johnston and Hovey the Gateway,
sent A. B. Smith N. Y. 70 copies no. 33 Gateway, 30 copies to my
friends. Wrote J. N. Johnston 2511 15th Avenue West Seattle
to have new drawing made of Johnston and Herning map and plate and
have printed 1,000 copies. Ordered no. 3 giant through
Sylvester Bros. Evening W. H. Foster visited told him he could
come to Knik by April 25th via Sunrise.
April 2, 1905 Noon the SS Santa Clara
departed for Valdez, left 400 tons at Seward had only 60 tons
for the “hot air city”. Ordered 200’ 12-0 Woodbury seamless
hose (6”) at 38 and 2/3¢, 40% off from Puget Sound T. and D. Co.,
E. C. Keesler agent. Wrote Dr. McCulloch why he didn’t
acknowledge letter February 20th about baby and $5 check.
April 3, 1905 Built wall along south side of
lot graded same. Evening started to typewrite order for
store supplies at Knik.
April 4, 1905 Morris helped to raise front
veranda floor 2”, had too much grade. Paid recording fee on
8 coal claims $18.40, 2 copper claims $4.60, total $23.00.
Paid the above for James Tak also $2 for assay total $25.00.
Received all above location papers etc. from Bank of Seward.
April 5, 1905 Snowed 3” last
night big wind. Evening Mrs. Morrison visited her husband.
Marshal Sexton looking for lost son near English Bay Cook
Inlet.
April 6, 1905 Weather fine. Mixed
up 6 gallons of paint for 2nd coat on cottage. Got out
one stump by back veranda. Cleaned stove and pipe. Evening
started to typewrite hardware supplies for store at Knik. Funeral
today RR employee, first death, had stomach trouble, RR doctors fault.
April 7, 1905 Another house going up, making
the 4th since we built in this block. Baby weighed 15
lbs. 4 months old. Dance tomorrow night invited to play
piano.
April 8, 1905 SS Bertha arrived had Singers
hydraulic outfit for Six Mile. Capt. Shaw came up, visited,
said the new agent for AC Co. would write about lost giant.
Painted ceiling of front veranda and end of house. Evening played
for Ball at Moore Hall, given by Misses Sexton and Stokes.
April 9, 1905 Got order completed for hardware
etc. for Knik store. Evening clear sky. Took Mattie’s
measure for a raglan coat. Elmer and door made a pile driver.
Evening all took usual bath.
April 10, 1905 Mamma had stomach trouble, think
it came from eating can peaches. SS Bertha got back from Seldovia,
Blodgett was aboard on crutches. Told Heinmuller that I would
give him a job at Knik at $50 month.
April 11, 1905 SS Excelsior arrived had
freight for Seldovia. Received letters from Osbourne,
$4 for views. Cramer said he would come, wanted to bring
his daughter. Lowman and Homford bill for printing bill heads etc.
$12.25.
April 12, 1905 Gray’s moved into their new
house next door above us. Bill’s rend. Seattle: groceries
$346.40, freight $54 to Seldovia, hardware $274, freight
$28 to Seldovia, check F. H. W. $100, check Dr. McC $5, check
L. and H. $12.25, check lumber $30, maps $15, total
$864.65. Hydraulic hose 200’ $75, giant $140, Cramer $47.50,
Knik store groceries, etc., $1,600.
April 13, 1905 Finished order for supplies
for store at Knik: Groceries $1099.38 hardware 289.70 total
$1389.08. Sent draft for $1400. Wrote Nate White
would pay $5 month for 5 months for rent of his storehouse at
Knik must answer by May 1st at Knik. Wrote to W. H. Foster Lake
Kenai. Sent agreement for working at Willow Creek $3 and
board for 100 days.
April 14, 1905 Snow squalls.
Statement Puget Sound bank January 11, 1905 balance $1166.59
drew since: Groceries $346.40, hardware $274, hose $76, lumber
$30, giant $140, F. H. W. check $100, Cramer $47.50, freight $120.
Cut wood. Saw Seward Bank about draft on Seattle for $1,400.
Left mtg. bond K and B Co. to be recorded at Seward H. H. Hildreth
office. Wrote W. A. Farnsworth about bond.
April 15, 1905 SS Excelsior got back
from Seldovia and Cold Bay. Got letter from Riley says
he had to go to goldfield again couldn’t come before middle of
May better get another man. House at Seward painted 2nd coat
except drawing the windows. Elmer cut his knee with double
bladed axe no harm small cut.
April 16, 1905 Made potty chair for G.
Stanley Herning. Wrote Sylvester Bros. to ship hardware,
clothing, tent orders at once on SS Excelsior $300.70, sent draft
for $350 told them they could ship grocery order if funds were
in the Puget Sound Bank.
April 17, 1905 Painted water closet and got
out stump by back veranda. Evening Dr. Sleem examined me
for insurance in N. Y. L. Took out $5,000 endowment policy
$265 a year.
April 18, 1905 Finished cherry trimming on
front veranda. Painted south side of cottage 2nd coat.
Painted front veranda floor drew sash on attic windows.
Loaned Miss Sexton my camera to take pictures out at Kenai Lake.
W. H. Foster visited said they would go to Knik via Sunrise in a
few days (by trail). PM Mrs. Herning and Mrs.Gray went out calling.
April 19, 1905 Two men visited wanted work
at mines. Evening got hair cut and whiskers (only $1).
Wrote A. B. Smith about putting in store at Knik, for him to let
me know at once if the new company wanted to take charge next September
and put in a large stock.
April 21, 1905 SS Santa Clara arrived
had 60 men for Alaska Central Railway. Received dress shoes
from Regal Shoe Co., Alp Miner shoes yet to come. Packed up
ready for trip to mines via Knik. Sent draft $350 to Sylvester
Bros. for hardware clothing tools etc. Received word from
Ed Sylvester that Fred was on his way to Seward via SS Santa Ana.
Foster and partner to leave Seward for mines 22nd.
April 22, 1905 Got packed up ready for trip
to Knik. Man finished splitting 5 cords stove wood. Drew cash
from bank, personal for paying K and B Co. bills at Knik, freight,
etc. $750. Talked with Engineer Kyle about route Alaska Central
Railway around Knik Arm via Chickaloon to Talkeetna. Took out
trading license for merchandise business at Knik ($4,000).
SS Portland due today.
April 23, 1905 Seward to Seldovia.
SS Portland arrived 9 AM. SS Cramer came, also Jap cook from
Seattle - Hanmore, Girdwood, and Mr. Ominy were aboard.
SS Portland left Seward at noon big load of freight and passengers
for the Inlet. Met Mr. Wetherby, salmon man. Mamma and
Elmer came down to see me off on boat. Sent Arcola oil stock 960
shares and draft for $9.60 to be transferred to the Arcola Crude Oil
Co. through W. A. Farnsworth Boston. Got room 31 on Portland.
Turkey dinner but not much eat.
April 24, 1905 SS Portland discharging
Cook Inlet freight on schooner Eve and barge, got through at
10 AM. SS Tyonek on trip to Sunrise expected on morning tide.
Capt. posted notice that passengers could remain aboard until
6 AM Thursday, coffee etc. 5:30. Bought case eggs $7.50,
bought case apples $2, total $9.50 from steward.
April 25, 1905 All visited 5 AM had coffee
and rolls went ashore 6 AM. SS Portland left 7 AM for
Homer. SS Tyonek arrived 9 AM went out to meet SS Portland
and transfer mail and Palmer outside Seldovia Harbor. Twenty
six took in quarters at Native Hotel, Mr. Block proprietor
and Scotty Watson cook, Jap boys waiters, had clam chowder
dinner. Drew cuts for first seat at table. PM checked
freight from scow to Tyonek. Evening went aboard the Tyonek.
April 26, 1905 Left Seldovia 2 AM for
upper Inlet via Homer, went up to Homer to coal up. Towed
schooner out of Seldovia, loaded with freight for Hope - 2#
butter, 2 cases roast beef $18, 2# butter, 2 cases corn beef $5,
1# butter, 2 cases hamburger $7.40 from steward of SS Portland.
Arrived Kenai evening, left Kenai 4:15 AM, temperature 27. Self
and Girdwood had no stateroom, sit up all night, slept daytime.
April 27, 1905 Left Kenai 4:15 AM via
Tyonek. After midnight slept in engineers bunk. Arrived
Tyonek AM. Bought gold scales off AC Co., $15, was $25, bought
one 38# anchor $2.80. Met Churchill, was in on small river boat and
trading business on the Sushitna. Left Tyonek 5 PM for
Hope, smooth water.
April 28, 1905 Arrived at Hope 4 AM bought
630’ 2 x 4 and 1 x 5 from Buzzard $14.50. Bought
from Roll of Hope 6 lbs. grain leather $3.90, 1 adze $2, 1 adze
handle 40¢, total $6.30, chalk twine 10¢. Paid
G. Buzzard $5 on hat. Hat on schooner, agreed to send same by
Shaw to Knik. 2 PM left Hope for Sunrise. Hanmore and
self superintendent of discharging of cargo. Capt. Shaw slept,
finished 10 PM. Wind and snowing. My men overland from
Seward had not arrived.
April 29, 1905 Left Sunrise 4 AM arrived at
Fire Island 8 AM. Anchored for flood tide to Knik.
Arrived at Knik 3 PM. Huff and party were there, helped to
discharge my freight took 1 hour. Paid (white) labor discharge
freight $2.50, paid (Native) labor discharging freight $1.
Frank and Natives at mines sawing lumber. Cramer put groceries
in cache. Paid balance on freight. At Knik, Cramer commenced
work.
April 30, 1905 Huff and party left by boat
for coal fields. Geeder and Richards left with
packs for coal fields. PM started to put shelving and counters
in store cabin. Sold Huff pair leather top over for man up
river $5. Simeon returned fly his brother stole 2 years ago. Harry
1 day cooking.
May 1, 1905 Clear but cool. Got
18’ shelving up and completed (4 shelves) and frame ready for
counter. Sold 1 lb. tea 50¢, apples 40¢. Foster
and partners and Murphy arrived, had to go back to Seward, trail too
soft, came by water on SS Neptune to Hope, from Hope
to Knik in dory. Paid Native $12 for Foster. Cleaned out
little cabin and put in bunks,
May 2, 1905 Got shelving up and stained cherry.
Counter about completed and side counter frame made. Sales:
apples $1.80, 3½ dozen eggs $1.10 , 20 lbs. (left blank)
$3.60, 2½ lbs. pilot 25¢, box 22 cartridges 35¢,
apples $1.60. Harry 10 hours cooking.
May 3, 1905 Got 8’ counters made all ready
except 8’ shelf. Received $2.40 for giant powder
sold to J. P. Downing, left with Palmer. Sales: apples 20¢,
2 dozen eggs 80¢, 1 tablet 20¢. Bahrenberg and Palmer
arrived from Knik River. Two Natives came out from Willow Creek,
said Frank was coming out with horses over winter trail. Foster
and Murphy went to Goose Bay for geese and ducks.
May 4, 1905 Raised spring ceiling in store
cabin. Had to cut birch post in woods. Had kids
help to clean dirt off ceiling. Opened trap door and started
to make stairs up to attic. Stained sales counter.
Frank and Hall arrived from Willow Creek brought out horses, brought
sleds to ridge cache then came down to river cache by RR trail thence
summer trail to Knik - was out of horse feed. Natives cutting
saw logs at Jifkin camp, not whipsawing as yet.
May 5, 1905 Got stairs completed. Fixed back
window to swing inside of cabin. Started to put on ceiling.
Sold 4 cream 50¢, apples 10¢, oil 10¢. Frank
cleaned and looked after horses. Tak arrived from coal
fields turned over his locating papers. Bought Frank’s gold
dust 2 oz. $32.00. Got copy of bills paid and received by
Whitney at Knik winter 1904 - 1905.
May 6, 1905 Moved everything in cabin up stairs
except beds. Put some goods on shelves. Frank and Foster
left for Willow Creek to line up saw logs for Native sawyers (8
men). Settled up with A. W. Hall March 1 to May 5, worked
62 days at $2 = $124 charges total 85¢. Sold Hall ankle
overshoes $3, self pair gum boots (old stock) $6.50.
May 7, 1905 Murphy worked today, 1st work at
Knik. SS Tyonek and schooner arrived with RR engineer
party and 13 horses and 60 tons of freight. Got 1st letter
from Mattie from Seward. Got Stetson hat from Hope.
May 8, 1905 Cramer finished casing in center
beam, started partition. Murphy relaying floor in attic. SS
Tyonek loaded Blodgett’s horses to take them to Sunrise.
SS Tyonek and schooner left Knik at 9 AM. Looked over Alaska
Central Railway map with engineers as to best route. Marked
goods and placed on shelves.
May 9, 1905 Had McQuarrie start to clean up
yard and widen out garden Murphy helped him. Got partition
in except hanging door. Marking goods and placing them on shelf.
Got attic floor re-laid, started to raise collar beams.
H. R. McQuarrie commenced work 7 AM. Talked with Hall about
locating placer claims near Knik River.
May 10, 1905 Cramer set side
counter, made trap at end. Put half round molding around
ceiling in store part. Had Murphy plough garden, ploughed
new ground for Billy Morris (time 2½ hours). Had
boys start to clear bank for potato ground by Stephan’s garden on
tide flats. Got ready for trip to Knik River and coal fields.
May 11, 1905 Myself, Cramer and Hall left for
Knik River to locate dredger placer. Crossed the Arm, waited
for tide across the Arm from Knik. Left at 8:30 PM arrived
at mouth of Knik River 2 AM Friday, camped, river very low.
Left McQuarrie in charge store, he and Murphy to plant potatoes in
garden at Knik and near Stephan’s old place.
May 12, 1905 Left mouth of Knik River at 10
AM got Sea Otter boat up as far as Indian Jims place, river low.
Took camp outfit up in Hall’s boat 2 miles above Jims house, made
camp. With Hall went up river 4 miles just below Cache Point
and prospected gravel bar, got fine colors. Cramer camp
cook had rabbit stew.
May 13, 1905 Made out 30 locations, in 5 groups,
to be located on Knik River between Cache Point and the glacier.
Made 8 locations for Young on Metal Creek above 3rd canyon, 1
for Cramer, 1 for Frank W. Evening decided to go back to Knik
and leave Hall to stake off the claims. Matanuska River too
low to boat up to new town “to be”. Decided to go by trail from
Knik. Made out 40 locations (800 acres).
May 14, 1905 Left camp on Knik River at 8:30
for Knik. Hall brought Cramer, self and our camp outfit
down to Indian Jims then Cramer and self came down to mouth
of river opposite A. C. Co. old warehouse, waited for tide.
Bucked tide over to warehouse, left warehouse 3:45 PM. Couldn’t
cross bar went down to Fish Creek Pt., arrived 7:30 PM supper at
8 PM left at 11 PM arrived Knik at midnight. Boys had finished
gardens and fenced in same - were cutting wood.
May 15, 1905 At Knik, boys cut firewood. AM
had them shingle gable end of store cabin. Cramer hung counter
trap, made window frame and jointed in piece under counter.
Self did some cherry staining and put more goods on shelves.
RR engineers have moved camp from Knik to the fish camp above Cottonwood.
May 16, 1905 Boys finished shingling end of
store cabin. Cost to shingle same, 1 man 15 hours at 25¢=
$3.75, 3 bunches shingles $2.63, 3 lbs. nails 12¢, total $6.50.
Started to fix up scow, raised up and leveled same. Murphy and I
boated up 24 bunches shingles 40 - 1x6 x12 and 10 - 1 x 4 x 12 and 10
- 2 x 4 x 16, 457 ft. at 3¢ = $13.71, 6M shingles $21, 25 lb. nails
$1 - material for hayshed.
May 17, 1905 Had Hec paint on scow and launch.
Cramer made new trap door stove to attic and table for hardware.
Murphy fixed up the pack saddles and bags. Patchell came
from Hope, received 2nd letter from Mattie, one from A. B. Smith,
one from Puget Sound D. and T. Co. Patchell brought over hydraulic
hose and mail, cost $1. RR boy upset dory load of hay Knik to
Cottonwood lost same. Old Butler came up from Knik left on same
tide for Eagle Creek. Trees leaved out grass well started.
May 18, 1905 Got up 3:30 left Knik, all hands
and cook, for Cottonwood to put up hayshed. Decided
to abandon Cottonwood and put shed near Stephan’s old place
above Knik. Bought 3 pair moccasins $1.60, sold $2.35 grub.
Evening Cramer and Murphy went up inside channel to Cottonwood,
recovered 4 bales of hay that was lost by RR men boating.
May 19, 1905 Men got out balance of poles for
hayshed and got all the posts set. I finished painting launch,
Murphy dug sod from under bottom. Sold Palmer 100 lbs. g. sugar
at 8¢. Sold Evan $3 order provisions on Creek - he to
make snow shoes for Cramer and Murphy. Used the wagon, first
time and first wagon used at Knik.
May 20, 1905 McQuarrie and I boated up
to Cottonwood to bring back 24 bunches of shingles, landed them
at hayshed at Stephan’s old place. Got plates up and posts
braced and rafters up ready for sheeting. Murphy shot a mallard
duck on way to supper. Harry cooked camp fire dinner at hayshed.
May 21, 1905 Got sheeting on hayshed
and half shingled. I made out original location notices for
Young’s locations on Knik River. Bought my first fur,
1 lynx skin.
May 22, 1905 Got hayshed finished.
Labor $37, team $8, lumber $37.71, nails $1.72, cost to build
$84.43. Ploughed drain ditch on tide flats near hayshed.
Tore out cupboard and shelving in back room of store and rearranged
bed etc.
May 23, 1905 Boys finished fence
around hayshed. Murphy cleaned old hair off horses then
gave them a bath. All packed up for mines.
Credit sales $53, cash $4.25. Made out small order for
store supplies to Sylvester Bros. Ordered lumber for hayshed
and hayrack off Buzzard of Hope.
May 24, 1905 Left Knik for the mines
- all hands, the cook and 4 horses - boated supplies up to
the Cottonwood. Left Cottonwood at 12:30
four horses packed. Had 2 men cut out wind falls. Arrived
at the Little Sushitna 7:20.
May 25, 1905 Sent Murphy and Hec back
to Knik for another pack. Self and Cramer and the cook
crossed over Mt. Sushitna to mines arrived at lumber camp
at 3:25 PM. Foster laid off sick, got us a lunch.
Sam and I went up to mess house to sleep. Shot 2 ptarmigan, snow
all gone on Willow Creek bottom but there was 1’ on Wet Gulch.
May 26, 1905 Cramer and I had ptarmigans
for breakfast at mess house. Packed down grub to lumber
camp. Cramer made 4 go-devils to skid logs and lumber on.
Frank and Foster peeling and lining up saw logs. Natives had
85 logs sawed. Noon, left for Sushitna cache via by mountain
on right of Wet Gulch. Murphy and Hec arrived at Sushitna when I did,
with 4 horses and 800 lbs. of horse feed and grub.
May 27, 1905 Myself, Murphy and Hec at
Sushitna cache. Heavy rain and foggy so had boys
clean out trail from Sushitna to timber line.
May 28, 1905 Self with 4 horses, Murphy and
Hec left the Sushitna cache at 8:30, on Bald Mt. at noon.
Put Nig through snow 4’ deep for ¼ mile to bare ground
on Wet Gulch side then all came through OK. Arrived lumber
camp at 5 PM wet from knees down. Cramer had the go-devils made
and swamped out part of skid trail up Willow Creek to mines from lumber
camp. Myself, Frank and Cramer went up to mess house to sleep.
May 29, 1905 Murphy with Hec and 4 horses
hauled out 26 saw logs to saw pit, Cramer and myself helped.
PM Cramer started to hew out elevator stringers. Foster and
Frank lining up saw logs for Natives. One foot snow on Wet Gulch
bottom, none on Willow.
May 30, 1905 Cramer, Murphy and Hec swamped
on skid trail lumber camp to mines. I located 16 claims
on Willow from canyon below Wet Gulch to Boulder, K. B. claim on
Willow and 8 claims on Wet Gulch. Evening had all but
Frank, Foster and cook move up to mess house. Grass enough
for horses on Willow near Boulder. Charged Harry to 1 cob pipe.
May 31, 1905 Boys finished trail lumber
camp to mess house at mines. I did the cooking at mess house.
Harry came up to mess house PM to do the cooking. Frank and
Foster lining saw logs. Flume about clear of snow and ice,
no snow on Gilbert basin nor in reservoir dam. PM with Maud
and Dan packed up 4 sacks of oats from lumber camp to Gilbert cabin.
June 1, 1905 Started to skid lumber from
lumber camp to Gilbert basin, got up 1,000’, hauled up the new
cook stove from my cabin to mess house, Rival
Acorn A-820, Cost $34 at Holmes Furniture House Seattle.
Cramer hewing on foundation timbers for elevator.
June 2, 1905 Murphy and Hec got up 3
loads of lumber and 1 load of fire wood lumber camp to mines.
Cramer hewing elevator timbers. Frank and Foster lining
up saw logs. Self made galvanized iron stove pipe for new
cook stove.
June 3 1905 Murphy and Hec skidding up
lumber with 4 horses on go-devils singled out. Cramer
hewing timbers for elevator. Frank and Foster tending
Natives whipsawing lumber. Self set up new cook stove
put up shelf in bunkhouse.
June 4, 1905 Murphy and Hec skidding
lumber and fire wood. Cramer and Foster hewing elevator
timbers. Frank tending Natives. Natives finished lumber
and left PM for Knik. I swamped out brush around mud holes on skid
trail. Foster moved up to mess house from lumber camp.
June 5, 1905 Had Foster clean out
hydraulic ditch. Frank came up from lumber camp at noon
on hydraulic ditch. Cramer started to make 10 new flume boxes.
Hec and Murphy skidding up lumber. Hauled Gilbert sawhorses
up to mess house to sit lumber on. Left for Knik to pay off the
Natives for whipsawing etc. Camped at Little Sushitna overnight.
June 6, 1905 Left for Knik 5 AM, arrived Cottonwood
at 10:30. Went down to Knik in boat arrived 1:45 PM.
Found 20 tons provisions and supplies for Knik Cash Store piled
up on the beach. Sylvester Bros. shipped order sent in to
be placed on file, subject to wire from Valdez. Left Cramer
in charge at mines.
June 7, 1905 At Knik, had Natives cache
store supplies. Paid Natives for handling invoice no.
2 $4.60. Paid Morris for looking after freight invoice no.
2 $1. Paid Natives part on account of whipsawing.
June 8, 1905 Opened up new goods and
marked same. Sold Natives about $100 worth of goods.
Made out Natives time and paid them off.
June 9, 1905 SS Tyonek came in with Palmer
and his store supplies. Jacob Hienmiller arrived from
Seward to run my Knik Cash Store. Two windows arrived on
Tyonek from Leob Cutter Lumber Co. Seattle. Paid Tyonek freight
bill on invoice no. 2, $321 by check. Busy marking goods until
midnight.
June 10, 1905 Jacob Heinmiller commenced
work at $50 per month and board for the summer. Busy
opening up and marking goods for store until midnight. Paid
for recording K. B. bond $18.30.
June 11, 1905 Busy checking down goods
and marking same up until 2 AM.
June 12 1905 Busy marking goods everything
checked OK except adjuster and handles for coffee mill.
Up until 3 AM. Left cash in till for change $50.
June 13, 1905 Got everything in shape
so Heinmiller could run the Knik Cash Store. Left Knik
at 2:30 PM for the mines. Had Native take me up to Cottonwood
by boat. Left Cottonwood with a pack afoot.
Arrived at Sushitna cache 9 PM, camped for the night took camera
with me.
June 14, 1905 Left Sushitna 7 AM arrived at
the mines at noon. Sam had 8 flume all jointed ready
to set up. Boys had lumber about up to mines from lumber
camp. Had 3 men clean out hydraulic ditch and put in big gate at
reservoir dam.
June 15, 1905 with 3 men, finished clearing
hydraulic ditch 2 hours then ballasted up pipeline, set no.
2 giant. Had boys haul up no. 1 giant and pipe from foot
of hill to Gilbert basin. Boys finished skidding up last
of lumber to mines. Charged Foster, Murphy, Hec, Frank and Cramer
each 2 pair of gloves 25¢ each.
June 16, 1905 Cramer, Frank and self reset
no. 2 giant. Murphy and Hec got up last of foundation
timbers for elevator. Foster sick with sore eyes.
June 17, 1905 Hec and Murphy started to help
at mine work and we started no. 2 giant today.
June 18, 1905 Murphy and Hec started to help
on set-up giant. Got ditch in order, piped in 2 hours
PM. Started up giant for the season of 1905. Got
canyon ditch wall in order and all gravel piped in, ready to bottom-up
last of set-up left undone last fall.
June 19, 1905 Reset both giants at noon now
bottoming up ready to add more flume. Found good pay in
clay bedrock Evening self piped in 2 hours. Charge Foster
to gloves 15¢.
June 20, 1905 Got ditch wall completed to protect
flume on next setup. Got bottomed-up ready to clean up
and add 8 more flume boxes. Had Cramer make sluice gate to fit
into sluice dam to shut off water in flume. Evening piped 2
hours.
June 21, 1905 Turned water out of flume
and cleaned up front boxes got 5-9-10 for 3 days work all piped
in from old dump left by Gilbert. Pete Donnelly arrived
to work in Hall’s place at the mines. Took pictures of 4 horses
skidding lumber. Evening moved down bunk house to my private
cabin to sleep. Evening heavy rain.
June 22, 1905 Creek high. Myself,
Frank and Cramer back-walled canyon ditch to keep it from breaking
through on to flume - high water. Foster and Pete sawed
riffle boxes. Murphy and Hec hauled up fire wood.
June 23, 1905 First setup flume this season.
Sam and myself jointed in 5 flume. Foster, Frank and
Pete dug bedrock grade for flume. Murphy and Hec hauled
up poles, firewood, provisions, etc. Charged Frank pair gum boots
$8.
June 24, 1905 Jointed in 8 flume shear boards
up and riffle blocks in 5 boxes. First set-up 1905, took
picture of jointing on flume blocks etc.
June 25, 1905 AM got riffle blocks in.
Had to repair hydraulic ditch.
June 26, 1905 Started to work shifts.
Cramer in charge AM shift, 2 AM to noon. Whitney in charge
of PM shift, noon to 10 PM. I instructed boys how to operate
giants, handle water, etc . Ephim and boy came in to hunt
moose. Ephim charged 4# pork 60¢, 5# flour 30¢, 2#
peaches 25¢, total $1.15. Donnelly charged gum
boots $7, 2 pkg. red bell 20¢.
June 27, 1905 Started to install pipeline
on bench. Put in 2 gates. Self worked all night with
both shifts.
June 28, 1905 Got pipeline installed on bench
at noon. Had Murphy haul down hose boxes from Homestake
to Gilbert basin to use to sluice off bench. Self worked 34
hours straight to get pipeline up and things in working order.
June 29, 1905 Piping off bench. 5:30
to 10 PM reset gates and pipeline in bench. Myself up until
midnight.
June 30, 1905 AM cleaned up 2 boxes got
13 oz. 7 dwt. Staked off ground to be piped in. Got
ready to leave mines for Knik and Seward to get money for summer
payroll that Farnsworth promised to send to Seward by June 1st.
Instructed Cramer about what ground to pipe in etc. Left
Cramer in charge of mining operations.
July 1, 1905 Left mines for Knik.
Had Murphy come over to Sushitna cache for pack flour and fruit
to be packed back to the mines with Dan and Maud. Self
with Nig and Tony arrived at Knik 8 PM. SS Neptune was on beach unloading
RR freight. Caswell at Knik hired Scotty for camp cook.
Tak had paid at store amount due for recording his claim by me $25
also for Cramer’s shoes $5.
July 2, 1905 At Knik took stock of goods
wanted. Ordered parts that didn’t come with the coffee
mill, handle, set screw, etc. Left Knik 7:30 PM on SS
Neptune for Seward via Sunrise trail to ACRR. Fare on the
SS Neptune - Knik to Sunrise - $5.
July 3, 1905 Arrived at Sunrise 7 AM.
Bought grub for trip on trail. Left Sunrise 7:45, had 25#
pack, robe and grub. Went via Six Mile, East Fork, Bench Creek,
down Johnson Creek, Trail Lake, Kenai Lake to Alaska Central Railway
Made 22 miles, stopped at cabin near divide. Overtook a Finn
on trail bound for Seward traveled with him. Grub 90¢.
4 PM light rain. Met 5 men bound for Sunrise.
July 4, 1905 Left camp 7 AM. Water
on trail on summit Bench Creek. Had to crawl through the
alders around lake on summit, grass and brush wet.
Arrived at Trail Lake 5 PM met three men bound for Knik. Arrived
at Roosevelt at 1l PM. Railway partly graded, Roosevelt
to Trail Lake. Camped for the night on lake bank where RR men
had a barn. Bench Creek to Roosevelt 17 hours.
July 5, 1905 Ate breakfast at Engineer
Jones camp gave cook $1. No train up from Seward, telephone
wire down. Walked down track to camp 16, repaired telephone
wire then talked with Young at Seward. Train came up arrived
at Seward 5 PM. SS Bertha had sailed for Seldovia 4 PM so
will have to wait for the SS Excelsior on the 12th. Wood along
Alaska Central Railway all afire.
July 6, 1905 At Seward to get K. B. funds
to pay off help but none came, had hair cut. Tired for want of
sleep on trail. Baby a big lad doing fine Mamma glad to get
a “fellow”.
July 7, 1905 At Seward. Called
on bank, had balance of $59. Sent Eagles Seattle $10
for Hec. Sent Vina Cramer $125 for her dad. Made
out order for supplies for Knik Cash Store. Sent Sylvester
Bros. check for $200 on Scandinavian American Bank to pay for supplies
ordered. Wrote Scandinavian American Bank to transfer
$350 in savings to my open account.
July 8, 1905 Bought clothing for help at K.
B. mines. Had bill heads printed for the Knik Cash Store.
Bought myself a coat $3, bought 1 dozen towels $1.50, box
cigars $2.50, supplies for help $15.75. Deposited 15 oz.
6 dwt. 17 gr. at Seward bank, got credit for $230.
July 9, 1905 Fixed up 4 dozen my maps of Alaska,
sold two. Had many callers asking about Knik. Young’s
visited, paid for locations on Knik River and Metal Creek
$72.
July 10, 1905 Bought drugs for help at
camp, 500 bill heads Knik Cash Store $3.50, 500
envelopes $1.50. Left 25 maps on sale at Owl Drug Store,
sale price 35¢, net 20¢, also maps at Hildreth news stand
at same rate. Trunk packed ready for Knik, Elmer will go along
to mines.
July 11, 1905 Bought 6 pair leather shoes off
Richard and Co. for $15, two 6” elbows 50¢, tickets
Seward to Seldovia $15, express on trunk 50¢. Left
Seward 6 PM on SS Excelsior for Knik took Elmer along.
July 12, 1905 Arrived Seldovia at 10
AM, left Seldovia on SS Tyonek 8 PM for Knik. Bought case of
eggs and oranges off of steward on SS Excelsior for Knik
Cash Store.
July 13, 1905 Arrived Tyonek at noon,
waited for flood tide via to Knik. Left at 6 PM.
Fare on Tyonek $10, Elmer $5.
July 14, 1905 Arrived at Knik at 4 AM.
Posted up day book cash sales today $62. Got pack ready
for mines. Sent Matanuska Mining Co. Seward, Huffs bill
rendered. High water at mines. Rain.
July 15, 1905 with Elmer left Knik with
400 lb. pack on Nig and Tony for mines at 10:30. Near river
met Murphy with Dan and Maud coming out to Knik for grub. Had
to swim horses across Little Sushitna. Arrived at Sushitna
cache 8 PM had to camp at RR cache, river too high to cross.
July 16, 1905 with Nig and small pack
crossed river OK then came back for Elmer and Tony and balance
of pack. Left Sushitna cache 1:30, heavy rain, arrived mines
7 P M, no rain at mines. Boys had 1st setup of flume
worked out and 8 more boxes set.
July 17, 1905 Had Sam make head box for flume
with extra wide mouth, used grizzly rails for riffles.
Had boys reset giant and shovel in gravel around shear boards.
Inspected bedrock and flume got $1.38 from hole between 1 riffle
block. Average clean up for first box estimated at $800.
PM Elmer set up his midget sluice boxes and took out 1 dwt. 8 gr.
= $1.06.
July 18, 1905 Got 2nd set up of flume
(8) boxes completed. PM had Frank and Foster cut hay.
Noon Murphy arrived from Knik 4 days trip. Packed in 300
lbs. grub on Dan and Maud. 5 PM to 10 Sam and myself cleaned
up flume got 51-10-09 = $1,038. Fine gold in flume for 10 boxes
below.
July 19, 1905 Started shifts on 2nd setup.
I piped gravel off bench. Had PM shift clear rock etc.
from canyon ditch. Elmer and Murphy went up the gulch a hunting.
Weather fair.
July 20 1905 Piping off bench reset both giants.
Mosquitoes and sand flies bad. PM had Frank stack hay
cut near boulder. Self worked until 10 PM.
July 21 1905 Piping off bench at foot
of bench road from mess house to Homestake. Took out good
pans at foot of 2nd bench. Self piped some and cleaned gold
from last clean-up. Elmer and Murphy went hunting up gulch.
July 22, 1905 Got 1st setup of giant
on bench worked out. Ready to move pipeline and giants.
Self worked until 9:30 PM. Charged Hec boots $8.
July 23, 1905 Got giant set on bench.
Piped across old channel, panned well. Put in 4 blasts.
PM aired my bed and weighed up gold dust 64-17-19. Elmer, Sam and
Murphy went out hunting got 4 ptarmigan and 2 whistlers.
July 24, 1905 Got part of bench piped off.
Bottomed up south side. Gravel in old channel averages
5¢ to the pan. Worked until 10:30 PM.
July 25, 1905 Bottomed up balance of
bench, found 5¢ pan on rim of 2nd bench. Had
Sam start to get out material for 12 more flume boxes.
PM had Frank and Foster rip out penstock material. PM
Elmer and Murphy went hunting on Wet Gulch.
July 26, 1905 Sam, Frank and Foster jointing
up flume. Evening had Hec pipe in dump. 1st rain in 10
days.
July 27, 1905 Finished piping down bench
2nd setup. Sam, Frank and Foster jointing up 12 flume.
Murphy hauled up grizzly rails, moved elevator lumber 5 hours with
Nig and Tony.
July 28, 1905 Reset both giants, no.
1 on left of creek and no. 2 on bench. Creek very low
only 6” water in flume.
July 29, 1905 Got up 3 AM, Murphy caught the
4 horses. Six, with Elmer and the 4 horses left mines for Knik.
Arrived at Knik 6 PM no boats in for 2 weeks past. Garden
looking fine. Grass very short on tide flats.
July 30, 1905 At Knik, posted up store
accounts. Set up mower and ground scythe. Evening
Elmer wrote to his Mamma.
July 31, 1905 Started to cut hay on tide flats.
Evening wrote to Mattie and Mr. Hale.
August 1, 1905 Finished letter writing,
wrote Hovey about the large windows sent in mistake of small
ones. Wrote Farnsworth about work at mines. Evening helped
Ulanky to make out location papers for a homestead on Fish Creek.
Sent Sylvester Bros. $26 to pay for my Alaska maps.
August 2 1905 Mowed grass on tide flats.
Evening made out bills for goods sold to K. B. help on creek.
No steamboat as yet. Elmer wrote another letter to his
mother at Seward.
August 3, 1905 Got packs ready for mines.
PM raked up hay on tide flats, now ready for the mines.
August 4, 1905 AM got ready to leave Knik for
mines. Packed Nig and Tony with 375# of supplies, left Knik 11:30
arrived Sushitna cache at 7 PM. Elmer rode Maud and I rode
Tony. Had roast beef, peas, strawberries, biscuits
and coffee for supper. Retired 9:30. Bought 5 salmon
at Fish camp off Theodore 60¢.
August 5, 1905 Got up 3 AM horses came into
camp and got into RR oats under my cache. Breakfast at 5.
Got 3 horses packed 400# and left for mines at 7 AM. Arrived
at mines 11:30 AM quickest trip ever. Elmer rode Tony and I walked.
Boys at mines had out big dump, run 5¢ to the pan piped down
off bench. Water very low, very small sluice head, bench prospected
good.
August 6, 1905 Piped in until 5 PM then had
PM shift clear and burn willow brush on bench. Elmer dressed
up “all same” as brown bear, scared the dogs into their holes
then had his picture taken. Took picture of both shifts and
bench gravel. Murphy finished work - time: May 169 hours
at 25¢ = $42.25, 80 hours at 30¢ = $24, June 300½
hours at 30¢ = $90.15, July 333½ hours at 30¢ =
$100.05, August 60 hours at 30¢ = $18. Charged at Knik
Cash Store $9.10, cash balance $265.35. Evening wrote Mattie to send
me a Seward bank book.
August 7,1905 Murphy left for Knik, took
out Nig and Tony. Sent out horses so Miller could stack hay.
Started to clean up. 6 AM cleaned 8 boxes got 26-5-00 =
$420. PM started to bottom up bench and pipe off in rear.
Evening cleaned part of gold dust. Paid Foster on account,
$14, paid McQuarrie on account $7.70.
August 8, 1905 Reset no. 2 giant to bottom
up bench channel. Evening had PM shift reset no. 2 giant
on north side of canyon ditch to pipe in ditch and gravel on that
side. Coarse gold on bedrock on ditch side. Self working
with both shifts. Got up at 5 AM knocked off at 7:30 PM.
Water too low to pipe in properly.
August 9, 1905 Got upper end of ditch
piped out and started ditch wall. Piped in with no. 1
until 5 then worked on ditch wall. Creek began to rise 7 PM,
at 10 PM, flume full and part of ditch. Self up until
11 PM minding water flume etc. got wet. 2nd high water. Retired
1 PM Thursday.
August 10, 1905 First snow on mountains.
Reset no. 2 giant on left of canyon ditch. Got up about half
of ditch wall on this setup, double wall with sods between.
Creek on Gulch normal today with a full sluice head. Elmer
sluiced with his midget boxes got 0-1-02 = 86¢ for half days
work 2nd clean up.
August 11, 1905 First frost, got 2/3
of ditch wall up. Piping in from ditch side -piped in
some of bench dump. Creek normal with a full sluice head.
Evening retorted 24 oz. of gold dust. Sam made Elmer two small sluice
boxes 6” wide by 6’ long each so he could shovel in gravel.
August 12, 1905 Got canyon ditch bottomed up
at upper end. Pay on clay bedrock. Reset both giants,
put in 3 blasts. Elmer shoveled into his boxes 2/3 of day
got 3 dwt. and 17 gr. = $2.97.
August 13, 1905 Reset no. 2 giant at
foot of ditch. Got ditch bottomed up and started to close
in wall. Piped in with no. 1 found 25¢ pans on bedrock
by ledge. Piped after supper until 9 PM.
August 14, 1905 Got ditch wall completed, put
hydraulic hose on to no. 1 giant and bottomed up part of bench
around ledge. Piped in on bench dump. Creek 6” lower
in flume. Had Frank cut hay near boulder on Willow Creek.
Elmer made his 4th clean up got 9 dwt 21 gr. - now has $12.80 for
part of 4 days work with midget boxes on bedrock worked out by
giant.
August 15, 1905 Piped in with no. 1.
Evening had PM shift reset no. 2 giant to drive in last of
bench dump. Blew 4 large boulders out of canyon ditch. Did
Elmer’s and my washing, aired blankets, etc., cut wood.
August 16 1905 Still piping in dump about
2/3 run through. Got canyon ditch cleaned out and in fine
condition for high water. Evening Elmer wrote his 5th
letter to his mother at Seward. Sent G. Stanley a little poke
with two nuggets. Mosquitoes “done gone” on Grubstake.
August 17, 1905 Got upper end of pit bottomed
up. Reset both giants. Cramer done up with crick
in his back. Found coarse gold on rim creek bottom and
bench. Evening Elmer drew picture of mess house.
August 18, 1905 Moved no. 2 nearer to flume
in pit. Got about ¼ of gravel in pit piped in -
lots of rock in bottom of pit near bedrock About another
day will finish this 2nd set up of flume 16 boxes. Got 12 more
ready to set for 3rd set up. Two shifts working 19 hours
getting dark on both ends again.
August 19, 1905 Got pit bottomed up on right
side, very rocky near bedrock Put in several blasts.
Elmer added a 4 lb. stone hammer to his tool list now interested
in mauling rock.
August 20 1905 Got about half of pit
bottomed up - reset no. 1 giant from bank down into pit.
Piped down bedrock for flume way. Took level of flume grade, got
5” to the box. Elmer caught a weasel in parky trap under tool house.
Evening put new rivet into my jackknife.
August 21, 1905 Found gold below clay
bedrock, picked up a $ nugget. Reset no. 2 and piped in
gravel on left of pit. Elmer and Pete went fishing down Wet Gulch
they caught 25 trout. Sam went out for grouse got all of 1.
August 22, 1905 Had to use hydraulic
hose attached to giants to bottom up and pipe in gravel on corners.
Put shifts on day work. Hec and Foster cut 12 riffle logs 16’ long.
Frank went after horses gone all AM couldn’t find them.
August 23, 1905 Got bottomed up except along
right hand shear board. Have to reset no. 2 giant to
finish up. Creek bottom on bedrock shows that the creek
ran down over the bench, part clay and part rock bedrock.
Took Frank until 10 AM to find horses. Hauled up 8 riffle logs
more 4 to come. Evening Elmer took a bath, did it himself.
August 24, 1905 Found good pay on rim in bedrock,
many boulders in bottom of pit. Reset no. 2 and got piped
in all of gravel. Evening self finished about all of bottoming
up. Now ready for a good clean up. Cleaned up Elmer’s
boxes got 1 dwt. 15 gr. = $1.30. Evening set in for heavy
rain. Frank and Hec hauled up last of 12 riffle logs.
August 25, 1905 Found rich pay below
top clay so reset no. 2 giant and bottomed up whole of pit
again. Right hand shear board tipped over because rock piled
behind it. Put in 5 shots to open bedrock channel.
Pete cut sod, Frank and Hec sawed riffle blocks. Sam and
self bottomed up until 8 PM.
August 26, 1905 Cleaned up this PM found a
quartz nugget 11 dwt and 6 gr. = $9.00, another all gold $1.02.
Evening cleaned and weighed up 12 oz. coarse gold, clean up 96-03-16.
Sam and self worked on bottoming up and clean up all day and evening.
PM had Frank and Hec put hay near boulder on Willow Creek.
August 27, 1905 Shoveled in some in front
of head box that was left. Sam put back the riffle blocks.
Foster and Pete sawed riffle blocks. Frank and Hec cutting
hay near boulder. Cleaned sand out of silvered dust. PM
retorted 3 bricks of gold dust. 5 PM self and Elmer on Dan
and Maud left mines for Knik. Arrived Sushitna cache 9 PM camped
for the night evening cloudy.
August 28, 1905 Left Sushitna cache 7
AM arrived Knik 1:30 PM brought out 108 oz. gold dust from the
mines. Miller had 2/3 hay under cover. PM read mail from
Mattie, Sylvester Bros., Seward Bank. Got $1.75 check rebate
on Carnation cream, got $750 cash sent from Seward Bank. Banker
Hale had been at Knik for 4 days. On trail Sushitna to Knik 7½
hours for grub for mines.
August 29, 1905 At Knik, posted up store
books and checked down and marked goods just arrived invoice
no. 3. Rain.
August 30, 1905 At Knik made up a 300
lb. pack for the mines. Wrote to Mattie, made out order
for provisions clothing and hardware sent to Sylvester Bros. Co.
Seattle. Wrote Mattie and bank that I would send gold dust,
to send draft to Sylvester Bros. Co. $1000, to Seattle Hardware
Co. $100. Had a duck dinner.
August 31, 1905 Knik to Shushetna.
5:30 AM SS Tyonek arrived, mail from Mamma. Sent postals
to Mamma and bank by Hawkins. Sent Seward Bank 108 ounces
of gold dust by SS Tyonek. Left Knik 10:30 AM Elmer self
and 4 horses for mines. Arrived at Sushitna cache 6:15 PM camped
for the night.
September 1, 1905 Up at 5:30 left Sushitna
cache at 8:45 arrived at mines 1:30 unpacked goods. Brought
in 50 lbs. of new potatoes and 5 # lettuce. Boys had 12
more boxes added to flume, started to pipe in 8 AM today 3rd
set up of flumes. Brought in 5 pair gum boots charged to K.
B. Co. for help so as to keep them until season closed.
September 2, 1905 Snowed on Craigie,
Martha and peaks off Grubstake mountains today. PM built
dam to turn creek out and into flume. Reset gates and giants
so as to pipe out this set up also part of pipeline. Dark at 8:30
PM was cloudy.
September 3, 1905 AM got no. 2 set, turned
creek into bench channel up at Homestake. Piped in all
of PM. Self set up no. 1 to drive bench gravel into flume.
Now 17 hours daylight to work in. Cooler with fresh snow
on mountain peaks. Donnelly charged 1 pair of wool mittens.
September 4, 1905 Piping down bench on 3rd
set up of flume. Had boys cut brush off bench. This season
set in 28 flume - 3 set ups. Last season jointed up 25 flume.
Total in line 53 (12½’) flumes. Set up Elmer’s small
sluice boxes for him along shear board wall of last set up.
Snowing on mountain peaks warm in valley.
September 5, 1905 Cleaned up my cabin.
PM with Maud hauled up 5 fire logs. Elmer went up the gulch
for horses came back with Maud. Evening wrote to Mattie
ready to leave mines for Knik for misc. supplies and mail.
September 6, 1905 with Maud went to head of
Grubstake Gulch for other 3 horses. With Elmer and 4 horses
left mines for Knik at 8:30 AM arrived at Knik at 8:30 PM.
Shot 9 ptarmigans and 1 grouse on trail. Check books and Seward
papers arrived, was left at Hope. SS Tyonek expected tomorrow.
September 7, 1905 Hauled load of hay cut on
tide flats. Put same in barn at Knik. Made out order
for hydraulic pipe to be wired to U. S. Blow Pipe Co. Seattle
as follows: 96’ 20”, 96’ 18”, 96’
16”, 16 gauge, 144’ 7”, 144’ 8” 14
gauge, 1 - 24 to 20 1 taper, 1 - 20 to 18 taper, 1 - 18 to 16
taper, 1 - 16 to 14 inch taper. Answered Farnsworth letter.
Tyonek didn’t arrive at Knik.
September 8, 1905 Waiting for mail at Knik,
SS Tyonek didn’t show up. Big wind.
September 9, 1905 No mail boat. Judge
Goodell and several left Knik for Sunrise in sloop. Watson
at Knik waiting for SS Tyonek, claimed he chartered her to come
in on the 7th.
September 10, 1905 No mail boat. Left
Knik at 10 PM for the mines with 300 lb. provisions, packed
Dan and Maud. Elmer rode Nig, self rode Tony, arrived at
the Sushitna cache at 6 PM camped. Knik Cash Store doing
well. Done over $1000 cash business in 3 months, profit 50
to 100%.
September 11, 1905 At Sushitna camp,
got up 4:30 got ready to leave camp 7:40 AM very cold on mountain,
Elmer cried, got off and walked and soon got warm. Along
Wet Gulch Maud fell down slid on back 30’ down bench turned over
twice came out alright pack and all. Arrived at mines at 12:30
noon. PM with Nig and Tony, Elmer and self hauled up 4 fire logs.
Many big boulders in pit. Boys blasted all day - good pay
around boulders. All mountain peaks covered with new snow today.
September 12, 1905 Commenced snowing
6 AM kept it up until noon ground white on creek bottom.
Got bench piped in on right hand side of gulch. Reset no.
2 giant to drive in to flume.
September 13, 1905 Froze hard this morning.
Got about 2/3 of bench gravel in pit piped into flume. PM had
Sam knock down old 1902 sluice boxes to use for sand boards in
flume, Elmer helped him.
September 14, 1905 Big wind and warmer,
plenty of water, flume 2/3 full. Self got gravel in pit
piped in, worked until 8 PM. Had Sam joint up sand boards.
Knocked down last (5) of Gilbert boxes for sand boards.
Had Frank and Hec with Dan and Maud haul up sand boards, 1 load
poles and slab from lumber camp to make annex to Gilbert cabin for
store room.
September 15, 1905 Got pit bottomed up
in front of flume ready to clean up in the morning, the whole
of the flume 53 boxes. PM had Sam, Hec and Foster build on
12’ to Gilbert calidoor to use to house hay etc. Evening cleaned
up Elmer’s boxes didn’t get much. Self fell in pit, got boots
full of water. Told cook to boil the brine on the butter, he boiled
the butter instead.
September 16, 1905 Took down giants. cleaned
up 27 boxes. Hec and Foster packed up and cached tools. Frank
cleaned up calidoor around mess house. Pete Donnelly
finished and left for Knik 8 AM. Snowing all day, mountain
peaks white down to brush line.
September 17, 1905 Snow squalls.
Finished last clean up of season 1905. Had Frank and Hec
haul down hay from boulder on Willow Creek and put it under Gilbert
calidoor. Boys got riffles back in 19 boxes, 34 boxes yet
to riffle. Expect to go to Knik tomorrow with all hands.
Evening run off 2 retorts of gold dust. Packed up gold dust.
September 18, 1905 Clearing, froze hard
last night. Got riffle blocks and new 1” sand boards back in
flume. Removed big flume gate in hydraulic reservoir dam.
Left mines at 1:30 PM all hands for Knik. Arrived at Sushitna
camp 6 PM. Sam and Foster shot 2 dozen ptarmigan. Bill
Morris came along on way to Knik from the Kashwitny.
September 19, 1905 Left Sushitna at 8:30 arrived
at Knik 3:30. Elmer walked most of the way, had 3 horses
packed with baggage, rode Nig. Paid off McQuarrie balance
$351.70, paid off Whitney balance $309. Everything quiet
at Knik. Agreed to give Foster work at $2.50 per day what work I
had to do.
September 20, 1905 Getting accounts posted
and billed out. Settled up with Frank Whitney for years
contract ending June 1st 1905 check to balance $81.48.
Contract was for $152 in money and 3,000 shares of K and B Co.
stock. I paid him the $150 and gave order for the stock on the
Boston office.
September 21, 1905 Settled up with Cramer cash
$12.53, check $200, draft $100 sent to Vivia. PM took
a cruise through woods with Sam to find poles for new cache.
Packed trunk with 75# cranberries, 1 dozen low moccasins, 6 pair
long moccasins, 7 money pouches. Arranged to send 3 men
over to Fish Creek to cut hay. Paid 75¢ moccasins for Elmer.
September 22, 1905 Foster and Hec and Reese
left Knik for Seward via Sunrise on Goosmar sloop. No steamboat
as yet. Got trunk packed ready for trip out to Seward.
Goosmar and Natives on a drunk. Posted up bills and day book
Knik Cash Store. Noon sent Frank and Sam over to Fish Creek
to cut hay took Dan and Maud to do the packing.
September 23, 1905 Got ground leveled off for
cache 12’ x 16’ near K. B. cache. Started to dig
the potatoes, took out 1,000. Bought Evans dory (15’) for
$2.50. Got board ready for Knik Cash Store sign. Evening
Geter and Watson men arrived from the coal fields. Frank came
back with horses couldn’t cross swamp by Fish Creek.
September 24, 1905 Dug potatoes, painted
sign and hung it up, Knik Cash Store. Frank left for Fish
Creek to join Cramer and cut hay. Took Nig’s picture.
Posted up day book. No steam boats in and no sloops to go
out on - anchored at Knik waiting for a boat. Evening took a bath.
September 25, 1905 Tore down porch in front
of store door. Noon Frank came in from Fish Creek after
scythe, Sam broke his. Made agreement with D. Harris to
pack 700 lbs. provisions Cottonwood to coal fields for Watson, consideration
$75 for one man and 4 horses they to feed our horses and man.
Evening Elmer took a bath. Dug last of potatoes 2,200 lbs.
on one eleventh of an acre.
September 26, 1905 Miller and myself cut logs
for foundation of new cache. Got ready to haul in logs when we
sighted a steamboat. SS Tyonek arrived had freight for
Railway party. Got ready to go out, left Knik at 5 PM via
Seward expect to catch SS Santa Ana at Seldovia. Left Hienmuller
in charge of Knik Cash Store. Sam and Frank cutting hay over
at Fish Creek.
September 27, 1905 On SS Tyonek arrived at
Tyonek about midnight last night. Waited for ebb tide.
Waited for ebb tide at Kenai, 9 PM off Anchor Point. Paid
off Harry Oda check $200, cash $41.40. Capt. Shaw wanted
to hire Harry for waiter for balance of fall. Fare Knik
to Seldovia $10 no charge for Elmer.
September 28, 1905 Arrived at Seldovia 3 AM.
8 AM SS Santa Ana arrived with freight for RR engineers at
Knik and Turnagain Arm. Had dinner on “Ana” Elmer and
I got room 17. Bought off Herbert: 8 bunches shingles $8,
1 case Pacific cream $4.75, 1 box apples $1.75, shipped to
Knik Cash Store. Bought Elmer new cap 50¢. Watson
in route for Knik, 2 schooners loaded with freight for Knik also
2 local steamboats. Fare Seldovia to Seward $10.
September 29, 1905 At Seldovia.
SS Santa Ana got RR freight discharged all but cattle and 200
bales of hay which will have to go back to Seward for want of
transportation via Seldovia to Turnagain Arm. Made out my
manifest for provisions for Knik Cash Store - hardware and clothing
- yet to make out order. SS Santa Ana left Seldovia midnight
via for Seward. Fare Seldovia to Seward $10 no charge for Elmer.
September 30, 1905 Got away from Seldovia just
after midnight. Laid up 1½ hours near Cape Elizabeth
for daylight to go on inside passage. Had wind all day
rough sea. Arrived at entrance of Resurrection Bay at midnight
at Seward 3 AM Sunday morning.
October 1, 1905 SS Santa Ana arrived at Seward
3 AM no one heard her blow or come in. Elmer and self
found Mamma asleep. Held interview with Kyle, Alaska Central
Railway, about supplies at Knik for their engineer parties, agreed
to furnish them with clothing etc. SS Santa Clara at Valdez, due
tonight at Seward. Had haircut 50¢. Evening Mamma
and Elmer attended church while dad minded the boy.
October 2, 1905 Collected for first OGH maps
on sale at Owl Drug Co. 25 at 20¢ = $5. Left 2 dozen
more on sale to be paid for when sold. Looked over samples
of clothing at T. D. Corlew Manager for Pacific Coast Trading Co.
Sold Brown and Hawkins 38# cranberries at 8¢ = $3.04, 6 pair
moccasins $6.50, 11 pair low moccasins at 60¢ = $6.60, 14 money
pouches at 25¢ = $3.50. 7 PM SS Santa Clara arrived.
Paid Yakutat Lumber Co. for window pane 75¢.
October 3, 1905 Left gold dust at bank 74-12-0.
Sent cable to Farnsworth total cleanup gross $4,000 - day labor
24 h 70. Made arrangements for winter help at mines.
Any funds sent to Seattle - answer. Evening made up order
for hardware etc.
October 4, 1905 Light frost last night. Banked
last of gold dust 73-1-4. SS Portland and SS Santa Clara expected
in port tomorrow. Wrappers and waists for Knik Cash Store
18 wrappers at 25¢ = $4.50,
14 Waists at 25¢ = $3.50, bought off Mrs.
Corlew. Received wire from W. A. Farnsworth Boston no
funds, use gold dust, would try to wire $1,000 if needed.
October 5, 1905 Helped to mark goods
bought off Mrs. Corlew for Knik Cash Store. Paid for goods
Pacific Trading Co.: Groceries $443, coal oil $12.20, clothing
$171.10, total $626.30. Paid for lumber Yakutat Lumber
Co. $66, developing and printing $5.75, $100.35, fare Seward to
Seldovia $10, 2# burnt sienna 75¢, total $809.15.
Sent order to Loeb Cutter Lumber Co. for 10,000 star shingles.
12 midnight left Seward on SS Portland for Knik via by Seldovia.
October 6, 1905 In route Seward to Seldovia
and Knik on SS Portland. At 5 PM arrived at Seldovia no
boats in. SS Tyonek had left for the upper Inlet AM.
SS Portland has 140 tons to discharge tomorrow morning. Wind
and high surf in the Inlet.
October 7, 1905 Paid purser of the Portland
freight bill on pipe provisions etc., $88. Bought
provisions off steward on the Portland $36.40, got about
all her cargo discharged then decided to wait for the Tyonek
to catch the passengers to come down to take the SS Excelsior.
October 8, 1905 On SS Portland at Seldovia
waited for the Tyonek to arrive from the upper Inlet.
Schooner came in port this evening, Welch and wife aboard had
turkey dinner. Bought box cigarette papers off Herbert $1.50
for Knik Cash Store.
October 9, 1905 At Seldovia on SS Portland.
Local boat the Tyonek expected to arrive this evening.
Found error in billing lumber Seward to Seldovia overcharge of
800 ft. Purser agreed to make it good at Seward.
October 10, 1905 At Seldovia. The Tyonek
arrived 10 PM got transferred from SS Portland, which left
at once for Seward.
October 11, 1905 The Tyonek loading freight
for Knik and Sunrise, got loaded at 4 PM left at once.
S. E. Wind came up too rough to round Anchor Point so put back to
Seldovia arrived 6:30 PM. All the passengers were sea sick
except Dr. and myself.
October 12, 1905 High surf outside the Shelikof
on the Dora’s run, arrived 9 AM from the west on way to Valdez.
Evening the Excelsior, the Neptune and the Eva arrived.
October 13, 1905 The Tyonek left Seldovia -
run out - surf too high came back to port. Hardware and
provisions and clothing and grain came on SS Excelsior.
Hydraulic pipe and wheat hay left behind. Wrote Mattie another
letter. Ate dinner on shore. Excelsior left 9 PM.
Expect to leave on morning tide. The 2 schooners loaded freight
for the Arm. Evening clear and freezing.
October 14, 1905 A-1 day at Seldovia.
High seas rolling remained in port.
October 15, 1905 Wind dying out. The
Valanta got loaded 3 PM; the Tyonek towed her out of
Seldovia Harbor, sea quieting down. The Tyonek left Seldovia
3 PM via Knik with full cargo and passengers list.
October 16, 1905 In route on the Tyonek, arrived
at Tyonek at 11 AM took on Caswell’s men. Left Tyonek 1:30
arrived at Hope 5:30. Put off passengers Welch, Thomas,
Chester and a few others. Arrived at Sunrise at 8 PM light
rain. Discharged Sunrise freight and laid over one tide.
Saw Dr. Sleem, was ready to hit the trail for Seward. Wrote
to Mattie and sent order for clothing and provisions to come on the
SS Bertha from the Pacific Trading Co.
October 17, 1905 Cloudy with cold rain at Sunrise.
Took on Mr. Wieble and passengers for SS Bertha. Run
over to Glacier Creek with Mr. Purenton and wife and were to
take on engineer party Alaska Central Railway for Knik, tide ebbed
so pulled out without them. Arrived at Fire Island 2 PM was
rough crossing Chickaloon Bay. Arrived at Knik at 6 PM, found
Sam sick. Frank was on 2nd trip to coal fields for Watson,
packing grub with 3 horses. Got scow alongside and took on my
freight and 4 tons of Palmer’s.
October 18, 1905 Unpacked clothing, sales were
good sold $112.35. Evening rough surf. Unloaded
scow except lumber and hydraulic pipe. Sam had new cache
12’ x 16’ up and ready to shingle. Evening wrote to Mattie,
sent order to Seward for more clothing, also $151.35 in checks to
apply on same to Corlew. Agreement made with Kyle (Alaska Central
Railway) to lighter 23 tons and 4 horses from Knik to Knik Harbor
for $50, they to handle all the freight.
October 19, 1905 Had lumber and pipe discharged
from scow, cash sales at Knik Cash Store $45.60. Sam started
to shingle cache. Kyle and Poland left on morning tide
for Seward via Alaska Central Railway from Knik River. Sold
old Russian knife to Poland for $5.
October 20, 1905 Sam with helper got roof of
cache, door to be hung, then ready for storage. Self puttied
up cracks in scow. Engineer Blakely, Alaska Central Railway
Co., visited said they were ready to move freight to Knik Harbor
tomorrow. Store sales $61.05. Showed Foster and Joe how to pack
a horse and throw the diamond hitch. They hired to Alaska Central
Railway as packers.
October 21, 1905 AM launched scow, left
Knik 1 PM for Knik Harbor with 16 tons of RR provisions.
Had 5 white men and 10 Natives to help tow scow. Arrived at
Knik Harbor at 6 PM. Midnight run scow up to high tide mark.
Evening light rain.
October 22, 1905 9 AM discharged scow, 1 hour.
The Tyonek passed by in route to Knik. Sent up 5 Natives and
1 white man to help discharge freight from the Tyonek.
Anchored scow out at low tide mark. Evening all ready to
bring scow back to Knik when a man arrived and said the Tyonek would
bring down a load of RR freight and they wanted scow to discharge at
Knik Harbor so we remained. Self slept on scow. Midnight
the Tyonek failed to show up.
October 23, 1905 Clearing and cooler. The
Tyonek got stuck on Knik beach so couldn’t come down to Knik
Harbor until PM tide. Left Knik Harbor in Sea Otter boat
for Knik head wind arrived at Knik 3 PM. The Tyonek just leaving
with 160 bales of hay for Knik Harbor for the Railway crew.
Invoice no. 4 from Seattle arrived marked and priced goods. Frank
arrived yesterday from coal fields with our horses, returned to wait
for Watson as packer. Sam completed the store cache.
October 24, 1905 Clear 1st hard freeze came
last night. Sam started to put more shelving in store.
Evening posted up books. Store sales $43.90, 50% profit.
October 25, 1905 Railway crew loaded scow for
Knik Harbor with 4 horses, sleds etc. 4 PM I left Knik
on Stephan’s sloop for Turnagain Arm to buy clothing, shoe packs,
etc. for the Knik Cash Store and in route to Seward, Mr. Tully went
along via to Seward. Made it down to lower end of Fire Island
in 4 hours anchored for flood tide to Turnagain Arm. Boat dragged
anchor 4 miles, got rough, weighed anchor at midnight for Hope.
October 26, 1905 Wind blowing out of Turnagain
Arm so went under lee of Lee Island only 1 mile away.
PM Nicholai arrived with moose meat for Hope. Saw the Neptune
on way to Knik Harbor with Scurry’s camp. Mr. Tully seasick.
October 27, 1905 Sailed out to mouth Turnagain
Arm too rough so put back to Lee Island. Mr. Tully very
sea sick Got moose meat off Nicholai. At Lee Island,
Chickaloon Bay.
October 28, 1905 Stephan and Evan Nicholai
went a hunting. Stephan shot a porcupine and Evan got
one shot at a moose but missed him. PM both sloops started
for Rainbow Creek, got very rough but Nicholai made it over
to Rainbow Creek OK. Our boat wouldn’t lay up to wind, landed 1
mile below Rainbow. Put Mr. Tully ashore then dropped down 3
miles to lee and anchored as wind came from Pt. Campbell. Decided
to give up trip to Hope and return to Knik. Impossible to make
Hope due to head wind.
October 29, 1905 Anchored near Rainbow Creek,
7 AM sailed along shore of Campbell flats to Pt. Campbell.
Not much wind tide leaving flats, couldn’t reach the Knik Channel
so sailed clear around Fire Island. No wind in Knik Arm.
Had to boat up from lower end of Fire Island to Knik Arm. Reached
Goose Bay when tide started to ebb so anchored for the night at
Goose Bay.
October 30, 1905 Chinook wind at Goose Bay.
Got up 5 AM weighed anchor for Knik, head wind, arrived at Knik
8 AM. Sam had front room in attic of store about ceiled up
- room 10’ x 12’, beach view. Settled Alaska Central Railway
account with engineer Blakely. Evening tide hauled out scow
launch didn’t float.
October 31, 1905 Blakely decided to use our
winter trail - Knik to ridge near Willow Creek - to get supplies
over to Sushitna River for winter survey by Alaska Central Railway
up the Sushitna. Frank Whitney came down from the coal fields
and gave time for horses packing for Watson as follows: Oct.
1 to 7 - 4 horses 1 trip Knik to Chickaloon mines $75, At Cottonwood
7th 8th 9th 10th -October 11th 12th 13th 3 horses 1 trip Cottonwood
to Moose Creek at $90, per day $30.00 Nig packed on return 1 day 15th
to 21st 3 horses Cottonwood to Chickaloon 6 days at $10= $60, total
$165. Frank delayed at Cottonwood 5 days Frank’s time 20 days
at $2.50 = $50.
November 1, 1905 Ordered sail for Stephan (diagram
shows a sail that is 27’ across the bottom – 16’ high on the
left side - continuing another 8’ to a point). Light warm rain,
boat expected in. Bought first martin skin $4. Contract no.
2 made agreement with Duke Harris (Watson’s time keeper) to let our
four horses go up to Chickaloon coal mines to pack via Moose Creek
to Chickaloon at $10 per day, they to feed horses and furnish packer.
Columbia river boat sail diagram (20’ at its widest 14’ tall additional
7’ to peak) Sunde and Erland Co. Seattle.
November 2, 1905 Snow on mountain last night.
The Tyonek arrived, received bill ordered from Seattle Hardware
Co., hay and balance of large hydraulic pipe. Sam and myself
cached hardware, hay and pipe with Nig and Tony. Sam hauled
down load native hay. Unpacked and marked hardware, invoice
didn’t come. Rented front room over store to Whitney and Watson’s
man at $5 per month. Told Hienmuller I wouldn’t want him for the
winter.
November 3, 1905 Warm, no ice running in Knik
Arm as yet. Railway Co. boating up to the Cottonwood.
Watson’s man “Sam” shoeing our horses. Sam hauled in logs
for new cabin. Self posting up store books. Cigarettes
and gun shells got wet a little.
November 4, 1905 Sales cash $51.40 and credit
sales to Railway Co. also. Sam hauled in more logs for
cabin. Bought 1 lynx skin, 1 parky coat, 2 pair snowshoes.
November 5, 1905 Sam got up balance of logs
for cabin. Railway Sam finished shoeing our 4 horses.
Squared up with Frank Whitney for haying and packing with K. B.
horses: haying 6½ days $16.25, packing 15 days $37.50, total
$53.75. PM Frank left Knik for coal fields with our 4 horses
to pack for Watson, Moose Creek to Chickaloon, for $10 day net for
horses.
November 6, 1905 Snow line half way down mountain,
no ice on Knik Arm. Natives started to whipsaw house logs.
Up until midnight on books for past 3 days. Pacific Trading
Co. case eggs short 3 dozen $1.20. Short on whale skin shoes:
1 right size 9 and 1 right size 10.
November 7, 1905 Helped Sam tear down store
water closet. Let contract to Indian Jim to grade off
place where closet sat for new cabin. Andrew and Prince whipsawing
logs for new cottage.
November 8, 1905 A-1 not freezing yet.
Got store books posted up took off cash balance sheet as follows:
cash sales $1,450.31, received from cash $1,253.33, cash in drawer
$196.98, Miller had $291.85 more in drawer than cash visited for
but claimed his personal cash was short about $10. The Neptune arrived
with Watson’s sawmill. Said there was 1½ tons of freight
at Seldovia for Knik Cash Store marked OGH. Bacus came up to
work for Watson.
November 9, 1905 Checked down cash balance
at Knik Cash Store. Paid off J. Hienmuller for 5 months
work, by check $125 and $125 cash = $250, also paid him $10 extra
for money he claimed was short on his personal cash. Hienmuller
claimed to have paid freight $50 out of his personal money, check,
J. H. to OGH, $24, total $74. All he could account for cash
over balance in till was $94.87 which I find bum. Also paid
him $10 more for shortage he claimed on his personal cash total $104.87.
The Neptune left 5 PM sent letter to Mattie and dress sent.
Hienmuller went out to Seward
November 10, 1905 Evan (White Eye) took contract
to level off ground for new cottage west of store. Cramer
jointing up cottage material. Frank hauled Watson’s sawmill
off beach with Nig and Tony. Mr. M. Kast arrived from
Sushitna Station via by river across tide flats up Knik beach,
was a week, had very wet trip. Made out price list of goods to
prospectors for Mr. Kast. Evening posted up store books.
November 11, 1905 Helped Evan grade cottage
lot. Filled shelves up with canned goods. Bill Morris
and Stephan got back from trip to canyon on Willow Creek, looking
up sled trail for Railway Co. Bought 1st mink skin.
Frank left with Nig and Tony to pack for Watson at coal fields.
Dan and Maud at Cottonwood. Frank’s 2nd trip on 2nd contract to pack
for Watson, came back this trip to have pack saddles fitted to horses.
November 12, 1905 No freezing weather.
Got goods straightened out and rearranged hardware on shelves.
Put perishable goods into root house. Sam laid foundation
for new cottage west of Knik Cash Store size 11’ x 13’ 2” x 12’ high.
Let contract to Stephan to clear and grub 3 lots north of Palmer’s
garden, consideration $20. Saloon man caught Goosmar’s girl
for his Bobbie, all the Natives and several whites were drunk.
Palmer was celebrating the event also.
November 13, 1905 Made T to connect stove
in room over store with main flue and set up new airtight heater.
November 14, 1905 Big wind. Set up airtight
heater in back room of Knik Cash Store and made galv-zincs for
attic room stove. About ready to start for Seward to join my
family and home there.
November 15, 1905 Eberhardt and Shorty arrived
from Tyonek. Got letters from Mattie, Corlew and
Seattle Hardware Co. about goods shipped. Let contract with Kast
and troop to grub and dig balance of K. B. corral ground, consideration
$25. Goosmar started in to help clear ground for 3 cottage lots.
November 16, 1905 Natives finished sawing logs
for new cottage, cut 124 cuts at 40¢ = $49.60. Morning
did my washing. Store trade fair today. Eberhardt left for Tyonek
via Hope. No ice in Arm up to date.
November 17, 1905 Helped Sam to lay up cottage
logs. Talked with Cramer about signing for 1 year with K and
B Co. and jointly for myself, consideration $900
or $1,000.
November 18, 1905 Froze last night, ice forming
on Knik Lake. Chas Miller arrived from Hope with my freight shipped
from Seward shipped Oct. 28th landed at Hope by SS Tyonek.
Goods repacked at Hope to ship on sloop. Freight charges Hope
to Knik $40 advance charges, Seward to Seldovia $13.30, paid Miller
$53.30. Short 3 blankets, 1 G. S. pack hub, 1 shirt jumper,
24 oranges, 25 lb. rice, 5 lb. prunes, 100 lbs. rice soaked with
coal oil., freight 71¢ ft. Got goods on shelves
checked up and priced. Evening Miller with sloop left Knik for
Hope.
November 19, 1905 First anchor ice seen on
Knik Arm this season, froze quite hard last night. Frank
came down and returned from Knik to Cottonwood with dory.
Helped Sam on new cottage part of day got wall up to ceiling height.
Paid Stephan and Goosmar $21 for clearing C and H lots of stumped
brush etc. Evening showed Sam about bills and run of store in
general. About ready for trip to Seward by boat to Knik Harbor,
via Railway trail around Turnagain Arm and trail pass to Alaska Central
Railway track.
November 20, 1905 Chinook wind, much
warmer. Got price list made out for Sam and everything checked
up. Frank came to town had only packed with K. B. horses
as far as Vasilla’s place thus far. Let contract to Billy
to dig out back of store for a 16’ addition, consideration $9. Kast
and Trook got ground grubbed in for K. B. corral. Expect
to leave for Seward PM tide tomorrow. Trook decided to go along
with me.
November 21, 1905 Knik Arm clear of ice yet.
Railway men came up from Knik Harbor and 2 men boated over
to Old Knik. Intended to leave Knik on PM tide but couldn’t
get ready on account of store trade, cash sales $47.05.
Wind came up 4 PM and Railway men couldn’t make it down to Harbor
so returned to Knik. Paid Kast and Trook $25 for grubbing and
digging K. B. corral lot. Evening got packed up ready to leave
in morning on 4 AM tide if favorable. Midnight earthquake
shook store quite hard.
November 22, 1905 Light rain, not freezing.
One boat arrived from Old Knik today no ice on Knik Arm.
PM on ebb tide wind and rain so decided it was better to wait at
Knik than to go to the Harbor and wait for clear weather to leave
for Seward. Railway boys making skates. Knik Lake partly
frozen over but opening up again. Knik boys handed in-mail for
Seward and outside.
November 23, 1905 Cloudy big S. E. wind,
Arm got quite rough. Evening clearing fog bank over
Knik River way. Wind blew Railway Co. and Watson’s saloon
storehouses down. Natives finished whipsawing last of
logs for cottage no. 1. Basement for annex back of store about
excavated. Already to leave for Seward when weather clears.
Alarm set for 5 AM tide.
November 24, 1905 Warm cloudy and 34
above so decided best to wait for clear weather. Watson’s
men boated grub Knik to Cottonwood. Got Sea Otter boat
ready for trip to Harbor on morning tide. Had Trook burn
balance of brush in K. B. corral. Evening talked with Sam about
store business and renting new cottage. Sam agreed to work
for myself and K and B Co. for 1 year for $900, Oct. 1, 1905 to Oct.
1, 1906. Expect to leave on 5 AM tide for Seward by boat to Knik
Harbor.
November 25, 1905 Got up at 5 AM visited Evans
and Trook and got ready to leave Knik in Sea Otter boat at
7. Arrived at Knik Harbor 10 AM took dinner with engineer
Scurry. Pulled boat out of water and walked up Ship Creek
on Railway trail to Scurry’s trail camp. Had supper and camped
with Railway boys for the night. Freezing all today no ice
on Knik Arm when we came down.
November 26, 1905 Ship Creek froze over so
we could cross it. Left Scurry’s trail camp on Ship Creek
at 9:30, 1½ miles up creek, struck Alaska Central Railway
survey via to Turnagain Arm. At 2 PM met Caswell and party
bound for Knik, had mail for me. They were out of grub, so I gave
them 2 pilot crackers each. Made it out 7 miles to end of Blakely
survey, got dark before we could find end of other line. Evans myself
and old John made camp. Trook got behind and didn’t make to our camp.
Met a Swede bound for Scurry’s camp. Evening cloudy and warmer
under a spruce tree at Railway survey.
November 27, 1905 Left camp 8:30 found Squires
survey and hiked for Turnagain Arm. Many side lines on
survey trail, got off trail several times. Struck beach
2 miles below Railway camp on Potter Creek near mouth of Turnagain
Arm. Engineer C. C. Donavan invited us to stay over for the night,
was too late to make Rainbow Creek so remained. Donavan party
shot a moose. Had a good supper and camp to bunk in.
Big wind on Turnagain Arm.
November 28, 1905 Sleet and snow. Left
Potter Creek at Donavan’s Railway camp at 10 AM walked on beach,
to steep bank, then had to take to the bench couldn’t find trail.
Left beach too soon after crawling through the brush and over
ledges for 2 hours. Found Railway trail made up to Welch’s
camp (Kennedy’s) by 2 PM wet from head to foot couldn’t make Rainbow.
Was invited to stay so camped for the night. Only a watchman
at Kennedy’s camp.
November 29, 1905 Left Kennedy’s camp arrived
at Welch’s main camp at noon had dinner. Visited Dr. Grieves
until tide was out far enough to walk up beach to Scotty’s cabin
at Indian Creek. Took out-mail for engineer Kyle and party.
Supper at Indian Creek fine treatment at all of Railway and Welch’s
camps. At Indian Creek saw tracks of two lynx on trail.
November 30, 1905 Indian Creek to Glacier.
December 1, 1905 Glacier Creek to Twenty
Mile.
December 2, 1905 Twenty Mile to camp 49.
Arrived at camp 55 at 2 PM. Weaver and myself at dinner
at Riley’s camp. Weaver had to wait for Railway mail, so
I crossed over Portage Glacier down to Bartlett’s camp no. 49.
Called at Bartlett’s office, Cameron was there and several
Railway officials, ate supper with them and bunked in the engineers
bunk house. Duke Harris in camp on way to Knik.
December 3, 1905 Left 49 camp with sleigh team,
rode down to Railway grading camp no. 3, ate lunch with Cavanaugh.
PM came to end of track, train arrived about 2:30 PM. Arrived
at Seward 6:15. Elmer was at train to meet me. High
wind at Seward was none out on the line. Brought down Railway
mail.
December 4, 1905 At Seward, high
wind and cold 8 above at summit. Delivered Alaska Central
Railway mail at office. Deposited $60 at Bank of Seward
and left bank book to be entered up. Cleaned up yard.
December 5, 1905 Second day big wind.
Got express order for $50 payable to Mr. Albert Barrett, Rossland,
B. C., as per request of Duke Harris for her husband Albert Barrett
at Knik. Collected 1st Alaska Central Railway bill run by
the barn crew at Knik Cash Store $18.52.
December 6, 1905 Wind dying out, ending with
light snow fall about 1” at Seward. Colder weather than
any time last winter. Froze vegetable etc. in kitchen,
none were froze last winter. J. Hienmuller visited.
Made arrangements with Bank of Seward for a 60 day loan.
December 7, 1905 Fair and cold 2 above.
Got loan 60 days from Bank of Seward for $1,000. Paid Pacific
Trading Co. bill invoice, total amount of bill: provisions
$95.55, clothing $193.15, boots and pacs $167, total $455.70.
Was allowed for 2 pair boots short $16 no allowance for 3 dozen eggs
etc. short. Got 2 rolls oil cloth to cover kitchen ceiling
and side walls.
December 8, 1905 Sent draft $21 for 10M
shingles from Loeb Cutter Lumber Co. shipped to Seward in October
to replace 10M borrowed from Yakutat Lumber Co. Bought 50’
¼ round molding for kitchen 50’ for $1. Ordered an airtight
heater made at McNeilly’s tin shop, full size 26”, at $9.
PM started to put oil cloth on ceiling and side walls of kitchen.
December 10, 1905 Bad day, wind, wet
snow turning to rain. Covered half of side wall of kitchen.
Wrote W. A. Farnsworth to pay U. S. Blowpipe Co. bill $412.31
send funds to Puget Sound National Bank. Wrote to Scandinavian
American Bank to close up my open account, send certificate of
deposit for amount due me in bank. Wrote to Cramer would come
up after holidays.
December 12, 1905 Both the Santa Clara
and the Oregon arrived last night. Filled out list of business
men at Knik. Gave Chief Engineer Poland the old Russian
sword bought off me at Knik. Put molding around ceiling in
kitchen. Bought $17.80 supplies for house at Seward.
Evening minded baby while his mother attended debating society.
December 13, 1905 About 6” of snow on
the level. Started to post up K and B Co. accounts. Made
out vouchers for Native labor whipsawing at mines. Total
amount paid Natives $451.98, received for grub $215.80, total $667.78.
December 15, 1905 Wet snow 6” fell.
Got bill made out for K and B Co. at Knik Cash Store, total draft
$1,061.02, total credit $259.35, balance due $801.67.
PM went downtown with Mattie and baby. Called on Alaska
Central Railway locating engineer, said my 2 bills were OK and
ready for payment. Told assistant Horrec about charges on scow
etc. Paid Gateway balance due on weekly, 50¢, and cut out
the weekly and subscribed for the daily.
December 16, 1905 Light rain all day.
Called at bank to get statement of gold dust, they couldn’t find
the first assay report. Paid McNeilly’s man for stove pipe
collar 30¢. Bought dozen and half coat hooks and put
them up in kitchen and bedroom closet. Write up about OGH and Yentna
Gold District in Gateway news paper. Evening my family attended,
church fair sale at Moore Hall, Mattie sang.
December 17, 1905 Went downtown to meet Hale
at bank to trace up assay on dust, failed to see him.
Met D. E. Huyck, prospector for Tecklenburg going to Chulitna
via Knik. Gave him prices at Knik Cash Store. Varnished
molding around ceiling in kitchen. Evening Mattie and myself
attended Methodist Church while Elmer minded his brother.
December 18, 1905 Posted up K. B. ledgers to
September 27th. Tightened up springs on front bed.
Not thawing today but cloudy about six” of snow at Seward, slushy
walking.
December 19, 1905 Visited at bank got statement
for gold deposits September - 108 oz., assay return 97.83 oz.,
net value $1,606.55. Exp. Ins. charges $61.40 net $1,545.15.
October deposit 74.68 oz., after melting 68.18 oz., net value of
gold $1,116.23, exp. ins. charges $33.30, net value of gold $1,082.93.
Finished posting up K. B. mining books. Now ready to take off
balance sheet and make out 1905 report to Boston office. Evening
Mrs. Bill Morris and son visited. E. R. Gray said a box of mauls
and wedges marked OGH were at the wharf lost last shipment invoice 5
Seattle Hardware Co.
December 20, 1905 Railway Co. paid last two
bills rendered 11/21/05, $41.48. Bank furnished
assay report on first 2 consignments of gold total amount 65.36
oz., assay 59.59 oz., cash $977.62, banks charges $26.25.
Banks weight of seasons output 247 oz. 18 dwt. 07 gr., U. S. Assay
office gross 248.04 oz., net 225.60 oz., cash $3,700.40, bank charges
$120.95, net to K and B Co. $3,579.45. Got ledger
posted up, took off balance sheet. Debit account $3,9715.64
K and B Co., $3,5453.39. Due OGH $4,262.25.
December 22, 1905 Rain sleet and snow.
Snowed a foot on the summit of Alaska Central Railway today.
Typewrited off my K. B. report, December 20, down at bank.
Report ready to send in, some vouchers to be segregated. Evening
Mattie, babe and myself visited on contractor Houle’s. Chimney
burned out. Bought x-mas gift for neighbor $3 who had been
good to Mattie while I was away from home. Got crystal put
in Sam's watch cost 75¢.
December 23, 1905 Cloudy and soft.
Got word that the Portland was wrecked on a reef near Ketchikan
on down trip, no lives lost. Made out duplicate vouchers
K. B. labor etc. Bought x-mas presents for family.
December 24, 1905 AM took baby out for a sled
ride. Had our x-mas turkey today. Mrs. Morris and
son from Knik took dinner with us. Evening Mattie and Mrs.
Houle attended church, papa minded the baby, Mr. Houle visited.
Oregon overdue at Seattle 5 days, sent out $271 on her. The Dora
one week overdue at Seward on return trip from the Westward.
December 25, 1905 Xmas day turkey dinner family
and myself in our own home at Seward Alaska. Gave Mattie
a Gund ring and $25, gave Elmer a book and $2.50, gave Stanley
rubber shoe doll, fire wagon, horn etc. All got presents
from Sextons - baby and Elmer from Mrs. Capt. Morris. All attended
x-mas tree and exercises at Moore Hall. Santa arrived all very
good. Evening the Santa Ana arrived with 2 weeks mail and x-mas
presents freight etc. Evening got K. B. report and voucher ready
to mail to Boston office. Matanuska Mining Co. paid bill balance
$13.85.
December 26, 1905 Received letter from
Hanmore, Bridgman and W. A. Farnsworth. Farnsworth said
they would pay a dividend of ¼ of 1% and he would raise
5 to 10 thousand for to equip the mines. Mailed 1905 report
and vouchers K and B Co. to Boston office. Evening wrote
to father. Mattie answered Mrs. N. S. Culver's letter about Farnsworth.
Kidder paid $3.80 due for 19 my maps left on sale, balance 5
to sell.
December 27, 1905 Doc Herndon and Mr.
Briggs visited, also Capt. Depew who is planning to put a river
boat on the Sushitna River in 1906. Evening answered
Farnsworth letter see copy December 27, 1906, $1,000, Feb. 1st
$4,000 April 1st. Answered Hanmore letter nothing doing about
river boat and trading Co. N.Y. Got Seattle Hardware Co. bill
to balance $193.36. Applied for apple trees and currant bushes
at Sitka Agricultural Station for Knik garden.
December 28, 1905 The Santa Ana left 11 AM
and the SS Bertha arrived 4 PM. Fixed up 2 dozen
my maps of Alaska ready for sale. SS Bertha left for Kodiak
and Seldovia at midnight. Clear and much colder.
December 30, 1905 Colder and windy, 10
above. Called on Horric, Kyle’s assistant, got order for
Railway Yukon horse sled at Knik to use for a short time.
Took up my maps at drugstore 14, 11 sold, collected for 11 $2.20,
left on sale 2 dozen and display map to be paid for when sold.
Evening fixed up 15 maps trail Seward to McKinley gold fields.
Map account at Seward: Owl Drug Co. 1st lot 25 = $5, 2nd lot 11 = $2.20
Sound News Co., 1st lot 19 $3.80, self sold two 70¢. Total
sales 1905 $11.70. My price 20¢. sell 35¢.
December 31, 1905 Windy and freezing
20 above. This year closes with family and myself living
in our own home at Seward Alaska, with about 6” of snow on the level.
December was a windy month. Had a duck dinner. Our home
worth double that of one year ago. Beside store at Knik, stock
worth $3,000, buildings $1,000, house at Seward $1,500, net worth
$5,500 ,bills due $4,262.25, total $9,762.25, bills payable $1,500,
total worth $8,262.25 and 80,000 shares of stocks valued at 30¢
a share.
Actual cost of lot and cottage at Seward
October 1904 to April 1905: Cost of lot special price $250,
cost to clear and grade lot $56.45, first lumber bill $290.83,
second lumber bill $17.86, third lumber bill veranda $46.41,
labor to build house $150, labor to build veranda $50, cost for sidewalk
$5.50, cost to wire house $11.50, cost to build wood shed $11, nails,
inside fittings and locks $36.85, cost of paint and labor for 2 coats
outside house $75, papering, closets and varnishing $83.90. Total
$1,085.30. Additional value lot $500. Cost of putting
water into house $45, cost of cesspool (October 1910) $25.50.
Total cost $1,653.80.
Left Knik for mines via winter trail to get
saw logs, fire wood and blocks for riffles. Pay each Native 20¢
per cut, 50¢ to sled logs up to Gilbert claim. If 2
men sled on one log pay 75¢ for log 37½¢ each man
at mess house. Pay $1 for 3 logs for blocks delivered to saw
pit. Natives board themselves. Natives that I would employ
from Knik: Stephan, Andrew, Ephim, Affinassa, Prince and young Nakeeta.
From Old Knik: Chief Nicholai, Evan (about 25 years old), Murphy,
Theodore. From Sushitna Station: Little Evan, Evan and Nakeeta
good sled men.
Addresses in 1905 journal:
J. Girdwood 28 White Street New York
W. N. Ruble Golden Oregon
J. F. Riley 470 Douglas Street San Francisco
Judge O. E. Sauter 524 NY Block Seattle
Clark Davis 730 NY Block Seattle
J. O. Buzzard Box 13702 Seattle
H. C. Osborne 40 Cluny Ave. Toronto Canada
A. Beverly Smith 31 Union Sq. West New
York
1904 Clean up Gross: Hydraulic hose run 62-4-16,
giant 108-6-20, Total gross: 171-11-12.
1905 Clean up gross before melting: giant
only 246-8-0 time 70 24 hour days = $57.14 per day.
1906
This diary commences the new year with OGH
and family living in their own home at Seward Alaska with
general merchandise store at Knik Alaska. This diary closes
the year with OGH and family living in their 3 room annex to store
at Knik with the exception of our dear boy Elmer who died August 13th
and is buried in lot back of store at Knik.
January 1, 1906 At Seward working on new map
of central Alaska showing gold fields, boat routes, trails,
etc. Old maps 1898 selling well at 50¢ each.
January 2, 1906 Called on E. R. Gray of Seward
Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. said they would run boats to Knik
Harbor next season and would handle my freight. J. O. Buzzard
in town.
January 3, 1906 Left 24 maps with the Seward
News Co. to sell at 50¢, each net to me 25¢.
January 4, 1906 Sent to A. M. Bridgman, K and
B Co. treasurer, views of work done at the KB mines season of
1905.
January 5, 1906 Clear, 3 to 12 above,
coldest day of winter thus far. The Oregon arrived at 2
PM. Placed 2 maps in the Hotel McNeilly and Coleman
offices to advertise central Alaska and new gold fields around Mt.
McKinley District. Young said he had a deal on to sell our Knik
River placers for $6,000 cash and 1/10 interest.
January 6, 1906 Snow blocked Alaska Central
Railway at summit, around zero all day now 10 below. SS
Bertha arrived from the Westward, was gone 9 days very windy.
O’Riley came in from Twenty Mile.
January 7, 1906 High wind. The
Oregon and SS Bertha sailed for Seattle. Split up ½
cord wood. Worked on new drawing map of central Alaska.
January 8, 1906 High wind zero temperature.
Harold Dollar arrived with cargo of lumber for the Kenai Lumber
and Fuel Co. Jerry O’Dale got back from Knik. Received
letter from Cramer, was doing well in Knik Cash Store, sent checks
from Chas Ulanky $42, W. J. Murphy $1,702.10. Murphy wanted
his money brought to Knik when I come. Dr. Grimes arrived from
Rainbow Creek, Turnagain Arm.
January 9, 1906 Deposited $1,744.10 in bank.
Dr. Grimes visited. Evening Mattie attended the Seward Debating
Club.
January 10, 1906 Everybody at Seward
excited over the Yentna Gold District. Several mushers
arrived, George Gibson and others. Many buying outfits to
go in. Evening wrote to Cramer at Knik, manager of my store
there. Received letter dated December 9th and Alaska Central
Railway bill $57.93 no. 9539 November 15, 1905 indorsed A. F. Sprague.
January 11, 1906 Worked on map tracing
of my new map of central Alaska.
January 12, 1906 zero degrees. SS Santa Clara
arrived got statement from Scandinavian American Bank Seattle
and draft for balance of cash due me, $59.58, which closes our
account. Received letters from Hovey and F. S. Sylvester and
duplicate of Seattle hardware bill.
January 13, 1906 Big wind. Bought ton
of coal $13.52 and wood $4.50. Paid Nakeeta $5 for his lot
at Knik with all right to the same.
January 14, 1906 Evening Elmer and mother attended
church while Dad minded the baby.
January 15, 1906 Clear, big wind. Saw
many that wanted to buy outfits at my Knik Cash Store via the
McKinley gold fields.
January 16, 1906 Very windy day. Took
my map of central Alaska over to Railway office to have Smith
make a neat tracing for etching. Evening Mattie at Debating
Club, subject “Married and didn’t know it”.
January 17, 1906 More wind. Called Ballaine
and paid balance due on lot, $150, got deed to same.
Saw Watson, his man, Duke Harris, due from Knik, not heard from,
said he sent 2 men out on the line to look him up.
January 19, 1906 Saw Teck's man about supplies
he wanted at Knik. Several ready to hit the trail for
the new gold fields via Knik.
January 20, 1906 Temperature 7 below
zero. Duke Harris reported at end of track with feet
frozen, was 40 below at the summit. Made out bill cost of
material to build cottages at Knik.
January 21, 1906 Temperature 10 below
zero. Duke Harris arrived from Knik with dog team, got
letter from Cramer with bills due. Harry Oda check $6.67,
Watson bill December $57.30 net, K. B. horse account $330.
Palmer’s clerk came over to Seward with Duke. Several KP’s went to head
of bay to search for Matt Miller who started from Seward the 11th to
go to the logging camp but failed to show up. Found no trace of
him.
January 22, 1906 Watson settled up his
account to January 1, 1906. Bill due November 22nd $38.85,
credit for shoeing horses $10, net due $28.85. Sold J.
G. Grimes outfit, paid $25 cash, on same. The Oregon reported
to have left Seattle for Seward today with 300 passengers.
January 23, 1906 Deposited $416.15 in bank.
The Valencia reported boat struck a rock near Vancouver
Island. Evening visited at Railway office to inspect tracing
of my map of central Alaska.
January 24, 1906 Bought 2 cords wood off Mr.
Leonard for $7.50. Mail left for Knik, wrote Cramer to
let Watson use horses to finish moving his machinery. Wrote
Bridgman that I would supply K. B. mines without pay until the
mines were in shape to pay a dividend if they would pay up my back
salary by April 1st.
January 25, 1906 Temperature 9 below
zero. The Farallon arrived, got mail from Seattle and
Naugatuck Got letters for Cramer from Edmunds. Got
letter from Hanmore at Tenakee near Sitka.
January 27, 1906 Snowed 6”, temperature
30 above. Met Mr. Ellsworth druggist and assayer wanted to know
about Knik for a location. The Oregon is due tomorrow.
January 28, 1906 The Farallon got back from
Kodiak. Mattie got presents for myself and kids from Mrs.
Wharf at Seldovia. Baby got quite a bad cold.
January 29, 1906 Elmer and myself, with
Yukon sled, hauled 1 cord wood from Leonard’s to woodshed.
Matt Miller’s body was found at head of bay. Evening the
local KP’s met at Jeater's to take action to bury the body as he
was a KP in good standing.
January 30, 1906 Elmer and myself finished
hauling down the stove wood. The Oregon arrived with
180 passengers and 600 tons freight, got no mail.
January 31, 1906 Attended funeral Matt
Miller at Methodist Church with KP’s. Paid Bank of Seward
$1,000 note due February 5th.
February 1, 1906 with K. P.’s, buried
Matt Miller north of Seward town site was 50 years old, left wife.
Lost his life on January 11th crossing tide flats at head of Resurrection
Bay. Evening the Excelsior arrived, received this diary
from Seattle through kindness of Mr. C. E. Hovey. Telegram
states that many are interested in central Alaska and a big boom will
soon be on, 10 to 15 thousand have the gold fever on the Pacific Coast.
Portland and Frisco reaching out for future Alaska trade.
February 2, 1906 Minded baby most of day, baby
sick with cold. Paid for Jan. light 10% net $3.15, 1
lamp 25¢ total $3.40. Paid January daily Gateway
$1. The Santa Clara reported left Seattle with 225 passengers
for Seward. SS Excelsior left Seward last night for Seattle.
Evening posted up K. B. time book from segregated labor book.
Evening Houle's visited. Got invite to Miss Sextons birthday
party February 5th.
February 3, 1906 Baby quite sick with cold,
minded him most of the day evening much better. Building operations
lively at Seward. Elmer stayed with Kit Irving last night.
Evening took usual bath.
February 4, 1906 Bought a few supplies from
Pacific Trading Co. Seward to take to Knik Cash Store.
Baby very much better. Evening Mamma went to church. SS
Bertha due tomorrow then ready to make trip Seward to Knik by winter
trail and Alaska Central Railway.
February 5, 1906 Several business blocks
and cottages going up. Baby about all well took him out for
an airing.
February 6, 1906 Finished buying dry goods
to take to Knik. Bought from Pacific Trading co. $55.20,
bought from Brown and Hawkins $26.15, bought outside $1.35.
Saw several who were going to the Yentna gold fields via Knik.
Got pass on Railway line. SS Bertha due tonight arrived 8 PM.
February 7, 1906 Got letter from Hovey and
prospectus of Alaska Central Railway, sent him 44¢ balance
due on this diary. Bought 3 - 1906 diaries from Owl Drug
Co. to take to Knik $4.50. Got self new hat $3.50, bought
snow glasses from Bronell's Hardware $2, bought snowshoes from Hicks
$4. Saw Nelson about water. Wired Fransworth, no mail
yet, going to Knik on 9th, anything doing answer paid $3.80.
Mattie hemmed ends of fly. Packed bags ready for trip to Knik.
February 8, 1906 Packed up ready to leave for
Knik tomorrow morning via Alaska Central Railway to mile 43.
Evening wrote to Mr. Harry about my new map to have L. and H.
get out 1,000 and folders and etching made. Drew $700 from
bank.
February 9, 1906 Left Seward 8:30 AM
on Alaska Central Railway via Knik. Arrived at end of
track mile 43 at 1 PM, had dinner, started out with sled.
Got ride over to camp 49 with McClure, Sexton and Attwood.
Invited to stop with engineer in charge.
February 10, 1906 Left Bartlett’s
camp 49 8:30 AM, followed team to summit of the glacier,
there rode down to camp 55, left camp 55 at 11:30 arrived at camp
63 at 1:45 ate dinner arrived at camp 67 (Cavanaugh) at 5 PM.
Went in to Railway camp.
February 11, 1906 Left Twenty Mile camp at
8:30, tide drove us off the beach. Made it over to Kern
Creek 10 AM, arrived at Alder camp at noon, had dinner. Sexton
and McClure were there ready to go back to Seward. Jack Campbell
hauled us over to Glacier Creek and up to Girdwood’s camp.
Duke Harris, Bernard Nane's partner, and 2 other mushers, Girdwood’s
men got us a good supper then camped in bunkhouse. Met Jerry
O’Dale, got letter from Sam and 4 checks and Alaska Central Railway
bill. Sent checks and bill to Mattie by Jerome and O'Dale.
February 12, 1906 Left Girdwood’s camp 8 AM
arrived off foot of Crow Creek summit at 10:30 lined up sleds
to summit. Started to cross summit at 3 PM, arrived at Dukes
Eagle Creek camp at 7 PM. Tea, bacon, bread, soda crackers
and pork sausage for supper. At camp Duke Harris, Bernard Nane’s,
Alfred _______ (left blank) and OGH via Seward to Knik.
February 13, 1906 Left camp at foot of Raven
Creek 7 AM arrived near mouth of Eagle River 4 PM. camped at
Lewis Alaska Central Railway camp, made 20 miles today.
February 14, 1906 Left Alaska Central Railway
Lewis camp at 7:30 AM arrived at Old Knik 2 PM camped in Elliott’s
cabin, Elliott away from home. Clear this evening.
February 15, 1906 Left Old Knik 8:30, arrived
at Cottonwood at noon, ate dinner at the McKennon Homestead paid
for 4 meals $2. Had Natives haul my sled to Knik. Rode
down with Watson’s men. At noon Watson’s man arrived at Cottonwood
with Maud and Dan. Arrived at Knik 4 PM. All going
well. Knik Cash Store 2/3 sold out, no bacon or rice.
February 16, 1906 Started to post up store
books. Mills and Wilson left Knik for Yentna District.
Bacon all sold out at Knik. Watson’s man returned Maud and
Dan at noon, Maud lame in knee. Started to board at
McNeil’s and Whitney’s, Hash House in our new cabin. Many
left Knik on way to Yentna District with gold on their brow.
February 17, 1906 Had Hugo Fels make new runner
for light bobsleighs that Watson’s men demoralized. Tek's
men left with last load for the Forks. Duke left for the
coal fields. Made out list of supplies to sled to K. B. mines.
February 18, 1906 Six prospectors arrived on
way to Yentna gold fields. Sent word to Duke to send in
Nig and Tony and the bobsleighs. Got light bobsleighs fixed
up. PM Hugo hauled in stove wood. Labor on bobsleighs
$6.
February 19, 1906 Posted on store books,
sold last of riffles. Agreed to move 3 prospectors Newton,
Dr. Grimes and partner from Knik to Big Lake for $8. Watson
sent in for bill of goods, all out.
February 20, 1906 Six prospectors arrived on
way to Sushitna Forks. Sold one outfit, 3 men over $100.
Store sales $66.45, total about $175. Sledded 3 outfits Knik to
Fish Creek and had boys bring back load hay, creek to K and B Co.
$8. Sent letter to Mattie by prospector cost $1. Sent Watson
4 axe handles. Labor, Hugo Fels 1 day, Albert Andrews 1 day, hauling
hay Fish Creek to Knik.
February 21, 1906 Agreed to haul 6 outfits
from Knik to Fish Creek for $14. Sent Mrs. Morris letter
to her hubby. Hugo hauled wood. Store cash sales $161.
Labor Hugo Fels 1 day hauling fire wood.
February 22, 1906 Hauled out 6 prospectors
outfits from Knik to Fish Creek Lake. Boys brought back
another load of hay. Evening Reed arrived from lake reported good
prospects. Only sugar and milk left at Sushitna Station.
Our beans and flour sold out. 1¼ ton sugar, some canned
goods, tools and clothing on hand.
February 23, 1906 Noon O'Dale and Kyle arrived,
got letters from Mattie, said Jos. fell and broke his arm.
Reed and Otto arrived late last night from Lake Creek,. claimed
they staked good ground for Sam and Frank. Grimes arrived
at Knik, outfit ready for him. Gave Sam check for $8 to pay
recording fees.
February 24, 1906 Kyle and O'Dale left for
Seward, sent letter to Mattie. Sent letter to Murphy that
his money was here. Would pay him 10% on a 3 month loan
or 1% for 1 month if he wanted to loan it. Reed and McNeil went
moose hunting. Indian Jim brought in one moose.
February 25, 1906 Packed Grimes order,
sold 2 outfits. Bought 1 oz. 7 gr. gold off Mast__ Bros.
came from Lower Willow Creek paid $16.00. Bought more supplies
from Railway Co. to sell to prospectors, fruit and spuds etc.
February 26, 1906 Joe Anderson visited
on way to Yentna, cashed his check $186. J. W. Hamilton,
Watson’s foreman, visited, brought down Nig and Tony and
bobsleighs wanted them again March 7th to move sawmill boiler.
J. G. Grimes took away balance of outfit. Now ready to open trail
Knik to mines.
February 27, 1906 Got ready for 1st trip Knik
to mines for season. Cooked beans and fruit packed trail
grub. Got 2 sets double enders from Railway Co.
Watson arrived this evening got letter from Mattie all quite
well, snow about gone at Seward. Evening made out McNeil’s
and Whitney’s grub bill $343.70 net for 2 months.
February 28, 1906 Left Knik 8:30 with
2 men and 2 teams, 1 load hydraulic pipe and load of camp gear
and horse feed. Left load of pipe at Meadow Creek put, both
teams on one sled and drove through to Sushitna camp arrived 6:30
PM. Twin Lakes flooded snow about 15” deep. Had supper
8:30 retired at 11.
March 1, 1906 At Sushitna camp. Drove
go-devil over trail to Meadow Creek then sent Hugo on to Knik
for load of hydraulic pipe and more supplies. With
Nig and Tony hauled in load of hydraulic pipe Meadow Creek to Sushitna
(2,250 lbs.).
March 2, 1906 At Sushitna camp.
AM drove up to top of ridge and cut out windfalls on trail, got
back 1:30 then fixed trail, river to bench, by camp. 3:30
Hugo arrived from Knik with load of pipe.
March 3, 1906 Hugo went back to Knik for another
load of hydraulic Pipe. Myself and Albert hauled 1 nest
of pipe to the ridge then broke trail to summit. Brought
back go-devil no. 2 to the Sushitna camp got back 7:30 PM.
Trail very good now Sushitna to summit.
March 4, 1906 Andrew and self moved up to the
summit camp, took up Yukon horse sleds and grub and horse feed
to last 2 days. Arrived at summit 2:30 put up fly, trail
was heavy for Yukon sleds. Snow 2’ deep at summit.
March 5, 1906 At summit camp. Andrew
and self broke trail over to Little Creek near Willow.
Hugo hauled load pipe Sushitna camp to summit Ridge. PM
all built brush barn at summit camp.
March 6 1906 with 4 horses, broke trail over
to canyon 1 mile below lumber camp on Willow Creek. Heavy
snow all day snowed 1’ on Willow Creek was about 2’ deep on level.
March 7, 1906 All hands drove out to Knik for
last load of hydraulic pipe and provisions. Left summit
8:30 fed horses and ate lunch at Sushitna camp left Sushitna camp
2 PM arrived at Knik 7 PM.
March 8, 1906 Hugo and Andrew left
Knik with 2 loads for Sushitna took last of hydraulic Pipe.
Red visited for Nig and Tony wrote Hamilton that the horses would
return March 14th weather favorable could then have one
team. McNeil and Whitney paid on January and February bill $242.70,
balance due $99.45.
March 9, 1906 Frank paid his personal
bill. Simeon came in from ridge, had shot a moose, bought
hind quarter from him. George Sutton got back from Yentna
on way to Seward.
March 10, 1906 Cloudy. Boys moving K.
B. outfit Sushitna to ridge.
March 11, 1906 Got ready for trip to Seward.
Drew $964.85 from Knik Cash Store. Left $1,200 and check
to W. J. Murphy for $750 at store. Bacus and Briggs were
down from Old Knik will go with them in morning.
March 12, 1906 Left Knik 9 AM arrived at Old
Knik 2:30 PM got dinner at Elliott’s cabin, Bacus and Briggs
was there. Tide flats were bad on account of full moon
tide. Was rather sore, had 27 lb. pack so remained at Old Knik
overnight at Elliott’s cabin.
March 13, 1906 Left Old Knik 8 AM arrived
at Eagle River 2 PM. Lewis engineer party had moved so mushed
on up Eagle River about 12 miles, was quite cold only slept 2 hours
kept fire going to stay warm. Paid Ellsworth partner $2
for day board. Passed 4 mushers on way to the Forks via Knik
all had their outfits. Trail on tide flats very bad.
March 14, 1906 Mushed up Eagle River
to Raven Creek Pass to Crow Creek. Arrived 3 PM too late
to go over Crow Pass so camped at Dukes campground and fire, someone
had just left camp AM. Eagle River opening up in many places
trail not good since the last snowstorm.
March 15, 1906 Left Dukes trail camp on Eagle
River at 8 AM. Met 19 prospectors between Eagle Creek
and Crow Creek summit with outfits for McKinley gold fields.
Arrived on summit 1 PM met Wilson and Party. A snow slide
caught one party and buried 3 men the boys dug them out all OK.
Arrived at Glacier Creek 5 PM. Weaver and O’Riley just arrived
also Sprague. Bunked with Railway store keeper.
March 16, 1906 Glacier Creek to Railway camp
63. Stopped at camp 71 gave McCabe, Palmer’s letter,
waited there for Weaver the mail man until 3 PM. Ate dinner.
Atwood and Moore arrived got news about the new Inlet boats for
the coming season. Arrived at camp 63 at 6:30. Sexton
and Doc Allen arrived on way to Glacier all had supper together.
Sexton, Weaver and myself bunked together on timekeeper Tyler’s
floor. Hard bed and cold around the edges.
March 17, 1906 Camp 63 to camp 46 via Alaska
Central Railway to Seward. With mail carrier, Weaver,
walked 17 miles to end of track by 1 PM. 3 PM train left
for Seward, arrived 7 PM. Stanley not very well, “teething”.
Minded baby while Mattie sang at the Methodist Irish concert.
March 18, 1906 Found a months mail, took all
AM to read it. Farnsworth wrote that he sent $1,000 and
$600. The $600 was at bank, nothing heard from the $1,000,
paid through the Chase National of New York. Got letters
from father wanted us to come there. Felt bum today right
ankle lame from 300 mile mush.
March 19, 1906 Deposited at Bank of Seward
$1,089.10. Called on engineer department of Alaska Central
Railway and presented December bill that was lost in transit
for $57.93. My order to collect $204.20 on Yentna Restaurant
bill was refused as they had sent check in for that amount to
McNeil. Evening minded baby while mamma and Elmer attended
the Barn Dance. Got hair cut etc. Evening made out lumber
order for store annex and cottages at Knik.
March 20, 1906 Sent C. E. Hovey at Seattle,
message about maps: 1,000 in blue mount, 500 in cloth mount,
wholesale 60¢. Jake Heinmuller visited. Saw Kenai Lumber
and Fuel Co. about freight and lumber they were to ship to Knik nothing
doing. Made out lumber order for 1 cottage $250 and store annex
$100 at Knik. The Farallon expected tonight.
March 21, 1906 Collected Blakely’s January
bill Alaska Central Railway Co. $30.75. SS Farallon left
for Kodiak. Made out hardware order for Knik Cash Store.
Cut Stanley’s hair. Sold bed cot for $4.
March 22, 1906 Took up rug in front room cleaned
same and relayed it. Capt. White who owns the Valanta
and now is discharging a big cargo of lumber here at Seward said
he would put gas engine in the Valanta and run her on the Inlet
and Knik Arm. Mattie started to have her teeth fixed up.
March 23, 1906 Wrote W. A. Farnsworth
and AM B about trip to mines and supplies on ridge, left
$1,000 at Knik to push K. B. work, credit for only $600 here.
Minded baby while Mattie had her teeth filled. Tried to trace
O. Remington check $9.70 at Railway office. Elmer bought new
set school books starting in 4th reader. Advertised cottage and
launch for sale or rent.
March 24, 1906 Paid New York Life Insurance
$265.50. Wired A. M. Bridgman nothing doing on credit for $600,
you trace $1,000 supplies at mines. Left Seward for Seattle
7:30 on the SS Farallon. Boat crowded bought ticket to Juneau.
Mattie came down to the boat to see me off.
March 25, 1906 Cloudy with snow. In route
near LaTouche heavy sleet and snow. Arrived at Ellamar
11 AM loaded 200 tons copper ore. Left Ellamar 5 PM and arrived
Fort Liscum 7:30 PM. First storm in one month. Wrote to Mattie
and sent horse bill to leave at Bank of Seward with instructions
not to receive any money from Watson except for the full amount $445.50.
Left Valdez 11 PM.
March 26, 1906 Cloudy. Arrived at Kayak
4 PM left 5 PM. Took on Tracey, manager English Oil Co.,
on his way to England. Night watchman moved our grip from
room 14 to room 5 dumped contents of my grip in gangway over boiler
room lost this diary fell through grating, didn’t find same until
next day. Gave fireman $1 for finding diary.
March 27, 1906 Arrived at Yakutat 5 PM,
after leaving Yakutat run into squally weather quite rough.
March 29, 1906 Arrived at Juneau 2:30 AM.
Mailed letter to Mattie at Seward. No boats at Juneau or
above so stayed on the SS Farallon - Juneau to Seattle. 6 PM
passed through Wrangle Narrows. Worked on orders for supplies
wanted at store at Knik. Expect to reach Ketchikan 5 AM tomorrow.
March 30, 1906 Arrived at Ketchikan. After
breakfast entered Dixon Entrance in smooth water again 5 PM.
Passed SS Bertha at noon on her way to Seward. Met Mr.
Jamison, coal expert, who was at Knik to examine Matanuska coal
Aug. 1904. Passed the Jefferson 10 PM.
March 31, 1906 Passed through Millbank Sound,
not rough. Passed tug with a tow and a British boat.
Noon passed Bella Bella, British town. PM passed through
Queen Charlotte Sound, long swell not rough. Evening in social
hall McCormack gave his experience as a Christian Scientist. Now
sailing along Vancouver Island.
April 1, 1906 Passed through Seymour
Narrows, 7 AM, aft wind made good time. Evening had long talk
with V. A. Paine Onaiga, Illinois - just from Fairbanks.
April 2, 1906 Arrived at Seattle 5 AM
partly cloudy. Located at Hotel Seattle. Called
on Puget Sound National Bank found balance of $157.29, deposited
draft $1650, total $1,807.29. Called on Sylvester Bros. invited
me to stay at their house while in Seattle. Ordered bill heads
etc. at Lowman and Hanford’s, had map etching made. SS Santa Clara left
for Seward sent letter and note to Mattie by Dr. Sleem. Had Turkish
bath.
April 3, 1906 Met Hovey, went over map
business and ate lunch. Visited on Washington Rubber Co., goods
ordered will be shipped 10th. Bought a Hall fireproof
safe from Norris Safe and Lock Co. $90, paid cash $30, balance $15
per month.
April 4, 1906 Bought doors and windows
off O. B. Williams $36.12 and gave Hovey order for lumber for
store annex. Noon invited to luncheon with Mr. Noval Washington
of Rubber Co., ate lunch at Butler Cafe. PM bought clothing
and notions from Western Dry Goods Co. Hovey gave me back draft
for $25.
April 5, 1906 At Seattle. Finished buying
dry goods at Western Dry Goods Co. and bought hats and caps
from J. T. Hardeman Hat Co. Bought shoes from C. Gotzian and Co.
St. Paul. N. M. Singleton manager 501 Washington Bldg.
Evening gave Sylvester Bros. order for provisions for Knik Trading
Co.
April 6, 1906 Bought bill of drugs from
Pacific Drug Co. and hardware from Seattle Hardware Co. Evening
went down to dock mailed letter to Mattie on SS Farallon.
April 7, 1906 Finished buying goods off
Seattle Hardware Co. Bought store supplies from Lowman
and Hanford and settled for maps. Bought furniture from Carman
Mfg. Co. Left 50 maps on sale at Lowman and Hanford’s, sale
price 50¢ net to me 30¢. Got letter from Mattie,
wire from Farnsworth, $600 sent to Seward. Wired Farnsworth
leaving 10th going to pay salary or not? Pay Puget Sound.
F. S. Sylvester’s silver wedding.
April 8, 1906 Went down with Sylvester
Bros, to office, with Ed, took a look at G. W. new depot
and tide flats etc. PM read Sunday papers and visited with
the Mrs. Sylvester’s then mother and father Ed and Fred took a
nap.
April 9, 1906 Bought wallpaper $11.92,
butter and eggs $58.80, garden seeds $9.20, tents etc. $145.90,
lumber for store $133.45. PM found out the Jeanie
wouldn’t sail until 13th. The Oregon arrived with letter from
Mattie dated March 31st. Evening took a bath. Booked orders
for fall shipment on shoes and shirts.
April 10, 1906 Bought small order of
shirts $35.07, ton of seed spuds and 2 boxes oranges $28.87,
rugs, matting etc. $30.58, telescope grip $1.50, stencil and brush
50¢. Bought barber supplies for Albert Andrews.
Saw purser of the Neptune, he wanted my freight. Poland and
Welch arrived in town on way to Seward. Bought fountain pen
for Cramer $3 for one.
April 11 1906 Bought barber chair and
supplies for Albert Andrews at Knik, $29.45. Called on
Hovey and industrial department of Alaska Central Railway Co.
Helped Ed Sylvester unpack goods. All ready to go north but
no boats ready.
April 12, 1906 Had copyright fixed up
for my map of central Alaska. Hovey ate lunch with me at
Olympus. Got hardware bill, paid $150 on same. Asked
to inspect boat to be sent to Sushitna River by prospective buyer.
Evening talked over ranching business with Fred Sylvester.
Met Mr. Houle on 2nd Avenue.
April 13, 1906 Went down to foot of Battery
Street to inspect F. C. Woolsey gas boat which he intended to
take to Cook Inlet. Offered to sell my launch for $600.
Had my teeth cleaned, found 1 cavity. Bought few things for
Mattie Elmer and baby. Evening took dinner with Mr. Hovey and attended
the show. Got column write up in Daily Times about Knik and Seward,
the 13th.
April 14, 1906 Got up at 5:30 took
grip down to Sylvester Bros. store, got trunk ready at Western
Dry Goods Co. Had express man take baggage to pier 4.
The Oregon didn’t leave until 11 AM. Gave Sylvester Bros.
Co. two checks $500 each on Puget Sound so they could draw if Farnsworth
sent any funds. Hovey saw me off, Hawkins and Brown was
there, also Mr. and Mrs. Houle. Seattle to Seward on SS Oregon
stateroom no. 30. 10 PM out of Straits.
April 15, 1906 In route Seattle to Seward
on SS Oregon via outside route weather fair. Only a few took
their meals, not rough but most all sea sick. Had a fine dinner
with Colonel Swanitz and Ed Butler of Seward Light and Power.
April 16, 1906 In route on SS Oregon
partly cloudy. A little rough today off Queen Charlotte
Sound. Evening smoother sea. Out 600 miles at noon today.
April 17, 1906 On SS Oregon 922 miles
from Seattle at noon today. Smooth today all sick passengers at
dinner today. Expect to arrive at Valdez PM tomorrow. Sold
1 map of central Alaska 50¢.
April 18, 1906 On SS Oregon partly cloudy.
Arrived off mouth of Copper River early this AM. Very
smooth sea, got inside Prince William Sound 10 AM arrived Valdez
3 PM and learned of the terrible earthquake that swallowed up a
portion of the business section of San Francisco. Sent Mattie
message would have week in Seward before goods on Portland arrived.
April 19, 1906 Left Valdez 4 AM, arrived
at Seward 4 PM. Mattie and Elmer and baby were at dock
to meet me. No funds in bank from K and B Co. Sent
Washington Rubber Co. a check Puget Sound $4.30 for insurance on
rubber goods. Snow most all gone at Seward.
April 20, 1906 Got credit at bank, checks sent
by Cramer from Knik Cash Store $154.90. Borrowed $1,000
from Bank of Seward for 3 months. Whitney returned McNeil’s
check to pay restaurant bill. Railway Co. promised to pay
same 23rd. Took out $10,000 trading license for $25 and tobacco
license $15. Left on consignment at Owl Drug Co. 6 dozen maps,
Seward News Co. 6 dozen maps, to sell at 50¢ each net 25¢
each to me. Sent Washington Rubber Co. draft to balance $560.50.
April 21, 1906 Got packing box ready
and arranged things in attic. Sold cook stove and last
of cooking gear. Sent Vivia Cramer of Tacoma, $50 by request
of her father at Knik. Paid $40 for trading and tobacco
license to U. S. Attorney Glegg. Mattie busy packing trunks.
Found another tooth needed fixing. Streets in Seward clear
of snow a month later than last spring.
April 22, 1906 Packed medicine and Elmer’s
tools. One more box to pack - babies chair ,bed, clothing,
etc. Answered fathers letter last night, invited him to
come up for a vacation June and July at Knik. Some of Seward
people excited over new railroad at Orca and moving over there.
Purches and wife visited will go to Knik to live.
April 23, 1906 Collected Alaska Central
Railway bill for December cash $50.33. Paid Alaska Central Railway
for supplies left at Knik $107.49. Received McNeil check
$204.20 payment on restaurant bill rendered at Knik Cash Store January
and February 1906. Subscribed for weekly Gateway for six months
$1.50. Put ad in daily advertising Knik Trading Company 14
times in 1 month cost $2, paid to advertise cottage for sale or
rent $1.15. Mattie had her teeth fixed tooth crowned.
April 24, 1906 All packed up ready for the
Portland from Seward to Knik. Left deed of Gilbert Claim
with Hildreth to be recorded and mailed to K. B. Co., recording
fee $3.55, notary $1. Deposited in bank $254.53.
Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. wanted me to act as their agent at Knik
to sell lumber etc. Took dinner with neighbor J. S. Morris.
Sold grub on hand for $30.
April 25, 1906 The Portland reported
in Valdez 10 AM, due here tomorrow noon, everything packed ready
for Knik. Ate supper with neighbor Morris. Put ad
in Gateway for one month weekly 4” $6. Another ad in
daily for one month $2. Evening had hair cut. Elmer slept
on Mrs. Morris.
April 26, 1906 The Portland arrived,
got ready to leave for Knik via Seldovia. Saw Watson
about horse, wanted to settle at Knik. Rented Seward cottage
$30 per month to M. Dickey of Snider and Dickey firm, Bank
of Seward to collect rent at 5%. Left Seward 6 PM on SS Portland for
Seldovia, 3 fares $25, paid express man $1.50. Took consignment
of lumber from Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. to sell at Knik.
April 27, 1906 On SS Portland very rough
trip, arrived Seldovia 10 AM cloudy. Invited to Mrs.
Woofs house. Mattie stayed with Mrs. Whoof, Elmer and
myself at Hotel Kafory's. Neptune on beach so gave my freight
to Tyonek 80 tons. Ate lunch with Woofs.
April 28, 1906 The Portland discharging
freight all day, left at midnight. Elmer and myself slept
at hotel. Hotel room $1, meals $3. The Tyonek and the Toledo
loaded for Knik and Glacier Creek.
April 29, 1906 At Seldovia partly cloudy.
The Excelsior arrived at 2 PM - more for Knik.
The Toledo left for Turnagain Arm 8 PM and the Neptune left for
Woofs coal mine to coal up. The Excelsior had cannery supplies
and help for Uyak cannery. The Tyonek will leave AM tomorrow.
April 30, 1906 At Seldovia rain
showers. The Jeannie arrived, anchored outside of harbor. The
Tyonek went out with scow, took on 6 head cattle and 2 horses for
Government farm at Kenai, also 150 barrel of beer and 15 tons for
Sleeper. The Tyonek left Seldovia for Knik, was too rough to land
mail at Homer very good navigating to Kenai.
May 1, 1906 On SS Tyonek, arrived Kenai
7 AM. Put off mail and a few boxes freight. S. E.
wind anchored above east foreland for flood tide to cross over
to Tyonek. Snow squalls this AM, same thing happened 1 year
ago today. Arrived at Tyonek 8 PM took on coal and left off
Woolsey and family. Anchored for AM flood tide tomorrow.
May 2, 1906 Left Tyonek 6 AM for
Knik, smooth tide. Got all my mail from purser.
Passed Fire Island, arrived Knik 1 PM. The Tyonek lay on
beach, discharged part of cargo on scow. Got all discharged
by 9 PM, 71 tons lumber yet to come. The Neptune arrived at 11 PM.
Palmer and Squaw went out on Tyonek. Mattie and sons slept in my bed,
myself on a cot.
May 3, 1906 At Knik partly cloudy.
Had 2 men cache balance of freight left on beach. Filled
both caches and rented corner in Railway storehouse to store
balance of provisions and hardware. Self busy opening up
goods. Sam had 2 men laying up logs to store annex.
Elmer slept with Sam over at store. Mattie and myself
used back room of store. Hamilton, Watson’s foreman, was down
bought oil, elbows, etc., for coal mines.
May 4, 1906 Busy all day marking goods
and selling goods. Sold one outfit for Yentna District
and one for Matanuski. Sales over $100. Evening talked
over business with Sam he had lumber sawed and everything delivered
at the mines.
May 5, 1906 Busy checking down goods.
Sold one $100 outfit.
May 6, 1906 Busy unpacking goods.
Side wall to annex up, ready for 2nd story when lumber arrives.
Started to fix up front room over store for Mattie’s room until
store annex is finished.
May 7, 1906 Tides increasing, raising
ice out of rivers and sloughs causing considerable ice in channel.
Ice cut line on scow, beached her at spring, evening brought her
back in front of store. Harry Watson came over from Old Knik.
May 8, 1906 Waiting for lumber
to arrive to finish store annex. Boys ploughed garden
in front of store and started to clean up Cramer and Herning lots.
Evening wrote to Bank of Seward, sent 5 checks for deposit $159.25.
Sent Norris Safe and Lock Co. balance due $60. Sent order
for provisions to Pacific Coast Trading Co. Seward. Eight men
arrived on dory from Glacier Creek.
May 9, 1906 Self finished laying matting in
room over store. Boys set new posts around store garden.
Moved part of freight into store annex. Stephan left with
his sloop for Turnagain Arm. Showers last night same tonight.
Self caught cold.
May 10, 1906 Hugo and Bert graded road
from K. B. barn to annex to store. Laid off 3 men, waiting
for lumber to arrive. Boys had to give up plowing gardens on account
of frost. Store garden ready to plant to spuds. Evening
moved into room over store until annex is finished.
May 11, 1906 Finished grading in rear of store
annex. Wrote to Washington Rubber Co. for credit on boots
and supplies. Sent order to Western Dry Goods Co. for duck hunting
overalls etc.
May 12, 1906 Sam started to make show case
for store counter. Boys started to build fence back of
new cabin. Evening the Tyonek arrived, brought only
part of lumber and case sporting powder, 5 cases coal oil and case
turp., 1 can short and box wedges that laid at Seward all winter.
Sent out-mail.
May 13, 1906 Started upper story on store annex
May 14, 1906 The Toledo arrived, brought
lumber shipped from Seward, was short 10M shingles. The
Toledo got stuck on the beach, had to layover until evening tide.
Got our horses to scrape dirt from under buildings - 4 hours.
J. W. Davis, I. L. Burks and Otto Halstrom, purser, engineer and mate
on the Toledo, wanted to buy the launch terms $600, they to fix
her up and pay $300 in July or return boat, balance 3 months
later $300.
May 15, 1906 Sam finished closet.
Boys hauled lumber from scow to yard. (Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co.)
Delivered 1,508’ shiplap for Yentna Restaurant Co. Got lot
back of store cabin about cleared and dug up for garden.
May 16, 1906 The Neptune arrived
with a dozen prospectors for Yentna gold fields (McDonald and
party). Got sheathing on roof ready for shingling store
annex. PM busy in store sold $87 worth. Evening put
up order for McDonald for trip to Glacier Creek and return.
Busy day at Knik, mushers in town.
May 17, 1906 Hugo and Andrews quit
to get ready for Yentna gold fields. Planted “Moms” garden.
McDonald and party left on Stephan’s sloop for Glacier Creek.
Baby cross last night, “teething”. Sold small dory $5.
May 18, 1906 The Toledo arrived.
Watson came in with men and freight. Shipped Yukon stove to
Ballaine - Seldovia $8. Two horses came on the Toledo for
O’Brian. Sold $80 supplies. Mrs. Wheatly arrived on
the Toledo. Watson used our scow to discharge on, Bacus
and Briggs arrived and Tom Geter.
May 19, 1906 Started to plant garden
in front of store, put netting on fence. Howse and Cosser
arrived with oil boat from Sushitna Station. Store sales $41.55
beside 1 outfit put up for Yentna to go tomorrow.
May 20, 1906 Sold C. A. Schonacker and
party supplies for Yentna gold fields $342. Bought from Alaska
Central Railway Co. 1 gallon molasses ,15 lbs. coffee, 20 lb.
box dried corn. Oil boat left for Yentna with party of six
men. Sam and myself up until 3 making out Hugo and Bert's time
and bill for station supplies.
May 21, 1906 Had 3 men move store supplies
out of Railway cache into store annex and our new cache.
McDonald and party got back from Glacier Creek. Paid off
Hugo Fels and Bert Andrews. Evening they left for McKinley
gold fields by boat, Knik to Sushitna River.
May 22, 1906 Real warm today trees leaved
out at Knik. Sold McDonald a $200 outfit. McDonald
and party left Knik on evening tide for Yentna gold fields.
Scow dragged anchor down to spring, got tangled up with Stephan’s
sloop. Evening held first “Ball” at Knik, five white women
present, had dance in Whitney’s new restaurant building Purches
and wife played.
May 23, 1906 Sewed oats and planted potatoes
in K. B. corral. Store sales $40. Started to put
in partitions in rooms over store annex. Some of Watson’s men
arrived from the coal fields.
May 24, 1906 Finished planting gardens.
Ready to hang doors and windows in annex over store. Balance
of Watson’s men arrived for coal fields. Busy in store all
day sales $91.90. Paid Phil Denzer $25 for minding store
in April while Sam was at the mines.
May 25, 1906 Watson paid for use of K.
B. horses for January and February $366. Busy all day
in store sales $35. Sam jointed up doors and windows in
cottage over store annex. Laid off men, work on gardens about
done. Evening looked up hardware orders etc. Agreed to
trade lumber etc. With Purches for 20’ x 35’ tent and 24’ x 30’
fly. Baby not feeling well teething and stomach bad.
May 26, 1906 Miller hung outside door to store
annex store room, Sam hung windows. Sold Purches and
Peterson small outfit. Graded ground around cache and
store garden fence. Mrs. Wheatly left Knik with her husband
for the Matanuska coal mines.
May 27, 1906 Cut door through annex -
store room to store. Delivered lumber sold to Purches.
Evening the Tyonek arrived, got eggs, butter and vegetables from
Seward and shoes from St. Paul. Sent out orders for provisions,
drugs, hardware etc. Sent Seward Bank deposit: checks $664.25,
cash $150, total $814.25. Told them to send Seattle Hardware
Co. draft for $800, got mail from W. A. Farnsworth, Denzer
and Watson went out.
May 28, 1906 Much needed rain arrived
this evening gardens very dry. Worked on flue for store
annex, got safety part up. Yentna Restaurant moved from store
cabin to their new building on Duffy Avenue.
May 29, 1906 Got flue finished and in
place in rooms over store annex. Evening Stephan got back
from trip to Sushitna Station with McDonald and party. Store sales
$27.
May 30, 1906 Clothed Elmer’s room store
annex. Evening the Neptune arrived with U. S. Geological
Survey to survey Knik and vicinity. Sent out orders for clothing
and rubber coats. Sent to Bank of Seward checks $65 cash
$50, total $115 for deposit.
May 31, 1906 In store all day.
Made out Kriedler's and Whitney’s account for balance of May,
$302.05. Evening they presented their board bill had it
all balled up. Trees all leaved out at Knik.
June 1, 1906 Started to fix store over,
tore out partition put stairs in annex, Sam and Mr. Rowe
helped. Store expense, moving freight and cleaning horses,
14 hours one man $5.95. Settled account with Kriedler and
Whitney. Mrs. Purches took charge of Yentna Restaurant today.
June 2, 1906 U. S. Geological Survey
left on tide for Knik and Matanuska Rivers. Remodeled counters
and got shelving on counters up on west side of store. Party
of 6 men left on Stephan’s sloop for Glacier Creek.
June 3, 1906 A few mosquitoes around.
Store sales $37.83. Got shelving up on east side of store
and one counter made. Had bottom of Sea Otter boat corked
and painted. Had Boyd wash the K. B. horses. Put drugs
on shelf. Had blankets and canvas sweat covers hemmed for
pack saddles.
June 4, 1906 Got counter finished, made
nail counter. Boyd fixed up packing gear and packed supplies
for mines. Launched Sea Otter boat. Chas Miller arrived
with his sloop had king salmon. Bacus and Briggs left for
upper Matanuska to prospect. Evening made out Native account
for K. B. Mines. Made out Henry Rousseau's May account
$63.30 balance $3.10.
June 5, 1906 Got up 4 AM started to rain
so the boys didn’t leave for K. B. Mines. The Tyonek arrived,
had mail but only went down to Goose Bay to lay over a tide for
Watson’s men - expected down from the coal mines tomorrow.
Evening sent $333.62 in checks for deposit at Bank of Seward and $102.60
to post at Puget Sound National Bank Seattle. Wrote Farnsworth
we were ready to leave for mines. Sent inventory of K. B. property
at Knik. Mattie sent box of goodies to Mrs. Whoof at Seldovia.
June 6, 1906 Got up 4 AM away to mines
by 5 AM. Rowe and wife, Henry, Miller and Shorty
went in boat to Cottonwood, Cramer and Boyd rode up on horses.
Help for mines - 5 men, Mrs. Rowe is cook, Cramer foreman.
Evening balance of Watson’s men arrived to go out on the Tyonek.
Sent Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. checks $102.70. Supt. Hamilton
came down from coal fields.
June 7, 1906 Natives preparing to go
to Old Knik to attend Church got all their trade.
Palmer’s man doing nothing. Scotty Watson came over from
Old Knik for supplies. Tyonek took out last of coal
companies help.
June 8, 1906 Sold one outfit to Sam Dunlap.
Natives left for Old Knik to attend Church. Took picture
of Stephan’s family on sloop. Baby not well seems to have
the croup.
June 9, 1906 PM tide the Neptune arrived
had 2 horses and 3 men. Evening U. S. Geological Survey
men came down from Cottonwood, sold them small bill of provisions.
Morning tide Dunlap and partner left for Knik Harbor to build a
boat via Sushitna River. Phil Denzer arrived on the Neptune
from Seward. Russian Priest arrived to hold services at Old Knik.
June 10, 1906 Got oilcloth on ceiling
and one side of kitchen over store annex. Sent Seward bank
the Alaska Central Railway Co. bill February 1st to May 8th
for $37.49. Yentna Restaurant board bill $103.50 to Seward
Bank for collection. Also 2 checks for deposit $148, total
$288.99. Erickson and partner here with horses to outfit for
Sushitna gold fields also Denzer and partner.
June 11, 1906 Worked in kitchen, got
it almost covered with oilcloth. The Tyonek arrived with mail
and Railway Co. dogs from Sushitna, got 1½ dozen tents.
W. J. Murphy was on the Tyonek on its way to Seward. Paid
him $300 cash and check $700 on account of $1,702.10 borrowed
money not for balance due. Evening hoed mom’s garden and planted
more lettuce seed.
June 12, 1906 Sold Erickson and partner
$20 outfit. He has 2 horses going to upper Sushitna via
Chickaloon Pass. Evening sold Denzer and partner $75 outfit
bound for Lake Creek.
June 13, 1906 Harry Watson came over from Old
Knik. Elmer planted some spuds. Evening cloudy,
rain needed for gardens. Erickson and partner left Knik
with 2 horses to prospect at head of Sushitna via Chickaloon
and Talkeetna Rivers.
June 14, 1906 Potatoes are up.
Store sales over $100. Sold Chas Miller $17 outfit and
contracted with him for 2 barrel salmon bellies at 8¢ and
1 ton smoked salmon at 4¢ lb. delivery last of September.
Boxed up Schonacker's stove fittings that he left behind.
Got Phil’s outfit packed ready to ship on first boat to Sushitna
Station. Evening started to put shelves in pantry.
June 15, 1906 Store sales $45. Geter
and last of Native men came down from coal mines - closed down.
The Neptune came in at noon, had Bartholf with 4 horses.
Sent Schonacker his fittings for old stove. Wrote O. Remington
that no checks came here. Wrote Murphy at Tyonok and Seward
that he could have the launch, to wire for gas engineer if he wanted
her. Hubbel and party went out on the Neptune.
June 16, 1906 Phil Denzer left last night for
Lake Creek, Yentna District. J. W. Hamilton, Watson’s superintendent,
arrived from coal mines, paid Watson’s bill in full to date.
June 17, 1906 Frank Whitney left for Lake Creek.
Babies whooping cough much better.
June 18, 1906 Had Paul Owens help
on kitchen, got all ready except setting up stove. Boyd
arrived with 4 K. B. horses from Willow Creek mines for more grub.
Evening packed 600 lbs. grub for K. B. mines. Gas boat came
from Lake Creek reported $10 and up to the man.
June 19, 1906 Sent Paul Owens as far
as Sushitna cache with K. B. pack train. Boyd left Knik
with horses and 700 lbs. supplies. Evening started to mark goods
and rearrange goods on shelves in store. Sowed clover seed
on K. B. corral ground.
June 20, 1906 Paul Owens got back from Sushitna
cache with Dan and Maud. Glen Names out for Tyonek
on Stephan’s sloop.
June 21, 1906 Had Paul Owens hoe gardens.
Placing goods on shelves all day. Four prospectors arrived
from Sushitna Forks good reports.
June 22, 1906 Had Paul Owens help place
goods on shelves. Got packed ready for mines. Evening
Geographic Survey party got back from Knik River.
June 23, 1906 Got away to the mines at
2 PM with Maud and Dan and rode Paul Owens pony. Arrived
at the Little Sushitna 9 PM. Henry Rousseau was there on
way from mines to Knik.
June 24, 1906 Horses left camp for Knik
in the night, went as far as lake no. 4 to look for them.
Elmer and self left Sushitna camp 12:30 afoot, and arrived at mines
6:30. Sam had setup half worked out.
June 25, 1906 Arranged to put in pipeline
on bench. PM piped with no. 2 giant.
June 26, 1906 with Nig, Tony and Boyd left
mines for Sushitna cache. Arrived at 6 PM. Bought
Nordick’s outfit for Boyd - boots Shorty $5.00, gun Boyd $20.00,
tent Boyd $5.00, supplies $17.00, packsaddle for myself $8.00,
total $55. Nordick lost his horse, got cold feet and decided
to quit his prospecting trip.
June 27, 1906 Got up at 4:30 breakfast
6:30. Boyd got away with 2 packs on Tony and Nig for
mines 7 AM. Myself and Nordick left for Knik, U. S. G.
S. party were at RR cache on way back from head of Little Sushitna.
Arrived Cottonwood 12:30 noon found horses had been there. Arrived
Knik at 2:30 PM. Mattie had sold 1 outfit, store sales fair.
Boat was in, some supplies arrived.
June 28, 1906 Bartholf started out for
Kashwitna, very heavy thunder storm PM. Scotty Watson
got back from trip with scow to Old Knik. Made arrangements
with Nellie Howard to help Mattie in house and store for one month
at $25 and board. Agreed to give Mr. Miller work at the mines.
June 29, 1906 Miller went up in O’Brian’s
boat as far as Cottonwood, Knik to Sushitna. Got ready
to go to mines 2nd trip with Dan and Maud. Packed Dan at
the Cottonwood, rode Maud between creek crossings. Bees stung
Dan, he shook his pack and put back for Knik. I followed him
3 miles but gave it up. Put Miller pack and grub on Maud, arrived at
Sushitna cache 11 PM. Had Vienna sausage and sauerkraut for
supper.
June 30, 1906 Left Sushitna camp 9 AM
caught up to Bartholf Bros. on Wet Gulch they went on to
my camp at mines. Not ready to clean up and add flume boxes.
July 1, 1906 At mines. Self started
to bottom up and get ready for another setup. Sam jointing
up flume boxes. Laid out line for new pipeline to run al
along bench. More freight arrived at Knik for store.
July 2 to July 7, 1906 Working at the
mines. Got 36 oz. and 16 gr. Got one $2.75 nugget.
July 8, 1906 Arranged work to leave
for Knik Monday. Evening Stephan arrived with letter from
Mattie, thought I was lost not returning on time. Stephan
reported they had found coarse gold at the head of Little Sushitna.
All in camp were excited. All Knik left for new strike on Saturday.
July 9, 1906 K. B. help appointed Boyd
to go to new strike on Sushitna. With Boyd, Stephan and
3 horses, left mines for head of Little Sushitna via Windy Pass
on Willow Creek. Arrived on Sushitna 2 PM had lunch.
Started to pan, got black sand but no gold, panned all PM.
Evening found Patchell’s and Miller’s stakes and Handsome Jim’s camp
who reported the strike. No one there could raise but 2 pin point
colors so abandoned the creek, camped near canyon for night.
Skeeters quite lively.
July 10, 1906 7 AM started for Knik over
new trail via down Little Sushitna to Vasilla’s hunting cabin
-
there met Miller coming in, also Forty Mile
Miller and Townsend with pack horses also Purches and McDonald
party. Got out to Watson’s Matanuska trail 2 PM arrived Knik
10 PM. All very tired and tender behind.
July 11, 1906 Evening the Tyonek came in, stayed
10 minutes. Sent to Bank Seward 37 oz. and 16 dwt. Dust, didn’t
have time to get off letter mail. Box clothing arrived
from Black Mfg. Co.
July 16, 1906 AM got up wood and
water, fixed water barrel Had Natives saw wood 6¼ hours.
Wrote Seward Bank that I might want a loan of $2,000 November
1st for 90 days. Got letter mail ready to send out.
Willard Hall got back from Upper Matanuska River.
July 17, 1906 Evening caught Dan and Maud for
trip to mines on the 20th if weather OK.
July 18, 1906 Busy in store all
day sales very good. Evening Bartholf’s son got back from
head of Little Sushitna. Evening rain, gardens looking
fine, store garden skookum.
July 19, 1906 Marked all the hardware
and arranged same on shelves. Bartholf Bros. got back from
trip to Kashwitna, picked up Nordyke's horse on Willow Creek
shot 2 brown bear. Evening rain.
July 20, 1906 Got ready for trip to mines.
Left Knik at 3 PM with Dan and Maud and 175 lbs. of grub.
Arrived at Sushitna cache 10:30.
July 21, 1906 Left Sushetna cache 7 AM
arrived mines 11:45. Sam had old pipeline taken out and
300’ new line in, PM helped to joint pipeline.
July 22, 1906 At mines, jointed pipeline
all day. Took grades and found that Sam had part of line
above grade 13½”.
July 23, 1906 Worked on new pipeline
got same jointed to bank of creek, cleaned up head box.
After supper went to head of Grubstake for Dan and Maud.
Left Mines for Knik 8:30 PM. Light rain evening.
July 24, 1906 Arrived Sushitna cache
1:15 AM got feet wet, made cup coffee and dried out. Left
5 AM for Knik brought extra pack saddle and Henry’s war bag.
Arrived Knik 12:30 noon - no boats in.
July 25, 1906 Very quiet at Knik, mail
boat due. Mattie ready for trip to Seward on account of
baby - Stanley beginning to walk. Took picture of Mamma
and baby in kitchen. Oats heading out.
July 26, 1906 Had Native hoe potatoes
for last time, garden looking fine. Bert Andrews got back
from Yentna gold fields. The Tyonek arrived on PM tide,
got $100 order for supplies from Archie McDonald. Mattie and baby
left for trip to Seward. Oranges, butter, eggs arrived on Tyonek
also mail.
July 27, 1906 Painted sign KNIK TRADING
COMPANY. Henry the cream-eater left Knik in small boat
for Glacier Creek. Mattie gone to Seward to have Stanley
circumcised.
July 28, 1906 AM got pack ready for mines,
sent Bert Andrews in with Dan and Maud, left Knik 11 AM.
Bartlett and Dirty Al all got back from Kashwitna. Watson’s
copper-gold mine no good. Paid Mrs. Howard for 1 month ending
today, clerking in store $25 and $10 for previous work.
July 29, 1906 Duffy gave Mrs. Howard a 3 hour
earache. Very quiet in store, sales zero.
July 30, 1906 Birthday, 38 years old, oh how
time does fly. Mattie and baby at Seward. Elmer at KB
mines, myself at Knik managing Knik Trading Co. store.
July 31, 1906 Elmer and Bert arrived with 4
horses from the mines, came through in 12 hours. Elmer had
been sick 2 days with biliousness and dysentery.
August 1, 1906 AM got Bert off with pack
for mines, sent Maud and Dan. PM wrote to Mattie at Seward
about reducing rent on our house until April 1, 1907. Elmer
troubled with his urine.
August 2, 1906 Set up a dozen. kitchen
chairs for Duffy $18. Started Elmer on treatment of rhubarb
soda and calomel for liver and kidney trouble. Ate first
salmon caught at Knik. Elmer waited on customers in store.
Store sales very light.
August 3, 1906 Bartholf Bros. sent Chas Isaac
in from Willow Creek for grub. Got Elmer’s urine checked
and back to natural color, was clear as water, appetite good.
Elmer picked mess of raspberries. Evening Elmer helped
me hang up store sign KNIK TRADING COMPANY.
August 4, 1906 Cleaned out balance of
attic room over store and finished setting up chairs. Sold
Bartholf small order. Evening washed my khaki clothes and
underwear. Indians all sick with bad cough, been sick since
May. Elmer not well but eats hearty - around with me about my
work. Evening played on flute Elmer on drum.
August 5, 1906 Varnished 2 dozen chairs.
Evening tide Hugo Fels and 3 others got back from Yentna gold
fields reported Lake Creek no good. Evening Glen Names and
Palmer had words over a dog fight. Palmer smashed Glens
dog with a club, Glen had to shoot the dog and quit trading at Palmer’s
and came to Knik Trading Co. store.
August 6, 1906 Evening answered Fitzsimmons
about Schonacker’s supplies. Sent Kenai Lumber and Fuel
Co. order for lumber to come on consignment. Evening Elmer
and self re-anchored scow. Had 1st new spuds, were as large
as goose eggs.
August 7, 1906 Elmer not very well troubled
with his kidneys. Evening gave Elmer a bath and took one
myself.
August 8, 1906 Evening Red Jack arrived from
Tyonek with McConahay and family. Paddy arrived from
Knik River had fair sample of copper ore. Elmer quite
bad with kidney trouble.
August 9, 1906 Got McDonald’s overalls, 12
pair, ready to send with Red Jack to Lake Creek, paid 25¢
freight on same Knik to Station. Store sales fair. Miller
came out from mines said there was no water. Sam wrote he
would have to shut down the mines unless it rained. Elmer
in bed most all day, evening some better. Red Jack left for
Tyonek evening tide, Elmer up to see boat leave.
August 10, 1906 Made out Miller’s time and
account at store. Looked after Elmer. He ate eggs,
toast, and Postum. Got Native to go to Willow Creek with letter
to Sam about work while water was low. Elmer in bed all day first
time since sick
August 11, 1906 K. B. help arrived from
mines on account of no water. Paid off Sam Miller. PM got
Frank Whitney to come and nurse Elmer, condition normal up
to evening, heart beginning to weaken, gave whiskey and strychnine
for heart, gave him sponge bath. At times he’s not right in
mind.
August 12, 1906 Elmer very weak, refused
to take food, in a coma, pulse 120, no fever. In evening
gave injection egg through rectum. Midnight the Tyonek
arrived, Mattie and baby got back from trip to Seward. Tents
and box of dry goods came. Paid off 3 of K. B. help, they all left
on the Tyonek and Hugo Fels for Seward and Sunrise. Self nursed
Elmer evening. Frank sick.
August 13, 1906 Up all night with Elmer,
temperature was normal up to 7:30 AM, when his heart action
began to grow weak and heart stimulants would not revive him.
Gave him 4 hypodermics of whiskey and strychnine.
He gradually grew weak and the poor little fellow breathed his last
at 8:30 AM. The poor little man was unconscious the last 36
hours, he died very peacefully age 10 years, 9 months, 26 days.
Cause of death heart trouble and diabetes. Never forgotten.
August 14, 1906 Very sad day for Herning
family. Had 40 Mile Miller make Elmer’s casket stained
walnut and varnished. Bobby Kreidler acted as undertaker
and knew his business. Lined casket with white satin and ribbon.
Had Elmer’s grave dug at NE corner of lot in back of store,
lot covered with oats. Had grave lined with canvas and flowers.
August 15, 1906 Got ready for Elmer’s
funeral. Lined store with white cloth and Elmer’s friends
viewed him in the store AM. Had casket sealed in galvanized
iron case which set inside another case finished in walnut.
Buried Elmer at 3:30 PM. Judge Goodell read the service, Mrs.
Rowe and Howard and Goodell, Glen Names, Kreidler, Whitney, Will Rowe
and the Judge sang. This event will never be forgotten.
August 16, 1906 Opened store and removed
white lining. Started to move back east counter to make
more room for dry goods hardware etc. Evening rain.
The Tyonek arrived late last night to take out RR horses.
Self up until 1 o’clock writing home about Elmer’s sickness and death.
Got statement from bank on balance over $500.
August 17, 1906 Mrs. Howard took day
off for a rest. Eugene Bartholf son and wife arrived
from Willow Creek. Got letter from K. B. mines plenty of
water. The Tyonek took out RR horses. Phil Denzer
arrived from Lake Creek. O'Brian and McDonald
went out on the Tyonek also Bacus and Kreidler all bound for
Seward. Dr. Cook, Mt. McKinley climber, was on the Tyonek,
said one party would land here.
August 18, 1906 Put up two outfits for
Bartholf Bros. Traded 10’ x 12’ wall tent with
Bartholf for his tent with calidoor. Arranged shelving
under counters to store clothing. Bought 6 oz. 13 dwt.
Lake Creek gold. Palmer visited and paid for cream
I consigned to him 3 years ago $10.
August 19, 1906 Made agreement with Eugene
Bartholf to put up hay, made hay rack Let him have
Tony and Nig and use of mower rake and wagon. PM Woolsey
came in with Wilson and party on Naphtha launch via to Sunrise.
Bartholf family moved up to near Cottonwood to make hay with my
machinery. PM took stitches out of babies penis. Stanley
walked across the kitchen for the 1st time.
August 20, 1906 Cloudy with heavy rain.
Put more shelving under counters to make room for dry goods.
Unpacked box of dry goods, short on order 2 dozen shirts and 1 dozen
mackinaw coats. Miller and McHenry came down from Burr Point
where they had been haying, they burnt up their tent.
August 21, 1906 Heavy rain all day. Marked
clothing lately received and arranged same on shelves.
Had tight fence made around Elmer’s grave. Opened up new
lot of tents.
August 22, 1906 Sold Names large tarp to cover
roof and ceiling of his cabin. Not much doing in store.
August 23, 1906 Rain over, evening
clear. Henry McKinnon came down from Cottonwood, sent
order of writing materials to Eugene Bartholf. Rowe got
Maud to haul in Mrs. Howard’s house logs. Picked out all views
of Elmer to have pictures made of same by Phil Denzer. Evening
clear with indications of frost. Evening let Miller have Sea
Otter to go to Burr Point after their haying tools.
August 24, 1906 Natives started to pick
cranberries, brought in 2 barrel today. Phil printed pictures
of Elmer. Stanley with me in store, walks around quite good.
Picked out art squares for two front rooms. Looking up goods
for winter trade.
August 25, 1906 Bought in 2 barrel of cranberries.
Got 4 barrel of cranberries ready to ship to Sylvester Bros.
Seattle, 304 lbs. net. Sold Names $20 worth of lumber.
Frank Whitney got back from trip to Matanuska coal mines.
Mrs. Howard clearing ground for a cabin.
August 26, 1906 Natives still bringing in cranberries.
Eugene Bartholf and wife came down from hay camp to go out
on the Tyonek to Seward. Mrs. Purches visited and settled
June store bill. Store trade good today. Evening made
out order for notions, shelf goods, etc., to Western Dry Goods Co.
Seattle.
August 27, 1906 Weather cloudy.
The Tyonek arrived on AM tide, towed in Palmer’s gas boat
and scow. River steamer Caswell reported disabled on beach
at Fire Island. Got several consoling letters from Seward
friends on account of Elmer’s sudden death. Received butter,
eggs and oranges on the Tyonek. Shipped Sylvester Bros. 5 half
barrel cranberries prepaid the freight.
August 28, 1906 Made out another drug order.
Sent order for apples and lemons to come with last produce
order Oct. 10th. Marked all the new lot of tents.
Gibson wanted me to order 1,000’ of 10” conveying hydraulic hose.
Evening moved bed from Bartholf’s tent into front room.
Self not feeling very well, grip like feeling. Took big treatment
went to bed early.
August 29, 1906 Mrs. Howard started to work
in store after 11 day vacation. Bartholf Bros. finished
haying, turned over Nig and Tony. Sold one $30 outfit.
Self not feeling well got grip symptoms. Started to make out
hardware order for winter trade. Baby much better walks everywhere
(8 months old). Judge Goodell gave us 2 mallard ducks result of
hunting trip.
August 30, 1906 Heavy rain all day.
Worked on hardware order, got same listed and about typewritten
up. Self feeling much better today. PM tide Neptune
launch arrived from Turnagain Arm, said belong to Railway
Co. Had roast duck dinner.
August 31, 1906 Got ready for Knik to
Willow Creek Mines. Left Knik 12 noon with Dan, Nig and
Tony, packed in 2 large Dietz search light lanterns. Arrived
at river at 8 PM.
September 1, 1906 Left Sushitna cache
at 7 AM arrived at mines 1 PM shot 2 ptarmigan. Sam had
setup finished, ready to clean up.
September 2, 1906 Bottomed up pit and
started to clean up. Ditch would only carry water.
September 3, 1906 Finished cleaning up
AM and retorted gold. Left mines 5 PM with Dan for Knik.
Started to haul down flume for last setup this season. Arrived
at river cache 9 AM. Slept 3 hours by campfire had no blankets.
September 4, 1906 Left river camp 7 AM
arrived at Cottonwood 11:30, in Knik 1:15 PM. Light frost
last night. U. S. G. S. party was at Knik. Collected
some bills.
September 5, 1906 In store part of time.
Weighed up gold dust had 72 oz. 16 dwt. Elmer’s gold
weighed 6 dwt. Store sales and collections over $100 today.
Nels Johansen arrived got his outfit stored in cache. Old
John from Girdwood’s camp arrived in town on way to Lake Creek.
September 6, 1906 Got hardware order etc. ready
for mail and 76 oz. gold dust, ready to send to bank. Sent
Miller and McHenry to Willow Creek to work in mines. Had
snipe dinner.
September 7, 1906 Worked on grocery order
all day got same ready to mail and part to wire from Seward.
Judge and Capt. Glenn and Whitney got back from duck hunt.
September 8, 1906 Duck dinner.
Barrett and Watson’s men arrived from Kashwitny copper mines.
Good day in store on clothing. Got orders ready and mailed.
Sent Kenai Lumber and Fuel Co. $75 on account of lumber. Sent
Bank of Seward check to cover draft for produce Miller Reed Pease
Co and Smith and Bloxom. Sent Capt. Nichols 2 wool shirts
by Barrett to coal mines. Will Murphy arrived in town.
September 9, 1906 Mrs. Howard not well, at
home most of day. Barreled 245 lbs. cranberries to ship
to Pacific Coast and Trading Co. at Seward. Chas Krefton
in town from Seward, ate supper with us, said our house at Seward
was vacated September 1st.
September 10, 1906 Made out order for store
supplies etc. to Lowman and Hanford Co. McHenry came in
from K. B. Mines to go with Krefton to coal fields. Sam wrote,
saying boxes in, commenced piping on 8th, water low again. Evening
made out T. G. Gerdine U. S. G. S. bill run since June. Evening
beginning to get cool. Mrs. Howard laid off, sore throat.
Talked with Murphy about buying the Dr. Cook launch.
September 11, 1906 Got all orders and mail
ready to send out with Mattie to Seward. Evening roped
one of Mattie’s trunks – she is all ready to move to Seward.
September 12, 1906 Jointed up stove and pipe
in store. Wades arrived from Sushitna, run located in
Bartholf camp. Had fair sales on clothing today. Evening
made out order for windows and doors to O. B. Williams. Several
Natives left for fall hunt.
September 13, 1906 Had Rowe start to cut oats
on K. B. corral. Made out order for rubber goods from Washington
Rubber Co., wrote Bank of Seward to send them a draft for
$98 to balance account. R. H. Sargent and party got in from
Talkeetna they stopped at K. B. Mines. T. G. Gardine settled
U. S. G. S. bill, bought 32 sacks oats from him for $43.20.
September 14, 1906 Wrote to Bridgman that I
would resign after close of season. Wrote to Hovey about
Elmer’s death sent 2 dozen maps. Mail boat overdue.
Mattie all packed up ready to go to Seward.
September 15, 1906 The Tyonek arrived
PM. Took off Harry Watson’s lumber on scow, Rowe helped.
Mattie and baby left on the Tyonek for Seward. Medicine
order came from Portland. Got ready to go to K. B. Mines.
September 16, 1906 Left for mine with 2 horses.
Eugene Bartholf went along with 2 horses via for Willow Creek.
U. S. G. S. under T. G. Gardine sold their 14 head pack horses,
bought one sorrel for $51. Got dark on us at Little Lake
made over to river 10 PM, light rain after.
September 17, 1906 Left Sushitna cache 7:30
AM. On summit of Bald Mt. met Will Bartholf and Charley
on way to Knik, Eugene Bartholf went back with him. Arrived at
mines 1 PM. Water low again only half a sluice head.
Sam run into fair pay on bench. Started to bottom up part
of pit.
September 18, 1906 Self piped in all day, flume
clogged, took 3 men to keep it cleared. Had Sam clean up
bedrock around last setup.
September 19, 1906 Bottomed up pit 50’ x 70’
part piped in ready to clean up. Sam went up gulch to shoot
ptarmigans found Nig very lame on right front leg.
September 20, 1906 Got all into sluices possible.
Started to clean up, very poor showing. Sent Sam and Bert
up after horses. Nig managed to hobble down to camp very
lame. Bert and Miller started to haul in hay to Gilbert calidoor.
September 21, 1906 Finished cleaning up and
closed down mine, got 24 oz. 17 dwt. I retorted gold
dust. Men put back riffle blocks, took gate out of big
dam, disconnected giants and packed up tools. Took inventory
of grub and tools. Evening big wind with rain. Gross
clean up for this season 138 oz. 2 dwt. 17 gr.
September 22, 1906 Very stormy, got ready to
leave mines for Knik. Left mines 2 PM with 3 horses
and 3 men. Left Sam with Nig, Nig too lame to bring out.
Arrived Sushitna cache 6:15 PM, boys shot 5 ptarmigans, put
them in dogs pack Dog chased rabbit and lost his pack
September 23, 1906 Left Sushitna cache at 8:15
AM arrived Knik 4:15. The Tyonek had been at Knik on
the 20th. Mrs. Howard did well in store during mine trip
to K. B. Mines. Got letter from Mattie dated at Seldovia
on her way to Seward. Fixed flowers on Elmer’s grave.
September 24, 1906 First hard frost at Knik.
Busy making out men’s time and marking drugs. Paid Bert
Andrews balance of cash deposit $87. Paid McHenry for his
labor at mines. Names got notice to move out of Palmer’s
building and started to build saloon building back of K. B. cache.
Bartholf Bros. putting up hay at Cottonwood on tide flats.
September 25, 1906 Rode Kid down to Fish Creek
to look at Ulanky’s hay. Dan was there, brought him to
Knik. Settled up with Boyd and Andrews account. K and B
Co., paid Boyd $360 and Andrews $171. Cashed in 24 oz. 10
dwt. gold dust at $15.25. Bartholf Bros. back from haying on
flats. Started to dig spuds.
September 26, 1906 First heavy frost last night
killed potatoes vines. Dug 500 lbs. spuds, put 100 lbs.
in K. B. barn to feed horses. No mail boat yet, overdue one day.
Names Bros. rafted up logs for new saloon. Sold E. Bartholf
19 dwt. Willow Creek gold for sample. Wrote to Mattie at Seward.
September 27, 1906 Dug spuds. McDonald
and party arrived from Yentna last night. Sam arrived
6 PM from mines with Nig. Nig still lame. Quite a
few prospectors in town.
September 28, 1906 Light frost nights.
Bartholf’s left on Stephan’s sloop for Seward via Turnagain
Arm. McDonald and Ulanky left in dory on PM tide for Seward
via to head of Turnagain Arm and thence Alaska Central Railway.
Doctored Nig’s leg. Dug spuds. Sent letter to Mattie
at Seward via Sunrise and trail by mushers. The Tyonek expected
on any tide.
September 29, 1906 Made spout for water funnel.
PM the Tyonek arrived eggs, oranges, butter, came. Oregon
reported on rocks at Henchinbrook Island, passengers and mail saved.
The Tyonek took out horses to be wintered at Homer. Got letters
of condolence from Clara, Jos. and Sylvester family. Sent
them to Mattie at Seward. Got letter from Mattie, she
arrived at Seward 11 AM on the 21st she left Knik 16th.
No mail from bank. Wire condolence from W. A. Farnsworth Boston
about death of Elmer.
September 30, 1906 Rode Kid up beach looking
for horses, wanted to mow grass. Dug 1 row of spuds.
Evening got chairs and mirror from Whitney borrowed since last
winter. Evening made out Names Bros. bill. Had trout
for supper, Cramer ate with us.
October 1, 1906 Morning tide Bob Woolsey and
Thayer arrived from Sushitna Station. Bid on orders for
supplies - Station and Lake Creek - and got $337 out of $344.
Palmer got $7 order out of the bunch. Busy all day packing
goods. Up at 2 AM making out bills and packing goods orders
from Station. J. S. Mills arrived from upper Lake Creek had
sample gold. Had located Sam and myself in a 160 acre group on
gulch on Mills Creek at head of Lake Creek.
October 2, 1906 Got balance of orders up, sold
1,200 lbs. Native spuds to go to Sushitna Station. Bob
ready to leave on evening tide but Cramer and party not quite ready
so laid over one tide. Cramer decided to go to upper Lake Creek
to look at ground located by Mills. Paid Cramer $110 on
account labor at mines. Sales $223, cash $114 credit
(Kenny).
October 3, 1906 Cramer Mills and Wilson left
on “Bob” for Lake Creek. Store bills paid $100.
Evening packed 2 cases Gotzain shoes to send back. Dug
a few spuds. Posted bills on daybook late sales $500.
October 4, 1906 Evening wrote to Bank of Seward.
Sent for deposit $106.45 and check to cover draft for Seattle
Hardware Co. $75.85, Woodard Clarke Co. $27.50. Wrote to
Mattie included $20 bill. Willard Hall bought outfit for
trip to Metal Creek.
October 5, 1906 Cleaned up K. B. cache, assessed
flour, beans, etc. Got up 2 barrel water. Evening
horses came in, been gone 1 week. Quite heavy snow on
mountain, down to timber line. Names Bros. got their new
saloon building covered in. Hall left for Metal Creek to
do Cramer’s assessment work and trap.
October 6, 1906 Started to dig spuds in C.
and H. garden. Horses came up, Nig lame as ever.
Evening wrote to John Miller about the check he lost. Also
to Farnsworth about total clean up and I would resign. Evening
clear and freezing. Made out Howard’s bill ending September
29th.
October 7, 1906 1st hard frost. Had Miller
and McHenry help dig spuds in C. and H. garden. Self
worked until 8 PM wheeling spuds to root house. Names Bros.
moved into new saloon building, corner Front street and Lake Avenue.
October 8, 1906 Dug turnips and cleaned
out scow and started to repair inside bottom. Evening up
until 12 making out bill and accounts for year ending September
31st, balance due about $600. Point Possession Nicholai arrived with
coal from Tyonek. Duffy invited me to his birthday dinner tomorrow.
Store sales good $20 before breakfast.
October 9, 1906 Duffy gave a dinner to his
friends - event his 52nd birthday. Sent regrets with
cigars and grape juice, Mrs. Howard and Judges folks went.
PM horses came to barn, Nig lame as ever. Ready to make out
K and B Co. bill. Bought 3 tons Tyonek coal off Nicholai at Point
Possession.
October 10, 1906 Started to close in open space
left between floor and basement store annex. Posted up
K and B Co. bills rendered with Knik Trading Company. Took
a bath retired at 12.
October 11, 1906 Finished chinking and fitting
around store annex. Sold Duffy 1904 white bed spring
and mattress for $20. Evening got K. B. bills posted up
to April. Stitch in back about well. Retired 11:30.
PM Mrs. Howard chinked her cabin.
October 12, 1906 Cleaning up caches ready for
new goods to arrive. Everybody on the warpath with Duffy
about Mrs. Grover Cleveland’s maiden name. Duffy lost $6
on bet, claimed it was Florence.
October 13, 1906 Had Will Rowe put K. B. hay
oats into barn and haul in spuds off C. and H. lot also hauled
up 3 tons coal off beach to back of store annex. Got up 2 barrel
water. Got store cottage in shape to receive more goods and store
cache pretty cleaned up. Worked on K. B. bills until midnight.
October 14, 1906 First snow at Knik.
Snowed 3” this evening, wet storm. Got caches all arranged
for new goods, sacked up balance of C. and H. spuds 1,150 lbs.
and 100 lbs. culls. Cleaned out scow and put down floor that
had been stolen out. Evening wrote to Mattie about coming to
Seward. All depends on mail and if I could get out K. B. report.
October 15, 1906 No steamboat. Wrote to Dr.
L. A. Gates 1610 12th Avenue Seattle Washington about locating
at Knik - answer to inquiry. Sent order to Rainbow Creek
Mining Co. for 4 tons forage and 1M lumber etc. Evening
freezing. Duffy gave Mrs. Howard a genuine old fashioned “earache”
a 3 hour session. Preachers son said he was going to fix
up Morris cabin and live in it on his own accord.
October 16, 1906 Froze last night ½”.
Made step in front of store cache door, cleaned out root house.
PM tide Red Jack arrived from Sushitna Station. Joe Anderson
came in with him said all had left Yentna District but 4 men.
Doc Herndon took out 100 lbs. gold, Billy Morris $6,000.
October 17, 1906 Froze ¼” last night.
Evening Will Murphy came in from Glacier Creek for snowshoes,
sold him all I had, 7 pair, and a parky coat. Murphy reported
that many were coming over trail in February via Glacier Creek to
Knik. The Tyonek reported at Glacier Creek due here AM tide
tomorrow.
October 18, 1906 No boat today. Worked
on K. B. accounts. Total bill paid by Knik Trading Co.
for K. B. Mine Co. $4,065.40, received cash $765.65, balance due
$3,299.75. Credit dust $2,072.03, Boston $1,100.00, balance
$3,299.75. Fixed up box spuds for ad to send out to Seward
with Rowe. Worked on books until midnight. Wrote a letter
to Mattie at Seward to go by trail with W. Rowe.
October 19, 1906 No mail boat today, overdue
2 weeks. Worked on books until 11 PM. McNeil came
down from Knik River said he shot a moose and 3 sheep, he cached
them because there was not enough water in Knik River to boat down
the meat.
October 20, 1906 Cut wood, dug 2 rows spuds,
“skins” much better leaving in ground to this date. Balance
due OGH October 20, 1906 with salary 1906 added $7,828.52.
Total amount business May 18th 1901 to date $3,9037.73.
Total amount of gold 618-12-19 =$9,512.18, average $15.40 per
oz. The Tyonek reported to have left Turnagain Arm for Seldovia.
Mrs. Goodell gave us a duck.
October 21, 1906 Bought ¼ moose and
1 black bear skin.
October 22, 1906 Bought 2 black and one brown
bear skins, 3 for $21. Natives returning from fall hunt
with moose and sheep meat and bear skins. Mrs. Howard washed
and scrubbed kitchen floor and windows.
October 24, 1906 Dug spuds left to ripen, were
fine, skins hard.
October 26, 1906 Mailed K. B. report for season
ending October 20, 1906. PM rode Dan to Cottonwood to
look after hay and horses. Found horses and rode Kid home.
Evening wrote to Mattie sent $25 more. Bought 3 black bear
skins off Nekeeta.
October 27, 1906 Made out price
list of provisions for Will Rowe 10% to Jan. 1st. Noon the
Tyonek arrived, Mattie and baby came back from Seward also Will
Bartholf, Judge Hildreth and others. Got 27 tons freight,
15 tons yet to come. Finch from A. C. Co. at Tyonek was on boat
bought small order pickups.
October 28, 1906 Busy all day caching freight,
short 1 barrel beef, 5 bags sugar. Both caches and two
cabins and storeroom full up. Store sales fair bought 6
bear skins $30.
October 29, 1906 Store sales $50. Got
goods from Western Drygoods Co. on shelves. Arranged canned
fruit in store storeroom. Sent Nicholai and Baer over to Hope
for forage for the Bartholf Bros.
October 30, 1906 Put up shelf in new cabin
for clothing. Mattie’s birthday, “cranky all day”.
Store sales $27. Sold Palmer lumber to make saloon bar.
October 31, 1906 Monroe Kast arrived from Poor
Mans Gulch on way to Seward. Evening Nicholai got back
from Hope with 60 sacks chopped feed from A. C. Co. in Hope.
Harry Watson was over from Old Knik.
November 1, 1906 I took 20 sacks of feed from
Hope, let Bartholf Bros. have 40 sacks, freight charges $29.
November 2, 1906 Made out Names bill, store
sales and collections $137. Got all freight checked down,
short barrel beef, 1 bale flour, 1 sack beans, 6 boxes candy, found
goods at D_________. Evening packed 14 bear skins to ship
to Seattle Fur Sales Agency. Made out N. Howard’s bill and
time to October 30th.
November 3, 1906 Started to put in stall for
Kid horse. Palmer opened his saloon opposition to Names
Bros., ex-partners. Evening wrote a few letters.
Evening cloudy and felt like snow.
November 4, 1906 Snowed 1” last night, second
snow storm. Mrs. H and Mrs. H took a horse back ride on
Maud and Tony. Evening made out advertisement for weekly
Gateway for Knik Trading Co. Wrote Finch, at Tyonek, would
allow him 10% on rubber goods, 10% on tents, 15% on all other goods,
flour, bacon, sugar, net. Evening much colder will freeze quite
hard.
November 5, 1906 Froze hard last night. Mended
Mattie’s glasses. Made potty chair for baby. Made
threshold for door at head of stairs. Evening took a bath.
First slush ice running on Knik Arm this fall.
November 6, 1906 Froze hard last night.
Considerable ice on Knik Arm. Got up 2 barrel water. Sam
Cramer, Mills and Conkling arrived from Lake Creek via Sushitna
Station, winter trail to Knik. PM arranged provisions in men’s
cabin so Cramer could use it. Evening talked with Cramer about
Lake Creek and prospects. Glen Names gave me a 2 hour earache
about Palmer.
November 7, 1906 Froze hard last night, slush
ice running, chances poor for arrival of another boat.
Started to put trap door over back stairs. Evening talked
with Cramer about his account and gave him his bill. Got $52.50
cash on Kenney’s bill. Got 1 mink skin on McManus bill.
November 8, 1906 Cold weather came 17 days
earlier than last fall. Finished threshold head of stairs
and put one in front of store door. Beached scow.
Considerable ice on Arm, not enough to stop navigation.
Two men came in row boat today. Mattie sick all day, bilious spell
that worked both ways, evening some better. Baby got a
bad cold in head.
November 9, 1906 Warmed up with a N. W. wind
this AM. Mattie about over bilious spell, babies cold much better.
Cramer decided to go to Tacoma via overland to Seward. Cramer
made out $150 order for supplies to sled to Cache Creek next February.
Lidell and partner came over from Station.
November 10, 1906 Got Cramer’s account fixed
up, allowed him $2 extra for our time in labor in store.
I own cottage next to store, allowing Cramer $100 extra for labor
there on. Cramer retained ½ interest in garden back
of Palmer’s.
November 11, 1906 Paid Cramer off cash and
dust $500. OGH note 3 months $395.72, got mail ready
to send out. Cramer and Conklin left for Seward.
McNeil took them to Knik Harbor in boat.
November 12, 1906 Partly cloudy and 30 above.
Store sales $20. Worked some on Kids stall in barn.
McNeil got back from Knik Harbor on account of Cramer and Conklin.
Turned down Arthur Baer’s proposition to go to Chickaloon to locate
placer. Evening boy sick, feverish. Sent Frank Dunn
at Station letter, with Lidell, about his future order. Bought
4 bear skins from Sushitna Natives $17.
November 13, 1906 Finished Kids stall, rearranged
hooks to hang harnesses on. Evening opened up box
from L. and H. Bought 3 black bear cub skins. Baby
some better, got indigestion from eating peanuts. down in store.
Horses came up to barn - were away last night. Store sales
fairly good.
November 14 1906 Indications of snow around
Knik. Considerable slush ice on Knik Arm. Laid linoleum
on kitchen floor. Baby not well, breathing bad. Talked
with Sam Mills about prospecting trip to Lake Creek by Cramer in
October. Mills said all the grub or expense he owed me for,
was a jar of apple butter - said Cramer located 2 claims for himself.
Evening sold 1 $50 order.
November 15, 1906 Put up $50 order sold to
Patchell. Put flour in men’s cabin that we had to leave
outside for want of room. Put dressed lumber in loft of
barn. Horses away last night, came to barn tonight, Kid gone
for 10 days. Mrs. Howard made dust cover for clothing counter.
Baby not well, dumpish all day, seems to have bronchitis.
Evening covered his chest with antiphlogestine.
November 16, 1906 with Tony hauled logs, left
over last spring, in place to saw up for fuel. Evening
tide pulled out Sea Otter boat. Tomorrow night expect to float
scow on high bank. Put feed box in for Maud, barn now in A-1 shape.
Baby very sick all day, head heavy, giving him Grays Tonic and nitre
every hour, has no appetite giving him MM cream. Started to wear
felt shoes. Evening retired early.
November 17, 1906 Warm just at freezing point.
AM put down timber to run scow on. Fixed tarp over stern
of launch to keep out snow. Evening biggest tide of season
but not the limit. With Tony pulled scow out in front of
K. B. cache only got her half on bank on account of too much ice on
her bottom. Names rope sawzed me into the water, got wet on
starboard side. Baby very much better.
November 18, 1906 Started to paper bedrooms.
Tried to pull scow up with her winch but too much ice on her
bottom aft, cut off all ice forward. Sold Names barber mirror
for show mirror in front of his bar. Bartholf tried to go
to Cottonwood after hay, too much water in flats so had to give up-trip.
November 19, 1906 Snowed 3” last night, first
snow come to stay. Ground bare up to this time around Knik.
AM got up two barrel water. PM papered on bedroom.
Evening put two shelves in one under tobacco department one under
drug department. Nakeeta said Palmer had cut price on sugar 12#
for $1.
November 20, 1906 Friend told me that Palmer
offered him a “job”. Miller to repair my scow so she would
go to pieces when we loaded her. Found that Palmer had
cut tea from 50¢ to 40¢ a pound. Evening made
latch door in front of tobacco shelf. Bought bear cub skin
$2. Retired midnight. Baby much better, teeth bothering
him.
November 21, 1906 Evening put another latch
door under drug department counter. Evening raining.
Baby beginning to eat and feels much better. Horses didn’t
come to stable this evening.
November 22, 1906 Snow all went last night,
light rain PM and evening. Nine men arrived from Valdez
Creek via down Matanuska River. Store sales fair $35, profits
today $14. Baby real well today for first time since November
12th. Mattie full of “dumps”. Bartholf and Whitney drove
to Willow Creek to hunt moose.
November 23, 1906 Cash sales profits $6.40.
Evening a little cooler just at freezing point. Palmer
and Shorty on a drunk. Lined up kitchen store to make connections
with heater from other rooms. Baby all OK again. Retired
10 PM.
November 24, 1906 Mail arrived. Nine
men from Valdez Creek left for Valdez via Seward. PM tide
Dick Richardson, Foster and 2 other men arrived by small boat
from Glacier Creek. Got $350 order for supplies for Dick
Richardson, paid for by James Girdwood. Evening made selling price
list for fall and winter goods. First overland mail
arrived, self got $3,000 worth of goods left at Seldovia.
November 25, 1906 Took part of Richardson
order $42 - bal. to come in February by Foster. Fixed mess
house door and door between store and back storeroom. Smith,
a Valdez Creek man, who forgot his blankets with $1,400 in
gold inside them, came back on PM tide.
November 26, 1906 Evening worked on selling
price list. Talked with Capt. Glenn Names about launch.
Names wanted to fix up launch for next summers business, wanted
to go in on halves. Just enough snow for light sledding on
good trails. Store sales fair cash profits $4.80 today.
November 27 ,1906 Put up Richardson’s order
on account for James Girdwood. O'Brian from Cottonwood
was down to trade. Indian Jim came by trail from Knik River,
reported Knik River open up near his cabin. In store most
all day cut fire wood for house and store.
November 28, 1906 Ed O'Brian came over from
Old Knik. Boozers around town on a drunk. Evening
colder 2nd cold spell of winter. Cut babies hair, Mattie
cut mine.
November 29, 1906 Cold 2 above zero, cut firewood.
Mattie and Mrs. Howard went for a walk up beach. They
drove down 3 horses, thought one was our Kid but was mistaken.
Oiled wall bed frame did one window. Evening took smoke
and chew tobacco out of straps and packed away same. Built
fire in mess cabin was 22 above in cabin and 32 above in root house
dept. We ate sauerkraut and “dog” for our Thanksgiving dinner,
pumpkin pie for dessert. Bartholf got back from Willow Creek
he shot 2 moose. Forty Mile Miller offered to locate us
on Valdez Creek.
November 30, 1906 Partly cloudy 10 to 18 above
zero. Sand papered and oiled one bedroom. Evening
Wilson visited, told a different story than Cramer about trip
to Lake Creek, said Cramer invited the boys to eat on him then
charged it on bill. Evening Bartholf gave us nice piece of
moose meat shot at Willow Creek.
December 1, 1906 Partly cloudy windy and 26.
Store sales fair $40. Made new feed box for Nig.
Cut firewood. Put small heater in mess house. Evening
made out Names Bros. and Howard’s bill for November. Mattie
helped me sled up two barrel water. Got order from Dunn at
Sushitna Station.
December 2, 1906 Mrs. Howard took day
off. Evening McManus and Kenny arrived from Lake Creek.
Made out agency to 40 Mile Miller to locate placer and lode
claim in Sushitna Valley and tributaries. McManus wanted
to give me security on claims for bill rendered, said Cramer promised
to pay.
December 3, 1906 Temperature zero.
Store trade fair today. Evening wrote to Bank of Seward
enclosed $100 in bills and order to send Clendening Anglem Co.
$100 draft to apply on account. Gave O. C. Miller and McHenry
each box Fastido cigars as x-mas presents, they ready to leave for
Valdez Creek. Bartholf moved into Pump Miller’s cabin today.
December 4, 1906 Clear big wind zero to 16.
Wash day. Made out location notices for O. C. Miller.
McManus and Kenny left Knik for Station. Report goes that
Richardson and Foster took the Blakely trail for the Valdez Creek,
diggings, to beat Miller there. Bartholf hauled out one load
Miller’s outfit to Big Lake. Horses didn’t come to barn now
10 PM. Smith and LaClair left Knik for Seward sent $100 to bank
at Seward.
December 5, 1906 O. C. Forty Mile
Miller and Chas McHenry left Knik for Valdez Creek head of Sushitna
River via Blakely’s trail Knik to Forks. Will Bartholf
took their outfit on double enders. Filed and cut saw and
cut usual amount wood. Sold 8 pair sled shoes. Days
shortening fast. Light lamps 3:30, use lamps AM to 8 o’clock
Let Wilson use Jack dog to go for a hunt up Matanuska.
December 6, 1906 Mattie helped to get
in 2 barrel water. About zero weather all day. Evening
talked with J. S. Mills about mining. Took snap of store
and Knik. No snow around Knik, big wind blew it all away on
4th lakes glair ice. Stanley 2 years old.
December 7, 1906 Cold 8 below zero last night.
Cut usual amount firewood. Gave McNeil contract to cut
firewood at $3.50, 16” - lengths split once. Two men came
over from Station, reported Richardson and Foster there, they got
lost out 6 days Knik to Station. Kid horse showed up at RR barn.
Bill Hughes wanted to buy K. B. launch. Evening worked on selling
price list.
December 8, 1906 Cold 12 below zero white fog.
Very quiet in store. Got door ready to hang between kitchen
and bedrooms. Mattie went with me to hay shed to get neck yolk
and doubletrees and grindstone - someone had stolen 2 monkey wrenches
and draw rod out of pole on wagon. Took a tour on Kid horse
through woods back of Stephan’s old garden. Evening took a
bath.
December 9, 1906 Clear and cold all day, 6
below northern lights visible. Mills claims he saw our
Kid horse today at RR barn - been gone a month. Store sale
profits today $6.
December 10, 1906 Perfect weather around
zero, 6 below at 9 PM. Got light bobsleighs ready and
hauled in ½ cord birch wood. PM fixed around annex
to cut out Jack Frost. Evening got selling price list about
completed now ready for the overland rush on provisions, hardware,
clothing, etc. Kid horse came up to RR barn, got him and cached
him in K. B. barn. No snow around Knik, a little ice on trails.
December 11, 1906 Weather moderating, 12 above.
Made trap door over stairway - store to living rooms.
Mattie helped me get 2 barrel water. Traded Nakeeta 20’
door jam, 14’ window jam, for whipsawed lumber. O'Brian from
Cottonwood was down to trade.
December 12, 1906 Temperature 12 last night
- 20 above tonight. Paid McNeil for 7 cords wood $24.50.
Big Stephan and family got back from 3 month hunt, bought 3 black
bear skins, under bid on 2 poor skins. Store trade fair, took
in $41, profits today $16. Natives from Station report 1’
snow there. McNeil and Stephan paid their bills.
December 13, 1906 A most perfect spring
like day. Had Mills shoe Nig and Tony forward, couldn’t
find shoes used last winter. Bought a silver gray X fox $15.
Store sales fair. Dan, Maud and Kid didn’t come to board
this evening. Elmer dead 4 months.
December 14, 1906 AM cut road to wood
cut by McNeil. Mills was all day trying to put up 2 pair
horse shoes. Fixed bed for bobsleighs. Evening Bartholf
and Mills were in store “chewing the rag”. Got up barrel water.
Store profits $8.
December 15, 1906 Getting down to zero
weather again. Hauled in half cord of birch for heaters and
put down rug in front bedroom. “Sushitna Chief” agreed to
bring us 7’ x 8’ rabbit robe to cost $9. Evening Capt. Glenn
Names said he was going to sell their saloon to Frank Miller.
December 16, 1906 Got up barrel water.
Mills put shoes on aft Nig and Tony. Mattie and Mrs. Howard
walked to summit landing on winter trail, each ate a quart
of beans for their supper. Evening 10 PM, 22 above indications
of snow, no snow at Knik and much needed. Took a bath.
December 17, 1906 Indications of snow.
John Headburg came over from Old Knik. Capt. Glenn Names
sold his saloon to Frank M. Miller for $2,500. Put up couch
in front room. Evening Mattie put up portiers between bedrooms.
House about fixed up inside. Sales slow in store. Got
up barrel water. Allowed Mills $1.50 for shoeing Nig and
Tony on K and B Co. account.
December 18, 1906 with Mills drove to
Cottonwood for load of hay - beach covered with ice but no snow
got back 3:45 PM (load tipped over). Evening adjusted door to tobacco
bin. Got order from Dunn Station for a ton of provisions.
Also order from Kenny Jamestown on Yentna. Two men came over
from Sushitna Station today.
December 19, 1906 Snow came this PM 2”.
AM hauled up 2 barrel water and ½ cord wood. Wilson
got back from Moose Creek no moose. Otto came in from our
cache on Little Sushitna. Sent Dunn word about the spuds.
Knik people formed a “Bee” to swamp out trail from our road on Fish
Creek to Station, I agreed to furnish the grub for the swampers.
Evening put case price on canned meats.
December 20, 1906 with Mills drove down to
Fish Creek, swamped out trail from government camp down
to bank of creek in 1 hour, one mile approach to creek was covered
with fallen burnt timbers. Mills broke his axe handle so we
didn’t get trail quite finished, brought back dry wood, got
back 2:30 PM. Evening put coffee grinder at end of counter and
moved paper cutters. Store sales light. Got small order
from Station. Mattie put up window curtains in front room and
kitchen. Rooms about finished and look fine.
December 21, 1906 Snowed 7” last 24 hours,
first snow come to stay. Hughes started to move boiler
for sawmill at Lake Creek today. A party of 7 men got ready
today to swamp trail from Fish Creek to Station, I furnished
the grub $30.50. Cash sales light, credit sales $11.
December 22, 1906 Snowed 2” last night,
9” total. Cleaned 1½ cases of ham. Packed 100#
on order. AM swamping party of 7 men left Knik to cut team
road through to Sushitna Station. Hughes got boiler
from beach to Knik Lake. Evening unpacked fire extinguishers,
got same ready to hang up, one in store and one in house.
Bill Elliott came over from Old Knik.
December 23, 1906 First team left Knik for
Sushitna Station. We sent $66 order over to Frank Dunn.
William Hughes sent out the team with Frank Miller. PM
took the ladies out for a sleigh ride over to Big Lake on winter
road and back, 2½ hour trip not enough snow for good sledding,
Stanley’s 1st sleigh ride. Evening made shelf for fire extinguishers
- by safe in store. Weather clearing and colder. Snowed
1” last night total this storm 10”.
December 24, 1906 Hauled up 1 cord of firewood.
PM busy putting up x-mas goods. K. T. Co. gave away
$51.75 in Fastido cigars and provisions as x-mas presents
to customers. Gave Natives candy and oranges. Harry
Watson drove over from Old Knik to get on a “x-mas jag”. Chief
Nakeeta was drunk in evening. Most everybody away from Knik
this x-mas. Store sales over $30. Indications of rain.
December 25, 1906 Xmas. Forty above and
raining, caught 2 tubs rain water. Evening thermometer
at 32 and snowing. Densmore and 3 other mushers arrived at
Knik from Cache Creek Tokashetna River. Natives hung around
store all day looking for handouts, gave them all candy and oranges.
Matanuska Stephan arrived, had 3 X fox and bear and another skin -
my bid $20 – he sold them to Palmer. Had canned turkey and
lobster salad dinner. Evening retired 9:30. Mattie got
pin cushion and box writing paper, baby got a rubber doll and dog,
myself R and Railway
December 26, 1906 Total fall of snow
1’, about 6” left around Knik after the rain yesterday.
High-you time at Purches last night, champagne and supper for
Names, Miller and Ed O’Brien. Store sales light today.
Made alarm for store door so we could hear it in kitchen at meal
times. Put up coat hooks in kitchen. All of Palmer’s
crowd on a drunk today.
December 27, 1906 Cleaned case of hams.
Mrs. Howard posting up accounts kept by Cramer last winter.
Evening colder down to zero. Midnight northern lights visible.
Capt. Glenn Names struck Mrs. Howard for a $200 loan to help pay
his license and store bill. Names getting signers for his
license for 1907.
December 28, 1906 Stiff weather all day.
Not much doing in store. Natives reported a Native froze
to death near Big Lake on winter trail, he was out hunting and
got feet wet. Sushitna Station trail swampers got back this
evening. O’Brien from Cottonwood was down sent McKinnon his
x-mas box cigars.
December 29, 1906 Working on old accounts
getting ready to post up day book journal and ledger. Got
up barrel water. Hughes started to move sawmill boiler.
On first bench across Knik Lake they tipped it over. Had to
use 3 teams to move it. Last winter, Tony and Nig moved a large
boiler, Knik to coal fields. Mattie talking of going over trail
with me to Seward about middle of January 1907.
December 30, 1906 Snowed 5” last night total
fall 17”. Hauled up 2 loads birch firewood and 2 barrel
water. Store sales very light, $7.50 today. Frank Miller
returned sled shoes - got a job to move boiler for Hughes.
McNeil discovered that one rick was not a cord of wood, got to saw
3½ cords more to make the 7 cords paid for.
December 31, 1906 Cleaned another case
of hams. Store sales fair. Evening wrote to Bank
of Seward about loan due 30th and Frank Dunn (Station) about supplies.
Midnight, Evan (2 kids) arrived with 4 quarters moose meat from Willow
Creek, bought 84 lb. hind qtr. at 10¢ a pound. Names bought
4 qtrs. at 5¢. Harry got one, Duffy one. Old year
closes with self and family living at Knik. Poor Elmer dead 4½
months.
1907
O. G. Herning: This diary commences the
year with OGH and family living in new annex over store at Knik.
OGH manager and proprietor of the K. T. Co. store at Knik Alaska.
January 1, 1907 Fall of snow at Knik
18” to date. Made out bills due January 1, 1907.
All attended dinner given at the Yentna Restaurant by Frank Whitney
dinner was A-1. Stanley’s first visit in society.
Had a great time until 9 PM, 7:30 his usual bedtime. Hughes
left Knik with feed and freight expecting to break road through
to Sushitna Station.
January 2, 1907 Collected $117 on Names bill.
Not much doing. Got quarter of moose meat for Whitney
Yentna Restaurant Co. Clyde came in trapping at mouth Little
Sushitna, going to Knik River to stake dredger placer. Mrs.
Howard loaned Names $200 - 60 days - so he could pay his license
money and store bill.
January 3, 1907 Evening warming up. John
Headburg came over from Old Knik. Harry Watson sent over
a box of cookies for Stanley. Headburg said Watson had
drove through from Old Knik to Eagle River with team. Bartholf
got back from Willow Creek, went through to relocate claims.
January 4, 1907 Store sales fair got
money Palmer paid Natives for fur. Got day book posted
except invoices from Seattle. Fixed Dan’s feed
box. Evening snowing hard, wet heavy snow
January 5, 1907 Snowed 5” last night
total 23”. Clear and colder midnight 2 below. Judge Hildreth
in town from Chickaloon coal fields. Through Native, Palmer
tried to “job me” on black fox skin, “it didn’t work”.
January 6, 1907 Evening made out bill, balance
due on C. and H. lot, clearing lot $21, cutting
poles for fence $6, hauling poles for fence $2, 8# nails
65¢ = $29.65 (Cramer dr. ½ = $14.82½).
McNeil got crook to make jumper bobsled for a run about. Prince
paid his bill and bought flashing to make door for his cabin.
Mattie got the “dumps”.
January 7, 1907 First mail due today but didn’t
arrive (overland). Opened up barber supplies and put same
on shelf, sold $2 worth. Temperature 30 above indication of
rain.
January 8, 1907 with Mills drove to Cottonwood
for 2nd load hay for K. B. horses. McNeil got runners sawed
out for one horse jumper bobsled.
January 9, 1907 First U. S. overland
mail arrived, got big bunch. Railway Co. sent check $25.46
for lost anchor. Phil Denzer sent $50 on William McManus
account. Got order from W. J. Morris and several others for
future delivery. Frank Miller got back from Station, Dunn
sent money to cover bill $65. Evening much colder.
January 10, 1907 Got another bunch of
mail from Tyonek, October mail left off there by the Tyonek.
Got deposit on several orders, got bill of goods from Seattle,
October dating. Evening Judge Hildreth gave us a nice order.
Coldest of winter, myself up until 1 o’clock keeping fires going.
January 11, 1907 Ross Paden, Stewart
and Rice and 2 others arrived today from Seward. Got
orders for outfits from E. Nordyke and Harry Ellsworth of Seward.
Cramer took Nordyke’s order. Letter from Cramer. Cash sales
$31.95, business looking brighter. Priced out Judge Hildreth
order. Retired midnight. Got another order from Dunn
Station.
January 12, 1907 Clear and cold
8 below zero. Busy putting up orders for Station, sold
one order. Three more prospectors came in making 8 thus far
this winter. Cash sales to date - January over $800.
Mattie not very well. O’Brien was down, got up 2 barrels water.
Dan didn’t come to barn this evening.
January 13, 1907 Clear and warmer
12 above zero. Three more prospectors arrived from Seward,
total 11 to date, outfitted all but 3 thus far. Sold
3 outfits today - cash sales $250. Had Judge Hildreth
at dinner, roast moose. Reardon Anderson and partner bought
outfit today also Paden and 2 partners. Bought Indian sled off Andrew
10’ for $4.
January 14, 1907 Hughes left, 2nd trip
with supplies for Station. Send Dunn and Kenny grub etc
January 15, 1907 Matanuska Natives arrived
at Knik. Evening until 3 o'clock night very busy in store
took in over $100 and bought $45 worth of furs.
January 16, 1907 Store full of Natives
all day, cash sales over $100, bought $139 worth of furs. Mailman
got back from Tyonek. Wrote to Cramer at Seward about McManus
and trip to Lake Creek. Mattie not feeling well. Profit
today $90.
January 17, 1907 Colder 12 below
zero. Matanuska Natives moving their grub out on trail.
Had Mills haul in load of wood for Mrs. Howard. McNeil
working on bobsled jumper. Bought a few skins today.
Arthur Baer ready for trip to Chulitna River. Got $200 order
from Wilson and Taylor of Seattle.
January 18, 1907 Coldest day of winter,
22 below zero. Sent Sam Mills out to Fish Creek for load
of hay from last years stock. Hauled out Arthur Bears outfit
to Big Lake. McNeil worked on sled.
January 19, 1907 Cold 15 to 18
below zero. Hughes teams got back from 2nd trip from Knik to
Sushitna Station. Got another order from Frank Dunn.
Natives about through buying, now getting ready for a Potlatch.
Hall and Ed O'Brien got back from trip to Matanuska. McNeil
worked on sled. Mills hauled me in load of firewood.
January 20, 1907 Not much doing in store
today, bought 3 lynx skins. Packed balance of Judge Hildreth’s
order to go by freight to Station. Natives having a warm
time - getting the booze somewhere. Evening took a bath.
McNeil worked on sled. Two below.
January 21, 1907 Light snow, 10 above. Filled
Dunn’s order at Station for 1.10# hams. Got Station
bills ready to mail. McNeil got sled about ready to
put on box. Evening made out price list for Dunn. Natives
holding Potlatch at Stephan’s gave them box cigars. Total snow
fall 25”.
January 22, 1907 Judge Hildreth came
in from his camp at Big Lake. Sent McManus a statement.
January 23, 1907 Warming up 10
to 30 above zero, first January thaw. Five more mushers
arrived from Seward, Monroe Kast among them. All had their
outfits delivered in Yentna District, going in light. Bartholf
took grub to Station. Kast reported that in October he met a man
by name of Chas Nicholson near Knik Harbor on way to Knik - was out
of grub - he never arrived at Knik so must have perished for want of
food. Gave Natives box of oranges for Potlatch at Stephan’s.
January 24, 1907 Took in $125.
Sold Kreidler a $200 outfit. O’Brien from Cottonwood down,
went on a spree. Headburg left for Old Knik with Scotty
Watson’s team. Richardson and Foster got back from Cache
Creek trip. Taylor and partner arrived from Cache Creek on
way to Sunrise. Bob Wyman in town on way to Station.
Palmer on a drunk.
January 25, 1907 Matanuska Natives moving
their outfits out of town. Got mail ready to send out
by Kriedler who is going to 49 for hydraulic hose. R. C. Richardson
wanted to cancel part of Girdwood grubstake order. Gibson
went to Knik River to relocate Young’s dredge ground.
January 26, 1907 Zero degrees.
Sam Mills hauled in load long birch. Evening wrote to Palmer
about the moccasin order. Sent Corlew bill of Palmer Co.
order to handle at Seward if agreeable, goods supposed to be at
Seward. John Hedburg came over from Old Knik.
January 27, 1907 Kriedler and Reed left
Knik for Railway camp 49 to get their hydraulic hose. Let
them take our Jack dog. Bartholf got back from the Station.
Got cash for Dunn’s order in January. Settled up with R. C.
Richardson on his $350 grubstake order on James Girdwood account.
LeClair left for Station. Groat Bros. left for Forks on Sushitna.
McNeil worked on bobsled.
January 28, 1907 10 to 20 above
zero. Store sales $71. Mushers all left for gold fields.
Hildreth came in last trip to Knik on way out to Thunder Creek,
Cache Creek District. McNeil got bobsled about finished.
Evening wind. Richardson left, alone, for Yentna District.
Foster remained at Knik.
January 29, 1907 Zero degrees.
Helped McNeil on bobsled got it finished and painted.
Mills hauled one load firewood for store and had birch poles for
Mrs. Howard. Found two drunks in hayloft this morning, Pete and
“White Eye” Nicholai. Names bought Purches horse feed and
harness they are going to Peters Creek.
January 30, 1907 Zero degrees .
McNeil got jumper sleigh finished. Mattie, baby and Mrs. Goodell
took a ride up Cottonwood trail. Three more men arrived
from Seward, got their orders, total to arrive 24.
Talkeetna Natives arrived, bought part of their fur. Evening
got Dunn’s order ready to ship to Station. Henry Bahrenburg
came over from Station.
January 31, 1907 Warming up 20 above
zero. Busy all day in store. Cash sales $116.20.
Davis didn’t go to Station, took Dunn’s grub this evening, ready
to go in the morning. Reardon came in for 160 lbs. more
beans, said they were camped on Big Lake Blakely trail, other side
of Little Sushitna. Judge Hildreth sent Nakeeta in for more
grub and 2 crowbars. Indian Jim caught a wolf. Mills hauled
in 2 loads firewood.
February 1, 1907 Zero degrees.
Behrenberg left Knik for Glacier Creek. January net cash
business $204.82. Mattie took baby out for a ride in new
sled. Davis left for Station, sent grub to Dunn. Mills
got 1,000 lbs. to haul to Fish Creek. Two more mushers in town,
total 26.
February 2, 1907 Colder, 8 below zero.
Two more mushers arrived from Glacier Creek, total 28.
O’Brien from Cottonwood was down. Sam Mills left Knik for
Station with load freight for George Purches. Indian Jim
caught another wolf down at Fish Creek.
February 3, 1907 Colder, 18 below zero.
Store sales fair $20. George Purches and wife left Knik
for the Yentna District. Harry Watson sent over for a small order.
Evening took usual bath. Carter came over from Station.
February 4, 1907 Cold 16
below 4th day below zero. Got up 2 barrels water. Cleaned
flue to stove and store. Evening made out Names bill.
Cash taken in $51. Sushitna Natives arrived.
February 5, 1907 Midnight 4 above zero.
Hughes and Miller arrived from Station. Davis only got
as far as river, left Dunn’s freight and came back. Natives on a
drunk down at spring. Dutchman reported to have frozen his
feet out on Sushitna trail.
February 6, 1907 Second U. S. overland mail
arrived. Got statement from bank and letters from K and
B Co. about future development of mines. Eight more mushers
arrived from Seward, total 36. Hughes left for Station,
sent Dunn sack sugar. Store sales $21. Clara wrote father
had been sick for 3 weeks. Mattie got news that her Aunt in
Naugatuck was dead.
February 7, 1907 Midnight 4 below zero.
Store sales cash $26. Took orders for 3 outfits. Mailman
left for Tyonek. Evening answered Walkers letters on K and
B Co. business. Sam Wells got back from trip to Fish Creek.
Bartholf and Hughes left for a moose hunt. Retired 1:30, wash
day in AM. Foster was over from Old Knik.
February 8, 1907 Zero degrees.
Cash sales $22.90. Wells came in for grub from Valdez Creek.
Got promise of three orders for tomorrow. Mills hauled
in last of wood.
February 9, 1907 10 below zero
last night, nothing doing today. Outfitted 5 men, Wells
Bros. Valdez Creek and four men for Kuskokwim. Total sales
$387. Up until midnight packing balance of outfits and posting
up books. Mills hauled in another load of wood. Supplies
getting low. Credit McNeil 1 rick 3½’ x 8’ firewood.
February 10, 1907 Zero degrees. Kriedler
and Reed got back from trip to Railway camp 49 with hydraulic
hose. Mills left for St. Claire camp on Little Sushitna.
Wells left for Station he bought 24 sacks flour from us and turned
it over to Palmer. Up until 3 o'clock getting mail ready to
send out. Snowed 1” last night total snowfall 26”.
February 11, 1907 Evening blizzard 25
above. Sam Wells got back from river. Frank Miller
got back from Station got big order from Frank Dunn. Evening
put up Dunn order - sent him statement of bills rendered to date.
Allowed Richardson’s due bill on Dunn’s order amount $100 on account
of Jas. Girdwood’s order. Mattie, Mrs. Howard and baby took
a ride in new sleigh. Mailed $800 deposit to bank.
February 12, 1907 Second Chief from Matanuska
in town. Bought lynx, martin, beaver, only $50, had 1
summer silver grey was of no value. Wind with snow last night,
sifted snow through cracks everywhere. Evening finished letter
to Walker, K. B. counsel, and wrote several other letters.
Bad cold on chest not feeling well. Thirty inches of snow
to date. Mailman got back from Tyonek.
February 13, 1907 Old fashioned Dakota
storm today, south-eastern. Got mail ready to send out,
sent bank Girdwood’s bill for collection. Bad cold didn’t
get up until 1l o’clock. Hughes didn’t leave for Station
on account of storm. Mailman laid over. Evening posted
up cash book. Kriedler and Reed getting ready for trip to Clear
Creek near Forks Sushitna. Got bad cold. Got ½ dozen letters
carried to Tyonek.
February 14, 1907 Snowed heavy this evening.
Bartholf came in with a moose. Hughes went out with part
of load for Station. Whitney hauled part of Kriedler’s outfit
to summit landing. Busy writing all day. Answered Stevens
and Bridgman’s letters about K. B. affairs. Wrote to Denzer
about funds sent to McManus. Sent for Taylor samples Rogers
Blake Co. Cold some better.
February 15, 1907 Genuine old fashioned
Dakota blizzard, snowed 18”, snow drifted to top of fence in
front of store. Nothing doing in store today. Cut Stanley’s
hair. Mailman started for Seward. Frank Miller came
in from Big Lake had to leave bobsled, snow 18” deep. Howard
took PM off on account of snow on roof of her cabin. Evening
wind went down clearing and colder. Cold much better.
February 16, 1907 16 below zero,
snowed 18”. Last storm unusual for this time of winter.
Making a total of 48” of snow at Knik with winter trails all blocked.
Sent out our four horses, broke trail to Big Lake other side of Fish
Creek, self went to summit. Store sales very light. Five
men reported due tomorrow from Susitna Station for supplies.
Howard took AM off, took several pictures around Knik today.
February 17, 1907 Coldest snap thus far
this winter 26 below this morning. Five men came in from
the Station for supplies. Cash sales $31. Had to saw
firewood today. Evening before sundown 10 below, midnight 22
below zero. Sushitna Natives came back from Old Knik Potlatch.
Took Big Stephan’s picture for costume.
February 18, 1907 Midnight 22 below zero,
7 AM 30 below zero. Indications of coldest weather of winter.
PM broke road to woods near spring and hauled in 1 load.
Doing a little biz with Sushitna Natives. Cash sales $50.55.
Evening kept fire going. Report came that Will Foster lost
one of Harry Watson’s horses crossing head of Knik Arm to Old Knik.
February 19, 1907 Not quite so cold midnight
22 below. Started to pack up February orders. Took
bunks out of mess room cleaned up same to store outfits for future
delivery. Whitney and Mills with Nig and Tony and Names team
hauled Reed and Kriedler’s outfit out to Big Lake. Hughes sent
team to Station. Otto came in with 400 lbs. moose meat.
February 20, 1907 Midnight 20 below AM
30 below. Store sales fair. Packing goods for future
delivery. Joe Anderson in town on way to Seward.
Kept fire going until midnight. Talkeetna Pedro in town who
found copper ledge for Judge. Nakeeta going with him to put
up notices for Judge. Retired midnight. Fourth very cold
day.
February 21, 1907 Midnight 6 below -
moderating some. Packing up orders for future delivery.
Drift ice in channel stayed in one tide. Mills hauled in
load firewood 1½ hours, McNeil cut same. Got some
fur today - one X fox. Siwash dance at Yentna Restaurant.
February 22, 1907 Midnight 5 below zero.
Packing outfits. Evening Hughes team returned from the
Station. Horses worn out and not much feed. McNeil
cut wood. Palmer on another drunk. Talkeetna Natives
left Knik for home. Sushitna Natives left for Station.
February 23, 1907 Midnight 16 below zero.
Seventh day of zero weather coldest of winter. Mills hauled
in 2 loads birch poles cut by McNeil. McNeil made sawhorse.
Packing on orders for future delivery.
February 24, 1907 Warming up, cloudy
this evening and 10 above. Sent two teams to Fish Creek
for balance of hay. Packed goods for delivery. Lidell
came in from Cache Creek. All orders for future delivery about
packed. Evening I unloaded hay, put same in barn. Frank
Miller got back, left Dunn’s provisions at Fish Creek 10 miles
from Station.
February 25, 1907 Warmer, 20 above at
midnight. Packing orders for future delivery. Figured
up inventory, over $10,000 worth of goods on hand. Hauled
up 1 barrel water with Jack dog.
February 26, 1907 Warming up 26 to 40
above zero. Mills hauled in 2 loads of poles for firewood.
Sold Frank Watson an outfit for J. W. Hamilton and Harris trip
to Kashwitna Copper Mine. Ross Padon and 2 partners got back
from trip to Forks Sushitna their cache was missing. Ten mushers
from Seward long overdue.
February 27, 1907 Partly cloudy
light snow. Sold $40 order to Lidell. Anderson and Stuart
left Knik for Glacier Creek. Prince shot 2 moose near town,
Pete got one also. Bill’s - COD over $800 - bills on time
$400. Mattie got a stitch in her side. Names started to put
up ice.
February 28, 1907 Very fine day, thermometer
56 in the sun 6 above at midnight. PM hauled in 2 barrels water,
Mattie and baby went along, Mattie got out of sled and got feet
wet in overflow on lake. Evening busy posting up February
bills rendered. Names filled his ice house. Very mild
today cold weather broken.
March 1, 1907 Zero this morning 16 above
at 10 PM. Mills hauled in 2 loads birch wood. Evening
8 PM snowing. Bought 2 caribou skins and 1 rabbit robe.
Mattie troubled with stitch in her side.
March 2, 1907 Thermometer in sun reads
50 above at midnight 16 above zero. Collected $76 on February
bills rendered. Mrs. Howard decided to lay off until more
was doing in store. Duke Harris leaves tomorrow for Glacier
Creek to get dog feed. Wrote to Murphy, sent inventory of goods
in stock Wrote Cramer at Glacier Creek.
March 3, 1907 Snow 22 above zero.
Mrs. Howard quit. Myself in store all day sales light.
Duke Harris and J. W. Hamilton left Knik for Glacier Creek with
dog team. Bartholf wanted to get flour to feed to his old
skates. Nelson and Whitney took balance of their order.
McNeil gave us a moose rib roast.
March 4, 1907 Evening 17 mushers arrived from
Seward on way to Yentna gold fields, Bill Morris and Mr. Peterson
among this party also Drees and Nordyke. Wilson, Whitney and
Sam Mills ready to leave for Wagner Gulch at head of Lake Creek.
March 5, 1907 Several more mushers came
in. Store sales good, took in $260 cash and booked 2 new
orders. Whitney, Wilson and Mills left for Yentna - Lidell hauled
their outfit from Knik to Big Lake. Henry Bahrenburg back from
Glacier Creek on way to Station. Evening busy packing orders
until midnight.
March 6, 1907 Busy in store all day packing
outfits until 4 o'clock morning. Got Barton and Arlington
order ready also Morris order. Bill Morris and Jacobs left
for Cache Creek.
March 7, 1907 Sent McNeil out with a
load of freight to Big Lake, other side of Fish Creek, Barton
and Arlington outfit. Let Drees haul load to Cottonwood
with Maud on new jumper sled. Hughes took out two double
ender loads.
March 8, 1907 Got Kershaw and Ballaine outfit
and Stoll outfit ready to send out, up until 2 o’clock.
McNeil hauled in 2 loads wood. Nakila and boy came in, got
one A-1 lynx skin. Put in new pipe flue in store - was all
burned and full of holes. Hughes came back on account of overflow
couldn’t cross Big Lake.
March 9, 1907 Last of mushers got away for
Yentna of the late arrivals. Let Stoll use Maud on jumper
sled to haul his outfit from Knik to Big Lake. Kershaw and Ballantyne
left with last load and tent outfit. Fur coats and canned
goods men yet in town. Mattie and Mrs. Howard went for a walk PM.
March 10, 1907 Mailman overdue.
AM hauled in load birch wood for Mrs. Howard. O’Brien down
from Cottonwood agreed to let me have some hay. Had Lidell cut
load of birch wood. Checked up flour, 29 sacks unsold.
March 11, 1907 Drove up to Cottonwood for load
of O’Brien’s hay, got about 7 cwt. No mailman today.
Evening made out Ellsworth’s additional bill. Mattie looked
after store today store sales very light.
March 12, 1907 Total snow fall at Knik
to date 54”. Let Frank Miller use Jack dog to haul in
moose meat, he gave us a rib roast. Mattie and baby went out for
a ride with Maud on jumper sled. Paid N. Howard her deposit
money $473.30. Wash day. Evening posted up cash book.
After paying deposit over $800 on hand. Amount of business
since January 1st $4,000.
March 13, 1907 Thawing temperature
12 to 40 above zero. Mattie baby and Mrs. Goodell took
a sleigh ride with Maud. Duke Harris and 2 new mushers arrived
from Glacier Creek. Mushers reported 3 boats on the rocks - 3 men
on trail to Knik. Railroad running trains Seward to camp 49.
Contract to build tracks from camp 49 to Camp 75. Tom Lane left
for Glacier Creek.
March 14, 1907 Colder 2 above to
32 above. Let Harper use Maud to haul part of their outfit
from Knik to Big Lake. Got inventory ready to send to
R. G. Dunn rating agency. O'Brien came down, paid him $12 for about
7 cwt. hay. Evening store full of mushers.
March 15, 1907 Mailman arrived from Seward,
reported 14 mushers on trail, Wilson and Cramer among the
bunch. Got inventory of stock and statement for rating
ready to mail to R. G. Dunn Seattle and Portland. A. C. Co.
sold store to Alaska Coast Co. Woolsey bringing another boat
for Sushitna River.
March 16. 1907 Clear and colder.
Anderson, Lake Creek man, arrived from Seward, reported
Clarence Whitney at 49 with sore feet via Boston to Knik.
Lidell hauled in load logs for storeroom addition. Wrote
to Seattle Hardware Co. sent draft to cover goods received $209.64.
Anderson wanted me to move boiler to Lake Creek. St. Clair came
to town from Sushitna Roadhouse.
March 17, 1907 Warmer 18 to 32
above. Lidell finished hauling in logs for new storeroom.
Balance of 14 mushers arrived - Cramer, Eberhardt and Wilson among
the bunch, they took possession of Yentna Restaurant. Got part of
mail ready to send out. John Headburg married the Talkeetna slave
woman.
March 18, 1907 Busy in store all day sales
$150. Duffy got sore on Palmer because he let Mayor Sam and
the mushers into the Yentna Restaurant so he paid his bill
and quit Palmer and came to trade at the K. T. Co. store.
Cramer cut his $200 order down to $65 and will go in with Lidell on
Cache Creek. Boiler Anderson and party left for Station.
March 19, 1907 Got N. Howard to help pack orders,
put up 3 outfits. W. J. Murphy and Clarence Whitney arrived.
Mushers ready to leave for Station tomorrow. Evening windy
clear and colder. George Eberhardt visited.
March 20, 1907 Colder evening down
to 2 below zero. Sent McNeil and Lidell out to Big Lake
with two small loads for prospectors. Two more mushers arrived
also 2 fur men. PM talked over K. B. affairs with Clarence
Whitney. K. B. wanted to pay $1,000 now and $1,000
in July on my account.
March 21, 1907 Sent out load of grub
for mushers Knik to Big Lake. Mailman got back from Tyonek.
Sent moccasins to Kidder and Owl Drug Co. and $425 cash to
Bank of Seward by mailman Lowell. Most all the mushers
left for Station. Sold my furs to Hubbard’s agent.
March 22, 1907 Cold, 15 below zero.
Made out bill of sales for scow and launch. W. J. Murphy
took K. B. launch for $200, self took scow for $50.
Had talk with C. E. Whitney who K. B. M. Co. sent to represent them.
Told him that my terms for settlement had to be accepted by April
20th or I would attach K. B. property. Made out order for supplies
needed for launch. Murphy to go below for same.
March 23, 1907 Lidell hauled his and
Cramer’s outfit to Big Lake with Maud. Murphy and Whitney
left Knik for Seward. Whitney to wire K. B. about a settlement
with me. Date fixed at April 20th. Had 3 days
zero weather now warming up. Sent out-mail. Furguson
arrived on way to Lake Creek. Had outfit with him, bought $10
worth here.
March 24, 1907 Cloudy 16 to 30 above,
indication of snow. Cramer and Lidell left Knik for Cache
Creek. PM with Tony on small sleigh drove down to Fish Creek
for hay. Got up 2 barrels water. Evening Harry Watson arrived
from Old Knik via on way to Falls Creek to cook for Eberhardt and Anderson.
March 25, 1907 J. H. Christman arrived
from Cache Creek sold him a $35 outfit. Store sales fair.
Mrs. Howard and Mattie did washing, snowed 2”. Total fall
of snow at Knik 56”.
March 26, 1907 Big wind last night, blew
chimneys down and board roofs off of houses south-eastern.
Let Harry Watson use Maud on small sleigh to go as far as Big
Lake. Watson and Kelly left for Falls Creek to work for Eberhardt
and Anderson. Christman left for Station. Sent letters
to Frank Dunn to say balance due to fur man en route.
March 27, 1907 Cold 30 below zero,
very quiet in store. Wrote C. E. Whitney to come or send me
a word from Seward result of wire to K. B. at Boston wouldn’t
wait later than April 20th for a settlement.
March 28, 1907 Freezing all day.
J. Griffin came back from Yentna for more grub, also Mr. Anderson.
Got word from Dunn and Kenny also McManus. McManus sent
order $50 grub to deliver to Kenny, charge to Phil Denzer.
Duke Harris got back from Kashwitna also boiler Anderson from Lake
Creek. Five men left Knik for Seward. Hubbard went out
with the gang. Sales $48.
March 29, 1907 Sold two small outfits today
- Peter of Peters Creek and Mr. Anderson from Lake Creek.
H. J. Griffith took out 350 lbs. to Big Lake. Answered Dunn’s,
McManus and Kenny’s letters. Sent statements of bills rendered.
Skidednation Nicholai reported to have arrived at the Station and
sold his furs there. McNeil got jag of hay from Fish Creek.
March 30, 1907 St. Clair came in from
Roadhouse for supplies. Jake and Elic came over from Station.
Peters, Anderson and Griffin left with supplies via Station to
Yentna District. McNeil hauled up another jag hay on small
horse sled. Evening windy. Four men left for Seward.
March 31, 1907 Easter Sunday. Had
fair day in store trade with Sushitna Natives. Made out
bills rendered in March, hauled up 2 barrels water. Evening
old man Nordyke arrived gave up-trip to Caribou District with Drees
- were 20 days moving their outfit Knik to Moose Creek 40 miles, got
60 miles more to make.
April 1, 1907 Got J. L. Reeds mail from Post
Office. Old man Hunter in town went as far as Raven
Creek, too windy to cross Crow Creek Pass. Headburg hauled
in wood with our team for Duffy. Palmer sobering up from
a spree. Baby fell cut gash over left eye.
April 2, 1907 Warming up, thawed
today. Helped McNeil haul in 4 poles to make gangplank to use
on beach. Store sales fair took $50. Won 30-30 riffle
for $1, drinks cost $1.50 extra. Sold Sushitna Native
$7 worth cube sugar, all out of sugar and flour at Station.
Gebron got back from trip to Clear Creek.
April 3, 1907 with double team started
for Cottonwood for load of hay. Trail drifted so bad had
to give up-trip, Mattie and baby went along. Got
up 2 barrels water. Two of Watson’s men arrived from Seward,
got some mail. Elic Vacilla was down from Old Knik paid his bill.
Baby not well, liver trouble, passed white stool.
April 4, 1907 Bare ground beginning to
show up around Knik. O'Brien was down. Watson’s men left
Knik for Chickaloon coal camp. Baby ok today.
April 5, 1907 with small sled drove to
Cottonwood for jag of hay, six hours. Frank Dunn arrived from
Station, paid his debt and bought $22 more. Sales today $68.
Bartholf, Hughes and McNeil went down to Goose Bay in boat for moose
meat. First boating this spring on Arm.
April 6, 1907 Got up 5 AM to let Dunn
have his supplies for Station. Frank Crab, Booth, McHenry and
Old Hunter left in row boat for Turnagain Arm via to Seward.
Crab coming back with boat and our 12 sacks feed left in Hope. Evening
Odukirk's partner got back from Chulitna, got letter from Kriedler.
Bartholf and Hughes got back from moose hunt got no moose.
April 7, 1907 Thawed a little today.
Had a run on sugar by Natives today, 4 barrels left.
Got board ready for another K. T. Co. sign also head board for
Elmer’s grave. McNeil hauled wood for himself with Tony.
Very quiet in town. Evening took a bath.
April 8, 1907 Not much doing in store
sales $25. Two mushers came in from Yentna. Mr. Matt got
back from Squentna. Kenny sent over $35 to apply on his account
by Mr. Mat. Bartholf and Names left in boat on PM tide for
moose hunt around Goose Bay. Hauled up 2 barrels water and
lumber from Nakeeta, 17 barrels in exchange for shingles.
Evening developed 3 rolls film.
April 9, 1907 Thawed considerable today,
bare ground in gardens and in front of store. Monroe Kast
came in with Matt last evening got the rheumatics going outside.
Churchill sent Natives over for sugar. Headburg came back from
trip to Metal Creek, afraid someone would get his squaw. Evening
finished developing 5 film rolls.
April 10, 1907 Matt getting Palmer’s gas boat
ready for trip to Seldovia. Printed picture on velox, developer
no good, only got a few. Beldick and Prince shot 5 moose
over on ridge of K. B. trail. Baby started to wear
jr. overalls.
April 11, 1907 Hot time in Indian town last
night, Natives drunk. Judge called out, put Nicholai and
McNeil in irons. Names out of town. Where did they get
the whiskey? Packed 100# cube to send to Churchill.
Sent Dunn the 3 bottles catsup left, belong on his late order.
Sent C. A. Neslin a bottle liniment. Mattie and Mrs. Howard
took a walk to government camp PM. Hauled up 2 barrels water.
April 12, 1907 Very quiet in store.
Sent Churchill 100# cube sugar by Native. McNeil started
to hew out stringers for gangplank. High tide taking ice
off beach at Knik. Mattie and Mrs. Howard took another walk to
government camp. Smith and wife arrived from Chickaloon.
Nakala came to town bought 1 lynx from him. Bartholf returned
the K. B. bobsleighs.
April 13, 1907 Snow about all gone on
gardens. Started to ceil up front end of little room over
store. McNeil finished hewing stringers (4) for gangplank.
Otto made hotbed for early vegetables. Palmer got his gas
boat fitted up for trip to Seldovia.
April 14, 1907 Helped McNeil on gangplank.
Mattie and the women folks took a walk to summit on Station
trail. Wrote Hale if he would protect me in case K. B. Mine
was sold. Wrote to Jos. about K. B. affairs. Cloudy
and cold all day. Two mushers from Cache Creek arrived.
April 15, 1907 Helped McNeil on gangplank.
Hauled up 2 barrels water. Palmer’s crowd ready to leave
for Seldovia on morning tide. Sent order for ½ ton oats
and hay to Chas Lilly Co. Snow 2/3 gone around Knik.
Mattie made donuts.
April 16, 1907 Palmer launched his gas boat
on AM tide for trip to Seldovia, boat leaked so bad they had to
pull her out and cork her up. Evening Frank Crab got back
from trip to Turnagain Arm, brought back 12 sacks chopped feed
left last October with A. C. Co. at Hope. Joe Palmer and
Johnny Petallin brother came over with him. All of Palmer’s
crowd drunk today.
April 17, 1907 AM tide Palmer left with
gas boat for Seldovia, had 8 passengers. Sent mail to
bank and letter to Jos. Got gangplank about finished except
laying floor. Mattie cleaned house. Evening Duffy came
in and gave us a 2 hour earache about his cooking experience in San
Francisco.
April 18, 1907 Snow all gone off store
garden and in lot back of house. Natives got back with moose
meat from Little Sushitna on K. B. trail. Paid Anton Jefeson
bill rendered by Cramer for his riffle and shoes $19.
April 19, 1907 Hauled up 2 barrels water
with Nig on stone boat. Finished frame work on gangplank
4’ x 31’. Got to have flooring whipsawed. Nakeeta came
back from trip to Copper on Talkeetna - said McConahay was sick
at Chickaloon couldn’t go any farther.
April 20, 1907 Duke Harris arrived from
Seward overland brought Seward mail. Got letter from Murphy,
left Seward on April 3rd for Seattle.
April 21, 1907 Snow all gone off around
buildings at Knik and on trail beach to lake. Started to
paint another K. T. Co. sign. Sold R. Butler of Seward small
outfit on his way to Cache Creek District. Shoveled snow drift
off Elmer’s grave. Foster left at noon with dory for Turnagain
Arm with Mr. Eaton who just arrived from Kuskokwim. Sent order
to A. C. Co. Hope for 10 sacks oats for Bartholf and Hughes.
April 22, 1907 Butler and partner last to leave
Knik with dog team for Cache Creek.
April 23, 1907 Trade fair, $20,
had a run on sugar. Several Natives came in from Little
Sushitna to trade before the breakup, bid on 2 lynx and 1 otter
$12, Palmer’s man got them for $14.50, 1 lynx summer
pelt. Got log ready to saw on. Chief Nakeeta brought
lumber for gangplank. Duke Harris left for coal mines.
April 24, 1907 Marked and plumbed log
to whipsaw for lumber for gangplank. Hunter Smith arrived from
Eagle River had a small catch. Old man Zorn and son arrived
from trip Seward to Knik, 1 month on trail, had to cache their
grub at head of Knik Arm came in with only camp outfit. All
out of hay, horses getting some grass.
April 25, 1907 First rain of spring.
Cut ice around stern of scow. Geese flying over all evening.
Put up wash bench in kitchen, evening fixed clock that was out
of order.
April 26, 1907 Frost out of store and
barn gardens. Natives finished sawing lumber for gangplank
floor, 150’ cost $4.80 and $1 for log = 4¢ per ft.
Frank Miller leaded and corked up Sea Otter boat. Mattie
and Mrs. Howard walked to Fish Creek and back (4 miles). Palmer
overdue on trip to Seldovia 3 days. Hauled 2 barrels water.
April 27 1907 Big tide partly covered ice on
flats. Cleaned Old hair off horses. Miller finished
corking Sea Otter boat, time 5 hours. Cleaned out potato
pen in root house. McNeil finished sawing firewood.
Painted sweep oars. Cleaned off store garden. Got most
of ice out of stern of scow.
April 28, 1907 Lots of ice afloat.
Made bracket to hold fire extinguishers, to place in front room
over store. McNeil finished sawing wood, got credit for
3 1/3 cords for April, 3 cords on hand. McNeil helped me fix wench
on scow, took out roller, put on tackle to pull her up on bank.
Evening Affinassa arrived from Tyonek. Reported the
Tyonek came as far as Tyonek, too much ice, so went back to
Seldovia. Fed horses last of frozen potatoes.
April 29, 1907 Jacked up scow off ice. McNeil
jointed up flooring for gangplank. Palmer got back from trip
to Seldovia on 5 PM tide. The Tyonek at Fire Island, too
much ice to come into Arm. Palmer delivered mail
at Sunrise and Hope and Knik with his gas boat. Foster got back
from Hope, brought 8 sacks feed. Clothing for Stanley came by
mail. Got letter from Stevens only K. B. mail.
April 30, 1907 Finished gangplank, painted
floor of same. Hauled up 2 barrels water. Palmer
went to Fire Island for grub left there by the Tyonek. Foster
left by boat for Old Knik via Goose Bay route. Got big bundle
paper mail that accumulated since last October. Ice in Knik
Arm 2 weeks later than last spring.
May 1, 1907 Collection day. Made
out local trade bills, collected $119. Matt and old Hughes,
Palmer’s hooch dispenser, had scrap over a dog in Palmer’s saloon.
Hughes pulled a club then a rifle on Matt but was properly disarmed.
Flood tide quite free of ice flow. Bartholf moved up to Cottonwood
to
commence fixing trail to Willow Creek.
Duffy gave a 3 hour earache.
May 2, 1907 McNeil went to Goose Bay
Point to cut poles and sills for hardware annex.
Headburg left by row boat for Old Knik. Wrote Seattle Hardware
Co. I would furnish 5½’ snowshoes for $3 and 6’
for $3.50, F. O. B. Knik. Evening picked a goose.
May 3, 1907 Not freezing at night.
Rode Kid up to tide flats let O'Brien have job to grub piece
of land to plant rutabagas. Painted Sea Otter boat.
Registered letter to A. C. Co. Hope and bank at Seward. McNeil
rafted up rafters and sills for hardware annex. Put screens
on 2 windows, a few mosquitoes presenting bills. Snow all
gone in woods.
May 4, 1907 First real rain of spring. Landed
raft of logs. Put pull rope in gangplank. Had goose
dinner. Jap boy got back from hunting trip around Goose Bay,
gave us a goose. Got 2 oz. 5 dwt . 20 gr. gold dust ready to send
to bank of Seward. Put up fire extinguishers in front room.
May 5, 1907 with Tony hauled pole rafters and
sills - beach to store. Started to clean out to build
hardware annex between store and new cabin. Evening
Admiral Duffy visited, gave me a 2 hour earache about his restaurant
business in Seattle. Blind Miller arrived after all winter on
trail Seward to Knik.
May 6, 1907 William Murphy got back from trip
to Seattle for a gas engine for his launch, came from Seward
via Glacier Creek, Wallace came over with him to do carpenter
work on boat. PM jacked up scow above ice on beach.
Started to build hardware annex. Put K. T. Co. sign on roof
of store. Evening wrote to Phil Denzer sent statement of his
account.
May 7, 1907 Murphy started to remodel
K. B. launch for gas engine, Wallace doing the carpentry work.
Got logs laid at rear of hardware annex. Talked with Judge
about K. B. affairs said I would have to apply to District Court
to cover the mining property. Otto came in for grub for Bartholf
on account of trail work Knik to Willow Creek.
May 8, 1907 Got floor sills laid and
part of floor in hardware annex. Hauled up 2 barrels water.
Murphy got launch all stripped ready for new house etc.
Evening wrote C. and T. Co. not to deliver lost October freight.
Answered Mr. Stevens letter about K. B. affairs. Evening
horses failed to come for feed. Headburg and bride left for
Glacier Creek, also Old John Miller. Evening horses failed to
come for feed.
May 9 1907 McNeil laid off. Laid
part of floor hardware annex. Matt started to cut
out for shaft log in launch. Murphy hewed out shaft log
and bored same. Paddy and 3 men arrived via Old Knik from
Glacier Creek on way to Knik Copper. Horses failed to show
up at barn tonight 2nd night away. Noon Palmer left for Tyonek
- Names and Smith went with him in gas boat.
May 10, 1907 Finished laying floor in
hardware annex. Got up a few front logs. Murphy went
to Goose Bay Point to get timbers for launch. Mrs.
Howard drove up horses from Fish Creek. Evening Palmer got
back from trip to Tyonek, brought no mail. Clyde arrived
by boat said the Tyonek was at Glacier Creek, wouldn’t call here
for 2 weeks.
May 11, 1907 Got most of logs up on front of
hardware annex. Put in pier to run scow on - to cork,
paint, etc., same. Launch all ready to set engine.
Palmer started to build crib for wharf. Names packing up to
move his saloon to Tyonek.
May 12, 1907 Tide too small to float scow.
Got hardware annex front completed, part of rafters up.
Zorn launched his dory. Murphy waiting for engine and house
material for launch. Palmer filling in crib for wharf.
Got sore throat.
May 13, 1907 Rain most all day.
Got up balance of rafters on hardware annex. Took in $330
deposits. No work on launch today waiting for engine to arrive
- left off at Tyonek. Evening Duffy visited, gave a 2 hour
earache.
May 14, 1907 AM tide Murphy left for Turnagain
Arm to get iron for launch. Put in gutter and started
to shingle hardware annex. Palmer finished building wharf
- 4 days work. Evening got $750 ready to send to bank. Delivered
30 bunches shingles to Duffy by Duke Harris.
May 15, 1907 Put on 4 bunches shingles
on hardware annex, covered balance of roof with canvas on account
of being out of shingles. Red Jack and the Tyonek expected
in on any tide. Evening cleaned up front yard. Duffy
visited with his usual earache. Mailed $400 gold and $350 currency
to Bank of Seward - 2 registered packages.
May 16, 1907 Jacked up scow and nailed
on mud guard. Put door frame in hardware annex.
The Tyonek arrived first trip to Knik, got groceries hardware
clothing. Palmer’s wharf no good, unloaded freight on gangplanks.
Whitney arrived, no word from K and B Co. about settlement.
Up until 2 o'clock talking with Whitney. Red Jack arrived, brought
Murphy’s engine on way to Station. Palmer went to Sunrise.
May 17, 1907 The Tyonek left for
Seldovia. Mrs. Howard went out on the Tyonek also Smith
and wife and Clarence Whitney went back to Seward. Murphy
got engine into launch. Wallace getting out material for
house on launch, Matt setting engine. Morning tide Palmer
got back from Sunrise with load of beer. Palmer and his squaw
drunk.
May 18, 1907 Unpacked some hardware and
marked same. Wallace got the frame up for pilot house
on launch. Evening helped to set engine in launch. Palmer
moved Names saloon outfit to Tyonek. Stephan got back from Tyonek
with his new sloop. Horses came up from Fish Creek.
May 19, 1907 Bartholf put in small order
for mine supplies. Matt got engine lined up. Wallace
got up frame to house on launch and part of siding on.
Murphy caulking up launch. Evening horses came to barn.
Bartholf planted 40 Mile Miller’s garden.
May 20, 1907 Ploughed garden in front
of store. Hauled up sleds, beach to annex. Put up
$40 worth of supplies for Bartholf to take to Willow Creek.
Evening painted house on launch. Bought 8 pair snowshoes,
store sales fair. Evening took a bath. Evening tide
Bartholf left Knik for Willow Creek.
May 21, 1907 First real warm day of spring.
Everything about completed on launch. Sent to Sunrise
for lumber to cover roof of house on launch, by Palmer’s gas boat.
Opened up box of guns, all in good condition. Duke Harris
went to Seward via Sunrise to bring around horses to Knik.
May 22, 1907 Palmer launch got back from
Sunrise, got no lumber. Planted store garden to spuds
etc. Boat reported at Goose Bay, probably the Ida May.
May 23, 1907 Helped to put roof of house
on launch and did some priming. PM made first ice cream.
Evening Matt, Wallace and Murphy ate ice cream with us.
Store sales fair $30.
May 24, 1907 The Tyonek arrived, 2nd
trip to Knik, got no freight. Ploughed C and H garden.
Took top off hardware roof to cover roof on launch. Evening
made red paint to paint roof on launch. Painted pilot house
and hatch. One passenger arrived. Zorn left by boat to
get his winter cache at head of Arm. Forty Mile Miller got back
from trip to Valdez Creek.
May 25, 1907 Ready to launch the launch but
got no oil. Palmer started to plant spuds.
May 26, 1907 Worked on scow all day put
in 5 new sills. Set glass in pilot house window primed
doors of pilot house on launch. Murphy finished laying floor
in launch. Port windows rudder and sail gear yet to go on.
Hughes lost 4 of his horses on Cottonwood flats. Beldick
arrived from Willow Creek.
May 27, 1907 Got scow ready to launch.
Let Duffy have horses to plough up his garden spot. Hauled
up 2 barrels water. Snowshoes coming in every day, 30
pairs on hand. Wash day.
May 28, 1907 Up at 5:30 launched scow,
tide came 1’ over bank. Painted waterline on launch and
doors etc. in pilot house. Did some work on rudder.
Evening Wallace set dynamo and put in center post to stiffen roof
of launch. Launch all ready to run except connecting up
cable to rudder, waiting for oil to arrive.
May 29, 1907 Painted most all day on
launch. Cut glass for windows and Wallace put them in.
Murphy connected up cable to rudder etc. Evening tide Ryn
of Kenai arrived with his sloop.
May 30, 1907 Cleaned 2 cases of ham.
Fixed bank - back of hardware annex. paid Wallace $100
for 20 days labor remodeling launch. Evening tide the Tyonek
arrived - disc harrow and forage came. Evening set up disc
harrow got no mail. Murphy put in shelf lockers in pilot
house and molding around top of house inside. The Ida May reported
at Seldovia.
May 31, 1907 Run disc harrow over C and
H garden. Morning tide launched K. B. launch. PM
tide, the Ida May arrived with gas oil for launch, also
the Bat arrived. Finch brought 4 Natives over from Tyonek
on account of drinking booze. Evening unloaded oil on
scow. The Bat caught fire finally put it out. Miss Woolsey
came on Bat, guest at our house.
June 1, 1907 Paid freight on oil.
The Ida May left on AM tide. Started to paint ceiling in
launch. Ploughed K. B. lot. Murphy put mast in launch.
Evening painted trimmings on pilot house. The Bat got fixed
up, got electric wire from the Ida May. Had
Woolsey and daughter and Mr. Finch at dinner.
June 2, 1907 Launch wouldn’t float AM
tide. The Bat also got stuck on Knik beach. Murphy
and Wallace rolled launch into deep water. Left Knik at midnight
with Jim Wallace for Sunrise went along as pilot, left Mattie to
run store - up all night.
June 3, 1907 Ate breakfast on Fire Island.
AM tide started out for Sunrise heavy head wind north of Turnagain
Arm had to run back to Fire Island. Slept on Fire Island
on beach. Red Jack visited at Knik brought Matt back and
2 passengers.
June 4, 1907 Cloudy. AM tide
went back to Knik for more oil and to lengthen out rudders.
Got orders from Kenny and Rice, Lake Creek, for supplies put
up same to go on launch.
June 5, 1907 Left Knik midnight for Hope
and Sunrise with ton of freight and 5 passengers. Arrived
Fire Island 5 AM. AM tide went to Hope, head wind very rough
arrived Hope 2 PM left off 1 passenger.
June 6, 1907 2 AM left Hope for
Sunrise, Mr. Sleeper a passenger - left off 3 passengers.
3 AM left Sunrise for Tyonek was a little rough in Chickaloon Bay.
Arrived at Tyonek 1 PM on half flood. Evening tide rough
Turnagain Arm wind. Short of fuel - leak in tank and pipe.
Decided to go back to Knik then to river. Engine wants overhauling.
Tyonek.
June 7, 1907 Left Tyonek 11 AM, arrived
Knik 5 PM. Evening mosquitoes very bad. Murphy cleaned
out bilge in launch, found leak in feed pipe. Brought 4
box pilot for Palmer - del. first king salmon at Knik. Store
sales light. Got order from Names for future delivery.
June 8, 1907 Made out McNeil and Bartholf’s
bills rendered in May. Unpacked hardware. Murphy
overhauling gasoline tank and feed pipe also engine. Watson’s
men came down from coal camp to get horses - to arrive from Seward.
Evening checked down and marked hardware. Most everyone got
light colds.
June 9, 1907 Got Names order ready. Painted
bow on launch where tide rips, ripped off plates. Evening
Murphy got launch ready for trip up river. Anderson, of Lake
Creek, arrived with his gas boat on way to Tyonek. McNeil got
logs for oil house.
June 10, 1907 Got up 6 AM left Knik -
voyage 2 with launch for Sushitna River at 8 AM. Arrived
at bar off river at noon anchored for flood tide. Got into mouth
of river at 5 PM, high tide mark on East Fork, couldn’t find channel
up East Fork got aground many times. Crossed over to Barrel
Island got hung up on sand bar went dry 10 hour waiting for tide.
June 11, 1907 Left mouth of river
7 AM arrived at Station 11:30. Took dinner at Dunn’s left
Station 2 PM arrived Kahiltna 10 PM anchored 1 mile above Kahiltna.
June 12, 1907 Arrived Lake Creek 10 AM
took 10½ hour run Station to Lake Creek. Collected
freight bills, delivered freight to Kenny - Rice and Co. and McHenry.
Left Lake Creek 1 PM, stopped at Kahiltna no one there.
Arrived Station 5 PM. Took on two passengers and old man Van
Buren from Lake Creek. Passed Red Jack at mouth of river.
Laid over at Barrel Island windy outside.
June 13, 1907 Barrel Island to Tyonok
and Knik. AM tide went to Tyonek, strong wind off shore.
Woolsey followed with the Bat had to put in at Beluga. 12:30
left Tyonek for Knik strong wind, heavy seas off Fire Island very
rough, arrived at Knik 7 PM. The Tyonek was in on the 12th
brought Duke Harris and Watson’s horses. McNeil had oil house
up and gas stored therein.
June 14, 1907 Murphy had to line up engine.
Bartholf came in from Willow Creek for more grub, paid his bill.
Evening Palmer tried his gas boat after resetting engine.
Store trade fair mosquitoes quite bad. Murphy hired to take
Duke Harris to Sushitna Forks at $20 per day.
June 15, 1907 Warmer, mosquitoes very
bad. Murphy left Knik with Duke Harris via to Sushitna Forks.
Put up $132 order for Bartholf to take to Willow Creek. Palmer
left with scow and gas boat for coal.
June 16, 1907 Rode Kid up to grass flats
and planted rutabaga seed on lot there. Bartholf left
for Willow Creek. Hamilton left for Knik River Copper Mines.
Forty Mile Miller returned from Knik River. Unpacked hardware
Mattie made ice cream.
June 17, 1907 Checked down hardware replanted
lettuce and radishes. Three boats arrived on evening tide from
Knik River. Small mosquitoes very bad. Oats up on
K. B. lot. Bought bear cub skin off Forty Mile Miller.
Evening cloudy.
June 18, 1907 Mosquitoes bad. Unpacked
sleds, saws and shovels and put them in hardware annex.
June 19, 1907 First real rain of spring.
Worked on books all day. Forty Mile Miller soldered
eve trough on hardware annex.
June 21, 1907 Hamilton Chandler and Foster
got back from Knik River. Joe Palmer arrived from Hope.
June 22, 1907 PM tide both Palmer and Murphy
arrived at Knik. Murphy gone 7 day trip to Forks.
Store sales fair. Got order from Dunn from Station.
Mosquitoes quite lively again.
June 23, 1907 Put Knik Trading tarp on
roof of hardware annex. Made arrangements to send Tom
Longtree to Willow Creek to look after water and flume and property
and care for K. B. horses. Put up small order for Dunn,
G. S. Swan and K. B. Mines. Up most all night getting ready
for trip to Seward via with the Swan to Sunrise, then trail to RR.
No diary entries from June 24 through July
15 while Herning was on a trip to Seward.
July 16, 1907 Left Seward 8 AM train
to camp 34 and walked to end of government road, took lunch with
Weaver Hatchey and Sunny Jim. Took tea at Gleason’s cabin and
arrived at Lynx Creek 7:30. Stayed at Nate White's bunkhouse.
Evening rain.
July 17, 1907 Lynx Creek to Sunrise,
got up at 5 AM and mushed down to 6 mile Forks. Had breakfast
at Sullivan’s, got legs wet, dried out same then mushed to Sunrise
arrived at noon no boat in.
July 18, 1907 The Swan arrived at Sunrise.
PM windy so laid over tide.
July 19, 1907 At Sunrise. Noon
tide, left on the Swan for Girdwood. Got stuck on
bar had to layover a tide. Called on O’Dale’s.
July 20 1907 Girdwood to Sunrise and
Hope, rough so laid over a tide.
July 21, 1907 Rain, Hope to Knik.
Left Hope 1 AM not very rough, arrived Fire Island 4 AM arrived
Knik at noon. Found all well. Mattie did well in store
while absent 4 week trip to Seward. Put up small order for
Kenny and Names. Home at Knik.
July 22, 1907 AM tide, the Swan
left for Yentna. Palmer’s gas boat came back, couldn’t
make Sunrise on account of rough weather and broke down.
Sent statements to Stewart, Kenny - Dunn and Names.
July 23, 1907 Posted up store accounts.
Made out Duffy bill for June $111.
July 24, 1907 Got 4 dz. snowshoes ready
to ship to Seattle Hardware Co. Wrote to Woodward Clarke
Co. of Portland to send out tracer for box of drugs lost last October.
Horses came up, Kid and Maud looking fine other 3 horses at Willow
Creek. Gardens backward at Knik, potato crop thin, Native
seed all grew outside seed missed 1/3.
July 25, 1907 Packed Indian curios to
ship to Seward News Co. and brown bear skin for McAlpine at Homer.
The Tyonek arrived, with two hunters, Dawson and Berg.
Shipped $89.70 worth of Indian curios to Seward News Co,
48 pair $150 worth snowshoes to Seattle Hardware Co. One bear
skin to William McAlpine in Homer. Evening Bartholf
arrived from Willow Creek reported that 200’ of flume was washed
over canyon at K. B. Mines at noon July 19th.
July 26, 1907 Put up small order for
Bartholf. Palmer and his gang all drunk last night up
to 5 in the morning. Made out Bartholf’s June bills also
McNeil’s. Hilled up spuds in store garden.
July 27, 1907 Left Knik on Kid horse
for mines, 7 AM, arrived Sushitna cache 1:30. Found Bartholf
at river had lunch, left 2:30. Hamilton and party arrived
from Kashwitna on way to Knik. Arrived at mines 7:30 got
wet on mountain. Talked to Tom about flood at mines on 19th
until midnight.
July 28, 1907 Got up 6 AM looked over flume
and works. All the flume through rock cut washed over
canyon falls nothing left of it. Snow slide took out 100’
pipeline. Flood took out 100’ sideline 9” pipe, 20”
pipe crushed by snow, pipeline a wreck. Staked 2 claims on
bench west side of Gilbert group. Evening went to head of Grubstake
for 2 horses, Kid not there. Otto and Crab came in from Little
Sushitna.
July 29 and 30 1907 no diary entry
July 31, 1907 The Tyonek in port.
Mrs. Goodell left for Seattle. New A. C. Co. man and wife
on the Tyonek to take charge of Sunrise Station. E. H. Bartholf
left for Willow Creek PM let him use 2 horses.
August 1,1907 Murphy started to remove
skegs from launch. McNeil finished hoeing C and H garden.
Made 2 gallons paint for roof of launch. Evening got up
barrel water. Evening Duffy gave us 2 hour earache.
Made out paper for signers for Duffy’s license.
August 2, 1907 Finished shingling part
of hardware annex. Goodell paid his bill. Put design
on launch for her name “The Swan”. Forty Mile Miller sore at
Palmer about restaurant deal.
August 3, 1907 Painted name on Swan busy
in store rest of day.
August 4, 1907 Cameron and party got back from
coal fields. Sent bank $793.40 deposit. Sent $436.46
draft to cover goods from Seattle. Wrote Mr. Hovey about
store deal.
August 5, 1907 Watson got back from coal banks.
August 6, 1907 Left on the Swan 6 AM
for Turnagain Arm to buy a few supplies, Cameron and party
went along to Sunrise. PM tide - visited at Sunrise, Glacier
and Kern Creek and returned to Sunrise. Ross Paden
went out via Sunrise. Turnagain Arm very smooth.
August 7, 1907 AM tide, went to Hope
bought flour etc. PM tide visited at Rainbow and went
to Fire Island. Evening rain.
August 8, 1907 5 AM arrived Knik.
Evening tide the Swan left with Watson for Sunrise and
Hamilton for Lake Creek.
August 10, 1907 Johnson and Al Carnak left
on boat down Arm. Frank Miller left for Kenai with Palmer’s
gas boat to have engine repaired. Old Hunter left for Old Knik.
Frank Crabb returned from Knik River.
August 11, 1907 Got ready for trip to
K. B. Mines to take care of flume that flood wrecked.
August 12, 1907 Left Knik 5:30 with 2
men for mines, found horses on beach near hayshed. The
Tyonek arrived, self rode back for mail. Ate dinner at
Big Lake fed horses at river arrived at mines 9:30. No rain
today. Found Old Tom watchman at mines OK.
August 13, 1907 Started to block up and line
up flume that had been wrecked by the flood July 19th and rebuild
pit dam. Evening rode down to lumber camp to see Bartholf,
he was not there was out prospecting gold ledge at head of Willow
Creek.
August 14, 1907 Put in dam at head of
Gilbert basin to turn creek on bench channel and then rebuilt
pit dam and got creek running through canyon ditch. Let Bartholf
have some grub. Loaned him our forge.
August 15, 1907 Worked on flume, rebraced
right hand shear boards that was wrecked by flood. Gene
Bartholf visited on way to quartz find on Craigie Creek. Evening
put new staple on cache door.
August 16, 1907 Made 27 to 20 taper flume
to joint where flood cut out 16 boxes. Finished lining
up flume put back wall in on pit dam. Evening looked at pipeline
wrecked by snow slides, decided not to repair same this season.
Work finished except cleaning out canyon ditch. Left same
for Tom to do.
August 17, 1907 Light rain.
Finished grading flume, put in left shear board and turned water
through flume. Flume now in good order in case of another
flood.
August 18, 1907 Got up at 4 with Tom, went
to head of Grubstake Gulch for horses, found all but Kid horse
who must have left for Knik Friday evening. Left mines at
8 AM with 4 horses and 2 men for Knik, arrived Knik 8 PM. The
Swan was at Knik on trip to Station, sent Kenny more grub. McNeil’s
time at mines 12th to 18th was 7 days at $3.50, Anderson
times 6 days at $2.
August 19, 1907 The Swan left Knik for
Station Dunn and Wallace en route.
August 20, 1907 Judge Goodell said that Pete
and Nicholai had to work 3 days each for Palmer for riding
my Kid horse and Palmer’s horse up and down the beach without authority
for doing so. McNeil went to Goose Bay for saw logs.
August 21, 1907 Marked hardware
Put dry salt side in pickle. Wrote to bank, sent $100 check
for deposit and 3-18-15 dust at $16 = $62.90. Sent $55 for
range to Frederick and Nelson Seattle. Stephan came in from
Tyonek saw no steamboats.
August 22, 1907 Took in several pairs
snowshoes. Put “port” light in door to store warehouse.
Registered dust to bank. Posted up cash books.
August 23, 1907 Busy around store.
PM tide the Swan got back from trip to Station. Evening
E. H. Bartholf arrived from Willow Creek, had 250 lb. gold quartz
for mill test. Gave Big Stephan “go hunting grubstake” via
up Matanuska.
August 24, 1907 Cloudy - rough
surf. Put up two orders; 1 - $100 order 1- $30 order and cash
sales $47.30. The Swan stayed in port on account of wind.
Evening tide Otto left for Willow Creek and siwashes had a dance
in RR store room, whites officiated. Judge Hildreth on the
floor Martha waltzed etc. Dug 33 lb. new spuds.
August 25, 1907 Got ready for trip to Turnagain
Arm on G. S. Swan. Bartholf panned some Craigie Creek ore,
went $200 to ton. 9 PM tide - left Knik on Swan for the
Arm, Judge Hildreth and Gene Bartholf went along.
Arrived lee of Fire Island 11:35, blowing out of the Arm.
August 26, 1907 Cloudy, light rain
at Fire Island, too rough to go into Turnagain Arm. Hildreth,
Bartholf and myself took a hunt on the island,
wind blowing hard.
August 27, 1907 Cloudy light rain
at Fire Island, 8 AM moved down to anchorage at lower spit.
Still rough in Turnagain Arm. Left Fire Island 4 PM arrived
at Sunrise 6:35. Left off Judge Hildreth and Bartholf.
Too rough and dark to go to Glacier Creek laid over a tide.
August 28, 1907 Left Sunrise 8:15 AM
tide for Glacier Creek. Laid over a tide, bought dog
feed from Alaska Central Railway Co. Got 1½ tons
freight for Station. Ate dinner with O’Dale’s, Mr.
Wm. Girdwood was there, brought down some bear meat. PM got
freight aboard the Swan. Evening tide went to Sunrise and took
on some spuds. Dark and fog laid over a tide.
August 29,1907 Sunrise to Hope.
Morning tide sailed for Hope to take on lumber and freight.
Found the Tyonek at dock loading AC freight for Sunrise.
PM loaded 1,500’ lumber on Swan for Knik. PM heavy wind down
Turnagain Arm. SS Tyonek left Hope for Sunrise, wind drove
her back to Hope. Too dark to leave on evening tide.
August 30, 1907 Cloudy and windy.
Left Hope 11:30 AM very rough seas. Hope to Fire Island.
Arrived at Knik 9:30 PM. Got letter from attorney Morford
with wire from K. B. Boston offering payment of $1,500 on my account.
Received $350 from bank account draft C.O.D. Got order
from Kenny Lake Creek.
August 31, 1907 AM unloaded freight put
same in cache. The Swan in port. Had Native
hill up C and H spuds 11 hours at 20¢ = $2.10. Natives
and whites had dance in Railway storehouse, wound up all drunk -
fist fight with several shots fired in the air. Rufe done up
Johnnie Kast. No arrests.
September 1, 1907 Made out August bills rendered,
collected in $319.88. Many sore heads around town after
dance last night, old Judge included. Had first watermelon
feed at Knik. Got present of 2 ducks.
September 2, 1907 The Swan in port. Henry
Richsten left in row boat down the Inlet. Several Natives
went to Knik River for fall hunt. Had a big duck dinner today,
grape pie and watermelon. Evening got books posted up to
date. Took a bath.
September 3, 1907 The Swan left Knik
for Station. Frank Miller went as far as river on duck
hunt. Took picture of the Swan on Knik beach.
Everybody out of town except 6 white people. Evening got
up a barrel of water. Took picture of Stanley in pants.
Evening Duffy visited with President earache.
September 4, 1907 Snowed on mountain peaks
last night down to timber line. Hoed some in spuds, worked
on orders for fall delivery. Done the witch act and found
two veins of water by Duffy’s Roadhouse. Got up barrel
water, Martha washed. Evening Duffy visited, gave us
earache on how politicians got graft money etc. Everybody out of town
- store sales light.
September 5, 1907 Very nice day.
Got most of hardware and grocery order ready. Re-sacked
some Railway flour. Bought 5 pair snowshoes. Store
sales light.
September 8, 1907 Heavy rain last night
clearing today. Busy getting orders made out for fall delivery.
The Swan arrived from Station with passengers for Turnagain Arm.
Evening made out an agreement, Fred G. Borden to W. J. Murphy on
account the launch sunk in Sushitna River, to raise same
or take out engine etc.
September 9, 1907 AM tide the Swan left
Knik for Turnagain Arm. Started to cut hay on tide flats, too
wet so cut it out. Busy typewriting in orders.
September 10, 1907 Got up 2 barrels water.
Drees and Willard Hall arrived from Caribou Creek. Grubstaked
Pedro to go hunting up Matanuska. Store biz quiet.
September 11, 1907 Arranged things in
hardware annex, oiled stoves and repaired damaged ones.
Evening Burr and 3 other men arrived from Glacier Creek. Wrote
to Hovey and Churchill and Co. would sell Yukon sleds for $6
FOB Knik and divide outfit on tools they might need. Evening
light rain. Mail due tomorrow. Had duck dinner.
September 12, 1907 Packed up 35 pair
snowshoes to ship out. Made pigeon hole for freight bills
etc.
September 13, 1907 Sold a stove. Billed
out 35 pair snowshoes Seattle Hardware Co. $190.50 to go on the
Tyonek. Evening Duffy visited with usual earache, Mattie
took it all in.
September 14, 1907 Oiled pit saws.
PM stacked hay. No boat today. Foster got back from
Knik River. Old Hunter came over from Old Knik.
September 15, 1907 Arranged goods in
hardware annex. Sold a stove. Sold small outfit.
Painted whiffletrees. Posted up cash book to date.
Let Miller have team to haul up fire wood.
September 16, 1907 Knik lively today.
Red Jack arrived, Names on board with bride. Foster and
partner left on prospecting trip. McNeil and Nicholai left
to cut hay on Fish Creek (contract). The Swan arrived 11
AM. Very busy in store, took in $81.55. Evening Siwash
dance in Railway storehouse, whites predominated. Mattie
danced with the rest of the squaw men and Duke Harris. No
mail boat reported to arrive until 24th. Bartholf’s help came
in.
September 17, 1907 Red Jack sailed for Tyonek
with his wife in irons. Otto and Jap's arrived from Willow
Creek. Got ready for trip to Seward. Took $225 cash
and gold dust.
October 4, 1907 Left Sunrise 6 AM on the Swan,
arrived at Fire Island Point 9 AM. Left on flood tide
for Knik 10:30. Frank Crabb and Dick Richardson came over
from Sunrise on the Swan. Put up ¾ ton supplies
for Yentna District. Champagne party in honor of Mrs. Purches
at Palmer’s saloon (self not invited).
October 5, 1907 Got up at 5 AM to settle
account with Dick Richardson. The Swan left Knik for
Yentna with Richardson and Purches family. Patchell arrived
overland from Cache Creek.
October 7, 1907 Snowed heavy on mountain
last night. Bought $119 gold dust. Got up barrel
water. Mattie washed. Panned out ½ lb. Willow
Creek quartz got 23¢ in gold = 46¢ lb. or $920 ton.
Ready for trip to Willow Creek to examine quartz ledges.
October 8, 1907 Busy in store cash sales $134.60.
Esi and Ephim got back from fall hunt, bought 1 bear skin.
Hatcher went to Cottonwood for horses on account of trip
to Willow Creek to examine his quarts mines. Evening posted up
cash book balance $599.
October 9, 1907 Left Knik 6:45 with R. L. Hatcher
and 3 horses to examine Hatcher and Carnegie gold quartz mines
between head water of Willow Creek and Little Sushitna River. Run
into snow at timber line on Bald Mt. Arrived at K. B. Mines
10 PM no snow at mess house.
October 10, 1907 Closed up mess house
cleaned up around same. Examined flume and pit dam.
High water had broke through ditch below pit dam and wrecked one
shear board. Left K. B. Mines 10:30 AM up Willow Creek found
that Bartholf Bros. had relocated on Martha group and sluiced on
same. Arrived summit of Windy Pass 2 PM snow 2’ deep.
Snow too deep to go up to Hatcher ledges. Went down Fish Creek
Gulch to Hatcher’s cache on the Sushitna. Got some quartz and
camped for the night.
October 11, 1907 Up 6:15 had snowed 2”
during night. Hatcher’s cache on Sushitna to Knik.
Arrived 1 PM at Hatcher’s cabin on Watson trail (Knik to coal
fields) ate lunch. Snow 6” deep here. Went on to Vasilla’s
cabin and camped there for the night. Put our horses in smokehouse
annex to cabin. Evening clearing and colder. Got wet from
snow on limbs of trees. First snow at Knik.
October 12, 1907 Vasilla’s house to Knik.
Started out 8 AM, arrived Cottonwood 1:30, at Knik 3:30 PM.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunn from Sushitna Station were at our place waiting
for steamer outside. 8 PM the Tyonek arrived, Dunn’s went
out. Sleeper and Smith, Straus and Roll were on board going
out. Mattie had done well in store. The Tyonek didn’t
meet SS Bertha at Seldovia so got no freight. All out of flour
and beans. Scotty Watson arrived from Cache Creek.
October 13, 1907 About 18” snow at Knik and
vegetables not dug. Made arrangement with Hatcher to buy
¼ interest in 3 gold ledges at head of Willow Creek and Little
Sushitna and to handle the property.
October 14, 1907 Ground covered with snow at
Knik, slush ice on Arm. Put in new pipe in stove and
sacked up spuds. Palmer had Nig 5 hours hauling lumber
off beach. Made out deed to Hatcher and Carnegie quartz
lodes ¼ interest to self net $1,000 payable half in cash
and half in grub.
October 15, 1907 Down to 12 above last night.
Paid Hatcher and Carnegie on ¼ interest in lode claims
$325. Made out escrow to handle Hatcher and Carnegie lode claims.
Topped barrel coal oil. Slush ice on Arm today. Watson’s
man left for coal fields. Bartholf Bros. With Seattle
partner arrived at midnight from Seward to look at Willow Creek
quartz.
October 16, 1907 Met Thomas and McCoy Seattle
real estate men. Got ready for trip to Turnagain Arm,
4 PM tide took charge of the Swan for trip to Sunrise, took over
6 passengers. Bartholf and party went as far as Rainbow Creek,
anchored on account of ice.
October 17, 1907 Noon left Rainbow Creek
for Sunrise. Six Mile full of ice, landed passengers
and freight. The Tyonek arrived with AC freight only.
Gave Thomas and McCoy option on Hatcher and Carnegie gold quartz
lodes. Sent bank 23 oz. 3 dwt. gold dust $381.65 and checks
for $55 - ordered John Palmer bill paid, sent bank instructions on
note $40. Bought supplies from A. C. Co.
October 18, 1907 Got up 4 AM left Sunrise
for Knik, arrived at Knik 2:30. Took charge of Bartholf
horses and arranged for transfer of O. C. Miller cabin and lot
to McCoy and Bartholf for $150 cash.
October 19, 1907 Snow going fast cloudy
and light rain, dug balance of spuds in store garden.
Bought O. C. Miller’s cabin for Fred McCoy and E. H. Bartholf $150.
Posted up cash book. Sold $90 order to O. C. Miller.
The Swan went to Old Knik for Harry Watson’s cooking gear. Got
ready for flying trip to Seward via by Swan to Sunrise, government
road, and Alaska Central Railway.
October 20, 1907 through December 3, 1907 no
entries.
December 4, 1907 Left Knik Harbor by
beach for Knik at 6:30 AM, ate lunch above Crescent Bay Point
opposite Knik. At dark got within 5 miles of Old Knik on
account of tide along the beach. Had to camp, mushed 30
miles. Matt Youth and Gus partners on a trip.
December 5, 1907 Arrived at Old Knik
10 AM, got a feed of moose meat at Mitchell’s. Started
for Knik at 11:30 had to go two miles up river to cross over, sloughs
covered with ice, made to Cottonwood in 5 hours. Jack Wilson
and Ferguson were at McKennon’s got our supper. 7:30 mushed to Knik
arrived 9:30. Found Mattie and baby well but worried on account
of my long trip. Took a bath retired 2 o’clock Expected
to be gone 7 days was gone 44 days.
December 6, 1907 Cloudy 20 above
zero at Knik. Store sales $56.60. Lidell visited
and paid his bill. Had many callers asking about conditions
Outside. Paid Matt Youth $60 for delivering 1½
ton supplies Seldovia and Kenai to Fire Island and Knik Harbor.
December 7, 1907 Worked on books all day cash
sales $36.70. Made out Kast bill for February delivery.
Made contract with C. H. Lidell to sled 10 G____ flour, 6 sacks
sugar, 100 lb. lard, 2 boxes candles, 1 can matches, 1 box yeast and
1 box cartridges from Knik Harbor to Knik about 1,800 lbs. for the sum
of $60.
December 8 1907 Cleaned barrel pork, put brine
on same. Finished Kast’s order except corn meal, rolled
oats and butter, none at Knik. Got $478 ready to send
to Bank of Seward by Yeouth. Sent P. F. Vian check for $100
to cover provisions. Evening attended dance and potlatch at
Johnny Kast’s until 11 PM.
December 9, 1907 Got mail ready to send
out to Seward by Mattie Yeouth. Sent for deposit to Bank
of Seward $410, cash $68, checks total $478.20. Sent P. F.
Vian check $100 on account of provisions bill rendered.
Ordered bank to draw on me to cover 30 day note $500 and 2 months
interest on old note $40 to February 22, 1908. Wrote to Hovey,
McCoy and Thomas. Sent Seattle Hardware Co. order on Chas H.
Lilly Co. for $50.
December 10, 1907 Let contract to McNeil to
get 1,600 lbs. grub on Fire Island for $40. He left on AM
ebb. C. H. Lidell started with sleds to get grub at Knik Harbor.
Matt Yeouth left for Seward with Knik mail. Evening paid R.
L. Hatcher $125 balance of cash on 5 lode claims. Hatcher wanted
me to handle their 250’ gold ledge.
December 11, 1907 Doctored old Maud for
mange. Bought Hall’s gold dust. Some one stole one of Mattie’s
x-mas chickens out of barn last night. Made out Patchell’s
and Duffy’s bill. Evening played flute first time since playing
with Elmer over a year ago.
December 12, 1907 McNeil and St. Clair got
back from trip to Fire Island to get cache provisions there.
Only got to Pt. McKenzie too much ice to cross to Island. First
U. S. Mail arrived from Seward by overland route. Rubbed sulpher lard
and coal oil on all the horses for the mange.
December 13, 1907 Looked over Otto Langle's
lot of fur, bid $56 for 2 black fox, 12 lynx, 1 red fox and 1
wolverine. Bought 5 lynx off Native $18 and 5 pair snowshoes
$12.25. Cramer and several prospectors visited. Sold
1, 30-30 riffle and 1, 22 riffle. Started to build storm shed
back of kitchen.
December 14, 1907 Sold Evan Vasilla hunting
outfit. Otto gave me his black fox skins to send out to
Seattle market, was to get all they brought, but evening Palmer
crowd talked him out of the plan and got him to sell Palmer the
fur for $200, less than what it was worth. Murphy had team to
haul his house logs, helped me get a jag of hay. Prospectors arrived
from Valdez Creek.
December 15, 1907 Finished canvas veranda
back of kitchen. Made out Monroe Kast’s 2nd order for grub
February delivery. Wrote letter to F. F. Williams, Portland,
for Murphy. Getting ready for trip to Willow Creek to move
in sawmill. Bought gold dust from Mr. Cramer.
December 16, 1907 Had Maud and Dan shod forward.
Split up wood and sawed same. Getting ready for trip
to Willow Creek. Evening wrote to Bank of Seward, sent 10 oz.
17 dwt. gold dust for deposit. Mailed Monroe Kast’s 2 orders.
Sent bill of goods bought at PCT Co. to have same returned from Seldovia
to Seward.
December 17, 1907 Got bobsleighs ready, loaded
on part of sawmill. Wrote Seattle Hardware Co. Got
Bartholf’s double harness. Sent M. R. Peace Co. and Western
D. G. Co. checks to balance account. Put in half of day
account of Bartholf’s.
December 18, 1907 Moving Bartholf’s sawmill
Knik to Willow Creek, started out with 2 teams. Part of
sawmill frame on one lead forage and camp outfit on other. Found
Fish Creek open, swamps not frozen, trail heavy. Had to camp
at Trail camp no. 3.
December 19, 1907 On account of heavy
road to brake, put all 4 horses on one sled and drove through
to river. Had to cut 250 yards trail to get off 1st
Twin Lake on account of creek not frozen. Drove down on
to river right hand branch open so had to unhitch. Camped
on left bank.
December 20, 1907 Little Sushitna to
ridge cache. Had to make new crossing and cut 300 yard
road to get off river on to old trail. Broke trail up to
ridge cache camped for the night.
December 21, 1907 Ridge cache to Sushitna
barn. Trail not frozen underneath. Snow got horses
down many times. Arrived at summit barn OK, go-devil
not there, Will Bartholf used it last winter to haul in moose,
couldn’t find it. Summit barn broken in and down on account
of snow.
December 22, 1907 Broke trail from summit
barn to small creek near Willow. Snow 2½’ deep,
swamp not frozen, horses down half the time. Returned to
summit barn to go to Knik for balance of sawmill. Several moose
had been around summit barns.
December 23, 1907 Cold wave 20
below zero. Summit barn to Canyon Burnt District - homeward
bound. Had to camp, first cold night of trip.
December 24, 1907 Cold day 8 below
zero. Burnt District to Knik. Arrived Knik 1 PM
very frosty day. Evening bought some fur and snowshoes.
Cleaned up horses. Murphy and Foster tried to get grub
off Fire Island, too much ice nearly lost their boat. Gave
5# Monarch preserves for Xmas presents.
December 25, 1907 Xmas Day. We
gave our chicken to Duffy and ate x-mas dinner with him, Foster,
Murphy, and a Mr. Howe were there. Evening until 10 attended
a Siwash dance at Judge Goodell’s house. Murphy cut my hair
AM. Gave white customers all told 12 jars Monarch preserves =
$18.
December 26, 1907 Put coal in shed. Hatcher
agreed to go with me to Willow Creek to relocate K. B. claims.
Palmer visited said he was going to send out all the crazy men
at Knik also them who had no money - he was intoxicated.
December 27, 1907 Zero all day.
Got tent ready for trail. Most of Palmer’s friends sore on him
for his actions x-mas day and day after. Evening made out
location blanks. Had moose steak and vegetable dinner.
December 28, 1907 Busy getting ready for trip
to Willow Creek to relocate K. B. mines, made out for locations
32 claims. Evening Hatcher visited, had gold rock found
near Knik. Murphy shod Kid forward and hauled in last of
tide flat hay, got load of poles for himself. Johnson came
to town. Coldest day yet 4 below all day.
December 29, 1907 AM 18 below zero below
zero all day. McNeil hauled in load of wood for use of
horses. Packed outfit for trip to Willow Creek. Wrote
notices on boards ready to stake in a hurry 4 claims (32).
All ready to start tomorrow 7:30 AM.
No more entries for 1907.
1908
January 1, 1908 Fifty below zero on Willow
Creek. Staked Wolverine Bear Canyon and Hydraulic group.
Very cold, froze end of finger and big toe. Stayed in lumber
camp. Saw lots of moose signs on Willow Creek, cow and calf
ahead of us on creek. Not many ptarmigan. Only 18”
of snow on Willow Creek.
January 2, 1908 Cloudy warmer.
On Willow Creek started to chain off claims for corner posts.
Got corner location for Wolverine and Bear groups. Got
cakes and candles out of cache on Grubstake. Got back to
lumber camp 5 PM. Had bacon rice and pears for supper.
January 3, 1908 Much warmer. Chained
off Canyon group for corner posts. Ate dinner at mess
house hotcakes, mince meat cakes, and coffee. PM big wind
down Grubstake 90 miles per hour. Staked Big Boulder group
on to east end of Bear group. Fixed door on barn at lumber
camp.
January 4, 1908 Finished chaining off hydraulic
group for corner posts. Got back to camp at 4 PM, brought
down milk, candles, cakes, and canned peas. Now ready for
Knik after staking 33 claims for self on account of protecting my
account agreement K and B Co.
January 5, 1908 Willow Creek to Sushitna River.
Left lumber camp at 8 AM arrived at summit barn 1 PM. Had
lunch, left sack with cooking gear for 2 men. Arrived Sushitna
camp 4:30 PM. Light snow in PM.
January 6, 1908 Left Sushitna camp 9 AM arrived
at Knik 4 PM ate lunch at Fish Creek. Had to wear snowshoes
to Fish Creek. Mattie worried because I was a few days
late. Very quiet at Knik. Wrote Nagley to itemize
his order, I would take flour.
January 7, 1908 Made new pipe and put new air
tight heater in store. McNeil had team to haul in wood
for Palmer at $1 per load for use of team. Made copies of location
notices on Willow Creek. Had roast moose dinner and pumpkin
pie. Paid R. L. Hatcher $24 for 8 day trip to Willow
Creek for relocating K. B. claims.
January 8, 1908 Had Hatcher sign attest to
location notices on Willow Creek. Hatcher left for trip to his
cabin on Watson’s trail to get sleds and grub. McNeil hauled
in 2 loads fire wood. Made out Duffy’s December bill.
Partly cloudy and cool. Tom Langtree said that Palmer and Judge
were going to send him to Seward (crazy).
January 9, 1908 McNeil cut wood, cared for
harnesses. PM loaded part of sawmill to go tomorrow.
Fixed and greased lines on Nig and Tony’s harness. Got location
papers ready to file for record. January mail overdue 1 day.
January 10, 1908 Sent McNeil and St.
Clair to Sushitna with two loads of sawmill material to pick
up one load at camp no. 3. Bought 4 lynx skins off Esi.
Had Willow Creek placer locations recorded. Duffy paid his
bill $99.75. Wrote to Hovey told him I would sell K. B. Mines for
$25,000 with $10,000 down. Sent Brig. Ballantyne
of Sumpter, Oregon film of dogs. Answered Jos. Embleton letter
about his riffles Reed left here.
January 11, 1908 Put up balance of Kast order
for February delivery. Had moose steak dinner and Boston baked
beans. Teams arrived from Sushitna. Stanley ate dinner
with Murphy and Foster.
January 12, 1908 Three men from Ganes Creek,
Kuskokwim District visited, sold them grub for mush - Knik
to Seward. Made drawing of placer claims located on Willow
Creek January 1, 1908. Cleaned up the horses. Report
says we will get no more regular mail. Stanley ate dinner
at Murphy’s.
January 13, 1908 Got mail ready to send out
with Kuskokwim men to Seward. Sent McCoy and Thomas map of Willow
Creek showing January 1, 1908 relocations of K. B. claims.
Made price for claims 660 acres $25,000 - $10,000 down balance
January 1, 1909 - $5,000 June 1, 1909 - $5,000 January 1, 1910
$5,000. Sale must be made by April 1, 1908. Coal men
from Chickaloon came down for mail. Mrs. Purches arrived from
Lake Creek.
January 14, 1908 Sent letter to Bank
of Seward and McCoy and Thomas. Gave Mattie and baby ride with
Maud on single sleigh. Made small drawing of Willow Creek to copy
into records. McNeil went to Fish Creek for hay. Kuskokwim
men left for Seward overland route. Billy and Pedro got back
from fall hunt.
January 15, 1908 Helped Evan saw cord of firewood,
split half of same. No mailman (overdue). Made out Thomas
Langtree's bill. Mrs. Purches visited on Mattie.
January 16, 1908 Got wood cut to last
2 weeks McNeil hauled in two loads. Got ready for trip
to Willow Creek with balance of sawmill. Two more men arrived
from Kuskokwim, had 22 martin skins. Evening attended semi-siwash
dance at St. Clair’s. Morning big wind evening clear and
warm.
January 17, 1908 Got up 6:30, left Knik
with horse load balance of sawmill and forage enough to last
10 days. St. Clair and Johnny K. Clutch with dog team followed
us to Sushitna camp. Dogs gave out on Twin Lakes. Had
to “tow” them in to camp. Trail blowed full on swamps and lakes.
Arrived at camp, 4:45 7 hour trip. Mrs. Purches left for Lake
Creek also 8 Kuskokwim men for Seward. January mail arrived.
January 18, 1908 Moved 4 horse loads, river
to Ridge Trail, very heavy broke down trail on return.
Got back to Sushitna camp 5 PM. Nicholai McNeil came out with
letter from Mattie. Mail arrived last evening answered I will
come in next Tuesday. Three moose crossed our trail. McNeil
1 day, self 1 day, team 1 day, moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 19, 1908 Nicholai left for Knik 8 AM.
Warm last night snowed 2” freezing weather today. Sushitna
camp to summit barn. Brought both sleds and camp outfit
balance of sawmill to ridge. Had to brake trail ridge to summit
barn. Arrived summit barn 5 PM. Made camp supper at
7 - horses tired. Evening windy. McNeil 1 day, self 1 day,
team 1 day, moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 20, 1908 Drove down to ridge
cache broke trail with logs behind sleigh. Brought back
load sawmill material and balance of forage. Johnny Kast
and St. Clair moved from river up to our camp at summit barn.
1 moose crossed our trail. McNeil, self and team moving Bartholf’s
sawmill. Temperature zero to 18 below.
January 21, 1908 Cloudy 4 above
zero. Self drove Maud and Dan to Knik, Johnny Kast went
along. Left summit 9:30 arrived Knik 6 PM. Sylvester
Bros. wrote and offered to put mill on quartz mine. Money panic
in states. McNeil hauled 1 load from ridge camp to summit
barn. McNeil, self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 22, 1908 Self at Knik.
McNeil at summit barn hauling up sawmill and breaking trail.
Wrote to Sylvester Bros. about quartz claims that McCoy and Thomas
had option until July 15, 1908. Wrote Stevens that K and B
Co. could redeem placer mines by paying me $10,000 by April 1st.
McNeil and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 23, 1908 Warming up 34
above zero. Drove team to Theodore’s Slough for ½
ton grub that Lidell sledded up from Knik Harbor, round trip 26
miles, broke trail got back 6 PM. Had Jack Wilson go to Cottonwood
for Bartholf 4 hours. Evening got canned meats ready to
sled to mines. Windy at summit. McNeil laid off, blew trail
full on swamps. Evening rain and big S. E. wind. January
mailman left for Seward.
January 24, 1908 Self left Knik for summit
barn. Hauled load forage and canned goods, drove to river
in 5½ hours. Had to dump half of load at ridge cache
on account soft trail and horses tired, arrived at summit 8:30.
McNeil broke trail - big wind. McNeil and team 1 day moving
Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 25, 1908 Thawing rain.
AM broke trail with 4 horses on front bobsled from summit to
small lake. PM made 2nd trip snow 4’ deep and soft.
Had McNeil make small snow plough to pull behind sled also 2 dry
butts of logs. Evening snowed 2” finished with rain then cleared
off. McNeil self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill and breaking
trail.
January 26, 1908 Squally warm wind
32 above zero. Broke trail from Little Lake to big swamp
snow 4’ to 5’ deep. PM strong NE wind evening hail.
Trail blew full on swamp as fast as we could keep same open on return
trip. Got back to camp 5:15. McNeil self team breaking
trail to move Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 27,1908 Hauled one load sawmill material
summit barn to bench road up Willow Creek. Trail blowed
full on swamp, broke trail over with one team, hauled load with
Nig and Tony. Broke trail from big swamp to little swamp on
bench road snow 4’ to 5’ deep around bench of mountain St.
Clair moved his camp over to Willow Creek. McNeil self and team
moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 28, 1908 Broke trail to ridge cache
to get forage. Hauled 1 load of sawmill material to bench
swamp on Willow Creek. Got road in fair shape, summit barn
to bench road on Willow Creek. Getting short on forage.
Evening quite warm indications of rain or snow. McNeil self
and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 29, 1908 Hauled 2 loads sawmill material
summit barn to bench swamp on Willow Creek. Broke trail
1 mile along bench up Willow Creek to St. Clair’s camp. St.
Clair shot 2 moose on Willow near canyon. Got back to camp
6:30 out of feed, Knik tomorrow. McNeil self and team moving
Bartholf’s sawmill.
January 30, 1908 Got up at 5 AM left summit
for Knik 7 AM to get forage. Brought in tree with superfluous
bunion growth. Arrived at Knik 5 PM. Broke trail all
the way with snow plough and logs, trail now in A-1 shape Knik to
Willow Creek. Warm sunny day getting colder.
January 31, 1908 Cared for horses. Filled
up shelves. Sent Nagley Station 1 case spuds, ½
case strawberries. Shoveled snow off hardware roof. Evening
took a bath.
February 1, 1908 Had Natives saw up ½
cord wood. McNeil hauled 2 loads, 1 for myself.
Murphy had team to skid out saw logs. Made out McNeil’s account.
Bought 4 pair snowshoes. Evening got grub ready for final
trip to Willow Creek to spot sawmill.
February 2, 1908 Left Knik 8 AM for summit.
Four horse team with 3 bales hay and 4 sacks oats to spot mill
on Willow Creek. Arrived at Sushitna River 2 PM - 5 hours
from Knik. Arrived summit barn 5:30 good trail all the way
out. Camped - colder.
February 3, 1908 Moved camp from summit barn
to bench on Willow Creek road, 8 below zero. Hauled over
a ton of forage and canned meats. Made camp and shelter
for horses. Now ready to break trail 3 miles to canyon
on Willow. Zero this evening cold all day. Got moose meat
off Jim St. Clair. McNeil, myself and team moving Bartholf’s
sawmill.
February 4, 1908 Broke trail along bench to
first creek crossing on Willow. Snow 3’ to 5’ deep and
crusted badly about 18” to 2’ on Willow Creek bottom. St. Clair
helped to clean out wind falls on trail - straightened trail in
several places. Had moose liver for breakfast. Cold
all day. McNeil self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
February 5, 1908 Drove down to bench swamp
for feed. Hauled back sawmill frame as far as camp, 1½
miles from crossing on Willow Creek. Broke trail from 1st
crossing on Willow to about ½ mile of canyon. Snow
deep in places and crusted. Ate dinner on Willow Creek got
back to camp 6:30. Evening a little warmer 8 above zero.
McNeil self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
February 6, 1908 Hauled heavy part of sawmill
frame to swamp below canyon on Willow. Broke trail as
far as creek crossing at canyon on Willow. Snow crusted bad
on swamp and 4’ to 5’ deep in timber. Half mile more trail
to break to sawmill site. Cold all day 6 PM 2 above, 10 PM 10
above. McNeil self and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
February 7, 1908 Makes 6 days, hauled 2 loads
sawmill material to canyon on Willow. Made 1 creek crossing
lots of shell ice had to fill with brush. One light load to go
tomorrow.
February 8, 1908 Hauled last of sawmill from
bench on Willow to canyon. Broke trail from canyon up
creek ½ mile, snow 5’ deep, made 3 creek crossings.
Had Jimmy St. Clair help, he hauled down from cache 100 cwt
flour and sack peas. 5 PM self went up to lumber camp to bring
down grub tomorrow for horses. Had moose steak, bread, mincemeat
and coffee for supper. McNeil, St. Clair, self and team moving Bartholf’s
sawmill.
February 9, 1908 Got up 5:45 went up to Grubstake
for supplies to take to Knik found no oats. Brought down
some hay and peas, 1 box cakes, rolls, butter, ½ box candles,
4 coils fuse, galvanized nozzle. Mess house blowed full
of snow drifts. Hauled down 200 lbs., Grubstake to Jifkin
cabin. Finished trail and got sawmill spotted at 6 PM.
Horses very tired. Got back to camp 8 PM supper at 9.
McNeil St. Clair, self, and team moving Bartholf’s sawmill.
February 10, 1908 Willow Creek to Little Sushitna
camp. Left bench camp 9:30 hauled load moose meat for
St. Clair bound for Knik. Arrived Sushitna 1:30 made camp
ate dinner 3 PM. Trail good Willow to river. St. Clair
and bride came with us.
February 11, 1908 Little Sushitna to
Knik. Broke camp 7:45 arrived at Knik 12:30. Mailman
arrived evening from Tyonek via Seward. Up until 1 o’clock
getting mail ready to send out. Evening warmer.
February 12, 1908 Busy around store all day.
PM 4 men from Seward to Nome, to look up mail route, arrived
sold them quite a bill of dog gear. February mail left for
Seward.
February 13, 1908 Two mushers arrived from
Seward. Sold Alaska Road Commission $46.50 worth of hardware.
Store sales $65. Made out McNeil’s bills rendered to February
1, 1908.
February 14, 1908 Road Commission left
for Station. Big Stephan got back to Knik, bought 2 fox
and 1 wolverine. Miller turned over keys to pump house and cabin.
February 15, 1908 Snowed 6”,
AM temperatures 30 to 56. Made out Judge Goodell’s
bill, evening visited and settled same. Entered up
McNeil’s bill October to February 1st. Made out Murphy’s bill
January 6th to date. Evening Judge visited told us all about
Palmer beating his squaw, his drunks, etc., and other squaw men, Johnny
Kast etc. PM warmest day of winter up to 56 above.
February 16, 1908 McNeil got balance of Fish
Creek hay about 2 tons all told. W. J. Murphy settled
bill rendered last June $380 against launch and now owns whole
interest in launch. Paid Murphy for 1 ton Railway flour
and 2 tons Railway oats $130 with freight added. Evening earthquake
February 17, 1908 Five men arrived from
Ganes Creek Kuskokwim District via Seward sold them trail grub.
Made out “Tom’s” bill to date. Sorted over spuds.
Got up 2 barrels water. Evening wrote to Kast about his order
and S. O. Morford about locating K. B. placer and attaching hydraulic
pipe on ground. Sent letter with 2 Kuskokwim mushers.
February 18, 1908 McNeil started to haul in
logs for wharf. Wells Bros. of Valdez Creek arrived after
grub, reported rich strike $1 to $3 per pan on bench 3’ pay above
bedrock. The Grand Duke of Chickaloon and Harper bros. arrived
from Seward. Store sales $27.10.
February 19, 1908 Partly cloudy
40 above evening rain. Sold Harper bros. $17 outfit.
Sent James Wallace account rend. by Dick Groom $9. Sent
P. D. Blodgett account of shortage on freight S.S. Tyonek voyage
#25 October 1906 amount due $41.93 - pay Puget Sound Bank. Kelly
left with Wells Bros. for Valdez Creek to sled in outfit for them.
Ordered 12 rolls no. 1 Gal-va-nite roofing from Union Roofing and
Mfg. Co. St. Paul sent $20 bill to apply.
February 20, 1908 Made drain ditches around
back of house, cleaned ice off hardware annex roof. McNeil
hauled in balance of logs for wharf. Sent J. S. Morford
account for collection. Wrote George Percival of Valdez
that Denzer’s Grubstake account for McManus and Stuart must be paid
soon.
February 21, 1908 Duke Harris and Carnegie
left to find Hatcher on account of big ledge. Made out
Hatcher and Carnegie bill October to date. Started to make
up order for groceries for April delivery.
February 22, 1908 Eighth day of warm
weather, snow going fast. Got orders listed for spring
delivery. McNeil hauled 3 loads firewood. Got
up 2 barrels water had to thaw out pump. Natives shot some 10 moose.
February 23, 1908 Busy making up spring orders.
Duke and Hatcher got back to Knik. Hatcher gave coal company
option on 300’ ledge on Sushitna. McNeil and Crab
went down Arm in boat, 1st boating of spring. Evening Hatcher
visited, said he would sell me his interest in all small ledges
for $12,000.
February 24, 1908 Snowed 4”. Busy
getting mail ready to send out by Hatcher. Sent Sylvester
Bros. sample of 3’ ledge for assay. Wrote McCoy that
I sold his packs. Light snow all day. Sent Sylvester Bros.
$200 on April order. Sent bank 2 oz. dust. Mail sent out
by Hatcher to Seward.
February 25, 1908 Two Matanuska women arrived
bought $19 fur, sold $40 supplies. McNeil and Crab got
back from down Knik Arm reported but little ice at mouth of Arm.
They crossed over to warehouse. Duke and Hatcher left for Seward
with dog team. Palmer and squaw on a drunk.
February 26, 1908 Palmer closed - sleeping
off yesterdays drunk. Natives had dance at Nakeeta’s,
strictly siwash affair except the music.
February 27, 1908 Colder again 4 above.
Rebottled olives and pickles from kits. Natives still
dancing, Murphy furnishing music. McNeil cut firewood in woods.
Bought some fur.
February 28, 1908 Natives all leaving town
to eat up moose killing of four days ago. Chas Tuell and
Mr. Morgan arrived from Sunrise. McNeil hauled in 2 loads firewood.
Sold William Hughes 8 sacks Bartholf’s oats at $2.75 per sack
February 29, 1908 Cold nights and warm days.
Made out Bartholf account for last of grub got at mines also
for tools and camp gear used. McNeil hauled 2 loads firewood.
Tuell and Morgan left for Station.
March 1, 1908 Store sales fair bought some
fur. Made deal with J. J. O’Brien for his hay. Natives
all out for their spring hunt. McNeil cut 50 small spruce
poles for rafters and fence. O’Brien was downtown with big
earache.
March 2, 1908 Made out Bartholf’s sawmill
account. Cost $436 to move sawmill from Knik to Willow
Creek. Purches family arrived from Lake Creek. Otto
Langell offered his restaurant operation to Duffy. Evening
Lidell got back from Tyonek brought me sack rice 51#, 10 lb., bacon,
10# Indian tobacco. Nagley paid balance on provisions bill $11.15.
McNeil hauled poles.
March 3, 1908 Fixed Dan and Maud’s stall
in barn. Finished Bartholf’s bill rendered - account,
sawmill, etc. Mailed Capt. Glenn Names at Kenai, Reed and
Kreidler account due $99.42 to collect and apply on money due Names
$52 and $50 for cabin at Knik. Tuell and Morgan got back, reported
A. C. Co. bought out the Sushitna Store. Big tides and channels opening
up wide.
March 4, 1908 Drove up to J. J. O’Brien’s and
got ½ ton swamp hay. Mailman arrived, 4 days Seward
to Knik. Got assay on 2’ ledge $1,444.82 gold and $1.09
silver total $1,445.89. Got letter from Hovey was in the
insurance biz. Murphy got all of his gear out of my cache
and old engines and boiler pipe out of barn. Barhenburg and
LaClair arrived from Seward. Old man Hunter reported lost
crossing Crow Pass.
March 5, 1908 Palmer’s launch started for Sunrise
with Tuell and Morgan, engine wouldn’t work so had to lay over.
Answered Kriedler’s letter at Kenai. Hughes paid for
8 sacks Bartholf’s oats $22. One musher arrived from Seward
reported A. C. Co. bought store at Station.
March 6, 1908 Helped Moe haul in 4 – 30’
logs for boat and lumber. Three mushers left for Station.
Evening 8 mushers arrived, Monroe Kast, Billy Morris in the bunch.
Self got cold in head everybody in town got colds on account of past
warm spell. After considerable trouble Palmer’s launch got
away for Sunrise with Tuell and Morgan. Channel full of ice
on account of warm spell. Paid O'Brien for his hay $20.
March 7, 1908 Several mushers visited at store.
Paid W. J. Morris for Manus account garden $20. He gave
me $5 for making the deal, I gave it to Mattie. Palmer’s launch
came back, they broke the propeller and shaft in the ice. Tuell
and Morgan started with dog team for Sunrise. McNeil hauled
3 loads wood for Palmer. Evening wrote Sylvester Bros. about
quartz and K. B. placers deal.
March 8, 1908 Mushers in town waiting for storm
to clear. Mailman arrived from Tyonek 4 day trip, average
40 miles per day since he left Seward. Coal company boys were down
for mail. Evening wrote N. Y. Life Insurance Co. for a loan
to cover premium due April 17, 1908 or to cancel policy and pay what’s
due me on same. Two dances in town last night.
March 9, 1908 Rain storm wound up with snow
all day 6”. Old Bennet reported to have left town without
clothes or blankets. Store sales fair $62.65. Got
rid of 7 sacks flour stored at Station. Mushers ready to
start for Station tomorrow. Clearing this evening, mailman
left AM in snow storm for Seward last trip. Cleaned up dozen
pair rubber boots. Billy Morris visited.
March 10, 1908 Storm cleared last night fine
today. Billy Morris and party left for Station, Monroe
Kast took most of his outfit. Cash sales $147.45. Made deal
with McNeil to get grub off Fire Island at 1¢ per lb.
Mrs. Purches visited on Mattie.
March 11, 1908 Kast left for Station 10 with
6 sled loads. Cleaned up 2 lynx skins. McNeil and
Crab left at noon for Fire Island to try and get cache down there
I left last November. Old Bennet showed up PM had been up
at O’Brien’s.
March 12, 1908 Cleaned 2 lynx skins.
Got up 2 barrels water. Sealed up part of end of room
over store. Dynamiter Zorn and son arrived from Station
also Lidell. Nakila moved down to Goose Bay to eat up a moose.
Natives all out of town. Bennet left for Seward. A musher
from Station visited wanted bedrock scrapers.
March 13, 1908 Cooler evening down
to 10 above. Not much doing around Knik. Cleaned
2 lynx skins. Sawed some wood. Mattie visited on Mrs.
Purches, got Duffy’s history and opinion of Palmer and Herning.
March 14, 1908 Self cleaning up lynx skins.
Four mushers arrived from Seward, Joe Anderson among the bunch.
Wolf and Murphy got caught in snow slide on Crow Pass lost their
clothing. Evening attended Republican meeting at Judge Goodell’s
office to elect delegate to convention at Ketchikan 12th of May
self secretary of meeting. Formed Republican club, Judge Goodell
elected delegate.
March 15, 1908 Evening had several callers
in store. McNeil and Crab gone 5 days on trip to Fire
Island. Channel full of ice today.
March 16, 1908 Printed letters on head board
for Elmer’s grave. Evening made sketch map of Knik Arm
and Willow Creek trails etc. showing placer and quartz locations.
One musher arrived.
March 17, 1908 Evening McNeil and Crab got
back from down the Arm, couldn’t get to Fire Island for cache,
there was too much ice running. Evening made copy of sketch
map of Willow Creek etc. to send to Sylvester Bros. Green
ribbon day no drunks in town. Murphy putting bull works on his
launch. Palmer paid for use of team for hauling firewood.
March 18, 1908 Bid on Palmer’s furs and got
them. Settled up with Murphy to date, bought his upright
forge $7.50. Not much ice in channel today. Sawed
wood and got up barrel water. Theodore was down with snowshoes
bought some grub. Murphy put guard rail on his boat.
Chas Ulanky visited.
March 19, 1908 Snowed 4” last night evening
windy. Bid on Purches fur got same. Cash sales $14.
Evening wind drove lots of ice in on flood tide. Made new
price list of canned vegetables and fruit.
March 20, 1908 Cloudy light snow. Worked
on price list of merchandise. O'Brien came down to get
his usual jug. Made up list of furs on hand bought during
winter, $214.15 worth will bring on market $315.
March 21, 1908 Snowed 2” last night and most
all day today. About a foot of snow fell last 3 days.
Very quiet in town. Started to make list of hardware selling
price and cost for handy reference. Got up 2 barrels water.
Usual Boston baked beans day. Mattie sending for plans of
new house and samples of underwear.
March 22, 1908 Storm cleared this morning.
Very quiet in town Natives all gone on spring hunt. Evening
developed 3 film rolls. Took picture of Stanley in front room
came out OK (time exposure).
March 23, 1908 A Mr. Doyle visited said he
was to have Monroe Kast no. 2 order. Evening attended
meeting of 3 at Goodell’s office to fix up constitution for Knik
Republican Club. Took a bath.
March 24, 1908 Started to make list of hardware
to send to other dealers. McNeil and Nicholai sawed firewood
2½ hours. Self split and corded wood under calidore.
Evening usual callers in store.
March 25, 1908 Warmest day 62 in sun.
Started to put cable end in mess house cabin in calidore.
Got up 2 barrels water. Cash sales $5. Duffy sick with sore
throat on account of too much talk. McNeil corked up his
boat for another trial to get flour and sugar at cache off Fire Island.
March 26, 1908 McNeil and Crab left in boat
to get cache on Fire Island. Self finished boarding up
gable end mess house cabin. No sales for cash today first
time this winter - credit sales $5.25. Evening O’Connell
visited wanted work at mines this summer. Nearly out of coal
oil 13 hours daylight now. Murphy said he offered the Swan to
A. C. Co. for $1,700 cash.
March 27, 1908 Hatcher got back from
trip to Seward, brought back late mail got letter from Stevens
in Boston saying they would get 100 stockholders to put in $100
each and pay me $10,000 due on account of K. B. Mines. Julius
Mott arrived from Seward on way to Tyonek to take Woolsey’s new launch
to Katalla.
March 28, 1908 Printed late pictures of Stanley
etc. Sent mail to Tyonek to go out on first boat.
Sent cash to cover Finch’s bill rendered February for groceries
and tobacco. Sent Black Mfg. Co. order for clothing.
Evening attended organization of Knik Republican Club self made
secretary, Goodell president, Purches treasurer.
March 29, 1908 McNeil and Crab arrived with
grub from cache on Fire Island. Six Matanuska Natives arrived
bought $18.50 worth of fur. Cash sales $28.40. Sold
flour left at Harbor for $4.50, sold flour left off at Fire Island
$3.75. Evening Hatcher visited, wanted me to take option
on 3’ ledge 4 claims $600 cash and do assay work balance $9,500 Oct.
1, 1908 or all 4 claims for $15,000 self to get 1/3 (drew no contract).
March 30, 1908 Sold Willard Hall 2 mos. outfits.
Six Matanuska Natives, Chief Tyone in town. Cash sales
$84.30. McNeil cut wood 2 hours, self split and corded
wood in shed. Evening snowed 2”. Sold last of rice, 9
sacks flour on hand, 4 barrels cube, 100 lb. D and G., 75 lb. C, no bacon
or milk. McNeil and Crab reported heavy fields of ice below
Fire Island.
March 31, 1908 AM Matanuska Natives left town.
Hall started to move his outfit up river from Knik. Made
out March bills rendered. Big tides.
April 1, 1908 McKinnon and the squaw with “lamp
out” were down. Evening big tide, some ice lifted on the
beach. Got monthly statements ready for collection.
Bought moose quarter.
April 2, 1908 Dan got a kick on hind leg, washed
and put liniment on it. Cleaned snow off roof, snowed 2” last
night. Evening tide pried out ice on beach. Warm
today snow going fast. Bought 2nd quarter of moose meat for
own use this winter.
April 3, 1908 Got up 2 barrels water.
Put new tops on chimneys galvanized iron made same. Natives
beginning to come back to town from spring hunt. Evening posted
up minutes of the Cook Inlet Republican Club. McNeil said
he cut 2 loads wood. Red Jack arrived in town. Indian Pete
tried to forge $10 check on Judge Goodell.
April 4, 1908 Froze a little last night.
John Kash and Ed St. Clair and Joe Palmer went down the Arm
in boat for a hunt. Stephan got back from Cache Creek paid $5
on his bill. Crab got boat ready for trip to Turnagain Arm.
Red Jack left 9 PM for Tyonek via Sushitna trail.
April 5, 1908 Bare ground showing up along
the banks by beach. Frank Crab left for Sunrise and Glacier
Creek to get oats and groceries. First boat Knik to Arm
this spring. Started to bale up snowshoes to ship out on
first boat. McNeil hauled in wood. Several building
dory’s for summer use.
April 6, 1908 Evan Vasilla and Pedro
came down from Old Vasilla’s place. Cash sales $23.
Baled up several bundles of snowshoes. McNeil hauled in
2 loads wood. Joe LaClair arrived in town from Peters Creek
to trade.
April 7, 1908 Lidell hauling in logs
to build new cabin for myself. Fed last of hay,
Bartholf’s hay also gone. Finished baling up snowshoes got
82 pair. Out of milk. Evening Foster visited and gave
us 6 cans of cream. Cool wind all day.
April 8, 1908 Froze hard last night.
Sent specifications of Yukon horse sleds to Seattle to have
made and to get prices on same. Sleds to be 6’ long
over all, 10” clear of bank, 2’ 6” wide outside
of runners. PM drove up to O’Brien’s for last of hay on Knik
market. Wrote for samples Munsing's underwear and fabrics.
McNeil sawed wood 3½ hours with Nicholai. Small tides.
April 9, 1908 McNeil and Nicholai cut wood
for 5 hours, I split and piled under calidoor, got east
side filled. Evening wrote to several mill companies for
catalogues and about small mill to test ore on ground. Quiet
around town. Boat building and wood cutting going on for summer
use. Palmer putting up ice for summer use.
April 10, 1908 The Tyonek arrived
with McCoy and Names and Bartholf Bros. quartz mill and outfits.
Twenty two passengers got off at Knik and 6 horses. Crowd
tried to launch the scow couldn’t get her off. Paper mail
came in, no letters. Sent out 80 pair snowshoes to Seattle
Hardware Co. The Tyonek laid over one tide.
April 11, 1908 Got 10 sacks flour and
1 case cream from McCoy and Thomas. Made agreement with
McCoy and Thomas to use sleds, Nig and Tony and driver at $7.50 per
day net to me. Very busy around Knik moving two quartz mills
off beach. McNeil hauled wood PM.
April 12, 1908 Had Nig and Tony’s front
shoes put on new. Had hay bobsleighs fixed up. Busy
around store took in $200 cash. Quartz mill men got out
as far as first creek. McNeil hauled wood. Arranged to send
team out to break trail tomorrow to Sushitna.
April 13, 1908 Knik to Paradise Alley.
McNeil and self started out to break trail Knik to Sushitna
for quartz mill men. Fish Creek all open had to break trail
along bench, got out to Paradise Alley. go-deviled down
trail back to Knik, hauled out 15 cwt. as far as Big Lake.
Got back to Knik 8:30. Horses time 9 hours McNeil’s time
13 hour, myself 9 hours. Martha looked after store.
April 14, 1908 Self and Mac hauled a
ton of supplies for McCoy and Thomas out on trail. Put
off half of load at Fish Creek other half at Burnt District.
Broke trail to river ahead of Bartholf crowd. River breaking
up. They started to put in bridge. Camped at river.
April 15, 1908 AM made go-devil. go-deviled
down trail arrived at Knik 6 PM. Took contract from McCoy
and Thomas to move their mortar from Knik to Little Sushitna for
$50.
April 16, 1908 Snow about gone in front
of buildings at Knik. Made gear to haul mortar on to river.
Hatcher got mad and pulled a gun on account of option on their
quartz mine, after explanation everything was OK. They signed
option and I paid them 1st money $200. Evening self and family
attended musical party at Purches.
April 17, 1908 Got up 1:30 got teams
ready to start to move McCoy and Thomas mortar 2½ tons
to Sushitna River. Got away from Knik 4:30 made over to
Fish Creek OK, got stuck twice along Fish Creek. Arrived camp
no. 3 at 1 PM, went into camp on account of soft trail. Drove
Kid horse on small sled with our camping gear and feed. First
time hitched up went OK. McNeil, Crab, myself, 5 horses, 1 day each,
on contract to move McCoy and Thomas mortar.
April 18, 1908 Cloudy froze but
little last night. Started out from camp no. 3 at 5 AM
got over to Burnt District OK sled broke through twice. Trail
sliding and soft in Burnt District, got stuck 5 times and camped on
account of soft trail and cut up by Yukon horse sleds. Drove
to Knik with Nig 9 PM, Tony and Kid left Crab at camp to feed other
team. Arrived Knik midnight. McNeil, Crab, myself, 5
horses, on contract on mortar.
April 19, 1908 Left Knik 8 with 272’
lumber for McCoy and Thomas. Took out snow plough to
break trail. At Fish Creek took on horse feed 2 sacks
and bale hay. At Meadow Creek put on both teams and drove to
river. Broke trail back to Meadow Creek and cut out trees on
curves. McNeil, Crab, myself, 5 horses, 1 day each on contract
to move McCoy and Thomas mortar.
April 20, 1908 Drove to Fish Creek from
Meadow Creek to get load of groceries for McCoy and Thomas with
4 horse team. Self drove Kid to Knik, arrived 10 AM.
Packed furs to ship to Seattle market in care of Sylvester Bros. Co.
McNeil, Crab, 4 horses, 1 day each on contract to move McCoy and Thomas
mortar.
April 21, 1908 In store all day. Wrote
Sylvester Bros. about selling our furs. Froze last night
so suppose the boys are moving mortar from Burnt District to
river. The Tyonek due. Ice on Goose Bay bar lifted and
went out. McNeil, Crab, 4 horses, 1 day each on contract to
move McCoy and Thomas mortar.
April 22, 1908 McNeil and Crab with 4
horses arrived at 3 PM from Sushitna River. Nig broke through
on Big Lake, they pulled him out with Tony. Mr. King arrived
from Ganes Creek Kuskokwim. Landed mortar at river 8 AM at
barn. McNeil, Crab, 2 horses, 1 day each on contract to move
McCoy and Thomas mortar.
April 23, 1908 No boat today, the Tyonek
due on her 2nd voyage. Bartholf arrived at noon.
PM settled his account for care of horses, bought small bill
of goods. Murphy ready to launch his boat the Swan.
Natives came in from Eagle River with moose meat by boat.
April 24, 1908 Mac and Nicholai sawed wood,
self split. Bartholf waited over for the Tyonek.
Evening attended dance at Judge’s house, Purches played, self
second. Dance given in honor of E. H. Bartholf and Kuskokwim
man in route to Seward. About out of grain for horses.
The Tyonek overdue on 2nd trip.
April 25, 1908 Perfect day 70 in
the sun. Helped Murphy launch the Swan. McCoy tried to
buy my interest in H. and C. quartz mine $100 down balance $1,500
July 15 if option taken up. My terms $2,000 July 15 balance
60 days after mill run, made no deal. Gave King 2 letters with
order to Sylvester Bros. one to Washington Rubber Co. With order
for pacs via Sunrise to Seward to go tomorrow. Mac and Nick cut
wood 4 hours. McCoy paid bill rendered collected $99.
April 26, 1908 The Tyonek arrived, voyage two
12 o’clock noon. Brought hay for quartz mill man and some
of my groceries and hardware. Murphy left for Sunrise with the
Swan. Mr. King went over via to Seward.
April 27, 1908 Busy in store took in over $200.
McCoy, Bartholf and Thomas arrived from Sushitna to get
hay. McNeil hauled hay from Names saloon building, on wagon,
to lake, to load on sleds. Snow all gone on road from beach
to lake. Gave McCoy option on my ¼ interest in quartz
mines terms $100 cash, $1,400 July 15, balance $3,500 to come out of
1st gold milled from ledge. McCoy and party left with hay. Capt.
Murphy and the Swan got back on PM tide from Sunrise. Purches went down
Arm for hunt. McNeil and team 6½ hr. hauling hay and lumber.
April 28, 1908 McNeil and Nicholai sawed firewood.
Sold Harry K. an outfit, cash sales $63. Thomas arrived
from river, wanted our man and team to help move outfit
from ridge to Willow Creek. Mac and Crab fixed up 2 pair
Yukon horse sleds. Team ready to leave 3 AM tomorrow.
K. T. C o. doing all the business thus far this spring. Palmer
got no groceries.
April 29, 1908 Big tides, ice 2/3 gone on bar
in front of Knik. McNeil and team left for Sushitna River, 3
AM, to help McCoy and Thomas move quarts mill over ridge and up to
Willow Creek. Thomas guaranteed 10 days or more work for man and team.
Otto and partner shot 50 geese on Cottonwood flats today. Palmer
out of groceries. K. T. Co. doing all the business thus far.
April 30, 1908 Quiet around Knik.
Bought several pair snowshoes. Palmer making garden in
lot in front of old A. C. Co. store. Snow all gone between
beach and lake. Evening sent for 2 new rubber stamps from Lowman
and Hanford. Horses doing well on old grass etc. around Knik.
Stanley fell down stairs no harm done.
May 1, 1908 The Tyonek voyage no. 3 arrived
at 5 AM brought several prospectors. We got dry goods,
spuds, oranges, eggs, 2½ tons. Cramer arrived from
Tacoma wanted to lease my hydraulic mines. Sold Maud to Anderson
for $125 - paid down $20 balance on delivery. Busy in store
cash sales $84. Judge and Mrs. Goodell and boys arrived on
the Tyonek. Got word Corlew sent to Seldovia for part of groceries
left there last October. Sent Sylvester Bros. $100 and
order.
May 2, 1908 Cash sales $44.55. Bought
9 pair snowshoes. Harry Jap got back from Willow Creek, snow
trail gone between Sushitna and Knik trail full of water.
Got note from McNeil said snow was going fast up to ridge.
With 5 horses they moved mortar to within 1 mile of ridge. Sold
outfit to boat building men to go to Goose Bay.
May 3, 1908 Cash sales $29.25.
Gerow and partner went down to Goose Bay to saw lumber for
dory. Talked with Cramer about operating Willow Creek hydraulic
placers. K. T. Co. store doing all the business. Capt.
Murphy and the Swan left for Sunrise.
May 4, 1908 Bartholf and McNeil came in from
Sushitna with pony. Had Crab harrow gardens also harrowed
Palmer’s garden. Made Cramer offer to work hydraulic mines
for 40%, less wages for men and grub.
May 5, 1908 Sowed lot back of store to oats
and barley. Got order from Stuart and Larson and Co. $131.45.
Cash sales $142.75. Let Palmer and Duffy have some of Bartholf’s
spuds and eggs. Palmer launched his gas boat ready to go
out. Chickaloon boys came down to meet Watson on next boat.
McNeil and Crab moved into pump house cabin. McNeil and Bartholf
left for Willow Creek.
May 6, 1908 Palmer and Cramer left with launch
for Tyonek. Palmer closed his store and post office.
Got orders ready to send out and paid April bills rendered.
O'Brien sold his “harsh” for $125 deposited money with me.
May 7, 1908 Evening a few drops of rain fell,
first of spring. Mattie planted lettuce and radishes. Store
sales fair profit $14 to $15 per day. Stewart and Larson
moved camp Knik to Cottonwood. Duffy sent in order to collect
rent off McNeil. Sent Duffy his January and February bill.
Buying lots of snowshoes from Natives.
May 8, 1908 Moderate weather all spring no
real warm weather as yet. Busy packing up snowshoes, put
up 12 bundles 72 pairs. Palmer and Cramer got back - launch
broke down, only went as far as Fire Island. Strangers arrived
from Old Knik. PM windy. The Swan overdue.
May 9, 1908 Got letter from Duffy saying he
would hold me account of McNeil’s rent. Finished packing
and marking snowshoes 78 pairs. Got mail and orders ready
to send on next boat. A prospector from Eagle River visited.
Green grass showing up.
May 10, 1908 Mr. Burton the “bear man” arrived
from Sunrise on way to Sushitna River, he said Murphy was moving
Young’s store from Girdwood to Sunrise. Bought six pairs
snowshoes making 84 pair ready to ship out. Wrote to Brown and Hawkins
that I would sell them my trading business. Sent change of address
to Gateway. Team out 17 days earned $90 thus far.
May 11, 1908 Got orders ready to send out.
The Swan arrived from Sunrise. Knik loafers went
fishing. The Tyonek due any tide. Wrote Sylvester
Bros. Co. about quartz and placer mines. Conners said Duffy
was not crazy but a crook and a crank. Al Drees and brother
arrived on way to Caribou Creek. Had duck dinner.
May 12, 1908 A little rain fell not enough
to lay the dust. Busy in store cash sales $84.30 mostly
Native trade. Got in 16 pair snowshoes making 100 pair ready
to ship on next boat. Purches family had a scrap early this
AM Judge Goodell refereed. The Tyonek overdue. Up until
midnight on account orders, mail, etc. Had Nicholai split wood.
May 13, 1908 Stewart came down for balance
of grub. The Swan left on early morning tide for Tyonek.
Got wood split and piled under calidoor 3½ cords.
Evening cleaned up yard in front of store. Stranger arrived
in town in small boat. Chas Miller arrived.
May 14, 1908 The Tyonek arrived 4 PM,
got no freight. W. M. Emmons partner, McCoy and Thomas arrived
also Mr. Peterson. Four horses landed to go to Valdez Creek.
Henry Anderson came in with the Bat paid $50 more on Maud horse.
Brought 3 sacks oats 1 bale hay to feed Maud until delivered. Weible
was on boat via to Sunrise. Palmer and Cramer got back with
launch. Palmer and purser on the Tyonek, drunk. Cash
sales $42.25.
May 15, 1908 Otto left with Emmons for Willow
Creek via summer trail. Busy in store put up 3 outfits
cash sales $114.43. St. Clair wanted grubstake for fishing
season. The Bat left for Tyonek also Pirate Miller with
his sloop. Up at 5 AM made $4 before breakfast. Joseph
Peterson deposited $500 in safe.
May 16, 1908 Put up $75 order for Jas. St.
Clair for fishing grubstake to be paid from catch of salmon.
Cash sales $58. Evening Cramer visited wanted to work hydraulic
plant. Made no arrangements as he had no money and wanted
me to stand all the expense.
May 17, 1908 Warmest day of spring. The
Tyonek arrived 6 AM to take out Palmer and his furs etc.
to Seattle. Peterson and Taylor left in boat for Cottonwood
to fish and hunt. St. Clair left AM tide for mouth of Little
Sushitna to fish for salmon. Frank Crab left for Knik Harbor
with Palmer’s scow to get coal. Cramer left for Seward.
Purches wanted to get a buy on hydraulic placers.
May 18, 1908 Second warm day of spring,
plenty of grass for the horses. Cash sales $66.60.
Started to plant store garden and spuds. McKinnon came down,
sent Peterson’s flour up to Cottonwood with McCabe. Decided
to make no deal with Purches to work hydraulic plant. Evening
Rufe brought in 2 sacks rainbow trout from Goose Bay Lake.
First mosquitoes bit hard this evening Capt. Mayo arrived from Arm.
May 19, 1908 Planting spuds. Not
much business today. Trees most all leaved out.
Oats and barley up also small garden truck. Had Nicholai
split firewood. Put timbers under scow. Evening had
ice cream.
May 20, 1908 Planting spuds and minding
store. Cash sales $29. Quiet in town boat due tomorrow.
Team out 22 days earned $165 to date. Two Finlanders visited,
wanted to trade sled and stove for grub.
May 21, 1908 First slight shower lasted
10 minutes rain needed badly. AM tide Tyonek voyage #5
arrived got box dry goods. Marshal brought Butler of
Tyonek up for trial on account of selling booze to Natives.
Judge Goodell went down to Tyonek to try same. Girdwood was
on the Tyonek via going to Crow Creek Mines. Crazy Mitchell got back
from Seward. Bought 1st coal delivered at Knik 1,600 lbs.
May 22, 1908 Planted turnips etc. McKinnon
got back from Old Knik with his boat left there last fall.
Chickaloon boys waiting for Watson people to arrive. Native
dance on tonight. First lot of grub about sold out.
May 23, 1908 Busy in store cash sales
$86. Bought 1 dozen pair snowshoes. Temp. 40 to 60
above. McNeil got back from Willow Creek, left horses at
Cottonwood. Team worked 243 hr., 24.3 days for McCoy and Thomas,
21½ days on trail work with 1 2/3 days additional return
trip, Willow to Knik. McNeil put in 28½ days all told.
McCoy and Thomas outfit only landed machinery on bench road along
Willow Creek, gave it up wound up in a row, so Mac said.
May 24, 1908 Most of Natives got colds.
Bought 17 pairs snowshoes today. Store sales $15.40.
“Nig and Tony” at Cottonwood on grass. Bartholf and
coal company boys waiting for the Tyonek. Crab got back with
Palmer’s scow didn’t get much coal.
May 25, 1908 Busy in store bought 2 dozen
pair snowshoes. McNeil paid Duffy rent four months.
Duffy tried to make me pay six months rent on account of McNeil.
Siwash dance tonight. Point Possession Nicholai boys came
up in sloop. Evening cloudy a few drops of rain fell, badly
needed.
May 26, 1908 Kelly got back from trip
to Valdez Creek reported good showing. About 75 tons
grub delivered on creek and some machinery. Was 26 days
coming out via Sushitna River. Store sales fair, about out
of tea sugar and flour. Kelly reported the Swan freight between
Tyonek and Station. Most everybody in town got colds.
Crab ploughed C. and H. garden for Hughes.
May 27, 1908 Taylor came down from Cottonwood.
Valdez Creek boys moved camp Knik to the Cottonwood. The Tyonek
arrived got 1 ton freight no sugar or flour. Watson’s men
arrived, Hamilton in charge. Evening had a talk with
E. H. Bartholf about knockers around town. Sent Roll $30 to
cover bill rendered May 15. Sent registered to Washington Rubber
Co. Shipped 50 pair snowshoes. Noon Stanley sick at stomach OK by evening.
May 28, 1908 Busy in store cash sales $158.
Sold 1,000’ hydraulic hose. Bartholf left for Cottonwood.
Mac to go up in morning with our horses to pack in hydraulic hose
to summit Bald Mt. Watson’s men moved up to the Cottonwood.
Self got bad cold. Stanley not feeling well.
May 29, 1908 Got up 4 AM sent Crab with Dan
and Kid horse to Cottonwood to join Bartholf to pack hydraulic
hose to Willow Creek. Sold 2 small orders cash sales $68.
Out of flour and sugar. Esi promised to go to Hope tomorrow.
Old Tom promised to go to Seward with Furgeson.
May 30, 1908 Esi left for Arm. Sent Old
Tom Langtree over to Seward with Furgeson via by Sunrise.
Hamilton gave Tom $5, self check for $9.50, Judge to pay his boat
fare. Watson’s men down for more supplies. Sent $50 to Wash.
Rubber Co., $25 for trading license to Valdez.
May 31, 1908 Cottonwood campers came down to
trade cash sales $97.50. Took contract to pack Peterson’s
outfit from Cottonwood to razorback Bald Mt. for $25 (about 700
lbs.) Sheathed up front of hardware annex. Stanley
not very well, had cold no appetite. Sugar “Quishen”.
Total cash sales for May $1,912.43.
June 1, 1908 Had McNeil peel poles and
put same on top of store garden fence. Put galvanite roofing
on front of hardware annex. Cash sales $64.25. Evening
got pack gear ready for trip tomorrow to Bald Mt.
June 2, 1908 McNeil left in boat for Cottonwood
to pack Peterson outfit to Bald Mt. Hamilton came down and
paid Watson’s bill rendered. Fixed base for Elmer’s head
sign. Evening tide Esi and Wilson got back from Hope, got
20 sacks flour, 3 sacks sugar, 1 tin matches. Hughes bought
5 sacks flour and 30 lb. sugar to send out Crab and McCabe.
Report that Gugenheim got control of Alaska Central Railway.
June 3, 1908 Mattie sick with the spring
disease, Stanley and self about over it. Otto Langell
came back from Willow Creek. Valdez Creek boys came back
got on wrong trail lost a horse at Big Lake. Foster came
back. Had first salmon of season. Evening set up Elmer’s
headstone.
June 4, 1908 Quiet in town cash sales $15.
Self cleaned up back yard, wheeled away ashes etc. The
Swan arrived, been away from Knik since May 13th. Mattie
some better lay down most all day, self dishwasher etc.
June 5, 1908 McNeil went to Cottonwood
for pack train. Nagley wanted me to consign hardware
to him to sell at his store at Sushitna. Willard Hall got back
from prospecting trip since March. The Swan in port.
Mattie much better around all day.
June 6, 1908 Planted ½ C. and
H. garden to oats and barley. Cash sales $46.60.
Sold Nagley $25 worth hardware let him have on consignment, 4
mosquito tents, ½ dozen slicker coats, ½ dozen slicker
hats and 1 sheet metal stove. The Swan left port at midnight
via Station with Nagley and Kelly. Natives left for Hope
to get Booth and Watson.
June 7, 1908 Had Natives saw 1 5/8 planks
to make water tank for kitchen use. Planted 2 rows peas.
McKinnon, Duke and horse came down. McNeil went to Goose
Bay. Store sales $17. Quiet around town. Rain
needed for gardens. Evening took a bath.
June 8, 1908 Palmer’s squaw got beastly drunk,
she said Duke Harris gave her the whiskey. Purches filed
complaint, Judge sent Connors after Duke.
June 9, 1908 First thunder heard this season.
Andrew came in with moose meat also Goosmar with salmon.
Wilson and John Kash went down Arm to try for a moose. Planted
radishes and lettuce 2nd crop. Got cash ready to send out for
orders received. Let contract to Natives to whipsaw 1½”
plank for my new wharf, 12’ 9” 50¢ each.
June 10, 1908 Pulled shoes off horses and trimmed
their feet. Hauled 3 logs down on beach to make crib to
protect garden. Had Nick help me put in crib on beach to protect
garden from big tides. Conner arrived with Duke Harris he pled guilty
to giving Palmer’s squaw liquor, was fined $120 and cost of court.
Evening made change for ad. and ordered 500 letter heads. Evan
Orlaf died last night.
June 11, 1908 Puttied up bottom of scow, painted
water line joints ready to launch on next big tide. PM
tide George Eberhardt arrived on gas boat went out on ebb.
Reported the Tyonek on way to Knik with Frank Watson. Mailed
license money for cigar stand. Mattie some better but not
well.
June 12, 1908 PM tide the Tyonek arrived Watson
on board and head man for A. C. Co. Sold my bear skins
to A. C. man. Got April 21st order from Sylvester Bros. also
2 case rubbers from Washington Rubber Co. Made arrangements
to get out 50 logs for wharf – 32’ average. First rain
of season to do any good to gardens came last night.
June 13, 1908 Russian Priest arrived.
McNeil went down to Goose Bay to get out logs for our new wharf.
Mail went out to Willow Creek. Colored woman in town looking
for work cooking.
June 14, 1908 Jas. St. Clair came back from
fishing trip on account his squaw being sick Evening wrote
letter to Hovey about marine insurance etc.
June 15, 1908 Sold small outfit to R. Cleveland.
Hamilton came in and Watson reset out with him. PM tide
McNeil got back from cutting logs for new wharf. Evening
Simeon, Esi’s brother, arrived from Chief Tyone’s place 7 days
on trail brought in 1 otter and 1 martin. Evening mosquitoes
busy (potatoes up).
June 16, 1908 Self sick with bowel trouble.
Natives came back from Old Knik with Priest to hold church at
Knik. Stanley fell and got a black eye.
June 17, 1908 B. S. Anderson arrived with his
gas scow on morning tide to get Maud horse and repair his propeller
shafts. Russian Church on in Fosters new house. Confession
day for the Natives. Squaw humpers getting ready to be married
or go to jail.
June 18, 1908 Marriage ceremonies today by
Russian Priest - after 2 days session, church closed for the
season. Anderson got his scow boat ready to sail.
Evening tide B. S. Anderson’s gas boat left for Lake Creek.
Anderson paid balance on Maud horse $55 and took her out on his scow
boat. Priest left for Kenai. McNeil took team down to Goose Bay
to haul out logs.
June 19, 1908 Watson and Duke came in from
Big Ledge on Sushitna. McNeil came back with horses from
Goose Bay. Natives brought up raft of logs. Bundled
up 42 pair snowshoes. Natives started to saw logs for
wharf.
June 20, 1908 McNeil with 3 Natives brought
up balance of 50 logs for wharf. Duke and Watson ready to
go to Seward via Sunrise trail. Sent moccasins with Duke
for Mrs. Ellsworth store sales. Many Natives sick again coughs
and colds. Big moose flies bad after the horses put them in
barn day time, turned them out in evening
June 21, 1908 Started to put in crib for wharf.
Evening tide, the Tyonek arrived, got bale dry goods.
Judge Morford arrived and new watchman for coal mines, also
2 others and Mr. Walker. Up until 1 PM. Tide floated
crib.
June 22, 1908 Got scow load of rock to anchor
crib for wharf. Watson’s men left for coal mines.
Let Judge Morford use Kid horse to ride to coal mines.
June 23, 1908 Floated crib back into place
put anchor poles and rock to hold down crib. Took scow
down below spring to get more rock Received loan on my policy
no. 5048970 for $280 payable on April 17, 1909, account loan to cover
premium $265.50 due April 17, 1908.
June 24, 1908 Over 100 in the sun this AM,
mosquitoes very bad. Got up another load of rock for crib.
PM tide the Swan arrived from Tyonek, a Mrs. Wilson came to visit
Knik. PM tide McNeil went to Goose Bay Point for more logs
for wharf. Evening filled crib with more rock for wharf.
June 25, 1908 McCoy, Emerson and Mr. Heath
arrived from Willow Creek, reported Susitna over its banks.
McCoy dropped option on my quarts claims. Rudolph and Bartholf
and 40 Mile Miller arrived from Willow Creek. Big fire at
government camp this PM. Got mail ready to send out.
June 26, 1908 McNeil worked on wharf, put up
9 rounds of crib. McCoy waiting for the Tyonek to go to Seattle.
McCoy wanted me to figure on contract to deliver quartz mill at
head of Craigie Creek. Goodell packed up ready to go to Oregon.
June 27, 1908 Evening Judge Morford and Hamilton
got back from trip to coal fields gone 5 days. Boat due
with mail.
June 28 1908 Got crib for wharf up with
sills for floor. Evening tide the Tyonek arrived,
got 7 tons freight. Judge Morford and Mr. Rudolph left for
Seward, McCoy, Emerson and Heath for Seattle.
June 29, 1908 Will Bartholf came in with 3
horses reported Sushitna River going down. Bartholf and
Dedrick and wife left for head of Little Sushitna on evening tide,
Massick took them to Cottonwood. Evening mosquitoes bad.
Bartholf Bros. expected on next boat to look over Willow Creek placers
to buy.
June 30, 1908 Started to put up piles
for gangway to wharf. Evening tide Big Stephan left in
sloop to fish for salmon. Bought 34 cwt. coal $8.55.
July 1, 1908 Evening put another scow load
of rock in crib. Got in 3 bents of gangway. Talked
with 40 Mile Miller about his quartz claims, he offered to
give half interest for grub tools etc. to develop same. Evening
Miller left for his mines. Natives most all out of town.
July 2, 1908 Worked on wharf all day,
got piles in and planked to bench by cache. Quiet in town
again.
July 3, 1908 Planked crib on wharf.
Evening tide the Swan arrived from Station, Nagley and Morgan
on board. The Swan left for Sunrise got $20 out of the bunch.
July 4, 1908 Got grub and outfit ready
for Willow Creek hydraulic placers. Sent horses and men
to Cottonwood on evening tide. Purches reported that miners
were jumping my ground on Willow Creek.
July 5, 1908 Got up at 4 AM for trip
to mines, left on Kid horse.
July 6, 1908 through July 25, 1908 No
entries.
July 26, 1908 Sent Connors after Kid
and Dan, he came back with Kid only, had to go for Dan.
Left mess house at 10:30 arrived at Knik 11 PM. McNeil was
at Fish camp with squaw on way to Willow Creek. Bartholf
came to Knik, going below.
July 27, 1908 The Swan arrived 5 AM.
The Tyonek arrived, got some groceries etc. 4 tons. Sold
B. S. Bartholf and partners guns etc. for $23.50 they went out
on the Tyonek also Bartholf Bros. (2). Let Nagley have some groceries
to start up August 1st at Susitna Station. McNeil supposed
to arrive at mines this evening.
July 28, 1908 Very smoky woods fire all
around Knik. Carle came in last night got me to put up
order. Got up 5 AM to let Carle get his goods. Sold Al Dress
$50 outfit. Palmer on a spree.
July 29 1908 Miller and self put in 3
bents of gangway on wharf up to cache. Al Dess left for
upper Matanuska this PM with pack horses. Palmer sick in bed
all day from effects of drink. Natives report lots of salmon.
Evening filled new show case with notions.
July 30, 1908 Very dry at Knik.
Miller and self finished gangway on wharf up to caches.
Evening hoed spuds. Two men arrived from Turnagain Arm in
dory. Evening Old Tom arrived from Willow Creek from prospecting
trip. Self 40 years old today born in Minnesota and living at
Knik Alaska in general merchandise biz and own hydraulic placer mine on
Willow Creek.
July 31, 1908 First real rain of summer
was much needed for gardens. Sprouted spuds, started to
cut barley. Arranged and unpacked goods. Big run of
salmon at Fish Creek.
August 1, 1908 Packed up 6 bundles snowshoes.
Got ready to go to Willow Creek Mines. Wilson came down
from haying. Frank Crabb and McCabe got back from prospecting
trip up Knik River.
August 2, 1908 Knik to Mines. Got
up 4 AM left with Kid and Dan. Rained at Little Susitna.
Met Bert Stewart on his way to Knik for more grub. George
the Jap caught up at river was on way to Willow Creek. Arrived
at mines 8:30 no rain there.
No diary entries from August 3, 1908 through
August 20, 1908.
August 21, 1908 Got pit cleaned up, cleaned
up 4 flumes. Got one $4 nugget. Cleanup was
46 oz.
August 22, 1908 McNeil went up gulch
for horses brought down Kid horse. Dan didn’t follow
so did not start for Knik. Piped out grade for 10 additional
flume boxes. PM retorted gold dust. Evening got horses,
tied them up at tool house.
August 23, 1908 Got ready to go to Knik. Fire
had closed trail for 1 mile between river and first small lake,
took 1 hour to get through fallen timber. Arrived Cottonwood,
6 PM, Carle was there on way to mines. Arrived Knik 8 PM. The
Tyonek was in on the 21st.
August 24, 1908 Mattie had done fair business
since I was gone to mines. Got assay on Miller’s ore, only
showed trace of gold. McCarty’s gas launch arrived from Seward
with Cameron, Hildreth, Frost and party on way to coal fields.
Evening Bert Stewart came in from mines for more grub.
August 25, 1908 Got up 4 AM to let Bert
Stewart get his goods. Busy in store with goods and bills.
PM Cameron, Frost and party left for trip to coal mines. Johnny
Kash moved his piano over to our house for safekeeping. Had
grouse dinner.
August 26, 1908 Made out order for winter groceries.
Sent Sylvester Bros. Co. 36 oz. gold dust. Sent Bank
of Seward 12 oz. 6 dwt. dust by registered mail. Up till
2 o’clock, Ward and Cramer arrived from Cache Creek District.
Palmer on a drunk.
August 27, 1908 Purches and Hedrick came in
from Willow Creek. Hughes fixing over Yentna building
Miller left for quartz mines.
August 28, 1908 6 AM the Tyonek arrived.
Byron Bartholf came back, McAlpine and partner came in
to look over Willow Creek quartz camp. Busy all day and
night getting out orders for winter stock, the Swan arrived
PM on way to Station.
No diary entries from August 29, 1908 through
September 10, 1908.
September 11, 1908 Stormy closed down
placer mines. AM packed up tools took gate out of dam.
2:30 PM cleaned up camp started for Sushitna arrived 6:30 camped
for the night.
September 12, 1908 Left camp 6:45 considerable
trouble to get through Burnt District. Dan snagged his
right forefoot near Big Lake. Arrived Cottonwood
3 PM, arrived Knik 5 PM. Mattie was sick with ulcerated
tooth.
September 13, 1908 The “P. V.” came in got
order from Nagley. Duke Harris and brother came in on P. V.
to go to Coal Fields.
September 14, 1908 P. V. left for Susitna,
shipped Nagley over $200 worth of hardware. O'Brien and Hall
and several others on a toot. O'Brien bought Palmer’s barn
for $75.
September 15, 1908 Larson and Schafer came
in for grub. Three hunters left for trip up the Matanuska.
September 16, 1908 Put up $137 order
for Stewart Larson and Schafer, they left for Carle’s mine
to drive 100’ tunnel. Dedrick and wife and the bug man
arrived from Carle’s quartz camp. Evening posted up accounts.
Miller started to make camp stoves for us out of 14 gauge galvanized
iron. PM tide rough.
September 17, 1908 AM the Tyonek arrived,
had freight for G. B. M. Co. only. Rough tide, the Tyonek
knocked down front of Palmer’s wharf and laid over for Carle party.
Had run on clothing. Evening dance at Hicks Restaurant Mattie
went for a while.
September 18, 1908 The Tyonek got stuck
on beach had to lay over. Carle party arrived from Sushitna
camp. Wrote Bartholf and McAlpine and Sylvester
Bros. that Carle wanted option on my ¼ interest in quartz
claims. The Tyonek crew drunk, except Capt. and Mate. Up till
midnight Mattie ready to go to Seward.
September 19, 1908 The Tyonek in port
stuck on beach. Cut Dan’s leg open - took out silver 6”
long, caused by accident on trail coming from mines. Dunham and
help arrived from Willow Creek, left all G. B. M. Co. forage and
bobsleighs in my care wanted me to help move mortar etc. to Craigie.
September 20, 1908 About 2 to 3’ snow
fell on mountains during recent storms. Completed arrangements
to help Dunham move machinery for G. B. M. Co. Contracted
team and driver for $10 per day net to me. Gave Carle option
to handle my ¼ interest in H. and C. quartz claims,
terms $100 cash, $1,900 cash August 1, 1909 - $2,000 cash or $3,000
off Plates last payment. 4 PM the Tyonek got off beach, Carle
and Dunham and help went out. Mattie and Stanley went to Seward
due to Mattie’s teeth. Palmer boozing.
September 21, 1908 Busy in store put
up order for G. B. M. Co. and Dunlap. Took dinner at “Our
House”. Arranged to have McNeil help pack forage Knik to Sushitna
for G. B. M. Co. at Willow Creek.
September 22, 1908 First frost at Knik
this fall. I dug spuds in store garden got 300 lbs. crop, 1st
failure. McNeil cut oats on C. and H. lot. Bartholf
and Lidell started for river with 3 pack loads. Miller
completed 6 galvanized iron Yukon stoves and 1 heater for K. T.
Co. made of 14 gauge iron.
September 23, 1908 Settled up with A. W. Hall
for labor at mines $199.50. PM pulled turnips. McNeil
left with Nig and Tony with forage for G. B. M. Co. to pack same
Knik to Little Sushitna. Duke Harris and brother got back from
Chickaloon Coal camp. Miller completed galvanized iron stove
for store use. First snow at Knik ground white with snow this
morning.
September 24, 1908 Pulled vegetables.
Mattie and Stanley on trip to Seward. Duck dinner at Hotel
De’ Hicks.
September 25, 1908 Froze last night.
Got option ready on placer mines for McAlpine and Bushnell’s
Homer coal men. Natives beginning to return from fall hunt, bought
1 black bear skin. Evening mailed wire to Seattle Hardware
Co. for cartridges, galvanized sheet iron and tallow. Miller
jointing up safety flues for house and store. McNeil returned from
river, charged man and team 3 days to G. B. M. Co.
September 26, 1908 Finished gangway from
wharf and set post that the Valdez knocked out. Turned
over oat hay. O'Brien lost Carle’s gray horse. Evening
wrote Dunham that G. B. M. Co. would have to send over funds,
I wouldn’t advance supplies for funds. Wrote Rogers Fur Co.
St. Louis that I would buy fur for them on a commission.
September 27, 1908 Helped Miller put
safety flue in store. Evening jointed up new heater pipe
and store all made out of 14 and 20 gauge galvanized iron, outside
flue 24 gauge iron. Mail boat overdue, had no mail for a month.
McNeil left with oats on Nig and Tony for river for G. B. M. Co.
Cleaned 3 bales salmon - was molding. Mattie and son on trip to
Seward.
September 28, 1908 8 AM the Tyonek arrived,
not much freight. Seven passengers went over to Sunrise
via to Seward. Duke and Elliott went out. Palmer got
cased goods no flour or sugar. Miller put safety flue in
our sitting room and stove in room over store. Bartholf
sent word he wanted ton ore packed from Willow to Knik. Conners
and Dunlap got back from Harbor, picked up lost man who was 28 days
coming from Station.
September 29, 1908 Busy in store cash
sales $88.45. Evening C. R. Booth arrived from Girdwood
with 700 lbs. giant powder, bought same at 15¢.
Miller finished stove pipe and flues and hung door in hall between
house and store attic. Cost $23 to fix up stoves and flues
in store and house. Sold an outfit for Girdwood. Housed
oat hay raised on C. and H. lot.
September 30, 1908 Booth left in dory for Girdwood.
Conners, Wilson and the 28 day man was from Station, went with
Booth to get work on Government trail Turnagain Arm. Bought
spuds and cabbage from McKinnon. O'Brien found Carle’s lost
horse - was in timber. Sold last of the Gal-va-nite roofing.
October 1, 1908 Did some work in gangway to
wharf. Shafer arrived with Bartholf’s horses from Carle’s camp.
Evening tide the Swan arrived from Sunrise on way to Susitna Station.
Susitna River very low, gas boats only running to Alexander Creek.
Eighteen Valdez Creek men arrived at Station. O. C. Miller
left for his mines. Morris and Herndon went out via Sunrise.
Al Drees arrived from Caribou Creek.
October 2, 1908 Lidell and Bischoff came
in from Willow Creek to leave 1 horse and pack out more oats,
evening they went to Cottonwood. Put cleats between bents
on gangway to wharf. Bought ¼ interest in Stanton
Shafer’s 3 lode claims at head of Fishhook Creek for $500 payable
in merchandise. Got option to sell Shafer’s interest for $4,500.
Evening Shafer left for mines.
October 3, 1908 Finished nailing cleats
under gangway to wharf. PM the Swan left for Susitna Station
with Knik vegetables. Towed St. Clair and Purches to Knik
Harbor on a hunt, let them take our Sea Otter boat. Sold
two small outfits to Paddy Marion and Willard Hall. McNeil and
Otto went to Cottonwood to restock Hughes hay on account of big tides.
Knik nearly depopulated. Mattie at Seward.
October 4, 1908 Put in 4 braces in crib
to wharf. Dug 100 lbs. last of spuds. Paddy Marion
left for Knik River. Evening sent Denzer and G. B. M. Co.
bills to Sylvester Bros for collection. Out of bread and
donuts. Mattie at Seward. Old Hall on another drunk.
October 5, 1908 Nailed stays on posts and sills
on gangway to keep extreme tides from lifting planking.
Raked up leavings of oats got 150 lbs. Al Drees and Hall stayed
late in store talking about Caribou Creek and hunting. O'Brien
boozing, drew all his deposit $50.
October 6, 1908 Temperature 50 to 72
above snow going fast on mountains Put guys on stove pipe.
Bundled up salmon backs. Evening started to clean up
and rearrange goods in storeroom off store.
October 7, 1908 Woolsey arrived from Station
with Valdez Creek crowd via Seward by Sunrise, 13 men in party.
6 PM Woolsey left for Sunrise. Got order for more merchandise
from Nagley, sent same on “W. W.”. Evening mailed option
of Shafer to self, to McAlpine and Bushnell - appointed them
as my agents to sell property. Wrote Whitney and Kriedler to
pay up. Answered Bartholf’s letter about packing ore.
October 8, 1908 Launched Murphy’s lighter
boat to get rock for wharf crib. Cleaned up new cache.
PM got load rock for crib. The Tyonek arrived, got 30 tons of
staples, freight bill $502.80. Mattie got back from trip
to Seward. W. W. came back, couldn’t get into Turnagain Arm
passengers went on the Tyonek. Sent Nagley 3 stoves and shoe
packs on “W. W.”.
October 10, 1908 Busy opening up dry
goods etc. Started to put in foundation for storeroom
by gangway to wharf. Evening St. Clair and Purches hunters
arrived - had no luck.
October 11, 1908 Knocked old scow apart to
use bottom for floor on new warehouse. Got foundation
ready for new warehouse. Busy in store, collected Whitney’s
bill from Palmer. Put 3rd load of rock in crib. Evening
took usual semi-bath.
October 12, 1908 Finished putting rock in crib.
Cash sales $149.20. Got ready to mail 10 pair slipper
moccasins for Mrs. H. E. Ellsworth of Seward.
October 13, 1908 Froze last night, 2nd
freeze this fall. Turned over bottom of old scow and
got stringers ready for wharf storehouse. Had McNeil plough
Palmer’s garden 4½ hours $4.50
October 14, 1908 Hauled manure away from barn.
Wrote U. S. Marshal Love recommending E. R. Gray for Marshal
at Knik. Wrote Hildreth and Ellsworth about my placer mines.
Wrote Sexton that I would consign 24 pair snowshoes to him at
$4 per pair.
October 15, 1908 with Nig and Tony, pulled
bottom of old scow off beach to land, for floor to new warehouse.
Evening got mail ready, paid $500 small accounts in Seattle.
Capt. Mabel left for Susitna with 3 horses via Willow Creek.
October 16, 1908 Got scow bottom onto
foundation of new warehouse. Put Murphy’s lighter back
on beach. Foster used Nig and Tony to haul logs. The
Swan arrived, Hildreth and Ferris on board. Ferris after the
Precinct Records to take to Susitna. Evening dance at Hicks.
October 17, 1908 Judge Ferris wanted to leave
recording book with me until trail passable Knik to Susitna.
Evening windy. Sold Palmer small bill of goods. Registered
outgoing mail.
October 18, 1908 Noon the Tyonek arrived
with forage for myself, Carle and Bartholf.
October 19, 1908 Froze last night.
Graded in front of barn with team and scraper - 4 hours.
Cash sales $28.25. The Swan Capt. Murphy left Knik for
Seldovia. Sent goods to Names and Young at Kenai.
O'Brien and Paddy had a scrap cost Paddy $18, first money
for new judge.
October 20, 1908 Ice running in Arm.
Evening sent Carle and McCoy petition to retain recording office
at Knik. Judge Ferris left recording books (20) in our care.
Purches and St. Clair got back last night had 4 ducks.
October 21, 1908 Dunlap wanted grub on coal
deal on account of G. B. M. Co. refused same unless they started
to mine coal. Knik Lake frozen over solid 3” of ice.
October 22, 1908 Freezing hard nights
considerable ice in channel. PM tide Crab and McCabe got
back from Knik River, got no good specimens for Professor Stevens.
Two men arrived from Susitna Station by winter trail. Nagley
reported that W. W. failed to deliver goods. Evening wrote Professor
Stevens and sent check to balance deposit money.
October 23, 1908 Herning family had a skate
on Knik Lake. Wrote McAlpine at Homer about option sent in, to
send checks on $500 deal to Sylvester Bros. if not paid to bank.
Sent Gateway $25 on weekly advertisement, also news items
of Knik. Old Cap got his horse into the swamp.
October 24, 1908 Cut wood and piled coal in
storm house. Judge Ferris left for Station via winter trail.
Sent Nagley 400 rounds 22 WRF. Evening wrote to father.
Last mail boat due any tide.
October 25, 1908 Banked root house and around
store. Not much money in town. Mattie and Stanley
took a walk up to O’Brien’s. Considerable ice in Arm.
Last mail boat overdue.
October 26, 1908 Made rack for flour, meal,
etc. to go on back counter. Corked up beach end of new cache.
Wrote to Dr. Everall about K. B. business. McNeil made sled
bed for G. B. M. Co. bobsleighs. Mail boat past due.
October 27, 1908 AM tide, the Tyonek
arrived - last mail, got 8 tons general merchandise all came
but meat order. Busy all day opening up goods. Paddy
Marion went out. Merrit came back from trip to Seward, brought
2 horses.
October 28 1908 Cold snap still on. Fixed
sewer drain back of house. Old Cap and Hershey left with
2 pack horses on winter trail for Station. Merrit and partner
getting ready for return to Station. Posted up accounts took
usual bath.
October 29, 1908 Merritt left for Station,
was all day getting away from Knik. His Seward horses
wouldn’t work, traded with Hughes for 2 skates and gave
$100 to boot. Not much doing cash sales $15. Fixed
lock and roof on Names building McNeil went out as far as 1st
Twin Lake, 5” to 8” ice, small creeks not frozen.
October 30, 1908 Temperature 8 above
morning, 46 at noon. Fixing root house. Evening
put up $75 order for Duffy. Sold Palmer 20 sacks flour
and 2 sacks sugar. Mattie’s birthday sweet 16 ?
Gave her $5.
October 31, 1908 Anchor ice making on bars,
2 weeks earlier than usual. Cash sales $81.25. Worked
on root house corking etc. Kids set fire to Murphy’s tent
roof cabin, burned off half of roof. Big 4 went fishing out
to Big Lake used giant powder - first shot got 25, 2nd shot got 175
white fish. Duffy got his goods 1st order from us since last
February. Kid horse and Dan away for some time.
November 1, 1908 Got 799 lbs. bacon off Palmer
- ½ ton on hand. McKinnon came down to trade.
Hauled out 3 loads manure on garden. Hauled up gangplank
and Sea Otter boat. Mattie and Mrs. Hicks went for walk
on winter trail. Had white fish for dinner. Anchor ice
on bars 2 weeks earlier than usual.
November 2, 1908 Windy. Fixed
harness gear. Chas Tuell arrived (2 days) from Station after
supplies for A. C. Co. Evening checked down Seattle accounts.
Evening Kid and Dan came to barn both rolling fat. Put tallow
in cache. Had grouse dinner. Big 4 went fishing out to
Big Lake.
November 3, 1908 Sold A. C. Co. Susitna
small pick up order. St. Clair, Patchell and McCabe got
back from hunting trip got 1 moose. Evening 4 men arrived
from Station via to Seward. Big 4 fishing party came in
they got 500 white fish. Shafer wanted to buy Bartholf cabin.
Evening made several signs to advertise goods.
November 4, 1908 Sold Jones pipe to fit up
bath house at Susitna. Frank Kelly arrived from Station, got
order for merchandise from Nagley. Forty Mile Miller arrived
from his sawmill camp on Little Sushitna. Cash sales $70.45.
Several Natives came over from Old Knik to trade, trail good over
flats.
November 5, 1908 Zero again. Got
order ready to ship to Nagley at Susitna. Sold Palmer
10 sacks sugar, 2 sacks rice, 2 box candles, 4 box crackers.,
$142.84. Sold Nagley $84.05. Cash sales $61.40.
Days biz $288.29. Palmer on another drunk. McKinnon
came down to trade. Merritt’s men left for Seward via Old Knik
and Indian Creek Pass, Billy guide.
November 6, 1908 Kelly and Tripp left for Susitna
with 2 sled loads of supplies for store. Chinked up barn,
put saddle boards on roof of barn. Evening Stewart and Foster
visited to “chew the rag”. Cash sales $34.30. Navigations
closed on Knik Arm on account of ice. Big tides.
November 7, 1908 From October 18th to
date cold snap, zero to 40 above, 20 days of cold weather something
unusual at Knik. George Hershey got back from Station.
Dunn sent $27 for chairs bought August 20th. Cash sales $36.
Worked some on dock warehouse. Mrs. Herning and Howard went for
a walk down to old government camp. Evening snow indications.
November 8, 1908 AM windy, evening raining,
30 to 40 above. Had all small poles and scrap board sawed
up and put under cover. Finished chinking new cache, laid
balance of stringers for dock warehouse. Big tide covered
wharf this evening. Sold Duffy’s horse to Hughes for $20 providing
horse lives 2 months hence. Someone stole 2 of our chickens
out of barn.
November 9, 1908 Cloudy evening rain,
snow all gone at Knik and ice about gone in Arm. Mr. Harper and
3 other mushers arrived from Station via to Seward. Got floor
laid on dock warehouse. Evening raining, got a few letters ready
to mail. Wrote to Sexton and sent advertisement to paper
for dog feed at Knik.
November 10, 1908 Rained all night. Ceiled
up end of room over store. Ice about all gone in Arm. Evening
tore up cloth for fifty 5 lb. sacks. Stewart and Johnny Kash visited.
Got order for spuds from Susitna Roadhouse and from Station.
November 11, 1908 Morning tide Harper
and McManus left in boat for Eagle River via Seward.
Hauled out manure on garden. Sent claim for damaged eggs and 400
cwt. corn meal. Foggy this evening.
November 12, 1908 Re-corked logs in front of
store and mudded same. Took several pictures of store,
Arm, etc. Foster wanted to work in Murphy’s shop ½
hour, opened shop for him, evening found lock removed and Foster
had put lock on of his own.
November 13, 1908 AM saw shop door open,
found Foster packing away boat knees. He said he owned
half interest in boat knees but took them all, said he would
pay Murphy for his interest. I spoke about lock on door,
Foster said he had bill of sales both from Miller and McHenry that
he owned the shop and would move it, that no one would enter shop
hereafter but himself. I requested him to return Murphy’s lock.
PM I put new lock on shop and a warning notice not to molest
same. Evening tide Billy and Ephim came over from Old Knik by
boat.
November 14, 1908 Put casing on inside barn
door. Fixed around hardware annex. Shafer and St. Clair
got back from Station, reported very wet trail sledding
up river from Station all account of overflows and air holes
on river. O'Brien came down for 2nd sack oats for Carle horses.
Evening Foster visited and returned lock to shop, decided not to butt
in my notice had effect - all OK.
November 15, 1908 Partly cloudy temperature
38 to 48 past 24 hours, no ice running in Arm - boat could come
in to Knik OK. St. Clair and McCabe bought pit saw for their sawmill
at Station. McKinnon came down paid his bill. John Kash
and St. Clair sold their cabin to Crabb. Palmer on another
spree, O'Brien also. Trouble in camp Duffy and Hughes and others.
November 16, 1908 Another summer day.
House moving day, McNeil moved from pump house to Goosmar
house. Big 4 moved into pump house. Put gable end in
rear of root house. Cash sales $41.80 credit sales $15 for
sleds. Sold Big 4 bill of goods on time. St. Clair and
McCabe left Knik with 2 sleds for Station to erect sawmill.
November 17, 1908 Self shod Nig and Tony
in front. Big 4 gave white women a ride on lake with
dog team. Palmer out of sight today after 2 days booze
fighting. Squaw dance tonight at McNeil’s.
November 18, 1908 Finished chinking up
root house. Women had a ride on lake with Mrs. Purches dog
team. Evening made new price list for meat. Put up new
side lamp on office desk
November 19, 1908 Sold Scott and Coffee small
bill of goods. McNeil made evener for G. B. M. Co. bobsleighs,
self made draw bolt for same. Bought Crab’s furs. Big
4 went out on team trail for a moose hunt. Scott and Coffee
left for Station. Evening checked down Sylvester and Seattle
Hardware accounts. Evening indications of snow.
November 20, 1908 Finished plastering
up root house. Most everybody gone out for a hunt.
Evening tore up cabot for fifty 10 lb. sacks. Evening tried
to snow (just a sprinkle). Got building in good shape for
winter weather. No snow at Knik.
November 21, 1908 Rebundled 22 bales
of salmon. Bob Hatcher came in from Little Susitna camp. Bought
half barrel pork off Palmer.
November 22, 1908 Shod Nig and Tony
aft. Got 3rd otter skin. Reported that Old
Bill Hughes bought him a squaw girl from Affanassa.
Not much business cash sales $12. Jas Patchell arrived from
Moose Creek yesterday said he shot 2 large moose and cached them account
snow. Evening took bath.
November 23, 1908 Freezing all day 20
to 25 above snow signs off. Corked up side door to store
room. Put threshold in hardware annex. No money in
Knik, bums all broke.
November 24, 1908 Repaired no. 2 bobsleighs.
Cash sales $116 collected from Susitna. Rufe got back
sold his moose meat. Evening checked down Nagley’s account
Got another order for clothing, sleds etc. from Nagley.
Sold last of eggs (50¢ a dozen). McNeil and Crab went
to Willow Creek with hand sleds on a hunt.
November 25, 1908 Real summer day at
Knik. PM hauled 4 sacks oats 1 cwt spuds up to O’Brien’s,
brought. back small load birch wood. Mattie, Mrs. Hicks
and the kids went along for a ride. Evening billed up Nagley’s
order. McNeil came back only went to Meadow Creek no snow.
November 26, 1908 Morning raining, S. E. wind,
PM cleared off. Thanksgiving Day had roast chicken, Mrs. Hicks
at dinner. O’Dale and partner arrived from Station via to Seward.
Evening O'Brien visited, gave us a 2 hour talk on cats and dogs
horses and hay etc. etc. Bears out of dens on account of rain
they took a moose away from Hicks while he was dressing it.
November 27, 1908 Just enough snow fall to
make the ground look white. Tom O’Dale and Ward crossed
the Arm to Eagle River via Seward. First overland mail from
Seward. The Merritt party got back also B. S. Anderson with
a Mr. Fleming in route to Station, Joe Beedy brought them over in
boat from Sunrise. Got letter mail only.
November 28, 1908 Merritt party 3 left for
Station. H. Anderson left the Road Commissions boat in
my charge, wants $4.25 for his oars and painter if anyone takes
boat back to Sunrise. Very little business. Squaw
men to have dance this evening. Sent Nagley corrected statement
of balance due us on account. Sent Mrs. Dunn pair O. G.
packs by Hershey.
November 29, 1908 Hauled in 2 loads birch wood
no snow trail, rough in woods. B. S. Anderson left for
Susitna also Joe Beedy. Evening got $500 ready to send to
Seattle jobbers for goods received. Part of Big 4 party came
in last evening from summit barn, got 1 moose. Four inches
of snow at ridge knee deep above timber line.
November 30, 1908 Sawed up ½ cord wood
for heater. Bischoff and Lidell and Big 4 came in from Willow
Creek reported 1’ snow in Willow and 3’ at G. B. M. Co. mill site.
McNeil came back, met boys on Meadow Creek. George Hershey left for
Susitna with his outfit, left key to Murphy’s cabin.
December 1, 1908 Settled November account with
Palmer. Goosmar came up in boat from Pt. McKenzie with
3 moose. Evening had a musical at Herning “Dump”.
George Bischoff and partner and Purches played on violins and piano,
12 people present.
December 2, 1908 Got small order from
G. B. M. Co. help Willow Creek. Hauled in small load birch
wood. Evening 3 Natives arrived from Station with fur, I
bought 7 bear skins for $26. Evening musical at Purches, only
a few present. Lidell and Bischoff trying to get G. B. M. Co.
horses shod. O'Brien trying to fit up shoes.
December 3, 1908 Cat dumped on the floor.
PM hauled 2 loads birch wood. Three men arrived from Station
via Seward. Sent Nagley 3 cans tallow, 1 bale merchandise,
1 box mittens by Susitna Natives. Evening talked over
G. B. M. Co. work with Lidell and Bischoff. Figured they
had 108 days sledding.
December 4, 1908 Cloudy PM heavy
rain 36 above. Made over set of double harness put on
new lines and tugs and oiled her up. G. B. M. men busy
trying to fit up horse shoes and harnesses. Three mushers
left on early morning tide by boat for Sunrise and Seward. Natives
fishing for tomcod on beach.
December 5, 1908 Very icy this AM on
account of rain. Finished repairing harness. No
business. G. B. M. Co. help still fitting up shoes for
horses. Evening made out G. B. M. Co. bill rendered to date.
Sent same to Sylvester Bros. for collection.
December 6, 1908 Evening snowing hard.
Wilson and Furgeson arrived from Seward - on trail a month,
Wilson had scurvy, Furgeson cut his foot with the axe.
PM Cramer arrived from Station. G. B. M. Co. men finally
got 2 horses shod. Chas Ulanky sent draft to cover bill rendered.
Third real snow storm last storm November 17th no snow since November
8th.
December 7, 1908 Snowed about 6” PM and
evening clear. Bischoff tried G. B. M. Co. horses on sled.
They got 3rd horse shod. Took 5 bales hay to summit from
Knik. Tom Dreese arrived from Station with orders for the Precinct
Records and Nagley’s grub. Evening repaired horse blankets.
December 8, 1908 Our team left with G. B. M.
Co. men and team with forage for Little Sushitna, 27 cwt. forage,
6 cwt. grub. Sold Tom Freeze small order and delivered to
him recorders books to go to Susitna.
December 9, 1908 Cramer wants a job with K.
T. Co. or at mines for OGH. Freeze and Furgy ready to leave
for Station with merchandise. McNeil at river with G. B.
help building barn for horses.
December 10, 1908 Snowed 6”. Morgan,
Tuell, Merritt and Beedy arrived from Susitna in route to Seward.
Heavy S. E. wind and evening driving storm. Fourth snow
storm of winter. Freeze and Furgy left for Station.
December 11, 1908 Snow drifted bad around Knik.
Morgan visited, wanted Road Commission boat to go to Sunrise.
Theodore and Little Nicholai came over from Old Knik, reported
rivers and sloughs open 2 miles above regular crossing. Wind
blew Knik Arm full of float ice.
December 12, 1908 AM tide Morgan, Tuell, Merritt,
and Joe Beedy left in Road Commissions boat for Seward via Sunrise.
Sent out November mail - 6 registers to Seattle. Cash sales
light most everybody out of town hunting. McNeil at mines
for G. B. M. Co. With Nig and Tony.
December 13, 1908 Let Cramer into Murphy’s
cabin, roof nearly broken in by heavy snow, fixed same.
McNeil got back from mines reported 2½’ snow, ridge to Willow
Creek. Boys came to summit barn for balance of forage.
McNeil broke trail summit barn to Knik. Ex-recorder on a spree.
December 14, 1908 Very quiet in Knik.
Repaired harness and bobsleighs for 2nd trip out for the G.
B. M. Co. Foster broke, wanted credit. McNeil and
team at Knik. Put runners on Stanley’s sled. Several
Natives left for Station potlatch.
December 15, 1908 Clear down to
8 below zero. McNeil left with load forage for G. B. M. Co. at
Willow Creek, 15 cwt. Alex came over from Old Knik to trade.
December 16, 1908 Morning 18 above, evening
28 above, indication of rain. . O'Brien got 2nd load
of Carle’s oats - 26 sacks all told. Stanley busy sledding
with his sled. Palmer started to cut ice. Patchell
returned from moose hunt.
December 17, 1908 Cloudy, thawing,
40 above. Cut wood for store heater ½ cord.
McKinnon reported 2 fires across Arm last night - mushers in route
to Knik. O'Brien got 10 sacks oats for Carle - total 36 sacks gone.
December 18, 1908 Rained all AM, then snowed
4”. Very wet day rain took off half of snow. Put
up order for Purches and Dunlap on account mining coal for G.
M. Co. $54.40. Sold Dunlap $11.50. Mr. Sanders returned
to Knik went as far as Eagle River got short on grub so came back
(Kuskokwim man). O'Brien got 10 sacks oats - total 46.
December 19, 1908 Purches and Dunlap took away
their outfit for coal mining. Very quiet in Knik only
8 white men in town. Hitched Kid up on red sled, drove across
lake went OK. Evening worked on hardware price list.
December 20, 1908 O'Brien got last of Carle’s
oats - 60 sacks all told. Cramer helped me iron red sled.
O. C. Miller arrived from his sawmill camp on Little Susitna.
Evening worked on hardware list cost and selling prices.
December 21, 1908 Cold all day. Had 40
Mile Miller at dinner, Stanley’s guest. Very quiet, cash
sales $7. Purches and Dunlap started for river to get out
coal.
December 22, 1908 Hitched Kid on red sled.
With Stanley drove half way to Cottonwood and widened road
along bank by inside channel so we can use double team to haul
down hay from Cottonwood to Knik. Evening repaired and washed
harness. Nakeeta and family got back to Knik.
December 23 1908 Cloudy and light snow
22 to 25 above. Quiet in town cash sales $6.40.
Greased harness, took off broken bolster on red bobsleighs to
repair same. Purches came in from swamp north canyon for bal.
of grub on account of mining coal.
December 24, 1908 O'Brien came down after Carle’s
horses. Told O'Brien that the horses were very poor that
he must feed them more oats - 4 quarts 2 times a day - 5 quarts
to Molly the poorest of the bunch - only has fed 6 sacks to date
since October. Gave orange, nuts, and candy to 17 whites for
Xmas presents. Oranges and candy to Natives, total $16.90 the
night before Xmas.
December 25, 1908 Xmas day at Knik Alaska.
Hewed out birch bunk for red sled. McNeil and Birschoff
arrived from mines with both teams after forage - got all machinery
moved to summit hogback on Craigie except the crusher
and mortar. Andrew arrived from Matanuska. Went for
a sleigh ride with Kid family and Mrs. Hicks.
December 26, 1908 Bischoff and McNeil
at Knik laid over. Forty Mile Miller started to make galvanized
Yukon stoves for K. T. Co. Report came that Mr. Sanders who left
Knik for Seward didn’t show up at Old Knik. Cash sales $23.20.
McNeil and team at Knik.
December 27, 1908 McNeil and Bischoff left
for Willow Creek with 30 cwt. forage. Finished bunk for
red bobsleighs made of birch. Big Stephan arrived from hunting
trip near Valdez Creek. Cramer took Wilson to Station to see
doctor.
December 28, 1908 8:30 AM ex-recorders
office caught fire, self put it out with store fire extinguishers,
burned off half of balloon ceiling. Johnny Kash out in
his shirt tail packing snow and shouting fire. Got red bobsleighs
ready to hook onto. Crabb and Larson left for Knik River.
Cash sales $24.25.
December 29, 1908 Morning 12 below, around
2 above all day, evening 10 below zero. Cash sales
$14.85. Only 7 white men in Knik. Patchell and Williams
went out for a hunt at Moose Creek. Miller making galvanized
Yukon stoves for K. T. Co.
December 30, 1908 Partly cloudy warming
up 12 above zero. Cash sales $31.20. Bought small
bunch fur. Cramer arrived from Station after landing Wilson with
dog team. Nagley sent another order for merchandise and
$25 to apply on account.
December 31, 1908 Partly cloudy 2” snow
26 to 30 above zero. Old year goes out warm about 1’ snow
at Knik. Bought 6 martin skins, cash sales $44.70.
Esi got back from Station. Bid $170 on silver black fox,
Palmer got it for $175. Miller started to get out 8 more
stoves. Indians got plenty money, were drunk and playing poker.
1909
January 1, 1909 Diary ordered expected by 1st.
mail. Cash sales $47.50. Fitted Dan’s harness.
Palmer paid December bill. Evening attended siwash
Ball at Hicks Roadhouse. Bert Stewart arrived from Susitna,
got 1 moose.
January 2, 1909 Clear 6 to 12 below. Young
Jacobs and Mr. Rice arrived from Station also Otto Langell
from hunting trip to mouth of Little Susitna. Cramer roped
up one sled account Nagley. Evening attended musical at
George Purches by Jacob and Rice. Evening Sam Blower’s arrived.
January 3, 1909 Clear. Sam Blowers returned
to his roadhouse. Big Stephan left for Tyonek, sent Nagley’s
merchandise with Stephan. Two mushers in town Jacobs
and Rice.
January 4, 1909 Purches came in from coal camp.
Wash day. Miller completed 8 Yukon’s.
January 5, 1909 Anderson and Fleming arrived
from Lake Creek in route to Seward. PM hitched up Dan
on red sled, drove up to O’Brien’s and back went OK. Evening
had musical at Herning “Dump” served cake and lemonade, Purches
and Roy Jacobs furnished instrumental music - neighbors invited
in, no siwash. McNeil landed mortar at foot of hogback on Craigie.
January 6, 1909 Put trail grub for Anderson
and Fleming via Knik to Seward. Jacob’s and Rice left for
Station. Drees and Hall arrived from Caribou Creek.
Shafer and Hatcher arrived from hunting trip brought 1 quarter
moose. Made ceiling gun rack.
January 7, 1909 Two Old Matanuska men came
in with fur, bought $56 worth fox and rats - a poor lot.
Report came that Morgan and Merritt party had to land at Ship Creek
on Dec. 20th thence overland to Seward, was out 1 week in boat
and ice. Anderson and Fleming left for Seward.
January 8, 1909 Miller completed 12 galvanized
Yukon stoves and started to make some small box stoves.
Cold day. Willard Hall on a toot. Ice anchored on
beach 20’ below K. T. Co. wharf. No ice around wharf until
this cold snap. Hughes took 8 sacks Bartholf’s oats from our
storehouse.
January 9, 1909 Mail due from Seward.
PM drove Dan part way to Cottonwood and return went OK.
January 10, 1909 McNeil and Bischoff arrived
from Willow Creek. Got mortar and all machinery moved
to top of hogback on Craigie. Miller making box stoves for
K. T. Co.
No further 1909 diary entries or 1910 journals
have ever been found.
1911
January 1, 1911 Self and family at Knik Alaska
running the Knik Trading Co. General Merchandise Store and
Meadow Brook Farm “side issue” and holding of 47,000 shares
stock in Alaska Free Gold Quartz Co. Fishhook Creek
No other entries for January 1911
February 1, 1911 Fitted snowshoes on Nig and
Tony for trip to Miller’s bridge on Carle Road. Hauled
load wood from Mitchell’s ranch.
February 2, 1911 Put up O. C. Miller’s order
and got ready for trip over Carle Road to Susitna.
February 3, 1911 Knik to Meadow Brook Farm.
Put snowshoes on Nig and Tony for trip over Carle Road.
Stayed with Hall on farm.
February 4, 1911 Left farm with Nig and Tony
on double enders, broke trail with Nig, hauled 500 lbs.
Got to 1st boulevard at noon made over to Twin Lakes and came
back to farm. Snow 3’ to 5’ deep, very light, took Hall along.
February 5, 1911 Farm to Twin Lakes with 15
cwt. feed and grub. Broke trail to Carle camp no. 3 on
Boulevard no. 3 made camp.
February 6, 1911 Broke trail from Carle camp
no. 3 to Big Lake on summer trail. Went up Meadow Brook
from road crossing only 1’ snow here, lots of moose tracks.
Came back to Carle camp no. 3.
February 7, 1911 At Carle camp no. 3.
Drove back to Twin Lakes, picked up cache, moved same up creek
within 3 miles of Big Lake, went back to Carle Camp no. 3.
Wind changed and smoked us out of Fly camp.
February 8, 1911 Carle Camp no. 3 to NE end
of Big Lake on Carle Road took whole outfit. Made camp about
200 yards from Carle Road near lake. Had to swamp out from
lake to Carle Road, 300 yards. Took snowshoes off horse on
Meadow Brook. Put them on again at NE end of Big Lake.
February 9, 1911 Big Lake to Miller bridge
on Carle Road took 800 lbs., horses walked right along on sled
trail. Ate dinner at Clam Lake had to cut out quite a few
wind falls. No trail from pothole to river, lots of wind falls
on road. Arrived at river at 9 PM Miller in bed got up and cooked
us a good supper.
February 10, 1911 Sent Hall back to Big Lake
for 800 lbs. grub and forage. Self hauled in stringers
for bridge with Nig. River open had to put in 18’ bridge
on channel to reach bridge with timbers.
February 11, 1911 Hitched Nig and Tony up tandem
and hauled in five 50’ stringers for bridge. Pulled stringers
onto crib with Nig. All the stringers in place - bridge 180’
long 12’ wide in the clear. Team, Hall, self all worked one
day at Susitna Carle Road bridge. Charge bridge fund $20.
February 12, 1911 O. C. Miller’s Susitna Bridge
to Knik. Left Miller’s camp on river at 7:30. Picked
up 5 quarters moose meat for Nakela. Arrived at Meadow
Brook Farm 6 PM, had supper left at 8 o'clock for Knik.
Hall stayed at camp on farm.
February 13, 1911 Light snow all day. Put up
order for St. Clair and Kelly for trip to Willow Creek.
Everybody in Knik are from Willow Creek except GB tunnel men.
Hughes and Dr. Cown trying to settle account by hauling freight
for G. B. M. Co.
February 14, 1911 St. Clair and
Kelly left for Willow Creek to saw lumber for G. B. M. Co.
Steen hauling hay from Old Knik. Hall arrived from Meadow
Brook Farm. Sold Prince and Shem grub for sawing lumber at
head of Fish Creek for cache on farm. Riddle and wife left Knik
for Seward.
February 15, 1911 Real Chinook weather. Put
up order for St. Clair for March and April grub. One musher
arrived from Seward. Hall put in order for summer outfit.
February 16, 1911 Chinook weather, very fine
warm day. Busy with Hall order. Meats about all
sold out also beans. Cash and checks on hand over $1,800,
evening made up deposit for Seattle National Bank. Sent
Hubbell bill to Sylvester Bros. for collection. Channel in
front of wharf closed up with anchor ice first time in 10 years.
McKinnon’s squaw had a kid.
February 17, 1911 Chinook weather busy in store.
Rigged up double ender so Hall could sled his outfit to Palmer’s
Slough. Evening sent checks for over $1,200 balance of
Seattle accounts. Goodwin and party arrived with several
others from trail work from Iditarod. McHenry left for King
River. Stewart and party arrived from GB tunnel.
February 18, 1911 Drees paid his old bill collected
$70 on old account. Goodwin Party left for Seward.
Chris Anderson came back from Knik River reported 6” water on flats.
Mitchell up to trade, first time this winter. Evening surprise
dance on at Bill Hughes.
February 19, 1911 Drees put in order for around
$100 worth of grub and merchandise. Hi-you time at the
Bill Hughes dump - dancing etc. by the saloon element. Steen
family had a family row. Little Nakeeta and Nagifil came
in from Willow bridge work earned $112. Mitchell up town,
dug out his sawmill material. Wrote Miller about cache at
bridge. Cash sales $44.
February 20, 1911 Stewart and Dr. Cowen went
out to Fishhook Creek. Hall hauled his outfit to Theodore’s
Slough with Nig. Got out order for nails and mach. for
gates and Meadow Brook Farm. Evening settled up with A.
W. Hall. Goods and groceries going fast, out of meats and
beans and some fruits. Sent letter to Nagley about selling out
store on account of his friend.
February 21, 1911 Put fire back in Christy’s
stove. Shod Nig aft. Ellexson in from Susitna Roadhouse.
Mailman in from Station. McMillan back from Station with Hughes
oats, left same at Fish Creek. Tom Geter in town from Ship
Creek.
February 22, 1911 Hauled Mitchell’s sawmill
frame down to his ranch and brought back load wood, Stanley and
Wallace went along. Mailman left for Seward. Judge Whittlesey
arrived from Seward - out 13 days - snow slides closed up trail
between Glacier and Bird Creek. Hughes outfit got ready for
trip to Willow Creek to haul up G. B. wood. Evening rain and
blowing hard from south west up the Arm. Snow going fast.
February 23, 1911 Blew hard all night.
PM hauled in 2 loads wood for Larson, marm and son helped.
Evening Herning family ate dinner at Pioneer Roadhouse. Put
up Al Drees order. Hughes teams and men left for Willow Creek
to haul up G. B. wood. Evening snowing. Two mushers in from
St. Michaels.
February 24, 1911 Hauled 2 loads wood from
Mitchell’s ranch. Took down balance of Mitchell’s sawmill
and dog feed for Wallace’s pups. Hauled balance of Larson’s
wood - 8 ricks all told. Brown over from Old Knik wanted
to buy my mower and rake. Whittlesey and Weaver went to Station.
February 25, 1911 Reset 2 hind shoes on Nig
and Tony. Worked on Yukon sleds. Drees got back from
trip to Station - Big Lake overflowed. Most all the boys
out of town on moose hunt etc.
February 26, 1911 Weather warm 42 above evening
windy. AM finished shoeing Nig and Tony aft. PM put
up additional order for Al Drees. Evening hauled up 2 barrels
water with Kid. Mr. Murry came down from Vasilla’s place
- house caught fire and burned up all their grub, clothes and some
money. Anderson bought feed for his pups on account Mitch the
dog man.
February 27, 1911 Snow in Knik about half gone.
Cash sales $143.25. Dug ditches around store and house
to let water run off. Stewart and Dr. Cowen got back from
Fishhook Creek. Put creepers on Nig’s snowshoes, mended harness
etc. Made 2 tent plates. Palmer on a drunk.
February 28, 1911 with Nig on double ender
and trailer, hauled 16 cwt. of grub etc. to Vasilla Slough
for Drees and Murray. Left Knik at 8 AM got back at 5:30
PM. Bottom all gone on trail from Knik to Cottonwood - all
ice above Cottonwood. Met 3 dog teams in route to Iditarod.
Joe Palmer arrived from Seward to move in supplies for Hamilton.
Drees left for Caribou Creek. Evening wet heavy snow.
March 1, 1911 Whittlesey and Hildreth arrived
from Station. Nagley sent check for balance due K. T. Co.
Three more Matanuska Natives arrived with fur. Tom Neeley
came down from Moose Creek with meat. Watson’s man wanted
me to haul out ton of grub to Miller’s bridge. Evening made
out seed orders. Evening colder and freezing after one week thawing
weather. Palmer still on a drunk. Bill Hughes in store.
March 2, 1911 Busy about all day trading with
Matanuska Natives, cash sales $112. Hauled in cord of wood
for St. Clair’s. Evening busy with Seattle mail, sent out
orders for meats and produce. Marshal Whittlesey and Weaver
lost their prisoner - gave them the slip at dark. Doc Wesslier
circulated a remonstrance against saloon license at Knik most everybody
signed it. Sold old Hanes man a Yukon sled through Palmer.
March 3, 1911 To Meadow Brook Farm. Got
Miller’s outfit ready for 2nd trip to Susitna Bridge on Carle
Road, drove out to farm took Stanley along.
March 4, 1911 Farm to Big Lake on summer trail,
snow shoed horses - Stanley drove Tony on double ender.
Ate lunch on boulevard Carle camp no. 3. Meadow Brook fine
to within 1 mile of Big Lake, struck overflows but not to bother.
Made camp at NE end of Big Lake. Stanley’s first trip out from
his mother and first time to sleep alone, used caribou sleeping bag,
snow settled 18”.
March 5, 1911 Big Lake summer trail to Miller’s
bridge Susitna on Carle Road. Landed at bridge at 1 PM,
Miller had 12’ x 14’ cabin up and living in same. Miller
was hewing logging for bridge. Settled up with him for
labor and grub, covered $300 check deposit on bridge account.
Had oyster supper. Left 80 lbs. BS coal 1 – 14” x 24” galvanized
stove, 6 rolls no. 3 galvanized paper with Miller on consignment.
March 6, 1911 Left Miller’s Susitna bridge
on Carle Road at 8 AM picked up 400 lbs. moose meat for
Nakeela to haul to Knik. Met Palmer and VanBuskirk at Clam
Lake with grub for Hamilton’s Mine. Ate lunch at Big Lake.
Packed up Fly camp arrived at Farm 6 PM. Had supper, took snowshoes
off horses reloaded meat on to 3 bobsleighs left Farm 9 PM, arrived
Knik at midnight. Stanley slept all way in sleeping bag.
Hauling time 12 hours.
March 7, 1911 Chilly all day. Kelly and
Lidell bought a few things for trip to Lake Creek. St. Clair
and Kelly through with sawing contract for G. B. M. Co. on Willow
Creek. Mr. Johnson and nephew arrived from Seattle.
March 8, 1911 Entered up Kelly and Lidell and
O. C. Miller’s bills rendered. At noon Kelly and Lidell
left for their placer mines on Lake Creek. Harper came over from
Station with Gassy Thompson. Cramer arrived from Lake Creek
after finishing bridge hauling contract, left Barney at Station.
Hughes and wife drove out to Willow Creek. Squaw dance at McCarthy’s
cabin last night.
March 9, 1911 Worked on Cannon account.
PM mailman arrived and quite a crowd of mushers.
Blowers said that our furs were still held up in Seward due to
change in law about shipping out fur. Lake Creek Anderson
arrived on his way out. Cramer wanted me to go in with him and
buy the Alaska. McKinnon in town on account of mail for coal camp.
March 10,1911 Mailman and Cramer left for Station.
Thomas McLaughlin and Byron McMurray left for Iditarod.
Sold McKinnon grub for summer at coal camp. Hauled ½
ton hay to barn and hauled up 2 barrels water. Mitchell up
to trade. Young Pedro Goosmar arrived from Station with 3
sacks sugar for Palmer.
March 11, 1911 Weather much colder 8 AM was
2 below zero. Set up last of Yukon hand sleds. Capt. May’l
arrived from Glacier Creek. Evening made out report on
Knik for Polk's Directory Seattle. 10 PM 14 below, took usual
bath. Steen and wife got back from weeks trip to Willow Creek.
March 12, 1911 Ten below zero at 8 AM
Sold last Yukon sled, started to make stove pipe. Cash
sales $30. Hughes outfit (8 horses) arrived from Willow Creek
out 17 days hauling wood for G. B. to top of hogback only.
Windy Wilson, Mr. G. B. Johnston, Denny and Ed O’Brien, Deaf Mute
and several others arrived from Seward. Johnston came in to
set up G. B. Mill. Trail came back from Eagle River.
March 13, 1911 Zero all day. Busy in
store made up 1 dozen 5” pipe. Sold Cal Johnston clothing
outfit for mines. Windy Wilson buying a squaw outfit at
Palmer’s for Metal Creek placer. Dr. Cowen hiring men to help
set up G. B. Mill. Light snow all day.
March 14, 1911 Light snow all day about 1 foot
fell. Made up hardware tent and kaki clothes orders.
Noisy crowd at saloon today - had a dog fight and others wanted
to fight over the bet. Two mushers in from Seward. St.
Clair had team 5 hours to haul in logs for his kitchen annex.
March 15, 1911 Finished making up hardware
order. Several mushers arrived. Chris Anderson
left for G. B. Mines to work. A bunch of Russian mushers
arrived. Conners started to shoe horses for B. D. and Hughes.
March 16, 1911 Cowen and Johnston left for
G. B. Mines to setup mill. Five Russians and 2 white men
started for Station got on wood road and broke trail to Goose Bay
returned this evening. Woods and Jensen went down to Goose Bay to
get out logs for sawmill (2,500 logs).
March 17, 1911 Snow squalls. Mitch came up
to trade. Business quiet these days. Eleven mushers
arrived from Seward, had hard trip on account of storm.
March 18, 1911 Mushers sold their sleds etc.
to Cannon, took packs on back in route to Iditarod. Had
Jno. Wallace at dinner. Stewart and Langell arrived from
Fishhook, said there was too much snow out there.
March 19, 1911 Broke wood out down to Mitchell’s.
Hauled up 2 barrels water. Two mushers in from Seward reported
70 in route (BS). Palmer circulating a petition for saloon
roadhouse license.
March 20, 1911 Hauled up 3 loads firewood from
Mitch’s - total 19 ricks. Chamberlain arrived from Seward
and several Iditarod men going in. Mailman arrived from Station,
a Mr. C. L. Hewes arrived from Lake Creek wanted option on store
business. Dr. David got his commission as Recorder and Commissioner
at Knik in place of Hildreth “fired”.
March 21, 1911 Chamberlain and Cummings and
several mushers left for Station. Made stove pipe.
Blowers left for Seward with last overland mail, Mr. Hewes mushed
with him. Hughes started to make snowshoes for his horses.
March 22, 1911 Shod Nig forward. Worked
on stovepipe. Cramer arrived from Station, brought me over 236
lbs. groceries. Snow shoed his Barney horse as far as Fish
Creek was 2 days from Station to roadhouse, then roadhouse to Knik
1 day. Had ptarmigan for supper and “dumps”. Chas Tuell
came over from Station to work for Palmer. Native hauling forage
from Station for G. B. M. Co.
March 23, 1911 Made stove pipe - not much business.
Cramer wanted to sell his horse and gear to raise cash enough
to buy the Alaska. Evening called on St. Clair’s to hear
their phonograph.
March 24, 1911 with Nig drove out to farm -
Cramer and Stanley went along. Self snow shoed up Fish
Creek to Prince’s camp to see about lumber, cut across came out
at camp 3 - mushed on to farm and shoveled snow off cache floor and
logs. Picked up Doc Cowen on return to Knik. Mushers coming
and going. Simmons family arrived from Susitna.
March 25, 1911 The bunch of 17 headed by the
whistling leader arrived. The party discontented and
the leader “ducked out” for Seward. Bert Stewart left for
Seward on account of trail. St. Clair wanted to work on farm
and at mines.
March 26, 1911 Mushers arriving every day.
Settled up with Cramer on account of hauling last spring.
“G. B.” Dr. Cowen trying to contract for hauling spring freight.
Hughes trying to buy Cramer’s horse and wagon etc.
March 27, 1911 Three more Matanuska Natives
down to trade, Jako had a few mink. Made stove pipe.
Helped Cramer haul oats and hay from warehouse to barn also hauled
up 3 barrels water. Chamberlain got back from Kahiltna in route
to Seward. “Mattie” got the “blues”.
March 28, 1911 Made stove pipe. Trade
fair - cash sales $24.55. Cummings and David’s making ready
for trip to Seward with dog teams. Billy down from Chickaloon
Coal camp sent letter to McKinnon to send check for freight money
needed in April. Teck in town from Willow Creek. Evening
tide sewed in over ice as far as wharf channel closed.
March 29, 1911 Shod Tony and Kid forward.
Made stove pipe. Cummings and wife left with dog team
for Seward, Dr. Kevig and wife for Station, were guests of Dr. David’s.
Everybody leaving town for Seward on account of trail or Willow Creek
Mines. Had “cow meat” roast for dinner.
March 30, 1911 Cramer hauled wood for Cannon.
Dr. David and wife left with dog team for Seward. J. J.
O’Brien on a drunk and bawling out everybody. Steen got
wire from Grady to move sawmill to ridge near Willow Creek.
March 31, 1911 Sold Brown old K. B. red sled
for $20. Cramer hauling wood for Cannon. Business fair
cash sales $37.60. Marshal and O’Conner arrested Nakeeta
and Dirty Al for monkeying with booze. Two mushers made it
in from Ship Creek today 58 mile “hike”.
April 1, 1911 Channel opened up as far as K.
T. Co. wharf about 20’ wide. Bonny McClarity left
for Seward with Langel’s dog team. Conner left for Seward
on account Stewart - Rhinehart trial. Prince came in to
get more grub on account sawing lumber for farm cache. Hughes
outfit left for Willow Creek to haul wood for G. B. and G. B. Co.
freight. Finished resetting shoes on all the horses. Martha
cleaning house. Old Elliott on a drunk.
April 2, 1911 Steen started to haul Grady wood
sawmill to river on winter road. Natives getting booze
- Rufe Stephan was drunk. Took in $19. Turned linoleum
around in kitchen. Dog teams in both from Seward and Iditarod.
With Cramer, hauled in 3 barrels water. Hughes bartender
for Palmer Saloon.
April 3, 1911 Palmer and several others left
in boat for Sunrise started from Fish Creek - Conners and Jensen
boatmen. Mitchell hothouse plant up, cabbage 3” high.
April 4, 1911 Meadow Brook Farm. Broke
out double team, road to farm, bottom about gone on old road,
Stanley went along. Got up firewood and worked on cache
got home at 9:35. Evening Chinook wind. Extra session
of Congress convened today on account Alaska Railway and coal land
and the Seward-Iditarod mail route to Nome?
April 5, 1911 Snow going fast around Knik 70
above in sun. Hauled in load birch wood and 2 barrels
water. Cash sales $24, about sold out on rubber and O. G.
Packs. O’Brien, Huston, Clark and Wilson on a drunk all day.
Channel opened up as far as Palmer’s wharf, about 40’ wide.
Mrs. Ellexson came from Station to trade. Steen trying to brake
down old road bed, Knik to river, on account moving out sawmill gear.
April 6, 1911 At Meadow Brook Farm. Drove
Kid out to farm went out in 2 hours came back 1¼ hours.
Laid up 1½ rounds of logs on cache. Mailman got back
last evening 8 PM got 35 letters special mail, extra charges by
mailman not being a contract trip. Business fair considering
being sold out on meats beans rice meal etc. cash sales $23.70.
April 7 1911 At Meadow Brook Farm. With
Dan drove out to farm, Stanley went along. Hauled in balance
of logs for cache, laid up one round of logs. Drove home
in 1¼ hours business quiet. Evening up late checking
down Sylvester merchandise account. Fish Creek overflowed
onto road on bank. Two mushers in from Seward. Steen trying
to brake down road, Knik to river, on account of moving out sawmill
boiler.
April 8, 1911 At Meadow Brook Farm freezing
all day. Hauled out 18 sacks seed oats to farm. Cramer
drove his horse, self rode Dan. Laid up 3 rounds logs
on cache. Drove back to Knik in 1½ hours road perfect.
McNeil drove in from G. B. Mines. VanBuskirk and Palmer in
after more grub etc. for Hamilton Mine. Stanley sick stomach
trouble. Evening took usual bath.
April 9, 1911 Self and family drove Kid out
to Meadow Brook Farm, Jno. Wallace went along. Put
up 3 rounds log on cache. Pete came to camp delivered 35
boards and 4 plank on trail at camp no. 3 for farm cache.
Musher in from Seward going to Iditarod. Cramer hauled in cottonwood
saw log for himself. Evening 12 above.
April 10,1911 Zero last night.
Drove Dan out to Meadow Brook Farm picked up 240’ lumber
at camp no. 3. Put 2 rounds log on cache. Very quiet in
town cash sales only $14. Freezing weather no ice raising on
these big tides.
April 11, 1911 Self and Cramer drove out to
Meadow Brook Farm with Dan picked up 200’ lumber at camp no.
3. Got walls of cache up ready for plates and rafters. Mattie
sick last night and today stomach trouble, self same from eating
canned pears left over 1 meal. Steen cut his hand with axe.
St. Clair moved out to cut wood for Cannon.
April 12, 1911 Special mail arrived by Mr.
Wells, got bills for flour rubber goods and clothing.
PM got in 2 barrels water. Drove up to flats by hay barn,
cut hay rake out of overflow ice and hauled it down to barn to take
to farm. Conners and Jensen got back last night from boating
trip to Sunrise, left boat at Goose Bay, were a week coming
back, brought back a Mr. Hunt in route to G. B. Mines.
April 13, 1911 Snowed last night, about
4” of new snow at Knik with 7” at the river. Report came that
Murphy had chartered the Alaska to the Alaska Commercial Company.
Wisner got back from river on account of Grady sawmill. Wells
bros. in town waiting for weather to clear. Sold out today on
beets, tomatoes and about all canned fruit and vegetables. Plenty
of flour on hand, rolled oats and sugar. Cream sold out.
April 14 1911 Snow about gone in front of store
and on garden. Steen and Wisner went to river about sawmill.
Started to take inventory cash sales over $30. Tide lifted
ice in front of wharf. Evening Sugar-foot Pete in from
Fish Creek for more grub on account of sawing lumber.
April 15, 1911 Snow half gone in Knik.
Groomed horses for old hair. Evening tide Nate White arrive
by dory with George Eberhardt and Judge Ferris from Sunrise.
First outside boat to arrive this spring.
April 16, 1911 Hauled hay rake and roofing
paper on bobsleighs to Meadow Brook Farm. Had to put snowshoes
on horses at camp no. 3. Steen left his load at head of
Fish Creek and came back to Knik.
April 17, 1911 A Mr. Merideth arrived
from Station to trade bought hardware. Hauled up 3 barrels water
and started to get mower ready to take out to farm. Wallace
got back from trip to G. B. Mines. Evening had a long talk
with Eberhardt he wanted to handle my hydraulic placer mine.
April 18, 1911 First boat arrived, Swan arrived
with Grady and wife and Harrigan, general manager for B. D. Co.
Got case bacon 1 sack sugar. Evening drove up to hay barn
and loaded mower in bobsleighs. Drove Nig down to government
camp and hauled up grub and Grady baggage. Swan was 8 days Seldovia
to Knik.
April 19, 1911 Hauled mower on bobsleighs to
Meadow Brook Farm. Put plates on cache ready to put up
rafters and roof. Roadbed settled down, horses came in
without snowshoes. Wilson arrived from Metal Creek brought out
his dogs. Snow settling and going fast, road good to farm no
water on road yet. Nate White arrived 2nd boating trip from
Sunrise.
April 20, 1911 Froze hard last night. Took
section out of wharf to let B. D. Co. sawmill boiler pass through
in route to Willow Creek by Hughes team. Eberhardt boozing.
Dirty Al peddling booze to Natives. Old Stephan, his wife
and Goosmar drunk. Evening put up order for Indian Jim and
Pete on account of sawing lumber for St. Clair at Willow Creek.
Nate White in town.
April 21, 1911 Left for Meadow Brook Farm,
cut 9 pair spruce poles for rafters at camp no. 3. Arrived
at farm, put in end plates for gable boards laid ceiling joist.
Cramer made 9 pair rafters self cut in door and put in frame.
J. J. O’Brien on a drunk out in front of Palmer’s saloon using vile
language and bawling out people. Hughes moved B. D. Co. boiler
from beach to lake.
April 22, 1911 Snow about all gone in Knik,
first geese arrived today. The Alaska Capt. Murphy arrived
at noon with Bert Stewart and party from Seward. Ira and
Chas Isaac arrived. Ide party and Dr. Cowen went out on Alaska.
McKinnon paid his bill by Indian Billy from coal camp also sent money
to pay Dr. David and nurse? Mrs. Stephan. Hughes started out
with B. D. sawmill boiler, turned turtle near birch grove.
April 23, 1911 Left Knik 4:30 for Meadow Brook
Farm, Cramer went along. George Eberhardt rode out as
far as camp no. 3 in route to Station. Spotted ceiling stringers.
Cramer boarded up gable ends, used spruce poles for rafters.
Self put on west side of roof sheathing, Cramer put on east side.
Noon, passed B. D. Co. boiler, bottom side up, on Grady cut-off Big
Lake. Evening passed boiler at Fish Creek.
April 24, 1911 Snow all gone in streets
of Knik. Larson in for a drunk. Wisner in for lumber
for B. D. sawmill building Hauled up 2 barrels water.
Mush ice 6” deep on Knik Lake. Low places on winter road
filling up with water. Eagle Roadhouse men came over by boat to
trade. Cash sales $53.25.
April 25, 1911 Froze hard last night.
Hauled in 2 loads of wood from birch grove at summit. Hauled
cord of split wood for cook stove from Rufe Stephan’s place,
used wagon from lake. Snow all gone -beach to Knik Lake
- road fair from lake up to birch grove snow going fast. Otto
shot 1st goose of 1911. Air full of geese 5 days later than same
conditions last year. Hughes landed B. D. Co. sawmill boiler at
river - 4 days with 5 horses and 6 men. Evening put up hardware
order for B. D. Sawmill.
April 26, 1911 Tide increasing, channel blocked
with ice for a mile below Knik at full tide. B. D. took
last of sawmill building with Hughes team. Evening closed
up gangway on wharf. Sold $20 worth of clothing. Cramer
said he sold his horse and gear to Hughes. Mattie got bad
cold. Air full of geese.
April 27, 1911 The Alaska arrived voyage 2
with some of G. B. freight. Dr. David and wife came back
from Seward. Cramer sold his horse and gear to Hughes.
The Alaska landed G. C. Co. freight at government camp. Channel
full of ice from Goose Bay to Knik. Hughes and Dr. Cowen wanted
to borrow D. E. sleds -“nothing doing”. Evening Hughes team hauled
G. B. freight on double enders.
April 28, 1911 Hauled last of forage
from dock warehouse to barn. Hauled up 3 barrels water on wagon.
Hauled out 3 loads manure on barn lot. PM tide Swan arrived
voyage 2 with first mail landed same just above Fish Creek channel
full of ice. Drove Nig down beach for mail and eggs.
At Government Creek Nig broke through ice and turned knee out of
joint had to leave him at Government Creek overnight. Up all
night with Nig, $500 horse knocked out. F. B. Cannon arrived
from Seward.
April 29, 1911 Big tides, ice moved off ¼
of bar in front of Knik. Nig hobbled up to Knik. Myself
and Wallace worked on Nig’s knee, put tackle on to pull joint back
into place then put on splints. Sold out case of first lot
of eggs. Hughes team went out with G. B. spring freight landed
by the Alaska.
April 30, 1911 Made box stall for Nig
on account of his fractured knee. VanBuskirk in from Little
Susitna to see Hamilton, said snow was soft and deep from Miller’s
camp to Big Lake. Snow about half gone from Big Lake to Knik.
Ice about gone in bar in front of Knik. Channel by wharf
only 60’ wide and only open ¼ mile above wharf. Twenty
feet rim ice in front of wharf. Nig leg not swelling much, not
much pain thus far. Boys hot after geese .
May 1, 1911 Cash sales during year ending April
30, 1911. No big boats at Knik up to date. No freight
delivered except by Swan and Alaska. Hauled out manure on
barn lot with Dan and Tony. Nig’s leg doing well looks like
chance for recovery. Air full of geese and Swan boys getting
quite a few. Evening Cramer paid for Barney forage used to date.
First boats from Old Knik arrive. G. B. bookkeeper in town waiting
for freight. Hughes teams out with freight.
May 2, 1911 Hauled manure with Dan and Tony
on store garden and barn lot. St. Clair and wife arrived
from Willow Creek to get more Natives to saw lumber for G. B.
A Mr. Strong arrived from Tocotna Kuskokwim in route to Tacoma going
back with sawmill launch and stock of goods - last man to arrive out
from Iditarod District. Cash sales over $80. McClarty
gave us a goose, first of 1911 catch for us.
May 3, 1911 No big boats arrived at Knik
thus far. Ploughed store garden and part of barn lot with
Tony and Dan. St. Clair and a bunch of Natives left for Willow
Creek via winter road. Had roast goose dinner, “rather tough”.
Whitney’s left by boat for their ranch on Ship Creek, Tom Jeter
went along. Cramer left list of his tent house for sale.
Cramer talking of going to Tacotna with Mr. Strong.
May 4, 1911 McNeil lost Hughes horse,
Valdez, in Big Lake on return trip to Knik. Finished plowing
barn lot with Dan and Tony. Evening Nig laid down, had
to cut out partition. Cramer self and Wallace up with horse
all night, got him back on his feet with tackle. Nig’s
knee broke on inside of leg.
May 5, 1911 Busy about all day making
sling for Nig, Mr. Sharp head director. Hired Mr.
Sharp to nurse Nig. Sharp slept in barn. Noon tide
the Alaska, Mike Murphy and Ruf Bowen arrived, first boat to
land at wharf, got hardware and some produce. Cramer and Strong
went out on Alaska via to Tacoma. Evening Dr. David visited
told me all about the saloon license only granted to June 30th.
May 6, 1911 Nig doing very well. Plowed
C. and H. lot - time 3 hours with Dan and Tony. Business
fair considering there being no new grub in town. Marshal
arrested Rufe for being drunk and giving his wife a pair of black
eyes. Hughes out of grain borrowed 2 sacks.
May 7, 1911 Busy all day with Seattle
mail and orders. Nig knee improving, put leather boot
on knee. Martha planted garden what shall the harvest be?
Up till midnight with letter writing. Sent deposit to Seward
and Seattle banks. Paid Henry Ratzen for sawing wood $20.
May 8, 1911 Dr. David held his court,
Rufe was fined thirty-some dollars for being drunk and beating
his wife. Nig doing fine, resting some on his crippled leg.
Chris Anderson came in from G. B. Mine after more help, said snow
was all gone from ravine crossing to river. Grady’s team
hauling from river to lumber camp. Hughes team had G. B. freight
strung along trail from river to Willow Creek.
May 9, 1911 Grub shot, no sugar in Knik.
No big boats landed at Knik thus far this spring. Planked
down all 3 gardens. Chris Anderson rounded up 10 men to
work for G. B. M. Co. Cash sales $52. Mr. D. I. Sharp going
to Willow Creek to work for G. B. M. Co. Allowed him $25
for 5 days doctoring Nig’s knee.
May 10, 1911 Slept in the barn on account
of Nig last night, Nig resting easy. Evening while dressing
Nig’s leg discovered another spot liable to break and discharge
above knee cap. Sewed oats on barn lot. Got up 2 barrels
water started to plow Cannon’s garden. Chris Anderson returned to
G. B. camp with 10 extra men, they packed out 80 lbs. steel - went
summer trail first to go that way. Quiet in town today grub pretty
shot, plenty of ducks and geese .
May 11, 1911 Slept in barn on account
of Nig. Valdez Capt. Murphy voyage 1 arrived with mail, took out
first mail by water route. Got some hardware flour etc. on
Valdez also pick ups, butter sugar milk etc. from Beluga got by SS
Cramer. Nig’s knee broke above knee cap considerable congealed
blood came out, evening looked better. Brown - a nice
Brown arrived from Old Knik with his scow boat. B. D. got 7 sacks
oats 1 tank silver on Valdez. Wallace made new boot for Nig’s
sore knee.
May 12, 1911 Not much doing in Knik,
waiting for big boat to land supplies. Evening tide Joe
Beedy arrived voyage 1 with Red Jack. Harry the Jap and brother
arrived. Nig’s knee improving. VanBuskirk and Vern bought dog
feed and moved up to Cottonwood. Sold all the spring cots to
Pioneer Roadhouse. O’Dale reported snow and ice at all other
ports even at Seldovia.
May 13, 1911 Planted store garden to
wheat oats and barley. O. C. Miller arrived from his
mines on Little Susitna. “Fish” Johnson came in from G.
B. Mines. Nig’s knee discharging, but very little and swelling
going down. Last of anchor ice raised on bar in front of Knik,
some ice cakes coming down on ebb tides. One drunk on duty
this PM. Old Knik Brown here waiting for big boat to land his supplies.
May 14, 1911 Myself and Wallace washed all
Nig’s legs and cleaned him up in general knee doing fine.
Miller made bathtub for Cannon. Harrowed in grain in
store garden. Everybody waiting for the big boat to come.
Sold out today on sugar bacon and spuds. Hughes feeding
B. D. Co. oats and hay about all gone. Chief Nicholai left
for Kenai on Stephan’s sloop on evening tide to get the Priest.
May 15, 1911 Self knocked out with cold in
head. Morning tide gas boat Vida arrived with G. B. M.
Co. lumber, left on evening tide. Young of Kenai was with
Vida also Capt. Ward. Nig’s knee doing fine. Miller
started to make sheet steel stoves with cast iron tops. Evening
planted oats on C. and H. lot with a mixture of wheat. Cash
sales $51.35. Evening Stanley howling with toothache.
May 16, 1911 PM with Kid and Stanley went up
winter road to birch grove swamp at summit safe to cross - frost
in. Cleaned wood choppers brush etc. out of road and
blazed road around Knik Lake.
May 17, 1911 My self, Wallace and Cobb cut
wagon road around Knik Lake. Evening tide Buffalo arrived
with Gold Quartz Mine Co. freight landed same at our dock.
Got small lot of grub from Herbert. Some of Gold Quartz men arrived.
Jos. Buzzard and brother were on Buffalo in route to Hope.
G. B. amalgamator arrived.
May 18, 1911 Finished swamping out wagon road
around Knik Lake to connect with winter road to Willow Creek cost
for labor $7. Miller finished making 4 cast top stoves
(time - 4 days). Quiet in town most everybody out.
May 19, 1911 Left Knik for Meadow
Brook Farm with spike team on wagon. Made it out to Big
Lake cut trail from G. B. road to creek made camp. Took along
Frank Libby for swamper. Wallace took charge of doctoring
Nig’s leg.
May 20, 1911 Swamped out wagon road on
S. W. side of Big Lake, came on to winter road 1/3 mile above
Big Lake near birch grove made camp. Drove over to swamp
near Fish Creek frost in on road only, rod went down 6’ to 8’ on
side of road, decided not to cross with team and wagon.
May 21, 1911 Cruised trail down ridge to Fish
Creek bottom look up crossing over Swamp Creek. Evening
rode to farm to get feed for horses.
May 22, 1911 Swamped road down ridge
1 mile built bridge over Swamp Creek.
May 23, 1911 Finished bridge and cruised
out trail across Fish Creek bottom to ridge where winter road
hits Fish Creek by sign boards.
May 24, 1911 Broke camp at Forks winter
road and Old Susitna trail. Drove to bridge and swamped
out and made back to winter road at sign board. Made over
to Maidens Lane - reach broke - left wagon - went to farm (this
was on 23rd). On the 24th went after wagon made new reach. Started
to plow on C. and H. clearing. Had Libby pick up dead timber
on Hall clearing.
May 25, 1911 Left Meadow Brook Farm 5:30
on Kid horse, arrived Knik 8:15. Nig improving.
Busy all day with new goods clothing and part of hardware delivered
by Swam from scow at Knik Harbor. Kelly outfit left for
Carle Mine. Mr. Wood arrived from B. D. Co. Mines said one of Harrigan’s
new men was killed by a snow slide.
May 26, 1911 Busy in store with new goods.
Swan arrived with last of April freight. Evening marked
up sporting goods took in $317.05. McDonald and Percy left
for prospecting tour. O. C. Miller left for his Mines with
his Rabbit horse.
May 27, 1911 PM with Kid rode out to Meadow
Brook Farm to plant oats and clear land.
May 28, 1911 At Meadow Brook Farm, swamped
out road from cache to oat field and plowed. Libby burned
brush on Hall’s clearing.
May 29, 1911 to June 3, 1911 At Meadow
Brook Farm plowing and clearing land.
June 4, 1911 At farm finished plowing
lot 20 x 40 rods square. Planted balance of oats.
Evening a brown bear cut me off on road to camp. Made him
take to the bush came within 100’ of camp.
June 5, 1911 At farm finished sowing
barley harrowed same and planked down whole field. Picked
up tools took up, Hall’s tent got ready to return to Knik.
Shem arrived with note from Mattie just as we were ready to leave
for Knik. Packed, Dan was 3¼ hours coming to town.
June 6, 1911 Trees leafing out at Knik
fair picking for horses. Busy in store collected $104.90.
First real rain of spring. Nig’s knee about healed up discharge
stopped left off all bandages. Put shot weight on foot to
straighten leg.
June 7, 1911 Got out Seattle mail.
Shough opened his pack gear, was half destroyed by acid,
Palmer reported to have lost $700 worth of goods by acid
Goodwin, Road Commission man, in town wanted to get any pack train
for moving his grub on new trail Knik to Susitna. Paid Frank
Libby for 17½ days labor on farm $61.25. Grady family
arrived from Willow Creek.
June 8, 1911 Hughes hauled Road Commission
outfit on wagon to Fish Creek on new road via Knik to Station.
Grady boozing. B. D. assayer in town waiting for assay outfit
to arrive on boat. Our oats up. Palmer having his lot
plowed today. Horses beginning to get plenty of grass.
June 9, 1911 bidarky arrived 2 AM first
trip this spring, fence wire and produce came, also meats.
Byron Bartholf arrived and a Mr. Williams and wife. Lost
1 crate carrots all rotten cabbage on B. O. Sent Seattle mail
by Cramer via Railway to Seward. Al Drees drew his deposit
money and left evening for Caribou Creek. Grady on a drunk.
St. Clair and Shough left for Sheep Creek. Brown over from Old
Knik.
June 10, 1911 Very quiet in town not
much business. Esi got his gas engine installed and made
a trial run, Denny engineer. Planked down barn lot part
of oats were up but many were on top of ground. Goodwin came
in said they run into swampy ground near Fish Creek and would lay off
trail work until next November. Hubbel and Hamilton in
town. Jack Steen and Wisner arrived from Willow Creek this AM
had trouble crossing Bald Mt. With horses.
June 11, 1911 English pack train came to town.
Steen packed in Goodwin outfit had Dan 6 hours $3. Evening
tide Goodwin party left for Old Knik on Brown’s scow to swamp
trail - Old Knik to Ship Creek summit. Hildreth arrived
from Seward came in small boat. Let Wallace go - time 23 days
caring for Nig. Nig’s knee about healed up.
June 12, 1911 Cleaned up back yard.
Put brush in crib of wharf and filled in 1,000 lbs. rock.
PM tide Alaska arrived from Seldovia had a big crowd Goodwin was
aboard. Alaska laid over due to wind. Commissioner
ordered mangy dogs to be shot.
June 13, 1911 Morning tide the Alaska left
for Kern Creek. Put up 2 weeks prospect outfit for
Sharp and Wallace. Evening tide Capt. Glenn Names arrived
from Hope with 4 passengers. Hubbel surveying church property
and Grady’s lot. Cash sales $44. Conroy and Marion arrived.
June 14, 1911 Mrs. C. S. Hubbel took elevation
of spring, across Knik Lake for me at our tin shop, 10’ above
level of Knik Lake at St. Clair’s place 12’ above level of Lake.
Spring where it comes out of bank level with our tin shop. Susitna
in port AM tide with Alaska Commercial Company groceries for Palmer.
Palmer and squaw went on Susitna. Capt. Glenn Names left
for Hope, Dr. David went out with him. Sharp and Wallace
left for Peters Creek across Arm to prospect.
June 15, 1911 Put screen on barn window and
repaired window and painted same, also painted window in tin
shop. Wallace brought Goodwin over from Peters Creek - Goodwin
in route to Seward. Al Crocker was tried for selling liquor to
Natives, bond fixed at $1,500. Evening put up President Suspender
sign in front of store.
June 16, 1911 Alaska arrived with Hubbard,
McCary and Mrs. Dr. Cowen “to be” and several passengers. Conroy
and Marion left for Willow Creek. Nig’s knee improving
fast. Evening tide Goodwin left for Peters Creek to join
his trail party.
June 17, 1911 Half ebb tide the Explorer arrived
with section of English prospectors from Talkeetna District.
Set up 1 dozen chairs. Evening tide Natives arrived from
Fire Island with first king salmon. Indian Billy said he
lost his boat and camp outfit near Pt. Campbell. Kelly’s college
boys and Mr. Williams left for Fishhook District. Oats up 2”
in store garden. Woods fire at Peters Creek.
June 18, 1911 Alaska, Explorer and Susitna
all in port and Esi’s gas boat. Mrs. Grady and Steen
went out on Alaska via Kern Creek to Seward. Sent 2 letters
registered to Seward to Brown and Hawkins order for hardware
and dry goods. Alaska left at midnight. Palmer and
squaw got back from Beluga.
June 19, 1911 Evening tide Sharp and Wallace
came back from Peters Creek, forest fire drove them out.
Fire supposed to have been set by Goodwin party. Rain needed
bad for gardens. Set 24” x 28” window light for Grady.
June 20, 1911 Finished setting up kitchen
chairs. O. C. Miller, Kelly and Ira Isaac arrived from Susitna
Mines. Miller sold his horse to Kelly. Sharp and Wallace
left by dory for Bird Creek to prospect. Mrs. Williams wanted
to get the McGuire cabin, Doc David showed her the cabin. Cannon
had Tony and scraper 9 hours.
June 21, 1911 Hauled up 4 barrels water.
Hauled monument down to McGuire’s grave. Hauled up gangplank
to make yard for Nig in front of barn. O. C. Miller
got pack ready to go to mines tomorrow. Churchill got frame
up for Palmer’s new warehouse. Bill Elliott came in from
Willow Creek, said river was high. G. B. pack train couldn’t
cross in route to Knik.
June 22, 1911 Alaska arrived at noon
from Kern Creek, brought over 2 horses for Goodwin survey party.
Frank Bartholf arrived. Hamilton and one of the English
field managers came over from Seward. O. C. Miller left with
pack on his back for his mine. Report came that Cramer bought
the Chase. “Teck's” boat at Seward was waiting for “ile” then would
put her on the Cook Inlet run.
June 23, 1911 Busy in store cash sales
$28. Two Iditarod men here to prospect. Fire raging
on Eagle River 10 miles upstream. Evening looked up shoe
order. Kelly and Isaac left for Fishhook Creek. Alaska
left on early morning tide for Station. Hamilton in route to
Wells Bros. Copper Mine with English buyer.
June 24, 1911 Swan came in with the mail
2 AM business fair. G. B. pack train arrived from
Willow. Palmer got roof on his galvanized warehouse.
Shough and wife came over from Eagle River to meet E. H. Bartholf
due here. Susitna Marshal Dyer sold Purches house and personal
property at auction on account of Palmer’s bill, Palmer bid it in.
June 25, 1911 Alaska in port 3 AM took
out Talkeetna English party to Kern Creek. Scotty Watson
and Tin Shop Kelly came over from Susitna, Kelly looking
up location for tin shop. Hauled up 4 barrels
water. G. B. pack train left for mines 1st through trip from
Knik this spring. Road Commission took their 2 horses over to
Eagle River on Brown’s scow.
June 26, 1911 Court in session today.
Denny arrested for peddling booze to the Natives. Cut sill
out of barn on account of taking Nig out. Had to oil up bacon
- beginning to mould. Wilson came down from Metal Creek.
English party back from King River. Kelly’s pack train in.
June 27, 1911 Got up 4 AM rode Kid out
on new road survey to Carle Road from Knik. Picked up
blazes made last winter got out to O’Brien Creek about 3 miles
from Knik going good this far. B. D. assayer came in from Willow
Creek. Dr. Cowen was married to the girl with the big hat.
June 28, 1911 PM run line on new road
to Big Lake Knik to Summer Trail got out to creek ½ mile
below Cottonwood, from there will have to take ridge on the left
to Big Lake. Evening bidarky arrived had freight for
Alaska Road Commission mostly iron corner posts for survey.
Cramer arrived with the Chase from Seward 3 days trip new boat for Inlet
run. McCoy left on Chase for Seattle via Kern Creek and Seward.
Steen arrived from Seward on the Chase. Bidarky landed 6 different
lots of freight at our wharf.
June 29, 1911 Started to rain at midnight
last night. Rained up to noon oats grew two inches.
Sold Warner and Wisner small prospecting outfit. Evening
tide Alaska arrived from Kern Creek with E. H. And W. E.
Bartholf, Dorr and several others. Evening Frank Bartholf
wanted to hire a horse to go to Willow Creek. Dr. Cowen visited
said Hubbard wanted to know if I wanted any Alaska Free Gold stock
Shough family went fishing.
June 30, 1911 Gardens “looking up” on
account of rain showers. F. G. Bartholf visited told us
all about Alaska Free Gold Mining Company and his connection
with G. B. M. Co. Evening tide Chase arrived voyage 2 with St.
Clair from Kern Creek to take charge of Knik Roadhouse. Anderson
arrived with survey party (Walker). Sent mail out on
Chase. Carnegie and Ed O’Brien went out on Chase via to Seward.
E. H. B. left 10 gold watches on consignment $11 net each.
July 1, 1911 Made arrangements with Henry Ratzen
to care for Nig while I take a trip to Willow Creek with Frank
Bartholf and 2 mining men. B. S. Anderson towed E. H. B.
outfit and horses over to Eagle River. Harrigan arrived
from B. D. camp Willow Creek. Evening tide Frank Bartholf
and mining men went to Cottonwood by boat. Self ready to leave
with 3 saddle horses early tomorrow.
July 2, 1911 First trip of the year Knik
to Mines. Left with 3 saddle horses arrived at Cottonwood
7 AM picked up Frank Bartholf. Mr. Hide and partner arrived
at river 12:30 had lunch. Went on to G. B. tent on razorback
G. B. Wilson was there on way to Knik with 5 horses. Arrived
at Grubstake 8 PM. Trail around Grubstake Mt. covered with
snow also wet on Gulch side.
July 3, 1911 Mr. Hide and Bartholf looked
over placer mine, took them up to Gold Bullion camp.
Evening looked over big flume. Had to fix up pipeline that
picked up water along flume. Big dam OK also ditch to intake
from dam. Turned water into big flume also into bench flume.
Got horses for trip to Knik tomorrow. G. B. mill about ready to start
up. Received $20 for 2 saddle horses for 11½ hour mush.
July 4, 1911 Left Mines 6:30 AM arrived
at Knik 6:30 PM, ate lunch at Spruce Tree camp. Bidarky
came in late 11 PM brought some freight for us and a Mr. Hunt.
Chase in port.
July 5, 1911 Conroy and Marion left 2nd trip
to Susitna via Carle Road. McKinnon down to trade.
Hughes moved up to Cottonwood evening tide. Susitna in port.
Got trading license up to July 31, 1911. Harrigan in town.
July 6, 1911 Milo Kelly in town. W. E.
Bartholf left for Fishhook Mines with G. B. pack train. Chase
arrived from Kern Creek with passengers. Mosquitoes bad
tonight also horse flies.
July 7, 1911 O. C. Miller arrived from mines.
Anderson came in from Ship Creek. Ben Agnew and partner
arrived to prospect. Palmer’s saloon closed today?
Mrs. Williams moved into the McGuire cabin.
July 8, 1911 Elliott came over from Old Knik
to trade. O. C. Miller connecting up Connors cold water
tank. Walker party locating section lines north of Knik,
now out to east side of Three Mile Lake on winter road. Beach
between Knik and spring lined with tents 15 in all. Agnew and partner
left for Old Knik.
July 9, 1911 Thomas Babcock came in from Carle
Mine. Byron Bartholf and Cavanaugh came over from Old
Knik. Chase in port early AM tide. Road Commission
Watson arrived to prospect. Hyde and Frye went out on Chase.
July 10, 1911 Miller started to rebuild
veranda aft of house tore down canvas veranda. Ed O'Brien
and several on a drunk today, Palmer celebrating with the gang.
G . B. packer back from trip to Alaska Free Gold Mine. Palmer
out of fruit, milk, Star yeast and what-not. O. C. Miller said
he would take Cramer’s cabin.
July 11, 1911 Barley heading out in store
garden, time 58 days. With Tony re-graded back of
house for new veranda. Kelly and Byron Bartholf left for Fishhook
Creek. Several drunks today. Sold Miller the Cramer tent
house.
July 12, 1911 Miller and self got up
side walls to veranda and roof off new cache. Evening
Chase arrived - no passengers. Sold Cramer’s tent house to
O. C. Miller for $100, made out bill of sale and paid Cramer the
$100. Advanced Miller $36 on above. Evening Mr. Walker
visited, wanted to know how early boats would deliver horses at Knik
spring of 1912 on account of land survey parties.
July 13, 1911 Stewart and Isaac went
out with 3 pack horses also Jack Steen for Willow. Noon
Stanley fell on to box under Dougherty’s calidoor and cut his
chin 2” Dr. had to put in 3 stitches. Got main part of roof
on veranda short on lumber. Noon flies bad on horses.
July 14, 1911 Barley in store garden
all headed out - oats 18” high. Put up 2 small orders.
Got ¾ of roof done on house veranda. Got 2 sacks
oats back that Hughes borrowed. Hughes took out balance
of Kelly’s feed 15 boxes, McKinnon took 4, Stewart
was to get 2. AM tide Susitna in from Kern Creek in route
to Station. Land surveyors scow went to Knik this side of
Fish Creek.
July 15, 1911 Got roof all covered on
house, veranda door yet to be made. G. B. Wilson in with
pack train. Grady in from B. D. Mines. Cash sales $24.
Nig’s knee swelling again on outside. Doc David making
office out of old Affanassa cabin. Dance on at Osnes's tonight.
July 16, 1911 AM tide both the Chase
and Alaska in port. Chase brought English party back
from Glacier Creek. A mill man arrived to work for Kelly.
Old Ham came back with smelter man to look at the Watson big ledge??
O. C. Miller started to sink a well by the Cramer tent house, bored
down 20’ with post hole auger, struck rock quit this hole. Shough
and wife left with 2 horses to prospect around Little Willow.
July 17, 1911 Self got stitch under right
shoulder. Miller digging well, all gravel down 6’.
Larson on a drunk. Russell and partner back from prospecting
trip around Willow Creek. English packers back from boating
trip up Knik River. Mrs. Small here and doing biz.
July 18, 1911 Isaac and Babcock left
to do assessment on Alaska Hoosier Placer Claims Willow Creek.
Evening tide English party Beardsford left on Esi’s launch for
Knik River Copper Mines. Pete Jensen came in from G. B. Mines
said lower tram didn’t work well had 2 stamps running. Stitch
in back is better. Dr. took stitches out of Stanley’s chin.
Miller working on his well. Cut new oats for Nig.
July 19, 1911 AM tide Chase arrived with
Meyers, Zimmerman and Dirty Al. PM Alaska arrived with
game warden and Names - brought over for trial for killing moose
out of season. Shod Kid and Dan forward for trip to Willow
Creek to show M. and Z. my placer mines.
July 20, 1911 Left Knik 6:30 with A.
A. Zimmerman and C. B. Meyers (on 3 saddle horses) to show them
my hydraulic placer mines. Trail fine, ate lunch at river
gave horses 2 hour rest arrived at mines 8 PM.
July 21, 1911 At mines showed Zimmerman
and Meyers all my prospects both on Grubstake and Willow Creek.
They did considerable panning got gold in every pan seemed pleased
with the prospects. Someone had camped under calidoor at mess
house. Up till midnight.
July 22, 1911 Self went up Grubstake
5 AM after horses. Left mines 8 AM arrived at Knik 8
PM At river while at lunch, Zimmerman and Meyers offered
me $1,000 cash for privilege of prospecting Willow Creek with my
plant or would take pay to open up Willow. My price for property
was $25,000 - $7,000 down balance in payments.
English party got back from Knik River.
July 23, 1911 Made agreement with Zimmerman
and Meyer to handle Willow Creek placer first cash payment to
be $1,000 - $12,000 next season balance due November 1913.
English party sold out their grub and horses to Palmer - going
to quit Knik. Evening looked over mail. Sylvester Bros.
wanted to ship order on file.
July 24, 1911 Drew up option to purchase
Willow Creek Placer Mines with Meyers and Zimmerman, they paid
$1,000 down. Sold Dan horse to Meyer and Zimmerman for
$150 cash. Busy all day in store. Sent Sylvester Bros.
Co. $700 on order to come, wired them to ship.
July 25, 1911 with Dan and Tony packed,
left on Kid to show Meyers and Zimmerman around at the mines on
account of them connecting up pipeline and prospecting Willow
Creek under option to buy. Self left on Kid 1 hour later
caught them at first creek crossing, ate lunch at first small lake.
E. H. Bartholf came along in route to Knik. Went onto razorback
unpacked horses had lunch.
July 26, 1911 Left razorback 2:30 AM
arrived at mines 5:30 AM Had breakfast then took a sleep.
July 27, 1911 At mines, checked up pipeline
found enough pipe to connect up line from Grubstake to Willow
Creek bottom. Took inventory of grub and tools sold grub
to Meyers and Zimmerman.
July 28, 1911 Went up Grubstake after horses
they went to the top of mountain, came down on Willow Creek
side. Got away late 9 AM arrived at Knik 9 PM Brought
out all 3 horses. Dan to pack back grub for Meyers and Zimmerman.
Ratzen took care of Nig 4 days. English party left on the
Chase - through with Knik country. Kelly and E. H. Bartholf
went to Seward. Kelly took out first gold bricks.
July 29, 1911 Oats in store garden heading
out. PM tide Alaska arrived in route to Kern Creek. St.
Clair and Ship Creek farmers up to trade. A Finlander from
Eagle River blew off his hand shooting out stumps - brought him
over to doctor. B. S. Anderson in port fixing up his engines
in launch.
July 30, 1911 Miller put wire netting around
his lot. Wood up from Goose Bay to trade.
July 31, 1911 Dr. Cowen and Hibbard arrived
from G. B. Mines on way out to Seattle. Sold Hibbard $37.50
worth of furs. Evening sent order to C. E. Filson for clothing.
August 1, 1911 Put up small order for
Meyers and Zimmerman. G. B. pack train started out PM dumped
packs at O’Brien’s horses came hack to Knik. Packer Wilson
drunk. Arranged to send Dan to mines with Mr. Cobb.
Told young Swede he could go out to work for Meyers and Zimmerman.
Anderson’s boat bucked tide up to Goose Bay. Dr. Kivig came
over from Station to help operate on Finlander who blew off
his hand. Tom Merideth over from Station said he would take the
fish trap wire later on. Hibbard and Dr. Cowen left for Seattle
via Anderson’s boat to Kern Creek.
August 2, 1911 Noon tide Chase arrived,
Judge Finnegan and Hickey came over to look over Willow Creek
Quartz Mines. Kelly came back from trip to Seward. Self
and Stanley rode Kid and Tony out to Meadow Brook Farm, brought back
two sacks of oats on Kid got home at midnight. Martha sent Cramer
out on trail to look for us. Oat crop on farm not doing well too
dry no rain out there. Sent Dan out to mines with “Teck” with
pack for Meyers and Zimmerman. Harrigan in from B. D. Mines.
August 3, 1911 Nig’s leg swelling again.
Chase left for Kern Creek. Mrs. Williams went out bag
and baggage. Palmer building another warehouse on Billy Morris
cache site. Miller made horn and gift for Chase. Reported
Milo Kelly got $2,500 account of road - Knik to Carle Road - from
Road Commission.
August 4, 1911 bidarky in port at noon
had freight for Palmer. Otto Langel came in from G.
B. Mines, said he located a fraction between Gold Wonder no.
1 and no. 2 on G. B. M. Co. property. Wood came up from Goose
Bay. Harrigan left for B. D. Mines. Mr. Williams in from Carle
Mines.
August 5, 1911 Chase arrived early morning
tide. Mrs. Wheatly came over for a visit from Seward.
Alaska in port noon tide Dr. Kivig left for Station. Miller
busy installing pump in his well - put pump down 9’. Evening
made out order for leather shoes and roofing paper.
August 6, 1911 Miller lowered pump down to
17’ in well works but “dang hard”. Had Mrs. Wheatley
at lunch. Chase left for Kern Creek sent mail with Cramer
going through to Seward. Miller ready to go to his mines had
contract to build cabin and cache for Brewer - Watson Superintendent
and cache for Milo Kelly. Sent $4 with Cramer to Dr. Dagget
of Seward for OGH ad in Iditarod circular last winter. Palmer wanted
to turn over “Kashevenkof” trunk.
August 7, 1911 O. C. Miller left for his mines
Little Susitna canyon. Kelly and Williams left for Carle
Mine. McKinnon going to coal fields. G. B. pack
train in early AM - Jack Steen. Got order for supplies from
G. B. M. Co. under new management. Showed Henry Ratzen about
setting up the McGuire monument. Harry the Jap in from Willow
Creek said he had run in 30 some feet on ledge down low on Willow.
August 8, 1911 Ratzen started to set up McGuire
monument. Put up small order for G. B. M. Co. Jack Steen
packer. Chase came in PM tide, Denny Captain Cramer gone
to Seward. Oscar Miller came in from G. B. Mines. Palmer delivered
J. J. K. trunk per order of E. E. Ritchie.
August 9, 1911 Took Nig out of barn and sling,
first time since hurt, he laid down and got up twice fell down
trying to go into barn so rigged up a tripod and put him in sling
in front of barn. Steen left with B. G. pack train for Craigie.
Up till 10:30 fixing new quarters for Nig outside barn.
and sold out on milk, sugar, spuds, eggs and chewing tobacco.
Grub due on boat tomorrow.
August 10, 1911 Brown’s scow busted up - Watkins
dug out side broke out and house wrecked on Palmer’s big scow.
Chase came in run to Fish Creek for shelter. Parker and
Smith, government men, arrived from coal fields also Ed O'Brien
and Chamberlain. Hickey and Finnegan arrived from Archangel
Creek all went out on the Chase on evening tide. Palmer anchored
out his big scow on mud abreast our wharf.
August 11, 1911 Brown fixed up his scow, bought
horse from Hughes and left for Old Knik. Put galvanite
paper on gable over house veranda covered west end also all completed
but door. Stanley, Mattie and Mr. Cannon went up to look at Gates
garden. Palmer building powder house by my hay barn. Nig
doing better outside of barn in his sling.
August 12, 1911 Murry and McMillan returned
from prospect trip. Simmons moving from Knik house to Hughes
house by lake. Evening answered fathers and Clara’s letter
about the farm deal also Chas Herning’s wife’s letter about her
son-in-law coming to Alaska. Chase in port brought a “Sport”
and Judge Hildreth.
August 13, 1911 Jack Steen arrived 1 AM brought
in Dan for Meyers and Zimmerman. Got 2nd order from G.
B. Men busy locating Stone, the sporting woman, in the Purches
house. Cramer right hand bower. Chase in port laid over.
Evening got Cannon’s order ready to send out for his winters
grub. Mattie helped select dry goods for winters trade.
Hicks family reported on way to Knik from Chickaloon Coal camp.
August 14, 1911 Sent out for special order
for Pioneer Roadhouse to Sylvester Bros. and Fischer Bros.
Evening one of G. B. horses got stuck in slough above hay barn.
Steen, engineer on Chase, self and a dozen Indians pulled him out
OK. Hildreth, Brewer and several others went out on Chase on
evening tide. Susitna came in on AM tide brought passengers
from Station. Complaint made about “Sport” on the hill.
August 15, 1911 Got Miller’s pack ready to
take out tomorrow. Alaska arrived AM George Eberhardt
arrived. Evening Hubbell and Harrigan came in from Willow
Creek. Steen left with G. B. pack train for G. B. Mines.
Harry Hicks around from Chickaloon Coal Mines. Evening re-shod
Tony forward. McKinnon got back from trip to coal fields.
Borrowed sack of oats from B. D. Co.
August 16, 1911 Left Knik 7:30 with pack on
Tony for Miller’s Mine, rode Kid. Arrived at Miller’s big
bridge 4:30 had supper put 2 rolls paper on Kid, 100 lb. left
6:30 arrived at Brewster’s new cache 8:30 left pack went on to
Miller’s Mine arrived 9:30, Romig was there on way to Watson’s Quartz
camp. Hubbell rode in to Kelly’s camp met Knowlton and VanBuskirk
on their way to Knik going to the states. Trail was muddy from river
to Miller’s Mine. Old Tom cutting hay by Susitna canyon.
August 17, 1911 Left Miller Mine 8:30 arrived
Knik 8:30. Kelly came out to Knik. Fed horses at
summit Ridge. Shinned up a spruce tree - Susitna Canyon Big
Lake and Knik on due NE line. Bald Mt. nearly west from summit
Ridge. Took short cut from Carle Road around east end Big Lake
hit new trail about 1 mile above upper creek crossing. Brought
in sample from Miller mine. Chase in port. E. H. Bartholf
and wife and lady lawyer arrived on Chase.
August 18, 1911 Not feeling well today after
long trip. Bartholf getting ready to take his wife and
Madam McKinley out to Willow Creek Mines. Business quiet,
all out of sugar and tobacco. Boat due tomorrow. Evening
worked on winter orders. Had grouse dinner.
August 19, 1911 E. H. Bartholf’s wife and Miss
McKinley left for Willow Creek 11:30. John Clark over
from Old Knik, he took Elliott’s window. Kelly in town
waiting for boat and candles. Dr. David back from trip to
Willow Creek.
August 20, 1911 Chase arrived 1 AM, brought
C. L. Anderson Box 656 Seattle - was after Alaska produce for
exhibit in New York. Took pictures of gardens gave him
ripe barley. Barley in store garden ripe and ready to harvest.
Finished cleaning up store room for reception of new goods.
Stewart, Seward hydraulic placer man, arrived on Chase left to look
over Windy Wilson’s placer on Metal Creek.
August 21, 1911 Got ready to go to mines.
Bidarky arrived, had flour oats and produce no groceries came.
Got notice from bank that Meyers had no account there, returned
my $1,200 check.
August 22, 1911 Left Knik for mines with Dan
and Tony packed, took along a man for Meyers and Zimmerman.
Ate lunch at Spruce Tree Lake. Went on to Razor and camped.
August 23, 1911 Razorback to mines, arrived
at mines 8:30. Meyers and Zimmerman had pipeline connected
up down to Willow and started to open up drain ditch - had Willow
Creek turned on bench emptied into Willow Creek again at mouth
of Craigie Creek. Settled up with Meyers and Zimmerman left
5 PM came over to river, Steen was there with G. B. pack train.
August 24, 1911 River to Knik arrived at Knik
at noon. The Chase and Alaska were in and gone.
Ide came in with 14 men to open up road from Knik to Carle Road.
McDonald, Jensen and Sharp party came over from Peters Creek found
a rich ledge of free milling gold quartz.
August 25, 1911 Priest left for Kenai.
Shafer left for Peters Creek strike. Steen came in from
G. B. camp in 10½ hours quit the packing job. Evening
E. H. B. up and Miss McKinley got back from trip to Willow and
Fishhook Quartz Camps. Palmer drifted up with his launch from
Fish Creek?
August 26, 1911 Busy with dry goods order for
winter trade. Evening tide Chase arrived, Mr. Martin of
the Free Gold arrived also Bob Hatcher. Dr. Huntington got
back from inspecting B. D. Mines. Chase brought in powder
for Matanuska Gold Mines Co. Road Commission brought in their
supplies from Seward. Eberhardt and the “nurse” out for a
boat ride down the arm. Paid Henry Rathzen $20 for 4 days work
on fence and monument for Frank McGuire deceased.
August 27, 1911 Frank Bartholf, Dorr Cavanaugh
and several came over from G. B. Mines. Bartholf brought
in cleanup from B. G. mill. Busy with dry goods order.
Bidarky in port brought produce and hardware. Alaska in port.
Traveling dentist came to town. Settled up account with E.
H. Bartholf.
August 28, 1911 Busy with orders
sent order for clothing to Portland order for pumps to Seattle
house. Palmer went to Ship Creek with his launch and returned.
Several men came in from G. B. Mines reported water very low.
E. H. B. and wife Miss McKinley Frank Bartholf, Dorr, Dr. Huntington,
Jack Steen, Oscar and several others went on Chase on evening tide.
Frank Bartholf had about 75-80 lbs. gold dust from G. B. Mines.
Bert McClarty got spuds for B. D. camp. G. B. pack train left - John
B. and Tom Cavanaugh packers.
August 29, 1911 Cut barley in store garden
was ripe oats about ½ ripe. Four Italians came
in from G. B. Mines. Kelly and Martin left for Fishhook
Creek. Herning family at dinner at Pioneer. Very dry
at Knik and mines short of water at Quartz Mines. Collection
and cash sales above $60. St. Clair and McNeil cutting hay
at Fish Creek on winter road.
August 30, 1911 Evening had heavy shower.
Cut 2/3 oats in store garden bound up same and shocked them.
Simmons in from Land Survey camp said they were out of flour and
couldn’t get grub from Palmer. Invited out to dinner (duck
roast) at Pioneer. Chase arrived 9 PM had another bunch of coal
investigators. Jack Steen and wife came in. Capt. Eberhardt arrived.
9:30 raining hard. B. D. assayer came in.
August 31, 1911 Busy in store worked on balance
of winter merchandise wanted. Palmer’s launch came up from
Ship Creek with a tow of logs. Sent Wallace shoes etc. by
Chase no mail to go. Mitchell visited said his garden was on
the bum would take $50 for the whole business. Road Commission
moved camp out 3 miles from beach toward Big Lake on summer trail
$2,500 fund about used up. Chase left 11:30 PM for Kern Creek.
September 1, 1911 Busy with winter orders.
AM Johnson and wife visited. Johnson looking for grass
land to feed cattle for Seattle packers. Evening Cobb came
in to get Dan and pack for Meyers and Zimmerman at Willow Creek.
Conners came in with B. S. Anderson’s launch said Anderson went
to Seward with baggage - quit them at Kern Creek.
September 2, 1911 Busy with orders. Cobb
left at noon with Dan packed for Meyers and Zimmerman Willow
Creek. More men in from Quartz Mines all closing down no
water for power. Evening Milo Kelly visited gave us a long
“earache” about the “sport” on the hill and the college boys.
Mr. Walker of Land Survey came in paid L. S. on iron posts wanted me
to arrange with bidarky to take them out about October 15th to 20th.
September 3, 1911 Busy with hardware order.
Wood packing grub out to Susitna on winter road on account of
starting up sawmill. Did good business today. Stanley’s
gland on right side swollen perhaps the mumps. Palmer’s launch
with several passengers for SS Bertha left PM for Ship Creek.
Palmer’s kids left to go to Tacoma school. Road Commissioner
Watson got back from prospecting trip to Broad Pass country.
September 4, 1911 Busy all day with Seattle
orders mailed last of orders for winter stock on Chase.
Mail to leave Seward the 8th instead freight to come on September
27th Sampson. Hicks and wife arrived from Chickaloon Coal
camp left evening on Chase for Seward and Outside. Martin left
on Chase via Seward to Seattle. Johnson and wife went out
on Chase. J. J. O'Brien was arrested for abusive language got
30 days in jail.
September 5, 1911 Meats furniture oats and
flour came up from Ship Creek on Palmer’s scow. Palmer
charged $5 a ton for lighterage. Alaska Commercial Company
charges $21 to $22 a ton making freight $3 above Seldovia transfer.
September 6, 1911 Cleaned up warehouse waiting
for freight. Fred Jensen came in from Meyers and Zimmerman
camp said they were down to clay no more rocks had put in 3
boxes. Larsen and Shafer got back from trip to Peters Creek.
September 7, 1911 Paid Palmer freight on goods
brought to Ship Creek less $3 a ton. Wouldn’t stand for
the excessive rate by Palmer and Alaska Commercial Company
O. C. Miller came in from his mines. Hughes team hauling
hay and oats from Palmer’s to barn - feed marked G. B. M. C. Hughes.
Cut oats in K. and H. lot only about half a crop. Kelly hiring
men to get out timbers for the mines.
September 8, 1911 Wisner had Tony 2½
hours to haul his house logs off the beach. Settled up
with O. C. Miller. PM bidarky arrived with mail got a few
groceries from Seldovia. Connors in port with B. S. Anderson’s
boat. Got 12 cwt. fish from Long Shorty - Tyonek. Hunt
came in from G. B. Mines. Isaac Bros., Babcock, Hunt and several
others left for Kern Creek in bidarky. Shough and wife got
back from Talkeetna trip.
September 9, 1911 Chase arrived with bunch
of government men. Senator, Senate reporter and Agl. men looking
for information about Alaska Chamberlain guide. Let Kid
go on trip to Matanuska Coal Fields with government men to inspect
coal fields. Evening citizens of Knik met at “Pioneer” to
meet government men and tell them our wants. O. C. Miller left with
2 Natives for his mines to build 100’ house.
September 10, 1911 Senator from Washington
and U. S. Senate reporter in store about all day getting information
about coal and railroad etc. gave them my maps. Cramer left with
Palmer’s launch for Station with the “sport” and Carnegie evening
tide came back too rough. Evening tide helped Eberhardt tie Chase
between wharfs on account of surf.
September 11, 1911 Knik to Knik Harbor on launch
Chase with Senatorial party from Washington D. C. Leading
citizens went to Knik Harbor to show Chase party same investigating
possibility of wharf there on account of shipping out coal both
summer and winter. Self and Stanley went along back at
5 PM Kid 1 day trip to coal fields with conservation man
Mr. Pinchot.
September 12, 1911 Started to cut oats on barn
lot. Stacked oats on K. and H. lot. G. B. pack
train came in. Evening got additional order ready for
groceries and hardware. 9 PM Conservation man Gifford
Pinchot and Chamberlain got back from coal fields had Kid horse 3¼
days. Chase left 11 PM for Kern Creek with Pinchot, Lathrop,
Kelly and kids Dr. and several others.
September 13, 1911 Busy in store about all
day cash sales $41. Evening tide Senators Miles Poindexter
and Jeter left for Cottonwood then trip to Coal Mines. Evening
tide Chase got back from Kern Creek made round trip in 20 hours.
Chase left 11 PM with Ides party Jack Steen and wife and several
others for Kern Creek. Signs of frost tonight. Alaska
in port after A. C. freight. Cramer and Sport left for Station.
Light frost.
September 14, 1911 Finished mowing oats on
barn lot. Harrigan and his men arrived from B. D. Mines
closed camp for this season. Several drunks today business
quiet. Palmer out of sugar and beans. Palmer served summons
on Mrs. Simmons on account of bill rendered. Evening horses
left 5 PM went up as far as gates couldn’t locate them killed muskrat
on way home.
September 15, 1911 Hubbell came in from Willow
Creek District through surveying quartz claims for patent.
Cocked up oats on barn lot 43, in all average 100 lbs. to the
cock. Evening Stanley and self walked down to Fish Creek for
Tony and Kid got back 8:30.
September 16, 1911 Frost killed potato vines.
Stacked oat hay in barn lot Stanley and mother helped.
Joe Conroy came in from Willow Creek said Meyers and Zimmerman
made a cleanup on Willow and it looked good. Chase came in no
passengers. Ephim and Chief Nikolai’s boy came in from O. C.
Miller’s Mines said cottonwood logs no good for building - rotten inside.
First killing first frost at Knik last night. Otto cut Palmer’s
oats.
September 17, 1911 PM tide Buffalo arrived
voyage 1 had part of my groceries all canned goods. A
Mr. Moore arrived on Buffalo friend of C. B. Meyers in route to
Willow Creek. Busy evening with new goods. Chase ready
to leave midnight tide with Hubbell, Harrigan and several others.
Cushions arrived for seats on Chase. Several drunks today,
gambling going on at saloon.
September 18, 1911 Heaviest rain of summer
came too late for gardens. Mr. Moore left for Willow
Creek to see Meyers and Zimmerman sent 2 letters to Meyers.
Up till 4 this morning on account of doing away with Nig and the
rain and boys boat leaking didn’t go. Cobb came in with Dan
for grub for Meyers and Zimmerman. Palmer putting roof over
his new root house aft of old company store. Evening put up
order for Meyers and Zimmerman.
September 19, 1911 Mattie helped to rearrange
goods on grocery side. Chase left 7 with Senator Poindexter
and several others for Kern Creek. Chris Anderson went outside
Harrigan left for outside. Evening Wood came in from his
sawmill on Little Susitna said he was ready to run.
September 20, 1911 Busy in store making room
for new goods in route. Milo Kelly wanted me to handle
his freight. Senator Poindexter and son back from coal fields.
Mail boat due tomorrow. Larson came to town.
September 21, 1911 Light rain got up at 3:30
had O’Donald shoot Nig. Hauled him to tidewater by wharf.
O’Donald and Conroy towed him out on ebb tide to Goose Bay.
Had to do away with the old fellow on account of his broken knee
which healed up crooked on account of break in ice on April 28th.
Brought Nig to Knik from Seattle spring of 1901 he was 4 years old,
now 14 years old. Was a perfect animal up to time knee was
fractured in beach ice. Nig was the pride of all who knew
him a perfect horse. Chase and Alaska in from Kern Creek.
Report came that Joe Beedy was drowned off Anderson’s gas boat at
Hope. Dr. Cowen back from Seattle.
September 22, 1911 Alaska in port 6 AM
in route to Kern Creek. Cramer on board from Station to
Seward. Harper bros. in route to Seward on Alaska.
Meyers and Zimmerman came in from Willow Creek, paid them
off. Little Murry and Dirty Al’s brother left for Vasilla’s
place, Tom Jeter took them up with dory (drunk over).
Shough and wife down from hay camp Cottonwood to trade. Cash
sales $63. Mail boat overdue. Pete Jensen in from Sawmill.
September 23, 1911 Ben Agnew and partner
arrived. Mr. Stepp left for Hope small boat.
Wood and Pete laid over - due to rain. Cannon had Tony to
haul in firewood. Mail boat overdue. Put up another
shelf in storeroom aft of store. Evening Wood visited with
a sawmill “earache”. No sugar in Knik.
September 24, 1911 Busy all day in store
cash sales $76. PM tide bidarky arrived only had mail.
Brown went on with Grady horses to Homer. Chase and Winner
in port. Made out option to Dr. H. D. Dr. Cowen for Anaconda.
Anaconda no. 1 and St. Lawrence lode claims purchase price
$1,000. November 1, 1911 $100 down, balance October 1, 1912 $900 when
deed will be issued. Two drunks got in a scrap over their dogs
and went to jail. First arrest in Knik for bad actors.
September 25, 1911 Busy in store cash
sales $54. Busy figuring up cost of new goods. Chase
laid over. Five Iditarod road makers arrived overland from Station.
Dr. Dagget fixing up Knik mowers etc. Poll tax men didn’t go
out on road due to heavy rain. Mr. Bayer in from Kelly’s mines
to see his family just arrived.
September 26, 1911 Rainy weather still
on. AM tide Chase left for Kern Creek with several passengers.
Doc Cowen left for Seattle 2nd trip this fall. Several working
their poll tax today. Busy pricing up goods. Sprague
tending bar at Palmer’s saloon. Buffalo due with balance of
our September freight. Evening Shafer arrived from Fishhook
Mines.
September 27, 1911 AM busy around store.
Went out and showed Road Overseer about finished road around
Knik Lake. PM worked poll tax. Seven of us finished
swamping and grading road around west end of Knik Lake connecting
with my winter road Knik to Willow Creek. Evening Chase back
from Kern Creek with 5 passengers - Judge Greene came over.
W. E. Bartholf and help arrived from G. B. -mines closed down.
September 28, 1911 Busy around store
fixed double doors on warehouse to open easy. Poll tax
men swamped out trail from Pioneer Roadhouse to connect with
my road around Knik Lake west side. Judge Greene and Jeter
went down to Ship Creek in dory for? Buffalo overdue 3 days
with our freight no sugar in town. Plenty of moose meat coming
to town. Will Bartholf, Cavanaugh, Bryon, Morrison and some
20 left 10 PM on Chase for Kern Creek and outside. Sent deposit
to Seattle bank.
September 29, 1911 Busy fixing around
rood house. Noon Buffalo arrived with balance of our goods.
Busy PM discharging Buffalo and storing goods. Evening
Chase back made round trip in 22 hours Knik to Kern Creek.
Conroy and O’Donald building cabin hauled logs off beach.
Windy Wilson back from Metal Creek. Al Drees in town.
September 30, 1911 Busy marking new goods.
Chase towed Palmer’s scow to Ship Creek on PM tide.
Buffalo in port. Had quite a run on sugar today loaned
1 sack to Palmer. Brown and boy waiting for mail boat.
Snowed on mountain peaks last night first snow to show. Rained
hard all last night.
October 1, 1911 AM Wisner hauled up Cannon’s
groceries. Buffalo and Alaska left for Ship Creek.
PM tide SS Bertha arrived at Ship Creek voyage 2.
Busy arranging new goods. Cramer back from Seward on Alaska.
Land Survey boys in town today.
October 2, 1911 Chase came in from Ship
Creek early morning with Palmer’s scow and freight off SS Bertha.
Busy around store made out Cannon’s account. Evening Bert
McClarty came back from grouse hunt at mouth of Little Susitna got
65. Purser of SS Bertha sent note there was freight there for
me, wrote him he could turn freight over to Buffalo at regular freight
rate less Seldovia wharfing. Evening party at St. Clair’s
Stanley and Mattie attended.
October 3, 1911 Buffalo arrived 3 with
my freight 12 tons off SS Bertha at Ship Creek. Buffalo
left 5 AM for Sunrise with passengers. Busy all day with
freight stored it away myself. PM tide Chase towed
in Palmer’s scow from Ship Creek had machinery for Kelly and Brewer
outfit. Evening opened up dry goods from Portland.
Second lot of groceries came no produce. SS Bertha purser
accepted my rates on freight and cut off Seldovia wharfing.
Kelly and men came in.
October 4, 1911 Busy AM in store cash
sales $79.60. PM checked up clothing. Palmer discharging
G. B. Gold Quartz and Brewer freight, put most of it off on beach.
Evening made up shortage of freight delivered from Ship Creek.
Al Croker and bros. on a drunk. Shough and wife went back
to Cottonwood to cut more hay. Brown here waiting for mail boat
grub etc. O. C. Miller in from Mines.
October 5, 1911 Busy as a bug on a dung
heap. Made out shortage claim against Alaska Coast Co.
$53.92. Sent Ringwood’s expense bills and copy of my letter
to him to Alaska Commercial Company Seattle office. Sent
order to B. and H. Seward for pick ups to come on last boat.
Wallace came in from Road Commission trail work Glacier Creek.
Chase left evening tide for Kern Creek towed Palmer’s scow down to
Knik Harbor. Red Jack took Cramer’s oil cook stove to Station.
October 6, 1911 Busy AM in store. Stanley
and self at dentist office. Bidarky arrived with mail.
Chase and Buffalo in from Turnagain Arm. Chase towed up Palmer’s
scow from Knik Harbor 3rd trip with balance of mining co. and Palmer’s
freight. Miller finished 2 heating stoves.
October 7, 1911 Froze ¼” last
night 2nd killing frost. Stanley and self had final work done
on our teeth each had one out, self had 1st gold grown.
Palmer finished unloading scow last of fall freight. Brewer
men came in. McKinnon hauling October hay off Palmer’s garden
laid in the rain 2 weeks. Miller making Yukon stoves.
October 8, 1911 Alaska arrived,
6 with Marshal Dyer from Station. Dyer had “Kid” to ride
to Cottonwood. Dyer took out Conners, Goosmar, Big Nakeeta
account trial of Denny and Dirty Al Crocker for selling booze to
Natives. Evening Chase left for Kern Creek. Pennington,
Jno. Wallace, Kelly and wife - Dr. Dagget and some 15 left for Seward
sent mail out with Jno. Wallace. Meyers and Zimmerman and Mr.
Moore arrived from my hydraulic placer mine Willow Creek. Had
a 32 oz. poke (16 oz. off Willow Creek). Cash sales over $100 today.
October 9, 1911 Cash sales $128.55. Teck
hauled up house logs off beach with Tony. Cramer said
he had purchased Palmer’s saloon.
October 10, 1911 Busy packing away new
goods, cash sales $130.65. Evening tide Chase arrived
with 4 or 5 passengers from Kern Creek. Meyers and Zimmerman
took pictures of pack train on the trail. Cramer bought Palmer’s
saloon and building and took possession. Stanley sick, stomach
trouble, too much cheese. Miller on stoves.
October 11, 1911 Walker land survey party came
in to leave for states. Cash sales $71.55. Evening
tide Chase left with Walker party for Kern Creek. Put
up order for Meyers and Zimmerman Willow Creek. Stanley
OK today. Cramer went to Seward sent mail with him.
October 12, 1911 AM tide bidarky arrived
with Sampson mail and freight. Got winter produce hardware
balance of groceries. Sent snowshoes to Roll. Busy
all day checking and storing away new goods. Elliot came
in from sawmill on Susitna for more grub. Meyers and Zimmerman
and Mr. Moore left for Willow Creek with Dan packed. Tony
earned $3.
October 13, 1911 Mattie helped to sort over
eggs that got oiled up on bidarky - 16 dozen in B. O. - part case
of shoes all oil. Frank Kelly arrived from Station via Goodwin
trail. Marked new hats and caps. Miller finished
pipe and repairs on Cannon’s ventilation over cook stove. Saloon
using our safe for depository. Miller on stoves etc. Wood
came in from sawmill.
October 14, 1911 Self and Miller spent 2 hours
washing oil off galvanized iron brought over by bidarky.
West Knik fellows went up Arm on a hunt. Wood put galvanized
roof on Grady barn no. 2. Game running at saloon Miller
lost $35 last night.
October 15, 1911 Miller fixed up stove
pipes on all stoves around store. Got shoes ready for
Kid forward and trimmed his feet. Simmons left over trail
for Station. Chase got back from Kern Creek was gone 4 days.
Kelly got back, Cramer check we issued for $50. Evening took
usual bath. Evening rain and wind. Miller on repair work.
October 16, 1911 Rain and wind last night
S. W. storm. Busy today put up $92 order for Robert Johnston
and partner. Miller making 14 x 24 stoves. Frank Kelly
proposed we build cabins on K . and H. lot to rent. Evening
clear and freezing. Zimmerman arrived late with Dan from
Willow Creek. Miller on stoves.
October 17, 1911 First hard freeze this
fall, froze ice ¼” thick Busy putting up orders.
Preston and Collins bought small order. Opened up some new
hardware and clothing. Zimmerman mushed back to Willow Creek,
left Dan in my care. Evening moved all perishable goods out
of warehouse got mail ready to send out last chance by Chase overland.
Alaska in port on way to Port Graham.
October 18, 1911 Shod Kid forward. Wood
got back from looking up dry road Knik to river on winter road.
Evening put up order for O. C. Miller made up 2 packs. Lidell
and 2 Swedes arrived from Station with river boat. Ben Agnew
and partner and Stipps came in row boat from Hope prospecting
trip. Palmer pulled out his launch and small liters.
Big game on at saloon tonight.
October 19, 1911 Got up 5 AM packed 380
lbs. grub and iron on Kid and Tony for O. C. Miller trip to his
mines, Miller went alone. Wood got pack ready for Susitna
sawmill camp. Two more cabins going up. Had Native
put wood into wood shed.
October 20, 1911 Kelly and Teck went to Goose
Bay to get some of B. D. logs. Miller got back from his
cabin on rim 4 PM came in 8½ hours with Tony and Kid. Registered
dust and deposits to banks. First mail to go via Seldovia this
summer.
October 21, 1911 Cash sales $48.
Brown over from Old Knik and Murry from Raven Creek after roadhouse
supplies. Conroy and O’Donald back from ? Frank Kelly
and Teck brought up raft of logs from Goose Bay. Evening
cleaned up warehouse for new goods to arrive. Sent for 2 bottles
of Sahara for Meyers.
October 22, 1911 Evening tide, bidarky arrived
brought meats coal and a few groceries, said Buffalo would
bring balance of freight. Chase got back on early morning
tide. Shough down to trade. Miller finished 17 stoves
pipes etc. ready to go to his mines. Cramer back from Seward
sick of the saloon biz.
October 23, 1911 O. C. Miller left for the
river to put up barn. Brewer outfit reported on the bum,
Brewer in Seward his men waiting for him at Knik and some at
the mines. Joe Conroy left for his mines 10 day trip.
Wood back from his sawmill on river. Mushers left for Station
via Goodwin’s blazes?
October 24, 1911 Brown over from Old
Knik, sent Elliot log chain ordered. Chas Ulanky plowing
with one horse. Put 14 sacks coal in coal bin, Homer
coal about 1¼ tons. Chas Johnson back from taking
grub across Arm for Raven Creek Roadhouse. Cramer said he
would turn the saloon back today, had all he wanted of the
saloon business. Otto had Tony 2 hours docking up his house
logs. Had T-bone steak for dinner “real cow meat”.
October 25, 1911 Duck hunters reported
some ice on flats. No sign of ice on Knik Arm up to date
this fall. Cut last of oats and club wheat in store garden.
Hauled in oat hay and barley off store garden. Eberhardt boozing.
Cash sales $54. Waiting for balance of goods forage and flour.
Cannon took 1/3 of quarter of beef, gave away a few steaks.
J. J. O'Brien bought a few goods 1st time in store for a year.
October 26, 1911 Put oat hay in barn off barn
lot. Cash sales $27. Cramer turned saloon back to Palmer
last night, had all he wanted of the saloon biz. Evening finished
storing canned goods aft of store. Wood left for his sawmill
at razor with pack on back Otto Shafer and partner left for
mouth of Little Susitna to hunt and trap.
October 27, 1911 Made door for coal and
wood shed aft of house and put cornice boards on same.
Wood back from river wanted to hire my pack horses to take out grub
and oats to his sawmill camp. Cramer left for Station via
Goodwin blazes. Larson and family went out to Hatcher cabin
for an outing. Frank Kelly moved into Shafer’s cabin.
October 28, 1911 Put up $42 order.
Mr. Moore came in from Grubstake after milk and bacon for Meyers
and Zimmerman. Busy in store all day put canvas around
eves over hardware annex to keep out snow. Evening got small
order ready for Meyers and Zimmerman. Wood left for his
sawmill camp with Rex packed and two men.
October 29, 1911 Buffalo bucked tide
from Goose Bay last night got within 200 yards of our wharf.
AM discharged Buffalo brought flour sugar oats and pumps.
Kelly and Teck hauled their logs off beach with Hughes team also delivered
Dr. David’s coal 24 sacks from Homer. Evening Natives over from
Old Knik to trade. Took usual bath.
October 30, 1911 Froze ¼” last
night no sign of ice on Knik Arm up to date. Busy in store
all day marked up some hardware. Mattie’s Birthday,
got 43 spanks by Stanley and self and 2 books from Cannon and his
cook and $20 gold piece from OGH. Now ready to go to Meadow
Brook Farm to harvest oats. Chase left noon tide for Kern Creek
no passengers out. Palmer putting new roof over his boat house.
October 31, 1911 Left Knik 1 PM for Meadow
Brook Farm with 3 horses and Stepp to cut oats and put roofing
paper on cache. Arrived at farm at dark packed out 204
lbs. for Wood. Set up stove in cache and made bed out of
sacked oats.
November 1, 1911 with Kid and Tony cut
part of oats crop, a failure due to no rain. Hauled 1
load oat hay to cache. Evening burned brush piles around
cache up till 1 o’clock
November 2, 1911 At farm lined up roof, sawed
off roof boards and put on part of galvanite paper. Evening
burned brush piles around cache. McHenry visited on his way
from sawmill to Knik. Found two boards on roof had been taken
off by someone who entered cache apparently after oats in cache.
November 3, 1911 At farm finished
roof on cache. PM left for Knik got dark on us at cabin
lake. Found Chase and Buffalo at Knik. Buffalo brought
last of K. T. Co. freight. Freight bill $698.25. Up until
midnight with freight bills etc. Buffalo laid over.
November 4, 1911 Down to +16, first hard
freeze to freeze ground. Checked up freight. Buffalo
laid over due to wind and cards? Evening got
mail ready to send out. McDonald brought in raft of logs for
Cannon’s new hotel. Brewers men left for mines. McKinnon
went in to pack up wood. Knik Lake froze over last night.
November 5, 1911 Chase left for Sunrise
- Buffalo left for Seldovia on early morning tide.
Sent mail out with Joe Conroy, $200 to Seattle National Bank for
deposit. Beach covered with building logs. Hughes horses
hauled logs off beach. Several left for Station over Goodwin
trail. Fixed windows and doors for winter weather.
November 6, 1911 Graded aft of wood shed and
coal house. Hughes teams hauling logs off beach for his
new barn. Cramer got back from Station, reported ground
frozen over return trip. Evening tide wind off land.
No ice on Knik Arm to date. Chase returned from Sunrise trip
brought beer for saloon. Reported McNeil cleaned up the poker
players at saloon.
November 7, 1911 Growing colder first
slush ice came down Arm on half ebb tide. Shough down from
Cottonwood to trade cash sales $68. Wheeled out more dirt
aft of house. Dr. David took 16 sacks coal other deliver
24 sacks total 40 sacks or about 4 tons coal from Homer. Everybody
skating on Knik Lake today shortage of skates. Cramer staying
in Miller cabin.
November 8, 1911 Growing colder 4 above
zero this morning. Marshal Dyer came back from trip to Station
fell on ice and hurt his back. Slush ice raising on both half
ebb and flood tides. Rufe Stephan came up from Pt. Possession
in row boat. Palmer digging a well by his front door.
Lidell and Kelly went fishing. Paid Stepp $12.25 for putting roof
on cache and cutting oats on Meadow Brook Farm.
November 9, 1911 AM went out to show
Fred Nelson where to cut birch wood. Nelson went out to
Meadow Brook Farm after pit and 2 man-saws. Put door frame
in wood shed aft of house. Evening Wood came in from sawmill
camp. Little Nakeeta came back from Glacier Creek with McKinnon’s
boat - sold his moose meat over there. Evening 10 above zero.
Wood reported winter road and lakes frozen up except zero canyon swamp.
November 10, 1911 Went out and swamped out
wood road in birch. Self and family took a walk up Ide
Road 3 miles to high bench came back on wood yard bench to lake
shorter by ¾ mile. Cramer said Eberhardt wouldn’t
settle up launch biz. Wood left for his sawmill camp with
self and dog packed. G. B. help cutting logs for a barn at
Knik. Nelson and partner cut wood. Zimmerman came in from
Willow Creek.
November 11, 1911 Dyer left for Station 2nd
trip. Zimmerman left for Iditarod. Tommy McLaughlin
arrived from Iditarod with a Mr. O’Donald. First to come
out - reported soft weather on other side of range. Pete Jensen
in from Woods sawmill camp.
November 12, 1911 Considerable slush
ice running on Arm today. Got funds ready to send to
Seattle Bank by Cramer going out with Chase. Fitted door
in coal house. Evening scrap on at saloon because they
wouldn’t give credit for booze to Oscar Miller.
November 13, 1911 Chase left at noon for Seldovia
to lay up for the winter. Tommy McLaughlin and Mr. O’Donald
from Iditarod went out on Chase. PM hung door to back veranda
aft of house.
November 14, 1911 A. C. Morgan arrived
from outside brought letter from Bank of Seward and Jno. Wallace
Seattle. Wallace said there were no offers for G. B. stock
at 14¢. Free Gold bid 5¢ a share. Went out
to wood yard, Nelson had 12 loads cut. Business quiet these
days. Two more men in from Iditarod - total outgoing 4.
November 15, 1911 Ice commenced to anchor
on bar in front of Knik. No ice in channel after half flood
tide. Finished grading aft of house and put lock on shed
door. Simmons bought Nakeeta house from Palmer for $150.
November 16, 1911 Self and family walked out
to wood yard across Knik Lake. Got letter from Nagley wanted
goods. Hughes got half of roof poles on his new barn.
Evening first snow of winter fell at Knik. Ground well frozen
to receive same.
November 17, 1911 Snowed 2” last night,
first to make Knik look white this winter. Hauled in 3 ricks
birch wood from lake split up part of it. Navigation still
open boats could land 1 hour before high tide. Hughes got
roof on his new barn. Natives over from Station report trail
well frozen up. Evening Cobb’s tent house caught fire burned
off top only. Two mushers arrived late looking for beer, saloon
closed.
November 18, 1911 Henry McKinnon got 5 bales
- ½ of his hay today. Nine more mushers in from
Iditarod total out 13. Cash sales $52. Evening letter
from Jno. Wallace. Tides making navigation about closed
due to ice. Ice anchored on bar in front of Knik.
November 19, 1911 Freezing weather
all day evening 14 below zero. Busy in store all day
sold half of Yukon sleds. Lidell started for Willow Creek
sent out Moore’s mail and letter to Meyers about renting lumber
camp to Hughes. McKinnon took balance of hay. Lidell
broke his sled and came back to Knik. Only 2” of snow trail
very rough. Average cash sales for November $65.10 per day.
November 20, 1911 Cold wave on 10 below
zero this morning. Busy in store all day cash sales $55.
Sam Blowers came over from Station reported trail very rough
no snow. Evening O. C. Miller arrived from his mines reported
2’ snow above canyon only 2” between river and Knik. Two below
at 6 PM. Kelly and St. Clair left for moose hunt at canyon
on Little Susitna and toward Moose Creek.
November 21, 1911 Raw cold day.
Woods came from river closed down sawmill. Busy in store
all day did a good credit biz. Hughes preparing to sled G.
B. freight to Willow Creek. Trouble at the saloon again, bartender
pulled a gun on Oscar Miller. Three more mushers in from Iditarod
- total to date 16.
November 22, 1911 Miller started to make Sibley
stoves on orders. McKinnon and McHenry went out to establish
trail camp for Hughes via Knik to Willow Creek. Wood left
with dog team for B. D. Mines. Hardware biz good today cash
sales over $35. Ice well anchored on bar in front of Knik.
November 23, 1911 Evening +18, stormy
over Seward way. Ten more mushers in from Iditarod, total
going out 26, one first to go in to Iditarod. Corked
up around store building Miller finished Sibley stove for
Hughes had started on Cannon’s hot water heater. Miller’s house
caught fire from spark out of stove no harm done. Evening much
warmer but clear overhead.
November 24, 1911 PM went out on wood road
cut windfalls etc. out of road. Cut out ¼ mile
beyond wood road for pack trail cut off to new government road.
Three more mushers in from Iditarod, total out 29. Zimmerman
was at Rohn River, 18th going in. Evening snowing.
November 25, 1911 Got first fall of snow
4” fell last night. Hughes two 4 horse teams started with
G. B. freight for Miller Creek. Miller finished
Cannon’s stove work last night. Gates down to trade.
Took usual bath.
November 26, 1911 Snowed again last night
about 6” on level around Knik, evening raining. PM hitched on
to no. 3 bobsleighs with Kid and Tony, drove out to wood yard brushed
down trail not enough snow to fill holes on road. G. B. men
started out with 4 horse team only got to summit came back hired
Mr. Patterson to skin the “outcasts”. Twenty one mushers
in from Iditarod, total out 50. Hughes two 4 horse teams in from
river. Miller making heaters.
November 27, 1911 Chinook weather rained hard
last night. Miller put new bottom and lining in tin shop stove.
PM went out on wood road followed new blazes out ½ mile
toward government road from wood road shortcut “to be”.
G. B. 4 horse team left for Willow voyage 1. Hughes team in
town. Two inches water on lake over ice.
November 28, 1911 Temperature 28 to 45.
Finished checking up around hardware annex. Now ready for
wind storms. Miller remodeled the Grady air tight heater.
Four more mushers arrived, total going out 54. Marshal
Dyer over from Station after his baggage. Hughes double team
out, voyage 2. Meyers sent in for sugar and coffee sent out
same by Hughes.
November 29, 1911 PM went out to look up timber
on wood road for piles etc. Miller finished working iron
up into stoves and pipe. Two more mushers arrived,
total going out 56. Hughes double teams in, voyage 2.
Hughes 6 double enders, 6 horses and 3 men out voyage 1. Dyer
left for Station. Miller finished stove and stove pipe manufacturing.
November 30, 1911 Turkey day had roast cow
meat. Shough and wife and Mr. Miller at dinner.
Several drunks today. Shough’s down to trade. Hughes
double teams out voyage 3 double enders in. Four more mushers
in from Iditarod, total 60. Average cash sales for
November $52.71 per day.
December 1, 1911 O. C. Miller thru with
stoves. Made short sled out of 10’ Indian sled,
shod same with Harry Nash’s brass runners. Hughes double ender out
voyage 2. Hughes double team out voyage 3. Shough’s down
for load oats. Made out bills rendered in November. Put
up small order for Miller. Nagley sent Dohrmann over for merchandise
for Susitna.
December 2, 1911 Busy in store collection
and sales $176.82. Dohrmann left for Station with Nagley
merchandise. Nylen and Johnson getting ready for hunt
up Matanuska. Ten more mushers in from Iditarod, first to
come through with dogs, total out 70. Rice, Hatch and partner
in from Cache Creek on way to Seward. Hughes double enders out
voyage 4.
December 3, 1911 Snowed 2” last night.
Wrote to Capt. Louis Knoflish Gas Scho. Binder Bros. about
Cook Inlet freight business also his partner Ira M. Frank at
Nome. O. C. Miller left for his mines let him take my Indian
sled. Kelly hauled his logs off the beach.
December 4, 1911 Big tides. Monroe
Kast came over from Susitna to trade. Doc Madden and party
came through in 10 days from Iditarod - made it from Little Susitna
to Raven Creek today. Hauled in 3 loads birch wood.
Kelly had to shoot his logs - frozen down on beach. Ring around
moon tonight.
December 5, 1911 Hauled in 3 loads birch wood.
PM busy in store put up $60 order for Monroe Kast. Ten
more mushers in from Iditarod District, total going out 90.
Teck went over Palmer’s wharf this evening. Hughes double
enders out voyage 4. Two 4 horse teams hauling from river to
Willow Creek
December 6, 1911 Cash sales and collections
$253. Hauled in 2 loads birch wood. Monroe Kast left for
Station with 400 lbs. With 2 dogs. Received Nagley’s
letter of November 18th same was carried to Old Knik also letter
of December 5th with checks. Marshal Dyer arrived from Station
with gamblers for hearing before our Commissioner. Stanley
gave a birthday party had Simmons kids an phonograph, 7 years old today
gave him new sled.
December 7, 1911 Hauled in 3 loads birch wood.
Seven more mushers in from Iditarod with dog teams, total 97.
Tide came within 4” of top of wharf.
December 8, 1911 Hauled in 3 loads birch wood.
Meyers came in from Willow Creek after grub and Dan. Two
more mushers in from Iditarod, total 99. Simmons in voyage
5 other 4 horse teams laid over on a drunk. Hughes came
after forage for trail work and balance of G. B. grub.
December 9, 1911 Busy all day, put up order
for Meyers and fitted shoes for Dan. Woods came in with
500’ lumber from river sawmill 1st delivery. Mushers in
from Iditarod. Mr. Iverson arrived from Iditarod District.
Hughes teams out with forage voyage 6.
December 10, 1911 Knik to Meadow Brook Farm
with Kid on red sled hauled out 650 lbs. grub for Meyers.
Meyers had 1,250 lbs. from farm with Dan went on to river.
Stanley and self drove back to Knik. Brushed down trail
from Fish Creek to Knik. Pete Irwin bought small order for
trip to Cache Creek to do assessment work. Dan at Knik from October
17th to date, 55 days.
December 11, 1911 Sort of a blizzardy day.
Nelson and partner started to saw wood for store. Seven
mushers in from Iditarod, total out 107. Lidell came in from
moose hunt near Willow Creek got no moose said snow was 1½’
out there.
December 12, 1911 Shough and wife down to trade
and shoe horse. . Sam Blowers in from Station after
grub. Kept horses in barn on account of storm. Navigation
open no ice in channel. Nelson’s partner on wood 4 hours.
Larson and family left for Knik River District.
December 13, 1911 Blowers returned to Station
with lead dog and fish for Alaska Commercial Company. No
mushers in today. Bert Stewart in with 2 double enders for
Hughes voyage 5. Mattie out for a dog team ride with Pioneer
cook and proprietor. Evening wet snow.
December 14, 1911 Chinook weather continues.
Wood came in from sawmill at river. No mushers travel
on account of storm. Very quiet these days cash on hand
$1,000, collections due $850, doubtful accounts $150. Mailman
due to go out tomorrow. Meyers and Zimmerman have 50 oz. gold
dust in safe, Preston has 21 oz. gold dust in safe, K. T. Co. has
6 oz. gold dust in safe.
December 15, 1911 Meyers came in from Willow
Creek with Dan, put in order for summer grub. Got mail
and deposits ready to send out. Frank Kelly and Fred Nelson
left for Lake Creek with 800 lbs. Mr. Zorn arrived from Seattle
and Seward brought over some mail. McMillan in with 1 double
ender after G. B. mattresses and springs.
December 16, 1911 Got up early to give Meyers
his load. Finished my outgoing mail. Meyers hauled out 1,000
lbs. to Twin Lakes and returned to Knik today.
December 17, 1911 Fixed up airtight heater
for Gates. Put up 1,000 lbs. for Meyers to take out.
Blowers the mailman arrived from Station on way to Seward to
start on winter mail service Jan 1-12. Young Dohrman arrived
on way to Seward. Meyers took out 1,000 lbs. to Twin Lakes
and returned to Knik. Several more Iditarod mushers arrived
one old man 71 years old.
December 18, 1911 Busy packing last of Meyers
order 2½ tons. Mailman left for Seward sent out
all of my mail by H. C. Dohrman, $850 to Seattle National Bank,
6 oz. dust to Sylvester Bros. and $120 to Helen and Thomas by registered
mail from Seward. Up until 3 o'clock with bills and assessment
papers. Wood left for river with box on no. 2 bobsleighs.
Meyers made round trip Knik to Twin Lakes with 1,050 lbs. grub.
December 19, 1911 Got up early to give Meyers
his last load making 2 tons taken out this trip to mines 1,000
lbs. spuds and onions still to go. Hardware sales fair today.
Mitchell came around looking for bill, said our competitor handed
him a bunch. Cloudy warming up. Paddy O’Donald finishing
up Conroy and O’Donald cabin.
December 20, 1911 Busy in store but not much
biz. Joe Palmer arrived with new manager for Watson Brewer
outfit and brought over balance of November mail. Paddy
O’Donald jointing up door and window frames for his new cabin.
Shough and wife down to trade. Bill Hughes out 1st time to
look after G. B. freighting at Willow Creek. Now hauling G. B.
freight 31 days 14 horses and 5 men on G. B. freight and lumber -
landed same at Jifkin cabin.
December 21, 1911 Busy around store.
Men and women and several others in from Iditarod. Government
Trail makers from Iditarod side arrived with two horses on
double enders. Hughes double enders in voyage 5 after
feed. Stewart said Meyers had camp about 1 mile above summit
barn making round trip from Twin Lakes to summit camp.
December 22, 1911 Evening 8 below zero.
R. S. Giddings Alaska Road Commissioner from Kuskokwim side visited
wanted me to care for their horses, referred him to Shough.
Shough agreed to winter the 2 horses. Road Commissioner
bought 10½ sacks oats and bale hay for horses. Giddings
went on to Seward sent order for forage to Bank of Seward for collection.
Also sent Simmons land survey checks back to Seattle National Bank
with Simmons endorsement in ink. Tom Merideth came over after
grub for Nagley and Little Susitna Roadhouse. Cash sales $77.70.
December 23, 1911 Tom Merideth
left with load of grub for Station and roadhouse. Natives
came back from hunt brought in 3 moose. Old Knik Natives over
to trade. Evening got cloudy and warming up. Joe Palmer
back from Little Susitna with Brewer, Watson foreman. Two more
mushers in from Iditarod, reported 1 ton gold dust on road out.
December 24, 1911 Busy all day.
Put up 3½ dozen Xmas packages given out by K. T. Co.
Self and Stanley with Tony on red sled delivered Xmas packages.
Drove down to Knik suburbs as far as Mitchell Ranch. Matanuska
Gold Mines new man paid their bill reported short on funds to cover
same. No mushers in today. A. C. Morgan in from Susitna
on way out.
December 25, 1911 Very quiet in town
no drunks reported. Had Shough and wife at dinner had
cow meat roast. A few Old Knik Natives over for Xmas.
Simmons had a Xmas tree for their kids Stanley attended. Gave
Mattie $5 for Xmas and Stanley pocket lamp. Evening squaw dance
on at McNeil’s. Bought 2 fox skins.
December 26, 1911 Very quiet in town,
-14. Two mushers in from Iditarod. Fixed typewriter
pull rod on letter T it wore out, 1st break on machine in 10 years.
Hughes double enders out with G. B. powder voyage 7.
December 27, 1911 Wood in with lumber
from river. O’Donald made heater out of oil tank used our
shop and tools. Ten mushers in from Iditarod. Furgeson
came down from Lake Creek on way to Seward. Ben Agnew over
from Old Knik to trade.
December 28, 1911 Business fair cash
sales $37. Stepp came in from moose hunt at Moose Creek
got no moose, no wind. Stepp reported that 50 Matanuska
Natives arrived at Old Knik today. Channel practically
cleared down to Soldier Creek.
December 29, 1911 Business fair today
cash sales $63. Put up small outfits for Mathenson and
pard. Henry Smith and Gill and Merideth. Large bunches of
ptarmigans came to beach today. Hoot owls hooting - big storm
due. Several Iditarod mushers arrived.
December 30, 1911 Shough and wife down
to trade and took balance of Road Commission oats. Brown
arrived from Old Knik with team on bobsleighs first team to come
over this winter. Brown reported that Harry St. Clair died
at Glacier Creek 10 days ago. Mattie done up with cold in throat.
December 31, 1911 Kid on red sled took Mattie
and Stanley out for a ride. Matanuska Natives arrived
had no fox, a few marten and ermine - Chief Tyoon and Tom Neely
among the bunch. Evening temperature around +30, like a spring
day. Several done up with colds due to warm weather. Average
cash sales for December $54.04 per day. Saloon open all last
night, game?
Notes in back of journal:
C. L. Hewes 641 O’Farrell Street S. F.
Bro-in-law of A. C. Morgan
George Eberhardt 308 Central Bldg. Seattle
Wash Office of C. C. M. Co.
C. S. Hubbell 212 no. 52 St. Seattle
1912
Self and family at Knik running general merchandise
store. Placer mine on Willow Creek under option to purchase
by Meyers and Zimmerman. They took out 50 oz. last
season opening up Willow Creek proper. Business good to date
$8,000 new stock all paid for. No work around Knik this winter
except hauling freight for G. B. M. Co. and Milo Kelly. Some
30 new men wintering up at Knik.
January 1, 1912 New year came around warm as
a spring day. Busy in store cash sales $70.65. Bought
$66.50 worth of fur. Very quiet in town no drunks reported.
Robert Johnston down from Palmer’s canyon to trade. Hughes
average 180 lbs. per day to horse to G. B. Mines. Meyers averaged
300 lbs. per day to horse to Grubstake Mines.
January 2, 1912 Dr. David went to Station due
to man breaking leg. Smith and pard. came in from Three
Mile Lake for grub, had a fine dog team. Mr. Wisner sick,
stomach trouble. Hughes teams in from G. B. Mines finished
hauling took 40 days with 6 men and 14 horses to land 50 tons G. B.
freight Knik to G. B. Mines. Three days on account of camp and
blacksmith and Hughes not included.
January 3, 1912 Big tides. Business good
cash sales and collections $336.80. Top on store chimney
flue burned off (on for 3 years). Rufe gave Matanuska’s
a big feed (fish). Hughes paid off his help for G. B. hauling
(checks).
January 4, 1912 Put new creosote cap on store
chimney. Joe Palmer back with Watson manager from mines.
Gill and Merideth over to trade.
January 5, 1912 Mr. Wisner very sick, evening
sent for Station doctor. Hughes started to break trail
over Government road on account of hauling Kelly’s machinery.
January 6, 1912 First overland mail arrived
today 4½ days from Seward. D. C. Wisner died 5 AM
this AM sick 8 days with stomach trouble. Business fair
cash sales and collection over $100. Woods team in with lumber from
sawmill. Hughes team broke trail out to within ¼ mile
of Porcupine Pete’s cabin.
January 7, 1912 Very quiet around town.
A Jap cook for A. C. Co. at Station arrived from Seward today.
Two mushers arrived yesterday making only 6 to come in this winter
thus far. Mitchell preparing for his hothouse tomatoes and
cucumbers by April fools day? Mailman left for station.
O’Brien down with the big earache about land, cats, horses etc.
Hughes took out loads this morning on Government road voyage 1 was
2 days breaking road to Porcupine Pete’s place.
January 8, 1912 Brown, Ben Agnew and new man
over from Old Knik to trade. Put up small order for Mitchell
on dorg. Fixed up Miller’s old Yukon for Mitchell.
Otto and Shafer arrived from mouth of Little Susitna with furs.
Hughes double teams left for Kelly’s camp to break trail and haul
up timbers. Lidell and Bayer made coffin account Wisner, deceased,
used our tin shop. Wood over with load of lumber from Susitna
sawmill.
January 9, 1912 Three more mushers in from
Seward, total 9 in. Man and woman in from Iditarod 1
man in from Nome. PM funeral of D. C. Wisner, Lidell and
Bayer undertakers. F. B. Cannon officiated at grave whole
town turned out to funeral. Wisner had lived at Knik 18 months
owned a cabin. Jensen and pard. sold their Peters Creek quartz
to associates for $500.
January 10, 1912 Four dog teams with 33 dogs,
arrived with 26 cwt gold bullion from Iditarod, left PM for Old
Knik. PM hauled grub and lumber down to Mitchell’s ranch
Mattie and Stanley went along. Cobb left with Marshal, new
man for Kuskokwim District. Business fair cash sales $68.60
profit $14. Two Mt. McKinley climbers in from Seward with hardtack
etc. advance of party. Gus laid off.
January 11, 1912 Young Dorhman arrived from
Seward brought over 2nd class mail went on to river. Watson
manager “Martin” back from Little Susitna Mines going out to Seward.
Bill Hughes squaw gave birth to a child, evening saloon reopened
to celebrate the wonderful event. Paid Gus Swanson for cutting
wood on December 25th $10.
January 12, 1912 Watson manager left for Seward.
McKinley climbers LaVoy and pard. left for Station. Business
fair took in $133. Evening cloudy and warming up for a
storm. Bill Hughes beefing about account, Palmer charging
him $65 a pair for double ender sleds. St. Clair living at
Fish Creek account of old skate eating hay.
January 13, 1912 Business fair collected over
$100 got order for $70 outfit for McDonald. Wood in from
river with lumber 1 more load to come. Brown left for home
at Old Knik was here about a week. Stanley stayed in on account
of cold in head.
January 14, 1912 Frisby in from Raven
Creek Roadhouse. Sold out on bacon, butter, onion’s dog
fish, corn meal, eating apples, ranch eggs (1 month ago) and dried
fruits. Evening looked over mining journals.
January 15, 1912 Tom Merideth over after grub
for Station. Fish camp boys Cottonwood down to trade.
Stanley out today cold better. Conner paid some on his bill
from funds received on account of Anderson launch.
January 16, 1912 Business fair sent out $1,400
for deposit by registered mail. Oscar Miller came in
from O. C. Miller’s cabin today, said Hughes had freight out to
Porcupine Pete’s cabin and trail broke to canyon near Kelly’s place,
only 2’ snow on Fishhook. Answered Cramer’s letters, nothing
doing on money matters at present. McDonald and Percy left
for Peters Creek.
January 17, 1912 Put January mail in post office,
had 5 registered. A. W. Hall and Ed O’Brien arrived, Ed
O’Brien from coal camp - Hall in from Caribou Creek. New
mailman in from Station - Blowers quit the job. Stanley mushed
dogs today took Miss Minstrum out for a ride with Shafer’s dogs.
Meyers came in from Willow Creek with Dan on double ender.
January 18, 1912 Brown and wife over
from Old Knik. Shough and wife down to trade. Sam
in from Big Lake with trout. Coffee and Wells arrived
from Station. Woods landed last of lumber from mill at river.
C. B. Meyers in town. Ben Agnew over from Old Knik to trade.
Collections $750 dust.
January 19, 1912 Got up early on account of
Brown, after McDonald’s groceries for Peters Creek quartz mine.
Meyers left with pack on back for Willow Creek also Wood left for
river sawmill camp. Whitney mushed up from his ranch at Ship
Creek 15 hours 1st trip this winter after mail. Mattie not feeling
well, pain inside upper part of stomach. Hughes left for Fishhook
to look after freighting out there to Kelly Mine. Smith in from
Three Mile Lake to trade. McKinnon down to shoe his horse and
trade.
January 20, 1912 Some of Matanuska Natives,
camped at Cottonwood, down to trade. Put Preston’s prospecting
grub order in cache. Weighed up Meyers gold dust was 2
dwt short of 50 oz. Stanley busy driving Shafer’s dog team,
handles them OK. Feeding Dan 5 lbs. oats twice per day. Evening
Bert Stewart in from Miller’s place with “Buck” on account of moose
hunt.
January 21, 1912 Matanuska Natives down from
Cottonwood to trade, not much money. Stanley and self snow shoed
out through woods, from wood road to Government road, picked up
Government road 10 minutes from end of wood road. Mattie and Miss
Minstrum went down to call on Mitchell and the Socialist residence.
Very quiet today everybody at home. Paid Gus Swanson in full
for sawing wood for store and house to date. Evening took usual
bath.
January 22, 1912 Second Chinook wind
- 40 above. Cash sales $136.55. A Jap and woman
in from Iditarod. McMillan in with Hughes double ender, said
road from upper creek crossing very bad on account of stumps, this
was cut out by Hughes to connect up Carle Road. Wind today,
snow settling and water on lakes. With Tony on red sled, broke
out wood road and drove through to Government road below grade to
ridge, makes a level road and shorter to Knik. O. C. Miller sent
in for medicine on account of heart trouble. Gus got ready to
cut and rick wood out across lake.
January 23, 1912 Nylen and Johnson arrived
from Moose Creek with 2 moose, been no moose meat in town for
some time. Drove Tony out on cut-off to Government road and
brought back load of wood. Gill and wife came over from
Susitna Roadhouse. Hauled in oat hay off K and H lot about
1,200 lbs.
January 24, 1912 Sold Nylen and Johnson
small order cash sales $50. Gill and wife went back to
roadhouse. Hall and McHenry put in order for grubstake
to go to Alfred Creek east fork of Caribou. Drove Herning
family and Miss Minstrum out over Government road, returned via wood
road to Knik. Bought first rabbit robe since 4 years ago,
rabbits coming back. Cash on hand $1,065.92.
January 25, 1912 Put up order for Hall and
McHenry. Had everything but yellow corn meal, butter,
bacon and dried fruit. Three cases milk and dehydrated
goods about sold out. Wells Bros. came from Station to outfit
at Knik and haul in over the Blakely trail. Nagley wrote he
was out of about all staples except flour and sugar. Cannon nailed sheeting
on roof of new hotel.
January 26, 1912 Busy in store but cash
sales light. Finished packing Hall and McHenry's order,
took 812 lbs. from K. T. Co. and 300 lbs. from Palmer total 1,112
lbs. grub. Tom Dreeze arrived from Seward, reported
Ide on way to repair the Kahiltna Bridge. Shafer on sick
list. Frank Wells celebrating, Hall - Scotty and Philoff the
Russian helping him out. Thirty feet of channel open in front
of our wharf.
January 27, 1912 Hauled in 3 loads birch
wood. Wells Bros. dogging their outfit out via
Knik to Talkeetna. Hams about sold out, also dog tallow.
Snow about 10” deep in timber gardens showing bare spots.
January 28, 1912 Colder 8 above this
morning. With Dan on red sled took Herning family and
Miss Minstrum out for a ride via government road returned by wood
road. Also took Dr. David and wife and lumberjack Smith over
same route. Two more in from Iditarod first to arrive for
some 3 weeks. Below freezing point all day.
January 29, 1912 Cash sales $140.60 busy
in store AM. Stanley and self went out to cut spruce poles.
Ide and party arrived from Seward in route to rebuild the government
bridge on the Kahiltna River. PM O. C. Miller arrived from
his camp at bridge with McMillan. McMillan after forage for
Hughes freight teams at Kelly’s Mines. Kelly and Nelson back
from Lake Creek.
January 30, 1912 Busy all day put up
$150 order for O. C. Miller - collections $591.80. Ide
party left for Kahiltna Government bridge. McMillan left
for Kelly Mine with forage for Hughes horses. Sold last of
hams, meat all sold out.
January 31, 1912 Evening loaded up red
sled and double ender with Miller’s merchandise 1,495 lbs.,
extra forage 175 lbs., total 1,670 lbs. Miller fixing up
his new house at bridge on river on homestead. Mattie bought
Miller’s tent house at Knik for $150 located near K. T. Co. store.
Cash sales $178.70. January cash sales nearly $3,000.
February 1, 1912 Left Knik 6:30 with
Tony on double ender and Kid on red sled with 15 cwt. for O.
C. Miller and 200 cwt. forage added on account of team.
Bayer drove Tony - Miller followed with hand sled. Arrived
at Miller’s homestead at bridge at 5:30 PM Kid was about all
in. Found Hughes and McMillan in Miller’s cabin in route
to Knik. Patchell camped on river bank near O. C.’s.
Kelly cut-off full of stumps, worse road ever saw traveling time 9½
hours.
February 2, 1912 At O. C. Miller’s
homestead. With Tony hauled up 500 lbs. from Miller homestead
to Brewer cache. Met Stewart Stepp and McClarty said
they shot 4 moose 2 miles off road. PM helped Miller
set up new cook stove. Miller had new barn up, suitable for
3 horses and walls up for new addition for his cabin.
February 3, 1912 Bayer and self returned to
Knik with horses traveling time 8½ hours. Went on
to Big Lake from Carle Road crossed to lower end drove down summer
trail to government road at Porcupine Pete’s. Bert McClarty
overtook us there, ate lunch arrived at Knik 4:30. Snow going
fast, road half bare in places. Big tides, ice going fast on
Arm. Tide as large as fall tides. Gold Bullion team in from
Willow Creek finished hauling up mining timbers.
February 4, 1912 Snow going fast around Knik
gardens half bare. No mushers coming or going. Hall on
a spree had words with bartender. Stanley and self walked out
to wood yard.
February 5, 1912 Sixth day of Chinook
weather. AM busy in store and shod Kid aft. PM took
family out for a ride drove Dan on red sled out 3 miles on new government
road. Tom Freeze returned from Station with intent to make
Knik his future home. Smith and Johnston started to haul
in logs for G. B. barn at Knik.
February 6, 1912 AM re-shod Tony forward.
PM hauled up 21 sacks coal 42 cwt from wharf to coal bin. Perkins
and pard. returned from Willow Creek and left for Seward.
February 7, 1912 Swamped out 300 yards trail
connecting up G. B. trail around Knik Lake and my wood road
making complete trail and road from Knik around west end Knik
Lake connecting with government road near same on high ridge.
Evening figured up semi-annual business. Cash sales first
6 months $7,465.05. Cash sales for 9 months $12,718.64.
Average monthly total for 9 months over $400. G. B. hauling
in logs on account new barn at Knik.
February 8, 1912 Nagley and Smith arrived from
Station on visit to Sunny Knik. McHenry, McClarty and
Cannon laid up with soot blood poison in hands caused by cuts and
bruises. Channel open again in front of our wharf and widening
out due to Chinook weather. One musher in from Iditarod.
Wood in from sawmill after mail - mailman overdue.
February 9, 1912 Nagley and Smith left
for Station. PM hauled load lumber down to Socialist
Row for Olson’s new cabin and hauled in load of birch wood for
Mattie’s tent house. Pete Iverson in from Lake Creek.
Mail overdue. Evening Wood in store giving me a sawmill earache.
G. B. 5th day hauling logs for G. B. barn at Knik.
February 10, 1912 PM hauled in load birch
wood. Everybody waiting for mailman. Evening balanced
up ledger for merchandise bought in Seattle.
February 11, 1912 PM with family drove Dan
out to Three Mile Lake. Hughes team arrived from Kelly’s
mines finished freighting out - 36 days hauled 15 tons freight
from Knik and hauled wood from canyon to mine with 16 horses and
6 men. 5 PM mailman arrived. Meyers came in from Willow
Creek. Otto Langel came up from mouth of Little Susitna.
February 12, 1912 Shough and wife and Old Dad
down to trade. Palmer’s customers coming our way saying
if I had the stock I would get all the business. PM hauled
lumber down to Mitchell ranch and hauled in load birch wood.
Wood left for river using Natives to get logs out. G. B. finished
hauling logs for barn at Knik time 8 days 2 men with 4 horse team.
February 13, 1912 Cash sales $29.45.
G. B. men started to build barn at Knik. C. B. Meyers
left for hunting camp west fork of Willow Creek. Odin
Olson finished new cabin down by Socialist Row. LaVoy,
Mt. McKinley climber, back from landing grub at Broad Pass.
February 14, 1912 The “old guy” has a
sty on his eye. Cash sales over $100. LaVoy and guide here
waiting for Dr. Parker and party who left Glacier Creek on the 7th
interested in Names launch for Knik where are they? Stanley cut Bennie
on forehead with boys axe making camp no harm done. About sold
out on granulated sugar and spuds. Sent check to Gateway for
subscription to 3/28/13.
February 15, 1912 Dr. Parker arrived on way
to climb Mt. McKinley. Busy with outgoing mail sent out
$1,408.70 in dust and checks. Furgeson arrived from Seward.
Black McDonald and wife arrived from states in route to Willow
on Peters Creek.
February 16, 1912 Glass and wife getting ready
to hit trail for Iditarod. Hughes double enders 4 men
5 horses left for coal camp took Hall’s outfit. Hall drove horse
also Bayer and McCormack Two kids in from states going
to Iditarod. Mushers report trail from Eagle River to Seward
very bad no snow on track only on summits. Kenai Lake, open
boats going on same. Gill and Merideth over from Little Susitna
Roadhouse to trade.
February 17, 1912 Chris Anderson visited came
up from Seattle to look after Golden Hill property for Dr. Cowen.
Shough down after more horseshoes. Sent 23 films and 26 prints
to Quality Photo Postal Co. St. Paul Minnesota to have cards made
from same. Mailed all our mail and registers today for out going
mail.
February 18, 1912 Got furs ready to send
to Fischer Bros. via by mailman to Seward thence by Wells Fargo
Express to Seattle valuation $184.80. PM drove Kid on red
sled out to Fish Creek, Herning family and Mrs. Murray.
Evening mailman arrived from Station. Dr. Kivig bought St. Clair
house for office etc. Evening put up order for Stewart and
Kelly on account of their relocating Anaconda and St. Lawrence Quartz
Claims at head of Fishhook Creek. Robert Johnston came down
from Palmer’s canyon to trade.
February 19, 1912 Brown’s boy and Agnew
over from Old Knik to trade. Lower Kuskokwim store man in
route to Seattle wanted to buy wolverine and marten. Collins
making ready to go to Cache Creek District. G. B. Smith knocked
out again, lame back this time. Sent furs and 50 oz. poke to
Seward by Vance the mailman to go by Wells Fargo from Seward to
Seattle. Marshal went out with mailman had a corpse. Evening
Simmons visited with a “hauling earache”. Bert Stewart and
Kelly left to relocate Anaconda quartz claims.
February 20, 1912 Little Nakeeta left
for Miller’s bridge sent 2 boxes Antikamnia and bottle Perry
Davis to O. C. Miller by Nakeeta. Wrote Miller I would send
out horse and sled if he wanted to come in. Square Deal
man over from Station to trade. Merchandise bought season
of 1911 April to October $1,145.48. Merchandise sold from
May 1, 1911 to January 31, 1912 $13,718.24. Average sales per
month $1,413.14, profit per month $400. Snow about half gone
in Knik icy under foot.
February 21, 1912 Chris Anderson got back from
O. C. Miller’s place, got note from Miller said he was improving
legs were weak, got medicine OK. Cannon talked about ordering
furniture windows and doors for hotel building Streets very
icy. Evening Chris gave me an earache about doings in Seattle.
Talkeetna Pedro arrived from hunting trip all winter had no fur.
February 22, 1912 Dr. Kivig’s brother-in-law
got back from Station, took over Dr. and wife with Fraizer’s
dog team. Took a whirl out around wood yard looking up lumber
for fence posts and poles. Furgeson left for Lake Creek.
Two G. B. men got foundation and pole floor laid for G. B. barn time
10 days on foundation.
February 23, 1912 Zero this morning ending
of 24 days of Chinook weather. Snow about all gone in
timber from Knik to Chickaloon Coal Fields. McKinnon down
from his hunting camp at head of Palmer’s slough. Matanuska
Natives down to sell rabbit robes and trade. Meyers in after
Dan and hunting supplies. Bert Stewart and Kelly got back from
locating Anaconda quartz claims at head of Fishhook Creek time 5 days.
Bought Sheler and pard. furs.
February 24, 1912 Hughes double enders
arrived from Chickaloon brought back blacksmith coal 8½
day trip. Meyers left with Dan for Willow Creek took out about
9 cwt for their hunting camp on Purches Creek. Chris Anderson
and pard. took out 2 loads as far as Pete’s cabin and returned
to Knik by dog sled on account of Dr. Cowen Golden Hill quartz mines.
Self got cold in head 1st cold this winter.
February 25, 1912 Perfect day 60 in the
sun. PM drove Kid down to Preston’s for rocking chair baggage
etc., also drove half way to Cottonwood to inspect road.
Crossed over onto flats above Gates, came back along narrow cut
along bank road OK muddy out on flats. Kelly and Preston making
ready to stampede to Caribou Creek to locate ahead of “bunch” going
up there. Chris Anderson left for Golden Hill quartz mines
to get up wood etc. Evening Hall on a drunk. Made ready
to haul Preston’s grub etc. to Matanuska River.
February 26, 1912 Preston and Kelly went
on stampede to locate placer ground in Caribou Creek District.
Hall and McHenry left for Alfred Creek. Four new mushers in
from Seward. Self hauled 1,518 lbs. from Knik to above
Palmer’s cache for Preston and Jarvis rate 1¢ per pound for
each 10 miles. Hauled some 15 miles my price $18.47 - Hughes
bid $26.56 (7¢). Stanley went along as far as Cottonwood.
No snow and only ice width Yukon sled above bridge to Palmer’s slough.
Sled went off road into channel half way from Knik to Cottonwood no
harm done.
February 27, 1912 Sold Frisby and McMillan
hardware order $15. Land Survey Patterson getting ready to
go to Iditarod. Palmer reported out of sugar. Sent
Whiton Hardware Co. list of over and under charges. Sent
Herbert check for 4 tons coal - October delivery. Knik out
of moose meat again. Mattie got a cold, my cold better.
President Taft reported favorable on Government Alaska Railway
in his message to congress.
February 28, 1912 Business fair looking
up merchandise for spring stock Jensen and Lee O. getting
ready to go to Iditarod. Wrote Lang Seattle about agency
for Rangers etc.
February 29, 1912 Chinook still on.
Wood came in from sawmill after supplies. Meyers brought
Dan in from Willow Creek brought in quarter moose liver etc.
Hughes teams arrived from Old Knik with native hay. Nailed tops and
heels on 10” gum pacs. Mr. Patterson left for Iditarod with dog
team.
March 1, 1912 Cannon left order for hotel
fixtures etc. Shough’s down to trade also Old Dad.
Bill Hughes took charge of saloon, Palmer let Fitch go. Simmons
gave me history of hauling for Bill Hughes said he paid for 4 horse
team from Cache Creek Mining Co. Real Chinook today. Meyers
left for mines Wood left for river to begin sawing lumber again.
March 2, 1912 Snow going fast,
trail on Cottonwood flats all gone, Eagle River next.
No snow on RR track except over Placer River summit above tunnels.
Two mushers in on way to Iditarod. First boating of spring,
boat came up from Soldier Creek to Knik. Porcupine Pete on
a drunk. Tide widening out channel in front of Knik. Fred
Nelson started to saw up balance of wood in front of store.
March 3, 1912 Joe Grimes got back from Seward
said RR talk was quiet nothing doing. Old Scotty Watson
same in from Bob Hatcher’s cabin (cook for moose hunters).
Made out orders for clothing and rubber goods. Chinaman cook
and Mr. Sharp came over from Old Knik. Tide came over bank
channel opening fast 2 more big tides to come. Grimes reported
the “Harbor Town” dead, a few mushers on the trail.
March 4, 1912 Four Cache Creek mushers in from
Seward, sold them 6 pair gum boots, cash sales $73.55.
Windy Wilson arrived gave us all the Seattle news and mining dope
said Martin would bring in a mill for the “Free Gold”. Evening
clear and freezing a little.
March 5, 1912 with Nelson, went out in
woods and cut poles and posts for garden fence. One musher
in from Seward. Dr. Kivig left with dog team for Station.
Evening wrote several letters.
March 6, 1912 with Tony hauled in 3 loads
poles and fence posts. Hughes 4 horse team went to woods sawmill
after lumber. Three mushers in from Seward going to Iditarod.
Cannon cutting out doors and windows in new hotel building
March 7, 1912 AM had Nelson haul in balance
of logs and posts for wharf etc. Hauled in two 20’ cottonwoods
for crib in front of Matt’s tent house. Hughes 4 horse
team arrived with lumber from river sawmill. Nine mushers in
from Seward in route to Iditarod. Al Harper arrived from Seward
to see about grub at Cache Creek.
March 8, 1912 Water run today, Chinook
still on. George Nylen down to trade sent galvanized
water pail up to Preston camp on Palmer’s Slough. Sent Billy
word we had sold his boat. Had to make new top pipe and cap
for kitchen stove. Building going on sold 3 rolls roof paper.
Fins celebrating on account of leaving for Iditarod. G. B.
got barn up ready for rafters. McDonald cabin rented again.
March 9, 1912 AM Ide and party arrived
from Kahiltna Government bridge work PM went on to Seward.
Hughes team left for river for lumber. Evening Frank Kelly
got back from Caribou Creek on account of E. J. Preston, drew $75
on Preston account (13 days). Windy Wilson and Grimes and Joe
Palmer in from Fishhook side. Paid Fred Nelson $18 for sawing
last lot of wood. Self moved forage from warehouse to barn.
March 10, 1912 Boat men busy fixing up
boats to go to Turnagain Arm. McKinnon moved down to his
ranch from Matanuska River. Vance the mailman arrived from Seward
with February mail also man and wife going in to Iditarod.
Evening busy looking over February mail. Paid Vance $8.25 for
taking out 50 oz. gold dust and 6 lbs. furs Knik to Seward.
March 11, 1912 Navigation open for small
boats. O’Donald and Johnson left in row boat for Turnagain
Arm also Joe Bush with Palmer’s gas “Hoo-Doo”. Nate White
arrived from Sunrise with one passenger in dory said the launch
Chase was at Kern Creek. Sent mail to Kern Creek by O’Donald
and sent order for sugar milk and bacon to George Roll. Shough’s
down, Bill Elliott over from Old Knik first time this winter. Gassy
Thompson and wife arrived from Station.
March 12, 1912 Thompson and wife went to Sunrise
with Nate White by boat. Al Harper got back from Station.
Evening got furs ready to send out by Harper also deposits to
send to bank at Seward. Hughes teams in with lumber.
Overbid Palmer on Pete Murray’s furs. Whitney came up from Ship
Creek in dory.
March 13, 1912 Froze hard last night.
Another boat launched. Lidell and Miller took Al Harper
and dog team over to Sunrise via for Seward. Whitney left
for Ship Creek. More mushers in, going to Iditarod. Meyers
and Moore arrived from Willow Creek after their mail. Sent out-mail
furs and $200 with Al Harper to Seward. Larson brought
in his furs had 2 lynx and 100 rats. Ordered draft $293.50
from Seward for premium on New York Life Insurance sent to Seattle
Branch.
March 14, 1912 Put 8 of my films in with Meyers
to have post cards made from same at $2.50 per 100.
Hughes team in with lumber. Ben Agnew over from Old Knik.
McMillan and Murry over from Eagle River road house, sold them
sack Rolls sugar. O’Donald and Johnson got back from Hope
brought me 1,100 lbs. grub 1st grub delivered by boat this spring.
Young Heath over from Station after grub for Nagley. Hitchcock
came over from Station also Dr. Kivig.
March 15, 1912 Meyers and Moore left
for Willow Creek with 11 cwt perishables with Dan. With
Tony helped them up hill to birch grove. Chris Anderson
came in from Fishhook after mail. Evening Wood arrived
from sawmill at river. Hughes teams went to Old Knik for more
hay sent Elliott’s grub over.
March 16, 1912 Made out hardware grocery and
produce orders. March mail left at noon overland. Chase
Capt. Cramer arrived 1st power boat to arrive this spring.
Got case of eggs from Seldovia on Chase. Chase brought passengers
B. S. Anderson arrived with prospective buyer for Lake Creek.
Sent O. C. Miller medicine by Chris Anderson.
March 17, 1912 Froze hard last night.
Chase left 6:30 AM for Kern Creek no passengers out.
B. S. Anderson left for Lake Creek had pump
and motor to sink holes. Five mushers left for Iditarod
District that came over on Chase. Evening tide channel full of
slush ice. Sent letter to Herbert by Chase via Kern Creek
and Seward wrote him condition of ice and weather up here. Dr.
Kivig fitting up St. Clair’s house for office and to live in.
March 18, 1912 Knik to sawmill at river
and back to Meadow Brook Farm. Stanley and self drove double
ender team out to sawmill for load of planks and slab Meyers was
there with Dan from Willow Creek put Dan on lead brought 1½
tons lumber stayed overnight at farm. Evening warmer road all
ice and fine.
March 19, 1912 Left Meadow Brook Farm
about 8:30 with load of lumber arrived Knik 12:30. Piled
planks and slab on wharf. Light snow last night. One
heavy snow squall at noon enough to make Knik look white. Wood
came in from sawmill brought bunion growth tree to make natural table
of same. More Iditarod mushers in from Seward. Evening
church at Cannon’s roadhouse Mattie and Stanley attended.
March 20, 1912 Knik white again business
quiet. Five mushers in from Seward said Chase was at
Kern Creek too much ice to navigate. Joe Palmer sending
in logs to build cabin back of Palmer’s garden. Knik still
growing. Signed deeds on account ¾ of relocating Anaconda
quartz mines to Bert Stewart and Cowan.
March 21, 1912 Brown hauled over 1 dozen
Iditarod mushers from Old Knik. Lidell and Miller got
back from Sunrise brought 4 passengers. Jno. Wallace arrived
from Seattle. Took inventory of groceries. Evening
Simmons visited to get advice about settling with Bill Hughes.
Big tide came to bank this AM.
March 22, 1912 Put up trail swamping outfit
for Jno. Wallace on account of Martin’s Free Gold Mine.
Twelve passengers arrived on Chase for Iditarod. Pioneer
Roadhouse full-up had to turn away people on account of no beds.
Sold Wallace my old wagon for $55 delivered at Knik - wagon now at
Meadow Brook Farm. Frank Bayer closed up Wisner estate and drew
deposit. First boats arrived from Old Knik.
March 23, 1912 Rain took off all snow
around Knik frost out 2” on gardens. Wallace left Knik with
a dozen men to fix up trail for hauling out Alaska Free Gold freight
in route to Knik. Ben Agnew brought over 3 bales hay for
W. D. Elliott Old Knik. Chase left for Turnagain Arm no passengers.
Business fair today sold $85 outfit collected $100 cash. Knik
Lake and Three Mile Lake opening up full of air holes. Robert
Johnson came down from Caribou Creek for more grub prospecting.
McDonald and Percy in from Peters Creek.
March 24, 1912 Chase came back from Fire
Island with Palmer’s launch in tow. Palmer’s launch 12
days making trip from Knik to Sunrise. Chase left for Hope
and Sunrise 11 AM no passengers out. Late evening tide Nate
White arrived with 2 dory’s and 14 men going to the Iditarod District.
Sent order out for more hardware by Chase via Sunrise mail to Seward.
March 25, 1912 Fourteen mushers left for Iditarod
District. Shough and wife down to trade. Evening
Wallace got back from trip to Fishhook said snow was all gone
from Knik to Miller’s homestead. Ordered hose for fire extinguishers.
All kind of moose meat in town.
March 26, 1912 Wallace hauled out store produce
etc. to Porcupine Pete’s cabin on double ender and returned to
Knik. Put up grub for timber camp for Lidell and Alaska Free
Gold Co. Mattie cleaned up the Miller tent house previous
to the spring rush. Rainy spell about over freezing tonight
a little. Made out additional hardware order for sawmill.
Porcupine Pete ordered to leave on first boat on account of selling
booze to Natives. Mailman returned brought accommodations mail
from Seward.
March 27, 1912 Froze a little last night
business quiet. Nate White left for Sunrise (new boat).
Made out order for boat supplies account of the launch
Chase. Wallace wanted to buy 30,625 shares of Free Gold stock
for $2,000 sold above for that amount. McKinnon in from Miller
Bridge with moose meat account Evan Vasilla shot 5 moose.
Mattie busy with her new house Wallace wanted to rent same. Frost
about out of gardens.
March 28, 1912 Freezing nights. Got mail
ready to send to Seldovia on launch Chase now overdue from Sunrise.
Old Dad down to trade, said cat bit Shough on wrist. Simmons
and Farris arrived from Station late last night. Simmons ready
for trial with Hughes over settlement of labor and accounts.
March 29, 1912 Drove out to farm after
wagon, took part of Woods load on my double ender left double
ender at farm. Hauled in 300’ lumber from Cabin Lake for
Smith on account of boat. Snow and ice about all gone on
trail only patches of snow left in timber. Draws on trail filling
up with water lakes still good opening up in places. Chase overdue
from sunrise. Hughes-Simmons trial postponed so Hughes could
“fix” up the books. Stewart and St. Clair in from trail work on
Kelly cut-off, after horse and grub to move camp. Wallace in town.
Mattie rented her tent house to Jno. Wallace at $15 per month.
March 30, 1912 Tide increasing with a
jump. Hughes-Simmons trial came off on the Grady house, jury
trial. Chase arrived with passengers from Sunrise going to Iditarod,
left evening tide for Seldovia took out-mail. Sent Free Gold
stock to Seattle National to sell for $2,000 cash. Porcupine
Pete went out on blue ticket on account of selling or giving whiskey
to Natives. Albert Bay at Knik house, left to join his parents
at Seldovia. Put down matting in bedrooms for Mattie.
March 31, 1912 Finished laying carpet
etc. in sitting room. Wallace left for trail camp on Carle
Road. Got notice to do road tax work. PM tide raised
ice around wharf and raised the piles under 3 bents of gangway next
to wharf. Evening Connors brought up his phonograph and
entertained the Herning family. Whitney came up from Ship Creek
in dory.
April 1, 1912 Big tides ice raised 3 bents
of gangway next to wharf. Put up small order for Pete
Herbert on account of locating ranch at Paradise-Clam Lake on
Carle Road. Palmer and Johnson fixing up launch no. 2.
Nate White came in with 5 Iditarod men going in. Big demand
for windows today, watch Knik grow.
April 2, 1912 Ground white again this
morning. PM tried to blast ice away from piles, giant powder
no good. Five more mushers left for Iditarod had one sled.
Nate White left for Sunrise (row boat). Wharf badly bent
by ice, tide took out ice in front of wharf. First ducks arrived.
April 3, 1912 Freezing nights SS Bertha
arrived morning tide at Knik Harbor. Busy in store took
in $205.55. Channel full of ice at high tide. Row
boat came up from Knik Harbor brought mail sack mostly 2nd class.
Wallace in from trail camp. Evening tide Wallace and Palmer
and Natives three boats left for Knik Harbor. Zorn in from
Station to get his mail. Got $1,000 order from Cache Creek
District. Peter Herbert took pack on back to Paradise Camp
Carle Road.
April 4, 1912 Morning tide Palmer got
back from Ship Creek said SS Bertha left on account of ice and
no scows to handle freight Evening Wallace got back from Ship
Creek. Evening Nate White and Joe Walton arrived with passengers
from Sunrise. No one saw the Chase - channel full of ice
all passengers and freight went back on SS Bertha to Seldovia.
April 5, 1912 Wallace left for trail
camp on Carle Road. Stewart working pole tax men on government
road near Knik. Woods left for river to have Natives cut
and saw logs. Nate White returned by dory to Sunrise.
Put addition to walk in front of store business quiet. Had
hail storm sun shining. Knik Commercial Club organized at
Cannon’s Roadhouse.
April 6, 1912 Finished sidewalk for store
approach business quiet. Brown came over from Old Knik
by boat. Wallace back from trail camp. Stewart working
Natives on government road near Knik. Evening attended meeting
of Knik Commercial Club at Cannon’s elected officers for ensuing
year adopted by-laws etc. Essence of meeting was RR from Snug
Harbor to Matanuska Coal Fields and Knik.
April 7, 1912 Easter Sunday. Knik
had radishes for Easter dinner grown by Mitchell the rancher
and truck farmer. Frost all out of gardens. Started
to re-set pilings that ice hove out gangway to dock. Made out
orders for more produce. Channel clear of ice and anchor ice
gone in front of dock 3 weeks earlier than last spring. Got
receipt for working Road Tax on Kelly cut-off 12 miles from Knik.
April 8, 1912 Freight hauled to Willow
Creek 1901 to date 560 tons average 6¢ lb. or cost $67,200.
Self hauled in 100 tons - balance by Quartz Mining Co. Ide and
new Road Commission man returned from Happy River. Evening
party of 5 from Knik Commercial Club waited on Road Commission man
gave him tonnage of freight hauled to Willow Creek. Evening
tide the Chase arrived from Seldovia -voyage 5 to Knik - brought me
1½ tons grub. Up until 2 o’clock with freight and finding
place for Chase to lay over tide. Chase discharged freight over
on dock 3 weeks earlier than any previous deliveries.
April 9, 1912 Wallace took Ide and new
Road Commission man over government road as far as Carle Road
for inspection etc. Chase laid over for Ide party. Shough
and wife down to see Ide about R. C. horses. Nate White returned
to Sunrise - 5 trips with Iditarod mushers. Tom Cavanaugh
came up, stowaway on Chase account explosives. Sunrise Grey
painted Conners launch rush order.
April 10, 1912 Froze ¼” last night.
AM tide Buffalo voyage 1 arrived with freight for Martin -
Ala Hoosier and Ike R. Noon Chase left for Kern Creek, Ide
took out-mail. Buffalo landed all freight over at
our wharf. Hughes team loaded up on wagon - Martin’s oats
iron and car rails. PM bums on a drunk rough hour at saloon.
April 11, 1912 Sawed foot off flour cache
roof to clear gangway for warehouse. Hughes 2-4 horse teams
left with wagons with Martin’s freight hauled forage and iron.
Brown and family moved over from Old Knik on account of Brown hauling
freight with his runaway team. Jim Denny arrived with passengers
from Sunrise. Tom Jeter came up from Ship Creek first time
all winter. Most all the boys working on road for Wallace and
Martin but Stewart road boss.
April 12, 1912 Hughes double enders and
Brown wagon hauled out Ike’s outfit. Bill Elliott and
several row boats came over from Old Knik. Cook came down Matanuska
from Moose Creek in boat brought in 3 lynx skins, bought same for
$50. Grey started to paint sign for hardware department.
Palmer after pipe etc. and pipe due to finish up his new launch -
supplied his wants.
April 13, 1912 Busy all day removing
iceberg from aft dock Smith in from G. B. Mines
after more help now about 40 men at work - Martin and G. B.
Got part of post cards from Seward of Knik views
CBM and OGH films. Wallace in from Road
camp. Burton the Bear Man at Knik to trade going to Snug
Harbor to kill bear and prospect for placer.
April 14, 1912 Ice on Arm about all gone
on bar in front of Knik. Packed balance of furs to send
out to Sylvester Bros. Co. G. B. Smith took out several more
men to G. B. Mines. Snow slide broke down upper ore bin and
tram so reported. Launches overdue. Wallace in town.
Brown back from Miller Bridge with wagon account freight for Rosenthald.
Several new men in town looking for work. Palmer making ready
to launch his scow.
April 15, 1912 Tides making fast.
PM tide cleared about all ice along channel and bar from Knik
down to Fish Creek, navigation now open for all kinds. Boats
at Knik 18 days earlier than last season. Busy cleaning up
warehouse to receive new goods. Out of butter and lard.
Buffalo and Chase overdue. Made out order for Currin shoes.
April 16, 1912 Busy in store cash sales
$43.40. Made post card holder. Chase arrived from
Kern Creek brought 3 passengers for Tacotna. C. B. Meyers
came in from Mines. Chase left evening tide for Sunrise
has 1 passenger. Dr. David started to plant garden.
April 17, 1912 Leveled up wharf gangway
suitable to use until frost is out on beach. Put up small
orders for Woods and Meyers. Meyers shod Dan. Bert
Stewart and Rosenthal in town. Wallace in town waiting for
Martin freight. Knik House put up new sign on saddle boards
on roof - Dolly Grey painter.
April 18, 1912 Meyers left with Dan packed
for river on winter road. Wood hauled out 400 on go-devil
to sawmill on river. Several trail swampers came in.
Connors and Johnson got their launch ready to launch on morning
tide. Finished fixing gangway to wharf. Siwash dance on at
Otto’s new cabin.
April 19, 1912 Ice all gone on Knik Arm.
First mosquitoes showed up at Knik today. Started to
take down store garden fence. Put in crib to hold dirt
in front of MAH tent house. A few ducks and geese -overdue.
Made out order for G. S. Rubber goods November 1st dating.
Joe Walton in with 2 men going to look at quartz on King River.
Palmer trying to launch his scow.
April 20, 1912 Light rain showers last
night. Started to peel fence posts for store garden fence.
Palmer failed to launch his scow water didn’t reach her.
Evening tide Chase arrived with 2 mushers and dogs going to Iditarod.
Evening Wood arrived from river with Dan. Meyers went on to
Willow Creek. Evening attended Knik Commercial Club - a paper
for Knik the main talk.
April 21, 1912 Heavy frost last night.
Set a few fence posts store garden frost out 18 inches.
Shough and wife down to rubber for boats. Several went
to Goose Bay to hunt ducks. Stipp gave us 2 ducks our first
this spring. Repaired Stanley’s wagon. Wallace in
town. Chase left evening tide for Kern Creek no passengers.
“Booze” fighters busy.
April 22, 1912 Plowed store garden.
Quiet in town waiting for mail boat and Sampson to arrive.
Evening Chase in from Kern Creek reported Sampson would call at
Knik Harbor. Rosenthal waiting for boat to go below.
Everybody planting gardens or making ready to plant.
April 23, 1912 Plowed on barn lot with Kid
and Tony. Palmer put up new fence and widened street
from his store to my lot by Knik house. Wood building stairs
for Dr. Kivig. Norton left his dog team with Eagle River
rancher to summer. Evening made out another order for hardware.
April 24, 1912 Hauled manure on K. and H. lot
and finished plowing barn lot. Saw Palmer about donating
strip of his garden account road from Knik house to cabins on
hill - wouldn’t open road. Cramer busy fixing up and
painting the Chase. Saw first geese today some reported geese
came yesterday.
April 25, 1912 Buffalo arrived with part of
Martin freight also GB Ala. Homer and John Bartholf’s household
goods. Free Gold Martin manager Clark also Alaska Hoosier
mgr. Clark and John and Byron Bartholf and families arrived after
3 weeks delay at Seldovia. Noon tide bidarky arrived with scow
with mining co. freight and brought first regular mail by water
route. They discharged Martin’s heavy machinery at hay shed.
Got part of produce and Sylvester Bros. order first to arrive from Seattle.
“No rest for the weary”.
April 26, 1912 PM tide Chase and Connors boat
left for Knik Harbor to meet Sampson. Night tide, Buffalo
towed scow down to Knik Harbor. Frank Kelly came in from
Martin’s camp after clothing for the boys.
April 27, 1912 Rosenthal wanted to buy K. and
H. lot also said he would organize a trading company of all the
mining companies and wanted to buy my store etc. in July. Evening
Mr. Moore came in from Willow Creek over winter road said snow was
about all gone on summit. Received 500 misc. postcards from Seward.
April 28, 1912 Martin’s new 4 horse team took
out their first load of freight. PM tide the Chase and
Buffalo came up from Knik Harbor. Sampson failed to arrive
here with freight, Buffalo left for Seldovia and Chase for
Sunrise. Rosenthal and Norton left on Chase. Several
of the Wallace road makers came to town.
April 29, 1912 Busy in store all day
cash sales over $40. Connors and Whitney came up from
Ship Creek after grub, reported no Sampson. Brown’s from
Old Knik running an eating house in Shafer’s cabin. Mr. Moore
in town waiting for SS Bertha mail. Received circular about Bleugas,
the new gas light made from by-products of gas oil etc. Clark
moved Martin’s groceries etc. from warehouse to woods tent storehouse
- our storage 4 days.
April 30, 1912 6 AM tide Chase in from
Kern Creek, brought 1 passenger reported SS Bertha at Seward
in route to Knik Harbor. Laid walk approach between tin shop
and store. Hughes and Clark in from freighting camp.
Hughes crying about his pay from Martin outfit. Joe Grimes
in from Susitna Canyon also St. Clair from Trail camp. Evening
tide Palmer launched his new gas boat - failed to make his run.
Reported Brown broke hind wheel of O. G. wagon.
May 1, 1912 Evening tide bidarky and Buffalo
arrived - had my Sylvester groceries and Martin’s freight
- gas engine for Peterson. Things doing on our wharf.
Evening tide Palmer launched his scow. Cramer and Chase towed
scow and Palmer’s new launch down to Ship Creek to meet SS Bertha.
Davis and Hoben over to look for freighting. Simmons came back
from the Arm. Two sports arrived on bidarky, rented Otto’s
new cabin - Sprague brought them in.
May 2, 1912 No sign of SS Bertha at Knik Harbor
up to date. Sports busy buying spring beds etc. for housekeeping.
Cannon had Tony PM to drag his garden.
May 3, 1912 Evening tide Chase came up
from Ship Creek out of grub waiting for SS Bertha to arrive.
Sent deposit to Bank of Seward and order for fence for store garden.
Ed O’Brien down from Chickaloon Coal camp for mail etc. Sam
Clark in town.
May 4, 1912 Evening Wallace in from Fishhook.
No SS Bertha reported at Ship Creek as yet. Made out 3rd
order for groceries, 1st order delivered. Shough and wife
down rubbering for SS Bertha and a square meal.
May 5, 1912 Had duck and goose dinner,
Shough and wife on hand for a big feed. Evening tide, Chase
arrived with Palmer’s scow and launch from Ship Creek.
SS Bertha arrived at Ship Creek 6 AM left evening tide.
My freight came to Ship Creek - Buffalo there to receive same.
G. B. Morrison and Kelly family arrived on SS Bertha and Chase and
six strangers. C. B. Meyers came in from Willow Creek to look
for Moore, here waiting for mail.
May 6, 1912 AM Buffalo arrived from Ship
Creek with scow, had balance of Martin’s freight, all of Nagley’s
freight and balance of K. T. Co. freight Worked 2½
hours discharging scow in AM and 4 hours evening tide. Got
all off but fire brick. Chase left noon tide for Kern Creek.
Evening tide Connors launch drifted back to Knik for repairs.
May 7, 1912 AM finished discharging Buffalo
and scow. Bidarky arrived with mail and freight for
G. B. Clark and Wallace left for Fishhook.
Had Fred and Gus finish fence for store garden and set
posts on front of K. and H. lot time 2 hours. Meyer and Moore
left for Willow Creek via Sunrise trail with Dan as far as Bald
Mt.
May 8, 1912 PM had Fred Nelson drag all
the gardens with Tony on new harrow. Planted C. and H.
garden to oats, man and horse 3 hours used 1 sack oats $3.25.
Tom Jeter up from Ship Creek. Evening 10 PM Dan came to
store - back from Bald Mt. today. Paddy Hanley and Gordon in
from Martin’s camp via Fishhook Dist.
May 9, 1912 Evening put up small order for
O. C. Miller. Martin came in after freight. Evening
tide the Alaska Capt. Ward arrived looking for A. C. Co. freight
to take to Station. PM big fire over on Peters Creek.
May 10, 1912 Weather cloudy and windy.
Sent O. C. Miller grub by Martin’s teams. Alaska left with
load of liquor for Station. Chris Anderson came in from
Golden Hill Mine said he finished.
May 11, 1912 Cash biz quiet, credit sales fair.
Martin’s team in after cable, moved same off wharf. Joe
Palmer putting roof on his new house above Palmer’s garden.
Chase overdue from Kern Creek. Goosmar came from Station in
boat said river had been open for 1 week. Hair cut day evening
bath.
May 12, 1912 Sent out clothing and shoes to
Ben Agnew and Jack Highland by Martin’s team (Carter).
Things doing at the saloon several drunks. Shough and wife
brought prospecting order $38. Fitch fixing up Kelly’s garden.
Evening cleaned up yard in front of store.
May 13, 1912 Early AM tide Chase arrived
from Kern Creek. A. C. Morgan arrived on Chase.
Busy opening dry goods business fair cash sales $86.15.
Connors launch left for Kenai. Chase and Alaska laid over
one tide. Brown got old wagon from Railway Glacier Creek
account hauling for Martin, blacksmith repairing same all day.
Alaska Hoosier men preparing to go to Willow Creek. S. Queer
Clark in town. Sampson left Seattle 3 days late.
May 14, 1912 Put up small order for Alaska
Hoosier new men. Early AM tide Alaska left for station
with A. C. Morgan, Mrs. Morrison and one lady sport. Shough
and wife down rubbering for Sampson and big feed. Chase laying
in port. John Bartholf returned with 6 horse team - horses
all in. Herbert sent in for more grub by Dunlap.
May 15, 1912 Mosquitoes arrived this
evening also black fly first to do any biting. Alaska
Hoosier men left for Willow Creek. Hughes team laid over
- horses all in. 5 PM Susitna Capt. Ellexson arrived voyage
1 after Nagley’s freight Evening tide Chase towed Palmer’s
scow and launch down to Ship Creek to meet Admiral Sampson - supposed
to arrive.
May 16, 1912 4 AM Chase arrived
from Knik Harbor with Palmer’s scow and the Bartholf bunch.
Kitty Bartholf and lady friend arrived also. Old Frank
and Bill, Ira Isaac and Tom McLaughlin arrived. 5 AM Alaska
in from Susitna. Sampson arrived voyage 1 at Knik Harbor last
evening - towed up launch Traveler from Pt. Graham to lighter freight
Traveler lightered one load ashore and got aground. Cramer took
balance of freight on Palmer’s scow and all the passengers up to Knik.
Evening tide Chase left for Kern Creek with 5 men. Alaska left
for Susitna with beer. Wood lost half his logs at Goose Bay -
too windy.
May 17, 1912 Planted spuds and peas in
store garden. Hughes moved to Cottonwood. The launch
Traveler arrived with Whitney scow from Knik Harbor laid over.
Wood brought tow of house logs from Goose Bay. Alaska Hoosier
Herd got back from Bald Mt. With G. B. pack horses said too
much snow to cross mountain with horses. Had goose dinner presented
by Mr. Smith.
May 18, 1912 PM planted oats on barn lot used
1 2/3 sack G. B. sent out men to put in corduroy at Big
Lake on summer trail, sold them camp outfit (WEB). Evening
tide Chase arrived from Kern Creek. Traveler came back lost
part of skeg and bottom iron on rudder. Bidarky (Herbert) arrived
with flooring for Cannon’s new rooming house and landed several passengers.
Borrowed 2 sacks oats from Alaska Hoosier. Herbert left all the
mining freight bills for me to collect.
May 19, 1912 Susitna and Alaska back
from Station for freight Traveler fixed rudder temporarily
and left for Port Graham. Busy all day in store cash sales
over $100. Bartholf outfit stored their baggage in our warehouse
and hit the trail for Big Lake, Old Bill in the lead Old Frank brought
up the rear - Mrs. Kaveney and Miss Van went along.
Collected part of C. I. T. Co. freight bills. Chase in port fixing
up boat for the rush.
May 20, 1912 AM Cannon hauled up 1,852’
flooring with Tony, put balance of flooring 426’ in warehouse.
Evening Kelly and Wallace came in from Fishhook. Wood
hauling his house logs to lot on Knob Hill. G. B. packer
in for supplies on account of mail work. Cannon busy finishing
up rooms on lower floor of new rooming house. Cash sales $122.25.
May 21, 1912 Busy all day with accounts,
made out another hardware order and got checks ready to mail
to cover all merchandise bills due to date. Alaska in at noon.
Kelly sent out 8 men to mines. Evening C. B. Meyers arrived
from Willow Creek - O. G. placer mine. Chase in port decorating
up for the big rush. Wallace and Kelly in town. Wood rafted
up last of house logs.
May 22, 1912 After dinner Meyers took
picture of Knik Commercial Club. PM started to build shed
annex to dock warehouse on west side. Bidarky arrived with
mail 10 PM and freight for K. T. Co. Wallace and Kelly in town.
Report SS Bertha overdue 8 days on down trip.
May 23, 1912 Busy on annex to warehouse.
Wallace left for Fishhook (gave up cabin). Woods preparing
to go to river to skid in saw logs. Susitna overdue 2 days
carrying balance of Nagley’s freight. Evening opened up tent
order and some hardware. Supplies for the launch Chase arrived.
Got Free Gold stock back from Seattle no money. Got 4 sacks
oats from Woods.
May 24, 1912 Got foundation in and floor
laid on 28’ x 10’ annex to dock warehouse also 10’ x 12’ approach
to same. Woods left to his sawmill camp. Four 4-horse
teams in for more of Martin’s freight McMillan over from
Eagle River. Cramer painting his boat. Dr. Kivig and
G. B. both put down wells -Henry Ratzen next.
May 25 1912 Had crib put in bank to protect
store garden from high surf. Sam Queer Clark in from Fishhook.
Fred Nelson in from Martin’s camp bought clothing outfit for going
to Lake Creek. Bill Hughes roaring about his pay from Martin
outfit. Watch tinker in town.
May 26, 1912 Got up 4 AM to rebuild wharf.
Took 1 log out of rear leveled up platform and gangway.
Worked 2 hours evening put in 15 hours - 3 men - now in A-1 shape.
Cramer having new signs put on Chase. Signed petition for
school at Knik.
May 27, 1912 Oats up on K. and H. lot.
Finished work on gangway to wharf. Martin’s teams left
for 1st through trip to mines. 6 PM Chase left for Kern
Creek, Perkins went to Seward after his family. Sent out-mail.
Alaska in port had load of old A. C. freight to ship outside.
May 28, 1912 PM Susitna arrived took all of
Nagley’s freight but 2 tons sacked goods. Traveler reported
in at Knik Harbor with big lighter. Shough’s and McKinnon
down to trade. Ranchers locating around Old Knik and at
head of Knik Arm. Thomas in with coal for Knik House.
May 29, 1912 Chase back from Kern Creek
brought 3 passengers. Capt. Glenn Names on way to Kenai
to fish. Woods and his 2 men in from sawmill finished logging.
Planted oats and Ball barley in store garden from seed raised last
season. Busy opening up new goods. Paid off men
for repairing dock
May 30, 1912 Busy in store and working
new goods. Evening made out order for dry goods to send
to Portland Pioneer. G. B. packer in. Smith and pard.
in with sheep meat. Chase left for Seldovia for inspection.
Alaska in port. Horses getting plenty of grass not up to barn
for 3 nights. Mr. Herd in from Alaska Hoosier on Willow Creek
going to Cache Creek District.
May 31, 1912 Cannon had Tony and scraper to
excavate. Up till midnight with letter writing and orders on
account of SS Bertha due tomorrow. Had mountain sheep dinner.
Another Alaska Hoosier man in from Willow Creek.
June 1, 1912 AM tide Palmer towed his
scow down to Knik Harbor to meet SS Bertha. Alaska went down
to meet SS Bertha. Stanton Shafer went down to catch SS
Bertha going to Hot Springs sent our mail with him and deposit to
Bank of Seward. Watch tinker Ed Fox went to Kenai with Smith
and Jim Clark in row boat AM tide. Lidell in for supplies for
Martin outfit. Brown in, quit working for Martin outfit left his
team on.
June 2, 1912 Lidell took out horse packed
with odds and ends for William Martin outfit. The cache
tender “Flying Dutchman” went out to the mines. Natives bringing
in Knik Harbor coal. Plenty of moose meat coming to town.
Very dry rain needed.
June 3, 1912 SS Bertha at Knik Harbor,
towed up scow Mathews and sunk her in Knik harbor - 100 cases
of gasoline floated out of Mathews. Traveler arrived with
SS Bertha passengers on 6 AM tide also came up on evening tide and
returned to Ship Creek. Tom Babcock and T. R. Wilson’s men
arrived. Joe Palmer’s family arrived rented Mattie’s tent house.
Natives in with king salmon. Susitna took last of Nagley’s
freight Cost to receive check and reload 18 tons Nagley’s
freight $14. Giddings for Alaska Road Commission arrived to
work on Iditarod trail - Knik to Happy River.
June 4, 1912 7 AM bidarky in with mail
and my hardware. Palmer’s scow arrived, Alaska towed
her up from Ship Creek. Sold Ala. R-Com. Giddings outfit
for trip to Happy River. Giddings took over Ala. R-Com. horses
and left check for Shough account wintering horses. Cramer
reported at East Foreland when bidarky came up. Very windy
on Inlet. Several new men in town looking for cattle ranch location.
June 5, 1912 Giddings party 3 men and
2 horses left Knik overland for Happy River self took them out
over Willow Creek winter road to Three Mile Lake thence west
through birch to Fish Creek gravel crossing on Fish Creek - dry
road the whole 6 miles, got back 3 PM Evening Martin
team in after forage. Oats all up on K. and H. lot doing fine.
Mattie tended store today. Plenty of moose meat and salmon
coming to town.
June 6, 1912 Business good put up 3 orders
for Herd and Barker Calquhoun and pard. and William Martin.
Up till midnight. Alaska in after A. C. Co. freight.
Scow Mathews reported sunk in channel 3 miles below Goose Bay.
Woods left for river to saw lumber. Martin teams in after
grub and freight
June 7, 1912 Rained a little last night.
Martin teams laid over. Smiling Sam back to town.
Frank Bayer in from G. B. Mines. Horses away from barn for
3 nights. Opened up hardware new stock Milo Kelly
left for Fishhook Mine. Cutworms cleaned up all gardens
in town.
June 8, 1912 Volcanic ash fell all day,
ground white with ashes, rumble like blasts heard for last 24
hours. PM tide Chase arrived from Seldovia brought a ton
of produce for us and 9 passengers - Dorr and Bartholf arrived.
Up till midnight with outgoing mail. Bert Stewart came in
from Golden Hill Mines - report was Rosenthal’s checks were N.G.
Horses came in to barn.
June 9, 1912 Chase left 3 AM for Kern
Creek took mail. Sent $125 in letter in care of John Palmer
Co. and deposit to Bank of Seward. Ranch locators back from
Bald Mt. after more grub, they liked Little Susitna up to Bald
Mt. for a cattle ranch. Evening Shough and wife arrived from
Fishhook, had Shough sign up Ala. Road papers about wintering government
horses. Alaska in port after A. C. Co. freight with 10 ton scow.
Ground still white with volcanic ash. Horses came to barn.
June 11, 1912 Chase arrived from Kern
Creek brought Ide and party. Shough’s and McKinnon down
to trade etc. Sent Shough Alaska Road Com. check to Seward
for deposit. Ordered canned meats and more eggs from Nat.
Packing Co. Chase reported Kodiak Island covered with 6’ to
12’ of volcanic ash, Revenue Cutter took people to Seward.
June 12, 1912 Retired at 1 and up at
4 AM. Buffalo in port with Alaska Road Com. camp outfit and
balance of our produce. Chase left for Kern Creek.
Woods and Kincaid in from River. Anderson and Dulin left
with 2 packs on back for Bald Mt. District. Hauled 2 x 4
for dock annex to warehouse and graded aft of house. Evening
mosquitoes here again. Horses came to barn. Ide left
for road work on Fishhook Creek.
June 13, 1912 Cleaned up can boxes in
back yard put same in crib of wharf for ballast. McNeil
and Otto in from Golden Hill Mines looked for the paymaster.
T. R. Wilson back from Fishhook he was inspecting quartz
mines for his company. Rain wet down ¼”. Garden
very backward for want of rain and ravages of worms working on same.
Herd and Barker back from prospecting around Eagle River mountains,
Patchell was guide. Evening put up grub order for Woods sawmill
camp.
June 14, 1912 Morning tide the Traveler
arrived with Seward men to work on Government road. Evening
Alaska in port with 1 passenger from Kern Creek. Put G. B.
salt in warehouse. Traveler delivered coal oil and pitch
left at Palmer’s 2 weeks ago. Evening Meyers arrived from Willow
Creek after Dan to move flume etc. Reported 2nd cut on Willow
very poor only got 4 oz. 2 weeks run. Report came that stock were
all dead on Kodiak Island due to ash storm.
June 15, 1912 Put up small order for
C. B. Meyers. and Wm. A. Ford. O. C. Miller sent in check
on account, also S. Q. Clark. Clark arrived from Fishhook
to settle up Martin accounts. Sent out clothing to W. D.
Elliott at G. B. Pete Murray down from Vasilla ranch to trade.
Ed O’Brien down from Chickaloon Coal camp.
June 16, 1912 Got up 6 AM to get Meyers
off for Willow Creek took Dan out with small pack. Chase
back from Kern Creek AM, left PM for Kern Creek sent out-mail.
Hubbell’s pard. arrived on Chase to survey claims in Willow Creek
District. Ed O’Brien on a big drunk. Put up meat order
for Milo Kelly. Wilson and party left to examine Metal Creek
evening tide. Brown up from Ship Creek after his household effects.
Milo Kelly in town.
June 17, 1912 Alaska in port on way to
Kern Creek. Evening all Martin teams arrived from mines.
Bums on a drunk this evening. Evening anchored cottonwood
log in front of crib to protect store garden.
June 18, 1912 Put up order for Martin
road outfit. Chase back from Kern Creek. Doc Herndon
arrived, going to Willow Creek to prospect. Evening Percy
came in after doctor because man hurt at Kelly Mine, let Dr. Kivig
have Kid to ride out. Ide hired Seward men for Government road
work.
June 19, 1912 Busy making up deposits
and new orders. Ide in from inspecting Government road
to Fishhook, decided to put road up river from Miller’s bridge
and through canyon to upper basin on Susitna. Evening Alaska
in from Kern Creek brought more Seward men to work on Government
road - came C.O.D. Word came that foreman’s wife on Government
road died in Valdez. Ide road out for Kenny. Esi launch
left for Station with Mr. Hurd. Traveler on beach at Gull Rock.
June 20, 1912 Ordered more furniture
for Pioneer Roadhouse. Martin’s teams in after forage.
Evening Chase left for Kern Creek took mail. Evening Buffalo
in with 3rd lot of groceries and mail. Judge Whittlesey
in town for politics.
June 21, 1912 Martin’s teams left with forage,
sent out forge and anvil and ball picks and saws later, short
on delivery. Evening Alaska back from Station on way to
Kern Creek.
June 22, 1912 Smith and Jno. Clark got
back from trip to Kenai no work down there to be had. AM
tide Natives came up from Pt. Campbell reported 3 Natives dead
from eating moose meat - supposition moose was poisoned from drinking
volcanic ash water due to late eruption near Kodiak.
Morning Dr. Kivig got back from trip to Kelly’s mines with Kid
June 23, 1912 White kids dressed up account
Sunday. Judge Whittlesy in town. Made known to him
Lawyer Ray’s account said it was no good would remind him?
Cleaned up case of bacon. Entered up new accounts. Rain
needed for gardens.
June 24, 1912 Worked in store garden
about all day business quiet. Anderson and Durlin in
from Bald Mt. located homesteads at crossing on river. Judge
Whittlesey left for Sunrise on Alaska. Woods dog in town
- no see-um Wood.
June 25, 1912 Light thunder storm.
Air full of smoke fires somewhere aft. Sold Smith and
Clark small grub outfit for fishing for dog salmon at Moose Point
below Pt. Possession. Cleaned up balance of bacon all in
fine shape. Chase back from Kern Creek brought 4 passengers
- foreman for Road Commission. Evening attended meeting
at Pioneer Roadhouse about new school to be.
June 26, 1912 First good rain of season
wet down 1”. Made out notion order to Lowman and Hanford
Co. Evening planted lettuce on bed - marked out Knik for
sign in store garden. Evening Chase left for Kern Creek.
Thunder and lightening this PM unusual for these parts. Very
warm day oats 1’ high in K. and H. lot.
June 27, 1912 Gardens growing fine after rain.
Ide came in from Government road camp and went out on Alaska
to Seward. Capt. Ward reported his baby died at the Station.
Mitchell showed me his letter sent to Mr. Chubbie of the Agl. Dept.
Got letter from Nagley wanted to close out dead stock.
June 28, 1912 Made out order account
rubber stamps for account collections etc. Chase arrived
on early morning tide. Harry and George the Jap
arrived and two “Gugy” men to inspect Willow Creek Quartz District.
Ranchers from Kodiak Island arrived to look over Knik District on
account of stock farm. Evening Jno. Wallace arrived from Martin’s
mine to get horse feed etc. Martin’s teams in for grub.
June 29, 1912 Put up 2 orders for Martin’s
mines and road camps. Susitna in port waiting for SS
Bertha. Alaska in early AM tide. Doc Herndon and
J. P. Dixon, left for Station. A few mosquitoes this evening
Kodiak ranchers rented the Grady house.
June 30, 1912 Martin teams (2) left for
mines with grub lumber etc. Evening another team in.
Wallace left for mines. Repaired and oiled Kids McClellan
saddle. Busy making out monthly statements. Bob Dunlap
on usual drunk. Frank Bartholf, Ira Isaac, Smith and Byron
Bartholf in from mines.
July 1, 1912 SS Bertha at Knik Harbor
morning tide no one knew it. Ship boat came up on evening
tide brought some mail and passengers. William Martin and
E. H. Bartholf arrived from Seattle. Evening tide Palmer’s
launch went to Ship Creek. Alaska towed Palmer’s scow.
Susitna went down to Ship Creek. Evening posted up annual
license, business annual cash sales $16,641.65. Wild Bill and
R. Becker went out on SS Bertha. Kelly in from mines. Collection
day but no money came in. Woods in with bear story.
July 2, 1912 First heavy rain of season
much needed. Traveler outfit about all day unloading Joe Lobner’s
fat cattle, 7 head, first brought to Knik for beef. Evening
tide bidarky arrived brought 8 tons for K. T. Co. up till midnight
with freight and mail. School election for school board - first
held at Knik self elected secretary so reported.
July 3, 1912 Gardens “jumping” due to
rain. Martin gave $750 check on Seward account C. I. T. Co. freight
bill due in May balance to follow. Martin and Gene, Byron
and Frank Bartholf left for Fishhook Creek. Shough and wife
in. Kelly left for mines. Some G. B. help in - quit their
job. Reported G. B. run through 500 tons in June $21,000 or $42
average ton. Evening tide Chase left for Kern Creek and Traveler
for Kenai sent out-mail to bank.
July 4, 1912 Very quiet in town no drunks
no celebration at Knik. Laubner started out with his fat
cattle for mines via Carle Road. Alaska in port all day on
way to Kern Creek. Busy opening up new goods short several
pieces. Shough and wife in town.
July 5, 1912 Chase in with 5 passengers
for Station. Busy all day in store and re-shod Tony forward.
Calquhoun bought another basket outfit - left on Chase for Lewis
River to prospect. O. C. Miller in from the Big Miller Mine
after stamp mill to test ore. Evening Chase left for Station
first trip this season. Shough and wife left for Cottonwood to
see about putting up hay.
July 6, 1912 Barker in with Dan from Willow
Creek. Al Drees arrived from Seward on way to Caribou Creek.
About 10 PM heavy earthquake vibration lasted for 5 minutes log
buildings cracked under the shake. O. C. Miller made 100 shares
to cover his Big Mine - valuation of mine $15,000,000. Paddy
O’Donald left for Fishhook Creek to prospect and do asst. John
Bartholf in from Mable Mine.
July 7, 1912 Put up order for H. C. Shough
and O. C. Miller. O. C. Miller divided his Millerite
Mine into 100 shares selling same to develop his property.
Evening Jno. Wallace arrived from Fishhook Mines. Miller
rigged up go-devil sled to haul out iron etc. to his mines.
Everybody talking earthquake today.
July 8, 1912 Cleaned up 2 cases bacon.
Kincaid in for grub etc. account Martin. Skeen in from
inspecting Willow Creek mines. O. C. Miller left for mines
with Tony on go-devil and Kid packed. Hughes team took out load
account Kelly and Govt. road camp. At noon another “quake”.
July 9, 1912 Alaska left for Kern Creek.
Palmer went out via to Seattle. Martin team left with
grub and lumber Wallace to mines. Evening Chase got back
from Station. Herd came back from Cache Creek. Brown’s
left for Old Knik to put up hay.
July 10, 1912 Busy with outgoing mail.
Chase left evening tide for Kern Creek. Bissonett came
in - claimed Dan kicked one of Brown’s horses at trail camp, laid
him up. Sent Meyers films and $6.00 check to Rev. Pederson Seward.
July 11, 1912 Clark and Kelly in from
mines and 1 team. Collected over $300. Clark hunting
horse feed to finish hauling mill outfit. Esi left for
Susitna River with Skeen and Isaac. Evening Kincaid brought
back Kid and Tony from O. C. Miller’s mines - out 4 days.
July 12, 1912 Knik gardens booming.
Busy in store put up several small orders. Chase and Alaska
back from Kern Creek. Susitna after Nagley’s freight
Alaska took Nagley’s freight - 25 pieces. PM busy with outgoing
mail. Wrote Sylvester to ship on Alaska Steamship Line cut
out SS Bertha and Sampson. Ford sent in for more grub.
July 13, 1912 Two teams left
for Martin’s camp to finish hauling. Let Clark have 12
sacks Hoosier oats agreed to pay freight or return oats left deposit.
Memo: Martin got 8 sacks K. T. Co. oats 14 sacks Hoosier oats = 22
sacks due K. T. Co. Frank Bayer in with G. B. pack train 2 horses.
Tom Freeze quit G. B. Mines. Collections good.
July 14, 1912 Frank Bayer
left for G. B. Mines. S. J. Clark left for Martin Mines.
Launch Susitna in port waiting for business. Alaska in
from Station Dr. Kivig returned. Restored goods in dock
warehouse in private end of same.
July 15, 1912 Frank Kelly in from Fish Creek
finished with Martin outfit. Evening Susitna left for
Station 1 passenger Tom Freeze. Milo Kelly left for Fishhook.
Got order from Joe Grimes for small outfit. Smiling Sam back
from Kenai going to put up salmon with Mitchell.
July 16, 1912 Rained all last night.
Put up order for Joe Grimes. Pete Murray down to trade.
Indians all moved down to Fish Creek, salmon run on in Knik Arm.
Evening the Traveler arrived from Kenai down there since July 2nd.
Evening raining. Made out order for sleeping bags and hardware.
Mattie not feeling well, too much fish.
July 17, 1912 PM tide Chase arrived with 17
passengers. Henry, Alaska Road Commission boss, came back
to take charge of road work. Land Survey arrived to survey
on south side of Knik Arm. Wood came in from sawmill.
July 18, 1912 Several men in from mines.
Joe Bush came in from Kelly’s camp to run engine on Chase.
Up until 1:30 with grocery order from Sylvester Bros. Co.
Land Survey Warner paid 9 months storage on section posts $9. Town
full of men today, 42 at Cannon’s.
July 19, 1912 Chase left AM for Old Knik
with Warner Land Survey party - 24 men. McKinnon down
to pay his bill. Buffalo in with mail no freight
Jim Buzzard was in route to Hope. Sent out-mail on Chase -
order for groceries. Bums celebrating today loud talk.
Laubner left for Fishhook to look after his beef cattle. Marshal
Sullivan in town on way to Susitna.
July 20, 1912 Posted up new
invoices. Goods due tomorrow on bidarky. Joe Walton
in from Sunrise with dory. Salmon running good in Knik
Arm. Alaska in on evening tide brought 3 men. Marshal
Sullivan left on Alaska for Station. Evening attended meeting
of Commercial Club.
July 21, 1912 Drunks going some at Palmer’s
dump. Made out order for the Keith Book System and Fire
Proof Box cabinet. Bidarky overdue with our freight
Woods started to build his boat. New York mining man and son
in town. Stevens and Farrington went down to Goose Bay looking
for hay said it was no good too wet.
July 22, 1912 Skeen and Isaac arrived midnight
last night from Lewis River with Esi. Esi's gas engine
on the bum. Evening Meyers arrived from Willow Creek with
Dan. Dan cut leg while moving giant. Boats overdue.
St. Clair in with moose meat from Eagle River. F. H. Andrews
in from G. B. Mines.
July 23, 1912 Alaska in from Station.
Expert Young and son, Mr. Skeen, left for Seward. Bert
Stewart in from G. B. Mines. Dad Hunt over from Old Knik after
Government land posts 30 small 7 large. Stevens and Farrington
went up beach looking for hay. Got 10 ton order from Budd
and Bahrenburg with deposit of 32 oz. dust. C. M. Meyers wanted
extension of time to take out cut on Grubstake and run cut across lower
bench by cabins. Mattie not feeling well.
July 24, 1912 Natives got all the salmon
they want and salmon still running. Jim Bordeau came in
from G. B. Mines, finished. Meyers left with Dan for Willow
Creek. F. H . Andrews left for his ranch at Bald Mt. on river.
Bidarky overdue with my freight Stevens talking about freighting
- wanted my team. Gene Bartholf in town on account of rheumatism?
July 25, 1912 Got up 1:30 AM to receive
freight off bidarky. Had freight for A. C. Co., Nagley
and K. T. Co. Traveler left for Beluga. Busy taking
care of freight Cannon’s 2nd lot of furniture arrived.
Heavy rain about all day. Woods in town building his boat.
Got first new spuds from Seattle.
July 26, 1912 South east wind last night
with rain. Chase in early AM from Kern Creek brought
2 barbers. PM Buffalo in with balance of our freight and
freight for station. Traveler back from Beluga. Chase
and Buffalo left for Turnagain Arm. Joe Bush took Nick’s place
on Buffalo. Shortages checked up except 1 case oranges 1 box
tinware and bale salt.
July 27, 1912 AM Cannon hauled furniture
to Hotel Pioneer. Had Kincaid haul lumber up to hay barn.
PM self and Stevens put up powder house 6½ x 12 near hay
barn. No boats today. Traveler in port.
July 28, 1912 AM put paper on powder
house and hung door. PM busy opening up new goods.
Evening Chase took powder up to hay barn. Stevens
hauled same to powder house on double ender sled. Susitna
came in took A. C. and Nagley’s freight left here by bidarky.
Cost for powder house: hauling lumber $3, Stevens 5 hours $2.50,
self 5 hours $2.50, 10 lb. nails 80¢, 1 roll paper $3.50.
Total for building powder house $31.68.
July 29, 1912 Busy in store opened up
dry goods. Cramer put new glass in Chase. Cannon
took balance of his hotel order - sheets blankets etc. T. R.
Wilson in from Willow Creek District - out 20 days. Natives offering
dried salmon on Knik market. Tim Babcock in from mines.
July 30, 1912 Tom Cavney and wife, William
Martin, Milo Kelly in from Fishhook Mines. Got grub order
from Sq. Deal Geo, Susitna. Four launches in port.
Report came that Esi’s boat saw upside down in Turnagain Arm.
Evening launch Chase gave Knik ladies an excursion down Knik Arm.
Got Budd and Bahrenburg’s gold dust ready to send out. Martin
sent in order for grub.
July 31, 1912 W. E. Bartholf and son
arrived from mines - all Bartholf bunch in town. Martin
and Kelly also in town - some deal on somewhere. O. C. Miller
came in from the Millerite Mine. Busiest day of season store
full of people. Sent for part of Budd and Bahrenburg order.
Evening Chase left for Kern Creek. Web and son went out also
Budd and Harris. Sent 36 oz. gold dust out by Harris to ship to
Sylvester Bros. Co. from Seward by Express. Frank Kelly in from
B. D. Mines. SS Bertha at Knik Harbor.
August 1, 1912 Miller helped me to install
big pump in well on Mattie’s lot. Chase arrived from Kern
Creek with engineer inspectors off Cruiser Maryland - from Seward
- going to inspect Matanuska Coal Fields, E. E. Chamberlain guide.
SS Bertha didn’t arrive at Knik harbor until PM tide. Put up
order for P. J. McDonald for mines on Peters Creek. McDonald
and Sharp left evening tide for Peters Creek.
August 2, 1912 Had Stevens help to raise
frame on annex to dock warehouse. Alaska towed up Palmer’s
scow from Ship Creek, only had 18 tons all told. Bartholf
bunch making ready to return to mines. O. C. Miller left for
his big mine. Several drunks today. Fitch arrived from
Kelly’s mine said he got fired.
August 3, 1912 Up all last night making
up orders for new goods. Chase left at noon for Kern Creek.
Bartholf and Martin bunch left for mines. Martin’s team
took out lumber and grub. Collected in over $300 on monthly
accounts. Palmer installing new bar fixtures in his dump.
Traveler hauled out on the beach.
August 4, 1912 William Martin returned
to mines. Delivered 2 sacks oats out of 22 sacks due.
Stevens and self finished covering roof to dock warehouse annex.
PM Stevens and Farrington left for Willow Creek to inspect my
placer mine. Offered them a 75% lay on Grubstake. Put
north end on annex. Evening took usual bath. Warner’s
man counted Government Land Survey posts and weighed same count OK
weight 1,000 lbs. over.
August 5, 1912 McNeil in from B. D. camp- got
fired. Milo Kelly on the sick list. Palmer’s new
bar installed ready for the rush, Wood did the job. Bidarky
reported at Fire Island wind bound. Bissonett went out with
load for Martin’s camp. Dr. Kivig made up booklet for Knik
Commercial Club.
August 6, 1912 Very quiet in town. Alaska
in port on way to Kern Creek. Sent hardware order for Budd
and Bahrenburg, wrote Sylvester to ship on SS Bertha if order
was too late for Alameda. Mrs. Gill and kids went out on
Alaska via Seward also C. P. Morgan and Hitchcock on way out.
August 7, 1912 Kid broke into store garden
last night, put on new wire today. Tallman in town claimed to
have struck 3’ ledge on Archangel Creek pans big - free gold.
Evening made out order for Laurel stoves. Kelly in town waiting
for Chase from Kern Creek. Today like fall all day indication
of snow on mt. peaks.
August 8, 1912 Martin’s teams in after
grub etc. Busy putting up orders for Martin and help at
mines. Evening checked out over $900 account Seattle
merchandise. S. J. Clark in from Martin Mines. Bert Stewart
in from B. D. Mines.
August 9, 1912 Martin’s teams left for
mines. Herd in from Willow Creek District said country
looked good to him. Clark paid Alaska Hoosier freight bill
of 4/12/1912 on account of Martin taking 14 sacks oats. Due
me from Martin - 6 sacks oats. Chase in from Turnagain Arm only
got as far as Sunrise heavy gales.
August 10, 1912 Up all night to get orders
for winter stock ready to send over on Chase. Chase left
7 AM. Bidarky in with Milo Kelly’s hydraulic pipe.
Evening Cruiser Maryland engineer etc. got back from Chickaloon
Coal camp.
August 11, 1912 Finished orders 6 AM,
Chase left with Cruiser Maryland crew for Kern Creek. Packed
some of B. B. M. Co. order. Cleaned up warehouse and filled
up store shelves with goods. Evening made out tent order
to come on Sept. 5th Sampson. Bissonett in from Porcupine
Pete’s cabin, horse quit him last night and came to Knik.
Fitch left on Chase for ?? S. J. Clark in town. Milo Kelly
left for mines.
August 12, 1912 Shough and wife in from
mines on Susitna. O. C. Miller in from Millerite Mine.
Susitna in port. Big tide turned the Traveler on side and
she filled with water up at hay barn. Calquhoun back from
Cache Creek. G. B. pack train in, brought some of Byron's high
grade ore to ship out.
August 13, 1912 First sun for several
days. Simmons G. B. pack train left for mines. Busy
making up dry goods order. Evening Swan arrived with several
lady excursionists from Kenai. Brown and Whitney up from Knik
Harbor to trade. Sent word to Farrington at G. B. Mines that
he could take charge of my Willow Creek hydraulic placer mine on
August 18th. Woods and McNeil up all night to right up the
Traveler. Election day for delegate to D. C.
August 14, 1912 Put up order for A. Wilson
and Shough and orders for help at mines. Susitna left
for Kenai after “ile”. Martin’s teams in. Biggest
tides of summer, came to top of our wharf.
August 15, 1912 Martin teams left for
mines. One team took out load Kelly’s water pipe.
Busy with orders for winter stock Stanley attended Kenneth
Bayer's birthday party. Dr. David wanted me to order his winter
groceries.
August 16, 1912 Mattie helped me finish winter
dry goods order. Evening both Chase and Alaska in from
Kern Creek. Chase left for Kern Creek with Ike Rosenthald
and $4,500 poke for Milo Kelly. Evening thunder and flashes
of lightening first seen in Knik in years. C. B. Meyers arrived
from Willow Creek said he finished clean up on Grubsake was in on a
ledge found on Seymour Creek. McKinnon down after lumber to
finish his squaw house.
August 17, 1912 Land Survey boys over to trade.
McKinnon down after lumber. Several men in from mines.
“No-see-ums” arrived, drove Woods out of his tent house last
night. Everybody canning berries.
August 18, 1912 Rained all last night.
Meyers and Bissonett left for Willow Creek. Stanley and
self rode out to powder house up government road and back by
my wood road to Knik. Received 2 checks for collection no
money in town. Milo Kelly in town. Percy Pitchford came
in - through at mines. Capt. McKay in from G. B. to take a
look at the Traveler.
August 19, 1912 Light snow on high mountain
peaks. AM put up 86’ wire fence on front of K. and H. lot
- time 3 hours. PM worked 4 hours on salmon to keep from
molding. Evening Alaska in from Station. Weirman and
Bahrenburg came over - Bahrenburg deposited 95 oz. gold dust to
order supplies. Alaska left for Hope and Kern Creek. David
and Kelly left for Fishhook.
August 20, 1912 Finished roof and north
side of annex to dock warehouse also put on west side - 6 hours.
Evening cleaned up wharf. Alaska back from Turnagain
Arm. F. H. Andrews down from fish camp paid his bill.
August 21, 1912 Alaska back, brought
a preacher Rev. T. P. Howard and son to locate here. Bahrenburg
back from Hope couldn’t get the keystone drill account being up
creek 8 miles. Evening Frank Bartholf arrived from G. B. Mines
with 40 lb. retort, cached same in our safe. Made out order
for ammunition. Mail boat overdue. Alaska waiting for
Sampson. Preacher moved into McDonald’s house. Team in
for Kelly’s pipe.
August 22, 1912 Ben Agnew left for Peters
Creek to prospect. Dr. David back from B. D. Mines gave
us a small order for B. D. Mines. Got letter from Farrington
said he started work on Grubstake 17th. Bissonett back from
G. B. Mines. Bidarky in with mail, no freight. Help
coming in most every day from quartz mines.
August 23, 1912 Made up poke to send
to Seattle National Bank $1,717. Alaska towed
Palmer’s scow down to Knik Harbor for Sampson freight. Was
up all night with Seattle orders for winter stock.
August 24, 1912 Self and Stanley left
5:30 on Chase for Knik Harbor to meet Sampson. Frank Bartholf
took down about 89 lbs. retort account G. B. O. B. Hurd
went down to take Sampson for Seattle. Chase took Whitney’s
scow out of Ship Creek. Explorer, Susitna, Alaska and Chase
in Knik Harbor waiting for Sampson.
August 25, 1912 At high tide at Knik
Harbor - no Sampson. Got Explorer to bring Stanley and
self to Knik, Stanley at the wheel. Preaching at Pioneer
Hotel by Rev. Howard, Mattie and Stanley attended. Explorer
went back to Knik Harbor sent grub down to launch Chase.
Brown’s back from Peters Creek.
August 26, 1912 Russian Priest arrived
to hold church. Sampson 2 days overdue at Knik Harbor.
Fourth day, launches at Knik Harbor waiting for Sampson freight
Duck hunting good.
August 27, 1912 Early morning tide Sampson
arrived at Knik Harbor. Watson had our freight put off
at Seldovia. Launches arrived 5 PM at Knik with Palmer’s
and A. C. Co. winter stock. Evening store full of people up to
10 PM, Land Survey boys over to trade. Put up order
for self to send out to Grubstake for Farrington working out bar at
head of Gilbert basin. Bahrenburg left for states on Alaska.
Chilgan stole box xxx caps.
August 28, 1912 Chase left for Kern Creek
- busy in store. Evening tide Buffalo arrived with mail
and part lot of our freight. Reported bidarky out of commission.
Out of sugar with 2 tons laying at Seldovia. Meyer and
Barker left for Willow Creek. Sent Tony out with pack grub
for Farrington working on Grubstake. Meyers cleanup on Willow
Creek - through season - 34 oz. 9 dwt 3 gr.
August 29, 1912 Business fair sold King
$50 order. Put up part of B. B. M. Co. order. Palmer
unloading his scow. Crazy Bob going some at saloon.
Buffalo left morning tide for Turnagain Arm with mail.
August 30, 1912 Busy with B. B. M. Co.
order. Evening Alaska and Susitna left for Station with
freight Evening Horace Emery and Milo Kelly arrived from
Fishhook Mines. Doc Madden and Brown back from Peters Creek.
Frank Kelly in from B. D. Mines.
August 31, 1912 Chase back from Kern
Creek. Mr. Patten came over to rubber. Martin team
in. Victor Forsmand and several others came
in from mines. Palmer finished unloading his scow - was 5
days discharging scows and load at Ship Creek -4 days - making 9 days
crew on payroll. Evening Chase left for Kern Creek had a dozen
passengers Doc Madden got left. Kelly and Martin sent out
$6,000 in retort self sent $1,000 for deposit all to Bank of Seward.
September 1, 1912 McMillan and Murry
in town. Martin team left with grub for mines. First Sunday
school was organized at Knik. Evening church at the Pioneer.
Laubner killed a beef. Took usual bath.
September 2, 1912 Early AM Alaska in
for A. C. Co. freight Busy in store made out order for
stationary etc. Milo Kelly left for mines. Bissonett
left for Martin’s camp with Brown’s team. Hughes team left
for Kelly’s mine - went out 4 miles came back to town for more booze.
Evening Chase in from Kern Creek brought man and wife, left with Doc
Madden on same tide for Kern Creek. Hall and McHenry arrived from
Caribou Creek brought 39 oz. 6 dwt dust.
September 3, 1912 Laubner having a chase to
round up his fat cattle, shot 2 out in woods. Willard
Hall on a drunk. Frasier in from Willow Creek said Farrington
would have cut piped in on Grubstake in 4 days. Bert Stewart,
Otto Larson, Hildreth and Paddy O’Donald came in from Willow Creek.
Evening Chase back from Willow Creek brought mail.
September 4, 1912 Alaska and Susitna
in from Station. Susitna took part of B. B. M. Co. freight.
Busy on winter orders all day and half of night. Marshal
Dyer arrived from Station to locate at Knik. Willard Hall
woke up and found himself in Bill Hughes house - too much booze.
Doc David took a shot at an owl and hit Larson’s house. De “Cutter
Shoe Man” got his boat about made. Mattie cut her thumb opening
can dog.
September 5, 1912 H. Goodell in from Archangel
Creek said Shough struck $15,000 ore and Farrington located
a ledge on Grubstake Gulch stringer quartz. Farrington and
Stevens arrived 11 PM from Willow Creek. Sporting woman in
looking for a gun on account of Bob Dunlap.
September 6, 1912 Chase left 1:30 AM
for Kern Creek sent over 39 oz. 6 dwt dust to go out by Wells
Fargo from Seward to Seattle National Bank. Got all orders
off except hardware for winter stock. Farrington brought in
21 oz. 15 dwt. 9 gr. of amalgam off bal. of cut at head of Gilbert
basin. Put up small order for Grubstake placer. Made agreement
with F. F. Farrington to work Grubstake 40% to F. F. F. 40% to OGH expenses
to be paid out of same and 20% of cleanup net to O. G. H .
September 7, 1912 Chase back from Kern
Creek brought mail. John Joice in from road camp said they
had finished at Fishhook and would cut out stumps from river
to Knik. Had meeting of Knik School Board about teacher
and material for school. Chase left for Old Knik after Brown’s
horses. Knik River Lake broke out and river bottom covered
with water and ice. S. J. Clark in town.
September 8, 1912 Business good, boys
coming in from mines clothing sales good. Shellar in from
Martin’s camp. Gas boat in with oil from Katella Oil
Fields Alaska. Evening got out balance of order for hardware.
Church at the Pioneer. Bert Stewart in from B. D. Mines said he
was running 100’ tunnel on Lidell’s big ledge.
September 9, 1912 Got up 5 AM Susitna
and Chase in. Chase brought Brown’s horses and hay over
from Old Knik and left for Kern Creek. Susitna left for Tyonek
after freight Had Stevens put south end onto annex to dock
warehouse. Business good “ilea” boat left for Katella Oil
Fields. Palmer got the cargo of oil.
September 10, 1912 Had Stevens put balance
of wire on store garden fence and jacked up floor of dock warehouse.
Evening ebb bidarky arrived with a full load of our delayed freight,
it was held 16 days at Seldovia. Bidarky bucked tide from
Goose Bay got here too late to unload on ebb tide.
September 11, 1912 Got up 4 AM to discharge
bidarky got past lot of August 15th merchandise. PM had
Stevens help to check up freight and pack some of B. B. M. Co.
order. Evening Chase arrived from Kern Creek brought stock
holders of A. N. Railway Co. Evening Chase left for Kern
Creek sent out lumber order for Knik schoolhouse.
September 12, 1912 Busy with B.
B. M. Co. order repacked bacon and beans. Foreman Wilson
and W. D. Elliott in from G. B. Mines. Business fair cash
sales $85. Mattie troubled with bladder past two days saw
doctor about same this evening. T. R. Wilson and Tom Babcock
in from Willow Creek.
September 13, 1912 Put up order for W.
D. Elliott. Explorer - Murphy Bros. in early AM tide.
Evening Alaska in from Kern Creek went back with several passengers.
Tom Babcock returned to Seattle. PM had Stevens help me
on B. B. M. Co. freight First rough surf this season this
AM tide. Mattie in bed all day with kidney trouble.
Mrs. Farrington got our meals.
September 14, 1912 Susitna in, took out
full load for B. B. M. Co. hardware yet to go also extra feed.
G. B. time keeper came in with retort about 80 lb. bullion.
Byron and Harvey Bartholf in from mines also Cal Johnston.
September 15, 1912 Evening
bidarky arrived with balance of August 8th freight Alaska
left for Station. Bidarky landed Nagley’s freight for
transfer to Susitna. Self and two Natives handled 40 tons
of freight in 3 hours. Church at Pioneer Hotel. Mattie
feeling better. T. R. Wilson left for Willow Creek. Paddy
O’Donald and Ward left to do assessment on assay location for F. B.
Cannon.
September 16, 1912 Bidarky run up on beach
at Soldiers Creek last night and stuck on mud flat - got off
course in the dark. Frank Kelly and Goodell in from mines
after supplies. Barker outfit in from Willow Creek. Hughes
team loaded Miller’s mill for haulage to Miller’s mine was held up
1 month at Seldovia. Chas Tuell gone on a drunk after 2 years as “teetotaler”.
September 17, 1912 Bidarky failed to
get off mud bank at Soldiers Creek. AM tide Alaska in
port. Cal Johnston almagiter Morrison and G. B. timekeeper
left for Seattle via Alaska to Kern Creek took out $17,000 retort
for G. B. M. Co. Evening tide Government Commission to look
up Matanuska coal arrived on Chase. Chase left 11 PM
for Ship Creek to pick up Warner land survey party. Tide failed
to lift bidarky at Soldiers Creek. Chase brought in big mail.
September 18, 1912 Alaska towed Palmer’s
and Libby’s scows down to Ship Creek to meet Sampson.
Chase brought land survey party up from Ship Creek - through for
the season. Cramer chartered the Traveler and took land
survey party down to Ship Creek to meet Sampson. Sporty King left
town on Traveler. Martin and Kelly in from mines. Meyers
in from Willow Creek.
September 19, 1912 Put up $180 order
for Glacier Creek. Noon Susitna got back from Lake Creek
took on load Nagley’s freight for Station. PM had Stevens
help to assort and stowaway freight Shough and wife in
from mines made a big find of tulurean ore.
September 20, 1912 Traveler arrived with passengers
off Sampson under Cramer’s charter at $20 a day for use of Traveler.
Alaska towed up Palmer’s and Libby’s scows. Freight mostly
forage and A. C. freight. Had Stevens clean up bacon.
Evening Tony and Farrington’s horse arrived from Grubstake by help.
Farrington wrote he closed down 18th would do assessment on Boulder
group.
September 21, 1912 Got up 3:30 AM to
give Martin his cleanup out of our safe. Martin and several
others left on Traveler with Capt. Cramer for Seward via Kern
Creek. S. J. Clark and Meyers in town. Teams through hauling
to the mines. Martin and Kelly’s mills still running.
Shough and wife left on Traveler for outside. Alfred Brooks
and party took McCullough to Ship Creek evening tide.
September 22, 1912 Traveler back from
Kern Creek 1st trip by Capt. Cramer, left evening tide
with freight for Turnagain Arm. K. T. Co. sent 1¼ ton
order to coppers. Palmer finished unloading scows consumed
5 days to handle freight from Ship Creek. Evening self and family
attended church at Pioneer. Sent cable for 6 dozen blue overalls
and 4 tons Timothy hay. Meyers in town waiting for mail.
Chase and Buffalo overdue from Seldovia with Dora mail and Sampson freight
September 23, 1912 Mail boat overdue
3 days. Put shear piles in front of wharf. Stevens started
to fix up root house. Alaska back from Station and Valdez
left port. Dr. Kivig’s nephew got back from Cache Creek
District.
September 24, 1912 Had Stevens work on
root house repairs. PM tide Chase and Buffalo arrived
from Seldovia brought some K. T. Co. and Nagley’s freight and Dora
mail. Susitna in port, took B. B. M. Co. first lot of hay and
freight for Churchill. B. B. M. Co. hydraulic pipe and iron
arrived on Chase.
September 25, 1912 Moved Road Commission camp
from Osnes’s cabin to mile 4 - clearing stumps out of government
road. Evening Cramer left on Traveler with Roll’s freight.
Late evening Chase broke aft line and swung around into channel tide
- out too far to get her back, a little water run in aft when she settled
down.
September 26, 1912 Up till 4:20 looking
after Chase. Had to dig out under bow so she would raise.
Caulked up aft hatch over rudder and baled her out. On flood
tide she raised aft OK and didn’t take a drop of water, put in 5½
hours hard work. Most all Kelly’s men came in. Frank Bayer
came in from G. B. Mines. Ed Miller left for O. C. Miller’s
big mine. Stevens and party went duck hunting at Goose Bay.
Several drunks at saloon last 2 days.
September 27, 1912 Rained hard all PM.
Morning tide Alaska and Susitna in port. Susitna brought
over Doc Herndon, Billy Morris and Jacobs in route to Seattle.
Vanse and wife came over from Station. Kelly Grimes and men
in from Fishhook - closed up camp. R. S. Giddings in from
Station run line about winter road Station to Knik. Drunks
plentiful today.
September 28, 1912 Loaded up Susitna with Nagley’s
freight, Alaska in port on way to Station. Chris
Anderson arrived from Kelly’s Mine. Giddings visited said
they would have Ala. road cut through from Squentna to Station
by October 2nd and would complete road to Knik this fall.
September 29, 1912 Giddings and siwash
guides left for Station to run line for Government winter road.
Busy packing balance of B. B. M. Co. order. Bidarky and Traveler
overdue. Frank Bayer fixing up boat for duck hunt, ducks very
plentiful. Scotty Watson in from Kelly’s mine. Oscar Miller
trying to put up hay on Fish Creek.
September 30, 1912 Knik port full of
boats, bidarky, Traveler, Chase and Alaska in port -
got balance of freight that came on Sampson 20th instead.
Alaska Road Com. finished today with removing stumps from river
to Knik. Evening Milo Kelly and secretary and 15 others left
on Traveler for Seward. Busy all PM checking freight
First hard frost. Farrington in from Willow.
October 1, 1912 Had Stevens
stow away freight. Frank Bartholf bunch in from mines also
some of Martin’s men. Traveler back from Kern Creek reported
RR washed out on Placer River bottom. Secretary Mulroy
for Alaska Road Com. over from Seward.
October 2, 1912 Stanley and self left
on Traveler for Seward. At Fire Island had a rabbit dinner.
Evening tide rough went into lee by Burnt Island very dark.
October 3, 1912 In route. Arrived
at Kern Creek 11 AM. Left for Seward on buzz wagon PM.
Arrived at Seward 5:30 PM. Stanley joined the Seward kids
in a shev-er-ee. Evening bought a few pick-ups from Hawkins.
October 4, 1912 At Seward, busy shopping
etc. and at bank. Took Stanley up to see our house was
vacant. Evening visited on Mr. Pederson about post cards.
October 5, 1912 Heavy rain with S. E.
wind at Seward. Arrived Kern Creek 1 PM no boat for Knik.
Patten gave me his plan to take over the lighterage business at
Ship Creek.
October 6, 1912 Traveler arrived at Kern
Creek PM with passengers for Seward. Went to Hope with
freight, had to lay over the tide. Agreed to take no. 5
bobsleighs and 3¼ wagon off Patten on consignment at $35
each.
October 7, 1912 Hope to Knik - left Hope
4 AM arrived Knik 2 PM. B. B. M. Co. freight went out
on Alaska. Bidarky and Buffalo been in port. Warehouse
full of Nagley’s freight. Evening paid Martin’s August
and September bills. Sent deposits by return of Traveler.
October 8, 1912 Had Stevens and Farrington
dig dirt out aft of stores cold storage under living room to
make more room for perishable goods. PM bidarky arrived
with coal for K. T. Co. Put Chase on beach by small wharf.
One drunk arrested for urinating in street - Jack Wilson.
October 9, 1912 Bub of B. B. M. Co. came
over on Alaska. Up all night making up B. B. M. Co. bill.
Stevens and Farrington worked on store cellar excavating.
Had Frank Bayer put Government posts under cache and store in M.
A. H. tent house.
October 10, 1912 Big tides more rain.
Had J. and F. move part of coal off dock for high tides.
October 11, 1912 Up all night with billing
the B. B. M. Co. order. Had Stevens start engine on Chase.
Bidarky left for Ship Creek to meet Sampson.
October 12, 1912 Alaska towed scows to Ship
Creek to meet Sampson. Collected 1,496 in gold dust
today. Up till 3 o’clock getting gold dust etc. ready to
send out on Sampson. Had Farrington remove balance of coal
off dock.
October 13, 1912 Got Whitney scow and
Chase ready to sail for Ship Harbor to meet Sampson. Stevens
couldn’t start engine, had to lay over tide. Only slept 3 hours
last night. Had Farrington clean up dock warehouse. Traveler
back from Kern Creek. Evening tide Sampson arrived at Ship
Creek with 400 tons.
October 14 1912 Morning tide Alaska and
bidarky in port with freight from Sampson from Ship Creek, our
freight 95 tons. Evening tide bidarky in port with freight
off Sampson 2nd trip. Put up two orders $187.90 and $52.20.
Things doing on Knik water front today. Up till midnight
storing freight, Nagley’s freight landed over our dock
Put Chase back into her crib on beach. Traveler took out
25 passengers over to Sampson. Stanton Shafer back from Hot
Springs, Zimmerman back from Aniak.
October 15, 1912 Busy all day segregating
freight. Alaska and Traveler came up from Ship Creek with
balance of Sampson freight. Gave Alaska load of Nagley’s
freight, bidarky brought up balance of our freight.
Sold Wilson from Ship Creek small order. Zimmerman left for
Willow Creek to see Meyers.
October 16, 1912 Had oats 30 sacks and
13 sacks ro-barley hauled up to barn. Opened up dry goods
boxes stored part away. Mattie repacked eggs. Traveler
left with big load for Turnagain Arm. Stevens and Farrington
hauled 30 bales hay to their barn. Meyers came in from Willow
Creek. Bill Elliott and Hunt over from Old Knik after shingles
and flooring. Delivered Shough’s ton of oats to William Hughes.
October 17, 1912 First snow flurries
today colder. No hard frost up to date. Bill Elliott
over from Old Knik to trade. Had balance of forage
put in barn. Meyers left for Willow Creek. Anderson
packed Mabel store to river on Dan.
October 18, 1912 Busy these days checking
down winter stock and filling orders. Had Frank Bayer mow
part of oat crop on barn lot. Had Stevens and Farrington
checking freight out of dock warehouse. Andrews back from
river with Dan. Susitna in for load Nagley’s freight
October 19, 1912 Snowed about 2” last
night. Palmer finished unloading his scow, 8th day from time
scow left to receive freight from Sampson. We handled 95
tons K. T. Co. freight and 28 tons Nagley’s freight in 8½
hours cost $17.25. Evening packed fruit and vegetables aft of
store. McKinnon back from trip to Chickaloon.
October 20, 1912 Finished checking down
freight all OK except 2 box ammunition, 1 box paint, 2 rolls
paper. PM had Stevens put shelves in attic over store for
blankets and underwear. Alaska delivered Murray and Frisby
grub for roadhouse at mouth of Peters Creek. Andrews left
for river with Dan.
October 21, 1912 Hard frost last night.
Put up big order for Elliott and Erickson roadhouse. Made up
shortage in goods not received during season - $265.77. Evening
started engine on Chase and drained jacket of water due to freezing
weather. Alaska took load Nagley’s freight via by Tyonek.
Sleds and a few sack goods left. Sent Nagley his expense
bills by Capt. Ward.
October 22, 1912 Traveler arrived early
AM tide, Bob Hatcher and wife arrived. Busy with orders.
Mattie working new goods. Fred Nelson and Pat Collins
arrived from Lake Creek. Patten sent pair bobsleighs and
wagon over to sell. Traveler left for Hope with load freight
Cramer brought over 2 Railway wagons and no. 5 bobsleighs to sell
for J. O. Patten.
October 23, 1912 Alaska came back with
Nagley’s freight early AM tide. PM tide discharged Alaska
- checked down Nagley’s freight and put same in warehouse 3¾
hours for 3 men. McKinnon back from packing to Woods sawmill.
McKinnon down to trade, paid his September bill to date. Evening
signed a appropriation for new church gave $50 from K. T. Co.
October 24, 1912 Put up order for John
Lanquist. Hughes pack train left with grub for Bob Hatcher’s
to do assessment work on Matanuska Gold M. Co. quartz.
McKinnon boozing, let him Tony to ride home. Traveler back
from Hope, Simmons brought lumber. Pioneer Roadhouse caught
fire not much damage. Put Nagley’s canned fruit etc. in tin
shop so it wont freeze. Bayer cut balance of oats - 4 hours.
October 25, 1912 Bidarky arrived with
mail and doors windows etc., brought a few shortages also.
Bayer cocked up oat hay - green but OK. Tony came back from
McKinnon’s, no saddle etc. Knik Lake frozen over, kids skating
on same. R. S. Giddings in from cruising road. Road
cut from Station to river and 3 miles this side.
October 26, 1912 Busy in store all day
put up small order for Wilson and Bartholf. Gill and
Merideth came overland with mail on dog team. Quiet in
town some building going on. Alaska back from Turnagain Arm.
Doc David back from Seward brought a few letters. Mattie got
cold.
October 27, 1912 Bert came overland from
Station. Alaska left for Tyonek to get Susitna mail.
Traveler left for Hope with 3 bums the Kid Huby and Huby wife beater?
Had dinner with Farrington family - Farrington’s birthday.
October 28, 1912 Traveler back from Hope.
Giddings in from road making said they had 7 miles to cut to
reach Knik. Harvey Bartholf came up on Traveler to trade
and store grub in warehouse until sledding gets good. Wilson
back from Knik River. No ice on Knik Arm.
October 29, 1912 Alaska left for Tyonek.
Traveler took Otto down to mouth of Little Susitna and proceeded
to Kern Creek. Giddings put 5 Knik men on Iditarod Trail
out of Knik to meet his men swamping toward Knik from Station.
Thomas in from Lanquist ranch above Cottonwood. Woods in
from sawmill on river after grub.
October 30, 1912 Chinook weather several
days. Alaska back from Tyonek for last mail delivery
from Station this fall which was brought overland to Knik from
Station. Business fair, sold last of cook stoves. Exhaust
pipe froze up on Chase. Mattie’s birthday gave her $10. Frank
Kelly in from Upper Willow Creek.
October 31, 1912 Meyers and Zimmerman
in from Willow Creek. Giddings in off trail, ½ mile
to cut which completes road from Knik to Quimm Pass. Got
exhaust pipe on Chase thawed out. Evening got order from Elliott
and Erickson Klutina Roadhouse. Evening Halloween party
at Frank Bayer's.
November 1, 1912 Giddings party finished
trail to Knik via Station. Got up 6 AM to fill Elliott’s
order. Their Indian didn’t go - “I think too much wind”.
Traveler back from Kern Creek phone wire down no word about SS
Bertha. Paid Palmer lighterage on 7,000’ school lumber - 14
tons $ $5. Meyers and Zimmerman instructed me to sell Dan horse
for $75 or more. Evening white dance in school house Mattie
and Stanley went.
November 2, 1912 AM tide SS Bertha arrived
at Goose Bay with 95 tons Government freight for Matanuska coal
mines. Traveler took passengers down to SS Bertha, Capt.
refused to take them. Traveler bucked tide back to Knik.
Sent our 30 oz. 14 dwt gold dust by Dr. David to Bank of Seward.
PM tide Alaska on Libby’s scow brought up half of freight.
Evening tide Traveler took Dr. David and wife, T. R. Wilson and others
to Kern Creek. Stevens and Farrington went down on Traveler
to Fire Island to hunt rabbits. Giddings and party waiting for Alaska
to go to Seldovia. Giddings Alaska Road Commission sold 3 horses
for $550 sold Dan to Martin for $100. Stipp and Agnew back
from goat hunt got 4.
November 3, 1912 Alaska towed up 2nd
load of Government freight - took back Libby’s scow. SS
Bertha towed Libby’s scow and Alaska to Port Graham. SS Bertha
run up Knik Channel to meet Alaska with scow.
Evening church in new school house. Mr. Bub of B. B. M. Co.
left for Station with 2 horses over new Iditarod winter trail.
Tom Merideth over from Station came through on new trail in 1 day.
Harlow over from Old Knik to trade.
November 4, 1912 Busy in store up to
4 PM no dinner. Evening put Chase back by dock
Traveler came back 3 AM from Fire Island with Dr. David and wife
too much wind out of Turnagain Arm. Mrs. David got sick came
back to mush over trail. Traveler went out on ebb tide with
balance of passengers for Seward via Sunrise. Frank Bayer in
from Martin’s wood camp account election. Paid Bayer for odd
jobs done in October. No ice on Knik Arm.
November 5, 1912 Early AM tide Traveler
got back from Kern Creek reported heavy rain over Seward way.
George Eberhardt in from Cache Creek District. Tom Merideth
in town. Dr. David chartered Chase to take them to Peters
Creek tomorrow. Gave Peter Herbert 22 oz. dust to send by Express
from Seward to Seattle National Bank. Rabbit hunters got back
from Fire Island got 14 dozen rabbits. Election day for Alaska
new Senate and House (59 votes cast).
November 6, 1912 Chase - Capt. Agnew
left 3:30 AM for Peters Creek with Dr. David and wife, Shorty
Herbert with Dyers dogs bound for Seward. Chase got back
on evening tide came over bar above Knik OK. Gallagher over
from Upper Yentna District. Cramer put Traveler on beach for
new shaft and wheel. First musher over trail from Turnagain
Arm. Dr. David first to go out over trail. Skating on
Knik Lake fine everybody got a skate on.
November 7, 1912 Cramer finished installing
new shaft and wheel on Traveler. Goranflo
and Bayer left with Martin’s team for mines with wagon.
Small earthquake at 10 PM last evening. Put some of oat
hay in barn. Palmer in bed drunk.
November 8, 1912 Meyers and Zimmerman
in from Willow Creek. Settled up with Meyers and Zimmerman.
Cramer ready to leave with Chase and Traveler for Seldovia
tomorrow. Up till midnight with mail.
November 9, 1912 A little slush ice run
on ebb tide this AM. Capt. Cramer with Chase and Traveler
left for Seldovia. C. B. Meyers went out. Chase
made 34 voyages, Traveler made 12 voyages under command of Capt.
Cramer from March 16 to date. PM Stevens and Farrington packed
school lumber over from Palmer’s 4 hours. Ten men arrived
from Iditarod 1st bunch out. Nate White brought 1 man over
from Sunrise in route to Iditarod.
November 10, 1912 Got up 6 AM to let
Nate White buy grub. White left for sunrise with five
Iditarod men. Evening attended church.
Church organized a church society self declared trustee.
Stevens and Farrington finished packing school lumber from Palmer’s
to our dock Zimmerman returned to Seymour Creek Willow Creek
District.
November 11, 1912 Weather warming up.
Ben Agnew took 5 Iditarod men to Peters Creek, reported considerable
mush ice on that side, got back on same tide. Busy checking
down hardware and placing same on shelves. Chas Goranflo
in from Fishhook with wagon said old Dan worked OK. Preachers
son in from hunt on Fishhook.
November 12, 1912 Four more mushers in
from Iditarod Dist. Woods and help in from river - finished
sawing lumber. Sold Mr. Ford small logging outfit grub etc.
Cleaned store windows. A little slush ice,
not enough to stop boating. Martin’s team left for mines
with wagon. Hughes wagon in from Kelly’s camp rough road broke
wagon badly. Nate White back alone from Sunrise.
November 13, 1912 Nate White left with
4 more Iditarod men for Sunrise on AM tide.
Harlow over from Old Knik. Checked on hardware short all
of small ammunition. Ice beginning to anchor on bar in front
of Knik. Navigation still open no ice to bother below Knik but
blocked at Old Knik.
November 14, 1912 Second snow fall 2”,
Knik white again. Channel full of slush ice today.
G. B. team back from Willow Creek. Put up 2 orders - Smiling
Sam and Harlow. Tony sick for first time, off his head.
Building going on at Knik and Socialist Row. Bob Hatcher and
men back from doing assessment work on Matanuska Gold Co. quartz at
head of Little Susitna.
November 15, 1912 Harlow
and Smiling Sam left for crossing on Little Susitna with
grub on Yukon hand sleds pulled by Harlow’s horse with Harlow
mounted. Harlow went out to start roadhouse and Sam to trap.
Tom Jeter left in boat for his homestead at Ship Creek took one Iditarod
musher. Woods left for his sawmill camp. Five more Iditarod
mushers arrived had 11 dogs 1st dog team out. Farrington and
Simmons left for Willow Creek to get B. D. Co. double enders and shoot
ptarmigan. Took in $867.50 today.
November 16, 1912 About 2” of snow at
Knik. Martin’s team in from Susitna Canyon camp with wagon.
Ford and Merideth in from logging camp for more grub. Ben
Agnew, McNeil and Ulanky took Iditarod mushers and dogs across Arm
by boat.
November 17, 1912 Ben Agnew and McNeil
got back, landed Iditarod men at Eagle River. Neap tides
left ice on bar in front of Knik, navigation for small boats
still open. Crocker Bros. down to trade. Andrews in
from his Bald Mt. ranch to trade. Sam Blowers over from Station
said he was going to locate at Knik, came in on old trail, Big Lake
not open on river end. Stanley not well too much “gormandizing”.
Andrews in from Bald Mt. ranch to trade.
November 18, 1912 Ben Agnew and McNeil
took 4 Iditarod men across Arm to Eagle River. Navigation
still open no ice below Goose Bay. Evening made up B.
B. M. Co. bill and sent copies of letters about shortages by W.
S. Furgeson to Lake Creek going tomorrow. Mr. Ford cut wrist
on saw - house logging all off for a few days. George
Nylen down from his ranch to trade. Hall sent for goods.
November 19, 1912 Went out to ranch after
double ender sled, sled was gone, Farrington left old sled and
took mine. Went to head of Fish Creek bought ton dried salmon
$120 from “Dirty” and pard. Got home 6:30 PM several mush holes
on road not frozen. Someone had pried open lock on cache
at ranch 1 sack oats gone.
November 20, 1912 4:30 AM Traveler
arrived from Seldovia, brought 3½ tons for K. T. Co.
On down- trip Traveler lost Chase in tow. Chase went on
beach at Johnson Creek above East Foreland. Capt. Cramer
brought crew to run Chase to Seldovia if they could launch her.
Citizens of Knik handed Capt. Cramer letter of appreciation for summer
mail service with $103 attached. Traveler left to pick up Chase
on PM tide. Capt. Cramer brought news of Presidential election
- Wilson carried by largest majority known. G. B. team in
with load of Woods 2x4’s from sawmill.
November 21, 1912 Chinook wind cloudy
weather. Let Walter Howard use Tony to haul in firewood.
Chas Goranflo in from Martin’s camp. Building opportunities
lively, four houses going up. Jap Wada in from Seward 1st
over trail via going to Iditarod District. Gill
and Merideth over from Station after some of Nagley’s merchandise.
Nate White in town waiting for mushers.
November 22, 1912 Chinook wind.
Sam Blowers left with dog team for Seward. Sent letter
to Bank of Seward with $100 bill and $930 checks. Three
Jap mushers in from Seward, they found my letter to bank on tide
flats and returned it OK. Walter Howard had Tony haul in wood.
Gill took 566 lbs. of Nagley’s freight over new trail to Station.
G. B. team brought in 2nd load of 2x4’s from Woods sawmill.
Bought ton of salmon for $120 at head of Fish Creek. Martin’s
4 horse team took load out on bobsleighs - 1st trip to use bobsleighs.
Snow all gone at ranch.
November 23, 1912 George Rabehl and Carl
Reiman over from Station to trade. Another Iditarod musher
arrived. Simmons and Farrington the sled hookers back
from Willow Creek brought 225 ptarmigan. Woods in from
sawmill. Farmer Pete Murray down to trade. Another house
going up on Frazier and Pitsford lot. Had Walter Howard cut
logs for foundation on K. and H. lot.
November 24, 1912 Pete Iverson over from
Station. Nate White in town waiting for Iditarod mushers.
Had ptarmigan dinner, ptarmigan from Willow Creek. G. B.
team in with Woods lumber from river. Ice anchoring in bar
in front of Knik but navigation still open.
November 25, 1912 Busy in store all day
cash sales $98. Had Walter Howard haul in logs with Tony on K.
and H. lot for foundation. Monroe Kast in from Peters Creek
District and 2 men from Iditarod. McDonald and Sharp in from
their Peters Creek mines.
November 26, 1912 Got first real snow
storm S. E. wet snow. Sold Kast, Larson and Nelson $200
outfit for their Poor Creek Mine. Martin’s team in for grub
and forage. Had Walter Howard finish hauling
in logs for K. and H. lot - 4 hours. Percy and Fraiser wanted
10’ off K. and H. lot for road agreed to rebuild fence ready for wire.
November 27, 1912 Monroe Kast and party
of 5 left by boat with Nate White for Sunrise, sent deposit to
Bank of Seward by Kast. Cut neck off the Mitch-Williams
rooster for our dinner tomorrow, $5 chick. Ford and Merideth
in for turkey day feed also Frank Bayer. Harlow in from Susitna
crossing said he had his roadhouse ready for operation. Larson,
Kast’s pard. returned to Station. Not enough snow yet for good
sledding.
November 28, 1912 Turkey Day, colder
morning 10 above evening 2 above. Had “Bill” $5 chick
for dinner, Yolly!! Drove Tony in red sled out on new
Susitna trail to Fish Creek road very rough, Mattie and Stanley
got dumped off sled. Evening dance on at school house Mattie
and Stanley went
November 29, 1912 Zero this morning first
real winter weather. Not enough snow for sledding.
Settled up with Farrington for work on Grubstake and L. S. balance
due K. T. Co. $55.40. Wilson and Bartholf arrived with dog
team from Ship Creek. Rev. Howard left for Susitna afoot and
alone to get mushers experience. Had another feed on “Bill”
rooster. Evening 10 above cloudy and warming up. Iditarod
man in was last 2 days coming over old trail from Station, Pedro,
Indian man, picked him up.
November 30, 1912 Partly cloudy 16 above
AM warming up a little. Self and Stanley drove Tony on
red sled out to head of Fish Creek after fish left at 10 back at
5. Went over new trail from sign boards direct across Fish Creek
through timber to head of Fish Creek. Mattie store
keeper today. Simmons in evening, gave big earache about Brown’s
runaway team when working for Cache Creek Co. Boys moved Palmer’s
fence to make road through K. and H. and Palmer’s lots to Knob Hill.
December 1, 1912 Removed flour cache
off counter, aft in store, to make more counter room.
Boys cut poles and posts to rebuild fence along new road on K.
and H. lot. More mushers in from Iditarod District.
Preacher gone to Station Dr. Kivig officiated with his phonograph.
Very little ice navigation still open.
December 2, 1912 Percy and Frasier with
Tony hauled poles for road fence along K. and H. lot. Sam
Godfrey in from Harlow’s place on Little Susitna. Rev.
Howard back from trip to Station, couldn’t make it, came back
from Little Susitna Roadhouse, now wised up. Jim Patchell in
from Little Susitna Canyon with moose meat and to buy grub.
Barbers started foundation for barbershop on Palmer’s garden lot.
December 3, 1912 Busy in store cash sales
$168.85. Frank Kelly and P. J. Hanley in from B. D. camp.
Ben Agnew back from boat trip loaded passengers near Eagle River.
First heavy floating ice on Arm today filled channel from spring
above Knik solid Boys put up road fence along K. and H. lot.
Road 20’ wide now open between K. and H. and Palmer’s lot. Pete
Jensen and Victor Forceman got back from Iditarod said camp was dead.
December 4, 1912 Snowed 4” AM Business
fair put up two hunting outfits. Three mushers arrived
from Seward said Shorty Herbert was running a roadhouse at mile
52. Wilson and Bartholf preparing for trip to Forks of Susitna.
Put up hunting outfit for Walter Howard and P. J. McDonald.
Woods in from his sawmill camp. Bill Hughes asking about Carle
double ender sleds.
December 5, 1912 Weather cloudy, Chinook.
Herning family took supper at Pioneer. Wilson, Bartholf
and Nelson finished outfitting for trip to Chulitna District.
Put up hunting outfit for Frank Kelly and Dad Hunter. Mr.
Murray visited said Palmer had cut off credit for his roadhouse.
Parky's and pard. in to trade. Simmons left with dog team for
Station.
December 6, 1912 Sent Fred Nelson out
to Fish Creek for double ender load of salmon - was gone 9 hours
brought 730 lbs. of fish. Packed K. L. and N. order for
Poor Man Creek. Willard Hall in town to trade. Busy
in store all day didn’t have time to put up grub order for men doing
assessment on Wolverine group Willow Creek placer. Mr. Kemp
down to market from Moose Creek. Barbers hauling logs for new
shop on Palmer’s lot.
December 11, 1912 Lumber camp Willow
Creek to Knik. Left lumber camp 7:30 with Kid on red
sled arrived at Knik 5:15. Snow about gone in town at Knik.
Peter Herbert in with mail from Seward (special mail). New
schoolmarm arrived from Valdez.
December 12, 1912 PM got out ton of Nagley’s
freight for Simmons to haul to Station. Martin’s team
in from Fishhook for supplies etc. George Rabehl over
from Station to trade (2nd trip). Chas Sheller got roofing
for his new house. Mattie got cold. First school at Knik today,
17 on roll call. Nine men in from Iditarod.
December 13, 1912 Simmons
and Miller left for Station with 2 double enders - 1,996 lbs.
Nagley’s freight left over after river had froze up. Pete
Murray down with vegetables and to trade. Stevens visited
after months stay away and told why he couldn’t pay his bill.
Herning family had supper at Pioneer. Navigation open ice
all gone in channel boats could land at our dock OK. Thomas
said to let Mrs. Murray get goods on his $50 deposit.
December 14, 1912 Eighth day of Chinook
weather. Ben Agnew left by boat with 6 Iditarod men for
Sunrise. Navigation open G. B. teams in. Ford and Merideth
in from logging camp. Mr. Hershey in from Station to trade.
Fraiser took bunch of Iditarod dogs to keep. Put new creosote
cap on pipe to kitchen stove. Park’s in with furs. Rev.
Howard left for Station with Thomas dog team.
December 15, 1912 Busy all day in store
cash sales over $100 bought a little fur. McKinnon and
Larson, squaw men, down to trade also F. M. Crocker. Zimmerman
in from Willow Creek got 5 moose gave him order to get Tony at Mines
to haul in moose. Hershey and pard. took 3 sled loads of
Nagley’s freight Evening Mrs. Bob Hatcher gave talk at school
house on “The Trials of Life” - self to busy to attend.
December 16, 1912 Weather partly cloudy
24 to 30 above a little colder after 9 days of Chinook weather
at Knik. Zimmerman left for Willow Creek to haul out his
moose from West Fork. Busy in store all day business fair cash
sales over $200. Hershey and partners left for Station with
Nagley’s grub. Simmons and Miller got back from trip to Station
with double ender loads of Nagley’s grub, preacher came back with them.
Hughy Goodell the big mining man in from Archangel Creek.
December 17, 1912 Weather cloudy colder
16 above. Busy checked out 1½ tons Nagley freight
to go tomorrow by Simmons to Station. Evening checked out
Seattle accounts and checked out over $1,800.
December 18, 1912 Light snow last night
evening colder 10 above. A. C. mailman arrived on way to
Seward to go on 1st mail trip of 1913 - Seward to Knik. Sent
bunch of letters to Mr. Pederson to mail in Seward checks account
bills due Seattle. George Rabehl over - 3rd trip to trade.
Simmons hauled out 2 double ender loads to summit for Nagley.
Paddy O’Donald back from mining coal at Station said he mined over
50 tons.
December 19, 1912 Snow squall in AM
Sent all check mail as Express with A. S. Gill to Mr. Pederson
to mail in Seward. Simmons left with 3rd load for Nagley
making 3 tons all told.
December 20, 1912 Snowed 4”, just
enough snow to make fair sledding. Hughes teams left for
Kelly’s mines with iron and feed. Sent spuds out to Howard
and McDonald by McMillan. Fitted up gas lamp for store and
house worked OK. Knik women busy making ready for Xmas tree.
Evening rearranged and cleaned counter. Lindell finishing
his house and 3 new ones going up.
December 21, 1912 Light snow all day
about 6” fell making good sledding. Matanuska River reported
still open for several miles. Otto Langel came up from his
hunting camp at Mouth of Little Susitna said he gathered up over
700 gallons of the gas oil that the Traveler lost last spring.
Harlow back from Old Knik took his horse over there to winter.
December 22, 1912 Just enough snow to
make good trails across country. Cold weather wanted to
close up streams now partly open. With Kid horse plowed out
trail around Knik and brought in small load rick wood. Evening
attended church at school house small crowd out. Evening
summed up new stock bought in August and September for winters stock
which amounted to $16,604.99 of which $10,243.71 was groceries $6,361.28
general merchandise total $16,604.99 as above.
December 23, 1912 AM Zero evening 10
below zero. Cold wave brought hardware business stoves
etc. A. A. Cobb back from Iditarod. Sam Godfrey in
from hunting camp. Simmons back from trip with
Nagley’s freight left same 8 miles from Station - run out of horse
feed.
December 24, 1912 Cold wave 12 below
evening 20 below zero. Ellexson, Dr. Loman and 4 dog
teams over from Station to spend Xmas. Business not very
rushing for Xmas Eve. Sunday School had Xmas tree at the
school house usual exercises and presents for the kids. Stanley
took part and spoke in public first time did alright. Goranflo
and Walter H. in to spend Xmas.
December 25, 1912 Coldest to date 20
below zero. Gave boys 25’s box cigars R. S. Club
House. Had Xmas dinner at Pioneer Hotel, roast moose etc.
Evening big dance on in Brown’s new house, Mattie and Stanley attended.
Evening warmer and snowing. Gave “marm” $10 gold coin and
Stanley 5 silver dollars. Self got neck tie from Stanley and
comb and brush outfit from Mattie.
December 26, 1912 Quiet in town after
the Xmas dance. Evening another dance on in Brown’s Hall.
Fred Nelson in from Willow Creek after grub said they completed
assessment work on Wolverine and Boulder Claims. Gave
Roger McNally load of Nagley’s freight Scheme on to build
Town Hall. Put up several small orders.
December 27, 1912 Zero to 10 above.
Simmons team left for river to finish moving Nagley’s freight
to Station. McNally left with 900 lbs. - 7 dogs - with Nagley’s
freight for Station. Goranflo left for Martin’s mines.
Walter Howard went out to hunting camp. Iditarod mushers left
for Seward. Joe Anderson in from Cache Creek in route to Seward.
Another meeting to arrange to build a Town Hall. Ice anchored
on beach out to wharf. Channel 100 yards wide in front of
wharf.
December 28, 1912 Cold day 6 to 20 below
zero. Woods in town waiting for cold wave to pass over.
Ellixson and party left for Station. Store window frosted
over for first time this winter. Tony out on Willow Creek
due with load of moose meat.
December 29, 1912 Cold wave still on
8 to 20 below zero. Ben Agnew got back from trip to Arm
with Iditarod mushers, put them off at Alex place below Eagle
River, left his boat and mushed back to Knik.
Rush on for windows doors and roofing for new
buildings going up. Sold over $100.00 worth today.
Al Crocker in to trade. Evening Herning family attended
church. O. G. led music with flute.
December 30, 1912 Coldest of winter 16
to 34 below zero. Evening Zimmerman arrived
with Tony with 800 lbs. moose meat from Willow Creek.
PM attended meeting of Knik School Board to audit accounts rendered.
$600 of $1,000 building fund spent on Otto Langel house.
Evening down to 34 below zero. Woods and Zimmerman in store until
midnight eating oranges nuts and candy.
December 31, 1912
Twenty to thirty below zero. Put up 2 small hunting outfits.
Attended meeting of School Board to arrange to build 24x36 addition
to school house. Several in town waiting for cold wave
to pass over. Evening Stanley attended New Years party at
Simmons, came home midnight. Squaw dance at McNeil’s - old
year out new year in. Filed assessment notices for record for
Herning placer claims on Willow Creek.
1913
January 1, 1913 Weather moderating 6 to 12
below zero. Most all the boys out trapping and hunting.
Godfrey and Andrews left for Andrews ranch to trap. Channel
closed with anchor ice today 1st time this winter.
January 2, 1913 Temp. 6 to 12 below zero.
Zimmerman left for Willow Creek to get balance of moose meat
sent out 200 lbs. flour for mines. PM hauled load birch wood
for heater. Started foundation for annex to school building
22 x 36, Mr. Sherman put in charge of work. Labor to be donated
by boys on account of using building for public gatherings.
Teck Cobb left for hunting trip.
January 3, 1913 Even-cold all day, -20. Evening
Rev. Howard visited to practice church music.
January 4, 1913 Hauled in 3 loads birch wood
for store with Kid on red sled Stanley helped. Cobb and
Nylen down from ranch to trade. Sherman and Herbert worked
on new school house foundation. Yukon Peterson returned
to Knik, brought mail from Seward. Hughes teams finished hauling
Kelly’s freight
January 5, 1913 Broke out trail to summit of
Willow Creek road. Hughes team hauled in Bayer's house
logs. Evening Zimmerman arrived with another load moose
meat out 4 days with Tony. Evening attended church.
Snowed 4” last night. Simmons back from Station.
January 6, 1913 Put up order for
OGH mines - grub for summer work. GB teams came in, trouble
in camp.
January 7, 1913 Zero to 18 below. Zimmerman
took 500 lbs. out for Grubstake Mine with Tony for
OGH self went out to head of Fish Creek for
last of dried salmon, Three Mile Lake had blown full.
January 8, 1913 Zero to 8 below zero.
Hauled 2x scantlings up to school house with Kid
Building operations good. GB teams in town one skate sick
Everybody sawing wood these days.
January 9, 1913 today. No traffic
anywhere.
January 10, 1913 Hauled up rough flooring for
new school house. GB team with Stevens and team left for
mines to buck the snow. Dance on in Brown’s Hall.
Woods left for sawmill to skid balance of logs.
January 11, 1913 Howard and McDonald in from
hunt. Fred Nelson and party got back from Willow Creek
brought Tony in. Hauled 2x4’s for school house-to-be.
Musher in from Iditarod.
January 12, 1913 George Ridley
over from Station. PM Gill arrived with U. S. mail.
Evening attended church.
January 13, 1913 Stewart hauled lumber for
new school building with Tony. Gorenflo left with load for Martin’s
Mines. Paid Nelson and party $126 for assessment work on
Wolverine and Boulder placer groups.
January 14, 1913 Twenty below zero fog and
cold day. Ed O’Brien down from Chickaloon
coal camp. No work on school house today. Robert
Johnston in from Seward way.
January 15, 1913 Twenty below zero. Lee
Rice over from Station in route to Seward. Collections over
$500 put up $80 order. Marshal rounding up witnesses for Watson
- Frank coal case coming off at Chicago. Howard had Tony to
haul wood.
January 16, 1913 Pete Murray down
with furs. Gorenflo in from mines. Relief party sent
out for Frank Brown. Musher reported Brown OK at Kroto Creek.
Several coal witnesses left for Chicago. Erickson arrived
from Klutina Creek.
January 17, 1913 Temp. 32 below zero.
Put up small outfit for Erickson. Evening got
mail ready. Evening dance at Brown’s Hall, Mattie and Stanley
attended.
January 18, 1913 AM 32 below zero - evening
zero. Mailman in from Susitna sent Pederson $25 on account
for post cards.
January 19, 1913 First let up of cold weather
since Xmas now 10 above zero. Evening attended church.
U. S. mail left for Seward.
January 20, 1913 Frame of new school house
up ready for siding and roof. Marshal Dyer got back from
Ship Creek on account of Jeter on Chicago coal case.
There’s been no tide in at our dock since January 1st. Peter
Herbert took double ender load merchandise with Tony to his ranch.
Thomas back from Tyonek with new teacher junk.
January 21, 1913 Ed Miller over from Old Knik.
Sold outfit to Jenson and Forceman. Dogs dieing of distemper.
Evening tide came in pushed wharf in 1’. Boys got siding
on school house. Peter Herbert got back with Tony.
January 22, 1913 Al Chamberlain
arrived from Seward with Indian Doctor and Marshal on account
of Cooper’s school case at Tyonek. Evening got out
material for school safety flue. Evening party for kids at
John Bartholf’s Stanley came home at 12.
January 23, 1913 Tide broke gangway to wharf
- 2nd bent above crib - raised piles 2’. Bub and McElroy
over from Station to trade. Paid B. B. M. Co. dust deposit.
Hitched on to bobsleighs to haul windows and doors etc. to school
house. Sold Tom Fulton doors windows roofing paper for 20
x 42 building to be.
January 24, 1913 Bub, Indian doctor and Marshal
left for Station. Zimmerman in from Willow Creek.
Woods in from sawmill. Hauled up load flooring for school
house. Dance on at Brown’s Hall.
January 25, 1913 Light snow, hauled load lumber
for school house and load of wood. Finished outside safety
flue for new school house. Evening birthday party on for
Mrs. Farrington.
January 26, 1913 Finished safety flue for school
house. Wells Bros. in town with furs. Frank on
the big drunk.
January 27, 1913 Frisby left for Raven Creek.
A. W. Hall in from hunting camp. Hughes team left for Woods
sawmill camp to skid in logs. Self got small cold.
Hershey and Fulton in from Station to put up 20 x 42 pool room building
January 28, 1913 Got mail ready to send out
with Peter Herbert. Had meeting of school board about new
school building Late evening Frank Wells visited with a
jag and told me how it happened.
January 29, 1913 Evening got out
balance of mail and picked furs to send out by Peter Herbert.
Odin Olsen and partner started to move grub to Caribou District.
Walter Howard had Tony 2 hours.
January 31, 1913 First Chinook since
December 14, 1912. Sent out special mail
by Peter Herbert also bag furs. Evening dance on at Brown’s
Hall given by Mrs. Brown, Stanley and Mattie attended.
Cannon went to Station.
February 1, 1913 Sold Lanquist $80 order.
Cut iron for valleys on new school house and put one in.
J. J. O’Brien on a drunk, noisy crowd at saloon. Snow wet
and going fast.
February 2, 1913 Rained all day. Evening
attended church, Rev. Howard’s last sermon - going to Susitna.
Evening drew plan for 16 x 24 building for W. A. Ford.
Marshal rounding up drunks.
February 3, 1913 Finished safety flue and installed
same in new school house. Marshal and Chamberlain back
from Tyonek, no arrests. Gorenflo loaded boiler for Martin’s
Mine. Peach of a day at Sunny Knik.
February 4, 1913 Sent for 1913 diary.
Chamberlain took out special mail. Sent $100 for Griffith
taxes. Cannon back from Station. Fifty six in the sun
evening 10 above zero.
February 5, 1913 Nelson, Larson, Ridley and
Rabehl over from Station. U. S. mail in from Seward.
Willow Creek sale of quartz mines reported off. Sport over
from Station.
February 6, 1913 Delivered coal stove and set
up same in new school house. Rev. Howard left for Station
for 3 weeks stay. Collection over $200. Goranflo
in got no word from Martin. Al Drees in from Seward.
February 7, 1913 Nelson and Larson left with
1,000 lbs. grub for Station. Hall bought a new dog $20.
Pete Murray in to trade. Hauled in load wood.
February 8, 1913 with Tony, drove out to Fish
Creek for balance of fish. Evening sold Drees $125 order.
Woods in and out after tools for sawmill.
February 9, 1913 Put up 2 prospecting orders.
Evening Cong. Society held meeting at school house Mrs. Hatcher
and Dr. Kivig presided, well attended. Kelly in from GB
mines.
February 10, 1913 Put up Hall’s order.
Hauled ceiling lumber to new school house. Otto and O’Donald
back from mouth Susitna hunting camps. Al Drees left with
last load for his mines. McLaughlin and Paddy left for Caribou
Creek. Zimmerman in from Willow Creek. Jap Wada in from
Iditarod.
February 11, 1913 Sold Hall $190.90 outfit.
Got Hall order ready. Shod Tony aft.
February 12, 1913 Hall left for his mines.
Took out 15 cwt with Tony to Palmer Slough. Business a
little quiet last 2 days sold $741.55. Reset 2 - 24x28 glass.
February 13, 1913 Collections over $100 business
fair. Peter Herbert back from Seward with Dr. David
and wife. Vance and wife arrived from Seward. Five
hunters came to town for grub. Special mail in.
February 14, 1913 Hughes team in with lumber
from Woods sawmill. Evening old time dance at Brown’s
Hall. Squaw men and bums introduced squaws into white society.
February 15, 1913 Gill in from Station with
outgoing mail. Sold Gill bill of 2x4’s. Took Otto
and Bert Stewarts order for crack-a-jack suits. Ada Smith,
the sport, back to town.
February 16, 1913 Mail left for Seward.
Sent out $900 gold coin with O. S. Gill to Bank of Seward.
Mattie took my order for a crack-a-jack suit. Evening Knik
Cong. gave a musical and reading at school house. Mrs.
H. sang a solo, flute accompanied. Sent 5 crackerjack suit orders.
February 17, 1913 Settled with Zimmerman.
Zimmerman left to catch Hall on trail for option on his ground.
Hauled back my planks and flooring left at school house.
February 18, 1913 McKinnon took out load of
grub for Tremble and Highland going up Matanuska. Rabehl
back from Station with sport to locate here. Evening tried
to fix gas table lamp threads in connecting joint, no good, too
small. Goranflo took 4 x 4’s - 62 lineal feet borrowed from
Martin in October. Snowed 4” last night. Vance left for
Station.
February 19, 1913 GB teams in after more forage.
Dutch Wise down from Matanuska Ranch to trade. Rabehl
building sporting house for Ada Smith.
February 20, 1913 Fixed up gas
lamps, one in the bum. Let Frank Brown take RR bobsleigh
no. 5 to April 1st for repairing same with option to buy $41.
February 21, 1913 Dr. Kivig attached Stevens
time for Dr. bill due. Zimmerman back from Moose Creek
talking to Hall - couldn’t make deal. Bud Whitney up from
Ship Creek voyage 1 by trail. McNeil got a moose below Fish
Creek. Dance on at Brown’s Hall by select society?
February 22, 1913 Put up order for A. A. Zimmerman
for Matanuska prospecting. Herbert and O. C. Miller
in. Mushers in from Seward looking for hotel location.
Al Crocker in to trade. Stern got load lumber from sawmill.
Billy Murry over from Raven Creek.
February 23, 1913 Finished packing Zimmerman’s
order. Shod Tony aft. Hauled lumber for seats to
school house. Big crowd attended Knik Cong. Service in new
school house. Big tide in - docks afloat. Woods help
in from sawmill. Woods through with B. D. Mill.
February 24, 1913 Zimmerman left for Chickaloon
with Tony on double ender with 1,200 lb. outfit. Jones and
McLean over from Station after Nagley’s canned fruit etc.
Woods in from sawmill. Rabehl went to Station. O. C.
Miller started to make benches for church. Rev. Howard back
from Station.
February 25, 1913 6:30 AM Tony back with blanket
on. Sent Walter Howard back with him. Zimmerman
arrived went back PM Busy in store all day checked out 2 loads
Nagley’s freight
February 26, 1913 Served written notice on
Stevens and Bartholf to pay their bills. Andrews in with
rats. Dr. Kivig taking lumber from Stevens for his pay.
Long and Jones left for Station with Nagley’s freight.
Ben Agnew went after his 2 moose with dog team.
February 27, 1913 Put up small order for Godfrey
and Andrews and Monroe Kast. Monroe Kast back from Dakota
and 5 other Peters Creek operators. Stevens came through
with $75 on his account. Sent Nagley’s account
with Kast.
February 28, 1913 Kast and party left for Station.
Harlow in to trade. Ben Agnew delivered his moose meat.
March 1, 1913 Building operations
lively. Reset stove in new school house. Evening
attended Knik Commercial Club.
March 2, 1913 Drove out to mile 3 government
wagon road. Evening attended church Rev. Howard officiated,
40 people out.
March 3, 1913 Cold last night. Woods
board lumber all sold out. Evening made out
bill for new school house lumber etc. cost $671.30. GB
teams left for mines.
March 4, 1913 Democratic President Alaska’s
first legislature assembled today. Held public meeting
at Knik to instruct new Alaska legislators on laws needed and
seconded. Business fair sales $53.20.
March 5, 1913 O. C. Miller finished benches,
restroom and table for Knik Congregation, material cost $46.09.
W. R. Long and McLean moved over from Station to Knik to live.
McKinnon back from hauling outfits for Tremble and blacksmith
to coal camp was gone 15 days.
March 6, 1913 Meeting of Knik School
Board about new building Decided not to finish up same
inside. Evening Cobb arrived with Tony - 11 day trip to
Hicks Creek.
March 7, 1913 Nylen and Wise down
to trade. Lidell in from hunting camp. Sent father
a bunch of Knik post cards. All kind of moose meat in town.
Getting short on milk and eggs.
March 8, 1913 O. C. Miller cut in door between
school house annex. Iditarod musher and wife in route
Outside. Lidell agreed to divide K. and H. lot. GB
team in with concentrate.
March 9, 1913 Reset stove in school house and
oiled new door to annex. Evening attended church.
March 10, 1913 Busy in store all day collections
fair. Evening Jim Denny arrived with launch from Turnagain
Arm 1st boat of spring. Gill arrived with mail.
March 11, 1913 Ed Miller and Hunt
in for final outfit. W. D. Elliott in from Klutina Creek.
Got mail ready to send out via by Denny to Sunrise ordered lumber
for H. and F.
March 12, 1913 AM Jim Denny returned with launch
to Sunrise sent out 14 letters - 1 registered - for crack-a-jack
suits. Harvey Bartholf, Wilson and Nelson back from Forks
on Susitna.
March 14, 1913 Two Iditarod mushers on way
out. Evening busy with outside mail. Paul Blackhead
left for Moose Creek to camp.
March 15, 1913 Three mushers in from Seward
brought mail. Zorn arrived from Station on way to Seward.
Nagley sent over for freight
March 16, 1913 Harper bros. in from Seward.
Letter from Wallace.
March 17, 1913 Reset stove in new school
house for evening performance. Several Iditarod mushers
in route to Iditarod. Evening attended general gathering
at opening of school house program of singing and reciting.
Mattie sang sweet voice in the choir flute accompaniment.
March 18, 1913 Got additional deposit ready
to send out by Gill. McKinnon on a drunk. Building
operation lively.
March 19, 1913 Otto and Zimmerman
back from Caribou Creek. Bert moose hunter in. Last mail
of winter service out. R. Wise in jail for bad talk, whiskey.
March 20, 1913 GB hauling in logs
for new house at Knik. Bayer and Dr. Kivig went to Station
for building material. Simmons back from Station brought
pool room fixtures for Hershey and Fulton.
March 21, 1913 Made out order for hydraulic
hose for Zimmerman. Jim Denny in with 4 men from Sunrise
via by launch. Mushers on trail for Iditarod District.
March 22, 1913 Busy in store got 2 orders for
Matanuska District and one for Sunrise.
March 23, 1913 Busy packing 2 Matanuska outfits
for Zimmerman and Kelly, Mattie helped. Several Iditarod
mushers coming in and going out. Sent cable for hydraulic
hose.
March 24, 1913 Up early to give Zimmerman and
Kelly their Matanuska outfits.
March 25, 1913 Ada Smith over from
Station to locate. Jim Denny back from Little Susitna
got 100 gallons of Otto’s oil. Evening 1st row boat in
from Sunrise with Iditarod mushers.
March 26, 1913 Busy early morning 2 orders
for Sunrise 1 order for Station and several small orders.
Nate White and Denny left for Sunrise by boat. George Hershey
left for Station.
March 27, 1913 Shod Kid horse. Gill in
with mail. Received letter from Cramer, said Traveler
would be at Knik April 10th.
March 28, 1913 Evening dance on at school house
hall Mattie and Stanley attended. Got deposits ready to
send out by Palmer. Ed Erickson left cross-fox to put on
sale.
March 29, 1913 Alaska in port voyage 1.
Palmer, Ada Smith and Cooper and wife left for Seldovia brought
no freight.
March 30, 1913 Drove out to ranch. Lock
staple broken, 2 tarps stolen. Scribed in boards under
eaves to keep squirrels out. Stevens in for help and grub
for Martin. Oscar Miller and Fred Nelson left for Iditarod
District.
March 31, 1913 Jim Denny in port brought us
some milk from Hope. Several got sort of a grip cold.
Put up grub order for Martin’s Mine. Out of canned butter.
Ice cream for supper.
April 1, 1913 More mushers in, in route to
Iditarod. Mrs. Morrison moved into her bake shop.
Most of boys gone to the mines. O. C. Miller remodeling
his old pump house cabin for Bob Hatcher.
April 2, 1913 Pool room about ready
for business. Got photo of Kid horse to send to Gifford
Pinchot D. C.
April 3, 1913 Hauled in balance of dry wood
cut last winter and two loads of Gallagher’s wood. Another
rancher around. Trout left for outside. Chas Goranflo
in from Martin’s Mines.
April 4, 1913 PM cruised timber
for piles for wharf. Schoolmarm sick, no school.
April 5, 1913 PM got out piles to repair
wharf. Peter Herbert in town. P. J. McDonald ½
day working on piles.
April 6, 1913 Nate White in with Iditarod mushers.
No church, preacher sick. Teck Cobb back from trip to
Caribou with Zimmerman paid him $72 for trip and dogs.
April 7, 1913 Warmer, water run freely
today, street bare in front of store and down to beach.
Hauled in 3 loads piles. O. C. made safety flue for Barber
Shop.
April 8, 1913 McDonald hauling in piles for
dock O. C. Miller put side boards on red sled. Evening
tide Jim Denny in from Sunrise. Joe Anderson back from Seattle
wanted to give me their fall order. McDonald worked 1 day
on piles, O. C. Miller ½ day on red sled.
April 9, 1913 McDonald hauling piles.
Denny and partners left for Sunrise. Evening packed furs.
Snow all gone in streets of Knik. Ford got Wilmoth’s new
house under cover.
April 10, 1913 Traveler with Capt. Cramer in
port voyage 1 brought 4 passengers and mail from Seldovia.
McDonald finished hauling piles for dock. Traveler laid
over. McDonald worked 1 day on foundation timbers O. C. Miller
½ day on foundation timbers. Joe Bush worked on a drunk.
Horace Emery arrived from Seattle to take charge of Martin’s Mines.
April 11, 1913 Morning tide Traveler left for
Seldovia - 1 passenger - the mountain climber sent out furs
and mail. McDonald hauled up the Gallagher wood 6 loads.
Miller and self raised flag pole in front of MAH tent house.
P. J. McDonald time - 3½ days on piles for wharf - 1 day for
timbers for foundation on L. and H. lot 1 day hauling fire wood.
Dance on at School House Hall.
April 12, 1913 Had McDonald haul in foundation
timbers for cabin on upper end of L. and H. lot. AM tide
bidarky came as far as Fish Creek, too late on tide so went out
again. Got ready to lay new floor in store. Two mushers
in to locate at Knik. Woods went to Goose Bay to hunt ducks,
first ducks and geese arrived yesterday. Ralph Wise out of jail
- no more bad talk.
April 13, 1913 Had Miller help lay new floor
in store. Evening stained new floor walnut, finished
at midnight. Installed new $25 coal heater in store.
Evening Mattie attended church. Scotty Watson, Elliott
and Erickson over from Old Knik - closed their winter road houses.
April 14, 1913 School election. Cannon
and self set as judges for school election. Dr. Kivig
run 1 vote short for treasurer, self run 7 votes short for clerk.
Cannon, Mrs. John Bartholf and Mrs. J. B. Palmer were elected by
the saloon element. Palmer’s out of milk. K. T. Co.
out of butter.
April 15, 1913 Snow all gone on garden in front
of store. Busy in store all day, took in $143.70.
Miller made new gate to store-garden fence. Evening Miller
started to set pile for wharf. McDonald had Tony PM to haul
wood. Windy gang in from Martin’s camp. Joe Walton in
and on a drunk. Paddy McDonald back from trip to Tyonek couldn’t
land due to high surf at Tyonek. Fred Kincaid and Brown came up
from Ship Creek to trade.
April 16, 1913 Self and Miller worked on wharf.
Got gangway leveled up, cut out ice and reset 2 piles.
Ben Agnew took Brown and Kincaid back to Ship Creek. Ice
cleaned out up to wharf and channel open 200 yards above wharf.
GB teams in from mines.
April 17, 1913 Worked on ice around wharf,
got it all cut away except on aft side. Let Tony
go out with load of forage for Martin to mile 13½.
Ben Agnew back from Ship Creek.
April 18, 1913 Got up 2:30 AM to receive freight
from bidarky - got eggs, butter, onions, milk, etc. Hydraulic
hose came for Zimmerman, Fred Simmons agreed to deliver same.
Sent mail 7 letters to A. A. Zimmerman, 5 to Kelly. O. C.
Miller finished gangway to wharf and floated out all ice around dock
no boats could land. Loud house at saloon today. GB got
1 ton oats and 2 ton hay off bidarky. Self busy with freight,
garden seeds came and Ulanky’s harrow.
April 19, 1913 Herbert in
after Rex. Reported Brown lost one of his big horses in
Knik Lake - went to where they cut ice and broke in. Outside
piles on Palmer’s dock went out. Our dock ready to receive freight.
Brown returned RR bobsleighs.
April 20, 1913 Simmons came back with
hydraulic hose, went as far as Palmer’s Slough, snow all gone
up there and river breaking in. Frank Bayer in from GB Mine
after more help for tunnel work. Mattie attended church, sang
a solo with the minister, Stanley stayed with me.
April 21, 1913 Big tide cleaning up ice
on bar in front of town. Miller and self cleaned up warehouse
and arranged goods. Our dock in shape to receive freight,
Palmer’s dock on the bum. Paddy McDonald left to work for
Gold Bullion.
April 22, 1913 Miller finished cleaning
up R. and B. horses. Sent order for new meats.
Ordered chairs for Fulton. Gill and wife in town on a vacation.
April 23, 1913 Miller up early to cut
ice away from piles. Evening tide cleaned about all the
ice off bar in front of Knik. Business quiet waiting for
first boat and mail. Sent order for Optimo cigars for Hershey
and Fulton. Streets about all dried up snow all gone in town.
Henry Bahrenburg in town in route to District Court for dumping
on Cache Creek claims.
April 24, 1913 Miller started to add
12 x 24 addition aft of dock warehouse put in 3 posts.
Ground frozen to bottom. Jury trial on account of Joe Walton
fooling with squaw - was turned loose. Stanley got mouth
cut by shovel by Bartholf boy, doctor put in 2 stitches.
April 25, 1913 Traveler in port with
GB powder and milk for Palmer - voyage 2 - no mail or passengers.
GB hauled powder 120 boxes to K. T. Co. powder house for storage.
O. C. Miller knocked out, said it was caused by bullet under his
“cruper boan”. Peter Herbert in to trade.
April 26, 1913 Summer weather on. Cleaned
up store garden business quiet. Made out small hardware
order. Evening Jim Denny in from Turnagain Arm. Mail
boat overdue. Gill and family returned to Station over trail.
April 27, 1913 Five U. S. flags flying today
with hopes for the mail to arrive. Varnished front of
counters. Evening attended church, text - Joseph and his
dad. Larson’s boy Jako died.
April 28, 1913 Horace Emery in
from Martin’s Mine. Square deal George over from Station
going to Kenai. Mail boat overdue. Geese in the
air. Agnew and Stipp went for a goose hunt to Palmer’s
Slough. Simmons left to pack in Zimmerman’s hydraulic hose.
April 29, 1913 Sam Godfrey divided
his furs with Andrews left same in our tent room. Flock
of swans went over. No boats. Put barley hay in
barn. Schoolmarm brought grass and flower seed for school
grounds. Let horses feed on oat hay in barn lot for part of
week.
April 30, 1913 First April shower. Bidarky
in with mail, brought no freight. Commissioner for Station
arrived from Chicago coal trial. Got first order for crack-a-jack
suits from Chicago by parcel post mail. Sent out Esi’s
engine cylinder for repair to Seward. Received invoices
of merchandise laying at Seldovia.
May 1, 1913 Thomas Repetto arrived from Tyonek
on his sloop. Geese in the air. Delivered suits
to Dr. Kivig and Wilmoth. Sam Godfrey left for Kenai to
fish. Collections and sales $107.65.
May 2, 1913 Traveler arrived with our freight
from Seldovia 3 AM, had 8 tons. Busy with freight and in
store all day. Traveler left with freight for Sunrise.
C. B. Meyers arrived on Traveler and got trail grub to go to Caribou
Creek to examine Hall’s ground. Sent Zimmerman bill to date.
Meyers wanted me to furnish hydraulic plant if he took on Hall’s ground.
Someone stole 6 cans tomatoes out of case on dock
May 3, 1913 Took Thomas Repetto's
fur on consignment. Sold out new lot of roofing paper.
Horace Emery in town waiting for Yukon. Stanley and Helma
found empty tomato cans in boat, caught Nakala’s kids with 2 cans
who stole them. Perkins launch over from Kern Creek.
Had good dinner, everybody roasting ducks and geese at Sunny Knik.
May 4, 1913 Took picture of Knik with
Meyers camera. Very quiet in town waiting for Yukon.
Had goose dinner. Evening Mattie attended church. Stanley
bumped his knee. Woods in from goose hunt.
May 5, 1913 AM Miller made me a desk
stool. PM self and Miller put timbers under and eased
up east side of storeroom aft of store. Shortly
and Andrews in from their ranches.
May 6, 1913 Traveler in early AM tide
with mail and 14 passengers from Seldovia. George Nylen
down to trade also Al Crocker. None of the new GB management
arrived. Jim Denny in with his Irish Lord. Farrington
girl arrived from Seattle.
May 7, 1913 Got order from
Herbert and Martin. W. D. Elliott left for Old Knik
to clean up around his Roadhouse. Evening Alaska arrived
from Port Graham with gasoline. Chas Goranflo in for supplies
for Martin’s camp. Alaska in port with gas oil. George
Eberhardt, Farrell and partner arrived on the Alaska.
May 8, 1913 Busy AM in store cash sales
$72.55 credit sales over $200. PM had Erickson dig out
around crib of dock on high tide hauled her with tackle nearly plumb.
Alaska laying in port, engineer laid up with felon.
May 9, 1913 Emery and Goranflo left with
wagon load grub for mines sent 2 boxes out to Herbert.
Shortly left with Hughes pack train for his ranch with grub.
Wilson and Nelson went out to clear land. Erickson worked
on dock and setting piles for addition to warehouse. Evening
put 2 barrels on bottom of crib and at high tide pulled her on to
old foundation. Simmons back from packing Zimmerman’s hose, got
it to Matanuska at mouth of Chickaloon. Evening dance on at
School House Hall.
May 10, 1913 Got up 5:30 to take barrels
off crib. Rock held crib on sides cleared them out and
evening took another pull in on crib at high tide.
Cannon had Tony to drag his garden. Alaska in port waiting
for Sampson.
May 11, 1913 Busy all day repairing wharf.
Morning tide bidarky arrived with freight for the bums, couldn’t
collect freight from Bartholf’s or D. S. Rae. Our lumber
and stoves came. Got crib back on foundation and anchored
and lowered gangway so we could use trucks. Bidarky discharged
freight on evening tide and left for Ship Creek to meet Sampson.
Lidell and John B. in town from mines on Willow Creek.
May 12, 1913 First rain of spring.
Picking for horses fair. Got stringers on addition to
dock warehouse. Checked out Bartholf freight - Rae freight
short 5 pieces. Stewart came after his suit - had none Monday.
Fulton took flooring ordered and paid balance of lumber bill.
May 13, 1913 Had Erickson wheel gravel
into dock crib. Traveler and Alaska left
1 AM for Ship Creek to meet Sampson. Martin’s team in from
mines with wagons.
May 16, 1913 Bidarky came with freight
off of Sampson 1 AM, had freight for everybody. PM tide
bidarky delivered balance of freight off Sampson dock and warehouse
full up. Mining customers hauled their freight to GB barn.
Traveler back from Hope - Alaska from Tyonek. Erickson shoeing
horses for Hughes. GB Push left for GB mines via wagon road.
May 17, 1913 Shough and wife
back from locating a homestead at mile 26 government road.
J. A. Patten in town. Alaska ready to take passengers to
Station 1st trip. Ellis, O. B. Hurd, Doc Herndon, Young
Jacobs and Elmer Carlson in town in route to Cache Creek. Meyers
back from trip to Caribou Creek got option on Hall’s ground on Alfred
Creek. Harris left for GB mines. Chas Tuell on a toot.
May 18, 1913 Jack Brown came up to trade
sold him Elliott’s boat for $40. Ben Agnew left for GB
mines. Chas Tuell irrigating. Out of butter.
May 19, 1913 Pete Murray
down to trade. PM tide Traveler back from Turnagain Arm.
Mrs. White, Smith, Sleeper and daughter left for Hope. Made
deal to buy Simmons 2 horses and gear for Meyers for $250.
Evening made out lease and option to purchase Pete Iverson and A. Frank
claim for C. B. Meyers leasor.
May 20, 1913 Self and Meyers went out
to plant oats and grass seed on Meadow Brook Farm. Left
Knik 11 AM arrived at farm 3:30. Disked 1/3 of 5 acre lot
and sewed it to oats. Mattie store keeper.
May 21, 1913 Finished planting oats and
harrowed in same at Meadow Brook Farm. Sewed ½ to
Timothy worked until 8 PM.
May 22, 1913 Finished harrowing and planting
grass seed and planked down lot. AM sewed 5½ sacks
oats - 50 lbs. Timothy and clover. Left farm for Knik at
2:30 up Carle Road to 1st bridge, cut through to wagon road at
mile 4 arrived at Knik 7 PM, Alaska and Traveler in port. Alaska
took out load of Nagley’s freight Traveler went to Kenai to
meet mail boat on evening tide.
May 23, 1913 Made deal with Dr. David to use
B. D. horses at $45 a month. Simmons raised price of his
horses from $250 to $300 - nothing doing.
May 24, 1913 Got up early to help Meyers
pack up Tony and Kid. Took 425 lbs. out to mile 14 government
road and returned. Hired B. D. Rex for 1 month at $45.
Peter Herbert in for more grub for his roadhouse.
May 25, 1913 Meyers went out with 3 packs
- 600 lbs. Kid came back with 8” cut on hind leg.
Evening launch arrived with Dora mail - no freight
May 26, 1913 Court on today, Jack Nelson
up for being drunk. J. J. O’Brien got 10 days for contempt
of court. Shortly in from ranch with help Wilson and Nelson.
Meyers laid over.
May 27, 1913 Meyers went down to Fish
Creek to get Buck horse nothing doing. PM went out with
Tony and Rex. Put up small order for Shortly. Took H. and F.
order for cigars and candy paid down $75. Alaska back from Station
on evening tide went to Sunrise.
May 28, 1913 Shortly had Hughes pack out 1,000
lbs. seeds to his ranch. Meyers came in from mile 14
government road and went back with 2 packs - 400 lbs. Only
excitement in town - Chas Tuell on a drunk. Alaska back from
Sunrise on evening tide. Meyers got 18 cwt packed out to mile
14, case butter and powder and few tools to go. Hired Andrew
to help Meyers on trail. Goranflo and Emery in from mines.
May 29, 1913 Alaska left for Knik Harbor
to meet AC boat from Kodiak with AC freight. Gold Quartz
and GB packers in for more supplies. GB moved all their freight
out of our warehouse except a ton coal. Shorty Hebert’s cook
in after supplies and his clothes. Made leather boot for Kids
snagged leg. Ford took cook stove for Lidell’s house. Jim
Henesten and Colb and Natives in with sheep meat. Kid laid up with
cut on leg.
May 30, 1913 Got Kids packsaddle ready
put pads on tree, shod left front foot. Got balance Meyers,
Alfred Creek outfit ready 200 lbs. to go. All the teams for
Willow Creek mines left with supplies. T. R. Wilson building
a boat for donkey engine to go up Knik River. Traveler overdue
from trip to Kenai. Preacher located ground at Goose Bay for
his society, erecting house on same.
May 31, 1913 Got pack ready for Meyers.
PM packed Kid with 200 lbs. and took him out to mile 14 to Meyers
trail camp. Hired Andrew to help Meyers at $2 per day while
packing. Found Al Drees at Meyers camp in route to Knik.
June 1, 1913 Mile 14 to Knik self and
Drees helped Meyers pack up last of camp outfit etc. and then
returned to Knik. Alaska took balance of Nagley’s freight
June 2, 1913 Irish Lord in with Yukon
mail. Sampson in at Ship Creek.
June 3, 1913 Traveler in with 39 passengers
off Sampson. Fred McCoy and Skeen arrived and Milo Kelly
and wife. Traveler on evening tide brought up baggage and
some of our freight from scow at Goose Bay. Palmer back from
Frisco schooner still in route? Palmer walking on 3 legs.
June 4, 1913 Traveler went to Goose Bay to
get balance of our freight. Alaska left for Station and
Lake Creek with freight GB Smith left with horse for Matanuska
District. T. R. Wilson tried his new gas boat on Knik Lake.
Palmer tore out old AC garden fence to make room for lumber yard.
Rented Gus Swanson’s house to J. W. Swift at $17.50 a month with
wood.
June 5, 1913 Traveler back from scow at Goose
Bay with Sampson freight. Old Tyonek came in with odd pieces
of freight. Self not feeling well cramps in stomach. Swift
and Evans in with government outfit for investigating coal fields.
Hoban and Davis in to look over route for hauling out government
coal etc. Sent George Nylen out to Meyers camp with 200 lbs.
forage and 100’ canvas hose.
June 6, 1913 Hobin, Davis and Hughes
went out to look up hauling route to coal fields for government
coal contract. GB team after supplies. Eide hiring
men to do repair work on government road. Evening tide Traveler
went out to look up Palmer’s windjammer on the Inlet.
June 7, 1913 Swift and Evans finished their
2 boats for going up Matanuska River to coal fields. Traveler
back, towed Palmer’s schooner in to Knik Harbor. Palmer
extended his siwash dock. Evening Al Drees and brother left
for Caribou Creek sent Zimmerman’s bill. Paid Mr. Hunter $50
on account of F. M. Kelly. Evening public meeting at school
house. Milo Kelly blowing political gas into Knik Commercial
Club.
June 8, 1913 Morning tide Traveler landed Palmer’s
schooner at Knik. Milo Kelly told me Brown and Hawkins
wanted to buy K. T. Co. out. Mattie played the new church
organ at Sunday School and evening church.
June 9, 1913 Sent Martin bill due out to Emery
by Fred Peterson. Schooner Hunter at Ship Creek with
Alaska Commercial Company freight. Alaska took AC freight
off Palmer’s schooner. Erickson in town. Hughes,
Hoban and Davis back from looking up road to coal fields for government
haulage. Up till midnight posting up bills. Cramer agreed
to run me to Seward on Traveler if I would pay for the oil.
June 10, 1913 Making ready for trip to Seward
on Traveler, agreed to pay for the oil for the trip. Left
Knik 11 PM Swift and Evans government coal men and Mr. Eide
took passage for Seward. Davis and Hoban returned to Kenai
on Traveler.
June 11, 1913 Arrived at Kenai 11 AM, laid
over one tide due to S. E. wind. Went up to cannery to
look over fish lighter for sale $100.
June 12, 1913 Left Kenai 10 AM, arrived Seldovia
5 PM Herbert gone, store locked up, Sheridan said he had quit.
Herbert a mail clerk and purser going to Kodiak to work for Blodgett.
Left Seldovia 6:30 PM for Seward. Hoban took Traveler for
Seward, shipped a wagon.
June 13 1913 In route - kept outside
from Chunag Island to Point Gord to Pye Island to Chissel Island
to Seward, smooth sailing all the way. Arrived at Seward
11 AM. Maraposa arrived 3 PM got some mail.
June 14, 1913 At Seward. Placed
order with Brown and Hawkins for pick up merchandise.
Mrs. Corlew wanted me to take over her $4,000 stock on consignment.
June 15, 1913 At Seward. Took over Mrs.
Corlew’s stock of ladies furnishings. Had dinner with Buth
family. PM until 3 AM on the 16th packing up Mrs. Corlew’s
stock Dora left for Westward trip.
June 16, 1913 At Seward.
Finished packing Mrs. Corlew’s stock transfer, hauled 2 loads
to dock. Evening loaded part of Corlew’s stock on Traveler,
had to leave 16 large boxes to come on Sampson. At midnight
left Seward for Knik. Hoban and Cotter sailed for Kenai.
June 17, 1913 In route on Traveler.
Cut through upper end of Pye Islands, couldn’t find pass through
Nuka Island came down east side lost 2 hours. Missed Chung
Island (probably Chugach Islands) on account of fog went into
Windy Bay. Arrived at Seldovia 5 PM, 20 hours trip from Seward
against 16 hours going over. Self took my turn at the wheel going
and coming. Foggy all night self at the wheel.
June 18, 1913 In route. Arrived
at Kenai 3:30 AM, Tyonek was there in route to Knik with
mail. Bought red fish lighter for $100 on account of Cramer.
Left Kenai 1:30 for Knik took on Frank Watson, Alaska agent.
Arrived at Fire Island 9:30 was rough across mouth of Turnagain
Arm. Had fish lighter in tow, laid over for flood tide to Knik.
June 19, 1913 Back from trip to Seward
on Traveler. Made trip in 7 days. Made it over
in 33 hours back in 38 hours traveling time. Left Fire
Island 2:30 arrived Knik 5:30 AM. Evening Andrew back from
Caribou got letter from Zimmerman and Meyers, Meyers had landed
hose. Paid Andrew for 15 days at $2 per day, $30.
June 20, 1913 Agent Frank
Watson visited to talk over freight rates etc. He said AC
was backing Palmer. Ben Agnew in from GB mines. Several
quit due to danger in tunnels. Big forest fire between Knik
and Little Susitna River. Old Jim Carle’s horse died from
a nail in his foot. A few mosquitoes around rain needed badly.
Ralph Wise came down for his boat.
June 21, 1913 Tyonek in port went to Ship Creek
on evening tide to meet Sampson. Evening tide Red Jack arrived
with Susitna. Hughes hauled out government grub to pack
to coal fields. Jointed up hose and watered garden rain
needed for gardens only. Frank Watson went to Ship Creek
on Tyonek asked me to name a price on freight to compete with Palmer’s
schooner rate - didn’t name a price.
June 22, 1913 Evening tide Traveler took
passengers and mail down to meet Sampson at Ship Creek.
Mosquitoes bad tonight first to bother of season.
June 23, 1913 Pete Murray down wanted
to sell his horse for $100. Evening put up shelf in storeroom
aft of store. Big Billy Miller back from Matanuska
Farming District. Hughes team went out to mines took Hebert’s
grub. Had ice cream supper. Woods all fire between
Ship Creek and Eagle River. Sent down more mail by Chief Nickoli
- order to Fucher Bros. and J. G. Fox and Co. No Sampson on
evening tide local boats waiting at Ship Creek.
June 24, 1913 Evening tide Tyonek in with freight
from Sampson. Traveler in with passengers, Alaska got a blank.
Mrs. Will Bartholf, Myrtle, Mrs. Rev. Howard and daughter,
William Martin, Sidney Anderson and Hawkins arrived to inspect
mines etc. Dr. Holmes sent in-freight tools and 7 horses
for coal fields. Meat and egg order failed to arrive.
June 25, 1913 Hawkins, Anderson, Milo Kelly
and 2 government men left for Fishhook mines to rubber.
Put up order for Jap boys. Cramer and his men started to remodel
Matt’s tent house to store Mrs. Corlew’s stock of ladies furnishings.
George Nylan down to trade. Alaska left for Station took Nagley’s
sugar and milk. Cramer on Matt’s house - 8 hours - put in ½
window filled in calidoor.
June 26, 1913 Put cook stove into Gus
Swanson’s cabin as ordered. Helped Cramer on remodeling
Matt’s house store. Evening air full of smoke. A
party of flying Dutchman’s left for Knik River in canoe boat.
Will Bartholf and family left for Mable Mine. Cramer on Matt’s
house 1 day. F. B. Cannon and Paddy O’Donald left for Fishhook
District.
June 27, 1913 The launch Bina in port
and left for Susitna River. Helped Cramer on Matt’s cabin
got shelving up counter to make yet. Evening up till 1 PM
painting shelving. J. J. O’Brien, on a drunk, flourished a
gun and was arrested.
June 28, 1913 First rain since when?
Harvey Bartholf in with GB team. Peter Herbert in to trade.
Court on today J. J. O’Brian brought before jury and adjudged insane
enough to send outside for treatment. Evening put down linoleum
in Mattie’s store and finished painting shelves. Traveler
left for Turnagain Arm to deliver freight brought by last Sampson.
June 29, 1913 Busy all day unpacking
Corlew stock, Mattie arranged stock on shelves. Hawkins
and Anderson back from Fishhook Creek. Hawkins said he
was well pleased with Free Gold Mine, brought in $10,000 cleanup.
Evening put up another shelf in Mattie’s store and painted counter.
Had dinner at Pioneer Hotel too busy to cook. Hughes pack team
back from Caribou and Chickaloon packing across from mile 25 government
road.
June 30, 1913 Packed up goods to Mattie’s
store. Hawkins got cold feet about locating store and
bank at Knik for fear the town would be moved when railway was built
to coal mines. Evening got mail ready to send by Sidney A.
and Hawkins overland to Seward.
July 1, 1913 Alaska left on morning tide
and Traveler arrived with Ide from Turnagain Arm. Eastman
for EHB in to trade. Busy all day and up till 11 PM in
store. Mattie busy selling Corlew stock for 4th of July,
dresses etc. Evening Traveler left for Kern Creek took out
J. J. O’Brian to be sent to asylum. Hawkins and Anderson left
for Seward via Kern Creek on Traveler. Got loan from bank to
cover collections.
July 2, 1913 Collections slow got in
$300 out of $1,600 in June bills. EHB team took out wheel
for concentrator. Harry the Jap back with Simmons horses
on account of packing to Willow Creek. Preacher made a holler
because we charged him for L. S. his freight. Mattie busy
checking down Corlew stock. New school board met - woman after Mrs.
Cody’s character etc., Cannon stood pat for Mrs. Cody.
July 3, 1913 Tyonek in after mail 4:30
AM no freight or mail delivered. PM tide Traveler back
from Kern Creek, towed up Sea Lion Red Jack’s new river boat from
Ship Creek, was broke down. Bud Whitney and wife, Jack Brown
and wife, came up from Ship Creek to spend the 4th at Knik. Evening
thunder and lightening first heard and seen for several seasons.
Gave $10 toward buying prizes for sports on 4th of July. P. J.
McDonald sent in check by Otto Langel from GB mines.
July 4, 1913 Perfect day, warmest day
yet of season, 80 in the shade. Knik pulled off her first
4th of July celebration. The school children officiated,
delivered the Declaration of Independence. Had races for
kids and Natives - giving prizes to winners. Took several
pictures of Lake Street where games were held. Evening WCTU
Mr. Hatcher aided by school children rendered program at school house
- dance followed. Woods fixed up engine on Sea Lion. Forest
fire still burning across Knik Lake.
July 5, 1913 Put up order for Shough,
Al Crocker and Jack Brown. Got letters and order from Zimmerman
at Caribou Creek. Court on account Phillipino stealing a
boat at Hope he got 60 days. George Nylen down wanted me to
order plow and disc harrow. Evening tide Sea Lion left for
Susitna on maiden trip. Thomas Reppeto launched his boat the Helen,
rebuilt for gas engine. Mr. Mathison left for Hope in a row
boat. Tim Cavney in from GB mines.
July 6, 1913 Mattie busy checking down
Corlew stock Evening Herning family attended church.
Traveler laying at dock waiting for business and government party
coming on July 13th on Sampson. Cramer pulled Chase out
on morning tide, east side of warehouse for repairs.
July 7, 1913 Collections fair took in
$278. Busy in store all day put up order for George Grennon
rancher-to-be and small order for GB Cramer fixing up Red
Donkey to use with Nic’s Evinrude engine. Tides holding up
big. Preacher fixing over old Hermes for a sail boat.
July 8, 1913 Rain needed very bad for gardens
and placer mining. Morning tide Natives arrived from Pt.
Campbell, reported dead man on beach. Commissioner and
jury went down on Traveler, held inquest and buried man on tide
flats. He was a prospector and partner of Jim Lender of Seldovia,
boat swamped in Turnagain Arm some time ago. GB team left with
supplies for mines by Tim Cavney.
July 9, 1913 Got mail overland by Marshal Dyer.
Got Don Rae check back, no account. Evening kangaroo concert
on Traveler, Cramer played the broom stick. Red Jack back
from Station with new boat. Frank Churchill arrived to build
Palmer’s new store. Pt. Possession Nickolai wanted to buy
F. and S. Buffalo engine, Mrs. Farrington claimed to have power of
attorney to sell.
July 10, 1913 Port full of boats, Traveler,
Alaska, Sea Lion, Helen, Woods and Esi, all waiting for business
and the Sampson on the 13th. Sold F. and S. gas engine to
Pt. Possession Nickoli for $265. Stevens paid his back bill.
Matt’s store on the bum didn’t make a sale today. Sent Nagley
check to balance account to date. Cramer corked Red Lighter.
Wilson, Hunter and the flying Dutchman back from Metal Creek.
July 11, 1913 Evening George Hershey
arrived from Cache Creek, came over government trail from Station.
McNeil and the rest of the siwashes moving down to Fish Creek
making ready for the salmon run of 1913. Evening Woods started
his engine in new boat. Mattie busy checking down goods in
her Ladies Bazaar? Examination at school.
Kivig paid part on lumber for annex to school house.
July 12, 1913 Busy in store and with
outgoing mail all day. Midnight Tyonek arrived with ½
ton of candy and cigars for K. T. Co., reported government boat
in at Snug Harbor looking at Harbor and terminus for Alaska RR-to-be.
Got mess fresh halibut off Tyonek by S. and G.
July 13, 1913 Went to Ship Creek on Traveler
to meet Sampson. Sampson in with several government parties
- 67 passengers and 65 horses, Tyonek got most of passengers.
Sampson left at 6 PM - Traveler 10 PM, arrived Knik 11:30.
Frank Bartholf and wife and mascot arrived Mr. Sargent and
3 geological survey parties arrived also one land survey party and
government coal men. Tyonek and scow landed horses on beach
at midnight.
July 14, 1913 Tyonek and scow went back
to Goose Bay to lay. Alaska got a skunk on freight and
passengers. William Martin left for Juneau on Sampson.
Sport Ada Smith came back to town. One of the big days at Sunny
Knik, sales and collection $584.25. Tyonek in with freight
for Ed Wood, government men, Sargent, Williams, Evans, Swift, none
for K. T. Co. Up till midnight with accounts mail in etc.
Put up order for mines a busy day at Knik.
July 15, 1913 Got up 3 AM to discharge
balance of freight off Tyonek. Traveler left with land
survey party for Palmer’s Slough. USGS survey parties
making ready to leave for Willow Creek and Matanuska District.
Palmer got up frame for new store. Evening tide, Tyonek left
for Hope etc. E. H. and F. G. Bartholf and Harris left for
mines also Forty Mile Miller. Evening took order for Paddy
O’Donald suit.
July 16, 1913 Traveler back from Palmer’s
Slough. Sold Scotty Watson $78 outfit for his Old Knik
Roadhouse and haying job. Scotty said Palmer turned him
down, wouldn’t even give him a pair of shoes. McCoy sent in
for grub. USGS left for Willow Creek and Matanuska survey.
Hughes through packing 7 tons to Chickaloon for U. S. Naval expedition.
Ed Wood started out his pack train with material for coal camps.
Stevens set up Chase engine. Ed Wood set camp on Lidell and Herning
lot.
July 17, 1913 One continual sunny Knik
since May 1st. Billy the horse took out pack for McCoy.
Ed Wood started out with his bucking pack train. Put up
small orders for Herbert and A. G. Q. M. Co. Wood launched
his gas boat, she rolled like a bottle. Cramer and Stevens
cleaning up Chase engine for William Martin Mine. McNeil
moved down to Fish Creek to join the siwashes.
July 18, 1913 Park’s and Tomlison in
to trade. Palmer got outside sheeting on new store, Churchill
is builder with siwash helpers. Percy wanted me to take Rae
checks again for collection, nothing doing. PM Ellexson, Wood
and Cramer fighting booze. Evening fixed fly on Matt’s tent
store for coming rain. Evening Wood trying his hunting boat.
July 19, 1913 First rain to lay the dust
this summer. Alaska back from Station. Gill’s family
came over. Traveler, Sea Lion and Alaska laying in port
nothing for business. Cash business quiet today, sent
out Alaska Gold Quartz order, Peter Herbert order, Jap Harry order
by Dunlap team. GB team - Tim Cavney - in for powder took telephone
wire. Dunlap took out Chase engine to Martin’s Mill.
July 20, 1913 Rain did gardens good.
GB took out load powder. Took Cramer’s measure for suit.
Evening tide Buffalo Hog in with Dora mail. Hubbel
and Sport Smith went out on Buffalo. Evening got mail ready
to send out overland.
July 21, 1913 Preacher made $50 payment
on freight and June bill. Cramer making ready
to paint Traveler. Evening Alaska left for Station with
Dora mail. Cappers sent over for gasoline to run speeder, none
in town. J. F. Mayer and Chas McHenry in from Caribou Creek
no sluicing up there yet. Capt. Ward left $50 bill for Gaikama.
July 22, 1913 Four men in
from Station by row boat. Sea Lion left for Sunrise with
passengers. Cramer painting Traveler inside. Got mail
ready to send to Meyers and Zimmerman by McHenry going to Chickaloon
and Boulder Creek. Ordered gas lights for store and house
from Gloria Light Co. Chicago. Ordered neckties from Indianapolis
Neckwear Co. Traveler only boat in port.
July 23, 1913 Got up 6 AM and gave McHenry,
Zimmerman and Meyers mail, said he would leave all mail at Chickaloon
Coal camp. Cramer painting hull of Traveler. PM
tide Nic came back from Palmer’s Slough with his Evinrude.
Williamson land surveyor came down to trade also Pete Murray.
Park’s in to trade. Tim Cavney in with GB team took his talking
machine. Started to set up chairs. Gave Pennington
merchandise ordered by St. Clair’s Caribou Creek.
July 24, 1913 Paul Blackhead
came in from A. A. Zimmerman’s camp, Mazuma Gulch, brought no
word. Forceman and Little John returned from Caribou District
found nothing. Harry Tremble back from Caribou District.
Alaska Road Com. gang in, finished slashing trees along road from
river in to mile 16, funds used up? Helped Cramer trim Traveler
in black and green. Reported Alaska Gold Quartz let all help
go but the Bartholf crowd. government coal pack train in.
Frank Bartholf and family in from mines.
July 25, 1913 Buffalo arrived with gasoline
and powder. Forestry boat arrived 11 PM, Alaska
left for Station 1 passenger. Gave Pennington 2 pair gum
boots to deliver to Zimmerman at Mazuma Gulch. Got 10 cases
gasoline off Buffalo.
July 26, 1913 Government boat and Buffalo
left port. Buffalo took Simmons horses to Turnagain Arm
to haul out Jim Denny’s piles. Busy in store all day collections
over $400. Salmon beginning to run, reported a trap down
the Inlet overflowing with salmon. Hughes packing for land
survey 10 horses steady job. Hughes paid for railway bobsleighs.
July 27, 1913 Frank Bartholf took out load
grub etc. for Gold Quartz Mine, Miss Frankie mascot.
Ed Woods team in for Navy coal supplies. Cramer got Traveler
about painted, made letters for new name on Traveler for S. C.
Palmer laid walk in front of new store. Preacher out of town
no church today. Mrs. Byron Bartholf very sick. Hung screen
door on kitchen entrance.
July 28, 1913 Put up order for the Shough
family. Cash sales $25.45 credit sales over $100.
Woods team left for mile 24 sent grub out to Peter Herbert.
Ide in from road work, made new trail from mile 25 to Moose Creek.
Martin team left for mines Ben Agnew new teamster. Old Mr.
Major left for King River with Woods outfit. Salmon run on in
Knik Arm.
July 29, 1913 Painted new
bow name on the Traveler for S.C. Alaska back from Station
to meet Sampson. Hughes team in from Gold Quartz Mine with
concentrator. Arm full of salmon.
July 30, 1913 McCoy, Babcock, Isaac, Steen
and Boyle in from Fishhook Creek also Shorty’s cook. Painted
stern name on Traveler. Good reports of new ledges around
Fishhook District. Cramer finished painting and decorating
the Traveler. Alaska in port trying to locate a leak in hull.
Kids having fun catching salmon.
July 31, 1913 Several in town waiting
for Sampson. Sea Lion in from Susitna. George Rabehl
came over to get odd merchandise for parties in Cache Creek District.
Packed up Optimo cigars to send back - too many. School
kids making great preparation for Mother Goose play tomorrow night.
Sent out sample of O. C. Miller’s rock to Los Angeles for assay.
August 1, 1913 Close of school year.
Evening children gave play entitled The Courting of Mother
Goose, a large audience attended. After performance teacher
brought up scandal the clerk of new board prepared. Don
Rae denounced reports, supposed to have been told by the Rae family
and Mrs. Cody received the approval and respect of a majority of
Knik citizens. Otto arrived with Kid and Rex from Alfred Creek
also Farrington - Rex time packing 68 days. Bill
Bartholf in from mines to see his family off.
August 2, 1913 Everybody in town for
Sampson. Evening Traveler left with Sampson, some 40 people
took passage. Mattie and Stanley went down to do the Sampson
. Evening worked on books until midnight posting accounts.
Pennington back from trip to Matanuska, only got to King River.
August 3, 1913 PM tide, all the boats
came back to Knik from meeting the Sampson. Dentist from
Valdez arrived, also 2 school marm excursionists. Evening busy with
freight off Tyonek. Mrs. Will Bartholf and Myrtle took
passage on the Sampson. Up all night filling orders for mines.
O. C. Miller came in from his ranch. Palmer’s time keeper
quit his job and left on Sampson.
August 4, 1913 Percy got small order
for P. J. McDonald. All the managers left for mines.
Bud Whitney loaded his horses at Knik on scow from Ship Creek by
Traveler. O. C. Miller started to put an 18’ addition, floor
only, to dock warehouse.
August 5, 1913 Percy got grub on P. J. McDonald’s
account to go to Peters Creek mines. Evening tide Traveler
left for Sunrise with the schoolmarm tourists. Rev. Howard
family left for Hope. Rev. Howard circulated petition to
get Mrs. Cody the Native school-to-be at Knik. Joe Palmer
going to the big strike - Caribou District. Sent mail to Seward
by Henry. O. C. Miller worked on addition to dock
August 6, 1913 Farrington and Joe Palmer
left for Matanuska Alfred Creek with various grub, sent 100
lbs. to Meyers. Helped Miller place stringers on piles addition
to dock. Evening Buffalo in with registered mail.
Dentist Good left on Buffalo. Tyonek was in on morning tide
brought O. S. and D. freight O. C. Miller worked on dock annex
10 hours.
August 7, 1913 O. C. Miller
got piles in to connect wharf to warehouse. Evening
Traveler back from Turnagain Arm with Simmons horses and Jim
Buzzard. Williamson in on trip to Seward to fix his bond.
GB team in for supplies. Pt. Possession Nickoli here
to put gas engine onto his sloop. O. C. Miller worked on annex
to dock 10 hours.
August 8, 1913 Miller got piles and caps ready
for flooring on dock annex. EHB team in after grub.
Alaska left for Kern Creek with surveyor Williamson. O. C. Miller
worked on dock annex 1 day.
August 9, 1913 Had Miller
set up balance of chairs. Got down lumber from Woods camp
to finish gangway to dock. Alaska, Traveler and Sea Lion
in port waiting for business. Logan Stipps came in from Martin’s
Mine. EHB team took out load grub for Alaska Gold Quartz and
Alaska Hoosier Mine. O. C. Miller worked 5 hours on dock annex
and 5 hours on store.
August 10, 1913 Self and Miller started
to prop up frame to annex on dock warehouse. No church -
preacher at Hope. No Sunday School account of Carrie Nation? Palmer
moved into his new store building
August 11, 1913 Self and Miller got rafters
up on main part annex to storehouse. All the boats left
port today. Report came by Franke to Paul Blackhead at Chickaloon
that old Tony died at Alfred Creek. Ben Agnew in with
Martin team. Russian Church on at Fish Creek fish camp.
Tom Merideth installing Buffalo gas engine in Pt. Possession Nikoli
sloop. O. C. Miller 1 day on annex to dock warehouse.
August 12, 1913 Partly cloudy.
Got sheathing on dock annex ready for iron - end and door to
be put in. Bid on order and got same. Ben Agnew left
for Martin’s Mine with supplies took out rubber belt. Government
pack train took out load to coal camp. Dr. Martin’s
packer in for supplies. O. C. Miller 1 day on warehouse annex.
August 13, 1913 Put up order for Martin and
partner. Pete Iverson and A. Franke in from the Mazuma
said old Tony got down in a swamp and they shot him, said Zimmerman
quit Mazuma Gulch and was helping Meyers on Alfred Creek. Reported
Olson and Getchell on pay dirt. Ed O’Brien down from coal camp
to fight booze. Miller made doors for annex to dock warehouse.
Doremas and I. Rosthenfalt arrived O. C. Miller 1 day
on warehouse annex.
August 14, 1913 Miller finished doors
and window to dock annex to warehouse. New part 25 x 24
now ready for use. Peter Herbert in town having teeth mended.
Had first duck dinner of new duck crop. Stevens trying Swift’s
Evinrude. Pt. Possession Nikoli got gas engine installed
in his sloop. O. C. Miller 1 day on annex to warehouse total
time worked on warehouse 10½ days $52.50, 5 hours on store
$2.50.
August 15, 1913 O. C. Miller left for his ranch.
Williamson USGS back from Seward brought letter mail.
Point Possession Nikoli tried his new gas boat run OK. Swift
took an Evinrude party to Goose Bay for a hunt. Paul Blackhead
left on Alaska for Seward. Major back from Moose Creek.
Now ready to go to Willow Creek to do assessment work.
August 16, 1913 Rained AM so did not
start for Grubstake. Al Beat in from Ala. Hoosier, said they
closed up the drill prospecting, too many boulders. Thos.
Repetto and partner left with his sloop to get coal. Pt.
Poss. Nikoli took Martin and partner up Palmer’s Slough. Nic
Evinruded Williamson up Palmer’s Slough. Natives getting ready
to go on fall hunt. Self got bad cold in head. Sandwich
party on at Swift’s office. Society getting swell.
August 17, 1913 Left Knik at noon on Kid, rode
out to Miller’s ranch, arrived 8 PM. Ulanky, Fischer,
Franke, Forceman and Little John were at Miller’s on way to work
at GB Mine. Miller had the largest and best looking garden yet
seen.
August 18, 1913 Left Miller’s ranch 9 AM, arrived
at Miller’s Mine 11:15, inspected mine and had lunch. Left
for Willow Creek 1 PM via up Fishhook, met Ben Agnew looking for
his horses and Ike Rosthenald on way out to Knik. Shot mess
of ptarmigan going over pass, arrived at Grubstake cabins 10 minutes
of 6. Every place locked up as left in winter. Water
below normal.
August 19, 1913 Inspected pipeline dam and
ditch, all in working order. Took tools up to cut in bench at
foot of Homestake Claim, straightened up 11 pipeline set up giant.
Got 1 to 2¢ pans in FFF cut on bench, 5’ pay dirt and no
bedrock. Indications in cut showed gravel pitched toward mountain
from creek indicating old channel in bench. Miller swore the
old channel was there and was rich. O. C. Miller and self 1st
day at mines.
August 20, 1913 Started up giant, piped slide
off pay gravel - slide 3 to 4’ deep on top 10’ pay gravel.
Kapp's USGS visited to get information about the placer mine for
USGS write up. Piped off half of slide on setup. The
flume that Meyers left above canyon was crushed out of shape by snow.
August 21, 1913 Went up to pit to arrange work
for Miller, left mines 9 AM, arrived at Knik 8 PM, Tyonek
was in port. Looked over Dora mail. Zimmerman, Kelly,
Lanquist and St. Claire back from Caribou Creek. Meyers
sent out $148.40 - 9 oz. 1 dwt dust. Zimmerman had 1 oz.
3 dwt dust - $19.55.
August 22, 1913 All the Bartholf’s in town.
Busy with mail all day and up till midnight. Evening Tyonek
left for Ship Creek.
August 23, 1913 Traveler, Alaska
and Sea Lion left 11 with passengers for Sampson. Frank
Bartholf and family left for Seattle. Turner Jenkins left
for Seward. Bill Bartholf and son left for Seattle.
Sent gold dust 10 oz. 4 dwt. to Sylvester Bros . Evening tide
sent Kelly down to Ship Creek with mail. Miller at mines.
August 24, 1913 Very quiet in town waiting
for Sampson. Sent Frank Kelly down to Ship Creek with
mail came back AM tide no Sampson yet. Worked on accounts.
August 25, 1913 Everybody rubbering for
Sampson. Stevens came up with Evinrude, said no boat in
sight and boats about out of grub. Made out order for school
supplies. Frank Kelly wanted to work at mines. Sampson
arrived at Ship Creek 11 PM.
August 26, 1913 Noon launches and Tyonek back
from Ship Creek with passengers and freight. William Martin and
brother arrived from Juneau. A few new people in town.
Tyonek went down to barge to get balance of Knik freight.
Hershey and Fulton got in their first invoice, ordered direct.
August 27, 1913 Rained hard all night
and most all day heaviest rain of summer. Tyonek in with
balance of freight - 60 tons mostly for Martin. Nailed corrugated
iron on shed part of annex to warehouse. Zimmerman got
ready to return to Alfred Creek. Busy all PM handling freight.
August 28, 1913 First snow of fall on
mountains all white down to timberline this morning. Traveler
left with USGS (4) party for head of Turnagain Arm. Fred
Drees went overland to Seward via from Sunrise, sent out-mail and
small deposits to bank. Zimmerman left for Alfred Creek, Eric
Larson and Whiskey Wilson went along to look over new strike.
August 29, 1913 First big wind. PM nailed
on part of corrugated iron for warehouse annex. Evening
put 22 sheets 8x30 corrugated iron on roof of Matt’s tent house.
Martin’s team delivered freight from our dock to GB barn.
Most all the boys went out to work at mines on account of taking on
more help. Palmer rebuilt booze cellar aft of saloon and covered
same with roof. Also closed up part of road and left road covered
with dirt etc. from cellar.
August 30, 1913 PM nailed corrugated iron on
annex to warehouse. Alaska in from Station. Now
ready to go to mines. Esi and family left in gas boat for
Knik River to hunt. Whisky McNeil still hanging around saloon,
should have gone to GB mines several days ago. W. S. Fergusen
in from Lake Creek.
September 13, 1913 Left mines 7 AM, arrived
at Knik 4:45 PM, town full of people going to meet Sampson.
Bought scow boat off A. H. Miller for D. D. Elliott for $25.
Left Kelly at mines to do asst. on Bear Group. O. C. Miller
at mine prospecting birches for himself on Grubstake above 2nd canyon.
September 14, 1913 Traveler left evening tide
to meet Sampson. Milo Kelly family went out, also Hatcher family.
Took dinner at Pioneer Hotel. Sold William Martin all my
Free Gold stock 45,625 shares for $2,737.50 cash. Tyonek overdue.
Traveler took out Knik mail. Burnt off amalgam, got 12 oz. 6 dwt from
100 cu. yds. run avg. $2 top slide included.
September 15, 1913 Busy checking up accounts
and looking over stock Checked out over $2,783 account
invoices delivered, all paid up to date. Morning tide Tyonek
came in for mail. Evening Tyonek visited and took out 7 horses
for Ed Woods via back to Valdez. Mattie and Stanley went down
on Tyonek to meet Sampson for an outing. Kid feeding on barn lot.
Got 1 ton A-1 oat hay off burn lot.
September 16, 1913 Quiet in town waiting
for Sampson - 3 days overdue. PM tide Traveler came back
to Knik for more grub, no Sampson. Explorer back from Matanuska
River on exploring trip to navigate river. Put balance of
corrugated iron roof on Matt’s store. Mattie and Stanley on
Tyonek waiting for Sampson. Tomlinson in to trade said they
had up 2 tons dog salmon.
September 17, 1913 Busy arranging old stock,
making ready for new freight, business rather quiet.
Traveler in with passengers off Sampson and Tyonek with Alaska
Commercial Company freight, refused to handle AC freight and they
put same off at Palmer’s dock Evening tide Traveler left for
Seldovia Anna Simmons and Rev. Howard were passengers.
September 18, 1913 Morning tide Tyonek
left to get load freight off scow at Goose Bay. Paid St. Clair,
Zimmerman order due for labor. Got warehouse in shape
to receive freight. Evening tide Tom McLaughlin visited
and told me all about Alfred Creek and Meyers deal. Chas Tuell
on a drunk.
September 19, 1913 Morning tide Tyonek delivered
first of our freight and some of Nagley’s and Alaska Commercial
Company stored same in our warehouse. Tyonek left for Goose
Bay to get balance of Sampson freight. Duck shells going
fast, sold 500 rounds today. Paid Hershey and Fulton.
Frank Kelly order $100. Stanley just got his teeth finished
up. Mattie having her teeth fixed up. O. C. Miller and
Frank Kelly working at mines for OGH.
September 20, 1913 Busy discharging balance
of AC and Nagley’s freight. Tyonek left for Seldovia
with big scow. PM laid some of gangway in front of annex
to dock warehouse. Hughes team took joint load of GB and EHB
merchandise.
September 21, 1913 A-1 day snow all gone
on mountains at Old Knik and Eagle River. Traveler back from
Seldovia with oil. Judge Hildreth arrived on Traveler on
way to Crooked Creek strike, Matanuska District. Black and
partner left for Crooked Creek strike. Evening Herning family
attended church. Cramer and Joe Bush took their new suits.
Musher came over trail from Station.
September 22, 1913 A real rain all day
and evening. Got most of plank down on gangway to wharf.
Alaska in from Lake Creek with passengers for outside.
Harper bros., B. B. M. Co. and Joe Anderson on way out. Shod
Kid forward. Had Cramer at chicken dinner. Evening invited
out to chicken dinner for Cannon’s birthday. Evening Alaska
left for Sunrise sent deposit to bank by Al Harper.
September 23, 1913 Loaded Sea Lion with Nagley’s
freight. Left for mines via government road 3 PM, arrived
mile 13½ at dark. Fed horse, made bag, went on to
Miller’s homestead arrived 10 PM.
September 24, 1913 Miller’s homestead
to mines - arrived 3 PM, Kelly laid off PM. Soft
weather at mines. All the quartz mills still operating.
T. R. Wilson was at mines, let him have 4¾ lbs. sugar for
40¢ - 10¼ lbs. flour for 40¢ - packing 15 lbs.
75¢.
September 25, 1913 Miller and self relined
off hydraulic group and reset corner stakes above forks.
Kelly piled up lumber and started to clean out face of tunnel
on Boulder group. Miller and self staked claim between his
location and hydraulic group taking in upper canyon.
September 26, 1913 AM prospected on new claim,
run line for ditch to take water out of Grubstake on bench
above 2nd canyon. Kelly finished cleaning out face of
tunnel on Boulder group. PM ground sluiced on Bear group.
O. C. Miller and self worked 1 day on Eureka Claim. Kelly
½ day on Boulder group and ½ day on Bear group.
September 27, 1913 Left mines 8 AM. arrived
Knik 5:30 PM. Miller and Kelly left for Miller’s homestead.
Kelly in route to Knik. Alaska took furs and part of AC
freight.
September 28, 1913 Busy all day on Seattle
orders. Evening left for Seward via Traveler to Kern
Creek.
October 10, 1913 Arrived at Ship Creek on Sampson
4 AM, Sampson got off her course in heavy fog. Traveler
run on bar at Palmer’s Point. Got Tyonek loaded at noon,
arrived at Knik 3 PM and discharged freight on Tyonek. Knik
full of people. William Martin left for Seattle and several
others also EHB. Posted on books until midnight and checking
down mining customers freight.
October 11, 1913 First hard freeze, down to
2 above zero last night. Tyonek came in with 2nd load general
freight, took 6 hours to discharge her. None of our fruit
or vegetables were delivered. Evening clear and freezing.
Frank Kelly in town waiting for Meyers to come out.
October 12, 1913 Weather clear and cool, freezing
hard nights. Put up place along gangway to receive GB lumber
- cost for labor $5.25. Tyonek arrived with bidarky loaded
with balance of freight C. B. Meyers arrived from Caribou District.
Zimmerman came out and went on to Willow Creek.
October 13, 1913 Busy all day with freight.
Unloaded 90 tons off bidarky hull. PM tide Sea Lion and
Alaska returned with AC and Nagley’s freight, river full of slush
ice. Stored Nagley’s freight with Cannon - 19 boxes eating
apples, 8 boxes oranges, 5 cases eggs and 1 box onion sets.
Sea Lion put Nagley’s freight off on our dock. Self busy checking
up freight Mattie busy put up 3 orders.
October 14, 1913 Finished discharging bidarky
and Tyonek. Put Nagley’s eggs, spuds and milk in his house.
Mattie put up order for Mrs. Cody and government school at Tyonek.
Evening tide Traveler towed scow load lumber down to Ship Creek
for Jack Brown and Tyonek left for Seldovia. Billy Maitland
over from Station via winter trail, reported Little Susitna frozen
over. Palmer’s schooner finished discharging freight - time,
4 days.
October 15, 1913 Traveler towed out Palmer’s
schooner to Inlet. Mrs. Cody left on Traveler with winter
grub to teach Native school at Tyonek. Frisby and Murry in
from Crow Creek. Sent orders for grub to Elliott and Watson
in Old Knik. Nic Gaikema attached Cramer’s boats to cover
debt for labor. First run of ice on Knik Arm today.
October 16, 1913 Finished Peters Creek Mining
Company order. Judge Hildreth back from Matanuska strike,
said there were 61 people in the camp, Linderberg from Nome among
the stampeeders. Jim Denny in from Hope. Rev. Mrs.
Howard came over and one musher for new strike. Simmons family
back from Fish Creek at head of lake. Government Navy Exp. building
barn on Carter’s lot? Mattie busy marking Portland dry goods.
Rae’s jackasses run away and dumped Mrs. Rae under wheel and broke
up EHB wagon.
October 17, 1913 Traveler back from Tyonek
and Kenai and towing out Palmer’s schooner. Sold Peters
Creek Mining Company $240 order. Gus Swanson in from Martin’s
Mine wages $667.30 for summers work. Gave $5 to help clear
wind falls out of Knik-Susitna winter trail.
October 18, 1913 Put up small order for Rev.
Howard. Harris came in from GB mines.
Meyers in from his quartz prospect on Seymour Gulch. Second
lot of mushers in from Station, reported the river closed yesterday.
J. M. Wood back from hunting trip on Susitna flats.
October 19, 1913 GB started
to haul away their freight from dock. Meyers talking Alfred Creek
and cost of prospecting same, thinks he can sell lease for $3,000
to Seattle partner. Had a casaba melon for dinner.
October 20, 1913 GB moved all their freight
out of warehouse. Harris in looking after freight. Jim
Denny in with nigger from Sunrise. Alaska towed horse across
Arm for Peters Creek Mining Company. Boys left for mines.
C. B. Meyers left with 75 lb. pack on back for Matanuska new strike.
Knik Glacier broke out - Arm full of glacier ice.
October 21, 1913 Set up Faultless Reading
Lamps. Eddie Erickson in from GB mines, reported snow
slide killed John Travers. Sea Lion left for Tyonek and
the Irish Lord left for Turnagain Arm. Sold outfit to Goranflo
and Swanson. Hildreth placed order for Nelchina outfit.
John Parks in to trade, made a deal to take all his fish.
October 22, 1913 Chinook on today. Put
up orders for Scotty Watson and Bill Elliott. Alaska left
for Seldovia to lay up for the winter. Jap George installing
Chase engine in Thomas Black’s boat. Mattie not feeling well.
Attended choir practice this evening.
October 23, 1913 Woods started to install gas
plant in house and store. Martin’s help in from
mines. O. C. Miller in from Grubstake. Judge Hildreth
and Doremus moved into Sport Smith house, cabins in great demand.
Tomlison in from Fish Creek wanted 7¢ for their fish at lake
cache and $25 a ton for hay on Fish Creek.
October 24, 1913 Ground white with snow
this morning business fair. Horace Emery and help in from
Martin’s Mine. Bert Stewart in from GB Mines. O. C.
Miller started to put up workshop in corner of store garden for
winter use. Tyonek overdue with Dora mail. Woods worked
a while on new lights. Dance on at school house hall.
October 25, 1913 Business good today
booked two orders for November 1st delivery. O. C. Miller
got up his workshop on store garden lot. Ronald Harris paid
GB bills up to date. Frank Cotter visited. Evening
made up check deposit for Seward. Traveler going to Sunrise
early AM tide with Harris and Cotter via Seward. Woods finished
installing new gas plant. Otto worked on warehouse annex
total of 9 hours.
October 26, 1913 Otto finished laying floor
in loft of warehouse. O. C. Miller put new window in tin
shop. Henry Steen got $82 outfit. Tyonek in with Dora mail,
took away bidarky and Kenai Red scow. Gill over from Station.
Traveler left for Sunrise early AM tide with Harris and Cotter.
Evening attended church service for Romeno and Travasso lately
deceased. Knik 1st choir sang MAH soprano.
October 27, 1913 Nagley and wife arrived from
Station by dog team. Zimmerman arrived from Willow Creek,
packed out 100 lb. ore from Seymour Creek. Traded no. 4
bobsled to Byron Bartholf for 1,500’ lumber to be delivered at Knik
by December 1st. One neck yoke cash $1.
October 28, 1913 Traveler back from Sunrise
brought us 2,000’ lumber from Hope. Dog team took 1st load
Nagley’s freight to Station. Government coal miners in
from Chickaloon. Irwin and Franke in from Crooked Creek.
Emery paid Martin’s September and October bill rendered. Old
Cap Mahl got his gas engine to work after 2 months trial. Byron
and John Bartholf installing a sawmill at mile 3 government road.
October 29, 1913 Had Miller build rack
for shoes, clothes, etc. in hardware annex. Had fresh
roast pork for dinner. Evening had talk with Zimmerman, agreed
to try and turn over Alfred Creek leases for $2,000 cash balance $10,000
on long terms for prospecting ground by any company. Zimmerman
wanted to get $200 to go out on - said he expected to get some money out
of Moore and would deposit $500 in Seattle Bank.
October 30, 1913 Big tide cleaned all
the ice from bar on Knik Arm, light ice and broken up. Re-piled
Nagley’s freight. Evening loaned Zimmerman $200 to go out
on to Seattle - sold him 2 oz. Alfred Creek gold dust. Had
Otto clean up warehouse. Matt’s birthday, had chicken dinner
and presents. St. Clair’s gave her $10 and self gave her $100.
October 31, 1913 Busy all day, cleaned
up hardware annex and storage aft of store. Evening Traveler
left for Ship Creek. Tyonek in and out on morning tide meeting
Sampson. Evening got out Seattle mail. Government
moved horses from our lot to new barn.
November 1, 1913 Weather warmer rained
hard all last night. Busy all day arranging storeroom
with new freight. Nagley removed part of his freight to
Cannon’s root house. Got mail all ready to send out on Sampson.
November 2, 1913 Ground white this morning
Chinook still on. Sampson arrived at 10 AM. Evening
tide Traveler brought up mail and 17 passengers. Turned
on all the Gloria lights, worked fine. No Sunday school
due to storm. No church due to 40 passengers leaving for Sampson
on Traveler. Ronald Harris came back on Sampson and departed
on Sampson. Sampson reported to have 200 tons freight.
Government shipping by transport.
November 3, 1913 Tyonek arrived with
bidarky and scow for Sampson freight, about 200 tons of which
about ½ is for K. T. Co. Worked 3 shifts to discharge
scow and deck load on bidarky. Tyonek laying at Goose Bay with
freight waiting for scow and bidarky discharge. All freight
was prepaid from Seattle to Knik Anchorage. Spent 2 hours cleaning
snow off dock.
November 4, 1913 Worked 3 shifts unloading
freight off bidarky and Tyonek, warehouse packed full
of K. T. Co. freight. Harvey Bartholf hauling away GB freight
and Jim Cavney on Martin’s freight. Combination to Cramer’s tool
chest, turn to right to 26½, turn back to 43, turn right
to 20 which opens.
November 5, 1913 Busy all day housing
perishable freight. K. T. Co. had 87 tons winter stock.
Noon Tyonek left for Seldovia, took bidarky scow and Traveler
in tow. Don S. Rae in from mines. Business good these
days.
November 6, 1913 Busy checking down freight
and opening up new goods. Everybody buying for Matanuska
strike. Billy the Horse gave us a draft drawn on Jafet
Lindeberg for $250 for collection. Old Cap left for Sunrise
with his launch and 2 passengers. Had turkey dinner.
Mrs. Morrison building annex to her bakery, Windy Wilson boss carpenter.
November 7, 1913 Put up $100 order.
Had Bert McClarty unpack goods. Knik boys making ready
to go to new strike to do assorted work. Ice making on bar in
front of Knik. Dance on tonight Mattie and Stanley went.
Freezing nights and ice making. Jap boys got launch about
ready to sail (Thos. boat and Chase engine).
November 8, 1913 Busy marking new goods.
Good and Haley left for new strike with outfit. Got Drees
order through Cannon. Miller put new safety flue in tin
shop. Sold Cannon 1¼ tons flour.
November 9, 1913 Freezing all day temperature
+2. Unpacked clothing and Granite Wear. Jim Denny
in from Hope. Evening busy marking up hardware and took
in $60 sales. McClarty still helping to unpack new goods.
Jap boys ready to sail tomorrow AM tide. Stevens going with
Denny to Fire Island to wait for government transport. Sleeping
bags sold out. Jim Denny took case hams. Marked George Roll
and Hope dentist box and left 2 trunks to go out on government transport.
November 10, 1913 Ice making fast on
bar in front of Knik. Jim Denny “Irish Lord” took Stevens
to Fire Island to meet government transport. Chas Ulanky
went to Seward to pick up his family. Business good these
days due to outfitting for Matanuska strike. Cash sales today
$175. Sleet storm today streets all icy. Otto building house
near spring. Mrs. Morrison’s new addition under cover.
O. C. Miller made small heater stove for Matt’s store, time 9 hours.
Evening took usual bath.
November 11, 1913 Weather cloudy evening
turned to Chinook and raining 2nd warm spell. Packed
up Judge Hildreth’s order for new strike. AN railway Davis
in from new strike with others. Hall sent word to hold outfit
grub and send 3 plugs Westover 1st chance. Jap boys still
monkeying with their new gas boat. Hildreth went to Cottonwood
to see about hay.
November 12, 1913 Rained last night streets
all ice this morning. Busy in store cash sales $157.85.
Put up part of Goranflo’s and Swanson’s Matanuska order.
Fred Laubner down from Cottonwood. Tomlison in from Fish Creek said
they only had 29 cwt of dog fish and over 4 tons hay. Dog
mushers moving grub out on government road.
November 13, 1913 Put up Drees order
for Matanuska outfit. Business not so swift today, sales
$40.85. Bid on Harper bros. order. Ertz partner in
from Cache Creek wanted giant powder to start tunnel on new quartz
find. Howard Taulman and Williams left with dog team for relay
grub to Matanuska strike. Government transport 1 day overdue,
no see-um and considerable ice running. Ice now anchoring
on bar in front of Knik.
November 14, 1913 Put up 2 small orders
and got 2 more Matanuska orders. Goods moving nicely on
account of new strike. Several over from Station to trade.
O. C. Miller busy doing repair work and making stoves. Hildreth
back from mile 26 on account of first load hauled out for new strike.
Dance on tonight, Mattie and Stanley attended. Mailed William
M. Elliott’s sight draft on Jafet Lindeberg to Seattle National
Bank for collection $250.
November 15, 1913 Gill and several over
from Station to trade. Put up order for Case and Davis.
Shorty Herbert in looking for government transport. Jap
boy finally got away with Black’s Myrira and Chase engine.
Hildreth in from GB logging camp said there was 3’ of snow on Willow
Creek.
November 16, 1913 Put up grocery order
for Harper bros. and Chambers, kept open all day. Joe
Peterson in from Willow Creek, came over Bald Mt. Swift’s
“Friday” came back from Fire Island no government boat in sight.
Evening Jim Denny in from Sunrise with nigger passenger. Ben
Agnew started for Sunrise with 5 Iditarod men and 5 dogs and sled, sent
out check mail. Evening Gloria light in kitchen went on the bum.
Evening cold wave on no church because preacher fell down cellar McClarity.
November 17, 1913 Government transport
at Goose Bay with U. S. Navy Coal Exp. freight and horses for
hauling out Matanuska coal, Jack Dalton in charge. Traveler
came up from Seldovia to help lighter freight off government transport
- 3,000 ton boat at Goose Bay coming nearer to Knik? Cramer
brought up the mail 8 sacks - laid over for repair on engines.
Bill Tomlison in from Moose Creek after pickups for party in route to
new strike. Cash on hand $2,200.
November 18, 1913 Weather cloudy, +32.
Morning tide - Traveler bucked tide to Goose Bay and back to
Knik on ebb. Took 25 men back to work unloading for coal
exp., unloading 400 tons feed and 100 tons various freight
at Goose Bay. Tides small and no ice to bother navigation.
Judge Hildreth in from Cottonwood account baling up native hay for
trip to new strike. Snowed about 3” last night. Miller
fixed flue on sitting room stove. Paid McClarty off for helping
to pack Matanuska outfits.
November 19, 1913 Ice making fast
zero this morning. Evening Stevens arrived with government launch,
ice drove them out of Goose Bay. Government boat unloaded
three 60 ton scow loads on beach. Stevens said government
boat had out 2 anchors and steaming hard ahead to keep boat from
ice taking her out of Bay - trouble for Uncle Sam! Miller put
new pipe in safety flue over kitchen. All the boys down to Goose
Bay waiting for coal exp. Miller set up stove in tin shop.
November 20, 1913 U. S. Navy launch returned
to Goose Bay. Sent down mail to go out on government
transport. Launch returned to Knik brought 8 bales hay
- laid over a tide. Miller made new reducers for 49 stoves
and started to make bins for store. Government boat still
discharging freight at Goose Bay. Hildreth and Brown delivered
their hay from Cottonwood.
November 21, 1913 Government launch made
round trip to Goose Bay last night. Stevens reported
the transport unloaded except horses. Government widing
out trail Knik to Goose Bay - for hauling up forage. 11:45
PM Government launch back from Goose Bay. Hughes after horse
gear account hauling for coal expd. Hildreth making ready
to leave for new strike to do assessment. Local business still
good. Snowed about 4”, enough to make fair sledding.
November 22, 1913 Noon tide Traveler towed
Government Scow to Goose Bay. Government launch made round
trip. Government transport left Goose Bay at noon for
Seattle. Clothing trade fair. Jack Dalton asked permission
to land government freight on our dock Had Doremus shovel
snow off dock. Gus Swanson delivered 2 loads dog fish 190 lbs.
Hildreth took out load of forage. Clothing going fast. Coal
expedition landed first load of freight on beach. Miller installed
2 store bins.
November 23, 1913 Traveler in with scow early
morning tide with 70 tons. PM in with another load 60,
piled same on our dock. Shorty Wehucke came back to trade pick
up self and boys, said they had their outfit above Moose Creek.
Jack Dalton visited and introduced his boss Teamster said his OK on
orders for men was OK. Evening Mattie attended church.
Stanley made a dog harness. Self cut whiskers and fixed kitchen
Gloria lamp.
November 24, 1913 Morning tide Traveler
landed scow at Palmer’s dock, got stuck on mud before unloading
scow. Busy in store all day sales over $150. Evening
sold U. S. Navy help $90 worth of clothing. Billy the Horse
drunk and trying to borrow money. Chris Anderson and several
others in from GB logging camp also Ed Erickson. Harvey Bartholf
trying to install EHB Mill at mile 4 government road. Mr.
Gray storekeeper at Ophur City arrived.
November 25, 1913 Traveler and scow got hung
up on bar opposite of sfg., going out for last load at
Goose Bay. Tides making plenty of ice. Got two more
outfits for new strike cash sales $138.65. Six Iditarod men
arrived, reported about 60 coming out. Hildreth hauled out
another load hay. Tom Jeter making snowshoes for HHH horses.
Knik still booming all the boys employed mostly government work.
November 26, 1913 Woods put in his order for
supplies for new strike. Traveler landed last scow load of
U. S. Navy Coal Expd. freight from Goose Bay in plenty of floating
ice. U. S. Navy Exp. removed forage off our dock - had on dock
4 days about 125 tons of freight Tomlison in, told him I would
take hay for $100 as she looked and pay $100 down on fish, balance
on delivery of fish. Brown rented his house to U. S. Navy Exp.
and left for new strike.
November 27, 1913 Turkey day but no turkey.
Up till 4 getting out Seattle mail checked out over $2,000.
Dance on at school house hall tonight. Hildreth and Jeter
left for new Matanuska diggings with horse and double ender.
November 28, 1913 Got up 6:30 to send
out-mail on Traveler. Traveler left for Seldovia 8 AM took
out-mail and several Iditarod passengers via Sunrise. Sent
out our mail by Mr. Gray, Ophur storekeeper, via Sunrise - Moose Pass
to Seward. Sent check deposits to banks and checked out $2,400.
Uncle Sam in disgrace, manager Dalton and paymaster Swift had a scrap,
cost Dalton $5 to pass court inspection. Coal Exp. got all
their forage moved off the docks, made a cache between Knik Lake and
slough. Miller started to make hydraulic hose out of 10 oz.
duck. Farrington in from Nelchina strike.
November 29, 1913 Kelly and Caveny in from
Martin’s camp. Government Coal Exp. left to establish
trail camp and cut out road from mile 26 to Chickaloon for hauling
out coal. Sold out on parky’s and rabbit robes. Commercial
Club held meeting in barber shop on account of Dalton and Swift
trouble. Made up cablegram to explain matters to Dr. Holmes.
Swift is the underdog with people of Knik, self did not attend.
Schoolmarm got a Faultless lamp for the school.
November 30, 1913 Packed one order for
February delivery for H. J. Gronwaldt. Evening Ralph Wise
came down to trade. Frank Kelly took 1,000 lbs. dry salmon.
Tomlison delivered balance of dog fish, had 3,012 lbs. all told,
Simmons delivered 2,585 lbs. Evening made out U. S. Navy bills
and put up order for Peter Herbert.
December 1, 1913 Thawing today.
Matanuska ranchers down to trade - Murray, Grennon and Wise.
Paid Murray for cross-fox sold at Tacoma Fur Sales - brought
$1.25. Cavney and Kelly left for Martin wood camp.
Gus Swanson agreed to go to Willow Creek and finish assessment on
Boulder group and get out wood etc. No credits paid their November
bill today.
December 2, 1913 Snowed 3” this early
AM. Got up early to give ranchers their outfits.
Paddy O’Donald relaid out on feed. Evening Gus got ready
to go to Willow Creek to do 18 days work on Boulder group and get
out 20 dry trees 20 four inch poles.
December 3, 1913 PM fixed up barbers lamp.
Paddy O’Donald left for new strike had 700 lbs. Snowed
again last night good sledding now out of Knik. Gus
Swanson left for Grubstake to get out wood and do assessment work.
Mrs. Nagley had a baby last night baby came dead.
December 4, 1913 Business still good
cash sales today $298.21. Channel still open about 100
yards wide to anchor ice on bar. Fixed up old no. 400 reading
lamp and sold it to Jno. W. Swift for $7. Evening 3 mushers
in from Iditarod District. U. S. Navy got 40 men cutting sled
road from mile 26 to Moose Creek coal camp. Chinook today.
December 5, 1913 Sent letter to Bank
of Seward with check deposits and order to pay for BB goods
by Iditarod mushers. Evening dance on Mattie went.
O. C. Miller drove Kid out to his ranch, Stanley went along.
Mr. J. Saupe from Iditarod left his card for Mr. Meyers.
December 6, 1913 Stanley’s birthday.
Stanley at Miller’s ranch on outing. Had $55 sale on
rubbers. Monroe Kast over from Station. Roger McNally
got crate spuds for Mrs. Johnson at Station. Channel still
open and no ice running. Gasoline reading lamps all sold out
(8). Gloria System in store costs 30¢ a day to run 3 lights.
Packed on Woods order.
December 7, 1913 Finished sewing up canvas
sacks on Woods and C and D outfits. PM Mattie took a
dog team ride with the Pioneer Hotel. Stanley and O. C. Miller
got back from Miller’s ranch, gone 3 days. Evening posted
up all late invoices in ledger. Ed Erickson back from Chitna
Roadhouse with order for Elliott. Midnight snowing.
December 8, 1913 Put up small order for
new strike stormy all day. Evening got checks ready for
deposit to send out with Chris Anderson. Preacher wanted
me to potlatch gas lamp for church.
December 9, 1913 Evening -6. Chris
Anderson left for Seattle via trail to Seward.
Sent out $964.64 U. S. Navy checks for deposit in Seattle bank.
Mattie did the wash. Shoveled out path on account
of wind yesterday. Got trail order from Hildreth and usual
small orders from boys working for Navy Coal Exp. Swift paid
Sept- Oct to November 9th rent of Swanson cabin. Wargan and
Burke party got their outfit for prospecting Wargan’s Nelchina claims.
December 10, 1913 First cold snap -14.
Gill in from Station reported 27 below zero. Snow fall
above the average about 2 feet at Knik 4 feet at Willow Creek.
Sent trail grub order out to HHH at mile 26 by government teams.
Paul Heath in from Seward brought a little mail first over the trail
coming to Knik, was on road 17 days. Woods took part of his
Nelchina outfit.
December 11, 1913 Mattie doing a little
business at her store got up part of Xmas goods. Government
teams driving through to Moose Creek via mile 26 government road.
Road hits Moose Creek 6 miles from mouth road about cut out to
Eska Creek. Woods and McHenry left town with first relay for
new strike. Don S. Rae building a new house. Simmons brought
in 2 double ender loads of Fish Creek hay from Parks and Tomlison, put
same in my barn about ½ ton.
December 12, 1913 Put up order for A. Franke
for Nelchina strike. Mattie arranging her Xmas goods.
Woods and McHenry back from mile 13 for another load, each
got 5 loads to move to new strike. Sent German sox out to
Jim Patchell on government road camp. The teacher and preacher
getting up doings for Xmas.
December 13, 1913 Business quiet today
on cash sales credit sales fair. Cannon digging a well
for his new laundry. Evening made out Woods bill and packing
list for outfit for Nelchina new strike. Several of the Palmer
Slough ranchers down to trade. Shorty Herbert sent in for
Henry Tremble to come out and hang a door. Rae got 760’
lumber for his new house.
December 14, 1913 Store closed PM as
usual. Matanuska ranchers left with grub etc. for home.
Pete Murry took balance of Grennan grub. Average cash sales for
December to date $2,243.81 - average per day $187 - net profit per
day $50. Cannon got red water in his new well at the Larson
siwash cabin.
December 15, 1913 Navy Exp.
sent out small horses on double ender sleds with forage to end
of trail for Chickaloon coal. Chas Ulanky and family
arrived from Seward, out 15 days on trail, brought over the letter
mail 2nd private mail overland this winter. Sold Al Vitt
and Wilson small outfit going up Knik River after sheep.
December 16, 1913 Evening -14.
Shorty Herbert came in to pay his bill and get door for his
cabin at Paradise. Evening checked up balance due on new
stock. Total yet to pay $7,417.68, cash on hand $2,500 -
balance $4,917.68. Got 28 oz. gold dust ready to send out.
Parks paid shortage on salmon bought last winter. Several
buying Xmas presents.
December 17, 1913 Around 20 above zero
today. Busy with Seattle mail - checked out
$2,249.01. Mattie doing a little business with the Corlew
stock for Xmas goods. Medlicot underwear sold out.
Got 5 dozen suits of Med. on hand. Paid Nagley balance due
on grub exchange.
December 18, 1913 Most everybody out of town
either working or hunting. T. R. Wilson and Al Vett left
for sheep hunt up Knik River. Gill in from Station on way
out to start on January 1st mail delivery from Seward. Joe
Laubner took out Shafer’s underwear. Mrs. Morrison brought back
Gloria reading lamp said it was no good - found the reason
- no air in tank. Registered deposits to Seattle National
Bank and 28 oz. gold dust to Sylvester Bros. Frank Kelly in
from Martin’s lumber camp.
December 19, 1913 Like a spring day.
Business on the wain - got another order today for future delivery.
Church people busy making arrangements for Xmas tree etc.
Evening closed up J. M. Wood’s account due $556.34 balance.
First U. S. Mail left for Seward by Gill the mail man. U. S.
Navy Coal Exp. installing a general camp at mouth of Eska Creek 18
miles from the Chickaloon Coal Mines.
December 20, 1913 Had Kelly
solder up preachers Gloria stand lamp. Stanley delivered
groceries to Pioneer Hotel Bake Shop and preachers with his horse
Iditarod. Palmer out of butter and Eagle milk. O. C.
Miller back from his quartz mine brought in some tools, sold his
vegetables to government camp, 230 lbs. Stipp and Otto in
with 1st moose from Goose Bay.
December 21, 1913 Ben Agnew
back from Turnagain Arm came over trail. Landers and Lidell
in from GB mines snow shoed horses took 3 days to break trail
and come in. Thomas McLaughlin in from Peters Creek.
Got order for Peters Creek Mining Company. Jack Dalton
in from trail camp at Eska Creek. Self proceeded with Xmas
choir at Dr. Howard’s. Evening took usual bath. A daughter
arrived at the David family.
December 22, 1913 First of the Nelchina
locators arrived to record. Haley - Case and others arrived,
reported horses coming in from Copper Center with double ender outfits.
Put up order for Lutchinger. Thomas McLaughlin went to Tyoonic
with presents for his sweetheart? The preacher wanted me
to give part of Lidell and Herning lot for a church site.
Rae in from mines reported good ore in new tunnel.
December 23, 1913 Kemp and Anderson buying
pick ups for going to new strike. Frank Whitney and 2
others in from Seward. Third party in over trail this
winter. Attended choir rehearsal for Xmas songs.
Tim Harrigan on a drunk, said he had blew in.
December 24, 1913 Busy in store all day
sales $60. Evening school children rendered Xmas exercises
at school house hall. Over 100 whites and Natives were allowed
to come and see white mans Xmas. Self got the usual neckties -
gave Mattie $50 - gave Stanley $5. Gave Stanley 50¢ and watch,
put in stockings. Bob Hatcher back from Seattle. Mrs.
Johnson and partner over from Susitna.
December 25, 1913 Very quiet Xmas for
Knik. One man chewed another’s ear off at saloon.
Had dinner at Pioneer Hotel. Put up $100 order for Ben Agnew.
Evening dance on at school house hall Stanley and Mattie attended.
St. Clair’s over from Old Knik. Landers took out first load
GB freight to Zero Canyon and returned. Gave no Xmas presents
to customers but gave to Xmas tree fund.
December 26, 1913 Evening wind storm
cloudy +8. Ben Agnew took his Nelchina order. Cash
sales today $233.90. GB only got out as far as Fish Creek
with loads today. Davis and Case getting ready for 2nd trip
to Nelchina District. Thomas McLaughlin returned from trip
to Tyonek got lost on Beluga Flats so came back to Knik. Frank
Whitney and Taulman hit for Nelchina placer camp.
December 27, 1913 GB went
out to establish trail camp at Zero Canyon for relaying out freight.
Shorty Herbert in town. Bub and Bahrenberg got back from Valdez,
said they won their suit against Cache Creek Mining Co. on account
of dump ground. Madsen and son Nels got back from San Francisco
said times dull outside - no work - so came back. Burner
on one of H. and F.‘s Gloria lamps burned off and one sprung
a leak above fountain base. Had Eureka placer claim on Grubstake
recorded $2.30.
December 28, 1913 PM finished up orders and
repaired my snowshoes. Billy the Horse back from Nelchina
District, said double enders were arriving daily from Copper Center
and there were 1,000 or more prospectors in the district.
Coal teams left with last load of forage for Chickaloon for hauling
out coal to tide water. Evening attended church sang with the
choir. Mattie sang Holy City with violin attachment. Good
crowd out but mostly all men.
December 29, 1913 Real April day.
Case and Davis took their outfit 21 packages = 994 lbs.
Hughes to haul same to Chickaloon. Frisby in from Eagle
Creek Roadhouse. Put up O. C. Miller’s order for his placer
mine on Grubstake. Thomas McLaughlin put in another order for
hardware. Sales and collections over $200. Channel still
open to above our dock and dug down deep. Settled up with O.
C. Miller for placer work and making stoves.
December 30, 1913 Hershey and Fulton
cleaned up their old account and paid $25 on Woods account.
Business a little quiet, cash sales $105.70. Don S. Rae
and Bear stampeded out to Fishhook to relocate quartz.
December 31, 1913 Old year out business fair.
Case and Davis finished buying and paid their bill $193 company
$20 personal. John Lanquist in for Dalton, ordered U. S.
Navy supplies. Evening big dance on at school house hall
Mattie and son attended. Last of old year prosperous for Knik
on account of Nelchina stampede and government getting out 800 tons
Matanuska coal.
1914
January 1, 1914 Cash sales $163.62. Up
till midnight making out December bills. Plenty of moose
meat coming to town. Rae back from locating trip. O.
C. Miller packed up ready to go to Willow Creek placer.
January 2, 1914 Cash sales $143.40. Business
fair collections coming in slow. Busy making out December
bills rendered. Twenty above zero.
January 3, 1914 O. C. Miller left for Willow
Creek 1,100 lbs. With Ulanky and horse. Meyers,
Howard and Gray in from Nelchina District, reported Hildreth lost
his horse in Matanuska and Frank Whitney got buried in land slide.
Rev. Howard left for Station. Evening colder down to zero.
January 4, 1914 Colder heavy fog today.
GB Smith in from Navy Coal camp after pick ups. Sent Dalton
December bills. No church today preacher at Station.
Carl Larsen left for Station with spuds and onions. Put up
order for Owen Gray account Nelchina District.
January 5, 1914 Put up order for Grey and Meyers.
Sold out on Head Rice. Evening Meyers told me all his troubles
with Zimmerman. Sent Case and Davis 10 lb. Caddie Westover
by William Smith. Sent letter by C. B. Meyers.
January 6, 1914 Put up order for Collins and
partner. McKinnon in from coal camp said Matanuska was
in fine shape and they were ready to haul out coal, first leg to
Eska Creek. Meyers and Gray left for Nelchina District with
2 dog teams.
January 7, 1914 Evening Gill in with
1st overland U. S. Mail from Seward. Got one of Don S.
Rae’s checks back
January 8, 1914 Chas Goranflo arrived with
mailman yesterday from Seattle. Roger McNally back from
Nelchina District after pick ups, reported Navy had 30 tons coal
moved down to Eska Creek.
January 9, 1914 Indian doctor and Chamberlain
arrived from Seward for Tyonek Indian School. Dance on
at school house only a few attended. Swift refused to pay
Navy bill for December rendered by Jack Dalton. Sent C.
B. Meyers mail up by Roger McNally, 2 letters and Seward papers.
January 10, 1914 Real spring day 30 above.
Gromwaldt and Fish in from Nelchina District reported one
hole down 30’ no pay. GB took last of lumber off dock
Frisby in from Eagle River.
January 11, 1914 PM and evening looked
over Seward papers. Drove down to Ulanky’s. Evening Mattie
and Stanley attended church.
January 12, 1914 Taulman
back from Nelchina District. Evening got mail ready to
send out with T . R. Wilson. Gromwaldt took his outfit.
Goranflo took 500 lbs. of his outfit.
January 13, 1914 Cash sales dropping
off only $32 today. Ice anchored in channel from dock
to sfg. McKinnon left with a load of prospect outfits for
Chickaloon. Alex Frasier from Nelchina drew on Long for
$50.
January 14, 1914 John W. Swift
visited said he would pay December bill if all future bills
came through him. Bill Taulman in from Crooked Creek said
they sold 10 claims for $10,000 - $1,000 down. Gus Swanson
back from doing assessment on Boulder group. Gill over from
Station.
January 15, 1914 Thirteen
men including Hughes team let go by Navy Coal Expedition.
Evening settled up with Gus for doing assessment work on Boulder
group Willow Creek. “Big noise” tried to clean Swift’s gas
lamp and put it on the bum.
January 16, 1914 Some Government
checks coming in. Evening worked on Seattle mail.
Dance on at school house hall Mattie and Stanley went. Evening
temperature zero.
January 17, 1914 Cold wave -12. Preacher
and family and escorts went to Old Knik to attend the potlatch.
January 18, 1914 Wrote Fred Hale about
bank at Knik. Sent Griffith taxes.
January 19, 1914 Jack Dalton sent his personal
check for December bill rendered by U. S. Navy Expedition.
Collections and sales $315.95.
January 20, 1914 Gorenflo and Swanson
left for Nelchina District. Haley and Good
back from Nelchina Placer District.
January 21, 1914 Average cash sales for
January to date $150 per day, cash taken in today $145.05.
January 22, 1914 Nagley and wife left
for Station. Cash sales very small today 1st time since
October. Coal oil sold out and all kind of eggs.
January 23, 1914 Smith in from EHB Mine
after powder. Frazier took 2nd outfit for Nelchina District.
Sent Dalton’s receipted December bill by Frazier. Sold
last of giant powder.
January 24, 1914 Crated heater for preacher
for trip to Nelchina placer. Two Iditarod men in from Seward
in route. Elliott, the horse and Furn on a drunk.
January 25, 1914 Sent January 19th also with
Dr. Schlabaum. Preacher had church this evening by special
request? Musher in from Iditarod. Two more mushers
in from Seward going in. Wells Bros. arrived from Susitna Forks.
January 26, 1914 Indian day, Natives bought
freely. John W. Swift paid for December merchandise got
by himself. Young Tolman back from Nelchina District.
Big talk since RR bill reported passed by Congress for Alaska RR
system. Dr. Schlabaum left for Seward took out our mail.
January 27, 1914 Joe Peterson in
from Willow Creek to trade. Knik “swells” organized a
literary society, elected “Lumber Jack” for president. Evening
warming up a little.
January 28, 1914 Weather milder +12.
Dynamiter Zorn over from Station in route outside, broke again
loaned him $10 to eat on. George Nylan down to trade.
Another musher in said RR bill had only passed the House.
January 29, 1914 Warming up a little, have
had zero weather since January 4th steady cold snap evening
light snow. Put up trapping order for Joe Peterson Willow
Creek. GB teams came in reported all freight landed at river and
12 tons at summit barn. Thirty tons at Knik yet to go.
January 30, 1914 About 6” snow fell. Dance
on at school house hall.
January 31, 1914 Weather cold -12. Brunton
and Wagner over from Station after Nagley’s merchandise.
Frazier back from coal camp. Taulman back from coal camp
for grub for new strike. Frank Churchill arrived from Tyonek
to run Palmer’s store. GB paid January bill rendered.
February 1, 1914 Cloudy light snow +16. Gave
Brunton load of Nagley’s cereals. Peterson took the ladies out
for a double ender ride. Evening, church by special request.
February 2, 1914 Put up small order for Percy
Pitchford for Peters Creek Mining Company. Doreman back
from Cottonwood - through with Hughes. Wagner and Brunton
left for station with Nagley’s goods, took eggs and onions from
K. T. Co. stock Collection $697.65.
February 3, 1914 Hildreth, Springer and Williams
back from Nelchina District reported Buck and Gray party had
hole down 45’ in muck, bench channel on Crooked Creek.
“Coon” moved into tent house by our barn.
February 4, 1914 Snowed 8” last night, +20.
government coal man shot himself through leg shooting rabbits.
The new “PDQ” society in disgrace.
February 5, 1914 James Burke down from Crooked
Creek after grub, had hole down 55’, panned black sand only.
Taulman took preachers heater for Nelchina church. Willard
Hall arrived from Alfred Creek.
February 6, 1914 Wet heavy snow. Lidell and
Walter Howard went out for hunt on Martin’s team, F. M. Kelly
teamster. Told Tom Merideth he could cut and deliver 6 ricks
15” birch wood. James Burke returned with 500 lbs. grub to Crooked
Creek.
February 7, 1914 Put up order for Spring Creek.
Shoveled snow off roofs. Trouble in camp, Swift shot a
dog. Evening thawing +34.
February 8, 1914 Thawing all day, evening rain
Chinook. Put up order for Frazier. Evening drew
balance on ledger.
February 9, 1914 Frazier got last of long Grubstake
order. Business fair sales $102.45. Report came
that Dalton’s coal hauling was blocked by lower Matanuska River
overflowing.
February 10, 1914 Mailman overdue.
Travel off on account of Chinook weather. Simmons agreed to
haul in balance of Fish Creek hay at 2 for 1 load.
February 11, 1914 Monroe Kast over from Station
for butter and tents.
February 12, 1914 Tide working on docks.
February 13, 1914 Hi-Yu Chief Palmer
left on dog team for San Francisco. Gill arrived with
January mail.
February 14, 1914 Genuine Chinook weather.
Mrs. Dalton no. 1, in to trade from Paradise. Business
fair 1st school funds for year 1913 and 1914 showed up today $1,793.32.
Evening the “PDQ” Society gave a grand opening at school house hall.
Mattie made the sandwiches, self made the coffee. Al Drees,
Fred Nelson and a few others arrived from Seward. Drees
got buried in a snow slide on Crow Creek Pass.
February 15, 1914 RR bill reported held up
by the House. A Mr. Robertson visited wanted an outfit on credit
of S. L. Colwell of Seward. Al Drees said he would go good
if Colwell didn’t pay. Got 3 orders on file to put up for Nelchina District.
Simmons delivered 3 double ender loads hay from stack no. 2 at Fish
Creek.
February 16, 1914 New school board came through
with balance due for material on new school house annex $141.70.
Zimmerman got back from trip to San Francisco couldn’t pay bill
rendered in 1913.
February 17, 1914 Busy packing outfits for
Nelchina gold diggers. Paid balance due on fall stock 1913.
February 18, 1914 Chinook - light rain.
Still packing grub for Nelchina gold diggers. Peter Herbert
got small order, also O. Franke. Put up balance of Hall’s
order. Al Drees left with his outfit for Mazuma. Preacher
and Hildreth busy getting pick ups for trip to Crooked Creek.
GB in from Willow Creek had road opened clear though. Zimmerman
wanted to get lease on my Willow Creek hydraulic placer and turn in
all cleanups until his bill was paid. Swift left for Seward
with mailman.
February 19, 1914 Nylen took Hall’s and odd
outfits for Nelchina District. Paul Hobitz in from Nelchina
District said all were waiting for someone to find bedrock. Paul
Heath in from Station on way to Seward. Ordered a few supplies
to come early to Seldovia so launch could bring same up in April.
February 20, 1914 Drew off 30 gallons of Cramer’s
gasoline from big tank left in warehouse for credit. School
gave entertainment at school house hall in honor of George Washington
- Stanley used the hatchet. Sold lunch boxes, proceeds to
go toward buying an organ for the Knik school. Paul Heath
left for Seward. Sent out early orders for groceries to come
in March to Seldovia. St. Clair’s in from Nelchina. GB started
relaying out cyanide plant.
February 21, 1914 Roger McNally in from Nelchina
District. Sold $30 trail order to St. Clair for Nelchina
District. Report river good again, Dalton moving 100 tons
coal every 3 days.
February 22, 1914 Self and family drove Kid
out to Meadow Brook Farm, found cache locked and everything regular.
No church, preacher gone to Nelchina District.
February 23, 1914 Started to fix over red sled
for straight pull. St. Clair family left again for Nelchina
with summer outfit. Grub getting short at Knik. Percy
in from Peters Creek Mines with Rex horse.
February 24, 1914 Jim Denny arrived from Hope
with Iditarod mushers, came as far as Fish Creek with launch
Irish Lord. Dunk McCormack back from trip with horses to Nelchina,
only got to summit with team. Mr. Huddleson arrived from
Nelchina District.
February 25, 1914 Put up small articles
for my mine outfit - season 1914. Hired Fred Nelson for
2 months at $75 a month - to go on miners pay May 1st. Jim Denny
left for Hope sent over 6 letters one with check to M. Seller and Co.
to go out March 2nd mail from Hope to Seward.
February 26, 1914 Busy packing my order
for mines. Fred Nelson and Carlson digging a well. Simmons
up before the court for throwing lever at Native, was turned loose,
jury trial. B. S. Bartholf and men ready to start sawmill.
February 27, 1914 Only thing doing - everybody
busy locating Government RR route in Alaska. Channel still
closed down to Fish Creek. Ice raising dock with each flood
- dock moved out 1’. Bob Dunlap now on the wood wagon.
Ben Agnew left with McCormack for the Nelchina District. Farrington
lost his Stella horse.
February 28, 1914 Took out 14 cwt. grub and
forage to ranch for mines. Stanley hauled 500 with his
horse on double ender, Albert went along. Went out in 2 hours 40
minutes came back in 2 hours 15 minutes - 16 mile trip. Zimmerman
got back from Willow Creek shot a moose brought it in with Buck
horse, said Forty Mile had his outfit moved up to Grubstake. GB
in town got last of freight ready to haul out on the 1st.
March 1, 1914 Fred Nelson started to fix up
double ender for hauling grub to OGH Mines. Rae getting
ready to go to his mine. Furgeson back from Nelchina said
it looked all same as Knik Arm ice and snow.
March 2, 1914 Self and Fred worked on
double ender and shoeing horses. Got double ender fixed
over so horse can wear snowshoes. Put up another Nelchina
order for Frisby and Murray. RR Jones over from Station after
some of Nagley’s goods. Jack Dalton and wife in from coal camp,
said they would land the coal by next Friday. Rae went out
with 4 men to get out mining timbers etc. Collections slow for
February.
March 3, 1914 AM shod Kid all around,
fitted on snowshoes. Got harness gear in shape for trip
to Willow Creek. Mattie store keeper. Jim Denny in from
Hope with Iditarod mushers. Colonel Revelle arrived from Seward
in route to Iditarod to look over trail for mail contract Tom Freeze
guide? Denison arrived from Station for grub said stores were
out of milk, spuds and butter.
March 4, 1914 Took out 18 cwt . grub etc.
With Kid and Iditarod to sawmill at Susitna River. Camped
with GB Harry Landers.
March 5, 1914 Self and Fred drove back
to ranch from river and got relay of grub etc. AM,
PM hauled same to ridge summit. Mattie sold $100 outfit to
Chas Harper Nelchina District.
March 6, 1914 Sawmill to Knik.
Fred took 800 with Kid from river to summit barn - one more
load at river to go. Self left river with Iditarod on red
sled, arrived at Knik 11:30 AM. Teck Cobb down from his ranch
said the last of the government coal would be landed on tidewater
today. Dance on at schoolhouse hall.
March 7, 1914 Dohrman Bros. and Breeze
in from Nelchina reported J. M. Woods shot his knee with auto.
Put up two small orders for Nelchina. Bill Long back from
Old Knik after sobering up. Report came - all the government
coal was landed at tidewater yesterday. Meyers visited wanted
to come to some agreement about Alfred Creek grubstake, said I ought
to pay Frank Kelly - told him I would not pay out another dollar to
anyone. Furgy took schoolmarm to Susitna.
March 8, 1914 Grey-Burke party in from
Nelchina going back to Iditarod. Took Hershey’s measurements
for a “C. J.” suit. Gill arrived with mail 5 PM from Seward,
Johnny Swift came back with him. Zimmerman came around looking
for a job at Willow Creek placer mines. Burke party brought
in J. M. Wood who shot his knee cap.
March 9, 1914 Busy again cash sales over $400.
William Breeze and several others and Chas Harper returned
to Nelchina District with more grub etc. Wind blocked trail
from Old Knik down. Furgy trying to close out Nagley’s “junk” left
in his house at Knik.
March 10, 1914 Cold wave last night -4.
Coal teamsters in town, cash sales $200.55. Dance on at
schoolhouse hall in honor of the coal stiffs. Most of the
teamsters fighting booze today. Drew up agreement with A.
A. Zimmerman to work at placer mines at $5 per day until September
30, 1914 and to pay ½ of wages due on his bill to K. T. Co.
Now ready to go to mines to break out trail from Rhinehardt cabin to
Grubstake for landing supplies. Zimmerman left for Willow at
noon.
March 11, 1914 Left Knik with Stanley’s
horse for mines. Heavy trail, only made it over to sawmill.
Fred met me on Twin Lake, came out from Reinhardt
cabin. Camped at river.
March 12, 1914 Arrived at summit 10 AM.
PM hauled out 16 cwt. to last swamp near Willow Creek, returned
to GB summit camp.
March 13, 1914 GB summit camp to Rhinehardt
cabin, hauled over 16 cwt. Fred drove back for last load left
on swamp. Self fixed up barn for horses. PM squally
weather.
March 14, 1914 Put snowshoes on Kid and
broke road to Jifkin cabin and hauled up 1½ tons.
Made camp in Jifkin cabin. Joe Peterson stopping there but
gone to his lower hunting camp.
March 15, 1914 Broke trail from B. D. cache
to Grubstake cabin, hauled up 2 loads with Kid.
March 16, 1914 AM Fred hauled up 2 loads
to mines. Fred took me and bed down to Rhinehardt cabin and self
left for Knik with Iditarod on red sled. Camped at GB summit
camp. PM Fred landed last of grub etc. at mines.
March 17, 1914 Left summit 5 AM, passed
Lander at the bears nest. Left river 7:30, 9 to 18” snow
on road from river to ranch - had to snowshoe down snow, ahead
of horse. Arrived at ranch 1:30 left ranch 3 PM arrived
Knik 7 PM. Wind and snow had covered trail completely - was 12
hours making - 5 if road in good condition. Mattie had done
a good business while I was on trip to mines. St. Patrick dance
at schoolhouse and Sherman married Mrs. Dalton no. 1.
March 18, 1914 March cold wave still
on. Evening kids tin canned Sherman on account of being married.
Mailman overdue. Sent Herbert check for flour invoice
November 5, took out for 5 cases milk.
March 19, 1914 Busy all day on Seattle
orders to come on first boat to Ship Creek. Gill in from
Station in route with last winters overland mail to Seward.
March 20, 1914 Otto came up from his camp at
mouth of Little Susitna, said he got 2 more moose and 38 assorted
skins. Fred Nelson drove through from lumber camp to Knik
with Kid, was 17 days hauling out 32 cwt and landing firewood at
mines, was 11 days for grub and 6 days for wood etc.
March 21, 1914 First rain of spring.
Had Fred clean up coal bin in warehouse. Put new rod in
double ender. Business quiet, several looking for credit
until spring work opens up. Sent Bartholf’s order for lumber
for warehouse attic remodel. Stanley and Albert hauled in
load wood (2 sticks) with his Iditarod horse.
March 22, 1914 Chinook on. Cleaned
up big warehouse and drew off balance of gasoline. Made
out furniture order. Report came that the government
would send out 300 engineers to locate Government RR in Alaska.
March 23, 1914 Lined up pole rafters
in old part of warehouse for laying new floor in attic.
Delivered to Palmer gasoline tank got by Cramer last fall.
GB teams in from Willow Creek, trail soft, had to use snowshoes on
horses. Stevens steamed up the “Big Noise” to thaw ice from bottom
of boat. Last of coal teams in.
March 24, 1914 Had Fred jack up center
beam in barn and fix up 3rd stall and do odd jobs around warehouse.
Jim Denny and Nate White arrived with passengers. J. J. O'Brian
got back from crazy trip to Oregon and a Dr. Martin, mining man,
arrived to look over Knik District. Put up small order for
Joe Peterson and O. C. Miller and 769 lbs. for OGH placer mine.
Got butter, eggs, sugar and beans from George Roll.
March 25, 1914 Got up 3 AM to load up
double ender for trip to mines. Sent Fred out with Kid
on double ender, about 850 lb. load all told. Lander sent
out GB teams with forage to river, made round trip, said Fred went
on to summit camp. Busy in store all day, sold 60 lbs. butter
which came from Hope. PM rough house at saloon, they threw O'Brian
out, face was cut up, said bartender threw 3 glasses at him -
O'Brian had in a few drinks. Stewart and Hanley had a scrap.
Denny and White left for Hope with launch and river boat.
March 26, 1914 Busy in store all day
cash sales $88.65. Wilson came up from his ranch at Ship
Creek. Eight dog teams in from Seward in route to Iditarod.
Jack Ramer, not seen since trying to walk across from Fire Island
to Pt. Campbell, came to Iditarod with Nate White who lost his
boat in the ice flows. J. J. O'Brian up before the court for
slandering Bill Hughes, got 25 days in jail. Fred arrived
at Willow Creek with grub 2nd trip out.
March 27, 1914 GB took out 6 of Hughes horses
to haul wood to mines. Several Iditarod mushers returning
from states, Iditarod banker and merchant among the mushers.
Very quiet at saloon since O’Brian’s arrest. Stanley making
ready for trip to mines with me tomorrow.
March 28, 1914 Stanley and self left
for Willow Creek with Iditarod.
March 31, 1914 Lumber camp to Knik.
Self and Stanley with Iditarod on red sled left 6 AM and arrived
at Knik 5:45 PM had lunch at river, traveling time 10 hours.
Special mail in by Chamberlain. Jim Denny in voyage 4 with
Horace Emery and party from Seattle. Evening looked over mail.
Capt. Mahl in from Kern Creek voyage one with Government boat.
April 1, 1914 The “kids” made a few fools
today. Paddy O’Donnell outfitted to prospect benches at
head of Willow Creek.
April 2, 1914 Capt. Mahl left for Sunrise.
Fred Doremus left for Seward? Made out door and window
order also hardware order. New government man paying up all
of Dalton’s labor debts etc. Filled gas tank.
April 3, 1914 Busy making
out Seattle orders to send in-mail with Al Chamberlain.
Gill in with last special overland mail from Seward, said Cramer
would be up here the 10th. Adm. Evans to leave Seattle for
Knik anchorage April 15th. New government man ordered Swift
to pay all Dalton’s coal bills. rendered.
April 4, 1914 Col. Revelle
back from inspecting Iditarod-Knik mail route. Wrote Bank
of Seward that we had turned over our Seward property to M. J.
Conroy.
April 5, 1914 Snow about all gone on
street in front of store. New goods bought season of 1913, $24,995.85.
Stock on hand about $5,000 at close of winters business and all
goods paid for. Col. Revelle laid over to see Jim Denny on
account of going overland to Indian Creek thence by boat to Sunrise
and trail to Seward.
April 6, 1914 Joe Bush and
Whiskers back from Nelchina. Collections A-1 today, cash
on hand $1,700, deposits by customers $3,000 additional to above.
Jim Denny overdue from Turnagain Arm. Jack Wilson on a drunk.
Mr. Major back from Nelchina also Dohrman Bros.
April 7, 1914 Water running around Knik.
Bartholf brought in part of lumber to apply on bobsleighs.
Gill over from Station to trade. Sent Swift and Co. financed
statement of K. T. Co. April 1, 1914 - net worth $12,543.46 as
follows, stock on hand $5,000, bills receivable $2,000, cash on
hand $2,000, fixtures etc. $1,000, buildings, docks, etc. $4,000,
less $1,456.54 owed to Sylvester Bros., net balance $12,543.46.
Henry Dohrman looking for job as clerk. Got delivery of 17
ricks of wood.
April 8, 1914 Snow about all gone on
Knik Street. Had Hughes team haul B ceiling from schoolhouse
to dock. Fred Nelson arrived from Willow Creek. Zimmerman
got no. 1 hole down 60’ on account of water and boulders had to quit
it. Put no. 2 hole down 26’ got bedrock which dipped toward creek,
no pay. Jim Denny, in voyage 4, brought balance of grub
from Roll’s. Evening made out 3rd lot orders for groceries
etc. Fred Nelson arrived at Knik, 9 hours from Willow Creek.
April 9, 1914 Had Fred start to lower
attic floor in warehouse. Joe Peterson in
from Willow Creek to trade left 9 PM for his camp at Willow Creek
Canyon, left his furs with me. Tides making, raised up dock.
April 10, 1914 Fred and brother started
to cut piles for dock. Col. Revelle went to Seward via
Jim Denny launch - Knik to Sunrise - took dogs in dory.
April 11, 1914 Snow flurries. Big
tide floated government launch and raised 3 bents of dock
The Topsy-lals struck K. T. Co. today, most everybody having spring
colds. Told Henry Dohrman we didn’t need clerk until June and
not then if Mrs. H stayed at Knik.
April 12, 1914 Ground white again snowed
about 2”. Self laid up with spring cold. Easter
Sunday nothing doing in Knik. Big tide failed to open up
channel up to dock, open as far as stairs on Socialist Row.
April 13, 1914 Cleared and colder.
Fred and brother finished cutting piles for dock. School
election. Fish and wife in from Nelchina. Jim Denny
arrived with Swift and Co. man - was at Fire Island during storm.
Collection and cash sales over $100 today. Stanley got the
Knik spring fever - in bed PM.
April 14, 1914 Evening down to +10.
Knik off the chart tide ebbing east. "Big Noise" found
inside channel, run straight out beyond bar and out down deep, leaving
channel in front of docks closed with ice. Horace Emery
in from mines. Supt. Davis A. N. Railway and Bobby Bush
in from Nelchina District. Fred started to haul piles with
Kid.
April 15, 1914 George Nylen placed order
for Deering mower and rake. Thomas McLaughlin in from
Peters Creek Mines after more supplies. Wild Bill and several
strangers in from Nelchina District. Jim Denny left for
Sunrise with the Fish family. Stanley still out of school with
cold.
April 16, 1914 Hughes team hauled in
3 loads of piles. Fred finished getting piles out to road
at noon. Gave MacGill, Swift’s man, small
order for Marigold milk, soap, etc. Gill game over from
Station yesterday waiting for Alaska. Two mushers in
from lower Yukon.
April 17, 1914 Hughes team hauled in 2 loads
pile timbers. Alaska arrived from Seldovia on AM tide
- voyage 1. She brought 10 pieces freight for K. T. Co.
and Hi-you Big Chief George Palmer got back from trip outside.
Alaska reported Tyonek and Traveler would soon follow with freight
for Knik. Fred drove down to socialist stairs and got freight then
worked on attic floor in warehouse.
April 18, 1914 Hughes team hauled in
2 loads piles - making 7 loads all told. Fred helped
to load piles and cut 15 braces for front of new dock also skidded
timbers for new pile driver. Alaska left AM tide for Turnagain
Arm and Seldovia. Harry Lander brought in GB concentrates
and Hughes teams from GB Mines.
April 19, 1914 Fred got in last of logs for
dock.
April 20, 1914 Traveler arrived voyage 1, Tyonek
in with our freight voyage 1. Several new people arrived,
30 on Tyonek. Morning Fred hauled in timbers for pile
driver. Tyonek laid over to discharge freight at Fish Creek.
April 21, 1914 Got up 3 AM to discharge
Tyonek at Fish Creek - landed 4 tons OK - Ike had several tons
also. Had Hughes team haul up our freight Traveler
laying in port waiting for Evans due at Ship Creek Anchorage on
the 26th. Fred laid attic floor in warehouse. All 1st
merchandise ordered arrived except BB goods.
April 22, 1914 Palmer out of butter, milk and
coal oil - K. T. Co. got ‘em all. Fred put stairs
in warehouse. New loft in warehouse gives 910 square feet
more floor space. Hughes team delivered last of freight from
Fish Creek put off by Tyonek.
April 23, 1914 Ben Ritthamer got
a small outfit for F. B. Cannon. Fred cleaned up the warehouse.
Traveler back from Ship Creek reported SS Bertha in. Snow
and ice all gone on streets of Knik. Sent Nagley’s March bill
over by Ben Ritthamer, check for goods sold enclosed.
April 24, 1914 Laid sidewalk
in front of C and H lot cost $5.20 for materials.
Mrs. Whitney and Brown up from Ship Creek to trade. Frank
Whitney in from Nelchina. Alaska back from Seldovia.
Traveler at Ship Creek lighting B and H explosives ashore off SS Bertha.
Lidell started log house on C and H lot. Dance on at School House Hall.
April 25, 1914 Started to
put in foundation on C and H lot for 16 x 20 cottage. Traveler
in after passengers for Evans. Mrs. Rae and son left for
Seattle. Sal Silverman came up on Traveler looking for
business on account of B and H store on SS Bertha.
April 26, 1914 Quiet in town. Everybody
waiting for Adm. Evans to arrive. Fred worked on foundation
for house on C and H lot. McKinnon down to trade.
Channel open to spring.
April 27, 1914 Fred worked on foundation
on cottage on C and H lot. Evening tide Traveler in with
first load freight, 18 tons off SS Bertha, got our rubber goods.
Traveler with scow landed freight on ice below spring. Alaska in
from Seldovia with passengers off Evans. Evans broke her crank
shaft going in to Seldovia, SS Bertha took passengers down
to Seldovia. Cramer left for Seldovia to get passengers off
Evans.
April 28, 1914 Knik busy. AM tide
Tyonek in with 80 passengers off Evans at Seldovia. Knik
on its first real boom on account of Government RR etc. Busy
in store all day with “chechocker” trade. Channel still closed
down to spring. EH and WE, Chas Dorr, Bartholf bunch
arrived also Ike Rosthenalt from Seattle and Andrew the rancher? back
again.
April 29, 1914 Party leased Woods building
on corner for chop house, put on new canvas roof. Boats
due from Seldovia with Evans freight. Young Dohrman over
from Station after mail. Richard Crisp to leave for Cache
Creek District 4 AM tomorrow over winter trail.
April 30, 1914 Windy and rain last night,
channel still closed from dock to spring. Business fair
with newcomers cash sales $60.45. Fred laid new floor in
barn stable and cleaned up store garden. Tyonek back from
Turnagain Arm with passengers and baggage off the Adm. Evans.
Crowd threatened to hang Herbert if he came ashore on account of taking
baggage to Turnagain Arm. Fred 1 day work cleaning up etc.
2 month contract at $3 per day.
May 1, 1914 Collections fair cash receipts
$415.60. Bartholf bunch wanted to buy me out, also Bill
Hawkins. Improvements store, dock, warehouse, etc. $4,748.97
must get this with stock at Knik wholesale prices. Evening
tide Traveler in with 2 scow loads of freight off Evans - Sylvester
groceries hardware and Portland clothing came.
May 2, 1914 Two new stores opening up.
Patchell sold his lot and cabin for $650. Chas Tuell on a drunk,
Marshal took his gun and took him in to sober up. Hughes
busy hauling up freight landed at spring. Fred 1 day on store
work. Paid Pete Nelson for labor at mines and dock.
May 3, 1914 Alaska in from East Foreland
did not see anything of Palmer’s schooner long overdue.
Davis cleaned up the booze joint wanted to sell me the building
Busy AM in store packed away groceries and new goods. Evening
up till 2 o’clock with out-mail orders etc.
May 4, 1914 Ronald Harris, Supt. GB Mine,
arrived from Outside, brought his help with him - arranged to
go to Willow over Herning’s winter road. Traveler in at midnight
with 2nd class baggage off Evans.
May 5, 1914 Busy as a bee with newcomers
outfitting to go to hills. Tyonek in at noon with mail
only. Paid Herbert for April 21st delivery. Evening
Sea Lion in 1st trip. May Cody came up from Tyonek school.
Traveler went to Hope with freight 1st trip.
May 6, 1914 Most of the newcomers gone
to the hills. Sea Lion went to Goose Bay to repaint.
Paddy O’Donnell started to fix up his engine for the K. T. Co.
pile driver. George Nylen down to trade sold him a plow.
May 7, 1914 O'Donnell fixing up engine
for pile driver. Fred hewed logs for skid bottom for
pile driver. Alaska in with freight off Palmer’s schooner.
Tyonek in port with passengers from Arm. Sampson and Evans
freight still on SS Bertha on account of no delivery wagon?
May 8, 1914 Business quiet newcomers
must all be camping or out looking up locations. Started
to frame up pile driver. Feed for horses all gone, same down
on SS Bertha and no delivery. Traveler packing freight to Hope.
Alaska in with 2nd load freight off schooner. Fred worked 1
day on pile driver C. W. Dutch 1 day on pile driver O'Donnell 1 day
on pile driver engine.
May 9, 1914 Rain needed. Traveler in
with delayed freight off Sampson 4 AM, brought part of K. T.
Co. freight. Had Fred checking up freight and housing lumber
etc. "Big Noise" launched the government boat. Dutch
got bottom of pile driver frame bolted together. Fred worked 1 day
at store Dutch 1 day on pile driver O'Donnell worked 1 day on pile
driver engine.
May 10, 1914 Took Lidell’s measure for
suit. PM tide Palmer’s schooner arrived at dock. Traveler
came up from Ship Creek, brought no freight. Ranchers from
Matanuska came down by boat to trade. Fred laid off Dutch 2/3
day on pile driver O'Donnell 7 hours on pile driver engine.
May 11, 1914 Busy day cash sales $146.90
small outfits. Pile driver building stopped on account
of material to finish same. Evening Traveler in with odd
freight from last Sampson and Evans. Would not let them
land powder on dock. Hughes L. S. the freight Pile driver
hammer came.
May 12, 1914 Had Fred and brother put
roofing paper on Lidell’s house. Business fair got $150
order for Broad Pass prospectors. Scotty Watson returned
to Old Knik. Fred worked 5½ hours on Lidell house
4½ hours on store. Pete worked 4 hours on Lidell house.
May 13, 1914 Palmer finished
discharging his schooner – took 4 days. O'Donnell steamed
up pile driver, engine worked OK, all ready except leads for
driver. Albert took all the dogs out of town to his dog farm
at Fish Creek. Evening tide Alaska towed out Palmer’s schooner
to wind. Tyonek in with Davis furniture. Fred worked
5 hours on door at Lidell’s house and 5 hours in store.
May 14, 1914 Tyonek got suck on mud opposite
dock last night. AM tide took out 15 tons Roll’s freight
that came on Palmer’s schooner. Finley and Co. got their new store
building by GB barn under cover. Palmer slashing prices on
milk, sugar, etc. Ronald Harris in from GB Mines. Hughes
team plowed barn lot and store garden. Fred worked 3 hours on
Lidell house, 7 hours on store work, O'Donnell worked 1 day on engine.
May 15, 1914 Had Fred clean up back yard
business fair today. Traveler in with freight shortages
from last Evans and Sampson. Evening big dance on a schoolhouse
hall - proceeds to pay for new piano got by the P.D.Q. Club.
May 16, 1914 Tyonek in port with passengers
from Sunrise and shoes for GB, got stuck on mud going out.
Alaska in with Cache Creek passengers off Dora at Ship Creek.
Had Fred clean up back yard.
May 17, 1914 Boat Day, all the launches
and Tyonek in port, business fair. PM packed Kelly and
Taulman order for Broad Pass District. Evening tide Alaska
and Sea Lion left for mouth of Susitna to see if river was open.
Planted barn lot to oats and field peas.
May 18, 1914 Put up Paddy O'Donnell order
for Broad Pass District. Ed O'Brian down from coal camp.
Evening Zimmerman in from OGH Mines found 2 prospect holes on
bench. Agreed to take over O’Donnell’s boiler and engine
at cost price. Cannon started to build annex on to Pioneer
Hotel for rush of business.
May 19, 1914 Very busy all day up till
midnight in store. Had Fred fix up fence and yard in front
of barn on account of run for horses. Cannon placed order
for furniture for hotel annex. Kelly, Taulman, O'Donnell,
Stander and Chas Lindfors ready to go to Broad Pass District to
prospect. Hughes and Peterson wanted to use our dock at 50¢
ton net to us for next Sampson. Old Mr. Hunter died of old age.
May 20, 1914 Busy in store all day with
Broad Pass outfitters. Bought O’Donnell’s engine and boiler
to run pile driver. Alaska back from 1st trip to Susitna,
river was open. Several busy making ready for burial of
Mr. Hunter. Zimmerman left at noon for OGH Mines.
May 21, 1914 First bunch
of prospectors left Knik for Broad Pass via the schooner Alaska.
Chas Lindfors took horse over winter trail to Station. Funeral
for Mr. Hunter 2 PM. Capt. Mahl over from Turnagain Arm.
Lidell in from GB to trade for mines.
May 22, 1914 Swan arrived
from Seldovia brought halibut. Susitna back from Station
1st trip. Traveler in from Ship Creek. Evening got out-mail
up till 1:30. Had Fred oil up all harness gear.
May 23, 1914 Pioneer annex going up.
Languist down to get my disc at Meadow Brook Farm. Sent
out-mail by Traveler. Sold out in spuds. Planted
part of store garden to black oats.
May 24, 1914 Very quiet, all boats at
Ship Creek to meet Sampson. Posted up ledger. Had
Fred put in gate by end of store buildings on account of water for
house short cut.
May 25, 1914 Sampson in - 58 passengers
for Knik - Boom on! Sampson had 40 millionaires as tourists.
Marshal Brown took on a wife. B. F. Watson here to look
after government coal transportation contract (Matanuska coal).
May 26, 1914 Tried to bore for water on C and
H lot, got down 10’, struck rock Evening tide
Traveler in with Sampson freight had 25 tons for K. T. Co.
Martin shipped in new span of greys. Traveler got freight
wet, ½ ton flour, ¼ ton sugar, and several boxes wet.
May 27, 1914 Cool weather continues temperatures
40 to 50. Busy all day checking up freight 25 ton lot.
Evening Swan took Nagley’s fall stock, left over winter, also
his house keeping gear.
May 28, 1914 Had Fred arrange
new goods in different store room. Palmer getting in piles
to rebuild his dock for the outside buyers? Paid Dutch for
his labor 2½ days on pile driver frame.
May 29, 1914 Tyonek and Buffalo in port,
mail trip. Herbert brought timber account lead for pile
driver and cable account pile driver. Turned horses on
grass today. Frank Watson visited talked over Rosenthal’s
business and about lumber said Ike owed Transp. Co. $1,400 and on
mill $700. Jim Denny operating Buffalo.
May 30, 1914 Had Fred assemble chairs.
Martin’s man in looking for pipe fixtures. B. F. Watson
visited and paid over charge on freight fall 1913. Cramer
after government coal. Alaska in port. By request
made up Martin’s April and May bill rendered.
May 31, 1914 Ball game, Knik boys
vs. government boys, score 17 to 8, Knik won. Evening
posted up sundry May bills. Mattie in style put on hobble
skirt.
June 1, 1914 Fred finished assembling chairs.
Traveler took government scow for hauling government coal.
Swan back from 1st trip to Station. Horses on grass.
Evening watered garden.
June 2, 1914 Made saw pit to rip 8 x 10 x 30
timber for leads for pile driver. PM started to build
extension on east side of warehouse with shed roof. Evening
all the launches in port to get passengers for Evans to arrive.
June 3, 1914 Fred worked
on foundation for east annex to warehouse. Evans in at
Ship Creek. Swan and Sea Lion brought up passengers.
Brown and wife of B and H came up to take a rubber at Knik.
Traveler didn’t show up after government coal. Mrs.
Zimmerman arrived on Evans, Milo Kelly and wife and William
Martin arrived.
June 4, 1914 Alaska in with
freight off Sampson. Traveler didn’t show up. Had
Fred oil up meats. Young Stewart the banker in from Willow
Creek, Wilson and Brown up from Ship Creek to trade.
June 5, 1914 Young Stewart the banker left
for Willow. Alaska landed Martin’s traction gas truck,
run her off scow by her own power. Isaac’s in from Nelchina
District. Put up 4 small orders $176.75.
Hard times dance on a schoolhouse hall.
June 6, 1914 Martin’s auto truck left
for mines with 1 ton got stuck in mud hole at mile 7 and dumped
load and came back to Knik. Tyonek in with mail. 5
PM Mattie and Stanley left on Tyonek for trip to Ship Creek to meet
Alameda with Government RR party for Knik. Evening got out-mail
sent Corlew $400 on his stock sold.
June 7, 1914 Fred worked on east annex
to warehouse. PM ball game at hay shed. Auto truck
hauled out 3 loads to game. Susitna in port took last 3
pieces of Nagley’s fall freight, show case was broken. Evening
got out-mail to send by government launch to Dirigo.
June 8, 1914 Dirigo in yesterday with
Government RR advance party to locate headquarters at Knik Harbor.
Failed to get mail down in time to catch Dirigo, mail to Seward.
Had Fred and brother move pile driver to midway of dock for making
foundation for east annex to warehouse. Several Knik boys
got job with Government RR party to put up main office at Ship
Creek. Zimmerman in town after his bride?
June 9, 1914 Had Fred put in posts for Chase
to lay against on even tide. Alaska and Traveler hauling
down government coal from mouth Matanuska River to Ship Creek.
Jim Denny back from Seward for mail contract, came overland.
Zimmerman and wife left PM for Grubstake Mines took Kid and Iditarod
as far as Bald Mt. summit.
June 10, 1914 Fred working on gangway
foundation east side of warehouse. Evening Wilson up from
Ship Creek to trade. Busy all evening selling clothing.
Frank Watson up from SS Bertha said the government had started
new town at Ship Creek and visited it Woodrow City.
June 11, 1914 Joe Peterson in from Willow
Creek, met Zimmerman and wife on Bald Mt., brought back Kid
and Iditarod and Zorn’s horse, our horses gone 2 days. Cramer landed
last of government coal at Ship Creek. Watson visited, wanted
us to pay off coal helpers on government coal. Swift left his
2 prospecting boilers with us for sale.
June 12, 1914 All the launches
in port. Traveler landed the 800 tons Matanuska coal
in 11 days at Ship Creek. Martin’s auto truck delivering
lumber around town. PM took school kids out for a ride.
June 13, 1914 Tyonek in AM tide left us a ton
of coal. Mr. Fay left on Tyonek evening tide to catch
Sampson. Mrs. Paraguay and kids went out on Tyonek.
Launches all at Ship Creek to meet Sampson and Northwestern.
Oscar Miller in from GB Mines. Gave Joe Palmer Meyers mail
2 letters.
June 14, 1914 Alaska in and
Big Noise left for Ship Creek to meet boats. Swift left
for Outside. Swift left boiler with us to sell also one in Nelchina
District. Helped Fred on foundation east annex got same covered.
No ball on account of rain.
June 15, 1914 Sampson and
Northwestern at Ship Creek. Government outfit came on Northwestern
on account of RR survey. Another big bunch of ranchers etc.
arrived. Evening tide Traveler in with part of freight.
Joe Peterson left for Willow Creek. Mattie and son went down
to see big boats.
June 16, 1914 Had Fred clean up around dock
and replant store garden to barley. Wise in from Willow
Creek after medicine for Mrs. Zimmerman. Traveler in from
Ship Creek but brought no freight. New gas boat in.
Dance on account Walter Howard’s bride.
June 17, 1914 Traveler in with balance
of freight off of Sampson. Had Fred go over the smoked meats
again on account of molding. Midnight Tyonek in with K.
T. Co. lumber off Northwestern.
June 18, 1914 Had Fred finish
cleaning up hams. Put part of casing lumber in warehouse.
U. S. Engineer party landed at Knik to run survey from head
of Arm to Willow Creek and Happy River.
June 19, 1914 Sent Fred to mines with
horses and 200 lb. outfit. Traveler in with explosives.
J. H. Wilson left for Broad Pass with government surveyor via Willow
Creek trail. Mowing machine came short pole and shafts.
June 20, 1914 Horning put timbers under
drum on pile driver. Had Otto re-pile shiplap etc.
Purser off of SS Bertha visited and paid 2 shortages. Evening
a few mosquitoes.
June 21, 1914 Third day of real summer
weather. Quiet in town, ball game at hay shed flats,
auto truck was bun wagon. Evening Herning family took a
row boat ride. Took Pete Peterson measure for suit.
Launches in port.
June 22, 1914 Tyonek in with Dora mail,
left us some coal and pulley for lead on pile driver.
Horning framed up leads to pile driver. Eric Larson brought back
Kid and Iditarod from mines. Evening got out-mail.
June 23, 1914 Had Otto and Pete drive well
point on C and H lot, struck rock down 16’ and broke point.
PM started to dig well. Government engineer men at Knik
buying pick ups. Traveler back from Ship Creek for mail
and passengers for Evans. Chas Tuell left for Juneau.
Nylen down after mower and rake. Harry Lander in from GB
Mines.
June 24, 1914 Traveler up on evening
tide. Jack Dalton came up, no boat at Ship Creek yet.
Otto and Pete dug on well on C and H lot. Smoke-house-Mike
made dingy for Traveler. Auto truck broke down, Horning the
blacksmith fixed her up.
June 25, 1914 Mattie and Stanley went
down to Ship Creek to rubber at Evans. Well down 16’, had
to crib up. Report came that John Young committed suicide
by tying Evinrude engine to his neck and jumping overboard at point
above Goose Bay. Evening tide Traveler brought body to Knik,
found same 10’ above deep channel. Traveler brought K. T. Co.
groceries. Ide and Hawkins in town also Sid Anderson.
June 26, 1914 Received a list of merchandise
wanted by Alaska Road Commission, asking for bids by A. Eide
superintendent. All the launches went to Ship Creek, Alameda
expected in. Uncle Sam buried John Young at 7 PM. Hawkins
and son left for Ind. Gold Mines. Harris and Martin left
for mines. Martin Larsen left for Willow Creek to prospect.
June 27, 1914 Bartholf and son delivered
lumber for well crib. Otto and Pete worked on well on
C and H lot. Left for mines on Kid at 3:30 PM, rode out to
razor back rested 4 hours arrived at mines 6 AM.
June 28 1914 Rode up gulch, inspected holes
sunk on bench visited on Miller. Miller just finished 12’
ditch on bench now ready to sluice. Zimmerman and Fred had
half cut piped in on bench by cabins. Pit panned in gravel
none in clay bedrock. Joe Peterson and Martin Larson visited.
Another murder at Knik. Dyer shot Jack Wilson who monkeyed
with his wife.
June 29, 1914 Swan and Buffalo in from
Hope.
July 30, 1914 A new candy and cigar
store added to Knik, two little girls proprietors. Hawkins
back from mines. Paid Pete for 4 days work on well $19.
Got Pete job with RR survey. Evening tide “"Big Noise"”
in port.
July 1, 1914 Business fair collections
$1,200. Rained last night. Traveler in from Virgin
Creek with load of RR lumber for Al Davis. Several ranchers
down to trade. Hawkins visited, wanted to sell out B and
H stock on SS Bertha and quit Knik. Pioneer Jim bill $1,394.20.
School term closed.
July 2, 1914 Sent mail down to Sampson by Traveler.
Ed O'Brian down from coal camp. Evening big drunk on at
saloon. Traveler and Buffalo left midnight to meet Sampson.
Marshal took Dyer the murderer to Valdez. Harry Lander in
town. Hawkins left for Seward.
July 3, 1914 Alaska in from Station.
Mrs. Gill and children came over to spend the 4th.
Decorations going up for the fourth. Stanley sick with
a cold. Al Davis wanted to sell me the saloon building for
$1,000 said he paid Palmer $1,500.
July 4, 1914 Big doings at Knik today.
Second real 4th of July celebration. Children conducted
exercises, Rev. Howard speaker, Miss Longmire read the usual
Declaration of Independence. Games consisted of foot races,
nail driving by the women, ball game. Government RR lads didn’t
show up. Sampson in AM. PM all the launches came to Knik.
Stanley won 2 cash prizes all $4. Harris in from GB,
L. C. Thompson arrived on Sampson, passengers but few.
July 5 1914 Alaska arrived with freight off
Sampson, 3 AM, self had 12 tons. Evening set up Phaeton
Road Cart, 1st road cart at Knik. Harris and Thompson left
for the mines. Otto and Pete dug on well.
July 6, 1914 Big fire on Eagle River.
Young Stewart in from Willow Creek gave up EHB placer ground.
Mrs. Dalton Sherman in town to trade from mile 18. Farrington
started to build a wharf in front of store garden.
July 7, 1914 Evening hitched Kid on new road
cart and drove up to Flats. Let Nugget Stewart have Iditarod
to ride out to Willow for his gun and blankets. Another roadhouse
starting up at mile 15½ Government road. Evening Geodetic
boys visited to trade.
July 8, 1914 Swan and Traveler left for Turnagain
Arm. Nine passengers came on Maraposa. Shorty in from land
survey camp, now surveying near Meadow Brook Farm.
July 9, 1914 Morning tide
Alaska in with freight off of Maraposa. Mrs. White Smith
visited. Fifteen of Martin’s Swedes quit the job.
Mr. Major went out to head of Little Susitna to prospect.
Nugget Stewart back from trip to Willow on Iditarod time 2½
days $5.
July 10, 1914 Evening Traveler in with
2nd scow load of lumber for Al Davis . T. R. Wilson and
party of 4 left for Metal Creek to placer mine. Sent Kelly
his mail and films by Swan via Station.
July 11, 1914 Jim Denny in from Glacier Creek
reported Nutter and Dawson had struck $25 per yard. Zink
in from Nelchina District no pay as yet. Stanley gave the
kids a ride on new road cart with Iditarod.
July 12, 1914 Got mail ready to send on Evans.
Swan left for Station. Buffalo left for Turnagain Arm.
July 13, 1914 Forestry boat in.
Mrs. Jack Brown up from Ship Creek to trade. Evening Traveler
and Buffalo back from Harbor. Survey boat got wire, Evans
and Alameda would be in tomorrow evening. Well down 43’,
no water.
July 14, 1914 Auto wagon broke down at
hay shed, took Hughes 4 horse team to pull her in to shop.
Evening Buffalo in with our freight off Alameda.
July 15, 1914 Evans in at Ship Creek.
Traveler brought mail up on noon tide, cattle on evening tide.
Fred Laubner landed 10 beef cattle, rancher landed milk cows.
Valdez Blum came up to look Knik over account store or bank. Two new
launches in port. Simmons family home from visit at Seldovia.
July 16, 1914 Government outfit from
Ship Creek up to trade, Capt. Mahl brought them up and took
back freight. Swan left with passengers down Inlet.
Sent 57 lb. grub out with Rae to mile 28 for OGH Mines. B.
Frank Watson in town.
July 17, 1914 Traveler in at midnight
with freight off Evans - being 3rd day after arrival of Evans
at Ship Creek. Got meat order and galvanized corrugated iron
for annex to warehouse. Chas S. Black sent here to act as
agent for Pac. Ala. Nav. Co. With office in Pioneer Hotel
lobby. Iditarod got kicked on right hind leg. One real
live rancher arrived with milk cows, pigs and chickens.
Buffalo left for trip to Seldovia and Homer.
July 18, 1914 Stanley and self with Kid on
road cart left for mines. Took supper at Mrs. Dalton Sherman’s,
drove on to Miller’s homestead and put up for the night,
Miller at Grubstake. Hired Otto Langel for 1 month at $100 to
do job work around store and warehouse.
July 19, 1914 Left Miller’s ranch 6 AM,
rode Kid to mile 32. Picked up pack sent out by Don S.
Rae and arrived at mines 1 PM, boys had left half of cut piped
in on Grubstake bench plenty of water.
O. C. Miller gave up his prospect above 2nd
canyon and was moving his outfit down to our mess house.
July 20, 1914 AM cleaned up 1 box on lower
bench at cabins and PM cleaned up boxes on Grubstake bench.
Got 18 oz. gr. off lower bench of Bear Claim and 14 oz. gr. off
Grubstake bench, one months work by 2 men. Gold dust $450,
labor and grub cost $275, profit $175. Half of time was spent
on dead work.
July 21, 1914 Left mines at 5 AM via Fishhook
Pass, arrived at Miller’s ranch 11:30 AM. Fed horse and
had lunch with Kid on road cart, arrived at Knik 8:30 PM, roads
very muddy. Road Commission was widening road at mile 16
on account of mud holes.
July 22, 1914 Evening up till midnight
with out-mail. 1 PM midnight Harris and Thompson arrived
from GB Mines, visited at store to get fruit etc. Evening
put up order for military survey party.
July 23, 1914 Heavy rain last night.
Sampson in PM tide. Traveler delivered passengers and
mail only. Frank Bartholf left for Seattle on Sampson.
July 24, 1914 Frost reported out at mile
32 on Government road. Worked on east annex to warehouse.
Evening tide Traveler delivered Sampson freight G. Danielson
down to trade. RR Com. Ship Creek up to trade. Palmer’s
schooner arrived voyage 2 season of 1914.
July 25, 1914 Frost reported at Ship
Creek by Bud Whitney. Otto got all the rafters up on east annex
to warehouse. Mr. Hubbell arrived to do some survey work.
Private launch Ide in to trade.
July 26, 1914 Got mail ready to send out on
Mariposa. Otto worked AM on east annex. Big fire
again near Eagle River. Chambers and Vaughn in from Nelchina
District said it was a frost.
July 27, 1914 Put up order
for a party going up Knik River to look for contact between
Knik River and Port Wells. Evening all the launches in port
except the Buffalo. Otto got half of corrugated iron roof
on east annex. Sent Ala. Eng. Com. June bill back to chief
clerk Clum at Ship Creek.
July 28, 1914 Otto finished nailing on corrugated
iron on east annex up to flour cache. Took pictures of waterfront.
Palmer’s schooner discharge (5 days). Noon Merideth launched
his dinky gas run boat. Let Barnes have Iditarod to ride
out to Martin’s camp. Harry Tremble in for prospecting trip.
Helped Otto on east annex most of day. Cut window in west
annex. Drunks and loud talk at saloon today. Government
boat up to trade. Palmer’s schooner left for San Francisco
on noon tide.
July 30, 1914 O. C. Miller arrived from
mines on Iditarod whom Barnes rode to mile 32 yesterday.
A party of 3 prospectors left for Knik River to look for contact
between Knik River and Port Wells.
July 31, 1914 Government
launch up to trade. Chase paid June bill rendered.
Cleaned out flour cache ready to tear down and rebuild with corrugated
iron. Eric Larson held up for selling booze to Natives at Ship
Creek.
August 1, 1914 Tore down old flour cache
and hauled same to C and H lot. O. C. Miller commenced
work on east annex. Colonel Revelle in town. Ed Miller in
from prospecting trip said he got a blank. Government launch
laid up.
August 2, 1914 Otto and Miller got foundation
posts down on east annex to replace old flour cache. Worked
on orders all day for out-mail. PM Alameda in, got
some groceries. Boats all left to meet Evans at Ship Creek
due on 3rd. Sent order for roofing to St. Paul.
August 3, 1914 Otto and Miller
got floor laid and frame up for corrugated iron over old flour
cache location. Traveler in 5 PM with mail and passengers
off Evans. Joe Conroy came over from Seward on business.
Harry Hoburn over from Seward.
August 4, 1914 Got old flour cache space covered
with corrugated iron. Paddy McDonald in from GB Mines.
Government sternwheeler in port today, voyage 1.
Joe Conroy gave us the history of the Seward political bunch.
August 5, 1914 Got war news by wireless
at Ship Creek from survey boat. Germany had opened fire,
war was on, all European nations in the fight. Boys put in
north end of east annex. Government RR survey now running line
up Matanuska River bottom to coal fields.
August 6, 1914 . Finished east
annex except making doors. Put new platform in front
of sugar warehouse. Report by wireless that England had
declared war against Germany. Cannon and Conroy left for
Willow Creek Quartz Mine District.
August 7, 1914 Otto started work on well again,
Larsen helped in PM. Miller put window in dock end of west
annex and started to make doors for east annex. Got war news
of the 6th by wireless off survey boat Explorer. Belgians
and Germans had battle 3,400 Germans killed. German Zeppelin
air ship shot down by Belgians 26 men killed.
August 8, 1914 Left Knik for the mines
at 2 PM, got out to mile 16 roadhouse for supper, went on to
Miller’s ranch, averaged 4 miles per hour. Miller made doors
for east annex.
August 9, 1914 Left Miller’s ranch 5
AM, made up to mile 32 roadhouse at 7 AM had breakfast.
Left at 8 arrived at mines 10 AM, boys had second cut in
bench about piped in. PM cleaned up 2 front boxes.
Decided to take cut out between pipeline and creek on Grubstake
bench.
August 10, 1914 Came out over Bald Mt. arrived
at Knik 4 PM. Otto struck water in well on C and H lot
at 53’. War news by wireless - German and French Army in
battle. French lost 35,000 Germans lost 15,000.
Stepp and Goranflo in from Nelchina District.
August 11, 1914 T. R. Wilson back from Knik
River District brought 1 oz. gold dust. Traveler went
to Turnagain Arm after mail from Jim Denny. Denny boat
on beach on account of short tide.
August 12, 1914 New launch
in port. Davis tore out old coal shed to make driveway along
east side of K. T. Co. warehouse. Miller got up side rafter
on new cottage.
August 13, 1914 Swan up evening tide to trade
for Alaska RR help. T. R. Wilson left for Willow
Creek to do his assessment. Frame up ready for sheathing
house on C and H lot.
August 14, 1914 Dr. Spaulding wanted
to rent new house for hospital. Otto and Miller on new
house. Horace Emery in town.
August 15, 1914 Miller jointed up window and
door frames for new house. Traveler came up for passengers.
Joe Conroy left for Seward sent out-mail with him.
August 16, 1914 Miller sick with cold, Otto
laid off due to rain. PM Traveler in with K. T. Co. freight
August 17, 1914 Rained heavy all day.
Rae left for mines with Cannon’s grub for assessment work.
George Thomas, son and party in from Alfred Creek, Nelchina
District. One man in from Sushana, 30 days to Knik.
L. W. Foster newcomer in jail - gone crazy drinking Knik booze.
August 18, 1914 Evening tide
Traveler in with bidarky and freight off Dirigo, got flour and
sugar. Boys got sides on cottage ready to put on shingles.
Old Cap took Thomas and son over to Sunrise via going to Seward.
August 19, 1914 Shield and party back from
Knik River prospect. Traveler in with bidarky and 2nd load
of forage for mining companies. Outside of cottage all
sealed up, now ready for roof. Mattie made out winter order
for clothing from Portland House.
August 20, 1914 Got sheathing
on roof of cottage now ready to shingle. Hughes hauled
up 6M shingles. Hughes hauling 2nd lot of forage from dock
warehouse to his bar and GB.
August 21, 1914 Got cottage shingled.
Durin and party back from Cache Creek District had to come out
on account of shortage of grub. Tyonek in port had no freight.
Herbert visited on Mrs. Paraguay? Vancouver and Victoria
reported in danger of the Dutch. Made lock attachment for door
on east annex to warehouse.
August 22, 1914 Left Knik for mines at
3 PM rode out to Miller’s homestead roads muddy and wet.
August 23, 1914 Got up at 4 AM arrived
at mines at noon. PM cleaned up got 32 and 13/20 oz. for
7 days piping two weeks work dead work included for 2 men.
August 24, 1914 Got up 3 AM, left mines
4:15 came over Bald Mt. went down Carle Road to mile 15 government
road. Arrived Knik 4:30 1 hour behind time. Up till
1:30 with out-mail.
August 25, 1914 Boys got cottage ceiled up
- lower floor. Evans 2 days late. Evening small
earthquake one good shake. Made out deed for Seward Cottage
to sell for $1,100 cash to Isaac Evans - Joe Conroy “go between”.
August 26, 1914 Evans in port on PM tide.
Traveler came up with mail and to take down passengers on evening
tide. Swift’s man in town. Harry Tremble on a drunk.
Chas McHenry in from Alfred Creek, Wood in route. Sent by
express 43 and 2/5 oz. dust.
August 27, 1914 Chas Tuell and Harry
Lander came back on Sampson. Traveler in morning and evening
tide with Sampson freight Got groceries, hardware, rubber,
lumber and doors. Another sawmill man came in with outfit,
Jink and sons. Ed O'Brian on a drunk. Evening self and
Otto repaired gangway to dock on account crib moved out 8”.
August 28, 1914 J. M. Wood
back from Alfred Creek. Ed O'Brian left for Chickaloon
Coal camp after the usual big drunk. Traveler left for
Seldovia with Chase in tow. Started to lay floors in new
cottage.
August 29, 1914 Swift, McGill left on Buffalo
to look up Beluga biz at Beluga River. Report came
that Sampson run on Sandy Point 16 miles out from Seattle and was
sunk. Dr. David said the preacher wanted our lot at $450,
½ down balance on note in 1 year.
August 30, 1914 Otto went hunting ducks.
No church. Posted up ledger. Roswell in from GB
Mines.
August 31, 1914 Several passengers going
out on Mariposa. Two more bids for C and H lot one for
drug store and one for cigar store location.
September 1, 1914 Traveler left 4 AM to meet
Mariposa. Dalton back from trip to Chickaloon Coal camp
on account of government RR survey. Out of inside lumber
for cottage on C and H lot. Collections poor today.
Had Otto clean up freight in warehouse and fix dock where bidarky
pulled out same.
September 2, 1914 “Wedding Bells” Sam McMelan
and Miss Monstrom tied up - big dance in their honor - “Martha
Matilda” bridesmaid, Dad Ford best man. Got post card of
1914 - 4th of July picture. Sid Anderson over from Seward.
September 3, 1914 Had Otto help to open up
new goods and clean meats. Judge Hildreth and others
in from Nelchina District. P. C. O'Donnell went to Ship
Creek to work for government. Chris Anderson and J. Harry Lander
left on Sea Lion for Broad Pass District. Alaska delivered
Mariposa freight.
September 4, 1914 Got pump ready to install
in cottage. All the launches out of port. Joe Peterson
in from Willow Creek.
September 5, 1914 Miller laying floor down
stairs in cottage. Kulin Bros. brought in 1,525 lbs. dog
salmon, paid them 7¢. Got lumber off G. W. P. account
of back veranda.
September 6, 1914 Had Otto cut oat crop
on barn lot. Miller and Forsberg brought in 29 bundles of fish
to pay bill.
September 7, 1914 Tyonek in with coal for Dr.
David and K. T. Co. Sales $253 bought 9 ton coal and 2,415
lbs. dog salmon off Capt. Nordyke on Tyonek. Evening Traveler
left to met Alameda. Started to put in another bent on wharf.
September 8, 1914 Had Otto work on dock
installing another 14 x 20 bent. Alameda in PM tide.
Evening Traveler arrived with mail.
September 9 1914 Buffalo in with Alameda
freight Got several duplicate bills lost on Sampson.
Tents to come on next Evans. Evening tide all the launches left
port for Kenai, Turnagain Arm and Susitna. Harlow in from
Little Susitna Roadhouse.
September 10, 1914 Had Otto turn over
and cock up oat hay. Got government check on account of paying
bills for Young $45.25 and Wilson $49.95 deceased. Evening
Buffalo in after Kenai freight
September 11, 1914 Miller and Otto laid
off due to rain. Sold ranchers hardware order. Joe
Peterson in from Willow Creek with Mrs. Zimmerman. Frank
Kelly in from Broad Pass District and several others mushed over
winter trail from Station. Harlow opened his roadhouse on
Little Susitna government trail. Traveler in from Kenai with
2 sports.
September 12, 1914 Stanley and self left for
mines mounted, darkness overtook us at mile 17. Rode through
to Miller’s homestead roads very muddy arrived at O. C.
camp 11 PM.
September 13, 1914 Took lunch at mile 32 RH,
arrived at mines 3:30 too late to clean up.
September 14, 1914 At mines. Froze
½” last night. Double sluice head cleaned up AM
Left mines 2 PM arrived O. C. homestead 7:30. RR Com. survey
from Chitna were camped at mile 24 in route to Knik, 19 horses and
20 men. Left boys at mines to work out another cut. School
begins.
September 15, 1914 Left Miller’s
homestead 6:15 AM arrived at Knik 2 PM Land survey team
on their way to Knik, closed up work for season. Busy selling
clothing to survey boys. Joe Grimes and Harper bros. in
from Nelchina. Evans reported to have left Seattle on the
8th - 3 days late. Long Shorty in town.
September 16, 1914 Gave McGill
order for Swift’s meats. Evans 3 days late. Evening
got out more mail and got gold dust ready to send out.
Olson’s bull hung himself - fresh beef on Knik market? David
reported the C and H lot sold. Dance on for the government
RR boys.
September 17, 1914 Evening
got out more orders on account of Evans being overdue.
Started to build fence around new cottage.
September 18, 1914 Still
sending orders for winter stock because Evans is overdue.
Nugget Stewart back from Metal Creek. Evans 5 days overdue.
Closed down at mines, 2 men 80 shifts cleaned up $1,400.
September 19, 1914 Traveler in with mail and
passengers and scow load of freight. Three traveling men
in town showing samples. Put oat hay in barn. Otto
repaired wharf. Looked over Tacoma dry goods samples.
PM ordered Stag coats sweaters and macks.
September 20, 1914 Evening tide Traveler
in with freight off of Evans PM tide Mariposa in port.
Evening got up 2nd list of films for post cards
to send to Pederson Bros. Skagway.
September 21, 1914 Put flaxen board on
ceiling upper part of cottage. Alaska in with government
barge and freight off Mariposa, got Gloria lights hardware and
furniture. Zimmerman in from mines brought in 11 oz. amalgam
for last 3 days sluicing on Grubstake. Fred stayed at mines to
hunt bear. Traveler went to Kenai.
September 22, 1914 Finished insulating pump
in new cottage. Big tides. Evening settled up with
Zimmerman for labor on placer. Evening Fred Nelson in
from OGH Mines.
September 23, 1914 Put flaxine board
on ceiling of cottage front room. Cannon installed 5 Gloria
lights. Wrote Sal Silverman that he could have a job October
1st to May 1st at $100 per month and 15% off on groceries.
Land survey Williamson sold government horses.
September 24, 1914 Worked most all day
on cottage. Got oil cloth on kitchen and front room clothed
for papering. Trouble in the Herning family on account of
Stanley potlatching money to “Fat” got his 1st licking. Railway
survey party back from Chickaloon, going to Ship Creek to
start locating permanent road to coal fields. Evening got
out-mail. Cramer had Mike put cable on K. T. Co. dock to anchor
it account of big tides.
September 25, 1914 Helped to finish inside
of cottage. Put new Ideal range in house at store and
put old Ideal stove in new cottage. Susitna and Buffalo
in port no boat at Ship Creek.
September 26, 1914 Evening tide Traveler in
with Alameda passengers and took out passengers to Alameda.
No other launches at Ship Creek. Report came that Adm.
Watson broke her tail shaft at Juneau, would be here the 28th.
September 27, 1914 Busy all day finishing
up inside of new cottage.
September 28, 1914 Had painter
help to varnish rooms in cottage. Got kitchen front room
down and up stairs finished. Mrs. Spaulding moved in.
September 29, 1914 Had Miller lay floor
for front veranda in cottage. Otto dug hole for crap can.
Painter finished work inside and started to paint trimmings
outside. Adm. Watson in port, voyage 1, brought our clothing
from Portland House. Latest war news, Germans got the English
running.
September 30, 1914 Put up several orders for
down the Inlet. Buffalo left for Kenai and Seldovia with
full load of Knik freight and passengers. Mrs. Paraguay
left for Seldovia and preacher.
October 1, 1914 Miller finished carpenter work
on cottage and closet. Mrs. Cody left Station to teach
Native school. Joe Palmer returned to Nelchina District.
October 2, 1914 O. C. Miller left for
his homestead, let him take Iditarod to pick out his outfit.
C. B. Meyers in from Nelchina District. Everybody rushing
to get outfits before the freeze up.
October 3, 1914 Started to install Gloria
light system in warehouse. Evening posted up accounts.
Several drunks. 10 PM loud talk by store garden - drunks.
Gold Bullion in closed down.
October 4, 1914 Installed Gloria light
system in dock warehouse, one outside lamp. Otto and self
worked 2 hours after supper to finish installing lamps.
W. D. Elliott in from Gold Bullion.
October 5, 1914 Gloria lights wouldn’t
work, tank was made up vice-versa, oil in place of air valve,
changed oil wire to air valve and she went off OK. Meyers
and Zimmerman left for Willow Creek. Noisy crowd around
saloon. Offered Henry Dohrman a job.
October 6, 1914 Traveler
in on morning tide with RR lumber for Rev. T. P. Howard on account
of big building going up on C and H lot. PM had Otto work
on fence for new cottage. Got all lights working on dock warehouse.
October 7, 1914 All the launches in port
except Denny. Busy with last of orders for winter stock.
Mrs. H. getting her “cuturials” together for going outside,
bought her tickets today to go on Evans.
October 8, 1914 Busy day launches in
with freight off Mariposa. Mattie and Stanley left for
visit to States, went on Evans, they will stop at Tacoma and have
Stanley’s eye fixed. Tracy, manager of Alaska Steamship
Company, visited also Purser Harris. Capt. Jensen came up
to see Sunny Knik. Otto got dinner, had “Nenulchno beef” brought
up by Capt. Denny. First Royal Tailor suits arrived.
Evening Traveler delivered Evans freight B and H bought out Finley
and Co.
October 9, 1914 Henry Dohrman started
to work for K. T. Co. at $100 month with $15 added for board.
Had Otto checking up freight. Traveler brought in balance of Evans
freight, got letter from Mrs. T. D. sent letter to Palmer trying
to sell her stock to him for $3,000 - $1,000 down.
October 10, 1914 Evening tide Alaska left for
Susitna. Capt. Evans down to trade.
October 11, 1914 Al Davis moved saloon
to new building on beach.
October 12, 1914 Traveler in with B and
H merchandise. Had Hughes team haul oats to barn and 2
loads of coal to house aft of store. Olson loading Whitney
scow to move up to ranch on Matanuska. Midnight Traveler left
for Kenai.
October 13, 1914 Government river boat
in port. Sea Lion and Alaska back from Station with government
survey parties - 50 men. Pete Nelson back from Talkeetna
RR survey. PM had Otto put in piles to finish another bent
on dock
October 14, 1914 Buffalo and Sea Lion left
with passengers to meet Alameda. Geo Eberhardt and Isaac
Bros. left for Outside with about a dozen others. PM had
Fred help Otto to put in new bent on dock size 14 x 20. Things
doing again with preacher - run his building over on Lidell’s lot.
October 15, 1914 Up all last night with
out-mail then boat didn’t arrive. Otto and Fred finished
14 x 16 new bent on dock Part of PM worked on fence on C and
H lot. PM some boats in at Ship Creek. Buffalo brought
back the Knik witnesses, landed at spring on account of the tide.
Germans took Antwerp.
October 16, 1914 4:30 Sea Lion in with
Alameda freight. Traveler broke her shaft and got nothing,
Buffalo got the passengers. Knik got a newspaper “The Knik
News” a side issue of the Gateway.
October 17, 1914 Had Otto and Fred finish
cleaning up and grading around new house. Government river
boat here waiting to receive survey horses now due. Paid
Pete balance due for labor on well $40.40. Memo: charged OGH
for labor on cottage by Otto $153.50.
October 18, 1914 AM had Otto
and Fred grade street in front of new house. Lawn and
grounds around house in A-1 order. Traveler in from Virgin
Creek with more RR lumber for preacher. Palmer’s schooner arrived
at 6 PM voyage 3. Evening fixed sand hole in pump at new house,
posted up ledger. O. C. Miller returned from homestead gone
16 days with Iditarod.
October 19, 1914 Had Fred and Otto peal
piles for dock and deck same. Big tides lifted front of dock.
Took measure for tailor suit for Henry Dohrman. Joe Bush
quit the Traveler to go to Broad Pass?
October 20, 1914 Boys finished peeling
piles and made gangway off dock west side and put in crib to
protect garden. Al Bert over from Hope to trade.
Took out $2,000 insurance on stock and store fixtures in California
Co. premium $33 per 1,000. Got 2 orders, Elliott and Jim Wilson.
O. C. Miller started to set up Yukon sleds.
October 21, 1914 Business good, had boys
put in new walk in front of tin shop. Settled up with
Fred Nelson for labor at mines June 19th to September 19th 87½
days $350.
October 22, 1914 Had boys
close in calidoor in front of tin shop for storage room.
Sold another Kenai outfit to Huff and sailor. Evening tide
Tom Merideth left for Station with 5 passengers. All the launches
out of port, Admiral Watson 10 days off schedule.
October 23, 1914 Watson in on morning
tide got letter from Mattie at Juneau. Evening tide Traveler
in with freight off Watson. Big tide undermined and wrecked
dock, Otto and Fred pulled her back to place with luff tackle.
B and H unloading freight on FFF dock.
October 24, 1914 Traveler in with Watson
freight mostly fruit. Jack Brown up to trade. Tom
Merideth back from Station. River open longer than last
season. Preacher bought Lidell’s cabin and leased new building
for 3 years to Brown and McDonald for a picture show hall.
October 25, 1914 Fred and Otto finished setting
up long stoves.
October 26, 1914 Rained all day.
Cleaned up tin shop, put rubber goods in house over store and
no. 8 fruit and vegetables in tin shop. O. C. fixed up
work shop for making stoves and sleds. Sold (2) 20x42 Alaska’s.
October 27, 1914 Traveler
and government scow in with forage. PM tide launches left
to meet Mariposa. Sold Kelly the tinner a Gloria lamp outfit.
Otto and Fred moved coal from dock to store coal bin. PM graded
on Matt’s lot.
October 28, 1914 Susitna
and Alaska in with GB Co. and Martin’s freight. Dr. Carmichael
and new bride and 2 others were over came by gas on Sea Lion.
Wilson loading government sleds etc. to ship to Ship Creek.
Otto and Fred finished grading Matt’s lot. Miller making
stoves by piece price.
October 29, 1914 Got another
order from Ship Creek, cash sales $273.85. Hughes teams
busy hauling mining company freight off dock. Had Otto
and Fred grade out place for out buildings on Matt’s tent lot.
PM started to put in crib to retain store garden bank on beach on
account of high tides. Evening put up $200 order for Chas Jones
- Ship Creek. Palmer’s light tank exploded he got burned.
October 30, 1914 Otto and Fred missed
tide down arm to get logs to fix beach wall. Went up to
above gates and got the logs and towed them down. Government
launch, Talo, left early AM tide for Ship Creek, just below caught
fire they put it out. Business fair cash sales $182.20.
Launches all out of port, Alaska at Station, Traveler at Kenai,
Buffalo at Hope, Sea Lion at Ship Creek. Building operations lively
at Knik.
October 31, 1914 All launches in port
PM tide. Mike Murphy over from Station. Knik News
out 3rd issue. Otto and Fred finished sea wall crib in front
of store garden. Teams busy hauling freight off K. T. Co.
dock Had to get up 3 AM on account of Traveler bringing last
of K. T. Co. freight
November 1, 1914 Heavy frost last night.
Otto and Fred cleaned up warehouse yard etc.
November 2, 1914 Busy collection day
took in $2,500 cash. PM tide Evans and Alameda in port
about 500 tons freight. Evening tide Traveler and Alaska
in with 2 barges freight mostly perishables. Sent back Oliver
no. 3 typewriter, ordered a no. 5. They sent old no. 3.
Bought a new no. 5 from L. L. Smith Bros. Machines with all up to date
improvements.
November 3, 1914 Launches in, morning
and evening tide, with Evans freight Busy checking up
freight and storing perishables. Up all last night with
out-mail and in-freight. Government officers left Ship Creek in
Evans for Outside. Teams busy hauling freight off dock to
make room for incoming freight. First overland mail in of the
season.
November 4, 1914 Traveler in, morning
and evening tide, with freight Checking and opening up
freight all day.
November 5, 1914 Traveler finished discharging
Evans freight Ike’s lumber and mill out, that
laid on SS Bertha all summer, brought to Knik for storage. Traveler
left for Turnagain Arm. Painter back to town had him start
to paper 2 side walls in my cottage.
November 6, 1914 Rushed all day in store
cash sales $360. Peter Herbert boated Elliott’s grub over to
Eklutna Roadhouse. Admiral Linve settled up shortages
except breakage on stoves. More mushers in from Iditarod
District.
November 7, 1914 Things doing at the RR kitchen
last night. Walter Howard night chef and Nigger Jim had
a mix-up, Nigger Jim got 25 days today. Had Fred assemble
chairs. Paid painter $41 for work on my new cottage.
Evening tide Traveler in from Virgin Creek with load of lumber for preachers
hall.
November 8, 1914 Otto got our dinner, had fresh
roasted chicken , Yolly!! and pineapple pie etc. Cramer
left for Moose Point to pick up some hunters. Evening set up new
no. 400 stand lamps, had to mend 2 shades. First run of slush
ice. Ellexson went on Traveler as engineer. Invited
out to dinner - no go.
November 9, 1914 Weather cloudy first
cold snap of fall +14, very little ice running.
Fred finished setting up chairs and apples going fast. Invited
out to Pioneer Hotel to eat Alaska pig. Noon whistle heard
at Knik Harbor, supposed to be the Northwestern. Midnight,
Traveler left for Ship Creek but got hung up on bar below FFF
dock.
November 10, 1914 Busy day put up $250
order for P. C. and D. and party. Cash sales $401.80.
Traveler and Swan left AM tide. Evening tide Buffalo at spring
waiting for tide supposed to have Iditarod mail 2nd trip out of
Seward via Sunrise.
November 11, 1914 Buffalo delivered Lidell’s
fish and tank gasoline for K. T. Co. Traveler in from
Turnagain Arm, brought hunters up from Moose Point they had 3 moose.
FFF in from trip to Martin’s Mines said there was no snow except right
at the mill. Ice making account colder. Iditarod mail
in, Gill took same out via Station on double enders no snow but lakes
frozen over to hold horses.
November 12, 1914 Traveler
left PM tide with scow to move horses and outfit from Glacier
Creek to Sunrise. Channel filling up from spring to dock,
no ice below. Swan in from Ship Creek with Jim Wilson and after
orders for Ship Creek people. Took 2 pictures of Sunny Knik
no snow yet and only 6” in the mountains
November 13, 1914 Noon tide Buffalo in from
Turnagain Arm, tied up at our dock very little ice. Miller got
21 stoves made up. Started to use gasoline from 2 large tanks.
Nights clear and freezing. Busy packing Broad Pass orders.
House warming on at Fred Carter’s new house - dancing.
November 14, 1914 Buffalo left dock on PM tide
to beach boat at spring, to nail on galvanized iron at water
line on account of slush ice. Business still coming, cash
sales over $200. Ice filled channel on flood from spring
above dock all clear below. Moose hunters came in with Repetto’s
gas boat.
November 15, 1914 Bar in front of Knik
now covered with anchor ice, channel still open. Buffalo
laying at spring.
November 16, 1914 Buffalo left for Sunrise
to get 3rd trip of Iditarod mail. Another dog team in
from Iditarod, said first Iditarod mail would arrive here tomorrow.
Paid Otto and Fred for L. S. last delivery. Gus getting ready
to go to Nelchina placer.
November 17, 1914 Warming up evening
showers and windy. Sold 5 Yukon’s. Miller fixing
Ulanky’s bobsleighs. Indian boy reported lost, Indians
rang school bell all night and fired rifles. Evening and
all night big wind.
November 18, 1914 Traveler in from Glacier
Creek reported Buffalo ahead with U. S. Mail, didn’t show up
here. Indian boy lost turned up with 18 rabbits, was camped
with Simmons at Fish Creek Lake. Traveler tied up at K. T.
Co. dock, no ice only on bar. Largest tide of fall went 3’
over dock approach. Government road across flats by hay shed
out of commission.
November 19, 1914 Traveler left morning
tide to find Buffalo, found her sailing into Knik Arm had gone
on Susitna flats lost her rudder and anchors. Traveler towed her
to K. T. Co. dock evening tide, landed passengers and mail.
First Iditarod mail in, made it out in 17 days, no snow on trail.
Got mail hardware and Sylvester groceries, were shipped November
7th on Mariposa to Seward - to Seldovia by Dora. Traveler going
to tow Buffalo to Hope then go to Seldovia for K. T. Co. freight about
12 tons.
November 20, 1914 Traveler left for Sunrise
with Iditarod mail, towed Buffalo to Hope City for repairs.
Made ready to go on Traveler 21st to Seldovia for lots, freight,
hardware, etc. Still cloudy and warm channel open to dock
Close of business cash left in tills $40 currency, $25 gold, $74.10
silver = $139.10 total in tills.
November 21, 1914 Evening
tide Traveler back from Sunrise - tied up at our dock - no ice
to bother - said there was some float ice at Goose Bay. Traveler
ready to go to Seldovia tomorrow to get our hardware etc. Miller
through with stoves and sleds. Evening 10 PM cloudy and indications
of snow. No snow at Knik this fall to date.
November 22, 1914 Chartered Traveler
to go to Seldovia to get K. T. Co. hardware shipped from Seattle
November 6th by Mariposa. Left Knik 10:30 AM passed a little
mush ice in Knik Harbor, none at Fire Island or Inlet. Called
at Tyonek took on coal for galley - went on to Kenai, very dark tide
on ebb got on mud going into Kenai River. Left Henry and Otto
to run store.
November 23, 1914 Traveler delivered
booze orders at Kenai for Al Davis. Evening took on oil
at N. W. Cannery. Windy and stormy laid over.
November 24, 1914 AM tide left Kenai for Seldovia,
got dark off Anchor Point, self piloted boat from Anchor
Point to Seldovia was quite rough. Called on Herbert and
his new bride. Evans at Seldovia yesterday.
Traveler leaking pretty bad, blue water washed Knik mud out of cracks.
Evening snowing.
November 25, 1914 AM put Traveler on
beach to find leak couldn’t fix her. Big snow last night
8” at Seldovia only 4” at Knik. Evening tide went to cannery
dock and loaded on all the freight 6,000 lbs. groceries 10,000 lbs.
hardware. Left Seldovia 10 PM weather fair, self at wheel
to around Anchor Point.
November 26, 1914 In route Seldovia to
Knik on the launch Traveler. Arrived at Nakiska no. 2
above East Foreland, 10 AM anchored for next flood tide.
4 PM started out for Knik, misting and dark. Induced Capt.
Cramer to anchor and wait for daylight tide on account of ice in Knik
Arm.
November 27, 1914 Left East Foreland
5 AM, run into Pt. Possession Trap to pick up hunters McNaught
and partner who had Cramer’s dory - they had gone crossing over
to Fire Island. Had to cut through two flows account mush
ice had to cut through one flow at Knik Harbor - open to Goose Bay.
Cut through one small flow at Goose Bay, clear water to Knik.
Landed at 2 PM at K. T. Co. dock and discharged our freight. Buffalo
in from Sunrise with Iditarod mail left with out-mail. Traveler
laid over at our dock No floating ice in channel, bar covered
with ice.
November 28, 1914 Traveler left Knik
3 PM for Seward via Seldovia no passengers. Paid Cramer
$250 for 5 day trip after our freight about 8 tons by weight.
Had to have the hardware was sold out on camp horse and dog gear.
Busy day in store cash sales over $200. Evening turning colder
11 PM 8 above. Had Otto help to unpack hardware etc. Outfits
moving out to Broad Pass.
November 29, 1914 Busy all day opening
up and marking hardware tools etc. Henry and Otto helped.
Evening cleaned up kitchen and made up bank deposits. Gilmore
took his engine, in storage all summer. Buffalo’s bill
was $33.98, Pedersen had collected $15, paid me balance of $18.98
total of freight bill $33.98.
November 30, 1914 George Nylen and some
of the ranchers down. Paid Fred Wilson for October and
November labor around dock and store. Evening Iditarod mail
in, up till 4 getting out mail. Wrote Burrell about Broad Pass
strike and B and H as requested. Chas Garenflo in from
mine after load of freight
December 1, 1914 Iditarod mail not in,
false report, due tomorrow. Channel still open for gas
boats up to our dock Evening made up Henrys account.
December 2, 1914 Telephone man from the Inside
visited meeting to get Knik business men to put up for phone
system at Knik. Fred shod Kid. Bill Elliott arrived
from Old Knik slough open had to go high up to cross.
December 3, 1914 Iditarod mail in.
Let Fred use Kid to haul out his logs for new house. George
Nylen back from Station. Sold old Dan to B. B. M. Co.
for $50. Weather very soft, ice reported to be running
in Matanuska. Asked Seattle Bank to give us short loan until
we could turn some of our $20,000 stock.
December 4, 1914 Gill left with out-mail
at 5:30 so failed to send letter to Mattie and the bank.
Evening took dinner with the McMillan family. Otto left to help
Larson and catch a moose on the Knik-Broad Pass trail. Fred hauling
house logs with Kid horse.
December 5, 1914 Temperature down to
zero last night. Mushers in from Iditarod.
Sent out letter to bank and Matt’s letters by Iditarod mushers.
Seward mail in, 1st trip, all overland route this season.
December 6, 1914 Knik News out,
delayed on account of Seward mail. Made up Harvey Bartholf’s
account to date. Evening temperature 16 above. Sent
mail out with Iditarod mushers R. Vance and J. D. Bruno from Flat
City. Had Kelly put unions in gas wire to install no. 6 lamp
in front of store.
December 7, 1914 Fred started to haul
out manure on barn lot. Indian Jim came to
town and reported he shot and killed Old Tom Stephan some 20 days
ago near Nelchina District. Jim hauled him down to Chickaloon
Coal camp and buried him no details, reported to have had a quarrel.
Frank Kelly left 18 of his Broad Pass films to make post cards
for K. T. Co.
December 8, 1914 Monroe Kast over from
Susitna, took Elmer Carlson’s hydraulic hose and some of Nagley’s
freight Harry Lander reported someone stole his grub and
camp outfit at Zero Canyon and had been into my place on ranch.
Fred hauling manure on barn lot. Miss Van O. over from Eklutna
RH to get teeth fixed up. Installed no. 6 street light in
front of K. T. Co. store.
December 9, 1914 J. M. Wood in from mouth
of Little Susitna. Gus Swanson and two others left for
Nelchina District to prospect and do assessment work. Fred
finished hauling out manure and hauled up coal to store out of warehouse.
Paid Fred for 1 day labor balance of time exchange for use of Kid
horse hauling in his house logs.
December 10, 1914 Like a summer day,
Chinook still on 30 to 40 above. Streets icy due to melt and
thawing weather. Channel open to spring no ice floating.
December 11, 1914 Business normal cash
sales average over $100 per day all fall to date. Chinook
still on. Norton and several Iditarod mushers in report
vary rough trail on account of no snow. Evening got out a
lot of out-mail. Wrote L. A. Sayre and Co. Newark N.J. about
their ice creepers - no good. ptarmigan hunters brought my
sled in from mines had 200 lbs. ptarmigan. Dance on at Carter’s
house, “me no go - I guess no go - I tink go ..... no go” - Siwash Bill.
December 12, 1914 A little cooler, evening
sprinkle of snow. Evening wrote Mattie a
good long letter. Norton in from Iditarod. Horace
Emery in through with Martin’s Mine.
December 13, 1914 Indians arrived with Old
Tom Stephan’s body, who Indian Jim shot. They rang the bell
15 minutes in his honor. Me good Indian - me no bad tink - but
got shot for bad talk - Indian Jim put in jail. Got balance
of out-mail. 5 PM took turkey dinner with Marshal Brown.
December 14, 1914 Got registered
letter from Mattie ready to come if I said so. Fred visited
wanted to get Kid horse for 60 days to skid out logs at mile 26
on account of Bennett’s sawmill-to-be. Evening sent out
more check deposits and answered Matt’s letter. Couldn’t
register mail at post office, no receipts. Sent out 17 Kelly’s
Broad Pass films account post cards.
December 15, 1914 Rained last night warm
south west winds. Snow about all gone in Knik.
Iditarod out-mail overdue. Cash sales to date for December,
average $200.18 per day and business normal. Indian Jim had
hearing today and was bound over to the Grand Jury. Evening
looked up dead accounts and made out a few statements urging payment.
People beginning to ask for Xmas goods. Evening windy and warmer.
December 16, 1914 Buffalo arrived with outside
mail and another Iditarod mail in. Buffalo picked up
Joe Richards main man at Kern Creek and reported no ice only
at Goose Bay. They landed government mail at Ship Creek.
Evening read war news etc. in Saturday Evening Post for a change.
Change of moon brought cooler weather Chinook about off. Dr.
Spaulding’s gas lamp on the bum fixed it carbon in generator that’s
all.
December 17, 1914 Buffalo left with passengers
and mail for Kern Creek via Seward. Marshal took Indian
Jim to Valdez jail to await Grand Jury decision. Walter
Howard, dog musher and several Iditarod men left on Buffalo for
Outside. Evening read the farm and other papers. Horace
Emery left for Seattle via Buffalo. Dr. Spaulding said he could
have 6 front rooms over Howard building at $5 per room per month,
would move in March.
December 18, 1914 Evening Ladies Fair on grand
opening of the Social Hall in the Howard building self did
not attend. Street lamp went on the bum first time since
up needs new generator.
December 19, 1914 Mr. Sharp over from
Peters Creek. Knik News out on date. Evening read
the war news in “Digest” and looked over the map on Worlds Atlas.
Evening much warmer indications of snow which is much needed to
smooth up the trails.
December 20, 1914 Wrote to Wells Fargo St.
Paul to get my films from the hold-ups Quality Photo Postal
Co. sent their letters to explain matters. Took Royal
Tailor order for M. A. Williams. Palmer buying hams from
K. T. Co. Evening wrote Pederson Bros. to make a few slides
of Broad Pass views and Sunny Knik.
December 21, 1914 Displayed the Corlew Xmas
toys on K. T. Co. counter to avoid running to other store.
“Old Preacher” jumped on me- wanted to turn a $50, 2 years ago
donation - which was to build church on Palmer’s lot - on SS Cramer’s
bill - signed over to us to collect - nothing doing - made him come
through with the full amount $150 for SS Cramer account and
he still owes $180 November bill to K. T. Co. Martin teams hauling
out cyanide plant and feed. Hughes teams hauling timbers up
to mines. Iditarod mail in late last night and went on
to Old Knik so sent no mail. Ranchers in to trade. Mrs.
Cody and Simmons kids over from Station for Xmas.
December 22, 1914 Light snow about 3”
fell. Everybody buying cloth to make masquerade
suits for January 1st dance. Made up list of accounts due
from 108 customers amounting to over $4,000. Old White came
around with a no-sell-wood earache. Made up new statement
blank to drum up customers in arrears.
December 23, 1914 Up all night with out-mail
for Buffalo due next tide from Kern Creek. Included a
lot of Knik News papers with checks mailed. James St. Clair
and wife arrived from Nelchina and Caribou District brought a load
of sheep meat. Sent Bynbee Publishing Co. Chicago subscription
to Inland Storekeeper to March 1917. Sent A. W. Shaw Co. $2
for system and collection book how to collect old bills etc.
December 24, 1914 Up all night finished
out-mail 8 AM. Buffalo failed to show up. Xmas business
light cash sales $68.15. Sold about $10 Corlew stock
toys etc. Evening posted up ledger retired at 12.
All of Martin’s help through - in town for Xmas. A booze
fighting bunch at the saloon.
December 25, 1914 Very quiet Xmas.
Preacher gave Natives Xmas tree in new hall. Two years
ago would not allow them to come to church or hall. Palmer
now got him coming? Took boar pig Xmas dinner at Pioneer
very nice dinner. Gave all the roadhouses cigars and the Knik
kids each sack apples orange nuts and candy. No presents to others,
too many this time. Got box of cigars from Mr. Lidell, only
Xmas present. Evening typed a 6 page letter to Mattie and Stanley
now doing the NE states. PDQ dance on at hall. Gave Henry
Dohrman clerk $10 for Xmas.
December 26, 1914 Second cold snap lasting
part of 3 days broken by warm wind. Outside mail arrived 5 PM
no letter from Mattie very light mail. Evening read war news
etc. Express mail due in 3 days. Walter Howard and Marshal
Brown back from Seward made round trip in 9 days.
December 27, 1914 Got registered letter
from Mattie. Got my 1915 diary and 3 new manifold pens
from Lowman and Hanford. Evening wrote Mattie and Stanley
more Knik dope. PM cleaned the kitchen clock in gasoline and
she run OK. Got bank deposit ready. Express mail Morris
outfit and light plant for Howard building left at Kern Creek on account
of no snow. Buffalo to bring it over to Knik.
December 28, 1914 Chinook wind knocking
snow fast. Business lively cash sales $291.20. Doing
some business with Corlew stock also. Mailed out usual lot
of Knik papers to friends outside. Wise in from Paul Hobitz
cabin Little Susitna with mink skins. Evening Al Davis visited
to talk over Knik future business and to know how I liked to be a
bachelor. Evening worked on K. and L. Broad Pass bill.
December 29, 1914 Cloudy Chinook weather.
Masqueraders still buying cloth for suits. Capt. Evans
down from his ranch to buy grub. Henry Dohrman’s suit came
coat was 2 sizes too large first misfit received, cause - gave wrong
weight - measurement taken over heavy vest and shirt. Evening
made out order for another Royal suit. Evening mailed several
Knik papers outside one to W. J. Muir.
December 30, 1914 Masqueraders still
on the market selling a lot of old junk high colors from Corlew
stock Marshal gathered in a crazy rancher. Beautiful
moonlit nights. Finished outfitting Kelly and Lidell and
closed up bill. Old Jno. Parks in to trade. Woods wanted
to go on the credit list again also Percy Pitchford. Palmer’s
fat clerk after lynx skins.
December 31, 1914 Perfect sunny day 28
above. Big masquerade dance came off at social
hall. Thirty five couples were masked representing all characters
about 200 people present being a free dance given by bachelors, first
of its kind in Knik, self went up and looked on for 2 hours.
Fred Peterson and Mrs. St. Clair won first waltz prize. Made
out December accounts until 3 AM New Year. Thus endeth 1914.
1915
Beginning of diary says Herning’s Knik phone
number is “1”
January 1, 1915 New Year in with continued
warm weather. Self trying to turn over a $28,000 stock
of general merchandise at Knik Alaska. Mild weather and
want of snow delaying trail traffic. Mrs. OGH and son visiting
at her old home at Naugatuck, Ct. No big money circulating
around Knik. Travel over the trail looked for soon account of
Broad Pass strike, coal fields and Government RR to be. Evening
warm wind.
January 2, 1915 Evening out-mail
in, letter from Mattie - ready to go to Boston to visit, reported
a 3 day wind storm thinks Knik now OK. Got some of Martin’s
checks back - one was protested - no funds in Seward. Evening
made up bank account. Sent Mrs. Corlew $150 and statement of
account to date.
January 3, 1915 Reported Buffalo came to Fire
Island on account ice, couldn’t make thru to Knik. Sent out a
bunch of Knik papers. No Xmas pkg. from Mattie came as yet.
Preacher wanted me to play flute solo nothing stirring.
Brown and Vance left for Seward with crazy rancher. Sent
Deffel, 1st engineer on Swan, paper and post cards of Knik.
January 4, 1915 Got Matt’s Xmas package today
and no mail in? Wood left for Nelchina to get some gear
left up there last winter. Otto and Larson back from trip
to Broad Pass, only got as far as Kashwitna the big river was overflowed
and so warm had to quit hauling outfit. Sent Hitch a paper.
January 5, 1915 Cash business quiet today.
Put up order for the Peters Creek Mining Co. Reported
B and H soliciting customers to deposit their money at their store
and check against it - banking business. Iditarod mail in.
Sent Martin’s checks back to Bank of Seward to hold until funds come.
Dr. David against it for $1,500 on account of Martin’s no good checks.
Hughes team in from hauling Martin’s timber to mines. Gordon
Bettles the “rabbit snatcher” and family in from Iditarod District.
January 6, 1915 Put up $160.65 order for Peters
Creek Mining Co. Vance and Marshal back from trip to Seward
dogs played out. Frazier and Marshal left today 2nd try
for trip to Seward with crazy rancher. Lidell paid for
his half of K and L Broad Pass outfit. Lidell Moving out outfit
with old Buck to Big Lake.
January 7, 1915 Monroe Kast and Andressen over
from Station to get some of Nagley’s dried fruit. Peters
Creek Mining Co. squabbling over who should pay for outfit ordered.
Got 2 boxes GB powder on account of Kelly’s and Lidell’s outfit.
“Rabbit snatcher” doing considerable trading, seems to have the
coins. Evening made out past due accounts. “Tinner”
Kelly, now treasurer of MLD Club, left deposit of $126.30.
January 8, 1915 Chas Bartholf visited
wanted me to take lumber on account of his bill rendered.
Meyers visited, said old Mrs. Zimmerman was telling a lot of stuff
about himself, Dad Ford, and royal highness. Evening started
to answer Matt’s December 9th letter. PDQ Club dance on at
social hall. McDonald and Sharp left to do assessment work on
Peters Creek quartz.
January 9, 1915 Report came that Jim Denny
left Kern Creek last Tuesday with movie show and 12 men for
Knik - didn’t show up yet, probably stuck in the ice around Fire
Island. Evening out-mail came in. Got letter dated
December 17th from Mattie said she was sick of climate and visiting
at home would leave for Boston January 7th and for Minnesota about
a week later. Got nice letter from Whiton Hardware Co. wanted
to send spring order early.
January 10, 1915 AM business fair put up $40
order for Nugget Stewart and Mrs. Zimmerman. Invited
out to dinner at McMelan’s. Evening wrote Mattie a 4
page typed letter addressed to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Checked
up accounts, deposits now down to $2,200 collections poor, little
money to send out by this mail due tomorrow.
January 11, 1915 Iditarod mail sled in at 6
o’clock and post office closed, so sent mail by express package
to Joe Conroy at Seward. Wrote Joe a letter and sent Knik
News. Business good today, ranchers down to trade, cash sales
$235. Sent out usual lot of Knik News to friends Outside.
Palmer wanted to quit post office so a petition was circulated to install
Pilger as PM by biz houses. Knik house caught fire not much damage.
January 12, 1915 Kelly and Wells back from
Talkeetna Forks. Mail carrier reported he saw Buffalo
go back to Kern Creek when he crossed summit of Indian Pass.
Sent our mail out in package by express to Joe Conroy to mail at
Seward.
January 13, 1915 Brown and Ellsworth over from
Seward to inspect saloon and B and H outfit? Report came that
Buffalo landed at Tyonook and party was on way overland to Sunny
Knik. Mr. Strong over from Indian River to look over Sunny Knik.
Logan Stipp driving Martin’s team in relief of Ben Agnew resting
up. Millionaire visited wanted us to ship by schooner with
his brother in the business.
January 14, 1915 Wilston and Brown had a mix
up, cost Wilston $81 for breaking a window and making roughhouse
at RR kitchen. Evening Chas Brown of B and H visited said
was full of people but all broke and living on pork and beans
Got Leopold David’s attorney checks back from bank on account
of no funds by Martin. David paid amount to cover checks.
January 15, 1915 Rae McDonald arrived
with the movie show via from Tyonek by dog team where Buffalo
left him. Colonel Revelle in with mail express etc.
Evening a Mr. Hughes from Council visited with an old fashioned
earache. Brown and Ellsworth left for Seward. Collections
slow.
January 16, 1915 Mail in from Seward.
Horse broke in Matanuska, got express mail wet nearly lost the
horse. Got Royal calendars, 53 lbs. freight from Seward,
40¢ lb., got wet but not much damage, hung them all over the
house to dry out. Got December 24th letter from Mattie anxious
to come back to Knik.
January 17, 1915 Quiet all day working
on out-mail. Sent over last of Nagley’s fruit.
January 18, 1915 Got mail into post office,
sent out $800 on accounts. Evening mailman didn’t
come, so wrote Mattie at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Sent usual
Knik papers to friends in States. Turned in at 3 AM for a lonesome
snooze. 1915 calendars compliments of K. T. Co., went fast
today cash sales over $100.
January 19, 1915 Weather colder +2.
Business fair cash sales $142. Out-mail from Iditarod overdue.
Out of $20,000 new stock plus $2,500 freight since October.
All paid for but $7,500. Bill’s due from customers over $3,000.
Marshal back from Seward, brought word that government would start
construction on RR in the spring, hurrah for good times at Sunny
Knik. Gordon Butler in from Willow Creek with load ptarmigan.
January 20, 1915 A Mr. Decker in from
Nelchina District said they had a hole down 220’ with some pay
in gravel - going back to put hole to bedrock, Ray -
Fenton in on it. Mail man in reported 4’ new snow fell around
Kuskokwim Pass while only 3” at Knik. Warren Fenton building
new roadhouse at mile 19 Government road. Spoke to Vance about
running our dock for the summer of 1915.
January 21, 1915 Wrote JH Wilson at
Susitna Forks about E. C. Wilston’s credit he went good for.
Movie picture about ready to show. Evening culled out old
letter mail. Evening sprinkle of rain. Mattie and
Stanley supposed to now be visiting in Minnesota. Had Willow
Creek ptarmigan dinner. Otto ready to leave final trip for
Broad Pass, old Blackjack Miller going along.
January 22, 1915 George Nylen down to trade.
Seward mail in 6 PM - post office closed - no ketchum mail.
G. W. Palmer visited, wanted to buy flour, preferred ours to B
and H said he wanted to get rid of post office, our check shows
100 barrels yet in stock. Otto and Blackjack Miller left
for Broad Pass final trip.
January 23, 1915 Perfect spring day clear
but thawing before sun-up. Business fair Palmer’s clerk
reports no business. Movie short of power to run lights,
no show tonight as scheduled. Got letter from Mattie and
Stanley dated December 31st and registered, return card dated January
2, 1915 for my December 12 letter registered at Seward by Walter Howard.
Got letter from Chas Lewis wants to come to Alaska. Evening
checked down Cramer’s account. Invited out to dinner tomorrow
at Dr. Spaulding’s.
January 24, 1915 No money to send out
this mail collections bum. Mailed usual lot of Knik papers.
Wrote Stanley and Mattie at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota 3rd time.
Took 5 o’clock dinner with Dr. Spaulding in our new house.
January 25, 1915 Business quiet these days,
down to $50 mark on cash sales. Everybody feeling good over
the RR construction to begin at Ship Creek in the spring.
Cleaned carbon out of Dr. Spaulding’s gas lamp. Howard and
Martin Shea bunch went ptarmigan hunting out on Little Susitna.
Mailed Cramer statement of 1914 account with balance due K. T.
Co.
January 26, 1915 Two hunters in from Broad
Pass District. Don and Rae got back last evening from
States. Iditarod mail in late one day. Water in well
at new cottage went down 1’ leaving 6” of water, put extension on
pipe. Preacher digging a well below, supposed to be the cause,
went dry when he struck water. Evening read farm paper.
Paid Nagley 3/13/14 bill sent over by Ferguson. Palmer and
his squaw on a drunk.
January 27, 1915 Many ranchers asking for credit.
Palmer told them he wouldn’t give them 15¢ the whole bunch.
Palmer still on a drunk so reported. Made up Rae account
to January 26th. Evening Al Davis visited said he had written
his wife in Seattle to come to Seward, talked over future of
Sunny Knik. 15-20 below zero at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
where Mattie is visiting.
January 28, 1915 Got order from AW Hall.
J. R. Drees down from Alfred Creek to get supplies for himself
and Hill.
January 29, 1915 Snowed about 6” last
night and through AM about enough for first time to make sledding
at Knik this winter. Seward mail in - couldn’t get mail
- Palmer on a drunk - office closed 6 PM. Chas Jones up from
Ship Creek said 3 individuals had put up business houses.
Nagley sending for goods.
January 30, 1915 Dunk McCormack and Joe
Palmer in from Nelchina. Iditarod mail in and out again.
AM got mail, letter from Mattie, ready to leave home for Boston
to visit her brother Art. Sent her paper to Sylvester and
short letter. Rae getting his outfit together for Broad
Pass. Evening posted up accounts and read papers.
January 31, 1915 O. C. Miller in from his ranch
not feeling well of late. Musher in from Seward, reported quite
a few on the trail for Knik. For first time the Knik News
published Knik news and gave Knik a boost.
February 1, 1915 Business good today
cash sales and collections over $400. Haley and Taulman
making ready to go to Broad Pass. Lidell and Kelly left
final trip for Broad Pass also Broken Nose Wilson. Dr.
Spaulding moving from our house to preachers new building Great
comment on preachers “nigger” music and choir. Preacher called
down laborers who worked for nothing in building his dance hall etc.,
some got up and left the building Baker Bros. ready for Broad
Pass also a Mr. Spaulding and Don S. Rae.
February 2, 1915 Mr. Irwin Jr. visited with
order from Elliott to get hydraulic hose. Broad Pass fever
on again several outfits left today for the pass. O. C. got
some pills and ready to leave for his ranch tomorrow. Spaulding
busy moving into the preachers dance hall. Movie show still
under installation.
February 3, 1915 Business fair cash sales $92.70.
Big Chief Palmer left by dog team for San Francisco to buy his
spring stock and a new boat. Harry Lander hauled out last
of GB giant powder from our powder house, had powder house from
June 27 to date, 2½ tons storage 7 months $7. Evening
wrote Mattie, sent letter to Seward by Jonnie Reikhardt. Public
still commenting on preachers call down Sunday sermon. Red Jack
up from Tyonek.
February 4, 1915 Tyonek and Susitna Natives
holding a potlatch at Knik. Sold several blankets, also
Chief Tyoon and Natives down from Upper Matanuska to trade.
Knik Council Club appointed a committee to investigate opening
up channel in front of Knik docks. MLD Club scrapping over renting
of piano. Jonny didn’t leave for Seward, going Saturday.
B. and McD. sore at Wilmoth over rent of club piano.
February 5, 1915 Indian potlatch day, store
full of Natives including Matanuska's, Susitna and Tycoons all
here to attend potlatch. W. G. Fenton in from mile 19 roadhouse.
Evening self put up his order to go out early AM tomorrow.
Evening mail in, got post office card from Mattie dated Chicago January
21st was changing cars for Sleepy Eye. MLD hard time dance on.
February 6, 1915 Another little cold snap but
fine day. Put up $200 order for Thornton and Black.
Got 2 registered letters from Mattie at Everett before leaving for
Minnesota. Got card dated January 21st from Chicago.
Evening movie show pulled off first show at Knik. Saw it ½
hour mostly wild west Indian dope. Worked out-mail until after
midnight sent out over $12,000 on jobbers bills due.
February 7, 1915 Took dinner at Pioneer.
Everybody out with dog teams joy riding. Evening attended
MLD Club service at the church hall. Quite a crowd out,
preacher out of town. Had a talk with Mr. Needham editor
of Knik News said he was going to quit Gateway Publishing Co. and
start paper himself which would be a Knik paper, 1st last and all
the time. Evening much colder. Wood back from Nelchina.
February 8,1915 Bought some fur, red
fox and otter and rabbit robes. Store full of customers
all day collections over $100. Had 12 ricks wood delivered
at house back of store. Credit White with 12 ricks of wood
delivered at store.
February 9, 1915 Weather partly cloudy
warmer looked like rain over in Turnagain Arm. Business
fair some Indian trade. Mr. Dohrman said he would stake
Henry to go into lumber business Henry wanted to put in stock
at Ship Creek. Many asking for small credit to run them until
navigation opens up. Evening checked down part of Bank of Seward
deposits and checking account MLD Club wanted to send Mrs.
my money to buy music for club.
February 10, 1915 Business fair mostly
Native interior trade. Mr. Needham called me into printing office
and told me the rest of Knik business men were ready to organize
a publishing company for Knik, wanted me to go in. This
would put Knik News out of business and give Knik free speech in
press and not be controlled by Seward Gateway Publishing Co.
Hughes and Co. hauled Thornton’s grub to Station. Evening
windy and colder.
February 11, 1915 Packed up material to make
table in new house. Quiet in town no one on the trails,
all waiting for final railroad dope. Funeral today Mrs.
Carry buried died of dropsy.
February 12, 1915 Weather clear and colder
4 below this morning fourth spell of down to zero weather this
winter. . Evening mail in, got letter from Stanley
at Sleepy Eye also Mr. Cannon got one. Received letter
from George Good, Matt’s cousin in Naugatuck Ct.
February 13, 1915 Had Mr. Major build
kitchen table and put catches on windows and night lock on door
at new cottage. George Nylen brought body of Shakespeare
R. E. Romano down from Matinuski, body was found on a
bar near Moose Creek. Romano lost his life September 1913
in Hicks Creek Canyon when returning from Nelchina Placer District.
Evening took in the movie. Took Dohrman’s order for suit.
Zimmerman back from Broad Pass trip.
February 14, 1915 First big wind of winter
temperature 22 and blew hard. Funeral of R. E. Romano
took place from Hall with Masonic honors. Busy with mail,
up pretty late, wrote Mattie about getting furniture she needed for
new house. Sent Stanley new post cards of Broad Pass District
and Sunny Knik November 16, 1914.
February 15, 1915 Game warden in town.
Major worked on bathroom at our new house. Iditarod mail
in. Put up order for Wilson and Nelson Broad Pass outfit.
Riley in from Outside in route to Iditarod said Cramer was on
way to Knik with load of freight and shaft for him. Guggy
men buying outfits.
February 16, 1915 Several newcomers in from
Seward way. Chas McHenry back from Chicago. Major
hung bathroom door in new house. Irwin wanted to swap his
gold nugget chain and nuggets for merchandise.
February 17, 1915 Bibby over from Old Knik
with moose meat. Brown and Hawkins got Guggy Broad Pass
order for groceries, Palmer got the hardware and we sold them
$100 hardware to fill order. Major put partition in bathroom
and put flaxene board on balance of stairway and closet.
February 18, 1915 Major finished work
in new house bathroom table etc. Mrs. Morrison and Conway
trial came off on account of wages due Conway for painting Mrs.
Morrison’s roadhouse, self as witness. J. Harry Lander in
from Willow said trail was fine.
February 19, 1915 Business fair, sold
Dunkle part of his household goods. Dunkle will live in
Fred Carter’s house. Several coming in going to Ship Creek
to locate. Riley and party gone to Beluga to get freight that
Cramer was supposed to bring from Seward. Estes wanted to
build rooming house on our store garden.
February 20, 1915 AM got mail, usual
letters from Mattie and son now at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
Busy with out-mail. Guggy outfit left for
Broad Pass with 9 double ender loads.
February 21, 1915 Weather partly cloudy
+40, thawing all day. Wrote Mattie to call on business
houses in St. Paul. No sign of Traveler from Seward as yet.
Cold snap broken like summer day. Doc David got E.
J. Preston’s deposit.
February 22, 1915 Business fair, ranchers
down to trade. Iditarod mail in. Evening big dance
on, Old White the big chief. Wrote Royal Tailors about
5 month hold up on Stipp's suit by Wells Fargo Express Co.
Grand northern light display in evening.
February 23, 1915 A-1 day +18 to
+56. Evening attended preliminary meeting of the new Knik Publishing
Co. “to be”. Mr. Needham said the new plant would cost around
$2,000, wanted to raise $2500. Cannon and Dr. Haus would take
1/5 interest balance to be taken by Palmer, Dr. David, self and Needham.
Needham had resigned as editor of the Knik News and expected to
go Outside March 1st to buy new plant. Wrote to Herbert about
ice conditions.
February 24, 1915 Perfect day +16 to
+40. Getting considerable of the ranchers trade.
Gus Danielson down to trade. Gave Editor Needham set of
Knik and Broad Pass post cards to advertise Knik on his trip to
San Francisco. Answered Backus letter about furs. Palmer’s
help complaining about no business. Harper bros. in from
Seward.
February 25, 1915 Gordon Butler making
ready to go to Seward. Dr. Martin and wife to locate at
Iditarod District. Oden Olson in from Nelchina District
to trade, reported that Kemp and Anderson had struck 17¢ pans.
Otto Langel in from Talkeetna Forks to get pick ups. Wrote
ad for movie show. Fenton and wife in to trade.
February 26, 1915 Busy day, ranchers
down to trade. Sold mile 19 roadhouse over $100 order.
Traveler in, voyage 1 direct from Seward, brought shaft for Riley
Iditarod. Beer and parcel post mail for Knik discharged freight
at Goose Bay. Henry went with 8 couples to mile 12 Roadhouse
to christen new roadhouse building Self very busy in store
until 10 PM then got my supper.
February 27, 1915 Traveler laying at Goose
Bay.
February 28, 1915 Riley’s men ready to
take shaft through to Iditarod District. Wrote Mattie
to go and get my films in St. Paul. Sent out 3 dozen Knik
papers. Traveler left Goose Bay on morning tide for Ship
Creek and Seldovia.
March 1, 1915 Evening made up clothing order
to send to Mattie on account of St. Paul order. Up all
night with mail going early tomorrow. Mailman in and out,
didn’t get our mail in post office in time. Editor Shaw took
charge of Knik News - wanted us to keep in our advertisement, nothing
doing.
March 2, 1915 Took mail up to Cannon’s hotel
and sent same to Seward on account of Conroy by Mr. Needham,
who left for San Francisco to buy new printing plant for new paper
at Knik - to come in Palmer’s schooner. Three dog teams
left for Seward with passengers. Snow going fast in Knik evening
getting windy.
March 3, 1915 Another summer day 62 in
the sun. Big tides, FFF dock in the air. Evening made
out copy of Peters Creek Mining Co. 1913 bill for Thos. McL.
Snow about gone in front of store. Reported only 8” snow in
the woods less in Matanuska Valley.
March 4, 1915 A-1 day 60 in sun. Big
tide raised all the docks and wrecked Palmer’s crib also.
Richard Crisp back from Seattle, said SS Bertha was to leave March
1st with scow in tow for Ship Creek transfer dock. Bert Stewart
and gang making lots of noise at the saloon today. Snow going
fast in Knik. Capt. Denny reported to arrive March 10th with
Buffalo to bring mail via Sunrise to Knik.
March 5, 1915 Mail failed
to arrive via from Seward. Evening MLD Club gave minstrel
show, saw part of it, was very good. February collections
on the bum. P. C. O’Donnell back from Ship Creek now going
to Broad Pass if he can get his money out of Hughes outfit.
March 6, 1915 MLD Club got all the money last
night - show $96.05 receipts. Mailman in during last night,
got 2 letters each from Mattie and Stanley. Bank of Seward
wrote they would take over T. P. Howard notes at 10% below face value.
Filled gas tank. Turned over Lidell and OGH Howard notes to
Bank of Seward for $337.50 net (add 10% for face value).
March 7, 1915 Water running today. North
mail in early, office closed. Evening wrote Mattie a few
lines about Seattle National Bank. PM for first time this
winter went up to Gill’s house with Henry, all built up around there,
houses all in line. Put all letters in one envelope and sent same
to Conroy to mail at Seward on account of mail closed here.
March 8, 1915 Snow all gone front of
store. Business good cash sales $329.90 collections, $200
total $529.90. Another boat up from Ship Creek. P.
C. O’Donnell bought his outfit for Broad Pass. People divided
here as to Ship Creek and Knik’s future.
March 9, 1915 Business fair collections
and sales $200.25. Restaurant man from Ship Creek up by
boat for grub etc. P. C. O’Donnell left for Broad Pass.
Evening movies. Self wrote K. T. Co. ad. “K. T. Co. H. C. Dohrman
Chief Clerk, “We challenge em-all Phone Sunny Knik, Quality
and Competition”.
March 10, 1915 Boat up from
Ship Creek with 2 traveling men 1 for S. F. Hardware House and
1 for fruit consumers. Chas Gilbert making regular boat
trips from Knik to Ship Creek. Evening gave S. F. Hardware
Co. small order for axes etc.
March 11, 1915 Snow about all gone in
streets. Al Davis painting his booze joint. Placed
future del. order for camera direct with factory. Placed
fall order for ammunition guns etc. With S. F. sales agent.
Busy had supper at midnight.
March 12, 1915 Guggy Man in from Talkeetna
Forks for pick ups, Al Harper with him. Chas Gilbert making
regular boat trips from Fish Creek to Ship Creek with lumber
and pick up orders. Mailman in early, got all mail except
registers? Traveling men left by dog team to “do Station”.
Got 1st notice that Admiral Watson would leave Seattle April 5th
for Knik Anchorage. Mrs. Nagley over from Station.
Received films held up by St. Paul House since
1912.
March 13, 1915 Reported snow
about all gone from mile 7 to mile 22. Worked on mail
sent out $1,100 dep. Evening went to picture show with
S. F. man. Got registered from Mattie said they were ready
to visit at Eyota.
March 14, 1915 Sent Mattie letter for Seattle
National Bank. Buffalo arrived at Fish Creek after the mail
- brought 15 ton restaurant out to Ship Creek. Now good for
2 hour sleep. Sent mail to Seward by Al Davis going over
to meet his wife. Got letter from Herbert said Tyonek would be
up April 25th with Rutter and Dawson outfit.
March 15, 1915 Peach of a day 38 to 70
above. Buffalo got hung up on ice cake so had to lay
over a tide. Al Best up from the Terminal City. RR
kitchen building storehouse on Hedrick's lot next to Names building
Mr. Blodgett wanted to work my placer. Fred shod Kid and got
load sills for dock.
March 16, 1915 Summer day 40 to 60 above
40 above at 11 PM Two scraps today - Jinks sawmill outfit and
B. D. sawmill outfit - over settling up. Mitchell’s house
reported burned down. Commercial Club shooting ice out of
channel below spring. Fred hauled in balance of sills for dock
30 - 4 x6 x9 all told. Got 350’ 2” plank off Jenks
for dock. Got load grub ready to send to mines half powder and
forage.
March 17, 1915 Today, 17th of Ireland.
Several in from Seward. Leckwald back from Outside, shipped
his goods on Traveler from Seward. Launches overdue.
Fred left 4 AM for mines, sent part of load to river by Jenks lumber
team. Big Irish dance on tonight at preachers hall.
March 18, 1915 Buffalo in with Seward mail,
Swan in from Seldovia with 13 passengers, voyage 1. Traveler
reported out 4 days from Seward and not heard of at Seldovia
March 19, 1915 Post office dug up letter
from Mattie yesterday said there were no registers.
Evening sent to Fairbanks Morse and Co. for pump part for sawmill
and shoes for our pile driver. Sea Gull and Nate White
voyage 1 in with passengers from Turnagain Arm. Iditarod
men returning from States on way in. House Bee on account
of building Mitchell’s new house. Commercial Club blowing ice
loose in channel.
March 20, 1915 Sold last of tents in winter
stock. Snow all gone at Sunny Knik and feels like summer.
Adam Block of Seldovia reported died of old age -raised 1st American
flag over Alaska at Sitka.
March 21, 1915 Traveler arrived from Seward
was storm bound for several days. Dunkle back from Seward.
Cramer laid over, said he and Herbert were going to handle the
Ala SS Co. freight the coming summer. Up all night to get out-mail
to catch the Watson at Seldovia. Wrote Seattle bank for accommodations
60 to 90 days.
March 22, 1915 Big day cash sales in small
lots $200. “Swan and Tulo” at Fish Creek. Traveler
left AM tide from Goose Bay to meet Adm. Watson at Seldovia.
Quite a bunch from the Terminal City up to trade at the Hub.
March 23, 1915 People up from the Terminal
City to trade. Evening took in movie show with F. B. Cannon,
Miss Longmire played the piano. Sold last of tents. Farrington
hauling in piles for his dock. Crazy move on for Ship Creek.
March 24, 1915 Ranchers and
others from the Terminal City to trade sales over $200. Hired
Fred Nelson for 25 days $100 to do outside work around store and
dock. Hired M. A. Williams to put engine on pile driver.
Old Cap in with a bunch of Dagos in route to Iditarod District.
Bought a few logs off B. and McD for plates for dock.
March 25, 1915 Fred Nelson
started work by the month. Buffalo in with mail and 14 passengers.
Had Fred spread manure on barn lot, fixed Iditarod’s feet and started
to repair dock.
March 26, 1915 M. A. Williams started to finish
up pile driver engine. Fred re-laid 14’ span on dock.
Traveler back from Seldovia, 2 passengers for Knik. O.
C. Miller in from his ranch. Court trouble brewing.
March 27, 1915 Business fair cash sales $96.55.
Had Fred clean up warehouse in AM, pile wood in PM. Had
Tyoon Chief brown bear skin mounted for rug account Matt’s new
house furnishings. Horace Emery and party arrived on Nate Whites
launch from Sunrise. Many newcomers in town. Took O.
C. Miller to picture show.
March 28, 1915 Took another view of Sunny
Knik. Buffalo in with 3 dog teams for Iditarod District.
Bare ground Knik to Station. Got order ready for groceries
to Sylvester and paint order.
March 29, 1915 A-1 day cooler, froze
a little last night. Business good cash sales $172.75.
Williams got engine about ready to mount on pile driver.
Chas Jones and many others up from Ship Creek to trade. PM
started to sink well deeper in my house, well had gone dry. Evening
windy.
March 30, 1915 Blew hard all last night
and today. Evening temperature 18 above. Fred and
self worked on well at my house all day. Hoisted out 1’ dust
and got water, put in sand point Blowing hard out of Turnagain
Arm all day. Williams laid off on account of wind couldn’t
hoist engine on pile driver.
March 31, 1915 Weather windy and cooler.
Finished re-insulating pump at my house. Traveler in
from Turnagain Arm and went to Seldovia to meet Evans.
No work on pile driver today. Got letter from Mattie was
back from farm and ready to come to Seattle next.
April 1, 1915 Snowed 3” last night, about
all gone at noon. Williams rigged up gin pole to raise engine
onto the pile driver base.
April 2, 1915 AM had raising - B hoisted
gin into place on pile driver frame. PM tried pump at
my house - would work. Report came that the Buffalo was
a wreck at Ship Creek during last wind storm. Old Man Norton
in route to Iditarod with 3 passengers by his dog team.
April 3, 1915 AM took down gin pole used
to raise pile driver engine. O. C. Miller started to build
wood shed on my lot. Evening had a slide on, advertising 40
Mile Miller’s stoves, at picture show. GB took lease on BD
Mines. Installed my new Royal Tailor suit with a million $ look.
April 4, 1915 AM blew ice out in front
of wharf, big tide wrecked all the docks. Our crib in
place pulled a few piles, Palmer’s crib half turned over
into channel, Farrington’s dock 10’ in the air. Sent
Seattle Chamber Commerce a set of Broad Pass post cards asked for
- and Knik Commercial Club circular. Ice all raised on bar
in front of Knik but didn’t go out on account of cold snap freezing
ice together.
April 5, 1915 Fred worked on barn lot fence,
laid off on account his well. Williams finished pile
driver frame in AM laid off PM. Chas Gorenflo in with a
$300 Martin check. Miller on woodshed. Joe Peterson
and Tomlinson in from Willow Creek, said snow was about all gone.
April 6, 1915 Business good cash sales $143.80.
Traveler in last night from Seldovia with 16 passengers off Adm.
Evans. Chas Block over from Seward. Al Davis back from
trip to Seward. Traveler got hung up on anchor ice below Fish
Creek. Miller finished woodshed. Fred Nelson laid off
to dig his well.
April 7, 1915 Traveler got off ice cake.
Swan took mail to Turnagain Arm. Midnight tide, Traveler
took Crow Creek out to Arm, Mrs. Fitch went along as cook, left
boys at Knik. Had Miller cut door through sugar cache into main
warehouse and made bookkeeping desk for my office.
April 8, 1915 Helped Williams tear up gangway
that had lifted on dock ice. Put gangplank from crib to
platform to handle freight over until we can drive the piles.
Had Williams help to fix pump in my house, cylinder was full of sand
and connecting rod uncoupled. Miller put brackets on Matt’s
new table. Miller ready to return to ranch. Alaska
arrived from Seldovia voyage one.
April 9, 1915 Put foot valve on pump at new
house, had to disassemble all the pipe on account of connecting
rod being uncoupled again. Pumped out well water - clearing
and fine. O. C. Miller left for his ranch. Out-mail
came in PM, bank wired loan on collections no good. Credit customers
looking for accommodations again.
April 10, 1915 AM got Matt’s registered
letter from Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Traveler in route
to Seldovia. Henry Dohrman got word that his
money was available in Persia, Iowa and offered us use of same.
Evening attended movie show.
April 11, 1915 A few up from the Terminal to
trade. Traveler left PM tide for Seldovia to meet Evans,
got out-mail. Arranged to send Dohrman’s draft to Seattle
Bank for $2,000 due May 1st. Paid premium on New York Life
Insurance $293.50.
April 12, 1915 Ice broke up in channel
from FFF dock to O'Brian Creek, channel closed below spring.
Gill and McNally located a town lot at Ship Creek and sent for
Dohrman Sr. to come and hold them down. A few leaving every
day to locate at Ship Creek tent city. Dohrman signed up order
to Persia Savings Bank Iowa to send on $2,000 and $1,005 to
Seattle Nat. for our credit if wanted.
April 13, 1915 The Flyer up from Ship Creek
for Sunny Knik grub etc. Someone robbed the saloon cash
register last night. Sent order for laundry supplies for
Chas Jones laundry Terminal City. Wrote Seattle Bank we
got a loan and didn’t need their accommodations. Fred got water
at his new house at 75’.
April 14, 1915 Iditarod mail in. Swan
in with Outside mail. Dr. Schlabam over from Seward to straighten
out Long Shorty location at Tyonek. Palmer’s crib
toppled over into channel, lots of ice afloat. Report came
that Seward got the terminal of government road with Fairbanks for
Yukon end.
April 15, 1915 Got letter from Mattie,
March 30, was in Seattle and would leave on Watson April 5th
for Seldovia. Big tide moved part of ice jammed
near spring. Several strangers asking for credits, nothing
doing. Emery came in to meet the boat that didn’t arrive.
Mrs. Jack Brown up from Ship Creek to trade. Swan took out
the mail.
April 16, 1915 Fred Nelson started to work
again. Fred worked on barn fence and on ice around dock crib.
Traveler in from Seldovia. Mattie and son got back from
trip Outside (with bicycle). Tom Hanmore died at Iliamna.
April 17, 1915 Snow squall and rain.
Channel open up to K. T. dock. Hauled dock crib back to place.
Business fair, 2 more ranchers from Outside, outfitted for Matanuska.
Traveler laying at Soldier Creek. Mattie went up to look
over our new house. Grub getting pretty short at Knik.
Several from Ship Creek up to trade.
April 18, 1915 AM tide Tyonek in with
Palmer and a few produce, tried to come to dock and got hung
up 300 yards below dock. Evening Traveler in port.
New launch, Jessie, in from Seldovia formerly was the Knik.
PM Henry took Kid for a ride.
April 19, 1915 AM business lively on
account of several orders to go on ebb tide, cash sales $271.70.
Tyonek and Traveler hung up on the mud, came up too far on neap
tide. Fred helped to pack orders AM, worked on barn fence PM.
Self finished varnishing front room in new house. Stanley started
school in 3rd grade.
April 20, 1915 Fred finished fence in front
of barn and widened out roadway 4’. Mattie scrubbed floors
in new house. Henry off with sick headache. Tyonek
laying on the mud waiting for increase of tide to float. Traveler
took scow load lumber to Ship Creek. Evening got out-mail.
Paid Sylvester balance on 1914 account.
April 21, 1915 Traders up
from Ship Creek. Evans reported sailed for Knik on 15th
with 105 passengers. N. W. and Mariposa on way to Knik with
passengers and Government RR freight. Had Fred repair roof
on store and root house. Cleaned out Matt’s well by tent house.
Ranchers in looking for seed spuds and grain. Outside mail
in AM tide.
April 22, 1915 Very low tide all the
boats on the mud. Made a general cleaning up in dock warehouse
to make room for new goods. Leveled up gangplank from crib
to dock so as to use trucks to handle freight. Commercial
Club trying to block up inside channel so water will run down past
Knik docks. Grub getting short in Knik.
April 23, 1915 Business quiet on account
of shortage of grub, Evans due tomorrow. SS
Bertha finished discharging cannery outfit at Goose Bay and left
for Ship Creek to meet Evans. Started to put in water works
from Matt’s pump to dock on account of fires - pile driver etc.
Cannery boat came up from Goose Bay to get grub.
April 24, 1915 Business fair bought out
Farrington’s dock and warehouse for $300. Started to put
in gangway from dock to store through store garden and widen out
road from beach to store. Editor Needham got back from San Francisco.
Evans 1st boat in with Knik freight, 100 passengers arrived and half
dozen traveling men. Got picture slides of Broad Pass and Sunny
Knik. Evening Herning family with Mr. Felch took in movie show.
April 25, 1915 Busy all day, up till midnight
looking over traveling men’s samples. Ordered Colgate
soap etc. and hardware from Mr. Chamberlain Wantons man.
Placed winter order with Goodyear Rubber man. Ordered canvas
from Portland man and harness gear too. Traveler delivered eggs, spuds
and bacon, hardware and baking powder had to haul goods off
beach below spring. Tyonek moved 100 yards PM tide.
April 26, 1915 Old Tyonek got off bar
AM tide. Traveler hauling all the freight to Knik from
the Evans. Now stocked up except sugar and milk (not delivered).
Bought some clothing off Fitch for fall delivery. Evening
busy with Chamberlain Whiton Hardware Co. man with additional hardware
order. Fred worked on new gangway to wharf.
April 27, 1915 Got up 3:30 on account
of the Traveler landing freight over our dock, most of freight
was for B and H and a little for everybody. Traveler and
scow bidarky first boats to come to dock this spring. .
Mariposa in at Ship Creek voyage 1.
April 28, 1915 Weather cool snow last
night, morning ground white, all gone before noon, cooler now
than March. Bernard Stone of the Gateway over to settle up
Knik News business, asked us to pay ½ of March and April advertising
which was ordered out February 28th we paid him ½ - $12. Busy
day in store cash sales $235. Mattie cleaned up the Corlew stock
on account of the wind storm blowing in sand. Fred got foundation
down for gangway store to dock. Fred Peterson in from mines.
Evening Traveler in with last of Evans freight.
April 29, 1915 Morning tide Traveler
delivered furniture, paints and dry goods. Ranchers down to
trade, store full until Hughes outfit broke down gangplank by
rolling 2,600 lb. cable over it. Fred got up plates on gangway
to store and part of plank. Got two 8x8 timbers off Tom Merideth
42’ long.
April 30, 1915 Matanuska ranchers down
to trade, sold $36 worth of seed. Williams mounted sleeve
on pile driver engine and fixed up boiler and engine connection.
Evening tide Traveler in with last of Mariposa freight.
Latouche freight yet to come. Evening Fred looked after lumber
off Traveler.
May 1, 1915 Rosebud in with coal.
C. R. Booth got back. Williams fired up pile driver boiler
now short on hammer rope. PM hauled load furniture to new house.
Evening Herning family attended picture show. Showed first
news of Broad Pass District and Otto in the oat hay field.
May 2, 1915 Evening all the fleet in
port, Alameda arrived 2:30 AM, Traveler up Turnagain Arm.
Evening made room in warehouse for flour, new lot in. More
traveling men arrived, went out on same launches. Mrs.
Zimmerman had her trunks delivered on dock, ready to go out.
Henry took ride on Kid.
May 3, 1915 Business rushing today receipts
over $300 several Ship Creek orders. Palmer’s schooner
reported at Fire Island. Evening Palmer drifted out of port
with is launch and scow to meet schooner at Goose Bay. Swan
in with mail. Harry Lander in from Willow Creek. Evening
closed early and checked and marked up 1 box of St. Paul goods.
Fred on store gangway 1 day repaired floor in Kids stable.
May 4, 1915 Palmer launched his scow
and launch went to Goose bay to get merchandise off his schooner.
Evening tide Cramer in with K. T. Co. freight off Latouche, got
eggs, meats, groceries and building paper. Fred moved
east end garden fence over west side of store gangway.
May 5, 1915 Ranchers down
to trade sales $128. Fred helped around store all day.
No boats on AM tide. Traveler was to deliver last of Knik
freight. Big fire over on Eagle River. The launch
Islander arrived from Juneau.
May 6, 1915 Business lively today, traders
up from Ship Creek, cash sales $284. Traveler discharged
balance of freight for Knik, tent, doors and window. Business good,
also hardware, Palmer’s scow in with 2nd load off schooner
at Goose Bay. Dr. David and Needham visited said a move was
on to consolidate our new paper, Cook Inlet Pioneer, with the Knik
News.
May 7, 1915 Fred assembled chairs and
got up merchandise to store. Big Noise, Government scow,
landed horses and freight at our dock. Pederson and Howard
after our dock. Frank Watson visited evening to tell us all
about the McNally freight outfit said his company had no contract with
them, talked of dock and Goose Bay.
May 8, 1915 Several launches up from
Ship Creek to trade. Farrington and Jenks launched their
new scow. Fred assembled chairs. Evening Herning family
took in the movie, M. A. Williams run off the reels.
May 9, 1915 Traveler and river boat A.
C. Co. Jane in on morning tide. PM Jane left for Broad
Pass District sent Lidell and Kelly’s mail by way of way of Doker.
Bartholf’s shipped load lumber to Ship Creek on Farrington’s new
scow. Sea Lion left for Station with mail. Henry Dohrman went
down to Ship Creek to look over the Terminal City.
May 10, 1915 Fleet in. PM tide
all the launches and Palmer’s scow got stuck on ebb tide by
spring. Fred fixed barn lot fence to keep dogs out.
Bill Elliott over from Old Knik, got a skate on first time in 3
years. Pilger and Hertel moved to Ship Creek. Cash on hand
$3,700.
May 11, 1915 Self and Fred worked at my new
house, finished varnishing the kitchen, got stairs ready to stain.
Fred oiled woodshed door and started to put wood inside.
Evening great rush to fill orders from the Ship Creek fleet.
Part of the Cook Inlet Pioneer Press etc. landed from schooner Lucy
in our warehouse. AM sewed barn lot to barley.
May 12, 1915 Only launch Jessie up to trade.
Had Fred pile part of wood in my wood shed at new house.
Mailed out deposits and paid April invoices. Not many people
left in Knik, some gone to Willow Creek mines and more to Ship Creek.
Palmer landed balance of Pioneer Printing Press.
May 13, 1915 Business quiet no launches
up from Ship Creek on account of Outside boats due. Tyonek
came as far as Fish Creek to get Mrs. Herbert from Sunny Knik visit.
Launch Islander in port. AM Fred dragged barn lot, put in
oats and ball barley. PM worked on my lawn at new house.
Busy with out-mail. Got rope for pile driver from Goose Bay company.
May 14, 1915 Morning tide Traveler in
with passengers and mail off Evans Mattie and Stanley went
down to look over the Terminal coal town, back 6 PM Mariposa also
in. Another consignment of traveling men in looking for
orders. Gave Fischer Bros. man small order. Got wire
from Persia Savings Bank that Dohrman’s money was forwarded to Seattle.
Iditarod fell and broke his hip had to shoot him - Stanley’s $15 horse
cushion.
May 15, 1915 Gene Bartholf in from the
States. Traveler delivered first of our freight from
Evans and Mariposa on evening tide. The launch Onward arrived,
voyage 1 to Knik. Coal survey under Williamson arrived.
Got balance of Tom Meredith’s house timbers, 6 in all. Palmer
finished discharging his freight from schooner. Evening saw
half of show.
May 16, 1915 Stained bathroom door and
stairs in new house. Evening Traveler in with last of
freight from Mariposa and Evans. Knik full of new people
again. Alaska stuck on the mud in Palmer’s Slough.
Lot of fresh Outside meat in town. Fred installed new Buckeye
pump in his 75’ well.
May 17, 1915 Traveler in port.
Williams tried the pile driver, friction wouldn’t hold, had
to strengthen same. Fred worked on store gangway to dock.
Business good cash sales $348.30. Evening tide government
scow in with locating engineer for Broad Pass District. Chief
clerk Chase visited for bids on hardware for government railroad use.
Mr. Halstad from Seattle visited wanted stock ranch.
May 18, 1915 Morning tide Swan towed
Cramer’s scow with Cook Inlet Pioneer Job Press to Ship Creek
on account of doing job work for the Government. Ordered
dry goods for fall delivery from Warren and Monroe man Mr. Chastine.
Started pile driver drove 2 piles when friction gave out. Put
up hardware order for Ala-Eng- Com. All the launches in port
on evening tide Jane back from Talkeetna Forks.
May 19, 1915 Business fair collections
and sales $696. All the launches stuck on the mud all
got off on evening tide except cannery boat. AM Fred helped
to unpack hardware PM graded street on east end of store
garden. Alameda just blew at Ship Creek 11:30 PM.
Mr. Halstadt back from trip to 19 to look over country.
Had Williams fix seat on go-cart.
May 20, 1915 Big fires all around. Hughes
and Co. graded street east end of store garden Al Davis held
scraper and Fred leveled up the grade. Traveler took part
of Pioneer Printing Plant to Ship Creek.
May 21 1915 Traveler in port doing repair
work and painting. More dingy traders up from Ship Creek.
Doc David moved his office to Ship Creek. Planted spuds
in store garden. Fred did odd jobs. Very quiet in Knik.
Everybody gone to Ship Creek cash sales $150.
May 22, 1915 Valdez launch
Onward tried to go out on upper channel and hit the mud, tides
very small. Had Fred clean up box pile and back yard.
Evening all attended the movie show. Put on slide of Folgers
Bak. Pwd. and Royal Tailors.
May 23, 1915 Traveler left PM tide to
meet Watson. Varnished stairs and front room in new house
now ready to set up furniture. Henry went to Ship Creek
last night. Mike Murphy in town. Ordered friction drum
for pile driver.
May 24 1915 Light rain much needed.
SS Bertha in early AM tide. Traveler brought our powder
and T. G. goods. Watson in, mail delivered PM tide only. Jane in
from Station. Mrs. Cody and Simmons kids came over. Inspector
at Ship Creek tied up 9 launches for not having licenses.
McCoy and son arrived in route to Broad Pass.
May 25, 1915 Up at 4 AM Traveler in with
groceries and hardware Big bill of hardware came and various
freight, Palmer closed the Post Office, showed me the letter
from the Department saying he must not close the office or he
and Bondsman would be held responsible.
May 26, 1915 Traveler brought balance of hardware.
Agreeable to Bondsman Palmer swore in the jewelry man as assistant
Postmaster. All the fleet in on PM tide. Mattie
washed windows at new house.
May 27, 1915 Morning tide on ebb, Traveler
run high up on beach and stuck. Lee Rice on Knik run,
brought his launch out of Kenai Lake down river. Post Office
moved from Palmer’s to Howard building today. Lander in from
GB Mines. Movie outfit moved to Ship Creek.
May 28, 1915 Everything looking green
and lovely. Fred finished rack for iron in east annex.
Dodge Steamship Line schooner at Ship Creek with lumber for government
railway, part of fleet in. Harry Lander left for mines.
May 29, 1915 Weather cloudy evening light
rain. Kelly the tinner moved to Ship Creek. Ball game
on tomorrow at Ship Creek. Mattie and Mrs. McMillan gathered
flowers for all the graves. James St. Clair and wife in town.
Alaska moved Bartholf sawmill to Palmer’s Slough.
May 30, 1915 Excursion to Ship Creek
on account of the ball game. Business fair AM sales
$52.40 - giant powder $206. Sold Crow Creek M. Co. ½
ton giant powder and 3M 6x caps. Hauled powder to beach
with Kid on government cart. Traveler brought in 2 of 3 pieces
short last delivery. Locating engineer from Old Knik over to
trade.
May 31, 1915 Evening worked on orders and out-mail
till 1:30 AM. Bobby Bush moved his cigar and candy store
to Ship Creek. Several ranchers in to trade. Moving
Farrington and Jenks sawmill to Ship Creek.
June 1, 1915 Fred finished piling wood at house.
Fred painted red sled and fixed wheelbarrow. Evening
tide Mariposa in with 200 passengers. Traveler brought
mail to Knik. Palmer canned Sprague his clerk.
June 2, 1915 Painted Matt’s sled and the wheelbarrow.
Traveler delivered produce on morning tide. Evening several
new people came to town.
June 3, 1915 Business fair cash sales
$131.30. Fred made work table for Matt’s new house.
Packed down 2 boxes powder for the CIT Co. PM tide Evans arrived.
Evening Traveler came up with passengers and the mail. Mrs.
T. D. Corlew arrived. Wrote Dunham Corrigan and Hayden Co.
S. F. to cancel ammunition order.
June 4, 1915 Noon tide Traveler delivered freight
from Fischer Bros. Brown and Hawkins building a dock below
our docks, wouldn’t pay 50¢ a ton for outgoing freight over
our dock. Had Mrs. Corlew at lunch. Came up to get
her stock and locate at Ship Creek.
June 5, 1915 Noon tide Ship
Creek baseball team arrived to play Knik team, Ship Creek
won. Tracy manager for Ala. Steamship Co. in town.
T. D. Corlew arrived to join his wife. Found that someone had
tried to break into our new house.
June 6, 1915 Busy in store AM sales over
$50. Corlew and Kelly packed up Corlew stock - 20 boxes,
1 shoe rack, 1 heater stove and pipe. Traded Corlew 15
- 1x12x16 - 2x4’s for 244’ shelving in Matt’s tent store.
Fins after hardware and grub on account of 40,000 tie contract for
government railway. Henry went to Ship Creek. Fred made window
screens.
June 7, 1915 Busy all day in store sales
$187.05. Corlew’s left for Ship Creek to get a location
for ladies furnishings store. A. E. Reed left for Archangel
Creek. Jack Stein left to cruise trail near railroad survey
around Bald Mt. Freight in off Alameda.
June 8, 1915 Business fair cash sales
$132.75. AM busy marking new hardware PM had Fred
screen doors on aft part of new house. Traveler PM took Mrs.
Corlew stock to Ship Creek. Freezing plant, at Ship Creek,
after sawdust at Knik. Evening Mattie cut my hair. Got
Chas Jones bill ready to take to Ship Creek tomorrow.
June 9, 1915 Got up 3:30 AM Stanley and
self went to Ship Creek on Traveler, had meeting of the Cook Inlet
Publishing Co. at Dr. David’s office. Self elected president,
Shaw vice president, David secretary and treasurer. Got
home 4 PM Had Fred dig up store garden and plant to buckwheat.
June 10, 1915 Traveler running
between Ship Creek and Knik every tide round fare $1.50.
Had Fred clean up also cleaned root house. Big fires between
Eagle and Old Knik. Bill Bartholf and son in from mines
went to Ship Creek. Stained Matt’s work table.
June 11, 1915 Business quiet today cash
sales $75.60. Old school board held election to replace
treasurer and clerk who moved to Ship Creek self elected treasurer.
Ronald Harris in town. Re-installed water tank, put same
above pump higher up and put in connection so as to water store garden
from tank. Put up shelves for wardrobe in new house. Evening
planted radishes lettuce and carrots in store garden.
June 12, 1915 Had Fred set
up furniture in new house. New river boat in port.
Evening Traveler in with Ship Creek dancers. Stanley made
$2 selling Pioneer News. Dance on at preachers hall.
June 13, 1915 Everybody went
to Ship Creek for ball game, Knik 4 - Ship Creek 8.
Fred went to Ship Creek to look over new city. Evening light rain
much needed very dusty and dry. W. S. Horning left
for Broad Pass sent Lidell’s shotgun with him and mail.
June 14, 1915 Business fair above the
$100 mark. Fred shod Kid. Evening tide Traveler in with
part of Watson freight. Up till 1 o’clock with out-mail.
Capt. Jensen came up on Traveler.
June 15, 1915 Business quiet cash sales
$86.95. Settled with Hughes and Pederson for freight over
our dock from May 19th to date. Total freight 100 tons
of which ½ was for K. T. Co. Busy all day in store
marking up new goods from Tacoma and Portland.
June 16, 1915 Busy all day
moving from house over store to our new house on C and H lot.
Jack and Mrs. Brown up to trade. Cannon and Mrs. Morrison
took in Ship Creek. Evening tide Traveler in with passengers
and after goods for Ship Creek trade.
June 17, 1915 Worked at new house about
all day, sewed lawn to grass seed, pumped out well, put up window
curtains etc. Fred helped. Evening tide launches
in port from Ship Creek to trade. Shortage on sugar Knik
market.
June 18, 1915 Busy in store cash sales
$205.15. Had Fred jack up house over store to plumb windows.
Got grub ready to send out with Hughes team to Mile 34.
Mattie got house about fitted up. Don’t like new house too
lonesome.
June 19, 1915 Had Fred put shelves in
front room in house over store. Sent mail down
on Traveler. Evening sent government drafts to St. Paul
House. Ready to leave to open up Grubstake mines tomorrow.
June 20, 1915 Fred finished shelves in house
over store. PM self and Stanley drove Kid on cart out
to 40 Mile Miller’s, mile 23½, Fred and brother
Pete hiked out also.
June 21, 1915 Perfect day left Stanley
with Miller, rode Kid to mile 32, packed 185 lbs. grub from
32 to mines, arrived mines 2:30 everything in order. Had
lunch then looked over pipeline ditches etc.
June 22, 1915 At mines, water down to
normal. Reset no. 1 giant on Willow Creek bench,
went over pipeline and rewired places. Fred made grate
for 24” intake to pipeline. Cleaned out ditch by big dam.
June 23, 1915 At mines, tightened up
pipeline and gates turned on water at noon. Cleaned out canyon
ditch, fixed apron to intake tried giant worked OK. Boys
started to clean up pit. Self left for Miller’s ranch at
6 PM arrived 11 PM.
June 24, 1915 Hitched Kid on cart with Stanley,
arrived at Knik 1:30, made average 4 miles per hour. Traveler
in with groceries and rubber goods. Ringwood, general agent
for Admiral Line and Frank Watson visited. Business under
average last 3 days.
June 25, 1915 Pipe fitting arrived also balance
of rubber goods from St. Paul. Miss Longmire and Martin’s
assayer family left for mines. Evening got checks ready
for deposit at Seattle Bank. Oats heading out on barn lot.
June 26, 1915 Alameda in port, failed
to get mail. Evening Mattie and son attended Hop.
June 27, 1915 Painted and put in all the screens
in new house. Ball game on at Knik Park - Goose
Bay, Cannery boys played with Knik and won 4 to 5.
July 28, 1915 Several ranchers down to trade.
Evening tide Tyonek in port. Opened up St. Paul packs with
heels.
June 29, 1915 Knik lady ball team practicing
to play Anchorage the 4th. A big drop in business at
Anchorage on account of town site lots to be sold to highest
bidder. Dinky traders getting cold feet.
June 30, 1915 First good rain of summer.
Business quiet, busy making up June bills rendered. Kootz
and Jack Stein back from cruising out RR trail from Little Susitna
to Willow. PM and evening good rain much needed.
Gave $25 towards Knik 4th of July celebration.
July 1, 1915 Ranchers in to trade.
July 2, 1915 Harris in from GB Mines after
more men. Evening put up order for Gold Bullion.
July 3, 1915 Knik people busy with July
4th celebration. Boys erected grandstand at ball grounds.
July 4, 1915 Knik ball team left on Traveler
to play Ship Creek team, usual boosters went along.
Ship Creek held celebration - Knik tomorrow. Report came
that Watson run on the rocks at Ellamar. Ship Creek won ball
game.
July 5, 1915 A-1 hot day. Big celebration
at Sunny Knik. AM races etc. on beach below KT dock,
Stanley won race $3. PM ball game at park, Ship Creek
ladies team played Knik ladies, team score 10 each - tie. Knik
team vs. Ship Creek, Ship Creek won $50 prize. Evening Ball
in hall, prizes for waltz and two-step. Big crowd up from
Ship Creek.
July 6, 1915 Making ready to go to Willow Creek
placer mines. Thorpe’s Mile 12 RH visited gave us an order
said they were through with Palmer, also Mile 16 Roadhouse gave
us an order. Now got 5 out of 7 roadhouse trade.
July 7, 1915 Stanley and self drove Kid out
to 40 Mile Miller’s ranch road very muddy from mile 16 to 24,
Miller’s garden looking fine.
July 8, 1915 Miller’s ranch to mines
- packed 40 lbs. on Kid Boys had second cut on Willow
Creek bench worked out ready to clean up.
July 9, 1915 At mines cleaned up pit
AM. PM cleaned up boxes, clean up small.
Left setup ready to pipe in west side of cut. Lots opened
for sale at Ship Creek sold up to $950 each.
July 10, 1915 AM looked over Grubstake
bench. Figured out plan to connect up pipeline, only
short 11 to 10 taper. Arranged to open up bench and pipe
same into Creek. PM left for Knik stopped at O. C. Miller’s,
Stanley cooked supper had T-bone steak.
July 11, 1915 40 Mile Miller’s to Knik
arrived at noon. PM looked over mail and washed up road
cart.
July 12, 1915 Part of District Court
officials arrived to hold term of court at Knik.
July 13, 1915 Judge Brown arrived to
open court. Frank Watson visited, offered $8 rate on
lumber and $9 rate on general merchandise in 100 ton lots.
July 14, 1915 Weather very warm 81 in
shade. Court in session, Indian Jim and Wilstrom
cases up.
July 15, 1915 District Court in session.
Hotels full. Wilstrom tried for Ship Creek trouble was
acquitted.
July 16, 1915 Court in session.
Indian Jim up for shooting Stephan last November. Jury
rendered verdict of manslaughter. Made up lumber list for
Knik Lumber Co. to come on next Evans to Ship Creek, Watson
gave us $8 rate. Henry Dohrman Sr. sales manager OGH secretary-treasurer.
July 17, 1915 A-1 day 75 above.
Court about through. Wilstrom give till fall for trial
about saloon case - out on bond - Silverman and self went on bond.
Evans reported on rocks near Ketchikan.
July 18, 1915 Herning family went to Ship Creek
to look over new town site, several blocks were cleared, 4th Street
looked best for business. Henry Dohrman Sr. went along
to look up lot for hardware store. Evening Traveler delivered
produce that came on Evans. Anchorage played McCullough sailors.
Stanley brought home a watermelon.
July 19, 1915 Milo Kelly took outfit for prospecting.
Sent order for doors, windows, etc. to sell same in Anchorage.
Henry asked off for balance of week to look after lots at Anchorage.
Government sending bunch of men to Anchor Point to cut hay for
wintering government horses.
July 20, 1915 Wood worked
on installing pile driver drum. Henry at Ship Creek.
Got first small order from Pacific Coast Co. wholesalers Anchorage.
July 21, 1915 Weather still hot.
Busy in store Mattie helped part of the time. Wood got
hoist drum installed and filled boiler ready for action.
Court officials back from Ship Creek. Henry laying off account
McDonald - Longmire wedding. Drummer for West Coast Grocery
Co. visited. Sold Ala. Eng. Com. $300 worth of underwear.
July 22, 1915 Another hot day.
Busy day in store collections fair put up 2 ranchers
orders. Indian Jim got his sentence, 3 years at McNeil
Island for shooting Old Stephan. Ala. Eng. Com. on this
market for merchandise. P. J. McDonald and Miss Longmire were
married at social hall followed by a dance, Mattie and Stanley
attended gave them a rocker. Wood steamed up the pile driver
new drum worked OK.
July 23, 1915 Mattie helping
in store while Henry on a vacation. Started to drive
piles for new front of dock, driver worked OK, Wood engineer,
Ben Agnew pile master, Anderson swamper.
July 24, 1915 Still hot weather. Knik
girls went to Anchorage to play Anchorage girls, Knik won
26 to 30. Busy making out order for Anchorage Hardware Store.
July 25, 1915 Weather warm and smoky.
Watson in, reported old SS Bertha burned up at Eyak. Ben
Agnew laid off PM said he had crick in back.
July 26, 1915 Weather still extra warm.
Dohrman started to work again in store after week vacation.
Deal on to get Seward baseball team to play Anchorage at sunny
Knik, $250 raised. Got 4 rows piles driven. Evening Henry
went down to Anchorage to see about lot for hardware store.
July 27 1915 Stanley and self went down
to Ship Creek, bought lot 50x100 from Fred Parson’s, corner 3rd
and H Street, lot 1 in block 29 - townsite of Anchorage for $524
cash - with deferred payment due government of $272. Called
Ala Eng. Com. to get check to cover May and June account failed
to get it.
July 28, 1915 Still hot weather.
Otto Langel back from Broad Pass Dist. PM Otto cut oats on barn
lot, were dead ripe.
July 29, 1915 Still hot weather.
Dorhman Sr. went down to Anchorage to see about lumber for new
hardware building Agnew laid off. Otto commenced work
on pile driver. Collections over $400.
July 30, 1915 Weather partly cloudy and
a little cooler. Self and Stanley went down to Anchorage.
Ordered lumber for new hardware building off Bird Creek Mill
Co. Fred Petersen had lot about stumped. Lumber Co.
all sold out on 20’ to 24’ 2x4 to 2x8. Mr. Hubbell, surveyor,
came up to Knik. Forty seventh birthday today Mattie made
ice cream.
July 31, 1915 Got piles drove
on old gangway from east annex and caps in place. Evening
Buffalo took a bunch Knik-ites to grand opening Ball on new town
site at Anchorage. Hubbell went out to survey at Willow Creek
Dist. Sold ranchers good order.
August 1, 1915 Got good rain last night
much needed. Made out order for Gloria gas
lamps. No work on dock today. The tug Pioneer in
with big schooner loaded with lumber. Ronald Harris left
for Outside on account of sickness in his family.
August 2, 1915 Dohrman Sr. and Wood left
for Anchorage to erect new hardware store for Kink Hardware
Co., sent down 4 kegs nails. Otto and Anderson finished
laying floor on old gangway to warehouse and cocked the oat crop.
Paid Ben Agnew for 3½ days labor on driving piles for dock.
Wood left for Ship Creek.
August 3, 1915 Otto stacked the oat hay on
barn lot. Got ½ floor timbers down on new annex
to dock. B and B brought excursion party up the Arm off
the Alameda. Tides very low Traveler only came as far as
spring.
August 4, 1915 Got new addition to dock
about completed. Lowest tide of year Traveler and Sea
Lion brought up Seward baseball team and got hung up at dock.
August 5, 1915 Anchorage baseball team arrived
on PM tide. Big game on at Knik ball grounds. At
first looked as though Seward had a walk away. Anchorage finally
got next and won 1st of series of 4 games. Completed
annex to dock making 528’ more dock space.
August 6, 1915 Put in order for mirrors and
cheap roofing with Portland House. Second game on at Knik park,
Seward won versus Anchorage. B and B and Traveler in port.
Big dance on at preachers hall.
August 7, 1915 Evening went down to Anchorage
to look after new hardware building, had up store room 16x30.
Got street grade will have to cut down 18” for store building
Report came that the Russians drove the Germans out of Warsaw.
August 8, 1915 Got home 4 AM from Anchorage.
Took Ben Agnes order for welding suit. Evening made up
order for dishes etc. for Kink Hardware Co. Store Anchorage.
August 9, 1915 Ball game wound up at Anchorage,
Seward team played Knik team 7 to 17 Seward’s favor.
M. A. Williams in town sold him his winter clothing - going
to McDougal to work for Cache Creek Dredging Co. for winter.
August 10, 1915 Government check for
May and June bill finally showed up. Business fair collections
over $400. Bought flash lights for Anchorage Hardware
Store. Frazier and Brown had scrap over security account
Palmer’s bills rend. by rancher Brown. Evans in port one week
behind schedule. Rabe in from Independence G. M. Co. Mine
on biz.
August 11, 1915 Traveler delivered Evans
freight. Otto helped unpack new goods and fix up office.
Evening tide several boats in port at Knik. Collection and
business good.
August 12, 1915 Had Otto help to fix
up office and put in more shelf room in house apartment over
store. Reported foundation in account Kink Hardware Co.
at Anchorage.
August 13, 1915 Busy day at store ranchers
in to trade. Finished fitting up new office over store.
August 14, 1915 Turned cooler today.
Otto and self fixed pump in house, cleaned out cylinder and
foot valve, stayed primed OK. Mariposa in PM got mail
in evening. Received letter from Hedrick wanted me to take
charge of his property at Knik.
August 15, 1915 Henry went to Anchorage, put
up 2 orders. Watson in evening tide. Frame of Kink
Hardware Co. building up at Anchorage. Mariposa brought
doors, windows, etc. for Kink Hardware Co. at Anchorage.
August 16, 1915 Had Otto put oat hay in barn.
Started to build gangway to annex at dock to store gangway.
Farrington got outfit to go to his ranch off mile 28.
Evening Traveler in with freight off Watson - hardware came account
the store at Anchorage.
August 17, 1915 Otto got in gangway from
dock to gangway to store. Herning family went to Anchorage
to see about stock in store building for Kink Hardware Co., got
back on evening tide. Fischer’s man visited. David
and Kivig families moved down to Anchorage.
August 18, 1915 Otto finished
laying planks etc. on store gangway to dock. Priced up hardware
for Kink Hardware Co. Anchorage. Mrs. McFurson barber,
moved down to Anchorage. Peters Creek M. Co. went to Anchorage
to close deal for sale of their mine.
August 19, 1915 Had Otto unpack winter
goods and deliver same to store. Got mail ready for Alameda.
Henry got ready to go to Anchorage to open up hardware etc.
for new store, left on Traveler on midnight tide.
August 20, 1915 Busy all day unpacking fall
goods. Got Matt’s tent store filled with blankets and comforters.
Mattie helped in store. Alameda due.
August 21, 1915 Busy with out-mail and Mattie
cleaned up store and put Heinz 57 varieties on shelf.
Otto laid off on account of stiff neck. Sent order for school
supplies etc. Traveler in, no Alameda as yet. Evening made out
a lot of deadhead bills to force payment. Ben Agnew making
regular trips to coal landing picking up small orders. Sprague
and party back from 3 week hunt up Peters Creek brought us
sheep meat.
August 22, 1915 Packed up balance of hardware
for Anchorage store, 3 tons. Frisby and Murray back from
Broad Pass, came overland route. Several launches in port.
Alameda departed.
August 23, 1915 McNaught
and partner Don S. Rae and several others back from last February
trip to Broad Pass District. Had Otto clean up smoked
meats. Traveler took 3 and 4/5 tons of K. T. Co. hardware
to store at Anchorage. Otto loaded freight on Traveler.
Fred cleaned up Grubstake boxes and closed down mine on account
of no water.
August 24, 1915 Packed up more hardware for
Anchorage store. PM tide Henry came up from Anchorage to
consult about store building, stock, etc. had front in and part
of goods on shelf. Sold Polly Bros. Anchorage, eggs and
spuds etc.
August 25, 1915 Fred came in from mines,
brought 1½ lbs. gold dust. Evening tide quite
a few came up from Anchorage. Started to pack up blankets,
quilts, etc. for furniture department of Anchorage store.
Henry returned to Anchorage.
August 26, 1915 Busy all day put up 4
orders for ranchers. Packed more goods for Anchorage store.
Winchester and Wise in to trade. Telephone line completed
from Seward to Anchorage.
August 27, 1915 Evening tide
Anchorage merchants up for eggs, spuds, etc. Evening
Otto helped to pack and mark goods for Anchorage.
August 28, 1915 Otto finished at noon.
Hypress Rubber man and MJB Co. man in town gave him order for
3½ tons rice. Evening big dance on at preachers
hall. Fred Peterson and Dohrman Sr. up from Anchorage.
McGill up from Anchorage with his gas boat.
August 29, 1915 Rain and needed. River
boat Matanuska in after Wilson’s pack horses. Stanley
went to Ship Creek with McGill came back on Traveler. Paid
Otto off.
August 30, 1915 Foster and Farrell in with
sheep meet. Evening told Fred he could go to work at
store at $100 per month. Reported that Eng. boat, sister
to Eng. boat that sunk “Sampson”, rammed the Watson at Seattle
dock.
August 31, 1915 Got burlap chairs etc.
ready to send to store at Anchorage. Evening Traveler
brought $200 for Hughes sent by Henry from J. H. Wilson for Hughes
on account of team of horses. Wood back from Anchorage completed
Kink Hardware Co. store building
September 1, 1915 First good rain of
fall. Noon Traveler didn’t float, Swan took out passengers.
Several dinky gas boats on beach at Knik. J.
Harry Lander in from mines for Gold Bullion. Fred Nelson
went to Anchorage to file on his homestead.
September 2, 1915 Got Gaikema and purser order
for outfit for Nuka Bay. Very low tides, Traveler came
to spring. Mr. Lecknvald’s wife came in on Evans Long
Shorty back to Knik said fishing season was no good.
September 3, 1915 Fred Nelson
started doing outside work for K. T. Co. at $100 month.
Packed another box shirts etc. for Anchorage store. Road
Commission calling for bids on grub to do work on Eagle to Turnagain
Arm.
September 4, 1915 Had Fred put in gangway
from store gangway to FFF dock PM tide Traveler
got to dock but couldn’t turn around on account of low tide so
laid over. Chamberlain, of Whiton Hardware Co. and Ahorn, GG
man arrived. Howard’s superiors in town to check up.
September 5, 1915 Traveler landed Evans
freight and took down 2 boxes dry goods and chairs for Anchorage
store. Road Commission went on Traveler to Turnagain Arm.
Sold B and H part of grub for Road Commission outfit. Gave
Chamberlain small hardware order for Anchorage and Knik and order
for tea garden goods. Matanuska in with government supplies
for survey at mile 15.
September 6, 1915 Rainy season on. Evening
put up 3 orders for ranchers. Black up from Anchorage
to collect freight. Fred and Dad Ford went to Goose Bay
to buy chickens. Sea Lion on Travelers run. Traveler went
to Turnagain Arm with Road Commission outfit.
September 7, 1915 Up early to send out
orders on team. Black took Fenton and Danielson Bros.
orders out to 19. Mattie cleaning up store. PM moved
pile driver away from gangway to store. Took fittings off pile
driver boiler and engine. Evening tide Henry up from Anchorage
for pick ups and to see about hardware order.
September 8, 1915 Had Fred
open up and dry out onions. Frank Watson came up to see
us about the quantity of freight. Haley and several others
and Mr. Lidell back from Broad Pass District.
September 9, 1915 Hughes team hauled
in gravel in front of saloon and RR kitchen. Had Fred move
paints, oils, etc. to FF warehouse and clean up main warehouse.
BB in evening tide. Evening packed up box of bolts for Kink
Hardware Co. Anchorage.
September 10, 1915 Took work
bench out of east annex and put same in FF Warehouse.
Fred busy arranging warehouse goods. Evening Hirsch Weisman
in town bought a few logger shirts and rain pants. Shough
and wife in from mines.
September 11, 1915
Had Fred dismantle pile driver, boiler and paint boiler etc.
Evening tide a few Anchorage people up to trade. Gus Swanson
in to trade from Martin’s Mines. Fenton in from Mile 19
Roadhouse.
September 12, 1915 Went to Anchorage
to look over Anchorage hardware store. Went down on Sea
Gull and back on Swan. Ronald Harris back from trip Outside.
Buffalo delivered freight Traveler clutch broken.
September 13, 1915 Seattle Hardware Co. man
in town. Traveler up on evening tide. Evening got
out-mail. Harry Brown collecting hospital fee to keep doctor
in Knik.
September 14, 1915 Traveler
out of commission. Morning tide Swan up, evening tide
Buffalo in with mail. Neil Sexton in town looking for ads
for new paper at Seward. Evening Dawson of Crow Creek Mine
Co. visited was on way to states.
September 15, 1915 Evening
tide Chase in with freight off Farragut got milk, shoes, hardware
and produce. New schoolmarm from Valdez on deck, had
kids register.
September 16, 1915 Busy in store opened
up new goods. Chastain, Love, Warren and Monroe, company
men, after more orders. Got order for Lewis River prospectors.
Henry Dohrman Sr. came up to Sunny Knik for a visit.
September 17, 1915 Rushed with orders
all day. Marshal Brown took over school funds and deposited same
with K. T. Co. Chase on Travelers run on account broke down.
September 18, 1915 Busy all day in store
put up order for Wood annual fall hunt. A few survey
boys and miners coming to town. Swan left for Nuka Bay
to prospect. Several out for duck and goose hunt.
Admiral Black up from Anchorage to collect freight bills.
September 19, 1915 Rainy season on.
Several launches in port PM tide. Dohrman Sr. went back
to Anchorage, sent hollow wires for gas lights and door check for
front door. Evening, church on, Mattie sang solo.
September 20, 1915 Changed
over lights in office and front room in old living quarters.
Had Fred reset doors to close easy. “Pioneer and News” came
up from Anchorage 2 days late. Knik school opened for fall and
winter term 20 kids reported.
September 21, 1915 Fred laid
off to help Ford put roof on Frank Brown’s cabin. Wrote
Fenton they could have no more goods unless they paid up.
Old Cap, with launch Sea Gull, took Supernaut and partner over
to Lewis River Placer District. Chase towed Traveler from Anchorage
to Knik waiting for new clutch. Cramer manager at the
Turkish Bath House.
September 22, 1915 Worked
on Kink Hardware Co. invoice for hardware from K. T. Co.
Ben Agnew’s boat got hung up on Palmer’s dock and filled, wetting
his cargo. Fred harvesting his spuds. A. C. Co.
shipped in 6 tons giant powder from Kodiak 1914 stock, Martin
took 3 tons, GB took 2 tons.
September 23, 1915 Felt like winter weather
today. Business fair ranchers in to trade. Mariposa
in with mail. McGill’s launch delivered Knik mail.
Herman Gronwoldt in from Goose Creek, head of Big Susitna River District,
said he had several live foxes to start his fox ranch.
September 24, 1915 Fred started work
again. Matanuska up for government horses and giant powder
Evans in port. Evening up till midnight and then some with
out-mail. Sent for more post cards and white pacs.
September 25, 1915 Heaviest rain of season
last night. Dug spuds in store garden.
B and H new launch in port voyage 1. Royal and Prices man
in town. Evening Chase in with Evans freight. Cramer
showed up. Fred did odd jobs fixed store flue.
September 26, 1915 Self and Stanley went
to Anchorage. Ordered baking powder and Uneeda Biscuits
etc. Felch was there. Pioneer had in typesetting machine
and new cylinder press. Kink Hardware Co. doing fair business.
W. E. Elliott over from Eklutna.
September 27, 1915 Put up
order for Elliott and Mile 19 Roadhouse. Had Fred do odd
jobs, cork warm storage, etc. Fixed up street lamps that
had gone on the bum. Report came that Ala. Eng. Com. had
taken over all the McNally and Maitland lighterage outfits,
Government now having all control over lighterage at Anchorage.
September 28, 1915 Had Fred
fix up shingles on root house. PM tide Henry came up from
Anchorage.
September 29, 1915 BB in port. Made out
orders for Granite Ware and hardware for Kink Hardware Co.
September 30 1915 BB took passengers
to Anchorage, Chase got rope in wheel. Getchell and Olsen down
from Nelchina District. H. C. Dohrman returned to Anchorage.
T. R. Wilson outfitting for Metal Creek. Fred jobbed around
store made pipe fitting boxes.
October 1, 1915 Weather partly cloudy
and cooler. Turned down T. R. Wilson’s credit order.
Packed more hardware for Anchorage store. Low tides Chase
only came to spring. Evening made out orders for Anchorage
store. Payday but not much pay.
October 2, 1915 Fred started to mud up log
houses. Palmer tied up Sprague’s boat account debt.
October 3, 1915 AM business fair sold
Kuney, government survey party, $50 order for help, all
foot wear. Alameda in port, Chase got out on PM tide with
scow, reported no water, came to dock on midnight tide. Evening
settled up with Fred Nelson for labor at mines, 61 days and May
and June and soft labor on store at Knik.
October 4, 1915 First heavy frost last
night froze ice. Had Fred bring perishables out of dock
warehouse to warm storage. Chase in with Alameda mail.
Alameda left port. Evening got out order for dog gear for
Kink Hardware Co.
October 5, 1915 Chase delivered a few boxes
freight, Gloria lights came. Had Fred run 300 cases milk
into warm storage. Frank Kelly back from Broad Pass District.
October 6, 1915 Farragut in port.
Installed street lamp aft of dock warehouse and table lamp at
house. Chase up with mail no freight all balled up by government
lighterage. Got Gloria lights.
October 7, 1915 Checked down Gloria lamps,
only 2 globes broken. Installed new street lamp south end warehouse
on dock and installed street lamp for Davis and Brown’s RR kitchen
and saloon. Sold Fred Laubner old roof off first cache built
at Knik for 5 planks. Evening snowing.
October 8, 1915 Ground all white this
morning first fall snow. Chase in with scow load of freight,
got Hunt’s fruit and produce. Williamson’s land survey party
in closed down for season. Business fair all out of eggs and
meats. Gus Swanson in from Martin’s Mines.
October 9, 1915 Self got first dose of cough
this season. Fred put all Hunt’s table fruit in warm
storage. Shough’s moved down to Socialist Row. Evening
dance on for land survey boys. Pulled our garden.
October 10, 1915 Heavy rain last night,
snow all gone on flats, mountains white. Evening
tide Traveler in with Martin’s oats. Matanuska up with
government officers on a Sunday vacation. H. C. Dohrman
came up on account of business for Kink Hardware Co. paid $300
on K. T. Co. account. Evening made out statements for deadheads
located at Anchorage.
October 11, 1915 Ranchers in to trade.
Chase brought up part of freight short on Farrigut delivery.
Evening tide 2 families moved over from Sunrise to Sunny Knik.
Put glass in sugar cache door. Palmer lightering his freight
from schooner “Lucy” to Goose Bay.
October 12, 1915 Evening several up from Anchorage
to trade. Joe Richards moved family to Knik on account
of mail route. Deputy Internal Revenue Cutter arrived to
collect Tob. War Tax, cost us $8.40 1914 and 1915.
Traveler delivered balance of Farragut's freight 6 day delivery
from Anchorage on account of government pinhead clerk work.
Several boys in from GB Mines.
October 13, 1915 Roads very muddy.
Busy morning tide while boats in port. “Jane” brought
up government pack trains and horse feed to relay in King survey
party. Frank Kelly got job with commission. Several
more men in from Willow Creek Mines. Plenty of checks and no
money in town. Got a ton of spuds from Swanson at Matanuska.
N. W. reported on the rocks.
October 14, 1915 Fred laid off to wind
up his cabin. King Kelly, from landing, down to trade.
Hughes team only made out to mile 7 on account of heavy roads.
October 15, 1915 Several ranchers in to trade.
O. C. Miller in from his homestead. Black got 6 horse
loads of grub on account of ranchers. Evening put up order
for Miller. Made up bank account, over $1,700 in checks.
October 16, 1915 Snow flurries about
all day, ground frozen a little and real winter weather here.
Henry up from Ship Creek, had word that Whiton was holding up
late order. Forty Mile Miller looking for woman to run his new
roadhouse at mile 23.2.
October 17, 1915 Ground white again colder
down to 18 above. Alex over from Eklutna after grub for Elliott.
Evening Chase towed out Palmer’s schooner.
October 18, 1915 Rushed all day in store,
put up an order for Elliott’s roadhouse. Old Blodgett in from
GB Mines. Ed Erickson sent in his checks for collections.
Quality First brought up 5 cases spuds, one case eggs, off Evans,
sent out by Cramer for Express 40 and 3/5 oz. dust.
October 19, 1915 Cold wave 16 above AM.
Cramer reported RR Commission would not deliver any freight until
all advanced charges were paid. Got freight all billed up
and couldn’t deliver it anyway. Fred on duty. Several
going Outside.
October 20, 1915 Put in order for rancher.
King Survey Party in, Matanuska took them to Anchorage on evening
tide. Cramer towed in Palmer’s scow with last of cargo
off his schooner. Got order for Gloria Light System at Anchorage
for Cook Inlet Publishing Co.
October 21, 1915 Kuney locating engineer his
winters clothes. Harvey Bartholf in from GB Mines.
PM tide Chase in no freight off Evans delivered. Admiral
Black up from Anchorage. Had Fred to help pack orders.
Gold Bullion men in closed down mill.
October 22, 1915 Traveler left AM tide
for Anchorage after being out of commission for a month.
Knik Lake frozen over kids skating there on. Had Fred
put weather strips on house front door and storm window on root
house. Dorr Bartholf in from Timber camp reported 3 below at
mile 12, 6 below at Anchorage with 16 above at Sunny Knik.
October 23, 1915 Finished Rooney’s and A. S.
Henry’s rancher orders. Morning tide Traveler delivered
1 case eggs, evening tide delivered 5 cases eggs. Dohrman
Sr. up from Anchorage. Sports drew their money to go Outside
$1,200.
October 24, 1915 Traveler in with scow load
of Farragut freight, had only part of our freight, spuds
and onions frozen, laying 7 days on scow terminal at Anchorage.
Cache Creek dredging Co. landed a lot of spuds and cabbage to haul
over trail. Reported someone robbed Farrington hen roost and
government barn. B and H getting in their winter stock.
October 25, 1915 Launches in with freight
spuds all frozen. Cache Creek Dredging Co. landing all
their freight at Knik for late use. Evening dance on at
hall by boys from Ship Creek. H. C. Dohrman and Howard up.
October 26, 1915 Put deposits and monies in
office. Traveler running evening tide Knik to Ship Creek.
Una Pettit alias Mansfield underworld woman died at Knik hospital
with pneumonia. Evening tide another government survey party
landed at Knik to do work above. Sent tank gas oil to Kink Hardware
Co.
October 27, 1915 AM outfitting Kuney’s survey
party with winter clothing. McLaughlin Cody trial came off.
Mattie visited by Mrs. Cody on account of funds paid from K.
T. Co. store. Mail in from Alameda. Fred put wood in
shed aft store. Milo Kelly got their winters outfit.
October 28, 1915 Got tank of oil on account
of gas lamp for winter. Traveler missed AM tide came up
evening tide. A. Wise left for Sitka Hot Springs. Mr.
Golightly in to trade.
October 29, 1915 Had Fred put shelf room in
stairway. Traveler laid over, not enough tide to float
her. William Martin left for Outside. Mushers in from
Iditarod, reported trail well frozen up and good going with no
snow. Jenks family left for Outside.
October 30, 1915 Noon tide Quality 1st left
with some 40 passengers going Outside. Mrs. May Cody and
J. Harvey Bartholf left for states. On account of neap tides
boats having trouble getting in and out of Knik. Matanuska
here after survey party horses. Farragut reported in port.
October 31, 1915 Farragut in and out.
PM tide scow in with Davis beer. Traveler at K. T. Co. dock
didn’t float. Clothing business good last few days outfitting
Kuney’s survey party. Put up 2 orders. Evening got
out monthly statements. Chris Anderson in from Gold Bullion.
November 1, 1915 Traveler still stuck on the
mud on account of neap tides. Government shipped out a
bunch of pack horses to winter at Homer. Quality First doing the
passenger business while Traveler is stuck in the mud. Had
Fred run off fire extinguishers - one in store in good order.
Budd in from Dollar Creek.
November 2, 1915 Chas Harper took Mrs. M. A.
Williams by dog team to Lake Creek where got frozen in at Anchorage.
The “Jane” in with feed for Kuney’s pack train. Kuney and
party left for Moose Creek via mile 26. Traveler got off PM
tide also the Chase hung up on account of neap tides at Knik.
November 3, 1915 Snowed about 3” last
night. PM tide Traveler in with Farragut freight, 5 days
from Anchorage. Georgie the Hogg in town. Chas Gorenflo in from
Martin’s Mines in route to Seattle. Rabe and party in from sawmill
camp.
November 4, 1915 Fred hauled out Downing’s
outfit with Kid to his cabin. Traveler in with more of Farrigut
freight. Hughes came out with bobsleighs. Jim Wilson
down from landing after supplies on account of piling contract.
November 5, 1915 Had Fred open up new goods.
Traveler came up, brought no freight Noon Mrs. Sherman’s
house burned to the ground - cause lamp and curling iron.
PM tide H. C. D. up from Ship Creek. Evening gave J. A. McLaughlin
order on Bartlett for $64 to release his dogs on account of selling
same to Eide Alaska Road Com.
November 6 1915 River launch
“Jane” burned up at Anchorage, another government launch sunk
and “Traveler” rolled bottom side up in Ship Creek - government
crane raised her. Evening tide Traveler in with part of
K. T. Co. freight and horse feed. Scow came very near sinking
at K. T. Co. dock on account of top heavy load. Alaska in port.
November 7, 1915 Evening tide Traveler in with
last of Farragut freight being 9 days delivering same since
Farragut arrived. Gave Madam Black, Feaster order, on Bartlett,
to release her dogs for $57 dog board. Stanley went with Fred
to his ranch by dog team. Henry Dohrman still in town.
Sent bank deposits by Henry D.
November 8, 1915 Snowed quite heavy, making
good sledding. Joe Anderson over from Lake Creek after
his wife’s boy in route. Fred repacked eggs. Mattie
at home sick with cold. Black left for Lake Creek with his
horses to work for C. C. Dredge Co.
November 9, 1915 About 6” snow fell,
sledding good. Traveler in with Anchorage freight, got
sugar and beans from Pacific Grocery Co. account of shortage.
Had Fred clean up the hams, were all moldy. The Cordova in
port. Traveler went to Sunrise for Iditarod mail. Mattie
got bad cold
November 10, 1915 Evening tide Traveler back
from Sunrise, reported Evans due 5 PM tomorrow with 1,200 tons.
Slush ice packed government scow Sperm out of Knik Harbor up Knik
Arm. Buffalo in port with passengers off Cordova. Martin’s
help in, closed down mine.
November 11, 1915 Evans in port with
Traveler, got our dried fruit and 100 cases beer off Evans.
Scow Sperm up near Eagle River taken by ice. Knik mail
went ashore at Anchorage. Evening rushed with ranchers orders.
Checked down freight 28 barrels flour short. Chas Bartholf
and Lidell in from Mable Mine out of grub.
November 12, 1915 Rushed with ranchers orders.
Evans picked up scow Sperm and towed her back to harbor. Traveler
up evening tide with mail and passengers only. Several
Iditarod men arriving. Fred worked on smoked meats.
New schoolmarm arrived.
November 13, 1915 Traveler got hung up
last night, got off 11 AM took passengers for Evans, Mrs.
Harry Brown and Mr. Barnes and several from Iditarod went Outside.
Fred finished cleaning hams. Collections fair today.
Got post cards of summer views today.
November 14, 1915 Noon tide Traveler landed,
1st scow load freight off Evans on account of neap tide, put
freight off at spring. Traveler laid over sent out Goose
Creek furs by Traveler. Sledding now A-1 in Knik.
November 15, 1915 Put up
order for hunting party. Got 10 more packages of Evans
freight. Traveler crippled again, left scow and went to
Anchorage on 2 cylinders. Ranchers in for grub. Evening
got out Seattle mail.
November 16, 1915 Traveler up from Anchorage
with big load passengers. Nagley and wife came from Anchorage.
Traveler left for Sunrise to get the Iditarod mail. Busy
with ranchers orders.
November 17, 1915 More orders from the ranchers.
Traveler back PM tide with Iditarod mail going in. First
mail out from Iditarod arrived. Channel about closed in
front of K. T. Co. dock Launches landing at spring.
Nagley and wife in town.
November 18, 1915 Weather colder, morning
4 above. Ranchers in to trade. PM tide Traveler came
to dock and took on passengers, got hung up down at Socialists
stairs on account of ice. Albert Dohrman took out Revelle
dog team. Harlow in every few days from Little Susitna Roadhouse.
Mrs. Barnes left on Traveler for Outside. Ice packed schooner
“K Davenport” out of Knik Harbor. Evening Albert Dohrman left
with 1st out Iditarod mail via by Old Knik for Anchorage.
November 19, 1915 Weather thawing Chinook.
More ranchers in to trade. Fred finished reel for fire
hose. Harlow took 9 boxes eating apples for Nagley.
PM tide Travelers line broke and she rolled over into the ditch
- big gang men pulled her back just as tide came - sprung leak
so didn’t go. Buffalo came in PM tide no mail. C. D. Johnson
in to trade.
November 20, 1915 Traveler in evening tide
had no freight said government told them to get away from the
dock and never mind the freight Three steamers reported
laying off Fire Island waiting, on account of ice, to land freight
at Anchorage. Rain last night warmed up with 3” snow.
November 21, 1915 Made frame 24 x 28 for postcards
under glass in front of counter deck, made a fine display.
PM tide Traveler didn’t show up, tides big enough so boats can
come to dock. Anchor ice got channel about closed from K.
T. Co. dock to spring. B and H and self sold out on coal oil.
November 22, 1915 No boats today. Albert
Dohrman up from Anchorage via by trail for Iditarod mail.
PM sent Fred out to ranch to get lumber left there. Farragut
reported in port at Anchorage.
November 23, 1915 Cold wave on zero last
night. Channel closed down as far as spring boating to
Knik docks, all off for winter. Hall figuring on camp outfit
to go back to Alfred Creek.
November 24, 1915 Got mail ready to send to
Anchorage by Bartlett. Mr. Glass back to Knik. Moved
K. T. Co. safe from rear to front of store to get light and make
more room. Mattie got a chick for
Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.
November 25, 1915 Turkey day, Herning
family had chicken dinner at home. Knik mail left for Seward
via dog team.
November 26, 1915 Fred made flour rack and
stained same. Chas Bartholf and party in from Mable
Mine, quit tunnel work on account of snow slides.
November 27, 1915 Cold wave on, -20.
Everybody minding the fires, business quiet. Iditarod mail
in from Seward but no mail for Knik? Lawyer Murphy up from
Anchorage also Marshal Brown came back over trail.
November 28, 1915 Temperature -18. Ed
Erickson and GB party in from completing tunnel on GB ground.
November 29, 1915 Long delayed mail put
off at Anchorage delivered by C. C. D. Co., bringing horses
around from Anchorage to Cache Creek. Bank of Seward said
they expected to get Fish collection in a few days. Gave preacher
Howard notice regarding notes, got no reply. Monroe Kast took
Nagley’s horse gear to Station.
November 30, 1915 Capt. Louis Knaplin
and engineer in from Kuskokwim where early freeze caught Barder
Bros.
December 1, 1915 Got mail
from Anchorage by Walter Howard. Ed Erickson left for t rip Outside.
December 2, 1915 Weather colder again.
Treasurer Brown got government warrant for funds for Knik
school. Evening got out invoices for butter, spuds, fruit
and rice left at Anchorage, sent same to Kink Hardware Co. to sell
goods.
December 3, 1915 Weather warmer.
Tide in again at Knik Trading dock. Lidell and Murray left for
trip to Anchorage. Sent bill of goods left at Anchorage
to Kink Hardware Co.
December 4, 1915 Gus Swanson left for
Anchorage to get his teeth fixed. More Iditarod mushers in.
Harlow took all of Nagley’s freight but one box. Outside
mail arrived 1 day late. Hughes and Co. settled up for use
of K. T. Co. dock, total tonnage over 400 of which over
half was for K. T. Co. Adm. Black and Quality Brown up from Anchorage.
December 5, 1915 Big tide, old crib raised
under new part of dock and lifted the plates off piles.
Herning family took dinner with the McMillan family, special dessert
carrot pudding. Evening made up bank account and sent K. T. Co.
note $410.60 to cover T. P. Howard notes sent Bank of Seward for
collection.
December 6, 1915 Big tides raising the ice.
Pete Murray and Swanson down to trade. Stanley’s birthday
11 times today invited Madsen boys in at evening for lunch.
Evening got out Seattle mail.
December 7, 1915 Snowed all day,
had Fred tear out old crib on account of lifting new dock.
December 8, 1915 Weather clear and colder,
snowed 6”. Booker Bros. bought all the gasoline
in Knik and Goose Bay to take to Anchorage. PM business
rushing, all after coal oil and gasoline. Evening wrote
Lynn and Ritchie about Sumter and Sons neckties. Send invoices
letter and credit memo $10.88.
December 9, 1915 Business fair collections
and sales over $200. Fred hauled in firewood from mile
4. Meyers and O’Riley went down to look at Goose Bay, reported
some free form ice, government to have boat load for Goose Bay.
Shough and wife back from trip to Anchorage with gasoline etc.
King Kelly in to trade.
December 10, 1915 Mrs. Courtland in from Mile
32 R. H. Walter Howard took grub over for W. D. Elliott Roadhouse
Old Knik. Frank Kelly driving government dog team for Kuney’s
party on Matanuska. Dr. Good from Iditarod District left for
Outside.
December 11, 1915 Fred shod Kid. PM with
Stanley got load birch wood. Surprise parties, Dutch
lunches, etc. now in order. Mail-in overdue. A. W.
Hall got a small outfit.
December 12, 1915 Fog still on.
Very quiet in town. Mail in at noon.
December 13, 1915 Business good mostly ranchers
orders. H. C. Dohrman came up from Anchorage, had sold rice held
up at Anchorage. Collected McGill check NSF at Juneau Bank.
William Maitland in route to Station from Anchorage, paid him
for giant powder RR kitchen. Brown wanted to move Knik to
Goose Bay.
December 14, 1915 Weather like a spring
day. H. C. Dohrman in town. Fred hauled wood for
Ford and himself. Valdez reported to open up trail from Portage
Bay to cut off travel from Seward. Natives in with a few
fox skins. Iditarod mail in. Nagley sent check for $24.75
to cover account.
December 15, 1915 H. C. Dohrman
in town. Started to make out freight shortage claims.
December 16, 1915 Dohrman left with Walter
Howard dog team for Anchorage. Dance on in Hershey’s
Pool Room. Johnny Reichart in from Station.
December 17, 1915 Traveler got out of the ice
at Ship Creek and came to Goose Bay. Engineer Claud Pierce
came to Knik for Travelers extra shaft and wheel and grub for
trip to Seldovia. Anchorage mail came up on Traveler.
Got government check for giant powder due since October 13th.
Johnny Reichart in route Station to Anchorage - dog team freighter.
Sent Cramer letter about note against Traveler.
December 18, 1915 Ralph Wise in to trade from
Junction. Bartlett back from trip to Anchorage and Seward.
Otto back from Anchorage came through in 8 hours.
December 19, 1915 Weather colder down
to zero quiet in town. Evening figured up Travelers freight
bill for season 1915. Butterfield from Kuney’s party in
for mail etc.
December 20, 1915 Zero weather.
Business fair several ranchers in to trade. Winchester
and several neighbors in to trade.
December 21, 1915 Got mail into office PM,
Xmas buying light. Milo Kelly got out report on the Willow
Creek Mines season 1915 for Cook Inlet Pioneer Daily.
December 22, 1915 Curtis Ross got outfit
for Chickaloon. “Billy the Horse” in town. Big
crowd at the saloon irrigating. Johnny Rheichart back
from Anchorage brought us a chicken and rib roast. O. S.
Gill game back from Seldovia via Seward and Trail.
December 23, 1915 Everybody
busy making ready for Xmas. Business fair collections and
sales over $200. O. C. Miller in from his ranch to see about
balance of FFF sawmill outfit. Evening made up Miller’s past
account. Lanquist, Drake and Capt. Evans down to trade.
Kids tried to set fire to school house.
December 24, 1915 The day before Xmas,
busy all day in store selling Xmas goods. Smith and Howard
up from Anchorage on market for goods for sawmill at Junction.
Evening Xmas tree and dance in preachers hall. Gave Mattie
$10 and Stanley $1 and Cravenet rain coat. Self got 2 boxes
cigars and a fruit cake.
December 25, 1915 Open AM very quiet.
Herning family had roast chicken dinner at home, O. C. Miller
took dinner with us. Got 2 ranchers orders. Miller failed
to find balance of FFF sawmill, got boiler and engine only delivered
at ranch. Evening dance on at preachers hall. Miller
sleeping over store ready to return to ranch 4 AM tomorrow.
December 26, 1915 Weather cloudy evening
big wind. O. C. Miller left for ranch 4 AM.
December 27, 1915 Fred started to saw up birch
wood for store. Palmer and B and H out of cased coal
oil. Evening got out Seattle mail up till 1:30.
Snooks left for Happy River to help out on Iditarod mail with
dog team.
December 28, 1915 Sent out all available cash
for October invoices. Farrington moved his chickens out to ranch.
Trail all blocked on account of wind storm.
December 29, 1915 Weather soft all day
Chinook business quiet. Had Kid to haul wood for Ford.
December 30, 1915 Zero this morning, Chinook
all off, business quiet. Fred cut fire wood got
woodshed about filled aft of store. St. Clair’s in town
for New Year Masquerade Ball. Iditarod overdue two days.
Dietzel up from Goose Bay Cannery.
December 31, 1915 Weather colder, -16.
Everybody preparing for Masquerade Ball, Herning family
attended, Stanley masked. Characters fair but not equal
to last New Years Ball. Dr. Spaulding as a Jew - best
actor. Prize waltz awarded to Red and Miss Howard. Red
and Helma got two-step prize. Iditarod mail in and out 2 AM.
1916
January 1, 1916 Happy New Year, +2. Collections
“bum”. Matt’s cold no better. Government railroad
track laid from Anchorage to Peters Creek 23 miles. New Year
came in with K. T. Co. doing business at the old stand in “Sunny Knik”
business quiet cash sales over $50. This diary arrived by registered
mail Feb. 12th. Cold winter from October to date zero to 22 below.
January 2, 1916 Outside paper mail arrived
only.
January 3, 1916 Weather warmer business
fair sales $91.30. Evening got out Seattle mail.
January 4, 1916 Weather windy and squally business
and collections fair.
January 5, 1916 Weather colder -10.
January 6, 1916 Cold wave on, -14, business
slow. Iditarod mail in. Alaska Crow Creek M. Co. 615 - 12th Ave.
Seattle Wash.
January 7, 1916 Ranchers in. Put up over
$100 in orders from 5 PM to midnight.
January 8, 1916 Outside mail overdue.
Several Knik boys making ready to return to Broad Pass.
January 9, 1916 Weather warmer very quiet in
town. Outside mail arrived.
January 11, 1916 Business quiet collections
fair.
January 12, 1916 Business peluck, Old
White claims to have boat that will run by action of waves.
January 13, 1916 Saw smoke from cars above
Eagle River Bridge. Fred sawing wood by rick.
January 14, 1916 Bill Elliott over from Old
Knik. Evening ladies gave Leap Year Ball at preachers
Hall, Mattie and Stanley attended. B and H clerk
made roughhouse at dance.
January 15, 1916 Got order from Nagley.
Cannon’s cook died.
January 16, 1916 No business PM worked on bills
etc. Cannon’s cook buried.
January 17, 1916 Orders coming from Susitna
District.
January 18, 1916 Otto got powder and fuse for
Broad Pass District work.
January 19, 1916 Temperature -5, business slow.
Got word that Traveler was abandoned and floating in ice around
Fire Island. Saw 3 smokes on Fire Island, Traveler crew
supposed to be ashore. Dick Doherty and party trying to
get across to Fire Island from Pt. Campbell.
January 20, 1916 Temperature -10, cold wind.
Jones over from Station. Needham in from ranch.
Fred put new top boards on double ender sled.
January 21, 1916 Big wind all day, business
peluck today.
January 22, 1916 Weather warmer wind still
blowing. Mail in at noon local only. Traveler reported
sunk off Ship Creek.
January 23, 1916 Wind storm over. Everybody
at home on account of wind blocking roads.
January 24, 1916 Temperature -18, business
fair. Cold wave on.
January 25, 1916 Temperature -20, business
quiet.
January 26, 1916 Business quiet -22 at Knik,
-38 at landing. Sprague’s in town.
January 27, 1916 Temperature -14, warming
up business quiet again. Eight hours to Anchorage.
January 28, 1916 Temperature -15, weather moderating
business fair.
January 29, 1916 Report came that Traveler
was at Seldovia and some other boat lost at Fire Island.
Ide in route to Inside.
January 30, 1916 Weather clear and warmer 8
above. Ide left for Iditarod.
January 31, 1916 Henry Dohrmann came
up from Anchorage railroad and dog team in 5 hours got out-mail.
February 1, 1916 Put up 2 orders.
February 2, 1916 I. V. Miller got merchandise
for his ranch. Henry Dohrmann left for Anchorage.
Interior Natives in.
February 3, 1916 Fred hauled
in Whites hay.
February 4, 1916 Swanson and Reed in
to trade.
February 5, 1916 Woods signed note to
cover his bill of merchandise to February 1st. Activity
now around landing.
February 6, 1916 Business good sales $274 ranchers
in to trade.
February 7, 1916 Junction sawmill in for supplies
and several ranchers. Mail from Iditarod 1 day ahead left
at noon. Good skating again on lake.
February 9, 1916 Second big wind storm of winter,
business rotten today. Fred left with dog team for OGH
Mines to take inventory and get his bed.
February 10, 1916 Wind died out, business rotten.
Wilkinson engineer and 3 other men arrived from Tyonek, left
Seldovia January 12th on launch Onward, they got out of oil and
stuck in ice around Fire Island - four men left boat and walked
5 hours 20 minutes over ice to Tyonek, Captain stayed with boat.
They had 30 days grub and 500 lbs. coal - helpless and floating with
ice.
February 11, 1916 Carl Martin in from ranch.
Feaster and Hunt in to trade. Mail in on time.
February 12, 1916 Fred at Willow
Creek to get his bed and take inventory of grub at placer.
Folgers man in, first to come in over the trail. Strike
on, on government RR steel gang struck for 50¢ per hour.
February 13, 1916 Ira G. Brown moved to Moose
Creek to open bakery and restaurant on Government RR survey.
Knik Lake all bare good skating again. Mattie went out for a skate.
Busy on out-mail and accts. Folgers man went to Station.
February 14, 1916 Folgers man back
from Station.
February 15, 1916 Weather colder, -16.
Ranchers Johnson and Nylen in to trade. Folgers man left
for Anchorage sent bank deposits and check mail with him. Fred
back from Mines reported snow slide cut across pit on Grubstake and
took out some of the pipeline. George Vance up from
Anchorage on account government?
February 16, 1916 Cold wave, -16, business
good. FFF teamster back from Moose Creek landed load
for RR kitchen Brown. Railroad strike still on. Reed
C. C. D. Co. in trying to hire all the horses available to help
haul dredge to Cache Creek. Vance left for Tyonek Flats on
account of scow on beach there. Another rush to Goose Bay to
locate town lots.
February 17, 1916 All the chair warmers going
to Goose Bay to locate a lot? FFF teamsters left with another
load for I. G. Brown Moose Creek Bakery. Harlow in had been
to Talkeetna doing assessment.
February 18, 1916 Cold spell of winter
broken by Chinook today, +38, business fair. Mail in only
local mail.
February 19, 1916 Old fashioned winter still
on. Hunt over from Old Knik said it was fierce crossing
Cottonwood flats. Walter Howard up from Anchorage, brought
deposits from Kink Hardware Co. $101.78.
February 21, 1916 Chinook weather, +38,
business fair. Several teams ready to leave for Cache
Creek to haul dredging company freight. Several ranchers
in to trade. Bobby reported tent house going up at Moose Creek.
February 22, 1916 Peter Murray brought in 5
sacks spuds. Grennan in to trade. Riley and Kunney
here to look up route from Goose Bay to RR lines. H. C. Dohrmann
up from Anchorage.
February 23, 1916 Chinook still on. Put
up Hall’s order $147 business fair. Henry started to work
for K. T. Co. for short time on account of OGH going to Anchorage.
Gave J. S. Mathews description of my placer property to put on
sale.
February 24, 1916 Rained last night business
medium. Mattie arranging to go to Anchorage. Vance
back from Tyonek on account of tying up government scow.
February 25, 1916 Snow going fast on
account of rain.
February 26, 1916 Rained all last night. Traders
down from landing. Mattie left for Anchorage, Mr. Hunt
took her over to Peters Creek end of government RR line by dog
team. Second traveling man in town. Stanley got the
dinner and lunch.
February 27, 1916 Chinook still on quiet in
town. Put up order to fill in grub supplies at O. G. Mines.
Herman Gronwoldt down from Goose River upper Susitna District
brought in some fur he was after supplies for camp.
February 28, 1916 Dr. Kivig up from Anchorage,
visited to see Mrs. Byron Bartholf on account of sickness.
West Coast Grocery man in, 3rd traveling man of spring.
Got word Mattie would be home tomorrow. Turner in from landing
after lumber for tent houses going up there. Sold out on
tallow and y. c. meal.
February 29, 1916 West Coast man left for Station.
Kirkpatrick bought trail outfit to go Inside. Fred left
with 900 lb. load for OGH Mines. Hughes teams making ready
for Moose Creek to haul out 3,000 tons coal for government.
Mattie got back from trip to Anchorage, said railroad strike was
looking serious. Harlow and Clyde in from Susitna ranches.
March 1, 1916 Second wind storm of winter,
strong warm wind all day business fair. West Coast man
back from Station went to Landing. Palmer out of rolled
oats and salt pork. Sent order to Nagley by Hoffman.
March 2, 1916 Ranchers Wise, Winchester, Hughes
and others in to trade. Rooney and Donovan after grub on
account of clearing RR survey. PM business lively worked
on Anchorage invoices. Winchester and Wise in to trade.
March 3, 1916 Murry and Swanson in to
trade. Put up grub order for Rooney and Donovan account
clearing contract government RR near Big Lake. Fred got back from
mines 4 day trip. Windy last evening.
March 4, 1916 Weather windy. Mail overdue
from Outside, business fair. Whiton’s man Mr. Chamberlain
arrived. Mrs. Morrison took RR clearing right of way contract.
March 5, 1916 Big wind. No business worked
on accounts.
March 6, 1916 Windy and cold business fair.
Ed Erickson back from states. Chamberlain back from Station.
Evening gave order for a little hardware Armour’s man in
town. Ready for trip to Anchorage.
March 7, 1916 Weather cold below zero.
Knik to Anchorage, Stanley went along. Fred took us to
Old Knik with Kid horse, walked 7 miles down to end of track arrived
at Anchorage 5 PM. Stanley and Victor went to movie show.
March 8, 1916 Went over stock of Kink Hardware
Co. Gave Chamberlain - Whiton Hardware Co. man - order
for hardware and boat supplies. Stanley took in movies.
March 9, 1916 Weather clear and freezing harbor
full of ice at Anchorage. Finished order for hardware etc.
PM saw Commission about frozen goods and shortages last October.
March 10, 1916 Self and Stanley at Anchorage.
Shipped baking powder etc. left at Anchorage out on train.
Fred took same to Old Knik and waited for us to come Saturday.
Signed up stock certificates as president of Cook Inlet Publishing
Company. Self got 500 shares at per value of $1 each. Had
crown put on tooth $10. Evening went to show with Needham's.
March 11, 1916 Left Anchorage on train 10 AM,
arrived Peters Creek 11:15, Fred was there with Hunt’s dog team
to meet us. We went on to Scotty’s Roadhouse took dinner.
Stanley came to Knik with Bartlett. Self and Fred came with
Kid and ½ ton merchandise got at Anchorage. Left Old
Knik 2:30 and at Knik 6:30 PM. Government party came over to go to
Talkeetna to move A. C. Co. buildings there for government warehouse,
Fred Peterson their freighter.
March 12, 1916 Paid H. C. D. for ½ month
clerking. Harry ready to return to Anchorage.
March 13, 1916 Weather still cold, business
fair, sales above $100 mark. H. C. Dohrmann left for Anchorage.
Fred took him to Palmer’s Slough with Kid horse. Farrington’s
man in after supplies, took out last of Rooney and Donovan’s order
to mile 13½. H. W. Howard left for Anchorage, through
with Junction sawmill, sold out to Smith et. al.
March 14, 1916 Several ranchers in to trade.
Fred put salt around piles at dock.
March 15, 1916 Big wind and freezing,
business quiet worked on invoices. Budd in from Station
to get pick ups. Fred started to get out piles for dock.
Government cutting right of way from Mat Junction to mile 15
wagon road on main line.
March 16, 1916 Big wind business fair.
Fred hauled in (2) 12x26’ piles. Chase up from Anchorage
to buy tents tools etc. for RR Commission, sold him over $200 worth.
Travelers in from Landing to trade.
March 17, 1916 Anchorage-Knik dog race came
off, three teams entered all arrived here at about same time
- Bird team 1st - Spencer 2nd and Huskie team 3rd business quiet.
Fred got in more piles. Mattie troubled with lame wrist.
Gattis in to trade.
March 18, 1916 Got Fish collection through
S. A. Morford. Ben Cockrhine down to trade on account
of Cache Creek Dredge Co. Report came that the Bird dogs
won the Anchorage-Knik race (yesterday) 1st prize $500.
Fred hauled in 3 piles. Walter Howard back to town.
March 19, 1916 First real spring day.
Fitted up boiler and thawed ice away from piles around dock business
quiet. Evening took dinner at McMillan’s, hi-you good
chicken. Evening got out-mail. Snow all gone on
barn garden and going fast in Knik.
March 20, 1916 C. D. Johnson in to trade.
Fred hauled in 2 loads piles. Got out-mail.
March 21, 1916 Big tide ice raised Palmer’s
and B and H docks, K. T. Co. dock stood the pressure OK.
Albert Dohrmann in for grub for ranch he quit the mail run.
Sent order for seeds plows etc.
March 22, 1916 Business rushing sales
over $200. Fred sawed wood and cleaned up old crib at dock.
Orders coming in from Landing, Susitna and ranchers. E.
A. Zendel and pard. in on account of lease on Elmer Carlson’s
place at Peters Creek.
March 23, 1916 Had Fred blast ice in
front of dock Albert Dohrmann left with grub for his ranch.
Bootleggers from Landing after grub.
March 24, 1916 Fred hauled in 3 loads
birch poles for store wood. Prospector in, in route to
head of Tokoshetna River. Mattie made out dry goods order.
Snow about all gone in Knik and reported ditto on roads out of town.
March 25, 1916 Chas Bartholf went out
to finish contract on Mabel Tunnel. Farrington and wife
in from their ranch. Traded Farrington at his own request
my mower-rake and new disc harrow for his barge. Several in
route to upper country.
March 26, 1916 Fred hauled Gus out to
summit Ridge.
March 27, 1916 Got word that Knik P.
O. would be discontinued on May 15th because present PM sent
in his resignation. Fred got back late last night
from trip out with Gus.
March 28, 1916 McKinnon in to trade, reported
snow all gone on Cottonwood Flats and water 1’ deep off Cottonwood
Creek on flats. Government RR track laid to Old Knik.
Engineer Kunny’s office established at Junction. Sent Black
and Filson and disc harrow orders out to mail at Anchorage by musher.
March 29, 1916 Weather cloudy and cool
business fair sales over $100. GB outfit in from Seattle,
McAllen, Christ Anderson and several others. Fred hauled
out Downing’s stove and brought back half ton spuds. J. Harvey
Bartholf and William Morrison arrived from Seattle.
March 30, 1916 Sold J. F. Major small
outfit for Susitna Forks District. Fred sawed up another
lot of birch wood for store. Lander in from Mines to take
out GB arrivals. McAllen in charge of Gold Bullion. Barney
Johnson, Ed Erickson, Martin Larson, going out to work for GB
March 31, 1916 A-1 day business slow
monthly credit sales fair. Fred went out to ranch to
help Kincaid load mower and rake sold to FFF. Fred brought
back harrow tools etc. from ranch. Mr. Major left over
Blakely Trail up Susitna River District. Evening made out statements.
April 1, 1916 A-1 Sunny warm day business
fair. Fred hauling manure from our barn to his garden.
Reported Traveler was at Anchorage and coming to Goose Bay.
Tide in over ice. McAllen and GB bunch left for mine via Herning’s
winter road.
April 2, 1916 Very quiet in town.
Traveler reported at Anchorage from Seldovia.
April 3, 1916 Midnight, Claud
Pierce engineer on Traveler, visited at house said Traveler was
at Goose Bay reported very little ice in Inlet made run from Seldovia
in 19 hours.
April 4, 1916 Parties up from Goose Bay reported
Traveler rolled over into channel and filled. Cramer came to
Knik, said Traveler broke lines rolled into water and floated
up Old Knik channel, Claud and sailor went after her at 4 AM.
Rearranged tent roof on tin shop that wind tore up.
April 5, 1916 Snow all gone in Knik business
slow. Claud and Kraus back from hunt after Traveler,
found her near Fire Creek, put out 2 anchors. Ice flow cut off
pilot house otherwise boat in fair condition, lost their dingy
coming back near Goose Bay had to wade ashore. Stanley out of
school with a cold.
April 6, 1916 Self and Cramer walked over ice,
across Knik Arm, to within 1 mile of Fire Creek, channel cut
us off from crossing to main channel where Traveler laid.
Claud and party came back from inspecting Traveler, got some of their
clothes. Thought they could float Traveler and save her but required
a power boat to tow her out to Goose Bay. Dr. Carmichael in by
railroad from Anchorage in route to Cache Creek.
April 7, 1916 Cramer had FFF haul dingy down
to open channel at Churchill’s and went to Anchorage to see
about insurance on Traveler. Gromwoldt and Conrad opened
up fox ranch at Fish Lake, sold them an outfit. Mattie cleaning
house. Hughes teams in from Moose Creek coal job.
April 8, 1916 A-1 day business fair mail
overdue. Harvey Bartholf walked to Goose Bay to get launch
for Anchorage but no launch came. Ed Danielson in to trade.
Chas Harper in from Cache Creek to trade.
April 9, 1916 AM tide Swan voyage 1 at
Goose Bay. Swan went up to Fire Creek on account of getting
Traveler sunk there. Feaster’s came from Anchorage on
Swan. Mail overdue 3 days from Seward.
April 10, 1916 Nylen and Gates back from
hauling freight at Cache Creek. Mail overdue. Swan
took tanks up to float Traveler. Saunders had his launch
hauled to open water at Churchill’s ranch - went to Anchorage.
Sold B and H grub etc. for Schlaben’s Gold Top Mining outfit.
April 11, 1916 Harvey Bartholf made trip to
Anchorage by Saunders launch. Mail arrived midnight last
night 4½ days late. Willamina and Alaska reported
at Anchorage from Seldovia. Swan still out after Traveler
at Fire Creek. Villa outlaws reported broke up but not captured.
Major back left grub near Willow Creek, snow too soft to
continue on to Talkeetna.
April 12, 1916 Perfect summer day.
No business. Cramer party back, couldn’t raise Traveler
on account of quicksand. Fern in from 32. Saunders
running his launch from open channel to Anchorage. Doc David
sent word - could sell Cook Inlet Pioneer stock at par plus 80%.
Sent O. C. Miller’s pipe and vinegar etc. out by Hughes team by
Mike. Plenty of ducks reported on Cottonwood flats.
Sent my stock in C. I. Publishing Co. to Dr. David to sell at par
plus 80% other securities.
April 13, 1916 A-1 spring day business
cash sales rotten credit sales fair. Hughes team met Saunders
launch at open channel, brought up eggs and meat from Anchorage
for hotels at Knik. All eggs, bacon and hams sold out at Knik.
Swan reported at Anchorage with Seward mail from Sunrise, due at
Knik midnight tide with in-mail. Streets about all dried up
in Sunny Knik.
April 14, 1916 Iditarod mail in.
Swan failed to show up with Outside mail. Hughes team drove
down with wagon along beach to meet boats at open channel near
Churchill’s. Wickersham in from mines. Frost out enough
to plow. Raining over Turnagain Arm way. Stanley got
out his bike.
April 15, 1916 Zorn the “dynamiter” in
from Lake Creek, visited and run off his usual hard luck story.
Could see Swan across Arm near Fire Creek 5 PM, 6:15 saw
Swan towing out the wrecked Traveler, raised with 24 gasoline tanks,
heading for Goose Bay. Both Iditarod and out-mail in.
Outside mail came by boat from Anchorage, inside mail 4 days late
on account of trail breaking up.
April 16, 1916 Mrs. Kivig up by boat
from Anchorage. Got out-mail. Anchorage real estate
reported booming. Saunders making daily trip between Knik
open channel and Anchorage. Several people coming and going
Knik to Anchorage. Picked over Miller’s carrots lost half of
them to rot. Mattie made fire with $23 Government check on account
of jail June quarter 1915.
April 17, 1916 Big tides, water over ice on
bar in front of town but ice didn’t raise, business fair.
Sent F. M. Kelly’s mail up by O’Neil. N. S. Needham the
bartender and rancher in town looking for a rent. No snow
on wagon road to mile 28.
April 18, 1916 Big tide, ice lifted on bar
in front of dock but remained. Harold Howard up from Anchorage,
business rotten. Black hauling out piles at Goose Bay for
cannery. Reported government railroad out of commission on
account of ice melted out on outside leaving ties on ice in center.
Train over broke ties into center on account of same being laid
on snow. Wrote for prices on tractors.
April 19, 1916 Morning tide shook up the ice
but none went out in front of town. Anchorage out of meat,
parties taking down fish from Fish Lake and selling for 25¢
a lb., rainbow and salmon trout. Iditarod mail in, packed
same in on horses from Fish Creek. Wrote Cramer about his
Alexandra note to sell his Anchorage property and pay same - that
he had no funds to pay his bills. Joe Palmer in from GB Mines.
April 20, 1916 Morning tide largest yet of
spring broke up ice in channel by dock but not high enough to
float it out. Had Fred jack up scow and put under timbers.
Cramer’s scow on large cake of ice and about ready to tip over tide
failed to float her. When tide was out could see Traveler laying
on mud below Fire Creek (long run out). Tomlinson in from GB
Mines finished.
April 21, 1916 Henry Dohrmann up from
Anchorage after bedding. Fred helped Red Jack to launch his
boat at Fish Creek. Channel now open up to Fish Creek and
mostly up to Socialist Row. Sent Whiton $600.
April 22, 1916 Saw Onward go up Arm to
Fire Creek to try to raise Traveler sunk there. Ice broken
up and part went out up to our dock. Row boats went out below
B and H dock to Anchorage. Paul Hansen after grub to try placer
on Craggie Creek ordered $20 outfit to open up the ground.
Got 5 bundles bedding ready for Anchorage store.
April 23, 1916 Red took bedding etc.
for Anchorage store, loaded same at spring. Children
had Easter exercises and dinner on school grounds. Red
Jack launched his boat at Fish Creek.
April 24, 1916 AM tide got first shipment
of Outside freight, all hardware over 2 tons by weight, same
was landed at spring. Horning visited wanted to leave placer mine.
Swan came up to spring for passengers.
April 25, 1916 Had Fred pull corking out of
scow. Order came from Anchorage to close up saloon until
strike was settled. Bauer and Grennon in to trade. Farrigut
due but did not arrive at Fire Island. Fred on scow and cut
ice out of channel.
April 26, 1916 Aroline at
Fire Island. Chas Gorenflo and Emery arrived. Boats
laying at Fire Island on account of the strike on at Anchorage.
C________ up from Anchorage said he and Bedell had bought the
Rustler and Cramer would run her. Knik lively again passengers
arriving.
April 27, 1916 A-1 day business slack.
Farrigut and Aroline came from Fire Island to Anchorage.
Government Commission to fix wage schedule fixed same at $3.25
for 8 hour common, labor strikers refused to accept same.
Sailors on boats refused to unload ships until strike was settled.
Henry Dohrmann up from Anchorage for more bedding. Keller
up from Seldovia with his launch.
April 28, 1916 Strike still on at Anchorage,
reported office force were unloading the Farragut. Five
of the mosquito fleet came to Knik on noon tide. Channel
open to our dock. Fred running Ford’s chicken ranch.
Marshal took Merrill, demented, to sanatorium in Oregon.
April 29, 1916 Alaska A. C. Co. boat
in with 2,000 tons. Sent bedding down to Kink Hardware
Co. by Swan on PM tide. Promised some freight 5 AM tomorrow.
Fischer’s man in town. Forty sacks mail at Anchorage for
Knik. Mrs. Haley and Nathen Barber’s wife arrived.
April 30, 1916 Hughes repaired B and
H dock. Fred cooked on FFF scow. Gave Fischer’s
man small order. PM tide the mosquito fleet arrived.
Dr. Schlaben looking for mining tools for Jap’s Mine.
Railroad strike settled at 45¢ per hour. Freight been
laying at Anchorage for week on account of strike.
May 1, 1916 Swan in with first freight, everything
wet, had no tarp to cover up goods in route business fair. Eggs,
ham, bacon, sugar, etc. in stock again after 7 days delay at Anchorage.
Hughes opened up the Hughes B and H dock to receive public freight.
May 2, 1916 Swan up both tides, brought
a few shorts on freight, business fair. Fred worked half
day cleaning up eggs. Curtis Ross in after outfit to go up Knik
River. Mr. Reed in from Landing after his machinery.
May 3, 1916 Snow, ground white 6 AM cloudy
with light rain business and collections fair. Put up
3 seed orders. Watson in port. Palmer’s schooner
arrived at Goose Bay on evening tide. Several ranchers in
town. Bill Bartholf arrived and son-in-law. Rabe
landed his mowing machinery etc. at Knik after a week delay at Anchorage.
May 4, 1916 Sales and collections over $300.
A few people coming in on evening tide from Anchorage and Outside.
Saloon still closed by order of the court. Bert Stewart
took out Iverson’s package and mail. Got word Pioneer was sold to
Steele and Herron.
May 5, 1916 Busy all day put up $233 order
for Aug Carlson and $21 order for Wagner ranchers at Mile
15. Cash sales $280. Swan delivered clothing from
Filson and Black and a few pieces from Sylvester Bros. Sent
deposit account Bank of Seward by N. J. Gaikema to mail at Anchorage.
May 6, 1916 Froze ½” ice
last night business fair cash sales $85. Teams busy hauled out
mining machinery and supplies. Road in bad condition on
account of frost coming out of ground. Palmer put in slip
for car to haul freight off scows. Evening dance on at preachers
hall, Mrs. Haley pianist new music. Ford burned lining out
of house.
May 7, 1916 Frank Kelly down from Eska Creek
camp to trade. Carl Martin and Tex Cobb down from their
ranch to trade. H. C. Dohrmann and bunch came up from Anchorage
and attended Ball last night at preachers Hall. Hustler -
Cassie and Palmer’s bunch got hung up on bar.
May 8, 1916 Reported that Farrington
sold all his horses and gear to Hughes. Palmer’s launch
went out and returned by hay shed channel. Swan could only
come to Socialist Row on account of small tides. Fred helped
Ford reline his house. Watson due tomorrow.
May 9, 1916 Government scow in with freight
to go out on wagon road. Tom O’Dale Captain, Albert Dohrmann
running the Alaska. Carrington looking for order for Fuller
and Company. Tides very low, no water at docks to float a
launch. Palmer’s launch on mud by dock.
May 10, 1916 Chase in port voyage 1 smokehouse
Mike. Fred cooked on scow. Evans at Goose Bay.
Fred rented his house to government cache tender. No tide
at dock today.
May 11, 1916 Mrs. Morrison back from her ranch.
Felch in town after orders. Hartel rolled his launch off
bar into channel. Swan laid over a tide for help to get some
sleep. Put up O. C. Miller’s order to go by Chas Bartholf.
Danielson and Hunt in to trade. Mrs. Ben Agnew in to meet her
mother. Rae family arrived from Outside.
May 12, 1916 Sent O. C. Miller’s grub, seeder,
etc. out by Chas Bartholf. Got word from David about all
we would get was par value out of sale of Cook Inlet Pioneer.
Tides making, water come to dock, Fred worked on scow.
Mrs. Woodshed started housekeeping in the Ford mansion.
Mattie and Stanley making ready to go to the city Anchorage.
May 13, 1916 Old Knik Natives over to trade.
Mattie and Stanley went to Anchorage 2 AM tide on Swan.
Took order for Royal Tailor suit. Sent chairs down to Kink
Hardware Co.
May 14, 1916 PM helped Fred finish pitching
scow now ready to slide in water. Mattie and Stanley got
back from Anchorage 4 AM, done up from trip to city. Henry came
up from Anchorage wanted to trade our place for place on 4th Avenue.
Harry Hoben in town. Fred Laubner arrived.
May 15, 1916 Fred stayed home to plant his
garden. Scotty Watson and Hunt over from Old Knik.
Spaulding tied up Ind. G. M. Co. property at Knik to cover labor.
May 16, 1916 Let Palmer take my scow to haul
freight from his schooner, evening came in with big load of
coal and gasoline. Evening tide all the mosquito fleet in
port, Mrs. Kellogg arrived. Big tides, all the boats came
to the dock Mrs. Capt. Ward moved to Knik for the summer.
May 17, 1916 Palmer launched his scow after
2 weeks wait. Mrs. Morrison paid up balance of old account,
said she was going to move her hotel building to Anchorage.
Mrs. Gill back for household goods. Mrs. Kellogg waiting for
freight to go to ranch.
May 18, 1916 Palmer delivering scow load on
every tide by using our scow. Evening tide mosquito fleet
in port. Mrs. Dalton-Sherman arrived from Seattle “brought
her cold feet”. Several newcomers arrived. Shea and
Howard sold out and closed up dump. Davis Saloon opened up
again as a soft drink joint
May 19, 1916 Swanson down after plow
and seeder. Government got big scow discharged and returned
to Anchorage. Some of Knik people went to Anchorage to
attend a dance. Rabe in to fix up attachment leased by
Spaulding.
May 20, 1916 Fred unpack 2 barrels dishes,
put them in Matt’s tent store. PM finished gridiron to
lay scow on. Several Knik sports went to Anchorage for a
days outing.
May 21, 1916 Cobb came after his machinery
and oats. Pulled piles back into place pushed out of
line by ice leveled up FFF dock platform. Moved pile driver
to east side of dock. Rabe got attachment raised on his mach.
May 22, 1916 May cloudy and cold up to
date. More snow fell in mountains during April than all
winter. Six feet snow now reported at BD Mine. Fred
put in guard pile, S-E cor. dock and worked on scow business quiet.
Swan delivered tent and marine order and Rae’s household goods.
May 23, 1916 Had Fred open
up new goods. Made gangway plank from dock to scow.
May 24, 1916 Mr. Bainter and pard. arrived
from Seattle to try mining again. Government man looking
for information about pack trail from Knik to Meadow Creek.
May 25 1916 Tides short Swan only came
to Mitchell’s.
May 26, 1916 Hertel and wife came up
from Anchorage and others - dance on. Day tide low boats
came to spring. Reported boats have been laying at Fire
Island a week on account of wind waiting to go up river and to
Turnagain Arm.
May 27, 1916 Had Fred paint
and finish corking scow.
May 28, 1916 Quiet in town. Put
hand winch on scow. H. C. Dohrmann up from Anchorage wanted
to buy location on 4th Avenue.
May 29, 1916 Sold out on eggs and smoked meats.
Geol. Survey arrived. Sid Anderson up from Anchorage.
Nate White in with Brighton voyage 1. All the mosquito fleet
in port. Evans at Goose Bay. Planted barn lot to oats
and red top, plowed store garden.
May 30, 1916 Got up 5:30 Swan delivered groceries
from Fischer Bros. Pilger up from Anchorage. Fred planted
store garden to wheat oats barley and field peas. Sent gas
plant to Kink Hardware Co. by Swan.
May 31, 1916 Had Fred peel spruce piles for
dock. Jacked up beam in store to plumb. Got eggs
and meats held up 3 days by government transfer. Marked
up crockery ware.
June 1, 1916 Everything growing good
after the rain, business fair collections 1st of the month
slow. Swan and Hustler in on evening tide with scows.
June 2, 1916 Ross outfitting for Knik
River. Had Fred sort over eggs and decked piling.
Evening tide O. C. Miller arrived via Anchorage went down on train
from Junction to get fittings for his sawmill. Miller’s 1st
trip to Anchorage.
June 3, 1916 Sold O. C. Miller the Swift
4 horse boiler, Miller fitted injector and connections.
Had Fred clean up rubbish around warehouse thrown out from old
saloon. Fred started to dig cesspool at OGH house. Simmons
paid $100 on old account.
June 4, 1916 O. C. Miller left 9 AM for
his ranch. Hustler in with freight for Shields, put same on Knik
Trading dock. Palmer’s launch blew up and got on fire
- they put it out with Pyrene.
June 5, 1916 Sausage man up from Anchorage.
Lander in from Willow Creek Mines. Palmer went down Arm
with his launch. Fred worked on cesspool at house.
Bainter and pard. back from Willow Creek District.
June 6 ,1916 L. C. Smith agent in town
bought a Check Protectograph and Burrough Adder. Traded
Smith no. 5 for new improved no. 8 machine. Mrs. Shough
in from 32 after medicine for Shough’s leg. Fred finished
cesspool.
June 7 ,1916 Fred finished cesspool.
Palmer loaded 10M ft. 2 x 4’s for Anchorage. Smokehouse
Mike stuck on the bar. Memo: cost to dig cesspool $12 lumber
for cesspool $10.50 nails 25¢ total $22.75.
June 8, 1916 Tides low, Swan coming in
upper channel. Got long stove from Anchorage store for Mrs.
Small’s roadhouse at 19. Sold Laubner small camp outfit
for his roadhouse at Mile 31½.
June 9, 1916 Had Fred varnish road cart and
open up rubber goods. Alaska in port. B and H moving
out Knik, stock to Anchorage.
June 10, 1916 Evening ranchers in to
trade, I got 6 orders. Hall moved Mrs. Small out to Mile
16 RH, sold them a range. Evening Fred helped me to put up 2
small orders. Got order for seed grain from Anchorage.
June 11, 1916 Put up several small orders for
ranchers and prospectors. Bothered all day with Sunday
customers. Evening varnished road cart.
June 12, 1916 Alameda in port.
Swan failed to show up on PM tide, first tide missed while on
Knik-Anchorage run this spring. Tides making, boats coming
to dock. Fred at home turned his dog borders over to Ulanky
dog farm.
June 13, 1916 First time mail came through
on Alameda without holdup at Anchorage. Got $260 check
from J. M. Woods to cover his 4 month note. Cash business
bum today credit and collections fair. Billy Martin arrived
from Seattle in time for 1st cleanup and to pay off. Mailed
a big bunch of collections to Anchorage.
June 14, 1916 Two men in from Anchorage to
look over Willow Creek Mines. Brighton in after Joe Richards
outfit to move back to Hope.
June 15, 1916 A-1 Sunny Knik business
slow. AM had Fred shoe Kid all around for trip to mines.
Life flour and balance of shoepacks came in been at Anchorage transfer
since June 2nd. Big tides again. Mabel man in for stove and
supplies. Marshal Brown got back.
June 16, 1916 Fred put guardrail on end
of scow and set two posts along side of gridiron to keep scow
in place on gridiron. Evening tide all the mosquito fleet in
port and Rosebud from Seldovia. Martin’s brother in from states.
Evening attended school exercises closing of years school by Miss
E. Bennet, teacher.
June 17, 1916 Self and Mattie got Seward
Bank account checked down from March 12, 1915 to June 9, 1916
on account of overdraft. K. T. Co. overdraft was $103.49
bank overdraft was $43.54. Henry Dohrmann up from Anchorage,
said Bowles and Co. wanted to put in stock bathroom supplies on
consignment. Dance on at preachers Hall.
June 18, 1916 Put up order for mines for Cannon
and Conroy. Sold $20 seed order and same trail order for
King Kelly going to Talkeetna Junction. New preacher in
town. Mrs. Will Bartholf came up to visit on last boat from
Seattle. A few people coming and going about every tide business
reported quiet in Anchorage on account of no payday on Government
RR until late in July.
June 19, 1916 Frank Kelly in from RR camp at
Eska Creek, said he quit government job. Evening hooked
up on road cart, drove around Knik Knob, up government road, back
on beach. Martin took out his first cleanup deposited with
the Bank of Alaska at Anchorage.
June 20, 1916 Red Jack took out scow
load lumber and gasoline to Anchorage from Palmer’s. B.
G. Willow Creek Mines brought out first cleanup - two candle
boxes of retort. Now ready to go out and open up placer mine
on Willow Creek. Pete Iverson and several others came in from
Martin’s Mine said they couldn’t stand the grub.
June 21, 1916 Swanson down from Junction
to trade. Stanley drove Fred out to Mile 4 for trip to
mines to open up placer. Kemp in from Martin’s Mines said
he was going to States to visit his mother. Sold Laubner
another bunch of bedding for his roadhouse at 31½.
W. J. Cassidy boosting for Herron going to prospect for quartz at
Willow Creek. Fred on trail to mines.
June 22, 1916 Fred stopped at 40 Mile Miller’s,
supposed to arrive at mines at noon today. Self ready to
go to mines tomorrow. Sold Milo Kelly trail outfit.
Kelly sold his house above our store to Mrs. Blodgett for $100 cash.
June 23, 1916 First trip to mines this
season left at 1 PM with Kid on road cart for mines. Stopped
with O. C. Miller. McAllen - Lander - Collier - new managers
for GB stopped at Miller’s.
June 24, 1916 Rode over with GB management,
arrived at mines 1 PM. Fred had ditch in order and camp
in shape. Looked over pipeline that snow slide had cut out
4 joints. Ground sluice ditch still full of snow. Fishhook
Pass covered with snow on both sides for 400 yards.
June 25, 1916 At mines. Started
to reassemble pipeline. Gave Cassidy small prospecting
outfit. King Kelly and Paul went over to Little Willow to
get a caribou or sheep meat.
June 26, 1916 At mines. Got pipeline
connected up.
June 27, 1916 At mines. Built reservoir
for intake for separate line to pipe bench on Willow Creek.
Turned water on Willow Creek line. Evening piped some.
June 28, 1916 At mines. Packed
up flume to make setup near OGH cabin on bench. Piped
out ditch for ground sluice on bench. Fred started to re-cork
flume. Hauled galvanized no. 3 giant down from Grubstake to
use on Willow Creek bench. Laid out piping work for Fred.
Left mines 6 PM for home, arrived O. C. Miller’s 11 PM.
June 29, 1916 Kid quit me and left for
Knik, Roy Kitcham brought him back. Left Miller’s 10
AM, arrived Knik 4 PM Light rain.
June 30, 1916 Weather cloudy business
quiet. Mexico and U. S. about to go to war.
July 1, 1916 Henry Dohrmann came up on
evening tide but his girl wouldn’t look at him. Mattie
helped all day in store. Evening big mail off Alaska.
July 2, 1916 Shough and wife in from mines
went to Anchorage on evening tide. Paid Swan part of freight
bill.
July 3, 1916 Grennan and Swanson down from
Junction to trade. Nine men quit Martin’s Mine on account
of bad grub etc. Morning tide Swan had load passengers going
to Anchorage account 4th celebration evening tide ditto.
Stanley and mother went with the crowd to Anchorage to celebrate.
July 4, 1916 Quiet in Knik. Took lunch
at Pioneer Hotel 15 at lunch. Evening tide Mattie and
son back from Anchorage, didn’t think much of their celebration.
July 5, 1916 Big bunch of soreheads back
from Anchorage. Chas Meyers in with the Progress after
fishing supplies.
July 6, 1916 Keller in port. Herman
in from fox ranch to trade. Chief Pete and bunch Tyonek
Natives here to trade, had 3 live kit fox to sell. Watson
in port evening tide went into Goose Bay.
July 7, 1916 Got in some Long stoves.
Freight held up in Seattle on account of L. S. strike. Cannon
sick reported he had a shock. Tides low. Gates took
his horses to Eagle River to haul out piles for Goose Bay Cannery.
Mexico trouble with U. S. partly settled. J. M. Wood back from
States.
July 8, 1916 Reported one Russian shot another
at Anchorage. Kids picked over spuds.
July 9, 1916 Noon Stanley and mother
left for Anchorage to have their teeth fixed up. Fred Laubner
and Dave in for grub for their roadhouse. Gus Swanson got
back from prospecting trip to Kashwitna District now ready to
go to work no-ketchum-gold mine.
July 10, 1916 Palmer went to Anchorage with
his launch. Evening posted on Kink Hardware Co. books.
Mattie and Stanley at Anchorage. Lowest tide. Horning
bought small outfit to prospect Wet Gulch for placer gold.
Rae got grub to go to mines.
July 11, 1916 Mattie got home 1 AM, left
Stanley to have his teeth filled, business on cash sales credit
sales fair. Cannon reported on the gain. Road Commission
asking for bids on grub for road work.
July 12, 1916 Put in bid on $900 order
account Alaska Road Com. Palmer beat me by $13 and got
the order. Mrs. Morrison and John Bartholf started to
tear down their houses to move to Anchorage. Reported Martin
out of ore. Dave in from Fishhook Inn to trade. Gus
went to Anchorage.
July 13, 1916 Pete Herbert paid up balance
of his old account. Evans in with mail. Evening
proprietor of Matanuska Hardware Company Anchorage visited wanted
to consolidate with the Kink Hardware Co. and incorporate the
company. Up until midnight talking it over. Knik mail
went Outside.
July 14, 1916 Worked on Kink Hardware Co. accounts.
Evening got shipment of eggs, butter and clothing. Sent
case eggs to OGH Placer Mine by Dave. Blackjack Miller back
from Broad Pass District.
July 15, 1916 Knik to Mines. Left
at noon arrived at 40 Mile Miller’s for lodging. Turned
Kid loose to graze and he hit out for Knik, followed him up on
a trot and got him in 1 mile travel.
July 16, 1916 Arrived at mines at noon.
Fred and Otto had cut in, in front of my cabin. PM piped
on cut. Rained all night very dry and water getting low.
July 17 1916 At mines. Bottomed
up pit and cleaned up, PM small cleanup. Bench looked better
and less rock. Left 9 PM for Knik, at Miller’s at 1:30 AM
the 18th.
July 18, 1916 Arrived at Knik 2:30 PM.
Palmer reported on a drunk. Charley Palmer finished clerking
for Palmer.
July 19, 1916 Left at noon for Anchorage
to talk over consolidating Knik and Matanuska Hardware Companies.
Tried to find a location on 4th Avenue but they stuck the price
up to $6,500.
July 20, 1916 At Anchorage. Stanley got
last of work done on his teeth, wanted to stay over to see Charley
Chaplin at movies. Came home evening tide. Rae came
down and bought a horse and express wagon to haul his outfit to
mines. Collected several old bills while in Anchorage.
July 21, 1916 Started to put up $145
outfit for Rae.
July 22, 1916 Several went to Anchorage to
attend Labor Union Ball. Hubbert arrived from Seattle
to look over his mining interests at Willow Creek Mines.
July 23, 1916 Self and wife drove out
to mile 16 had dinner came back to 15 and drove east on RR survey
to RR camp on Vasilla Lake. Camp was on Cottonwood Creek
about ½ mile from lake. Left there 2 PM, arrived at
Knik 6 PM. Traveled 34 miles in 9 hours. Stanley stayed
home. O’Brien delivered his pup.
July 24, 1916 Jim Wilson
up from Anchorage for his seed grain etc. Busy on Anchorage
books.
July 25, 1916 At Anchorage. Went
down to see about consolidating hardware stores. Evening
saw Feltman about location. All prices of lots on 4th too
high wanted $6,000 for 4th and G Street and $7,500 for Turner Blk.
Stayed at the White house. Palmer’s schooner discharging freight
at Anchorage.
July 26, 1916 At Anchorage. Looked
over locations. Told Dohrmann I would take building and
lot and he could have stock. Feltman wanted to each put
in $5,000 stock and incorporate for $15,000 and sell $5,000 stock.
Evening took in a movie.
July 27, 1916 Anchorage to Knik.
Saw Dr. Westman of Bank of Alaska. Had a talk with Wood
about the mail service. Left PM for Knik.
July 28, 1916 Reported Tom
and Claud would put on two Ford cars on Knik Willow Creek Road
- Old Hughes crazy for butting in. Evening McCoy back to
look at Garver's new strike on Peterson Creek Willow Creek
District sold them an outfit. Ford cars due on morning tide.
Palmer brought in first scow load freight off schooner got stuck
in mud.
July 29, 1916 Morning tide
two auto cars were landed by Swan to go on Knik-Willow Creek
run to mines. Went out with 7 passengers and 500 lbs. grub
but failed to make the round trip. McCoy, Garber, Dawson,
Martin and Reed went out to look at Garber’s new strike on Peterson
Creek. Evening got produce and ammunition order. Mehern
visited but got no orders for Folger or Hunt’s goods.
July 30, 1916 Forty Mile Miller in and went
to Anchorage. One Ford truck got back from 1st trip to mines.
Evening tide quite a crowd came up from Anchorage. Fischer’s
man, Alberts and Schillings men looking for orders.
July 31, 1916 O. C. Miller back from
Anchorage with fittings for his boiler. Stanley and Miller
left in auto and Joe Conroy for mines. Yellow car got in
2 days trip to mines had a mishap. Bothered all day with traveling
men. Should have gone to Anchorage to finish consolidation
deal of hardware companies.
August 1, 1916 Knik to Anchorage.
Arrived Anchorage 11 AM. Dohrmann and Feldman had bought
½ of Larson and Wendler’s lot for $2,000, paid down $1,000,
balance 60 days. Evening talked over consolidating 2 hardware companies
new building etc.
August 2, 1916 Self and Feldman had David
draw up Inc. papers for new hardware company capital stock to
be $25,000 - $10,000 paid up - not to get possession of lot until
August 15th. Decided to move Kink Hardware Co. stock into Matanuska
building on 4th Street after inventory was taken. Got home
9 PM. Swan brought Nagley’s freight off Lucy to Knik for storage.
Needham came up to Knik to visit Cannon.
August 3, 1916 Eddie Erickson in from Bullion
Mine. Ira G. Brown down from Moose Creek to make collections.
Autos doing good business on Knik Willow Creek run. Stanley
visiting 40 Mile Miller. C. A. Bartholf quartz strike reported
biggest thing on Fishhook Creek.
August 4, 1916 Got out-mail for K. T. Co. and
Kink Hardware Co. Palmer went below on the Lucy.
August 5, 1916 Cash sales and collections
$181.95. Wagner and Carlson back from Anchorage with new
team and wagon for ranch. Left Knik 4:30 PM arrived at 23½
at 11 PM. Chas Ketcham arrived same time. Evening raining.
Good roads thing of the past ruts all filled with water.
August 6, 1916 Arrived at mines at noon.
Boys had 30’ x 60’ cut run in bench on Grubstake. All
panned fine gold and showed indications of old channel.
Self piped in PM. Gus sick with rheumatics.
August 7, 1916 At mines. Cleaned up portion
of pit, poor showing for amount of work done. Decided
to clean up bedrock in Creek bottom opposite old Homestake cabin
and run through small bar on right of limit. Left mines
3 PM for Knik via over Bald Mt. Several wind falls between
razorback and river. Kid got sick and delayed trip.
August 8, 1916 In route on trail.
Fed Kid and let him rest at crossing of Willow Creek trail and
Carle Road near Big Lake. Owing to darkness decided to
take Carle Road to Mile 15 on wagon road. Arrived at Knik
4 AM. Put up clothing order to send to boys at mine.
Cannon went to Anchorage. Old Scotty got 4 months in jail for
selling booze at Old Knik.
August 9,1916 Got back from mines
4 AM. Mattie had up several small orders for operators.
Fulton and Kelly in from Talkeetna M. Co. works, business fair.
Sherman buying hardware for running O. C. Miller’s sawmill.
Martin and Co. landed gas Caterpillar to haul freight from Knik
to Mines - Bennett engineer.
August 10, 1916 Rainy season on, business slow,
collections fair. Bennett got his foot crushed in trying
to back up Caterpillar engine. Preacher Howard back from
trip Outside. Mattie “sore” over business affairs.
Staman in from Moose Creek Copper Mine. Rain came too late
to help out crops dry weather burned them up.
August 11, 1916 Heavy rain last night business
fair. George Hershey loaded his pool room gear on the
“Capella” to move to Kenai. Surveyor Hubbell arrived to
do work at Willow Creek. Thorpe’s team hauled in the yellow
auto car. Black car was 12 hours coming in on account of heavy
roads. Caterpillar still on the bum no fire. Preacher
came around to say how-d-do and he had no money to pay his note and
bills.
August 12, 1916 Swan arrived late on evening
tide, brought several and took out several passengers.
Hershey family and baggage left early tide for Kenai to open
up pool hall. Preacher circulated petition to help
hold his job at Knik, board put him off church payroll for building
dance hall store and church combined.
August 13, 1916 Evening preacher held
church after being away all summer east, not many attended.
Sent order for Sea Island Better Sox.
August 14, 1916 Today Government hauled 1st
train load of coal over new railroad to Anchorage. Coal
came from Dick Daugherty’s Mine on Moose Creek. While Anchorage
got first shipment of coal Seward done up Anchorage ball team - first
game played at Seward 1916. Black’s teamster went nutty -
booze the cause. H. C. D. returned from Moose Creek via Mile
28 went on to Anchorage evening tide.
August 15, 1916 Big tides. Capella
back from Kenai after balance of pool room stock. Black
car in from 15. Anchorage News after Marshal’s office for
taking private parties booze shipped in. Deaf man by name
of R. D. Reese on way to Willow Creek to prospect - sold him some
grub.
August 16, 1916 Mrs. Vail mushed in from 12
to trade. AM Caterpillar crawled off beach up hill to Russian
graveyard. Black auto car went out again. Steam launch
Capella laying at K. T. Co. dock repairing engine and loading
Hershey’s. Anchorage ball team lost 2 to 1 game with Seward.
Reed in from Garber strike on Peterson Creek said he couldn’t raise
a color.
August 17, 1916 Caterpillar moving about town
making ready for initial trip. Black auto car returned
from 32 said it was last trip until roads improved - going on Junction
to Mile 15 run, where government graded new wagon road. Joe
Laubner and wife in town, been out to Mabel Mine. Out of eggs
and bacon same at Anchorage but no delivery yet. Baker sent
in $108.10 by Phelps from Yago Mine.
August 18, 1916 Rae and son in from mines
reported rich find on Idaho Peak. Evening tide Swan brought
eggs and coffee. Wood and auto bunch irrigating at the spring.
W. A. Shields back from Kashwitna said water was too high to cross.
August 19, 1916 Morning tide got groceries
that came on Farragut. Rae hauled up O’Brien’s machine.
Gates left order for bobsleighs no. 4. Cannery boat Hero
came in and got stuck on the beach. M. Rooney in from Martin’s
Mine to cut his hay. Caterpillar loaded up for 1st trip over
Willow Creek Road.
August 20, 1916 Heavy rain last night
and light rain today, ground well soaked up now. No church.
Caterpillar started out, got stuck near mile 1. Henry Dohrmann
came up from Anchorage.
August 21, 1916 H. C. D. loving up his
girl and stayed over for farewell dance in preachers Hall. Harvey
Bartholf in from GB Mines on account of gout. Taxi Cab Co.
got yellow car repaired after weeks breakdown. Caterpillar
broke down at Mile 2.
August 23, 1916 Had Henry Ratzen cut oats on
barn lot PM 4 hours. Got notice from Waller and Duggan
Anchorage account of Alexander note account of Cramer. Got
in meats and more eggs. Wrote Herbert to send 25 tons coal
by Swan.
August 24, 1916 PM went to Anchorage on Swan
for Cody McLaughlin case and Traveler collection - stayed at
White house. Posted on Kink Hardware Co. books till midnight.
Had Henry Ratzen put oat hay in barn.
August 25, 1916 Called on Waller and
Duggan for Alexander collection they accepted our terms subject
to reply from Watson. Talked over the Cody case, told them
my testimony was of detrimental value. Called on contractor
and looked over plans for D-H and Co. hardware building Cody
case failed to come off on account of Crow Creek Mining Co. case.
Evening attended movie with the sausage man.
August 26, 1916 Investigated plans inventory
etc. for consolidating the Knik and Matanuska Hardware Co.’s.
Paid Shonbeck and McCullough account candles ordered by H. C.
D. for Knik. Evening 8 PM Cody McLaughlin trial came
off, was told by Duggan, Cody’s lawyer, was not wanted as witness.
Later Marshal tried to find me for witness on account of McLaughlin
but failed to locate me. Trial ended with no conviction either
side.
August 27, 1916 A-1 clear day.
Finished posting Kink Hardware Co. books. PM visited
directors meeting of new firm Dohrmann - Herning and Company.
Elected H. C. Feldman president and O. G. Herning secretary treasurer.
Fixed clerk hire at $125 per month and on all over $2,000 per
month sold to get 1½% of cash sales. Left 3:30 PM for
Knik on launch Swan.
August 28, 1916 PM put up order for Dutch -
located homestead Mile 24 Wagon Road. Cash sales over $140.
Horning’s youngest child broke her arm. Otto went to Anchorage.
Harvey Bartholf in town. Now dark at 9 PM
August 29, 1916 Left for mines, arrived
at Mile 16 Roadhouse, put up for the night. Stanton Shafer
was at 16 in route to Knik - through at Mabel Mine.
August 30, 1916 Rode out to Mile 17, cut across
to Paul Hobitz ranch on Bald Mt. trail - arrived at river 9:20
and at mines 2 PM, had lunch went up Grubstake. Boys
had cut piped in on creek bed direct below old Homestake cabin.
Cleaned bedrock, balance of water getting low late rains did not raise
creek at mines.
August 31, 1916 A-1 day cleaned bedrock
all day.
September 1, 1916 Cleaned up got about 1 lb.
of gold and one 5 dwt nugget and several small nuggets.
Told Fred to clean balance of bedrock, clean up and remove all
boxes and pipe from creek bed and then to close camp for season.
Left mines 7 PM arrived at Miller’s ranch at midnight.
September 2, 1916 Looked over Miller’s sawmill,
gave me order for new saws. Arrived at Knik 2 PM.
Cannon sold Pioneer Hotel to Alex Frasier and Co. for $1,500 cash
owing to sickness. Autos running again to mile 32. Caterpillar
broke down near Mile 14 Dutch was engineer.
September 3, 1916 Stanley left with the crowd
for Labor Day celebration at Anchorage. Mattie went down
on evening tide. Evening got out Seattle mail sent order for
Miller’s saws.
September 4, 1916 Swan in on both tides.
School opened today. Mattie and Stanley at Anchorage
“doing” Labor Day. Veach in for grub from Mabel Mine.
Otto went to Goose Bay after ducks. Fern in and on usual drunk.
September 5, 1916 Stanley got back from Anchorage
on AM tide - mother stayed to have teeth fixed. H. C. Feldman
came up from Anchorage last night on account of oil tanks and
Dohrmann - Herning Company brought check book and bylaws and cash
sales for August. Stanley entered Knik school.
September 6, 1916 Paid Ratzen $9 for
harvesting and housing oat hay on barn lot. Dave and
Laubner in - paid August bill. Cannon back from Anchorage.
September 7, 1916 No boat on midnight
tide. Mattie got back from shopping trip at Anchorage on
PM tide. Mrs. Gill and kids came up to pack up household
goods. Preacher finished tearing down his dance hall.
Garber in from Peterson Creek strike. Evening Stanley gave
kids a “Jack Lantern” show.
September 8, 1916 Mr. Lawrence from Mile
28 in for supplies placed $75 order. Tides making Swan
come to dock, evening got out Seattle mail.
September 9, 1916 Put up ranch order
for Lawrence, England and Hylen $96.55. Chamberlain, Whiton's
man and Mehern, Folgers man arrived. Fred Nelson arrived
over Bald Mt. from Grubstake placer - closed up sluicing September
7th.
September 10, 1916 Evening went to Anchorage
for Traveler collection. First snow on mountains.
Knik River Lake broke out and put government bridge over Knik
River out of business.
September 11, 1916 In Anchorage heavy
frost. Saw Waller about Traveler collection, willing to
wait until Cannon came down. Saw Bank of Alaska about loan
to cover Traveler, note was OK for $1,000 - above $1,000
would have to take mortgage. Looked over Dohrmann and Herning
Company hardware stock. Cash sales running over $100 per day.
Evening posted on Kink Hardware Co. books.
September 12, 1916 At Anchorage.
Cannon came down, couldn’t raise any money from mining.
Wired out to H. F. Alexander for extension of time on Traveler
note. Bought half ton sugar from Pacific Grocery Company.
Came home on 4 PM boat.
September 13, 1916 Matanuska left 6 tons government
freight on our dock.
September 14, 1916 Heavy rain last night.
Auto cars came in and took boat for Anchorage roads, too muddy
to operate Knik to Mines. Evening tide Matanuska delivered
load of meat on our dock for government work at Mile 15. Got
wire from Alexander - my terms were OK. Sent his wire to Waller
and Duggan at Anchorage who had Traveler account for collection.
September 15, 1916 Government teams hauling
RR supplies from Knik to Mile 15 on Wagon Road on account
of Knik River bridge being out. Mattie in store all day.
Total cleanup 3 cuts on bench at mines August 1916, 17½ oz.
Started to light dock lamp to guide boats to Knik - night run.
September 16, 1916 Mail boat in.
Sent out 17 oz. gold dust by Wells Fargo. Swan running
every tide. Capt. Joseph Ward in from Talkeetna run to visit
his family.
September 17, 1916 Two boats now on the run,
Swan and Marathon. Matanuska in with load government
freight for line near mile 15 Wagon Road. Roads, Knik to
mines, all churned up since rain. Fred Nelson and Barney Johnson
left for Eklutna River to hunt sheep.
September 18, 1916 Sent wire out for Clark’s
wagon. Wagner in for his plow and groceries. Lon
Wells down from Broad pass for supplies. Reported sports
ordered to move away 50 miles from Anchorage.
September 19, 1916 Paid Otto balance
due for work on placer mine. Tides low Swan came to spring.
Took $40 seed order.
September 20, 1916 Crescent man in town 1st
trip to Knik. Knik River bridge repaired and trains running
again.
September 21, 1916 Got our harness and
dog gear order. Government opened up Wassilla by giving leases
until townsite is surveyed.
September 22, 1916 Reported no one was
at Wassilla to take leases from town site manager - Shough the
only one there. Tom Merideth up from Anchorage to tear down
Gill’s house. Mrs. McMillan gave birthday dinner to F. B.
Cannon.
September 23, 1916 E. S. Hewett, Burroughs
man, in town. Got out balance of fall orders, sent same
to mail at Anchorage by Hewett.
September 24, 1916 Talkeetna team in,
business slow. Got produce order, 10 days at Anchorage.
Miller sent word he had not received grub order sent by taxi cab
September 7th.
September 25, 1916 Evans and Northwestern in
got 2 mails. Found out that taxicab co. left part of
Miller’s grub at Pioneer Hotel and part at Mile 12 Roadhouse.
September 26, 1916 Heavy rain last night.
Percy Pitchford back from trip to States with a crazy - .
Palmer out of sugar and hams, dried apples and several other
things.
September 28, 1916 At Anchorage.
Advised not to take loan from Joe Laubner to put up concrete
store building, too late to build before freeze. H. C. D.
got $1,000 loan on lot bought by him and Feldman for Dohrmann - Herning
and Co. on 4th Street. No word from Alexander about Cramer note.
Came home 4 PM tide. W. R. Long came back to Knik, gone for
2 years. Fred back from hunting trip, no game.
September 29, 1916 New bunch men went out to
mines to take places of men getting through. Dead man
reported washed up on beach at Fire Island. Put up additional
fodder for Dutch.
September 30, 1916 Unpacked Gloria lamps
only one globe broken. Evening Miller in from his ranch
23½. Swan delivered ton sugar came on Evans week
ago. Fred re-shod Kid. O. C. Miller went to
Anchorage for homestead location and sawmill business.
October 1, 1916 Sold two
Gloria lamps $24. Swan in both tides. Fisk down
from Metal Creek. Dry goods came from Portland. Collections
$163.
October 2, 1916 Mabel Mine closed down,
brought in two retorts weighed 26 # = $5,616. Several
men in from GB Mine, only running 2 stamps on account of no water.
Swan delivered Miller’s circular saws. Chas Bartholf and
associates incorporating a company on account of new ledge located
above Independence Mine.
October 3, 1916 Talkeetna and Martin’s
teams in for supplies. O. C. Miller back from Anchorage
fixed his homestead location and sawmill business up OK.
Shough’s in from Mile 15.
October 4, 1916 First big wind of fall.
Vail in and paid part of account. Palmer out of sugar.
Hughes took O. C. Miller’s and Dutch’s grub that has laid here
for a month. Baker’s suit came. Paid Swan $400 on
freight deliveries. Sent mail out by Jim Denny on Willamina
- Seward Bank deposit and checks to Seattle jobbers.
October 5, 1916 Wind died out.
Fixed up warehouse lamps and filled tank. Sold Morris
horse to Chas Ulanky for $45. Fred mudding up his house.
Woodhouse in from GB Mines. Men coming in every day snowing
heavy at mines.
October 6, 1916 Rained heavy, business
slow. Mattie and Stanley left noon tide on Swan for Anchorage
to have balance of dental work done and take in the movie show.
“Spot” and self storekeeper and housekeeper. Sea Lion in
port, still raining and a soaker.
October 7, 1916 Rain all day business
slow. AM had Fred fix chimney flue in store. Keller
back from Anchorage said the New Buffalo would get us coal.
Mr. Rabe in town. Swan delivered Clark’s wagon.
October 8, 1916 Heavy rain all day making
the 3rd day continued rain. Walker land survey returned
from Susitna Valley Dist. Drew plans for combination store and
warehouse at Wasilla Mile 15. Building 20’ x 36’ to be covered
with corrugated iron. Evening made out delinquent bills.
October 9, 1916 AM rain business slow.
Town full of people from the hills, snow and rain closing down
work. Mattie and Stanley got back from Anchorage on evening
tide. Had Fred remove flues on hardware annex over tent room
and over sitting room in old house over store. Fred cleaned up warehouse
and put perishables in warm storage and braced ceiling in root house.
Land Survey shipped out their horses to Seattle.
October 10, 1916 Self and Cannon went
to Anchorage to sign up new notes for Traveler. White House
full, put up at Hotel Parson’s. Looked over books of Dohrmann
- Herning business good cash sales above $200 per day. Evening
took in movie “Salvation Nell” with Henry.
October 11, 1916 Fixed up Cramer note
by giving our note and taking up old note endorsed by Cannon
and myself. Four notes - October 5th 90 days, 2nd 6 months,
3rd 9 months, balance 1 year. Bought 5 cases gasoline
off Shonbeck. Got lease at Mile 15 on government railroad
land for warehouse etc. Didn’t get through in time to catch
boat home. McClarty and Spaulding bought out Davis candy outfit
etc? Meeting of directors of D-H and Co. voted to issue stock
to cover $5,000 merchandise stock each by Matanuska and Knik Hardware.
October 12, 1916 Fixed up bank account for
D-H and Co. Took up old notes from Henry Dohrmann.
Saw about large windows for warehouse. Missed Swan came
home on Sea Gull, self Captain and Pilot with Old Cap as engineer.
Took on oil at Goose Bay. Palmer’s schooner arrived
October 13, 1916 New Buffalo took down
Palmer’s scow on AM tide for load freight Evening tide
took K. T. Co. scow for load freight Chas Tuell back to work
for Palmer. Smokehouse Mike repaired his scow at spring.
Sea Gull left for Anchorage on evening tide. Sold Marshal
Brown a gas lamp. Cannon paid $500 on Cramer note.
October 14, 1916 Buffalo landed Knik Trading
scow on mud near B and H dock with Palmer’s perishables.
Had Fred cut grain in store garden and open up hardware in PM.
Martin came in and paid up account June to date. Knik beach
full of launches and scows.
October 15, 1916 Palmer delivering freight
from his schooner 3rd trip of season.
October 16, 1916 Fred and self checking up
new lot of hardware. Palmer’s scow got hung up on mud
below B and H dock tides low again. Self got first cold
of summer, got same writing in cold damp room in Anchorage hotel.
Paid Swan $368.88 freight deliveries. Packed 4 boxes hardware
for Wasilla store.
October 17, 1916 Self and Fred mushed
down to Fish Creek, got Ulanky’s boat and went on to Goose Bay.
Nordyke was discharging coal on our scow that Herbert sent up.
9 PM left for Knik on account of neap tide, had to leave scow just
above Soldier Creek - Palmer’s scow there with last load of freight
off schooner.
October 18, 1916 Had a run on eggs for
winter use. Fred finished setting post for gridiron to
run scow on during winter months. Madsen family left for
S.F. all but Harry. Fred poled coal scow up to spring.
Gus and Chas Gorenflo in from Martin’s Mine. Several drunks
last night - Vandevere here for a drunk.
October 19, 1916 More rain today business
fair. Fred helped around store, got tools ready for
warehouse at Wassilla. Tom Merideth loading Gill’s house
on government scow for Anchorage. Most of our winter supplies
at Anchorage came on Evans. Packed nails for warehouse building
at Wassilla. Dr. Spaulding family in from Mile 32.
October 20, 1916 Fred finished crib for scow.
Sports doing good business on the water front - boys from mines
blowing in.
October 21, 1916 Shough in from Mile
15 and Hall returned from Mile 32. Roscher and Harrison
in to trade. Year ago freezing weather ice running on Arm
and all vegetables frozen at Knik Anchorage transfer. Our
winter stock now at Anchorage.
October 22, 1916 Floated scow up to dock,
Matanuska in. Mike got his scow and launch off the summit.
Summer weather still on. Hughes pulled off his teams on
account of bad roads. Sports arrested for selling booze.
October 23, 1916 Put up order for Lidell at
mines. Palmer got his scow up to dock on PM tide.
Democrat political speakers in town. Martin’s team in.
Packed grub for labor on Wassilla warehouse. McMillan took
out Bartholf and Horning’s grub left here for 2 weeks.
October 24, 1916 Got scow to K. T. Co.
dock, took 6 men 2 hours to unload K. T. Co. freight.
Winter fruit came and part of groceries. H. C. Dohrmann
up from Anchorage.
October 25, 1916 First freeze and snow,
business fair. Froze half inch last night, wound
up with enough snow to make ground white. Shough and Hall
in from Mile 15 for freight, said road was froze up except deep
mud holes. Hall agreed to take our tools etc. out to Wassilla next
trip. Got scow back on to gridiron.
October 26, 1916 Snow flurries, business
fair. Fred and Harry unloaded the scow of coal.
Harvey Bartholf and Ed Erickson in from GB Mines. GB output
for season around $150,000. GB run later than the Martin Mine.
Shough back to town, broke wagon axle. Roads and ground
frozen enough to hold up team.
October 27, 1916 Snowed 4” today.
Chris Anderson and McAllen in from GB Mines. Capt. Ward
up from Anchorage to move his family to Seldovia. Marked up and
loaded 20,891 lbs. of groceries etc. for Wassilla store - shipped
same via Swan to Anchorage thence by Government railroad when rails
are laid to Wassilla. Swan laid over at Knik night tide.
Evening still snowing. Kid came to barn, been out in all the
storms.
October 28, 1916 Snowstorm wound up with 6”
new snow. Swan towed scow with K. T. Co. goods to Anchorage.
Commissioner refused to receive it on the dock for 24 hours.
Meyers wrote to land goods at Junction, doubtful about rails being
laid to Wassilla this year. Opened up harness gear. Evening
tide Briton, Swan and Sea Lion in port.
October 29, 1916 Marked up harness gear.
Sent order to deliver all K. T. Co. freight at Knik.
Cut out shipment to Wassilla on account of no guarantee of rails
being laid to that place this year, so advised by Com. Mears.
Sea Lion went to Red Jack’s ranch to winter up. McAllen in
town paying GB bills.
October 30, 1916 Morning tide Swan returned
Wassilla goods from Anchorage and brought hardware store doors
and windows held there for Wassilla store. Eight tons fall
stock yet at Anchorage to come Farragut shipment. Swan running
evening tide, took scow down this evening to get 60 tons for
Knik. McAllen left on Swan sent Seattle check deposit with him.
October 31, 1916 First cold snap +8.
Had Fred haul winter coal from dock to house, business slow
today. Evening tide Swan in with scow load hay for GB.
A little slush ice run today, first of season.
November 1, 1916 Weather clear +2.
Considerable slush ice from spring to dock, Swan took
out her scow for another load Anchorage freight Fred opened
up and put away new hardware. Spaulding in from Wassilla,
said Wilmoth had his tent store 20’ x 40’ up.
November 2, 1916 Swan in with scow load
freight landed at stairs. Fred hauled up eggs and cheese on double
ender. Hughes teams hauled 2 loads on wagon. Most
all came except 70 sacks rice and clothing from Black. Fred
on the bum with sore leg.
November 3, 1916 Put up mine order for
George Zink. Johnny Reinhardt in from Cache Creek Dredge
Company came over from Station with dog team. Dick Richards
left for Station with dog team, first dog team over winter
trail. Shough in after freight for ranchers.
November 4, 1916 Swan in on noon tide with
25 passengers for Sunny Knik, landed them at Soldier
Creek but could have come to dock OK. Got blank protectograph
checks for D. H. and Co. business. Swan landing GB forage
at Goose Bay.
November 5, 1916 No boat today, Swan
run scow GB forage into Goose Bay.
November 6, 1916 Weather cloudy snow
flurries business fair. Opened up 1 box clothing each
from Black and Filson. Swan in as far as Soldier Creek.
Thorpe in to trade, bought small order off K. T. Co. first business
for a year? Thorpe decided not to locate roadhouse at 15,
party from Junction reported business at that town quiet. Big
tides boats could land at dock.
November 7, 1916 Swan and New Buffalo
in at Soldier Creek. Mrs. Morrison up from Anchorage to
get her bedding for Anchorage Hotel. McKinnon visited, said
someone told Hughes he had been monkeying with his squaw, that
Hughes was laying for him with a gun, decided to leave his ranch
and get work on the Government RR. He left order for his mail
to cover his account money to come in-mail.
November 8, 1916 Bogard in to trade.
Evening tide Buffalo came to Palmer’s dock to get load freight
for Anchorage. Tides making and bar in front of town piling
up with anchor ice. First overland mail left for Iditarod
District by Ed Houle, Ellexson contractor. Sent money orders
to Morris for horse $40 and Feaster for rent $55 collections
made by K. T. Co. for them.
November 9, 1916 Cold day -6 AM.
Ice making fast on Knik Arm. Swan failed to arrive today.
Buffalo left evening tide, run up on bar 30’ off channel and hung
up there. Shorty Ritz made horse scraper and cleaned snow
off Knik Lake for skaters. McKinnon’s family in town to visit
son in law in Patchell’s old house, they also put their horse
in house, formerly the post office.
November 10, 1916 Mattie looked over
8 cases winter eggs, very few broken. Evening tide failed
to float New Buffalo off bar in front of K. T. Co. dock.
Tides off, should have been 10’ tide was only about 7’. McMillan
in from Fishhook Inn. Swan failed to show up today.
November 11, 1916 Butter and eggs going
fast. F. G. Harlow in from government camp at Talkeetna,
brought 2 horses. Chas Bartholf back from Anchorage via
railroad, said Anchorage Harbor was full of ice, took Swan out to
Fire Island on last trip from Knik. Ice took barges out of
harbor. Evans in but failed to unload. New Buffalo got
off bar on evening tide, went down to Socialist Stairs to load her
cargo. Barn dance on at preachers Hall this evening.
November 12, 1916 Chinook on 38 above,
water running today snow going fast. New Buffalo got
away from Soldier Creek on AM tide. Hatcher and Shough
in from 15, reported too much ice at Anchorage to unload Evans.
Evening still thawing. Traded Downing grub order for ton
spuds. Reported: Wilson, Cannon and Wick elected - by phone
Anchorage to 15.
November 13, 1916 Chinook on 42 above
snow all gone. Slush ice filled up channel from F. F. dock to
spring on summit, business fair. Fred and party went out
to Fish Lake on a fishing trip. Lakes and creeks all covered
with water on ice. McKinnon’s girl selling all their chickens.
November 14, 1916 Summer day 34 to 42
above. Another report came that California and North Dakota went
democrat and Wilson was elected President of U. S. for 2nd term.
Knik Arm free of ice except on high bars but no boats running.
November 15, 1916 Temperature 46 to 56
above. Swan still on the run, came to Soldier Creek, business
fair. Several parties making ready to go to Cache Creek
to haul freight for dredging company. Fred on the fish wagon?
Evening got out-mail checked out $3,500 in Seattle invoices.
November 16, 1916 Mrs. Morrison shipped
out balance of hotel bedding to Anchorage on Swan. Shough
using wagon again. Knik Postmaster went to Anchorage on
Swan. Took order for Royal Tailor suit.
November 17, 1916 Snowed till 9 AM, wet
snow about 6” warm sun took about half off. Bunch horses
left for Cache Creek District to haul freight for dredging company.
Swan delivered all shortages but sugar and box clothing and 70
sacks rice. Evening things doing at old saloon building
Marshal had patrolman on to watch the booze. Evening still
warm. Mariposa in evening tide at Anchorage.
November 18, 1916 A-1 summer day 48.
Swan failed to come today. Herman in from Fish Lake
with 400 lb. lake trout for Anchorage market. Marshal gathered
up whole team load of booze at old saloon building Gave dance
club $5. Anna Simmons opened up lunch place in Morrison Bakery
building sold her an outfit of grub. Dance on at preachers Hall.
November 19, 1916 Swan in at Soldier
Creek brought mail off Mariposa. This makes 8th day soft
weather Swan still on the run landing at Soldiers Creek.
November 20, 1916 Chinook weather off,
colder this evening, no boat today business fair. Evening
musical on at preachers Hall. Shough in from 15 after Wilmoth
house effects. Signed bond for Postmaster Betman getting Commissionership
for Knik Dist. Wired out $100 for Rae to his wife at Seattle.
November 21, 1916 Simmons hauled out Downing’s
grub order except for spuds, spuds not delivered. No
Swan today - ice making again - probably gone to Seldovia.
Twenty five Iditarod mushers in also Gold Team. Evening
much colder. Marshal returned 3 kegs beer to saloon because
it was “sauer”. Iditarod mushers reported very wet trail
came out during Chinook weather. Alaska Road Com. crew in
closed up road work.
November 22, 1916 Iditarod mushers had
to go to Anchorage via Wassilla and the Junction no boats on
the Knik-Anchorage run on account of ice making in channel.
Jimmy McConahy in with the 1st Iditarod mail. Shough laid up
from tip over with sled on a stump, hurt his side.
November 23, 1916 Outside mail in via Goose
Bay. Shough team took Iditarod mail to Junction to catch
train to Anchorage. MLD club held meeting and elected
officers. Mattie got two live chickens from McKinnon’s.
November 24, 1916 Marked up hardware
Evening warming up. Harper bros. left with dog team
for Station. MLD Club holding first club dance of winter.
November 25, 1916 No one coming or going.
Churchill up from his ranch, ordered more windows for Red Jack’s
house. Fred reset hind shoe on Kid. Reported Palmer ginning up.
Set up IXL heater at house.
November 26, 1916 Sold a cook stove $28.
Shough team went out with Wilmoth’s household goods, Whitridge
“skinner”. Sent Fred out to get corner stakes of lot at
Wassilla and on to Miller’s to see about lumber. Took 312
lb. grub out for Fred Rescher mile 8½ and 115 lb. grub for
O. C. Miller 23½. Bogard in from Five Finger Lake
paid Danielson’s account Evening Mattie and son visited on
the Brown family.
November 27, 1916 Dan Donovan in, said he finished
his grading contract near Wassilla made $700 and going to Seattle
to meet his family. Eggs and eating apples sold out.
Palmer about out of sugar. Frasier left with dog team for
Seward. Fred got back 9 PM trip to Miller’s 2 days.
November 28, 1916 Shough hauled out Mrs. Wilmoth
and her chickens to Wassilla. Hughes team hauling GB
freight from Goose Bay. Hoppell in from Anchorage in route
to his ranch at Goose Bay. Herman took last roll of fish
trap netting ordered for Tom Merideth 3 years ago to his fox ranch
at Fish Lake. Reported coal oil short at Anchorage.
Fred went out to his fish camp.
November 29, 1916 Quiet in town.
Dixon in on way to Cache Creek. Got K. T. Co. and D-H
Co. mail into office. Harry Madsen sold his cabin to Baker.
Fred out at his fish camp. Tomlinson in town.
November 30, 1916 Weather clear -8, record
coldest at Knik thus far this winter. Thanksgiving day
closed most all day. Self and Mattie tried on our skates on Knik
Lake. Evening MLD Club had a dance. Harper bros.
back from trip to Lake Creek. Lander in from Willow Creek
via winter road said it was frozen up OK.
December 1, 1916 Cold snap -8.
Collections and cash sales over $200. Fred in from fish
camp. Gus in from trip to lower Willow Creek. Henry
reported from Anchorage that Mr. Styles of Hope had died, he came
from Eyota Minnesota - brother in law to Dr. Duggan there.
December 2, 1916 Weather colder -8.
Shough team brought mail from Junction arrived 1 AM. Iditarod
mail in AM. Out-mail left 9 AM via Shough team to Junction.
Knik kids had a dance at Club Hall tickets 10¢.
December 3, 1916 Hughes getting his teams and
gear ready to haul Eska Creek coal for Kelly and Martin.
Paid Hughes in full for hauling freight off beach last April and this
November. Sam McMillan in from Fishhook Inn.
December 4, 1916 Weather -10. Lander
making ready for 1st trip out over Willow Creek winter road
with bunch of miners to do tunnel work on GB Mine. Witridge
in from Wassilla, through driving team for Shough. H. R.
Brown bought 1/3 interest in Chas Bartholf and Horning’s Mine across
Craigie from GB Mine for $750. Evening a little warmer.
December 5, 1916 Temperature -20. GB
left with help for mines. Foster in from Bald Mt. hunting
camp.
December 6, 1916 Cold wave still on -14
to -20. Walter King’s pard. in from Little Willow to trade.
Sold first heater. Rae getting ready for trip to mines.
Below zero all day, bright moonlight nights. Put 10 gallons
oil in gas tank. Stanley 12 years old gave him five $1 bills.
December 7, 1916 Temperature -14. Iditarod
mail in. Shough team in to take mail to Junction.
Stanley out of school on account of bilious spell last night.
V. E. Cave’s back from Anchorage, said someone robbed his house
while he was away. Bought cross fox skin for 20 bucks from
Mother McKinnon.
December 8, 1916 Temperature -10 to -20.
New preacher in town - Hughes from Junction. Monroe Kast
in from Poorman Creek went to Anchorage. MLD Club having
reading speaking and singing tonight. Mattie sang “Johnny
Go ile the Car” and “Stick to the Ship Lads”.
December 9, 1916 Cloudy and warmer business
fair cash sales $55 collections $220. Mail wagon in from
Junction. Kids had their 2nd Ball at preachers Hall this
PM. McMillan in from 31½ Inn. Got all November
Anchorage papers by this mail. Shield’s arranging to raffle
off his sheep heads.
December 10, 1916 Cold snap broken cloudy 15
above. Preaching at hall tonight by Mr. Hughes from Junction.
December 11, 1916 Snowed 1”. Made arrangements
with Fred Nelson to use his deposit money for 60 days.
Harry Lander left for Anchorage via Matanuska Junction.
Oden Olson and Joe Palmer in from Albert Creek.
December 12, 1916 Fred left early AM to catch
train at Junction for Anchorage on account of K. T. Co. freight.
Lidell in from GB camp. Olaf Wagner in from Mile 16 to trade.
Red Jack back from Station said his baby was sick, paid for his
pump.
December 13, 1916 Fischer in from hunting
camp. VanOrman in from 16. Landers man took case
gasoline and 1 barrel butter bought in November. Kids practicing
Mother goose play for Xmas. Evening measured C. R. Booth for
a Royal suit.
December 14, 1916 Asked Bank of Alaska for
a 60 day loan for freight left at Anchorage.
December 15, 1916 Wagner and Bogard in from
Mile 15. Wrote H. C. Dohrmann to get a 60 day loan to cover
balance due Matanuska and Kink Hardware Co.’s. Snowed about
2” last night. Mushers report roads improved by snow but still
rough.
December 16, 1916 Put up $200 order for
fox ranch. Mails delayed from both ends out of Knik.
Fred back from Anchorage last night, had 70 sacks rice and 100
lb. sack sugar stored in Kink Hardware Co. building Had big
box clothing shipped to Matanuska Junction. H. C. D. was at
Seward? Cost $20 for freight being held up at Anchorage by
A. E. Com. Wrote to Berry to look after loan account D-H
Co. on account of Dohrmann being away.
December 17, 1916 Both mails overdue.
Monroe Kast back from trip to Anchorage. Foster Bros. in
from hunt around Bald Mt. Evening got out balance of checks
due on invoices for the Dohrmann - Herning Company.
December 18, 1916 Fred started for Junction
with Kid on double ender only went to Hughes ranch and returned.
Mail still overdue. Evening colder.
December 19, 1916 Outside mail in 4 days
late. Got mail from D-H and Co. 13 days on road.
Bolte paid Harrison order to H. C. D. $50.
December 20, 1916 Weather cloudy 26 to
24 above. Snowed 2” last night business slow. Mattie
sick with sore eyelid.
December 21, 1916 Out of town orders
coming in. Sold Nagley 14 bolts sheeting.
December 22, 1916 Getchell and Olson
left 2nd trip for Albert Creek. Sent insurance letter
and check to Lang and letter to D-H and Co. by Mr. Leroy of Susitna.
Shough in from Wassilla. Whist on at MLD Club tonight.
Fred back from trip account himself to Junction.
December 23, 1916 Weather clear and colder
zero business fair but not enough for Xmas Eve. Had Fred
help to open up and mark big box clothing from Black. Garver
in from Anchorage in route to Peterson Creek Quartz camp bought small
order. Mattie home with sick eye last two days.
December 24, 1916 Weather partly cloudy
-4. Got $50 clothing order from the Wilmoth Co.
Iditarod mail in 3 days late. Got order and checks sent in
by Jno. Hylin - was put in Post Office. Mattie nursing sick
eye.
December 25, 1916 Xmas quiet in Knik.
Sales over $50. Gave Mattie 2 Eagle, Stanley $1 and
pair gloves and knife. Self got nose hair clipper
and 1917 diary. Evening school children pulled off “Mother
Goose” play at preachers social hall. Hatcher in from mines
also Lander. K. T. Co. gave out no presents only treats on cigars.
Mile 16 in to see Mother Goose.
December 26, 1916 Had Fred refill coal
bin at house and put Kids winter feed in barn. Preacher
Hughes from Matanuska went to Station. Got letter from
H. C. D. With bank deposits. Mattie working again
in store PM eyes better.
December 27, 1916 Had 3 wolverines mounted
for rugs and 1 skin tanned by Shields cost $40. Credited Zimmerman
account with 3 wolverine skins (1 small $6 and 2 medium $16
total $22) Light flurries of snow. Fred and Gus left
for Peterson Creek after Gus cache. Garver left for Peterson
Creek Quartz camp. McKinnon in from King River camp.
December 28, 1916 Tommy McLaughlin in
from Anchorage in route to Cache Creek. J. S. Price in,
in route to Iditarod. Fred didn’t go with Gus to Peterson
Creek. A. S. Henry said his house was pilfered while away
at Anchorage.
December 29, 1916 Blizzard, started to
snow and blow from south west continued all day 1st blow of
winter. Swanston in after freight Iditarod mail in.
Shough in from Junction with 4 passengers. Chas Ketcham and
bride arrived MLD Club tin canned them 11 PM.
December 30, 1916 Weather colder -16.
Got $80 order from Wilmoth Co. Seattle mail failed to
arrive. Got letter from D. H. and Co. With bank deposits.
Coal oil and gasoline short in Anchorage.
December 31, 1916 Weather colder, -20.
Shough left with out-mail and load coal oil. Irwin left
for 32 with mining engineer to inspect the Mohawk Mine. Iditarod
Gold Team in 3,400 lbs. gold hauled by 46 dogs. Clipped heads
off McKinnon’s two chickens for our New Years dinner.
1917
January 1, 1917 Happy New Year
at Sunny Knik -20. Gold Teams from Iditarod left for Seward
with 3,400 lbs. gold. Masquerade Ball on at MLD Hall Stanley
dressed as a baseball guy. Had chicken dinner at home.
Sent scow pump to Goose Bay Cannery by Harry Madsen.
January 2, 1917 Cold wave -26. Friday mail
arrived last evening got several New Years greetings from Seattle
jobbing houses. Billy Murray back from Seldovia said Swan
sprang a leak in ice on down trip. Shough’s man hauling wood.
January 3, 1917 Business fair,
-34. George Zink back from Anchorage -20 all day, reported
-50 at mile 32 and -40 at Junction and Anchorage.
January 4, 1917 Warming up -10. Lidell
and Palmer GB freighters in.
January 5, 1917 T. R. Wilson in from Anchorage
reported times good at Anchorage up to New Year. Shough
in from 15. Ben Agnew in from ranch.
January 6, 1917 Snow and warmer business fair.
T. P. Howard in from Anchorage to preach? Snow and windy
all day. Seward mail reported caught in snow slide Iditarod
mail also late.
January 7, 1917 Preacher Howard visited church
tonight. Sent dozen lamp burners to Nagley by Casper Seiling.
Got merchandise order from Wilmoth Co. Sent letter to HCD
by Wilson.
January 8, 1917 Plenty of snow now for sledding
business fair. Several teams in after Sunny Knik grub
etc. Preacher Howard moved into Lidell cabin.
January 9, 1917 More Anchorage men after Sunny
Knik coal oil. Clear and bright day temperatures zero
to 10 above.
January 10, 1917 Weather colder -10.
Shough teams making trip every day, Knik to Wasilla,
with freight. Stone and Horning tried their new homemade
dog sleds.
January 11, 1917 Iditarod mail in 1 week late,
Knik out-mail held up account same. Swanson, freighter
from Matanuska, hauling away Sunny Knik merchandise. LeRoy
back from Anchorage took Nagley’s sheeting 135 lbs. Took 2,529
lbs. spuds off Mr. Downing. Dad Hunt over from Old Knik.
Willard Hall in from Alfred Creek.
January 12, 1917 Sold $55 order to Matanuska
buyers. Old blacksmith from GB in with lame arm.
Shortcut trail now open to Old Knik, only 12 miles to RR line
from Knik. Bell the sport left Feaster cabin failed to pay
December rent.
January 13, 1917 Chinook and +40. Sold
15 cases oil to Wilmoth Co. George Vanse in from Anchorage
in route to Ind. Creek account of drill outfit to sound
river for low RR bridge across Susitna River. Vanse said
coal oil was $1 gallon at Anchorage. Seattle mail in.
January 14, 1917 Chinook rain +40. Black
the freighter in town. Harper bros. back from trip to
Seward. Rained about all night last night.
January 15, 1917 Partly cloudy +30, business
fair including orders from Wassilla store. Fred in from
his fish camp agreed to take Mrs. OGH to Elliott’s RH on RR tomorrow
for trip to Anchorage to have lump on eyelid examined. Late
rain ran into many houses and through many roofs so reported.
Shined up shoes on red sled.
January 16, 1917 Mattie left for Anchorage
via dog team to Old Knik. Sent wolverine rug down to
sell at D-H Co. store. Al Crocker and M__lan in from ranch,
said rain took snow down to 4” from 15 to mile 23. Shough
took out 2nd load milk for Wilmoth Co. Kast partner in - going
to Stolsti District.
January 17, 1917 Report came that Bert
Stewart and H. C. Emery were killed in snow slide at Martin’s
Mine on Monday 15th. Got letter from Emery dated 13th for
Gus Swanson to go to work at Eska Creek Coal Mine. Sold Stone
and Saunders hunting outfit. Sam Blum and another businessman
at Valdez committed suicide on account of recent fire.
January 18, 1917 Sam Kelly back from Anchorage
brought mail from D-H and Co. H. E. McDaniel's in from
Anchorage to take outfit to Wet Gulch. Hall in for freight.
Stone and Saunders went on a hunt. Patchell in from his ranch.
January 19, 1917 Put bid in on $200 prospecting
order for Wet Gulch. Shough in, said Mattie phoned to
Junction, would not come home until Monday. Fred in with trout
from Fish Lake. Got letter about Gus going to work at Eska
Creek Coal Mine. Patchell went out to ridge to trap.
Mail in.
January 20, 1917 Tom McLaughlin back from Cache
Creek. Got word from Henry, Mattie had eye operated on
and would come home Monday.
January 21, 1917 Snowed last night, plenty
of snow again for good sledding. Mattie at Anchorage.
Had steak for dinner and raspberry cobbler for supper, Stanley
the cook.
January 22, 1917 Weather clear and colder.
Cash sales over $200. Tom McLaughlin left for Anchorage,
sent assessment papers to record. Ralph Wise in to trade.
Mattie got back from Anchorage, not feeling well on account of
taking gas for operation on eye.
January 23, 1917 C. D. Johnson in to
trade and took out 2 pieces machinery delivered by Swan last
October. Tom Fulton in, on way to Station. Bullion
teams all in hauling out lumber. Iditarod mail in and out
going south. Sold out on barrel butter, 10 cases canned butter
left.
January 24, 1917 Evo in from mile 11
to trade. New moon tide went partly over bar front of
dock.
January 25, 1917 C. S. Lawrence in from
mile 28 to trade. H. C. Dohrmann arrived from Anchorage
about loan from bank etc. Lander took out McDaniel’s outfit
for Wet Gulch. Henry paid self ½ of rent of Kink Hardware
Co. buildings to February 1st.
January 26, 1917 Weather colder business
slow. Got $110 rent out of Anchorage store building from
August to June 31st. H. C. Dohrmann left at noon for Anchorage
via Wassilla. Shough men in, no mail from Seward and Iditarod,
mail delayed. Blodgett in from GB Mines, snow slide took
out tram.
January 27, 1917 Harper bros. left for
Anchorage via Old Knik to RR. Al came back with dogs,
said trail was good, made over in 3 hours 10 minutes. Fred
Roscher from mile 8½ in to trade. Preacher Hughes in
town. Mattie removed plaster from eyelid, incision was OK.
Stanley printed Sunny Knik News with ads and locals.
January 28, 1917 Quiet in town.
Snow slides cleaned up Rae’s camp at mines no one hurt.
McMilan in for supplies for Fishhook Inn. Tug coming from
Seward to Anchorage with oil, had to turn back on account of cold
snap and big tides. Wickersham reported elected a delegate
to Congress after recount. Pete Jensen back to Knik.
January 29, 1917 Weather clear -20, cash
sales over $300. George Grennon in to trade. Swanson
the freighter in with orders. All told over $200 for flour,
sugar and milk. Busy all day putting up orders.
Outside mail in 3 days overdue. Got letter from H. C. Feldman
with authority to pledge his stock for loan.
January 30, 1917 Cold wave -22.
McKinnon paid up in full, 1st time in years. Al Harper got
110 lbs. fish for Eklutna RH. Horning and Bartholf left
for Anchorage via Old Knik. Wedenbeck down from Talkeetna
after supplies.
January 31, 1917 Weather windy, + 10.
Sent out Herman’s furs to New York by parcel post. Dad
Hunt in town. Sent letter to McKinnon by Indian Billy.
Answered Feldman’s letter about D-H and Co. business at Anchorage.
February 1, 1917 Harper bros. back from Old
Knik. Got out-mail. McMillan in, took out last of
Rabe’s mill from last spring delivery.
February 2, 1917 Weather foggy -20.
Shough in from Wassilla. Several Cache Creek hauling outfits
returned today. Frank Kelly wants to sell goods on commission
at Wassilla. Sold Palmer last case of canned eggs.
Simmons and Red ___ had talking scrap.
February 3, 1917 Cold wave -20.
GB about finished with freight out of Knik. Got notice
of Dohrmann - Howard wedding to come off the 7th at Anchorage.
Lidell back from Anchorage reported U. S. about to go to war on
account of Germans raiding American ships. Jonathan Rheinhart
in from Cache Creek.
February 4, 1917 Weather warming up +8.
Cache Creek Co. returning horses to ranchers. Horses used to
haul in their supplies at $1.50 per horse and found. Took
picture of Stanley and Spot. Evening clear but considerable
warmer. Bill Long in from Rae’s Mine.
February 5, 1917 Reported U. S. about to enter
war. First bohunk contingent arrived in route to
Iditarod District. Horning back from
Anchorage. Packed up ranchers seed orders for spring delivery.
February 6, 1917 Report came that Panama Canal
was dynamited and put out of business. Mushers in, in
route to Iditarod. Sold Pioneer Hotel $52 order.
Two men blown up with box caps at Martin’s Mine 2nd disaster of
winter.
February 7, 1917 McMillan, Bogard, Lander,
Shough man and several in town to trade. Got order from
Lawrence mile 28.
February 8, 1917 Noon sent Fred over to Old
Knik to get load of rice that came from Anchorage. Ladies
held a “Jim Jam” time at Al Davis vacated house - no men or kids
allowed. Palmer about out of sugar only selling over counter.
February 9, 1917 Thorpe in, took out
Cavanaugh’s seeds and his own. Kennedy and Miss Van
in from mile 16 Roadhouse to trade. Fred at Old Knik after
1,000 lbs. rice didn’t show up at 6 PM. Ladies reported big
time at their hi-jinks party last night. Road for hauling best
of winter. Fred arrived with rice at 9 PM.
February 10, 1917 Fred hauled 3 ricks of wood
from Wilson’s ranch. Foster bros. outfitting to go to hills.
Fred said Ford wanted to borrow $300 to buy a hauling rig in Seattle.
Mail in last night. No war dope all quiet to date.
February 11, 1917 Fred hauled in balance of
wood and put same in shed. Road, Knik to Mines, at very
best - road from Junction all shot to pieces using wagons across
flat from Junction to timber on account snow all gone.
February 12, 1917 Fred shod Kid and hauled
coal to house. Rae in from timber camp. Long paid
his back account J. B. Garver in from Peterson Creek.
February 13, 1917 Fred went out to Fish Lake
for his fish camp outfit. Men had a smokes and dinner
last night at Shortley’s house reported they drunk 7 wash tubs
of punch and did all kind of stunts. Garver left for Anchorage via
Old Knik.
February 14, 1917 Snowing all PM
business slow. J. F. Feaster and wife up from Anchorage
in route to Stolsti Mining District, paid them balance due on
rent of cabin - wanted to sell cabin and contents for $75.
Horning shoeing McMillan’s horses.
February 15, 1917 Fred bought the Feaster “sporting”
house for $30. Gold teams in on return trip to Iditarod.
Shough in with another new team? About 4” snow fell last
night needed to smooth up roads on flats.
February 16, 1917 Balanced up Kink Hardware
Co. ledger Creek bal. OGH $3,283.24 and H. Dorhmann $2,856.64.
All bills paid to date and $5,000 in stocks invested in D-H and
Co. Inc. Store building $1,883.97 store lot $643.90.
February 17, 1917 Business rotten.
Snowed 4” very quiet in town. Clark, Mrs. F.’s beau in town.
Fred Carter down from Matt’s Ranch to trade. Quit selling
sugar by the sack only 1,000 lb. left. Palmer about out of
sugar also.
February 18, 1917 PM ordered $175 - 1,200 lbs.
- 2 passenger delivery car for Fred Nelson $175. Wrote
Henry about management of D-H and Co. store. Clark tearing
down Brown’s RR kitchen.
February 19, 1917 Mrs. Morrison and Joe
in town. Reported that Com. got appropriation to continue
the Government RR. McMillan in from mile 31½ “Inn”.
Hall down from Cottonwood. Sent Anchorage mail by Harper
bros. deposits to Bank of Alaska and order for Overland Car.
Sinclair in town.
February 20, 1917 Lidell
up from Anchorage Cache Creek men back from Anchorage
after delivering work horses. Dr. Spaulding and wife
arrived last night from Outside and Anchorage. Harper bros.
left for Anchorage sent mail via Old Knik. Sent final notices
to delinquent customers.
February 21, 1917 Got Lidell’s order
for Willow Creek spring grub etc. Knik boys got Tolsti
gold fever, Frank Forker and Lee Foster decided to go in.
Ed O’Brien in town.
February 22, 1917 Packed up Lidell’s
order for mines. Forker, Foster and Jack Adams left for
Tolsti strike Kuskokwim District. Taylor in for load
of freight for McMillan. Fred took part of camp outfit out
to Wassilla.
February 23, 1917 Ralph Wise
in to trade. W. S. Furgeson in town. Peter Herbert
in town. Logan Stipps in from Anchorage.
February 24, 1917 Rae in
after grub. Shields and Gus left for Anchorage.
Matanuska Marshal down to inspect? Crowd expected from
Junction for big dance, 7 arrived. Fred left with balance
of camp outfit for Wassilla. George Small and girl arrived at
Knik with Kid horse.
February 26, 1917 Business fair put up
order for A. W. Hall Caribou District. Moulton, Seattle
Hardware Co. man and Smith, Black’s man in town in route to Iditarod.
Folgers man Meehan and meat man arrived Mrs. Shough drove
in 2 traveling men from Wassilla.
February 27, 1917 5 PM Fred
got back from Wassilla got tent house up time 4 days and meals
$9. Clark in from mile 11 for his flour and seeds.
February 28, 1917 Hall took
out his order. Gus back from Anchorage sold 2 dogs for
$100. Henry wrote that 49th Star wanted to rent our Hardware
Bldg. Meehan and Smith back from Station. Fred went
out to his fish camp.
March 1, 1917 Palmer left
for Outside. Mr. Whithaul, Nagley’s Lake Creek storekeeper
in town. Several dog teams in route to Tolsti placer strike.
Government hauling ties for laying rails from Junction to Wassilla.
Fred home.
March 2, 1917 Another big
bunch of dog teams in for Tolstoi. Usual Friday night MLD
Club card party and dance ice cream on the side.
March 3, 1917 McKinnon down
from RR camp to trade. Preachers Howard and Hughes in town
to gather in the mazuma. Wagner in for lumber. Sent
Fred out to build barn at Wassilla, Stanley went along to bring
horse back. Red Jack took his force pump.
March 4, 1917 Snowed 2” last night.
Quiet in town. Stanley arrived from Wassilla. Made out
plan for 16’ x 36’ warehouse at Wassilla to use 9 and 10 ft. iron
all around.
March 5, 1917 Chamberlin, Schillings man and
Armour's man in from Anchorage also Henry Dohrmann Sr.
Red Jack took pipe for his pump. Evening traveling men drumming
for orders but didn’t get any.
March 6, 1917 Went over Kink
Hardware Co. books with Henry Dohrmann Sr. The “Moose”
sport in town. Chamberlin and 2 other drummers left for
Station. Chas Ketcham back from Talkeetna.
March 7, 1917 Al Chamberlin
et. al. back from Station gave him small hardware order.
March 8, 1917 Dohrmann Sr.
and the “Moose” left for Anchorage via Old Knik. Chamberlin
and the meat and coffee trust left for Anchorage via Wassilla.
Fred took out 3 bundles corg. iron to Wassilla with Kid Reported
Wassilla on the boom. GB rock man in. Delivered Joe Peterson’s
furniture to Chas Ketcham.
March 9, 1917 Considerable
travel. Doc Spaulding sending out supplies for Hospital
camp. Wrote Fred to pay freight on lumber.
March 10, 1917 Shough hauled out Davis safe
to Wilmoth Co. Wassilla. Old Gallagher came through with
$10 on old account. Blodgett in from GB Mines. Rosebud
and Swan arrived Anchorage voyage 1. Fred at Wassilla on warehouse
foundation.
March 11, 1917 Quiet in town. Self and
Mattie checked down H. C. D. cash account at Kink Hardware Co.
his balance $73.38. Books showed balance of $509.20 August
14, 1916. Scotty Allen the Nome dog racer arrived from Nome.
Woodhouse in from Eska Creek Coal camp. Fred at Wassilla.
March 12, 1917 Travel good hotels filled.
A. Patzack - across Knik Lake rancher - back on ranch.
Anchorage Huff in town buying furs.
March 13, 1917 Fred in and
out to Wassilla - had warehouse foundation ready - lumber to
come Wednesday from Anchorage. Ben Agnew in after Brown
lumber for 15. Shields back from Anchorage
March 14, 1917 Reported Brown
and wife had a scrap, he rubbed baby stool in her hair so reported.
Lumber supposed to come from Anchorage today for Wassilla warehouse.
Wrote H. C. D. to go slow with D-H and Co. business regarding buying
and new building
March 15, 1917 Spot dog got the distemper.
Ben Agnew took out RR kitchen range to Wassilla. Brown
and wife got together and left for Anchorage on vacation?
Mr. Supernaught back from Lewis River District gave it 18 months.
Fred at Wassilla.
March 16, 1917 Haller in from ranch.
Reported our lumber at Wassilla and floor laid in warehouse.
Clark brought in-mail. Palmer out coffee by the case
sold him 3 cases. Fred laid floor at Wassilla warehouse.
March 17, 1917 McDaniel’s
in from Wet Gulch. Oden Olson in from Albert Creek.
J. B. Garver in from Anchorage in route to Peterson Creek.
Irwin in from Cache Creek. Booze plentiful several drunks in
town.
March 18, 1917 Fred failed to send in horse.
Made out claim for shortages from A. E. Company and overcharge
by Admiral Line and sent same to Joe Conroy for collections.
Sent preacher notice to come through on his note. Fred
at 15 working on warehouse.
March 19, 1917 Forrest Berry
and partner in from Anchorage Swan in with 14 passengers,
landed near Fish Creek voyage 1. Kid sore in shoulder.
Evo in for grub and seeds. Knik bunch back from Anchorage.
March 20, 1917 Fred went out with doors and
casings to Wassilla store. Shough in sent out 90 lb. heater
for store. Berg and Garver left for Willow Creek District.
Shorty Ritz back from Eska Creek Coal camp. Fred hauling freight
to Wassilla.
March 21, 1917 Swan on voyage
with 20 passengers from Kern Creek. George Small in for
grub for roadhouse at 15. Reported 3 American boats sunk
and war declared on Germany. Started to pack hardware for Wassilla
store.
March 22, 1917 Out of hardware for Wassilla
store. Mattie taking inventory of stock. Big tide evening,
water over bar. Shough hauling out Davis house to Wassilla.
March 23, 1917 Tommy McLaughlin came up from
Anchorage in route to Cache Creek. Packed two large boxes
granite and tin ware for Wassilla store. Mattie taking
stock Palmer out of milk and sugar. K. T. Co. enough
for town trade.
March 24, 1917 Stanley went out to Wassilla
by foot with Davis boy. Fred mushed in from Wassilla early
morning, went out with double ender load. Mr. Johnson
in from Talkeetna District. Got 2 bales hay from McKinnon.
March 25, 1917 Quiet in town. Fred
got back at noon from Wassilla, brought in Evo’s horse for hauling
for K. T. Co. to Wassilla. Mattie took stock of towels etc.
Stanley back from Wassilla trip.
March 26, 1917 Fred took
out ton hardware and Shough 2,100 lb. hardware for Wassilla
store. Busy all day packing goods for Wassilla store.
Brown paid up March bill and signed voucher for government bills.
March 27, 1917 Shough in, took load for K.
T. Co. to Wassilla. O. C. Miller in from ranch 1st time
during winter. Mattie made 200 donuts for dance at K. T.
Co. dance at store building in Wassilla. Hughes outfit
in from Eska Coal Mines.
March 28, 1917 Self and Stanley took load on
red sled. Fred with Evo’s horse on double ender took
out 18 cwt for Wassilla store. Evening pulled off barn
dance in new warehouse only a few women and about 40 men.
Served 200 donuts and 5 gallons Max coffee for lunch. Cold
wave down to zero.
March 29, 1917 Wassilla to Knik, left
Evo’s horse at his ranch, had Evo’s horse 3 days at $1.50 = $4.50.
Swan making regular trips Anchorage to Fish Creek.
March 30, 1917 Wagner and Bogard in for supplies.
O. C. Miller back from Anchorage. Had Fred pack screws
and bolts.
March 31, 1917 Evo took out load freight to
Wassilla 2,072 lbs. Shough took out shovels and tubs.
Fred and self packed hardware. Miller left for his ranch.
Alameda at Anchorage, 1st boat of spring.
April 1, 1917 Fred took out
load to Wassilla store. Found preacher Hughes holding church
in our store building, got in with Davis pass key. Jack
Hylin and McNeil in from 28 and 31½. Simmons moved
restaurant into Dr. Kivig house.
April 2, 1917 Business good cash sales
$255. A. H. Dieber, clothing merchant, King River down
for goods. John Hylin took out load merchandise for self
and Lawrence. Al Chamberlin in with Cache Creek boys.
Baggage came over from Anchorage on Swan
April 3, 1917 Fred and Shough
left with loads for Wassilla store. Busy fixing up freight shortages
and over charges on freight to send to M. J. Conroy for collection
at Anchorage. Swan bringing new people every day for Knik
Dist. Fred made several trips to Wassilla.
April 4, 1917 Snow going fast, bare ground
in front of old saloon. Fred packed up balance of dishes.
Gave Ben Agnew a load 2,125 lbs. for Wassilla store. Harvey
Bartholf back to Knik going to run the Mabel Mill.
April 5, 1917 Fred left early with load for
Wassilla store, Shough took out 2 loads. Busy with mail.
Sent wire for Western Auto truck for Fred Nelson. Harvey Bartholf
left for Anchorage sent mail. Farewell winter dance on tonight.
April 6, 1917 Garver left for Anchorage on
Swan. Fred and self packing goods all day for Wassilla
store. Barns in from Outside. Thorpe in to trade.
Henry Bahrenberg back from States.
April 7, 1917 Busy all day finished packing
goods for Wassilla store. Shough took 5,000 lbs.
April 8, 1917 Knik to Wassilla went out
to build shelves and counters and open up goods. Shough
took out 2 loads last of freight for Wassilla store. PM put
tarps over ceiling. Mattie running K. T. Co. store.
April 9, 1917 At Wassilla. Had
Colston help build counters and shelving on west side of store.
April 10, 1917 At Wassilla. Put
up 1 table and opened up goods.
April 11, 1917 At Wassilla opening up
goods.
April 12, 1917 At Wassilla opening up
goods.
April 13, 1917 At Wassilla. Put
in half of shelving on east side. Opened up shoes.
Pioneer Hotel burned up total loss.
April 14, 1917 At Wassilla. Finished
shelving on east side and made 4 x12 table. Left 8 PM
for Knik arrived at 11:30.
April 15, 1917 At Knik. Had Fred
turn water around house account of running into well.
April 16, 1917 At Knik business fair.
Had Fred haul in 5 ricks wood. Old Kid threw up account
of heavy birch loads. PM packed up hats for Wassilla store.
April 17, 1917 Fred left early with load hats
etc. for Wassilla store. First Outside goods arrived, got
butter, eggs, meats and lard, 2,340 lbs. hauled from beach by
Red Jack and by Simmons. Sold out 2/3 case of eggs in 1 hour.
April 18, 1917 Fred got back early from Wassilla.
Snow all gone mile 7 to mile 12 and mile 12 to mile 15.
Snow all gone on garden lots and on street up to post office block.
PM self and Fred pumped out well at house and cleaned chimney.
Mariposa and Watson in port.
April 19, 1917 Sent mail to Harry Lander
by Swan. GB men from Outside arrived on Swan. H.
C. Dohrmann and wife came up to Knik on Swan. Got $25 for
wolverine rug sold at Anchorage. Hotel full of people.
April 20, 1917 GB outfit left for mines on
winter road. Swan brought up 20 sacks parcel post mail
from Anchorage. Dohrmann and bride returned on Swan to
Anchorage. Sent for store paper to advertise K. T. Co. business.
April 21, 1917 Sold out on DM milk. Big
tides and ice going. PM had Fred oil up sleigh shoes.
Simmons brought hose from Swan for Nagley, stored same in our warehouse.
April 22, 1917 Self and Fred busy taking inventory
in main warehouse and cleaning up. Adam took Nagley’s
hose to Station. Pump at house quit working.
April 23, 1917 A-1 spring day, streets
well dried up around water front business fair. All working
on shelf inventory. Big tide 2’ short, did no good to ice
in front of docks. Channel now open to Fish Creek.
Herman in with more furs.
April 24, 1917 Fred cleaned up street
and store garden. Took pump apart at house, foot valve was full
of sand and gravel, gravel got in cylinders and cut side of cylinder
and valve causing a leak, put bushing under valve but failed
to work.
April 25, 1917 Took house pump apart found
brass cylinder was not cut by gravel - foot valve seat was
full of gravel, lowered cylinder to water level and she worked
OK. Clark Davis in from Wassilla with Shough’s big 4?
Frank Irwin and Carl Johnson in town. Capt. Swan was in town
last night looking up upper channel.
April 26, 1917 Frank Bayer in from GB Mines,
said front doors of our store at Wassilla were open, sent Fred
out to investigate because we left the place locked up.
McMillan and McKinnon in town.
April 27, 1917 Streets well dried up business
fair. Swan got hung up, went too high on beach. Seattle
mail in, got returns on fox ranchers furs. Dance on at Club Hall,
dill pickle lunch by Mrs. L. Matt Rooney in town.
April 28, 1917 Business fair sales and
collections $180. McKinnon moving down from ranch to
live at King River. McMillan still in town. A Mr.
Egeland applied for job at Wassilla store, offered him 5% cash sales
and $50 per month for 3 months. Swan hung up on beach at Fish
Creek. The Bayer family went to Anchorage.
April 29, 1917 Rockwell O. Egeland left
for Anchorage to get his personal effects. Sent ad to
Democrat and 6 months sub. $2. Left 6:30 PM with Kid on cart
for Wassilla arrived 11:30.
April 30, 1917 Opened up balance of hardware
and marked up same.
May 1, 1917 Opened up balance of clothing.
Rails laid to switch at Wassilla.
May 2, 1917 At Wassilla. Rails
laid to Wassilla today. Fred cleaned up and burned brush
back of store.
May 3, 1917 At Wassilla. Fred cut
wood self arranging stock
May 4, 1917 At Wassilla. Fred finished
house wood and put down foundation for storeroom. Christianson
out to look up location for town site. Got in milk and
sugar by upper channel at Knik.
May 5, 1917 Snowed all day ground white.
Built 11’ x 16’ shed at rear of store. Wilmoth Co. building
storehouse at rear of their store. Wilmoth Co. received
first car of goods. Swan now making regular trips through
upper channel.
May 6, 1917 Roads from Wassilla to Knik
covered with snow wet and heavy. Left Fred to run Wassilla
store. Evening boat H. C. Dohrmann came up, wanted to buy
or sell Knik Hardware building buy stock in D-H Co. for $1,850
with bal. trade for building, or sell his stock and interest in
building for $1,050.
May 7, 1917 At Knik. Swan failed to show
up. H. C. Dohrmann in town. Swan got in 8:30 PM rough
trip laid over a tide. Mattie put up $200 order for Gold
Cord M. Co.
May 8, 1917 Gold Cord M. Co. took their outfit.
Swan left AM tide, back evening tide with mail. Put new
force valve in store pump. Erickson the game warden and wife
in town.
May 9, 1917 A new crop of Bartholf’s
arrived. Rode down to Cave’s ranch to see him about clerking
at Wassilla store. Ice about all gone on bar in front of
Knik, channel still closed from dock to Soldier Creek, open from
dock to upper channel.
May 10, 1917 Last mail from Iditarod
due today. Oscar Tryck bought Al Davis house for $100.
Bar clear of ice channel closed with mud ice from sfg. to ladder.
Ice under our scow landing and dock all gone elsewhere business
fair. Fred at Wassilla store.
May 11, 1917 Took out small merchandise on
road cart to Wassilla. Evening sent Fred to Anchorage
to get hardware and clothing for Wassilla store, business fair
in hardware and clothing at Wassilla store. Average $25 per
day 50% profit. Fred had made 2 tables for clothing.
May 12, 1917 At Wassilla. Put up
more shelving in rear and moved back bedding. Fred in
Anchorage after K. T. Co. freight. Got car loaded to go
out Monday. Stanley and Otis walked out from Knik.
May 13, 1917 At Wasilla - Mattie manager
at Knik.
May 14, 1917 At Wassilla. Car came
up to Junction, failed to get it out on work train. Steam
shovel on main line prevented work train from going to Junction.
May 15, 1917 At Wassilla. Fred
at Junction with car freight.
May 16, 1917 At Wassilla. First
car freight landed for K. T. Co. store. Laubner in with
air compressor for mines.
May 17, 1917 At Wassilla. Sold
$60 worth seeds. Failed to get car spotted took it to
end of track near Willow Creek winter road. Stanley took
Simmons horse that Sheney left at Wassilla to Knik.
May 18, 1917 At Wassilla. Got car
spotted at noon and unloaded same, short 2 packages.
By mistake our Knik groceries were shipped to Wassilla.
Had hard work to find store room for groceries every space filled
up.
May 19, 1917 At Wassilla. Opened
up new hardware and clothing and marked up same. Very
cold and backward spring. Farmers just beginning to plant
spuds. Got all small grain planted
May 20, 1917 Wassilla to
Knik. Got up at 5 AM to give Shough load of groceries
for Knik store. Self left 7 AM and arrived Knik 11:30.
Road about half dried up - good from mile 13 to mile 7 only.
Swan failed to come to dock but could on this tide. Shough returned
to Wassilla with light load freight.
May 21, 1917 Got 1st shipment of fruit.
Hughes teams started out with Gold Cord M. Co. supplies.
One team got sick and they came back. Palmer’s scow failed
to float on big tide. Otto and Kelly repaired Palmer’s
dock, K. T. Co. dock stood the ice OK.
May 22, 1917 Weather cool business slow.
Ready to return to Wassilla store.
May 23, 1917 Knik to Wassilla.
On arrival motor truck was there, came on car from Anchorage.
May 25, 1917 At Wassilla. H. C.
Feldman arrived from Anchorage to talk over Dohrman-Herning
and Co. business. Fred at Knik planting garden.
May 26, 1917 At Wassilla business fair.
Feldman left for Anchorage via Knik. E. S. Hewitt came
out from Knik on Kid horse, caught train to Anchorage. Cannon
at Wassilla looking for ranch or to start pool room.
May 27, 1917 First real hot day of spring
at Wassilla.
May 28, 1917 Left PM for Knik, left Fred
in charge of store.
May 29, 1917 At Knik. Planted store
garden to barley and vetch.
May 30, 1917 Planted row of spuds in store
garden. Put up order for Irwin and Al Best for overland
trip to Broad Pass. Put up order for Stern and Gates.
Swan failed to arrive on noon tide. Evening raining and
needed for gardens. Fred chg. of Wassilla store.
May 31, 1917 Best and Irwin left for Broad
Pass via along RR route with 3 horses. Swan landed 5 horses
for Broad Pass District. Stanley and self left for Wassilla
at 5:45 arrived at Wassilla 10 PM
June 4, 1917 At Wassilla. Stanley
rode Kid horse over to 40 Mile Miller’s. Fred started to
put in corduroy at mile 14¼ had Tweden help.
June 5, 1917 At Wassilla, Stanley back from
Miller’s. Miller done up, fell off roof and hurt his shoulder.
Fred finished corduroy at 14¼. Hughes teams laid up
with distemper.
June 6, 1917 Wasilla to Knik. Stanley
and self left Wassilla 3:30 PM arrived Knik 8 PM . Palmer’s schooner
in 38 days from San Francisco, officers held her up on account
of booze. Mattie not well stomach trouble. Cannon tearing
down his house to move it to his ranch at Wassilla.
June 7 ,1917 Pulled scow off gridiron on account
of ice lifting west end
June 8, 1917 Knik to Wassilla.
Ford hauled out load house gear for Cannon. Busy all day
with book work and Seattle orders. Left after supper for
Wassilla took government mail arrived 12:15.
June 9, 1917 At Wassilla. Evening
Albert Dohrmann arrived to run Fred’s auto truck.
June 10, 1917 At Wassilla. Mosquitoes
thick and furious. Self, Kidd, Fred and Albert went out
with auto truck to fix road leveled up road from 14 to 11½,
dug out ditch at 11½ and cut out new road around mush holes.
Grennon and Anderson in to trade.
June 11, 1917 Wasilla to Knik.
Left with auto truck and 600 lbs. freight. Boys got into
mush hole at mile 11½ took, 2 hours to get out. Cut
road around and fixed holes on road in to Knik. Palmer landed 1st
scow load freight. Put up two small orders. Mr. Cannon
storekeeper.
June 12, 1917 Knik to Wassilla.
Auto truck took out 1,000 lbs. various freight
June 13, 1917 From date to July 2nd self
running Wassilla store Mattie running Knik store.
June 20, 1917 Wasilla lot sale, 49 lots
sold for over $5,000. Self got lots 1, 2 and 18 block 1,
on 2 corners of Main St. near depot. Paid $280, $50 and
$25 each. Mattie and Stanley came out with Knik bunch on auto
truck Two first passenger cars with Anchorage people arrived
for sale. Mattie and Stanley stayed over.
July 3, 1917 Wassilla to Knik.
Left 11 PM with auto car arrived Knik 1:13. Mattie and
Stanley gone to Anchorage to celebrate the 4th. All the
RR employees west of Wassilla went on work train to Anchorage for
the 4th. Wilmoth went to Anchorage to see about car load
lumber for our 2 stores.
July 4, 1917 At Knik. Worked in
office all day on accts. Swan failed to return on evening
tide from Anchorage. Mattie and Stanley failed to come no boat.
Ate dinner at Knik Roadhouse, Chas Palmer and wife there visiting
his mother.
July 5, 1917 Knik to Wassilla.
Mattie and Stanley failed to come home on morning boat.
Made up load for auto truck left Knik 9 AM arrived Wassilla 2 PM
roads muddy. Fred put coal dope into gas tank for carbon-void
and mach. only worked half the time. Sold over $30 merchandise
4 PM to 8 PM at Wasilla store.
July 6, 1917 At Wasilla business fair.
Alaska Road Com. started to build warehouse on warehouse site
F. Tryck and Kelly came out from Knik also Stanley on auto
truck. Cannon back from Anchorage said there were 10,000 people
there on the 4th.
July 7, 1917 Road Com. put up warehouse
on lot F. Ross Kenny arrived with men to work on road.
Horning in from mines. Fred went to Knik after oil.
Got prices on lumber $45 delivered at Wasilla.
July 8, 1917 Road Com. moved out to mile 16
RH to make camp. Got up petition to mgr. of town sites
to have Wasilla Ave. cleared and grade established on Main Street.
Several here waiting for car to go to mines. Fred failed to
return from Knik, lost two $35 loads. First excursion
train passed through Wasilla today it went to 174 - end of steel.
July 9, 1917 Fred came in from Knik at noon
with Ford’s team. Auto truck out of commission got oil
into generator. Opened up new lot hardware. Sold 2 scythes,
fork and grindstone. Road Com. started to connect Knik -
Willow Creek wagon road with Main Street at Wasilla. Fred brought
out freight from Knik for Gold Cord Mine. Balance of men in
Knik came out to work on road.
July 10, 1917 Weather cloudy evening
rain. Fred left for 32 with freight had Ford’s team and
2 passengers. Clark got water on his lot at 15 feet.
July 11, 1917 Heavy rain all night and
rained most all day. Two autos arrived from Anchorage to go
on Knik - Willow Creek run. Tom Caveny, Laubner, Martin and
Warner in Wasilla. City autos left for 32. Got letter
from Mattie by Mr. Morris, said Knik was dead. Long stoves
came also disc harrow etc.
July 12, 1917 Shough put on new wheel at mile
24 and run his car in to Wasilla. City autos failed to return.
All low places on road filled with water and impossible for autos.
Fred returned to Knik with Ford’s team, sent in Jack Hamel's 1 horse
hoe. Simmons arrived 6 PM. Let Davis ride Kid to 32 after Frank
Bayer because his child was sick at Knik.
July 13, 1917 Weather cloudy evening
rain business fair at Wasilla. Collections $24.75 for
Knik store. Unpacked long stoves, Stanley helped to set up
airtight heaters. Ira Brown in town, said he was going to
ship out his 4 sheep heads to States. Tryck’s Road Com. team
in for supplies. Many farmers now working on wagon road for
Alaska Road Com. Davis back from 32 on Kid. Bayer went
out to Knik, reported his child OK. Horning back from Gold Cord
meeting at Anchorage.
July 14, 1917 Mattie came in with Fred on wagon
and K. T. Co. freight. Evening Fred went back to Knik.
Evening Mattie and self looked over our lots and town site.
July 15, 1917 All the Herning family at Wasilla.
Jack Hylin used our 1 horse wagon to haul passengers to Knik.
July 16, 1917 Weather cloudy rain.
Herning family at Wasilla. Harry Yago in, first trip
out to mines. City autos went out and broke wheels on
both cars near mile 24. Knik store closed, Mattie at Wasilla
July 17, 1917 Heaviest rain of season
last night. Mattie in charge of Wasilla store. Drove into
Knik to see about corg. iron for Wasilla store buildings.
Arrived at Knik 5 PM got big mail. Otto and Haley tearing down
preacher Howard’s dance hall building, sold to Don S. Rae. Roads half
water.
July 18, 1917 Cloudy at Sunny Knik.
Moved oil paint etc. out of FF warehouse. Had Fred take
down corg. iron for Wasilla store. Busy in store sold
around $100 groceries. Evening cut out return to Wasilla
on account of rain.
July 19, 1917 Got up 2 AM put up order
for Rooney. Left 4 AM arrived Wasilla 9 AM, roads full
of water but not muddy. Wagner clearing Wasilla Avenue.
Road Com. started to grade Main Street too wet to use grader.
Cash sales Wasilla store $44. Fred on FF warehouse.
July 20, 1917 Mattie and Stanley left with
Kid on cart for Sunny Knik. Fred arrived with corg. iron
off FF dock warehouse. Wilmoth back from Anchorage said
he had let contract to put up his store building. Moulton,
Seattle hardware man in town.
July 21, 1917 Very near a frost last
night business fair. Mr. Feldman came up from Anchorage
to see me about selling out D-H and Co. stock, said Bolte Co.
wanted to take it over told him to go ahead. Feldman and
Moulton left for Anchorage on evening train. Evening engineer
on One Spot loaded his tent house on flat car and moved to King River.
July 22, 1917 Gaikema and Conroy back from
mines reported all the mines doing well. Steel gang left
for King River. Self done up with stomach trouble, ate
minced pie.
July 23, 1917 McMillan and
Lander in town. Reported A. E. Com. would run sourdough
to Wasilla on Tues. - Thurs. and Saturdays. Fred in from Knik
with load corg. iron and merchandise Gaikema and Conroy
mushed down to Matanuska to catch train to Anchorage. Patzack
down from coal mines looking for job on wagon road.
July 24, 1917 Fred started to excavate
cellar under new store, corner of Main and Wasilla Ave.
With team and scraper. Noon Sourdough train in on first
thrice weekly run Anchorage to end of main line, had 2 passenger
coaches and a dozen freight cars. Herron, O’Riley, Campbell
and several mining men came from Anchorage to visit Willow Creek
Mines. Ordered wall board from Seattle for store and house at Wasilla.
July 25, 1917 Fred worked on store cellar excavating
part of AM, heavy rain PM. Meehan got contract to put
up shell of Wilmoth Co. building Wilmoth digging small cellar.
John Aho in said he had delivered 18,000 of his 30,000 RR tie
contract. Fred and team 3 hours on store cellar.
July 26, 1917 Fred worked part of day on cellar
and hauled foundation timbers to warehouse site on RR.
Road Com. graded down hump on Main Street. Cudahy, Smith’s
man in town. Sourdough Train in 11 AM. Herron went back to Anchorage.
Martin’s team passed through with freight from Knik.
July 27, 1917 Cloudy business quiet.
Took levels of store cellar. Helped Fred on scraper.
July 28, 1917 Ben Agnew in to trade.
Grader finished Main Street. Wil’s. Co. - farmers dug
his cellar 1/3 off place for building Took pictures of
Main St. Wasilla Ave. RR and Wasilla old town. Hughes and
Martin in from Knik got letter from Mattie. Helped Fred on
scraper part of day. Lilwall back from Anchorage no lumber
came.
July 29, 1917 Worked on store
cellar AM. Evening Mattie arrived with Mrs. Tryck, they came
out with Kid on cart. Mattie looked over town site improvements.
Mattie brought me a big chocolate cake for birthday present.
July 30, 1917 Mattie returned to Knik
with Kid on cart. Had Shorty Herbert re-pile Turner lumber on
warehouse site. Wilmoth Co. started posts for new store foundation,
business fair today cash sales $61.10. Bartholf and Smith
took over Martin’s team wanted us to order him a new wagon.
July 31, 1917 Fred and Stanley arrived with
load freight from Knik. PM hauled 2 tons cement and 1 load
shiplap from RR car to cellar in store building Car
lumber arrived from Anchorage part for K. T. Co. and part for Wilmoth
Co. and part for lumber company. Road Com. employees were paid July
wages, they cashed around $500 in time checks and collected
several old bills. Fred and team hauling lumber and cement. Stanley
went to Cottonwood Creek for salmon.
August 1, 1917 Hauled lumber from car to store
lot. Wilmoth Co. on a strike account of poor lumber.
RR Com. put on daily train - Anchorage to Wasilla. Tryck
in from Alaska Road Com. camp at 32½. City autos running
again.
August 2, 1917 Wasilla school election Cannon,
Wilmoth and Knobs judges of election. Result of ballot,
36 votes cast - Edlund elected director Fleckenstein elected
clerk O .G. H. elected treasurer. G. B. Thompson arrived
from Outside. Stanley store keeper while Knobs acted as election
judge.
August 3, 1917 Fred hauled lumber for
Fleckenstein. Fred and team scraped on cellar. McNally
up from Anchorage on account of trouble with Wilmoth lumber bill.
Wilmoth cellar caved in on north side. Eide and party came
out on observation car to inspect RR line.
August 4, 1917 Fred left
for Aho’s camp on Little Susitna to haul out ties. Jack
Hylin back from trip to 32 with 1 horse wagon. McNally left
for Anchorage, another car of lumber to come next week. No
work on store excavating today. Sent in application of store
license on account of Dohrman-Herning and Co. Anchorage.
August 5, 1917 Bogard in after his hay rake
and cradle. Jack Hylin set up his new wagon. Loaned
Wilmoth Co. 2 x 6 so they could go ahead with building Stanley
dressed up in men’s size 32 x 31 dress pants. Wilmoth Co. got
up side walls of building Fred working on ties for John Aho.
August 6, 1917 Fixed up school
bond for treasurer. O. C. Miller and Wilmoth want on
my bond. Mrs. White and party in from Anchorage to visit
Willow Creek Mines. Had Jack Hylin and horse on scraper finish
store cellar. O. C. Miller in from ranch. Hylin and
horse - 7 hours on store cellar.
August 7, 1917 Rain AM no
work outside evening heavy rain. New Spokane blood in
Mohawk M. Co. arrived, started to build warehouse east of
Alaska Road Com. warehouse. Got phone from Anchorage plaster
man, told him he could bid on concrete work. Stanley started
to saw wood on store lot at $2 rick
August 8, 1917 Started to build warehouse
on RR lot. PM Clark Davis started to dig well in store cellar.
Had Hylin and horse on scraper. Evening held meeting of
Wasilla School Board, treasurer was instructed to send in estimate
of funds needed to Clerk of District Court and to Governor.
The board decided on Miss Ora Dee Clark as teacher.
August 9, 1917 Sent in treasury bond
to Clerk of Court also wrote Governor about Wasilla School.
Got water in well at noon. Eggs and fall clothing from Black
arrived. Mohawk Mining Co. building warehouse. Wilmoth
Co. putting on tar roof and started well outside of store. Martha
White party back from mines.
August 10, 1917 Dug through 2’ cement bedrock
and 4’ of water raised in well in 10 minutes at 8’ below cellar
in Wasilla, new store cost to dig well $15.60. Lilwall building
warehouse on our RR lot C. Wilmoth got tar roof completed.
City auto cars left for Anchorage, bad roads too much for them.
Sent Mattie order to come by Smith from Knik. Sent Booth his
new mattress.
August 11, 1917 AM worked
on excavating cellar with Jack Hylin. Lilwall got
posts up on RR warehouse location. Second car of lumber
came to complete K. T. Co. and Wilmoth Co. order. Evening
Mattie came out from Knik with Kid horse. Road Com. got stumps
out, from Wasilla to mile 19. PM all our help unloaded car
lumber for Wasilla Lumber Company.
August 12, 1917 Mattie at Wasilla, brought
out chicken and had a big chicken dinner. Marked up
new hardware. Bogard and Metz in to trade. Smith
came in from Knik with freight for Wasilla and mines.
August 13, 1917 AM finished
scraping on cellar. Mattie storekeeper at Wasilla.
Stanley built 6 x6 playhouse on front of lot 1 block 1. PM
Jack Hylin hauled lumber for Wilmoth Co. Windy Wilson arrived
from Anchorage to lath Wilmoth Co. building Davis and Clark
helped on cellar excavating. Harvey Bartholf in with his
new bride. Ordered underwear from Portland. Royal Tailor
sample book arrived 1917-1918.
August 14, 1917 Mattie and Stanley drove Kid
to Knik. Bogard in for lumber. Got out September
news for store paper. Fred Nelson in from Aho RR tie camp
after clothing.
August 15, 1917 Lilwall got
frame and rafters up on warehouse ready for iron. Had Hylin
scrape gravel in pile for concrete work. PM sent Hylin to
Knik for load Rae’s corg. iron to use on our warehouse roof.
Noon Davis finished excavating for outside wall for concrete.
Wilmoth Co. building warm storage. Evening asked Lilwall to
bid on our store building labor only. Steel gang back from Chickaloon.
August 16, 1917 Got iron on 2 sides of track
warehouse. Hylin back from Knik, didn’t get Rae
corg. Iron, said it was full of holes in middle, brought gable ends
off FF warehouse and clothing and office supplies etc.
Meehan wanted to put in concrete work under new store. Hotel
Hartman got top on building Dr. McCallie in town looking for
location.
August 17, 1917 Helped Shorty
to iron track end of warehouse. Lilwall worked in lumber yard.
Chas and Byron Jr. Bartholf’s in town. Rae in - went on
to Knik. Smith in on way to Knik for freight. Steel
gang laying track on main line from Little Susitna on to Talkeetna.
Hylin hauled 5 tons sand for Wilmoth Co. plaster walls. Windy
Wilson laid off, no lath to nail on. Mrs. Courtland in town.
August 18, 1917 Got roof on warehouse.
Had Clark put pipe in store well, pumped fine water clear.
Several Matanuska ranchers in to trade. Smith went to Knik
but failed to call for freight order. Telephone pole gang
moved car back to Wasilla, poles in out to Susitna bridge.
August 19, 1917 Quiet in town.
Several went to Matanuska ball game, farmers won.
Antone Stander in town from Kashwitna on way back with pack horses
he reported Free Gold strike on Iron Creek up the Talkeetna, Whiteridge
and Foster made the find. Sam Kelly through with Road Com.
went to Knik sent order for telephone wire by him and Bush.
Excursion train here.
August 20, 1917 Shorty finished
warehouse inside. Fifty cases coal oil came, put same
in new warehouse. Lilwall made new ladder. Evening
Lander out from Knik brought mail and Herman’s furs. Mattie
said Knik was dead, wanted me to go to Anchorage Fair with Stanley.
Concrete man here from Juneau. Store papers came. Sopheus
Anderson in with spuds 10 sacks.
August 21, 1917 Busy all day in store cash
sales $87.95. Had Shorty lay floor under warehouse.
Four tons feed came - RR train men threw it off on Main Street,
crossing and blocked the street. Hylin hauling lumber for
Wilmoth Co. track warehouse. Stanley came out with Smith,
got telephone wire and left clothing order.
August 22, 1917 Wasilla yard
out of lumber. Stanley and Otis moved into their summer
house corner of Boundary and Wasilla Avenue to sleep. Dr.
McCallie bought lot 5, block 8 and set up a tent office temporarily.
Wrote Alexander about Cramer note. Roads reported good again.
August 23, 1917 Joe Walton
drove to Knik. Sent order for red table cloth for Mrs.
Ross. Meyers private car with family here fishing.
Wilmoth Co. warehouse up all but east side of iron on roof sides
ship lapped. Shough auto on mine run again drove up to the Mabel
Mine last trip. New road completed from 32 to Mabel.
August 24, 1917 Fred got back from Aho’s
camp at midnight fortnight. Wilmoth Co. moved goods out
warehouse by old store to new track warehouse to get material
to close in new warehouse. Evening rain. A new auto
car came on Wasilla - Willow Creek run from Anchorage. Caveny
had his lot cleared by Jonathan Hylin.
August 25, 1917 First fall day of season
cloudy windy and cold. O. C. Miller and Mr. Lawrence
in to trade with K. T. Co. Fred went to Knik for load corg.
iron for Wasilla store building Cannon had Hylin and horse
pulling out stumps. Mattie arrived with Kid on cart from Knik
drove in, in 4 hours. Evening had Hylin haul load farm implements
to new warehouse.
August 26, 1917 All the Herning family
at Wasilla. Mrs. Forker came in from mines in route to
Knik. PM self and Mattie drove out to mile 19 Alaska Railroad
camp - road graded was fine. Report came that Shorty Ritz
was drowned in Goose Creek Goose Bay. Evening got out bank
deposits and Seattle mail.
August 27, 1917 Meehan started to put in forms
for concrete wall in cellar under new store building.
Hylin hauled up lumber for forms AM. Rathwell arrived to
plaster Wilmoth Co. store building Mrs. Forker left for
Knik with Smith team. Wagner started to harvest his oats.
August 28, 1917 Meehan got
forms in for concrete wall in cellar. Told Fleckenstein
he could help on concrete work. Lander in town for load
of freight. Gave Headberg bid on over $100 order. Got
car milk and groceries from Fischer bros. Co. unloaded same from
car into track warehouse. Fred at Knik after corg. iron.
Rae paid his bill.
August 29, 1917 Meehan put up inside
concrete cellar wall. Fred arrived from Knik with load
corg. iron.
August 30, 1917 Meehan putting in forms
for outside wall. Meehan told Davis to cut out talking
so much and Davis quit job. Fred returned to Knik for more
iron.
August 31, 1917 Got another ton cement
for store cellar. Paid Wasilla Lumber Co. on account
$300, 1st payment. Fred arrived from Knik with another
load corg. iron. Meehan got forms in for outside wall of
store cellar. Mattie sent out bed complete, set it up in tent
house. Fred hauled load cement from track to lot. Plastering
on Wilmoth Co. building completed.
September 1, 1917 Meehan
got 2 ends and 1 side in on outside cellar wall. Fred
helped on concrete work. Mattie arrived at noon from Knik
with Kid horse on cart. Several left on train for
Anchorage Fair. Got back $60 Martin check from bank marked
N. S. F.
September 2, 1917 Herning family all
at Wasilla had chicken dinner. Noon Mattie and Stanley
left on train for Anchorage to do the Agricultural Fair.
Meehan finished outside cement wall 4 PM on store cellar. Quiet
in town. Many went to the Anchorage Fair. Had baked trout
new spuds and green peas for my supper. Sent wire to L. and
H. for estimate on school books.
September 3, 1917 Quiet in town.
Mr. Lawrence and a few others went to the Fair, business good
cash sales $115.80. Swanson up from Junction to cut oats.
Only 1 car from end of track to Anchorage on account of the Fair.
Paid Davis and Clark for labor done on well and cellar. Mattie
and Stanley at Anchorage doing the Fair. Smith in from mines.
September 4, 1917 Bailes and partner in from
Moose Creek to trade. Fred at Knik after auto car.
Got phone from Herron, wanted to buy scow.
September 5, 1917 Fred arrived noon from
Knik, brought load of his junk and 3 bundles windows.
Baker in on way to mines. Chamberlain and Schwabacher man
in for orders. Got phone from Mattie about scow, she could
not hear me, line OK at Wasilla end. Shough’s back from Anchorage
looking for safe to deposit their money on account of selling their
mine.
September 6, 1917 Mattie and Stanley back from
Fair. Fred clearing his lot. Chamberlain left for
Anchorage, Rae in for supplies.
September 7, 1917 Mattie and Stanley
left for Knik. Wilmoth Co. got front in store.
Fred set up tent barn on his lot. Lander, wife and daughter
in from Knik on way to mines.
September 8, 1917 Evening heavy wind and rain,
things drowning in old town Wasilla with tent houses.
Put gable windows in warehouse. Rain beat through Wilmoth’s
roof on warehouse - ours OK. Rain drove through front of
Wilmoth Co. new store building Armour’s man in town, sent order
for groceries to Fischer bros. Co. Caveny and family in from
Anchorage.
September 9, 1917 Rain drove through the Davis
tent house and wet everything, they tore it down and moved
over on Main Street lot. Lantern batteries and flashlights
came, also Black’s horse, hay fork. Cannon making ready to
put up cabin 14 x 22. Evening blowing again but no rain.
September 10, 1917 Started to take off forms
on concrete wall and put in concrete shelf in store cellar,
Fred and Shields on the job. Shough’s back from Anchorage,
said they sold their mining property. Grennan up from Matanuska
to trade. Dad Clark went out on RR pump line to work. Lander
in for supplies from GB Mines. Seven ranchers in to trade.
Fred moved into his tent house on his lot.
September 11, 1917 Got shelf ready to concrete
in store cellar and nails out of lumber on forms. Another
car load lumber arrived, part of it for K. T. Co. store building.
Fred left for Sunny Knik to get his car. Corlew and
party in from Anchorage on way to mines. Garver and Al Best
in from mines in route to Anchorage, Garver had a sack full of
ptarmigan. Evening mist storm. Sold Chickaloon store
keeper $55 clothing.
September 12, 1917 No work on cellar
today on account of rain. Shields went out for a moose,
no catch ‘em. Fleckenstein helped to unload car lumber.
Bogard in for supplies. Mrs. McMillan back from Anchorage,
Mrs. Herbert with her for a visit at mile 31½ RH.
Tom Williams through at Talkeetna, he went to Knik. Sam
Kelly came out from Knik in route to Talkeetna to “look see”.
September 13, 1917 Meehan put in rough
coat on cellar shelf. Shields quit at noon on account
of weak back, Patzack in from Knik, brought mail.
Mattie let scow and pile driver go without any pay “oh how easy”.
Sam Fischer’s man in, got no orders. Hartman moved from RR
lease to his new hotel on Main Street. Sent wire for furnace.
September 14, 1917 AM rain. No
work today business fair. Mrs. Shough back from Cottonwood
with horses. Ford auto car broke differential. Evo
in from mile 11, had to cut out all the wind falls. Balance
of gunnysacks came but no bill. Roads muddy again on account
of late rains. Wilmoth’s preparing for opening dance in store
Saturday evening. Carpenters still working.
September 15, 1917 Weather cloudy business
good over $200 today. Noon Stanley arrived on Kid horse.
Mattie and Knik dancers arrived to attend Wilmoth Co. dance.
Evening Wilmoth Co. pulled off dance in new store building had
a good crowd. Fraiser furnished “outside” soft drinks.
Gunnysacks came for potato crop. Lilwall went to Anchorage.
September 16, 1917 Quiet in town. Knik
party left with Smith team, Stanley stayed over. Had
Shields put coal bin under warehouse.
September 17, 1917 Stanley left for Knik, arrived
at noon. Material for Wasilla depot arrived. Shields
cleaned out store cellar. Snowed 2’ to 3’ at mines.
Rained on flats all night. Lilwall back from Anchorage.
Fred at Wasilla fixing up winter quarters.
September 18, 1917 All the mountains white
with snow this morning. Cannon ready to build cottage.
Smith back from Knik with freight for mines. Brought clothing
for Wasilla store. Meehan finished concrete shelf in cellar now
ready to put up store building. Anchorage auto car no. 2 returned
to Anchorage today. Evening sent order for meats and forage.
Anderson and partner in from mines.
September 19, 1917 First
hard frost last night, froze mud enough to walk on. Started
to frame store building, Lilwall marking, Shorty and Shields
sawing. Fleckenstein put in concrete bottoms for posts under
floor sills. Some demand for winter clothing. Tom Babcock
in from mines in route to Seldovia. Several in from mines
on account of snow storm in hills. Ordered butter and fruit.
September 20, 1917 A. E. Commission started
foundation for depot business fair. Fred left for Knik
with team. John Bartholf and boys in from summers prospecting,
reported ptarmigans on Purches Creek, none on this side of
Fishhook Creek. Framing done on store building and started
sills under floor. Balance of Black order came and underwear
in from Portland. Glass came for store front. Self got the
makings of a cold.
September 21, 1917 Weather cloudy big
wind last night and this AM, blocked up road from Knik to Wasilla.
Got floor sills in ready to lay rough floor on new store building,
business fair. Stanley rode Kid out from Knik, brought mail, said
road was full of windfalls. Farmers busy digging spuds.
Wickersham in to trade from Chickaloon camp.
September 22, 1917 Smith and Lander drove in
to Knik, Fred came out. Stanley helped lay rough floor
on new store building, now ready to raise studs etc. Delayed
butter came from Anchorage. Pat Kelly and others went to Anchorage.
Sent Seattle L. and A. Co. order by Fred Laubner to mail at Anchorage.
Got September store papers now visited “Wasilla News”.
September 23, 1917 Raised walls of store
building Stanley stayed over, thought it would rain.
Evo’s team ran away with load of cabbage, Evo got hurt
a little and I got my big toe skinned when team gave a lunge. Paid
D-H Co. Seattle invoices. No excursion train today but Meyers
car came out to end of steel.
September 24, 1917 Building
ready for rafters. Stanley left on Kid for Knik. Lander
and Smith in from Knik with freight for mines. Fred got
balance of hay and oats. Fred plowing for C. D. Johnson.
Bragaw and Otis picking up Wagner’s spuds. A. E. Commission
putting in concrete piers for Wasilla depot.
September 25, 1917 Lilwall got rafters up and
cut in all openers. Gus Swanson in from Martin’s Mine to
dig his spuds. Sent in last orders for fur hats and mush.
Got check and note to cover pile driver and scow $500.
September 26, 1917 Started to side up on new
store building. Mattie arrived from Knik on Kid horse, came
out to see about pile driver deal, if paid Otto didn’t want
to do assessment work Gus said he might do it. Knik Doherty in from
Chickaloon went through to Knik. Carpenter from Anchorage went
to work. Got letter from father to come and visit him.
September 27, 1917 Fred drove to Knik for freight
account K. T. Co. self and Fred Roscher. Wall board 7M
ft. came for store building Put on another carpenter,
six men now working on building. Paid O. J. Meehan for helping
on cement work $58.60 by check, business fair over $100 today.
Sent Roscher's order out by Fred.
September 28, 1917 Mr. Frank Doherty of Chickaloon
down for supplies. Rae in for supplies and McMillan,
Black and Swanson and several in on account of land survey sale
of horses and wagon. No sale - didn’t show up. Heinz
57 varieties in town went fishing. Cashed $750 in checks.
Shields quit work on store building on account of pains in
his back etc. Garver in for supplies.
September 29, 1917 Sold Frank Doherty an order,
went to Chickaloon and Blewett an order at mile 28. Put
up order for Garver at Peterson Creek went via RR to Willow Creek
crossing. Blewett went to Knik. Williamson land survey
sold their pack horses and wagon. Simmons and girls out from
Knik and Cave’s to attend sale.
September 30, 1917 Perfect day.
Got all the walls up and ribbons on roof and laid 30’ of iron
roofing. Several going to Knik. Fred still at Knik
delivering coal and spuds. Shields left for Chickaloon to
hunt sheep. Lander went to mines with load. Wagner had
a potato bee, Kidd, Bragaw and section men helped him dig his
spuds. Meehan through on Wilmoth building time 2 months.
October 1, 1917 Lilwall set up concrete chimney
on north side of store building, too windy to put on roof.
Had Hylin get 10 sacks sand. Put cleats over laps of paper
on side walls to stop air circulation. Dark up from Matanuska
to trade. Bill Long went to Knik to dig his spuds.
Whitridge went out to BD Mines to help Zink do assessment work.
Fred in with a load from Knik for K. T. Co. Lowman and Hanford
wired prices on school supplies. Wired Governor Wasilla School
estimate $3,100.
October 2, 1917 Shorty and
Fleckenstein got galvanized iron roof on except 10 sheets.
Lilwall and Russell started to put in store front. Made
deal with deaf painter to paint front south side and east end and
do lettering on store front. Fred working for C. D. Johnson.
October 3, 1917 Roof on in fine shape, 14 days
from starting store building to get under cover. New
building ready for inside finish. Wall board shelving balcony
and TG floor. Sid Anderson went through to mines. Johnny
Burkhart on 1st trip to Willow Creek Mines. Railroad men got
frame of depot up today. Cannon got his new house up.
Tommy McLaughlin visiting Cannon. Bid on $300 order for Fleckenstein.
October 4, 1917 Let Shorty
and Nunan go. Lilwall and Russell working on front,
Fleckenstein on cleating side wall paper coal bin etc.
Rae in from Knik brought 2 last lots in block 7. First freight
train went through to end of line all box cars. Fred going to
dig Headburg’s spuds with potato digger. Shorty Herbert went
home to dig his spuds.
October 5, 1917 Put on two
bunch of men. Got in front balcony. Self stained
and cleaned back windows. Store front in ready for painter
except windows. Mattie and Stanley came out from Knik with Gold
Cord horse on cart. Kid horse got rheumatism in shoulder.
Fred gone to run potato digger for Strandberg.
October 6, 1917 Got transom window frames ready
in store front. Painter painting south side of Wilmoth
store. Self painted back windows and saddle board. Concrete
blocks came for chimney in house part of store. Fleckenstein
finished painting up cellar wall and fixed coal bin.
October 7, 1917 Got side balcony up ready for
floor. Started to nail on wall board over back balcony.
Had Fleckenstein make outside boxes under walk in front of cellar
windows. Had steak and cabbage dinner Mattie the cook.
Edlund in, he approved estimates for school. Mattie and Stanley
ready to go to Knik tomorrow. Smith went to Knik took all the
baggage.
October 8, 1917 Noon car load of hardware and
groceries arrived, put perishables in new store cellar.
Got $110 order from Donovan. Fred back at noon from Strandberg
potato harvest. Got wall board on above balcony. Evening
colder northern lights. Fulton and mother in - going Outside.
Lander back from Anchorage.
October 9, 1917 Got floor laid on balcony and
all window frames made, ready to set glass and hang doors.
Got chimney in aft part of store. AM finished unloading car
of groceries and hardware. Fred went to Knik in government wagon.
Smith came out from Knik. Hartman started to build log barn
on 50’ x 50’ rear, lot 2, block 1 that I sold him for $20.
Evening big wind. Joe Palmer going to Nelchina to do assessment
work.
October 10, 1917 Got doors hung in kitchen
and living room and 1/3 of wallboard on ceiling. Smoked
meats that we wired for came. Horning in from Knik on way
to mines. Wilmoth tore down old tent store on RR lease.
Had painter put sign on south side of new store building: “Herning’s
Place Everything for Everybody”.
October 11, 1917 Evening blew hard.
Lilwall went to Anchorage for lumber to finish stairs and balcony.
Wall board all on except south side below balcony. Took
doors out of old store for south side of new store. Depot covered
in. Elder went to Knik sent Mattie 2 post office orders to
collect. Evening priced up groceries.
October 12, 1917 Wallboard all on except partitions
in house part. Self put double glass in cellar windows and caulked
around all window frames with oakum. Evo in with vegetables,
said he and Clark might go Outside for winter. Fred at
Knik. Smith in from mines. Hartman paid me for 50’
x 50’ rear part of lot 2 block 1. Meehan Sr. moved into Wilmoth’s
old storehouse on track
October 13, 1917 Floors all laid
ready for balcony stairs and shelving. Lilwall back from
Anchorage at noon. Got bill of meats, Portland dry goods
and furnace for store basement. Painter back from Anchorage,
stained strips for ceiling. Horning back from mines went
on to Knik. Fischer in from coal fields went to Knik.
October 14, 1917 Started to put in house rooms
in aft of store also balcony stairs. Got wire from Governor,
Wasilla estimate for school approved and to proceed with building
etc.
October 15, 1917 First hard freeze last night,
froze ½”. Car of forage, store furnace, meats,
fruit and dry goods from Portland came. Put outside glass
in front of store. Got most of wallboard on house partitions.
Wilmoth Co. had sign painted on RR side of building. Dug
hole for water closet at rear of lot. Mattie sent bill of freight
shipped from Knik, 332 pieces. Elder got back from Knik, Lilwall
in from GB.
October 16, 1917 Froze ground
last night. Ranchers ½ day crossing lake on account
ice. Busy day sales over $100. House rooms ready for doors.
Put in show window floors. Got freight bill today $520.55.
Got invoice for school books. Gus and Elder left for Grubstake
to do assessment work. Painters on depot building done outside.
October 17, 1917 Noon Knik car of freight came,
hauled perishables to store cellar. Stanley arrived from Knik,
he came with Fred, walked ahead. House rooms about finished in
new store. Opened 5 bids to clear school lot - Shorty Herbert
got it at $45 for 100 x 200 ft. clearing. Started to set up
furnace. All ready to connect hot air pipe.
October 18, 1917 First snow of fall at
Wasilla gone by 9 AM. Worked on unloading Knik freight.
Set up heater in new store. Fred went to Knik for load
household goods. Fischer deposited $150 for trap line
supplies at Eska Creek. Lidell digging cellar for Dr. Spaulding.
Evening Stanley helped me on oiling store floor. Frank Bayer
up from Anchorage paid his bill.
October 19, 1917 Front door came from Anchorage
store, in shape to lock up. Lilwall and John jointing up
stairs, banister, etc. Feldman Pres’d. of D and H Co. up from
Anchorage said Dohrmann wanted to buy him out and Lampson wanted my
interest. Stanley and Otis took contract to paint north side of
store for $4, they did 2/3 of it in PM. Evening Fred in from
Knik with household goods for Mrs. OGH. Gus wrote from mines most
of grub stolen.
October 20, 1917 Garver in for supplies and
several ranchers from Matanuska. Started to put up shelves
on north side of store. Fleckenstein finished 8’ walks in
front of store. Received October store paper. Fred plowing
for Cannon. Shields back from Chickaloon hunting trip.
Meehan tore down Wilmoth Co. house on track and moved same to Kid
lot. Mattie drove out from Knik on cart.
October 21, 1917 Weather cool A-1 day
busy AM in store. Pete Murray and Gus Swanson down from
Matanuska. Shields went to Knik. Harvey Bartholf went
to Anchorage. Big bunch in from mines. Dr. Spaulding in.
Evening finished oiling balcony floor and varnished kitchen floor.
Fleckenstein through on Saturday job. Shelves on north side
going up also banister. Herbert started to clear school lot on
Saturday.
October 22, 1917 Froze hard last night.
Wasilla Lake froze over, also part of Cottonwood Creek.
Busy day, harness gear, school supplies and chemical engine arrived.
Moved from tent house behind old store to new quarters in new store
corner of Main Street and Wasilla Avenue. O. C. Miller came
in to connect up furnace. Prospector in from lower Willow Creek
for outfit. Caveny and Dr. Spaulding starting to build winter
quarters. Fred fixing up his lot.
October 23, 1917 Weather cloudy PM snow,
ground white with snow ground frozen 1”. Got shelves in
on north side of store. Meehan got his house under cover.
Miller jointed up pipes for furnace. Stanley helped me side
up west side of lower warehouse. All in from mines but GB.
Evening located openings for furnace registers.
October 24, 1917 Had toilet built on rear of
lot. Russell left for Anchorage. Miller connected up
one floor register to furnace. Evening measured up new
store building for Gloria gas lights. Fred took 15 sacks oats
and 15 bales hay from warehouse to his lot. Rae left for
states, left Sever in charge.
October 25, 1917 About 2” snow fell.
Mattie left with Fred to get load household goods etc. at Knik.
Got gas pipe in to hold up balcony. Evening Lilwall helped
me to get out plans for Wasilla school house for bids. Mattie
at Knik. Road Com. through on Knik - Willow Creek Road.
October 26, 1917 Winter seems
to be on, ground white but not enough for sledding. Booth
and AR Com. mess team arrived. PM got out specifications for bids
on new Wasilla school building. Evening got out store paper
with announcement of dance October 30th. Mattie at Sunny
Knik for household goods. Had grading done around store and
storm shed built.
October 27, 1917 Temperature -3 last
night and ground white with snow, made one change summer to
winter inside of 2 days. Two ranchers in to trade from Palmer.
Miller completed furnace connections and turned on the juice, then
left for his ranch PM. Mattie and Fred back from Knik with
load household goods etc. E. G. Harlow in from Talkeetna District
brought Atkins team loaned him $15 on same.
October 28, 1917 Got storm shed finished at
rear of store, business fair sales over $175. Paid Russell
off for labor on store building $224. Had Herbert clean up
lumber rubbish around street side of store. Evening jointed
up wires for gas plant. Got bids out for Wasilla school building.
Fenton’s came through on old account.
October 29, 1917 Andy Conrad got fishing outfit
to go to Brown’s Lake. Got big mail with invoices of balance
of goods to come many goods left short not obtainable. Stanley
helped to install wires for gas plant in new store. Lilwall
got railing up on balcony. Opened bids for Wasilla school
building, Board decided to give it to Meehan.
October 30, 1917 Snowed 6”. Fred
came in from Knik with wagon, brought small load KT freight.
Got gas lights installed and cleaned up new store building for
dance. Evening 60 people came to dance gave them oyster supper
at Wasilla Hotel. Dancers went home at 3 o’clock. All
well pleased with dance and new store. Meehan went to Anchorage
for school lumber.
October 31, 1917 Moved clothing boxes out of
warehouse to make room for sugar, etc., due to arrive.
Put wallboard under south balcony and started to put in hardware
shelves. Trapper Johnson in from Matanuska to trade. Tom
Caveny back from Anchorage to put up his house at Wasilla.
November 1, 1917 A-1 day freezing about
4” snow. Stanley and self stained shelving on north side of store.
Meehan back from Anchorage and buying lumber for school building.
McMillan in. Horning came out form Knik and went to Anchorage
on train. Carey paid old bill.
November 2, 1917 Freezing -2 last night.
Last of winter supplies arrived, butter mush and flour, ½
car load. Wilmoth Co. winter stock arrived 1 car. Got
hardware shelves up started to make counters. Lumber for school
house arrived. Kidd family pulled stakes and left for Anchorage
on PM train.
November 3, 1917 AM finished
unloading car and checked down freight. Had Pete working
with freight all day. Fred hauled us load birch wood for
furnace. Shipped small order to Chickaloon. Caveny
building barn. Clark back from pumping job. McMillan
left for 31½ RH. Patzack out from Knik. Evening
stained 1st new counter dry goods side.
November 4, 1917 Fred drove out to O. C. Miller’s
for hay. O. C. sent in cupboard for Mrs. O. G. kitchen
stained red and green.
November 5, 1917 Reported -22 out at
end of steel, business good sales over $100. Moved tables and
1 counter out of hardware store on track to new store building
and clothing. Harlow in from Talkeetna. Caveny back
from Knik. Got warrant for school money.
November 6, 1917 Put up order for Chas Martin,
Palmer and C. S. Lawrence mile 28. Had Shorty put up tie
post for farmers. Lander in from Knik, Mrs. came with him.
Both Fred and Smith drove to Knik. Swanson the freighter
in from Matanuska. Evening Stanley helped to stain 2 counters.
November 7, 1917 Smith in from Knik.
Fred failed to come out. Evening varnished counters, got
clothing counter finished. School house under cover.
Carpenters completed counters.
November 8, 1917 Drake in from Moose
Creek and Swanson from Matanuska to trade. Forker in
from Knik. Evening Fred in from Knik with freight had 1,650
lbs. for K. T. Co. Carpenter made Mattie sink and work
table. Wilmoth Co. had electrician 3 days to install lights.
Doc Spaulding’s house about up. Evening finished shellacking
north side of store counter.
November 9, 1917 Carpenters finished
at noon on inside work on new store building Wasilla. Everything
complete down stairs except casing in cellar stairs. Installed
gas light plant in Wasilla Hotel.
November 10, 1917 Chas Carlson down from Palmer
to trade. Danielson and Gooding in to trade.
November 11, 1917 Fred hauled in 3 loads wood.
Hylin hauled in wood for Sears to be sawed for K. T. Co. store.
Paid Fleckenstein for labor on store and cement work.
Paid John and Charley for inside labor on store building.
November 12, 1917 Mattie went to Knik
with Fred for load K. T. Co. freight. Train now on thrice weekly
trips. Several in from Iditarod District. Lilwall
went to Anchorage. Conway and Danielson in to trade.
Sears started to cut rick wood PM.
November 13, 1917 Fred arrived from Knik
with load house lumber for Tryck I. V. Miller and 2 other
ranchers down from Palmer to trade bought over $300 outfit.
George Gates in from Knik to set up Tryck’s house. Mattie
at Knik. Did over $400 business today.
November 14, 1917 Busy filling
orders for ranchers at Palmer, had Shorty help. Sandain
came thru from Knik with load freight for ranchers. Tryck
building house on his lot corner Wasilla Ave. and Knik St. Forker
in from Knik. Mattie got back from Knik, rode out with Landers.
Evo and Clark left for States to winter.
November 15, 1917 Snowed about 6” last night.
McNally up from Anchorage account Wasilla lumber business.
Pd. Meehan $736 on contract to build school house. Got phone
from Miss Clark that she couldn’t come to take up school until Nov.
26th. Lilwall back from Anchorage
November 16, 1917 Pd. McNally
$551.75 on lumber account Wasilla store building. Put up
wood order for Paul Forker. Evening dance in new school house, about
40 present, ladies gave sandwich and cake lunch at Hotel Hartman.
Shough tried to go to Junction with auto car, couldn’t climb the
hills account loose snow.
November 17, 1917 Clear and cold, -6.
Evening Shough took about 20 to dance at ranchers hall Wasilla
Creek. Gus and Elder back from doing assessment work
on Grubstake Placer. clear and colder.
November 18, 1917 Put up
clothing order for Chickaloon. Monroe Kast in route to States.
Cache Creek Dredge Co. men in.
November 19, 1917 Soft weather, first Chinook
since freeze. Put in double glass on front door and transom
to prevent frosting. Stanley and Otis drove Kid horse out to O.
C. Miller ranch for a visit.
November 20, 1917 Chinook weather. Swanson
the freighter in. F. F. Winchester down from Matanuska
Junction left $100 order. Stanley and Otis back from 40
mile Miller’s place. Fred in from Knik with balance of Tryck lumber.
Monroe Kast in from Peters Creek going Outside. Reported
Mariposa on the rocks.
November 21, 1917 Chinook weather.
Shorty still placing groceries on shelves. About ready to put
hardware on shelves. Joe Anderson passed through from Cache
Creek. Installed Keith’s system. Ed Mullen took
over Caveny and Grey team to winter.
November 22, 1917 Paid Meehan balance due on
school building. School house completed ready for business.
Sent out call for bids on 5 cords wood at school house for fuel.
Ben Agnew and Oden Olson in town. Matanuska barber here looking
for location, said Junction was dead.
November 23, 1917 Fred brought in 8 cases gasoline
and other store goods from Knik. Caveny left for Anchorage
to bring out his family to Wasilla. Pete Herbert left
for ranch.
November 24, 1917 Sold Wilmoth Co. $150 order.
J. H. Conway in for goods. Noon train Miss Ora Clark arrived
to open Wasilla school on Monday. Shorty back from ranch
worked PM in store. Jack Hylin moved school supplies to school
house.
November 25, 1917 Fred in
from Knik with Mrs. Tryck and balance of house lumber. Put
seats in school house. Shorty worked until 9 PM on seats.
Stanley stained benches and table. Evening got out Seattle
mail. Seven Iditarod outfits in.
November 26, 1917 Wasilla School opened
today Miss Ora Clark teacher. Shorty cut wood. Got
our bid for school wood at $4.50 3 ft. rick cord. Fred went
to Knik. Evening answered mail orders.
November 27, 1917 Shipped one order to Chickaloon.
Got alleys in store pretty well cleaned up. Wilmoth sidestepped
on the Ajax Chemical Engine, wanted town to pay for same.
Sent $37.50 government installment on Anchorage lot 1 block 29
old store location.
November 28, 1917 Wilmoth Co. came through
on half of fire engine. Fred in from Knik brought balance of
Matt’s furniture and some clothing for K. T. Co. Meehan baby
died.
November 29, 1917 Mattie sang at Meehan babies
funeral first death in Wasilla. Evening got out pricelist
of groceries and mailed same to Chickaloon, Palmer, Moose Creek
and Eklutna. Another big bunch of Iditarod dog mushers at
roadhouse on way to states. Gold Team on road. Stanley
had turkey at Hotel Hartman no school today.
November 30, 1917 Weather clear and colder
-8. Cash sales slow credit sales fair. Marking
and arranging new goods on shelf all day. Fred went to Knik.
Gus came out from Knik. Moose Hank in town. Evening
fixed up Matt’s sink and hung mirror.
December 1, 1917 Temperature -26 and
- 2 at Knik. Train in and returned going on semi-weekly
run next week. Capt. Gaikema and Billy Murray up from Anchorage
in route to mines. Got order from Lawrence mile 28.
Dieber wrote he was trying to sell out for $3,100 and would join
the Army. Evening arranged sporting goods in shelves.
Took a bath.
December 2, 1917 Hylin drove out to mile 28.
GB making hauling camp at Houston and cutting road to connect
with Knik winter road to mines, connects at OGH ridge cache.
PM fixed up outside lamps and installed one in school house.
Lander in town. Fred back from Knik. Extra train to end
of line for mushers from Nenana.
December 3, 1917 Turner here fixing up old
caterpillar machine. Gus back from Chickaloon.
December 4, 1917 Got collection from Chickaloon
$149. Shields in from Knik with mounted furs, hung same
on wall for exhibit. Had Shorty clean up meats. Evening
got out-mail also price lists for Shields to take to Chickaloon.
Up till 4 o’clock, Houston coal men in.
December 5, 1917 Luthinger in to trade.
Frank Kelly the coal man from Anchorage in town looking for
business. Sent Shields up valley to take orders. Put
charge in Ajax Chemical Engine. Shorty working on smoked meats.
Dog mushers from Inside arriving every day going to States.
December 6, 1917 Blodgett and McMillan
in from Anchorage each with a keg of booze. Shorty finished
cleaning meats. Fred in from Knik nothing for K. T. Co.
Evening got out-mail. Paid sewer assessment on lot 1 block
29 Anchorage 1917 due December 13th $21.92.
December 7, 1917 Andy Conrad in for fishing
outfit. Mr. Whitaker and partner in for outfits going
to Brown’s Lake. W. A. Black in town for Meehan’s frozen
spuds. Clark Davis wanted us to take over his candy etc. and
close up his “joint”. Fred in town fixed Cannon’s pump.
December 8, 1917 Got 1 order by Shields from
Chickaloon. Hughes teams in from Knik going to haul out Moose
Creek coal. Richard Crisp and Barney Johnson in town.
Whitaker left for Brown’s Lake. Miss Clark moved into Tryck’s
house.
December 9, 1917 Weather cloudy evening
big wind. More mushers in from Iditarod. Invited out to
big turkey dinner at Caveny’s, 11 years married. Lander in
from Houston camp. Tweeden fell down cellar hole last night,
Stanley got Dr. for him AM today.
December 10, 1917 Bert McClarty, Sam
Kelly and Otto out from Knik on way to Anchorage to get booze
released by government. Vic Blodgett bought out McClarty
and Frasier’s soft drink joint at Knik. Hughes teams outfitted
for Moose Creek.
December 11, 1917 Big wind. Shields
back from trip to Chickaloon, brought 2 orders. Sales over
$200. Got Rae’s check for October account.
Forker bros. in from wood camp. Mattie decorated new show
case on clothing side with clothing and candy perfume etc.
December 12, 1917 Wind still blowing.
Lander went out via Houston. Wilmoth Co. electric lights
went on the bum. Al Davis in to inspect his interest with
the Wilmoth Co. Sever went to Knik with Hylin's horse for load
lumber for Rae-Wallace Co. Sold Kennedy a pump.
December 13, 1917 Knik bunch back from Anchorage
some failed to get their booze kegs. Willard Hall arrived
from his Alfred Creek mines. Joe Palmer back from trip.
Evening worked on inventory report to bank. Got phone order
from Dieber at Chickaloon.
December 14, 1917 Working on hardware placing
same on new shelves. Got phone from Lowry and Pikes agent
Anchorage about insurance. Mrs. Small in town went out
to visit Cliff’s girl at mile 28. John Hylin rounding up his
bills. Gus wanted to buy K. T. Co. warehouse at Knik and move
same to Wasilla.
December 15, 1917 Big wind. John Kelly
down from Palmer for supplies. Evening hardest wind yet,
blew all the roof off shed annex to store on RR front. Blew
Bragaw’s tent house down and shook up the Davis tent houses.
Fred dug a well on his lot.
December 16, 1917 Wind died out PM.
Mr. Conway in for Xmas supplies. Forker bros. placed order.
Working on inventory of stock cost of new store buildings etc.
for insurance.
December 17, 1917 Weather colder.
Put iron back on old track store.
December 18, 1917 Cold wave -34.
Mattie went to Knik with Fred’s team. Put hooks on ceiling to
hang coffee pots on etc. Evening worked on inventory and
mail. Special train out to end of line today business fair
sold $60 corn meal. Mattie at Knik.
December 19, 1917 Cold wave -32 in AM.
Got most of granite and tin ware hung on ceiling aft of store.
Train from west several hours late. Evening worked on
inventory of stock at wholesale price $15,537.12.
House store buildings and dock not included.
December 20, 1917 Temperature -34.
Got 3 phone orders from Chickaloon. Mattie got back from Knik
with big load office fixtures and other merchandise from Knik
store. Evening worked on inventory report until after midnight.
Coldest snap of winter. Reported -55 at Kashwitna.
Frank Kelly in town.
December 21, 1917 Cold wave still on,
-10 to -36. Got 400 lbs. Wikholm coal mile 174 for trial
in furnace. Got wire from Governor, he would allow $300
for 2 room annex for teachers living room. Got turkey for
Xmas dinner. Caveny's went to Anchorage for Xmas.
December 22, 1917 Temperature -30.
Everybody at home on account of cold snap. Sold one outfit.
December 23, 1917 Evening warmer with a little
wind. Danielson and Neklason in to trade also John Aho
from 170 tie camp. Evening paid D-H and Co. Seattle invoices.
December 24, 1917 O. C. Miller in from ranch.
Evening school kids gave Xmas exercises at school house about
60 people present closed with a dance. First Xmas for Wasilla.
Fred and Gus went to Knik.
December 25, 1917 Xmas with Herning family
living aft of new store building at Wasilla Alaska. Mattie
gave turkey dinner to bachelors: Cannon, Miller and Lilwall.
Evening worked on inventory. Put up order for Chickaloon.
Foster returned from Anchorage bought gun for Shields.
December 26, 1917 Cold wave broken business
quiet. Shorty on the wood pile. Worked on inventory.
Joe Palmer left for Alfred Creek with supplies. O. C. Miller
left for his ranch took out load grub etc. on Stanley’s homemade sled.
Finished Xmas turkey.
December 27, 1917 Weather colder.
Frank Kelly in town after wood for Anchorage. Hall in from
28, sent Miller’s coal oil out. Electrician from Anchorage
arrived to fix up Wilmoth Co. electric plant broke down. Surplus
stock $16,660.91, real estate $11,385.07, assets $28,045.98.
Fred back from Anchorage on account of tie pay from Aho went to
Knik.
December 28, 1917 Weather clear business
quiet. Lilwall went to Anchorage sent mail by him.
PM big wind struck town. Fred in from Knik with harness
gear etc. for K. T. Co. and freight for Wendler and Larson Anchorage.
Evening Wilmoth Co. storekeeper set street fire toward K. T. Co.
hardware store on tracks put it out. Second big wind of winter.
Temperature raised to +28.
December 29, 1917 Big wind all day,
tearing iron off hardware store on tracks. Packed up a
lot of goods and brought over to new store. Wind blew
Caveny’s back house all to smithereens. Fred returned to
Knik to haul coal from Goose Bay for Palmer. Hylin took Mrs.
Hartman to Knik to trade. Wind hardest yet of winter.
December 30, 1917 Still windy and warmer,
business quiet. Hylin back from Knik with Sunny Knik merchandise
for Hartman. Forker bros. in from Knik brought their mother.
Had chicken dinner. Evening wind dying out.
December 31, 1917 Cloudy and warmer,
wind died out. Frost went off store front. Had Hylin
haul 2 loads from track hardware store. Worked about all
night on Seattle mail checked out $3,000. Frank Kelly in town
for wood for Anchorage Old year ended with the Herning family
living aft of new 24’ x80’ store at Wasilla on main line of
Government RR and half way from Sunny Knik to Willow Creek Mines.
1918
January 1, 1918 Kennedy back from Talkeetna
after freight. School in commission today. Mrs. Forker
returned to Knik. Vic Blodgett came out. Herman Gromwoldt
in from his fox ranch at Fish Lake. Ward and Sever cutting
100 cords wood for Kelly and Lidell wood yard at Anchorage.
Harry Lander in from mines. New Year arrived with the Herning family
living in aft part of 24’ x 80’ store at Wasilla, Alaska. Closed
Knik store November 1, 1917. Mrs. Herning and son moved out to
railroad town business slow on account boys gone to war.
January 2, 1918 Enough snow for sledding again
after big wind, business fair. Pete Murray and A. G.
Swanson down from Junction to trade. Old Hamel in from
Hughes camp at Cottonwood. Mattie had school teacher for
dinner. Got 10 tons coal from Houston’s new coal mine.
Evening shellacked stairs to balcony. Had Pete candle the
eggs.
January 3, 1918 Doc Spaulding back from
Anchorage business fair. Got order from Houston Coal Co
and Wickersham at Chickaloon and Bates at Moose Creek. Wilmoth
Co. lights on the bum had electrician up from Anchorage. Hylin
back from shoeing Dan at Matanuska. Monroe Kast’s partner
in from Station.
January 4, 1918 Put Houston coal in bin, had
Hylin haul over 3 loads from track hardware store. Goods
about all moved out of old store to new store corner of Main and
Wasilla Avenue. Evening finished shellacking stairs and
grocery counter.
January 5, 1918 Busy storing
away goods from track hardware store. Installed street
light. Hylin went to Knik. Stanley hauled load oat
hay for Kid horse. Evening down to zero.
January 6, 1918 Arranged stoves in middle of
floor. Varnished the stairs to balcony. Hylin in from
Knik with lumber for Hartman.
January 7, 1918 Colder -24. Put
up coal order for Houston. Smith and partner in to trade
from Matanuska District. Moved over last of hardware from
track store. Hartman’s lining hotel with cloth and fixing
up 6 rooms in loft.
January 8, 1918 Frank Kelly
in with Saunders team to haul out wood for Anchorage. George
Zink back from Anchorage and Lander, both went in to Knik.
Lilwall back from Anchorage. Made out grocery list for Dieber
at Chickaloon.
January 9, 1918 Business quiet Got out-mail,
Let Pete Herbert go.
January 10, 1918 Got 1 good order from
Chickaloon got same ready for Fridays train.
January 11, 1918 Harold Howard
and Pete Peterson visited. Hylin went to Knik for planks
off FF dock. Evening reamed office desk Stanley got
out “Lucille News”.
January 12, 1918 Tom Caveny back from trip
to 32. Mrs. Wilmoth visited on Mrs. O. G.
January 13, 1918 Forker bros. in from
Knik. Jack Hylin in with load planks off FF dock at Knik.
January 14, 1918 Grennan
and Lutchinger in for grub. Cleaned up goods on floor,
now in shipshape again. Hylin went to Knik for lumber.
January 15, 1918 Outside
mail in. Frank Kelly left for Anchorage. Hylin
back from Knik with 2nd load lumber off of FF dock 20 x 40 = 1,600’
planks.
January 16, 1918 Grennan
and Swanson in to trade. H. E. Nye went to Anchorage
for electric wiring for Caterpillar. Kelly shipped 2 cars
of wood to Anchorage.
January 17, 1918 Nagley and wife on way to
Anchorage. Colonel Revelle in town looking after mail
carriers. Shields in from Knik. Thorpe moved camp
for road makers to coal mine near Bald Mt. Sever and Herbert
going to join Army Engineer and mess department.
January 18, 1918 Wilmoth
Co. electric lights on the bum. Fred back from Knik after
2 week job hauling coal from Goose Bay. Nagley and wife left
for Anchorage. Shields left for Knik.
January 19, 1918 Sinclair
out from Knik. Fred installed his pumps. Mattie drove Stanley
over to mile 19 for dance at Dahlquist’s, Mrs. Caveny went along.
Stanley hauled in load oat hay for Kid
January 20, 1918 Stanley got home from dance
at noon, stayed with Shorty. Puttied up banister ready
to stain and varnish.
January 21, 1918 Fred went to Knik, took Donovan’s
grub. Jack Hylin hauled wood for K. T. Co. Good sledding
again after sleet and snow storm.
January 22, 1918 Business good got 3
orders from Chickaloon. Frank Doherty visited.
Cat man back with electrical engineer, fixed Wilmoth Co. lights.
Al Crocker in to trade.
January 23, 1918 Shorty Herbert,
Meehan and others went to Anchorage. Sever sent word
to Matanuska Marshal to take charge of Rae’s horse. Ward
and Sever going to work at Aho’s camp, said to turn wood over to Fred
if Kelly didn’t take same.
January 24, 1918 Got out Seattle mail, issued
checks for D-H and Co. invoices. C. D. Johnson took over
Rae’s horse to winter from Sever. Got notice about Federal
Food Law, not over 49 lb. flour and 50 lb. sugar to a customer.
Got $300 check for teacher room annex to school building.
January 25, 1918 Evening
dance at school house and lunch at hotel. Simmons and
D. E. Blodgett came out from Knik for dance. John Bartholf
and Roy Smith went to Anchorage said they had all mining timbers
delivered at mines.
January 26, 1918 Knik dancers returned home.
Shough and Wilmoth’s left for Farmers Hall dance. Dance
at school house last night by Wasilla-ites.
January 27, 1918 Quiet in town.
Had big chicken alamode dinner, Caveny family present.
January 28, 1918 Gates in
from Knik with load spuds for Talkeetna. Evening meeting
at school house formed Commercial Club.
January 29, 1918 Business slow sold $33
worth of fur. Horning back from Seattle. Ole Jacobson
in with passenger for Iditarod. Fred in from Knik.
January 30, 1918 Shorty drove Kid to his ranch
after trunk etc. going to join war draft. Stanley drove
down to C. D. Johnson’s after spuds - had none. Harry Lander
and wife in from mines Lander hurt his shoulder.
January 31, 1918 Masters in from Palmer Station
looking for prices. Cigar drummer up from Anchorage.
Town full of people today. Solskloskey took his furs.
February 1, 1918 Peter Herbert
left for Outside to join Army or do Government work.
Got more dope on the food conserve, sell equal weight of cereals
with flour.
February 2, 1918 Patzack in from tie camp at
Sheep Creek. Fred moved Fenton’s from 16 RH to 19 RH.
A. G. Swanson in from Matanuska to trade. Sold Hamill pair
of bobsleighs.
February 3, 1918 Quiet in town.
J. G. Swanson and “K. P. Grubstake” in, evening strong
wind.
February 4, 1918 Evening
first meeting of Wasilla Commercial Club, committee appointed,
blacksmith wanted. Patzack in town.
February 5, 1918 Train 4 hours late.
Shipped Hall’s orders. Sinclair in from Knik. Gates
back from trip to Talkeetna.
February 6, 1918 Hylin shipped
Old Dan to Anchorage. Big wind on last night and today.
Carter moving his Knik house to ranch. Gates went on to
Knik.
February 7, 1918 Shipped
1 order to Palmer Station. Lander family left for trail
camp to mines. Anna Simmons came out to take telephone station
at Matanuska.
February 8, 1918 Several
Wasilla-ites left for Knik to attend a dance. Caterpillar made
it into Wasilla today and returned to Cottonwood Creek, been 3
months fixing her up. Hall in from Knik with lumber for Lander.
February 9, 1918 Very quiet day. Part
of dancers back from Knik. Stanley stayed on with Fred.
February 10, 1918 O. C. Miller in from
ranch with a flea story. Fred and Stanley back from Knik
brought out Patzack’s peas. Caterpillar up from Cottonwood
2nd trip.
February 11, 1918 Fred hauled out Miller’s
grub and brought back lumber. McMillan and wife in from
Fishhook Creek. One of Aho’s tie cutters got arm broken,
was brought here.
February 12, 1918 Ralph Wise and Lawrence in
to trade. School closed. Stanley skied down to Joe
Walton’s. Fred went to Knik. Sent income tax papers
to Feldman.
February 13, 1918 Mattie had the Spaulding
and McMillan families at dinner. Cannon went to Anchorage,
sent letter to Feldman.
February 14, 1918 Horning and Chas Bartholf
in on way to mines. Moulton, Smith and Shonaker in on way
to Yukon District. Placed small order for fall delivery from
Black Mfg. Co. Cannon and Hylin back from Anchorage.
Zero weather. Turner went after B. D. sawmill machine.
February 15, 1918 Business quiet zero
weather. Meehan and son V. went to Chickaloon.
February 16, 1918 John Aho
in from tie camp. Shough and Wilmoth took in dance at
Farmers Hall. Mattie went down to Black’s.
February 17, 1918 Snowed 6”. McMillan
family returned to RH 31½, Hall went to 28.
February 18, 1918 Saindon
in from Matanuska. Haller in with vegetables. Evening
Commercial Club met paid dues for 1 year.
February 19, 1918 Mail in got January
papers, store news. Sam Kelly, Capt. Nick and Albert Dohrmann
in from Anchorage went on to Knik. Got order from Talkeetna.
February 20. 1918 Chinook
weather. Got phone order from 184. School kids preparing
for February 22nd doings.
February 21. 1918 Chinook weather, snow
going fast. Capt. Nick back from Knik. Sent in invoices
tax $46.16. Got out-mail.
February 22. 1918 School children held appropriate
exercises for George Washington's birthday and organized Auxiliary
Red Cross Club followed by a dance, people from Knik Matanuska
and Palmer present. Fred Strand music.
February 23. 1918 Busy taking
inventory for Food Administration Washington D. C. Red
Cross organization was a success. Chinook weather snow
going fast.
February 24. 1918 Very quiet. PM
drove out on new coal road. Evening worked in food reserve
inventory. Got order for Thorpe Coal Mine groceries etc.
February 25, 1918 Put up one 57 lb. order.
Finished grocery inventory to send to Washington D. C.
Goldstern, fur man, in route to Talkeetna. Gus went to Knik
with Fred’s team.
February 26, 1918 Meehan and Star Tobacco man
in for orders. Fred in from Knik with load lumber, several
in town today. Harper bros. in from states.
February 27, 1918 Lander and Boswell in town.
Aho and phone pole cutters in. Tweeden got contract for
5 cords of wood for school.
February 28, 1918 Cold wave, -20, business
fair. Lander family left for mines. Fred in from
Knik with load lumber for Zink. New Agent came to relieve
Harmon.
March 1, 1918 Agent Harmon left for Seattle
on a 6 week leave. Hall left for 28. Shough drove
to Aho’s tie camp. Telephone pole cutters busy around Lucille
Lake. Stanley made treasurer of Junior Red Cross business very
quiet.
March 2, 1918 Fred in with Zink’s house lumber.
Tweeden bucking up 5 cords wood for school. Got phone
from Chamberlain, Anchorage, told him nothing doing up here.
“Cat” went to coal mines.
March 3, 1918 Light snow, very quiet in town.
Mrs. Caveny and Hartman mushed out to Thorpe Coal Mine.
Stained balance of banisters.
March 4, 1918 Fine snow all AM.
Put corrugated iron over gasoline in Stanley’s playhouse.
Got phone from Nagley, Anchorage, to ship eggs. Lofstrom
in from Houston had closed down coal mine.
March 5, 1918 Gus came out
from Knik, report came that Jackson, agent at Matanuska died.
Made out seed order to come from Minneapolis. Got 12 cwt of
Thorpe-Brassell coal from Bald Mt. Mine.
March 6, 1918 Fred in with
balance of his Knik house logs. Iditarod mushers now going
back. “Cat” men in from coal mine but no “Cat”.
March 7, 1918 Barney Watson
in, paid all back claims against Admiral Line. H. C. Dohrman
and wife came up from Anchorage. Joe Palmer in from Nelchina
District. Mr. Harris in from Cache Creek Dredge Company.
March 8, 1918 Got 18 cwt
more of Bald Mt. coal. “Cat” men gave up hauling out coal.
Got $105 Nelchina order from Joe Palmer. Henry and wife
returned to Anchorage. Admiral Watson went to Chickaloon.
March 9, 1918 Week ending
has been on cold wave, some nights -23. Stanley attended
dance at Matanuska with Shough family. Anton Smith in with
Mrs. Radder and schoolmarm Finger Lake District. Mrs. Needham
returned to ranch after visit with Dr. Spaulding’s folks.
March 10, 1918 Carl Wikman down from
Chickaloon. Joe Palmer back from Knik. Phone poles
cutters and haulers moved camp 26 miles west of Wasilla.
March 11, 1918 Put up 2 Nelchina orders. Chickaloon
Conway in with sample of vegetables. Gus looking for thawing
machine. Smith went to Aho’s tie camp.
March 12, 1918 Sent New York
Life agreement paper for $2000 loan. Cache Creek Harris
back from Anchorage sold him some tools. Fred went to Knik
for last of his house.
March 13, 1918 Got phone
order from Houston. Houston agent removed to Matanuska.
Railway office closed temporarily. Hughie Goodell in from
27½. Joe Palmer left for Nelchina District.
Fred delivered last of his house.
March 14, 1918 Young Fowler
of Pacific Groceries Co. after orders. John, Evan and
Theodore over from Old Knik. Zink in from Knik. Gus
started foundation on Tract A railroad lot. Wrote B and H
about taking over D-H and Co. stock
March 15, 1918 Quiet in town. Fred
in from Knik with last of his freight. Zink went to Anchorage.
Sent mail to Anchorage by Young Fowler.
March 16, 1918 Very quiet. Stanley rode
Kid out to Miller’s. Shields came in from Knik.
Got phone from Henry he was going to join Army Wednesday.
March 17, 1918 Metz and Johnson in to
trade. Stanley back from Miller’s ranch. Fred started to
haul in Sever and Ward wood.
March 18, 1918 Dick Richards
in from Iliamna District. Big bunch of dog teams going
Inside. Evening made up Fred’s account. Anchorage
tomorrow.
March 19, 1918 Big wind. Got ready
to drive to Junction to catch train to Anchorage, on account
of big wind cut her out. Got apples and tobacco from Pacific
Grocery Co. Sam Kelly in from Knik. Judge Vinol in, going
north. Evening still blowing.
March 20, 1918 Blizzard wind. Left 8:30
train, train stuck in drift below town. Stanley sold apples
chocolate and gum to passengers. Got out drift 3 PM, arrived
in Anchorage 5:45 PM put up at Anchorage Hotel.
March 21, 1918 Called on D-H and Co.,
Claud Lambson was in charge, agreed to look after business until
navigation opened up, business very quiet in all lines in Anchorage.
Wrote Feldman situation here. Paid Logman $4. Paid
for this diary $2. Mrs. Nagley had a son.
March 22, 1918 Wind still blowing.
Looked over books and accounts of D-H and Co. Met Mr.
Ainsley of Bank of Alaska. Mrs. Morrison promised to pay
her bill when she sold her spuds. Sam Kelly returned to Knik.
Paid for wire rope clips 50¢ paid for cold cream 65¢.
March 23, 1918 Cold wind all day.
Saw Price and Bennett, they wanted to take over D-H Co. hardware
stock. Ainsley wanted to handle sale of store and my placer
mine. McNally wanted me to take over Wasilla Lumber Co. Got
letter from Mattie by Conrad.
March 24, 1918 Saw Price and Bennett.
Bennett got cold feet on account of being drafted for Army,
D-H and Co. deal off. Linoleum man wanted me to sell his
linoleum. Took out marine insurance police through Lowry
and Pike. Evening saw picture show with Nagley.
March 25, 1918 Left Anchorage
for Wasilla, Stanley met me at Junction with Kid horse, arrived
home 2 PM. Mattie just sold 3 small outfits. Wire
came that Germans had broke through British lines and were shelling
Paris.
March 26, 1918 Ranchers Miller, Lawrence, Johnson,
Gustafson, Grennan, Wise and many others in to trade, we got
em. Got mail ready to send via Anchorage by Tom Caveny.
March 27, 1918 Hartman went to Anchorage, took
over Davis candy stock. Report came that Germans still
making drive and had lost 400,000 men. French and American
soldiers came to the aid of British.
March 28, 1918 Put up 1 prospecting order for
Cache Creek District. Fred went to Knik. Jack Hammel
left Evinrude for sale, net $40 to him. No war news today.
Evening got out-mail.
March 29, 1918 Mattie went out to visit McMillan’s
at mile 31½. C. H. Huff bought outfit for Kashwitna.
Tom Aiken party in, in route Inside to set up a dredge business
fair. Fred back from Knik with load for Forker. Hylin
went to Anchorage. Nakita in with snowshoes.
March 30, 1918 Carl Wikman down from Chickaloon
to trade. Fenton’s up against it for grub. Stanley
drove out PM to Miller’s ranch to meet his mother on Sunday there.
Meehan sold his house to Zink.
March 31, 1918 Fred moved Kids barn from track
location to rear of store lot. Stanley and Martha got
back from 31½ and O. C. Miller’s ranch. Time moved
ahead 1 hour all over U. S. to get more daylight. Evening
kids party at Davis house for Otis birthday 14 years old.
April 1, 1918 All fools day, business
rotten. Hughes in from Knik. Made out groc. price list
for Federal Food Administrator Thane Alaska. Report came
that Fred Laubner was dead 150 miles out of Seattle.
April 2, 1918 Wet snow storm all day.
Shough got load Miller’s sawdust from Hartman. Aho’s telephone
pole cutters through. Roy Smith took horses to Junction
and left for Anchorage. Preacher held service at Hotel Hartman.
Busy all day in store. Winters and Fischer in from Chickaloon.
April 3, 1918 Meehan family quit Wasilla left
for Anchorage Hartman putting up ice. Fred hauling
in his barn logs. Fred Winters left for Knik. Evening snowing.
April 4, 1918 All the school kids went over
to visit Finger Lake School, Matt went along drove Kid to Black’s.
Wire came 10 men due April 6th for GB Mines. Put up order
for Chickaloon. Mattie and kids back at 5 PM.
April 5, 1918 Fred drove to Knik took Winters
baggage. Business quiet made out order for flour
and substitution on Schilling goods. Zink got 4’ cement
flu blocks. No war news today.
April 6, 1918 Phone came to notify ranchers
that all bids were rejected. New bids required open 10th
on spuds. New Russian government formed will put 1,500,000
soldiers against Germans.
April 7, 1918 Mattie, Lilwall and Stanley drove
out to inform ranchers that bids for spuds must be in by Wednesday
next. Varnished front of 3 counters put cupboard catches
on sink. Fred in from Knik.
April 8, 1918 Fred hauled spuds for Strandberg.
Larson and Wells back from Knik. Dad Clark went to Eska
Creek. Zink remodeling mushers house. Davidson and
Nickleson bros. in to trade.
April 9, 1918 Train only came to Cottonwood
Creek on account of cuts blowed full of snow. Many
passengers got off at Wasilla. Cache Creek Harris on way
in. Fred Carter in to trade. Gus raised frame to
his track warehouse. Fred shod Kid horse.
April 10, 1918 Shough drove over to Aho’s tie
camp. J. G. Johnson in to trade. Jack Hamel in from
Cottonwood. Paul Forker in from Knik. Packed spud and
onion order for Nagley, Talkeetna.
April 11, 1918 Train bucked through snow drifts
by lakes, arrived 3 PM, went on and made it through to Houston.
Man and wife in from Ruby gave his dog team to Andy Conrad.
Jack Hylin back from Anchorage.
April 12, 1918 Stanley for Anchorage morning
train to have his teeth attended to. Lilwall went to
Anchorage. Conway and O. C. Miller in to trade. Evening
fixed up report for Wasilla School, OGH treasurer.
April 13, 1918 A-1 warm day sledding
gone on Main Street. School election, old board re-elected,
self got 20 out of 24 votes for treasurer. Hylin and his “girl”
mushed dogs to 28 after her sleeping bag.
April 14, 1918 Drove Wasilla to Knik
to see about packing up merchandise for Wasilla store.
One to two feet of snow on street at Knik. Packed shoes hats underwear
and shelf goods. Fred pulled nails out of dock flooring.
April 15, 1918 Knik to Wasilla,
self brought 1,000 lbs. With Kid on red sled and Fred
brought a ton on double enders, arrived at noon, brought out shoe
case also. Snow all gone on Main Street stores to railroad.
Evening marked up blankets.
April 16, 1918 Snowed 6”. Stanley
and Lilwall back from Anchorage. Fred hauled in timbers
for Gus. Wasilla Lumber yard flooded with water. Shipped
Anderson’s sheep head for Shields to Chickaloon. Knik tomorrow
for freight.
April 17, 1918 Wasilla to Knik.
Drove in for more freight. PM cleaned up warehouse to remove
28’ more of corrugated iron. Evening packed up load on red
sled shoes etc. slept on cot over store.
April 18, 1918 Knik to Wasilla.
Left Knik 4:30 AM arrived at Wasilla 9:15 AM. Gold Bullion outfit
arrived from Seattle also Harvey Bartholf to open up Martin
Mine. Shipped order to Palmer. Got order from Gold
Cord Mine. Mrs. Lander came out from mine to Knik.
April 19, 1918 Snow in the morning.
Wasilla to Knik. Harlow went along, Gus had most of iron
off warehouse and end in place. Packed up load of odds
and ends on red sled. Fred in PM after hauling Moffit’s
logs.
April 20, 1918 Knik to Wasilla.
Brought in 3rd load on red sled. Reported Mabel Mine deal closed.
Got phone from Bank of Anchorage D-H and Co. had overdrawn.
Vogler moving off ranch to Anchorage. Fred brought in load corrugated
iron from Knik to Wasilla.
April 21, 1918 Spring rain. AM
drove to Knik for more goods. Fred went in for balance
of iron. Packed up tobacco odds and ends of hardware etc.
April 22, 1918 Knik to Wasilla.
Got up 4 AM loaded up sled. Trail soft thawing all night.
Fred brought balance of corrugated iron canned beans paint etc.
Adam Simmons brought out load corrugated iron for Tom Caveny.
April 23, 1918 Sold $150 mining outfit to McClinton
and partners. Cudahy’s man in got no orders. Fred
sold Ward and Severs wood to Hotel Hartman.
April 24, 1918 Vogel's family left for Anchorage.
Hughes bought Evo’s hay, moved horses out from Knik to eat it
up. Thorpe rented Evo’s ground.
April 25, 1918 Harvey Bartholf back from Knik.
Austin, colored man, in with freight for mines. Chas
Bartholf in from Gold Cord. Shough took out Gold Cord
freight. Shipped disc harrow to Palmer.
April 26, 1918 Cleaned up some of Knik
freight in store. Elder in from Kashwitna tie camp.
Harvey Bartholf left for mines.
April 27, 1918 Gus got corrugated iron on his
track warehouse. Hall in from 28 hauling for Austin the
colored man. Ed Danielson in to trade hauled lumber etc.
from old store.
April 28, 1918 Jack Hammel and Evo in.
Harry Lander in from GB trail. Stanley went fishing got
wet.
April 29, 1918 Cloudy light rain business
slow. Placed some of Knik goods on shelves. Evening
set up Egry register one side of casting was broken. Fred
started to build barn on his lot. Speeder went through to 174.
April 30, 1918 Primary election all the
ranchers in to vote. Harman and bride arrived government
railroad agent kids tin canned them. Got $2,000 loan from
my life insurance company. Mrs. Dr. Schlaben visiting Dr.
Spaulding’s. Post Hole Pete in town. Got several seed
orders.
May 1, 1918 A-1 day signs of spring approaching.
Twelve feet of snow reported at mines. Very quiet in
town. Lander left for Anchorage through with GB Co.
May 2, 1918 Drake in from Palmer for
outfit. McMillan in from 29½ RH. Alex over
from Old Knik with geese for sale. Railway company put on
6 men on section. Wired Fischer bros. Co. $1,000 on account.
May 3, 1918 Put money till by cigar case.
Wagner started to plow his garden. Fred got his barn up
one story. Hughes and Blackie in town.
May 4, 1918 Got order from Lawrence.
Evening Fred went to Knik with wagon first trip.
May 5, 1918 Made blocks to hold gold sign in
front of store. Evening Fred back from Knik brought screen
door and paint. Sid Betman came out from Knik. Mattie
and Stanley visited on Jacobson.
May 6, 1918 Grennan and Raybolt in to trade.
Got iron braces made to hold gold sign business slow.
Farmers after seed grain. Found our seeds were docked
at Juneau because Farragut accident, will come here by Friday.
May 7, 1918 Hung Knik Trading gold sign in
front of store. Rae and family arrived. Oscar Tryck
arrived from Outside. Wilmoth Co. got their seed grain
business fair today.
May 8, 1918 Horning in from Gold Cord
Mines. Wise in looking after seeds. Evening drove
over to Junction made screens for house.
May 9, 1918 Chief Engineer of A. E. Commission
visited at Wasilla about sidewalks from railroad crossing to
store. Moose Hank Rodwell in from Talkeetna with horse.
Train went through to Montana Creek from 174. Everybody going
fishing.
May 10, 1918 Horning and family in from
Knik in route to mines. Black hauling Rae’s lumber from
Knik to Wasilla. Fred plowing for Dalquist.
May 11, 1918 Grenna, Swanson and Haller in
for seeds. Shough took Horning family to mile 31½
with Caveny’s team. Black in from Knik with 2nd load lumber
for Rae’s house Wasilla. Put away winter goods.
May 12, 1918 Black hauled in 3rd load lumber
etc. for Rae, said road was no good from Knik to Wasilla.
Put screen over transom of store front door. Evening hard rain.
Feldman in Anchorage.
May 13, 1918 Quiet in town. Gus
went to Knik.
May 14, 1918 Minnesota seeds arrived after
2 weeks delay at Juneau. Shipped Weiss and Saunders seed
orders. Fred plowed and planted Cannon’s ground.
Jacobson in for seed grain.
May 15, 1918 O. C. Miller in for seeds.
Lander in from Knik reported that Palmer’s store burned down 2
AM.
May 16, 1918 Lawrence in from 28. Mrs.
Vance and Byron Bartholf Jr. in from Anchorage. Major
Watt up on account of Wasilla sidewalks. Failed to get
Lilly seeds on train today. Eggs and meats also in Anchorage.
May 17, 1918 Tom Caveny got labor contract
to put in sidewalks from railroad tracks to stores for $100,
A. E. Commission to furnish lumber etc. Rae building 8 room
house on his lot.
May 18, 1918 Ralph Weiss
over from ranch to trade. Raybold phoned for seeds.
Stanley painted warehouse for Gus. Bogard in. Got
order from rancher for 20 pigs.
May 19, 1918 Davis sold out their lots
and tent houses. Hung screen door to living room.
Varnished outside doors on south side of store. Fred back
from planting Clark’s ground.
May 20, 1918 Heavy rain, quiet in town.
Had Rufe pile up store wood.
May 21, 1918 Lilly seeds, eggs and ham arrived,
delayed 3 weeks account Farragut accident. Work train went through
to fix end of main line. Father sent his picture, 73 and
looking good.
May 22, 1918 Spaulding’s
went to Anchorage. Louis Lund in from Knik for tobacco.
Caveny put in mud sills and posts for sidewalk from stores to tracks.
Chas Ward in from Knik. Gave O. C. M. chair to school.
May 23, 1918 Marino bros. in to trade.
Sam McMillan in, bound for Anchorage. Got mail out paid
Lilwall to balance account to date.
May 24, 1918 Ice disappeared on Lucille
Lake. Lilwall went to Anchorage. McMillan went to
Anchorage. Davis family packing up to go Outside.
Trimmed window with Schilling goods. Sowed oats on lot
aft of store.
May 25, 1918 Stanley and mother drove Kid on
cart to Knik. Rae in from trip to mines said O. C. Miller
was “bugs” on fleas, that he should be looked after. Jack
Hammel in to trade.
May 26, 1918 Sold Hammel a bunch of seed grain.
Varnished sink cupboards and back door. Mattie and Stanley
back from Knik, sold $111.65 groceries hardware and clothing at
Knik store while there 1 day. Tryck digging a well.
Sophus Anderson in for clothing.
May 27, 1918 Black went to Knik for more of
Rae’s lumber. Ed Taggert in from Cache Creek said they
hauled on snow up to May 10th. Mrs. Rae applied for Wasilla
School.
May 28, 1918 Business gaining, got seeds
back from Saunders and sold all but peas. McClinton and
new partner in from Anchorage. Had Fred harrow in oats
on back lots. Black in from Knik cut road all up with heavy
load. Dad Ford in from Knik.
May 29, 1918 Cleaned up hams. Hall
took out McClinton and partner. Caveny unloaded sidewalk
lumber. Gus planted spuds on his lot. Zink got roof
on his house on Knik Street. Kid and Mabel horses beat it
for Knik.
May 30, 1918 Fischer in from Knik.
McMillan in from roadhouse. Shough back from Anchorage
with Ford truck. Got railway letter from Feldman mailed
at Seward. Sent school bond to Anchorage to be executed.
Caveny started to lay plank walk. GB packers in.
May 31, 1918 Gus clearing Knik Street.
Davis family left Wasilla for States. McMillan left with
load for mile 31½. Tryck started to put drop siding
on his house on Knik Street. Ford left on train for Anchorage.
June 1, 1918 Caveny finished sidewalk from
Knik Trading Co. store to railroad track. Busy all day
making out monthly bills.
June 2, 1918 Stanley went out with Shough’s
Ford truck to fix road. Jacobson in to trade. John
Bartholf camped at Cottonwood Creek.
June 3, 1918 Put up order for Brassel
bros. for prospecting at Willow Creek. Fred drove to Knik
to plant Knik Trading Co. barn lot. Caveny went along after
horses got back 6 PM brought Kid horse too.
June 4, 1918 A-1 summer day business
good over $100 mark. Brassel bros. left for Willow to
prospect. Shough made first trip with car to mile 30.
Spaulding’s broke camp to move to mines. Capt. Evans in
from Palmer for outfit. School board decided on Mrs. Rae
for teacher.
June 5, 1918 Weather hot business slow.
Mrs. Wilmoth doing a lot of “spouting” about school teachers,
all uncalled for.
June 6, 1918 Weather warm, 100° in
the sun. Byron Bartholf up from Anchorage. Also Major
Watt to inspect street clearing and also sidewalks under construction.
Anderson of Mohawk Mine arrived from Anchorage. Evening attended
Commercial Club. Elected secretary because Dr. Spaulding
went out with both cars 2nd trip.
June 7, 1918 Fred back from planting lot at
Knik sold $26.50 worth of goods out of Knik store. Caveny
finished sidewalk, railroad to Wilmoth Co. store. Evening
self and family visited on C. D. Johnson came back by boat.
June 8, 1918 Caveny finished sidewalks from
railroad to stores. Gus and Fred clearing streets.
Mrs. Wilmoth raising more “hell” about school and schoolmarms.
Wagner burning lot near railroad.
June 9, 1918 Stanley walked out to Miller’s.
Mattie and self drove out to get Miller to come in and reset
furnace, got home 7 PM skeeters on the job. At mile 19
found Mrs. Fenton sick in bed, she had sent to the mines for her
husband.
June 10, 1918 Shough having time with his car
backfiring. Lander back from mile 32. Sent Stanley
out to Fenton’s, Mrs. Fenton better.
June 11, 1918 John Bartholf family arrived
from Anchorage to go to mines. Mohawk Anderson trying
to bond Miller and Bartholf for GB extension. O. C. Miller
came in to reset furnace and build fence around back store lot.
June 12, 1918 O. C. Miller started to build
fence around store lots. Bartholf bunch left for mines.
Saunders in on way to Knik for corrugated iron.
June 13, 1918 Shipped 2 orders
Palmer and Chickaloon. Lander in from Knik, moving out
to his summer house at mile 32. Henderson here looking
over school situation. O. C. Miller on fence 2nd day.
June 14, 1918 Bert O’Brien in bum at GB Mines.
Miller back evening from his ranch. Henderson left to
inspect school for Black and Edlund. Big fire in Wagner’s
lot from street clearing.
June 15, 1918 Very dry farmers getting good
burn on cleared land. Shough still fixing on his cars.
Frank Fleckenstein killed black bear a mile out of town.
Air full of black bugs. Miller 3rd day on fence.
June 16, 1918 Several men in from Cache Creek
District. Shough got both cars out of commission trying
to fix same. Miller finished fence on back lot, total time
on fence 3½ days.
June 17, 1918 Miller started to reset furnace,
self wheeled out dirt from pit. Haley and McClarty in
from Knik. Black in to trade. Shough took out load
for Mabel. O. C. Miller worked on furnace 1 day.
June 18, 1918 William Martin arrived.
Settled up with Jack Hylin. Major Watts up to inspect clearing
of streets OK’d same.
June 19, 1918 Mosquitoes
bad today. At noon Fred and Gus started to scrape out
for warehouse aft of store, self and Miller got cement work done
in furnace room. Fred and Gus and team ½ day on warehouse.
Miller 3rd day on furnace.
June 20, 1918 H. H. Drake in from Moose Creek
to trade. St Louis shoes came. Fred and Gus finished
scraping out for warehouse.
June 21, 1918 Whitridge Foster
and Bennet arrived from Iron Creek . Evening Mattie drove Miller
out to ranch mosquitoes very bad on road. Frank Fleckenstein
left to go to Army. Stanley and kids went in swimming 1st
time. Commercial Club met.
June 22, 1918 Grennan and Hammil in to trade.
Fischer and Haley returned to Knik. Fred working on his
barn. Wired for milk and onions.
June 23, 1918 Henry Fischer back from
Knik bought outfit went to Eska Coal Mines. Fixed up Shough auto
pump. Rained about all night much needed for crops.
June 24, 1918 Fred and Gus removed iron off
track store building on account of moving frame aft of new store
on Main Street. School kids taking examination. Got
out petition for commissioner at Wasilla. Evening Miller back from
ranch.
June 25, 1918 Train day no mail.
Got stove from Anchorage for school house. Adam and Herman
in from Knik. Lander and Martin back from Anchorage.
Black hauling freight for Martin. Sold Lander outfit for mile
32 place. Martin helped Gus and Fred get store building on
track ready to move to lot aft of store.
June 26, 1918 Lander left on auto with paint
nails etc. to fix up Mile 32 RH for summer quarters. Self, Zink
and Miller helped Fred and Gus move track store building
Ford’s kid back from Cache Creek via Talkeetna and railroad.
June 27, 1918 Got skid timbers out from track
store building and same in place aft of store. Fred and
Zink worked most of day. O. C. Miller worked all day. Sent
final payment on Lot 18 block 1 Wasilla. Caveny family
ready to leave for Outside.
June 28, 1918 School closed,
teacher gave kids dinner at hotel. Road Commission started
to work on road at mountain end. Self and Miller put corrugated
iron on side walls of store warehouse. Cavney family left
for Anchorage.
June 29, 1918 Fred helped Miller nail
corrugated iron on roof of store warehouse. Put up order
for Mabel Mine. George Kennedy in from Talkeetna to plant
garden at 16 RH.
June 30, 1918 Fred and Miller finished laying
roof on store warehouse. Miller built new closet aft of warehouse.
Shough took Harman family out to 31½ RH for a ride on
auto. Fred 5 days on warehouse.
July 1, 1918 Self and Miller got closet covered
in and north side store warehouse. Fred put roof on his
barn. Evening Tryck in from road camp mile 33. Got a
few small orders.
July 2, 1918 Train day, got order from
Chickaloon. Waller and several up from Anchorage in route
to Willow Creek. Miller finished up water closet.
Worked most all night to get out 1917 and 1918 school report.
July 3, 1918 Stanley and mother left
on morning train to do Anchorage and the 4th of July.
Very quiet in town. Fred in from Knik with load K. T. Co. planks
off dock. Miller finished repair work on store warehouse.
July 4, 1918 Quiet at Wasilla.
Mattie and Stanley at Anchorage for the 4th of July.
Fred back from Knik with load of planks off gangway for sidewalk
brought 3 kegs nails. Cliff Hall through freighting going
to 1st love.
July 5, 1918 Train day business good.
Frank Bartholf and bunch Oklahoma millionaires arrived to look
at Willow Creek Mines. Mattie and Stanley back from Anchorage.
Shough took out 20 passengers to 31½. Evening Fred
in with 2nd load lumber from Knik.
July 6, 1918 Drove to Knik to pack up hardware
etc., stayed all night. Fred came in late sold $10 hardware.
July 7, 1918 At Sunny Knik, very warm
day. Got load hardware etc. ready for Fred, left 7 PM arrived
Wasilla 10:30, brought caps and ladies summer underwear on cart.
Fred delivered load lumber and hardware.
July 8, 1918 Miller resting up on account of
rheumatics. Fred drove to Knik.
July 9, 1918 Train day business good.
Milo Kelly Conroy and Capt. Gaikema in from Anchorage.
Sold 4 outfits. Miller started to lay sidewalk along
south side of store. Fred in with load of planks and doors.
July 10, 1918 George Zink left for Kelly Mines,
returned evening for pack horse. Miss Clark left for Anchorage.
Fred and O. C. Miller left for Knik to fix up Fred’s car.
Brassel bros. in from mines. Got wire from Feldman about D-H
and Co.
July 11, 1918 A. K. Kempton
of Seattle here. A junk buyer the man Feldman’s wired wanted
to buy Anchorage store. Cigar man here from Anchorage for
orders. Evening 4 of Tryck’s men in to go to Palmer to
fix bridge washing out. Shough broke hub on car. Lander
in from 32.
July 12, 1918 Business good sales over
$200. Lander went to Anchorage. Shough took Caveny
out to Mabel. Mr. Rock in evening, said truck broke down
on way out. Both cars out of commission. Packed order
for Brassel bros. and Mabel Mine.
July 13, 1918 Self and Stanley drove
in to Knik to pack up goods. Met Fred and Miller at mile
11 hauling car out with team, engine quit them at mile 1 out of
Knik. Slept over store.
July 14, 1918 At Sunny Knik. Packed
up balance of shoes and rubbers, caps, sheets, etc. and 2 boxes
hardware. Left Knik 5:15 arrived Wasilla 8:30 3¼
hours. Got paint for Zink.
July 15, 1918 Business bum. Miller
took over Fred’s auto truck for $1,000 payments. Fred’s
store bill $200 for food and his note 4/1/19 $500. Miller
cleaning up engine all day. Shough got his passenger car running
again.
July 16, 1918 Mr. Doherty down from Chickaloon.
Herron and party up from Anchorage brought their car.
Shough went through bridge and broke his car above mile 28.
Fred in from Knik with lumber and boat went out for Shough.
July 17, 1918 Miller building kitchen on his
Boundary Street lot. Evening made out bill of sale of
Fred’s truck to O. C. Miller for $1,000. Agent Harmon located
ranch west of Cannon’s ranch on lake. Stanley visited on Black
kids. Sinclair in from Iron Creek District.
July 18, 1918 Frank and Byron Bartholf in from
mines also Herron party. Sales near $200. Fred
and Miller drove to ranch for lumber for Miller house Wasilla.
July 19, 1918 Grennan in
to trade. Miller and Fred back from O. C. ranch with load
lumber. Lilwall and Bartholf bunch went to Anchorage.
Miller got his kitchen under cover. Horning in from mines.
July 20, 1918 Stanley and self cleaned up back
yard aft of store. Otto towed in Shough’s broken auto
truck with McMillan’s team. Miller finished his kitchen.
July 21, 1918 Finished cleaning up back yard.
Mattie drove out to mile 19. Big fire toward Fish Lake
very smoky. Doc fixing Shough passenger car ready to collapse.
July 22, 1918 Shough made
trip to Matanuska for auto repairs. Miller made grates
for sidewalk account of cellar windows. Tryck in town.
Fred drove to Knik.
July 23, 1918 Rained last night business
good got $50 order from Palmer Station. Sold Mabel Mine
tank oil and hardware. Mabel bunch in to attend company
meeting at Anchorage on the 24th. Miller went to ranch.
Bridge gang cars here. Fred in with load hardware from Knik
store. Bob Hatcher in town.
July 24, 1918 Bridge gang still in town.
Dunk McCormack and A. S. Henry on bridge gang.
A. K. Kempton back from Anchorage sold him $200 worth cotton
blankets, profit 22%. Balance of Mabel bunch left for Anchorage.
July 25, 1918 Mabel bunch back from Anchorage.
Gold Cord sold 51% of their stock for $31,000 to Smith and Swan.
Miller went to ranch also Dick Yack. Gus and road commission
gang back from fixing Palmer bridge.
July 26, 1918 Miller and self reset furnace.
Gus in town. Got word to send bid on Road Commission
grub to Anchorage message came to late. Evening put gravel
in kids stall.
July 27, 1918 Miller jointed
up hot air pipe to furnace. Barney Johnson got contract
to drive tunnel on new Mabel Mine.
July 28, 1918 Mattie drove Stanley to Junction.
Stanley went to Anchorage on business for K. T. Co. Fred and
team finished grading for sidewalk on Wasilla Avenue. Miller fixed
roof around chimney. Danielson over from Finger Lake with party of
girls.
July 29, 1918 Stanley at Anchorage on
business for K. T. Co. business quiet. Phoned to D-H and
Co. for gas engine oil. Miller finished sidewalk on Wasilla
Avenue. Miller’s time on Wasilla Avenue sidewalk 3½
days. Tryck back from Anchorage.
July 30, 1918 Good rain last night business
fair. Marshal from Junction left papers for sale of D-H
and Co. Anchorage property. A. E. C. teams arrived to work
on grading Willow Creek Road. Stanley back from Anchorage.
July 31, 1918 Got good order from
Mabel Mine. Evening fixed up Miller’s account to date.
Miller working on his shop building. Fish Commissioner Martin
tore out fish traps at mile 12 they were blocking up creek.
Capt. Nick and Conroy went to Anchorage. Train 3 hours late.
August 1, 1918 G. B. Thompson in from States.
Sold $82 order at Eska Creek. Fred took load freight out
for GB. Miller got his shop under cover.
August 2, 1918 H. E. Feldman arrived
to consult about D-H and Co. business in Anchorage. He
reported that Bank of Anchorage were after our building
August 3, 1918 Stanley drove Feldman down to
Junction to catch train to Anchorage. Section hands and
all the farmers putting up salmon. Evening Black back from
Mabel Mine.
August 4, 1918 Salmon fishers through, good
run of fish up Cottonwood Creek, Stanley caught 14. Put
down small keg. Cleaned up warehouse aft of store.
Roads getting bad on account of grading road while wet at mile 25.
August 5, 1918 Jessie Garver in on way
to Talkeetna. Reported that U. S. and French Army captured
Crown Prince’s Army with 800,000 soldiers. Shough borrowed
Swanson’s team to haul freight on account of bad roads.
August 6, 1918 Chas Bartholf
up from Anchorage to mines brought Anderson’s Mill. Black
moved same out of Craggie Creek. Alvah Ames in to inspect
Post Office. Shough went out with team and auto.
Miller went to ranch.
August 7, 1918 Showbeck and Wilson up from
Junction by auto to look up road connecting Palmer Road with
Wasilla. Frank Forker in from mines. Went to Anchorage
moved gas tank from alley to aft of store and installed 2 lights.
August 8, 1918 Put up order for Mabel Mine
and Capt. Gaikema and the Judge. Harvey Bartholf in,
quit job with Martin. Frisby in town. Mrs. Courtland
in from end of line and went out to see her love at mile 28.
Fred went to Knik.
August 9, 1918 A-1 day salmon still running
business very quiet. Unpacking Knik hardware and remarking
same. Fickinger, Frisbie and Harvey Bartholf went to Anchorage.
Dad Clark got pump job at Brown Lake mile 184.
August 10, 1918 Stanley painted front of store
warehouse. Road Commission in for supplies. Fred
in from Knik with load. Brought scales rope chain etc.
Got offer for hydraulic plant.
August 11, 1918 Moose Hank and Otto in
from mines said GB and Martin raised miners wages to $5 per
day. Mabel bunch complaining about poor grub.
August 12, 1918 Made up list of hydraulic pipe
wanted by A and K Falls Creek amount $2,955.25. Fickinger
back from Anchorage, paid Mable July bill. Stanley drove
out to Miller’s, met Miller at mile 18 came back.
August 13, 1918 Harvey Bartholf back from Anchorage
brought prospecting outfit. Fred cut oat hay at mile 10.
Evening Joe Laubner in Shough car out of commission. Decorated
show windows.
August 14, 1918 Fixed up
closet seat and warehouse door because it swelled by rain.
Edlund trapped a black bear. Sent Lidell’s sub. for Sea
Power. Gus in from A. R. C. road work. Shough got
in with his car. Mattie made jelly.
August 15, 1918 Milo Kelly in with mining man
in tow. Fred in from Knik with load of rails for GB Mines.
Frank Doherty in from Chickaloon went to Willow Creek. Meats
came.
August 16, 1918 Cleaned and
hung up hams. Andrew Jacobson in from GB Mines. Frisby
in from mines. Lilwall unloaded car lumber. Evening
meeting of Commercial Club. Black in got mill on Fishhook
summit to Willow Creek.
August 17, 1918 Joe Brassel in from Willow
Creek. Put work bunch in store warehouse. Strandberg
in from railroad job. Fred took load rails to GB cache
mile 34.
August 18, 1918 Miller and Stanley drove
out to ranch to saw shingles. Ed Danielson in from Finger
Lake by boat. Whitridge and McClarty in from mines.
Jack Hammil in from Cottonwood. Moose Hank back from Talkeetna.
August 19, 1918 Manager Fleck in from Mabel
Mine. Joe Conroy in from his mine. Whitridge and
Bert left for Knik. Cliff Hall and a girl in from 28.
Fred back from GB cache.
August 20, 1918 Got eggs
and cheese. Black took ton out for Mabel Mine from K.
T. Co. Joe Conroy went up to Houston. Mrs. Courtland left
for end of line. Professor Georgeson gave talk at school
house to dairy farmers. Stanley in from Miller’s ranch.
Got phone from Feldman.
August 21, 1918 Sent in treasurers
bond by Judge Conroy. Shough in with team car broke down
at mile 30. Fred haying at mile 11. Rae left for coal
mines to work.
August 22, 1918 Gottstein
up from Anchorage. Fern in for McMillan. Shough in
from 32 hauled in his car said road was impassable mile 22 to 25.
August 23, 1918 Fern took
H. H. load out to new prospect. Cleaned up balance of hams
and box cheese. Conway over to bid on painting school house.
Miller still at his ranch.
August 24, 1918 Evening Stanley
and Swen rode over to Farmers Hall to attend dance. Wasilla
Hotel raised meals to $1 a plate.
August 25, 1918 Jacobson in to trade. Opened
up Knik goods and marked them up to Wasilla prices.
August 26, 1918 Kelly and Zink in from mines
closed down prospecting. Manager Fleck in from Mable
Mine. Conroy only bid to paint school house bid too high.
Ed O’Brien in on way to Knik.
August 27, 1918 Reported
freezing in the hills at Willow Creek. Black took load
out for Mabel. Road Commission in for supplies. Lawrence
in going Outside.
August 28, 1918 Business fair got $95
order from Chickaloon. Milo Kelly left for Anchorage
sent mail for banks and school bond with him. Miller finishing
up his workshop. Thompson in from GB. Hubbell went out
to mines.
August 29, 1918 Cudahy’s man in. Jonathan
and Chas Bartholf crowd in from War Baby Mine. Miller went
to ranch to do canning. Hubbell back from mines.
August 30, 1918 Rancher Wilson
in from Knik to work on road. G. B. Thompson drove to Junction
to catch Saturday train. Stanley started to put strips
on wall board over balcony. Painted up balance of store
warehouse.
August 31, 1918 A. R. Comm.
moved camp to mile 19. Stanley and self finished nailing
strips around balcony. Road Commission teams in for grub.
Stacked part of oat hay on barn lot.
September 1, 1918 Stanley rode down to visit
the Donovan boy. Jack Hammel in from Knik with load household
goods for Harry Brown. Evening stacked balance oat hay.
September 2, 1918 Manager Fleck in from Mabel
Mine. Capt. Nick in also Harvey Bartholf and Hatcher from
mines. Several men quitting work at mines. Wired
teacher school to open 9th.
September 3, 1918 Drake in from Moose Creek
with several orders amounting to $150. Capt. Nick on way
to Anchorage. Harry Brown in from Anchorage. Adam and
Anna in from Knik.
September 4, 1918 Train killed manager Fleckenstein’s
gray horse last night near Wasilla Lake. Harry Brown went
to McMelan’s, Harvey Bartholf and Capt. Nick went to Anchorage.
Set up coal stove in school house.
September 5, 1918 Schoolmarm
arrived to open school on the 9th. Jack Hammil in with
load of Palmer’s corrugated burnt iron. Kenny mile post gang
and cars here. Fred and Zink at Knik. Evening got out-mail.
Mrs. Tryck arrived from States.
September 6, 1918 Manager Fleck drove down
to Junction for G. B. Thompson packer. Forty Mile Miller
in from ranch, wanted to sell auto truck. Stanley and mother
scrubbed school house.
September 7, 1918 Quiet in town.
Mattie took over O. C. Miller’s auto truck to cover his 1912
notes. Shough drove auto over to Olson’s farewell dance
at Farmers Hall. Hammil and Whitridge in from Knik with
Mrs. Forker's household goods. Tryck’s papering their rooms.
September 8, 1918 Quiet in town cloudy
with light rain. Blocked up tank heater. O. C. Miller
went to his ranch. Fred and Zink in from Knik brought balance
of ammunition.
September 9, 1918 First big wind.
Put up order for Mabel Mine. Sold Wasilla Hotel 4 kegs
butter. Wrote Whiton Hardware Co. about selling auto truck.
Shough took Blodgett to Knik on account of ____ being sick
Mrs. Forker here for dinner. School opened had 10 kids.
September 10, 1918 Lilwall papered Tryck’s
house. Got statement from Feldman for D-H and Co., Anchorage.
Bill Elliott wants to sell galvanized iron. Shough paid
up his past account. Federal milk arrived and Anchorage store
gas plant. Brown left for Talkeetna.
September 11, 1918 Bald Mt. white with
snow this AM. Mrs. Forker left to take school at Loring,
near Ketchikan. Put up order for Moose Hank mile 187.
Fred took load freight out for McMillan. Zink finishing up
his Knik Street house for the schoolmarm.
September 12, 1918 Black in, loaded up 3 wagons
for GB and Mabel Mines. Put corner strips on show windows
and cleated wall board in kitchen. Got new sugar regulation
2 lb. per month per person. Wired for battery for auto car.
September 13, 1918 Shough’s locked up autos
and cabin, left for Anchorage to get job on government railroad.
Sugar card regulation: 2 lb. sugar per month to each person went
into effect.
September 14, 1918 Zink finishing
cabin for schoolmarm on Knik Street. Started gas lights
first light since April. O. C. Miller back from ranch got
contract to paint school buildings.
September 15, 1918 Railroad derrick picked
up telephone poles on Carlson’s ranch cut last spring.
Drove out to mile 19 to look over road work. Musher from
Talkeetna brought order for Mrs. Courtland.
September 16, 1918 Miller started to paint
school buildings. Hammill in from Knik with School furniture
for Eska. Evening Miller and self had a time drilling carbon
out of tube. Weiss proved up on his ranch.
September 17, 1918 Got $1,000 order to price
up from Moose Creek. Shough and Mrs. Rae back to pack
up. Fred made round trip to Knik, brought lampware and
paint. Got letter from Dad.
September 18, 1918 Set up
Gloria table lamp. Manager Fleck in. Mrs. Rae left
for Outside. Shough left for Eska Creek. Bill Koska
in from Cache Creek, said dredger turned out $80,000 per month.
September 19, 1918 Had Miller case up
front windows over balcony. Eide sent Tryck word to do
some work on Knik road per order of Wasilla Club. Evening
made bid on $1,000 order Moose Creek . Started street lamp.
September 20, 1918 Fred drove to Junction after
GB packer and freight. Schoolmarm went to Anchorage on
noon train. Commercial Club met. Miller finished up
balcony window casing and put in 1 shelf. Started to make
clothing table.
September 21, 1918 Bald Mt.
covered with snow again. Miller made 15’ table and cut
strips for front window glass. Pickle boss of territorial road
in town. Forker bros. in to join war.
September 22, 1918 Stanley went down to Edlund’s
brought back 6½ lb. cabbage. Wind blocking up
roads with wind falls. Evening set up 2 stand gas lamps.
September 23, 1918 Stanley went to mile 11
with Black’s boy for spuds and hay tools. Schoolmarm
back from Anchorage, came on speeder from Junction. No
school today. Heavy snow fall on mountains Wilmoth
Co. trying to fix electric lights.
September 24, 1918 Business fair cloudy
and cooler. Sold Kempton $450 worth junk clothing to ship
to Seattle. Corlew up from Anchorage. Miller back
from ranch. Bob Hatcher in from Anchorage. Bill Long
and Whitridge in from Knik.
September 25, 1918 Kempton
left for Anchorage. Zink went to Anchorage. Packed
up clothing sold to Kempton. Black loaded up with hay for
GB.
September 26, 1918 Business bum.
Corlew and partner back from mines. Fenton back from
coal mines because he was drafted for Army. Miller started
on 2nd coat of paint on school house.
September 27, 1918 Corlew and Mylroie
left for Anchorage. Nagley on train going to Anchorage.
Fred plowing Cannon’s lot. Forker bros. left for Anchorage
to register and go to war.
September 28, 1918 Rainy season still
on, business bum today. Miller finished painting school
house. Stanley and self put in skid board at railroad warehouse.
Stanley fell off platform bumped his nose.
September 29, 1918 Ed Danielson came
over by boat from Finger Lake, bought $68 order for Saunders.
PM walked out to mile 16, road about graded to Wasilla.
September 30, 1918 Road Commission
completed grading road Wasilla to mile 28. Hammel in
from Cottonwood with load freight for Moose - Moose Creek moving
back furniture. Cleaned up lower part of track warehouse.
October 1, 1918 Manager Fleck
back from Anchorage also Zink. Dog man arrived for Iditarod
mail carrier. Road Commission started work on Knik Road
at mile 14¼ corduroy. Got stationary for Wasilla Commercial
Club.
October 2, 1918 Martin and
men in closed down mill. Martin shipped out a few sacks
sample ore from Gold Cord Mine. Mrs. Unger left for Outside.
Road Commission returned 2 teams to A. E. Commission Anchorage.
October 3, 1918 Manager Fleck
back from mines. Shipped coil rope to Capt. Gaikema at Anchorage.
Sent Shough his springs at Eska.
October 4, 1918 Part of Tryck’s crew left for
Palmer Road via mile 25 to set up camp etc. Hamill in from
Knik also Adam Simmons. Club meeting no quorum. Allies
still driving the Huns.
October 5, 1918 Busy figuring new prices on
cereals etc. Frank Doherty in from mines and several others.
Miller went to ranch. McMillan and Thompson returned to
mines. Teacher held school today to make up for being closed
Monday. Marking 1st month of school.
October 6, 1918 Quiet in town.
Evening John Bartholf family arrived from prospecting on Willow
Creek, in route to Anchorage. Arranged goods in store cellar,
varnished new clothing table. Black brought in 1 more gas
tank from Mabel Mine. Road Commission finished corduroy at
mile 14¼.
October 7, 1918 Hall billed out his wagon,
bobsleighs, team, etc. for Talkeetna. Road commission
left to put in corduroy on Palmer Road. Frank Doherty located
ranch near Cannon’s. Evening clear and cold wind.
October 8, 1918 Business fair 2nd lot
mail dogs arrived. Got Warrant for Wasilla School fund.
Cliff Hall left with team etc. for Talkeetna. Nagley on train
for Talkeetna.
October 9, 1918 Sold Allen Hotel Matanuska
$75 order. Got order from Marshal Brown, Talkeetna.
Influenza making its rounds got a touch myself. Miller
at his ranch. Mail men packing feed to Hylin barn.
October 10, 1918 Steam shovel gang in to remove
cut by lake due to snow blocking track Mr. Ross in with
gang, McNeil and Huff. Evening Honorable Chas A. Shatzer spoke
at school house. Coal inspecting party in town photoing ranches.
Black after Mabel Mine for his pay.
October 11, 1918 Government land and
coal party left. Shipped 1 case shoes back to Brown Shoe
Co. Fred and Zink back from Knik, brought blankets shawls
and sweat pads for K. T. Co. Black went to Anchorage to settle with
Mabel Mine. Miller in.
October 12, 1918 Liberty Day, school
kids gave entertainment and dance at school house, proceeds
for Red Cross. St. Clair, Saindon, Crugg and several from
Junction attended.
October 13, 1918 Marked over blankets shawls
etc. from Knik store. A. E. commission auto car came over
line for bond sale, sold over 30,000 today. Evening work
trains back from Anchorage. Reported Germans had surrendered.
Agent Harmon cut his foot at homestead.
October 14, 1918 Ground froze all day.
Auto car with Liberty Bond agents back from end of steel, sold
$600 in Wasilla. Bought $200 bond for Stanley. A.
E. Commission sold $40,000 of bonds full allotment.
October 15, 1918 Lander back from Anchorage.
Harvey Bartholf and Horning in from mines also Dave Barnes
and Gus Swanson up from Anchorage for grading Knik Street and
digging well.
October 16, 1918 Big crowd for train today.
Both mining men and help on steam shovel gang left for Anchorage.
Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe took cook job on shovel car. Lander
in town sick on soft drink dope. Hammil in from Cottonwood.
Special train in evening.
October 17, 1918 Kempton up from Anchorage
sold him $275 clothing goods not saleable. Sold $60 order
to rancher at Palmer. Black back from Anchorage no money
from Mabel Mine. Kempton wanted price on our store.
October 18, 1918 Miller in
from ranch. Weiner in from Moose Creek. Kempton
left for Anchorage. Sent to bank to send draft to Brown
Shoe Co. Sent Capt Nick bill for chain rope etc. Evening
Club met, mailman Stewart joined club.
October 19, 1918 Froze hard last night
business slow. Stanley and self screened coal and put
same in furnace bin. Put down foundation for annex to store
warehouse to house auto truck cart etc. Fred Nelson building
his house.
October 20, 1918 Third hard freeze road holds
up wagon. Mattie and Stanley drove down to Donovan’s ranch.
PM finished foundation for annex to store warehouse. Varnished
south show window.
October 21, 1918 Black went out with 2 loads
for Bullion, broke axle at mile 20. Fred got roof on his
house on Knik Street. Packed up goods sold to Kempton.
Miller finished painting school house.
October 22, 1918 Started to put in double glass
in front of store, Miller helped. Land Dept. Engineer up
from Anchorage. Ground froze up no grading. Wilmoth
Co. trying all evening to start electric plant. Lakes closed
up.
October 23, 1918 Freezing hard at night.
Ira Miller took $100 order. Hamill in from Knik with orders.
Miller and self got in all but 5 glass store front. Horning’s
horse left to feed.
October 24, 1918 Kast went through to Talkeetna.
Ira Miller left for his ranch. Harvey Bartholf back from
Anchorage. Got invoices of fall goods. Coal oil came
up.
October 25, 1918 Hard wind all day, business
good. Sold over hundred dollar order to Knik bachelor.
Mrs. McMillan left for the States. Evening school kids
gave first program by their club. Harvey Bartholf moved
into Mabel house.
October 26, 1918 Big wind all day.
Little Nakeeta in from Fish Lake to trade. Hamill left
for Knik with bunch of small merchandise orders. Filled cellar
up with wood for furnace.
October 27, 1918 Still freezing weather.
Fred Bayer in from Little Susitna Roadhouse for clothing and
prices on groceries. Skating on lakes good. Packed
up sheep head to ship to Shields at Seldovia also clothing order
for time keeper camp 255. Settled up with Miller, he went to
his ranch.
October 28, 1918 First snow at Wasilla
ground white this AM. Kemper’s in from Susitna Coal Mine at
Houston. Stewart back from Anchorage arranged track warehouse
for winter freight due tomorrow. Old Parks showed up.
October 29, 1918 Got part of winter merchandise,
freight on Farragut yet to come. Lander family in from
32 also GB outfit in from mine. B. B. Mine closed down
Monday. Jacobson brought in load wheat hay bought same at
$45 a ton. Tryck in from Palmer Road.
October 30, 1918 Lander family left for Anchorage.
Gus Swanson and GB bunch left for Anchorage. Shipped
Horning’s house to Anchorage. Territorial Road work closed
on Wasilla and Palmer Road.
October 31, 1918 More snow about 2” fell
today business good. Sold Tolan order at Chickaloon.
Anchorage schools closed on account of Spanish Influenza.
Half of people at Seldovia down with it sent for Dr. Spaulding.
Mrs. Fenton moved in to join her husband at Chickaloon.
Mail for Iditarod arrived. Ames in town.
November 1, 1918 Snow flurries. Train
from north 5 hours late. Dr. Spaulding in from mile 32
hospital. He left for Seldovia to open hospital there.
Bothwell and last of GB bunch left for Anchorage. Fred
went to Anchorage to be examined.
November 2, 1918 Stanley and self worked on
shed annex to store warehouse. McMillan took load out to
Tryck’s camp at mile 25. Paid schoolmarm for 2nd month.
November 3, 1918 Got cash order from
Chickaloon $126. Store away vegetables etc. in basement,
Mattie candled the eggs. Started to put gas plant in school
house. Fleck and Carlson clearing school lot.
November 4, 1918 Hamill in from Knik with bobsleighs
took out double ender that Miller made over into passenger
sled. Miller finishing Fred’s house inside. Got Doherty
to take my place as judge of the election.
November 5, 1918 Election Day,
Sulzer got 31 votes versus Wickersham 6. Put up an order
for Ben Agnew. Harvey Bartholf back from Anchorage.
E. E. Hartman back from Iditarod District. Miller got patent
to homestead. Fred Nelson back from Anchorage brought influenza
with him.
November 6, 1918 Got car coal from Houston.
Harvey Bartholf left for Anchorage. Wilmoth went to Anchorage.
Deal on for Broad Pass property. Goodell in from 32.
November 7, 1918 Hamill in for Iditarod mail.
No train today on account of wreck on branch line. Fred
Carter in from his ranch. Fred and Gus unloaded ½ car
coal, Stewart got 6 tons, school 10 tons, rest for K. T. Co.
November 8, 1918 Chas Marino in after
supplies. No train to end of steel. branch train
came as far as Wasilla for passengers and freight for branch line.
Mrs. Dahlquist left to join her husband at coal camp. Wilmoth
back from Anchorage went to Seward. O. C. Miller at ranch.
Fred finished car of coal.
November 9, 1918 Sold Fred Carter an outfit.
Paid Carlson and Fleck for clearing school lot. Last
of winter freight arrived, meats, collar pads and gasoline from
Anchorage. Austria calling for Armistice.
November 10, 1918 Very quiet in town.
Finished installing Gloria gas plant in school house. Gus
and Zink drove George Gates to Knik. Wilmoth at Seward.
Forty Mile Miller at ranch. Hotel Hartman got the gripe.
Evening 8 above zero.
November 11, 1918 Weather clear -8.
A dozen more miners arrived from Iditarod. Tryck in from
mile 25 road camp. Report came that Germany signed the
Armistice with “kraut” trouble in Germany.
November 12, 1918 Business good sales
over $300. Twenty more Iditarod mushers in sold over $100
worth clothing. Fred Bayer in for grub for his Little Susitna
Roadhouse. Train 4 hours late. Sam McMillan in from
31½ Roadhouse.
November 13, 1918 Train 8 hours late from end
of steel. Big bunch Iditarod mushers left for Anchorage.
Bayer left with dog team and load for his Little Susitna Roadhouse.
Sent $500 with Lidell to pay McN and M balance on lumber.
Vic Blodgett in from Knik also Gates. Road Commission through
on Palmer Road.
November 14, 1918 Duncklee, Masters,
Nylin, in from Palmer to trade. Furrows and Panzer left
with supplies for Willow 187. Hamill in from Knik.
Order from rancher and Ben Agnew. Wilmoth back from Anchorage
brought the flu.
November 15, 1918 Junction train came to Wasilla
for their passengers and freight. Got paper with text
of Armistice terms. Germany dismantled of all war material.
November 16, 1918 Cold, -20, business
quiet. School closed for a week on account of flu.
November 17, 1918 Cold wave, -20, no
one in. Fixed side doors for double glass. Got
clothing order from end of steel.
November 18, 1918 Warming up, +16.
Put glass in side doors to store to keep from frosting.
Miller in from ranch said war was not over? Four mushers
in from Iditarod.
November 19, 1918 Weather warmer +26.
Bert Goodpaster bought outfit. Sold outfit for Skwentna
District. Native school teacher from Tyonek looking for Knik
Natives. McNeil and Blodgett in.
November 20, 1918 Chinook snow going
fast business fair. Tryck in from Palmer bridge.
Hung doors to shed annex to house auto truck, Miller fixed
Mrs. Wilmoth’s stove pipes.
November 21, 1918 Sold Indian Agent grub
for Knik Natives. Sam Kelly in from T and T camp bought
outfit and went to Knik. Chickaloon dealer here looking
for supplies. Jim shot a black bear. Miller went to
ranch.
November 22, 1918 Weather cloudy rain
+44. Gus Shores left with outfit for Skwentna. Goodpaster
back from Anchorage. Blacky in with horses from Cache
Creek. Ed Tagert and Jack Lee in from Talkeetna with bunch
of horses to winter up. Gus and Fred digging town well.
Stewart back from 1st trip with mail.
November 23, 1918 Third day of
Chinook, snow all gone in Wasilla. Stanley and self finished
roof on annex to warehouse. Doc Laubner and Capt. Norton
up from Anchorage with nurses for Knik and Susitna Natives.
November 24, 1918 Quiet in town. Filled
up coal and wood bins. Flurries of snow all day.
Fred and Gus finished town well. Filled gas tank 10 gallons.
November 25, 1918 Pete Murray and Chas Huff
bought $160 outfit for trip to the Kuskokwim District. Hamill
in from Knik said 6 Natives died at the Station with the flu.
November 26, 1918 H. A. Brown in for
merchandise from Palmer. Tryck in for draft bolts for
Palmer bridge sold him 225 lbs. Natives reported dying
everywhere with the flu.
November 27, 1918 Quiet in town.
Black in from Knik with Horning lumber for mines. Zink
sinking a well.
November 28, 1918 Turkey Day. We
had chicken dinner, Mr. Cannon dined with us. Stanley
troubled with lower front tooth. Moved Mattie’s auto truck
into warehouse annex. Very quiet no one in from country
today. Gus drove to Knik PM. No train.
November 29, 1918 Big wind today +24.
Hamill in from Knik. Black in from Knik with load lumber.
Special train up today. Marshal Hoffman in town from Junction.
Case of small pox in Seward. Snow blowed away.
November 30, 1918 Stanley went to Anchorage
for trouble with front teeth. Gus in from Knik brought
Yukon sleds box tea singletrees etc. and can of leaf tobacco.
Chas Harper down from Talkeetna went to Knik. Brassel went
to Anchorage. Evening windy.
December 1, 1918 Put board roof on kids barn
and covered up coal. Stanley at Anchorage, phone up,
teeth were alright trouble was with jaw bone. Black in from
Knik with big load lumber etc.
December 2, 1918 Had order from Moose Creek,
Matanuska, Talkeetna and Knik. Stanley visited up from
Anchorage said dentist lanced gum, teeth better. Two mushers
in from Iditarod - Ophir District. Black went home.
Edlund kids at school after 2 weeks absence. C. H. Wilson in from
Knik.
December 3, 1918 Stanley
back from Anchorage. Chas Harper left for Talkeetna.
Zink finished his well. D. Dee Blodgett in from Knik with
Adam to trade. Harvey Bartholf back from Anchorage.
Cannon heard from Zimmerman.
December 4, 1918 Stanley
stayed home with sore throat. O. C. Miller in from ranch.
Hamill in for Inside mail. Mrs. Fleckenstein and daughter went
to Anchorage. Kaiser signed abdication papers quit Germany.
December 5, 1918 Dr. Laubner and Indian
Nursing Party back from Susitna Station. Got order from
Eska. Wrote A. A. Zimmerman letter at Fairbanks to pay up
past account. Stanley home with sore throat all better.
December 6, 1918 Snowed 6” last night 19” at
Talkeetna. Stanley started to school, he was out for
4 days. Sent wire to bank of Fairbanks about Zimmerman.
December 7, 1918 Second cold wave, evening
-20. Conway paid his past account. Fred took out
Iditarod mail. Hamill stuck in snow at Station. Black
came in with load machinery and wire from FFF Ranch.
December 8, 1918 Cold, 8 PM 30 below
zero. Evening put mantle on school light broken by teacher.
Wrote A. E. Commission to find out about battery. Metz
in with Bogard’s team.
December 9, 1918 AM -32, PM -28.
Baldy from Junction up for bill of goods. Very few out
on account of cold snap. Got out Outside mail.
December 10, 1918 AM -30, PM -28.
Got wire from bank at Fairbanks that Zimmerman was in that vicinity.
Ira Miller in from Palmer to trade, took bunch of Hamill’s
burnt iron. Train 2 hours late. Road Commission through
at Palmer bridge.
December 11, 1918 AM -30, PM -25,
fifth day of cold wave. Reported -70 at Montana Creek.
Train 6 hours late from north business good. Bert Long in
from Knik went to Anchorage. Got order from Willow.
December 12, 1918 Warming up zero today
business good. Sales and collections $240. Hamill
in from Knik with orders. Got order from Eska. Simmons
in for grub. Black going to haul freight for Gold Bullion.
Got 250 tons to move to mines from Houston.
December 13, 1918 Morning -20.
Fred Nelson drove to Knik. Evening Saindon and Black in
on way to haul freight for GB Mines. Capt. Norton sold his
dog team to Stewart. Last of Red Cross Party from Station
left for Anchorage also Stewart.
December 14, 1918 Cold -10 to -24, business
quiet. Stanley helped to fill furnace coal bin.
Saindon and Nagley left for Houston with two 4 horse teams
to haul for GB. Evening all took cabinet bath.
December 15, 1918 Cold wave broke, +16.
Seven days with temperatures 10 to 30 below. Very quiet
in town. Mattie got cold in head. Sent Feldman final
notice about stock tax, wrote Williams about it. Evening
a little wind.
December 16, 1918 Black sent two 4 horse teams
to GB Mines Taylor and Tagart skinners. Fred brought
in half load of K. T. Co. merchandise general assortment.
Ed Danielson in to trade.
December 17, 1918 Bill Long back from Anchorage
also Stewart the mailman got delayed mail addressed to Knik.
Three cars of steel from Seward went through to finish track
to Talkeetna.
December 18, 1918 About sold
out on no. 15 medlicot. Herman Gromwoldt in from Fish
Lake for his summers grub. Reported scarlet fever at Anchorage.
School kids preparing for entertainment tomorrow evening.
Booth went to Anchorage.
December 19, 1918 Gromwoldt left for his ranch
at Fish Lake. Evening entertainment and dance at school
house. Several in from Knik and Junction.
December 20, 1918 Knik dancers
left for home. Teacher left for Anchorage 2 week vacation.
Evening Commercial Club met. Mattie troubled with hoarseness
in throat. Sam McMillan in. Evening warm and no wind.
Mrs. Harman went to Anchorage.
December 21, 1918 Second Chinook, evening
rain +38. Chas Marino in for grub order from Finger Lake.
Fred hauling wood for Hartman and Wilmoth. Jacobson in with
4th load wheat hay. Evening getting windy. Wagner’s
horse sick.
December 22, 1918 Quiet in town.
Heavy rain last night, snow all gone in Wasilla evening windy.
Put up Winchesters order $74. Fred and Bodin drove out to
Miller’s ranch. Bodin wants to buy Miller’s lot and shop in
Wasilla.
December 23, 1918 Ulanky and Wilson in
from Knik. Got 2 orders from out on Iditarod trail and
3 from Chickaloon. Bayer in from Little Susitna Roadhouse.
PM real blizzard for 3 hours.
December 24, 1918 Bayer left
with grub for his Little Susitna Roadhouse. O. C. Miller
sold his Wasilla property to Albert Bodin. Miller working
on electric explosive invention said teaspoon full would blow
up Wasilla. Stanley skied to Junction to take in Xmas dance.
December 25, 1918 Xmas rain snow wind
+34. Very quiet in town store closed PM. Stanley
back from Junction, had chicken dinner O. C. Miller was
guest. No one at Hotel. Gave Mattie $50, self
got 1919 diary.
December 26, 1918 Milo Kelly and Capt.
Nick up from Anchorage. Finished Xmas chicken. Evening
raining. O. C. Miller returned to ranch. Chinook
for 12 days.
December 27, 1918 Adam in from Knik.
Several big dog teams in from Flat Creek. Evening got
$300 phone order from Chickaloon. Milo and Capt. Nick
went to mines.
December 28, 1918 Trapper returned to Kuskokwim
District after trading at Wasilla. Evening Herning family
totaled up cash and credit sales July 1st to date. Stanley
set out his trap line.
December 29, 1918 Bogard’s team in.
Pete Johnson in with load oat hay from Post Hole Pete’s ranch.
Evening much warmer 34 above.
December 30, 1918 Chinook on again business
fair. Capt. Nick back from mines. Hammil fired on
mail wagon. Paid 2nd and 3rd sewer assessment Lot 1 block
29 Anchorage $46.03. Stanley troubled with ulcerated front
teeth again.
December 31, 1918 Lewis in on way to
haul for GB Mines. Capt. Nick left for Anchorage.
Stanley drove up to Jacobson’s to buy ½ ton spuds.
“Kids and Swede” town up to celebrate old year out and new year
in. Man and woman arrived from Flat Creek, reported Gold Team
at Susitna with ton of gold from Iditarod District. Lilwall
took on a dog. Old year closed with business better at Wasilla
than last year. Herning family at Wasilla Alaska on main
line of government railroad, operating K. T. Co. general merchandise
business. Our store 24 x 80 with balcony. Reported the
finest store on railroad line. Jack Lee moved out to Smith’s
ranch by lakes.
1919
Inside cover of 1919 diary: home phone
RR depot, automobile Overland 75B, insurance policy NY Life,
weight 175, height 5 10”, hat size 7¼, shirt size 16½,
shoes 8½-10.
January 1, 1919 Happy New Year. Herning family
living aft part of new store building at Wasilla Alaska on main
line of government railroad. Very quiet in town today.
Jacobson delivered spuds for the War Baby Mine.
January 2, 1919 Business humming sales nearly
$600 today. Also got $2,000 order from Nagley and Co.
Schoolmarm back from vacation at Anchorage. Gold Team in
with ton of Iditarod gold dust.
January 3, 1919 Sam Kelly, Blodgett,
Bonnet and Gus Swanson left on train for Anchorage. Bob
Griffith had his dog team brought in from Knik to haul gold dust
on railroad between snow slides between mile 72 and 49. Evening
Club meeting. School started today after 2 weeks vacation.
January 4, 1919 Quiet in town. Evening
3 dog teams from Iditarod arrived, Gugie men. Stanley
skied down to Black’s. Gold Dust Teams left for Junction
to catch train to Anchorage.
January 5, 1919 Cleaned up store warehouse
unpacked some Knik hardware. Mattie drove up to Jacobson’s
for vegetables for our use. “Gugie” men left with dog teams
for Anchorage to try and catch boat.
January 6, 1919 Wilson and Otto out from Knik
for merchandise. Nagley phoned for grub, said rails were
laid to Talkeetna. Alex over from Eklutna.
January 7, 1919 H. H. Drake in from Moose
Creek to trade. J. J. O’Brien in from Knik for grub.
Gus back from Anchorage reported funds to cover Mabel account arrived
at bank.
January 8, 1919 Chinook wind. Got 1 large order
to bid on. Wire of the 6th stated ex-President Roosevelt
died at his home Oyster Bay. Foster bros. in from Talkeetna
District went on to Knik.
January 9, 1919 Got Knik orders and one
from Chickaloon. Fred took out-mail for Stewart.
Got letter from Dad and one from Zimmerman also Feldman.
January 10, 1919 Stewart in with Flat
mail. Saindon through hauling for GB. Evening steel
gang train passed through to Anchorage. Harper bros. left
big order to bid on. Evening snowed 2”.
January 11, 1919 Ed Danielson in to trade.
Fred in with mail brought balance of Knik store clothing.
Settled with Fred for haulage to date. Frank Doherty back.
Sugar sold out in Anchorage.
January 12, 1919 Very quiet in town. Stewart
left to meet mail wagon. Fred drove to Knik after Dr.
McCallie's house.
January 13, 1919 Land Department
sent surveyors up to locate cemetery site. Did nothing
said ground too frozen and couldn’t drive stakes. Got order
from Chickaloon. Train day changed to Monday and Thursday
north bound.
January 14, 1919 Adam and Stellar in
from Knik. Blackjack Miller in town. Surveyors
located cemetery on Cannon’s homestead near town. Evening
wrote Willys Overland about car.
January 15, 1919 Price and Jenkins down
from Talkeetna for big outfit. Train 5 hours late.
Farmers loading spuds for GB Mine. Stetler went to Anchorage.
Evening figured on $300 order.
January 16, 1919 Price and
Jenkins left for Anchorage to finish buying mining outfits.
GB spud car left for Houston. Fred in from Knik with load
lumber for himself. Sam McMillan in.
January 17, 1919 Business fair got another
$500 Cache Creek order. Train from north plowing out
snow around Montana Creek. Put up Price’s order. Lillwall
gave bond on account of lost checks.
January 18, 1919 McElroy
in from Skwentna Crossing to trade. Got order from Furrows
and Campbell at Willow and Wickersham from Chickaloon. Several
went over to Rader’s to attend dance. Danielson in to trade.
January 19, 1919 Got order from Wells bros.
Four orders ready to ship tomorrow. Moose Hank in town.
Little Susitna Roadhouse in for bill of grub.
January 20, 1919 Price back from Anchorage.
Chas Harper on train for Talkeetna. Got letter from father
with check for $2,000 dated December 13, 1918. Horning and Bartholf
up from Anchorage to move lumber to mines.
January 21, 1919 Sold War Baby Mine a hardware
outfit. Got 3 shipments ready for Branch line.
Wrote Seattle bank about $2,000 check deal, that we had sent
check. Fred Carter in for supplies.
January 22, 1919 Put up order
for Lon Wells of Talkeetna. Sold out on Premium ham, butter,
diced fruit. Stewart in with Iditarod mail. Kid horse
gone last night, back this evening. Fred and Gus went to Knik.
January 23, 1919 Got check from Bank of Alaska
to cover Mabel Mine Co. overdue account. Bill Hughes
in town. Adams mailman in from Rainy Pass. Land Department
inspector passed through on way to Iditarod District. War Baby left
for Mines.
January 24, 1919 Mattie Amelia Rogers Herning
and G. Stanley Herning, left on noon train for Anchorage to have
Stanley’s teeth looked after and do buying for Knik Trading Co.
on account of shortage of goods. Bill Hughes went to Anchorage.
Knik boat builder back from Iditarod District. Fred to Knik.
January 25, 1919 Put in Lon
Wells order. Mattie phoned from Anchorage had luck in securing
merchandise. Joe Brassel left for Willow Creek to cut timber.
January 26, 1919 Stanley and mother at Anchorage.
Danielson in. Evening got north mail ready.
January 27, 1919 Mattie back
from Anchorage, Stanley stayed to have teeth treated.
Frank Forker back from Ft. Liscum. Fred Winter in from
Alexander Creek. Fred in from Knik with lumber.
January 28, 1919 Cold wave -32, coldest
day of winter. Adam out from Knik for grub. Kemper’s
in for grub for trap line. Wrote Joe Anderson about his outfit.
McMillan in hauling hay for Lander.
January 29, 1919 AM -16, evening - 24.
Received $400 check to cover A and K order Cache Creek.
Monroe Kast on train for Anchorage. Reported -62 at Talkeetna
on the 28th. A. E. C. driving the Talkeetna bridge.
Lander left for Anchorage.
January 30, 1919 Temperature -34.
Packing up AK order. Stanley back from Anchorage.
Wrote Feldman that I was going to sell interest in D-H and Co.
Evening -4 and snowing.
January 31, 1919 Black in from Willow
Creek after horse feed to move War Baby outfit. Stewart
mailman in 1 day late with mail.
February 1, 1919 Warm wind, + 26. Black
up from ranch with forage account War Baby freight haulage.
Another freight team in from GB camp through. Sent in Elliott’s
bond statement.
February 2, 1919 Stanley and self took 3,200
lbs. over to depot for A and K Talkeetna on Monday train. Fred
in from trip to Station bought bacon for Nagley, Talkeetna.
Had liver dinner. Evening Mattie parted with de-liver and
then some.
February 3, 1919 Six shipments, Wasilla
to Talkeetna, today. Kast back from Anchorage also Gold
Team. Huey Goodell and Fern in from 32. Wilson in from Knik
for grub. Mattie OK tonight.
February 4, 1919 Bob Griffin left for Inside
with string of 15 dogs, Monroe Kast for Station.
Mack Foster in from Knik and several ranchers in to trade.
Fred loaded car of native hay for Chickaloon.
February 5, 1919 A-1 spring day 40 above
business quiet. Simmons out from Knik girls went to Anchorage
to get teeth fixed up. A. E. Commission visited for bids
on 150 tons Wasilla ice. Evening fixed up desk lamp.
Arranged for a ton of A. E. Commission sugar.
February 6, 1919 F. H. Master
in from Palmer to trade. Got dysentery from something.
February 7, 1919 Done up
all day with stomach trouble. Fred, Gus, Zink and Friedland
went to Knik. Shipped 2 orders to Palmer. Stewart
in with Flat mail.
February 8, 1919 Gus and
Fred back from Knik with logs from Wilmoth cabin. Outside mail
held up since last Sunday on account of snow on government railroad.
February 9, 1919 Quiet in town,
Stewart left with mail for Inside. Jack McLean mail driver
in from Rainy Pass. Gus went to Knik. Wrote Overland
about battery.
February 10, 1919 Train brought no Outside
mail. Foster bros. left for end of steel. Paid
A. E. Commission for ton of sugar $233. Fred in from Knik
with house logs. Frisbie in town.
February 11, 1919 Grennan in for supplies.
Fred took several orders to Knik. Rascher in for grub.
February 12, 1919 Fred Crocker and Native in
from Knik to trade. Fred Byers in from Little Susitna
Roadhouse for grub. Got order from Talkeetna and Chickaloon.
There were 30 passengers on train from Nenana.
February 13, 1919 Bayer left with dog sled
load for roadhouse. Fred in from Knik with load lumber
for Friedland. Schoolmarm left on train for somewhere.
Dirty Al in town.
February 14, 1919 Dee Dee Blodgett and Harvey
Bartholf went to Anchorage also Adam Simmons. Black through
hauling in War Baby freight to mines. Schoolmarm back from
Eklutna? Forker went out with mail.
February 15, 1919 Donovan in for grub.
Danielson in from Finger Lake. Fred in from Knik with
load lumber. Stanley and Swen went out to Miller’s ranch.
Sold out on rice and milk.
February 16, 1919 Tom Akin wife and brother
passed through in route to Anchorage. Simmons drove to
Junction. Stanley back from Miller’s. Enameled rods
that hold up balcony in store.
February 17, 1919 Joe Anderson on train for
Talkeetna. Dad Ford back from Anchorage also Harvey Bartholf
and Lillwall. Bunch went to dance at Junction.
February 18, 1919 Dancers
back from Junction. Dad Ford went to Knik with Simmons.
No school today because teacher attended dance at Junction.
Got order for shoes from Eska.
February 19, 1919 Knik Natives in to trade.
Kast back from Station. Lewis in from GB freight camp.
Marshal took Long Legs for being a slacker. Two mushers
in from Iditarod.
February 20, 1919 Kast left for Talkeetna.
Shough up from Anchorage after his auto car.
February 21, 1919 Shough shipped out with his
two auto cars for Anchorage. Club meeting tried to elect
officers for ensuing year no results.
February 22, 1919 Adam out from Knik.
No one coming to Washington exercises at Wasilla from Knik.
Evening school kids pulled off program. Junction people
attended raised $90 for school library.
February 23, 1919 Quiet in town. Mattie
and self took a trot down Cottonwood Creek to Fleck’s back
by Wagon Road. Snow ankle deep in timber . Huey Goodell
returned to mines. Campbell from 187 Willow in town.
February 24 1919 Got order from Palmer and
Eska. Black drove in to Knik to buy log house for school
house on his ranch. An anarchist shot at Premier of France.
February 25 1919 Perfect day half day
light now business fair. Black back from Knik said he would
haul in our house, woodshed, barber shop, galvanized warehouse
and house aft of old store for 175 bucks.
February 26 1919 Sold Joseph Jandos prop.
Houston Coal Mine bill of grub. Whitridge and Adam in from
Knik also Dad Ford and Sam Kelly left for Anchorage. Evening
skating party on Cottonwood Creek.
February 27, 1919 Wood and coal about used
up, shipped order to Houston. Gus building his house,
moved out from Knik. Mailman in.
February 28, 1919 Otto and Whitridge bid $130
to tear down 5 buildings at Knik house store buildings etc.
Sent $37.50 by mailman to Mrs. Johnson for Monroe Kast.
Also sent $5 to Whiton for fish.
March 1, 1919 Stewart and Forker
in with mail. Benson of Anchorage got ice contract from
A. E. Commission. Figured up 1918 sales amount $23,033.50
a few dollars less than 1917 on account of income tax.
March 2, 1919 Hansen in from Susitna
in route to Cache Creek, sold him a small order. Self and Mattie
drove up Wasilla Lakes to Bogard’s ranch, no snow at ranch.
March 3, 1919 Lutchinger
down for prospecting outfit. Knik Natives in to trade.
Indian Jim back from Potlatch Susitna and Knik. Bothwell
in from Outside to open GB Mine. Chris Anderson back from France.
March 4, 1919 Chas Huff back from
prospecting trip to Kuskokwim District didn’t find the mazuma.
Bensen the ice man from Anchorage cutting Wasilla Lake ice.
Wrote Whiton about D-H and Co. account.
March 5, 1919 Got $101 order from
Willow. Rae in from Montana and paid his past account.
Black returned from Knik with lumber and wire. Hansen from
Knik in with load lumber for Carter. Sold out on butter and
fruit.
March 6, 1919 Mattie drove up to Jacobson’s
ranch to order spuds. Helma in from Knik for grub.
Changed bed on red sled to double ender for trip to Knik for books
etc.
March 7, 1919 Stanley and self drove to Knik
to pack up books etc. Slept in house over store.
Knik about deserted. Wet snow storm. Lander and daughter
in from Anchorage.
March 8, 1919 At Knik. Showed Otto and
Whitridge 5 buildings to be taken down, let them the job for
$130. Packed up all the books in the house and odds and
ends in store. Left 2 PM arrived Wasilla 6:30 PM Light snow.
March 9, 1919 Quiet in town. McEllroy's
paid in for supplies from Rainy Pass District. Black drove
to Knik for Rae’s house etc. Packed up 3 orders.
Carter drove to Knik for lumber from Ford’s place.
March 10, 1919 Adam in from Knik.
Frank Irwin and brother in from Lake Creek. Natives in
from Old Knik to trade. Hughes in put in bed to haul out
Knik houses. Busy figuring up income tax. Wrote Conroy
about D-H and Co. building
March 11, 1919 Got out spring orders
to come first boat. Windy all day.
March 12, 1919 Wind blew hard all day. got
several small orders from Knik. Evening Conroy phoned
about D-H and Co. building and fixtures for sale. Patzack
back from Nenana.
March 13, 1919 Gates in town. Lander went out
to his mountain home. Carter to Knik for lumber.
Evening wind died down.
March 14, 1919 Wasilla to Knik to pick up balance
of merchandise left. Otto had partitions, wall board
and all inside disassembled in house. Gus and Fred went
to Anchorage.
March 15, 1919 At Knik. Loaded Hammil
up with safe, hardware, balance of groceries desks etc.
Left with office supplies, table, closet doors, screens, etc.
for Wasilla. Hamill stopped at mile 9 cabin. Dance
at school house.
March 16, 1919 Busy all day packing away Knik
goods, got Knik safe into store. Stanley hauled in 2 ricks
wood.
March 17, 1919 Wilson in from Knik
to trade. PM drove in to Knik to pick up more goods.
March 18, 1919 Knik to Wasilla. Gave
Hammil load of assorted merchandise. Cleaned up big warehouse
except drill steel. Loaded up red sled with windows mirrors
etc. Drove in to Wasilla in 3½ hours. Evening
warmer.
March 19, 1919 Black drove to Knik with
3 teams to haul out Knik Trading Co. buildings. The ice
man left for Anchorage. Sold War Baby hardware outfit.
Lewis in to freight at 31½.
March 20, 1919 Matanuska Natives in to
trade. Black hauled out first load from Knik, part of
house and iron off warehouse. Al Wolf passed through to Cache
Creek District. Fred back from Anchorage.
March 21, 1919 Evening drove in to Knik to
look after building tore down. Snow about gone at
Thorpe’s, mile 11 and mile 8.
March 22, 1919 At Knik. Packed up balance
of merchandise in old store. Took up linoleum in house
over store. Took windows out of pump house. Otto had
house cut up in sections ready to load. Arrived Wasilla 9 PM.
March 23, 1919 Black in with 2nd load of Knik
Trading Co. lumber from Knik. Busy helping to unload sections
of house. Evening put up hardware order for Willow Creek.
Residents put up 2 tons ice.
March 24, 1919 Business fair freezing hard
nights. Rae left for pump job Montana Creek. Eight
men and car load arrived to haul bull wheel 800 lbs. and shaft
to Kuskokwim. Evening drove to Knik. Jack Downing
here to prove up.
March 25, 1919 At Knik. Black decided
to haul all the buildings. Had Otto and Whitridge tear
down barbershop and house aft old store. Self took out all
the windows, glass door’s etc. and hauled same to Wasilla.
Arrived 9:30 PM.
March 26, 1919 Nagley down from
Talkeetna went to Station to take stock. Ellexson in from
Happy River RH for supplies. Black went to Knik for barbershop
and store residence. Swanson hauling freight at 32.
Gus and Fred back from Anchorage.
March 27, 1919 Big wind business fair.
Horning left for War Baby Mine. Fred Nelson sent his
team to haul freight. Walters and Duncklee in from Palmer
to trade. Old timers Getchell and Frank Kelly married.
Hammil hauled a load of wood. Harvey back from Anchorage.
March 28, 1919 Wind still blowing. Black
in with barbershop and part of store house. Thorpe and
Downing proved up on their homesteads. Crowd cleared lot
on Cannon’s for graveyard.
March 29, 1919 Put doors windows
and flooring under track warehouse. Evening Wasilla bunch
went to dance at Matanuska on hand car.
March 30, 1919 Quiet in town. Stanley
got home from Junction dance. Jack Hammil out from Knik
with some of his gear. Hauled in load wood. Mopped store floor
and oiled store floor.
March 31, 1919 Black in with balance
of Knik houses. Cache Creek Murray wanted price on my
hydraulic pipe. Chas Bartholf on way to mines. Erickson
up from Junction.
April 1, 1919 Sold case 12 gauge shells.
Hammil building barn. Put shelving lumber from Knik store
in warehouse. Watson reported sailed today from Seattle
for Anchorage.
April 2, 1919 Quiet in town. Whitridge out
from Knik, paid him for wrecking 5 buildings there. Evening
school kids had a dance. Ducks seen at Cottonwood Creek.
April 3, 1919 Frost coming out of ground.
Lander in from 32. Gus and Fred back from Anchorage. Three
dog teams going Inside. Stewart took out last mail for Flat.
Sent order for clothing.
April 4, 1919 Mailman back.
Nagley came with team from Station. Evening Club meeting,
handed in my resignation as secretary. Harman and wife went
to Anchorage. Lillwall acting agent.
April 5, 1919 Nagley in town.
Spent day as judge of school election. Elected new board
Stewart Clerk, Cannon Treasurer, Tryck Director. Third real
summer day.
April 6, 1919 Nagley waiting for train to Talkeetna.
Got all of inside finish of Knik houses under cover.
Fred got job to haul Talkeetna mining timbers.
April 7, 1919 Nagley left for Talkeetna.
Agent Harman and wife back from Anchorage. Fred Nelson
left for Talkeetna Mine.
April 8, 1919 Chas Bartholf in from War Baby
Mine. Could not pull orders from Eska, no meats, butter
or milk. Wasilla sold out on white flour.
April 9, 1919 Chas Bartholf and
Miller left for Anchorage. Scotty Parks pile driving outfit
passed through for Turnagain Arm from Talkeetna bridge.
Mrs. Akin arrived going Inside. Tom Akin sick at San Francisco.
April 10, 1919 Busy with Outside
mail, wrote to Zimmerman. Stewart went out with Rae’s
wagon after Inside mail. Wagon has been in use for a week
to Knik and Matanuska. Wrote Feldman and Conroy about D-H
and Co. business.
April 11, 1919 Perfect day 38 to 80 in the
sun quiet in town, cleaned front store windows. Mailman
Stewart received his first money for Wasilla - Flat mail Inside.
April 12, 1919 Cleaned up coal bin on Wasilla
Avenue. Bill Hughes in looked for seed grain. New
school board met and made up estimate for 1919 and 1920 term.
April 13, 1919 Very quiet. Fred Nelson
in from 32 for hay had to drive to Knik for baled hay.
Housed balance of lumber from Knik. Streets dry in Wasilla.
April 14, 1919 Change of train schedule, only
one train a week hereafter on account of no construction on
main line. Cleaned up Wasilla Avenue in front of store.
Stanley received his bonds, four $50’s or $200.
April 15, 1919 Jack Hammil hauled
in 12 ricks stove wood. Train back from Talkeetna.
Jack Lee and bride in from Talkeetna to take Crazy Smith Ranch.
On last sack sugar. Ranchers plowing.
April 16, 1919 Mattie drove to
Knik to fix Elmer’s grave for Easter. Lander in from
32. Party wanted to lease placer. Cannon planted
his wheat.
April 17, 1919 Varnished banister rails in
balcony. Mattie got back from Knik 2:30 PM. Ed
Lee and his “bell” moved on to Crazy Smith’s Ranch near Bogard’s.
Lander went to Anchorage.
April 18, 1919 Deedee Blodgett and father
in from Knik. Deedee going to Anchorage to take position
as assistant. Tryck returned from cleaning out slide in canyon
mile 28. Boat Farragut arrived reported Sulzer died.
April 19, 1919 Cleaned up aft grocery counter
and installed safe cabinet safe. Blodgett outfit left
to catch train at Junction for Anchorage. Farragut arrived
Friday, first boat to Anchorage, reported Knik Trading Co. over 400
pieces freight.
April 20, 1919 Very quiet in town. Fred
in from Talkeetna Mine. Reported train Monday with 3 cars
for GB and Outside mail.
April 21, 1919 Cold wind. branch train
delivered car of beef for GB Mine. Victory Loan opened today,
OGH subscription taker at Wasilla. Three traveling men
arrived not much business.
April 22, 1919 Nagley phoned for ton of spuds.
Made out order for store awning. Lander went to
32. G. B. Morrison and cook here for GB Mine. Johnson
and Lewis went to Houston to haul car beef.
April 23, 1919 Got car load of Outside
merchandise. Busy all PM with freight. McMillan,
Lawrence, Hatcher in to trade. Manager Chickaloon Coal
Co. visited offered us $400 a month trade. Battery for car
arrived. New spring stock arrived.
April 24, 1919 Railroad had no expense bill,
short 3 Seattle invoices. Kemper’s in from War Baby
Mine. McMillan took load freight for 28 and 32.
Got order from Allen Hotel, 1 from Palmer and 1 from Thorpe.
April 25, 1919 Kemper’s bought outfit.
Musher in with pack horse going to Houston. Wilmoth Co.
fishing all day. Sold 2 Victory Bonds on loan drive.
April 26, 1919 A-1 day business good sales
over $200. Baldy up from Junction to trade. Bill
Hughes in after seeds. Simmons lost 2 horses in Knik Lake.
Stanley and Nikoli went up to Old Wasilla cabin to fish and hunt.
April 27, 1919 Quiet in town. Harvey
Bartholf getting ready to go to mines. Put up order for
Thorpe and Brassel Mine. Stanley back from hunting trip,
siwashed out over night. Marked up and put new goods on
shelves.
April 28, 1919 Lutchinger in for
supplies. Opened new battery for Matt’s car found 1 cap
to north cell broken, old break when shipped. Farmers busy
planting oats barley and wheat.
April 29, 1919 Three ranchers in from Junction
to trade. Thorpe back from 32. Jacobson left small
order. Cash on hand $3,002. Cannon’s incubator chicks
hatching.
April 30 1919 Drake and Carter
in from Palmer for outfit. Train day and rush on, got
shorts on freight. Evening Fred in from Talkeetna Mines.
Several arrived to go to Willow Creek. Shough arrived with
car from Anchorage.
May 1, 1919 Shough made 1st trip with auto
car to mile 22, took out Sears chickens. Ben Agnew in
went to Cottonwood. Rae in for summer from pump job on railroad.
May 2, 1919 Ice out of Lucille Lake,
last year went out May 24th business fair. Ben Agnew back
from Knik. First freight bill over $600. Shough drove
car out to mile 25. Fred went to Strandburg's to plant grain.
May 3, 1919 Sold out on seeds. Sent Stanley
to Junction with out-mail. Mr. Gooding from Finger Lake
District in for load seeds. Took off cylinder head and got
engine to turn over on truck
May 4, 1919 Cloudy with evening rain first
real spring rain. Worked on auto truck, put in new battery
couldn’t get spark found wire broken on distributor.
May 5, 1919 Most of day electric starter worked
OK couldn’t get enough fire in engine to turn her over.
Evening cleaned up distributor was full of dirt and grease.
Wilson in from Knik. Pete Johnson through with GB via Houston.
May 6, 1919 Put up 2 orders for Lake Nancy.
Evening adjusted brakes and engine turned over OK, carburetor
out of adjustment. Huey Goodell in from mines. Pete
Johnson returned to Junction.
May 7, 1919 A-1 day 1st installment of mosquitoes.
Train day business good. F. R. Wilson and Dan Miller
and Doc Yak in from Anchorage. PM Kid horse came home very
sick, doctored him until 9 PM. Mailed Victory Loan Bonds to
Dan Vacetish.
May 8, 1919 Busy all AM getting
orders to depot for shipment. PM St. Clair down for meats
etc. Doc Yak and Patzack left for Anchorage. Kid
horse jumped out of lot at midnight went to mile 13½ drank
water and died.
May 9, 1919 Baldy up from Junction to trade.
Lillwall building chicken house for Mrs. “Budinsky”.
School closed kids had dance evening small crowd.
May 10, 1919 A-1 day red robins arrived.
Gus Swanson drove schoolmarm to Junction. Hartman painting
front of hotel. Farmers about through planting.
May 11, 1919 O’Brien and Fred Crocker
in from Knik. Took cylinder head off engine and repacked gasket
with graphite and oil. Rae fixed union nut. Carburetor
still out of whack. Ice out of Wasilla Lake.
May 12, 1919 Lander in from 32.
Mrs. McMillan arrived from States via by wagon from Junction.
Fred Nelson drove to Knik. Ranchers proving up on 2 homesteads.
May 13, 1919 Lander left for Anchorage
to meet his boy coming back from war, sent Outside mail by him.
Took carburetor off engine found same assembled wrong and no
packing, put it back and engine run first turn over.
May 14, 1919 Mrs. Horning arrived from Anchorage
on way to mines. Shough drove through to 32. Put
one car out of commission. Stewart left for Lake Nancy to
put up building for dogs there. Dr. and Mrs. Spaulding arrived
from Seldovia in route to Willow Creek Mines.
May 15, 1919 Had a shipment for branch
line. Rae went to Knik. Put in order for Lander
hardware. Evening filled up cup grease on auto. Made
approach to auto barn.
May 16, 1919 Bob Hatcher in for hardware.
Brown over from Moose Creek. Self run auto truck out to mile
19, tank full of scales, checked feed pipe otherwise car run OK.
Spaulding moved to 32.
May 17, 1919 Ulanky in from Knik. C.
W. Wagner in from Sutton. Erickson back from moving Spaulding
to Hospital at 32.
May 18, 1919 Quiet in town. Sutton Wagner
bought a horse and returned home. Ulanky traded his 2
knot heads for a work horse with Lee. Stanley and self walked out
to Nyes Cat on Thorpe coal road for union nut to fix oil line on car.
May 19, 1919 Ed Tagert on market for
Chas Bartholf Mine. Fixed up oil connections on car.
Cleaned out gas tank it was full of iron scales. Evening
run car out to 16, oil and air not right wouldn’t run on high.
May 20, 1919 Put up small order for Houston
Coal Mine. Got Chas Bartholf order ready for mines.
Evening hauled in 3 ricks wood with auto truck Gas working
much better.
May 21, 1919 Big day, fifty people arrived
for mines, Fickinger for Mabel, Mr. Rock for Talkeetna and
help for GB Mines. Richard Lander arrived from oversea
service. Superintendent Eide here for starting road work.
May 22, 1919 Got off 4 orders from branch line
customers. Evening drove car out to mile 17, brought in 2 loads
wood. Shough shipped Corlew car to Anchorage for repairs.
May 23, 1919 Froze hard last night.
Mrs. Shough hauling freight with auto car. Erickson in
after freight for Talkeetna Mine. Wilmoth back from Anchorage.
Road Commission commenced work at mile 28.
May 24, 1919 Stanley went
out to visit O. C. Miller on ranch. Mattie sick all day
with stomach trouble. Evening got oil adjusted and engine
working fine. Fitted seat on truck part of car.
May 25, 1919 Quiet in town. Mattie
better this morning. Noon drove car to mile 12 took Cannon
and Lillwall out for dinner, had swell food. Evening drove
car out to Miller’s for Stanley.
May 26, 1919 Manager Fleck on the market.
Hartman back from Anchorage bought Ford car. Erickson busy
hauling out Mabel and Talkeetna freight Mrs. Houston in
from mountain home.
May 27, 1919 Evening good rain much needed.
Put up mining outfit for foot of Bald Mt. and one order for Talkeetna.
Mrs. Murray arrived at Knik.
May 28, 1919 Train day business good
got 2 orders from mines. Doc Yak in looking over freighting
from 32 to mines. Hartman got Ford car. Busy until
midnight with mail and orders.
May 29, 1919 Stanley and
mother left for Anchorage to have Stanley’s front teeth looked
after. Frank Doherty in from Martin’s Mine to finish his
cabin on ranch mile 14. Fire Warden visited.
May 30, 1919 Section men from Pitman and Willow
in to trade. Tex Cobb and Weikert in from Knik, Tex
out after a boat. Last evening had chills, bowels loose all
day, no eat or smoke today, evening a little better.
May 31, 1919 Fickinger caught train at Junction
for Anchorage sent bank deposit by him, wired Stanley about it.
Fred went to Anchorage. Hartman went out to Miller’s to
order lumber for his car barn. Evening formed Republican Club.
Stanley and mother at Anchorage.
June 1, 1919 Trees leaved out and plenty of
grass. Drove car out to mile 28, took Mrs. Tryck and Harman’s
and Lillwall, car run fine. Loken, Miller and Masters over
to prove up.
June 2, 1919 Got 4 orders from Palmer.
Masters proved up on his brush farm. T. R. Wilson in from
Willow Creek sick and all in. Gene and John Bartholf and
Tom Babcock arrived mounted from states.
June 3, 1919 Hauled Goebel’s grub out to coal
road mile 17. Martha and Stanley still doing Anchorage.
On feed again 2 meals today. Evening got out Seattle orders
and mail. Eighty chicks arrived at Hartman’s.
June 4, 1919 Stanley and
mother back from Anchorage. Evening drove car out to mile
19, Stanley drove car back to town. Sold Manager
Fleck our road cart.
June 5, 1919 Lander and Bartholf kids and Lillwall
went to Anchorage. Stanley and self cleaned up oil base differential
and transmission on Matt’s car.
June 6, 1919 Joe Brassel in for mining outfit.
Evening drove car down Matanuska Road 2 miles, battery gave
out walked home found generator was not working.
June 7, 1919 Thorps left for mines. Packed
Bell dry battery down to car had no juice so had to leave car.
Hired horse off Black to go to placer mine. Wilmoth Co. closed
PM went to dance. Fred in from Knik with load for Stern’s.
June 8, 1919 Sent Stanley and Otto out
to placer mine to deck up pipe on Willow, left with Black’s
Doc horse on wagon. Connected up walk front of store to Wasilla
Hotel. Stanley and Otto only made it to mile 34.
June 9, 1919 Good day sales over $200.
Lander and Lillwall back from Anchorage. Skarstad and
Laubner up from Anchorage. Redwood from Anchorage visited.
Mrs. Houston went to Chickaloon.
June 10, 1919 Business fair made out
order for auto supplies. Rode bike down to auto.
After it broke someone stole pliers and 2 wrenches. Man
died at 32.
June 11, 1919 Doc David up from Anchorage.
Horning in from War Baby Mine. McMahell up from Anchorage
also Doc Yak with 6 wheel truck. Hartman hauling passengers.
William Gill in from Anchorage. Evening brought in car
with hotshot battery.
June 12, 1919 William Gill left to visit
Mrs. McMillan. Doc David returned to Anchorage.
Bartholf bunch left for 2nd prospecting trip. Horning left
for Anchorage on account of War Baby Mine. Hauled 2 tons
from railroad warehouse to store with auto truck War Baby Mines
1st cleanup $3,500.
June 13, 1919 Got car ready for trip
to mines. Fred graded school lot.
June 14, 1919 Wasilla to OGH Placer Mine.
Drove car out to 32 then mushed over to mine. Stanley
come over to 32 and packed our grub and coal oil.
June 15, 1919 At mines inspected pipeline
and ditch. Snow slide had cut out no. 9 gate and 2 joints
of pipe over creek. Corked up dam and got pipe back,
hauled giant down to canyon.
June 16, 1919 At mines. Jointed in pipe
over creek, took down part of no. 10 pipe near canyon. Took
pipe out galvanized giant.
June 17, 1919 At mines. Worked on pipeline,
heavy rain PM. Fixed up old tool house and shed broken
in by snow.
June 18, 1919 Left mines 4 AM, got over to
32 at 7:30 AM. Spot watching car, wouldn’t let anyone
near the car. Drove to Wasilla by 10 AM. Train
in at noon. Big wind business good.
June 19, 1919 Sumner Smith
and wife and Mrs. Frank Kelly down from Eska Coal Mine to trade.
Evening delivered Cannon’s goods with car at his ranch.
June 20, 1919 Evening rain,
Shough drove to Junction for passengers. Got supplies ready for
OGH Placer Mine. Evening got out-mail. Sent same by
Stewart going to catch Alameda on the 21st.
June 21 1919 Mailed Conroy check $177.50,
collections account D-H and Co. to H. C. Feldman also school
tax receipt $75. 10 AM left in car for mines, Stanley met
me at mile 28. Packed horse over to mines.
June 22 1919 At mines. Fixed up
balance of pipeline and set no. 2 giant above canyon on bench,
turned on water had one blow out in 11” pipe. Bohunks from
Wet Gulch visited quit the job. Mrs. Rosin at camp.
June 23, 1919 Got giant spouting piped
off surface, sod frozen under moss, got prospect. Evening
run giant 2 hours. All in shape to cut through bench above
canyon. Learned Stanley how to operate giant. Bill
Bartholf, Dorr and Smith arrived.
June 24, 1919 Mines to Wasilla.
Stanley and self left with Doc horse for Wasilla. Hitched
to wagon at mile 34 drove down to mile 28. Self came in with
car arrived 2:45. Stanley arrived with horse and wagon 5
PM.
June 25, 1919 Train day. Busy all
day in store. Drove car down to McArdle’s ranch for ½
ton spuds, Rae went along. Rae hired Black’s Doc horse
to go to mines. William Martin arrived. Milo Kelly arrived.
June 26, 1919 Stanley left for mines by Shough
Express to 31½. Zink went out to D. B. Mines
Put up order for War Baby. Evening hauled tin cans out to
mile 17 with car.
June 27, 1919 Albers man here fishing.
Frank Doherty left for mines. Hartman having trouble
with his Ford Balls flat etc. Got mail ready to send to
Junction.
June 28 ,1919 Sent mail out by Albers man,
Seattle bank deposit etc. Evening oiled store floor.
Made out hardware order. Evening rain.
June 29, 1919 Made out Lang store order. Drove
car in to Knik, took down wire fence at residence lot, brought
back load junk. McNeil and Blodgett and Ellexson left
at Knik.
June 30, 1919 Bob Hatcher back from Anchorage.
William Martin in from mines said deal to consolidate and put
power plant looked good.
July 1, 1919 Worked on auto 4 hours greasing
up etc., drove out to mile 29 for Stanley and Gill boy, made
round trip in 3 hours. Martha went to Anchorage. Booze
in town.
July 2, 1919 Got letter from Gerig about egg
letter from employee, answered same to the point. Victor
Forsman in from GB Mines.
July 3, 1919 Stanley and William Gill left
for Anchorage to spend the 4th. A. R. Commission quit
road work due to no funds.
July 4, 1919 At Wasilla Alaska store,
closed all day very quiet in town. PM heavy shower with
hail for 2 hours. Stanley at Anchorage. Evening drove
car out to Jacobsen’s Ranch.
July 5, 1919 Warm fine day everything
growing fine, grass ready to cut. Business came from Junction
today. Fickinger went to Anchorage via Knik.
July 6, 1919 Ranchers all wearing a smile.
Noon 2 work trains passed through for Talkeetna with ties and
rails and 4th July celebrators. PM drove car out to mile
19. Stanley at Anchorage. Evening made order for check
and letter head.
July 7, 1919 Gooding in for grub, Shough drove
to Junction for passengers, got none. John Smith and
Martin in from mines. Evening made out drug order.
July 8, 1919 Cleaned up 400 lbs. bacon.
Martin and Smith and Horning left for Anchorage via train from
Junction. Swanson up from Junction, Wagner got his butter.
July 9, 1919 Train day Stanley
got back from Anchorage. Got several orders from Junction and
Palmer. Got car load freight. Evening hauled 3 loads
to store with auto truck. Otto arrived from mines.
July 10, 1919 Smith’s expert left for Outside.
Milo Kelly went to Anchorage also Harvey Bartholf. Thorpe
returned to mines. Evening drove car out to mile 17.
July 11, 1919 Dr. McCallie
in from Anchorage to go to mines. Rae’s backer in from
States wanted to buy ¾ mile of hydraulic pipe. Evening
Stanley drove car out to garbage dump. Hauled up load freight
from warehouse.
July 12, 1919 Farmers crop looking fine. Wasilla
Avenue now graded to Knik Street and to school house.
Pete Johnson in with load freight from Junction for mines.
Hall left for Talkeetna with pack horses.
July 13, 1919 Worked on car all day, installed
new generator and battery turned over OK. Rae and partner
left for mines.
July 14, 1919 Bill Long in
from Golden Light Mine closed down tunnel work. Hughes
in to trade. Evening tried car with new battery and generator,
got into ditch turning around at mile 17 took 1 hour to get out.
Ma likes autoing.
July 15, 1919 Fickinger in from Mabel Mine.
Frank Forker down from dog ranch at Lake Nancy to buy grub.
Got order for Remington self loading shotgun. Busy all day
in store.
July 16, 1919 Got order from Branch and mines.
Laubner and Skarstad back from Anchorage to develop their
mine. Mrs. Horning and kids in from War Baby Mine.
Doc Yak in from Mabel Mine. Got meats and awning for store.
July 17, 1919 Morning drove car out to
mile 17 for Gobel outfit business good. O. C. Miler in,
Stanley went out with Miller. Black bear man in with samples
bought some winter clothing.
July 18, 1919 Marked up tents
sheets etc. from Portland. Black Bear man left by auto
for Junction. Bragaw’s son and Webber from A. E. Commission
up for trip to mines. Evening drove car out to 19,
Cannon and Lillwall guests, Mattie timekeeper.
July 19, 1919 Business quiet collections
$200. Stanley at Miller’s Ranch. Started to install
store awning, found connecting rod from worm to roller missing.
Otto got job on section at Willow. Wilmoth Co. undercover?
July 20, 1919 Drove car out to Miller’s for
Stanley. Doc Yak in went to Anchorage. Had Alaska
strawberry shortcake.
July 21, 1919 Manager Fleck in from mines.
Bragaw and Webber back from visit to mines. Shough
had a gas engine man come up from Anchorage to fix up his cars.
Got arms up and awning on roll. Evening Bauer in to inspect
Knik Street.
July 22, 1919 Harry Brown in town, traded his
lots to Fred Nelson for a wagon. Got new awning completed
and working A-1. Evening fixed oil line on Matt’s mobubble.
July 23, 1919 Busy in store collections
good no orders from Branch Line. Doc Yak back from Anchorage.
Windy Wilson back for trip to hills. Dr. McCallie in from
hills. Many compliments on awning.
July 24, 1919 Sent part of Seattle mail by
Lander to mail at Anchorage. Doc McCallie left for Anchorage,
left his horse with Cannon. Shough having cars overhauled
by “Frenchy” Anchorage man. Evening drove car up to Cannon’s
and out to mile 16.
July 25, 1919 Manager Fleck back from Anchorage
also Harry Lander. Bailey and Hoffman looking for hooch
makers. Had to sprout spuds. Evening drove car out
to summit ridge widened out roads so cars could pass.
July 26, 1919 Another fine day business
quiet until evening. Old maid Johnson up to trade.
Stanley and Cobb went down to mile 12 to catch salmon evening
drove down with car.
July 27, 1919 Fourth hot spring day,
+86 in the shade, just the weather to mature crops, ranchers
all wearing a smile. PM drove car out to mile 28 had
outdoor lunch, Mrs. Tryck went along. Everybody
making ready to catch salmon in Cottonwood Creek.
July 28, 1919 Fifth hot day business
quiet. Stanley and Cobb back from mile 12 no salmon running.
Bill Long left for Martin’s camp with Cobb. Cleaned up 2
cases ham.
July 29, 1919 Sixth hot day +86.
Took pump down and fixed up valves. Bert McClarty in from
Martin Mine. Evening Bailey and McCarthy families up
from Junction to trade.
July 30, 1919 Rain business fair.
Fenton’s paid $82 on old account. Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Houston
arrived from Chickaloon. Martin, Rock and Fick in from
mines. Got meats, flour and produce. Had feed of watermelon
and strawberries. Alaska not so bad?
July 31, 1919 Martin, Rock and Fick took
train for Anchorage. Doc Yak went in on speeder to see
Anna. Mrs. Harry Brown went out to visit at 31½.
Evening hauled eggs up from warehouse. No salmon running.
August 1, 1919 Doc Yak and Rock back from Anchorage.
Fred drove to Knik. Speeder jumped track by Cottonwood
Creek men bruised up a little.
August 2, 1919 Cleaned up balance of smoked
meats. Shough family left for trip to Anchorage via Junction.
Evening Bill Hughes brought in horse for trip to OGH Mines.
Fred brought dozen 8” plank from Knik.
August 3, 1919 Wasilla to mines
with car. Owing to mud holes in canyon, didn’t reach 32 until
3 o’clock. Packed horse with Stanley and Swen, reached
mines at 7:30. Berry and McMahill were camping in
mess house.
August 4, 1919 At mines. Took apart
10” pipe. Light rain all day, had fried ptarmigan for
dinner.
August 5, 1919 At mines, worked on disassembling
pipeline. Noon had to chase horses to GB camp on Willow
Creek. Decked up 10” and 9” pipe.
August 6, 1919 Left placer mine 5 AM rode gray
horse over to mile 32. Came to Wasilla in car, arrived
10:45 AM . Train day forage, milk, tobacco and drugs arrived.
Mrs. Doc David up from Anchorage and Annie, Doc Yaks wife.
August 7, 1919 Hauled 2 loads freight with
car from truck warehouse to store. Busy opening up new
goods. Milo Kelly left for mines. Pres Clark of Mabel
Mine left for States.
August 8, 1919 Hauled up 2 loads freight from
warehouse. Shough brought in government man hurt in rock slide
near Talkeetna Mine. Sold Wilmoth Co. over $100 worth merchandise.
August 9, 1919 Wasilla to mines, drove car
to Lawrence homestead. Mushed up to 32, got horse, rode
over to placer mine. Swen tried cartridge in revolver and
shot through flesh of leg not much harm done, Stanley dressed
the wound.
August 10, 1919 At mines, Stanley and self
took down 10” pipe. Kelly and Zink down from B. D. Mine
stayed all night.
August 11, 1919 Went up to B. D. Mine.
Kelly claimed to have found 4 ledges. Stanley took lumber
off 12 flume boxes. Evening Stanley rode up to War Baby
Mine. Shaw up from Anchorage to look over B. D. Mine.
August 12, 1919 At mines. Finished
un-jointing 10” pipe and decked up same. Worked till
9 PM ready to return to Wasilla.
August 13, 1919 Got up 4 AM with boys, left
6:30 for town. Swen rode horse over to 28 due to sore leg.
Stanley rode horse in to Wasilla from mile 25. Doc David
in town. Capt. Gaikema went to mines. Used Hughes
horse 11 days.
August 14, 1919 Shough Auto Express sold out
to Fred Nelson. Evening drove car out to 16 and up to
Cannon Ranch. Weather clearing. Otto back from 187.
August 15, 1919 Shough family left for their
mine to try and locate another vein, they went out with Kelly
truck. Lander in from Martin Mine also Dave Barnes.
Lander only working 6 men. Got load hay with auto.
August 16, 1919 Gooding in for grub.
Otto drove Fred’s team to Knik for blueberries and lumber.
Hartman made 2 trips to Junction with auto. Lander and Lillwall
went to Anchorage. Swen’s dad came up from ranch. Sent
mail by Lillwall.
August 17, 1919 Made tool box to carry on running
board of auto car. Fitted seats to carry 17 passengers.
Hartman sawing wood with gas saw. Swen went to ranch.
August 18, 1919 Otto in from Knik with load
lumber for Knik Trading Co. Kelly and Zink in from B. D.
Mine. Brought in Ford truck. Manager Fleck in with
dose rheumatism. Joe Conroy up from Anchorage.
August 19, 1919 Weather cloudy business
slow. Built 12’ annex on to auto house. Mrs. Brown
and son came in from visit at mines. Milo Kelly left for
Anchorage wanted me to buy $2,000 interest in his quartz mines.
August 20, 1919 Fenton’s paid up balance of
their old account. Joe Laubner in from mines. Stanley
drove out in Kelly Ford truck. Doc Yak drove Fred’s Ford
to 31½.
August 21, 1919 Stanley and self built addition
on auto house to store boxes etc. and split up balance of birch
wood, business quiet. Now ready for another trip to placer
mine to take flume up on Gilbert Basin.
August 22, 1919 Self and Stanley left with
car for mines. Left car at mile 28, mushed over mountain
between Government Creek and Willow. Found no quartz but
found fine blueberry patch. Arrived at mine 9 PM.
August 23, 1919 Joe Conroy and Capt. Nick stopping
in our cabin on prospecting trip. Took top lumber off
flume. PM went up creek to inspect ledge found previously
by Stanley.
August 24, 1919 At mines. Turned water
over bench and washed dirt off ledge, proved to be a kidney
of red and white quartz, did not pan. PM pulled flume out
of creek.
August 25, 1919 Rain all day at mines.
Packed out lumber from flume so same could be hauled out.
Conroy and Gaikema stayed in camp due to rain all day.
August 26, 1919 Mines to Wasilla.
Self, Stanley, Joe and Nick mushed over to 31½ had dinner.
Came down to Road Commissions old camp where Doc Yak had his
truck. Rode down to 28 where our car was. Doc broke
hub on his truck
August 27, 1919 More rain. Milo Kelly
up from Anchorage, said he had raised funds to go Outside to promote
new company. Got order from Sumner Smith at Broad Pass.
August 28, 1919 Cash and credit sales over
$200. Milo Kelly left for Anchorage to go out on next
boat from Seward. Stewart the mailman in town. Government
cancelled Wasilla - Flat mail route. Got car of Houston
coal.
August 29, 1919 Joe Conroy
in from mines also Frisco Andy. Stanley and self worked
on new coal shed. Mrs. Morrison up from Anchorage paid
some on old account and bought $20 worth. Pickle in town.
August 30, 1919 A-1 day cooler worked
on coal bin. Fred started to unload car coal 5½ hours.
Joe Conroy left for Anchorage sent mail by him for Milo Kelly to
mail at Seward. Stewart left for Seward after inspecting his
dogs. Doc Yak went to Anchorage.
August 31, 1919 First frost of fall,
¼” ice this morning. Fred and Otto finished unloading
car coal 8 hours today. Stanley and self worked on coal
bin. All ready to nail iron on roof. Took order for
Royal Tailor suit.
September 1, 1919 Pickle started work
on Wasilla - Palmer Road. Fred Roscher moved to town to
work on Wasilla - Palmer Road. Put up 2 orders for North
on railroad. Mrs. Morrison went to Willow Creek collecting
for Armenians and Nome Natives. Second frost killed spuds.
September 2, 1919 Mattie sorted 10 cases eggs.
Took order for another Royal suit. Evening made out mining
bills for August. Doc and Fred mending up Ford cars.
September 3, 1919 Sumner Smith and Frank Kelly
passed through to end of steel sold them $130 outfit.
Evening Horning in from War Baby Mine. Harvey B. in
from Talkeetna.
September 4, 1919 Business fair got $100
order from Talkeetna. Stanley left on noon train for
Anchorage to have his teeth fixed. Evening connected generator
direct to storage battery, run engine on dry battery to charge storage
battery.
September 5, 1919 Henry Fischer said he was
going to run the Simmons house. Evening put more current
on storage battery got her to spit finally. Mrs. Morrison
back from mines.
September 6, 1919 Martin’s Mine shut down.
Evening run car out to mile 17 with garbage. Doc Yak
drove car to Junction and went to Anchorage. Mr. Fred P. Davy
mining engineer from Colorado arrived bought outfit and proceeded
north along railroad. Mrs. Morrison left for her ranch.
Gus in from mines.
September 7, 1919 Mattie and Harman’s went
down to Wasilla Lake to see Wasilla - Palmer new road they couldn’t
find it. Stanley at Anchorage.
September 8, 1919 Put up order for Talkeetna.
W. A. J. Wilson Territorial road man in town on inspection of
Wasilla - Palmer Road. Lander in from mines. Doc Yak
back from Anchorage. Evening got out big mail.
September 9, 1919 Sent Outside mail and
bank deposits by Lander going to Anchorage. Soldiered up
two stand lamps. Walters in from Palmer to trade. Evening
wrote to Cache Creek customers. Sent mail to Clifford Hall.
Doc Yak remodeling his truck, Stanley at Anchorage.
September 10, 1919 Fixed up Knik pump for Metz.
Capt. Nick Gaikema in from mines. Thompson, Budd and Manager
Bothwell in from GB Mine. Stanley back from Anchorage
Otto from Knik.
September 11, 1919 Capt. Nick left for
Anchorage also Doc Yak the “newly wed”. Dan Newman in
from his mines. Wickersham brought all the 256 Newton shells.
Otto on stump pulling job.
September 12, 1919 Drove car up to Cannon’s
Ranch for chickens. Harvey Bartholf back from Anchorage.
Thorpe in from mines. Fixed roof on railroad warehouse.
September 13, 1919 Rain all day business
slow. Fixed up two no. 6 lamps. Installed
(1) 1,000 c.p. lamp at head of balcony stairs. Bought
3 chickens off Mr. Cannon. Joe Brassel in from mines going
Outside.
September 14, 1919 Installed 2 lamps over front
show windows. Stanley got first duck Got phone from
Capt. Nick to have two 4-horse teams for Wednesday train
for Webfoot Mine.
September 15, 1919 O. C. Miller in, drove
him out to Mullins Ranch, wind fall across road. Doc Yak
back from Anchorage. Fred in from mines paid Shough balance
due on auto.
September 16, 1919 Hauled up load freight from
track warehouse to store warehouse. Evening got out hardware
order. Stanley got 2 ducks. Evening much cooler.
September 17, 1919 Cudahy’s man in town gave
him order. Lander and daughter in from 32. Webfoot
outfit arrived Capt. Nick pilot.
September 18, 1919 Harry Brown down from Talkeetna
wanted us to back him in store at Talkeetna. Davy mining
engineer back from Kashwitna. Mrs. Eide’s visited at store.
Evening opened up men’s winter goods. Eklutna Bridge reported
out.
September 19, 1919 Didn’t go to mines
on account of rain and no horse, business fair. Harry Brown
still in town looking for goods to start a store in Talkeetna.
Sold Brown 10 pairs show shoes. Gus went to Martin Mine
with engineer Davy.
September 20, 1919 Stanley went down to Black’s
for horse, got back 5:30, rode out to Miller’s Ranch. Self
to meet him at 28 tomorrow for final trip to placer mine.
Harry Brown in town talking store.
September 21, 1919 Wasilla to Mines,
left 7:30 with car, road very muddy had to run on 2nd.
Left car at Lawrence Ranch arrived at mines 6:30. Stanley
cut over to B. D. Mine stayed all night.
September 22, 1919 Stormy at mines.
Hauled balance of 10” pipe down from Canyon Falls to Willow.
Got one load 8” pipe off Homestake claim. Stanley arrived 8:30 from
B. D. Mines.
September 23, 1919 Cloudy and damp at
mines. Decked up 7” and 9” pipe, no. 10 gate and no. 2 giant.
Ready for winter haulage. Stanley packed box powder up
to B. D. Mines, met me on Fishhook summit. Arrived 31½
at 6:15 had supper went on to 28 stayed in Martin’s camp.
September 24, 1919 Stanley and self, with pack
horse, came on in to Wasilla arrived 11 AM. Left car at
Lawrence's on account of bad roads and not enough oil to run her
in. Got bunch of Outside freight, flour, etc. Capt.
Nick in from mines.
September 25, 1919 Hard frost last night
business slow. Capt. Nick left for Anchorage. Engineer
Davy left for Anchorage after inspecting Martin Mine. Jas.
Murray and Ray Jacobson on train from Cache Creek. Stanley
delivered Black’s horse, used him 4 days at mines. Lawrence
went to Anchorage.
September 26, 1919 Farmers digging spuds, only
½ spud crop around Palmer on account of dry summer.
Stump pulling through on Wasilla - Palmer Road now getting out
timbers for Cottonwood Bridge. Made outside cellar chute.
September 27, 1919 Rained hard all PM and evening
business slow. Put up $50 order for Indian River District.
Gus back from Martin Mine last evening. Native spud pickers
back from Walton Ranch “no money”. Ordered bacon from Anchorage
to come to Junction.
September 28, 1919 Pickle had Boden make drift
bolts for bridge. Erickson in shoeing his 4 horse team.
Jim and Nicoli went out to swamp on Palmer - Wasilla Road.
Opened up and marked Portland dry goods, bum stuff.
September 29, 1919 H. H. Drake in from Palmer
bought $90 outfit. Rev. Hughes visited. Houston
coal foreman down on way to court at Anchorage. Thorpe’s
up to trade. Pickle getting out timbers for Cottonwood Bridge.
September 30, 1919 Second
hard frost. Put up 2 orders for Indian River over $300.
Doc Yak in from haulage trip to his mine. Bill Long in
from Knik. Had order from Nancy dog ranch.
October 1, 1919 Train day business fair.
Stanley went up to Lake Nancy to visit the dog ranch.
Several ranchers in to trade. Got more orders from Talkeetna.
October 2, 1919 Weather cloudy rained
all night. Stanley at Nancy. Busy with train south.
Evening marked up balance of Portland goods. Pickle
went to Anchorage, sent mail.
October 3, 1919 Left 11:30 AM on Ford auto
for 28 to bring in car, roads muddy and full of chuckholes,
arrived too late to return with car. Came down to Forty
Mile Miller’s, stayed all night, regular blizzard on and snowing.
October 4, 1919 Got up at 4 AM arrived home
for breakfast. Road frozen up and rough under foot snow
on road to mile 19. Doc Yak drove car to Junction went on
to Anchorage.
October 5, 1919 Freezing weather, quiet
in town. Tryck got outfit together for fixing Fishhook
Bridge. Evening finished sending monthly statements.
Bill’s due $1,045.92.
October 6, 1919 War Baby and Mable men
arrived, cold snap shut off water. Coal company sent down
Jack Wilson’s white horse. Doc Yak back from Anchorage
came from Junction with Ford car.
October 7, 1919 Pete Murray and Jas Patchell
bought outfit. Put up 1 outfit for Talkeetna. Evening
Hansen down from Deadhorse, said river was closing up.
Horning and Miller left for Anchorage via Junction. Zink
in from B. D. Mines.
October 8, 1919 Road about froze up.
Webfoot manager back from Anchorage with cook stove etc.
Rock and Phillips in from mines, closed down. Got 3 orders
from Branch Line.
October 9, 1919 Light snow. Stanley
got back from Nancy dog ranch. Anderson and Price and several
on train from Cache Creek District. Lillwall closed up shop
and went to Anchorage. Rock and Phillips went to Anchorage
Harvey Bartholf went to Anchorage.
October 10, 1919 Gooding in for merchandise.
Doc Yak drove Mabel horse on cart out to 31½.
Put gravel along Wasilla Avenue side of store where eaves drop.
October 11, 1919 Dr. and Mrs. Spaulding arrived
from hospital at mines with Mabel horse on cart. Abe Reising
took Jack Wilson’s horse, we fed horse 6 days.
October 12, 1919 Sold J. G. Johnson lumber
and merchandise $65. Stanley went down new Wasilla -
Palmer Road as far as Metz.
October 13, 1919 Herman Gromwoldt in
from Fish Lake to trade. Doc Yak back from Anchorage.
A few boys in from mines reported 5’ snow on Fishhook summit.
Fred Nelson in from Road Commission work on bridge.
October 14, 1919 Decorated hardware side with
stoves in show window. Jointed up new oil line for car.
Hartman drove 3 men to Junction with auto. Evening Rae
gave his wife experience in States.
October 15, 1919 Patchell up from Pitman
for supplies. Lander, Harvey and Phillips back from
Anchorage. Got Outside mail via Seward railroad.
A few more men in from GB. Tryck and Gus in from bridge building
mile 31. Evening got out Outside mail.
October 16, 1919 Train 5 hours late on account
of sale of Talkeetna town lots. J. H. Bartholf and Thorpe
moved to Anchorage. Gus went to Anchorage. Chas Harper
on train for Anchorage. Fred Nelson nursing “jobs” comforts.
October 17, 1919 Doc Yak and partner
left on cart and mounted with horse meat for the Junction. No
sell-em, dogs get-em. Bill Bennett in from mines.
Put Knik windows and wall board under cover.
October 18, 1919 Weather thawing.
O. C. Miller in. PM walked out with Miller to his ranch
shot 2 grouse. Miller got up royal dinner all kinds of home
canned goods. Evening cleared and colder. Miller offered
to sell his sawmill outfit for $700.
October 19, 1919 Clear and colder froze
hard last night. Walked up to Lawrence Ranch from Miller’s
road froze up and very rough. Distributor on car gave weak
spark decided not to bring in car. Left Lawrence’s and
got home 11:15 by light of “cola-bug”.
October 20, 1919 First snow business
fair. PM tried to re-solder stand lamp (leaked anyway).
Got phone order from Chickaloon. Gus Swanson bought team
in Anchorage. Erickson freighter in from mines.
October 21, 1919 Sent Stanley down to
Junction with mail for both banks. Made out order for engine
supplies direct to Overland factory. Edlund left for States.
October 22, 1919 Got 3 orders
on Branch Line. Mrs. Thompson up from Junction to trade.
Little Gem Mining Co. check no good at bank. Harper bros.
visited. Spalding here from coal mines. Lillwall in
from Anchorage.
October 23, 1919 Capt. Griffith down
from Talkeetna to buy a sawmill. Lillwall returned to
Anchorage. Mrs. Brown on train for Anchorage. Fred
went to Anchorage. Bill Bennett went to Anchorage.
October 24, 1919 Cleaned up around furnace
room for storage of winter stock. Capt. Griffith went
out to see Miller’s sawmill. Fred Nelson back from Anchorage
with Nagley’s team. Patzack down from Houston Coal Mine.
October 25, 1919 Lucille Lake opened again
froze over twice this fall. Frank Doherty in from Bullion
Mine. Erickson lost a horse. McMillan in from 31½
RH. Filled up furnace coal bin. Tightened up joints
on track warehouse roof. Black went to Hughes with Rae’s horse.
Pete Jenson in from GB.
October 26, 1919 Steam shovel gang went north.
Pete Jenson left for his Knik ranch. Evening rain.
October 27, 1919 Stanley went out to visit
Forty Mile Miller. Fred, Gus and Zink went out to mile
25 to start timber contract. Filled gas tank. Got
phone from Henderson about school.
October 28, 1919 Stanley back from Miller’s
ranch. Miller moved into town to start hash house.
Put up 2 orders to go north on railroad. Doc Yaks partner back
from Anchorage. Car load freight due tomorrow.
October 29, 1919 More snow, dog teams
out, business good. Lawrence in for supplies. Capt.
Griffeth returned to Talkeetna. Only small part of freight came
up, 9 days at Anchorage.
October 30, 1919 Wired for 8 tons forage
for Fred Nelson. Bothwell and several GB men out from
mines and went to Anchorage. Car of Houston coal arrived
for Mabel and Rock Mines. Black after lumber for Edlund school
building. Mattie an even 50.
October 31, 1919 Wasilla Lake frozen over.
O. C. Miller got frame up for his hash house. Pickle back
from Anchorage has weak stomach account eating Anchorage mutton.
Kemper in from Houston for grub.
November 1, 1919 O. C. Miller started foundation
for house on Agent Harman’s ranch. Old Maid Johnson in
to buy screws and hinges. Fred Nelson started to haul coal
to mines. Grennon up to trade.
November 2, 1919 Pickle through on Finger Lake
Road. They completed Cottonwood Bridge and made road
passable for sleds over to social hall. Sam Cappers and
Agent McCarthy up from Junction to trade, bought $40 worth in
10 minutes and were off.
November 3, 1919 Drake and Brown down from
Palmer for outfits. Car freight delayed at Anchorage
2 weeks, arrived by special train. Dave Skarstad left for Anchorage.
November 4, 1919 O. C. Miller building his
restaurant and Harman’s house on ranch. Lakes all frozen
over and kids skating. Bear showed up around Lucille Lake
yesterday.
November 5, 1919 I. V. Miller down from
Palmer to trade. Put up 5 orders for Branch Line.
George Gates in town. Otto chased bear to Knik but didn’t
catch him. Fred and Gus went out with 2 loads for mines.
Mrs. Chas Spalding arrived. Auto car went to 31½.
November 6, 1919 Otto bought grub for Knik.
Hughes in with bobsleighs for Mullen. I. V. Miller returned
to Palmer. Stern went to Anchorage. Sold train men
$35 worth of grub.
November 7, 1919 Business fair sold Wilmoth
Co. over $100 worth merchandise. Otto and Indian Jim went
to Knik. McNeil and Simmons from Anchorage went to Knik.
Just enough snow for sledding.
November 8, 1919 Evening
Pickle gave a dance, several over from Finger Lake District,
sold $75 worth supplies to dancers. Dancers had oyster supper
at Hotel Hartman. Fred and Gus in. Fred crushed
his foot. Wagner went to Knik.
November 9, 1919 Forty Mile Miller in with
2 loads lumber for his hash house. Reported Meyers laid
off section men. Skating in order now. “Pickles Dance”
but everybody paid.
November 10, 1919 Gates back from Knik, after
outfit to go into Broad Pass District with Ed Tagart. Black
went in to Knik with 4 horse team on bobsleighs. Lander in
from his mountain home. Stanley caught a cold.
November 11, 1919 Put up over $200 order
for Broad Pass District. Ellexson in from Knik for supplies
with dog team. Bullion freighters going on train Wednesday
to Houston. Raider in from government farm.
November 12, 1919 Days business $608.65.
Gates and Tagart left to trap near Broad Pass. Jas Stewart
in from Seward, went on to Talkeetna. Got several small
orders from Branch Line.
November 13, 1919 Train late from north had
quite a bunch from Nenana on train. Lander, Mrs. Hartman,
Black and several others and Mrs. Donovan went to Anchorage.
Gottstein visited. Capt. Griffith arrived 2nd trip.
November 14, 1919 Olaf Wagner’s brother arrived
from Nenana District. Reported Capt. Griffeth bought Indian
Jims sawmill. O. C. Miller sick with flea bites? Two
mushers in from Iditarod District.
November 15, 1919 Wagner and brother went to
Anchorage. Stanley went down to Black and Edlund’s for
vegetables, got none. Capt. Griffith went out to mile
28 for sawmill. Stanley got a cold.
November 16, 1919 Danielson up to trade.
Snowed quite heavy, enough to make fair sledding.
November 17, 1919 Snowed heavily last
night. Gus in from 28, going now to Willow Creek to haul
War Baby timbers. Fleckenstein home from Turnagain Arm
work. Wagner back from Anchorage. O. C. Miller sick
with cold. Mattie got cold in head. Marked up new tobacco.
November 18, 1919 Got 2 orders
ready for Talkeetna. B. B. Griffeth loaded Independence
saw mill on car for Talkeetna. Fleckenstein proved up on his
homestead.
November 19, 1919 Wasilla woke up today.
Many on the train and all the ranchers in to trade. Herman
and Patchell in for grub. Nagley family on train for Talkeetna.
LS Roadhouse man in for grub.
November 20, 1919 Nelson and Erickson
hauling freight to mines. Mrs. Chas Spalding returned
to Chickaloon. Fleck went back to work on railroad.
November 21, 1919 Got orders
from Knik. Two mushers in from Iditarod District, had
a live martin. Jacobsen in to trade. Wagner hauling
his house out from Knik. Marked up tobacco and cigarettes.
November 22, 1919 Business fair sold
2 stoves. Ya-Ye Youson in to trade. Wagner made
round trip Wasilla to Knik. Wilmoth Co. had Miller fix their
safety flues.
November 23, 1919 Dunklee in from Palmer to
help Swank prove up. The “Kid” dog racer in with 4 passengers
from Iditarod District. Marked up new goods and worked
on books. Evening colder -12 at 9 PM.
November 24, 1919 First cold wave -10.
More dog teams in from McGrath Iditarod District several sick
with colds. Dog teams drove on to Anchorage. Man reported
lost going in over Iditarod trail near Skwentna River.
November 25, 1919 Zero weather.
Train day, turkey day at Anchorage. Got 2 orders from north.
Went to Anchorage last work train. Miss Ora Dee Clark visited.
Evening read daily papers (government got Reds going).
November 26, 1919 Train 5 hours late
from north got no orders, got out more Outside mail.
Two bad dogs chewed “Spot” up hurt his front leg.
November 27, 1919 Turkey day we
had Alaska roast chicken. Forty Mile Miller ate with us,
business fair. Grennon in to trade. Otto from Knik
bought $66 order. Miss Clark in town. O. C. Miller getting
roof on his hash house.
November 28, 1919 Put up Otto’s order.
Got $115 order from Talkeetna. Miss Ora Dee Clark put
out a trap line for weasels. Wagner hauling out log building
from Knik.
November 29, 1919 Evening
“Turkey Dance” big crowd over from Matanuska District.
Ben Agnew brought over Belgian hares for Cannon. Gus back
from War Baby Mine.
November 30, 1919 Four dog teams in from
Iditarod District. Stanley took five bird dog team for
45 days. One musher had 100 lbs. gold dust.
December 1, 1919 More dog
teams in from Discovery Iditarod District. Train went up
to end of steel for Nenana passengers. Schultz in from Little
Susitna RH for supplies.
December 2, 1919 Big bunch
from Nenana passed through to Anchorage, also bunch from Iditarod.
Winchester over to prove up on his ranch. Lawrence in from
28. Swank bought Pete Johnson team for GB. Special
train from north.
December 3, 1919 Got letter from Zimmerman,
he would pay face value of old account. Erickson sawing
wood for Wilmoth Co. Shipped 1 ton north. Evening got
out Seattle mail.
December 4, 1919 Business good sales
over $300. Herman in from Fish Lake for outfit.
Ulanky and Bennett in from Knik for load grub. Train late
arrived 8:30. Stanley went to Anchorage to get his new front
teeth.
December 5, 1919 Chinook weather, rain.
Wired Zimmerman to wire funds through Bank of Alaska. Gus
and Fred on wood contract mile 28 to mines.
December 6, 1919 Stanley 15 years old.
Black in from Knik with load Knik school timbers for Fair View
school building. Hans Freidlund hunting up his dog.
Stanley at Anchorage.
December 7, 1919 Pitman section men down
to trade. Got out financial statement for bank.
Stanley at Anchorage, Ma and me feeding dogs.
December 8, 1919 Several dog teams in
from Iditarod District. PM drove bird dog team to Junction
to send mail 19 miles 3 hours. Sent Tom Williams at Latouche
his Royal suit.
December 9, 1919 “Slivers” took load
grub for Otto at Knik by dog team.
December 10, 1919 Stanley
phoned he would hoist anchor AM. Hugh Price visited wanted
no. 1 giant and prices on $1,000 mining outfit. Fred in from
mines. Arthur Tryck arrived, boy no. 2.
December 11, 1919 Mrs. Blodgett in from
Knik going to Anchorage. Train late from north. Got
load of dogs and mushers for Anchorage and Seward. Mathews
got dog team for its keeping. First dog team left for Inside
today. Got 2 Xmas orders.
December 12, 1919 AM drove
dog team to Junction for Stanley, up from Anchorage dental work,
cost $75. Brown bears out around Goose Bay and fox in
trap.
December 13, 1919 Steady cold wave -6.
Bogard and McDougal in to trade. Got wire from Zimmerman
he mailed draft to our bank for $1,236.50. Jim and Nicoli
moved to Knik to get brown bear. Hartman left for Outside.
December 14, 1919 AM -20, evening
-10. Danielson in to trade. Gus in from mines.
Wagner back from Knik. Evening warming up with NE wind.
Stanley nursing a cold.
December 15, 1919 Thirty four below at some
points, -24 at Anchorage. Ben Marion, Shorty and
several in for merchandise. Mild wind and not very cold.
Extra train brought mail.
December 16, 1919 Wagner hauled out last
of his Knik house. Miss Clark out of school 2 days on
account of ceiling school house.
December 17, 1919 Joe Anderson visited about
giants and $1,000 order for his mines. Miss Johnson back
from Anchorage. Fred and Gus in from 29. Patchell in
to trade. Wilmoth Co. meats arrived.
December 18, 1919 Snowed 6”, +2.
Henry Bahrenberg visited on way to Anchorage. Dog team
in from Iditarod District. Several on train from Nenana.
Got clams and soda held by Anchorage dock since November 3rd.
December 19, 1919 Stanley 1 week on algebra
and general science with Miss Clark at Fair View school.
Wagner went to Knik for a back house. Fred and Gus went
out with loads for mines.
December 20, 1919 Temperature -8.
Gooding in for merchandise. Stanley went with Erickson
for load hay at Donovan’s. Black boy and Miss Clark up from
Fair View to trade. A. E. Commission looking for nails.
December 21 1919 Cold wave, -20.
Marino and Neklason went to Knik to haul in the Nagley house
for Stern. Sent Feldman D-H and Co. rent and collected money for
September and October. Black in from Knik with school lumber.
December 22 1919 AM -18, PM +20. Train
2 days ahead on account of Xmas. Eklutna ranchers over
to trade. Harvey Bartholf up from Anchorage brought us sheep
meat and new onions. Evening cloudy and warming up. Edlund
back from States.
December 23 1919 Ralph Weis up to trade and
several other ranchers. Moose Hank bought a $60 outfit.
Marino hauled Nagley house as far as mile 1¾ had to leave
it and come to Wasilla for more horses. Sent Zimmerman collection
to bank.
December 24 1919 Train from north late.
One hundred passengers at lunch here, sold $25 in apples and
tobacco. Wasilla-ites went down to Fair View School, entertainment
followed by dance, Stanley and mother went. Sent mail to
Anchorage by Harvey Bartholf.
December 25, 1919 Stanley drove dog team to
Matanuska for Jim and Nicoli. Otto, Stern and Bodin’s
Road Commission checks account October labor. Had
chicken dinner Cannon ate with us.
December 26, 1919 Snowed all day, +20.
Black took Otto’s grub to Knik. Jim and Nicoli moved
to Knik. Marino and Neklason moved Nagley house as far
as mile 4 and gave up the job. Fred and Gus went out with
2 loads coal.
December 27, 1919 Special train up from
Anchorage with Santa Claus people going home. Got local
mail. Victor Gill came up to visit Stanley. Bill Tallman
visited on way to Talkeetna.
December 28, 1919 Sold Wilmoth Co. over $100
merchandise. Reported 2’ snow fell at Knik. “Baldy”
up from Junction making usual deliveries?
December 29, 1919 Bodie Bill reported
Black drove into overflow in swamp out of Knik and stuck there.
Train from north 8 PM Victor Gill went home to Anchorage. Plenty
of snow now.
December 30, 1919 Black in from Knik, took
him a day to get out of overflow. Kinbootz took Otto
and Fischer’s outfit.
December 31, 1919 Chinook +46.
Patchell down from Pittman to trade. Started to take inventory
of hardware. Old year goes out with a warm wave. Herning
family doing business at Wasilla Alaska. Train from north
went to Anchorage.
1920
January 1, 1920 Perfect day like summer
weather, +30. Bogard and Miss Clark in. Fleckenstein
boys bought Miller’s sawmill went out to take it down. Stanley
and Ma went over to Forest Hall to attend a flag raising.
January 2, 1920 Weather windy +34. Regular
train arrived forgot mail at Anchorage. Evening got out
Seattle mail. Manager Phillips back from Anchorage.
Erickson sawing wood for ranchers with gas saw.
January 3, 1920 George Grennon in to
trade. Evening 4 horse load Finger Lake people came over
to surprise the Fleckenstein family. Pat Collins left
for Susitna.
January 4, 1920 Mullen in for feed, reported
snow slide took Fred and Gus tent and all down the hill at Talkeetna
Mine, no harm done. Black in from Knik with load junk.
Freeze in for foot gear. Stanley took his mother out for
joy ride with bird dog team. Worked on hardware invoices.
Mullen returned Hughes horses.
January 5, 1920 No train from north up
line 3 days. Miller got roofing paper on his eating dump
to be. Shorty Gustafson in to trade. Managers Phillips
and Mathews in town waiting for wires?
January 6, 1920 Business fair got orders
from Knik. Got $980 order from Cache Creek to submit
bid on. Black went to Knik took in grub for Otto.
Saturday train back today from Talkeetna. Harry Brown on
train got census job.
January 7, 1920 L. S. RH man over for
roadhouse supplies. McDougal and Bogard in to trade.
Stanley drove bird dog team to Knik to look the old town over.
Fleckenstein boy hauling out Forty Mile Miller’s sawmill to their
ranch.
January 8, 1920 Bert Farris up from the Junction
brought up fisherman for lake at mile 19. Stanley at
Knik, failed to come home as scheduled to do. Evening light
rain. Gus and Fred bucking snow at mines. Train due
tomorrow.
January 9, 1920 One hundred on train for end
of steel, took dinner here, business good for ½ hour.
Got mail delayed 2 weeks in Anchorage. Stanley back from
Knik got several orders. Fred and Gus in from Talkeetna
Mine reported snow slides bad.
January 10, 1920 Put up several orders for
Branch Line customers. Frank Nicoli left silver fox skin
to send to New York market put his price at $1,000. Black
in from Knik with load lumber. Swank in from Willow Creek.
January 11, 1920 Weather colder -24. Train
failed to arrive from north. Evening -20.
January 12, 1920 Evening warmed up followed
by 1st big wind of winter, making everyone’s eyeballs jingle.
Sent silver fox skin by 1st Class registered mail to NY.
January 13, 1920 Wind howled all night and
today, blew tar roofing off Wilmoth store. Blew down
two tent houses. Stanley moved dogs from barn to auto shed
due on account of wind.
January 14, 1920 Big wind blew Wilmoth Co.
store pipes down again, business fair. Train up from
Anchorage. Elder back from Thorpe Ranch. Metz went
to work for AC Company at end of steel. Swank returned with
more horses to GB Mines.
January 15, 1920 Colder -18, train back from
north. Sent deposit to bank by Gottstein the wholesale
seller. Picked up corrugated iron the wind blew away.
Anna Simmons visiting the Fleckenstein’s.
January 16, 1920 AM -22. Edlund bunch up to
trade. Stanley went for load oat hay at Metz Ranch with
Erickson.
January 17, 1920 Reimner in from
Skwentna RH for supplies. Dog team in from Iditarod District.
Let Cannon have double ender sled to use. Sam McMillan
in.
January 18, 1920 Temperature -10 to -20. Black
and Fair View Schoolmarm in to trade. Started to get totals
of 1919 sales on clothing, hardware, groceries tobacco seeds
and forage.
January 19, 1920 Big crowd on special
train to end of steel, Doc David and Frank Bayer on train.
Put up 1 order for Talkeetna. Little Nakeeta in for grub
from Knik.
January 20, 1920 Temperatures -28. Little
Susitna RH man in for outfit. Returned all Conroy and Rager
papers to H. C. Feldman at Cordova. Rest of account dead
except two. Black got load hay from Moffat’s.
January 21, 1920 Dave Miller got small
outfit for War Baby Mine. Special train from north 30
passengers. Kirney and bride took his dogs that Stanley
had kept and beat it for Iditarod District. Got draft from
Zimmerman to cover principal on old account $1,236.50. Harry
Lander went to Anchorage.
January 22, 1920 Bodie Bill hauling lumber
from Knik. Edlund and wife went to Anchorage to see about
bond for Fair View School treasurer. Train 7 hours late
from north, sent in $1,500 deposit. Fleckenstein home for
a visit from job with AEC. Anchorage Republican Club wanted
me to run for representative to Alaska Legislature at Juneau.
Knik MLD Club reorganized at Wasilla.
January 23, 1920 Farris and Tomlinson
went up to Houston to haul coal for War Baby Mine. Kienboots
took grub for Otto and Fischer at Knik. Put up clothing order
for Sunshine. Stanley was elected secretary for MLD Club.
January 24, 1920 Temperature -28. Ingstrom
in for iron account sled. Worked on 1919 accounts, segregating
total sales of clothing, hardware, grocery, forage and tobacco
annual sales. Evening -18.
AEC hiring outside horses to freight
logs and supplies at end of steel.
January 25, 1920 Harry Brown arrived to take
1920 census. Harry Lander back from Anchorage.
Thirty ate dinner at roadhouse including Colonel Mears.
January 26, 1920 Cold wave still on -20.
Got out annual 1919 sales run over $30,000. Census taker
Brown is making all the women tell their age. Wired Fisher
Merchandise to duplicate order lost on govt. railroad.
January 27, 1920 Cold wave broken windy today,
+20. Nagley phoned for supplies said he was going to fill
Price and Anderson’s $1,000 order. Train from north returned,
sent $500 to bank by Frank Bayer. Brown went to Willow Creek
to take census.
January 28, 1920 Herman in from Fish
Lake to trade. Got $63 order from Branch Line. Regular
train north. Snow plow gang went south. Hughes rented
his freight horses to A. E. Com., Ed Mullen driver. Wired for
meats and sugar.
January 29, 1920 H. H. Drake over from
Moose Creek to trade. Harry Brown bought trail outfit
for taking 1920 census. Fred in from Talkeetna Mine.
Sliver went to Anchorage, sent 2 letters by him.
January 30, 1920 Pand and Donovan
in from Tyonek after clothing and Indian tobacco. Evening
wrote Nagley about mining orders. Still cold -20.
January 31, 1920 Mrs. Courtland
visited, said she stayed on her homestead last night, bought some
supplies and took train for Talkeetna. MLD piano arrived
from Knik put same in school house. Evening Edlund’s gave
a Dutch dance at school house. Hughes teams hired to A. E. Com.
February 1, 1920 Cold snap broken. Quiet
in town after Saturday night dance.
February 2, 1920 Got list of big outfit
to bid on. Price and Anderson pleased, they wanted us
to fill their $950 order? L. S. RH man in for grub.
“Old Webfoot” in for squaw grub etc. Windy and warmer.
February 3, 1920 Put in bid on a $1,000 order
for Broad Pass Dist. Mattie went out to visit Mrs. Mac.
Worked most all day pricing up order, Stanley helped on adding
machine. Wilmoth light engine on the bum.
February 4, 1920 Temperature +40. Ben
Agnew in for supplies. Sent Nagley $118 worth of merchandise.
B. A. Grier the $1,000 outfit man visited. Bill Bennett
in from Knik. Mrs. Blodgett returned from 2 months at Anchorage
to Knik. Mother at Macs mile 31½, Stanley the cook.
February 5, 1920 C. H. Wilson returned from
Turnagain Arm bought grub for his ranch at Knik. Gooding in for
supplies. Wilson tin shop man and Lidell up from Anchorage
on fishing trip. Mattie visiting at Fishhook Inn.
February 6, 1920 Put up order for Wilson
and Otto. Indian Jim and son moved back from Knik.
Lander in from mountain home. MLD Club met on account
of Washington's Birthday dance. Mattie returned from visit
at Fishhook Inn. Gus and Fred through hauling to mines.
February 7, 1920 Harry Lander contracted
to haul Bob Hatcher’s outfit to mines. Fenton over from
Eska for a visit. Black bought remains of Knik Trading
Co. forage that was in wreck on railroad. New twice a week
train schedule for main line. Evening Chinook and wind.
February 8, 1920 MLD Club practiced of “Georgie's
Birthday”. Moose Hank drove in to Knik. Fred Nelson in,
through hauling to Mabel and Talkeetna Mines. Hatcher and
Lander left for mines.
February 9, 1920 Two trains north now twice
a week service. Lander back from mountain home hauling
for Bob Hatcher. Pedro Goosmar and Nagulga Watson over from
Eklutna to trade. Black left with 4 horse team for end of steel
also B. K. Wilson’s white mule.
February 10, 1920 Two trains from north.
Jake Metz proved up on his ranch. Natives left for Knik.
Mrs. Harman went to Anchorage.
February 11, 1920 Otto in from Knik for supplies.
Seward train still blocked by snow due tonight at Anchorage
business fair sales $100. Bill Long out from Knik.
MLD practicing for Georgie's Birthday.
February 12, 1920 No train on account of snow.
Patchell in for grub also Bill Hughes. Lander relaying
out freight for Hatcher. Otto took his outfit to Knik with
Moose Hank’s team. Nicoli and Jim on a moose hunt.
Evening still snowing.
February 13, 1920 Heavy snow last
night 18” fell in 24 hours. GB man after Gus and Fred to
help do their hauling. Railroad grader with 2 engines passed
through to clear the track of snow. No regular train today
because of snow storm.
February 14, 1920 Chinook rain +44, wind and
warm wave knocked recent fall of snow down to ½.
Lander broke road out to 32. Evening soldier gave dance at
Junction, Stanley and Wilmoth Co. went on hand car.
February 15, 1920 Temperature +40, rained,
dancers back from Junction. Filled up furnace coal bin.
Nick Kane back from fur trip. Alaska oil lands now open
for lease after 12 years lock-up.
February 16, 1920 Fred and Gus left to
haul freight for GB Mines for balance of winter. Indian
Jim in with moose meat. After a week of blockade trains
running to Seward. Heavy rain 9 to midnight.
February 17, 1920 All low places filled with
water. Rotary snowplow went to end of steel. McNeil
visited and paid $20 on old account. Train from north arrived
9 PM. Stanley went out to Indian Jims hunting camp.
Karstad returned to Anchorage. Evening raining. Tomlinson
in from GB.
February 18, 1920 Hughes in for grub.
Stanley on hunting trip. Carter paid up. Little
Gem outfit in and Mabel shut down on account of heavy snow.
Evening put pigeon hole rack over office desk
February 19, 1920 Harry Brown back from Susitna
Station after taking census. Got bill of Seattle freight
7 tons flour, meats, butter, etc. Stanley back from Jims
hunting camp. Evening raining. C. H. Wilson in from
Knik. Bob Hatcher in.
February 20, 1920 Harry Brown still in
town. Ed Lee in going to haul for GB. Bob Hatcher
left for mines, only one on Fishhook side doing anything.
Rugg, Cudahy’s man phoned from Anchorage. MLD Club still practicing
for Georgie’s birthday.
February 21, 1920 Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse visited.
Evening MLD Club pulled off social. Several up from Junction
on hand car and speeder. Club took in $41.50, social closed
5 AM. Heavy storms reported in Broad Pass District.
February 22, 1920 MLD “pikers” sleeping.
Ed Lee couldn’t brake road to Houston, came back to ship on
train. Archie got road broke out to 31½ hauling car
coal for Little Gem.
February 23, 1920 Train from Anchorage
brought no freight from last boats. Nakala in from Knik
to trade. Fred Nelson in from Willow Creek via Fishhook
Pass. Mrs. Fenton from Eska visited looking for a ranch.
February 24, 1920 Bodie Bill took $100 for
Otto to Knik. Donovan hauling in spuds for Nagley at
Talkeetna. Farmers loading a car of spuds for A. E. Com.
$75 to $90 a ton. Wagner and Fred Nelson went to Anchorage.
February 25, 1920 Shulz in from L. S.
RH for grub. McNeil in from north to visit his squaw family
at Knik. Patzack returned to Wasilla. O’Brien in from
Knik. Miller building Harman’s house on the ranch.
Evening snow plow went to Anchorage.
February 26, 1920 Bob Hatcher in for
supplies for mine. Rancher Hoppel in from Goose Bay phoned
Marshal that someone tried to shoot him, Hoppel off in the head.
Fred Nelson back from Anchorage. Bert McClarty in from Anchorage.
Got ham and bacon and butter from Seattle.
February 27, 1920 Whitridge out
from Knik. Sold Hatcher $128 order. Bert McClarty
went out to mine for Hatcher. Marshal’s Hoffman and Mossman
took Hoppel to Anchorage to try his mentality. Evening MLD
Club met. Young moose came into town. Temperature +50.
February 28, 1920 H. H. Brown in from
Moose Creek for supplies. Cow moose visited at Hospital
11 AM. Filled up furnace coal bin. Miss O. D. Clark
in town. Nicolaska in from Knik with moose meat at 25¢
#. Fred left for GB Mines.
February 29, 1920 Snowed 6” last night quiet
in town. Worked on income tax return. Evening train
from north 21 for supper. Richard Lander came down from
end of steel. Cannon hauling lumber for Harrison house on
ranch.
March 1, 1920 Reorder of forage lost on RR
arrived today one month from Seattle held at Seward 20 days.
Rader over from Experimental Farm, now threshing for farmers
about 500 bushels of small grain threshed to date. Sent
in income tax $30.69. Hartman arrived from Outside.
March 2, 1920 Put up $100 order for Broad Pass
District. Snow plow went north. Bill Hughes in for grub.
Evening Harvey Bartholf arrived with dog team from Moose Creek
for Beedie.
March 3, 1920 Called on Miller
at Harman’s ranch, had frame up on house. Snow plow went
north to buck snow reported no snow at end of steel to buck.
Bill on the Knik route again. Archie hauled last of car coal
to 32 for Webfoot.
March 4, 1920 Patchell and Gromwold in for
supplies. C. M. Huff bought $103 mining outfit for Indian
River District. Swift of T and T Dept. visited wanted
us to guarantee $5 per month for phone service, nothing doing being
100% above present cost.
March 5, 1920 Train back from north, two engines
with snow plow back from north. Engineer Freeman said
there was no snow to buck. Two dog teams left for Iditarod
District. New phone installed in Wasilla Hotel. Harvey
Bartholf returned to Anchorage took mail.
March 6, 1920 Pump man down from Pittman for
grub and repairs. Evening MLD Club met. Pulled
off “Bell Show”, “C. D.” had the cow bell. Olaf Wagner
now Section Boss while Mr. Canfield over to States on a vacation.
March 7, 1920 Cloudy mild. Lander in.
Sold $50 mining outfit. Bogard and Johnson in looking after
their teams used by Archie McTaggart. Reported a moose passed
through streets of Knik, several moose in woods around Wasilla.
March 8, 1920 Bogard and Johnson’s team went
to end of steel to haul freight for A. E. Commission.
Got 3 ton coal from Houston for Bob Hatcher Mine. Lander left
with 2 loads for Gold Mint Mine. Thorpe’s came back to homestead
ranch.
March 9, 1920 Stern in from Knik with load
of barber shop junk. Bill Bennett in from Knik and went
to Anchorage. A. E. Commission loading 2nd car spuds at
Wasilla. Sliver went to Anchorage.
March 10, 1920 Sorted out door locks and hinges
and paired up same from Knik house. Stern went to Knik took
in hen food for Fischer. Old Knik Natives after moose around
Wasilla. Goldstein of Juneau visited looking for fur.
Received letter from Dad wanted me to come back and take charge of
bank.
March 11, 1920 Cash and credit sales around
$400. Car load of dogs and 10 men arrived for Iditarod
District. Remner in from Skwentna Crossing for supplies for
roadhouse. Little Susitna RH man in. Hartman got another
Ford from Anchorage.
March 12, 1920 Temperature 65 in the sun business
fair. Monroe Kast on train to Anchorage, said he would
phone order, going prospecting for quartz. Everybody talking
oil since oil land opened for location. Some went to Coal
Bay Iliamna and Tyonek District. Lander made round trip to 32.
March 13, 1920 Ralph Weis and George
Grennon up to trade. Joe Walton proved up on “Mary's”
ranch? Indian Jim got a moose. Party on at Edlund’s
at Fair View School, Wilmoth Co. and Stanley attended.
Put in bid on $346 order.
March 14, 1920 Gave drop shipment tobacco order
to Chisholm. Shulz partner in for more grub and paid 2
Knik bills. Evening two dog teams arrived from Kuskokwim
District. Shorty Gustafson down to thresh his oats.
Made out spring seed order.
March 15, 1920 Sold snowshoes to Bethel merchant.
Monroe Kast visited, said he placed his order with B and H who
underbid Shonbeck Mrs. Hartman under doctors care. Train
north loaded with passengers. Sent in seed order.
March 16, 1920 Hatcher in for last
of mining outfit. Train from north late arrived 9 PM
38 for lunch. Train at Wasilla 1 hour. Made out
orders to come on first boat to Anchorage. Sent mail by Chisholm
to Anchorage.
March 17, 1920 Lander left with balance of
Hatcher’s freight for Gold Mint Mine. Sold $71.50 worth
Knik lumber doors etc. from Knik RH. Moose Hank drove to
Knik for lumber. Esi and Wasilla Boy over from Eklutna.
Made out overall and pant order.
March 18, 1920 Moose Hank in from Knik with
load lumber for Oscar Anderson ranch. Frank Churchill back
from winters trip to States. White mule bunch going to
Anchorage for trial of Nick Kane. Kaff trying to overthrow
Ebert government Germany.
March 19, 1920 Train from north
3 hours late. Snow plow gang laid over at Wasilla last
night. Mrs. Spaulding went to Anchorage. Hughes in
for grub. Fred Roscher returned to his ranch after winters
work for AEC “White Mule” gang went to Anchorage.
March 20, 1920 Moose Hank in from Knik with
lumber for Anderson’s ranch. Evening MLD Club gave a bean
and brown bread dance, small attendance on account of bad roads,
cold snap and what not. Phone from Conroy about price on
D-H and Co. building.
March 21, 1920 Cloudy chilly, very quiet in
town. One musher arrived from Iditarod District.
Cleaned up and oiled store floors. Moose Hank drove to Knik
for more lumber.
March 22, 1920 Outside mail in received this
$6 pen. Seattle Hardware man in gave him small order.
Ulanky in from Knik for grub.
March 23, 1920 Fleckenstein boys and Archie
McTaggart back from end of steel, claimed accommodations were
bad. Three dog teams in from Iditarod District went on to
Junction. Esi and Natives returned to Junction and Eklutna.
Sent mail by Seattle hardware man.
March 24, 1920 Two oil stampeder's bought an
outfit for down Tyonek way with 2 dog teams. Fosket in
for grub for himself and neighbor Mrs. Conway. Miller got
agent Harman’s farm house about completed.
March 25, 1920 McGill arrived on way to Beluga
by dog team. Several dog teams arrived returned to Iditarod
District. Baldy Reikhert got 1 year and $1,000 fine for
White Mule operations. Gus returned to GB camp for freighting.
March 26, 1920 Temperature -18 last night.
Native from Knik got $25 outfit. Two fur trappers in from
Lake Creek District. Bill Long back from Anchorage with flu.
Jim Murray down from Cache Creek after Sunrise hydraulic pipe.
March 27, 1920 Below zero last night
over 1’ snow fell last week. Miss Clark up from Fair View
School. Foster and Sinclair back from Tyonek Oil District.
March 28, 1920 Bogard in business fair.
Wrote letter to Fred Sylvester. Stanley sick with sort
of flu. Bill Long nursing flu at Moose Hanks. Made
out order for drugs.
March 29, 1920 Temperature -18. Herman
and Patchell in to trade. Doc Yak visited. Finnigan
back from end of steel, he heard it was summer here and quit his
job. Sam Kelly visited on way to end of steel. Several
dog teams going Inside. Stanley laid up stomach trouble.
March 30, 1920 Temperature +12 to -20.
Train 12 hours late from the north. Jim and Nicolai went
to Eska to work for A. E. Commission. Stanley staying in,
his cold much better.
March 31, 1920 March came in like a lamb and
went out like a lion, cold and windy. Mattie took sick
with flu went to bed. Stanley some better able to eat a
little, has cough. Cash sales over $100. Several
sick with the flu.
April 1, 1920 Train day business slow.
Stanley and mother still sick with flu. Miller got the
flu. Evening got out-mail. Cold wave broken.
April 2, 1920 Tex Cobb returned to his ranch.
Flu day at the Herning ranch. Evening some better but
off on grub. Fair View School down with the flu. Self
nurse emptied chamber 40 -11 times.
April 3, 1920 George Bailey and
Weiss up from Junction. C. H. Wilson in from Knik.
Stanley much better but mother has a bad cough. Miss Clark
nursing “flu” at Hotel Wasilla. Harman fixing up his put-put
boat. Had chicken dinner.
April 4, 1920 McMillan and Lander in from 32
also Mathews sick with the flu. Mattie troubled with deep
cough when laying down. Evening got pills from Dr. to
relieve cough. Mother much sicker than Stanley with the
flu.
April 5, 1920 Called in doctor on account of
Matt’s flu. McGill back from Beluga. Otto in from
Knik also J. J. Mattie in bed all day pretty well done
up with flu.
April 6, 1920 Judge Fred Brown visited.
Ellexson and wife in from Knik to trade. Mattie much improved
over yesterday beginning to sleep and eat a little. Miller
completed Harman’s ranch house. McGill went to Anchorage.
April 7, 1920 First spring like day business
slow. Mrs. Conway in to trade. Mrs. Mathews manager
of Little Gem Mine dropped off with heart failure at Wasilla
Hotel. Miller installed Harman’s cement chimney.
April 8, 1920 Mrs. Blodgett arrived from Knik
in route to Anchorage. Shulz in for grub, sold roadhouse
to Magill. I made transfer for Magill. Moffat sold
his spuds to A. E. Commission. Mother a little on the gain with
the flu.
April 9, 1920 Foster Bros. left for Outside.
Cannon and Miss Clark went to Anchorage. Broad took Mrs.
Mathews body to Anchorage. George Kennedy down from Sunshine
went on to Anchorage. Sold Doherty a Knik flue for his cabin.
Mattie sat up PM, gaining slowly.
April 10, 1920 Esi’s boy and Nicholi
Frank in. Nakeeta in from Knik for grub. O. C.
Miller got load furniture from ranch. Bogard loading his
spuds for Anchorage. Sales fair, most all Native trade.
Stanley did the washing. Mattie better.
April 11, 1920 Bogard in with 2 tons
spuds. Evening fat man in from Kuskokwim District. Mrs.
Broad in from mines.
April 12, 1920 Train day, Schilling man visited.
Cannon back from Anchorage. Phil Allen up from Junction
to trade. Mattie around all day. Natives left for
Old Knik.
April 13, 1920 Stanley and Forty Mile Miller
went to Anchorage. W. D. Elliott visited, taking lay off
from Talkeetna Station. Fred Carter back from end of steel
to go on his ranch. Patzack and Forker in town.
April 14, 1920 Musher in from Iditarod.
Dan Donovan proved up on his homestead.
April 15, 1920 Stanley and Miller back
from Anchorage. Winfield Ervin up from Anchorage wants
D-H Co. building for a bank, price offered $6,000. Dr.
Spaulding went north to make pills for the A. E. Commission at
$3,000 per year. Got 5 tons from Seattle.
April 16, 1920 Several dog teams left for Iditarod
District. Moose Hank went to Knik. Gus Swanson,
Ed Lee in with teams from GB camp. Mrs. Spaulding went
to Anchorage. Miller decorating up his restaurant.
Bothwell went to Anchorage.
April 17, 1920 Ellexson in from
Knik for grub etc. Hughes in for grub. Stanley and
Miller decorating Miller’s lunch house to be. Cloudy and
cold day.
April 18, 1920 Very quiet in town.
Farmers loading 3 car of spuds at $95 a ton. Forty Mile
Miller fell into the green paint pot.
April 19, 1920 Chamberlain arrived. Broad’s
left for the mines. Lidell in from the mines. Lillwall
up from Anchorage. Patzack went to end of steel to work.
Tom Williams here from south end went north to work on railroad.
Letter from Clara stated father’s health was not good.
April 20, 1920 Gave American Tobacco Co. man
and Chamberlain small order business fair. Lillwall
returned to Anchorage. Mrs. Kennedy from Sunshine went
to Anchorage. Herman Gronwald went to Anchorage.
Goshaw back from Inside with $20,000 worth of fur.
April 21, 1920 Stanley went out to mile 28
with Herman’s dog team for storage battery off truck.
Gus hauling Mrs. Conway’s spuds. Spud Murphy in town.
Dr. Spaulding packed up household gear to ship to Hurricane Gulch
Indian River.
April 22, 1920 Government shipped caterpillar
to end of steel for haulage purposes. Harvey Bartholf up
from Anchorage. Many going to end of steel. Train carries
2 coaches business good. Fairview School paid up.
April 23, 1920 Shulz over for grub. Bill
Long in from Knik to trade. Harvey Bartholf returned to
Anchorage. Miller offered $100 per month rental for his
hash house. Checked up bolt shortage. Pete Johnson
paid Swanson’s old bill.
April 24, 1920 Pump man down from Pittman,
bought 4 pair shoes to send to his family in Europe. Knik
Indians left for Eklutna, got no moose. Evening MLD Club
met had 60¢ left after paying all bills.
April 25, 1920 A few ducks in Cottonwood Creek.
Cleaned up around store outside.
April 26, 1920 Miss Clark back from Anchorage
after siege of flu. First boat arrived at Anchorage the
Admiral Line. Evening train went north with 10 cars of freight
for end of steel. Dixon in town.
April 27, 1920 Snow all gone in Wasilla.
Election day Cannon, Tryck and Zink the judges business fair.
Orders for seeds coming from Junction. Got dump of Houston
coal 10 tons, Miller took 3 tons. Soldiers putting up ice.
April 28, 1920 First real spring day, 90 in
the sun in front of store, business slow. Got dump of car
coal, Miller took 3 tons put balance of 5½ tons in bins.
Sold $60 store. Nick Kane back from Bullion. O. C. Miller
took Ellen Fleckenstein in as partner in restaurant.
April 29, 1920 Freight arrived at Anchorage
on Monday will not be delivered at Wasilla until next Monday.
Fischer’s man arrived. Phone from end of steel stated
W. A. Black died of heart failure. Kemper’s reported in
the bug house. Slide caught workmen at mile 71. Carter
in for grub.
April 30, 1920 Train south took Black’s body
to Anchorage. Black’s and Hughes horses returned from
end of steel. O. C. Miller buying cooking utensils and dishes
for his hash house. Carter returned to Junction. Section
boss Canfield back from States.
May 1, 1920 Evening Club Dance at Town Hall.
Six ice soldiers attended, very small crowd only 6 women.
Fred Nelson arrived last evening from GB Mines through freighting.
Harman’s incubator hatch a failure.
May 2, 1920 Chilligan in to trade. Streets
drying up. Soldier boys still putting up ice on Wasilla
Lake.
May 3, 1920 Got car of freight delivered at
Anchorage 1 week ago, business good. Farmers in for seed
grain. Dave Karstad arrived from Anchorage to go to mines.
Busy with new goods and delivering spuds. Wilmoth Co. off the
market got no spring goods.
May 4, 1920 Cloudy windy and chilly, sold over
$100 worth of seeds and all the re-cleaned oats. Sam
Kelly on train for Anchorage. Ed Mullen returned from end
of steel with Hughes horses. Mother Morrison paid balance
of 1916 account. Frank Doherty went to Anchorage.
May 5, 1920 Moose Hank took McMillan’s horses
to Junction. Wind drying up streets, ice still on road
mile 16 to 28. Snow gone on road to Junction.
May 6, 1920 Sidney Rae arrived advance agent
for the Rae Wallace Mining Co. Fred Crocker bought timber
outfit. Carle Johnson arrived from Outside. Ross
Kenney went north to start work on Cache Creek Road. Sid
shot a goose. Vail family back from States.
May 7, 1920 Jim Murray and Joe Anderson
on for Anchorage also George Gates. Vic Blodgett arrived
from Knik and went to Anchorage. Don S. Rae run his Ford
truck up from Junction. Alec from Old Knik in with geese.
May 8, 1920 McCarthy and Coppers up from
Junction to trade. Gus making ready to haul out Rock’s
outfit next Monday. Fred Nelson at Anchorage. More
green than usual.
May 9, 1920 Gus drove out to mile 25½
took Fred Crocker’s outfit double ender etc. Snow on road
from mile 25 to mines.
May 10, 1920 Three traveling men here, Cudahy,
Nut House and Heinzie. Rock and men arrived. Fred
back from Anchorage. Took Rock’s men and baggage late
this evening to mines. Federal milk arrived. Got
silver fox back from New York.
May 11, 1920 Drop shipment of tobacco arrived.
Mullen took load grub from Wilmoth Co. for 29½ RH.
Wilmoth went to Anchorage to meet his creditors so reported.
May 12, 1920 Fred in from 1st trip to 32.
Gus using dogs to get freight from 32 to Talkeetna Mine.
Old Sam in to trade, leased RH to Mr. Spaghetti? Rae moving
Drumheller mining machine etc. to his house on 2nd Avenue.
May 13, 1920 Business slow today. McMillan
took 2nd 4-horse load general merchandise from the Wilmoth
Co. Wilmoth in Anchorage to square with creditors.
Hartman said he had $1,000 in the Wilmoth wreck.
May 14, 1920 Stewart brought his boat
down from Nancy and Frank Forker moved his gear back to Wasilla.
Patzack back from end of steel. Zink and Barnes went out
to B. D. Mine.
May 15, 1920 Stewart and Forker went
to Junction to catch branch train to Anchorage. Pete Carlson
in from GB Mine. Fred Nelson in from 32. Miller went
to ranch. Wilmoth still in Anchorage. Planted flowerbed.
May 16, 1920 A-1 day business AM good $75.
Planted flower seeds on Wasilla Avenue facing depot.
Farmers got most of grain planted ready to plant spuds.
Mattie went fishing came home with “0”.
May 17, 1920 Cloudy business good $200.
Marshal Hoffman and Bailey up from Junction to trade with several
Outside orders. Wilmoth back from Anchorage head hanging
low? Roy Jacobson went north to Cache Creek. Hartman
drove car to 16.
May 18, 1920 Cloudy with showers business fair.
Herman in from Fish Lake. Stanley helping Hartman fix up
his “Tin Lizzie” no. 2. Fred gone to plow for Boden.
Mr. Young ex-paymaster of Alaska Central Railroad visited.
May 19, 1920 Lander in from Hatcher Mine
through freighting. Tryck and Zink tried to plow Harman’s
lot, frost still in, being on north slope. Wilmoth Co.
doing business but doing a lot of figuring? Section boss
buying here cheaper than A. E. Com.
May 20, 1920 Partly cloudy business fair.
Road Commission gang went north to inspect Cache Creek wagon
road. Gus in from mushing dogs 32 to Talkeetna Mine.
Got letter from Frank Watson ex-Chickaloon coal locator. Evening
cooler.
May 21, 1920 Ice went out of Lake Lucille 10
days late. Doc Yak up from Anchorage. A Dane with
a team going to mines. Cleaned up one horse wagon.
Lander and Rae went to Anchorage.
May 22, 1920 Road Commission started
to level up Wasilla -Willow Creek Road. Self raked off
loose rocks on Main Street. Two men in from GB Mines to
trade. Sidney Rae back from 32. The swallows came
today sure summer now? Mattie got cold in head.
May 23, 1920 Col. Gotwell head of Alaska Road
Commission here on inspection of roads. Evening raked rock
off road from Main Street to old road. Indians down from
Sections to trade. Carranza on the hike.
May 24, 1920 Got tobacco and coffee
from San Francisco. Rae and Lander back from Anchorage.
Harvey Bartholf back from wintering up at Anchorage. Col.
J. C. Gotwell head of Alaska Road Commission took auto
trip to mile 28 first car over the road this spring. Fern
and Goodell arrived.
May 25, 1920 Jim Murray and Joe Anderson
on train going to hospital on account of bumps. Joe Morris
left $375 order to bid on Hembaugh truck. Rae out to mines
and brought load freight back for Miller. Patzack left for
Heider.
May 26, 1920 Bill Moffit in to trade.
Hartman broke down his Tin Lizzie trying to go to Evo’s ranch
at mile 11. Evening rode bike out to mile 16. Stanley
bought a 22 H.P.
May 27, 1920 Big fire on north side town
site wind favorable so did no harm. Mullen took out big
load to 32. McMillan in for grub. Miss Clark up from
Fair View to trade. Rae took 1st auto load to 28.
May 28, 1920 Temperature +68, business
good. Milo Kelly and Judge Conroy arrived from Anchorage.
Outside freight at Anchorage but none came up. Fred and
Gus planting Harman’s ranch. Rae’s man hauling freight to
mile 28.
May 29, 1920 Cash sales over $50 collections
over $200. Conroy and Kelly returned to Anchorage.
Dave Barns, Zink and a soldier went out to the Martin Mine.
Evening ice cream dance on at Social Hall. Oldholm from Girdwood
visited, last seen 1905. Hall and Courtland arrived.
May 30, 1920 Tenth real summer day.
Stanley and self took auto out to Lawrence homestead to get Matt’s
car engine, was froze had to take off cylinder head and clean
her up, put on new breaker top, got her out of time failed
to turn over. Stanley stayed at 28 camp. Self walked
to town.
May 31, 1920 Mile 28 to Wasilla road
in fine condition, one soft place at mile 22, autos running
to 28. Arrived home 6:30 AM threw loose rock off road
coming in, business good. Got 2nd car Seattle freight.
Fred went to Pittman to plow on goat ranch. Part of Alaska Coal
Engineering Commission arrived went fishing at once on Wasilla Lake.
June 1, 1920 Got 15 sacks sugar to sell at
$27.50 a sack. Hall and Courtland now Mrs. Hall went
to Anchorage with toothache. Evening Stanley mushed out
to Miller’s ranch. Grass now for horses and everything green.
June 2, 1920 Forest fires everywhere.
Went out to 28. Tuned auto engine turned over OK.
Returned to Wasilla with car in 1 hour. Mattie storekeeper
sales around $100. Outfitted first prospector going to Willow
Creek.
June 3, 1920 First real warm day temperature
72 to 80 above in the shade at 11 AM. One
hundred on train going north, several for Willow Creek.
Hauled up two auto truck loads from track warehouse to store.
Jas A. Stewart in town looking for oil formation near Wasilla.
June 4, 1920 Train 4 hours late from north.
Stewart returned to Seward, located oil claims near Houston.
Rae went to Anchorage. Got bid on Road Commission grub.
Road Commission got $5,000 for Willow Creek Road.
June 5, 1920 Otto arrived from Knik big
forest fire from mile 20 to 23. Miller went out to look
after buildings on ranch. Rae’s auto man broke springs on
his truck Cleaned out gasoline tank on auto truck
Kids had a dance.
June 6, 1920 Rain all day cooler.
Worked on auto truck, found trouble with ignition and fixed distributor
OK. Got bid on ARC grub bill. Hartman busy trying
to fix up one of his Tin Lizzie's. Wilson in from Hatcher’s
Mine.
June 7 ,1920 Bogard ordered a self binder.
Mosquitoes getting in two shifts. Rae back from Anchorage.
Rock in from mines. Bid $1,311.70 on Alaska Road Commission
grub order. Evening drove car out to 19 with tin can dump.
June 8, 1920 E. B. White from Junction
in for supplies. Wired for goods short. Rock had Fred
take load to mines. Spaghetti went to Anchorage.
June 9, 1920 Heavy rain down Little Susitna
River. Put up grub order for Rae-Wallace Mining Co.
Alaska Road Commission went out to mile 29 to make camp and start
road work. Evening drove car up to Cannon’s, his grain is
up and garden truck coming.
June 10, 1920 Road Commission in for
more grub. Sold Hotel Wasilla 7 barrels flour.
Rae got most of freight to mile 28 and moving out. Old fatty
Erickson in town. McMillan in town. Nick Kane in town.
June 11, 1920 Doc Yak arrived with passenger
car. Auto machinist arrived with Ford truck
Road Commission took out 2nd load grub. Evening drove car
out to mile 19. Joe Laubner arrived to go to mines.
Zink back from Anchorage.
June 12, 1920 Krog in to prove up on
homestead. Evening all Wasilla attended flag raising
and close of Fairview School, drove down with car balance went
on Rae’s car big crowd. Got home at 2:30. Wilson Road
Commission on inspection.
June 13, 1920 Cleaned carburetor on car and
put in new gasket. Evening drove car out as far as mile
19, Harman’s went along, roads in perfect condition. Reported
Anderson coming in with 4 ton truck.
June 14, 1920 Got 110 cans Alpine milk,
hardware, tobacco and harness gear. Chisholm up from Anchorage
on Wilmoth Co. business. Reported 4’ snow at Martin’s Mill.
Miller’s cook quit him.
June 15, 1920 A-1 summer day 82 in shade.
Got $150 order from Willow mile 187. Roscher and Moshier
proved up on homesteads. Doc Yak got his tractor wheels on
Ford car. Bought 1,200 cwt spuds off Metz at 6¢ a pound.
Bert Goodpaster visited.
June 16, 1920 Rock’s cook
knocked off terminal by bucket, fell 14’ on rock pit, brought
in on stretcher took to Anchorage on speeder. Put up prospectors
order for mile 187. Harding and Coolidge nominated on Republican
ticket at Chicago Convention.
June 17, 1920 Busy all day
marking up new hardware and harness gear. “Squeaky voice”
Cache Creek man bought Lee’s pack horses. Ford doctor got
Fred’s car about overhauled. Evening on a run with car to
16.
June 18, 1920 Mrs. Haller went out to cook
at Talkeetna Mine. Rae’s Ford truck out of commission
at mile 28. Hatcher and Rock returned to their mines. Dempsey
acquitted as a slacker.
June 19, 1920 Real soaker of a rain with
snow on mountain down to 31½ RH. Sold Clarence Brannon
packing gear outfit for Cache Creek trail. Nicholson one
of Rae’s backers left for States. Fred Nelson in from mines
sold his team.
June 20, 1920 Bald Mt. white
with snow. Brannon started with 4 horses for Talkeetna, got
tangled up, came back to ship on cars. Evening drove car
out to 19. Doc Yak left for mines with 2 tons on tractor.
June 21, 1920 Got Federal milk and 57
varieties. Anderson’s machine arrived. Auto-ed
over freight depot to store. Evening Natives off Pittman and
Houston Section in to trade bought over $100 worth. Parson’s
up from Anchorage went to mines. Inspector Ames here on account
of a Post Office. Got $10,000 more for Wasilla-Willow
Road.
June 22, 1920 Herndon in from Fish Lake
to trade. Bought 1,250 lbs. spuds off Jake Metz at 6¢
a pound. Doc Yak back from Ford tractor trip to mile 32.
Stanley went with Miller to ranch at mile 23½. Evening
gave battery a drink. Cool weather last two days.
June 23, 1920 Stanley and Miller back
from ranch. Natives down from Houston for more supplies.
McMillan in. Evening drove car out to 19.
June 24, 1920 Eddie doing all the auto
business at 32. Smoky and lots of mosquitoes. Evening
gave Mrs. Tryck auto ride to mile 19, Mattie nursed the
baby. Fred and Zink unloaded Little Gem freight, 2 car pipe,
1 lumber, 1 machinery. Otto went out to cook for Rae.
June 25, 1920 Got delivery of produce,
granite wear and dry goods from Seattle and Portland.
Fred trying out his built-over Ford. Farmers thinking of
trying railroad building until mosquitoes go off shift.
June 26, 1920 Parson’s returned from mines
to Anchorage. New lot of soldiers at Junction.
Lawrence in to trade. Evening Kids had a dance at school
house.
June 27, 1920 Mosquitoes on both shifts.
Stanley went with Fred on auto to 32 then hiked to Talkeetna
Mine. Mattie and self drove car to mile 29½ ARC road
camp. Rained ahead and behind us no get-um wet.
June 28, 1920 Anderson Little Gem arrived
and a few miners for Willow Creek District. Stanley and
Fred back from Talkeetna Mine. Chisholm went north.
Plenty of nimrods around Wasilla Lake.
June 29, 1920 Sold Alaska Road Commission
$522 June bill. Fowler of Pacific Grocery Company visited,
rumor he was going in with Wilmoth Co. Wilmoth went to Willow
Creek to raise funds. Worked in office all day on bills.
June 30, 1920 Grennan up
to trade. Tom Williams drove to Junction to ship team
back to Anchorage, had cold feet, said he made $20 in 9 days hauling
to mines. Evening drove car out to 29 with Stanley. Stanley
got job with Road camp $100 a month net. Roads slippery but
in good shape.
July 1, 1920 Put up large order for ARC
camp. Budd in from GB Mine evening, caught Ford car to
Anchorage to meet G. B. Thompson. Stanley’s first days work at ARC
camp. ARC cook after his drugs.
July 2, 1920 After a week cloudy weather
and showers cleared today business good. Milo arrived
to open mining development on B. D. and Martin Mine. “Snow
balls now gone”. Moose Hank sold Baldy to A. R. Commission.
Mullen went to end of steel with 4 of Hughes nags.
July 3, 1920 About 2 dozen went to Anchorage
to spend July 4th and 5th. Danielson in from end of steel
to spend 4th. Three work trains with railroad employees
passed through to spend 4th at Anchorage. Gus in with team
from road camp for 4th.
July 4, 1920 Mattie and self left Wasilla
with car for mines, left car at 29½. Mattie visited
Mrs. Mac, self rode Landers horse over to Grubstake Placer found
everything OK. At reservoir fell in tiny overflow and
pants filled with ice cold snow water. Stayed over at mines.
Store closed 4th and 5th.
July 5, 1920 At mines. Worked all AM
on canyon ditch. Someone opened gate and high water cut
hole in ditch. Left mine at noon arrived at 31½ Inn
had fine dinner at McMillan’s, came on home in car. Stanley
working for A. R. Commission didn’t go to Anchorage.
July 6, 1920 Got half car flour and tobacco.
Got phone order from Nagley. Old Jack Hammel back from
Snug Harbor paid his bill with interest. Load passengers
for Willow Creek District. Three trains north today.
Ed Danielson returned to railroad work at Deadhorse. Evening
raining.
July 7, 1920 Dave Miller and wife in
from mines went to Anchorage. War Baby Mine closed down.
Broad and wife went to Anchorage. Report came Ben Agnes body
was found, someone shot him then moved the body away from his home
on a wheelbarrow. No clue.
July 8, 1920 Hauled over auto truck load freight
from track warehouse. Took picture of front of store.
Chas Leroy down from Pittman to trade. Fred and Wagner
got roof on Wagner’s new house.
July 9, 1920 Sold Brassel small outfit.
Road Commission bought Carlson’s horse for Cache Creek road survey.
Wilmoth back from Anchorage had 37 pieces freight from Gottstein
grocer. Dutch and Hugo back from States.
July 10, 1920 Heavy rain all day,
Little Susitna River over banks. Joe Laubner in from mines.
Reported George Anderson bought Mable Mine. Wilmoth Co. opened
for business after 2 months with no goods bought milk and meats from
us.
July 11, 1920 Rae drove out to 28 with Doc
Yak car. Hotel Hartman took over hardware etc. from Wilmoth
Co. on money loaned. Fleck’s got new boat.
July 12, 1920 George Anderson back from
Anchorage. Mrs. Hatcher and party arrived and left for
the Gold Mint Mine. Got self binder for Bogard, also ½
car of general freight. All trains going north loaded with
workman and passengers. Chas Bartholf arrived from States.
Frank Doherty went to work at mines.
July 13, 1920 Milo Kelly went to Anchorage.
Two schoolmarms here on vacation. Hans Frydenland went
out with team to work for ARC road.
July 14, 1920 Rasmuson, Walters and Loken
over from Palmer, Rasmuson proved up. Hartman drove schoolmarms
out to 31½ AM, evening didn’t get back so Mrs. Hartman
sent Harrison out with car to look him up. Evening hoed
the “taters” and mowed weeds around side walk to warehouse.
July 15, 1920 Hartman autoed Hatcher
bunch to Junction to catch train. Hauled ton BS coal and
ton merchandise from track warehouse to store. Stored gasoline
in barn on back lot. Fleck boys launched their new boat in
Wasilla Lake.
July 16, 1920 Milo Kelly and wife and
T. D. Corlew up from Anchorage for mines. George Anderson’s
big four wheel drive truck arrived. Secretary Daniels
of Navy and Secretary Payne of Interior passed through on inspection
trip of railroad and coal fields. Soldier that shot Ben Agnew
confessed.
July 17, 1920 George Anderson unloaded his
big truck but she failed to turn over. Big Secretary
party returned from end of steel did not stop at Old Wasilla.
Evening Eddie’s truck took dancers over to Finger Lake Hall.
Herman in from Fish Lake. Wilmoth Co. remodeling store for
pool room?
July 18, 1920 PM cylinder head off car
engine, cleaned out carbon and shellacked gasket. Left
4 PM for mile 31 road camp, Mrs. Tryck and baby went along,
at 28 water place engine quit. Mattie and Mrs. Tryck mushed
to road camp run cart 29½ got home 12 PM. Out to see
Stanley at road camp road muddy.
July 19, 1920 Wilmoth Co. doing business again.
Put up order for Road Commission mile 31. Rev. Hughes
up from Anchorage looking for campground for Boy Scouts.
Gust Haller in with kink in back, Doc Yak took him to his
ranch. Doc McCallie took his horse from Cannon.
July 20, 1920 ARC took out another 1,000
lbs. grub. Mrs. Mary Morrison visited, bought small order
for Joes ranch. Talkeetna Mines shut down, men arrived
for down train to Anchorage, heavy rains said the cause of shut
down. Bogard got balance of self binders. Dan Sutherland
went out with Bogard.
July 21, 1920 Vail’s moved Fred’s tent house
down to their ranch. Doc Yak brought in his Ford tractor
from mile 33. Made out hardware order for shorts.
Outside spuds selling for 20¢ a pound at Anchorage
July 22, 1920 More rain today business
quiet. Richard Lander in from Martin Mine with cyanide
in eye going to Anchorage for treatment. Farmers buying
fish salt making ready for run of salmon. Strawberries looking
for sun to ripen them. Harman built a coal landing. Wagner’s
new house under cover.
July 23, 1920 Got half car freight, hauled
over 2 tons to store with auto truck Mrs. Forker arrived
from States to rest up at her Wasilla summer home? Ellis
and party went toward Knik looking for oil land and birch wood.
Mrs. Haller back from mines.
July 24, 1920 Train for north several
hours late. Talkeetna out of spuds. Country cleaned
up on spuds. Had first mess of strawberries from Tom Williams
from the mines. Reported salmon running in Cottonwood Creek
this PM. Mrs. Forker returned to Anchorage.
July 25, 1920 Salmon catchers out till
midnight, got 2 fish. George Gates in town. Supt. Eide
A. R. Com. looking for wagon and horses account C. C. Road.
Gus in from Road camp, Fred took his job temporarily.
Evening drove car out to Miller’s ranch brought Miller back to
town.
July 26, 1920 Salmon running, business
good sales and collections over $1,000. Vail’s got outfit
for their ranch. Eide here looking for horses men etc.
for C. C. Road. Boy Scouts here from Anchorage for a weeks
vacation on Wasilla Lake. Got some good pictures of store.
July 27, 1920 Mrs. Mac in from
31½ paid bill went to Anchorage on a visit. Got Seattle
paper announcing sudden death of Fred Sylvester. Anderson
having Eddie haul freight his truck in barn.
July 28, 1920 PM took Rev. Hughes and
Boy Scouts out to Road camp mile 31. At mile 24 return had
a blow out 1st since car in commission in 2 years wound
rim with rope and came on in. Mrs. Rae arrived from Outside.
Otto came in with toothache.
July 29, 1920 Moffat brought in 2nd lot
of strawberries, selling at 50¢ a quart. Evening
put inner tube in tire and patched old one, car run three seasons
only one blow out. Everybody about full up on salmon.
Col. Mears fishing at Lake. Otto went to Anchorage with toothache.
July 30, 1920 Train here 4 hours had to double
up from Junction. Sent Harrison down to Hughes ranch
for Alaska Road Commission to hire horses. Evening drove
car out to mile 19 to show Mrs. Oliver Wasilla - Willow Creek
Road. Salmon still running. Otto back from Anchorage.
July 31, 1920 Ula Thompson, Mabel Douglas,
Mrs. Oliver and kids, Miss Rock and Miss Lander left for Anchorage.
Evening Doc David, Sumner Smith, Moyer, towing A. E. celebrities
arrived to fish and see the mines. Stanley through at Road
camp.
August 1, 1920 Stanley took dinner with Boy
Scouts at camp on lake. Hughes in, was not particular about
turning his teams over to ARC CC Road work. Old Doc run
his Ford tractor to the Junction.
August 2, 1920 Sam Kelly went north in train
today. Hauled 2½ tons coal oil from car to back
lot. Moffat brought in 40 quarts strawberries. Milo
Kelly in from mines.
August 3, 1920 Milo Kelly and Fred Nelson went
to Anchorage. Boy Scouts broke camp and returned to Anchorage.
Bob Hatcher went to Anchorage. George Anderson hauled first
load on his 3½ ton truck to mines mile 30. Harrison
went to Anchorage for operation.
August 4, 1920 Heavy rain in the hills
last night. Doc Yak took out Mrs. Rae and Co. brought
them back, no camp ready at mines. PM hauled up all the
galvanized corrugated iron from track warehouse to store warehouse.
Stanley and Hartman went after raspberries got 5.
August 5, 1920 Hauled 2 tons merchandise from
track warehouse to store basement. Doc Yak drove Tin Lizzie
to Junction, up to Palmer, over Palmer Road to Farmers Hall,
back to Junction, returned to Wasilla. Rigged temporary top
for auto truck
August 6, 1920 Now ready to go to Placer
Mines to do assessment and deck pipe for sale. Plenty
strawberries on Wasilla market. Ordered machinery for
Bogard.
August 7, 1920 Fred and Stanley and I
drove car out to mile 32. Got Lander to pack 214 lbs. grub
etc. to Grubstake arrived 3 PM, Lander stayed all night.
Swank took wagon over summit 34 to GB Mines. Everything OK
at camp creek very low. White Mule dance at 31½ RH.
August 8, 1920 Surveyed line for ditch on left
limit bench to turn in Grubstake Creek. Repaired flange
on pipeline crossing creek broken down by snow. G. B. Thompson
and Budd visited evening wanted to buy 750’ 11” hydraulic pipe.
Worked 12 hour shift.
August 9, 1920 Self left mines 4 AM, mushed
over mountain to 32, drove car to town arrived 10 AM. Mrs.
Forker and Frank arrived from Anchorage and several trout fisherman.
Paid Abe Reising $90 for keeping Jack Wilson horse.
August 10, 1920 Little Gem payday. Lander
and son went to Anchorage. Wired out for chicken feed and
auto oil and rifles. Fred Crocker after horse to haul out
mining timbers. Several Anchorites fishing on Wasilla Lake.
August 11, 1920 Gem truck started to haul hydraulic
pipe to mines. Old Doc sold his Ford tractor to Mrs. Morrison
to pull stumps on ranch. Had Mrs. Forker at dinner.
Thorpe in from Kelly Mine.
August 12, 1920 PM ran engine 2 hours to recharge
storage battery. More orders for strawberries from Talkeetna.
Evening ordered gas lamps etc. Wrote Sam Kelly we needed
clerk for the winter.
August 13, 1920 Harry Yago bought outfit for
mines. Big crowd on train north. Moffat in with
new spuds etc. Got in crate of watermelons 10¢ a pound.
August 14, 1920 Wasilla to mines went out on
Eddie’s truck, Chamberlain went along to Kelly Mine.
Arrived at Grubstake Placer 9 PM, boys had pipeline connected
up and bench ditch started.
August 15, 1920 At mines, repaired intake
ditch did some piping. PM resurveyed line for ditch on
left limit.
August 16, 1920 Mines to Wasilla, Fred and
Stanley came out with me. Arrived Wasilla 10:30 AM,
Fred returned to mines PM. Stanley and mother made ready
to go on train tomorrow to catch Alameda at Seward to go Outside.
Kelly in from mines.
August 17, 1920 Rain all day, business
fair. Stanley and mother left on noon train for Seattle via
government railroad to Seward, thence by Alameda to Seattle to
have their glasses refitted and Stanley to enter school.
Hatcher family in from mines, missed them. Sid Rae and mother
left for States.
August 18, 1920 Stanley and mother at Anchorage
waiting for train to Seward, talked with Mattie over the phone.
Evening hauled ton groceries from track warehouse. Spot
lame in rear hind leg. Evening mowed off whiskers, posted
ledger.
August 19, 1920 Got wire from Sam Kelly accepting
clerkship with K. T. Co. Busy putting up shelves and marking
goods. Made out order for groceries, about out. Strawberries
still on market.
August 20, 1920 Cloudy, heavy rain.
Big crowd on train north, waited on them, took both hands, got
$15 out of them. George Anderson passed along farewell from
Stanley and Mother leaving Anchorage for Seward. After
closing hour, baked pan biscuits and had quart strawberries for my
dinner.
August 21, 1920 Whitridge back from Talkeetna,
hired his assessment work done on Iron Creek. Cooper,
Anchorage barber, here looking over his interest in Little Gem.
Seven men quit at Kelly’s camp complained about the grub, old Booth
the cook. French fried spuds, Postum and biscuits for dinner.
Frank Forker in from doing assessment at mines.
August 22, 1920 Got grub ready for my mine.
Eddie hauling Little Gem freight. Gem truck laid up on
account of wet weather. Stanley and mother on Alameda now
about at Juneau. Whitridge went out to work for Rae.
Dinner German toast and preserves.
August 23, 1920 Big crowd on train north, sold
$50 in shoes etc., busy with all four legs and hands.
Sent Albert Bodin out to help Fred at mines, Swen went also.
Got half car freight batteries chimneys stove pipe etc. Hen
food sidetracked somewhere.
August 24, 1920 Mrs. Dr. Spaulding down from
end of steel, went on to Anchorage on account of clothes in trunk
getting wet. Sam Kelly on train, sprained his knee at Talkeetna
so went to Anchorage to get fixed up. Evening hauled 2 tons
freight out car to store. Had big hunk lemon pie for supper.
August 25, 1920 Bald Mt. white with snow,
business fair sales over $100. Opened up and marked hardware,
batteries, chimneys, lanterns, stove pipe, etc. Chisholm
walked up from Junction. Evening Nicholson over looking for
Forty Mile Miller’s sawmill.
August 26, 1920 Put up 2 orders for Willow
mile 187 and Talkeetna. Chisholm left on gravel train
for Anchorage. Hans Frydenland finished harvesting his
grain and took out load for A. R. Com. Donovan in finished
Hatcher Road 32 to Archangel.
August 27, 1920 Mrs. Harry Brown up from Anchorage,
went out to Willow Creek Junction, Brown went yesterday.
Mrs. Bailey and Krogh up from Junction to trade. Rae and
investigators in from mines. Sold 10 quarts strawberries,
last picking of season. Stanley and mother arrived at Seattle
7 AM.
August 28, 1920 Sold Wilmoth Co. $26 merchandise
and put up $18 order they couldn’t fill. Rae in, also
Nick. Fitted up horseshoes for Gus McMillan and Frydenland.
Evening got car ready for trip to mines Sunday. Donovan
up to trade.
August 29, 1920 Closed all day, Wasilla
to Mines. Left with car 8 AM, left car at mile 30.
Got Landers horse and rode over to Grubstake Mine, took beans and
ham. Boys had 100’ ditch completed, some pipe painted.
Canyon ditch repaired and water running through sluices. Snow
on summit.
August 30, 1920 Left mines 4:30 arrived
Wasilla 10:30. Train in, Dr. S. up from Anchorage for
some of his household goods etc. Sales cash and credit over
$100. Clerk failed to show up.
August 31, 1920 Ordered clothing from
Black Mfg. Co. for winter trade. Dr. Spaulding returned
to Anchorage. Broad in with Eddie’s truck for bacon and friction
gaskets for Little Gem Mining Co. Budd returned to GB Mine.
Bothwell off job.
September 1, 1920 Quiet in town. Mrs.
Hartman and bear after berries down Knik Road. Evening
got out monthly credit bills, Mines $547.05, ARC $133.60.
No check yet for ARC July bill over $800. Hughes back from
Anchorage. Doc Yak repairing his car.
September 2, 1920 Big truck in, tried
to go to Bodie Bill’s mile 12 for lumber, did not make it on account
of chuckholes. Got order from Mrs. Thorpe for underwear.
Doc Yak got his car fixed up and went to Mabel Mine. Paid
Moffat money for Moose Hank.
September 3, 1920 Jas Stewart arrived, brought
letter from Mattie, also got letter from hoodlum boy, Cordova
and Skagway, first news since departure August 18th while at
Anchorage. Someone stole 25 of Bill Hughes chickens Wednesday.
Got ARC check for July bills. Mr. Hubbell arrived.
September 4, 1920 Got wire from Mattie, located
at 1108 Kamiaken St. Pullman, Washington. Stanley to enter
school 20th. Hans Frydenland hauling Little Gem lumber
from Bodie Bill’s to Wasilla. Mr. Hubbell returned from
mines. Train here 1½ hours busy in store.
September 5, 1920 Rain last night cloudy
today business fair, duck hunters after ammunition. Drove
car out, picked up Fred and Boden at mile 24½, had
trouble in turning around. Boden worked 12 days at mines.
Evening Heinie Snider up from Pittman to trade. Doc Yak took
Wilmoth Co. out to 28 fishing?
September 6, 1920 Heavy rain all PM.
Mr. Dell down from Gold Creek for winter outfit, got $102 from
Junction. Kelly in for more grub. Conroy and brother
up from Anchorage in route to mines. Evening answered Matt’s
wire, sent $50. Doc Yak after White Mule with Wilmoth Co.
Paid 1919 Griffith taxes $1.35. Ted Bedell and wife here.
September 7, 1920 Cash sales over $300
with credit sales over $500 today. James Dell bought $330
outfit going to above canyon on Big Sushitna. Kelly and Lander
went to Anchorage. Sent Fred Carter $102 outfit at Junction.
Gus in from ARC. Ted Bedell and wife returned to Anchorage.
September 8, 1920 Busy all
day packing 2 orders for Kelly Mine McMillan and James Dell.
Cash sales this far this month over $1,000. Cash taken
in over $1,100. Had Otto candle all the eggs 6 hours.
Bogard in with 16 dozen fresh eggs. Gus cut his hay on Harman’s
ranch.
September 9, 1920 Busy packing James Dell winter
order, Otto helped 10 hours, hauled same to depot. Evening
38 packages freight. Fred Crocker in from yarding out
his mining timbers at mile 25½. Hughes went to
Junction to see about getting his kids in school.
September 10, 1920 Got part car freight, chicken
feed and flour was routed to Seward. Got letter from
Mattie, arrival at Seattle and same to Pullman, Washington.
George Anderson said he had taken over the Shough Mine. Seventy
five on north train.
September 11, 1920 First heavy frost last night
turned potato tops yellow, business rushing today. Order
East and Mines. Mrs. Black up with new schoolmarm to trade
bought $50 worth. John Isom visited from Willow mile 187 left
$119 order and $30 order for Furrows. Evening dance at Fairview
School house on account of Edith Edlund up from Anchorage.
Eddie took Fleck’s and Wilmoth’s in truck.
September 12, 1920 Failed to oil floor and
go over gas plant for want of time, also to haul ton freight
from track warehouse. Hartman and Miller dug new well
on lot next to hotel, piped it into hotel and filled up hole.
All Fleck’s went out to 31½ with Eddie.
September 13, 1920 Gunny sacks and chicken
feed and flour arrived by rail from Seward. Sales over
$300. Sam Kelly arrived from Anchorage with game leg to
work for K. T. Co., rented Shough cabin. Had shipments
for Willow, Matanuska, Palmer, Eska and Gold Creek. Evening
on books and out-mail. Chas Bartholf in from Kelly Mine.
September 14, 1920 B. S. Bartholf in to trade,
installing mill below GB Mine said Chas Bartholf found
2 years run of ore for GB Mines. Quiet in town. Chas
Isaac and Martin Larson went to Anchorage. Busy all day with
placing new goods. Kelly cooked the dinner.
September 15, 1920 A-1 day froze last
night, farmers digging spuds. Got shelves filled up and
new goods stored in basement. Opened up Scotch Graniteware
111 pieces and marked up same. Lit up gas lights in store,
first time since April. Kelly the cook.
September 16, 1920 Hauled ton of freight from
track warehouse to store. Hauled out tin cans etc. to
mile 17, road in good condition again. Thorpe family in from
their mine. Miller and Hartman dug spuds at Evo’s ranch, took
down 40 sacks and got 8 sacks of spuds like marbles. Sumner Smith
family down to trade.
September 17, 1920 Bogard’s harrow and plow
arrived. Milo Kelly closed down mine. Horning and
brother in from mines. Short on underwear and losing sales.
No mail from the “school kids” since arrived at Pullman. Wall
Street blown up by bomb. Jim and Nicolai arrived.
September 18, 1920 Milo Kelly and wife, Sinclair,
Horning and brother went to Anchorage. Fleck girls and
Hembach picking up spuds for Carlson. Fred Nelson helping
Wagner on his house. Sent Mattie $10 express order.
Sent underwear order to Portland. Fenton went to Cache Creek?
September 19, 1920 Cloudy and light wind,
squally today around mountains felt like winter, very quiet
in town. Hamill started to haul mining timbers from mile
9 for Little Gem M. Co. del. at Wasilla. Bill Hughes on a
“bulling” tour to government experimental farm. Hartman cut
his wheat at mile 11. Miller at his ranch.
September 20, 1920 Only local mail but a few
on train north for first time. Herman in from Fish Lake.
Fred paid his premium on N. Y. Life Insurance. Moose Hank
digging spuds at mile 16. Jim and Nicolai working on Wasilla
- Palmer Road.
September 21, 1920 Sent 200 gunny sacks
to Junction. Seattle spuds down to 2¢, farmers here
crazy. Freis in to trade, had cold feet account of ranch.
Fred helping C. D. Johnson on spuds. Mrs. Sam sent a blueberry
pie , Yolly!!
September 22, 1920 Bailey and Ralph Weiss up
from Junction to trade. Willis Whitridge in from
Rae Wallace Mine brought in McMillan’s lame horse for Cannon.
Re-trimmed hardware window and cleaned front glass in store.
Several men in from mines.
September 23, 1920 Andrew Pallok through
at Rae - Wallace Mine. Corlew and several miners in from
mines. Cliff Hall down from Talkeetna to harvest his
spuds at mile 16 ranch. Hatcher and wife in for winter.
September 24, 1920 No sugar in Anchorage for
a week, self only got what is in bin. Up late getting
out-mail. Miller fixing up Spaulding house for Hatcher
family. Corlew caught 41 trout.
September 25, 1920 Big crowd on train
going south fifty for dinner. Joe Conroy in from mines,
went to Anchorage. Hatcher’s and Lander went to Anchorage.
Gus in from Road camp. Road Commission through at 34, moved
to 25½ to gravel road. Fred Nelson sold lumberyard
shed to Rae for $100, Miller taking it down.
September 26, 1920 A few Budinskie's
around. Miller finished taking down lumberyard shed.
Old Doc went out with Thorpe team to haul timbers to mines.
Reported 1st through passenger train from Seward would go on run
tomorrow. Ed Mullin in town. Crocker in for grub for
Bogard.
September 27, 1920 First passenger train
for end of steel at Gold Creek arrived 10 AM, freight train
followed. Got freight from Fischer Bros. via Seward.
Fischer man arrived gave him small order. Got 1st letters
from school kids at Pullman, Washington. Got ton freight
at depot with car.
September 28, 1920 Big day,
all the farmers in, train people, traveling men, etc., including
Natives. Passenger and freight from north. Couldn’t
get time to answer Matt’s letters, sent her government check $59.
Evening northern lights, Jack Frost coming. Wilmoth Co. beefing
about Post Office. Reported Wilmoth going to work for Commission.
September 29, 1920 Froze hard last night
thawed out by PM. Bailey up from Junction
to trade. Heinie Snider down from Pittman hunting for his
goats, winter nearby. Snowplow went north today to end of
steel. Cashed Fern check to McMillan for Wilmoth Co. $282.55?
Forty Mile Miller siding up his eat-house.
September 30, 1920 Special train today, got
Watson mail. No mail from school kids, answered their 2
letters from Pullman. Harvey Bartholf in for court.
Mrs. Hatcher back from Anchorage. Snowplow went south.
Got balance of winter orders. BB pacs and clothing now
at Anchorage. Goodnight.
October 1, 1920 Train south
business booming. Mr. Lay up from Junction for outfit.
Fred Crocker through at Bogard ranch, went out for ARC. Harvey
Bartholf went to Anchorage. Party wanted to buy hydraulic
pipe. Evening Milo and wife in from mines, Milo not feeling
well. Karstad went to Anchorage.
October 2, 1920 First fall wind, business
fair. Milo and wife caught freight train to Anchorage.
Zink in from B. D. Mine. Black’s clothing and fruit arrived.
Balance of goods at Anchorage. Cold wind all day. Miller
waiting on Mrs. Hatcher.
October 3, 1920 Weather still blowing,
quiet in town. Nicolaska in from Knik on way to Chickaloon
to work for Commission. Hans Frydenland put hew pole in
his wagon. Wind gone midnight.
October 4, 1920 Freezing nights, ground
frozen on wagon road. Several in from GB Mines. Booth
in from Kelly Mine, business good sold $100 clothing shipped out
3 orders. Hammil in from Rae’s Mine went on to squaw town.
Barney Johnson in from GB Mines.
October 5, 1920 J. Davis down from Willow for
an outfit. George Zink and Budd went to Anchorage.
A. R. Comm. stored their perishables with Wilmoth Co. McMillan
went to Anchorage.
October 6, 1920 Got Evans mail via Seward.
Hammil hauling for Rae-Wallace Co. Krumnacher after hydraulic
pipe. Hauled load freight from track warehouse
to store. Evening first snow. Upper end Lucille Lake
frozen over.
October 7, 1920 Ground white till 9 AM all
gone, autos went out to 32 PM. Hartman’s had chicken feed
etc. come from Albert. Co.
October 8, 1920 Adolph Olson down from
Kashwitna for grub order. Neighbors getting lots of ducks,
invited out to duck dinner Sunday. Hammil took load lumber
out for Rae. Hatcher in from mine. Snow from 31½
to mines.
October 9, 1920 Laubner in from mines, said
there was 2’ at Mabel Mine. Anderson got gas engine installed
at Mabel. Zink back from Anchorage. Kelly’s going
Outside last of October. Got forage windows and smoked
meats.
October 10, 1920 Kelly and self invited to
duck dinner at mile 12. Walked down road, partly froze
and “slippy” back at 5:30. “Spot” minded store.
October 11, 1920 Road frozen up business
good. Joe Brassel brought hunting outfit, going to Bald
Mt. Eddie supposed to make last trip of season to 31½
with auto truck. Government put up railroad crossing signs.
Chas Bartholf left with team for Craggie Creek.
October 12, 1920 Cash sales $173.80, days sales
$265.40, collections $229.98. Train from north 2 hours
late. Harper bros. down from Cache Creek. Spaghetti
through at Fishhook Inn. Eddie laid up his car, got job at
Eska Coal Mine. Seventy five on train sough today. Lidell
in town. Mrs. Wagner went to Anchorage.
October 13, 1920 Freezing all day business
fair sales over $100. Had a run on fur caps by people
on train going north. Young Byron Bartholf up from Anchorage
going to mines to help install mill on new Bartholf Mine.
Joe Anderson visited. Hartman auto still running to 31½
Roadhouse.
October 14, 1920 Got wire from
father, was in hospital, come home at once. Report came
A. E. Com. lost concrete pier on Big Susitna bridge cost over
$60,000. Frank Bayer went to Anchorage. Chicken
dinner.
October 15, 1920 Bogard in for supplies.
Moose Hank went to Anchorage with toothache. Operator
on Willow Creek, Peters Creek District down for outfit.
Wrote Mattie about father and wire sent. Frank Doherty through
at Rae’s Mine, in to hold up. Found sack nut cookies in hall?
Evening +12.
October 16, 1920 Got 2 regular
letters from the “ school kids” with letters from Clara about
fathers condition, sickness was bladder trouble. Stanley
in school 7:30 to 5:20 studies. Mrs. Toothpick, Sparks and
Bean up to trade. Auto took Fern to Mines. Hughes moved
family to Junction to put kids in school.
October 17, 1920 Hartman made 2 trips to 31½
on account of GB help. Chris Anderson and several in.
Filled gas tank, fixed up 2 gas lamps. Train north with
gravel for Susitna bridge pier. Coal about gone and no wood.
Pete Johnson up from Junction.
October 18, 1920 Chas Harper in town.
Reported Hartman’s negotiating for 31½ RH. Made
price $2,000 on Knik hardware building at Anchorage to William
Hunt. Train north every night. Evening snow flurries,
1 days coal on hand. Moose Hank back from Anchorage.
October 19, 1920 Cloudy and warmer +40,
business rushing. Wasilla getting the reputation as a good
place to trade. Over hundred on south train, 24 left Wasilla.
Sent mail by Jack Frisbie to mail at Anchorage. Bill Hughes
back from placing kids in school at Junction. Willie Black
went to Anchorage.
October 20, 1920 Jack Hammil hauling mining
timbers from mile 9 to Wasilla for Little Gem M. Co. Evening
light snow ground white. Another “Cat” went north to end
of steel. Alameda at Anchorage no mail from folks.
October 21, 1920 Ground white 2” snow
about all gone PM. Bogard in for load feed
etc. Pickle and girl working a crew of men on Wasilla -
Palmer Road only $300 worth. Budd and 24 of Bullion men in.
Harvey in looking for gas engine. Answered school kids letters.
October 22, 1920 Bullion bunch left for Anchorage.
Harvey Bartholf went to Thorpe’s. Sent school kids $50.
Outfitted trapper from Kashwitna. Lander went to Anchorage.
Johnson in from Kelly Mine.
October 23, 1920 Mrs. Sessons on up train.
Mighty busy and wires and phone calls. Got wire from
Mattie about fathers condition also 2 regular letters.
Dry goods in Anchorage also groceries arrived 21st on Alameda.
October 24, 1920 Moved big safe into office.
Old Jack paid his bill. Greased up car on account of
hauling coal and new groceries that arrived Wednesday.
Evening section men from Willow down to trade. Gus in for
Road Com.
October 25, 1920 Got load firewood from Cottonwood
Creek. Hauled out coal screenings. Got ton coal
from Harmon. Harvey in from Mabel Mine said gas engine
failed to work. Train north every night with A. E. Comm.
freight.
October 26, 1920 Ada Conway visited.
Thorpe's left for Anchorage. McMillan and Broad families
left for Anchorage to winter. Harvey Bartholf went to Anchorage,
through at Mabel. Road Comm. moved from Miller’s to mile
16 graveling road. Sam Kelly went to Anchorage.
October 27, 1920 Kelly back from Anchorage
noon train. Got Alameda freight 21st at Anchorage got groceries,
candy and dry goods from Western Dry Goods Co. Also car
coal arrived ordered 3 weeks ago from Comm. Hauled perishable
freight to store “Bill” helped 1¾ hours on freight.
Had duck dinner.
October 28, 1920 On the coal wagon, hauled
15 ton coal from car to bin with auto truck. Krogh and
Fosket here, Fosket proving up. Got phone order from Ben
Neuman, Talkeetna. Seven trains through today. George
Anderson and men in from Mabel Mine.
October 29, 1920 AM worked on unloading coal,
battery gave out. Evening found leak on ground wire, cleaned
spark plugs and she went off on 5 ampers. Business fair got
3 orders up line. George Anderson, McClinton and Rae went
to Anchorage. Jack Hammil left with horses for Turnagain Arm.
October 30, 1920 AM heavy rain. Got wire
from Mattie, father worse, come to Rochester at once, impossible
on account of business. Winter stock due at Anchorage today,
here probably November 6, no one available to take charge of business.
McMillan’s store stock went to Harry Brown.
October 31, 1920 Summer weather still
on cloudy and warm. AM cleaned out furnace cook stove and
both flues. Road Comm. through graveling road to mine.
Fred Crocker bought outfit for his ranch. Fixed road to
lake crossing on account of hauling stove wood from Bill’s ranch,
found plank removed on crossing. Wired Mattie about father.
November 1, 1920 Fred Nelson’s deposits, less
bill $1,499.41 labor at mine $185. Mrs. Hartman wanted
to buy goods wholesale for store at 31½. Opened up
Seattle dry goods. Signed deed for lot 1 block 29 Anchorage
to Fred Parson’s.
November 2, 1920 Rain all day, evening
snow, business good. Election day votes cast at Wasilla.
Gordon Bettles, rabbit catcher from the Midnight Sun here.
Forty Mile Miller opened restaurant, 2nd time for business.
November 3, 1920 Morning ground
white, business fair. Apples and onions came, hauled them
to store with auto truck. Bettles gave up Knik trip and took
freight train to Anchorage. Got letter from Stanley.
Wired father about coming out. Got letter from father dated
October 13th.
November 4, 1920 Snow about gone, squalls
rain business fair. Four men arrived from Iditarod District.
Mr. Patterson, who left Knik in 1912 returned. Gus and
Zink back from Baxter Coal Mine said tunnel was full of ice.
Moose Hank in with moose meat. Evening got out-mail.
November 5, 1920 Train south, business good,
seventy five for lunch. Evening clear with northern lights.
Moose meat good eats now. Mrs. Hatcher going to take Post
Office.
November 6, 1920 Summer weather still
on, cloudy warm wind. Got car forage, hardware, dry goods,
meat, butter, etc. Harding carried everything November 2nd
Alaska went Republican. Sold $130 forage. Got check
for $1,550 on account of Knik Hardware building and lot sold to Fred
Parson’s. Busy opening and marking new goods. BB pacs
came. Got wire from Mattie, father worse.
November 7, 1920 Jess Garver went to
Willow Creek, Hartman’s Tin Lizzied him out. Road comm. double
decked bridge at 19. BF eggs now $1 dozen, Wasilla eggs
$1.50 dozen. Three trains south.
November 8, 1920 Hatcher’s moved out
to mile 30 to start winter hauling to mines, Mr. Lidell the skinner.
Pacs and clothing 50¢ a garment above last fall prices.
Ben Marino over to trade. Lakes still open.
November 9, 1920 ARC started a 24 x 36 track
warehouse. Tryck’s moved out to 28 to cut and haul timber
for road next summer Fishhook to Willow over summit. Marking
goods until midnight.
November 10, 1920 Harvey Bartholf up
from Anchorage to run Mabel Mill. Expert got gas engine
to turn her over. Thorpe back bought Chickaloon RH
and moving up. First 3 mushers going in to Iditarod District
Mrs. Hatcher visited going to Anchorage for winter.
November 11, 1920 Lakes froze over again.
Armistice Day World War over 2 years and war prices still on
sugar and flour declining.
November 12, 1920 Jim Murray visited on way
to Outside. Ross Kinney visited, said there was 3’ snow
at Cache Creek, no snow at Wasilla. Still marking up new
goods. Hartman hauling winters wood.
November 13, 1920 Partly cloudy about
32 above business good. Got 2 regular letters from Mattie
with news about fathers condition. George Anderson back
from Anchorage, having trouble with is Co. Got meats and
sugar via railroad from Seward. Sugar $12, $15 Wasilla.
Road Comm. got team horses for work on Wasilla - Willow Road.
November 14, 1920 Hauled up ton hardware and
ton groceries from track warehouse to store with auto truck,
no snow at Wasilla. Two fishermen up from Anchorage after
trout. Old Doc Yak here for his car and junk also bought
Thorpe's team.
November 15, 1920 George Anderson in town waiting
for Harvey to come out and meet his daughter, due in next boat
at Anchorage. Anchorage fisherman got 3 sacks trout in Wasilla
Lake. Old Dock loaded his auto and hauled junk to car all
day?
November 16, 1920 Got 2 more orders Willow
and Gold Creek. Mr. Mack visited, said Barons were also
in the restaurant business. Chas Bartholf went to Anchorage.
Last day for trains to eat at Wasilla. Harry Madsen on way
to States.
November 17, 1920 Train no eat today,
eating station now at Willow 187. Man and woman arrived
to go Inside via McGrath. Aureen got lumber to fix up Swanson
house. Chris Anderson went to end of steel. Sold $60.0
worth of spuds for Wagner. Milo up from Anchorage for coal.
November 18, 1920 Snowed 8” last night
and this AM. Past 4 weeks of California weather skipped.
Got wire from Mattie, father weakening to come at once.
Hartman drove George Anderson and Dutch to mile 28. Bogard
in for forage. Snow plow north.
November 19, 1920 Train south Milo Kelly
returned to Anchorage. Got out-mail answered Matt’s wire.
The soldier and Miss Sparks arrived after dark to do some trading.
November 20, 1920 Bobsleds operating first
time this winter. Evening dance at Fairview for teacher
by Edlund’s. Fred Strand, Engstrom and Nicholas over to
trade. Milo went to Anchorage.
November 21, 1920 Rushed all AM selling dry
goods to parties from Pittman and Houston, sales around $100.
Got wire from Clara, father very low just living until you arrive,
situation deplorable.
November 22, 1920 Gus hauled balance wood from
Bill’s ranch, short 3 ricks on 10 paid for. Hartman and
McTaggert out hauling fire wood to 31½ RH with Bullion
team. Friese started to fix up Aureen’s cabin bought off Gus.
Barney Johnson in town from Knik Glacier. Mattie left for
Minnesota to see father.
November 23, 1920 Hatcher’s knot-heads run
away down mile 16 hill, wound up in K. T. Co. box pile.
Self and Kelly got bid at turkey with the Harman family.
Several McGrath mushers waiting for train to Anchorage.
Hartman in from 31½ loaded firewood.
November 24, 1920 Milo Kelly and Zink rode
to Knik with Fred. Winchester delivered half of vegetables,
$147. Herman in from Fish Lake. Ellexson first dog
musher from Knik.
November 25, 1920 Turkey day, closed
PM. Self, Kelly and Cannon ate chicken dinner with the
Harman family. Evening finished statement of Knik Hardware
Co. account with Henry Dohrman. Got flu, cold broken up (2
days). Wired hospital about father’s condition.
November 26, 1920 Gus back from 1st trip to
Knik, he brought office coal stove, coffee mill, tables etc.,
for K. T. Co. Two more Anchorage fisherman on Wasilla Lake.
Ulch and Eddie Erickson outfitted to go to Willow Creek via Houston
to haul GB freight.
November 27, 1920 Sold 1 sled grub and trail
outfit to Paul roadhouse man going Inside. Got wire from
Dr. Bumpus, father not dangerous ill, no evidence of immediate
termination, could turn to worse any time. Harvey B. returned
to Mabel daughter at Anchorage. Three dog teams from McGrath.
Paid for all fall orders to date.
November 28, 1920 Very quiet in town everybody
out of town. Erickson and Ulch left with 2 GB teams for
Houston via road, no sleds. Heavy earthquake at 10:30 PM long
steady shake for 30 seconds trod north to south.
November 29, 1920 Several Iditarod dog teams
arrived and Beaty gold team. Evening got out-mail sent
Stanley $50 government check. Got hair cut by Iditarod
barber party, stayed at Miller’s. Edlund sawing wood for
Hartman’s with gas engine. Fisherman went north.
November 30, 1920 Al Vitt down from Deadhorse
for $100 grub outfit. Gold team and 40 dogs left for Anchorage
had $164,000 bullion from Iditarod District. AEC sent back
Ulanky horse all in. Bogard in after hog feed.
December 1, 1920 Al Vitt left for Deadhorse.
Trix in town. Fred hauling timber to new roads at mines for
ARC. Gus out hauling for Rae to Ala. Willow Creek Drl.
Co. Evening warm and wind died out. Anchorage excited
over quake. Mattie returned from Minnesota to Pullman, Washington.
Wired for forage etc.
December 2, 1920 Ellexson and another team
mushed in from Knik for supplies. All ready for payout about
$500 due. Evening wrote Erwin about managing K. T. Co.
business if I went Outside for 60 days.
December 3, 1920 Slight cold wave -4,
business fair sales $64.35. Edlund through sawing Hartman’s
wood. RH man in from Iditarod side of the hump. Six
mushers got on train at Nancy, came via new trail from Susitna Station.
Evening -6.
December 4, 1920 Louis Gorman and C. R. White
bought grub outfit to locate oil land near Lake Nancy. Owen
Gray and several returned to Iditarod District. Got 2 letters
from Mattie left Pullman November 22 for Rochester to see father.
December 5, 1920 Quiet in town. Two men
down from Pittman to trade. Miller fired Rae out account
of hooch business. Jensen in from doing assessment work on Reed
Creek said George Anderson was running 2 mills double shifts.
December 6, 1920 Trappers after rats on Lucille
Lake. Lander and Paul in from 32 to Mabel Mine.
Mabel milling high grade ore. Hartman’s killed off most of
their chickens. Evening snowing.
December 7, 1920 Clear and colder, Knik
Natives in to trade, days sales $126.75. Sold balance of
DC hay to Lander. Wilmoth Co. tangled up with White Mule?
Miller got the “fleas” again. Train loaded going south.
December 8, 1920 Cold snap business fair
sales and collections $274.42. Lander took load feed and freight
out to 32. Dave England went to his ranch off mile 28.
Harman’s caught 4 rats.
December 9, 1920 Ivan Jones sent man after
Hughes sleds to haul coal. Gus through hauling for Rae’s
Devl. Co. Mrs. Black sent to Anchorage hospital. Fries
through with Aureen’s house.
December 10 1920 Lander in for more freight.
Harry Madsen down from Nancy Section to trade. Reported
Rae left for Outside. Sent “school kids” Xmas check
$32. Roy Cornelius and wife in to trade.
December 11 1920 Lander hauled out 2 assessment
men to mines, also gasoline for George A. No mail today
on up train, got meats, fruits, cigars and sacks that came on last
“Watson” at Seward the 1st. Some railroading?
December 12 1920 Got posted up to December.
No boats till 22nd at Seward. Gus building addition to Bodin
kitchen by Mabel house. Unpacked sox etc. and marked them.
December 13 1920 Paul Hansen back from
Anchorage. Cannon down to trade. August Carlson
got patent to his homestead. Evening a little cooler.
December 14, 1920 Mosier back from end of steel
said railroad would lay off several soon. Bogard in with
more pork. Got another order from Harry Brown. Ordered
500, 2¢ post office envelopes with return address.
Evening light snow.
December 15, 1920 Mattie reported father
very weak and looking for arrival of his son, situation pathetic.
Evening warm wind.
December 16, 1920 Warm mild wind business
slow. Lander took out two loads gasoline for Anderson.
Answered Matt’s and Stanley letter. Patchell located in
Tweeden cabin. Tie makers here after teams to haul. Wilmoth
went to Anchorage.
December 17, 1920 Warm Chinook +34, business
fair. Got order from Gold Creek for fresh apples and
cigars. Fred Strand Grennon over to trade. Gus remodeling
Bodin cabin. Heinie Snider sent us some goat liver from Pittman.
December 18, 1920 Chinook rain +34.
Several in to trade. Billy Dennison visited. Beattie
returned to Iditarod District. Evening took usual big bath.
Evening raining.
December 19, 1920 Wilmoth back from Anchorage
on freight train, wife sore on account of delay, inquired of
Eddie if he was on a drunk. Evening scrubbed out kitchen
and office still warm weather.
December 20, 1920 Finest kind of weather, snow
about all gone in Wasilla with temperature on +30 mark.
Harvey Bartholf, Lidell and O’Brien in from mines, Harvey had
6 lbs. gold dust from Mabel Mine. Ellexson in with load
dressed house logs. Harman in business good sales over $200.
December 21 1920 Rushed today. Ellexson
and Ulanky in from Knik. Sharpe in from mountain climber
roadhouse for outfit. Sold Pat Collins $60 outfit.
Cash sales over $200. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage with
half dozen dressed pigs and chickens and fresh eggs for market.
Mrs. Hartman went to Anchorage. Evening Hartman took Wilmoth
to Junction with car for dance. Tryck and Billy went to Anchorage.
December 22, 1920 Got half car forage and flour
via 1 week from Seward. Auto car back from dance at Junction
6 AM. Wilmoth Co. closed PM too much dance. Gus
got Bodin house about remodeled.
December 23, 1920 Business fair, put
up 2 orders Junction and Eklutna. Advanced a plan for
Wasilla business houses to give an Old Year Out and New Year In
Ball, Hartman’s wanted $1 a plate for oysters, cake and sandwiches.
Sharpe phoned that sugar wasn’t put off at Nancy.
December 24, 1920 Kelly left on noon train
for Anchorage. Wilmoth Co. and Hartman agreed to cooperate
on New Year Ball and supper, they printed announcements and I
mailed 2 dozen out. Put up over a dozen orders from $8 to $36 each.
All ranchers in. Got bid to eat turkey with Trix family.
December 25, 1920 Xmas 1920, quiet in town
had 2 customers. PM closed, ate Xmas turkey dinner with
the Trix family, had very nice dinner. Cannon, Zink and the Harman
family were there. Bessie had tree. Family at Pullman,
Washington, Stanley at school there.
December 26, 1920 Temperature +20 with
strong wind all day. Kelly back from Anchorage also Ed
Mullen to drive team for Bob Hatcher as Lidell quit the job. Business
fair put up order for the Gold Mint Mine. Got letter from
Mattie, ready to come home.
December 27, 1920 Got wire from Mattie that
father was stronger also sent Xmas greetings and love.
Ellexson in from Knik for forage sold $82 forage today. Evening
wind dying out a little. Hatcher’s ready to go back to mines.
December 28, 1920 Wind died out 20 above,
business slow today cash sales only $25. Got 2 orders from
Willow and 275. Evening fixed up gas lights at school house.
Trix cleaned up for doings 31st. Wilmoth and Eddie practiced
music. Evening warmer Answered Matt’s love letter.
December 29 1920 Ellexson out for his
wife back from Anchorage. Mrs. Hartman back from Anchorage.
Auto car drove out to mile 28. Kienbortz in town.
Ed Mullen took job to drive Hatcher’s team.
December 30, 1920 Broad’s had the Marshal
put a plaster on Little Gem for a wage of $400. George
Anderson in going to Anchorage for Broad case. PM practice
at Hall by Wilmoth and my for New Year social.
December 31, 1920 Light snow all day
business normal. Annual Social 50 people present.
Feature of entertainment was a letter from Zim Lakawanna and a
clash between OGH and Postmaster over Coal Oil Johnnie. Fooled
the people to the last minute ending with cigars and a song.
Family at Pullman, Washington.
1921
Beginning of diary lists:
Herning
Residence: Wasilla P.O. Box 14
Automobile no. B75 H35987
January 1, 1921 Happy New Year.
Light snow all day much needed for sledding. Business Men
Annual, declared biggest hit ever pulled off in Wasilla, all
delighted and many a smile even Old Stern. Ellexson returned
to Knik. Bogard in for forage. Fifty people present at B. M.
Annual. Cost for supper and music $60. Bountiful supper served at Hotel
Wasilla. Stanley attending State College at Pullman, Washington, mother
keeping house for Stanley. OGH operating K. T. Co. at Wasilla
Alaska.
January 2, 1921 Frost fell all day
-10. Groceries and meats stayed 1 week at Anchorage arrived.
Quiet in town. All still talking about Business Men’s Annual
party
January 4, 1921 7 AM -14, train 2 hours
late. Bodie Bill left for States. Got several orders
on branch and Talkeetna. Hartman drove car to 31½.
January 5, 1921 Hughes moved his family back
to Junction on account of school. Had several orders to
go north. Gus and Zink at Knik. Fred in with ARC team.
Evening still snowing.
January 6, 1921 Did big credit sales, checks
to come next train. Krogh and Fosket up. Gus in from Knik
with load lumber house goods etc. Evening on out-mail.
January 7, 1921 Bill Hughes trying for Scout
pension. Gus hauled 2 ricks wood from Bill’s ranch.
Sold out on coal oil. Got order from Nagley. Wrote
Krumnenacher about hydraulic pipe.
January 8, 1921 Received this diary today from
Stanley at Pullman, Washington including self sharpening lead
pencil, typewriter ribbon and two cigars. Got letter from Erwin
wanting to come and manage my biz if I went Outside. Frydenland
wanted to contract to haul hydraulic pipe. Mrs. Dr. Spaulding
at Trix.
January 9, 1921 Wilmoth Co. closed all day,
light for 1 hour, taking the big sleep? Worked on income
tax report. Coal train north. Fred in from 28.
Hartman at 31½ sawing firewood for summer use. Mrs.
Spaulding visited.
January 10, 1921 Wet snow 6”.
Wilmoth out hunting with a White Mule. Hartman back from
mile 30, had 3 passengers in car. Balancing up ledger. Evening
still snowing.
January 11, 1921 Mrs. Wilmoth raffled off her
turkey got $28, Gus won. Hans in, said Wilmoth not there, Mrs.
Wilmoth sent Hans to look him up. Hans arrived 8:15 with the
lost one, all OK, was to have returned Sunday. Tryck and Hartman
was going to hunt for Wilmoth tomorrow. Rader hurt by threshing
machine.
January 12, 1921 Got registered
letter from Mattie, 1 week late, answered same, father improving.
Gus agreed to turn over turkey for big dinner, Hotel Wasilla,
Sunday. Hans sold his team to Bob Hatcher. Lander
in from 32 agreed to haul pipe for me.
January 13, 1921 Lander in for freight from
32. Mrs. Spark’s soldier fell in lake while trout fishing.
Not feeling well, taking liver med. Bogard in for hog feed.
January 14, 1921 Cold snap -32 at depot.
Sent Mattie $75 check. Big snow today. Mrs. J.
B. Fleck went to Anchorage sick again. Train took out car
spuds today. Liver med. worked and feeling better,
-20 all day, -22 8 PM. Dance tomorrow at Fairview.
January 15, 1921 Gus back from Anchorage.
Gus invited 8 bachelors, Wilmoth’s and self, Harman’s and Trix
to eat Alaska turkey on Sunday. Put up tarp to close off
24’ balcony to hold heat down in store -32.
January 16, 1921 Big home grown turkey dinner
at Hotel Wasilla, was 16 guests, OGH carved the 25 lb. turkey.
Fine dinner a plenty of everything for everybody. Wilmoth
made a speech on the stone age to present time, including the mother
of the turkey, nursing and growing the same.
January 17, 1921 Warm again +20, quiet
in town. Paul in from Anderson Mine. Gus Swanson
went to Eska to confer about hauling Evan Jones coal to railroad.
Evening Sam Kelly and self invited to finish remains of Tommy Wilmoth
at Hotel Wasilla.
January 18, 1921 Sent Wasilla News to Daily
Times all about turkey dinner. Frank Churchill in from
Knik with Ellexson dog team. Burr and Spear through at
Mabel Mine went to Anchorage. Gus back from Eska.
Lander in from 32 wanted $60 ton to haul Grubstake pipe.
Wrote Mattie about turkey dinner.
January 19, 1921 No mail, sack left at Anchorage
depot. Gus getting ready to go to Eska to haul coal.
Road com. sent through big team to Cache Creek Road. Krug
up from Junction. Sold Stanley’s bike $20. Blizzard
evening windy, +20.
January 20, 1921 Gus left for Eska to haul
coal. Settled up with Fred and he drew his deposits $1,800.
Got 2 phones for supplies. Evening wind died out snow drifted.
January 21, 1921 Adolf Olson in from Kashwitna
for supplies also got several phone orders. Got good
letter from Nagley telling all about his family Outside.
January 22, 1921 Got mail off Spokane and Alameda
and Spokane freight. Got 2 registered letters from Mattie
and letter from Stanley, Wasilla looks good to them. Evening
Doherty and Kelly played music in my office. Evening -12.
Got car of forage and meats.
January 23, 1921 First hard blow, very
quiet in town. Bill Hughes in to trade, laid over on
account of big wind. Three mushers left for McGrath pulling
outfit by “face”. Evening wind died out.
January 24, 1921 Business good, sales $149.40.
Unloaded car of Outside freight. Ellexson in from Knik
to trade. Whitridge went to Anchorage, also Paul. Hans
bought clothing for working for AE Com. Got 2 cases BF eggs,
sell at 75¢ a dozen meats 2¢ lower.
January 25 1921 Strigg’s up from Junction to
trade. Moved sugar into Stanley’s room. Sold Wilmoth
Co. bill of goods. Figured up freight via Seward on forage
and meats. Got order from Deadhorse and Eska.
January 26 1921 Otto out form Knik 1st time
this winter. Wilmoth said big time was on for George Washington's
birthday. Hatcher’s in to trade. Sold Wilmoth Co.
bill of goods. Evening clear and colder.
January 27, 1921 Got out-mail. Hatcher’s
left for mines with grub etc. Wrote Allen and Lewis letter,
sent views of store. Wilmoth visited about February 22
affair.
January 28, 1921 Otto went to Anchorage.
Little Nakeetna in from Knik for supplies, bought snowshoes
and Native fur cap. Evening got off north mail. Krumnacher
anxious about hydraulic pipe.
January 29, 1921 Fred Nelson went to Talkeetna
to drive ARC team over CC Road. No freight today for anyone.
Evening warmed up and a little windy. Trimmed face. Mrs.
Trix delivered Matt’s love?
January 30, 1921 Real big wind started last
night, it tore iron off coal bin and made buildings creak.
Real Pullman wind. Earl Hartman and Lander in from 31½,
Earl brought mess ptarmigan Hartman’s gave free dinner,
set 12 plates, myself, Sam, Wilmoth’s, Lander, McClinton, Whitridge,
Cavanagh and 2 others. Evening wind still blowing. Put
in $300 bid on John Rice order Seward.
January 31, 1921 Ellexson in from Knik to trade.
Wilmoth Co. paid Little Gems December bill. Wrote Ma
a few lines, sent check for Stanley’s bike sold. Ulanky,
Lander and Hartman went to Anchorage. Evening blowing
again. Wind blew down eagles nest near Lucille Lake.
February 1, 1921 Wind died out. Wilmoth
busy with Chinaman play and White Mule for February 22nd.
Sam a little under the weather with cold. Hatcher reported
to have got $50,000 to develop his mine.
February 2, 1921 Wickersham down from Chickaloon
for $100 outfit. Ulanky, Hartman and Lander back from
Anchorage. Hartman failed to get George A’s truck.
Got letter from Stanley said Wasilla was good enough. Sam
got cold. Groundhog shows his shadow.
February 3, 1921 Weather clear -16.
Wick laid over to see Brown’s White Mule at the Wilmoth Co.
Got Outside mail ready. Sam Kelly out with cold. Several
got colds after the big wind. Mullen through with Hatcher
“no sale”.
February 4, 1921 Weather clear,
-26. Put up $50 order for Indian River mile
269. Sam failed to show up on account of cold, took him over
pot of tea and toasted cakes, got around for supper. Mrs.
Spark’s took her soldier to Anchorage to be married so reported.
Mrs. Edlund went to Anchorage. Answered Mattie’s letter sent
$75.
February 5, 1921 Boats in at Seward, will get
mail Wednesday 9th. Lander in from 32. Wick back
from Brown’s. Soldier boys up from Junction to buy material
to make wedding cake for Monroe-Spark’s due Monday night.
February 6, 1921 Quiet in town. Wick
still here. Hop Lee comedy practiced at school house
today. White Mule gang left town. Posted on books
on account of income tax. Spot and I had a row on account
of him wanting to go “sparking” all the time.
February 7, 1921 Got several small orders
from the north. Harman’s got man to relieve them, going
to States Friday train on vacation for 60 days. Wickersham
walked to Junction to catch train to Chickaloon.
February 8, 1921 Bogard in with pigs and vegetables
for Brown, took back load feed. Sold “White Mule Brown”
a suit of Filson clothes. Evening Wilmoth posted hand bills
for “Hop Lee” show on 22nd. Harman’s sold their chickens to
Vail’s at $2.50 each. Took flash picture of Spot.
February 9, 1921 Got two Outside mails got
2 letters from Mattie. Evening made cartoon for February
22nd to send to Matanuska to advertise. Bill Long, Chas
Huff and 2 others arrived. Huff going to locate oil.
Got wood. Gold Cord Mine going to operate wanted 5,000 ft.
mining timbers. Got groceries and meats.
February 10, 1921 Churchill in from Knik with
Ellexson dog team for supplies. Hop Lee making cartoons,
self made one sent it to Phil Allen at Matanuska.
February 11, 1921 Business slow today,
put up $50 order for Chas Huff. Harman’s left 11:45 train
for Anchorage and Outside. Train went down last night
on account of 2 men being hurt at end of steel. Moon
freak tonight, bright star on one corner of moon.
February 12, 1921 Black’s man arrived looked
over samples. Chas Huff left for Nancy Oil Fields.
Ordered underwear, sox, wool pants and suits for fall delivery.
February 13, 1921 Very quiet in town.
Hop Lee actors practiced at Hall. Evening practiced with
Wilmoth’s at Hall, Flute violin and piano. Evening a little
windy but warm. Crazy Ephim over from Eklutna.
February 14, 1921 Rich and Zink left for Anchorage.
Bought some eggs off Armors man for 47¢. Had several
phone calls. Several farmers sold their spuds to Com. at
$50 and $60 a ton. Miller got Road Com. warehouse about under
cover.
February 15, 1921 Bill Whitridge went to Anchorage
via train from Junction. Sent letter to Stanley to look
up train and magneto for auto truck. Self and Wilmoth
put in stage fittings for Hop Lee comedy show on 22nd. A.
J. Swanson went out to see Bob Hatcher about freight haulage.
February 16 1921 Sold Peter Murray $112 outfit
for his mines. John Chamberlain’s son visited for Whiton
Hardware Co. Only local mail today. Whitridge back from
Anchorage. Bogard in to trade.
February 17, 1921 Lander hauled out Pete Murray’s
mining outfit. White Mule dinner, Bill Long star guest.
Evening practiced violin flute and piano at Hop Lee opera house.
February 18, 1921 Chamberlain left for Seward,
gave him fall order for ammunition and T. G. goods. Bill
Swanston back from Eska Coal Mines. Ellexson in from
Knik to trade.
February 19, 1921 Don and Rae back from States.
Got letter from Mattie with wire that brother Jas Rogers died
February 4th with pneumonia. Evening got hair trimmed and usual
bath.
February 20, 1921 Sunny -10. Went up
to Hall to criticize Hop Lee show. First practice on stage
did parts very well, Sam Kelly and self as customers, raised the
deuce with the “Chink”. Evening Kelly and self invited to eat
dinner with the Chink family. Dave Karstad here.
February 21, 1921 Billy Trix hauled up 4 bench
seats from Don S. Rae’s to Hall. Now we can seat 100
people if they come to Hop Lee show tomorrow. Evening Hop
Lee practice self prompter. Mrs. Wilmoth didn’t come to
practice, had a scrap with her old man. Mrs. Conway in
town.
February 22, 1921 George Washington Day
cloudy and warm. Cleaned up floor at Hall
all ready for show. Evening 75 people at show, a lot from
Eska. Everything went off OK but Fries violin solo.
Put order for McDougal to Eska dancers in store after dance 5 hours.
Gus back from Eska.
February 23, 1921 Lawrence and Magha back from
Seattle got $50 grub. Mrs. Ellexson took load grub to
Knik with dog team. Ellen cleaned up Hall. A. J.
Swanson took dancers to Junction to catch branch train.
Concert and dance a success.
February 24, 1921 Rained last night,
hot Chinook, snow all gone in Wasilla and on road to mile 28.
Hartman drove Lawrence and Magha to 28 with car.
There was 80 at Hop Lee show, gate receipts paid expenses.
February 25, 1921 Chinook +50.
Train 2 hours late. Lander went to Anchorage.
Whitridge back from Knik. Sent in Hop Lee Show and local
items to Daily Times. Evening cleaned face and washed
head. Sam nursing another cold. Bob Hatcher in for
supplies and mail.
February 26, 1921 Big crowd on train going
north, sold $30 worth of hardware saws and sled. Had a
talk with Mrs. Wilmoth about biz and White Mule, said Howard was
a Mason. Marshal Hoffman a Mason and he was protected etc.
on Mule. Sam Kelly cleaned grocery shelves.
February 27, 1921 Chinook +40.
Stern and Rudy hauling car spuds. Evening Hop Lee dinner
party at Hotel Wasilla, had chicken dinner. Wilmoth’s,
Eddie and Eva, Sam and self present. Played phonograph
till 9 PM then worked on Outside mail till midnight.
February 28, 1921 Hatcher’s freight at Seward
held up on account of prepaid freight. A. E. Com. calling
for bids on 250 tons Wasilla Lake ice. Mailed income tax.
March 1, 1921 Beautiful sun and warm day.
Old Hart in, going to quit ranch and work on railroad.
Sam still cleaning store shelves. Gus went to
Junction to see Swanson about hauling Hatcher’s freight
Evening on books.
March 2, 1921 Got letter from Clara about father
and condition of things at home, still looking for me out.
Said father would give me the home part section 36 - 640 acres
if I came home. Got letter from Mattie and Stanley.
Goodell and Frisby arrived to work at Fern Mine. Cars killed
Trix siwash dog. Sold Wilmoth Co., Goodell and McClinton’s
order.
March 3, 1921 Chinook. Sold Wilmoth Co.
$92 on Goodell $160 order, the store with the goods? McDougal
back from Goose Bay locating? Hatcher’s in going to Seward
to release freight. Wilmoth Co. paid balance on Hartman Mtge.
Evening on Outside orders.
March 4, 1921 Sold another Yukon sled, none
in Anchorage. Got order for ton seed oats. Hatcher’s went
to Anchorage and Seward, married 10 years. McDougal returned
to ranch. Got order from summit mile 373 on government
railroad.
March 5, 1921 Wilmoth Co. got train order,
had to buy grub from us. No one will take 250 ton ice
contract from Com. Zink getting sample birch timber to send
Outside. PM train nearly got Spot.
March 6, 1921 Summer weather still on
+38, quiet in town. Fixed up and lit outside lamps for first
time during winter, dark evenings on account of no snow now.
Bunch soldiers up fishing. Wilmoth failed to preach this evening,
crowd went home. Brown around with White Mule. Hartman
from mile 25 with car. Got $100 phone order from Sutton.
March 7, 1921 C. W. Wagner and wife down from
end of steel to plant ranch at Sutton. Got 2 big phone
orders from Nancy for Lake Creek. Cash sales $132. “My
cousin” on train for Anchorage. Had Gus haul plank etc. back
from schoolhouse on account of show. Frost 6” out of ground.
March 8, 1921 Business good, put up $133 order
for Lake Creek. Got several phone orders. Took
down fly over registers used to deflect heat down. Sold some
1920 seeds and cultivator. Car feed, meats, etc. due tomorrow.
Pete Murray back from mines went to his ranch.
March 9, 1921 A-1 day, +10 to +65, freezing
nights. Got car forage etc. unloaded same.
Hatcher’s car machinery and grub for Road Com. arrived.
Soldiers here to put up the 250 tons of ice for Com. Evening
clear and colder 20 above 10 PM. Cleaned face. No Outside
mail. Jas. A. Stewart here.
March 10, 1921 Stewart left for his oil locations.
McClinton in from mines by auto car. Wilmoth wanted to
sell goods at mines on commission. Soldiers waiting for
ice tools from A. E. Com.
March 11, 1921 Wrote Stanley to look up Ford
car. Bob Hatcher received 2 cars more of machinery and
lumber for mines. Ed Lee here looking for freight to haul,
through at Jones Mine, snow all gone there. Gus loaded
wagon for mines.
March 12, 1921 Train here 20 minutes.
Farmers in for dinner at 1 o’clock, rushed all day in store.
Harvey Bartholf went to Lucky Shot Mine on Willow. Gus started
to haul freight for Hatcher. Soldiers got horse ice cutter
from Com.
March 13, 1921 Noon O. C. Miller fell off Hatcher’s
roof, hit on eye and arm no bones broke, out of head for 4 hours,
Kelly and I fixed him up. Evening on Outside mail and spring
orders. Eddie hauled out 2 loads of freight to 26 with auto
truck.
March 14, 1921 White Mule turned loose, one
soldier drunk. Mrs. Brown went south on train today.
Ed Lee arrived to haul in Hatcher’s freight. Mr. Sessions
on train south. Miller around OK.
March 15, 1921 Zero to +65 in sun.
Mrs. Wilmoth said she was going to buy mile 16 farm and raise
turkeys, Wilmoth going to work for Bullion? Jas A.
Stewart back from Station, made another oil location. Lee,
Gus and A. J. Swanson hauling Hatcher’s freight with wagons to 26.
March 16, 1921 Hughes moved Otto into Wasilla.
Soldiers cutting 2 car ice per day. Wired out for seed
grain. Stewart went to Talkeetna to record oil claims.
Bogard loading car spuds.
March 17, 1921 Temperatures -8 to +40.
Bergstrom over for outfit. Moffat brought in spuds for
Harry Brown. Friese helping Bogard to load car spuds.
Evening on Outside mail, got hair cut. Mrs. Wilmoth told
Kelly she told bootleggers where to head in. No more White
Mule to come to Wilmoth Co.
March 18, 1921 Train south late. Hartman back
from 31½ after fixing up RH wanted to buy their goods
off K. T. Co. Soldiers gave us piece cake. Sam not well.
March 19, 1921 Eddie finished hauling Hatcher’s
small freight. Swanson loaded last of big foundation timbers.
Ed Lee went to end of steel with his knot-heads to freight. Sam
and self went to Matanuska Ball, 17 went on hand car, Wilmoth’s
didn’t go. Got 2 letters from Pullman school kids.
March 20, 1921 Got home 5 AM. There were
50 at Matanuska Ball, had good lunch, self danced only on ladies
choice. Marked up part Black clothing.
March 21, 1921 Dust flying in the streets.
Sent order for auto supplies. Mrs. Nagley on train for
Anchorage, going to have her teeth out. Soldier boys about
through cutting ice. Evening got cloudy, felt like rain.
Archie – Nell’s beau here, did his washing?
March 22, 1921 Snow all day, first snow
since February 20. Figured on $350 order going to Cache Creek
District, will know tomorrow if I get it. Finished marking
up Black clothing. Evening put out 2 claims for freight shortage.
Gus in from Hatcher’s Mines for more freight.
March 23, 1921 Wasilla white again 3rd time
this winter. Gus went to mile 25 with bobsleds. Two extra
trains today. Mrs. Harry Brown on train with brother from
Outside. Andota here from Anchorage. About 6” wet snow
fell. Mehern on train north.
March 24, 1921 Ellexson and Hughes in from
Knik to trade. Gus hauled out Hatcher’s cables.
Soldiers on a drunk last night, tried to get into Gus’ and Zink’s
house 2 AM. Jim and Nicoli arrived from Anchorage.
Wilmoth Co. wanted us to buy hardware.
March 25, 1921 Heavy snow fell in Broad Pass.
Sent grub and hardware order to Moose Creek.
Wilmoth’s wanted to trade their interest in
fire engine for grub. Mehern went south Watson due.
March 26, 1921 Watson mail arrived, got letters
from Stanley and his mother, letter from Clara saying Paul Busian
was killed by auto in North Dakota. Otto Koch and Indians
in from Knik to trade. Sam Kelly giving birthday dinner
tomorrow.
March 27, 1921 Easter Sunday had good dinner
at home and lemon pie. Sam Kelly gave birthday dinner at hotel,
big crowd from mines, dinner good but short on grub. Finished
whiskers, cut off what was left after burning by furnace blow out.
Wrote to kids.
March 28, 1921 Partly cloudy Chinook wind,
snow going fast. Busy in store all day, got
order from Montana Creek. C. D. Johnson went to Anchorage.
Teams took last of Hatcher’s pipe etc. Lander reported 4’
snow at mountain house. Everybody looking at new manager.
March 29, 1921 Soldiers through cutting ice,
left evening freight for Junction. Patchell in from 28
mile sulphur spring, said there was no natural gas there.
Report came that Mrs. William Black died at Anchorage morning of
28th. Got phone order from Nagley for spuds and wire from Anchorage
for jacks, Alameda in.
March 30, 1921 Alameda in yesterday at Anchorage,
first boat of spring. Fischer’s man, Sam and Armour and
Hill’s man visited for orders. Got oranges, lemons and apples,
drugs and pants. Al Davis arrived from Seward to settle up
with Wilmoth Co. Got mail from Pullman. Received $600
from D. H. Co.
March 31, 1921 Business fair +76 in the
sun. Three traveling men went on freight to Talkeetna.
Wilmoth went to Anchorage with Davis to settle up estate etc.
Another new agent arrived by name of Palmer. Sent school kids
at Pullman $100. March sales $2,549.08.
April 1, 1921 All Fools Day. Fries and Donovan
loading car spuds. Deposit in banks over $1,000 today.
Sent Matt’s letter with $100 check by Sam Guoyt. Agent Buchman
left for Anchorage. Wilmoth at Anchorage. Blew auto
horn 10 PM fooled Mrs. Hartman.
April 2, 1921 Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik, dogs
got away on Thorpe’s hill. Evening attended party at Fairview,
11 went down on hand car from Wasilla. Got home 3 o’clock
only 25 at dance. Vail’s friend located homestead north of
Fleckenstein’s line. Jacobson returned to ranch.
April 3, 1921 Chilligan down from Houston got
$50 outfit mostly clothing. Evening just after closing
store, saw man go behind Wilmoth’s store, gone a few minutes
came back went north up Main Street looked like Rae or Otto.
Wilmoth Co. closed all day saw light 8:20 PM.
April 4, 1921 Bill Hughes and Red Jack drove
to Junction. Zink went to Anchorage. K. T. Co.
store building published in Pathfinder March issue. School
election, no report who won, self refused Treasurer, put Zink on
Treasurer. Heinie Snider the king goat down to vote.
Wagner went to Anchorage. Wilmoth back from Anchorage.
April 5, 1921 Snow and sleet all day.
Mrs. Tryck, Zink and self were elected on School Board.
Lander, Hartman and Gus in from 32. Got orders from Chickaloon
and Talkeetna for supplies. Evening raining windy.
April 6, 1921 Got letter from Stanley all well.
Sam down with cold in chest, in bed all PM. Ulanky’s ranch
reported for sale, Sam wants to buy it. Freight trains laid
over on account of rain. Hartman fixing Ford car over to truck.
Got freight on Goodrich.
April 7, 1921 Snow all gone
again in Wasilla. Red Jack and Hughes back from Junction,
couldn’t buy any cows. Ulanky in from Knik wants to sell
his ranch for $850 and go back to Finland.
April 8, 1921 August Sharp in from mountain
climber RH for outfit. Got 2 orders from north.
Expect Goodrich freight tomorrow Alaska Road Com. expect
auto trucks. Bought Wilmoth Co. Yukon stoves.
April 9, 1921 Got order from Wells bros. going
to end of steel to work their quarts mine. Sharp left
for mountain climber RH. Short of spuds around Wasilla.
Got 5 sacks Hartman’s spuds by Gus. Hartman busy fixing
up old car over into truck.
April 10, 1921 Busy all day on mail and marking
up gloves, chicken feed, etc. Sam got 61 birthday cake
from Mrs. Ellexson of Knik, cut it for dinner. Sam all in
with cold in chest. Sold case Wasilla ranch eggs at 75¢
dozen. Evening Sunday bath as “usual”.
April 11, 1921 Worked on Wells bros. order.
Sales $128.60. Wilmoth Co. got out circular, going to
sell goods again. Sold $500 worth hardware at Anchorage,
going out of hardware. Jim Patchell went to Anchorage to look up mile
16 location. Metz returned to ranch from railroad.
April 12, 1921 Heavy rain turning to snow.
Business slow on cash sales. Completed packing $290 order
for Wells bros. Sam in bed all day with flu. Zink,
Donovan, Wagner and several sick with flu. Railroad still
blocked with snow slides at mile 49. Sam 61 today, born 1860.
April 13, 1921 Shipped Wells bros. order to
end of steel. Several farmers in to trade. Sam off
shift, some better, got up at noon, looks very bad. Jim Murray
visited on way to Cache Creek. No mail over snow slide from
Seward as yet.
April 14, 1921 Temperature +84 in sun.
Ellexson in for supplies. Fred Crocker bought an outfit
for cutting mining timbers at mile 25. Sam still sick
with flu. Agent got medicine from hospital for flu patients.
Several after lots. Trix brother arrived. Watson in
1st trip.
April 15, 1921 Grennan in for seeds.
Evening A. J. Swanson back from Junction brought in 4 orders.
Reported Anchorage hospital full of flu patients. All
hotels filled up from people off late boats. Sam off shift
with flu.
April 16, 1921 Took in over $400. Got
half car freight off Watson. Northwestern freight still
at Seward waiting for Alameda to bring it to Anchorage. McDonald
and wife arrived rented Zink house.
April 17, 1921 Finished unloading car freight.
PM mopped house and balcony floors. Got out Seattle mail.
Mrs. Wagner got the flu, others about well. Good fishing
in Cottonwood Creek. Ice all gone in creek.
April 18, 1921 Train south
sent mail to catch Alameda 19th or 20th. Business fair
sold a lot of chicken feed and seed grain. Wilmoth Co. printing
a store paper to boost things when their new stock arrives.
Finished Sam’s birthday cake. Put up order for Wilmoth Co.
April 19, 1921 Got phone order form Nagley
and Phil Allen. Sent Mattie check for use of auto truck
used for unloading coal last November. Sold Wilmoth Co.
$30 grub order for up line. A. J. Swanson went to Junction
with mare and colt.
April 20, 1921 Train waited for Alameda mail
and passengers arrived here 4 PM. Black boys sold their
spuds to Com. Fries proved up on his homestead. McDougal
over from his ranch. Got letter from Stanley with Clara’s
letter about father had gone home.
April 21, 1921 Got grub and orders ready for
train tomorrow. Gus in from hauling for Gold Mint Mine.
Rae and McClinton in from mines. Wagner started to plant crops.
Hughes in with wagon.
April 22, 1921 GB freight
teams in from Houston. Winter hauling done. Hartman
in from 31½ R. H. Dave England in from ranch.
Gus moved his junk out of track warehouse sold to Kelly. Sold
Wilmoth Co. bunch grub. Wasilla Wasp, Wilmoth Co. paper
out, a stinger?
April 23, 1921 Kelly Mines Co. got 5 cars lumber.
K. T. Co. ½ car merchandise. Several new people
arrived to work at mines. Demand for 5 cabins, none to rent.
Got letter from Mattie, all well and planning on date to come home.
A. J. Swanson through on Gold Mint freight. Auto supplies
arrived.
April 24, 1921 Froze 1” ice last night.
Kelly’s eggs in Gus warehouse, hauled them to Zink’s cellar today.
Kelly lumber unloaded, covered lots between K. T. Co. and ARC warehouse.
Got Fern Mining Co. order to put up for Wilmoth Co. Gus went
out to haul for Gold Mint at 32. Hartman’s drove car to lake.
April 25, 1921 Patzack and Hart came down from
end of steel. Farris and Danielson returned to ranches.
McDonald went to Anchorage to look after bal. of Kelly’s
freight George Clyde in town. Mrs. McDonald got the
flu.
April 26, 1921 Business good, busy in store
all day, marked up new goods. Hartman went to mile 25 with
car, took out some grub for RH. Sent wire for store paper
to Chicago, wired in K. T. Co. advertisement. Gus landed motor
for Gold Mint Mining Co., A. J. S. left it in the ditch.
April 27, 1921 Special train last night, left
12 cars freight for Wasilla. Kelly’s caterpillar arrived.
Tomlinson up from Junction to haul freight for Hatcher.
Sam Coppers visited. No Outside mail.
April 28, 1921 Caterpillar pulling out big
timbers from cars all day. Cat plowed and scraped out
foundation for annex to Gus warehouse, some cat. Evening
got out-mail. Old Tom Cavanaugh reported to put up building
for restaurant along side Wilmoth. Co.
April 29, 1921 Strike on. Kelly’s men
quit demanded $1 per hour after lumber was all unloaded.
Miller started annex to Gus warehouse. Ed Danielson in town.
Black’s man and Seattle hardware man looking for orders.
Wagner planting oats.
April 30, 1921 Evening Hard Time Dance at Hall,
fifty people present, some from Eska and Matanuska. Shorty
and Strand played, self dressed up, was fined $2. Receipts
$17 music cost $10. After dance at 3 o’clock sold $34 goods.
Didn’t dance, music good. Self played 6 instruments orchestra
part of time.
May 1, 1921 Partly cloudy, quiet in town.
Part of Kelly’s men want to work re-piling lumber. Miller
set up a tent for engineers. Forcythe in from Lucky Shot Mine.
Gus in from Gold Mint Mine. Freight all landed. Got
out monthly bills. Wrote extra to Stanley and Ma.
May 2, 1921 Cat loaded up 4,500’ planks on
truck. Load 9 tons going out tomorrow to mile 28.
South train 1 hour late. Jim Murray on train going to Anchorage
for men to work on dredge. GB team sent to Anchorage.
May 3, 1921 Milo’s Cat left with 4,500’ lumber
for mines, got out as far as Miller’s ranch, frost not all
out yet. Four men quit lumber job didn’t like boss.
Went down to ice house, no old ice left. Walked out to mile
16, road A-1. Miller closing in bottom Gus warehouse.
Mrs. Hartman went to 31½ RH.
May 4, 1921 Things doing today, total biz $318.75.
Harman’s returned from visit to States. Road Com. got
3 truck autos. Hartman went out to 31½ with his new Ford
truck, had 7 miners and a full load. Edlund daughter arrived
from Outside.
May 5, 1921 Rain turned to snow, ground white
this AM. Both Eddie and Hartman drove trucks
out to 28. Lawrence and McGohy came in. Road Com. finally
got their trucks to turn over. Caterpillar idle, roads too
soft. Old Tom bought lot next to Wilmoth’s, going to
put up pool room and bunk house. Harrison back to ranch.
May 6, 1921 McDonald went to Anchorage.
Started to fix up auto car. Trix made road camp at mile
16, moved out with new auto trucks. Eddie took Rae out to
timber camp to cut mining timbers.
May 7, 1921 Hans broke glass in front store
door. Road Com. having trouble with Dodge truck, got “Cat”
man fixing her up. Started to gravel road between 16 and
19. Eddie broke his car up last trip going to mile 25.
Evening dance at Fairview. Eddie, Fleck girls, Shorty and Mrs.
Wilmoth went on hand car. Ice went out Lucille Lake.
Mrs. Hartman went to 31½ RH. Got letter from Mattie
and Stanley.
May 8, 1921 Beautiful summer day, worked
on auto truck all PM. Chilligan down from Houston, bought
$100 grub etc. Road Com. hauled gravel to cover crossings
near stores. Cashed “remittance” check for Mrs. Wilmoth.
Wrote Mrs. Rebecca Brown about her pictures left at her Knik house.
May 9, 1921 Cat pulling up big timbers on Wasilla
Street. Felch and son in town got a big string of trout.
Stern’s horse sent home from end of steel. Adjusted play
on front wheels of auto truck. Wilmoth hung curtains to keep
sun out of store.
May 10, 1921 Got auto truck ready to turn over.
Ten tons freight due tomorrow. Felch and son and Mrs.
McDonald out fishing, got big string of trout. Loons arrived
at Lake Lucille. Roads dry in most places. Vail building
a boat.
May 11, 1921 Got ½ car freight no Outside
mail. Hauled 3 tons freight to store and oil house with
auto truck. Phone report that Bank of Alaska was held up
at noon today, bad man now in Alaska. Inspector Eide arrived.
Ice out of Wasilla Lake. Got postcards of Spot.
May 12, 1921 Kelly’s men got lumber all piled
up. Fixing up cylinders on Cat. Eide in town, no
money for road work until July 1st. Evening new school board
took oath of office.
May 13, 1921 Mosquitoes around.
Cat loaded up two wagons with lumber. Gus planting Harman’s farm.
Mrs. Wilmoth mad because I wouldn’t wait on her. Howard came
over and paid bill $34.
May 14, 1921 Kelly’s
Runabout Ford car arrived. Wilmoth Co. got 1½
tons groceries from Anchorage. Mrs. Wilmoth and Kelly
at outs over candy. Worked on car distributor, out of firing
line. Evening big rush in store. Fischer and Wilson
in from Knik.
May 15, 1921 Cat got back, delivered two wagon
loads lumber at 28. Cleaned old hair off of Spot.
Big fires around Fish Lake and Pittman. Reported ARC have
Caterpillar coming to work on Fishhook Willow Road.
May 16, 1921 Business good sales $143.66.
Susitna River broke up and washed out railroad grade at mile
236. Agent Harman looking into storing explosives at track
warehouse dangering the town. Trusty run Kelly’s new Ford
car to 28. Wrote folks sent K. P. dues $6.
May 17, 1921 Harman’s moved over on ranch to
sleep. No trains today due to washout at 236. Cat
in barn overhauling parts. Rae brought us mess of trout.
Gaston and Brown moved out to mines.
May 18, 1921 Miller got up tent bunk house
for Edlund, renters of his restaurant. Reported no train
north until Saturday washout still holding train north of Talkeetna.
Paul Hanson in from Gold Mint Mine.
May 19, 1921 No trains since last Saturday
due to washout at 236. Mrs. Wilmoth gave us ½ of
cake, was very good, Howard brought it over. Kelly and self
codded her so much that she couldn’t make cake she, made good.
May 20, 1921 One train north registered train
south after week hold up due to washout at 236. Reported
Northwestern sailed, Watson and Alameda to follow. Should
get Latouche mail tomorrow, delayed over a week at Anchorage.
Wrote Stanley a few lines. Plowed back lots.
May 21, 1921 Got Latouche mail got letter from
Clara about fathers condition now at his home, had a bad spell
but improving. No mail from Pullman, Washington.
John Chamberlain arrived. Bert McClarty and Tom Williams
arrived to work at mines. Evening Edlund dance, did not attend.
May 22, 1921 Sold Kelly Mine Co. 2 outfits
for camp 23½ and 32 over $100. Gave Chamberlain
order for hardware. Hauled out tin cans to mile 17, Chamberlain
went along, road needs smoothing. Evening on bills and out-mail
2 boats due 27th. Evening temperature +40.
May 23, 1921 Evening pricing up new goods.
Wrote Mattie a few lines, sent it by Chamberlain. Kelly
Mine Co. bought $50 grub outfit for their 31 camp. Farmers
over from Palmer to prove up. Cat went out with lumber.
Frank Crocker on train south. Hamill’s horses arrived from
end of steel.
May 24, 1921 “Cat” went out
with 2 loads lumber. Hartman launched his boat in Wasilla
Lake. Al Crocker in town from ranch. Got battery charged
on car. Zink went out to Kelly Mine.
May 25, 1921 Eddie got his truck fixed up.
Erwin on train north, driving up stock holders for First National
Bank, I got him 1300 shares. Evening looked over lots
in block 3 lot sale tomorrow.
May 26 ,1921 Lot sale by R. D. Chase
for A. E. Com. Eleven lots sold mostly in block 3.
All went on first bid $25. Evening charged old storage
battery. Sent for universal joint to connect magneto.
Self bought 2 lots.
May 27, 1921 Cat laid up for repairs on track.
Joe Walton up town looking for man to fix his tractor.
The Red Ass Ape paid his bill.
May 28, 1921 GB gang around came on Northwestern,
Budd's son included, went on to 31½ in PM. Sold
Evening tried car run down to Wasilla Lake, had no power, could
not run on high think valve is stuck. Evening school board meeting.
Got letter from Mattie and Stanley.
May 29, 1921 Natives of Section at Houston
down to trade, brought over $100 worth. Sam and self started
out with car for spuds at Hartman’s, Frydenland’s car quit no
more juice so had to walk back home. Ate dinner at Miller’s
café.
May 30, 1921 Sales last 4 days nearly $800.
Supt. McDonald went to Anchorage. Train south 3 hours late.
“Susie” went to Anchorage wanted a ham when he returned to open
Mabel Mine. Hartman overhauling his truck
May 31, 1921 Replenish sales with Kelly Mine
Co. for May $310.70, A. R. Com. $35.70. Dave England quit
Road camp reported cut on wages June 1st. Trix and Miller
went on school treasurers bond.
June 1, 1921 Busy day. Milo Kelly arrived.
Rae’s baby “Cat” arrived. Rae took a header with Cat
off Wilmoth Co. platform, no harm done. PM took out battery
and brought back car from Hans ranch. Northwestern freight
came. Got 2 letters from Mattie. Wilmoth Co. got about
1 ton goods from Outside. Mrs. Freda Henton arrived.
June 2, 1921 Got another camp outfit for Kelly
Mine Co. at 32. Rae limping around from header on baby
Cat. Bailey up to trade $76 worth. Cat hauled 2 wagons
and big 10 ton truck today.
June 3, 1921 Busy with mail sent
out over 100 copies of “Table Talks” first issue of paper.
Train 4 hours late due to trucks broken on tender, loaded with
passengers going south. Road Com. cut wages 50¢ day.
Otto quit his job.
June 4, 1921 A-1 summer day +76.
Mr. Gerow came up from Anchorage to see Sam Kelly about mining
on Kenai Peninsula. Trouble at the Kelly Mines, all the
help came in. Miller’s Café doing very good biz.
Evening had Frank Doherty cut my hair.
June 5, 1921 Gave dinner to Mr. Gerow,
Sam and editor of the “Bug” at Miller’s Café, had pork
and beans, macaroni, corn and peas cake for dessert. Gerow
and Sam went fishing PM, got none.
June 6, 1921 Smokey and warm. Wilmoth Co. fishing
all PM. Got general small orders from north, shipped 3
orders south. Fred sawing wood evening with Edlund’s gas saw.
Mr. Gerow returned to Anchorage. Evening on books.
June 7, 1921 Smokey evening rain.
Cat in town decking big timbers. Patzack took contract
to clear lots for $40, aft of school house. Gooding in to trade.
Evening put Corn Flakes ad display in show window. Evening
light wind with rain.
June 8, 1921 Alameda reported at Seward. Miller
circulated report that soldiers were going Outside. Big
trouble on reported false today. Ulsh took 15 men out to
GB Mine.
June 9, 1921 Opened up hardware and crockery
ware. Kelly outfit building shed house on west end of
Gus’ lot. Otto Eddie and Patzack clearing lots near school
house. Hartman had a load freight for 32. Wrote Mattie
a line, sent by Philippino to Junction to mail. Alameda at
Anchorage.
June 10, 1921 Another “Bug” issue out today
telling all about “Bug” editor and Table Talk dual and the Hollyguzzler.
Bert Farris up from Junction showing Anchorage boys Wasilla and
his big “Cat”. Gus went out to 32 to move Kelly’s men and
baggage up to mines. Lander in went to Junction.
June 11, 1921 Milo up from Anchorage with men
for mine. Tom Babcock in-going. Gus made first trip
to Martin Mine with grub and baggage for men. Eddie made
a trip with men and baggage to 32 Hartman ditto. Eddie took
8 kids to dance at Fairview end of school term. Got letter
from Mattie May 20th.
June 12, 1921 Cleaned carbon out cylinder head
on overland car. Eddie took young people to Junction.
Harmon up from Junction to trade. Hartman made 1 trip
to 32. Evening got big order from Lucky Shot Mine. B. S.
Bartholf in for pack horse.
June 13, 1921 Put up order for Lucky Shot Mining
Co. Byron Bartholf went to Cottonwood for horse, Eddie
took him as far as mile 8 with car. Love, of Pathfinder,
called on trip over railroad line. Evening run car out to
16 working ok.
June 14, 1921 Byron Bartholf went to 32 with
Lucky Shot pack horse. ARC moved road camp to mile 25½
going to work on Palmer road. Heinie Snider down to trade
reported 50 coming on fishing outing.
June 15, 1921 Hartman came out with 2 signs:
cut meals to 75¢ and auto fair to 31½ is $2. Autos
doing good biz this week. Evening Sam and self started
for Dohertie's with car, juice run out on Cannon’s hill, got another
battery and run car back to shed. Ball brand of goods came.
June 16, 1921 Young Byron Bartholf in from
Lucky Shot Mine, gave us $104 order hardware etc. Mrs.
Henton got $24 order moved out to camp 25½. Had mess
fresh garden onions. Wrote Mattie letter to catch Alameda
at Cordova. Evening light shower.
June 17, 1921 Collections and sales over $500.
Opened up some of winter clothing, now got full stock of pants,
shirts, etc. Minnis (Whiskers) in from Talkeetna.
Eddie got full load of “chickens” for Rader. Dance Saturday
evening. Hartman wants $8 to go with passenger car. School
closed at Pullman. Made Miller Café pay up.
June 18, 1921 Lander in from 32 to meet fishing
party tomorrow. Evening attended Barn Dance at Rader’s,
80 people present. Had fine lunch. Eddie took 18 and
Hartman’s 5. Got home 3 AM.
June 19, 1921 Big fishing excursion headed
by Bunker. Moyer arrived 8:30 AM from Anchorage. Lander
took load with Eddie’s truck out to mountain home PM. All
delighted with days outing. Sam Kelly left for Kenai Lake
District.
June 20, 1921 Harrison in with GB team for
supplies. Eddie went out and drove back Kelly’s Ford
car. Otto went out to work for GB. Evening marked up a
lot of new hardware Gus and Lander went to Anchorage also Hammil
who quit Gold Cord timber hauling.
June 21, 1921 Packed 3 orders for Willow 187
and Talkeetna. Got wire from Mattie, now in Seattle,
leaves on the 24th on Alameda. Got word excursion with
200 would come up from Anchorage Sunday the 26th to fish on lake.
June 22, 1921 Quite a bunch arrived for Willow
Creek District. Rae in, sent Chris Fleck out to 31½
baby Cat. Kelly laid up their Cat. Cat men on machine
work at mines. Houston Natives down. Evening trade took
in over $100. Anchorage wants Wasilla to put boats on lake.
June 23, 1921 Wired Mattie to get a few things
in Seattle. Had chicken and dumpling dinner presented
by Wilmoth family and lemon pie. Rae in with baby Cat, Chris
Fleck run it. Light rain all day needed for crops.
Evening on mail.
June 24, 1921 Eddie took Kelly’s grub out 7
PM. Busy till midnight posting up bills. No orders in-mail
today. Wilmoth Co. got out 3rd issue of “Bug”. Goodrich at
Anchorage. Ate dinner at Hotel Wasilla. Kelly in
with Tin Lizzie.
June 25, 1921 Business good sold Dave Newman
over $100 outfit for Willow Creek Eddie hauled it out.
Lawyer Duggan and a party up to fish. Chamberlains son and
Jew partner here went fishing PM. Big delayed mail letter mail
only arrived.
June 26, 1921 No fish excursion today, too
near the 4th. Evening got out-mail, got letter from Clara
about fathers condition still wants me to come home. G.
B in with 1st clean up. Eddie cut his nose diving in lake.
June 27, 1921 Got order for half ton spuds
from GB. Wrote kids a line at Seward, couldn’t get home the
4th. Evening checked up deposit and cash account $1,500
to the good.
June 28, 1921 Got 4 small shipments ready for
Wednesday train north. Lawyer Duggan and party camped
in Aureen’s farm cabin on lake while fishing.
June 29, 1921 Got package mail from Northwestern.
Got ledger books from Feldman on account of D-H and Co.
Received June store papers. Sent Harry Madsen $30 by wire
to get him over from Seward, came up on Watson. Bogard in
had baby colt.
June 30, 1921 Had Miller cut panels out front
office door, self put double glass in. Bought half ton spuds
off Harry Harmon. Bank deposits today over $2,400 Got letter
from Mattie dated June 7th.
July 1, 1921 Business fair Bailer and Kelly
over from Moose Creek to trade. A. R. Com. horses came
down from Cache Creek Road to haul grader on new Willow Creek Mines
Road. Harvey Bartholf and several from mines out to spend 4th. Cloudy
evening rain.
July 2, 1921 Alameda at Cordova, expected to
arrived Seward the 4th. ARC went out with teams and grader.
Evening work train down with railroad employees for 4th at Anchorage.
July 3, 1921 Regular train down at 10:30 only
a few passengers. PM cleaned up Stanley’s room,
evening scrubbed out. ARC men in sold $30 worth of clothing.
Glover, “Cat” man, went to Anchorage. Part of Road Com. bunch
came in to fish the 4th.
July 4, 1921 Quiet 4th in Wasilla. Edlund
bunch had big dinner at Miller’s Café. Self and
Moose Hank had ham at Hartman’s. Family on Alameda supposed
to arrive at Seward today. Busy all day cleaning store and house
scrubbed out. ARC men fished all day. Gooding and wife
here PM.
July 5, 1921 Martin Bergstrom over to
trade. Patzack back from Miller’s ranch didn’t put up any
hay. Herning family heard from, got phone from Parson’s Hotel,
coming to Junction tomorrow. Invited to eat dinner with
Jack Frisbie and Wilmoth Co. at Miller’s 5:30. Evening on
accounts.
July 6, 1921 Wasilla by auto to Junction and
return. Met Mattie and Stanley, got home at noon.
Joe Laubner and Karstad arrived from Anchorage. Herning
family home after 1 year Outside.
July 7, 1921 Got several small orders from
up the railroad line. Got first strawberries today 50¢
a quart. Stanley started to work in store. Ma Herning
now the cook, strawberries for supper.
July 8, 1921 A-1 day 80 above in shade.
Marked up Munsing underwear and BB pacs. Tobacco salesman
here for American Tobacco Co. Rating man here gave him our
last year rating. Harrison in for GB Mine Co. Milo Kelly
in. Strawberry shortcake for supper A-1.
July 9, 1921 Got car freight that came on Watson
and Alameda. Col. Mears, Judge David President of Bank
of Alaska and party arrived in special car for outing.
Got new office chair bought by Mattie and Stanley.
July 10, 1921 Mears party drove out to mines,
Kelly brought them all back evening with Tin Lizzie. Had
strawberry shortcake for supper. Rae’s backers in from
mine. Mr. Hubbell here waiting for wire.
July 11, 1921 Rushed all day with
mail and orders. Schwabacher's man here for first time,
gave him order for sugar and odd groceries. Bank of Alaska
President visited said we were in line for $10,000 credit if wanted.
Albert Madsen here.
July 12, 1921 Joe Brassel in from mines for
supplies and pack horse. Wasilla “Bug” out calling down
Hartman. Gillis and wife in from visit at mine. Smith
and several men in from mines. Reported GB had found good
ore.
July 13, 1921 Gillis and wife went to Talkeetna
after visit to Willow Mines. Evening started car on dry
battery worked OK. Stanley’s 1st payday.
July 14, 1921 Rae in after goods. Evening
hauled two loads of freight from track warehouse to store.
Had trouble with car but made her go. Miller fixing up Tom
Aureen’s house.
July 15, 1921 Rae went out with baby “Cat”.
Evening Stanley went out to 31½ with Hartman on truck.
Got phone from Anchorage for prices on goods. Put up order
for Wilmoth Co.
July 16, 1921 Joe Conroy, Capt. Giakema and
Kempt up from Anchorage. Sent out several small orders
on railroad line. Marked up on new hardware Evening hauled
tin cans to mile 17 car run on dry battery.
July 17, 1921 Quiet in town. McDonald
moved his wife from mines. Trusty and Glover, “Cat” men,
in form Kelly Mine. Fred and ARC help in with Tin Lizzie
to trade. Marking on hardware Sold Lucky Shot $59 order.
Mattie visited on Mrs. Wagner.
July 18, 1921 Sent store license papers in
by Joe Conroy. Trusty and Glover through with Kelly.
Trusty went to Anchorage to get gas boat to put on Wasilla Lake.
Corlew went to Anchorage. “Milo” about in. Evening visited
Cannon ranch.
July 19, 1921 Hubbell back from Chickaloon
surveying. Anchorage preacher and wife here fishing.
Got phone order from Co-op Store for spuds. GB team in
for supplies. Evening Mattie visited on Harman’s. Spuds
short on market.
July 20, 1921 Four traveling men arrived.
Several men went out to work for Road Com. and mines.
Freight on Northwestern came over railroad
to Anchorage and dumped. Evening gave Seattle hardware
man small order. Sam Kelly back from Kenai Lake no gold.
July 21, 1921 Fischer, Armour and Seattle hardware
men left for Anchorage. Gave Capt. Glenn Carrington order
for fishing tackle. Strawberries now every meal. Kelly in
with 2 bricks.
July 22, 1921 Art Shonbeck visited. Capt.
Glenn Carrington and wife returned to Anchorage with a big string
of trout. Toughluck in with first run of salmon in Cottonwood
Creek 50¢ each.
July 23, 1921 Had fresh salmon and strawberries
for dinner. Hughes in for grub went on to Junction to
see about “Kews”. Eddie and Trix drove Com. car to mile
4 on Knik Road inspection. Schoolmarm here after Wasilla
school. Excursion tomorrow to Hurricane Gulch Herning family
going.
July 24, 1921 Self and Mattie went on excursion
to Hurricane Gulch. Left Wasilla 7:30 had dinner at Dead
Horse, arrived end of steel 2:30, left 5:30, supper at Dead Horse.
Delayed on account of hot box. Arrived home 12:15.
Stanley kept store. Sixty people on excursion some from
Seward.
July 25, 1921 Sold Wilmoth Co. grocery and
chicken food. Salmon running slow in Cottonwood.
Stanley and Hartman went to mile 12 to catch salmon. Lad
with ARC cut his foot bad with axe.
July 26, 1921 Got out supplement to store paper
and mailed to parts north on railroad. Evening everybody
fishing for salmon. ARC boys with Fred’s car went down to
12 to fish. Stanley caught 7 salmon. Sent them to Madsen’s
at Nancy.
July 27, 1921 Stanley went
to Nancy to visit Madsen kids took along fresh salmon.
Evening everybody fishing. Big run salmon today.
Evening drove car out to mile 16 for an airing.
July 28, 1921 Road Com. inspectors in looking
over Knik Road for additional improvement. Evening drove car
down to Cottonwood to see salmon run.
July 29, 1921 Shipped 2 orders to Susitna Station
$154. Marked up a lot of granite ware. Evening Harman’s
out for berries. Miller fixing up to can a lot of berries.
Teeth giving me trouble.
July 30, 1921 Put up order for Harry Yago at
Willow Creek District. Got 2 letters from Clara about
fathers condition, growing stronger and ugly. Evening went
out to ridge at 16, got 2 pails raspberries. Shortcake
for supper. Hartman back with car.
July 31, 1921 Marking goods, had Native
raspberry shortcake for supper gave Wilmoth a chunk. Stanley
at Nancy visiting Madsen kids. Alice Helmbach visiting
her brother and Fleck’s.
August 1, 1921 Stanley back at noon from Nancy,
Albert came with him. Evening all the berry pickers out,
Stanley got half bucket. Went out with car to 16, engine
quit for an hour then turned over.
August 2, 1921 Weather hot, +80.
Had Wagner scrape out for foundation for auto house on
back lot. Rae in with baby “Cat” for supplies. Corlew
in town waiting for Kelly. Mrs. Hatcher got lost in woods
picking berries, Harmon’s found her.
August 3, 1921 Got Watson mail but no freight.
John E. Balaine visited about getting freight data account
bill before Congress for government boats to connect with railroad,
Said fare to be $25, freight $7 a ton from Seattle.
Friese in from road camp to go on Edlund’s bond.
August 4, 1921 Patzack cleaned up Zink’s
garden. Miller building turkey house for Mrs. Wilmoth.
Grennon and Mrs. Morrison selling their old spuds.
August 5, 1921 Stanley and Albert dug pit in
new auto house. Trains south hauling back railroad junk.
GB hauled up load of Grennan’s spuds for mines, paid $45 a ton.
August 6, 1921 Thorpe family back from Chickaloon,
sold out pool joint Mr. Pickel arrived to start work
on Wasilla - Palmer Road. Albert Madsen returned to Nancy
after week visit with Stanley. Got half car freight came
on Watson a week ago?
August 7, 1921 Evening put new glass in front
door of store. Bill Long through at Rae-Wallace Mine, went
to Knik. Pearson fired at ARC camp.
August 8, 1921 Hartman got wood saw to attach
to Tin Lizzie. Lander went to Anchorage. Patchell
went to Knik. Mattie busy inquiring into dads past year
record dinners etc. Miller worked 1 day on garage foundation.
August 9, 1921 Wagner cutting his oats, wheat
getting ripe. Put 2 tons freight in basement store. Eddie
and Fleck’s getting ready for blueberry picking, sold them 6
barrels and 17 candy pails. PM put in cement posts for garage
foundation. Miller worked 1 day on garage foundation.
August 10, 1921 Stanley and self put in ½
concrete wall for auto pit. Some of Little Gem men arrived
to inspect their mine. Got frame lumber for auto house from
Anchorage. Got some Outside mail.
August 11, 1921 Stanley and self finished
pit for auto house. PM got orders for ARC help and mines.
Evening on accounts. Cleaned up office gas lamp.
Billy Trix broke store window.
August 12, 1921 Heavy rain last night.
Gus in from ARC road work. Corlew and Trix went to Anchorage.
Stanley and self started to install magneto on Overland car.
August 13, 1921 Banker Ervin visited.
Bogard in for ranch supplies. Miller finished turkey house
for Wilmoth Co. Hughes said he was going to send his siwash
kids Outside to school. Stanley went out evening to 31½
with Hartman.
August 14, 1921 Hughes bought $45 order.
Re-cemented blocks for auto house foundation, first lot failed
to set. Evening took radiator and timing casing off auto
to get out distributor shaft so as to connect magneto.
GB Budd Jr. arrived with gold brick from mines.
August 15, 1921 Kelly in with mining expert.
Evening got worm gear off distributor shaft, now ready to
install magneto on 75B car. Mrs. Byron Bartholf in with
Lucky Shot gold brick. Danielson here from Broad Pass.
August 16, 1921 Heavy rain last night.
Made magneto bracket. Miller laid foundation timber for
auto house. Road Com. gang in for oil and to trade. Billy
Trix paid $4 for breaking store window. Miller half day on
auto house.
August 17, 1921 Rain all day. Boy
Scouts arrived for annual outing, rain drove them out of tents,
Forty Mile Miller let them into his bunkhouse. Two ladies
on vacation are camping at Hatcher’s house. Miller working
on auto house.
August 18, 1921 Rain about over ground
well soaked. Had one order for Chickaloon.
Reported train to leave Hurricane tonight for Anchorage to meet
Alameda due early tomorrow. Miller got studs and ceiling joist
up on auto house.
August 19, 1921 Regular train came down last
night with passengers to catch Alameda due this morning.
Stanley and Miller got up rafters and laid attic floor on auto
house. Got magneto connected to bracket now ready to time
magneto. No train south today.
August 20, 1921 Rain and more of it.
Got Alameda mail. Received draft for school treasury
#40 $1,857. Bogard in with vegetables and for supplies.
Sidney and Mrs. Rae arrived. Road Com. got “Cat” and another
road grader. George Anderson’s big four wheel truck loaded
for Anchorage. Miller on garage.
August 21, 1921 Got several small orders
from mines. Hughes bought calf bull from government ranch.
Helped Miller to nail corrugated iron on garage. Evening
word came one of the Bartholf’s got his leg cut off at Lucky Shot
Mine. Bill Long wired for money from Anchorage.
August 22, 1921 Special train
up at midnight for Byron Bartholf Jr. hurt at mill died on trip
from mill to GB Cache. Hartman brought in body 1:30 AM.
Albert down from Nancy. Boy Scouts left for home Anchorage
on noon train. Miller all day on garage self 2 hours.
Evening visited on Wagner’s.
August 23, 1921 Schoolmarm here looking for
a rent no rents available. Miller finished front of garage.
Self finished iron on east side of roof. Hartman dug new
hole for water closet.
August 24, 1921 Got Alameda freight.
Several tourists arrived. Helped Miller on garage part
of day. Fleck kids went north on train today. Miller
fixed broken part on A. E. “Cat”.
August 25, 1921 Helped Miller on garage building,
Lander in. Road Com. got car lumber for building a garage.
Rae’s cook and several in from mines this evening. Miller
all in with rheumatics.
August 26, 1921 Kelly and mining engineer returned
to Anchorage. Gus hauled ARC lumber to municipal block
for garage. Got 2 orders from north, shipped one to Sutton.
Edlund wanted $25 for cabin near section house. No work on
garage today, Miller all in.
August 27, 1921 Bartholf’s back from funeral
of Byron Bartholf Jr. at Anchorage. Chas Bartholf arrived
from States went to mines. Alic Wasilla over from Eklutna
to trade. Knik River Glacier Lake broke out, Knik
River bottom flooded. Black Mfg. Co. man here. Miller
on garage.
August 28, 1921 Quiet in town. PM worked
on auto cleaned muffler. Hartman made trip to 31½.
Hunters in with ARC truck. Miller laid off. Larson
sent word to buy the Edlund cabin on account of school kids.
August 29, 1921 Stanley and self helped Miller
put corrugated iron on north gable of garage. Heavy rains
making roads soft. Watermelon.
August 30, 1921 Heavy rain last night.
Miller finished back door and put on freeze boards aft of garage.
Miller and Stanley started to fix up Edlund school cabin for
Larson family, hauled load lumber etc. for roof and corked cabin.
August 31, 1921 Got mail off Northwestern.
Stanley and Miller put roof on Edlund school cabin for Larson.
ARC camp on Willow Road moved in to grade Wasilla - Palmer Road.
Evening marked up rain goods from Portland.
September 1, 1921 GB wagon in for fresh meat.
Fred Strand and 11 others in from mines. ARC made camp
at Stern’s place. Miller 6 hours on Larson cabin Stanley
5 hours on Larson cabin. Cabin ready to occupy.
September 2, 1921 Stanley left for Anchorage
to attend high school 2nd year. Albert down from Nancy
to talk trade. Cudahy man here. Miller finished cornice
trimmings on auto house. Glover in from Gold Mint.
September 3, 1921 First frost killed
potato vines etc. Mrs. Haller through at Gold Mint. Kelly
back from Anchorage. Miller part of day on walk foundation
in front of garage.
September 4, 1921 Had Miller install stove
in Larson’s cabin. Myself and Eddie hauled 3 loads freight from
track warehouse to store. Evening got orders ready for Monday
train south. Swank and wife in town.
September 5, 1921 Larson family arrived from
Montana to put children in school. All Hughes family
went to Anchorage. Harvey Bartholf went to hospital at
Anchorage. Lander went to Anchorage. PM had Patzack
clean up school house. Self reset the stove etc. Budd
and son went to Anchorage.
September 6, 1921 Wasilla School opened today
with 7 pupils, Miss L. Nieminen as teacher at $160 a month. Got
papers carried by last train north. Ireland at it again
wouldn’t accept England peace terms.
September 7, 1921 Got mail
off Alameda. Road Com. Cat and grader arrived from Palmer Road
to grade Wasilla - Palmer Road. King and McDonald in town.
Got letter from Stanley at Anchorage.
September 8, 1921 O. C. Miller went out to
ranch. A. E. carpenters finished approach to railroad
platform and put up Wasilla sign on depot. Mrs. Harmon
gave us 4 ripe tomatoes raised on their ranch. Another “Bug”
paper out.
September 9, 1921 Got 4 orders from north.
Anton Eide in town pulling off some of the road group due to
funds used up. New auto expert in town for Road Com.
Babcock went to Anchorage.
September 10, 1921 Got balance of winter clothing.
Bothwell and Barney Johnson arrived, they bought an outfit
to prospect (?) at Palmer. Received plank to finish
auto floor. Mr. Kimbell, Anchorage storekeeper, died at
Anchorage. Evening unpacked big box clothing. Mattie
on her high horse?
September 11, 1921 Busy all day with orders
for Matanuska, Eska and Chickaloon. ARC Archangel gang
arrived. Had dinner at Hotel Wasilla on account of busy on
orders. Bothwell and Johnson left for Palmer with Pete Johnson
on prospecting trip.
September 12, 1921 No train south, mud slide
above Talkeetna closed railroad traffic. Billed a ton
of merchandise for customers on branch line woolen goods, hardware,
etc. Evening raining, all road work closed except on Wasilla
- Palmer Road. O. C. Miller made big oil strike. Dad
Hunt over from Old Knik.
September 13, 1921 Heavy rain all night.
Sam Kelly in and through with ARC road work. Joe Laubner
killed in Talkeetna Mine yesterday, brought body in this PM.
Hunt timber man here. Henton family quit Wasilla went
to Anchorage also Tompkins.
September 14, 1921 Gold Mint Mine shut down.
Williams, Anchorage undertaker, here for Joe Laubner’s body.
Got weeks delayed mail from bank with $500 currency.
Opened up some of Goodyear rubber goods. Sid went out with
baby Cat.
September 15, 1921 Noon freight took out Laubner
body and 20 miners. First snow on Bald Mt. last night.
Mattie ordered clothing from “Monkey Ward”. ARC storing
junk at new garage.
September 16, 1921 Nakila in from Knik.
Brown, manager Anchorage Supply Co., here drumming up lumber
orders. Trusty Kelly, Cat man left for Anchorage. Jack
Chisholm here got an order. Farmers all digging spuds.
September 17, 1921 Sold Roscher merchandise
for ranch. Had Eddie haul up 2 tons merchandise from track
warehouse to store. Bert McClarty Joe Palmer and Gold Mint
men through.
September 18, 1921 Quiet in town. Hatcher
in from mines. George Zink in from B. D. Mine. Self
and Mattie cleaned ham and bacon all afternoon. Section boss
from Houston in to trade. Miller in from oil discovery.
September 19, 1921 Helped Miller on garage,
finished laying plank floor street approach etc. Big silver filling
came out of tooth filled 24 years ago by Doc James in Minnesota.
Miller 14 days on garage self 3½ days on garage Stanley
1½ days on garage.
September 20, 1921 Cannon brought in 12½
lb. cabbage. Miller put in drain box in front of garage.
Miller started to finish Aureen’s log cabin by school house.
Rae family in from mines.
September 21, 1921 Got honeydew melons and
new apples. Schwabacher’s man visited. Doc David
here went to Mabel Mine. Bill Whitridge here from Iron
Creek. Harvey Bartholf back from hospital.
September 22, 1921 Snowed down to timberline
last night on Bald Mt. Sam Kelly clearing lot preparatory
to building on same. Hatcher’s in town. Brassel Bros.
left for hunting camp on Little Susitna. Reported GB Co. bought
out Lucky Shot Mine.
September 23, 1921 Harvey Bartholf returned
to Anchorage. Got order from GB for ton spuds. Hartman
hauling out forage for GB. Spuds down to $40 a ton.
Milo Kelly in town.
September 24, 1921 Signed up for pair shoes
lost in-mail, sent from Pullman by Mattie. Hartman put passenger
car engine into truck, truck engine no good. Dr. and machinist
for ARC arrived. Bought ton Cannon’s spuds for GB Mines.
September 25, 1921 Hills Bros. man in town.
Self and Mattie tried to time motor for magneto 1 - 4 Up, still
up couldn’t locate punch mark on engine frame. O. C. Miller’s
birthday 64 years old born 1857 at LaSalle.
September 26, 1921 Garret Snider down from
Pittman. Sent 200 more gunny sacks to Matanuska, making
750 in all. Mattie got cold in face. Sam Kelly and
Lander went to Anchorage. Evening marking hardware.
September 27, 1921 A-1 day heavy frost
last night. Rae paid August bill. Got a few small
orders from north. Natives through picking spuds for Mrs.
Morrison and on Black ranch. Evening Native trade good.
Leon Johnston in from Talkeetna Mine. Got timer set on car.
Evening had a Matilda shave.
September 28, 1921 Kelly back from Anchorage
with lumber to build his house on Boundary Street. Mrs.
Morrison here to pay off Natives for digging spuds. Indian
trade good, Natives left for Knik. Evening raining mountains
covered with snow.
September 29, 1921 Phoned Reed, dentist at
Anchorage, to call on way to Talkeetna. Alameda at Anchorage.
September 30, 1921 First snowfall, about
6”. Jeff Lupton, partner of Jno. Thomas and Co. down
from Willow for outfit. Harry Madsen down from Nancy to
trade. Hughes horses arrived from railroad work. Sent
Stanley October check $50.
October 1, 1921 Busy till
9 PM in store got meats and butter off Watson and bal. of BB
pacs. Harry Madsen returned to Nancy with supplies.
Bill Hughes in for his railroad horses. Dentist Reed phoned, he
would he here Wed. Evening Gus took load of “kids” to Farmers
Hall dance.
October 2, 1921 Mattie went over new lot eggs.
Put up small order for GB. Horning in from Gold Cord
Mine. Government man in town, came mounted. Froze
hard last night. Someone took Hartman’s silver at 31½
RH.
October 3, 1921 Horning and Forker went to
Anchorage. End of first school month, paid teacher and
janitor. Olson in from Willow for winter outfit. Dentist
Reed arrived from Anchorage opened office in Miller’s Café.
October 4, 1921 Dentist Reed looking over teeth,
will do filling on return from Talkeetna. Sent wire for
24 tons forage etc. Kelly got frame up on new house.
Snow all gone at Wasilla.
October 5, 1921 Dentist left for Talkeetna.
Friese back from Anchorage with lumber grub etc. Put 50
cans coal oil in garage.
October 6, 1921 Business fair put up
2 orders for Eska and Chickaloon. Old Tom laying foundation
on lot by Wilmoth Co. for pool hall etc.? Fred and Carlson
went to Anchorage on branch train. Lander, Mabel and Talkeetna
managers in from mines. Evening rain.
October 7, 1921 Business good got inquiry
for goods from Kobi , 30 miles south of Nenana. Got three
small orders from Montana, Caswell and Nancy. Landers and
Zink went to Anchorage. Earl Olmsted doing B. S. work in Gus
shop. Had Stanley wire for wall board.
October 8, 1921 Bert Farris in town. Ed Mullen
arrived with new team bought off A. E. Com. Hartman took
big load freight and 4 passengers to 31½. O. C. Miller
went to Anchorage, Kelly got his house under cover. ARC got
new Cat.
October 9, 1921 Rufe Stephan down from Houston
for winter clothing. Eddie moving Thorpe up from Mile
12 account locating at Anchorage Sidney and his dad went
to mines with “Baby Cat”.
October 10, 1921 Rain, rain, rain heaviest
rain of fall all day. No train, held up by slide.
Budd in from GB Mine with 100 lbs. gold retort. Hartman
went out with ton freight for GB Mine. Evening still raining
hard, streams getting high. Married 27 years.
October 11, 1921 Mail train stuck above slide
near Talkeetna. Budd went to Anchorage on freight.
Thorpe’s made 2nd trip no. train for Anchorage. Heinie Snider
the king goat man down from Pittman. Very high water reported
and still raining.
October 12, 1921 Sold Lawrence an outfit for
his ranch. Hartman took out another load for Willow Creek
Mines. No north train, reported Montana bridge going out
on account of high water. No train or mail since the 9th.
Evening put all the milk in store Mattie held the light.
October 13, 1921 Saturday train north got back
10 PM after hold up at Montana bridge washout. Lander,
Miller and Carlson back from Anchorage walked up from Junction.
Manager of Mabel Mine reported missing. Fixed up coal bin car
coal due Saturday. Dance party brewing. Thorpe’s walked
to Junction.
October 14, 1921 Got coal bin all ready for
coal. Cot coupling ready to drill on magneto. Fred
building X cut saw carriage for Eddie. Mail due tomorrow off
Northwestern. Got few small orders from north.
October 15, 1921 Got car of Moose Creek coal.
Stanley arrived on noon train for weekend at home. Inspector
Eide in town. Got big Outside mail. Stanley went duck
hunting and fell in.
October 16, 1921 Eddie and Fred finished unloading
car coal 27 tons, gave school 1 ton. Stanley does not
like Anchorage High School, short on studies and not arranged properly.
October 17, 1921 Stanley left for Anchorage
after spending weekend at home. McKinley Park surveyors
here to make survey of ranches. Evening clear and freezing.
Got $64 order from Gold Creek.
October 18, 1921 Put up order for Gold Creek.
Sam Kelly ready to move in his new house on Boundary Street.
School Board meeting about fuel etc. to be furnished by public.
October 19, 1921 Wired for 1,000 gunny sacks
for GB to sack coal. Alameda due at Anchorage tomorrow.
Survey party left for 28 to survey Lawrence and Crocker’s ranches,
Woodbury Abby in charge. Trusty back from Anchorage.
October 20, 1921 Freezing
nights. Gus went down to plow Shorty Gustafson lot. Evening
Henderson, Com. of Education, arrived to inspect school.
Trusty fixing up ARC “Cats”.
October 21, 1921 Business good got 4
orders from north on railroad. Sold 8,000’ mining timbers
for Crocker to Fern Gold Mine. Henderson left on noon train
for Anchorage, said we could use old fund to fix roof on schoolhouse.
Miller 1st day on shelving.
October 22 1921 Ed O’Brien and Fred Carter
here for supplies. Several buying winter grub.
Hartman busy hauling freight for mines.
October 23, 1921 Hartman took out groceries
and feed account mines. Mrs. Larson shot black bear.
October 24, 1921 Lake Lucille froze over.
Ed O’Brien returned to ranch near Palmer. Abby Land Survey
Party got cold feet and returned to Anchorage. Paid draft
for car load forage, flour, etc., $1276.68.
October 25, 1921 Coldest snap.
Business fair got 2 orders ready for merchants at Talkeetna.
Got warehouse ready for car load due tomorrow. Road Com.
digging a root house on Trix lot. Aureen in town. Evening
shave.
October 26, 1921 Car flour etc. did not come.
Car of lumber came for new pool room etc. Got part of dry
goods from St. Paul House. Josephenson and Fred went to Houston
to sack 2 car coal for Willow Creek Mines. Eric Larson here
to see family.
October 27, 1921 Business fair put up
order for Jonesville. Road Com. sold 3 horses. Opened
up and marked goods from St. Paul. Got dried fruit, tobacco, etc.,
from Fischer Bros. Co.
October 28, 1921 Lon Wells visited to see about
order for Ohio Creek. All Road Com. horses sold on sealed
bids. Evening self and Mattie practiced flute solo
for Halloween party.
October 29, 1921 Stanley came home for weekend
visit and to attend school dance, proceeds for firewood.
Got delayed car forage and flour. About 60 people at school
dance. Shorty and Eddie played.
October 30, 1921 Skating on Lake Lucille best
ever. Got ton rolled barley ready to ship to Junction.
Sidney Black and Mrs. Horning loading car spuds at Black Ranch.
Matt’s birthday.
October 31, 1921 Stanley and Bell helped unload
car forage etc. Stanley left on noon train for school at
Anchorage, paid him November support $50. Freight by car
cost $1.25 per hundred weight saved $8 per ton by car load lot.
Hartman still hauling GB freight to 31½ thence to pack train
over summit. Fred and Old Charley back from Houston about coal.
November 1, 1921 Freezing hard nights.
Hughes having his big horses shod. Phoned order to Stanley
at Anchorage for horseshoes. Eddie Hembach got garage and
cabin about completed.
November 2, 1921 Got 2 orders from Jonesville.
Got balance of groceries held at Anchorage for a week and shortages
on car load of feed. Old Aureen back from Anchorage with
a lot of junk for his house.
November 3, 1921 Freezing weather,
put two orders for Eska. Several in from GB Mine also
Moose Hank. Bought ½ ton spuds off C. D. Johnson
for GB Mines. Olmstead went to Anchorage for piece of steel
in his hand.
November 4, 1921 Budd in from Willow Creek,
went to hospital at Anchorage. Albert down from Nancy to
trade. Bogard in with load fresh pork, bought ½ pork.
Hartman 4 ton more to haul to mines.
November 5, 1921 Ranchers in to trade.
O. C. Miller went out to his oil claim at mile 29. Albert
returned to Nancy. Had fried grouse for supper “yollie”.
Skating on Lucille perfect. Everybody got a skate on.
November 6, 1921 Quiet in town.
Filled furnace coal bin. Trusty and Christ went over to Finger
Lake to fix up Danielson’s Fordsom.
November 7, 1921 Jim Murray down from Cache
Creek, went to Anchorage. Gus went out to haul 3,000’ mining
timbers for Ole Jensen. Lander went to Anchorage.
“Lizzie” went to Anchorage.
November 8, 1921 Hughes in for supplies got
1,000 lbs. corn for Ellexson.
November 9, 1921 First cold snap broken by
rain last night, no snow yet at Wasilla. Got 62 boxes fruit off
Watson. Got casabas and bananas, grapefruit, apples, etc.
Hardware and clothing still at Anchorage. Stanley sent Ma
a box of candy.
November 10, 1921 Moved car into new garage.
Got Trusty, the Cat man, to regrind valves and assemble parts
torn down on account of magneto. Mattie had new guest,
Mrs. Esi and daughter at dinner.
November 11, 1921 Ordered Klim milk.
Fred Nelson building addition to his cabin on Knik Street.
Trusty took bottom of oil case off car. Went to bed with cold.
Miller said the White Mule gang was making ready to hike.
November 12, 1921 Stanley home for weekend.
Got half car freight, clothing, hardware and groceries delayed
at Anchorage for week. Wilmoth Co. got 6 tons merchandise
from Outside, first lot this fall. Sam Kelly got his knee knocked
out by wall board crates falling on him in car.
November 13, 1921 Hughes making ready to haul
mining timber for Gold Mint Mining Co. Otto and 4 other
men in from GB Mines. Kids enjoying skating on Lake Lucille.
Stanley home today. Busy all day with bills. Put wood in
cellar for furnace use.
November 14, 1921 Did good clothing biz with
GB help, cash sales over $300. Ben Marino bought grub
and clothing outfit. Evening marked lot of Black’s clothing.
Sam Kelly’s knee much improved so did not go to hospital.
Stanley stayed home with bad cold. Evening clear and colder.
Phoned Dr. Spaulding to come up and see Kelly.
November 15, 1921 Sold Lewis and Moshier trapping
outfit shipped to Gold Creek. Alameda at Seward. Anchorage
electric plant destroyed by fire.
November 16, 1921 Hughes family living in Shough
cabin and kids going to school. Sold Holland, GB man,
$60 clothing order. Dr. Spaulding arrived to inspect Sam
Kelly’s sprained knee, said it was in place OK.
November 17, 1921 Trusty connected up wires
to magneto, ready to turn her over “1-4 UP”. Evening packed
2 gas lamps for Anchorage due to no electric lights. Otto
moved into Aureen’s kitchen on Wasilla Avenue. Got order
from Krogh.
November 18, 1921 Trusty assembled engine parts
and magneto and engine turned over OK on new magneto.
Spaulding returned to Anchorage, cost Sam $36 for look see knee.
Wilmoth Co. turkey raffle. Fred and section boss won the turkeys.
November 19, 1921 Hughes making ready to haul
for Bob Hatcher.
November 20, 1921 Quiet in town. Eddie
and Fred preparing for big turkey dinner, Thanksgiving free
for all affair, three turkeys and 10 chickens and 20 pies pledged.
Wasilla Winter Society again on the map. Stanley and Fred
skated to Bogard’s Ranch for a potlatch chicken. Trusty’s
work on car cost $10.
November 21, 1921 Busy day cash sales and receipts
over $400. Stanley went to Anchorage after his belongings,
decided to quit Anchorage High School for lack of teachers
studies and credits. Millen bought another team for Talkeetna
Mine. Budd went Outside.
November 22, 1921 Put ½ ton hay in old
auto shed. Stanley in Anchorage, phoned for eggs.
Evening posted up ledger. Eddie busy arranging for turkey
dinner Thanksgiving. Miller hauled bobsleighs on wagon to 32.
Weather clear and cold.
November 23, 1921 Ulanky here from Knik to
trade. Otto got out set of house logs. Stanley
back from Anchorage, brought his belongings and quit high school.
Got inquiry from parties at Fairbanks, want prices on supplies.
Turkey tomorrow.
November 24, 1921 Stanley filled furnace coal
bin. Lawrence in for supplies. Fred Brassel in from
Willow Creek, sick in chest. Big turkey dinner at Community
Hall 6 PM, 80 persons were present collection was $44. Dance
was until 1:30 most all home people.
November 25, 1921 Train 5 hours late from north.
Mrs. Morrison here attended the big dinner. Winchester here
attended dinner and Ball. Gold Team in from Iditarod had
1,500 lbs.
November 26, 1921 Stanley went to Nancy looking
for dog team. Fairbanks excursion train passed through
early AM. Outside mail, due at Seward today, will arrive
here 30th. Thorpe’s up from Anchorage. Hughes moved
back to ranch.
November 27, 1921 Put up one order for
two new locators in Wasilla. Several fishing through the ice
for trout. Evening wind started to blow.
November 28, 1921 Train 4 hours late due to
ice on track at Montana. Thorpe’s returned to Anchorage
with their furniture for new rooming house. Stanley back
from Nancy, brought Albert with him.
November 29, 1921 Ulanky and Hughes in from
Knik. Put up orders for Nancy and Montana. Lander in from
mountain home, has 100 ton contract on coal haulage. Made
price list for Fairbanks inquiry. Fred and Eddie helping Old
Tom on pool room building. Forty Mile Miller on Wilmoth Co. stove
pipe.
November 30, 1921 Got Northwestern mail and
Armour meats. Outside eggs now 75¢ local eggs $1.80,
local spuds $50 a ton, local pork 30¢ a lb., local chickens
65¢ lb. Snowed a sprinkle this AM Evening cloudy
and warmer. Albert returned to Nancy. Got letter from
Eyota.
December 1, 1921 Mullen in from Knik with load
corrugated iron for Fern Gold Mining Co. Had Lucky Tiger
shampoo. Ulsh went to GB Mine via 31½.
December 2, 1921 Hartman in from 31½,
closed up 31½ RH for winter. Wrote father a letter.
Evening wind died out.
December 3, 1921 Got more Outside mail.
Mild wind all day, snow down to mile 28. Otto and Erickson
left for Houston to unload car lumber etc. for GB Mines. Richard
Lander, up from Anchorage, went out to see his dad. Evening
posted on accounts.
December 4, 1921 Very quiet in town.
Evening oiled store floor. Danielson and Nickelson
over from Finger Lake. Hughes in from 28 went on to ranch.
Eddie sawing wood with auto truck.
December 5, 1921 Ole Jensen in from Snow Bird
Mine. Pete Johnson here from Junction. Patchell
got a moose over on Willow. Mattie arranging to go to Anchorage
on next train.
December 6, 1921 Temperature -16.
Through trains, Seward to Fairbanks, started schedule today train
each way. Got order from north. Mother
“Mattie” went to Anchorage on shopping tour. Shorty Gustafson
got a motorcycle. Evening warming up.
December 7, 1921 Stanley and self put linoleum
on office floor, took 4 hours to cut and fit and move furniture.
Lander in. Mother Mattie at Anchorage, phoned couldn’t
get her. Mrs. Fenton moved into Zink’s house.
December 8, 1921 Got $44 phone order from Houston.
December 9, 1921 Got two orders from Jonesville.
Mrs. Fenton looking for acre tract for chicken ranch.
Mother Mattie arrived home from Anchorage. A. A. Layden
visited, runs RH at Healy.
December 10, 1921 Bogard in for supplies also
Hughes. Pete Johnson up from Junction to freight for Bullion.
Frank Doherty here from coal mines. Hartman hauling freight to
mines again.
December 11, 1921 AM blizzard, evening snowed
about 6”, first real snow of winter. Quiet in town. Sold
Wilmoth Co. 5 barrels flour for mines. Put balance of wood
in cellar and filled furnace coal bin.
December 12, 1921 Lander in from 32, said snow
did not reach 32. Wash day “Ma” did it. Not enough
snow for sledding. Stanley went down to Shorty’s to see
his motor snow sled.
December 13, 1921 Sent GB more sacks at Houston.
Lander and son went to Knik, took 1,000 lbs. hog feed for Ellexson.
George Small married at Anchorage.
December 14, 1921 Pete Johnson left with 4
horse team for Houston and GB camp. Frank Doherty in
town on visit. Schoolmarm busy getting ready for Xmas.
December 15, 1921 Business fair put up 3 orders
for north train. Lander back from Knik, brought Mrs. Ellexson
and her pigs for market etc. Stanley and Sid Rae moved out
to O. C. Miller’s Ranch to run trap line. Not enough snow
for sledding.
December 16, 1921 Several from Junction came
up to trade. Herman in from Fish Lake left $150 order.
Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage. Lander drove to Sunny Knik.
Newcomer located in Shough cabin. Evening zero.
December 17, 1921 Colder -13.
Ralph Weiss up from Junction for outfit, also got 1 phone order
and order from Section 37. Heinie Snider, the goat and
garlic man, down from Pittman to trade. Stanley on trap line
at Miller’s Ranch.
December 18, 1921 Zero weather. Self
and Mattie visited on Sam Kelly, knee still very weak.
Evening self and Mattie practiced voice and flute at school house
for Xmas exercises. Hartman in from 31½ with 3 passengers.
Priced up stoves.
December 19, 1921 Rushing all day till midnight
getting orders to north and south trains. Stanley at Miller’s
Ranch trapping for mink and beaver. Got 1st Xmas present,
picture of Wasilla store 8 x 10 size.
December 20, 1921 Busiest
day yet, shipped out 2 tons. Got 2 tons candy and groceries,
Xmas goods. On jump all day. Fixed lights at school
house, put up curtain wire. Got order from south McKinley Park.
Consolidated Mine shut down for balance of winter.
December 21, 1921 Put up McKinley Park order.
Got order from Houston and Nancy. Town folks busy preparing
for Xmas doings. Lander in from Knik with Martin warehouse
frame etc. Stanley on trap line.
December 22, 1921 Stanley and Sid home from
trap line got a rabbit. Evening got out store paper and
mail for north train. Hans Frydenland in from Gold Mint
Mine with Hughes team going out for Bullion Mine. Evening snowing.
December 23, 1921 Sent out a lot of Xmas greetings.
Hughes sent Hans Frydenland to haul for GB Mines and Jack Hammel
to haul out hydraulic pipe from Grubstake. Evening practiced
voice and flute for Xmas exercises. Lander went to Knik.
Rae went Outside.
December 24, 1921 Small trade all day on account
of Xmas. Evening school exercises, dance, ice cream and
cake. The goat man was Mr. Santa Claus. Mattie sang
Holy Night with flute. White Mule in evidence. Only
half of Wilmoth Co. at dance. Sold $20 order midnight.
Fenton down from Chickaloon.
December 25, 1921 Xmas very quiet in
town. Snowed heavy all day making first sledding. Lander
in from Knik with wagon load freight. Had turkey dinner, O.
C. Miller guest. Sent dinner up to Sam Kelly. Cannon
dined with Fenton’s. Got 1922 diary and bathrobe for Xmas.
December 26, 1921 Big snow 1’, freighters
can now use sleds. Got part of hardware via
Seward, coal oil wanted and left behind. Bert Farris up
from Junction, having horse shod and sleds repaired for hauling
2,000 tons Baxter Coal. Marion and partner went out to trap
on Bald Mt.
December 27, 1921 Coal oil short arrived.
Bert Farris got fixed up for hauling at Moose Creek Coal Mine.
Eddie sawing wood for Carlson with auto truck. Evening
Ma and son heard Mrs. Fenton phone. Fred Nelson back from
trip to Cache Creek.
December 28, 1921 Weather cloudy, snowed
4” last night now a foot of snow. Small orders
from east west and north. Opened up new lot hardware Bert
Farris left for Baxter Coal Mine to haul 2,000 tons coal.
Evening snowing.
December 29, 1921 More snow, now about 14”
on the level. Lander in from mountain home with turkey
to potlatch to Pioneer Lodge at Anchorage. Stanley went
out to Miller’s ranch to look after his trap line. Eye optician
in town, bought a pair glasses.
December 30, 1921 The wind came out and blew
down the shutter, air full of snow today.
Received check for bad ham and for cigarettes lost on boat.
Stanley back from Miller’s Ranch, no ketchum any fur. Started
to take inventory. Lander went to Anchorage with his turkey
potlatch to “Pioneers”.
December 31, 1921 Wind died out, shoveled snow
drifts on account of wind last night. Got over ton freight
from depot. Evening 15 of the young people
gathered at Hall. Self and Shorty played - danced till midnight,
grape juice. Wilmoth and Trix stayed home. Year closes
with all the Herning family at home at Wasilla. Last year Stanley
in college. Weather mild and just enough snow for sledding.
Now taking inventory.
1922
January 1, 1922 Herning family at Wasilla
Alaska operating general merchandise store. Biz for year
increase over last year. Very quiet in town today.
Had chicken dinner at Wasilla Hotel. Young people skiing
down Cannon’s hill. PM Mrs. Rae umpire.
January 2, 1922 Ed Holland down from Houston
for $50 grub order. Busy all day in store posting up
December accts., put up order for Deadhorse.
January 3, 1922 Had big crowd between trains
and the Horning family was going some.
January 4, 1922 Biz fair, put up $60
order for Adolph Olson, Kashwitna also. Got 2 orders
from McKinley Park. Filled furnace coal bin. Stanley
on clothing inventory. Stanley played 20 of Hartman’s
records. Kelly now on canes.
January 5, 1922 Ed O’Brien, Fred
Carter and Buggy over from Palmer. Through with books
at midnight. Trusty fixed up Nellie’s old Ford engine.
January 6, 1922 Squally weather. Jack
Hammel back from hauling pipe from Grubstake. Got pipe
to Rhinehart cabin, 1 load to Hunter. Hartman went to Anchorage
January 7, 1922 Ed Mullen in for Fred
on account of Talkeetna Mine. Stanley went out to Miller’s
Ranch to see about traps. Billy Trix learning to wear skis.
Dad Reedy in with cabbage.
January 8, 1922 Frank Irwin in town about hydraulic
pipe for his Cache Creek placer. Stanley back from Miller’s
Ranch. Mullen went out to 30 with load feed. Got last
lot hardware priced up. Clear and a little colder.
Everybody on skis.
January 9, 1922 Chas E. Smith over from Susitna
Station bought $188 order. Got wire from Healy for ton
spuds. Up till midnight packing orders, “Mattie” says she likes
it.
January 10, 1922 Windy all day. Got big
mail off Northwestern. Got personal letter from Father,
said he wanted to deed me the old home place, urged me to come
out, health not much improved. Albert down from Nancy. Crocker
back from Oregon. Patzack back from Honolulu Creek.
January 11, 1922 Chinook wind cut snow
fast today, knocked eve ice off store roof. Mattie got
wire her father died yesterday at Everett Massachusetts.
January 12, 1922 Got orders
ready for north and south train tomorrow. Hughes in.
Old Jack Hammel quit pipe job. Fred going to finish hauling
pipe to Houston on railroad. Some protests against postmaster,
Mrs. Fenton after the office.
January 13, 1922 North mail trains blocked
on Anchorage - Seward direction account of heavy rains and
slides. Kids having a little dancing party at Hall tonight.
January 14, 1922 Mrs. Fenton skied down to
Junction to meet her hubby with a toothache. Crocker and
Patzack around town. Shorty in from ranch with motor sled.
January 15, 1922 Quiet in town. All the
grown up kids on skis sledding down Knik Street hill. Opened
1½ hours, sold $55 merchandise to Native trade from Big
Lake Dist. Paddy Marion in.
January 16, 1922 Report, hotel was selling
White Mule (get the money). Lander in from 32.
Fred Crocker bought grub outfit going out to visit his bro.
Stanley made a toboggan.
January 17, 1922 Ellexson in from Knik
for merchandise. Churchill went to Anchorage Got
letter from Clara about fathers condition talking of operation.
January 18, 1922 Ellexson returned to Knik
with 600 lbs. had a 5 dog team. William’s, a retired
merchant in Alaska for his health, here to trade. Notice
posted for meeting of the MLD Club. Gus drew balance of deposit.
January 19, 1922 Filled furnace coal
bin car coal ½ used up. Hughes in from ranch.
“Too bad” no snuff in town, none at Anchorage.
January 20, 1922 Got hardware and groceries
off Victoria, fresh fruit, etc. Patzack in town said he
bought the Houston coal buildings. Meeting at Hall to
reorganize the MLD Club.
January 21, 1922 Lander in from mountain
home. W. G. Fenton arrived to inspect his wife’s knee
twisted in skiing. Stanley re-elected secretary of MLD,
the “Mule” president.
January 22, 1922 Rained last night, quiet
in town. Chinook temperature +34 snow going. Today Lander
out, Hughes in.
January 23, 1922 Fred got hydraulic pipe
out to Houston by car to load the pipe source “AEC”? Fenton
returned to coal camp. Got out-mail.
January 24, 1922 Mine Alec in from Knik
for merchandise, Minnie went to Anchorage. Ed Mullen
in for supplies from mile 30. Bogard in with pork.
January 25, 1922 Bert Farris in from
Baxter Coal Mine for another 4 horse team, Fatty Erickson got
the job. Fred Nelson back from hauling out hydraulic pipe
car left Houston today for Talkeetna with 88 pipe.
January 26, 1922 Got out store paper
mail for branch line customers. McClinton outfit in from
Talkeetna Mines closed down.
January 27, 1922 Cold wave -30. Stanley
went to Nancy to visit Madsen kids. Fred Nelson went to
Anchorage to draw his money to pay for hydraulic pipe.
January 28, 1922 Reported -36, biz slow,
bid on $200 order from Caswell. Trapper in with fur. Put
up fly in front of balcony. Zink circulating petition for
Recorder at Wasilla.
January 29, 1922 Blizzard today, snow
and wild wind drifting badly. Quiet in town. Hughes
team in from 28 for forage.
January 30, 1922 Lander went to Knik.
Shoveled out paths and walk after snow and blow Sunday.
January 31, 1922 Warm day. Biz
good. Got $200 order from Caswell mink ranch. Got part
of mail off Northwestern. Car of forage hardware etc. on
Northwestern due here Friday. First National Bank opened
at Anchorage. Sold $1,068 hydraulic pipe from Grubstake Mine.
Stanley back from Nancy.
February 1, 1922 Indian Jim got 4 moose one
half hour from town. Ma got lame back self ditto.
Made out monthly bills.
February 2, 1922 Lander back from Knik.
Ellexson in from Knik for grub and hog feed. Had $1,500
deposit in bank today. Sent dues to National Geographic
Society.
February 3, 1922 Got part of forage meats and
tobacco. Had racket with agent about unloading forage,
6 tons, at depot. Johnnie Burr in for freight for the
Talkeetna Mine. Ed Mullen went to Anchorage to see
about pay.
February 4, 1922 One customer down from Houston
to trade. Nick Kane in town? Hartman sawing wood
with Ford car attachment. MLD Club meet and dance tonight,
Dad didn’t go, Stanley secretary. Gus back from hauling
at mines.
February 5, 1922 Quiet in town.
Wood saw going at Fred Nelson’s. Kids skiing down Knik
Street hill. Answered J. B. Swan’s letter.
February 6, 1922 Hard wind all day.
Fleck’s took Harrison to Houston with dog team, brought in 2
orders on return in evening. Sold double ender sled for Gus
to Nagley. Sold Wilmoth Co. $43 order. Wood saws working.
February 7, 1922 Blow over and colder.
Russell snow plow went through to clear the track.
South train stalled in Broad Pass did not arrive today.
Big fire at Anchorage, B and H block on fire. Nick
Kane in town.
February 8, 1922 Cold -30 last
night, biz slow. Nick Kane wanted price on ton sugar,
corn meal, etc., going to buy a White Mule? Nenana
train day late, arrived here evening, Capt. Lathrop aboard
with Tanana flour, blowing again.
February 9, 1922 Lander gone to Knik
to relay hauling to mile 12. Chas Ulanky and Bill Hughes
in from Knik. Mullen in from 30 for coal etc. Big Nose
got a moose back of Pittman. Patzack down from Houston.
Mattie got sore tooth.
February 10, 1922 Got mail off Victoria.
No train from north today. Got Anchorage paper,
claimed $150,000 fire. Mattie got letter with details of
her fathers death. Several salesman now going Inside over
U. S. RR
February 11, 1922 Snow squalls, biz good.
Yesterdays train went through today, had car with Tanana Valley
flour for Anchorage. Sold Wilmoth Co. $56 order on account
of Miller’s outfit. Mattie went to Anchorage due to
teeth trouble and to take in Elk Ball?
February 12, 1922 Snowed 6” last night.
All the young folks went on skiing party down to Shorty’s Ranch.
Got phone from Ma, had x-ray of face nothing done yet.
February 13, 1922 Got $100 on Hughes account.
One order for McKinley Park one for W. Creek Mines. Ma
in Anchorage got her face fixed OK. Hughes team in from
28, through hauling for Gold Mint Stanley the cook.
February 14, 1922 Ellexson and wife in from
Knik. Mrs. E went to Anchorage with live chickens.
Lander back from Knik, roads heavy. Mattie back from Anchorage
got teeth fixed, 1 out. Elks from Fairbanks on train for
Anchorage.
February 15, 1922 Natives in from Knik
going to Old Knik for Potlatch. Lander relaying freight
from Moffit’s to Wasilla. Zero last night wind coming up
tonight. Got wire for ton spuds from Healy.
February 16, 1922 Sold ton spuds at Healy,
no profit. Section Foreman rebuilt loading platforms
at track warehouse knocked down by snow plow. Nelson making
ready to go to Cache Creek to mine placer. Monroe got a
moose, Indian Jim shot it for him.
February 17, 1922 Four teams through today.
Ellexson in for his wife. Got 2 orders. Cottonwood
Creek overflowing making good skating. Hughes team hauling
lumber for 31½ Inn. Drummers thick as bees.
February 18, 1922 Sold Wilmoth Co. $46 order.
Put up Sam Stove order. Nick Kane murking around Wasilla
again. Olmsted and wife in from 32, hired out to Gold Mint
Co. Dance at Fairview, Stanley attended.
February 19, 1922 Skating now the sport on
Cottonwood Creek. Lander through hauling lumber from
Knik. Hartman fixing up Fishhook Inn. Finished staining
shelves on south side of balcony.
February 20, 1922 Blue Bird Mining Company
in for supplies. Lander started to haul to mountain home.
George took Hughes 4 teams to ranch through with Gold Mint hauling.
Fern manager in.
February 21, 1922 Knik Natives back from
Potlatch at Eklutna. Hans returned from GB haulage with
Hughes 4 team. Mine Alec in from Knik. Got order
from Nenana.
February 22, 1922 Opened up o-alls and
some groceries. Got order from Coal Co. at Healy.
Larson’s girl hurt her ankle skiing down hill making 3rd accident
for winter. Posted Primary Election notices.
February 23, 1922 Ellexson in from Knik
sold his dog team. Fosket and Johnson in to trade.
Natives still here helping Jim get his moose meat. Got
orders ready for Lignite and Fairbanks.
February 24, 1922 Got 2 orders from Willow.
Mrs. McNeil arrived to visit at Knik. Mary Vail arrived
with 2nd new husband from States. Several are talking of
boats for Wasilla Lake on account of summer tourists.
February 25, 1922 Gus and Otto went to Knik
for windows doors and house logs. “Lizzie” star boarder
at Hotel Wasilla. Bill Swanson gone to Knik Flats to catch
rats. Wilmoth wants to get up another show White Mule talk.
February 26, 1922 Young folks on skis and skating.
Worked on income tax. Cleaned front store windows.
Old Tom in from ranch. Wilmoth Co. feeling good?
February 27, 1922 Lander in from mountain
house. Stanley got first cold of winter, left off coat
warm days. Shave and go to bed.
February 28, 1922 Three trains today.
Sam Stove and partner down from Montana and A. W. Hall from
coal camp for summer supplies. Small trade all day.
Mullen in for grub and coal. Hughes team in to haul again for
Gold Mint
March 1, 1922 Picked 1 order for Montana Creek.
Hughes team took out load lumber etc. for Hartman at Fishhook
Inn. Lander in for freight. O. C. Miller ready to drill
for oil.
March 2, 1922 Biz good put up $280 order
for A. W. Hall. Gus and Otto back from Knik. Dick Lander
and Hatcher in from 32, snowing.
March 3, 1922 No trains today, blocked
at Seward end and Broad Pass due to late snow fall. Stove
and Erickson got away on late freight train going north, no train
south. Hall still in town. Bought Shorty’s horse for
Mullen.
March 4, 1922 Got income tax completed, had
no surplus on account of excessive high freight rates.
MLD Club tonight me no go.
March 5, 1922 Squally weather, quiet
in town. Paddy Marion in from Fern Mine reported they
opened up good ore. Got wire for ton spuds and orders from
Nancy. No trains till Tuesday, last train February 28th.
March 7, 1922 Trains today from north and south
after weeks delay. Got Victoria mail and freight.
Big Mary left town for Chickaloon, plenty mad at Wasilla and
K. T. Co. Otto went to Anchorage
March 8, 1922 Put up $115 order for E. B. Sparling
going to Kantishna Dist. Bought 2 tons spuds off Stern.
Got orders from Houston and Willow, snowing again. A. E.
Com. trying to sell to merchants.
March 9, 1922 Gus drove tandem to Knik for
lumber logs etc. Hughes in with team to haul cables etc.
for Hatcher.
March 10, 1922 Train north 6 hours late, brought
no freight. Got 1 order from Eska. Got off order to come
on first boat to Anchorage. Stanley went to Nancy to visit
Madson’s. Shorty out with motor sled went OK.
March 11, 1922 Freight train brought
Watson freight, got groceries, meat, etc. Opened up St.
Paul dry goods and marked same. Mattie put up Eska order, snowing
again, three feet on the level.
March 12, 1922 Hughes loaded up Hatcher’s cables.
Cleaned north store window and display counter. Ten car
train coal from Healy went through to Anchorage. Clear and
colder, Mattie not feeling good.
March 13, 1922 Windy. Got inquiry on
our prices from Healy folks. Trusty in from 31.
March 14, 1922 Wind abating, north train
4 hours late. Stanley home from Nancy. Hartman
in from remodeling 31½ Inn. Old Charley went to
Anchorage. Otto back from Anchorage. Got 5 sacks mail.
March 15, 1922 McClinton and young Sostad went
to mines. Paddy Marion and Big Nose went out for McClinton.
Paddy Hogan in from Lucky Shot Mine.
March 16, 1922 Biz slow due to wind,
everybody in his hole. Indian Jim chased a moose over
to Susitna River and back to Three Mile Lake near Knik, no ketchum.
March 17, 1922 Wind died out. St.
Patrick biz good. Lawrence in for supplies. Mullen
the freighter in. Dance on at the Hall tonight. The
White Mule chasing St. Patrick, Ma and Dad didn’t go.
Brassel Bros. in from Willow. Ulsh in for GB Mine Frank Doherty
in Chickaloon. Dan England back from Sitka.
March 18, 1922 Nice warm wind all day.
Got order from Brassel Bros. for their trap line. Put
up small order for Ed Mullen. Ulsh walked to Junction to
catch train to Anchorage. Stanley filled furnace coal bin.
March 19, 1922 Quiet in town. Put
up hunting grub order for Brassel Bros. Shorty out with
his sled motor. Bogard in with spuds for GB Mines, was all
day coming 7 miles on account of snow drifts.
March 20, 1922 Bogard in with more spuds
for GB. Frank Doherty got grub for his ranch.
March 21, 1922 Hughes in on saddle horse due
to drifts on road. Stump in with 10 pair snowshoes.
Road Com. shipping out gasoline.
March 22, 1922 O. C. Miller back from
his oil mine brought in sample copper ore “no oil”. Wagner
and Vail repairing depot platform broken by snow plow, evening
still blowing.
March 23, 1922 Patzack down from Houston.
Moffat in with pack sack roads blocked with snow drifts.
March 24, 1922 Trains on time no Outside mail.
Victoria due today. Gus landed first load of his building
materials from Knik. Heinie Snider on for chicken dinner.
March 25, 1922 Biz fair, -10. Herman
in from Fish Lake. Put up 3 orders for Knik. Rufe
got a moose. Albert Bodin proved up. Otto building
cabin.
March 26, 1922 A dozen young people attended
chicken dinner given by Heinie Snider at Pittman.
March 27, 1922 Snow going fast in Wasilla.
Gus went to Knik, took freight for Ellexson and Rathjan.
Wrote inspector in charge Spokane Washington about shoes lost
in-mail March 12, 1921.
March 28, 1922 Gus back from Knik brought back
$86.50 cash for merchandise. Got freight and mail off
Victoria. Received 2nd letter from father written by himself,
still talking of deeding property.
March 29, 1922 Quiet in town, snow gone on
Wasilla Avenue. Cabled for wire for Herman Gronwaldt
account of his martin corral. Boys playing quits.
Got word from D. C. about lost shoes claim allowed.
March 30, 1922 Made out candy and hardware
order. Got small order for Gold Creek. Lander in from
mountain home. Stanley got stomach trouble.
March 31, 1922 Government wages to be cut tomorrow.
Train crews talking of striking? Lander moving last of
his freight out of Wasilla. Gus moving Knik barber shop to
Wasilla.
April 1, 1922 Chas Ulanky in from Knik for
supplies. Schoolmarm took trip out with Lander to mountain
home.
April 2, 1922 Put aluminum set asst.
in show window. Stanley packed 3 boxes grub for my placer
mine. Tom Williams reported not well.
April 3, 1922 Arnold Edlund through at
coal mine. Brassel Bros. at Thorpe’s place. Stanley
got grub ready for trip to Grubstake Placer Mine. Gus
installing pump in Fred’s well. Paid 1922 life insurance.
April 4, 1922 Stanley with Nicoli left for
Grubstake Placer via Houston. Got second class mail only.
SS Watson arrived at Anchorage Sunday 1st boat of spring.
April 5, 1922 Cleaned snow out of garage
barn and cellar window pits. Stanley left Houston for
Grubstake Placer mine via Bullion Road. Oak Olson and Chamberlain
visited over phone.
April 6, 1922 About 2” new snow this
morning. Herman Hughes back from coal mines, located homestead.
Stanley at Grubstake Placer Mine looking after pipeline etc.
April 7, 1922 Got Watson freight left at Anchorage
on the 2nd , some RR service? Spot reported at
Matanuska chewed up badly by dogs. Stanley at Grubstake.
Pete Johnson through with GB haulage.
April 8, 1922 Unloaded car freight seeds, forage
and groceries. Hughes in, no money, offered ranch for
$1,500. Pete Johnson drove his 4 to Junction. Dance at Fairview
for Rosie.
April 9, 1922 Weather cloudy, +40. Billed
out 2 orders of seeds to Matanuska. Section foreman from
Houston down.
April 10, 1922 A. E. Com. bought Kelly
Co. lumber. School election: treasurer W. A. Harman,
director O. C. Miller, clerk Mrs. Trix.
April 11, 1922 Mrs. Ellexson in from
Knik for mail and supplies. Henry Dohrman here from Anchorage.
Jno Chamberlain visited on way north. Stanley and Nicoli
back from placer mine, place not disturbed. GB help
sent $150 to help Tom Williams, sick.
April 12, 1922 Spot at door this morning after
being gone a week, his neck was full of holes and all in all
due to going “sparking”. Gus hauling for Gold Mint Mine.
Trix got word to begin road work.
April 13, 1922 Biz good got $200 order
from Talkeetna Mine. Lander in for freight, Henry
Dohrman left for Anchorage via Junction. Road Com. started
to work on Knik Road. Mrs. “Turkey” visited to reel off.
Spot nursing his wounds from sparking.
April 14, 1922 Lander hauled out grub for Consolidated
Mine. Mr. Berg here from Anchorage. Anton Eide
in town about Road Com. work. Got mail off Alameda at Seward.
Quoits the pastime in Wasilla.
April 15, 1922 O. C. Miller installing
front in Tom Cavanaugh’s new building. MLD Club
at town hall. Fosket in for his seed grain. Snow going
slow freezing hard nights.
April 16, 1922 Easter Sunday temperature
40, quiet in town. Game of Quoits on. Ed Mullen
in through hauling for Talkeetna Mine. Spot gone again.
April 17, 1922 Snow squalls all day, winter
again. Ed Mullen moved back to his ranch. Spot back
PM. Nick Kane in town. Chris Fleck went to work for
Road Com. “Snow balls” for supper at Wilmoth Co.
April 18, 1922 North train 5 hours late.
Mrs. Forker arrived from Inside. Stanley went to Anchorage
about teeth. Mrs. Hatcher arrived. Sledding still
good out of Wasilla. Albert down to trade.
April 19, 1922 Hughes in for grub.
Lander took out 2 tons supplies for mines above 32. Miller
finished Old Tom’s front on account of pool room. Road Com.
opened camp at mile 12.
April 20, 1922 Mrs. Hatcher on the market for
Gold Mint Mining Co. Had Mrs. Forker at dinner. Eggs
down to 45¢ dozen retail.
April 21, 1922 Dan Sutherland Alaska
Representative passed through in route to Fairbanks.
Bill Long in from Knik. England and Lawrence here to work
for Road Com. Judy Greene visited. Stanley back from
Anchorage
April 22, 1922 Trusty started work on Road
Com. Cats and trucks moved into Aureen’s house. Gus hauling
lumber for Gold Mint New snow about gone in Wasilla.
Real summer here last April at this time.
April 23, 1922 Good sledding yet Wasilla to
mines. Got some of the Ball brand of goods on new shelves
in balcony. Party at Fleckenstein’s.
April 24, 1922 “Otto and Nellie” had
a tilt over who should get the wood. Sold a plow.
April 25, 1922 Western Dry Goods man visited.
Election day. GB sent big team down from Houston for care
by Stanley. Bogard in with 2nd load of pork. Dan Sutherland
got all Wasilla votes but 2.
April 26, 1922 Got 5 orders to put up
for Fridays train. Started to get auto truck ready for
summer haulage. Frank Forker here visiting his mother.
Reported Wilmoth and Old Tom fell out on building deal etc.
April 27, 1922 Cottonwood Creek open.
Cleaned up one wheel on auto repainting.
April 28, 1922 Got Watson mail but no freight.
First Seattle mining outfit arrived. Tom Babcock to
open Mabel Mine for Martin and Bartholf. A. E. Com. removing
Kelly lumber.
April 29, 1922 Cloudy and windy.
Stanley hauled 80 cases oil with GB team to garage. Big
Nose in with Consolidated team. MLD dance on at
school house.
April 30, 1922 Stanley and Bill went
to Palmer’s Slough for geese, home 10 PM, no goose. Wilmoth
failed to appear to play challenging game of Quoits, crowd made
big noise and had some fun.
May 1, 1922 A. E. Com. finished loading
Kelly lumber. Sliver back from L. S. Roadhouse. Trix out
with his truck, snow roads breaking up going bad.
May 2, 1922 No train from south due to mud
slides. Kelly lumber moved to Anchorage. Roads
breaking up. Mrs. Hatcher slated to address the MLD.
Ellen and Etta had a tongue scrap. Good fishing in Cottonwood.
May 3, 1922 Groceries and hardware off last
Watson arrived last night. Russell snow plow went
south. Joe Palmer in town. Budd went to Anchorage.
May 4, 1922 Stanley painted
front of garage. Marked new goods. Lander in for
freight
May 5, 1922 Sold outfits to two of competitors
customers as we have the goods. Got Alameda mail.
Barns and McDonald arrived from States to work at mines.
Several new people arrived.
May 6, 1922 First big spring rain. Gus
hauling to 25. Lander from 25 to mines with double enders
for Consolidated, Fern and Mabel Mines. Trusty drove to
ridge summit with auto truck Mrs. H. speaking at MLD Club
tonight.
May 7, 1922 A bunch Wasilla young people went
to Matanuska and visited at government farm. Bailey and
Wade up from Junction to trade. Gus hauling nights to mile
25.
May 8, 1922 Babcock and Mabel outfit
left for Mabel Mine on buckboard. Cleaning up auto truck,
ready to repaint body aft. Trout fishing on in Cottonwood Creek
Ma got the toothache. O. C. Miller in from his mine at 29.
May 9, 1922 Quite a few arrived for Willow
Creek Dist. Budd back from Anchorage with men for mine.
Patsy Hogan here about mines. Bert Farris here from Junction.
North train 5 hours late. Off payroll, “Truckee” on fire.
Earl in Nellie went out to 31½.
May 10, 1922 Worked some on auto truck.
Road Com. got road cleaned to mile 11. Knik Road ready
for the grader. Hartman out with his auto truck, 1st time this
spring. Trout fishing in order. Budd went to mines via
31½.
May 11, 1922 Farmers now plowing and planting,
late season. Snow just off road to mile 25. Reinsulated
muffler on auto truck, turned her over and she worked OK.
Mattie got another bad tooth.
May 12, 1922 More like summer. Got Watson
mail but no freight. Consolidated buyer in for supplies.
Ed Mullen in for material for his new barn on ranch. Answered
Clara and fathers letters. Albert down from Nancy for weekend.
May 13, 1922 Stanley and Albert painted iron
on store warehouse. Gooding over from Finger Lake.
Miller went out to his quartz at mile 29.
May 14, 1922 Worked on car all day now
ready to paint. Young people went up to Chief Wasilla
cabin to fish. First fishing party up from Anchorage came
on old Seward gas car.
May 15, 1922 Lander in for freight. Ad
up to sell Wasilla lots. Painted front rear of auto truck.
Self having trouble with teeth. Bogard in to trade.
May 16, 1922 Got 3 more orders from north,
got 3 ton flour and oats. Albert returned to Nancy.
Hartman made first trip to mile 28 with auto truck. Received
letter from Clara fathers condition bad.
May 17, 1922 Quiet in town. Painted rear
of auto truck. Otto got his cabin about ready to move
in. Miller in for grub for ranch.
May 18, 1922 Road Com. took Lawrence to mile
28 to clean snow and roots out of Canyon Road. Finished
painting auto truck. Cannon laid up with sprained leg.
May 19, 1922 Ice went out Lucille Lake last
night 12 days later than last year. Bartholf bunch billed
out of Seattle for Wasilla. T and T removed tripod and phone
wires to Hotel Wasilla. Self had a chill last night.
May 20, 1922 Put re-liners in old tire
casings car about ready for hike. Brannon here.
Last meeting of MLD, all to take auto ride to mile 28 Sunday.
C. H. Wilson out from Knik.
May 21, 1922 MLD “kids” went out to mile
28 for picnic. Worked on auto about all day, evening
took her out for a trial went up hill on high and 2nd OK.
May 22, 1922 Stanley and self with auto
truck hauled out 2 loads tin cans, winters collection.
Ulsh in with 25 lb. brick gold. Mullen in for grub T and
T for clothing.
May 23, 1922 Stanley went to Anchorage
for GB Mines with 25 lb. brick. Otto went to Anchorage,
hauled load freight track warehouse to store then drove out on
road as far as Hans homestead. Hartman made 31½ with
car.
May 24, 1922 First real summer day. PM
visited on Cannon just planting his spuds. Metz in for supplies.
ARC made 1st trip to 32 with car.
May 25, 1922 Gus busy plowing and planting
for farmers. George Zink building a boat.
May 26, 1922 Stanley back from trip to Anchorage
for GB. Albert down from Nancy account of going to Grubstake
with Stanley. Otto back from Anchorage. W. E. Bartholf
and Tom Cavney arrived to take charge of Mabel Mine. Got
good order from Gold Creek. Got ½ car groceries etc.
Railroad survey car here.
May 27, 1922 Bartholf and Cavney left for Mabel
Mine. Stanley and Albert left for Grubstake to do assessment.
Anton Eide here inspecting road work. Big fire southeast
of town. Lander and Neimann married at Anchorage
May 28, 1922 Drove car out to 19, roads dry
but rough need smoothing up. Self and frau walked down
to Wasilla Lake, road suitable now for auto.
May 29, 1922 Put up order for Gold Creek
and one for Nancy. Got phone from B. S. Bartholf
in Anchorage asking about grub for mines. Wilmoth Co. herding
the turkeys.
May 30, 1922 Decoration Day. Biz
rushing put up 2 orders for Rae - Walker M. Co. B. S.
Bartholf, Chas Chester and Ralf arrived to prospect in the Willow
Creek Dist. Drove car down to Stern’s place on Wasilla -
Palmer Road. Stanley over to 32 for supplies etc.
May 31, 1922 Another quake at 6 AM.
Road Com. tried to go to mile 12 with truck got suck in
mud near Doherty’s. Bogard brought Sam Kelly back to town.
Got letter from Stanley at mines.
June 1, 1922 ARC set up camp in Wasilla
for grading gang on Knik Road. Several loafers wait to
work on road. Got box grub etc. ready to sent to Stanley at
mines.
June 2, 1922 Got mail off Evans, no freight
came up. I. V. Miller and H. A. Brown of Palmer came to
work on road. Got $100 order from Susitna Dist. from Jno. Gray.
Coast Survey moved to Willow.
June 3, 1922 Road Com. started to gravel bad
spots on road north of town. Lidell and Anderson arrived
with 2 pack horses to prospect on Willow Creek Dist.
Gus took dance party over to Forest Hall. Drove car out to 19
for airing.
June 4, 1922 Put up $65 order for Lidell and
Anderson. PM did some repair work on car, drove
out to Ed Mullen’s ranch for sack spuds, Mrs. Fenton went along,
hundreds of rabbits on road.
June 5, 1922 A-1 hot day +80. Lidell
and Anderson lost their horse went to Junction Flats.
ARC started pulling stumps on Knik Road. visited on
Frank Cannon. Survey boys here.
June 6, 1922 A-1 warm day +80. Received
Evans freight. Cannon went to Seward for court.
Harvey Bartholf arrived to work for Gold Mint M. Co. Drove
Miller out to mile 28 road rough in areas.
June 7, 1922 Mattie did the eggs. ARC “Trusty”
started to pull stumps with Cat. Wilmoth back from Anchorage.
Geodetic Survey Party working around Wasilla.
June 8, 1922 Put up $300 order for Rainbow
Mining Co. Got John Gray’s order ready to ship to Fish
Creek via Anchorage. Eddie still nursing his boils.
June 9, 1922 Several boys went out to
GB Mine. Letter from Stanley said snow was half off to
Fishhook Pass. No horses over the top yet. Drove car
down to McArdle’s for spuds.
June 10, 1922 Trix sent Cat and grader to grade
road across Matanuska Flats. Palmer bridge reported washing
out. Marked up new hardware and got Rainbow M. Co. goods
weighed for shipment.
June 11, 1922 Quiet in town. PM
drove car down to Metz ranch on Wasilla - Palmer Road.
Boys back from mines no work till July 1st. Mrs. Hatcher
left for Gold Mint Mine.
June 12, 1922 Put up additional order for Rainbow
M. Co. Trusty up from Junction for repairs for Caterpillar.
One order for Eska.
June 13, 1922 Got Watson mail, no freight.
Tom Cavney in for more grub. Reported Mabel Mine sold
to Consolidated M. Co. Sold Wilmoth Co. $45 worth of groceries.
Got letter from Clara. Hauled upload freight warehouse to
store.
June 14, 1922 B. S. Bartholf left for
mines with ton grub etc. Put up order for Stanley at Grubstake
Placer. Self and Mattie drove car out to mountain home to
see about freight over summit. Henry Dohrman collecting school
tax here.
June 15, 1922 ARC moved camp from mile 8 back
to mile 12. Road slashed out to mile 7 from Wasilla.
Elder arrived from Cottonwood reported Fred Brassel fell dead
while fixing on his boat, went to mines for Joe.
June 16, 1922 Wilson engineer for Rae - Wallace
Co. arrived. Got 6 tons feed and groceries. Busy
evening marking new goods. Got car ready for trip to mines.
June 17, 1922 Wasilla to Grubstake Placer.
Left 6:15 arrived at mines 2 PM, had to mush over from 32,
found boys OK. Looked over pipeline and ditches.
Ma storekeeper.
June 18, 1922 At mines. Reverted
flume on pipe and connected line up across creek. Repaired
2 weak places in pipeline ground sluice. On Bear Group bench.
Cut Stanley’s hair.
June 19, 1922 At mines. Resent
#2 giant for ditch work, turned on water in pipeline ground
frozen under moss. Got through 5 PM, mushed over
to 32 came in with car home 10:45.
June 20, 1922 Train day, biz rushing
as usual. Dr. McCallie arrived to do dental work.
“Black’s” man here. Chas Isaac and wife here on vacation.
Mrs. Horning and kids left for Fairbanks.
June 21, 1922 Owing to crown, Dr. McCallie
could not fix my tooth here, did some work for others.
Drove car down to Wasilla Lake looking for spuds, doctor went
along. Zink went to B. D. Mine.
June 22, 1922 Dr. McCallie plugging teeth.
Lawrence helping Mullen on his new barn. Rich, Black
Bear man, left for Anchorage
June 23, 1922 Dr. McCallie and Capt. Gaikema
left for Anchorage. Road Com. grading street from railroad
south. Wilson and Sostad went to Anchorage. Cannon back
from court grand jury.
June 24, 1922 Bill Hughes paid up his
back bill. Road graded to Cannon’s hill. Adjusted
starting gear on car. Gooding went home. Harrison
clearing his lot next to Tom’s.
June 25, 1922 Mattie and self drove car out
to 32 to see Stanley, made it out in 2 hours, Joe Brassel went
along. Stanley and Albert went back to mines. Stayed
at Martin’s cabin 1 hour due to rain, home 5:30. Sold
$25 merchandise Fishing party from Anchorage.
June 26, 1922 First good rain came last
night. Reported $5,000 appropriated for Wasilla - Palmer Road
to complete road at the Palmer end. Knik Road now graded to
Doherty’s place.
June 27, 1922 Biz rushing. Budd
in from W. C. Mines left an order. Coast Survey boys here,
Eddie took them out to mile 17 to build 50’ tower. Booze in
evidence, one drunk in town. Harrison went out to pack for GB.
June 28, 1922 Unloaded balance of car
freight. Gave Guyot future order from canned goods and
dried fruit. Drove Sam over Wasilla - Palmer Road to railroad,
took sugar etc. for Metz.
June 29, 1922 Eddie doing hauling for Coast
Survey, gone to Government Creek Peak to get observation. Two
Matanuska ranchers over to trade, bought 10 sacks spuds off Dave
Reedy.
June 30, 1922 Mt. McKinley Park train, 7 passenger
cars went through. Lander back from Seward. Rufe
through on Section.
July 1, 1922 Put up one order for Eska.
Busy with accts., collected $200. Got car ready for trip to Willow
Creek. Store closed 2nd 3rd and 4th. Midnight nine
men arrived on gas car going fishing. Fred Nelson down from
Cache Creek
July 2, 1922 Got up 4:30 left 6 AM for
mines, Mattie went along, drove car to mountain home.
Rode horses over the hump. Arrived Grubstake Placer at
1 PM, boys had out their washing. PM run the giant.
July 3, 1922 At Grubstake, Ma the cook.
Repaired 2 leaks in pipeline. Took levels on bench ditch
and ran giant. Ma cleaned up the kitchen, raining.
July 4, 1922 All the Herning family at
mines. Rained hard all AM. Put sluice box in for
ground sluice on Bear Claim bench and reset giant. Too wet
to go back to 32 so decided to leave 3 AM Wednesday.
July 5, 1922 Got up 3 AM, raining hard so did
not leave until 10:30. Arrived at 32 at 1 PM, Lander
gave us nice dinner. Had to put chains on car. Left
mountain home 2:15, arrived at Wasilla 4:45. Opened store
evening, sold $30 merchandise and collected $350 monthly accts.
July 6, 1922 Eddie working flash signals for
Coast Survey Party. Mr. Rogers, Outlook correspondent,
here. Knik Road ready to grade to mile 12. Old Andrew
in town. Mrs. Hatcher’s brother here on a visit.
July 7, 1922 Biz good rushed all day
got several phone orders. Mr. Grier visited. Sam
Kelly left for Healy as watchman for A. E. Com. Mabel and
Gold Cord holding stockholders meeting in Anchorage.
Otto left for Little Willow to prospect. Joe Conroy up form
Anchorage
July 8, 1922 Hartman making 2 trips per day
to mines. Trusty fixing up the Kelly Ford car. Eddie
running on one flat tire. Farmers making hay. “Bingo”.
July 9, 1922 Busy all evening making
out school treasurers report and balanced books for store.
License 1922 and 1923. Annual gross sales were $37,196.35.
Big Nose in for a load for Consolidated Mine.
July 10, 1922 First passenger through
train north today making run from Seward to Fairbanks without
stop over at night at Anchorage, Deadhorse, etc. Joe Conroy
back from mines. Drumhiller at mines. Moyer and family
here to fish.
July 11, 1922 Judge Conway banker, Moyer’s
and family, Bailes etc. left PM train for Anchorage. George
Stiller out from Knik to work on road. got out-mail.
Fickinger arrived.
July 12, 1922 Got freight from last 2
boats. Eight days from Anchorage to Wasilla, some service?
Drumhiller and Templeton’s left for Anchorage and States. Hauled
2 tons to store from car. Ordered Bailey a Remington shotgun.
July 13, 1922 Bartholf, Cavney, Horning, Garver,
McCarthy and several arrived from Anchorage hauled
up 50 cases coal oil Frank Forker helped.
July 14, 1922 Coast Survey boys placed an order.
Tom Cavney back from Mabel Mine. Fickinger left for Anchorage.
Laubner Sr.’s brother here. Oscar Anderson through at
mines.
July 15, 1922 Heavy rain all day.
Got several small orders from Coast Survey boys each eat themselves.
Trusty at Anchorage fixing ARC Cat. Tom Cavney left for Anchorage
and Seattle. Marked up Carhart overalls and coats.
Sent Outside mail by Tom Cavney.
July 16, 1922 PM worked on car taking up bearings
etc. Was going out to mines rain cancelled trip.
July 17, 1922 Rain all day. Coast Survey
Party left for Bald Mt. No trains today. Track
blocked by mud slides. Ground soaked now evening clearing.
Mountain peaks white with snow.
July 18, 1922 Left 3 PM for mines arrived 10
PM. Boys were up to road camp, caught them at Boulder.
Jess Garver was camped at old camp ground above Boulder, moved
down to our place due to brown bears. Frost last night at
Grubstake.
July 19, 1922 At Grubstake, helped boys
take down pipeline for ditch work. Cold rain PM left
3:15 for Wasilla, rode over 32. Ate lunch with Lander left
with car for Wasilla. Eddie’s car dead at 31½.
Road blocked hauled him out road arrived in town 10 PM.
July 20, 1922 Horning family and Chas
Bartholf up from Anchorage to open Mabel Mine, got their order.
July 21, 1922 Biz good put up $116 order
for Mabel Mine. Took freight over for east train.
Had Miller make new pair chains for car. Drove out to
12 mile on new road. Mattie pulled moss and grass to get
up hill, lost chain.
July 22, 1922 Perfect day. Biz
fair got 3 orders from Curry, 1 from Canyon and 1 from Montana
Creek. South train late. PM accident at mile 277½,
bridge went down 1 engineer killed. Dance at Government Farm.
Eddie took 8 to dance.
July 23, 1922 Had Miller help me install
force pump in kitchen. Got out hardware ordered and billed
out 4 orders north. Very warm today. Lander in from
mountain home.
July 24, 1922 Got out-mail on account of going
to the mines tomorrow. Eddie quit Coast Survey light
job, Sherrell got the job. Eddie got job to open creek
at Wasilla cabin. Plenty of strawberries.
July 25, 1922 Got up at 6 AM hauled freight
to depot and freight to store. Left 10:30 with car, Zink
went along. Arrived at RH 12:30. Took car up mountain
to mile 34, time ¾ hour. Dry trip over to the mines.
July 26, 1922 At Grubstake. Took
down pipeline over creek and removed #9 gate. Piled up
loose pipe etc. Closed up camp with boys, left 2:30.
Rain, made run old GB Cache to town in 2½ hours. Mattie
rushed in store. Stanley home from mines.
July 27, 1922 Unloaded ½ car freight.
G. B. Thompson arrived. Budd in for grub. Frank
Chase bought outfit. Paid Albert for assisting work at
Grubstake 1921 and 1922. Plenty of strawberries.
Albert returned to Nancy.
July 28, 1922 Salmon running. Wilson
made 2 trips to 31½, bought Wasilla eggs at 55¢
dozen. Had good bank deposit $1,239.09. Toad Antone
here on road inspection.
July 29, 1922 Salmon run on in quantities,
also strawberries. Rancher Reedy left for States.
Everybody gathering in the salmon.
July 30, 1922 Rain, rain, rain, my birthday.
Harman and Watson up from Junction, bought $50 clothing.
ARC through on Knik road, graded 4 miles out of Wasilla toward
Knik. Berry excursion up from Anchorage. Airplane
man here looking for place to light. Gus team in for pipe
for Kelly Mine.
July 31, 1922 Got Outside mail. Hartman
got 2 passenger loads off train. Stanley took kids
out to see light of Coast and Geodetic Survey tower at mile 17.
Got Talkeetna order.
August 1, 1922 Sold Wilmoth Co. three orders.
Bogard in for forage. Twelve Mile road camp moved to Archangel
in mountains.
August 2, 1922 Coast Survey packer in from
Bald Mt., went down to Cottonwood Creek got a salmon. Called
on Frank Cannon.
August 3, 1922 Got Watson freight. Stanley
and self hauled 3 truck loads to store got groceries hardware
and winter clothing. Strawberries at their best.
Salmon poor this season. Ice cream party at Fleck’s in honor
of Coast and Geodetic Survey.
August 4, 1922 Coast and Geodetic Survey had
Hartman move their gear to 31½ then by pack train to
Little Willow. Busy on accts. and Outside mail, opened
up Black’s winter clothing. Paid Stanley as 1921 and 1922
assistant.
August 5, 1922 Stanley went to Anchorage to
have teeth cared for. Drove car over to Wagner’s for strawberries.
August 6, 1922 Quiet in town. Lander
in town. Stanley at Anchorage Mattie cleaned up
balcony and put goods on new shelves. PM oiled store floor.
Drove to Johnson and Stern’s ranch for strawberries. Mattie
run car over windfall.
August 7, 1922 Train north 5 hours late, post
office closed. Miller’s berry girl arrived from Anchorage.
Chief Dyke now operating mile 17 light for Coast and Geodetic
Survey. Sent Sam 17 quarts strawberries at Healy.
August 8, 1922 Rae paid up old account. Drove
car to end of graded road Wasilla to Knik. Johnson in for
dinky order for Rae - Wallace Mine. Rae in from mines.
Father gone to hospital again.
August 9, 1922 Party at Nenana wanted our prices.
Got 60 cases milk and 10 cases Alaska red salmon. Tryck
got another Government Dodge truck. Hubbell left for Anchorage.
Nick Brake went to Anchorage.
August 10, 1922 Indians with their salmon
catch, left for Chickaloon. Stanley back from Anchorage
dental work etc. Johnson hauling freight for Rae - Wallace
with Kelly’s Tin Lizzie. Mrs. Kieffur down from Eska to trade.
August 11. 1922 Eddie took Coast boys and outfit
out to 31½. Stanley’s face swelled from dental work.
Raspberries ripe. Strawberries about gone.
August 12, 1922 Sent order for “BB” packs,
boots etc. PM hauled milk and salmon from track warehouse to
store. Now selling Wasilla eggs for 60¢ a dozen.
August 13, 1922 Quiet in town. Drove
up to Doherty’s ranch at mile 4. Miles renumbered from
Wasilla. Mile 31½ is now 15½.
August 14, 1922 Ralph Smith M. E. next to Brooks
arrived to give Willow Creek Dist. the once over. Stanley
using Shorty’s “Indian”. Got bid for merchandise from Chickaloon.
August 15, 1922 Harrison in from GB to put
up wild berries, bought 100 lb. brown sugar, 50 lb. cracked
corn and case coal oil? Had Miller help to take down furnace,
put in outside cold air connections etc. Preacher in town.
Trusty went to Anchorage.
August 16, 1922 Worked on furnace all day ready
to joint up. Moved register to center store. Special
car with Col. Richardson here went out to inspect ARC road visit
cost government $200
August 17, 1922 Miller finished work on furnace.
Got invoices of goods on Evans. Jimmie the Goat made
rough house at Wilmoth Co. nobody hurt, full of White
Mule. Answered Clara’s and father’s letters. Milo
Kelly arrived.
August 18, 1922 Drove car down to Stern’s for
strawberries, no more, went on to Metz ranch delivered case
milk. New spuds on Wasilla market.
August 19, 1922 Horning in from mines.
Put up order for Mabel Mine. Got Evans freight six days
from Anchorage. Got guns and ammunition, butter, eggs and canned
fruits. Eddie got his tires. Byron Wilson back from
Ohio Creek.
August 20, 1922 AM run air line from furnace
under side walk. Oiled up drip pans, varnished balance
of balcony shelves. Now ready for goods. Opened up
Portland dry goods etc.
August 21, 1922 Al Hardy with 3 women in pants
arrived to fish and take in Willow Creek Mines. Old Sam
Peters in from Willow Creek Mines. Ma gave concert
on phonograph.
August 22, 1922 Stanley took Horning’s to Black
Ranch with Cannon’s old mare. Horning returned to Mabel
Mine. Jim Teck arrived.
August 23, 1922 Jim Teck back from mines, now
going into Taslina Lake Dist. to hunt up oil he saw 15 years
ago. Repacked grease in differential and transmission.
Rained all PM.
August 24, 1922 Got 5 quarts strawberries from
Stern’s, last of berries. Mehern and Hill’s man visited
been Inside. Visited on Cannon with auto car and Stanley
with “Indian”. Geodetic Survey packer in.
August 25, 1922 Got 1 new account from Eska
$75 order. Busy around store all day cleaned up last of
old spuds and played the phonograph.
August 26, 1922 Train for north 2 hours late.
PM mixed paint for painting garage and side of store.
Harrison went to Anchorage. Eddie keeping the “home fires”
burning. Nick Kane in town.
August 27, 1922 Started to paint the railroad
side of store. Gang went out to Al Crocker’s Ranch for blueberries.
They were like the strap on Cohen’s pants it wasn’t there.
August 28, 1922 Survey boys in for more
grub. Got big mail off Northwestern. A lot of goods
at Anchorage waiting for delivery. Coal strike over, railroad
strike still on. Got letter from Clara, father back home
from Rochester hospital.
August 29, 1922 Put up a lot of dinky orders
for Coast Survey boys. Sherrell in from Fish Creek, through
with that light observation. Eddie had to overhaul his
engine, cleaned up garage and store warehouse.
August 30, 1922 PM got car of general freight,
6 days from Anchorage? Marshal gave C. R. Harrison free ride
to Anchorage with still and gallon homemade hooch.
August 31, 1922 Biz good. Put 2
loads of milk in store cellar. Hauled load flooring track
warehouse to garage. Trusty back from repairing “Cats” at
Anchorage. Archangel road gang moved to Palmer Road to complete
east end.
September 1, 1922 Drove car down to Vail’s
Ranch for load wood and spuds. Got wood but no spuds.
ARC extending Wasilla - Palmer Road.
September 2, 1922 Stanley went to Anchorage
about teeth. Fosket in for merchandise. Vail shot
another bear making 4 coming into camp. Freezing a little
at night. Larson family arrived for school.
September 3, 1922 Farmers digging spuds, crop
below average. Berry pickers busy. Wired for butter
and meats.
September 4, 1922 Stanley back from Anchorage,
got his teeth mended and suit lengthened out. Wired for
transmission part for Eddie’s truck. New schoolmarm arrived.
Snider girl down to go to school also Larson family.
September 5, 1922 Stanley making ready
to attend Pullman College. Retouched on big store sign
PM. Lander in after Brockway cond. man going outside.
School begins.
September 6, 1922 Stanley left for Wash. State
College Pullman, Washington. Mother Mattie went along
as far as Seward Alaska. Miller began to put corrugated iron on
lower floor of track warehouse. Lander in to see about drive
pulley for Pelton Wheel.
September 7, 1922 Alameda at Anchorage.
Dunkle paid Rainbow bill for July, sore because I demanded prompt
pay on due date.
September 8, 1922 Miller finished cleaning
in lower story of track warehouse, time 18 hours. Jack
Anderson returned from summer prospecting trip.
September 9, 1922 Four men in from ARC camp,
Willow Creek Road. Fred Roscher and Reising went to ranches
to harvest spuds. Reported Eide had a stroke. Kempt went
to Anchorage.
September 10, 1922 Eddie drove me to Junction
to catch branch train to Anchorage, train 6 hours late, arrived
Anchorage took Turkish bath after midnight got four hours sleep.
Mattie at Seward.
September 11, 1922 At Anchorage up at 7:30,
went to McCallie dentist and had teeth fixed up. Invited
to Chamber luncheon for Governor Bone. Called on Chicken Lillwall.
Met Mattie on noon train and returned to Wasilla. Sales over
$200.
September 12, 1922 Got car hay, Winchester
shells, tobacco, etc., on evening train. Got Com. boys
painting depot. Painting south side of store. Sent Stanley
$100 for his music.
September 13, 1922 Got car load DC hay, put
same under track warehouse. Winchester goods arrived.
Received a lot of dinky orders on north train. Trusty and
Eddie fixing up Kelly Ford car.
September 14, 1922 Hauled load of freight
track warehouse to store. Hauled garbage cans to ridge
summit dump. Now dark at 8 o’clock.
September 15, 1922 Lawrence and Hansen
in from Willow camp to build 30’ x 50’ garage for Alaska Road
Com. Graveling on Knik Road at an end.
September 19, 1922 Finished white trimmings
on the store building. Jimmie St. Clair arrived to take
charge of Wasilla Section. John Canfield going Outside.
ARC new garage under cover. St. Clair’s visited.
September 20, 1922 Sam Guoyt here gave him
full order for groceries. Got Watson freight and letter
mail. Mail went to Nenana. Hauled 2 truck loads of
freight to store. Got order for car of hay. Stanley
wrote from Juneau.
September 21, 1922 Gave Western Dry Goods man
small order. John Canfield left on north train for vacation.
St. Clair’s remodeling the section house for occupancy. Dr.
McCallie arrived, working on Wasilla - Palmer Road at Palmer end.
Henry Dohrman in town.
September 16, 1922 Stanley supposed to arrive
Seattle today on way to Pullman College.
September 17, 1922 The Nasty 400 went grouse
hunting down Wasilla - Palmer Road. Retouched big sign
on railroad side of store. Forty Mile Miller working on
ARC new garage. Self got slight cold.
September 18, 1922 Put on part of white trimmings
on store building and tightened up iron on track warehouse.
Surveyor Hubbell arrived 3rd time about mines. Had to doctor
cold 3 AM, OK today.
September 19, 1922 Biz fair, finished white
trimmings on store building. Jimmie St. Clair arrived
to take charge of Wasilla Section. John Canfield going Outside.
ARC new garage under cover. St. Clair’s visited.
September 20, 1922 Sam Guoyt here, gave him
full order for groceries. Got Watson freight and letter
mail. Mail went to Nenana. Hauled 2 truck loads of
freight to store. Got order for car of hay. Stanley
wrote from Juneau.
September 21, 1922 Gave Western Dry Goods man
small order. John Canfield left on north train for vacation.
St. Clair’s remodeling the Section House for occupancy. Dr.
McCallie arrived account Broad Pass mining deal with Wilmoth etc.
September 22, 1922 A-1 day evening wind.
Biz rushing AM got one trapping order going to Gold Creek.
Al Crocker left for ranch to hole up for the winter. Got
car Moose Creek coal for store furnace. Dr. McCallie returned
to Anchorage via Junction.
September 23, 1922 Big wind. Biz
good. Mattie storekeeper. Got car Jonesville coal,
put 9 tons in bin PM. Budd and Thompson went to Anchorage.
Big dance on at Forest Hall, Eddie took a bunch over.
still blowing.
September 24, 1922 Third day big wind.
Quiet in town. Finished unloading car coal, had 23 auto
truck loads off 33 ton car? Unpacked new candy stock,
9 PM wind died out. Miller in from his big quartz mine.
September 25, 1922 A-1 day biz fair sales
and collections over $800. O. C. Miller treating today
on account of being 65 years old, born 1857. Shipped trapping
outfit to Gold Creek Gus in looking for hay.
September 26, 1922 Cloudy evening rain.
On books and fall orders all day. Mattie got crick in
shoulder. Got out hardware order. Lander in after
his DC hay. Gus in for forage.
September 27, 1922 Rain all day.
Biz fair got 2 orders from north 1 from mines. Lander
started to haul his hay to mountain home. Sent fall hardware
order. Fred Nelson home from Cache Creek. ARC men
through on Willow road.
September 28, 1922 Heard
from Stanley at Seattle 16th going to Pullman 17th. Received
2 letters from Clara, father very weak, having great pain and sinking
spells at times. Rae back at Wasilla, railroad job no good.
September 29, 1922 Bald Mt.
covered with snow. Had Vail excavate for 12 x 18 oil house.
One order for Eska. Bill Hughes in town, said he had coal
hauling contract for Baxter Mine. Hartman wrecked his truck
September 30, 1922 Mattie
storekeeper. Got material for oil house. Miller
put in foundation 12 x 18 ready for roof. Had Vail clean up
material in street PM. Fairview teacher arrived looked over
“dump” and then headed south. Howard Madsen arrived to attend
school.
October 1, 1922 Quiet in town.
Took in $85. Helped Miller on new oil house all ready
for roofing paper. PM Mattie went a fishing and visited
on St. Clair’s. Mattie took battery treatment for
lame shoulder. Howard homesick.
October 2, 1922 AM helped
Miller to lay roofing on new oil house, Miller’s time 3 days.
Howard Madsen started to school. Fairview teacher decided
to stay on condition that place was fixed up and suitable to live
in. Willie feeding the turkeys.
October 3, 1922 Vail finished
cleaning up street by garage. Jess Garver in from Anchorage
with outfit for his claims on Craggie Creek. Sherrell and
Monroe in from Coast Survey near Little Willow. Sent Stanley
October paycheck.
October 4, 1922 Partly cloudy.
Biz good, rushed in store all day. Got two orders from
mines and 4 on north mail. Adolph Olson of Kashwitna down
for supplies. Gus hunting for blacksmith. Fred went
to Anchorage, Tex Cobb visited. Miller told me he reported
Rae to Marshal.
October 5, 1922 Partly cloudy.
Busy all day in store, shipped 1 ton groceries north.
Got Evans mail. Howard Madsen went home to Nancy.
Sent 7 sacks vegetables to Willow Creek Mines. Mattie received
her new eyeglasses. No mail from Stanley.
October 6, 1922 Got letter
from Stanley at Pullman College, got located OK. Got
half car freight, meats, groceries, doors and windows, got it
all hauled over to store PM. Mattie still troubled with pain
in shoulder. Sent last of fall orders. Dan Southerland
here.
October 7, 1922 Herman in
for outfit. Got Cannon’s horse to plow his garden at Fish
Lake. Bill Long back from Knik after digging his spuds.
Gus teamster quit. Fred went out to skin the four.
October 8, 1922 Good local biz AM.
PM put gable iron on oil house. Howard took trip to 15½
with Hartman. Figured cost BB pacs, doors, windows, etc.
Mattie using battery account lame shoulder. Cloudy.
October 9, 1922 Windy all day.
Biz normal got OS mail on PM train, letter from Stanley located
at Pullman College OK. Got letter from Healy River Coal Co.
wanted to appoint me selling agent in Wasilla.
October 10, 1922 Consolidated
Mines sent order to Wilmoth Co. couldn’t fill it, turned it over
to K. T. Co. the store with the goods. Gooding in
for clothing and chicken feed, bill $47 cash. Hartman swamped
with freight for the mines. Kelly Mines got car of coal.
October 11, 1922 Biz good put up 2 orders.
Heinz 57 Variety man here looking for orders. Horning
and Bartholf in, closed down Mabel Mine. Gas engine for the
Fern Mine arrived. Coast Survey moved back to Eklutna.
The organ girl over here. Sam Kelly at Healy sent us quarter
caribou meat.
October 12, 1922 Rain all day.
No Outside mail today. Black Bear man arrived with 1923
samples. Heinz 57 Varieties went south on freight train.
Gus hauled out big gas engine for Fern Mine. Mattie taking
battery treatment for lame shoulder.
October 13, 1922 More rain.
Bogard in, delivered 2½ tons spuds for GB Mines.
A. E. Com. erecting block signal at depot. Got out-mail.
raining again.
October 14, 1922 Heavy rain all last
night and AM, ground soaked full, streams high. Several
ranchers in to trade. Floods reported at Cache Creek Dist.
put 18 cases Ball brand pacs on shelves.
October 15, 1922 Nice cloudy day.
Sunday all day in Wasilla. Fixed up odd outside jobs on
account of cold weather. Cemented tar paper on wood shed
to stop leaks. Miller fixed Mrs. Larson’s pump. Chas
Spalding here on a duck hunt.
October 16, 1922 Wow A-1 sunny day.
Got 1 order from Eska Creek $75. Jim Wilson the freighter
arrived to haul for Kelly Mines. Railroad men raised signal
pole at depot. Got letter from Clara father growing weaker
having sinking spells.
October 17, 1922 Partly cloudy.
Got 3 orders off by rail. McNeil and son here with bag
of ducks. All but grading gang through on Wasilla - Palmer
Road. got out Outside mail.
October 18, 1922 Cloudy.
Busy all day in store. Got order from “my cousin” at
Gold Creek. Sam Beck in from Lucky Shot Mine. Eddie
Heimbach left for Outside. Filled store gas tank.
Had roast duck dinner. Got check from GB for Stanley care of
horses August.
October 19, 1922 Weather cloudy.
Sent 3 orders north. Roast duck still in order.
Got letter from Stanley at Pullman College, still warm there but
cold nights. Anchorage mail sack went on to Fairbanks.
Howard went home.
October 20 1922 Patzack down
from Houston to trade. Fern Gold Mining Co. unloaded
car gas. Put ton sugar in Stanley’s room. Way freight
arrived 11 PM with Alameda freight.
October 21 1922 Cloudy.
Lander in for load DC Hay. Ben in from mines with Hughes
team. Miller quit work on Aureen’s house, wanted his money.
Hartman got contract to haul Fern freight, Wasilla to 15½
roadhouse. Arthur here from Nancy.
October 22 1922 Nice and cloudy.
Quiet in town. Hughes took one team home, out all summer
for Road Com. Arthur and Howard here for dinner. Finished
casing on oil house door. Marked goods from Northwestern to Gold
Creek.
October 23, 1922 Fog and cloudy.
Biz good. Rushed all day in store. Coast Survey
boys paid up. Al Vitt in from mines. Turkey rancher
back from Anchorage. Arthur returned to Nancy. Wilson
hauling Kelly freight.
October 24, 1922 Fog and cloudy.
Biz good. Tom Smith of Palmer visited, bought Heinie Snider’s
cow. Lander took balance of his 3 tons of hay. Paddy
Marion chief cook at Hotel Wasilla. Hart the old “Fanna
Anna” in for supplies.
October 25, 1922 Cloudy with sprinkle
of snow. Herman in from Fish Lake to trade. Abe in
with Hughes team for supplies. Ben Marino returned to
ranch after all summer with ARC. My “barber” on the job
tonight. Olson’s over for merchandise. Ed Erickson
went to Anchorage.
October 26, 1922 First snow last night.
Biz good. PM sold $100 worth clothing. Last of ARC
road builders in, Palmer road finished Wasilla to Palmer.
Otto in from GB Talkeetna teamster in for supplies. O.
C. Miller back from Matanuska. St. Clair got live mink.
October 27, 1922 Partly cloudy.
Road Com. planking old garage. Local trade fair.
Miller fixed up broken light wire at school house. Sold Sostad
a ton of coal for Consolidated Mine. Freezing nights.
October 28, 1922 Big wind.
Got 2 orders from north. PM, with auto truck hauled load
wood from Vail’s ranch. Dance and Halloween party on at school
house, six people over from Forestry Hall Dist. Social on the
bum.
October 29, 1922 Cloudy. Sold Fred
Crocker $41 hunting outfit. Biz good AM. Had chicken
dinner. PM drove car down to mile 12 road fairly good.
Schneider and Marino left for home after the Ball?
Nick Kane shoeing Wilson’s horses.
October 30, 1922 Cloudy and warm.
Matt’s birthday 40+. Got 2 letters from Stanley at Pullman,
reported many had fever there of late, all students vaccinated.
Otto back from Anchorage Unloaded hydraulic pipe from Houston.
October 31, 1922 Cloudy evening light
snow. Biz rushing all the ranchers in to trade.
Cyanide Charlie, Babcock and Six-shooter Bill left for Houston
to unload GB freight. Ulsh and Barney Johnson in from GB
Mine. Otto returned to GB Mine. Bogard on market with
pigs. Eddie’s car went to 32, Olson’s kid driver. Cannon
bought winter outfit.
November 1, 1922 Biz good. Sent
Rae his tools to Jonesville Mine. Sostad and quite a few
miners went to Anchorage. Got out monthly bills. Morning
ground white, evening all gone.
November 2, 1922 Cloudy and warm day.
Richter in from States with 14 tons for Home Builder Mine.
J. J. O’Brien in from Knik to trade. Jack Chisholm here calling
on the Wilmoth Company? Old Tom fixing room to live in, in
his pool room.
November 3, 1922 Cloudy, ground white
AM. Two inches snow this morning, did not
go off. Got coal oil and gasoline, hauled 3 loads to oil
house. Merchandise came for Willow Creek Mines and 14 tons
for Home Builder Mine. Nick Kane told us all about his White
Mule.
November 4, 1922 Cloudy and windy.
Ulsh here looking after GB compressor. Gus going to haul
freight for Home Builder. Ground still white. Got
Outside work well done for winter weather, let her come.
November 5, 1922 Cloudy 40 above.
Collections over $300 clothing sales fair. Replaced broken
panes in store window. Oiled store floor. Jim Wilson
loaded GB air compressor engine on bobsleighs, only 2” snow at Wasilla.
Chris Fleckenstein went to hospital.
November 6, 1922 A bunch
Willow Creek irrigators back from Anchorage including Bill Long
and Louie Gaston. Chris Fleck back from hospital said he
was OK. Got Watson, mail all our invoices and letter from
Stanley. Bert Ferris here.
November 7, 1922 Biz lively. Election
day over 50 poled votes. Rushed all day in store.
Churchill and Fischer in from Knik, Esi there, shot moose on Little
Susitna. Sent Stanley November school check $65. Bogard in with
2nd load of porkers.
November 8, 1922 Rained last night winding
up with an inch of snow. Biz a little quiet. Esi
Natives left for Junction. Gus in for feed and none came.
Hugh Price down from Cache Creek sold him $450 worth of hydraulic
pipe. Mrs. J. B. Fleck left for States.
November 9, 1922 A-1 day 32 above.
Sostad and Consolidated team in for coal. Got Alameda
mail, letter from Stanley. Road Com. loaded 2 Cats for
Moose Creek to haul Baxter coal. Old Tom building back house
for pool room.
November 10, 1922 ARC loaded
outfit for Houston to fix winter road and cut bridge lumber
on Willow Creek. No freight for Wasilla until Thursday next.
Ben Marino took Consolidated team, the Dutchman quit the job.
November 11, 1922 Cloudy and thawing.
One order for Palmer. Snowshoes in demand along Broad
Pass stations. Wilson in, landed gas engine at GB Mines in
8 days over Fishhook summit. Larson down to see his squaw
family.
November 12, 1922 Quiet in town.
Consolidated teamster in. Ed Mullen through hauling for
GB over Fishhook summit, hauled over 60 tons. Forty Mile
Miller built Knik house for St. Clair. PM hauled out tin
cans, drove car as far as mile 4, roads covered with snow and good.
November 13, 1922 Sold Consolidated
a ton of coal. Lander after forage. Donovan in for
outfit. Kids on Wasilla Lake, Eva broke in. Forty tons
freight expected tomorrow train.
November 14, 1922 Cloudy biz fair.
The 2 cars of freight that came didn’t come, still at Anchorage.
Paddy Marion got a corner on Wasilla turkeys so reported today.
Moose Hank in from Lucky Shot Mine with man with broken leg.
November 15, 1922 Cloudy colder +10.
Busy all day with orders from off railroad line. No freight
yet, 4 cars Wasilla freight laying at Anchorage since Monday,
horse feed wanted worse. O. C. Miller gave a chicken dinner
to St. Clair’s and Herning’s. Special order no more booze
by railroad employees.
November 16, 1922 Cloudy and colder zero
last night. Car load freight, arrived hauled 5 auto truck loads
to warm storage balance goes in warehouse. Vail and Bill
4 hours each. Larson returned to Montana. St. Clair
now has 8 live mink. No Outside mail. Put away freight
in basement.
November 17, 1922 A-1 sunny day zero
to +20. Unloaded 40 ton car of general merchandise, had
Vail and Six Shooter Bill help. Mattie busy all day in store
with orders and customers. Had our dinner at Hotel Wasilla,
Paddy Marion the chef. Paid $1,000 on merchandise.
November 18, 1922 Clear and winter weather,
-2. Finished stowing away new merchandise, cost 50¢ a ton
to handle. Filled furnace coal bin 2nd lot. Sold
Bogard 3½ tons forage. Gus in from 32. Mrs.
Hartman in, through at Fishhook Inn.
November 19, 1922 Clear and cold, -16.
Biz rushing on dinky orders worked all PM on orders.
Paid freight on 2 car loads merchandise $922.72. Paddy
through at Hotel Wasilla off for Anchorage to raffle off turkeys.
November 20, 1922 Snowed 4”. Busy
all day in store. Got snow, enough for sledding out of
Wasilla today. Got letter from Stanley and Clara, father
still holding his own. Sold 37 hydraulic pipe for $450.
Jonesville Coal Mine on fire.
November 21, 1922 Jumping all day in
store to get out railroad orders. Sold last of mining
hose. Tibbs in to inspect Consolidated Mine. Sostad
in for more coal. Got out Seattle mail. Paid balance
due on groceries. All paid but hardware.
November 22, 1922 Cold winter on. E.
B. Sparling arrived from Kantishna Dist., placed an order.
C. D. Johnson storing AR Com. powder. Checked down Fischer Bros.
Co. account. Warming up with each wind. Mattie got her
$100 coat, me eat sawdust.
November 23, 1922 Cloudy evening rain,
+40. Biz normal got 1 order from north. Wilson
through hauling went to Anchorage. Sparling went to Anchorage
Sled shoes in demand. New York Central man readjusting railroad
signal.
November 24, 1922 Chinook. Priced
up forage. Mostly ranch trade. Ellexson and
wife out from Knik, reported Bill Hughes sick in bed. Gould sent
insurance papers to sign.
November 25, 1922 Cloudy mild weather.
Forage sales good. George Williams came to take winter
charge of Hotel Wasilla. Ellexson returned to Knik with
mail etc. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage to market hogs
etc. Mattie got this foot scratcher.
November 26, 1922 Quiet in town. Fairview
schoolmarm up to trade. Chinook left ice on ground covered
with sprinkle of snow. PM opened up 3 drop shipments of
tobacco and priced same. My “barber” shaved me.
November 27, 1922 Clear and colder zero. Shipped
3 orders north and received 1 order. Capt. Nick here
about mines interest, told us all about his trip to Katmai last
July and had pictures of the 10,000 smokes.
November 28, 1922 Cloudy and warmer. Wilson
freight outfit moved to Talkeetna to freight into Cache Creek.
Mattie troubled with itching feet. Marked harness gear.
Late in evening got out-mail. Jonesville Mine now flooded
to put out fire. Twenty from GB Mine in via Fishhook.
November 29, 1922 Biz normal busy in store
all day. Forty people on train from Nancy came over Wasilla
Iditarod Old Trail - first bunch out from Kuskokwim Dist.
Mattie nursing sore feet. Sam Kelly home from Healy Forks.
November 30, 1922 Turkey day, snowed 2”. Quiet
in town. Took dinner at Hotel Wasilla, chicken and ice
cream and relishes. Train 1 hour late got 3 letters from
Stanley snow at Pullman wants pacs. Dance on at Fairview.
December 1, 1922 Biz normal got 1 order.
Bailey visited. Jim Hagen back from Anchorage also Paddy
Marion. Paddy claimed to get $600 out of raffle of turkeys.
Conductor Sessions died 9 AM had a stroke.
December 2, 1922 A-1 day biz fair busy
in store all day. Ellexson’s returned to Knik.
Got 1 order from north. Cannon got word Commissioner Office installed
here June 1st.
December 3, 1922 Partly cloudy and cooler.
Quiet in town. Long haired “cus” wanted to pawn a $10
bed for $25 real money, sent him to the Wilmoth Co. Priced
up a lot new hardware. Snowed at midnight.
December 4, 1922 A-1 day zero weather.
Herman in, put up over $300 order (2). Budd and Barnes
in from mines by auto stage. Got 2 orders over to rail to
ship. Crazy lad with long whiskers in town. Wilmoth
Co. looking for housekeeper without teeth.
December 5, 1922 A-1 cold day, -10. Walters
over from Palmer, rented team to Consolidated Co. for winter
haulage. Harrison back after riding White Mule in Anchorage
for three months? Rae back no more work at mine. Ulsh
in town.
December 6, 1922 A-1 clear day zero temperature.
A. T. Budd, manager of GB Mines left for States. Barnes
and wife went to Anchorage. Received more canned vegetables
and Medlecot on back order. Wallboard for Tom’s pool room
arrived. Stored Gus’s oats in our warehouse. Stanley
at Pullman, 18 years old today.
December 7, 1922 Partly cloudy damp.
Load hydraulic pipe for Cache Creek. Patzack in from
Houston. Chris Fleck in town from ARC shop at Anchorage.
Mullen back from delivering his team to W. Creek Mines.
December 8, 1922 Cloudy warming up +20.
Patzack returned to Houston. Perley White caught 20 rats. 1st
setting, moved into Aureen’s bungalow. Rae here nursing
a cold. Sent gunny sacks to Houston for W. Creek Mines and
coal. Consolidated team in for hay.
December 9, 1922 Cloudy and warm.
Biz normal . Harvey Bartholf visited on repair work for
AE Com., went to Eklutna to build a 600’ crib. Chris Fleck
went to Moose Creek to run “Cat” on coal job. Hartman still
hauling freight to mines with Tin Lizzie.
December 10, 1922 Cloudy and windy.
Gus in to store his forage. PM cleaned north store window
and candy shelves. Wind blowing hard like North Dakota.
December 11, 1922 Windy all day +24.
Sam A. White back from Anchorage on way to Herman’s Fish Lake
ranch. Got big mail off Victoria via Seward. Letter
from Stanley got checks OK and my letter and GB check Indian
Jim in from Knik.
December 12, 1922 Whoop-La big rush put up
3 orders. The goat king visited. Duncklee working
on coal trail for Consolidated. Andrew in paid November
bills. Sam A. White left for Fish Creek
December 13, 1922 A-1 day 10 to 24 above
zero. Business normal. Got more of back order on
fruit and vegetables via Seward. Rats biting good, Perley
got 18 today. Got 435# pig from Junction for mines. Mrs.
Wagner went to Anchorage.
December 14, 1922 Colder evening zero.
Ulsh, Sostad and Mullen back from Anchorage. Got first
order for W. Creek Mines to go via Houston. Got 3 small
orders ready for north train. Miller nailing on plasterboard
in Tom’s pool room. Sam Kelly back from Anchorage.
December 15, 1922 A-1 day zero weather.
Got order from Lawrence mile 12 north. Lander in.
Ulsh went to see Hughes at Cottonwood. Mattie preparing
for trip to Anchorage. Had chicken dinner. Horning and
Babcock went out to Mabel.
December 16, 1922 A-1 day warmer.
Biz normal put up 5 small orders. J. J. in for merchandise
M. A. H. is on her way to Anchorage and make hay left on AM train.
Hartman stripped his gears trying to haul wood at 11.
December 17, 1922 Warm and windy.
Mattie at Anchorage, mopped balcony floor, re-hung shed door,
put up order for Gus. Made out hardware order, tin wire,
etc. Horning and Babcock left for mile 10 to cut timber for
Mabel Mine, got Wagner’s horse. Hartman sawing wood.
Shaved took bath.
December 18, 1922 Busy all
day local trade. Mr. Krause left for Seattle, wife broke her
arm. Mattie back from Anchorage bought turkey for Xmas.
Ground bare in Wasilla.
December 19, 1922 A-1 weather mild.
Biz rushing. Ranchers in from Pittman to Palmer.
Rushed all day. Put up order for Sparling at Chickaloon.
Through at 8 PM got out-mail etc. by midnight. Mrs. Hartman
loaded her rick, ready to hop off for Outside.
December 20, 1922 Mild weather. Got order
for GB via Houston. Mattie all same, Cohen looking for
a scrap. Banker Balderston visited from Anchorage.
Hugh Price and wife left for visit to Outside. Mrs. Hartman
left for Outside.
December 21, 1922 Light rain temperature
38 above. Big mail, got 4 letters from Stanley sent Ma box
stationary and Dad razor strapper. Bank of Alaska offered
10% rate on any future loans. Received many Xmas cards.
12 PM duck in.
December 22, 1922 Mild weather.
Got candies and relishes off Watson. School entertainment,
several over from Palmer way. Ellexson was in from Knik.
New man in to take Sostad's place at Fern Mine.
December 23, 1922 Spring day temperature
38. Miller and schoolmarm went to Anchorage.
Harman, Hartman, Wilmoth and Herning families took in Xmas doings
at Matanuska, went on hand car home at 2:45. Good crowd
and time.
December 24, 1922 A-1 day 30 degrees.
Quiet in town. Howard left for Nancy on freight train
for Xmas week at home. Had big 15 lb. turkey dinner 5 PM,
Kelly and Cannon guests for Xmas dinner. Played phonograph
“Ma” danced to the ragtime music. No snow in Wasilla.
December 25, 1922 A-1 mild weather.
Xmas at Wasilla, quite a few in for mail. Self got a pair
shoes from Mattie, 3 lead pencils from T and P Co. Gave Mattie
$25 in gold. Ate on the 15 lb. turkey. Got Watson mail
no letters from Stanley. Got letter from Roe Herning that
dad wants me at home. Eric Larsen spent Xmas with the squaw.
December 26, 1922 Another spring day
20 to 30 above. Got 3 ton flour via Seward,
hauled same to store warehouse with Matt’s truck. No snow
in Wasilla the California of the valley. Pete Johnson drove
to Hughes ranch for coal box. Old Fleck home.
December 27, 1922 A-1 day snowed 1”.
Sold Pete Johnson horse gear outfit for coal hauling at Moose
Creek. Bogard in with 2nd lot pig meat. St. Clair’s
went to Anchorage, Sam Kelly section boss while away. Eva
got Vida’s key.
December 28, 1922 A-1 day evening colder.
Biz slow today had 1 order for Curry. Sostad and Cyanide
Charley back from Anchorage also Forty Mile Miller with all the
dope about his girls. Ptarmigans coming down from mountains,
several spotted in town today. Paul Hansen in for fittings.
December 29, 1922 Cold wave zero to -12.
Cold wave after 12 days of spring weather. Mine Ellexson’s
returned to Knik. Trade coming from Palmer over completed
Wasilla - Palmer Road. Sam A. White outfitting for beaver
hunt.
December 30, 1922 Second day cold wave
zero to 22. Put up fly to deflect heat from balcony in store.
White Bros. gave Fleck Bros. and dad dinner party at the Aureen
bungalow. Sold out on onions and barrel butter. O. C.
still talking Helen.
December 31 1922 Cold wave 18 to 28 below.
Cold wave put a crimp on biz everybody inside. Mattie
visited on Wagner’s. O. C. busy talking about buying silk
stockings and dresses for Helen. Stanley spending school
vacation in Seattle. A. R. Com. thru hauling timber to W.
Creek Mine Road.
1923
January 1, 1923 Zero weather. Very busy
day in store everybody on the market. Stanley at Pullman
College 2nd year. Ma and Dad making the dough at Wasilla
Alaska. No passenger train today account of wreck at Potter
Creek. Cold wave broken by easterly wind.
January 2, 1923 Biz good. Put up 1 order
for Eska 1 for Nancy. AR Com. left with 4 horse team
to dismantle Palmer wagon bridge. Boss contractor on Kelly
Mines tunnel visited said they preferred to trade in Wasilla.
Got the bank in Anchorage. School opened again. Weather
much warmer. Sold White bros. order. Two letters from
Stanley.
January 3, 1923 Ulsh in from GB
Willow Creek after Hughes team, Hughes let Road Com. have them.
Howard Madsen back to go to school but lost his boarding house.
St. Clair’s back from Anchorage no operate on ear. Frank
Watson, Sam Kelly’s Inside partner here for more clothing going
to Alfred Creek for the “Pope” outfit.
January 4, 1923 Sent price list
to mining operation in Chatenika Dist. Fairbanks. Reported
deal for Mabel Mine to the Gugge Censincated. Not enough
snow in Wasilla to sled. Chris Fleckenstein home from Cat
hauling at Baxter's Coal Mine. White Bros. left for beaver
hunt on Iditarod Trail.
January 5, 1923 DuBois new manager
for Fern Gold Mine on the market bought $13 worth hardware.
Paddy Marion in from Consolidated Mine. Got out-mail, ordered
tents, tobacco, alls, etc., from Portland. Got Swift’s Xmas
meats. Tom Aureen returned to Wasilla, Anchorage NG.
January 6, 1923 Biz fair zero weather.
Andrew Sostad manager Fern Gold Mine left for States, Mr. DuBois
new manager. Zink and Babcock went to Anchorage. Gus
hauling out local freight to mines, only one on the job.
Bill Hughes went to the hospital. Mrs. and “Six Shooter Bill”
working on section. Fleck’s and Vida went to Knik.
January 7, 1923 Quiet in town, -18 in morning.
Rae and Paddy went out to get sample ore for new company.
No one in town but Cyanide Charley, Sam Kelly, Old Tom and Tom
Aureen. Mattie visited on Cannon. Big feed, milk toast for
supper. Cut my hair with duplex hair cutter.
January 8, 1923 Zero weather. Old Tom finishing
up lower floor of his pool room. PM no mail. Train
was to leave Anchorage 6 PM now 11 PM and no train. Weather
moderate after 2 day zero and below. Mullen in town bought
a pig, out of the freighting Biz.
January 9, 1923 Sold all of Bogard’s dressed
pigs. Mail train arrived early this morning no OS mail.
Had 2 strangers from Junction to trade. Mrs. Larson and
family beat it on last nights train for Montana had trouble with
St. Clair’s over mink, so reported. Now only 4 kids in school.
Al Davis arrived to inspect the Wilmoth Co.
January 10, 1923 Zero and below all day biz
fair. Otto arrived from GB Mines going to hospital on
account of rupture. Davis towed Wilmoth off on south train.
New man here from Anchorage to spend vacation, moved into Aureen’s
cabin. Trix in from Palmer bridge for nic-nacs etc.
January 11, 1923 Wilmoth back from
Anchorage, said live wire would take over his store, wanted
to sell store to K. T. Co. Got NW mail, heard from Stanley
while at Seattle on his Xmas vacation. France moved 18
train loads into Germany to force them to pay war indemnities.
January 12, 1923 Cold snap broken, +20.
GB shipping freight teams in from Matanuska. Hartman out
with his car. Mrs. Wilmoth making a grab of property to protect
money loaned to Wilmoth Co., expect buyer Monday to take over store
building on accounts. Signed Cannon bond on
account Wasilla judge.
January 13, 1923 Biz normal, +14. Mr.
Williams back from Fern Mine. Got 1 order from Willow.
Looked over road on account of hauling wood with auto truck road
OK. Received book on physical training by 100 experts.
St. Clair working up a dance for Old Tom’s new building.
January 14, 1923 Quiet in town +20. PM
hauled in 5 ricks wood with auto truck, about 2” snow.
Shorty shift boss at Jonesville Mine, year ago running around
with auto sled. Wilmoth Co. cleaning house on account of
buyer for biz tomorrow. Mattie helped to haul the wood and
had to “pull grass”.
January 15, 1923 Cold again, -20. Judge
Conroy and Capt. Gaikema arrived from Anchorage, also a Mr.
Swanson and wife with Jerry Murphy to buy out the Wilmoth Co.
Fred Nelson through at Fern Mine. Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik
for supplies.
January 16, 1923 Hartman drove
car to Fishhook Inn. Got word William Hughes died 5 PM
15th at Anchorage hospital. Boys moved MLD piano into Old
Tom’s pool hall account dance on Jan. 20th. Ordered seal
and recording stamp for Wasilla new Commissioner F. B. Cannon.
January 17, 1923 Warming up 1” snow.
Joe Conroy, Nick Gaikema, Murphy, Fred Nelson and DuBois left
for Anchorage. Mrs. Wilmoth went to Anchorage to stop sale
of Wilmoth Co. buildings, Davis sold them out. Prospective
buyer for Wilmoth Co. biz returned to Anchorage. Orchestra practice
at pool hall.
January 18, 1923 Biz slow, +20. Elks
Excursion passed through to Fairbanks today. Bill Hughes
was buried in Anchorage Cemetery today. Wasilla bunch back
from Anchorage. Rae claimed to have organized a new mining
company.
January 19, 1923 First heavy snow, +30, about
8” fell last night. Fries went out to build Fern assay office.
Shoveled snow all AM off walks, made out paper order L. and H.
Snowing heavy in Broad Pass Dist.
January 20, 1923 Cold wave on.
Ellexson’s and Wilson in from Knik to attend MLD dance.
Two teams up from Matanuska. Edlund, Sam and O. G. furnished
music, 50 present, dance in Tom’s pool hall to be. Dance
broke up 3 o’clock.
January 21, 1923 Had a rush from dancers that
stayed over. Quiet in town, -26 PM and evening, zero all day
a foot of snow and good sledding. Car Healy coal came for
Fern Mine. Ma full of dance sandwiches Pa full of cake.
Retired early.
January 22, 1923 Chinook on, +38. Biz
good. Got Alameda mail 2 letters from Stanley back at
Pullman State College. Both Hughes and Wilmoth families failed
to return home. Got meats and hardware orders. Sprinkle
of rain.
January 23, 1923 Chinook wind +40 at noon +32
in evening Biz a little slow today. Consolidated
team took out $145 grub order. Judge Cannon appointed Ellexson
as Hughes administrator. Hughes family in Anchorage, wont
come home, Cannon going to “look see” tomorrow. Tex Cobb
in town. Snow half gone.
January 24, 1923 Chinook weather. Biz
slow. Got 7 sacks spuds from Moffat for W. Creek Mines
at $3. Train south 4 hours late snow above. Reported
Mabel Mine will open Saturday by “Gugs”. Snowed 2”.
Larson wants to sell his squaw cabin near Wasilla.
January 25, 1923 Train north 2
hours late, got mail off Watson. Got letter from Clara,
Roe married and will nurse father. Father still holding
on but growing weaker. Cannon back from Anchorage with Hughes
family. Hartman started to haul coal to 28. Letter
from Stanley.
January 26, 1923 Biz good. Horning here
to open up the Mable Mine for the “Gugs”. Got out order
for drugs butter and groceries. Hughes family here. Gus
in with span of mules. Bogard in for forage. warmer.
January 27, 1923 Cold wave on, -18. Biz
fair got 3 orders from north. Hartman took Horning - Mabel
Mine crew out to government barn with auto truck then by Lander
stage to Mabel Mine. Tom Babcock went to work for Mabel
Mine. Hart proved up on his homestead.
January 28, 1923 Snow squalls all day, about
1’ in Wasilla with 4’ to 8’ s now at mines. Bogard
in with vegetables. Hartman made trip to government barn with
load of coal. Cabins now full up with bachelors, 3 new men arrived.
Cannon fixing up Shough cabin for U. S. Com. office.
January 29, 1923 Snowed all day, plenty now
for coal hauling but roads blocked at W. Creek Mines.
Three miners quit work at Consolidated Mine account snow slides.
Otto Langel back from Anchorage with rupture repaired. Cleaned
walks all day. Hartman quit coal job too much snow for auto
truck.
January 30, 1923 Biz good busy in store all
day. Ellexson in looking after the Hughes family.
Mrs. Wilmoth busy at U. S. Com. office. Lander and Gus in
for freight, roads blocked above Fishhook Inn, snow slides quite
numerous. Stanley at Pullman State College, one year ago he was
at Nancy.
January 31, 1923 Biz good. More snow,
+24, roads blocked. Howard down from Nancy to pay bill
and trade. Report came Mrs. Richard Lander had a baby.
Mrs. Wilmoth reeling off their debt troubles. Hughes family
returned to Cottonwood to pack up household goods.
February 1, 1923 Biz fair, +28. Got NW
mail letter from Stanley, made high scores at rifle shoot at
Pullman vs. NH. Ephim and Esi bro. and boy arrived to hunt
moose on Little Susitna. Wilmoth Co. sparing to save something
out of the wreck, witnessed sale warehouse HW to his wife
account of money loaned him. Cannon busy recording.
February 2, 1923 North Dakota blizzard, +34.
More people out today than usual and in a wet snow storm.
Got fruit and onions off NW, meats and clothing left at Seward?
Had CD haul Wilson’s bobsleighs to depot for shipment to Moose Creek.
Hartman got 2 ton Republican truck, broke down coming from depot,
Lander hauled her in. Cleaned ice off roof.
February 3, 1923 Yesterdays blizzard turned
to rain last night, warm all day 40 above. Lander took out
Mabel Mine merchandise. Gus in for Fern Mine. Busy all
day in store. Hughes family moved into Larson cabin.
Wind and rain settled snow down ½. Wilmoth resigned
as PM so reported by wife. Hartman went to Anchorage
February 4, 1923 Gus took out load groceries
for various mines. PM oiled store floor. Russell
snow plow went north 8 AM. Soft all day, +40, evening
windy. Al Welch here said he saw Stanley in Seattle Xmas
week. Chris Fleck home. Trusty went OS on last
NW. Ma not feeling good.
February 5, 1923 Horning and Richter
went to Anchorage. Both Mabel and Consolidated Mines shut
down account of snow slides. Ed Mullen back from Anchorage.
Ed reported that Hartman was doing the town. Fred Nelson in
for more supplies, 30-40 above.
February 6, 1923 Bogard in for mail, loaned
his team to Coal Co. Bought 10 sacks spuds from Moffat
for Fern Mine, price $3 cwt. Old Hogan in from Consolidated
Mine with a pig squeal. Sent order for Multigraph printing
outfit from Cleveland Ohio.
February 7, 1923 Biz normal 28 above.
Got order from W. Creek Mines. Trucked over meats etc.
from depot. Tom Aureen now janitor at school. Hughes
kids running wild over town. Six Shooter Bill and Sherrell
out moose hunting. Sam Kelly and Otto went to Anchorage
took usual bath? Fern Mine took on more help.
February 8, 1923 J. J. O’Brien out from
Knik to present his bill against Hughes estate. Harrison
in from GB trail camp. Kelly back from Anchorage.
Simeon in with moose meat first this winter.
February 9, 1923 DuBois in with gold brick
and for supplies. Cloudy and chilly all day. Aug
Swanson up from Junction to trade. Chilligan opened RH
at Houston. Patzack gone south. Sent for dope on the 1½
ton White truck.
February 10, 1923 DuBois, Fern
mgr., went to Anchorage with gold brick. Ellexson in with
moose chunk for Hughes family. Crew off evening train ate
dinner at Hartman’s. Engineer Logan stuff placed on order,
now living at Curry. Self not feeling good bowels failing to function
February 11, 1923 Quiet in town. Fleck
crowd went to Pittman with dog team. Gus in for coal and
supplies for Fern Mine said it cost him $450 to open road to mines
after late snow storm. Hartman still doing Anchorage.
Took round of calomel feeling better tonight. Balanced on
ledger 1922 accounts.
February 12, 1923 Chinook wind 45 above
all day. Biz fair water running, cleaned ice off walk.
Seward passenger train hold up account of snow slide, no mail.
Alameda freight due at Wasilla tomorrow if they clean out the slide.
CH Wilson in from Knik to trade. Trix in town making ready
to go to Honolulu Creek to put in bridge removed from Palmer on
Matanuska.
February 13, 1923 Biz fair, 24 to 34
above. Pete Johnson here from Moose Creek after Hughes
bobsleighs. Fleming in from Cottonwood for merchandise.
Delayed passenger arrived 9:30 PM, P.O. did not open mail.
Otto back from Anchorage, Hartman back from Anchorage.
Mrs. Wilmoth in hospital with broken arm at Anchorage. Harrison
moved to his ranch. Budd returned from States.
February 14, 1923 Biz good, 10 to 30 above.
Got order from W. Creek M. for 2 cases meats. Freight train
did not stop at Wasilla, our freight laying at Anchorage.
O. C. Miller now prospecting on coal below canyon mile 11 Wasilla
- Willow Rd. Got phone from Price at Talkeetna, wants more
pipe and no. 1 giant. School kids giving out valentines.
Got mail, no letter from Stanley.
February 15, 1923 Blew a gale last night
and today, 10 to 40 above at noon. Otto in town convalescing
account of operation for rupture. No passenger train north
today. Biz slow marked a lot of new hardware. Half
car of groc. due tomorrow.
February 16, 1923 Wind dieing out, 30 above.
Gus in for Fern coal. Got part of Alameda Feb. 10th freight
sugar and flour put off at Anchorage? Talk of a new hotel in
town. Sent back small size underwear to Black Mfg. Co.
ordered 40 and 42 sent 36.
February 17, 1923 Marked up L and H goods.
Hartman went to Anchorage with chickens? Dance on at Fairview,
didn’t go, self and Mattie not feeling good. Mrs. Ellexson
in from Knik with snowshoes etc. and took in the dance.
February 18, 1923 Quiet in town, 20 to 30 above.
Put up small order for Mrs. Ellexson. Marked what groceries
and tobacco delivered balance due tomorrow 10 days from Seward.
Reported new management for railroad. Col. Steese to take
Col. Mears place. Posted on books account of income tax
report. Mattie got lame back, clear and colder.
February 19, 1923 Biz good, temperature zero.
Got half car freight, 10 days from Seward. Gus team in
for more coal. Johnson, Rae-Wallace engineer arrived also
Milo Kelly. Hartman back from Anchorage after selling his chickens,
brought 1 chicken home had a broken bone. Pacific Coast in grip
of storm. Terrible storm in Seattle 15 above and snow.
February 20, 1923 Hugo Johnson visited
waiting for Gugs to go to Mabel Mine. Mrs. Williams talking
of building an up to date hotel. George Clyde in with furs
from lower Little Susitna. Cold wind all day.
February 21, 1923 Windy all day. Ulsh
down from GB Mines, paid Jan. account and left $50 order for hardware
and clo. Bill Long back from Knik with Wagner’s horse had
1 sack spuds, balance froze in cellar. Natives moving south
with their moose meat. Williams, Dunn and Cyanide Charley
went to Anchorage. Talk of new hotel on the rounds.
February 22, 1923 Biz fair, 30 above. Got big
mail off NW, several letters from Stanley, got answer to my
letter. Horning back from Anchorage to open Mabel Mine.
Rae back from Anchorage. Mrs. Hartman and Fleck back from
States. Wilmoth gave notice of resignation as Post Master at
Wasilla. ARC went to Honolulu to put in cable bridge.
Fern man arrived.
February 23, 1923 A-1 day 30 above. Bert
Farris shipped to Houston to haul freight for GB. Lander
in for Mabel outfit. Got 1st installment of NW freight.
Put up order for Mabel Mine. Wind died out fine today.
February 24, 1923 Cloudy, busy as usual.
Ellexson in from Knik with Mrs. St. Clair, Indian Jim
and Nicoli. All Natives left for Eklutna with their moose
meat. Snowed 4” in 2 hours then cleared up, stars out. Swept
off walk 11 AM. Wasilla-ites looking for new Post Master
no one wants it. Horning went out to re-open Mable Mine.
February 25, 1923 Quiet in town, 34 above.
Gus in for last of Fern car of coal. PM and evening worked
on income tax report. Jobbers we buy from no. 43. Mine
Alec returned to Knik. Cloudy. Indian Jim and son gone into
camp at old camp ground.
February 26, 1923 Snowed 3” last night.
Sent 1 sack and box grub to mines via Houston on account of sledding
out pipe for Hugh Price. Lander in for Mabel Mine. Worked
on income tax report. Got letter from Clara about father’s
condition, Roe and wife taking care of him, growing weaker.
Got balance Alameda freight left short.
February 27, 1923 Thawing today, PM blizzard
for 1 hour. Cyanide Charley left for GB Mine. Forty
Mile Miller in from coal prospect mile 10. Sent out spring
seed order to come on Alameda March 17th to Anchorage.
February 28, 1923 Sun shown in east window
and set over Lucille Creek. Ellexson in from Knik.
Wasilla-ites busy with post office. Wasilla Club sent
message to Washington D. C. about closing the office. Albert
Madsen left Houston with Hugh Price to pack out hydraulic pipe
on Grubstake.
March 1, 1923 Partly cloudy and cold
10 below. Dunkle arrived to take charge Mabel Mine. Fern
outfit in late, manager DuBois going OS. Woldson, principal backer,
made a house cleaning on arrival at Fern Mine, men sent
back, through at Fern Mine. “Mine Alic” paid some of the Hughes
bills.
March 2, 1923 Finished income tax report 1922:
Income $5.075.43, expense $2,900 paid tax on $2,175.75 at 4%
= $87. Ellexson returned to Knik. Edlund got a loan?
off St. Clair. Up till 2 AM on tax report. Me eat
sawdust.
March 3, 1923 Cloudy biz normal. Got
order from Mabel Mine and Houston RH. Sugar raised now
12½¢ by lb. and $11.50 sack The two society
ladies went to Anchorage. Gus in for freight Mrs.
Rowe up from Fairview. Soft weather.
March 4, 1923 Mattie took a bath. PM
took a rest by packing $120 order for the Mabel Mine.
Quiet in town. Fleck crowd dancing in Uncle
Tom’s place. Good sledding out of Wasilla, 20 above zero 10 PM.
March 5, 1923 Got OS
mail and part of freight Otto Langill left for GB Mine
after recovering from rupture operation. Talk of telephone
to Willow Creek Dist. Dan Sutherland wired from D. C. to get
new Post Master sent in his name. Willow Creek Mines got half
car groceries. Letter from Stanley.
March 6, 1923 Temp. 2 to 62 above. Gus
went out with Fern outfit, bought last order in Anchorage, owes
us for January and February bill. Sun warm through day
cold nights. Paid accounts to date. Swen paid back bill.
Fleming in for merchandise also asked for credit, no get ‘em.
March 7 ,1923 Cloudy biz good.
Got 2 orders from mines. Mr. Williams visited said he
was going to build a $20,000 hotel in Wasilla. Got phone
call from Price at Houston, got the hydraulic pipe he wanted at
Grubstake Mine. Saw Eames on train said Cannon could take the
Post Office, Cannon wants Mrs. Trix to take it.
March 8, 1923 Wind and air full of snow
today. Morse, Schilling man arrived.
Congress adjourned 4th. President Harding went to Florida
for Mrs. Harding's health later coming to Alaska? Wind died out.
Consolidated team left with forage for mine.
March 9, 1923 Snow squalls
all AM, real March weather. Schillings man left for Talkeetna.
Got delayed spuds dry goods and butter. Paid Winchester
balance due on 423# porker. Mattie troubled with ache
in shoulder again. Price shipped 52 hydraulic pipe Houston
to Talkeetna. Wet heavy snow. Jno. Trix here from Eska.
March 10, 1923 Snow squalls. Put
ton OS spuds in basement. Snow up to windows at
Fishhook Inn. Roads blocked above RH at mines. Several
Wasilla-ites and flappers attended mask mall at Junction this evening.
Mine Alec from Knik here to take in the ball. Snider will have
a Ford truck on run.
March 11, 1923 Cloudy. Biz fair
AM. PM marked clothing. Hills and American Tobacco
men arrived from north on freight. Nellie Hartman went out
to run Fishhook Inn. Wasilla-ites won prizes at Matanuska
masked ball. Mrs. St. Clair and Heinie Snider and Mrs. Ellexson
returned to Knik via Cottonwood, road blocked from mile 7 to Knik.
March 12, 1923 NW left Seattle with full passenger
list. Paul Hanson and Jno. Burr in from mines.
Zero last night and freezing all day. Vic Blodgett here
from Anchorage to attend sale of Hughes property.
March 13, 1923 Biz good. Bank deposits
over $1,500. Stanley at Pullman College. Got order
out for auto truck accessories. Dunkle in from Mabel Mine.
Got material on hill to work mine then snow slides covered
tram. Thirteen ranchers in to trade. Fred and Ben
in for mine supplies.
March 14, 1923 Cloudy and squally.
Biz fair got 3 orders from north on railroad. Made up
last of hydraulic pipe got by Hugh Price at Grubstake Placer
$633.90. Forty Mile Miller in from his coal prospect.
Roads blocked again above Fishhook Inn. Zink selling Kelly
Mine supplies to Hartman. Vic Blodgett went to Knik to bid on
the Hughes gas launch 15th.
March 15, 1923 Biz slow. Got OS
mail letters from Stanley, like spring at Pullman. Wasilla
dancers left for Eska. Henry Dohrman in town. Sent
Price bill for pipe bought. Zero weather nights. Got
order ready for north freight
March 16, 1923 Bogard in
for supplies, had same sent to Junction account of having no
team. Vic Blodgett back from Hughes sale at Knik, Vic bought
the launch, Mine Alec got the cow but few at the sale. Put
in bid on Harry Stevens outfit at Broad Pass.
March 17, 1923 Cloudy biz slow.
Got 5 orders on north train from Willow to Curry. Shipped
½ ton feed to Bogard at Matanuska. Vic Blodgett returned
to Anchorage. Game warden here smelling around. St.
Patrick dancers back from Eska. Shorty Gustafson left for trip
OS . Hartman went to Anchorage with another “toothache“.
March 18, 1923 Mine Alec here over Sunday,
helped St. Clair to pen off his breeding mink. Chas Marino
over from government farm to trade. Cloudy temperature
30. Packed 3 orders for Willow, Curry and Gold Creek
on spring orders. “Ma” got the Wasilla blues.
March 19, 1923 A-1 day biz normal.
Ellexson and George Stellar returned to Knik. Sent 3
orders north. Got out grocery order. “Mr. Toothache”
and “Broken Arm Turkey” back from Anchorage. Joe Conroy
and brother up from Anchorage to fix up Cannon’s recording books
etc. Next boats due at Anchorage 23rd. Mr. Ingram stockholder
in Consolidated Gold Mine arrived to look her over.
March 20, 1923 Freezing temperature, 70 in
sun. Gus in, roads blocked again above 32. Judge
Conroy and brother returned to Anchorage got out
hardware order. Got ½ ton spuds from Bogard ranch via
train from Junction. Sent bank mail etc. by Conroy.
March 21, 1923 Got order from Willow Creek
Mines to go by express. Cold wind all day. Train
south 4 hours late. Ed Holland here for small outfit via
Houston. E. B. Sparling on train via Anchorage after hunting
trip above Chickaloon Dist.
March 22, 1923 Cold all day. Got check
to cover hydraulic pipe sold to Hugh Price, Cache Creek.
This makes $2,077.10 worth of hydraulic pipe, sold about ½
of plant. Cannon and Mrs. Wilmoth had a tongue lashing over
Post Office. Cannon wired in to Washington D. C. that he would
take over the office that Wilmoth resigned. Esi and wife in town.
March 23, 1923 A-1 sunny day. Sent 3
orders north train. Cannon took over Post Office, will
move same into Shough cabin April 1st. Wilmoth outfit very
“tame” today over Post Office racket. “Ma” lost her dog.
First boat due at Anchorage tomorrow.
March 24, 1923 Cloudy. Come and go trade
all day. Wilmoth went to Anchorage looking for a job?
Heinie Snider advertised a Ball at Tom’s Pool Hall on 31st.
Mattie out calling at Mabel cabin. Cannon taking Post Office
instructions. “Ma” still looking for her dog?
March 25, 1923 Cloudy 30 to 40 above.
Quiet in town. Cleaned front windows in store. Mattie
visited on Mrs. Wagner PM. Big mail due tomorrow. Alameda
due at Anchorage today. Ice allowing first boat of season.
March 26, 1923 Sold Tom Aiken $31.10 dog fish
and tallow for Trix via Kobi. Got Alameda mail. Fired
agent Gibbs for Consolidated Mines and Frank Churchill arrived from
Seattle. Wilmoth back from Anchorage, got a job in hardware
department of B and H Co-op. Gaffney, Ball brand man, here for
orders. Mail from Stanley at Pullman. Sparling back from
hunting trip above Chickaloon.
March 27, 1923 Gave Ball brand man an order.
Mine Alec in from Knik. Churchill bought $30 order of
grub and went to Knik with Wagner’s horse. Woldson, Fern
man, in. Gus in for freight. Got road open again to
Fern Mine. Gibbs left for Talkeetna Mine.
March 28, 1923 A-1 spring day, water
running in street, snow going fast in Wasilla, still good sledding
out of town. Busy all day in store. No orders from
north today. Fatty Hughes and sister down from Eska.
Bailey visited on way from Curry to Matanuska, said big hotel was
completed and up to date, built by A. E. Com.? Temp. 30 to 70
today. Gus hauling for Fern Mine.
March 29, 1923 Biz good.
Sold Sparling prospecting outfit. Spring seed grain arrived.
Tom Babcock went to Anchorage. Moyer - Harding party arrived.
Only local mail today. Wasilla Avenue getting bare, snow
going fast.
March 30, 1923 Sparling left
for Willow Creek Dist. via Houston. Sent Stanley check
for April expenses. Flappers having a time in pool hall.
Wilmoth Co. bought door bolts to lock her up before going to Anchorage.
Ma had attack of pain in rectum had to lay down.
March 31, 1923 Got balance of Alameda freight
on train from Fairbanks, some railroading? All fools dance
at pool room, orchestra from Eska. Half of crowd was from
Eska and Matanuska. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Mrs. Fleck
and her boys and girls at dance. Ray Jacobson leader of orchestra.
April 1, 1923 All fools day. Snow going
fast in streets of Wasilla. A few flappers and Eska dancers
still in town. Post Office was moved to the Shough cabin.
F. B. Cannon now Postmaster. Took down fly over balcony, only make
fire in furnace these days. Easter Sunday.
April 2, 1923 Cannon opened
Post Office in Shough cabin. Several farmers in for seeds
ordered. Gus and Lander in for freight. Sledding on
Wasilla streets about done. Mrs. Hartman in from Fishhook
Inn. Ed Mullen here to receive his yoke of steers from Outside.
April 3, 1923 A-1 day biz normal. Busy
all with small local trade. Fleming and wife out from
Cottonwood. Joe Palmer back from Nelchina Dist. With
3 live martin, took them to Scotty Allen homestead for fur farm
on Wasilla Lake. Wilmoth cleaning store and house before going
to Anchorage to work for B and H in hardware department. Finest
kind of weather.
April 4, 1923 Another perfect day. Patzack
down from Houston. Albert up from Junction to pay past
account. Matanuska flooded with snow water. Wasilla
Avenue now bare. Ed Mullen’s oxen arrived from States.
Mattie cleaning balcony with a merry kick. Fred Winter
over to trade from Susitna Station. Wilmoth quit Wasilla,
the old bird still here.
April 5, 1923 Seward train held up due to snow
slide, arrived Wasilla 11:30 PM with NW mail. McNeil
and son arrived. Mr. Olsen, compressor man, arrived from
Kelly B. D. Mine. Al Crocker in from ranch looking for work
on section. Mr. Blowhard Foster left on north train.
Fred Winter returned to Susitna.
April 6, 1923 Got NW mail, 2 letters
from Clara reporting father very weak and all having the flu
in Minnesota. Chas Taylor here with Hughes 2 teams from
coal hauling, said road was gone. Sam Kelly left for Cache
Creek to work. Barns in from Consolidated Gold Mines.
Dave England in for grub also “Big Eyes”.
April 7, 1923 Water running today. Stanley
at Pullman 2nd year Washington State College. Busy all
day in store, mostly Native trade. Lou Gaston and Oscar
Wile down from Honolulu Broad Pass Dist. David Barnes went
to Anchorage also Gaston? Heinie Snider’s Ford truck arrived
for Willow Creek Mines.
April 8, 1923 Snow all gone on Wasilla Avenue
and Main Street Wasilla. AM helped Mattie finish cleaning walls
and ceiling over balcony in store. Lord Carnarvon got poisoned
while opening Tutankhamun tomb 1335 B. C. Howard Carter
excavated for 8 years before locating the tomb found in tact with
all kinds of gold and ivory ornaments etc. valued at millions.
PM took walk down to Lake Wasilla. Snow going fast. Lander
in from 32.
April 9, 1923 Cloudy busy all day with
small orders. Gus and Fred in. Consolidated Gold
Mine had grub come from Pacific Grocery, passing K. T. Co. up.
School election 16 votes cast Snider treasurer, St. Clair director,
Oscar Trix clerk. Abe Reising in said Bill Moffat had suicided
at his ranch mile 7. Using wagon to haul freight to snow
road out of town limits.
April 10, 1923 A-1 day snow all gone
Wasilla depot to town well. Biz good. Metz, Bogard
and Ellexson in to trade. Cannon went down to Moffat ranch
found Moffat in bed, used 30-30 to end his life. Neighbors
brought body to Wasilla store, same in our oil house until buried.
Rutter moved into Aureen’s cabin. Evans in at Anchorage.
April 11, 1923 A-1 day temperature 70
at noon. Bogard in for more feed and seed grain.
Miller made coffin for William Moffat ready for burial tomorrow.
Consolidated team in town, A. Drummer the skinner. Ben Marino
in town nursing kink in back. Had argument with Mattie about
pessimists and optimists “our side won”. Eva here with dog
team said it was last trip no snow.
April 12, 1923 A-1 day biz good sold
$400 worth of seeds and forage. Bogard cleaned up his
seed grain and forage. Supt. Hansen and engineer Gotswold’s
visited. Three work teams went north today. AM William
Moffat laid at rest in Wasilla Cemetery 1st buried. Raining at Seward
this AM.
April 13, 1923 A-1 day biz fair.
Got delayed fruits and paint from last boat. Mattie finished
cleaning balcony and re-arranged tables etc. Doherty digging
a well. Frost out of ground on Wasilla Ave. Our coal
bin empty got 5 ricks (4 x 8 x 16”) to haul if snow off road on Sunday.
April 14, 1923 Biz lively all day.
Gus and Barnes in. Consolidated Mine got a new rock crusher.
Alic Wasilla went to coal camp on Little Susitna to hunt, Jim
and son out there. Got 1 order from Chulitna. Rutter
going to drive Heinie’s truck. Woldson, Fern backer, left for
States. Alameda due.
April 15, 1923 Cloudy, windy last night,
drying up and frost out on streets by store. PM oiled
store floor and hauled in load wood with auto truck near Lake
Wasilla. Last year first car out on May 10th first car to mile
28 on May 16th first car to mile 31½ on May 23rd, this
spring 3 weeks earlier in Wasilla. Fosket in for oats. Snow
road gone out as far as Mullen’s ranch. Mattie pulled grass.
April 16, 1923 Partly cloudy. Busy
in store all day local trade. Got OS mail, letter
from Clara, father failing. Madland, Seattle hardware
man, here up till midnight on future orders. Paddy Marion
in from Mabel Mine. Moose Hank back from visit OS.
Late evening snowing ground white again. Ed Mullen ordered shoes
for his oxen.
April 17, 1923 Snowed 2” last night, ground
white again. Drumer, driver for Consolidated Gold Mines in.
Got auto truck repairs from factory. Snowed 8” at mines.
Gave 2nd order for drop shipment of tobacco. Partly cloudy
freezing nights.
April 18, 1923 Snow all gone again in Wasilla.
Got 3 orders from north on railroad. Got car of freight
off Alameda 15th hardware forage and meats clothing and groceries
to come. Rae and Marion went to Anchorage. Patchell
returned from work at Honolulu bridge. ARC boys moved piano
back to school house.
April 19, 1923 Hauled over auto truck load
freight car to store 1st haulage. Rd. dry to track.
Miller making fancy front for old Tom’s pool room building
Gave McNeil order for 10 ricks wood. Chris Fleck back after
repairing Cats at Anchorage shop. Stanley at Washington State
College Pullman Washington.
April 20, 1923 Sam O. White back
from Skwentna River Dist., caught 60 beaver. Chris Fleckenstein
started to overhaul AEC Cats and trucks. Sent 3 small orders
north. Doherty got water in his new well. Paid Seattle
invoices over $1,200. Freezing tonight.
April 21, 1923 Cloudy biz normal. Jake
Metz got his seeds. Lander, Wasilla knocker, in for freight.
Hauled in 2 loads wood with auto truck, road part frozen
and mushy. Fred Nelson back from trip to Cache Creek.
Col. Mears through, last trip over road. Dance on at Fairview.
April 22, 1923 Windy 42 above. Quiet
day dancers all sleeping. Opened up hardware and priced
same. Streets dry in Wasilla. Rufe made trip to Knik
and returned. Clarence Marsh down from Eska. Snider
made deal with Rutter to drive his car vs. Marsh. McNeil sawing
wood and catching rats. Ma weighed 150.
April 23, 1923 Got Watson mail. Dunkle
arrived from Kantishna Dist. Tom Conroy with three Natives
here to look up “Lost Mine” near Theodore Slough? Got letter
from Stanley about auto trucks. Eddie Heinbach and father
arrived from States, not crazy? Rush in store after train.
April 24, 1923 First spring rain. Hartman
made 1st trip to mines, only got as far as Mullen’s ranch.
Local trade fair, shipped $44 order of seeds to Junction.
Dunkle went out to Mabel Mine. Light rain all PM and evening.
Got men’s hats and caps for spring trade, groceries and clothing
still at Anchorage. Frost out of ground.
April 25, 1923 Partly cloudy. Biz
normal marked some new goods. Mrs. Fleming and Mrs. Ellexson
in from Knik mounted, returned with small saddle pack. Several
trying luck trout fishing. Several want to rent cabins, all
cabins occupied. Two GB miners arrived via over Fishhook Pass
1st to come out by pass. Answered Clara’s letters.
April 26, 1923 Biz fair cloudy 40 above.
Gus in for freight. Got order from Mabel Mine.
Harry Yago arrived, bought grub outfit for his mine at head of
Willow Creek. Nick Brake and Oscar Anderson back from States.
Got Camps record of exercises on phonograph. Wilmoth working
for B and H. Mr. Williams visited said he was going to Curry
Hotel.
April 27, 1923 A-1 day 40 above partly
cloudy and cool. Yago and partner left for Willow Creek.
Hartman made out to mile 10 with auto truck 20 days earlier than
last spring. All the ranchers looking for work on sections.
Priced up more hardware.
April 28, 1923 Engstrom over from Finger Lake
Dist. for seed grain. Got order for 1½ tons re-cleaned
oats from Junction - sold out. Tom Conroy and Natives back
from Theodore Slough on placer gold hunt. Chris trying out
AR Com. trucks. Truck went through depot platform no harm done
to car. Hans and team back from Willow Creek Mines. Sam
O. White looking for homestead.
April 29, 1923 Partly cloudy and cool.
AM biz rushing. Priced up more hardware and priced Schilling
goods and dry goods. Drove car up to Cannon’s for Mattie,
then drove out to 16 roads heavy, frost not out yet. Section
men from Wasilla, Pittman and Houston in to trade. Hans Frydenland
arrived from GB Mines through hauling. Eighty cases oil and
gas at Anchorage
April 30, 1923 Local biz good.
Warmed up some today. Farmers plowing and planting grain.
Got 500 gallons gasoline and Filson clothing, 23 days from Seattle.
Oil 50¢ a case cheaper than last spring. Chas Bartholf
and son arrived from California. Hartman hauled 10 passengers
to mile 28. Vic Blodgett in town. NcNeil catching
rats and rainbow trout.
May 1, 1923 A-1 clear day.
cold wind 40 above. Busy all day on monthly
bills. Sprouted 2 sacks onions. Dave Barnes and wife
in from Consolidated Mines. Rae and Paddy out with the baby
Cat. McArdle nearly burned up his root house trying to dry
it out. Roger Jacobson tuned MLD piano.
May 2, 1923 Biz good Mattie put
up two orders, Kelly Mines and Virginia Mining Co. George
Bailey visited. Mrs. Fleck, Dunkle and Horning went to
Anchorage. Sam O. White building a cache on his homestead.
Mrs. Wilmoth visited for her hand bank and papers in our safe.
May 3, 1923 Still freezing nights. Mattie
priced up Filson and Fleschner clothing. Finished packing
more orders. Hartman had 5 passengers went to mile 13,
Martin’s camp. Old Hart starved out wanted credit. Got
letter from Clara, father very weak. Joe Palmer on martin ranch
on Lake Wasilla. Jess Garver went out to mines.
May 4, 1923 Partly cloudy. Busy
with local trade. Got 3 phone orders. Bert Farris
up from Junction. Wagner sowing his oats. Felch arrived
looking for orders. Hauled load Healy coal to bin.
Drove out to 16, roads about dried up fine in Wasilla.
May 5, 1923 Partly cloudy. Rae and Paddy
took their outfit away with the baby Cat. Trix gang back
from bridge work at Honolulu Creek. Herman in from Fish
Lake. Train south 7 hours late. Mattie all in with
the grippe. Felch still here.
May 6, 1923 AM busy in store everybody
wanting something. Felch still drumming for orders.
Hartman took out supplies for ranchers along Wasilla - Willow
Rd. Ma pretty flu-y last night, better this evening.
Freight with 4 passenger cars all lighted up went north maybe first
excursion 11:30 PM.
May 7, 1923 First real summer day.
Biz good. Bank deposits $1,935. Evans freight still
at Anchorage? Got first trip to 28 with 4 passengers.
Hartman got more time to “spark”. Old Stern quit work on
section. Tom Babcock got Henry Fischer’s horse. Farmers
through seeding, two weeks earlier than a year ago.
May 8, 1923 Second real summer day.
Biz good AM rushing. Bill Long went to Knik mounted.
Ed Holland in from GB Mine. Several coming out for spring
vacation and to blow in? Hauled away rubbish piled on track
lot by the Kelly gang 2 years ago. Drove out to Hans ranch.
Ma’s cold some better getting sassy.
May 9, 1923 Biz normal 70 above.
Several went to Anchorage and several got left on account of
change of time. Al Crocker went back to hospital with the
flu. Fixed holes on road to wood pile east of town,
drove car out 2 miles on Knik Road, dry but rough in places.
May 10, 1923 Partly cloudy biz slow.
No train north today. Waited for Alameda passengers due
tonight. PM got balance of Healy coal and hauled out
2 loads of coal screenings, put same in holes on road to Lake Wasilla.
Bill Long back from Knik. “Spots” girl here on usual visit.
May 11, 1923 Sold $100 gasoline.
Got meats and clothing that came on last boat a week ago.
Gill visited with party salesman in route to Inside, Black Bear
man along. Pat “Spud” Murphy brought in last night on account
of being crushed in cave at Fern Mine. Mattie nursing cold.
Dunkle and Horning up from Anchorage. ARC moved out to mile
7. First auto reached Fishhook Inn 13 days earlier than 1922.
May 12, 1923 Partly cloudy and warm.
Unpacked tobacco and overalls and marked same. H. A.
Brown back from States went to work on road. I. V. Miller
here to work on road. Old Tom quit section and went to work
on wagon road. Schneider over from experimental farm.
Drove car to mile 4 on Knik Rd.
May 13, 1923 A-1 hot summer day 72 above
in the shade. Usual Sunday, traders, drove car out as
far as Hartman’s ranch road dusty and rough. Road Com. camp
at Mrs. Dalton’s place graveling each way. Schneider and St.
Clair’s out fishing with Tin Lizzie. Gus in through hauling
at mines. Hartman took load freight through to Fishhook.
Mothers Day. Wasilla Lake open.
May 14, 1923 Got part of Alameda freight.
PM hauled out balance of coal screenings and hauled in 2 loads
rick wood. National Groceries and Seattle hardware
I. V. Miller started to cook for AR Com. camp at mile 15.
Birch trees leaving out farmers planting spuds. No mail train
today due to snow slide at 52.
May 15, 1923 Did some work
on auto truck, oiled springs, etc. Metz horse run away
threw him out and hurt his head. No mail train today due
to snow slide at 52. Gooding and wife moved over to Wasilla
on account of working for Road Com. Wilmoth chickens locked
up for past week nobody home. Trix established another road
camp at mile 32.
May 16, 1923 Got fruit and
1 box shoes in-freight today. Two mail trains today north
and south. Snow slide removed at 52. Jake Metz went
to Anchorage to see doctor for his hurt head in run away.
Morrison, GB Mill man, arrived from States. Fifteen passengers
for mines. Perfect summer day. Opened big mail
usual letter from Stanley. Gus went to Anchorage Fred and team
started work for ARC.
May 17, 1923 Biz slow. Western dry goods
man here. Vida Deigh’s mother arrived from States.
Three letters from Stanley wants to buy a tin car. Joe
Morris here after his pack horses, also bought 1 from Fosket.
Letter from Clara said father died May 1st at 1:40 AM after over
2 years suffering with bladder trouble.
May 18, 1923 Biz slow collections good.
Got big box Black Bear clothing. Joe Morris failed to
get away. Train had no stock car. Western Dry Goods
man, Fleck’s, Marsh and Fischer bunch doing town this evening.
Harvey took bunch down to Fleck’s looking for something to eat.
Got out OS mail. Payday on section.
May 19, 1923 Mrs. Hartman
in from Fishhook Inn red with strawberries. Bailey here
with Marshal, packed up Crabtree deserter from Anchorage jail.
Ma not feeling well flu cold low down causing constant coughing.
Answered Clara’s letter about father’s death May 1st.
May 20, 1923 PM showers with hail stones.
Quiet in town. Hartman overhauling old truck. Started
to set up Multigraph machine. Drove car out as far as Hans ranch
to give Ma an airing, rained heavy on ridge. Ma nursing her
flu cough.
May 21, 1923 Partly cloudy. Got 4 ton
freight hauled it all to store warehouse. Got letters from
Roe and Clara with details of father’s funeral, was buried in Eyota
Cemetery and mother’s body to be removed to his resting place.
Ma’s cold no better. Sam Guoyt arrived. Harry Dohrman
arrived. Col. Steese here on inspection of wagon roads.
May 22, 1923 Gave Sam Guyot future on canned
vegetables. C. H. Wilson went to work for ARC.
Lawrence in from ranch going to Anchorage to build office for
Road Com. Ma’s cough no better dry cough. Paul Hansen
in for meats. Bogard in.
May 23, 1923 Partly cloudy biz slow.
No mail south today. Marked up Black Bear new goods.
Harvey took 4 men to Junction to catch branch train to Anchorage,
Horning and Dunkle among the crowd. Hartman started to haul
Fern tank oil to mines. Ma’s cold a little better. Sam
Guyot waiting for train.
May 24, 1923 Biz slow. Packed Skarstad
order for mines. Wasilla school closed with picnic for
kids at Cottonwood Creek O. C. Miller fixing up Gus house
on Main Street. Ma’s cold a little better.
May 25, 1923 Biz slow. Mail train
north today off schedule. Had 3 small orders for north
freight, mail order for Curry. Drove down to inspect wood
cut by McNeil near Wasilla Lake. Got out OS mail.
Last mail to Stanley at Pullman. Rd. dry but rough.
Mrs. Wilmoth said creditors had all quit.
May 26, 1923 Weather cloudy biz fair.
Had 1 order for Junction. Announcement that spur railroad
to be built to Baxter Coal Mine. Phone line from coal mine
to Fishhook Inn. Mr. “Advance News” Lander in from 32.
Schoolmarm Miss Deigh left for Anchorage, school out. Drove
car out to Mullen’s ranch took out his roof paper. Ma’s cough
better.
May 27, 1923 Weather cloudy. PM marking
new hardware. Bert Schneider with party over from experimental
farm, drove over to mines. Several picnicking at lake today.
Harvey hauling around “joy riders”. Went to Junction PM
with the crowd. Hartman hauling gas. PM dry showers.
Stanley at WSC at Pullman.
May 28, 1923 Got OS mail, 2 letters from
Stanley, no mail for Ma for 2 weeks. Had quite a rush
after train. Road gang in to trade using Fred’s car.
Engineer for Kelly Mines arrived. Otto and Cyanide Charley
in from GB Mines. Drove car down to Pearson’s for spuds.
May 29, 1923 L. A. Levensaler
left to inspect Kelly Mines. Several Outsiders fishing
at Lake Wasilla. Paid taxes on Griffith lots. Self got touch
of flu cough, Ma about alright now. Thorpe and Brassell here
to go to their mines on Craigie Creek.
May 30, 1923 Decoration Day, closed PM
. Section men and ARC road workers had a day off, all in town.
Fathers birthday would have been 80 died May 1st. Post
Office closed today. Miller making bed for Hartman’s 2 ton
truck. Eddie took his truck to road camp.
May 31, 1923 Biz good. Took phone order
from Kelly for outfit for Colorado Creek Dist. Broad Pass.
Got Evans mail. Quite a few arrived going to Willow Creek.
Got letter from Stanley, will leave Pullman about June 9th for
Seattle and home. Lander back from Knik bought Fischer’s light
wagon.
June 1, 1923 Biz fair locally. Harry
Madsen left with grub outfit for F. M. Kelly associates for Colorado
Creek Broad Pass Dist. Joe Palmer started to work on section.
Gus painting his cabin inside on Main Street. Downey returned
home to prospect with Uncle Tom. Nose running today.
June 2, 1923 Cool and cloudy. Biz
normal monthly collections good. Levenselar and Dunkle
went to Anchorage. Otto went to Anchorage Olmsted family
left for Minnesota with $4,000 cleanup, two years work at Willow
Creek Mines. Hughes and McNeil families quarreling over stolen
money by kids. Sent last letters to Stanley.
June 3, 1923 Still cloudy and cool. Road
Com. about through graveling road near mile 7 north.
Worked on Multigraph machine, finally got it assembled and working.
Took a run out as far as Ed Mullen’s ranch, roads dry but rough,
too many big rocks in gravel. Pete Johnson visited. Several
fishing.
June 4, 1923 Partly cloudy cool PM showers.
Put up grub order for Uncle Tom? and Downey family going to Shough
prospect. Sr. Laubner brother arrived from States.
Two auto loads for Willow Creek. Armour and Sellers salesmen
visited. Passenger left off diner and sleeper today.
Otto and Aureen back from Anchorage. Ball brand goods arrived.
June 5, 1923 Rutter hauled
out Uncle Tom’s cabin and Downey outfit to 32, Lander took
them on to Shough Mine. Mrs. Donovan visited on everybody
in Wasilla, first time off ranch in 3 years, ha-ha- ha.
Fosket in for peanuts and cover for feather bed. Got out-mail.
Payday Foster in from mines also Paul H.
June 6, 1923 Weather cloudy.
Put up 1 order for Hurricane Gulch. Got several small
mail orders. freight from Seward, brought Alameda
freight forage meats and fall ammunition. Hughes kids becoming
a terrible nuisance around town. Dunkle went to Anchorage and
several others.
June 7, 1923 Light rain all last night.
Hauled Alameda freight, flour, forage, etc., depot to track
warehouse 4 loads. Schwabacher hardware man here looking for
orders paying cash for merchandise. K. T. Co. biz in demand.
Harvey got all the passengers for mines today. Busy all
day with small orders. Miller went out to mines.
June 8, 1923 A-1 day 70 above in the
shade, first warm day since May 19th. Busy with small
orders for mines. 10 PM Nell Hughes stole out of
Mabel cabin. Tommy McNeil saw Nell going through window,
told Otto and Otto caught them with the hand grip. Schwabacher
man went north.
June 9, 1923 Weather cloudy. Mattie
went to Anchorage. Busy all day in store. Lunch 1
PM dinner 8 PM oh what fun “Daddy” on the run. No freight
south due to slide above. Stanley through school at Wash.
State College year ending June 1923. Hartman changed engine in car.
June 10, 1923 Partly cloudy. Busy
all day put up 3 orders, Ferns, Grays and Mullen’s. Spuds
up planted radishes lettuce and carrots. Reported Rae’s
house broken into last night by Hughes kids. PM and evening
clear.
June 11, 1923 A-1 day 84 above in sun
72 above in shade. Second hot day this month. Busy
all day. Ma back from Anchorage and several for Willow
Creek. Drumheller arrived. Had a rush after arrival
of train. Got 2 letters from Stanley, should be in Seattle
now. St. Clair got a Tin Lizzie from Anchorage.
ARC help in to trade.
June 12, 1923 Temp. 62 above. Biz
normal busy all day. Bert Schneider and Pittman section
going in to trade. St. Clair’s out joy riding with their
Tin Lizzie. Harvey drove Mine Ellex in from Knik also J. J.
O’Brien and Irish.
June 13, 1923 Partly cloudy. Biz
slow. Opened up and marked new hardware Harvey
overhauled St. Clair’s car by our garage, cleaned out carbon and
tried to tighten crank shaft bearings. Took a spin down to Thorpe
ranch. Drumheller in from mines. Hughes family went
to Anchorage.
June 14, 1923 Dunkle's family arrived.
Got Watson mail, letter from Stanley, ready to leave Pullman
for Seattle. F. B. Cannon failed to open Post Office, Mrs.
Harman went to his house and reported him dead. Self and Tryck went
up, found him on bed partly undressed and sure dead.
Miller and self went up found his keys $35 locked door. Capt.
Gaikema and George Forest at mines.
June 15, 1923 Partly cloudy biz fair.
Williams the Anchorage undertaker arrived to take care of Cannon
deceased, helped him to arrange the body. Found $5.30 in
silver in his pockets, watch, eyeglasses on bed and half bottle
3-H (horse) liniment. Chris overhauling St. Clair’s
Tin Lizzie. Fern Mine out of ore let part of help go.
June 16, 1923 A-1 day biz fair.
Budd and George Forest in from mines. Budd went to Seward
to meet Mr. Thompson, backer of GB Mine. Forest took Rae to hospital.
Self went after Cannon’s body with auto truck, sent to Anchorage
for burial by I.O.O.F. Mrs. George Bailey and twins up to trade.
Carlson’s house robbed of $14. Capt. Gaikema returned to Anchorage.
June 17, 1923 Wasilla full of Anchorage people
today. Anchorage employees of AEC, Cond-Moore, 9 coaches
about 300 arrived for picnic and trout fishing. Three
parties took autos out to Fishhook Inn, train left 7 PM
for Anchorage. Sal Silverman visited and several others.
St. Clair doctoring his Tin Lizzie washed the bran out of radiator.
June 18, 1923 Partly cloudy biz fair.
No local freight Mr. Hubbel and G. B. Thompson arrived.
Don Rae back from Anchorage, doctor said he had consumption
and only good for 2 months more. Sold Krause and partner grub
outfit to run 180’ tunnel at Consolidated Gold Mine. Got letter
from Clara said Mr. Frank was appointed administrator of fathers
estate. Stanley on Alameda in route home.
June 19, 1923 Partly cloudy biz good.
Got 2 contract orders for mines. Groceries arrived, hauled
over and stored away 5 tons. St. Clair got his engine
cleaned up and about assembled. Jack Tomlinson in town.
Mrs. Sapp and children visiting the St. Clair’s. Pearson and
old Vail applicants for Post Office. Earthquake today.
June 20, 1923 Cloudy biz normal.
Train south 6 hours late on account of big mud slide above
Curry. L. Ladu hikers arrived on way to Fairbanks left
here 11 PM north. Helped to put engine in St. Clair’s car.
Lady arrived from Ruby. Krause left for Consolidated Mine
on tunnel contract.
June 21, 1923 Train north
4 hours late. Mayor Conroy and Chas Isaac arrived.
Busy most of day marking new goods. Got letter from Judge
Ritchie about Wasilla Commissioner and Post Master said he had
O. G. in mind but was told I wouldn’t accept the office etc.
B and H wanted me to take sub-agency for Star car.
June 22, 1923 Partly cloudy biz fair.
Put up order for Nolan Hudson to prospect Miller and Newman
group on Willow. Mayor Conroy back from mines talked over
Cannon estate. Stanley should arrive at Seward tonight on
Alameda. Ma not feeling so well from flu effects. Sold
St. Clair a chime for his Tin Lizzie.
June 23, 1923 Partly cloudy biz normal.
Got phone from Stanley at tunnel, would be in Anchorage PM.
Ma left on PM train for Anchorage also Mayor Conroy. A.
Sostad and Lander in from hills. Harvey towing St. Clair’s
car to loosen her bearings up, out of time Chris fixed her.
John Tryck in town. Eska Coal Mine shut down.
June 24, 1923 Partly cloudy. Busy
AM marking new goods. Mrs. Wilmoth visited, asked if I
wanted Post Office, I said no. She had a petition for Howard
Wilmoth made out by Harman, I refused to sign it. St. Clair
practicing running his car. Sumner Smith and Frank Kelly visited,
Kelly moving to Anchorage. Ma and Stanley in Anchorage. Took
inventory of Post Office supplies $498.10.
June 25, 1923 A-1 summer day biz normal.
C. D. Johnson sold calf and heifer to “what for you laugh?”
Bailey left order. Car load machinery etc. arrived for
Gold Cord Mine. No mail train today. Ma and Stanley
anchored in Anchorage. Sent wire to Judge Ritchie against
anchor line up account of USC.
June 26, 1923 Stanley arrived home for summer
vacation from Pullman. Ma back from Anchorage. Eames
here to check up Post Office. Elder and Capt. Nick arrived.
Frank Forker in from Consolidated Mines closed down. Mrs.
Horning and Gene arrived from Anchorage. Got Alameda mail.
Drove out to mile 16.
June 27, 1923 A-1 day small trade all
day. Eames returned to Seward. No regular train today.
Mrs. Wilmoth crowing because Howard got it. Word from Judge
Ritchie said Wilmoth appointed U. S. Commissioner at Wasilla.
Albert up from Junction to trade and see Stanley. Cool nights
72 above in shade today.
June 28, 1923 Got orders
from Caswell, Montana, Curry and Colorado. Mail
train south today off schedule. Ma still feeling bum from
flu cold. Stanley helping in store, evening drove down to
Fleckenstein’s. Woods fire near Cottonwood and around Mother
Morrison’s ranch. Had a feed of cantaloupe.
June 29, 1923 Partly cloudy biz fair.
Put up prospecting outfit for Elder, going pocket hunting on
right hand fork of Grubstake Gulch. Mail train north got Evans
mail and Alameda freight. Reported war department has taken
over railroad. Bailey up for supplies from Junction.
Got Swift’s meats and Very Best meats etc. Very dry, rain needed
for strawberry crops. New daily paper Anchorage started by
miners.
June 30, 1923 A-1 day biz above normal.
Bogard in for feed. Capt. Nick returned to Anchorage.
Gibbs in, left traveling man in charge. Gibbs on way to OS
. Consolidated Mine shut down temporary. Fourth train
load of Mayo silver ore passed through for States. Reported Wilmoth
threw up taking the PO and US Com. at Wasilla, too many against him.
Offered Post Office etc. to Gerrit Snider wouldn’t have it.
July 1, 1923 Partly cloudy. Stanley and
self took out steering gear for assembling new worm on truck.
PM Stanley went to Junction to see Albert. Self on monthly bills,
got them all out by midnight. Blind man spoke at school house,
gave gold ring on voting contest, Elizabeth Snider won it, Mrs.
Vail was next. Boat party on lake for blind man. St.
Clair got a flat wheel.
July 2, 1923 Hot day biz normal.
Mr. Snodgrass here checking up Wasilla ranches for government
map. Regular train north today. Stanley looked over
P.O. on account of Mrs. Harman wanting to quit her job. Reported
Wilmoth coming Thursday to take over Post Office.
July 3, 1923 Hot day, 76 in shade, biz
good. Several in town, PM company train for employees
went to Anchorage. ARC road help in for fourth to
trade. Stanley and Harvey took swim in Lake Wasilla.
Willow Creek Mines got a bunch of groceries from Schwabacher Seattle.
Six Shooter Bill went to Anchorage for the fourth.
July 4, 1923 Weather cloudy. Ma
went to Anchorage to finish chiropractic treatments for nerves.
Store closed all day. Got out-mail and yearly license sales
for fiscal year: $37,720.86, $500 more than last year. PM
assembled steering gear on car. Kids at school house, 11 PM went
out to 28 with Ed.
July 5, 1923 Biz fair light trade all
day. Fourth of July celebrators returned from Anchorage.
Sparling in from Willow Creek prospecting for placer.
Stanley and self drove car out to mile 2, hung a bunch of red bananas
on bush, tell Wasilla now the banana belt. Got letter from Ma in
Anchorage.
July 6, 1923 Ma at Anchorage. Biz
fair put up prospecting order for Otto. Sparling returned
to Willow Creek via Bald Mt. trail. Drove down to Donovan’s ranch,
they picked first lot of strawberries, got 3 quarts and some green
stuff, took Six Shooter along and talked up the rabbits. Ingram
returned to the mines.
July 7, 1923 Biz fair cloudy. Budd
and Thompson in, went to Anchorage light rain much
needed for farm truck but not at mines. Herman in, bought
grub outfit for Caswell prospect. Wagner drove up with lame
back. Rufe quit work on station. Johnny Burr left for
trip OS . Patzack in from Lucky Shot. Ma at Anchorage.
July 8, 1923 Rain biz fair AM. Stanley
and self drove Miller out to his ranch, had dinner got back
6:15. Several in from GB Mine. All at GB Mine want
out on a strike. Played the phonograph. Ma at Anchorage due
home tomorrow. Hartman took Rufe and family to Knik. Good
rain part of PM. Took “usual” bath.
July 9, 1923 Biz normal Ma back from
Anchorage. Byron Bartholf Sr. and Mable Bartholf arrived.
Quite a few new men for GB Mine owing to strike did not go out.
Thorpe’s arrived, left for prospect on Willow. President Harding
and party on way to Alaska left Tacoma July 6 on transport Henderson,
first U. S. President to Alaska.
July 10, 1923 Biz as usual. Wilmoth
took over Post Office from bondsman. Self took inventory, cash
short $13.75 but remittance July 1st to draft of $62 over will cover.
Finished Otto’s order. Fred in from road camp to trade.
Ma now the cook and barber. Stanley working in store.
Al Walters over from Palmer to trade. Crops doing well.
July 11, 1923 Weather fair AM rain, PM
biz normal. AM busy with mail acts like rainy season
was on. Miners at Lucky Shot Mine struck, mine closed down
men want $5 per day, wages are $4.50 to $5. Miner wanted
to leave my placer mine. Otto and partner left for Willow
Creek to prospect.
July 12, 1923 Weather cloudy. Two auto
loads of miners arrived from Lucky Shot Mine on account of
strike. John Smith and son C. B. Smith arrived from States
to operate old Gold Cord Mine under a 5 year lease. G. B.
Thompson back from Anchorage. Frank Forker here to do annual
assessment. Got Watson mail, letter from F. B. Cannon’s niece
about deceased. Heavy rain 11 PM. Strawberries on market.
July 13, 1923 Rain biz normal.
President Harding arrived at Seward AM today, at Anchorage
9 PM, due here noon tomorrow. Admiral Rodwell came on speeder
to fish tomorrow while Presidents party go to Chickaloon coal fields.
Stanley to be guide for Admiral Rodwell. Made Wasilla sign on ash
bank. First President to visit Alaska. Midnight clearing.
July 14, 1923 A-1 day biz normal.
Smith and son went to Anchorage. President Harding train
arrived 1 PM on way north. The President and wife got out
and shook hands with everybody. Jas Patchell gave President
basket of strawberries and all kind of berries etc. AM Stanley
had Admiral Rodwell out on Lake Wasilla trout fishing caught 10
lbs.
July 15, 1923 Electric fishing party
arrived from Anchor, Bill Stolt, Stanley’s WSC schoolmate
along. Stanley took a party of 4 out to mile 12 and return.
Hartman got his big truck working and took load iron out to 16
RH. Worked some on printing outfit. Made out Smith’s bill.
July 16, 1923 Smith and son back from Anchorage
to open Gold Cord Mine. Willis Whitridge here from Anchorage.
Admiral Hugh Rodman phoned, wanted Stanley to go fishing on Lake
Wasilla. Set type for store paper. Strawberries on
market today 50¢ quart.
July 17, 1923 Hot day. Biz normal
got freight off Alameda and Watson. Harding Special returned
1 PM from Fairbanks, 3 days ahead of schedule. Got out store
paper visited “Strawberry Issue”. Drove down to Donovan ranch to
see strawberry patch, treated to strawberry shortcake and lemonade.
Roads dry.
July 18, 1923 Cloudy biz slow got out
orders etc. Sent Mrs. Harding our July store paper.
Re-assembled steering gear on car and took up play in joints front
wheel gear. Gold Cord couldn’t find all their goods and re-ordered
but it was there. Had big feed of mammoth strawberries.
July 19, 1923 Partly cloudy and hot.
Biz slow mailed a lot of store papers on north train.
Nel Hartman in from Mile 16 RH inspecting her 2 ton truck.
Joe Conroy up from Anchorage had papers appointing me administrator
of F. B. Cannon’s estate. Stanley and mother visited
on Wagner’s. Strawberries on the market every train day 50¢
quart.
July 20, 1923 A-1 day got out-mail. Fixed
on car for trip to government farm dance, took Mrs. Wagner and
C. D. Johnson, had trouble with gas going over, got home 3 AM
Saturday, about 100 present, good music and lunch. Harvey
brought in 4 boys from mine 16 went from Wasilla.
July 21, 1923 Hot day 80 in the shade.
Dunkle and Babcock went to Anchorage. Farmers delivering
strawberries to every train 4 times weekly. Overhauled carburetor
on truck, found magneto connection loose. Doherty, Harman
and Wagner signed up as appraisers on Cannon’s estate. Only
3 hours sleep last night due to dance.
July 22, 1923 Perfect day quiet in Wasilla.
Stanley took up crank shaft bearings on truck car. PM drove
out to Mabel Mine, 21 miles, looked over Mabel Mill, Horning was
there coasted back to Fishhook Inn. Had supper me Mattie and Stanley,
Ingram and wife were there. Made trip home in 1 hour 20 minutes
car run fine.
July 23, 1923 Temp. 80 in the shade.
Biz fair collections good. Finished mailing list of store
paper July 19th. Times recopied our store paper with
comments up to the minute. Arthur Madsen rode up from Matanuska
on his bike, stayed all night with Stanley. McNeil paid last
of Old Knik account.
July 24, 1923 California weather 80 to
90 in the shade. Arthur went home PM on freight left bike.
Jack Chisholm and Eames in town. Mrs. Wilmoth came in our
store and told Chisholm to stay away, wouldn’t allow him to inspect
their odds and ends of merchandise. Ordered batteries etc.
for radio set.
July 25, 1923 A-1 hot day 90 above.
Got order from Gold Cord Mine. Jno Smith went to Anchorage
for pick ups for Gold Cord Mine. Three tourists visited,
ex-judge from Montana jubilant over Alaska and K. T. Co. store
paper. Siwash trade sold $40 worth and a gun. Drove down to Thorpe’s
place. St. Clair’s there shooting “labbits”. GB Budd
left for OS .
July 26, 1923 Still hot. Biz good.
Train 1 hour late. Got Evans mail. Ulsh back from
Anchorage with full force to re-open Lucky Shot Mine wages to
be $5 a day. Jno Smith returned from Anchorage Auto
stages busy took 3 trucks to haul miners and baggage. Mrs.
Sal Silverman visiting Wasilla. Albert and Arthur up from
Matanuska. Reported that Mrs. Capt. Ward died at Anchorage.
July 27, 1923 ARC Cat took
out 2 big wagon loads of lumber to Willow Creek. Farmers
here to meet the salmon run, no run as yet. Ordered post
cards from Sylvia at Seward. Ma not feeling well awoke
2 AM this morning with an all gone feeling. Ma preserved
12 quarts strawberries today. Took a ride to Hans ranch rabbits
thick.
July 28, 1923 Hot day biz slow.
Lawrence - Long Reynolds AR Com. help back from finishing bridge
at Honolulu Creek. First salmon run. Drove down to railroad
bridge on Cottonwood Creek to watch the salmon run everybody there.
Delivered 300 lb. fish salt at Fleck’s. Had big beef roast.
Conroy and G . B. Thompson left for Anchorage and Mrs. Silverman.
July 29, 1923 Bailey family in new Ford car
up from Matanuska and drove to mountain home. Herning family
drove truck over to Palmer 12 miles then down Toat Rd. to Matanuska
visited on Madsen’s. Had dinner at Hotel Allen. Roads
dry but rough in places. Got home 7:30. Had one mishap
knocked down gate on Toat Rd. Palmer to Junction. No run salmon
today.
July 30, 1923 Cloudy and hot evening
thunder and lightening light rain. She’s a darn good
thing Jimmy broke a piston ring going fishing with his Tin Lizzie
no salmon run today only a 50% pack on Cook Inlet. Got forage
and meats delivered today. PM re-packed grease in transmission
and differential on truck Fishing party arrived.
July 31, 1923 Partly cloudy and hot.
Stanley drove Miller out to his ranch Arthur went along.
Old spuds about gone got 2 sacks off Fleckenstein’s. Marsh,
foreman at ARC camp-one, quit the job. Drove down to Stern’s
ranch got 7 quarts strawberries at 50¢ quart. Only 4
salmon run today. Arthur returned home.
August 1, 1923 Hot day 86 above.
Biz normal worked on monthly accounts most all day. War
prices on between auto freighters to Willow Creek cut fares to
$1.50 baggage free. Drove down to Stern’s for crate strawberries,
stopped at railroad bridge, no fish running then drove to Thorpe’s
place, a few fish there McNeil and St. Clair had in a trap.
Leonard Grau in from Mabel Mine.
August 2, 1923 Biz normal made out order
for harness gear. Second run salmon today, drove down
to bridge to see the run. Wire came 9:45 that President
Harding died at 7:15 PM at San Francisco today effects of ptomaine
poisoning eating crab meat July 30th at Seattle on the transport Henderson.
August 3, 1923 Put up order for Fred Crocker
for hauling out his mining timber to wagon road. Got
out order for harness gear. Drove out to Miller’s ranch.
Got out-mail for OS . Paid for fall ammunition due 9/30,
less 2%.
August 4, 1923 Sent Clara local papers about
Presidents visit here. PM went down to wood yard,
finished road to wood and hauled out one load. Stanley and
self left after supper for mines. Made it out in 2 hours 15
minutes to 1st hogback on Hatcher Creek 21½ miles.
Parked car and walked over to Placer Mine, grass wet.
August 5, 1923 Sun hot, mowed grass around
cabins cleaned up cabins and tool house. Took inventory
of tools, grub, etc., left mines 3 PM. Walked over summit
to car, came down to Fishhook Inn in ½ hour 5½ miles.
Ate supper, drove in to Wasilla in 1 ¼ hours arrived at Wasilla
7:30. Four and one half hours Grubstake to Wasilla. Traveling
time 3 hours 45 minutes.
August 6, 1923 A-1 day got fruit and
mail off Alameda. Capt. Nick Gaikema up from Anchorage.
Got first copy of miners paper publication in Anchorage.
Calvin Coolidge swore in as President of United States August 3rd.
Presidents body shipped from San Francisco to Washington D. C.
August 4th. Arthur here for a visit.
August 7, 1923 Stanley clerking for K. T. Co.
Hartman rushing out freight to mines. Ingram and wife
in town fishing. Salmon still running everybody got a pack.
Stanley figuring going to Kemper College in Missouri. Drove
down to Pearson ranch. Old spuds punk new spuds too small.
August 8, 1923 Biz normal light trade
all AM. Tom Conroy and Capt. Gaikema returned to Anchorage.
Mrs. Spaulding here for a visit from Anchorage. Alameda
freight of 4th arrived this evening at Wasilla, 4 days for delivery
45 miles. Shipped 3 small orders north. Stanley repacking
trunk for college.
August 9, 1923 Partly cloudy. Had 3 truck
loads of freight arrive groceries, hardware and tents, stored
away same. President Harding’s body moved from Capitol to
Marion Ohio today funeral tomorrow. Got Watson mail.
Got new lot post cards. Received dope on high school etc.
at Atascadero, California.
August 10, 1923 Partly cloudy. Stanley
and Leonard found two 46’ poles for radio terminal.
Priced tents etc. Road Com. re-grading on Wasilla - Palmer
Rd. President Harding buried 3 PM today at Marion Ohio his
home town. Silver ore train off the track near Fairview school house.
August 11, 1923 Biz good got mining order
from Lee Johnson. C. B. Smith went to Anchorage.
Stanley took O. C. out to ranch. PM autoed in 3 ricks birch
wood. Attended dance at Forest Hall went with Harvey. Hartman
took Marsh and Fleck girls. Strawberries off market. Forty at
dance.
August 12, 1923 Received wire 9 AM from
Clara, R. C. Smith killed, herself and Alice injured not
serious. No details but we take it as an auto accident.
Harman, Wagner and Doherty appraised Cannon’s estate. In
going through boxes in house found a will leaving all his property
to his nephew. F. B. Cannon ________ and myself executor of
will without bond.
August 13, 1923 Largest order was from Lee
Johnson prospecting on Shorty Creek near Lucky Shot Mine.
Standard Oil man here to look over Willow Creek Dist. and operators.
Sam Fischer’s man arrived. C. B. Smith back from Anchorage
also Tom Conroy. Gus hauled out big load feed to RH.
August 14, 1923 Cloudy biz fair. Stanley
went o Anchorage via Junction to have his teeth fixed and draw
school money. Gave Sam future order for canned and dried
fruits. Drove Sam out over Knik Rd. to mile 3. Wilmoth
put up new sign reading U. S. Com. and Recorder. Usual shave.
August 15, 1923 Partly cloudy.
Busy in store got orders from Elder and Sparling on Grubstake.
Elder reported he found pay. Stanley at Anchorage got reservations
on SS Alaska for trip OS next Sunday. Sam Guyot and
Standard Oil man left for Anchorage wanted me to handle oils for
mines next season. Drove down to Johnson’s ranch for spuds.
Got 1st raspberries.
August 16, 1923 Temp. 78 above.
Biz good. Stanley back from Anchorage H. E. Krause
bought another outfit for driving another tunnel for Consold.
Mines. Sent word to Sam Kelly clerk wanted for winter months.
ARC got camp at Wasilla Creek on Wasilla - Palmer Rd. doing
upgrading. Indian Jim moved into Larson cabin.
August 17, 1923 Hot 80 above, 7 PM 70
above. Joe Brassel here from mines.
Stanley and mother all packed up for trip to California.
Figure going by auto car from Seattle to Atascadero, California.
Sam Kelly arrived from ARC camp Willow to work for K. T. Co.
Fine weather for hay making says C. D. Gave Stanley $400 account
car in Seattle.
August 18, 1923 Biz good 70 to 80 above.
Pete Wilson in with Fred’s car. Harvey went to Anchorage
Hartman doctoring his cars. Stanley and mother left for
Atascadero California for Ma’s health and Stanley’s last year
in high school. Went to Seward caught Alaska this evening
for Seattle. Busy all PM in store. Sam Kelly went to Anchorage
got bump in eye splitting wood.
August 19, 1923 Hot busy AM in store.
Pittman section gang down to trade. Priced up insoles
overalls etc. Drove out to Miller’s ranch got dark before
arriving home, stepped on her just the same. Miller had 2,000
strawberry plants set out. Only slept 3 hours last night due
to eye. Ma and Stanley on SS Alaska south.
August 20, 1923 Hot day 90 in shade 115
in sun, corn weather. Busy all day till 10 PM. Put
up $66 order for Thorpe’s going to help Elder on Grubstake prospect.
Ulsh in, head cut by rock at Lucky Shot, Hartman took him
to Junction to catch train to Anchorage. Radio batteries
etc. arrived. Got letter from Sylvia saying folks got away on
Alaska but no reservation. Sam Kelly back from Anchorage.
August 21, 1923 Corn weather still on
90 in shade 114 in sun. Biz slow. Sent Thorpe's key
to cabin at mine. Sam Kelly commenced clerking for K. T.
Co. at $25 per week mess found. PM hauled over hardware and
clothing. Delivered Pearson’s roofing paper. Mattie and
Stanley about at Juneau.
August 22, 1923 Another hot day 90 above.
Siwash section men got their checks and paid back bills.
In office most all day on accounts etc. Mr. Hubbell from
mines asked for one of our store papers. Mr. Cats USGS down from
Inside went to Willow Creek. Senator Chamberlain here.
August 23, 1923 Biz normal temperature
70 to 80. Fire south of town, whole country fire near
Birchwood. In office most of day clearing up papers on
desk. Otto lost GB check through hole in pocket, evening
found it on Tommy McNeil. Ulsh with sore head back from Anchorage.
No mail only papers. Had grouse dinner at Hotel Hartman
today.
August 24, 1923 Warm day moon red. Biz
above normal. Lost my dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan visited
just at meal time took 2 hours to get rid of them.
Pittman section men arrived just at closing time, finally got a
meal at 8 PM. Everything working fine so says Cohen? Appraisers
signed up inventory for F. B. Cannon deceased. Standard Oil man
here gave Willow Creek 2 years to develop.
August 25, 1923 Hot day. Smokey
big fire west and south of town. Biz good. Redmund
“GB” in to trade. Recorded appraisers inventory of Cannon’s
estate. Leonard Grau delivered radio poles. Herman
placed $400 order for fox fence. Got another order from Nancy
for fox fence. Harvey had McNeil family out for a ride
now in the money. No barber me shave.
August 26, 1923 Partly cloudy smoky.
Got up 5:30. Sam and self drove down Knik Rd. to try
out Sam’s 16 ga., made 3 hits. Commissioner went out with
his 22 special to protect the birds? S. R. Capps back from
mines. Bailey and Schneider with 12 joy riders visited on
way to Willow Creek Dist. PM had a little time, made new moon
key broken in right steering arm on car. Supper at 8 o’clock
Ma and Stanley at Seattle. Snider and kids down to trade.
August 27, 1923 Cloudy smoky. Got butter
and baking powder and mail off Alameda also fruit and melons.
Received letter from Mattie mailed at Cordova, well and having
good trip. Drove down to Vail’s for vegetables. Hauled
over freight from depot. Received several letters from Seattle
biz houses complimenting me on store paper. Stanley and mother
in Seattle.
August 28, 1923 Cloudy temperature 70.
Biz a little slow, in office most all day. Cotter, game
warden, here no grouse served at Hotel Wasilla today. Self had
chicken dinner and green peas. ARC re-grading roads near
Hall and Junction making roads most impassable for autos.
Stanley looking up car for trip to California.
August 29, 1923 Rain last night 2nd rain
of summer. Partly cloudy and hot today. Biz good
got 4 big orders and several dinky orders. Gooding and Fleck
in with Cat and grader, finished at Junction going to move camp
in from Willow Creek, will start work on Knik Rd. September 1st.
Hauled in load birch wood. Otto went to Anchorage, Uncle Tom
went to Nuka Bay strike. Jess Garver and Laubner went to Anchorage.
August 30, 1923 Cloudy heavy evening
rain. Biz good. PM cleared big boxes from aft
of store. Put them in garage lot. Hauled load wood.
Paper mail only. Otto back from Anchorage. ARC gang
in from Willow Creek moved down on Knik Rd. 1923-1924 schoolmarm
arrived. A big wall of fire and all biz. 10 PM raining
hard.
August 31, 1923 Cloudy cooler 65 above.
Biz rushing ARC men in to trade. Got wire 10 AM Ma and
Stanley arrived 30th at Atascadero, California OK, bought
Oldsmobile in San Francisco and motored 600 miles to Atascadero.
Answered and sent papers. Grau started to dig holes for radio
poles. Bank deposit today $1,638.57 total in banks.
$2,899.79 bonds and cash on hand. Wrote to Ma and Stanley.
Heavy rain last night.
September 1, 1923 Leonard painted radio poles
and made bridle for antenna. Busy PM in store, hauled
over Black Bear clothing, spuds and harness gear. Delivered
300 lbs. groceries to Wagner’s.
September 2, 1923 Hot day, 72 to 80 above.
Joy riders day, Ma and Stanley joy riding in California.
Mopped house and floor and store and cleaned house. Painted
radio pole 2nd coat. Chas Marino over with team from government
farm. St. Clair’s, Trix and Harry Madsen with Eddie’s car
and Fleck’s all out joy riding. Drove down Palmer Rd. With
Sam after grouse, got nine. Finished monthly bills at midnight.
September 3, 1923 Labor Day. Partly
cloudy evening rain. Closed store 1 to 4 PM after train
had a rush all local people. Leonard raised radio pole by
store. Fat here, Harry beat him to it. St. Clair’s got
company from Anchorage drove them out to Fishhook Inn. Simeon
Esi drunk. Got letter from Sy with detail of R. C. Smith accident.
Clara and Alice had collar bones broken, Dick died in 20 minutes,
car rolled over twice babies not hurt. Letter from Ma and Stanley
Juneau and Ketchikan.
September 4, 1923 Cloudy biz good.
Got orders from everywhere today. Got antenna installed
and wired into store. Reported Harvey and Mrs. Hartman had
a scrap over passengers, Harvey got 8 and took them on to Junction.
School opened. Looking up radio instructions worse than auto.
Stanley and Ma in California.
September 5, 1923 First fall day, cloudy
and cool temperature 56 mild wind. Got 2 good orders
and a dozen small ones. Stallman, lineman, visited and
showed me how to connect up radio and operate instrument, could
not use the 6 volt battery tubes, called for 1½ volts.
Mrs. Hartman ordered Harvey to stay away from B. H. Judge Wilmoth
told him to go in? G. B. Thompson left for OS.
September 6, 1923 Cloudy 56 above. Watson
in, got letters from Stanley and Ma from Seattle said they would
go by rail to Atascadero owing to wash out on highway.
Over 100,000 people killed in Japan by earthquake. Young
Goosmar arrived to work on section.
September 7, 1923 Metz started to scrape out
for annex on north side of store. Sam busy on 2
orders. Harry Yago and wife through at mines. Hardware, groceries,
etc. arrived on Watson today. Raining hard. Had slaw,
2 fried eggs, French toast, Postum and pears for supper. Everything
working fine.
September 8, 1923 Metz finished excavating
for store annex. Lumber came from Caswell. Phillips
in from mines went to Anchorage. Set up radio instrument, tubes
would not light, maybe burned out, battery had juice. Otto
dug Cannon’s spuds, about a sack. Half dozen ranchers over from Palmer.
September 9, 1923 Cloudy busy 6 AM in
store. Marsh bought Eddie’s car. PM connected aerial
to radio set, tubes wont light. Cat pulling stumps on Knik
Rd. Hartman went out with big truck, light rain.
Chas Josephson in going OS . French toast for supper, Postum and plums.
September 10, 1923 Rain morning, drove
down to Vail’s for spuds. Sent $100 order to Caswell sawmill.
No freight arrived today. McAllen back from Anchorage.
Appointed on Japanese Red Cross relief fund. No mail from
folks yet now at Atascadero California. Defect on radio
not yet located. Japanese lost 200,000 from earthquake.
September 11, 1923 Light rain.
AM had Leonard and Vail unload car lumber for store annex,
self hauled it with truck. Biz fair another order from
Elder and Thorpe. Groceries, hardware, etc., at Anchorage
failed to come up. Drove out to Miller’s ranch brought him
in and 5 sacks spuds from Harts. Worked on radio 8 to 11 found
1 wire broken.
September 12, 1923 D. E. Stubbs down from Nancy
looking for fox ranch location. Placed order for fox fence
wire. Miller started to build store annex. Vail excavated
AM. Worked on radio, got a kick out of tubes. Murphy, Dupont
man here. Mrs. Al Davis died. First snow on the mountain
peaks.
September 13, 1923 Stubbs looked over Aureen’s
ranch and along Wasilla lakes for fox ranch. Jess Garver
returned to Willow to drive 50’ more of tunnel. Oil and
gas arrived via Seward. Japanese loss now reported only 90,000
account earthquake. Six Shooter Bill back from 2 months at Anchorage
broke as usual. Miller on annex 1 day.
September 14, 1923 Otto and self hauled over
100 cases oil. Fairview schoolmarm arrived looking for
credit. Wrote Stanley about radio. Third letter to Atascadero
and no letter from them yet. Car freight arrived, 1 week
from Anchorage.
September 15, 1923 John Smith in from Gold
Cord Mine, closed down, brought in all the grub left and wanted
us to give him credit on bill. C. B. got cold feet didn’t
like the rough necks. PM hauled over all the freight blocked
up for room. Smith left for California. Dance at Fairview.
Worked on radio no talk.
September 16, 1923 Rain all day.” What
for you Laugh” up to trade, has Consld. Gold Mining Co. team.
PM and evening priced up hardware and clothing. Road to
Matanuska impassable due to re-grade and heavy rains. One
more mile Knik Rd. graded. Miller worked on annex laid
off PM. Stanley at
Atascadero College Ma his cook.
September 17, 1923 Partly cloudy. Marked
up electrical goods. Several arrived for mines.
Got Alameda mail, train 1 hour late. Got 1st letter from
Stanley said Ma had written.
September 1, 1923 Clear, first frost.
Snow and frost in northern states the 12th. Got Ma’s first
letter from Atascadero with all the news, seems to like it there.
Put up order for Peter Murray. Eggs and onions sold out.
Moose Hank quit Road Com. going OS . Stubbs arrived from
Nancy to locate on Aureen’s ranch. Answered Ma's first letter
got 2nd class mail only.
September 19, 1923 PM helped Miller to paper
roof on annex. Mrs. Stubbs arrived from Nancy to join
her husband on Aureen’s ranch. Fred and Gaston in from
Knik road camp to trade. Tried out another combination on radio
tubes, failed to light.
September 20, 1923 PM helped Miller finish
paper on roof. McDougal returned to Fern Gold Mining
Co. Mr. Cole and wife here for weekend, staying in O.
C. Miller’s place. Vail hauling away boxes to ranch.
Got Evans mail no letter from folks.
September 21, 1923 Rain, got equinox
storm today, rain and wind and thunder. Section
men got their checks. Stubbs up from Aureen ranch deposited
$100 on ranch transfer. Wilmoth Co. bought Coleman lamp, Delco
on the bum. Dunkle went out to Mabel. Bogard in for
hog feed.
September 22, 1923 Snow capped mountains brought
quite a few in from Willow Creek. Train 2 hours late
due to wash out near Montana. Quite a few Wasilla-ites
went to Anchorage. W. C. Ingram left for OS . PM
helped Miller put iron on east end of annex. Clear and cold.
September 23, 1923 Partly cloudy.
Froze hard last night. Cleaned house and mopped the floor.
Helped Miller 2 hours on annex. Got east end completed,
window in. Marked wool clothing and socks from Black’s.
The Judge sawing wood. Pete Johnson in for feed for ARC, fixing
corduroy by Ralph Weiss place. Hartman hauled out load
rails for Willow Creek Mines.
September 24, 1923 Temp. 44 above. Worked
on bills and small orders all day. My 9/14 deposit sent
to Seward failed to arrive. Joe Palmer back from looking
over Paddy McDonald’s fox ranch at Anchorage. Miller got corrugated
iron on half of annex roof. OS mail no letter from Ma
and Stanley. Raining hard. Snow at Talkeetna.
September 25, 1923 Cloudy 44 above. Mabel
outfit in, closed down the mine. O. C. Miller’s birthday
66 years old. Poker game at hotel. “Brew” on in old Post
Office, some Judge. Miller laid off today to celebrate his
birthday. Harry Madsen visiting Fleck’s. heavy rain
all last night.
September 26, 1923 Cloudy, snow down
to timber line, Bald Mt. all white this morning. Adolph Olson
down from Kashwitna for winter grub. Mabel outfit left for
Anchorage. Choven and Oscar Ander out to inspect the Home
Builder Mine. Choven said they would have a broadcasting station
at Anchorage soon. Sent Smith and son a check to balance account.
Miller lost in poker game.
September 27, 1923 Stubbs bought Cannon’s cook
stove, phonograph and some tools. Only paper mail today.
Miller got part of north side on annex covered. Ground white
this morning, first snow off by 8 o’clock, freeze tonight.
Bill Long in for ARC supplies.
September 28, 1923 Cloudy 44 above. Nolan
Hudson drew his money, went down to visit Pete Murray.
Helped Miller put iron on north side of annex, let ‘er blow now.
Hauled Cannon’s stove down to Lake Wasilla for Stubbs, had on 1 chain,
had L time making trip. Lake rough so Stubbs got lantern and
mushed to Aureen’s place on lake. Getting windy. Supper at 8
o'clock had eggs and jam.
September 29, 1923 Thorpe’s and Elder in from
Grubstake. H. V. Redmond in for pick ups for GB.
Bunkhouse at Kelly Mines burned up. Got ma’s registered letter,
failed to put call card in box. Stanley didn’t enter school
until September 17th. Ma said that change was improving her
health.
September 30, 1923 PM took Kelly’s measurement
for suit, marked some hardware. Paddy McDonald here looking
over fur farms. Joe Palmer said Hartman wanted to stake
him 4 pair foxes on ranch. Miller on street end of annex.
Schoolmarm visited on Wilmoth’s. Clarence Olson got Eddie’s
saw.
October 1, 1923 Got mail off Alaska, registered
letter #2 from Mattie. Stanley and mother returned to Seattle
Sept. 28th, made change because Stanley couldn’t get the studies
wanted at Atascadero High School. Part of fox wire for Stubbs
arrived. Out of ham and bacon. Got write up in Pathfinder
about Wasilla news July.
October 2, 1923 Cloudy biz normal. Wells
Bros. sent down their pack horse to winter. Wagner tried
him out but said he was no good to work. Miller cut door
through annex to store. Paddy McDonald sold Hartman pair
foxes. Tried out radio again, lights wouldn’t work.
Mrs. Hughes back, Received case of Atascadero fruit from Mattie.
Jack Hammel here.
October 3, 1923 Cloudy heavy rain last night.
Parson and a Major returned from mines with big bag ptarmigan.
Paddy McDonald returned to Anchorage, sold 5 pair silver fox
at $600 a pair to Hartman and Stubbs. Miller finished east
end of annex inside. Got orders from Wells Bros. Colorado
on railroad. Ordered radio tubes. Made out order for Kelly’s
suit and me pants.
October 4, 1923 Cloudy evening warm wind.
Put up order for Colorado and Caswell. Got order
from Eska. Miller was all day on double doors from store to
annex. Delivered Doherty’s chicken feed. Dance tomorrow
night at Phil Allen’s Hotel Matanuska. Got Watson mail.
No letter from kids. Got radio tubes to light. Paddy
Marion in.
October 5, 1923 Reported washout on Seward
end no freight came through. Took out closet in Stanley’s
room to make gangway into store annex. Dance on at Phil Allen’s,
me good boy stay home. Schoolmarm, Harvey, St. Clair’s, etc.,
went on hand car. Marsh came after Fleck’s with car. Light
on but no talk on radio.
October 6, 1923 A-1 day first sunny day since
end of hot weather. Tobacco and hardware men here, bought
nothing. Busy on orders for last boats, couldn’t get time
to write to Ma and Stanley. Had letter started. McAllen
went to Anchorage with his wife and brother. PM took down furnace
and put in new fire pot. Tried radio, no ketchum anything.
Sold three $50 coupon books.
October 7, 1923 A-1 day sunny with warm
wind. Miller on furnace all day, cemented joints.
Opened up and marked quilts. Tried radio, got a click but
could not bring anything in. Read Los Angeles Sunday Times.
Martin Larson in town. Road Com. covering corduroy with gravel
by Lake Wasilla.
October 8, 1923 Small trade all day in
store, self busy all day on billing etc. Hartman took
Little Gems mining timbers cached in Wasilla for 3 years.
Got eggs, meats, milk, etc., still on ice. Bogard in to
trade. Miller finished hot air flue to store annex room.
No mail train today, rain.
October 9, 1923 Biz slow collections
good. Delayed train arrived, got registered letter from
Atascadero and one from Hotel Atwood Seattle. School kids
had enough of California, Stanley started Seattle high school October
1st. Otto and self got load sand, helped Miller joint hot air
pipes on furnace, now OK. Com. Henderson and wife here inspecting
school.
October 10, 1923 Sent Fischer Bros. order by
Bob Hatcher going to Seward. Railroad still out of commission
at head of Turnagain Arm. Humphrey and Mehern arrived
looking for orders. Helped Otto on sills of annex.
Pulled logs out of back yard with auto. Miller at ranch.
October 11, 1923 Gave Mehern order for soap
and candy. Pete Murray here looking for his last check
by Gibbs. Otto finished cement work time 12 hours.
No mail today got 2 papers only. Warm wind with a little rain.
Sam Kelly clerking for K. T. Co.
October 12, 1923 Cloudy and warm.
Sold Sparling outfit for Grubstake Gulch. Let him have
key to my cabin, gone in via Fishhook to get out mining timbers.
Car came today, milk, wire, meats and wallboard, one week from
Anchorage. Self hauled over 2 loads and stored it in annex.
Put new wick in gas lamp and got out OS mail. Snider siding
up Rae house. Windy.
October 13, 1923 Cloudy, finished unloading
car freight. Put milk etc. in store annex, Otto helped
me. Knik Lake broke out all Knik River valley flooded.
Trains from north stopped at Junction afraid to cross bridges.
Got car Caswell lumber. Card party on at schoolmarms house,
Otto star, guest Fleck’s went. Warm wind. Section gang
laid off.
October 14, 1923 Sunday store closed
all day. Had Otto and Tommy McNeil help unload car of
Caswell lumber, moved it all with Ma's truck to lot on alley
by garage. Snider moving his family down to live in the
Rae house so kids can attend school. Tried radio no ketchum news.
Read Alaska Weekly. Sold last gas lamp.
October 15, 1923 Cloudy biz normal.
Self helped Miller to nail on ceiling in store annex. Miller
had a fainting spell. No trains today, Peters Creek bridge
washed out. Old Granny Stubbs in for lumber. Mrs.
Hartman in from 16 RH. Six Shooter Bill went to work for Snider.
October 16, 1923 Cloudy, heavy rain last
night. Passenger train arrived with mail off NW
that visited at Anchorage Sunday. Peters Creek bridge out,
Seward line tied up for 2 weeks due to washouts. Bad storm
at Hope. Railroad line open from Matanuska north only.
Hartman stuck with big truck all day between warehouses, Cat pulled
him out then stuck in alley. Got letters from Stanley about
radio.
October 17, 1923 Cloudy evening rain.
Busy AM on mail. PM helped Miller finish ceiling in store
annex. Floor next and ready to move in. Got registered
letter from Mattie now located at 1726 15th Avenue Seattle Princeton
Apartments got all improvements but a radio. Orchestra rehearsal
at school house for coming dance, Wilmoth Eddie and St. Clair.
October 18, 1923 Car coal arrived, tried to
unload but too busy in store. Hartman bought bunch lumber
for Joe Palmer’s fox ranch. Got local mail only. Got
letter from Aureen about washout on railroad around Turnagain Arm.
October 19, 1923 Hauled 10
tons coal to bin. Had trouble with ignition fixed it OK.
AR Com. graveled road from store to railroad crossing. Sold St.
Clair lumber. Paddy and Nolan helped on coal six hours each
today. Otto on Rae house. Sent Mattie $25 birthday present.
October 20, 1923 Worked on car coal 4 hours
had to help in store. Miller completed laying top floor
in store annex now ready to use for merchandise storage. Cat
moved old lumber office from Harman’s to corner Boundary and First
Avenue. Sent wire to Mattie for hardware groceries and clothing.
Shaved and took a bath.
October 21, 1923 Partly cloudy heavy
rain last night. AM finished unloading car coal.
Had little time on account of customers wanting to get in store,
even Trix had an order. Actual time 13 hours in 3 days work.
Had 30 auto truck loads, car visited for 35 tons coal don’t believe it.
PM cleaned out new annex and oiled floor. Trix and Harman drove
down Knik Rd. Cold hotcakes and raspberry butter for supper.
October 22, 1923 ARC help in, also farmers
rushed in store all day. Miller went to ranch to winter.
Delivered Heitzner’s goods at C. D. Johnson’s ranch. Road
to railroad crossing full of mud holes. Stubbs got some
of his foxes. Got 2nd letter from Mattie at Seattle also
Shasta route views. Sam Guoyt arrived.
October 23, 1923 Partly cloudy.
Gave Sam order for fill-ins. Drop shipment of tobacco
arrived. Sam left in-freight for Anchorage. Carlson
about all in physically. MLD orchestra at practice every evening.
Me and Sam no play, busy with K. T. Co. Answered Ma's 2nd
letter. Dan Gray rented Aureen cabin.
October 24, 1923 Biz normal sold outfit to
Peter Traynor at Nancy. Issued first checks for F. B.
Cannon Estate. Chris, Jno Trix and Pete Nelson cleaning
up Cats and trucks for winter storage. ARC Gus in town.
Otto went to Anchorage. Schoolmarm asked me to be choirmaster
for next Sunday song service at school house. Wrote Matt a
few lines.
October 25, 1923 Found another loose connection,
radio still wont work. Stubbs in for supplies.
MLD orchestra still at practice. Wagner, Carlson, Stern
and Vail paneled on jury at Valdez. Trix and Chris grading
on Knik Rd. by Cannon’s ranch.
October 26, 1923 O. C. Miller on ranch.
Hauled 2 loads of old boxes to Kelly’s place on Boundary Street.
Ed Mullen cutting birch wood for Hartman near his ranch.
Trix and Chris run grader over road Wasilla to canyon to smooth
it up. Dave England and Fred Crocker in for merchandise. Sent
Herman balance of wire.
October 27, 1923 Partly cloudy.
Real spring morning. Farmers still plowing and clearing
land. Fred plowed 2 acres for Jim Hansen.
Downey and Babcock moved to Anchorage. Magaha left for
OS . Dance on at schoolhouse. Marsh brought over
19 in Eddie’s old truck, 6 from government farm, some 30 from Matanuska.
Self did not go on account of town tattlers. Mrs. Snider moved
into Rae house.
October 28, 1923 Another spring day temperature
50-60. Sold Tex Cobb clothing outfit. Hartman took out
Crocker and his outfit to mile 10. Marked drugs and put up
more shelving. PM hauled away all the old boxes aft store.
Reported there were 80 people at Halloween dance, had ghost show
and teddy bear, MLD took in over $40. Paddy went to Lucky Shot,
shot a chicken before going, ask Hartman.
October 29, 1923 Several here to trade from
Junction. Got Alameda mail. Got eggs only on Alameda
shipment, all the freight in Anchorage. Got letters from
Stanley and mother, had not received any my letters to Seattle.
Would arrive Seattle 21st on NW. Truck load passengers for
Willow Creek.
October 30, 1923 Cloudy warm wind. Biz
fair sold old Tom 2M feet lumber for kitchen off pool room,
delivered it with auto truck. Got car load merchandise at Anchorage.
Matt’s birthday. Ma and Stanley living in Seattle.
Wrote them all the society news at Wasilla. Miller in
from ranch.
October 31, 1923 Cloudy biz fair. New
agent arrived. Got car merchandise. PM got wire
from Mattie discovered “pay” was hay. All well in Seattle.
Light warm wind no freeze yet. Otto dug Cannon’s parsnips
15 lbs., Zink had swiped most of them. Paid Miller for
labor on store annex.
November 1, 1923 Cloudy. Otto helped
me unload car merchandise, put half in store balance in track
warehouse, canned and dried fruit, sugar and pay hay yet to come.
RR auditor checking up Agent Harman. Mullen wanted to
rent Cannon’s place for 3 months for $10. Old Tom building
kitchen aft of pool hall. Miller returned to ranch.
Eggs now 70¢ a dozen. Mrs. Haller left for Fern Mine to
cook.
November 2, 1923 Partly cloudy froze
a little last night. Biz good sold an order for Shorty
Creek aft of Lucky Shot Mine. Had 4 orders for north train.
Answered Stanley’s letter of October 19th. Put Babe in Slaid’s
barn. Red Top visited on Sam for peroxide etc., first time
in store.
November 3, 1923 Partly cloudy ground
froze crust last night. Busy AM on OS mail.
All the ranchers left for jury duty at Valdez. Crying spell
at depot, Mrs. Vail cried when she got aboard train and Harman’s
cried when they said goodbye to Wasilla so Otto said. Otto started
to clean up Cannon’s house.
November 4, 1923 Old Molly Stubbs around, said
lake freezing on shore. PM took down aerial and put up
#14 bar copper aerial, tried it out but got nothing. Darn
good Ford but a bad aerial. St. Clair’s out looking up fur
farm north of Bogard’s.
November 5, 1923 Cloudy snowed 2” last
nigh first snow at Wasilla. J. G. Johnson in for outfit.
Oscar Anderson went out to Lucky Shot Mine. Passenger brought
our apples fruit etc. Had 2 truck loads and all in by 6 PM,
Otto helped me. Got 2 letters from Mattie, 1 letter from Stanley.
Ma much improved in health. Big Watson mail.
November 6, 1923 Cloudy biz normal.
September weather today. Small trade all day. No
one at RH, Mrs. Hartman crying for trade. Mrs. Wagner and
old Hart visited. Abe Reising in had a slight stroke, going
to hospital, offered his ranch for $500.
November 7, 1923 Partly cloudy, snowed
a little more last night winter here. Biz fair collections
good. Sent 918’ boards out to 19 Longs ranch by Hartman.
Got several orders from up the line. Sold out on yeast.
Half car of groceries still at Anchorage. Sent papers to
Ma, Alaska due November 11th at Anchorage. Railroad open now
to Seward. Abe Reising went to hospital sold his lot to Dan Gray.
November 8, 1923 First cold snap Lake Lucille
froze up. Got railroad orders ready for Friday freight.
Marsh sawing wood with auto truck for Fleck’s. First passenger
train through from Seward since October 13th. New manager
of railroad due Sunday. Collected Moffat account from administrator.
Local mail only. Bogard in with pork.
November 9, 1923 Friday cloudy, around
freezing point all day. Put up order for Henry Fischer
Knik. Got court order to sell Cannon homestead.
No freight today, freight off NW still laying at Anchorage.
Sold 1st heating stove. Gus in for feed. Bogard sold
Willow Creek Mines 3 pigs and a beef.
November 10, 1923 Got mail off to catch Alaska
at Seward. Answered Ma's letters. Part of freight
arrived 7 days from Anchorage, hay, dried fruit and some groceries
yet at Anchorage McAllen and family in, went to Anchorage.
Long over from Herman’s ranch. J. J. O’Brien made application
for Pioneers monthly pension. Store away 6 truck loads freight.
Card party on at St. Clair’s.
November 11, 1923 Sunday cloudy this
morning. Third day of winter, Wasilla Lake froze over
last night. Kids and Otto were skating today. Bogard in
with beef for W.C.M. Put collar on Yukon stove and set it
up in Cannon’s house. Tried radio, no talk.
November 12,1923 Got ¾ ton order
from Fern Mines. Paddy Marion brought in from Lucky Shot
Mines, said to have pneumonia. McAllen back from Anchorage
did not pay Sept. or Oct. bills? Got Nov. 2 letters
from Stanley and mother, Ma much improved. Hatcher back from
Seward. Ed O’Brien here. Hans back from old country.
November 13, 1923 Heavy rain from midnight
last night until 8 AM today. Sold Ed O’Brien an order
of grub. Mrs. Wagner visited, wanted Cannon’s blankets.
Hatcher took his horse to Fleming ranch. Got pub. note
to sell Cannon homestead. Miller building old Tom’s kitchen
aft pool room. Warm all day.
November 14, 1923 Drove down to Vail’s for
spuds, crossings all out. Ed O'Brien left for home via
Anchorage. Hartman still hauling freight to mines.
Streets all ice from late rain. Rented Cannon house to Ed Mullen.
November 15, 1923 A-1 sunny day 30 above.
Biz rushing from two to a dozen in store all day. Sent
Wells his fruit order. AR Com. gang left for Colorado to
install a bridge. Fred Nelson took his team to haul timber.
Received Anchorage Weekly new labor paper. Kids skating
on Lake Wasilla but not safe.
November 16, 1923 Rained last night temperature
32 all day. Hauled ton feed to Cannon’s ranch for Ed Mullen.
Jas Heitzner went to Caswell to log for sawmill. Hauled
over ton flour, track warehouse to store annex. Hartman
hauling tank oil for GB. Good skating on lakes.
November 17, 1923 Rained last night glare
ice this AM. Sam Kelly stepped out his cabin and went
heels up, Mrs. Wilmoth did the same act, both nearly broke
their wrists. Biz good. All the young folks skating on
lake. Eddie delivered 10 tons Healy coal to Rae. Snider
house cold. Tom Aureen went to Anchorage
November 18, 1923 Sunday partly cloudy
temperature 40 like a spring day. Busy AM in store.
Albert and Harry up from Junction for clothing etc. Cleaned
up front of store and filled furnace coal bin. Had fresh ham
and paraseal eggs for supper, grain bread and Postum and T. G. preserves.
Read reviews and geographic magazines. Warm wind, skaters out PM.
Judge Wilmoth fixed his roof and stove pipes. Gus went to Junction
for team.
November 19, 1923 Cloudy biz fair.
Sent 2 orders north. Got Alameda Saturday mail letter
from Ma, was feeling very good now except her eyes to be tested.
Chas Harrison back from states. Vail and Wagner back from
jury duty in Valdez. Temp. 38 all day and warm tonight looks
like snow.
November 20, 1923 Cloudy light warm wind.
No snow in Wasilla, a little ice from late rain. Biz normal,
put up order for Elder and Thorpe to go to Grubstake via
Fishhook Pass. Bogard in to trade. Chas Isaac and
Harvey Rutter in from Fern Mine. Fern Mine flooded. Paid
over $1,000 Seattle bills. Part of fruit arrived today.
November 21, 1923 Cloudy biz good.
Got orders from Willow, Caswell and Colorado. Elder and
Thorpe left for Grubstake via Fishhook. Harvey went to
Anchorage paid back rent on track lease January to July 1922 overlooked
but found by new manager Landis. Thirty six above, evening 22 above.
Advertised Cannon homestead for sale.
November 22, 1923 Partly cloudy around
32 above all day. Got orders ready for north freight tomorrow.
Got paper mail only. Frank Kelly got a “job” with Gottstein
Co. Wagner hauling wood for Wilmoth’s. Harvey back
from Anchorage. Sparling cooking at Lucky Shot.
November 23, 1923 Biz normal small trade all
day. Harry up evening for shoes. Sent Stanley $19 for
his 19th birthday. Martin Larson went out to Fern to figure
on tunnel contract. Eight ranchers in to trade.
November 24, 1923 Partly cloudy 7 AM
12 above. Busy AM finishing mail. Wrote Stanley
but did not get time to answer Ma's letter #2. J. J. out
from Knik. Reising sold his cows to Donovan and going to
California for his health. St. Clair’s and Fleck’s left for
dance at Junction 6 PM. Eddie couldn’t start Snider car for
1½ hours. Gang in our store waiting hence me no go.
Nugget Stewart on train south.
November 25, 1923 Sunday cloudy warmed
up again snowed a little at noon ground white again, warm wind.
Sold Sam Kelly rick of Cannon’s wood and delivered it.
Mopped all the floors. Made up Stubbs account fox wire etc.
Quiet in Wasilla today all the dancers sleeping, me no go so me
no sleep. Harvey hauled in his winters wood with Heinie's truck.
Hartman took out load powder. Took a bath by gum.
November 26, 1923 Chinook wind
all day, evening rain and snow. Steady trade all day.
Got NW mail letters from Mattie feeling fine now said she had
a Murphy bed but no Murphy. Mary Vail and husband back from
States. Ten people got off train today and left train vacant.
Babe, Cannon horse, got down in stall old and weak. My barber
in Seattle, shave myself.
November 27, 1923 Cloudy snow. Rained
last night wound up with 2” wet snow. Orchestra practice
at school house but not me. Rowdy dance in old Tom’s
place, three girls and eight men. Hartman went out with
2½ tons and six men on top load.
November 28, 1923 Biz fair got order for more
fox wire. McAllen in on horseback evening his wife sick
in Anchorage OK now. Last night party crusaders around telling
about all the fun they had sounded like a menagerie. Wired Mattie
to buy butter eggs fruit etc.
November 29, 1923 Cannon’s mare croaked this
AM. Biz normal, mail train late. P.O. didn’t
open. Dance on at school house, 56 people with
kids, Trix not there. Went up at opening then came home
and made out bills. Marsh brought over 8 in car from Junction.
Music Wilmoth, Eddie and Sam.
November 30, 1923 Warm wind. Got letter
from Stanley wanted to come home at close of 1st semester and
work until fall term to finish so I could take trip OS .
Eddie and Dad ready to go to California. Bridge gang here
Harry Madsen with them. Temp. 26 above.
December 1, 1923 Cloudy. Biz good
trade all day. Wired Mattie for hardware etc. to come
the 8th. Barn dance on at old Tom’s pool room.
Got special invitation went over at 9 o’clock, all let a “whoop”
when I came in, announced “ladies choice” so I had to dance, stayed
one hour. Five women and 8 men and Sliver at the phonograph.
On monthly bills till 12. Redmond in to trade brought in bullion.
December 2, 1923 Partly cloudy 10 above.
Hauled out Cannon’s old mare to Bill Longs ranch for dog feed.
Had to run on 2nd going out came in on high. Hauled in 1½
ricks birch wood. Finished balance of monthly accounts.
Harry Madsen and another Swede went down to look at Abe Reising’s
ranch for sale. Card parties at Trix and Snider’s.
December 3, 1923 Cloudy sprinkle of snow.
Henry Fischer in for $100 worth of grub. Finished monthly
accounts and mailed today. Got OS mail, letter no.
4 from Mattie, rainy season now on in Seattle. Only skim
snow at Wasilla. Indications of big storm brewing.
Paddy back from hospital. Metz delivered Stern’s spuds for
A. E. C.
December 4, 1923 Frank Watson over from Palmer
for supplies. Mrs. Fleming back from Anchorage went to
ranch bought a few supplies. Got out OS mail.
Grau and Harrison bought hunting outfit. Ed Mullen hauling
in wood with his bulls to ship to Anchorage. Hartman at 16.
Wilmoth pump went fluie, no pump in stock.
December 5, 1923 Zero weather, last year
zero weather middle of November. Just enough snow for
sledding, some still using wagons. Put up over $100 order
for Frank Watson of Palmer. Sold some clothing to bridge
gang. Bridge gang left for Talkeetna. Self filled
furnace coal bin. Hartman in and out for 16 RH.
December 6, 1923 Got order from Willow and
Colorado. Fred Carter from Palmer here to buy clothing.
Cold snap stimulating clothing sales. Local mail only
today. Heinie Snider wanted me to play piano with saxophone
and violin for Xmas music. Got letter from Lee Lander about freight
shed Wasilla. Shoppers looking for Xmas presents.
December 7, 1923 Coldest snap everybody
in to trade even J. J. Otto and Long went to Knik by dog
team. Bogard in for load feed. Hartman hauling hay
for Lander. Wrote Mattie about Stanley’s 2nd semester.
Looked over insurance papers. Abe Reising died on arrival
at Seattle.
December 8, 1923 AM 24 below zero aft
of store with 32 below at depot. PM wind came temperature
backed up to 4 above then went to 20 below. Harvey and Eva went
to Reising’s cabin for his letters and papers found nothing.
Regular Saturday evening party on at pool hall, self and St. Clair
played for them 1 hour. Hans gave oyster supper. Trix
outfit back from Colorado Creek. One hour at party then came
home, four women and 7 men at party.
December 9, 1923 Big wind last night blew streets
bare. Evening attended Xmas music practice, Wilmoth’s, St. Clair,
Snider and self orchestra. Snider there on the saxophone.
Priced up late groceries. quiet.
December 10, 1923 McAllen with several miners
back from Anchorage. Snow slide at 49. Got Alameda
mail, train 1 hour late, no local freight today. Got letter
number 5 from Mattie “full of turkey”. Bailey and family
up PM by auto to trade. Paroseal eggs about sold out. Hartman
still freighting.
December 11, 1923 Fred Roscher in investigating
Reising’s affairs. Hartman took McAllen and help out to
16 RH. Teacher and kids from Fairview up to practice for
Xmas affair. Going to have it jointly at Wasilla Friday 21st.
Marsh up from Junction with his mother and girl. Autoed to
Fleck’s to visit. ARC got 2 men at garage on repair work.
December 12, 1923 Heavy earth quake 6 AM woke
everybody up. No train 3 hours late account of wreck near
Pass. Mullen still hauling wood with his oxen to ship to
Anchorage Mrs. Hartman left for
Anchorage to have varicose veins treated.
Ten day Wilson in town. Lander went to Anchorage.
Teacher said her program would last just as long as she wanted
it.
December 13, 1923 Biz normal no OS orders but
good local trade all day. Nick Brake gratis cook at Hotel
Wasilla. Empty bunch of passenger coaches came from north
today. Mail train 2 hours late local mail only. Star went on
rocks near Kodiak got off but damaged. Otto and Long back from Knik.
December 14, 1923 Fries teaching St.
Clair’s and Springsteen latest New York 2 step time, 4 to
6 in K. T. Co. store. Got out OS mail, wrote to Clara, Mattie
and Cannon’s folks. Spent 2 hours fixing clock, made her go. Sent
Ma and Stanley $25 for Xmas, Harding fund $5.
December 15, 1923 Thorpe in from Grubstake
left order and went to Anchorage Ed Mullen went to Anchorage.
Saturday evening pool room dance on. Ellen said she was
going to surprise them with a big cake, I told her I would put in
and surprise them too. Went over 9:30 with big sack with onions
done up in apple papers. Women quit dancing and made a grab
for the sack, fooled them good. Dancers ate cake at Hartman’s,
me no eat per order.
December 16, 1923 PM busy cleaning house and
balcony. Had bananas and cream for supper, Postum and
cakes. St. Clair came down 7:45 from school house said Wilmoth,
wanted me to play piano, “Red Top” quit them. Practiced till
10 PM had a few listening in. Wilmoth went home with Snider.
December 17, 1923 Got OS mail and delayed dried
apples also hardware wired for. Got letter no. 6 from Mattie
also Xmas pkg. Wasilla people got bid to attend Junction
community Xmas dinner. Red Top visited beefing about playing
for Xmas, called her down. St. Clair came in and did likewise
told St. Clair she would play, good medicine. Horning in California.
Babcock in Anchorage.
December 18, 1923 Biz rushing all the ranchers
in to trade, Fleming and Ellexson’s in from Knik. Hartman took
Harvey and Lander and freight out to 16. Opened Xmas pkg.
from Ma and Stanley got diary clips, fruit cakes and candy.
Big Santa and toys for school kids. Pipe for Miller and tie
for Kelly. Bert Ferris here for hwd. Warm breeze 10 PM.
December 19, 1923 Good trade on candy and nuts.
Jno Trix got box candy for each lady in Wasilla. This
morning found Harman’s cat had eat my nut cake, boo hoo, my nut
cake, boo hoo mit your old cat. Harman agreed to take Xmas
bunch to Junction for $1 ea. Shaved and took “Xmas bath”.
Gave Miller and Sam presents sent from Ma and Stanley.
December 20, 1923 Got order for ton hay $60.
Evening spent 2 hours 10 to 12 doing up Xmas pkgs., gave ladies
15 lb. candy made up boxes for families. Cloudy with warm
wind. Got local mail.
December 21, 1923 Cloudy 24 above. Xmas
at Wasilla. Teachers of Wasilla and Fairview gave a 2 hour
program 7:30 to 9:30 could not get ready in time for program arrived
at 9:30 just after presents distributed. They gave 3 cheers
for O. G. account of furnishing apples etc. Played piano from
11:30 to 3:00 party broke up. Wade’s only ones from Junction.
Mrs. Fleming in from Cottonwood left box candy for Doherty.
December 22, 1923 Rushed in store all day with
local trade. Had 2 outside orders. Adolf Olson
down from Kashwitna for winters grub etc. Retired this
morning at 4:30 after selling coal oil forage and pork.
Up at 6:30 registered time. Otto went to Anchorage, teacher
to Junction to visit Mrs. Kruger. Gave Wilmoth’s Xmas box.
December 23, 1923 Lucky Shot Mill burned down
twenty men came in. PM cleaned house mopped floor etc.
on bills. Shaved and mended tear in pants. Thirty
people at hotel. Leonard, Harrison and Wavrick bought Mrs.
Vail Xmas present shoes nuts and candies.
December 24, 1923 Everything covered with white
frost and looks like a real Xmas Eve, 14 below. Rushed
in store all day clothing sales good. Twenty GB miners left
on freight train for Anchorage. Chris back had his hand
burned in Lucky Shot Mill fire. 6:30 16 left on Hartman’s truck
for Junction Xmas Eve blow out. Ellen and mother got left.
7 PM garage boys got them with ARC truck. Me follow orders stay
home?
December 25, 1923 Xmas 24 above. Closed
all day. Opened up candy and new caddie jars. Sam
and self ate Xmas dinner at hotel. Wilmoth’s had Ellen as
dinner guest. Worked on books and bills. Hartman took
Gus Thorpe’s goods to 16. Dance on at pool hall. Wilmoth
and St. Clair and Marsh played, 12 women and 24 men, bunch kids.
Mrs. Vail and Leonard brought cakes, O. G. punch served. Mary
Carl and Mrs. Wilmoth had a scrap.
December 26, 1923 Got wire from Thorpe at Anchorage
to ship 12/12 order to Houston Friday. Harvey and Jno Tryck
went to Anchorage. P. O. closed part of the day too much
Xmas. Got balance of Sat. mail. Ellexson’s left for
Knik. Sam gave his girl caddy of candy. Sore eye out
of sight today. Sent Ma society letter and late papers.
Sixty mile blow in Seattle, OK here.
December 27, 1923 Mild weather.
Biz good got Thorpe’s order for Grubstake, small trade all day.
Fleming in from Cottonwood. Got Watson mail letter from
Mattie, Clara and Stanley. Stanley wants to come home Jan
20 so Dad can go outside. Got sales slip for Egry Register.
December 28, 1923 A-1 sunny day biz normal.
Hauled 1½ tons freight to depot with truck for Thorpe
and Olson then got last of birch wood with truck. Decided to
give bachelor dinner New Years day at Hotel Wasilla. Ans’d. Ma's
#8 letter told Stanley he could come home Jan 26 would join Ma if possible.
December 29, 1923 Biz normal steady trade all
day. Mgr Landis firing most of the old AEC red tape gang.
Sent dues to National Geo. Society for 1924 $3 including magazine.
Two hour dance on at pool hall self didn’t attend. Harman in
from Fish Lake. Cloudy and chilly today. Eva went to Anchorage
also Thorpe.
December 30, 1923 Sunday cloudy 20 above.
Quiet in town. Light trade AM , cleaned house PM, priced
up hardware etc. and pd. all OS bills leaving a bal of 1,517.44
in banks, 500 cash on hand and Dec. merchandise credit accts due.
Hartman hauled out load rails on big truck to 16.
December 31, 1923 30 above. Biz normal
small trade all day. Pearly White in from Lucky Shot
Mine. Herman in said someone stole a bale of his fox wire
at Pittman. Evening old year out New Year in dance at pool
hall did not go. Busy with in-mail. Letter from Mattie
said she was not well losing weight.
1924
January 1, 1924 Sunny 34 above. Self
at Wasilla family in Seattle. Gave dinner to 20 bachelors.
Last of GB help in today over 30 at roadhouse. Mrs. Hartman
sick. Had bad luck, leaky gas lamp burned my
left hand to a blister on inside, threw lamp outdoors. Otto
fixed me up.
January 2, 1924 Cloudy and warm 34 above.
Biz good. Got car hay etc. Hand out of commission
account burn O. C. dressed it. Got Happy New year message
etc. from Ma feeling better
January 3, 1924 Very mild 34 day and night.
Biz good. Thorpe went thru to Houston pd. his bill.
Store full of bachelors all day. Harry Madsen reported
Nicholi Palmer shot Marshal Cavanaugh and deputy. Watson
killed the Indian at Anchorage booze the cause. Tried Red X burn
dressing on my hand, midnight had to return to olive oil for relief.
January 4, 1924 A-1 weather 32 to 36 above.
Hand much better today. Got out-mail. Pd. for car
forage. Ans'd Ma’s New Year telegram. Hartman still hauling
freight to mines. Got duplicate of Stubbs lost check.
Nels Larson in town fishing as usual.
January 5, 1924 Ellexson, Steller and Otto
left for Anchorage account trial about Hughes bobsleighs with
Jack Hamil. Mrs. Hartman went to Anchorage to see doctor.
Bogard and Metz in. Hartman came in evening from 16.
Drove down Knik road with car.
January 6, 1924 Sixth day of spring weather,
quiet in town. The 400 met at Fleck’s last evening.
Poker game on all night at Hotel Wasilla 40 Mile said he won.
Posting books account income. Hand much better today.
Town all asleep today.
January 7, 1924 Letter from Mattie about
Xmas in Seattle, feeling better. McAllen back from Anchorage
with a few men for Lucky Shot Mine. Blisters on hand about
down to normal. Otto back from Anchorage.
January 8, 1924 Fleming in to trade.
Bachelors fishing on Lake Wasilla. Posting on books.
Big game on at hotel last night. Ans'd. Ma’s no. 10 letter,
said I would come out when Stanley arrived.
January 9, 1924 Sent folks 4 Anchorage Times
with Cavanaugh shooting affray. Hartman went to 16 with
freight. Got 4 orders from north. Sore hand doing
fine. Asked Miller if he told I was a wild sport when young,
he denied it. Forty Mile peddling lies about my when a kid.
January 10, 1924 Got north orders ready to
ship tomorrow. Got local mail. Took snapshot of
Wasilla account open winter. Got small grub outfit ready
to send to my placer mine via Houston. Received no bids
for the Cannon homestead.
January 11, 1924 Sent 326# grub via Houston
to my placer camp. Stubbs the wise man in. McKinley
park packer here. Sent papers and Geographic to Ma and
son Seattle.
January 12, 1924 Mr. Bugge in town.
Sunny and warm evening, 11 AM rain. Sent papers and Geographic
to folks in Seattle. Told them I would come out 9th Feb.
Poker game on at Hotel Wasilla.
January 13, 1924 Rained last night followed
by sprinkle of snow, evening did same thing. Fleck party
on at St. Clair’s last night. Do at Fleck’s tonight.
St. Clair drove down with his car. Posting books all day.
Game on at hotel.
January 14, 1924 Light snow last night.
Got freight wired for Jan 2nd and before mail. Got big
OS mail. Letter from Stanley and mother, Ma feeling better.
Bad weather outside, California weather here. Mary Carl
and her financial backer back from Anchorage. Ulsh went to
Lucky Shot.
January 15, 1924 A-1 day 30 to 36 above.
Mrs. Ellexson bought 1000# grub and feed for Knik RH.
Hartman went to 16 and returned to Wasilla. Mrs.
Hartman back from Anchorage account teeth. Still posting
on books. Games off at hotel, mama home?
January 16, 1924 A-1 spring day. Had Leonard
put two more insulators on radio wire, evening tried it out,
nothing doing as usual. Delayed freight off truck arrived.
Took blister off palm of hand.
January 17, 1924 Fern Mine had a snow
slide, men buried up in BS shop for 8 hours, all come out OK.
Jess Garver up from Anchorage going to mines. St. Clair and
Wilmoth practicing for Feb. 22
masquerade ball.
January 18, 1924 Colder, snowed 1” this
morning 17 days mild weather 20 to 36 above. Biz good 3
cash orders. Sent Mattie another 100, last letter to Princeton
Apt. Seattle, moving to Hotel Atwood Feb. 1. Stanley to leave
for home Jan 26. Sent Ma post cards of Wasilla no snow.
January 19, 1924 Small trade all day 8 to 20
above. Paul Hansen retd. Anchorage. Zink took David’s
typewriter to Anchorage, borrowed by Cannon. Dance on at Tom’s,
400 and Nasty Dozen both there. Self posting on ledger,
evening much warmer. Marsh only one from Mat. Gus in
from Houston. Answered Matt Rooney’s letter at Gilmore Idaho,
letter was to Cannon.
January 20, 1924 Snowed 1” last night,
cloudy zero weather Quiet in town, dancers all sleeping.
PM mopped floors and cleaned house. Wearing glove on burned
hand, all healed but tender. Made out report on Cannon estate.
St. Clair’s autoed to Mat.
January 21, 1924 Finished 6 mos. report on
Cannon estate and presented to probate judge. Russell
snow plow wrecked, Dave McGinnis killed, Shorty Long both
shoulders broken. Got big mail, long letter from Ma.
McMillan’s found their Seattle address. Mrs. Hartman back
from Anchorage. Times, said Herning was a _____ Wasilla merchant.
January 22, 1924 Sent A. R. Com. bond to cover
2 lost checks, 51.00 and 135.33 total 186.33. Gus in
town. Busy with fires account wind.
January 23, 1924 More wind above zero,
snow about all blowed out of Wasilla. Got several small
orders from north as far as Cantwell on RR. Fern man in
for mail. Got small order form Thorpe
January 24, 1924 Windy all day, evening
dying out. Got Watson mail. Extra letter
from Ma and Stanley. Stanley to leave Jan 26 for home,
to take charge of K.T. Co. business, while I go to Seattle
to spend short vacation with Ma. Put balcony fly up account
wind, hard to keep store warm.
January 25, 1924 Wind died out, had 3
day blow, first real wind storm of winter.
Gus ready to haul 10 tons coal Baxter Mine to Fern Mine. Old
Goosey Stubbs in to trade, also Metz from Bogard’s ranch.
Got wire from Ma, Stanley to leave for home tomorrow. Ma at St.
Regis Hotel.
January 26, 1924 Stanley left Seattle
today on SS Alaska for home. Small trade all day.
Posting on jobbers accts. 400 had 3 hour dance at pool
hall, the Nasty Dozen didn’t come. Me home on book accts.
Wasilla cleaned of snow after 3 days blow. Took bath.
January 27, 1924 Busy in store AM. PM
mopped living room then posted on jobbers account till 11 PM.
No boarders at hotel. Shave and turn in.
January 28, 1924 Cloudy and chilly 10
above. Biz good local sales over 100. Balancing up
ledger. Got letter #14 from Ma, taking new treatment, feeling
better, gave up Princeton apartment and moved to St. Regis Hotel.
Stanley about at Juneau on way home.
January 29, 1924 Busy in store part of day.
Got order from exp. farm. Wilson thru freighting at Cache
Creek brought horses to Matanuska. Wrote Stanley at
Seward about masquerade suit.
January 30, 1924 Perfect day 30 above.
Biz good. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Ellexson’s went to
Anchorage with 100# dressed chickens and bunch of fur.
Carlson went to Anchorage for medical treatment. Patzack
down to trade. Wrote Stanley at Seward to get masquerade
suit. Wired Ma for meats etc. at St. Regis Hotel Seattle.
Music practice by Wilmoth, St. Clair and Kelly. Wrote Clo King
I would leave Feb. 9 at Ketchikan.
January 31, 1924 A-1 day 38 above. Sam
cleaned up hams. Evening run up totals of sales Aug to
Dec. Forty Mile decorating house inside, sash curtains,
etc. Zink tried to saw wood with Ford car, no power.
Stanley on SS Alaska coming home.
February 1, 1924 A-1 day thawing.
Self in store most of day should have been in office. Old
Granny Stubbs in to trade with usual kick, wrote Ma sent her
check for $500. Stanley due in Seward tomorrow. Gus
back from Anchorage
February 2, 1924 Kelly went to Anchorage to
have teeth fixed. Stanley arrived Seward, phoned me at
noon, had measles on SS Alaska and was quarantined in Seward for
a week. Wired Ma in Seattle about Stanley’s measles.
Evening dance on at pool hall. Self on books. Jas Williams
arrived from Talkeetna sold out.
February 3, 1924 Kelly in Anchorage. Put up
2 orders for Monday freight north. Phoned Dr.
Banchman at Seward, said Stanley was up and
around and doing OK with measles. Mopped floors rest of
time on adding mach. Dancers quit 2 AM noisy bunch.
February 4, 1924 Sam got back from Anchorage
4:30 train, brought letter from Stanley thru W. D. Elliott back
from Seattle. Stanley wants more money account measles
etc. Evening on mail from outside. Two new arrivals,
sold them $50 outfit. New radio outfit came.
February 5, 1924 Sold Fins order going to Ulanky’s
ranch at Knik. AM talked with Stanley, on the mend with
measles, sent him $100 check. Wrote Ma all about Stanley,
sent Stanley’s letter. Mrs. St. Clair went to Knik with Ellexson’s.
Gus went to mile 30. No school, teacher sick.
February 6, 1924 Got orders from Colorado and
McKinley Park. Al Hardy, game warden, here from trip to
Yentna. Otto struck water in his new well. Couldn’t find
1922 tax report. Stanley at Seward quarantined.
February 7, 1924 Found 1922 income tax behind
drawer, got totals. Mdse. and mo. sales ready for statement.
Sam and Wilmoth practicing at St. Clair’s house. Got letter
from Stanley, about over the measles and will come home Monday.
Put ad in MLD poster and gave them 10 trade books for best character
at mask ball.
February 8, 1924 Biz slow working on books
found 1922 inventory behind drawer. Wrote Ma, Stanley
OK. Sent his letter and order for dry goods etc. Old
Granny Stubbs in to trade told all about Montana, Eva and Sweet Marie,
Mrs. Perry at Seward - wise guy? 11 PM wind blowing hard.
Ellen gave us hunk choc cake.
February 9, 1924 Windy 24 above. In store most
of day account small trade. Jim Murray visited, said
Stanley was OK, only held up by quarantine. Dance on at pool hall
practiced Grand March. Self and Ellen lead the March by special
request. Gave them pail grape juice punch, there 3 hours,
wind died out. Hartman’s at outs account Daniel.
February 10, 1924 Wilmoth brought over lemon
pie salad, celery, etc., whole meal potlatch. PM cleaned up
Stanley’s room, mopped all the floors, went over some of Cannon’s
personal goods, found IOOF pin with other pins. Got ready to
send to his nephew at Iota Iowa. Stanley due tomorrow after weeks
delay in Seward. Shave and go to bed 11 PM.
February 11, 1924 Stanley arrived from Seward
after 9 days hold up account measles. Expense at Seward
114.30. Stanley set up new radio, brought in music and man
speaking and wireless will work with proper connections. Recd
Ma’s Jan 30 letter didn’t get my wire yet about measles. Stanley
OK but lost 20#.
February 12, 1924 Mrs. Ellexson retd
to Knik. Shortened aerial 30’, brought in Los Angeles
band concert. Speaker on public utilities lady soloist
and piano. Got jobbers listed account income tax.
Eva, Otto and St. Clair visited in to hear radio, left before it worked.
Got order to bid on from experimental farm.
February 13, 1924 Stanley washed his clothes
and mopped the floor. PM bothered with customers, couldn’t
do a thing on accts. Williams started to take hardware inventory.
Stanley took out couch to make room for radio set, wireless bothered
radio, got Los Angeles. Stanley helped me on books.
Bruno Hustek in said he would take wire.
February 14, 1924 Clear sunny day, 20 below
this morning. Self and Stanley busy on tax
report. Put insolated lead line to radio set. Got clear
music and speaking at close of Los Angeles concert. All making
ready for masquerade.
February 15, 1924 Windy 20 above. Otto ordered
a toupee. Stanley busy with callers. Account wind
radio didn’t work well. Hartman and Harvey in to hear
radio-wireless. About all came in, speaker said congress
was going to impeach secy. Denby.
February 16, 1924 Moderately windy 20
above. Williams laid off on inventory work. Ellexson
in from Knik for forage. Eva and Otto in to hear radio, got
music only. Sat. night dance on. Stanley and self went
over at 9 PM, gave Stanley 3 cheers. Sent Ma wire for groc.
and told her I was delayed coming 23rd. Mrs. Hartman went to Anchorage.
February 17, 1924 Ellexson left for Knik, sent
in C. H. Wilson’s check to be endorsed to K. T. Co. PM
Stanley, Harvey and Eva went skating and visited St. Clair’s.
Self on book accts., got music on radio. Old Tom mad about
fire in hall too warm and cold.
February 18, 1924 Williams on job again taking
hardware inventory, got shelf goods about taken. Stanley
in store self on books. Received letter 2/8 from lonesome
Ma in Seattle ready to move, let Stanley open mail.
Gus in for grub from 30 camp.
February 19, 1924 Finished income tax report
for 1923: Total mdse bought $27,451.67, total sold $35,803.73,
cost of doing business 8,628.86, stock on hand Jan 1, 21,723.97,
net income paid 92.85. Got music on radio 6 to 9:30.
Heard phonograph anchor operator Cook Broadcasting 6:45.
Stanley learning chords on guitar doing well on saxophone.
February 20, 1924 A-1 day 38 above. Williams
still on hardware inventory. Stanley took inventory of
shoe dept. Got Matt’s letter addressed to Seward with
folder of scenic hot springs. No radio tonight too warm.
February 21, 1924 Got $150 order for Gold Creek.
Anch. masquerade suits for rent came to Otto, K. T. Co. distributing
them. K. T. Co. gave another prize box cigars and jar
candy for most comical pair. Mrs. Wilmoth visited
to exchange her suit. No radio tonight. All strung
up over masquerade.
February 22, 1924 Stanley on clo. Inventory,
got “traps” together for trip outside. Stanley got slight
cold. No radio, wireless came in. Bath and shave
11 PM.
February 23, 1924 Wasilla to Seward.
Left 11:30 arrived Seward 9:30 PM. Held up at tunnel
on RR account snow slide. Went aboard SS Alaska 10 PM got
room 45 on deck. Wrote Stanley from Seward saw Stern’s in
Seward.
February 24, 1924 On SS Alaska south.
arrived Valdez at noon snowing hard, arrived Cordova 6 PM went
up town. Had tax report acknowledged. Mailed letter
to Stanley. Sent wire to Mattie at Seattle with mdse. order.
Wired Clo King on Alaska.
February 25, 1924 On high sea. Left Cordova
midnight headwind, run at half speed 20 h to X sound, didn’t
make half way, very few at table, self there every meal.
Rough at midnight.
February 26, 1924 On SS Alaska south. Arrived
Juneau 10 PM, left midnight raining hard. Due Ketchikan
11 PM tomorrow. Had turkey dinner on boat. Dance in
social hall, retired at midnight.
February 27, 1924 On SS Alaska south. Arrived
at Wrangle 6 PM, left at 7 PM for Ketchikan. Evening
dance and musical on in social hall, Capt. Ward and Mrs. Smith
star waltzers. Sea smooth, due Ketchikan 2 o’clock stayed
up to see Clo.
February 28, 1924 On SS Alaska south.
Wrangle to Ketchikan, arrived at 2 AM, left at 4 AM. Clo
King at Juneau so didn’t see her. Mailed letter to Stanley.
4:30 PM passed Bell Bella.
February 29, 1924 On SS Alaska, good weather,
passed thru Seymour Narrows at 1 PM. Met Mrs. Stein and
Sheldon on boat, old timers from Knik.
March 1, 1924 Arrived Seattle 6 AM took, Red
Top cab to Hotel St. Regis, Mattie up. AM took in public
market. PM took in Palace Hip Variety Show. Evening
10¢ movie.
March 2, 1924 In Seattle. Visited on Sylvester’s,
had chicken dinner. Sylvester drove us around Lake Washington,
Queen Ann and Capitol Hill, saw canal. Arrived home 10:30
PM, heard Matthews on radio.
March 3, 1924 AM looked over National Cash
Registers, one for our biz cost $1,225. Ed Sylvester visited
with car, took us over to Ford assembly plant, saw car assembled
and ready to run in 20 minutes then drove to garage 13th avenue.
Our car all ready to ship home. Evening saw Tom Mix at Winter
Garden.
March 4, 1924 Placed order for barber chair
and office stationary. Called on cashier McDonald at Seattle
National Bank. PM went up to garage, Mattie paid repairs
on car. Failed to find wig for Otto.
March 5, 1924 Placed order for office supplies.
Paid initial payment on Nat. Cash Reg. for June delivery.
Paid for roll auto top cover. Miss Cornflake Kellogg visited.
Took in 10¢ show. Wrote to Stanley and sent invoices
etc. Took a bath.
March 6, 1924 In Seattle cool day, got mail
out for Wasilla. Saw Rhodes broadcasting station.
Overcoat weather today.
March 7, 1924 Called on Polson Impl. Co. placed
order for fencing. Found toupee maker, placed Otto’s order
$50 for $34 net. Visited on Stanley Morris and mother. Mrs.
May Kellogg and 2 mining men visited wanted 1,500 on mining property.
March 8, 1924 Seattle to S. F.
Alameda in 6 AM No mail or passengers off Alaska railroad.
Bought 4 dz. summer shirts from Dagg Green. Bought round
trip tickets Seattle to S. F. on Emma Alexander. Went aboard
10 PM wired Stanley we were leaving for California.
March 9, 1924 On SS Emma. 7 AM at Victoria
took on passenger. Passed Cape Flattery 1:30 smooth sea
thus far. Orchestra on board ship. Mr. Pauli from
Inside on board. Mattie no like-um ship.
March 10, 1924 On SS Emma Alexander.
A-1 weather Everybody on deck. Grand parade on deck lead
by orchestra drummer. Evening masquerade ball on deck,
Admiral Line furnished costumes free dandy music.
March 11, 1924 On SS Emma, arrived San
Francisco at noon, put up at Hotel Grand. PM took sight
seeing stage thru Golden Gate Park and museum, around city to
Cliff house thru army post etc. saw Hoot Gibson at
Cameo Theatre. Cool breeze but not warm. Wrote line
to Stanley.
March 12, 1924 Left San Francisco 7 AM
on Pickwick bus, country green and nice until near Atascadero
everything dead. Arrived at Santa Barbara 7 PM got off for night
so as to see country. To Los Angeles by daylight.
Santa Barbara fine town. Put up at Hotel Faulding.
March 13, 1924 Left Santa Barbara 8:30
arrived Los Angeles noon. Had beautiful trip thru 2
fruit and garden villages. Came thru Hollywood, put up
at Hotel Rosslun. Wrote to Stanley and sent itinerary of San
Diego trip 14th to 16th saw 2 shows.
March 14, 1924 Left Los Angeles 8:30 AM on
Golden State Auto Bus via Long Beach to San Diego and down
to Tia Juana in Mexico the Monte Carlo saw the games played
and the horse races bull run etc. Took 4 hours for trip.
San Diego to Mexico and return. Put up at U. S. Grant Hotel.
Saw picture Tiger Rose and Will Rogers 49 trip NY by Bull train to Pac
Coast. Sent Stanley and Sam Monte Carlo post cards.
March 15, 1924 AM bus took us around San Diego
and thru 1,400 acre city park botanical garden. High school
stadium seating 40,000 people saw Ramona’s marriage place at old
Spanish Mission and the wishing well. Saw place on beach
where Annette Kellerman great swimmer took big dive for movie picture.
Drove thru Patrick O’Neils 300,000 acre ranch and Irvine’s 60,000
acre lima bean ranch.
March 16, 1924 Took Hollywood tour, 3 hours,
including Beverly Heights. Saw homes of noted people
and the movie stars and studios. Ma not feeling best today.
Had strawberry dinner. Mailed Ramona marriage cards to
friends in Wasilla.
March 17, 1924 Left on all day bus trip to
Riverside and Redlands. Had dinner at Mission Inn Hotel
at Riverside. This hotel covers 28 whole blocks and has
make up of all the Spanish missions, cost $8,000,000.
Passed thru citrus belt and grape and nut orchards. Picked oranges
from tree. Got back at 6 PM saw show.
March 18, 1924 Left Los Angeles on island route
via Bakersfield oil district to S. F. Had quite a thrill
crossing 30 miles of summit to San Joaquin Valley. Day fine
arrived at Fresno 5 PM laid over to see town and Sun Maid grape ranches.
March 19, 1924 Left Fresno on bus, came
thru north end San Joaquin Valley orchards and vegetable farms
all the way.
March 20, 1924 Made reservations to go back
to Seattle on SS Alex. PM took in Vaudeville show. Cool,
wore overcoat all day. Ma got sore bunion joint from pointed
toe shoes. Got tickets for trip to Marin County San
Quentin prison and big redwood trees.
March 21, 1924 Took Marin county trip
today saw the big redwood trees and San Quentin Prison.
Had photo made in big timber. Took trip on cable car to
1,600 feet straight up on mountain. Took in China Town, remodeled
since quake and no old dives to be seen. Now ready to sail
north.
March 22, 1924 Walked up Taylor St. to Knob
Hill, could see all over S. F. Bay etc. Left S. F. on SS
H. F. Alexander for Seattle. Raining PM Mattie disagreed
with her pie ala mode. Dancing at 9 PM.
March 23, 1924 On SS H. F. Alexander.
Frisco to Seattle calm sea yet not half of passengers at meals.
Mattie squirmy all day didn’t go to dining room. Self OK
eat every meal. Due in Straits midnight due in Seattle tomorrow
10 AM.
March 24, 1924 Arrived Seattle from S. F. 11:30
PM, steering motor broke down, came in 4 hours late. Put
up at Hotel St. Regis. Got mail from Stanley, letters and
papers up to 15th. Big snow slide on Alaska RR held mail up
for a week. Wired Stanley were back to Seattle.
March 25, 1924 In Seattle. Got tickets for
return trip home Apr 8th on Watson. Called on wig man,
didn’t have Otto’s toupee finished. Visited at Fisher Flouring
Mill placed order, was shown thru mill. Called on Chas H.
Lilley Co.
March 26, 1924 In Seattle rain. Got Moore
F pen repaired cost 2.75 for new point. Rain all day, went
to 2 shows. Placed order for seed grain and 10¢ pkt.
garden seeds. Met David Barns on 1st Ave. PM.
March 27, 1924 Miss Kellogg visited.
Took in 20¢ show. Ordered oranges, onions and cabbage to
go Sat. on Alaska. Ma bought new umbrella 3.95.
March 28, 1924 In Seattle big wind. Went
out to Des Moines with Miss Kellogg to see her lots all in the
woods. A Mr. Miller, place near by fine house location,
$4,500 including 2 acre park. Mailed Otto’s toupee and letter
to Stanley.
March 29, 1924 Visited at Filson’s, added hats
and coats to Stanley’s order. PM attended aviation series
at stadium saw 17 airplanes do all kind of stunts and military
games.
March 30, 1924 Went with Ed Sylvester by boat
to visit Teena Sylvester at Bainbridge Island. Had chicken dinner
and went all thru 10 acre plot half in fruit trees etc.
Home at 7 PM, saw 25¢ picture show.
March 31, 1924 Looked over Delco and Kohler
light plants. Called on Black Mfg. Co. Got price
on bathroom tub and fixtures from Bowles Co. 101 Jackson St.
Tub, bowl and closet about $140. PM Kellogg cornflake visited.
Saw 10¢ show.
April 1, 1924 AM went up to 13th Ave to Gates
and Smith Garage. Had swipe put on car and arranged to
ship car to Wasilla Apr 8th. PM visited on Hardman Hat Co.
Went on to Morris place had dinner.
April 2, 1924 PM had Sylvester’s at dinner
and Pantage’s. Evening visited Tom Caveny’s west Seattle.
Looked over Wash. Hotel lobby. Home 11 PM, got wire from
Stanley for meats and butter.
April 3, 1924 Overcoat weather in Seattle.
AM placed orders for smoked meats and butter and eggs.
Left 11 AM on bus for Auburn to visit W. E. Bartholf’s, had fine
visit. Rode around town in Myrtles car, came home on Interurban
10 PM.
April 4, 1924 In Seattle sightseeing.
Drove out to 3 tree point, saw Ed’s summer home. Ate lunch
at Redmond. No water place, closets all locked up. Drove
to foothills of Cascade Mt. at Sy Peak. Drove up to Snoqualmie Falls,
saw big electric power plant, covered over 150 miles all around Lake
Washington. Visited Sylvester Bros. at wholesale house.
Evening had Mrs. Morris and son at dinner. Sent MLD presents
to Stanley by parcel post.
April 5, 1924 AM down in wholesale district,
placed order for coat jumpers and work shirts at Black’s.
Got more pointers on Kohler light and pumps. Placed groc.
Fill- in order with Macklen-Malchett Co. Mattie trading for
herself. Had broken molar out. Called on Hugo wig maker.
Got letters from Stanley.
April 6, 1924 Got instructions from Hugo how
to take measurement for toupees. His prices 25 to 50
dollars. PM took lunch and dinner with Ed Sylvester at
Mt. Baker Park on Lake Wash. Drove all around Lake Wash.
Home at 10 PM. First real summer day in Seattle.
April 7, 1924 Placed order for Hills Coffee
and canned butter. Bought set weed chains. Had tooth
filled. Drew $60 from Seattle bank. Packed and sent
trunk to boat. Mattie did some shopping. Saw Vaudeville
show. Ed Sylvester visited. Took bath. Wasilla tomorrow.
April 8, 1924 Departed 10:30 AM on SS Admiral
Watson for Alaska. Miss Kellogg and friend were at boat.
Saw Mrs. Mary Morrison at dock, coming next boat. Beautiful
day, passed thru Seymour Narrows. Boat loaded 3’ below
gunnels.
April 9, 1924 On SS Watson north bound,
passed thru Queen Charlotte Sound PM smooth going. Bunch
cannery men on board all gambling. Mrs. Crofford on board.
April 10, 1924 Cloudy fog rain, arrived Ketchikan
7 PM. Called on Clo King and all went to picture show.
Boat didn’t leave till 10 o’clock morning.
April 11, 1924 On Adm. Watson north.
Called at Yes Bay 5 AM, discharged men and cannery supplies,
arrived Union Bay noon, left off freight and men for cannery.
Squally weather. Left Union Bay cannery at 8 PM for Petersburg.
Clear.
April 12, 1924 On board S.S. Watson.
Rain and snow squalls all day, arrived at Petersburg
at 5:30, arrived at Juneau at 4 PM left at 6 o’clock.
Arrd. at Tee Bay Cannery 10 PM next stop cannery at Funda, 500 tons
freight to discharge. Mrs. Geo Sexton got on at Juneau.
Saw rich Blk. Bear man at Juneau.
April 13, 1924 Passed out Icy Straits
11 AM smooth sea with regular swells. Ma only lady at lunch.
Arrd. Yakutat 11 PM. AM part cloudy evening clear.
World Flyers left Sitka for Seward.
April 14, 1924 Yakutat to Cordova.
Snow squalls all day a little rough off Cape St. Elias.
Got in smooth water 7 PM arrived Cordova 11 PM.
Valdez next stop.
April 15, 1924 Valdez to Seward.
Arrd. at Valdez 10 AM, arrived LaTouche 6 PM, arrived Seward
11:45 PM. Put up at Hotel Sexton. Weather A-1 today.
World Flyers left Seward, all made next jump but Martin on plane
#1, Seattle, landed in bay 15 miles from Kodiak.
April 16, 1924 At Seward cloudy cool.
Took stroll around town visited on a few biz houses. Phoned
Stanley at 9:45 AM, all OK at Wasilla. Overcoat weather at Seward.
April 17, 1924 Left Seward 8 AM, arrived
Wasilla 4:30 PM. Miss Springston, Ed Mullen and Fred
Nelson got on train at Anchorage. Usual bunch Wasilla-ites
at train when we arrived. Snow about gone Wasilla to
Anchorage, no snow in Wasilla. All Herning family home again.
Self 55 days on trip to California.
April 18, 1924 Cloudy and cool, 2” snow.
Moved auto truck into old garage to make room for passenger
car. No delv. of Watson freight today. Worked on
account and issued checks to cover new goods due from Watson.
Mattie busy cleaning house. Stanley played new records.
April 19, 1924 Snowed 8”, winter on again after
no snow Jan., Feb. and March. Ma still cleaning house.
Wrote Ed Sylvester a few lines. Miss Springston fired and Mrs. Dick
Lander teaching Wasilla School. Dance on Stanley attended.
April 20, 1924 Cold snap ground white. Herning
family took dinner at Hotel Wasilla. Very quiet in town.
Stanley and Fleck’s visited Dan Donovan’s got SF
on radio. Got baseball returns, both Pac. Coast and Eastern
Leagues.
April 21, 1924 Noon got car forage and groc.
etc. and Oldsmobile 5 passenger car. Same car family
had in Calif. last summer. Hauled over groc. With auto
truck. Drove new car out to Hans Fryland ranch.
April 22, 1924 Unloaded balance car freight
Delv. Kelly’s fence wire. Opened up barber chair etc.
Felch arrived on down freight gave him order for Munsingwear 10
to 11. Got music at Oakland and Garden Room St. Francis Hotel
S.F.
April 23, 1924 Busy figuring up cost
of new goods. Felch left for Anchorage. Gus and
Harvey went to Anchorage. Tried radio, got Los Angeles but weak
batteries need charging.
April 24, 1924 PM train Miss May Kellogg arrived,
rented O. C. Miller’s house. Martin, around the world flyer,
still at Kanatak other 3 at Dutch Harbor. Cold with snow flurries.
April 25, 1924 Working on accts. Pd. for over
12 hundred mdse money now all in stock. Tried radio, got nothing
but wireless.
April 26, 1924 Warmed up and snow went off
Wasilla streets. Biz slow only local trade. Put
new lead wire on antennae, battery too weak to bring in States.
Dance on at school house Stanley attended.
April 27, 1924 McAllen in for supplies, bought
$60 worth, Hartman hauled same on his Ford truck to Harts ranch,
Lander took it on to mines with double enders. Got letter
from Otto. PM Stanley at Fleck’s. Stanley at
music practice. Self got cold in throat.
April 28, 1924 Self on the bum with fever in
head, evening better. Stanley and sports went
fishing at lower end Lucille Lake. Hoffman arrived
from west with man on speeder, got Hartman to drive them to Junction.
Snow all gone in Wasilla today.
April 29, 1924 Bogard and Heitzner in.
Several farmers in for seed grain. PM drove Stanley,
Swen and 40 Mile Miller out to mile 6 with new car, roads very
soft. Primary election on. Stanley off for 4 day
vacation. Geese arrived.
April 30, 1924 Third summer day. Ground
drying fast. Mrs. Kellogg and Ma visited the Cannon ranch.
PM Stanley at Miller’s Ranch. Got ton farm seeds, 32 days
from Seattle. Hartman drove to Miller’s Ranch.
May 1, 1924 RR blocked at 49 by snow
slides. Rodondo brought mail to Anchorage. J.
B. Fleck home for a visit, going to Bristol Bay next. Stanley
at 40 Mile’s. First car to Fleck’s today. Ma got
ear full about Wasilla society during winter.
May 2, 1924 Another scandal Tommy McNeil tried
to rape Elizabeth Snider 7 years old, Marshal took lad to Valdez
for trial. Stanley at 40 Mile Ranch. Henry Ratzen
in from Knik, first time left Knik since 1910.
May 3, 1924 Stanley Swen and Miller back
from ranch at noon. Dance on at school house, Stanley and mother
attended, self making out mo. statements. Miss Springstein
went to Anchorage. Tryck went to Anchorage. Ordered
3 drop shipments of tobacco.
May 4, 1924 Stanley and Fleck kids had duck
dinner at Paul Wavrick's Ranch. Mrs. Kellogg visited,
going to visit Mrs. Haller at Fern Mine Tuesday. Mattie found
error in April mo. balance.
May 5, 1924 McAllen in. Wm. Morrison
back to work for GB. Fred Crocker and daughter in from
Outside. Mrs. Hartman went out to open Fishhook Inn.
Cleaned stove pipes. Wired Judge Vernon Gates at Rochester
to appoint an attorney for me account fathers estate.
May 6, 1924 Roads drying up slowly. Re-filed
groc. and hardware invoices. A little life in town.
Heinz man here. Judge Wilmoth done up with “ear-syp-lus”
will have to cut off ear? Drove new car out to 16, road mushy
in places. Got out so-mail.
May 7, 1924 Put up order for Fern Mine and
Balis and Keily, Moose Creek. McDougal, 40 Mile Miller,
Tom Aureen and Wavrick went to Anchorage. Looked over road
leading to Palmer road, several mush holes, no good for a week yet.
Ma visited on Wagner’s.
May 8, 1924 Hauled out tin cans to dump, mush
hole in road by depot. PM train new manager for Consold.
Mine arrived. Tried to charge 6 volt batteries with generator
on car. Got new B batteries account radio, got wireless only.
May 9, 1924 Hartman had first load passengers,
went to 28 for Willow Creek Mines. Self not feeling well.
School dance on at Fairview, Hartman took the bunch down.
Ma and Stanley went, self busy on OS mail. Road Com. established
camp on Knik Road.
May 10, 1924 Sat. night dancers had to walk,
car got stuck in mush holes. Jas. York left on train,
no job with Road Com. Party on at Fleck’s, drove Stanley
down, went as far as Pearson’s Ranch, roads dry but rough.
McAllen and Elder in from mines.
May 11, 1924 Stanley cleaned balcony windows.
Report came Around the World Martin and machinist showed up,
plane hit mountain peak and broke up. Other 3 flyers jumped
off for Japan 878 mile hop. Hartman out with joy riders
down Knik Road. Road Com. Cat man arrived.
May 12, 1924 Stanley and self tightened up
steering gear on truck. Drove new car down to mile 7 Knik
Road. Mrs. Kellogg and Sam invited guests, got concert
on radio but not plain. Mrs. Haller arrived from Fern Mine.
May 14, 1924 Rain all day. Road Com. started
to smooth up Wasilla Fishhook Road. Worked on accts. and
mail, got only wireless on radio battery low. Fred Crocker’s
daughter back from Fishhook.
May 15, 1924 Finished inventory of property
Grubstake Placer Mine, tools 367.83, hyd. machinery 4246.
PM let water out of holes on road, depot to RR east. Invited Wilmoth’s
for a car ride down to mile 7 Wasilla - Knik Road.
May 16, 1924 Biz fair, got fruit and butter
off Watson. Fleming in to trade. Got out OS mail.
Trix went down east road, got stuck. Clarence Marsh came
over from exp. Farm, got stuck in mush holes near town on
east road. Ice out of Lake Lucille, last year went on 19th.
May 17, 1924 Ans’d. Clara’s letter about
fathers estate. Fred Zorn the dynamiter from Nome visited,
was on way to hospital, dog team ran over him. Took dance party
down to Fleck’s, got stuck in mud by Doherty’s. Mrs. Kellogg
went to Anchorage. Frank E. Young died at Anchorage.
May 18, 1924 First beautiful sunny day.
Harry Madsen here from Moose Creek Section. O. C. Miller
in from ranch. Drove truck to ridge summit road very rough,
Com. dragged rocks in track. St. Clair’s having trouble with
car after installing new bearings. Cut out 40’ aerial, got
nothing but wireless. Mattie visited on Wagner’s. Six
Shooter Bill caught cub bear.
May 19, 1924 Put screens on store annex
and painted window frames. Put new ground wire on radio
set. Bailey installed pump at depot. Put foot valve
on our kitchen pump. Party Anchorage kids up for vacation, Lake
Wasilla. Mrs. Kellogg back from Anchorage.
May 20, 1924 Finished fixing road leading out
Wasilla to Palmer. Drove new car out to 16, Mrs. Kellogg
and Lander guests. Hartman thru to road house Fishhook
Inn. Mr. Anderson over to trade has ranch near Government
farm.
May 21, 1924 Got 2 truck loads groceries, also
$1,200 cash register arrived. Hartman went to Fishhook
Inn with big truck 1st trip. Nick Brake in town.
Stanley gave camp boys ride down Knik Road.
May 22, 1924 Stanley and self overhauled self-starter
on Olds car. Around the World Flyers in Japan. Wedding
announcement: Sharon Fleck to Crocker next Saturday.
Changed tubes on radio, no results. Bartholf bunch arrived.
May 23, 1924 Got self-starter to work OK on
Olds car. Drove out to 40 Mile Miller ranch. Took
Dan Grau and Trix kids. K. T. Co. store got write up in May,
No. Hardware World. Evening hvy. showers. Road Com.
established gravel camp at Miller’s Ranch.
May 24, 1924 Stanley went to Anchorage
Gus Gillis arrived midnight, fishing party on. Gas car
arrived from Anchorage 5 PM. Took Wilmoth’s down
to Crocker and Fleckenstein wedding. First wedding at Wasilla
after 11 days courtship. Had fine dinner home 1:30 AM Eleven
people at wedding. Gave bridal couple $10 trade book.
May 25, 1924 Quiet in Wasilla. Zink got
Kelly car working, took schoolmarm for joyride. Newlyweds up
town.
May 26, 1924 Fosket and Metz in to trade.
New train service, passenger train every day. Horning’s
and Chas Bartholf arrived to open Mabel Mine. Mrs.
Horning visited said Anchorage people had the blues. Stanley
back from Anchorage
May 27, 1924 Sold Mabel Mine $65 order. No
freight train this week. Took Horning’s for a ride down Knik
Road. Patzack down from Houston to trade. Bert Olson
here from Caswell looking for fox caught at Knik.
May 28, 1924 First freight train of week from
Anchorage, got paints and eggs. Got Evans mail.
Stanley took Fleck bunch out to Fishhook Inn. Eva went to
Fern Mine, self and Mattie drove. Ellexson wouldn’t let Olson
see fox he caught at Knik. Olson lost a fox.
May 29, 1924 Bartholf kids placed an
order for grub and left for mines. Priced paint order.
Sharon Fleck left for Hope Mines. Finished smoothing up road east
of town, autos can now get thru OK.
May 30, 1924 Overhauled steering wheel on truck.
PM freight got 2 truck loads of groc. Sam Guyot here.
Stanley drove Ma and Mrs. St. Clair out to road camp at Miller’s
Ranch. Hearing at Trix, account of school trouble. Stanley
ready for Grubstake. Armour man here. Ben Marino back.
May 31, 1924 Drove Stanley and Paul out to
Landers, going to Grubstake to do assessment work. Hudson
Nolan left for Grubstake to prospect. Brought in music
on radio.
June 1, 1924 Drove Mrs. Kellogg down to her
ranch, self and Mattie went on to St. Clair’s ranch. Rain
made road slick coming home. Got 12 sack spuds off Metz.
Stanley at Grubstake.
June 2, 1924 Got roofing and eggs on today's
freight. Mail train 1 h. 40 m. late. Write up in
5/23 Alaska Weekly about the Herning’s cash register etc.
Bert Ferris in town.
June 3, 1924 Kelly laid off on account lame
back. McAllen and Mrs. Kellogg went to Anchorage.
Wrenchler family down from Houston. Bert Ferris in town.
Paul Broadhagen in from Talkeetna Mine.
June 4, 1924 Kelly home with lame back.
Ernest Richter in from mines. Marked up drug order.
Mrs. Roe visiting St. Clair’s. Drove new car as far as summit
ridge. Got out OS mail.
June 5, 1924 A-1 summer day. Put
up 2 orders for mines. Got 3 letters from Stanley at
mines, got over OK and Lander packed grub over. Kelly on
the job today. Drove down to Junction of Palmer and Mat. Road.
June 6, 1924 Shipped Frank Wells pack horse
back to Colorado on railroad. Put up hanger for meats in
annex. Got fruit from Anchorage. McAllen family went
to GB Mines for summer. Willie Black visited on way north
with work train. Adolf Olson here. Mrs. Kellogg back
from Anchorage. Henry McKinnon on north train going to McKinley
Park to pack.
June 7, 1924 A. E. Com. after all the spuds
at $60 ton. Took foot valve off pump. Seven cars on
passenger train south today. Wade and Hatcher up
from Junction selling chances on Hatcher’s piano. I bought
Lizzie #40 for $2. New lady moved into Aureen’s bungalow.
June 8, 1924 Drove out to Fishhook Inn with
mail and grub for Stanley. Stanley and Paul were there,
had dinner, arrived home 8:30. Sam Kelly went along.
June 9, 1924 Did some repair work on antennae.
Drove down to Vail’s for load wood. Took Doherty’s sugar
and flour to ranch. Car failed to move after turning around,
something wrong in differential or the transmission. Left
truck at Doherty’s.
June 10, 1924 PM hauled truck in from Doherty’s
with Olds car. Wade up from Mat., drove out
to Fishhook Inn. Tried radio NG. Real hot day 70 in shade.
Mattie troubled with teeth.
June 11, 1924 Another warm summer day
+70. Got meats on noon freight. Drove
Mattie and May down to Kellogg ranch, got in ditch by Stern’s
ranch. Drove down for the “farmers”. Kempf and partner
in to go to mines. Hobo Brown in town.
June 12, 1924 Biz fair put up 3 orders for
Grubstake Gulch prospectors. Hobo Brown went to Anchorage.
Mattie came out in new summer dress, visited on Mrs. Wagner.
Located trouble with truck, small gear in differential.
Bogard in with spuds.
June 13, 1924 A-1 summer day, +80. Got
OS mail off Watson no freight. Tom Babcock in town.
Ellexson out from Knik with new Tin Lizzie, Gill boy with them.
June 14, 1924 A-1 warm day, +80. Cat
man finally got Cat and grader ready for Knik Road.
Hartman took Fred Crocker and outfit to his ranch at Cottonwood.
Bailey and family in from Junction.
June 15, 1924 Wade’s and Bailey’s drove out
to Fishhook Inn. Self and Ma drove out with mail and eggs
for Stanley, stopped at Miller’s ranch, strawberry patch looking
fine. Roads very good. Had dinner at RH.
June 16, 1924 Smokey today. Worked
on truck, made key and got pinion gear back on differential.
Got 3 drop shipments tobacco. The 96,000 strawberry boxes
arrived. Woldson owner of Fern Mine arrived with Ford truck.
Bert O’Brien and Barnes arrived went on to mines. Had May
at June dinner.
June 17, 1924 Worked all day unloading car
strawberry boxes. Marsh up from Junct. With his
truck. St. Clair’s down at their ranch every evening.
Snow about all gone on mountains. Boxed up Paul Broadhagen’s order.
June 18, 1924 Perfect summer day. Worked
on unloading strawberry crates. Marsh in from mines,
brought Eva, Albert Nelson and Pete Murray. Murray mushed
on to his ranch. Marsh took Eva back to Fern Mine, said road
was good up as far as Webfoot cabins.
June 19, 1924 Fixed emergency brake on truck.
Midnight Sun excursion passed thru to Fairbanks.
Wired Swift to cut off meat order. Road Com. working on
road to Talkeetna Mine. Joy riders back at noon from mines.
June 20, 1924 Perfect day smokey. Self
worked on truck all day, run her out to ridge summit went OK.
Ready for trip to Grubstake Placer tomorrow. Waldson made
2nd trip to mine with his new Ford truck. Otto arrived
from GB.
June 21, 1924 Left for mines with truck,
had lunch at Fishhook Inn. Went on up the hill, met Trix
at forks bench road. Big fire along road to upper Fishhook
had to wait. Had to put on chains. Put out fire on
bridge. Made up to Martin Road, left car mushed to Grubstake
road soft. Car wouldn’t pull the short steep grades.
Stanley at mines.
June 22, 1924 At Grubstake. Boys
had ditch in on Grubstake bar below cabin and ground sluice
on Willow Creek bench. Had 11” pipeline apart and partly
painted. Helped to scrape and paint balance of pipe.
Thorpe and Elder visited, paid last bill. Weather perfect
at mines. Took prospect off left limit.
June 23, 1924 At mines. Took 5 joints
11” pipe apart, had hard job to separate it. Boys
painted same and stacked up 11” pipe culls. Had 76 good 11” pipe
and repainted. Took down 9” grate. Started to un-joint
big pipe at intake to get ground sluice on lower bench where I took
out $800 with hose in 1901. Called at Thorpe’s Mine, left
6:30 PM for home. Took 2½ hours to walk to car, arrived
home 11:45.
June 24, 1924 Busy on Monday mail and new orders.
Winchester man here. Took agency as a Winchester store.
Bought 1 share preferred stock in Winchester Co. pays 7½%.
Pulled 40# Cannon’s rhubarb for Fern Mine.
June 25, 1924 Swift meats arrived. General
manager Landis special car set out at Wasilla for fishing etc.
Capt. Gaikema and Fenton arrived in route to mines. Otto
left for Grubstake to prospect.
June 26, 1924 Fern truck in. McDougal
went to Anchorage. Barns and Grau in from doing assessment
work for Wm. Martin. Joy riders went out with Fern truck. Drove
down to Fleck’s w/ groc. Herman in after team. Adolf
Olson down for job from Kashwitna.
June 27, 1924 Fern truck in again Woldson.
Fixed valves on kitchen pump NG. Put bed back on truck.
Got grocery, fruit and hardware, 3 truck loads. Scrap on, McDougal
won, Carlson in bad shape not able to come up town. Mrs.
Horning guest evening, slept in Stanley’s room.
June 28, 1924 Smokey 72 above, fires
everywhere. Biz good all ranchers in. Boys moved
Carlson into Eddie’s cabin. Taking Christian Science from
Tom Aureen. Mrs. Horning left for Anchorage. Gave Doherty
and Grau ride down Knik Road.
June 29, 1924 PM drove over Wasilla - Palmer
Road went 2 miles no. - hall to Danielson’s ranch, drove down
Tote Road Palmer to Junction. Had dinner at Phil Allen’s,
Mrs. Vail and Wilmoth went along. Mrs. Wilmoth lost front
tooth going over bump on Palmer to Mat. Road. Called at St.
Clair’s and Walters ranches.
June 30, 1924 Chas Isaac and Byron Bartholf
arrived. Mrs. Horning back from Anchorage went to Mabel Mine.
Got letter from Alaska Steamship about trans. freight Seward to
Anchorage, said service would improve and freight handled better.
ARC Knik gang moved to bench road to GB Mine.
July 1, 1924 Woldson and Mrs. Wilmoth went
to Anchorage. Drove out to Fishhook Inn for Stanley and Paul
from mines. Put in 29 shifts in June and 2 in July.
Harrison and Shock in from mines also Fenton doing survey work at
Fern.
July 2, 1924 Unpacked new cash register.
On accts. most of day. evening started to make out license tax.
Stanley drove Miller, Mrs. Kellogg and her mother over to exp.
farm. Smokey. Pearly White and Gibbs in from mines.
July 3, 1924 Finished store tax report for
license. Sam Kelly went to Anchorage for the fourth. Stanley
decorated Olds passenger car. Krogh’s up from Mat. to
trade. Nels Larson in from mines to trade.
July 4, 1924 Drove out to O. C. Miller ranch,
Stanley and Paul and Mrs. Kellogg went along. Took eats
and had lunch at 40 Mile’s. Saw Mr. Beaver dam and live beaver
back of Miller’s house. Drove over to Fishhook Inn. Left
Stanley and Paul account dance there. Got home 6 PM.
Bailey’s men at Martin’s cabin. Dance on at Forest Hall.
Light rain most all day.
July 5, 1924 Fishhook dancers in at 3 AM.
St. Clair’s car broke down. Ellexson’s came in with 2
flat tires. Stanley and Bill went to Anchorage. Mrs.
Hartman in from Fishhook Inn. Got Los Angeles on radio. Kelly
in Anchorage, Ellexson’s retd. to Knik.
July 6, 1924 Installed new 100’ Raco
bonded bronzed antenna, got wireless only. Clarence Marsh
up from Olson fox ranch. Huslek down from Pittman.
Stanley and Sam at Anchorage.
July 7, 1924 PM train brought 20 passengers,
18 went out to mines. Joe Conroy went to mines also Marshal
Stacer and wife, Chas Isaac and wife, Jess Garver and “himself”.
Sam Kelly and Stanley home from Anchorage. Stanley left
for Wet Gulch account quartz find.
July 8, 1924 Woldson left for Outside to buy
mach. for Fern Mine. Mr. Fickinger left for Anchorage.
McDougal left for Anchorage as witness on some case. Tried radio
with new bronzed antenna, got wireless only. Stanley at Wet
Gulch. Mrs. Kellogg located homestead on Wasilla-Palmer Road.
July 9, 1924 Got mail off Watson.
McDougal and Bert O’Brien left for mines and Schock left for
prospecting trip near Mt. McKinley.
July 10, 1924 Shipped order to Bailes and Keily
at Palmer. Mr. Lawrence, Lilly’s man visited. Sam
sprouting spuds. Man and son here fishing. J. G. Johnson
in for supplies. Stanley at Grubstake. Hartman got
the blues.
July 11, 1924 Got fruit and butter and
first cantaloupe and new apples. Snodgrass up from experimental
farm, bought small outfit. Forty eight music store man
and son left for Fairbanks. Stanley in, drove down
to Junction, took Mrs. Anderson and Ellen and kid. Road Com.
laid off several men account no funds.
July 12, 1924 Drove Stanley out to Mable forks
of road. Stanley and Paul going to prospect right limit
of Fishhook Creek near old GB cache. Tourist schoolmarm
in town going to see Mrs. Dick Lander. A few strawberries
on the local market. Mrs. Kellogg went to Anchorage. Hartman
and Palmer went to Knik.
July 13, 1924 Junction cars out on Willow Creek
Road. PM drove in to Knik, Dutch Henry, Ellexson’s and
Churchill only people there. Raspberry bushes growing all
over town. Brought in Elmer’s headboard to make concrete foundation
and repaint same. Stopped at Donovan’s, had strawberry shortcake.
July 14, 1924 Hot day, +82 in shade.
Peter Murray up from Mat. to trade. Big tourist crowd
on no. bound train. Men reduced on Sect. to only one.
Shorty Gustafson and bride arrived. Gravel gang ARC moved
to Matanuska Road. Stanley prospecting. Indians going
for salmon.
July 15, 1924 Hot day, +82 in shade. Shipped
200 strawberry crates for Anchorage mkt. Fichenger came
from Fairbanks trip. Delivered balance of Wagner’s strawberry
boxes. Jacob Metz in to trade. Leonard went out to
mines. Eva in horseback from Fern Mine. Stanley
prospecting.
July 16, 1924 Strawberries on mkt. Got
tents and clothing from Portland. Horning back from Anchorage,
Drove out to Fishhook Inn to see Stanley, Fickenger went along.
Am-Aviators arr'd at Paris. Eng. Aviator leaving Japan for
US. Very dry, rain needed.
July 17, 1924 Finished marking up goods from
Portland. Answered Porter D. Landsdowne letter, looking
for cabin at Wasilla to spend vacation, also Boy Scouts from
Anchorage. Drove Mrs. Vail down to Donovan’s strawberry ranch.
Wagner cutting hay - evening sect. day time. Fickinger retd.
to Anchorage.
July 18, 1924 Got order from mines and
1 from Eska Coal Miens. Painted roof over back shed to
kitchen. Got out Seattle mail, checked out over $800.
Jack Chisholm arrived, no orders so went fishing. Hartman
took his girls to dance at Inn. O. C. Miller in from ranch.
July 19, 1924 Delivered J. G. Johnson’s grub.
Got order for 2 crates strawberries from PM at McKinley Park.
Recharged A battery on truck, got concert ½ hour
on radio. Stanley home 2 AM.
July 20, 1924 Self and Miller started to overhaul
truck engine. Stanley went to Matanuska with Trix, Albert
not home. Evening went out to mile 28 for a ride, took
Ellen and the kid along. Mrs. Hartman in, went down to Hartman
fox farm. Matanuska joy riders up.
July 21, 1924 Stanley and mother helped in
store. Self and Miller overhauling auto truck. PM
train brought Cub Scouts for weeks vacation at Wasilla, Rev. Landsdowne
in chg. Sent 2 crates strawberries to McKinley Park.
July 22, 1924 Miller and self on auto truck,
retimed mag., turned over OK. Frank Reedy excursion passed
thru to Fairbanks. Drove down to mile 12. Stanley
and Otto speared 16 salmon. Wade brought Mrs. Kellog up from
Junction.
July 23, 1924 Finished overhauling auto truck,
went out for a run, went up hills on high. Self and Miller 3½
days overhauling. NY Life Insurance man here, Stanley took
out $5,000 policy, rate 10% year. Windy Stubbs left for McKinley
Park.
July 24, 1924 Stanley went to Anchorage to
take medical exam account NY Life Insurance. Cub Scouts
having big time catching salmon now running at RR bridge.
Mrs. Kellogg bought 1 of Cannon’s blankets. Mrs. Lander
and friend went to Junction.
July 25, 1924 Got eggs, butter, fruit and gasoline
noon freight 3 truck loads. Stanley back from Anchorage,
drove out to Miller’s ranch brought him in to catch salmon. Got
1st watermelons. Lillian and friend returned to mountain
home. No dance.
July 26, 1924 PM delivered supplies to Johnson,
Conway and St. Clair ranches. Oil pump quit on truck, got her
home OK, Mrs. Kellogg went along to her ranch. First heavy rain
much needed. Shock back from McKinley. Scouts left for
Anchorage.
July 27, 1924 Church at 11 AM by Rev. Landsdowne,
Stanley and mother went. PM drove down to St. Clair’s
ranch, had his house moved, Ellexson’s were there. Stanley went
a bathing in Lake Wasilla. Wade up to Vail’s for salmon.
Zink and his girl drove in to Knik. Fixed corduroy road.
July 28, 1924 Shipped case strawberries
to Sanderson’s girl at Fairbanks. Hubbel in to survey Talkeetna
Mine. Fenton and Government surveyor here. Patzack
went out to GB Mines to work. Farmers stacking hay.
July 29, 1924 Made out underwear order etc.
for Portland. Mrs. Carlquist and sister and children here
for vacation. Took Mrs. Landsdowne and children out to Fishhook
Inn to see the country, 1 kid got sick. Got Winchester ammunition.
Mrs. Hartman said she was going ranching in Washington.
July 30, 1924 Engstrom in for his self binder,
didn’t come. Fosket in to see Cupcake May. Carlquist
up from Anchor to join his family on vacation. Eva and
preacher back from Anchorage. Opened up Winchester goods.
10 PM raining good. Sidney Black here.
July 31, 1924 Working on office all day, got
out statements account Willow Creek Mines Dist. Carlquist
family and Cupcake May left for Anchorage. Mrs. Kellogg
rented house in Anchorage after 3 months at Wasilla. Joy
riders out on Knik Road, Earl driver.
August 1, 1924 Attended big barn dance
at government farm, about 200 present, 8 autos and 4 teams.
Our car took 5, Sam, Eva, Stanley, Ma and Dad. Mac made
a Paul Revere ride to catch a schoolmarm.
August 2, 1924 Col. Steese here inspecting
roads. “Black” Chris Hanson here from Talkeetna went
on to Knik. Wade took Kelly car to Junction.
Had strawberries for supper. Engstrom came after his McCormic
binder.
August 3, 1924 Heavy rain last night.
Rufe Stephan and boy out from Knik after check, we got most
of it. Finished gun list. Mrs. Hartman returned to
32. Got radio music for 10 minutes with 6 volt battery added to
B batteries. Light rain all day. Col. Steese went out
to mines. Concert by Herning family.
August 4, 1924 McAllen in for Anchorage visitors
going to GB Mines. Rev. Landsdowne back from Anchorage
making 3rd week vacation at Wasilla. Chris Hanson back
from Knik went on to Talkeetna. Zink and Springstein left
on PM train for Inside. Got instruction book and dope on #59
Fed-Receiver direct from Buffalo House. Had 1st mess new spuds.
The Judge and old Tom hitting on high?
August 5, 1924 McDougal back from Caswell sawmill.
Col. Steese left for Anchorage. Bought first new spuds
at 5¢ a lb. Carlson moved back to his homestead after
living in town 2 months. Studied instruction book account #59
Receiver. Shave and turn in.
August 6, 1924 Installed new force pump in
kitchen. National Cash Register man arrived, assembled new $1,200
register. Boston airplane out of race went dead near Orkney
Island other 2 planes landed at Iceland OK.
August 7, 1924 Nat. Cash Register man
instructed operations of new machine. Started out with
4 clerks, A clerk sold 27.25, B clerk sold 14.25, D clerk sold
27.35, D clerk collected 154.25, E clerk no sales, days biz 223.10.
Ala. Railway 4 car gang here. Zink and Springstein married
at Fairbanks August 5th.
August 8, 1924 Worked all day learning bookkeeping
system of Nat. Cash Register. Bill Stolte up from Anchorage
to see Stanley, took them to 32, going to Grubstake for vacation,
Eva and Natl. Cash Register man went along Ellen came back with
us. Joe Conroy in from mines also Fenton the surveyor.
Mrs. Hartman in, Paul running Fishhook Inn.
August 9, 1924 Mayor Conroy, Ellen and Lockman,
Cash. Register man, went to Anchorage also Mrs. Hartman.
Stanley and Bill at mines. Madland on south train.
Spent all evening on cash register accts., on account of some errors.
T and T gang here.
August 10, 1924 Snider and Huslik went to Junction
with truck St. Clair’s big ideas about ranch going to
zero, too much money. Posted on cash register books took
bal. for 1st week. Drove up to Cannon ranch, got
a mess of raspberries. Bailey’s drove out to 28.
August 11, 1924 Delayed freight arrived, had
3 truck loads, got melons, peaches and new apples and spuds.
Had to haul all forage over to store warehouse account track
warehouse being blocked with RR car. Judge Conroy back from
Anchorage. Stanley failed to arrive from mines. Prof.
Olson and family here on outing. Got letter from Clara 3 farms
for sale.
August 12, 1924 Stanley and Bill back from
outing at mines. Hubbell in from mines went on to Seward.
Fern Mine got car lumber. Doctoring National Cash Register account
to find errors. Rich Black Bear man here. Zink and wife
returned home. Bill left for Anchorage
August 13, 1924 Herman in from Big Lake.
Hartman hauling car lumber to Fern Mine. AM put vertical
valve on kitchen pipeline and installed force pump in cellar.
Put 2 new B batteries on radio connections. Got note but A
battery too low voltage. Miller working on St. Clair’s homemade
furnace.
August 14, 1924 Got Gibbs check to cover July
account. Got wire from Healy for spuds. Wired for
meats candy and OS spuds. Stanley and mother drove
to Junction, Red Top went along. Tried radio on set no. 6 dry cells,
got music but not auditable. Ellen moved her flower plants
to St. Clair’s.
August 15, 1924 AM busy posting on back accts.,
had Stanley make entries. Judge Roger and wife here on
vacation. Mr. Hubbell back to survey for Fern Mine.
Pete Johnson up from Junction. Stanley left evening to work
2 weeks on gravel gang at Junction. Eva in from Fern Mine.
Evening answered Clara’s letter.
August 16, 1924 Answered Oscar C. Ranken, attorney.
letter about fathers estate. PM delivered J. G. Johnson’s
grub at mile 4 Palmer Road. T and T gang bracing up telegraph
poles. Got best concert on radio this fall, used 6 no. 6 dry cells
for A bat. Stanley working at Junction, Lawrence and Harvey
back from Honolulu Creek for ARC.
August 17, 1924 Priced up new hardware,
Tried radio with battery off Olds car, got a note and faint
music. Report came that Wickersham, squaw man, was shot by his squaw,
White Mule the cause. Stanley at Junction. AR Com. moved
over to Bogard’s to do work on his road. Raining hard.
August 18, 1924 Elder in for supplies.
Broke down erastor. Mr. Thompson owner of GB Mine arrived
from Outside. “P.O.” on a toot. Al Drees arrived
to work with T and T. Soaking rain since last night and still
at it. Stanley at Junction.
August 19, 1924 Big rain over. Ellexson’s
in from Knik for feed etc. “Granny” Stubbs back from McKinley
Park. Hartman fell between truck and RR platform and hurt
his shoulder. Evening after considerable skimming brought
in concert at St. Francis Hotel SF music was good.
August 20, 1924 Sent out Thorpe’s order to
Grubstake. Rewired radio connections from battery to
set, got faint music, battery too weak.
Stanley, Arthur and Clarence up from Junction. Jerry Murphy
in town. Rain.
August 21, 1924 Put up order for Fern and Mabel
Mines. Fruit order arrived. PM took oil pan off
truck found oil line, pipe to pump, broken. T and T gang left
on north train. Rogers went out to mines for a visit.
Harrison got job at government farm. St. Clair’s Tin Lizzie
out of commission. Jerry left for Anchorage.
August 22, 1924 Had Kelly solder broken pipe
on pump and leak in radiator. “Red” visited evening and
reeled off divorce proceedings, said her hubby had moved out
Saturday over in Gus cabin. Got concert on radio, wireless
bothered signals. Road Com. made camp near Johnson’s place
to gravel road into Wasilla. Tin Lizzie working tonight.
August 23, 1924 Mattie went to Anchorage account
tooth trouble. PM reinstalled oil pump line on truck,
it worked OK. Mrs. Wilmoth sold her chickens and houses
to J. H. Lander. Gus, the snuff eater, in town. Got concert
on radio. Raining again. AR Com. camp moved in from
Mabel Road.
August 24, 1924 Partly cloudy evening
rain. RR picnic at Lake Wasilla from Anchorage, had 5 cars, sold
$40 worth fishhooks, candy and tobacco to the picnic crowd.
Felch here, gave him order for crackers only. Sol Silverman
and wife visited also Harvey Bartholf and Vic Blodgett, Mrs. Bailey
and Hoffman. Got Los Angeles on radio. Stanley didn’t
show up at RR picnic.
August 25, 1924 Got NW mail, groceries and
stoves bill on NW. Mattie home on PM train from Anchorage.
Hugo Johnson arrived also 2 fishing parties. Mrs. Silverman
visiting Red. O. C. Miller digging well. K. T. Co.
got write up in August Good Hardware magazine.
August 26, 1924 Took Bill Long out to
his ranch, put on radio A battery and charged it during trip,
got concert at St. Francis Hotel T room by KGO General Elect.
Co. Stanley and Albert up from Junction. Knik River
Lake broke out.
August 27, 1924 Overhauled radio set, found
small loose connections, got Los Angeles on weak A battery.
Harvey and Hans returned from ARC work. Miller got water in
his new well. Received letter from 2 women in Texas in answer
to our write up in Good Hardware magazine both looking for a “man”.
August 28, 1924 Mrs. Horning and Gene in from
Mabel Mine and took train for Anchorage. Got some sand
near Lucille Lake for cement work. St. Clair bought Bruno’s
mink and equipment. Road Com. cut, down to one gang, camped
at Cottonwood bridge RR. Got nigger concert but A battery gone out.
August 29, 1924 Put order for Susitna Station.
Busy on accts. all day. Allen Horning came up from Anchorage
to work at Mabel Mine. Miller finished his well, kids put
rocks in pipe. Made out canned fruit and vegetable order
fall delivery. Nicholaska in from Knik.
August 30, 1924 P.O. closed at 11 AM,
went to Anchorage. Ellexson in from Knik. Went down Knik
Road with truck to charge radio A battery. Turned around
at Donovan’s and wheels refused to turn, Tryck family came
along and took us home. Stanley home from Junction.
We took touring car and towed in truck. Fine concert KGO at St. Francis
Hotel played by Henry Halsted’s band.
August 31, 1924 Sunday cloudy evening
rain. Fresh snow on mountain peaks down to brush line last
night. Quiet in town. Miller re-digging out his well
on account kids filling pipe with gravel. Put new
key in drive gear on truck, rode out to ridge summit.
September 1, 1924 First frost last night. Noon
freight brought groceries and store goods 2 truck loads,
Stanley and self put same in warehouses. Sam Guyot arrived,
gave him drop shipments on tobacco. “Willie” showed up
on mail arrival but did not come back on train? Stanley
and mother and “Red” went out joy riding.
September 2, 1924 Stanley went to Anchorage
to arrange on account going Outside to Pullman College.
PM got candy. spuds and bacon from Outside. Spuds all crushed
from shipment on boat cost 4¼¢ landed. Fixed
oil leak on Mrs. Wades Tin Lizzie. Reported Hartman applied
for a divorce, Wilmoth Co. next. Fern Mill broke down.
September 4, 1924 Kelly picked over ton new
Outside spuds. Hartman sold his interest in roadhouse
to Nellie “the boss”. Stanley back from Anchorage on shopping
tour. Evening radio not much good, battery low again.
September 5, 1924 Got fruits and fox wire,
flat iron and doors failed to arrive order lost. Charged
radio battery. Lillian Lander rented O. C. Miller’s house.
Hartman divorce all the talk. Paul arrived to run Wasilla
Roadhouse and do the trucking etc. Paul brought in 10 oz. gold
dust from OGH Placer Mine. Evening radio fairly good.
Stanley packing up for Pullman College.
September 6, 1924 Stanley left for Pullman
College, will lay over at Anchorage and leave Sunday with Bill
to catch Yukon at Seward. Delivered merchandise to Conway
and Johnson’s ranch. Evening wireless spoiled radio.
Got fine solo concert at St. Francis Hotel. Paddy Marion In
from Eska. Joe Conroy went to Anchorage going Outside.
September 7, 1924 Stanley in route from Anchorage
to Seward to take Yukon for Seattle. Evening drove truck
to ridge summit to charge radio battery. No radio news tonight.
Snider drove his truck to Junction.
September 8, 1924 Dan Sutherland visited on
way north. Snodgrass and Wade’s cars over from Junction.
Stanley on Yukon in route to Seattle and Pullman College.
Hartman took freight and passengers out for Paul. Evening got
no radio talk. Stubbs and wife moved to McKinley Park with
foxes. Received Stanley’s New York Life $5000 insurance policy.
School opened.
September 9, 1924 Fosket and Johnson
in for supplies. Forty Mile Miller went down to St. Clair’s
ranch to finish house and build furnace. Earl still trucking
for Nellie? Hans Frydenland bought Tom Cavanaugh's pool
room building another hotel? Stanley on Yukon south.
September 10, 1924 Ma went to Anchorage account
of her teeth and to visit “cup cake” May. Busy all day
in store sales $140. Evening got KFI program, singing was
good. Earl Hartman left for Outside to stay. Mrs. Vail
went to Anchorage. Harvey helping to operate Hartman’s trucks.
September 11, 1924 Mattie back from Anchorage,
also Mrs. Vail. Evo, brother and wife back home.
Cavanaugh left for Inside, got $1,500 for pool room ½ down.
September 12, 1924 Froze light crust last night
and cold tonight. Carl Martin arrived afoot, ran out of gas coming
from Junction. took him and case gas down to stalled car near Fosket’s
ranch, brought the women back. Evening tried new charged
battery on radio got weak music, guess tubes are about burned out.
Willie moved back to “Reds” ranch “Red” moved out?
September 13, 1924 August Carlson went to Anchorage
for treatment, Sam Kelly loaned him money on homestead.
ARC finished grading road down to Vail’s. Mr. Hubbell left
for Kodiak. Mrs. Hartman in from Fishhook Inn, returned to
Fishhook Inn PM.
September 14, 1924 Put Matt’s Old Knik gas
lamp into operation by adding nut. Drove truck out to
Frydenland ranch to charge radio battery. Evening got KFI
Earl C. Anthony program at Los Angeles. Stanley due to arrive
at Seattle today in route to Pullman College.
September 15, 1924 Repainted Elmer’s headboard.
Train 2 hours late, got 2 letters from Stanley, was near Juneau
loading salmon on SS Yukon. Wells Bros. pack horse arrived,
no one to take him, Fosket refused. Evening got fine concert
on radio from California. Dick Lander arrived.
September 16, 1924 Line storm on. Swen Bodin
visiting Eva. Busy checking up stock, wired for flour
feed and hardware. Evening got KFI and KGO on radio, music
fair. Miller building St. Clair’s furnace out of oil tank.
September 17, 1924 Big rain last night. Ellexson’s
out from Knik for supplies. Got coal oil and meats on
today’s freight. Delivered Hetznar’s flour and sugar at
lake for boat delivery to ranch. Willie home again now doing
the shopping?
September 18, 1924 Martin Larson arrived with
miners to run tunnel at Kelly Mines. Evening Hartman had
two truck loads of passengers for mines. Evening got Hale
Bros. and KGO on radio. Evening raining.
September 19, 1924 Mountains covered with snow
again. Got out Seattle mail. Martin Larson went out to
run 1,000’ tunnel at Kelly Mine. John Markin through at
Talkeetna Mine. Farmers digging spuds.
September 20, 1924 Brassel and Hudson in.
Got order from Thorpe, 1 order from Curry, small orders from
mines. Frisby and McAllen went to Anchorage. Froze ice
last night.
September 21, 1924 Finished repainting Elmer’s
headboard. Changed A battery, evening got KFI but wireless
butted in all the while. Harvey went out twice with big
truck to mines. Evening took usual bath. Hans busy
fixing up pool room.
September 22, 1924 Got wire from Stanley, arrived
Pullman College OK. McAllen back from Anchorage with more
miners. Buck Sparling in from Grubstake. PM freight
got doors and windows fruit and butter.
September 23, 1924 Took measure for Royal Tailor
suit for Nolan Hudson. Ellexson’s out from Knik, brought
us two dressed chickens and sack rutabagas. PM took load
boxes down to Vail’s, brought back load dry birch. Evening
radio NG battery and tubes NG.
September 24, 1924 Got orders from north on
RR. Self and Mattie drove in to Knik to reinstall Elmer’s headstone.
Had to put on chains to get home got back 6:30.
September 25, 1924 Heavy rain last night.
Harvey took passengers to Palmer. Evening got Los Angeles
Times Uncle Joe announcing music fine.
September 26, 1924 Sent 22 oz. gold retort
to Seattle bank. Snodgrass visited, been north on speeder.
Evening got fine music KFI Los Angeles, heard several hundred
cheering very plain at Ambassador Hotel.
September 27, 1924 Mattie went to Anchorage
account her teeth. Herman in from Fish Lake. Several
farmers in to trade. Evening radio not much good.
Kelly listening in.
September 28, 1924 Mattie in Anchorage.
PM started to paint walls in office. Answered P. O. Brunde,
Big Sandy, Montana letter asking about Alaska. Chilligan down to
trade. Paul hauled St. Clair’s lumber.
September 29, 1924 Painted ½ of office
walls apricot color. Mattie back from Anchorage on PM
train. Chauncy Lidell arrived went to mines. Got 7
tons feed and flour wired for September 16th. Got letter from
Stanley in Seattle, bought Buick Roadster and drove to Pullman.
September 30, 1924 Got order for half ton spuds.
Drove down to Doherty’s for spuds. Got Hale Bros. San Francisco
and KGO Los Angeles on radio, Marine band was good. Fleck’s
in from Fern Mine going Outside.
October 1, 1924 Ellexson’s in from Knik, took
Wells Bros. horse to winter, Grace rode him home. Delivered
groceries to Persson ranch brought back ½ ton spuds from
Doherty’s ranch, old truck pulling fine. Evening battery NG
on radio. Thorpe in from mines. J. J. in for grub, Nellie
in from 16.
October 2, 1924 Business
good collections fair. Joe Brassel back from Anchorage
took option on Elders ½ of Grubstake Quartz Mine.
Car lumber came for Fern Mine. Fleming in to trade.
Got Watson mail letter from Stanley, arrived OK at Pullman College.
Evening radio good.
October 3, 1924 Had a rush all AM, sales over
$200. Delivered Doherty’s grub and lumber, brought back
½ ton spuds. Got 4 tons groceries on PM freight.
Wilmoth said he was going to move Post Office back in store, sold
his safe.
October 4, 1924 Heavy rain. Miller in
from Fern Mine with cleanup, left order for grub and went to Anchorage.
Fleck family left for Outside. “Red” went to Anchorage
to buy her ticket. Evening got Times Earl Anthony and General
Electric but not plain.
October 5, 1924 Patzack in town.
Post Office moved back into Wilmoth’s store building after being
in the Shough cabin for 1½ years. PM cleaned up
dust and furnace pipe, put in new top grate, had trouble with same
finished 10 PM. No radio tonight.
October 6, 1924 Ellexson’s out from Knik for
their horses, strayed out to Wasilla. Got letters from Clara
and Stanley. Got new set radio tubes, didn’t work, battery
run out. Mrs. Horning arrived went on to mines.
October 7, 1924 Froze crust last night. Cleaned
up in front of store, fixed drain ditches and crossing.
Evening boys from experimental farm over to buy winter clothing,
bought over $50 clothing. Evening drove down to Vail’s for
wood and cabbage. Evening radio good, heard Miss S. D. Wallace
from Sidney Australia over KGO.
October 8, 1924 Cold snap moving clothing.
PM self and Mattie drove down to Vail’s for rick of wood.
Evening got new tubes to function on radio. Loud speaker
worked OK. Evening windy.
October 9, 1924 Rain PM, business
slow. Thorpe and McClarty up from Anchorage on way to
mines. Had roast chicken dinner, Kelly invited guest.
Got Outside mail. Evening radio not much good, too much cracking,
got 3 pieces in clear. Evening heavy rain.
October 10, 1924 Snowed 2”, heavy snow
in the mountains. Business good cash sales over $200.
Fisher and Long bought grub outfit for Knik. Second lot of
hardware came, got batteries. Evening radio NG, A battery
ran out.
October 11, 1924 About 2” snow fell, ground
white. Hauled truck load out to Bill Longs ranch at old 19.
Mr. and Mrs. Horning in, closed down Mabel Mine. Mrs. Red
Top left for Outside. Fred went to Knik with Fischer’s grub.
Evening radio fair.
October 12, 1924 Partly cloudy temperature
30 looks like early winter freezing today. Busy in store
until 2 PM. Bruno up from Junction to trade. Drove
down to Vail’s for load dry wood. Key in drive pinion broke
so had to leave car there. Evening radio fair, got KFSG Bible
Institute Los Angeles.
October 13, 1924 A-1 clear day cold wave
zero last night. With passenger car, towed up truck and load
of wood stalled at Vail’s. Had Harvey steer truck, came
up on second. Got Outside mail letter from Stanley.
Evening got St. Francis program music very clear.
October 14, 1924 Fleming over from Cottonwood.
Evening radio NG too much wireless. Got bunch small orders
from Fern Mine. Warm days cold nights.
October 15, 1924 Put new key in drive pinion
broken on truck. Delivered Harrison’s forage at Lake Wasilla.
Evening tried radio with full charged A battery, signals came
in too strong. Evening windy.
October 16, 1924 Dave England in for winter
grub. Holden in for grub, said 4 lake was frozen over.
St. Clair’s back from buying trip to Anchorage. Lue Schock
in from GB Mines going east.
October 17, 1924 Snowed a little last night.
Business good, clothing moving account cold snap. Dave
England bought $100 grub and clothing outfit for ranch.
St. Clair’s furniture arrived. Mrs. Hartman in to stay from
Fishhook Inn.
October 18, 1924 Got 2 fair size orders
from Fern Mine and Wells bros. Kelly went to Anchorage.
Ellexson’s back from Knik to trade. Harvey quit hauling
with Nellie’s big truck, too much snow from canyon up, threw load
off at 29½. Carl Wikman through building for Tom Aureen,
beat his bills and left for Anchorage. Two Palmer ranchers over
to prove up, came with Snodgrass Tin Lizzie, ordered mantles and mitts.
October 19, 1924 Put up order for Frank Wells.
In store failed to get evening program. Gus in town.
October 20, 1924 Business good sales
over $200. Sold old double ender to Nagley and a case of eggs.
Got Outside mail letter from Stanley, hadn’t received any of Ma’s
3 letters. Kelly back from Anchorage. Palmer ranchers
proving up.
October 21, 1924 Business
good sales over $200. Magaha bought grub order for ranch.
Ellexson took wife to Junction to catch train to Anchorage.
Painted new radio pole. Evening got Los Angeles Times, said
President Coolidge would speak over radio tomorrow evening to
12,000,000 people. Willow Creek Inn posted notice for grand
opening Saturday evening.
October 22, 1924 Cloudy and windy.
Business slow snow going fast. PM drove down to Persson’s
and Doherty’s for spuds. Evening listened to entertainment
given in Los Angeles for World Aviators also Earl P. Anthony musical
program. Harvey left for GB Mines. Zink family went
to Anchorage.
October 23, 1924 Bert Ferris here from
Junction. Bogard hauling lumber to ranch to build sheep
shed. Car coal due tomorrow. Fern got another car
lumber. Evening radio NG, B battery run out.
October 24, 1924 Hauled over 2 truck loads
flour etc. from track warehouse to store. Ellexson in
from Knik after Mrs., back from Anchorage. Experimental farm
boys over evening to trade went to mile 12 for moose.
October 25, 1924 Got $140 order from Talkeetna.
Sent out order for winter apples and more sugar. Willow
Creek Inn opening dance on. Two cars and Phil Allen’s team up
from Junction. Had a rush in store till 8:30, 12 women and 20 stags
at dance. Installed a 1,000 candle gas lamp for Hans.
Ellexson’s in for dance.
October 26, 1924 Cloudy warm wind.
Native trade over $100, Saturday and Sunday AM sales and collections
over $500. Hartman’s Repb. truck stalled with load lumber,
Nick Kane drove truck. Dance over 2 AM good eats and rotten
music. PM drove new car down to Metz ranch for cabbage.
October 27, 1924 Got 2 orders from Eska.
Got 2 letters from Stanley at Pullman College. Car winter
coal arrived. Nick Kane still doctoring Hartman’s big truck,
wants me to adjust mag. Got 2nd lot guns and ammunition.
October 28, 1924 Snow all gone in Wasilla.
Unloaded car premier coal, fine quality. Nick finally
got Hartman’s big truck to turn over, had 2 and 3 wires crossed.
Swen and Vail helped to unload coal. Evening put old tubes
in radio and got KGO OK. Car forage etc. due tomorrow.
October 29, 1924 Unloaded car flour and forage.
Got part dried fruit order. Pete Johnson in town.
Nick Kane drove out Hartman’s truck with lumber delayed 3 days.
Got big order from Fern. Evening radio NG.
October 30, 1924 AM unloaded plasterboard.
Key in drive pinion broke again. Had trouble in starting
Olds car, towed truck to store and garage. Mattie and Sam
got Fern big order packed. Pearly White in town going back
to Maine. Evening got concert at St. Francis Hotel S. F. fine.
Miller through at St. Clair’s ranch. Gave Mattie $25 for birthday
present.
October 31, 1924 Windy. Business
good sales over $400. Roads good again for autos.
Ellexson’s in from Knik. Nick hauled out 2 loads Fern lumber
to 28, reported Sam Peters up from Anchorage, left Wilmoth bottle
coal oil. Evening windy radio NG. Had Kelly at chicken
dinner.
November 1, 1924 McAllen in from Willow Creek.
Nick Kane teaching Grau how to fit up horse shoes, quit Nellie
and moved over to Hans Inn. PM overhauled 2 no. 6 street
gas lamps, installed one in Willow Creek Inn, lit ours for first
time. Evening radio NG, A battery run out. Froze
over.
November 2, 1924 Quiet in town.
Painted radio pole 2nd coat. Two old maids visited, bought
2 books of general knowledge, 1 for $16.50 for Stanley and 1
$12 for home use. Put storm windows on east end annex warehouse.
Evening made out October bills. Skating today on Lake Wasilla.
November 3, 1924 Busy AM finishing statements
for October credits. Old maid book agents back from Junction,
evening went out to do Willow Creek District. Leonard Grau
shoeing horses. Got letter from Stanley all OK.
November 4, 1924 Presidential election
day. Election held in Willow Creek Inn. Dance and Associated
Press wires on election in States. Mattie attended, self
got returns on radio at home with music between accounts.
Coolidge had lead in all reports. Got Nolan’s Royal Tailor suit.
Knik had to vote at Wasilla precinct.
November 5, 1924 Sam Anderson in with
Fern cleanup. Albert Fanning, new rancher at Palmer, over
for $144 outfit came with auto. Election returns thus far
show Coolidge the winner as President. Nick Kane returned
to Anchorage. Got Los Angeles Times for a while on radio batteries
on the bum. Leonard the Bolshevik blowed off over election.
November 6, 1924 Grau started to put up radio
pole by garage, made failure in raising gin pole. Dan McArdle
in, not feeling well again. Kelly building fence around his
house, Harrison doing the work. Got word from bank that Wickman
had gone to Sweden, jumped his bill. Colder, evening down to
zero.
November 7, 1924 Mine Alic out from Knik for
2 Jersey calves. Got 60’ radio pole up in front of garage,
took 3 white men and an Indian to raise her up. Got order
for mink wire from Marsh. Mattie taking on a cold. Hansen
bought Fred’s old team. Evening on mail wagon checked out $1,000
Seattle.
November 8, 1924 Winter stock all paid for.
PM with touring car brought up rick dry wood from Vail’s,
winter wood and coal all in. Mattie has a cold. Fred, Pete
Nelson and Swen left for Seattle. Two old maid book agents
back from Willow Creek went on to Anchorage.
November 9, 1924 A-1 day, zero last night.
Ellexson’s out for feed. Fixed up gas lamp over desk
in store. Everybody skating today. Heinie Snider
brought his truck up from Junction to winter here. Wagner
hauling pole wood for Wilmoth. August Carlson reported very
low at Anchorage.
November 10, 1924 J. J. in, gave Fischer $200
mortgage on ranch to pay his bills. Fleming back from Anchorage
went home by moonlight. Got 2 letters from Stanley.
Got OH corn and currants. Got Hale Bros. and St. Francis,
rather weak low batteries. Wired for more flour etc.
Reported August Carlson died at Anchorage.
November 11, 1924 Put up order for Fern Mine.
Made key for drive pinion on truck car. Evening warming
up for snow storm. Evening got Bill Cox Hero of Flanders on
radio at Hale Bros. Also got St. Francis and the Palace Hotel
San Francisco. Mattie nursing cold, Kelly getting it.
November 12, 1924 Three car freight arrived
for mines. Put new key in drive pinion on truck
Evening Mrs. Ellexson arrived from Knik with horse on double ender,
broke rear shaft on Tin Lizzie. Sports talking Thanksgiving
dance at Wasilla. Mattie still on cold list.
November 13, 1924 Ground white again.
Business normal around $100 mark. Light snow turning to
rain. Sent Gill A battery to be recharged. O. C. 40 Mile
unloading 3 cars freight for Fern Mine. O. C. got letter from
Stanley. Mrs. Ellexson waiting for rear axle for “Lizzie”.
Bogard in for feed. Evening got St. Francis on 6 #6 dry cells.
Matt’s cold better. School Board paid first money this fall.
November 14, 1924 Cloudy, Chinook 42
above, snow all gone again in Wasilla. Business slow today.
Gus and Bert Ferris in from Fishhook Inn after horse feed.
Forty Mile and Vail finished unloading Fern pipe and cyanide plant.
Mrs. Ellexson returned to Knik. Cleaned up a lot of mail
to answer. Wrote Buffalo Radio about #59 receiver.
November 15, 1924 Cloudy, light rain
42 above. PM hauled out tin cans and put passenger car back
in new garage. Had trouble in starting Olds engine, gas
was all out of vac-tank. Evening got Los Angeles Times Hale
Bros. and St. Francis Hotel San Francisco on radio. McAllen
in. Recharged A battery on truck. Wrote Stanley about
trucking.
November 16, 1924 Cloudy warm 42 above.
Quiet in town, busy cleaning around store. McAllen returned
to mines, had 2 Landers horses, stayed at Hans place. PM
put new spark plugs on truck charged A battery. Evening
got sermon and general music on radio. Mattie about over cold.
Frost coming out of ground.
November 17, 1924 Cloudy, warm 40 above.
Ellexson in twice from Knik for feed. PM installed antenna
on new pole by garage, moved set by outside door in office.
Made ground wire 6’ longer. Evening worked OK but A battery ran out.
Got letter from Stanley. McArdle sick stomach trouble.
Thawed 2”.
November 18, 1924 Dan McArdle came up to go
to hospital, very sick stomach trouble. PM drove Olds car
down to Vail’s and out to summit ridge, roads fine, no snow on
road
November 19, 1924 Sent Stanley $20 check for
his twentieth birthday. Mailed orders for rubber goods.
Fixed antenna at store end, evening radio reception weak.
Dan McArdle went to Anchorage hospital. Ground froze
up again. Gaikema and Goodell here.
November 20, 1924 Cloudy 32 above. PM
took load big boxes down to lake landing for Harrison. Charged
A battery, evening got Fresno Raisin Association on KLX Oakland.
Several speakers on the stock market and control of prices.
Got Watson mail no letters from Stanley got letter from Clara.
November 21, 1924 Mine Ellic out from Knik
with pork for the mines, took back feed. PM started to
put plasterboard in store annex, O. C. Miller on the job worked
3 hours. Mattie making ready to shop in Anchorage. Evening
paid $1,000 Seattle and S. F. invoices. Goods to arrive on
Watson today. No radio busy on mail. Dr. David died at
Anchorage.
November 22, 1924 Last chance to send orders
before Xmas arrives. Mattie left for Anchorage on shopping
tour? Only 2 freight trains per week hereafter. Mrs.
Ellexson went to Anchorage. Evening got KFI and KPO on radio.
Miller and self on wallboard PM
November 23, 1924 Warm wave on past 8 days
broken, evening freezing. Helped Miller on wallboard, finished
relining store annex. Got good music and news from Times radio
Los Angeles.
November 24, 1924 Clear morning 8 above.
Watson freight arrived, got milk sugar and fresh apples, more
flour feed car door blocked with big piece machinery couldn’t
unload car. Mattie back from Anchorage brought meat for Thanksgiving
dance. Got letter from Stanley wants to come home after 1st
semester, only 1 hour study left to finish high school. Miller
finished work in store annex time 3 days.
November 25, 1924 Busy day unloaded 14 ton
car Outside freight, self and Vail handled it all, well stocked
now for winter. Fleming in for Mrs. back from Anchorage,
stayed at Wasilla tonight. New A battery on the bum electrolyte
all gone. Orchestra practice at Wilmoth’s tonight.
Hartman’s still breaking through to Fishhook Inn with car.
November 26, 1924 Started to re-arrange merchandise
in store annex. Put up order for Fern Mine. Mattie
busy with cooking for turkey day. Evening tried radio, A
battery NG. Oiled up truck, evening still raining.
Got write up in Cappers Weekly old maids wanted in Alaska.
November 27, 1924 Turkey day, warm wind.
AM cleaned up in store annex and hauled up 50 cwt flour from
track warehouse. Had chicken dinner at 2 PM Kelly guest.
PM delivered case oil to Vail’s with truck no snow and road in
fine condition. Evening attended school exercises and dance
at pool hall 25 local people present. Evening got good concert
from KGO on radio.
November 28, 1924 A-1 spring day.
Business fair got 2 orders off branch. Had Miler put transom
over office outside door. Dan McArdle died at Anchorage hospital,
too far gone for treatment. Hartman’s got gas man from experimental
farm to fix up the trucks. Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage.
November 29, 1924 Got 2 orders from Curry and
Caswell. Miller finished transom over office outside door.
Window $1.35, opener $1, hanger 20¢, frame $2, labor $7, total
$11.55. No freight south today. Evening priced up
balance new goods. Bogard in afoot. Got call for K.
T. calendar at Seward.
November 30, 1924 PM with Olds car delivered
400 forage to St. Clair’s ranch for Bogard. Brought back
400 lb. vegetables, road fine no snow. Stewart and wife
here looking for hotel business. Pittman section man down
to trade. Had trouble in starting Olds car, got a kick hurt
shoulder.
December 1, 1924 Whiton hardware arrived.
New Stuart family moved into Zink’s cabin. Got letter from
Stanley had snow and cold at Pullman. Evening busy on mail,
got 2 letters from women in Kansas and Missouri looking for Alaska
husbands.
December 2, 1924 Ellexson’s out from Knik,
had engine tied up with rope broke a lug, took in their horses
after eating Jimmies hay. Evening wrote Stanley about trucking
and the future business, told him he could come home after 1st semester
exam. Dave and Magaha in for supplies. No radio tonight
busy on mail and no battery.
December 3, 1924 Business slow today all under
cover account big wind. Jacob Metz appointed administrator
of Dan McArdle estate, went to Anchorage to look after burial
of deceased. Sent Stanley $75 for December college expenses
and $25 for his Xmas. Shoulder better from auto kick
December 4, 1924 Cleaned up yard after wind
storm, put storm window on west end store annex. Lillian
Grogan came through with COD charge on dictionary book of facts.
Gus back from Anchorage. Shorty Gustafson here from Eska
bought trapping outfit.
December 5, 1924 Shorty took Wilson’s team
to Junction for Gus. PM drove Olds car out to Ed Mullins
ranch, road best ever, no snow or ice. Gave Olds car a mothball
went off 1st turn went to charge battery. Evening much colder
10 above. Ordered pick up groceries from Fischer Bros.
December 6, 1924 Partly cloudy 28 above.
Got 2nd big order from Fern Mine. McDougal and Ed Mullen
went to Anchorage. Ulsh in with GB cleanup and to see his
girl. Sent Stanley “feeler” letters to send to mine operators
for next summers business. PM changed A battery not enough
for good reception.
December 7, 1924 Partly cloudy
Quiet in town. Oscar Tryck sick with rheumatics. Paul
hauled 2 loads water pipe to 28 today. PM drove Olds car
out to Lawrence place to charge battery. Took battery out
of car and jacked up car. Snow on road from mile 25 to roadhouse
but fine autoing.
December 8, 1924 Noon freight, got gas and
oil ordered over a week ago from Seward. Got Winchester
hardware catalog delayed 6 months. Got letter from Stanley
went to Spokane, turkey day, with car. Got battery back from
Anchorage. Got music on radio but not plain.
December 9, 1924 First real snow fall
snowed 6” last night, business slow today. Busy cleaning
off walks. Paul went to 28 with big truck. Evening
went through to Fishhook Inn with Ford truck. Ma not feeling
well, got cold in shoulders. Ellexson’s horses here 5 AM.
Valley now covered with snow.
December 10, 1924 Clear and colder 8
above this morning, snowed more last night. Got another order
from Fern Mine. Gaston, Bill Long and Anderson in from mines.
Gaston said half of GB help would be in December 22nd closing down.
Evening got opera at Hale Bros. on radio. Ellexson’s in for
horses, one came back evening. Paul made to 28 with big truck.
December 11, 1924 Second cold snap 16
below. Natives in to trade from Knik and Houston.
Paul still hauling freight with big car. Evening got music
program at Hale Bros. and St. Francis San Francisco. Herman
in to trade and brought trout.
December 12, 1924 All day and evening 30 below
zero. Paul still bucking Jack Frost with Tin Lizzie.
Another car freight for mines arrived today making 6 cars.
Cat men up from Anchorage to take Cats to Anchorage for overhauling.
Evening got Portland but too much wireless on.
December 13, 1924 On account of cold
wave few came to town, 44 below zero. Martin Larson in,
through with contract on B. D. Mine. Evening put Wells horse
in barn and fed him, wont stay at Knik with Ellexson. Applied
to Romig in Anchorage for insurance on stock. Evening got St.
Francis musical and Los Angeles Times. Nolan Hudson going Outside.
December 14, 1924 Thirty below zero,
quiet in town. Wagner hauling wood for the judge.
Worked on ledger. PM tried to start truck, oil froze up in
crank shaft. Evening got several on radio but not plain.
Evening cloudy warming up 6 below.
December 15, 1924 Several in to trade.
PM freight brought Xmas goods, turkeys cranberries nuts celery
sweet potatoes pears etc. O. C. Miller in from ranch.
Got 2 letters from Stanley about trip to Spokane. Charged
A battery evening radio OK. Ellexson out from Knik, took Wells
horse in aft car. Six Shooter Bill home.
December 16, 1924 Part cloudy warm, business
rushing. All the ranchers in to trade, shipped one order
to Eska. Had to cut ice off eves off store building account
leak. Evening for 1st time got Calgary Canada on radio.
Heard the Bronco Buster Club and Father Burke on the piano.
Mattie got cold in shoulders.
December 17, 1924 Cloudy and warm. Paul
in with passengers. Miller in. Got big order for
Fern Mine. Opened up green Xmas goods, sold celery etc.
PM charge A battery, got Times in Seattle and Times in Los Angeles.
December 18, 1924 Train 1 hour late, got Watson
mail. Got letter from Stanley from W. S. C. Pullman Washington.
Birthday party at school house for Dicky Lander 2 years old Ma attended
and other town ladies. Evening got Seattle and San Francisco.
December 19, 1924 Colder 10 to 20 below
zero. Business slow today, sent out part of Fern big order
($1,500). Evening Paul Stewart brought in bunch of Willow
Creek Mine help, also Thorpe family. Evening brought in KLX
Oakland and KGW Portland clear and fine. Hoot Owl Club Portland
pulled off Santa Claus stunt, heard Santa Clause come and go music
and jokes were fine. Joe Brassel in from Grubstake came with
dog sled.
December 20, 1924 Cold 14 below zero.
Thorpe’s and GB miners in also Mrs. McAllen, all went to Anchorage.
Trucks still running as far as old 28. Mrs. Ellexson and
chickens went to Anchorage. Heard Dr. lecture also man on
history and growth of U. S. towns 5 PM. A battery about run
out. Applied for $1,200 fire insurance from Romig at Anchorage.
December 21, 1924 AM 24 below evening
10 below, quiet in town. Paul took out load iron on big
truck to 28. Hans busy on wood pile to keep even with Jack
Frost. Got trial balance off August account was out balance $82.
Got church organ a short time with dry cells for A battery.
Mattie got touch rheumatics.
December 22, 1924 Got 1½ tons
freight back order on fruit etc. Got Eureka pacs. hauled
it over with truck. Got Xmas mail cards and presents from
Stanley. Herman back from Anchorage gave us $150 order.
Evening got music on radio.
December 23, 1924 Evening, 30 last of GB help
arrived mill closed. Otto in, got lease on old GB Mine
with 5 others. Paul took out 16 cwt sugar for Fern. Evening
got fine concert Bronco Buster Club at Calgary Canada. O.
C. in poker game tonight with GB miners. Al Bert asked for wives
and toys letter sent two.
December 24, 1924 Cloudy and warmer.
Business normal put up 2 orders for north shipment. Noon
train 30 balance of Willow Creek Mine help left for Anchorage
also Manager McAllen. PM run truck engine to recharge A battery.
Evening orchestra practice in our store account Mattie singing
Holy Night. Evening too late to get radio program.
December 25, 1924 Xmas A-1 day zero to
20 above. Quiet in town. Had Kelly and Miller at
turkey dinner. Stanley supposed to be in Seattle for Xmas.
Evening dance at Hans place. Mattie sang Holy Night with
orchestra. Mrs. Lander, Harvey and Wilmoth read appropriate
Xmas pieces 30 present. Gave Ma $25 in gold for Xmas.
December 26, 1924 Got order from B and K Moose
Creek. Opened up Eureka pacs and Portland clothing.
Gave each lady in town box Xmas candy. Evening on Outside
mail also got Hollywood on radio for ½ hour. Mrs.
Ellexson returned to Knik on horse.
December 27, 1924 Sam Kelly went to Anchorage
for week end. Priced up new dry goods. Evening got
KFOA Seattle Times and New Olympia Hotel Seattle. Got best
program Los Angel Club Los Angeles on till 12:30. Heard the
flappers get initiated. Sharon Fleck back to ranch.
December 28, 1924 Paul made 2 trips to 28 hauled
last of Fern water pipe. Put new clothing on shelves.
PM posted on ledger. Evening got fine concert on radio
KHJ and KJF Los Angeles. New Years Eve KHJ on air 6 PM to
3 with review concert. Kelly at Anchorage.
December 29, 1924 A-1 day business slow.
PM received 3 tons freight past full dating order and fill-ins
for Fern order. Kelly and Otto back from Anchorage.
Self hauled over 3 truck loads freight depot to store. Got
2 letters from Stanley wants to bring his car home. Football
game tomorrow University of Pennsylvania vs. S. W. California so said
KGO over radio today.
December 30, 1924 Business good marked
balance of Fern big order. McDougal in. Fleming
over from Palmer. Evening got Calgary Bronco Busters Club
said there were 70,000 people in Calgary 900 miles from the Pacific
Coast. Heard several initiated to ride. Sent Happy New
Year greetings to all radio Hans Sold another turkey.
December 31, 1924 Soft weather.
Business normal. Hartman took out 2 loads of Fern order
1 more load to go to finish big order. Sent out Happy New
Year checks to Matanuska customers. PM charged batteries.
Got some fine singing but reception ended bad, guess B battery
low. Mrs. Stewart went out to cook for Fern Mine. Two
big football games in California tomorrow radio news.
Cappers Weekly November 1924:
Alaska is short of two household necessities
to make that region a fit place in which to live - wives and
toys, according to an appeal from the Knik Trading Company of
Wasilla. “Send us a lot of old maids” is their Macedonian cry.
“Our population is 99 per cent bachelors and must have families.
The dearth of wives is the chief reason why we have no call for
toys, children being almost a rarity in this town”.
1925
January 1, 1925 Ma and Pa at Wasilla, Stanley
at Pullman College. Mailed New Year greeting checks to
customers on railroad north. Had turkey dinner southern style,
Sam Kelly guest. Got fine concert from Los Angeles, brought in 2 unknown
stations. Turkey dinner by Miller at Hans.
January 2, 1925 Cloudy business good. Got Carrie
Jacobs - Bond special entertainment over KHJ Los Angeles Times,
also new Olympia Hotel Seattle reception was perfect. Also
got Hoot Owl Club at Portland Oregon. Reported to Uncle
John the reception over our radio.
January 3, 1925 Partly cloudy business good.
Dan Gray bought outfit. Dan Donovan in for Xmas mail
and presents. Got Night Hawk Club Kansas City Star Missouri
reception very clear. Paul had to give up hauling with big truck
account more snow.
January 4, 1925 Otto and Bill Holland
here. Got WHD Sweeny School Kansas City Missouri and sermon
in Los Angeles. Paul went to 28 with Ford truck . Mattie
visited on Mrs. Wagner.
January 5, 1925 Zero weather. Got 2 letters
from Stanley on vacation in Seattle. Brought in Night Hawk Club
Kansas City Missouri. Foggy today. Received letter
from Ed Sylvester.
January 6, 1925 Attorney Waller in went to
Fishhook Inn. Lee Johnson and brother living in Gus cabin
also Dan Gray. Got Vancouver B. C. for first time reception very
good also had in Bronco Buster Calgary and KGO.
January 7, 1925 Zero weather.
Ma started to take inventory of Natives. Self figuring
cost price of new goods. 5 PM brought in large organ at Oakland
plain on loud speakers. Got news topics of the day back to
Washington D. C. and Europe and Mexico.
January 8, 1925 Snow and wind, business slow
today. Busy on pricing outfits etc. Hartman’s through
freighting account snow, got one truck in ditch at mile 8.
Otto and GB gang left for GB Mines via Houston. Got call for Cannon
homestead.
January 9, 1925 Cloudy more snow last night,
autos out of business. Business normal finished checking
and billing Fern Mine Co. $1,800 order, longest order of season.
Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik with pork for mines. Drove Colorado
on double ender. Mattie on inventory of Natives.
January 10, 1925 Foggy. AM got out-mail.
PM charged A battery, got Los Angeles Times at Majestic Ballroom
reception not clear. Mine Ellex went home. Fosket in
to trade. Sent new A battery to Gill at Anchorage for recharge.
Mattie on inventory.
January 11, 1925 Mattie took off balance of
September account $25.06 out of balance. All the Swedes
fishing today. Up till 1 o’clock on books. cloudy and
warmer.
January 12, 1925 Big day sales $1,900,
collections $456.55. Got 2 letters from Stanley at Seattle,
saw Hartman, Fred and Pete, ready to return to Pullman College
after Xmas vacation. Gus in for balance of Fern freight
from K. T. Co. Got letter from W. S. Horning at Magalia,
California. Butter and oranges advance, account cold snap Outside.
Willie out gas, mule OK.
January 13, 1925 In office on mail all day.
Fleck’s in California. Gus took out balance of Ferns big order
left by Hartman. Wrote Fern Mine Co. about haulage by Stanley.
January 14, 1925 Windy business slow on sales
collections fair. Got 2 orders from the north. 5
PM brought in KLX got market report, eggs 63¢, butter 39¢.
New York bank robbed $70,000 in all. Wind blew hard all day.
Hog market up, hat market down?
January 15, 1925 Posting on books account income
tax etc. Business normal, market report and news
of day over KLX. Brought in WFAA Dallas Texas. Billy
Long 29 people at Jefferson Theater, Pete Good announcer, then brought
in new station JFIU Oklahoma dedication programs. Station
at Bristol 381 meters did not come in clear.
January 16, 1925 Cold and lots of snow.
Gus in for 2nd load. All the autos in the barn.
Gus only one hauling to mines. Put new tubes in radio, turned on
switch and wires burned out on RF amp control switch, no music tonight.
Got out-mail.
January 17, 1925 Windy 10 below zero. Sent
Stanley $100 to come home on in February. PM looked over
radio set found 3 loose connections, tried it no work, no current
on primary induction, couldn’t find short circuit account wire
burning out on RF Amp control.
January 18, 1925 Sunday 34 below zero second
cold snap, evening 10 PM down to 36 below zero. Quiet
in town. Fleck’s up to trade thought it was Saturday.
PM went over radio set found loose connection, soldered it, tried
it out still no current on primary induction and grid leak.
Well heard when detector turned over half.
January 19, 1925 Depot closed, 45 below zero.
Business slow today. Ma not feeling well trouble with head
and stomach. No radio, set out of commission.
January 20, 1925 Cold snap broken 6 above zero.
Business very slow, in office all day. Ordered keys for
pinion in truck from Toledo. Lander in with Mrs. Stewart
from Fern Mine. Wrote Layton Shell about radio accident. Lima
bean soup for supper. Good night.
January 21, 1925 Big Dakota wind today, snow
flying high. North train delayed 6½ hours account wind
at Broad Pass. Mrs. Ellexson returned to Knik with double
ender load feed. Snow blowing out of Wasilla, about a foot
on level. Got cash register ledger posted up to December 31,
1924.
January 22, 1925 Big wind, business quiet.
Russell snow plow went south, wind blocking traffic on railroad.
Layton Shell arrived to fix radio, found the transformer burned
out. Worked on WD11 set until midnight got current but no
note. Made out Cannon estate report.
January 23, 1925 Wind died out, evening 20
below zero. Layton Shell rebuilt old WD11 set. Got a
lot of dope on radio from Shell. Very quiet in town.
Radio out of commission until new part comes. Paid
KP dues 1925, $8.
January 24, 1925 Below zero all day. Got another
order from Fern Mine. Layton Shell left for Anchorage,
cost $25 for his radio eng. advice etc. Paid all invoices
up to date. Down to 30 below zero. Gus in for Fern freight
January 25, 1925 Sunday big wind. This
morning 36 below zero, evening wind came up. Gus took
out perishables for Fern Mine eggs etc. Got National Ledger
posted to date, very quiet in town. Strongest wind of winter.
January 26, 1925 Zero weather big wind all
day. Business slow, Joe Palmer only rancher in. Russell
snow plow went north as far as Willow to clear drifts off track.
Got freight off S.S. Alaska. Mail in, got letter from Stanley
at Pullman, thinks he will pass his exam in February. Year
ago Stanley left Seattle for home. Got wire from Williams, Seattle
didn’t know code word for transformer.
January 27, 1925 Windy, business slowest
of year today. Had a prospect buyer for Cannon homestead,
wants it for fur farm. Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik with Colorado
on double ender, reported road drifted bad half way out. Wired
for lard and sugar. Also ciphered code word Bufha for L. C.
Warner Co. account transformer for radio. Strong wind all
day. One lodger at 2 hotels. Wrote M. and M. Co. about
fall order delivery.
January 28, 1925 More wind for Ma’s benefit.
Took inventory of all goods in basement. Blowed hard
all day, hard on the coal bin. Wrote Stanley at Seattle
about prospect of freight business not very good. School closed
account of wind. Bob Hatcher in town. Herman in.
January 29, 1925 Big wind since Sunday finally
blew out today. Bogard in from ranch. Business
a little slow. Took inventory of shoe and clothing department.
Mattie took on a cold. Read Popular Science. Wind
growling a little. Got letter from Shell 7AHB.
January 30, 1925 A-1 day but cool
20 above. Ma and self on inventory. Mr. Lawrence
in from Fern Mine going to Anchorage. Mrs. Ellexson in going
to Anchorage. Wrote Buffalo Federal House about the defective
tube they sent and burned out transformer. Wrote Stanley
at St. Regis Hotel Seattle.
January 31, 1925 Lawrence went to Anchorage.
Self on inventory, Ma nursing her cold. Sent Stanley’s
mail to St. Regis Hotel Seattle. Stanley to arrive from
Pullman in Seattle about February 10th and leave for home February
14th.
February 1, 1925 Sunday +10, wind trying to
blow some more. Busy on inventory all day till 11:30 PM.
Finished clothing and all groceries on shelves rest is easy.
Ma’s cold some better. Nobody in town today, had
1 customer. Eclipse raised heck with the weather. Wagner
hauled in several loads wood for Wilmoth. No radio for a week
until transformer arrives from Seattle.
February 2, 1925 Busy all day on monthly statements.
Got letter from Stanley with Landers letter enclosed re: selling
his mountain home. Stanley said he had a touch of tonsillitis
was out of school a few days. A year ago he had measles.
Squally weather today.
February 3, 1925 Business back to normal,
Gus in for freight. Self in store all day got big order
from Thorpe for Grubstake Mine. Shorty and wife up from
ranch on skis. No wind today seems lonesome.
February 4, 1925 Zero weather cloudy all day.
Got good size order from Caswell. Self on inventory figures all
day and evening Last year Stanley in Seward held up with
measles. Today Stanley at Pullman College Washington finishing
his high school. Will complete high school this week.
February 5, 1925 Business good, put up $1,205
order. No mail train north today waiting for boat at Seward.
Sent for book on use of radio tubes to Cunningham Inc. S. F.
Finished tobacco inventory and read Popular Science. Matt’s
cold some better. A jail bird in town.
February 6, 1925 Zero weather. Business
normal collections over $1,800. On office work and inventory.
No mail train until tomorrow. Bert McClarty, Albert Nelson
and 6 men all told let go at Fern Mine, water line froze up.
Sent wire to Drumheller for Mellor report on mine. Otto
at old GB Mine. Stanley at Pullman through high school today.
February 7, 1925 Zero weather partly cloudy.
Had two mail trains got 2 letters from Stanley taking his exams.
Received transformer for radio. Got comic opera over KGO
very good. Ma on balance sheet self on inventory.
February 8, 1925 Mattie balancing up monthly
record on cash register ledger. Ellexson came with dog
team from Knik looking for Mrs. Ellexson delayed at Anchorage. Got
fine sermon and church music from Oakland also brought in KPO and
KFI program.
February 9, 1925 Lawrence returned to
Fern Mine. Noon got butter, eggs, lard and Granite Ware
and 25 sacks sugar hauled it over with Yukon sled.
February 10, 1925 Cloudy, sprinkle of
snow. Got 4 ton more coal. Mrs. Hartman had a car Jones
coal, Paul delivered it with big truck. Got fine concert
from KGO studio Oakland. Columbia phono man spoke on wives and husbands.
Don Warner playing piano solo St. Francis Hotel while writing his
diary.
February 11, 1925 First warm day in 2
weeks, Patzack down to trade. Train late from north. Teeth
bothering today. Ma has cough from cold. Heard dog
musher with anti-toxin was at Ruby on way to Nome. A battery
too weak. Answered Wells letter about kick on his horse
by Wasilla-ites Jan 10th. Stanley in Seattle in route home.
Temperature 32 above.
February 12, 1925 Wired for
goods to fill Thorpe’s order. Got fine program at KFO studio
and KFI Los Angeles Examiner program by the Elks Lodge #1475 old
time songs etc. appropriate for Lincoln’s birthday. Brought
in KGW Portland and KGO at St. Francis Hotel San Francisco.
Vic Blodgett arrived.
February 13, 1925 Miller and Anderson in from
Fern Mine going Outside, mill closed down account water. Got
program given by a baseball sport over Herald Los Angeles.
Brought in the Hoot Owl Club Portland. Bright and sunny today.
February 14, 1925 Business normal.
Clear and sunny day. Vic Blodgett bought 4 live mink
off Mrs. Ellexson $60. Miller and Anderson left for Outside.
St. Clair’s went to ranch to white wash walls. PM changed
A battery, got concert over KGO. Mary Philben
movie actress spoke said she hadn’t bathed her hair yet. Gerrit
Snider here from Junction.
February 15, 1925 Sunday 20 above zero,
bright sunny day. Business good, PM on inventory figures.
Stanley in route Seattle to home on SS Yukon due Seward next
Saturday. No radio tonight A battery on bum. Snider
sold his Ford truck to Hans.
February 16, 1925 BB pacs,
coal oil and milk arrived noon freight Loaded same on
truck Key in drive pinion broke had to unload. A bunch
of men pushed truck back into garage. Got A battery charged
on truck, got KFO and KGO not very plain. Got last letter from
Stanley before leaving Pullman for home. Yukon didn’t sail, Alameda
sails tomorrow.
February 17, 1925 Stanley leaves Seattle on
Alameda for home in place of Yukon. Opened and marked BB
goods. Lander here from Palmer left his horses at Palmer
and going to Anchorage.
February 18, 1925 Sent 2 A batteries to Gill
at Anchorage for recharge. Changed Olds battery on truck,
radio fair, wireless interrupted some. Report from Wells
bros. revealed that Mrs. Zink made complaint about their horse around
Wasilla etc.
February 19, 1925 Thorpe’s sold out in Anchorage
and moved to Wasilla. Heard complete program San Francisco
Chamber Commerce over KGO, recital “When the Frost is on the Pumpkin”
and “Fodder in the Shock” and “Headache Before School” songs were
good. President Lynch’s speech on business very good.
February 20, 1925 In office all day.
Mattie not feeling well account old trouble bronchitis. Brought
in program over KGO dedicating big organ at Presbyterian Church
Oakland California, Wilmoth and Sam listened in. Hoot
Owl Club was better.
February 21, 1925 Zero weather, 22 below
zero last night. Made out Thorpe’s bill for Grubstake Mine.
Got fine band concert over KGO Hale Bros. 6th Artillery Corp band
guarding the Golden Gate. Got St. Francis Hotel orchestra.
Chas Marino over from experimental farm. Ma's cold quite bad.
Dance at pool hall didn’t go.
February 22, 1925 Sunday zero weather.
Busy cleaning up in store AM. PM on inventory figures
and charged A battery, brought in church services at Oakland
Navy Band at Los Angeles and Sweeny School at Kansas City.
Battery too weak lost end for good reception, Trix boys were listening
in. Stanley on Alameda in route home.
February 23, 1925 One year ago in Seward on
way Outside to join Ma at Seattle. Today Stanley at Cordova
in route home. Had a heavy earthquake, 2 PM, shook strong
for a minute, knocked cans off store shelves. Ma feeling some
better cold still holds on.
February 24, 1925 Fleming in to trade.
Jim Hansen in for oil for Fern Mine. Year ago was in
Valdez. PM charged battery got fine program and Seattle
election returns over KFOA. Got Velema and Walker prize
fight over KGO. Stanley to arrive at Seward today.
February 25, 1925 Installed gas lamp in office.
Charged battery. brought in San Carlos opera Co.
over KFI and repeated by KGO and Seattle station. Came in
loud but not clear on loud speaker. Stanley arrived home from
Pullman College. Mike Sherry and Shorty Holland arrived.
Dunkle on north train. Had turkey dinner, Ma not well.
February 26, 1925 Warmer business normal.
In office most of day. PM got 1½ ton groceries.
Got order from Fern Mine. Got recharged batteries, brought
in new station. Order batteries HJR Belfry Terminal Sales
building Seattle. Had fine program song “Bells of the Sea”
very good. Also brought in KGO program, Stanley and Slivers listening
in. Ma applied mustard plaster, evening better.
February 27, 1925 Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik
with dog team. Busy on Outside mail. Hansen in
for load oil, took Fern’s eggs out. Stanley on inventory
totals. Had more turkey today. Got KFO, KHJ and KGW and Calgary
reception not very good. Turkey ready for war with Greece.
February 28, 1925 Ma went to Anchorage account
chest trouble. Stanley and self posted on books.
Stanley the cook, ate last of Xmas turkey. Brought in new station,
KOA at Denver Colorado. Fine program at Savoy Hotel also
Los Angels, Mt. Low program and other stations, Paul and Nellie
listened in.
March 1, 1925 Posted balance of February accounts
on ledger. Heard church exercises Oakland and Los Angeles.
Brought in KNX Hollywood program by ice cream company.
KFI announced would re-broadcast President Coolidge March 4th
speech at 8 AM means 6 AM at Wasilla.
March 2, 1925 Stanley mopped linoleum.
Ma back from Anchorage feeling much better. Hans wallboard
arrived. Got Thorpe’s $450 order. Put detector on 45 volts
and loud speaker worked fine. Heavy earthquakes in Europe.
March 3, 1925 Stanley and self finished posting
ledger 1924. Got most inventory calculated. Charged
2 batteries, ready to bring in Presidents speech 6 AM tomorrow.
Got fine program through loud speaker from Oakland while writing
in this diary listening to Henry Halsted orchestra in the Garden Room
of Hotel Francis San Francisco.
March 4, 1925 Business slow sales $60.
Stanley and self on adding machine all day. Got department
accounts totaled, annual sales $32,898.20. Now ready
to fill in income report. Early evening radio fair.
Got up 6 AM and turned on for Presidents speech got nothing, foggy
weather.
March 5, 1925 J. J. back from Anchorage got
his pension money. Gus in and George Jensen back from
Anchorage. Got program from Seattle, heard one strong call, Down
were the cotton grows and the oil flows.
March 6, 1925 Finished income tax report, profit
over $9,734.63, cost of doing business $3,444.70, tax less $2,500
exemption $18.90. Gus, Big Dan and Jensen left for mines.
Stanley helped Paul on Ford car repairs. Got fine program from
Hollywood, Portland, Victoria and Calgary B. C. J. J. left
for Knik. Mrs. Ellexson in after Mrs. Stuart.
March 7, 1925 Stanley went out to Miller’s
ranch mile 8. Thorpe’s paid town and trail bills, ready
to go to Grubstake with dog team. Brought in San Carlos opera,
reception not good, Kelly listened in. Mailed income tax.
March 8, 1925 Quiet in town everybody fishing
at Lake Wasilla. PM Stanley back from Miller’s ranch mile
8. Marked drugs and put on shelves. Posted in ledger
weeks business. Heard KFI and KHJ program in Los Angeles.
March 9, 1925 Stanley commenced work as chief
clerk for K. T. Co., Kelly taking a lay off. Charged battery
on Olds car, reception NG until 10 PM too warm and storm outside.
Bank of Alaska and Bank of Anchorage consolidated today, visited
B of A.
March 10, 1925 Business good 40 above
zero. Put up part of Thorpe’s Mine order. Herman
in to trade. Bogard in for feed etc. PM charged A battery,
brought in clear fine program given by the Schwela Motor Co. at San
Francisco also had in KFI. Orchestra practice account dance 17th
Stanley there with saxophone.
March 11, 1925 Didn’t freeze any last
night first time since October, 40 above. Business slow
today. Henry Lewis in town, sold his pool room in Anchorage.
Heard Los Angeles Examiner program also KGO Odd Fellows Band in
San Francisco. Mrs. Thorpe listened in, her first on radio.
March 12, 1925 Bill Long moved back from Knik.
Program out for St. Patrick’s dance. Bid on two $400
orders. Gus in from 32.
March 13, 1925 Worked all day on small stuff
on Thorpe and Brassell order. Brought in Aeolian big pipe organ
and program at Los Angeles, best yet. Blowed hard all day,
still at it midnight.
March 14, 1925 Got off spring orders to come
on Watson to Anchorage. Mrs. Ellexson and Stuart in from
Knik. St. Clair’s went to ranch. Charged batteries on Olds
car, got some foreign station 5 hours later than here.
March 15, 1925 Put cash register in line with
grocery counter. Stanley and Harvey visited at St. Clair’s ranch.
March 16, 1925 Ranchers in to trade.
Finished packing Thorpe and Brassell’s big order. Two
ladies from Anchorage arrived to visit Mrs. Thorpe. Radio good,
brought in Mary Lake Ducks at Oakland KLX studio brought in KGO
on loud speaker. Feed and groceries arrived.
March 17, 1925 Big St. Patrick’s dance
on at Willow Creek Inn 25 couples present, had ice cream sandwiches
and cake. Seven up from Junction. Stanley played
a few pieces on saxophone.
March 18, 1925 Ellexson’s returned to Knik
with feed etc. Fleming in for feed etc. Brought
in fine program, heard talk on Watsonville Apple District, said
1 tree produced 310 boxes, average tree 80 boxes. Raised
enough apples to reach around world twice if placed end to end.
March 19, 1925 Frank Watson over from Palmer
to trade. Sam Kelly back from Anchorage. Got fine program
from Oakland Studio and the Keep the Joy Radiotron. The cat
story and song was good.
March 20, 1925 Wired for more groceries.
Answered Clara’s letter from St. Petersburg Florida, also wired
her she could have my interest in estate for $25,000 - 60 day option.
Had KFI in for a while said they would install loud speakers in Los
Angeles park.
March 21, 1925 Heavy wet snow PM.
McCloud in for load machinery for Gus. Business slow today,
storming all day. Got fine clear program KGA studio brought in
KFI, KHJ and KGW, Mrs. Hartman, Paul and McCloud listened
in.
March 22, 1925 Sunday, finished Thorpe
and Brassell bill. PM oiled store floor and cleaned on
furnace and pipe. Stanley and Slivers went up lakes to
Wasilla cabins. Radio poor, brought in Oklahoma KHJ program KFI
and Hollywood.
March 23, 1925 Kelly back on job after 2 week
vacation. Stanley and Slivers went on hunting trip to
the coal camp on Little Susitna. Got freight, sugar, produce
and hardware. Heard alumni meeting of University of California and
Stanford at Hotel Oakland Berkley California, reception good.
March 24, 1925 In office, put up order for
Fern Mine. Heard Faust Opera sing over KGO. Brought in
Bronco Busters, Calgary Canada, not good until late wireless
in. Stanley moose hunting.
March 25, 1925 Business normal colder
10 above evening Made checks for recent invoices. Heard
Wyoming and Yakima Indians play and sing at Hollywood, Yellow Horse
sang a solo. Got fine orchestra music, Hale Bros.
San Francisco Biltmore Hotel also at Portland Hotel KGW and KLX
Oakland at Sweets Ballroom very clear and fine, closing piece “Panama
Mama”. Stanley at Little Susitna Thorpe Coal camp hunting moose.
Springer over from Palmer.
March 26, 1925 Cold snap. In office AM,
George Bailey visited. C. A. Gooding and Jerry Murphy died
at Anchorage. Heard over KGO “Man of the Hour” a 4 act drama,
plot government receiving bribes etc. Had in Bats from the
Belfry Tower Seattle. Morning 20 below zero. Carl Johnson visited
ARC boss. Eva and mother back from California.
March 27, 1925 Stanley home from moose hunt
at Bald Mt. Sliver got two moose. Brought in Legion meeting
at Oakland. Frank J. Erwin Commander and several others
spoke on World War etc. Brought in Night Hawks and Bronco
Busters and big organ at Hollywood. Victor touched Agent Cook’s
till.
March 28, 1925 Herman in from Fish Lake to
trade. Snow squalls all AM. PM changed A battery,
got fine program from St. Francis studio Hale Bros. and Olympia
Hotel Seattle. Also heard Calgary and Los Angeles.
PM overhauled radio set.
March 29, 1925 Thorpe stored their household
goods in Wilmoth Co. warehouse. Stanley and mother walked
down to Vail’s, nobody home.
March 30, 1925 Windy, business good,
sales $418.88. Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe left for Grubstake
via Houston, got Jim Hansen to haul in the 4 ton outfit.
Evening got good reception from KFI and KGO. Had in Oakland
Duck but wireless interrupted. Party on at pool hall on
account Eva.
March 31, 1925 Business normal 40 above.
Gus hauled out Fern freight, Eva and mother went out
to run Fern mess. Busy in office on out-mail. Answered
Brendes letter about selling store etc. brought
in Salvation Army Band concert KGO, also had in Bronco Busters.
April 1, 1925 Put truck in garage and replaced
key in pinion drive shaft. Put Olds car in old garage.
Reception poor could only get in KPO clear, all other stations
were mushy. Hans was the April fool, Stanley did it.
April 2, 1925 Thawing, business slow.
Got 15 tons merchandise on PM freight and stored it all away.
Got 3 act drama “Smiling Through” over KGO.
April 3, 1925 In office AM. PM
re-piled forage and checked down same. Dance at Junction
off, roads too mushy for team, had hop at pool room. Reception
poor had in KPO and KGW, brought in loud note and they announced
this is 6XY all I could hear.
April 4, 1925 Cloudy thawing. McLeod
through skinning for Gus.
April 5, 1925 Sunday quiet in town 40
above. AM took storm windows off store annex. PM
oiled store floor. Brought in sermon over KGO. Heard KFI
studio program. Big Navy program tomorrow over KGO.
A new Hawaiian station coming on the air April 10th - 270 1/10
meters.
April 6, 1925 Cloudy business good.
Lee bros. bought grub outfit to work on their claim near Lucky
Shot. Chamberlain and Sam arrived looking for orders. Crystal
wedding party on at St. Clair’s, Stanley and mother attended.
Brought in Navy League at San Francisco, one hundred Navy boats in
harbor, talks by officers were good. Reception KGO good all evening.
Mailed Easter letters from Royal Tailors.
April 7, 1925 Jim Hansen back from hauling
Thorpe’s freight to Grubstake, brought my Yukon sled
from mines. Chamberlain and Sam left for Anchorage.
Metz in for goods to last until after spring breakup. Snow
about gone on Knik graded road. Stanley and Swanson went out
to Forty Mile Miller’s for a hunt. Had music from KGO studio and
St. Francis Hotel. Warm wind low reception.
April 8, 1925 Snow about all gone in Wasilla.
PM charged 2 A batteries on Olds car, brought in Hale Bros.
KLX at Oakland and KFOA Seattle special program for Oriental
Limited was heard at Odessa. Stanley hunting. Heard
6XY again said “candles out will call in morning”.
April 9, 1925 Gus in for Fern order.
Bogard in for Anchorage feed in store part of day. No
mail train today account sleds on Seward Div. Radio NG, too warm
and storms on coast. Stanley still out on a hunt for rats etc.
with Bill Swanson.
April 10, 1925 A-1 day at Wasilla Alaska
business normal. Cleaned pipe on kitchen and office stoves.
Mail train arrived. Conway came up to visit his ranch
but didn’t pay his bill. Stanley back from Miller’s ranch.
Answered Mr. B-Bats letter Seattle, told him our business was
for sale and all about battery trouble etc. School election 12
votes.
April 11, 1925 Conway visited and paid past
due ranch bill. Mr. and Mrs. Fanning over from Palmer.
KFI will give a 20 hour continuous program on Easter beginning
at 4 AM till midnight, fine program arranged. Orchestra practice
at pool hall with local dancing on the side.
April 12, 1925 Sunday snow squalls AM.
Hugo C. Johnson in from Fern Mine. Brought in 1½
hours of KFI 20 hour program 11 to 12. Closing hour all special
artists, Hugo listened in, reception not very good account wireless.
Answered C. E. Pearson’s February letter. Ma out walking,
now feeling very good.
April 13, 1925 Harvey Bartholf arrived, also
R. John Mellor after short trip Outside. Lawrence and
Marie back from Anchorage. Farewell banquet on in San Francisco
for Navy on tour to Orient, reception fair. Turkey fighting
Kurds.
April 14, 1925 Mellor, Hugo Johnson and
Harvey Bartholf in town. Now listening to Herb Taylor playing
piano in the Garden Room St. Francis San Francisco. Invited Mellor
J. Hugo to hear radio program brought in KGO studio Oakland KFI studio
Los Angeles and palm Room New Olympic Hotel Seattle. Later part
of evening reception good had on loud speaker. New KFI announcer
was good. AM fixed up rear end coal shed.
April 15, 1925 Phoned Clayton Shell he could
come up and install short wave length on radiophone if he could
make it work. Harvey Bartholf returned to Anchorage.
Radio reception no good. Jas Williams arrived from Knik
and went to Anchorage.
April 16, 1925 All the Herning’s at Wasilla,
quite a few in town. Willow Creek stage made the first trip
out got as far as mile 7, gone all day. Mellor left for
Fern Mine. Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with double ender, no snow
for 7 miles. Mrs. Haller here.
April 17, 1925 Mrs. Haller went to Fleming’s
ranch to buy a cow. Mrs. Ellexson relaying out to mile
7 Knik Rd. Kelly cleaning shelves in balcony. Orchestra
practice. Put case D. P. butter in brine. Quiet in town.
Pat Irish here, broke as usual.
April 18, 1925 Stanley and Harvey went down
to Paul’s cabin on flats for weekend outing. Mrs. Ellexson took
out last load forage for Knik. Mrs. Haller returned to her
ranch.
April 19, 1925 Streets dried up in town plenty
of snow in woods yet. Harry Harman up from Junction to
trade and Chilligan down from Houston. Stanley and Harvey
back from Knik Flats empty handed.
April 20, 1925 Stanley started to work for
K. T. Co. Started to overhaul auto truck. Layton Schell came
up from Anchorage to install radiophone and short wave circuit,
failed to make phone work air bad. Dave England died at Anchorage.
April 21, 1925 Stanley and
self worked on truck oil line and magneto shaft yet to replace.
Clayton got short wave set and microphone working, heard Royal Garden
orchestra and Jubilee Singers at million dollar hotel at Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania on short wave air not very good.
April 22, 1925 Kelly and Stanley cleaning store
shelves. Wasilla “hens” went down to Doherty’s ranch to
buy a white rooster, Frank had the rooster in the stew pot.
Layton Schell returned to Anchorage, bought short wave set
he installed but left out the radiophone outfit.
April 23, 1925 Stanley and Kelly cleaning store
shelves. E. A. Dunckle in town. Lander in for man
going to look over his mountain home. Tried out short wave set,
got both Pittsburgh and Hastings. Carney College gave Hasting’s
program, Miss Crawford spoke for college. Had in Bat Club
and KGO studio programs.
April 24, 1925 Snow all gone in Wasilla
streets. Stanley and self on auto truck repairs. Had Hoot Owls
in on radio also Bronco Busters at Calgary Canada. Paul made trip
to mile 9.
April 25, 1925 Ed Mullen left for Cassiar gold
strike in Canada. Gus in went to Seward. Hauled over
2 tanks oil from depot, carburetor gave trouble wouldn’t feed.
Got drama from KGO studio, heard part of Packard Club program and
orchestra. Had in Uncle John but distorted most of the time.
Gave Kelly notice: job off next week.
April 26, 1925 Light flurry of snow AM.
Spring 2 weeks earlier than a year ago. Ma went out for
usual walk PM. Had KFI for 1 hour said Von Hindenberg
was elected president of Germany. St. Clair moved mink to
ranch.
April 27, 1925 Kelly cleaning case bacon from
Anchorage. Self on oil and truck, took carburetor apart
and cleaned it. Stanley “aired” clothing covers, Ma washing.
Brought in Hastings for ½ hour on short wave, got KGO 2 hours
on long wave. Windy and cloudy air bad. Paul drove car
to mile 11. St. Clair’s drove to ranch.
April 28, 1925 Worked on overhauling truck.
Mail train arrived from Anchorage, local mail only. Hans
got out his truck. Fred Nelson back from States with Carlson’s
nephew to look at Carlson’s ranch.
April 29, 1925 Worked on auto truck all day.
Found electric current hit on all spark plugs at once traced
leak in distributor cap. Jim Wilson through hauling GB freight,
brought horses down on foot from Houston. Near Pittman, Wilson
got off horse and fell over dead, brought body back to Wasilla by
hand car. No radio for Ma’s benefit. St. Clair went to
Anchorage.
April 30, 1925 Wilson’s horses went on to Junction.
Wilson’s body rolled in canvas, taken to Anchorage on freight
train. Mixed paint for outside of store. Radio fair, Calgary rebroadcast
Bat program brought in Hastings for ½ hour.
May 1, 1925 Railroad blocked at 49 summit.
Watson came to Anchorage. Stanley and self painted long
side of store. Paul’s truck broke down 2 miles outside
of town, burned out bearings. Got Calgary then St. Joseph Missouri
rebroadcast music from New York City.
May 2, 1925 Partly cloudy, 50 above business
normal, in office all day. Mrs. Horning and Gene arrived
from Fairbanks. Hartman’s bought Fern car. Woolson
went to Anchorage. Evening got Calgary, Seattle, Oakland
and Los Angeles on radio. Got Uncle John for 1 hour.
May 3, 1925 Stanley drove car out to Hans ranch
1st trip roads soft, Gene mother and Mattie the joy riders.
Mrs. Horning visited. No radio tonight too light and
warm. C. D. started his milk wagon. Harvey making
top for Fern car.
May 4, 1925 Cloudy and cool business
good sales over $200. Stanley started to work as chief clerk
for K. T. Co. in Kelly’s place. Horning and Bartholf arrived.
Harry Yago and brother arrived bought outfit for his mine on Willow
Creek. New section boss arrived, St. Clair through.
May 5, 1925 Windy business slow.
Got freight off Northwestern, produce and hardware.
St. Clair’s moved to their ranch on Finger Lake gave in a large
order for ranch. Horning’s living in Forker house.
May 6, 1925 Windy and warm 60 above.
Buck Sparling in from Willow went on to Anchorage. Paul
hauling old lumber out as far as government barn. Stanley hauled
up 5 sacks spuds from bridge near Stern’s with Olds car. Drove
down to railroad bridge on Cottonwood Rd. dry and good that far,
also as far as Stern’s place. Got flu at Fishhook Inn.
May 7, 1925 Cloudy and cool business
normal. Self in office most of day, Stanley chief
clerk. George Grennan up to trade. Harvey started
to paint school house. Forty Mile Miller in from ranch
to plant town garden. Mike Sherry up from Anchorage to work
at his mine. Overhauled Federal set for loose connection.
The flu around.
May 8, 1925 Cool and partly cloudy.
Business a little slow, got out Seattle mail. Nick Brake
in town. Everybody trout fishing. Paddy Marshal through
working for Gus said all had the flu at Fishhook Inn.
Mrs. H and Gene visited. No radio tonight. Fred Crocker
in to trade.
May 9, 1925 Painted some above big sign on
south side store. Experimental farm boys up to trade
1st auto over Palmer Rd. Dance on at pool hall. Brought
in KGO about 11 o’clock too much snapping and cracking. Stanley
champion horse shoe thrower of Wasilla.
May 10, 1925 Sunday 60 above first real
summer day. Painted trimmings on south side store and 2nd
coat on front of store. PM drove down Knik Rd. to mile 12
and out mine road to old 19 RH, first joy ride roads good. Stanley
went out with Paul to mile 28 snow from there on to mines.
May 11, 1925 Cloudy cool business good.
Sales over $300. Made screen for office transom, “skeeters”
around. Train late, quite a bunch arrived for Willow Creek
Mines. Patchell went to Willow Creek Mines. Got big
mail. PM got truck engine to turn over.
May 12, 1925 Partly cloudy and cool.
Self worked on truck most of day, made washer for front wheel
bearing, turned over but would not pick up. Dick Lander in
sick with flu. Horning unloaded cyanide plant. ARC
got 2 Ford gravel trucks. Drove Olds car out to 19 Harvey
and Mrs. Frydenland guests. Got Pittsburgh and KGO on radio.
Got $95.20 check on old D. H. Co. account from Feldman.
May 13, 1925 Cloudy business normal sales
$83.80. PM on auto truck, carburetion not feeding right.
Bogard in for supplies and help. All the boys now employed
but Harvey. Farmers planting spuds. Small grain in
ground. Kelly went to Anchorage.
May 14, 1925
Tried to locate ignition trouble on truck, magneto off or partly
out of time. Got 4 truck loads freight Downey and Babcock and brother
arrived. Ira Miller and a dozen others for mines. McAllen's
car arrived. Couldn’t bring in Pittsburgh or Hastings, got
St. Francis Hotel fine. Bert O’Brien moved to Wasilla.
May 15, 1925 Business good bank deposits over
$1,700. AM in store warehouse checking hardware and cleaning
up, got out Seattle mail. Stanley and Harvey fixed up Hans
truck, now can pull. St. Clair’s in from ranch also Fosket.
Road Commission established camp at mile 25. Ice out of 2nd
lake.
May 16, 1925 Put up order for Mabel Mine. Slide
above Talkeetna closed road, no mail train south. Worked
a while on magneto, retimed connection. Drove Olds car
out to Miller’s ranch and on to Road Commission camp, Mrs. Gustafson
went along.
May 17, 1925 Sunday cloudy and cool.
Town full of “widows”, Gustafson, O’Brien Stuart Anderson, McAllen
and Mrs. Tryck - men at mines. PM worked on truck got good spark
from magneto, carburetor seems to be the trouble. Stanley
took bunch down Knik road with Olds car. Wilson and Stern went
to work for Road Commission.
May 18, 1925 Bartholf and Horning left to open
Mabel Mine. Harvey Rutter bought the Larson cabin for
$50. Overhauled carburetor again made no difference in
gas. No train either way today account slide above Talkeetna.
May 19, 1925 Light rain business normal.
Train began moving north and south today. Mail train
arrived from Seward, bunch arrived for mines. Had Gene and mother
at dinner. Gus sick at 31. Wired for new carburetor.
Got letter from Clara.
May 20, 1925 Cloudy light rain.
Put up order for Bailes and Kelly. Put D. P. butter in
brine. Martin Larson cooking at Wasilla Hotel. St.
Clair’s up from ranch to trade. Spread coal ash dump on Wasilla Avenue.
Long Ma and Mrs. Shorty out for a walk. Mrs. Horning left for Mable Mine.
May 21, 1925 Finished marking hardware. Word
came that Frank Fleckenstein died at Westward. Greased
up Olds car, drove down to Stern’s bridge. Got Hastings
on short wave but not clear.
May 22, 1925 Self planted garden, put in spuds
lettuce and radishes. Jacob Metz in to trade, brought
his new baby colt along with its mother. Mrs. Fleming,
mounted, in to trade. Drove Olds car to mile 7 Knik Road,
Mrs. Frydenland and Stuart guests.
May 23, 1925 Painted fence aft store
lot with Carbola. McAllen and Lander in. McAllen took
his car out to 28. Road Commission patching up road
between Mullen’s and government barn. Drove out to Forty
Mile Miller’s ranch. Mrs. Anderson went to Anchorage.
May 24, 1925 Sunday partly cloudy cool
weather, quiet in town. Painted front of store warehouse.
Second fishing party up from Anchorage on gas coach. McAllen’s
drove down to Junction. Stanley and Six Shooter Bill went
down to beach via Reedy’s ranch. Mrs. Shorty visited.
May 25, 1925 Quite a bunch came on PM train
for mines. St. Clair’s up to trade. Hans got passengers
for mines, 2nd load. Received letter from Clara at Athens
Ohio visiting Alice. Got Outside mail no freight north today.
Mrs. Zink learning to drive car. Lawrence in for grub.
May 26, 1925 Finished painting around garage,
stained hardware house doors. Caterpillar and Tryck’s
car arrived. Joe Palmer lost some of his fox pups.
Drove down to mile 7 Knik Rd. Radio good, Herb Taylor played
piano solo on loud speakers.
May 27, 1925 Horning’s now at Mabel Mine, 2
weeks earlier than last year. Drove out to ARC camp at
government barn, Sam Kelly and Mrs. Shortie went along. Road
good now to Lawrence’s ranch, repaired by Road Commission gravel
trucks.
May 28, 1925 A-1 warm day business good.
Frank Watson over from Palmer to trade. Ellexson and
Churchill in from Knik with Tin Lizzie first trip, road bad Knik
to 7 mile grade. Got fruit and eggs on PM freight.
May 29, 1925 Touched up white on front of store.
Haller and St. Clair up to trade. Pat Irish in from Bogard’s
ranch. Gus in town. Sent Paddy Marshal out with team.
Wilson’s man up from Junction looking for horses, they went on
to Houston. Fixed Thorpe hill, cleaned rocks etc. off grade.
McNeil’s and Palmer had a scrap on foxes on account boat in
lake.
May 30, 1925 McAllen in with his car.
Stained doors on side entrance to store. Drove out to Fishhook
Inn, road good through canyon. Mrs. Anderson and Frydenlund
went along, drove out in 40 minutes, brought O. C. Miller back
with us.
May 31, 1925 Stained and re-varnished front
store door. PM drove down to Matanuska Rd. good except
along Fosket’s ranch. Had dinner at Hotel Allen, had fresh
rhubarb got back at 8 PM. Took bath. Roads dry everywhere
need some repairs.
June 1, 1925 Sunday, Mrs. Ellexson brought
in Wells Bros. horse, shipped him to Broad Pass District on
PM freight. Gibbs arrived also St. Clair’s mother from California.
Wades up from experimental farm.
June 2, 1925 Metz in to trade brought 3 sacks
spuds at $3.50 each. Drove out to Miller’s and ARC road
camp. Mrs. Lander at Miller’s ranch. Got Pittsburgh but very weak,
could not get KGO at Oakland. New carburetor for truck NG cannot
install. Drove down to Vail’s for wood.
June 3, 1925 Mrs. McAllen and Jane left for
Willow Creek after a long stay at Wasilla. Miller sold
his house in Wasilla to Mrs. O’Brien. Drove out to Miller’s
ranch after Stanley helping Miller to move his town traps.
June 4, 1925 First real rain of spring.
Word came that Frank Fleckenstein came to his death by Native
hitting him on head with club. Herman Claus came back from States.
Albert Fanning and wife arrived to work for ARC. Hans got the hotel
business today.
June 5, 1925 Ordered tea, baking powder and
extracts and spices from Schillings. Mrs. St. Clair presented
her mother Mrs. Pennington. Drove out to road camp, road
cut up in places from late rain. Mrs. Fleck and Eva through
at Fern Mine, cut wages.
June 6, 1925 Did more painting on store,
finished cleaning up coal ashes and fixed crossing leading to
Wasilla Avenue off Main Street. Fern got car load lumber
from Caswell. Stanley chief clerk in K. T. Co. store.
No radio.
June 7, 1925 Sunday cloudy, quiet in
Wasilla, drove out to Fishhook Inn. Stanley went on to
old GB cache to see if snow was off ledge he found last summer.
Road commission graveling road near Fishhook Bridge. Got semi-annual
hair cut.
June 8, 1925 Otto Ulsh and Beck in from Old
GB Mine looking for shaft to run mill. PM train had first
lot of tourists going Inside. Road Commission gang moved
down on Knik road. Bailey’s and Snodgrass over with
2 cars, bought $60 merchandise. Death on Trail was in from 32 brought
in GB bunch. Milo Kelly arrived.
June 9, 1925 A-1 hot day business good.
Stanley and Harvey left on prospecting trip, drove them out
to Landers. Milo Kelly and man in tow, went to Goose Bay,
Zink drove them down to Knik. Frank Watson went to work on Knik
road, A-1 summer day.
June 10, 1925 Ma and Pa store keepers,
Stanley prospecting for a mine in Willow Creek District.
ARC Caterpillar and Pete Johnson’s team moved down on Knik road
to pull stumps, mile 7 to Knik. Drove car down to Donovan’s,
Dicky Lander and mother went along. No radio.
June 11, 1925 Mine Elleck in from Knik. Took
back Churchill’s new “bike”. Got Eggs and fruit on PM
freight Mr. Fickinger arrived. Two car passengers
for mines. Martin Larson went out to do Rae-Wallace assessment
work. Cupcake May now at Long Beach. Hobo Brown now in
Anchorage. Hot biscuits and home made butter for supper.
June 12, 1925 Busy in store all day on local
trade and mine orders. Sparling returned to Grubstake.
Drove out to 32, Stanley and Harvey was there, quartz ledge
NG. Light rain road good. Shorty home doctoring his wife.
June 13, 1925 McAllen in, now talking road
over Bald Mt. Wasilla to Willow Creek. Fishhook road still
blocked with snow slides, using dog team on Fishhook summit.
Mr. Fickinger left for mines. Gene in to take violin lessons
from the Judge. Bailey family up from Junction.
Frank Doherty went out to do assessment work on Gold Cord Mine.
Fosket in, not well.
June 14, 1925 Sunday A. W.
Walters and wife over from Palmer to fish. Harry and Arthur
Madsen up from Anchorage via gas boat to Cottonwood, Arthur working
in bank. Bailey’s up from Junction joy riding. Drove out
to Fishhook Inn for Stanley and Harvey, they didn’t find pay or
quartz ledge. Fickinger back from Mabel Mine saw bear at 11 mile.
Milo Kelly back from Goose Bay.
June 15, 1925 Partly cloudy business
good. Bunch up from Anchorage on vacation - Mary Vail
kind. Marsh over from fox farm, had Fleck’s out joy riding.
Extra section gang here. St. Clair hauling his grub to
ranch. Wasilla-ites cleaned up public park on south
side Wasilla Lake. Milo Kelly and partner in town.
Snodgrass boy and kids here fishing.
June 16, 1925 Anchorage bunch at Wasilla
Hotel full of booze and making lots of noise. Wasilla
bunch cleared new park give to town by C. D. Johnson, self elected
as trustee. Stanley making ready for mines.
June 17, 1925 Took Harvey and Stanley out to
Fishhook, going to placer to do assessment work on canyon group.
Booze bunch returned to Anchorage. Sam Guyot here for orders.
Drove down to ARC road camp at Moffat’s ranch Mrs. Fanning, Anderson
and Kelly went along. Mosquitoes working 3 shifts.
Fickinger returned to Anchorage.
June 18, 1925 Herman over from Fish Lake.
Ed Holland in, bought grub for Purchase Creek prospect.
Harry Harmon up from Junction. Mr. Kerniff up from
Anchorage on way to mines. Mrs. Gustafson’s new cow some kicker.
C. D. lost half of customers, plenty on cream or milk now.
June 19, 1925 Self and Ma busy all day
in store. Ellexson’s out form Knik. Babcock and Downey in from
doing assessment work at Contact Mine. Sent final payment
on cash register, discount $21.25. Spuds scarce around Wasilla
at $60 a ton. Bert O’Brien in town. Sam Beck in hurt
his hand.
June 20, 1925 Snodgrass and wife over to buy.
Downey and Babcock left for Anchorage. “Death on the Trail”
and Chas Payne in from mines returned PM. Tie gang here.
Mosquitoes bad.
June 21, 1925 Haller and William Gill up to
trade. Ralph Weiss up from Junction to trade. Bailey’s,
only joy riders on road today. Drove down to Knik road camp, Gus
went along. Stanley at mines.
June 22, 1925 Excursion train schedule in effect
this week, passenger train every day. Ellexson’s
1-horse mower arrived, also jams and jellies.
Fred Blank in, paid Otto’s bill. Harrison got bill of groceries
from Monkey Ward. Sold 1,200 strawberry boxes.
June 23, 1925 Hot day, 70 to 80, business
slow. Lumber for Kelly arrived. Turned McNeil down
account more credit, he dug up no cash. Mrs. Fleming in mounted.
Drove out to Miller’s ranch, Dicky and mother went along.
June 24, 1925 Fixed up Knik pump for Jas. St.
Clair. Got $20 for force pump. Capt. Gaikema, Huie Goodell,
Drumheller and Allen Horning arrived PM on way to mines.
Kelly back from Anchorage. played new records NG.
June 25, 1925 Hot day business
good. Mrs. Zink went to hospital. Ellexson’s in from Knik.
Cat man in for oil off Knik road. Got first cantaloupes,
sold out at once.
June 26, 1925 Hot day, business slow.
Black Bear Man here, ordered socks etc. Mail train arrived
8 PM. Drove down to Donovan’s and road camp, Rick and Mrs.
Fanning went along, picked up Mrs. Lander and her wagon near Fleck’s.
McDougal back from Nuka Bay.
June 27, 1925 Rich left on south train.
All the Fleck’s left for Anchorage to attend Frank Fleckenstein’s
funeral. Walters and wife over from Palmer (2nd trip) to
trade. McDougal returned to Fern Mine. Heavy rain all
day, no radio tonight. Mrs. Lander visited on Ma.
June 28, 1925 Sunday, big hail storm
followed by very heavy rain. Got caught in same going out to
32 for Stanley and Harvey, through on Grubstake assessment
work, gone 12 days. Washed up car. Snodgrass car
over from Junction.
June 29, 1925 Busy in office all day, Stanley
chief clerk again. Fleck’s back from Anchorage after attending
Frank’s funeral. G. B. Thompson arrived. Stanley
and Ma drove down to Donovan’s for spuds, got none, spuds scarce
at $3.75 a sack Mike Sherry in from mines.
June 30, 1925 Snodgrass over to trade, brought
cache of fresh eggs, went on down to Cottonwood for his son.
Wilmoth burned sulfur in park to rid the mosquitoes. Earthquake
at Santa Barbara.
July 1, 1925 Bill Long in from mines, doing
assessment work for William Martin. Reported $15,000,000
damage at Santa Barbara California account earthquake yesterday.
Mrs. Fleming in.
July 2, 1925 Lady measure to order in town.
Moshier back from Chulitna. Paul hauled out last load of
Fern car lumber.
July 3, 1925 Cleaned up Olds car ready for
run tomorrow. Gave Wasilla Park association Knik house
water closet. Busy evening, Road Commission bunch in.
Arthur Madsen here to visit with Stanley over 4th. Things
all set for doings at Wasilla Park tomorrow. Practiced music
for 4th.
July 4, 1925 A-1 day first celebration
at Wasilla, big dinner at Wasilla Park, boat races, Eva won
nail driving contest, Mrs. Ellexson won kid races etc. up town,
Nagley family our guests. 5 PM drove over to Palmer down
to Matanuska and home. Dance evening at school, 100 present.
July 5, 1925 Took Nagley family out Willow
Creek road as far as forks of Mabel road, had lunch at Fishhook
Inn. Drove down Knik road. Nagley’s much pleased with
reception at Wasilla, they went on to Anchorage at 4 PM. Fourth
at Wasilla big success. Arthur and Harry returned to Anchorage.
McDougal caught 6’ schoolmarm.
July 6, 1925 Put up order for Fern Mine.
Miller in to trade. No freight train, due at midnight.
Bert McClarty back from Anchorage. Lander and “Peggy”
went out to mountain home. Received letter from Clara, hot
back there. Stanley and mother drove down to St. Clair’s
mink ranch. Hugo Johnson in, not well.
July 7, 1925 Delivered Holdin’s strawberry
crates at Stern’s bridge and brought back 7 sacks spuds.
Marked up new goods received, first watermelons of season.
Fruit jars arrived. Stanley’s car still at Seward.
July 8, 1925 Quite a few new arrivals on PM
train. Hoffman in town. Mike Sherry and wife arrived
from Anchorage. Nagley family on train for Talkeetna.
Nagley gave Wasilla big 4th of July write up. Got Outside
mail. rain squalls.
July 9, 1925 Stanley chief clerk in K.
T. Co. store. McAllen and Lander in, McAllen went to Anchorage.
Auto truck arrived for Lander, opposition to Nellie.
Snodgrass over from experimental farm bought $85 grub outfit.
Stanley and Dan Gray visited on Fleck’s.
July 10, 1925 Shipped 50 strawberry crates
to Anchorage. Barn dance to be held at experimental farm
August 8th. Stanley’s car from Pullman arrived, laid at
Seward 2 weeks. Ma visited account Mrs. Gust Anderson
sick with colic. Hans drove out for her husband at mines.
No radio.
July 11, 1925 Helped Stanley fix up fenders
on his car, took a ride down to Vail’s, the three “H’s” a little
to large for seat. Drove out to Longs ranch.
July 12, 1925 Sunday Bailey’s
up to trade AM. LeBlance New York Life insurance
man in town. PM drove out to Miller’s ranch, got rhubarb
and lettuce for whole town. Stanley out with his Roadster
roads dry and good except Palmer road.
July 13, 1925 Hot day business good.
Snodgrass over for feed. Ellexson’s in from Knik.
Louise Gill up from Anchorage to visit Ellexson’s. McAllen
in with “Peggy”, drove on to Junction. Drove down to Moffat’s
Knik road camp, took Fleck’s along. Got first mess strawberries
at Cannon ranch. Stanley drove out to 32 in his car.
July 14, 1925 Hot day business good sales over
$200. Gold strike reported near Mt. McKinley. Gas
car took up 2 loads of locators. Stanley and self drove over to
Palmer. Near Palmer broke a spring on Buick Roadster put splints
on springs got home 11 PM, road full of chuck holes.
July 15, 1925 Asked bid on 9 month order for
Fern Mine. Stanley put Ford spring on Buick Roadster
broken last night, short 1 end. Stanley drove down
to Knik road camp. Made 4 reports to New York Life on Wasilla
applicants.
July 16, 1925 Received 8½ tons merchandise,
flour, feed, groceries and hardware, Stanley hauled it over
with Paul’s big truck. Snodgrass over to trade.
Stanley drove out to 32 with Buick Roadster.
July 17, 1925 Cat through on Knik road, moved
over to Bogard’s to build new road to Wasilla north of lakes.
Horning in went to Anchorage got order from Fern Mine. Stanley
drove his “bug” out to 32.
July 18, 1925 Dan Donavan shipped first strawberries.
Stanley tinkering on his car most of day. Refused Trix
our old car to haul Colonel Dick and ARC party from Palmer, road
full of potholes.
July 19, 1925 Sunday cloudy and cool.
Big RR picnic at Wasilla Park, 400 people and 14 autos.
Autos drove to Fern Mine and to Knik. Sold $117.20 to picnickers.
Stanley and Bill drove out to Fishhook Inn. We drove to
mile 10 on Knik road. Picnickers left for Anchorage 6 PM.
Train down from Curry also.
July 20, 1925 Shorty drove Hartman’s car over
to Palmer for ARC chiefs, only 2 came along with Silent Smith.
Dan, foreman at mine, brought in evening with crushed leg.
Received inquiry form Seattle hardware Co. to buy K. T. Co. business.
Bought first strawberries of season. ARC moved camp from
Knik road.
July 21, 1925 Black winter clothing arrived
$800 worth. Wrote Miller, better give their 9 month order
to Seattle jobbers and pay cash. Stanley fixing up his old
tires on Buick Roadster. Had Vail strawberries for lunch.
Drove out to Forty Mile Miller’s. Eva and Dan unloading car W.
C. M. coal.
July 22, 1925 A-1 day 80 above, first
real hot day of summer and needed to ripen the strawberries.
Priced up clothing from Black’s $800 worth winter stock.
Clarence Marsh sawing wood for Fleck’s with auto truck. Pete
Johnson went to mines. Girls and boys swimming at Lake Wasilla, also
schoolmarm naked. Bill Bartholf arrived.
July 23, 1925 The Frank Reedy special
excursion train passed through 1 day later than last year.
Drumhiller went to Anchorage. Pete Johnson back from mines
got job to haul car load coal for Willow Creek Mines.
July 24, 1925 A-1 hot day business slow,
busy on Outside mail. Plenty of strawberries now.
Chas Harrison strawberry king. Mrs. Hartley and children
arrived for vacation at Wasilla have car - moved into Aureen
cottage. Fred in to trade. Eva went back with Fred
to Fern Mine for a visit.
July 25, 1925 Ma went swimming in lake Wasilla.
Drove down to Donovan’s, O. C. Miller went along and Mrs. Shorty.
Had all strawberries I could eat and rhubarb wine to wash it
down.
July 26,1925 Sunday cloudy and cool quiet
in town. Stanley and Dan drove in to Knik. Snodgrass boys
over, went to beach to catch salmon. Krogh’s drove out
Willow Creek road.
July 27, 1925 Patzack mushed down from Houston.
McAllen family in. Frank Reedy excursion train back from
Fairbanks district. Edlund and son back from Seattle account
boys eyes. Metz brought in 10 sacks McArdle spuds for Fern
Mine. Received ton of new merchandise. Blind man arrived.
July 28, 1925 In office most of day.
Hilled up the spuds. Sold Fern Mine ½ ton McArdle
spuds. Jess Lander in with his truck. Sharon Fleck
in, through at the Mabel Mine. Blind Robert gave entertainment
#2 at the school house. Had voting contest Ma 2nd on winning
ring.
July 29, 1925 Finished pricing up new goods.
Sent Fern Mine crate strawberries. Jess Lander in with
Mrs. McAllen and Peggy. Salmon running in Cottonwood Creek
1 week late. Drove down to Vail’s no fish running at bridge.
Brought back stove wood.
July 30, 1925 Engstrom over to trade. Salmon
running slow in Cottonwood Creek. Patzack’s dog slipped
his collar 2nd time and went back to Fishhook Inn. Paddy
Marshal in for a 2 day vacation from Gus freighting outfit.
Self caught up to Heinz 57 Variety, my birthday 57 young, had strawberry
shortcake for birthday. Drove down to mile 12 salmon run poor
run.
July 31, 1925 Busy on Outside mail and monthly
statements. McAllen family in town. Hartley arrived
to visit his family on outing here. Standard Oil man
arrived. Drove down to Vail’s ranch brought back load wood.
Several Natives on tie gang.
August 1, 1925 Stanley went to Anchorage for
weekend visit. Mrs. Hartman back at Wasilla, hired cook
to run Fishhook Inn. Ellexson in from Knik. St. Clair’s
in to trade. Haller went to Fleming ranch to buy a mower.
August 2, 1925 Krogh’s visited. Bailey’s
up from Junction joy riding. Drove down to Vail’s but
few fish running. Bill Bartholf back from Mabel Mine.
Zink back from mines.
August 3, 1925 Bill Bartholf in town.
Sent Fern Mine some fresh salmon. Strawberries selling
4 for $1. Stanley back from Anchorage on PM train.
Everybody putting up red salmon. Got crate casabas.
Drove down to Vail’s ranch, flowers beautiful.
August 4, 1925 Everybody salting salmon.
Mrs. Hartman went to Anchorage. Bill Bartholf left for
States. Allen Horning in on motorcycle went to Anchorage.
Snodgrass family over to trade, had a blow out, took them down and
fixed tire with Stanley’s tools. Hartley drove in to Knik.
Otto in.
August 5, 1925 AM filled office gas tank.
Ma and Stanley got bad colds. Stanley using Allen’s motorcycle.
Capt. Olson putting up salmon at Fleckenstein’s ranch.
Otto in from GB Mines, said he was through with the bunch of leasors,
over $100 ore only milled $35. Drew draft on Anchorage for
$1,000.
August 6, 1925 Mrs. Hartman operated
on at Anchorage hospital for appendicitis so reported today.
Got delayed fruit from Seward. Stanley drove out to Miller’s
ranch, brought back strawberries and lettuce. Wasilla orchestra
practicing for government farm barn dance.
August 7, 1925 Stanley doctoring his
Buick Roadster. Mrs. Bennett left for Anchorage after
2 week vacation at Wasilla. Capt. Olson catching salmon
at Fleck’s ranch. Otto back from Anchorage. Judge “got ear-syphilis”.
August 8, 1925 Greased up Olds car. Took
in barn dance at experimental farm, big crowd from Anchorage.
Had German and coon dialogs on program, home at 3:30. Eva
and Stanley went in our car also.
August 9, 1925 Quiet in town everybody
resting up account barn dance. Big run salmon today St.
Clair’s fishing at 12 mile. Drove out to Miller’s ranch, had
strawberry dinner. Herning family, Eva and Shorty bought 22 quarts
at 25¢ a quart, got head lettuce. Miller decided to
buy a Tin Lizzie. Miller sold 40 quarts strawberries at mines.
Tie gang still here.
August 10, 1925 Business slow, priced
ammunition. Government farm hands over to trade. Got 2
cases butter out of grocery, hardware etc. arrived at Seward Saturday,
some service, government RR. U. S. Geo. man in from mines looking
up operations etc.
August 11, 1925 Self unpacked ammunition and
placed on shelves in store all day. Gus in from mines.
Jess Lander through hauling coal to Fishhook summit, left his
truck at Hans place and went to Anchorage. Scott, Fur Farmer
Magazine man, here. Fred Nelson went to Anchorage.
August 12, 1925 Loussac in town. Gus
went to Palmer to have shoes fitted up. Put new breaker
points on magneto on truck, turned over but will not run, think
carburetor is on the bum. got radio but very weak.
August 13, 1925 AM rain business good,
got ton freight. Stanley got new tires for his Buick Roadster,
now in good running order. Put up order for Fern Mine.
Got order from Thorpe’s. Hans paid off Tom Cavanaugh mortgage on
pool hall $750.
August 14, 1925 Snodgrass over to trade.
Stanley drove out to Miller’s, got strawberries, lettuce and
radishes. Worked some on truck, long out of commission.
Mrs. Hartman home from Anchorage hospital. Loussac and Oscar in
town.
August 15, 1925 AM finished orders for hardware
and clothing. PM retuned magneto on truck and she turned
over OK. Native trade good, got their paychecks
August 16, 1925 Paul hauling lumber to mines.
PM posted ledger and filed invoices. Stanley and
Ma drove out to Miller’s ranch. Hans doctoring on his Tin Lizzie
all day. Continued rain effecting dirt roads, gravel roads
OK.
August 17, 1925 ARC gang in from road to Fern
Mine, moved over to Palmer. Tried truck engine and she turned
over OK. Big mail arrived, got casabas and bananas on passenger
train. George Bailey visited. Harvey Bartholf arrived.
August 18, 1925 Heavy rain business normal.
Mine Alec out from Knik said heavy rains effecting road.
Stanley loaded Jess Landers truck for Anchorage by rail.
Stanley ordered Tin Lizzie for Forty Mile Miller from Anchorage.
Hartley family back to Wasilla also Mumford family to pick blues.
August 19, 1925 Got order from Fern Mine.
Got word for MM Co., they bid $1661.37 on Fern big outfit order
we sent to Seattle. Snodgrass boy over with 3 mutton for
Willow Creek Mines. Mrs. Fleming and Fred Crocker in to trade.
Fleming and several others laid off on road work. Joe Conroy
arrived, went to mines.
August 20, 1925 Monday’s freight arrived, got
4 truck loads, hauled same with our truck Fern and GB got
30 tons groceries from Schwabacher Co. now dead. O. C. Miller’s
Tin Lizzie arrived, it’s a good Ford for the shape she’s in, cost
$150. Self off my grub today evening OK.
August 21, 1925 Self marking paints etc.
Road gang moved camp on Cottonwood near Vail’s to work on railroad
Tote road. Stanley taking up bearings on Miller’s car.
Frank Kelly and family arrived for weekend at Wasilla the great summer
resort? Light frost last night.
August 22, 1925 Frank Kelly family visited
on St. Clair’s using Hartley’s car . Stanley drove Miller’s
car out to ranch brought Miller in. Harvey Bartholf and
Joe Conroy returned to Anchorage.
August 23, 1925 Sunday perfect day, blueberry
Sunday. Five cars drove out to Reed and Archangel Creek
to pick blues, Eva, Dan and Stanley went with us.
Got 3 pails of blues, 2 ptarmigan and 4 grouse. Stopped at
Forty Mile Miller’s and had head lettuce and strawberries.
Miller took his car out to ranch, ran off road and broke wishbone.
Kane hauling for Nellie with big truck
August 24, 1925 Hartman’s big truck and passenger
car out of service, Nick Kane fixing them up. McAllen family
back from Fairbanks Masonic Tour. Sam Guyot arrived.
Mrs. Wilmoth back from California. Drove out to Miller’s.
August 25, 1925 Started in to wreck Knik
house material, cut off 2nd story of each section. Mrs.
Haller up to trade. Harvey and several let out by Road
Commission, through fixing road near Palmer. Nick Kane
got Hartman’s old truck working. Gave Sam Guyot order for October
1st. Stanley went out joy riding, broke down at mile 7.
August 26, 1925 Noon drove Olds car down to
Moffat’s and towed back Stanley’s Buick account breakdown last
night when joy riding. Little dance on at pool hall for visiting
touring lady. Frisby’s went to mines.
August 27, 1925 Hauled load wood with truck,
also load sugar and flour from track warehouse. Nick
got Nellie’s big truck working again. Chas Payne left
for vacation on Outside. Wades up for groceries, paid May seed
bill. Harvey went to work at St. Clair’s ranch.
August 28, 1925 Self cut in another door to
garage so can run in two cars. St. Clair back from Anchorage
account blood poison in thumb. Miller in from ranch,
can’t crank Lizzie wants self starter. Last week of excursion
trains. Harvey back from St. Clair’s.
August 29, 1925 Stanley went to Anchorage for
weekend. Hauled up 2 loads of wood. Drove out to
Miller’s ranch, got last of strawberries and head lettuce. Put
Stanley’s Buick car in garage with Olds car.
August 30, 1925 Hans took bunch down to government
farm to pick currants. Snodgrass family drove out to Fern
Mine to deliver pork. Stanley at Anchorage.
August 31, 1925 Thompson, new manager for Fern
Mine, arrived. Stanley back from Anchorage. Self making
a high reach in store brought on a slight shock for ½
minute, felt queer all rest of day account blood circulation,
cut out smoking.
September 1, 1925 Otto landed mess ducks at
4 AM in the morning. Paul got big mess ducks. Self
on monthly bills etc. Not feeling well, blood not circulating
right.
September 2, 1925 Mrs. Hubbell arrived also
Anton Eide and engineer to look over Bald Mt. route for road
to Willow Creek. Harvey Rutter went as guide. Drove
out to Miller’s ranch. Miller fixing on his Tin Lizzie afraid
to crack it.
September 3, 1925 Fenton arrived account survey
at Fern Mine. Hartman cars all out commission, Nick
Kane doctoring them up. Candy and butter arrived.
PM hauled load wood from Vail ranch also spuds. A battery
low, no radio.
September 4, 1925 Cloudy, evening heavy
rain, business good. Magaha bought grub order for his
ranch, through as ARC road boss. Harvey and ARC man back from
two day cruise for road around Bald Mt., estimated length
of road 24 miles - nearer 30? Stanley decorated window with
Winchester guns etc. Stanley packed up ready for Pullman College.
September 5, 1925 Chief clerk Stanley left
to finish big “high” at Washington State College. Drove
down to Vail’s for spuds.
September 6, 1925 PM drove out to Miller’s
ranch, mile 8, got last of strawberries and head lettuce of season.
Stanley left Anchorage for Seward to catch Northwestern for Seattle.
Rains effecting roads.
September 7, 1925 Mattie and Self doing store
work. USS Shenandoah, big Navy plane, went to pieces in Ohio
storm (29 survivors 14 dead including Lt. Commander Zachary Landsdowne).
Got letter from Clara, 80 acre farm of Dads estate sold for $75
acre net. Montana railroad bridge went out, passenger
train went back to Anchorage. Schoolmarm arrived. Joe
Conroy up from Anchorage.
September 8, 1925 Put up order for Frank Watson
at Palmer. Cars only running to Little Susitna Canyon on account
high water. No trains running north account washout.
Stanley on high seas. Signed deed account selling 80 acres
of father’s estate $6000.
September 9, 1925 Heaviest rain of season all
last night. Streams over banks everywhere. Otto Magaha
and several went to Anchorage. Train went as far as Caswell
and returned. Drove to ridge summit. School opened Selma Simonson
teacher 5 kids only.
September 10, 1925 Had a rush PM and had 8
tons forage to unload. Sold 2 small prospecting outfits.
Nick Kane back from Anchorage going to work for Willow Creek Mines.
Patchell through at Willow Creek Mines.
September 11, 1925 Thompson, Fern manager,
in went to Anchorage. Felch here gave him 1 order Carhart
overalls and razors. Cleaned generator brushes and put new
spark plugs on truck, works much better, drove truck to 19.
Late evening Gene arrived from Mabel Mine. Got KGW Hoot Owls
first time this fall.
September 12, 1925 Mrs. Fleckenstein quite
sick drove down after her for 11 AM train to Anchorage.
Mrs. Lander and Zink went to Anchorage also Harry Lander and
2 miners.
September 13, 1925 Cleaned counter and shoe
cases, oiled floor. Drove out to Miller’s ranch got 25 lb. rhubarb
and 2 quarts strawberries. Miller had frame garage and
sawmill up.
September 14, 1925 Got 2 tons groceries PM
train. Capt. Rodger and party seaplane P N-9 on flight San
Francisco to Honolulu picked up 50 miles from Honolulu. Commander
John Rodgers, Lt. Byron Connell and crew of 3 in a PN-9 attempted
flight from San Francisco to Honolulu were forced down due to lack
of fuel. They were lost 10 days at sea. They rigged
a sail from wing fabric and set course for Kauai Island. They
sailed 450 miles and within 10 miles of Kauai before being rescued
by Submarine R-4. Funeral arrangements being made at San
Francisco for lost party. Mrs. Fleck operated on at Anchorage
for appendicitis.
September 15, 1925 Returned oil tanks
to Seward. Harvey and Long gone out to do assessment work
on Rae - Wallace group. Fern cook and McClarty in from mines.
Stanley to arrive in Seattle today.
September 16, 1925 Checked up steel traps,
sold 3 dozen, 30 dozen in stock. Bogard in for grub.
Paul hauling 40 tons concentrates from Fern Mine. Road Commission
moved down to Haller’s to build 3 mile road. Ordered car Healy
coal.
September 17, 1925 DuPont man in town.
Joe Palmer hauled down his fox pen lumber. Churchill and
Ellexson in from Knik. Freight train jumped the track between
Junction and Eklutna. Both trains arrived late.
September 18, 1925 Warm day A-1 day business
slow. Marking new goods. DuPont products
man left for Anchorage on freight. Big wash out on railroad
near Nenana. Paid $1,500 Seattle invoices.
got KPO good at close of concert.
September 19, 1925 O. C. Miller in from ranch,
went to Anchorage. Mail train late arrived 4:15, got drugs
priced and on shelf. Answered Clara’s letter re: deed
80 acre farm sold from Dads estate.
September 20, 1925 Paul and Otto went to flats
for ducks, bagged 16, we got one Mallard. Hans took Mrs.
Fleming to Junction to spend weekend on farm. Stanley at
Pullman College.
September 21, 1925 Line storm still on, rained
hard all day. Got Outside mail no word from Stanley.
Trains operating again, track to coal mines at Moose Creek washed
out. Anchorage big Fair over, had good exhibit of fur animals
vegetables etc. Had duck dinner. Hartman’s got lady cook.
September 22, 1925 Tie gang returned to put
new ties on side track. First snow came down to brush line
on mountain peaks last night. Finished 1st duck
dinner. McAllen in to trade.
September 23, 1925 First heavy frost last night.
Frank Doherty through at Bogard’s ranch. Ranchers having
trouble harvesting crops account line storm. No radio account
moon and northern lights. Conroy returned to Anchorage.
September 24, 1925 Put up order for Schulz
to go to Susitna Station. Agent Frank Cook took a fall
against truck, broke cheek bone and false teeth, speeder
took him to hospital at Anchorage. Tried for Capt. Rodgers speech
at San Francisco poor reception, heard him at close.
September 25, 1925 Put up produce order for
Fern Mine. Gallagher arrived to look after Wasilla Station while
agent Cook in hospital. Bailey visited. Hauled oil
over from track warehouse. Hubbell and Fenton left for home.
No radio.
September 26, 1925 Ellexson in from Knik. Cow
tester in town went on to Knik. Gallagher temporary agent
at Wasilla. Miller fixing up pool room for Hans.
September 27, 1925 Sunday cloudy light
rain. Worked all PM and evening getting Monday orders ready
to ship to Willow and Houston. Charged A battery on Olds.
Bogard in, dogs killed a lot more of his sheep, saw them this time,
they were the dogs Bill Long had. No radio. Ma not feeling
well stomach trouble.
September 28, 1925 Sent 3 orders north and
2 more ready to go east tomorrow. Got letter from Stanley
in Seattle. Bill bought $90 Tin Lizzie and they left for
Pullman College next morning. Brown’s piano arrived. Miller putting
in storm windows for Hans.
September 29, 1925 Cloudy and light rain
business normal. Shipped 1 order to Eska and 1 order
to Susitna. Agent Cook back on job, Gallagher went south.
Got car Healy River coal, hauled over 1 load. Got
1 station on radio wireless bad.
September 30, 1925 Two new ranchers, located
near Edlund’s, bought $100 grub outfit. PM worked on car
coal, Six Shooter Bill and Wesley helped. Ma had a bad
spell last night, stomach trouble effected heart and head.
Mrs. Lander moved to Anchorage account another little Lander due.
October 1, 1925 O. C. Miller finished job work
on Willow Creek Inn. Nick Kane and Gus back from Anchorage.
Hansen plowing Sam Kelly’s lot. Ma some better not much eat.
October 2, 1925 Finished unloading car coal
33 tons cost, $7.75, $8.75 in bin, let school have 3 tons.
Brought in KPO, KHJ and KGW, first program from Hoot Owls this
fall. Got out-mail.
October 3, 1925 Cloudy and showers. Got
several small orders for north Monday freight. Gus went
to Junction for work horse, his big horse got nail in foot.
Busy all day in store, got fine program over KGO Chimes of Normandy
clear and fine other stations weak. Ma feeling better.
October 4, 1925 Late rains took off all the
snow on mountains. Warm wind ground not frozen. Otto building
mink pens on his lot on Wasilla Avenue.
October 5, 1925 Mrs. Fleck back from hospital.
Got first letter from Stanley at Pullman, arrived OK by auto
from Seattle, very warm at Pullman. Dug my spuds, all marble
size. Thorpe’s in from mines.
October 6, 1925 PM hauled in 2½ ricks
wood from Vail’s ranch. Ma rushed in store while I was
gone. Thorpe rented Gus’ cabin. ARC through on road
work. C. H. Wilson returned to Knik. J. J. in to trade.
Aureen paid Wickman’s bill. Heard fine saxophone solo on radio.
October 7, 1925 Business good, rushed all AM
in store. Ellexson’s out from Knik. PM fixed cement
crack on north side store annex. Ellexson’s drove to experimental
farm for rooster. Henry Fischer in from Knik, went to Anchorage
to get money left with Doc David deceased.
October 8, 1925 Local freight train failed
to arrive this noon. Finished monthly statements.
Gus in after horse, no train, no horse came. Ray Larson
up for a hunt at Willow Creek.
October 9, 1925 Fern manager in, out of ham
bacon and beef. Train cancelled today, no freight until
Monday. Donovan back from spud work at Bogard’s. Otto’s
mink all “roosters”. Clear but no radio, charged A battery.
Miller on Gus annex. Gus in town.
October 10, 1925 Bought 5 sacks spuds from
Donovan at $2.50 each. Road Commission cutting right
of way from Wasilla to Bogard’s. Vail went to Anchorage.
Mt. high peaks covered with snow again, ground not frozen
yet. Winter was on last year at this time. Got KFI
Midnight Frolic program. Thorpe’s went to Anchorage.
October 11, 1925 Sunday cloudy.
Schoolmarm got a beau. PM finished painting 2nd coat around
Herning sign on side of store. Fixed bottom garage and
shed doors to keep out snow and wind. Mattie visited on
Mrs. Fleckenstein. Drove Olds car to ridge summit.
Posted weeks business in ledger. Got Earl P. Anthony program
evening but not clear, soft weather.
October 12, 1925 Freight train 4 hours
late, had a rush after mail train and freight to look after.
Hauled over 2 tons after supper, balance of freight in car.
Two couples went to mines on vacation. Got letter from Stanley
and radio NG tonight.
October 13, 1925 Most perfect day of fall,
temperature +65, freezing this time last year. Unloaded
half car freight, hauled last load firewood from Vail’s ranch
with truck. Had big rush in store small trade.
October 14, 1925 Packed 2 orders for Broad
Pass District. Fern Mine out smoked meats and eggs, K.
T. Co. also. Parowax eggs failed to arrive. Herman
Kloss in from Fern Mine, going to Healy Coal Mine. Drove down
to Vail’s for vegetables.
October 15, 1925 Snow all gone on mountain
peaks, like spring day today. Mabel crew came in, Mabel
mine closed. Thorpe’s back from Anchorage. P.O. closed
most of day. PM got sore eye. Metz in with cabbage.
Radio NG. Adolf Olson arrived for winter grub.
October 16, 1925 Bought 2 tons spuds off Mr.
Metz at $50 a ton. Cobb up from Junction for clothing.
Tie gang here again. Paid $1,200 Seattle invoices, freight $384.79.
Got last end of Hoot Owl program at Portland. Soft weather
and not freezing yet. Too warm for radio reception.
October 17, 1925 Cloudy, evening warm
wind, 56 above business good. Ellexson’s out from Knik.
Kelly went to Anchorage. Mabel Mine closed down. Brown
and Hawkins in and went to Anchorage. Plenty water power
at mines, yet account Chinook weather and not freezing. Dance on at
school house.
October 18, 1925 Sunday, quiet in town.
PM drove down to Dan Donovan’s ranch, road A-1. Kelly at
Anchorage. Miller working on Gus’ annex. Got KJR Seattle
first time this fall. Got KFI but hard to control.
October 19, 1925 Tie gang ready to move to
branch line. Fred Nelson overhauled Zink’s Tin Lizzie.
Gerrit Snider in town looking for house. Pete Murry and
George Grennon up to trade. PM rushed in store. No trains today
account boat late.
October 20, 1925 AM busy in store.
PM mail train arrived. Freight train arrived 5 PM brought
no Outside freight. Huie Goodell and Kempf arrived went
to mines. Miller through on Gus’ annex, set in on game and
lost his wages. Letter from Stanley. Got Pittsburgh and Expo
auditorium program at San Francisco. Big mail.
October 21, 1925 Cloudy and cooler temperature
46 business normal. Ellexson’s in from Knik drove on
to experimental farm. Snider bought Carlson ranch for
mink farm. PM nailed roofing paper on east end of store to
keep out wind. Shorty went to Anchorage to buy a car.
Trix moved out to fix canyon road. Radio NG.
October 22, 1925 Cloudy, foggy and light
rain, business normal. Got hardware groceries etc. that
arrived on last Saturdays boat at Seward. Shorty’s car
and Gus’ water tank on bobsleighs arrived from Anchorage.
Snider moved up to Wasilla. Otto turned back his mink to
Harrison. KGO came in on loud speaker. Snowing
on the mountain peaks.
October 23, 1925 Delivered Snider order
at Carlson ranch, also Harrison order to lake. Hauled over
truck load new goods from track Mrs. Vail went to hospital.
Otto and Long ordered seeds. Shorty cranked his car for
an hour no go. Northern lights, no radio.
October 24, 1925 First freeze since September
23rd. Snider started to cut logs for annex to Carlson’s
house. Mattie had a bad spell last night, stomach not functioning
right. Charged A battery, clear but no radio, not a sound
until 11 PM got KFI weak.
October 25, 1925 Sunday Busy
in store AM, cleaned up office gas lamp. Trouble in McNeil
family, Myrtle staying at Mrs. Dancer’s, all over love, “siwash love”.
Posted weeks business in ledger. Ma took a walk PM. Clear
here but cloudy in south. Shorty hauling hay from his farm
with his auto.
October 26, 1925 Part cloudy and colder
evening light wind business good. Got fruit and meat orders.
Sam Guyot arrived for orders. Got letter from Stanley,
he got “A” on bookkeeping. Got letter from Clara with sketch
of father’s estate at Eyota Minnesota. No radio account big
moon in south. Alma over from Palmer with 4 orders.
October 27, 1925 Several ranchers in.
Took Persson’s measurements for suit. Gave Sam drop shipment
orders for tobacco. Harvey Bartholf in from Fern Mine went
to Anchorage on freight, rush in store till 6 o’clock. Cloudy
with warm wind. Railroad ditcher here.
October 28, 1925 Ellexson out form Knik
to trade. Nick Kane in from GB Mine. Paddy through with
Gus, came in full of Mule. Mehern and Humphry and Imperial
Candy manager visited for orders. Got cold in my kidneys.
Mattie stomach in bad order. Ground froze up to stay.
October 29, 1925 Business good sales
$202. No regular freight, passenger train 1 hour late.
Engstrom in to trade, also new rancher from Finger Lake District.
Harvey helping Snider on house annex on Carlson ranch. Farmers
still plowing up valley. KGO came in too strong to
control. Got Pittsburgh on short wave set weak.
October 30, 1925 Zink placed grub order for
trip to Goose Bay account birch timber. Delivered Snider’s
doors, windows and roofing. Mrs. Krogh autoed up from
Junction. Ma’s birthday gave her $55 in gold.
October 31, 1925 Cloudy, snow flurry,
not enough to make ground all gone, first at Wasilla this fall.
R. John Mellor through at Fern Mine, left for Outside.
Mrs. Fleck went to Anchorage. J. J. O’Brien left for Valdez
on jury. Hard time dance at school house, Ma went, self game foot.
November 1, 1925 Kinsella down from Pittman
to trade. Hans took Zink and his outfit to Knik. PM
oiled store floor and charged A battery. Ma’s stomach giving
her a lot of trouble account gas.
November 2, 1925 A-1 day 45 above, business
slow. Regular freight train did not arrive until midnight.
Mrs. Vail back from hospital. Snider back from Anchorage
with supplies for his mink ranch. Light rain, about 1” frost in
ground and lakes still open. C. D. Johnson’s old horse died.
November 3, 1925 Rushed in store all day, sales
over $200. Dave Reedy back from States. Hauled over
2 truck loads freight from depot stoves, eggs and jam came. Got
New York City election returns on radio, Hyland elected.
November 4, 1925 Ma went to Anchorage to consult
doctor about her stomach trouble. Paddy Marshal broke,
going to skin for Willow Creek Mines freighting outfit.
Patzack down from Houston and self chief cook and clerk today. Holden
in by boat. McKane and girl went to Anchorage.
November 5, 1925 Kelly back on job as clerk
B while Ma is at Anchorage. Mike Sherry back, bought outfit
for mines, offered me 10,000 shares stock for 5¢.
November 6, 1925 Cloudy warm, +50,
business good. Talked with Ma at Anchorage. Way freight
arrived, got car milk eggs butter. Hotel Parson’s and
Anchorage preacher in town.
November 7, 1925 Thompson in from Fern Mine
to trade. Hotel Parson left for Anchorage. Collections
good. Phoned Ma at Anchorage, coming home Monday. Radio
NG until close, heard fine piano solo.
November 8, 1925 Sunday, AM like
spring day not freezing nights. Posted ledger. Ray’s
baby colt started for mines but came back. Preaching at
school house, too busy didn’t go. Got Episcopal service at San
Francisco, organ good.
November 9, 1925 Snider having his lots plowed
on Carlson ranch. Ma back from Anchorage. Tried
to Kalsomine the kitchen, bothered account store work. Regular
freight train did not arrive. No radio this evening account
northern lights. JJ back from Valdez court.
November 10, 1925 A-1 summer day 60 above.
Got groceries and butter on delayed freight One truck
load hauled out tin cans etc. Bogard and Metz in to trade.
Ma the cook, Kelly the chief clerk again. Bank deposit
$165.91, weeks business. No radio, cloudy and soft weather.
Farmers plowing and clearing land.
November 11, 1925 Ellexson took Zink and Patzack
in to Knik to cut birch timber at Goose Bay. Evo cutting
winters wood. Thorpe’s bought Forker cabin for $150.
November 12, 1925 Partly cloudy, +32
last night. Checked over hardware wanted, no freight until Monday.
Gallagher arrived to relieve agent Cook account vacation. Warmed
up again and no radio on Federal set, had in Hastings Nebraska on
short wave set for 1 hour. Got fresh lettuce, celery and cucumbers
today. Eva and schoolmarm took dinner with Otto.
November 13, 1925 Didn’t have a rabbits
foot. Made out hardware order. Snider moved up his
mink, Junction to Carlson ranch Wasilla. ARC loaded Cat
and Tryck’s car for repair at Anchorage shop. Lake Lucille
froze over.
November 14, 1925 Cloudy, freezing
weather. O. C. Miller went to Anchorage. Mrs. Dancer went
to Anchorage. Agent Frank Cook left for vacation in California,
Gallagher relief man. Dance on at school house, very few Wasilla-ites
attended. Otto listened in on radio.
November 15, 1925 Sunday 1/8” snow, busy
AM in store. PM charged batteries, heard Christian Science Church
at San Francisco, organ was fine. Ma cut my hair. Temperature
32-35 today. Snider went to Junction for his family Sunday
school 2 PM.
November 16, 1925 Got half car feed and flour
and ranch apples on noon freight. PM hauled half ton spuds
from Doherty’s ranch. Old truck just made Cannon’s Hill
on low. Vic Blodgett and wife down from Pittman to trade.
November 17, 1925 Windy, +34, business
good. Bogard, Metz and several ranchers in to trade.
Snider family arrived last night, kids in school today making
12 in school. Got Hastings on short wave and San Francisco
on long wave, came in clear on loud speaker and wind blowing a gale.
Snow all gone again.
November 18, 1925 Second snow, ground
white again. Unloaded half car of forage. Albert Nelson left
for Germany. Mrs. Zink, Eva and Browny went to Anchorage.
Clarence Marsh up for fox feed and building materials. No
radio, warm and stormy. Mattie trying the yeast cure.
November 19, 1925 Cloudy, 24 to 32 above,
business rotten, smallest sales of year. Priced up forage.
Zink and Eva back from Anchorage. Ma got 3 pounds yeast
to try for stomach trouble. Paper said Ellen Fleckenstein
was to marry Seattle man. Radio fair, heard First Year of Matrimony
from KGO studio. Heard St. Francis Hotel orchestra on loud speaker.
November 20, 1925 Big wind business rotten.
Got orders and Seattle mail. Sent Stanley usual check
account birthday, now 21 in December, finishing high school at
W. S. C. Gold Bullion Mine closed down.
November 21, 1925 Cloudy, evening rain,
business normal. Ulsh left for Outside. Otto back
from Knik after wrecking his house for lumber. Raining all
evening brought in fine program from KGO studio also
KFI Midnight Frolic on loud speaker.
November 22, 1925 Snow on mountains down
to timberline. Fixed lock on warehouse door and charged battery.
Listened to church services at First Baptist Church at Oakland,
also heard big organ at Victoria B. C., reception good on loud speaker
Otto listened in.
November 23, 1925 Got 4 large truck loads hardware
groceries and clothing on PM freight and stored away.
Letter from Stanley, wants new double breasted suit.
Ma still complaining of head and stomach trouble. Jammed
my finger cranking truck.
November 24, 1925 Cloudy, +30,
business normal. Frank Watson over from Palmer for outfit.
Suits for Otto and Long arrived. Busy in store. Self bowels
not working right, Ma still ailing. Brought in KGO and
Hollywood.
November 25, 1925 Paul drove Ford truck to
Knik for Otto’s lumber, Gus went along. Busy in store,
priced up new goods. O’Brien in for Thanksgiving salad.
November 26, 1925 Turkey day, no turkeys, chicken
dinner at Hans place. Ma and Self had vegetable soup not
feeling well. PM jacked up Stanley’s Buick car and removed
tires to warm storage. Dance on at school house, Ma and self
stayed home.
November 27, 1925 Dinner and dance last night
largely attended. Had KPO, Otto listened in then got KFOA first
time this fall. Music at new Olympic Hotel Seattle very fine.
Checked out $1,056.06.
November 28, 1925 Warm wind, business
slow. Otto went to Anchorage. Mattie gave away the kitten.
Sent Stanley $50 check for his Christmas.
November 29, 1925 Sunday, quiet in town.
Ma had a bad spell last night, woke up with an all gone feeling
owing to stomach trouble and cold weather, decided to send her
to Seattle for treatment with former doctor account no results
from Anchorage doctors. PM charged 2 A batteries and put storm
windows on store annex.
November 30, 1925 Cloudy, +26,
1” snow at Wasilla, 4” at Knik and Anchorage. Business
normal, sales $100.15. No freight train north today.
Otto back from Anchorage. Harvey gave dinner to Eva and Helma
at his cabin. Ma’s stomach trouble quite bad, ordered more medicine
from Anchorage, nerve and digester medicine. Thorpe’s bought Gus
cabin.
December 1, 1925 Ma had a very bad spell at
midnight last night account anemic condition. Got some
relief by 2:30. Phoned Dr. Romig about Ma’s case, decided
to take her to hospital tomorrow. Wired Stanley at Pullman
College to come home.
December 2, 1925 Ma and self left on 11 AM
train for Anchorage. Had lunch then visited on Dr. Romig
at government hospital, said Ma’s care not chronic as he was not
fixed to give dietetic food and nerve treatment, arranged to have
nurse prepare food for a week until Stanley arrives. Ma and
self stayed at Parson’s, went to a show.
December 3, 1925 Ma and self at Anchorage.
Ma passed a good night, took private room in hospital
for dietetic treatment. Ma not sick but no energy for
want of red corpuscles in blood. Self came home PM, got wire
from Stanley was on his way home. Sam did $227.40 business
in 2 days while self at Anchorage. First snow at Anchorage,
4” at Wasilla. Otto in hospital for hernia operation.
December 4, 1925 Zero weather business
a little slow. Lots of customers but little cash. Another
bunch town lots, that went back to government, sold today on
Main Street for $25. Ma at Anchorage hospital resting up.
December 5, 1925 Business normal, 16
below zero. Self left noon train to visit Mattie at Anchorage
hospital found some improvement. Self stayed at Hotel Anchorage
with Ma. Very cold at Anchorage, 24 below.
December 6, 1925 Sunday 18 below self
at Anchorage visiting Ma. PM visited at Bailey’s.
Ma had quite a few callers at hospital. Took down stick for Ma’s
eggnog per order of doctor. Ma’s stomach some better with less
pain in head.
December 7, 1925 Anchorage to Wasilla, came
home on PM train, -16. Ma walked down to depot with me for
exercise. Had a rush in store. Got through big mail and
posting cash register receipts at midnight. Had in Oakland
Merry Ducks Club for a short time on radio.
December 8, 1925 Lots of small trade.
Chilly and cloudy day. Persson called for his suit, gained
20 pounds since measurement taken so tight fit on pants. Marsh
finished Fleck’s wood. Wrote Mattie at Anchorage and got out
local mail. Stanley on Alameda.
December 9, 1925 Cloudy evening warmer,
business normal, lots of small trade. Moving some clothing.
phoned Ma, said she was coming home tomorrow from Anchorage.
Cleaned up papers on desk, answered Sparling’s letter.
Tryck’s and Snider back from Houston account windfalls on winter
road.
December 10, 1925 First big snow snowed 16”
today. Hans and Paul drove out to mines after train in deep snow.
Ellexson drove in to Knik. Ma arrived home, stomach in
bad condition, medicine and hospital diet not an improvement,
lost day grub, upset stomach.
December 11, 1925 AM -8, evening -20,
8” snow. Ma rested well last night.
Got up at 10 AM and was around all day ate some and improving. Got
phone from Stanley, arrived at Seward from Seattle, can’t get home
until Monday train. Had in Hoot Owls but not plain, evening much colder.
December 12, 1925 Cloudy, -8. AM Ma not
so well, PM took a walk and felt better. Got phone from
Stanley at Seward account Ma’s condition. Got KGO program and very
fine program, KFI Midnight Frolic, Willie Wagner piano solo very
fine. Dance at Junction Hans car went down.
December 13, 1925 Sunday, -24, evening
snow, quiet in town. Dancers all sleeping. Hansen
and Wagner hauling wood all day. Put up balcony fly to keep heat
on first floor. Ma very well today, ate considerable and
stomach OK. Stanley at Seward waiting for train home. Posted
ledger, warmer and snowing, now 8”.
December 14, 1925 Big wind, + 30, business
good. Stanley snow bound at Seward. Got 2 tons
freight but no mail train today account 4’ snow at 49 summit.
Trucks only going to mile 12 now account late snow and wind storm.
Ma much better today. Picked up things account going Outside
also balance ledger monthly accounts. Got Xmas turkeys
etc.
December 15, 1925 Cleaned up head lettuce marked
some new goods. No train today account road blocked between
Girdwood and tunnel by snow etc. Had chicken dinner, celery
and head lettuce. Stanley still at Seward. Ma worried account
Stanley at Seward.
December 16, 1925 Special train 10 AM, Stanley
arrived home after 4 day delay account snow slides on railroad
from W. S. C. Pullman Washington. Rushed in store all
day. Pete Pederson up from Anchorage with schooner proposition.
Otto home from hospital.
December 17, 1925 Cloudy, +20, business
normal. Busy getting ready for trip Outside with Ma on
account of her poor health. Ma much better, did the cooking
today and picking up for trip Outside. Pederson left for Talkeetna
to see Nagley. Stanley posted ledger and went over
book accounts.
December 18, 1925 Busy getting business
in shape account going Outside. Part of GB miners arrived
from Willow Creek. Drew letter making Stanley assistant manager
and sole owner of K. T. Co. business should anything happen to me
on trip Outside.
December 19, 1925 Wasilla to Seward, left 11
AM arrived Seward 7:30 Ma and self. Boat went to Cook
Inlet for fish, back Monday, 2 day delay at Seward. Two
feet snow in Seward streets.
December 20, 1925 Ma and self at Seward waiting
for boat. Mrs. Hoffman and hubby visited on us at Hotel Sexton.
Visited on Hoffman’s at Federal building. Read Prosperity
Edition of Gateway. Light rain all day. Ma better.
December 21, 1925 Cloudy, +32 at Seward.
Phoned Stanley at Wasilla, said business was rushing.
“Victoria” got back 7 PM from Cook Inlet, went
aboard, got room D with bath, left Seward 7:45 PM for Seattle, about
20 passengers, weather calm, Feldman on board. Dr. McCalley
on board.
December 22, 1925 On board the “Victoria”,
arrived at Valdez 10 AM. Ma didn’t sleep much last night,
took nap today. At Cordova 5 PM went up town with Mr. Feldman.
No autos on account of snow so had to walk. Feldman took
us to picture show ½ hour. Boat left at 9 PM, Juneau
next stop. Ma’s supper hurt a little otherwise OK.
December 23, 1925 On SS Victoria nearing Cross
Sound, met head wind a little rough. Ma didn’t sleep much
last night. Missed lunch today but was there for dinner.
Should be Inside by midnight. Ma OK, self OK.
December 24, 1925 Arrived at Juneau 8:30 PM,
47½ hours from Cordova. Ma didn’t sleep a wink
last night. Got Inside 10 AM . PM Ma slept and was OK on
arrival at Juneau. Went up town to see Xmas windows.
Left Juneau 10:30 PM. Mailed letter to Stanley. Quake
at Anchorage.
December 25, 1925 Had Xmas dinner on SS Victoria
near Wrangle Alaska, arrived at Wrangle 7 PM left 8:30 for
Ketchikan. Ma much improved today.
December 26, 1925 Left Ketchikan 4 AM.
PM first sun after sundown run into fog, hove to at 4 PM in
narrow place, visited Grenville Channel. Made out smoked
meat fruit and office supply orders.
December 27, 1925 Fog lifted, arrived Seymour
Narrows, had to wait for tide then fog filled channel.
Alameda at other end account fog.
December 28, 1925 Still hove too above Seymour
Narrows account fog. Passed Alameda 3:30 on her way
north also 2 small boats. Fog still on. Boat drifting
and moving a little when fog lifts. 6 PM anchored head Seymour
Narrows account fog 2 other boats also.
December 29, 1925 Victoria at anchor
all last night 10 miles above Seymour Narrows. Fog lifted,
passed through Narrows at noon. In fog all day 7 PM 100 miles
from Seattle.
December 30, 1925 Self and Mattie arrived
Seattle 6 AM, 8½ days from Seward, held up 2 days account
of fog, put up at St. Regis Hotel. PM saw 4½ hour
program at the Pantage’s. Sent Stanley cable of safe arrival in Seattle.
Seattle in fog.
December 31, 1925 Last of old year.
Ma and self in Seattle Washington. Stanley at Wasilla Alaska
managing Knik Trading Co. business. PM saw Vaud-show at
Moore’s Orpheum Theater. Saw Mary Pickford at Coliseum in “Little
Anny Roony”. Big time account old year out and new year in,
horns tooting etc. Special plays at all theaters. Run
up against May Kellogg.
1926
January 1, 1926 Self and Ma at Hotel St. Regis,
Seattle, on way to Rochester, Minnesota. Stanley manager
of K. T. Co. store at Wasilla, Alaska. Took in 2 shows, Will
King and President Theater. Clear sunny day. Sent
Stanley letter.
January 2, 1926 Left Seattle 7:30 PM on N.
P. Railroad for St. Paul, Minnesota, bought return tickets.
Also took out $10,000 accident insurance, mailed insurance policies
to Stanley. Ma and self in route east.
January 3, 1926 Self and Mattie on N. P. train.
AM at Spokane, a sprinkle of snow there. Passed through
Idaho, no snow. Noon, reached Montana, about 4” snow.
January 4, 1926 On N. P. Railroad, reached
North Dakota at noon, only a sprinkle of snow. Due at
Bismarck 6 PM. Self and Ma got a little cold in head today.
Sunny day, temperature 32 above.
January 5, 1926 Arrived at St. Paul 7:50 AM,
arrived Rochester, 12:50 noon. Put up at the Howe, room
only. PM had Mattie registered at the Mayo Clinic, exam
tomorrow 9 AM. Rochester streets covered with 4” ice and
a sleet storm on today. Jack Anderson arrived too.
January 6, 1926 Mattie got the first exam at
Mayo Clinic this PM, two more coming, found a good place to
eat near clinic. Wired Stanley our safe arrival also sent
our address. Cloudy cold wind.
January 7, 1926 Mattie had second exam at Mayo
Clinic, ears, throat and nose OK. Expect final report
tomorrow. Evening saw movie show. PM attended lecture
on food at assembly room at Mayo Clinic building, should eat 5
different foods for an advanced diet.
January 8, 1926 Mattie received final exam
at Mayo Clinic. Only thing wrong, two teeth to come out,
blood test above average. Gave tonic for nerve trouble.
Received Xmas card from Hyer, only Wasilla mail.
January 9, 1926 Decided to take trip to Hot
Springs, Arkansas. Bought 2 return tickets $118.76.
Phoned Mr. Franke at Eyota, would call on him when we returned
here. Wrote Stanley, going to Hot Springs for baths.
Rochester colder than Alaska. Mattie ailing a little PM.
January 10, 1926 Sunday, Rochester, Minnesota.
Mattie had old trouble come on last night and quite bad today.
First attack since leaving. Decided to cut out trip to
Hot Springs and get an audience with Chas Mayo, as other doctors
failed to locate her trouble. Ma laid on bed all day with
all gone feeling.
January 11, 1926 At Rochester, Minnesota.
Mattie much better this morning. Self went and consulted
Dr. Dixon on exam and got audience with head of department, Dr. Lemon.
PM Dr. Lemon examined Mattie and reported condition perfect except
nerves and only cure for nerves was self control. Mattie over
nervous attack and ate dinner. Evening sent Stanley paper and
letter. Cold wave on here.
January 12, 1926 At Rochester, blizzard on
all AM. Sent Stanley paper and another letter, explained Ma’s
present condition. Ma sent post cards to Wasilla women.
PM Ma had another nervous attack, evening OK again.
Ready for Hot Springs if Ma OK tomorrow. Auto buses blocked
by storm.
January 13, 1926 Rochester to Kansas City,
Missouri, left Rochester 4:15 PM in route to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Phoned Roe Herning at Eyota, we would call on them when we returned
in about 3 weeks hence. In snow belt all day.
January 14, 1926 On Chicago and Great Western
Railroad. Arrived at Kansas City, Missouri 7:40 AM, went
up town. No snow, sunny like Seattle weather. Took
in show and large stores. Left 3:45 PM for Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Ma’s stomach not very good. Sent Stanley post card.
January 15, 1926 Arrived Hot Springs, Arkansas,
put up at the New Moody Hotel, plan, room and board $55 week.
Hot Spring baths connected with hotel, 21 baths, $18. Weather
here about like June in Alaska. PM took stroll around town
and drank a gallon spring water. Evening saw picture show.
January 16, 1926 At hotel, New Moody, Hot Springs,
Arkansas. Ma and self took first mineral bath, Ma not feeling
well, pain in back and head, wanted to go home. PM took
long walk around town, got caught in shower on way back Evening
could hear radio across the street.
January 17, 1926 At Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Ma’s old trouble on again, so didn’t take bath. PM much
better, took long walk and street car ride. Self took 2nd
hot mineral bath, sweat out a gallon. Evening saw “Sally of
the Sawdust Circus” picture.
January 18, 1926 Sunny, 58 above at Hot Springs,
Arkansas. Ma took 2nd bath, self took 3rd bath today.
Ma also had massage and alcohol rub and was fine all PM. Visited
ostrich farm, egg weighed over 5 pounds. Rode out to south
end of town and walked back. Evening saw a show.
January 19, 1926 Ma and self took our mineral
hot baths with massage added. Massage helped Ma’s pain in back
of neck. PM took a long walk, climbed mountain from valley
to government observation tower, 2,500’, came by switch back, auto
road. Evening saw picture show. Ma bought new pair shoes
on account of sore foot.
January 20, 1926 AM took hot mineral baths
and massage, Ma improving with the massage treatment.
PM walked out to the magnesia mineral springs, drank 3 glasses
each. Evening saw Tom Mix in “The Best Bad Man”.
Evening heavy thunder and rain. Got letter from Howe Hotel.
January 21, 1926 AM took usual baths.
Rain squalls all day. Ma troubled with neuritis. Evening
saw “Off the Highway”, Minnesota girl in London scene. No
word from Clara yet. Evening flurries of snow. In room
all day. Evening concert in hotel lobby.
January 22, 1926 Cold wave, 18 above at Hot
Springs, Arkansas. AM took baths and massages. PM
walked out to south Hot Springs, came back in car, chilly today.
Received letter from Clara, moved from St. Petersburg to Winter
Park, Florida. Evening stayed in, listened to orchestra in
hotel lobby.
January 23, 1926 Temperature -14 at Hot Springs,
Arkansas. AM took baths and massages. Ma improving
with baths. PM took long walk and drank Hot Springs water
at government bath fountains. Evening saw show and heard
radio. Mailed several panorama views of Hot Springs to Wasilla.
January 24, 1926 Sunday +40 at Hot Springs,
Arkansas. Took usual hot baths AM. PM took
walk, sat in park near Arlington Hotel and watched the style go
by. Received first letter from Stanley, dated January 7th.
Evening saw Charlie Chaplan in “Gold Rush to Alaska”. PM saw
Rin-Tin-Tin dog in southern play.
January 25, 1926 Took baths AM, and evening,
took long walks. Got first roll of Wasilla papers, said
McKinley was not smoking, was a false rumor. Cloudy all day.
Sent Elliott views.
January 26, 1926 Took 11th mineral bath and
8th massage. PM took walk and absorbed sun in park.
Evening saw picture show, “Must Get There” and a lot of amateur
shows, very fine day. Sent Roe view folder.
January 27, 1926 Finished my coarse
of 12 mineral baths and 9 massages. Mattie took 8 massages
and 12 baths, ready to go north on Friday. Had picture taken
on jackass cart in old Arkansas. Took two long walks, PM
and evening. No show today. Sent Mrs. McMillan box
candy.
January 28, 1926 Ma finished her baths.
PM took usual walk and sun bath. Got picture of self and
Ma leaving Arkansas. Evening saw show “The Winding Stair”.
Got Pullman berth to Kansas City. Got 2nd letter from Clara.
January 29, 1926 Left Hot Springs 6 PM northbound.
PM sat in park, took in show, Buck Jones. A-1 weather
leaving Hot Springs like Seattle weather.
January 30, 1926 Arrived Kansas City,
Missouri at noon, 3:30 PM for Rochester, Minnesota. Saw
comedy show and had dinner up town. No snow and fine weather
at Kansas City. Arrived Des Moines, Iowa 10 PM. No snow
but raining.
January 31, 1926 Sunday. Arrived
at Rochester, Minnesota 7 AM. Had breakfast then went
to Howe Hotel. Got 2nd letter from Stanley with letter
from Clara in Ohio. Stanley reported that Mr. Reedy died
of heart failure while out on his trap line. No snow in Rochester,
late rain turned snow to ice.
February 1, 1926 Temperature 20 above,
cold wind at Rochester, Minnesota, on way to Seattle, Washington.
AM went to Eyota, saw Mr. Franke, agent for Dad’s estate.
Roe came in with bobsled. Drove out to Dad’s farm. Met
Roe’s wife, first time. Looked over buildings, etc.
February 2, 1926 On place of birth, 4
miles south of Eyota. Poor Dad in grave 2 years, only change
since visit home in 1900, hedges of trees along road a foot through,
and Dad’s new block house. Talked over division of property
with Roe. Clara now in Florida. Eleven ranches left
in estate, 1,680 acres. Roe renting home farms. Mattie
not feeling well, PM.
February 3, 1926 Roe drove us back to Eyota.
Went over books with Franke, agent of estate, to have a report
in 30 days. Met Jim Tracy, Willie Fisher and Bush the druggist,
all old schoolmates. Arrived at Rochester 5 PM. Now
ready for Seattle. Ma some better today.
February 4, 1926 No snow on St. Paul
streets. Rochester to St. Paul, Minnesota. Sent
$4 on K. P. dues to 7/1/26. Paid Oscar Rankin, attorney,
$20 for legal services account Dad’s estate 1924. Called
on Lawyer Christianson, attorney on Dad’s estate. Left Rochester
4 PM arrived St. Paul 7:30 PM. Put up at Com. Hotel.
Saw picture show “Three Wise Fools” and a good vaudeville at Orpheum.
Saw drunk run down 3 women on 6th Street on way home from show.
Wrote Stanley.
February 5, 1926 Got routing changed to Milwaukee
Line. Looked over St. Paul AM. PM took auto bus
for Minneapolis. Put up at Ritz Hotel, fine place, took
in show at Pantage’s. Evening picture show, streets muddy
here also. Had New England dinner, 40¢.
February 6, 1926 AM looked over stores, noon
left on Olympian Special for Seattle, Washington. Arrived
Aberdeen, South Dakota 8:45, fine country town. Dinner
$2.50 on diner. Mailed cards to Wasilla.
February 7, 1926 In route to Seattle on Milwaukee
Olympian Special. Passed through many good towns in Montana
and no snow, arrived Butte 9:25 PM. Mailed Arkansas cards
to Wasilla and to Roe at Eyota.
February 8, 1926 Fine trip, Minneapolis
to Seattle, arrived at 7 PM. Found mail at hotel St. Regis
from Stanley, Eva, Mrs. McMillan, Clara and May Kellogg.
After supper, visited at McKay Apartments, then Mattie gave the
show windows the once over. Warm weather.
February 9, 1926 At Seattle, +58 an rain.
AM visited apartment houses, finally located at Spring Apartment
Hotel, everything modern, electric range, bath, radio, all for
$65 a month. May Kellogg visited, full of Alaska bull.
Rain all PM.
February 10, 1926 A-1 day noon, went out to
trade, Ma bought new coat, sweater and hat, now ready for society.
Rented Smith typewriter for a month. Got grub for the kitchen.
Wired Stanley our address. Evening saw picture show.
Seattle bank balance $941.42.
February 11, 1926 Clear evening, much cooler,
+49. Sent Arkansas post cards to Sylvester’s and Mrs. Morris,
announcing our arrival and location. Started letter to Clara.
PM took in pictures and vaudeville at Pantage’s. Evening
got good program from KJR, radio. Evening cooler, turned on
heat.
February 12, 1926 Frost AM cool day.
Got wire from Stanley for merchandise and OK at home.
PM Sylvester’s visited. Evening May Kellogg and Mrs. Morris
and son visited. Sent letters to Stanley, Clara and Roe.
February 13, 1926 Shopped at the city market,
bought Sunday grub. Ma complaining some, had no “pep”.
Evening saw “Phantom of the Opera”. Ordered goods from Fischer’s
Bros. Co. for store at Wasilla.
February 14, 1926 Sunday, cloudy and
cooler, 4 above at Seattle, Washington. Attended church
with Sy family, then spent rest of day with them at Mt. Baker
Park residence, home at 8 PM. Mrs. Kellogg, Anderson and
brother visited. Got fine concert on radio.
February 15, 1926 AM went out and visited on
several jobbers. Sent Stanley list of goods ordered.
Got invite from Ben Grier to attend Chamber Commerce oil talk and
luncheon. Mayor Brown gave talk over radio, evening.
February 16, 1926 Wrote C. P. Pederson, Anchorage
about going in on schooner and trading business. Evening attended
oil lecture at Chamber Commerce all about oil prospects in Washington.
May Kellogg visited. Pantage’s show PM. Met Canfield.
February 17, 1926 Attended Mining Club luncheon
at Chamber Commerce with Ben Grier. Met Snooks on 2nd Avenue.
Mrs. Morris visited on Mattie PM, went out shopping. Evening
saw Mexican boarder picture show.
February 18, 1926 Busy day in society. Sylvester
drove us out through Capitol Hill District, then took us to
show at Moore’s Theater. Evening Mrs. Kellogg visited with
Mr. Wood and mother, to talk over the Cannon Ranch deal.
February 19, 1926 PM saw “Don’t” show at Palace
Hospital account benefit for Seattle disabled soldiers. Evening
visited on Stanley and Mrs. Morris, they had good radio, they
drove us home in car. Made reservations, Admiral Line, for
trip home in April.
February 20, 1926 PM saw “Connecticut Yankee”
at Blue Mouse. Received February 14 letter from Stanley
with pictures and Times, still mild weather and business fair.
Evening saw college girl picture. No callers today.
Met Jas Williams on street, said he paid bill past due.
February 21, 1926 Sunday, attended church
with Sy family and took dinner and spent all PM with them at Mt.
Baker Park Lake Washington. Home 8 PM, got fine program
over radio.
February 22, 1926 Heard George Washington
program over radio. PM took walk around town. Saw
fire wagons make two runs account fires. Took in show.
Met Jack Anderson just got back from Mayo Clinic. Evening
KJR program very good. Evening hail storm.
February 23, 1926 Rain, evening windy
at Seattle, Washington, #89 Spring Apartment Hotel. Placed orders
with Fisher Bros. Co. and Matchett-Macklem Co. Mrs. Morris visited,
had dinner then all went to the show at Winter Gardens.
Primary election today, Mrs. Landes highest vote. Evening
big wind.
February 24, 1926 PM looked over Grier’s clothing
samples. Got Chancellor cigars at Fisher Bros. and placed
drop shipment order for Velvet and Star. Evening with Ben
Grier family, saw movie pictures from Victoria to Hyder Mine, Alaska.
Mrs. Kellogg visited.
February 25, 1926 Mr. Teal, inventor of hydro
oil fire, visited wanted me to take selling agency for Alaska.
Got wire from Stanley for various merchandise. Mrs. Kellogg visited
with hotel friend, said she had only one more chance to raise money
account Cannon’s Ranch, due March 1st.
February 26, 1926 Saw 5 hour Vaudeville
and picture show at Pantage Theater. Evening went up Pike
Street and saw auto shows. Looked over one ton Chevrolet
truck. Heard Mayor Brown on radio.
February 27, 1926 Mrs. Kellogg visited account
final payment on Cannon Ranch, no money. Got letter from Clara,
answer to my Rochester letter, could come to Rochester in April
wanted to come to Alaska with us.
February 28, 1926 Sunday, attended Methodist
Church, fine choir. PM took 3 hour walk along waterfront.
Evening saw picture show. Got letter from Clara about
dividing home estate.
March 1, 1926 Summer day at Seattle,
Washington. No Alaska mail, boat overdue. PM drew more
insurance money. Saw show, did shopping. Evening
visited on Sy’s at Mt. Baker Park. Heard Auburn radio program.
Invited on auto ride tomorrow.
March 2, 1926 AM took up Cannon deed at Seattle
Mutual Bank account non-payment by Mrs. Kellogg. Sy’s visited
and took us for ride to Green River Valley. Visited the Flaming
Guiser, water salty and gas on water burned. Left card at
Bill Bartholf’s, no one home. Evening received letter from
W. D. Elliott. Met Ben Marino.
March 3, 1926 Wrote Franke, Roe and Clara about
division of estate. Received weekend letter from Stanley,
also nice letter from Mr. Elliott. Had Sylvester’s at lunch
and took them to show at President Theater. Ma had stomach
trouble today. Met George Sexton on street.
March 4, 1926 Saw Mr. Teal’s hydro gas
burner and ate lunch with him at the Arctic Club. Placed
Stanley’s orders for groceries. Visited on Order of Bats and
was initiated over radio KJR.
March 5, 1926 Got wire from Stanley account
office supplies. Got mail off to Alaska. Wrote Wilmoth
about Cannon homestead deed. PM went out to visit Stanley
Morse and mother. Self walked over Ballard, way many new houses
home at 10:30 PM.
March 6, 1926 Went over to Tacoma to look around.
Saw big auto parade account Mayor. City looked rather
old and worn. Had lunch and dinner, arrived home at Seattle
9 PM. Received first letter from Roe account estate.
March 7, 1926 Sunday, read papers and
heard sermon from Methodist Dr. J. Ralph Magee, pastor over radio.
PM visited Woodland Park for first time, saw Carrie Nation and
Seward brown bear. Evening at home, listened to song services
over radio. Answered Roe’s and Pearson’s letters.
March 8, 1926 Received 2 letters from Stanley
about galvanized iron for Gronwaldt and $100 check for self.
Also, read letter from Sam Manilla, West Virginia, met at Rochester
in January. Mattie got letter from Carrie. Evening sewing on
buttons and enjoying radio concerts. Colder in Alaska.
March 9, 1926 City election, reported Mrs.
Landes won over Mayor Brown. Answered letters, wrote
to Frank McGuire, Connecticut. PM saw show at Pantage Theater.
Evening rubbered a while at Times election returns. Saw show
at Winter Garden.
March 10, 1926 Mrs. Landes won over Dr. Brown,
Mayor for Seattle, City Manager plan lost. Visited Lilly’s,
Lang and Love Dry Goods Co. Mrs. Kellogg visited, said
she might “step out” and get married. Evening saw “Stepping
Out” at Blue Mouse, extra singing, colored quartet was good.
Paid months rent to April 9th at Spring Apartment Hotel.
March 11, 1926 A-1 day evening rain at
Seattle, Washington. Received wire from Stanley for forage,
fruit and jams. Called on Lilly Co. Lawrence brought
us home by auto. Mrs. Dr. Kevig visited. Evening visited
on Sylvester’s at Mt. Baker Park. Mattie visited up Mrs.
Caveny.
March 12, 1926 Got off Alaska mail. Received
reply from T. F. Franke on division of estate: Roe $40,000,
self $40,700, Clara $41,200 per his idea of dividing Dad’s estate.
PM saw Orpheum show.
March 13, 1926 A-1 day 60 above at Seattle,
Washington. Mailed Franke and Clara a report showing my
idea of dividing Dad’s estate. Net values at present price
of land would net each, over $40,000. Evening saw show at
the Palace Vaudeville. Mrs. Kellogg, after 2 weeks, no-c-um.
March 14, 1926 Stanley and Eva married at Wasilla.
Left Seattle 9 with George Vans and wife, to visit Dr. Kivig
and wife at Poulsbo - Swede Town. Had a fine dinner and
talked over old days in Alaska. Evening saw show at Strand
Theater.
March 15, 1926 Received weekend letter from
Stanley, bought 10 tons more coal for furnace. Got 2 letters
from Clara, said Roe should pay for machinery on home farm. Sent 2
cases butter, on Watson mail. PM looked over Reo and Graham
Bros. trucks.
March 16, 1926 PM saw real circus at Pantage’s,
both in pictures and live animals, trick elephant was good.
Evening had New England dinner at Sylvester’s, Mt. Baker.
March 17, 1926 Visited on Matchett Macklem
Co., ordered Maxwell coffee, rye crisp and catsup, talked over
error on strawberry boxes, they wanted same returned by schooner.
Would also advise Grier, their Alaska agent, to try and sell them.
Evening saw good show.
March 18, 1926 PM took trip out to Fremont
to look up septic tanks. Also got new bolts for Stanley’s
Roadster. Evening saw picture show and heard bad program
on radio 10:30 to 12 PM. Got letter from Roe.
March 19, 1926 Received letter from Clara
at Winter Park, Florida about estate in Minnesota. Now
ready to sell farms account taxes and upkeep. PM took stroll
up to 12th Avenue account auto shops. Bought die taps account
Stanley’s car (2) $1.30, bolts 45¢. Evening saw Palace
Vaudeville Show. Met Horning and Byron Bartholf on street.
March 20, 1926 A-1 day 62 above at Seattle,
Washington. AM on mail, wrote to Clara, Roe and Mr. Franke
about Dad’s estate. Mattie visited “whole wheat” Club
and luncheon. PM saw Kelly and Cohen’s. Evening radio
music. Horning went north.
March 21, 1926 Sunday at Auburn, Washington.
AM attended Dr. Mathews church with Mrs. Caveny. PM visited
Will Bartholf’s with Caveny’s. Had a fine dinner and lunch.
“Caught” on donation at Mathew’s church.
March 22, 1926 Cloudy and windy at Seattle.
Received letter from Frank McGuire’s son, saying his father Frank
McGuire, died last April at New Britain, Connecticut. PM
looked up freezing plant for store. Evening mail, heard from
Stanley, had chance to lease Fishhook Inn for 2 years, sent order
for merchandise. Mattie got letter from Carrie and Art.
March 23, 1926 Busy placing orders for Knik
Trading Co. sent by Stanley, manager. Mattie and Mrs. Morris
out shopping. Placed order for groceries, clothing and
produce. Wired Stanley to buy Fishhook Inn, in preference
to 3 year lease. Saw no shows today.
March 24, 1926 Received letter from Clara,
said my division of Dad’s estate was OK. PM had my teeth
overhauled and cleaned, cost $30. Evening saw good show
at Palace Hosp.
March 25, 1926 A-1 day at Bainbridge
Island. Sent bolts for Stanley’s Roadster. Self
bought new spring overcoat. Left on 5:30 PM boat to visit
Mrs. Fred Sylvester for one day at her fine home. Ma not feeling
well account gas.
March 26, 1926 Temperature 64 above at
Bainbridge Island, Ferncliff Landing. AM looked over
Sylvester’s 10 acre ranch. Cherry and pear trees in bloom,
then a Mr. Gowling drove us all over the island was warm and a
beautiful day, saw the Moran School for Boys. Arrived home
(Seattle) 5 PM, found wire from Stanley about Mike Sherry’s stock.
10 PM received mail from Stanley and Wilmoth. Got one bid
on Cannon Ranch. Ma not feeling good, old trouble.
March 27, 1926 PM visited auto house on 9th
and 12th Avenue, bought magneto coupler. Got price on 1½
ton G. B. Truck, $1,672 with cab, cord tires, 158” wheel base.
One ton truck $1,257.50, 33x5 tires. Bought new hat.
Evening saw show. Ma losing her pep.
March 28, 1926 Sunday at Mt. Baker Park.
AM heard two Irish Methodists from Belfast, Ireland over radio.
PM visited Sy family, took auto ride up to Snoqualmie Falls 40
mile road very dusty. Ma still ailing account stomach.
March 29, 1926 Received letter from Clara,
had ankle agony, said Roe should pay for tractors and grain
separator on estate. AM drew on insurance fund, bought
return ticket, $123.30, Seattle to Rochester, Minnesota.
PM saw Vaudeville at Pantage’s. Now ready for trip account
division of Dad’s estate. Ma not feeling well, going to
take chiropractic treatment.
March 30, 1926 At Seattle and East.
Placed Stanley’s order for clothing with A. V. Love Co.
Mattie had exam by Tracy and Tracy, Osteopath, decided to take
10 treatments for her nerve trouble. Packed up for 2nd trip to
Rochester, Minnesota. Left 8 PM to divide Dad’s estate, Mattie
remaining in Seattle.
March 31, 1926 On Oriental Limited, east,
arrived Spokane 7 AM rain last night, sun today weather very
warm. Mattie at Spring Apartment Hotel, while self making
2nd trip to Minnesota account estate.
April 1, 1926 Passed through Glacier Park,
Rocky Mountains. Only a little snow on mountain high
peaks. Mountain streams all open, Seattle to Minnesota.
April 2, 1926 A-1 day arrived at St.
Paul 7:30 AM, arrived Rochester 12:30 PM, visited on Howe’s,
left 3:10 for Eyota. Mr. Franke drove me out to old home.
Got as far as Monette 80, account muddy road, walked ½ mile
down to Dad’s estate. Roe and Florence surprised to see me.
April 3, 1926 At home farm, Eyota, Minnesota,
froze last night. Roe’s water system went on the bum,
helped fix it. Roe drove to Chatfield for oil meal. Self
took a stroll over farms. Went up through Burr Oak Grove, down
to Seymour Farm to New Quarter, Kendall Quarter and Monette 80, three
mile walk. Evening a couple arrived by auto from New York state
to visit Florence.
April 4, 1926 Sunday, at home farm, Eyota,
Minnesota. Roe’s company left for New York state by auto
car. PM helped Roe put 4 brood sows in pens and fixed up
barn. 4 PM started to snow and still at it 10 PM. Did
not get to inspect the Burnap and Coger ranches. Going to Eyota
tomorrow to see Mr. Franke account estate. Wrote Mattie letter.
Roe brought little pig into house to nurse.
April 5, 1926 At home farm, Eyota, Minnesota.
Four inches snow, zero AM ground covered with snow. PM
went to Eyota with Roe after coal. Saw Mr. Franke about estate.
Had 1924 and 1925 report ready, about $1,100 cash on hand and 1926
taxes due. Evening checked up disbursements with Roe, receipts
$21,000 paid out $20,000 for improvements and taxes.
April 6, 1926 At home farm, Eyota, Minnesota,
cloudy 30 above. AM helped Roe to start Tin Lizzie,
drove over to Singleton farm and Burnap farm. Inspected buildings,
all in fair condition, snow and roads very bad. Got renter
for Coger 80.
April 7, 1926 At home farm, Eyota, Minnesota,
partly cloudy. Snow about gone, roads very muddy.
Roe went to town with cream and for coal. Franke had deeds
ready to sign account division of Dad’s estate. Got letter from
Mattie dated April 2nd said she was OK.
April 8, 1926 At Eyota, Minnesota. First
warm spring day since earlier snow storm. With Roe and Florence,
drove to Eyota to sign deeds account division of Dad’s estate.
Self got 4 farms, 560 acres and ½ of Seymour farm, also
1 share stock, Farmers State Bank.
April 9, 1926 Roe took me by auto to Rochester,
1 hour, arrived at noon. Took Roe and wife to show.
Left for St. Paul, 3 hour delay at St. Paul. Left St.
Paul at 10:45 PM on Glacier Park Limited for Portland and Seattle.
Sent post card to Mattie. Took out $10,000 account, insurance.
April 10, 1926 Farmers seeding grain in North
Dakota 10 days ahead of Minnesota. At Minot 1:40 PM, Williston
4:30, good town at Snowdon, Nebraska 5:28 Mo. River. Mailed
letters to Clara and Roe. Evening arrived Rocky Mountains.
April 11, 1926 Sunday, on G. N. Glacier
Park Limited, westbound. AM passed through Glacier Park
District, snow about all gone, mountain streams very low.
Only 4 passengers in my car. Arrived Spokane 7:40, left Spokane
8:45 for Portland, raining. Wired Mattie, arriving Seattle
Monday evening 7:15.
April 12, 1926 Perfect day, orchards
in bloom. Arrived Portland on N. P. 7 AM. Looked
up Horace and Mabel Pullen at Dodge Co. 1048 E. Burnside.
Braley married to George A. Braley president of Braley and Graham
Dodge Co. Portland agents, visited until noon, left 1 PM.
Arrived Seattle 7:15, Mattie at Union Depot to meet me. Letter
From Stanley said he married Eva.
April 13, 1926 At Seattle, Washington.
Placed orders for groceries, forage, clothing and fruits.
Called on Seattle Tent and Awning, looked over Kholer Lights
and bathroom fixtures. Evening saw good show at palace.
Received card from Dr. _____ at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, wanted us
to call. Mattie and self got vaccinated per order from Washington
D. C.
April 14, 1926 At Seattle, warm day.
Got wire from Stanley for more goods. Called on Fischer
Bros. Goodrich Rubber Co. and Fairbanks Morse. Mattie took
2 massages. Paid for boat fare home on SS Yukon (2) $156.
$10,000 insurance, $4. Looked up water system.
April 15, 1926 Wrote Franke and Clara about
estate. Told Mr. Franke I would allow him 5% on net cash
from sale of Burnap and Coger 80. price $100 per acre. PM
visited on Carman Mfg. Co. Fairbanks Morse and L. C. Warner Radio
Co. Ordered amplifier set for phonograph. Mattie took
2 massage treatments and visited on Mr. Morris.
April 16, 1926 Seattle, Washington. Visited
on Elmer Moody Co. Ordered windows and paining stop.
Looked up non-sulphating batteries. Checked trunk to
Seward. PM saw seals perform at Pantage’s. Evening
visited on Sylvester’s, got letter from Clara, Florence’s baby
came dead. All packed for Alaska.
April 17, 1926 Departed from Seattle
for Wasilla, Alaska on SS Yukon, Mrs. Caveny and Alice
at boat, big crowd on dock. Full passenger list and freight,
two dozen autos on board. Al Davis, Ben Marino and Doc McCallie
on board. Evening dancing in social hall.
April 18, 1926 Sunday on SS Yukon, northbound.
Delayed account of tide at Seymour Narrows, 5 hours.
Orchestra and dancing. Col. Steese and Mr. Rabe on board,
got off at Juneau.
April 19, 1926 Arrived at Ketchikan 9 AM left
at noon. Saw C. King, said she and John Chamberlain would
tie up soon. Shonbeck got aboard. Discharged 400 tons
freight and passengers cannery at midnight.
April 20, 1926 Arrived at Juneau 9 PM left
midnight. Met Mr. Sostad, has property in Atlin District.
April 21, 1926 Arrived at Port Althorp Deep
Sea Salmon Co. 9 AM discharged 400 tons freight, left for Cordova
5 PM, sea calm on crossing sound. Met Mr. Adams and Fisher,
druggist and U. S. Cartg. Co.
April 22, 1926 Crossed Gulf of Alaska, 23 hours
to Cape Hinchinbrook. Arrived at Cordova 7:30 PM.
Took Ma and Mrs. Grier to show. Clear and dry for once at
Cordova. Left for Valdez at 3.
April 23, 1926 Arrived at Valdez at noon, left
3 PM Arrived at Nellie Juan 6:30 to discharge 400 tons freight.
Clear and warm at Valdez, took walk around town. Evening new
music and dancing, banjo, saxophone and piano.
April 24, 1926 Latouche to Seward. AM
visited at 4 canneries near Latouche. Arrived at Seward 3 PM,
A-1 smooth trip, all the way from Seattle to Seward. Put
up at Hotel Sexton. Stanley and Eva arrived 7:30 train. Evening
all saw show.
April 25, 1926 Sunday, at Seward, Alaska.
In route to Wasilla. Wrote Clara, sent her Seward paper.
Heavy rain all day. Yukon left 9 AM for Seattle. Met Martin
Lanning and Judge Whittlesey and Miss Gorden. Evening all attended
show, Norma Elephant, leading character.
April 26, 1926 Ma, Stanley, Eva and self
left Seward 7:45 AM, arrived Wasilla 4 PM. Snow from mile 12
to Turnagain Arm, no snow at Anchorage or Wasilla. Evening
drove car to ridge summit. Evening brought in Anchorage radio
program, Herman listened in. Eva went home with her mother.
Gone 4 months Outside.
April 27, 1926 A-1 day 50 above. Stanley
and self unloaded ½ car general merchandise. Took
off storm windows on store annex. Primary election today.
Stanley rented Zink’s small house at $10 month. Evening St.
Clair’s visited. Jimmie had out 2 teeth. Auto roads dry,
2 weeks ahead of last season. Cost of trip Outside $2,039.17
for 4 months.
April 28, 1926 At home at Wasilla, Alaska.
Stanley cut load wood account housekeeping. Made out
deed account Cannon Ranch sold to George Zink. Zink visited
PM Evening drove out to 19 road dry but rough account smoothing
with grader.
April 29, 1926 Self working accounts of Cannon
estate. George Zink made final payment on Cannon Ranch,
$500 cash delivered deed. Stanley fixing up Zink cottage
to live in. Ma busy cleaning house. Road Commission
smoothing up roads and working on Bogard Road. Evening took
joy ride party down Tote Road, three miles. Ben Marino arrived.
No radio.
April 30, 1926 Stanley made out monthly statements.
Self priced up new merchandise and drew checks to cover late
shipments received. Stanley got bad cold. Evening
got Anchorage radio program. Reported Wilkins got back from Point
Barrow to Fairbanks after a weeks delay.
May 1, 1926 Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage
to trade. Ellexson in from Knik to trade. Sold Zink
balance of Cannon farm machinery and cooking utensils. Cannon
estate about cleaned up.
May 2, 1926 Sunday, windy, store open 9 to
12 AM .Glued up dining room chairs. PM drove down to Vail's
with laundry, Brown went along. Drove up to ridge summit,
stones on road makes rough riding. Stanley spending weekend
at Anchorage. Heard last part of Rev. John Youal sermon at
Anchorage over radio.
May 3, 1926 Repaired linoleum on kitchen floor.
Stanley back from Anchorage. Got 2 letters from Clara,
Florence lost her baby. Stanley moved to Zink cabin.
Evening Rev. John Youal, of Anchorage held services at school house,
Mattie star audience. Evening had in KFQD Anchorage radio program.
Reported, Eddie Hemback going “nuts”. England coal strike
on.
May 4, 1926 Stanley started to drive truck
for A. R. Commission account Eddie going nuts. Eddie broke
out window last night at Hans place. Put Dan Gray on as guard.
Sam Kelly finished for a weeks vacation. Evening drove
down to Vail's for laundry. Mrs. W. visited. Fleck’s
got house fire adjusted today.
May 5, 1926 Self chief clerk down to
janitor in store. Sam making garden. Stanley 2nd day on
ARC truck Eva bought first bill of goods account housekeeping.
Guards took Eddie Hemback to Anchorage went completely nuts last
night, Dan and Wilmoth took him to Anchorage.
May 6, 1926 Cloudy and cooler, 58 above,
business good. Sales $201.44, collections $209.05. St.
Clair and Ellexson in to trade. Mrs. St. Clair marketed
her first eggs. Got Evans mail. Edmundson gave dinner
party at Wasilla Hotel. Mike Sherry up from Anchorage to
drive 100’ of tunnel.
May 7, 1926 Snodgrass and Clark visited for
supplies. Evening Stanley brought Miller in with Miller’s
car. Miller wants to sell car, can’t crank it. Evening
got Anchorage radio club program most all phonograph music.
Got World News, Fleck’s and Silma listened in. Traded $500
grub for 10,000 shares Grant M. Co. stock
May 8, 1926 McAllen placed order for camp utensils.
Got order from Kashwitna. Sold W. C. Mines a ton spuds
for $70. Eva and schoolmarm went to Knik with Edmundson.
Bert McClarty went to Anchorage. Metz in to trade. Snow
on mountain last night. Evening drove down to Donovan’s, road
good. Farmers through planting. Stanley took Miller’s
car for sale.
May 9, 1926 Sunday, turned over truck
engine, went off OK. Ellexson in from Knik. Went
to Junction with Edmundson. Evening drove down to Vail's
with laundry, then drove out to Mullen’s ARC camp. Stanley
had bad cold. Got last of Anchorage church service.
May 10, 1926 Werner and Allma over from
Palmer to trade. Freight arrived at Seward too late for
delivery today. Sam back from Anchorage. Grau got a
bump in ribs pulling stumps on Bogard Road. Evening got
world news and program over radio from Anchorage. Commander
Baird flew over North Pole from Kings Bay in 15 hours and 30 minutes.
May 11, 1926 Big fire passed along summit ridge,
going westerly passed Patchell’s ranch. Henry Fischer
and Frank Watson in for merchandise. Evening Marion drove to the
Junction, took Eva and schoolmarm along. Adolph Olson back
from 3 week visit at Seattle.
May 12, 1926 Smokey account big fire.
Bogard in for merchandise. Noon, drove up to ridge summit
to see Stanley at ARC camp. PM smoked meats and oats arrived,
hauled it over with old truck. Evening drove out to Miller’s ranch,
had 5 joy riders. On return, Wade was waiting for grub order.
Grau family went to Anchorage account broken ribs.
May 13, 1926 Put up order for Jack Frisby Mine.
Gus’ horses came to town from mines looking for green grass.
Ellexson in, Mrs. Pennington went to Knik with them.
Ma visited on Zink baby. Amundsen crossed pole yesterday
from Kings Bay on way to Nome, Alaska, in the Zeppelin Norge,
crew of 18 aboard the Zeppelin. Wasilla Ice Pool $60.
May 14, 1926 St. Clair up for Martin Larson
and wife. Gus in. Evening got Anchorage radio.
Zeppelin Norge left Kings Bay this morning, but not heard from
tonight. Watson left Seattle with 51 passengers for Seward.
May 15, 1926 Put up orders for Willow and Houston
Stations. Evening Stanley in, cold bad yet, offered him
chief clerk job in store. Evening took joy ride down to
Moffat ranch. Patchell and others went to Anchorage.
May 16, 1926 Miller in, claimed he found big
pay in his old tunnel at mile 30. PM drove Miller out
to his ranch, saw Stanley at mile 6 ARC camp. Big fires
in the woods, Patchell’s place would have gone only for Vail’s,
Miller and Hans. Evening, Anchorage church on radio, NG.
May 17, 1926 Sales $180, hauled 2 shipments
to depot, drove up to Shorty’s place with feed. A family
of 7 arrived. Evening KFQD gave detailed report on the Norge
landing at Teller, Alaska, disassembled plane, not going to Nome.
Two airplanes left Fairbanks for Teller with moving picture outfits.
Soper family arrived. Stanley in from mile 6 camp.
May 18, 1926 Experimental farm man over
evening for grub. Surveyors for ARC arrived, brought his
own car. Evening drove out to mile 6 to see Stanley.
Answered Clara’s letters, told her to sell the Seymour farm for cash.
May 19, 1926 Metz in to trade, got several
small orders. Seattle freight, 1½ tons arrived,
got green stuff. Evening Stanley in from ARC camp.
George Bailey visited. Gave Felch order for rubber goods,
clothing and checks. Evening windy.
May 20, 1926 Got letter from Clara, answer
to my letter written on boat, leaving Florida for Athens, Ohio.
Berkley got bumped on Winter Park real estate, Florida boom off.
Wilmoth put in stationary stock Got green stuff on last
boat, lettuce, etc. McArdle’s brother arrived to look after
estate.
May 21, 1926 Ellexson out form Knik for supplies.
Sent 2 orders north train. Patzack went to Lucky Shot Mine.
Gus got Chevrolet ½ ton car, second handed. Snider
visited on St. Clair’s. New York party wants to buy dirigible Norge
for exhibition funds for Red Cross.
May 22, 1926 Drove to Doherty’s for stored
spuds. McAllen in, went to Anchorage. Evening Stanley
through driving truck for Road Commission, Leonard Grau took
truck. Stanley started Gus truck, would only back up, differential
on bum. Dan McArdle’s brother moved down to ranch. Ellexson
in from Knik.
May 23, 1926 Sunday, took down kitchen
pump and cleaned the valves. Evening drove out to Miller’s
ranch. Stanley returned his car from ARC camp at mile 6.
Paid Seattle merchandise bills. Grau took Stanley’s truck
He had to call Stanley to start the engine at ARC camp.
May 24, 1926 Stanley started to work in store
again as chief clerk. Got fruit on Sunday freight.
No passenger train today. Sam Kelly started to work for
ARC as bull cook. McArdle’s brother went to work for ARC.
Dolph Smith shot, at Blue Goose Roadhouse, today, by Tom Perch, tractor
driver at Kanatak oil town. Evening Anchorage radio fair.
May 25, 1926 First rain for 6 weeks, badly
needed. Self making out clothing orders. Mrs. Forker
arrived from Ninilchik where she taught school, went out to
Mabel Mine. St. Clair and Bogard in. Train arrived
with mail 9 PM, delayed account slides on Seward end.
May 26, 1926 Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage
account his hoarseness, to see doctor. Sam Guyot arrived
from Talkeetna, gave him an order. Evening drove down
to Metz’s and J. G. Johnson ranches account of Metz delivering
contract spuds sold to mines. Sam Guyot and Selma went along.
Evening ordered clothing from Portland.
May 27, 1926 Finished Outside orders for merchandise.
Chas Isaac and wife on way to mine. Nick Brake back from
Anchorage. Mr. Styles, operator, up from Anchorage to look
after the assessment work on old Shough Mine. Stanley back
from Anchorage. No freight today.
May 28, 1926 Sam Guyot and Gaston left for
Anchorage via Paul’s car to Junction, Paul’s car broke down
near Junction. Ellexson and St. Clair in. Red Jack’s
boy and teacher went to Knik with Ellexson. Chas Marino over
to trade. Evening Herning family drove to Matanuska via Palmer,
visited on Hoffman’s.
May 29, 1926 Evening oiled up car and
pumped up tires, caught KGO signing off at 12:15, had in KFI but
wireless interrupted. Gus went to Anchorage on account
of his bilked car. Ordered amplifier for phonograph.
May 30, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town.
Stanley and Eva drove to Knik account Ellexson chicken dinner.
Mrs. Pennington and Selma came back with them. PM posted
on National ledger. Evening drove down to Vail’s with laundry.
Wilmoth Co. all fishing. Evening light shower.
May 31, 1926 Paul got woman cook for Fishhook
Inn, Marion Edmundson still at Fairbanks. Ellexson
out from Knik with spuds. Evening got first of Doherty’s
contract spuds. Kempf in route to mines. Got KFQD Anchorage
radio program and world news. Got letter from Roe.
June 1, 1926 A-1 hot day. Metz and Ellexson
brought in balance of spuds. School picnic on at railroad
bridge Cottonwood Creek, Ma attended, Stanley and self drove down
and took their pictures. Evening dance on in honor of Selma,
the teacher. Ellexson’s out to picnic. Finished monthly
bills 11 PM.
June 2, 1926 Partly cloudy business normal.
Eva went to Anchorage with Frank’s trunk for her mother at Anchorage.
Freight train south late. Self appointed on July 4th finance
committee. Stanley printed some circulars on entertainment.
Hans busy on Willow Creek Mine freight.
June 3, 1926 Cloudy cool showers. Joe
Brassel in from Willow Creek Canyon, went on to Houston.
Miss Simonson left for 2 weeks visit at Curry. Evening drove
down to Metz ranch for 3 sacks spuds 288 lbs., short 12 lbs.
Two lady visitors arrived, went to Willow Creek Mines. Frank
Hoffman in town.
June 4, 1926 Stanley and mother drove down
to Junction for Eva who came in from Anchorage on branch train.
Got order from Thorpe. Hans started to haul Willow Creek
spuds. Checked down invoices Stanley left off ledger.
Evening Anchorage program clear on radio.
June 5, 1926 Stanley packed grub outfit to
do assessment work on Grubstake placer. Evening attended
dance at Matanuska given to raise funds to buy piano for school,
arrived home 2:20 Sunday. J. J. in from Knik, going to Anchorage
to see doctor.
June 6, 1926 Quiet in town. Stanley
and Eva left for Grubstake Placer mine with Paul’s car.
Evening drove down to Donovan’s. Hired Dan to help Stanley
do assessment work. Delivered laundry at Vail’s. Strawberries
in full bloom.
June 7, 1926 Got 3 truck loads freight. Dan
Donovan left to work on Grubstake Placer. Got world news,
Judge Ritchie out of a job. Pilot Bennett had to make forced
landing and walked 45 miles to Wiseman, Alaska. Got 1st cantaloupes.
Church at school house Ma attended. Second amplifier out
of commission, Anchorage radio good.
June 8, 1926 Hot day 78 above. Mrs. Clark
from experimental farm up to trade. Fosket in for grub.
Gus, mile 107, here over night account railroad bridge burned out
near Willow Station. Jack Wennerberg here, going to cook
at McKinley Park. Flood in, finished cooking at ARC camp,
Willow Road. Bogard in for his lost colt found him at Pittman.
June 9, 1926 Al Walters and wife and
Mrs. Fanning over from Palmer. Bridge rebuilt at Willow
and regular passenger went south. Got a dozen little orders
today lots of work, not much money. Evening wrote Sy about government
radio sets for sale. Hung up hams and bacon.
June 10, 1926 Joe Conroy arrived, went on to
Willow Creek District. Joe said Texas was the coming
boom place. Krogh’s over, joy riding during evening.
Got sample sack of Carter’s special Palmer spuds for a try out.
ARC moving camp from Bogard to Knik Road.
June 11, 1926 Busy marking new goods
and arranging cases in store annex. Ma complaining some
of old trouble. Hot biscuits and honey for supper and going
strong. Evening drove down to Donovan’s with his groceries.
Radio fair, heard WDM announce my letter of suggestions over radio.
Evening paid Seattle invoices.
June 12, 1926 McAllen’s brother in with pack
horse for case butter. Vic Blodgett down from Pittman
to trade. Metz ordered plow and corrugated roofing.
Snider got lumber for new mink houses. South train loaded
with passengers. Evening cool.
June 13, 1926 PM drove out to Fishhook Inn
to see Stanley. Found quartz ledge on Grubstake Placer
claim, Ma and Mrs. Wagner went along, saw black bear and cubs
across river. Mrs. Hartman arrived from trip to Seattle.
Crowd worked on park. Ma not feeling well, same old nerve trouble.
June 14, 1926 Hans took last of spuds for Willow
Creek Mines. Bogard in with spuds and meat for mines.
Joe Palmer reports 10 pup foxes. Wrote Stanley about sluicing
off quartz ledge. Got invoices but no freight. Radio
set on the bum, only 2 tubes working. Three new lads arrived
to work on Knik Road. Ellexson in. Arnold Edlund went
to Pittman for Blodgett.
June 15, 1926 First real hot day, +78,
business normal. McNeil looking for the shade. Evening
drove down to Donovan ranch with mail, Mrs. Wilmoth went along,
treated to rhubarb juice and cake.
June 16, 1926 Second hot day, +88. Joe
Palmer broke, asked for credit. McNeil painted Julia’s
roof. Sliver got Gus’ car working. Evening Gus in
from mines for car. Shipped 2 orders north by express.
McNeil got C and D lumber for his ranch house. Evening wind.
June 17, 1926 Evening Snodgrass over to trade,
bought $75 worth. Hans hauled over 5 loads
Merchandise, was until 11:30 storing it away,
had no help. Louisa Gill arrived for a visit with Ma.
Zink farm and city park on fire today. J. J. back from Anchorage.
June 18, 1926 Business normal, +84.
Big fire on Cannon homestead, came down to Wagner’s place.
Mrs. Wagner crying for help, went out to put fire out on Wagner’s
lot and rail fence. Busy with new goods. Hot day.
Gus drove his old, new car to Fishhook Inn. Strigga around,
7:30 PM for an order.
June 19, 1926 Hot day, +80. Nick and
Joe back from mines. Stanley sent samples of ore for assay.
Ralph Weiss in to trade. J. J. O’Brien returned to ranch.
Ellexson out for supplies from Knik. ARC moved from Bogard
Road to mile 4 on Knik Road. Ordered plow and roofing for
Jake Metz.
June 20, 1926 Sunday, +80. Stanley and
Gus drove down to Miller’s ranch, so met them there. Big
fire north side Lake Wasilla coming toward town. Evening
had Arnold Edlund plow 3 furrows on Boundary Street. Tryck
hauled away all the ARC gasoline to railroad crossing at Lake Wasilla.
Julia packed her valuables. Evening put all cash and bills
receivable in safe. Excursion train went north.
June 21, 1926 Hot and hazy. Business
good, sales nearly $300. Quiet in town, no one had to move
out account forest fires, ARC men stopped fire last evening.
Word came that Mrs. W. A. Johnson, Susitna Roadhouse keeper, died
in the theater in Anchorage. Gus in with his car. Professor
Olson and family arrived for summer vacation. Jess Garver
back from Anchorage. McAllen bought supplies.
June 22, 1926 Got Northwestern freight.
Marked up fishing tackle and auto supplies. Evening Chilligan
brothers down from Houston to trade after closing hour. Drove
down to Mrs. Donovan’s, got first picking of strawberries, 10
quarts at 50¢ selling price. Country covered with smoke.
Couldn’t see Knik Arm from Knik Road. Louise went fishing.
June 23, 1926 Hazy account smoke, cooler,
+70. Stored away 3½ tons forage and whole wheat
flour. Portland dry goods and socks arrived. Pete Peterson
here looking for stock buyers in Trans. Co. Evening Snodgrass
over to trade. Land office man went to Knik account homesteads.
Had big feed of strawberries.
June 24, 1926 Got rid of
1st lot of strawberries at 50¢ quart. Stored away
flour and sugar in store annex. Evening Pittman section
gang down to trade. Bert O’Brien in, first time since last
winter. Evening, drove down to Mrs. Donovan’s, picked 19
quarts berries, 2nd lot. Treated to strawberry shortcake.
June 25, 1926 Shipped case
strawberries to Anchorage, Wasilla 1st on market.
O. C. Miller done up from eating at Willow Creek Inn. Evening
St. Clair’s up to trade, overhauled their car.
June 26, 1926 Busy figuring cost price
of hardware 6/4 invoice. Bogard in with load spuds for
Willow Creek Mines. Louise went fishing. Professor
Olson fishing. McAllen’s brother in from mines. Two
cars went to experimental farm party. Evening drove over to Wagner’s
for 2 sacks spuds. Persson working on park grounds.
Mrs. Wilmoth went to Anchorage account “ousting” proceedings in
happy home. Oiled up Olds car evening.
June 27, 1926 Sunday, cloudy sprinkle
of rain in evening. Ellexson’s out from Knik with two 25¢
tourists, girls walked back to Knik. PM drove out to Fishhook
Inn for Stanley, Eva and Donovan, through doing assessment
work on Grubstake Placer, took Donovan home. Mrs. Donovan
gave us the makings of strawberry cake. Evening St. Clair’s
up. Louise Gill went to Knik with Ellexson’s. Churchill,
of Knik, sent us a mess of strawberries grown on our old store garden,
large size.
June 28, 1926 Partly cloudy and hot.
Stanley on the job again as chief clerk. Got another
lot freight. Noon, drove down to Dan Donovan’s for 4 crates
strawberries. First shipment to Nenana. Mike Sherry
in for order. Mrs. Lander arrived via Anchorage, went out to
mountain home. Evening tried out Bristol attachment on phonograph
with loud speaker. Got orders for strawberry boxes.
Received letters from Roe and Clara, back in Minnesota.
June 29, 1926 Put up 2 orders for strawberry
crates. Johnson and Hyer in to trade, also Carl Engstrom.
Patchell shipped one crate strawberries north. Martin Larson
and wife back from Anchorage. Kelly in town for lame foot.
Mrs. Fleming up from Junction, going to Cottonwood ranch.
June 30, 1926 Light shower last night,
business normal. Strawberry crates going. Marked
up a lot of new goods. Eva went down to Donovan’s to help
pick strawberries. Evening Snodgrass and Wade over to trade.
July 1, 1926 Donovan in with 6 crates berries.
Evening Stanley, Eva and Ma drove down to DD ranch for berries.
Thorpe and wife and Otto in from mines account 4th. Mrs.
Wilmoth back from Anchorage. Pete Peterson back from Knik.
Frank Bayer on way to mines.
July 2, 1926 Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage
for weeks end. Harvey Rutter in from mines, also Gaston.
Delayed on ac/ store work with book accounts. Also, customers,
evening, delayed office work. Milk and guns came.
Over supply of strawberries on Wasilla market. Got Anchorage
on short wave set but not clear.
July 3, 1926 Partly cloudy business rushing.
Several went to Anchorage to spend the fourth. C. A.
Berg and family arrived to spend their fourth at Wasilla.
McAllen and family in with car, took 3 teams to pull car to Fishhook
summit from Willow side. St. Clair’s up, evening, to decorate
community hall for 4th July dance. Prof. Olson went to Anchorage,
family remained in Wasilla. Tough time making out bills
and orders. Louise back from Knik, went to Anchorage.
July 4, 1926 Sunday, cloudy light showers.
Busy in store all day getting ready for celebration tomorrow.
Knik road builders in, evening, account celebration. Several
came back from Anchorage on Brill car. Snider and
Wilmoth putting final touches on park grounds. Evening
bootleggers in from Palmer, drove on to Fishhook Inn. Ma
baked beans and cake for 4th. Stanley at Anchorage.
July 5, 1926 A-1 day Wasilla-ites celebrated
at Johnson Park big dinner. Mrs. Professor Olson read
the Declaration of Independence. PM kid races in front of
our store. Evening big dance at Community Hall. Self
busy in store all day sales $285.20. Had no dinner, ranchers
wanted orders put up while they were at the picnic. Not as large
a crowd as last year. Ellen Fleck arrived. Three drunks
during day.
July 6, 1926 Stanley back on job. Thorpe’s
returned to Grubstake. Conroy and Gaikema went to Grubstake
to prospect. More strawberries than customers.
Donations account 4th July fund, $112.60. One drunk today,
last fourth, no drunks. Slim 4th at Anchorage. Ellen
visiting at Stanley’s.
July 7, 1926 Stanley drove Eva and Ellen down
to the DD ranch to pick berries. Sold 50 KD berry crates
today. Stanley working on his car. Evening experimental
farm help in to trade. Gene Bartholf and Rogers arrived from
States, going into Broad Pass District. Evening Stanley and
mother drove down to Donovan’s for the berry eaters. Jack Tomlinson
back from States.
July 8, 1926 Ma and Eva canning strawberries.
RR ditcher gang here conductor Olson in charge. Haller
went to work on Knik Road for ARC. Sold 70 more berry crates.
Sunday excursion to Chickaloon advertised.
July 9, 1926 Brill gas car towed in from north
by engine several hours late. Stanley, Eva and Ellen went down
to Donovan’s and picked 4 crates strawberries while old Dan bossed
the job. Evening Pittman bunch down to trade. Stanley
paid his New York Life premium, $107.30.
July 10, 1926 Chas Bartholf and Isaac’s in
from mines, C. A. B. went back on 3 legs. Busy pricing
up new goods. Evening dance on at Fishhook Inn.
Ellexson’s, St. Clair’s and Stanley family went with 3 cars.
Paul sick with grip. Miller shipped 10 crates berries south.
Evening cloudy and light rain.
July 11, 1926 Perfect day, closed store
all day. Went on excursion to Chickaloon Coal camp, ten
went from Wasilla, took 6 in our car. Caught train at Matanuska
8 AM arrived Chickaloon 10:30. Had a sandwich then looked
over mines and deserted camp built by Government Bureau of Mines.
Had dinner then walked 2 miles to see Peterson Oil Associates,
drilling for oil near lake in bench, just started first hole, down
40’. Left coal camp 6 PM arrived home 9:45 PM. Met Garfield
and wife, of Seattle C. of C. One hundred six on this picnic.
July 12, 1926 Made July fourth report account
finance committee. Total donations $112.60, disbursements
$104.05, cash left over $8.55, refund on bread $1.40, total cash
on hand $9.95. No freight north today. Sent Nagley
2 gallons currants by express. Preaching at school house tonight.
Ed Mullen returned after 14 months in Cassiar.
July 13, 1926 Hot day, +85, business
good, more orders for berry boxes. Got hardware and groceries
in today’s freight, had a rush after closing time, Section men
from Pitman and orders from experimental farm and help.
Mrs. Kellogg on boat due next Saturday. Evening boys and
girls swimming at Lake Wasilla. Ma on warpath account booze
parties.
July 14, 1926 Sold 369 strawberry crates to
date, 8,856 pint boxes berries now overstocked at the market.
Stanley finished fixing up his Buick car, drove out to 32,
back at 10:30. Sold 75 berry crates today in Anchorage.
Bogard in for feed. Preacher and wife returned to Anchorage.
Sold prospector $75 outfit for Grubstake. Miller sent in berries
and lettuce.
July 15, 1926 A-1 hot day, business rotten
today. Got another order for berry crates. Swimming in
Wasilla Lake now in order. Got Hastings, Nebraska on short
wave set but not clear. New lettuce now plentiful.
Got Outside mail off Evans.
July 16, 1926 Hot day, +80, business
slow. Got lard and pork on today’s freight. Strawberries
still coming in. Forty Mile Miller getting most of the orders
account selling at $3 a crate. Gus in, doctoring up his car.
Stanley and girls drove out to 32. Evening made out order for
hardware and Filson clothing. Otto in from mines going prospecting.
Metz in with first turnips.
July 17, 1926 Put up order for Mabel Mines.
Ya-Yee Johnson in order Filson clothes. Evening dance on
at Fishhook Inn given by Mrs. Hartman, Krogh, Ellexson’s and Stanley
went. Second heavy rain of season. Evening got KGO
and KFI on 2 tubes first time since May. Radio finally went
on the bum, light out.
July 18, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town,
heavy rain all last night and today, Fishhook dancers sleeping.
Reported 2 drunks at dance, bootleggers around again. PM
overhauled radio set, failed to find short circuit on amplifier
tubes. A battery used upon amplifiers. Made out annual report
on Cannon estate balance on hand $146.87 and all debts paid to date.
July 19, 1926 Self marking new
hardware. Metz in for his corrugated roofing. Light
Outside mail, freight arrived late. Evening spotted
car at our track warehouse with 6 tons forage. Otto and Gus got
first salmon run at mile 12. Evening drove down to end of
McArdle Road.
July 20, 1926 Stanley and Paul went to Anchorage
to join Elks. AM unloaded half car forage, etc. at track
warehouse. Capt. Olson up here to catch salmon. Sent
Fischer cat and kittens by Ellexson’s. Eva and Ellen went
to Knik with Ellexson’s. Salmon running fair. Conroy
and Gaikema back from mines trip.
July 21, 1926 Conroy and Gaikema went to Anchorage.
Several pulling up salmon. Snodgrass over with 2 inspectors,
went out Willow Road. Gus returned to Fishhook. Sliver’s
is Mrs. Hartman’s chopper while Paul is away. Late rain helped
out mining. McAllen wanted 10% for clothing, refused it.
July 22, 1926 Cloudy, +70. Metz in with
new vegetables and got his new plow. Wasilla write up
in Anchorage Times, July 21st. Stanley back from Anchorage,
joined Elks and had small cystic tumor removed from under tongue.
Mr. Lee, old time packer, here with 8 horses, going to cut his winters
hay, was here 1898-1899 With Capt. Glenn.
July 23, 1926 Stanley back on job.
McAllen and brother in from mines. McAllen went to Seward
to meet his boss, L. C. Thompson, from Canada. Packer Lee
bought Dad Hunt’s ranch, millionaire hunter in town with Mr.
Lee. Stanley started for Knik, steering gear on his car gave
out near Doherty’s. Evening section men, St. Clair’s and Snodgrass
after merchandise after closing hour, to 11 PM.
July 24, 1926 PM towed in Stanley’s car from
Cannon’s hill, found worm was worn out on steering gear and
2 keys broken. Evening Hard Time Dance at Matanuska, proceeds
to go for school piano. Evening got KGO on loud speaker,
music good. Lee and partner went to Eklutna.
July 25, 1926 Sunday, railroad picnic
at Wasilla. Train had 6 cars of autos and 5 coaches and
a band some went fishing some auto riding to Knik and Fishhook
Inn some to Palmer and Matanuska. Mr. Krefton and P. J.
McDonald visited on us. Cloudy day but no rain. Evening
our car went to Fishhook, Agent Cook guest.
July 26, 1926 Stanley laid off account throat
trouble. Bert Olson returned to Caswell after visiting
fur farms here. Got some freight, first watermelons and new apples.
Evening Anchorage radio clear. Bridge gang here to build freight
shed for railroad at depot. Bert O’Brien in from mines, wife
didn’t know him.
July 27, 1926 Stanley on deck again, jaw swollen
from cold. McAllen arrived from Junction with L. C. Thompson
from Canada to inspect Willow Creek Mines. Patzack
in from mines, went to Houston on gas car. Miller took contract
to build Zink’s fox buildings on Cannon ranch. Railroad building
freight shed at depot. Evening Mike Sherry family out joy
riding.
July 28, 1926 A sunny day, +80, business
normal. Stanley went to Anchorage account mouth trouble.
Eva rode out to Fishhook Inn with bootlegger and tinhorn gambler.
Got one rush order to go by express to Willow. Cow inspector
here. Magaha in, said Knik Road was finished for auto travel.
George Nylen and Tex Cobb went to Grubstake to prospect. Churchill
sent us in mess raspberries.
July 29, 1926 Ma chief clerk while Stanley
at Anchorage. Railroad freight shed under cover.
May Kellogg arrived at Wasilla, going to Chickaloon to lease ranches
for oil land. S. F. Dad Hunt over from Eklutna for grub, just got
back from States. Extra passenger train south today, no freight.
Stanley back from Anchorage. Fishing party from Anchorage.
July 30, 1926 Self 58 today and feeling OK.
PM drove May Kellogg over to Carter ranch near Palmer, went
by government farm and Matanuska. Took Dad Hunt’s grub to
Junction for delivery at Eklutna today. Heavy showers at
Palmer and Hall, no rain at Wasilla 30 mile trip. Got groceries,
fox feed and hardware on PM freight. Evening KFQD good.
July 31, 1926 Railroad freight house finished
now placing new sills under platform. ARC moved to Palmer
Road, graveling gang at Metz Hill. Evening drove Stanley
and Eva out to Fishhook Inn going to Willow Creek with Billy.
Got KFI but signal too weak for reception. Railroad spotter
in town. Old spuds all sold out.
August 1, 1926 Sunday, cloudy. Stanley
at Grubstake. Ellexson drove over to Palmer. ARC
Knik gang moved to Palmer, road now graded to Knik. Mrs.
Hartman hungry for a buyer of her roadhouses. Order for spuds
and none to be had.
August 2, 1926 Received letter from Clara,
was at Eyota, Minnesota inspecting farms. Bogard in for
feed. Railroad carpenter gang through building warehouse
and repairing depot platform, left PM for Curry to restore damage
by fire. Frank Manley visited, on way to inspect Mabel Mine,
asked about my placer mine on Grubstake. Evening Anchorage
radio good. Stanley at mines on vacation.
August 3, 1926 Business above the $100
mark. Got milk and groceries, milk advanced 25¢ a case.
Frank Manley back, did not visit mines account rain. Another
railroad gang here to fix depot platform which was already fixed?
Too many railroad bosses.
August 4, 1926 Ellexson’s brought J.
J. O’Brien out and sent him to hospital. Last night Chas
Bartholf was brought in from Mabel Mine and sent to Anchorage on
speeder account fall in trying to ride tram bucket. Evening
drove out to Fishhook Inn for Stanley, Eva and Billy, after visit
to Willow Creek.
August 5, 1926 Stanley, Eva and Billy drove
to Knik to pick raspberries then left on PM train for Caswell
for outing, including the dog. Lawrence, ARC road boss,
in to trade. Borges, ARC paymaster, here. Frank Doherty
back home. ARC road work too wet.
August 6, 1926 Stanley at Caswell.
Evening Houston gang and St. Clair in to trade. Evening
Anchorage radio good KFQD slogan, “Known for Quality Delivered”
won by Miss Clayton. Big flood in China. George Haselett
died in Cordova. Chas Bartholf improving at hospital.
Walter Parks wanted Times News over radio.
August 7, 1926 Stanley and Eva back from Caswell.
Billy went on to Anchorage. Otto back from mines, located
2 quartz mines against Old Bullion Mine, wants $15,000 for location.
Evening got in KGO program on loud speaker. Mr. Kempf returned
to Anchorage. May Kellogg at Hartman’s.
August 8, 1926 Sunday evening, drove
in to Sunny Knik on new completed auto road 45 minutes against
5 hours in 1916, before road was graded. Had lunch with
Ellexson’s, goats came around car, one hopped up on the engine,
then the roof of car. Otto and all the Herning’s on the trip.
August 9, 1926 Farmers now ready to supply
vegetables, 3 to 5¢. G. B. Thompson in town.
Railroad painters here to paint depot and warehouse. Gas
car broke down. Hardware, eggs and clothing arrived.
Evening Anchorage radio good. Section foreman at Junction
wants us to order a Grebe radio set. Mended blow out in tire,
first blow out on Olds car.
August 10, 1926 PM drove down to Metz ranch,
got head lettuce and mess of peas, Palmer road full of ruts,
ARC graveling on same. Late evening, Mr. White over from
experimental farm for supplies. Paid May Kellogg back
for deposit on Cannon Ranch. Got Hastings, Nebraska on short
wave set 7:30.
August 11, 1926 Cleaned up pork barrels in
cellar and threw out the old brine. Mrs. Kellogg left
for Anchorage. Evening drove out Palmer Road from hall,
drove on Matanuska Road to Palmer-Willow Road, 4 miles, then to
Palmer 3¾ miles, then to Junction, thirty two mile joy ride.
Listened in on Harmon’s radio, not very good. Bought scythe
off Phil Allen. Home 10:30.
August 12, 1926 Hot corn weather, +88
under awning. Business good, got meats and NRA shells.
Railroad painters through and moved to Pittman. Mrs. Hartman
gone out to take charge of Fishhook Inn. Sent 23 orders
on north freight. Chisholm in town. Vail’s trying
to peddle new spuds. Evening no radio, too hot.
August 13, 1926 Evening Stanley and Eva drove
down to McDougal ranch. Mr. White from experimental farm visited
for supplies. J. J. O’Brien died at the Anchorage hospital,
heart and kidney trouble, 72 years old, had ranch at Knik.
August 14, 1926 AM got out Outside mail,
sent letter deposits to bank by Eva. L. C. Thompson, G.
B. man, left for Outside after inspecting Willow Creek Mines.
Evening drove down to Knik, gave Tom Aureen a ride. Coming
home saw fox and lynx cross road. Evening got Australia church
sermon and concert then a fine concert from some studio on same
no. 28. Antone Stander here.
August 15, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town.
Stanley went out with Paul to look at quartz prospect, Fishhook
District., the “bride” at Anchorage. Otto making ready to build
another house on his lot. Snotgrass and Stumpass crowd out
joy riding. Wilmoth outfit fiddling and fishing today.
Ma looking around for society? In Wasilla? Ellexson’s
hauling hay from mile 7 to Knik.
August 16, 1926 Self not feeling good, stomach
trouble. No mail, PM sack was put off at Junction.
Metz and Bogard in to trade. Jack Anderson here going to
Willow Creek while Eska Coal Mine is shut down for repairs.
Evening Mrs. Shorty in to listen to radio. Mrs. Fleck up from
Anchorage.
August 17, 1926 Stanley put gun display in
show window, self marking new goods. Railroad busy hauling
rock to protect Knik River bridge from going out account Knik
River Lake broke out whole valley flooded. Evening Stanley
and Eva drove in to Knik. Evening gave Sam Guyot order.
The judge on war path, insulting everybody.
August 18, 1926 Sam Guyot left by auto to catch
train at Junction, train late account slide above. Finished
marking new hardware, made order for Stanley to receive
and sign for all mail at post office second notice. Mr.
Dirty held up registered mail.
August 19, 1926 Got new #61, 6 tube radio set.
Set it up, got KFI. Received report from Franke on my
farm at Eyota, had spent $2,000 for taxes and improvements.
Mrs. Silverman arrived to visit Brown.
August 20, 1926 Stanley drove to Knik account
chicken dinner, brought Mrs. Fleck back for Brill car to Anchorage.
Gus hauling lumber for Zink to his ranch. Evening tried
out new radio set, got KFI and KFQD on loud speaker. Got Outside
mail ready.
August 21, 1926 Eva left for Anchorage and
Seward. Section foreman up from Junction. Mrs. Forker
in from Mabel Mine, left for Ninilchik to teach school.
Evening brought in KGO and KFI on loud speaker on new set.
August 22, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town.
Stanley and Paul went out and did some work on their prospects,
found Talk sum and better ore. Acknowledged receipt of T. J.
Franke’s letter with report on last of rentals of Dad’s estate
and new improvements on Burnap Farm.
August 23, 1926 Put another door in garage,
can now run in two cars. Recorded Grubstake assessment
work. Eva back from Anchorage and Seward. Otto building
new house. Capt. Gaikema went north on prospecting trip, got
his grub here. Got fruit and Carnation Milk, forage, etc. today’s
freight.
August 24, 1926 Cloudy rain. Stanley
put his car tires in winter storage. Ellexson’s in, went
out to Fishhook for blueberries. Evening drove Mrs.
McDougal down to their ranch, road very greasy. Our freight
still in car, mixed up with Matanuska freight. Clo King married
in Fairbanks.
August 25, 1926 Started to overhaul auto truck,
took off cylinder head and magneto and ready to grind the valves.
Stanley and Eva drove to Knik account of a duck dinner but had
beef steak. Mailed Clara a Fairbanks paper with news
of Clo King’s wedding to John Chamberlin. Sam Kelly through
with road camp work.
August 26, 1926 Stanley started to grind valves
on truck, dad had to finish it. Stanley moved out of Zink’s
cottage, stored his furniture account going Outside to finish
high school. Ma store keeper today, sold over $100 merchandise.
Eva and Stanley used Stanley’s room tonight.
August 27, 1926 Business normal. Stanley
left for Seattle to finish his 1½ credits on high school
at Seattle Broadway High School. Eva went as far as Seward,
going to live with her mother at Anchorage while Stanley is at school.
Evening drove out to 19 Roadhouse. Yukon arrived at Seward
10 PM.
August 28, 1926 Busy all day with small orders
for up the line. McAllen and family and Mr. Morrison in from
mines, drove to Knik. Turnagain Arm Smith bought the Ray
baby Caterpillar. Evening had KGO program in for 2 hours
on no. 61 Federal set. Evening raining.
August 29, 1926 Sunday, cloudy and cooler.
Adjusted magneto on truck. Smith went down Knik Road
with the Ray baby Caterpillar. Got in lady preacher from
Australia at 1 AM heard choir sing “I love to Tell the Story”
etc. Evening drove down to Metz for vegetables, road now
very bumpy after being graveled. Stanley supposed to leave
Seward 4 PM on SS Yukon for Seattle.
August 30, 1926 Louis Lund and Ellexson’s out
from Knik. Freight train arrived 11 PM with Outside freight.
Got letter from Stanley and Eva, boat held over 1 day, waiting
for Westward boat at Seward. Received card from Florence
Herning on vacation in Indiana. Got Hale Bros. San Francisco,
on radio. Smith got Fleming’s wagon with baby Cat. Got
farm lease acknowledged by notary in Anchorage. Eva returned
to Anchorage. Stanley went Outside to finish his high school.
August 31, 1926 George Bailey visited, sold
him ½ case shells. Shorty, Fred and Harrison built
cab on Trix car. Kelly threw up bid on school house repairs
account not enough money. Joe Palmer in to trade.
September 1, 1926 Cloudy evening rain.
Shipped 3 small orders north. Snider building exhibition
mink boxes to take animals to fairs. Zink got roof on his
homestead fur house. Clo King Chamberlin and her new husband
on train to Anchorage. Soper’s took their girl to Anchorage
for operation. Mrs. Donovan went to Anchorage for medical treatment.
Mailed farm leases to Eyota. Evening on monthly bills.
September 2, 1926 Cloudy rain. McAllen
took high up ARC officials out to look at summit road to Willow
Creek. Evening charged A battery and paid Seattle invoices.
Finished monthly statements and collections. Haller paid
last Xmas bill.
September 3, 1926 Got 1½ tons freight
delivered and stored away. Hans took ARC officials to
Palmer. Dan Sutherland here looking for votes sold him a
white collar, Paul driving him around to road camps and farmers.
Made out underwear order. Evening drove down to Vail’s for
3 sacks spuds. Anchorage radio NG, static trouble. Mrs.
Shorty went to Anchorage for treatment.
September 4, 1926 Judge Conroy and Gene
and Mrs. Horning in from mines and went to Anchorage. Road
Commission taking gravel from Cannon Hill. Nellie and Paul
went duck hunting. Snider went to Anchorage Fair with
mink and rabbits. Evening had in KGO program. Bailey and
Harrison visited. Agent Cook had fainting spell last night.
September 5, 1926 Sunday PM, worked on
truck, took off radiator and front to install a new magneto
shaft. Had in Puget Sound Savings Bank Orchestra for 1 hour KJR
Seattle. Ma not feeling well, stomach trouble.
September 6, 1926 Ellexson in from Knik
with butter, string beans and cauliflower. Hubbell and
Woldson arrived. Got card from Stanley at Cordova, said boat
wouldn’t arrive at Seattle until Tuesday. Frank Bayer up from
Anchorage. Mrs. Donovan back from Anchorage, doctor said
nothing wrong, only too fat. Evening heard KFQD program Mrs.
Williams, fur farmer, spoke over radio special Fair program Wednesday
evening 9:30.
September 7, 1926 Metz set up his new disc
harrow. Took Joe Palmer merchandise to boat landing.
Evening drove out to Mullen’s ranch, nobody home. Julia
back from Seward, seeing sisters off to “Nu-Yok”. Evening
got out Seattle mail and bank deposits. Zink got his mink
wire from Minnesota.
September 8, 1926 Several went to Anchorage
Fair. Fairbanks Fair over, big success. Evening heard
KFQD Anchorage program at the Fair. Railroad laid off section
men account no ties. Stanley supposed to have arrived in
Seattle yesterday to finish his high school at Broadway High School.
September 9, 1926 Business 50% below par, very
quiet today. Snider back from Anchorage Fair, Snider’s
mink won the prize. Dan Boylan bought a prospecting outfit.
Fat, red headed schoolmarm arrived. Stanley wired to Eva,
arrived in Seattle yesterday. No radio tonight.
September 10, 1926 Business good,
sales $185.35. Mike Sherry in town. B. Matson through
at ARC camp, going Outside. Felch visited, was on Brill
car. Ellexson and St. Clair and Bogard in for merchandise.
Evening drove down to Vail’s for more spuds. Self stomach
on the bum, griping pains for past 2 weeks. Hans placed order
for gas lamps.
September 11, 1926 Lawyer Diamond arrived,
went to mines with Mike Sherry to settle dispute over ground
with Fern Mine. Mr. C. S. Hubbell through surveying at Fern
Mine, went to Seward, invited us to call at his home in Seattle.
Mrs. Watson returned to Anchorage after locating her daughter
as school teacher at Wasilla. Evening got KGO program.
September 12, 1926 Sunday, first line
storm, heaviest rain of fall came from south east. Thorpe’s
in from Grubstake, closed down, brought us a mess of “come on”.
Paddy Marion in with ton high grade ore to ship Outside. PM
worked on truck, installed new magneto drive shaft now ready to
time magneto to engine 1-4 UP, etc. Two girl hikers slept in
section house, stole speeder and went north were intercepted by Madsen.
September 13, 1926 First frost, business normal,
over $100 sales. After the storm, 40 above at 10 PM.
Preaching at school house this evening. Wasilla School
opened today, Miss Watson is teacher. Got big mail, got
8 tons merchandise. Evening good concert from KFQD over
loud speaker.
September 14, 1926 A-1 sunny day, business
75% off today. Received wire from Stanley, located at
1611 Howard Avenue, Seattle, near Broadway School. Busy
storing 6 tons forage dumped off at depot platform. Ordered
lumber for Hyer. Advised W. C. Wilson about price of Grebe Radio
Set, $155.
September 15, 1926 Dan Sutherland in town,
left by auto for Moose Creek. Mrs. Zink and several others
went to Anchorage. ARC gravel gang through. Sam Kelly
moving his chimney to rear of house. Delivered Joe Palmer’s
fox feed at lake landing. Evening drove down to Vail’s,
heavy frost.
September 16, 1926 Ellexson’s in to trade.
Gus, Mrs. Hartman and Zink back from Anchorage. McAllen’s
back from Anchorage after weeks outing. Marshal Stacer
in town. Mrs. Gustafson went to Fairbanks hospital for
treatment. Got 1 order from Caswell Station. Evening
paid Seattle invoice. No radio account moon. Ma’s
stomach full of gas.
September 17, 1926 Got out hardware and grocery
orders. Magaha in from Haller Road to trade during evening.
Kelly moved his chimney to rear of house. Evening good
reception from KFQD Anchorage. Snodgrass boys in, late, for
merchandise and paid past account.
September 18, 1926 Put up good size order
for Bert Olson Fox Ranch at Caswell. Agent Cook under
the weather account stomach. Self better, took Warburg’s
Tincture, it hit the spot.
September 19, 1926 Cloudy and warm, quiet
in the Berg. Elmer Larsen in from Willow Creek with his
sidecar motorcycle. Worked on auto truck, got magneto timed
and connected to engine with new shaft and couplings. Car of
Caswell lumber arrived for various ones. Several out duck
hunting, several out for moose.
September 20, 1926 A-1 sunny day,
business good. No trains account slide on Seward Div.
Received letter from Stanley, had terrible time with jaw swelling
up on out-trip to Seattle OK now. Said he was going to Pullman
School. Eva phoned, said Stanley would return home on Alameda,
September 25th. Radio good, Miami blown to pieces (huge storm).
September 21, 1926 Boat freight arrived late
last night, got 110 winter shirts (ordered 3 dozen only).
Walter Gray visited on way to Curry. McNeil and Mary in
from Susitna moose camp for grub, couldn’t live on moose tracks.
Thorpe’s out duck hunting. PM figured out connection for spark
control to magneto. Gene Bartholf and Al Harper arrived, went to Willow
Creek.
September 22, 1926 Road Commission laid off
Palmer road gang. Lawrence, foreman, in and went to his
ranch. McBeth in, going Outside. Shipped order to
Fish Lake, mile 221 on RR. Something doing all day in store.
September 23, 1926 Partly cloudy business
good, sales $269.65. PM rushed to a finish, everybody
wanted outfits at once. Snodgrass over with 3 orders.
Ellexson’s in with Natives from Knik at 8 PM.
Got Dempsy and Tunney news from Pittsburgh,
just as they were signing off said largest crowd ever witnessed
a prize fight, but was too late to catch results on short wave set.
Blodgett down to trade. Tunney won 10th round.
September 24, 1926 Cloudy fog, business
50% off. Drove down to Johnson’s ranch for spuds.
PM fixed up gas lamps in store, now dark at 6 PM in store, using
lamp at supper time. Evening got rounds in detail of Tunney-Dempsey
fight over radio Kelly listened in. Dr. Mattie Herning was visited
at 10 PM to treat Zink baby was OK when “Dr.” arrived.
September 25, 1926 Cloudy light wind,
business back to normal, something doing all day. Answered
Clara’s Eyota letter. Dupont’s man visited. Kelly put
new window shades and gas lamp in school house. Stanley left
Seattle for home on Alameda. Evening reception at experimental
farm for new boss, did not go. Got 3 Pacific Coast Stations on
radio. Lit outside street lamp.
September 26, 1926 Worked on truck engine most
all day got spark connection to magneto in good shape, now
ready to put in engine head and turn her over. Lawrence and
Paul building a boat account hunting trip above Chickaloon District.
Evening brought in 3 stations on Pacific Coast. Edlund shipped
a cow south.
September 27, 1926 Cloudy misty, business
good, sales over $200, busy all day in store. Several
ranchers in for supplies. Times reported Stanley homeward
bound from Seattle. Got 2nd letter from Stanley said he had
been at Pullman, Washington got dope on short circuit on no. 59 Receiver
set 2nd transformer burned out got price on A battery charging outfit
using 1½ HP 2 cycle gas engine. McDougal’s moved to Wasilla
to live. Ellen Fleck went north to be married.
September 28, 1926 Ma took in most of the cash
today. Put up $100 order for Olson, Trapper at Kashwitna.
Mrs. Hartman got a lot of orchard run apples. Another family
moving in to Aureen’s big cottage, making two families added to
town this week, watch Wasilla grow. Evening got in Hastings,
Nebraska on short wave set but couldn’t control whistle.
September 29, 1926 Metz in for Hyer’s lumber.
Sold first trapping outfit. Ordered ½ HP gas engine
and generator for charging batteries to cost $55. Stanley
on Northwestern about due now in Cordova. Clear but no radio
tonight. Paul bought outfit account hunting trip to Chickaloon
District.
September 30, 1926 Third frost last night.
New family, by the name of Oberg, moved to Wasilla. Noon,
Ma and self drove down Knik Road 3 miles for sunshine and airing.
Evening on monthly statements.
October 1, 1926 Sold H. Oberg family hundred
dollar outfit. New arrivals from Unga, Pete “Schooner”
Pederson in town. Clark over from experimental farm for supplies.
Mrs. Hartman making ready to put concrete foundation under log hotel
(now rotten). Evening got KFQD and Hale bros. on radio.
October 2, 1926 Ma sold $93.25. Pederson,
schooner man, returned to Anchorage. Put cylinder head
on truck engine and turned her over, spark now OK. Evening
fixed up new National ledger, old one full up. Brought in church
services in Australia and concert was good. Rained all day.
October 3, 1926 Sunday, cloudy quiet
in town. Worked on re-assembling parts on truck engine.
Thorpe’s digging St. Clair’s spuds. “C. D.” quit the milk
wagon, now no milk. Evening finished monthly statements.
No radio tonight. Evening drove down to C. D.’s for carrots.
October 4, 1926 Stanley arrived home from trip
to Seattle. Five week trip, failed to get his high school
credits, would have to attend school a whole year so quit.
Received letter from Clara, had visited Will James at Tracy, Minnesota.
Roe installed a Sunbeam lighting plant on farm. Shipped two
outfits north. Evening heavy rain.
October 5, 1926 Stanley and Eva looking
for a rent. Cottage on Fleck ranch flooded, also Gus’
hen coop house leaks. PM greased rear springs on Olds car
and repaired chain drive on speedometer. Got part of Seattle
merchandise. Stanley shipped in a new bed set. Evening
church at school house, some 30 present. Fern got 10 tons groceries
from Fischer Bros, Grau on truck. Got World Series report over
KFQD, Cardinal’s won from yanks, 4-0 heavy rain 4th inning.
October 6, 1926 First snow to cover Bald
Mt. down to timber line. Stanley and Eva moved into Gus’
chicken coop, tempo. Yanks won today from Cardinal’s
10-5. Babe Ruth made 3 home runs. Kelly installing
coal heater for Wilmoth’s. Persson went to Anchorage, took
Doherty and Donovan as witnesses account homestead. Vail’s posted
notice for dance on 16th.
October 7, 1926 Froze skim of ice last night.
Grennan in for supplies. Soper went to work at experimental
farm. Got invoice covering freight on Watson. Ma got stitch
in hips. Ma got letter from Art and Carrie. Finished reassembling
parts on truck, now has plenty of pulling power. Eva and
Stanley at dinner with Mrs. McDougal. Thorpe and Six Shooter
Bill went for ducks on flats.
October 8, 1926 Deposited over $2,000 in banks.
PM freight, got 10 tons groceries off Watson, hauled over half
of it with our truck, now pulling fine. Last camp ARC
closed down today. Evening Anchorage radio fine, “Two Little
Blue Birds” dedicated to Ma and Pa. Freezing nights.
October 9, 1926 Fern manager in for pick
ups. Grau quit driving Nellie’s truck. PM hauled
over 2 more tons groceries from depot to store annex. Mrs.
Shorty back from Fairbanks hospital. Evening brought in KFI
and KGO, not very plain low battery.
October 10, 1926 Sunday, took joy ride
out to Mullen’s ranch, Mrs. McDougal went along. Cleaned
out furnace pipe and chimney now ready for zero weather.
Dan Gray bought grub outfit. Evening priced up new clothing
and groceries.
October 11, 1926 Business above average.
Rearranged goods in store annex and put up more shelves.
Ellexson and Lander out from Knik. Mrs. McDougal and Lander
walked back to Knik. PM received another ton of freight.
Newlyweds, Ellen and husband arrived to visit Stanley and Eva.
Evening all here to hear radio. Cardinal’s won World Series,
taking 4 out of 7 games, last game played Sunday at NYC, radio news.
October 12, 1926 Bogard in for
supplies. Stanley and Eva took newly weds out to Fishhook
Inn for dinner. Dan Gray living in Rutter’s cabin.
Zink ready for foxes to arrive. No radio tonight storm
outside clear here. Paid Fischer Bros. bill, $745.20.
October 13, 1926 Game warden here, wanted me
to issue licenses to trappers. Evening the newlyweds and
party of 10 went to Knik for dance and duck dinner. Evening
no radio account big wind. Overhauled #61 set and attached
C battery. Evening started blowing hard.
October 14, 1926 First big wind of the fall,
blowed hard all last night and today and still blowing.
Northern Lights tonight. Magaha bought an outfit. Got
2 orders from Matanuska District in today’s mail. Thirteen duck
eaters and dancers back from Knik 3 AM, had to cut out 21 windfalls on
return trip account big wind. Floyd Smith and Ellen Fleck left for
Chatanika, Inside PM train. Zink’s foxes arrived. Someone
robbed Mrs. Mack’s house.
October 15, 1926 Big wind all day.
Business 100% above normal. Big wind blew down Hartman’s
big truck garage last night. Zink installed his first fox
on Cannon ranch. Eva and Stanley sleeping in Gus’ “hen coop”
and eating here. Mrs. McDougal found her money in wood pile,
wind blew open door and sucked everything out of the house.
Evening no radio. Big set on the bum from installing C battery.
Evening wind dieing down. McArdle bought a grub outfit and
moved on his brothers ranch.
October 16, 1926 Wasilla’s first fire since
town located 9 years ago, Gus’ barn burned down 10 AM.
With our chemical, saved other buildings and the town reported
kids set hay fire. Paul back from hunt up Chickaloon, got
3 sheep and 2 goats. Evening dance on at Vail’s new house, drove
Herning family down and went after them 12:30. Evening
colder, 26 above, ice making on Lake Lucille. No radio.
October 17, 1926 Joe Staino down from Houston
section to trade. Fixed furnace room account coal. Received
car Healy lump coal by today freight. Eva and Stanley visited
at Palmer fox ranch with Ma, visited at Zink’ fox ranch, ground
frozen approach of winter on. No radio, #61 on the bum.
October 18, 1926 Ma and Eva store keepers today.
Stanley, Bill and self unloading car of Healy coal, 37½
tons, got car 2/3 unloaded. Lawrence and Patchell bought
grub outfits. Blodgett down to trade. Got new transformer
for #59 radio set from Federal factory. Evening raining
some. Received letter from Howe Hotel, Rochester. Hans
installed gas lamps.
October 19, 1926 Finished unloading car Healy
coal, 35, 1-ton truck loads: K. T. Co. got 27 loads, Stanley
got 1 load, school got 1 load, Oberg got 3 loads, Wilmoth got 3
loads. Total 1 ton loads = 35 (car billing was 37½
tons). Bill Swanson, Stanley and self hauled coal with
our truck, Hans hauled 8 loads, sold.
October 20, 1926 Sent check for car coal.
Evening music practice at Gerrit Snider’s, Ma went to rubber.
Self put new transmission on #59 Federal set, now works OK on 3rd
and 4th switch, old one was burned out OK. Shave and turn
in, that’s all.
October 21, 1926 Business below normal,
got $50 clothing order from coal center, Moose Creek.
Amateur music meet at the old school house tonight. New
agent arrived to take Cook’s place, has a “skirt” with him.
Ma and Eva making ready for weekend shopping tour at Anchorage.
Clarence Marsh arrived. Gust Haller in with pig meat for mines.
Evening not a sound on radio.
October 22, 1926 Dancer family back on section.
Took 3 orders for Royal tailor suits. Zink moved to fox
ranch. Metz in with vegetables. Ma baking ahead account
trip to Anchorage. Clarence Marsh went to his dad’s ranch.
Radio NG, 59 set failed to function with new transformer.
October 23, 1926 Cloudy and warm, business
75% above normal. Ma and Eva went to Anchorage on shopping
tour, picture show, etc. Ellexson in with Mrs. Lander’s
baggage, going Outside soon. Stanley hauled load wood for himself
from Vail ranch and moved his furniture into Zink’s big house
on Main Street. Evening after trying all tubes, found old
antenna was at fault. Attached long high antenna got KGO, KFQD
and church at Brisbane, Australia.
October 24, 1926 Sunday, quiet in town.
Lumber came for Joe Palmer’s fox ranch. Put chair rail
in kitchen and varnished door. St. Clair’s drove out to Fishhook
Inn to see their mother, first time in 3 months. Evening light wind.
October 25, 1926 Small trade all
day. Ma back from Anchorage with new $75 coat. Hartman
got part of new cement foundation under log hotel. Ellexson’s
out from Knik. Cook inspected Abe Riesing ranch for goat
farm. Stanley and Eva moved into Zink Main Street house.
Evening Anchorage radio good, the “Gypsy Song” dedicated to Wasilla
fans.
October 26, 1926 Cloudy evening, heavy
rain. Paul delivered Palmer’s fox pen lumber to Lake Wasilla.
Self busy marking new goods. Stanley and Eva now eating
at their own place on Main Street. Railroad put in switch
at Lake Wasilla account loading winter ice on cars. Evening
no radio account storm.
October 27, 1926 Heavy rain all last night
and this AM. Kid dance on tonight at Fairview school
house. Snodgrass in to trade. Brill car hit Mrs. Haller
at Haller’s X-ing this noon cut about her head went to hospital.
Another suicide at Fairbanks, Mrs. Evelyn Courtney. Monroe’s
girl did the same job as Monroe a week ago. No radio account
storm.
October 28, 1926 Got out order for more hardware
fill ins. Reported Mrs. Haller was badly hurt by cars
yesterday, now in Anchorage hospital. Sent Vic Blodgett,
C. F. Peterson’s NG check. Evening had in KGO studio program
on loud speaker. Gaston bought $50 outfit.
October 29, 1926 Got out 3 orders for Royal
Tailor suits. Stanley, Eva and Clarence drove out to 19
for ducks, got none. Mrs. McDougal busy fixing up for Halloween
dance. Ellexson’s delivering O’Brien’s dressed beef, sold
to mines by Wilmoth, administrator. Evening fine program
by radio from Anchorage. Wrote Al Walters would take a ton
spuds at $45 May 1st 1927 delivery.
October 30, 1926 Put storm windows on annex
and cemented crack along north side annex. Evening sheet
and pillow dance at school house, quite a crowd up from Matanuska.
McDougal in from mines. Mrs. Dick Lander left for States.
Money came after train left, so had Anchorage Bank pay her on
train. Ma’s birthday, 57, dinner at Eva’s.
October 31, 1926 Quiet in town after
the ghost dance. Frank Cook went to Anchorage account
toothache. PM drove out to 19, Thorpe’s went along.
Stanley took Marsh home with Hans Ford. Working on monthly
accounts. No radio tonight.
November 1, 1926 Cloudy warm wind.
Business normal. Got 3 orders for supply train. PM got
forage, flour, fruit, hardware and groceries on way freight.
Evening got in first of KFQD program, then A battery run out.
Herman in to vote. Evening warm north wind. Farmers
still plowing. Ma got rheumatism in shoulder.
November 2, 1926 Cloudy warm wind.
Business good, sales $234.10. Election day at Wasilla,
total vote 67: Sutherland 65, Marquam 2. Got returns over
KFQD Anchorage radio. Majority of States went Republican,
Seward only Marquam vote. Unloaded ½ car merchandise.
Al Walters over to trade. Evening hooch dance at Vail’s.
Got election returns on radio, local and States.
November 3, 1926 Business good, sales $286.40.
Got several orders for supply train in Broad Pass District.
Got 2 orders from Willow Station. Harvey Rutter in from
mines. Evening Ma, Eva and Stanley at chicken dinner at
Olson’s account farewell to Cornelius family, going Outside.
Evening got in new station, KMCI at Hollywood, California.
Evening light rain.
November 4, 1926 Still cloudy warm wind.
All Broad Pass order ready but no freight train today.
Sutherland won over Marquam the sportsman, by over 1,000 votes,
for Delegate to Congress. Stanley got truck load wood for
himself at Vail’s ranch. Evening made out remittance for over
$1,000.
November 5, 1926 Cloudy cool wind. Put
up $70 order for Frank Cook’s goat ranch at Sears old place.
Got Watson freight PM, generator and ½ HP engine arrived,
engine OK, generator NG for charging A battery. Mrs. Gust Haller
died at Anchorage hospital account skull fracture by train.
Got out Seattle mail. Evening radio good.
November 6, 1926 Business good, sales over
$200. Frank Cook ex-Agent, moved out to Sears old place
to start a goat ranch. MLD Club reorganized this evening.
Evening good reception on radio, KGO, KFI and church and parish
house program in Australia. Joe Walton in with his missing
Lizzie. McNeil got a moose. Chas Harrison bought Shorty’s
Tin Lizzie.
November 7, 1926 Sunday, warm light wind.
Cleaned up generator on charging outfit. Ma, Eva and Stanley
drove to Knik for duck dinner. Evening got fine program
over radio from San Francisco and also a big organ recital.
Wrote to Roe and Florence at Eyota, Minnesota. Several out
joy riding while summer still on. Ground on lake not frozen.
Eva saw red fox on railroad.
November 8, 1926 Still cloudy with warm
wind. Cleaned up hardware counter, marked new hardware.
Tried out charging outfit engine failed to work bum outfit.
Got oils and candy on PM freight. Evening Gerrit Snider and
Rev. Youle listened in on Jack Henry post program over our radio.
Payday Wilson down from Pittman to trade.
November 9, 1926 Froze a little last night.
Marked clothing and rubber goods, received late. Wired
out for turkeys, forage, fruit and groceries. Evening church
on at Community Hall Rev. Youle at the bar. Evening brought
in KDKA Pittsburgh, heard three selections, fine. Evening more
wind.
November 10, 1926 Cloudy and cooler.
Marked Filson clothing. Preacher returned to Anchorage.
Mrs. Ellexson and Grau went to Anchorage with dressed chickens.
Cook hauled in his house logs with Edlund’s horse on his goat ranch.
Stanley shot a low bush moose, Ma visited on the Watson’s.
Radio NG, cleaned up ½ HP engine and worked OK. Paul
went to Knik for O’Brien beef.
November 11, 1926 Gaston bought a trapping
outfit. Some talk of building a Community Hall.
Shorty went to Anchorage account wife going to hospital.
A lot of dissatisfaction with school teacher. Got clothing
order from Moose Creek Coal Mines.
November 12, 1926 Got out Seattle orders.
Ma attended “hen” dinner party at Mrs. McDougal’s on Main Street.
Stanley drew plans for a Community Hall, 30’ x 54’, cost material
$1,000. Evening got Calgary Canada organ recital and
fine dance program also got Hoot Owls, Portland and Oakland market
report at 5 PM midnight.
November 13, 1926 Received one good order from
Caswell fox ranch. No freight south today. Dan
Gray went to Anchorage. Mrs. Pennington through at Fishhook
Inn. Evening brought in several stations but lots of static.
MLD Club met at school house.
November 14, 1926 First snow down to
timberline on Bald Mt., rain at Sunny Knik. Oiled up Olds
car. PM drove down to Vail’s for spuds. Stanley, Eva,
Gertrude and Mrs. Oberg hiked to Pittman. Had Mrs. McDougal
at dinner. Eva sick after 17 mile hike. Evening had
in 3 church services P. S. Loan Association program best of all.
Frost last night.
November 15, 1926 Anchorage weekend visitors
returned. 4 PM wet snow storm, ½ inch, first this
fall at Wasilla, ground froze ½ inch. Evening Anchorage
radio good, had 25 numbers, part local talent. Ma got first
Xmas present by mail from Pullman, Washington. Apples arrived.
November 16, 1926 Colder, +10. AM cleaned
up coal dust in furnace room and cut ventilator holes through
to warm storage room. Got Frank Watson’s order today, held
in Post Office, too late to ship today. Evening got Vancouver,
B. C. first time.
November 17, 1926 Business 25% off. Petition
out for Community Hall. I offered to give 50% of all
donors. Sent wire for S and W goods to San Francisco.
Evening brought in California Dairy Banquet, held at Hotel Oakland
banquet room some good speakers, also Hollywood and Rose Room.
Hotel Butler came in on loud speaker Paul and Mrs. Hartman listened
in. Eva went to Anchorage.
November 18, 1926 Cloudy, 40 above.
Business below normal. Got freight from Anchorage.
Got Outside mail, letter from Roe and Florence, corn crop a failure
lost 7 cows account tuberculosis. Evening got in Kansas City
Night Hawks. Later got in new Nebraska station, KMFJ, had
a chicken show, first time on the air program 40 hours to end Friday
night singing and music fine.
November 19, 1926 Rain last night. Business
normal. Rained most of all AM, sprinkle of snow
gone. Stanley and Dan went moose hunting out near 19, no moose.
Bogard in with dressed lambs, price 30¢ a pound. Gus returned
to Fishhook. Evening fog brought in KPO, S. F. and Anchorage
programs very good. Got out Seattle mail.
November 20, 1926 Colder, +22. Stanley
and several went on train to attend dance at Junction. Evening
got all kind of stations but lots of static, got Spokane and
Walla Walla, Washington. Jap church played piano and saxophone,
very good. Hans took load to dance at Junction. Evening
clear and freezing.
November 21, 1926 Sunday, +10 last night,
summer weather over. Dancers back from Matanuska 5 AM,
Ellexson’s car broke down at Olson’s ranch. Reported good
time at dance. No radio or sermons tonight, all snaps and cracks account
cold. Hans hauling oil for Willow Creek Mines.
November 22, 1926 Business 50% above
normal. First cold wave, +2. Turkeys, cranberries,
fruit, etc. arrived today, also, ½ car forage. Marsh and
Cornelius up from Junction to trade. Town people making
ready for turkey dinner. Evening Anchorage program fair, then
got in KPO, S. F. program. Eva back from Anchorage.
November 23, 1926 Unloaded ½ car merchandise.
No snow in Wasilla. St. Clair’s up to trade, invited us
to party account mother Pennington going south soon. Ma busy
on turkey day stuff.
November 24, 1926 Partly cloudy, +32.
Turkey eaters doing a little buying. Mrs. McDougal teaching
school while Mrs. Watson goes to Anchorage to eat turkey.
Sl___ted hauled rick of birch wood for Knik Trading Co. Ma
busy stuffing the turkey, etc. Put up $35 order for Willow Station.
Evening got market and news from KGO, Oakland reception poor.
November 25, 1926 Had the big turkey
with all the trimmings, Mrs. Fleck, Eva, Stanley and Sam Kelly
guests. PM charged A battery. Evening big dance
on at school house, sixteen people up from Junction. Self
did not attend dance, waited on customers. Kids now skating
on lake.
November 26, 1926 Cold wave on, -10.
Got out orders for Xmas candies and fruit. Paul building
coal shed and Harrison a garage. Had 2nd feed on turkey.
Mrs. Fleck here visiting Eva.
November 27, 1926 Business below normal,
AM -10. Mrs. Fleckenstein returned to Anchorage.
Thorpe’s went to Anchorage. Willow Creek Mines closed down,
several miners came in. Nolan Hudson in from mines, also
Mike Sherry went to Anchorage for vacation until Xmas. Wilmoth
went to Anchorage. Radio good, brought in 5 stations.
Put up fly on balcony. Paid tax on insurance money. Doherty
through at Bogard’s. Evening much warmer.
November 28, 1926 Sunday, clear, much
warmer, quiet in town. Paul unloading car coal.
Reported Landers has the measles at mountain home. Skating
on Lake Wasilla, best ever. PM finished pricing up
new hardware. Charged 2 A batteries. Evening no radio,
too frosty. Evening read Geographic. Slight quake at 10:15
PM. Whole train load of hydraulic pipe for Fairbanks.
November 29, 1926 Business 10% off, 14
below zero last night. Mail train 5 hours late. Found
fruits all wormy in balcony had quite a time cleaning up old nuts
from Fischer Bros. Evening had radio, party of 7 listening
in on KFQD progressive. Evening warmer, zero. Ed Mullen
back from Hot Springs.
November 30, 1926 Got delayed Outside mail
this AM no freight today. Evening farewell party on at
St. Clair’s ranch account Ada Pennington leaving for Hollywood,
California, all went but Pa. Wilmoth’s went along in our
car. No snow, road good. Kinsella, of Pittman, down to
trade. Jake Metz in. Received letter from Will James, Doc
Hall passed out (died).
December 1, 1926 Got quite a few orders to
go on supply train, no local freight today. Meats, butter
and fruits still at Seward. Through freight with hydraulic
pipe, etc. for Fairbanks, passed through. Self busy on monthly
bills, got them all ready to mail. Several miners, from Willow
Mill, shut down water gone. No radio tonight. Several
went to Anchorage.
December 2, 1926 Business 40% off, cold raw
day. Stanley put Santa Claus fire place in show window.
Eva and Mrs. McDougal walked down to McDougal ranch, came back
on mail train. Our fat schoolmarm sick, phoned for her mother.
Schools closed in Anchorage account scarlet fever and measles.
Saturday freight arrive 7 PM today. Radio fine on loud speaker,
brought in new station CFCD, Capital City, B. C. Canada.
December 3, 1926 Got 2 truck loads freight
off Watson. Stanley hauled load wood for himself. Lidell in
from Willow Creek Mines. Mrs. Watson arrived from Anchorage account
daughter sick.
December 4, 1926 Filled coal bin, 2nd time.
Doherty placed an order. Mrs. Pennington left for Hollywood
AM train, also Nolan Hudson for Tacoma. Early evening,
radio NG. Midnight brought in Australia church and parish
concert. PM Stanley went down to visit Marsh, Eva went to Anchorage.
December 5, 1926 Sunday AM cleaning up
and marking new goods etc. PM charged 2 batteries, soldered
antenna. Day short, sundown at 2:30, daylight 8 AM. Clarence
Marsh brought Stanley home. Radio NG, had in KGO and KFI
hook up, musical program, but too much static.
December 6, 1926 Ellexson’s broke shaft on
car at mile 13½, got Paul’s car to return to Knik.
Harrison sawing Wilmoth’s wood with Ford car. Got ton coal
oil today on train. Frank Watson over from Palmer to trade.
Evening got Rose Room, Hotel Butler on KPO San Francisco variety
hour program. North mail delayed, came from Anchorage.
Eva back from Anchorage.
December 7, 1926 Ellexson put new shaft in
his Lizzie and left for Knik. Harrison finished Willie’s wood
pile. Several got colds. Stanley drove down to Vail’s
for wood, all sick and no wood cut. Preaching, at school
house. Evening heavy shower. No radio tonight.
December 8, 1926 Warm wind, 40 above
zero. Ed Mullen left for Matanuska. Evening Miss Watson,
school teacher, visited. Mrs. Abreon subject of evening
and Sunday school Xmas show. Shipped back canned butter that
was swilled. Evening no radio account too much static.
Mrs. McDougal went to Junction.
December 9, 1926 Snow all day, first
of winter, 6” fell today after 249 days of summer weather.
Priced up tents, etc. Got out Seattle mail. Mrs. Mac
back from Matanuska. Sunday school and teacher squabbling
about having dance after Xmas exercises.
December 10, 1926 One foot snow fell
last night, Wasilla now covered with the beautiful.
Trucks went out OK to Fishhook Inn. Gus came in.
Evening had Sam Kelly at turkey dinner on southern style.
Evening Anchorage radio good, Kelly and Gus listened in. Got
out Seattle mail. “Amie’s” fellow caught in eastern rooming
house.
December 11, 1926 Got order
from fox farmer. Fern got car coal. Stanley and
Don making ready for moose hunt. Evening radio bum until late hour,
had in S. F. Ma helped Stanley on orders, PM.
December 12, 1926 Sunday, cloudy zero weather.
Stanley and Dan Gray left for a moose hunt at Bald Mt.
Paul hauling Fern coal, roads blowed in and bad. Snider down
from Pittman Section. Women out snowshoeing. Evening
reception good but battery NG.
December 13, 1926 Cloudy, +30. PM got
1½ tons groceries, eggs, etc. Had to put chains
on truck account snow drifts at depot. Ellexson out from Knik
with double ender. Lidell back from Anchorage, went to
mines.
December 14, 1926 Several ranchers in to trade.
Iver Newhouse and several in from Willow Creek Mines, balance
coming on Friday. Ellexson left for Knik with Old Blue and
load feed. Bought 2 tons spuds off Jacob Metz delivered 5
sacks balance when wanted price $50 a ton. Evening had in KPO
program.
December 15, 1926 Ma and Eva went over eggs.
Several Willow Creek miners left for Anchorage. Soper
went to Anchorage to sell 2 mink. Joe Palmer got 2 of
Lander’s pack horses for fox feed. Stanley out on moose trail.
December 16, 1926 A-1 day zero weather.
Pat Irish over from Palmer for supplies. George Grennon
in for supplies. Supt. Bewley, Fern Mine, back from Anchorage.
Hans put skis on his passenger car. No radio tonight account
big moon and colder. Ma phonographed at fatty Watson’s tonight.
December 17, 1926 Last of Willow Creek
miners in from camp. Paul took Frank White to Palmer with
Lizzie. Pennie, rancher on “Mays” ranch, in for outfit,
had cabin up. Brassel and Hansen bought trapping outfit,
going via Houston. Evening Anchorage radio good.
December 18, 1926 Gold Bullion bunch left for
Anchorage, several were drunk. Stanley and Dan back from
moose hunt, got no moose. Mrs. Ellexson from Knik with double ender.
Evening fine program over KJR dedicating Seattle Pacific Coast
20 M watt super power station, Mrs. Ellexson listened in.
December 19, 1926 Paul unloading coal.
Mrs. Ellexson left for Knik with double ender load forage.
Packed 2 orders to go north. Stanley troubled with tonsils.
Evening had in KJR and KPO Sunday special music programs.
December 20, 1926 Clear, evening, -18.
Stanley back on job. AM cleaned off walks and road for
auto truck PM freight brought corrugated iron and flooring
for school house only. Our Xmas candy and fruit order due,
failed to arrive. Evening radio and ice cream party. Had in KFQD
and KPO variety hour. Got Xmas cards. Sy family gone to
California and oil district.
December 21, 1926 Morning -2, evening
-22. Zero all day, -42 at Fairbanks last night.
Bogard and Metz in to trade. Shorty at 31 fixing Gus’ car.
Evening Xmas school entertainment at school house. Xmas
tree and Santa for kids. Had in KDKA and KBKL on short wave
set for ½ hour. Self busy with fires on both shifts.
December 22, 1926 Cloudy light snow.
Hans hauled lumber and iron roofing to school house for repair
work account new floor and roof. Freight brought back 2
sacks mail. Mrs. Ellexson returned to Knik with double ender,
too much snow for Lizzie. Cars still running to 28. Evening
had fine Uncle John, Los Angeles, KPO, San Francisco.
December 23, 1926 A-1 day zero weather.
Stanley troubled with jaw again. Otto and McAllen in from mines.
Got more Xmas cards. Willow Creek Mines closed for the winter.
Got out order for Shillings goods, San Francisco.
December 24, 1926 Cloudy, +16.
Night before Xmas. Not much buying for Christmas. Filled
coal bin. No freight north or south. McAllen family
here. Evening listened to Jack Henry post program, Anchorage
over KFQD, fairly good, Mr. and Mrs. Latten and Tryck’s kids listened
in. Got date book for Xmas.
December 25, 1926 Cloudy, +30,
Xmas day. Gave Stanley $30 suit and $5 fancy sweater.
Gave Eva $4, May $25, Xmas presents. Eva and Stanley and several
others went to Anchorage. McAllen family and brother left
for Anchorage and Outside. PM and evening, posted ledger.
Ma and I had dinner at Hotel Wasilla. Had in KPO program on radio.
December 26, 1926 Sunday, cloudy +32.
Shoveled out track to depot account freight Monday. Charged
A battery. Matt balancing ledger. Had southern style
chicken dinner. “Kids” at Anchorage. Evening had in
3 stations. Uncle John’s quartet good. Lawrence and Boylan
returned to mile 12 with Paul’s truck
December 27, 1926 Cloudy, warm +22. Xmas
goods arrived, hauled our truck load groceries and fruits.
Stanley and Eva back from Anchorage. Got another Xmas present,
a radio girl. Got letter from Clara, was at Estherville,
Iowa, was going to Ohio soon. Evening Anchorage radio good,
Otto listened in.
December 28, 1926 Several ranchers in.
Jack Frisby returned to mines. Jacobsen home on ranch.
Otto home complaining of stomach trouble. Herning Jr.’s had
McDouglas at dinner. Got out bank mail and paid invoices to
close up 1926 business. Evening no radio.
December 29, 1926 Cloudy warm wind. Got
1 order from Broad Pass. Otto went to Anchorage.
Reported Fern Mine would shut down soon. Sent new year passes
to Matanuska customers. Evening posted on ledger.
Evening couldn’t raise a sound on radio. Ma put new oil cloth
on work table and sink. Finished pricing new goods.
December 30, 1926 Fosket and Nellie in with
double ender to trade. Sent 1927 annual passes to customers
on railroad north to Broad Pass. Got Watson mail letter from
Roe, -20 in Minnesota. Xmas card from Clara, now at Athens,
Ohio. Evening on mail and paid 2 invoices in route.
No radio, air dead.
December 31, 1926 Got out statements for Matanuska
District. Cleaned off walks and road for truck to depot.
Evening dance on at school house, only local people present.
O’Brien’s in from Fern Mine. Evening Anchorage radio good,
also KGO from Paradise Ball Room, Oakland. Failed to pick
up Fischer’s’s new station in Seattle. Section boss got the
measles, not so.
Addresses at end of 1926:
E. E. Hartman
6215 Greenwood Avenue
309 Howard Street
Seattle, Washington
Nellie A. Hartman
2707 East D Street
Tacoma, Washington
Elton C. Herning
Pinehurst, Washington………….son of Otis P. Herning
On Pac. Highway between Everett and Seattle
Note:
S. J. Kelly born 4/12/1860
Newspaper clipping from HARDWARE WORLD magazine
1926:
ALASKA BUSINESS FOR SALE
Consisting of hardware, sporting goods and
complete line of general merchandise, situated in the Matanuska
ranching district on the government railroad and supply station
for the Willow Creek Gold Mining District. Annual sales $35,000,
can be doubled by a progressive management. Two roadhouses and taxi
freighting business in connection if wanted, giving complete control
of business. Owner desires to retire, made enough. This is an exceptional
opportunity. For detail address Box 406 HARDWARE WORLD or O. G.
Herning, Owner, Wasilla, Alaska.
1927
January 1, 1927 Business good, AM closed
PM started to take inventory. Finished posting 1926
ledger. All the Herning’s at Wasilla. Stanley and
wife, Ma and Pa. Stanley chief clerk K. T. Co. Had
chicken dinner, Stanley and Eva guests. Mrs. Ellexson
returned to Knik with double ender and Slowpoke. Natives out
from Knik to trade. Clear and +8, fine day. No radio.
January 2, 1927 Sunday closed all day
busy taking inventory. Got most of dry goods groceries
and forage listed. Four Herning’s on the “job”. Evening
priced flour and forage. Skiing party on Cannon’s Hill
PM. Last year, speeding to Mayo’s account Ma’s sickness,
now Ma skookum. Evening snowing. No radio, battery
weak.
January 3, 1927 Business above normal.
AM self cleaned snow off walks and road to Depot. Got
forage, butter and lard off way freight today and fresh eggs.
Ma worked some on inventory. Self took sugar, beans and rice.
Evening had radio party. Judge Chas E. Bunnell, President of
Alaska College spoke ½ hour over the air, giving history of
the college, opportunities, etc. came in clear and fine.
January 4, 1927 Hauled over
4 truck loads from Depot to store and warehouse. Ma store
keeper part of day. Had chicken dinner 5:30 PM. Evening
church on at school house. Working on inventory. Last
year this time in North Dakota. Evening no radio account storm.
January 5, 1927 First Chinook knocked snow
down ½, Dakota weather. Stanley went to Anchorage
account jaw trouble again. Evening got out balance of
1924 charge accounts to customers. Evening no radio. Jack
Anderson arrived.
January 6, 1927 Snow plow went through to clear
track at Talkeetna District account blow last night, first time
out this winter. Herman in with dog team from Fish Lake.
Several in from mines. Evening good radio on, low battery,
had in 6 stations.
January 7, 1927 Business good, sales
$400. School house new floor and roof cost $348.50, material
and $222.55 labor. Shorty got railroad ice contract, 1,500 tons
at $2. Poker game on at Hans house.
January 8, 1927 Gus in with bobsleighs
from mines, auto road blocked by snow. No radio, caught
KPO signing off 11 PM and Australia, but couldn’t hold, heard one
hymn. Evening party on at Vail’s for Stewart, 13 years old.
Filled coal bin.
January 9, 1927 Sunday, quiet in town.
Joe Palmer in for supplies. Marked new hardware and priced
up on inventory. Mattie took long walk. Otto has stomach
trouble. Hans and wife at Anchorage.
January 10, 1927 No freight train today.
Mrs. Ellexson in from Sunny Knik with double ender. Evening
listened in to Anchorage radio. Received letter from W.
D. Elliott from Hot Springs, Arkansas.
January 11, 1927 Several ranchers in to trade,
self in store most of day priced up on grocery inventory.
Shorty started to clear away snow to cut ice on Lake Wasilla for
railroad company. Evening no radio, too frosty and moon.
January 12, 1927 Business 50% off today.
Hauled over two truck loads from Depot. Hansen working
for Shorty with team on ice contract. Evening overhauled
short wave set. Big moon, no Outside radio until signing
off. Beeley in town. Mrs. McDougal gave a dinner, Eva
and Stanley attended.
January 13, 1927 SS Northwestern hit a rock
near Seymour Narrows, will turn back at Juneau. War on
China and Nicaragua and Mexico over Catholic priests. Evening some
radio, too much static.
January 14, 1927 Gus in with sleigh for mine
supplies. Only a foot of snow but wind spoiled auto road.
George Gates in town, first time in 9 years. Evening Anchorage
radio good, had a variety program.
January 15, 1927 Got out orders for groceries
and coffee. Evening blowing strong. Gus left for mines with
sled load merchandise and sled load drain pipe for Alaska Road
Commission. Evening dance on account Dan Gray’s birthday.
Late, got in KHJ and Brisbane, Australia on radio.
January 16, 1927 Sunday, beautiful wind
all day late evening died out some. Quiet in town, dancers
sleeping. At supper time, brought in Oakland church services
on loud speaker. Tried to operate hand microphone on Bristol
control box, did not amplify. Wind drove Shorty, the ice man,
off the lake.
January 17, 1927 Business 50% above normal.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with dog team and returned.
Ma sick today with stomach trouble, thinks from eating too much ice
cream. On bed most of day, first sick spell this winter also expected
her head trouble. Big wind. Evening radio good, had in
KOMO Totem dance orchestra, Seattle and KPO, San Francisco Variety
Hour. No Outside mail, no boat.
January 18, 1927 Ma much better today, indications
of old trouble, got up PM had chicken dinner 5:30. Stanley
and Eva pricing on hardware inventory. Evening radio NG,
too much static, big moon. Evening card party on at Stanley’s.
Evening much colder, zero. Hans tried car, NG account snow.
January 19, 1927 Zero to 10 below weather.
Ma did washing, self on inventory and mail. Wired for
meats and forage, self not feeling good. Mrs. McDougal
went to Anchorage. Shorty through sawing railroad ice.
January 20, 1927 Two trappers in from Little
Susitna Roadhouse for supplies, came via Knik. Light
snow most all day. Self not feeling good, on bed most of
day. Mrs. Hartman left collection papers vs. McDougal.
January 21, 1927 Pete Pederson here collecting
schooner money, listened in on radio. Answered Mr. Elliott’s
Hot Springs, Arkansas letter. Answered Clara’s letter.
Self OK today, ate raw kraut. Sport dance on tonight.
Radio poor.
January 22, 1927 Stanley went to Anchorage
to have his teeth and neck glands examined. Sam Kelly
and all the sports returned to Anchorage. Mrs. Hartman left for
Tacoma.
January 23, 1927 Sunday, windy all day,
banked snow in front of doors. Shorty loading a car of ice
every day for railroad. PM shoveled out drifts and charged
A battery. Evening radio NG. Pricing up hardware
inventory.
January 24, 1927 Business 20% off.
Ma store keeper. Self shoveled out wind drifts account
hauling incoming freight. Train late, passenger train held
up here 1 hour account snow plow going off track at Houston.
Got 2 weeks mail from Outside. Clara now at Athens, Ohio with
Alice. Stanley back from Anchorage, teeth cause of gland trouble.
Otto went to Fairbanks to see doctor.
January 25, 1927 Gus and Beevley in from mines
for supplies. Put up order for Sutton, new customer.
Hauled over 2 truck loads groceries and hardware. Got
new generator to replace bum one sent by Poppleton Co. Seattle.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik. Evening radio poor. New
Fairview schoolmarm arrived, sold her an outfit.
January 26, 1927 Paid late invoices from Seattle.
Shorty loading a car of Wasilla Lake ice every day, appointed
me as paymaster. Metz and Penny in to trade. Evening
radio bum, batteries low. A-1 day, +30. New Fairview schoolmarm
went to Anchorage.
January 27, 1927 Got out 3 drop shipment orders
for tobacco and S and W goods. Mail train late, arrived
8:45 PM account waiting for Watson mail. St. Clair’s in town
over night visiting, Thorpe’s brew on tap? Old Sam Peters
in for outfit, cutting mining timber for Willow Creek Mines.
January 28, 1927 Priced up new hardware.
Fairview school teacher, Mrs. Johnston, on the way to market
again. Evening had a radio party, 3 schoolmarms, Anchorage
radio club had a program of 37 numbers by the club, very good.
On news items, reported that Dr. Daggett died of a stroke in California.
January 29, 1927 Got 2 orders for Broad pass
District. Stanley went to Anchorage to have teeth filled.
Cold all day. AM –18 and -49 at Fairbanks. Evening
radio good, had in 3 Pacific Coast stations and at midnight, church
from Brisbane, Australia. Schoolmarm moved to Fairview.
Wrote Clara at Athens, Ohio. Otto back from Fairbanks account
medical treatment.
January 30, 1927 Sunday, put up 3 orders
for rail shipment north. Joe Staino down from Houston to trade.
Ice gang laid off account no cars. Several using kraut account
stomach trouble. Evening radio not much good. Battery
low again. Stanley and Eva at Anchorage. Temperature
-10.
January 31, 1927 At Wasilla, Alaska,
hometown. Business good, sales $233.50. PM freight
brought forage, meats, eggs and Schilling goods. Stanley
and Eva back from Anchorage. Stanley had 14 teeth filled,
no more gland trouble now. Evening Anchorage radio very clear,
also had in KOMO and KPO Variety Hour, program very clear.
Reported Grau and Mary had agreed to disagree after 2 years.
February 1, 1927 Busy AM and evening on monthly
statements. PM hauled over 2 truck loads forage and groceries
from Depot. Evening no radio, windy and probably storm
Outside. Ma did washing. Beeley in, placed $50 order.
February 2, 1927 Business above normal.
AM got out balance of monthly statements and Outside mail.
George Edlund hauled wood for Stanley. Sent Mrs. Fanning a
larger pair of snowshoes. Evening radio no good, 10 PM snowing.
Shorty still on ice job.
February 3, 1927 Gus in for mine supplies with
bobsled. Otto back from Anchorage, had teeth fixed up.
Britain’s getting in bad over Chinese trouble. Ice men now loading
2 cars each day.
February 4, 1927 Business slow, collections
good. Light snow all day. Cleaned off walks and
road to Depot, evening clear. Got wonderful radio, KFQD of
Anchorage, local station.
February 5, 1927 Stanley and Dan went to 19
to try again for a moose. Fairview school teacher on market
today. Evening fine radio reception had in 6 stations,
KGO, KOMO, KGX, KGW, KPO, KFI, very clear on ear phones.
Mattie got cold in tonsils.
February 6, 1927 Sunday, light wind all
day, +28. AM cleaned up balcony and priced Schilling goods.
PM charged A battery and posted ledger for January. Stanley
and Dan shot a moose near old 19 roadhouse. Evening, had
in Dr. Ralph Magee’s sermon and music at First Methodist Episcopal
Church, Seattle also KOMO Bible recital and KPO dance program.
February 7, 1927 Stanley, Dan and two
helpers went out to bring in their moose, got back 7 PM.
Business fair, Ma store keeper, self finished hardware inventory
in store warehouse aft. Alex, Wasilla, and Pedro families mushed
back from Susitna Station via Nancy. Mrs. Ellexson in from
Knik. Evening had in KOMO opera owing to wind , reception not
good, later fine. No mail train account slide today.
February 8, 1927 Self working on hardware
inventory. Mail train arrived, not much Outside mail.
Ma feeling better, did her wash. Moose hunters going around
on 3 legs. Evening strong wave on radio but reception no good.
Hoffman here with a petition for Palmer bridge.
February 9, 1927 Business good, +40.
Got orders from Broad Pass and Houston. Self on hardware
inventory, pricing up, Ma balanced January ledger. Warm
wind all day. Evening inclined to rain. Nick Kane
pleaded guilty to selling “mule” at Fairbanks. Shorty, the
ice man, went to Anchorage. Radio no good. Sent Clara
map of tourist routes.
February 10, 1927 Business 25% off, temperature
+45. Spring day snow going fast. Self on hardware
inventory all day. Light train and small mail today.
Wasilla weather within 10 degrees of Seattle last year. Evening
Hoot Owls, no radio.
February 11, 1927 Temperature +40 today.
Ellexson out from Knik with dogs. Evening pricing up hardware
inventory Ma finished clothing. Evening Anchorage radio
good.
February 12, 1927 Stanley and Eva left for
Knik by dog team to attend birthday party. Ma listed aluminum
and crockery wall on balcony. Midnight, brought in church services
at Brisbane, Australia.
February 13, 1927 Sunday, took inventory of
auto supplies, razors, shears. Cleaned out furnace and fixed
the pipe. Stanley and Eva back from Knik. Evening church
services from Anchorage over KFQD came in fine.
February 14, 1927 Received coffee and groceries
on noon freight. Mrs. Wanamaker came up to cook at Wasilla
Hotel. Evening Anchorage radio good, also KPO Midnight
Frolic San Francisco. Wind started to blow 10 PM.
February 15, 1927 Business 75% off, no
one out today, second big wind of winter. All busy pricing
up on inventory, got all completed but hardware. Busy with
fires account wind. Chas Isaac in town. Making ready to go Outside.
February 16, 1927 Big cold wind still on.
Busy on inventory. Ma packing up for trip Outside. No radio
account wind.
February 17, 1927 Third day big wind, nobody
around. Working on final of hardware inventory.
No mail train. Coal train jumped the track at Pittman and
blocked the road. Wind blew paper off Snider’s roof and stove
pipes in the air. No radio.
February 18, 1927 Big wind, after 82 hours
died out. Busy on book work all day, up to midnight.
Evening Anchorage radio good. Sent well wishes to Ma and
Pa account trip to Honolulu. Mail train went north PM.
Ready for trip Outside tomorrow.
February 19, 1927 Wasilla to Seward,
Ma and self on trip to Seattle. Arrived Seward 7:30 PM
left on SS Alaska midnight. More snow at Seward than at
Wasilla. Richard Hyer going Outside on Alaska.
February 20, 1927 Sunday on board the SS Alaska
at Cordova. Ma and self got room 126, arrived at Valdez
at noon, snowing as usual arrived at Cordova 6 PM . Boat loading
copper ore, will leave 9 AM Monday. Took in show “Three faces”,
war plot, England and Germany. Had some hunt to find Cordova
post office, on hill and upstairs at that. Letter to Stanley.
February 21, 1927 Crossing the Gulf of
Alaska, left Cordova 9 AM passed out of smooth water at noon.
Snow squalls but not rough sea. Should be in smooth water at
noon tomorrow. Missed no meals as yet. Ma ate a light
dinner. South bound on SS Alaska.
February 22, 1927 On SS Alaska, arrived Cape
Spencer 1 PM took in town, left midnight for Wrangle, passed
Northwestern leaving Juneau. Quite a few got on at Juneau.
Clear and cold, snow on Juneau streets, had smooth going all day.
February 23, 1927 On board SS Alaska, Juneau
to Wrangle. Arrived Wrangle 6 PM arrived Ketchikan midnight.
A lot of Juneau and Douglas kids on way to play Wrangle and Ketchikan.
Left a line for Clo King saying we were in route to Seattle.
Dropped Stanley a line from Ketchikan. Evening cloudy, light
rain.
February 24, 1927 On board SS Alaska in Canadian
waters all day, cloudy and showers. In route, Ketchikan
to Seattle. Small passenger list, Juneau crowd got off at
Wrangle and Ketchikan.
February 25, 1927 Arrived at Nanaimo,
B. C. 9 PM to take on 700 tons coal. No one could go ashore
account booze delaying boat on arrival account customs house inspection.
Had smooth trip down channel, due at Seattle noon tomorrow.
February 26, 1927 Arrived at Seattle.
Rented apartment #441 at Spring Hotel. Sent Stanley wire of our
safe arrival. Evening saw show at the new Embassy Theater.
Overcoat weather in Seattle but clear and fine. Had in KOMO program.
February 27, 1927 At Seattle, Washington.
Rested up AM and heard church services over radio. PM went
out with Mattie to rubber in show windows. Evening saw
show at the Palace, very good. Evening had Bible class program
over KOMO and KFQW and KGBS programs. Clear and cool day.
February 28, 1927 At Seattle, Washington.
AM Mattie went shopping. Mailed grocery order to M and
M Co. Rented typewriter for a month. Rained all day.
Listened to radio evening “Coyote Club” Spokane on air. On
return from lunch found big basket assorted fruits and nuts in
room sent by Pacific Fruit and Produce Co.
March 1, 1927 At Seattle, Washington, Spring
Apartment Hotel #441. Mattie had eyes re-tested for new glasses.
PM took in Pantage’s show. Crippled Friends Club program over
KFQW was good. Evening rain. Wrote Mr. Franke for report
on farms.
March 2, 1927 Placed order for hardware
and fruit. Placed door chock for repair on Columbia Avenue.
Left Diamond watch at Thos. J. Cassett to be regulated. Wrote
to Clara about Alaska Golden Belt Tour. Evening Richard Hyer
visited, all went to show. Clear today. May Kellogg visited,
nobody home.
March 3, 1927 Cloudy and cool day. Received
wire from Stanley. Placed orders for more groceries, flour
and forage. Self not feeling well feet swell account walking
on pavement. Evening saw show. No radio on in room
today. Sent Clara Alaska itinerary.
March 4, 1927 Wrote to Stanley and sent
sport papers. Took stroll along waterfront mid-day and had a
clam chowder. May Kellogg visited. Evening saw double
show at Palace. Hoot Owls had a lively program over KFOA.
March 5, 1927 Saw show at Palace, vaudeville
and picture. Evening Richard Hyer visited, leaving for
New York soon. No mail Northwestern and Watson at Ketchikan.
March 6, 1927 Sunday at Seattle, Washington.
AM listened to church services over radio. PM went out
to Ballard to call on Stanley and Mrs. Morse, had dinner.
Evening attended suburb picture show, was very good. Met Stanley’s
girl after show. Stanley drove us home to Spring Apartments.
Stanley’s radio clear and fine.
March 7, 1927 Ma and Pa at Seattle, Washington.
Heavy rain all AM. Noon, received first mail from Stanley
at Wasilla. Sent copy of income tax report, said Joe Palmer
was going to move fox ranch to Hartman’s ranch in Wash. Evening
saw double show at the Palace.
March 8, 1927 Placed order for forage with
Lilly Co. Wrote Stanley to go on Watson March 9th.
Mattie went shopping. PM saw good show at Pantage’s.
Wrote ad for Hardware World, K. T. Co. business for sale.
Evening listened to opera over KOMO and Seattle election returns.
Seattle voting for municipal auditorium (carried).
March 9, 1927 Evening rain. Mattie had operation
to remove old root on jaw bone, cost $25. PM visited on
Washington Shoe Co., bought pair work shoes for Mrs. Ellexson.
Hunted town over for #44 bath robe. Evening saw show at Palace.
Sent ad to Hardware World, K. T. Co. business for sale.
March 10, 1927 Placed order for fruits. Sent
Mrs. Ellexson’s shoes and Eva’s goods parcel post, couldn’t
find gray bath robe in Seattle market. Evening saw sailor
show at Continental Theater. Cloudy cool day, evening rain.
Ma’s jaw swollen from root extract.
March 11, 1927 At Seattle, received letter
from Clara at Athen’s Ohio, said she would join us in April
and take trip to Alaska. Had savings account interest added, $61
then saw show at Coliseum. Evening listened to Hoot Owls at
Portland over radio. Mattie had jaw treated. Cashed in
gold samples, 6 ounces.
March 12, 1927 At Seattle, Washington,
rained all AM. PM took in show at Embassy. Evening
saw Vaudeville and pictures at Palace. Weather 10 degrees
colder than last year and more rain and wind in Seattle.
Raining every evening lately.
March 13, 1927 AM listened to both Catholic
and Protestant church services over radio. PM took stroll
along waterfront, Northwestern stopping for B. C. coal, not due
until Monday PM. Evening heard Dr. Magee’s sermon on radio then
saw good picture show, “The Devil Circus”.
March 14, 1927 Went to dock, Victoria arrived
3:15 PM. Otto Langel arrived from Wasilla, going to Portland
for medical treatment. Evening visited Otto at Seward Hotel,
then saw show at Palace. On return to hotel received letters from
Stanley and Eva. Temperature +45, cloudy, evening rain.
March 15, 1927 Otto left for Portland for medical
treatment on PM train. Took Vaudeville and picture show at Pantage’s
12 to 5 PM. Got wire from Stanley, Gus wanted to build a
coal bunker on our track lot. Evening listened to Opera Makido
over KOMO. Living fine, two meals and a show today.
March 16, 1927 At Seattle, cloudy and
rain. Ma had stitches taken out of jaw where old root was
removed and had one ulcerated tooth removed. PM saw show
at Orpheum, Vaudeville and pictures. Evening radio at home.
Cold, cloudy and rain. Last year, weather was A-1. Placed
orders for fruit, forage and groceries for K. T. Co. Wasilla.
March 17, 1927 Rain with snow flurries.
St. Patrick’s Day. AM listened to radio. PM went
out to market. Subscribed for P. I. for 3 months for Stanley.
Got returns on samples gold dust, $121.70. Evening saw show.
March 18, 1927 Mattie and Mrs. Morris went
shopping at Sears and Sawbucks. Wired Stanley, goods in route
and would not rent part of railroad lot. Evening saw show.
Listened to Hoot Owls over radio 10:30 to midnight.
March 19, 1927 Mattie had jaw treated account
old root taken out drew $50 from savings account. PM saw
good show at Palace “The Mystic Review”, was a great stunt.
Audience wore red and blue eye glasses, all acts seemed to float
out over audience.
March 20, 1927 Went out on bus at noon to Everett,
Washington, looked town over. Speed cop held up our bus,
told driver he must keep in line on right side of road etc.
Called on Elton Herning and family running Star Lunch and filling
station at Pinehurst. Got home at 10:30 PM
March 21, 1927 At Seattle, Washington
partly cloudy. Received weekend mail from Stanley at Wasilla,
Alaska. Mrs. Gustafson visited, was in route from Wasilla
to Mayo’s at Rochester, Minnesota for treatment. PM placed
hardware orders, visited on John Deere Plow Co. Evening saw
“Flames of Nation” at Winter Garden. Called on A. C. Fry Co. PM
Cool and cloudy weather.
March 22, 1927 Received wire from Stanley saying
Eva and mother were coming out on Northwestern, due here next
Sunday. PM saw show at 5th Avenue Theater. Evening
saw show “What Fools Men” at the Colonial Theater. Answered
Otto’s Portland letter. Got out-mail to go on Evans Wednesday,
1st trip. Mrs. Kellogg visited PM.
March 23, 1927 AM placed orders for sugar and
coffee for Wasilla, Alaska store. PM saw good show at Pantage’s
Theater. Evening listened to Maxwell House Coffee from
Portland. Shanghai fell to Cantonese.
March 24, 1927 Noon visited on Imperial Candy
Co. showed us through their factory, gave Mattie a box nut candy.
Mattie bought new dress, self had hair cut. Evening saw good picture
show for 30¢. Received letter from Otto, had tumor removed
from stomach at Portland.
March 25, 1927 AM looked at 2 room apartment,
wanted $160 a month. May go to Portland for a month when
Eva and her mother arrive Sunday. Went out shopping with
Mattie. Mattie bought new hat. Mr. Wood of Fisher Mills
visited to find out about May Kellogg’s Alaska oil claims etc.
Evening saw double picture show at Palace.
March 26, 1927 AM looked over several apartment
houses, couldn’t find 3 room apartment vacant. PM saw show
at Palace, evening at home, listened to radio. Clear and
cool day.
March 27, 1927 Sunday, at Seattle, real summer
day. Eva and mother arrived AM from Wasilla, Alaska met
them at boat. They parked at the Atwood Hotel then came
to our apartment for dinner. PM all went out to Woodland
City Park, weather fine. Evening visited on Fleck’s at Atwood
Hotel. No shows today.
March 28, 1927 Ma went with Eva and mother
for exam at Virginia Mason Hospital. Mrs. Fleck to be
operated on for hernia. Eva also had an exam for “what’s wrong”.
Evening we saw show at Colonial. Moved to apartment #1006.
March 29, 1927 Ma and Fleck’s out shopping
for Ellen Smith, bought $40 worth of baby clothes, “watch Wasilla
grow?” PM all saw good show at Pantage’s. Wrote to
Clara at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, also Roe and Otto at Portland Hospital.
March 30, 1927 Answered Clara’s last letter
from Athens, Ohio. Wrote to Roe and Florence. Had
Eva and mother at lunch. Evening Mrs. Fleckenstein entered
Virginia Mason Hospital for hernia operation, Eva cried on return
to our apartment. Evening, saw show at Colonial.
March 31, 1927 Ma and self at apartment 1006,
Spring Apartment Hotel, Eva had dinner with us, her mother in
hospital. PM saw Duffy’s flats. Evening saw show at
Embassy. Eva and Ma visited Eva’s mother at hospital. Sent
Metz Alaska weekly. A-1 day but rather cool.
April 1, 1927 Eva had her eyes tested and having
teeth filled. Evening Ma and Eva visited Mrs. Fleck
at hospital then all saw good show. Made boat reservations.
April 2, 1927 Ma and Eva out rubbering, went
through markets. Placed orders for Pacs with Goodrich
and U.S. Rubber Co. Ma met Mrs. Sylvester while in Globe
Optical Co. Evening saw good show at Palace, pictures and
Vaudeville. Eva came to live with us.
April 3, 1927 AM visited Tower and Park on
Capital Hill. Eva, Ma and self had chicken dinner at
home. Evening visited Sylvester’s at Mt. Baker Park.
First time since here, got their thrill story of last winter trip
to rainy California.
April 4, 1927 Oak Olson showed me through S
and W warehouse. Ma and Eva visited Eva’s mother at Virginia
Hospital, no operation yet. Evening saw good show at Winter
Garden.
April 5, 1927 At Seattle and Tacoma.
Harman Furniture Co. man drove us over to Tacoma. Bought
full bed outfit, new rugs and chairs. Paddy Marion visited
evening 8 to 11 PM, listened to 7 Pacific radio stations, all hooked
up on same program.
April 6, 1927 Placed orders for seeds, disc
harrow and fruits for Saturday sailings. Eva, Ma and self saw
good show at Pantage’s. Evening Ma and Eva visited Mrs. Fleck
at hospital. Self made map of Grubstake and Willow Creek for
May Kellogg the promoter. Received Air Mail letter from Art
and Carrie.
April 7, 1927 Received letter from Clara, was
at home farm in Minnesota on way to Sleepy Eye. Eva and Ma out
shopping, bought shoes, dresses and what-not. Eva’s teeth all
fixed up. W. D. Elliott visited, will leave Saturday for Girdwood,
Alaska. Evening saw good show.
April 8, 1927 Answered Hyer, Roe’s and Clara’s
letters. Sent Clara’s letter by Air Mail to Minnesota.
Ma and Eva visited Eva’s mother at Virginia Hospital. Mailed
letter to Stanley.
April 9, 1927 Ma in bed all day with cold,
changed from woolen to silk hose the cause. Received letters
and orders from Stanley. Placed orders for groceries, bacon
and drugs. Eva and self saw show at Palace. Eva now the cook.
Sylvester visited on phone.
April 10, 1927 At Seattle, Ma much better
account cold. Eva, Ma and self took trip to Lake Washington by
cable car. Eva visited on her mother, will be operated on
at noon tomorrow for hernia at Virginia Mason Hospital.
April 11, 1927 Eva’s mother operated on for
hernia, all OK so far. PM visited on Seattle Tent, Filson’s
and Lilly’s Seed store. Evening opera on from San Francisco
and Coyote Club at Spokane.
April 12, 1927 At Seattle, Spring Apartments
# 1006. PM went up to 12th Avenue bought auto supplies for truck.
Evening Eva had the blues account her mother not feeling good after
operation. Noon, Kellogg visited. Sam Kelly 67 years old.
April 13, 1927 Clara will arrive here April
16th, said Florence had 3 operations. Eva’s mother OK today,
will have to stay in bed rest of month while hernia is healing
up. Placed Clothing order at Filson’s. Called on L.
C. Warner Co. and Elmer and Moody Co. Eva got sore throat.
April 14, 1927 Looked up Otto Langell’s
old partner’s address, J. G. Carson, Hoonah, Alaska. Placed
order for rubber stamps. Bought cash register supplies.
Evening saw extra fine show at Pantage’s, met Charles Bartholf and
son Clarence there.
April 15, 1927 Sister Clara, in route to Seattle
on G. N. Railway. AM had x-ray and one molar out.
Wired Stanley about Otto and Mrs. Fleck’s condition. Clara
due here tomorrow, all sailing for Alaska April 27th. Wrote
Mabel Pullen at Portland that Clara was here.
April 16, 1927 Sister Clara, arrived on G.
N. from Sleepy Eye, Minnesota for trip to Alaska with Ma and
self. first time we met since 1900. Spent most of day talking
about relations and old
schoolmates. PM got bearing for auto
truck wheels.
April 17, 1927 Easter Sunday. Clara,
Eva and Ma went to Catholic church, then we all went to Dr.
Magee’s Methodist church, only standing room, heard 100 voice choir
sing and 2 solo’s then came home. PM all went out to Woodland
Park, rained so came home. Evening woman folks visited Eva’s
mother at Virginia Mason Hospital. Got out Stanley’s order.
April 18, 1927 At Seattle, Washington rain
and snow squalls. Placed orders with Seattle Hardware Co. and
Seller and Co. Mattie having bridge replaced. Sylvester came
for us with his car to attend dinner at his Mt. Baker Park home.
Bought ticket for self to go on Watson Wednesday for Wasilla.
April 19, 1927 At Seattle. Placed
clothing order with Fliesh-Mayer and Co. Picked out dinner
sets at Seller’s. Paid for 4 tickets on SS Farragut for Ma,
Clara, Eva and mother 27th sailing. Mailed orders to Schilling
and Sussman-Woosmer and Co. San Francisco. Evening saw good
show at Pantage’s. Eva homesick, didn’t go to show.
April 20, 1927 Left Seattle on SS Watson.
Ma, sister Clara, Eva and Eva’s mother to follow week later on
Farragut. Ma, Clara and Eva saw me off at the Admiral Dock
at 10 AM. Got room 5 on Watson all by myself, only 20 passengers
on board. Orchestra on ship. Overcoat weather on ship,
last year it was warm.
April 21, 1927 On SS Watson, north bound. Anchored
five hours last night for tide at Seymour Narrows, passed through
Queen Charlotte Sound 2 to 4 PM smooth going. Due at Ketchikan
tomorrow evening. Eat and sleep, that’s all, no women on
board.
April 22, 1927 On SS Watson, arrived at Ketchikan
8:30 PM cloudy and rain. Mailed letter to Clo King.
Met Max Humphry. Sent wire to Mattie at Seattle.
Wired S and W, San Francisco for ton sugar to come on schooner,
direct to Anchorage. Heard prize fight at Vancouver over radio.
April 23, 1927 On SS Watson, no band.
Left Ketchikan 6 AM, Sam Guyot on board. Hove to PM account
tide at Wrangle Narrows, arrived Petersburg 4 PM. Left
Petersburg 6 PM for Juneau.
April 24, 1927 Sunday, Arrived at Juneau 3
AM, raining as usual, left at 6 AM. PM cloudy, passed
Cape Spencer 3:30 PM smooth seas. Outside Jim Hagen got
on at Juneau, only 9 on board. Yakutat next. Turkey dinner.
Otto died the 24th.
April 25, 1927 On board SS Watson at Yakutat.
Off Cape St. Elias 6 PM snow squalls, calm sea. Swift’s
man on board. Passed Evans 7:30. Passed Cape Hinchinbrook
Lighthouse 11 PM, calm.
April 26, 1927 On SS Watson, arrived at Cordova
5 AM unloaded coal, left for LaTouche at 10:30. Snow storm
at Cordova yesterday, cold here today. Arrived LaTouche 5
PM. Felch and Rich came aboard at Cordova. Cold rain PM.
April 27, 1927 At Seward, Alaska. Arrived
11 PM yesterday put up at Hotel Sexton. Met Hawkins and
Pete Ogal. Took walk over townsite to lagoon. Evening
saw show, took bath. Ma, Clara, Eva and mother left Seattle
today on Farragut. A-1 spring day.
April 28, 1927 Seward to Wasilla, left Seward
6 AM arrived home 4 PM. Train at Anchorage, 2½ hours.
Helen Fleck at train to meet me and get news about Eva and mother.
Ed McNally on north train. Had dinner at Wasilla Hotel.
Snow on east side Knik Arm all gone at Wasilla side. A-1 spring
day. Mattie and Clara on way home from Seattle. Two
month trip to Seattle cost $750.
April 29, 1927 At home after 2 month
vacation in Seattle. Started painting walls in office,
got on priming coat. Chas Bartholf and son left to open Mabel
Mine. Evening music program over KFQD by Anchorage students.
Stanley on freight.
April 30, 1927 Perfect day, +50. Dance
on at school house. Painted on office all day. Ma
in route home from Seattle with sister Clara. Roads muddy,
cars going as far as mile 12. Big flood at New Orleans.
Paddy Marion storing his mining machinery in Wilmoth warehouse,
waiting for good roads. Radio no good.
May 1, 1927 Sunday, painting in office,
finished 2nd coat. Stanley walked down to McArdle's PM.
Had Sunday dinner at Wasilla Hotel. Ma and party crossing
Gulf of Alaska in route home from Seattle. Perfect day at Wasilla.
Cut down short wave cabinet.
May 2, 1927 Stanley got out monthly statements,
self put 3rd coat on office ceiling. Gus in from 28 with
his car. Horning and Hugo Johnson arrived from Anchorage.
Evening laid new linoleum on office floor. Had in Anchorage
the KOMO, Seattle, ½ hour fine program.
May 3, 1927 Stanley hauled over groceries and
hardware, business rushing all day. Cut out wall and put in
China closet. Evening cleaned kitchen stove and laid down
new linoleum. Stanley helped and cleaned his house.
May 4, 1927 Stanley went to Anchorage to meet
Eva, Ma and Clara due from Seattle on SS Farragut at Seward today.
Painted back wall on our bedroom. Cloudy, showers and snow.
Too busy for radio tonight.
May 5, 1927 Snowed 2” last night, Mattie and
Clara arrived PM train from Seattle. Eva stopped off
at Anchorage with her mother. St. Clair back from exam
foot at Anchorage, going to Mayo Clinic for treatment.
May 6, 1927 Self in office all day on accounts
and paid Seattle invoices. Mattie and Clara cleaned up china
closet. Walter’s shipped ton spuds bought off him last
fall. Thorpe’s bought small outfit for mines. Stanley
at Anchorage. Radio good.
May 7, 1927 Busy in store, hauled over groceries
and clothing from Depot. Hauled out garbage. Jas St.
Clair and wife left for Mayo Clinic account James foot trouble.
Endorsed their note to First National Bank Anchorage for $800 due
October 7, 1927. Cold, damp weather.
May 8, 1927 Sunday, +40 to +60. Clara,
Mattie and self drove down Knik Road to mile 7, road fair but
not equal to a year ago. Evening had in church services
from Anchorage. Mrs. McDougal in from Fern Mine. Clara
has a cold.
May 9, 1927 Sam cleaned smoked meats.
Fixed Stanley’s stove pipe. Hauled ton spuds from Depot,
shipped from Palmer. Eva back from Seattle with Stanley
from Anchorage. Received first billing on schooner “Lassen”,
San Francisco to Anchorage. Gene Bartholf and Roger Johnson
arrived to open Gold Cord Mine. Evening Anchorage radio good.
May 10, 1927 Twin Mining Co. team run away.
Clara and Eva attended card party at Watson’s. Both Kelly
and Stanley want to quit jobs. Evening on Outside mail.
No radio.
May 11, 1927 Clara and Eva went fishing, didn’t
get ‘em. Stanley and self finished unpacking crockery
wall, stored same on balcony. Noon temperature +80 in sun.
No radio from Outside. Mrs. McDougal went to Matanuska.
Dancer family left.
May 12, 1927 Put crockery in hardware show
window. Opened up bolts. Installed Knik hardware
shelves to hold bolts on hardware side. Evening Stanley
assembled his Buick and turned her over OK.
May 13, 1927 Gus won Wasilla Ice Pool, $60.
Installed bolt boxes in new hardware rack. Woman folks
went fishing, got ‘em this time. Tanana Ice went out, Squaw man
won $37,000. Sam soldered leak in gas tank of Olds.
May 14, 1927 Stanley started to drive truck
for Road Commission camp at Wasilla Creek. Patchell cabin
burned up. Sam cleaning hardware shelves. Sam took a lay
off, self now chief clerk. Evening dance on at Fairview school
house crowed went with team and wagon. Tousley couldn’t return
to St. Clair’s ranch account of bad road for car.
May 15, 1927 Sunday, Ed McNally here,
gave him order for hardware to come on schooner from San Francisco.
Brill car here with fishing party. Ter-College boys here
looking over mines. Ice went out on Lucille Lake. Evening
Anchorage church by radio. Evening Clara and Mattie on phonograph
at Eva’s.
May 16, 1927 Self and Ma now store keepers.
Sam taking a lay off and Stanley driving Com. Truck, busy
all day in store, sales $115. Mississippi floods worst in
history, making lake 250 miles long by 50 miles wide. Clara
still nursing her cold. Magaha in with bad cold.
May 17, 1927 Stanley in from Com. camp, went
back with his Buick Roadster. Hanson took his disc harrow.
Bunch back from Gold Cord, too much snow.
May 18, 1927 Paul’s well went dry, Gus helping
Paul to drive point deeper. Snider’s relation arrived
Monday from Outside. Evening greased rear end Olds car and
assembled tank that sprung a leak. Australian explorer,
Sir Hubert Wilkins, partner of Carl Ben Eilson, back from North Pole,
lost plane and walked back
May 19, 1927 Busy in store all day, 5 trains
passed through Wasilla today. Evening Stanley in from
Road camp. Drove Olds car out to 19 Roadhouse with whole
family. Marion Twin G. M. Co. making ready for house warming.
May 20, 1927 Hauled over load freight from
Depot. Evening drove down to ARC camp at Wasilla Creek,
Ma, Eva, Clara and Miss Watson joy riders. Evening Anchorage
radio good.
May 21, 1927 Put up order for Gold Cord Mine.
Evening big house warming in the new Twin Marion house on Main
Street, Ma and Clara attended. Self packed up Gold Cord order.
May 22, 1927 Sunday, quiet in town. Gave Felch
an order, clothing, groceries, feed and flour. Brill
car passed through with fishing party, Bill Stolt
and several got off here, Frank Kelly also. PM drove down
to Fleck’s place. Evening finished Gold Cord order. Evening
rain.
May 23, 1927 Business good, sales $274.48.
Bartholf and Johnson left for Gold Cord Mine, 2nd trip
with grub outfit. Freight train 5 hours late. Evening
took loads out for joy ride and to charge radio battery.
Met Stanley at railroad crossing east of town. Drove down
Matanuska Road to Edlund’s turn out. Evening radio good,
Jim Hagen arrived.
May 24, 1927 McAllen, after doctoring up his
car, left for mines. Hauled load sugar and produce from
Depot, fruit did not arrive. Crocker in for grub from Cottonwood
on beach. Eva joy riding on White’s saddle horse. Evening
drove down to Moffat ranch, then got out-mail. Mattie and
Clara washing.
May 25, 1927 Birch trees leaving out.
White, Marion, Kelly and Eva went to Anchorage. Bogard
in for supplies. Evening Stanley in from Road camp.
Marion outfit hauling out freight with horses to 28. Evening
caught KOMO on Puget Sound program. Farmers planting spuds,
2 weeks late this spring. Schooner Lasson arrived at Anchorage
Tuesday.
May 26, 1927 Trees about leaved out, 3 weeks
later than last year. Got fruit and milk on today’s freight.
Schooner Lasson unloading freight at Anchorage dock, self got
3 tons S and W goods on schooner. Evening drove down to road
camp at Wasilla Creek and to experimental farm.
Mrs. Horning arrived, went to mines.
May 27, 1927 Real summer, 3 weeks later
than last year. Customers asking for pop and near beer.
Hauled over load Borden milk from Depot. Joy riders got
stuck in mud on Edlund’s road to beach. Evening got out hardware
order. Anchorage radio good, also got KOMO program Puget Sound
Light and Power Co. and Eldridge Buick Co. 10 to 11 PM.
May 28, 1927 A-1 summer day, business
slow. Got Olds car ready for 1st trip to Fishhook Inn
tomorrow. Evening drove down to McArdle ranch, road good.
Dance on at Matanuska. Gus drove down.
May 29, 1927 Sunday, busy around store.
PM with Mattie and Clara, drove out to Fishhook Inn had fine dinner,
Mrs. Forker the cook. Evening good rain 6 to 12 midnight.
Willow Creek Road good. Evening on seed bills. Mrs.
E.H.B. and Roger Johnson left for Gold Cord Mine.
May 30, 1927 Everything green after last nights
rain. S and W goods off schooner Lasson arrived, took
1 month for delivery from San Francisco. Evening Stanley
up from ARC camp with St. Clair’s Lizzie. Hugh Price sent
Outside account cancer in stomach. Evening on invoices.
May 31, 1927 Business good, hauled over
3 loads from Depot, S and W goods, some of sugar was wet.
McAllen and McDougal in from mines. McDougal paid balance due on
loan from Paul Wavrick. Frank Watson and Nels Larson going to work
for Road Commission. Harvey Rutter in from Fern. Brill
car on service.
June 1, 1927 Harvey Rutter went to Anchorage
out on vacation from Fern Mine. Adams, mechanic for ARC,
here to overhaul Cat. ARC opened camp at Canyon, Wasilla-Willow
Road. Stanley on truck gravel gang. Phoned Eva for pants
at Anchorage.
June 2, 1927 Ma not feeling well, touch of
old nerve trouble. No freight north today. Eva
home from Anchorage after week vacation. Ellexson’s out
from Knik with car, first time this spring. Evening drove
out to ARC camp at canyon, mile 12, Stanley came back with me.
June 3, 1927 Real summer
weather on. Hauled out tin cans to dump. First
pack train over Fishhook Willow Pass today. Made out dry
goods order, Portland. Floyd and Ellen at Fleck Roadhouse.
June 4, 1927 Put up order for Mabel Mine.
Gene Bartholf in from Gold Cord Mine went to Anchorage.
White family went to Anchorage. Sold automatic Lugar gun kept
in safe for $20 to Marion Handley. Evening drove down to Fleck
Ranch and down Matanuska Road.
June 5, 1927 Sunday, busy as a fly on
a dung heap all AM to 3 PM in store. Brill car went to Montana
and had to be towed back to Anchorage. Floyd Smith wanted
to do assessment work on Grubstake Placer, Sherlock on list for the
job. Drove out to 28 to see Stanley at Road camp.
June 6, 1927 No freight train north today.
Boat overdue at Seward. Evening Stanley in from canyon
Road camp ARC. Marion Twin G. M. Co. hauling out water pipe.
Kemff arrived, going to mines. Snodgrass up from experimental
farm. Bob Hatcher arrived from Nuka Bay. Tommy McNeil
arrived.
June 7, 1927 W. A. Stiles up from Anchorage
to do assessment work on old Shough Mine. Deedee Blodgett
and father down from Pittman, drove them down to mile 12 to see
Knik Road and Arm. Evening drove down with all the Herning’s
to visit Mrs. Donovan, Ellen and Floyd went also.
June 8, 1927 Business good, sales $228.25.
Bogard in for supplies. Evening Stanley in for supplies
for ARC help. Sherlock in from Hart Ranch, hired him to do assessment
on Grubstake Placer Mine.
June 9, 1927 Floyd Smith back from Anchorage,
looking for work. Ellexson and Churchill in from Knik.
Paul drove to Mabel Mine AM. S and W goods checked out short.
Skeeters on 2 shifts.
June 10, 1927 Ellexson shipped goat to “my
cousin” at Gold Creek. McAllen went to Seward to meet
his wife from Outside. Evening busy paying Seattle invoices
and ordering more goods. Mrs. McDougal in from Fern Mine.
Put up grub order for Grubstake Placer account assessment.
June 11, 1927 Harvey soldered hole in gas tank
on Olds car. Evening left Wasilla for Grubstake Placer
Mine. Left car at ARC camp on Fishhook Creek arrived at mines
10 PM, everything in good order in cabin and cache retired midnight.
June 12, 1927 Sunday at Grubstake, Willow
Creek District. Cleaned up and did some repair work AM.
Noon, Jim Sherlock arrived to do assessment work. Prospected
bench between left and right fork and showed Sherlock over the
works, Lander arrived with grub. Left 8 PM, arrived home 1
o’clock.
June 13, 1927 Received grocery, hardware and
butter on PM freight. Self a little stiff after trip over
mountains to mines. Received letter from St. Clair at
Mayo Clinic, his wife to have 2 operations, his case not decided.
President Marion Twin Gold Mining Co. arrived.
June 14, 1927 Rained all day, late season but
crops coming to the front OK. Gus in from mines.
Marion Twin G. M. Co. moved camp to mines. J. E. Wilson, “Pay
Day” here cleaning out creeks so salmon can run for Bureau of Fisheries.
June 15, 1927 Cloudy, rain did a lot of good,
potatoes starting to sprout. Evening bridge gang down to
trade from Little Susitna at Houston. Sold a Humane pack
saddle. Some relief since Marion bunch moved out to mines.
June 16, 1927 Evening drove out to Fishhook
Inn to see Stanley, rained going and returning. Got Farragut
freight fruit, hardware, flour and meats. Mosquitoes very
bad actors.
June 17, 1927 Busy in store AM. PM hauled over
3 tons freight from railroad warehouse. Gus received
lumber for coal shed. Cook received lumber for goat ranch.
Stanley in from Fishhook. Magaha in to trade evening.
No radio, these days, too light.
June 18, 1927 Mattie, Clara and Eva went for
weekend at Anchorage. Self busy storing away new goods and waiting
on customers. Evening fair radio, had in KGO Midnight Frolic and
12 to 1:30 church from Brisbane, Australia.
June 19, 1927 Business rushing, all of experimental
farm boys, Pittman Section boys in to trade, sold $87 merchandise.
Evening painted and varnished old china closet in kitchen.
Mattie and Clara at Anchorage.
June 20, 1927 Busy in store, sales $154.57.
Stanley on Ford truck, brakes down. Mattie, Clara and Eva
back from Anchorage on train, couldn’t get reservations in Fairbanks.
Evening all drove in to old Sunny Knik. Harvey went to Fairbanks
at midnight.
June 21, 1927 Noon, drove Eva to Junction to
catch branch train for Anchorage, going to work salmon cannery.
Hauled 2 truck loads freight from Depot. J. E. Wilson in from
Knik, floated down Meadow Creek to Knik Arm. Ellexson in
car, broke down on Cannon Hill, Paul towed him to Knik.
Shorty back from Kodiak.
June 22, 1927 Everything growing fine. John
Schubert from Chickaloon placed order for groceries etc.
Packed order for Chulitna. Gene Bartholf in, went to Anchorage,
going prospecting in Broad pass District. Evening caught
KFQD listing new wave length. Mrs. Hans went to Anchorage to “pop”.
June 23, 1927 Shipped orders to Caswell and
Chulitna. Schubert returned to Chickaloon. Drugs
and hardware arrived. Mine Elick out from Knik. Dupont
powder man here. Evening ARC help in to trade from Palmer
camp. Sold 25 strawberry crates today. No strawberries
on market yet.
June 24, 1927 McAllen in from Willow Creek.
Evening drove down to the St. Clair ranch, Mrs. Pennington in
charge. Shorty unloaded new Cat for Road Commission, took
it to Palmer District.
June 25, 1927 Put up order for Gene Bartholf,
Chulitna District. John Schubert back, wants goods routed
to Talkeetna. Evening had KGO and Brisbane, Australia in
on radio. Eva at Anchorage.
June 26, 1927 Sunday, busy in store all day.
Mrs. Pennington drove in to Knik. White drove over to
Bogard ranch via hall. Cloudy all day. New comet
in S. Australia.
June 27, 1927 Bartholf and O’Brien left for
Talkeetna and Chulitna District to prospect. John Schubert
left for Talkeetna. Had big rush in store after train, sales
$185.90. Eva, brother and wife here from Anchorage.
June 28, 1927 Engstrom in for his hog wire.
Metz in to trade. Paul’s Ford truck broke down at mile 8½,
had to walk in. Conroy and Nick arrived, went on to Fern
Mine. Evening on Seattle bills.
June 29, 1927 Lawrence and wife left for Anchorage.
Cost railroad $26 for 40 minutes work repairing roof on
Depot. Evening cleaned spark plugs on Olds car. Made
out a few monthly statements. Harrison took contract to build
Gus’ coal bunker.
June 30, 1927 Got $100 order from Palmer.
Clara got word Dr. Strickler would not visit Alaska, the doctor
got cancer in stomach. ARC Cat man here fixing old Cat.
Granny White in from mines. Evening drove down to Moffat
ranch. Knik Road full of potholes.
July 1, 1927 Hauled over 2 loads hardware and
groceries from Depot. Evening McAllen in looking for July
4th supplies. Jess Garver in from Willow with rich gold
ore sample, late find on Bullion mountain prospect. Paid
store license. Thorpe’s in from Knik.
July 2, 1927 Business good, sales $204.83.
Walters and Mrs. Fanning over from Palmer to trade. Put
up order for Thorpe and Brassil. July 4th fruit failed to
arrive. Metz in with spuds for mines. Ellexson in
from Knik. Evening Stanley in from ARC camp on Willow Creek.
Got KFI on radio at midnight.
July 3, 1927 Sunday, business good. Evening
adjusted brakes on Olds car, got them too tight, up till 1 o’clock.
Sam Kelly, Flood and Dan in for the fourth. Fishhook summit
tomorrow.
July 4, 1927 Store closed all day, got
up at 3:30 AM. Mattie, Clara, Eva, Stanley and self drove
to Fishhook Willow summit had campfire breakfast, climbed mountain
so Clara could see Grubstake Placer Mine, drove to Fern Mine, had
lunch then visited at Mabel Mine. Home 4:30 PM fruit arrived,
had first melon.
July 5, 1927 Business good, sales $343.15.
Had Eva and mother at chicken dinner PM. Dance over at
school house. Big Guy here fishing on Lake Wasilla. Mrs.
Small visited.
July 6, 1927 Received 2 orders from north on
railroad. Had good feed of melons. Byrd landed in water
near France July 1st, got ashore OK. Partly cloudy, evening
rain. Had new station in on radio but not plain.
July 7, 1927 Had 2 shipments north. Received
order for 100 strawberry crates and boxes. Eva and mother
went home with Ellexson’s. Busy sprouting spuds.
Wagoner’s root house caved in. Midnight, raining. Whitridge
here, Garver back.
July 8, 1927 Sent Nellie A. Hartman check for
$214.85 to cover final collections on T. S. McDougal.
Tourists here fishing. Big bear on road near Fleckenstein
ranch, salmon due soon. Evening fine radio from Anchorage
on new wave length. Midnight, raining hard.
July 9, 1927 Rich, Black Bear man, here, gave
him sock order. Evening drove in to Knik for Eva and mother,
saw a fox on road at mile 5. Put flowers on Elmer’s grave.
Put up order for Gold Cord. Sold 100 berry crates.
July 10, 1927 Annual railroad employees picnic
here all day, had 14 car train with 10 autos. Busy in
store most of day. Sol Silverman visited. Railroad
band gave concert at Depot, gave them box of cigars.
July 11, 1927 Horning back from Anchorage.
Rev. Youle and wife here on combined religion and vacation.
Evening ARC help in for merchandise. Anchorage radio good,
got first salmon from Knik. Trouble in Ireland.
July 12, 1927 Snodgrass over from experimental
farm. Electric tram installed on railroad today. Evening
drove truck down to Fleck ranch for stove and chairs bought by
Mattie. Mrs. Forker through at Wasilla Hotel, went to Mabel.
McDougal in.
July 13, 1927 Stanley in from ARC camp on Craggie
Creek, drove us down to St. Clair’s, had a blow out. Self
delivered 50 berry crates to Vail’s. Got last of spuds in
Wagner’s roadhouse. Tom Cavanaugh back after two years at
Circle.
July 14, 1927 Shipped spuds to Healy. Fruit,
produce, smoked meats and milk arrived. Another preacher
arrived for vacation. Received watermelons and cantaloupes.
George Grennan in to trade. Let Gus have 2 ton coal for
mines. Lady cook went out to Fern Mine. Fenton through
at mines survey.
July 15, 1927 Mrs. J. B. F., Eva’s mother,
left for Anchorage, also “Pay Day” Wilson and Whites Los Angeles
Company. Evening drove down Edlund’s Road to McArdle’s place.
Anchorage radio good then got Hoot Owls, Portland and KOMO Friday
program.
July 16 1927 Hauled over load fish salt and
load groceries and stored them away. Paddy Marion in from
Gold Mint Mine. Ten-Day Wilson went to Anchorage. Chas Harrison
building a house next to pool hall. Evening had in KGO reception
cracky. Evening fixed ignition in Olds car.
July 17, 1927 Hauled truck load wood
for Eva from farm. Fixed up tube for truck. Ellexson’s
visited on Mrs. Pennington at St. Clair’s ranch. Evening
Anchorage church on radio, preacher’s wife listened in.
Made out 3 tobacco orders.
July 18, 1927 Cloudy, good demand after local
strawberries at $5 a crate. Received one order from Nenana.
Bert McClarity through at Fern Mine account wet tunnel and no
ore. Grennan in with berries. Evening Anchorage radio
good, had in KOMO last half hour program 10 to 10:50 PM.
Rev. Youle back for vacation.
July 19, 1927 Delivered Mrs. Walter’s fruit
jars at Vail ranch. Took out garbage barrels. Sent
2 crates strawberries to Clarence Marsh at Nenana. Evening
Clara, Eva, Mattie and self drove out to Hart ranch for berries, someone
beat us to it. On way home, car broke down mile 3. Towed
in Olds with truck, Eva on trailer.
July 20, 1927 Put up 2 small orders for Caswell
and Montana. Order for Mabel Mine. Snider clearing land
for aviation landing. Evening drove down to Metz for spuds
and lettuce, run into blind barbed wire gate, cut Mattie on arm,
could have been worse.
July 21, 1927 Stanley in from ARC camp at Craggie
Creek. Evening boys from ARC Palmer camp in for merchandise.
Ellexson in from Knik. Blodgett down from Pittman for merchandise.
Dempsy knocked out Sharkey in 7th round at New York.
July 22, 1927 Hauled over 2 truck loads groceries
from Depot and stored it away. Rev. Youle gave children’s
program at school house during evening, Snodgrass family over.
Evening local talent over Anchorage radio. Made out checks
for invoices.
July 23, 1927 Oberg in from Lucky Shot Mine.
Evening dance on at Fairview School house, Ellexson’s went,
no one from Wasilla.
July 24, 1927 PM looked for trouble on Olds
car in rear end, some job. Will have to tackle up rear end
and remove wheels to fix differential. Rev. J. E. Youle
church service at Anchorage came in fine.
July 25, 1927 No freight train, passenger train
5 hours late a /c bridge burned out Seward Division. Seventeen
crates strawberries left Wasilla north today. White can’t make
his radio work, Monkey Ward kind.
July 26, 1927 Matt Penny back from trip down
coast to California. Wire from St. Clair’s said they
would be home soon, no operation on Jim at Mayo Clinic. Bert
McClarity in town. Evening Stanley in from ARC camp at Craggie
Creek, said Sherlock found old channel on Grubstake Canyon.
July 27, 1927 A-1 day, +80 in the shade.
Mrs. Wanamaker went to Anchorage. Grennon in for supplies,
has no more berries. Sold ARC ton coal, Stanley hauling
it to camp at Craggie Creek. Harrison going to Grubstake to
prospect.
July 28, 1927 Hot day, business 50% off.
Metz and Ellexson in to trade. Berry jars, 3 cases, arrived
and ton of oil. Lawrence’s speed rifle arrived. Evening
drove truck down to Vail’s with Walter’s sugar.
July 29, 1927 Business slow, +78 in shade.
Eva went to Anchorage to see her mother off, going to Westward
to join father. A few salmon running in Cottonwood Creek.
Sherlock in from doing assessment work on Grubstake Placer.
Lawrence Fleck here remodeling Depot inside.
July 30, 1927 Self 59 today and in better health
than past 3 years. Mattie and self doing all the store
work. Sister Clara visiting us this summer. Evening
dance on in honor Florence Oberg, 15 years today. Evening
delivered sugar and salt to Vail’s.
July 31, 1927 Sunday, Houston Section
men down to trade. PM closed, worked on monthly statements
until midnight. Anchorage church services over radio, pastor
mentioned our card on last Sunday’s service and the horse shoe
game. A few salmon run today.
August 1, 1927 Stanley in from Lucky Shot Road.
Evening first fair run of salmon. No freight, boat, late
at Seward. Anchorage radio good, had KOMO about ½ hour.
Everybody fishing now.
August 2, 1927 ARC grading aviation field west
of town site. ARC grading Bogard Road. Stanley
in from ARC Craggie camp. Eva back from Anchorage.
Chas Isaac and another man caught in cave-in at Mabel Mine sent
them to Anchorage hospital. Salmon running.
August 3, 1927 Business good, sales $147.10.
Two tourists arrived for St. Clair fishing camp. Horning in,
went to Anchorage. Eva, Lawrence and wife went to Anchorage.
Took first fall order for Royal Tailor suit. Cloudy, evening
rain, currants and raspberries very plentiful. Patchell went
to Chickaloon to prospect.
August 4, 1927 San Francisco hardware
arrived, came regular route. Schooner Lasson off the run,
goods month late on delivery. Hauled over fruit and tobacco
from Depot. Received first ice cream, melons and new apples.
Two drunks arrived from Seward. Notice up for St. Clair benefit
dance at Post Office. Got bid to join the Hollywood movies.
August 5, 1927 Hauled over 2 tons San Francisco
freight. Charged battery. Evening Anchorage radio
good, heard Lindbergh’s arrival at Washington DC on record, very
good. Tunny - Dempsy fight to come off at Chicago in September.
Windy all day. Pat Irish in for merchandise. Mary Vail
here. George Small on trail?
August 6, 1927 Opened up San Francisco hardware.
St. Clair in Rochester Hospital, different from a year ago.
Evening had in KGO program from Hotel Whitcom, San Francisco,
California, battery low got Australia but not clear.
August 7, 1927 Sunday, rainy season on.
Phelps helped to take down rear end of car, found nut on end drive
shaft gone and chewed up in differential gears, will require new
shaft and differential ring and brake linings to put car in order.
Evening Anchorage church services good over KFQD. Stanley at
Willow Creek, Eva at Seward.
August 8, 1927 Evening drove down to Metz ranch
for last of contract spuds. Edlund offers new spuds at 4¢
a pound. One year changes things, poor Otto now in his
grave and property in Wasilla for sale. Ellexson went to
government farm for berries. General Leonard Wood died account
tumor.
August 9, 1927 Partly cloudy, evening
rain. Business 50% below normal. Hauled over 2 tuck
loads groceries and clothing. Connected up self starter
on truck, worked OK account bridge out above Brill car laid over
at Wasilla. Evening good program over KOMO on low battery.
Had green peas and new spuds for dinner.
August 10, 1927 Sales low, collections
good. Sunshine and rain all day. Priced up and
stored away Black Bear goods. Bridge out at Montana, Brill
car went up for outgoing passengers. White said he was
working on telephone line for Wasilla and Willow Creek District.
Ma not feeling well, old trouble.
August 11, 1927 Business good, 100% above
normal. No freight today. Shipped 4 orders north
to Houston and Caswell, Montana and Chulitna. Got big mess
strawberries from Hart ranch. Evening on supply orders from
Seller and Co. No battery, no radio.
August 12, 1927 Hauled over and stored away
4 truck loads groceries and hardware. Had big feed strawberries,
green peas and new spuds. Rained all PM. McAllen and
brother in from Willow Creek with bullion, went to Knik for milk
and veggies. Evening Anchorage radio good and KOMO.
August 13, 1927 Business normal, rainy.
Harrison putting final touches on his new house next to pool
room. Ordered winter flannel shirts. Evening dance on
account St. Clair. Gas car came up from Anchorage with 19 dancers,
Ma attended dance.
August 14, 1927 Sunday, installed new
Timken bearings in left front wheel of Overland truck. $286
donated to St. Clair fund at dance last evening. Eva came
up from Anchorage. Evening Anchorage church services by
Dr. Phelps good. Stanley in.
August 15, 1927 Business above normal,
usual rush at train arrival. Cashed $15 check on Seattle
for Anna Hughes on way to Kuskokwim District. Big mail,
no freight till midnight. Got daily news over KFQD.
August 16, 1927 Ulch through with Road Com.,
Hans took him to ranch at Finger Lake. Bogard in for supplies.
Candies arrived also old rear end for Olds car from Gill, no
fit. Miller digging well for Hans. Marion Twins struck
high grade ore in Gold Mint Mine. Caught KOMO and KGO signing
off.
August 17, 1927 Pile driver gang here account
Cottonwood bridge also Bureau of Mines car. Evening fine
radio KOMO Puget Sound Light and Power program and Sidney Dixon.
August 18, 1927 No freight north today.
Priced up San Francisco hardware. Seven autos in town.
Paul hauled out balance of Marion Twins heavy machinery.
Fenton went to mines.
August 19, 1927 Metz in with new cabbage,
first on market. McAllen in from mines. Evening
Natives off Houston section down to trade. Local talent tonight
over KFQD Anchorage radio. Midnight, raining. Pile driver
through on Cottonwood bridge.
August 20, 1927 Overhauled generator
on truck, then steady stream of fire. Hauled over 2 truck
loads from Depot, forage and tobacco. Engineer for ARC inspecting
roads. Pile driver moved north. Shaved and washed little
feet.
August 21, 1927 Sunday, heavy rain last
night, now plenty of water for mining and spuds. Busy in
store. ARC boys laid off account rain. Installed new
ammeter on truck. Ellexson in from Knik. Evening church
services over radio from Anchorage good. Rained all PM.
Mrs. Forker in California.
August 22, 1927 War on between Ireland and
Government Railroad, Mrs. White visited down railroad agent
account phone service. Put load forage in track warehouse from
railroad shed. Bill Long back from Anchorage, had toe removed. Evening
heavy rain. Gene Bartholf left for Tokoshetna District to
prospect, 2nd trip.
August 23, 1927 Tried to hook up ammeter on
truck, will not register. Balance of drop shipment of tobacco
arrived. Harrison left on hunting trip. Evening finished
pricing up hardware invoices. Snider got Lizzie working again.
Our Olds car out of commission account shaft and ring. Mattie
on high horse.
August 24, 1927 Cloudy, rainy season in earnest.
Metz in with 2nd lot new vegetables. Mr. Holden in and
went to Anchorage, stomach in bad condition. Hans building
annex on north side of pool hall. Evening greased up truck.
No radio account no battery.
August 25, 1927 Frank Kelly and family passed
through to Willow Creek District for vacation. Aviation inspector
here. Passenger train 2 hours late, no freight today.
Evening got KJR on short wave set, Hotel Butler Orchestra.
August 26, 1927 Freight arrived, got fruit
and groceries. Young Doyle left for hunting trip with Tex Cobb.
Stanley in from ARC Road camp Willow Creek. Mrs. Donovan
in, 1st time this summer. Radio good.
August 27, 1927 Mrs. Gill returned home with
blueberry catch at mines. Finished pricing new goods.
Stanley went back to Willow Road camp. Ordered parts for
Olds car at Seattle.
August 28, 1927 A. F. Phelps working on Stanley’s
Buick all day, put in new differential. Self on ½ HP gas
engine and charging outfit, engine would run but would not run
generator. Answered John Fenner letter from Iroquois, South
Dakota. No church tonight, no battery.
August 29, 1927 Rainy season still on. Phelps
finished overhauling Stanley’s Buick Roadster and left for government
farm. Eva up from Anchorage after nursing Ellen’s baby.
Evening radio on dry cells.
August 30, 1927 Schwabacher Grocery man, Dunlap,
visited. Cleaned out hardware show window for ammunition
display. Stanley bought Lot 1, Block 7 for $25 (originally
sold for $300 in 1917) Evening installed lights on truck,
burned OK. Sold last of old spuds at 2½¢ a lb.
August 31, 1927 Eva returned to Anchorage to
nurse Ellen’s baby. Miller building annex on Hans pool
room. Matt Penny going to work for ARC. Evening drove
down to Vail’s for 2 sacks new spuds. On monthly statements
until midnight. Partly cloudy.
September 1, 1927 Colder, 1st snow on mountain
peaks last night. Harvey Rutter through at Fern Mine.
Fur man took moving picture of K. T. Co. store and Wasilla Hotel.
September 2, 1927 Snow on all mountains
and valley covered with snow this morning, snow gone at 8 AM.
Gus received 1st car coal. Another family here to put kids
in school. Evening got out Seattle mail.
September 3, 1927 Gus’ coal bin collapsed with
car coal. Ellexson brought Louis Lund out from Knik,
went to hospital for treatment. Stanley in from mines with motorcycle
on way to dance at Junction.
September 4, 1927 Sunday, quiet in town today.
Clara staying with Ward kids while folks are at Anchorage.
Drove truck out to mile 4, generator not charging much.
Took down ½ HP gas engine, shaft loose. Evening got part
Anchorage church services on dry cells.
September 5, 1927 Business good, Mrs.
Donovan in town, 2nd trip this summer. St. Clair’s back
from Mayo Hospital. Nellie had 2 operations, Jim none for
foot disease. Big crowd in town PM. Post Office closed
account Arbor Day. This was a perfect day. Mr. Hubbell arrived.
September 6, 1927 Business normal, weather
windy. PM hauled over two truck loads of freight from Depot
to store. Evening church and telephone meeting, railroad
and T and T manager present, would furnish wire and fixtures
at $33 a mile.
September 7, 1927 Sister Clara here on visit
all summer. Stanley went to Anchorage to do the Fair.
Young Doyle and Uncle left for Outside. Fern Mine shut
down, no ore. Ordered new electric liquid battery. Had
in big organ on short wave.
September 8, 1927 Stanley and several back
from Anchorage Fair. ARC moved camp from Bogard Road
down on Matanuska Road at McArdle’s. No Outside mail or
freight, boat 2 days late.
September 9, 1927 Felch’s son here taking orders
for his dad. Got out fill in orders for grocery and hardware.
Phelps here with Stanley’s car, no pay yet. Evening had
Anchorage in on dry cells.
September 10, 1927 Evening put set screen on
½ HP gas engine to hold in shaft. Stanley in, went
to dance at Fairview account new schoolmarm. Evening had
Australia in.
September 11, 1927 Sunday, first killing
frost last night. Quiet in town, dancers sleeping.
PM worked on ½ HP engine got her to run generator, but
got hot, NG. Evening Mrs. Pennington left for Fishhook Inn
to cook. Evening got part of Anchorage church services on
dry battery. Made out Polson order. Evening clear.
September 12, 1927 Received double mail and
freight off 2 boats. Fairview school opened. Our
school closed, no teacher. Got news over KFQD, President Coolidge
back at Washington D. C.
September 13, 1927 Hauled over 3 truck loads
of freight. Eva back from nursing babies in Anchorage.
Cat finished grading Bogard Road and moved down to Black’s Road.
September 14, 1927 Rain all day. Sent Colonel
Steese letter about Wasilla Willow Creek telephone line.
Wade and brother over to trade. Evening got out Seattle bills.
Placed standing order with Fry for fruits and butter. No battery,
no radio.
September 15, 1927 No freight today, got Outside
mail off Watson. Fairbanks Marshal took Marie’s lover
back to Fairbanks. Eva went to Knik with Ellexson’s to bring
back Ellexson’s car for Saturday night dancers. Evening had
KGX in on short wave. School teacher (man) arrived.
September 16, 1927 Shipped truck load assorted
merchandise north train. Harvey started to help fix up Olds
car shaft came, short nut, key and lock washers. Ma not
feeling well. Evening Anchorage radio fine, also KGO and KOMO.
September 17, 1927 Sent to Anchorage for auto
parts account Olds car. Miller family moved in to Mabel
cabin, watch Wasilla grow, now more families than bachelors in
town. Five cars drove to Knik account duck dance at Ellexson’s.
Stanley in from Fishhook and drove Ellexson’s car back, Eva brought
out. No battery, no radio. Brought in Australia, weak.
September 18, 1927 Sunday. Big
rain all AM line storm on. Evening raining again, temperature
+50. Knik dancers all under the “hay”. PM overhauled
½ HP gas engine, put on new gaskets and she runs OK.
Had in Anchorage church service. Priced up Seller’s goods.
Ma not feeling well.
September 19, 1927 School opened, Marcel Bunge
teacher, 20 pupils enrolled, watch Wasilla grow. Evening
radio good, had in KFQD, WKFRD and KPO San Francisco and KOMO Seattle.
Freight train 6 hours late. Blodgett down to trade.
Fries through at Bogard’s.
September 20, 1927 Harvey doctoring on
Heine’s Tin Lizzie. Frank Watson returned to his ranch to
look after vegetables. Vail went to work on section.
Frank Doherty quit section. Sam installed new stove at school house.
No battery, no radio tonight.
September 21, 1927 Gene Bartholf back from
Tokoshetna District, claimed he found a prospect. Eva,
Clara and Mattie walked down to Walter’s ranch. Stanley in from
ARC camp near Fishhook. Evening had in Australia. Raining.
September 22, 1927 Finished pricing new goods.
Drove down to CD’s for 3 sacks new spuds. Tunny-Dempsy
fight at Chicago this PM, Tunny had Dempsy out in 5th round gong
saved Dempsy. Dempsy had Tunny down for 9 counts, 7th round
Tunny won 10th round gong saved Jack. Hans put in new walk.
September 23, 1927 Harvey finished brake linings
and assembled drive shaft on Olds car. Clara and Eva
visited DeVal on 2nd Lake. Evening got late news on big
fight Tunny was down for 12 seconds, Dempsy was slow in returning
to corner, hence only 9 counts. McAllen installing broadcasting
outfit.
September 24, 1927 Eva and Clara went down
to St. Clair’s to be included with advertising picture of summer
resort. Dance on, evening at school house. Harvey cleaned
carbon out Olds engine. Made reservations on October 1st
Yukon for Clara and Mattie.
September 25, 1927 Sunday, quiet in town,
weather cloudy. Self and Harvey worked on Olds engine, adjusted
valves, ran OK. Evening had in Anchorage church services.
Installed new parts in street lamp. Harvey, PM on engine.
Dance party on at Hans account O. C. Miller.
September 26, 1927 Gene Bartholf back from
Anchorage, sold his pack horses to Donovan. Lots of chewing
the rag over 7th round Tunny-Dempsy fight. Got summons to
appear petit jury at Anchorage October 19, 1927 Evening KOMO
program good. John Wells Caswell visited. Outside freight
arrived, hardware and groceries.
September 27, 1927 Self helping Harvey to assemble
rear end of Olds car, worked all day. Bogard in for supplies.
Stanley in with ARC truck for supplies. Paid for reservation,
room 226, Voyage 47, SS Yukon account Clara and Mattie going Outside.
Agent got pair of mink from states.
September 28, 1927 Wasilla now has 10 families
and 20 school children, watch her grow. Got rear end
of Olds car assembled and run OK, now taking up engine bearings.
Mattie store keeper. No radio, no A battery. Got
order from Chulitna. Had chicken dinner.
September 29, 1927 Hauled over load freight
from Depot. Harvey finished adjusting engine bearings ran
Olds car to ridge summit, took all grades on high. Eva had
letter from her mother, arrived OK in Bristol Bay District, father
not well. Harvey’s time 4 days finished overhauling car today.
Mountains covered with snow last night, 2nd frost.
September 30, 1927 Received truck load oils.
Mattie and Clara all packed up for trip Outside. Clara
returning to Minnesota and Mattie to Boston for family visit.
Cook moved his mink back to town, going to work at depot part of
time. Evening Attorney General Rustad on the air also had
in Jap opera.
October 1, 1927 Business good, A1 day,
down to +22 last night. Mattie and Clara left for States,
Mattie going to Boston to visit her brother, Art, Clara back
home in Minnesota. Eva helped in store PM and got the meals.
Evening had in 4 stations, KGO good.
October 2, 1927 Sunday, all alone, Mattie
on high sea. PM and evening on monthly statements. Eva drove
Paul’s car down to Junction for Fairview school teacher.
Evening Anchorage church service, good.
October 3, 1927 Eva helper in store.
Busy all day in store, freight arrived, got 5 tons. Stanley
home nights. Patchell left for Chickaloon.
October 4, 1927 Hauled 2 truck loads new goods.
Eva sold $70 tobacco, one sale and a rotten lemon, doing fine
as new clerk. Felt like snow all day and 10 PM we got it. Radio
best yet, KOMO hook up with all Pacific Coast stations. Got
world news from P. I. Snowing and raining.
October 5, 1927 Snow storm last night turned
to rain and snow all gone this morning. Hauled 3 truck
loads merchandise from Depot. Herman down to trade from Fish
Lake. Gus rebuilding his coal bunker that fell down. Evening
colder.
October 6, 1927 Busy all day in store, sold
$100 trapping outfit to Loberg and Johnson. Got mail letter
from Ma at Cordova, weather fine. Paul Wanamaker got punched
in eye with stick, went to Anchorage. Harvey bought O’Brien
out.
October 7, 1927 Business 150% off today,
hauled over 2 tons groceries from railroad. Evening got
out Seattle mail. Mr. Holden back from hospital, went home
with Joe Palmer. Anchorage radio good, none from Outside.
Marion Twins closed down. Drumheller here.
October 8, 1927 Marion Twin help left
for Anchorage. Mehern and Humphry here for orders.
Bunge tried to charge his battery on ½ HP engine, but engine
on the bum. Evening let Stanley and Eva take Olds car account
Matanuska dance. Had fried chicken dinner.
October 9, 1927 Got Loberg and Johnson order
packed. Nellie Edw. through at Hans’, going to make repairs
and build addition on to school house. Stanley and Eva drove
Fairview. Teacher home PM no work on road, account cold rain.
Evening Anchorage church services good, spoke on our children, future
generation and education.
October 10, 1927 Got letter from Roe and Florence,
Roe got arm hurt in machinery, hired man also lost hand.
Wasilla dancers up in air account no more dances at school house.
Evening Anchorage radio good, no whistle from Outside.
Preacher here from Anchorage.
October 11, 1927 Business good, +22 last
night, ground froze up. Snider bought clothing outfit.
Wrote Mattie 2 letters at Everett, Mass., sent Roe and Kellogg’s
letters. Mabel Mine closed down and Thorpe’s in from Grubstake.
McDougal in for clothing.
October 12, 1927 Loberg back from Kashwitna
after his grub order. Adolf Olson back, going Outside.
White paid account. Bill going Outside Saturday. Thorpe’s
entertaining the Wilmoth family (malt bar). Down to +6 this
morning, first hard frost. Big moon, no radio. Bogard
went to Anchorage.
October 13, 1927 Blew hard all day. Evening
quiet and snowing. Had a truck load of merchandise for
north train, Caswell and Colorado stations. Eva got “Billie’s”
big dog from Anchorage to care for. Usual gang in to meet
mail train. Stanley up from Road camp at Black’s. Got excused
on jury duty today.
October 14, 1927 Business slow, 2nd day
of big wind. Mrs. Helen DeVole bought an outfit.
White family left by special car for Anchorage and Outside, Paddy
Marion went along. Evening dedications over radio to Eva,
most popular lady in Wasilla.
October 15, 1927 Chas Harrison got trapping
outfit. Mrs. McDougal in from mines, also McAllen’s.
Horning’s in and went to Anchorage. Evening dance on at Fairview,
Harvey took load down. No radio, battery low. Chief
Nakela died. Lake Lucille partly frozen.
October 16, 1927 Sunday, cloudy, light
warm wind. Lake Lucille open again, windy last 3 days
but quiet at night. PM oiled store floor. Teacher,
Bunge, with Hans Ford, took Eva and Rica for dinner at Road camp.
Half way there, old Lizzie got hot and had to leave her and walk
in. Evening on accounts. Got Anchorage church services
on dry battery.
October 17, 1927 Got 2 letters from Mattie,
mailed at Juneau and Ketchikan smooth trip thus far said Clara
liked it. Evening big boost over radio for Fern Mine, going to
work $5 ore etc. Agent Tuck back from Anchorage. Eva
had Fairview school teacher for supper. Dan Grau in with his
moose.
October 18, 1927 Fred Crocker bought grub outfit.
Steady trade all day. Everybody after moose meat, even
the Judge. Snow all AM and here to stay. Evening charged
battery, no radio account weather. Eva getting ready to move
into O’Brien house. Evening clearing and freezing. Eva
clerk and cook. Ma on way to Boston.
October 19, 1927 PM blizzard, evening
rain, rushed in store all day. Order for Caswell and Chulitna.
Lawrence back from Chulitna road work, bought $150 grub order.
Up till midnight packing up orders. Got KFRC, Fresno and
KOMO, Seattle on radio. Ed Miller’s wife sick. Clarence
Marsh married at Nenana, wired Eva.
October 20, 1927 Sent 2 orders north.
Hugo Johnson back to start Fern Mill. Usual crowd at train.
Train 2 hours late. Sent Pete Pederson shortage claim on
S and W freight. ARC closed down 1 camp, 1 camp left.
Evening had in Seattle and San Francisco. Rain last night,
took snow off, warm day.
October 21, 1927 Partly cloudy, business
rotten today. Metz brought in 5 sacks spuds at 4¢.
Sam Guyot here for order now M and M Co. Evening got out clothing
order, Portland, up till 3 o’clock. Car coal due tomorrow.
Stanley in to move into O’Brien house. Anchorage radio good.
Snow all gone, mountains covered.
October 22, 1927 John Well’s arrived to marry
Myrtle McNeil. Dance on at McNeil’s this evening.
Rica, Eva and Bunge attended squaw dance. Car coal for store
use arrived. Evening packed 4 orders for up line Monday.
Sent Mattie $20 express order.
October 23, 1927 Sunday, unloaded ½
car coal, Patzack and Edward Miller helped, 7 hours each.
Perfect day, +40. Stanley bought Forty Mile Miller’s
car for $90 went out PM and brought it in.
October 24, 1927 Busy on car coal. Freight
sidetracked account Dancer family arriving and delayed us 2
hours. Got letter from Mattie at Portland arrived there 10th
leaving 19th for Boston. A-1 summer day. Received 2
truck loads groceries and milk, fruit, etc. Evening busy
stowing away freight. No radio. Dancer family moved back to Wasilla
section.
October 25, 1927 Flurry snow last night, all
gone AM, reported 2” at Knik. Finished unloading car coal,
bin full and 3 tons outside. Let Wilmoth and Miller have 3 tons.
Ellexson out twice from Knik with dressed beef. Bunge’s radio on
haywire using too many volts.
October 26, 1927 Clyde DeVal and Oberg kid
got raked off Snider’s horse by clothes line, Clyde broke his
shoulder sent him to hospital. Ellexson out with beef
for Fischer. Snider went to Anchorage. Evening made
out new price lists. No radio. Persson, bought box cigars to
treat the boys.
October 27, 1927 Had fresh liver and onions
for dinner from Sunny Knik. Magaha in, said they were still
using grader, frost about all out. Edward Miller installed
radio. Ward’s paid bill 3 months old.
October 28, 1927 Business 60% off today.
Snowed last night, ground white again, 2nd time this fall.
Paul got in car coal. Heavy quake shook at Juneau to Petersburg.
Anchorage radio good. Finished Outside mail at 1 o’clock AM.
October 29, 1927 First zero weather last night,
tonight -2. First Dollar Dance on at school house. Sold
$35 clothing to Matanuska dancers. McAllen in from mines.
Colder.
October 30, 1927 Sunday, Mattie’s birthday
now with her brother Arthur at Everett, Mass. Self running
K. T. Co. store. Eva clerk, Stanley driving truck for Road Commission.
Had in Anchorage church services. Put new battery wires on
short wave set. Harvey and Dan went after Holden.
October 31, 1927 Business rushing all
day, sales around $250. Wilson and several others quit
ARC job. Phelps paid balance $76 on Stanley’s Roadster.
Evening on monthly accounts. Cold wind all day. Got
2nd letter from Mattie at Portland, left 19th for Boston.
November 1, 1927 Business good, rushed
all day in store. Put up one order. Evening candled
case eggs. Trappers scrapping over trapping ground, thick
as bees. Snow all gone again. Dancer digging a well.
Had black bear roast, very good. No radio.
November 2, 1927 Business good, sales
$308.40. Had orders for Houston and Broad Pass and Willow
Creek. Harvey put new wishbone on Stanley’s Forty Mile Miller
car. No time yet to make out monthly statements. Had
big band in from Australia.
November 3, 1927 Too busy on sale end to get
out monthly statements. Evening Stanley and Eva drove
to Junction with Forty Mile’s Tin Lizzie. Put up order
for Nolan Hudson, going to Grubstake to do some work on Thorpe
Mine. Sent Ma, McMillan and Morris letters.
November 4, 1927 Business above normal.
Walters bought winter grub outfit. Ground white today,
evening clear and colder. Sent Mattie government check $152.25
issued by Hugo W. Alberts, Sitka Station to E. J. Tomlison, August
31-27, #10082. Evening Anchorage radio fine.
November 5, 1927 Edlund hauled down Walters
grub outfit to ranch on wagon. Sam Kelly went to Anchorage
to have x-ray of stomach. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage.
Big radio party at Matanuska last night at Hi Gill’s, McAllen and
Tuck were there. Matt Penny bought grub outfit. Evening
dance at Fairview.
November 6, 1927 Sunday, clear and colder,
evening zero. Evening had in Anchorage church services.
Just a sprinkle of snow on ground. Lakes frozen over for
skaters, safe now. Ma in Boston.
November 7, 1927 PM had train day usual rush
in store, S and W goods arrived had to haul them over account
freezing. Received 2 letters from Mattie, mailed October
24th, 1 in Boston and 1 at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, also note
from Clara. Had fine vacation.
November 8, 1927 Zero weather, hauled over
2 truck loads S and W goods. PM sold Gray and Harter
trapping outfits. Gus in from Fishhook Inn. Church
tonight, me churching on freight and Outside mail. Sparling’s
rifle returned from Tuolumne, California, also letter not there.
Most of Willow Creek Placer help came in.
November 9, 1927 Gray and Harter left for trapping
grounds. Report came that Mr. Holden put himself to an
end with double barrel shotgun at his ranch, had cancer of stomach.
Evening had in new station, KFWD, KGO and KOMO. Stanley through
on road commission.
November 10, 1927 Business good, sales
$171.82. Sent one order to Chulitna, Broad Pass District.
Commissioner held jury inquest over late H. F. Holden at ranch.
Stanley home, through for Com. Ma eating Boston baked beans
and brown bread in Boston. Zero weather. Booze party
on at Thorpe’s.
November 11, 1927 Got truck load gas and oils.
Post Office and Judge celebrating, old Sam Peter’s brought
the goods from Anchorage. Sent Ma $20 express order.
Legion program good but reception bad account frost.
November 12, 1927 Holden was buried on his
ranch. Sam Peters took his outfit in via Fish-Willow summit.
Evening dance on at Knik. Stanley, Eva and teachers went
in our car, also Harvey.
November 13, 1927 Sunday, put on
storm windows. Dancers back from Knik 3 AM. Got
in new station, KWKA Shreveport, Louisiana. Program clear
on loud speaker. Evening Anchorage church good.
November 14, 1927 Business good, sales
$362.55. Stanley clerking again. Received ½
car
merchandise. Got 2nd and 3rd letter from
Ma now eating shore dinners at Nantucket Beach, Boston.
Got letter from Clara at Eyota, farm on the bum not paying expenses.
Put up fly in store.
November 15, 1927 PM unloaded ½ car
merchandise, Eva store keeper. Vail’s bought a cash outfit.
Sold last of gas lamps, now well stocked up on merchandise.
Just a sprinkle of snow, none in Wasilla, still zero, nights 10
below. No radio, no A battery.
November 16, 1927 Zero weather still on, ice
on lake 14” thick, month earlier than last year. Busy
pricing up new goods, up till 2 o’clock on Portland clothing.
Railroad calling for bids to put up ice. No radio, too much
work. Gus in.
November 17, 1927 Had 3 orders for north train.
Clarence Marsh and wife, newly weds, arrived from Nenana to
visit Stanley and Eva. Answered Wilson’s 2nd letter about
snowshoes wanted. Good radio weather but no battery, too
busy on new goods.
November 18, 1927 Bogard in with 2nd killing
of hogs. Evening Marsh and Stanley and brides drove to
Knik account chicken dinner for newly weds. East getting bad
storms. Evening wrote checks to cover all Seattle bills.
Radio good, +14.
November 19, 1927 Cold spell broken, cloudy
today. Eva, Stanley, Marshal and wife, Harvey and Wilmoth’s
went to Anchorage, also 2 school teachers. Self busy all day
in store. Evening got best program of season, KGO Saturday
Night Review, Pacific Coast network of radios. Eva gave Paul
Wanamaker Billie’s big dog.
November 20, 1927 Sunday, light snowfall last
night, cloudy today, kids in Anchorage. Put up 2 orders
for up railroad line. Evening radio weak account ice on aerial.
Wrote Rev. Youle an article on “Brave Men Buried at Tyonek 1898”.
Washed feet, got to bed 1 AM. 18” of ice on lake.
November 21, 1927 Business good, sales
$212.70. Self alone till Eva and Stanley arrived from Anchorage.
Big rush in store after train. Stanley brought a radio set
from Anchorage to try out. Got Anchorage but no Outside stations
and a 6 tube set. Stanley helped Kelly to distribute mail at Anchorage.
Turkeys arrived. Palmer sold Zink snares for $300.
November 22, 1927 Metz in to trade and selling
chickens. Bunge took Stanley’s new radio set, NG on Outside
stations. Got out Yukon sled account freight.
November 23, 1927 Wild wind all day.
Freight went south 8 AM, failed to make 2 shipments.
Evening marking goods and filling up shelves. Midnight
till 2 AM got fine programs from Australia KPO. Bathed feet,
etc. Midnight, wind died out. Sold ½ of turkeys,
only 4 quarts cranberries. Tryck said ARC sent $150 to cut
poles for phone line.
November 24, 1927 Thanksgiving day.
Colder again, -14 AM, evening -22. Had turkey dinner with
Eva and Stanley at Wasilla Hotel, full course dinner. Ma in
Everett, Mass. With her brother and family eating bluefish
I suppose. Evening had dozen bachelors at radio party, programs
good.
November 25, 1927 Colder, -24 last night,
put up flies in balcony to keep down the heat.
Busy with fires. Midnight, a little wind and warming up.
Anchorage radio and KOMO good. Got our Seattle mail,
sent Mattie $20 Allen Express order.
November 26, 1927 Pricing up new goods.
Wade’s in, WW went to Anchorage to visit his family. Chas
Magaha returned to ranch after turkey day dinner, well pleased with
Royal suite and overcoat. Got KOMO singing bill of old songs
10:30 to 11:00, then KFI Frolic. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage.
November 27, 1927 Sunday, -20.
Snider got railroad ice contract. Oberg in from Lucky
Shot Mine. Evening Anchorage church. Midnight, had
Shreveport, Louisiana 2nd time, big brass band. Busy these
days with fires.
November 28, 1927 Business normal, coldest
day yet, -24. Got weekend letter from Ma, wants to come
back to Seattle. Evening great radio, had in 3 San Francisco
stations and Crystal Club of Spokane. Brought in KFNF Henry
Field Seed Co. Shenandoah, Iowa.
November 29, 1927 Business good, +8,
cold wind. Another bunch in from Willow Creek Mines.
Olaf Wagner got mile 12 section. Report came Chris Sterns
died, November 9th at Portland, making 17 old timers that have passed
out in 5 years.
November 30, 1927 Weather windy. Selling
a few Xmas goods. Ice contractor making ready to cut
ice for railroad. Evening wind let up and warmer. Oberg
went to Anchorage to have exam for section. Harvey in for hunting
camp.
December 1, 1927 Warming up, +20 today. Oberg
back from Anchorage with usual jag on. Received letter
from Clara, leaving Eyota for Sleepy Eye farm, farms going behind.
Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage. Evening no radio weather.
Cigars from Ma.
December 2, 1927 Weather windy. Sent Mattie,
Olaf Wagner dividend check #31201, Washington D. C. November
15, H. T. Take, Asst. Treasurer U.S. amount $51.06. Evening
Anchorage and KOMO good, while making out orders. Warm wind
all day.
December 3, 1927 Weather
cloudy and warmer, evening snow. Chas Harrison in from
Caswell trapping camp. Evening took kids down to Vail’s
dance, they walked home. Got in KFSD San Diego ¾ hour.
December 4, 1927 Sunday, snowed 2” last
night. Ice men working on railroad ice contract.
Had fine Pacific network program tonight then caught new station
KYA Clift Hotel, San Francisco Sunday night Frolic.
Anchorage radio went haywire. Wrote a few lines to Mattie.
December 5, 1927 Business good, sales
$218.85. Clear bright day, evening zero. Balance
of S and W fruit arrived, left sugar, honey and oysters short.
Fruit and butter came but no eggs. Got weekend letter from
Mattie at Everett, Mass. still warm there. Ma had enough of
East coming to Seattle after Xmas.
December 6, 1927 Windy today, pricing up new
goods. Evening got out a lot of Outside mail. Engstrom
in to trade. Burrows took out $143 outfit to his ranch
mile 9. Evening radio fair, had in five stations, also
San Diego. Sent drive gate back to Seattle Hardware Co.
Long bought an outfit. Church tonight, Stanley went.
December 7, 1927 Business normal, windy
day. Chas Bartholf went out to drive tunnel and prospect
above Mabel Mine. Loberg fixing up Otto’s cabin. Finished
letter to Ma at Everett, Mass. Evening radio fair, Pacific
Coast not working. Had a stinking chicken dinner. Grennan
in with spuds.
December 8, 1927 Warm wind all day. Had
one order for Colorado Station. Usual gang to meet train.
Lawrence Fleck remodeling inside of section house, Eva had him
at dinner. Evening had in KJR on short wave set.
Listened to new records at Stanley’s house.
December 9, 1927 Snowed 2” last night, autos
still running to Fishhook Inn. McAllen went back to mines
to see Pete Johnson. Pete came out today with freight outfit
by Houston. Sent Ma 2nd letter with enclosures. Anchorage
radio good, very loud tonight, no Outside stations. Philip
McArdle quit farm today.
December 10, 1927 First real snow, 6” fell
last night, cleaned off walks. Sent Ma 2 letters but
no money, said she had enough. Fairview school teacher
up, was all in wading snow. Eva gave fresh pork dinner.
Evening cold again. Radio no good. McArdle moved
to Anchorage. Gus and Paul left for States, Paul forgot his
money.
December 11, 1927 Sunday, cold again,
zero to -16. Stanley, Eva, Rica and her beau went to Junction
in Stanley’s covered wagon, Tin Lizzie covered with canvas.
Self busy in store and firing up. Evening Anchorage church
fair, antenna covered with frost, lots of cracking. Had in
KFRC San Francisco for 1 hour. High antenna broke down with
frost, used old antenna. Northwestern went on rocks at Seymour
Narrows.
December 12, 1927 Business 45% off.
Cold snap, -18 this morning and below zero all day. Word
came that SS Northwestern went on rocks Sunday 5 AM, mail and passengers
saved near Vancouver island. Xmas freight will come on Alameda
15th, was on Northwestern. Busy with fires.
December 13, 1927 Business rotten today, 60%
off normal. Cold spell broken today, evening +20 with
wind coming up. Hauled over truck load of gas and oil, then
Stanley drove down to Vail’s for load heater wood. Agent Tuck kicked
old Sam Peters out of Depot. Pete Nelson fell in lake.
December 14, 1927 Business 50% off.
Warmed up again and snowing tonight. Mrs. Wanamaker went to Anchorage
to buy Xmas goods for Wasilla kids, donation fund over $50.
Snider got ice contract raised from $2 to $3 per ton. Evening
wrote Mattie about Northwestern and to come back S. Pacific.
December 15, 1927 Business 2/3 off today.
First Chinook of winter, snowed 2” last night. Warm wind
today, rain at midnight. Wasilla-Anchorage shoppers back.
Brought in Million Dollar Theater, Pittsburgh, grand opera, ½
hour, was fine on short wave set. No radio on long wave
set tonight.
December 16, 1927 Thawing day, Ellexson out
form Knik with dog team, car broke down. New Ford cars
on market. Posting on register sheets. Wrote Ma urging
to return southern route. Evening Anchorage radio, local
talent bum, no volume. Temperature +34.
December 17, 1927 A-1 warm
day. Harter took Ellexson and Churchill’s grub outfit to Knik,
4½ hours in and 3½ hours back account breaking
snow road. Attached belt on rear wheel of Olds car to generator,
worked OK charging 2 batteries at once. Evening got KOG program
but weak.
December 18, 1927 Sunday, light wet snow
last night. Stanley tried to get load Vail’s wood, snow wet,
got down to Vail’s but did not get wood. PM installed new
copper antenna. Evening Anchorage church services came in
a whooping, could hear it all over town. Got October sheet
posted, sales $3,510.97. Cloudy and warm. Al Harter went
to Knik with truck.
December 19, 1927 Business ½ off.
Xmas money going to mail-order houses? Evening Anchorage radio
good. Got Lindberg news in Mexico. Train went
north, no train on Seward Division account snow slide at 79, no
Outside freight until Thursday account Northwestern on rocks.
Evening windy but warm.
December 20, 1927 Business back to normal,
had rush, PM Xmas shoppers. Fixed gas light for Wasilla
Hotel. Sent invitations to all Wasilla kiddies to listen
in Friday night to Anchorage Christmas program. After a week,
Ellexson’s out from Knik with car. No radio tonight, soft weather.
Sent Ma $50 money order.
December 21, 1927 Business slow, warm
day. Assembled dozen kitchen chairs, sold 2. PM
had to be in store account Stanley having cramp in stomach. Alameda
reported in at Seward with Xmas goods. Ice men laid off, no
cars. Evening fixed Stanley’s old radio horn, worked OK and
tried to adjust radio horn.
December 22, 1927 Delayed mail off Northwestern
and freight arrived today, also Xmas goods. Received Mattie’s
December 2nd and 9th letters. Wired Ma about-mail and to
return southern route. Received usual lot of Xmas cards.
Invited all kiddies to hear Anchorage Xmas program on radio.
December 23, 1927 Business good with
Xmas shoppers. Warm day, evening zero weather.
Dance at Fairview. Evening had radio kids and parents, about
35, to hear Anchorage Xmas services, etc. KJR raised heck
with reception. After KJR signed off, it came in good.
Had six loads of freight to handle. Busy day, retired 3:30.
Gave each kid a bag of candy, etc.
December 24, 1927 Busy day with Xmas
shoppers. Self gave out 32 boxes candy to ladies and 26 Xmas
bags to kiddies, cost $43.40. Gave $10 each to Eva and
Stanley and $50 to Ma back east. Kids gave me new desk fountain
pen, using it now. Evening Xmas program and dance at school house.
Self heard program. Blizzard on. Ma at Everett, Mass.
December 25, 1927 Sunday, Xmas day.
First real wind storm. Matanuska and Knik dancers had to
leave their cars account snow drifting roads. Had turkey
and goose Xmas dinner at Wasilla Hotel. Full course dinner,
$1.25 a plate. Evening dance on 2 hours. Ellexson’s
still here and still blowing. Dan Gray in from trap line. Evening
radio good till 9 PM.
December 26, 1927 Windy all day, died out at
midnight. Evening Xmas jinks dance at Wasilla Hotel and KFQD
dance program came in good. Paid 1928 license for Olds car.
December 27, 1927 Cold again. Filled coal bin
PM. Preacher here, held Xmas exercises 3rd Xmas for Wasilla
kids. Paid all Seattle invoices, over $1,100. Evening
had in KGO play, “Retold Tales”, was good. Told Eva I was
going Outside on Watson January 4th to meet Ma.
December 28, 1927 Business 40% off.
Below zero weather. Stanley, Eva, Kelly and a dozen others
went to Anchorage to see “Pioneer Days of 1898”. Still pricing
up new goods. Evening posted on monthly sheets. Ellexson
out from Knik with dog team. All the dancers cars still here.
Pat Irish pulled Phelps car to Junction from Vail’s place.
Wrote Mr. Franke, wanted report on farms. Evening party on
at Vail’s, Mary married again. Evening no radio, too cold.
December 29, 1927 Busy day, sold mostly
clothing. Kids back from Anchorage PM train. Evening
priced up Duncan and Son’s goods. Zero to -14. Mary
Vail married Phelps yesterday, makes 4th man. Got Watson
mail. No word from Ma. McDougal, Hugo and Brown in from
Fern Mine, 5’ snow at mine, Big Dan and Mrs. McDougal there yet.
December 30, 1927 Business 50% off, temperature
-14. Got word, Watson would leave Seward Monday instead
of Wednesday as advertised, can’t make it. Wrote Mattie
at St. Regis Hotel would come on next boat. Evening got out-mail.
Sent Ma check for $100. Anchorage radio good. Announcer of
KFQD said he was leaving for Outside too. Midnight, put new
grate in kitchen stove.
December 31, 1927 Year ends with Stanley and
self running store Ma visiting her brother, Art, at Everett,
Mass. Had turkey dinner, turkey potlatched by A. C. Fry
Co. Seattle, Eva cooked it, did fine job. Evening big dance
on at school house. Calendars arrived. Old year out, new
year in. Mrs. Zink went Outside.
Note in back of 1927 diary: Ordered 1351 F60
T________ bearing inside and #1985 outer bearing for front
wheels of 75B Overland Car. Also 1930 cup ring inside and 1330
cup ring outside. All for one wheel.
E. E. Hartman
6215 Greenwood Ave
309 Howard Street
Seattle, Wa.
Nellie A. Hartman
2707 East D Street
Tacoma, Wash
Elton C. Herning
Pinehurst, Washington (son of Otis P. Herning)
H. Urban Reuter (Singleton Farm)
Mr. Puffers (Burnap Farm)
T. F. Franke Farmers State Bank
Eyota, Minnesota
Clara E. Smith 8 Church Street
Athens, Ohio
faint hard to read ?………….Weota Iona age 60
died June 14, 1923
February trip to Seattle costs:
RR fare, Wasilla to Seward…….19.60
Hack at Seward 1.00
Boat fares to Seattle……….156.00
Tips on boat…….3.50
Seattle cab and tip….1.00
Spring apartment #441 (one month)
70.00
Rent typewriter 1 month 3.00
Adv. to sell K.T. Co. 4.50 (ad says annual
sales $35,000.00, asking $3,000.)
Dentist and x-ray (self) 6.50
Wheel bearing truck 7.48
Tickets back to Wasilla from Seattle boat 234.00
RR Seward to Wasilla 9.60
note: S. T. Kelly born 4/12/1860
1928
January 1, 1928 Sunday, zero weather.
New Year finds self and Stanley running Knik Trading Co. Store
at Wasilla, Alaska. Eva housekeeper while Ma Outside, now
with her brother, Art, at Everett, Mass. Self posting up years
business, retired 4 AM for a starter? Had in big organ, Australia
2 AM. Busy all day on accounts. Got out all of December statements.
Ate on our own turkey, not many at roadhouses. Evening reception
weak on Anchorage church services. Quiet in town, Saturday
night dancers sleeping.
January 2, 1928 George Mosher in from trap
line after mail. Post Office closed till 3 PM. Henry Lewis
back from Fairbanks. Forage arrived and some groceries and
clothing. Evening Eva and Stanley gave radio party in store,
17 present, danced to KFQD dance music, served ice cream and cake.
Put loud speaker in store, Wilmoth’s and Thorpe’s didn’t come, having
home brew party at Thorpe’s. Got December 17th letter from Ma leaving
Boston for Seattle January 4th.
January 3, 1928 New outfit arrived, Fordson
tractor and bobsleds for Robert $ Co., Milo Kelly, manager,
going after birch timber at Goose Bay. Mrs. Ellexson returned
to Knik by dog team. Mr. Wilson here on Old Blue on double
ender with forge etc. Evening mild, warm wind. Had in
drama over Pacific Coast network. Tryck bought camp outfit for
A. R. Com. Received an order for 100 strawberry crates for
April delivery.
January 4, 1928 Ice men through with
RR contract. Mild weather all day, +30. Ma supposed
to leave Boston for Seattle today. Received two nice letters
from stations KWKH and KFNF, Iowa and Louisiana. Heard the
Vagabond play over Pacific Coast network, music good. Ate last
of Friday turkey.
January 5, 1928 Had 3 shipments for north freight.
Pat Irish over from Palmer to trade. Charged battery
PM, evening radio, brought in 6 stations. Pacific Fruit
and Produce Co. show now on air over KOMO, advertised Blue Bird spuds.
Weather report 8:30 over KOMO, storms near Seattle, floods in Idaho.
Snow piled high through Middle West Chicago moving to New England
states. Hope Ma came southern route. Alaska warm while
states in blizzard.
January 6, 1928 Several ranchers in to trade.
Paid all Seattle invoices, balance in banks, $800. Evening
Anchorage radio good, too warm for Outside stations. Ma supposed
to be half way Boston to Seattle.
January 7, 1928 Busy getting ready for
11th boat to join Mattie in Seattle, now in route from Boston.
Evening dance on at Vail’s ranch. Evening wonderful radio reception,
brought in WBBM, Chicago, Old Grey Mare program. They signed off
2:45 AM (10:45 Wasilla time). Now Jap station in, Jap chanting.
January 8, 1928 Sunday, busy day.
Cleaned out furnace and pipe, also kitchen stove. No fire
in furnace all day, +40 outside, plenty warm. Stanley and
Eva on grocery inventory. Washed my kerchiefs. Cloudy and
thawing all day. All ate dinner at hotel for Mrs. Wanamaker’s
birthday, boys spanked Wanna.
January 9, 1928 Turned business over to Stanley
on 10% commission on cash sales and received on account, he to
hire his own help if needed. Sales today net him $10.18.
Busy getting book accounts together for trip to Seattle. Received
wire from Mattie, arrived Seattle Sunday morning from Boston said
not feeling well. By radio, 70 mile wind storm at Ketchikan
$70,000 damage to water front. Thames River drowning London.
January 10, 1928 Busy day, self making ready
for trip to Seattle to join Mattie. Metz in, ordered drill
$150 cash advance. Marion broke road with Ford car to Fairview
to get Rica, the schoolmarm. Got all book accounts together.
Evening packing, etc. till 3 AM then shaved and took bath.
War on at Wasilla Hotel. Al Harter quit Paul’s job. Professor
Bunge invited to move back to his cabin. Wanna showed them
who is boss.
January 11, 1928 Wasilla to Seward, on
board SS Alameda. Left Wasilla 11 AM arrived Seward 7
PM, Seward streets covered with ice. Sent Ma a wire at
St. Regis Hotel, Seattle, on my way to Seattle. Bought boat
ticket $70. Took grips aboard then had dinner at Seward Grill.
Got Room 129, saloon deck with H. P. Gallagher. Boat to sail
2 AM 12th.
January 12, 1928 On board Alameda, left Seward
2 AM, LaTouche at daylight, Valdez noon, Cordova evening.
No ore train in so will lay over 24 hours, snowing at Valdez and
Cordova. Smooth sailing. Too late for show, all stayed
aboard ships.
January 13, 1928 On board Alameda at Cordova,
snow squalls. At Cordova all day loading 1,000 tons concentrates.
PM delayed mail arrived from Kennicott. Went up town PM
for reading matter and haircut. using both sleds and autos
in Cordova. Ready to sail 11 PM, mailed Stanley letter with
paper, 1928 advice. At Cordova, south bound for Seattle to
met Ma from Boston.
January 14, 1928 On board Alameda crossing
Gulf of Alaska, partly cloudy on high seas. Left Cordova
dock 11 PM last night account squalls floated around in front of
dock all night, got away at 9 AM this morning. Now out 12 hours,
beam wind, small roll but not rough.
January 15, 1928 Sunday, raining, passed Cape
Spencer 3 PM now smooth going. Arrived at Juneau 11 PM
raining hard as usual here. Went to cable office to cable
Mattie, office was closed. Left Juneau 1 AM south. Mailed
letter to Stanley. Good trip crossing Gulf.
January 16, 1928 Juneau to St. Petersburg,
arrived at St. Petersburg 10 AM, left at 11:30, pouring rain.
Got half way through Wrangle Narrows, had to anchor account tide
due to leave 8 AM tomorrow. Anchored Wrangle Narrows on Alameda
south bound. Cat fell overboard at St. Peters, was rescued.
Dancing on in social hall, most all Swedes.
January 17, 1928 Raised anchor 7:30 AM
in Wrangle Narrows, arrived at Wrangle 10 AM, arrived at Ketchikan
6 PM, waited for tide to get up to coal dock to unload Healy coal.
Self and Gallagher got off and walked a mile along water front to
main town, looked over town. Left 11 PM. Sent Ma cable from Wrangle.
Passed SS Alaska, north bound.
January 18, 1928 Ketchikan to Seattle.
First A-1 sunny day, finished posting December daily register
sheets. In narrow passage all day. smooth going.
Ship gave special farewell dinner, turkey, etc. 8 PM cloudy
again. Now near Queen Charlotte Sound.
January 19, 1928 Delayed 3 hours at Seymour
Narrows account tide, went through at 9 AM A-1 sunny day.
Saw old Northwestern on beach below Seymour Narrows, got hole
plugged up and ready to take her to dry dock Arrived at Seattle
11:30 PM at Hotel St. Regis 11:45, found Mattie fairly well.
January 20, 1928 In Seattle St. Regis Hotel,
cloudy, snow and rain. AM looked up apartment rates,
$60 and up for anything good, took meals at Meaves. Evening
saw Vitaphone play at Blue Mouse. Stormy day, snow and rain.
January 21, 1928 Resting up, had breakfast
9:30 AM. Engaged rooms at Spring Apartment Hotel. PM
saw good show at Embassy then had dinner at Meave’s. Met
Bob Hatcher, Paul Wavrick and Mr. Hubbell on street. H. P.
Gallagher, shipmate, visited.
January 22, 1928 At Spring Apartment Hotel,
Seattle apartment 888. Noon, moved from St. Regis Hotel
to the Spring Apartment Hotel, old stopping place, while in Seattle.
Received wire from Stanley for merchandise. No shows today,
had good bath. Listened to church services on radio.
January 23, 1928 AM visited on National Cash
Register Co. Got blank sheets for ledger, set of 100,
cost $4, had them send 2 rolls receipt tape to store at Wasilla,
COD. Rented typewriter for 1 month, $3. Made out 3 merchandise
orders - grocery, fruit, butter and eggs. Got drinkless pipe
for Pearl Shough’s new baby. Evening saw show, The Life of Riley with
Murray, all laughter. Ma caught first cold of winter.
January 24, 1928 At Seattle, Washington, cloudy
evening rain. In all day posting up National ledger K.
T. Co. business at Wasilla. Sent cablegram to Stanley with
our address. Evening saw show, Tito in Magic Flame. Ma
nursing first cold of new year.
January 25, 1928 AM got out-mail to Stanley
at Wasilla, Alaska. PM saw good show at Pantage’s Theater.
Evening posted on ledger. Seattle radio NG account static.
January 26, 1928 Self posting on K. T. Co.
ledger. PM saw combination show at Orpheum Theater, German
airplane ace looped the loop with a bicycle. Evening radio
over Pacific Coast network good. Received letter from Pt.
Barrow.
January 27, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
Got posted to July 1, 1927, six more days to finish. PM
took a stroll along the waterfront, overcoat weather yet.
Ma’s cold some better, settled all through chest and back like old
trouble. Evening Pacific Coast network radio good.
January 28, 1928 Met Humphry and Mehern in
lobby of hotel, just back from California. Got July posted
in ledger today and evening. PM saw gorilla show and President
Coolidge at Havana and Lindberg in Central America. Ma’s
cold improving some.
January 29, 1928 Heavy rain all day.
Noon, Mrs. Hartman visited, living in Seattle and in the real
estate business. Gus and Paul here also. Gus having
all his teeth out. Got August posted in ledger. Noon,
received mail from Stanley and Eva, all well at Wasilla.
January 30, 1928 Posted on books AM.
PM Saw Duncan Sisters photo play at Pantage’s. Evening
on ledger again, now posted to October. Ma’s cold some better.
January 31, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
PM saw good show at 5th Avenue Theater. Hermie King’s
big orchestra and Will Rogers in Texas. Evening finished
posting. Evening radio over Pacific Coast network, fine play
on Golden Hotcakes good. Bought new hat, Ma bought shoes for
kids.
February 1, 1928 On books till 2 PM then saw
good show at the Embassy. Evening stayed with book work.
Got November and December all posted in ledger, now ready to
add up and take off 1927 balance sheet.
February 2, 1928 Got wire from Stanley for
more merchandise. Placed orders at noon for butter, smoked
meats, drugs and groceries, also forage. PM saw Vaudeville
show at Palace, end of a perfect day. Also circus picture
show and races all good. Evening took total off cash register
daily sheets. Now ready for balance sheet. Took round
of Calatab, bowels working OK now.
February 3, 1928 Answered Clara’s 1st letter
here by airgram, also Stanley’s January 21st letter. Called
up the Sylvester’s, making known we were here in Seattle.
PM saw Mary Pickford in My Best Girl.
February 4, 1928 AM read P. I. PM saw
good picture show and Vaudeville at Orpheum. Shopped at
market. Evening radio good. Received Alaska Weekly.
Ma feeling some better. Paul and Hatcher left for Wasilla,
Alaska.
February 5, 1928 Dark cloudy day with rain
and wind, stayed in. Mrs. Hartman visited. Evening
saw good show at Embassy. Busy reading Sunday paper, The
Dark Flower of Monte Carlo and the Grave Yard of Monte Carlo.
Poor radio.
February 6, 1928 Rented adding machine for
one week account taking off balance sheet. Did some shopping.
5 PM went out to Sylvester’s for dinner, 1st visit, got home
11 PM and found mail from Stanley and Clara. Watson in, 49
Mile bridge out, did not get our mail yet.
February 7, 1928 Started to add up years business.
Ma bought masquerade suits for Eva, Dan, Clarence and Stanley.
Evening on adding machine, finished April and part May posting
in ledger. Got invite to Chamber Commerce luncheon at noon
tomorrow. Made out orders for groceries and fruit and cakes.
February 8, 1928 Big day, took lunch at Chamber
of Commerce reception for B. C. Forbes the financial writer,
thirty piece band and 500 at lunch. Then, went to President
Theater with Sylvester’s and saw play The Cradle Snatchers, men
and their wives both looking for lovers. Evening finished May
posting in ledger. Hunted 1 hour for $800 mistake. No radio
on tonight.
February 9, 1928 At Seattle, Washington,
out shopping AM. Evening posted up 2 months totals in
ledger with adding machine. Got letters out for Roe and Stanley.
A-1 cool day, 40 above.
February 10, 1928 Mattie went shopping,
sent masquerade suits to Wasilla kids. PM saw good show
at Pantage’s, had horse and bull ring show on stage, was fine.
Had Mrs. Hartman at dinner. Auto show opened today at University.
February 11, 1928 Seattle automotive show opened
today at U. W. Athletic Pavilion, 180 new models. Ma’s
cold better.
February 12, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
At home all day, finished adding totals of monthly postings on
ledger. Money handled, from 10 to 12 thousand dollars. Average
sales, $3,000 month, doing more banking than business. Evening
Gus and Mrs. Hartman visited. Fry Co. gave us a dressed chicken
and dozen eggs.
February 13, 1928 At Spring Apartment
Hotel, Seattle, Washington. AM finished adding up columns
for income tax report. Purchases merchandise 1927, $20,811.54.
PM saw good show at the Palace. Read daily newspapers.
Ma feeling much better today.
February 14, 1928 AM got mail and cablegram
from Stanley and Eva, letter mail delayed somewhere here in Seattle,
boat was in on the 8th. PM saw Vitaphone play at Blue Mouse
and news of the day by pictures and Vitaphone. Evening got
out orders for Saturday’s sailing. Answered C. E. Persson’s
letter by airgram.
February 15, 1928 Mailed 4 merchandise orders
and visited on Imperial Candy Co. and placed order. Saw
picture show The Country Doctor. Evening went up to W. U.
and saw auto show in Pavilion. KOMO, artists, bathing girls
and 60 new dress gowns shown on girls on platform. Ma got lost
going to W, Pa found her.
February 16, 1928 Cloudy and cool all day.
Evening worked on income tax report. Ma feeling better.
February 17, 1928 Not much doing, read daily
papers. Saw good show at Orpheum. Evening got mail in P. O.
for Wasilla, then strolled around looking at show windows.
Mrs. Hartman visited, said she may go north Saturday.
February 18, 1928 Fog so heavy last night that
owners left cars on street after the shows and went home in
street cars. At home all day. PM shopped for Sunday
dinner. Evening spent with Sylvester’s at Mt. Baker Park
District. Radio good at Sylvester’s.
February 19, 1928 Heard church services over
radio. Evening saw good show at Winter Garden, Dough
Boys at Paris. Evening on yearly expense accounts.
February 20, 1928 PM saw the Duncan Sisters
in person at Pantage’s in comedy, Your Onions and Topsy and Eva
scene in their movie act. Four hours of fine show 25¢.
Ma’s old trouble bothering again.
February 21, 1928 Cloudy and cold wind around
40 above. AM digested the daily P. I., Lindy arrived at
Chicago with air mail, back on his old job again. PM saw Vitaphone
pictures at the Blue Mouse. Evening heard Herbert Hoover speak
at Hotel Aster was presented with medal from Mining Engineer Association
Radio hook up, coast to coast, KOMO. Received letter from Roe
and Florence.
February 22, 1928 George Washington exemplified
at theaters and over radio. PM saw Duffy players at President
Plot Police Detective and Crooks. Mrs. Hartman here for
dinner going to Wasilla on Saturday boat. Received February
11th mail from Stanley and Eva, also report on farms at Eyota, Minnesota.
February 23, 1928 Dr. Brown had street parade
with calliope drumming patients to elect him Seattle Mayor.
PM saw good show at Orpheum. Ma not feeling well.
February 24, 1928 Letter to Stanley, no merchandise
shipped this week. Answered T. F. Franke letter account
his report on farms at Eyota, Minnesota, told him all future improvements
would have to come from profits of farms. Sent 2 notes
to cover back taxes and improvements, $1,980.57 and $841.80, dated
December 31, 1927, due 1 year hence. PM saw Charley Chapman
in circus. Ma worse today, stomach trouble.
February 25, 1928 Got up early to see Mrs.
Hartman off on boat to Seward, Alaska. Gus Swanson, Elmer
Larson, McAllen and Fleck were on the dock and the usual big crowd
to see Alaska boat off. PM saw show at Palace. A
flurry on, snow last night.
February 26, 1928 Sunday at Seattle.
PM took a stroll up Capital Hill to see the new three million
dollar Seattle Theater, opens March 1st. Saw good show
at Embassy. Had chicken dinner. Ma feeling some better.
Answered Roe and Clara’s letters.
February 27, 1928 Colder, light frost last
night. AM on P. I. Alaska mail boat in last evening but
no mail thus far from Stanley at Wasilla. PM saw show at Orpheum
but not much good. Filled in 1927 income report. Annual
sales $33,957.93, invoices and expense $31,903.10, profit $2,054.83.
Inventory 1/1/1927 $14,997.18, inventory 1/1/1928 $9,867.26.
February 28, 1928 Primary election in Seattle.
Up to midnight, Mayor Landes leading, Edwards 2nd,
Brown 3rd. No mail from home, Alaska
railroad blocked with snow. Saw good show at Pantage’s.
Had notary acknowledgment on 1927 income tax report.
February 29, 1928 Mayor Landes won primary
election by 3,000 votes. Frank Edwards 2nd, ex-Mayor Brown 3rd.
Betters on Brown lost heavy, Brown behind 6,000 votes. Noon,
delivered electric waffle iron to sellers for credit, $6.65, then
saw good show at Palace. Ike elected Mayor of Seattle plot
of play. Evening sent orders for fruit, vegetables, bacon, eggs
and lard.
March 1, 1928 Received wire from Stanley at
Wasilla, Alaska. Railroad blocked 10 days by snow slides,
no mail by last boat. Placed orders for groceries and forage.
Gus Swanson visited at noon, wanted advice on radio set.
“Curry Comb” stole Gus’ teeth. PM saw Vitaphone play at Blue
Mouse. Evening visited at Ed. Sylvester’s.
March 2, 1928 PM saw good show at the new Seattle
Theater, corner 9th and Pine Streets. Second day of opening,
show Merry Widow picture Babe Daniels - Feel My Pulse bootleg joint
in palatial residence and stormed by highjacker. Evening rounded
up show windows with Mattie. Mailed letters home.
March 3, 1928 Seattle “Bull” spring is here,
fourth real spring so far. Saw extra good show at Fifth
Avenue Theater. The new Seattle Theater has caused other
show houses to produce better shows to hold their patrons.
Ma feeling OK again. Evening read paper, etc. took baths.
March 4, 1928 Noon received letter from Stanley
dated February 18th, had snow followed by heavy rain.
January sales $2,755.15. $378 above last January sales.
Radio good at Wasilla. Reported stations in Mass, Ohio, Iowa,
Kentucky, Ill., Louisiana, Utah, Idaho, Texas, Japan, Australia, Honolulu
and Canada on 6 tube set. PM saw a good show at Embassy.
Chicken dinner, dessert, apple pie.
March 5, 1928 PM saw good show at Orpheum Theater,
the five midget actors were wonderful. Ma received letter
from Mrs. Morse in California. Evening read Herbert Asbury
citation on modernists and fundamentalists, that by next century
there would be no Protestant Church, going behind, would be absorbed
by Roman Catholics. Three school girls killed by drunken cab
driver.
March 6, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
Noon, visited on Northwestern Marble and Granite Co., 3034 First
Avenue and Denny Way. Ordered headstone for Frank B. Cannon
grave at Anchorage, for delivery middle of April, list price
$165 got same for $100 cash. Walked 9 blocks, evening saw
good show at Pantage’s and saw Beverly B. Dobbs picture, Top of
the World, Alaska views.
March 7, 1928 Self and Ma vacationing at Seattle
since January 20th. Stanley managing store at Wasilla,
Alaska while Ma and Pa Outside. Received 2nd letter from
Mr. Franke about my farms at Eyota. PM saw Sid Chaplin and
Vitaphone at Blue Mouse. Ma had her hat blocked.
March 8, 1928 Past 10 days of good weather
now followed by showers. PM saw show at new Seattle Theater,
2nd week, not quite as good as opening week. Election speakers
hot on the air for Seattle new Mayor.
March 9, 1928 At Queen City. Received
letters from Stanley and Eva. Watson mail early AM, snow
slides blocked Alaska railroad from mile 49 to 75, 4’ new snow
from Talkeetna , 120 miles north. Rain at Wasilla followed
by 1’ snow. PM saw good shows at Fifth Avenue. Ordered
2 KT Co. rubber stamps. Ordered draft sent account Cannon’s
headstone. Received monthly check, $100.
March 10, 1928 Saw in Alaska Weekly, Mrs. W.
E. Bartholf passed out last week at Auburn, 74 years old.
Bartholf’s lived at Seward, Alaska several years. Noon received
mail from Eva and Stanley 40 to 50 above and raining at Wasilla,
Alaska. PM saw good show at Palace. Got letter from Clara
in Florida.
March 11, 1928 PM saw Ben Hur at the Strand,
fine picture. Radio no good today. Ma not feeling well again.
March 12, 1928 PM saw good show at Orpheum
Theater. Evening worked on cost of store building, fixtures,
etc., of 1917 new store at Wasilla, Alaska. Ma nursing
old trouble, nerves. Weighed 170 lb. today.
March 13, 1928 AM in reading room 888 Spring
Apartments Hotel. PM saw Duncan Sisters and good show
at Pantage’s. Evening saw good picture show across from
Tea Garden, Theater baby had 3 fathers. Reported Edwards
won over Landes as Mayor of Seattle, election today. Letter
to Stanley.
March 14, 1928 On market, ordered Metz grain
drill, $157 list, net to dealer $140 ship Saturday. Got
wire from Stanley for merchandise. Placed 4 orders by
mail today to go Saturday on Aleutian. Evening saw good
play at Third Avenue Theater on free tickets (value 60¢).
Male crowd rejoicing over man Mayor.
March 15, 1928 PM saw cadet show at new Seattle
Theater, was NG. Evening saw good show at Winter Garden.
Ex-soldier and son and pictures of St. Francis Dam in California,
near Los Angeles that broke and drowned 250 people. Capt.
Hinchliff and Elsie Mackey, English Atlantic flyers, 24 hours overdue.
Ma feeling better.
March 16, 1928 Saw Fairbanks in “The Gaucho”
at United Artists. Wrote to Stanley. Ma did some shopping
for Eva with no purchases, just look see. Try out for Seattle
state artists today at Fifth Avenue. Alaska Indian School
lecture KOMO.
March 17, 1928 At Queen City, spring
roses blooming, indicating summer nearby. Saw Vitaphone
and Wavatone pictures at Blue Mouse. Evening visited on
Sylvester’s at Mt. Baker Park. James Girdwood passed out
at his home in N. Y. City recently.
March 18, 1928 A-1 sunny day, took walk down
Fifth Avenue, out West Lake Avenue, then east to Ford Plant
then south to top Capital Hill then down to Spring Apartment Hotel
at 4:30 PM Evening read Sunday paper till 8 PM.
March 19, 1928 First real summer day,
67 above. Ulsh visited on phone. Received letters
from Eva and Stanley, also Bristol Phonograph loud speaker.
Had five day hard blow at Wasilla, all snow gone. Mrs.
Hartman sold her two roadhouses for $5,000.
March 20, 1928 PM saw 4½ hour show at
Pantage’s. Young bushman and sister, and Lindy’s 40,000
mile air trip. Evening saw Al Frank’s play at the Palace.
Ma not complaining of old trouble now.
March 21, 1928 Ma went shopping, self went
down to L. C. Warner’s with Bristol Phonograph attachment for
inspection of mike with same, deposited $100 in savings bank.
Evening saw good show at Colonial.
March 22, 1928 Saw good show at new Seattle
Theater, red head Clara Bow in the pictures. PM Gus and
Shorty Gustafson visited. Shorty and wife living in Tacoma.
Gus going back to Wasilla, Alaska, April 9th boat.
March 21st, reported big snow, Alaska railroad. RR blocked.
Airplane service, Anchorage to Seward.
March 23, 1928 Lindy taking Congress
up in the air at Washington DC. Reported, Lindy going to fly
to Japan in near future. PM saw good show at Fifth Avenue.
Evening saw good show at Colonial.
March 24, 1928 PM saw Vitaphone play at Blue
Mouse. Evening got order ready for truss supplies and
Griffeth taxes. Wrote to W. E. Elliott at Girdwood, Alaska,
postmaster.
March 25, 1928 Sunday went out to Woodland
Park, saw ball game, Carrie Nation, Seward brown bear, not
many at park, too cold. Evening saw show at Embassy.
March 26, 1928 Sent $5 to apply on Griffeth
taxes, 2 years. Ordered new Rice truss. Seattle spring
gone, back to winter.
March 27, 1928 Mattie out shopping, gathered
in 3 dresses. PM took in show at Pantage’s. Got
letter from Stanley and Eva. Stanley elected treasurer
of Wasilla School Board, bad weather at Wasilla. Evening
saw Chicago at Winter Garden.
March 28, 1928 SS Evans left on 1st spring
trip to Seward, sent mail to kids at Wasilla, Alaska.
Ma shopping AM. PM took in P. I. electric show and
radio. Evening saw good show at Palace. Embassy Theater
bombed last night.
March 29, 1928 Ma out shopping, self
got regular monthly haircut. Saw no shows today, we
were invited out to dinner at Mt. Baker Park. Evening heard
six movie actors at Fairbanks studio, Hollywood, also Dodge program
from Detroit and New York over Sylvester’s radio. Home 11 PM.
Ordered fruit for K. T. Co.
March 30, 1928 At Seattle, Washington,
rained all day. PM saw best show of season at Fifth Avenue
Theater, Eddie Peabody in Jungle, ideal orchestra and 20 performers
and Eddie solos on banjo. Evening saw Aviation Lone Eagle
at Colonial Theater. Posted letters to Eva and Stanley at
Wasilla.
March 31, 1928 Received letters and orders
from Stanley, snow and 20 below at Wasilla, Alaska. PM
saw Vitaphone show at Blue Mouse. Darkie quartet on moving
train, good. Saw and heard President Coolidge decorate Lindy
account New York to Paris trip and heard Mussolini speak. Evening
saw good show at Winter garden.
April 1, 1928 Some fools in Seattle, Sunday,
spoiled the fun. April in like a lion wind and hail squalls.
PM had dinner at Meves, then saw a war picture show. AM
church on radio.
April 2, 1928 PM saw a show at Orpheum.
Watson in, no mail. Made up list of late phonograph records.
April 3, 1928 Received cablegram from Stanley
for groceries. Sent letter on Watson.
April 4, 1928 Busy filling orders for
Saturday’s sailing to Alaska, placed orders for groceries, bacon.
Called PM on US and Hipress Rubber Co., Fuller Co. and Black Mfg.
Co. Placed order for rubber pacs, paints and clothing. Evening saw
Palace show.
April 5, 1928 First spring day since
March 18th. Mattie out shopping. Self visited on
Duncan and Sons, Seller and Seattle Hardware Co. Ordered
wire screen cloth and mink pans Three PM saw good show
at Pantage’s.
April 6, 1928 Placed order for clothing at
Fleischner and Mayer's sample room, took 3½ hours to
look over samples. Advised Stanley about goods coming on
SS Aleutian. Evening saw Chas Murray in wedding.
April 7, 1928 AM saw Gus Swanson off on Aleutian
for Wasilla. Ellen Horning saw her father off on boat
for Alaska. Placed order for tobacco and nut bars with
Spring Cigar Co. Received letter from Clara. Evening
Mabel Braley, son and mother (Helen Godfrey) from Portland visited
on us.
April 8, 1928 Heard Easter services at Hollywood
Rose Bowl 50,000 present singing wonderful over radio.
Thirty thousand attended Seattle outdoor services at Medina Park
at 5 AM. Ma and Pa took it easy, laid in bed and listened to
California services had chicken dinner at home.
April 9, 1928 Paid for Cannon headstone, $110.
Added oilcloth to F. M. and Co. order and Edgeworth to Spring
Cigar Co. order. PM saw Harold Lloyd in Speedy. Back
to normal, now weigh 175 lbs.
April 10, 1928 Ma still shop dressing, latest
buy for Bristol Bay. PM saw Shaw at Orpheum. Evening
saw golf game at the Strand.
April 11, 1928 At Seattle, Washington.
Ma dress shopping AM. PM saw show at Seattle Theater,
beautiful scenery, 2 hour show. Evening made inventory
of store fixtures, buildings, etc. at Wasilla.
April 12, 1928 S. F. Kelly, 68 years
old today. Bought merchandise from Dagg Derndon Co.,
Seattle Cap Co., Paper and Taft, out all PM on market.
Evening finished store fixture inventory. Store building
and fixtures cost $9,944.43 warehouse aft store $262.70 warehouse
on railroad lot $419.20.
April 13, 1928 Called on Seattle Tent and Awning
Co., placed order for phonograph records with Piper and Taft.
Bought cord tire off Frederick and Nelson. Had strawberries
for dinner 30¢ a box. Evening saw good show.
German plane landed on U. S. St. Lawrence Bay from Ireland.
April 14, 1928 At Queen City. Busy
on market, drew $150 from savings bank. Paid for boat
fares home, $186. Received letters from Eva and Stanley
with orders for merchandise. Evening got out five merchandise
orders. Saw good show at Winter Garden. Answered Roe
and Clara’s letters. Ma still buying dresses and shoes.
April 15, 1928 Sunday, Ma busy looking
up sitting eggs for Mrs. Ellexson. PM saw good Vitaphone
show at Blue Mouse. Went out to Sylvester’s for dinner and
heard dedication of Standard Oil Co. Aviation Tower lamps given
to Aviation Air Force. Lindy at Denver, Colorado. Turned
on lights at 8 PM. Hoover spoke at Washington D. C. over radio.
April 16, 1928 Ma hunting nest eggs.
Self had F. B. C. headstone. Bought cash register supplies.
PM placed orders for hardware. Evening saw Mary Gardner,
62, playing 1928 Flapper at the Orpheum. All the show was
good.
April 17, 1928 Out on market until 4
PM. Paid freight on Cannon’s headstone, $14.20 Seattle
to Anchorage. Bought more records at Sherman Clays, $17.75.
Ma out hunting goose eggs for Mrs. Ellexson at Knik, Alaska.
Had trunk checked to Wasilla, Alaska. Evening had our dinner
at Guys Drug Store. Evening saw good show at Pantage’s.
Mailed T. F. Franke six months $500 note account taxes and interest
on Eyota, Minnesota farms.
April 18, 1928 Left Seattle 10 AM on
SS Evans for Alaska, got compartment 104 with toilet.
Passed Vancouver 8 PM. Shorty Gustafson on board.
April 19, 1928 On SS Evans northbound.
Perfect day. Passed Alameda and freighter southbound.
April 20, 1928 On SS Evans northbound.
Arrived at Ketchikan 8 PM, passed Aleutian southbound.
PM left Ketchikan midnight. Watson arrived southbound.
Called at cannery 4 AM.
April 21, 1928 On SS Evans northbound.
Seldovia man bought booze at Ketchikan, then tried to shoot
up boat, Captain put him in irons and locked him up. Arrived
Petersburg 4 PM looked over town, left at 10 for Juneau.
April 22, 1928 Sunday, arrived at Juneau
9:30 AM in wind and sleet storm. Did not go up town account
rain. Took on 2,000 ties for Alaska Railroad. Left
Juneau 4:30 PM for Cordova. Wilkins crossed North Pole OK.
April 23, 1928 On high sea, partly cloudy.
Passed out by Cape Spencer at midnight, now crossing Gulf of
Alaska, smooth.
April 24, 1928 Arrived at Cordova, Alaska at
noon, cloudy took stroll up town met Mr. Feldman left Cordova
7 PM for LaTouche.
April 25, 1928 Arrived Seward 7:30 AM on way
to Wasilla, Alaska. Put up at Hotel Sexton. Seward
streets dry but snow on mountains down to timber line. PM
reported three snow slides, no train from north tonight, now anchored
in Seward.
April 26, 1928 Snowbound in Seward, snow
squalls all AM, four more slides on railroad, line down.
PM got Stanley on phone, no storms at Wasilla. 4 PM took
stroll up 2nd, 3rd and 4th Avenues. Evening saw show w/ Mrs.
Sexton. Ma had nervous spell.
April 27, 1928 Snowbound in Seward, partly
cloudy, clearing and warmer. Walked out to radio station
at head of bay. Evening saw Seward home talent, dance recital
at theater, we were guests of Mrs. Sexton. Ma better today.
April 28, 1928 At Seward, Alaska, warm
and sunny today. Three men arrived by airplane from Anchorage,
55 minutes. Jim Stewart and Mrs. Zink arrived on SS Alaska.
Evening train finished from Anchorage. Got letter from
Stanley. Saw show, Valencia.
April 29, 1928 Sunday at Seward, Alaska.
AM turned cloudy with rain, took walk up 4th and down 3rd Avenue.
Several here waiting train north and boat south. Call for
4:30 train to leave at 6 AM for Wasilla.
April 30, 1928 Left Seward 6 AM, arrived Anchorage
noon, left Anchorage 1:45 arrived home 3:40 PM. Snow
from Seward mile 4 to Turnagain Arm. Snow all gone at Wasilla.
Ma was gone 7 months, self 3 months on winter vacation. Evening
good radio. Sam Guyot here.
May 1, 1928 Self and Dan Gray unloaded
car of merchandise in track warehouse and at store, freight
$303.03. Gave Sam M and M man order for fill ins. Ma
awoke at 4:30 with nerve trouble, OK PM. Party at Oberg’s.
New merchandise, $1,700.
May 2, 1928 Donovan and Larson in from beaver
hunt. E. H. Bartholf buying supplies for Gold Cord Mine.
Cars now go to mile 12. Self a little sore from handling freight.
Radio fair.
May 3, 1928 Shipped 100 strawberry crates to
Anchorage. Stanley got out monthly statements. Evening
Stanley drove his car down to Fleck’s ranch Knik Road, badly cut
up, frost not out. Evening good radio, KGO and KOMO.
May 4, 1928 A-1 summer day, 60 above.
Libby’s man here, took up 4 hours of my time. Evening checked
out $1,000 account Seattle invoices. Harvey in from beaver
hunt. Radio NG.
May 5, 1928 Cloudy and cooler, + 40.
Thorpe’s in from beaver hunt. Several in to work on road.
Evening charged battery. Got KOG and St. Francis Hotel, San
Francisco. Shaved and took sponge bath.
May 6, 1928 First fishing party arrived, with
gas car from Anchorage. Guker arrived looking for orders.
Priced up tents and drugs. Took dinner at Willow Creek
Inn. Evening listened to new records at Stanley’s house.
Stanley through, going to work for Alaska Road Commission.
Radio NG.
May 7, 1928 Stanley started working for Alaska
Road Commission. Self now chief clerk, Ma clerk E. Business
good, sales $145.73, collections $218.15. Ellexson’s out
from Knik, first time with car, Marsh and wife along. Marsh
bought Stanley’s car. Letter from Clara and May Kellogg.
May 8, 1928 A-1 day, hail storm.
Business good, sales $137.25. Self hauled over 3 truck
loads of merchandise from Depot. Bogard in for merchandise.
Stanley in from mile 4 Road camp. Freddie Roscher in from
ranch. By radio, 10 PM Boxer left Seattle for Alaska with
school supplies, 400 tons.
May 9, 1928 Busy in store, sales $116.40.
Houston Natives spending their beaver money. Trout fishing
good at Cottonwood Creek. Road Commission filling in bridge
mile 4. Harvey went to Anchorage. KOMO and KGW came
in. Ma nursing bad cold. Signed Post Office claim, $4.74 sent
by Clara, views to self.
May 10, 1928 A-1 day, +60. Gene Bartholf
in with his made over car. Freight train went north with
ties. Road Commission bracing up bridge at Stern Ranch.
Ma rode down to Fleck’s ranch with kids. No radio.
May 11, 1928 A-1 day, business slow today.
Ellexson out from Knik, 2nd trip. Fred Crocker in to
trade. Evening dance on at school house. Marion Twins
in for merchandise. Evening got out Seattle mail.
No radio.
May 12, 1928 A-1 day, business good.
Packed $104 order for Gold Mint Mine. Big rock slide
in canyon at mile 12½ Wasilla-Willow auto road. Nickolaska
in from beaver hunt near Talkeetna. Kids gave a dance last
night in honor of Eva. Pick up orchestra was good. Edlund
planting spuds.
May 13, 1928 George Roll, storekeeper at Hope
visited, selling out and leaving for Outside next fall.
Anchorage fishing party here with gas car. Priced up dried
fruits and hardware. Let Gus have radio battery to start his
car.
May 14, 1928 Busy in store all day, sales $149.60.
Gene Bartholf in for merchandise. Road still blocked
with snow from 28 to Fishhook Inn. No freight train today
with Outside freight. Outside lady taking orders for women’s
suits. Got KOMO tonight.
May 15, 1928 Partly cloudy, cooler, +52.
Put up two $100 orders for Brassel and Hansen, Willow Creek
District. Eva and Ma checked goods out and Pa done the packing.
A. F. Walter and wife over from Palmer to trade. No Seward
freight today. Out of eggs, spuds and onions. Weather
soft, no radio.
May 16, 1928 Business 50% above normal.
No trains account wreck on railroad near Caswell. Marked up new
hardware. Evening Stanley and Eva drove down to Junction
with Lizzie. Ma had a bad spell last night, no sleep till
2 AM. Walker in from coal mines. No radio.
May 17, 1928 Passenger and freight trains finished
from north after washout near Caswell. Seward freight,
due Monday, arrived this evening (Thursday). Fleming back
from inspecting ranch. Snider drew $200 of Kloss deposit.
May 18, 1928 Twins and Bartholf’s in
for mail and merchandise. Mail train went north, brought
last Saturday’s mail. Ed Mullen left for Inside. Evening
big dance on at Fairview. Got out Seattle mail. Had
in Fifth Avenue Theater, Seattle, KOMO. Oil and butter arrived.
May 20, 1928 Sunday, in store AM PM varnished
linoleum in kitchen and office. Ma visited on Mrs. Wagner.
Eva in Seward waiting for Star to go to Bristol Bay. Sharon’s
car arrived from Fairbanks. Mrs. Hartman in from Fishhook Inn.
May 21, 1928 Assembled spare tires for truck
and Olds car. Ma feeling better. Eva held up at Seward,
no boat till Thursday. Mike Sherry arrived, going to mines.
May 22, 1928 McDougal in from Fern Mine, had
to snow shoe from Fern Mine to Landers. Evening Gene Bartholf
and men in to trade, moving camp from 28 to Fishhook Inn. Stanley
in from ARC camp, mile 4. Eva still at Seward waiting for boat
to Westward. Wrote Schwabacher Bros. and Co. Dancer
making ready to go with extra gang on railroad.
May 23, 1928 Horning’s here, stopping at Black’s
ranch until snow goes off at Mable Mine. Dancer and family
left to go on extra gang on railroad.
May 24, 1928 Bogard and Metz in for merchandise.
Blodgett and wife down from Pittman for merchandise.
Eva left on Star for Bristol Bay. Myrtle left to join her sweetie
at Caswell. Ellexson’s in from Sunny Knik. Evening
answered M and M Co. about duplicate bill from Northwestern.
May 25, 1928 Put up order for Thorpe’s Mine.
Mrs. McDougal in to trade. Kinsella down from Pittman.
Road Commission graveled around Depot. Big picnic at Sunny
Knik. Miss Niemi’s Fairview School 7 autos went in for dance.
Good radio. Evening on Outside mail.
May 26, 1928 Hauled over 1 truck load groceries.
PM hauled over 3 truck loads groceries. Got in ton Outside
spuds. Gus and Burwell went to Anchorage. Evening
had in KGO, KOMO and KJR.
May 27, 1928 AM busy in store,
PM and evening, until 12, worked on Olds car. Snodgrass
over, paid all past accounts. Sharon took Donovan joy riding.
Everybody fishing.
May 28, 1928 A-1 summer day, +70.
Business good, sales $254.76. Lost bananas arrived and
Libby goods came. Four young men arrived looking for wood.
George Stellar out from Knik. Evening washed car. No
radio.
May 29, 1928 Hauled over Libby goods from Depot.
Robert Ward in to see his old girl from Gold Mint Thorpe’s
held up account packing goods to mines by Lander. St. Clair
back on ranch. Evening polished up Olds car. No radio.
May 30, 1928 Decoration Day. AM busy
in store and with car, PM closed store. With Ma and Sam
Kelly, drove to Knik and cleaned up Elmer’s grave, had a blow
out passing Donovan’s. Left sack spuds for Crocker mink
ranch. Three quarters of road good, drove back in 55 minutes.
May 31, 1928 Business good, sales $243.05.
New agent with wife and dog arrived to relieve Frank Cook,
old agent. Evening on monthly statements. B and H went
up to Mable Mine, too much snow, came back
June 1, 1928 Business above normal, +68.
Self on monthly statements most of day and all evening.
First electric Brill car went south today. Rica and brother
left for Douglas, Alaska. Agent Cook removed to Junction.
ARC new Cat arrived. Ma feeling better.
June 2, 1928 AM finished Outside mail and hardware
and drug order. Snider and Marion went to Anchorage.
ARC new Cat smoothing up Knik Road. Ulch went to Anchorage,
sold him ½ ton spuds. Evening fixed Olds blow-out tire.
Fire south of Lucille Lake PM. Dance on at Junction.
June 3, 1928 Sunday, light rain all day,
+50. Cleaned out hardware show window to display new
goods. Clarence Marsh here to trade, drove on in to Knik.
Harvey with Ward, joy riding. Crowd went to Knik, got stuck
2 times account no chains, battery or crank. White over from
Government farm. Gas fishing car went dead here, got a tow
to Anchorage. Not a sound on radio.
June 4, 1928 Business good, sales $178.63 and
collections $157. Sent 1 order to Caswell. White,
Marion Twins man, arrived and his son Al. Ulch left with
bunch of miners for the Lucky Shot Mine. Stanley sold his
car back to Mrs. Hartman. Dan Gray and Mrs. H. came in for
car. Letter from Clara, now at Athens, Ohio. Kelly got
work with ARC
June 5, 1928 Business good, sales $132.53.
B and H took grub order out to Mabel Mine in touring car.
Pt. Barrow lost fliers reported safe, 3 machines lost.
Stanley bought Fred’s car $500. Nellie and Dan in from
Fishhook with 2 passengers, went dead at 15 lost a “screw” out,
car going back. Jess Garver bought grub for his mine.
Gus went out to 49 Miller’s homestead.
June 6, 1928 Business good, sales $194.90.
Ordered oats from Anchorage, could not get seed wheat or oats
there. Marion Twins looking for Outside draft to cover
May payroll. Al White now hauling Gold Mint freight.
Evening Stanley gave Mrs. Pennington, Ma and self joy ride in his
new sedan car via Junction by Old Tote Road, returned Palmer Road.
Snider got new sedan car.
June 7, 1928 First hot day, +80 in shade.
Business good, sales $190.01, monthly collections slow.
Marcell Bunge’s school picnic at Stern’s ranch. Big dance,
evening, at school house, Edlund orchestra music. Gave school
kids box apples.
June 8, 1928 Second hot day, +80 in shade.
Marion Twins paying monthly bills. Horning and family
moved from Black ranch to Mabel Mine. Old Vail quit work
on section, sore feet. Evening paying Seattle invoices.
S. D. Fleck leased Fishhook Inn.
June 9, 1928 Third hot day. Bunge, Wasilla
school teacher, left for Outside, also Matt March quit Wasilla
Hotel and left for Tacoma. S. D. Fleckenstein took over
Fishhook Inn on lease. Mrs. Pennington also quit Wasilla
Hotel and went down to St. Clair’s fish ranch. Mrs. Hartman
now operating Wasilla Hotel with Dan Gray. Struck gas at Chickaloon
oil well.
June 10, 1928 Sunday, fourth hot day,
+80. PM decorated hardware window with green and red enamelware.
Cleaned up balcony. Evening Stanley took us and Oberg’s in
to Sunny Knik. Roses all in bloom on road. Put boot in
Olds tire. Too hot and too much light for radio.
June 11, 1928 Tommy McNeil and Fiddler Edlund
went to work on section. Pay Day Wilson went out to do assessment
of Stiles Mine. Got letters from Eva, Bristol Bay.
Had fresh rhubarb today.
June 12, 1928 Gene Bartholf in from Gold Cord
Mine, reported 4’ snow from G. B. Cache to Gold Cord. Cars
now going to Mabel Mine. Stanley moved down to ARC camp
near government farm. Evening had in 2 stations but mushy.
Gus left to do assessment on OGH Placer Mine.
June 13, 1928 Put up large order for Gold Cord
Mine. Bartholf went to Anchorage, also Tommy McNeil and
Eddie Edlund (for railroad exam). Smith, of Palmer, over
after Cook’s tractor. Wired for groceries, oats and fruit.
Stanley, Shorty and Kelly up from ARC Road camp, Matanuska.
June 14, 1928 Wade family over with eggs.
Last Italian North Pole fliers heard from, landed 220 miles from
Kings Bay on ice. Evening drove down to St. Clair’s ranch
with Mrs. Pennington’s mail. Stanley in over Bogard Road,
NG, for car.
June 15, 1928 Houston and Pittman section men
down to trade. Got West Coast Theater over KOMO.
June 16, 1928 Jess Garver in for more grub.
Evening Horning’s in for grub. Went down to hoe garden
at Black’s ranch. White, Vice President of Marion Twins G.
M. Co. left for Los Angeles. Fixed up front cushion on Olds
car. Regular poker game on at Hans, the Judge star player.
June 17, 1928 Stanley up from ARC Matanuska
camp with his sedan. School marm here looking for school.
Two fishing parties went up line on gas cars. Too cool to go joy
riding, so Ma said.
June 18, 1928 A-1 hot day, +76. Evening
Stanley took us out over Bogard Road. Pat Irish over from
Palmer to trade. Evening had good program ¾ hour
over KOMO. Midnight, raining.
June 19, 1928 Windy weather. Business
good, sales $185.72. Hauled over 1 truck load groceries
and BB shoes. Henry Fischer, here from Knik, looking for
work. Pearl Shough and new husband back from Willow Creek
District. Mr. Kempf went to mines. Evening drove down
to ARC camp near Junction, barn burned up. Chas Isaac and wife
left for Gold Cord Mine.
June 20, 1928 Partly cloudy, showers,
cooler. Got out order for tobacco and groceries. Chas
Harrison got Fischer’s horse to haul out Gold Cord mining timber.
Evening drove out to 19. Oberg’s lumber arrived.
June 21, 1928 Cloudy weather, business
1/3 off today. Got out some of weekend orders and mail.
Stanley and Clarence up from ARC camp. Heavy earthquake,
6:30 AM this morning, made saws and kettles rattle in store.
Chas Harrison went out to deck Gold Cord logs, mile 11.
June 22, 1928 Snider hauling lumber with Marion
Twins truck. Fries got job with ARC. Busy writing
up clothing and hardware orders. Got first ripe strawberries
from Sunny Knik.
June 23, 1928 Metz in, said garden truck doing
nothing and small grain looking fair. Evening rode down
to mile 12 with Stanley. Assembled awning at side entrance.
Osborn up from Junction.
June 24, 1928 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
cool, 40 to 50 above. Evening hung awning on side entrance of
store. Stanley painted top of his sedan car. McAllen
arrived on gas car, left for mines with his car. Pat Irish
left for Thorpe Mine, Grubstake. Gold Cord backers arrived.
June 25, 1928 Cloudy showers cool.
Business good sales $138.25. Gold Cord financiers bought
$65 worth of clothing, Gene Bartholf in to take them out to mines.
New snow on mountain peaks. Big mail, got hardware, drugs,
meats and forage. Mrs. Pennington went in to visit Mrs. Ellexson.
Mrs. H. sold Mabel cabin.
June 26, 1928 Partly cloudy, warmer,
+70 at noon, business 50% off today. ARC making ready
to build Gold Mint Road. Papa, Mama and baby arrived on Brill
car, Mike Sherry’s backer. Priced up drugs. Mosquitoes
biting good. Answered Clara’s letter, sent map of new roads,
told her Seymour farm had to go. Delivered Joe Palmer’s goods.
June 27, 1928 Business rotten today, 3/5 off.
Gene Bartholf and backer went to Anchorage. Evening drove
out to Fishhook Inn, invited Ketchem’s and Florence Oberg.
Gus came over from Grubstake, too much snow, got water in ditches.
Capt. Nobles taken off North Pole ice by airplane, Amundson located
on ice. Gus 15 days at Grubstake.
June 28, 1928 Gus in from Grubstake, out 16
days. PM train day, had usual rush of business. McAllen
back from mines. Bear let Sharon’s foxes out and ate two pups
yesterday. Reed, Anchorage Hotel, here looking for electric
customers and selling stock on Eklutna Hydroelectric Plant.
Evening Ma rode out to Fishhook with Stanley. No radio, moon
in way.
June 29, 1928 A-1 day, +70. Jack W. Nelson,
new buyer of the Mabel cabin, bought a $50 outfit. Stiles
returned to Anchorage. Ma not feeling good account old nerve
trouble. Stanley up from Junction ARC camp, took bath in
Lake Wasilla. Mrs. Hartman bought Cook’s ranch cabin for $75
going to move it to Wasilla.
June 30, 1928 Got 2 orders from Caswell.
ARC camp moving from Matanuska Road to Gold Mint, new road at
Fishhook. Evening oiled store floor. Brought in KFRC,
San Francisco but was mushy. Reed returned to Anchorage after
introducing Eklutna Electric. North Pole fliers still on ice
flows, fog detains rescue.
July 1, 1928 Got 4 orders to go north, busy
all day packing goods. Stanley moved out to Gold Mint new road.
Ellexson and Mrs. Pennington in from Knik. Drove out over
Bogard Road. Plan to have kids races July 4th. Secretary
Anchorage Light and Power Company here.
July 2, 1928 A-1 day, +80 in shade.
Business good, sales $228.05. Mail train 1 hour late.
Usual crowd on train day and rush PM. Received letter
from Clara, still in Athens Ohio. Also letter from Eva,
going to stay over another boat at Bristol Bay with parents. Donovan
reported Roscher was going nuts.
July 3, 1928 Temperature +82. Self hauled
over 4 truck loads of freight and stored it away. Got first
strawberries of season. Evening ARC road gang in to spend
the fourth. Clarence Marsh up to trade.
Fred Roscher left $600 for deposit in bank, someone stole his bank
book and cash.
July 4, 1928 A-1 sunny day. Had kid races
at Wasilla, Stanley won men’s race, Eddie Edlund second.
Evening all attended dance at Sunny Knik, took Mrs. DeMars with
us, brought Mrs. Donovan home, 17 cars, 85 at dance.
Mosquitoes bad at Knik, road, rough. Hit a dog on road by
Roscher’s.
July 5, 1928 Reported dog hit was Donovan’s.
Business good, $237.83, collections $512.96.
Jess Garver and Sam Peters back from Anchorage. Evening took Gus
and grub for placer mine, out to Fishhook Inn. Ellexson’s brought
Mrs. Pennington back to ranch. Pat and Nolan left for Grubstake
with team.
July 6, 1928 Cloudy, evening rain.
Business normal, collections good, bank deposit $2,058.65.
Tourist party in Brill car from Richardson auto road.
Received orders for 100 berry crates from Fairbanks and order
for strawberries from Seward. Harrison moved up to Holden ranch
to pick strawberries.
July 7, 1928 Golden Bear and Marion Twins managers
in. Post Office locked up, still celebrating. Wired
for cord tires for Golden Bear Mining Co. Harrison back
from Holden ranch, said berries would be fair crop. Evening
fixed up Wasilla Street sign. No radio.
July 8, 1928 Sunday, cloudy, evening
rain. Golden Bear Mining Co. hauling in high grade ore to ship
Outside. Gold Mint sent first cleanup to bank, short on
payroll, asked us to protect 4 months checks. Someone stole
railroad gasoline at section.
July 9, 1928 A-1 hot day. Mr. Pyle back
from Anchorage. Mrs. Horning and Gene in from Mabel Mine
went to Black ranch. Received 2nd lot melons, new spuds, carrots
and cabbage from Outside. Leonard Grau back from States.
Shorty and Stanley talking of opening store at Ninilchick, Cook
Inlet.
July 10, 1928 A-1 sunny day. Business
good, sales $225.32. Stanley in with orders for ARC help.
Houston Section men down to trade. Harvey and Fleming in
from ARC camp. Evening drove down to Black’s ranch, mosquitoes
by the millions. Horning hoeing garden. McDougal in.
Mrs. Fleming fell down stairs. Horning came in from mines to
look for family.
July 11, 1928 Put up order for Caswell Lake
Fur Farm. Harvey Rutter went to Anchorage to have two
teeth out. Gold Cord in for hay and oats account hauling out rich
ore to ship Outside. Postmaster reported no more mail put off
at Flag Station. Ma not feeling well, old trouble.
July 12, 1928 Gus in from Grubstake, got contract
to haul Gold Cord ore. Gus at Grubstake 6 days this trip
and 15 days 1st trip, 21 days. Evening made map of Wasilla
auto roads for railroad picnickers coming July 22nd on annual picnic.
July 13, 1928 Cloudy, evening rain, business
50% off today. Got out orders for groceries, crackers,
etc. Shorty dragged Knik Road. Leonard Grau hauling
car coal for Nellie. Nellie and Gold Cord shopper gone fishing.
Evening radio good for 1 hour. Sent auto road map to Mr. McCletchen,
railroad picnic president and one to Sol Silverman. Ma not
feeling good.
July 14, 1928 Kinney and son, the man once
hung at Lake Creek, arrived from north. Picked over eating
apples, 2/3 rotten. Evening delivered Walter’s fish salt
and barrels at Vail’s ranch. Dance on at school house, had
trouble to get music, Stanley and mother played 1 round. No
radio tonight.
July 15, 1928 Sunday, busy in store AM.
Bogard’s sister, Mrs. Pike, arrived on PM Brill car for a visit,
came from Idaho. Big bunch tourists on Saturday boat, had
to come to Anchorage for hotel accommodations. Filled office
tank with gas. Cloudy, mosquitoes bad.
July 16, 1928 Horning went to farm to hoe garden,
went back to mines in evening with grub. Wire rope man here.
Kinney bought the Cook cabin at mile 7 for winter home.
Got big mail, groceries and hardware arrived. Ellexson out, L. D.
sick with “wheatena”. Evening good radio for 1 hour.
July 17, 1928 Mr. Pyle in from Gold Mint with
orders. Hauled over 3 truck loads groceries and hardware and
gasoline from Depot. General Obregon assassinated in Mexico Hoover’s
special train on way to Los Angeles.
July 18, 1928 Phil Allen visited for horse
gear. Evening Snider’s and Ketchem’s drove to Junction
to attend a Krogh card party. Ben Marino mowing grass on
Knik Road. Sam Kelly in from ARC camp. Rain holding up road
work at mines.
July 19, 1928 Business good, sales $308.85.
Got Outside mail but no freight off Evans at Seward. Golden
Bear loading a car of high grade ore to ship to Tacoma smelter.
Stanley in from ARC summit camp with orders for help. Vic
Blodgett down to trade. No berries account cloudy, rainy weather.
July 20, 1928 Bogard and sister in to
trade. William R. Law, President of Golden Bear Mining
Co. left for Los Angeles to attend his law business shipped 8,000
car of ore. Evening busy on Seattle mail.
July 21, 1928 Golden Bear and Marion Twins
in for groceries. Gus in from Gold Cord, leg on the bum.
Pat Irish driving his team, hauling ore. Stanley in from
summit ARC camp with orders for help. Salmon running, everybody
fishing. Ellexson’s caught red fox on road. Wilmoth and Ketchem
went to Anchorage on Brill car. Annual report on F. B. Cannon estate.
July 22, 1928 Cleaned up magneto on Olds car.
Felch’s son here for Munsingwear order. Willie and Ketch
back from Anchorage on Brill car. Freight train took out
car Golden Bear ore. Had first fresh salmon.
Snider had to fix his road to get to town.
July 23, 1928 A-1 day, business
rushing, sales $200.41, usual train day rush. Noon, drove
Baxter Felch down to Thorpe’s Hill to see the country. Received
1st casabas, ice cream, melons. Stanley in from ARC summit
camp. Mrs. Horning and Gene in for merchandise, Doc David’s daughter
returned with them to Mabel Mine for a visit. Received snow
shoe order from Shields at Dillingham. Radio for 15 minutes
at 10:15 PM.
July 24, 1928 Drizzling rain, all
day, business ¼ off normal. Government man, Dr.
E. F. Graves here looking for location for experimental fur farm,
Stern ranch in view. Hauled over truck load Outside freight.
Rain about finished strawberries. Snowed last night at
Gold Cord. Salmon running fairly good.
July 25, 1928 Business good, sales $122.85.
Campbell, Walter, Fanning and wife over to trade. Fanning
proved up on homestead. Cattleman and wife here, went out
to mines to camp. Engstrom in to trade. Evening Gus
in, pile of baled hay fell on him and hurt his back Evening
drove down to Tote Road. Gene Bartholf in town.
July 26, 1928 First airplane to land at Wasilla,
15 minutes from Anchorage, brought passenger to catch train
here. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Stanley and Shorty in from
ARC summit camp hunting for strawberries. Snider back from
Anchorage. Tunney won, 11th round, radio fair.
July 27, 1928 Hauled over 3 truck loads freight
from Depot. Paid COD for Golden Bear Mining Company, $131.47.
Hotels preparing for railroad picnickers. Stanley in for
2 days from ARC to clean up house. By radio, Seattle now
has 500,680 population. Baldwin, locomotive man, died today.
July 28, 1928 Ulsh in from Lucky Shot Mine,
also McAllen. Fern Mine got car load coal. A. F.
Phelps and Sweet Marie left for California. Evening dance
on at Matanuska. Ma took on bad cold today. Big railroad
picnic due tomorrow. No radio.
July 29, 1928 Sunday, big annual railroad
picnic, seven passenger cars and 11 flats loaded with 21 autos
from Anchorage. Band played in front of our store, gave
them box of Mozart’s. Auto’s motored through valley.
Stanley sold Chev. car and bought 1928 Nash for $400. K. T.
Co. honored by band. Had Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse at lunch, Stanley
drove them over Finger Lake Road.
July 30, 1928 Sixty years on deck, OGH birthday,
3 score and going strong. Ma got bad cold. Got
15 crates new spuds, cost 5¢, selling at 6¢ a pound.
Stanley in for coal for ARC, got wire from Eva at Dillingham, not
coming on this SS Star. Radio, 15 minutes good.
July 31, 1928 Hauled over 2 truck loads of
Seattle freight. Walter and Fanning over from Palmer.
Sold Walter load potato crates, $6. Stanley took out load
coal for ARC, back evening with his car. Fred Crocker got
largest and best strawberries. peas, etc. Filed assessment
work, canyon group. Ben through with Road Commission.
August 1, 1928 Evening finished one file account
monthly statements, 3 more to do. Ma’s cold some better.
Good head lettuce and carrots now available. Rained about
all day. No radio.
August 2, 1928 Heavy rain all last night and
today. Business good, sales $139.73. Shipped 1
order to Caswell. Evening cleaned up 2 more files on monthly
accounts. Rode down to 12 mile with Stanley’s Nash sedan
six. Snider sold 75 pair mink for $6,000, big blow out at
Snider’s tonight. Shonbeck and Ervin, Standard Oil man, here.
No work at ARC camp account rain.
August 3, 1928 Business slow, 40% off
today. Wrote Marshal Wells Co. about Quaker furnace.
Ordered turps and paints etc. Evening finished monthly
statements. Shonbeck and Standard Oil man drove east.
Evening Stanley and Shorty in. Self and Ma drove out to 19.
Radio good, got KJR and KOMO.
August 4, 1928 Ueek in, left his dogs with
McNeil, going to pack grub to Caribou Creek account trap line.
Bogard’s sister went to Anchorage. Mrs. Pyle, with 124
oz. cleanup at Gold Mint Mine went to Anchorage. Evening got rick
wood left by Doherty’s.
August 5, 1928 No one from here went on Chickaloon
excursion. Received order from Thorpe’s and packed Marion
Twin order. Oiled up store doors and awning. Chas
Spaulding walked to Pittman to visit Vic Blodgett.
August 6, 1928 Horning in for grub and
vegetables at Black Ranch. Ellexson in with 5 pound cabbage.
Sam Kelly back from milk diet at Sunny Knik. Groceries, candy,
cakes, coffee, drugs arrived. New vegetables now available.
Wells rented Aureen cabin.
August 7, 1928 Business good, sales $179.20,
collections $404.65. Hugo Johnson, Golden Bear, in for
supplies. Mrs. Pike, Bogard’s sister, back from doing Anchorage.
Ellexson’s in with new cabbage, 6 pounds. Alaska Road Surveyors
here.
August 8, 1928 Standard Oil man and ARC
surveyor back from Willow Creek District. PM drove down
to Vail’s for airing, got 2 pints strawberries. Priced up drugs
and spices. Ma got bad cough from cold.
August 9, 1928 A-1 day, evening showers.
Business good, sales $198.55. Vic Blodgett down from
Pittman with Chas Spaulding. Evening booze party on at
Knik, hired Sharon and Stanley’s cars to take them in. Mrs.
Wilmoth came over to store, wild as a moose, because Howard joined
the Johnson and Spaulding party, Home Sweet Home.
August 10, 1928 Gus in, going to assessment
work on his claims. Hans tried to sell his roadhouse to
Nellie for $5,000, tide has turned? Checked out over $1,000
and deposited $1,200.
August 11, 1928 Golden bear man up against
it for tires. Hugo building new quarters at Gold Cord Mine.
Snider shipped his $6,000 sale of mink. Evening barn dance
on at Fairview school house.
August 12, 1928 Sunday, Cloudy. Busy
in store. PM tried to adjust clutch on Olds car. Got so couldn’t
shift gears when starting engine. George Bailey visited (on
gas car) looking for case duck shells. Dance last night at
Fairview. Ordered Ingersol clocks and watches. No radio.
August 13, 1928 Delayed freight at Seward arrived
PM, lumber arrived for Golden Bear Mining Co. building
quarters at Gold Cord Mine. Stanley through with ARC, going
Outside account eyes, throat and teeth. Radio good, KPO,
KHJ, KOMO. Jonathan Hedberg arrived. Girl Scouts arrived
for picnic.
August 14, 1928 Business good, sales $240.79.
Stanley back in store today. Delivered grub at Stern’s
place for Girl Scouts. Hauled over hardware and groceries
from Depot. Busy in store all day, farmers and miners.
August 15, 1928 A-1 day, +70. Business
good, sales $353.65. Harman over from Big Lake to trade.
Stanley, Hugo and several went to Anchorage. Horning down
from Mabel Mine, went to Black ranch for green stuff. Gus
took party to pick berries at government farm. Oberg in and
drunk.
August 16, 1928 Shipped ton forage north.
Hauled over load flour from track warehouse. Stanley back
from Anchorage, couldn’t get reservations on Saturday boat.
Ex-Miss Niemenan and baby went to Knik with Ellexson’s to put up
berries. Evening radio but mushy.
August 17, 1928 A-1 day, +72, business
1/5 off, collections fair. Bank deposits today $2,400.
Girl Scouts drove out to Fishhook Inn. Hauled over oil and
eggs PM. Mrs. Ward, non-payee, down from Fishhook. Mrs. Hartman
told her she would padlock the door if she didn’t pay the rent.
Mrs. McDougal in from mines with Horning. Strawberry and steak dinner.
August 18, 1928 Stanley and Al White left for
Seward to catch the boat for Seattle. Marshal Stacer and family
arrived from Anchorage with car to auto through valley.
Snider back from Talkeetna with more mink. Vail paid last
of winter bill. Evening soft, no radio.
August 19, 1928 Sunday, rain. Nagley
family arrived last night, on Brill car, looking to put Jr.
in school here. Mr. Doyle and son Allen arrived from Los
Angels to inspect Marion Twin Mines. Had dinner at hotel with
Nagley family. Sold Stump $50 order. Walter over with
new car. Had first blueberry pie.
August 20, 1928 Drove down to Vail’s, got 3
sacks, 1st local spuds, at $4. Vail and Walter’s just finished
dressing big black bear. Nagley family returned home.
Stanley got passage OK on SS Aleutian for Seattle on Sunday.
Doyle went to the mines.
August 21, 1928 Business good, sales $172.35.
PM hauled over groceries and gunny sacks from Depot. Pyle
and Doyle back from inspecting Gold Mint Mine, going to Craggie
Prospect tomorrow. Rainy season on again, crops growing
but not maturing. Mary Ward promised to pay bill September 1st.
August 22, 1928 Cloudy, windy, rain,
business good, sales $236.18. Orders from mines and Houston
section booted sales. Pyle, Doyle and engineer left to
inspect Paddy’s prospect on Craggie Creek. Preacher family
moved into Hatcher house. Evening fine radio 8 to 10:45, got
PI news flashes Al Smith would modify the 18th amendment. Mrs.
Wilmoth told Ma that St. Clair was going to beat me up when endorsed
note was paid, some gratitude.
August 23, 1928 No freight north today, wash
out on Seward Division. Golden Bear got their truck overhauled.
Gus in. Bill Long in from ARC taking a week off at ranch.
Mrs. Cameron of Cameron Café visited. Stacer up
to visit with family touring valley. Evening worked on Olds
clutch.
August 24, 1928 Business good, sales $156.95.
Gust Haller in with his coupe, drove out to Mabel Mine.
Horning’s in for grub and vegetables from Black ranch. Cameron’s
drove to Knik. Hoffman here with Stacer’s car. Bill
Long had Sharon drive him to Knik. Bill full of pop? Gene Tunney
arrived in Ireland, guest of John McCormack. Evening got spuds
and wood from Vail’s. Radio good, got news flashes.
August 25, 1928 JJ Doyle and son left for Los
Angeles. Boy Scouts returned to Anchorage. Doyle
well pleased with Marion Twin Mines prospects. PM worked on
clutch on Olds car, no fix ‘em. No Pacific Coast radio but
10 PM brought in Wellington, New Zealand, station 2YK church services,
then fine program.
August 26, 1928 Sunday, A-1 sunny day,
quiet in Wasilla. Tryck family back from weekend at Anchorage.
Gene Bartholf back from McKinley District by airplane. PM
worked on Olds clutch, failed to make adjustments. Wade’s
house burned down.
August 27, 1928 Weather cloudy.
Business good, sales $139.55. Got roofing, paints, hardware,
ammunition and coffee on today’s freight. Kelly building
cloak room on to school house. Gene Bartholf gone out to
do assessment on Independent Mine. Forty Mile Miller in to
trade, had ore from his new summit mine.
August 28, 1928 Wired merchandise orders to
Stanley at Hotel St. Regis, Seattle. Rica Niemi arrived to teach
Fairview school. Wade benefit dance off, Wade phoned that he didn’t
need help. Mrs. Pennington up from St. Clair ranch. No
radio tonight. Grau and Kloss gone prospecting.
August 29, 1928 Mrs. McBeth, teacher for Wasilla
school, arrived. Gold Cord truck on a drunk, in ditch
all night at McNeil’s. Evening dance on at school house
account new school teachers. no music, only phonograph.
August 30, 1928 Business
slow, 50% off. Evans freight train 6 hours late.
Received wire from Stanley in Seattle, placed our orders, gone
to visit Earl Hartman over Sunday. Gold Cord truck still
on a drunk. Evening Arabian Nights over KOMO, wonderful
reception for 2½ hours.
August 31, 1928 Cloudy, windy, showers.
Business good, sales $250.95. August sales $4,075.72.
Only butter and eggs came on yesterdays freight, 8 tons left
at Seward. Forty Mile Miller and Hans reported a blow out
on summit of Black Bluff, east end of Bald Mt. Gold Cord truck
driver got fired for being drunk.
September 1, 1928 Weather cloudy and
cooler. Business good, sales $321.88. rushed in
store all day. Patzack down to trade. Shipped case
shells to Anchorage. Snider gave black bear a run for his
life driving to Knik. Svaleson’s moved in to Nellie’s ice box.
Tom Cavanaugh and several quit road work. Horning’s in for
fresh vegetables at Black ranch. Mrs. McDougal in for weekend,
also Kloss.
September 2, 1928 Sunday, busy packing
orders. Patzack still buying, bought an eye glass and dog
collar. Snider out joy riding. Got out all statements
but ARC file. Mrs. Hartman laid law down to Sharon account of
drunks.
September 3, 1928 Business rushing, sales $253.93,
collections $549.42. Delayed car freight arrived.
Gold Mint shut down, working on Craigie prospect. Big
crowd in town today. Marion boys had a drunk at Fishhook
Inn yesterday.
September 4, 1928 Rain all day. Jake
Metz helped me unload half car freight in track warehouse and
I fixed his pump. Got first new carrots and rutabagas.
Golden Bear got car Eska coal. Wired Stanley to buy Zenith
furnace and Allen parlor furnace. Poker game on at Wasilla Hotel,
the judge and wife star players.
September 5, 1928 A-1 day, evening rain.
Business good, sales $261.91. Hauled over 2 tons merchandise
from track warehouse. Received wire from Stanley, leaving Seattle
8th, wanted $50 wired him, $70 with more orders. Evening
radio good, KGO, KHJ and 2YA New Zealand. Checked out $1,111.90
Seattle invoices.
September 6, 1928 Business slow 40% off today,
got truck load merchandise. Opened up green hood box
and found 9/12 dozen shirts hooked and in transit. Eva
arrived home after summer visit with her parents at Dillingham, Bristol
Bay District. Mountains covered with new snow. Fries through
with ARC.
September 7, 1928 Business good, sales $157.35.
Heavy rain last night, mountains covered with snow. Took
2 men, 4 days to sack car coal for G. B. M. Co. Up till 2 o’clock
on Seattle mail and invoices.
September 8, 1928 Cloudy, cold, rain,
put up two trapper orders. Snider took Wilmoth, Ketchem
and McNeil to Edlund tide flats for a duck hunt. Several
more Marion Twin men through, snowed down to timberline on Bald
Mt. Fries erecting building for Snider.
September 9, 1928 Finished packing 2 trappers
orders. There is snow on the mountains but no snow on
the flats. “The bull jumped the bell cow, now what do you
think of that?” farm poetry 1880. Leaves turning, autumn here.
Clear evening, probably first frost. Wire from Stanley, left
Seattle Saturday.
September 10, 1928 A-1 day, frost last
night. Business good, sales $251.10, usual train day
crowd around. Got fruit and glove order and spring for Stanley’s
car. Mrs. Nagley and Jr. arrived to live in Zink house for school
term. Evening KOMO and New Zealand fine.
September 11, 1928 Business slow, 50% off today.
Average sales to date, $150 day for September. Kelly
painting school house. Good spuds, carrots and rutabagas
now available. Harold Kenny through at Twins. Evening
not a sound on radio. Priced up Munsingwear. Anchorage
Times reporter in town.
September 12, 1928 Metz in with chickens for
Anchorage market. Gold Cord truck out of commission.
Sliver with Eva went into ditch on way to Matanuska, Eva walked.
Radio excellent for 2 hours. Snider building a cold storage.
September 13, 1928 Business good, sales $143.65.
Jess Garver back from Anchorage with partner, bought $90 grub
outfit, going to mines. Kenny and son now on ranch, mile
7. Ellexson’s drove down to Junction on social calls.
Evening put up Garver’s order. Freezing tonight. No
radio. Gus car out of commission, rear end.
September 14, 1928 A-1 day, +14 last
night. Business good, sales $223.45. Cyclone in
Illinois and Puerto Rico, New Indies, got by radio 10 PM today.
Jess Garver and partner left for Willow Creek till Xmas. Vic
Olson and partner here, bought $100 outfit. KOMO radio good.
September 15, 1928 Got phone call from Stanley,
arrived at Seward from Seattle, coming to Anchorage and Matanuska
Sunday. Eddie Peabody gave fine program at Seattle Theater leaving
Wednesday for Paramount Theater, New York. Dance on at school
house. Eva went to Fern Mine with Pyle.
September 16, 1928 Stanley arrived home, came
by speeder from Seward. Quiet in town, dancers all sleeping.
Oiled up both cars. PM Mowed grass in front of store.
Evening radio good. Clyde Burkett installing 20
radials for Fairview teacher. Another peddler in town.
September 17, 1928 Business rushing, sales
$338.79. Stanley chief clerk again, took Ma’s place.
Turnagain Arm Smith paid his old 1922 bill with spuds at $60 a
ton. O. C. Miller bought grub outfit. Hugo Johnson
back from a week at Anchorage had trouble to get credit for 2 car
ore sent out. Radio good.
September 18, 1928 Line storm.
Business slow account rain all day. Hauled over 4 tons
freight from railroad. Installed $100 Allen parlor heater
in office. Evening Stanley and Eva drove to Knik for chicken
dinner. Gus got car Jonesville coal. Snider grading
his road to town. No radio account storm.
September 19, 1928 Stanley hauled in 4 tons
nut coal bought off Gus. Gus delivered coal to school house
and Wilmoth’s. Hauled out garbage and got 4 sacks cement
sand. Snider got car lumber for his cold storage building.
Marion Twin shut down, now running new tunnel. No radio account
weather.
September 20, 1928 Business good, sales $132.20.
No freight on mail from boat at Seward. New Alaska Road
Commission here, went out with Snider car and put it on the bum.
Marion Twins brought in their pig. Evening radio NG, got
a little late by ear phones. Evening Stanley and Eva drove
to Fishhook Inn.
September 21, 1928 Sunny day. Business
slow, 40% off today. Self worked in warehouse.
Got out Seattle mail, hauled in 1½ tons oil. Delivered
cement at school house account foundation by Kelly. Hugo
in from Gold Cord, sore account hold up of funds, can’t get in winter
grub.
September 22, 1928 First fall wind to help
sun across the line. Marked up balance of new hardware.
Had Mrs. Nagley and Jr. at dinner. Evening Stanley took
dinner party to Matanuska. Horning’s at Black ranch for vegetables.
Ordered felt shoes and dried fruit. Windy, no radio.
September 23, 1928 Sunday, A-1 spring
day, warm, quiet in town. Gave Mayor of Lake Lucille carton
of cigarettes account collecting siwash bill. Stanley
drove to Fishhook Inn for ptarmigan. Railroad agent out
duck hunting. Evening got church services in San Francisco
but not clear. Shaved and trimmed corns.
September 24, 1928 Got 3 truck loads Outside
freight. Mrs. Ellexson back from weekend at Anchorage.
Kelly through with new cement foundation under school house.
Evening radio from San Diego, Seattle and Wellington, New Zealand.
Pyle butchered Marion Twin pig.
September 25, 1928 Business good, sales $140.35.
Marked up rubber packs and Portland clothing. O. C. Miller
in town, Stanley drove him home in evening. Gold Cord
got parts to fix up their truck.
September 26, 1928 Farmers busy digging spuds
and caring for grain. Gold Cord got truck fixed up and
hauling again, ore and coal. PM worked on Olds clutch, still
froze. Evening Stanley and Eva drove to Matanuska.
No radio.
September 27, 1928 Business good, sales $190.72.
Heavy rain most all day while writing this, listening to a
contralto singer in New Zealand. Vic Blodgett down from
Pittman for supplies. No freight today, got Watson mail.
Railroad ran a Brill car as passenger today. Radio bum.
September 28, 1928 Freight arrived, but no
freight from Seward boat. Had Stanley joy ride Ma out
for noonday sun. Busy writing up grocery and hardware
order from Seattle. Early evening, radio good then big
moon spoiled it, all cracks. Pyle got wire to close down Marion
Twin October 1st.
September 29, 1928 Monthly sales near the $4,000
mark. Hugo in, paid August account. G. B. M. Co.
sent out big mail. Ordered Libby meats and T. G. preserves.
Evening 19th wedding anniversary, Ellexson’s, at Knik, dance
on. Wasilla people gave them a red granite kitchen set.
Dancers work train went through to Seward.
September 30, 1928 Sunday, partly cloudy.
Stanley drove us over Finger Lake Road to Palmer down railroad
to Junction back home by government farm and hall. ARC
moved camp from Marion Road to Wasilla Creek near Hall. 5:30
PM big chicken dinner at Mrs. Nagley’s at Zink house. KFRC came
in with great volume.
October 1, 1928 A-1 sunny day.
Business good, sales $174.75, collections $376.80. Ma
store keeper, Self on monthly statements. Stanley and Tommy
unloading car Healy coal. Railroad bridge gang here.
Furnace for store arrived, boiler type. John Hedberg
in town. Radio fair but cracky. Froze last night.
October 2, 1928 Partly cloudy.
Business good, sales $208.73. Delivered 2 tons Healy
coal to Mrs. Nagley. PM truck broke down, key in pinion
gear cut off again. Ten ton of coal still on car. Had
Hans haul over groceries and new furnace. Thorpe’s in from mines.
October 3, 1928 Clear and colder.
Business normal, sales $110.90. Had another run after
5 PM from bridge gang on clothing. Got 2 orders from Caswell.
Pyle sold Marion Twin cow to Snider for $50, white team to Nick
Pykle, going to winter big bay team at Palmer. Evening Stanley
and Eva drove to Junction. Early evening radio fair.
October 4, 1928 A-1 day, cool wind.
Business good, sales $195.75. Brill car today with mail.
Pat Irish through hauling ore for Gold Cord. Had 1 good order
for Caswell. Nick Pykle bought bay team, also from Marion
Twin. Evening radio good till 9, brought in 16 stations, moon
up, NG. Miller’s cache burned down last night at mile 8, 2nd
fire.
October 5, 1928 Partly cloudy, cooler.
Sales below normal, collections good. Deposited over
$2,000 in bank paid Seattle invoices $989.11. Stanley and Pat
Irish went out moose hunting. Evening drove to Junction
with Pat. Radio good, heard the English Singers, 2YA good,
12 PM.
October 6, 1928
J. A. Pyle closed up Marion Twin Gold Mining Co. business and
left for Los Angeles. Started to set up new pipeless furnace.
Got all parts figured out, ready to lay cement foundation.
Al Harper and Fred Simmons passed out. KNX and KGO
came in fair.
October 7, 1928 Perfect day. Miller,
Stanley and self put in 6 x 12 foundation in basement account
new pipeless furnace. PM Stanley drove Miller home to
mile 8 ranch. Finished pricing up new goods. Evening
KFRC only station audible on the air, wrote them a note.
Evening Snodgrass over, paid 60 day past due account.
October 8, 1928 Business good, sales $146.25.
George Grennon up for merchandise. Big parcel post mail.
Got eggs, butter and smoked meats. Paddy Marion in from Gold
Mint Mine. Tom Cavanaugh moved lumber to build house on his
Lucille Lake ranch. 2YA coming in good, Wellington, New Zealand.
No radio from Pacific Coast this evening. Gene Tunney married
in Rome.
October 9, 1928 A-1 day, sun, warm.
Business good, sales $161 collections fair. Self made
wood frame to mold concrete block to assemble new furnace.
Ellexson out from Knik, missed coming Monday. Evening all radio
stations came in loud. Gus batching at Wasilla cabin.
October 10, 1928 Cloudy. Business
good, sales $297.40. Self put down concrete base slab
for new furnace. Ma helped on St. Pierre, Brassel and Hansen
orders. Golden Bear help back at mines, shipped 3rd car high
grade ore. Radio good, KNX OK. Gold Cord men shot goat at
mile 12.
October 11, 1928 Cloudy PM wind and rain,
business good, sales $159.95. Self working on cars.
Got Olds clutch working. Put truck over pit, account assembly
key in drive pinion. Evening Stanley and Ellexson drove to
Junction. Out butter and smoked meats. Early evening
radio good. Mary Ward check NG. Engstrom in for ton
cement.
October 12, 1928 Squally all day.
Business good, sales $149.45. Bogard in for supplies.
AM opened up rear end of truck found left drive shaft broken.
Stanley drove out for Miller. Self and Miller worked on new
furnace PM. Evening radio good.
October 13, 1928 Cloudy and warm.
Business normal. Trappers now placing orders. Miller
and self all day on furnace. Got double jacket on to top
hoods had to re-punch one jacket. Gold Cord outfit in, no
funds. Pat Irish blowing smoke. Evening radio good for
1 hour.
October 14, 1928 Saturday and Sunday sales
$318.55. Miller and self on furnace all day. Inside
casing 4” too large, had to cut it down. Now ready to assemble
register, worked until 9 PM. Had Kelly make 8” pipe and elbows.
KYA good, theater of the air.
October 15, 1928 Business good, sales $178.12.
Rain took frost out. Roads now cut up by autos.
Cut out hole for pipeless register, inner casing fit OK, outer
casing 4” off account wrong hood. Rush in store PM.
Pete Murray in for goods. Groceries, fruit and hardware arrived
PM.
October 16, 1928 Business above normal.
ARC moved into town to build road to aviation field on Snider
ranch. Finally got pipeless furnace assembled at noon today.
Had Miller put in window kitchen to annex.
October 17, 1928 Cloudy, warm wind.
Business good, sales $149.10. Miller finished window between
kitchen and annex and closed up register hole at front of stairs,
bought $60 outfit and went home at mile 8. Packed over 3
tons forage from railroad shed to track warehouse.
October 18, 1928 First snow. Business
good, sales $143.05 and collections $141.45. AM self cleaned
up pork barrels and made room for butter in cool room. Vic
Blodgett down from Pittman. Ground white this morning.
Radio NG, had KOMO 1 hour.
October 19, 1928 Cloudy, more snow.
Business good, sales $152.30. Self put fire bricks in
new coal furnace. Re-piped old furnace into flue to use
for low temperature, had a heck of a time jointing up pipe, had to
make several parts. ARC Palmer gang through.
October 20, 1928 Cloudy, warm wind, snow
gone. Business good, sales $195.15. ARC grading
road to Snider’s ranch and aviation field. Apron and necktie
dance on at Fairview. Ma went with the kids, back at 2
AM. No radio, not a peep. Kelly went to Anchorage.
October 21, 1928 Sunday, put top dressing
on furnace room floor and connected pipe to flue. Shorty
grading Snider’s road. Air dead, not a sound on radio.
Pipeless furnace ready to fire up.
October 22, 1928 Business good, sales $214.55.
Evening fired up new furnace, worked OK. Got car freight,
9 invoices. Evening moose dinner at Clarence Marsh’s.
Stanley and Eva went with Ellexson’s. Evening KGO good
1 hour, got Hoover and Smith news, also Dr. Robinson at England,
going to talk with Mars.
October 23, 1928 Had Hans deliver 6 loads freight
from car. Evening gave Sam Guyot grocery order. Got
KNX for 1 hour then several Jap stations and one Australia station.
New furnace heating OK.
October 24, 1928 Self cemented cracks around
annex foundation, put on storm windows. Sam Guyot left
for Anchorage. Nagley arrived to visit family for a week.
October 25, 1928 Business below normal.
Checked out $1,000 account Seattle merchandise 10/12 invoices.
Lawrence in, ordered a Royal Tailor suit. Fries quit Snider
cold storage building, “big crab”. Wire for butter and fruit.
Radio NG.
October 26, 1928 Business 20% off today.
Metz in with fresh pork. Hartman boxed up 7 pair
of silver fox to ship to his ranch at Randle, Washington. Bill
Long and Gaston on the market. Had in KGO for 2 hours but
cracky. Shorty through with ARC Cat work.
October 27, 1928 Cloudy, warm, +40. Self
on Outside mail and orders. Shorty and Hartman left for
Outside. Hartman took 7 pair silver fox from J. B. Palmer
ranch. Jim Sherlock and Frank Doherty arrived from Fairbanks
District. Evening dance on at Junction, light warm rain.
No radio. Nagley family went to Anchorage.
October 28, 1928 Sunday, fixed up hardware
window. PM re-soldered lead wire to old antenna and polished
up new antenna. Eva and Stanley took dinner with us.
McAllen in from Lucky Shot Mine. ARC graveling aviation
road. Radio NG, all cracks.
October 29, 1928 Opened up new hardware.
Carl Martin visited on way to Kahiltna to trap. Rica’s
brother arrived from Juneau. Jim Sherlock moved out to Hart
ranch. No radio until 10 PM then fine from KOMO and KNX.
Jap girls in and wrestling match at Wellington, New Zealand, 11:30
to 12.
October 30, 1928 Filled in question blanks
account shirts stolen on SS Evans voyage 197. Closed in
rear of old garage. Marked some new hardware. Schoolmarm
sick, no school today. Kelly fixing Wilmoth’s roof, blown
off. Ma’s birthday 59 and going strong. No radio.
Gave Ma 3 Eagles for birthday present.
October 31, 1928 Cloudy and light wind
42 above. Total October sales $4,211.79. Big doing by
kids at school house 8 to 11 PM, Stanley and Eva were Halloween
ghosts. Kenny went to Eklutna. Hear blasting on Eklutna
electric project. Evening no radio, windy. ARC through
on aviation road.
November 1, 1928 No more Thursday freight trains
until April. Mary Ward check October 1st paid through B of A,
3rd attempt. Joe Brassel and nephew outfitting for trap line.
Evening windy.
November 2, 1928 Cloudy, windy, evening
rain. Business good, sales $152.90. Al Harter and
Norman Ervine moved into the DeVal cabin on Lake Wasilla. Evening
radio set went haywire. Ordered turkeys and trimmings for
Thanksgiving. Nagley stayed over until Monday. Finished
monthly statements.
November 3, 1928 Weather cloudy, 42 above.
Olson and Benson bought an outfit, mile 3 cabin. Chas
Harrison went back to Eklutna dam. Dance on at school house.
Evening overhauled 61 radio, found several loose screws.
Still no current on A. F. amplifier.
November 4, 1928 Evening oiled store floor.
Had Nagley’s at dinner at Wasilla Hotel, moose meat. Frost
out of ground. Stanley and Eva took dinner at Fishhook Inn.
Radio set still haywire.
November 5, 1928 Self busy cleaning up last
merchandise arrival, got 4 tons new goods today. Hans
hauled goods over, except flour. Tomorrow, Presidential
election, Stanley judge of election here. Evening worked
on 61 set, couldn’t locate trouble, 51 set works but cracky on switch
amplifier.
November 6, 1928 Cloudy, evening snow.
Stanley judge on election, over 60 votes cast. Eva helped
in store. Chas Magaha bought a grub outfit. Chas Harrison
and Tommy McNeil through at Eklutna. Radios on bum.
No election news. Stanley set up Clyde’s #20 radio but too
late to get returns.
November 7, 1928 Cloudy, snowed last
night. No report on Hoover-Smith election. Several large
papers give Hoover the job, President of the U. S. Evening
tried out radio #20, weather conditions still bad for radio.
Eva and Stanley drove to Junction.
November 8, 1928 Partly cloudy, evening
clear and colder. Report came, that Hoover won by a big majority,
even carried Smith’s state, New York. PM had Hans haul
over 3 loads freight, flour and sugar. Finished pricing balance
of last freight. Radio NG. Midnight had in Jap station,
Jap translating English.
November 9, 1928 Sunny day, 24 to 40
above. Business above normal, collections $518.91.
Self on Seattle mail. Checked out over $2,000. Evening
put in new tube in #20 radio and brought in all stations. Hoover
going to South America on good will tour. Radio good.
November 10, 1928 Clear and freezing
weather, first cold wave, +18 here. Ordered new style
Federal set from Buffalo House. Dance on at Vail ranch.
Radio poor till 11 AM when KNX came in on new wave, came in on
50 with great volume. Mrs. Murray, of Knik, now at Palmer,
passed out.
November 11, 1928 Sunday, clear, -4 at
7 AM. First skating on Lake Wasilla today after 2 nights
freezing. Cleaned up store and balcony. PM found
trouble with #61 set, RF control switch too loose. Evening
tried it out, got current OK. Ma a little off account nerve
trouble which effects digestion.
November 12, 1928 AM -2, evening -14.
Business good, sales $242.85. PM freight brought fruit,
milk, sugar and forage. Hans hauled over the perishables.
Evening went over big mail. Got letter from Radio Broadcasting
Co. of New Zealand. Evening brought in CNRV British Columbia,
KOIL Council Bluffs Iowa and Pacific Coast stations. KPO had
on a boy and girl singing contest. Some large liner lost in
Atlantic. Got 61 set working again.
November 13, 1928 Business good, sales
$159.97. Hans hauled over balance of freight. Metz
and Bogard in for supplies. Most of Lucky Strike miners
in, mine shut down for winter. Evening no radio till 11 PM then
hear election returns from Wellington, New Zealand 2YA.
November 14, 1928 Big wind, +32.
Business above normal. Sam Beck, Loberg and Oberg in
from Lucky Shot. Frank Churchill left for Outside.
Brassel moved into Thorpe’s cabin. Skating on lakes OK.
Bogard brought in mutton yesterday. No radio tonight. Ma’s
stomach gassy again.
November 15, 1928 Drew checks to cover Seattle
invoices. Davis and Thorpe sawing wood with auto car.
School put in new blackboards. Gus bought a Curry radio
set, Isaac and Stanley set it up.
November 16, 1928 Business below normal.
Snowed 4” last night, first real snow. Stanley started
out for a moose hunt, got car in ditch at mile 2½, came
back, broke oil casing. Evening radio fair, Jap station
and New Zealand came in good. Busy cleaning off walks.
Ma on diet account gas stomach.
November 17, 1928 Sleet storm last night with
rain today. Hard time dance over at Fairview tonight.
Now midnight and church services coming in from Brisbane, Australia,
good speaker. KFI program came in good. KGO, double
whistle NG and all low stations. Thorpe’s went to Anchorage.
November 18, 1928 Sunday, Chinook warm
wind. Kelly started to make water tank for kitchen.
Took down kitchen pump and put in new valves to install in cellar
to fill water tank in kitchen. Evening cleaning up office
work. Sleet and icy streets.
November 19, 1928 Cloudy, 32 to 36 above.
Business good, sales $240.75. Had 3 orders for up railroad
line. Vic Blodgett down to trade. Sam Beck and Loberg
back from doing Anchorage. Davis sawing Thorpe’s wood.
Big mail and freight. M and M goods arrived. Evening
Rica and brother visited.
November 20, 1928 Weather cloudy.
Business good, sales $136.60. Snowed all AM. Metz
and Bogard in with mutton at 30¢ lb., dressed. Hans
hauled over balance. Ma priced up Portland clothing and Xmas
goods. Radio NG, got KOMO signing off at 12:30, 10:30 our time.
November 21, 1928 Snow all AM, business
1/5 off. Most of new goods priced up. Ellexson’s
out from Knik with car. Eight inches snow from mile 6 in.
Evening 1st good radio in 3 weeks. Had radio party. McAllen,
Harvey and Gus listened in to Pacific Fruit. 1st Alaska program,
Jack Rouze announcer, OK. 11:30 brought in KFWI, San Francisco,
new station.
November 22, 1928 Cloudy, 14 to 30 above.
Old agent Tuck came back and married to Texas 6’ girl.
McAllen and lush left on freight for Anchorage on way Outside.
Evening fine radio, 5 to 9 PM then died out. Got in several
new stations.
November 23, 1928 Cloudy, light snow,
+22. Business 50% off today. Stanley went out to
Hart ranch for moose hunt. Mrs. Nagley gave a dinner at Hotel
in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Ketchem, Mattie and self honored guests.
Evening radio good for 2 hours.
November 24, 1928 Heavy snow fell last night,
now knee deep in woods. Stanley back from 2 days moose
hunt, no moose. Vail went to Anchorage account teeth.
Agent Ketchum and wife left for Anchorage then Curry. Radio
poor. Dance on at Vail’s.
November 25, 1928 Sunday, bright and
clear day, -20 at 8 AM. Worked on pipe connection from
pump to storage tank, all ready now to connect up. Put
up cold weather flies to shut heat out of balcony. Coolidge
spoke over KOMO at 6 PM didn’t get him but got Boston Church later.
Heard 2YA, Wellington, at 11 PM.
November 26, 1928 First rush came at noon hour,
town people then at train time. Fruit and vegetables arrived,
also smoke pipe goods. Self on water system, got coupled
up and working OK. Radio fair part of the evening. Got
letter from Phelps, no more credit for Mary. Mrs. Ellexson
out from Knik with double ender.
November 27, 1928 Cloudy, Chinook, +32,
business above normal. Gene Horning left with Hans for
mines, only made out to 19. Horning came in OK with car
from Mabel Mine. Mrs. H and Gene going to Los Angeles.
McDougal’s in from Fern Mine. Pumped water in new storage
tank, all OK. Sold 4 turkeys.
November 28, 1928 Chinook, +38, business
above normal. Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage, also
Harvey, Rica and brother, McDougal and wife. Ma got turkey
and pies ready for tomorrow. Evening had fine radio from
S. F. Set up electric clock. Snow ¾ gone, water running today.
Lander in for merchandise.
November 29, 1928 Cloudy, misty, +32.
Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage, PM train. Ma put up
good turkey dinner, Stanley, Eva, Sam Kelly ate with us.
Teich’s new wife arrived. Evening radio fair, Sam listened
in. King England George quite ill.
November 30, 1928 Clear and colder, business
normal November, sales ending today, $2,130.31. Hans
hauling in wood from his ranch and sawing it up with auto truck
power. Zink moving Kelly oil house to his ranch.
December 1, 1928 Cloudy, warmer. Evening
dance on at Matanuska, truck load Wasilla folks attended.
Midnight great radio heard, big Russian church organ over KPO
S. F.
December 2, 1928 Sunday, quiet in town.
Got out all monthly statements. Oiled store floor.
PM evening radio poor, no volume, heard church service at S. F.
Ocean Park station California, Jap stations came in strong after
11 PM. Wrote KPO we heard the Russian organ 1 AM today.
December 3, 1928 Business good, sales $240.95.
Hugo said he was closing up Golden Bear Mining Co. accounts,
no more charge after December 1st. They want boys to work
at Gold Cord for grub during winter. Got groceries, hardware, feed,
fruit and clothing PM freight. Evening KNX good for 2 hours.
Letter from Clara at Sleepy Eye. Sven Boden and Six Shooter
Bill back for winter.
December 4, 1928 Cloudy, warm, 26 above,
business a little below normal. Stanley nursing a Finnish
bath cold. Opened up Hirsch Weis goods, all different
numbers from billing blazers, etc. Evening had in KNRV Vancouver
and KQW San Jose, California only stations that came through.
Ma busy mailing Xmas presents. Nellie Hartman wanted to
store her perishables with us and go Outside.
December 5, 1928 Bogard in for supplies.
Metz went to Anchorage to get his PP fixed. Davis, Oberg
and Loberg on a drunk. Mrs. Hartman put Davis out.
Evening wind coming up, radio not much good, Jap’s OK. Hans
hauled over flour and feed. Wild West Bill, mounted, in from
Junction.
December 6, 1928 Herman down for supplies.
Nellie packing up and selling out supplies account going Outside
for winter. Jacob Metz back from Anchorage account prostate
gland, will go Outside for operation, selling his livestock.
Radio NG till 11 PM then 2YA high opera.
December 7, 1928 Cloudy, business below
normal. Made out hardware order and paid Seattle invoices.
Stanley went out to Hart ranch for his sleeping bag. Jim
Hansen hauled the Kelly oil house to Zink fox ranch on Bobs.
Evening fine radio KGO drama for 1 hour than all off. Davis
sawing Snider’s wood with truck
December 8, 1928 Cloudy, +32, business
normal. Wired for groceries and forage to come on Admiral
Rogers on 12th, no Gugy boat on 15th. Dance on at school
house tonight. Now midnight and station RFM S. F.
coming in over KPO S. F. Radio NG early evening. Archie
Lewis back from Fairbanks for winter.
December 9, 1928 Sunday, quiet in town.
AM cleaned up in store. Stanley tried to solder leak in
oil casing under his car, no do it. Cleaned up and filed 1928 invoices.
Radio NG. Had in Oakland church a while. Midnight,
had in Brisbane, Australia their time 8 AM Monday.
December 10, 1928 Business above normal with
blizzard storm on all day. Mail train late, NY goods
arrived. Self started to post monthly red records in
journal. Did month May this PM. Evening radio NG,
had in KPQ a while midnight 2YA. Caught KFQD testing, said airplane
brought Williamson to hospital in Anchorage.
December 11, 1928 Cloudy, colder, -4
AM Business above normal. Metz hauling in his spuds,
2 tons for Anchorage. Growing colder all day, evening -16.
Good radio, fine program over KFI Los Angeles, foreign stations weak.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with car.
December 12, 1928 Weather clear, zero
to -12, business ¼ off today. Second cold wave on today.
Evening warmed up with wind. Oberg talking of leasing Wasilla
Hotel. Six Shooter Bill bought a weeks outfit. Made
up new registered reading blank for cash register. Radio
weak.
December 13, 1928 Cloudy, warmer +20,
business 50% off today. Mail train 2 hours late on account
of snow at mile 49. Priced up new drugs. Stanley busy
account basketball, getting up Wasilla team. Battery low,
radio weak. KJR came in fair. Oberg deal for Wasilla Hotel
off, wanted $1,000 for cars.
December 14, 1928 Cloudy, snow flurries,
business rotten ¾ off today. Metz delivered ton
spuds bought last October account going Outside, sold his colt
horse to Gus and old mare to Snider. Evening Anchorage radio
on air again, program fair. Midnight brought in Brisbane,
Australia.
December 15, 1928 Cloudy, Chinook wind,
+35 business normal. Sent out for 1,000 register
reading blanks and 100 counter slip books to Pacific Manifolding
Book Co., Seattle branch. Evening radio NG till 11 PM.
Got KFI, Midnight Frolic and KPO Midnight Review OK on headphones.
Dance on at Vail’s. Ellexson out with car. Got wire from
W. R. Law, of G. B. M. Co., Hugo fired.
December 16, 1928 Sunday, stormy all
PM real Chinook on, sleet and +36, snow half gone. Posted
all June in ledger. No one in today but Six Shooter Bill
account storm, Bill had to have cigarettes and pears. No radio
account soft weather.
December 17, 1928 Business good, rush PM.
No mail or freight trains account Alameda towing in Star from
Westward. Lander in for customer freight. Car now in barn.
Anchorage radio good also Jap stations. Gaston in.
December 18, 1928 Rain, +38, business
above normal. Light rain all day and evening. Jacob
Metz in, leaving for Outside. Cars running again.
Ellexson’s in from Knik with car. Forty second deal on for
“Nellie’s” roadhouse. Railroad bids out for ice. Lander out
with merchandise.
December 19, 1928 Xmas freight arrived.
Jacob Metz left for Mayo Hospital account urine trouble, Gus
bought his colt horse. Chas Bartholf taking management of Wasilla
Hotel, forepart. Evening radio Pacific Fruit program NG account
2 other whistles in. Streets glazed ice, Chinook still on.
Fry Co. sent us 2 Xmas turkeys.
December 20, 1928 Chinook weather, rain,
+34. Several doing Xmas shopping. Got in turkeys, cranberries,
celery, lettuce, cabbage, pears, grapes, oranges, apples, bananas
and malt syrup. Mine Ellick out form Knik with car, got
in ditch, broke a spring. Evening radio good 5 PM till midnight.
KJR had 3 hour vagabond program. Tinhorn gamblers kicking
about road house accommodations. Mail train 3 hours late. Radio
good.
December 21, 1928 Seventh day of Chinook
weather, cloudy and above freezing. Business ¼
above normal. Got big Xmas mail off Farrigut, 21 sacks.
Another jigger here to buy out Nellie. Sent W. R. Law, G.
B. M. Co. November bill. Bill at Los Angeles. Evening
Stanley and Eva went to Junction with Gold Cord truck. KJR
good, Anchorage poor reception. Mattie doing up Xmas packages
for school kids.
December 22, 1928 Business normal.
Paid Griffith taxes 1929. Self posting in ledger.
Hans was fined $105 for buying fur without a license. Dance
on at Fairview, Gold Cord truck drove down. Evening good
radio KOMO. Read off for an hour donations to P. I. Xmas
fund. Orchestra contest over KJR.
December 23, 1928 Sunday, busy in store
AM. Fairview dancers failed to come home, got truck over
the bank and blocked all cars. Evening Wasilla school held
Xmas exercises, good crowd present. Posted on ledger.
Charged battery. Evening radio NG all snaps and cracks.
O. C. Miller in for Xmas.
December 24, 1928 The night before Xmas,
sales $315.25. Cloudy, +32, business rushing all day
with Xmas shoppers. K. T. Co. gave ladies each box Mary
Ann candy, treated the men to cigars. Lander in with Sharon
and wife. Lawrence and Magaha on one horse sleigh. Evening
radio music from all the churches. Got in Shreveport, Louisiana
for half hour. Dance on at school house.
December 25, 1928 Christmas, cloudy +20
to +30, open 9 to 12 AM. Had rush trade and put up 4 orders.
Quiet in town. Lawrence, Magaha, Miller, Gaston, Williams,
Wilson, Lander and Fleck’s here for turkey dinner. Herning’s
ate turkey at Hotel Wasilla to tune of Davis drunk. Evening
dance on at Fairview. Ellexson’s and Crocker out from Knik.
Radio fare, KOMO, KNX and got KOKE.
December 26, 1928 PM unloaded half car
feed and oil. Lander left with Xmas shoppers and full
load freight for Fishhook. Davis and Bartholf drove down
to Joe Walton’s, more booze? O. C. Miller and Gaston walked
back home. Evening fair radio KGO and KNX.
December 27, 1928 Business 50% off today.
Clear sunny day and colder, self not feeling well. Mrs.
Hartman sold her cars to C. A. Bartholf on note. Charley
moved in chicken coop of garage to live. Evening radio good,
all stations. Eva and Harvey visited on Mrs. Walters
December 28, 1928 Big wind, evening 4
to 16 above, business half off today. Eva and Stanley was going
to Anchorage via Matanuska with Gold Cord, couldn’t start her,
so missed Junction train. Caldwell’s took lease on Wasilla
Hotel for 1½ years. Evening had radio party, 9 present,
Anchorage and KOMO on account big wind, radio average.
December 29, 1928 Clear, big wind 12
above, business below normal. Stanley, Eva, Gus and Sam
left AM train to do days of “98” at Anchorage. Mrs. Hartman
left for Outside. Evening wonderful fine radio over KNX and
KOMO till 1 AM Sunday all stations on the air.
December 30, 1928 Sunday Partly cloudy,
+10. Varnished office floor and posted in ledger till midnight.
Big wind died out. Evening radio weak, heard preacher
over KNX at Hollywood, KOMO and KFRC fairly good.
Eva and Stanley at Anchorage.
December 31, 1928 Partly cloudy, +22,
warming up. Business good, sales $267.51. Ma and
self clerks, Stanley at Anchorage. No mail from Outside
today, no boat. New Years dance on at school house.
Evening lots radio but reception not good. CNRV Vancouver,
B. C. had wildest dance party. Evening closed up all 1928 accounts
on cash register. Jap station on air. Ma not feeling
well.
Notes in back of 1928 diary: S. T. Kelly
born April 12, 1860, Gerhard Johnson, cement and stucco man
of Seward, Price $2 per square yard. Store building and lot $7,057.92
- store fixtures $2,279.83 - office 656.68 - auto truck $1,000
- warehouse on store lot $262.70 - warehouse on RR lot $419.20 -
garage and oil house $498.52 - lot 1 block 1 $75 - lot 2 block 1 $50
- fencing lots 1 and 2 $45 - total $12,344.85. Postage rates:
1st class 2¢.
1929
January 1, 1929 Store open AM, closed PM.
Got out December statements. Cash on hand $1,102.97.
Bill’s receivable, good, $894.00, total $1,996.97. Stock
all paid for and no debts. All the Herning’s at Wasilla.
Stanley chief clerk, Ma fairly well. Eva got a little Swede
in her. Radio fair.
January 2, 1929 Business normal, 4 to 16 above.
Stanley took inventory of groceries on shelves. Self got
out balance of monthly statements. Seventy five flu cases
at Anchorage. Air frosty, clear. Radio good, band
at Wellington, New Zealand now playing 11:30 PM.
January 3, 1929 Business normal, had rush PM.
Self taking stock in store annex. Stanley finished shelves
on groceries. Mrs. Coldwater arrived to run Wasilla Hotel.
Radio weak, now hearing 2YA, Wellington, New Zealand, 11:45 PM.
January 4, 1929 Business 50% off. Busy
on inventory, paid 1929 premium on insurance, stock and buildings.
Self troubled with teeth. All stations on the air 4 PM.
Evening Anchorage station program spoiled by another station on
same wave. Ma not traveling today, now at Wasilla.
January 5, 1929 Finished inventory
in groceries and forage dept. Ellexson’s car haywire,
came out with dog team to order parts. Dance on at Fairview.
Mr. Nagley and Jr. back from Talkeetna account school.
January 6, 1929 Sunday, quiet in town.
Cleaned up store AM took some inventory. PM pricing up
forage inventory. Had big turkey dinner, Ma the cook, Eva
and Stanley present. Eva won the turkey at
Anchorage 98 party. Evening fine radio
from KNX.
January 7, 1929 Business good, sales over $400.
Sent one $260 order to Caswell. Walters bought good order
also. Outside freight arrived but no letter mail, only 2nd
class mail. Anchorage station came in good. Tex Rickard
died in Florida. Cold wave in Central and Eastern U. S.
Ice men arrived. Gave KFQD $10. 2YA now coming in good midnight.
January 8, 1929 Opened up hardware, short unit
cells and out. Stanley and Eva got bad colds. Harvey’s
stomach out of whack, going Outside for exam. Natives visiting
Mrs. McNeil account sickness. Sliver drove to Knik with
Ellexson’s auto parts. No radio.
January 9, 1929 Clerk D and wife went to Anchorage,
clerk E on duty. Harvey Rutter left for States for visit, may
go to Mayo account stomach trouble. Charged A battery,
no radio.
January 10, 1929 Business normal. Weather very
soft today, +36, lakes overflowing. Finnigan and Anchorage
gang cutting railroad ice on Lake Wasilla. Lost mail sack
arrived today. Stanley stayed over at Anchorage. Indian
Jim visiting at McNeil’s. Radio poor, KNX only.
January 11, 1929 Business 66% off today.
Snowed 1” last night. Stanley and Eva came to Junction
then by auto to Wasilla at noon. Evening good radio, had
in Shreveport Louisiana 5 to 6 PM. Anchorage radio good.
George Palmer came by airplane to Anchorage hospital.
January 12, 1929 Weather colder, 10 to 20 above.
Got out-mail and priced up candy inventory. Ma balancing
up ledger. Ellexson’s out from Knik and drove car to
Junction. Evening radio poor, snaps and cracks in air.
January 13, 1929 Sunday, had a rush at closing
time, noon. Heard biologist speak over KNX. Anchorage
church on air, 1st time this winter plain but no volume.
Oberg’s giving free Finnish baths. Morning +4, evening
midnight +28.
January 14, 1929 Business normal, got Outside
mail and freight. Gus drove out to mile 12 for Chas Magaha,
suddenly sick.
January 15, 1929 Business good, sales $127.15.
Herman in from Fish Lake for outfit. Gus got in with Chas
Magaha account sickness. Evening got 3 hours extra fine
program from CNRV Vancouver, B. C. Coast stations weak.
AM snow, temperature +28.
January 16, 1929 Temperature +36,
water running today. Chas Isaac and Magaha went to Anchorage
to get fixed up, one with knee trouble the other poisoned. Got
one month more to post in ledger. Charged batteries PM and cleaned
ice off walks. Evening failed to get Alaska program over KOMO
but KNX and KFWB came in fine. Eva got the topsy lals.
January 17, 1929 Business slow, 2/3 below par.
Patzack sent down a dog for Ellexson’s. Ice men busy
on Wasilla Lake. Ice now covered with snow and slush.
Evening fine program from KQW San Jose and KJR Seattle. Elmer
Larson and Payton back from Outside. Willow Creek Mines brought
in team and truck.
January 18, 1929 Business 50% off today. Got
in Seattle mail. PM unloaded 6 tons forage and flour in track
warehouse. Radio good, all stations on the air, KHJ spoiled
KFQD reception. Bogard in for supplies.
January 19, 1929 Business good, sold 2 outfits.
Busy on clothing inventory. Finished posting December in
ledger can now record income tax. Loberg and Beck went to
Anchorage for final vacation. Radio fair, got in big organ.
Persson bought outfit. Sales $200.45.
January 20, 1929 Sunday busy cleaning up store.
PM took sock and glove inventory. Evening radio, fine church
services from Oakland and Los Angeles. Paramount Theater
program and program from St. Francis Studio.
January 21, 1929 Business slow, 1/3 below par.
Freight train run from Anchorage to Willow Station and returned,
took down 4 cars Wasilla ice. Elmer Larson shipped forage
to Houston but failed to load horses wouldn’t go on. Evening
radio fair, KGO, KFI and KNX. KFQD failed to come on the air.
Smithy and Scotty over from Palmer with car.
January 22, 1929 Business improving, temperature
zero to +20. Dan Gray rode Willow Creek Mines horses up
to Houston today. Ellexson’s out from Knik with car. Evening
radio NG till 9:30 then got news flashes from Oakland, big storm
on Atlantic Coast. Mattie on ledger balance.
January 23, 1929 Cash business slow, got 2
orders. Ma and Stanley on balance clothing inventory.
Self took stationary and priced up clothing inventory partial
lot. Dan Gray back from Houston. Lander, Willow Creek
Mine horses OK. Charged A battery. Evening KNX good.
January 24, 1929 Business back to normal.
Got Outside mail, freight to come tomorrow. working on inventory.
Train time rush in store. Got letter from Roe and Florence,
-30 and blizzards there, Roe not well. Evening radio fair.
Midnight fine program from Australia. Frank Churchill back
from Seattle, sick all the time.
January 25, 1929 Business good, sales $167.85.
Groceries and eggs arrived PM 2 loads. Got out-mail but
no boat Saturday out of Seward. Took suit measurements
for Frank Doherty, born June 1869. Evening fine radio, KGO
5 PM Anchorage on the air. Had Gillmore’s Circus from Hollywood,
was a real circus for 45 minutes.
January 26, 1929 Business normal. Temperature
zero to 10 above. Stanley helped Hans unload Elmer Larson’s
6 wheel truck Self got a little cold in right ear.
Evening dance on at Fairview. Put up $38 order for Knik at
10 PM Evening KNX good.
January 27, 1929 Sunday busy cleaning up store
AM. Nursing ½ cold today in head. Wagner hauled
in his winter wood. Evening fine concert from American
Broadcasting studio. Farce in Jeff’s Barber Shop good.
2YA on at 11 PM but hard to control. Zero weather.
January 28, 1929 Business above normal.
Temperature 6 below to 10 above. Word came that Chas Magaha
passed out at Anchorage hospital, had a 2nd and 3rd stroke.
George Palmer in hospital, improving. Boltie, hardware man,
buried Sunday at Anchorage. No Outside mail today. Evening
radio good 7 to 12 midnight. Self nursing 1st cold of winter.
January 29, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Cold wave, 14 below. Self nursing cold and tabulating inventory.
Evening party on at Isaac’s. Radio good but battery weak.
Heard dedication KNX to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Oliver, St. Geo Island,
Siberia. Around zero all day, few people out.
January 30, 1929 Chas Bartholf left $35 account
sale of Mrs. Hartman’s fox skin. Sliver fixing up Hartman’s
old passenger car for Agent Leich. Evening radio good.
All stations on the air. Frenchy Spaghetti rented Abe Riesing’s
cabin has dog team. Pricing up inventory. Temperature
-14.
January 31, 1929 Business fair, closing
sales $161.80. January sales dropped off $400. Still
zero weather, -12 last night. Self pricing up inventory.
Charged A battery on Olds car. Evening network program good.
Storm brewing, no foreign stations. Sharon in from Fishhook.
February 1, 1929 Business normal. Got
out all monthly statements. Kloski, fur buyer, here.
Evening radio good. Had in Shreveport, Louisiana.
KFQD, Anchorage, failed to come in.
February 2, 1929 Business normal. PM
on tobacco invoice. Radio came in at 4 PM good till midnight.
Got 4 new stations, Ft. Worth, Texas Chicago Cincinnati Ohio and
Denver, Colorado. Fine program from KOIN, Portland, Oregon.
Dance on at Junction, evening.
February 3, 1929 Sunday PM attached generator
aft Olds car to charge battery. Got sick from gas at rear
of car, doors all open, on bum all evening. KNX musical
and KJR circus, good.
February 4, 1929 Business good, sales $192.35.
Got freight, fruit, eggs, smoked meats, lard, hardware and
forage and Outside mail. Rush in store PM. Evening
radio good 4 PM till 12 o’clock, got KTHS Hot Springs, Arkansas
and WHAS Louisville, Kentucky. Heard from Jake Metz through
Mrs. Howe.
February 5, 1929 Business normal, several in
after green vegetables from last boat, celery, cabbage and
yams. Lander back from vacation at Anchorage. Charged
batteries radio good, later all snaps and cracks had in Hot Springs,
Arkansas, Chicago and Cincinnati.
February 6, 1929 Business 50% off today, temperature
30 to 36 above. Eva and Stanley, Sam Kelly and some dozen
went to Anchorage. Payton inquiring about credit for Golden
Bear Mining Co. Gus breaking sled road to Fishhook. Radio
NG, only got KGO and KNX.
February 7, 1929 Business slow, ½ off.
Temperature 34 to 38 above. Ma and self clerks, Stanley
at Anchorage. Finnegan, ice man, returned to Anchorage with
last car. Olson stirring up railroad gang. Eva and
Stanley back from Anchorage. Sam Kelly appointed administrator
for Chas Magaha, deceased.
February 8, 1929 Business slow, 40% off. Bogard
in, heard from Metz in Colonial Hospital, Rochester, would have
to stay a month after operation. Charged batteries PM Evening
good radio from all Pacific Coast stations. Gilmore Circus
over KNX, good.
February 9, 1929 Business slow, got 2 orders
from fur farmers up the railroad line. Light sleet storm.
Kelly went to Anchorage account of Chas Magaha funeral Sunday.
Moved short wave set to balcony. Radio good, from KGO, then
KNX to midnight. Temperature 32 above today.
February 10, 1929 Sunday busy in store
AM Temperature +40, Chinook on. The 400 Dinner
Party got back from Knik at noon, had blow outs, hot engines
and come back on skis. Evening radio NG, too warm after 11
PM. New Zealand and Jap stations came in good. Pricing
up inventory.
February 11, 1929 Business better, only
15% off today. Told Ma she and Eva better go Outside account
Eva’s nasal and other trouble. Train 1 hour late. Star
brought Outside mail. Temperature +40 and light rain.
Evening Anchorage radio good for 1st time. Ray Howell dedicated
a number to Fairview, Knik and Wasilla radio fans over KNX.
February 12, 1929 Business slow, 1/3
off. Rain all day. Ma making ready for 2 month
vacation at Seattle as buyer for K. T. Co. Roads gone account
rain, frost coming out. Got out Outside mail. Evening
KNX only good station on air.
February 13, 1929 Business slow, 2/3
off. Rain all day. Ma and Eva left for trip Outside
on AM train to catch Alameda, leaving Seward tonight for Seattle.
Stanley moved back to his old room in store. Evening Pacific
Fruit Alaska program came over big. Pacific quartet sang a
medley for Herning family. 11:30 PM Englishman recital, Roman
poetry over Jap station, came in good.
February 14, 1929 Business back to normal.
Heavy rain all last night. Hartman garage 6” under water.
Mail train 2 hours late. Ma and Eva at Seward, leaving
today at noon. Stanley trying out a Grebe set in balcony,
got 16 stations. Waves weak this evening, KNX was OK.
Leonard Grau back from Seattle.
February 15, 1929 Business good, sales
$161.65. Ben Marino over for eggs and tobacco.
Smithy brought Alaska Road Commission mechanic and Pat Irish
up from Junction. Teich discovered his radio engine was dead,
no reception. Evening reception good, but KOIN Portland killed
KFQD. Had in Cincinnati and Shreveport, Louisiana. Got
big kick out of Jap imitating different animals. Ma and Eva
left Seward at noon today.
February 16, 1929 Business normal.
A-1 day, +36. Rica, Gus and several went to Anchorage.
Clarence Marsh and family over for supplies. Mrs. Ellexson
went to Anchorage. Charged batteries PM. Evening radio
NG, spasmodic. Wasilla streets all ice, fine for the kids
sledding. Lander returned to Fishhook with load freight.
February 17, 1929 Sunday blizzard on
all AM, quiet in town, as usual. Wade drove team up from
Junction. Self busy cleaning up scrubbed office and kitchen
floors oiled store floor. Evening Anchorage church service
good as all other stations could not be heard. Ma and Eva
crossing Gulf.
February 18, 1929 Business 1/5
below normal. Light snow last night. No Outside
mail or freight this week. No Outside radio. Snow
weather killed waves but Anchorage came in good tonight.
Gus bought the Grebe set that Stanley tried out in balcony for $75
no tubes or batteries. Anchorage radio good, no Outside radio.
February 19, 1929 Business rotten, 2/3
off today. Three day storm over, colder tonight, +12.
Morning +24 noon +34. No radio not a peep tonight.
Gus installed a new Grebe set. Cleaned off walks. Evening
added up on grocery inventory. Ma and Eva on high sea, Seattle
bound. Six inches new snow.
February 20, 1929 Business ½ off.
Clear, -12 AM, noon +26, evening +2, windy. Mining party,
man and wife, 2 men with Red Kelly, arrived from Willow Station,
guests of Paddy Marion evening had a grape juice party. Agent
Teich burned his hands and face from a gas lamp, came to store for
first aid, Stanley and self fixed him up. No radio till
10:30, KNX.
February 21, 1929 Business ½ off,
zero to +20. Morning, Stanley dressed Teich burned hands,
pain all gone. Thorpe went to Houston to bring back Johnson’s
horse, too poor to work on Willow Creek Trail with his horse.
Pat Irish here looking for credit after blowing in at Anchorage.
Eklutna power line figuring on running line to Fairbanks with juice.
Eva and Ma supposed to arrive in Seattle. Radio NG, Jap’s only,
too cold weather.
February 22, 1929 George Washington’s
birthday. Business fair, open all day. Made out
hardware order. Evening Anchorage radio good, no coast
stations on the air. Midnight, Jap station had on American
songs, Old Black Joe, etc. was good.
February 23, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature +2 to +22, evening windy. Agent Teich
went to Anchorage account trouble with Conductor Moore.
Evening big masquerade ball on at school house, cars up from Matanuska
and Knik. Radio fair 9:30 to midnight, KGO and KNX and Brisbane,
Australia.
February 24, 1929 Sunday snow and wind,
cleaning store and house, scrubbed office and kitchen floors.
Finished tabulating inventory. Evening big party at Paddy’s
Gold Mint house, music by Eddie and Neimi. Sold all the grape
juice and ginger ale. KJR and JAOK, Tokyo good. Anchorage
church NG on KFQD.
February 25, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Stormy day, no freight today. Got 3 letters from Ma Cordova,
Juneau, Petersburg, good trip thus far. Evening Anchorage
radio good. No Outside stations came in. KFQD put
on first bridge party. Agent Teich back from Anchorage.
Received letter from Clara, Allen and Mrs. Morris. Jap station
on air 11 PM.
February 26, 1929 Business back to normal,
temperature +28. Oils and groceries arrived PM freight.
Received wire from Mattie in Seattle, all arrived OK. Aleutian
aground at Seymour Narrows Alameda bringing passengers and freight.
Evening 5:45, caught KDKA Pittsburgh PA signing off and weather
report. Only KNX on, clear, at 10:50, dedicated a piece to
Wasilla radio fans. Chas Bartholf sawing hotel wood.
February 27, 1929 Business 50% off, cloudy,
evening, raining. Agent Teich returned to Anchorage to
have his burned hands treated to avoid scars. His wife running
Depot while gone this evening, gave a kid party. Paddy giving
a chicken dinner to his guests, ending a six day celebration at the
White House, Main St. Wasilla. Radio poor, had in KNX and KGO and
KFI for a while. Ma in Seattle.
February 28, 1929 Business normal.
February sales slow. Rained hard last night and all day.
Snow gone in Wasilla. Tabulated income tax, profit on sales
$8,821.06 for 1928 salaries, repair and store expense $8,257.06
inventory Jan. 2, 1929 $8250.29. Too much overhead for amount
of business, have to cut out clerk here, only 1 man job.
March 1, 1929 Business ½ off.
Like spring day, +40, weather equal to Seattle a year ago.
Mail train went north, had some men for Lucky Shot Mine via Houston.
Kenny, Gaston and O. C. Miller in, Miller going to Anchorage for
medical advice. Ellexson in from Knik with car, got 2 moose
on road last trip home. Got out monthly statements.
Anchorage and 2YA only radio. Ma and Eva now hearing Vitaphone
picture in Seattle.
March 2, 1929 Business normal, temperature
32 to 40 above, 2nd spring day at Wasilla. Mailed in income
tax report. Had to get out Seattle mail by 4:30. Mail
closed for Sunday mail train south. Second letter to Mattie
at Seattle, sent $100 check. No radio till 11 PM Los Angeles.
Evening Express came in good. Wellington, New Zealand,
2YA coming in good. Ma in Seattle.
March 3, 1929 Sunday busy in store AM.
Chas Bartholf, Isaac’s and Thorpe buying clothing account going
to mines. South train arrived at noon. Stanley
took train to Junction, visited on agent, got hookup for
Gus’ Grebe set on C battery, visited on Marsh and came home with
dog team 10 PM. Self scrubbed floors and varnished office floor,
then, added on grocery inventory. Anchorage church good, no
Outside stations on air. O. C. Miller went to Anchorage.
Evening down to zero.
March 4, 1929 Business normal, zero weather
to -2. Cal out and Herb in, today at White House
Washington D. C. Stanley busy making dog harness. Self running
up grocery inventory and adding machine. Smithy up from Junction
with car. Evening Anchorage radio good, had ½ hour
local talent, the Cads, Mrs. Isaac’s and Heinie Snider listened in.
Got new station, KFC at Culver, California 11:30 to 12:30.
Ma in Seattle, no mail train today.
March 5, 1929 Temperature +2 and cold all day.
Outside mail arrived, letter from Mattie in Seattle dated 6
PM February 20th. Got cash register supplies ordered.
Miller back from Anchorage doctor, put him on strict diet, no more
hotcakes. Lander overdue from Fishhook, Lew Gorton went
out to find cause of delay. ARC went out to mile 10 to cut some
wood. No radio. Letter from May Kellogg.
March 6, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature +16 and big wind. Lander in, had to snow
shoe horse down to Lawrence’s place. Busy till 8 PM with
dinky orders. Big wind in evening and radio came in fine.
Alaska stations on the air. Got grocery and forage freight PM.
Radio good.
March 7, 1929 No business account cold
and big wind. Lander left with Isaac’s, Chas Bartholf
and Hill for Gold Cord Mine, couldn’t take Miller and his freight
to mile 8, too big a load. Mail train blocked on north end.
Sent Mrs. Hartman $168.60 Roadhouse bill collections for her.
Ma now back in Seattle.
March 8, 1929 Business above normal.
Temperature 8 to 12 above with big wind all day. Had
2 passenger trains today. Gaston in from mile 12, also Mrs.
McDougal snow shoed in from Fern Mine yesterday.
Evening Anchorage radio good for half hour then KOMO put through
in a blur. Wrote Mattie and Eva 1 page letter.
March 9, 1929 Business normal, temperature
6 to 12 above, 3 days big wind died out last night. Customers
out today. Wasilla streets glare ice. Jack Fabyan fixing
up Jack Hiland barn for house and garage. School election,
Snider clerk in place of Wilmoth. Radio 50% off tonight.
Ma and Eva in Seattle.
March 10, 1929 Sunday received message
from C . N. McKinnon that sister Clara passed out at her home
this morning at her home in Athens, Ohio. Informed Mattie
and Eva in Seattle by wire, funeral 12th at her old home Sleepy Eye,
Minnesota. Clara caught bad cold on arrival at Athens January
1st, then had the flu. Had letter from her dated January 31st
saying she had been sick for a month with cold and flu. Clara was
64 on December 12th. Evening finished tabulating inventory for
groceries and clothing stock over $10,000 cash.
March 11, 1929 Business normal, temperature
+14 and snowed all day. Lander in again from mountain
home, said there was 9’ snow at Gold Cord Mine. Got fruit
and groceries on evening freight. Charged batteries PM.
Evening Anchorage radio par excellent on Ma’s bed spring antenna.
Got February 27th letter from Ma, said they may go to Morton
and Randel for a visit. Eva’s mother’s rupture in bad shape at
Dillingham, Alaska. No Outside radio tonight. Ma and Eva
in rainy Seattle.
March 12, 1929 Business ¼ off
today. Several ranchers in to trade. Ray Dancer back on
section job, Wagner and Stump laid off. Dancer hired Frenchy
Spaghetti as he is a cook. Dancer’s family gone Outside.
Native in from Nancy to trade. Sister Clara Smith buried
today at her old home Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, age 64 years 3 months,
self only one left of our family. Northern lights, no radio.
Ma and Eva visiting at Randel, Washington.
March 13, 1929 Business 2/3 off today,
temperature -2 to +18, no one out much these days. Priced
up and store away late groceries. Paid Seattle invoices.
Wrote Blodgett we now had blood meal in stock. No radio tonight,
caught 2YA signing off and heard 2 Jap stations only. Ma
and Eva doing Seattle.
March 14, 1929 Business rotten, only
$41 today. Temperature 12 to 42 above, clear today, first
good day in 2 weeks. Gus back from Susitna Station, snow
deep and machinery too heavy to haul on double ender, job off.
Aage Hansen in from Willow Creek gave up trapping snow too deep.
Spaghetti moving from Reising cabin to section house to cook for
Ray. Radio NG, KNX ½ hour.
March 15, 1929 Business normal, sales
$101.10. Got out Seattle orders and wrote Mattie another letter
and sent $100 check Pacific Fruit Alaska program failed
to land here. KNX only Pacific Coast station heard tonight.
Anchorage radio good, 2YA came in after 11 PM. Red Kelly
and party down from Willow for St. Patrick’s Dance.
March 16, 1929 Business normal, cold
spell broken 30 to 42 above and thawing today. Another party
on at Paddy’s, the White House. St. Patrick’s dance on tonight
at school house. Radio came in at 10 PM Got KOMO, KNX
and KFI Midnight Frolic. Warm wind all day.
March 17, 1929 Sunday, busy day cleaning
house, mopped floors in 3 rooms and re-varnished linoleum.
Stanley invited me to chicken dinner at roadhouse. He
drove to Junction with dog team PM, got back at 8 PM. Evening
St. Patrick’s dance on at Patrick Marion’s white house, Main Street,
Wasilla. Evening no radio, something wrong with Anchorage broadcast.
Chinook, +42 all day.
March 18, 1929 Business good, sales $223.85.
Payton in from Gold Cord. Got 2 letters from Ma, Eva had
operation on nose, OK, went to Morton and Randel the 12th got
reservations on SS Aleutian to come home April 6th. Got note
from Chas Pearson, going to Florida account nervous breakdown.
Anchorage radio put on special program for Nagley at Susitna Station
and OGH at Wasilla. Morris Sharp pulled off two comedy plays,
OK.
March 19, 1929 Sales $160.95.
Lander and Payton returned to mines. Freight arrived PM
got hardware and eggs. Chas Lake in for malt syrup.
Fabyan out with his car. Answered Willard’s letter about
fox skins. Sent KFQD $15 for advertising K. T. Co. on the air.
No radio this evening, too warm, +44, second warm day, above freezing.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with dogs.
March 20, 1929 Business slow, 50% off
today. Mailed Clara’s, Metz, Anna’s, Pearson’s and preacher’s
letter to Ma in Seattle and told them not to come home until warm
weather. Tried Bristol amplifier and mike on phonograph,
mike failed to work. Evening light rain and snow. It
was +44 all day, winter coming again. Six Shooter Bill went to
Anchorage for exam. Ma and Eva in Seattle.
March 21, 1929 AM light snowfall. Meehern
went north on usual spring trip. Got Evans Outside mail,
no mail from the kids in Seattle, probably visiting at Morton
and Randel. Flour, etc., wired for 10th in Seward. Silver
Fizz program came in 10 to 11. Teacher giving kids a party.
March 22, 1929 Sliver put his engine in old
Willow Creek stage car. Jack out with Gold Cord car.
Evening party on at roadhouse for Johnny Neimi, leaving for Juneau
tomorrow. Sent Ma another $100 check last letter as they
are leaving April 6th for home. Anchorage radio NG, ¾
motors and ¼ music. KNX came in good for 2 hours.
March 23, 1929 Rain and snow.
Johnny Neimi left for Juneau. Sent out paint order.
Oscar Anderson cut $80 worth of wood for Snodgrass. Mine
Elex in, dog team dumped him and run away found them at Edlund’s
turn off road to flats. Radio bum, had in KFI for hour only.
Answered May’s letter. Evening school kid party on at school
house for kids that stayed away from dance. Ma and Eva taking
in Seattle.
March 24, 1929 Sunday quiet in town.
PM mopped floors, mended rug, sewed buttons on undershirt.
Took dinner out at Cad’s, good apple pie, that’s all. Early
evening good church radio, KNX, CRV and KQW, no church radio from
Anchorage. Snowed 1” last night, clear today.
March 25, 1929 Business normal. Had rush
at train time. Lander in, said deep snow now held up
horses to Gold Cord Mine without snowshoes. Flour, drugs
and dry goods arrived. Evening attended big dinner party
at Wasilla Hotel, Jack Fabyan’s birthday party. Letter from
Mattie, had made trip to Randel to visit Hartman’s.
March 26, 1929 Business slow, A-1 day
but cool. Hans hauled over 3 loads freight from Depot.
Fosket in looking for credit. Tom Aureen down to store,
1st time in 2 weeks. Trunk for Audrey arrived. Schooling
affair at Eklutna today. Lander went out with load freight.
Evening Anchorage testing came in good. Sent wire to Mattie
for merchandise. Ma and Eva in rainy Seattle.
March 27, 1929 Business normal, clear
and cool day. Priced up new dry goods, drugs and hardware.
Lona Loberg and Lester Davis back from pulling in trap line
at Caswell. Lester got drunk and Jack punched his face
last evening at roadhouse. Out of eggs and bacon, more tomorrow.
Had KOMO in for 1 hour, got Easter news and news flashes.
Had KNX in but faded a lot. Ma and Eva making ready for
Easter in Seattle.
March 28, 1929 Business normal, got orders
from up the line. Made out orders for crackers and Tea
Garden goods. Teich got a short wave set. Churchill
in yesterday for his delayed radio set, sold him ceiling floor in
old Knik store for $15. Evening late, KOMO and KNX came in
fairly good. Got loud music on 6 at midnight. Ma and Eva taking
in Seattle shows.
March 29, 1929 Campbell bought Fred Carter’s
farm, here to make transfer. Frank Watson proved up his
Palmer homestead today. Ellexson out with dog team.
Ma and Eva doing Seattle. Wired Mattie for more merchandise.
Evening KFQD home talent, good, but reception weak. KNX and KOMO
came in good, then 2YA Wellington, New Zealand.
March 30, 1929 Business slow today. Gaston
in, been to Lucky Shot over Fishhook Pass, snow deep, going
to work for Lucky Shot Monday. Evening radio perfect.
All stations on the air, brought in KRLD Dallas, Texas Night Owl
program good. All set for Easter service 3:30. Evening
snow storm.
March 31, 1929 Easter Sunday, stayed
up till 4:30 to get Easter services KJR and KNX on the air KNX
with Rose Bowl service for Los Angeles. Gus had a crowd listening
in. Snow last night, 8”. Busy on monthly statements.
Ma and Eva listening in at Seattle.
April 1, 1929 Business good, sales $135.45,
rush on at train time. Felch Jr. visited on way to Yukon.
Got groceries and fruit on PM freight. Letter from Mattie,
still bad weather in Seattle. Evening Lander in for GBM
Co. freight. Radio good, all stations on the air and bumped
off KFQD. Letter from Roe and Florence said Clara had meningitis.
April 2, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature -14 in AM, cold wave on. Sent wire to Mattie for
forage, eggs and candy at Seattle. Rica walked up to pay
monthly bill, caught cold in face account of bad tooth, fixed her
up with Ben-Gay and Absorbine Jr. George Steller out
from Knik with dogs. Evening radio good on low numbers.
April 3, 1929 Business normal, -20. Red
came in store, 1st time in 6 months. Got monthly bills cleaned
up. Bogard in, sent Metz more money. Evening radio good
got lots of cracking. Another storm in route. Wellington,
San Diego and Los Angeles good.
April 4, 1929 Business ½ off.
Snider now coming to town with his car. Got Watson mail,
2 letters from Mattie, leaving 6th on Aleutian for home, bad
weather in Seattle. Evening great radio, all stations on.
Heard 1st outdoor banquet over KOMO.
April 5, 1929 Sliver hauling wood for Stanley.
New school board sent in their annual estimate for funds.
Evening 2 quakes at 7 and 1 o’clock. Anchorage high school
on air tonight, reception fair on KNX, only coast station on air,
reception not good. Several looking for coal account cold
snap. Last show for Ma and Eva tonight.
April 6, 1929 Got several orders to go up railroad
line. Ma and Eva supposed to leave Seattle for home today.
Evening radio good, had set connected to phonograph in store,
music filled the store. Dan took Rica home, car went haywire
half way down. Stanley and Sliver went down to tow Day
back.
April 7, 1929 Sunday busy all day in
store with orders for Houston, Willow, Caswell and Colorado.
Stanley and Sliver drove east PM. Had my dinner at Cad’s.
Evening fine network program by Witcum College chorus, had same
on phonograph attachment. Snowing at midnight, +28 to +42 today.
April 8, 1929 Big day, sales $461.93.
Stanley up at 7 to finish Thorpe Mine order. Sent 2 boxes
grub with Thorpe for my cabin on Grubstake. Had 2 loads
freight for north train. Got 2 loads from Seattle.
Stanley received letter from Harry Rutter, coming back in May.
Ma and Eva listed with Aleutian sailing from Seattle 6th. Seattle
hardware salesman here. Lander in with Payton for freight.
Anchorage radio fair, also KOMO, KNX and 2YA. Coldwater on Discovery
wreck down Inlet.
April 9, 1929 Business and sales $109.85.
Lander went out with load freight AM. Gave Seattle hardware
man an order. Hans took hardware man and preacher to Matanuska.
Collections good, sent $938.93 to bank. Ma and Eva crossing
the Gulf tonight. Gene Bartholf back.
April 10, 1929 Heavy snow storm all day.
No business, sales only $40. Mrs. Zink and Ira Payton
went to Anchorage. Gene Bartholf went to Anchorage to fly
to McKinley Park prospect with grub. Ma and Eva crossing
Gulf of Alaska on SS Aleutian.
April 11, 1929 Shorty Gustafson arrived from
Seattle. Got Evans mail, letter from Ma dated Seattle April
2nd, all ready to leave for home 6th on Aleutian. PM tried
out Teich’s short wave attachment, made it work, brought in WGY
Schenectady, N. Y. Coast radio good till 9 PM band music.
April 12, 1929 Took Shorty to his ranch and
Mrs. Cad and Teich to Matanuska for a joy ride. Ellexson
out with dog team. Evening Anchorage local talent fair, KNX
came in good. Frenchy reported fire 9:30, it was Snider’s tail
lights on auto at Tryck’s. Billy had birthday party. Sam
Kelly 69 today, born in Virginia. Ma and Eva at Valdez on way
to Seward.
April 13, 1929 Business slow got 3 orders from
north on railroad line to go Monday. Stanley left for
weekend to meet Ma and Eva at Seward. Self busy in store
all day filling up shelves and cleaning store. Several went
to Anchorage. Evening radio good, Sam listened in KNX announcers
seemed intoxicated.
April 14, 1929 Sunday, big end of Herning
family at Seward. Self busy in store AM. PM mopped
floors and varnished 3 floors in living quarters, through at 8 PM.
Posted on monthly register statements, got 3 orders for up line.
Radio good.
April 15, 1929 Business good, sales $170.25.
Ma and Eva arrived home, gone 3 months and 2 days at Seattle.
Self lone store keeper today, +4 this morning. Mrs.
Nagley gave all Herning families a dinner at hotel.
April 16, 1929 Ma and Eva now home, busy cleaning
house? Lander went out with load freight for mines.
A-1 spring day, snow going fast water running down streets.
Hans hauled 4 loads freight to store. Put new tubes in set,
KNX came in good. New detector tubes failed to work.
Fred Nelson back from trapping trip. Good radio.
April 17, 1929 Business normal. Answered
Florence and Roe’s letter, also Mabel Braley at Portland.
ARC made road camp today at Wasilla Creek, Jack Fabyan driving
Cat. Evening snowing. KOMO and KNX fairly good on radio
also 2YA Wellington, New Zealand.
April 18, 1929 Business 1/3 off, partly
cloudy, +40. Last year leaving Seattle for Wasilla, this
year Ma and Eva left April 6th, now home 3 days. Bill Long, Al
Harter and Nick Brake started working for Road Commission with Harry
Flood as cook. Ray Howell, Silver Fizz program coming in now.
Lander in for more freight with double ender.
April 19, 1929 Business 1/3 off. Lander
in for freight, had to have Hans haul it out 1 mile to snow on
road. Snow all gone on Wasilla streets. Mrs. Ellexson
out from Knik with dog team for supplies. Evening Anchorage
radio fair. Ray Howell, KNX Silver Fizz, good. Got out
orders.
April 20, 1929 Partly cloudy
and cool. Chas Bartholf went to Anchorage. Got
lease on Ray Wallace Mine. Mrs. McBeth gave luncheon party
to school board at her house during evening. Evening had
3 hours good radio. Finnish baths in order at Oberg's.
Radio good.
April 21, 1929 Sunday self busy in store
all day. Took down balcony flies, cleaned and oiled store floor.
Mail train went north today got Outside mail. Fine radio
6:30 to 9:30. Stanley and Eva rode down to Junction with
Slivers, came back on train. Cleaned stove pipes.
Elmer Larson in from Houston, through hauling.
April 22, 1929 Business normal.
Weather cloudy and chilly all day, evening big wind. Nick
Pykle and Dan took horses, used to haul Willow Creek Mine freight,
to Junction. Ma started cleaning balcony over store.
Evening wonderful, all stations on the air. Anchorage bumped
by KJR and KOA Denver. Big floods in Arkansas, 5,000 people homeless.
April 23, 1929 Business good, sales $146.20.
Self caught up on balance sheets. Bogard in for supplies.
Henry Fischer in from Knik with dog team for supplies. Evening
windy again. Mail train south.
April 24, 1929 Business normal.
Patzack down from Houston and paid Billy. Elmer Larson
fixing up his truck. Assembled broken shaft on our truck.
Evening radio good, brought in 18 stations, also Jap and New Zealand
station.
April 25, 1929 Business slow today.
Roads breaking up, no traveling. Priced up and put new
paint, etc. on warehouse shelves. Evening associated brass
band program fine. Got Watson mail but no freight till next
Monday. Sent Mrs. Hartman, Cadwallader’s 3rd payment. The
House passed the 500 million dollar Farm Relief Bill today at Washington,
D. C. Germany on way around world in a Zep plane.
April 26, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Lander in for freight, took him 5 hours to come from Fishhook
Inn to mile 12 at Lawrence ranch account soft snow. PM Stanley
fixing up his sedan car. Eva walked down to Matanuska to
call on teacher. Frank Cook here, bumped off job at Girdwood.
Evening radio good. Anchorage came in good, talking of closing
down KFQD as no reply from radio fans.
April 27, 1929 Worked all PM fitting shaft
in truck Mail train on new schedule, brought in boat mail
7:30 PM direct from Seward today, two days sooner than old schedule.
Eva back from Junction on evening train. KNX only good radio
tonight, Harvey Porter and Double Whistler, good.
April 28, 1929 Sunday PM finished fixing
up truck, greased up all parts, now ready to haul our own freight,
was out of commission all winter account broken shaft. No
Pacific Coast radio but 2YA Wellington, New Zealand coming in
good now, 11:30.
April 29, 1929 Got 1½ tons groceries
and clothing, got out our truck and delivered same at store.
Tryck got new Ford delivery truck account ARC road work.
Harold Kinney visiting his dad at ranch, mile 7. Mrs. Nagley
and son back from weekend at Talkeetna. Evening Anchorage
radio and KNX good.
April 30, 1929 Business good, April sales,
$2,727.93. Profit on April sales, $596.10. Cloudy
April showers. Elmer Larson got out his 6 wheel truck for
exercise. Priced up and put away 1½ tons new merchandise.
Evening radio good, early, then only KNX.
May 1, 1929 Self busy all day till midnight
on monthly statements. Mail train north 7 hours late.
Road Commission established another camp. Radio poor until
Ray Howell KNX came on at 10 PM. Had Jr. and his mother at
dinner.
May 2, 1929 Self on office work all day.
Clyde back from Anchorage via Junction train, walked 9 miles.
Brought lettuce and fresh meat for Ma and Eva, wired out for fruit.
Evening radio fine 8 to midnight. Gus and Teich got antenna
booster for their radios, more volume. McDougal in from Fern
Mine. Hans drove out to Forty Mile Miller’s to snow line.
May 3, 1929 Business ½ off. Harvey
Rutter’s cabin on fire, only saved trunks and tools. Fire
started inside kitchen, no one living in house, Harvey in Missouri.
Section men had burned around the house in AM. Evening radio
fair, KFQD not on the air. KOMO, KPO and KNX good.
Eva went to Junction.
May 4, 1929 A-1 day, 44 to
60 above. Mail train late account boat arrival, got 3 orders
from north. Golden Bear Mining Co. sent in order. Self
busy sprouting spuds. Fairview school teacher reported H.
A. Kinney for entering her place at 6 AM Friday morning. Evening
radio good, school days KOMO. Had full house listening in,
got new station, KFWI in San Francisco.
May 5, 1929 Sunday busy in store all
day. Finished Gold Bullion Mining Co. $202.38 order.
Evening radio fair. Got in new stations, KVI of Tacoma and
WHO of Des Moines, Iowa. Kids out joy riding with Sliver’s
car to mile 19, road in bad condition, warm day.
May 6, 1929 Business normal. Got 3 truck
loads Outside merchandise. Bridge gang here on railroad.
Bogard in for his supplies. Bought in ½ case fresh
eggs. Evening Anchorage radio program good, given by Anchorage
Ladies Club. Reported H. A. Kinney landed in jail account
of his night prowling here. Wrote to WHO in Des Moines, Iowa
account program heard.
May 7, 1929 Cleaned vacuum tank on Olds car,
found pin loose on float cause of trouble. Evening Anchorage
KFQD Club gave a 4 hour final program, through for season.
May 8, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Temperature 38 to 42 above. PM mail train on time. Signed
jointly, St. Clair note $700 due 1 year at 10% interest.
Pricing up new hardware. Evening radio NG till 10 o’clock
Midnight, raining. Cadwallader arrived home with car.
May 9, 1929 Business good, sales $104.15.
Rain last night and today, temperature 38 to 44 above.
Sharon in from mile 12 with his car, 1st spring trip, then with
Stanley and Eva, drove down to mile 10 post to call on Fred Crocker,
Knik Road very soft. Ellexson came out 4 miles from Knik with
car then had to quit car and come in with Donovan’s horse and buckboard.
Evening radio good, answered C. W. Eldridge’s letter about KOMO.
Repaired sidewalks. Ma chief cook in PM.
May 10, 1929 Business good, sales, $119.85.
Cloudy and cool 44 above. Received letter from J. E. Kinney
to send $60 to bail his son out of Anchorage Jail. Evening
radio fine early, heard 60th anniversary of the Southern Pacific
Railroad Golden Spike, first driven 1868, then the Veedol Oil program
then KOMO, Oly-Hotel, Seattle, then Alaska school program. Radio
good.
May 11, 1929 Business normal. Self
marking new hardware. Stanley fixed pump on his radiator.
Kinney sent in $60 check, so wired bank to pay Harold $60 now
in jail at Anchorage. Evening KNX only clear station on the
air. Rode over to Snider’s ranch with Stanley, first auto
ride this spring. Payton in from Gold Cord Mine. Mail
train 5 hours late.
May 12, 1929 Sunday business fair AM.
PM finished pricing up new hardware. School picnic at Stern’s
place. Evening cold, no radio all snaps and cracks.
Wrote KOMO and KNX farewell letter and telling them April 12 to date,
fine reception, asked Ray Howell, KNX, to play a farewell piece for
Wasilla fans Preacher here from Anchorage, poor reception.
Teich sold old Lizzie to Loberg. Got picture of KFQD announcer.
May 13, 1929 Business good sales $148.80.
Cool breeze all day temperature around 50. Freight train
brought only through-freight, left our freight in Seward.
Lona trying out Lizzie. Evening Stanley and Eva drove down
to Junction, now midnight and not back, probably in a mush hole.
Radio fair, considerable static. McAllen arrived, went to mines.
May 14, 1929 Business rotten today, ¾
off. Temperature 52 above. Self doing office work,
paid all Seattle invoices. Goods still at Seward.
Fred Roscher in, left $150 to send to bank. Total deposit,
$950. Stanley, Eva and Dan stuck in the mud 4 hours near government
farm last night. Lester Davis now on with ARC. Radio weak.
May 15, 1929 Business back to normal.
Hauled out tin cans. Freight in at 5 PM with Saturday
freight at Seward, mail train 5 hours late, as usual. Hauled
over gas and fruit at 6 PM. Had Mrs. Nagley and Jr. at dinner,
they left for Talkeetna on 9 PM train. Jr. through at Wasilla
School. Evening KNX Silver Fizz program, good. Another
preacher arrived.
May 16, 1929 Business rotten today.
Temperature 42 to 52 above, cold wind all day. McPhearson
here to hold church services but few attended. Hauled over
2 truck loads of in-freight PM. Evening on Seattle mail, no
radio. Evening kids out joy riding. Jacob Metz due home
Monday from Mayo Hospital,
Rochester. Received letter from Florence
Herning about Burnap farm.
May 17, 1929 Business normal. Temperature
44 to 54 above. Wired Franke to sell Burnap and Coger farms
jointly at $80 an acre, I want $5,000 cash, balance $2,200 2nd
mortgage, interest 5%. Wrote Roe and Florence about the offer.
Evening KOMO and KNX good. Stanley and Eva went to Junction
with Dan. Norman in for Willow Creek Mines mail. Rica
gave dinner party to Clyde and Norman.
May 18, 1929 Business good, one fur farm
order. Weather cloudy and cool, temperature 40 above.
Ellexson’s out from Knik, took 6 hours, had to cut road around
mush hole at mile 5, first trip this spring. Jacob Metz back
from Mayo Hospital. Jim Hanson’s sister arrived. No
mail train, late as usual. Evening dance on at Vail’s.
Radio fair, KNX, MOMO, KPLA and KFWR.
May 19, 1929 Sunday business lively AM.
Got Outside mail. Stanley drove Metz down to his ranch
PM. St. Clair’s back on ranch. Cleaned up back yard.
Evening on monthly register sheets. No radio till 11 PM.
KPLA, Los Angeles coming in now. Mrs. Ezi here to trade.
May 20, 1929 Business good, sales $271.73.
Shipped 3 orders north. Freight in but no freight left
at Seward. Stanley finished, to drive truck for ARC for
a while. Mr. Morgan, Libby’s salesman, here from north.
Evening radio good, KNX, KHJ and KFWB and KOMO. Placed order
for fall deliver with Libby.
May 21, 1929 Business 2/3 off today.
Temperature 48 to 52 above. Stanley started driving truck
again for ARC, his mother’s now chief clerk for K. T. Co.
Cadwallader arrived home again. Birch trees starting leaving
out today, summer is here but cold every PM, roads in bad condition
yet. Evening KNX good for 3 hours. Washout on north
end of railroad. Signed $250 tax bond for Nagley.
May 22, 1929 Business good, sales $151.20.
Cloudy and cold, temperature 40 to 48 above.
Bogard, Metz and Ellexson’s in for merchandise. Did some
work on Olds car. Evening Stanley in with Fred’s car, drove
to Matanuska. Ellexson’s visited on Marsh. Mr. Ryle
arrived to manage Marion Twin Mine. Radio poor, had in KNX
1½ hours. Hauled over one truck load freight.
May 23, 1929 Business normal. Temperature
48 to 52. Made out hardware order from Seller Co. Forestry
men here. Snider’s mink hatching. Evening big dance
on at school house, farewell party to Rica and Florence Oberg, going
Outside. Radio NG, heard KNX and 2YA. Loaned Churchill headset.
DuPont produce man here.
May 24, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Real spring day, 50 above. Shorty dragging Knik Road, bad
mush hole at mile 5. McNeil cleaning out ditches on Knik
Road. Eva and Mrs. McDougal went down to Walter’s ranch to
get dog team to haul supplies to Fern Mine. Dan made it through
with car to Fishhook Inn, first car through this spring. Radio
fair, KNRV and KNX and KPLA. Forestry men went north on PM freight.
Alaska school talk on radio.
May 25, 1929 Business normal. Sharon
in, 2nd trip from Fishhook Inn. Evening Stanley in from
ARC camp. Several of the boys sick after eating mid-day lunch.
Evening Los Angeles, Express KNX had good program. orchestra and
Harvey Porter.
May 26, 1929 Sunday quiet in town.
Temperature 50 above, cold wind all day, cloudy. Report
came that SS Aleutian sank in 60 fathoms of water near Kodiak,
only the crew aboard, going to cannery, all were saved. Same
boat hit rocks in Seymour Narrows lately, goner this time. Dan took
joy riding party of six down to Matanuska. No radio tonight,
storm Outside. Several of the boys still sick account ARC grub.
May 27, 1929 Business normal, cool day, 42
to 50 above. Got 4 truck loads merchandise on PM freight.
Eva went to Anchorage. Got word Aleutian took on Outside
mail at Seward and all went down with sinking ship. Self had
$416.85 bank deposit and 2 orders for Seattle merchandise.
Evening KNX good, also KJR 11 to 12 but was no good account static.
Sharon brought Crocker in to sign papers
May 28, 1929 Weather cloudy, temperature
48 to 52. Hauled over balance of freight from railroad
warehouse. Put Olds car on pit to adjust clutch.
Showers PM. Al Walter in from Palmer, said roads were good over
that way. Cadwallader made 4th payment on Wasilla Hotel stock.
May 29, 1929 Business normal. Weather
cloudy, showers, temperature 48 to 50. Fire in furnace,
season 2 weeks late. St. Clair’s in to trade on mail train
north. Eva back from Anchorage. Stanley and Shorty
put new bearing in his car. Evening KNX programs good.
May 30, 1929 Decoration Day, closed store PM,
temperature 50, cloudy. PM and evening, busy on Seattle
invoices, wrote duplicate checks for those lost on Aleutian.
ARC received new road grader, took them all day to unload it.
Evening Ma went joy riding to Palmer in Stanley’s sedan car.
KNX and KOMO fairly good.
May 31, 1929 Business normal, 1½
days sales $204.15. Weather cloudy, PM hail storm.
St. Clair’s and party up from ranch. Turned down McNeil on
future pay check credit. Evening Stanley and party visited on
Mrs. Donovan. Dan and George Edlund gone out on mining timber
contract. Got 2 good orders from north. Silver Fizz only
good radio this evening.
June 1, 1929 Business good, order for
Colorado, weather cloudy, temperature 50. Jake Metz in
for supplies for self and Bogard. Larson made over side
boards on his 6 wheel truck Sharon in, drove to Junction for
Nellie’s - Edmundson pig. Busy on monthly statements.
Evening static on radio, poor.
June 2, 1929 Sunday rush on in store
AM. PM finished monthly statements. Evening billed
up Wells order. Brill car up at 4 PM no mail 1st trip.
Forty Mile Miller in from Fishhook summit, claims to have found big
cinnabar mine, wants Stanley to go in with him and work it.
Radio not much good. Sharon moving stuff back to ranch.
June 3, 1929 Business good, sales $181.08.
Temperature 42 to 62. Trains back on old
schedule. Got big Outside mail, letter from Roe and Florence,
frosted berries and fruit in Minnesota. Harvey Rutter back
with bride from Kansas. Evening radio fine, New Mexico 28
piece band over KNX KOMO and KPLA good. Made deal with George
Moshier to do assessment work.
June 4, 1929 Business normal. Real
summer day, temperature 50-68. Stanley moved from Miller
house back to Zink house. Harvey and bride moved in.
Stanley put truck on the bum hauling his wood. Only freight
from Seward was a load of gasoline. Evening dance on at Fairview.
Ray Howell KNX only good radio. Mrs. Ward here, poker game on.
June 5, 1929 Business normal. Second
summer day, temperature 54 to 70. Swallows arrived, summer
now here, one month late. Mr. Quincy Adam Pyle making ready
to operate Gold Mint Mine for. Sidney Black in from Mabel
mine for grub. Opened up truck, found right hand shaft broken.
Harvey busy making garden. Evening KNX good for 2 hours then
KPLA. Edlund bunch returned to Anchorage.
June 6, 1929 Business good, sales $175.98.
Temperature 56 to 68. Henry Fischer brought in from road
camp mile 4, very sick, out of mind, Anchorage ambulance car came
PM and took him to Anchorage. Got 2 truck loads of Outside
Saturday freight, Hans hauled it, our truck broke. Got out
order for Marion Twins. Silver Fizz radio hour good.
June 7, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Weather clear, temperature 56 to 68. Self busy pricing
Libby’s goods. Pay Day Wilson in town. ARC Wasilla Creek
camp moved to Willow Creek Road. Shorty grading Main Street
in Wasilla. Ellexson’s out from Knik with more goat milk.
Fosket building new mink pens for Snider. KNX fair 10 to 11
PM some fading.
June 8, 1929 Business normal. Weather
partly cloudy, 58 above AM, got off Outside mail.
PM and evening, worked on Olds car, got clutch adjusted then broke
off one set screws. Mrs. DeMars arrived, went out to cook
for Fern Mine. Mrs. Teich went to Anchorage. Radio fair,
but weak.
June 9, 1929 Sunday. A-1 day, mosquitoes
on shift. Wasilla to Grubstake with George Moshier.
Left Wasilla at 1 PM arrived at Grubstake Placer Mine at 7:30.
Mushed over from Lander’s mountain home, walked on snow for 5 miles.
Snow from Canyon to Thorpe’s Mine. Found things OK in cabin.
June 10, 1929 Business normal, Ma lone
clerk, sales over $100. Self at Grubstake. Showed
Moshier over property and where to prospect for more gold.
Noon, Nolan Hudson visited. Left for home 2:30 PM walked
on snow from mile 8 to mile 2 arrived home with Hans car 8 PM.
Henry Fischer died at hospital. KNX on for ½ hour.
June 11, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Warm mosquito day. Self pretty sore from running down Carle
cutoff to Fishhook. Wired for parts for Nash and Overland
cars. Stanley and Shorty using motorcycle to come to town
from ARC camp at mile 4. Birdsall paid 60 day note and leaving
for Outside, through with farming.
June 12, 1929 Business normal.
Mosquito crop good, mosquitoes very bad AM, then wind put them
out of business. George Nylan and White over from Palmer
to fish for trout. Dan Donovan spent last 15¢ for tobacco
and hit for Gold Mint Mine for a job. Evening Stanley slept
in his old bed account Eva’s mother visiting her. Radio NG, heard
last few pieces of KNX.
June 13, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Partly cloudy, skeeters on shift. Report from Fairbanks
say mosquitoes worse than in years. Mrs. McBeth quit Fairbanks
trip account mosquitoes there. Anchorage air plane landed
2 passengers here today then went to Finger Lake, Mrs. Jacobs as
joy rider. Shorty and Stanley operating motorcycle.
McDougal in from Fern Mine. Mr. Kempf went to mines. Radio
good. Got 5 tons of freight.
June 14, 1929 Business good, sales $212.16.
Put up order for Gold Bear Mining Co. Chas Isaac in, went
to Anchorage. Cadwallader arrived home, evening. PM
unloaded car hay and groceries Eva swamper. Mosquitoes testing
nerves. KNX still coming in good.
June 15, 1929 Warm sunny
day. Elmer Larson bought trail grub, going to try cross
Fishhook Pass to Willow Creek side. Forty Mile Miller in
from summit. Quick Silver camp ordered a retort.
Railroad picnic party want Wasilla to contest on horseshoe game and
tug-of-war tomorrow. Evening dance on at Fairview.
KNX clear on earphones. Paddy and Jacobs left for mines.
June 16, 1929 Sunday. Annual railroad
picnic at Wasilla today, had 7 coaches and 9 cars of autos.
Pulled off game by our store on Wasilla Avenue. Two airplanes
here also and took up several joy riders. Stanley had his
first air ride. Eva won 2 prizes. Cash register man
overhauled our register. No radio.
June 17, 1929 Mosquitoes fierce all day.
Shifted 2 orders north. Fruit and delayed butter arrived.
Evening Blind Roberts had free show at school house.
Evening 9 to 12 radio extra good, all stations on the air.
Big organ over KHJ, extra fine. Eva with mother at Anchorage.
MacDonald arrived to run Martin Mine.
June 18, 1929 Business good, sales $126.35.
Temperature 64. Bogard and Metz in for supplies.
Mosquitoes still hard at it, killed a calf at Palmer, stock suffering,
won’t go out to eat account mosquitoes. Nolan Hudson in from
Thorpe Mine. Mrs. Thorpe not well. Cornelius family to
trade.
June 19, 1929 Business good, sales $139.53.
Temperature 50 to 60. Jim McDonald sent in for grub outfit,
Martin Mine. Healy Spur Bridge washed out last night and
3 men drowned. Snider family drove to Knik for fish account
mink feed. Stanley and Shorty in from ARC mile 10 camp in evening.
Radio good 9 to 11 PM got Seattle and Ann Howe.
June 20, 1929 Business good, sales $128.05.
Temperature 60 above. Grennan brought in 5 sacks good
spuds at 3¢ a lb. Heavy rains mile 6 to mines, none
at Wasilla and needed. Stump’s 4 month old baby died last night,
buried in Knik. Dan Gray threw up trucking with Hartman -
Bartholf cars. Radio good. Harvey working on section.
June 21, 1929 Business 1/3 off today.
Temperature 54 to 64 above. Self busy on Seattle mail.
Sent Seattle National Bank seven $50 American Express Co. stub
receipts for collection, same lost on SS Aleutian 5/26/1929.
Red Kelly visiting the Jacobs. Sent Eva, at Anchorage, $10
to buy stamps and stamped envelopes. Postmaster, here, too
busy to sell them. Radio 1 hour.
June 22, 1929 Sidney Black
in for Mabel supplies. Wrote to Henderson about library
fund due Wasilla school library, $46.75, in his possession.
Evening Stanley and several ARC boys in from mile 10 camp to trade.
ARC foreman wife and 2 ladies killed this AM at Fairbanks, auto went
over the bank. Silver Fizz program failed to come through
tonight, first miss since May 12th. Evening Express Program,
KPO Midnight Frolic came in fair.
June 23, 1929 Sunday.
Put up order for Martin Mine, J. M. McDonald engineer, in charge.
Mosquitoes still on the job. Ma not feeling well, mosquitoes
got her goat. Romero down from Houston, going to California
next week on vacation. Weather cloudy, 64 to 70 above.
No radio.
June 24, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature 64 to 74 above. Got boat mail by Sunday Brill
car. Shipped 1 order north. Sold grub outfit account
Jap Mine. Nick Brake doing the assessment work on 4 claims.
Eva back from nursing her mother at Anchorage. Mrs. Fleck
had a carbuncle cut out of her neck. KOMO came in fair, 9 PM
for ½ hour, now listening to KNX Silver Fizz program, also good.
John Ballaine here looking for birch. Joe Brassel back from Michigan.
June 25, 1929 Business good, sales $169.20.
Temperature 54 to 64, cloudy all day, evening, raining.
Got 2 truck loads Outside freight. Joe Brassel left for his prospect
on Craigie Creek. Mr. Pyle crossed Fishhook summit to Craigie
Creek to do assessment work on Marion Twin G. M. Co. claims.
John Ballaine left on hand car for Nancy account birch timber.
Radio fair, KOMO, KNX and KPLA. Cad left on speeder.
June 26, 1929 Business slow, 2 /3 off
today. Temperature 52 to 62 above. Self busy all
day pricing up Seller’s new hardware etc. Harvey went to
Anchorage for exam account railroad work. July 4th excursion
rates on. Stanley in with motorcycle from ARC camp mile 10.
Sam Beck in from Willow Creek Mines on vacation. Good radio,
5th Avenue big organ and KNX. Hans drove to G. B. cache Fishhook.
June 27, 1929 Weather cloudy,
58 to 62 above. Bert McClarity arrived and Pete Kapovich
going to Jap mine to do assessment. Dan Gray left for Thorpe
Mine. Sent letter to Moshier, I would be in July 4th if he
didn’t come out. Wired $50 for Shorty to Frank Swanson, Berkley,
Washington. Eva had caller.
June 28, 1929 Business good, sales $216.45.
Sunny warm day, 58 to 70 above. Eva went to Anchorage with
friend, a Dillingham school teacher. Kelly back from Anchorage
after “Karo Patrick” treatment. Had 1st new radishes from
Sam Kelly’s garden today. Evening got out Seattle mail.
Had KNX ½ hour. Tommy McNeil back from extra gang.
June 29, 1929 Weather cloudy,
showers, 62 to 70 above. Mrs. Cad and Twins went to Anchorage.
Payton went to Anchorage. Gold Cord mill arrived.
PM worked on clutch on Olds car, got out broken bolt and adjusted
clutch plates. Drove up to ridge summit, worked OK. Self
got stomach ache. Evening KNX, KOMO, KPLA and KPO on air.
Stanley, Shorty and Mr. Wilson in from ARC.
June 30, 1929 Sunday quiet in town.
Weather cloudy and showers. Harvey and wife temporarily
running Wasilla Hotel, Mrs. Cad at Anchorage. Brill car
brought Outside boat mail. Self busy on monthly statements.
Hans took party, off Brill car, to Willow Creek Inn. Hans unloaded
Gold Cord mill. Ma complaining about weak knees. No
radio.
July 1, 1929 Business rushing, sales
$150.40. Received letter and mortgage paper from T. F.
Franke account Eyota farms wanted to mortgage Singleton quarter
for $5,000 to cover deficiency and improvements, tree’s etc. on
other farms. Got fruit, hardware and forage on PM freight.
Moshier and Thorpe family in from Grubstake. Moshier did 21
day assessment work on my placer ground. Eva and mother back
from Anchorage. GBM Co. mill man arrived. Collections $407.20.
July 2, 1929 Business good, collections
fair. Hans hauled over 2½ tons freight from railroad.
Sales on fruit and fresh vegetables fair. PM had a heavy
earthquake, shock swung pots in store for 5 minutes. Jacobs
and Paddy went out to Willow Creek Mines. Evening drove Olds
car to Ridge summit. Evening radio good, Fischer band program
and 5th Avenue organ and KJH, Los Angeles organ. Ladies bathing
in Lake Wasilla. Poor Clara, now in her grave at Sleepy Eye,
Minnesota.
July 3, 1929 Lots of small buying account July
fourth. Snider hauled in pole for kids to climb, greased,
on 4th of July. ARC help and Gold Mint boys came in to
spend the fourth. Stanley and Eva slept in Stanley’s old
room account Eva’s mother at their home. Sent in 1929-1930 store
tax, $140. KNX only one on the air.
July 4, 1929 Wasilla celebrated July
4th. One hundred people and kids took part in games,
races and greased pole. No one could climb the pole, $60
in prizes for the kids. Open AM, sales over $200. Evening
dance on at school house. Radio good, KOMO, KNX, KHJ and 2YA,
Wellington, New Zealand 11:30 to 12:15.
July 5, 1929 John Ballaine here 2nd trip getting
samples of birch timber. Post Office closed 10:45 AM
and all PM. Postmaster went to Fishhook with booze party.
Evening got out orders and Seattle mail. KNX asked for Alaska
songs, would put on Alaska program. Radio fair.
July 6, 1929 McDougal in for eggs. Sidney
in, missed train to Anchorage. John Bellaine left for Anchorage.
Snider went to Anchorage. Evening radio good, fine program
over KGO, Welk's Dunmore Orchestra, Elmer culver at pipe organ, then
hook up with Westminster Abbey, London, England. Broadcasting
Thanksgiving services in honor of King George. Ma sick in stomach
after supper.
July 7, 1929 Sunday quiet in town. Al
Walters and family over from Palmer to fish. Hans hauled
up 8 birch logs and shipped to Anchorage for John Ballaine for
samples. Outside mail arrived on Brill car but not distributed.
Ma sick all day with stomach trouble, evening had a fainting spell,
took dose of P. D. then felt better, now 10 PM and sleeping
OK. Harvey and Mrs. Fleck vomiting all day. Cleaned up
balcony PM No radio.
July 8, 1929 Way freight train 3 hours late,
no delivery. Three tons for K. T. Co. Fern Mine
hiring a few men. Mike Sherry went to his mine with gas
engine man to hook up air compressor. Jim Sherlock arrived,
going to Hart Ranch account strawberry crop. Eva and mother
visiting at Fishhook Inn.
July 9, 1929 Business normal. Hot
day, 68 to 78 above. Hans hauled over 2 loads freight.
Pacific Fruit Co. stuffed our order. Self not feeling good
all day, cut out 2 meals. Metz sold last of his spuds to Willow
Creek Mines. Snider broke axle in his car. Davis here
fixing up ARC truck. Tryck’s musical friends on a visit.
Radio NG, too warm.
July 10, 1929 Business above normal.
Second warm day, 60 to 70 above. Put up order for Willow
and Caswell. Hans hauling lumber for Gold Cord Mine.
Out of eggs. Wired for extra eggs, butter and Alaska 19-41
stove for Fishhook Inn. PM hauled over ton fish salt from
Depot. Had mortgage papers acknowledged account loan on Burnap,
Coger and Singleton farms, due 1934. This covers estate expense
rendered before dividing property. Radio NG, all cracks.
July 11, 1929 Business normal.
Warm day, 70 above. Busy AM cleaning old spuds out of
basement. Last 5 sacks shipped, 2 orders north and 2
to mines. Fat Eva and Harvey took a swim in Lake Wasilla.
Evening busy paying Seattle invoices. Snider got axle for
his car. Sharon wanted to buy Olds rear end, Olds car for trailer.
Rainy evening, no radio. Self feeling OK today, Ma OK too.
Conroy and Gaikema here.
July 12, 1929 Business ½ off,
heavy rain all day. Self busy all day on Outside mail.
Returned mortgage deed account Eyota farm to T. F. Franke, registered.
Sent Mrs. Hartman, Cad’s 5th payment on RH deal.
Hans hauling 40 tons freight for Gold Cord Mine. Rain put
road on the bum today. Sent check to cover Stanley’s premium
on N. Y. Life Insurance, due 7/23. Radio good, 1½ hours.
Mrs. McNeil went to hospital.
July 13, 1929 Business normal, rain and
52 to 56 above. Sharon and wife went to Anchorage.
Snider’s car in com. again. Evening charged A battery.
Heavy rain at Willow Creek. Spud crop saved by late rain.
White over from Government farm PM. Pyle moving camp to Craigie
Creek. Shorty put Paul’s motorcycle in our garage.
July 14, 1929 Sunday, put up $81 order
for Marion Twins Craigie prospect. Sharon and wife, McNeil
and squaw back from Anchorage on Brill car. Mrs. McNeil’s
left lung gone, doctor gave her 2 or 3 months to live. L. C.
Thompson, owner of Willow Creek Mines arrived for annual inspection.
Cleaned up spark plugs on Olds car. Evening drove down to Stern
and Vail ranches. Weather cloudy, showers. No radio.
July 15, 1929 No eggs, came and sold out.
No reply to our wire to Seward. Stanley’s crank bearings
came but no axle for our truck. Ballou and Wright filled our
order that was sent to Chanslor and Lyon Co. through Seattle Hardware.
Got load melons and green stuff, Ma beefing because we can’t sell
it. Gus took out Marion Twins order for Craigie Creek camp.
Radio mushy. Shorty’s friend arrived.
July 16, 1929 Business normal. Cleaned
up bacon. Ma crying because we had too much green
stuff and no raincoats or eggs. Evening Mabel bunch in
with Hartman Ford truck, left order and took out some green stuff.
Evening worked on Cannon final administrative report. Radio
mushy.
July 17, 1929 Business above normal,
temperature 60 to 69. Had 2 orders for up railroad line.
Shipped first strawberry boxes of season to Anchorage.
Evening Stanley, Shorty and several ARC boys in from Marion Twin
road camp. Drove Olds car out to 19. Radio good, 10 to 11 KNX.
Evening rain. Gaikema and Conroy returned to Anchorage.
July 18, 1929 Raining every night for past
week, temperature 54 to 56 above. Got 2nd order for berry
crates. Strawberries coming slow account no sun.
Mayor of Nome here, bought $1,000 of Snider’s mink to ship to Nome.
Sharon’s car out of commission. Ellexson’s in with salmon
from Knik. Rubber coats came today. No radio.
Mosquitoes bad.
July 19, 1929 Business normal.
Raining, temperature 56 above. Packed up 100 berry crates
for Empress Grocery, Anchorage. Grau in to unload Golden
Bear mill and machinery. Davis unloaded Gus’s car of Healy
coal. Teich got his electric plant installed in Depot.
Donovan in with strawberries, had our 2nd mess. Radio fair.
Mayor of Nome left for States.
July 20, 1929 Business normal.
Got 2 orders from up railroad line. McDonald, Martin Mine,
went to Anchorage to meet head guy from Outside. Reed of
Light and Power Co. arrived and went to Willow Creek to canvas prospective
power customers for Eklutna Power. New graded road to Fishhook,
nearly impassable account late rains. Made final report
on Cannon estate. Radio cracky, KNX on late.
July 21, 1929 Sunday, rained all day,
temperature 54 above. Snider hauling salmon from Knik for
his mink. Strawberries more plentiful but need sun for
flavor. Sent $1.50 to be listed in Sourdough Blue Book, August
16, 17 and 18th, stampede held in Seattle. Evening Stanley
in. No radio, KHJ and KPLA very weak.
July 22, 1929 Sales today $135.82.
Weather partly cloudy, 54 to 68 above. Salmon began running
today, one day later than last year. Dan and Silas delivering
strawberries. Seattle fruit came in rotten. Stove
came for Fishhook Inn. Stanley put new connecting rod bearings in
his car. Sam Guyot, M and M man, arrived. Evening drove
car down to signboard, climbed grades , OK, on high. Radio mush,
KNX and KOMO.
July 23, 1929 Business normal, temperature
60 to 70. Gave Sam Guyot order for auto assessments and
tobacco. Eva and Mrs. Harvey busy picking strawberries.
Evening war on at the Rutter ranch. Evening Stanley in for
parts to Ford truck, put on bum by drunk Davis. Evening usual
rain. Radio fair 10 to 10 PM. Got 2YA, Wellington, New
Zealand brought in 4 stations.
July 24, 1929 Business normal, partly
cloudy temperature 60 to 70 above. Dr. Albers, head of experimental
farm, and wife and a Dr. Smith of Washington, D. C. visited then
drove down to Donovan’s. Shipped 6 hundred berry boxes to
Anchorage. Strawberries plentiful now. Evening drove
down to Moffat ranch, clutch held OK on hills, Mrs. Fleck with us.
Everybody salting red salmon, now running. Evening raining.
Fifth Avenue organ and KNX on air.
July 25, 1929 Business normal.
AM clear, PM rain and 66 above. Gust Haller here with his
car. Ten crates strawberries went north. Mosquitoes fierce
today. Smithy over from Palmer to put up salmon, quit the
job account mosquitoes. William R. Law, head of Golden Bear
Mining Co. arrived from Los Angeles. Stanley in for gas.
Radio good 9 to 11.
July 26, 1929 Business 1/3 off today.
Weather warm 64 to 74 above. Got detail order off for broken axle
in truck to Ballow and Wright, Seattle. Smithy and Gus
after the salmon today. Sharon put up 8 barrels of salmon.
Orders coming from Seward for strawberries, Vail and Donovan biggest
suppliers. Dan picking Holden berries. Mrs. Cad sick
today. Radio good till moon came up.
July 27, 1929 L. C. Thompson left for Outside.
Gus went to Anchorage. Donovan shipped berries to Cordova.
Salmon running good. Evening Stanley in to fix gravel
truck.
July 28, 1929 Sunday busy in store with
small sales. PM took first drive to Palmer and Matanuska, 34
mile trip around loop, Eva and mother went with us. Called
on Mrs. Edmunson at Junction or old boat landing, roads fair.
Crops looking none too good owing to late spring. Evening church
radio good, KNX, KGO, KOMO and KJR shows this evening.
July 29, 1929 Business good, sales $141.50.
Temperature 52, rained all last night and today, bad for strawberries
but good for other crops. Paddy and Jacobs left for prospect
at windy Broad Pass. Got 2½ tons merchandise.
Church at school house tonight. Antone Stander (once millionaire)
left for Clear Creek prospect. Evening radio good after Teich
shut down his electric thrashing machine. Ma took a fall in
annex.
July 30, 1929 Business normal.
A-1 sunny day, 70 above. Self score and one more, and
still going strong. Ma also in good health and looking
younger, short skirts and powder helps some? Stanley in
from ARC camp to fix up gravel truck. Orders came for 40 crates
strawberries from Willow Creek Co. McNeil on wood job for
ARC at mile 10. Pete Johnson quit Golden Bear hauling, too wet.
Preacher and wife walked to Junction. Radio good for 2 hours.
July 31, 1929 Business good, sales $278.31,
July sales average over $100 per day. Temperature 80 above.
Grau and Kloss quit Gold Cord to take high grade out of new ledge
found near Gold Cord Mine. Fruit jars, sugar and berry crates
selling fair. Mrs. Fleck, Eva’s mother left for Anchorage
on way to Dillingham, Bristol Bay. Wade took contract to haul freight
for Golden Bear Mining Co. Pete quit it.
August 1, 1929 Business good, sales $177.30.
Temperature 62 to 70, A-1 sunny day. Self busy on monthly
statements till midnight. Ma going some in store.
Evening Stanley finished adjusting connecting rod bearings on
his car, drove to Pearson’s ranch for strawberries. C. D.
got the largest berries, like walnuts. Forty Mile selling at
$2 for 3 gallons in bulk, others selling at $4 for crate of 24 pint
boxes.
August 2, 1929 Business good, sales $294.90,
collections $364.22. Hot day, 82 in shade. McAllen
sold out interest in Willow Creek Mines. Six Shooter
Bill in, quit Marion Twin. Grau bought $100 outfit account
Kloss prospect. Airplane took Kloss and Red Kelly to Anchorage.
PM Eva took joy ride in airplane. Eva and Mrs. Harvey
took joy ride in car, went into ditch, had Donovan pull them out.
Tourists here.
August 3, 1929 Business good, sales $210.
A-1 sunny day, 66 above. Put up 1 order, small trade all
day. Eva left for Anchorage to see her mother off for Dillingham,
Bristol Bay District. Larson hauled out Gold Cord mill.
Evening finished monthly statements. Engstrom in for forage,
etc.
August 4, 1929 Sunday. +72.
Busy in store AM. PM drove out to Fishhook Inn, 1st trip,
road in perfect condition now, Wasilla to Fishhook summit.
Fishhook Inn looked like a junk shop outside and inside, pigs, rabbits,
chickens, foxes and a cub bear, a real farm up in the mountains.
Made round trip in 1½ hours, 33 miles. Larson hauled
last of Gold Cord mill. No radio, too hot.
August 5, 1929 Business rushing, sales
$143.25. Rain all day, temperature +58. Jess Garver
down from McKinley Park to do work on his Craigie quartz claims.
Strawberries still going strong. Got first 1st new spuds
from Smithy at Palmer at 6¢ a lb. Boat late, no freight
today. Radio cracky, KNX ½ hour.
August 6, 1929 Big rain all day, 56 to 64 above.
Got boat freight, gloves, Buhach and slickers. Roads
bad again account rain. Marion Twin and Golden Bear now
buying groceries at Anchorage, want 40 days credit and discounts,
our terms, 5% in 10 days. Evening radio fair after Teich shut
down his electric gas motor, KOG, KNX. McAllen still here.
August 7, 1929 Got 3 good orders late evening.
Jack quit ARC to truck for Golden Bear Mining Co. Baxter
Felch here for Munsingwear order. Wilmoth’s got notice
to move their warehouse off railroad track lot. Evening
Stanley and Sven in from ARC Fishhook camp for orders for help.
Stanley drove his car back to camp. Radio fair but fading.
August 8, 1929 Business good, sales $183.45.
Snider drove down to Junction and brought part of Senator party,
D. C. to Wasilla. Stacer and Olson had their cars, party
left on Brill car for Curry 5 PM. Evening drove down to Black
ranch. Got 2 tons groceries and rubber shoes on PM freight.
Ball Brand goods arrived. Evening radio fair, KPO best.
Louise Gill on vacation.
August 9, 1929 Business slow AM, evening
rushing. Smithy in with 2nd lot new spuds and turnips, spuds
6¢ lb. Signed another lease for track lot on railroad,
rent $10 a year. Pyle moving his freight out of Wilmoth
warehouse, railroad refused Wilmoth another lease, ordered him
to move off his warehouse. Radio good, all stations on the
air.
August 10, 1929 Business rushing all
day. Got several orders from up railroad line at Willow
Creek. Shawn moving his junk from Fishhook Inn to Fleck ranch,
using 2 wheel trailer behind passenger car. Louise Gill returned
to Anchorage after 3 days vacation at Sunny Knik. Evening drove
out to Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, picked gallon strawberries, George
Williams was there. Miller at his summit mine. A-1
day, evening radio good 10 to 12. Snider went to Seward.
August 11, 1929 Sunday. PM finished orders
to ship north Monday. Had big feed of Miller’s strawberries,
berry season about over. Cow doctor here testing cows
for Tuberculosis. Mary Vail Phelps back from Europe with
another man in tow. Brill train 2 hours late. Saturday
and Sunday sales $303.23. Mosquitoes about through. No radio.
Eva in Seward with mother.
August 12, 1929 Business good, sales
$141.60. Gus broke rear axle, too big loads. Jack Fabyan
hauling for Gold Cord. Snider back from Masonic meeting at Seward,
sent Elizabeth Outside to her Uncle. Eva back from Seward
with toothache. Drove out to mile 4, evening, met Stanley
coming in to meet his honey. Evening radio good, 2 hours.
August 13, 1929 Business 1/5 off today,
rained all day. Mrs. Ward and daughters doing Wasilla,
Paddy, Pyle and Capt. Slivers dancing to her dictations. Temperature
52 to 56. Gus working all day on his car. Congress
party returned from trip over railroad today. Hans offers
his roadhouse and cars for $3,500, wants to go back to Sweden.
Evening radio good for 4 hours.
August 14, 1929 Business above normal.
South trains 12 hours late account slides on north division.
Walters went to Anchorage with toothache. Law went to raise
money. Gold Cord can’t pay August bills, mill not yet installed.
Heavy rain past 24 hours and still at it now. Pyles cook quit, Mrs.
Thorpe took his place at Craigie camp. Evening radio very
weak account heavy rain. Mrs. Ward gave a card party at Marion
Twins house.
August 15, 1929 Business ¼ off
today. Law asked to let July bill run until they got Gold Cord
mill installed, short of funds. Willow Creek Road bad again
to mile 11 account heavy rains. Stanley’s car broke down climbing
hill to ARC Fishhook camp. Local freight brought no freight
off Evans, 15th at Seward. Gold Cord owes Hans over $600 for
freight haulage and paying freight bills. Radio good.
Soper paid $20 on last April’s bill.
August 16, 1929 Mrs. Ward and joy riders got
Marion Twin sedan stuck in mud near Moose Creek and had to leave
car there. Eva and Mrs. Harvey got lost in woods picking
raspberries. Eye glass peddler here from Seward. Got
out Seward mail. Taylor bought piece of land off C. D. Johnson
for a mink ranch. Radio good. Out of eggs and bacon.
August 17, 1929 Business normal.
First frost, froze spud vines in Wasilla last night.
Heavy frost at Willow Creek. No harm done around Palmer.
Snider and wife went to Seward. Clo Chamberlain passed through
from visit at Fairbanks with daughter. Fur farmers held
meeting at Wasilla today. Evening rain. Radio fading.
Last of strawberries.
August 18, 1929 Busy in store AM
Rain. Pat Irish in for clothing. Freighting over
summit for Elmer Larson and Willow Creek Mines. PM till
midnight, worked on cars, put axle in truck had to make it over,
tightened up clutch on Olds car, also pinion gear on differential,
put back foot boards, etc. greased and pumped up tires. Evening
Stanley in with his lame duck Nash car. Rained all PM. Working
outside, no radio. Strawberry shortcake.
August 19, 1929 Business good, sales
$249.58. Delayed eggs and bacon arrived from Seward.
O. C. Miller in, got $160 loan from W. R. Long on his ranch,
due August 19, 1930, 12%. Hans bought Landers place at mountain
home. Snider family back from Shriner’s meet at Seward.
Standard Oil man here today. Had 1st raspberries. KNX
on air 2 hours.
August 20, 1929 Business normal.
Rain all day, temperature 52 to 58 above. War on at Lake
Lucille, Snider’s cows ate up Zink’s garden truck last night.
Our truck in service again, hauled over 2 tons of merchandise from
railroad warehouse. New coil for Stanley’s Nash car arrived.
Mrs. Ward and kids still at Marion Twin house. Harvey, newlywed,
now taking Doan’s kidney pills? Radio fair, some static.
August 21, 1929 Sales $113.49.
Weather cloudy, temperature 48 to 60 above. Mr. Taylor
received lumber for his fur farm. Blueberries plentiful
in swamps, not many at Willow Creek. Krough family entertaining
Ward family today. Wonderful rainbow this evening.
Snider shipped $1,000 worth of breeding mink Outside. Sent Paul
Wavrick $24 account tires. Radio only KNX. Paddy and Jacob’s
went to Anchorage account Web Foot deal.
August 22, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Cloudy and cool, 52 to 60 above. Kaloski Jr. here drumming
trade. Gus broke another axle on car, stepping on the gas.
Anchorage preacher here with Jack-lantern show, let him use my
battery account same. Zep at Tokyo, due Los Angeles in a few
days, around the world flight. Frenchman, in plane, started
out to beat Zep. Radio fair, got PI news.
August 23, 1929 Business 1/5 off.
A-1 sunny day, 52 to 68 above. Opened up Black Bear goods,
no invoice came. Edlund’s up from Anchorage account dance
at Fairview for Bessie Row, new teacher at Fairview. Evening drove
out to Long’s ranch, road all cut up account rain. J. H. Lander
sold out and left for States. McDonald in town past few days.
Snider family joy riding at Palmer. Radio fair, KNX.
August 24, 1929 Business normal.
Sunny day, temperature 52 to 60 above. Ellexson’s in
with raspberries. Herman down from Big Lake for supplies.
Art Heaven’s brother here, got arm in sling. Sharon Fleck
closed Fishhook Inn and moved back to ranch with his fur animals,
etc. Evening dance on at Fairview, drove Stanley and Eva
down. All stations on air, lots of static. Zep 1,700
miles from Seattle in Pacific Ocean.
August 25, 1929 Sunday, busy around store,
George Nylen over with White from Palmer. PM drew off
aviation gas, filled store tank and cleaned up street lamp, burned
OK. Drove down Knik Road as far as Moffat ranch, round trip, 15
miles. Evening overhauled Sharon’s alarm clock, ran OK.
Stanley dragged Willow Creek road with Cat. Now midnight, getting
report over radio of Zep arriving over Los Angeles, 3rd leg, air full
of planes there.
August 26, 1929 Business good, sales $175.50.
Mr. Pyle in from Craigie Creek Mine, visited Mrs. Ward account
auto left in Moose Creek swamp, told her to come across with $250
cash. Snider family broke down driving in to Fosket ranch,
had to walk home. Eva and Mrs. Rowe went to Knik with Ellexson’s
to pick raspberries. Got 3 tons freight PM train. Till
back from Seattle with new manager for Willow Creek Mines. Graf Zeppelin
left Los Angeles at 12:15 tonight for New York, last leg of the around
the world flight. Radio good, KOMO and KNX, 2YA now on the air.
August 27, 1929 Business above normal.
Partly cloudy, temperature 54 to 60 above. Hauled over
truck load milk. Mary Ward here to settle with Pyle account
car left at Moose Creek. Evening Smithy brought car to Wasilla,
Mary gave them a dinner at roadhouse, bill is paid? Evening
drove out as far as Mullen ranch, road good after dragging.
Radio fair, KNX clear, others mushy. McDonald through at Martin
Mine.
August 28, 1929 Business above normal.
Temperature 52 to 60 above. Mrs. Wilmoth reported
they beat Teich out on removal of railroad warehouse. Evening
drove to Knik for Eva. Eva got wire from her dad to buy Doherty ranch,
arrived home 9:15. Radio good. Elmer Culver playing big
organ in San Francisco studio of National Broadcasting Co. With
hook up of Graf Zeppelin landing at Lakehurst, New Jersey, completing
trip around the world 12:14 connected to New York City National
Broadcasting Co. Zep 100 miles from New York.
August 29, 1929 Business good, sales
$188.65. Sunny day. Hook up with New York came
in good, Graf Zeppelin tied up at Lakehurst, at hanger 7 AM this
morning making trip around the world in 21 days, 5 hours.
ARC gravel truck towed in for repairs. Evening Pete Nelson
and Stanley in. Pete’s tent burned down, lost all his clothes.
Radio good, 2 hours.
August 30, 1929 Partly cloudy,
44 to 50 above. Car load lumber arrived for Willow Creek
Mines. Pat Irish went to Anchorage account pains in his chest.
Duck season near, sold case 12 gauge shells. Evening drove
out to mile 10. ARC got more money for Gold Cord road.
Radio fair 11 PM got a thrill, brought in Hartford, Connecticut.
Sliver wrecked his Ford truck at mile 9.
August 31, 1929 Business good, sales
$476.46. Temperature 54 to 60 above. Mrs. McBeth
went to Anchorage with Snider kids. Snider shipped $1,000
worth of mink for breeding purposes. Marion Twin closed
down on Craigie prospect. Sam Beck, Loberg and Ulsh out from
Lucky Shot Mine with McAllen car, time 2 hours. Eva went to Knik with
Jack Fabyan’s car. Radio good, KNX, KOMO, KFI and KGO.
Sam St. Pierre bought grub outfit.
September 1, 1929 Sunday busy in store
AM, PM and evening till midnight on monthly statements.
Cloudy today. Al Walter and family over from Palmer, also
fur farmers account meeting at Wasilla. Art Heaven down
from Houston to trade. Oberg and Cad families on joy ride to
Lucky Shot Mine with Jack Fabyan’s car. Mrs. Vail running the
roadhouse. Radio mushy. Stanley in from mile 10 camp.
September 2, 1929 Business good, sales
$224.69. Rain all AM, temperature 50 to 54 above.
Had truck load of forage to ship north. Got 4 truck loads
of merchandise on PM freight train. Evening clearing and radio
very loud. Fine program on KPO, San Francisco. Heavy
storms on Atlantic and Pacific, Zep had to sail south going to Europe
to avoid storms.
September 3, 1929 Business good, sales
$235.85. Temperature 60 above. Unloaded forage
in track warehouse. Willow Creek Mines got 3 cars lumber
and 1 car coal to go in over Fishhook summit. Stanley and
Donovan shot 2 bear at Fishhook Creek. E. F. Wann wanted
price on my Grubstake Placer. Radio good, 11 in morning, all
stations now on the air. Poor Clara, now in her grave.
September 4, 1929 Rain all
day, temperature 50 to 54 above. Shipped ½ ton
fox feed to Palmer. McNeil unloading 3 cars lumber for
Willow Creek Mines. Mr. Wann and Mrs. Ward went to Anchorage.
Eva fleshing bear skin shot by Stanley yesterday. Charged
A battery, radio good from Pacific Coast.
September 5, 1929 Business ¼ off
today. Cloudy and showers, 60 above. Way freight
several hours late. Snider on war path account mink shipment
held up at Seward, no Admiral boat to Kodiak. Graf Zeppelin
arrived home at Friedrickshaven, Germany September 4th, time around
the world 20 days 4 hours and 18 minutes from home port.
Radio fair, some static.
September 6, 1929 Business ½ off
today. Cloudy, 56 above. Pyle sold White car to Turnagain
Arm Smith of Palmer. Merrill, Anchorage plane, arrived with 3 men
for Chickaloon District, landed on Lake Wasilla account trouble
with oil line, got back at 6 PM and took Jacobs to Anchorage, leaving
for Outside. Shonbeck here, sold Cat to Elmer Larson and Shorty
account Willow Creek freight. Radio mushy except KNX.
September 7, 1929 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 54 to 60 above. Merrill here with airplane
with 2 men and trappers outfit flew them to Chickaloon District.
McNeil’s sacking 800 sacks coal for Willow Creek Mines. Brill
car got over washout near Curry with boat mail. Snider car
out commission again. Nick Brake in, rented Mabel cabin again.
No radio, mushy. 12 PM fine program in from Wellington, New
Zealand, Sunday AM over there, big cheering. 2YA only radio
tonight and good.
September 8, 1929 Sunday. Cleaned
up balcony. Business fair 9 to 12 AM. PM drove down
to Moffat ranch, some water on road but road fairly good.
Willow Creek roads badly cut up account late rains. Shorty
in, going in on freight with Elmer Larson, buying a Cat to do the
hauling. Washed up Olds car and polished it up like new.
Evening Stanley in to fix ARC truck 2YA only clear station.
Two passenger trains today.
September 9, 1929 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, temperature 44 to 54 above. Got 5 tons
general merchandise PM freight. Gill family arrived, our
guests. Gill demonstrating Ford truck for Shonbeck.
Pyle ready to leave for Los Angeles, taking out 7 tons high grade
for Marion Twin Gold Mining Co. Snider’s car working again.
Radio mushy 11 PM 2YA, Wellington, New Zealand good.
September 10, 1929 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, evening rain. PM hauled over 4 truck loads of
new merchandise, got extra butter and eggs. Gill trying
out new 1½ ton Ford truck, only went to Lander warehouse.
Several went to Anchorage account Fair. Evening Anchorage radio
on with opening of Fair. J. A. Pyle left for Los Angeles.
September 11, 1929 Business good, sales
$156.10. Temperature 52 above. McDonald in, going
to put up old Martin tram and make ready for next seasons development
work on Martin Mine. Gill made trip to G. B. Cache, with demonstrating
Ford truck, in 55 minutes. Mrs. Gill left for Anchorage PM
train. Radio fair, KFQD on air with Anchorage Fair.
September 12, 1929 Business normal.
Misty day, 52 above. Gus bought the 1½ ton new Ford
truck. Hans got his new 1 ton Chevrolet truck. Gill
through demonstrating truck for Shonbeck and sold out. Shorty
bought old Cat from railroad for $500 account Willow Creek freight.
No radio till midnight, New Zealand, Sidney then on air .
September 13, 1929 Business normal.
Temperature 50 to 56 above, cloudy. Oscar Gill left for
Anchorage sold Ford truck to Gus. Eva, Shorty and Norman
went into ditch coming from Knik last night and stayed there all night.
Got 3 orders from north today. Evening radio mushy until 11
PM, 2YA, New Zealand, clear as a bell, very fine program.
Walter’s went to Anchorage hospital. Gus went to Anchorage to
complete car deal. Thorpe’s left for Outside.
September 14, 1929 First
windy day, +52. No mail train today, boat late.
Ellexson shipped $150 cow to Anchorage. Evening dance
on at Fairview. Stanley in with orders for ARC help. Leonard
Grau in, wanted to borrow money on his ranch to install mill on
Fishhook quartz mine.
September 15, 1929 Sunday, weather cloudy,
+50. Mail train at 4 PM mail not distributed. Charged
A battery. Evening no radio until 10:30, then heard clock
strike 8 o’clock at Wellington, New Zealand followed by fine program
until midnight our time. Mrs. Isaac back from Anchorage,
took Helmer out on Brill car. Evening rain.
September 16, 1929 Stanley now driving Cat
for ARC Willow Creek Mines closed down, trouble in management.
Bunch of miners came in PM. Got 3 truck loads freight.
Grau and Kloss, Hi-Grade, having financial trouble. Installed
#21 Ever Ready radio, brought in Los Angeles.
September 17, 1929 Business good, sales
$225.63. Temperature 48 to 60 above, rained most all day.
Willow Creek Road in bad condition. Unloaded forage in
track warehouse PM. Osborne and Smithy up from Matanuska.
Bogard in for supplies. Had a Sunny Knik raspberry shortcake.
Shorty deal off account Willow Creek Mines closing down account bad
roads, can’t haul in their freight. Evening brought in eleven
stations on new Ever Ready #21 set. Mushy weather for radio.
September 18, 1929 Business good, sales
$188.60. Someone stole 2 riding saddles from Hans at mountain
home barn. McDougal back from Anchorage. Mrs. St.
Clair arrived, went to farm to clean up and sell off outfit.
St. Clair going Outside account foot. McAllen in for coffee,
cancelled Anchorage order account closing down Mine. Midnight,
New Zealand came in OK.
September 19, 1929 Business good, sales
$247.78. Shipped 2 orders from Willow Creek Mines. Light
frost last night. Evening got out Seattle mail. Snider
got red baby tractor for his sedan car. Radio NG account big
moon and Teich’s dynamo. Midnight, New Zealand good.
Stanley in from Mabel and out. Radio in, with static.
September 20, 1929 First killing frost
last night. Shorty overhauling Stanley’s car, in bad shape.
Jack hauling lumber out to Gold Cord Mine to cover mill.
Hi-Grade Mine up in the air, Grau lost out, Wade bought old mill
off Fern Mine to install for half interest in Hi-Grade. Snider
trying to get in on Hi-Grade. Good radio from Japan, New Zealand
and Sidney.
September 21, 1929 Business normal. Shorty
finished patching up Stanley’s Nash car. Evening dance
on at Matanuska. Snider bought ¼ interest in Hi-Grade
Mine. Evening radio NG, northern lights and big moon.
Midnight, 2YA, New Zealand, came in on ear phones. Gold
Cord installing mill and $2,000 in debt, owe us for July, August and
September bills.
September 22, 1929 Sunday, busy in store
AM. PM fixed up store gas lamps, ready to light when
needed. Paid all rubber December 1st invoices. PM and evening,
raining. The schoolmarm went out with Jack to Gold Cord
Mine. Hi-Grade Mine finance still in the air. Stanley’s
ARC camp moved from Mabel Forks to Matanuska District. Radio
NG, too much static. Got New Zealand market report, Jersey cows
selling for 5 to 6 #.
September 23, 1929 Business good, cash sales
$140.90, credit $42.70. AM, cloudy, PM and evening usual
rain temperature 54 to 60 above. Dan Gray and Nick Brake
bought prospecting outfits. Wade paid old account, has
$900 coming from Golden Bear Mining Co. account haulage.
PM drove down to Vail’s for load wood and spuds. Stanley in
with ARC Cat. Evening radio NG, all static. 11:30, New
Zealand came in beautiful.
September 24, 1929 Business above normal.
Sunny today, 54 to 60 above. Had Shorty take up connecting rod
bearings on Olds car, bearings loose account thread stripped on
bolt. Stanley through with ARC. Snider and Wade signed
up for ½ interest in Hi-Grade Mine, Grau failed to come
through.
September 25, 1929 Business good, sales
$322.66. Sold 2 trappers outfits north. Shorty cleaned
carbon out of Olds car and ground the valves. Snider shipped
40 more mink. Evening got out hardware order. Radio
NG, static midnight. Play on at Sidney, Australia. Wrote
Harry J. Martin about #21 set. Goodyear tire man visited, wanted
me to take agency for tires. Radio NG.
September 26, 1929 Shorty finished Olds car,
now in A-1 condition takes grades on high. Stanley sold
his Nash sedan to Shorty for $300, cost him $500. Evening
got out merchandise orders. Natives on a drunk, said they
found gallon of White Mule on Walter’s trail. No radio.
September 27, 1929 Business above normal.
Rain most all day. Morgan, Libby’s man here, gave him a
fall order. Another peddler in town getting orders from
our customers. Merrill, Anchorage pilot, lost for 10 days.
Stanley and Eva went to Anchorage for weekend. 2YA New Zealand
only station on the air, came in clear.
September 28, 1929 Willow Creek Mines selling
out their 3 car load of lumber at $50 per M. Libby’s man
left for Anchorage. No mail train today, boat late.
Miss Minis up from farm. O. C. Miller bought a $75 outfit for ranch
and mine. Evening radio fair, fine program from Grand Opera House
Wellington, New Zealand. Stanley and Eva at Anchorage.
September 29, 1929 Sunday busy in store.
Mail train in PM. Clyde Baskett back from Hope, spent
summer with Hershey Quartz Mine. Another clothing peddler
in town. Ellexson’s 20th anniversary not a big success last
night. Evening radio good, tried out new #21 Eveready set.
Grand Opera now coming in from Wellington, New Zealand on old set,
heard at Chicago and Holland. Cloudy evening, usual rain, temperature
54 above.
September 30, 1929 Business good, sales
$324.71. Weather cloudy, temperature 44 to 50 above.
Got good order from Mabel Mine. Shipped ½ ton fox
feed to Caswell. Road to Matanuska, via railroad, bum.
Got 3 truck loads of merchandise, hauled it over and stored away.
Appointed census taker for Willow District, $6 a day for 8 hours
work and 7¢ a mile for auto in country. Evening on accounts.
KNX and KOMO came in good on Eveready #21 set. September sales $4,012.28.
October 1, 1929 First snow on Bald Mt. this
fall, rain at Wasilla and lower mountain peaks. Busy on
monthly statements. McDonald in, wired for money, August
and September bills unpaid Evening fine radio on Eveready
set, KSL, Salt Lake good. Tin can party for Mrs. Cad tonight.
October 2, 1929 Business good, sales
$137.55. Cloudy and cooler account snow on mountain peaks,
+42. Finished monthly statements at 3 PM. Mail train
went north. Stanley and Eva back from Anchorage. Early
evening, radio good but spoiled by Agent Teich motor. Hi-Grade
promoters up in air over mining expense. Fred Roscher talked
about shooting up the McNeil family, going nuts. Radio fair
10 to 11 PM.
October 3, 1929 Business normal, sales
$114.45. Stanley bumped Ma off as chief clerk for K. T. Co.
Self priced up some new goods. Cleaned spark plugs and
put in glass on oil indicator on Overland truck. PM delivered
Roscher’s grub at mile 7 ranch. Hauled over corrugated
roofing and rope. Evening on Seattle invoices. Radio
NG, mushy weather.
October 4, 1929 Weather colder, 32 to
44 above, snow on mountain peaks to stay. W. R. Law left
for Los Angeles, got Gold Cord mill operating. Clyde Burkett
went to Anchorage. Offered Clyde Burkett the census job
at $6 a day and 7¢ a mile for auto. Radio NG till Teich
shut down his electric plant, then KNX and 2YA came in good, some
static.
October 5, 1929 Froze a crust last night.
Mrs. Cad and McAllen back from Anchorage. Got boat mail,
1st time boat on time. Frank Cook here, through Inside.
October 6, 1929 Weather cloudy, 40 above.
Car coal, for winter use, arrived today. Fixed up coal
shoot and shoot to cellar coal bin. Capt. Sliver took contract
to unload car coal, 40 tons at $1 a ton in our bin. Evening radio
good but spoiled by Teich’s motor. Wellington, New Zealand
now coming in good, 9:20 their time.
October 7, 1929 Business good, sales
$223.40. Partly cloudy, evening rain, as usual, temperature
42 above. McNeil outfit unloaded ½ car coal.
Self fixing in and out of warehouse. Tom Cavanaugh bought
winter grub outfit including a case of malt syrup. Charged
A battery. Evening soft and mush, no radio. Got 2 tons
new groceries, fruit, etc. Snow half way down to timber line.
Agent Teich off on 10 day vacation.
October 8, 1929 Business 50% off.
Clear day, temperature 34 to 44 above. McNeil’s unloading
car of our coal. Gus in with lame back Young Kolaska
here after business. Leonard Grau fixing up Fabyan garage on
Main Street. Snider hunting cows with his auto. Evening
clear and colder but radio weak. Self on repair work all day.
October 9, 1929 Thirty five tons coal now in
bin, let Jack Frost come on, let Mabel have 3 tons, Wilmoth
Co. 2 tons. Received boat mail today. Mining engineer
here to inspect old Web Foot Mine. Radio spasmodic till 11
PM New Zealand now good. Gus now at Fishhook Inn.
October 10, 1929 Business good, sales
$141.55. Self in office all day on orders and Seattle mail.
Clyde Burkett agreed to do the enumerator job at Wasilla, wired in
my resignation. Shorty building garage. New Cat arrived
for Elmer Larson. Road Commission all through, moved up
Matanuska camp. Radio NG, came in late 10 to 12 .
October 11, 1929 Sales slow, collections
good. Noon, drove Eva and Ma out to Mrs. Anderson’s ranch,
mile 5, road in fine condition now. Shorty unloaded Elmer’s
Cat, going to try hauling freight over Fishhook Pass with new
Cat. Clyde Burkett got answer to my wire to census enumerator
that he could take Wasilla census. Radio very weak.
Weather cloudy, 50 above.
October 12, 1929 Business good, collections
fair. Temperature +40, cloudy with showers. Self
pricing up hardware and clothing. Elmer took out load lumber
with his new Cat via Fishhook summit to Lucky Shot Mine. Mrs.
Soper back from States. Evening hard time dance on at Fairview
schoolhouse. Evening raining, soft radio NG. Got fine
church service from Australia and band concert 12 to 1.
October 13, 1929 Sunday, ground white
this AM, light snow fell all day, temperature 30 to 34 above,
ground not frozen, snow melting fast, worse on roads. PM cleaned
and oiled store floor. Radio fair after Teich shut down his
electric motor. Paid for car of Healy coal and Seattle invoices.
Mrs. Cad had a crowd today at Wasilla Hotel. Clarence Marsh up
to trade. Heavy snow now on mountain peaks. Gold Cord owes over
$600. Radio fair, got news items. President Hoover and family gone
for outing.
October 14, 1929 Business good, sales $322.80.
Temperature 32 to 38, 4 snow fell last night. Business
good all day. J. K. Cram, mining engineer, after inspecting
mines at Fern and Mabel, left for Outside. C. H. Wilson
went to Anchorage. Got shipment of Lang stoves. Evening
radio good, 2YA New Zealand now coming in fine.
October 15, 1929 Lawrence in for grub outfit.
J. M. McDonald through at Martin Mine put up tram, repaired mill,
repaired buildings, left for Outside. Word came Alameda
went on the rocks in Wrangle Narrows on up-trip. Cunningham
and Anchorage Times inspecting roads in valley. Radio fair
for 2 hours. Tryck installed set. Poor Clara now in her
grave.
October 16, 1929 Business above normal.
Snowed 4” last night, 32 above today. Wet storm all day.
Horning back from Anchorage. Alameda got off rocks, and
now on way to Seward. Got back Hi-Grade check, no funds.
All Fishhook miners now on the bum for want of funds. Tommy
and Helmer cutting wood for Wasilla school. Made out 3 orders
for Seattle merchandise. Evening no radio, now midnight,
New Zealand coming in fair.
October 17, 1929 Business good, sales
$157.20. Partly cloudy, evening colder, temperature 28
to 32. Self busy on orders. Vic Olson and partner
bought an outfit. Cadwallader in town to sharpen up the butcher
knives, etc.? George Grennan in with vegetables.
Evening radio NG account moon. Tom Aureen in Anchorage, going
to Pioneer Home. Wilmoth paying his bills here. Jack Fabyan
hauling lumber from Matanuska. Snider butchered a beef.
October 18, 1929 Elmer stuck with new Cat,
sent for Shorty to fix her up out at Fishhook Inn. Clyde
back from taking census at Willow Creek. Wilmoth sore because
Clyde was appointed enumerator. Got order from Caswell.
KPO only station on air tonight. 2YA New Zealand coming in
good at 11:30 PM.
October 19, 1929 First cold wave of winter,
temperature 34 down to 8 above. Clyde now taking farmer
census. Herm in with dog team from Big Fish Lake. Now
6” of snow. Radio good 7 to 9 then moon fixed it. Got
cold in molars, plenty ache.
October 20, 1929 Sunday, quiet in town,
no cars moving. William Taylor moved from Harrison cabin
to his fur farm on west end of C. D. Johnson’s ranch. Harvey
through on section. Mike Sherry came in, had been sick at
mines. Payton in from GBM Co. Gold brick no, yes going
to wire Law for money. No radio until 11:30, concert from Wellington,
New Zealand came in fine. Ma not feeling well.
October 21, 1929 Cloudy, windy, 22 to
34 above. Got mail off to catch Alameda at Seward, she
went to Kodiak. Got hardware, Fink clothing, fruit, etc.
on PM freight, 2 truck loads. Stanley, Al and Harvey went
out to Hart cabin to round up a moose. No radio till 9 PM then
came in good. KPO with final singing girl and boy contest through
Silver Fizz program then 2YA Wellington, New Zealand came in fine.
Payton went to Anchorage with first gold brick and to wire for more
money to pay Golden Bear Mining Co. bill.
October 22, 1929 Chinook wind, 40 above, snow
about all gone. Stanley out after moose. Lana Loberg
ready for 2nd trip to trap line district near Caswell. Mrs.
Edlund on market with milk fed chickens. Shorty got garage
up, ready for roof. Evening agent Teich in to listen to radio,
radio weak.
October 23, 1929 Business good, sales
$198.75, all cash. A-1 summer day, temperature 42 above.
Ueeck bought trapping outfit for Nancy. Loberg and new
bride left for trap line at Caswell. Moose hunters got
back, Stanley got moose near mile 9. Evening radio weak.
Midnight, 8 Jap stations came in good. Al Walter’s over from
Palmer, bought ton spuds off him for March delivery.
October 24, 1929 Business good, sales
$318.63. Chinook wind, 44 above. Rush in store all
day. Lewis Gaston in, bought outfit. Willow Creek
Mines closed down for winter. Bear and Mabel Mines still
milling out ore. Gust Haller here to buy ticket to Sweden. Al
Harter got Stanley’s moose. Evening Stanley went out to pack
moose in. Lester Davis arrived from Anchorage by airplane,
drunk as usual.
October 25, 1929 Business good, sales
$140.85. B. B. Ueeck over to trade. Jacob Metz in for supplies.
Stanley went out to help pack moose out of woods to mile 4 on
road. Hi-Grade Mining Co. engine arrived. Mrs. Cad giving
away moose meat. Got 2 orders from north on railroad.
Lawrence at Anchorage for weekend.
October 26, 1929 Cloudy and
rain, 40 above. Stanley brought in moose, took all week
to get him and pack out of woods. Sam Guyot, M and M man,
arrived to get grocery orders. Evening dance on at school house.
Edlund bunch up from Anchorage. Shorty got roof on his new
garage. Snider went to Anchorage account Hi-Grade Mining Co.
Evening raining.
October 27, 1929 Sunday busy in store.
Gave Sam Guyot fill-in order on groceries, candy and tobacco.
Evening radio fair for 2½ hours. Paid Libby 10/17
bill, $641.36. There was 17 Edlund’s at the dance last night,
also mule. Peter Snider doing the town with car while his father
at Anchorage. Gold Bullion Mining Co.’s help came in, through.
October 28, 1929 Business good, sales
$163.60. Shipped 1 truck load on north freight. Got 4
truck loads Libby goods. Golden Bear Mining Co. help left
for Anchorage. Mr. Wann wanted lease on Grubstake Placer
on 50-50. Snider back from Anchorage, said Joe Palmer was in
hospital. Agent Teich got new radio set with power speaker.
Radio weak tonight.
October 29, 1929 Business normal, self
filled in cement crack around annex warm storage. Bill
Long in, drew his last years savings, $405, talking of going Outside.
Sam Kelly talking of going Outside for medical treatment account bad
stomach. Evening radio good. Tryck got his set working,
radio good 7 to 11 PM.
October 30, 1929 No Chinook, 40 above.
Busy marking hardware in warehouse, aft store. Patzack
down to trade. Ellexson lost half of mink, bought by Shorty
this fall off Snider. Payton back from Anchorage, did not call,
beat it for Gold Cord Mine. Ma’s 60th birthday and in better
health than in 5 years. Gave her usual birthday present, one
dollar, in gold, for each year. North wind. No radio.
October 31, 1929 Business good, sales
$292.20. Self busy pricing up Libby goods and Seattle invoices.
Jacob Metz and Watson in, also Bogard for merchandise.
October sales $4,417.01, ¾ cash. Warm Chinook wind,
no radio. Big blow on Pacific Coast. Stanley and
Eva talking of taking a trip to Seattle. Preaching at school
house.
November 1, 1929 Business 2/3 off.
Chinook wind, 36 to 46 above. Self on Outside mail and
monthly statements. Ira Payton left for Outside, leaving
Golden Bear Mining Co. bills unpaid. Shonbeck here looking
up Gold Bullion Mining Co. records on file. Shonbeck in $3,000
on Gold Bullion Mining Co. Shorty got his garage about completed.
Sent Mrs. Hartman and Chas Harrison their rent collections.
Radio NG. Teich burned out tube.
November 2, 1929 Business normal.
Cloudy sleet 32 to 34 above. Finished up monthly statements.
Nylan and Anderson over from Forest Hall to trade. Sam
Beck drove out drunk last night and landed in ditch, Shorty went
out today and got his car. Ellexson in with dual tires on rear
of car. Sprinkle of snow and rain most of day. Evening
no radio, all cracks. Engstrom in for supplies. Ellexson’s
gave us a duck, dressed. Finished statements, no radio.
November 3, 1929 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening, cleared and colder, down to 22 above. Cleaned
up all outside coal and put some in furnace bin. Mail train
arrived with Outside mail. Mrs. Hartman sent check to pay
Sharon for boarding his 2 silver foxes. Quiet in town.
Hans took a load to Fishhook. Evening no radio till 11 PM then
2YA, New Zealand. Ma gave a duck dinner.
November 4, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Snider on war path account of Indians building near his mink
ranch. PM freight brought balance of flour order, crockery,
work shirts and fruit, hauled 2 truck loads to store. Stanley
sent in new bond account treasurer Wasilla School. School
in session 2 months and no money. Radio spasmodic, Silver Fizz
and KPO fairly good, storms in States.
November 5, 1929 Put storm windows on east
end of annex warm storage. Sam Beck in for grub for Willow
Creek Mines, balance of help coming out Thursday, leaving 3 men
at mine. Evening pricing up new goods.
November 6, 1929 Business good,
sales $131.60. Temperature 32 above, ground froze up last
night, north Chinook wind today. Self busy on Seattle invoices.
Richard Bartholf, back from school in Anchorage, to work at Mabel
Mine. Evening Pacific Fruit Alaska program on the air
but NG at Wasilla. Heard opening song, Hello Alaska, How are
You?, then at Hyder and went dead at Juneau. Phoned for date
with dentist.
November 7, 1929 Business 1/3 off, weather
colder, 18 to 32 above. Lake Lucille froze over last night.
Last of Willow Creek Mine help in today. McAllen and 2 men
still getting samples of ore. Jim Patchell back from Chickaloon
to winter up at Wasilla. Paid all Seattle invoices. Made
date with Dr. Pollard to fix up my teeth tomorrow. Radio still
on the bum, bad weather on Pacific Coast. Al got a moose.
November 8, 1929 Self left for Anchorage 11
AM to have teeth fixed up, had 6 fillings in and teeth cleaned
by Dr. Pollard Dental Clinic. Put up at Hotel Anchorage.
Frank Hoffman there nursing broken ankle and Frenchy with blood
poison in one arm. Had one meal, didn’t go to show.
Answered Roe’s letter. Snowed at Anchorage, none at Wasilla.
Cost $20 for dental work.
November 9, 1929 Anchorage to Wasilla,
AM Met Billy Murphy and Bailes of Bailes and Keely.
Murphy suing George Palmer for money of Mike Murphy, deceased.
Got typewriter supplies, donuts and lamb steaks, left for home
1:45 PM. Hoffman returned to Matanuska. Met Jim Stewart
on train, returning to Fairbanks. Evening radio fair, 9 to 11
PM. Weather windy, 18 above. Joe Palmer returned to ranch.
Seattle bank merger.
November 10, 1929 Sunday quiet in town,
temperature +32. Clarence Marsh over with his “40 Mile”
Tin Lizzie to trade. Nolan Hudson got a moose. Mattie
made a loan to Eric. Charged A batteries. Evening radio
fine, Salt Lake hour best. Midnight, Wellington church service
came in fine. Evening on Outside mail.
November 11, 1929 Got ½ car load general
merchandise, hauled 3 truck loads to store, put balance in track
warehouse. Evening big wind but radio good for 2 hours.
Elmer Larson through freighting at Willow Creek Mines, mine closed
down. No skating, lakes still open.
November 12, 1929 Business above normal,
A-1 day, +42. AM unloaded forage in track warehouse.
Self cleaned furnace chimney and office chimney. Gus got
car Healy coal, Mrs. Cad took half of car. Party on at Sharon
Fleck’s for Stanley and Eva. Tryck’s now a radio bug.
Smithy over from Palmer with car.
November 13, 1929 Real spring day, frost
coming out of ground. AM, fixed up street crossing and
put coal in furnace bin. PM put storm canvas in old auto shed to
keep out snow. Lawrence left for McKinley Park for ARC.
Truitt, lawyer, here. Evening dinner party on at Ellexson’s
for Stanley and Eva. No radio, too warm.
November 14, 1929 Eva and Stanley making ready
for trip to Seattle. Alaska Railroad claims agent here
taking testimony account Harvey’s cabin being burned down by
section men last summer. Evening pulled off radio stunt
with phonograph Bristol attachment. Played records in office,
had loud speaker in balcony, used microphone to announce.
Dozen attended, thought it was KDYL Salt Lake. Stanley did
the announcing.
November 15, 1929 Business good, sales
$162.20. Temperature 14 to 28 above. Eva and Stanley
left for Seattle, also Sam Kelly and Clyde Burkett. Last
night fake radio program still good. Snider wrote in, thanking
KDYL for the all Alaska program pulled off by Stanley and self with
Bristol phono attachment and microphone. Ma now chief clerk
for K. T. Co. Pa buyer, bookkeeper, janitor and ?? Gus
back from Talkeetna.
November 16, 1929 Sprinkle of snow last night,
ground white, 2nd time. Roads good, cars operating between
Wasilla, Fishhook, Palmer, Matanuska and Knik. Got big
Outside mail. Stanley and Eva left Seward 11 AM on SS Yukon
for Seattle. Piston head for Shorty’s car arrived.
Evening big moon, no radio.
November 17, 1929 Fred Nelson placed a trapping
order, going to Hurricane Gulch. Colder today, temperature
8 to 14 above. Self busy around store most of day with order
for Monday freight. Ma complaining about rheumatism in legs.
Gus and Jack still hauling freight as far as Fishhook. Auto
roads good, cars coming from Palmer. Big moon, no radio.
Thorpe’s in Seattle.
November 18, 1929 Business good, sales
$235.50. Temperature 4 to 20, 2nd cold snap. Ellexson’s
out from Knik with veal. Fred Nelson left for Hurricane
Gulch, took over Frenchy’s trap line. Paddy Marion out at
Gold Mint Mine, trapping. Nolan Hudson left for Girdwood
and thence Outside. Sam Kelly, with Eva and Stanley, crossing
the Gulf to Juneau today. Lake Wasilla froze.
November 19, 1929 Bogard and Walters
in for merchandise. Wheeled over smoked meats and lard
from Depot. Jack and Gus still hauling freight to Fishhook
Inn. Mabel Mine doing development work. No school
past 2 days, teacher sick. Wired for Eveready loud speakers
for Al and Gus. No radio, all cracks.
November 20, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Chinook wind, temperature 20 to 24, snow all gone again.
Ma making ready for trip to Anchorage. Shorty hauling in
wood with Elmer Larson’s 6 wheel truck. School marm still
off duty. Let Pedro Goosmar contract to cut 5 ricks birch wood
at $2.50. Evening radio good 7 to 10 PM.
November 21, 1929 Home brew crowd in for supplies.
Zink’s bought a $50 order of grub. Mrs. Teich here from
Anchorage, camping on Henry’s trail. Jack Fabyan dragged
the road down to Fairview. No snow and thawing. Metz
in for merchandise. Radio fair.
November 22, 1929 Business normal.
Chinook wind, 32 to 36 above. Ma went to Anchorage for
weekend. Mrs. Cad and Mrs. Rutter went south on train today.
Overby, of Caswell Lake fur farm, arrived to buy merchandise. Hans
sawing wood at his ranch. Evening moved Eveready radio set
from balcony to Stanley’s room. Midnight, Long Beach came
in OK, radio 9 to 11 PM. Radio weak, raining all evening.
November 23, 1929 Got good orders from Caswell
and Gold Creek. Overby returned to Caswell after inspecting
Teich’s electric motor. Mrs. Cad and Ma back from Anchorage.
Mrs. Rutter, with trunk, kept going south? Rained hard all
last night and today, temperature 36 above. Letter from Stanley
at Juneau. Radio but weak.
November 24, 1929 Sunday. Busy
all day in store. Put up 3 orders for up railroad line.
Weather cloudy, 36 above all day. Ma not feeling very
well after weekend at Anchorage. Oscar Anderson, Gusta
and George Edlund went out to try their luck for a moose at Bald Mt.
Stanley and Eva supposed to be in Seattle now. Radio fair.
November 25, 1929 Business above normal.
PM rushed, shipped 1 ton north and got 3 tons Outside merchandise.
Spring day, warm wind, +36. Shorty making ready for house
warming in his new garage. Deposited school fund check, $2,535
in Anchorage Bank for Stanley and delivered checks for 3 months
due teacher and other bills. Evening radio fair but considerable
fading. Turkeys etc. arrived.
November 26, 1929 Lidell in from Lucky Shot
for grub packing same over summit. Fishhook summit closed
for traffic account snow. Long in for more grub. PM
drove out to mile 4, road full of ruts but dry. Sold all but
2 turkeys. Charged batteries. Evening radio fair, got
news from Oregonian, Portland. 9 PM snowing, summer off.
Radio fair.
November 27, 1929 Sold about all green stuff
and turkeys. Got Outside mail off of SS Rogers.
Packed away and checked down new goods. Mr. Teich and Chas
Cadwallader over here for turkey day. Early radio fair,
later got warm and was mushy, KPO best. Letter from Roe.
November 28, 1929 Open AM, closed PM
account Thanksgiving. Wired Stanley to cancel Harvey’s radio
order. Ordered 4 cases eggs. Had turkey dinner
at Wasilla Hotel. Wilson and Ellexson’s out from Knik.
Summer gone again, evening snowed 6”. Radio fair early
then late KPO best. Stanley in Seattle. Lander now outside.
November 29, 1929 Today, Eva, Stanley and Sam
Kelly in Seattle, Sam account stomach trouble. Got trapper
order from Nancy. Quiet in town. Lester Davis went
south on mail train. Evening Chinook wind, snow going fast.
Radio poor, all cracks, New Zealand and Japan came in. Harry
Flood staying with Bill Long, broke as usual. Evening +32.
November 30, 1929 Chinook
wind, +38, rain. Evening house warming on at Shorty’s
new garage. Ellexson’s out from Knik. Evening snow
all gone on Wasilla streets. Got Outside mail, Mrs. Hartman
wrote that Thorpe’s paid them a visit. Evening radio very
weak account raining. Ma got a cold. November sales
$2,901.83.
December 1, 1929 Sunday. Busy,
AM, pricing new candy. Snow all gone again in Wasilla.
Matanuska schoolmarm quit, Lester Davis got Hans to take her
home, Davis followed with Jack’s car, run into Hans, did some damage
to steering gear. Evening got out monthly statements.
KSL and 2YA fair on radio Hard Scotch society meet in Wellington, New
Zealand.
December 2, 1929 Business 1/3 off.
Sunny day, +28 to +30. Got 2 tons freight on PM train,
had Hans haul it to store. Davis chartered gas car and
went to Anchorage. Evening radio supplies came, loud speaker
for Gus and Al Harter. Early radio good then died out.
Banker, Ervin, left for Anchorage.
December 3, 1929 Business 1/3 off, weather
partly cloudy colder 20-26 above. Bill Long in from mile
4, going to Knik tomorrow. Gus in from Fishhook Inn, still
hauling coal to Mabel and Fern Mines. Evening hooked up 2
hot shots for A battery on Eveready set, worked OK. Put new
B batteries on Federal set, radio weak this evening. Heard piece
played for Ross Kenney of Nome. Radio weak.
December 4, 1929 Business ½ off.
Weather colder, +6 this AM, this makes 3rd cold snap.
Jim Hansen back from Anchorage. Cadwallader went to Anchorage.
Evening 2nd Pacific Fruit - Alaska program, heard first of it
then too much static. KNX and KGO fair but KOMO no good, as
usual. Bill Long went to Sunny Knik. Gus still hauling
with truck to Fishhook Inn. Hans hauling wood from his ranch mile
3.
December 5, 1929 Business froze up, temperature
18 to 20. Got out Seattle mail. Wrote to Stanley
to buy bell for Wasilla School. Sam Beck in from mines.
Metz in for mail. Radio NG. Ma sent May Kellogg $2 for
souvenir roster of Alaska (check came back). Radio NG.
December 6, 1929 Business normal, cold
wave, zero to 18 above. Big game and gamblers all drunk
last night. Sam Beck took Gaston and grub out to Martin
cabin, mile 12. Rushed with mail. Sent Anchorage Bank
deposit by Nick Pykle. Till in from Lucky Shot Mine.
Evening radio good 9 to 11 PM. Anchorage on air account lost man
at Tyonek, also read news. Stanley’s birthday. Answered
Roe’s letter.
December 7, 1929 Business normal. Cold
wave on, -4 at 7:30 AM, +8 at noon, -4 evening. Gus in for supplies
for Mabel Mines. Sam Beck got back from Martin cabin with
his car. Got first letter from Stanley in Seattle.
Eva had all her upper teeth out, also her tonsils. Stanley
bought radio for Harvey. Radio NG account moon and too cold.
December 8, 1929 Sunday, zero weather,
-4 to +8. Put up flies to close off balcony during cold weather.
Shorty towed in Sam Beck’s car from Doherty ranch, booze run
out there last night. No radio, antenna covered with frost.
Evening put inside antenna in balcony of store, got 2 whistles.
December 9, 1929 Business good, sales
$142.90. Temperature +6 to +10. Busy all day in
store. Roy Cornelius brought Shorty’s joy riders back
from Matanuska. Shorty’s car went on the bum. Bill
Long irrigating with the gang. Lester Davis back, was at Matanuska
a week trying again for schoolmarm. McAllen, Ulsh and gang
through at Willow Creek Mines. McAllen went to Anchorage.
Got 17 boxes of apples on PM freight. Evening no radio played
phonograph.
December 10, 1929 Bogard and Moshier in for
merchandise. Wade in from Hi-Grade Mine to round up his
help, out at Wasilla on vacation drunk. Paddy Marion told
the drunks to stay away from his house. Elmer and Shorty drove
to Junction to tow back Shorty’s car. Lots of auto traffic
down Knik Road? Big moon, radio NG. Heard KNX on last 2
numbers.
December 11, 1929 Business good, sales
$140.70. Temperature -4 at 7 AM. Put up notice
that no more private checks cashed, only in payment of merchandise.
Snider trapped a silver cross fox near his ranch. McAllen
back from Anchorage. Gus in from Fishhook Inn. Wade
still here, fell in with wet gang. Wired Stanley for odd merchandise.
Radio fair, KGO and KNX 2 hours. Ellexson’s out from Knik
with car.
December 12, 1929 Big booze party on, down
Knik Road, cars running till 2 in morning. Snider loaded
Hi-Grade bunch in Elmer’s truck and started them for mines,
wet vacation now over. Self got stiff neck. Radio
NG account big moon. Evening got out Seattle mail. Sent
Stanley and Eva $10 for Christmas, also $12.50 due on Rutter radio.
December 13, 1929 Business ¼ off.
Sunny day, temperature zero to +8. Elmer found Wades
gold watch and coat lost in last nights parade by the wet gang.
McAllen and Ulsh left for Anchorage. McAllen through with
Willow Creek Mines, leaving for good, so reported. Self not
feeling well account stiff neck, went to back and lungs. Ma did
most of work today. Radio but weak. Snider doing Anchorage.
December 14, 1929 Christmas shoppers
in for merchandise. Got letter from Stanley, no word
from Sam Kelly since he went to Tacoma to look up old partner
Ballard. Got notice of interest due on Burnap farm.
Evening radio but weak on account of big moon. Harvey’s new
set not working. Evening looked over big mail. Got order from
Saindon at Palmer, to go tomorrow.
December 15, 1929 Sunday, busy around
store AM. Temperature colder, 4 below to 8 above, clear
and chilly. Posted up cash register sheets. PM restrung
indoor antenna in balcony, got up 150’ piano wire, gets Outside
stations and reception weak these days. Evening heard good
church music on Eveready set then KJR came in good on Federal set
9 to 10. Elmer Larson drove truck to Junction for one of Wade’s
horses account Cache Creek freight. Radio fair.
December 16, 1929 Sales, $125.40.
Temperature 6 below to 14 above. Gus and Elmer Larson left
for Cache Creek with 6 horses to haul 20 tons freight from Talkeetna.
Got 1 ton groceries, hardware, drugs and Christmas from Fry and
Co. Ellexson’s not out from Knik today. Self hauled
over freight on Yukon sled. (Name too faded to read)
back from ARC McKinley Park after building warehouse. Evening
big moon and no radio. Snider back from Anchorage.
December 17, 1929 Sales $101.99. Priced
up new drugs and paid Seattle invoices. Bogard in with
sheep meat. Zero weather, big moon and no radio coming over.
Lawrence returned to his ranch. Hans drove car to Fishhook
Inn. Self got old pain in stomach. White and Nylen over
from Palmer.
December 18, 1929 Sales ¼ off,
temperature 6 below AM, zero all day. Self still ailing
around the bowels. Sharon pelted one of Mrs. Hartman’s silver
foxes and delivered same to us. Paid board bill, $33, $5 for
pelting will buy other fox for $165. Evening Anchorage radio on,
said they found a head on beach near Kenai, supposed to be pilot Merrill,
lost in airplane some 6 weeks ago. Church on at school house tonight.
Radio KPO good for 2 hours.
December 19, 1929 Sales $128.55. Ellexson’s
out from Knik, brought Snider some ducks then drove to Junction
to see Marsh’s new baby. Forty Mile Miller in to run Hans
roadhouse until after Christmas account vacation by Hans and wife.
Christmas trade fair. Evening KNX fair for 1 hour. Evening
cloudy and 20 above.
December 20, 1929 Business rotten today,
2/3 off, temperature 10 to 20 above. Got candy invoice,
delayed somewhere one week. Shorty took over ½ horsepower
gas engine to try and make it charge batteries. Shorty
moved into 2nd floor of his new garage. Hans and family
left for weeks vacation. KPO fair, no other stations.
December 21, 1929 Business normal, Christmas
shoppers out. Sidney Black in from Mabel Mine for odd
merchandise and to meet Jean Horning going to mines to spend Christmas
with parents. Shorty drove them out with Snider’s car.
Hans and Gus out of town. Patzack down for Christmas supplies.
Got big mail, no word from Kelly at Tacoma, reported by Stanley.
Evening radio good, 7:30 to 9 PM. Christmas doings at Fairview
tonight.
December 22, 1929 Sunday quiet in town.
Put up 20 Christmas candy packages. Charged A batteries.
Filled furnace coal bin. Sam Beck still meandering around
for wet goods. Evening no radio. Shorty building saw out on
skids, run by gas engine to saw wood or ice. Weather cloudy.
December 23, 1929 Business fair, sales
$104.10. Zero weather. Shorty hauled over 2 loads
freight, PM with Elmer Larson’s truck. Got green stuff for Christmas.
Got 2 Victor phonographs and bunch records. Sam Beck drove
out to Fishhook Inn to deliver Christmas goods and mail to Hi-Grade
Mine. Lu Loberg and bride back from trap line. Evening played
new records on Victor portable, sounded clear. Paul Wavrick
arrived. No radio, Anchorage on w/ Merrill message.
December 24, 1929 Business normal.
Small Christmas trade all day. Temperature -2 to -14,
heavy fog came in from Knik Arm, trees and everything snow white.
Paul Wavrick and wife here from Sutton Coal Mines to spend Christmas
at old camping ground. Mary Vail took her sick lover to Anchorage.
Evening school Christmas exercises at school house. Ellexson’s
out form Knik. Bogard in with mutton. Frosty, no radio.
Gave ladies box of Christmas candy. Sam Beck back from Hi-Grade.
December 25, 1929 Very quiet in town,
only a few in for turkey dinner. Ellexson’s out from Knik
for dinner and dance. Mrs. McBeth left for Fairbanks to
spend vacation with husband, hasn’t seen him for 2 years.
Ma got rheumatism in back at Christmas doings last night.
Ma put up good turkey dinner. Stanley and Eva in Seattle.
KPO only radio.
December 26, 1929 Business 2/3 off today,
temperature 2 to 14 above. Got another Outside mail but
no word from Stanley. Sent Stanley $5 check account cash
register supplies and Victor needles. Sam Beck broke and looking
for credit. Mary Vail’s fellow said to be going nuts.
Got nice Christmas presents from Art and Carrie and family, Everett,
Mass. Paid all Seattle invoices. Evening getting windy,
no radio, tried to snow but quit.
December 27, 1929 Business 50% off, weather
cloudy, 16 to 20 above. Got off Outside mail, no more for
10 days account 10 day schedule until April. Bill Long visiting
Blodgett and Herman over Christmas. Paul Wavrick and family
left for Cordova, looking for a business opening. Paid Paul
$25 account 2 tires sold to Smithy. No radio until Jap and
New Zealand came on.
December 28, 1929 Business normal, rush
at train time. Got 2 orders from up railroad line.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with car. Mrs. Walters and Soper
kid back from Anchorage. Ma got Christmas package from Allen
Rogers. Insurance covering 1930 arrived on stock, buildings and
fixtures. Evening tried out new $135 Victor phonograph.
No radio till 11 PM KFI Midnight Frolic fair. Shorty
moved new gas sawing outfit to school wood yard for try out.
December 29, 1929 Quiet city, temperature
-3 to +4, 11 PM was -14. Shorty and Snider sawing up school
wood. Sam Beck joy riding Loberg and Soper bunch.
Hans and family back from Anchorage vacation yesterday. Forty
Mile Miller left for ranch. PM charged A batteries. Burton
and Hansen in from trap line, only got a few weasels. Early
evening, radio fair, later NG.
December 30, 1929 Sales $115.85.
Morning temperature -28, -20 at noon, -30 at 8 PM. Sold
coal stove and pipe, oil, etc. Hardware sales $48.20.
Hans water system froze up last night. Bill Long back from
visiting Blodgett and Gronwoldt at Pittman. Mrs. Blodgett
not well. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage. Shorty overhauling
½ HP gas engine to charge batteries. Evening radio good,
all stations and Jap’s.
December 31, 1929 Business 1/5 off.
Cold snap, -32 at 7 AM, -18 in evening. Started on inventory.
Ma on grocery shelf goods. Self took forage in railroad
warehouse and store warehouse an ice cream, cold job. Shorty
got railroad ice contract. Six Shooter Bill OK now for eats.
Radio fair, heard Hollywood and Seattle blow the old year out and
new year in. Good program at St. Francis Hotel San Francisco.
December sales $2,529.54.
1930
January 1, 1930 Closed PM busy on inventory.
Ma finished groceries on shelves. Temperature -3 AM,
evening, down to -10. Got out monthly statements for mail.
Got letter from Stanley and Eva in Seattle. Ma and Pa chief
clerks for K. T. Co. Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage.
Evening, dance on at schoolhouse. Got ½ of Pacific
Fruit Alaska program, Holy Cross to Nome. Ma took in barn
dance. Cloudy, -10, radio fair.
January 2, 1930 Business ½ off.
Temperature -20, no one out. AM took inventory in basement,
PM in annex. Gene Horning in from Mabel Mine on way to
Anchorage. Evening, radio good 6 to 12 PM. Got KVI Tacoma
Theater Program 12 PM. Paid Insurance premium on $1,200 ($312).
All well at Wasilla.
January 3, 1930 Business 1/3 off. Ma and self
finished inventory in grocery department, clothing and part of
hardware yet to take. Mrs. DeMars on train going to Indian
Creek. Gene Horning left for Anchorage. Jack drove
Nels Larson out to mile 12 hunting camp at old England cabin.
Cadwallader left for Anchorage, also Mrs. Snider account teeth.
Evening radio fair on Eveready set 6 to 9 then northern lights shut
off wave.
January 4, 1930 Business normal, -10 at 7 AM.
Busy on inventory. Wilson back from Anchorage. Collection
of monthly bills slow. Ma feeling good, chief clerk and
taking inventory. No Outside mail, no boat in. Radio
poor, Jap’s coming in now with string instruments. Days growing
a little longer.
January 5, 1930 Sunday, busy on inventory.
Ma finished drugs, self in oil house and warehouse aft of store.
Warmed up to 16 to 20 above. Big wet dance on at Vail’s last
night. PM charged A batteries. Evening, pricing on
inventory. Radio NG, weak and cracky.
January 6, 1930 Business normal, sales
$116.70. Temperature 20 to 34 above, cold wave broken
by blizzard, AM cleared PM 34 above. Everybody out
today with storm. Schoolmarm back from “honeymoon” at Fairbanks.
Got 2 orders but no freight till 13th and 15th. Ma started
on clothing inventory. Shorty started on railroad ice contract.
Sharon drove car to Cottonwood for 2 breeding foxes. Joe Brassel
bought camp outfit.
January 7, 1930 Self finished tobacco
inventory. School opened today after Christmas vacation.
Shorty building skidway to load railroad ice. Sam Beck overhauled
his car, busted cylinder head with hot water. Hans hauling
wood from ranch. Evening, on inventory Ma took sox, shorts
and underwear. Radio NG, got Salt Lake on E. R. set and KNX on
Federal set, weak.
January 8, 1930 Business normal. Warmer,
30 to 40 above. Davis and Loberg bought grub outfit for
Caswell trap line. Ellexson’s out from Knik with car.
Joe Brassel left for trap line again, his nephew Chas Burton,
going Outside. Busy on inventory. Had Victor fill
furnace coal bin. McNeil’s up against it for grub, as usual.
Engstrom in for merchandise. No radio until KNX, Silver Fizz
Program came on. Wrote Bill Bates that we sampled Silver Fiz
to play a number for Stanley in Seattle.
January 9, 1930 Business 1/3 off, temperature
34 above all day, PM showers, evening, raining 10 to 1 o’clock.
Self took nails, rope, handles, etc. in hardware dept. inventory.
Ma finished dry goods in balcony. Harvey Rutter home, has
radio but lost his bride last October. Relief flyers out for
Eielson in Bering Sea District are lost too. KNX and 2YA only
radio tonight.
January 10, 1930 Business good, sales
$125.55. Rained all night, snowed 3” this morning.
Sent Outside mail. Charley Burton left for home in Michigan.
Vail went to Anchorage account toothache. Henry Lewis arrived
from McKinley Park, went to Junction with auto thence to Anchorage.
Simeon Esi and family down from Nancy. Pricing up inventory.
Radio spasmodic.
January 11, 1930 Business normal, big
rush at train time. Big Outside mail, letters from Stanley
and Eva. Sam Kelly looking better. Shorty’s
ex-wife, his nurse in Tacoma. Self on hardware inventory,
ma on notions. Zero weather to 10 above today. Lawrence
in for merchandise, asthma giving him trouble. Heavy storms
in northern states. Kansas City snowbound. Radio fair.
January 12, 1930 Several looking for
mail but Post Office closed. Sam Beck joy riding the Edlund
bunch. No work on ice today account no cars to load. Evening,
moved Eveready radio set along side Federal set, worked better, reception
weak account big moon and cold. Got Salt Lake, Hollywood and Seattle
on loud speakers. Evening, got out-mail, sent poetry on a Prospectors
Trip to Willow Creek Mines, 1914, to the Alaska Weekly.
January 13, 1930 Business ½ off.
Got 4 tons Seattle freight, put 3 tons in railroad warehouse.
Ellexson went to Anchorage account teeth. Shorty got cars
and on ice job again. Evening overhauled Eveready set, put
in 171-A power tube and 22½ C battery, worked a little better
but not as loud as old Federal set. Ma finished notion
inventory. Ma troubled with swelling in knees. Shipped
1 ton to Caswell.
January 14, 1930 Business 2/3 off, busy
on inventory. Weather 4 below zero to 6 above zero.
Got inventory about done, except shelf hardware, some job.
Jack Fabyan moved into upper floor of his garage from Nellie Hartman’s
cabin. Cad’s made last payment on Wasilla Roadhouse deal
for credit of Mrs. Hartman. Fine sledding now, last rain froze
ice then covered with 3” of snow. Radio weak account big
moon.
January 15, 1930 Business ¼ off.
Temperature 8 above to 10 below, roads fine, only 3” snow.
Ellexson back from Anchorage. Shorty hauling 2 cars ice
per day. Bogard in for supplies. Self working on shelf
hardware inventory, Ma through on clothing. Old Eric gone
to Anchorage, stung Ma for $20, Nels Larson for $75 and several others
for small amounts. Paid Seattle invoices. Radio NG
account cold and big moon, died out 9 PM. Mary’s fellow up
early to see the Judge.
January 16, 1930 Business slow, 50% off.
Found out McNeil borrowed $5 from Hans and same from Wilmoth
on $5 bounty check, then got $5 merchandise on same from K. T.
Co. ready for jail. Tommy McNeil in from trap line, got coyote.
Evening, monkeyed 2 hours adjusting new power tube in 61 set.
Radio NG, signals weak account moon. Ma pricing and adding
up clothing and grocery inventory. Got out Seattle mail.
Friese in, said he locked up Metz cabin. Metz at Anchorage on jury.
January 17, 1930 Business rotten, 2/3
off. Good chance to work on inventory. Ma busy as a fly on
a dung heap pricing totals on grocery and clothing inventory.
Self now on shelf hardware and some job. Teich’s electric
radio disturber idle, hence fair radio from 4:30 to 8 PM.
Moon came up and no more radio till 10 PM. Mailed Mrs. Hartman,
Cadwallader check, final payment on roadhouse deal covering stock
and rental for 1 year. Elmer Larson at Cache Creek hauling
freight. Mary’s fellow quit her, so he said.
January 18, 1930 Lewis Gaston in from Martin
cabin, mile 12, for more supplies going to pack Fern mail.
Sam Beck drove car to mile 12, road closed 12 to Fishhook Inn.
No Outside or local mail. PM charged battery. Evening,
radio fair but falling. Mary’s fellow looking for work, cut wood or
anything to eat, love match off. Ellexson’s in from Knik for supplies.
Wilmoth wrote McNeil letter account false pretences on $5 check.
January 19, 1930 Sunday, quiet in town.
PM on hardware shelf inventory. Wilmoth’s letter to McNeil
effective, paid the $15 he got on a $5 bounty check. Vail
dance last night was a failure. Sam Beck rustling around
for women but no one would go. Sent Stanley $5 check account
office supplies, also sent Albert S. Johnson bill for collection $194.70,
interest $27.25, our statement January 15, 1930, bill January 1928.
Radio NG, cracky.
January 20, 1930 Business OK, sales $141.
Temperature 20 to 32 above. Herman down from Big Lake for
outfit. Al Harter went to Anchorage. Evening, radio
good, got England Armament Conference, King George spoke 1:45 midnight,
opening the World Conference followed by representatives from all
nations. Big roar in hookup but could hear speakers OK.
Ramsey McDonald, chairman of conference, made a fine speech on world
peace, conference closed.
January 21, 1930 Took inventory of locks, files,
hinges, etc. in hardware department. Fosket in for oil
and feed. Fat Campbell over from Palmer with Ford car for
fox wheat. Wagner got non-literate from Anchorage to work on
section, broke as usual. Got four orders for next freight north.
Radio weak tonight except KPO, very good. KNX and KOMO very
weak. Cold all day, evening, 6 below zero.
January 22, 1930 Spuds 3½¢, carrots
5¢ a pound. Mail train today because boats late at
Seward. Wired Stanley for forage and Ma not well, rheumatism
in knee and back, better come home on 20th boat. Hans drove
car to mile 12. Lawrence not well, got asthma. Ellexson’s
out from Knik. Evening radio fairly good, KPO, KNX and KJR,
some static account cold.
January 23, 1930 Temperature
4 below to 14 above. No mail train yet this week account
boats late at Seward. Sidney Black in from Mabel Mine for
their mail. Got 4 shipments ready for north freight.
Took more of hardware shelf inventory. Mr. Ketchum here auditing
Agent Teich’s accounts. Evening radio weak only got KNX and KJR
request programs.
January 24, 1930 Business 50% off. Sidney
Black waiting for mail. Got 2 mails PM off Northwestern
and Rogers. Letter from Stanley tired of Seattle.
Mr. Ketchum returned to Anchorage. Mary’s fellow turned over
his new cabin to Mrs. Vail and quitting the Vail bunch and moving
up town. Did some on shelf inventory. Ma “eat ‘um” sawdust
and totaled up her inventory in grocery and clothing. Three
tons freight due tomorrow. Radio NG till 10 PM then KNX good
but low volume. Self got tooth bothering again.
January 25, 1930 Got 3 tons freight PM train
north. Shipped one ton merchandise north. Teich
went to Caswell to install electric plant for O and O. Shorty
about through with ice cutting. Hans drove Sid Black out to 28.
Harry Saindon arrived with load of grain hay for Snider ranch, bought
$50 grub outfit. Evening dance on at school house, the Wilmoth’s
playing again after being bumped off for a year. Early evening,
radio fair, later all static, a change in the weather coming.
January 26, 1930 Sunday, weather warmer,
10 to 20 above. Saindon took in dance last night, left
this AM for Palmer. PM installed radio station WAZ in K.
T. Co.’s annex with phone bell and town clock striker, now ready
to broadcast in store. Shorty finished railroad ice contract.
Jack Fabyan still remodeling old Hylan barn into garage and living
quarters overhead. Got out Seattle mail 1 AM.
January 27, 1930 Al Harter and Joe Palmer bought
outfit for prospecting in Alfred Creek District. L. Gaston
moved into town from mile 12, now mailman for Fern Mine.
Shorty loaded 2 extra cars of ice for railroad, finished up job
today. Charged A battery PM, got fine program, old time songs
on KPO. Evening, run off new records on Bristol phono attachments.
Midnight, wind blowing hard.
January 28, 1930 Wind blew iron off Hans garage,
paper off Aureen’s bungalow and off Hartman’s garage.
Only local town people out today. Ma complaining with
pain in right shoulder. Took more shelf hardware inventory.
Evening, KPO and KNX radio fairly good.
January 29, 1930 Big wind died out at noon,
nailed back 2 sheets iron lifted on roof of railroad warehouse.
Did some of hardware inventory, took shoe findings. Crosson
found Eilson’s plane broken up 90 miles east of North Cape and
trading schooner, “Nanuk” in ice pack, no sign of aviators.
Evening, Pacific Fruit All Alaska Program good, from Fairbanks to
Anchorage and Wasilla. Got big ad. mining, fishing, berries and
spuds.
January 30, 1930 Another big wind, 18 above
zero. Lawrence in from mile 12, going to Anchorage for
treatment. Got our orders for fill-in merchandise.
Took auto supply inventory. Hans took Nels Larson out to mile
12 trap line. Ma complaining about cold back. Snider pulling
up ice. Harvey getting some radio. Got new B batteries,
old ones NG.
January 31, 1930 Business slow, 3 days
of big wind. Lawrence, Beck, Gaston and Mrs. Edlund went
to Anchorage. No one in account big wind. Rang up all
monthly accounts. January business 40% below October and
November. Shorty went to Anchorage to get his railroad
ice money. Evening, booked up WAZ radio program for future dedication.
Outside radio NG account wind, KNX came in 10 to 11 o’clock PM.
Ma complaining about pain in shoulder.
February 1, 1930 Bill Long in, bought grub
outfit. Wasilla gang back from Anchorage. Shorty
paid off ice workers. Stanley arrived from Seattle on PM
train, had good boat trip. Eva stayed in Seattle account teeth.
Got out all monthly statements. Thorpe’s sent word for Dan
to start the home brew. Evening, no radio, storm coming from
south east. Al Harter left his cat here while on prospecting
trip.
February 2, 1930 Sunday, Gus and Elmer
Larson back from Cache Creek hauling PM. Moved WAS broadcasting
outfit into Stanley’s room from annex completed program list of
12 numbers to broadcast by Bristol phonograph combination.
Stanley came home with a cold, sleeping in his old bedroom at home.
February 3, 1930 Stanley chief clerk again
for K. T. Co. Self filled furnace coal bin. Got
3 orders from up railroad line but too late to pack for freight
this PM. Got forage and produce on PM freight. Evening,
radio NG. School board had a meeting. Wilmoth run a stick
in his eye up by Loberg’s. Radio weak.
February 4, 1930 Business normal, snowed
a sprinkle last night. Jacob Metz in with lynx skin,
caught on his ranch. Hans hauled over 2 loads feed.
Gaston took out-mail for Hi-Grade Mine. Vick Olson in from
Hans ranch. McNeil caught an otter, so is eating again.
Evening, no radio until 10 PM then snowing causing static.
Paid Seattle invoices. Evening warmer.
February 5, 1930 Sent 3 shipments north by
express account no freight for 10 days. Bogard in with
meat and to get supplies. Ellexson’s in from Knik with
fresh eggs and butter. Evening, Stanley tried out Harvey’s
radio on our old aerial, worked OK. Good radio from 5 PM till midnight.
Sent Roe Wasilla weekend picture and Metz ranch picture. Paid
Griffith taxes, $3.20.
February 6, 1930 Business normal, -12
below AM, -20 11 PM. George Nylan and party over from
Palmer to trade, Wasilla - Palmer road good for auto cars only
3” snow. Bill Long on his high horse because we forgot his
milk. Made out Libby order, milk, etc. Evening, self
had sudden stomach ache, no supper OK now, 12 midnight. Radio
but very weak, midnight, down to _______. Hans drove Lawrence
out to mile 12.
February 7, 1930 8 AM 42 below
zero at Fairbanks. Wilmoth went to Anchorage account sliver
in eyelid, not Capt. Sliver. Snider and several others went
to Anchorage. Stanley set up type in autograph machine to
print masquerade ball notices. Kloss and Wade in from Hi-Grade.
Evening, radio fine 9 to 12 PM. Big fire in Seattle, came over
the radio.
February 8, 1930 Temperature -26 at 8 AM, cold
wave still on. Paddy Marion going to move log building
down from Pittman to Wasilla and rebuild for Jacobs family.
Nobody in today, too cold. Agent Teich went to Fish Lake
to sell another electric lighting plant. Evening, radio good,
just heard a phone call from Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Pittsburg, PA to
KNX for a request number, first time. Self got little cold.
February 9, 1930 Sunday. Busy in store,
temperature +6 today. Self nursing first cold of winter
got it broken by evening. Big dinner for school board, given
by ABP McBeth, teacher. Radio good at low volume.
Re-wrote WAZ broadcasting program, now ready to pull off in K. T.
Co. store. Wilmoth at Anchorage account sliver in eye.
February 10, 1930 Took more of hardware inventory
and totaled up footings. Lana’s car froze up, can’t turn
her over. Sam Beck still joy riding to Home Brew City?
Section foreman from Pittman and Houston down to trade. Evening,
no radio so practiced on WAZ Wasilla program with Bristol phono
attachment. Ma still having trouble with knees swelling.
Light wind all day, still zero weather.
February 11, 1930 Business 40% off, 18
below. Stanley and self about completed shelf hardware inventory.
Snider told his troubles about ill-minded people in town minding
his own business. Wilmoth had wood sliver removed from eyelid
today at Anchorage hospital. Quiet in town, drunks now broke.
Evening, run up footings on hardware inventory. Radio fair
but no volume account fog on Pacific Coast.
February 12, 1930 Business slow but cold,
Ma good. Temperature 20 below zero at 8 PM. Five
ranchers in to trade. Told Sharon that Nellie was holding
him on offer to buy silver fox. No mail train today, boats
late at Seward. Still on shelf hardware inventory, bolts and
horse shoes yet to take and harness gear. Evening, no radio, all
snaps etc. Henry Lewis rented Harrison cabin. February
22nd Masquerade Ball notices out.
February 13, 1930 Business normal.
Temperature -26 at 8 AM. Cold wave still on, moon full
tonight. Snider put up $40 more for Hi-Grade Mine.
Wade in for grub and mail, said they were in good ore. Sam Beck
drove Wade to Junction for his mail. Joe Brassel in from trap
line. Got big mail PM train north. Radio NG, KNX 1 hour
only.
February 14, 1930 Business normal, -24
and zero all day. Ma left for weekend at Anchorage and
to see about lame knee. Bob Struck on bond and clothing deal
at Snider’s. Snider paid him wages for time there and fired
him. Lester Davis back from Caswell fur farm.
February 15, 1930 Business normal, -26
7 AM. Cold wave still on, -10 to -26. Sent 1 shipment
to Caswell. Ma at Anchorage, sent us up some Baker’s stuff,
no Outside mail. Our PM still in hospital, his eye reported in
bad shape. Evening, dance on at Fairview, Elmer Larson took
crowd with his truck. Evening not even a whistle on radio.
Evening, warmer and light wind.
February 16, 1930 Sunday, light wind
and snow, warming up. Stanley and Gus drove to Palmer,
roads fine for autos. Ma doing Anchorage and doctoring
lame knee. Evening, 8 to 9 put on WAZ radio program.
Run wire to Wasilla Hotel and installed loud speaker. Did
operating in Stanley’s bedroom. The 14 numbers played went
over big with foreign hook up, Honolulu and Wellington, New Zealand.
Big crowd at hotel and none got news that self was doing the sending,
Stanley acted as guard. The number for all Wasilla bachelors
from Eva in Seattle was a big hit. K. T. Co.’s station on the
air.
February 17, 1930 Only bolts, harness gear
and round iron to take on hardware inventory. Wrote Ma
at Anchorage to stay and take treatments of helping her knee trouble.
Lester Davis moved down to Snider’s ranch. Evening, no radio,
put in new tubes. Teacher put Billy Tryck out of school because
his dog
howled.
February 18, 1930 Temperature -18 to +18 today.
Filed away all 1929 invoices. Sent claim for sack oats
short to Lilly, as we had no original B/L. Answered Paul
Y. Prather’s October letter, now with Quaker Oat Co. San Francisco.
Evening, took portable Victor set apart and fixed governor, as
screw came loose. Stanley took bolt inventory. Ma still
at Anchorage with game knee. No radio. Mr. Cad elated
over WAZ radio program wants to buy a radio now.
February 19, 1930 Started posting cash register
monthly sheets in ledger. Ma and Wilmoth back from Anchorage,
one game leg, other bum eye. Ma’s knee trouble caused by broken
vein. Train only had local mail. No radio until 11
PM then KNX, KJR and 2YA Wellington. All the Jap stations came
in with a boom. Earl Borland found near wreck of Eielson’s
plane, wrecked near “Nanuk”, Siberian side, from Teller, Alaska.
Eva on way from Seattle now.
February 20, 1930 Temperature
-10 AM, +10 PM, self posting 1929 ledgers. Sidney
Black in from Mabel Mine, wanted time on merchandise bills until
they sold 5 tons high grade ore at Tacoma. Hans moved Nels
Larson’s trapping outfit in from mile 12. Stanley cleaning
house, Eva due tomorrow from Seattle. Posted on ledger until
midnight. Evening warming up, light wind. Radio, but weak
early then died out. Paddy and Gus going to Pittman to load
house logs for Paddy.
February 21, 1930 Temperature
12 to 22 above, windy. Gus and Paddy with team, left for
Pittman to load old house logs on car for Wasilla. Persson
went to Anchorage. New man, from Inside, here to build home
for family. Posted on ledger all day, ½ done. Moderate
wind all day but clear evening. No radio. Mr. Moshier
in to trade. Eielson’s body found near wreck of plane.
Too windy, no radio.
February 22, 1930 Mail train 4 hours late.
Eva and Thorpe’s arrived from Seattle at 9 PM. Evening,
big Masquerade Ball on at school house. Miss Anderson,
mile 5, got 1st prize, 2 mink skins. Mrs. Ellexson got 3rd
prize. Experimental Farm car up from experimental farm.
Self on ledger. PM charged A batteries. Evening, Coconut
Grove program good.
February 23, 1930 Sunday, masqueraders
all sleeping today. Shorty sleeping “it” off. Agent
Teich on the sick list both he and Six Shooter Bill want to sell
their radios. PM charged up 2nd A battery. Mail
in Saturday evening, laying in depot, no distribution until Monday,
some mail service. Evening, radio spasmodic. Posting
up 1929 ledger. Eva brought new records, Station BUNK, the
Utah Trail, Spring Time in the Rockies, etc.
February 24, 1930 Self on office work AM.
PM got 3 truck loads merchandise. Paddy and Gus back from
Pittman after loading house logs on car. Inside man bought
4 acres off Snider Fur Farm, building house at once, wife will
teach Wasilla school next year. Got Outside cabbage, high
cost, 8½¢. Several left on AM train for Anchorage.
Evening radio fair, heard President Coolidge speak in Los
Angels, California. Radio fair.
February 25, 1930 Self posting on ledger all
day. Shorty sawing up his summers wood with gas saw.
Hans moving lumber to Snider’s ranch account new 8 room house going
up by Lippard. Postmaster got a bad cold along with sore
eye. Mother McNeil able to come to store to trade.
Had hot biscuits and wild rose honey for supper. No radio, storms
on coast.
February 26, 1930 Paddy’s house logs arrived
from Pittman, freight $32? Did no posting today on odd
jobs. Sold Mabel Mine an outfit. Albert Ulsh arrived
from Seattle. Dunklee going to have charge of Willow Creek
Mines. Sam Beck paid his past due grub bill. After 11 PM
2YA came in fair, no coast radio.
February 27, 1930 Paddy moved house logs to
Mrs. Hartman’s lot, not authorized to build on lot until she
sends deed. Busy on ledger and Outside invoices. Bessie
Rowe made good Edlund’s school check. Evening, KNX good.
Ellexson’s out from Knik. Chinook wind, water running.
February 28, 1930 Warm wind,
40 above. Fosket and Grennon in to trade. Davis went to
Anchorage account sprained ankle. Shipped Mrs. Hartman’s
silver fox skin to Randle. Wrote Nagley about income tax blanks.
Snow all gone in Wasilla, only ice on part of streets. Evening,
got PI news, KNX fair. Ulsh here. Sam Beck joy riding.
March 1, 1930 Got out all monthly statements.
Evening, posted on ledger. Got Outside mail letter from
C. E. Pearson, Naugatuck, Ct. Eva nursing a cold as well
as several other people. Charged A batteries. Radio
NG until 10:30, got church services from Brisbane, Australia at midnight.
Gus braking out road from Fishhook Inn to Mabel Mine. Ma and
Eva now home, radio poor.
March 2, 1930 Sunday. A-1 sunny day,
temperature 34 to 44 above. Stanley, Eva and Thorpe’s
visited on Mrs. Donovan. Gaston and Beck on usual drunk, Beck
fell down and bruised himself. Evening, radio, but very
weak. 2YA Wellington came in fair.
March 3, 1930 Shipped 2 orders north on railroad.
Dan Gray out helping Gus break trail to Mabel Mine. Snider
and Lippard went to Anchorage. Self busy posting up ledger
to compile income tax. No eat big banker, no gut ache tonight.
Radio a blank tonight. Six Shooter Bill went to Anchorage
for exam account working on section.
March 4, 1930 Business good, sales $337,
3rd and 4th. Weather A-1, 22 to 36 above. Put up
order for Mabel Mines. Shorty repairing Snider’s car.
Paddy getting ready to build on car lot, Main Street and 1st Avenue.
Finished posting 1929 ledger, now ready to make out income tax.
Evening, first good radio in 3 weeks, all stations on the air 6 to
12 PM.
March 5, 1930 Light Chinook wind, temperature
22 above. Snider and Davis back from Anchorage. Davis
ankle in plaster of Paris mold account fracture. Ma run
adding machine while I read off items in ledger, got all totaled
up, ready to take off balance sheet tomorrow. Evening, radio
fine, Salt Lake and Portland came in best. Got letter from
Mrs. Hartman, crying about fox left with Sharon. Radio good.
March 6, 1930 Finished income tax report, 1929
sales $36,450.19, expense of doing business $8,231.87.
Ellexson’s in from Knik. Horning and Gene in from Mabel
Mine. Gus trying to haul out 5 tons Hi-Grade ore.
Stanley went down to Clarence Marsh’s and bought back the old Miller
car for $50, brought it home. Evening, radio fine. Gus
got several eastern stations. Wrote KEX Portland about their
programs to play a number for George Brady.
March 7, 1930 Mailed income tax report.
Joe Palmer and Al Harter back from trip to headwaters of Matanuska
River District. Horning went to Anchorage. Shorty
busy overhauling local cars. Evening fine radio, all stations
on the air. Doughnut program and Gillmore’s Sideshow Circus
was good. Airplanes landed Eielson and Borland bodies at Fairbanks
today. Radio good, got PI news.
March 8, 1930 Weather colder, 16 to 28 above.
Gus delivering coal around town. Stanley and Eva drove to Knik
with Tin Lizzie, stayed overnight. Evening radio A-1 got in new
station KFBB, Great Falls, Montana, listing on 1280 kilocycles,
midnight to 2 AM Sunday, on air all night giving copper souvenirs and
3 boxes candy to calls from each state, phoning or wiring in about program.
Dell Jewett, lady baritone soloist, good.
March 9, 1930 Sunday, in store AM, not
much doing. Weather cloudy, below freezing. Evening,
kids back from Knik, traveling time, 1 hour. Outside mail
arrived PM 1 hour late. Evening radio good, all kinds of church
sermons on the air. Salt Lake Vagabond hour good. Sun
now sets behind Mt. Susitna.
March 10, 1930 Business normal, zero
weather today. Gus through hauling in Mabel high grade
ore, 5 tons. Six Shooter Bill went to work on section.
Ulsh went to Willow Creek Mines via Houston with Dunkle for inspection.
Weather cold, 10 below zero and moon. Ex-President Taft passed
out.
March 11, 1930 Snider broke axle on car.
Shorty’s garage full of cars for repair. Jack drove out
to mile 12, going to Hi-Grade Mine to collect freight haulage last
fall. Snider fur farm came out w/a booklet covering mink farming,
$1.25. Mild all day and evening, no radio. Answered Otto’s
sister’s letter dated 1927.
March 12, 1930 George Nyland and Werner over
by car from Palmer. Lester Davis up from Snider’s on
crutches account bone broken in ankle. Ellexson’s in from
Knik, used auto all winter thus far, no snow to bother. Evening,
no radio till 10:30 PM then KNX followed by 2YA Wellington, New Zealand.
Big club meeting came in fine. Aviators, Eielson and
Borland funeral at Fairbanks.
March 13, 1930 Dunklee over from Palmer to
trade. Horning left for Mabel Mine, Gus drove him out
to mile 9, then had to mush 10 miles on snow road. Got out
a few spring orders. Stanley hauled ½ ton nails
with his Tin Lizzie from depot. Hans moving Willow Creek
Mine’s lumber off railroad lake lot before spring flood.
ARC man installing new engines in Ford trucks. Bill Long
in, turned down loan on Sam Beck’s car. Evening, radio all static,
got KNX only.
March 14, 1930 Business normal.
Temperature 20 to 34 above, sleet storm last night, streets all
ice today. Agent Teich locked up depot and went to Anchorage.
Mrs. ABR McBeth went to Anchorage. Bodies of Eielson and
Borland passed through on today’s train for interment in States.
Self pricing up hardware inventory. Bogard in for supplies,
bought 5 sacks spuds off him at $3 a sack Evening, no radio,
could just hear KNX on earphones. Gamblers now at Hans place.
March 15, 1930 First good
snow storm of winter came today. As Murphy says it, “it
snowed a feet” followed by rain this evening. No mail train
today, boat late at Seward. Priced up bolt inventory.
P. D. Lippert got his new house under cover. Midnight, snow
coming from west. Radio NG, midnight 2YA came in good on earphones.
Temperature 24 to 34 today.
March 16, 1930 Sunday, snowed all last
night, now 2’ wet heavy snow. Temperature 14 to 40, evening
clear, down to zero. Delayed mail train arrived PM.
Got long letter from Florence and Roe. Roe running school
bus, Elmira quarter grained out with flax, Burnap farm in good
shape except well falling in. Received letter from John Ballaine,
wants a dozen aspen logs for spool manufacture. No radio, Long
Beach came in late but NG. Shoveled snow all AM.
March 17, 1930 Gus made snow plow and opened
up Wasilla streets. Self shoveled snow AM.
PM charged radio batteries but evening, no radio, all static.
Still posting up hardware inventory. Evening, St. Patrick’s
party on at Paddy Marion’s, Ma took a whirl at it and danced the
Hyland fling. Evening, booked up Peg Leg Jack’s and Bill Radio
program for a try out. Hi-Grade in. No mail, train stuck
in snow.
March 18, 1930 Mail train got out of snow bank
near Curry, 1 day late going south. Freight train arrived
10 PM, 1 day late from Seward. This first snow blockade
this winter. Still posting up hardware inventory. Wade
and wife and all Hi-Grade in, closed down account snow slides.
No radio tonight.
March 19, 1930 Hans broke trail and hauled
lumber over to Snider’s with his truck, through 1’ hard snow.
War on among the tinhorn gamblers. Wade and wife had to
mush to Matanuska, roads now blocked with snow and no train, 6
hours late. Finished inventory of warehouse aft of store,
cost price $2,036.71, selling price $2,837.23. Radio but weak.
March 20, 1930 Self cleaning up paint and harness
gear inventory. Stanley building new top on his $50 Tin Lizzie.
Donovan first in on Knik Road since storm, said Slivers got a
moose at mile 5 with 22 rifle. Tryck through cutting timber
for ARC, was 2 days coming in from mile 12 after big snow storm.
Dunkle and lush back from Willow Creek Mines. Radio weak but
clear.
March 21, 1930 Sam St. Pierre and Joe Brassel
bought an outfit. Got 2 good orders from Caswell and Colorado
stations. Schillings man arrived. Sam Beck broke
and crying for more grub, malt syrup and hops. Tommy Gorden
“lit up” already. Mary Vail and mother went to Anchorage.
ARC had Cat out to haul freight from depot. Sent out rubber
shoe pack orders and seed orders
March 22, 1930 Business good, put up
2 fox farm orders. Shilling man left on north train. Joe Brassel
and St. Pierre left for Willow Creek via Houston. Pete
Nelson left for McKinley Park to drive Cat for Road Commission.
6:30 to 7 radio fine then all turned to static, had in Russian café
program, Los Angeles, KNX. Finished OUCH program.
March 23, 1930 AM all town people in to trade,
too busy gambling weekdays to do shopping? PM took stock
of harness snaps, counted over 1,000 snaps, some job. Reported
someone cut wire on Sharon’s fox pens and let out 2 fox.
Evening, Mrs. Ellexson in with double ender from Knik, took 9 hours
to break snow trail. Dance and birthday party on at Paddy’s
last night. Fern man in for mail. Reported snow slide
in canyon, mile 12. Clyde Burkett and ___________ back from
Seattle last night. Got mail 3 PM radio NG.
March 24, 1930 Shipped 3 orders north on railroad.
Shawn visited about Mrs. Hartman’s fox, said he was writing
her about same and board bill. Paddy and Leonard visited
about Nellie’s lot, said they had bought one by Hatcher’s for $50,
didn’t want Nellie’s $75 lot for $100. Elmer Larson shipped
his horses to Houston to haul Willow Creek freight. Mrs. Ellexson,
with old nag, left for Knik by relay at Dan Donovan’s. Ordered
more Libby’s fill in goods. Lippert got his house about finished
and leaving for Fairbanks till August. Early radio good, died
out 11:30, 2YA Wellington, New Zealand came in fine to 12:30 when they
closed down.
March 25, 1930 Commissioner of Education
here inspecting Wasilla School. Tried Shorty out on charging
A battery. Finished posting up store shelf hardware inventory,
around $3,000 hardware in store. Bob Hatcher here from Nuka
Bay, went out to see McDouglas at Fern mine, his mining partner.
Paddy heard from the Jacobs, wife had a baby. Bill Taylor
struck water in his new well. No radio this evening, all static.
Birthday party, last night, at Sam Beck’s. No one coming to
town since snow fall. No Outside radio, warm wind evening.
March 26, 1930 Business slow, 1st warm
day, snow half gone. Stanley still overhauling his Forty Mile
Tin Lizzie. Shoveled trenches out so snow water could run away.
Gus left his pipe on his bed and it went up in smoke. Train
did not wait for Admiral mail at Seward. Wired for Easter eggs,
candy and fruit. Evening, radio, but weak. Had in new station
on KOMO’s wave but could not make out station. Lippert returned
to his home in Fairbanks.
March 27, 1930 Business way off.
Spring day 34 to 50 above. Self busy on Outside orders
for spring trade. Stanley still doctoring on his Tin Lizzie.
Ma doing most of the clerking in store. No farmers in, snow
half gone. Evening, no radio worth while. Wrote N.
W. Victor Distributing Co. for list of Alaska dealers from Ketchikan
to Fairbanks. Beer party at Paddy’s. Snider and Tryck
at war over school.
March 28, 1930 Bolshevik, Harpen, in to trade.
Gaston got $25 loan off Bill Long. Big game every night
at Willow Creek Inn. Answered Mrs. Hartman’s letters, told
her she could get someone else to turn her grindstone and returned
all papers by registered mail. Made out overall order etc.
Evening, no radio, raining and weak. Someone stole 2 mink from
Snider’s.
March 29, 1930 Mail train 2 hours late, got
2 boat mails. Snow about gone in Wasilla, lumber yard now
a pond of water. Bogard in with load vegetables.
Water flooded Agent Teich’s electric engine room. Baxter
Felch arrived, now Ball Brand agent. Radio NG, came in weak
after 11 PM. Stanley got new parts for his Tin Lizzie.
March 30, 1930 Sunday. Busy in
store AM. PM looked over Ball brand sox and rubbers,
gave Baxter Felch an order, also for Munsingwear and Crescent
and Cudahy goods. Evening, wrote checks to cover Seattle
invoices and Alaska Weekly to April 20, 1931. Temperature
38 above and light rain all day. Shorty tried his Nash car after
repairing. Evening, no radio till 11:30 then 2YA Wellington,
New Zealand but weak. Water about up to railroad warehouse.
March 31, 1930 Business normal, blizzard
AM, +38. Big mudslide on railroad above Talkeetna last
night. No mail train south today. Baxter Felch left
on freight train for Talkeetna. PM in lifting box coffee,
un-jointed crooper bone on back. Sent Mrs. Hartman all her
papers left here with check to close account. Evening, on
monthly statements. Radio ½ hour but weak. Jack
and Mary drove to Knik.
April 1, 1930 No train from north account slide
last Saturday. Hans fishing Willow Creek lumber out of
pond caused by rain. Hi-Grade had a meeting, made Snider
put up more money to pay debts. Self, all day on monthly statements.
Natives hard up, no work and no grub. Evening, radio but set
out of adjustment. McNeil squoze another $10 out of Snider.
Cash surplus, April 1st, $3,038.59.
April 2, 1930 Got two passenger trains today,
one got out of the mud slide near Curry, held up since last
Saturday. Stanley ran old truck up to Shorty’s garage, either
axle or pinion key broke on way, Shorty going to overhaul truck for
$25. Jack only made it to mile 5 going to Knik, run into pond
of water there. Early evening, radio good then died out.
Got Federal set adjusted again. My back still lame from lifting
box, something out of place. Wrote to John Ballaine about
logs.
April 3, 1930 Got big order from Big
Lake. Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with double ender.
Jack slept in car at mile 5 last night but made in to Knik with
Mary this AM. Made out auto supply order with 3 axles for
truck to Balou and Wright. Evening, radio good, all stations
on the air. Moved Eveready set into Stanley’s room. Cut
off 50’ of old antenna and reception was fine. Some excitement
in town, Cad beat up his dogs. Good radio, some static later
on.
April 4, 1930 Completed hardware inventory
in warehouses on iron and pipe, some job. McDougal in
from Fern Mine. Shorty overhauled Overland truck engine,
put in oil rings, cylinder in fine shape, old rings were too
loose, put in by Forty Mile Miller, causing #1 and #2 cylinder
to pump oil. Mrs. Oberg went to Anchorage to see Kodiak brother
in hospital. Ulsh on a drunk. Jack has his love one at
Knik?
April 5, 1930 Mrs. Oberg re-elected director.
Bogard in for supplies. Packed $92 order for Herman at
Big Lake. Mail train arrived 9 PM, 6 hours late, with boat
mail. Fosket in to trade. Jack and Mary back from Knik
honeymoon? Evening dance on at Paddy’s, Tommy Gorden star
guest. Evening, run off records account, #2 broadcast in near
future with Bristol phono attachment. Early then late radio
good. Ma took in the White house dance. Gus hauled in
my aviation wood. Shorty returned truck.
April 6, 1930 Sunday, quiet in town after the
big Paddy and Tommy dance last night. Post Office distributed
mail PM, got 7 invoices of Seattle merchandise. Jack and
Mary going to have people arrested for defalcation of their character.
Gaston took out mine mail. Finished pricing hardware inventory.
Stanley still overhauling his Tin Lizzie. Evening, not
a whistle on radio until midnight, then 2YA Wellington, NZ came
in mushy. Temperature 32 to 44, rain indications. Put
plaster on back.
April 7, 1930 Business good two days sales,
$388.18. Busy day, shipped 3 orders north on railroad.
Got ½ car of freight, mostly forage. Mrs. Ellexson
went to Anchorage. Gus’s horses tore up 2 bales of flour.
Evening, no radio until 11:30 then 2YA Wellington, New Zealand
came in fine. Closed down at 11 PM their time, 12:30 AM our time,
could hear town clock strike, then played God Save the King.
April 8, 1930 Sold Bogard a ton seed oats,
Metz in after same. Bogard also got seed grain from Portland.
Made final round up of January 1930 inventory, total stock cost
price $18,355.80 sell $26,471.43 cash surplus $3,251.39.
Cloudy and cool, snow about gone in town. Evening, no
radio. Midnight KJR came in but mushy. Stanley still
doctoring Tin Lizzie.
April 9, 1930 Bogard in for Portland seed grain
ordered by himself. Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage
with checkbook and paid us and Sam Kelly note. George Nylan
and Frank White over from Palmer. George Williams in for
pension check and grub. Mrs. McDougal arrived from states after
ten months vacation. Got Seattle mail off Admiral boat.
No radio until 10:30 then 2YA came in fine.
April 10, 1930 Hans took McDougal’s out to
mile 9 then had to walk it to Fern Mine. Stump went out
with Cad’s dog team to haul some supplies to Fern Mine from mile
9, road blocked with snow mile 12 to mines, canyon full of slides.
Evening, no Pacific Coast radio but Wellington New Zeeland fair.
Sent Schwab Bros. Co. order.
April 11, 1930 Got off Outside mail AM. Jack
and Mary went to Anchorage, Arnold Edlund returned. George
Edlund out with his Tin Lizzie, first time this year. PM
charged A batteries and fixed up around garage, split wood, etc.
Russian from East Cape went through on train today, C P177 Russian
rescue plane. No coast radio except KPO for ½ hour then
2YA fair.
April 12, 1930 Checked up material in garage
and oil house construction, both buildings, combined cost
$498.58. Stump through hauling for Fern Mine with dog team.
Mail train 4 hours late with boat mail. Big farewell party
on tonight at Paddy’s by Gaston, host Mrs. Snider. Jack and
Mary back from Anchorage. Big crowd on train, going Inside
for winters vacation Outside. Sam Kelly 70 today. Airplane
passed by going south. Evening, no radio, big moon.
April 13, 1930 Sunday PM cleaned up and oiled
store floor. Paddy’s party, last night, wound up “wet”
today, Pittmann section boss, Gaston, and others, beating the prohibit
law. Mrs. Snider had her hair bobbed. School teacher
joined the tin horn gamblers. Report came that George Palmer
did away with himself at Kenai. Evening, no radio, big moon.
Finished WAZ no. 2 broadcast program, to release Easter Sunday.
April 14, 1930 Ulsh in from Willow Creek.
Freighters only got road broke to Craggie Creek, snow too deep
to get up to Lucky Shot Mine. Shorty drove down to his ranch
with car. Mrs. Cad went to Anchorage, shipped Cad’s dog
team to Cantwell to board for summer, no one would board them here
for less than $45 a month. A-1 spring day here. Eureka
and Goodrich pacs arrived and 50¢ higher than last spring.
Pacific Coast radio NG, 2YA Wellington New Zealand came in good but
some static. Stanley got his Tin Lizzie on show.
April 15, 1930 Temperature 34 to
50 above, another spring day. ARC on road work again.
Shorty, Cat man, reported Hans told Mrs. Wilmoth to get out or
he would throw her out account trouble over poker game. Stanley
moved his red Tin Lizzie from Shorty’s garage to our old auto shed
and Shorty took Paul’s motor car to garage. Poor radio, all cracks.
April 16, 1930 “War” on between Wilmoth
and Hans. Hans said he had 2 witnesses account Jack Fabyan
giving Wilmoth a bottle of mule for collecting Jacks Hi-Grade bill.
No gambling tonight at Willow Creek Inn. Streets drying up
in Wasilla. Ellexson’s out from Knik, had long trip account
soft road. Shorty putting galvanized roofing on east end of his
garage. Ulsh wired in, road blocked with snow on Willow Creek,
no hauling. Radio NG came in spurts.
April 17, 1930 Snowed all PM ground white once
more in Wasilla. Metz in to trade for Bogard. Ellexson’s
failed to come out. Sam Peters in from Willow Creek via Houston.
Self painting walls by show windows. Sent order in for H
and A canning retort, for Ellexson’s, to Portland. Swen looking
for house account of his new bride. Mrs. Cad still at Anchorage,
Mrs. Vail running the roadhouse. Evening, fair radio, KNX on
till midnight with NVA program at Coconut Grove, all the movie stars
were there and took part in program, sold show boxes at auction brought
$500 to $1,500 account of NVA benefit next week.
April 18, 1930 Four inches new snow this morning,
about all gone PM. Finished painting walls by show windows.
Nagley wanted me to go on his school tax bond for $250.
Snider and Elizabeth went to Anchorage account Masonic Church
doings Sunday. No mail train today, boat late at Seward.
Stanley washed show windows. Electric railroad men working
at depot.
April 19, 1930 Cleaned all the wall board in
balcony and store. Ellexson in from Knik, road, muddy
and ponds on road, bad going for car. Wired Frank at Eyota
to seed down Elmira quarter and Singleton farm to grass. Offered
my ½ interest in Seymour farm at $30 acre, 228 acres, ½
is $3,420. Charged A batteries but no radio, terrible cracking.
Midnight, Wellington, New Zealand came in on earphones. Everybody
fishing for trout these days. No mail trail, boat late.
April 20, 1930 Sunday. Took down winter
balcony fly’s, spring here? Mail train arrived 5 PM.
Harry Flood arrived from Anchorage to cook for ARC camp at Wasilla
Creek via Wasilla - Palmer Road. Mrs. Cad and Heinie Snider
back from Anchorage. Bob Hatcher back from Fern Mine, said account
snow, no chance to get in supplies until June 1st. Nellie Hartman
offered to pay me for collecting her bills after all funds sent
to her. Sam Beck back from Anchorage with heavy grip. No radio, last
Easter good.
April 21, 1930 Shipped 3 orders with north
freight train today with boat freight. Shorty and Al
dragged road down to Fairview with Cat and grader. Lawyer,
Truit, in town. Wrote Frank confirming my wire to seed down
Elmira quarter and Singleton farms to grass seed. My price,
net, for ½ interest in Seymour farm $3,000 cash. 11
PM to 1 AM Wellington NZ came in fine. No Pacific Coast radio
tonight, too much static. Gaston went out with Fern mail.
Streets drying up, frost coming out.
April 22, 1930 Business normal.
Temperature 38 to 50 above. Couldn’t get freight until
PM, agent in bed all AM account train late last night. Lu Loberg
cashed in, going to work for ARC. Floating clothing man in
town taking suit orders and several bit. Got 25 new Victor
records. Frost about out of ground in Wasilla. Another
storm brewing. Evening, run off new records. Marion
Talley and Old Man River are best numbers, also songs of war and
songs of sea numbers. Roads getting too soft for autos. No
radio, too warm. Horseshoes daily game now.
April 23, 1930 Roads bad, no one
moving. Evening fog on, frost coming out of ground.
Found some hardware and drugs not inventoried. Nick Pykle
up from Anchorage. Quincy Adam Pyle arrived to prospect
for Marion Twin Mining Co. will have to wait 2 months account snow
in hills. Church at school house this evening. Lana
Loberg’s car out of commission, gear all gone. Patzack down
from Houston. C. H. Wilson walked out from Knik for mail,
road blocked at mile 5 with water, no drainage. KFRC only
good radio, too much static.
April 24, 1930 Self busy on Outside mail.
Sent Frank vouchers that covered report up to June 1929.
Wrote Urban about seeding all grain land to grass seed. Wrote
McKinnon about selling Seymour farm at $30 per acre. Wrote
checks to cover Seattle invoices. Ground white this AM snow
all gone at noon. Gus hauled Marion Twin goods from car to
White house. Paddy jumped Pyle for selling property of Gold Mint
for credit of _____. Evening, 11 to 12, KJR came in fair, lots
of static early in evening. Evening, clear and colder.
April 25, 1930 Farmers making ready to plant.
Nothing doing at mines account too much snow. Got wire
from Frank, Eyota, Minnesota that Elmira farm 160 acres was planted
to grass, seed cost $280 to do same. PM painted roof of oil
house. Drying weather, today, streets about dried up. Reported
seeding done in Minnesota but weather cold. Gaston in with mail from
Fern Mine, took 10 hours to make it from mine to Fishhook Inn. Evening,
no radio but Wellington, New Zealand. Adolph Olson back from Willow
Station.
April 26, 1930 Spring day, 38 to 54 above.
Painted roof of back shed to kitchen. Charged A battery
and pumped up tires on truck and Olds car. Schoolmarm gave
kids a picnic down at Cottonwood Creek. Cat man and grader
came in over Bogard’s road. Wasilla streets dried up but
roads no good yet for autos. Evening, dance on at Fairview,
all had to walk it, road too soft for autos. Mail train on
time. Hugo Johnson arrived to run Marion Twin outfit. KFI Midnight
Frolic good and 2YA.
April 27, 1930 Sunday PM washed up front
of store. Cat men went down Knik Road with grader, got
stuck in the mud by Doherty’s cabin. Eva and Stanley burned
off grass around Doherty cabin, fire got away, so had to get help
to put it out. Lawrence in from homestead, sick with asthma.
Gus and Hans drove out to mile 8, first cars out to cut up road.
Frost not all out of roads yet. 2YA and KPO on air but lots of
static. Sold spuds in Walter’s cellar at Seward for $60 a ton,
paid $45.
April 28, 1930 Patzack here from Houston, going
to Anchorage to start a mink, chicken and vegetable farm on one
acre? Picture peddler in town. Pete Nelson back from
McKinley Park. Hazy all PM account eclipse at Seattle.
Thorpe’s going to work for Pyle. PM got 3½ tons Outside
merchandise. ARC also got ½ car merchandise from Western
States Grocery, Max Brand. Evening, 9 to 12, radio good,
all stations on the air. Mrs. Cad busy feeding ARC help.
Sam Peters bought a horse off Wade to skid out Willow Creek Mines
timber. Evening, windy.
April 29, 1930 Evening, April showers for May
flowers. Auto parts came but no invoice. Wagner quitting
section boss, wants to sell out and go Outside and join the Quakers.
Pete Nelson making ready to take gang for ARC out to mile 4.
Snider, Metz and Mrs. Zink judges on election polling. Several
got colds. Evening, paid Seattle invoices. No radio.
April 30, 1930 Cloudy and chilly. Wilson
and several in to work on Wasilla-Willow Road May 1st at mile
4. Wagner through on section, a new man on job tomorrow.
Helmer Oberg Jr. left home, down at Vail’s and Joe Walton’s.
Arnold Edlund fixing up Lana Loberg’s Tin Lizzie. Snider
whistling so guess Calatab worked OK. Evening busy on
monthly statements. KOMO and KJR on air 1 hour. Chas
Isaac’s wife arrived.
May 1, 1930 Self busy all day on monthly statements.
Evening, got out Seattle mail. Ordered Buhack and Fly
Fox account of coming “birds”. Agent Teich and wife busy
packing up, going to Anchorage to work. Evening, Stanley
drove out to mile 4, one water hole on road at mile 5. Sent
circular letter to Willow Creek Mine operators. Terms this
season: cash on delivery of goods less 5% on $25 orders (pick ups
and less amounts not). Radio fair, 1 hour KNX and KMO. Helmer
back from going to work on section.
May 2, 1930 AM got out balance of orders and
Outside mail. PM put new axle in truck, had to cut it
down 1”, got fit OK. Truck now ready to haul our own freight.
ARC unloading car of coal for mountain camp use. Mrs. Rowe,
teacher at Fairview, through and left for Outside. Mrs. Teich
left for Anchorage. Evening, radio good early, had in Long
Beach, Hollywood, Portland, Salt Lake on Eveready set, KJR good on
Federal set and 2YA New Zealand but some static near midnight.
May 3, 1930 Snodgrass here with bunch of prospective
ranchers from Outside. Someone cut up Snider’s trout
net in lake. Snider losing friends account loaning them
money. (Name too faded to read here) arrived to take Teich’s
place at Wasilla depot. Evening, opening up Seattle mail,
invoices, etc. Ketchum here to audit Teiche’s accounts.
Evening, no radio, played records. Dance on at Paddy’s place.
Evening, made fan belt for truck.
May 4, 1930 Sunday, everybody talking
Tanana Ice Pool, time for it to go out. Section foreman
from Pittman here on a Sunday drunk? Stanley drove out to 19,
big water hole on road near Hans Ranch, otherwise, road good.
Pricing up new goods and more due tomorrow. Fishing at lake Wasilla
regular now. PM had stomach ache for change. Evening,
no radio, new agent and section foreman looking over railroad property.
No radio.
May 5, 1930 Sleet storm,
PM 34 above. Got hardware, fruit and groceries on PM freight,
shipped 2 orders north. PM self on truck, cleaned magneto,
points, greased her up. Turned over engine, run OK, let
in clutch to try new axle, engine quit, something loose in crank
shaft. More trouble, just had engine overhauled by Shorty,
screw loose somewhere. Eva, Helmer and George Edlund went to
Anchorage, also Myrtle McNeil, sick with spine trouble. Stanley
drove to 19, with Tin Lizzie. PM storm made roads wet.
Evening, no radio. Ellexson’s out from Knik. Bogard in
for merchandise.
May 6, 1930 Weather cloudy and cool after sleet
storm last night. Hans hauled over 2 loads freight AM.
PM busy marking same for resale. Railroad distributing new
ties along line. Tryck’s stored 2 tons powder in ARC track warehouse?
No explosives to be stored in track warehouses, why ARC? New
agent seems to be a live wire. PM Stanley doctoring up his Tin
Lizzie, spent enough time and money to buy a new car, does 2nd hand
car pay at any low price? Grennon in to trade, still has 4 tins
good spuds. Evening, no radio, soft weather. Harvey started
on ARC work. No radio, last year good.
May 7, 1930 Business ¼ off.
Cloudy, temperature 32 to 54 above snow flurries last night.
Mrs. Anderson and daughter walked in from mile 4 to trade.
Ben Marino and C. A. Brown over from Palmer. Brown was Outside
all winter. Lidell, Ulsh and St. Pierre mushed out over Fishhook
Pass from Willow Creek Mines, snow hard on pass and lots of it.
About out of wood and coal. Stanley still working on differential
on his Tin Lizzie. All the boys in road camps got colds, taking
cod liver oil. Evening, no radio. St. Clair note due
5/7/1931, amount now $600.
May 8, 1930 Sent $13.25 for Pl____ pad account
rupture, to St. Louis, Missouri, claim a cure. Chisholm
here for hotel merchandise order. Helm’s, Oberg and George
Edlund started to work on section. Cloudy and cool all day.
Paid $943.26 for new merchandise. Bought ton Healy coal
off Gus, our car load used up. Snider’s nephew here.
Had roast beef dinner, Eva sent it up from Anchorage. No radio,
all cracks. Sam Peter’s returned to Willow Creek.
May 9, 1930 Got 3 orders from north.
Ice went out at Nenana, three Anchorage and 3 Fairbanks people
won $9,000 each. Snider won the local minute pool at Wasilla,
$22. Pat Irish in, working for Bogard. McDougal in
from Fern Mine to burn grass at homestead. Light rain most
all day. Stanley went to Anchorage to join “Lady” Herning on
her vacation. Radio NG, static. Had Wellington NZ on
earphones.
May 10, 1930 Ma and self store keepers, Stanley
at Anchorage. PM located trouble with truck, PC bolt in
transmission. Pat Irish went out to Bogard ranch after unwinding
his thoughts. Gus went out to Mabel Mine with car, to mile
9 then walked. McNeil’s car stuck in mud near Shorty’s ranch.
Evening, charged a radio battery, got Long Beach and Portland on Eveready
set and Seattle on Federal set 10 to 12.
May 11, 1930 Clear and warmer today, 50 to
64 above. Mrs. Horning and Sidney walked in from Mabel
Mine today. PM took car out, 1st time this spring, drove
down to Forks Palmer and Junction Road, road mushy by crossing on
railroad. mail train north 1 hour late. Nagley on train
for Talkeetna. Drove up to summit Ridge, road good that far.
ARC had first pay day account April work. Stanley and Eva back from
weekend at Anchorage. Snider family on a fishing bee today.
Radio weak.
May 12, 1930 ARC establishing 3rd camp
at mile 10 account shoveling snow slides out of canyon, mile
12½. McDougal back from ranch, hired two Ueeck brothers
to haul in-freight to Fern Mine by dog team. Mrs. Horning
went to Anchorage account Gene graduating the 16th in high school.
PM located trouble with truck, roller bearing gone in transmission.
Evening, Stanley and Eva drove out to Forty Mile Miller’s ranch.
No boat freight train today. Reported that Jack and Mary had
leased the Fishhook Inn. No radio, Teich’s motor ruining all
evening.
May 13, 1930 ARC started to clean out snow
slides in canyon mile 12½. Gus drove out to Martin
cabin with Sidney last night, first car this spring to reach mile
12. White of experimental farm and Alberts of ARC here from
Matanuska, bummed gas to go back . Section men got their grub
outfit but no cook. Tightened up foot brake on truck, repaired
bottom of box and eye bolt on end gate. Evening, drove 3 miles
with Olds car and over to aviation field. Robins singing early this
1st day of real summer. Poor radio.
May 14, 1930 First real warm day of spring,
60 to 70 above. Wade over from Junction to collect his horse
money and pay bills. Mabel Mine paid their bill, 2 months
delinquent, Saindon also delinquent. Farmers busy planting.
Cook for section gang arrived. Sam Beck joy riding again,
Ulsh paying for gas. McNeil’s made praise of grub from Harry
Flood. Roads drying up fast. Willow and Palmer Roads
now passable. Bogard in for merchandise. Several fires
in woods today. Radio but all snaps.
May 15, 1930 Colder, 44 to 60 above today,
clouding up for a storm. St. Clair visiting at Snider’s.
St. Clair bridge gang here to build loading landing on side track.
Mike Alex mushed in from Caswell, 43 miles today to trade.
Section busy buying cooking utensils for new cook. Jerome Elliott
here to work on road. Sam Kelly went out to work on road today.
Dropped a chunk of coal on left hammer toe, out of commission all
evening. Opera from 2YA New Zealand coming in fine now, midnight.
Ma making ready to go to Anchorage. Ice out of Lake Lucille
on 16th.
May 16, 1930 Ma went to Anchorage to attend
high school graduation exercises M. Gill and Gene Horning supposed
to get their diplomas. Stanley wants to quit store and
drive truck for ARC and fight mosquitoes and the elements.
Road Commission trying to open road from mile 12 canyon to Fishhook
Inn. Marion Twin waiting to get out supplies to mines.
Snider got $7,000 order for mink. Evening, run over WAZ broadcast
no. 2 on Bristol set. No radio. Doctored up crushed toe.
No radio, raining. Ma at Anchorage.
May 17, 1930 Boat train 3 hours late.
Ma got back from Anchorage and Mrs. Horning returning to Mabel
Mine. Had to build fire in furnace, cool all day. Donovan
brought Fred Roscher in, sick with rheumatism or scurvy. Evening,
dance on at Matanuska, Stanley, Eva and 3 more cars went down.
Self knocked out account crushed toe. Got invoice of Ball Brand
goods, $500 December 16th. Wilmoth’s went to play for Matanuska
dance. Gus took Gaston out to Martin cabin. No radio, could
hear faintly, KFI Midnight Frolic.
May 18, 1930 Sunday, busy in store AM
partly cloudy and cool, temperature 40 to 50. Hugo bought
clothing outfit, going to work for Mabel Mine, came here to work
for Marion Twin. Marion Twin stalled account snow. Ma,
Eva, Stanley and self, with Olds car, drove out to Martin cabin in
canyon, Dan Gray was there, shot a black bear. Gus came along
with Hugo, Gaston and Gordon. Cars now go within 2 miles of
Fishhook Inn, 3’ snow at Inn. All the dancers got stuck in mud
hole by Chas Marino’s ranch last night. Evening, re-stained
front and side doors on store. ARC help in for merchandise,
no radio.
May 19, 1930 Weather clear,
48 to 60 above. Self painted alley side of warehouse, aft
of store and casing around garage door. Jack and Mary bought
grub outfit and left for Fishhook Inn, snow on road last two miles
so may not make it to Inn. Report that several are losing
mink account horse meat. Shorty and Al graded road to Sharon’s
ranch. Evening, Shawn came up with his car, first time since
breakup. Evening, Stanley and joy riders drove out to mile 4 road
camp and visited on Mrs. Anderson and daughter. No radio.
Tryck went to Anchorage.
May 20, 1930 Business normal. Weather
cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Ole Jensen arrived from Gold Creek,
bought grub outfit $15 and gas for Sam Beck, the joy riders.
Snider’s nephew drove out to Martin cabin for Dan Gray’s bear meat.
Ball Brand goods arrived, $500 outfit, Pacs, sox’s and leather shoes,
busy marking new goods. Ma’s dope arrived, let the “birds”
come forth. Mailed Roe circular of Alaska railroad and college
papers. Weather still cool with frost nights. Farmers
busy planting. Grau and Isaac’s corked up Eva’s boat for use
of same. Radio several stations on air but too weak for loud speakers.
No radio, Agent and Wagner had a scrap over Monkey Ward freight, roofing
paper.
May 21, 1930 Walters only rancher in
for some time. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Knik Road
now passable. Church at the school house tonight.
Jack Fabyan in from Fishhook Inn, made it through Monday OK. Fishhook
Inn now open for summer business. Finished pricing Ball Brand
goods. Birch trees ½ leaved out. Evening, caught
KFRC for ½ hour on loud speakers, other stations NG. Storm
PM ½ hour. Evening, ARC gang in to trade.
May 22, 1930 Paid Seattle and Portland invoices.
“Smoky”, Zink’s dog passed out, Billy Trix mourner at the burial.
Business quiet, all the farmers busy planting. Gus planted
garden lot at the Black Ranch to oats. Mining held up account
snow. PM freight, 3 new gravel trucks and a Cat arrived for
the ARC. Had KJR on loud speaker for 1 hour but rather weak.
May 23, 1930 Stanley finished as clerk B, to
drive truck for Road Commission. Road Commission unloaded
3 new gravel trucks and #30 Caterpillar . Fred Roscher went
to his ranch after a week at Willow Creek Inn, rheumatics better.
He made application to go to Sitka Pioneer Home. Jacob Metz
in to trade for Bogard. Miss Minis over from government farm
for supplies. KJR good 10 to 12. O. C. Miller in to trade
and get “gas” off his stomach. Radio good.
May 24, 1930 ARC new automotive outfit moved
out to mile 10 Wasilla Willow Road. Boat mail here on
time. Snider Fur Farm mink hatching these days. Wasilla
School closed, teacher making ready to take school at Westward.
McNeil outfit “eating” again. Got order for grub from Harry
Flood. KJR on air but weak. Cold showers most of day, temperature
40 to 60 above.
May 25, 1930 Sunday, gave Sam Guyot order
for fill-ins and fruit jars. Freight train arrived PM
with boat freight. Agent gave no notice of change of schedule,
got left on north freight shipments. Evening painted dark
trimmings on store front. Stanley in from ARC mile 10 camp.
Sam Beck overhauled Zink’s Tin Lizzie. Five men sent here
from Anchorage to work on road, local men out of work? Cool
weather, 44 to 54 above, snow still hanging on mountains Birch
all leaved out, no radio.
May 26, 1930 Business good, 2 days sales
$257.07. Got 2 tons general merchandise. Retort
for Ellexson canning factory arrived. Taylor, head of ARC
here, on inspection. ARC got motive power grader. Sam
Guyot, M and M man, left for Juneau. Fur farmers meeting account
animals diseased and many dieing. Cloudy weather, snow going
slow on mountain sides. Self troubled with gas in stomach.
Evening, KJR on loud speakers 1 hour. Evening, Chas Marino over
from government farm to trade.
May 27, 1930 Warm day, 44
to 70 above. Got 2 orders ready for north, due to go
by Express account missing Sunday freight. Elizabeth Snider
learning to drive Tin Lizzie. Snider reported track road
to Matanuska good, Wasilla Road to Fishhook now good. Evening,
drove out to mile 4 ARC camp. Evening, 10 to 12 KJR good on
loud speaker. Nothing doing as yet at Willow Creek Mines.
Pyle in town waiting for snow to go. Radio KJR good, 3 hours.
May 28, 1930 Ben Marino over from ranch.
New man from government farm over to trade. ARC about
finished to mile 4. Ellexson’s in from Knik for canning
retort, cost $116.37. Snider looking for seed to plant 8 acres.
Johnson plowed Pearson’s garden. Train schedule changes 30th.
Train every day here after during the summer. Hans good new
cook, lady with 2 small boys. Heard Price dedicated to old Stubbs
at McKinley Park. KJR came in on loud speaker 10:30 to 12:30.
Warm spring day, grass green.
May 29, 1930 Hot day, +78. Paid Seattle
invoices. H. Gill up, with car, from Matanuska. Picked
over onions. Got out report on bad dried apples to send
to Sam Guyot at Juneau, charged for extra choice, sent standards.
Midnight, put Memorial Day sign on store front door. Saw
prowler hiding under Wilmoth’s tree, went outside to raise awning
and he beat it up street to Paddy’s. Midnight, KJR good
½ hour.
May 30, 1930 Memorial Day not observed in Wasilla.
ARC help worked, now graveling Main Street in Wasilla.
New train schedule on today. First Brill car went north,
had one passenger, 1 got off here. Evening, Sharon got a load
of junk from Martin cabin, mile 12. J. G. Johnson planting
8 acres for Snider fur farm. Evening, no radio. School
boys from college on south train. Mrs. McBeth left town.
No radio. Store open all day.
May 31, 1930 Mr. Morgan, Libby’s man, here.
Aage Hansen back from States. Bridge gang placing large
tile under track to drain surface water around depot. ARC
finished sprinkle of gravel on Main Street. Dunkle arrived
from States to open Willow Creek Mines, now in Anchorage. Evening
dance on at Fairview for Edlund kids. AM made double screen frame
for balcony window over store. Several new arrivals on train.
No radio.
June 1, 1930 Sunday, PM and evening on
monthly statements. Ma and Eva drove down to government farm
and Matanuska. Bridge gang finished installing sewer pipe
from depot account spring drainage. Boat freight arrived.
Several men waiting to get on with Willow Creek Mines. Dunkle,
manager, still at Anchorage. Evening, no radio.
June 2, 1930 Hauled over groceries and hardware
from depot, 1½ tons. Finished monthly statements.
Ellexson’s out from Knik, brought first king salmon. Donovan
on sick list. Cars now coming from Palmer District, roads
fair. Evening, drove out to mile 4 for Stanley. Sold
out on hops, bad for bootleggers? No radio till midnight,
then KJR, but mushy. Farmers still planting oats.
Bogard and Moshier went to Anchorage. Radio NG.
June 3, 1930 Shawn shot a black bear in his
back yard. Snider got one and 2 cubs near Lake Wasilla.
Till in from Willow Creek Mines. Elmer Larson got up first
freight from Reinhart cabin. Plenty of snow yet on Willow
Creek. Marked up new goods. Snider planting aviation
field to grain and grass seed. Mrs. Tryck says NO. Bridge gang
still making improvements at depot. No radio, cloudy with static.
June 4, 1930 Alaska in, mail train 2 hours
late. Dunkle and help arrived from Anchorage to go to
Willow Creek Mines and open up operations. Sharon got bit
by a fox, fox died next day. Farmers still planting oats.
Evening, drove out to ARC camp, mile 10, roads fine. Shorty
and Al dragged Bogard Road, next, Knik Road. All roads good
now but Knik Road. Hans hauling out Willow Creek Mines lumber.
KJR came in at 11:30.
June 5, 1930 Sharon Fleck went to Anchorage
account bite on wrist by fox. Snider, with 2 kids, went
to Anchorage, got $500 order for mink. J. G. Johnson through
plowing and planting for Snider, cost $92. Stanley in from
mile 4 camp. Sven fell off back of Tin Lizzie. Flour and
feed arrived, also car of lumber for Willow Creek Mines, cement and machinery.
No radio.
June 6, 1930 Hans hauled over 3 truck loads
of flour, etc. Two peddlers in town. Bert McClarity arrived
from Anchorage to work at mines. Evening, drove down
to Haller’s road for 2 sacks Grennon’s spuds. Sharon back
from Anchorage, bite cauterized, ok now.
June 7, 1930 Busy in store, got 3 orders
ready for north shipment. Large shipment of freight
due tomorrow for Willow Creek Mines and local freight.
St. Clair’s up from Anchorage for vacation on ranch. Evening,
big dance on at school house, several cars up from Junction.
Woman peddler sold Ma 3 dresses. Ellexson’s in with king
salmon and rhubarb. Bridge gang buying clothing, moving north
tomorrow. Snider’s cleaned house while old man at Anchorage.
Radio all static. Evening, mosquitoes bad.
June 8, 1930 Sunday, busy in store, billed
out order for Mabel Mine and shipped 3 orders north on RR.
Evening, drove over Palmer and Tote Road, 20 miles, had rained
heavy near government farm. Bridge gang through, moved
to Curry on PM freight. High-U time at barn dance last night,
beer, wine and mule plentiful, so reported. Had in 2YA, Wellington
on earphones 11 to 12 PM Boat freight arrived, 3 car lumber
for Willow Creek Mines.
June 9, 1930 Warm day, 60
to 74 above, cloudy, heavy showers with lightning down Little
Susitna. PM Edw. Ueeck out with 1 man grader, old machine
sent up from Anchorage. Snow off from Fishhook Inn to GB
cache. ARC trying to open road over summit to Willow Creek
with Cat, plenty of snow on summit. Evening, Snider and home
brew gang gave surprise party to St. Clair’s on ranch. Put
in 112 tube in detector socket and 2YA came in smooth on earphones.
June 10, 1930 Big thunder storm passed
down Little Susitna River. Pyle bought fill-ins for Marion
Twin Mine. Gus took out Mabel Mine grub order. A snow
slide still blocks road from Fishhook to Mabel Mine, road now open
to GB cache. Evening, ARC help in with checks to pay monthly
bills. Pat Irish joy riding with Capt. Sliver’s over Palmer way.
Evening, had in KNX short while. Evening, raining. Phillip
Gill visited on fire fighting brigade. Moshier and Goodell on
fisheries. KNX ½ hour, mosquitoes bad.
June 11, 1930 Got big order from Mabel Mine.
Road now open to Mabel Mine. Got Outside mail. Ueeck
back from Knik with one man grader. Pat Irish still joy
riding with Capt. Sliver. Stanley and Shorty in from road
camp mile 4. Old Fred Crocker finally went to work for Road
Commission. Willow Creek Mines unloading last car of lumber.
Cloudy and light rain, evening, hard rain. Party looking over
Tweeden ranch. Evening, Cook and wife over from government
farm to trade. Radio NG, too much static, had in KJR 11 to 12.
June 12, 1930 Business good, sales $336.85
in 2 days. Metz and Bogard in. Bogard not feeling well.
Pat Irish left again with Capt. Sliver for Palmer District, got
contract to clear land on Shonebeck ranch. ARC boys in to
trade, collected in over $1,600 thus far. Gus took out Mabel
and Marion Twin grub, etc. Pyle and gang left for Gold Mint Mine.
Snow blocks road near mine. Ben Marino got job at Mabel Mine.
Radio NG, very weak. Wilmoth visited about Frank Doherty’s funds.
Radio NG. Mosquitoes bad in woods.
June 13, 1930 Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
bunch arrived at Anchorage today, had barbeque at Lake Spenard.
Stiles here to do assessment work on old Shough Mine. Bogard
and Metz in with spuds, 2 loads for McKinley Park. Gust Haller
here for his car left at Wagner’s last fall. Got 2nd class mail
off Aleutian. Tourists now going through to Fairbanks.
Evening, drove out to ARC camp, mile 4. Florence Oberg back from
Bellingham, Washington. Radio fair, had KOMO, KJR and 2YA, Wellington,
New Zealand.
June 14, 1930 Ranchers report nothing growing.
Walters in for 4 July outfit. Vail’s looking for barrel
to make dandelion wine. Home brew outfit having another
party at St. Clair’s ranch, under leadership of professor Snider.
Jacob Metz went to Anchorage for exam account probably rupture.
New Kodiak ARC foreman in to trade. Bogard cleaned up oat
hay and spuds on Metz ranch. Gust Haller left with his car
for his ranch. Wasilla Hotel got coat white wash by Leonard
Grau the wise man
June 15, 1930 Sunday, busy in store AM.
Shipped 1 order north. Freight train arrived with Seattle
freight. PM got a set out with feed and groceries.
Pyle and help left for Gold Mint Mine early AM. Another St.
Clair party, chicken and booze this time, given by the judges wife.
Mollie came in, good milk now from Snider Fur Farm. Made 1st trip to
Fishhook Inn, road through canyon fine, fresh gravel on balance of road
not so good. Evening, paid Seattle invoices, $958.79. No
radio, off early on Sunday. Shonebeck here. Snow off sunny
side of mountains.
June 16, 1930 Warm day, 70
above. Busy day, unloaded and stored away 5½ tons
new freight, Eva was swamper. Got first cantaloupes and
head lettuce from Outside. St. Clair’s visited and returned
$50 coupon book we potlatched in August 1927 benefit party for St.
Clair’s in Mayo Hospital. Bootlegger party on at Snider’s tonight?
One booze fighter and bootleg peddler fell out yesterday. L.
A. Walter’s over from Palmer. Ueeck still operating one man grader
and smoothing on Bogard and Knik Roads. Mrs. Cad went to Anchorage.
June 17, 1930 A-1 day, 72 above.
ARC out of gasoline, none came. Moshier and Goodell moved
into (blank) cabin while working for Fish Commission. Ueek
with 1 man grader spoiled Wasilla-Willow Road today, run all
the rocks into good track now made. Evening, drove out to
Forty Mile Miller’s with package, Mrs. Amos along with joy riders,
Eva, Stanley and mother with Dad at the wheel. Bogard in with
eggs and for merchandise. Junction cars coming up every evening
now. Another party on at St. Clair’s ranch, Snider and Wilmoth’s.
Evening, priced up new merchandise. KJR came in for 1 hour
on headphones.
June 18, 1930 Business normal, warm day,
mosquitoes bad. Pricing up new goods. PM drove
out to Forty Mile Miller, made arrangements with him to do assessment
work at mines. Road all bumps account graveling and re-grading
road to mile 8. Wade and Snider settling Hi-Grade Mine deal,
reported that Wade lost his interest for lack of payment to
Snider. Evening, Shorty, Eva and Stanley drove to Knik.
Got Watson mail. Kempf arrived to do his assessment work on
Craigie Creek. ARC out of gas. Got ½ hour good
radio from KJR. All daylight now. Smithy family over from
Palmer to trade.
June 19, 1 930 Clear, hot day, 74 above. Dunkley,
Oberg and Beck in from Willow Creek Mines. Got road shoveled
out to summit. Snow 16’ deep in pass, 2 miles more to clear
on Fishhook side, then they can haul in-freight. Charley
Huff and McKinnon here looking for work. Sharon wanted to get
old plank on our Knik wharf for his garage. Evening, Stanley,
Eva and Tilly agent and mother drove over to Palmer via Junction.
Matanuska side road off Palmer Willow Road, back St. Clair’s road, road
fine, took 1 hour 40 minutes.
June 20, 1930 First summer day, 78 above.
Harry Flood in for vacation by buying McNeil outfit a grub supply.
New Yukon, all steel car, on run today. Mrs. Dunkle and
son arrived from Outside to join husband for summer at Lucky Shot
Mine. Sam Peters in from mines with $1,600 check account
cutting mining timbers, went on to Anchorage to blow in. Ben
Marino through at Mabel Mine after 5 shifts. Got load oil and
Libby’s goods on freight. Packed order for Caswell Lake fur
farm. Now midnight, KJR coming in good but wavey account daylight.
Swimming day for kids.
June 21, 1930 Shipped ½ ton groceries
to Caswell fur farm. Got car ready for trip to Grubstake
Placer Mine. Mrs. Cad and twins back from Anchorage after
week vacation. Evening, dance on at Vail’s ranch.
Got phone call from Anchorage for fish barrels. Dunkle, wife
and son left for mines. Evening, made up bank account.
Evening, raining hard up to midnight. Expect to leave for mines
at 6 AM tomorrow if not too wet. Got grub order for Yago Jap
Mines. Metz back from Anchorage. Longest day.
June 22, 1930 Sunday, left Wasilla 6:30
AM for Grubstake Placer Mine. Picked up O. C. Miller at
his ranch, drove car as far as Fishhook bridge then mushed over
summit. Had coffee at Miller’s summit cabin. ARC were
finishing shoveling snow out of road at Fishhook-Willow summit.
Willow Creek Mines had snow shoveled out on Willow Creek side.
PM started ground sluice on high bank half way up canyon. Grub
and all OK at cabin and cache. Dunkle, wife and son mushed over
summit.
June 23, 1930 At Grubstake, run open
cut, got ground sluice ready for sluice boxes. Fished
foot bridge over Grubstake Creek, cleaned up cabin, looked over
old flume boxes to get lumber for hand sluicing. Very fine
weather, no mosquitoes on Grubstake. Ma and Eva running
store. First Caterpillar crossed over summit today, now
ready to haul in Willow Creek Mine supplies.
June 24, 1930 At Grubstake. Got
rocks, etc. out of cut so as to install sluice boxes. PM
packed down lumber from upper claim and Miller started to make 2
sluice boxes. Miller worked all evening, 3 hours on boxes.
Ma and Eva running store.
June 25, 1930 Miller finished sluice
boxes, packed them over to ground sluice on hydraulic group.
Got boxes set up and turned on water 4 PM - 4:45 left Grubstake for
Wasilla, took 2 hours to reach Miller’s summit cabin. Mushed on
down to ford Hatcher Creek, car OK. Snider’s car parked by
my car. Found sack of ARC sugar on road. Gus car in ditch,
party way to summit. Arrived home 10 PM. Cat caught rat
in store. No radio.
June 26, 1930 Mosquitoes
lively. Self pretty sore from trip over Fishhook summit.
Busy marking new goods and paying Seattle invoices, etc.
Sent 5 gallon black paint out to placer mine to paint pipe and cabin
roof. Forty Mile Miller doing the assessment work on placer.
St. Clair’s arrived with auto and home brew for summer vacation on
their ranch. Had good radio ½ hour. Mrs. Cad and Isaac’s
went to Mint Mine. Mrs. McDougal went to Anchorage.
June 27, 1930 Got off Outside mail. Two
passenger trains on Friday. Nellie St. Clair and Macalroy
arrived via Knik. Capt. Sliver hauled St. Clair stuff from
Knik to ranch. Evening, St. Clair with Mrs. Wilmoth, drove
to Knik to try and mend up old score between Ellexson and St. Clair
families of 3 years standing. Snider back from Hi-Grade Mine.
Snider run ore car over dump. Evening, ½ hour opera
from Los Angeles on KNX on loud speaker, fine.
June 28, 1930 Finished pricing new hardware
made on shipment north on railroad. Mrs. Cads brother arrived.
Crocker and old Edlund quit the ARC road work. ARC now building
road from Lucky Shot Mine to the Rhinehardt cabin on Willow.
Gus landed my grub and iron paint at Grubstake today. Bought
ton coal off Gus for kitchen stove. Evening, dance on at school
house. Radio fair, KNX and KJR, 1 hour.
June 29, 1930 Sunday, ARC starting to
move mile 4 and 10 camps over to Willow Creek to build new road.
Osbourne up from Junction. Moshier and Goodell going to
Meadow Creek District to clean out creeks so salmon can come up
to lakes to spawn. Got first watermelons and fruit and
groceries arrived today. Paid Seattle invoices. No radio.
Stanley’s in from mile 4 camp.
June 30, 1930 Business good, sales $193.72.
June sales $3,255.58, business on the gain. Sent Schwabacher
grocery order. Stanley moving mile 4 and 10 ARC camps to
Fishhook bridge, then Cat hauls it over summit to new road down Willow
Creek. Evening, on monthly statements. St. Clair in
for grub. Ueeck and Metz busted ARC grass machine, 2nd time.
Crocker moved back to Sharon’s. Wade and partner went out to
Blue Bird Prospect.
July 1, 1930 Business slow, collections
fair. Temperature 60 to 70 above. Self on monthly
statements all day. Got out Wasilla and Willow files.
Last night, Eva and Mrs. Wilmoth had a tongue fight account Mrs. Wilmoth
said Eva was indisposed at last dance. George Grennon was in
today, wanted to buy back my spuds. Kids run Gusta's car and burnt
out bearings, no water or oil. Jake and Ueech mowing grass along
roads again. Hans still hauling Willow Creek Mines lumber.
No radio, too mushy.
July 2, 1930 Business normal, collections
air. Partly cloudy, temperature 60 to 70 above. Boat
train 2½ hours late, got some Outside mail. Self
on monthly statements all day. Mrs. Cads brother back from
Anchorage. Pyle and Dunkle in from mines. Capt. Sliver
traded old Wasilla stage rear end for Arnold’s rear end. Edlund
sawing lumber on Forty Mile Miller place. Strawberries
at Sunny Knik. Evening, cloudy, no radio.
July 3, 1930 Business good, collections
good, temperature 68. Quiet AM and evening rush.
Help in from ARC camp and mines for the fourth and the bootleggers
here to meet them? Drove down to Grennon’s road for 3 sacks
contract spuds, 5 more to come. Evening, busy in store until
10 PM. Dance on at Fishhook Inn tonight for booze party, another
at St. Clair’s ranch, the judge star guest. Government farm
help up to trade. Got KNX, Long Beach and Oklahoma City on Eveready
set for 1 hour. Got hair cut.
July 4, 1930 Celebrators from Palmer,
Matanuska and Knik arrived AM, more kids than ever before.
Pulled off races, etc. by side street of our store. Eva
won $4.50 in contests. Usual old time drunks on hand.
Outside mail went south. Mrs. Anderson’s daughter and family
arrived from States, also movie player to work on road. Times
mighty hard in the States now, many out of work. Evening, dance
on at school house. Furnished music at front balcony with Bristol
phono attachment. Evening, no radio. Perfect day, 74 above.
Business good till 10 PM.
July 5, 1930 Business good, collections
fair, +68. Packed 2 orders for north on railroad. St. Clair’s
car haywire. Shorty stayed in and fixed rear end.
Some of the boys a day late, going back on ARC job. Donovan
reported that Fred Roscher had not been at his cabin for 2 weeks.
L. D. and Ellexson drove down to investigate, Roscher not at his cabin,
probably lost in the woods near his cabin. Smithy and family
over for grub. Station help up to trade, busy till 7 PM in store.
July 6, 1930 Sunday, busy in store. Eva
and self hauled over 4 loads north freight to depot with Stanley’s
Tin Lizzie. Moshier and Goodell left on north freight train
to clean out creeks from Pittman west account Salmon run.
Last 3 days sales rang up $770.80. Stanley in for load freight
for ARC will now take his car over summit to Willow Creek Lucky
Shot Road. Evening, drove loop via to mile 10 thence to Matanuska
Junction cut off then back over Bogard Road, 26.4 miles, time 1 hour
45 minutes. Dunkle and Gaston in to unload car freight.
Ma skookum now at 155 lbs.
July 7, 1930 Business slow, wheeled over
butter, eggs, cheese and bacon from freight depot. Wilmoth
party went out to hunt up Roscher at ranch, could not find any
trace of him, cabin locked and one rifle gone. PM gas car with
10 men from Anchorage arrived to hunt up Roscher. Mrs. Gill
and Hoffman up from Junction to trade. Cads brother and Adolph
Olson went out for ARC.
July 8, 1930 Business slow, cloudy and
light showers. Anchorage buzz-car bunch with Wasilla
gang, made a search from Wasilla along road to Moffit ranch
for Roscher, found no trace of him. PM auto cars took Anchorage
bunch to Matanuska to catch branch train to Anchorage. Anderson’s
new arrivals moved into Hatcher cabin. Sold 1st bunch of berry
crates. Evening, tried out new Eveready tubes, set worked
smooth. Had in KNX and KJR, wave weak account cloudy and soft
weather. Temperature 64 above.
July 9, 1930 Quincy Adam Pyle up from Gold
Mint Mine. Ueeck and Metz through mowing grass along
auto roads for ARC. Banker Ervine and wife here going to
mines. Mike Sobal in to report on Yago Mine to Elwyn Swetmann
at Seward. Evening, Shorty in, going to move “Rip Van Winkle”
ARC camp over summit to Willow then all ARC help will be working
on the Lucky Shot Rhinehardt Road. Made report to mfg. and jobbers
credit bureau, assets $31,881.07, April 1, 1930. Radio NG, cloudy
and light rain. College demonstrator here.
July 10, 1930 Peddler, from the Utah Trail,
in town. PM got bunch orders from ARC help on Willow Creek.
Harvey in with truck for ARC freight. Zink lost $400 fox.
Osbourne up from Junction. Irvin and Wilmoth went to mines.
Ellexson in for grub also Bogard, with eggs. Mailed in 3
financial reports to rating agencies. Evening raining.
July 11, 1930 Business slow, partly cloudy.
Dan Kennedy here after orders from mines. Gus in, had
been to head of Craigie Creek with coal for Marion Twin Mining
Co. “Red” went to Anchorage. Gus made round trip to Anchorage.
Irvin left Anchorage. Frenchy here waiting for his ARC paycheck,
then going Inside. Evening, drove over loop, Toat Road back
by Forest Hall, Mrs. Cad and Isaac’s went along. Got a few new
currants along road. Eva went to Knik. Radio NG, all static.
Heaven and wife down to trade.
July 12, 1930 Bogard in with eggs.
Stanley in from Willow Creek after load Bugge’s spuds for ARC
camp. ARC paychecks came delayed 1 week, also our funds from
bank delayed 6 days. Frenchy left to cook at Fairbanks.
Six Shooter Bill and Helmar went to Anchorage to have teeth out.
Got 1st strawberries. Evening, Eva and Stanley went to Knik with
newly weds. Morris Sharp here. Radio but NG, too weak.
July 13, 1930 Sunday, busy in store.
Snider took Morris Sharp and party out to mile 12, going to
climb mountain and cross over top to Moose Creek to get view
and away from mosquitoes, came back, quit this sport.
Stanley waiting for ARC freight. Hans still hauling Willow
Creek Mine lumber to Fishhook Inn. Mary and her new beau in
to trade. Vail got 25 berry crates. Strawberries now
coming. Evening, drove out to Miller’s ranch Forty Mile Miller
didn’t arrived from mines. Edlund had mill ready to saw lumber.
No radio.
July 14, 1930 Warm day, 74 above. Got
2 orders from north on railroad. Evening, Frank Hoffman
up from Junction for ham and lemons for Phil Allen. Another
peddler in town. Mattie got her 2 dresses, bought off peddler,
no fit, too large. Evening, Eva, Ma and Agent drove to Knik
with Tin Lizzie. Had first strawberry shortcake. Evening,
radio but weak. Mrs. McNeil OK now.
July 15, 1930 Bogard passed through town with
2 fine loads of hay from Metz ranch, took picture of same.
Goodrich peddler, here taking orders for coats, etc. sell merchant
then sell to customer, Seattle spirit. Stanley in for supplies
for ARC Willow Creek. Evening, surprise party on at government
farm for Wingfield and bride. Strawberries coming.
Fair radio but bumpy. KJR now coming in on phones.
July 16, 1930 Finished marking 2 orders for
north. Gus in, made first trip with truck over Fishhook
summit, had to have team pull him back account mud holes on Willow
side of summit. PM tried to get aux-shaft out of transmission
on truck, froze in and didn’t get it out. Stanley in for more
ARC freight. Sharon got 2 salmon in Cottonwood Creek, salmon
run will be on soon. Berries coming slow. ARC road survey
Willow to Houston NG, now surveying to Willow Station. Radio
spasmodic.
July 17, 1930 Bogard and Ellexson in to trade.
Harvey in for ARC supplies. Word came that Harry Lander
had a stroke in Michigan that Richard was with him now.
Railroad laying off more help. Evening, Osbourne and Bosch
over from Junction to trade. Rained all evening. Zink
lost another breeding fox. KNX good for ½ hour then 2YA,
Wellington but mushy. Snider grouchy about oil. Radio
1 hour, 1st part good.
July 18, 1930 Business slow, rain all
day, 50 to 56 above. Snowed at Fern Mine last night.
Two engineers went out to examine Fern Mine. Willow Creek
Mines now running Cat, 2 shifts, taking 8 tons from Fishhook to
mines daily. We got 5 tons merchandise on yesterday freight
train. Another peddler in town, will soon turn business over
to peddlers and mail order houses? Full tourist load on south
bound train today. Evening, after 10 PM good radio from KNX
and KJR. Still raining.
July 19, 1930 Had Gus haul over freight from
railroad warehouse, five tons. Baxter Felch and Sellers
man arrived from north. Gave Baxter order for Munsingwear.
Stanley and Harvey in for ARC freight. Got order from
A and O for ½ ton fish salt. Patzack went out to Lucky
Shot. Help, from government farm, over to trade. Got
Outside mail. Report came that Harry Lander died from 2 strokes
July 6th in Michigan. Lander left here a year ago.
Soft weather, radio mushy and NG.
July 20, 1930 Sunday PM gave Sellers
man small fill-in hardware order. Outside freight arrived
PM got first casabas. Had Hormel chicken dinner at home.
Stanley in for ARC groceries, clothing and tobacco for ARC help.
Evening, drove around loop via Government farm, Cad’s mother and
Sellers man went along. Nick Brake in from Yago Mine, they
did not get Swetman’s letter or wire sent to me. Had big feed
watermelon.
July 21, 1930 Eva hauled over ton freight with
Tin Lizzie then took out garbage cans to dump. Felch and
Sellers man left for Seward. Mike Sobal in from Yago Mine,
Nick Brake through. Mike got powder off Dunkle and went
back to work waiting for Swetmann to come over from Seward for inspection.
Dunkle in with Cat and men to load heavy freight for Willow Creek
Mines. Mrs. Cads mother left for Anchorage. Persson fired
at Marion Twin Mine.
July 22, 1930 Put up several dinky orders for
mine. Sold out on fish salt, no salmon running as yet in
Cottonwood Creek. Plenty of salmon at Knik. Willow
Creek Mines got new Cat tractor assembled and started to load heavy
machinery. Crazy Persson went to Anchorage, asked Snider for
his daughters hand, crazy. Evening, drove over to Palmer, back
by Matanuska. Met Gill’s car and got into ditch, station
truck pulled us out OK, delayed ½ hour. Good radio from
KJR 11 to 12 . Sold 50 berry crates.
July 23, 1930 Salmon running, now, in
Cottonwood Creek. Everybody putting up salmon. Bears
plentiful around fish camps. Patchell got grub outfit for
Gold Creek. Had trouble with agent about shipping same.
New agent not popular with local shoppers. Tex Cobb
up from Junction. Willow Creek Mines Cat left with Cat trailer
and wagon load mining machinery, first trip. Paddy decorating
up the White house. Evening raining and no radio.
July 24, 1930 Stanley in for ARC supplies and
dozen orders for help. Got work sheets etc. Libby’s and
drugs on freight today, Eva hauled it over with Tin Lizzie.
Pick-up order for Mabel and Marion Twin Mines. Made out order for
radio supplies and underwear. Everybody now after berries
and salmon. Evening, no radio, static. Mrs. Hans Fryd.
in from mountain home, 2 lbs. bananas please. No radio.
J. M. Patchell left for Gold Creek District to prospect.
July 25, 1930 Bogard and Irish in for supplies.
Got off orders for radio supplies and Glastonbury underwear.
Kids put George Nylan’s Lizzie on the bum, burned out all the
bearings. Ueeck’s 1 man grader stalled at mile 7 Knik Road.
Erwin and wife, Standard Oil man, here, tried to hire our car to go
to Willow Creek. Evening, drove out to Fishhook Inn, road best
ever. Hugo Johnson was there loving Mary? No radio, cloudy
evening. Sold 2nd lot of berry crates. Stanley in for gas.
Gene Bartholf in town.
July 26, 1930 Business normal.
Cloudy, 66 above. Shipped 50 crates berry boxes to ACC
at Anchorage and fish salt to Willow. Stanley in for more
ARC supplies and orders for help. Milo Kelly arrived from
States, still at old game promoting, had doctor in tow this time.
Evening, dance on at Matanuska. Sent cigars to Gill, Allen and
Wingfield account pulling us out of ditch. New section boss
arrived.
July 27, 1930 Sunday, busy in store,
Milo Kelly and Zink placed trail order and the doctor paid the
bill. Ueeck got in with broken down grader off Knik Road.
Snider got his car fixed up again and drove out to Hi-Grade Mine,
claim they found another lead, fortune now made? Mary having Phelps
“Buhach” car overhauled to run from Fishhook Inn. McDougal offered
$50 to find a new vein on Fern Mine. Evening, paid Seattle invoices.
Evening, raining, no radio, 2YA in 15 minutes.
July 28, 1930 Weather cloudy with showers.
Got last 2 shipments of tobacco. Kelly and doctor here
waiting for favorable weather to go to Goose Bay account birch
timbers. New section man renovating section house.
Mary and Sliver overhauling Phelps old car. Edlund’s left for
sawmill at Forty Mile’s to put up hay on tide flats. Evening, Gill
and Allen over from Junction to trade. Eva went to Anchorage
account Helen being sick. Lippert went through to Anchorage.
Evening, no radio, too soft weather. Read papers, no radio.
July 29, 1930 Packed 2 dinky orders for north
freight. Quiet in town, none in from ARC camp or mines.
New section foreman and family moved into section house.
Six Shooter Bill hooked up his radio. Got hardware priced up.
Evening, posted up register sheets. Kelly and Zink waiting for
good weather before going to measure up birch timber. Ma made
$15 bonus on June sales. Radio, Madam Drufis program only thing
came through. Eva at Anchorage.
July 30, 1930 Got Outside mail off Watson.
Kelly and Zink moved down to birch timber, camped in Ulanky
cabin account rain. Self, three score and 2 years more
today, still going strong, weigh 178 lbs. Ma also in good
health, old nerve trouble gone. Gus back from Willow Creek,
said heavy rains in Willow Creek District. Received 3 birthday
presents, manicure set from Eva, cake from Mrs. Cad, strawberries
and cream from Mrs. Ellexson. Evening, request program over
KJR good.
July 31, 1930 Picture peddler in town.
Some of our customers wanted to borrow money to pay for pictures.
Stanley got one enlarged of Ma, Clara and self. Sharon
shot 2 more black bear near his fox pens. Strawberries at
their best, got some from Crocker ranch. PM hauled over ton
freight with Lizzie. Run over Wilmoth’s dog trying to bite wheels.
Early evening, KNX, KJR and KOM came in on loud speaker. 2YA,
Wellington, New Zealand now on speaker at town hall on labor, crowd
cheering. Lippert here to finish his house. Eva at Anchorage.
Radio good early.
August 1, 1930 Busy on monthly statements
all day till midnight. Trains late. Pyle in from
Craigie Creek prospect. Schoolmarm and 2 kids arrived from
Inside to take over Wasilla School. Hans finished hauling
all the Willow Creek Mines lumber. Stanley in for supplies for
ARC and help on Willow Creek. Evening, radio fair, considerable
fading, KNX, KJR and 2YA New Zealand. Six Shooter Bill and Stewart
went to Anchorage. Eva at Anchorage.
August 2, 1930 Got order from Caswell fur farm.
O. C. Miller in from Grubstake, worked 37 shifts on Grubstake
Placer Mine, repaired cabin and cache. Miller paid Long note
$160, interest $16, had $9 left from work on placer. A. Muller,
store man from Kaltag here looking over fur farms, wanted Wasilla spuds.
Evening, drove Miller out to his ranch.
August 3, 1930 Sunday, Dr. H. W. Alberts
visited to get data on this district since 1898, on trails,
roads, early farm locations, etc. here all PM wants this for government
statistics. Stanley in from ARC Lower Willow Creek
camp, made it over summit to Wasilla in 2 hours with new Ford truck.
Evening, Ellexson’s and Eva and Stanley visited on Wingfield’s at
government farm. Moshier and Goodell went north on train account
salmon business, clearing out rubbish in creeks. McNeil’s delivered
last of wood traded for case gasoline. Self troubled with pains
in upper stomach and lower lungs. Rainy season on. Had
in KFOX, Long Beach on Eveready set 11 PM.
August 4, 1930 Eva hauled over freight with
her Tin Lizzie. Several out from mines, went to Anchorage.
Milo Kelly and party back from Knik. Evening, Eva went to
Knik with newly weds, Wingfield’s. Priced up dry goods and
hardware. Self not feeling good, pains in stomach. Lippert’s
moved into Snider’s cold storage until they get their new house completed.
Collections on monthly accounts fair. Evening, good radio, KJX
best from Jack and Jill Tavern, Portland, came in on Eveready set.
Midnight raining hard.
August 5, 1930 Business slow, rain all
day, 60 above. Only local dinky trade. Vic Olson
left for lower Inlet to look up cinnabar prospect. Doctor
left for Goose Bay via Anchorage. Jack Winzenried in from
Willow Creek Mines, going to Anchorage hospital account stomach
trouble, same as I have and others. Pittman section men laid
off, down here on a drunk. O. C. Miller in from ranch with berries.
Radio but weak account rain.
August 6, 1930 Business slow, no Outside
freight or mail. Gus in from mines, reported road bad
over summit and on Willow Creek. Stanley in for load of
ARC supplies. Snider’s nephew back from ARC McKinley Park.
No spuds, old crop used up and new spuds too small to dig.
Chas Bartholf relocated Otto’s claims near Old Bullion Mine and
prospecting them now. Banker Tarwater here, 1st time.
August 7, 1930 Rained all
day. Dunkle and family in, family going Outside.
Cat in for heavy Willow Creek Mines machinery, 2nd trip. Tarwater
and Shonbeck went out to inspect Gold Cord Mine, not operating this
season. Bogard and Pat Irish in for supplies. Gill,
Allen and Bosch up from Matanuska for bacon etc. Ma not feeling
well, touch of old trouble and lame back Vail bunch went to
Anchorage to meet Vail’s son, new arrival. Evening, no radio,
raining.
August 8, 1930 Business normal.
Cloudy, 60 above. Got 2 orders from railroad belt north.
Mrs. Horning and Gene back from Anchorage with lady cook.
Marshal, Well’s man here, gave him a fill-in order for hardware.
Willow Creek Mine Cat went out with 2nd heavy load of machinery.
Cat trailer improved loose gravel road. Pat Irish got away with
carton package for ARC help, took it to Bogard ranch. Evening,
drove out to Forty Mile Miller’s for strawberries account soft weather,
berries rolling on ground.
August 9, 1930 Noon, drove out to Miller’s
and brought in 4 crates berries for shipment north. Zink
and Kelly left for B D Mine. Old Dr. left on last boat
for Seattle, couldn’t stand rainy weather. Evening, drove
out to Bogard ranch for ARC packages taken by Pat Irish by mistake.
Evening, big crowd in account dance at school house. Ed Holland
in for pick-ups for his mine. Had big strawberry shortcake
which made Eva smile. Weak radio account soft weather.
August 10, 1930 Hauled over ½ ton merchandise
for north freight. Got 1½ tons freight on PM
train. Willow Creek Mines got another car lumber.
Tilly the Toiler and Six Shooter Bill unloaded this car of lumber.
Stanley in on Sunday, put new brake linings on his truck. Eva
and Stanley drove down to government farm to visit new bridal couple.
Fred Crocker in from his ranch. 2YA only good radio, now coming
in at midnight. Willow Creek Mines Cat took out another heavy
piece machinery. Midnight, raining.
August 11, 1930 Paddy Marion went out to Hi-Grade
Mine. Farmer Engstrom in for supplies, mostly hardware,
$74.20. Got groceries and hardware from Outside. Snider
car on bum again. Lippert’s got their mail order house furniture.
Gene hauled over 1¼ tons of freight from car. Gusta
got new engine and parts for his Tin Lizzie. Post Office inspector
here. Fosket in to trade. New local spuds selling at 5¢
lb. Old spuds cleaned up. Radio poor account rain and low
A battery.
August 12, 1930 Gust Haller drove Kennedy out
to GB cache, Fishhook Creek, said roads were mushy on benches.
Gust installing a radio on ranch after remodeling old house.
Two men walked down from Fairbanks looking for work. Big
booze party reported at Fishhook Inn last night, Capt. Sliver drunk.
Ueeck spoiled Wasilla-Willow road with grader, scooped center off
road. Hans hauling another car lumber to mines. Evening,
drove out to Miller’s ranch with berry crates and got strawberries.
August 13, 1930 Gus took Cad and Oberg families
out to Willow Creek for an outing, got back at 10 PM. Snider
on war path because ARC won’t make road to High Grade Mine from
Gold Cord road, sent wire to law at Los Angeles about it. Wrote
Gill about transmission on Overland car. Had big strawberry shortcake
for dinner. Sam St. Pierre in looking for saw mill man, went
over to Palmer to see Smithy. Evening, radio good but wavy, had
in six stations.
August 14, 1930 Sam Peters, Heinie Snider and
Peter went to Anchorage. Kids bathing in Lake Wasilla,
warm PM. Sam Beck, Ulsh and Mary in for odd supplies, went
back to mines. Only got gas and oil on today’s freight train.
Lippert went over to Palmer to see about mink. Mike Sobal
through on Jap property and left for Seward to report to Swetmann
owner. Evening, got out Seattle mail, had $1,400 deposits.
No radio, soft. Mrs. Ward in Los Angeles now. Kids in Anchorage.
August 15, 1930 Sales fair, collections
good. Eva, with Ellexson’s, visited mines on Willow Creek
side with Tin Lizzie. Stanley in at noon for ARC gas, also
evening for mine gas. Duff through at ARC got job with garage
at Anchorage. O. C. Miller out again at his summit mine, a
sure million this time? Gus hauled out oil from railroad freight
shed. Mr. no-all smoothed up Main Street ditches, front of
store, with 1 man grader. Blodgett $500 worth breeding
mink.
August 16, 1930 Smithy over with 2nd lot of
5¢ new spuds. Smith left for Willow Creek with Sam
Peters to run his sawmill. Snider back from Anchorage, also
Mr. Cad arrived to sharpen up the butcher knives at Wasilla Hotel.
Rip Van Winkle’ “girl” arrived and “Boob’s” wife. Railroad annual
picnic due at Wasilla tomorrow. Sam Guyot here for grocery
orders. Evening, greased up Olds car.
August 17, 1930 Sunday, busy in store
all day account Sunday picnic at Wasilla, only brought 2 auto
cars as price was raised to $15 a car. Cloudy all day but
no rain. Band played this time in front of Wilmoth’s.
Gill’s up with car, had Mrs. Herbert with them, drove in to Knik,
Ma went with them. Mrs. Cad did a good biz on soda pop and candy
and tobacco. Our sales, past 2 days, $303.30. Stanley
in. Dorbrandt here with airplane. Eva went on plane to
Anchorage. Stanley’s 2nd ride in airplane. Sam Peters lost
$100 in poker game at St. Clair ranch.
August 18, 1930 Got off mail, and had Gus haul
load freight from car to store. PM unloaded 2½
tons forage from car in track warehouse. Busy pricing up
new goods. Sam St. Pierre, with Smithy, started for Willow
Creek sawmill, turned back PM and went to St. Clair ranch. Evening,
big dinner at Hans place then drove out to Fishhook Inn, 2 cars, Smithy
and St. Clair’s. Evening, we drove out to Miller’s ranch for
berries, someone had picked them. Silver Slipper Café program
good, KNX.
August 19, 1930 Self busy pricing up new merchandise.
Heavy rain last night but clear and warm today, +70. St.
Pierre joy party ended last night at Fishhook Inn. Old
Sam now back to his timber camp for Willow Creek Mines. Eva
back from Anchorage via branch train to Junction then Soper of
government farm brought her to Wasilla. Evening, radio fair
after 10:30 PM Evening, read Bird’s account of trip to South
Pole by airplane.
August 20, 1930 Business normal, rain
all day. Put up 3 orders for north freight tomorrow.
Harry Vail’s son in from Fishhook Inn with Fabyan’s 80 hour prov.
car, run out of gas by Wasilla Lake crossing. W. S. Horning
arrived from Valdez Creek, said very dry there, no water, went to
Mabel Mine. Evening, Hugh Kelly down from Pittman, Snider drove
him to St. Clair summer resort? Evening, cloudy and soft, no
radio.
August 21, 1930 Got new order from
Sam Stone, fur farmer, at Willow. Alaska Railroad, investigating
party from Washington, here for ½ hour. Wasilla stood
the acid test, special train went on to Fairbanks. Shipped
4 orders north today. O. C. Miller in, back from mines, kids
broke things up at his ranch while away to the mines. Sam Beck and
Ulsh in from Lucky Shot, had Mary and Swen’s wife with them, drove
down to Vail’s for home brew? Milo Kelly left for Seattle. George
Nylan in from Hi-Grade Mine.
August 22, 1930 Ellexson’s here for lunch,
went on to Matanuska and experimental farm. Old Blue fell
into B and H old store well at Knik, took them 4 hours to dig him
out at Sunny Knik. Cad home to sharpen up the butcher knives?
Stanley in from Willow Creek, brought in Sam Kelly with lame back
Lippert trying to drive well point on his fur farm. Evening,
Eva played portable phonograph. Radio poor, 11 to 12 only.
Section man at Pittman lost job account booze.
August 23, 1930 Arnold Edlund and family moved
out to Miller’s ranch to saw lumber. Gerrit Snider showing
$4,000 assay on Hi-Grade ore. Word came that ex-oilman,
John Smith, owner of Gold Cord Mine, committed suicide in Los Angeles.
Evening, drove out to Bill Long’s ranch, Bill home from ARC work
account stomach trouble. No coast stations on air but 2YA, Wellington,
New Zealand fair.
August 24, 1930 Brill car special with 3 people
went north today. Stanley in for ARC supplies and merchandise
for help. Snider drove out to Hi-Grade Mine, now reports
$10,000 a ton ore? Had first blueberry shortcake.
PM worked on Overland truck transmission. Self and Gus signed
school bond for Stanley. No radio, 2YA but weak. Lighted
street lamp.
August 25, 1930 Gust Haller in for radio supplies.
Eva drove Lizzie to Knik to put up raspberries from Ellexson’s
ranch. Ball Brand and Munsingwear goods arrived. Evening,
moved Eveready set from Stanley’s room to balcony in store, got
fine reception 10 to midnight, KEX and KJR. Jack and Jill
Café program fine from Portland, KNX also fair.
August 26. 1930 Priced and marked BB and Munsingwear
goods. Bogard in for supplies. Jim Hustis, old
timer at Knik, back, visited on us PM, now at Tex Cobb’s ranch,
spent 2 fortunes, now working for living. Eva still at Knik
putting up jelly and eating king salmon strips? Gus in with
rush order for Marion Twin, 1 case milk. Cabins damaged at
Wasilla. Evening, KEX and Salt Lake fair but wavy account rain.
August 27, 1930 Lippert’s struck water in well
and moved into new house, Monday, near Snider fur farm.
Priced up new chrome non-rust salad ware. Eva back from
Knik with jelly and raspberries and cream. Had blueberry pie
for lunch. The “judge” visited Mrs. Cad “Sweety”, fat
counts for something? Evening, drove out to old 19 to charge
radio battery on car. Good radio but lots of static. Ma
not feeling good,
touch of old trouble.
August 28, 1930 Congressional party back from
end of railroad line, went on to Chickaloon coal fields, back
to Matanuska for dinner at government farm and auto ride through
farming district. Evening, Dunkle and wife in with Beck’s
car. New Fairview schoolmarm from Nebraska arrived.
Had T-bone steak, Sam got it in Anchorage. Hoffman sent us
a head lettuce as big as a cabbage. Sold case duck shells.
August 29, 1930 Business normal.
A-1 hot day, 76 above. Had Gus haul over 3 tons merchandise.
Eva was swamper with teamsters apron. No mail train south
today, wash out in Broad Pass on railroad. Dunkle and wife
returned to Willow Creek Mines account no train to Anchorage.
Mrs. Krogh and Wade visited. Ellexson’s in with raspberries
to sip and no train account washout. Evening, drove around
loop by government farm. Radio fair, tried out $4 wave booster,
some better. Mrs. Isaac’s moved into Hatcher cabin.
August 30, 1930 Business rushing all
day. Mrs. Isaac placed order for Gold Cord Mine. Quincy
Adam Pyle in to pay up August bills. Mail train south today, 1
day late account washout. Evening, Osbourne’s up to trade
from Junction. Stanley, Elmer Larson and Laurtz Loberg in
with Sam Beck, got merchandise for help. Isaac left for Gold
Cord Mine to re-brace timbers in tunnel. Radio 1 hour then heavy
rain came. Survey gang in from Willow Station, lined out 26
mile road to Lucky Shot.
August 31, 1930 Sunday, heavy rain all
last night, rivers high. Boat mail arrived PM today.
Sam Beck in for meat and mail account Willow Creek Mines.
No freight train today, schedule changed to Monday. Clyde
Burkett went to Nuka Bay to run a quartz mill. Late rain put
mountain roads on the bum.
September 1, 1930 Agent Tilley through,
left on late freight for relief agent at Talkeetna. Old
bald head Teich back on job at railroad depot. Herman down
from Big Lake fur farm, wanted $200 credit until October. Stanley
moving Lawrence ARC camp from Willow Creek to Wasilla Creek by Forest
Hall. Labor Day and everyone working. Evening on mines
monthly statements. Radio poor account evening rain.
September 2, 1930 Gus hauled over truck load
of milk, sugar and groceries. School opened today.
Mrs. P. D. Lippert, from Inside, teacher. Heavy rain all
day. ARC truck in from Willow Creek with camp outfits going
to work on Palmer roads. Still on monthly statements.
Moshier and Goodell and fish-boss walking to Pittman. Evening,
radio good early, then static.
September 3, 1930 Six Shooter Bill’s birthday,
now 55 years old, party at Vail’s. Moshier and Goodell
back with boss Cole from Pittman, now through on fish job.
Old ARC Cat in from Willow Creek, now on roads by Forest Hall.
Eva on the bum, took dose Calatab. Ma got kink in her back,
dads rupture going down in account too much lifting cases. All
rivers over banks account heavy rains. Al Walters over for crates.
September 4, 1930 Cloudy,
evening 36 above, doing office work, finished ARC help, monthly
statements after midnight. Oberg Sr. in, going to Anchorage
account toothache. McNeil’s making mink pens at Snider fur
farm. About out of coal and wood. Vail offered spuds
at $3 sack Evening, much cooler, may frost tonight. Radio
fair, got lots of fading. Teich got his electric motor running,
no radio while it’s running.
September 5, 1930 Got off mail and candy order.
Got 4 orders from north railroad line. Squaw man here looking
for house. Swen and Mr. and Mrs. Oberg went to Anchorage.
New spuds now offered at $3 a sack Arnold Edlund brought
in load planks from mill on Miller’s ranch. Railroad posted
notice, “Wasilla Station Closed on September 15th, Agent removed and
made a flag station. Only 1 freight and passenger per week hereafter”.
Cutting down expense to revenues? 2YA only radio tonight.
September 6, 1930 Got 4 orders packed for north
shipment on railroad before they pull up the rails? Stanley
and Shorty in from Willow Creek account Wilmoth’s dance?
A few up from government farm. Arnold Edlund brought in 2nd
load lumber from Miller’s ranch. Dance on at school house, no
lunch. Radio all static, NG. Sam Beck in for usual “smile”.
September 7, 1930 Sunday, two parties
here after mink. Helmer Oberg Jr. quit his job at Willow
Creek Mines, dances and girls more attractive? Shipped
3 orders north today. Local freight train had mostly coal,
sign of winter up line. No coffee or lunch at dance last night
but players got their 15 bucks. Teich sold Lippert his radio
but can’t make it work, lost chart of hook-up. Evening, mushy
and no radio. Zink in from mines.
September 8, 1930 Wired manager Ohlson, Alaska
Railroad, to extend closing of Wasilla Agency for 30 days.
Pyle, Gus, Hans and Dunkle wired for extension time. Shattuck
and some here buying mink from Snider fur farm for export across
Atlantic. PM freight arrived, got 5½ tons merchandise.
Ellexson in from Knik for merchandise. Section boss, Kruger,
bumped off job. Evening, drove over to Wagner’s for 2 sacks
spuds. Evening, radio good, 5 stations on air.
September 9, 1930 AM had Gus haul over 2 truck
loads from car, then Eva and self unloaded 4½ tons flour
and feed into railroad warehouse. Stanley in, now moving
ARC camp from Craigie Creek on Willow to Palmer Road. Shonbeck,
with Standard Oil and DuPont men visited, DuPont man lost
his speech by cancer in throat, now breathed through wind pipe on
collar line, Mayo’s operated on him last winter. Mary in with
new chauffeur George Nylan. No radio, Salt Lake and Portland
weak.
September 10, 1930 Manager Ohlson, of Alaska
Railroad, here for conference with Wasilla shippers account
making Wasilla a flag station to reduce railroad overhead expense,
will only lease caretaker at depot. Freight must be prepaid
after September 15th when Wasilla agent is bumped off job.
Freight receipts last month over $5,000? More Washington D. C.
red tape. Evening, paid Seattle invoices, $701.70. Radio
good, some fading. Stanley in, moving Willow Creek camp.
September 11, 1930 Self busy paying Seattle
invoices and making out shortage claims. All ARC camps
now moved out of Willow Creek. Stanley now driving Cat,
grading road, Forest Hall to government farm. Snider got
over 100 mink ready for shipment to Europe. Beggar in town.
Teich visited during evening, talking over where to go. Radio
good 10 to midnight, came in with great volume from Silver Slipper
Café, Los Angeles.
September 12, 1930 Got big order from Caswell
Lake fur farm and Sam Stone at Willow. Mail order from
Colorado Creek station. Snider shipped $6,000 worth of mink
to Norway. Anchorage Fair on. Peck family arrived at
depot. Peck watchman for winter. Big rat back in store,
put out trap for him. No one gone to Fair as yet. No radio,
big moon.
September 13, 1930 Big day, rushing business.
St. Pierre in for 2 lumber camp outfits for Willow Creek.
Pyle and Donovan in from Gold Mint Mine. Grau in from Gold Cord Mine.
McDougal from Fern Mine, back from Anchorage Fair. Snider
back from, starting late, mink sales to Norway, $6,000. Got 1½
tons groceries ready for north freight Sunday. Stanley in from
Wasilla Creek ARC camp. Eva not feeling well. KNX and
KJR good after Teich shut off electric. Home brew dance on
at Vail’s. Friday and Saturday sales, $711.70.
September 14, 1930 Sunday, Eva helped
to ship 1½ tons merchandise north. Freight train
arrived PM, Moore conductor, bumped off passenger run.
Only one freight and passenger train weekly from now on. Reported
passenger fares doubled and freight rates raised 50%. Smithy
over from Palmer and took out rear end of truck to replace bearings
in transmission counter shaft, had heck of a time to remove transmission
gears. Radio fair early. Sam Beck in 10 PM.
September 15, 1930 Business normal.
Dan Kennedy in from collecting bills from Lucky Shot help.
Bert McClarity still 2 months in the hole from last winter sporting
in Anchorage. Hans hauled our onions to Willow Creek, don’t
know his onions yet? St. Clair’s rented Paul Wavrick - Hartman
cabin on Main Street. Forty Mile Miller started foundation
for Nels Larson’s new cabin on Main Street. Who said Wasilla
was dead? All houses now rented. Wheeled over ton freight
from depot. Radio good after Teich’s engine closed. Snider
busy rounding up his cows.
September 16, 1930 A-1 day, but cool account
snow now on mountain peaks. Wired Hyatt Bearing for transmission
on truck, had to phone wire to Matanuska. Agent wanted us
to deposit $25 in advance account same. Manager Ohlson said
we could run a charge account, more red tape, agent is boss?
Lippert’s backer here and will locate on mink ranch. Lippert’s
to move up town. Evening, good radio KSL, KNX and KEX, Seattle
silent.
September 17, 1930 Business normal.
A-1 clear day, first freeze down to 18 above last night.
Farmers busy caring for grain and spuds. Agent Teich through
and left for Anchorage on speeder. Wasilla now a flag station.
St. Clair’s fixing up Paul Wavrick cabin. Mrs. Pennington rented
Harvey’s Forty Mile Miller house. Bridge gang here
working out of Wasilla. Radio good from Salt Lake City.
September 18, 1930 First
windy day of fall, evening, raining. Tex Cobb here from
guide trip up Knik River with big game hunter going out with another
party soon. Busy making out fall orders. Had over $2,000 bank
deposits. Got phone order from Fish Lake. PM drove to
Vail’s for spuds and carrots. Stanley in for school board
meeting. Had first grouse stew. Ma trying to get a cold.
No radio tonight account wind.
September 19, 1930 Wind storm
finished with rain all AM, snow PM covering ground with 1” snow.
Mrs. Horning, Gene, Sidney and oldest Bartholf boy left for
Seattle to put kids in school. Sharon had Gus go to Palmer
for piece of machinery, they went into the ditch by Stern’s, got out
and made it through snow storm. Stanley in, PM too stormy to work
on road. Jack and Mary went to Anchorage.
September 20, 1930 Business normal, usual
rush at mail train time. Marion Twin Mine Co. closed down for
season. Jack and Mary back from Anchorage, reported were
married. Dinner party on at Knik, Stanley, Eva and Adam Wingfield’s,
newly weds and Sharon and wife special guests. Received letter
from Transportation Manger of Alaska Railroad notifying agents on
line to render us monthly charge account hereafter.
September 21, 1930 Sunday, delivered
2 shipments for north freight. A-1 sunny day.
Pyle re-sacking gold ore for shipment Outside. Out of
coal and wood, car coal in route. Cemented up front grate
in cook stove. Capt. Sliver out with joy party, PM Stanley
in late with flat tire on Lizzie. Stored corrugated iron and
barbed wire inside. Evening, on cash register sheets.
Radio NG, clear and cold, 30 above. Love affair party on at
Thorpe’s.
September 22, 1930 Partly cloudy here,
while sun crossing the line. Got oil and tea on 1st prepaid
freight today. Assembled aux. shaft in transmission with
new roller bearings. Now waiting for bearing for main drive
transmission shaft. Libby man here for order. Pyle still
re-sacking gold ore. Gus bought Wilmoth warehouse on railroad
lot for $100 cash and winter coal. Evening, radio fine 9 to
12, on Federal set, KPO, KJR and 2YA Wellington, New Zealand, 3 hours.
September 23, 1930 Gave Libby man grocery order.
P. R. McGuire, Northern Life Insurance man, here and auto tax
collector made Capt. Sliver come through with license for his
car. Smithy over from Palmer, got machinery job on sawmill
at Girdwood. Freight train now hauling passenger car for traveling
public. Two drunks at Thorpe’s and St. Clair’s?
Gus hauled over load coal, oil and gas. Snider shipped out ton
Hi-Grade ore to Tacoma smelter. Evening, soft and cloudy, no
radio. Fosket in to trade, ordered paints.
September 24, 1930 Finished pricing up soaps
and hardware. Bogard in for merchandise. Bride
gang still here. Lippert’s moving into Tom Aureen’s bungalow.
Grouse quite plentiful. Dan got a big moose on Willow Creek.
Ellexson out to trade from Knik. Evening, posting up cash
register sheets. Radio good early, but motor at depot spoiled
it. 2YA New Zealand good at midnight, heard President Hoover
talk on home building
September 25, 1930 Opened up barrel butter
and pork. All the bootleggers in town. Hoyght
Gill up from Junction and Gust Haller. Stanley home nights
now from ARC camp, Wasilla Creek. Grouse quite plentiful.
Gus took load lumber to Hi-Grade Mine. Kloss and another
guy about to chase snakes from drinking white mule. Sent Vic
Olson $150 to Hope, Alaska. Evening, on hardware order.
Evening, windy, radio NG. Six Shooter Bill got his old set to
working.
September 26, 1930 A-1 sunny
day with wind, a welcome to farmers to dry out wet grain.
Gus, day late on trip to Gold Cord Mine with lumber. Mrs.
Zink, and daughter, left for weeks visit at Seward. Miller
got frame work of Nels Larson’s new house up. Evening, Stanley
and Eva, with joy party, drove out to Marie Anderson’s. Uncle
Jim was in bed, got up and fired the bunch, Helmer lost his clothes.
September 27, 1930 Eva and Mrs. Oberg went
out to look up Helmer, found him at Bogard’s, beat it over there,
from Jim Hansen’s last night in his underwear. Hansen found
him in his bed and fired him, out without any clothes. Boat
late, no mail train today. Donovan bought a $40 grub order.
Evening dance on at old Sunny Knik. Reported Jim Hansen took
grub away from his sister and niece and through with them account party
there last night, crazy?
September 28, 1930 Sunday, second snowfall,
ground white this AM, 26 to 40 above, 30 days ahead of
time. Dancers back from Knik, road slippery account new snow.
Mail train 2 hours late, then packed by 1st class mail. Whole
truck load of express arrived. Miller roofing in Nels Larson’s
new house. Radio good, Wellington, New Zealand. Willow
Creek Mine Cat in for last heavy machinery. Sam St. Pierre, home from
Anchorage by air.
September 29, 1930 Ground froze ½” and
farmers digging spuds. Old Sam St. Pierre giving parties
among the bootleggers, used up all but $40 of his $600 check.
Willow Creek Mines Cat took out last heavy piece machinery.
ARC Cat helping them over Fishhook summit in 4’ of snow. No
freight train today, boat late.
September 30, 1930 Business good, 2 days
sales $402.85. Cleaned up yard by garage. Snider took
supplies out to Hi-Grade Mine and Gus to Gold Cord Mine.
Snow on road from Landers up bench roads, 4’ on summit. Cats
got over summit with heavy piece machinery for Willow Creek Mines.
Freight train in 4 PM got fruit, tobacco, eggs and butter.
September sales $3,806.63. Cash on hand, $3,727.04. Evening,
busy on accounts. Gus took last grub, etc. to Gold Corn Mine.
October 1, 1930 Thorpe ready for trip to their
Grubstake quartz mine. W. S. Horning through at Mabel,
on way Outside. Winter’s car coal arrived from Healy.
Bill Taylor in from ARC camp, mile 10. Smithy over from Palmer,
wants 3 months grub outfit account going to Girdwood to saw ties.
Got out monthly statements on 2 files. No radio.
October 2, 1930 Ma and Eva put up $150 order
for “Smithy”. Olaf Wagner took contract to cut 6 cords
wood for Eva. Dodson fixing up Aureen cabin by school house
for winter quarters. Gus started to unload our car of Healy coal.
Gus drove out to get balance of Mabel Mine crew, closing down.
Plenty of grouse and moose meat now, moose coming into town. Thorpe’s
left for Grubstake.
October 3, 1930 Big wind all day, died out
at midnight. Dan Sutherland and Manager Ohlson visited
then drove out to Bogard ranch. Two more moose at Lake
Wasilla today, one moose swam across lake. Another grouse
dinner today, Eva, Ma and self dinner “guests”. Gus filled
coal bin today. Bill Long and Charles Bartholf left for Seattle
today, also Pyle. Mabel Mine closed down. No radio.
October 4, 1930 Gus finished unloading our
car of Healy coal. Lippert’s partner back from Fairbanks
and moved into fur farm house on Lippert’s ranch. Got boat mail
PM. Moose plentiful, engineer saw a band of 12 along railroad
going south, sign of hard winter. Stanley re-grading roads
near Wasilla. Evening, cloudy, no radio only Salt Lake City
and weak.
October 5, 1930 Sunday, Smithy came over
and assembled new roller bearing in transmission on truck and
got away with $150 merchandise. George Nylan took part
of merchandise to Palmer for Smith. Stanley here to re-grade
Knik Road to mile 3, self helped. Smith on truck all PM, now
old 1917 truck in fair order. Gus unloading his car coal.
Paddy and Herman gone moose hunting out at Harts cabin. Sales,
past 2 days, $392.70. Miller got Nels Larson’s new house under
cover. Lippert fixing up Aureen bungalow. Evening, clear
and big moon. No radio except 2YA Wellington, New Zealand.
October 6, 1930 Self assembling rear of truck
and greased up, now ready to try out. Gus finished unloading
2 cars Healy coal. Willow Creek Mines got car sacked coal
today. We got Hills and S and W goods on freight. Fairview
schoolmarm tried to phone 2 night messages to Gill at Junction, nothing
doing, had to deliver same and cash. Some service on Alaska
Railroad? Evening, Stanley and Eva took messages to government
farm for relay tomorrow. Big moon, no radio. Ellexson
down with rheumatism. Winter coal all in now.
October 7, 1930 Eva and Helmer drove in to
Knik with forage and mail for Ellexson’s. Ellexson got
the gout, unable to run his car or saw wood. Bridge gang
through on work around Wasilla. Jack and Mary in from Fishhook.
Bogard in with spuds for Willow Creek Mines. Cold night, freezing
in spuds on some farms. Finished up truck, turned her over and
gears worked OK. Ma on pessimistic war path again. Evening,
big moon, radio NG. Jap’s only radio. Stanley graded Knik
Road. Bald Mt. white with snow.
October 8, 1930 Got old truck out and hauled
over 2 loads from depot, worked OK, been out of commission all
summer for want of 2 transmission bearings. George Grennon
in to trade, said 6 moose came in to his yard. Arnold Edlund
in with lumber for Lippert, from Forty Mile Miller’s ranch. Evening,
paid Seattle invoices. Radio on early but no good a/ c depot
electric generator.
October 9, 1930 John Stump back to town.
Business quiet, all the farmers rushing in, their crops freezing
every night now. Had a big mallard duck dinner, Nick Pykle
potlatched the ducks. Drove down to ARC camp on Wasilla Creek
for Stanley, road badly cut up and greasy. Got our orders for
fruits and hardware. Ward Shrof in from mines. Evening,
radio fair early, then fog and moon interfered. George Nylan
quit Snider, went back to Matanuska.
October 10, 1930 Business good, orders
from up railroad line. Several went to Anchorage account toothache
Arvard, Mrs. Fleck, Gus Swanson, Ward Shurf. McDougal in
from Fern Mine for mail. Roads very slimy now account frost
and rain. Paddy no ketchum moose at Harts ranch, moved out to
Dave England’s ranch. Self on mail and orders. Evening
rain, radio NG. Early got Fort Worth, Texas, dedicating
20,000 athletic pavilion. Late, Long Beach good.
October 11, 1930 Snow and
rain storm all day, 3rd snow storm, made ground white, 30 to
40 above. Wasilla bunch back from Anchorage on PM mail train.
Got big mail, 12 invoices, $1,750.90 with P.P. freight due 13th.
Pat Irish in with Bogard’s team for mail and clothing. Soaking
wet storm all day. Two feet snow at Fishhook Inn and 8 feet
on Fishhook summit. Evening, Gus took bunch down to dance
at Matanuska. Radio good, all stations on the air including
Jap’s, New Zealand was weak.
October 12, 1930 Sunday, busy in store
AM weather clear, 22 to 40 above. Gust Haller in to trade,
reported road very bad for cars. Dancers back from Junction
at 3 AM. McDougal hung up here account late deep snow at Fern
Mine, got BB Ueeck to haul him and mail back to mine. PM freight
arrived. Gus hauled over 2 loads perishables, balance set out
car. Evening, radio fair. Pantage’s in Hollywood program
good, also KVI, Tacoma.
October 13, 1930 Business normal, temperature
12 above, 7 AM. Eva and self unloaded ½ car of forage,
dry goods, etc. Hauled 2 truck loads to store, put balance
in railroad warehouse. Old truck working OK. Cavanaugh
and Metz through on ARC road work. Metz bought grub outfit
and went to his ranch. Lumbago Ellexson out from Knik.
Mrs. Ellexson shipped a bunch of dressed chickens to Anchorage.
No radio till 11 PM wind coming up. Shorty through with
ARC Gold Cord Mine owes $600.
October 14, 1930 Business normal.
Weather clear 30 to 40 above. Marked up new clothing.
Fred Nelson, with ARC help, went down to mile 5 on Knik Road to
make new road around spring mush hole. Preacher here from
Anchorage to hold church after summers shut down. Joe Conroy
arrived on special car with mining engineer to inspect Webfoot Mine.
Evening, Stanley installed a new Eveready set at his house and not
a whistle on air tonight.
October 15, 1930 Business normal, weather
clear and windy. Gus took Joe Conroy out to Fishhook Inn.
Jack’s car broke down. Preacher walked to Junction.
Snider drove over to Palmer District. Smithy here, late
evening, for balance of his order. Gus hauled Tom Cavanaugh’s
grub outfit to his Lucille ranch. Kids now skating on Lucille
Lake. Evening, paid $1,700 Seattle invoices. No radio.
Dan Grau and Joe Palmer bought grub outfits.
October 16, 1930 Business normal, weather
clear, breezy, 26 to 40 above. Cunningham, Palmer fox rancher,
over to trade. Joe Conroy and mining engineer back from
Webfoot Mine inspection? Stanley grading road around mile
5 mush hole on Knik Road. Fat Elliott through on road work.
Got order from Blodgett fur farm. Cool all day, ground well
frozen up now. Radio good for 2 hours, KPO had on fine program.
Evening, windy. Gus took Jack and Mary home.
October 17, 1930 Business normal, weather
clear and windy. Conroy and engineer returned to Anchorage.
Stanley through grading at mile 5 Knik Road, road work about
over account freeze-up. McNeil’s got a moose, also Paddy
Marion. Donovan in to trade. Sam Kelly installing new
stove at school house. Miller through on Nels Larson’s new house,
no material to finish inside. Miller went to ranch.
Wagner delivering wood for Stanley. Evening, KFQD back on the air
with test program. Big organ came in clear, no coast stations
heard. KFQD only station heard tonight.
October 18, 1930 Mail train 6 hours late.
Usual ranchers in for mail and to trade. Fairview schoolmarm’s
husband arrived from States. Arnold Edlund brought in load
of lumber for Nels Larson’s new house. Stanley through work
for ARC. Anchorage on test program 10 to 12 but not as good as last
night.
October 19, 1930 Sunday, busy in store.
Stanley went to government farm for Eva who stayed over there
last night w/ Audra. Cloudy and light breeze all day, making
ready for another storm. No freight train north today.
Evening, posted up register sheets. No radio, except Anchorage
test program on from 10 to 12:45. Bill Taylor home after summer
work with ARC. Birthday party on for Elizabeth Oberg.
October 20, 1930 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 30 to 45 above. Freight here 4 PM got fruit,
hardware and Libby meats. Mrs. Oberg’s brother and wife
here on a visit. Judge Truitt here on legal business.
Freight still coming for Willow Creek Mines. Lippert out cutting
hay for mink nests, hauled in with auto. Hauled over 2 tons
freight with our truck, working OK now. Evening, party on at
Oberg’s. Anchorage radio only station on the air tonight on
test program. Bogard brought in load dressed pigs.
October 21, 1930 Chinook, 44 above.
Self busy all day pricing up Libby goods. Ma went to visit
at Gill’s. Saindon brought over big load of hay for Snider
with Fordson. Two boys rented Harrison cabin. Dodson’s
moved into Tom Aureen cabin by school house. Anchorage radio good
on test program. Dorbrant flew from Seattle to Prince Rupert today
on way to Anchorage
October 22, 1930 A-1 sunny day, 60 above.
Self on outside work all day. Stanley delivered well outfit
at Pete Johnson’s ranch. Harry Saindon bought 40 sheets corrugated
roofing, took one of Snider’s milk cows home with him, traded 3 tons
hay for cow. Anchorage big organ on air and only Jap stations heard tonight.
Ma at Anchorage.
October 23, 1930 Weather clear, 26 to 45 above.
Eva clerk, Stanley sawing up his winters wood. Nick Brake
fell dead, 4 PM while helping Shorty on motor saw, put stick on
carriage then collapsed with heart trouble had $998 cash on his
person, old age and heart trouble cause of death. Self in store
all day. Evening, got out Seattle mail. Chas Lawrence
bought grub outfit. Closed down ARC gravel camp. One hour
Anchorage radio, no coast stations on the air. Ma visiting Gill’s
at Anchorage. No Outside radio.
October 24, 1930 Body of Nick Brake removed
to Anchorage. Harry Flood potlatched $100 worth of grub
to McNeil family and then went to Anchorage. Shorty sawed
up Mrs. Cad’s with gas engine outfit. Old Sam Pierre in, raised
heck about paying for shoe packs and gasoline he got on credit while
drunk. Jack and Mary in from Fishhook Inn after supplies.
Evening, Anchorage radio fair, 4 hour program. Ma at Anchorage.
BB Ueeck here for his dogs.
October 25, 1930 Put storm windows on east
end of store building Ordered some chicken feed, etc. from
Albers Bros. Co. Dave Hathaway down from Willow Station
to do a little trading. Evening dance on at Fairview, in
honor of the teachers hubby, just arrived from the States.
Received letter from Bill Long in Seattle, staying in an apartment
with a Valdez man. Ma back from visit at Anchorage with Gill’s.
No radio, only Anchorage Killarney hour. Wasilla cabins all
rented now.
October 26, 1930 Sunday, quiet in town,
Saturday night dancers all sleeping? No usual freight
train today? Paid delayed freight bills from Seattle.
From 6 to 7:30 PM KFQD on the air with a dinner program. No
coast stations heard. Wellington, New Zealand came in at 11
PM Ma still nursing tale end of cold.
October 27, 1930 Hugo Ueeck bought a trap line
outfit, went to Nancy on PM freight. Jack and Mary in
with car from Fishhook Inn. Mine Eleck out from Knik, rented
Wagner’s old cabin. More demand for rents than cabins.
Wingfield went to Bald Mt. to help bring in a moose. George
B. Grigsby, Democratic Delegate to Congress on the air on KFQD.
No Outside stations on the air. Got 1½ tons Outside freight
on PM train. Too soft weather for radio.
October 28, 1930 Business normal, temperature
26 to 40 above, cloudy with flurries of snow. Eva and Stanley
went to Anchorage on noon freight train for a visit. Ma
not feeling well, tale end of cold hanging on. St. Clair’s
moved from ranch to Hartman cabin on Main Street. Mrs. Pennington
living in Harvey’s house all alone. Evening, Stanley dedicated
songs of the Vagabonds to Ma and Pa over KFQD at Anchorage during
the Killarney Ginger Ale hour. No Outside stations heard.
October 29, 1930 Last of ARC road workers in,
finished road over by Watson’s ranch at Palmer. Jack in
from Fishhook Inn for supplies. Ben Marino through at Lucky
Shot Mine. Lauritz Loberg in from mine. Evening, installed
loud speakers in Wasilla Hotel so guests could hear Nell Hewitt’s
program over KFQD. Microphone out of order part of the time.
Put on part of Peg Leg Jack and Sailor Bill program by OGH announcer
with Bristol phono attachments. Singing in the Rain by Stanley.
Bill Long now in Seattle. Special Anchorage program 9 to 11 PM.
October 30, 1930 H. A. Brown and balance
of road gang through last of road work. Helmer and Kenny
got 2 moose. Mrs. Zink said she was through with George
and leaving for big hungry Outside. Ma 61 today, not so
skookum as last year, got cold in chest and back, gave her usual
birthday present, a dollar for every year. Got out Seattle
mail. Anchorage radio and KPO good.
October 31, 1930 Business good, got orders
from up railroad line. About all of Wasilla went to Anchorage
today. Mrs. Zink quit George and left for Outside.
Evening, Anchorage only radio and they had trouble in sending, on
and off all evening. Ma feeling bum account cold settled in her
chest and back Another big quake in Italy. Oil well in
Oklahoma gone wild. Ordered fruit, etc. for Thanksgiving, also
turkeys. Cloudy and around 32 above all day. Anchorage radio
bum tonight.
November 1, 1930 Business good, packed
3 orders for north rail shipment. Old man, 85 years old,
here begging for funds, left for coal fields. O’Flannigan,
mink rancher, bought a coupon book, $50 in trade. Patzack
in from mines, went to his Houston home. Most of the gang back
from Anchorage on PM train. Evening, basket party on at school
house, got over $60 to buy books, etc. for school. Kids stayed
at Anchorage. Radio fair, KEX, KNX, KFQD fair.
November 2, 1930 Sunday PM got out truck and
delivered load freight for north shipment to Pittman, Caswell
and Colorado Stations. Sainden drove to Knik with LaWalters.
Basket dancers all sleeping today. PM freight, got 2 truck
loads new merchandise. Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage,
also Edward Ueeck and Harry Flood. Had dinner hour program,
1 hour from Gordon’s, over KFQD. Big moon, no other stations
heard. Temperature 10 to 32 above today.
November 3, 1930 Business normal, wind
and snow all AM. Jim Sherlock went to Anchorage.
O. C. Miller in to trade. Miller growing feeble in old
age. Herman Kloss went to Anchorage to meet returns on Hi-Grade
ore shipment? Jack in from Fishhook Inn, said wind was blocking
road at upper end with snow drifts. Evening, finished monthly
statements. Radio, all stations, on the air early, heard Mayor
of London speak over network. Midnight raining.
November 4, 1930 Weather cloudy, Chinook wind.
Heavy rain last night, +40, frost coming out of ground. Election
day, over 60 votes cast at Wasilla. KFQD, of Anchorage,
broadcast election returns from States and local. Democrats
ahead in States, about even run in Alaska. Returns not complete.
Opera Mikado on big organ at Anchorage, came over fine, also,
violin and piano music. Outside stations weak. Ellexson’s
listened in on Stanley’s radio.
November 5, 1930 Chinook, +40, snow all gone,
roads muddy. Kloss did not go to Anchorage, got kicked
by a white mule. Stanley repainting inside rooms of his
house. Nels Larson bought a trapping order, going out to
the Dave England cabin. Evening, got more election returns on
KFQD, close call for “Wick” as delegate to Congress. Democrats
going strong in States. More returns to come in yet.
Anchorage Airways going on schedule to Inside towns beginning November
10th.
November 6, 1930 Business normal, Chinook
weather, +40. Stanley and helper and adviser, finished
painting inside of house. Dad mixed special color paint.
Gusta got new engine in his old Ford, working good. Sharon
bought Haller’s sawmill. Nels Larson left for his trapping ground
near mile 12. Lawrence in, going to Anchorage. All stations
on the air tonight, 11 PM heard that old SS Northwestern got waterlogged
on trip north. Admiral Rogers taking out-mail.
November 7, 1930 Business normal.
Weather clear, warm, 42 above. C. Lawrence went to Anchorage.
Cadwallader, game warden, went down to Soper’s to investigate trapping
by Vail’s, out of season. SS Northwestern lost her rudder
near Cape Spencer on up-trip. Charged batteries. Evening,
radio good from KPO and KFQD. Lester Davis drunk, went to Anchorage.
Blodgett on train for Anchorage, rented his mink farm for 2 years,
so reported. Self not feeling well, had dizzy spells.
Radio good.
November 8, 1930 Lawrence back from Anchorage.
No Outside mail or freight account disabled SS Northwestern
near Cape Spencer, Icy Straits. St. Clair on warpath account
duns from First National Bank Anchorage. Said Erwin, Peterson
and Kasklaska took over MacAlvay’s contraband beaver skins, game
commission after them. Evening, radio good from 9 to 12.
All Jap stations on strong. Party at Paddy’s.
November 9, 1930 Sunday, busy in store
AM waiting on the absent minded. Moshier and Palmer in
to trade, didn’t know it was Sunday. Reported all dry party
at Paddy’s last night, bootleggers not invited. PM train
brought local freight only. Out of oranges and butter account
non-delivery by old Northwestern who lost her rudder and was towed
back to Seattle from Cape Spencer. KFQD put on dinner hour program.
All Outside stations on air. Sermons and fine music with good
volume all evening.
November 10, 1930 Evans, leaser of Blodgett’s
mink ranch, down for an outfit. Ellexson’s out from Sunny
Knik, road good from mile 3 in to Knik, no snow. Dorbrant,
with airplane, here PM with Gusta, Boob and Davis, dropped mail but
made no landing, returned to Anchorage. Shorty facing up
his garage with corrugated iron. No radio till 9 PM then
Anchorage 11 to 12. 2YA, Wellington, New Zealand came in fair.
Cold snap on, zero this morning, summer days gone again. Snider
and Kloss went to Anchorage.
November 11, 1930 Weather colder, 3 below zero.
Hauled over 2 truck loads freight from railroad. Armistice
Day, special radio programs, all stations on the air. 11:30
PM brought in XEB La Paz, Mexico had been on the air 82 hours at
12 midnight our time, 4 AM Mexico time, heard town clock strike four.
Anchorage had an Armistice program by Jack Henry Post.
November 12, 1930 Cold wave, 10 below zero.
Ma still nursing cold caught a month ago. Snider and Kloss,
in Anchorage, dedicated a number to Eva and Stanley and a hot
fat number to Mrs. Cad. over KFQD tonight. All stations
on the air at 6 PM. Had Chicago in for 1 hour and Salt Lake
Tabernacle big organ. Anchorage had organ program, very good.
No news items.
November 13, 1930 Got outgoing mail ready.
Answered Bill Long’s Seattle letter. Sent billfolds back
to Ellis, NG. Reported 10 day train service in December, now
weekly airplane service from Anchorage to Kuskokwim and Nome and
Bristol Bay District. Who cares, take up the rails.
November 14, 1930 Cloudy, light snow, 26 above.
Mrs. Cad and Al Harter went to Anchorage. Got word, over
radio, Alameda was at Cordova due at Seward Saturday night mail
train over Sunday no freight till Monday. Northwestern under
tow back to Seattle. Wickersham, 190 votes to good. No
radio early, got KGO and KJR end of program. KFQD on air from
8 to 12:30, fair. Program mostly “Kasklaska”. Anchorage
radio good, Outside radio NG.
November 15, 1930 Jack in from Fishhook.
No mail train today as boat was day late at Seward. Double
mail and freight due. Evening, another dry dance at Paddy’s.
Evening, answered Roe’s February letter. Radio weak until
11 PM. Mail train due tomorrow. Self troubled with
sore feet and rupture and Ma can’t shake off her cold. Radio
weak, Anchorage OK.
November 16, 1930 Sunday, in store AM
Zero weather, closed PM as usual. Stanley drove Tin Lizzie
down to government farm PM. Got 2 weeks mail on train, freight
due tomorrow. Got 3 orders from up railroad line.
KFQD had on dinner hour program.
November 17, 1930 Put up 2 orders for north
rail. C. H. Wilson bought a cook stove, walked in to Knik.
St. Clair’s put in order for $100 worth of grub. Bogard in
with pig pork. Self priced up new goods due tomorrow.
Got Outside news over radio, heavy storms in States, several killed
in Mississippi blow. Cold wave reached down to California and southern
states, blizzards, etc. Evening, Kenneth Laughlin dedicated organ
number to his mother who is ill in California. Evening, big wind.
Outside stations weak, Anchorage radio good.
November 18, 1930 Business normal.
Second windy day, 30 above. Freight train in at 4 PM got
3½ tons merchandise. Delivered $100 merchandise
to St. Clair’s on Main Street. Gaston in for Willow Creek
Mines mail. Snider hunting cows with auto. Ellexson’s
in for mail and merchandise, broke a wheel at Doherty’s ranch on
return account overloaded car. Clyde Burkett installed his radio
at Zink’s cottage house on Knik Street. Evening, no Outside
radio, Anchorage radio good. Windy all day.
November 19, 1930 Wind died out, 30 above,
followed by one inch snow. Unloaded forage in railroad
warehouse, freight south 4 hours late. Wilmoth went to Anchorage
account Nick Brake estate, to open deposit box in bank. Nick
had one brother but old and feeble like he was. Gaston still
in town lapping up white mule. Ellexson got his wheel fixed and
drove in to Knik PM. All sold out on apples, oranges and bananas,
more coming next Sunday.
November 20, 1930 Business normal. Evening,
calm and snow. Shorty took school bell to his garage to
make frame for mounting. Snider now wants Eveready radio
set. Ordered a Crosley from Homer King Inc. Tacoma, model #26H.
Evening, got out-mail, ordered flour and hardware. Radio
bumpy tonight. Anchorage came through OK. Topsy Duncan
sister sang a piece. I’ve got a cold. Gaston still
in town, spent $100. Ma not feeling well.
November 21, 1930 Business slow, first
real snow storm, 6” last night. Stanley went to Anchorage
account teeth trouble. Thorpe’s and several went to Anchorage,
AM train. Vail broke and horse feed about gone, as usual.
Shorty building frame for new school bell. Wingfield and wife
up with car from government farm. Wagner and wife left for
Outside after 15 years at Wasilla, sold farm to Fred Nelson.
Radio weak, Anchorage radio good.
November 22, 1930 Business normal.
More snow last night, first sleds came out today. Self busy,
AM clearing walks of new snow. Joe Palmer bought a trapping
outfit, going to Old Little Sushitna Roadhouse to run a trap
line with Ellexson. Charged A batteries PM Evening,
all stations on the air. Stanley and Wasilla bunch back from
Anchorage on PM train. Joe Brassel going to his trapping ground
via Houston. Wilmoth back from Anchorage. Nick Brake
had $2,000 in safe box. Alaska census, 1930, 59,278, gain
of 7½% over 1920 census. Radio strong but lots of static.
November 23, 1930 Sunday PM filled furnace
coal bin. Got truck ready for freight. Freight
train 3 hours late, got 2 truck loads, soft and raining.
Joe Brassel left for Houston and trap line. Shorty mounted
new bell on roof of school house. Bell installed by private
subscription and purchased by funds from Shadow Party 5 years ago.
Busy with freight, so got no radio. 11 to 12, KVI organ game
in and now 2YA New Zealand. Evening, 34 above and new snow
going fast. Peck found out, through self, he was using wrong
detector tube, 171 brought home the bacon. Stanley got new
table from Anchorage. Turkey arrived.
November 24, 1930 Business good on turkey
day goods. Sold all the turkeys, cucumbers, lettuce, etc.
small trade all day. Ellexson out from Knik, took Wilson’s
stove in. Wasilla lot sale by Ramsey Land Dept. Fabyan paid
$60 for corner lot, Main and 2nd Avenue. Several lots back
of school house sold for $10 each, Tryck’s bought several.
Wasilla new school bell rang out this AM at 8:30. Shorty charged
$20 for installing bell. This bell private property of Wasilla.
Radio NG, static. Anchorage good 11 to midnight.
November 25, 1930 Business normal,
self pricing new goods. Fishhook summit road closed by snow.
Willow Creek Mines had Swede pack in late mail, going via Houston
as soon as swamps freeze up on winter road (OGH old road to mines
1901). Reported Oscar Anderson married Mrs. J. F. Edlund
and the family. Radio weak, only heard on headphones.
Anchorage on 11 to 12 but raspy.
November 26, 1930 Business normal, usual
Thanksgiving trade on fruit, etc. Reported Herman Kloss
going Outside, Dodson taking over his Hi-Grade Mine interest.
Everybody making ready for turkey day tomorrow. Paid all
late invoices received. Evening, Anchorage radio had on Thanksgiving
program, church choir, etc. fairly good. No Outside stations
heard, all static.
November 27, 1930 Open AM closed PM had
big turkey dinner at home, Sam Kelly, Eva and Stanley guests.
Wired from Seward for candy, turkeys and Christmas fruit through
Bank of Seward. Evening, Hard Time Dance on at school house,
Wade brought Matanuska bunch in school bus. No radio till 9
PM then KPO, KEX, KOMO and Anchorage 11 to 12 OK. Cloudy and
cold all day, 16 above. Evening, clear and big moon.
November 28, 1930 Weather colder, -10. Ma went
to Anchorage to do Christmas shopping with her majesty Reed’s
store. Self filled furnace coal bin. Hans took Nels and Lawrence
back to mile 12 hunting camp. Harry Flood broke and went to
McNeil’s hunting camp at Little Susitna. Arnold Edlund in for
grub, said wind about blocked road for auto travel. Today, eating
leftover turkey, Eva the cook. Evening, Anchorage radio good
8 to 12. KEX only Outside station but weak. Sent M and M
Co. check account berry crates sold 1930, $100.84.
November 29, 1930 Business slow, snow
in air today account big wind, cars stuck in drift by lake railroad
crossing. Ma in Anchorage, no mail train today. Victoria
due in Seward with mail. Busy all day with fires account wind.
Report by radio, J. W. Kempf, old time prospector in Willow Creek District,
passed out at Anchorage hospital November 28th. Radio good 6
to 8 PM then pooped out. Anchorage on 11 to 12. Stanley
got 2 Eastern stations on Eveready set.
November 30, 1930 Sunday, busy in store
AM. Mail train arrived PM, Ma back from Anchorage with
big t-bone steak, etc. Ellexson out from Knik for Palmer’s
trapping outfit, had dual tires on rear account snow. Hans
drove out to mile 12 with Nels grub outfit. Hans hauling wood
from Stump’s ranch near Snider’s fur farm. KFQD on air, 5
to 7 PM with dinner program. No coast stations heard but Sidney,
Australia came in good from 11 to 1 o’clock November sales $2,950.60.
December 1, 1930 Freight train in at 5 PM,
got oils, tobacco and forage. Had a set out so didn’t
unload cars. Joe Palmer all set to go to Knik. Ellexson
failed to show up. Going bad for cars after blow. Snow
drift in at railroad lake crossing. Finished monthly statements.
Bill’s receivable good, $805.60. Evening, radio fair.
Some low powered stations came in good, KPO and KEX good.
Got news over KFQD, company offered to put up 20 million to build Alaska
Pacific Highway. Cash on hand and in bank, $4,221.37.
December 2, 1930 AM unloaded 3 tons forage
from car, into track warehouse, hauled over truck load of gas,
oils and tobacco to store warehouse. Ellexson’s out and
took Joe Palmer and his grub outfit to Knik. Filled office
gas tank and charged A battery for radio. Shorty sawing
mother Pennington’s wood with gas saw outfit. Early evening,
all stations on the air until 8 PM then got weak. Got world news
over KDYL Salt Lake and KOMO Seattle.
December 3, 1930 Checked down tobacco, 1 case
short. Paid Seattle invoices. Stanley and self overhauled
Eveready set, found loose connection from switch to AF tubes.
Sent in inquiry to R. G. Dun account Hans, Willow Creek Mining and
K. T. Co. Evening, Outside stations dead, Anchorage OK 8:30 to
12, now hearing weather report from Sidney, Australia, fine and warmer
tomorrow. Bill Long now in Seattle. No Pacific Coast radio.
Anchorage good, Australia weak.
December 4, 1930 Business 50% off past
2 days, weather cloudy and +38 all day. Got mail ready
for Outside. Next mail 24th, boats go on 10 day schedule
after December 6th. Shorty put in bid on railroad ice
contract. Morgan’s up from Junction to trade, going trapping.
Sent for more white flame steel mantle oil burners. Evening,
air dead, no Outside radio. Anchorage on air 11 to 12 PM
good. Ma over cold after 2 months.
December 5, 1930 Got off Christmas mail for
Outside. Sent Roe and Florence ten dollar bill for their
Santa. Ma sent card to friends, etc. St. Clair’s and
Wilmoth’s drove off in car, failed to return evening. Nolan
sold his interest in Thorpe quartz mine to George Ulsh for $1,000.
Evening, North Pacific Coast stations heard. Anchorage radio
good and now 2YA coming in good.
December 6, 1930 Business normal, +42.
Ma and self invited out to a turkey dinner, Stanley’s birthday.
Eva did it up brown, of course, Ma made the dressing. Mail
train arrived on time for once. Roads now OK for cars, snow
about gone. Evening dance on at Fairview. Pacific Coast radio
NG. Anchorage on air 11 to 12 OK. Lester Davis back
from 2 week blow out in Anchorage.
December 7, 1930 Sunday, self cleaning
store and balcony. Dancers all sleeping. Chinook
still on, warm day +34 to +40. PM train with boat freight
arrived on time for once. Got hardware, groceries, produce
and Crosley 26H battery set. Evening, assembled set and
it worked OK on Anchorage and all Outside stations. Evening,
put on 2nd Plapapa pad on hernia for try out. Evening, Harry
Saindon and Mrs. La Walters over visiting the St. Clair’s?
Radio fair, some static. 10 PM 34 above.
December 8, 1930 Stanley hauled over freight
from railroad with his Tin Lizzie. Priced up new groceries.
Snider drove his cow, Mollie, to the bull with his car, got car
in ditch and broke down. Vail laid up with abscess on his back.
Metz and Bogard in for supplies. Charged A battery PM
Evening, NG from Outside account big moon. Anchorage station
came in good. Got daily news. Snider had a number composed
by Lippert played for “Ma and Pa”, Shorty, Dan and Gus listened in.
Mrs. Ellexson out with horse.
December 9, 1930 Priced up new hardware.
Cleaned up warehouse aft store. Big talk afloat to sell
Stern Community Ranch and use money for Community Town Hall.
Mrs. Ellexson returned to Knik with Donovan horse with supplies.
Public meeting on tonight account of selling Stern Ranch left
by will. Radio wave strong but lots of static when
big moon came out. KSL and KOMO had good programs.
December 10, 1930 Weather
colder, zero to 16 above. Ten days of spring weather gone,
down to zero tonight. Another public meeting tonight account
town hall. Paid Seattle invoices but no out-mail until SS Yukon
arrives, left Seattle today with 110 passengers, Alaskans coming home
for Christmas. No Outside radio but KFQD, local station, good
8:30 to 12. Aviators, lost near Atlin District, found, one died
from exposure.
December 11, 1930 Business 75% off past
2 days, +28. Nobody in from country today. Warmed up with
light wind. Self not doing much account hernia. Scrub
musicians practicing up at Swen’s place for Christmas dance, bootleggers
at head of scrub orchestra. Evening, Outside radio weak with
some static. Big earthquake in Turkey and Europe today.
Anchorage on air 11 to 12. Wasilla kids mailed letter to Santa
Claus advising presents wanted.
December 12, 1930 Stanley went out with gang
to cut logs for Wasilla new town hall, labor donated.
PM Stanley and St. Clair went to Palmer and Matanuska to get people
to sign up release on Stern ranch will so we could sell ranch and
build hall. Outside radio weak, midnight fair. Anchorage
program good 7 to 12. Empress Grocery had best program.
December 13, 1930 Log cutters out for
more logs account new town hall, 30’ x 50’. Lippert and
St. Clair went to Junction to round up parties account Stern will
and Wasilla town hall. Sent in letters of appreciation account
Anchorage programs over KFQD. Had Grubstake Placer assessment
recorded. Work done for 1930, don’t have to do work until
June 1932. Evening, dance on at Paddies house. Evening,
overhauled Federal set and tightened up tube cushions, worked much
smoother. Outside stations fair but some static. KFQD
on 11 to 12, got 2YA on Crosley.
December 14, 1930 Sunday, in store, weather
cloudy, +30, light half snow and rain. Town hall logger
quit job account dampness overhead. Made out order for Libby’s
meats. Evening, tried out old 4 tube #59 Federal set.
Tightened up cushion under tubes and it worked as of yore. Evening,
some good programs on the air but lots of static. Anchorage
program came in OK. Sam Kelly now home feeling fair, except back
trouble.
December 15, 1930 Weather clear, -2 evening,
10 above all day, evening, wind and warmer. Got 4” new
snow last night. Wade over from Junction with school bus.
Hans drove out to mile 12 for Dunkle, on way to Anchorage.
Davis walked down from Houston, 11 more coming out from Willow Creek
Mines. Good radio, tried out old #59, set too noisy, did not
get Anchorage. Spain at war, college boy chasing Alphonso off throne.
December 16, 1930 Business normal.
Weather cloudy and warmer. Mail train went south to connect
with SS Yukon at Seward. Town hall bunch trying to raise
money on Stern homestead before sale, got $500 pledged to buy floor
and roofing. Logs all cut and half hauled in. O’Flanigan’s
back from Fairbanks. Evening, radio good 8 to 11. Old
KOMO good, had on Christmas Club program. Bogard in for merchandise.
Herman, from Big Lake, in for merchandise.
December 17, 1930 Stanley helping on town hall
foundation cellar. Put up Eveready radio set for a price
with cash sales. Ticket given on $2 sales or unit thereof.
Evening, great radio, all stations on the air. Got Outside
mail off Yukon. Big mail. Cad arrived for Christmas.
Cad family, Paddy and Nolan Hudson listened in on Crosley demonstrating
set. Got letter from Roe.
December 18, 1930 Weather cloudy, 30 above
all day. Floaters loaned town hall fund $800 to buy lumber
before sale of Stern ranch. Wade up from Junction with school
bus. PM charged A batteries. Engine quit on last end,
trouble somewhere. Oberg in from Willow Creek Mines on
vacation, gave $10 to hall fund. Stanley drafted plans for
town hall. Radio good till 11 PM then got weak. Metz
in for mail, feeling fine. Pilot Merrill, lost a year ago, not
found yet.
December 19, 1930 Donation help working on
new town hall. Freight train here with SS Yukon freight,
3 days from Seward, got 6½ tons in set out. Evening,
radio good 8 to 11. Spark plug Christmas donation program
over KOMO, good. Mormon organ good now. Dr. in Kansas
City, Missouri giving talk on prostate glands. Got turkey and
Christmas fruit, etc.
December 20, 1930 Business rushing on
Christmas eats. Weather cloudy, 34 above all day.
Hauled over 2 loads freight from hot car. PM good trade
on Christmas eats. St. Clair went to Anchorage to buy lumber
account town hall. Evening, Christmas doings at Fairview school.
Radio good for 2 hours then died out.
December 21, 1930 Sunday, quiet in town.
Self cleaning store and marking Christmas goods AM, PM store
closed. Arnold Edlund in from Forty Mile’s ranch, said wind
was drifting snow and blocking road. Donation gang working
on logs account town hall, 10 men, 10 days, $500 and not a log laid
$100 lumber would do same job as logs. Dinner hour program from
KFQD good. Outside stations weak, now listening to 2YA Wellington,
New Zealand with head phones 11:30 PM.
December 22, 1930 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 28 above. Got balance of new goods priced.
Several Christmas shoppers today. Turkeys all sold but
one 5¢ reduction on coffee, butter, eggs. Less 50¢
cut on flour. Above reduced Outside month earlier than usual.
Ellexson’s stalled at Knik, probably car broke down, not out for
mail. Evening, Anchorage had good program. Read letter
from Eva’s father at Dillingham, Bristol Bay District.
December 23, 1930 Weather cloudy, 8 to 14 above,
Christmas shoppers all day. St. Clair’s back from Anchorage
account town hall building material. Nakeeta out from
Knik with dogs. Mrs. Ellexson sick L. D. Out on
trap line with Joe Palmer. Evening, Christmas doings at
the Fairview school. Radio weak, Anchorage OK 11 to 12:30.
Gus hauled dancers on his truck Evening much warmer.
Bogard in for merchandise.
December 24, 1930 Business normal.
Weather cloudy 12 to 20 above. Twas the night before Christmas.
Big dance after school exercises, 100 people present. C.
H. Wilson out from Knik for Christmas. Charley Lawrence in
for Christmas. Good Outside programs on but wave weak.
Anchorage had fair program and read the news. Worst fog in
London for 30 years. Prince of Wales on sick list. Evening,
cooler and frosty.
December 25, 1930 Very quiet in town,
+30. Self busy in store AM cleaning up etc. not much trade.
Turkey dinner, Ma the cook and Eva, Stanley and self the masticators.
Old George Williams in from his place by Miller’s, owing to age,
trying to get him to locate in town. Radio good but weak, Christmas
music fine. Ellexson’s out from Knik.
December 26, 1930 Mail left for Outside.
Fred Winters in from Susitna Station. Harter and Shaw
bought grub outfit, moving into Mrs. D’s cabin on Lake Wasilla.
Hans and family closed hotel and went to Anchorage (to have a baby).
Shorty drove Lawrence and Nels out to mile 9 to snow line.
Evening, only Anchorage radio, Fred Winter and Paddy listened in.
Christmas family, in Wisconsin, killed by train. Answered Roe’s
letter of 12/2. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage with fox skins.
December 27, 1930 Weather
cloudy, +34. Community Hall builders got up 8 rounds of
logs, 15 men, 1 weeks work, with lumber would be 2 days work for
2 men. Mail train on time. Mrs. Ellexson back from
Anchorage. Fred Winter returned to Susitna via Nancy trail.
Winter here to record his will. Harter and Shaw hauled their
grub to Mrs. DeVal’s cabin on Lake Wasilla. Early evening,
radio but depot electric engine spoiled it, later, all stations died
out, Anchorage good 11 to midnight. Oberg returned to mines via
Houston, PM train.
December 28, 1930 Sunday, business fair
AM A-1 spring day, 36 above. Old Williams bought
60 lbs. grub to haul out by his “face” to his hole-up cabin above
Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, very feeble and will not stay in town.
Jack Fabyan broke a bone in his leg wrestling with Kenny, last year,
he broke his nose skating on ice. Stanley and bunch working
on town hall log building, logs half up. Got mail by the 3rd
installment plan out of P.O. Stanley doctored Tryck’s radio,
had wiring hookup. Radio clear but weak this evening.
Ma gave me 5 year diary.
December 29, 1930 Freight train on time,
got eggs, butter, oranges and onions only. Eggs took
a big drop, 24¢ in Seattle, was 38¢ last shipment.
Mrs. Ellexson operated on in hospital today, doing OK, reported
by radio this evening. Paid all Seattle invoices.
Reported Wilmoth would not guarantee deed for sale of Stern ranch
account hall expense. Several will bid on sale of ranch so
reported. Early, got opera from Germany on KNX hookup.
Anchorage on air 8:30 to 12:30, new OK.
December 30, 1930 Temperature +40, clear fine
spring day. Loggers unloading car lumber for new town hall.
White up from government farm. Paid Griffith 1930 taxes,
$3.40. Paid Gavel Lodge 1930 dues, $8. Wrote KFQD for
rates account Pacific Fruit and Produce Alaska program, broadcast
monthly. Also Romig to write insurance at $2.60 for 1931 fire protection.
Evening moon, radio weak. Ma got another cold.
December 31, 1930 Business normal, warm
day, +30. Old year went out calm. All the Herning’s
at Wasilla. Ma not feeling well account 2nd cold of winter.
Had just got over 1st cold. Took inventory of goods in basement
and part of annex. Evening, New Years dance on at Fairview.
Early radio good, 9 PM died out so didn’t get Outside. Old
year out and new year in program. Cash on hand $3,549.99.
Notes in back of diary:
1928 boat fare Seattle to Seward (2) $186 -
RR fare Wasilla to Seward (1) $10 - boat fare to Seattle $70
1928 assets: store building + lot $7,057.92
- store fixtures $2,279.83 - office $56.68 - auto truck $1,000
- warehouse on store lot $262.70 - warehouse on RR lot $419.20
- garage and oil house $498.52
lot 1 block 1, $75 - lot 2 block 1, $50 - fencing
lots 1 and 2, $45 - Total $12,344.85
Gerhard Johnson….cement and stucco man….Seward……2
square yard.
S. T. Kelly born April 12, 1860
The 1931-1935 diaries
have never been found..
1936
Front of diary says: Orville George Herning,
operating the Knik Trading Co. Store on 31st year. This
diary, gift from Marie Martha’s grandma 12/25/1935.
January 1, 1936 Closed all day, taking inventory
and on monthly statements. Temperature 20 above.
New Year. Stanley and Paddy got back from Anchorage. Everybody
sleeping in town after woman’s fair. All the Herning’s living
in Wasilla off the K. T. Co. store. Radio NG until 8 PM then
static.
January 2, 1936 Cloudy, 24 above.
Self busy on monthly statements. Stanley and mother on
inventory, grocery department. Got out Seattle mail, all
bills paid with surplus in banks. Radio good 8 to 10, bad storm
in states.
January 3, 1936 Weather cloudy,
18 above. Mail went south. All busy on inventory.
Eva and Marie Martha went to Anchorage account dental work.
Paddy Marion left for California. Congress again in session,
D. C. Radio fair 4 PM President Roosevelt on air with message
to congress. Wants employed voters?
January 4, 1936 Cold, chilly day.
Finished pricing hardware. Stanley and mother on inventory.
Sven Edlund went Outside. Harry White Jr. sawing up
Beeler’s wood with power saw. ARC mechanics overhauling
Cats and cars. Radio good, all stations on. Norman Ervine
back from Seattle.
January 5, 1936 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. PM made up cash and register readings. Wasilla
beat Matanuska at basketball last night. Scarlet fever
in Fairbanks and case of small pox reported in Anchorage.
Letter from John R. Henry, wants cash price on Eyota farms.
Weather cloudy, cold wind, 10 above. Radio fair all evening.
All Europe talking war. Hitler and Jap’s reliance.
January 6, 1936 Business slow, 3 clerks on
inventory. Completed inventory in store basement, Stanley and
mother on clothing. Norman and Big Willie left, PM by airplane
for Lucky Shot. England rushing ships to Suez Canal. AAA
buried today with NRA, New Deal. Radio good, England fine.
Supreme Court killed the AAA and all deals. Weather cloudy, zero
to 10 above.
January 7, 1936 Majority off payroll,
tabulating inventory. Filled furnace coal bin. School
in session again. AAA dead. Processing taxes off,
prices will come down. Radio good, both long and short wave.
All war talk in Europe. Zero weather.
January 8, 1936 Morning fog, zero
weather. All on hardware and clothing inventory.
Jack Fabyan in from Palmer with relief check account digging a colonist
well. One of the school busses went haywire. Marie Martha
cranky all day. Radio fair, President Roosevelt on air 4
P .M. campaign speech.
January 9, 1936 Business fair, all on inventory.
Answered John R. Henry letter, offered Seymour farm at $20 an
acre, Singleton farm at $50 acre, Elmira Associates at $30 acre,
Burnap and Cogar 80 at $50 acre. Evening, got out-mail.
Radio mushy. Philadelphia gave $200,000 for Democratic convention.
Weather clear, 10 above to 10 below zero.
January 10, 1936 Business fair, mail
went south. Wrote Alice and Florence I had offered my
interest in Seymour farm at $20 per acre. Most all boats
tied up on Pacific Coast by strikers. Wow! 2 cases small
pox at Palmer ARR camp. One case small pox at parson Hotel
in Anchorage. Palmer, Matanuska and Wasilla quarantined.
Weather cloudy. Fairbanks quarantined account Scarlet Fever.
warmer 30 above.
January 11, 1936 PM received
two good size mail orders, grocery and clothing. Boat
late, no mail train today. Health officer here posting notice
to stay home account small pox at Palmer and Anchorage. Temperature
30 above all day, clear, 30 above at midnight.
January 12, 1936 Sunday, store open 3
hours AM. PM made up weekly register reading. Mail
train arrived, letter from Jack W. Nelson, owner of the Mabel cabin,
now at Port Angeles. Another case of small pox at Palmer.
Evening, took usual January bath?
January 13, 1936 Business good, shipped
½ ton to Caswell Lake fur farm and $50 clothing order
to Fern Mine. Anchorage under quarantine, all businesses
closed account scarlet fever. Wasilla School closed but no
sickness in Wasilla thus far. Radio reported the Ethiopian knocked
the ‘ell out of Mussolini today. Nagley Jr. visited , on PM
freight, going home, no school in Anchorage.
January 14, 1936 Business 50% off first
12 days of January, all surplus money spent with mail order houses.
The kids chivereed Miss Rogers, school teacher, tonight account
of having bedfellow since Christmas? Working on hardware
inventory. Weather partly cloudy, 14 to 20 above. Markham
through at Fern, got in 12 shifts. No radio till 9 PM
Sickness at Port Graham and Kenai.
January 15, 1936 Grocery and clothing inventory
all taken, self working on hardware inventory. Slow business
on shelf goods. Bruno Hauffman to sit in electric chair on
Friday for kidnapping and killing Lindy baby. Radio good, Jap’s
quit Naval Conference in London. Wasilla under quarantine but
nobody sick?
January 16, 1936 Got out-mail and fill-in orders.
Answered Buck Sparling’s letter, Mariposa, California, that it
was Gus he gave the money to, not Stanley. Another case of
scarlet fever in Anchorage, only chicken pox at Kenai.
Short wave good, London in all day. Hauptman got 30 day extension.
Weather clear, 10 to 16 below zero.
January 17, 1936 Mail went
south, ordered groceries and hardware fill-ins. Wood
cutters all busy. Our car of coal ½ used up.
Wrote Seattle Hardware Co. E. L. Beck could have Zenith Windcharger
agency. Mary Rogers, teacher, went to Anchorage. Rudyard
Kipling passed out in England. Radio fair. King George
on sick list. Ellsworth and co-pilot found in Little America.
Weather cloudy, warmed up, 30 above.
January 18, 1936 No mail train, held over at
Seward account Democratic Convention. Old Martin Mine
closed down. McDonald, Isaac’s and help, all came in this
PM. Reported 4’ new snow in Yukon District, snowing
Iliamna to Anchorage, no snow in Wasilla. Weather cloudy,
26 above, light wind.
January 19, 1936 Sunday, store open 9
to 12 noon. Made up weekly cash register report. Mail arrived,
PM letter from Harold Plank at Chatfield, Minnesota about farms.
Democratic Convention in Seward. PM Pittsburgh good short
wave. Evening, long wave no good, no news. Weather cloudy,
20 to 28 above.
January 20, 1936 King George of England passed
out last night, Prince of Wales now King. Marie Martha
on sick list. Self on hardware shelf inventory.
Gus got his passenger car bumped at Matanuska, had to leave it
account repairs. U. S. airplane carrier in route to Alaska.
Heard about King George over London short wave, no long wave.
January 21, 1936 On hardware
inventory, Ma completed her part of inventory on groceries
and clothing, Stanley took paints, oils and stoves in
rear warehouse. Wasilla white again, wet snow all AM, first
snow to stay this winter, temperature +28. Prince of Wales
crowned at midnight as King Edward 8th. Radio NG, till 9:30.
New King of England, program on 12 PM to 12:45.
January 22, 1936 Self and Stanley on shelf
hardware inventory. Heavy storms and zero weather at
Chicago in northern states, took 138 lives, why live in Alaska?
Eva’s father and mother reported not well at Dillingham, Alaska.
Bonus bill passed. Ohio River flood, 70’
January 23, 1936 Jas M. McDonald left via Matanuska
for Anchorage and Seattle. Got out orders and mail. Barney
Bayer in from Fern and Teed brothers from Martin Mine.
Schools in Indiana marooned by snow. Radio good on long wave.
King George lying in state for burial. Weather cloudy, showers,
32 above.
January 24, 1936 Self on hardware inventory.
Stanley left for Seattle and San Francisco to buy quartz mill
for his mine, his mother put up $896.10. Small pox quarantine
lifted 6 PM. Streets and roads half covered with ice. Ma
turned heels to the sun with ash pan account ice on Wasilla Avenue.
Chinook, snow all gone, +40. Sid Black got railroad ice contract.
Outside radio NG, local station ok, news.
January 25, 1936 Put up order for Big Lake
fur farm and Willow Station and Houston. No mail today,
boat couldn’t dock at Seward account big wind. Navy airplane
carrier and 2 cruisers now at Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet.
Fire, in ARC machine shop. Stanley in Seward waiting for Alaska
to dock. Jim Patchell left for California. No Outside
radio, too warm in Alaska. Wickersham, noted lawyer, died in
New York today. Chinook weather, 42 above, frost out of ground
1”.
January 26, 1936 Sunday, big wind blew
hoist off Knik River new auto bridge and twisted, one bent
under construction, looks like future trouble to maintain. Store
open 3 hours AM, took inventory of hammers, tongs and left handed
monkey wrenches. Mail arrived 4 PM. Heard phone on airplane
carrier talking to radio phone at Kenai. Short wave OK PM no long
wave. Got Walter Winchell Sunday news.
January 27, 1936 Temperature +34, cloudy, light
wind, 15 to 26 below zero in all northern states. Ma and
self clerks, Stanley on way to Seattle. Boat freight arrived
3 PM, had Gus haul over gas, oils, hardware and produce from railroad.
11:30 funeral services of late King George 5th on the air.
Radio fair, reported blizzard in states, on 2 more days.
No pox, school open again.
January 28, 1936 Business fair, small
sales all day. Roads A-1 through the valley for autos.
Farmers hauling in wood for school on wagon. Al Smith (ex-demo)
preached a funeral service for the New Deal Democrats last night.
Weather cloudy, 34 above, spring day. PM short wave radio
good, long wave NG.
January 29, 1936 Small sales all day.
Ma store keeper, self on office work. In-boat, 1 day late.
Gus took out truck load oil for Fern. Trying to make through
canyon to Inn. U.S. radio NG. London in good. PM
Weather cloudy, 24 to 34 above, streets dusty.
January 30, 1936 Self on hardware inventory.
Alonzo in from Fern Mine for doctor account bull cook sick in
stomach. Another fire in ARC machine shop, no harm done.
Senske got mail contract to Fern and Gold Cord. No radio
till 9 PM Germany ready for another war. Weather cloudy,
30 to 34 above.
January 31, 1936 On out-mail and orders.
Answered Jack W. Nelson’s letter at Port Angeles about selling
cabin. Gus hauling out car oil for Fern Mine. Allen
Horning in from Gold Cord. Weather partly cloudy, 20 to
30 above, evening clear. No snow in valley during January.
Temperature +20 to +42, average +30. Stanley Outside to
buy a mill and equipment for his Craigie Quartz Mine.
February 1, 1936 Wasilla white again, got a
sprinkle of snow PM. Wasilla basketball teams and crowd
of over 50 went to Anchorage, both were defeated. Evening,
high school orchestra on air 1 hour, good program. Eva in
Anchorage. Radio good, Marie Martha slept with her grandma.
Eva at Anchorage. On monthly statements. Weather cloudy,
sprinkle of snow, 30 above.
February 2, 1936 Weather cloudy, 26 above.
Fog at Anchorage, airplane lost. Ground Hog Day, didn’t
see his shadow, hence winter is over? Store open 3 hours
AM, PM mail train arrived. Basketball players back
from Anchorage badly beaten. Cordova plane cracked up in fog
at Anchorage, lit in icy harbor, no lives lost, out of gas. Radio
with static. Self on monthly statements. Lou Cheviler
died at Boston.
February 3, 1936 Weather partly cloudy,
5 to 20 above. Finished monthly statements.
Shipped 2 orders north on railroad. Elliott and several
laid off ARC Knik bridge work. H. O. White, mechanic for
ARC, left for McKinley Park. Fight on in D. C. how to pay soldiers
bonus, with bonds or issue currency. Short wave good, long
wave NG. Mussolini going to run gas poison on Ethiopians if
embargo put on oil.
February 4, 1936 Weather partly cloudy,
6 above and windy. Railroad agent went to Anchorage.
Senator William E. Borah threw hat in ring for president.
Mrs. McDougal and McNalley Bros. in from Fern Mine. Senske,
mail contractor, took out Fern and Gold Cord mail by dog team.
Joe Palmer back from Caswell. Mrs. Bixler had another baby
girl. Radio good to 9 PM Strike on all over states
and London.
February 5, 1936 Zero weather, cloudy,
cold wind. Heavy toll from storms in states and on sea.
Busy with fires account wind. Another case of small pox
reported at Palmer. Harry White Jr. operated on for appendix,
Ray Morrison next? Strikes and war talk all the news.
February 6, 1936 Weather cloudy, 2 to
10 above. Got out-mail and orders. Answered
Thomas letter, re-sale Minnesota farms. Snider sold Cad’s
Wade truck. McNalley bros. cutting mining timber on Forty
Mile’s ranch. Radio good PM and evening.
February 7, 1936 Weather cloudy, frosty,
10 above. Gus hauling oil to old mile 29 with truck.
Blizzard and cold wave from Canada, south along Cascades.
Alaska Steamship Co. to put on tri-weekly service next summer to
Alaska. Ma taking on a cold. Basketball game at hall,
Anchorage girl and boy, high school vs. Wasilla High. Radio
NG until 9 PM Two colonist kids married.
February 8, 1936 Weather cloudy, 10 above,
evening wind. Business slow, collections fair.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with Tin Lizzie. Gold Cord shut
down, no ore, all the help came in. Roy Morrison operated
on for appendicitis. Big community gathering at Palmer
tonight, dedicating new Colony Hall. Thirty five below zero
in Iowa, 52 below zero in North Dakota, all blessed with snow.
Radio good. Durant, auto king, went broke.
February 9, 1936 Sunday, store open 9
to 12 noon, usual Sunday absent minded traders. PM make
up weekly cash register sheet and figured up freight on new groceries,
hardware, butter, eggs, etc. Some Republican vs. Borah for
next President. Stanley in Seattle, sent Marie Martha a balloon.
Radio NG, got news only.
February 10, 1936 Business fair, busy
in store. PM a truck load of fill-in groceries and hardware
arrived. Storms and cold snap took 270 lives in states
and still 15 above down there. Seattle hardware salesman,
A.S. Allen, arrived, new man. Fern, Native girl, died.
Weather cloudy, 6 to 14 above, light wind. Gus received new
Lafayette short wave radio. Radio fair with static.
Anchorage Tournament Club on air, KFQD.
February 11, 1936 Weather cloudy, 20
above, evening warmer. Gave A. S. Allen order for special enamelware,
etc. from Settle Hardware Co. Gus got his Cat overhauled
account hauling car load oil to Fern Mine. Airplane carrier
Ranger through at Kachemak Bay. Over 300 dead account late
storms in states. Mrs. Bixler arrived home from Palmer Hospital
with new baby girl. Radio, with static. Drive on to
keep hobos out of California.
February 12, 1936 Lincoln Day, 20 above,
1” snow fell last night. Wasilla white again,
cleaned off walks and filled furnace coal bin. Car coal
2/3 burned up account wind. Storms on again in states and
all over Europe. Republicans had banquet in Anchorage, on air.
Radio good early, later static. Lincoln programs.
February 13, 1936 Light snow, 30 above,
cloudy. Finished pricing up new merchandise. Cleaned off
walks. Gus and Pete left with Cat and truck to move car
oil from mile 14 to Fern Mine. Storms still raging in states,
over 300 lives lost and 166 in Europe. California rivers
flooded. Evening on mail. Radio good on long wave, short
wave NG.
February 14, 1936 Spring day, +30, mail
went south. Wasilla basketball team, with boosters, went
to Anchorage to contest in 3 days sports carnival. Evening,
Fairbanks orchestra on the air, good music. Birthday party
for Eva last night, 32. Fred Nelson through at Palmer road
camp. Wasilla white, 2” snow.
February 15, 1936 Partly cloudy, 20 to
30 above, like a spring day. Eva’s birthday, got sore
throat and toilet plugged up or froze up. Weather partly
cloudy, 20 to 30 above, like a spring day. Vic
Blodgett returned to ranch at Pittman. Mail train 2½
hours late. Letter, from Stanley, left Seattle on SS Victoria
for Seward, Mrs. Cad and twins on boat. Received letter from
Alice about re-sale of Sylvester farm. Short wave NG, long
wave good.
February 16, 1936 Sunday, open AM as
usual. PM made up weekly cash register report. Gaston
back from Anchorage hospital after operation for rupture and
drunk as usual. Sid Black cutting ice on Lake Wasilla
for railroad. Isaac’s back from Anchorage vacation.
Midnight return excursion train to Fairbanks from Anchorage, winter
tourism. A-1 day, 38 above. Short wave OK, long wave
NG.
February 17, 1936 A-1 spring
day. In store, AM PM boat freight arrived, brought
over groceries, drugs and vegetables, priced and stored same.
Gus in from Fishhook. New frame for Gus passenger car
arrived. Isaac’s got new Filco set. Weather partly
cloudy, 30 to 38 above. Radio NG, couldn’t even get Outside
news.
February 18, 1936 Roy Morrison back from appendices
operation at Anchorage. Gus returned to Fishhook.
Got Cat road open as far as Webfoot. Jim Murray passed out
today in California. Continued cold weather and blizzards
in States, past 30 days -14 in Chicago and -46 in Minnesota today.
Radio NG till 9:30 PM Stanley on SS Victoria in route Seattle
to Wasilla.
February 19, 1936 Started
to post ledger, posted 3 months by midnight. Mine Elic
out from Knik and reported 1’ snow at Knik end only 2” at Wasilla.
St. Clair’s up from ranch beer hall to trade. Haufman, Lindy
baby kidnapper got 2nd sentence to electric chair. Hugo
Ueeck landed in jail for stealing Shonbeck’s car and ARC grub.
Weather cloudy, +30, calm. No Outside radio, world news over
local stations only.
February 20, 1936 Herman in from Big Lake fur
ranch to trade. Victoria late, due Seward Saturday noon.
Only posted one month on ledger. Got out orders and Seattle
mail. Hauffman re-sentenced to die, wouldn’t confess kidnapping
Lindy baby wanted to see Condon. Ma nursing 2nd cold of winter
and everybody got colds but father. Weather cloudy, +20.
No Outside radio. Germany in with Italy on war deal.
February 21, 1936 Weather partly cloudy,
zero to +20. Business fair AM. Put up a lot of small
orders for help at Fern Mine. McDougal came in. Gus
got Cat road broke open, Fishhook to Fern Mine. PM and evening,
posted on 1935 ledger. Girl died in Anchorage of scarlet
fever. Outside radio dead, news from local stations.
February 22, 1936 Open AM closed all
PM Got 1935 ledger posted to August. Most everybody
in town got colds including Ma. Big dance on at Colonist
Hall at Palmer account Presidents birthday ball, Democrats sponsors.
Stanley arrived 9:30 PM from 29 day trip to Seattle to buy mining
machinery. Outside radio NG, local stations, news, OK.
Mrs. Cad and twins arrived.
February 23, 1936 Weather cloudy, 20
to 30 above. Sunday, open 9 to 12 noon. PM made
up weekly cash register receipts and posted August in ledger.
Gus in. Fred, Pete and Nels on Cat Fishhook to Fern Mine on
car oil delivery. Stanley overhauling toilet, plugged up.
Received Outside mail. Emperor of Ethiopia suing for peace
through League of Nations vs. Italy. Long wave NG. Jello program
and London church good on short wave.
February 24, 1936 Boat freight arrived, had
2 truck loads of new merchandise. Gus, new ¾ ton
truck arrived, bought in Seattle by Stanley for Gus. Firestone
program, Buenos Aires and Honolulu good on short wave. Temperature
10 to 30 above PM and evening, strong wind.
February 25, 1936 Business fair, busy
with heat. Posting on 1935 ledger account income tax report
for 1935. One school bus stuck in wind drift at lake crossing.
McDougal returned to Fern Mine. Railroad installing bath
and toilet at depot. Temperature 6 to 10 above, big wind all
day. Radio NG. Revolt in Japan military squad.
February 26, 1936 Priced
up new groceries. Got 1935 ledger posted now for a balance
sheet account taxes. Railroad blasting out cesspool at
depot. Refilled furnace coal bin. Winter coal ¾ gone.
Diamond trying to get appropriation to curb Matanuska River overflow.
Bill Taylor went to Palmer account infected foot. Temperature
zero to 20 above, sunny day. Radio fair, short wave NG.
Mail boat 2 days late at Seward.
February 27, 1936 Temperature
colder, -6 to +10. Mrs. McDougal in from Fern Mine.
Tabulating for 1935 income tax report. Gus in every day
from mile 29 for Fern freight. Fred Peterson, foreman at Fern
Mine, in, got fired account telling Mrs. Mac that help was going
to strike account grub. Radio no good. Reported Emperor
of Ethiopia shot Jap’s revolting.
February 28, 1936 Business fair, got
ledger ready to take off 1935 income tax report. Got out
orders and mail. Stanley packing order for his New Bullion
Mine. Gus took Mrs. McDougal back to Fern Mine. Gus
landed car oil at Fern Mine, now they want mining timbers?
Long wave fair, got world news. Ma’s knees in bad shape.
February 29, 1936 Light snow
with wind, zero to 10 above. Tabulating ledger for 1935
income tax. Libby Morgan and Mr. Gucker arrived via Palmer, gave
them a few fill-in orders, S and W and Libby goods. George
Sexton passed out at Seward, 38 years in Alaska
March 1, 1936 Sunday, first cold snap,
zero to -16. Stanley got grub outfit, etc. ready to ship
to his mine on Craigie Creek via Willow Station. Eva at
Anchorage having her whistle doctored. Ma got lame knees,
self half out of pants. Only 2” snow in Wasilla and valley.
Gave Jack Gucker order for S and W goods and checks. Mail train
in 7 PM Morgan and Gucker left for Fairbanks. Eva back
from Anchorage with my pants. Last of ARC road camp closed down.
March 2, 1936 Stanley got his outfit over to
depot to ship to Craigie Creek Mine. Cat out to open snow drifts
for school buses. Ellexson out from Knik. Six inches
snow at Knik, only 2” at Wasilla. Snow squalls and windy,
12 to 24 above. Radio fair. Mussolini got the Ethiopian’s
about licked. League of Nations after Italy to quit war.
March 3, 1936 Boat freight arrived, received
batteries and meats, eggs, cheese. Stanley left on freight
for Craigie via Willow Station with supplies and mill cables,
etc. for his mine. Mrs. Dodson left to join her husband at
Lucky Shot Mine. Now ready to post up income tax. A-1
spring day, clear, 24 to 44 above. Radio good, all stations
on the air. Big strike in New York City, all elevator help
in big buildings.
March 4, 1936 Finished 1935 income tax report,
ready for notary seal. New lady agent for New York Life
Insurance Co. in town. Miss Brass moved from Nels Larson’s
house to Dodson house. Miss Roger Pinkley left Cad’s house
to board at Oberg’s. Radio fair, all New York City skyscrapers
tied up account elevator strikers.
March 5, 1936 Elliott family left for Palmer
to be colonist farmer. Ice carnival excursion train passed
through at 8:30 for Fairbanks. Stanley and Sharon at Craigie
Mine. Radio good, London calling. All stations on air.
New York City strike about over. A-1 day, 32 above.
March 6, 1936 Mailed 1935 income tax report
to collector at Tacoma, Washington. Two men, in sawmill
accident, at Palmer, one sawed in two. Gus through hauling
McDougal freight and wood. Signed bond account Nagley couldn’t
collect. Radio fair, Dago’s shot up British Red Cross in Ethiopia.
Germany after Rhineland, given to France at close of World War.
A-1 spring day, 32 to 48 above.
March 7, 1936 A-1 spring day, 30 to 48
above, Wasilla half bare. Mail arrived, for once, on time.
Received letter from Alice about Eyota farms and that Mattie Herning’s
dad’s 2nd wife passed out with a stroke, about 78 years old.
Germany entered and took possession of the Rhineland lost in World
War all Europe ready but dare not fight. Radio good, Alameda,
California school strike won, old super reinstated.
March 8, 1936 Sunday, open 3 hours AM,
usual Sunday trade. PM made up weekly register sheet
and priced up new merchandise. Tabulated February checks
and charge sales. All foreign powers vs. Germany entering
Rhineland. Radio fair. Jello program good. Fair weather
now on Pacific Coast. Weather cloudy, 30 above. Stanley
back from Willow Creek, landed his freight at War Baby on road 2½
miles from his mine, mushed out over Fishhook Pass.
March 9, 1936 Weather cloudy,
20 to 30 above, AM snow. Sharon and Stanley returned Gold
Cord car to mile 12. Tex Beeler sawing up summer wood.
Evening, boat freight arrived. Germany standing pat on
entering the Rhineland District with 50,000 troops. France greatly
excited.
March 10, 1936 Shipped grub outfit to Joe Palmer
at Sutton on branch line, going trapping and prospecting for
quartz. Stanley drove Gus to Junction to catch train for
Anchorage. Senske left, 2nd trip with mail for Fern and Gold
Cord Mines. Temperature 20 to 30 above, light snow AM
New York City elevator strike still on, walking up 40 stories good exercise?
Radio good. Germany holding pat in Rhineland. League of
Nations going to settle this matter?
March 11, 1936 Self pricing up new hardware
and paid for same. Andy Trent moving back to his ranch
after care taking for White’s while boy was in hospital.
France sore on England, threatened to quit League account Germany
occupying Rhine. Radio A-1, all stations on the air.
March 12, 1936 Arranged table for wire and
graniteware display. Heavy floods in New England and
Eastern states. Blizzard in Minnesota, setting spring
weather back two weeks or more. Good weather now on Pacific
Coast. War in Europe latest talk. Radio good.
France at ready to fight Germany over Rhine occupation, Russia with
her. Temperature 30 to 40 above, cloudy, heavy floods in NE
states.
March 13, 1936 Business slow, set up
display of graniteware goods. Got out orders and mail.
$500 bathroom job at depot about done, easy money? Colonist
farmer lost team of horses, strayed away. Floods in States.
Radio good. War on, Germany to be settled tomorrow.
Temperature 30 to 40 above.
March 14, 1936 Mail went south, one day late,
account boat at Seward. Stanley took Joe Palmer over to
Palmer and brought back Gus Swanson from Matanuska. Freeman’s
initial ball on at Palmer tonight. More floods in states.
Radio fair. League of Nations met in London account Hitler entering
Rhineland with troops. Temperature 22 to 32 above. Partly
cloudy, sprinkle of snow last night.
March 15, 1936 Sunday, open 2 hours AM.
Ma and Eva went, in school bus, to church at Palmer. Marie
Martha pretty mad for being left at home. Made up weekly cash register
sheet. War talk easing off. Radio fair, long wave best.
Temperature 20 above all day, cloudy, snow flurries.
March 16, 1936 Mail arrived, 2 days late from
Seward. Gus went out, again, to haul mining timber from
mile 12 to Fern Mine. Late, 11 PM flash said France was
about to drive Hitler out of Rhineland. Sven Edlund back
from Seattle. Temperature 20 above all day, partly cloudy.
New York City employee strike off after 15 days.
March 17, 1936 Business fair, packed
2 orders to go north on railroad. League meeting, in London,
account lining up Hitler delayed until Germany sends representative
to sit in at League. Snow, rain and floods in eastern states,
farms and towns flooded. Radio fair, long wave best.
St. Patrick’s dance on at Wasilla Hall, sponsored by Pat Hart.
Temperature 30 above, cloudy, more floods in states.
March 18, 1936 On mail and orders. Gang
completed bath and cesspool at depot, labor cost $500, easy
money from high freight rates. Bought a ton of Jonesville
coal from Gus. Healy coal about gone. Freight train
arrived 7 PM ½ ton vegetables. Snow flurries, 20 to 36
above. Long wave good, short wave NG. Worst floods in
Pennsylvania since Johnstown flood, using boats in Pittsburgh.
March 19, 1936 Mail train
one day early, going south. St. Clair’s over from Finger
Lake Beer Garden, doing fine business. Eva went to Anchorage
to have false teeth filled? Stanley overhauling his mothers
car in Cad’s garage. Cloudy with sprinkle of snow, 20 to
30 above. Radio fair, considerable static. Floods, in
east, took 145 lives.
March 20, 1936 Mail train arrived 9 PM,
Eva back from Anchorage. The lost sorrel horse team came
to Wasilla this evening, locked them up in Gus’ barn. Floods
still on in eastern states. Main hit today, over 300,000 homeless,
one hundred million damage. Worst floods in history in New
England states, 300 drowned and 300,000 washed out. Radio NG,
no Outside news.
March 21, 1936 Yukon left Seattle today with
full passenger list for Alaska. P. A. airplane radio
equipped flew over Palmer, broadcasting news. Six inches
new snow last night, 30 above, spring is here. Radio NG.
Eastern flood estimated 300 million, 330 lost lives.
March 22, 1936 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. PM made up weekly cash register sales. Boat freight
arrived 3 PM had 3 truck loads new merchandise. Flood in
east receding, worse known in history. Dr. Townsend has joined
Republicans for president. Radio poor, evening short wave
fair. Partly cloudy, A-1 day, 16 to 32 above.
March 23, 1936 Business fair, busy all
day pricing and storing away new goods. Mrs. Cad on
sick list, heart trouble, being too fat. Alonzo in from
Fern Mine to trade for boys and buy ice pool tickets. Hail
storm in Missouri. Sprinkle of snow, thawing in the sun, 20
to 30 above. Radio NG, cyclone and dust storm from Colorado
to Missouri, what next, war?
March 24, 1936 Business normal, still
pricing up new goods. Gus went in ditch at Fairview with
Alonzo. Stanley drove Alonzo to Junction in Gus’ ¾
on new truck. Pete pulled Gus out of ditch with Cat.
Mailman left with Fern and Gold Cord mail. Arizona bumped today
with storm. Mrs. Cad on deck today. Chas Isaac went to
Anchorage account back trouble and buy a twin bed? Partly cloudy,
snow last night, 22 to 32 above. No radio until 9 PM Airplane
broadcasters spoke over KFQD.
March 25, 1936 Got out Seattle mail, paid all
invoices. Split in Dr. Townsend’s Old Age Club, government
investigating. Old Age Club took in $800,000, got $100,000
left in treasury to fight old age pension. Wisconsin now
hit with floods, what next? Cold snap, evening windy, 8 below
to 30 above. No Outside radio. Snowing in California.
President Roosevelt gone fishing.
March 26, 1936 Mail went south.
Pat Hart having logs delivered for 24 x 24 dance hall.
Red Cross lady around gathering up funds account floods in east.
Hitler holding elections next Tuesday account sanction of Rhine.
Long wave NG, couldn’t even get 10 PM news. Gust Haller in
town for beer. Partly cloudy, 14 to 30 above.
March 27, 1936 Mail arrived 11 PM. Stanley
went over to Palmer looking for Cat to move his mining machinery
up Craigie Creek. Pacific Coast bumped off with cold wave.
Alaska and Nevada went over top on Red Cross relief funds.
Partly cloudy, 20 to 30 above. Snow in Tacoma and Seattle today.
Radio NG account snow on Pacific Coast.
March 28, 1936 Got mail 10 PM, received order
from Herman, Big Lake fur farm, for oil, gas, eggs and radio
tubes. Gus took McDougal and 4 miners, with eggs and beef,
out to Fern Mine with Cat and trailer. No Outside radio on
long wave. Short wave fair, got London news PM.
March 29, 1936 Sunday, boat freight arrived
PM. Usual Sunday AM trade. PM made up cash register
weekly sales. Another case small pox reported at Palmer.
Stanley overhauling his mothers car. Snow half gone.
Partly cloudy, 30 to 40 above. No long wave, good short wave
6 to 7 PM
March 30, 1936 Ellexson’s out from operating
Tin Lizzie all winter. Snodgrass over from Palmer on
Republican proxy business. Gus made a trip to mile 12 and
Palmer with ¾ ton truck. Real spring day, 20 to 70
above, snow going fast. Radio A-1 all day and evening, all
stations on air.
March 31, 1936 Cleaned out furnace pipe account
smoking. Stanley drove Mrs. Cad to Palmer to catch train, going
to Seward hospital account heart trouble. Made out drop
shipment for P. A. and Velvet Tobacco. ARC work to being May
15th. Second spring day, 18 to 70 above. Radio good,
Haufman got 48 hour stay, was to be electrocuted today. Cash
on hand, store stock, $4113.17 .
April 1, 1936 Self on mail
and orders. Congress investigating Dr. Townsend’s Old
Age Plan. Cold wave on Pacific Coast, snowed in Seattle.
A-1 spring weather here at Wasilla, 20 to 70 above. Got out
monthly statements. Radio on long wave no good, short wave
fair.
April 2, 1936 Business slow, self on
office work. Marie Martha gave her kid friends a birthday
party, 4 years old, gave her $5. Hurricane in North Carolina
and Georgia, took many lives, Satan doing his best this year.
War in Ethiopia and League fighting Germany over Rhineland.
Partly cloudy, 30 to 40 above. Radio NG, news over local stations.
April 3, 1936 Cad returned from States.
Dan Gray in from Willow Creek, cut me a cord of wood for placer
mine. Bruno Hauptman, slayer of Lindberg baby, was electrocuted
3 PM today in New Jersey. A-1 spring day, 30 to 60 above.
No radio today. World news on local stations.
April 4, 1936 Cleaned up track warehouse.
Sent wire for sugar account advancing 35¢ cwt. Stray
pig arrived in town. Since 3 days spring weather, many sick
with flu. Cold wave on Pacific Coast. Partly cloudy,
30 to 50 above. Radio good all day and evening. KSL was
on air all night.
April 5, 1936 Sunday, open AM. Made up
cash register weekly sheet. Boat freight arrived PM got
2 tons new merchandise. Cad’s California touring car
arrived. Jack Fabyan left with Thorpe’s for Grubstake Mine.
O. C. Miller left for Willow Creek with prospecting outfit and
walking with a cane? Evening, windy, 30 above. Radio
fair. Mussolini killed 20,000 Ethiopians today.
April 6, 1936 Wind blew in snow drift at lake
crossing and stalled the school busses. Unloaded 3 tons
spring seeds. Grandma went to Anchorage on PM freight train
to visit Mayor Gill and family. Terrible wind and rain storm in
southern states, exceeding late storm in northeast states.
Radio good.
April 7, 1936 Business fair, Ma at Anchorage.
Tornados in southern states took 464 lives, wrecked between 15
and 20 million dollars property, 1200 in hospitals. Bruno
Hauptman cremated. Snow flurries all AM 30 to 40 above.
Radio fair, all war talk in Europe and Far East. Election in
Anchorage today.
April 8, 1936 Business fair, Ma at Anchorage
after Easter eggs, etc. 8 AM by radio phone, said snowing
at Anchorage and 4” of snow. Clear at Wasilla all day.
Answered Gordon L. Herning’s letter at Kirkland, Washington.
Got out-mail and orders. Jenny Shour’s birthday party.
Cloudy, evening snow, 30 above. Paid 2 years of Popular Science.
Radio fair, all war talk in Europe. Paid KP dues to April
1937.
April 9, 1936 Mail went south. Baxter
Felch now married, arrived with Ball Brand and Munsingwear samples.
Patzack back from Houston, gave up timber contract. Arnold
Edlund came home to chase away the spooks. Herman in.
Day, radio NG, evening OK. Ma at Anchorage. Cloudy, 36
above.
April 10, 1936 Finished Ball Brand and Munsingwear
orders with Baxter Felch. Baseball practice started by high
school. Mail arrived, PM on time. Ma returned from
Anchorage with cream puffs and hot buns. Partly cloudy, 32
to 50 above. London news at 6 PM over short wave.
April 11, 1936 Business good, rushed
all day. Dan Gray bought summer grub outfit. Three
orders to go up railroad line. Roads being cut up by cars,
ARC smoothed out today. SS Alaska left Seattle today with
capacity load for railroad belt. Snow gone in town, A-1
day, 34 to 48 above. Radio good, war talk adjourned until after
Easter.
April 12, 1936 Sunday, in store AM.
School bus took load over to Palmer account Easter services.
Poor radio, got no Easter services from Outside. Double
loads freight arrived PM US Pacs arrived. Cloudy and
cooler, 30 above. Wasilla Avenue dried up, frost out.
Radio NG. Wasilla-ites held picnic at Wasilla Creek.
April 13, 1936 Priced up rubber
goods. Wasilla freighters and operators went out with
ARC rotary Cat to open up snow road over Fishhook Pass to Willow
Creek. Old J. E. Kenny back in Anchorage from Sitka Pioneer
Home, one eye working. Sunny day, 30 to 50 above. Roosevelt
opened his campaign for next president in Baltimore. Radio
off 50%. All American Nations talking of forming a League of
Nations.
April 14, 1936 Paid invoices.
Ma, chief clerk. Stanley out past 2 days with snow plow
outfit, Fishhook to Willow, only made 4 miles in 2 days.
Old J. E. Kenny back in town. Another colonist home burned
down. Temperatures 30 to 50 above. Radio NG, got news 10
PM.
April 15, 1936 Ellexson out from
Knik, hasn’t missed a trip with car all winter. Snow trail
openers reached Mabel Forks today. Metz got cellar and
foundation ready for new house. Politics hot in States.
Baseball on in PM. Real spring day, 34 to 60 above.
Europe war talk growing hotter every day. No Outside
radio. News from local stations.
April 16, 1936 Ma and self store keepers.
Stanley with gang, opening snow road from Fishhook to Willow
Creek. Pat Hart got log walls up for booze dance hall on
First Avenue. Real spring day, 38 to 50 above. Baseball
every PM these days, on Wasilla Avenue. Short wave radio good.
April 17, 1936 Set up Minnesota seed rack assortment.
Snow buckers got road open ½ mile Fishhook Bridge near
summit. mail arrived 4:15 PM Ball game PM Temperature
44 above AM 40 above PM No Outside radio, storm blowing.
War talk hot.
April 18, 1936 Snow all gone in Wasilla, streets
dry. snow buckers within ½ mile of Fishhook summit
today. Boats leaving Seattle for Alaska, like Klondike
days. Temperature 44 above all day and night. Pat
O’Connor coming to inspect colonists ordering silk panties for
ladies. No long wave radio, short wave good 6 to 7 PM
April 19, 1936 Sunday, open 3 hours AM.
PM on weekly cash register recording. Saturday night dancers
all sleeping today. Jack Fabyan came over Pass from Thorpe’s
Grubstake Mine. Boat freight arrived PM 3 tons. Real
warm day, 44 to 70 above. Both short and long wave radio
NG. Local radio phone cable fair.
April 20, 1936 Hauled over 3 truck loads new
merchandise, groceries and clothing. Hauled out can dump.
Snow buckers at Fishhook summit today. Stanley and boys
staying at Patzack’s new house at Willow Bridge. Real summer
day, 40 to 70 above. Louie Howe, President Roosevelt’s adviser,
passed out today. It was Louie that put Roosevelt in as President.
No long wave, short wave fair. Still all war talk in Europe.
April 21, 1936 Ma finished pricing Butler Bros.
clothing, etc. Self priced up balance of new groceries.
Stanley in from Fishhook Pass with Fern man and returned, evening.
Mussolini met severe defeat by Selassie’s troops, burned up airplanes.
Third summer day, 48 to 60 above. Nenana ice date set about
May 6th, 50 above at Fairbanks today. No Outside radio.
McFadden for auditor, Spokane, local stations.
April 22, 1936 Business slow, got out
orders for groceries, etc. One school bus, with kid driver,
out of commission. Willie and Al Hardy in from Lucky Shot
Mine by plane. Snowmobile workers over Fishhook Pass today.
A-1 day, 40 to 60 above. Outside radio dead in ear.
Mr. Machill passed out at Anchorage.
April 23, 1936 Business normal, put up
orders for Houston and Caswell. Snow road buckers run
up against ice. Cad and Stanley in for powder. Germany
wants back her colony taken by England and France during World War.
Temperature 40 to 64 above, evening, northern lights and cooler.
Not a sound on Outside radio, three Teller Native girls, 10 years
old, stowed away on Noel Wien’s airplane and came to Fairbanks today.
April 24, 1936 Boat late, no mail train.
Burned off old grass around track warehouse. Autos cutting
up roads, frost coming out. Big fight in Congress over
taxing surplus holdings. ARC opened road camp at Palmer
bridge, frost about out. Summer day, northern lights, 48 to
64 above. Geese and mosquitoes arrived, summer is here.
No Outside radio. Mussolini about cleaned up on Europeans near
capitol.
April 25, 1936 Business rushing all AM,
received back report on Minnesota farms. Young Brown got
2nd car from undertaker, Anchorage. Oberg’s got old car
working. Al Hardy and Willie Edlund spending week vacation
in Wasilla. Nels Larson and Henry Lewis went to work for ARC,
also Pete and Fred at ARC
April 26, 1936 Sunday, open 3 hours AM.
Farmers buying seed grain. ARR co-op warehouse and contents
burned down at Palmer last night. Picnic at railroad bridge
today. Boat freight arrived 7:30 PM. April 27, 1936 Business
fair, AM hauled over 2 trucks new merchandise from railroad freight shed
to store. Evening, snow road gang in for gas and grub, now half
way down Fishhook summit on Willow side, glacier ice made slow
progress. Nels Larson, water tender on mine roads, moved out to Fishhook
Inn during spring breakup. Short wave only on radio, had in HJW,
Columbia, South America.
April 28, 1936 Primary election held in Pat
Hart’s beer hall (38 Democrats and 30 Republicans). Rotary
snow plow broke down at upper Willow Creek crossing today.
Ellexson’s out from Knik, 4 hour trip account mud holes. Nenana
flooded, ice should go out tomorrow, my guess May 3rd 11:45 PM.
April 29, 1936 Priced up new hardware.
Got out orders for hardware and paints. Betwixt and between
for airplanes, account break up, all streams running full water,
ground fields muddy. Henry Lewis in from Palmer ARC camp
for clothing. Partly cloudy, evening, light rain, 44 to 60
above. Surplus tax bill passed the house. Short wave good.
April 30, 1936 Mail went south. Ice went
out at Nenana at 12:58, my guess 3 days off. Seward Day,
70th anniversary of Alaska. George Ulsh in from Lucky Shot Mine,
fat as a pig, returned with Cad via Fishhook summit. Wasilla
streets dusty. Evening on statements. Radio fair,
long wave came in 9 PM.
May 1, 1936 Got out monthly statements.
Outside mail arrived 6 PM. Stanley in from opening up
snow road over Fishhook Pass. Snow plow reached Lucky Shot
yesterday. Forty four unemployed miners, at Juneau, won ½
ice pool money. No long wave, short wave radio good. Spring
early, farmers buying seeds to plant. Cad, Gus, Stanley and
Black with ARC rotary snow plow, opened road, Fishhook to Lucky Shot
Mine, took 18 days, cost $500. Road open 2 months earlier than
usual. Stanley using Gus’ Cat to move freight. Snow half gone
on Bald Mt. vs. 12’ in Fishhook summit.
May 2, 1936 Seed sales good. Lawrence
in to trade. Evening dance on at town hall. Stanley and
snow plow gang in shipping snow plow to Mt. McKinley park to open
tourist road. Mussolini troops within 15 miles of capitol of
Ethiopia. Undertaker, Williams, suicided. Radio good,
both long and short wave. Heard Portland talk to London, also
Honolulu. Huey McGashey back from States, too warm and too much
depression down there for Huey.
May 3, 1936 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. Cloudy and cooler, 44 above, feels like snow.
PM freight arrived, hauled over truck load vegetables, fruit,
candy and tobacco. Stanley repainted ma’s car. Everybody
fishing for trout.
May 4, 1936 Weather cloudy, windy, 50 above.
Cad went to Anchorage. Unloaded forage from car into
railroad warehouse. Stanley and Shawn left 8 with supplies
for Stanley’s quartz mine via Fishhook with Gus’ Cat and trailer.
Eva taking on solemn look, maybe baby boy?
May 5, 1936 Most airplanes
grounded account break up Inside, no wheeling or skiing.
Wheel planes landing on Wasilla field OK. Paid invoices.
Mr. Fosket and A. J. Swanson in to trade. Dust storms in
States. Partly cloudy, windy 40 to 50 above. Light shower
PM Radio NG, local news only.
May 6, 1936 Business slow, got out groceries
and clothing orders. Arnold Edlund home, quit railroad
to farm Cottonwood flats. Mussolini troops finally reached
capitol of Ethiopia. Italy now ruler of Ethiopia, big conquest?
Gold Cord help in, no ARC. Partly cloudy, wind died out, 40 to
60 above. Radio NG. Dick Collins in jail in Centralia
account inheritance.
May 7, 1936 Farmers planting.
Dorothy White, 3rd victim in White family had her appendices
out. Airplane landed here account engine missing fire. Mail
boat day late at Seward. Marie Martha got a cold. A-1
day, 40 to 50 above. Italy war conquest with Ethiopia over.
Gus cleaning house. Short wave good, long wave ok after 9
PM
May 8, 1936 Business fair, order from
fur farm at Caswell. Took off storm windows and re-puttied them.
Mail train arrived at midnight. Cad twins, sisters, gave
a birthday party, now 15 years old. Bogard ranch sold to A.
J. Swanson. Trout fishing fine. Lumber for Metz new house
on 2nd Avenue arrived. Short wave good. Snowed 2” in Wyoming
today.
May 9, 1936 Got mail AM. Split up block
wood for kitchen stove. Fire now out of store furnace.
New Fern foreman quit his job for better job in Iditarod.
Today, King of Italy made Emperor of Ethiopia by Mussolini.
Davis in on a drunk. Graf Hindenberg arrived at Lakehurst, New
Jersey, 60 hours from Germany, had 1107 passengers, 1st trip to the
United States. Radio good.
May 10, 1936 Sunday, cleaned up store
balcony. PM made up weekly cash register report. Hauled
over ½ ton freight to ship to Caswell. Today, Mothers
Day, presents in order. Freight train arrived 10 PM.
Dust in air all AM 40 to 50 above. Evening, Stanley in from
moving mining machinery to his Craigie Creek mine, weeks job with
Cat. Radio NG, no news. Snow gone on Willow Creek.
May 11, 1936 Removed balcony flies, no more
cold winds expected. No boat freight arrived, due tomorrow.
Bogard’s $20,000 ranch sold to A. J. Swanson for $1,500, does
farming pay? Three men put on section work. Metz’s
new house going up on 2nd Avenue. Stanley packed Lafayette to take
to mines.
May 12, 1936 Boat freight arrived 7 PM.
Stanley and Black family left with Gus’ taxi, 8 AM for Craigie
Creek quartz mine via by Cat, over Fishhook summit. Bought car coal
off smithy to apply on old debt.
May 13, 1936 Hauled over two truck loads new
groceries to and hardware from set-out, busy marking and storing
away same. All the farmers busy planting. Roosevelt
leading on primary elections. Last of kidnappers caught.
May 14, 1936 Everybody working, school closed
today. Evening, graduation exercises at Wasilla Hall, only
4 kids passed High School. Ellexson’s out form Knik, got
stuck in mud hole at mile 10. Forty Mile Miller back from
Willow Creek. Frank Kelly left for Seattle to get new set
false teeth. Timbers landed for Willow and Craigie bridges.
Phone and short wave fair. Heard Seattle phone to Anchorage.
Mussolini quit League of Nations.
May 15, 1936 Hills Coffee man and Imperial
Candy man here for orders. School picnic at canyon, mile
12. Chas Bartholf arrived from California. Willie
Black returned from wintering up in Fairbanks District. Mail
train arrived at 7 PM Al Harter left for Yukon District.
May 16, 1936 Repaired coal bin. Mrs.
Kimbell, from Anchorage, in town selling ladies goods.
Stanley in from mines. Shonbeck, oil man, visited.
Metz’s new house under cover. Dorothy White back from hospital.
Colonist anniversary at Palmer, games and dance, Governor Troy there
for inspection. No radio, only local station. Kids over
to Palmer for dance.
May 17, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Freight arrived on time, had part of 2 truck loads, mostly hardware
and paint. Stanley and mother and Marie drove to Palmer.
A-1 day, 40 to 60 above, 21 hours of daylight. Joe Brassel
in town.
May 18, 1936 Senske gas plowing Cad’s and Vail
garden lots. Mrs. Ellexson went to Anchorage. Cad
took Brassel to Fishhook summit. Davis flew to hospital
account drinking Spree. McGainy, the barber, here, back from States.
Radio NG, news over local station only.
May 19, 1936 Business slow, pricing up
new paints and hardware. Ma sick last night, OK today.
Stanley left, for his Craigie Creek Mine via Fishhook with his
car and will break out road, Fishhook Bridge to Martin Mine, with
Cat, for Gus the freighter. Cad went to Anchorage. Outside
radio NG. Put all new tubes in set then only heard 10 PM news.
May 20, 1936 Finished pricing up new goods.
Got out-mail and orders. Arnold Edlund moved down to his
ranch on Cottonwood Flats. Evening, 7 car loads of beef
cattle unloaded for Shonbeck, T-bone steak day at
Wasilla. Snow and frost in New York state, dust storm in Colorado.
Cad unloading cattle.
May 21, 1936 Self and Eva in store all day,
Ma had to take to bed account neuritis and nerve trouble.
Shonbeck moved his 200 head cattle and calves out to mile 7, first
leg to hills for grass. Fabyan and Davis sobering up from
spree. Not a sound from Outside radio. Townsend plan still
under investigation by Congress.
May 22, 1936 Aage Hansen back from California.
Sent Ma over to Palmer hospital to take violet ray treatment
to stay at hospital for a week. Eva chief clerk while Ma
in hospital at Palmer, very sick woman. Three cars stuck
in mud at Zink garage. No Outside radio. mail arrived
6 PM. All Europe preparing for war.
May 23, 1936 Business normal. Phoned
Dr. at Palmer hospital, said Ma had pleurisy on one side, was
holding her own, considerable pain. Stanley failed to come
in, snow slides on summit road. Dr. Townsend walked out on
investigating committee. Ma in hospital at Palmer, visited
on phone all day to get doctor report.
May 24, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
PM had Gus drive self, Eva and Marie Martha over to Palmer hospital
to see Ma, holding her own but very sick woman with flu.
Two freight trains arrived 5 PM. Willow Creek freight left
at Wasilla, Lucky Shot Road impassible. Stanley failed to get
over summit from mine. Ed Holland in, Hugo Johnson arrived.
J. M. MacDonald arrived with schoolmarm in tow.
May 25, 1936 Stanley and Shawn arrived from
his mine at noon, car came over pass OK. Stanley got his
quartz mill installed. Stanley, Eva and Marie Martha drove over
to Palmer to see Ma in hospital, holding her own thus far.
Had 2 truck loads new merchandise. No long wave.
May 26, 1936 Finished pricing up new
merchandise. Stanley back on the job, clerk B.
Cad now hauling freight over Fishhook summit, a month earlier
than before. Gus hauling freight to the old Martin Mine with
Cat over bridge. Ma still in hospital with very bad case of
flu, pneumonia.
May 27, 1936 Farmers planting spuds.
Taxi men hauling freight to Willow and Fishhook Mines.
Jacob Metz moved into his new house on Boundary Street.
Closed store 3 hours, PM account going to Palmer hospital to see
Ma. Ma much improved, temperature down to normal. Coming
home, got in deep new fill in passing saddle horse on road.
A-1 day, 50 to 60 above, trees all leaved out.
May 28, 1936 Mail went Outside. Finished
pricing paints. Cad laid foundation for annex to roadhouse.
Rica trying to work brothers in on Hall orchestra at $5.
Cad took McDougal out to within 2 miles of Fern Mine. Stanley
found 3’ ice in septic tank. Cloudy and windy, like a March
day, she don’t warm up, 40 to 56 above. Ma in hospital, will
see her tomorrow evening. Eva and daughter went to Anchorage.
Outside radio came in 9:30 PM. Congress indicted Dr. Townsend
account refusing to testify before committee.
May 29, 1936 Business medium, got one
order for up railroad line. Johnnie Neimi and mother, from
Douglas, moved in to Cads bungalow. Self and Stanley drove
over to Palmer to visit Ma in hospital, now eating some foods.
Dust storm on all day, 44 to 54 above. Mail train arrived 11 PM.
Eva and Marie back from Anchorage. No Outside radio. Fierce
lightening storm in Washington.
May 30, 1936 Memorial Day, closed PM.
Made up cash and monthly accounts. Stanley, Eva and Marie
drove over to Palmer to see Ma, reported very much better, can
come home in a week. Evening, dance on at Town Hall. Evening,
about down to freezing. No long wave radio, short wave mushy.
May 31, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Finished monthly statements. PM drove over to Palmer to
see Ma, was very much improved. Saw Mr. Fries in hospital.
Drove on over to 1,000’ Knik bridge on new highway. Frost
last night, 32 to 60 above. Left Wasilla 3:30, back at 7 PM
from Palmer District. Radio NG. Louise Gill moving here
by airplane. May cold, cloudy month, sales ¼ below normal.
All working but as yet, no pay check. Ma spent 2 weeks in Palmer
hospital account flu. Gene Horning back after away 2 years in
Europe.
June 1, 1936 Only eggs, butter, lunch meats,
onions and bananas arrived on boat freight. Got mail
evening, carried by Saturday to Fairbanks. Finished monthly
statements, credit sales in May $1,266.18. Gus hauling McDonald’s
20 tons freight to Martin Mine. Ma convalescing in Palmer
hospital. No long wave, short wave good 5 to 7:30.
June 2, 1936 Rained all day, 40 to 50 above,
rain much needed for crops. Paid recent invoices received.
Several credit customers delinquent on monthly bills. All
visited Ma 3:30 to 5:30 PM, Ma doing fine. Milo Kelly on way
to Alaska with new mining company. Self got touch of stomach
flu. No radio, news over local station only.
June 3, 1936 Got our mail and merchandise orders.
Wired for milk, hams and bacon. Snider paid one of his
six months bills. Gus took snowshoes off Cat. Eddie
Holland in from Purches Creek, sent him to Grubstake. Warm wave
on PM 60 to 80 above. Ma convalescing in Palmer hospital.
Lucky Strike program good over short wave, no long wave. All the
kids went in swimming.
June 4, 1936 Sold McDonald and Black small
orders for mines. Eddie Holland left to work on Craigie
and Willow bridges and new road on Bear group to Grubstake cabins.
Kids drove over to Palmer hospital to see Ma, was up visiting around
hospital. Ma doing fine, will come home next Saturday.
Ed Holland, 1st day at mines. No Outside radio until 10 PM.
June 5, 1936 Third day of heat wave, 72 to
80 above, midnight down to 46 above. Ma now patient guest
in Palmer hospital, coming home tomorrow. Put new linoleum
on kitchen floor. Milo Kelly arrived from Seattle. Grader
smoothing up Knik Road. Big strike in France, want 40 hour
week, vacation on pay. War on in china, as usual. Winnipeg,
Canada in on short wave.
June 6, 1936 Business normal. Self
scrubbed all the floors with Dic-A-Doo, also front approach
to store. Nels Larson in for grub and usual toot.
French strikers confiscated one newspaper plant. Bad storm
in Oklahoma. Big dance at Palmer. A-1 day, 70 to 80
above, sun down 9:30, up at 1 AM. Ma home again after spending
14 days in Palmer hospital with flu pneumonia. Short wave good,
news on long wave.
June 7, 1936 Sunday, usual absent minded
Sunday AM trade. Made up weekly cash register report. New
mosquito crop hatched out, first to bother. All the kids
swimming in Lake Wasilla. Freight train late. Continuous
daylight, still warm 70 to 80 above. Ma around but still
weak from the flu.
June 8, 1936 Stanley and Sharon left
for his Craigie Creek mine with Cat load lumber from Fishhook
Inn. Eva now chief clerk for K. T. and Co.
Hauled over 2 truck loads new merchandise and stored away same.
Republican convention tomorrow. Ma now doing the cooking, Eva
clerking in store.
June 9, 1936 Got rubber and
hardware goods priced up. Paid all invoices. Republican
convention opened in Cleveland, Ohio 11 AM today. Fight
on between Borah and London for President. Heat wave still
on 70 to 80 above. Ma chief cook, Eva chief clerk, Pa, janitor,
etc. No radio, only local station. Floods in Canada.
June 10, 1936 Milo Kelly and George Zink departed
to open up mine prospects. Bert McClarty and Pete Snider
went out to do assessment work on Martin claims. Two Brill cars
today. Temperature +78, evening +54. Rush in store PM
all farmer trade. Ma improving. No radio, even local
station went haywire.
June 11, 1936 Got out orders and Seattle mail.
McDougal went to Knik to receive new truck, delivered by Discover.
London won nomination for Republican President over Borah at
Cleveland today. Temperature 54 to 78 above, evening cooler, some
clouds. KFQD back on air tonight with news.
June 12, 1936 Packed one order for up railroad
line. Sid Black hauling ARR Co-op lumber to mine, thirty
years to pay. Gene Horning and father in to trade, bought
$2 worth. Draught in southern states followed by hail
storms. Ma got sore hip. Ninth day of heat wave broken
today, 50 to 72 above. Ma not feeling so well, got sore hip
from hospital at Palmer. Local station only radio, gave Republican
convention news, London for President.
June 13, 1936 Mail arrived at 6:30 PM received
fruit and fresh vegetables on passenger coal car. Stanley
in from his mine with Gus’ Cat, freight all delivered to mine.
China making ready to fight the Jap’s. Dance at Matanuska.
Cad painting addition to roadhouse. Ma’s hip some better
after using Sloan’s. Outside station came in after 9:30.
Revolt in Spain. Temperature 54 to 72 above, just right.
June 14, 1936 Fern Mine got new GMC truck via
delivery at Knik. Stanley and Eva drove to Knik, road very dusty.
Self going to Grubstake Placer Mine tomorrow with Gus account
new bridges and road from Lucky Shot Road. Freight arrived
on time. Temperature 72 above all day. Packed 200 lbs.
grub for placer mine on Grubstake. Ball game at Palmer, Anchorage
vs. Palmer. Short wave weak, no long wave, no news.
June 15, 1936 Business normal.
Self left 8 with 200 lbs. grub for placer mine with Gus Swanson.
Delivered load freight at Martin Mine, arrived at Grubstake cabin
at noon. Gus went over and prospected for gold quartz. Holland
working on ditto. Warm clear day, all roads at mines dusty.
Ma not improving in health as she should. At Grubstake Placer
Mine, bridge timbers in but no logs as yet delivered by Kelly.
June 16, 1936 At Grubstake, up at 5 AM.
Inspected new bridges over Craigie and Willow Creek. Ed
Holland to put on logging when delivered by Kelly. Left mines
2:30, with Gus, drove up to Smith cabin for Dodson and wife.
Delivered Dodson at High Grade Mine. Heat wave, 94 above all
PM 116 in sun. Noon, Stanley left mine. Fell asleep and
missed radio news. Ma not feeling good.
June 17, 1936 Arrived Wasilla 11 AM.
ARR fire fighters over here to keep fire from crossing
Wasilla-Willow Road and cleaning up colonist homesteaders east
of Wasilla. McDougal hauling in concentrates. Big wind in
Seattle. Big fire in woods west of town, 72 to 84 above.
Ma feeling some better today.
June 18, 1936 Fire under control west of town.
Ed Holland and Gust Haller went out to do assessment work.
Frank Kelly in for freight and to trade at 10:30 PM. Smoky
account of fires, 70 to 84 above. Ma the cook, Eva the clerk,
Stanley at his mine. No Outside radio, news from local stations.
June 19, 1936 Business normal.
Packed order for McKinley Park. Forest fire still burning
west of town. Peck and son went to Anchorage at noon.
Palmer on the air with broadcast for farmers. G. A. Pyle
arrived for Marion Twin Mine. Smokey and evening cloudy 72
above. Ma gaining some in strength after flu attack.
June 20, 1936 Business normal.
ARC surveying road to Cottonwood Flats from Knik Road mile
4. Mail train on time. Paddy Marion back after
spending winter in Los Angeles. Mrs. Milo Kelly living on
Zink fur farm. Evening, big dance on in Town Hall. Cloudy
and cooler, 56 to 70 above. Ma considerable better, around
store some. Stanley and Milo Kelly in from mines. Only
local radio. Payday on Alaska Railroad.
June 21, 1936 Sunday, busy in store AM
PM closed. Made up cash register weekly balance.
Hauled over load groceries and hardware from set-out. Stanley
and family drove over to Palmer. No work Sunday on roads.
Partly cloudy, 50 to 84 above. Ma getting strength back rapidly
from flu attack. Train every day during tourist season.
No radio. Evening, priced up new drugs.
June 22, 1936 Business normal.
Priced up new merchandise. Got out-mail for new mid-week
service. Another building burned down at Gold Cord Mine.
Milo Kelly returned to BD Mine. Forest fires west of town
out. Cloudy, rain needed, 72 above. Ma feeling skookum
again. Dad got sore feet.
June 23, 1936 Mail went Outside.
Got out orders and paid all invoices. Cad started to
haul car oil, hired 2 weeks for Willow Creek Mines. Fern
hauling car coal to mine. Professor Bixler got sore because
we dunned him for May bill due and paid up to date. Cloudy,
54 to 74 above. ARC Cat through on road work, mile 4 to Cottonwood
Flats account Hay Road.
June 24, 1936 Made out order for new store
awning. McDougal back from Seward hospital. Frank
Kelly and wife in for supplies, also took in farm colony. Democrats
roasting Republican convention. Partly cloudy 68 to 80
above, mosquitoes bad. All the Herning’s now feeling pretty
good treatmentally. On short wave, got Democratic Convention
at Philadelphia. No long wave, local news.
June 25, 1936 Ed Holland and Gust Haller in
from doing assessment on giant fraction. Holland left for
OGH Placer Mine to finish bridges, etc. Soper in from ARC
Fishhook camp with lame back. New family arrived. Partly
cloudy, midnight foggy, 64 to 76 above. Cad drove car to
Anchorage in 3 hours over new highway.
June 26, 1936 Fish pole order for north.
Outside mail went south. Roosevelt nominated this evening
at Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, came in good on short
wave. Tacoma Chamber of Commerce on air over local station.
Rain from noon to midnight 56 to 60 above. Short wave OK.
No long wave. Tacoma Chamber of Commerce to visit Palmer Colonists
tomorrow.
June 27, 1936 Had a rush all PM. Put
up grub order for the Alaska Pacific Mine. Hauled out
tin can garbage and drove down to CD’s for old spuds. Evening,
Stanley in from his mine, got tram up and mill ready to operate.
PM shower, ground very dry, rain needed, 50 to 62 above. George
Thomas arrived to open up the old Independence Mine under the name of
Ala-Pac Mine. Short wave but too busy to listen in, local news.
June 28, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Eva and Marie Martha took a trip with Stanley to inspect his
rich gold quartz mine. Got meats, eggs and butter on PM
freight. PM singing quartet at school house. Everybody
swimming. Partly cloudy, A-1 summer day 70 above. Made
out deed for purchase Mabel cabin from J. W. Nelson, consideration
$350. Radio fair, KPO came in at 9:30. Sid Black in for
merchandise.
June 29, 1936 Ward Shroufe
in with toothache. C. H. Wilson came out from Knik with
Ellexson, very deaf and growing feeble. Stiles doing assessment
on old Shough mine prospect. Most idle men working now.
A-1 day, 74 above. Short wave OK, London news.
June 30, 1936 Put up $100 order for mine foreman
and family at the Fern Mine. Fourth July fruit and vegetables
arrived on PM passenger train. Took from 7 to 10 PM to register
June charges. Anchorage going to hold 4th celebration for
3 days vs. Palmer. Cloudy, evening good rain, 70 above. Ed
Holland started work at Grubstake Placer Mine for OGH on 1936 assessment
work. Ed off 8 days in June account giant. OGH at mine
June 15 and 16.
July 1, 1936 Self on monthly statements all
day, up to midnight. Mrs. Seglier moved out to Fern Mine,
husband mine foreman. Phone bank account no report on deposit.
Cloudy, showers, 60 to 72 above. Crazy Zuncheck went from
D. C. to Seattle, Washington, airplanes refused him. PM short
wave loud on Lucky program.
July 2, 1936 Business normal. Good
sale on fruit. Balance of fruit arrived 4 PM freight.
Thomas in from Independence Mine working on Martin old mill.
Shonbeck visited ARC Co-op bus for movies. Cloudy, showers,
50 to 70 above. Boys from mines beginning to arrive for
July 4th celebration. Too busy for radio, got 10 PM news.
July 3, 1936 Business rushing all day
and evening. PM boys from mines begin to arrive for big
dance at Wasilla. Stanley and Sharon in from New Bullion Mine.
Hauled overbalance of fruit and hardware. Weather clear, 60
to 74 above, 81 at noon. Roger Sweeney visited. No
pay day for two months by ARC. Too busy for radio. News,
evening, over local station.
July 4, 1936 Closed all day. Stanley
and family celebrated at Palmer, didn’t have the crowd or games
he expected. Auto cars now coming through from Anchorage,
2 miles more of road to gravel. Ma and self stayed home,
had chicken dinner. Fourth perfect day, 94 in sun. Gaston
and several drunks in Wasilla. Boat mail arrived PM. Self
sorted apples and on invoices. Long wave NG. Short wave
fair, 300 killed by autos in States today.
July 5, 1936 Sunday, good day for sore
heads. Cool and cloudy, 50 to 70 above. Open AM
business rushing. Stanley and Thorpe’s returned to mines
and several others. Peter Swift, Snider and Anchorage car
went together at mile 13. PM made up cash register sheet.
Boat freight arrived. Palmer beat Lucky Shot at ball.
No Outside radio, no news tonight.
July 6, 1936 AM hauled over one truck load
from set-out. Goods all mixed up with mining machinery.
Priced up new merchandise and got out-mail. Shorty Gustafson
in from Lucky Shot for week vacation. Evening, raining.
Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Some 369 killed Outside during 4th
of July celebration, none in Alaska. No Outside radio.
Evening, new man on KFQD news. JP planning on 2 weeks vacation.
July 7, 1936 Business normal. Hauled
over 2 truck loads new merchandise. Coleman light man
here. Lillian Lander and sons arrived for summer vacation,
went out to Martin cabin at mile 12 in canyon. Navy Air Base
for Alaska assured. No Outside radio. Two new announcers
on local station. JP on vacation, first time in five years.
July 8, 1936 Business normal. Self
pricing up new groceries, clothing and hardware. Mine
Ellexson out from Knik with furs, silver salmon, 25¢ each.
Mrs. Oscar Tryck passed out last night with a stroke, was trading
in store at 5 PM and then OK. Cloudy, heavy rain at 5 PM 50 above.
Fourth of July farmer at Palmer died from beating by 3 men. No
Outside radio. Over 50,000 farmers gone on relief.
July 9, 1936 Business normal. Finished
pricing up groceries. Bralaska Mining closed down on
Martin Mine prospecting, no ore and Martin wants 40%.
Sent Jack W. Nelson check for Mabel cabin through Seattle bank.
Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above, evening clear, colder. P
and P gang here for 2 weeks. No Outside radio. Heat wave
going east in states, 101 in New York today.
July 10, 1936 Self fixed steering gear on Overland
truck and greased up. Schilling man here, also D____
Engman and solicitor for U. S. Chamber of Commerce. Took
3 years subscription to Nations Business Reports from U. S. Chamber
of Commerce. Tryck family went to Anchorage account mothers
funeral next Sunday. PM cloudy, evening, raining 50 to 60
above. Sid Black blew hole in hand with dynamite cap on fuse.
Sheep and horses arrived for colonists at Palmer.
July 11, 1936 Business normal.
Still pricing up new hardware. Ma and Mrs. Isaac’s left for
Anchorage via Matanuska to attend funeral of Mrs. Tryck.
Fruits and watermelons arrived on mail train coal car. Stanley
in from mine with high grade ore. No Outside radio.
Grau family got 10 pound baby boy. Heat wave cleaned up four
states, including Minnesota. Cloudy, cooler, showers 60 to
60 above.
July 12, 1936 Sunday, self alone in store.
Stanley and Eva and 12 others left on 4 AM freight train for
Anchorage to attend Mrs. Tryck’s funeral, all back 8:15 PM on
old fish motor car. Had big feed, fresh peaches and watermelon.
Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. First watermelons on Wasilla market,
first peaches and tomatoes, all from Seattle. No radio, only
dinner hour over local station.
July 13, 1936 Hauled over
truck load produce and hardware. Paid invoices due and
got out-mail. Ready for T and T gang replacing telegraph
poles. Salmon running at Knik. Cloudy, 60 above.
No Outside radio. Heat wave hit Chicago and Canada, over 1,000
deaths. News over local station only.
July 14, 1936 Business fair, got off
mid-week mail. Mail left short, came down from Fairbanks
today. New mail clerk on train NG. Received offer
to buy K. T. Co. business by wire from RIV Larson of P. I.
Seattle. Cloudy, showers, 52 to 60 above. Rain relieved
heat wave in States. Mid-week mail arrived. No Outside
radio. Radio phone calls in States good. Al Horning flying
to Seattle with 4 passengers.
July 15, 1936 Self in store and pricing up
new hardware. Hubbard plane wrecked near Fairbanks,
woman from States killed, Hubbard’s 3rd accident. Al Horning
and plane made Ketchikan today. Made deal with Jacob Metz
to clean up lot on Boundary Street. Weather cloudy, 54 to 60
above. Placer mines crying for rain.
July 16, 1936 Had Metz take down wire
fence on back lots. William Dodson returned to High Grade
Mine. Stanley in for supplies from New Bullion Mine.
Al Horning arrived at Seattle OK with bi-plane and 4 passengers,
16 hours. Harry White down from Park. Hot day, above
70.
July 17, 1936 Got off Outside mail and orders.
H. O. White got his soldier bonus bonds and went to Anchorage.
Admiral Ueeck deposited his $750 bonds in our safe. ARC
gravel gang moving to Willow Creek. PM hauled over truck
load new hardware. Hot day, 70 to 84 above. News from
Outside radio only. Heat wave still on reaching 80 in Minnesota.
July 18, 1936 Heat wave still on in States,
taken over 4,000 lives. Rebellion in Spain. All
the Colonists meeting the salmon at Knik, including the preacher.
Hot 3rd Party convention on in Chicago. Stanley and Sharon
in for weekend and grub, all in lake today. Dance at hall.
Hot day, 70 to 86 above, 103 at old Sunny Knik. Second lot of melons
arrived, plums and tomatoes, etc.
July 19, 1936 Sunday, usual AM trade.
Put up new awning in front of store, cost $32. Vida Deigh
visiting Eva, drove into Knik. Had first strawberry shortcake.
Received melons, fresh tomatoes and plums, shortage on potatoes.
Hot wave, 88 above all day, raining at 11:30 PM.
July 20, 1936 Hauled over 3 truck loads groceries,
forage and gas . Burned brush and rubbish in back lot.
Kelly and wife in from Lucky Shot to trade. McDonald closing
up Bralaska Mining prospect on old Martin claims. Metz
4th day on cleaning back lot. Hot day, 60 to 80 above.
Radio from Outside now coming in 9 to 9:30. Japan having a
fake aerial war for 3 days.
July 21, 1936 Mail out and in on mid-week boat
via Seward. Vic Blodgett and wife down from Pittman
to visit and trade. Milo Kelly in from BD Mine.
Teed Bros. left for Seattle. One of Cad’s trucks went haywire.
Gus sinking 300 gallon gas tank. Temperature 74 above, evening
cloudy. Paid Ma’s hospital bill for having flu, 16 days,
$183. Paid store license, $140. All going to Knik for
red salmon. All stations on air, 9 PM got KNX news. Tom Cavanaugh
back from California. Spain in revolt.
July 22, 1936 Gust Haller bought $50 grub outfit
to work his ruby sand on ranch. Priced balance of S and
W goods. Tony Diamond on air with report from D. C.
Paddy back from Anchorage account Dugal. Another hot day,
88 above. PM everybody swimming at Lake Wasilla. Jake
1 day cleaning up Mabel lot. Paddy returned to New Bullion Mine.
Radio fair 9:30. Spain rebellion a hot one.
July 23, 1936 Shipped ton salt to Caswell.
Jake got all 3 lots cleaned, ready for plow. Mabel lot
covered with booze bottles and tin cans left there by the Wasilla
judge? Rebellion in Spain red hot today. Cooler, 60
above, evening rain. Norman in 9 PM from Lucky Shot Mine.
Thorpe in for repairs account gas engine. Cad got truck working, oil
base full of gas.
July 24, 1936 Got off Seattle mail. PM
hauled 2 truck loads of tin cans and booze bottles from Mabel
yard left by postmaster while renter. Colonist received
another bunch of horses, gone to Flats to put up hay.
Partly cloudy, 66 to 76 above. Bristol Bay region stricken with
typhoid fever. Radio weak but KNX news. Spanish rebels
claim 80% victory.
July 25, 1936 One order for Caswell.
Outside mail arrived. Mr. Morgan, 70 year old Libby man,
here for orders. Mrs. McDougal’s tourist brother arrived.
Stanley in for weekend from his mine. Evening, drove over
to Palmer hospital account inspection of Eva and baby boy?
Long wave fair, KSL program all night. Aerial officers here
about future air base in Alaska. Partly cloudy, showers,
60 to 74 above.
July 26, 1936 Sunday, shipped ½
ton groceries north. Libby goods arrived on PM freight.
PM Eva and Stanley drove over to Palmer to see Dr. whether a
boy or girl? Evening, drove down to Fries ranch for last
of old spuds. Peaches and cream for supper. Jack
Fabyan herding 400 colonist sheep on upper Fishhook Creek.
Temperature 60 to 78 above, felt like 100 above all PM Short
wave from Canada and Germany.
July 27, 1936 Business normal.
Self hauling old lumber, etc. off back lots. Hauled 1
load Libby goods. Received deed account sale of Mabel lot
and cabin for $350 cash. Rebellion red hot in Spain.
Closed up work at Placer Mine until lumber arrives. Hot day,
84 above PM Outside radio coming in 9 PM. Bristol Bay quarantined
for typhoid fever.
July 28, 1936 Business normal.
Had Metz mow grass on railroad warehouse lot and burn old rubbish.
Evening, self and Metz drove down to his homestead to get colonist
farmer to plow and scrape rear lot aft of store. Ed Holland
in from Grubstake. Palmer paper gave Wasilla big boost for
Navy aerial air port, we have the location. All stations on
the air after 9 PM Hot day, evening cloudy and showers 60 to
74 above.
July 29, 1936 Business normal.
ARC just issued paychecks for May. PM farmer, stuttering
colonist, began plowing lots at rear of store. Rebels about
in control of Spain. Ed Holland returned to his mine on
Purchase Creek after working 44 days on Grubstake. Airplanes
bringing out Bristol Bay fisherman. Rain all AM 62 above.
Outside radio NG. Tornado at Miami. Started clearing
and grading on lot 1 and 2, block 1 for private home to get away from
store.
July 30, 1936 Business normal.
Priced up Libby’s goods. Started scraping and leveling
up lot aft of store, ½ day PM. Salmon running into
Wasilla Lake. Spain rebellion hotter. Another birthday,
1868-1936, still 40? Marie Martha gave me a shirt and spanking.
Radio good, both short and long wave. Boat day late.
July 31, 1936 Business normal.
Received order from Caswell fur farm. Mail went south,
no north mail. Boat one day late at Seward. Started
excavating cellar for new house on corner Wasilla Avenue and Boundary
Street. Bible class at school house. Rain, 64 above.
Radio NG, news over local station.
August 1, 1936 Business normal.
Busy on monthly statements. Edlund offering new red spuds
on market. Ate last of watermelon. Other European nations
going to help Spain on rebellion. Stanley in weekend from
the mine. A-1 day, 54 to 74 above. Radio good at 9 PM
August 2, 1936 Sunday, open AM for absent
minded customers. All the Herning’s, but dad, drove to
Sunny Knik to get a smell of salmon. Boat freight arrived
PM. Cement came for house. Edward Fries, old time rancher,
passed out at Palmer hospital with cancer on face. Radio good
after 9 PM
August 3, 1936 Business normal.
AM hauled over from set-out, 2 truck loads hardware and groceries
to store. Metz and partner started shoveling out bottom
cellar under new house, to be, early AM Stanley returned
to his mine. Partly cloudy, 65 above. Radio OK at 9 PM
Italy and Germany ready to help Spain.
August 4, 1936 Business normal.
Got off Outside mail. Frank Kelly in from Lucky Shot.
Mrs. Bud Whitney convalescing at St. Clair’s beer ranch. Ma and
old timers attended Edward Fries funeral at Palmer. Trusty
Kelly, Cat man, back to Wasilla to locate ranch. Spain rebellion
may cause war. Cliff Hall here, drove car over from Willow Station.
A-1 day, 70 above. Radio good at 8:30. Farmers in drought,
dust in States, want to come to Alaska.
August 5, 1936 Run level on new cottage cellar,
6½ x 18 x 22 feet. PM checked up old records on
file and lumber list for new cottage. Spain rebellion, 35,000
killed and 100,000 in hospital account Spain rebellion. Snider
and Cad kids run head on and broke up both cars. Radio mushy,
got KNX news.
August 6, 1936 Cliff Hall over with truck from
Willow Station, bought $50 grub outfit. Gus back from
trip to Stanley’s mine. Two sports went out to Willow Creek
bridge crossing for future operation? Gaston quit Kelly
mine, now on usual drunk. Three tons groceries arrived.
Hot day, 66 to 76 above, evening shower.
August 7, 1936 Mail went south. PM hauled
over 3 truck loads new merchandise from freight shed.
Boys finished excavating cellar on lot at rear of store, cost
$24 team work, plus $30 labor to excavate 22 x 20.6½ foot
cellar, now ready for cement work. Partly cloudy, warm day,
above 70. Radio fair. Rebellion in Spain growing hotter.
August 8, 1936 Busy pricing up new merchandise.
Milo Kelly and Thomas in from mines for mail, etc. Bought
1st new local spuds at 5¢ a pound. Evening ball game,
Lucky Shot vs. Fern boys won, 9 to 3. Dance on at Town Hall.
Stanley in early from New Bullion Mine. Got midnight news KSL.
Cloudy, 60 to 70 above. No work on lots. Next work,
dig a well in cellar. Radio fair, some flooding news.
Heinz airplane party lost last August found by prospector, all dead,
plane burned up.
August 9, 1936 Sunday, busy in store
AM. PM made up cash register sheet. Mayor Gill with
Republican nominees visited AM Fourteen cars up from Anchorage
over new highway. Stanley, Eva, Ma and Marie Martha drove out to
mile 12 to call on Lillian Lander and Lawrence. Hauled over load
eggs, meats and fruit. Temperature 60 to 70 above, PM cloudy.
Located well in cellar. Evening, working detail of house plans.
Radio mushy, too busy with freight for short wave radio.
August 10, 1936 Started to
dig well in hew house cellar. Frank Kelly in for freight.
Fern hauling car load diesel oil. Crazy Zion chick hopped
out window in Seattle office, now no more. Metz, 1 day on
well, self 3 hours on well crib. A-1 day, 60 to 80 above.
Radio in at 7:30, some static. All Europe ready for war.
August 11, 1936 Mrs. Stragier in from Fern
to trade. Held up work on well account helper. Sawmill
colonist rancher, from Knik visited. Cad and Isaac families
drove to Anchorage. Evening, selected material for inside
of new house. A-1 day, 60 to 70 above. Metz ½
day account well, made hoist etc. Chas Lawrence in, no building
house, sold ranch, going Outside. Radio good at 8:30.
Spain losing control over rebellion.
August 12, 1936 PM put ribbing in new well
and got down 15’. Evening, on Seattle invoices.
Reported Eklutna Electric will run wire to Palmer. Temperature
60 to 70 above, evening rain. Metz and Weiler worked ½
day on new well. Radio mushy. America came in ahead
in Olympic games at Berlin.
August 13, 1936 AM finished well on lot aft
of store, got 2’ water at 17½’. Cad drove to Anchorage
for truck load oil, also brought me 3’ cement blocks. Evening
on orders, etc. till 2:30 AM Weather cooler, cloudy, 60 above.
Metz and Weiler on well ½ day each. Stanley in from
mine. Radio fair. Alaska politicians on the air seeking
a job.
August 14, 1936 Ma chief clerk.
Self, with help, on well on lot aft of store. Stanley and
family made first trip to Anchorage over new highway. Joe
Brassel in for trapping outfit. Banker, Tarwater, visited.
Partly cloudy and cooler, 56 to 68 above. Metz and Weiler
on well one day, also self. Radio fair. Strike on at
Cordova with help on Copper River Railroad and longshoreman.
Delegate Diamond on the air.
August 15, 1936 Boys finished well then hauled
rock from cellar off lot. PM rain, no work. Priced
up new groceries. Mr. Erwin, Standard Oil man visited.
Thorpe outfit stole Pyles amalgamating table. Jack Fabyan,
colonist sheep herder, in for supplies from Fishhook Inn.
Cloudy, showers, 64 above. Metz and Weiler ½ day.
Cost to dig well $25. Radio good, Spain war still on.
August 16, 1936 Sunday, store open 3
hours AM. PM made up weekly cash register report.
Freight arrived midnight. Evening on office work and selecting
material for new house. Pyles help through. Radio
weak. Russian fliers, California to Russia, now across Bearing
Straights on Siberia side.
August 17, 1936 PM finished hauling rock off
lot aft of store. Now ready to put in forms and cement
cellar. Ordered red and green asphalt shingles for new
house. Plenty farm vegetables on market. Weather cooler,
56 above, showers. Metz and Weiler one day on cellar excavating.
Radio fair. Spain rebellion growing hotter.
August 18, 1936 Got off mail, boat 2 days late
at Seward. Railroad strike, at Cordova, still on, no
grub landed, stores sold out. Joe Louis knocked out Sharkey
in 3rd round. Stanley and Sharon in and out to Stanley’s mine.
ARC laying off help. Light rain all day, heavy at Anchorage,
60 above. No work on cellar of new house, waiting for concrete
mixer. Radio fair.
August 19, 1936 Self on trimmings for new house,
doors, windows, etc. Three day Fair on at government
farm, Horning family drove down. Plenty of rain in hills
for mining. Germany and Italy, with Spain rebels haywire.
Three and a half days due Weiler on cellar work. A-1 day,
70 above, partly cloudy.
August 20, 1936 Finished
order for new house material. Lee Hartley visited inquiring
about sale of K. T. Co. business. Frank Watson applying
for old age pension. Knik Glacier Lake broke out, new highway
bridge flooded. Weather cloudy, cooler, 64 above. Radio
fair, some fading. German fired on Spanish gunboat today.
August 21, 1936 Mail went
south. Lee Hartley delivered truck load lumber on our lot for
$49, came over new highway. Rebellion in Spain on, a 50/50
after 5 weeks fighting. 1½M lumber, for cement work,
on new house cost $73.19. Radio good, all stations on the air.
August 22, 1936 ARRC laid off 100 workers and
ARC laying off men on road work, no money. Fred Nelson started
to make forms for concrete walls in cellar of new house. A-1
day, 72 above. Evening, dance on at hall. Fred Nelson
and Metz ½ day on concrete forms for new house. Radio
fair, all war talk in Europe account Spain Rebellion now on 6th week.
Stanley in from mine.
August 23, 1936 Sunday, store open 3
hours AM. Oscar Miller and Fred Peterson and families
up from Anchorage over new highway. Several others on weekend
with autos. Young King put G. A. Pyle in the ditch.
A-1 day, 70 above, PM cloudy. Fred and Metz 1 day on cement
forms. Boat freight in at midnight. Radio weak, barely
got new 8 PM
August 24, 1936 Boys laid off, PM on cement
form work. Hauled over fruit and vegetables from set-out
and flour and sugar from track warehouse. Mine Ellic out from
Knik to trade, brought 2 dozen eggs, bought $12 feed. Rain
all day, 68 above. Radio good.
August 25, 1936 Put up orders for Cliff Hall
and Oswald Hansen, Willow Creek District. Bert McClarty
in, through at Kelly Mine. Landon, President to be, campaigning
in Eastern states. Judge Hellenthal on air for New Deal
in Alaska. Weather partly cloudy, showers at noon, heavy rain
evening, 58 to 68 above. Cement forms ½ in, Fred and Metz
1 day each. Only local radio.
August 26, 1936 Self on office
work. Light rain all day. Eddie Holland in from
Purchase Creek, went to Anchorage to buy powder for his mine.
Stanley rained out and in from his mine. Rain and 56 above.
Fred and Metz 1 day on cement forms for new house. Radio fair.
Spanish rebellion growing hotter. Dan Gray in.
August 27, 1936 Business slow, rain all
AM. Brill car with tourists went south. Mrs. White
and kids back from McKinley Park. Marshal Wells, hardware
man, visited. Answered C. A. Snider, Grants Pass, Oregon
about sale of store. snow on high peaks last night.
More rain, 56 above. Fred and Metz on concrete forms PM only.
Radio weak, got world news, all politics and war. Gold Cord
got car of coal.
August 28, 1936 Harry Vail, 49, passed out
last night. Cement forms about completed. Shonbeck
visited, said we could use his cement mixer. All kinds of
local vegetables on market. Evening, Eva and Ma driving
to Knik with Mrs. Baxter and Cad, made round trip with truck to
Anchorage. Weather cloudy, 58 above. George Thomas
returned to Seattle. Fred and Metz 1 day on cement forms for
new house. Radio weak. Japan and Chinese at odds over
killing 2 Jap’s.
August 29, 1936 Outside mail arrived.
Stanley in for weekend, from mine. Drove Marie Martha over
to Palmer to see doctor. Midnight news over KSL. A-1
day, touch of frost early AM Fred and Metz 1 day on cement
forms. Radio fair.
August 30, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Harry Vail buried at Palmer. Several Anchorage autos seen
in Wasilla. Palmer - Anchorage highway dedicated at Knik
River Bridge today. Freight brought truck load oil.
A-1 day, 50 to 72 above. Fred and Metz 1 day, finished cement
forms (2 men 7 days on concrete forms). Radio good.
August 31, 1936 Returned Lilly’s 1936 garden
seed box. Boys put in walk around cement forms to pour
cement. Shonback visited, said mixer would come forth.
Mrs. McDougal in, trailing truck driver. Partly cloudy,
60 above, evening, heavy rain. Radio fair, still hot war in
Spain. Seattle P. I. strike still on.
August summary: Self building new house on
lots 1 and 2 aft of store on Boundary Street and Wasilla Avenue.
Got in cement forms 22 x 24. Well in cellar, ready to pour
cement. Stanley milling gold on Craigie Creek. Eva
and Ma K. T. Co. clerks. Marie Martha regular border.
September 1, 1936 Waiting for cement mixer
account new cellar aft of store. Fern got 2nd car tank
of oil. Spaniards have killed 75,000 and 300,000 in hospital
account rebellion. Weather cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
No work on new house, waiting for cement mixer. Radio good.
September 2, 1936 Got out-mail. ARC wired
to DC for OK using cement mixer by K. T. Co. then found it out
of repair? Phoned Anchorage for cement chimney blocks and
2 x 4’s and peaches. Midnight down to 30 above. Cement mixer
coming up tomorrow. Radio skookum. WLW came in, Stan Miller
and party found crushed on mountain near Russian River, no signs of
life.
September 3, 1936 Got out groceries and hardware
orders. Hartley delivered lumber and cement blocks from
Anchorage, 4,514 lbs. at railroad freight rate of 45¢
cwt. The 6 bodies of Stan Miller airplane crash brought
to Anchorage. First hard frost, 28 above last night, no more
flowers. Lumber and blocks account new house $88.05, freight
$20.30. Radio good. School teacher arrived to open
Wasilla grade and high school.
September 4, 1936 Cement mixer arrived PM.
Started to pour cement in forms on new house aft of store.
Hartley delivered 26 more chimney cement blocks. Game season
open, all after grouse. A-1 day, clear 70 above, evening
36 above. Fred, Al and Metz on cement work ½ day.
Radio weak. KFQD went haywire on news period. Palmer
Fair now on.
September 5, 1936 Business normal. Got
$60 order from Caswell fur farm. Got cement forms half
filled. Mayor Gill and wife, from Anchorage, visited.
Evening, Hartley delivered 20 boxes peaches and cement from
Anchorage. A-1 day, 60 above, midnight down to 30.
Snider and gang laid off. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on cement
work. Radio weak.
September 6, 1936 Sunday, Eva and self store
keepers. Ma and Marie Martha went to Knik with Gill family.
No work on cement account rain. Evening, Stanley and Sharon
in from New Bullion Mine. No freight train. Temperature
40 to 50 above, rain PM and evening. Radio weak. Jackson
family back from trip outside. Gill and wife at dinner. Mrs.
Morrison visited.
September 7, 1936 Stanley, Marie and Sharon
took in Palmer Agricultural Fair PM. Engine on cement mixer
bucking, delayed work 1/3 of time. Farmers busy harvesting
crops in rain. First snow on Bald Mt. 30 to 50 above.
Fred, Al and Metz on cement work 1 day, also self. Radio
fair.
September 8, 1936 Busy all day hauling new
merchandise from set-out to store and warehouses. Work
on cement forms done, now laying floor in cellar of new house.
Election, Churchill and Rathjen out from Knik to vote, also Fern
and Gold Cord. Frost nights, day time 50 to 60 above.
Fred, Al and Metz, 1 day on cement cellar. Radio skookum.
Alaska and State election. Mules in Alaska still going strong.
Big fight in state of Washington over election.
September 9, 1936 Self pricing up and storing
away new merchandise. Boys finished cement work on new
cellar walls and concrete floors. Evening, got out-mail.
Sylvia Secton visited, taking pictures. Partly cloudy,
38 to 50 above. Fred, Al and Metz on cement 1 day, finished
main walls and floor. School opened. Radio fair.
Democrats got Alaska 3 to 1. Georgia went Republican in states.
September 10, 1936 Brill car south, no mail
train. Took forms off cement, finished cement floor in
cellar of new house, building cement stairs to cellar. Eva
lost a tooth down sewer. New German plane crossed Atlantic
in 22 hours. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on cement work and forms.
Radio good. Spain rebellion on now 30 days. France about
ready for insurrection. Used cement mixer 5 days.
September 11, 1936 Mail went south.
Eva left, 6 with Cad, for Anchorage to replace a lost tooth,
back at 5 PM with cream puffs. ARR Co-op truck took back
Shonback’s cement mixer at noon. Put in forms for concrete stairs.
Fred and Al 1 day on concrete stairs, Metz 1 day on excavating. Radio
good, all war news. Baby Marie slept with Grandma last night while
her mother looking for lost tooth.
September 12, 1936 Lee Hartley delivered 10
sacks cement from Anchorage. Mail train on time, got bill
for doors, windows, etc. for new house. Stanley in from
mine for weekend. Pat Snider left for Fairbanks College.
Excavated for 12 x 14 annex to house. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on annex
aft new house. Radio mushy. Germany and Italy bucking
Russia on trade relations. War in Spain still on. Put
new air cell on radio set.
September 13, 1936 Sunday, store open 9 to
12 noon. PM made up cash and helped boys on annex cement walls.
Boat freight arrived PM. Stanley returned to his mine. Vida
Deigh visiting at Eva’s. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day pouring
cement in annex to new house. Radio good. Jackson family
on the air. A-1 day, 40 to 65 above.
September 14, 1936 PM unloaded car, windows,
doors, flooring, etc. for new house, stored same in garage.
Rustic in Gus warehouse. Last freight in to go over Fishhook
summit. Maine went Republican. Rebels in the lead
in Spain war. Fred, Al and Metz ½ day on cement, ½
day on haulage of lumber with Gus’ truck Radio good.
Germany ready to scrap Russia if necessary. France’s government
about ready for rebellion.
September 15, 1936 Sold outfit to 2 new locators
at mile 10 north. Put top cement on cellar floor.
PM started frame work on new house. Fred and Al are carpenters.
Metz took forms off annex wall. Stored maple flooring in
Mabel cabin. Weather cloudy, 44 to 50 above. Radio
good. Young Carlson and passenger killed in airplane at Good
News Bay on 14th.
September 16, 1936 Self busy on
new house, cemented up all cracks on cement wall plates.
Hauled up truck load lumber. Boys laid first floor on foundation.
Wired for groceries and batteries account strike. Weather
cloudy, 50 above. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on new house.
Radio loud but mushy. Willibaugh, the novelist, on the air
over KFQD. Big storm around Florida coast.
September 17, 1936 Last Brill car went south,
tourist trade off. Laid out windows and doors and studding,
ready to raise on first floor of new house. Lee Hartley delivered
40 cans gas, oil, and 572’ lumber from Anchorage. Fred and
Al 1 day on carpenter work, Metz 1 day grading aft of house. Radio
loud, big storm on Gulf and Atlantic Coast.
September 18, 1936 Received wire from Florence,
has prospective cash buyers for Burnap and Seymour farm.
Raised studding on first floor of new house. Shonback transferred
cattle from mountain home to tide flats. Rain AM cleared
PM 52 above. Fred and Al on house 1 day, Metz on cesspool ditch,
1 day. Radio good. JP back on air. Big storm on
Atlantic Coast.
September 19, 1936 Carpenters cutting
openings for doors and windows and on corner braces on new house.
Received Rochester Daily Post, paid to 9/8/1937. Big mail
arrived PM. Evening, dance on at Wasilla Hall. Stanley
in from mine. A-1 day, autumn here, birch golden yellow, 60
above. Fred and Al on new house 1 day, Metz on sewer ditch 1 day.
Radio loud, Cincinnati and Minneapolis came in. Spain rebels about
to take Madrid, the capitol.
September 20, 1936 Sunday, in store AM.
PM made up cash and helped on new house windows. Freight
brought ½ car new merchandise. Harold Kenny, back
from jail, at dance last night, drew knife on Ellexson, so now
back in jail, should be in asylum. Fred and Al on new house.
Metz on cesspool ditch, 1 day each. Radio loud with static.
Only one more boat before strike. Stanley returned to his
mine.
September 21, 1936 Wired for septic tank.
Hauled over 3 truck loads new merchandise from set-out and 2
loads lumber from track warehouse account new house. Duck
hunters busy these days. Birch trees now golden yellow, 12 hours
sun, 55 to 65 above, partly cloudy. Fred and Al 1 day on siding,
Metz ½ day on sewer and ½ day on freight. Radio
loud, all stations on air. Rebels getting upper hand of Spain
Rebellion.
September 22, 1936 Self pricing
new merchandise AM. PM made concrete blocks to hold 2
ton chimney, ready to install rafters on new house. Railroad
going to close down if longshoreman strike comes off, October 1st.
Thorpe’s closed down their mine. Fred, Al and Metz on new house 1 day.
Radio loud to 9 PM then died out. News, all war and politics.
September 23, 1936 Rafters up on new house,
ready for roofing. Metz plowed his lot PM, hauled
balance of lumber from track warehouse to new house. Stanley
in from his mine. Cad and Horning hauling oil to mines.
Ellexson’s out from Knik. 1 AM earthquake. Fred and Al 1 day
on new house, Metz ½ day. Radio good to 9 PM Rebels
on the gain in Spain.
September 24, 1936 Business good, sold one
$140 outfit. Stanley returned to close up quartz mine
for winter. Boys got roof covered with shiplap, ready for
roofing. Several locals got their moose. Railroad laying
off section men. Fred and Al and Metz on house 1 day, got roof
covered. Radio loud, rebellion in Spain growing hotter every
day. Evening, on mail.
September 25, 1936 Put in cross braces to hold
house rigid vs. winds, roof ready for shingles. Ordered
1500’ more shiplap from Anchorage. Gus drove to Anchorage
for load oil. Mrs. Dodson left for States. High officials
in Spain ready to abdicate. Hazy and windy account forest
fire at Palmer, 50 above. Fred, Al and Metz, 1 day on new house.
Radio good. France going broke on gold standard.
September 26, 1936 Boys assembled
26’ concrete block chimney in new house. Hartley delivered
2 M ft. lumber and 40 cases oil from Anchorage over new highway.
Stanley and help in from his mine, closed down for winter.
Heavy rain last night and AM 50 to 60 above. Fred, Al and Metz
1 day on concrete block chimney. Ordered car coal.
Radio weak and mushy.
September 27, 1936 Sunday, store open
3 hours AM. New house all closed in with shiplap, ready
for roofing. Stanley retorted his quartz gold, about $1,500
with as much more went over the plates. Mail arrived, PM
milk, sugar and hardware coming. Fred, Al and Metz 1 day on new
house. Radio fair. Big forest fire in Oregon, floods
in Texas.
September 28, 1936 Boys laid one side roofing
paper on new house. Stanley, Grandma and Marie made auto
trip to Anchorage with clean-up, back at 6 PM. Forest fires
in Oregon and floods in Texas doing millions in damage. Partly
cloudy, 38 to 50 above. Fred and Al on roof 1 day. Metz
after moss to cover sewer pipe. Booster Club plane, 8 hours
to Juneau. Radio mushy. Boat freight arrived 9 PM
September 29, 1936 Boys finished roof on new
house AM. Boat freight arrived last night PM hauled over
4 truck loads new merchandise from set-out. Pyle in from
Gold Mint, going Outside. Shingles, due 9/14, arrived
today. A-1 day, 40 to 60 above. Fred and Al on roof,
½ day. Fred and Al ½ day on windows.
Metz laying shiplap floor 1 day. Radio mushy. France
in trouble over gold standard. Gold all coming to US.
September 30, 1936 Bill Stokes up from
Anchorage to bid on electric wiring for our new house and Stanley’s
house. Boys assembling window and door frames in new
house. Longshoreman strikes Atlantic Coast. Partly cloudy,
40 to 60 above, no snow on mountains Fred, Al and Metz on
new house 1 day. Radio mushy. Ed Holland in and out.
October 1, 1936 Finished leading joints in
sewer pipe account bath in OGH new house. Boys finished
windows, ready to nail on rustic. Milo Kelly in from BD
Mine for supplies. Weiler disked lots 1, 2 and 3. Partly
cloudy, 40 to 50 above. Fred and Al on windows 1 day.
Metz on sewer pipe and lumber 1 day. Radio good. Spain
loyalist beaten in war by rebels. France off gold standard.
Longshoreman strike, off for 15 days.
October 2, 1936 Hauled rustic from Zink warehouse
to new house and 2 truck loads moss to cover sewer pipe.
Wired for bathroom outfit and sink for new house. Fred, Al and
Metz on new house 1 day, Metz on sewer. Radio good, had in
station from Africa. Strike off for 15 days.
October 3, 1936 Got off Outside mail and orders
AM train. PM self and Jake hauled 3 truck loads rock off
lot 1, new house location. Boys got rustic on north end of
new house. Fred, Al 1 day on rustic. Metz 1 day on cleaning
lot. Radio good. Democrats panning Landon for President.
Football now on.
October 4, 1936 Sunday, boys worked inside
on hangers and braces upper room in new house. Metz cleared
off brush on street front of house. Outside mail and freight
arrived PM. Over 30 moose killed around Wasilla and Willow
Creek. Light rain, 40 to 50 above. Fred and Al 1 day
on inside 2nd floor of new house. Metz on lot work. Radio
loud, some static. Riots in England and France today.
Five news paper men racing around world.
October 5, 1936 Self helping on new house,
put in windows and stringer under floor in basement.
Only eggs, meats and clothing came in last night freight.
Cad hauling powder to Lucky Shot. Paddy and Stanley drove down to
Anchorage to see Dionne kids picture. Snow at mines, showers
40 to 46 above. Fred and Al 1 day on new house, Metz no work.
Radio 25% off. Hot political speakers on the air. One
block of Nenana burned out.
October 6, 1936 Forty ton car winter coal arrived
PM Self painted north gable of new house. Boys got rustic
on east side. Answered V. V. Walter’s inquiry about sale
of K. T. Co. store. Metz no work. Rebels shelling Madrid,
Spain. Weather cloudy, evening rain 44 above. Fred
and Al 1 day on rustic, east side of house. Radio OK, all football
and campaign speeches on air.
October 7, 1936 Business normal, sold
2 outfits. Cad made 2 trips to Lucky Shot, last of freight.
Evening, Stanley drove Shorty to Lucky Shot and brought back his
touring car, 2’ of snow on Bald Mt. and drifting on summit. Al and
Fred 1 day on new house, self painting, Metz toothache. Radio
fair. Football team hit by lightening, coach killed. Alaska
to have old age pension.
October 8, 1936 Business normal, collections
fair. Oscar Anderson unloading 40 ton car coal account
store fuel. Self ½ day painted east side new house.
Septic tank arrived. Boys on rustic. No mail train
south until Monday, boat delayed. Cloudy, mountains covered
with snow to brush line. Fred and Al 1 day on rustic for new
house. Radio fair but mushy. Rebels bombing Madrid, Spain.
Old age pension for Alaskans now OK.
October 9, 1936 Business normal, sold
2 outfits. Oscar Anderson finished unloading car winter
coal, let Stanley have 10 tons. Rustic all on new house except
½ of south end. Gaston moved out to Martin cabin,
mile 12. Fred and Al 1 day on rustic for new house, Metz toothache.
Radio weak. Stanley repaired 1932 Crosley set for Carl Fritzler.
Metz went to Anchorage account toothache.
October 10, 1936 Business normal, monthly
collections good. Rain last night, took down snow off
Bald Mt. Self digging hole for septic tank. Landon and
Roosevelt hot on the air with campaign speeches. Snow in
several states before Alaska. Rain AM and last night, 50 above.
Fred and Al ½ day inside, ½ day on rustic. Short
wave good, long wave NG. All Europe talking war.
October 11, 1936 Sunday, Ma store keeper,
self finished hole for septic tank, ready to lower. Noon,
Stanley and family and Mrs. Lundstrom left, with Shorty’s car,
for Anchorage. Evening, on mail and orders, 3 AM
Partly cloudy, Bald Mt. rained out, 40 to 50 above. Fred and
Al finished rustic AM PM on wall board. Radio fair, early,
then mushy.
October 12, 1936 Business normal, sold
one outfit. Ma busy in store all day. Kids back
from Anchorage, 5 PM over new highway. Riots in Liverpool.
Reported Russia helping royalists in Spain. Italy and Germany
helping rebels. Evening rain 40 to 50 above. Fred and
Al on wallboard 1 day. Radio fair. Landon and Roosevelt
throwing mud at each other in campaign talks.
October 13, 1936 Self helping on assembling
windows and stairs in new house. Mail train arrived at
midnight. Answered Chas R. Harrison’s letter about sale of
his farm, advised to contact A. J. Shannon, sale made. Cloudy
and cold, 40 above. Fred and Al ½ day on ceiling and ½
day on stairs and windows. Radio fair, mushy at times.
October 14, 1936 Business normal.
Put up one large order for Longo at Fern Mine. Self soldered
up septic tank, now ready to cover up. Al assembled stairs
in new house. ARC completed road to Cottonwood hay flats.
Metz back from Anchorage. More snow on mountain peaks, 40
above. Fred on wallboard 1 day, Al on stairs 1 day, self on
septic tank ½ day. Roosevelt on short wave, from Chicago,
preaching new deal. Long wave no good.
October 15, 1936 Business good, sales
over $400. Self laying out partitions in new house.
Gus took load of groceries for Alongo to Fern Mine. Pacific
Coast strike extended to October 28th. Boat freight arrived,
4 days late. Light rain, 45 above, snow on hills. Fred
on wallboard 1 day, Al on partitions 1 day. Radio fair but mushy.
Sold RCA short wave set to Alongo.
October 16, 1936 Self on new house, worked
all day. Hauled over 1 truck load new merchandise from
freight shed. Evening, paid all invoices, cancelled egg and
butter order, too many rotten eggs. Cad drove to Fern Mine,
snow at mines. Rain all day, 40 above. Radio NG, wind
storms in States, boats sunk.
October 17, 1936 Lee Hartley delivered 14 pieces
of 2x6 for annex aft of new house. Wind storms off Rhode Island.
Hartley delivered freight to Martin Mine. Weather clearing
and colder, evening, mountains all white. Temperature 26
to 48. Fred on wallboard 1 day, Al on partitions 1 day, self
on painting. Radio good, both short wave and long wave.
October 18, 1936 Sunday, store open 9
to 12 AM. Did big stroke of business on new house.
Finished painting 2 sides, finished septic tank and slump hole.
Bill Stoltze wired house for electric. Heavy frost last night,
clear today 45 above. Fred and Al 1 day on wallboard.
Metz ½ day on septic tank. Radio fair.
John A. Conners mushing out dead man to Valdez. KNX mockery
in Alaska.
October 19, 1936 Metz finished covering septic
tank AM. Wieler and team scraping dirt away from new house.
Self hauled off truck load rock. Started 12 x 14 annex
aft of new house. Self painting, PM Windy, 38 above.
Fred and Al on annex 1 day. Metz on septic tank ½ day.
Outside radio NG. Landon in route to California for speech
making. Fifty flew out Inside.
October 20, 1936 Weiler finished scraping around
new house. Storm and wind prevented work on annex aft
new house. Self painted west side of house. ARC graveling
gang came out over Fishhook summit. Gus went in.
Radio weak. Landon spoke in Los Angeles.
October 21, 1936 Boys rained out, PM on annex,
then finished 1st floor in attic. Metz doing grading
and put in 2 drains in front of cellar windows. Rain all
day and evening, snow inside, 42 above. Radio good.
October 22, 1936 Business normal.
Heavy earthquake 8:30 PM. Mail went south, boat due AM
tomorrow at Seward. Self put guide strips on 4 windows and
did some painting. Boys on wallboard in attic. Metz no
work. Heavy rain, took snow off on Willow Creek. Heavy
rain last night and all day, 44 above. Long wave NG. Roosevelt
speaking in NE States. Landon’s whistle gone haywire, no talk
today.
October 23, 1936 Packed 2 orders for up railroad
line. Mail arrived 6:30 PM, received 2 inquiries, from Washington,
to buy K. T. Co. business. Boys completed annex, ready
for roofing. Metz grading around new house. Bath
fixtures arrived. Weather clearing, 40 above. Radio
weak. Anchorage hit hardest by earthquake, $500 damage.
Snow rained off mountains.
October 24, 1936 Metz on grading. Boys finished
annex, ready for roofing AM PM on wallboards in attic.
Self sealed all laps paper in annex. Pope crying account
over 5,000 Catholics killed in Spain rebellion. Rebel airplanes
dropped notes over Madrid demanding surrender. Radio fair.
Russia helping Spain. Germany and Italy helping rebels.
October 25, 1936 Sunday, Ma store keeper
AM. PM self and Metz cleaned up rock, gravel and dirt,
3 loads, and hauled surplus lumber to railroad warehouse.
Fred and Al laid roof on annex to new house. Freight arrived,
4 PM hauled 1 load merchandise. Cloudy, misty, 42 above.
Radio weak. News from London states Roosevelt would get 32
out of 48 states in November election.
October 26, 1936 Finished sidewalk in front
of new house, 120’. Hauled over bathroom fixtures, furnace,
sink, etc. just arrived. Boys finished annex AM,
PM on doors and casings. Windy, heavy rain in evening, +44.
Radio good, snow and zero at Chicago today.
October 27, 1936 Self finished walk to side
door new house. Fred and Al on door inside. Stained
back door. Mrs. White got heart attack, RR agent nurse sent
for husband. ARR Co-op reported out of funds. Cloudy,
evening rain, 44 above. Radio good. New England hit
by cold wave.
October 28, 1936 Got off south mail.
Stanley went to Anchorage to get loan for mining machinery.
Boys insulating inside doors. Self did some staining and
painting. Willow-Lucky Shot Road washed out. Harry
White arrived by plane account wife. Cloudy, sleet storm last
night, same tonight, 40 above. Radio good except when sleet
storm on. Campaign talk red hot on the air.
October 29, 1936 Business fair, Ma store
keeper. Stanley back from Anchorage on mail train. Self
painting house outside, 2 hours will finish. Boys on inside
doors and casings. Everything iced up this morning. Longshoreman
strike delayed 48 hours. Temperature 20 to 32 above, sleet
storm last night, icy streets. Radio mushy. Roosevelt
and Landon finished campaign speeches in NE states.
October 30, 1936 Put up one good size grub
order for McNalley’s. Self painting, boys on trimmings,
AM, PM on attic wallboard. Ma’s 67th birthday, still going
strong. Weather cloudy, 32 to 38 above, mountains white
again. Radio good. All Pacific Coast football game.
Mrs. Simpson in line to marry King of England.
October 31, 1936 Business normal. Finished
outside coat on new house during past 2 weeks rain drops.
Boys finished wall in attic. ARC moving road back 100’
from depot on south side. Halloween kids gone to Palmer,
no pranks. Cloudy, evening rain, 36 above. Short wave ok.
Heard both Roosevelt and Landon on final campaign speeches in New
York.
End of October memo: Self busy past 2 months
erecting new 5 room modern house on corner of Boundary Street
and Wasilla Avenue, fitted for electric appliances, after years
of sponge bathing, now going to have a real bath.
November 1, 1936 Sunday, store open 3
hours AM. Self puttied up nail holes in front of new house
for second coat of paint Boys started to lay floor in upper
rooms. Evening, made out monthly statements. Fired
Diamond account Alaska Railroad closing down. Cloudy, evening
windy, 42 above. No Outside long wave, short wave fair,
no news.
November 2, 1936 Business normal.
Boys finished attic floor. Self staining and varnishing
doors. Both Landon and Roosevelt on air asking everyone to
cast their vote for President of U. S. tomorrow. Evening,
Hartley passed through with load freight for Bralaska Mine.
Cloudy, evening rain, 40 above. Radio weak, snow, rain and wind
in states.
November 3, 1936 Business normal.
Boys on doors AM, PM repairing foundation on south side
of store. Hartley returned to Anchorage with load empty
oil drums for Bralaska Mine. Roosevelt won over Government
Landon for President. More taxes and New Deals coming up.
Storms in States, wet election, Democrats won.
November 4, 1936 Self and Fred, one day on
store foundation repairs. Al on sick list. Evening,
Lee Hartley delivered 2½ tons gas, lumber and groceries
from Anchorage. Letter from W. A. Coghill, of Nenana, wants
to buy our store business. Mail south last train.
Sunny day, evening cooler, 40 above. No Outside radio, all about
Presidential election over local station.
November 5, 1936 Joe Palmer left for trapping
camp near Caswell. Finished repairing foundation to store.
Finished second coat paint on front of new house. Now about
ready to lay hardwood floor. Frost last night, light wind,
+42. Weak radio early, 9 PM OK. Wires hot to D. C. about
closing down Alaska Railroad.
November 6, 1936 Finished up outside painting
and made steps to entering house. Al completed doors, now
ready to lay floor. Railroad to operate weekly, mixed train
during winter. Sunny day, evening cloudy again, +40.
Radio mushy. Airplanes doing big business operating between
Anchorage, Juneau and Seattle account coast strike.
November 7, 1936 Business normal. Finished
walks and all outside work around new house. Waiting
for panel saw to lay floor. Received wire from delegate
Diamond, D. C. that train service would be resumed on the Alaska
Railroad. Rebels now entering Madrid, Spain. Frost last
night, cloudy, evening windy and rain, 20 to 42 above. Radio
good early then mushy. All the news about Alaska Railroad.
Pacific Coast strike, all boats tied up.
November 8, 1936 Sunday, store open AM.
Ground white this AM 34 to 44 above, rain tonight. Snow
all gone PM. Boys no work, self cleaned up 4 inside doors and
stained one door PM Mixed train south with mail. Radio
fair. Strike on Pacific and Atlantic Coast going strong.
Over 100 boats tied up and will try to tie up Roosevelt’s fishing boat.
November 9, 1936 Stanley and family
and Mrs. Oberg drove to Anchorage in Sharon’s new car and returned.
Ma store keeper, self stained doors in new house and painted steps,
2nd coat. Cad and family drove to Anchorage. Weather clear,
32 above.
November 10, 1936 Resumed work on laying hardwood
floor in new house and self installing furnace. Coast
strike affecting Hawaii Island, tourists marooned, no money or
grub. Ground crusted with frost last night. Diamond
arranged for food through Canada. Cloudy, light wind, 30 above.
Radio weak until 8:30. Ken Laughlin new announcer over KFQD.
MacDonald bought out J.P.
November 11, 1936 Store closed PM account Armistice
Day. Stanley helped to assemble furnace in new house.
Boys laying floors in new house. Evening, American Legion
program over air from Anchorage, most all boozed up. Zero
weather Inside. Radio NG, local station OK. Outside mail
due Saturday by government boat, strike still on.
November 12, 1936 Self and Stanley worked on
new furnace, one part missing, ready to put on top hoods to
floor register. Boys got vestibule, kitchen and bathroom
floors laid. Schoolmarm murdered in Palmer last night.
Below zero at all Yukon points. Winter is here, colder, 20
above, evening snow. Outside radio NG, got news from local stations.
November 13, 1936 First mail in 2 weeks left
for Outside. Strike mail due Sunday via Canada-Juneau,
to Seward. Sprinkle of snow today. Below zero for
all points Inside. Made taper joint account furnace.
Weather colder, cloudy, 10 to 20 above. No Outside radio,
local station only. First fire in office.
November 14, 1936 Wooly day, 14 to 30 above,
evening blizzard, died out midnight. Completed pipe connections,
furnace to chimney flue. Boys about completed floor.
Put 2nd filling in store coal bin. Made out statement covering
placer mine expense. Radio all static account blizzard.
November 15, 1936 Sunday, busy AM cleaning
off walks. Boys nailing on corner and base boards in
new house. Self readjusting inner hood on new furnace.
City of Anchorage dedicated new Federal building with 1 hour program
on air PM Eight inches new snow, blizzard.
November 16, 1936 Business slow, storm drove
customers under cover. Weather cloudy, +14. Boys
finished inside work on new house, all but door locks for want
of same. Through at noon, put in 58 days on house and 18
days on cement basement. Self completed inner hood on furnace.
McDougal in from Fern Mine. Radio OK after 8 PM Rebels
still bombing Madrid. Maritime strikers and employees getting
together.
November 17, 1936 Self cleaned up shavings,
etc. left by carpenters in new house. Assembled outside
hood on furnace, lead in 2 too large, will have to cut down to fit.
U. S. Cutter arrived at Seward with mail. partly cloudy,
evening, snowing, 22 above. Radio good, all stations on air.
President Roosevelt and party left for good will trip to south.
November 18, 1936 Most all work
suspended for winter. Self completed assembling furnace
in new house. Executive order by President Roosevelt authorizes
Alaska Railroad to charter boats to Alaska during longshoreman
strike. No good radio until 8 PM. Mussolini and Hitler
dictating peace plans to all other Europe nations. Temperature
14 above, cloudy, evening snow, 44 below zero Inside.
November 19, 1936 Ma woke up at
midnight sick and vomiting, in bed all day, evening much better.
Several had this sickness including Marie Martha and her dad.
First mail since October 28 arrived via Canada and Juneau by government
boat account Pacific Coast longshoreman strike. Temperatures
25 above to 4 below, snow flurries. Both short and long wave
good. Government chartering boats in Seattle to connect with
Alaska Railroad account longshoreman strike.
November 20, 1936 Put up flies to close off
balcony for winter. Way freight went south. Milo
Kelly sick, went to Anchorage. Mrs. Kelly at Lucky Shot.
Trusty brought them from BD Mine to Lucky Shot. Honolulu out
of grub. Roosevelt fishing at Buenos Aires. Spanish
rebels put blockade on boats to Spain.
November 21, 1936 Nailed corrugated iron
over windows on railroad warehouse. Evening, raining.
Rotary snow plow returned from Broad Pass. Chinook weather,
30 to 40 above. Leibing on Fishhook mail delivery, $75 for
twice a month. Colonel Ohlson in San Francisco for boats.
Radio good. Got KSL at midnight, news and football games.
November 22, 1936 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. Put brass weather strips on outside doors and quarter-round
on baseboards in kitchen. New house waiting for floor plane.
Government heads women and children evacuating Madrid account
rebels bombing the city. Chinook rain last night, 36 to 42
above. England says hands off on Spain blockade. Radio
fair. No boats for Alaska as yet. Harry Bridges says Alaskan’s
not starving.
November 23, 1936 Got out some
mail. PM installed draft regulators on furnace.
Juneau buried up with land slide, several killed. No boats
to be moved for Alaska run to strikers. Warm wind, spring time again,
38 above. Radio good. American Embassy ordered to
move out of Madrid War, growing hotter every day.
November 24, 1936 Heavy rain all
day. Answered 4 inquiries account buying K. T. Co. store
business from Chicago, Montana, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Put asbestos paper over furnace pipe. Discover, 8 days, Seldovia
to Seward. Kasoliff and Brown’s plane unreported. Windy,
rain midnight, 40 above. Radio weak. Lindy flying England
to Iceland, overdue 12 hours. In S. F. one boat chartered for Alaska.
November 25, 1936 Summer day, 7
AM 52 above and around 50 above all day. Cloudy, light wind.
At Anchorage, wind and rain tore airplanes from moorings, $1000
damage, chimneys blew down. PM Clarence Fleck started to
plane floors in new house. Radio good. Wind and rain storm,
Anchorage to Cordova today, Wasilla only calm airport.
November 26, 1936 Turkey day, no turkeys account
Pacific Coast marine strike. Had roast sunny Knik chickens
for our Thanksgiving dinner, Alaska spuds and cranberry sauce.
Spring day, no snow, 30 to 40 above. Day radio NG, night
radio fair.
November 27, 1936 Mail went south
to catch mail boat on 30th. Clarence and Shawn scraping
floors in new house. PM self put lock on cellar door and did
corking. Russia announced she is ready to fight the world
if necessary. A-1 day, partly cloudy, 28 above. Radio
good, strike settled on Atlantic Coast and coming to a close on
Pacific Coast. Ordered 500 watt plant for new house.
November 28, 1936 Filled furnace coal bin.
Lawrence finished planing hardwood floors, 17½ hours
in new house. Stanley drove down to CD’s ranch for 2 sacks
spuds due us in 1935. Hartley brought tobacco up from Anchorage.
Basketball at Palmer. Temperature 28 above, PM started
to sleet a sprinkle of white. Short wave OK, got Navy football
game at New York. No long wave news, only local station.
November 29, 1936 Sunday, Ma store keeper
AM. Self putting quarter-round in rooms of new house.
Stanley sold Ma’s car to Louie Loberg, same about gone account
rocky road at G. B. Mine, frame and oil line broke. Someone
stole Fred’s fence posts. Radio NG, local church over KFQD.
Wasilla sleeping after basketball at Palmer last night.
November 30, 1936 Clerk B
drove to Anchorage, partly on business. Cleaned off walks.
Finished nailing on quarter-round in new house. Reported
boat to leave Seattle next Saturday with groceries for Seward.
One inch new snow, 32 above. PM Kenny trial at U. S. Commissioners.
Outside radio NG, all Europe nations making alliances for future war.
England, like U. S. wants to be neutral.
November Memo: New house held up account
strike, waiting for range, water system and Anon electric
plant and locks for inside doors. Self now finishing
hardwood floors, staining and varnishing. Pipeless furnace
working fine.
December 1, 1936 Self on monthly statements
all day and evening. Outside mail arrived at Anchorage,
due Wasilla tomorrow. Hartley delivered lumber for coal
bin, new house, noon. President Roosevelt making a hit in
S. A. Cold wave Inside, 8 to 20 above at Wasilla. Ma
getting a cold. Short wave ok, long wave NG. News on local
station.
December 2, 1936 Received letter mail but no
parcel post came, still in Juneau. Varnished 3 doors in
new house. Airplanes had to land at Wasilla account fog
at Anchorage. Evening, got out-mail for Seattle. Zero
all day, evening, up to 20 above. Radio fair. British
going to recall young King Edward if he marries American woman.
December 3, 1936 Second mail, since
strike, went Outside. First boats with relief supplies
leave Seattle on 5th and 6th of December. Prince of Wales
tired of being King of England, going to marry American woman?
Evening, wind coming up, 18 above. Long wave NG, short wave
fair. President Roosevelt returning from South America peace
conference. Fred Tracy, agent, died in Seattle.
December 4, 1936 Started
to build 10 ton coal bin on east side annex to new house.
Reported that Lillawall, lumber man at Wasilla, and built K. T. Co.
store buildings, died in California, 84 years old. Cloudy,
mild wind, 20 above. Radio NG, local station OK. Christmas
ads on the air.
December 5, 1936 Finished coal bin aft new
house. PM school bus took Wasilla basketball players to
Anchorage, got beat 4 to 26. Gottstein, salesman, visited,
were routing tobacco parcel post. King Edward the 8th staying
with lady love? Weather cloudy, 20 above, snow Inside.
No Outside radio. News over local station.
December 6, 1936 Sunday, Ma store keeper
AM. Stanley at Anchorage with basketball team.
Edlund’s in from flats to trade. Finished coal bin for
new house. Basketball team back from Anchorage by bus, was beat 4
to 26. Kind Edward going, by air, after lady love in France.
No Outside radio. Anchorage Elks had program over local station.
December 6, Stanley 32.
December 7, 1936 Second Outside mail since
strike arrived at Anchorage, due Wasilla tomorrow. Completed
raise up door to coal bin and shoot in cellar of new house, also
inside wall in annex. Burger boats arrived Seattle.
Zero all day, partly cloudy, 4 below zero.
December 8, 1936 Second mail since strike arrived
PM. Finished coal bin shoot and made work bench in basement
of new house. Eva visited on Palmer doctor for inspection.
Doctor said it looked like a Dionne outfit? Radio fair.
England having a heck of a time of King’s marriage to Miss Simpson,
Baltimore woman.
December 9, 1936 Mail went south but no mail
boat at Seward. Ma and Marie had planned to go to Anchorage
today. Marie got cold coming on so didn’t go. McDougal
in and left for California to recuperate, now 69 years old.
Light rain, snow about gone, 20 above. Radio fair.
Snowing everywhere but Matanuska Valley, Colonists keeping it warm?
December 10, 1936 Wet snow, Wasilla white again,
30 above. Rain, wound up with wet snow storm. King
Edward the 8th abdicated the British throne to marry American
girl. His brother, George, will take his job. Old timer,
H. H. Healy, passed out at Susitna Station, also Martin Leckwold.
December 11, 1936 Lothrop in from Cottonwood
Flats for supplies at noon. King Edward on the air, told
why he quit his royal stuff to marry a Baltimore girl. His
brother, George, now will be King. Cloudy, zero weather.
Radio good. Boat with Alaska merchandise left Seattle today,
strike not settled.
December 12, 1936 Got order from Caswell Lake
fur farm. Wasilla basketball team left for Anchorage
by bus for second game. ARC mechanics overhauling truck and
Cats. First real cold snap, 2 to 10 below zero. Radio good,
all stations on air. All war talk, Japan, China and all Europe.
December 13, 1936 Sunday, open AM for
absent minded. Made up weekly cash register account.
Self not feeling good, old stomach trouble. Cold wave at
Madrid, not much fighting. Ex-King voted 50,000 pounds for
year, pin money, why work? Cold wave, 16 below zero. Radio
good. Radio chief operator froze to death near Whitney, when
car stalled last night.
December 14, 1936 Clearing off walks, biggest
job today. Self not feeling good, old stomach trouble.
Ex-King Edward Windsor the same after quitting British throne.
Settlement of strike soon. Zero weather with snow. Radio
good, all stations on the air. Floods in England.
December 15, 1936 Selling a few Christmas dolls,
etc. Cleaned off walks. PM puttied up nail holes
with plastic wood in new house. Harry Bridges fired by
his striking union, strike over. Warmer and snowing, 10 above
zero. Radio good. Ma and Marie Martha all set for trip
to Anchorage.
December 16, 1936 Ma and Marie Martha left
AM for Anchorage via auto car to Matanuska, to buy out Santa
Claus. Installed microphone connector to radio.
Stoll, timber contractor, trying to get grub on timber cut.
December 17, 1936 Grandma and Marie Martha
at Anchorage shopping. One inch snow last night, busy
with fires today. Cold snap, 8 below zero all day.
Big mail due at Seward on Monday. Way freight went north as
far as Curry. Broad Pass blocked with snow. Radio fair.
Roosevelt back from fishing trip to South America.
December 18, 1936 Self in store AM. PM
filled nail heads with plastic wood in new house. Ma and
Marie back from Anchorage at noon via Matanuska by train, Stanley
met them with car. Ex-King Edward and Mrs. Simpson news.
Radio weak, strike about ½ settled, no turkey for Christmas.
Cold wave, 8 to 22 below zero all day.
December 19, 1936 Business slow, customers
froze up. Latest on strike: will be New Year before settled.
Boat with rail line merchandise just left Juneau for Seward.
Three transport airplanes lost in states. Filled coal
bin. Cold wave, 20 to 26 below zero, clear. Radio
good. Juneau station KINY coming in. Christmas programs
on air.
December 20, 1936 Sunday, wind blew all
the snow out of Wasilla. PM made up weekly cash register
and priced up hardware and drugs in route. Very few out today.
Quake in Salvador, killed 200, injured 400. Big wind,
8 above zero. Radio weak account big wind.
December 21, 1936 Self bothered with stomach
trouble AM. PM set nails on wallboard and puttied up
n ail heads and cracks. Eva time up to go to Palmer hospital
and have twins? Wind strong on Pacific Coast. Railroad
mail arrived. Still blowing and clear, 14 above. Radio
fair.
December 22, 1936 First freight since October
arrived at Seward on SS Arctic for rail belt. South American
Peace Conference closed, promised no more wars. Self had stomach
ache all day. Wind died out AM snow gone, 18 above. Radio
fair, good Christmas programs.
December 23, 1936 Business fair account
Christmas shopping and only leftovers to shop on. Part
of fruit order off Arctic arrived, other merchandise to follow.
First Outside freight since October account strike. Stanley
took Eva to Palmer Hospital, 1 hour later baby boy named O. G. Jr.?
Grandson arrived 1 PM 8½ pounds, quick action. Sent Roe and
Florence $10 money order for 1936 Christmas at Eyota, Minnesota.
Gave Ma, Marie Martha and brother and their Dad and Mom $45 cash for
Christmas.
December 24, 1936 Small trade all
day. Out of apples, oranges and butter and no freight delivery
until Monday. PM Stanley drove over to Palmer hospital
to see his new son, Orville Stanley Herning. Evening, Christmas
tree at Wasilla Hall. Marie Martha got a lot of books and
toys. Cloudy outside, rain and snow, 14 above. Radio
good, KNOX, St. Louis Christmas program.
December 25, 1936 Christmas, store open 3 hours,
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with chickens. Had chicken
dinner, southern style, Ma, self, Stanley and Marie Martha.
Eva and 8½ pound baby boy in Palmer hospital. Christmas
cost grandpa $55 cash money. Marie and her Pa visited on Eva in
hospital. A-1 day, cloudy, 20 above. Radio good. Two
hundred lives lost in states at Christmas. All Europe may mix in
Spanish war.
December 26, 1936 Business fair, Marie Martha
and Dad drove over to see mother Eva and baby boy in Palmer hospital.
Self nursing stomach trouble, several cases of it. Evening,
Ma was complaining. All war talk over in Europe account Spain
rebellion. Weather colder, 18 above AM 2 above evening.
Radio good. Lafayette set arrived for Haller from Chicago,
7 tubes and gets everything.
December 27, 1936 Sunday, quiet in town, sleeping
off Christmas. Marie and dad drove over to Palmer to see
Ma and baby boy. Made up weekly cash register report and
paid all invoices. Freight due 28th. Blizzard all day,
20 above. Stomach some better, Ma off grub today. Evening,
half soled shoes. Radio fair. Trying out Haller’s new
Lafayette 7 tube set.
December 28, 1936 Business slow account big
snow. Busy all AM cleaning off sidewalks. Rush order from
McNalley’s on Forty Mile Miller’s ranch for doctor account baby
coming. ARC snow plow opened road for autos. Palmer
doctor arrived just in time to deliver an 8 lb. baby boy. Storm
ended with foot of snow, 22 above. New merchandise due today,
put off until 30th on Alaska Railroad, 6 tons merchandise overdue.
Radio weak. Third airplane crashed today in states, Arthur Brisbane
noted write, buried today.
December 29, 1936 Cleaned up account
receiving past due freight coming tomorrow. Stanley drove
to Palmer to see Eva and son. Marie got cold, stayed home.
Sent annual donation to Times and KFQD account air news service.
Partly cloudy, A-1 day, 20 to 28 above. Outside radio NG.
Got world news over local station.
December 30, 1936 Order from O and O fur farm.
Mail went south 4 PM to catch boat at Seward. Third mail
since November 1st arrived. Pope at Rome about to pass
out. Pacific Coast strike deeper than ever, no promised
freight delivery today. More snow last night, now 18 inches,
10 to 28 above. Self nursing pain in stomach. Outside
radio long wave and short wave fair.
December 31, 1936 Close old year. Self
shoveled out snow around side and front entrance account receiving
6 tons freight due PM. Stanley visited son and mom at Palmer
hospital, brought home the usual bag of didies to wash up.
A-1 day, partly cloudy, 10 to 18 above. Dr. Martin’s son kidnapped
at Tacoma, want $28,000 to release boy.
1937
January 1, 1937 Open 3 hours AM Chinook,
38 above. Self AM put new valves on store pump.
PM on monthly statements. Started on inventory. PM
Marie and dad went to Palmer with Bixler’s to visit Eva and son.
Long wave NG, midnight wind and rain.
January 2, 1937 Chinook and rain 38 above.
Finished monthly statements. Delayed freight off SS Arctic
12/21 at Seward, arrived 4 PM today, hauled over 2 tons perishables.
New Year in states took 250 lives, most killed by autos.
Rufe Stephan and wife out from Knik.
January 3, 1937 Sunday, turned cold,
10 below. All merchandise, sold out, restored.
Butter sold five pounds to a customer. AM Gus hauled over
4 tons, balance of new merchandise arrived. Stanley brought Eva
and son home from Palmer hospital. Outside radio weak.
January 4, 1937 Pricing up new merchandise.
Ma and Stanley on grocery inventory. Zero weather today.
Congress convened at Washington, D. C. School in session
again after holiday vacation. Ma nursing a cold.
Berney Stone passed out, News editor. Spain rebellion hotter
every day.
January 5, 1937 Finished pricing up new groceries.
Stanley and Ma on grocery inventory next. Mail due at
Seward January 7th. South elected Speaker of House at
D. C. Mayor of San Francisco got air account Pacific Coast
strike now 68th day. Evening rain, 36 above.
January 6, 1937 Chinook, 38 above, rained at
midnight. Stanley drove to Anchorage account lame back
Ma and self on grocery and drug inventory. Chas Janich
returned to Fern Mine. Radio fair.
January 7, 1937 Business slow, on inventory.
Temperature 40 above all day, rain PM. Stanley back from Anchorage
at noon, highway all ice, dangerous driving. Louie Loberg
over from Palmer, no work. President Roosevelt on the air,
Congress didn’t like his speech. Mail boat in. Radio
NG, 40 minute quake somewhere? Seventieth day of strike.
January 8, 1937 Cloudy, fog AM 10 to 20 above.
All hands on inventory. Ed Holland in from Purchase Creek,
snowed out. Fern snowed in. Mine Ellick out from
Knik with dog team. Gave school $10 account Christmas fruit.
Radio NG. Flu epidemic Outside.
January 9, 1937 Weather colder, 12 above today.
All on inventory. Self took stock in hardware show case.
No more free rides on school buses, to shows and dances, now
10¢ per person, one way. Third Outside mail arrived
PM Radio NG, only Anchorage and Juneau.
January 10, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 16 above.
On hardware inventory AM. Self nursing first cold of
year. Over 300,000 got flu in eastern states. Heavy frosts
in California fruit district. Signal Corps beat Wasilla
basketball. Radio weak.
January 11, 1937 Temperature 38 above, rain.
On inventory. Dr. Martin’s kidnapped 11 year old son
found near Everett, Washington, frozen in snow and beat to death.
Pinkerton jumped in Matanuska River account being held for his
wife’s death. Radio NG, London short wave fair.
January 12, 1937 Zero weather,
clear. All on clothing and hardware inventory.
Pilkenton pulled out of river and sent to Anchorage jail to await
trial account shooting his wife, Zelda King, former school teacher
at Palmer. Government using all efforts to find slayer of
Dr. Martin’s son at Tacoma. Outside radio NG. Ohlson promised
better boat soon.
January 13, 1937 Partly cloudy,
zero weather. All on clothing and hardware inventory. Dr.
Martin’s kidnapped son was buried in Tacoma today. G-men
found car boy was slain in. Several airplanes wrecked on
Pacific Coast. Flu bad in states. Radio fair.
Mrs. McD. in from Fern.
January 14, 1937 Temperature 10 below to zero.
Stanley and mother finished taking grocery and clothing department
inventory. Mrs. McDougal still in town after snowshoes
and her packer on a drunk. President to reduce government
expenses $30,000,000. No radio until 9 PM. World
news over local station.
January 15, 1937 Mrs. McDougal returned to
Fern Mine by car to mile 8 then had to snowshoe rest of way.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with dog team, 2nd trip. Ten U.
S. bomber planes left for Honolulu. Radio fair, got Outside
mail. Ten million dollar frost in California.
January 16, 1937 Clear and 10 above all day.
On hardware inventory. Noon, grandson gave a chicken
dinner, gave him cost of Palmer hospital fee, $135 to start a
bank account. Wasilla played Palmer, basketball
and won. Radio good all stations on air.
January 17, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 15 above.
Usual cows tails Sunday. PM made up cash register weekly report
and filed yearly invoices. Stanley went to Anchorage via highway
account vertebrae out in his back .Radio fair, some static.
Europe notions now growing on America.
January 18, 1937 Evening, snowing, 20 above.
Ma and self on hardware inventory. Stanley at Anchorage
getting tail bone adjusted. Shonback’s man, on Flats, in
for grub. Radio fair. Europe Nations sparing over Spain
rebellion.
January 19, 1937 Light rain all day and evening,
raining since midnight last night. Self clearing out
snow account water puddles around bldgs. Hartley and Stanley
arrived 5 PM by auto truck from Anchorage with 3,00 lbs. oils and
groceries. Mail south at 7 PM Radio good, floods in Ohio.
January 20, 1937 Rain all day, 40 above.
Busy all AM cutting drains in ice to run off water at store.
Streets and roads glare ice. Mrs. McDougal fired 5 men
at Fern. President and wife got soaking wet at inauguration
at Washington, D. C. All stations on air. East and south
flooding.
January 21, 1937 Raining,
40 above. Things change, Kind Edward quit the throne to
marry an American woman. His brother, George, took his place
as King of England. Ohio River flooded out in States.
Western States and California frozen up. Weak radio.
Alaska Legislature in session at Juneau.
January 22, 1937 Temperature 20 to 30 above.
AM cleaned ice off walk, store to depot and sanded same. Streets
all solid ice after 3 days rain. PM on hardware inventory.
Anchorage basketball team played Wasilla team. Radio NG.
Eckman, furniture man, died at Anchorage of pneumonia.
January 23, 1937 Cloudy, snow, 22 above.
Snow squalls AM. On hardware inventory store shelves.
Ohio River flood made 270,000 homeless, worst in history.
Mail from States arrived U. S. Cutter, “Cedar”. Marie Martha
bumped her nose on the ice. Radio OK after 8 PM got Ohio flood
news direct.
January 24, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 18 above.
Store open 8 hours AM. PM on cash register weekly report.
Ohio River flood still on, worst in history. Evening,
sent Herb Carbray all data on sale of K. T. Co. business.
Radio fair, got flood report direct on short wave.
January 25, 1937 Clear and colder, 4 below
to 10 above. Got off help orders to Fern Mine. PM
Fern help came in, mill broke down. Stanley went to Anchorage
account vertebra out in back. Self filled furnace coal bin.
Gus went to Anchorage account sty in eye. Radio fair.
Ohio flood still on, 600,000 homeless.
January 26, 1937 Weather
colder, 10 above to 10 below. Ma and self store keepers.
Stanley in Anchorage account back trouble. Passenger train
went north PM to bring out boat passengers. Ohio flood still
raging and now Mississippi about to overflow. School bus stuck
in ice. Radio fair. Red Cross calling for funds for Ohio flood.
January 27, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature 10 above to 4 below. Put up order for O and O fur
farm. Still taking hardware inventory. Fern help paid their
bills. Red Cross caring for over 700,000 flood refugees.
One Colonist farmer spent $14,000 going to D. C. for more.
Long wave NO, no news, local station only.
January 28, 1937 A-1 day, zero to 10 above.
On hardware inventory. Using snow plows on Seattle streets.
Ohio flood receding today. Stanley back from Anchorage.
Mail arrived. Gave Red Cross $10.
January 29, 1937 Zero weather to 14 above.
Colony farmer, who spent $14,000, now in toil of court.
Thirteen men, who tried to overthrow Soviet government, to be
shot. Self on hardware inventory. Radio fair. Reported
Pacific Coast strike settled.
January 30, 1937 Weather clear, windy, 30 above.
Finished hardware inventory on shelves. Jesse Ward, temporary
agent, while Brown and family went Outside. Alongo’s new
wife in and out. Pacific Coast strike to be settled next
week? Presidents Birthday Ball all over U. S. funds for infant
hospital.
January 31, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 14 above.
Store open 3 hours AM. PM made up weekly cash register report.
Evening, on monthly statements. Five inches snow in Portland,
Oregon today. Radio fair, Gillette razor program good.
January Memo: One foot snow, streets
and roads all ice after 2 days rain. Herning family
completed 1937 inventory on January 1st. Ninety three
day Pacific Coast strike reported as settled on February 3rd.
Only 2 shipments received since October.
February 1, 1937 Windy, 30 above. Self
on monthly statements. PM 2nd delivery of freight, since
October, arrived, got groceries, drugs, hardware, electric pump
for new house. Reported strike about settled, boats leave
Seattle for Seward February 7th. Radio good, Ohio flood
receding.
February 2, 1937 Pricing up drugs and groceries.
Several kids got chicken pox. After 93 days, strikers
voting on work or no work. Court order ousted sit down
strikers out mobile factories in east. Radio NG. Northern
lights, best ever seen. News over local station.
February 3, 1937 Cloudy, zero weather.
AM finished pricing new merchandise and storing away.
PM hauled over flour from track warehouse to store. Seattle
and Portland blocked with snow. Alaska railroad tracks flooded
at Snow River. No Outside radio. Red Cross fund, $1,000
for Ohio flood relief.
February 4, 1937 A-1 day, zero weather.
AM on outside work and corked coal shoot of new house.
PM tabulating on inventory, finished all store inventory.
PM Henry Lewis found dead in his cabin on Main Street. Still
fighting high water in southern states. No Outside radio.
Alaska Legislature doing a lot of voting.
February 5, 1937 Partly cloudy, zero weather.
Ninety eighth day of longshoreman’s strike visited off today,
40,000 gone back to work on Pacific Coast. Priced up late hardware,
received 2/1. Roosevelt asked Congress to increase Supreme
Court from 7 to 15. No Outside radio. Yukon to sail Sunday
the 7th for Seward.
February 6, 1937 A-1 day,
zero weather. Oberg returned to Lucky Shot after visit
with family, failed to pay his past due account. Shorty Gustafson
visiting in town from Lucky Shot Mine. Mrs. McDougal in from
Fern Mine. Henry Lewis buried at Palmer today. No Outside
radio. Pacific Coast ships making ready to sail, strike
over.
February 7, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
zero weather. Tabulating on hardware inventory.
PM made up weekly cash register sheet. Shoveled out snow
around garage and coal bin. Gus sold 10 tons coal before
leaving for Seattle. PM Stanley and Eva took Marie Martha over
to Palmer doctor account rash on hands. Radio NG, Ma took
care of grandson PM.
February 8, 1937 Still zero
weather. Tabulating on inventory. First sailing of
SS Yukon since October strike, Saturday the 7th for Seward.
Boats now resuming schedules. Mississippi River still going
over banks. No Outside radio. No train, Anchorage to
Seward account washouts.
February 9, 1937 Still zero
weather. Got out-mail. Ma and Marie Martha left
at noon, in Cad’s car, for Anchorage to find out about rash on Marie’s
hand, Gus went too. Inventory totaled $11,932.47, paints,
stove and iron in warehouse yet to be added. Frosty weather.
Outside radio weak. Changing local news from 10 to 9 PM.
February 10, 1937 Hazy, zero weather, 14 above.
Marie and Grandma H at Anchorage. Another passenger airplane
lost in San Francisco Bay, 3 bodies recovered. $14,000 Colonist
rancher got out on SS Gorgas by using assumed name. Stored
windows and doors in old house. Ate dinner with grandson while
Ma away. Three men fined $150 for killing moose. Radio
fair, KNX in.
February 11, 1937 Weather cloudy, 16 above.
Ma and Marie Martha at Anchorage. Gus returned from Anchorage
over highway. Fern foreman and six miners quit their job
account woman boss. Cleaned up old mail and ordered cupboard
fixtures.
February 12, 1937 Temperature -24 at 8 AM at
zero all day. Ex-war vets honored Lincoln and mother with
ceremony at graves. Got out drug order and checked up on
cupboard fixtures. Cost ranchers $150 for killing moose
at Palmer. No Outside long wave, short wave OK. Ma and
Marie at Anchorage.
February 13, 1937 Squally weather all day,
+4. Marie Martha and Grandma H at Anchorage. Cleaned
out furnace pipe and floor register, found 17¢. Yukon
left Juneau for Cordova. Basketball game on at Hall.
Evening, windy and snow drifting. Radio KSL at midnight.
ARC snow plow out at midnight.
February 14, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, zero
weather. Store open 3 hours AM. PM made up weekly
cash register report and shoveled out snow drifts. Ma
and Marie Martha back from Anchorage on 4 PM train. Received
some delayed mail via Cordova. Radio NG.
February 15, 1937 Weather still around +10.
Theodore in with snowshoes, also Herman from Big Lake with dog
team for supplies. Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik with dog
team. School bus in ditch. Snow plow kept busy cleaning
out snow drifts. Radio weak. Local news now at 9 PM.
February 16, 1937 Still zero weather.
Self busy on merchandise orders. Fairbanks special train
passed through at midnight account Anchorage tournament.
Stanley and Wasilla basketball team went down.
February 17, 1937 Temperature -6. Made
out range and strip order for cupboards. Had Gus put
another ton coal at new house. Yukon mail arrived 9:30
PM first regular mail since October strike. Stanley back
from Anchorage. No Outside radio. Sport carnival opened
at Anchorage today.
February 18, 1937 Cold wave, -30. Filled
up furnace coal bin. Received Yukon mail, 2 tons merchandise
coming up. Got out orders for groceries, etc. Fifty
four below zero on Yukon River. Wasilla school closed account
Anchorage tournament. No radio, States froze up, local radio
OK.
February 19, 1937 Zero weather. Mail
for Seattle went south. Stanley left for annual buying
trip to Seattle on Yukon. Metz went as far as Seward with
C. H. Wilson, in route to Pioneers Home. Teamsters strike
holding boats. Outside radio in at 10 PM. Point barrow
hospital burned, loss 75M dollars.
February 20, 1937 Warmed up to +20. Freight
off Yukon arrived 2 PM, had Oscar Anderson haul 2 tons.
Busy pricing and storing away freight. Mayors from several
towns, on air, advertising Anchorage carnival. Wasilla basketball
team lost all games. No Outside radio. Europe Nations stopped
all volunteers to Spanish war.
February 21, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, snow flurries,
+20. AM finished checking and pricing new merchandise.
PM made up weekly cash register report. Mail off SS Alaska
arrived as well as sport visiting winter carnival at Anchorage.
Radio good after 8 PM got Canadian and U. S. news.
February 22, 1937 Store open, AM warmer,
+28. Paid Seattle invoices and posted January on ledger.
School today. Mrs. McDougal went to Fairbanks to see income
tax man. Don Wilson got job at Fern Mine. Stanley
on Yukon in route to Seattle. Short wave radio good.
February 23, 1937 Windy AM, +28. Posted
February and March in ledger 1936. SS Alaska boat freight
arrived 6:30 PM received 3 tons groceries. Snider hauled over
the perishables. Stanley wired from Petersburg, on way to
Seattle. Several kids got chicken pox. Too busy for
radio, got 10:15 KNX news.
February 24, 1937 A-1 spring day. Finished
pricing up new merchandise and posted April 1936 in ledger.
All kind of strikes in states for more wages. The whole
town of Douglas, near Juneau, burned on the 23rd. Long wave
no good until 9 PM. Stanley on high seas.
February 25, 1937 Self posting up 1936 ledger
account income tax report. Pat Hart back in town.
Jack Fabyan cleaning out Wasilla Roadhouse well. ARC road
superintendent here, Heinie visited him down for giving the Swedes
all the work. Duff visited. Radio fair, got all the
world news.
February 26, 1937 Weather cloudy, 20 to 28
above. Boat mail went south, boat due Seward on 28th.
All kind of strikes in the States, automobile, airplane and shoe
co. Got 7 months posted in NCR ledger. Radio fair, got
news. Spanish rebellion still going strong.
February 27, 1937 Partly cloudy, 20 to 26 above.
Self posting 1936 ledger, over half done. Radio batteries
selling. George Moshier in to trade. Floor show
at Palmer Hall tonight. Strikes now all over States, using
the sit down method. No radio.
February 28, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, up
to +28. Store open 3 hours AM. PM made up weekly
cash register sheet and posted September and October in ledger.
Tomorrow, monthly statements to make out on charge accounts.
Stanley in Seattle. Long wave no good.
February Memo: Zero weather, plenty of snow,
roads all ice. Deep snow at Willow Creek Mines.
Coldest, 30 below. Ma and Pa clerks in store. Pa on
income tax report. Stanley in Seattle after mining machinery.
Poor radio since New Year.
March 1, 1937 Had Fred Nelson put locks on
inside doors in new house (7). Mrs. Ellexson out from
Knik with dog team for cow and chicken feed. Got out monthly
statements. More sit down strikes in States today. Chicken
pox in town. Fred’s time assembling locks on 8 inside doors,
OGH new house.
March 2, 1937 Cold day, +20 to -10. Northwestern
freight arrived PM only had butter and eggs. Fred finished
assembling 7 door locks in new house. Dan Gray in from
winter camp 29. One more month to post in 1936 ledger.
Outside radio dead, local station OK.
March 3, 1937 England voted 7 billion for new
war material but can’t pay U. S. war debt? Prices on war
goods advancing, copper 14¢ a pound. Canada labor
going on strike with U. S. bums. Town Hall program on short
wave good.
March 4, 1937 Temperature
10 to 14 above. Now tabulating ledger account income tax.
Bought load birch wood off Oscar Anderson. Winter coal running
short. President Roosevelt on air, 5:30, dictator instead
of Supreme Court? Evening got out-mail.
March 5, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature +14 to -14. Got big order from Caswell Lake
fur farm, also order from Pittman. Finished tabulating ledger,
now ready to make out income tax report. Boat mail went south.
Fabyan lowering Cad’s hotel well. No Outside radio. Wire
from Stanley, returning from Seattle next boat.
March 6, 1937 Three orders over $200.
Got tax items off ledger for income tax report. Ma packed
small items on 3 orders for up railroad line. Stanley left
Seattle today on SS Alaska, for Seward. No Outside radio, long
or short, news over local station.
March 7, 1937 Sunday, warmed up to +40.
Store open 3 hours AM, made out books for 3 shipments
north. PM made up weekly cash register sheet. Outside
mail arrived 10 PM. Virginia Brown voted Queen for Ice Carnival.
Wasilla won the Ice Carnival Queen spot.
March 8, 1937 Warmer weather, +30
to +50. Finished packing 3 shipments for north freight
tomorrow. Received Outside mail. Coffee and produce
coming, also range for new house. Working on 1936 tax report.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with dog team, her cow died. No
Outside radio, now all talk about ice carnival at Fairbanks, 14th to
21st.
March 9, 1937 Got segregation ready to fill
out 1936 income tax report. Boat freight arrived, had one truck
load coffee, batteries and produce. Enamel range arrived
for new house. Roosevelt on air panning Supreme Court.
Short wave OK. Got President Roosevelt 2nd speech to public and
bad Democrats.
March 10, 1937 AM had income tax 1936 acknowledged
and mailed $117.56 to Tacoma office. Trent helping Fred
Hurd to get out firewood. Joe Palmer building log cabin,
on Peck’s ranch, for a home.
March 11, 1937 PM and evening on grocery order
fill-ins. Stanley on SS Alaska at Cordova on return
trip from Seattle. A dozen left on special train 3/10
for Fairbanks Carnival. Long wave OK, short wave good, London
good.
March 12, 1937 Got off Outside mail.
Dodson left for Outside. Jack Fabyan digging basement
cellar under Wasilla Roadhouse. Stanley arrived in Seward
on SS Alaska, coming home tomorrow. Nome girl made Queen
of Fairbanks Ice Carnival. Outside radio fair, got world news.
March 13, 1937 Snow slide on Turnagain Arm
blocked rail traffic. Mail train still at Anchorage and
Stanley at Seward, no trains today. Sit down strikes growing
in States. Radio NG. Halibut season opened 1st, 12½¢
a pound.
March 14, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 36 to
48 above. Stanley arrived home late last night from trip,
3 weeks, to Seattle, came by airplane to Anchorage then by auto
to Wasilla. Gus going to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Amelia
Earhart ready for trip around the world. Radio fair. ,more strikers
want more wages.
March 15, 1937 Business fair, cloudy
40 above. G. S. H. back as clerk B. Self on inside
finish in new house, making ready to stain and varnish all kinds
of trim. PM freight arrived, mail caught slide. Radio
mushy, snow in New York, snow at Seward.
March 16, 1937 AM had Heinie haul over 2 loads
groceries from set-out, also received breakfast nook
KD table and moldings and strips to make cupboards in new house.
Hartley arrived with truck load gas and oils. Radio fair.
Hooked up Haller’s set and it worked OK. Lumber strike on.
March 17, 1937 Business slow, cloudy,
36 above. Pricing up new merchandise. Stanley and
Sharon drove to Anchorage for powder, etc. for his mine.
Mrs. McNalley, baby and mother, in from mile 8 for their mail.
McDougal ordered a Cat for his mines. Radio weak. Isaac's
$100 set out of commission. Cad filled his ice bin.
March 18, 1937 Finished pricing up drugs, groceries
and new merchandise. Stanley sacked a ton of Gus’ coal
to ship to his mine. Mrs. McDougal back from vacation at
Fairbanks. Evening on mail. Radio weak, got KNX news
10 PM Amelia made Honolulu in 15 hours.
March 19, 1937 Business fair, cooler
30 to 38 above. Got off mail. Mail train derailed
at mile 85 causing 12 hour delay to Seward. Sharon drove
Eva and Marie over to Palmer. Bought 1/3 cord more birch
wood account coal short. Stanley packing grub for his mine.
Radio NG. Six hundred school children lost their lives in explosion
at New London, Texas.
March 20, 1937 No mail today, train in the
ditch over on Turnagain Arm. Over 400 bodies recovered
from New London, Texas school house explosion. Amelia
Earhart cracked up on 2nd takeoff, coming back to San Francisco
for repairs. Radio good, all stations on air, more strikers.
March 21, 1937 Sunday, A-1 day, 30 to
40 above. Packed grub outfit for placer mine to go with
Stanley’s freight via Willow Station. PM made up weekly cash
register report. Outside mail arrived 6:30 PM Sit down
strikers in Chrysler plant, defy court order. Grandson visited
store. Radio fair.
March 22, 1937 Business fair, A-1 day,
30 to 38 above. Self on new house, finished resetting all
nails on wallboard and plastic wood cracks in kitchen floor.
Stanley went to Knik for Ellexson’s dogs, got 8 dogs to move his
8 tons freight to his quartz mine on Craigie Creek. Radio
fair. Report that Mrs. Simpson, 1st divorce not legal.
Floods now in California.
March 23, 1937 Business normal, cloudy,
36 above. Paddy and Sharon left with 8 dog team, via Fishhook,
to move freight from aviation field to New Bullion Mine.
Stanley left with summer supplies on rail via Willow Station, taking
in new air compressor.
March 24, 1937 Business fair, A-1 day,
26 to 40 above. Self on carpenter work inside new house.
Mr. Fosket hit by a car at Matanuska. Tex Beeler sawing
up summer wood. Reported Stanley’s air compressor broken
at Seward transfer. Ma now chief clerk.
March 25, 1937 Got off mail and orders, AM
train went south, a day ahead of time. Stanley moving
summer supplies to his quartz mine on Craigie Creek. Dust
storm, blizzards and floods in States. Short wave NG, long
wave good, talking war in Europe.
March 26, 1937 Self in store, set up 1937 seed
display boxes. Received kitchen drawers for cabinet in
new house. Spanish government sent the Italian troops a
running today in rebellion. Stanley reported road bad moving
freight. Radio mushy. Southern Pacific Railway train
men going on strike.
March 27, 1937 Business slow, temperature
cooler, 22 to 40 above. In store most of day, finished
cracks in nook floor. Victoria mail arrived, PM. Jack now
pouring cement under Wasilla Roadhouse. Thirteen killed in
airplane crash near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, iced up. Radio
mushy, local station always good.
March 28, 1937 Easter Sunday, temperature
28 to 39 above. Pope Pius on the air, also Hong Kong.
Marie Martha attended church at Palmer. Made up weekly
cash register report and oiled store floor. Sold trapping
outfit to Inside man. Radio NG. can’t read side note.
March 29, 1937 Business normal.
Weather windy, 32 to 40 above. Ice on streets about gone.
Eggs and butter arrived on PM freight, wheeled it over to store
myself. Nothing but strikes in States. Spanish Royalists
put rebels running today. Dan Gray in. Radio NG.
Tony Diamond on air, wants to bond Alaska for two million for roads
and airports.
March 30, 1937 Business fair, A-1 day,
30 to 40 above. Still plasticing cracks in floor of new
house. Mid-week Outside mail arrived PM Now semi-weekly
mail from States. Persson sick at his mining camp and will
not come in for treatment. No long wave, short wave fair.
Miners returned to Inside.
March 31, 1937 Business fair, spring
day, 30 to 50 above. Still plastic wood cracks in hardwood
floor in new house. Coal low, buying birch wood.
All school kids being vaccinated to be immune from disease.
Baxter Felch and Sellers man here. No Outside radio, local
OK.
End of March Memo: OGH on new house,
puttying on new house floor: March 15th 4 hours, March 22nd
8 hours, March 23rd 8 hours, March 24th 8 hours, March 31st 8 hours.
April 2nd coal shoot 4 hours
April 3rd, 4 hours on floors, April 4th, 4
hours on floor, April 10th 8 hours on floor.
April 1, 1937 Business slow, cloudy 34
to 44 above. Got out monthly statements. Freight
train arrived but had no freight off of Tuesday boat. Stanley
at mine, nobody fooled today. No radio on long wave.
April 2, 1937 Business fair, cloudy 30
to 40 above. Put in 4 hours corking leaks in coal shoot
of new house. Trappers going out for muskrats. Mail
train north 11 PM. Marie Martha had her 5th birthday party,
gave her five one dollar bills. Fire in Gus’ Cat garage.
No long wave. London on short wave OK.
April 3, 1937 Business slow, A-1 day,
30 to 48 above. Finished corking coal shoot and plastic
wood in floor cracks. Got mail AM no freight coming.
Another storm in Minnesota, KLS midnight news. Alaska legislature
adjourned. heavy storm south Pacific. Radio NG, got KLS
midnight news.
April 4, 1937 Sunday, A-1 spring day,
48 above. Put wood filler on bathroom and breakfast nook
floors. Freight train arrived 5 PM had set-out.
Frank Kelly back from Seattle. Big load freight for Fairbanks,
took by our bacon and butter. Short wave fair.
April 5, 1937 Business slow, A-1 day,
46 above. AM had Heinie haul over 3 tons new merchandise
from set-out. Busy all PM pricing up new merchandise. Mail
train went south. Mussolini sore because Spanish loyalists
put the Dagos a running. Radio good, all stations on the air.
April 6, 1937 Business slow, cooler and
cloudy. AM finished marking and storing away new merchandise.
Norman Ervine in from Lucky Shot and left for States. Mail
train north, day ahead of time. Hans fired Bert out his cabin.
Radio good.
April 7, 1937 Business fair, partly cloudy
46 above. Stanley arrived with dog team from Willow Creek
via Willow Station and down railroad crossing at 10 PM last
night. Got his freight delivered at mine. Ordered
window shades from Sears.
April 8, 1937 Business normal, partly
cloudy, 48 above. Mail went south, also Ma and Marie Martha
left for Anchorage for weekend. Ma got rheumatism in hip.
Mid-week boat freight arrived, hauled over load fruit, vegetables
and dry goods with our truck. Mrs. McDougal in from Fern Mine,
going Outside to fix up income tax. Radio good, all stations
on air. All Europe talking war.
April 9, 1937 Business slow, warmer,
50 above at noon. AM opened up and priced Butler Bros.
goods. PM worked on hardwood floors in new house.
Grandma and Marie at Anchorage. Boat mail train arrived
6 PM. Depot Agent fell into Cads sidewalk stairs.
April 10, 1937 Business fair, warm day
up to +50. Self put in 4 hours on floors in new house.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with $3 worth of eggs and bought $12
worth of feed. Agent Browne back from 3 month vacation in States.
Grandma and Marie at Anchorage. Mud slide on railroad near
Matanuska. Persson gone to hospital, got scurvy.
April 11, 1937 Sunday, store open 3 hours
AM. PM washed walls in kitchen and linoleum , painted
sink. Made up weekly cash register sheet. Ma and Marie
back from Anchorage. PM freights, meats and eggs arrived.
Weather cloudy. Radio air 9 to 12. At dinner at Eva’s
while Ma in Anchorage.
April 12, 1937 Business slow, A-1 spring
day, 50 above. Stanley left for his mine, early AM via
car to mile 12 then snow shoes to his mine. Self on floors
of new house. Ma chief clerk. Wasilla streets dry,
ice on roads about gone. Radio fair after 9 PM Ten Navy
planes on way to Honolulu.
April 13, 1937 Business slow, A-1 day,
48 above. Got mail ready and no train south. Self
on hardwood floors in new house, 6 hours. Ball and horse shoe
players at it every day now. Streets dry but plenty of snow
in woods. Cancelled order for electric plant, order of November
29th. No Outside radio, local stations OK.
April 14, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature 48 above all day. Mail went south AM.
Self sandpapered floors in new house. ARC left with
plow to open road from mile 12 to Fern and Gold Cord Mines only.
Radio NG, got KNX 10 PM news. Mrs. Shaw back from McKinley
Park.
April 15, 1937 Two inches new snow, 34 to 46
above, snow all gone by noon. Put in 4 hours on hardwood
floors. Mrs. McDougal left for States to meet old Mac.
Rev. Youle visited on his way to Fairbanks. Floods in Washington
near Seattle. Evening, windy. Strikers holding up Alaskan
fishing boats.
April 16, 1937 Business slow, more snow
PM, 32 above, Wasilla white again. Sandpapered on hardwood
floors 2 hours. AM Freight train went north but didn’t stop.
PM Stanley back from his mine, got a foot new snow, got compressor
up to tunnel site. Radio good, all stations on air 6 to 10 PM.
Boat mail arrived.
April 17, 1937 Six inches new snow with sleet
storm all day, 34 above. Busy AM shoveling off walks.
Put in 4 hours on hardwood floors. Frank Hoffman, U. S. Marshal,
passed out in Anchorage, 66. Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with
dog team. Radio mushy. U. S. war fleet going to Honolulu
for practice.
April 18, 1937 Sunday, partly cloudy,
40 above. AM shoveled out track for auto truck, store to
freight sheds. PM made up weekly cash register sheet.
Adjusted floor registers on new house furnace. Boat freight
arrived, 5 tons. Jack and Al on a drunk.
April 19, 1937 Business fair, cloudy
30 to 40 above. AM unloaded 3 tons forage and seeds in
track warehouse. Brought over 2 tons groceries and hardware
to store. S and W and Marshal-Wells men here for orders.
Priced pants. Evening, 2 hours on cracks on floor new house.
Long wave NG, radio phone calls OK. Evening clear and colder.
April 20, 1937 A-1 day, 30
to 50 above. Checked down new merchandise. Worked
4 hours on floors of new house. Marie Martha got vaccinated
for small pox. CD broke lock on Gus’ coal shoot and took load
coal that Gus sold to me? Roosevelt wants 1½ billion
for relief voters? No long wave, local station only.
April 21, 1937 Business normal.
A-1 day, 32 to 40 above. Put up grub order for ARC Fishhook
camp on snow road. Put filler on doors and casings in new
house. Boat mail arrived PM. Auto roads full chuckholes.
Palmer - Anchorage road closed. Radio early then died out.
April 22, 1937 A-1 day, 30
to 50 above. Mail went south. Finished wood filler
on kitchen floor. Navy and airplanes in maneuvers at Honolulu.
Diamond trying to get appropriation for airfields in Alaska. About
out of coal. Long wave NG, local station only.
April 23, 1937 A-1 day, 32 to 50 above.
Boat mail arrived 5:30 PM. Schilling and Heinz drummers
visited. Colonist died at Palmer, 25 years old. Self
on doors and ceiling strips in new house. Snow slide on Palmer
- Anchorage auto road. All roads being cut up by autos.
Gus back from Seattle. No long wave, news on local station
only.
April 24, 1937 Business normal.
Cloudy, 40 to 50 above. Self in store all PM, put up $130
order for Thorpe’s Mine. ARC snow plow gang got grub outfit
for Fishhook Inn. Got road open half way to Mabel Forks.
Last spring private help had road open to summit. No Outside
radio, news over local station.
April 25, 1937 Sunday, clear with cool
breeze, 40 above. AM unloaded 30 rolls roofing and delivered
½ groceries to railroad for Thorpe Mine. PM freight
brought truck load produce and hardware, hauled it over and stored
away same. Thorpe’s left for their Grubstake Mine.
W. S. and Gene Horning arrived from California. Not a sound
on radio, A. B. Smith dead. Trusty and Stanley in.
April 26, 1937 Cloudy, 36 above, evening snow.
AM got off mail and finished pricing up new merchandise.
PM on inside finish of new house. Fern’s new red Cat arrived,
Fabyan tuned her up. Gene and father waiting account storm
at mines. Evening, Wasilla white again. Outside radio dead.
April 27, 1937 Two inches new snow, Wasilla’s
dusty streets white again. Self on wall strips all day.
Now ready to varnish kitchen and living room floors and casings.
Frank Hoffman buried in Anchorage Sunday. Special train from
Palmer, largest funeral ever held at Anchorage.
April 28, 1937 A-1 day, 34
to 46 above. ARC running smoother over roads, Palmer -
Anchorage Road closed. New Fern Cat trying to reach Fern
Mine over snow. Self put in 8 hours varnishing in new house.
Mail arrived midnight.
April 29, 1937 Business normal.
Cloudy, cold wind, 32 to 48 above. Mail went south AM. Self
varnishing floors in new house. PM White and Bergman kids
broke front window in store. Canneries now getting ready
for salmon fishing. Electric light plant for new house arrived,
ordered last November.
April 30, 1937 Cloudy, cool
wind. Self in store all day. AM hauled over truck
load new merchandise. Onan electric plant arrived for OGH
new house. Outside mail arrive 4 PM. Stanley returned
to mines, Paddy came in. Tanana’s ice still solid
May 1, 1937 Warming up, 48
above. Self on monthly statements all day. Ma chief
clerk. Shorty Gustafson visited, on way to Sweden, for
vacation. Hugo and Ulsh visited by airplane on way to Lucky
Shot. Stuart Vail gone to Nenana to fire on boat.
May 2, 1937 Sunday, cool wind, 34 to
48 above. Busy in store AM. PM plastic wood cracks
in new house floor. Freight arrived 6 PM Stanley
in from New Bullion Mine for help. Had him pull front tooth
with pliers. No radio. Swans and geese have arrived.
May 3, 1937 A-1 spring day,
60 above. No regular mail south. Stanley and Ray
left early AM for New Bullion Mine. PM worked 4 hours
varnishing in new house, finished vestibule. Shorty threw
big booze party at Matanuska. First real spring day.
May 4, 1937 Cloudy, cool
wind, 48 above. PM 4 hours varnishing in
new house. Got out order for wall paint Lathrop
up from tide flats. One year later baby boy here OK, now 4
months old and skookum.
May 5, 1937 Business normal, cloudy,
50 above, evening rain. PM varnished 2 windows
and rubbed down doors in new house. Trusty left with Gus
Cat for Independence Mine. ARC snow plow up to Persson quit
job, going to McKinley Park to buck snow.
May 6, 1937 Business slow, cloudy, cool,
48 above. Mail went south 11 AM. White family packing
up for McKinley Park. Colonist girl broke glass in store
door, $5 please. Victor McNeil off on 30 days vacation and
railroad pay? Arnold Edlund back on railroad job. Roosevelt
going fishing again.
May 7, 1937 First real summer day, 48 to 60
above. Outside mail arrived 6 PM also A. G. Dodson and
help for Independence Mine. Wasilla school visited Palmer
school and sports. German Zeplin exploded over Lake Hurst,
N. J. all instantly killed. Varnished in new house PM
May 8, 1937 Second summer day, 60 above.
Independence miners buying shoe packs but brought their clothing
in. Forty Mile Miller moved out to canyon near mile 12,
put up tent. ARC loaded rotary snow plow for McKinley Park.
Bought ton coal off Gus. Stanley in from mine.
May 9, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, 58 above.
AM rush in store by absent minded week day customers. PM
made up cash register report. Fruit eggs arrived PM freight.
Evening, varnishing on floors in new house. Stanley got
stuck in mud driving to Sharon’s. Snow road open for Cats
to Gold Cord Mine.
May 10, 1937 Rain, AM 58
above. Busy in store all day with small purchases.
Ellexson’s out from Knik, 1st trip since December. Stanley
returned to his mine 5 AM. Body of man found in Knik River,
been dead some time. Swan flew over. Outside radio
still dead. Only 10% left to win ice pool.
May 11, 1937 Cloudy, 58 above.
Ma got a cold. Self in store all day. Cleaned ceiling.
King George Jr. service now in Westminster Abby being crowned
as King of England, big organ, loud. Radio good.
May 12, 1937 Weather cloudy,
40 to 60 above. Fruit and vegetables arrived on mail train.
Letter from Harry J. Martin, now in business for himself, quit
Eveready. Ice went out, 8:04 PM today, Buster Anderson of
Fairbanks, won. Radio fair. Snow slide on Lynx Creek,
caught 6 miners today.
May 13, 1937 Cloudy, showers, 40 to 48 above.
No down mail train, washout near Nenana. ARC snow road men
through, opened road to Gold Cord Mine only. Metz had his
garden lot plowed. Adm. Ueeck smoothing Knik Road. Radio
weak. Mrs. George Thomas passed out in Seattle.
May 14, 1937 Cloudy, 40 to
58 above. Mail went south and boat mail arrived.
Shonbeck in town. Metz planting Gus lot to spuds.
Several new white collar men arrived today. Oberg, Willis
and dad going to Bristol Bay salmon fishing.
May 15, 1937 Weather cloudy,
42 to 58 above. Ray Morrison in from New Bullion Mine.
More snow at mines. Adm. Ueeck smoothing up auto roads.
Colonist Day at Palmer. Freight arrived but no freight.
PM finished varnishing living room floor. Radio fair, got
KSL midnight news.
May 16, 1937 Sunday, store open AM.
PM made up weekly cash register sheet and varnished 2nd coat.
Evening, made screen for doors and bathroom windows.
No freight arrived. Gus threw a formal ham party last night,
fried ham etc. midnight. Short wave fair. Cuba, South
America in good.
May 17, 1937 Anchorage - Palmer highway open
for traffic again. Mail train went south but took no
mail. PM freight brought hardware and clothing, 1 truck
load. Stanley in from mine. Radio fair. Self
out at new house making screens until 10 PM. Farmers planting.
May 18, 1937 Business below normal.
Temperature 50 to 60 above. Hartley up from Anchorage with
big truck load for Bralaska. Farmers busy planting crops.
Fairbanks flooded out, $50,000 damage to city. Self making
screens for new house, awning arrived. Radio good after
9 PM.
May 19, 1937 Pick-up orders.
Temperature 50 above. Priced up hardware and clothing.
Varnished bathroom floor, last coat, ready to install tub.
Palmer graduating 10 in high school. ARC went to Knik to
repair mud holes in road. Outside radio weak as usual, news
over local station.
May 20, 1937 Warming up,
60 above. Got mail off, train 4 hours late account bridge
burned out. Answered Harry J. Martin’s letter about Alaska
Pacific Co. and K. T. Co. business for sale. Evening, graduating
exercises at Hall, 2 Snider’s, 1 White, 1 King 1 Oberg graduating.
Ross Sheely, ARRC visited.
May 21, 1937 Business normal. A-1
day, 66 above. Got 3 orders up railroad line. Mail
2 hours late. Started to put 2nd coat paint on new house.
Wasilla School closed with picnic on Wagner Ranch.
May 22, 1937 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
Grass green, birch leafing out, spring 2 weeks late and from
2-4 weeks late on Pacific Coast. Painted west side new house.
Evening, finished nail holes and cracks in bedroom, now ready
for paint Radio good. Yukon broke up, 19th, highest
water known, covered all islands.
May 23, 1937 Sunday, third summer day,
66 above. Painted windows and trimmings on west side
new house. PM got truck load eggs, butter, groceries and
hardware. Curtains and paint arrived for inside new house.
First picnic at Knik by Cad and party. No radio. Pyle
and Jefferson arrived to do ass. work on Marion Twin.
May 24, 1937 Business medium. Cloudy,
54 to 64 above. Paddy and Stanley left 4 AM for New Bullion
Mine. Car can go as far as Fishhook Bridge. Paddy
got pension doubled. Planting gardens in Wasilla, still
too cold. Priced up BB goods. Radio at 10 PM. John
II passed out at 98 years.
May 25, 1937 A-1 day, 50 to 54 above.
ARC gravel truck for Lucky Shot Road arrived. Railroad
put on twice daily gas car, bucking auto transportation on Anchorage
- Palmer Road. Bergman bought the Wagner house. Dorothy
Hill and Peter Nelson married. No long wave radio. McDougal
arrived from trip Outside.
May 26, 1937 A-1 day, 52 to 60 above.
Jake Metz painting his house on inside. Women chivareed
Hill and Nelson, newly weds. Lester Davis in from Gold Cord.
Autos can go to Fishhook Bridge. Self painting new house
outside. Only local radio. Ma OK, chief clerk K. T.
Co.
May 27, 1937 Partly cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
Mail went Outside. ARC moved 8 gravel trucks by rail, to
Lucky Shot swamp road. Cost as much as to open Fishhook Pass?
Kids now swimming in Lake Wasilla. ARC with truck, graveling
mush holes on Knik Road. Only local radio. Lester
Davis in town for drunk.
May 28, 1937 Business normal. A-1
day, 50 to 60 above. Self on painting job outside. Another
Wasilla schoolmarm, Miss Pryer, married, 2nd lot. Boat mail
train arrived, 10 PM. Oberg, after a drunk, went salmon fishing
at Bristol Bay. Jim Murray’s son died at Cache Creek.
May 29, 1937 Business below normal.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above. Lettuce and new carrots
arrived last night, selling at 20¢. Vegetables backward
on Pacific Coast. Shawn learning Eva to drive his Shorty sedan.
ARC got to Martin Mine, now opening snow road to Gold Mint
Finished 3 sides, 2nd coat paint new house. No Outside radio.
Steel strike and movies now on.
May 30, 1937 Sunday, Memorial Day, 52
to 60 above. Sharon, after week in Wasilla, left for New
Bullion Mine. Stanley and Lawrence came in. Shawn
let Eva use his car for joy riding this summer. Cut and
broke 2, 36 x 44 glass, put new glass in front door. No radio
all PM and evening on glass for front of store, re-stained front door
in store.
May 31, 1937 Still Memorial Day, cloudy
50 above. Closed store PM. All the Herning’s took
an auto trip through the Colonist District to the Butte Loop, had
lunch at Palmer, 3 hour trip. Evening on monthly statements.
Gus Grau’s father-in-law moved into house. Only local radio
news.
May Memo: Cold all month, farmers still
planting crops. Ma OK, chief clerk K. T. Co. Self
odd times. Painting inside and outside new house aft store.
Stanley at his mine.
June 1, 1937 Business below normal.
Cold wind, 50 above, had fire in furnace all day. Stanley
and family drove to Anchorage and returned, Mrs. Bixler guest.
On monthly statements all day. Trusty returned to Ala-Pac
Mine. Evening on book accounts. No Outside radio.
June 2, 1937 Business normal. Weather
cloudy, 50 above. Had a rush business, noon hour.
Fern help in to trade and Ellexson’s and McNeil in with first king
salmon. Got staging ready to paint inside rooms in new house.
No Outside radio. Germany declared war on Spain.
June 3, 1937 Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above,
still cold weather, midnight rain. Mail left for Outside.
Schoolmarm wedding couple back from Curry, kids decorated their
auto car. Finished green trimmings on new house. No
Outside radio. Tornado in Minnesota. War talk in Europe.
June 4, 1937 Business below normal.
Weather cloudy, 45 to 50 above, light rain. Snow in them
thar hills last night. Maurice Anderson, with outfit and
dogs, left for Jap Mine to run tunnel. Billy Tryck left to
drive gravel truck on Lucky Shot Road. Mail in 10:30 PM.
Began painting inside walls new house. Weak radio at 10 PM.
$125,000 fire on Seattle dock.
June 5, 1937 Business below normal, cloudy
52 to 58 above. Evening, light rain. Rica’s sister
here on a visit. Lief Jacobson in from Fern. Ala-Pac
Mine bought Zink warehouse. Got big mail. Lot of new
merchandise in route. Davis in and drunk. Got first
apricot coat on living room of new house. ARC opening snow road
to Fern. No Outside radio.
June 6, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, light rain 52
above. Usual AM trade. No boat freight, due midnight,
but no come. PM made up weekly cash register sheet.
Put in 4 hours painting inside new house. Stanley in from
mine. Old Doc gave Stanley and Eva back treatment, need twin
beds. Not a sound on radio. No flowers in Seattle, country
froze up.
June 7, 1937 Business fair, warmer, 56
to 66 above. Boat freight arrived, hauled over 2 truck
loads groceries and rubber goods. Fern took out 3 tons with
Cat trailer. Purser Lynch family rented Cads bungalow, another
family here. Evening, pricing and checking new merchandise.
Outside radio dead. Roosevelt and wife got 2 Kodiak bear.
June 8, 1937 Business below normal.
Summer day, 56 to 72 above, daylight at 12:30 AM why go to bed?
Finished pricing groceries. Bill Stoltze, electric man,
visited on way to Wishbone Coal Mine. Cad hauled load freight
for Fern. Stoll’s freight held by railroad for want of pay.
Outside radio dead. Boat mail arrived 7 PM.
June 9, 1937 Second summer day, 52 to 66 above.
AM dug out balance of freight in set-out car, 1 truck load.
Joe Palmer bought grub outfit for Kashwitna prospecting
district. Girls going nudist and swimming last 2 days.
Shonbeck visited. Bought ton of coal. KNX news, 10 PM.
Forty Mile Miller building a boat.
June 10, 1937 Business fair, A-1 day,
56 to 65 above. Milo Kelly and wife on BD Mine. George
Zink at ranch waiting for snow to go at mines. Snow road
now open to Gold Mint Mine. Auto cars from Anchorage now
calling at Wasilla. Brill car went south with out-mail.
No radio, evening painting living room in new house. Joe Palmer
left for Caswell.
June 11, 1937 Hot dog, 60 to 82 above, grass
grew 6” today. Priced up U. S. Rubber goods. Registered
passenger south, boat day late with tourists. Mine Ellic out
from Knik. Stanley and Paddy in from Mine. Pyle outfit
left and Thorpe’s left for Gold Mint Mine. Ma now chief clerk.
June 12, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy 52 to 66 above. Ala-Pac Mines Stoll allowed
to unload lumber held a week by railroad for $12,000 freight bill.
Seattle Chamber of Commerce tourists in Anchorage today.
McDonald, cashier Seattle First National, spoke over radio today.
Ray out on fishing trip. Colonist barn burned. Radio
after 11 PM. Anchorage - Palmer highway washed out.
June 13, 1937 Sunday, partly cloudy,
50 to 68 above. Mosquitoes arrived in Wasilla today.
No boat freight arrived. Put up awning over side door to
store. Stoll finished unloading 2 car loads lumber.
PM all the high school took a trip via mile 4 loop, Palmer and can’t
read. No radio. Willow Lucky Shot Road now open for traffic.
June 14, 1937 Weather cloudy, 60 to 72 above.
Mosquitoes working double shift. Got mail ready to go
but no mail train. Brill car, with tourists, went north.
PM hauled in 40 fence post and 2 radio poles from Victor’s ranch
for new house. High water at Knik River.
June 15, 1937 Business below normal.
Temperature 60 to 70 above. Mosquitoes bad. Growing
weather now. Mail train south but no mid-week boat.
U. G. Crocker passed out while on Inside trip. Pyle and
Jefferson in for spices, salmon canning going full blast. Short
wave good.
June 16, 1937 Business below normal.
Temperature 52 to 68 above. ARC Cat snow bucker, in from
Fishhook District. Got snow roads open to Gold Mint, Gold
Cord, High Grade and Fern Mines, summit still closed, 20’ snow.
Ed Holland in to go to placer mine. Stanley in with lame back
Outside radio at 10 PM Anchorage lining up for 3 day 4th of July.
June 17, 1937 Warm day, 58 to 74 above.
Brill car took boat mail. Ed Holland left for Grubstake
place mine. Stanley drove to Anchorage to get treatment
for his back, out of join. Stained 3 kitchen doors.
Mosquitoes bad. Amelia Earhart around half the world.
June 18, 1937 Hot day, 62 to 82 above.
Fern came in with truck, still 4’ snow at Fern Mine. Gottstein
visited via auto from Anchorage. Self staining doors and
casings for new house. Now all daylight, week of midnight son.
No Outside radio. Stanley at Anchorage for back treatment.
June 19, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature 52 to 70 above, evening rain. Dodson and Short,
in from Stoll Mine, buying for help. Gus went over to Colonist
sawmill for lumber account Pete Nelson’s new house. Boat
mail arrived. PM started to paint kitchen walls in new house.
Forty Mile Miller launched boat. Radio all static.
Heavy rain 11 to 12. Stanley back from Anchorage.
June 20, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
52 to 68 above. Busy in store AM Pyle and Jeffries
in to trade. Had first watermelon, 12¢ a pound from Anchorage
by Stanley. Noon, Stanley returned to his mine. Got
2 truck loads of groceries, fruit, etc. on evening freight; hauled
it over and priced same. No radio. Several autos here
from Anchorage. Railroad now on payroll. McDougal in from
mine.
June 21, 1937 Cloudy, showers.
Stanley back from mine, laying off until back gets better.
Dunkle here with plane, went to Palmer with Cad’s car and broke
down. Self painting kitchen and bath walls of new house.
Palmer - Anchorage Road flooded. No Outside radio, local station
OK.
June 22, 1937 Showers, 42
to 62 above. Stanley drove over to Palmer hospital for
Florence Shaw and 3rd baby boy. Horning in for butter and
carbide. Finished kitchen wall, one coat, stained and varnished
3 doors. No radio, local station OK.
June 23, 1937 Cloudy, evening rain, 52 to 65
above. Rainy season seems to be on. Everything
growing, night and day. Marie Martha not feeling well,
stomach trouble. Dinner at St. Clair’s account Isaac's family
moving to Anchorage. Palmer - Anchorage auto road still flooded.
June 24, 1937 Temperature 52 to 65 above.
Man that made our store awning now dead, died with his boots
on. Oscar Gill, ex-mayor of Anchorage, visited. Three
miles Palmer - Anchorage highway covered with 3’ water. Fern
hauling in concrete.
June 25, 1937 Weather cloudy, 50 to 66 above.
Mail train went south, Brill car north. Big bunch
tourists at Anchorage, going to Palmer and Fairbanks. Fern
got 2 car loads lumber for new residence at mine. Stanley drove
to Mabel Mine for Paddy Marion. Short wave good, no
long wave. Steel strike on.
June 26, 1937 Cloudy, 50
to 60 above. Self painting in new house. Plumber
Simonson, of Anchorage, visited to look over plumbing job in new
house. Fern bought new truck. Boat mail arrived 4 PM.
Evening, raining.
June 27, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
60 above. Busy, AM in store. Shipped order to O
and O at Caswell. Horning in for fresh meat. Stanley
and Paddy left for mine after a week in Wasilla. Chamberlain’s
son here looking for orders.
June 28, 1937 Weather cloudy,
50 to 66 above. No trains. Fern hauling in concentrates
and out lumber. Pyle in from Gold Mint Mine. Ellexon’s
in from Knik with 280 eggs and bought $8 chicken feed. Thorpe’s
left Sunday freight for Willow, 2nd attempt to mine.
June 29, 1937 Business still slow.
No paychecks coming in from ARC. Evening rain, 60 above.
Conroy in with McDougal truck, returned to Anchorage, did his
assessment work in 3 days, on Webfoot Mine? Finished kitchen
and bath, 2nd coat. Stoll and McDougal trucks busy in-freight.
Local radio only.
June 30, 1937 Weather cloudy,
60 above. Busy in store AM Shipped 2 orders
to Pittman. Eva and Mrs. Bixler drove to Anchorage, took along
all the babies, back at 7 PM. Stanley in from mine.
June Memo: Ed Holland left for Grubstake
to do 1937 assessment work. Fishhook Pass still blocked
with snow.
July 1, 1937 Weather cloudy,
48 to 60 above. McDougal’s brother here to visit.
Russian Priest’s wife here to visit Mrs. Oberg. Self busy
all day on monthly statements, over half delinquent account no ARC
payroll. Stanley trying to sell his mine to Jefferies. Got
KNX at 10 PM side note?
July 2, 1937 Business still below normal.
Temperature 56 to 64 above. Mail went south. Stanley
and Shawn made round trip to Anchorage PM. 10:15 PM news flash,
Amelia Earhart sent SOS call crossing Pacific to San Francisco.
Phone call from King at Palmer, ready to do plumbing. Paid
store license.
July 3, 1937 Partly cloudy,
58 to 68 above. Stanley drove over to Palmer for plumber, Mr.
King, to do plumbing in our new house, started to work PM. Self
hauled water pipe to house. Mail arrived PM. School buses
here for dancers at Palmer.
July 4, 1937 Sunday, partly cloudy, cool
day, 60 above. Several boys in from mines, some went to
Anchorage. Busy in store AM. Lots of cars up from
Anchorage, lunch picnic out at canyon, mile 12. Got load
of new merchandise hauled and stored away myself. Evening
rain.
July 5, 1937 Business below normal.
Weather cloudy, 60 above. Jack and Bert in to celebrate.
Evening train load of Anchorage celebrators returned. Evening,
KFI on air giving reports of Amelia Earhart’s plane down in Pacific,
out of gas. Stanley and Paddy returned to mine. Radio
fair, all stations came in 9 PM.
July 6, 1937 Weather cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Mail trains both south and north. Got ready to install
electric water pump in new house. Got bathtub in place.
Had to make frame to close in open end. Lawrence Fleck here,
going to work on bridge gang. Self at new house, missed the
news.
July 7, 1937 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Gus back from celebrating at Anchorage, brought extra fittings
for bathroom of new house. Lawrence Fleck left to work on
railroad bridge. Metz and Fred digging well and basement for
Pete. Installed electric plant new house. Radio fair,
Amelia not found yet in Pacific.
July 8, 1937 Weather cloudy, 56 to 64 above,
rain every night lately. Lee Hartley hauling in car lumber
for Independence Mine. Plumber got all fixtures installed,
ready to connect hot and cold water for OGH new house. First
strawberries from Persson ranch. No sign of Amelia Earhart,
down on Pacific.
July 9, 1937 A-1 day, 56 to 66 above.
Stanley drove to Anchorage account his life insurance and pick-ups.
Cad left for Seattle. Eva received wire from her dad, mother
in hospital at Dillingham, Bristol Bay District. Ike Bailus
visited. Received ton merchandise. Jap’s after salmon
at Bristol Bay District.
July 10, 1937 Business back to normal.
A-1 day, 56 to 84 above, sunny and hot all day. Set up
cook stove in new house. All connections now completed
on cold and hot water system. First melons arrived.
Chas Isaac's back from Anchorage, going prospecting. Amelia,
on Pacific, not found yet. Local radio, KSL news at midnight.
Hot wave in States.
July 11, 1937 Sunday, hot day, 62 to
82 above. AM tested out bath and water system in new house.
Plumber King’s time, 71 hours at $1.50 per hour = $106.50.
Flour, salt and fruit arrived on PM freight. No radio, local
station silent, Sunday.
July 12, 1937 Business still below normal.
Hot day, 84 above. AM hauled over 2 truck loads flour,
salt, etc. from set-out. PM cleaned up new house after
plumbing job finished. Stump family moved to Knik to put
up salmon. Fern Mine buying mining timbers off colonists.
No Outside radio.
July 13, 1937 Cloudy, rain, 66 to 74 above.
Stanley and Isaac's drove to Anchorage, car went haywire near
Palmer. ARC put in road camp on Fishhook and Willow Creek
side. Frank Swanson quit easy job with ARC account $2 a day
board to high. Made false end for bath tub. Some radio.
Jap’s fighting Chinese again. U. S. plane carrier combing Pacific
for Amelia.
July 14, 1937 Business below normal.
Cloudy, 62 above. Milo Kelly in, 1st spring trip from
BD Mine District. Dunkle and party looking over Gold Cord
Mine? Second Russian Moscow plane arrived in California,
via over North Pole, in 56 hours. Stanley back from Anchorage.
No Outside radio. Senator Burns, Democrat leader, died.
July 15, 1937 Weather cloudy, 64 above.
Self on mail and office work. Tryck out foreman job for
ARC, Snider and Pete Nelson foreman of camps. Metz got
job with ARC Willow. Stanley at home account back trouble.
No Outside radio. News by local station only.
July 16, 1937 Weather cloudy,
showers, 68 above. Got Outside mail off AM . PM finished
end on bathtub. Made fire in kitchen stove. Hot water
system worked OK. Hot wave over in States, took over 400 lives.
U. S. airplane fleet gave up search for Amelia. No Outside
radio. Jap’s trying to take Northern China and Alaska next.
July 17, 1937 Weather cloudy,
showers 56 above. Boat mail arrived PM. Monte Edlund
building home at Pittman. Jap after Northern China and Alaska
Bristol Bay salmon? Electrical storm in Portland tonight.
Painted vent pipe and corked rafters west side of new house.
Radio fair, KNX and KSL on at 9:30 till midnight. Gus got car
coal.
July 18, 1937 Sunday, showers, 56 above.
Usual Sunday AM trade. Eggs and butter arrived, shipped
on outfit north. Pyle in and out to Gold Mint Mine.
ARC trying to open Fishhook Pass, all shovel work. Salmon
at Knik. Outside radio fair 9 to 10. Local station silent.
July 19, 1937 Weather clear, 66 above.
Had second feed of local strawberries. Salmon late, first
run at Anchorage today. Evening, Eva left to see her
mother, sick in hospital at Dillingham, went to Anchorage to
catch airplane. Outside radio at 10 PM. Ma at Stanley’s
nursing baby while Eva is gone.
July 20, 1937 Business 50% off, no ARC
payroll. Temperature 64 above. Mid-week boat mail
arrived. PM self on medicine cabinet and extra wall cupboard
in bathroom. Three day battle in Spain, cost 18,000 lives.
Eva left Anchorage 9 AM by air, for Bristol Bay. Outside radio
good, 9:30 to 12. Marconi passed out.
July 21, 1937 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Ma and Stanley, baby nurses while Eva at Dillingham to see her
mother. Made extra side wall medicine case. Frank
Swanson and family moving to Anchorage to live. KFQD only
station on air.
July 22, 1937 Weather cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Salmon running at Knik. ARR Co-op trucks hauling slough
hay from Cottonwood Flats to colonist ranchers. Chas Isaac's
and Dan Gray prospecting at Glacier, head of Little Susitna River.
Heavy earthquake at Fairbanks and McKinley Park.
July 23, 1937 Weather cloudy, 54 to 60 above.
Mail went south. Colonists hauling hay from Flats.
Reported war off between Jap’s and Chinamen in Northern China.
On investigating tax dodgers, Mrs. F. D. Roosevelt was included.
No Outside radio. Nenana hit hardest by quake.
July 24, 1937 Partly cloudy, 52 to 66 above.
Put up order for Caswell Lake fur farm. Divine kids,
at Palmer movie last night. Butler goods and substitutions
arrived. Paddy found new ore vein on Jack Frisby abandoned
claims. No Outside news. Quake closed Richardson Highway.
July 25, 1937 Sunday, A-1 day, 70 above.
Store open 9 to 12 AM. PM made up weekly cash register
report and cleaned kitchen stove pipe and put in new front grate.
Two freight trains in. George Edlund got his fender knocked
off by engine on railroad crossing. Strawberries.
July 26, 1937 Business 50% below normal.
Temperature 54 to 62 above. Both Railroad and ARC behind
2 months on payroll. Customers still eating merchants
grub. Marie Martha and self took a fall off track warehouse
platform, no bones broken, one ankle hurt a little. Outside
radio in at 7 PM Jap’s and China fighting.
July 27, 1937 Partly cloudy, 52 to 66 above.
Gus drove to Anchorage for gas and K. T. Co. lumber for
Pete’s house. Fern trucks finished hauling car coal to mine.
Colonists all headed to Knik to meet the salmon. KNX news
all about Jap-China war. Bert Goodpaster passed out.
July 28, 1937 A-1 day, 56 to 70 above.
Trusty in from Stoll Mine. Gus back from Anchorage with
truck load lumber and gasoline. Colonist Snider’s house
burned down, family barely got out on ladder, one girl hurt.
Salmon at railroad bridge. KNX and KOL on at 9 PM.
Jap’s and Chinese fighting over Northern China. Spanish
Rebellion on 1 year and no gain, either side.
July 29, 1937 A-1 day, 62 to 68 above.
Self on office work all day, up to midnight. Eva back
from air trip to Dillingham to see her mother in hospital.
St. Clair looking for guy stoning his signs. Jap’s and
Chinamen fighting over North China, Jap’s trying to move in.
July 30, 1937 Rain, 60 above.
Mail went south AM. Brill car north from boat 8 PM.
Everybody catching salmon on Cottonwood Creek. San Francisco
hotels opened after 3 month strike. Received shirt and pair
shoes for birthday. Radio fair, some static. Salmon
pack larger than in 1936.
July 31, 1937 Weather cloudy, light rain,
60 above. Salmon season closes today. Anchorage cannery
trying to get on extension of time account late run. Completed
cabinet work and varnishing in bathroom. Bedroom and vestibule
yet to decorate. Mail arrived. No Outside radio.
Airplanes grounded account weather.
July Memo: New house about completed,
August 1st. One room to paint and connect up electric plant.
Self did all the inside work at odd times. Will have both
pressure and gravity on water system for safety. Marie says
Grandma won’t live in new house.
August 1, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, cool,
52 above. AM usual Sunday trade. PM made up cash
and then on monthly statements until midnight. New schoolmarm
arrived, couldn’t rent a house, went to Anchorage. Car with
house trailer went through to mines. All radio dead, not a sound.
August 2, 1937 Business slow, collections
fair. Temperature 60 above. AM hauled 106 cases
milk and 15 cases radio dry batteries from set-out to store.
Finished varnishing and rubbing in living room, new house, 6 PM
to midnight. Heavy rain. Everybody catching salmon.
Only local radio.
August 3, 1937 Business below normal.
Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Milo Kelly in from BD Mine
with his new truck after cable. Gus took engineer out to look
at Ward Shroufe’s quartz mine. ARC building road from pass
up to head of Willow Creek. Evening, thunderstorm. Radio
NG. Two wars on, Spain Rebellion and Jap and Chinese.
August 4, 1937 Partly cloudy, 52 to 66 above.
Stanley made round trip to Anchorage with Fred Nelson truck.
Fern building new bunkhouse. “Guy” here to fly over top
of Mt. McKinley. Windy Bill about to marry hi-opera singer.
War in most of news.
August 5, 1937 Heavy rain, 60 above.
Paddy and Stanley left, AM for New Bullion Mine, to clean up,
ready for sale? Dr. Romig married again, old guys like a
bed warmer? Railroad Co-op buying local spuds at 4¢
a pound, to feed colonists. No Outside radio. War
hot in North China with Jap’s.
August 6, 1937 Weather cloudy, rain,
52 above. Jap’s trying to take Northern China. Spain
Rebellion still on, about 50-50. Germany building another
Zeplin to take place of one that blew up at lake Hurst, N. J.
Fern truck went to Anchorage. No Outside radio.
August 7, 1937 Weather cloudy, showers,
54 above. Put up small order for O and O and Vic Blodgett.
Had fire in furnace all day, damp cold. Letter from ARC
no money to pay April, May, and July bills due us. Mrs. St.
Clair went to Fairbanks. Weak radio, got KSL and KNX news
August 8, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, cold,
40 to 44 above. Delivered 2 orders to railroad for shipment
north. PM made up weekly cash register sheet. Stanley
back from mine, 6” new snow at Fern. Wanda Soper married
to booze man. Radio fair 9 to 10 PM no news.
August 9, 1937 Business 50% off.
A-1 day, 40 to 70 above. Stanley returned to his mine.
Johnny Moore turned upside down in take off at Kanatic.
Jap’s and Chinamen fighting on high. Loop Colonist farmer
died today. New spuds and poor. Radio at 9 PM KNX news.
Ready to paint bedroom in new house.
August 10, 1937 Business rotten.
Partly cloudy, 52 to 66 above. Two mail trains, north
and south. Mrs. Isaac's back from Anchorage after a month
absence. Charley and Dan Gray prospecting, head of Little
Susitna above Gold Mint. Moore’s plane ruined, no one hurt.
Radio fair. Bixler’s at Anchorage, Eva home.
August 11, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 66 above. Orders from Herman and Ed Holland.
Ellexson’s in, closing time, to trade. Willie fishing for trout.
Had last mess of strawberries. Eddie Holland in from Grubstake,
55 days work. Radio 9 to 10 PM China-Jap war hard
at it over North China.
August 12, 1937 Partly cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Mid-week boat freight arrived. Stanley in from mine for
radio batteries. Milo Kelly in for compressor.
Pyle moving over to Craigie Mine. ARC fixed road.
August 13, 1937 A-1 day,
56 to 70 above. mail south, got 2 orders from up railroad
line. McNally and Landers in to trade. Out of spuds
and farmers won’t dig new spuds. Reported help for ARR Co-op
on strike account 10% cut. Local radio and news. Brown
girl went to McKinley Park.
August 14, 1937 Business normal.
Partly cloudy, 52 to 60 above. Russian fliers, Moscow
to New York, down near North Pole. Thursday for losses
and Friday for crosses. Joe Crosley out looking for the Russian
Jap’s killed 3 Americans in China war. Alaska Sportsman agent
visited. Radio fair 9 to 12. Stanley in from his mine.
Colonists cutting red tape.
August 15, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
50 to 60 above. Pyle and Sidney Black in for merchandise.
Russian flyer last heard from near North Pole. Joe Crosson
no find them. Boat freight arrived PM Sold out on B
and C batteries. Radio fair, got no news.
August 16, 1937 Business slow,
cloudy, showers, 56 above. AM planes hunting for Russia
#3 lost plane over North Pole. Congress passed farm loan
bill over President Roosevelt’s veto. China and Japan hot
at war today, also Spain Loyalists vs. rebels.
August 17, 1937 Business fair PM.
Cloudy today, 50 to 72 above. Gus Geller visited, taking
orders for fresh peaches. Stanley, with Leibing car, went
to mine to show prospective buyer. A bunch of Marines sent
to China war account Americans.
August 18, 1937 Business rotten.
Cloudy, rain, 58 above. Stanley back from showing prospective
buyer his mine. Pete Snider laid off ARC. A lot
of salmon let their fish go sour. Jap-China war all the
news. Rain till midnight. No Outside radio.
August 19, 1937 Cloudy, showers, 58 above.
Stanley returned to his mine, went out with Gus, his car on
the bum. Railroad laying off help. Frank Churchill,
old 1898’er passed out at Knik, 4 PM was hanging paper, died with
boots on. Radio fair, got KNX news. War hot in China.
August 20, 1937 A-1 day, 50 to 80 above.
AM opened up new ammunition. Got off south mail.
Evening, Brill train went north with boat passengers. Mid-week
boat freight arrived, hauled over one truck load groceries, evening,
priced up same. U. S. boat it by Jap bomb. Radio fair,
Canada news on OK. Several flyers gone to North Pole.
August 21, 1937 Business still slow.
Showers, 50 to 58 above. Priced up and stored away new
groceries. PM painting 2nd coat in bedroom of new house.
Shawn through on railroad bridge gang. Stanley in from his
mine. Bad earthquake in China, war zone. Fruit arrived.
No Outside radio.
August 22, 1937 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 above.
Rush in store AM. Pyle and Jefferies in for merchandise.
PM attended Frank Churchill’s funeral at Knik, fifty people
present, buried in McGuire cemetery, Rev. Bingle officiated.
ARC Fishhook camp through. No radio, local station silent
on Sunday. Ham dinner at Ellexson’s for Bixler’s.
August 23, 1937 Business 50% off.
Rain, 52 to 66 above. AM hauled over truck load groceries
and drugs from set-out. Eva made an auto trip to Anchorage
with the insulted Bixler’s. Marie Martha and Janise had dinner
with Mr. Metz, through on road work. Radio but mushy.
No news, fell asleep, washed sore feet.
August 24, 1937 Weather cloudy,
48 to 70 above. Fern received tank car of oil. Jap-China
war hard at it. Chinaman shot down 2 Jap planes.
Stanley out again to mines. Ed Holland in again, looking
for freighter to mine. Radio fair.
August 25, 1937 A-1 day,
48 to 70 above. Gill and Billy Maitland families visited
on way to Willow Creek, joy riding. ARC long delayed checks
arrived, due back to April. Tony Wickstrom and wife in from
Stoll Mine to trade. Finished inside painting. Radio
OK at 10 PM China cleaned up Jap’s today.
August 26, 1937 Weather cloudy,
58 to 60 above, midnight raining. Got out-mail orders.
PM did some varnishing in new house, lower floor about finished.
Cupboards yet to make. Zink in from mine. No Outside
radio.
August 27, 1937 Cloudy, rain, 60 above.
Mail went south, mid-week boat freight went north. Brill
car went north. Ellexson’s in from Knik. Got 3 orders
from up railroad line. White family returned from McKinley
park account school. No Outside radio. 1937 salmon pack
short 1½ million cases.
August 28, 1937 Business fair, 52 above.
Shipped 2 orders north. British vessels shot up in Spain
war. Russia may advance on Manchuria and help China defeat
the Jap’s. Ed Holland in looking for freighter. Got
world news midnight on KSL. Mail arrived.
August 29, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
60 above. Usual Sunday trade after mail and grub.
Milo Kelly wired Governor account ARC quit work on new road
to G. B. Mine. Dinner party at hotel Phil Allen by snotty
Bixler's. Ma baby tender. Two glass broken in Mabel cabin
by kids. Short wave OK, long wave 9 to 10 PM War hot
in China.
August 30, 1937 Business slow, rain,
58 to 62 above. Gus drove Louis Loberg to Anchorage account
Chas Isaac's trial. Stanley and Bixler’s drove to Knik
for chicken dinner, cost $1.50 each? Finished carpenter work
on closet in new house, now cupboards to make. Radio good
1st time in 60 days.
August 31, 1937 Business fair, cloudy,
rain, 56 to 66 above. Twelve mile canyon flooded over
road. Game hunters all out today for September 1st opening.
Admiral Ueeck plus gravel gang in from Willow Creek District
road work. Evening, on monthly statements. Radio
fair. Jap and China war hot at it.
August Memo: New house completed on first
floor; three room and bath; self did all the painting and varnishing;
now ready for new furniture.
September 1, 1937 Business still slow.
Weather cloudy, 66 above. Stanley making ready to go
Outside for vertebra treatment. Willow Creek District
alive with moose, bear, ptarmigan hunters. Self all day
on monthly statements. New cabbage and spuds on market.
1937 Spanish war still on. No Outside radio. Jap’s
ordered all boats keep out of war.
September 2, 1937 Business normal.
A-1 day, 56 to 70 above. Chinamen put it all over the
Jap’s today. Big fleet of Russian planes coming to help
China fight the Jap’s. All the farmers after moose. Radio
fair. Pat Snider married at Anchorage P. O. last night.
September 3, 1937 A-1 summer
day, 50 to 72 above. Railroad ditcher gang moved to Houston.
Hunters report plenty black bear. Joe Palmer left for Caswell
with grub outfit. Stanley left for Seattle account vertebra
treatment and to sell his quartz mine. Radio fair.
Bixler’s moved to Seldovia, clam eaters now?
September 4, 1937 Second Jacob Bond day, 72
above. Finished pricing hardware and batteries. Boat
mail arrived, PM. Over 100 killed by autos in States today.
Knik Glacier Lake ready to spill. Had 1st mess grouse and raspberries.
Revenue tax man here to audit books. Radio good, early and
late. China war hot.
September 5, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
46 to 52 above. Rush in store AM. Joe Brassel and
Pyle in from mines and out. Baby show at Palmer Fair, Buddy
Herning got blue ribbon, 1st prize $3 cash. PM adding up back
entries on NRA ledger. Radio good, sermons and orchestra of
Chas Runyon.
September 6, 1937 Labor Day, closed PM.
Temperature 48 to 52 above. Hartley delivered 40 cases
and barrel of oil, at midnight, from Anchorage. Standard Oil
man here inspecting operation finances at mines. Victor
and Tommy McNeil had a fight at section house. Put in new
glass front of store, broken by kids. Tabulating ledger.
Radio good at 8 PM mostly war news.
September 7, 1937 Business fair, A-1
day, 54 to 64 above. Wasilla, fall term, school opened.
Only 3 Colonist kids came in 2 school buses, all went to Palmer.
War on in Far East and Mediterranean. Submarine _____ British
and Russian Merchant Marine boats. Metz 1 day mowing grass around
buildings. Radio good, airplane wreck near Moose Creek.
September 8, 1937 Fall day, 50 to 56 above.
Self nailed rustic over cracks on new floor header side store
and painted same, 4 hours repairs. Russia after Italy account
submarine sinking her freight boat. Metz 1 day finished mowing
grass. Radio good early, later static, war news.
September 9, 1937 Cloudy,
46 to 50 above. All Europe talking war. Italy and
Germany helping the rebels in Spain war and Russia. England
and France in favor of Spanish loyalists. Metz 1 day
on new fence aft lots. Radio good. Jap’s driving Chinamen
back.
September 10, 1937 Business normal.
Partly cloudy, 56 above. Received order from O and O, Caswell
Lake fur farm. Mail went south, also Mrs. Wilmoth to Anchorage.
Ellexson’s in to trade. Painted end posts and fence, aft
of store.
September 11, 1937 Cloudy, 44 to 52 above,
evening rain. Helped Jake on fence around new house.
Mail arrived, got freight due 12th. Warren Tryck left
to attend Alaska University at College, Alaska. Metz 1
day on new fence aft lot. Radio fair, storms on Atlantic.
P. O. drunk.
September 12, 1937 Sunday, cloudy 50
above. New snow at Fern and Gold Cord last night.
Rush in store AM. PM made up weekly sales. Boat
freight arrived PM 2½ tons. Evening, priced up new
goods. No work on fence today. Bert through at Pyle Mine.
Radio NG until after 9 PM failed to get news.
September 13, 1937 A-1 day,
50 to 60 above. AM self and Metz hauled over 2½ tons
new merchandise from freight shed. Com. Karns arrived to
straighten out school trouble account kids going to Palmer school.
President Roosevelt 3rd son to have an open face bed mate.
Metz 5 hours on fence and 3 hours on freight. Radio NG, got
10 PM news. All war talk in Europe.
September 14, 1937 Rain,
50 above. AM put hay cut around buildings in Gus’ shed.
PM no work outside account rain. Opened up new goods.
England and France hot after pirate sent Marines in Mediterranean.
No early radio. Got Sam Hayes and Pete Pringle news.
September 15, 1937 Rain all day, 50 above.
Marie Martha fell down their cellar stairs, broke small bone
in elbow. Ma got sudden catch in knee, walking like Bill
Taylor? Baxter Felch arrived for Munsingwear orders.
Self and Metz ½ day, dirt on lawn. Radio good, all
stations on air
September 16, 1937 Heavy rain, 50 above.
Seward washed out account rain, Lowell Creek on a rampage.
In store all day. Ma nursing knee trouble. Duck
season open, Cottonwood Flats covered with hunters.
No work on fence. Radio fair early, later mushy.
September 17, 1937 Partly cloudy 50 above.
Mail went south. Ordered cash register supplies through
Stanley, now in Seattle. Metz on fence in alley. Skookum
baby Herning rolled off bed onto floor, no harm done. Metz
1 day on fence aft store. Outside radio NG. Postmaster
went to hospital after 3 day drunk.
September 18, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above, midnight raining. Ma had
to lay off work account sore knee. Thorpe’s through at
quartz mine, PM still celebrating. Eva had to distribute the
mail. Received 10 boxes fresh peaches. Metz 1 day grading.
No Outside radio. Letter from Stanley in Seattle.
September 19, 1937 Sunday, autumn here,
50 above. Birch trees turned to golden yellow. Five
bus loads of war veterans visited Wasilla this PM holding convention
at Anchorage. PM Metz and self finished lawn dirt around
new house. Metz ½ day on lawn. P.O. still intoxicated.
Radio news 8 PM only, all war talk. No frost yet.
September 20, 1937 Weather cooler, 42 to 50
above. Ellexson’s out form Knik for merchandise.
Self store keeper, Ma drove over to Palmer hospital to see about
bad leg, doctor said nothing wrong, needed rest like Wasilla Postmaster.
Metz cleaned up round between store and Roadhouse. Metz
1 day yard work and posts. Got 10 PM world news. Mrs.
Wilmoth back from Anchorage to sober up, this PM.
September 21, 1937 Weather cool, evening rain,
44 above. Colonist kids on strike; came to Wasilla School
today. Fred putting roof on Pete’s new house. Metz
painted fence posts around 2 back lots. Now ready for wire
and gates. Self in store account Ma’s game leg. Metz
1 day on fence. Outside radio NG. Roosevelt planning trip
to Seattle.
September 22, 1937 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50
above. ARC August paychecks coming in with month passed.
No trace of Moscow to San Francisco fliers down at North Pole.
Patzack going out to work for Milo Kelly. Seven million dollar
Standard Oil tank fire at San Francisco. Metz ½ day painting
posts. Radio good, all stations on air 8 to 10, war talk hotter.
September 23, 1937 Weather cool and cloudy,
44 to 50 above. Self busy in store all day. Ma nursing
game leg. Bought another ton Jonesville coal off Gus, the
kind with whiskers. Jap’s still bombing the Chinamen.
No work on fence today account weather. Radio fair. Roosevelt
in route to Seattle. Evening, rainy.
September 24, 1937 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50
above. Self and Metz all day grading lawn and painting
fence posts around new house. Moose hunters busy.
Lester Davis on usual drunk. School installing electric lights.
Metz ½ day account lawn, ½ day painting posts.
Outside radio no good. Legion program from Anchorage.
September 25, 1937 Weather
cooler, rain, 40 to 50 above. No outside work account
rain. Got out orders for clothing and hardware. Mussolini’s
son and black shirt arrived at Hollywood. Swen Edlund got
a moose. No work on fence today. Radio good, all stations
on air. War still on in China and Spain.
September 26, 1937 Sunday. Cool
rain, 40 to 50 above, usual AM trade. Mail went south
10 AM boat 2 days late at Seward. PM fitted storm windows
on basement new house, cleaned up yard. Davis and Fabyan on
a drunk. No work on fence. Radio good. Roosevelt
party now in Idaho.
September 27, 1937 First killing frost, 30
to 50 above. A-1 sunny day. Helped Jake on wire
fence around aft lots. Boat mail arrived 4 PM 2 days late.
All Europe condemning Jap’s for China warfare. Metz and self
1 day on wire fence. Radio good. All stations from baby
size up.
September 28, 1937 Weather cloudy, 42 above.
Wired C. E. Perkins, Chatfield, Minnesota to take over caretaker
of Eyota farms and send one 1936 and 1937 farm report.
No boat freight today. Metz on fence 1 day back lots.
Radio weak. All nations after Jap’s on account of China war.
September 29, 1937 Business 50% off.
A-1 day, 40 to 50 above. Chicken dinner at George Stanley
Jr.’s house, “Buddy” got the leg bone. Milo Kelly in
for his car coal, Fern had hauled it out? Finished new
wire fence around lots 1, 2 and 3. Metz 1 day on fence.
Radio good. Mussolini and Hitler defy the world.
September 30, 1937 A-1 day,
40 to 58 above. Finished cementing posts around back lots
and cleaned up humps on Mabel lot. Gus got 26 ton car Healy
coal. Bert moved into Cannon cabin. Metz 1 day finished
new fence. Outside radio no good. Mail late today.
October 1, 1937 Temperature 24 to 58, froze
¼” ice. Self on monthly statements and out-mail
all day and evening. Wrote Stanley to see M. Fisher about
buying K. T. Co. store. Tryck packed up ready to go Outside.
No outside work today. Outside radio no good. Metz
dug his spuds, 15 sacks.
October 2, 1937 Showers, 42 above. Oscar
Tryck and Billy left for Seattle and States. Carl Johnson
back on ARC job. Self and Metz finished hauling soil on
new house lawn. Radio NG Outside. Chinamen killed
16,000 Jap’s.
October 3, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
40 to 50 above. Gottstein visited PM. Tex Cobb and
LeWalter bought snowshoes for winter hunting camp. Delayed
boat mail arrived 4 PM. PM hung Mabel walk gate. Fern
trucks hauling in concentrate. Radio dead. Letter from
Stanley in Seattle.
October 4, 1937 Cloudy and rain, 44 to 50 above.
AM in store. PM helped Metz put barbed wire around top
of fence on back lots. Olson and wife visited, was
on PM freight for Caswell. Fruit arrived. Metz ½
day on fence. Evening, fixed Eva’s radio. Radio good
after 8 PM All war news.
October 5, 1937 Cloudy with rain, 40 to 50
above. Mrs. R. L. Short left for Seattle. Mountain
peaks covered with snow again. Mrs. Dodson and Trusty
in from Ala-Pac Mine to trade. PM hauled over truck load
groceries to store. Russia furnishing airplanes and war material
to China war. No Outside radio. Wasilla School installing
electric plant.
October 6, 1937 Cloudy, evening rain, 44 to
50 above. Jake finished wire fence between Mabel and new
house and dug holes for radio poles. All nations after
Japan to cut out China war. Radio after 9 PM all war news.
October 7, 1937 Rain and fog, 44 above.
No snow at mines thus far. Answered Harry J. Martin’s letter,
referred him to Stanley at Hotel Gowman, Seattle. Car of
winter coal failed to arrive. Metz dug hole for radio pole.
No Outside radio. Britton and France want U. S. to stop Jap
war.
October 8, 1937 Fog, 34 to 44 above.
Metz left for Weeler ranch to care for stock while Weeler on
grand jury. ARR Co-op trucks hauling mining freight to Willow
Creek. Gucker and S and W man here for orders also Hershey’s
man. Assembled radio pulleys. No Outside radio.
Boat mail delayed.
October 9, 1937 Business still slow.
Temperature 32 to 38 above. Evening cleared, northern
lights. Mail train south taking jury paneled to Valdez.
Evening, blow out at Town hall account Swen Edlund and wife leaving
for Seattle. Self ½ day on gate. No Outside radio.
Grand display of northern lights.
October 10, 1937 Sunday. A-1 day,
44 to 50 above. PM on outside work around new house.
painted front gate posts green. Put storm windows on east
side basement. Mail train arrived 10 PM. Lester Davis
over 2 week drunk, annual. No radio.
October 11, 1937 Cloudy, warm wind, 44 to 58
above. Self in store AM, packed order for Caswell fur
farm. PM greased and put new oil in truck for winter driving.
Letter from Art and Carrie, said times were on the bum back east.
No early radio, got 10 PM news.
October 12, 1937 Weather
cloudy, 44 to 58 above. Stump gone moose hunting.
Mrs. McNally in to trade. PM finished work on truck.
PM fruits, meats, groceries and hardware arrived. Hauled
over 1 load freight. PM Ogden Mills, ex-Secretary Treasurer
passed out. No Outside radio. Italy helping Spanish
rebels to win war.
October 13, 1937 Weather cloudy, 44 to 60 above.
AM pricing up new goods. PM on outside work aft store.
Fruit buried up in set-out. Fred Nelson got Pete’s new
house under cover. Milo Kelly in from mine, he fired the
2 Bolsheviks, Grau and Johnson. Radio good, 6 to 8, then
died out.
October 14, 1937 Business off 40%.
A-1 day, 36 to 50 above. AM in store. PM hauled
over 2 loads merchandise from set-out and hauled Eva’s and ma’s
tin can cooks to the dump. Zink received $1,500 payment
on mine claim from Ala-Pac Mines. Radio good, all stations on
the air, all war news.
October 15, 1937 Temperature 34 to 58 above.
Got orders and mail off. Shomaker visited PM gave him
order for paper and bags, etc. Chicken thieves caught,
young Soper in jail and Sharon _____ cited. PM on walks
and painting posts. Outside radio weak. Jas and Chinamen
still at war .
October 16, 1937 Rain all PM 42 to 48 above.
Oscar and Ernest unloaded ½ car of winter store coal.
Self put in new sidewalk by garage, to house. China cut
50,000 Jap’s off food supplies in war zone in China. Eva dined
on forbidden chicken? Hearing on chicken thieves tonight at
Palmer. Outside radio very weak, got KSL midnight news.
October 17, 1937 Sunday. Cloudy,
fog, rain, 40 above. Boys finished unloading 41 ton car
stove fuel. Put 6 tons nut coal in bin at new house, Eva
got 5 tons. Milo Kelly in for his engine and grub. No
snow in pass or on Bald Mt. Letters from Stanley in Seattle.
Radio mushy. Richfield news, all war talk.
October 18, 1937 Cloudy, rain 40 to 44 above,
4” new snow at mines. S and W fruit, Black Bear and Ball
Band, clothing, candy bars and groceries arrived and 40 cases
gas and oil, by auto truck “Ky-Colonel” had groceries from
Seattle. Hauled and stored freight PM Radio good.
October 19, 1937 Weather clearing 32 to 42
above. Mountains covered with snow down to timberline
last night, a full month later than usual. Self pricing
and storing away new goods and issuing checks for same.
China army drove Jap’s back today. No Outside radio, press news
over local station.
October 20, 1937 Weather cloudy, windy, 42
above, late snow blocked Fishhook summit Pass with drifts.
Paid Ball Band invoices. Government Landon, Republican, roasted
Roosevelt administration over the air. Town Hall program good
tonight. Nick Stephan bought outfit. Radio OK after 8 PM
Italy backing down on Spain.
October 21, 1937 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Fern outfit in to trade, also Mrs. Dodson, High Grade.
Priced up Ball Band and Black Bear new merchandise. Jack
and Bert went to Anchorage for load oil for Cads. Chinamen
got Jap’s on the run.
October 22, 1937 Weather cloudy, 42 above all
day. Mail went south, boat late at Seward. PM fitted
storm window to annex on new house. Chinamen holding back
the Jap’s on Shanghi battle line. Roosevelt advocates more
taxes or less relief. Ma took care of baby while Eva went to
mines.
October 23, 1937 Business about normal,
temperature +42. Self in store AM. PM doing outside
work around new house. Got fence outfit ready for Elmer’s
grave at Knik, to replace new posts. Evening, KFQD announced
that K. T. Co. would be on the air Monday at 9:15. Mail train
arrived at 10 PM. No Outside radio. Midnight northern lights
and partly cloudy.
October 24, 1937 Sunday, 34 to 42 above.
AM loaded up truck with posts and wire fence, cement, etc. for
trip to Knik. left at noon with Nels Larson; removed old
fence and installed new fence around Elmer’s grave, back 7 PM.
Ma storekeeper.
October 25, 1937 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Fabyan and Wade raised 2 radio poles at new house. PM
Metz cemented in poles. K. T. Co. on the air, 8:15, no
more credit after November 1st. Mrs. McDougal in to trade.
No Outside radio. K. T. Co. had good 15 minute program.
October 26, 1937 A-1 spring day, 40 to 48 above.
AM priced up and stored away S and W fine goods, came last week.
Today got second lot of S and W goods, truck load evening.
Pumped up and greased Olds car for trip to Knik. Only local
radio. China holding her own in Jap war.
October 27, 1937 A-1 day,
30 to 40 above. Metz and self left 7:30 with Olds car for
Knik. Put wire fence around Elmer’s grave, painted headboard,
re-assembled Frank McGuire headstone, fell down by the elements.
Fourteen killed at Jonesville Mine. Outside radio NG.
Ma had a scrap with Dr. Skookum.
October 28, 1937 Weather colder, 28 to 40 above,
ground now frozen ½”. Busy, priced up Armour and
S and W goods. Bill Stoltze visited, finished electric plant
in school. K. T. Co. on the air 8:15, no more credit.
Evening, on mail and orders. Outside radio dead. Fourteen
bodies recovered, local coal mine.
October 29, 1937 Weather clear, 28 to 44 above.
Mail went south. Paddy Marion left for California.
Put locks on all gates around new house. Evening, printed
sign, “No More Credit after November 1st”. Local radio only.
Gust Anderson left for States.
October 30, 1937 Weather
cloudy, wind, 36 to 42 above. Busy in store, mail arrived
PM. Chas Cad back from summer trip looking for lost mine
in Canada. Evening, Halloween party on at Hall by old people
dressed in Mayflower clothes. Jap’s bombing British at Shanghai.
Radio good 8 to 12. Ma’s birthday, knees weak.
October 31, 1937 Sunday, cloudy 32 to
40 above. Store open 9 to 12 AM-PM on weekly sales report.
Got 2 truck loads new merchandise. Evening, on monthly
statements. McDougal in for grub. No radio, dead outside.
Evening, warmer.
October Memo: Self did all decorating
in new house, now ready for furniture but no money to buy same.
Ma prefers to live in store apartment or Outside, so says Marie
Martha. Stanley in Seattle on business and back treatment.
November 1, 1937 Cloudy, windy, 38 to 42 above.
Finished monthly statements. No one paid a bill today.
Future sales CASH. Busy all day marking and storing away
new groceries. Fern in for a bunch of files. Mrs.
Lynch hubby arrived from Nenana last train. Radio NG, barely
got the news.
November 2, 1937 Cloudy, windy 38 to 44 above.
Packed 15 boxes fresh apples and 4 cases citrus fruit down
in basement. One credit customer paid October bill.
Bergman back on section after month vacation. Jap-Chinamen
war hotter every day. Radio weak.
November 3, 1937 Partly cloudy, 36 to 42 above.
Cleaned up in warehouse aft store. Put storm windows on
store annex. Got lumber to make concrete forms account electric
engine in new house. Evening, paid invoices. Radio
good early.
November 4, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 32 to 40 above. Rush in store PM.
Andy Trent and Ellexson’s in for supplies. Boys helped Pete
Snider get his car, upside down, out of ditch. Installed work
bench on west side cellar new house. Radio fair early. Duke
of Windsor coming to U. S. for a visit.
November 5, 1937 Business normal.
Temperature 30 to 36 above. First snow at Wasilla , frost
fell AM, PM light sprinkle of snow, ground frozen only ½”.
Cad bought outfit to fix up old Fishhook Inn for tourist trade.
Wasilla mines hauling in car coal. Radio good early,
southern and central stations came in good.
November 6, 1937 Weather cloudy, 30 to 38 above.
Put up order for Caswell Lake fur farm. Mail arrived 4 PM letters
from Stanley, coming home next week. J. B. Fleck’s sister
died in California. Germany-Italy and Japan vs. Russia and
England. Radio fair early. Got KSL midnight news.
Republicans lining up.
November 7, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
20 to 36 above. Store open 3 hours AM for absent minded
customers. PM made up cash, more business than on credit
sales. Got off O and O order. Got eggs, butter and tobacco
freight. Radio NG.
November 8, 1937 Winter is here, temperature
10 to 32 above. Evening, northern lights.
Nels Larson bought trap line grub outfit. Just before
the news, radio switch went haywire. Started first fire
in office heater. London came in good. 9 PM radio went
haywire. Lake Lucille froze.
November 9, 1937 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above. Busy in store AM.
Nels Larson left for his trap line with Jack Fabyan. Jonesville
Coal Mine closing down. PM made forms for Onan plant.
Radio fair, A-battery run out. Duke of Windsor coming to U.
S. for a social visit.
November 10, 1937 Weather cloudy, 24 to 36
above. Put up $25 grub order for Thorpe’s, going to Eska
Coal Mine to work, M. A. H. loaned them $25. PM filled furnace
coal bin, 2nd filling. Evening, measured up rooms in new
house for floor covering. Henry Ratzen out from Knik.
Radio good, all stations on air, news all war talk.
November 11, 1937 Business slow, A-1
day, 20 to 40 above. Thorpe’s left with Gus for Eska Coal
Mine. ARC snow plow, for Fishhook District, arrived.
Brazil went over to dictator. Jap’s captured Shanghai, China.
Radio NG, American Legion program from Anchorage.
November 12, 1937 Business slow, A-1
day, 10 to 30 above. Dug out gravel under annex of new
house for drain account exhaust from electric engine. Anna
Snider home from college, going to get married. Mom McDougal
in from Fern. Radio fair. Jap’s told Nine Power to go
to hadies.
November 13, 1937 Weather cloudy, 10 to 30
above. In store, ready to install muffler drum tomorrow.
Metz helping Weiler saw wood. Shanghai back to normal, Jap’s
now control city. School carnival at Hall tonight. Short
wave OK. Long wave weak. Mail arrived.
November 14, 1937 Sunday, weather clear,
10 to 30 above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM had Fabyan
help to pour concrete for cement block for Onan electric plant
in new house. Nagley’s on freight going north. Radio OK.
Evening, put up balcony fly over store stairs. Temperature
10 above midnight.
November 15, 1937 Weather
clear, 10 to 20 above. In store, priced up new drugs.
Finished installing fly in balcony to keep heat on first floor.
Plane with 3 men, from McGrath, landed here account fog in Anchorage.
Radio fair, Congress in special session.
November 16, 1937 Weather clear, 4 to 20 above.
Cad bought 2nd coupon book. Cash sales OK thus far.
Gus hauled load inside finish for Pete’s new house. Nels
back in from trap line. Radio OK. Nine Power fell down
on settling Jap-China war.
November 17, 1937 Weather clear, 10 to 20 above.
Mrs. McDougal, and truck driver, in late for freight and supplies
for help. Judge Hellenthall here account dividing Wasilla
Recording District with Palmer. Radio weak, all war talk.
November 18, 1937 Weather
clear, 4 to 20 above. In store and office. Gus traded
old for new truck Lucky Shot closed down, out of ore. Strike
on Alaska boats account rotating help. Radio weak, static from
electric at school.
November 19, 1937 Business normal.
Weather clear, 20 to 30 above. Evening, big wind, first
of fall. Had Jack drill holes through cement wall to install
muffler on electric engine in new house. Now ready for lights.
Radio weak. Another strike on Alaska boats.
November 20, 1937 Business dead. Wind
blew iron loose on railroad warehouse and coal shed. Eva’s
radio pole and several others and chimney’s went down. Green
stuff arrived on PM passenger train. Wind generally all over
Alaska. Rain in Seattle. Local radio, got 10 PM news,
KNX.
November 21, 1937 Sunday, moderate wind,
20 above. Shipped one order to Caswell. Boat freight
in at midnight, got ½ ton, only 300 pounds perishables.
Evening, oiled store floor. Cad traded big truck and sedan
for new Olds car. Outside radio NG, Anchorage on air 2 hours.
November 22, 1937 Partly cloudy, light wind,
14 to 28 above. Busy all day selling turkey day goods.
Ellexson’s out from Knik. Gus got his electric airplane
windmill working. Cad sealing over logs east side hotel.
No Outside radio. News over local stations. Fixed Eva’s
aerial.
November 23, 1937 Partly
cloudy, 18 to 24 above. AM hauled over truck load of new
merchandise from depot and put two truck loads Healy coal in furnace
coal bin. Pete Nelson had his new house wired for electric.
No settlement of Alaska boat strike, mail and passengers coming
via Vancouver B. C. to Juneau. Outside radio at 10 PM President
of Standard Oil Company died.
November 24, 1937 Blizzard on all day, 30 above,
light snow but all blew away. Got out Seattle mail.
Alaska boat strike off, next boat leaving Seattle Saturday morning.
Stanley supposed to sail for Wasilla. Sent Paddy balance
on check to Los Angeles. Outside radio weak. Got news,
Congress and war talk.
November 25, 1937 Windy, Thanksgiving,
20 above. Our turkey was a Knik chicken with all the trimmings,
Ma as usual cook. Guests, baby Stanley Jr. Marie Martha
and mother. Stanley Sr. still in Seattle. Only local
radio, boat strike over.
November 26, 1937 Second blizzard, 22 above.
Wind died out PM. At midnight, 4” new wet snow,
first real snow of winter. Priced up paper goods, bags, tablets,
Christmas cards, etc. Mail went south but no boat. Short
wave good, got London news, Congress scrapping.
November 27, 1937 Weather cloudy, 22 above.
In store most of day, cleaned snow off walks. Montgomery
in from Independence Mine, claims he took out $400,000 this summer.
Stanley wired, delayed another week in Seattle account deal on
his mine. Radio fair but Cads gas engine bad.
November 28, 1937 Sunday, weather cloudy,
26 to 30 above. In store AM closed PM. Cut 5” hole
in sill to give electric engine air in basement. England trying
to make agreement with Germany, Italy to keep out of war.
Tom Cavanaugh passed out at 6 PM at Pat’s Beer Hall, died happy?
Radio fair, got world news.
November 29, 1937 More snow, 32 above all day,
light wet snow. School buses ½ hour late.
Tobacco only freight, no mail boat last week at Seward account
cook-waiters strike. Mrs. Vail and Isaac's back from Seward
jury. Cleaned walks and got in oil supply. Radio fair with
static, all war news.
November 30, 1937 Weather cloudy, evening clear,
10 to 26 above. Snowed 2” last night, had to clean walks
again. Finally got hole through sill for draft account
gas electric engine. Jap’s seized American tugboat.
FDR fishing Gulf Mexico to get away from unruly Congress. Radio
weak, got 8 o’clock world news, all war talk.
November Memo: New house still unoccupied.
Building 2 cupboards and connecting up electric lights yet
to be done. Rugs and furniture yet to come. No hurry,
as Ma would rather live in a Seattle apartment house than Wasilla.
No more credit sales after November 1st.
December 1, 1937 Clear, zero weather to 10
below. Wired Stanley to order Christmas fruit and vegetables
and candy for 11th boat. Got out orders for coffee and meats.
One school bus late. Cads Onan electric working OK.
Radio with static. Germany to settle Jap-China war?
December 2, 1937 Cold snap, 16 below zero all
day and 6 below noon. Shorty Gustafson here on visit?
Liebing brought in first mail from Fishhook District. Finished
orders for new merchandise and paid bills on 1st. Italy favors
Jap war vs. China. Outside radio dead, local station only.
December 3, 1937 Second big wind, +20.
School buses stuck in snow drifts by Wasilla Lake crossing.
Town had to feed school kids, 7 PM bulldozer opened road,
kids went home. Yukon on the rocks in Valdez Channel.
Mail went south. No Outside radio, big wind and static, local
station only.
December 4, 1937 No business. Big
wind blew out 6 PM, busy shoveling in coal all day. Mail
train arrived 11:30 PM. Cad stuck in snow drift at Wasilla
Lake crossing. Fishhook innkeeper in for building material,
3 carpenters working on Inn. Short wave OK, long wave NG.
December 5, 1937 Sunday, open 3 hours
AM. Calm, 20 to 28 above, warming up for more snow.
Letter from Stanley, leaving Seattle on SS Alaska on December
4th boat for Seward. Cleaned snow drift off walk in front
of store. No freight. Evening warmer. No Outside
radio. Elks on air from Anchorage, no news.
December 6, 1937 Weather cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
AM re-nailed galvanized roofing on railroad lot warehouse account
wind. PM put chains on truck, received loads freight
on PM train north. Roosevelt back from toothache fishing
trip to Florida. Stanley 33. Radio fair.
December 7, 1937 Business slow, A-1 day,
20 to 30 above. Checking down new goods. H. O. White
family moved to Anchorage. Jap’s got China about cleaned
up and no war declared. Congress bucking Presidents New Deals.
Radio NG, long wave, London Calling good.
December 8, 1937 Evening windy, 30 to 36 above.
Pricing up new merchandise and paying late invoices. Scarcity
of coal in Wasilla account Jonesville Mine closed up. Jap’s
worming their way into Nanking, interior China. Radio dead,
local stations only.
December 9, 1937 Third big wind, 10 to 20 above,
up till 3 AM account fires. Eva’s chimney burned out.
Got out-mail orders. Ordered Delaware rugs for new house.
Wind blowing through everything, hard to keep temperature up to
50 above. Got news on inside aerial, outside aerial down.
December 10, 1937 Big wind today, temperature
zero. Blew down Wasilla Roadhouse cement chimney, paper
roof on Wasilla Post Office, out closets upside down, roofs off
Peck’s barn and other ranches. Strongest wind since 1917.
Fishhook Beer Hall man in. Radio good on inside aerial.
December 11, 1937 Cold wind all day, temperature
zero. Radio pole, by old barn, went down last night.
Phil Coleman in from Wasilla Mines for help supplies.
Stanley arrived home on the 11 PM mail train after 3 month trip
to Seattle. Christmas fruit and vegetables. arrived.
Radio weak, storms in States, California flooded.
December 12, 1937 Sunday, wind died out
PM temperature 20 above. Busy in store AM. Gus took
Phil Coleman out to the Wasilla Mines. Nickalaska blew
back to Knik, drunk as usual. Storms and floods in States.
Radio fair. “SS President Hoover” on rocks near Japan.
December 13, 1937 Warm wind, PM 30 above.
Got Big Lake order ready to ship but no boat freight arrived.
Stanley back as chief clerk. November business off 50%,
store profit $94.94. Jap’s sunk U. S. boat in Nanking Province.
Radio good, Mussolini quit League of Nations.
December 14, 1937 Warmer after weeks wind,
temperature 24 to 30. Boat freight arrived 5 PM had one
truck load Christmas fruits and candy, etc. Ellexson’s
out from Knik, paid $74 on old past due account. Auto roads
bare after weeks wind. Rain from Kodiak to Cordova.
Radio good. Art Gillam down on trip Pt. Barrow.
December 15, 1937 Small trade all day,
cloudy, 30 above. McDougal back from trip to Seattle.
Dick Frances visited, going to work at Fern Mine. Vail’s
got old age pension, $35 a month. Cad hauling lumber from
Anchorage for remodeling old Fishhook Inn. Radio good, all
stations came in.
December 16, 1937 Business fair, A-1
day, 20 above to 4 below zero. Got out-mail for Seattle.
Sold hay, cut around store lots to rick for $5, Gus hauled it to
Peck’s ranch. Jap willing to pay for U. S. gunboat sunk at
Shanghai. Loyalists getting best of Spain rebels. Radio
good, heard Hoover speak.
December 17, 1937 Clear day, 12 above to 4
below zero. Got off Seattle mail. Eva went to
Anchorage account tooth, etc. Evening, Anchorage basketball
teams arrived, Wasilla girls won, boys lost game. Wilkins
circling North Pole. Radio fair. Jap’s bowing down
to Uncle Sam.
December 18, 1937 Weather cloudy, Chinook,
38 above. Stanley minding baby while it’s mother shopping
at Anchorage. PM re-nailed corrugated iron on railroad
warehouse, torn loose by high wind. Piggly Wiggly roasts
Co. Ohlson, manager Alaska Railroad in December Alaska paper.
December 19, 1937 Sunday, cloudy, rain,
38 above. Had 2 shipments for north freight. Received
one truck load groceries and hardware and 1 truck load gas and
oils. No snow in Wasilla. Hauled and
stored away new merchandise. Ma got sore toe
and Christmas turkey at Anchorage. Radio mushy, got 8
PM news. Congress backing President.
December 20, 1937 Cloudy, sleet storm, 30 above.
Priced up new hardware goods. PM put headers in attic
to make wallboard tight in new house. Wasilla School to
hold their Christmas Wednesday. Fabyan digging well and
cellar for Edlund. No Outside radio, storm brewing.
December 21, 1937 Business slow, no payroll.
Temperature 12 above. Finished pricing up new merchandise.
Shawn drove Eva, Marie Martha and baby Jr. over to Palmer for
a haircut. Fred working on Pete’s new house. Cad got
3 men remodeling old Fishhook Inn. Short wave from London
good, long wave weak.
December 22, 1937 Colder, 12 above to zero.
School closed with Santa Claus and presents at school, PM, then
general Christmas at Town Hall in evening. Fishhook Inn proprietor
froze his legs on trip to Anchorage last night. Long wave NG,
short wave London OK.
December 23, 1937 Zero weather to 6 below zero,
warmer Inside, 12 above. Navy took over Wood Island near
Kodiak for airplane base. Frank Kellogg, best man Minnesota
ever had, passed out. Christmas all over in Wasilla.
Shawn moved into Liebing cabin. No long wave radio. Liebing’s
took over Pete’s beer hall.
December 24, 1937 Business slow, off
payroll. Weather windy, 20 above. Santa Claus Alaska
boat 1 day late at Seward, no train south today. Navy after
boats on Pacific Coast commanded by Jap’s. London calling,
had good program, no Outside radio tonight. Long wave silent,
short wave OK, war talk news.
December 25, 1937 Christmas, store open
3 hours AM. Zero weather. Ma had a fine turkey dinner,
guests were Stanley, Eva, Sharon, Marie Martha and Stanley Jr.
1 year old. Marie Martha’s tree and Christmas presents.
Christmas cost grandfather $58 all told. London had fine program
AM. Long wave NG, short wave OK. Newton Baker passed
out.
December 26, 1937 Sunday, quiet in town.
Temperature zero. Eating remains of Christmas dinner.
Boat mail arrived, 4 PM no freight. New Fishhook Inn
manager got dumped over in Cads car on the 22nd, died today from
bruises and frozen legs. KFQD had on Yule Tide greetings.
Long wave no good, short wave with static.
December 27, 1937 Fourth big wind, 4 above
zero, big wind all day. Ray Cornelius bought grub for
Bald Mt. moose hunt. Gus and Stanley made round auto
trip to Anchorage. Busy with fires up to midnight, all heat
blown away. Got 8 PM news, radio then died out.
December 28, 1937 Big wind all day at zero.
Blew Cads veranda roof off in front of Roadhouse. Busy
making fires all day up to midnight. Roof on Gus’ warehouse
going. Dr. Baughman, old time Alaska doctor, passed out in
Juneau. No Outside radio. Flood in Seattle side
December 29, 1937 Big wind all day, temperature
zero. Received wire from Florence, got cash offer $4,500
for Seymour, Eyota farm. Busy keeping up fires all day.
10 PM wind blowed down to 10 miles per hour. No Outside long
wave, short wave weak, got London news.
December 30, 1937 Big 3 day wind died out PM
Zero weather. Arnold Edlund and Fritz Kessler in
town on vacation, off bridge gang. PM Kenneth filled coal
bin. Burned up extra ton during wind storm. Colony
farmers hit bad by storm. No long wave, short wave weak.
Now on inventory.
December 31, 1937 Weather clear, temperature
zero, -40 Inside at McCarthy, zero at Seward. Marie Martha
and grandmother left for weekend at Anchorage. Wired Florence
to accept $4,500 for Seymour farm, later no sale. No Outside
radio, missed holiday programs this Christmas.
December Memo: Stanley’s social security
number xxx-xx-xxxx, issued 8/18/1937 at Juneau by Social Security
board. Marie Martha and Grandma doing Anchorage on New
Year, Stanley and self on inventory. Alaska population 71,911.
1938
January 1, 1938 Open AM. Clear, no snow,
zero. Packed order for Caswell Lake fur farm. Took
inventory of motor oils, radio batteries and smoked meats.
Ate dinner with grandson, not able to walk yet. Ma and
Marie at Anchorage. Long wave NG, short wave mushy. Took
annual bath.
January 2, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy, 10 above.
Store open 9 to noon as usual. Got Outside mail AM, no
freight today. Ma and Marie still at Anchorage.
One relief on cash sales, no monthly statements account credit
sales. Ate dinner with Buddy Jr.
January 3, 1938 Weather cloudy, warmer, 20
above. Wasilla white again, 1/8” snow. Working
on inventory. Ma and Marie Martha returned from Anchorage
on PM freight. Rugs arrived for new house. No Outside
radio. School opened again. Thirty below zero at Copper
River.
January 4, 1938 Snowed 2” last
night, 30 above. Railroad making repairs at depot after
big wind storm. Gus got his wind charger back in place after
big wind. Cleaned walks and finished tabulating basement
groceries. All grocery Dept. taken. Loyalists getting
best of Spain rebels.
January 5, 1938 Business normal, morning rain,
40 above. First Chinook on today. McDougal and
Shorty in with Cat and sled for supplies and radio batteries.
Mine Ellec in from Knik with Tin Lizzie. All working on inventory.
No radio, only KFQD. Congress to give Alaska 2½ million
for 1938.
January 6, 1938 Chinook, 40 above. Busy
on inventory. Took part hardware in warehouse aft store,
gas, motor oils, etc. Wind blew Eklutna school bus off Knik
River bridge. Paddy wired back to Seattle. Midnight
eves dropping. Only short wave radio and local station news.
January 7, 1938 Warm, 40 above. Got orders
and mail off AM. Stanley left, again, for Seattle account
vertebra, back trouble and to sell his quartz mine. Ma
and self working on inventory. Radio fair, got 8 PM news,
mostly war talk.
January 8, 1938 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Ma and self on inventory. Stanley leaving Seward on SS
Baranoff for Seattle. Wrote O and O re-cash business.
Oscar and Barney started on railroad ice contract on Lake Wasilla.
Radio fair.
January 9, 1938 Sunday, sprinkle of snow last
night, 14 to 24 above. On inventory. Cad and McDougal
back from Anchorage via highway. Railroad agent paid August
to November back bill. Prof. Kleck moved from Frank ______
house to Cads bungalow. Evening, colder, rain AM? Long
wave fair, early then died out. Loyalists gaining on Spain rebels.
January 10, 1938 Business normal. Colder,
10 above to 10 below. Shorty in for McDougal and supplies.
Freight arrived, got 15 boxes fresh apples, necked them to store
with Yukon sled on ice. Jack Fabyan on a drunk. Mrs.
Bergman in Anchorage hospital again account rupture. Only
local radio. Alaska boats tied up account strike.
January 11, 1938 Temperature 10
above, windy. Shorty and McDougal left with Cat and sled
trailer for Fern Mine. Railroad installing gas water pump
in depot. Fifteen minute earthquake in Japan. Mail routed
by Vancouver, B. C. Seattle to Juneau account strike.
January 12, 1938 Business hungry. Light
wind, 10 above. Ma on clothing, self on hardware inventory.
Harry Sears over from ranch at Palmer. Frank Swanson up
from Anchorage to replace roofing blown off house. Wire came,
Seattle strike on Alaska boats settled, coming north tomorrow.
Radio NG, Wilkins flew from McKenzie River to Point Barrow.
January 13, 1938 Weather cold, zero to 10 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Got out-mail but no mail boat
at Seward this week account Seattle longshoreman strike.
Gus Gillis, salesman, visited account car load of orders.
Rufe Stephan out from Knik.
January 14, 1938 Weather colder,
10 below zero. On inventory, groceries and clothing departments
about finished. Roosevelt now counseling with big business
instead of trying to force New Deal on them. Radio fair.
January 15, 1938 Weather warmer,
windy 10 to 20 above. Busy on hardware inventory.
Train arrived but no Outside mail. Got 1 order from north
and 1 order from Palmer. Marie Martha bunking with her
grandma for a change. Short wave good, no long wave, all static.
KFQD only news.
January 16, 1938 Sunday, cloudy, warmer, 30
above. Self working on hardware shelf inventory.
Wasilla basketball teams got done up right in Anchorage last night.
Sir Wilkens made one flight around North Pole, saw nothing of lost
Russian fliers. Trusty in from Wasilla Mines last night.
Neither short or long wave today, dead .
January 17, 1938 Weather cloudy, 30 above.
Still on hardware shelf inventory. Ten thousand articles
to count. Berg and Wade up from Matanuska for small grocery
outfit. Eva got wire from Stanley in Seattle, OK.
Chinamen put Jap's on run today. Short wave fair, no long wave.
Moshier in to trade.
January 18, 1938 Temperature 20 to 30 above.
Delayed mail, account strike, arrived PM, came to Seward by
Revenue Cutter from Juneau. Took some inventory in warehouse
aft store. U. S. Army bombers left San Diego for Honolulu
today, trial flight. One inch snow. Radio mushy, mostly
foreign news.
January 19, 1938 Business dead.
Weather cloudy, 20 above. Self on screw and bolt inventory.
Paid Seattle invoices. Wired Stanley for radio batteries.
Jack’s back gave out on ice job. Sharon giving away his
litter of pups. No Outside radio.
January 20,1938 A-1 day, 20 above. Filled
up coal shoot in new house and fixed exhaust pipe from electric
gas engine. On hardware inventory. Finished out-mail
and audit on social security tax. News, all crime in States.
Radio mushy, all war talk and crime.
January 21, 1938 Weather colder, 10 above.
Boat mail went south. Stanley and Paddy at Windsor Apartment
Hotel in Seattle. Sent in audit, 6 months Social Security
tax. Gus and Monte helping on railroad ice contract.
No long wave, short wave weak. Zink got bad cold.
January 22, 1938 Business still slow.
Weather colder, zero to 10 below. On shelf hardware inventory
all day. Mail arrived 6 PM, got 2 tons merchandise coming
Sunday freight pears, bananas and lettuce came on passenger hot
car. Chicago ___ kidnapper caught and most of ransom money.
Long wave dead, Mexico and Germany on short wave.
January 23, 1938 Sunday, weather colder,
zero to -14. Store open 3 hours AM for the absent minded.
No freight today. Marie and Buddy got puppy dog for playmate,
named him Spot. Chas Isaac’s being treated by old Doc Wiggles
for back trouble. short wave good, S and W and Jello
program.
January 24, 1938 Weather warmer, 10 above.
Took all Graniteware on high shelves and ceiling hooks.
Freight arrived 6 PM. Jake helping to truck over 4 hand
loads perishables. St. Clair up from Finger Lake to trade.
No snow on auto roads to date. No long wave, short wave good.
January 25, 1938 Business fair, A-1 day,
zero to 18 above. Busy in store AM. Mine Elleck
out form Knik with dog team for radio batteries etc. PM
Jake and self hauled over 2 tons new merchandise from freight
shed and put truck load coal in store bin.
January 26, 1938 Weather cloudy, 10 above to
zero. Marked up and stored away new merchandise.
Store gas lamp on bum. Joe Palmer back from Caswell trap
line account liver trouble. Gus got 25 ton car Healy coal.
Paid Seattle invoices received on 24th. Radio fair. Big
ice jam at Nenana.
January 27, 1938 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Got mail ready for Seattle. Found letter in Florence
Blackman’s Christmas card that their 14 year old daughter died
last fall. Wrote Fred C. J. Peterson, old timer, had 70
rabbits for his fur farm. Short wave OK only. McDougal
in, went to Anchorage.
January 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, zero weather.
Mail went south. Self on hardware shelf inventory.
Post Master said he was resigning. Wasilla Mines truck
in for freight. Answered Florence Blackman letter regarding
Sylvester farm sale. Only local radio, long wave dead.
January 29, 1938 Temperature
10 above to 10 below. Self on shelf hardware inventory,
counting less than dozen lots, slow work. Had Harry White
recharge Onan storage batteries. Outside mail arrived.
Stanley saw new doctor that found cause of his nerve trouble.
Only local radio. Temperature 15 to 31 above Inside with snow,
Copper River -30.
January 30, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
10 above to 4 below zero. Usual AM Sunday trade.
PM, self on hardware inventory. Radio batteries, wired for,
arrived. Posted up week register sheet. Old John and
Jack getting in summers wood off Lake Lucille. Hartley hauling
freight to Wasilla Mines. Sun spots, no radio.
January 31, 1938 Business slow, January
sales 40% off. Shipped Yukon sled to Palmer and 45 rabbits
to Peterson Fur Farm, Anchorage, for Fred Davis. Got 1936
and 1937 Eyota farm report. Cash on hand, $231.08, interest
and taxes due, $514.10. Back rentals improved.
January Memo: “Open Winter”, no snow
in Wasilla. Auto road good to Fishhook Inn. Inventory
about completed. Ma and self in store. January business
off 40%, no payrolls. Stanley in Seattle, 2nd trip account
spinal trouble. January A-1 weather.
February 1, 1938 Temperature 20 above and windy
all day. Ladies held food sale in our store account starting
public library in Wasilla. Auto supplies yet to inventory.
Mrs. Bergman, section foreman’s wife, passed out, was very fleshy
and had cancer. One of White brothers passed out at Palmer.
Outside radio dead, local station only.
February 2, 1938 Business rotten.
Partly cloudy, zero. Self taking auto supply inventory.
12M Colony farm chickens now laying eggs, 60% big and small.
Business meeting in Washington D. C. a hot one, all talking at
once. FDR spending 20 million day. Just a whisper
on long wave.
February 3, 1938 Cold wave, 14 to 20 below
zero. Ellexson’s out from Knik with Tin Lizzie to trade.
Self on auto inventory. Art Gillam down again on 2nd trip
to Point Barrow. Eva left for visit at Seldovia, siwashes
and fisherman! No Outside radio. Two Army bombers collided,
all killed on Pacific.
February 4, 1938 Fifth big wind of winter,
temperature zero with 30 mile wind all day. Mail went
south and several people to attend Mrs. Bergman’s funeral in
Anchorage. Wasilla playing Eklutna basketball to night at
Eklutna. Marie with us and baby Jr. With Oberg’s while
mother visiting at Seldovia. No long wave. Congress
backing FDR on crazy war.
February 5, 1938 No business, big wind
all day, +4. Busy keeping up fires and temperature to
+60 inside rooms. Auto road blocked 4 miles out from Anchorage.
Yet to take on inventory. Whisper on long wave. Mail
train arrived at 11:30 PM.
February 6, 1938 Sunday, +12, wind died
out. Finished hardware shelf inventory. Shorty brought
in 6 Fern miners account no water to operate mill, plane took them
to Anchorage account highway being blocked by wind. Only
5 tons coal left out of car lot.
February 7, 1938 A-1 day, zero to -10, wind
died out, feels good. Joe Palmer returned to his trap line
on Kashwitna River. Freight arrived. Fishhook Inn
Roadhouse wife back after burying her husband. Ten men laid
off at Fern Mine account no water. Radio mushy. Harvey
Firestone, tire maker, passed out.
February 8, 1938 A-1 day, zero weather.
Tabulating inventory. Mrs. Oberg brought Buddy down to
store to see his grandmother. Marie Martha out to dinner
at Mrs. Slumberger’s. Bought 2 tons Healy coal off Gus,
fuel short. Long wave dead, short wave fair.
February 9, 1938 Business normal.
Zero weather to -12. Sold $42 cook stove. Jack
Fabyan on usual birthday drunk. Turned down $40 order
account no cash. Hurd’s school bus gone haywire. Congress
bucking Navy expansion. Outside long wave dead, short wave
OK.
February 10, 1938 Still zero weather.
Made out drug and grocery fill-in order. California hit
bad by wind storm, several killed. Women now boycotting
Jap silk goods account war on China. Beiler home. Long
wave dead, news from local station.
February 11, 1938 Mild wind, +20. Regular
mail went south. Mrs. Isaac’s gave Palmer the once over
today. Marie Martha visits her baby brother at Oberg’s twice
a day, lives with grandma while her mother digs clams at Seldovia
and her Papa in Seattle. Only long wave, 10 PM, news local station.
February 12, 1938 Windy, +22. Added up
25 hardware inventory sheets. Seattle mail arrived on
time. Stanley wrote he was getting along fine, expected
to leave on 19th for Wasilla. Big opening of old Fishhook
Inn tonight.
February 13, 1938 Sunday, wind died out,
20 to 30 above. All Wasilla sleeping today after Fishhook
Inn opening and basketball game at Palmer last night. Eighteen
days rain and wind raised havoc in California. Marie Martha
received Valentines from her Dad in Seattle, Eva digging clams.
February 14, 1938 A-1 day, 22 to 30 above.
Boat freight arrived, had 7 hand truck loads of cks. and tob.
Cellar window out at Eva’s house, she departed, leaving all doors
unlocked. Andy Trent in for mail, also Dan Gray. Short
wave OK PM, long wave dead, local station OK.
February 15, 1938 Mine Elleck out from Knik
with Tin Lizzie to trade. “Baranoff” lost part of her propeller
blade near Ketchikan, will be 4 days late at Seward. Buddy
and Marie Martha dedicated to mother Eva, Red Sails in Sunshine
while catching clams at Seldovia, Alaska. Short wave good
all day, long wave dead.
February 16, 1938 Warming up, 30 above, evening
windy. Priced up cks. and tob. Installed 100 new
ledger sheets in NCR ledger. Lawrence and Sharon replacing
tank and pipe frozen in Eva’s house while she is at Seldovia.
Long wave good, 1st time in weeks, short wave good.
February 17, 1938 Weather warmer, 32 above
and windy. Clearing up office bills and old invoices.
Wasilla girl and boys basketball won over Eklutna
last night. Fur fizzles gave a Fur Rendezvous program over
KFQD. Wind storm in States killed 8. Short wave OK,
long wave 10 to 11 PM only.
February 18, 1938 Big wind, 20 above.
Got out-mail and power of attorney for Clarence T. Perkins to
run my Eyota, Minnesota farms, as caretaker. Mail train south
tomorrow with 100 for Anchorage fur sale. A lot coming by plane
to Rendezvous. Short wave OK, long wave NG. Hitler got control
of Austria.
February 19, 1938 No business, big wind,
+10. Busy with fires to keep temperature up to 60 in store
and annex. Rendezvous train from north to Anchorage.
No mail boat at Seward until Tuesday 22nd. Russian scientists
taken off ice flow. Both long and short wave radio fair.
All eyes on Hitler.
February 20, 1938 Sunday, +12, wind died
out. Floods in Arkansas, 20,000 homeless. All Europe excited
account Hitler get ting rule over Austria. China putting
one over Jap's on last drive. Started to post 1937 ledger
accounts. Stanley on Saturday “Alaska” sailing.
February 21, 1938 Got January, February and
March posted in ledger. Wasilla teams beaten in sport events
at Anchorage. Britain’s Premier resigned over trouble with
Italy and Germany. Time for another war. Delayed mail
due 23rd, freight due 27th. Radio good all stations.
Government boat lost at Westward.
February 22, 1938 Store open AM, 6” new snow,
+30. Wasilla white after 2 months no snow. Posted
April in ledgers. “Baranof” in at Seward. Juneau sports
flew over to Anchorage, Fairbanks beat them at basketball.
Anchorage Fur Show wound up today. Fairbanks won all sport
games. No long wave, short wave fair.
February 23, 1938 Chinook, +38 past 24 hours.
Got ledger posted to July 1937. Fairbanks Special went north
9 AM. Mail train arrived 10:30 PM, broke axle out at Anchorage.
Chinamen dropped 20 bombs on Japan today. England all broke
up over Premier resigning. Radio fair.
February 24, 1938 Chinook, +40 all day.
Posting 1937 ledger. Got out Seattle mail. Got “Baranoff”
mail AM. Stanley and Paddy still working in Seattle to
sell Craigie Creek New Bullion Mine. Fur sale on at Anchorage.
Radio fair, all war talk in Europe and China.
February 25, 1938 Chinook Shower,
+42. Snowfall gone again in Wasilla. McNally’s in
to trade. Shorty quit work at Fern Mine, time for a drunk?
Eva’s mother, from Dillingham, at Anchorage. Eva arrived at
Anchorage from Seldovia. Put 2 tons coal in furnace bin, off
Gus. No long wave, short wave mushy. Vic Blodgett in.
February 26, 1938 Chinook, +44. Beeler
offered $900 for his log house. F. Marion and G. Herning
on boat leaving Seattle today. Eva returned from 23 days
digging clams at Seldovia, baby Jr. didn’t know her. Nine
months posted in ledger. Long wave NG. Vic Blodgett returned
to Pittman. Many got colds in Wasilla.
February 27, 1938 Sunday, cloudy, Chinook,
+48 and rain. Shipped $50 order to Joe Brassel
at Willow Station. Only November and December to post
in 1937 ledger. Marie Martha moved her bed back home after
24 days with her grandmother. Radio fair, got 8 PM news, all
war talk.
February 28, 1938 Chinook, frost out 2”, +44.
AM, self and Jake hauled over 2 tons new merchandise from set-out,
pricing up and storing away same. Davis shipped 58 rabbits
to Peterson Fur Farm, Anchorage. Three quarters got 1st colds
and Mrs. Cad in bed. Long wave silent, local station all war
news.
February Memo: Last week in February, wound
up with Chinook, 40 to 48 above. February was a windy month.
As yet, no snow in Wasilla. Fred Nelson still working on bros.
new house. Beeler family moving to Anchorage, selling house
for $800. Radio 50% off all winter. Stanley and Paddy
left Seattle for Wasilla on “Mt. McKinley”. Eva back from
23 day trip to Seldovia digging clams? Ma and Pa and Marie Martha,
K. T. Co. storekeepers. Business off 50%.
March 1, 1938 Chinook 44 to 60 above, real
spring day. Busy pricing up new merchandise. Got
November 1937 ledger posted. Buddy walking. Relief
patrons got their monthly checks. Jap's about finished drive
on China. Radio fair, got Outside news, another kidnapped in
New York.
March 2, 1938 Chinook, +44 rain last night.
PM finished posting 1937 NCR ledger, now ready to make out 1937
income tax report. Capt. Nick Gaikema visited, posting
notices account Churchill estate. No long wave, short wave good
Negro University program.
March 3, 1938 A-1 spring
day, 22 to 40 above. Self busy tabulating ledger for 1937
income tax report. Got out Seattle mail. California
hit by another flood, over 100 drowned, 15,000 homeless, why live
in Alaska? White’s in town. No long wave, short wave
OK. News all war talk.
March 4, 1938 Business normal.
A-1 day, 30 to 36 above. Received $50 order from
Big Lake fur farm. Mail went south. Mail boat due
Seward 12:30 PM, March 5th, one day late. Paddy and Stanley
on this boat. California flood, 10 million damage. In
store all day.
March 5, 1938 A-1 spring day, 22 to 40 above.
Finished tabulating ledger, now ready to file 1937 income tax.
No mail train today, over 11,000 homeless account California flood,
damage estimated at 50 million, many $50,000 houses
washed away. Paddy and Stanley arrived Seward. Short wave
OK, no long wave. Frost out in Wasilla.
March 6, 1938 Sunday. A-1 day,
14 to 32 above. Store open 3 hours AM as usual.
No mail train today, mail boat anchored in fog off Resurrection
Bay. Railroad ice contractors through, now hauling ice for
Cads beer joint, self got 1,000 pounds account making ice cream.
No long wave, short wave good.
March 7, 1938 A-1 day, 4 above to 38 above.
Frost out of ground on side street. Finished 1937 income
tax report. Loss on business $480.60, profit on rent and
bank deposit, $643.32, exempt $2,500 , hence no tax to pay.
Stanley and Paddy arrived 4 PM from Seattle, also Roy Morrison.
Short wave OK, Firestone program OK.
March 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 30 to 38 above.
Boat freight arrived, 2 days late. Boyce delivered load
wood to pay for glass broken, in store, by his oldest girl.
Self got kink on right hip. Forty Mile Miller applied for raise
in pension. Seed box arrived. Radio fair, long wave 7
to 9 only.
March 9, 1938 Rechecked totals on ledger, found
only 3 mistakes 1 year. Got out orders and mail.
Fairbanks Ice Tournament train passed through 9 AM. Gus
went to Anchorage account income tax. Mrs. Strigga moved
to Wasilla, quit her old man. Short wave good, no long wave.
March 10, 1938 New snow last night, Wasilla
white again after two months no snow, unusual open winter, but
lots of wind. Self nursing kink in right hip. Mail
train went south, back on summer schedule. Radio good, all
war talk .
March 11, 1938 Weather cloudy, 32 above, sprinkle
of snow. Cleared off 140’ of walks AM. Taking balance
off 1937 ledger. Max Baer won over Tom Farley in 15 rounds
but got a good beating. Boat mail arrived PM. Hitler
sent troops into Vienna and took over Austria. Radio good.
March 12, 1938 Temperature
30 to 38 above, PM clear. Self balancing up 1937 ledger.
Noon, Stanley and family (except Marie’s pup) left for weekend
at Anchorage with Slumdinger car and lover? Hitler’s troops
took charge Austria today. Short wave OK.
March 13, 1938 Sunday. Cloudy,
light wind, 30 above. Store open 3 hours AM as usual.
Boat freight arrived PM, got butter, eggs, vegetables and fruit
and trucked it to store. Myself, England and France worried
over Austria going over to Germany. Slumdinger party back
from Anchorage 6 PM.
March 14, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 35 above.
Self checking 1937 ledger balance. Oscar Anderson finished
railroad ice contract on Lake Wasilla. Pac-Ala-Wasilla
Mine Co. loading car ore concentrates to ship to Tacoma.
Most everyone got colds in Wasilla. Long wave NG, short wave
OK PM. All war talk in Europe account Austria.
March 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 32 above.
Self working on books. All Europe about to go to war
again. Hitler declared himself as dictator over Austria,
his birthplace and Germany. Our U. S. Navy on war practice
in Pacific Ocean. CIO Lewis on the air, London hookup,
telling the world about labor. Radio good. Snowing
Seward to Anchorage, none here.
March 16, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 30 above.
Got 1937 NCR ledger balanced. Bert’s Drug Store man,
at Palmer, visited about $15 sled shipped to Simpson collect
and not paid Also had a big bunch of bills for collection
account wildcat sales on credit. Radio fair, all war talk
in Europe over Hitler taking Austria.
March 17, 1938 Snow flurries, 20 to 30 above.
Mail went south. Zink went to Anchorage. Sharon fixing
up well, etc. at Fritzler ranch for Strigga family. Marie
Martha and brother got bad colds. German and Italian air pilots
helping Spanish rebels, killed 400, 1200 hurt. Radio fair.
March 18, 1938 Snow flurries, 20 to 30 above.
Hitler on the air 9 to 10 AM, said Germany took over Austria
to save civil war in Austria. Poland mobilizing troops vs.
Italy. Rebels making hard drive on Spanish royal troops,
by air. Radio good.
March 19, 1938 Weather cloudy, 16 to 28 above.
Put up one trapper order. War clouds easing off in Europe.
Ex-President Hoover over there, said there would be no immediate
war. Mail from Outside arrived. Floyd Smith visiting
Fleck brothers. Radio good, all stations on the air.
March 20, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy,
colder zero to 32 above. Usual AM trade, customers after
their weekend mail. Mrs. Fleck visiting at Stanley Jr.’s home.
Marie Martha at home with cold in head and ear trouble. No
freight today. Radio fair, both long wave and short wave.
March 21, 1938 Cold snap, 30 above to 8 below
zero. Boat freight arrived, 2 days late. One block,
in Fairbanks, burned out. Eva’s mother and Clyde Smith returned
to Anchorage by auto car. Chinamen drove Jap's back across
Yellow River. Mrs. President Roosevelt flew to Seattle.
Long wave weak, short wave OK. Marie Martha home with cold.
March 22, 1938 Nels Larson in Palmer Hospital,
old trouble, miners lung trouble. Sun across the line,
summer got to come soon. Mussolini wants to grab a piece
of war Spain, John Bull says no, all war talk now. Outside
radio dead.
March 23, 1938 Two inches snow last night,
22 to 30 above. Fritzler’s moved from Gus’ shack to Frank
Swanson’s cabin. Mine Ellick out from Knik with Tin Lizzie,
had to run in low, now 6” snow on auto roads. President Roosevelt
on vacation in the south. Congress sparring over New Deal
legislation.
March 24, 1938 More snow, 4 to 22 above.
Self nursing lame knee account fall off ladder a month ago,
got wind puff, like on a horse. Cars still going to Fishhook
Inn. Stanley made apricot ice cream. All war talk in
Europe again. Radio weak.
March 25, 1938 Snowed 1½’ at mines last
night. Cleaned off sidewalks. Mail train
on time for once. Marie Martha still at home account cold.
Montgomery in with car from aviation field on Fishhook Creek.
March 26, 1938 Alaska canneries held up by
labor account wages. Jap's agreed to keep out of Bristol
Bay salmon district. Spanish rebels, with aid of German
and Italian bombing planes, got the Royal government about whipped.
Radio NG. Basketball at Town Hall tonight, $1 each.
March 27, 1938 Sunday, clear and colder,
4 to 20 above. Store open 3 hours to supply the absent
minded. Mussolini warned France not to help Spanish Royal
government. Still Hitler and El Duce are helping the insurgent
rebel army in Spain? Jap's going to bombard missions in China
if they harbor any Chinamen.
March 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, 20 above.
No Easter eggs as yet. Sold a trapper outfit on north
train. Hauled over 2 truck loads new merchandise from set-out,
PM pricing up same. Chinamen now planting crops.
Spring weather in northern U. S. States. Marie Martha around
again. Short wave OK, no long wave. All war talk in Europe.
March 29, 1938 Finished pricing up new merchandise.
Installed iron pipe banister rail in new house. Snow storm
in northern states blocked traffic today. Congress appropriated
money to help small businesses. Radio fair, got 8 PM news.
March 30, 1938 Weather cloudy, 32 to 40 above.
Got out-mail and spring orders. Marie Martha drove over
to Palmer to see doctor about tonsils. All war talk today,
Mussolini said he would send 8 million soldiers over, 20M pilots
and was ready for war. England ranks 4th on war material.
March 31, 1938 Chinook, 42 above all day.
Mail went south, Ma too, to spend weekend at Anchorage, Purple
Ball, etc. Ellexson’s out from Knik with Tin Lizzie.
U. S. Navy on war practice at Honolulu, lost 2 planes, 2 men saved.
Stanley Sr. caught Seldovia crabs? Only short wave.
Mrs. McNeil went to Eklutna.
April 1, 1938 Payday for indigents. Temperature
+44. Gaston bought $12 grub, leaving $23 out
of relief check for booze: sample of man making $1,000 a year
and now living off tax payers. Ma at Anchorage. Finished
installing banister rail in new house. Short wave OK, long wave in
late, 10 PM got news.
April 2, 1938 First spring day, 52 above.
Pac-Ala in with 2 trucks for freight. Big dance on at Fishhook
tonight. Marie Martha’s birthday, 6 years old. Grandpa
broke, gave her $1 bill. Ma still doing Anchorage.
Short wave OK, got KSL midnight news.
April 3, 1938 Sunday, second spring day,
54 above. Snow all gone again and streets drying up. Scrubbed
floor and re-oiled same. Ma back from weekend at Anchorage.
The rebels made a big drive on Spanish Loyalists. Radio mushy.
April 4, 1938 Third spring day, 50 to 60 above.
Self put headers on wallboard joints in attic of new house.
Frost coming out and cars cutting holes in auto roads.
Nels Larson now on pension list, making a living off tax payers,
after blowing their money.
April 5, 1938 Fourth spring day, 50 to 60 above.
Roads all cut up to autos. Self assembled breakfast nook
in new house. Thorpe putting galvanized iron roof on Post
Office building. Wrote Pauli about business conditions at
Wasilla and mines. Radio NG.
April 6, 1938 Fifth spring day, 40 to 50 above.
Self working in new house on nook and cupboards. Independence
in with 2 trucks for freight. Section Foreman, Bergman,
in hospital. Got out order for clothing, S. F. No money
for road work on railroad. Streets now dry.
April 7, 1938 Sixth spring day, 52 above.
Assembled 7 cupboard drawers and shellacked same. Snider
sent in for small order to do assessment on High Grade Mine.
FDR asked Congress to appropriate four billion for relief and ex-unemployed.
Got KNX news.
April 8, 1938 Seventh spring day, 44 to 70
above. Sandpapered and stained breakfast nook in new
house. Mail arrived and 200 passengers on train for Inside.
Jap drive, today, rebels in Spain gaining on Loyalists. Short
wave OK, long wave NG. Ma and Eva at Palmer movies.
April 9, 1938 Eighth spring day, 30 to 50 above.
Rubbed down and varnished nook. Pac--Ala Mines hauling
in concentrates and cutting up road. Oscar Tryck back from
visit in States. Hitler given warning if he comes to Austria,
will be shot? Liebing drove to Gold Cord.
April 10, 1938 Sunday, in store AM, had
usual absent minded customers. PM, made up weekly cash
report. Boat freight arrived PM. Floods may come in
Ohio district after snow. Chinamen did up Jap's today.
All stations on the air at 6 PM. Congress backing relief bill.
April 11, 1938 Cloudy, cooler, 30 to 42 above.
Finished varnishing nook and started on work table in new house.
Diamond raised funds for railroad repairs. Fern received
tank car of oil. Stanley repainting inside walls in his
house. Chinamen now cleaning up on Jap's. Radio fair.
April 12, 1938 Self on new cupboards of new
house. President Roosevelt asked Congress, today, to appropriate
over 4 billion to care for Relief and business now over taxed?
What about coming generations? Radio fair.
April 13, 1938 Worked on work table in new
house. Buddy Brown turned over truck load Fern tank oil.
Stanley went to Palmer and drove back ARR Co-op Cat bought by
Gus. Paddy moved into Miller’s shack.
April 14, 1938 Partly cloudy, 38 to 52 above,
mail went south. Self on work table PM. Rebels gaining
ground in Spain and Chinamen defeating Jap's in interior China.
Mid-week boat. Only local radio. Signed Mrs. Cad
for school board.
April 15, 1938 In office AM. PM on work
table and cupboard in new house. Outside mail and bananas
arrived. Sent in Social Security report ending March 31st.
Chinamen killed over 10M Jap's today. War in China.
Only local radio. Buddy now walking in store.
April 16, 1938 Self on work table new house.
Lucky Shot Mine closed down, mine sold to Canadian man.
Gus got contract to haul 20 ton freight to mines. Chinamen
cleaning up on Jap's. Spanish rebels gaining ground.
Radio and wireless haywire account northern lights. Dance
at Fishhook Inn.
April 17, 1938 Sunday, cloudy, cooler,
30 to 40 above. May have more winter, yet, after 12 days
spring weather. April 25th is the average breakup.
Boat freight arrived 3 PM, got 1 truck load of groceries and building
material. Hauled out tin cans from tin can cook dump.
No Outside radio. Special Easter program over local station.
April 18, 1938 Self on combination work table
on new house. St. Clair’s in for Calamine and strips.
Big fight on in Congress over Roosevelt’s 4 billion relief bill
to spend it as he sees fit, bad business for coming generation?
Not a sound on long wave and short wave weak. Victor Marshall
back.
April 19, 1938 Gus and Stanley loaded Mabel
mill on 2 wagons to haul with Cat. Self on work table in
new house. Jap's brought in fresh troops where defeated
by Chinamen recently. Spring weather gone, winter weather
on.
April 20, 1938 Business dead, light rain,
42 above. Snow in hills, Bald Mt. white down to timber.
Stanley and Paddy, with Cat, hauled out 2 wagons, 5 ton mill for
Mabel Mine. Boat day late at Seward. Uncle Sam quit
buying Mexican silver account confiscating American oil in Mexico.
Radio dead, local station only.
April 21, 1938 Stanley back from landing Mabel’s
new mill. A consignment of breeding mink arrived by
express for valley farmer. Self on work table PM.
Roads in fair condition. again. Frost well out of ground.
April 22, 1938 Finished drawers and cabinet
work on work table, four large drawers and 2 compartments for
pots and pans. China getting best of Jap-China war, rebels
getting best of Spain. Government $25,000 committee
appointed to come and look over Alaska, vacation?
April 23, 1938 Started to make cabinet for
spices, etc. over work table. Standard Oil man here for
inspection of oil customers at Mines. Mr. Vail sick,
Nels in from trap lines. Outside radio dead, news on local
station.
April 24, 1938 Sunday, 60 above, priced
up new paints. Shorty and partners left on PM freight
for Cache Creek to prospect some placer ground. No local freight
arrived. Business went in the red, $28.40 last week.
No payroll, hence no business. All Outside radio dead, local
station on from 6 to 8 PM.
April 25, 1938 No business. Partly
cloudy, 50 above all day. Stanley went out to haul
Mabel cables from Fishhook Inn to mine with Gus’ cat.
Self cutting and fitting stainless steel on work table in new house.
Metz spading up garden. Another Colonist house burned.
Outside radio dead, local station news.
April 26, 1938 Got stainless steel cut and
fitted to 24 x 60 work table in new house. No boat freight,
held over at Seward, paid 4 invoices. Primary election, Democrats
in the lead. Outside radio dead. News from local station.
April 27, 1938 Windy, 44 above. Self
on cabinet over work table. Farmers staying home, making
ready to plant May crop. Anchorage raising funds to hire
an instructor to show kids how to play during vacation.
April 28, 1938 Mail went south. Week
delayed freight, at Seward, arrived 5 PM. 12C tons of
mining machinery for Inside. Oscar Bergman, retired section
foreman, died 5 AM, with heart failure, moved, yesterday, into
Beeler’s house, wife died 2 months ago. Ma got bad cold.
April 29, 1938 No business, cloudy, windy,
48 above. U. S. Pacs and Lee clothing arrived. Car
load lumber for Supt. Trusty Pac-Wasilla Mine. Several kids
got the mumps. Ma nursing spring cold. Fish strike
not settled yet. No fish, no taxes for Treasury of Alaska.
Radio fair, got KNX news.
April 30, 1938 Self jointing trimmings on spice
cabinet over work table. May dance on at Wasilla Hall.
Slide on Seward end of railroad delayed mail train one day.
Received refund check on overpaid 1934 taxes. Bill Tryck arrived
home.
May 1, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy 44
to 60 above. Morning like summer, PM cloudy and cooler.
Boat freight arrived 3 PM. Forty Mile Miller got nervous
spell, couldn’t sign his relief check, Stanley and Paddy drove
him over to Palmer Hospital, now 84? Sleepy town after last
night dance. No radio, local station off air Sunday during summer
daylight.
May 2, 1938 Relief customers received their
monthly checks, living off industry. Chinamen killed
10M Jap's today, tide turning. Hauled over 2 truck loads
of groceries and clothing from freight shed, priced up same.
Only local radio and world news.
May 3, 1938 Trusty in, Independence hauling
out car lumber. Self on china cabinet for new house.
Bergman buried by Mason’s in Anchorage today. Ma still has
cold. Mrs. Isaac’s on sick list. Local radio.
Chinamen put Jap's on run today.
May 4, 1938 Nels Larson brought in from his
trap line account heart trouble, went to Palmer Hospital.
Gus, Stanley and family drove to Anchorage for Mabel freight,
boat got caught in channel, couldn’t unload freight. No Outside
radio. Chinamen now putting Jap's on the run.
May 5, 1938 Business 50% off. A-1
day, 44 to 60 above. Joe Palmer went to Anchorage to sell
his furs. Mine operators opening old winter road, Knik to
Goose Bay, for Cat hauling. McDougal left for Outside to visit
his wife on vacation all winter. Chinamen now doing up the Jap's.
Stanley back from Anchorage, with Mabel freight.
May 6, 1938 A-1 day 46 to
58 above. Weiler disked Metz, Zink’s and my
garden lots. Stanley delivered truck load freight to Mabel
Mine. Smith here to run tunnel on old Frisbie Prospect.
Ice went out of Nenana 8:14 PM today, 6 on lucky number. Big
ice guess over at 8:14 this evening.
May 7, 1938 Business 50% off. A-1
day, 46 to 56 above. Gus and Stanley made round trip to
Anchorage for loads Hawkins freight, Buddy and Mrs. Crab? went
along. Last night, Lawrence and Joy party went over the bank
by lake above Tex Cobb’s place. Bunch of Lucky Shot boys won
$400 , each, on ice pool. No Outside radio. FDR wants
2 billion more for relief.
May 8, 1938 Extra help put on railroad sections.
Smith got car lumber for prospect camp on Archangel Creek.
Gus and Stanley got 2 more loads freight at Anchorage for Mabel
Mine. Farmers now planting gardens. Radio set on
bum.
May 9, 1938 Gus and Stanley hauling Smith’s
lumber to prospect mine on Archangel Creek. Fish strikers
still holding up industry. Forty Mile back from Palmer Hospital.
Only local radio and world news.
May 10, 1938 A-1 day, 40
to 56 above. On china closet PM. Ma still nursing
bronchial cold. Marie Martha went to Anchorage with her
dad for truck load Mabel Mine freight. Forty Mile Miller
claims they shanghaied him to hospital. Only local radio.
Cad covering logs on roadhouse with lumber.
May 11, 1938 A-1 day, 50
to 60 above. Self on china cupboard in new house.
Evening, shellacked cupboard and got out-mail. Bolshevik
Johnson leased the Gold Mint Mine. Hitler back from Italy
and ready to grab more T.
May 12, 1938 A-1 day, 46
to 60 above. Got mail off AM. Mrs. Beeler up from
Anchorage for household goods. Gus slid off glacier with
Cat going to Gold Mint Mine, went in ditch. Stanley hauling
Smith’s lumber for Gus. Willie Edlund opening beer hall.
Only local radio. Mrs. Bixler and kids arrived from Seldovia.
May 13, 1938 A-1 day, light
rain last night. Grass coming green and birch trees leaving
out, summer is here. Mail boat over due 2 days at Seward.
Spring breakup at mines. Colonists selling eggs, 16¢
to 25¢ a dozen. Only local radio with strike news.
May 14, 1938 Self on lawn of new house, raked
off all top sods and put on dirt on shallow spots. No
mail, boat due 6 PM Sunday.
May 15, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
32 to 60 above. Store open AM account absent minded customers.
PM and evening, worked on lawn around new house. Evening,
pumped up pressure tank, coil in store leaked, had to drain tank.
No radio, local station silent Sunday for summer.
May 16, 1938 Cloudy, frost
last night, froze ¼” ice, killed garden truck planted
May 1st. Put new valve leather in new house pump. Evening,
took down winters fly in balcony. Boat mail arrived 4 PM.
Prof. Klex threw dinner party for teachers. Local radio.
Jap's gaining on Chinks.
May 17, 1938 Weather cloudy, cool, 60 above
at noon. Cleaning up in store AM. PM cleaned up Mabel
lot. School had picnic at railroad bridge. Hawkins
wife arrived, also Milo Kelly and wife, went direct to Willow
Station. Cars crashed in London tunnel. Only local
radio. Big airplane lost near Los Angeles on trial trip to
St. Paul.
May 18, 1938 Weather cloudy, +50, snow on mountain
peaks, midnight raining at Wasilla and needed. Busy PM,
2 freight and mail trains here at once, got big truck load of
groceries and hardware. Willie Black arrived. Jap's
cut off Chinamen's grub supply. Only local radio, Cecil and
Sally and world news.
May 19, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers, 60 above.
Busy all day pricing new groceries and storing away. Schonnaker,
Pendelton salesman, here looking for fall orders. Collie
Tryck home from U of A college at Fairbanks. J. B. delivered
tob. from Anchorage with auto. News over local radio station.
May 20, 1938 Weather cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
In store all day. Stanley drove Gus’ truck to Anchorage
for machinery for Mabel Mine, also brought gas and lumber for
K. T. Co. Mrs. Oberg left to cook for Till at Gold Bullion
Mill. Norman Ervine back from Seattle to work at Mabel Mine.
Local radio. Jap fishing boats back in Bristol Bay.
May 21, 1938 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Cleaned up magneto and carburetor on truck. PM hauled
load dirt on new house lawn. Norman went out to work at
Mabel Mine. Jap's announced that, to China, war was half
over. Extra freight north. Only local radio. Dance
at Wasilla Hall.
May 22, 1938 Sunday, windy, still cloudy,
50 to 60 above. PM put 2 more truck loads soil on new house lawn.
Hauled over vegetables and butter from freight train. Nagley
on freight for home at Talkeetna. Wilmoth wants Federal building
for Postmaster. Local radio silent. Paddy left for
Willow with ____.
May 23, 1938 A-1 day, 50 to 66 above.
Put fertilizer on Mabel lot and planted 55 hills of White Rose
spuds. Lawns ready for grass seeding when it stops blowing.
Dan Gray back from Thorpe’s Grubstake Mine, first to come over Fishhook
Pass. Only local radio. Eb and Zeb, Cecil and Sally and
Black and Blue.
May 24, 1938 Norman took Eva and Bixler and
Cad to Sunny Knik for outing. Put 5 more wheel barrows
dirt on new lawn, now ready for grass seed. 20M fisherman
left for Bristol Bay salmon run, strike settled. Only local
radio. Black and Blue back on the air.
May 25, 1938 Weather cloudy, 44 to 56 above.
Stanley drove to Anchorage for load giant powder for Smith
mine. Self smoothed off 3 grass plots and sowed grass
seed. Connected garden hose to pressure tank in new house.
Wrote Diamond account Federal building at Wasilla. Local
radio, another big airplane crashed at Cleveland. War still
on.
May 26, 1938 Partly cloudy, 40 to 62 above.
Got mail off AM boat, 2 days late at Seward. Japan put
in new war generals account slowing up fighting the Chinamen.
Rebels still bombing civilians in Spain. More war talk in
Europe over invasion. Local radio. Judge ordered Alaska
railroad to move cars off dock crossing.
May 27, 1938 Business normal, weather
cooler, 50 above. Self on lawn around new house all day,
surfacing. Stanley drove to Anchorage for truck load freight
for Mabel Mine. Chinamen put Jap's on the run today.
Packed 3 orders for up railroad line. Local radio. War
still on in Spain and China.
May 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, 54 to 66 above.
In store most all day. Got 3 orders packed for railroad
north. Stanley and family went to Anchorage, came back with
a Wells used car. Mail train arrived 11 AM. Ordered
20 ton car Healy coal. Press news over local station.
May 29, 1938 Sunday, A-1 day, 50 to 64
above. Bixler arrived, also Joe Brassel from his trap
line, also Joe Alkire after long time in hospital account crushed
leg in Fern Mine. Reported McDougal sold his lease on Fern
Mine. Sowed Mabel lot in white clover. Local station
silent. Two freight trains went north.
May 30, 1938 Monday Memorial Day, 44
to 64 above. Washed store front AM. PM, Eva took
Ma and Pa and the kids into Sunny Knik to decorate Elmer’s grave,
at rest since 1906. Stanley went to his mine to move 10 ton
mill for prospective buyer of mine, with Lucky Shot Cat. Evening,
American Legion heard on World War program. Two kids kidnapped,
found dead.
May 31, 1938 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
PM worked on china closet. Evening, watered new lawn.
Stanley back from his mine, after moving in a 10 ton mill. Car wrecked
at mile 2. Another
kidnapping in States and airplane wreck
May Memo: May cool weather, rain needed.
Ma chief clerk. Stanley hauling freight to Mabel Mine
and Smith camp. Store for sale, plenty of buyers but no
money. Mines booming in Willow Creek District. Jap's
still fighting China and rebels in Spain.
June 1, 1938 A-1 day, 52
to 68 above. PM cloudy, 11 PM raining. Relief and
indigents failed to get their monthly check. Stanley and
family with Mrs. Slumberger, made round trip to Anchorage in his
new car. Put up awning over side entrance. Aage Hansen
in. Only half the canneries in operation account strike.
June 2, 1938 Business normal, cloudy,
cool, 48 to 58 above. Got mail off AM. Packed up $70
order for Aage Hansen account Willow Creek prospect. Horning
in for freight, had a mess of 1st king salmon. Black bear
around Beeler’s cabin. Bears coming down to meet salmon.
June 3, 1938 Cloudy, 42 to 64 above.
PM on china closet. Stanley went out to work for Smith
on old Frisby prospect. Heinie Snider in from High Grade.
Aage Hansen left for Willow Creek. Capt. Berger won wharfage
case over railroad. Local radio station only.
June 4, 1938 Business normal, cloudy,
cool, 40 to 50 above. Relief checks arrived, busy all day
with relief orders of all kind. Men in from Stanley’s mine
account deep snow, failed to land new mill at mine. PM worked
a while on trimming on china closet. Put up order for Joe Palmer.
Only local radio, short wave haywire. Brill car went north.
June 5, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
cold wind, 50 above. Busy in store AM. PM, got truck
load new merchandise and shipped 2 orders north on railroad.
Evening, put up two $30 orders for Gagnon and Stiles.
Stanley in and Paddy back from mine. Local radio silent.
Busy day in store.
June 6, 1938 Cloudy, cool, 40 to 58 above.
Priced up new hardware and groceries. Ma froze up, crying
for Healy coal. Herman Black in, struck gold vein near old
Bullion Mine, got 40 tons high grade ready to mill. Ellexson’s
in with king salmon. Local radio, Jap's still killing Chinamen.
June 7, 1938 Business normal, cloudy
day, rain, 60 above. Chas Isaac’s bought a $60 prospecting
grub order. Eva and kids made round trip to Anchorage by
auto, brought back case eggs. PM fixed tire on truck.
Rebels still killing families in Spain. Only local radio.
Cecil and Sally found $600 .
June 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 56 above, no real
summer weather yet. Metz replanted his garden.
Self in office all day on orders and mail. Evening, Stanley
in from Smith prospect. Chas Isaac’s and partner left to
prospect. Local radio and press news, war talk increasing.
June 9, 1938 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Brill car now on run. Spain rebels bombing ships,
72 passenger transport plane ready for service at Seattle.
Colonist selling mining timbers, delivered at 2½¢
a foot, cost 5¢ to cut. Local radio, Congress holding up
wage and hour bill.
June 10, 1938 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Mail train went south. In store most of all day.
Painting trimmings on china closet, Chinese red and enamel white.
Making ready to go to Grubstake. Gorilla warfare in Mexico.
June 11, 1938 A-1 day, 54
to 64 above. Light frost, down to 27 last night, killed
Metz’s spuds. Started to make sluice boxes and riffles to
prospect benches at mines. Received first cantaloupes and
new carrots. Local radio, Helmer Oberg back from States, broke.
June 12, 1938 Sunday, cloudy day, rain,
54 to 66 above, usual AM trade. PM made up weekly cash register
account. Priced up 1½ tons new merchandise.
Eva, chauffeur, took Ma and kids to Knik. ARC bulldozer re-graded
Wasilla Avenue to high school and grounds. Radio silent.
Stanley in from Smith prospect.
June 13, 1938 A-1 day, cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Self hauled over 2 truck loads new merchandise from set-out
and transferred ½ ton flour from track warehouse
to warehouse aft of store. First tourists, 17 arrived at McKinley
Park. Paddy and Stanley left for their New Bullion Mine.
Local radio.
June 14, 1938 A-1 summer day, 54 to 72 above.
Marked and stored away new merchandise. PM assembled balance
of china closet drawers. Grau in from Gold Mint Mine,
claimed they found rich ore. Hartley hauling car load new
machinery for Independence Mine. Raining midnight.
Local radio. Cecil and Sally found counterfeiters in tomb.
June 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, cold 54 above,
light rain last night. Self on riffles and sluice box
for mine. Car Healy coal arrived PM. Evening, shellacked
china closet drawers. Stanley in from his mine, snow still
there. Chinamen flooded out the Jap's. Wage and hour
bill passed.
June 16, 1938 Weather cloudy, cold 52 above.
Self and Oberg boys unloaded car coal. Stanley took 5
tons, Smith 2 tons. Eva made round trip to Anchorage with
Mrs. Bixler, Virginia took care of the kids. Big flood, 20
miles wide, in China, drove Jap's out, many drowned. Congress
adjourns tomorrow.
Assessment work cancelled for 1938.
June 17, 1938 First real rain,
42 to 52 above. Worked on riffles PM. Smith and Stanley
straw boss in from Frisby Prospect Mine, opened up $100 pay,
short. George Zink had a shock, paralyzed one side.
Oberg bros. and Bergman on a drunk. Congress adjourned.
Roosevelt Jr. son getting married. Flood in China.
June 18, 1938 Rain, cool, 52 above. Finished
riffles and sluice box. Lumber ready to ship to old placer
mine on Grubstake. McAllen arrived to supervise Fern Mine.
Fishhook Pass opened today. Fresh snow on mountain peaks.
June 19, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
light rain, 50 above. Busy AM. Section men down from
Pittman to trade. Self shipped lumber and grub to Willow
Station for my placer mine. Received 1½ truck loads
new merchandise. Answered G. L. Hurning’s letter at Port Alexander.
Radio silent Sunday. Car freight for mines.
June 20, 1938 Weather cloudy, snow on peaks,
50 above. Busy all AM pricing up $300 tob. shipment.
Making ready to go to Grubstake Placer Mine tomorrow via Fishhook
Pass. Helmer Oberg around town drunk. Eva and Mrs. Bixler
drove to Anchorage.
June 21, 1938 Self and Herbert Oberg left Wasilla,
with Gus’ red car, for Grubstake Placer Mine. Gus drove
to summit, walked down to Willow and Kelly took us to mail box
½ mile from mine. Arrived my cabin 3 PM, found everything
OK. Ma store keeper.
June 22, 1938 Doing assessment work at
Grubstake Placer Mine.
June 23, 1938 At Grubstake Placer Mine.
June 24, 1938 At Placer Mine.
June 25, 1938 At Placer Mine, Willow
Creek.
June 26, 1938 Sunday, A-1 summer day
at Grubstake, back from mines 6 PM, worked on sluice boxes.
At mines six days. Left Grubstake at 4 PM. Caught
Ross Sheeley car at mail box, left Sheeley car at mile 10, arrived
with Bragaw 6 PM. Stanley returned to prospect on Susitna.
Eva took Ma and kids joy riding. Evening got out Seattle mail.
Took bath at midnight. Hitchhiked mines to Wasilla in 2 hours, missed
Stanley’s car.
June 27, 1938 Partly cloudy, 60 above.
Hauled over 2 truck loads of groceries, hardware and drugs
from set-out. Eva drove to Anchorage for tin horn relation
to visit valley and mines. Private airplane crash near
Anchorage, 1 killed. Ken Laughlin here for air AB.
Local radio, press news.
June 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
52 above. Self busy all day and evening pricing up new merchandise.
Had stomach trouble all day. Evening, first 15 minute program
of the Matanuska Broadcaster went on the air, including all business
hours in the valley. Local radio press news. Trouble
in Europe again.
June 29, 1938 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Self nursing gut ache most of day. Priced up hardware and
drugs. Stiles man in for more grub. Congress passed
no assessment work for 1938. Anchorage advertised 3 day July fourth
celebrations. Local radio.
June 30, 1938 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
George Moshier got a grub order, going out for Game Warden,
to clean fish streams of debris . Japan broke, fighting the
Chinamen and killing civilian. June sales off 50%, no road
work. Local radio only.
July 1, 1938 Business rotten. A-1
day, 54 to 64 above. Herb Oberg in from placer mine for
the fourth. Kelly landed balance of sluice lumber and hydraulic
pipe above canyon. Recorded assessment exemption for year
ending July 1, 1938. Dr. Sheppard and party lost at South
Pole. Paid 1938-1939 store licenses. Mrs. Lundstrom
left for Tacoma. Cecil and Sally all broke.
July 2, 1938 Weather cloudy, 62 above, too
cool for garden truck. PM train brought fresh fruit and
vegetables and melons for fourth trade. Mrs. McDougal
back from world tour since last fall. Local radishes.
Monthly relief checks arrived, $300 tax money. Local
radio only. All making ready for 3 day fourth.
July 3, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening raining 64 above. Busy AM selling vegetables
and fruit for 4th July dinner. Metz and Zink left on freight
to celebrate in Anchorage, most Wasilla-ites stayed home.
Evening, Gagnon and wife, from Independence Mine, in for grub order.
No radio. Self nursing old stomach trouble all day.
July 4, 1938 Closed all day, weather
cloudy, rain last night, 50 above. AM put new leather
valves in store pump. PM assembled new copper coil in
cook stove in new house and painted moldings to go on spice and
china closets. Quiet in Wasilla, most people stayed home.
Cecil and Sally looking for job. Eb and Zeb installing broadcasting
set. Gut ache some better.
July 5, 1938 Weather cloudy, cool, 50 to 60
above. Thorpe’s bought small order and Gus drove them
to Grubstake. Stanley in from Smith’s camp. Self
on cupboards. Tourists on northbound train. Anchorage
strike on school house over.
July 6, 1938 Weather cloudy, 50 to 68 above.
Self nursing gut ache all AM. PM worked on kitchen cupboards
in new house, installing doors and varnishing same. Chinamen
drove back Jap's today. Japan about broke.
July 7, 1938 Business dead, cloudy, rain,
52 above. Self nursing pain in gut. Got out-mail
orders and outside mail. Assembled iron wheelbarrow.
Other nations pulling all their subjects out of Spain. Chinks giving
Jap's hell! Local radio. Smith on a drunk at Anchorage.
War on in Jerusalem, Jews and Arabs.
July 8, 1938 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
AM had Herbert help on yard work around new house. PM pumped
up tires and tuned up Olds car for trip to Grubstake Mine.
Mail boat and tourists arrived at Seward. Evening, greased
up Olds car. Evening raining. Local radio. Roosevelt
on tour of south and west States.
July 9, 1938 Partly cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Poor weather for gardens, need sun. Paddy and Stanley
bought outfit account of finding lost gold and copper mine on
Kashwitna once held by Red Kelly. Self nursing gut ache all
day. May Kellogg here, promoting Chickaloon business.
Sold first strawberry crates. Chinks received more bombing
planes and making it hot for Jap's.
July 10, 1938 Sunday, A-1 summer day,
54 to 72 above. Two pack horses left on PM freight, to find
and locate Red Kelly lost mine in Kashwitna District. PM put
final touches on Olds car. Had May Kellogg at dinner.
Gut ache better. Radio silent.
July 11, 1938 Weather cloudy, 58 to 62 above.
May Kellogg hitchhiked to Palmer. Forty Mile Miller on
high horse, wants deed to rear of Lundstrom lot so he can sell
his shacks and move to Homer. Packed outfit in Olds car for trip to
mines. Lundstrom doing repair work at school.
July 12, 1938 Up at 4 AM self and
Herb Oberg left Wasilla 4:30 AM in Olds car, for Grubstake Placer
Mine, arrived at 7 AM packed over grub and nails to cabin.
Worked on skid road. Ma now chief clerk K. T. Co.
July 13, 1938 At placer mine. Ma
running the store at Wasilla. Self at placer mine, July
12th to 24th. Put corrugated iron roof on cache. Blocked
up Craigie and Willow Creek bridge approaches, graveled road.
July 14, 1938 Self at placer mine.
July 15, 1938 Bench sluicing above canyon
on Grubstake Gulch with 12” boxes for prospect.
July 16, 1938 Self at placer mine.
July 17, 1938 Self at placer mine.
July 18, 1938 Self at placer mine, Ma
running K. T. Co. store.
July 19, 1938 Self prospecting benches
at placer mine.
July 20, 1938 At Grubstake placer mine.
July 21, 1938 At Grubstake placer mine,
sluicing on bench under bench ditch, Gilbert basin. Ground
sluicing into boxes.
July 22, 1938 At Grubstake placer mine.
Thorpe’s just started milling ore on Grubstake above Forks, Dan
Gray mill man.
July 23, 1938 Saturday, cleaned up prospect
in bench on Gilbert basin got 2 nuggets and about 2 ounces gold
on a 2 day ground sluice. Evening, packed grub, left in 50
pound cans this trip was 12 days at mines. Started ground sluice
Bear Claim, ready to return to Wasilla 4 AM Sunday.
July 24, 1938 Grubstake to Wasilla.
Up at 4 AM, closed up camp. Left with Olds car 6 AM, parked
at mail box. Above Kelly’s, met 2 cars on one way road,
had to go in ditch to avoid collision, took 2 hour to get car on
road. Arrived Wasilla 9 AM. Ma busy in store account
pay day on Section. Had 1st
strawberries.
July 25, 1938 A-1 day, 60 above. Pricing
up new merchandise all day. Stanley and Soper went to
Anchorage account Johnson making trouble over lease on Stanley’s
mine. Salmon running at Knik and Colonist’s running to meet
them? Tony Diamond spoke over KFQD.
July 26, 1938 Partly cloudy, 62 above.
Self in store most of day. Our freight blocked in set-out
by mining machinery. Stanley back to work at Smith’s camp,
bookkeeper, etc. Sharon in hospital with blood poisoning
in arm. Horning hauling car coal. Matanuska Broadcast
on air, included K. T. Co.
July 27, 1938 Business normal, cloudy,
showers, 64 above. AM hauled over 2 tuck loads new groceries
and hardware. McNally, Goose Bay Road builder, in for grub order.
Everybody going to Knik for salmon. Evening, Stanley in from
mines. Local radio good.
July 28, 1938 Summer day, 60 to 72 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Wired out for meats,
hardware and fruits. Goose Bay Road half finished from Knik.
Plenty of Knik salmon but few strawberries. Passenger train
south 11 PM. Local radio and press news. China-Jap war
still on. Roosevelt touring the west.
July 29, 1938 Second summer day, 60 to 74 above.
Mail went south AM. Wild berries scarce, Bert got 2 gallons.
Shoe drummer visited. Paddy fixing up and moving to Hartman
cabin. Evening, oiled store floor and put patch on knee of
pants. Jap's gained on Chinks. Local radio and press
news.
July 30, 1938 Weather cloudy, rain PM, 50 to
66 above. PM adjusted brakes on Olds car.
Mail arrived PM, no passengers. Salmon arrived at McNeil’s
ranch. Trucks hauling machinery all week to Fern and Independence.
Press news, grasshoppers eating crops in 4 states. Stanley in.
July 31, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening windy, 60 above. Store open 9 to noon, sales fair.
Butter, eggs and bacon arrived on PM freight. Made up weekly
cash register accounts. Evening, finished adjusting brakes
and tightened up rear wheels. Gottstein delivered case LS cigs.
Radio silent Sunday. Lawrence in to see his schoolmarm.
August 1, 1938 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above. Monthly checks, old age
pensions arrived. Busy all AM on grub orders, sales $100
out of $174 checks. Gaston located 40 acre track at
mile 12, Martin’s winter camp. Took off steering rod on Olds
car to repair. Russian’s and Jap's fighting on border.
August 2, 1938 Weather cloudy, 48 to 60 above.
Ma scrubbing floors. PM fixed up loose yoke on steering
rod, Olds car. Put $4 ad in Matanuska Fair circular.
Paid July radio ad over KFQD. Russian and Jap's fighting.
Good local radio.
August 3, 1938 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Russia and Japan fighting over Korea and Siberian border, dropping
bombs from airplanes. Jap's going broke with war on China.
Evening, visited at Pecks ranch and a real ranch. Joe Palmer
bought house. Cecil and Sally appeared on stage with old
white horse. News all political.
August 4, 1938 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
In office AM got out merchandise orders and mail. PM cleaned
up polish on Olds Creek Stanley through at Smith’s camp,
bad back again.
August 5, 1938 Business dead. Partly
cloudy, 56 to 66 above. Only a few salmon running in Cottonwood
Creek but a million or more going up Fish Creek to lakes ending
near Pittman. New York City gave “Hughes” big demo account
around the world in 91 hours.
August 6, 1938 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above.
Self on china and work closets, refitted front door. Bananas
and casabas arrived on 4 PM passenger train. Had second mess
of strawberries, grown in Anchorage? Stanley installed new
aerial. Secretary of the Interior, Harold Ickes and wife due
next boat. All war in China, Russia, Japan, Jerusalem, Spain
and 2 small countries.
August 7, 1938 Sunday, A-1 day, 74 above.
Mowed lawn around new house. Fitted doors on china closet.
PM Stanley took his mother and Mr. Metz up to see Smith prospect.
Brill north but no freight. Radio silent. Many cars
in, Sunday outing.
August 8, 1938 Another warm day 72 above.
AM watered lawn around new house. Very dry, no spuds unless
it rains soon. PM freight got 5 sacks Washington spuds,
had to pick over, mushy. Mrs. Ellexson in for horse to mow
hay for goats and sheep.
August 9, 1938 Another summer day, 70 above.
Self on china closet most of day. Gus delivered 40 cases
oils from Anchorage. Stanley back from Smith’s camp, brought
in his bed. Frank Kelly and old Sam in from mines.
Mrs. Ellexson got cut up with horse mower. Vida on visit at
Eva’s. Secretary Ickes arrived in Anchorage.
August 10, 1938 Rain all day, 50 to 56 above.
Need rain for spuds. Put knobs, etc. on china closet,
now ready for enamel and varnish. Secretary Ickes and wife
on Special to McKinley Park. Now 1/3 of U. S. living off
U. S. Treasury and tax payers.
August 11, 1938 Cloudy, 56 above. Varnishing
china chests. Mid-week freight arrived PM. Mrs.
McDougal in from Fern Mine for pick-ups. Evening got out
orders.
August 12, 1938 Business dead, A-1 day,
50 to 72 above. Got mail orders off 10 AM. Mrs. Gill,
Louise, Philip and wife visited, stayed at Knik last night.
Ellexson’s fish house burned down. Primed panels on china
doors, put on draw pulls and on windows.
August 13, 1938 Weather cloudy 60 to 70 above.
Self enameling china closets. Jap's and Russia still
fighting over Korea and Siberian border. Hot wave and
electric storm in eastern states. Evening dance on at Wasilla
Town Hall account library. News all war and primary election
in states.
August 14, 1938 Sunday, cloudy, 60 above,
store open 9 to noon. Mowed grass around new house.
China cupboard finished and put in place by sink. Indian
Jim died at Eklutna. McNeil and Mrs. Vail had slight stroke.
Radio silent.
August 15, 1938 Business normal.
Warm day, 74 above. Put finishing touches on china cupboard
and spice closet. Got Olds car ready for trip to placer mine
tomorrow. Got out-mail. Evening, packed 70 pounds
grub for mine. Too busy for radio, heard Eb and Zeb 6 PM.
August 16, 1938 Off for 3rd trip to Grubstake
Placer Mine, Stanley went along, supposed to leave at 5:30 AM.
Ma chief clerk and bottle washer. Heavy rain, didn’t go.
Tested out water system in new house, only 1 leak. Fitted
chair molding in kitchen.
August 17, 1938 Wasilla to OGH Mine.
Stanley and self left with Olds car 5:10 AM, arrived at mail
box 7 AM parked car and packed 80 pounds supplies to cabin.
Arrived at OGH cabin 9 AM.
August 18, 1938 Stanley and self at Placer
Mine. Ground sluiced on bench half way up Gilbert basin
on right side below bench ditch sluiced out some gold quartz.
August 19, 1938 Stanley and self sluicing
at Grubstake Placer Mine on bench prospect, hydraulic group.
August 20, 1938 At Grubstake Placer Mine,
Stanley and self cleaned up sluice boxes on hydraulic group
bench. Fixed penstock gate at head of bench ditch and packed
tools down to cache. Assessment work to 7/1/1939 completed.
August 21, 1938 Sunday, OGH Placer Mine
to Wasilla. AM, cleaned up box on ground sluice on Bear
group, only got 4 bitts. PM prospected on Homestake Claim,
got 52 10¢ pans Closed up camp, left 6:10 PM arrived
Wasilla 8 PM, rain and fog. Arrived at Wasilla with one
flat tire.
August 22, 1938 Weather cloudy, 58 to 64 above.
In store most of day. Milo Kelly visited looking for jackhammer.
Boat freight arrived, had only canned meats. Farmers
now have all kinds of new vegetables. Evening, mowed lawn
at new house. Eva got bladder trouble, Marie Martha sleeps
here.
August 23, 1938 No business, partly cloudy,
70 above. In store AM scraped oil off floor behind grocery
counter. Old John doing repair work around school house.
Gus now weighs all coal on his new scale. PM on kitchen
moldings.
August 24, 1938 Weather cloudy, 58 to 64 above.
PM on freight and varnishing in new house. Got chair moldings
ready to nail in place in kitchen. Stanley and family went
to Anchorage. Old John finishing Cads laundry room.
War and politics, no more midnight freight. Evening rain.
August 25, 1938 Partly cloudy 60 above.
In store and office on orders AM. Stanley and family back
from Anchorage, traded sedan for Ford coupe car. Forty
Mile Miller in from ranch. War news and politicians.
Gus got car coal.
August 26, 1938 Weather cloudy 50 to 58 above.
Boats late at Seward, no mail train south today. Lindy
and wife on air trip to Russia. Storm brewing on Gulf of
Mexico. Roosevelt busy endorsing politicians. News
all war talk in Europe, Jap's still fighting Chinamen.
August 27, 1938 Weather cloudy 52 above.
Days growing shorter fast. Mail trains went south 7 AM,
passed up taking Wasilla mail. Mail from boat arrived
6:30 PM. England warns powers she is ready to fight.
News baseball and golf and war news, storms in gulf states.
August 28, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy
50 to 56 above. Usual Sunday trade and after their mail.
Freight arrived PM only brought butter, other freight, groceries,
hardware and clothing coming tomorrow. Put in registered
over kitchen stove. Radio silent Sunday. Shorty back
from Cache Creek.
August 29, 1938 Weather cloudy 56 above.
AM in store PM installed 2 hot air registers in new house.
Cemented leaks on coal and truck sheds. Boat freight arrived
6 PM. Smith’s help quit job. Gulf storms died out,
warehouse strike in S. F.
August 30, 1938 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
AM hauled over 3 truck loads groceries, hardware and clothing
from set-out. All PM pricing same and storing away.
England and France ready to fight Germany unless she halts aggression
on small countries. Distributors all tied up by strikers in S. F.
August 31, 1938 A-1 day, 60 to 68 above.
Joe Palmer placed order for future delivery at Caswell.
Got order from Herman at Big Lake. Paid ad in Matanuska
Fair circular. Paddy bought Cad’s Kenny log shack to move
to mine, later deal off. George Grigsby spoke over KFQD.
All war talk in Europe.
August Memo: Self completed inside finish
on upper 2 rooms in new house. Built on electric engine
room, 10 x 12, to operate electric lights with Onan gas engine,
32 V, 1000 watts. Covered walls with plyboard also in annex.
September 1, 1938 Business normal.
A-1 day, 66 above. Busy AM in store. Indigents got
their monthly checks for grub and booze. George Nylen over
to trade from Palmer. Paddy bought 1000’ lumber from Smithy
for his mine Shack
September 2, 1938 Miss Harpster arrived
to teach school. Paddy and Stanley building shack at mine.
A-1 day, up to 70 above.
September 3, 1938 Business normal.
Partly cloudy, 50 to 66 above. Hunters on red hot for
ptarmigan and moose. George Small brought Mrs. Ellexson
home from Palmer Hospital. Paddy and Stanley building claim
shack opposite Mabel Mine on Fern Road. Stump on a drunk.
September 4, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy,
64 above. Busy in store AM. Palmer paid for a $71
outfit for winter trapping at Kashwitna. PM painted on
store front, all the rest of the Herning’s did the Palmer Fair.
September 5, 1938 Labor Day. Weather
cloudy, 50 to 70 above. Store closed PM. Self painting
front of store. Smith struck another rich ore body in lower
tunnel on old Frisby quartz claim. Car lumber and oil arrived
for mines.
September 6, 1938 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
AM hauled over truck load coffee and groceries and stored same.
PM made attic door and put in baseboards in north room, upstairs
in new house. Hitler still bluffing over Czechoslovakia.
News war talk in Europe. Dr. Chase on air for Alaska Treasury.
School opened.
September 7, 1938 Weather cloudy, 52 to 58
above. Self working in new house. Got battens and
casings finished in two upper rooms. Marie Martha entered
school, now 6 going on 7? All kind of crime and accidents
in states, why live in Alaska? Brought in KJR at 9:30, all
Europe ready to fight.
September 8, 1938 Rain, 56 above. ARC
graveling slump hole in front of Zink warehouse. Stanley
and Paddy finished their mining shack near Mabel Mine. Maybe
war in Europe tomorrow.
September 9, 1938 Weather cloudy, 52 to 56
above. Got off orders and mail AM, boat 2 days late at
Seward. PM on carpenter work, attic of new house.
Hitler and England ready to fight. Spain rebellion still
on.
September 10, 1938 Weather cloudy, fog,
44 to 54 above. Finished window casings in upper room of
new house. Stanley and family drove to Anchorage for weekend.
Plenty of new local vegetables. Miss Harpster moved in
to Bixler’s house, Mrs. Bixler left for Hope. News all war
talk and New Deal.
September 11, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 above. Store open AM as usual. PM made up weekly
cash register report and varnished windows in upper rooms of
new house, mowed lawn. Evening, took bath in new house.
Kids back from Anchorage. First good Outside radio, all stations
came in, war news.
September 12, 1938 Weather cloudy, 52 above.
Like a fall day, leaves turning golden on birch trees but as
yet no frost. Frank Kelly in for coal for Thorpe’s mine.
Stanley went to Anchorage with Gus’ truck for load lumber for Smith
mine.
September 13, 1938 Election day.
Weather cloudy, 52 to 58 above. Republicans gaining in
States. Busy in store all day, small sales by voters.
Czech’s got troops on border and warn Hitler to stay out. England,
France and Russia for Czechs. Outside radio weak. Talkeetna
went for New Deal, Demo.
September 14, 1938 Fall day, cloudy 52 above,
evening rain. Self painted red panels on front of K. T.
Co. store. Fixed up street light. Stanley drove out
and closed up buildings at his mine. ARC putting fine gravel
on Main Street. Maybe war tomorrow over Czech. Local
radio and press news only. Birches turning golden.
September 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, rain, 48
to 52 above. Self busy in office on orders and out-mail.
Stanley drove to Anchorage, going Outside for back treatment.
Washout at Rainbow, so no train to Seward until Monday.
September 16, 1938 Weather cloudy, 52 above,
snowing on high mountain peaks. Mail held up till Monday
account washout on railroad. Stanley and many others flew
from Anchorage to catch boat leaving Seward. Eva and Buddy
back from Anchorage. Old Mayor of Los Angels lost job, all guns
ready to fire in Europe.
September 17, 1938 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 52 to 58 above, light snow on high mountain peaks.
Autumn is here, birch all golden yellow. Sharon Fleck married
Florence Strigga Edlund this evening. Stanley on boat
for Seattle. All war news in Europe over Czechs, Hitler aggression.
September 18, 1938 Sunday. First
frost, down to 28 above. Busy in store AM. No trains
account washout on Seward division. PM built calidoor
over annex entrance at new house and painted storm door.
Ma, Eva and kids drove in to Knik. Stanley on boat to Seattle.
September 19, 1938 A-1 day,
32 to 58 above. Finished calidoor over annex. No freight
arrived. McNally through with Cat on Knik-Goose Bay Road
moved to upper Willow Creek with Cat to do placer mining.
September 20, 1938 A-1 day,
32 to 60 above. Railroad washout repaired, mail from last
weeks boats arrived, freight due tomorrow. All war talk in
Europe. Hitler gave Czechs 24 hours to decide. England
and France in with Hitler, Russia against Hitler aggression of Czech
territory. Received report on Eyota, Minnesota farms.
Radio good. Bad railroad accident in southern California.
September 21, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers,
50 to 60 above. Fred Nelson made round trip to Anchorage,
brought us cement and coal oil. McNally family moved back
to Fern Mine from Goose Bay auto road. Delayed boat freight
arrived 6 PM. No Outside radio.
September 22, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers,
46 to 56 above. Couldn’t get our delayed freight- buried
up in set-out with mine freight. Ray Bergman quit Section and
got on at Willow Creek Mines. Helmer Oberg back here again.
Fern got car winter groceries. Local spuds good. All
war talk and big storms in New England
September 23, 1938 Partly cloudy, showers,
44 to 54 above. After waiting 2 days, got freight out
of set-out car. Got 15 sacks of sand gravel for electric
engine building aft new house account cement work. PM Eva
and kids left for weekend at Anchorage. Stanley arrived in
Seattle. Radio good, all stations on air all night with Czech
war news.
September 24, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers,
40 to 46 above. Cool day, snow in Fishhook Pass and on mountain
peaks. Boat mail arrived on time. Self busy all day
pricing and storing away new merchandise. Turned on 500 CP
street lamp tonight. Hitler ready to fire on the Czechs.
No Outside radio. New England states recovering from six million
dollar flood.
September 25, 1938 Sunday, rain, snow
on mountain, 44 above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM made
up cash. Cleaned up store furnace and cemented cracks in fire
bricks, 6 hour job. Eva and kids back from Anchorage, collided
with Hartley in cars only damage bent fender. 11 PM took usual
Sunday bath. Ma cut my hair. No freight.
September 26, 1938 Cloudy, cold, 44 above.
Busy in store AM. Boat freight arrived 6 PM, 2 cars freight.
Wiley Post Dr. said if only 10 families left in Matanuska Colony,
was well worth the five million dollars spent, 180 babies, good
rec. Got out packs and wool pant orders. No Outside
radio. Czech war still pending until October 1st.
September 27, 1938 Weather cloudy, 44 to 50
above. PM hauled cks. and hardware over to
store from set-out. Hauled lumber for cement forms for electric
engine room of new house. England, French and Russia ready
to fight Hitler. Only local radio, all war talk over Czech trouble.
September 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, fall day,
44 to 50 above. Top of Bald Mt. covered with new snow.
Cars had to shovel snow to get over Fishhook Pass. PM cleaned
up lumber etc. so Eva could park car in garage. Europe to
have a four power meeting account Czech trouble.
September 29, 1938 Weather cloudy, cool, 40
to 46 above. Self pricing up guns and ammunition, cks. etc.
after 3 days got balance of our freight in set-out. Mrs.
McDougal in to buy private grub for her new house at mines.
Logan Stipp, Engineer on work train, visited. Four power compromise
on today to settle Czech-Hitler trouble.
September 30, 1938 Weather cleared, 24 to 48
above. Evening, northern lights, heavy frost. Mrs.
Senske moved out to Kellyville at Lucky Shot Mine. Curley
and an Anchorage car collided at bend by Patchell’s ranch, mile
1, both cars out of commission. Ma and Eva at Palmer movie,
evening.
September Memo: September business 50% off
from normal. Ma and self doing store work. Stanley
in Seattle for spinal treatment. Fishhook Pass still open
to traffic. September cloudy and rainy month.
October 1, 1938 Business normal.
A-1 day, 30 to 50 above. Payday for indigents spent half
for grub, other half for booze. Mail train arrived 6 PM.
PM self painted sash in front of store. All happy in Europe
account Czech trouble being adjusted cost Four Power $5,000,000.
Letter from Stanley in Seattle. Suicide in Anchorage account
no work. Three car wrecks on Willow Road.
October 2, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
42 to 52 above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM mended and
put stick on soles on work shoes. Priced up cks. and cake
goods. Got short wave set working, got Jack Benny, Jell-O.
Took bath in new house. Long wave mushy, short wave OK.
Local station silent.
October 3, 1938 A-1 d ay, 40 to 50 above.
Railroad Agent day off, couldn’t get our freight. PM finished
2nd coat trimmings on front of store. School erected poles
from schoolhouse to Wasilla Hall account electric light in Hall
for games, etc. No Outside radio.
October 4, 1938 Weather cloudy, 42 to 52 above.
Started cement foundation on electric engine house. Bert
and self, 6 hours on forms. ARR Co-op trucks hauling lumber
to Goose Bay account new mining dock Eva out joy riding PM.
All loving each other in Europe but Russia on war path account Czech?
October 5, 1938 Warm wind, 48 to 50 above.
Hauled over groceries and wallboard from set-out. Got
10 more sacks gravel sand for engine house. Joe Palmer
back from Caswell. A. C. Morgan visited, now mining at Cache
Creek. Paddy in from mines.
October 6, 1938 A-1 day,
50 above. AM poured cement in electric room foundation.
PM priced up new merchandise. Big storm in Philippine Island.
S. F. warehouse strike still on. Short wave radio fair, long
wave NG.
October 7, 1938 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50 above.
Cars still crossing Fishhook summit. Got order ready for
Pittman. Put in form for engine, cement block in addition
to new house. Answered Perkin’s letter, returned 1936 and
1937 farm report. Mrs. McNeil passed out. No Outside radio.
October 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Eva and kids drove to Anchorage for weekend with her mother.
Self in store AM. PM painting posts, etc. around new house.
No mail boat at Seward until Monday. Railroad depot closed
all day. No Outside radio. All war and sports news,
Cubs and White Sox.
October 9, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
light wind, 48 above. Busy in store AM. PM made
up cash register report and oiled store floor, 24 x 60 feet.
Eva and kids back from Anchorage 2 PM. Mrs. McNeil buried
at Sunny Knik, in Indian plot. Snowing on mountain peaks.
Bath in new house. London and Pittsburgh fair on short wave,
no long wave in.
October 10, 1938 Business normal.
A-1 day, 30 to 50 above. Rush in store AM mail went south,
4 days late. PM painted front of garage. Russia sore
on Lindy, claims he advised Chamberlain their air fleet NG.
Evening, full moon, down to 30 above. No long wave, short wave
mushy. Moony got out of jail again.
October 11, 1938 A-1 day,
30 to 50 above. Self and Bert started to put on wallboard
in new house annex. Dunkle visited. Shaw kids broke
into railroad warehouse, broke windows and screens, opened egg
cases. Fred, Gus and Zink went to Anchorage. Radio fair
but static killed it. Twelve days mail arrived 7 PM.
October 12, 1938 Weather cloudy, showers, 40
above, got 12 delayed mail, received letter from Mrs. George
G. Butz #2, inquiring about old KB stocks. PM Bert and
self nailed on wallboard in new house annex. First ship in
at Goose Bay with mining supplies.
October 13, 1938 Weather cloudy, 40 above.
Self busy in office on winter orders and fill-ins. Paddy
made trip to Smith prospect to exam new ore shoot. More snow
on mountains
October 14, 1938 Business normal, weather
cloudy, wind, 40 to 50 above. Mail went south. Hauled
over truck load new hardware AM. Eva and Mrs. Peg-Cad drove
to Anchorage AM. PM and evening pricing hardware.
KNX said spots on sun the cause of bad weather and the wars.
Radio good, both short and long wave. News all war talk.
October 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, windy, 48
above. Busy in store all day marking up new merchandise.
2 PM Eva, Buddy and Mrs. Cad back from Anchorage with flat tire.
Mail arrived on time, got peaches, grapes and bananas. Evening, basket
social on at Hall. No Outside radio, sun spots, working again.
Second letter from Stanley in Seattle.
October 16, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy, 44 to 50 above. AM finished pricing new hardware.
PM made up cash register sheet. Freight train arrived 3 PM,
had set-out and couldn’t get half of freight. Evening, took
bath in new house tub. Smith in town celebrating.
Short wave only, Jello-O program good.
October 17, 1938 Weather cloudy, windy 44 to
48 above. Busy in store, small trade all day.
Dan Gray in, cars stalled on Fishhook summit account snow drifts.
Nazi spies on trial in New York. Foot of snow in Montana.
Thorpe’s going Outside. Long wave radio good, short wave mushy,
all war talk.
October 18, 1938 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
44 to 48 above. AM got balance of freight in set-out after
mining companies took out 2 loads. PM transferred
truck load of coal to furnace bin. Dug out oil drum in annex
to put in electric engine house for muffler. Bert on the job.
Only local radio, KFQD Press News.
October 19, 1938 Weather cloudy, warm wind,
44 to 50 above. Gus left AM for Anchorage to get a truck
load of gas-oil and lumber for K. T. Co. Thorpe’s fixing
up well and things around Post Office building. Took forms
off cement foundation account engine room. Mines hauling in
mining timber. Radio good, all stations on air. Secretary
Ickes spoke at Los Angeles.
October 20, 1938 Sunshine and rain, 44 to 50
above. Sun ½ hour then rain ½ hour all
day, windy. Packed wallboard from garage to annex at new
house. Gus arrived PM with load gas-oil and lumber for K.
T. Co. from Anchorage. Evening got out-mail. No boat
in but SS Cordova going out.
October 21, 1938 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50 above.
Snow half gone on Bald Mt. peaks. AM self and Bert installed
drum account muffler to gas electric engine. PM laid foundation
timbers. Mail train went south. Reported Jap got
control southern China, last stand.
October 22, 1938 Weather cloudy, 44 to
48 above. Self and Bert on engine room all day.
Laid floor and got up studding. Local mail train went north.
No boat at Seward or Outside mail. Snow and cold weather in
Michigan and central states. Temperature +80 in New York.
Radio good, all war and football news.
October 23, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
rain AM 48 to 52 above. Self and Bert nailed shiplap on east
side new engine room. Warm wind all day, rain took off
most of snow on mountain peaks. Marie Martha and kids got
whooping cough. No boat or freight. No long wave,
short wave mushy, got no news.
October 24, 1938 A-1 day, 48 to 58 above.
Self and Bert on engine annex. Ready to put on roofing.
Anchorage Railroad Commissary burned last night, loss $200,000
. Railroad using groceries from Palmer farmer supplies.
No mail boat.
October 25, 1938 Weather cloudy, cool wind,
42 to 48 above. Self and Bert got roof and upper ceiling
on engine house. Mail boat due in Seward tomorrow with 11
days mail. Jap's finally took China’s last town, Hong Kong.
Arab. raising heck in Jerusalem.
October 26, 1938 Weather colder, 20 to 40 above.
Evening, northern lights, down to 20 at midnight. Got
galvanized roofing placed on annex and started boarding up north
end of new engine room. Railroad laid off all ex-help on
Sections. Gus got car Healy coal. Wilmoth’s started
building new Post Office. Only local radio. Lost flier
found in Rainy Pass District, missing a week.
October 27, 1938 Weather cloudy, 24 to 30 above,
snow flurries PM. Got north end closed in on engine house.
Received wire from Perkins, offered $3,420 for Seymour
Eyota farm. Eva received wire from Stanley in Seattle leaving
November 5th for home. No Outside radio. Press News
all war and sport talk.
October 28, 1938 Weather cloudy, cold 24 to
38 above. Regular mail went south to States. Put
rustic on west side engine house. Fabyan started to assemble
50’ tower for Cads new wind charger. Marie Martha out of school
account hoopy. John Lundstrom left for Tacoma, Washington.
No Outside radio. Got Press News over local station.
October 29, 1938 Business still slow.
Weather colder, 22 to 30 above. Self and Bert finished
outside of engine room building Outside mail arrived 4 PM.
Gus sold all his Healy coal, we got only 1 ton left. Not a
sound on long wave. London in on short wave.
October 30, 1938 Sunday, weather colder,
16 to 30 above. A-1 sunny day. PM fitted in window
on north end engine room. Boat freight arrived 5 PM.
Got double dose of fruit and vegetables account slow mail.
Hauled over vegetables and fruits. Bill Wagner, KFQD technician,
visited. Ma’s birthday. Busy with freight. Wagner
took 2 Crosley sets to repair.
October 31, 1938 Business froze up.
Weather colder, temperature 30, down to 10 above. Pricing
and storing away new merchandise AM. PM hauled over 2 truck
loads of blend flour from set-out and got a ton of sand account
engine house. Sears and Roebuck opened sale office in Anchorage.
Outside radio no good. Press News over local station.
November 1, 1938 Business normal.
Weather colder, 6 to 26 above. Busy in store all AM,
payday for indigent FDR pets. Mrs. McDougal in for fill-ins.
Engineer Anderson in, grading Cat road to Thorpe’s mine on Grubstake.
Fabyan raised Cad’s wind charger tower.
November 2, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 28 above,
first snow. PM hung door in engine room.
Paid McClarty for 84 hours, helper on engine house, now ready
for engine. PM, first snow, winters here. Radio
good, all stations, both short wave and long wave.
November 3, 1938 Weather colder, 24 above down
to zero. Self on office work most of day. George
Zink left for trip Outside. Independence Mine hauling up
more machinery. Spanish rebels sunk royalist ship. Chicago,
74 above today. No Outside radio, got Juneau news KNX.
November 4, 1938 Weather cloudy, evening snow,
22 above. Got mail off AM. Wrote Perkins and Prudential
Insurance Co. that I would not put any more money into maintenance
of Eyota farms. Independence hauled out last piece machinery.
Got grub order from Herman at Big Lake.
November 5, 1938 Three inches snow, temperature
24 to 28 above. Government weather station established at
Anchorage. Sold 4 dozen faces for Mask Ball tonight.
Jack putting side braces on Cads air tower, 36 feet high. Smith
compressor broke down. Smith in Seward going Outside. KPO
good, some static 9 to 10 PM.
November 6, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening snow, 20 to 28 above. Store open 3 hours AM.
Quiet in town after Masked ball last night. Radio good,
all stations come in. Hitler and Mussolini going to take
Russia, year 1941. England now operating airplane factories
at war speed. Radio good. Politicians hot on the air
account Tuesday election in States.
November 7, 1938 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 10 to 22 above. Boat freight arrived, 9
PM. Got 1½ tons groceries and hardware in hot car
set-out. Rush in store on indigent and several other tax
customers. Washington hot with labor amendments and California
hot on ham and egg amendments vote tomorrow. Radio fair, some
fading.
November 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 10 to 22 above.
PM had Gus haul freight from set -out, 1½ tons.
Dunkle’s car stolen in Anchorage. Jack finished Cad’s wind
charger 36’ tower 2 men 3 weeks work with Native pole timber.
Hot election in States today. Radio fair.
November 9, 1938 Temperature 12 above to 10
below zero. On hardware and clothing. McDougal’s
in Mrs. McDougal going Outside on vacation. Fern received
14 ton diesel engine for mine. Had Jack put guy wires on
50’ radio pole account wind. Germans confiscating Jews property
account killing everybody. No long wave, short wave ok, Juneau
station ok.
November 10, 1938 Weather stormy, 22 to 40
above. Windy, snow drifting, evening rain. Independence
Mine unloaded 14 ton diesel engine on skids but Cat couldn’t move
it. Rufe Stephan and wife in with Native goods. Germans
giving Jews hell. No long wave, got London news on short wave.
November 11, 1938 Weather warmer, 30 to 40
above. Wind blew snow on sidewalks, cleaned same AM.
Quake at 10:25 AM. With 2 Cats, they got away 7 PM with
14 ton engine for Independence mine. PM got door hung on
engine house. Another killing of higher up in Europe.
Short wave OK. Isaac’s went to Anchorage.
November 12, 1938 Wet storm, 34 above.
Traded bills electric _____ over new 500 watt engine for 1000
watt engine, delivered same today. Big football games
in States today. Germans driving out all Jews and Arab.,
keeping them out of Holy City. Poor radio, Pres News over local
station.
November 13, 1938 Sunday, sleet storm,
temperature 34, down to 18. Self finished trimmings on
engine room door and casing on window. Boat freight arrived
4 PM, trucked over perishables, 1000 pounds. Big mining man
in. ____flew to Mayo Clinic for gallstone treatment, 2 day
trip. 11 PM, took usual Sunday bath in new house. Short
wave good, got 8 PM news.
November 14, 1938 Squalls, 14 to 22 above.
In store all day. Opened up new candy bars. All airplanes
grounded. Lots of freight, expect turkeys to go Inside.
New family moved into Harrison cabin. Evening, snowing.
Short wave OK, most all sport news, snowing in States.
November 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 to 32
above. Diesel 12 ton engine was landed at Independence
Mine last night with 3 Caterpillars. Late snows blocking
roads for auto trucks to mines, Pass closed. Cad went to
Anchorage for gas. Radio mushy NG. Press News over KFQD.
November 16, 1938 Weather cloudy, 22 above,
sleet storm last night. Self started to cut door through
annex to new engine room. Gus received car Jonesville coal.
Fabyan digging well at Goose Bay for mining company dock Filled
store tank. No long wave, short wave ok 6 to 7.
November 17, 1938 Weather colder, 20 above
to 12 below zero. Customers looking for coal and weather
strips. Health officer here yesterday store OK but must be
examined for health certificate to sell groceries. Got out-mail
and orders. No long wave, short wave fair.
November 18, 1938 Temperature zero to 8 below.
Mail went south 10 AM. Many on train from Inside, going
out for winter vacation. Anna Snider here. Pete bought
$700 car. Independence trucks hauling in oil to mines.
Put up balcony fly. Russell Shaw in from Park.
November 19, 1938 Business dead, weather
cloudy, warmer, 22 above. McDougal and Bud Browne in,
last trip with truck for winter. Wire from Stanley delayed
a week coming on November 20th sailing. Mail on time, got fruits
on passenger. Wasilla basketball playing Palmer tonight.
Radio on the bum, only short wave and local station.
November 20, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy,
30 above all day, more snow last night, took 2 hours to clean
off walks. PM worked on door entrance annex to engine room.
Put storm window on cellar basement. Turkey day freight arrived
fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and turkeys. Short wave
OK, long wave 9 to 10. Got no Press News.
November 21, 1938 Chinook on, up to 36 above.
AM had Gus haul over 2 loads new merchandise from set-out.
Fruit, vegetables and turkeys arrived. PM put ton coal in
store furnace bin. Customers buying Thanksgiving goods.
Long wave early then died out. Evening windy.
November 22, 1938 Wet snow, 34 above.
Self busy in store AM dealing out turkey day goods.
PM loaded up form for engine cement block in new house electric system.
Evening, paid turkey day invoices. Leibing drove to Knik
PM. Only local radio and Press News.
November 23, 1938 Temperature 22 to 34 above.
Fern truck in, last trip of winter account snow. Small
turkey day trade all day. Evening, poured cement block for
1000 watt lighting plant. Local radio, Cecil and Sally.
November 24, 1938 Chinook, 40 above.
Thanksgiving, store open AM for absent minded. Ma gave
20th turkey dinner at Wasilla, Paddy, Eva, Stanley Jr. and Marie
Martha guests, Stanley Sr. in Seattle.
Local station only, good radio.
November 25, 1938 Weather cloudy, 4 2 above
all day. PM varnished engine room door
and felted inside door frame. Ten foot drifts in New York
City. Down to 28 above at Miami. Big fire and 60 mile
wind in California, cold snap all northern states, why live in Alaska?
Pope about to pass out.
November 26, 1938 Weather cloudy, 40 above
all day. Snow about gone in Wasilla. PM painted
front of engine room. Big strike in France. Cold
snap in States yesterday, took 81 lives. Received letter from
Olive O. Myhre, attorney, calling $259.61 December 1st on or would
foreclose mortgage on Burnap farm. Short wave good, no long
wave. Press News all war talk.
November 27, 1938 Sunday, 3rd spring
day, 32 to 42 above. Snow gone on graded roads. PM
finished painting outside of electric engine room. Outside
freight arrived 4 PM got batteries and tob. Jap's finished
taking all of China’s large cities and ports. Evening, usual
bath in new house. Radio weak. Car freight arrived for
mines.
November 28, 1938 Wheeled over tob. and batteries
from set-out. Mining company received a lot drill steel.
PM got inside door frame to engine room fitted. Wired attorney
Perkins about closing sale of Burnap farm mortgage at Eyota.
Radio NG, no long wave, no 10 PM news.
November 29, 1938 Self on new engine room PM
and evening to midnight. Put engine on cement block got
anchor bolts perfect leveled up under ground muffler packed in
15 sacks sand. France all ready to fight strikers.
Short wave OK, no long wave still war news.
November 30, 1938 Finished priming coat on
engine room and cut pipe to connect engine to drum muffler.
Phoned Dr. Albright about health certification to run store?
Said he was coming over to Wasilla. Short wave good, no long
wave. Hitler still persecuting the Jews.
November Memo: New house ready to occupy
but Ma prefers to live in old store rooms. 1000 watt engine
for electric installed in new 10x12 annex. Stanley still
in Seattle, got back fixed up but closing stock deal with Smith
and associates on Frisby location.
December 1, 1938 Business normal. Busy
day, relief customers got their monthly hand out. Noon,
Dr. Albright visited and gave Ma and self exam for store health
certificate. Got out Christmas merchandise orders.
December 2, 1938 Weather clear and colder,
30 above all day. Got mail and Christmas orders off AM.
PM made water trap and pipe connection from engine to muffler
drum in electric engine house annex. Walden hauling Independence
freight with trucks as far as aviation field. Radio fair, Juneau
and Ketchikan came in.
December 3, 1938 Weather cooler, 32 to 34 above.
Mining companies building dock warehouse, etc. at Goose Bay
summer port, having trouble sinking a well. All north America
countries holding good will convention at _____.
December 4, 1938 Sunday, partly cloudy,
light wind, 24 to 34 above. Usual Sears and Sawbuck Sunday,
AM customers for parcel post and mail. PM assembled door
between annex and engine room. Boat freight arrived 4 PM got
eggs and butter. Anchorage Elks had a memorial program 6 to
7 PM. Evening bath in new house. School day program over KPO.
No news. Anchorage Elks on air.
December 5, 1938 Light wind,
30 above. Only light sales. Self in store all day.
Wheeled over eggs and butter from depot. Independence hauling
mining timbers from Willies Lake Wasilla ranch. Italy and
France talking war over Africa colonies. London calling, only
good radio and Press News.
December 6, 1938 Still fine weather, 32 above.
Self finished nailing engine roof iron to annex to make storm
proof, also, made asbestos ring to cover engine exhaust pipe
through floor. All war talk in Europe to come off next April.
Stanley 34, now on boat for home. No long or short wave.
Press News on KFQD.
December 7, 1938 Weather cloudy, 34 to 38 above.
Sprinkle of snow last night. Morning, found 36 x 40 glass
broken in store front by drunken Natives last night, Stump paid
for same, $4 . Set glass in storm window in bathroom.
Stanley on boat for home. New York short wave good 6 to 7.
No long wave, Press News KFQD.
December 8, 1938 Weather cloudy, 30 above.
Self on office work. Got out drug and hardware orders
and sent duplicate of November 30th orders by wire account Christmas
merchandise.
December 9, 1938 Weather cloudy, 36 above all
day. Noon, Bill Stokes arrived to assemble Onan electric
plant and make connection in new house with 200’ for store lights.
Noon, Eva got phone from Stanley, leaving Anchorage 2 PM on bus
for Wasilla, got lost and Eva and Ma had 2 cars go to Palmer to find
him eating sandwich, arrived home 9 PM. No long wave, local
Press News, all war talk.
December 10, 1938 Weather still mild, 36 above.
Self helping electric man, all day, string wire from new house
to store to install 5 - 100 watt lamps. Basketball at Wasilla
Hall tonight. Filled up ton coal shoot, new house.
Evening, tested out 2 Crosley sets, repaired OK. Mexican
short wave best program on long wave.
December 11, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
colder, 14 to 22 above. Electric man finished lights for
new house and store. Had 5 - 100 watts put in store and
12 lights in new house, supplied by 1000 watt, 32 volt DC Onan gas
engine. Stanley went to Smith Mine to check up tunnel and service
compressor. Radio NG, got no news. Electric lights.
December 12, 1938 Warm again, 34 to 40 above.
Bill’s service man was 3 days, 9th to 11th, wiring up electric
lights in new house and store. AM tested plant out account
radio too much static___ engine and main ____ NG. Sent for
compressor. Stanley on his mothers job part of day.
December 13, 1938 A-1 spring day, 34 to 38
above. Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage. Eva
swallowed her false tooth. Marie Martha got stomach trouble.
Spot got worms. Put corner boards on engine room and varnished
door. No long wave. Press News local station.
December 14, 1938 Weather cloudy, 34 to 38
above. Painted corner boards and window on engine room.
Charged up light batteries on Onan plant. PM Stanley, Jr.
and Eva and new tooth, back from Anchorage. Trucks and cars
going through to Independence Mine.
December 15, 1938 Weather cloudy, light wind,
38 above. Stanley helping mother out in store. Ma
got sore feet and bum knee. Business off 50%, need no clerks
account overhead at $7 per day. Cut air vent in side
wall account Onan air cooled engine.
December 16, 1938 AM 42 above and raining.
Ma and Marie Martha, two Martha’s, went to Anchorage to meet
Santa Claus. Eva cooked dinner under the new electric light.
Had Slumdinger pudding for dessert. Self finished air vent
in engine room. Radio mushy. Press News OK from local
station.
December 17, 1938 Business dead, weather
cloudy, windy 30 to 38 above. Stanley store keeper.
Marie Martha and her grandma at Anchorage Christmas shopping
and eating T-bone steak. Self on plywood in annex new house.
December 18, 1938 Sunday, weather cloudy,
above freezing all day, moderate wind. Marie and Grandma
still at Anchorage. Train day late for Wasilla. Busy
in store AM. Mrs. Senske in from Lucky Shot. PM
on wallboard in engine room. Stanley went to Palmer.
Radio weak and mushy. Got 8 PM news.
December 19, 1938 Snowed
2”, temperature 28 to 32 above. Cleaned off walks.
PM nailed wall board on in electric engine room. Eva got
dinner ready in our house, Buddy guest. Freight arrived 7:30
PM with Ma, Marie and Christmas turkeys, candy, fresh vegetables
etc. from Anchorage. Radio good, some fading. Cold
wave in Europe.
December 20, 1938 Weather colder, +20, at noon,
+28, evening, +4. AM, Gus hauled over turkeys, butter,
bacon, fruit and vegetables from hot car. Priced up same.
PM charged electric light batteries and nailed on wallboard in
engine room. Radio in and out, all talk about Jews and South
American conference.
December 21, 1938 Cold snap,
+12 to -2. Cold wave in Europe and loss of lives.
Gus car Healy coal arrived. Flo and Eva packing Santa Claus
bags for kids Christmas at Wasilla Hall. Mary Vail got
a moose. Cars can only go to Fishhook Inn. Radio fair,
got 8 PM news.
December 22, 1938 Weather clear, +10 to -14.
School held Christmas exercises in Town Hall, Marie Martha
on program in red dress. Gus put 3 tons Healy coal in furnace
bin. Below zero all day, evening, warmed up to 10 above.
No long wave, Press News on local station.
December 23, 1938 Partly cloudy, zero weather.
Christmas mail train went south. Christmas for kids last
night, teachers leaving for holidays. Gus unloaded car
coal. We to get 20 tons. Evening, had haircut.
Radio fair, storms at sea .
December 24, 1938 Cold wave,
-12 to -20 busy with fires all day. Mail arrived 4 PM.
Coming, ½ ton fruit, vegetables, drugs and batteries.
Christmas greetings over local station. Rev. Ramsey held midnight
service. Dan Gray in.
December 25, 1938 Sunday, Christmas.
Warming up, -4 to +12. Ma had a 16 pound tom turkey dinner
as usual for Stanley and family (4), making 6 to eat it.
PM stained annex door to engine room in new house. Cost
Dad, $25 this Christmas. Business 50% off, no more clerk
hire. Radio NG, mushy, evening, windy.
December 26, 1938 Moderate weather, +12 all
day. Gus finished coal delivery, put 10 tons nut and 10
tons lump coal in our shed, now let her blow. PM Eva and Stanley
drove to Anchorage to see Eva’s mother. Marie Martha stayed
with Grandma. South and North American Conference over.
December 27, 1938 Weather cloudy, +12 all day.
Self hauled over 1000 pounds hardware, etc. on Yukon sled from
railroad freight shed. PM pricing up new goods.
Kids and Buddy back from Anchorage by auto. Evan Jones
visited, now opening up coal mine at Houston. Short wave OK,
long wave weak. Cold wave coming in States.
December 28, 1938 Partly cloudy, 10 to 14 above.
Anton Anderson, manager of Patsy Mine, bought 2 pair snowshoes.
Moving in 7½ tons to Patsy Mine, 1 mile above Fern.
PM Stanley helped to nail wallboard on engine room ceiling.
Marie Martha not feeling well. Radio fair, brought in 8 PM
news. France and Italy talking war.
December 29, 1938 Temperature
12 above and 1st wind. Paid all invoices. PM, nailed
molding on ceiling in engine room, new house. Spanish rebels
sunk royalists boat. Paddy bought Federal set, $65
for $25 , 4 years to sell same. Long wave weak, got 10 PM
KNX news.
December 30, 1938 Weather cloudy, still 12
above. Mail went south. Christmas card from George
Zink, now with family in Portland, Oregon, recovering from pneumonia
in Seattle. Spanish rebellion hotter than ever. Jap-China
war about over. Outside weak, Juneau news OK, war talk
France and Italy.
December 31, 1938 Weather cloudy, 4 to 10 above.
Ma and son started to take grocery inventory. Independence
Mine got car load mining poles. Old people party on at Town
Hall to see new year out and old year in. Put strips on engine
room ceiling. Radio good, all stations on air.
December Memo: K. T. Co. Identification
no. xx-xxx-xxxx, Social Security from Tacoma 2/24/1938.
December 11, 1938, electric lights in new house and store, 1000
watt Onan plant.
1939
January 1, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, zero
weather. Store open 3 hours AM. Indigents received
monthly checks. Shipped order to Herman at Big Lake.
Now on annual inventory. Eva gave Ma and Pa turkey dinner.
Ma roasted the Tom, 6 Herning’s to eat it. Radio fair, got
news.
January 2, 1939 Weather cloudy, zero weather.
Ma, Stanley and self on grocery inventory. Joe Palmer
back from trap line at Caswell. School opened after Christmas
vacation. Uncle Sam told Jap's wouldn’t give up U.S. rights
in China. Radio weak, all war talk again in Europe.
January 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, warmer, 20
above. All on grocery and clothing inventory. Ma
got lame foot and knee. Stanley drove to Smith Mine to measure
up new tunnel work and wire same to Seattle office. Radio
poor, Cad’s wash machine going.
January 4, 1939 A-1 day, 4 to 16 above.
Still on inventory. Self put new leathers in new house
force pump and changed pipe connections to pump. Cad’s long
delayed wind charger arrived but his assembly man is on a drunk.
Radio fair, all Seattle stations on air but California no good.
January 5, 1939 Weather warmer, 20 to 30 above.
Ma and son on inventory. Self on office work and cleaned
up all bills due, paid $312 premium on $12,000 insurance.
President told Congress we will have to keep on spending or it will
hurt business. Radio mushy, storm brewing. Ellexson’s
in with dog team.
January 6, 1939 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Mail went south boat in 1 day early. Wall installed a wind
charger at Beiler’s place. Willie Edlund installing gas electric
plant. New radical governor California pardoned Tom Mooney.
Radio fair.
January 7, 1939 Weather clear, zero to 10 above.
Finished wallboard in annex. Snider family back to town,
work at Goose Bay dock closed for winter. Ma and son on
inventory. Seattle mail arrived, PM. Eklutna boys
lost, girls won, basketball last night. Radio good, all stations
in on old Crossley set. Ellexson’s returned to Knik.
January 8, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
above. Charged unit of batteries for electric lights PM.
Assembled inside casing on annex window. Freight arrived
on time, got balance of groceries. Radio fair, caught Des
Moines, Iowa.
January 9, 1939 Spring day, 36 above all day.
Gus in from moving freight from Fishhook to Mint Mine by Cat,
all credit job. Buddy went over to Palmer to see doctor account
his water works and hose nozzle. Old Doc Wiggles sponging
for grub. Radio in and out.
January 10, 1939 Weather clear, colder,
4 to 20 above. Priced up new groceries and hardware.
Ma on inventory in balcony. Noon, Eva, Stanley and Jr. left
for Anchorage in Ford coupe. Army bombing planes half way
to Canal Zone for practice. Radio weak, static, all war talk
in Europe.
January 11, 1939 Temperature 4 above to 30
above. Evening, finished strips on ceiling in annex and
varnished window casing. Ma hobbling around with sore
feet. Kids back from Anchorage 4 PM. Chamberlain made
a hit with Mussolini, no war at present. Radio good, early,
then static. War on in D. C. over relief.
January 12, 1939 Charged storage batteries
as usual, to run electric lamps. Rubbed down 2 windows
and 2 doors, ready for 2nd coat varnish in evening room and annex.
Stanley to 50’ in air, views, of Wasilla from Cad’s tower
January 13, 1939 A-1 day, 30 above. Gus
installed new wind charger. Jack put up gin pole to raise
Cad’s 600 pound wind charger. Anchorage basketball team
here to play Wasilla. Three convicts shot trying to escape
from Devil’s Island. Radio good.
January 14, 1939 Weather cloudy, fog, 10 to
24 above. Anchorage basketball won over Wasilla last night.
Independence moved in last of car load of mining timbres.
Ma crippled with sore feet. All nations trying to find place
for persecuted Jews. Radio fair, Chicago in, some fading.
January 15, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, 20
to 28 above. Cad installed wind charger on his new 50’
tower PM. Eva and Stanley drove up to Smith’s camp to check
up tunnel work. Forty Mile Miller went nuts, sent him to Palmer
Hospital. KNX good, station on air.
January 16, 1939 Snow flurries all day, 20
above. Stanley completed grocery inventory. Self
remodeled Knik house work table for new house, Wasilla.
Mussolini helping Spanish rebels in Spain. Alaska Congress
voted $800,000 for roads.
January 17, 1939 Snow flurries, +20 to -2.
Gus and Stanley drove to Anchorage for powder account Smith’s
Mine and 35 cases oil for K. T. Co. back at 5 PM. Self took
inventory of nails. Cad assembling his electric wind chargers
12 foot propeller. Buddy sick. Radio skookum, early
and late. All war talk.
January 18, 1939 Weather colder, 2 to 6 above.
Opened up stainless steel and Pyrex glass cooking utensils.
Dressed down and shellacked top of work table in new house.
Dictators now ruling Europe. Ireland throwing bombs at British.
McDougal left to join wife in States. Radio A-1. Hot
debate in Washington D. C.
January 19, 1939 Weather colder, zero to -10.
Got out-mail. Paid last quarters 1938 Social Security
tax. St. Clair’s and Mrs. Ohnstad in to trade. McNeil
sick with stroke. Ohnstad in from trap line. Radio fair,
got world news, mostly war talk.
January 20, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 10
above to 14 below zero. AM got off orders and Seattle
mail. PM, cut moldings for work table, new house.
Put water in storage batteries. Ely, Section foreman, on
sick list. Buddy got bad cold. Outside radio weak, got 10
PM news, all war talk.
January 21, 1939 Weather warmer, 30 above all
day. Charged light batteries and enameled work table and
varnished 2 doors in new house. Received letter from Florence
Smith, wants job for her son, Buddy, 22. Eva and Stanley
and 50 Wasilla-ites went over to Palmer account basketball, Palmer
won. Forty Mile, O. C. Miller, passed out at Palmer Hospital.
Radio good, all stations on air, all war news.
January 22, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
snow, 14 to 30 above. Stanley drove to Smith’s camp with payroll.
PM, enameled legs of work table. $200,000 airplane crashed,
350 miles off Jersey Coast, 10 out, 13 saved. France helping
royalists to stop rebel drive in Spain. Took bath.
Radio weak, got part of news.
January 23, 1939 First big wind, 20 to 30 above.
Not many out today. Self charged electric batteries and
started to make storage chest in closet of new house. Metz
and Stanley appointed appraisers of Forty Mile Miller’s estate,
found $120 in cabin. Radio loud, all Europe on war talk account
rebels in Spain.
January 24, 1939 A-1 spring day, 20 to 30 above.
Refilled furnace coal bin. National Grocery man visited.
Wind blocked road to Fishhook Inn. Made frame for clothing
closet chest. Hot debates in Washington D. C. over Presidents
New Deals. Radio good early, 9 PM fading.
January 25, 1939 A-1 day, 20 above to 4 below
zero. Ripped out ½” plyboard for side and cover
on closet chest. Gus took Stanley and Anderson out to survey
tunnel in Smith’s Mine. Louis and Lewis fight in New York,
Joe Louis won in 2 minutes 29 seconds. Radio good. Got
Lewis fight 5 PM. More war talk in Europe.
January 26, 1939 Business rotten, weather
colder, 10 to 14 below zero. Charged electric light batteries
and shellacked closet chest. Mike and wife in from Knik
to trade. Quake killed over 15,000 in Peru, South America.
Stanley back from inspection of Smith Mine. Radio fair, some
fading. All war talk in Europe.
January 27, 1939 Temperature -20. Got
mail off AM. Wasilla basketball teams left on train to
play Anchorage tonight. Assembled side and cover on closet
chest. Jack cleaned out tin cans and pails lost in city
well. Radio fair early then died out. Old Kaiser 80
today.
January 28, 1939 Cold snap, zero to -20, busy
with fires and ashes. Charged batteries and varnished
closet chest in new house. Ma crippled up with sore knee and
bunions on feet. Buddy over bad cold. No Outside radio.
News of Alaska lawmakers in Juneau.
January 29, 1939 Sunday, weather clear, zero
to -22. Got late mail at 11 AM. Wasilla basketball
teams got done a plenty at Anchorage. Ma took 2nd bath in
new house. Airplane landed here account fog at Anchorage.
Radio weak, got 8 PM news.
January 30, 1939 Weather warming up, 2 to 20
above. Charged electric batteries. Enameled work
table and made shut off slide on coal shoot in new house.
Got 1,676 pounds groceries on PM freight.
January 31, 1939 Weather clear, 10 to 20 above.
Finished enameling work table for kitchen in new house.
Now complete and ready to go. Ma left on PM freight train
for Anchorage to get her bunions treated. Chamberlain told
Hitler and Mussolini where to head in on expansion. Paddy also
went to Anchorage. Radio good. Storms all through northern
states, now in California.
January Memo: Open winter trucks hauling freight
to Independence Mine. Four mines milling ore. Inventory
completed, business off over 50%. Ma at Anchorage account
sore feet and knee. Stanley went to Anchorage account
vertebra out on lower spine. January a cold month but little
snow in Wasilla.
February 1, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 30 above.
Two indigents traded out monthly pay. Smith’s tunnel
man in to send wire to Smith in Seattle. Put last coat varnish
on chest, table and door. Buddy and family ate dinner with
Grandpa. Ma at Anchorage account sore feet. Radio
weak. Got 10 PM news, all war talk.
February 2, 1939 A-1 day, 10 to 20 above. Fixing
coal door entrance to annex room in new house. Ma at Anchorage,
doctor-feet. Buddy and parents at dinner with Grandpa.
Serious storms and floods in States. Answered letter regarding
Colony and Alaska railroad letter. No long wave.
February 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, 12 below to
12 above. One school bus haywire today. Evening,
warmer and windy. Bud Browne in, through trucking for Independence
Mine. Stanley all doubled up this AM, vertebra came out on
lower spine, went to Anchorage for light treatment. Ma at Anchorage.
No Outside radio, got news on local station.
February 4, 1939 Sunny day, 12 below to 20
above. In store all day. Eva helped while doing
chores and cooked dinner. Stanley and mother back from
Anchorage PM train. Stanley got his back fixed but Ma came
back with same old bunions. Paddy back from Anchorage.
No Outside radio. Anchorage advertising carnival queens.
Wasilla beat Palmer basketball.
February 5, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy,
zero to 20 below zero. Labor liens put on Thorpe’s Mine,
new buyer failed on 2nd payment. Assembled 4 drawers for desk
in new house. Charged batteries. Freight on time.
Received ½ ton groceries and hardware fill-ins. Evening,
colder. Took bath in new house.
February 6, 1939 Partly cloudy, 14 below zero
to 10 above zero. Eva and Stanley, with Buddy, made round
trip to Anchorage with Gus. Stoll and Montgomery car stalled
going to Knik, walked back and Stoll froze his leg. Priced
up new stainless steel ware. Evening, warmer. Radio
dead, news over local station.
February 7, 1939 Weather cold, clear, -26,
lowest temperature of winter. Evening, +8 with wind coming
up. Priced up and stored away new groceries. Railroad
installed Flamo lights in depot. Wall hauling perishables
to mines. Stanley and Paddy paid Gus in full account haulage
to mines. No radio or wireless, both dead.
February 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 above all
day. Cold wave sweeping across northern states, 44 below
in North Dakota. Section Perkins on labor board up for trial
before Congress for not deporting Harry Bridges, labor leader.
Started to make office table in new house. Radio dead, news
over local station.
February 9, 1939 Weather cloudy, 12 above all
day. George Moshier in off trap line to trade. Ellexson
in with dog team from Knik. Arnold Edlund home, fixing up
his house. Eva left for Hope to visit dignity Bixler’s.
Cad now operating new wind charger. Only local radio, Outside
dead.
February 10, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 12
to 20 above. Self got frame made for office desk in new
house. Stanley, Buddy and Marie Martha now dinner guests while
mother visiting at Hope, Alaska. Outside radio dead, storms
and cold in states, local news.
February 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20
above. Sent mail Outside via Fairbanks by Air Mail to
Juneau, thence by Canadian boats to Vancouver and Seattle.
No weekend boat at Seward account strike in Seattle.
Lawrence Fleck flew to Bristol Bay account his Dad being sick.
No Outside mail account strike. Outside radio after 9 PM
Cold weather in States.
February 12, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
16 above all day. Gus went to Lucky Shot account contracting
hauling mine freight from Willow Station with Gus’ Cat.
Freight train arrived, only local freight. Took usual bath in new
house. Radio weak.
February 13, 1939 Business rotten, weather
cloudy, 20 above. Airplane down near Juneau with 4 Alaska
salesmen, one Chamberlain’s son. Flash, 9:30, Alaska boats
will resume sailing. Another Supreme Justice retired account
old age. Costs $5 per capita war protection. Long wave
dead.
February 14, 1939 Business froze up,
weather warmer, 20 to 30 above. Put top on office desk,
now ready to varnish. Put water in and charged light batteries.
Gus back from Lucky Shot, landed $2,000 freight haulage with Cat.
Ice Worms on the air advertising Anchorage Rendezvous. Outside
radio 9 to 10. Italian Pope buried today.
February 15, 1939 Business dead, weather
cloudy, windy, 36 above. Gus drove to Anchorage to get
a Cat man. PM Stanley and Buddy drove to Palmer, joy riding.
KFQD had on special program advertising Rendezvous. No
trace of pilot Cope and lost fliers. Eva at Hope. Radio
good early, then a lot of static. Big fog storm in New York.
February 16, 1939 No business, weather
warmer, 36 above. Severe storm in California and northern
states, why live in Alaska? Wrote Felch about the Goose
Bay all water terminal and Alaska Railroad and ARR Co-op.
Baranof to leave Seattle Sunday, strike over. Radio good,
all stations on the air early.
February 17, 1939 Weather cloudy, 36 above
all day. Mail train south, had over 200 going to take
in Rendezvous at Anchorage, 35 went from Wasilla, both boys and
girls basketball teams. World Fair at S. F. to open at 8 AM
tomorrow. Dr. Townsend at $200, old age pension. Long
wave no good. Dago tried to shoot Mussolini.
February 18, 1939 No business, weather
cloudy, sprinkle snow, 16 to 34 above. Stanley and kids drove
to Anchorage to meet mother from Hope vacation. Anchorage
Rendezvous opened today for fur sale and winter sports, about 400
outsiders came in to celebrate. Sent mail out by air via
Fairbanks. No long wave.
February 19, 1939 Sunday, weather warmer,
32 to 40 above. Quiet in town, majority at Anchorage Rendezvous.
Varnished office desk in new house. Gus loaded his Cat
for Lucky Shot freight job. Ma taking care of Eva’s dog
and fires at house while visiting. Started to post 1938 NCG
ledger.
February 20, 1939 No business, “Rendezvous”
got it. Weather cloudy, 34 above. Got ledger posted
to April. Stanley and family back from Anchorage at noon.
Palmer trucks after Lake Wasilla ice. All Europe wavering
over Spanish war. Snider back on job at Independence Mine.
Wind charger spoiled Outside radio.
February 21, 1939 A-1 day, 36 to 40 above.
Got ledger posted to June. Got truck load Healy coal off
Gus. PM cleaned pipe and chimney in new house, cemented
4 leaks. U. S. lost bombers in maneuver, fog. Radio good,
England borrowing 3 billion for war materials.
February 22, 1939 Closed PM, weather cloudy,
34 to 40 above. Wasilla basketball players back from Anchorage
Rendezvous sports. No more boats to Seward, strike
on again. Jap's notified all nations to get out of China.
Nazi meeting in Los Angeles, broke up with rotten eggs.
Short wave good.
February 23, 1939 A-1 spring day, 34
to 44 above. Snow all gone on Wasilla streets. Ledger
posted to October 1938. Stanley hauled out tin can cook
cans then drove to Palmer. All nations preparing for war.
Boat strike off, mail on Cutter arrived. Radio fair.
Two weeks worth mail arrived on Government Cutter at Seward, next
mail 28th.
February 24, 1939 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Mail went south. Yukon to sail tomorrow, strike over.
Ledger posted to December 1938. Auto road now open to Goose
Bay. Mrs. Ellexson back from Anchorage. Varnished
office desk in new house. Ma cooked 17 pound turkey left
over. Harvey J. Bartholf passed out, age 70. Received Eyota
farm report. No long wave, news over local station.
February 25, 1939 Weather cloudy, 34 to 44
above. Finished posting 1938 ledger. Marie Martha
went to Palmer for hair cut and ice cream cone. Regular
train went north but no boats or business. Yukon 2nd boat
left Seattle. Royalists of Spain surrendered to rebels.
No long wave, short wave weak again, all war talk.
February 26, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
34 to 46 above. First mail went Outside today, 3 week strike
over. Jack Fabyan and Strickler went to Goose Bay to build
water tower. Tabulating 1938 ledger account income tax.
No long wave, short wave fair, London good.
February 27, 1939 Weather cloudy, 34 to 44
above. Finished tabulating ledger, now ready to draw
off 1938 income tax report. Stanley and Eva and Buddy drove
to Anchorage, PM Lathrop in from Cottonwood to trade.
February 28, 1939 Still 34 to 46 above, self
tabulating 1938 income tax report. Mail off Baranof arrived
10 PM. Thorpe’s and Lundstrom back from Outside.
Stanley and Eva back from Anchorage 4 PM. France, Italy
and Germany all war talk. No long wave, short wave NG.
Storms in States.
February Memo: Ma and Pa still store
keepers. Stanley had to return to Seattle to have aluminum
belt fitted to hold vertebra in place comes out when lifting.
Marie Martha in school, can read well now and lives with Grandma
most of the time. February good weather, no snow.
March 1, 1939 Weather cooler, 32 above all
day. Finished 1938 income tax report, in the red.
Got out fruit and grocery orders. Sun back over west end
of Lucille Lake, now 12 hours daylight. Not a sound on long
wave. Farmers got new manager.
March 2, 1939 Weather colder, 4 to 30 above.
Mail train went south. Stanley left for Seattle to have
made and fitted aluminum cast to hold vertebra in place, 3rd trip.
March 3, 1939 Weather windy, 32 to 36 above.
Stanley left Seward for Seattle on SS Yukon at noon.
Thorpe’s arrived from Outside. Got truck load merchandise,
came on Baranof. Cad went to Goose Bay to start building
warehouse and dock Second mail arrived 10 AM. No long
or short wave. News on local station.
March 4, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 PM, raining,
40 above. Got Yukon mail. Self in store AM.
PM charged electric batteries and shellacked door in upper front
room new house. Evening, Ma took 3rd bath in new house.
Windy all day. No long wave, short wave no good. Local
station only.
March 5, 193 Sunday, weather cloudy, 34 to
44 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Snow slides on
bench road to Independence Mine, man and wife went over the
grade. Eva let fish man drive her car to Anchorage.
PM staining and puttying new house. No long wave.
March 6, 1939 Business slow, no payrolls.
Temperature 30 to 34 above. Self in store AM. PM
stained stairway annex to basement of new house. Evening,
Bristol Bay fish man back from Anchorage with Eva’s car. Peck
sold 6 Zenith radios. Evening, wet snow storm, mines blocked.
Firestone only good program on short wave, local news.
March 7, 1939 Weather clearing, 10 to 32 above.
Eva made round trip to Anchorage for a dozen cookies and 1 pound
halibut. Rubbed down 2 doors and window ready to varnish.
Answered Florence Smith and Martin letters. Evening, turned
colder.
March 8, 1939 No business, weather cloudy,
10 to 30 above. Varnished 2 doors and casings in new house.
Got out Seattle merchandise orders. Dog derby and ice
carnival excursion passed through to Fairbanks. No long
wave, short wave fair. Ellexson out from Knik.
March 9, 1939 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Mail went south but mail boat 1 day late at Seward. Old
John and Willie digging well on Wilmoth’s Post Office lot.
War still on in Spain, Madrid, old capital, holding on. No
long or short wave. World news over local station.
March 10, 1939 Weather cloudy, 20 to 34 above.
Received 2 orders from up railroad line. No mail today,
boat in 4 PM. Miss Seward won Fairbanks as queen of Queen
of Carnival also gets a trip to S. F. Worlds Fair, free. Four
airplanes here today. PM varnished annex and desk Radio
poor, got KNX 10 PM news and Fairbanks derby sport news.
March 11, 1939 Weather windy, 20 to 26 above.
Delivered 2 orders to railroad for Caswell. ARC
loaded 3 cars with trucks and Cat from north shipment, first sign
of spring work. Mail arrived, PM Stanley arrived in
Seattle. Yukon left, big list. Treasure Island station
good 2 to 5 PM No long wave, cold in New England.
March 12, 1939 Sunday, windy, cold, 14
to 30 above. Joe Palmer bought grub outfit to trap beaver
at Caswell. Freight 1 day late, got ton merchandise coming.
Welch’s grape juice and Jello program good, Treasure Island, S.
F. fair. Hair cut. No long wave, short wave good up to
7 PM.
March 13, 1939 Cold wind 10 to 28 above.
School buses stalled in snow drift on Wasilla Lake railroad
crossing. Up mail train stalled at Curry. Anchorage
excursion stalled at Fairbanks account Broad Pass blocked by wind
snow drifts. Construction on at Goose Bay. Radio good,
all stations on the air.
March 14, 1939 Weather clear, 20 to 25 above.
Sold Goose Bay Wrfg. and Trade Co. butter and egg order, now
building dock and warehouse. Delayed freight 4 days, arrived.
John and self wheeled it over, 1 ton. Paid Seattle invoices.
Hitler got control of Czech country. Worlds Fair short wave
station on all PM.
March 15, 1939 Weather clear, 14 to 28 above.
Another freight arrived. Joe Palmer left for his trap
line at Caswell. Independence got car load groceries.
Gus and Thorpe’s back from Willow Creek. Big snow slide on
Grubstake. Answered Perkins letter about Eyota farms.
Got 10 PM world news, all war talk in Europe.
March 16, 1939 A-1 day, 20 to 38 above, mail
went south. Lundstrom laid foundation for new Post Office
building. Theodore out from Knik for grub. Congress
to make FDR Santa Claus to drive all of Alaska reindeer.
Cad hauling building supplies to Goose Bay. Treasure Island
and World Fair on short wave good.
March 17, 1939 Weather clear, 24 to 34 above.
Eva and Paddy made round trip to Anchorage for a shamrock?
Red head taxi driver visited, was on way to mines. Started
to lay top floor in annex of new house. Cope lost plane found,
all were dead. Treasure Island, S. F. good, long wave weak.
March 18, 1939 A-1 day, 24 to 32 above.
Packed order for Big Lake and Native order for Knik. Laid
cleats for floor in annex of new house. All Democratic nations
turned down Hitler taking Czech country. The 6 bodies in
Cope crash brought to Juneau. Radio good, all stations on
the air.
March 19, 1939 Sunday, weather cooler,
10 to 30 above, usual absent minded AM traders. Boat freight
arrived 2 PM, had Gus haul over ton groceries and fruits.
Auto road still open to Goose Bay but closed from Fishhook Inn
to quartz mines above Fishhook Inn. Usual bath in new house.
Radio NG account wind charger running.
March 20, 1939 Weather cooler, 4 to 30 above.
AM pricing and storing away new merchandise. Let charged
batteries go for 3 days, not enough juice left to start Onan engine.
Gus drove to Anchorage to get parts for his Cat. Two car
freight arrived for mines. Radio fair, got 8 PM news, all
war talk in Europe.
March 21, 1939 Spring is here, no snow,
temperatures zero to +30. Finished pricing up new merchandise.
PM cleaned spark plug and oil line on Onan electric engine and
she turned over OK. Hitler grabbing all the colonies taken
away, tunes of World War. Wind and rain in Sates. Treasure
Island on short wave, good.
March 22, 1939 No business, town dead,
no payroll. Temperature 10 to 20 above, spring is here
but no blue birds, +20 all day. Got out drug order and Seattle
mail. Installed condenser on Onan engine and eliminated radio
static. Stoll quit Goose Bay project account Alaska Railroad
cut oil rates 30%. Long wave NG, short wave good.
March 23, 1939 A-1 day, 14 to 34 above, mid-day
sun now effective. Mail left for Outside by boat, 1 day
late at Seward ocean terminal railroad. Hitler announced,
today, he was through with aggression and other powers told him
so. Frame work up on new Post Office. Short wave good,
long wave mushy.
March 24, 1939 Business slow, no payroll, temperature
20 to 34 above. Eva and Paddy, with Alton Edlund as chauffeur,
and Buddy as mascot, made round trip to Anchorage account Eva’s
mothers birthday party. Mail train arrived 10:30 PM
Mussolini going after France. Treasure Island fine all PM
No long wave.
March 25, 1939 A-1 day, 20 to 32 above.
Got mail AM, 1,500 pounds merchandise due PM. Laid maple
floor in annex. Passenger coach wrecked last night, no
one hurt. Carl Fritzler finishing his house inside, near Vail
ranch. Big dance on at Town Hall tonight.
March 26, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 24 to
34 above. Town sleeping after big dance. Harry Sears
driving Cad’s truck to Goose Bay. Boat freight arrived
PM. Worlds Fair radio program came in fine, 1:30 to 4 PM
every day. Buddy sick with stomach trouble.
March 27, 1939 Weather cloudy, warmer 32 to
42 above. AM had Gus haul truck load merchandise from set-out,
PM, checked, priced and stored away same. McCord party lost
14 days, found on island near Kodiak and mighty hungry. Lundstrom
and Buddy got stomach flu.
March 28, 1939 No money, no business.
Chinook, 42 to 44 above. Auto roads mushy, evening rain.
First mid-week mail arrived 9:30 PM Two mails weekly from
now on. Reported 25 men at Independence Mine sick with flu.
Harry Sears bought the Flannigan Fur House.
March 29, 1939 Business on the flu.
Rain last night, 46 above, warm spell brought on many cases of
the flu. Twenty three cases reported at the Stoll Mine.
Frost coming out, roads being cut up. Thorpe’s returned to Grubstake,
also Gus with parts for Cat on Lucky Shot Road. Outside radio
NG, more war talk.
March 30, 1939 Weather windy, sleet, 10 to
20 above. Cold raw day and many got the flu. Heavy
snow in mountains. Zink, Horning and Al H. and wife on
mid-week boat for Wasilla. Mail went south, boat on time.
President FDR left for Hot Springs. Radio weak.
March 31, 1939 Cold day, clearing 8 to 20 above.
March average cold month, no snow. Two passenger trains
went north. Inside miners returning from Outside vacation
and S. F. Fair. England will back Poland on any war aggress
ion. All war talk.
April 1, 1939 Cold snap,
zero AM. Four lads mushed from Anchorage, looking for
work at the mines. Indigents now buying at Palmer.
Finished laying floor in new house annex. Now all Cat work
at last leg to mines. Boat strike on again in Seattle.
No long wave, short wave weak.
April 2, 1939 Sunday, weather windy,
2 to 28 above. Marie Martha had 7th birthday party at
forks in Wasilla. Bogard Road pit? gave her $1 for each year.
Four boys looking for work, went north on PM freight. No
news account wind charger going. Had in Treasure Island for
2 hours.
April 3, 1939 Big wind all day, 34 to 38 above.
Mail went south to catch mid-week boat at Seward, due Tuesday.
Bath PM. Fern and Independence trucking out car diesel
oil to Fishhook, then by Cat to mines. Stanley wrote, would
sail on April 8th boat out of Seattle. Short wave weak, no
long wave. Ma got usual spring cold.
April 4, 1939 A-1 day, 32 to 50 above.
Johnny Bergman back from Nancy located no beaver, his brother
in from mines on vacation. Sears fixing up the Flannigan
house. Fishing strike still on in San Francisco and Seattle.
No cannery boats allowed to sail. Hot election at Anchorage.
April 5, 1939 A-1 day, 30 to 48 above.
Ma nursing usual spring cold. Mid-week boat mail arrived
PM. KFQD silent tonight, Anchorage hot election put them out
of business. France and Poland ready to fight Hitler and
Mussolini. Both short and long wave fair.
April 6, 1939 Weather cloudy, cool wind, 30
to 40 above. Mail went south AM. Mrs. Cad in bed with
flu. Ma got a bad cold but still able to bake cream cake.
Hot wave in California, 81 above at Worlds Fair, Treasure Island.
Streets dusty in Wasilla. Radio good, all stations came in
6 to 10 PM.
April 7, 1939 A-1 day, 34 to 48 above.
Wire from Stanley said he would leave Seattle April 12th for
Wasilla. Both mail and freight trains arrived PM.
Italy took Albania by force today account control of sea.
Frame work on Post Office building now up. Short wave good,
long wave weak.
April 8, 1939 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
Extra passenger train went south. W. G. Smith arrived,
paid last October bill, sent a crew out to mine. Chamberlain
warned Mussolini and Hitler not to take any more small nations
or expect war. Radio weak, no long wave.
April 9, 1939 Easter Sunday, weather
cloudy, 40 to 50 above. All the “bad” people attended
church at Palmer, including Marie Martha. Boat freight
arrived, wheeled over drugs, eggs, and butter myself. Eva’s
mother got the flu. Ma’s cold better. Short wave weak,
no long wave.
April 10, 1939 Windy, 44 above all day.
Will have early spring if it does not snow again. Eva and
Paddy, with buddy as mascot, made round trip to Anchorage.
Cad fired Fabyan account being drunk and wrecking car. Ray Wolfe
visited about Grubstake Placer. No long wave, short wave weak.
Gold Cord shut down, out of oil.
April 11, 1939 Windy, 40 to 50 above, finished
storing away new goods. Jack Fabyan and Gold Cord miners
celebrating at Bert McClarty’s cabin, free grub and booze for
Bert. Wrote check for 3 invoices received. Mussolini
says he is not at war, just applying power over small nations.
Radio weak and NG today. Salmon boat strike off.
April 12, 1939 Cool day, 40 above. Another
strike on in Seattle. Stanley’s boat, Baranof will not
sail until Friday the 14th. Hot war talk in Europe over Hitler
and Mussolini grabbing small states. ARC starting road work
at Palmer. Radio fair, 4 to 8 PM only.
April 13, 1939 Cool wind, 40 above all day.
Mail went south and boat passengers went north at midnight.
Arnold Edlund left to work on bridge gang. Lundstrom nailing
roof on Post Office building Took balance sheet off January
1, 1939 inventory. Short wave fair PM All war talk
in Europe.
April 14, 1939 Business air, cool, snow flurries,
40 above. Boat mail arrived PM, 1½ tons merchandise
coming Sunday. Baranof left Seattle 9 AM, Stanley aboard.
Letter from caretaker Perkins said Prudential Insurance Co. wanted
to refinance Eyota farm loan at 4½% for 10 years. Radio
fair on short wave, no long wave, FDR on air.
April 15, 1939 Partly cloudy, 38 to 50 above.
Smith in from Ala-Willow Creek Mine. Fred and Jake drove
to Anchorage to see George Zink in hospital, in bad shape, didn’t
know them. President Roosevelt sent message to both Hitler
and Mussolini to get together on a 10 year world peace treaty.
April 16, 1939 Sunday, first real spring
day, 50 above. Everybody out in the sun. Lundstrom
got Post Office building under cover. Big freight train
north PM. Got 1½ tons merchandise, Gus hauled it over
to store. Stanley on the sea, on way home. Evening usual
bath new house. McDougal back from Outside. Treasure Island
good all PM, evening no radio.
April 17, 1939 Cool day, 38 to 48 above.
Priced up on new merchandise. Self in store all day.
Both McDougal and Horning visited on way to mines. Smith
took Spot-dog out to mines. Independence received car load
machinery. Hitler, only one, not to accept U. S. peace terms.
April 18, 1939 Business normal, second
spring day, 38 to 58 above. Busy in store all AM.
Several boys here looking for work in the mines. McNally’s
Cat in for heavy piece machinery, hauled on go-devil. Hitler
had his Navy on parade, showing what he could do. Worlds
Fair program at S. F. good.
April 19. 1939 Weather cloudy, 42 above all
day, 6 AM, the moon passed in front of the sun, was dark
for ½ hour but couldn’t see it account clouds. Busy
in store all AM. Sold McNally order for Goose Bay. Got
out hardware and fruit orders. Short wave weak today, long wave
at 9 PM.
April 20, 1939 Cool wind, cloudy 42 above.
Mail went south and boat mail arrived 6 PM on way north.
Eva and Paddy left 9 AM for Anchorage, got Stanley off train
and arrived Wasilla 7 PM. Harry Sears went north looking for
beaver. Stanley back from 48 day trip to Seattle. Worlds
Fair, S. F. only radio.
April 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, 40 above all
day. Mail train each way today. Eva and Stanley drove
to Palmer. Self nursing slight cold. All Interior
miners flying back to summer diggings, many gone out to get their
10 beaver. Radio mushy. Bud and Arlow went north.
April 22, 1939 Partly cloudy, 44 above.
Self breaking up cold. Stanley re-enameled car. Section
men putting in new ties. Evening, dance on at Town Hall.
War talk easing off but all making ready for war . S. F.
Fair, Treasure Island good all PM No long wave.
April 23, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, 38 to
42 above. McNally, Goose Bay gang, trading AM. Wasilla
dead AM after the dance. PM repaired fire grates in kitchen
stove, some job. Boat freight arrived PM. Self cold
broken, Ma still hacking cough.
April 24, 1939 Windy, 34 to 48 above.
Priced up new hardware and paid Seattle invoices. Ala-Pac
hauling out new car machinery. Evening, Stanley drove to
Palmer for meat and oils, and anti-toxin shot. No garden work,
too cold weather. No Outside radio.
April 25, 1939 Weather warmer, 38 to 58 above.
Kids drove to Anchorage and returned. Self wheeled over
800 pounds nails and hardware from railroad freight shed.
Wrote Savings Dept. Seattle Bank, would like to make a draw to protect
farm mortgage. Nenana ice rotten and ready to go. Radio
weak, no long wave.
April 26, 1939 Warming up, 40 to 60 above.
No one planting gardens yet. Stanley re-painting his
house. Self on office work all day. Berger launches
now calling at Anchorage, Knik Arm full of anchor ice. All
ready for war in Europe.
April 27, 1939 Business still slow, partly
cloudy, 38 to 58 above. Walden’s trucks took last of car
of machinery to Fishhook Inn. Bert has callers and all
on a drunk. Mail went south, boat on time at Seward.
Bergman girl here, back from Outside. Short wave weak.
April 28, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 46 to
58 above. Cleaned up street in front of new house.
Mail arrived PM. A little rush, in store, after train
arrival. Bob Claypool plane found down at Stony river, no
harm done. Evening, took Buddy to hospital account bruise
on knee. Radio weak. Hitler on air PM, Mussolini over
with talk.
April 29, 1939 Weather cloudy, frost, 26 to
50 above. A Mr. Mathews visited looking for lease on any
placer ground. He operated drag line for McGee Inside.
Nenana ice went out 1:26 PM today. Dr. Wolkaske and 4 others
won $17,000 each, my guess was for 1:48 PM, May 2nd. Radio
weak, no long wave.
April 30, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, 40 to
58 above, showers and snow in hills last night. Pac-Alaska
hauling mining timbers night shift, roads soft. Fitted screen,
engine room window. Charged batteries. New York World
Fair opened at noon today. Boat freight arrived, got paints
only.
May 1, 1939 Partly cloudy, 38 to 58 above.
In store AM account wash day. PM got truck ready for
summer use, one tire punctured with nail. Evening, Stanley
drove out to inspect cabin on Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, mile 8.
Lake Lucille opening up. Radio no good.
May 2, 1939 Partly cloudy, 40 to 58 above.
Railroad employing men on Sections. Poland joined England
and France vs. Hitler and Mussolini aggression. Stored paint
and varnish supplies in engine room. Mid-week mail arrived.
Gold Cord Mine sold for $250,000. Short wave half volume,
no long wave.
May 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
AM tuned up old truck Hauled over load hardware from depot.
Hauled out load tin cans Andy Anderson hospitalized account
appendices trouble. Mrs. Ellexson walked out from Knik,
got her 10 beaver.
May 4, 1939 More business, weather cloudy,
42 to 58 above. Self in store most all day. Mail
went south and mid-week freight arrived. Passenger boat
sunk near Manila. Poland boycotting German goods.
Terrible explosion in fireworks factory near New York. War
talk easing off. New York City short on coal account strike.
May 5, 1939 Partly cloudy,
44 to 58 above. AM hauled over fruit and vegetables with
Overland truck. Kids made round trip to Anchorage with
Tin Lizzie. Boat mail arrived PM. Received notice
on Griffith lot tax, $2.56. Peck took up mortgage on Willie
Edlund’s summer resort, $800. Radio weak, no long wave.
Zink no better, in hospital.
May 6, 1939 Weather cloudy, 44 above.
Still cool, no one planting gardens in Wasilla. Strangers
here looking for work. Evening, high school gave a farce
play at Wasilla Town Hall.
May 7, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy, snow
on mountains Ma did light washing, making ready for trip
to Anchorage. Boat freight arrived AM, had ton hardware and
rubber pacs, etc. High school play last night, big success.
Evening, took bath in new house.
May 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, cool, 40
to 50 above, still freezing nights. Priced up and stored
away rubber pacs and hardware. Metz started work on his gardens.
Last year, garden truck was up. Ma at Anchorage visiting
ex-mayors family.
May 10, 1939 Light shower, 40 to 50 above.
Self busy in office all day. Got out fill-in orders and
paid last invoices. Stanley setting type for July 4th ad.
Ma doing Anchorage. Boat day late at Seward. Thorpe’s
in from mine.
May 11, 1939 Business fair, weather cloudy,
40 to 52 above. Price marking new paint and enamels. McAllen,
supervisor of Fern Mine in for clothing and taking a few days
rest. School held annual races today. Ma still at
Anchorage, Stanley sub-clerk. Short wave 50% off, got PM
news.
May 12, 1939 Weather cloudy, warmer, 40 to
58 above. Removed 16 bales asphalt shingles from annex
to garage so I could finish annex floor. Stanley drove to Palmer.
Got delayed medical certificates account store clerks. Ma arrived
9 PM from Anchorage. Short wave fair, no long wave. Ketchikan
came in over radio 10 PM.
May 13, 1939 Warmer, 10°, 40 to 60 above.
Birch budding, red robins arrived, looks like summer was here
but need a good rain. Cook from Goose Bay bought Carl Fritzler’s
car. PM laid maple flooring in annex. ARC put 3 men
on road work. Metz planting spuds. Short wave weak,
no long wave.
May 14, 1939 Sunday, weather warmer,
50 to 60 above, grass showing some green. Mosquitoes out
on first shift. Kids and Buddy drove to Anchorage account
Mother’s Day. Took down winter balcony fly. Re-seeded
spots on new house lawn. Short wave OK. Took bath.
May 15, 1939 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above.
Self in store, Ma started to clean balcony shelves. Buck
Sparling arrived, been away 6 years from Wasilla. Kids back
from Anchorage 5 PM. Evening on out-mail. Radio mushy.
May 16, 1939 Weather warmer, 50 to 64 above.
In store. Wrote Perkin’s funds would be available by
June 10 to take up Schmidt mortgage to renew Prudential loan at
4½%. Four cars freight went over dump on Seward
Division. Worlds Fair radio OK today. All Europe still
talking war.
May 17, 1939 A-1 day, 48 to 54 above.
Mail went south to mid-week boat, no mail boat next Saturday.
King and Queen of England landed in Canada, will also visit the
U. S. World Fair and President at D. C. Annual school picnic
at Willie’s place today. Radio but weak. KFQD off air
½ hour.
May 18, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 40 to 56
above, grass green, birch budding. Stanley washed outside
store windows. No freight over dump. Evening, Harry
J. Hill, Ray Wolfe and Ed Willholth, Craigie Creek Mining Co. visited,
wanted an option on Grubstake. King and Queen of England arrived
at Montreal, Canada.
May 19, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Self laid floor in annex. Frank Kelly stalled here account
no train service, washout on railroad above Talkeetna.
Salmon fish strike settled, got 10% more wages. Wasilla
school closed today. Radio weak local station OK.
May 20, 1939 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Delayed boat freight, 3 cars, arrived. PM Gus got car of
coal. PM laid hard wood floor in annex of new house.
Metz finished planting his gardens. All kinds of fur buyers after
beaver catch.
May 21, 1939 Sunday, first good rain,
40 to 48 above. Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage to send
mail Outside tomorrow. No mail train north of Anchorage.
Five car loads of merchandise freight set-out at Wasilla, the hub
of the valley. Walden freighter installed oil tanks. Radio
weak.
May 22, 1939 Partly cloudy, 40 to 58 above.
Birch trees backward in leafing. Finished laying hardwood
floor in annex in new house. Charged light batteries 2 hours.
Henry Rathjen, old timer of Knik, left for Arkansas, his old
home. Inside District crying for rain, no water to operate.
President Roosevelt on the air.
May 23, 1939 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
In store, AM, fitted combination screen and storm door on engine
room of electric house. Paddy and Stanley drove to Anchorage
to cash checks received for Ala-Willow Gold Mine stock.
May 24, 1939 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Self cleaned up old material accumulated in office, paid invoices.
Our freight blocked in car mining merchandise. Part of
submarine men sunk off coast of Maine, recovered today. Ex-Queen
of England bumped with auto.
May 25, 1939 Partly cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
Put up first prospecting outfit for Neimie. Professor
Klockentager and daughter left for Outside. PM hauled over
truck load groceries from set-out and load leftover lumber from
electric engine house to railroad warehouse. Radio weak.
Twenty six men still on sunken submarine.
May 26, 1939 AM, light rain, 44 to 48 above.
Finished prospecting and option agreement account turn over
my placer claims to Ray Wolfe, Craigie Creek Mining Co. deal,
$10,000, $2,000 cash, balance to come off bedrock Mail arrived
7:30 PM Birch’s leafing. Twenty six left on submarine,
all dead, 200.
May 27, 1939 Weather cooler, rain, 40 to 44
above all day. Self in store, AM. PM, nailed moldings
in annex of new house. Buddy and dad drove to Palmer.
Timber man for coal mines got leave to cut mining timber around Lake
Lucille. Ma off her feed today.
May 28, 1939 Sunday, store open 3 hours,
AM way-freight arrived 5 PM with groceries, candy, clothing.
Old Quincy Adam Pyle arrived from California to check up on Gold
Mint leasers. Hung combinations storm door on engine room.
Radio NG. Varnished screens and sack on 2 storm doors.
May 29, 1939 Weather cloudy, rain, 42 to 58
above. Birch trees all leaved out, no sign of spring at
Fishhook Inn. Stanley and Eva drove to Anchorage so Buddy
could bring home the measles? Self checking and pricing up
new merchandise. Two hundred and three killed by autos in
States today. King and Queen at Vancouver. Short wave
good.
May 30, 1939 Tuesday, Memorial Day.
Temperature 44 to 58 above, light rain all day. Store open
AM. PM good program over WGXBE, Treasure Island station.
Memorial reading over KFQD. Juneau station good from
9 to 10 PM Buddy got the measles.
May 31, 1939 Rain, 42 to 58 above. Priced
up Tea Garden merchandise, no invoice came with goods.
PM recharged electric light batteries. C. D. Johnson moved
into Miller’s shack. Fred Edlund’s house burned down, also
CD’s, another yet to go? Short wave good.
June 1, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above,
snowed in hills last night. Paddy, Sharon
and Stanley drove to Anchorage. Paddy bought ½
ton car to use at mines. First excursion arrived, Seattle Chamber
of Commerce went on to Fairbanks. Evening, made Wasilla sign
on ash dump. Short wave good.
June 2, 1939 A-1 day, 42 to 60 above.
Paddy busy timing up his six bits car. Last sash on new house
storm doors and fitted moldings on desk, Buddy at home with
the measles. Mail arrived 10:30 PM. Answered Martin
letter. Short wave mushy. The 88 men on English sub, all
lost.
June 3, 1939 First real sunny day, 50 to 76
above. Self in store all day. Marie Martha took a
bath in new house. Seattle Chamber of Commerce returned,
4:30 PM, from Fairbanks. Spent 1 hour looking over
farm colony. Evening, put on 1 hour fine program over KFQD.
Warm day. Short wave good.
June 4, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Put final finish on office desk in new
house. Al Horning visited, joy riding from Anchorage.
PM Stanley drove his mother around the farm district, also
took Buddy out for an airing with measles. Evening, bath.
Short wave weak. The Chamber of Commerce returned to Seattle.
June 5, 1939 Light rain all day, 50 above.
Self in store AM, wash day. Paddy and Stanley, with their
two bits pickup, drove out to Mabel Mine via Palmer. McNally,
and family, moved to Knik to collect toll on Goose Bay auto road.
Buddy out again after week dose of measles.
June 6, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
54 above. Paddy and Stanley back from 1st trip to Mabel
Prospect, six bit car not working good, took it over to Palmer
hospital for an x-ray? Heinz, Schilling and Velvet Tobacco
man here for orders.
June 7, 1939 Light rain, 50 to 58 above.
Swallows here making nests on store front. PM, heard King
George and Queen crossed over into U. S. from Canada at Niagra
Falls on way to Washington, D. C. to visit with FDR and wife.
Stanley and family on joy ride to Anchorage.
June 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 to
58 above. In store, wash day. Ma and grandchildren
went for a joy ride with Eva. Heard King George and Queen
when landing at Washington D. C. and parade up River Avenue to Capital
building. Mrs. Zink and daughter arrived. Gus bought
Joe Brassel town lot.
June 9, 1939 Rain all PM, 54 to 60 above.
King George VI and Queen visited at Mt. Vernon, placed wreath
on George Washington’s grave, also on the Unknown Soldier’s grave,
having the time of their life. Marie Martha home getting
ready for the measles? Native Agent here for affidavit’s account
pension for old Natives. Gus got new radio. Worlds Fair
radio good.
June 10, 1939 A-1 summer day, 42 to 62 above.
PM smoothed up ½ annex hard wood floor and stained oak
color. Charged light batteries. Letter from caretaker
at Eyota said no rain, crops not up yet. Marie Martha got measles.
Short wave OK.
June 11, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy, 52 to
62 above. Store open 3 hours AM for the absent minded.
Self hauled over truck load merchandise from set-out and priced
up and stored same away. Heard train leave Pride Park with
the King and wife on way to Canada.
June 12, 1939 A-1 summer day, 54 to 64 above.
Wash day. Stanley made round trip to his mine
via High Grade over summit. Marie Martha back in bed with
measles. Snow slide took away Tunnel camp at Mabel Mine.
Cad Twins drove to Anchorage for load of gas.
June 13, 1939 Self in store, Stanley
drove his mother over to Palmer Hospital for an x-ray of her
sore knee. Paddy and Stanley drove to Anchorage for 2 tanks of
gas to run their Terraplane six bits car. Second crops of mosquitoes
on shift. Evening, put 5 barrows dirt on lawn.
June 14, 1939 Self in store and repaired awning.
Put strip of _________ on upper store front to keep Swallows
from nesting and smearing up store front. Eva took Ma over
to Palmer dentist for x-ray of her teeth, Marie and Buddy went
along. Snow shed out on railroad. Anchorage Elks had
program for Flag Day.
June 15, 1939 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Bought 2 tons Healy coal off Smith. Stanley hauled it
in his Terraplane. Evening, Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage
to see show, Ma stayed with the kids. Short wave good all
PM.
June 16, 1939 A-1 day, 62 to 78 above.
Put up side door awning. Professor King, of Eklutna Native
School, wanted to place grub order for drunken Nick Stephan, on
credit, turned it down. Evening, finished moldings in annex.
Isaac’s and Coleman fishing at Eklutna Lake. Wired Perkins
about mortgage on Eyota farms.
June 17, 1939 Weather cooler, rain, 50 above
all day. No weekend boat, no mail. Sanded and stained
balance of annex floor. Metz back from George Moshier’s,
Moshier not well. Veil also not well. Paddy and Stanley
drove to Anchorage.
June 18, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
rain 50 to 60 above. Paddy and Stanley back from Anchorage
8 AM, new six bits car went haywire near Anchorage. Boat in
at Seward. Editors excursion passed through 5 PM for Fairbanks.
Mail train arrived 7 PM. Varnished annex floor. Marie
Martha regular star boarder after measles. Short wave good.
June 19, 1939 More rain, 52 above all day.
Stanley came from Anchorage with six bit car, had to leave
her at Palmer Hospital, Eva went after him 6 PM with Ford coupe.
PM charged electric batteries and on office work. Railroad
depot got new coal bin. Jap's shot off British _____ at Shanghai.
Short wave OK.
June 20, 1939 Showers, 42 to 58 above.
Ma went over to Palmer dentist, had out gold tooth that held
in bridge, was all ulcerated. Mrs. Zink and daughter here
after some of George’s dishes and tools rented a house for George
at Anchorage.
June 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers 54 to
64 above. Shorty in from Grubstake with small order for
Thorpe’s Mine. Wilmoth bought aerial outfit. New house
and Post Office about finished. No mail south. Editors
excursion back from Fairbanks, took in colony.
June 22, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers 54 above.
Got truck load groceries. In store all day. Paddy
and Stanley left, AM, for their quartz mine. Mrs. Zink
and daughter returned to Anchorage with Zink’s tools and cooking
gear. Wire came that Henry Rathjen passed out on his trip in
States.
June 23, 1939 Weather cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Self in store all day. Sold first lot of strawberry crates.
McNally graded around new Post Office, with Cat, and Gus’ lot
and moved Victor’s house from mile 1 to Gus’ lot on Knik Street.
Brown’s oldest daughter back from Seattle. Evening, mowed
grass on new house lawn. Short wave weak. Letter from
Florence, wants to sell farms.
June 24, 1939 Partly cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Finished casings in annex in new house. Gust Anderson
in from Fern Mine, went on to Anchorage with Fern truck Stanley
in from Mabel Prospect. McNally clearing lots for Tryck’s
and Gus with Cat. Short wave fair, static on local station.
June 25, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
64 above. Short wave good. Russia took a crack at
Jap's.
June 26, 1939 A-1 day, 64 to 70 above.
Had McNally, with Cat, clear brush off 2 lots aft of
school house. Gus putting foundation under his new siwash
house, opposite Tryck house, on Knik Street. Evening, kids
drove to Anchorage for 3 day visit. Short wave OK.
June 27, 1939 A-1 day, 58 to 78 above.
In store all day. Wheeled over Schilling’s goods from
freight shed. Cad in Palmer Hospital, lame back. Gus
Benson, of 1899, Albert Gilbert party on Grubstake, visited,
lives in Connecticut. Navy plane arrived to investigate airports.
Fishhook Pass open to traffic. Short wave fair.
June 28, 1939 Warm day, 58 to 78 above.
Gus and Stanley drove over to Lucky Shot and put in bid on 800
tons freight. Mrs. Cad and old Pyle decorating the mountain
home. Boat mail arrived 10:30. Eva and Buddy back
from Anchorage, Marie Martha remained with her grandma.
June 29, 1939 Heavy rain, 54 to 64 above.
Congress extended assessment work, 90 days, from July 1st, over
old Ickes ruling. Ma had out another crowned dead tooth.
Evening, Dodson got tool prospecting outfit. Cad still in
hospital with lame back.
June 30, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers.
Stanley and self making ready to leave for placer and quartz
mine to represent July 1, 1939 to June 30, 1940 assessment work.
Marie Martha still doing Anchorage. Left 3:40 PM, arrived
mail box 5:40 at Grubstake 6 PM cabin floor covered with parky
dung.
June Memo: Too many highways and backing Uncle
Sam in business at Palmer. Had Boundary Street graded
by new house. June good growing month, lots of rain, red
top 3 feet high. Most all of Wasilla kids had the measles.
World’s Fair radio good.
July 1, 1939 Self at Grubstake Placer Mine.
Ma store keeper. Up at 6 AM, inspected ditch and dam,
no harm done by big Thorpe snow slide. Cleaned out stuff
in ditch, turned water on Bear Bench prospect. Stanley visited
at 3:30, closed up camp, left 4:40, arrived Wasilla 5:40. Wheeled
over July 4th fruit and vegetables. Radio fair.
July 2, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 58 to 68
above. Busy AM pricing up July 4th fresh fruit and vegetables
and melons. Filled gas tank on light engine. Kids
made round trip to Anchorage. Evening, mowed lawn and took
a bath. Short wave weak till 4 PM. Marie Martha came home
with cold.
July 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 to 58
above. Small sales all day. Making ready for the
fourth. Cad home from Palmer Hospital. Firecrackers
bombing all day, by kids. Big dance on at Wasilla Hall.
Jap’s and Russians at war on boundary line. Thorpe’s and Isaac’s
in from mines. Short wave NG till 5 PM.
July 4, 1939 Self busy in store AM, temperature
54 to 64 above. Ma and all the kids drove to Anchorage
to celebrate the Sunset Fourth. Mail train, south and north,
last weeks mail came back from Fairbanks. Busy pricing up
drugs and groceries PM. Over 500 killed in States.
Short wave weak. Jap’s and Russian’s at war. All war talk
again in Europe.
July 5, 1939 PM, heavy showers, 50 to 64 above.
Self, store keeper, up at 7 AM. Ma and kids back PM from
Anchorage with watermelon. Shorty back with a skate on.
Gus took Thorpe’s back to Grubstake Mine. Evening, paid
5 invoices. No short wave until after rain storm.
July 6, 1939 A-1 day, 58 to 70 above.
No gut ache now. McNally finished grading Boundary Street,
time 4 hours at $3.50 per hour with Cat. McNally graded
2 lots opposite depot account wardens new garage. Boat freight
arrived, Marie Martha received new bike. Jap’s still fighting
China and Russia. Short wave fair.
July 7, 1939 Hot day, 64 to 74 above.
Ma had teeth cleaned by Palmer dentist AM. Stanley had
Cat fill hole on alley of his lot. McNally started to overhaul
his Cat in our back yard. Mail arrived. Short wave weak
at noon, 4 PM, OK.
July 8, 1939 A-1 day, 58 to 72 above.
Self in store, priced and packed away Heinz new goods. Marie
Martha’s eyes and ears all swelled up with gnat poisoning.
Evening, finished mowing lawn around new house. Boat freight
arrived. Paddy in from Mine.
July 9, 1939 Sunday, rain all day, 52
above. Priced up drop shipment of tobacco. Made up
weekly cash register sheet. Kids down to Knik. Put 2nd coat
varnish on annex floor in new house. Postmaster moved into
their new house. Short wave weak all PM
July 10, 1939 Business normal, rain,
54 to 64 above. Put up order for Palmer at
Caswell. Paddy got his Flying Dutchman car out of hospital,
cost $57 for repairs. Evening, mowed grass around oil house
and garage. Short wave good. All war talk in Europe
and China.
July 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 58 to
64 above. Delivered grocery outfit for Joe Palmer at
Caswell. Unpacked and priced up late paint order.
Paddy and Stanley drove over to New Bullion Mine. Congress
turned down FDR amendment to Neutrality Bill. Short wave
weak.
July 12, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 to
64 above. Priced up Schilling’s new goods. Cocked
up hay in back lot. Got out bunch strawberry boxes.
Eva and Buddy at Anchorage. First watermelons arrived.
Army man inspecting for Navy airports. Short wave air.
Heat wave in States.
July 13, 1939 Weather cloudy, 54 to 70 above.
In store all day. Gust Haller visited Snider’s. Marie
son-in-law in for building material account house at mines.
Eva and Buddy back from Anchorage at noon, went in the ditch.
Ma had chicken dinner and watermelon. Radio at noon, weak.
July 14, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 to
64 above. AM doing outside work. Charged electric
batteries. Car load freight came but none of our goods.
Paddy and Stanley in from mine. Evening, took Marie Martha
to Palmer to see Shirley Temple picture. Short wave OK.
New paper out in Anchorage.
July 15, 1939 Rain, 54 to 64 above. Two
boat freights arrived 7 PM. Gus remodeling his new siwash
house on Knik Street, expects to catch schoolmarm? Two cars
freight for mines and set-out for Wasilla. Pilot Barnhill’s
plane burned up after landing. Short wave good after 4 PM
10 PM, DLR Australia, clear and loud.
July 16, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 54 to
70 above. AM hauled over two truck loads new merchandise
from set-out, priced and stored away same. Paddy and Stanley
left for their mine. McNally finished overhauling his Cat
and pushed loam from garage lot to new house lot for lawn cover.
Capt. Ward visited. Short wave no good till 5 PM, OK then till
10 PM.
July 17, 1939 A-1 day, 60 to 74 above.
Finished pricing up new groceries. Strawberries on market
at 25¢. Senske in from Lucky Shot. Agent Browne
built a coral for his pup. Walter Pippel visited the Bonanza
farmer at Palmer. Plane from Seattle in 13 hours. All
war talk in Europe and Asia.
July 18, 1939 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
Mail went south. McNally bought Cad’s pickup car, overhauling
same. Priced up new hardware. Slumdinger girl in from
mines. Kids in, bathing every day. Letter from Eyota,
Adm. Schmidt estate killed. Prudential load renewed on Burnap
farm for $9,000. Short wave weak at noon. No news at 3
PM.
July 19, 1939 Hot day, 60 to 88 above.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik with red salmon. McNally and
Fern Cats went down to fix up Goose Bay Road. Stanley in from
New Bullion Mine. Evening, answered Perkins and Harry Martin
letters. Short wave fair.
July 20, 1939 Weather cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Self store keeper. Ma went to Palmer to have final work
on her teeth. Stanley returned to his New Bullion Mine with
fresh salmon. Kids in lake every day. Strawberries
plentiful. Short wave weak, got 5 PM news.
July 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, 58 to 70 above.
Stanley back from mine to meet Seattle banker come to inspect
the Alaska Willow Creek Prospect near Fern Mine. Took out
flat tire on Olds car. Cats back from fixing Goose Bay Road.
Short wave silent, news from local station.
July 22, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers 50 to
62 above. Eva, Buddy and Stanley drove to Anchorage
to set up a heating stove for Mrs. Fleck, stayed over. Spot
back home from Smith Mine. Boat for Northwest Passage hit
a rock near Cape St. Elias and filled with water, 2nd accident from
coast. Strawberries for supper. Short wave weak at noon,
news all war talk in Europe.
July 23, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
rain, 52 to 64 above. Quiet in town, many cars going to
Fish Creek below Knik to meet the first red salmon run. The
kids back from Anchorage. Mended spare tire for Olds
car. Mowed lawn and took a bath in new house. Short
wave weak, early, got the 3 PM news.
July 24, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 above.
In store and office, made out hardware order for August delivery.
All cars headed for Knik and Fish Creek salmon. Stanley
drove out to meet big banker at Ala-Willow Creek Gold Mine for
inspection. Lester Davis, out of jail, arrived. Short
wave fair, news all war talk. Horning in from mine.
July 25, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
Strawberry shipments now going north on railroad line.
Stockholder of Alaska Willow Creek Mine here inspecting work
did at mine under Smith’s management. Returned deed account
Seymour farm to sell for $3,500 cash, to L. R. Benedict.
Short wave fair, got all the news.
July 26, 1939 Weather cloudy, light rain, 50
to 60 above. Put up order for Ward Shroupe on Craigie
Creek. Wedding in town, Agent Browne’s oldest daughter
married Arlo the Cat man. Irish bombing London stations.
Shaw kids stole bunch of lath. Short wave good all PM
Rain wanted in central states.
July 27, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 50 to
54 above. Paddy and Stanley left to finish up assessment
work on their New Bullion Mine. Isaac’s in for tools, his
car in river on Gold Mint Road. A brakeman got hurt on
train, Wasilla to Pittman. Short wave weak, long wave sill
heard after 9 PM, all war talk.
July 28, 1939 Showers all PM, 50 to 70 above.
Congress cut 500 million off Presidents 2 billion spending fund.
Eva and kids drove to Knik for salmon. Rain bad on strawberries.
C. D. got best berries. Fresh fruit arrived on mail train.
Arlo and bride went north.
July 29, 1939 Real rain, PM, 46 to 54 above.
Downpour of rain PM, streets flooded. Freight arrived,
got first casabas and peaches. Adjusted form for cement
on west side cellar windows, new house. Kids broke into Town
Hall, burned papers on floor and wrecked everything. Radio
weak, PM, evening good.
July 30, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy,
evening rain, 58 above. Three score and 11, with lame
back, Marie Martha gave me 2 pair socks. Eva took
Ma and kids out for a joy ride PM. Evening, cemented up holes
in cement stairway in new house. Took usual bath, bath then
OK. Radio NG until 6 PM.
July 31, 1939 Partly cloudy, 54 to 60 above.
Busy in store, AM, small trade. PM, on Seattle orders
and mail. Stanley drove Sharon to Anchorage to take airplane
for Dillingham account carpenter job, 3 months. Shaw kids
robbed Paddy’s cabin. England about to take a shot at
Japan.
August 1, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Stanley took truck load coal for Gus, to Willow Creek Mines.
Leveled up yard around oil house after Cat scraped off sod.
Mail arrived 5:30 PM. Kids up before Commissioner for house
breaking. Noon radio weak, evening all stations on the air.
August 2, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Self storekeeper, Ma went to Palmer dentist to have Wasilla
strawberries and salmon removed from holes in teeth. Gus
drove to Anchorage. New 1st grade teacher and daughter arrived.
Radio good after 4 PM. Wired Florence about Seymour farm.
August 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain
50 to 54 above. Stanley in from Mabel Mine. Railroad
laying off Section men and repair gangs, no money? Gust
Haller back from Kodiak, said NG, 600 men walking the beach.
Japan hooking up with Germany and Italy.
August 4, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above.
Ma went to Palmer for electric treatment of her knee.
The kid wrecking gang painted basement floor with ashes in high
school building. Boat mail arrived. Put moldings and
cement on cellar stairs. Charged up electric light batteries.
Radio good, all PM and evening. War talk hot in Europe and
Asia.
August 5, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Paddy and Stanley in from mine. Preacher visited asking
for Sharon? Greenwood, Cat man, and family in from Goose
Bay to trade. Cad twins drove to Anchorage. Boat freight
arrived 6 PM.
August 6, 1939 Sunday, heavy rain all
day, 52 above. Ma and Stanley’s family out on joy ride to
Willow Creek district. Self busy all AM in store, sales
over $50. Mrs. Slumberger back from vacation. Woll’s
moved to Wolden's farm house near Palmer. Short wave good all
PM. Congress adjourned last night.
August 7, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
58 above. Kids made round trip to Anchorage. Marie
Martha stayed with Grandma. Hauled over groceries and hardware
and priced up same. Phil Allen, Matanuska Hotel man, passed out.
Radio good, both short and long wave.
August 8, 1939 Business fair, 40% below
normal. Weather cloudy, 58 above. Anton Anderson,
surveying timber account lease by Stoll from Government.
Forty Philippino’s, from Anchorage, had a party last evening in Wasilla
Town Hall. Bad tornado in Michigan today. All Europe troops
under drill. Radio good. Jap’s still fighting China and
Russia.
August 9, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 58
above. Received papers covering Prudential, received 10
year loan for $9000 on Eyota gift farms. Interest down to
4½%. Signed note and returned mortgage today.
Got out grocery order. Caretaker, Perkins, wrote that crops
were good in Minnesota. Radio OK, short wave, long wave mushy.
August 10, 1939 Weather cloudy, light rain,
50 to 60 above. Mail went south. Kids turned truck
loose by Post Office, landed 1 block below, no harm done.
Got first local potatoes. Ray Farrel, gone Outside for 21
years, back to Wasilla. Paddy bought a house at Palmer.
Short wave good till PM.
August 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above.
AM, cleaned up warehouse aft store and re-sacked fish salt.
PM, re-charged electric light batteries and started 3rd coat paint
on living room in new house. Outside mail arrived.
Short wave fair, no long wave. Trusty in to trade.
August 12, 1939 Heavy rain, PM
and evening, 50 to 62 above. AM, painted on ceiling in
new house. Ma had final dental work done at Palmer Hospital
and took another electric shock on lame knee. President Roosevelt
gone fishing again in North Atlantic with C.
August 13, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening rain, 50 to 62 above. AM, hauled over hardware
and produce from set-out, then hauled truck load sand from pit
on railroad crossing by Wasilla Lake. PM, leveled up ground
on east side of engine room, cemented on pit on cellar window.
Phil Allen buried in Anchorage. Only short wave. Ma went
to Knik with Eva and kids.
August 14, 1939 Light rain all day, 46 to 52
above. Blue Monday for Ma? Self in store all day.
Priced up new merchandise. New sawmill gang here to locate
mill by garbage dump on railroad. Stanley in from mine,
rained out. Metz rented Zink farm house. Evening,
radio OK.
August 15, 1939 A-1 day, 42 to 54 above.
Got mail off 10 AM. Stanley, Eva and Buddy left 10 AM
for Anchorage over highway. Re-painted three panels in living
room of new house. Local new spuds now available.
Another Edlund, out 11 years, arrived. Only short wave, war talk
easing off in Europe.
August 16, 1939 A-1 day, 40 to 66 above.
Frost reported in farm colony. Fern hauling concentrates
to Goose Bay for shipment. Old Hitler standing pat vs.
Poland. New York City flooded today with rain. Kids
back from Anchorage, PM. Short wave OK, Juneau in 9 PM
Finished painting ceiling.
August 17, 1939 A-1 day, 54 to 70 above.
Self store keeper. Chas Isaac in for prospecting supplies.
Mrs. Isaac in to stay home. Harry Sears got mines winter
mail contract away from Leibing. Paddy and Stanley went
to ready Bullion. Eva drove Ma to Palmer for electric knee
shock. Short wave OK, all war talk, Germany vs. Poland.
August 18, 1939 Windy, showers, 54 to 60 above.
Packed order for Herman at Big Lake. Mail and fruit arrived
4 PM. Stanley back from New Bullion Mine. Marie Martha
got 2nd new bike, Buddy rides her old 3 wheel bike.
August 19, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers 50
to 60 above. AM helped Stanley put on aft roof on their
six bit runabout, then it bucked and wouldn’t go. Stanley and family
and the “house breaker” made a round trip to New Bullion Mine.
Self hauled over 25 cases gas to oil house. Ray Wolfe and Harry Hill
visited and wanted extension of lease on my placer mine, now up.
Only short wave. Jap’s to make a good-will flight to Alaska in
September.
August 20, 1939 Sunday, heavy rain, 52
above. Self let 11 AM for mines with Stanley. Capt.
Berger and lawyer, A. J. Schweffie, in Berger’s car. Left
them at crossroads above Lucky Shot, walked down to Grubstake
cabin to meet Wolfe and Hill to inspect placer mine, they failed
to show up account bad weather. Cleaned up ground sluice
pit on Willow bench, put roof plate up on cabin, mowed grass.
August 21, 1939 Rain at Grubstake Placer
Mine. Up early, walked down Willow 2 miles to Craigie
Creek Mining Co. gas shovel. Prospect were in about 100’
bench, had Cat to move tailings. Wolfe and Hill had left for
Anchorage, didn’t see them. Closed up cabin, 1 PM, mushed up
to Kellyville, caught ride to Wasilla with Mrs. Senske, arrived Wasilla
4 PM. Hauled over load merchandise from set-out.
August 22, 1939 Weather cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Self in store, AM, Ma washed PM. Ma went to Palmer for
another electric knee treatment. Evening, charged light
batteries. Paid all invoices due. Kids back from Anchorage.
Marie Martha now riding her new bike. No short wave today.
August 23, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers, 50
to 60 above. Wolfe and Hill visited, re-extending lease
on placer mine. Professor Kleck decorating up his cottage.
Stanley lining room upstairs. Painted 2 ceiling panels.
Got out order.
August 24, 1939 A-1 day, 52 to 68 above.
Mail went south. Made 1939 report to Geological Survey,
D. C. Painted another panel, living room new house.
Marie Martha took header off railroad platform.
August 25, 1939 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Hitler-Poland war put off until Sunday. Other powers
demand arbitration. Ma had another electric shock on hr lame
knee at Palmer. Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik, went to Palmer
show. Got more sand for cement work. Mike Connelly drowned
in Six Mile River, Sunrise.
August 26, 1939 At Grubstake Placer Mine.
Left Wasilla 5 PM with Wolfe and Hill, prospective buyers of
placer mine. Arrived at cabin 7 PM, everything ship shape.
August 27, 1939 Sunday, at placer mine.
Up at 5:30, sawed 2 blocks fire wood. 9 AM, Wolfe and Hill
arrived, showed them over placer claims and panned on Homestake
from Forks down. Had lunch 1 PM. Worked on Bear ground
sluice till 7 PM.
August 28, 1939 Grubstake to Wasilla.
Up at 5 AM met Wolfe and Hill at mailbox 6:45, arrived Wasilla
7:45 in Wolfe’s car. AM, cleaned up store balcony.
PM, priced up new merchandise. Stanley and family drove
to Anchorage. Evening, foot bath. Short wave OK, war
or no war tomorrow. Hitler vs. Poland.
August 29, 1939 A-1 day, 52 to 68 above.
Cat loading 2 cars mining poles for coal mines. Car lumber
for Independence Mine arrived. In store, AM, Swift’s man
here. Kids back from Anchorage. Marie Martha stayed
for 3 days with Grandma Fleck. PM cemented pit on cellar
window of new house. Matanuska flooded from Knik Glacier.
All war talk, Hitler holding off.
August 30, 1939 AM fair, PM, rain, 50 to 60
above. Baxter Felch here AM for orders, ordered Lee overalls,
Munsingwear, Carnation milk and Christmas candy. PM, did
1 panel living room in new house. Jap’s formed new cabinet,
3 years more to control Chinks, also fighting Russians on the border.
All lights out in Europe. Radio fair, Poland and Hitler war
ready to fight.
August 31, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
50 to 56 above. Slide on railroad mail south 6 PM.
Stanley drove to Anchorage for Marie Martha. First good radio,
all stations came in. All war news. England and France ready
to help Poland vs. Hitler aggression. Radio good all PM and
evening.
August Memo: August rainy month.
Made 2 trips to placer mine account preparative buyers.
Laid hardwood floor in annex and repainted living room
in new house. Need more furniture before moving in.
September 1, 1939 Business fair, “indigent”
day. Rain, 48 to 58 above. War on in Europe.
Hitler began to bomb Poland cities. England and France gave
Hitler until tomorrow to cut it out or they would come to Poland’s
aide. Italy and other governments remaining neutral. Letter
from S. B. Woods, writer for Griffeth paper. Long wave dead
again. Short wave, all war talk.
September 2, 1939 More rain, 50 to 60 above.
Self in store all AM, filling up shelves and counter bins,
dusting, etc. Nick, the prize hooch maker during World
War days, visited. Mrs. Bixler visiting at Eva’s. Finished
cleaning walls in living room, new house, looks bully. Radio
fair. war still pending. New schoolmarm arrived.
September 3, 1939 Sunday, heavy rain,
40 to 50 above. Stanley unloaded 10 tons Healy coal, ½
for K. T. Co. and ½ for himself. England and France
declared war vs. Hitler account invading Poland. German
submarine sank British boat with 1400 passengers for Canada.
September 4, 1939 Partly cloudy, evening, heavy
rain, 40 to 50 above. Hauled over truck load hardware from set-out.
Stanley, Eva and Mrs. Bixler drove to Anchorage. War on
in Europe. Hitler bombed children’s orphan home and Warsaw,
Poland. Another boat sunk. All countries neutral and
against Hitler. Labor day, closed all PM.
September 5, 1939 Business normal.
Cloudy, showers, 40 to 50 above. New snow on the mountain
peaks. Fall term of school opened today. Bridge gang
here, moving Section house. War, France troops over German
border. Poles lost Warsaw but bombed Berlin. Joy riders
with V. Bixler back from Anchorage. Radio mushy, all
war news.
September 6, 1939 Still raining,
40 to 50 above. Red raspberries coming from Knik.
Wasilla lively with school kids. Hitler claims he has
taken 1/3 of Poland. French Army advancing in Germany.
England not doing much to stop Hitler.
September 7, 1939 A-1 day, 46 to 60 above.
Finished 3rd coat on wall panels in living room new house.
PM, Paddy and Stanley drove out to their New Bullion Mine for inspection.
Germans 20 miles from Warsaw and sunk 3 boats today. Received
$600 on sale of Seymour farm at Eyota, Minnesota. Marie in 2nd
grade.
September 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, 4 6 to 56
above. War finally got going September 1st. Hitler
after Danzig Port in Poland. John Chamberlin and Campbell’s man
here for orders in route Inside. Paddy and Stanley back from
mine. Rain took off new snow on summit. Mail arrived
6 PM. Hitler doing up Poland and France invading Germany, war
is on.
September 9, 1939 Partly cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
In store most of day. Cut galvanized iron strips to close
up leak in floor register in new house. Ray Wolfe visited,
wanted extension of deal for placer mine. Boat freight arrived
11 PM, got grapes, peaches and casabas. Europe war on full
blast.
September 10, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 32
to 60 above. Red cap Shriner’s party had dinner at Cad’s
then drove to Fishhook. AM, hauled over truck load of
fruit and groceries from set-out. Bridge gang moved railroad
Section house to high ground near auto road. Eva sore throat.
Ma stitch in back. War on, hard at it in Poland and Germany
and at high sea.
September 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening
rain, 44 to 56 above. Self in store until 3 PM then finished
cementing leaks around furnace in new house. Kenai Priest
held church at Knik. Hitler has sunk 25 boats and not in Warsaw
yet. English Army joined France in drive into Germany.
War hot in Poland. FDR calling for extra session of Congress.
September 12, 1939 Weather cloudy, 44 to 48
above. Birch turning golden yellow, autumn is here, big
frost is next. Stanley and family made round trip to Anchorage
PM. Put top coat cement on cellar window cribs. Mail
arrived 10 PM. Elizabeth Oberg married, left for Michigan.
All war news. President visited extra session of Congress.
September 13, 1939 More rain, 44 to 48 above.
Mail went south. In-mail 2 days late at Seward. Self
in store AM. Sent Florence letter about sale of Seymour
farm to attorney Perkins for a check up. Col. Ohlson and guests
stopped account Section house moving, took a punch at a workman, got
one back, then his car jumped the track near Pittman, put 1 man in hospital.
10 PM news, Warsaw holding off Hitler.
September 14, 1939 Weather cloudy, cooler,
32 to 40 above. Mrs. Senske took load dog salmon to their
Lucky Shot winter cabin at Kellyville. Lundstrom refinishing
inside Wasilla Town Hall. PM cemented roof on annex to house.
Charged electric batteries. Ex-King, Duke of Windsor, back
to England after 2 years in France. Poland still holding out
against crazy Hitler.
September 15, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 40
to 50 above. Dick Francis, old timer, and two other men
found shot and beaten to death in Cache Creek District.
Bridge gang repairing depot platform. Cad family had a row
in back yard. French driving Germans back All war in
Europe. Jap’s want peace with Russia account boundary.
September 16, 1939 A-1 day, 40 to 50 above.
Had Sears mow grass on lots around warehouse account fire protection.
Hitler still bombing Warsaw, gave them until Sunday to surrender
city. Pole’s have killed 100,000 Germans thus far.
Russia getting ready to take Northern Poland. Big dance on
at Wasilla Hall tonight. All neutral making ready account Germany-Poland
war.
September 17, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 36
to 50 above. Quiet in town, sleeping off last nights dance.
Grau in from Gold Mint Mine. Kids drove to Anchorage to
do their laundry. Russia moving into Poland. All ganging
up vs. England and France. PM repaired store furnace and
pipe, 6 hours. Hot war news, 31 boats torpedoed around England.
September 18, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening
rain, 44 to 50 above. Making ready for big wind and rain.
In store until 4 PM, then charged electric batteries and painted
two panels. Kids back from Anchorage with wash.
September 19, 1939 A-1 day, 40 to 58 above.
Mrs. Perkins, the 4th person murdered in Cache Creek District,
found, no clues to the perpetrator of deed. Snow down to timber
line on Bald Mt. last night, all went off today except on high peaks.
Dan Gray in. Last mid-week boat, tourist season closed.
England hands down future decisions on war with Hitler tomorrow.
September 20, 1939 Weather cooler, windy, 38
to 58 above. Hitler claims he has conquered Poland after
18 day war but the Poles still hold Warsaw, the capitol.
British claim they have captured the $20,000,000 Bremen boat.
Snodgrass arrived with big bunch cattle from Fishhook, going to
Flats for winter. Put weather strips on annex and engine room
door. Another heat wave and cyclone in California.
September 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, light wind,
44 to 40 above. Snow about gone on mountain peaks.
Extra session of Congress today. President Roosevelt wants
Congress to give him power account war in Europe? Prospecting
on Willow Creek, Ala-Gold Mine closed down. Eva and
Gus went to Anchorage.
September 22, 1939 Small business, cloudy,
evening rain, 44 to 60 above. Uprising in Romania,
Premier shot by Nazi Gang. Pole’s still holding capital,
Warsaw, cost Germany 500 planes and 150,000 soldiers to take Poland
and Russia to get ½. Independence Mine got car milk
and groceries. Eva stayed in Anchorage account mother.
Eighth day of hot weather in California.
September 23, 1939 Business normal, cloudy
and warmer, 450 to 60 above. AM packed $131 order for
Joe Brassel for his Craigie Creek quartz mine. Stanley drove
to Anchorage to get Eva. Message from Seattle with finance
for his mine. Tryck’s sold a lot to Fern miner. Snodgrass
put his herd cattle on Cottonwood Flats. Hitler making ready
for drive vs. the French.
September 24, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
showers, 50 to 60 above. Warm spell took snow off mountain
peaks. California 9th day over 100 above broken by rain
and floods. Russian Army 60 miles from Warsaw, Poles
still holding capital city. Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage.
Sines and Gibson held church in school house for Wasilla sinners?
Heat wave killed 80 in California. Russia heading for open
sea port.
September 25, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers,
50 to 60 above. AM hauled over truck load hardware and groceries
from set-out, priced up same. Mr. Hubbell, old time mineral
surveyor, visited. California swept by coast wind after long
heat wave. Poles moving into France. Karnes here inspecting
school. Europe war on but going slow.
September 26, 1939 Weather cloudy, 50 above
all day. Golden birch shedding leaves, ready for winter
rest. Warm rains took all snow off mountain peaks. French
and Germans had first real battle on Western Front, French won.
Hitler still bombing Warsaw, Poles holding on by hand fighting.
Radio good, another heat wave due in California.
September 27, 1939 Weather cloudy PM and rain,
44 to 58 above. Martha Amelia, spent day at Goose Bay
Fern Mine ocean terminal. Stanley left, PM, for Anchorage
with Gus’ truck for load giant powder and material for his mine.
Warsaw surrendered to crazy Hitler. Russia now loving Hitler
account taking Poland. Radio good all PM and evening. Moose
hunters no get-um.
September 28, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, showers, 44 to 58 above. Stanley back, last night,
with load giant powder for his mine and 25 cases and barrel oil for
K. T. Co. Chas Isaac through prospecting. Willie Edlund
back from Seattle. Church 3 times weekly for Wasilla sinners.
Radio fair. Repaired water tank in kitchen and enameled same.
September 29, 1939 Weather cloudy, showers
44 to 54 above. Stanley took out load mining timbers and
hardware for his mine, using Cat from Fishhook Inn. Goose
Bay wharf and building completed and closed dock for winter. Hitler
asks England and France to quit war, if not, Stalin will help him
to win. Peace talks on Europe war.
September 30, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, showers, 44 to 56 above. Mail and boat, 1 day late
going south. Gus took coal, etc. final load freight out
to Stanley’s Craigie Creek quartz mine, had to use Cat on last
half mile. Evening, birthday party, Mine Elick at Knik.
Both grandson and daughter all night with grandma.
September Memo: Rain all summer and still
raining. Stanley just delivered $1,000 equipment and supplies
to operate his New Bullion Mine next season. Pass still
open. New amendment to Social Security Act: employees 65
or more must pay tax back to January 1, 1939. This hit ma
for $5.40.
October 1, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
showers, 44 to 46 above. New snow, again, on mountain peaks.
Stanley left, early with final supply for his New Bullion Mine
with his ½ ton car. Curley and Snider family in from
mines to trade. German submarines now sinking Swede boats.
All war talk in Europe. Wednesday, Hitler will tell them quit
or fight.
October 2, 1939 Weather cloudy, 44 to 50 above.
Stanley and Shorty back from Craigie Creek Mines. Six inches
new snow on Fishhook summit. Farmers busy digging spuds,
wet job. Freight train arrived 6 AM. Eva and Sharon
drove to Anchorage account their mother not well. Pay day
for indigents. Radio good. Fairbanks new station KFAR
on air.
October 3, 1939 Evening, clear sky for first
time this fall. Birch leaves all off, trees bare.
Eva and Stanley made round trip to Anchorage. Gust Haller
bought an outfit. Sears mushed in from New Bullion Mine account
part broke on Cat moving freight to power house. Our freight
buried in set-out. No long wave, short wave OK. Fairbanks
station KFAR weak.
October 4, 1939 A-1 day, 30 to 44 above.
Heavy white frost this morning. Stanley went to mine
with Sharon and Sears to train supplies to upper tunnel.
Lathrop in for Groceries. Our Sunday freight still not
available in set-out for mines. Evening, cloudy again.
Short wave OK. Chas Isaac gone to Goose Bay.
October 5, 1939 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
38 to 48 above. B. B. gang putting new roof on depot and
new plank in depot platform. Noon, got part of K. T. Co.
freight out of set-out, delayed for 5 days account mining freight
in cars. Hauled out tin cans to dump and hay cocks off back
lots. Stanley in for more grub. Radio mushy.
Hitler on air tomorrow.
October 6, 1939 Business small, cloudy,
rain, 38 above. Snowed 3’ on Fishhook summit closing auto
road. Stanley went out, AM, parked car at Independence Mine,
mushed over mountain to his mine account storm, closed up camp
and, with Cat, drove over pass to Fishhook Inn, arrived home 6 PM.
Snow last night at Valdez and Juneau. France and England
turned down Hitler’s peace plan.
October 7, 1939 Snow all day, 30 to 32 above.
First snow in Wasilla, 6” bench roads to mines blocked.
Walden driver turned over load oil. Some farmers caught
with spuds in ground, no hard freeze yet. Basket party on at
town hall. Hot debate, Washington D. C. on neutrality and repeal
of embargo.
October 8, 1939 Sunday, still snowing,
24 to 30 above. One foot new snow, largest fall in October
known. Cleaned off 250’ sidewalks. Priced up new merchandise.
Basket social, last night, a success. Buddy and sister
out all day in new snow. Evening, took bath in new house.
All war talk, no peace for Hitler.
October 9, 1939 Business normal, A-1
day, 14 to 30 above. Many farmers spuds not dug and grain
hay snowed under. He who hesitates is lost? Stanley’s
family drove to Anchorage to do wash by electric. Not much
fighting in Germany but Russia taking all small nations. Short
wave OK, no long wave.
October 10, 1939 Weather colder, 20 above AM,
30 above noon, 20 above evening. Self in store 8 hours.
Kids back from Anchorage 4 PM. Put fires on in new house
account cold wave. France, England and Hitler talking peace
terms. Hitler demands peace or he will whip the world?
Radio fair. Fairbanks OK after 9 PM.
October 11, 1939 Weather partly cloudy, 10
to 30 above. Another heat wave in California, 90 above.
Freddie Johnson in from Gold Mint. Johnny Bergman got job
with ex-gang. Marie Martha got hair cut at Palmer. Big
fight in Washington D. C. on FDR neutralist bill. American refugee
passengers arrived New York.
October 12, 1939 Business normal.
Weather partly cloudy, windy, 30 to 38 above. Lathrop
in for $40 grub order. Sharon stocking up, afraid of Hitler.
Some farmers scraping snow off spud patch and digging spuds.
Self busy in store all AM. Ma trying to take on winter cold.
Radio fair. All nations watching Russian military locations.
October 13, 1939 Weather cloudy, 34 above all
day. Stanley left for Seattle to finish financing and equipment
for his New Bullion quartz mine. Ma in bed all day with
cold. British sunk 3 German
submarines. Bridge gang left Wasilla
for Divide. Radio mushy, half volume.
October 14, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 30 to 38 above. Received $75 order from Willow
Creek. Self busy in store. Ma in bed account cold, Eva
cooked our dinner. Stanley and Billy Tryck left Seward for
Seattle by Outside Passage.
October 15, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
34 to 44 above. Snow all blown out of Wasilla. Packed
$77 order for old Sam St. Pierre, Willow Creek. Ma up and
around part of day, has cold in shoulder and kidneys. Eva
and Buddy cooked Sunday dinner. No long wave, short wave on
and off, got no news.
October 16, 1939 Weather cloudy, 28 to 40 above.
Ma nursing cold in back, was up most of day. Germans
made another attack, by airplanes, on British Navy boats.
French Army advancing on German soil. PM nicked over 500
lbs. drugs and clothing from set-out. Radio mushy.
Arlow and wife and Brown Jr. back
October 17, 1939 Weather cloudy, 24 to 36 above.
Unpacked Butler Bros. dry goods, priced and stored away same.
Eva, Buddy and Jane made round trip to Anchorage over highway.
Two Cats hauled out big engines for Independence Mine.
English Navy bombed. Radio fair.
October 18, 1939 A-1 day, 18 to 36 above.
Priced up new drug order. Ordered 20 tons Healy coal through
Gus. Sold heater to Rica account Sharon rental.
Ma considerable better account cold settled in her back Cats opening
road on Fishhook Pass. Radio weak.
October 19, 1939 Weather cloudy, 20 to 32 above.
Got out merchandise orders. Eva gave Spot dose worm
medicine. Ma’s cold some better. Thorpe family
in from Grubstake quartz mine, reported 2’ on Grubstake Gulch.
Signed up Pete Snider blank for Navy. Short wave weak.
Big fight in D. C. over neutrality bill.
October 20, 1939 Weather colder, 10 to 30 above.
Self in store most of day. Received $50 order from Big
Lake fur farm. Not so hot for Hitler. Turkey and
Romania now in with England and France account war. Radio
good, all stations came in.
October 21, 1939 Business normal, weather
colder, 8 to 30 above. Packed 2 orders for Caswell and
Pittman. Ellexson appointed administrator on Henry Rathjen
Estate, went on his bond for $1000. Evening, pie social on
at Hall account funds for hot school lunches. Radio good.
Europe war on but not much fighting.
October 22, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy,
8 to 30 above. Wheeled over 800 pounds merchandise for
Pittman and Caswell to railroad shed. Joe Palmer left for
his trap line near Caswell. Freight arrived 4 PM hauled
over 1 big truck load merchandise. Russia and Turkey neutral
with France and England. Looks bad for Hitler war. Short
wave and Fairbanks station good.
October 23, 1939 Weather cloudy, snow, 20 to
30 above. Had Sears haul over balance of freight.
Self busy pricing and opening up merchandise. Hitler captured
American boat in North Sea, loaded with tractors. Sears moved
his mail shack to Mabel Forks. Only short wave. Got
ton coal off Gus.
October 24, 1939 Weather cloudy, 18 to 30 above.
Self busy all AM unpacking and pricing new merchandise.
Russians took charge of American boat captured by Hitler Navy,
being in neutral water. Sharon took Eva to Anchorage and
return. Ma still got hacking cough. Long wave NG.
News over short wave OK.
October 25, 1939 Weather cloudy. Priced
up Black Bear goods. Paid Eastern merchandise invoices,
discount earned November 10, $10.28. Hitler threatens to
bomb England and London by air, says England cause of war?
Radio good, all stations on the air.
October 26, 1939 Windy, 30 to 34 above.
Busy day with coal and out-mail. Got 10 tons Healy coal
off Gus, was to have 20 tons. Russians turned over American
boat to Germans, claimed contraband. Snow and cold on
German front battle line. Long wave weak, short wave OK.
October 27, 1939 Light snow 32 to 36 above.
Self in store all day. Made out 2 claims for Alaska Railroad.
Notified Ray and Alongo account bad check. Lady here with
Minnesota car from Palmer. Marie Martha received most stars
for last months school work. Plane with 12 passengers landed
here account Anchorage fog. Radio fair, all talk about war
in Europe, not much fighting.
October 28, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 34
to 40 above. packed 2 express orders for
north delivery. Letter from Stanley, arrived Seattle OK.
Hitler tried to bomb England, not a success, lost 1 plane.
Anchorage business men crying account rise in taxes. Long wave
NG, short OK.
October 29, 1939 Sunday, sleet storm
32 to 38 above. Put up balcony fly to keep heat down in store.
Freight arrived 4 PM put out set-out car. S. F. Treasury,
Illinois Fair closed this evening with half hour program on air.
No fighting in Europe today. Short wave good.
October 30, 1939 Chinook, 40 above all day.
Ma’s birthday, not so skookum, getting over bad cold with rheumatic
pains in back, like self, got sore feet. Isaac’s, Goose Bay wharf
watchman, in. St. Clair’s drove to Knik. Radio good.
Fighting on again in Germany, air raids.
October 31, 1939 Sleet storm, 2”, 34 to 36
above. Took all AM to shovel sleet off walks. Paddy
got late Sears all wave radio. Russia visited down other
powers, including U.S. will supply Hitler with war material.
10,000 Halloween children on parade in San Francisco.
November 1, 1939 Another sleet storm, 24 to
34 above. Self in store, Ma washing and baking. Gus
gone out to Fishhook Inn to move supplies to Mabel Mine account
of winter tunnel work. Mrs. Isaac left for Anchorage to
fight extra taxes. Plenty of moose meat now in town. Radio
good. New York World Fair closed in pouring rain.
November 2, 1939 Weather colder, 18 to 28 above.
Self in store, Ma keeping in shape by doing washing? Lester
Davis in town for annual drunk. Congress passed the neutrality
bill, will sell to all war nations for cash only. Radio good,
both long and short wave, all war news.
November 3, 1939 Weather cloudy, fog, 20 to
24 above. Put up order for Frank Gagnon at Lucky Shot Mine.
Matanuska streets flooded again. Norway put one over on
Hitler. Took the U. S. “City of Flint” away from German crew
and turned boat and cargo back to U. S. John Lundstrom
left for Tacoma. Radio good. Finland told Russia no
more military concessions.
November 4, 1939 Weather colder, 4 to 18 above.
Self in store, billed out 2 small orders north. Boy lost
for 5 days in Arizona, found all OK with sore feet. Russia
easing off on Finland demands. Dance on at Wasilla Town Hall
tonight. Letter from Stanley, in Seattle, delayed week.
Radio good, both long and short wave.
November 5, 1939 Sunday, partly cloudy,
22 to 32 above. Busy in store AM closed PM. Drew oil
out Onan light engine. Shoveled snow from side entrance
to store and old garage. Boat freight arrived 3 PM set-out.
U. S. “City of Flint” discharging cargo in Norway port, will then
sale for home port of New York City. Radio fair.
November 6, 1939 Business froze up, weather
cloudy, 22 to 28 above. PM hauled over 1½ tons groceries
from set-out, checked up and stored away same. On Russia’s
22nd anniversary they panned Britain, France and U. S. as capitalists
and not for cause of Democracy. Only short wave.
November 7, 1939 Weather cloudy, 28 to 32 above.
Finished pricing new merchandise. Hot election in California,
the ham and eggs bunch lost out, also in Ohio. Cad lining roadhouse
with sawdust. Radio good, elections in several states,
war in Europe quiet today.
November 8, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 20 to 28 above. Busy PM with order for Goose Bay
and Willow Station. Patzack in with Senske’s horse from
Lucky Shot and order for Frank Kelly. Hitler bombed at his
birth town, he escaped by 15 minutes, his first aide killed and 16
others and 60 were wounded. Radio good.
November 9, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, windy, 28 above. Sold 2 orders, Goose Bay and Knik.
Mrs. Isaac rented her house and left to join her husband, watchman
at Goose Bay. Basketball game on tonight in Hall.
Soper moved down to his ranch. Short wave NG.
November 10, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 20
to 28 above. Eva got the bellyache, going both ways. Buddy
down to store every day, keeps his grandma busy to keep him out
mischief. Auto and boat strikes in States. U. S. bombers
gone to Brazil. Short wave weak, long wave fair. Rex
Elliott building house.
November 11, 1939 Partly
cloudy, 10 to 28 above. Got another order from Willow
Creek Saw Mill. Old Sam, Pittman Section boss, down
to trade. Sears back from moving oil and powder to Mabel
Mine for Gus. Armistice Day program on the air. Wire from
Stanley, delayed week in Seattle. No long wave, short wave
weak.
November 12, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy, 10 to 24 above, usual absent minded customers. Boat
freight in 3 PM, received ton groceries and shipped 206
pounds to Willow Saw Mill. Trucked over ½ ton perishable
freight to store. More talk than war, England and France won’t
quit unless Hitler gives back Check and Poland. Russia wants
Finland.
November 13, 1939 Weather cloudy, 20 to 24
above. Got over balance of new merchandise from railroad shed,
price up same. Gust Jackson down from Pittman for A-T Heater
and more cabin supplies. Ely, Section foreman installed electric
light plant. British sunk 2 German freighters. Ma trying
to take on another cold. Radio poor, Fairbanks and Juneau
on part of the time.
November 14, 1939 Weather colder, zero to 20
above. In store and on outside work. Club foot
Edlund moved into Gus’ cabin by Mabel house. Liebing’s truck
made trip to Knik, going bad. England, France and Germany
still fighting and talking peace terms. Radio poor.
November 15, 1939 Business slow, froze
up, temperature zero to 22 above. Ordered vacuum cleaner
and electric washer for new house. Hitler won’t accept Belgium
and Netherlands peace terms and told England he hasn’t started to
do real fighting. Other nations want to command our ships.
November 16, 1939 Weather cloudy, 8 to 26 above,
got out Seattle mail. PM, got truck load gas from
Anchorage by Lee Hartley truck who moved Russell Shaw’s furnishing
to Anchorage. Subscribed to Alaska Sportsman to C. E.
Perkins and Art Rogers for 1940. Short wave OK, long wave
weak, all war talk.
November 17, 1939 Warmer, 24 to 34 above.
Shaw family moved to Anchorage. Mail went Outside.
Rayan and Alongo made good bad check Received 2nd order
from Gagnon, Willow Creek. Agent Browne recovering from eating
a Matanuska dog and pickle at Palmer. Answered Kelly’s inquiry
about sale placer mine. Radio NG, only local station.
Stiles found his dog.
November 18, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 22 to 34 above. Got Gagnon’s order ready for shipment
to Willow tomorrow. Stage line still making Fishhook
Inn. Stanley on boat out of Seattle today for home.
Holland boat hit mine. Radio fair, Fairbanks good.
Auto strikes.
November 19, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 12
to 32 above. Nicked 600 pounds freight over to go on north
train. Turkey, vegetables and fruit arrived one week ahead
of date ordered for 30th. Hardware held over 1 week in Seward
account wrong billing. Mrs. Thorpe got tangled up with John
Barleycorn and broke her arm. Radio 50% good. Three boats
sunk by mines near England.
November 20, 1939 Second Chinook, 4 to 34 above,
self in store PM. Marie Martha and Buddy helped haul
over 3 Yukon sled loads fruit and motor oil, Buddy rode both
ways. Had Knik chicken, tough old hen, Eva and kids guests.
Stanley at Juneau, in route home on SS Yukon.
November 21, 1939 Business dead, Chinook
still on, 34 to 40 above. Eva and Oberg family going to
Anchorage. Marie Martha here with her Grandma, as usual,
and in second grade at school. Shonbeck, oil and mining
man, drove down to his Cottonwood farm, left order for grub.
Radio A-1, all stations on air.
November 22, 1939 Weather cloudy, 22 above
all day. Turned over $2.80, balance of Fred E. Roscher
deposit, to U. S. Commissioner. Roscher estate pending since
1930. Eva and joy riders Oberg, back from Anchorage PM.
November 23, 1939 “New Deal” turkey day
(not ours) Ely and Leibing families the Big Shot on New
Deal dinners. Store open all day. Colder, zero.
Stanley on SS Yukon, due in Seward today. Germans planting
mines in English Channel by parachute. Had fresh halibut for
our dinner. Radio A-1.
November 24, 1939 Weather cloudy, 12 to 18
above. Eight cars in the ditch last night account icy
roads. French claim 100 German air bombers shot down, German’s
claim 38. British boats sunk by subs. Marie Martha took
train to Anchorage to meet her dad due from Seattle. Radio
fair. School closed 23rd account New Deal turkey day.
November 25, 1939 Weather colder, 2 below zero
to 10 above. Put up front fly in balcony to keep heat
on store floor. California won pacific Coast football
game, on air 1 to 3 PM. Stanley arrived home after 6 weeks
on mining business in Seattle. KGBW reported flowers in
bloom in Ketchikan. Radio OK. No fighting today.
November 26, 1939 Sunday, -12 to +10.
Both girl and boy teams won basketball game over Palmer last
night at Wasilla Hall. This evening, big game on at Palmer,
Eva and Stanley drove over. Hardware, groceries and turkey
freight arrived PM. Hitler winning war with submarines.
Radio weak, received war news, another boat sunk.
November 27, 1939 Big wind, +28. AM pricing
up new merchandise. PM Stanley and self hauled over four
Yukon sled loads merchandise from set-out. Turkey’s and
capons arrived for 30th eat . First Naval battle by British
military, Hitler won. S. F. port tied up by strike. Census
taker visited John Q. Adams, 1940 census of Alaska, 71,911. Radio
weak, car freight arrived for mines.
November 28, 1939 Weather cloudy, snow, 20
to 26 above. Finished pricing up new merchandise.
Stanley helping mother out as chief clerk in store. All
talk in Europe. Russia threatens to invade Finland.
Roosevelt dictating when Republicans can hold convention.
Radio 50% off.
November 29, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 22
above. Ma cleaned and stuffed turkey, 12 pounder for
tomorrow Thanksgiving. Paid Seattle fruit and turkey
invoices. Russia ready to crush Finland. Russia wants
sea naval port there.
November 30, 1939 Real, “Old Time Thanksgiving
Day”. Ma baked a 12 pound turkey. Guests, Eva,
Stanley, Buddy and Marie Martha and Paddy Marion. Russians
turned loose bombing planes on Finland, without warning.
Finland shot down 3 planes.
November Memo: Not living in new house, Ma
prefers rooms aft store, outdoor toilet, empty slops, no bath,
only foot tub, empty ashes and outdoors for coal. Keep fires
in new house account self taking weekly bath. Only 2” snow
this far, temperature 2 to 20 above. Marie Martha eats and
sleeps here most of time.
December 1, 1939 Weather cloudy, 6 to 22 above.
Got off mail and Christmas orders. Boat 2 days late at
Seward. paid $5 for K. T. Co. ad on Wasilla basketball suits.
Russia bombing Finland, cities reported Finland sunk ARR Cruiser.
Radio fair, static from electric gas engine. All war talk.
December 2, 1939 Weather colder, 10 above to
8 below zero. Busy keeping up fires AM. Mr. Redwood,
old time hotel man, passed out at Palmer Hospital. The Fins
drove back Russian troops today. British tanker sunk but
British captured 3 German boats. Evening, warmer. Radio
good. Navy and Army football on air, Navy won 10 to nothing.
December 3, 1939 Sunday, cold, zero weather.
Swift’s man here, went north on mail train 5 PM, 1 day late.
Made sketch map of Grubstake placer claims for prospective
buyer. All nations against Russia for invading Finland.
Freight day late. Radio fair.
December 4, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 18 above.
Lathrop in from Cottonwood ranch for supplies. Johnny
Bergman back from bridge gang at 49. Eva and Stanley left
for Anchorage, only made it to Palmer. No freight today,
eggs, paint, oils due. Finland holding off Russian invaders.
All war news in Europe. Diamond spoke over KFQD.
December 5, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 24 above.
Last weeks boat freight arrived 5 PM received butter,
eggs and paint oils, etc. Sent F. M. Kelly sketch map of
Grubstake placer with details for future working placer or selling
out.
December 6, 1939 Cloudy,
windy, 24 to 30 above. Got out hardware order and answered
C. B. ________ inquiry about sale of store. Hilmer Oberg
forging checks and back in jail. J. Q. Adams, census taker,
here. Made application for Ma’s Social Security number, those
over 65 must pay. Stanley on half mark, 35 today. Radio
50%.
December 7, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
above. Basketball at full swing. Gave Western States
Grocery Co. details on sale of K. T. Co. store. Ellexson
out from Knik with dog team. Got out-mail. No outside
radio.
December 8, 1939 Weather cloudy, 28 above all
day. Mail south 10 AM. Self put ton coal in store
furnace bin. Metz on morning walk, nearly got bumped off
by auto account wind blowing. 20,000 Russians killed by Finland
today. Submarine boat crippled 3rd British destroyer .
Bomb plane sunk German submarine boat. German planes trying
to bomb Paris. Radio weak, got new OK. Buddy as busy
as a rat.
December 9, 1939 Weather cloudy, 22 to 36 above.
Self in store AM cleaning up and replacing goods on shelves.
Sent order for Christmas via airmail. Got word that Mrs.
Munson McMillan died in California in November. Paddy
and Stanley attended basketball at Palmer. Radio fair.
December 10, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 above all day. Store open 3 hours AM as usual.
Got word Nellie Hartman passed out in Tacoma, making $25,000 running
Wasilla Roadhouse 1917-1927, didn’t do her much good. Evening,
took usual bath in new house.
December 11, 1939 Weather cloudy, 28 above
all day. Electric washer and vacuum cleaner arrived for
new house, cost $99.95 and $34.95. Stanley and family drove
to Anchorage. Marie Martha went home with Worden, farmer girl,
for over night.
December 12, 1939 Weather cloudy, wind, 30
above all day. Douglas Fairbanks Sr. 56, great movie
star passed out today. Like old timers, in Alaska, Hollywood
stars are going. Ex-President Hoover made next Sunday, Fin-Day
account donations and medical supplies, President Roosevelt approved
it. Russia turned down League of Nations terms to settle war .
Kids back from Anchorage PM
December 13, 1939 Temperature 26 above all
day, evening 10 above, only 2” of snow thus far. Auto
roads good, cars still go to Fishhook Inn from there by Cat to
mines. Marie Martha now doing figures, good in reading, 2nd
term in school. Buddy talks with his hands, all same as Glacier
Park Indian.
December 14, 1939 Temperature colder, zero
weather. Self in store, janitor and electric light man.
Wrote Seattle National Bank about their Trust Dept. Sent
copy of Commissioners letter on estates. All nations donating
to Finland’s war expense.
December 15, 1939 Weather cloudy, 2 to 26 above.
Natives out from Knik with first snow shoes and to trade.
Ma went to Anchorage for weekend and to meet Santa Claus and the
Mayors family. Finland slaughtering the Russian’s and
still holding their own at war.
December 16, 1939 Weather cloudy, 10 to 30
above. Ma doing Anchorage and Santa Claus. Marie
Martha not in it, had to stay home account school. Stanley
sub-clerk for mother. Ebb and Zeb put out all night program
over KNX account Salvation Army Christmas kids.
December 17, 1939 Sunday, weather cloudy, snow
PM, 24 to 30 above. Store open 3 hours, AM, as usual.
Finished splicing and nailing down linoleum in kitchen.
Evening, lacquered linoleum in kitchen. Ma back from
Anchorage PM freight.
December 18, 1939 Weather cloudy, 22 above
all day. Started laundry in new house. Eva did
her and Ma’s wash on Norge electric washer. British and
Germans had first real air battle today British lost 7 bombers,
German’s 12. Fins killed 7,000 Russian Evening, painted
kitchen floor, 2nd coat. Radio good, all about 2 wars going
on in Europe.
December 19, 1939 Business slow, no money,
temperatures 10 to 24 above. Self not feeling good around
the bowels. Sears opening up snow road, with McNally’s
bulldozer, to Independence Mine. Fins sunk Red battle ship
with their shore guns.
December 20, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
above. Christmas fund party bought candy and fruit for
kiddies Christmas, evening of 21st at Wasilla Town Hall.
Capt of German sink cruiser bumped himself off today, said he preferred
to die with his ship. Russians bombed many Fin cities today.
British captured several German boats. Radio not so good.
Mary Cad home from college. S. F. World Fair to run next year.
December 21, 1939 Weather cloudy, 42 above
all day. Mail south but held up by snow slide on Seward division.
Kids drove to Anchorage for weekend. Pioneer bus to Wasilla
basketball took Wasilla basketball team to Anchorage. School
bus to Wasilla people on to Palmer to see school program. Fins
holding Reds off. Mary Cad and Charley Tryck arrived from
college. Radio fair.
December 22, 1939 Weather windy, rain, 42 above,
first rain of winter. Internal trouble brewing in both
Russian and German armies? How much longer will the war
last? Evening, Wasilla school kids had their Christmas at
Town hall, cost us $6.10. All radio weak. Rain brought
Ma a cold.
December 23, 1939 Put up order for Big Lake
fur farm to ship to Pittman. Train got by snow slides, arrived
10:15 PM. Christmas fruit and vegetables came on mail train.
Stanley and Eva left car, came on mail train. Fins winning
Red war thus far. A-1 day, 32 above.
December 24, 1939 Sunday, A-1 day, 30
above. Snowed 8” at Anchorage. Busy AM pricing and
opening up Christmas fruit and vegetables, not much sale.
KFQD on air with Yule Tide greetings. Fins still holding off
Red Army. Postmaster returned to deliver Christmas packages.
Radio weak.
December 25, 1939 Christmas, warm 30
above, PM blizzard, evening +38. Storm from south east,
reached Wasilla at noon, evening turned to rain, Anchorage got
17”, 4’ at Divide and 2’ at Seward. Ma, as usual, cooked Christmas
dinner, had all the kids, 2 more now, Buddy and Marie Martha, grandchildren.
Christmas cost Dad $41.50, cash presents. Radio weak.
December 26, 1939 Business slow, all
sleeping. Temperature 30 to 34 above, heavy rain at
midnight, only ice left. Several cars in ditch and upside
down. Eva did hers and our wash in new house. Evening,
Ma took 3rd bath in new house. Self jointed up stair rail,
annex new house. On last bucket of coal, car due 28th.
Radio fair, all war news.
December 27, 1939 Weather windy, 32 above all
day. Car Healy coal arrived for Gus and K. T. Co. store
fuel. Ma and Marie Martha left on freight for weekend at Anchorage.
Bird and party arrived at new Zealand on way to South Pole.
Fins still killing and holding off big Red Army. Radio weak,
not news. Only spots of ice on roads to Wasilla.
December 28, 1939 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
above all day. Gus delivered 20 tons Healy coal for store
furnace. Marie Martha and Grandma doing Anchorage.
Eva got bean-pineapple dinner at our house. Four ships sunk
today in Europe war. Stanley on grocery inventory.
Radio fair.
December 29, 1939 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 30 above all day. Put up 2 grub orders, one goes
to Lucky Shot. Mail went south, boat 1 day late at Seward.
Ma and Marie Martha on t-bone steak at Anchorage. Eva,
the cook at our house. Earthquake killed 20M in Turkey.
Radio mushy, all war news.
December 30, 1939 Weather cloudy, 12 to 16
above all day. Stanley on grocery inventory. Got
Gagnon’s order ready to ship to Willow Creek. No fighting
on Western Front. Fin-Russian war most active now.
Marie Martha and her Grandma back from weekend at Anchorage,
train 3 hours late.
December 31, 1939 Sunday, colder, 6 to
16 above. Christmas week, mildest of winter. Ma
and son on grocery inventory. Radio good from Pacific to
Atlantic on air all night, Auld Lang Zine. Experts claim Hitler
bottled up. Truck load new merchandise arrived 6 PM Radio
good.
December Memo: Electric plant working OK.
Still living in rooms aft store. Take bath in new house
and use electric washer, Eva operator. Ma and Marie Martha
did Anchorage, 27-30 December. No snow in Wasilla. Inventory
on now. 1939 sales 40% off account ARR Co-op.
1940
January 1, 1940 Monday. Cloudy, zero
all day. Store open AM PM on grocery inventory.
Ate New Year dinner at Eva’s, roast beef, salad and ice cream.
Final football games on air. Mrs. McDougal, at Fern Mine,
had to call a doctor. No fighting in Europe today, making
ready for big battle. All the Herning’s well, Ma has game knee.
Radio fair, some static.
January 2, 1940 Weather colder, 10 to 14 above.
All busy on inventory. Self wheeled over 1,600 pounds merchandise
from set-out AM. Eva did all Herning washing in new house.
School open again. Turkey rivers flooding, many lost in flood.
Russian train, loaded with soldiers, wrecked. Radio fair.
January 3, 1940 A-1 day, 30 to 34 above.
All on inventory. Self finished groceries in basement.
Fins run Reds back on skis. Storm and 5 below in northern
Finland. Only air battles on, England-France-German war.
Congress in session again. President Roosevelt’s message received,
formally, by all parties. Edison’s son made Secretary of Navy.
No short wave, long wave fair.
January 4, 1940 Weather cloudy, 16 to 30 above.
All on inventory. self in office on out-mail, etc. Fins
knocking the ‘ell out of the Red Army thus far. Roosevelt asked
Congress to put up over two billion more for war defense. Government
now taking 60¢ of every dollar earned. New Deal good spenders.
Radio fair, war news and Congress at work.
January 5, 1940 Temperature 26 above 2” snow.
Got off mail, boat 2 days late at Seward. Cold wave Outside,
zero to -35 in northern states. Cad left for Pacific Coast.
Chas Isaac and wife in from hideout at Goose Bay. Wasilla white
again after 10 days. On hardware inventory. Radio fair.
England war boss quit job.
January 6, 1940 Weather cloudy, 8 to 26 above.
Self took hardware showcase inventory. Cad turned back
from Seward account his case by game warden. Mail train
arrived at 11:30 PM. Isaac family guest at Stanley’s.
Hoover sent Fins 3 million from U. S. Relief Fund. Many countries
helping the Fins account Russia war. Douglas Fairbanks estate
2 million dollars. Radio fair, most all war news.
January 7, 1940 Sunday, snow flurries, 14 above.
Witnesses going to Anchorage account Cad’s moose (cow) killing
last fall. Self working on hardware inventory.
Got Outside mail AM. Got M. A. H. Social Security number,
xxx-xx-xxxx from Juneau office. Elizabeth Bergman left
school cooking job to bull cook on extra gang at Chulitna. Pumped
up tanks for electric wash tomorrow. Radio NG, only KFAR,
no Outside, got no Press News.
January 8, 1940 Weather cloudy, snow flurries,
18 to 28 above. Electric wash day in new house.
AM cleaned snow off 180’ walks. Nagley Jr. visited, on
freight train for home at Talkeetna. Fins done up 17,000
Reds and captured 1000 horses. Roosevelt on air at dinner party in
New York. Evening, town people gave Mrs. Slumberger a shower
of grub at Beeler house. Radio weak, got news. Three
car tanks oil arrived for Independence Mine.
January 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, frosty, 8 to
18 above. Self on hardware inventory. Wasilla basketball
team with new seal-brown suits, won no games thus far. Fins and
Reds at it red hot. Only air raids on British boats by Germans
Talking of making Island of Guam airplane base. Radio poor,
no long wave, local stations OK.
January 10, 1940 Business snowed in,
4” snow last night, +20. Self cleaning walks all AM.
Got 2 radio masts ready to return to Connelly, no good here account
wind. Mrs. Dodson in from mine, came down on new snowmobile,
goes 40 miles on skis. Cad and Isaac back from cow moose trial,
case thrown out. England raided German Navy base by air bombs.
Static radio. Fins still doing up the Reds.
January 11, 1940 Weather warmer, 30 to 38 above,
also warm wave at Fairbanks. Packed 5 cross cut saws for
return to Seattle Hardware Co. account too soft temper.
Isaac returned to Goose Bay. Took saw and tool inventory.
Fins still doing up the Red invaders. War on a plenty now,
England and France vs. Germany. Russia vs. Finland. Radio
fair, Fairbanks good. Jap’s still fighting China.
January 12, 1940 Weather cloudy, warm, 20 to
36 above. Mussolini now neutral. England and France
fighting Germany and Russian’s trying to take Finland. Jap’s,
as yet, have failed to conquer China, only north and south.
America at peace. Stanley and family drove to Anchorage for
weekend. Self on radio supplies and Ma on balcony clothing inventories.
Colder on Pacific Coast.
January 13, 1940 Partly cloudy, 10 to 30 above.
No mail boat account strike in Seattle, self pricing up
new Granite Ware etc. Ma on clothing in balcony. Stanley
and family in Anchorage. Congress busy on war and other
funds. President wants to add 10% on income taxes. Jap cabinet
resigned. English Lords quarrelling? Ma took bath in new
house. No Outside long wave.
January 14, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy, 14 above. Ma having trouble with knee. Germany
making all Jews work at common labor. Finished pricing
up Granite Ware. Kids back from Anchorage. Freight train
north but no freight account no boat at Seward. Pa Walden hauling
3 tank cars of oil to Independence Mine. C. D. Johnson went
to hospital account face trouble. No radio account big wind and
wind chargers running all day.
January 15, 1940 Weather colder, 2 above all
day. Electric wash day in new house, Eva operator and
washed pa’s shirt tail, short 6” on woolen underwear. Oil
trucks making all the way to Independence Mine. Red air
raids on Fins, dropped 2000 bombs and only killed 40 Fins
and wounded 100. Canadians got 2 million bonds to help John
Bull at war. Radio good, both long and short wave.
January 16, 1940 Windy PM 10 to 26 above.
Took inventory of fishing tackle. Japans new cabinet wants
to be friendly with Uncle Sam. British lost 3 submarines.
Germany formed trade pack with Hungary. Fins defeated the
Red Army today. Thorpe’s at Anchorage account labor lean
on mine. Marie Martha got farm Co. Static radio, got news
over local station. Roosevelt advertised for 3rd term.
January 17, 1940 No business. Cloudy,
windy, 30 to 38 above. Generally mild all over Alaska.
Morning frosts in California and -54 in Finish war zone today.
On hardware inventory. Reds going to delay Fin war until
spring account cold weather. Reported Germans have 1 million
troops on Belgian border to drive through to France and England.
Radio fair, some static.
January 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 12 to 30 above.
Self on cooking utensil inventory. Made out fruit and
grocery order to Pacific Fruit Co. England going through
U. S. mail. Two Norwegian boats sunk. Reds bombing
Fin cities. Senator Borah had a stroke, recovery doubtful.
Congress cutting down Roosevelt’s operations, hot session.
Radio fair, got all war news. S. F. Fair to open 1940.
January 19, 1940 A-1 day, 24 to 32 above.
Self on shelf hardware inventory. Ohlin and Anderson cutting
ice for railroad on Lake Wasilla. Mail went south, boat
late at Seward terminal. Stewart family butchered veal.
Clothing and grocery inventory taken.
January 20, 1940 A-1 day, 18 to 30 above
self on Coleman inventory. Warring nations advising other
nations what to do. If Russia and Germany wins war,
then too bad for Scandinavian and South American countries.
Short wave only. Borah died in Washington, D. C.
Anchorage boys and girls played basketball with Wasilla boys and
girls, Wasilla won.
January 21, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
16 to 32 above. Self on hardware shelf inventory AM.
Got 2 weeks delayed Outside mail. Kids drove in to Knik
for usual Ellexson anniversary. Cad left for Seattle on “Alaska”
out of Seward today. Italian passenger boat burned at sea,
the 600 passengers saved. Radio punk, caught 8 PM news, British
still losing boats.
January 22, 1940 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
to 32 above. Self on hardware shelf inventory. Delayed
boat freight arrived 4 PM got coffee, fruit and drugs. Set-out
for Fern Mine. Reds showered Fins with bombs and artillery
fire, only killed 12 Fins, burned 800 Fin houses. Senator
Borah funeral in Washington, D. C. Senate Chamber today. Allies
and Krauts talking, no fighting.
January 23, 1940 Mild weather, 30 to 34 above.
AM took inventory of builders hardware. PM charged electric
storage batteries and filled store gas light tank. Got
part of freight out of set-out car, coffee and drugs buried up
among Fern Mine groceries. Senator Borah body taken from D.
C. to Idaho today for burial. Fern trucks hauling car groceries
to Fern Mine. Short wave on local stations only.
January 24, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Signed affidavit for C. S.
Hubbell, U. S. surveyor regarding Cannon’s right name. Mrs.
Cad and Jane had health exam at Palmer. Doctor coming over
to give the Herning’s a shot in the arm account store health.
Fins still holding off the Red Army. Radio weak. Mended
tear in my pants, usual shave.
January 25, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 above all
day. Priced up new drugs. Sent affidavit account
F. B. Cannon to C. S. Hubbell, Alaska Building, Seattle. Paid last
quarter employers Social Security tax, but had no form to fill
in. Brown Jr. and Kessenger operating Cads garage.
Red planes dropped down 200 fur coats and grub by mistake to Fin trenches.
No Outside long wave. All war talk, not much fighting.
January 26, 1940 Snow flurries, 18 to 30 above.
Mail went south, boat on time at Seward. Got $41 order
from Churchill’s siwash son. Ellexson out from Knik with
dog team, cars still going to Knik. Eva filling her summer ice
house. No fighting in Europe wars today, just talking it over?
No long wave, got 3 PM world news on short wave. Filled coal
bin.
January 27, 1940 Business fair, weather
cloudy, 22 to 30 above. Self in shelf hardware inventory.
PM cleaned up armature on electric light generator. Charged
batteries. Received letter from caretaker of farms, Schmidt,
mortgage paid on Singleton farm, crop prices down to 1933 level.
Ma took bath in new house tub. Self got sore feet . Mail
arrived. Long wave OK, some static.
January 28, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
18 to 28 above. On hardware inventory, AM good radio.
The Fins held back the 200,000 Russian drive today. No fighting
on Western Front by French and Germans Jap’s sore account
German subjects being taken off their boat. Three more tank
cars of oil arrived for mines. Texas froze up. Radio
fair.
January 29, 1940 A-1 day, 18 to 24 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Electric wash day in new house.
Isaac’s and Ellexson’s in from Knik. PM got hardware and
groceries out of set-out car. Fins put it all over the Reds
today. Germany sank 3 boats. GOP lining up for next
election. Cold weather in southern states. Radio week,
barely got the news.
January 30, 1940 PM rain, 29 to 40 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Eva, Stanley and Jr. drove to Anchorage.
Hitler made speech on 7th anniversary as Dictator of Germany,
claimed England started the war to crush Hitler’s rule, now ready
for big battle. Fins still defeating Red Army. Isaac’s
and Ellexson’s returned to Knik and Goose Bay. Lightening flashes
PM. School paper out. Streets all ice.
January 31, 1940 Chinook weather, 42 above,
rained last night, nothing but ice on roads left. Priced
up new groceries and stored away same. Kids back from Anchorage,
auto road all ice Anchorage to Palmer, down to gravel Palmer to
Wasilla after rain. Paid January invoices. Chamberlain says
no end to war until world peace terms agreed upon. Radio weak,
got news.
January Memo: January very mild weather,
no snow. Warmed up to 42 above and rain. Trucks
going through to the Independence Mine. More snow on Willow
Creek side, using Cat from Willow Station to Lucky Shot Mine.
Ma got lame knee. Marie Martha doing well in school, sleeps
and eats here. No payroll and no business, took inventory.
February 1, 1940 A-1 day, 32 to 44 above.
Snow gone in Wasilla, dirt streets, muddy. Warm all over
Alaska. Got out orders and south mail. Hurd’s school
bus in the ditch. Finland offered peace terms to Russia but
no allotments. Hitler says he’s only been practicing war in
past, now ready to fight. Radio fair.
February 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 44 above all
day, above freezing most parts of Alaska. Self on hardware
shelf inventory. Charged electric light batteries.
Mail went south. Roads all ice, several cars in the ditch.
Russia talking armistice after 3 months aggression vs. Fins.
Armenia in trouble over oil wells with warring nations. Radio
weak, no long wave. Got 3 PM news over short wave.
February 3, 1940 A-1 day, 28 to 30 above.
On hardware inventory. Buddy and self filled furnace coal bin
with large chunks of coal. Cloudburst in Los Angeles, flood
blew manhole covers off, all cars stalled. Palmer boys and
girls vs. Wasilla at Town Hall tonight. German’s lost 3 bombers
on British ships today. Only local radio, Juneau, Fairbanks and
Anchorage stations.
February 4, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
18 to 30 above. Finished taking shelf hardware. Freight,
PM 3 tanks oil and 1 car more for mines. We got ¾ tons
fruit and groceries Marie Martha helped me wheel it over. German’s
bombing a lot of English boats, only war maneuvers. Fins repulsing
all attacks by Russian’s. Evening, clear and 30 above.
Radio weak.
February 5, 1940 Business normal.
A-1 day, 14 to 30 above. Electric wash day at our new house
aft store, Eva operator Stanley, mechanic. Priced and stored
away new fruit and groceries. Chicago won Democratic Convention
meet this summer. Fins defeated Red Army, crack troops of
10M. India, colonists, making trouble for England. Static
on short wave.
February 6, 1940 Partly cloudy, 8 to 30 above.
Cleaned up hardware inventory in main store. Shonbeck
and Tarwater visited, 4 PM jury trial on at Town Hall. Old
Ingstrom vs. ARR Co-op account sheep eating his grain hay, was
awarded $50 Ray and Peterson lawyers. Reds vs. Fins only war
today. Radio weak, got war news.
February 7, 1940 A-1 day, 18 to 30 above.
Walden trucks hauling oil to Independence Mine. Milo Kelly
came out with $3,500 gold brick. Sears arrived with 2 ton
powder for Mabel Mine and 20 cases gas for K. T. Co. Hitler still
sinking British boats. Red Army losing tanks and soldiers vs.
Fins. No long wave, short wavy OK. Mild weather.
February 8, 1940 Weather cloudy, 20 to 26 above.
Self checking inventories. Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage
account big basketball game, Buddy and Marie Martha staying with
Grandma. Buddy kicked sister out of bed, wanted to sleep
alone. Fins killed 1,000 Reds today and held their line.
Airplane wedding here today. Short wave only and local stations
with news.
February 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 20 to 26 above.
Self checking hardware inventory. Kids back from Anchorage
1:30 AM. Out-mail went south 10 AM. Wire to Metz,
George Zink passed out in Portland February 6th and Harry Staycer
dropped dead at his Crow Creek mine today, was ex-marshal at Anchorage.
Only short wave and local radio.
February 10, 1940 Weather cloudy, 28 to 30
above. Self tabulating hardware inventories. Stanley
and Jr. took Marie Martha to Palmer dentist for exam. Tornado
in Georgia killed many today. Eklutna here playing Wasilla
basketball team. Swen Edlund and wife arrived from Seattle.
Mild weather continues.
February 11, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
40 above all day. Quiet in town. Kids drove to Goose
Bay for dinner with the Queen and King, caretakers of the dock.
Half ton hardware and produce arrived on PM freight, wheeled it
to store and oiled store floor. Mrs. Zink wants Jacob Metz
to be administrator of Zink estate. No long wave, short wave OK
but missed news.
February 12, 1940 Weather cloudy, 40 above
all day. Self tabulating hardware inventory. Electric
wash day at new house used for laundry and furnish electric lights
for K. T. Co. store. Reds doubled up on drive vs. Fins but
failed to break through and lost 10,000 soldiers. Allies
sending Fins 400 new planes. Short wave good, long wave weak.
Firestone had good program. Spring day.
February 13, 1940 Weather cloudy, 34 above
all day. Priced up new hardware. Stanley and mother drove to
Palmer for ice chain links and popcorn. Eva helped in store
PM. Roosevelt sending council over to Europe to settle the
war? Fins killed over 30,000 Reds and took 200 tanks on Red
Army drive today. Short wave only. Germany sinking neutral
boats.
February 14, 1940 Weather cloudy, 24 to 32
above. Self on office work all day. Got hair cut,
not many gray hairs seen. Evening, Stanley drove to Palmer
account basketball. Metz went to Anchorage account Zink
estate affidavit. Reds drove Fins back on one line today.
Two thousand British recruited for Fins. Only short wave,
all talk, only fighting is Reds and Fins. Two more boats sunk
today.
February 15, 1940 Business slow, no money.
Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above. Stanley
made round trip to Anchorage, Eva’s birthday, 36? Got out
balance of south mail. Buddy our pest all day, Marie Martha,
after school, went down to Colony ranch to sleep with the pigs?
February 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 14 to 36
above. Mail train south with Fairbanks, Anchorage Rendezvous
sports, 100. Mine Elick out from Knik with dog team.
Leibing and Fritz got a job at Gold Cord Mine. Stanley made
coach, Wasilla basketball team. Fins now hard pressed by Red
Army. Hitler sunk 2 neutral boats. Radio good, all stations
on air. Still mild weather in Alaska.
February 17, 1940 Partly cloudy, 10 to 36 above.
Got $40 order from Lucky Shot Post Office. Bus took
most all of Wasilla to Anchorage Rendezvous meeting, Eva went,
Stanley and kids with Grandma. PM refilled store furnace
coal bin. Metz back from Anchorage account Zink estate.
Fins hard pressed by Reds. Norway in trouble account boat
entry. Radio good.
February 18, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
18 to 36 above. AM packed $40 order for Frank E, Gagnon
at Lucky Shot. Stanley drove to Anchorage, Thorpe’s went along,
Buddy and sister our guests and Grandma put them to bed in their
house and stayed at guard. Charged electric batteries.
Boat freight arrived, had a set-out car.
February 19, 1940 Partly cloudy, 28 to 40 above.
Electric wash day at new house, Eva laundress, Stanley mechanic.
Got groceries over from set-out, priced up same. Stanley
left 11 AM account basketball at Anchorage. Shaw family back
from Anchorage. Red Army quit drove on Fins, lost too many
men and equipment. Reds bombing Fin cities and children.
Short wave good all PM Evening, long wave with static and weak.
Posted January.
February 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, 32 to 40
above. Got NCR cash ledger posted to May. Quiet
in town, all gone to Anchorage Rendezvous. Ski sports held
at Fishhook Inn account no snow near Anchorage. Fins still
back Red Army and will win the war if volunteer help arrives soon.
Stanley still at Anchorage. Radio weak. Japan about
broke.
February 21, 1940 Weather cloudy, 28 to 40
above. Self on mail and got 1939 ledger posted to June.
Eva and Stanley, with Mrs. Cad for ballast, drove to Anchorage for
final Rendezvous. Snow, blizzard closed down all fighting
the Fins. Roosevelt still fishing near Panama. Outside
radio NG. Got news from local stations. Streets dusty.
February 22, 1940 Store open AM, partly
cloudy, 30 to 40 above. PM and evening, posting 1939 NCR
ledger. AM Fairbanks Special with Anchorage Rendezvous sports
went north. PM big bus returned Wasilla basketball team.
Kids, with Mrs. Cad, got home 2:30 AM. As usual, Swede won
the $1,000 prize at Rendezvous. Europe war big talk, not much
fighting. Good George Washington program over short wave.
February 23, 1940 Weather cloudy, 20 to 38
above. Self posting ledger all day till midnight, got
2 more months to post. Mail one day early, Saturday to Friday
from boats. Report Fins lost 75M vs. over 300M of Red Army
and Fins drafted last soldier over 40. Fins lost merchant boat
today. Helmer Oberg and 3 others escaped from Anchorage jail.
Quakes in Turkey. Radio weak. U. S. made 20 million
dollar loan to Finland for airplanes.
February 24, 1940 Weather cloudy, windy, 26
above. Finished posting 1939 ledger, now tabulating for
income tax report on March 15 at Tacoma. Marie Martha had
out several baby teeth by Palmer dentist. Reported Herbeth
Oberg and partner broke into store at Palmer. Ellexson’s and
Isaac families returned to Goose Bay AM. Static radio not much
good. Rain on Pacific Coast.
February 25, 1940 Sunday, windy all day,
22 to 32 above. Got 2 shipments over to depot for north
freight. Joe Palmer returned to his trap line at Caswell,
sold his martin catch for over $300. Secretary Wells on
peace time in Europe meeting with no approval. Fins now lack
man power but still holding Red Army back, 300,000 Reds killed.
Radio weak, got news.
February 26, 1940 Big wind, 26 to 32 above.
Self on balance sheet 1939 ledger. Electric wash day at
new house, Eva put them in, Stanley took them out. Ma insists
on washing dirty sox etc. by hand. Reds after 3 months bombardment,
took Fins sea port. California Congress adjourned and
left relief fund short 6 million dollars. Political 1940
campaigning now on. Static radio, NG. Got news over local
stations.
February 27, 1940 Windy, 22 to 26 above.
Self tabulating ledger for 1939 tax report and keeping up fires.
Nels Larson in Palmer hospital account of slight stroke.
Mrs. Senske flew down from Lucky Shot. British and German’s
dog fighting in air and sinking boats. Floods out in California
and more storms coming. Outside radio NG. World News
over local stations.
February 28, 1940 Weather colder, 16 to 24
above. Self working on 1939 income tax report. Got
out orders for S and W and Pacific Fruit groceries. Eva and
Stanley joy riding to Anchorage and return. Buddy left with
Grandma to help limber up her legs? Marie Martha farming tonight.
No long wave, Reds with 100,000, driving back the Fins. Ray
Wolf visited.
February 29, 1940 Leap year. Cloudy,
cool wind, 18 to 32 above. Finished tabulating 1939 income
report, no tax to pay. Ice cutters through on Lake Wasilla,
had fine weather and no snow to bother with. Mail arrived.
Ex-President Hoover spoke before Congress D. C. on aid to Finland.
President Roosevelt on way to D. C. from fishing trip to Panama.
Short wave weak. Evening, long wave good.
March Memo: Still operating K. T. Co. store.
January 2, 1940 inventory $10,589.58 cost price and $15,562.01
selling price. Paint, building material, gas and oil
not taken. Pritchard Davis and partner of Spokane wants
$10,000 lease on my placer mine, royalty 25% on cleanup as payment.
February and March spring weather, no snow in Matanuska Valley,
28 to 44 above.
March 1, 1940 Weather cloudy, 16 to 32 above.
Buddy and self filled store furnace coal bin. Outside mail
arrived. More floods in California, 70,000 acres flooded,
6,000 people hit for hill tops. Fins returning account man
power vs. 200,000 Reds. Nels Larsen back from hospital.
Radio good. Conservative Democrat and Republican vs. New Deal
appropriations.
March 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 32 to 38 above.
AM finished 1939 income tax report, subject to notary seal.
Net profit only $592.41! Eva and Sharon drove to Anchorage
to see Ellen off for Bristol Bay by air. Marie Martha caught
chicken pox from the housebreakers, Shaw brothers. Radio
good all PM and evening.
March 3, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
warmer, 38 to 44 above. Charged electric batteries and
pumped up tank in new house. Evening, Ma took a bath, also
self, regular bath. Germans bombed passenger boat, over
100 killed. Boat freight arrived 4 PM got ½ ton groceries
shipped 2 orders to Willow. Mrs. Senske returned to Lucky Shot
Mine. Radio good. Paris and all foreign stations came
in. No snow in Wasilla.
March 4, 1940 A-1 day, 38 to 44 above. Ma looked
after Buddy and sister with chicken pox while mother did electric
washing in our new house and shrunken my shirt tail 7” toward
the north star. Elliott in from Goose Bay after mail and
groceries, had to leave dog team at mile 4 account no snow.
California still flooded, ten million dollars in damages.
March 5, 1940 Partly cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
Self in store AM. Stanley drove Mrs. Oberg to Palmer
to catch Anchorage bus account her son Herb in jail, now 2 sons
in Anchorage jail. Ohio rivers on rampage. Warmer at
Nome than in New York City. PM charged electric light batteries
and made hoods to cover engine and electric power pump and engine.
Radio good. England shipped Germany coal shipments to Italy.
March 6, 1940 Partly cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
9 AM special train passed through for Fairbanks dog and ice
carnival, arrived Fairbanks 10:30 PM. Reported over KFAR
250 and 1000 to meet them at train arrival. PM visited
on Marie Martha and Buddy nursing chicken pox, Buddy badly broken
out. Mailed income tax report to Conroy for seal. Radio
good, Chicago and southern states came in fine.
March 7, 1940 Weather cloudy, 36 to 44 above.
Outside mail went south AM. Basketball games on at Fairbanks.
England’s 20 million dollar boat entered at new York until war
is over. Russia wants all war off with Finland, afraid of volunteer
help coming to Finland. PM visited on Buddy and Marie Martha,
chicken pox drying up. Radio good. California flood receding,
10 million in damages, 6M homeless.
March 8, 1940 Weather cloudy, 36 to 40 above.
In store AM and office. Made out grocery order for air
mail. Sold portable radio set to Fritz at Gold Cord.
Fairbanks 80 mile dog race on today, finish tomorrow.
Ohlson asks Congress for 5 million to change Alaska Railroad
ocean terminal and 1½ million to repair railroad track
Radio weak, got basketball game in Fairbanks.
March 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Self in store AM. PM charged electric light batteries,
coal up, etc. Stanley made trip to Gold Cord Mine.
Russia - Fin peace back off. England gave back 11 boats of German
coal for Italy account blockade. Miss Fairbanks won carnival
queen, Mary Cadwallader was Wasilla queen. No long wave, short
weak, Fairbanks out and in.
March 10, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
28 to 38 above. Store open 3 hours, AM for absent minded.
Scraped and re-oiled floor in front by show case. Ma took
Buddy and Marie out for airing PM. Evening, Marie Martha back
again to sleep at Grandma’s house. Miss Fairbanks won Queen
of Carnival. No long wave, short wave OK.
March 11, 1940 Weather cloudy, 22 to 34 above.
Weather man says snow tomorrow. Electric wash day at
our new house, Eva operator. Buddy and sister out riding
bikes to shake off chicken pox scabs. Special train returned
with Fairbanks Dog and Ice Carnival rooters to Anchorage.
Thus far, Fins parlay with Reds for peace has failed. Congress
reducing appropriations. Short wave good, special news report
direct from Finland. Long wave weak.
March 12, 1940 Cloudy, windy 28 to 34 above.
PM charged electric light batteries. Put priming coat
of orange on banister in annex. Made coat hanger for bathroom.
Fins and Reds came to a peace term to stop war tomorrow. Volunteers
going to Fins aid got a joy trip, free, now in route. Short
wave weak, no long wave.
March 13, 1940 Partly cloudy 30 to 32 above.
Armistice between Red and Fin Army. Fins gave up some
sea ports but still in ____ as a government. Eva,
Buddy and Stanley drove to Anchorage, Marie Martha in school again
after dose of chicken pox. Mail boat one day late at Seward.
Walden hauling car groceries and gas machinery to Independence Mine,
also car oil. Long wave NG, short wave OK.
March 14, 1940 A-1 day, 30 to 32 above.
In store AM mail went south. Kids back from Anchorage PM
Grandma Fleck had the chicken pox. PM charged electric light
batteries and made veneer wood box for new house baby blue kitchen.
March 15, 1940 Business normal, A-1 day,
28 to 34 above. Got 2 orders from Lucky Shot Post Office,
also 2 mail orders for up railroad line. Self in store
AM PM at new house. Put up more coat hooks and enameled
annex banister rail. Charged batteries account store lights.
Romania now shivering under war threats, Hitler says he will protect
them. Radio good. Big storm in Atlantic Coast.
Special war news over KNIX.
March 16, 1940 Two inches snow, 10 to 20 above.
Wasilla black since February 1st, now white again, new snow.
Wrote Frank Kelly, placer mine not for lease. Billed up
2 orders for rail shipment. Outside mail arrived, 1 day late.
Reported no snow above Fishhook Inn, blizzard in Anchorage.
Airplane had to land at Wasilla.
March 17, 1940 Sunday, weather clearing,
10 to 20 above, evening zero. First zero weather since
November. Al Horning left for Anchorage at noon with his
3 airplane passengers. Under Secretary Wells held over
at Rome, making a hit with dictator leaders on world peace plan.
Romania ready for any intruders on their oil reserve. Boat
freight arrived, PM had a set-out. President Roosevelt trying
to settle Europe wars. Short wave good.
March 18, 1940 Weather colder, 8 below zero
to 18 above. AM had Gus haul over 2 truck loads of groceries
and hardware from set-out. Hitler and Mussolini talking
peace pact in Europe, with all nations but Russia. Thorpe family,
with man, returned to Grubstake quartz mine via Willow Station.
Wash day at my electric house, Eva put ‘em in, Stanley hung ‘em out.
Evening, 8 above. Radio fair. England, France and Germany
still sinking boats and subs.
March 19, 1940 Weather cloudy and windy, 11
below zero to 30 above. Pricing and storing away new groceries.
Stanley and Sharon left for 2 day trip to New Bullion Mine to
inspect snow conditions. Shorty Gustafson in town making
ready for his Craigie Creek prospect. Gust Jackson down from
Pittman to trade. British dropped 80 bombs on German airport
last night. Only short wave, big wind all PM
March 20, 1940 Cloudy, windy, 20 to 30 above.
AM cleaned out chimney in new house with soot destroyers and
re-assembled storage batteries. Aviator and 1 passenger
killed in tail spin, landing at Nechelchuk, Alaska. Paid
4 invoices and got out-mail. Stanley back from his mine on Craigie
Creek, snow only knee keep. Only short wave radio. Gus
received 2nd car of Healy coal.
March 21, 1940 A-1 spring day, windy, 20 to
34 above. Mail for States went south. Gus delivering
car Healy coal, took 5 tons, school 10 tons. All war and
peace talk in Europe. British and French lined up vs. Germany.
Only fighting thus far is by air. Wasilla blackout again,
snow gone. Only short wave radio. U.S. sale of airplanes
to warring nations big item now.
March 22, 1940 Big wind, 28 to 34 above.
Monthly school paper out, club cutting out free lunches to
school kids. Mail from States arrived PM. British
sunk boat load of iron bound for Germany, British lost one bomber
today. Hitler to pull off a surprise on Easter Sunday.
New Deal says no more milk. Radio weak, PM news. Evening
short wave only. Wind blew snow to ‘ell out of Wasilla.
March 23, 1940 Still windy, 28 to 32 above.
Stanley and family drove to Anchorage AM account 73rd birthday
of Grandma Fleck. Dance on at Wasilla Hall to raise funds
account hot lunches for school kids. PM charged electric
light batteries and repaired door in garage, bumped by car.
Now 2 boats sailing for Seward and railroad. Radio a blank,
only local station heard.
March 24, 1940 Easter Sunday, partly cloudy,
14 to 22 above. Bus took Wasilla bunch to church at Palmer,
6:30 sunrise service. Boat freight train arrived, we had
none. Kids back from Anchorage 7 PM. Finished enameling
banister railing in new house annex. PM and evening, no
radio, storm brewing. Train had mining machine for Inside.
KFAR, Fairbanks only station on air and 50% weak. Evening,
took usual Sunday bath in new house.
March 25, 1940 Weather cloudy, 22 to 40 above.
Isaac and Ellexson out from Knik and Goose Bay for supplies.
Wash day at our new house, Eva put ‘em in, Stanley hang ‘em out.
Ma took her 4th bath in new house. Opened up 1940 seed box
account spring around the corner. Hitler failed to pull
off Easter surprise.
March 26, 1940 Spring day, 38 to 48 above.
Arranged 1940 seed display. Started to cut opening in
annex wall for cooling closet. Eva and Stanley attended
ex-squawman’s birthday party at Knik. Buddy slept with Marie
Martha at our house. British sunk 2 more iron boats bound
for Germany. Got 3 PM short wave news. Evening, long
wave dead, only local stations.
March 27, 1940 Weather cloudy, 38 to 58 above,
was 11 to 52 above in Fairbanks. Ma went to Anchorage
for weekend. France sent Russia Embassy home. Colony
farmers going beaver trapping for summers grubstakes. Had
Stanley pull out another dead tooth, only 12 front teeth left.
Buddy B. and Jane C. in love again. Radio weak, got 3 PM
World News. Warmest day of spring.
March 28, 1940 Weather cloudy, 38 to 48 above.
Snow flurries last night all gone 2 hours after sun up.
Ma at Anchorage. Dr. Albrecht here, tested school kids
for TB and took my blood test account Health Dept. Stanley
drove to Palmer PM account parts for his car. Mrs. Cad started
to make garden with an axe? Balcan States calling for peace
terms. Only short wave. Wagner bought out KFQD Station.
March 29, 1940 Weather cloudy, 38 to 48 above.
Ma still at Anchorage on weekend. AM finished dec-a-dooing
kitchen walls, doors and china closet re-coated linoleum floor,
fawn lacquer. Eva, the cook, buddy, sister and dad star
boarders at our house. Snowed at mines last night.
Mail arrived on time. Wind storm and floods in States.
Germans claim they bombed British cruisers.
March 30, 1940 Weather cloudy, 34 to 48 above.
Wet snow in hills last night, evening 34 above and misting.
Ma doing movies at Anchorage. Put up beaver outfit for
Paddy and 2 partners. Painted panels and wainscoting in
kitchen, store. Six tons mining freight in route to Willow
for Stanley’s mine. Cad and McDougal left Seattle for Wasilla
today. Washed aching feet. World News on local station.
March 31, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
warmer 40 to 48 above. Paddy and Soper and Vail kid left
on PM freight to trap beaver on Kashwitna. Stanley and
Sharon left on PM freight to unload six tons machinery at Willow
Station for his Craigie Creek mine. Ma arrived home on PM
freight train after weekend at Mayor Gill’s, Anchorage. Charged
electric light batteries and evening enameled china closet in kitchen.
Fourth day radio dead. No news on Sunday evening.
April 1, 1940 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 40 to 42 all day. Mayors of Knik and Goose
Bay and families out to trade. All fools safe today.
Stanley out at his mine. Natives, from Knik, out to trade.
Self hauled over truck load groceries from set-out, priced and stored
away. Old Hitler accuses Uncle Sam is cause of Europe wars?
Eva, the Chinaman, on electric wash today. No Outside radio today.
Fairbanks weak at 9:30 PM.
April 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 44 to 46 above.
AM finished pricing up new merchandise. Frost coming out
and cars cutting holes in road. Isaac and Ellexson’s returned
to Knik AM. Ohnestad hauled out boat for Ellexson from
Knik. Marie Martha’s birthday, 8 years old in 2nd grade,
reads well and at top of class in school, gave her $8 check. Sixth
day radio dead. News over local station 9:30, heard Fairbanks.
April 3, 1940 Warm day, 42 to 60 above.
Walden hauling mining timber to Independence Mine. Metz
bought a lot back of school house, $10. Got out orders for
paint and produce. Churchill made Dictator of British-German
war. Gold Cord hauling in car oil. Stanley at his mine.
No rush for Anchorage airport, Fairbanks and Kodiak come first.
No long wave, short wave weak.
April 4, 1940 A-1 spring day, 44 to 54 above.
Mail went south. Stanley back from his mine, left 2 men
to clear snow out of tunnel and cuts. PM drove to Anchorage.
Sears digging well for Gus. Mrs. Roosevelt inspecting houses
in California, only those built by New Deal to live in.
Frost out of ground, streets dry but roads cut up by autos.
11 PM 34 above. Only short wave radio and weak.
April 5, 1940 Real summer day, 43 to 60 above.
PM charged electric batteries and ripped out frame for cooler
cupboard. Kids back from Anchorage PM. Evening, Marie
Martha went to see movie show at Palmer with Mrs. Oberg.
British made an air bomb hit on German cruisers. Everybody
out for their 10 beaver. No long wave only short wave.
Cad and McDougal back from Seattle and California.
April 6, 1940 Sixth real spring day, 42 to
58 above. Fairbanks reported 60 above at 8 PM.
Stanley drove his mother over to Palmer Hospital for blood test
account chief clerk in store. PM worked 3 hours on cooler
closet in new house annex. Sold beaver traps and grub outfit
at Pittman. FDR planting trees at Hyde Park house and Mrs.
Roosevelt visiting CCC camp in California. Nick Stephan, on
relief, out from Knik on usual toot. Ice Pool sale closed.
Long wave still dead, short wave weak.
April 7, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
42 to 52 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Stanley left
5 AM for his mine via Gold Cord - High Grade summit by car, dog team
and pack over summit. PM worked on cooler closet. Sun
eclipse in southern states PM. Warring nations got Norway over
barrel about shipping to Germany. Evening, got out grocery and
fruit orders. Radio good, all PM from Treasure Island station.
Matanuska flooded again.
April 8, 1940 Partly cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
Electric laundry day at our new house, Eva the Chinaman, did
2 wash in 2 hours. Stanley at his quartz mine. Worked 2 hours
on cooler closet. Germany now invading Norway and Denmark.
11 PM KFAR had a short wave hook up with London with all late
war news. Short wave OK, long way NG.
April 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Self in store until 3 PM then worked on cooler closet.
Germany now got control of Denmark and Norway ports. Naval
battle expected to come off tomorrow. Primary election in
States, FDR leading 2 to 1 thus far. Stanley at his mines.
Gus got 4 feet water in his new well. McNally quit the Fern
mine too much female boss. Short wave OK, long wave NG.
April 10, 1940 Cloudy, windy, 56 above.
Self in store most of day. First Naval battle on today.
British sunk 2 boats and 4 cruisers of German navy and downed 14
air bombers on Norway Coast. British loss slight.
Norway refused German protectorate. Lothrop in from Cottonwood
to trade. Beaver season now open. Short wave OK long
wave weak. ARC smoothing ruts on auto roads.
April 11, 1940 Weather cloudy, 42 to 58 above.
In store to 2 PM charged electric light batteries.
Worked 3 hours on cooler closet. Edlund’s went beaver hunting.
Road all cut up, no traffic to mines or Anchorage. Stanley
in from his quartz mine. No fighting today, talking it over
account Germany taking Denmark and Norway. 56 above at Fairbanks.
Radio good, both long and short wave.
April 12, 1940 Weather cloudy, PM 44 to 58
above. PM fitted molding on cooler closet.
Gus and Stanley drove to Palmer. Germans lost 10M soldiers, bombed
at sea on way to Norway. Mail arrived. Arlo, Bud and
Tom left for Cat job Inside. Radio weak, all war news.
Germany trying to take Norway.
April 13, 1940 Business slow, no payroll,
temperature 44 to 54 above. Frost last night, down to 30
above midnight, now raining. St. Clair’s closed booze joint
and left for beaver hunt today. British claim 6 German cruisers
sunk today. Boat freight arrived PM Ma took her 4th
bath in new house. Over 300 trappers now out for beaver.
Radio weak.
April 14, 1940 Sunday, rain last night,
56 above. Town dead, all gone beaver hunting, others on
relief. AM hauled over truck load groceries and hardware
from freight shed, also truck load tin cans to dump. Hitler
says not at war with Norway, just there to protect them from the allies?
Stanley left, 6 AM for his mine. Short wave OK, long wave 50%
weak. Hitler says John Bull did them no harm.
April 15, 1940 Partly cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Electric wash day, Eva the Chinaman, Buddy and Grandpa engineers.
British landing troops in Norway to drive out German invaders.
Stained and decorated cooling closet. Priced and stored
away new merchandise. Gas launches operating from lower Inlet
to Anchorage. PM short wave weak, evening OK, no long wave.
April 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 64 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Boat 1 day late,
no mail today. Nailed molding on cooler closet. Airplane
cracked up on forced landing at Anchorage. Through-freight
passed north at midnight. Roads improving, frost about out.
German’s got 60M troops in Norway, British troops after them.
April 17, 1940 Business dead, cloudy,
46 to 56 above. Raining at Fairbanks. Evening light
rain at Wasilla. Sent out order for paint and locks ordered
for Wasilla school building Germans still maneuvering in
Norway and not afraid of John Bull and his lion? Sold another
beaver grub outfit. Radio too weak for PM news. Local
station OK.
April 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Mid-week mail 1 day late. Stanley and 2 helpers in from
his mine. Got house up at upper train terminal.
Snowed 1’ at mine last 24 hours. Stanley and family drove
to Anchorage. All war talk today, no fighting in Norway.
Long wave in 2 hours only 6 to 8 PM. More beaver hunters went
north, 400 now out.
April 19, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 54 above.
Stanley back, PM from Anchorage. Varnished cooler cupboard
and charged batteries. British landing troops in Norway
for big drive vs. Germans Our government building more war
ships. Marie Martha saw pictures at Palmer. Radio good,
both long and short wave. Sprinkles of dry rain.
April 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Stanley and 2 helpers returned to his Craigie quartz mine.
Packed $17 order for Lucky Shot customer. British and
Norsky’s drove Germans back in northern Norway. Nenana
ice moved at 3:27 PM today. Clara Hanson, of Anchorage, nearest
to time, gets $90,000. Radio good.
April 21, 1940 Sunday. Partly cloudy,
44 to 56 above. Boat freight arrived PM. Cleaned up
in balcony. Paid Seattle invoices. Someone stole Cad’s
touring car last night. British and Germans bombing each
other in Norway. Mussolini about ready for war. No radio
PM evening OK.
April 22, 1940 Weather partly cloudy, 46 to
50 above. Self in store AM. PM engineer on Monday
electric washing, Eva the Chinaman. Buddy and self hauled
over truck load new merchandise from set-out, priced and
stored same away. Max Elliott and family moved away.
War now on in Europe, British, Germans and Norway. Afternoon, short
wave weak, evening OK. ARC smoothing out on roads.
April 23, 1940 Weather warmer, 50 to 66 above.
Sent mail, airmail route, by Fairbanks. Sidney Rae and
family arrived, rented old Post Office building Self in
store evening, burned grass along Wasilla Avenue. Ice took
out part of Goose Bay dock. Metz repaired his house inside.
April 24, 1940 Warm day, 52 to 66 above.
PM started to put more loam on lawn at new house and lined
up driveway. A new Noah’s Ark built in Tacoma, held up
in Seattle by Humane Society, was in route to Alaska. Hitler
claims Germany has control of southern Norway and has sunk 53 British
boats since April 13th. Evening, cloudy. Short wave
OK, no long wave.
April 25, 1940 Weather cloudy, 52 to 58 above.
Paddy and partners back from beavers, got less than 10 of them.
Partners had to walk back from Kashwitna with dogs. Nickalaska
in with his 10 beavers. Sidney Ray setting up his electric
welding outfit. Stanley in from his quartz mine for supplies.
Germans out done the British on today’s war in Norway. No
Outside radio. KFQD dedicated God Bless America to Herning
and Isaac.
April 26, 1940 Partly cloudy, 50 to 58 above.
Stanley bought small order for his mine, shipping to Willow
Station. Finished re-surfacing lawn at new house. Sent
4¢ balance due on Griffith, Indiana taxes 1939. The British
put one over on the Germans in Norway today. Mail train north
2 hours late. No Outside radio, got war news on local station.
April 27, 1940 Cloudy, evening rain, 50 to
60 above. In store AM, PM freight arrived. Hauled
over 1¼ tons and stored same. Buddy took header
on his bike and skinned his cheek. Kids sleeping here while
mother and dad at Anchorage, vice versa. Germans put one over
on British in Norway war today. McNally in, family gone Outside.
Snow off Bald Mt. to summit. Only short wave radio.
Evening, first spring rain.
April 28, 1940 Sunday, light rain, 40
to 50 above. Frogs croaking and trees taking on summer
garments. Took down winter fly in balcony. Kids back
from Anchorage PM. Mrs. Cad in Palmer Hospital account black
spots on her leg. Germans pushing back British in drive through
Norway. Tornado in Idaho, $50,000 damage. Only short wave
radio. Got World News.
April 29, 1940 Weather cloudy, rain, 44 to
48 above. Electric wash day at our new house. Isaac
and Ellexson’s out from Knik to trade. Bald Mt. white again
to summit. Some planting gardens in Wasilla. Alaska Weekly
says, thus far, Germans have best of war with Britain and France.
Stanley left, 3rd trip to his mine via Gold Cord summit. Put
more grass seed on new lawn. Day radio weak, evening OK on short
wave.
April 30, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
Primary election today. Busy in store most of day.
Truck on Palmer - Anchorage highway caught fire and burned up.
Shorty in from trip to Milo Kelly Mine. Germans got best
of Norway war today vs. the British. Reported Italy ready to
help Hitler win the war. Afternoon radio NG, evening short wave
OK. Mail arrived 11:30 PM.
May 1, 1940 Weather cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Mrs. Slumberger bought $26 outfit. Republicans gaining
on primary elections. Mrs. Isaac stayed in Wasilla, not feeling
well, Charlie went back to Goose Bay. British had best
of war in Norway today. Snowed 2” in Chicago, wind storms
in States. No afternoon radio. Evening, short wave
only. Warm all over Alaska today.
May 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 66 above.
Birch trees all green, also grass. In store, charged electric
batteries. States hit hard with snow storms and wind, why
live in Alaska? Beaver hunters coming home. Hitler has
control of Norway. Eva got frog in throat?
May 3, 1940 Business normal, A-1 day,
58 to 66 above. New Bullion Mine bought $200 outfit.
Stanley and Sharon in from mine for supplies and to see the cook.
Wasilla School annual “The Hub” off the press and a fine number.
British evacuated Norway, left all material, etc. behind, what next?
Primary election in valley went 50/50 by Republicans, New Deal
off. Bill Tryck back from Seattle. Self on lawn, PM Radio
good, both long and short wave. Storm over in States.
May 4, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers PM 54 to
58 above. PM put more loam on new house lawn.
Lothrop plowing Wasilla gardens. Stanley and Eva made round
trip to Anchorage. Buddy left with Grandma to run her game
leg off? Annual school play on at Town Hall tonight.
Paddy overhauling his airplane car. Germans claim they sunk
British battleship today. Radio good both Juneau and Fairbanks
and Pacific Coast stations.
May 5, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, 48 to 58
above. Stanley and Sharon left early for new Bullion Mine.
Big injun Grau mounting ARR Co-op barn copula for bell tower on
school building Another Edlund arrived from Seattle.
Roads fair, all kind of cars out today. Hungary mobilizing
her army. Radio fair. PM finished 2nd coat loam
on new house lawn.
May 6, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 70 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, operator got a bad cold.
War at Pasadena, California, professor shot board of director
account losing his job. Italy on the fence about the war,
now predicting the war will extend to Mediterranean. Re-assembled
annex storm door. School put copula over bell. Metz
planted spuds. Radio good, both long and short wave. ARC
doing repair work on roads.
May 7, 1940 Real summer day, 48 to 66 above.
In store most of day. Cad and Professor Kleck went to
Anchorage to meet school board account new gym for Wasilla school.
No fighting in Europe today, all talking about British evacuating
Norway. Primary elections in States, Republicans gaining votes
over New Dealers. Leibing’s got new car on months paycheck?
Snow gone on Bald Mt. to summit. London station good.
Treasure Island and coastal radio only. Everything now green,
2 weeks early.
May 8, 1940 Third summer day 58 to 70 above.
Dodson fishing at Wasilla cabins, caught 34” trout. Paddy’s
airplane car broke down on trip to Palmer. Sears finishing
inside of his Flannigan cabin at air field. Lloyd
George said Chamberlain should quit British war job. Traveling
men visited for orders. Radio not so hot. Evening,
Treasure Island and local station with war news.
May 9, 1940 Partly cloudy, 54 to 74 above.
Self in store all day. Washed up paint on front of store
and cleaned up counters. Dick Lander visited. Several
trout fishing on Lake Wasilla. Mid-week boat freight arrived.
Late flash: Germany had invaded both Belgium and Netherlands,
now going after England and France while England is changing war
management. Hell popping now! Short wave weak.
No long wave, World News over local station.
May 10, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers 54 to
64 above. Self pricing up new groceries and hardware.
AM hauled over ½ ton from freight shed. Mail train
3 hours late. Churchill made Premier and war dictator of England
account of Chamberlain resigned. Dutch and Belgians held
back German aggression today. Real war on now in Europe. Ma took
on annual spring cold.
May 11, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 to
66 above. Ma got bad cold. Stanley in
again-Finegan, from his quartz mine on Craigie Creek. Germans
hard fight to get through Belgium but held back, lost over 2,000 soldiers.
Kenneth Soper married Monte Edlund’s wife. She quit Monte
Edlund account bad disorder. Pierce moved to Kelly house.
Only short wave, all Mother’s Day programs and war news.
May 12, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy, 54
to 66 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Self hauled
over ½ ton groceries from set-out, priced and stored away
same. Mothers Day picnic at Sunny Knik with camp fire on
the beach, bacon and egg party. Germans still held back from
entering Belgium by the French and British troops. Ma nursing
cold. Short wave OK, no long wave. Stanley made round
trip to Anchorage.
May 13, 1940 Weather cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Blue Monday. Ma washed dirty clothes by hand Eva the
balance in electric washer in our new house aft store. Stanley
left for his mine, took Sidney Rae along to work. John Stump
moved to Branch Section. Mrs. Isaac’s taking treatment for
swelled feet and heart trouble Mrs. Cad for black leg.
Germans advancing in Belgium. Short wave 3 to 4 PM. Nazi’s
drove back England, France and Dutch in today’s war.
May 14, 1940 Weather cooler, light showers
48 to 54 above. Self in store all day. Ma still nursing
a cold. Farmers planting spuds. Elizabeth Bergman
married at Anchorage. High school graduating exercises at
Town Hall tonight. Chas Isaac, watchman at Goose Bay, in account
his wife sore feet. Holland turned keys over to Germans
Only short wave and weak. FDR wants to increase Navy account
war in Europe.
May 15, 1940 Light rain PM 42 to 48 above.
Stanley and Sharon in from mines, snowed 15” last night at
mines and still snowing down to Fishhook Inn. Cut new
corner stakes for placer mine. War hot today. Germans
lost 4,000 trying to push through Belgium to France, others lost 3,000
men. Had fire in store furnace today. Short wave OK, all
war news. Roosevelt asking Congress to add a billion to Navy.
May 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers, 42 to
52 above. Wash day, self in store. Rain all last night,
snow down to Fishhook Inn. School closed. Frank Savola,
graduate, married. Letter from Nagley Jr. wanted report on
Tom Alton, seeking a clerks job. Received report from C. F.
Perkins on Eyota, Minnesota farms to April 30, 1940. Balance on
hand $14.61, 560 acres, 4 farms rented for $1,600 cash. Winter
on again at mines, snow. Short wave only.
May 17, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 60 above.
Stanley and Eva made round trip to Anchorage. Sharon
took his wife over to Palmer hospital, got fish bone in stomach
that wiggles? Cut 2 x 4 x 3’ for new corner stakes
on placer claims, 18. Teachers all left town but Professor
Kleck. Germans pushed back allies on 60 mile line, now 100
miles from Paris, looks bad for allies. Mussolini all ready
to go. Ma looking for Buddy and sister. Only short wave,
all war news. U. S. to double up on Navy and Army account war
scare.
May 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Charged light plant batteries. Painted tops of placer
location stakes. Cool account new snow on mountain peaks.
Boat freight arrived 5 PM. 8:30 PM earthquake in Imperial
Valley, California, 4 killed, lasted one hour. Germans
drove French back 14 miles today, towards Paris? Congress
appropriating three billion for extra Navy and air machines.
PM no short wave, evening, good, all war news. Hitler in the
lead over French.
May 19, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy, cool wind,
50 to 60 above. Usual AM trade. Oil tank and box car
set-out, ½ ton for K. T. Co. Willie Edlund and St.
Clair’s back from beaver hunt. Creosoted corner posts for
placer claims. French put in old World War General to try to
stop German invasion to Paris. Now bath time. Only short
wave, all about war and California earthquake.
May 20, 1940 Partly cloudy, cool 48 to 58 above.
Electric wash day, Eva the Chinaman. Hauled over ½
truck load groceries AM. PM put 2nd coat paint on placer
corner stakes and painted top of posts in front of new house.
French stopped German advance today. Mussolini ready to grab
something while war is on, also Russia. Quake in California
a bad one. No radio until 6 PM Hoover asked to run for
President.
May 21, 1940 Weather cloudy, 42 to 58 above.
In store until 2 PM then repainted Elmer’s head marker and
tops of front fence posts of new house. Evening, paid Seattle
invoices. The Germans still driving back the French Armies,
looks bad. Wasilla Lake Roadhouse partner drowned in Lake Wasilla
fishing. Short wave, all Europe war news.
May 22, 1940 Still cloudy, 48 to 56 above.
In store most of day. Charged up electric light batteries
and planted garden seeds in oil house lot. Wire came that
Pete Snider died on Navy boat at Honolulu. War fighting about
even up today. Stanley in from his mine. Radio weak
PM evening OK on short wave only.
May 23, 1940 Partly cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Eva, Stanley and kids drove Sharon’s wife to Anchorage in her
car. Mail went south. Belgians holding Germans back
on approach to English Channel. Jap’s still bombing the Chinks
and about out of cash. Professor Klock and Mrs. Barigo left
to join summer school. Peck delivering milk again. Only
short wave radio, all war news. Hitler says they will be in London
and Paris in 3 days.
May 24, 1940 Weather partly cloudy, 48 to 56
above. In store until 3 PM then finished re-lettering
Elmer’s head marker, August 13, 1906. Kids back from Anchorage
at noon. President Roosevelt sent big ship over to Ireland to rescue
Americans Radio weak. Trusty in from mine, also Alonzo.
Q. A. Pyle arrived from California.
May 25, 1940 Partly cloudy, 48 to 60 above.
Isaac in from Goose Bay, also Ellexson who shot a bear!
Car of merchandise arrived for Wasilla and mines. Hitler
moving right along to English Channel and in sight of Eiffel Tower.
Paris looks bad for allies. Mrs. Dodson in town cleaning up
her rented cabin. Ma got more cold account too warm weather.
Only short wave, all war news and California floods and quake.
May 26, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Freight blocked in set-out, got only butter
and eggs out. Senske down from mine on vacation, said Jap’s
and Russia would take U. S. soon? Germans still driving
allies back Germans now ready to take Paris and London. Many
Anchorage cars up here today. Railroad bridge gang here for
repairs. Stanley returned to New Bullion Mine. Radio dead
3 PM to 6 PM got war news, allies still retaliating from Germans.
May 27, 1940 Partly cloudy, 54 to 66 above.
Snow gone on Bald Mt. to summit, cool nights. Garden truck
up but not growing. AM hauled over truck load new merchandise
from set-out, priced and stored away same. PM electric wash
day at our new house. Got special war news: King Leopold
ordered Belgian soldiers to evacuate northern Belgium, giving Germans
possession. French and British separated by Germans
Short wave good all PM German wedge separated French and British
Armies, also food supplies.
May 28, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 66 above.
Finished pricing new groceries. Bridge gang moved to
Matanuska. PM Mrs. Bixler and kids arrived
from Hope, also Elizabeth Bergman, now married, to live in
Wasilla. Allies held their own today. Belgian Army
fighting again. Started to letter placer corner posts.
Ma still nursing cold. Radio weak PM Evening, short
wave good.
May 29, 1940 Germans forced allies to retreat
in Flanders to English Channel. Germans now ready to bomb
London and Paris as they say Germans mechanical power too much
for the allies thus far. Lettered 4 placer corner posts.
PM set out-mail. Short wave weak PM evening OK, all war news.
May 30, 1940 Thursday, Memorial Day,
58 to 68 above. Busy in store AM closed PM,
many cars out. British and French evacuated troops at Flanders
under gunfire from Germany. British gunboats shelled the
Germans from English Channel while retreating. Evening, Stanley
and Sharon in from mine. President Roosevelt to place wreath
on Unknown Soldiers grave. Afternoon, no short wave, evening,
good, all war news.
May 31, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 66 above.
Self in store until 3 PM. Sears got job to do $300 assessment
work, quit our placer job. Express and mail train on time.
Received first cantaloupes of season. British soldiers
still retreating from Flanders. Fog on, not much aerial bombing
today. Roosevelt asked for another billion for war defense.
Ma cranky with cold. Short wave good, news all war talk.
June 1, 1940 Partly cloudy, 62 to 72 above.
Sold one assessment outfit. Stanley and Eva drove to Anchorage,
Ma looking after their kids. Swiss shot down to Nazi bomb
planes today. Germans still bombing ally soldiers retreating
to London. Red Cross wants 10 million dollars to care for
the needy in war zone Europe. Pyle moved to mountain home.
Only short wave and local radio, all war talk.
June 2, 1940 Sunday, cloudy, 62 above
all day. Mosquitoes bad actors today. AM hauled over
truck load groceries from set-out. Ma went to Goose Bay in Stanley’s
new Chev car. Self made box to cache grub leaving auto road
to Grubstake Mine, creosoted same. Made deal with Jack Fabyan
to work at placer mine.
June 3, 1940 Weather cloudy, 52 to 66 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, Eva the Chink, Stanley engineer.
Priced up new grocery merchandise. Had Jack make two 7/8”
drills, 1 spud and a bull prick for placer mine. Germans bombed
Paris, killed 45 and 200 wounded. Aircraft guns brought down
16 German bombers. Germans captured over 200,000 allied soldiers.
Mussolini ready for war. Short wave weak, news over local station.
FDR now asking billion for war defense???
June 4, 1940 Partly cloudy, 54 to 60 above.
Stanley returned to his mine via Fishhook summit. Pass
open for traffic today. Gus made round trip to Craigie
Creek. British bombing Hitler factory towns today and gave
U. S. an invitation to help allies fight Hitler. FDR asked
Congress to extend our debt to 49 billion dollars. Both short
and long wave fair. Evening, made concrete base for Elmer’s
head marker.
June 5, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 72 above.
PM greased up Overland truck. Shorty left for Craigie Creek
to put doors and window in his new log cabin. Allies and
Germans bombing each other from the air. Italy laid mines
in harbors and now raring to fight someone. U. S. making ready
for war. Short wave fair and got out orders and mail.
Had haircut.
June 6, 1940 A-1 day, 54 to 70 above.
Stanley and Sharon in again-Finagain from Craigie Creek, over
Fishhook summit. Germans, with 200 tanks, drove a 7 mile
wedge into French lines, but lost many men and tanks. Heinz
and Schilling men here for orders. Fern hauled 4 truck loads
of concentrates to Goose Bay for shipment. Cleaned ashes out
of store furnace. radio mushy. Matanuska flooded again.
Butler Bros. goods arrived.
June 7, 1940 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
AM put new leathers in store pump. Got Butler Bros. dry
goods. charged electric batteries. Ma took her 4th
bath in new house. Stanley made round trip to Anchorage
for pipe fittings for his mines. German bombed both Paris and
London today. Short wave OK. FDR asked for another billion
for war defense.
June 8, 1940 Cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Mosquitoes bad actors, waiting for tourists. Stanley
had Gus take out 2 truck loads of lumber, pipe, etc. for his mine.
Mrs. Senske in from Kellyville. Billy Tryck left to work
on road at Cache Creek Mine. Germans bombing French back
toward Paris, but with heavy losses. No short wave PM
Eva did the electric wash today account going on vacation.
June 9, 1940 Sunday, store open 3 hours,
self got grub and supplies ready for Grubstake Placer Mine,
to leave at noon with Gus Swanson’s pickup, with Jack Fabyn.
Arrived at mailbox 3:30 PM packed over 100 pounds grub, arrived
at placer cabin 3:30, all OK in cabin. Jack packed over another
load from mailbox. Cleaned up cabin and cut some wood.
No radio at OGH placer mine,
June 10, 1940 Self and Jack doing assessment
work at OGH placer mine at Grubstake. AM on Bear Group
ground sluice. PM inspected head ditch and survey for bench
ditch from Forks.
June 11, 1940 to June 14, 1940
No entries.
June 15, 1940 At Grubstake Placer Mine.
Up at 5:30 AM hotcakes, rolled oats, prunes, bacon and eggs for
breakfast. AM started to install 180’ hydro pipe in hydro
bench ditch. Stanley visited at noon, had dinner, then with his
car, drove to his quartz mine mill, now operating. Left at 5:30
and arrived at Wasilla at 7 PM. Sharon also came to town.
Radio good, all war news.
June 16, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, 44 to
60 above. AM on mail and office work. Stanley back
from Anchorage, bought ½ ton Chev truck for mine use at
Palmer. Tried to start Onan plant engine but no go. Evening,
watered lawn. French about to surrender to Hitler Army, all
Europe now at war and want U. S. to get in. Short wave good.
Buddy and sister at Anchorage.
June 17, 1940 Wasilla to Grubstake Mine.
Left Wasilla 8 with Stanley’s Chev Roadster via Palmer.
Old car run fine on level road but would not take the gas up hills,
had to back up from Fishhook Bridge to summit. Down at Willow
Bridge, got oil pump off Patzack's old car, then went fine, arrived
at mine cabin at noon.
June 18, 1940 to June 21, 1940 No entries.
June 22, 1940 In from Grubstake for weekend.
Stanley left car at mailbox and walked over to cabin, ate supper
with us. Left mailbox at 6:20, arrived at Wasilla at
8 PM old car hit her up 35 miles per hour. Outside freight
arrived, got 540 pounds. France laid down arms to Hitler,
peace treaty under negotiations.
June 23, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, 50 to
66 above. AM got out 200 berry crates for Ohlin and Anderson
and hauled over groceries from set-out and tin cans to dump.
PM tried to start Onan electric light engine, no go. Priced
up hardware and groceries. Evening, took bath. Treasure
Island 8 PM news. Germany got complete control of France.
Stanley returned to his mine. Evening, short wave radio good.
Germany and Italy now after England.
June 24, 1940 Monday, busy with orders
and out-mail. AM left for placer mine with Eva. Mrs.
Bixler and the kids, arrived at mailbox 1:40, at cabin 2 PM
went up to hydro bench prospect. Jack cleaning rocks out
of pit. Eva drove up to New Bullion Mine to see Stanley.
June 25, 1940 At Grubstake Placer Mine
until weekend.
June 26, 1940 to June 28, 1940
No entries.
June 29, 1940 Cloudy and fog. Jack
and self made new penstock and gate for head of canyon ditch.
Stanley arrived 3 PM. At 4 PM all left for Wasilla, arrived
at 5:45 PM. Fruit arrived for 4th of July trade, vegetables
to follow on freight on Money. Mines to Wasilla. Only local
radio. Russia getting in, again, on war.
June 30, 1940 Sunday, store open 3 hours,
AM 56 to 66 above. Stanley and self tried to start
Onan electric light engine, no go, think coil burned out.
Stanley made round trip to his mine. Priced up grocery invoices.
Merchandise due Monday.
June Memo: Only 2 rains. Self at Placer
Mine since June 8th. Opened new pay channel, got $25 for
2 days sluicing with hydro hose. Ma chief clerk in K. T.
Co. store. Stanley operating his quartz mine with 9 miners
and 10 ton ball mill. ARC building bridge across Willow to
Grubstake. All Europe at war. Jap’s still fighting Chinamen.
July 1, 1940 Partly cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Stanley made round trip to Anchorage for giant powder.
Eva and Bixler’s went to Anchorage account laundry. Boat
freight arrived PM, self hauled over big truck load from set-out,
priced and stored most of it away. Short wave radio good from Cincinnati,
Ohio and England.
July 2, 1940 Payday for indigents. Busy
all day pricing up and storing away new groceries. Stanley
left for his mine with pickup load groceries and Gus’ truck with
3 tons coal, powder and timbers. Jap’s driving all Americans
and foreigners out of China. British bombed German Navy base.
Eva and kids back from Anchorage with laundry. Radio mushy.
Max Baer won over Tony Gelatto in 7th round, now will fight Joe
Louis.
July 3, 1940 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above. Jack
Fabyan drunk, wrecked his car. Beeler house burned down
PM. Hitler sunk passenger boat sailing for Canada and
bombed suburbs of London today. First local strawberries
on market today. Short wave fair, some static.
July 4, 1940 Up at 6 AM A-1 day, 62 to
72 above. Store closed all day. All left for Anchorage
at 8 with Stanley sedan, arrived at 9:40. Street parade
10 AM U. S. soldiers with guns and motor cars lead parade
about 500 people celebrating at Anchorage. Had dinner at Baretto’s
Restaurant with Mrs. Fleck.
Met Mrs. Beeler, Kellogg, Miss Clark and Gill
family. Home at 6:15 PM. Saw ball game and drove
around city and out to Lake Spenard. One fire at Anchorage.
Radio good.
July 5, 1940 Weather cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Self in store, Ma washed. Senske in from mine with poisoned
hand. Stanley returned to his mine. Tried out Onan
engine with new fresh plug, no go. Jacky Slumberger married
on July 4th. Ford refused to manufacture airplanes for allies.
Short wave mushy. British got French Navy bottled up account
Germany.
July 6, 1940 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
In store all day, small sales and sold one outfit. Two
cars lumber arrived for Independence Mine. Isaac in from
Fishhook Creek prospect, his wife in Anchorage hospital for operation.
Expert singer on air 1 hour over KFQD. British still holding French
Navy from Germans Some air bombing. Short wave OK PM
on World News. English children arriving in Canada.
July 7, 1940 Sunday at Wasilla to Grubstake
placer mine. Self and Jack left Wasilla at 8:30 with Stanley.
Arrived at cabin at 10:30 AM. PM hauled 8 hydro pipe out
of creek below cabin. Put two 12” pipe across Grubstake for
foot bridge. Put two pipe in bench ditch to make road to cabin
from Cat road. ARC completed road and bridge across Willow
Creek. At Grubstake, no radio. Showers PM
July 8, 1940 At Grubstake Placer Mine
for a week. Ma store keeper.
July 9, 1940 Self at placer mine, Ma
and Marie Martha storekeepers.
July 10, 1940 Self at placer mine, Ma
storekeeper.
July 11, 1940 Self at placer mine, Ma
storekeeper.
July 12, 1940 Self at placer mine, Ma
storekeeper.
July 13, 1940 At placer mine. Cleaned
out canyon ditch and finished road bridge over ditch near cabin
and graded road from Cat road to cabin. Closed up camp.
6 PM left Lucky Shot Road at cutoff to Willow Creek at 6:20 PM with
Stanley’s car, arrived Wasilla 7:45. Ma gone to Anchorage
with Cad’s to see special show. Jack fell out car on arrival.
Got 9 PM news.
July 14, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, 62 above.
Busy in store AM. Roped up grub order for Joe Palmer,
going to Caswell. Stanley made round trip, AM to mines,
PM drove to Anchorage with Eva’s washing. Mowed part of grass
on new house lawn. Sears moving family to Anchorage airport.
11 PM took a bath in new house. Short wave good, 6 to 10 PM.
Got news, 8 PM all war talk.
July 15, 1940 Hot day, 64 to 78 above.
Busy in store AM. Hauled over truck load hardware and
roofing paper from set-out. Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage,
Stanley went on to his mine on Craigie Creek. Settled up with
Jack Fabyan for June and July work at placer mine. Democratic
Convention in session. Hitler and John Bull dropping a few bombs.
Short wave weak PM 10,000 soldiers for Anchorage airport, so reported.
July 16, 1940 Hot day, 56 to 72 above.
All the kids wearing britch cloths. Sharon in from New
Bullion Mine. Had dinner at Eva’s, strawberry shortcake
with whipped cream. Weather just right for strawberries.
Finished mowing grass on new law. Democrat Convention in
Chicago. Germany and Italy talking peace terms.
July 17, 1940 Light rain all day, 60
above. In store and on orders. Persson got $17 order.
First run of salmon at Knik. Plenty of strawberries on market.
Roosevelt won Democrat nomination at Chicago convention.
July 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Democrats closed their convention at Chicago late tonight.
President Roosevelt and Secretary Garner nominated. Roosevelt
returned to Washington, D. C. made ½ hour speech over radio
at close of convention. Convention was broadcast to all
foreign countries. A few air bombings in Europe today.
July 19, 1940 Weather cloudy 66 to 68 above.
Got out 3 airmail orders. Regular boat mail arrived
4 PM bananas, plums, cantaloupes and tomatoes came on express
train. Evening, put more fertilizer on new lawn. Hitler
appealed to British to quit war, otherwise he would confiscate
them. Only air bombing today. Italy lost war ship.
Short wave PM and evening. Had in Tokyo, Japan on news 3 PM
Out of eggs and butter.
July 20, 1940 Light rain, 60 above. Self
in store 4 PM boat freight arrived. Had a big truck load
of groceries and fruit. Painters finished painting section
house and inside of depot. Stanley in from his quartz mine.
Ritter up from Anchorage airport job. Jack Fabyan landed job
at airport. Democrats battling 3rd term deal, going over
to Republicans. Short wave NG, news over local station.
Cantaloupes and plums for supper.
July 21, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, up to
70 above. Opened up and priced up ton of canned meats
and fruit etc. Stanley returned with supplies to his mine
AM. Evening, cocked up hay cut on new lawn. Germans
flew over London with 80 bombers. British, with 5 __________
air bombers, drove them back Short wave weak, got news OK
at 6 and 8 PM.
July 22, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers 56 to
60 above. Ma did washing AM. S and W local man Lang, from
Anchorage visited, no orders. Stanley and Sharon in from New Bullion
Mine. Stanley and Eva drove on to Anchorage. Buddy and
sister slept at our house. British refused Hitler’s war terms,
will fight it out. Balkan states going over to Russia.
Short wave OK.
July 23, 1940 Business nil, weather cloudy,
66 above. Salmon running in Cottonwood Creek. Finished
patching up new lawn with 8 wheel barrows loam and re-seeding
froze out spots. Kids back from Anchorage PM. FDR and
Wilkie opened their presidential campaign speeches today.
FDR roasted bolting Democrats. War, more bombing, no harm.
Short wave OK. Conference at Cuba about the war.
July 24, 1940 Partly cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
In store, paid invoices. Anchorage soldiers ordered 600
pair snowshoes and sleeping bags, going at it like the Fins.
Hot wave still on in states. Iowa and Nebraska hit hardest.
Evening, Stanley in from his mine, let 2 miners go account lean ore.
Short wave weak, got war news.
July 25, 1940 Partly cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
In store AM got off mail and Social Security tax for 2nd quarter.
Stanley back from Anchorage, sent out his first gold brick to
Seattle. Big aerial battle over England today and several
boats sunk. Evening, special train with four club cars went
through to Fairbanks. Marie Martha went to McKinley Park on
trip.
July 26, 1940 Self left for placer mine 8 with
Stanley and Buddy, via Palmer. Left car at top Kelly
hill and mushed down hill to cabin. Mowed
grass on survey ditch on hydro claim. Re-piled hydro pipe account
snow slides. Put more hay in bed ticks. Evening showers.
At placer mine, no radio or news.
July 27, 1940 Self at placer mine.
Up at 5:45, grapefruit, hotcakes, bacon and Postum for breakfast.
Worked in and around cabin all day. Repainted iron cots
and sash. Regulated water in canyon ditch, cut grass around
cabins for fire protection. Closed up camp at 5:45.
Stanley was not at new Willow Creek bridge, met him at mailbox 6:30,
arrived Wasilla 8 PM Rain. Radio good, both short and
long wave.
July 28, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, partly
cloudy, 60 to 78 above. In store 9 to 12, no business,
indigents waiting for monthly paychecks. Stanley returned
to his mine with grub supplies. Marie Martha on vacation at
McKinley Park. PM took out coil and cleaned carburetor
on Onan light engine. British shot down 9 German bombers,
lost two more fighting over Armenia oil supply. Short wave
weak.
July 29, 1940 Hot day, 60 to 72 above.
Red Cross nurse with 2 kids in her car turned over coming up
from McNeil’s, only got cuts and bruises. Made out hardware
order. Sharon in from mine to catch salmon. Miner Roop
hauled out 2 truck loads of oil for Thorpe Mine. New mill arrived.
Heat wave on again in States, 100 above. British shot down 20
German planes. PM no short wave, evening, OK. News also,
London Calling.
July 30, 1940 Hot day, 54 to 74 above.
Self 3 score and 12, feeling fine except sore feet. Eva,
Bixler’s and kids drove to Anchorage. Filed assessment
work on 18 placer claims to June 30, 1940. Self put in 30
days at mines. Pan Am Congress over at Havana, all signed up
account war protection. Heat wave cooking crops in central
States. War maneuvers all air bombing. Radio fair, some
static. Dan Gray in for grub. Boat late, no mail.
July 31, 1940 Partly cloudy, 60 to 72 above.
Self in store and on orders and out-mail. Eva and Buddy back
from Anchorage. Evening, Stanley in from mine with high
grade ore. Hitler says he is only training, will be ready to
do up the British soon. Both South America and North America
now ready for Hitler if he beats England. Radio fair, all war
news in Europe and China.
August 1, 1940 Hot day, 60 to 72 above.
Metz in from Goose Bay for vegetables and more grub. Marie
Martha back from McKinley Park after visiting the half-breeds
and house beakers. Mrs. Slumberger back from Park.
Mail arrived 1 day late. Russia now making love to all nations
except U. S. selling Britain’s supplies. No PM short wave.
Evening, 4-H Club back from Fairbanks.
August 2, 1940 Hot day, 62 to 74 above.
Hair cut, Ma did it, Eva rubbered. McNally visited, trying
to sell his bulldozer and go Outside. Mail on time, got 3 ton merchandise
due tomorrow. Heat wave still on in central southern states.
Local peas and potatoes coming on market. Short wave strong
PM and evening.
August 3, 1940 Partly cloudy, 64 to 72 above.
AM in store. New parts arrived for Onan light engine, assembled
new coil, condenser and fuse but she failed to turn over, short
somewhere. Sold 2 pair snow shoes to Army Post. Bill
Wagner, engineer, took over station KFQD, special program 10 PM.
Germans still bombing British civilian English kids coming to
America. Short wave off PM World News over local station.
Stanley in.
August 4, 1940 Sunday, showers, 60 above.
Worked on Onan light engine all day, cleaned carburetor, turned
over 5 minutes then quit. Advertised Eyota farms in Rochester
Post through Perkins, caretaker. Burnap and Coger farms
for $12,000. Singleton and Elmira for $9,000. Leibing’s
in for $25 order. Evening radio fair.
August 5, 1940 Weather cloudy, 6 to 70 above.
PM hauled over 3 truck loads new merchandise from set-out, was
5 days coming from Seward, railroad service? Arnold Edlund
family moving to Army Post at Anchorage. Gold Cord got 2 cars
lumber. Dan Gray in from mile 14 for more grub. Bathers
in Lake Wasilla.
August 6, 1940 Cloudy, windy, 50 to 60 above.
Self busy all day pricing up new merchandise and storing away.
Stanley in from mine and drove to Anchorage. Mid-week boat
one day late at Seward. Edlund family moved to Anchorage,
only 3 families left in Wasilla account Army Post work at Anchorage.
Buddy and Sister sleeping here.
August 7, 1940 Partly cloudy, showers, 56 to
66 above. In store AM finished pricing up groceries.
Stanley back from Anchorage PM and drove on to his mine. Put
new spark plug in Onan engine and she turned over OK. Charged
on batteries 2 hours, all run down. Ohlin and Anderson deserted
farm to work at Army Post, leaving all kind of vegetables to rot.
Radio OK evening, Italy bombing British in Palestine District.
August 8, 1940 A-1 day, 50 to 66 above.
Self in store, AM charged electric light batteries, plant
now working OK. Hauled over truck load of oils from depot
shed. War doing things today. Four hundred planes in
action over English Channel. Germans lost 53 bombers vs. 26
British planes. Eva and kids out to Reed Creek for blueberries.
Radio OK. Rain at mines.
August 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above,
showers. Got grub pack ready for placer mine. Mowed
grass on street in front of new house. Electric lights now
working after engine trouble for a month. Stanley in for mail
but no train until 11 PM. Germany and Italy dropping bombs
on British but thus far got the worst of battle.
August 10, 1940 Partly cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
In store most of day. Gucker, S and W and Armour man here
for order. Cemented up holes on oil house roof mowed some
grass. Shorty and Jack up from Anchorage Army Post for clothes
and booze? Stanley in again-Finagain, from his mine.
Eva drove to Knik for raspberries and dog salmon. Radio fair.
Air full of bombs in England.
August 11, 1940 Sunday, Wasilla to placer mine.
Self and Marie Martha rode with her Dad’s car to Willow Creek
Bridge, arrived at cabin 10 AM got dinner, then started surveying
new ditch on north end of hydro group. Rained at 4 PM.
Grandpa the cook, Marie Martha dish washer and rod man. At mines,
no radio. Thorpe’s old sled dog passed out.
August 12, 1940 Marie Martha and self
at Grubstake Placer Mine, surveying new ditch on north end hydro
group. Miner Roop and brother visited to look over ditch
work with Cat. Picked quart blueberries 6 PM had blueberry
cobbler at 7 PM. Rev. Bingle, with 12 kids, drove car up to
Thorpe camp for outing. No radio at mines. A-1 day, no
rain.
August 13, 1940 Placer mine to Wasilla.
Marie and self traced our location line between Canyon, Bear
and Hydro groups, from cabins to north east corner post on hydro
group, found old notice board but no stake. Mowed grass on
line. Stanley arrived at cabins with car, left 1:40, arrived
Wasilla 1½ hours later. First auto car direct to placer
cabin over new road, 1½ hours to Wasilla.
August 14, 1940 A-1 day, 56 to 72 above. In
store most of day. Stanley out again to his mine.
Started to mow grass on Mabel lot. Left switch on, batteries
run out on electric light plant engine no go. Real war now
in Europe. All fought from air. U.S. mock Army drill near
Seattle. Local news now every hour 7 to 10. Radio good, bad
storms in N. C. and Texas after heat.
August 15, 1940 Cloudy, cooler, 60 above.
Wash day. PM fixed week plank in sidewalk to railroad crossing.
Gus brought us 100 gallons oil from Anchorage. Professor
Kleck having high school painted, outside. Air bombing by
British and Germans getting hotter every day. Communist party
barred from voting. Ma got stomach flu, vomiting. Radio
good. Hitler says he is winning the war and John Bull says
no.
August 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Ma got stomach trouble evening. Eva got stomach trouble,
several has had it. Ordered more parts for Onan light engine.
Another big air attack on London suburb today. Thirty seven
German planes shot down. Stanley in with cleanup from his
mine. Italians claim they’ve got British blocked on Mediterranean.
August 17, 1940 Cloudy, showers, 54 to 58 above.
Self got touch of flu, making rounds of town. Stanley
hauled over truck load groceries from set-out. British claim
1 to 4 bombers in air raids. New local spuds on market at 4¢
a pound. Howard Oberg back from McKinley Park, went to work
at old GB Mine.
August 18, 1940 Sunday, cloudy, showers,
52 to 58 above. A year ago, hot war talk, today over 1,000
bombing planes in air trying to take London. Germans got
4 planes to one British. Stanley made round trip to mine
and then drove to Anchorage PM Found short, pigtail ground
against brush spider, ran engine 1½ hours. Heavy rain in Willow
Creek District. Short wave 6 to 10 PM All war news, all air
raids.
August 19, 1940 Showers, 50 to 60 above.
Professor Kleck adjusted breaker points on Onan electric light
engine, run OK all AM. Mowed more grass on Mabel lot.
PM cleaned and repaired store furnace pipe. Craigie Creek
Mining Co. did no placer mining last year, took out $600
fine gold with gas shovel, total expense was $16,000?? Radio
a little mushy, not much air bombing today.
August 20, 1940 Partly cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Last mail train account mid-week boat went south, excursion
season closed. Stanley left 6:30 AM for his mine to clean
up and close down milling ore. Charged light batteries, got
½ grass cut on Mabel lot, also cut grass along sidewalks.
Payday 15 days overdue on railroad. Short wave OK, no long
wave.
August 21, 1940 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above. Got
out Seattle mail. Recharged old batteries on light plant.
Mowed more grass on Mabel lot, ¾ done. No payroll
for July on railroad. Stanley in again-Finagain, from his
mine. Wired his company, no payroll. Britain’s shot
down 1,000 German bombers thus far in August. Eva gave me 1½
mile joy ride. Canada to hook up with US account war protection.
No 3 PM short wave news.
August 22, 1940 A-1 day, 58 AM 68 noon, 78
evening. Mail went south. Charged batteries AM.
Cut grass on street in front of new house. Evening, Long,
the butcher for 6 years with ARR Co-op, visited looking for business
for himself and wife-to-be, likes our location. Stanley closed
down his quartz mine, no payroll for July, needs to do development
work to make mine pay. Radio OK, Germans using big SS Bertha guns
on Dover ???
August 23, 1940 Partly cloudy, 58 to 64 above.
PM charged batteries and cocked up hay on lots around new house.
Stewart Vail dobbing high school building outside. Mail
arrived, got Rochester Post. Cad and Isaac doing assessment
work for Independence Mine by riding around in pickup. War
bombing eased off today on London. Balkan states in trouble.
Radio fair. No payday on railroad or Army Post.
August 24, 1940 Partly cloudy, 56 to 64 above.
Ma making cake etc. Stanley brought in sit-down miners
from his mine, waiting for payday. PM freight train arrived
with oil tank cars but no local freight until Monday. Write
up of Cook Inlet District August 12th in Rochester Post by OGH.
PM hauled 2 truck loads of hay off back lots. Germans now shelling
London. Radio good. War getting hot on the British Isle,
reached by big 40 mile SS Bertha guns.
August 25, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
warm, 42 to 70 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Stanley
drove out to show geologists his mine. Roop’s brother visited,
said Cat was ready to dig ditch on hydro bench at Grubstake.
Evening, butcher Long, from ARR Co-op, visited, showed him over
store, wants to buy grocery department and install butcher shop.
Tried to locate cause of hit and miss on Onan engine, no find ‘em.
August 26, 1940 Nobody in town, temperature
56 to 62 above. Bixler family left for Hope. Stanley
out again-in again to his mine. John Thomas, old timer, passed
out at Willow Station. Three days delayed hardware freight
arrived PM. 700 German bombers attacked London but were driven
off. Radio fair. Electric wash day, Eva the Chink, Grandpa
operator.
August 27, 1940 Wasilla to placer mine
8 AM arrived at placer mine 10 AM. Roop, the Cat man,
started ditch on hydro bench. PM opened hole through high
knob near intake of ditch, no big rock in sight as yet.
August 28, 1940 Self on bench ditch at
placer mine with Caterpillar operated by Minor Roop, Lucky shot
freighter.
August 29, 1940 Self powder monkey on
ditch work at placer mine.
August 30, 1940 Self on ditch work placer
mine.
August 31, 1940 Self at placer mines.
Cat finished 1500 foot ditch on hydro group bench in 41 hours
at $5 per hour.
August Memo: Not much rain. Self
at placer mine 10 days in August. Surveyed and dug 1500’
ditch on hydro group bench account cleaning up bedrock on old
Homestake claim above Gilbert basin worked out. Miner Roop
dug ditch in 41 hours with bulldozer and Cat. Stanley closed
down his quartz mine on 22nd.
September 1, 1940 Sunday, at placer mines.
Rain and snow all day. First new snow on mountain peaks,
came down to brush line. Cleaned up cabin, installed another
spring cot. Washed up towels, etc.
September 2, 1940 At placer mine.
Up 6 AM grapefruit, bacon and hotcakes. Worked all AM packing
2 cords block stove wood into kitchen of old mess house in drizzling
rain. Snow on mountains down to brush line. Stanley
arrived with car at camp at 2 PM helped me put roll of roofing on
mess house. Closed camp 4 PM arrived Wasilla 1½ hours later.
Evening, on invoices and freight. Radio OK. Germans still
trying to bomb London with no success. Labor Day.
September 3, 1940 Drizzle rain, 48 above.
AM hauled over truck load groceries from Saturday set-out, priced
up and stored away same. Stanley drove to Anchorage and
returned. Self signed up joint six month $1,200 note with
son account money due labor on his mine. Trusty passed out
with pneumonia. US traded 50 destroyers for British island possessions
near U.S. Radio weak, all war and political news.
School opened.
September 4, 1940 Weather cooler, 40 to 56
above. Stanley left for Anchorage to catch boat for Seattle.
AM charged light batteries. PM not feeling well, pain on
right side. U. S. delivered the 50 destroyers to Britain at
Halifax, Nova Scotia. Radio fair, all war news and floods in
states.
September 5, 1940 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Eva and Sharon back from seeing Stanley off at Anchorage, flew
over to Seward to catch boat for Seattle. Self feeling
better. Charged batteries and painted hood on Stanley’s
Roadster. Airmail now from Anchorage to Fairbanks Tuesdays
and Fridays.
September 6, 1940 Weather cloudy, mist, 52
to 62 above. Sold, Edlund’s friend, winter clothing outfit
from Talkeetna. AM wire from Bailey, would pay all New Bullion
Mine bills. PM another wire, wanted itemized bills.
Cleaned carburetor on Onan engine, made no difference about
missing, short in wires somewhere. Hitler still air bombing London,
not much harm done and lost 37 planes. Radio mushy.
Two fights on air from New York and war news.
September 7, 1940 Weather cloudy, 60 to 68
above. PM charged electric batteries.
Cleaned up bed on Chev. Roadster. Mowed lawn at new house.
Ed Danielson’s brother visited. Germany made several hits
on London today causing many fires. Rain in Minnesota, holding
up threshing. No long wave. London got a bad bombing
from the air.
September 8, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
misty 54 above. Put balcony fly’s on lawn to clean off
smoke and dirt. Armature on light plant refused to work, more
trouble. New snow on mountain peaks, winter just around the
corner? London got a bad bombing today, 400 killed and over 1,000
wounded by German planes. Hitler has taken Poland, Norway, Belgium,
France and Netherlands, now after Britain. Radio mushy, wireless
static.
September 9, 1940 A-1 day, 50 to 56 above.
Dan Gray in for moose hunting outfit. Erwin and wife,
Standard Oil man at Seward, visited PM. Washed balcony
fly’s with garden hose and broom PM. War bad, Germans made
several hits in center of London with many fires, 600 killed.
Radio weak PM evening OK. Hot local election talk over KFQD.
September 10, 1940 Weather cloudy, showers,
52 above. Cleaned up balcony floor. Armature OK but
generator fails to charge batteries. Baxter Felch visited,
had no Ball Band order for him. Election day, Metz in from
Goose Bay to vote. Talkeetna went Democrat. Germans
still dropping bombs on London and British on Berlin. Radio
OK. Autumn is here.
September 11, 1940 Cloudy, showers, 46 to 52
above. Eva and Paddy made round trip to Anchorage.
Self in store most of day. No find generator trouble on
light engine. Mowed grass, etc. by track warehouse.
Hitler made big drive on London, hit the Kings swimming pool but
lost 73 bombers in raids vs. 17 British. To mail trains today.
Autumn. Radio fair. War now hot on London, 1,010 killed
thus far.
September 12, 1940 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
Brill car went north at midnight. Took Paddy’s measurements
for a Sears-Saw Buck baggy suit $15. Thus far, old London
getting the worse of air bombing by Hitler. Hercules Powder
Plant blew up in New Jersey, terrible explosion. Light frost
last night, autumn is here. Radio good. New snow all
gone on Bald Mt.
September 13, 1940 Light rain, 46 to 60 above.
Gust Jackson down from Pittman to trade. Leibing’s sent
in order from Gold Cord. Wire from Stanley at Seattle, seeds
were sent to B of A account of Ray Wallace Cat road
to mine. Buckingham Palace hit by five Hitler bombs today,
now hot war. Radio fair. Hot Europe war news.
Draft bill held up again.
September 14, 1940 Weather cloudy, light rain,
46 to 58 above. Got 2 small orders from Knik, shipped
one to Pittman. Elliott’s out from Goose Bay. Evening,
Jim St. Clair visited, has boss job at Army base at Anchorage.
No draft at B of A from Anderson to Stanley as yet account road
to Ray Wallace Mine. Airplane landed here, out of gas.
Boat freight arrived 5 PM. Radio OK, had in Japan and South America
3 to 4 PM. Mary Cad returned to U. of A.
September 15, 1940 Light rain, 46 to 60 above.
Gust Jackson down from Pittman to trade. Leibing’s sent
in order from Gold Cord. Wire from Stanley at Seattle,
seeds were sent to B of A account of Ray Wallace Cat road to mine.
Buckingham Palace hit by five Hitler bombs today, now hot war.
Radio fair. Hot Europe war news. Draft bill held up again.
September 16, 1940 No business.
A-1 day, 46 to 58 above. Two trucks moved Rex Elliott’s
house to Anchorage. AM went over to freight shed for eggs
and meats, only got 2 pieces, balance buried up in set-out since
Saturday. Charged electric light batteries, engine working
OK. Fog over London, dropping bombs hit or miss today. Evening,
radio good all stations on air. Four inches snow at mines.
September 17, 1940 Weather cloudy, rain, 46
to 48 above. Finally got eggs, meats, etc. out of set-out
after 3 days arrival, this is Alaska Railroad service?
British have lost 2,000 with 10,000 injured from Hitler’s bombs
over England past 10 days, but still holding strong. Big
tornado in St. Lawrence River District. Wendell Wilkie on way
to Pacific. Radio good, both long and short. No snow
on Bald Mt. yet.
September 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 46 to 48
above. New snow on Bald Mt. down to Old Knik Trail on summit.
Wrote Grubstake Mining Co. about changing Cat road to right hand
bench to Thorpe quartz mine. Gus Gillis delivered 25 cases
milk from Anchorage for $4.12 per case. London residential
district hit by bombs, not much damage thus far. Radio good.
Hitler after Italy and Spain to help take the British.
September 19, 1940 Light
rain, 46 above. Buddy sick with cold, colds making rounds
in town. Snowing on mountain peaks. Letter from Stanley,
having trouble to settle mining deal with Seattle investors.
British knocking ’ell out of German defense across English Channel
in France. German bomber shot down, crashed London house.
Radio good, heard Wilkie speaking to 65,000 people in Los Angeles,
made a hit.
September 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, rain, 46
to 50 above. Gus Jackson down from Pittman to trade.
Section Boss lost his job, too much booze. Senske’s
made last trip to Lucky Shot, 8” snow on Fishhook Pass. German’s
about to give up invading London and with Italy and Spain, going
after British Suez Canal. Wendell Wilkie made a hit on a Pacific
Coast trip. Radio good, all stations on air.
September 21, 1940 A-1 day, 44 to 50 above.
Willie Edlund and parents took back Wasilla Lake beer joint.
Self in store AM. PM poured cement block to hold walk gate
at new house in place. Ton of freight arrived, could only find
onions in set-out. Evening, big basket lunch dance on at Town
Hall by sport gang. Radio good, all stations on air.
Thorpe’s in.
September 22, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 above. Quiet in town after $200 basket dance last night.
Got ton Jonesville coal off Gus. Charged light batteries.
Ordered more parts for Onan engine. Hitler still bombing London.
Hitler submarines sunk boat 600 miles out from England with children
and passengers, most all lost. Radio fair, World News from Treasure
Island. Buddy dumpish.
September 23, 1940 Rain AM 52 above all day.
Ching washing again in our new house with electric washer.
PM got truck load freight out of set-out, held up 3 days at
Wasilla. Took tin cans to city dump. Britain bombed
Berlin for 4 hours and shot up French fleet in the Mediterranean.
Three year old kidnap found by 2 lumberjacks. England had best of
war today.
September 24, 1940 AM clear, PM rain, 52 above.
In store AM priced up and stored away ton new groceries.
PM put cement block brace on driveway gate. Mail train arrived
8 hours late. Anchorage - Palmer auto road still closed account
high water and mud slides. Ordered car winter coal.
War getting hotter in Europe and Asia. Radio fair, all war news
and kidnapping in California.
September 25, 1940 Partly cloudy, 48 to 50
above. Snow all gone on Bald Mt., floods washed out bridge
on Loop Road at Anchorage. Got out-mail, letter from Stanley,
was lining up new deal on his quartz mine. Hitler trying
to get passage through Finland, all land route to get a crack at
invasion on London. Stanley in Seattle. Radio fair.
British Air Force getting in work on Berlin.
September 26, 1940 Partly cloudy, 28 to 48
above. Light frost last night although weather man said
it would be 38 above. In store most of day. Farmers
now busy digging spuds, too wet to harvest grain. Road now
open to Anchorage after mud slides and high water. British
Navy shooting up Italian ports and French navy. U.S. cut scrap
iron shipments off from Japan. Radio mushy.
September 27, 1940 Frost, 26 to 48 above.
PM started to install 5” air pipe to furnace in new house for
better draft. Mail train brought our bananas, plums, peaches
and grapes. Metz in from Goose Bay to dig his spuds, etc. Gus
drove to Goose Bay for Elliott’s household goods, moving to Anchorage.
Letter from Stanley, no mining deal yet. Radio weak from
Outside. Jap’s joined alliance with Hitler and Mussolini.
September 28, 1940 Light rain, 42 above all
day. PM finished installing 7 joints 5” galvanized pipe to give
furnace outside air draft. Boat freight arrived 5 PM.
Marie Martha saw picture show at Palmer. Gus moved Elliott’s,
bag and baggage, from Goose Bay to Anchorage. Metz returned
to Goose Bay dock, watchman. Got fresh peaches, prunes and
grapes. Radio mushy. Hitler still bombing London and lost
over 1,000 planes this week.
September 29, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
42 to 50 above. AM charged light batteries and oiled up
Chev pickup. PM hauled over fresh fruit, eggs and butter from
set-out and store away same. London got a bad bombing by Hitler
today, hit hospital and killed many on way to church. Treasure
Island, San Francisco Fair closed, had fine program on air 8:30 to
10:15 PM Static radio, London only good station. Evening,
took usual bath.
September 30, 1940 Light rain, 40 to 46 above.
Eva did laundry with electric washer in our new house then
drove to Palmer account self starter that no-start her car,
Paddy, the mascot, went along and brought back a treat of Matanuska
Maid ice cream. Gus failed to return from Anchorage with
our gasoline, maybe in ditch. Evening, wind and rain.
Hitler loving Stalin again. Short wave weak, no long wave.
Hitler now bombing London.
September Memo: Dry summer, rainy season now
on all of September. New snow rained off on mountain peaks.
Matanuska Co-op farmers using umbrellas while harvesting crops.
Stanley in Seattle to switch company ownership of his mine to investors
with capitol to do development work. All Wasilla families
moved to Army Post at Anchorage leaving business in the red at Wasilla.
October 1, 1940 Warmer, 52 all day.
Eva and Paddy, her mascot, drove to Anchorage and back.
Gus arrived, noon, with 25 cases oil and gas for K. T. Co.
Thorpe’s making ready to go Outside. Hitler and Berlin got
the worst on air bombing today. Got out candy bar order.
Buddy sleeping here tonight. No Outside radio. All Europe
now at war, also Jap’s.
October 2, 1940 Cloudy, showers, 40 to
46 above. Mail went south to catch the SS Baranoff at
Seward. Answered Perkins 9/17 letter about sale of Eyota
farms. Hitler still bombing London and British Air Force
doing a good job on 5th bombing of Berlin and airports. Buddy
here all day, quit his home fires. September rain 5” vs. 2” normal.
Radio war news over local station.
October 3, 1940 Weather clearing, 24 to 42
above. First hard frost, trees all shed of leaves and
gone into winter rest. Mail arrived 10:15 PM from Seattle.
Received order from Pay-Day Wilson now at Nancy. Mine Ellic
in from Knik, drove on to Palmer. Youngest Bergman girl back
from Seattle. Thorpe’s left for trip Outside. Letter
from Stanley 9/30 deal about closed. Outside radio NG.
All Europe air full of bombs.
October 4, 1940 Partly cloudy, 22 to 46 above.
Charged batteries PM and repainted front walk gate at new house.
Mail arrived on time. Wire from Stanley, new mining deal
closed soon. Lloyd McNally and family back from States.
Italians quit drive to Suez Canal. Not much bombing in London
today. Radio fair. U. S. going full force on future war
material.
October 5, 1940 A-1 day, 20 to 46 above.
Hard frost, ground froze 1½”. Betts truck went
over bank above Fishhook Inn, driver badly hurt. PM took
boulders out road to railroad siding account hauling car coal to
bins. S and W backorder arrived. Hitler and Mussolini
now going to clean up on Britain in secret way. Farmers busy
harvesting crops. Radio good. Secretary Knox would send
war ships to Shanghai.
October 6, 1940 Sunday big wind,
44 to 48 above. Snow about gone above timber line.
No freight due tomorrow? On last hod of coal, car overdue
1 week. Hitler sent 15M troops into Armenia to protect oil
wells being set on fire. No bombing London today. Army
Post now working men 56 hours per week vs. 40 hours per law.
Static radio.
October 7, 1940 Weather cloudy, 44 to 48 above.
In store AM outside PM. Hauled hay cocks off Mabel lot
and burned same. Coal car failed to arrive. Saturday
boat freight arrived, but blocked in, in set-out car. Geological
Survey party visited on way to finish survey below Wet Gulch.
Hitler got 3rd surprise, about ready to launch on London. U.S. soldiers
installed at Fairbanks.
October 8, 1940 Partly cloudy, 46 to 50 above.
Not much doing. Our freight in set-out, mixed up with
mining merchandise. London got a bad bombing today as well
as Berlin by British. U. S. decided to move Marines and 16M
Americans out of China District, invaded by Jap’s, now in with Hitler
and Mussolini. Only local radio.
October 9, 1940 A-1 day, 46 to 58 above.
October 6th freight still in set-out. Mild weather helping
farmers out in harvesting their crops. Congress to take
a recess to November 18th. Hitler still bombing London, hit
2 hotels and department store. Sharon’s wife had a baby boy
at Palmer Hospital this evening. Radio fair, all war news in
Europe and Asia.
October 10, 1940 AM 40 above,
evening 28 above and wet snow, first at Wasilla, came from south
west. AM filled mush-hole with gravel at car siding and
hauled over truck load. Groceries unavailable in car for
5 days account mine freight. Wilkie made a hit on Pacific
Coast tour, now speaking in Northeast states, final campaign speeches
for President. Radio fair, bombing increasing all over Europe.
One 20 ton bomber landed at Fairbanks.
October 11, 1940 Winter here, 14 to 48 above,
6” new snow fell last night. Busy cleaning off walks. Mail
arrived on time, letter from Stanley, new mine deal ready to
sign up, coming home on next Seattle boat. Mrs. Senske hospitalized
account appendices out. Three feet new snow at High Grade
Mine. British subjects leaving Armenia. No long wave,
short wave OK. Turkey standing pat against Hitler.
October 12, 1940 Cloudy, warmer, 40 to 58 above.
Snow about gone on roads and street. Football on the
air, also President Roosevelt on unity of all North and South
America countries. Berlin and other cities getting their
share of British bombs. Armenia turned over to Hitler rule
today. Freight arrived 6 PM. Evening, still 40 above.
Radio OK on short wave, all war talk.
October 13, 1940 Sunday, Chinook, 42
to 48 above. Necked over 2 loads meat and lard from freight
shed. All wind chargers going today. AM charged light
batteries. Ma had a chicken dinner, Buddy, sister and mother
guests, Daddy still in Seattle. First football game in Anchorage
broadcast over KFQD. Hitler got bad bombing today. Short
wave good, Rochester back on air. Court on at Anchorage.
October 14, 1940 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 44 to 50 above. Section Boss of Pittman
bought a $25 order. Rufe Stephan out from Knik to trade,
also Dan Gray from mile 29 Fishhook. Old Hitler now walking
over Bulgaria, Russia may stop him? Tom Mix killed in his auto.
Electric wash day at our new house.
October 15, 1940 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Put up balcony fly at stair end of balcony. Isaac back
from Knik trip. British battleship sunk 2 Italian cruisers.
1000 planes bombed London today, not much damage, Berlin also
bombed. War getting faster these days. Evening, windy.
Radio good, all stations on air.
October 16, 1940 A-1 day, 52 above. Eva
and Paddy made round auto trip to Anchorage and forgot what they
went for? Re-stained front door on new house and painted
steps. Mild weather helping farmers to gather in their crops.
More talk than war today in Europe. Radio good, evening all
stations on the air. Stanley not on boat.
October 17, 1940 Temperature 44 to 50 above.
PM repaired garage doors broken by Eva. Charged electric
light batteries. Made out 3rd quarter Social Security tax
report and paid Alaska Sportsman. The Royal Air Force knocking
the ‘ell out of German air and oil ports and London still being
bombed. Car coal due Sunday.
October 18, 1940 Second freeze, 20 to 48 above.
On last hod of coal, car due 20th from Healy. Billie and
Dad drove to Goose Bay to see Metz the dock watchman. Grisly
old politician here, peed all over Ma’s toilet seat, poor shot?
British Navy guns effective again today on German cruisers. Armenia
and Bulgaria all war talk today. Radio fair. painted steps,
2nd coat on new house. Baby Fleck home from hospital.
October 19, 1940 Weather cloudy, snow, 30 to
34 above. PM ground white with 1” snow, 3” at Anchorage.
McNally in from Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, mile 8. Pauli,
of Washington Creamery, and Gus Geller visited PM. Stanley
left Seattle on “SS Aleutian” for home today. Only one raid
on London today. freight train arrived but left our freight
at Seward. Our winter coal due October 20. Short wave OK,
all war and defense talk and Wilkie the next President.
October 20, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
to 34 above. Town dead, all moved to Army Post at Anchorage.
Independence Mine installed movie pictures in dormitory at mine.
PM put tire chains on truck and greased bearings. Second
football game, PM at Anchorage but got rained out. England
has no food supplies, other neighbors starved out. Radio
fair, war news and local football game.
October 21, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Car coal arrived, Gust Haller and self unloaded same.
Gus moved McNally family to Anchorage. British claim their
Air Force is gaining. Congress, D. C. taking a recess. Evening,
got out-mail and orders. President campaign hot Outside.
Radio mushy, not World News. Stanley on boat for Wasilla.
October 22, 1940 Partly cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Haller and self, all day, unloading car winter coal. Gus
back from Anchorage, brought us 15 cases oil, put 2½ tons
coal in Eva’s bin. Saturday boat freight arrived in set-out
but, as usual, not available. Germans now making concrete bombs
out of steel, crazy war? Static radio not good. Four inches
snow in Anchorage, ½” at Wasilla.
October 23, 1940 Cloudy, 30 to 32 above.
Self hauled 4 loads nut coal from car to new house. Evening,
light flurry of snow. “SS Aleutian” due at Seward the 24th.
British bombers knocked the ‘ell out of Italian troops moving
toward Suez Canal today and dropped bomb on German battleship.
October 24, 1940 A-1 day, 30 to 44 above.
AM hauled over truck load merchandise from set-out, 5 days from
Seward, PM priced up and store away same. Stanley arrived from
trip to Seattle, beat railroad train one day from Seward, came to
Anchorage by airplane then auto to Wasilla. British now knocking
the ‘ell out of Berlin. U. S. draft, 21 to 35, one year
_______ for Army.
October 25, 1940 Cloudy, fog last night 30
to 34 above. Finished pricing new hardware and groceries.
Stanley replacing cribbing in top of his well. All GSH
family took in movie at Palmer and Buddies first show.
Hitler now doing it, bombing London. Pope going to get all
war nations together and have President Roosevelt settle the Europe
war.
October 26, 1940 Weather cloudy, 36 to 46 above.
Stanley and family drove to Anchorage for weekend. Ma
cooking and cussing. Self in store, eggs and butter now
selling at 50¢. Lothrop in to trade from Cottonwood.
Hitler will talk peace terms if he can rule France and all the Balkan
States?
October 27, 1940 Sunday. A-1 day,
44 above all day. PM painted red trimmings on store front.
Charged light batteries. Kids back from Anchorage 5 PM.
Evening, paid all bills due. Jack Fabyan and party up from
Anchorage Army Post to look see. Mrs. Barigo went to Talkeetna
for weekend. Radio mushy, no news.
October 28, 1940 Partly cloudy 34 to 44 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, Eva the Chink, electric
cost 20¢ a day. Returned Lilly’s 1940 seed box.
Sharon and Stanley picked 2 truck loads Ohlin’s farm vegetables
on deserted farm account Army Post work. Italian troops
started to mop up Greece today. Britain going to help Greece,
also Russia may step in?
October 29, 1940 Business fair,
A-1 day, 34 to 48 above, 60 above in sun. Ma left on train
for Anchorage for weekend and to visit Mayor Gill family. Gus
got car Healy coal. Stanley hauled his own coal. PM
washed white paint on front of store counters. Greeks holding
off Italian invaders. Wilkie campaigning in southern states.
October 30, 1940 A-1 day, 34 to 46 above.
Stanley helping out in store, during school rush, while Ma is
doing Anchorage. Charged light batteries and got out-mail.
Isaac shopping at Palmer for Ellexson’s and delivering at Knik.
Italians lost several while invading Greece. Radio good both
long and short wave. Eva dinner cook.
October 31, 1940 Temperature 20 to 46 above.
Stanley took his car over to Palmer account loose bearings.
Self busy in store all day. Dick-a-doo'ed balcony stairs
and oiled antennae arm on awning. Ma doing Anchorage until
Saturday. Greeks knocked the ‘ell out of Italian invaders.
Wilkie winding up campaign speeches. Radio good, got all
the news. Evening, colder, down to 20.
November 1, 1940 Business normal.
A-1 day, 18 to 48 above. Started to cut in cooler between
kitchen and annex to store. Evening, worked on same and
Netrokoted the kitchen floor. Got $100 order from Buck Sparling
on Craigie Creek. Kids drove over to Palmer, PM. Greeks
still holding back old Mussolini’s Army. British lost some ships
by Hitler. Ma still doing Anchorage.
November 2, 1940 Colder, windy, 30 to 34 above.
Stanley and family drove to Anchorage, 4 PM Ma and kids arrived
on train from Anchorage. Self busy in store all day, got
one $30 order. Evening, Paddy and Willie back from jury duty.
Metz, watchman, in from Goose Bay, Dan Gray took the job for the
winter. Greeks still holding off Italian invaders.
November 3, 1940 Sunday, A-1 day, colder, 26
to 32 above. Self busy, AM put up $34 order for Mrs. S,
teacher. Stanley and Eva arrived from Anchorage at noon.
PM delivered Mrs. S’ order and Bucks freight to railroad for Willow
Station. Charged light batteries and put up front balcony
fly in store. Greeks captured 1,200 Dago’s and Army supplies.
Londoner’s had good sleep, no bombs today.
November 4, 1940 Weather colder, windy, 24
to 28 above. AM electric wash day at our new house.
Hauled over load hardware and drugs from set-out, priced up
same. Stanley left, 7 AM to register for job with Army Post
construction at Anchorage. Bert’s Drug Store robbed at Palmer
of $80. Greeks too much for Italian invaders with help
of 40M British troops. Big rally for Wilkie in eastern states.
November 5, 1940 Cold wind, 20 above all day.
Election for U. S. President, Wilkie vs. Roosevelt, 3rd term.
PM and evening, returns on the air, FDR leading. Agent
Browne’s family left for States. Stanley back from Anchorage.
Self nursing stomach cold. Ma made batch of donuts.
November 6, 1940 A-1 day, 20 to 26 above. Priced
up new drugs. FDR won 3rd term election but not from
business and industry, got the labor vote and the 10 million on
the dole. All houses in Wasilla now rented. The Greeks
cleaned up Italian invaders today. No snow at Wasilla.
November 7, 1940 A-1 day, 20 to 28 above, evening,
got out 2 grocery and fruit orders. Kids now skating on Lucille
Lake. Government scale inspectors here to check up scales.
Italy getting the worst of it in Balkan State drive. London
still being bombed by Hitler. U. S. Treasury wants 5
billion more.
November 8, 1940 Weather cooler, 16 to 26 above.
Put up $35 order for McGinty at Willow Station. Noon,
kids drove to Anchorage for weekend. Buddy and sister sleeping
and eating with Grandma. Roosevelt going 50/50 with airplanes
for Britain. Tacoma’s new suspension bridge blown down.
Hitler says he’s only used up one mo. bombs.
November 9, 1940 Cool day, 4 to 24 above.
Sold Section Foreman order at Pittman. Louise Gill and
2nd husband visited on way to Knik to skate. Eva and Stanley
back from Anchorage. Elizabeth Bergman moving to mines.
Metz got new mail order radio. Greeks raising heck with Italian
invaders. Grapes, pears and bananas arrived. Germany
slowing up.
November 10, 1940 Sunday, partly cloudy,
10 to 30 above. Got off 2 railroad shipments and hauled over
load groceries, etc. from PM freight north. No snow and fine
skating on Lake Lucille. Bad quake in Romania, 1,000 killed
and 3,000 wounded. Key Pittman, silver king, passed out, also
Premier Chamberlain of London. Evening, wind and warmer.
November 11, 1940 Weather cloudy, 34 above
all day. Electric wash day at our new house. Self
finished pricing new merchandise. Stanley and Eva, with
Paddy and Willie, jury men, left for Anchorage on highway.
Greeks put it all over Dago’s today. Hitler made big drive
over London and lost 26 bombers vs. 2. Radio mushy, big storm
all through states. War hot today.
November 12, 1940 Weather cloudy, warmer, 34
to 38 above. Worked on cooler closet aft kitchen, in rear
of store. Buddy and sister regular boarders while mother
and father doing Anchorage. Ma nursing cold. Greeks
captured a division of Italian invaders with guns and supplies.
Prussian Premier visited to Germany account future war plans
American bombers ready for shipment to England airport. New Agent
account Brown on vacation.
November 13, 1940 Light rain, 40 above.
Storm in states took over 900 people in Minnesota. The British
put the Italian fleet out of commission today and the Greeks drove
them out of Greece. Answered Perkins letter of October 18
about sale of Burnap farm at any price. New Agent at depot,
Brown on vacation.
November 14, 1940 Partly cloudy, 38 to 40 above.
Stanley and Buddy made round trip to Anchorage for Grandma
Fleck’s baggage, etc. account moving to Wasilla. Royal
Air Force knocked down 19 German bombers and bombed Hitler and Russian
Guest out of their Berlin banquet account war deal. Two more
powder explosions in States. Radio fair. Mussolini’s
Army retreating out of Greece.
November 15, 1940 Weather cloudy, 38 to 40
above, streets muddy. Turkey day vegetables arrived on
passenger train 4 PM. Hitler bombed London section with
400 planes, manufacturing section all wiped out. Berlin
and airports got her dose from British. Shorty here on a drunk.
Installed ventilation in light plant room account air cooled engine.
Short wave OK, no long wave. Dago’s on the run in Greece.
November 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34
above. Self in store AM and charged light batteries.
PM Ma attended baby shower at Cads account Elizabeth Bergman
six months along. Both British and Germans destroying property
by air bombs and killing civilian Greeks have routed all
Italian invaders out of Greece. Evening, raining. Radio
fair, all football and war news.
November 17, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
to 40 above. AM hauled over balance of vegetables and
fruit for dictator. Thanksgiving, November 21st. Italian
invaders of Greece beaten back thus far. Eva and Stanley
left for Anchorage PM to haul back mother Fleck’s fruit.
Ma caretaker of Buddy and sister, as usual. Evening warm up
to 40 above. Radio NG. Japan station at Tokyo and
England only stations.
November 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 32 above
all day. Electric wash day, Eva the Chink. Wasilla
white again, 2” new snow fell last night. Hitler and Mussolini
on the downgrade but still say they will crush old England.
American bombers speed 400 miles hr. now ready for British airport
and trained aviators going from Canada. Radio not so hot but
war and preparedness still hotter.
November 19, 1940 Weather cloudy 20 to 32 above.
Busy on small sales on turkey day vegetables and fruit.
Grandma Fleckenstein arrived to live in Wasilla for balance of
winter. Greeks want U. S. bombers to combat Italians in the
air. Congress voted to stay in session. Self got annual
hair cut. Radio fair. Battleship, Dak, under construction,
caught fire.
November 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, 28 above.
Dictator trade on turkey fill-ins, we had no turkey for sale.
Refilled store furnace coal bin, 2nd filling. Hitler trying
to bomb Burnham near London. Greeks holding own vs. the
Dago’s. Barn dance at Palmer tonight. Metz on turkey
dining for bachelors. Radio fair, no long wave, Tokyo good,
London didn’t come in.
November 21, 1940 Democrat Thanksgiving Day,
colder, zero to 16 above. Ma cooked the turkey and dinner
was at Stanley’s house. Invited guests, Ma Fleck, Paddy
Marion, Chris Isaac and all the Herning’s. PM re-painted china closet
and cooler closet in store kitchen. Greeks got Dago’s on the run
account fog and rain.
November 22, 1940 Business froze up.
Weather colder, 10 below zero to 10 above zero, busy with fires,
no school. Finished up Democrat turkey. Greeks
captured 800 Dago’s, balance of Dago’s on retreat. Germans
bombing all small towns near London. Bulldozer opening snow
road from Fishhook Inn to Independence Mine. Radio NG.
Got news Jap and Mexico short wave only.
November 23, 1940 Big wind, 8 below zero to
30 above. Windy after 9 AM busy with fires to keep warm.
Mrs. Clo. Isaac got the flu. Buddy and sister sleeping
and eating at our house. Armenia and Hungary joined the
four power axis. The Dago’s still retreating from Greece
invasion. Radio NG, no news from Treasure Island station.
November 24, 1940 Sunday, big wind all day,
2 below zero to 30 above. AM cleaned up new house and charged
light batteries. Eighteen ton engine loaded on big sled,
couldn’t haul it account little snow. Britain’s giving Germany
worst of air bombing. Dago’s still retreating from Greeks.
KFQD now on the air Sundays from 6 to 9 PM.
November 25, 1940 Wind dieing out, 26 to 28
above, small trade all day. Eva did wash in our new house.
Capt. Sliver got another moose. Metz complained of having
a weak spell. Bill Taylor gone on relief and growing weak.
New 1941 car arrived for party at mines. Greeks captured
10M Italian soldiers. Self pricing up new merchandise all
day. All Outside radio dead, news over local station.
November 26, 1940 Third windy day, 26 to 30
above. Still opening up and pricing new merchandise.
Ma busy cussing the wind. Charged light batteries as usual
for 2 houses. Still using gas lights in store. Hitler
letting Mussolini fight it out with the Greeks. Hitler lost
4 bombers over London today. Outside radio gone dead, only local
station.
November 27, 1940 Light wind, 20 to 30 above.
Opened up Christmas candies in 1 pound cello packages.
Got out-mail and orders. Paddy, Eva and Stanley drove to Anchorage,
PM Buddy grandpa’s swamper, Marie Martha got cold. Buddy and
sister eating and sleeping at Grandma and Pa’s house. War in
Europe not as hot today. Greeks holding their own. Short
wave OK, no long wave.
November 28, 1940 A-1 day, 20 to 28 above.
Kids back from Anchorage at midnight. Reported Jonesville
coal running into bone, cannot supply railroad and trade.
Over 4,000 turkeys iced in, in November 13 Minnesota storm.
Dago’s still on retreat from Greeks. Old Doc Shakum out of
dope, drug house refused to supply it. Only short wave and weak.
World News over local station.
November 29, 1940 A-1 day, 26 above all day.
No snow in Wasilla, sunny day. AM refilled furnace coal
bin, 3rd filling (2 tons) with Stanley’s pickup. AM Onan
engine failed to start. PM cleaned breaker points and
spark plug and she kicked of OK. Hitler still bombing London
suburban towns. Jap’s still fighting the Chinks. Lewis
ousted out CIO Federation. Radio NG, long and short, only Tokyo
came in, local station OK.
November 30, 1940 More wind, 26 to 30 above.
November mild month, no snow in Wasilla. Chelan Lake apples
arrived. Basketball on at Town Hall, Wasilla High School
vs. Eklutna Natives. Greeks only real fighters driving the
Dago’s back home. Minnesota farmers not allowed to sell the
4,000 storm frozen turkeys. All football radio today.
November Memo: A-1 weather, came in 48 above,
went out 26 above. Had one cold snap, -10 and one rain.
No snow in Wasilla. Still living in 4 room aft store, use
new house for bath and electric washer, Ma still prefers wind and
no house improvements to new modern house aft of store lot.
Stanley out of work, Ma his cashier. Buddy now talks plain and
full of it. Poor radio, no long wave, all Europe war news.
December 1, 1940 Sunday, A-1 weather, 26 above
all day. Store opened 3 hours AM for absent minded.
Cranked Onan engine half hour to start. Charged batteries,
6 volt battery warn out. Wasilla done up Eklutna last
nights basketball game. Got 10 boxes new assorted apples,
short 2 boxes. Took bath, 11 PM in new house, Ma took one
last night. Cad building new apartment house at Anchorage.
Local station, KNX, 9:30 to 10 PM good.
December 2, 1940 Weather cloudy, 26 to 40 above.
Stanley drove Ma and Mrs. Fleck to Anchorage and return, Ma
account glasses. Eva and Buddy helped me in store.
Failed to start Onan light plant engine, batteries no good.
Sent order for Christmas candy and vegetables. London being
badly bombed by Germans Greeks still got Dago’s on the run.
Chinks defeated large Jap group. Only local radio.
Evening windy again.
December 3, 1940 A-1 day, 32 to 34 above.
Put new spark plug in Onan light engine and with new breaker
points and condenser, turned over OK. Tried to snow, PM but
too warm. Chicago 5 below and cold wave through New England
states, why live in Alaska? Germans claim they sunk 18 British
freight boats today. Greeks ousting Dago invaders. Only
short wave and local station and Jap’s.
December 4, 1940 Weather cloudy, A-1 day, 32
to 38 above. Self in store AM. Charged batteries,
PM and got out-mail. Stewart Vail lowest bidder on railroad
ice contract off Wasilla Lake. British buying U. S. boats
to replace those sunk by Hitler. Both Britain and Germany
suffering from repeated bomb attacks. Radio fair, long wave NG.
December 5, 1940 Weather cloudy, 2” snow, 30
above, Wasilla white again. Finished up Christmas orders
due December 22, at Wasilla. Paddy and Stanley drove to
Palmer for donuts and unit cells. Britain bombing German
factories, etc. With results. Dago’s still retreating
from Greece.
December 6, 1940 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Ma taking on another cold. Stanley 36 today, just out
of the conscription for Army training. Mail boat one day
late at Seward. Greeks captured Italian trucks loaded with
army supplies, and driving Dagos out of Albania. U. S. trading
12 destroyers for Naval Ports in Mexico. Got KNX 9 PM.
December 7, 1940 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Boat freight arrived PM also mail. Sharon had out 17
teeth. Buddy and Grandma nursing colds. Shakeup in
Italy, 2 Army Generals quit ranks. Hitler dropped no bombs
today. Four cars stolen in Anchorage. Two cars freight
arrived for mines. Radio fair, football on air. Europe
wars quiet.
December 8, 1940 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy, 26 above all day. Our freight blocked in set-out
with mines freight. Mussolini’s military force quitting
their job, looks like revolt. Germans gave London worse
bombing as yet, today. Russia and U. S. about only countries
not at war, looks like Britain and U. S. will have to stop Jap’s on
tin and rubber China.
December 9, 1940 Weather cloudy, 16 to 34 above.
Ma nursing cold, no wash today. Eva did electric wash
PM. Duke of Windsor and wife on way to Miami, Florida from
Bermuda Island account tooth ache. No bombing on London today.
Greeks driving Dagos out of Albania and British driving dagos out
of Egypt Dist.
December 10, 1940 Chinook, 40 to 48 above.
Ma just browsing around with cold in head. Stanley made
round trip to Anchorage with his mother-in-law. London got
a 40 hour rest on bombing. Hitler’s speech today, told his subjects
he would beat England and then conquer the whole world? Radio
fair.
December 11, 1940 Business normal, Chinook,
30 to 46 above. Snow all gone, frost out 2”. Ma did
washing machine wash, grandma says: the old way best way.
Buddy and Dad drove to Palmer, PM all kind of cars in ditch
account ice. Dan Gray, in for grub outfit, from Goose Bay
wharf. Dagos on the retreat from British and Greeks. Radio
fair, John Bull after a loan from Uncle Sam.
December 12, 1940 Third day of Chinook, 40
to 46 above. North Dakota 24 below zero, snowing in Chicago.
Midnight 44 above in Wasilla and raining. Coil burned out
in Stanley’s car. National Grocery delivered us 25 cases
milk. British captured 34,000 Dago troops, in Africa, in route
to Suez Canal. Ambassador from England died in Washing D. C.
today. Squaw-man wedding. Radio fair, Fairbanks good.
Stanley best man at squaw-man wedding.
December 13, 1940 Weather cloudy, Chinook,
40 to 48 above. Buddy and sister with Grandma, folks drove
to Anchorage to see ball game. Mail train 2 hours late, no
mail. Gus and Jake put new floor in cabin aft Mabel cabin.
Ten to midnight rained here. Duke, ex-King now at Miami, visited
on FDR cruising in Caribbean sea waters. Radio fair. British
and Greeks got Dagos on the run.
December 14, 1940 Snowing all day, 20 above.
Last night, 4 days Chinook wound up with rain and a foot new
snow this AM first real snow. Busy cleaning sidewalks.
Shipped grub order to Pittman. Buddy and sister busy wading
in snow. Canadian boat, with war material, sunk off Ireland
by submarines. Reds beat Fins year ago, Greeks beat Dagos November.
December 15, 1940 Sunday, now 2’ snow,
20 above. Busy AM cleaning off walks. Charged light
batteries. Old Doc in from ranch, Metz shaved and cleaned
him up, Gus took him to Palmer Hospital account sore finger.
Spot nursing sore foot, caught in trap. Hitler refused to help
Mussolini’s retreating armies from Greek drive. Poor radio.
FDR now at warm springs.
December 16, 1940 Weather cloudy, 18 to 20
above. Electric wash day at new house. Got out-mail.
School buses had hard going in new snow. Ma still nursing
cold in head. Stanley drove to Palmer for donuts. British
drove Dagos out of Egypt and captured 30M. London air bombing
light today. Short wave OK.
December 17, 1940 Business fair AM.
A-1 day, 24 to 26 above. Self busy, with small orders.
Stanley shoveled off drifts on walks. Self shoveled off drifts
to new house. One school bus stalled. Cars failed to
reach Fishhook Inn. England crying for U. S. loan and more bombing
planes. California hit by wind storm and floods today.
Radio fair, long wave mushy. School closed in states account flu.
December 18, 1940 Weather cloudy, 32 to 36
above. ARC opening snow road to mines. Wasilla
Postmaster swamped with Christmas parcel post mail order houses.
Cars stalled in snowdrifts near Palmer. No bombs on London
today. Hitler having trouble with French diplomats.
FDR back in D. C. from Caribbean trip. Radio good.
December 19, 1940 Partly cloudy, 26 above all
day. Sold candy and fruit account Wasilla 1940 Christmas
for Kids at Town Hall, December 21st program. No raids on
London today. Hitler sending troops to help Italians stop
the Greek drive in Albania. President of Finland died.
Boat mail one day late at Seward. Italian drive vs. Greece
a failure. Radio good after 6 PM. Lots colds these days,
too warm.
December 20, 1940 Weather cloudy, 26 to 28
above. Received $100 order from Big Lake. School
closed for hallow days. Weekend mail one day late.
British fleet covered Italy’s waters but no Dagos in sight.
German planes landing Dagos in Albania for reinforcements, afraid
to go by water route. FDR’s plan to loan ships, etc. to Britain
turned down. Only short wave radio. Three minute earthquake
in eastern states.
December 21, 1940 Business normal, weather
cloudy, 34 to 38 above. Packed ½ ton, $115,
order for Big Lake fur farm. Christmas fruit and vegetables
and candy arrived. Christmas for school kids on at Town Hall
tonight. Shortest day of year and winter begins. Received
letter from Burt Eaton, Uncle Horace’s kid, at Red Wing, Minnesota,
has 4 girls, wife dead. Poor radio, all Europe at war.
Hitler after France today.
December 22, 1940 Sunday, sun up 9:14,
down 2:41, +4 to +18, evening, clear and colder. Frank’s
store burned down at Matanuska December 19th, formerly Krog’s store,
due Krog $2,500? PM delivered ½ ton to railroad
account shipment to Pittman. Freight train in at 10:30
PM Auto road open to Fishhook Inn. Trucks moving in
oil and groceries to mines. Congress going to help England with
war materials. Outside radio NG, news over local station.
December 23, 1940 Weather colder, zero to 6
above. Electric wash day at our new house. Ma prefers
to wash dirty clothes, old way, in tub. Hauled over truck
load new merchandise from set-out. Small Christmas trade,
sold $15 clothing. Prime Minister Churchill warned the Italians
to get rid of Mussolini and stop war before being annihilated.
Gave Buddy $4 for birthday, 4 years old. Radio poor,
local station had good Christmas program.
December 24, 1940 Christmas Eve.
Temperature zero to 8 below. Busy checking new merchandise
and storing away same. Busy with fires. Ma busy
cooking. Marie Martha, with bus load, attended Palmer’s Christmas
program. Billy Tryck and _______ home for Christmas with
their Dad. Small Christmas trade, most everybody out of town.
Christmas Eve party at Eva’s, Marie got scooter, Buddy steam shovel.
Evening radio good, all stations on air.
December 25, 1940 Christmas, weather
colder, zero to 12 below. Mild spring weather in east
and middle states but rain and wind on Pacific Coast high seas,
cleaned out all summer resorts on Pacific Coast. Seven feet
snow in mountains, over 100 killed, Christmas, in states and over 400
for weekend. Had Christmas dinner at Stanley’s house.
Ma roasted the chickens and made the salad, cost Dad $35, Christmas got
6 presents and diary. Radio fair, local station. Heard
King George over KNX at 10 PM.
December 26, 1940 Partly cloudy, 20 above.
Mrs. Fleck in Lundstrom house, sick with the flu. Jake
Metz got a bad cold. Ritter home from Anchorage Army Post
with stomach flu. Several in Army Post got flu and German measles.
Buddy got the earache today. Marie Martha and Grandma getting
over bad colds. Only war today in Egypt and Romania, several
British boats sunk. Radio fair, Hitler on another drive in Balkan
states.
December 27, 1940 Business slow, all gone on
vacation. Temperature 20 above, light snow last night,
snowed all over interior. Another big wind storm due tonight
along California coast. British bombed again today, hospital
and some houses. Jap’s made a big haul on Chinks and war
supplies. Russia buying Swedish boats. Greeks still driving
Dagos home.
December 28, 1940 Wasilla deserted, 6 to 10
above. Grandma Fleck in bad shape from cold, sent to Palmer
for doctor. PM charged up light batteries and refilled store
coal bin. Final figures on Presidential election tabulates
17 for Wilkie and 20 for Roosevelt out of 100 voters, only 62 out
of 100 voted for President.
December 29, 1940 Sunday. Cloudy,
zero to 8 below. Got 2nd class mail. A box of Swan
cigars from factory account Christmas from old timer, H. W. Nagley,
Talkeetna, Alaska. Stanley drove Mrs. Fleckenstein over to
Palmer Hospital, has very high blood pressure with cold, in very
bad shape. President Roosevelt on air to 80 million people on
war conditions, etc.
December 30, 1940 Cold wave, 10 below to 20
below zero. Electric wash day at our new house.
Busy keeping up fires. School opened up again. Eva and
Stanley drove over to Palmer Hospital to see Eva’s mother, was
some better. Foreign powers commenting on President Roosevelt’s
Sunday broadcast on war conditions. London bombed.
December 31, 1940 Old year out, temperatures
16 below to 24 below zero, business fair, sold three $25 coupon
books. Airplane landed at Wasilla account ground fog at
Anchorage. Ma and son on grocery inventory, self charged light
batteries and on coal in and ashes out. Our government speeding
up manufacturing bombing planes to save England from Four Axis of
Power.
December 1940 Memo: Alaska population,
71,911. All Europe at war and Jap’s trying to conquer
China. U. S. busy in preparedness account any future invaders
in N. A. account Army Post construction at Anchorage and high wages
drew ½ of Wasilla people, hence business slow and off 66%
from normal. Buddy now 4 years old and a live wire.
1941
Miscellaneous notes on inside leaf of 1941-1945
journal read:
Mostly Second World War diary. May 8,
1945, World War II over in Europe. Jap’s in Asia still
fighting. Jap’s surrendered August 14, 1945 in Pacific.
C=100 M=1000. Christened
Orville George Herning in Eyota, Minnesota, now O. G. Herning,
General Merchandise, Wasilla, Alaska. Death benefit, $100,
dues from K. P. Lodge # 18 at Naugatuck, Connecticut. Twenty
year life insurance now in Seattle First National Bank. Minnesota
only 10 years older than Dad OGH, Minnesota a state 1858, OGH born
1868 at Eyota, Minnesota.
1940 Valley census, 1,444 people when I pass
out, plant me along side of “Elmer” at Old Sunny Knik.
Hereafter, Mattie A. Herning will be listed
as Ma in this diary, wrote up daily.
January 1, 1941 All Europe at war vs. England.
New Year, cold wave 22 above to 12 below. Closed store,
PM working on inventory. Charged electric light batteries.
Evening, cleaned marks off kitchen floor. Still living
in rooms aft store, only use our new house for bath and laundry.
Radio fair. Champion football games played off.
January 2, 1941 Thirty seventh year in business.
New year, cloudy, 32 above. Ma and self in grocery inventory,
store closed PM. Marie Martha helped me to wash and shine
up 2 tubs full of Mabel cabin dishes, mud 2” deep. Spring
weather in January? We’re now in World War, Japan the aggressor.
Radio good. General McArthur still holding off Jap’s in
Philippines invasion.
January 3, 1941 Business slow, 10 to 24 above,
cold snap broken. Self refilled furnace coal bin.
Got ½ ton Jonesville to mix with Healy coal for heat.
Ma and son on grocery inventory. Stuart Vail started to cut
ice on railroad contract. Ireland bombed today. Radio
fair. U. S. to build 200 freight boats for England.
1941 Congress in session.
January 4, 1941 A-1 day, 28 above. All
on inventory, sold one $25 order. Eva and Stanley brought
Eva’s mother home from Palmer Hospital, much improved. Mail
and bananas arrived. War hot in the Far East vs. the Dagos.
Radio fair. Chilligan shot McGinty Stephan while moose hunting at Willow.
January 5, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 26 above.
Self finished inventory of groceries in store basement.
Ma and kid went joy riding to Palmer. Paid $312 premium
on 1941, $12,000 fire insurance policy. And now the days
grow longer. Radio good, long and short wave. Real war
now going on in Europe, Uncle Sam preparing for any invaders.
January 6, 1941 A-1 day, 30 above. Electric
wash day at our new house. Hauled fruit over from depot
with Yukon sled. Refilled coal shoot at new house.
Midnight, re-finished kitchen floor with fawn Nutrokote. Mrs.
Ellexson out from Knik. Short wave good. President Roosevelt
spoke in Congress chambers on the preservation of our nation, went
over big.
January 7, 1941 A-1 day, 28 to 32 above.
Ellexson and Isaac placed order account trap line. Eva
and Stanley made round trip to Anchorage. Self on hardware
inventory, Ma on dry goods inventory, Buddy mascot. Dagos
about drove out Albania. Outside radio NG, local station only.
Roosevelt appointed a Defense Board.
January 8, 1941 Windy, 30 above all day.
Ma and son on inventory. Self paid invoices and got out
orders for hardware and groceries. Ellexson’s and Chas
Isaac left for Sunny Knik with Gus and dog team. Greeks still
driving Dagos out of Albania. Radio good, all stations on
air. France now making love to U. S. and plenty hungry.
Hoover sending ship load grub for relief subjects in Europe.
January 9, 1941 Cloudy, windy, 26 above.
Finished inventory in hardware show case, handles and nails
next. Stanley on ammunition, Ma on dry goods. Mail
went south. Charged light batteries, as usual. Don
Gray in from Goose Bay. British driving Dagos out Ethiopia.
January 10, 1941 Cloudy, 18 to 28 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Got two merchandise orders
from Willow. Stanley and Buddy drove to Palmer for new red wagon?
Dago invaders about drove home, no help from Hitler. Mr.
Metz, caretaker for Doc Shakum’s dogs. Radio fair. Jap’s
still bombing the Chinks. Mail arrived.
January 11, 1941 Weather cloudy, 14 to 28 above.
All on inventory, charged batteries. Ma took bath in
new house to relieve sore joints. Evening, Brill car up
from Anchorage with basketball teams vs. Wasilla. Hitler
and Duce shot up British Navy in Mediterranean. Radio fair.
Jap’s going to help Germany vs. U. S. helping Britain at war.
January 12, 1941 Sunday, cloudy, 4 above to
24 above. Store open AM as usual. PM self and Ma
on inventory. Boat freight arrived. Shipped 3 orders
north on railroad. Section man’s car killed Mrs.
Slumberger’s dog. London got bad bombing
today. Radio fair, 3 PM news and Charlie McCarthy.
Annual cash checked out, $1,871.41 short. Evening, colder.
January 13, 1941 A-1 day, 24 to 34 above. Eva
on electric washer, Pa pump man and engineer. PM had foot
agony, evening soaked feet in Epsom salts water. Germans
bombing suburban towns in England. Dagos still retreating.
Radio fair. Congress busy on bill to help Democratic nations
with war material.
January 14, 1941 No business, A-1 day,
24 to 32 above. All on inventory. Anchorage advertised
February Fur Rendezvous on the air. No bombs dropped on
Britain today. Hitler asked Spain to help him out in the
war. Radio poor, no long wave. Strikes at airplane plants,
want 25¢ per hour more. Evening, 8 above.
January 15, 1941 Colder, zero to 12 above.
Self on shelf hardware inventory. Busy with fires, charged
electric light plant batteries. Stanley took Mrs. Oberg, Paddy
and several others to Anchorage. Buddy and sister sleeping
at our house, Ma caretaker. Radio good all evening. Britain
accused U. S. of helping out Hitler with war material cotton oils
through Russia. Now the days grow longer.
January 16, 1941 Weather clear, 16 above down
to zero. Self on hardware shelf inventory, Stanley on clothing
inventory. Railroad ice men shipped first car.
Gus got 20 ton car of Healy coal. British bombed Hitler’s
Navy base for 8 hours. Hitler short bombs and oil.
Radio fair. U. S. talking of loaning British Navy gunboats.
Debates in Congress over helping England in war.
January 17, 1941 Weather windy, 2 to 24 above.
Self on hardware inventory. Got out order for grocery
and fruit. British want more U. S. help but have no more
money? Army Post laying off labor at Anchorage froze out.
Radio spasmodic account northern lights. Wireless failed
to come through from Seattle. Evening, windy.
January 18, 1941 Weather cloudy, windy, 16
above. Self on hardware inventory. Stanley completed
grocery and clothing inventory. Finished taking 1941 inventory.
One of the Fur Queens in Anchorage got the measles along with over
100 kids. Stanley took Mrs. Fleck to Palmer Hospital.
Greeks making final cleanup on the Dagos.
January 19, 1941 In store AM, PM closed.
Charged electric light batteries. Answered B. A. (Dell)
Eaton’s letter at Red Wing, Minnesota, Uncle Horace Eaton’s
boy. Mail train arrived at 11:30 PM. Radio NG, only
local station. Fire at Army Post at Anchorage.
January 20, 1941 Weather cloudy, 10 to 22 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, Pa the pump man, 224 gallons
of water. Got Outside mail. Plenty of measles in
sun set Anchorage and 4 fires. Auto roads good to mines and
Anchorage. No bombs on London today. Radio NG until
evening, then static. President Roosevelt inaugurated,
3rd term, on the air.
January 21, 1941 Weather partly cloudy, 2 to
16 above, evening fog. Alonzo brought his car in for
storage. Auto road closed from Mabel to Fern Mine but open
to upper Fishhook Creek. Report Russia declared war on
Hitler account Bulgaria. British drawing Dagos out of Ethiopia.
New Congress in session. Radio NG, only local stations
with world news.
January 22, 1941 Big wind, +28 to -8.
Noon, kids drove to Anchorage, had Mrs. Slumberger as joy rider.
Buddy and sister with Grandma, as usual, eat and sleep here.
Conscription day in Alaska, school closed and teachers on register
board. Freight 5 days late. Radio NG, only local station.
Wilkie flew to London to inspect war conditions.
January 23, 1941 Partly cloudy, 16 above all
day. Self tabulating inventory. Wind blocked auto
roads in places. Kids back from Anchorage last night.
Evening, made 2 months cash register sheets. Uncle Sam
going full blast on future war material. Greeks and British
got Dagos about licked. Radio poor, only local station.
January 24, 1941 Business fair, weather colder,
-4, evening wind +10. Busy shoveling in coal. Mail
arrived 5 PM. New Lord Ambassador from England arrived
in battleship “King George V”. U. S. got trade agreement
with Russia again. Revolt in Romania. Wendell
Wilkie arrived in London. Radio NG, only local station with World
News.
January 25, 1941 Big wind, +10. Trapper rented
Gus Miller cabin. Busy with fires account 50 mile wind.
Marie Martha drove to Palmer for hair cut. Several old
pioneers died in Sitka with the flu. Presidents Ball on
at Palmer tonight. No Outside radio, only Anchorage and Fairbanks
station heard.
January 26, 1941 Weather clear, big wind and
2 above. Wind with 2 above would freeze a brass monkey.
Gillis Anchorage truck delivered 20 cases milk at $4 case.
Girls won, boys lost, last night basketball Wasilla vs. Palmer.
Outside radio dead, only local station. Wind hard on fuel.
Cads installed oil heater.
January 27, 1941 Windy, 12 above all day.
Weather man says milder weather with snow tomorrow. Electric
wash day at our new house. Stanley, Buddy and self wheeled
over 1,200 pounds groceries from railroad shed. Ice men no
work, too windy on lake. Jap’s trying to love Russia?
No bombs over England for a week. No Outside radio.
Six inches snow in New York City, floods in California. Sam
White landed plane here account fog at Anchorage.
January 28, 1941 Weather cloudy, light snow.
Priced and opened up new groceries. Charged light batteries.
Sam White plane got off, AM for foggy Anchorage? Paid invoices
due. Now 3 boats weekly, Seattle to Seward. Dagos still
on retreat for home. Radio NG, only local stations.
January 29, 1941 First blizzard, southeaster
struck Wasilla 8 AM. All streets in Anchorage and to
Army Post blocked, 50 cars stalled. School buses made
round trip here. Isaac had china wedding. Radio fair
on short wave. Several airplane crashes in states.
Lend lease bill account England on debate in D. C.
January 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 above.
Anchorage got dug out of snow storm today, roads now open.
Road closed from canyon mile 12 to Fishhook Mines. Mid-week
boat arrived at Seward. Eighth year for Hitler, now trying
to dominate the world. President Roosevelt now 59 years
old. Only short wave and weak. Presidents Ball on
tonight.
January 31, 1941 Big wind, 18 to 28 above.
Got mail off on mid-week boat. Roads blocked on Palmer-Eklutna
end. Big arguments in Congress over Land Bill account war
supplies to England. Joe Louis won his 13th champion fight.
Reported Hitler going to gas London. Radio fair, got 8 PM
news. French making trouble for boss Hitler.
February 1, 1941 Weather cloudy, 18 to 30 above.
Business fair account indigents payroll. Nels Larson
in Palmer Hospital account bad teeth, also Smith McDougal of
Fern Mine, caught in rock slide. Stanley drove to Palmer
to see basketball. Self on hardware inventory aft warehouse.
Ice men snowbound. Ellexson’s in from Knik with dog team.
February 2, 1941 Sunday, Ground Hog Day, +38.
Mid-week boat freight arrived, 5 days from Seward, 150 miles,
Government service? Hitler getting short of bombs, probably
will use gas bombs next. France bucking Hitler’s demands.
Self on warehouse hardware inventory. Radio weak. Ground
hog didn’t see his shadow today.
February 3, 1941 Weather cloudy, rain, 38 above.
Ellexson’s bought small order, also Anna Stephan from Knik.
Hauled over 15 cases gas from railroad shed. Dumped tin
cans. Snow slide delayed mail train. Snow slide, below
Knik River bridge, blocked auto traffic, highway now all ice.
Electric wash day at our new house for the neighbors. Politician,
William Gibb McAdoo, 71, buried at D. C. son-in-law of Thomas Woodrow
Wilson.
February 4, 1941 Chinook, 34 to 42 above, PM
sleet storm. Roads blocked by slide near Knik River bridge
for 5 days, also mail train 2 days late account slide. Self
on hardware inventory aft store. Wendell Wilkie saw all the
Lords in London and now flying back to tell Congress what he saw.
Radio fair, got 3 PM war news.
February 5, 1941 Weather partly cloudy, 38
above. Got hardware and eggs out of set-out, delayed
in car 4 days. Priced up hardware, PM and charged light
batteries. Germany trying to get France to help fight England.
ARC got road open at Knik River bridge and to mines. Only
short wave. Sleet storm last night.
February 6, 1941 Clear, colder, 16 to 26 above.
Millich and Mary in from mines. The U. S. bomber that
flew to Fairbanks, last fall, cracked up while Outside for overhaul.
Col. Ohlson now in D. C. account Portage Bay ocean terminal.
Short wave only and local stations. Eb and Zeb not on.
The British have drove the Dagos out of Egypt.
February 7, 1941 Zero weather. With local donations,
Bill Taylor, old timer on Lake Wasilla, was sent to the Sitka
Home. Mrs. Fred Simmon’s, old timer of Knik, passed out
in Anchorage. Gus took Ellexson’s groceries to Knik.
Radio poor.
February 8, 1941 Weather colder, 16 above to
8 below zero. AM hauled over truck load groceries, car
froze up, took 1 hour to start same. All road now open
for traffic. Old timer, Mr. Wilson of Knik, passed out
at Sitka Home. Kids got colds. Radio fair, both short
and long wave. lend lease bill passed the House to aid Britain.
February 9, 1941 Sunday, sunny day, 16
to 26 above. British Navy shelled lower Italy. Hitler
trying to get in on north end of Greece. PM kids and ma to
joy ride to Knik. Three more men hurt at Fern Mine (Gustafson
foot injury, Hagaman 3 ribs broke, Poletto back and pelvis damage).
Radio fair. Got news on KPO, SF, more floods in California.
February 10, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 28
above. Electric wash day at our new house, cost $4 per
week, service expensive? Some measles around. Hitler
moving 500,000 troops into Rumania for a drive somewhere.
Evening, wrote Bud Hamon about Alaska Railroad ocean terminal.
Radio fair, all war news.
February 11, 1941 Cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Stanley’s passenger car went haywire in rear end, took it to
Palmer for an overhaul. PM refilled store coal bin.
Wilkie visited on President FDR today about his trip to Europe war
zone. Dan Gray, watchman in from Goose Bay. Short wave
only, got 8 PM news, war hot in Europe.
February 12, 1941 Business normal.
Cloudy, 30 to 36 above, Lincoln Day. Put up 2 orders for
Caswell and Goose Bay. Two Army trucks drove in to Knik.
Ma went to Anchorage for weekend on PM freight. A namesake,
Carl Herning, from Fairbanks, visited, has 2 brothers in Anchorage.
Radio good, got war news, KEX at Portland. Dagos got ‘ell
today.
February 13, 1941 Chinook, 38 to 42 above.
Dan Gray returned, with $50 grub outfit, with three Army trucks,
to Goose Bay. Roads now all ice. Army cutting out
road from Goose Bay to Point McKenzie to install big guns and
radio, etc. No short wave, local station only. Eva the
cook at Pa’s house.
February 14, 1941 Chinook, 38 to 44 above.
Roads all ice, evening raining. Stanley made set new
ice chains for tires to avoid side skidding into ditches, got
his car gear replaced. Four snow slides on Seward Division.
Radio NG, war in Europe, Africa and China hot at it. Ma at
Anchorage, my valentine.
February 15, 1941 Chinook, 38 to 48 above.
Rained all last night, snow all gone, ice left. Self in
store all day. Evening, Stanley, Eva and Isaac drove to
Knik to visit ex-squaw man and Eva’s birthday. Radio NG,
only local station. Ex-King Alfonso of Spain about to cash
in with heart trouble. Ma at Anchorage behind 4 snow slides.
February 16, 1941 Sunday, Chinook, 40 to 48
above. Hurricane in Spain, blew electric train off bridge,
set fires, over 400 killed and many wounded. Wallace visited
on President, would not let public know war investigation in Europe.
Wilkie going to China. Radio fair. Charlie McCarthy program
good. More floods in California. All snow gone in Wasilla.
Ma back on mail train 2:30 AM.
February 17, 1941 A-1 day, 32 to 54 above,
real spring day. Electric wash day, costs $4 and Ma does
her own? Jack Fabyan home on vacation from Army Post construction
at Anchorage. Big war talk now. Hitler going to crush
Greece and Jap’s got 40 war boats near Indochina vs. U. S. and Britain.
Dan Gray had light stroke at Goose Bay. Local station hot on
air with Anchorage Fur Rendezvous.
February 18, 1941 A-1 spring day, 26 o 40 above.
Joe Palmer left for Caswell trap line. Eva and Stanley
drove to Anchorage for opening of Fur Rendezvous and prize fight
tonight. Buddy and sister under Grandma’s care as usual.
Jap’s offered as mediators to settle Europe war. Germans ready
for drive through Hungary to Greece. Radio good, all stations
on the air. Ledger posted to May.
February 19, 1941 A-1 day, 20 to 40 above.
Self posting 1940 ledger, got 7 months posted. Old Martin
Mill burned up at Free Gold Mine. U. S. subjects visited
home from Manila and Indochina. Looks like war vs. Jap’s
by U. S. and Britain. Radio good all stations. Army Post
band gave concert in Anchorage High School. Storm and cold wave
in states.
February 20, 1941 A-1 day, 15 to 36 above.
Snow all gone in valley, spring weather all over Alaska?
Self got ledger posted to October. KFQD on air all PM
with games. Looks like war with Japan over Indochina.
Palmer basketball team beat both Seward and Anchorage High School.
After school, Marie Martha at Palmer dentist. Only short wave
and local station account storms Outside.
February 21, 1941 Weather colder, 16 to 32
above. Big military parade in Anchorage by Army Post
showing all their guns and war equipment. Big fight in
Congress over lease lend bill to help Britain out. Jap’s
on the fence over Indochina. Finished posting 1940 ledger.
Short wave and local station only.
February 22, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30
above. February 22nd, remember George. Eva and
Stanley drove to Anchorage to see final of Fur Rendezvous.
Patsy Chisholm won Queen contest. An old man won beard growing
contest. Over packed Community Hall dance. Evening,
Buddy and sister sleeping and eating here. Daylight and
darkness now even. Only short wave and local station.
Good radio, old Doc Shakum returned from Palmer Hospital.
February 23, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 28
to 40 above. Self busy tabulating 1940 ledger for income
tax report. Chas Isaac and wife left for Knik on spring beaver
hunt. Fairbanks Special took Rendezvous sports back home.
AM freight arrived. Now Indochina, big war talk. Ma
taking on cold. Short wave weak. Got news and Charlie
McCarthy. No snow in Wasilla.
February 24, 1941 Partly cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Self tabulating on 1940 ledger. Electric, $4 wash day
in our new house. Big fight in Congress over lease lend bill,
look for vote on same next week. Isaac and Ellexson in from
Knik for more beaver supplies. About out of coal. No short
or long wave, local station only. The British warned Japan
to keep out of Indochina.
February 25, 1941 Partly cloudy, 20 to 28 above.
Finished 1940 income tax report, $39.99 in the red account
of Government competition in business. Independence hauling
in car oil. Jap’s trying to fix up invasion of Indochina
with the British. Only short wave and local station.
War easing off in Europe.
February 26, 1941 Weather colder, 18 to 28
above. Filled in tax report, ready for notary seal.
Stanley loaded up Mrs. Fleck’s furniture, going back to Anchorage
tomorrow. Curlie Alonzo and wife moved from Fern Mine to ranch.
School now in session 6 days per week account new addition to building.
Radio weak. Hitler says he will sink all British cargo boats,
grub now short in Europe.
February 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 14 to 24
above. Stanley and Sharon left with Mrs. Fleck’s furniture
for Anchorage, Mrs. Fleck went on AM train, car hit ice groove
and turned over on side, bent rim on hind wheel but they made
it into Anchorage. Agent Browne and family returned.
Radio weak. Britain told Jap’s no invasion on Indochina.
Marie Martha got Hitler measles.
February 28, 1941 Weather cloudy, 18 to 28
above. Agent Browne on shift again, after trip Outside.
Stanley Millich in from mine with sore eye. Stanley and Buddy
drove to Palmer after ice cream and Maca yeast. Time up account Jap’s
making a drive on the French colony in Indochina. 11 PM re-painted
kitchen floor. Short wave very weak, local station OK.
About out of coal.
February 1941 Memo: February mild month,
10 days April weather. No snow in Valley. Jap’s
trying to lick Uncle Sam and John Bull.
March 1, 1941 Business normal.
Weather cloudy, 26 to 36 above. Beaver season open, sold
beaver hunt outfit and old age pension orders. Hungary joined
the Axis Powers and Hitler moved in his Army. Indochina invasion
by Jap’s under negotiation by French Colony. Short wave no
good, got World News from local station.
March 2, 1941 Weather windy, 28 to 34 above.
Self working on hardware inventory in warehouse aft store.
Charged light batteries. Evening, took bath in new house.
Only eggs and butter arrived on PM freight. Miner broke his
leg at Lucky Shot. No short wave PM local stations OK.
Making ready for more war in Europe and Asia, Jap’s and Hitler.
March 3, 1941 Weather windy, 48 above all day.
$4 wash day at our new house. Paying $2.50 cwt for local
spuds. Mail train in, 12:30 midnight. Slide on Seward
Division. Mrs. Cad left for Fairbanks Ice Carnival and to visit
Mary at college. Short wave weak big war talk. Ex-King
Alfonso of Spain died with heart trouble.
March 4, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 44 above.
Stanley and Paddy drove to Anchorage to do carpenter job for
Ma Fleck. Hitler wants 10 days more to install troops in
Hungary, then a big drive, but Russia says no. Packed beaver
grub order for Willie and partner. Chet in from mines.
No short wave PM long wave dead. Local station and Fairbanks
only.
March 5, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 44 above.
Paid invoices and got out fruit and grocery orders. Mines
getting short of water. Jonesville, no water to wash coal.
Ice men through on railroad ice contract. Talk of World War.
Anchorage Special train to Fairbanks dog derby and ice carnival
went north. Radio NG, only local stations. Hot war talk,
U. S. wants to get in.
March 6, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 40 above,
evening snowing. AM Stanley and Paddy drove to Anchorage
to do carpenter work job for Mrs. Ma Fleck. Hitler wants
10 day more to install troops. No war today, only talk it
over. Radio fair. 4 PM Stanley back from Anchorage
with pick-up merchandise. Bill Edlund and partner left for
beaver hunt.
March 7, 1941 Partly cloudy, 34 to 38 above.
New snow all gone, heavy snow at Fishhook Mines. Stanley
and Sharon left on PM mail train for a beaver hunt. Boat
freight arrived 6 PM 2,650 pounds groceries. Capt. Sliver
and Mary, beaver partners. Short wave fair, got 8 PM war
news. Fight still on over lease lend bill to help England fight
Hitler. Fifteen minute blackout in Seattle at 10 PM.
March 8, 1941 Partly cloudy, 30 to 42 above.
Eva took a joy ride to Fishhook Inn with Cad. Paul Warrick
now operating old Fishhook Inn. PM hauled over 1½
tons groceries from railroad freight shed with old truck, then busy
pricing and opening up cases. No snow in Matanuska Valley, 10” snow
at Washington D. C. 12” of snow at New York City. Short wave
fair. Jane Jones of Nome selected as Ala Queen at the Fairbanks
Dog and Ice Carnival. London bombed today.
March 9, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy, 38 to
42 above. Shipped one order north. Busy all AM pricing
and storing away new merchandise. Sold Carl Fritzler windows
for his new Anchorage house. Hitler’s troops now in Bulgaria,
ready for a drive on Greece. Evening, raining. Crocker’s
won basketball over the Fairbanks Clothers in 3 games. Anchorage
High School lost to Fairbanks High School, all games over at Fairbanks
High School. Short wave 50% short, Fairbanks good. Sports
ended Carnival today.
March 10, 1941 Partly cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Electric $4 wash day at our new house. Ma insists on doing
her was old way, in the tub and got a game knee. Finished
pricing and opening up new groceries. Anchorage-Fairbanks
bunch still in Fairbanks account snow drifts in Broad Pass.
Stanley and Sharon on trap line down little Susitna from Houston.
Short wave OK on news. Hitler’s Army about ready to invade Greece.
Gus got 10 ton car of coal, second coal.
March 11, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 42 above.
Self in store all day. Sold a sack of calf meal,
spring here? The lend lease bill now a law. FDR wants
only 7 billion to finance if Hitler says it will delay the termination
of Europe war one year? Radio weak. Dan Gray out from
Goose Bay for grub.
March 12, 1941 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Self in store and office got out grocery order. Anchorage-Fairbanks
Special train, with 225, returned at 2 AM. Mrs. “Goat”
Snider up from Anchorage. Ernest Ohlin here for is spuds,
from Anchorage. Short wave good. Hitler says he
will sink all of U. S. supplies sent to Britain.
March 13, 1941 Weather colder, 20 to 30 above.
Mail train 2 hours late going south. Sharon and Stanley
back from beaver hunt, found many houses but no beaver in them,
fifty miles and no beaver? British now using U. S. bombers
with good results on Berlin and airports in Germany. Short
wave fair, no long wave. U. S. rushing war material to Britain
under lend lease bill.
March 14, 1941 A-1 day, 14 to 28 above. Boat
mail arrived. Agents kids left for Yukon District to work
on Magee’s placer mine. Royal Air Force shot down 13 Nazi
bombers. Heaviest bombing of season on both sides by British
and Germans. Eva and Stanley’s 16th wedding anniversary.
Radio fair. First 40 million powder plant completed for U.
S. more in making war materials for England being rushed. Hair
cut.
March 15, 1941 Weather windy, 26 to 36 above.
Stanley and Sharon drove to Anchorage to finish Ma Fleck’s garage
house. President Roosevelt on air 4:30 PM from Press
Club banquet, speech on benefit of lease lend bill to help Democratic
nations with material. Radio weak. Hitler still making
ready for drive on Greece. All kind of strikes in states,
want more pay and shorter hours.
March 16, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30 to
40 above. Kids back from Anchorage PM saw two wrecked
cars in route. Gust Jackson down from Pittman to trade.
Truck load groceries and drugs arrived on PM freight. Eighty
mile wind storm in Minnesota, 50 froze to death. Dance hall
bombed in London. Short wave good. all war news.
March 17, 1941 A-1 spring day, 38 to 48 above.
$4 wash day at our new house, Ma still prefers the old way.
Self checking pricing and opening up groceries. Independence
hauling out car load steam pipe. Still making ready for big
fight in Europe. Irish program on KFQD. Radio weak.
Boat left New York with 1½ million dollar supplies for
Hungary and France.
March 18, 1941 A-1 spring day, 32 to 38 above.
Unpacked new drugs and priced up same. Ma having knee
trouble again self got sore feet, otherwise OK. Army scout
planes over Wasilla all day, doing maneuvers. Letter from
Bert Eaton. No snow, streets dry. Radio wave full of
cracks from Army airplanes. British and Greeks got Dagos about
cleaned up.
March 19, 1941 Partly cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Air full of scout planes but no Jap’s yet in sight. Another
death at Willow Station. Got out-mail and orders.
London got worst bombing yet today. President going fishing.
Short wave silent, evening, long wave came in good on KEX.
March 20, 1941 A-1 day, 32 to 48 above.
Completed final inventory of store supplies in warehouse.
Commissioner Wilmoth went to Willow Station to report on trapper
Martin’s death. Western Minnesota storm, 66 froze to death,
found in their autos, 85 mile gale. Thorpe’s back from visit
Outside. Twenty two below zero in New York state. Radio
fair. FDR taking 20 days off for fishing after 7 billion dollar
lease lend bill passed Congress.
March 21, 1941 Spring is here, snow all gone
in valley. A-1 day, 38 to 48 above. Self tabulating
hardware. PM charged batteries for pickup car. Mail
arrived on time. Letter from Lydia May Kellogg on oil and farms.
Evening, Ma and all the kids took in show at Palmer, Buddy the mascot.
Lester Sumrall, world trotter, on the air describing conditions in
foreign countries. Radio weak. Seven billion lend lease
bill ready to vote on at D. C. Rain in California, bad on oranges.
March 22, 1941 A-1 day, 34 to 50 above.
Priced up new groceries due 23rd. Stanley repaired door
on pickup from tip-over in ditch to Anchorage. Recharged
battery for pickup car. Germans have sunk over 200M tons of
British cargo to date. Turkey standing pat vs. Four Power Axis.
Short wave NG. Jap’s determined to take Indochina, Reds neutral
with Turkey. Dagos lost Ethiopia.
March 23, 1941 Sunday, weather windy,
34 to 46 above. Eva and Paddy, mascot, drove to Anchorage account
mother Fleck’s birthday. Ma left caretaker of buddy and
sister. Buddy drank bottle pop then did poo in his pants.
12 cwt new fruit and groceries arrived PM. Rain on Alaska coast.
Outside radio NG, got war news over local station. British
have bagged 130,000 Dagos thus far in Far East.
March 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
No wash day, Chink in Anchorage. New schoolmarm arrived
from North Pole, to take over Professor Tuesbury’s job. Farmers
selling spuds to the Army Post at $2.85 cwt. Rain on coast.
Radio fair. Wilkie speaking in Canada. Jap’s say U. S.
will be in war by May next account furnishing supplies to Democratic
countries. Kids back from Anchorage PM.
March 25, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Electric, $4 wash day at our new house. Stanley fixed
up tires on pickup, hauled over balance of groceries from railroad
and tin cans to dump. Hitler still making ready to do up
Greece. Strikes, many in states. Radio good, all stations
on air. Swen Bodin and party fishing on Lake Wasilla from Anchorage.
March 26, 1941 Weather cloudy, 42 to 44 above.
Got out-mail and orders. Wendell Wilkie back in New York,
made a great hit on tour of Canada. Lease lend bill passed
and sent to FDR down at his fishing camp below Florida. Radio
good, all stations in. Germans about ready to strike at Greece.
Hungary on verge of a revolt.
March 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Ma taking on usual spring cold. Mail went south.
Bad spots on auto roads, frost coming out. Hitler lost out
on Yugoslavia. The young King Peter took over the Government
and refused to join the Axis Power. All kind of strikes on
Government work. Snow half gone on Bald Mt. Radio fair.
Hector Smith got a job in New York, they gave him a banquet at Community
Center. Talk of bringing Eklutna electricity to Wasilla, 3rd
time.
March 28, 1941 Partly cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
Metz clearing his lot back of school house. Dogs got distemper
in Wasilla. Mail train 2 hours late, many autos and Cats
on train for Fairbanks District. All radio stations changed
frequency today, Mexico and South America countries also.
Radio weak. Jap council now at Berlin to talk over war Axis.
March 29, 1941 Partly cloudy, 38 to 48 above.
Self took last of pipe, iron and lumber inventory at railroad
warehouse. Stanley drove to Palmer account infected knuckle.
Jap’s talk with Hitler not so hot. Some battleship war today,
not much harm done. Radio weak, only news by local station.
Gas boats now calling at Anchorage. Section men burning grass
along track
March 30, 1941 Still cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
Paddy put in $225 bid on ARR Co-op farm house. PM cleaned
and oiled store floor. Got ½ ton groceries on
PM freight, hauled same over and stored away. Wireless dead
until 10 PM war news not much doing. All March was April weather,
no snow in Valley. Radio NG. Premier from Japan visited
on Hitler then going to see Mussolini.
March 31, 1941 Weather cloudy, 44 to 48 above.
Electric wash day at our new house. Eva lost her diamond
in tub. Self figuring cost of iron and put coal chunks in store
coal bin. The British wiped out the Italian war fleet.
Dan Gray in from Goose Bay. Outside radio NG. U. S.
captured Italian and German boats on East Coast, may mean war?
April 1, 1941 All Fools Day. Business
fair, pension payday. Temperature 38 to 48, 60 above in
sun. Mrs. Vail got 2 ribs cracked, run into Army truck near
Palmer. Dan Gray, watchman, returned to Goose Bay. Roosevelt
tying up all Axis boats in U. S. ports. Britain, with new
bombs, shot up Germany’s air and sub ports. Short wave OK, got
war news 3 PM. Letter to Diamond about elements on Alaska Railroad,
Kachemak Bay only port.
April 2, 1941 Weather cloudy, 32 to 46 above.
Marie Martha 9 years old. Took stock of pipe fittings.
Ma on one leg, got bad knee. Dinner at Marie Martha’s house
account her 9th birthday had a kid party, 4 PM. No mail
train account no boat in. All kind of strikes in States.
Radio NG. Harry Bridges up for trial again account of being
deported and a socialist.
April 3, 1941 A-1 day, 32 to 48 above.
Self cleaning up around hardware counters. Ma cleaned
up clothing show window inside. Stanley washed windows
outside. Stanley Millish home from hospital account sore eye,
hurt at mines. Gas boats now docking at Anchorage.
Mrs. Silas Vail died from auto accident, came to Valley in 1915.
Yugoslavia standing, Hitler drove off. Outside radio dead,
news over local stations. U. S. grub supply boat reached Hungary.
France short of food.
April 4, 1941 A-1 spring day, 38 to 48 above.
Twenty five Wasilla-ites attended Mattie Vail’s funeral at Palmer.
Got out-mail for Sunday train. South Yugoslavia and British
ready to meet Hitler invasion. 1941 NCR book inventory $7,590.56
cost, actual stock $12,239.85, selling price $18,255.46. Local
stations were dead. Long wave came in fine. Railroad to
go through Portage Bay per order of the Navy.
April 5, 1941 A-1 spring day, 48 to 52 above.
Stanley, Eva and Paddy drove to Anchorage for weekend, Ma and
game knee caretakers of kids, as usual. Varnished and dressed
hardware show window. Hitler started his drive on Yugoslavia
and Greece today. No short wave. War on, again, in
Balkan States. Strikes still on in U. S. States.
April 6, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy,
48 to 52 above. Two truck loads of Army men here bought
$5 worth of candy and fishing gear. Kids back from Anchorage
at noon. PM burned old grass on Wasilla Avenue in front of
garage and warehouse. Charged batteries. Hitler started
invasion on Yugoslavia and Greece. Jap’s still fighting China.
Railroad train every day, now on.
April 7, 1941 A-1 spring day, 48 to 54 above.
Self in store most of day. Ma got bad pain in knee and down
to ankle neuritis. McDougal back from Outside. Ten
Navy planes flew over in 5-each formation, doing practice. Germans
drove 25 miles into Yugoslavia. Bombs in the air. Short
wave fair. War on again. Hitler trying to take Greece and
Yugoslavia and Estonia lost to the Greeks.
April 8, 1941 Summer day, 36 to 52 above.
Ma put in bad night with knee and leg pains, used electric battery
on leg, went to Palmer to see doctor, Mrs. Cad got same trouble.
Paid taxes on Griffith two lots and weekly paper and adv. to see
two lots in Griffith. Hitler making a drive to Greece but with heavy
losses. Russia may join England to stop Hitler world power.
April 9, 1941 Summer day, 40 to 50 above. Ma
took another red light treatment on her knee. Cancelled
Alaska Weekly 4/20. Paid K. P. dues to 4/1/1942, also Griffith,
Indiana taxes on 2 lots. Wrote Lulu M. Fairbanks, business
for sale. Radio best ever, all stations on air. Hitler
making big drive on Greece.
April 10, 1941 A-1 spring day, 40 to 54 above.
McDougal passed through to Goose Bay. Ma still nursing
game knee. Paddy got carbuncle on his neck. Starting
survey and work on new road up Matanuska River to Richardson Highway.
Berlin got bad bombing today by RAF. Isaac back from beaver
hunt. Radio weak. Germans cleaning up on Slavs but with
heavy losses. U. S. to fortify new Poland vs. Hitler.
April 11, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 54 above.
Auto roads around Anchorage out of commission. Ma took 3rd
light treatment on her knee at Palmer Hospital, not effective
as yet. Vic Blodgett passed out. Hitler claims big
victories in Yugoslavia, the other side says no. Paul Warrick
visited. Short wave weak, evening, long wave fairly good.
Soper moved back from ranch.
April 12, 1941 Business fair, weather
cloudy, 44 above all day. Stanley made a trip to Palmer
for Paddy Marian. Billy Tryck now working for ARR Co-op
garage. Hitler making a drive through Greece and Yugoslavia,
not much success thus far. Mussolini says Roosevelt is 200
years behind the times. Now mail from Seattle 3 times weekly.
Radio weak, storms on coast, local station OK. Frost out of
ground in Wasilla.
April 13, 1941 Easter Sunday, weather
cloudy, 40 above. AM Stanley took his mother to Anchorage
for knee treatment, kids went along. Cleaned and re-varnished
kitchen floor. Now 3 mails per week. Fine Easter programs
all PM by short wave. Received Easter basket from Marie Martha
and Buddy. Millish family left for Seattle. Short wave
good.
April 14, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 52 above.
Ma at Anchorage for knee message, Eva K. T. Co. cook.
Trout running down Cottonwood Creek. Evening showers.
AM electric wash day, Eva wash mistress. Navy bombers in formation
over Wasilla. Hauled over truck load groceries from set-out,
priced and opened up same. Radio from all over the world.
Greeks and Slavs holding out vs. German invaders. U. S. bombers
landed in England.
April 15, 1941 Snow last night, all gone 9
AM PM light rain, 40 to 42 above. Self in store
all day. Ma at Anchorage with game knee. Stanley
drove Gus’ truck to Palmer for building materials for Paddy.
British and Greeks retreated from German tank drive but Germans
lost 40 tanks and several bombers. Radio fair. Big quake
at Colima, Mexico. Colima fire and half of people killed.
U. S. ready to ship supplies to Greece.
April 16, 1941 Rain, PM 40 to 52 above.
Ma at Anchorage account game knee. Three feet of snow in
hills, roads blocked above Fishhook Inn. Paddy remodeling
Nellie Hartman log house. Got out weekend orders and mail.
London got worse bombing as yet. British sunk convoy of 8
Italian ships. Radio good, real war in Europe today, both sides
won. Evening, raining. May Kellogg moved to Wasilla.
April 17, 1941 Three inches snow-rain, 36 to
42 above, ground white again this AM. PM snow all gone.
Got 600 pounds new hardware, priced up same PM. Germans
lost 20M men on drive vs. Yugoslavia today. Many killed on
London bombing yesterday. Jap’s still invading Indochina.
Letter from Ma in Anchorage, getting relief on game knee. May Kellogg
visited with oil story. Radio weak PM OK evening. Ma
sent us halibut and crab meat and cottage cheese from Anchorage.
April 18, 1941 Weather cloudy, 42 to 46 above.
Self finished pricing up new hardware and fishing tackle.
Had first mess trout from the Cottonwood Creek, trout now running.
Willow Creek District covered up with new snow. Willie and
partner back from beaver hunt, got 19 big ones. Ma back from
Anchorage with Avocet cream and frozen strawberries, Yolly!!
Her knee much better from massage treatments. Radio weak.
On German drive, Greeks and British killed over 50M Germans.
April 19, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 42 above.
Andy Trent visited for merchandise. Congress got bill
up to eliminate strikes, 24 now holding up U.S. material for war
preparedness. German drive vs. Yugoslavia and Greece meeting
deadly resistance. Ma on shift today, leg much better.
Radio weak. London bombed again and losing lots of cargo boats
by Hitler submarines.
April 20, 1941 Sunday, cloudy, 38 to 54 above.
Store open, 3 hours AM for absent minded. Stanley repairing
and painting old Chev pickup. Raked off old grass and
dead leaves on new house lawn. Charged light batteries and
pumped up tank for wash day. Evening, printed register sheets.
Radio NG, both sides in Greece war, claim advances . German
losing soldiers and tanks.
April 21, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 56 above.
AM electric wash day, except Ma, old way the best. Eva and Stanley
drove to Anchorage to locate a job, Buddy and sister left with
Grandma and her sore leg. Gave Dr. N. H. Crowell, publisher of Vancouver,
Washington, 600 word write up from birth to Alaska, no charge.
Radio good. Hot fighting in Greece and Yugoslavia and
Hitler making some progress but losing soldiers.
April 22, 1941 Temperature
38 to 54 above, 62 in the sun. Ice out of Lake Lucille.
Self in store all day, got sore feet. Kids back from Anchorage.
Metz clearing his lot back of school house for a garden spot.
Hitler says he has cleaned up on Greece and Yugoslavia, they say
no. British won another Naval battle on foot. Congress to put
a billion dollar tax on small tax payer to finance war materials.
April 23, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 52 above.
Self most of day on order to Butler Bros. San Francisco.
Buddy took an afternoon sleep at Tryck’s house. Had Outside
frozen strawberries and whipped cream, not bad to take?
Mrs. Barigo’s daughter back, quit her Russian newly wed husband
at Kenai. Jap’s now trying to love Uncle Sam, don’t want war
with U. S. on Indochina. Radio fair, London came in good.
Hitler driving ahead in Greece but lost 60M dead and 200M wounded
soldiers, some dictator?
April 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 54 above.
Stanley repainted Chev pickup. Engineers from Anchorage
Army Post surveying around Wasilla for emergency landing field.
The ARC graders smoothing up roads. Wasilla School annual,
“The Hub”, out, enrollment 68, only 3 graduates. Spring is
here, 82 geese flew over in Army formation.
April 25, 1941 Temperature 48 to 50 above and
windy. Finished shoveling garden spot by garage.
Answered Bert Eaton's 2nd letter about family records of Hewett’s
and Kendall’s. Second soldier died at Anchorage Army Post.
Everybody trout fishing. Radio NG, local station only.
April 26, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 54 above.
Got out Seattle mail. Burned off old grass on new house
lawn. Anchorage soldiers here fishing for trout in Cottonwood
Creek. British and Greeks had to evacuate. Greece
under German invasion, looks bad for Britain, U. S. help too late?
Radio fair. Harry Bridges on trial again for deporting
to Australia. School graduation on in Hall.
April 27, 1941 A-1 day, temperature 48 to 58
above. Several joy riders out today. Germans got British
retreating in Balkan States but British knocking the tar out
of German industry with ton bombs. Evening, National Groc.
truck delivered ½ ton sugar. Ma took third annual bath
in our new house, aft store. Eastern states gone on daylight savings
time.
April 28, 1941 Partly cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Electric wash day in our new house for the neighbors. Ma
prefers to do it the old way. U.S. rushing war supplies to
Britain and China. The Chinks done up the Jap’s today and
got many guns, tanks, etc. from Jap’s. Germans took Greece
with heavy losses. Radio weak. If coal strike not settled
soon, all companies making war material will have to close down.
April 29, 1941 A-1 day, 50 to 54 above.
Self in store AM to 3 PM. Refinished front door on new house,
chocolate color. PM got truck load of groceries. Germans
using big SS Bertha guns on Dover, England at 20 mile range.
Metz placed grub order for Goose Bay. Short wave weak.
Lindbergh resigned as Colonel of Air Corps after President criticized
his speech on the war situation, now a private citizen. School
picnic at Edlund’s and Peck’s on Lake Wasilla.
April 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
AM priced and opened up new merchandise. Stanley went
to Palmer. Put up order for Metz at Goose Bay. Received $50
order from Buck Sparling at Lucky Shot. St. Clair’s reopening
beer hall on Finger Lake ranch. Radio fair. President
Roosevelt on the air, wants more money and bill for little fellows
to buy government bonds. U. S. Treasury about broke.
May 1, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 54 above.
Cad, with 2 sedans, moved Jake Metz to Goose Bay account watchman
at dock for summer at $60 a month. Eva and Stanley drove
Mrs. Sid Rae to Anchorage to see lawyer account divorce. Loretta
Hapster and Mrs. Barigo and daughter left for States, through teaching
at Wasilla. No PM radio, evening fair. U. S. trying
to send grub to ships to aid Britain in war against Germany.
Minor Roop bought Lundstrom house, switched to Thorpe house. Wasilla
School closed.
May 2, 1941 Partly cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Kids back from Anchorage. Mrs. Kellogg got to vacate old Post
Office account sold to Minor Roop from Thorpe’s. Germans
making inroads on British in Balkan States and Africa. U. S.
planes and ships going forward to Britain. Farmer arrived to
take over C. D. Johnson ranch on Lake Wasilla. Short wave fair.
Many Congressman favor U. S. to join Britain to stop Hitler’s invasion
through Europe.
May 3, 1941 Partly cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Birch trees are leaving. Miller, trapper, won ice pool
at 1:50 AM $106,000. Shipped grub order to Willow.
More soldiers here on 30 day furlough, looking for cabins.
Britain’s hard pressed, by Hitler, in drive to Suez Canal District.
Lothrop here plowing up gardens. Short wave OK. British
need help to stop German invasion.
May 4, 1941 Sunday, A-1 summer day, 50
to 64 above. Miller had 8 partners on ice pool.
PM took down winter fly over balcony. Gottstein delivered
case cigarettes PM. Ma and kids drove out to Fishhook Inn.
Hitler made a speech, was freeing all small nations from British
rule and Democracy was NG. Radio fair both short and long
wave. Most strikers going back to work.
May 5, 1941 Second summer day, 44 to 64 above.
Several soldiers here on 30 day furlough and have a few $1
bills to spend. Answered A. C. Penning's letter about
sale of Griffith, Indiana lots. Stanley visited to Anchorage
account job at Air Base, kids with Grandma. Electric wash
day. Radio good both long and short wave.
May 6, 1941 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Self in store AM. PM started to re-paint front of new
house. PM kids back from Anchorage. Greece cut off
from food supplies. FAA wants to purchase Larry’s planes.
Talk of short route to Orient now via Alaska. Radio fair.
Self painting all PM.
May 7, 1941 A-1 day, 50 to 62 above.
Finished 1 coat paint on front of new house, 8 hours.
A dozen Army trucks with trailers here and returned to Anchorage.
Hitler bombing all over England and Ireland today and lost 1 plane.
Buck Sparling in from Craigie Creek. Radio good, all stations.
Dan Gray, watchman, Goose Bay on way home at mile 29.
May 8, 1941 Light rain, 42 to 48 above.
Old timer, Cox, 84 years old, down from Montana River to trade.
Army trucks again maneuvering around Wasilla. Ambulance took
May Kellogg to Palmer Hospital, legs gave out. kids drove
to Anchorage. Buck Sparling went to Anchorage. Radio
fair.
May 9, 1941 A-1 day, 42 to 54 above.
Kids back from Anchorage. Finished 2nd coat of paint on front
of new house, 5 hours. Stanley made tool chest, expects
a job at Army Post soon. Mail train 3 hours late. Planted
22 hills spuds. Jap’s given up aggression in China, want to
establish trade treaties. Evening showers. Radio fair.
May 10, 1941 Partly cloudy, 48 to 64 above.
Painted 3 hours on new house trimmings, green. Fish excursion
went north with 5 cars loaded with Army soldiers. Late
storms blocked roads over benches to mines. Col. Lindbergh
on the air at Minneapolis on war prospects, 1,200 inside and 2,500
outside listened to his speech and a million more on Columbia hookup.
Fred Nelson home from 1 year in Seattle. Radio extra loud.
Britain got worse bombing of war. Britain still holding out
in north Africa. Hot war today.
May 11, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 48 to 64
above. In store AM had a bunch of soldiers $1 trade.
Harmon and gang down from Houston Section to trade. Ma and
kids went joy riding through Matanuska farm valley. Radio
fair. Bombs hit five hospitals and house of Commons in London
today. Berlin and shipyards got same dose. Five hours
painting new house.
May 12, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Self feeling bum, slight cold. Electric wash day at new
house. Air full of Army bombers maneuvering. Shorty
skied in to his mine on Craigie Creek, lots of snow. Hitler's
1st aide, Rudolf Hess, quit him and landed in Scotland today.
Radio weak, not much action in war today. Gardens being planted
for 1941 crop.
May 13, 1941 Weather cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
Stanley and Marie Martha drove to Anchorage. Self painting
all day. Senator Nye on air ciphering President Roosevelt’s
promise to keep U. S. out of war. Rudolf Hess broke his
ankle in parachute landing in Scotland, Has quit Hitler Air Force.
Radio good. Senator Nye roasted FDR on his campaign pledge
to keep U. S. out of war.
May 14, 1941 Weather cloudy, 58 above all day.
Hauled over eggs and meats with Stanley’s pickup. Painted
on 2nd coat, 2 hours, at new house. Evening, Stanley and
Marie back from Anchorage. Soldiers now fishing at Herman’s
Lake. Hitler offered France independence if she would join
the Axis Powers, no deal. Radio good. Not much war,
all talk about Hess landing in Britain, quit Hitler. Rudolf
Hess, Hitler’s 3rd man, the big attraction in London.
May 15, 1941 Weather cloudy, 42 to 52 above.
Straw Hat Day. Self in store AM one order went to Pittman.
Painted 2 hours. Stanley got phone to report to Army Post
for work, left PM. Clyde King Jr. got new dairy herd.
America first orators on the air with our view, no war.
Army scout plane over Wasilla today. Radio good, most all
Hess talk.
May 16, 1941 Weather cloudy, 38 to 58 above.
Bids posted for new gym for Wasilla High School. Fred
Nelson repainting Gus’ cottage on Knik Street. Self on
2nd coat, 2 hours, new house. Stanley back from Army Post,
had exam to go to work Sunday at $1.50 per hour in carpenters department.
Radio weak. Hess mission to Scotland not as yet ciphered
out by the British. Big boat with freight now at Anchorage dock
May 17, 1941 Weather cloudy, 58 above all day.
PM on green trimmings at new house. Crib and Co. Anchorage,
got contract on Wasilla new gym for $21,000. PM freight
got ton of groceries and fruit. Andy Trent over from Palmer
for grub order. Moshier in hospital. Radio weak, no long
wave. War on in North Africa. Hitler drive to Suez Canal.
Trees and grass all green, summer is here.
May 18, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy, 34
to 58 above. Stanley left 4 AM to start work on Army Post
job at Anchorage. Busy in store AM bunch of soldiers here
all the time trout fishing. Word came that Mr. Pyle passed
out in Los Angeles, was up here every summer for Marion Twin Mine.
Planted lettuce and radishes. Radio weak, no bombs fell on
London today. All fighting now in North Africa and subs sinking
British cargos.
May 19, 1941 Partly cloudy, 42 to 54 above.
Self in store until 3 PM. Painted on house annex, last
coat. Electric wash day. Independence Mine had a car
of groceries. Big boat unloading piles for Anchorage railroad
dock extension. Most strikers going back to work. Stanley
on job at Army Post. Radio fair. Jap’s easing off on
Indochina invasion, want to settle by arbitration, Jap’s going broke.
May 20, 1941 Light rain, 50 above. Self
in store all day. Paid 2 invoices, $246.26. National
Groceries man visited. Hitler sunk boat with 130 Americans, all
were saved. Our bombers sent to British, now in action at
Northern Africa. Repaired exhaust on electric light engine.
Radio fair, no bombing on London today. Jap’s still bombing
Chinks in Indochina District.
May 21, 1941 Partly cloudy and cooler, 50 above.
Another bunch of soldiers fishing at Herman’s, Big Lake a three
hour mush. Got out fruit and grocery orders. Painted
2 hours on engine room of new house. Germans making slow
advance in North Africa and Suez Canal District. Eight hours
painting 2nd coat on new house. Only short wave and local
station. Bids on tunnel to Portage Bay, one million above
estimate by railroad engineers. More snow at mines.
May 22, 1941 Partly cloudy, 46 to 56 above.
Nine Army bombers maneuvering over Wasilla today. Convoy
landed a million dollars worth of U. S. goods at London today and
sunk one German submarine in route. Germans trying to force
all French resources. Radio weak, only short wave. Boats
out of Seattle loaded with passengers, mostly tailing Army men at Kodiak
and Anchorage.
May 23, 1941 A-1 day, 50 to 56 above.
Self in store until 3 PM. Two hours painting engine room
door and east window sills, etc. Cad’s installed electric
ice cream freezer. Mail train 3 hours late. Lindbergh,
Nye and others vs. U. S. in war. Radio fair. British
and Germans hot at it for possession of Greek islands and eastern
oil fields, many Germans killed.
May 24, 1941 Weather misty, 38 to 54 above.
Self in store all day. Third bunch of soldiers fishing
at Big Lake, 14 mile hike from Wasilla. Baby born on airplane
from Ruby to Fairbanks, couldn’t wait. Germans trying to take
Island of Crete. Radio silent, only local station. British
losing boats faster than they can build them with U. S. help.
Stanley home from weekend work at Air Post, ½ day off with pay?
May 25, 1941 Sunday, first real rain
42 above. Snowed 2’ at mines. Three car load of ARC
gravel trucks arrived for use on new Matanuska Road to Richardson
Highway. Stanley and Sharon returned to work at Army Post 4
AM. Put green stripes on engine room. Only short wave radio.
British getting worse of battle at Crete Island in Mediterranean.
Railroad men want more pay, $1.80 more per day or strike.
May 26, 1941 Showers, 48 to 58 above.
Electric wash day at our new house. Self in store all day.
Hills covered with new snow down to brush line. German battleship,
“Bismarck”, sunk several British cruisers and 1 battleship of old
type. Cad building room on to Krock house. Ten million
dollar electric storm in San Francisco. Only short wave and local
station. War hot in Egypt and North Africa. Hitler losing
lots of soldiers.
May 27, 1941 A-1 day, 32 to 68 above, frost
last night. In store most all day. Touched up green
trimmings on engine room, painted 2 hours. President Roosevelt
on air with fire side chat about present war and our own protection
vs. same. Navy bombers maneuvering over Wasilla. Lost another
front tooth. Short wave OK. German battleship, “Bismarck”,
sunk by American bomber after sinking five British cruisers.
May 28, 1941 Weather cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
AM hauled over truck load groceries and hardware from set-out.
Painted on engine room. Evening, Stanley drove up from Army
Post, for family duty? All Foreign Powers Com. on FDR radio
fireside speech yesterday on war. Painting on annex and engine
room, 8 hours. Radio fair. Germans claim they have taken
Island of Crete and ______ Pass to Egypt.
May 29, 1941 Weather cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
Self busy in store AM. Mr. Metz out from Goose Bay.
Stanley and family left, 4 AM for Anchorage for weekend.
Painted 2 hours on engine room and annex. British lost another
cruiser. Germans about got central of Island of Crete, British
retreating. Eight ft. snow at Gold Cord Mine. Radio
fair, no long wave. War now in the Mediterranean at Crete.
May 30, 1941 Memorial Day, closed PM.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Only thing doing, in Wasilla,
is planting gardens. Cad building room on Professor Krock’s
house and self repainting new house aft store. Had first
feed of king salmon. Japan and Hitler ready to fight U. S.
if necessary. They want U. S. to keep off sea. Only
short wave. Anchorage soldiers gave fine program over KFQD.
1,500 men now working on Army construction at Anchorage.
May 31, 1941 A-1 day, 42 to 58 above.
Self in store AM. PM painted 2 hours, 2nd coat on new house.
PM kids back from Anchorage for weekend at Wasilla. Big
fire in Jersey City, six blocks along waterfront, a million dollars
worth of goods for Britain burned up, also 2 grain elevators. Radio
fair. Britain got a ship load of U. S. grub. run blockade
OK. Hitler driving on to Suez Canal District.
June 1, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 50 to 68
above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM all the Herning’s
drove to Knik and Goose Bay. Cleaned up Elmer’s grave at
Knik and reset head marker on concrete base, then drove down to Goose
Bay dock, many cars parked along road fishing and lunching and shooting.
Radio fair. Jersey dock fire still burning. British lost
another boat. Hitler bombing Ireland sea port.
June 2, 1941 Summer day, 50 to 72 above.
Cashed three pension checks, living now off tax payers.
Stanley returned to his work at the Army Post construction.
Electric wash day for neighbors at our new house. Buddy sick,
spewed all over Grandma’s bed. Painted on new house, 8 hours.
Radio good. Europe war fighters now making ready for Suez
Canal and North Africa.
June 3, 1941 Summer day, 54 to 74 above.
All the kids in swimming today. Finished painting new
house, 2 coats, total 60 hours, 3 gallons Fuller’s paint at $4
and ½ gallon boiled oil at $1.75 a gallon. Snow slide,
100’ x 20’, at Knik River bridge today, blocked auto traffic.
Quarter million dollar bomber, for Britain, cracked up in San Francisco
Bay on trial trip today. Hitler and Mussolini ready to fight
U. S. Radio weak. Berlin got a bad bombing today by the
British, also German troops in France.
June 4, 1941 A-1 day, 58 to 74 above. In store
until 3 PM then mixed up drab paint for side wall of store.
Painted two hours. School Commissioner, Ryan, here account
gym and playroom for school, decided no gym this season. Radio
fair. Ex-Kaiser Wilhelm died, at age 82, today. Strikers
raising heck with war supplies.
June 5, 1941 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above.
Hot weather, mosquitoes bad actors. Painted 4 hours on
80’ side of store. Trucks busy hauling lumber and oil to
Fishhook Mines. Hitler now trying to force France to fight
Britain. Jap’s, still driving into Indochina and warn U. S.
to keep out of war. Shower last night.
June 6, 1941 Summer day, 60 to 70 above.
Painted on store, 15 hours. Evening, Eva went to Anchorage
with Brown’s, took in tobacco order. Ma gave kids a bath
in new house, kids sleeping here. Hitler and Jap’s gave warning
they would conquer all nations. Radio good, all stations.
President gave labor notice to go to work or Government would step
in and take over.
June 7, 1941 Rain all day, 50 to 56 above.
Overhauled carburetor on Onan light engine account flooding.
Butter and eggs arrived, price up 5¢. Mrs. Roosevelt
on the air, war talk and democracy. Priest and preacher on
the air account moral of Navy and Army. Radio fair. Hitler
making ready for drive vs. Palestine. President told labor that
strike must end the 9th. Stanley home for weekend from
Army Post, Anchorage.
June 8, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
52 to 58 above. Got $75 order for Willow Station to Ray
Boedecker, first prospecting outfit, packed same for shipment.
Little Susitna about over her banks. Paddy and Bert doing
assessment work for Renshaw. Radio fair. Britain
and Hitler making ready for another fight. Two more war factories
burned, sabotage on war materials.
June 9, 1941 Business normal, weather cloudy,
52 to 62 above. Sold 2 outfits, sales over $100. Electric
wash day at our new house but Ma prefers to do hers the old way?
Two pack horses for Willow District. Gardens growing fine,
grass knee high. No long wave. Government
took charge of striking factions, must go back to work or Army.
June 10, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Hauled over 2 outfits to railroad for shipment to Willow.
Hauled plank and 6’ horses to side of store account painting.
Eva and Mrs. Isaac went to Anchorage 4 PM with Agent Browne.
Two pack horses shipped to Willow Station. Radio fair.
Fighting now at Syria. French, Hitler, British. Jap’s still
fighting China.
June 11, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 68 above.
Painted 7 hours on store building Thorpe’s went to mine
via Willow Station. Mail train 9 hours late. Hard
quake at 11:45 PM things swung in store for five minutes, motion
north and south. Gang Army trucks went to mines. Only
short wave, war not as hot. Uncle Sam put strikers back to work
or go into Army at $20 a month.
June 12, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 58 above.
In store all day. Snow off Bald Mt. to summit, three weeks
late. Work train went north. Autos on every freight
for Fairbanks. Gucker, Armour and S and W man here for
orders. Radio weak. U-Boat sunk U. S. cargo boat off
coast of Brazil. Only 11 arrived at Brazil port, 35 missing.
June 13, 1941 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Painted 7 hours on store building, Eva painted 2 hours,
AM finished side. Waldin truck with trailer wrecked on
road to mines. Boat in at Goose Bay with freight for Gold
Cord Mine. Fairbanks Explo. Co. shut down account strike.
Radio air. War center now in Egypt and Africa.
June 14, 1941 Partly cloudy, 58 to 72 above.
Painting trimmings white on side of store, mosquitoes bad.
Painted out signs: Herning Place and Everything for Everybody.
Stanley home with new car helped haul over truck load freight
from set-out. Sharon took wife and baby to Anchorage for
a week. Radio weak. Jews want to fight Hitler at Palestine,
British say no. Anchorage Army Post preparing to train Alaskan’s
for soldiering.
June 15, 1941 Sunday light rain, 50 to
64 above. Pricing up new merchandise AM closed PM as usual.
Vida Deigh and mother visited at Eva’s. Stanley left, 6 AM
for Army Post. Jap’s sent 100 war vessels down to Philippines.
Hitler says he will sink any and all boats, send over by America.
Short wave OK. Another machinist strike, defying Government
control of factory. Bad CIO strike in Fairbanks Mines.
June 16, 1941 Partly cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Laundry day at our new house. Finished pricing up new
merchandise. Got out Seattle mail. Tessie’s car
burned up at midnight by Independence warehouse. President
froze all foreign accounts and money of foreign clubs in U.S.A.
taking foreign shops over. Only short wave radio.
Russia mobilizing vs. Hitler. Gust Haller got new job with jewelry
store in Anchorage. Bath night.
June 17, 1941 Bunker Hill. Business
fair, A-1 day, 58 to 72 above. Received $40 order from Montana
Soldiers here on maneuver. Soldiers in engineer department,
camped by Peck’s ranch for the summer. British lost 20 planes,
one was American bomber. French now fighting British.
Only short wave radio, local station OK with World News. Ma’s
neuritis bad.
June 18, 1941 A-1 day, 56 to 70 above. Packed
order for L. Cox. PM charged batteries and hoed garden,
spuds, radishes and lettuce. Paddy in for more grub to finish
assessment work. Stanley up from Army Post, 6 PM took Ma
joy riding, east. No PM news account electric plant going at
Roadhouse next door. Hitler losing men and tanks on drive to Suez
Canal District. All boats out on Wasilla Lake, fishing.
June 19, 1941 Weather cloudy, 60 to 64 above.
Self in store most of day. Evening, put eave trough over
side entrance to store. Got out-mail. Wheeled over
butter, bacon and eggs. Britain against it, losing large
cargos by submarine boats. Cat excavating for Wasilla gym.
Radio fair. Hot war in Libya and Egypt District, British ,
French and Germans FDR ordered all foreign councils to get out
of U. S. by July 10th.
June 20, 1941 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above. PM finished
2nd coat on trimmings and re-nailed down galvanized roof in
store. Minor Roop here with his new eight ton truck and
now living in Wasilla. fishing and swimming now in order
on Lake Wasilla! Only short wave. President Roosevelt demands
pay for sinking S.S. Moore off Africa Coast.
June 21, 1941 Longest day, A-1 day, 60
to 74 above. Painted upper part of store front, 6 hours.
Summit Pass to Willow Creek plowed out today, cars went over.
Stanley home for weekend. Photo planes arrived at Anchorage
to map Alaska from the air. Germany declared war on Russia.
Only short wave. War on at Libya. Paddy through with
assessment for Gold Cord Mine.
June 22, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy, PM rain,
54 to 60 above, all day light. Charged light batteries,
mowed lawn. Anchorage Mayor Stoltz, visited to figure on
gym light wiring. First days battle, Hitler against Russia.
Hitler claimed 33 out of 35 Russian planes and many at airport.
Only short wave. Local station and Ritchfield gave war news.
Another submarine lost with 35 U.S. on board, sunk in dive test off
Maine.
June 23, 1941 Light rain, 56 to 60 above.
Electric wash day at our new house, Ma still doing the dirty
ones the old way. Mail trains both ways today. Rain
taking off snow in mountains. Germany and Russia hot at it,
both claim victory in air. Only short wave, local station good,
also S. F. Treasure Island. Joe Palmer gave up pack horse prospecting.
June 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, showers, 50 to
54 above. Ma made rhubarb pie, radishes out of our garden.
Now pouring concrete at school gym, men on job. Cad building
bedroom aft Roadhouse. Trucks now going over Fishhook summit
to Willow. Only short wave. Krauts and Reds hot at
war with tanks and planes, 3rd day of fighting.
June 25, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Self painting front of store, 5 hours. Stanley up from
Army Post to take family to Anchorage for weekend. Japan
on the fence account treaty with Russia and Germany. Russia-German
war, both claim large captures. Africa war quiet. Only
short wave. U. S. strikers about settled. U. S. offered
aid to Russia against Hitler.
June 26, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above,
mosquitoes bad. AM in store, PM on office work. All
the GSH. kids at Anchorage. Finland joined Germans in
war vs. Russia. Hitler lost 2 subs, Turks 1 large boat
with all on board. Jap’s trying to cut off China U.S. supplies.
Radio weak. Big earthquake 5,000 miles from nowhere.
Wheat $1.04, all merchandise higher. Cads opened ice cream parlor.
June 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Mosquitoes on double shift and without pay. AM drawing
balcony section sash blue. Charged light batteries. Opened
up Butler Bros. goods. Lame today, cut sole of foot through
callous. Ala-Soldiers program on the air. Radio weak.
Reds and Nazi’s fighting along Balkan State boarder with tanks and
bombers.
June 28, 1941 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Put red trimmings on front of store and refinished front door.
PM hauled over truck load merchandise from set-out. Stanley
and family back from Anchorage, 4 PM Eva searched for placer mine
attorneys. Professor Klock flew to Seward to meet his bride
to be. Radio weak. War on between Russia and Hitler.
Hitler going to put a Czar back on Russian throne.
June 29, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
56 to 76 above. Lots of drunks around last night.
Priced up new merchandise. Charged light batteries.
Mail train both ways. Answered cousin Susie Easton Courtney’s
letter, Los Angeles. Hitler claims done up the Russians but
they say no, holding all lines. Soldiers claim gold strike on
Little Susitna, above canyon, panned out $2 coarse gold?
June 30, 1941 Showers, 56 to 60 above.
With Gus, left Wasilla 12:30 noon for OGH old placer mine.
Put Paddy off at New Bullion quartz mine, upper Craigie Creek.
PM inspected upper ditches and dams, one partly washed out.
Parky ate up kitchen oil cloth. No radio, at OGH placer mine
with Gus Swanson. Roop took a Cat load up to Thorpe quartz mine
above Fork on Grubstake.
July 1, 1941 July 4th fruit, melons and new
vegetables arrived. Self back from placer mine. Had a truck
load vegetables, fruit, etc. AM cleaned out Bear Bench
Prospect and canyon ditch and turned in water on Bear, cut in bench.
ARC building Cat road from bridge on Willow to Thorpe quartz mine.
Kids tin canned Professor Klox, newly wed. Home, 3:30 PM from
placer mine. Evening radio good, all stations. Russia
and Germany hot at it with air bombers and tanks.
July 2, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above. Busy,
pricing and opening up new order. Evening, meeting to
get Wasilla-ites to sign up for electric lights and power to be
furnished by the government. Application for electric power,
Matanuska Electric Association. Mail train north at midnight
and no one on board. Radio fair. Germans claim they got
Russians locked but Russians say no. British now got control
of North Africa.
July 3, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
Busy on Outside fruit and vegetables, sales for July 4th eats.
Hauled one truck load merchandise from set-out. Stanley
home for fourth. Professor Klock introduced his new bride.
Got out-mail and orders. Loraine Strigga in hospital.
Signed up as member of Matanuska Electric Association, cost $5.
Evening, rain. Radio weak. Russians retreating from German
drive.
July 4, 1941 Store open, AM. Rain quit
AM sun out PM Three day celebration on at Anchorage.
Parade and President Roosevelt on the air 11 AM over local station.
Stanley drove out to his mine, snow slide had hit mill plant.
Morning, Buddy and sister went to Anchorage with Uncle Sharon.
Temperature 56 to 60 above. Stanley went to Anchorage.
Radio fair. Hitler losing many soldiers and bombers in drive vs. Russia.
July 5, 1941 AM sun, PM rain, 60 to 70 above.
Self in store all day and priced up Heinz goods. Stanley
and family back from Anchorage for weekend at Wasilla. Isaac
back from 4th at Knik. Russians are retreating from German
invasion with heavy losses to Germans. Radio fair. Anchorage
soldiers claim gold strike on Little Susitna from mile 13 to Fishhook
Inn? Paderewski, greatest pianist, buried in N. W. City, age
81, had pneumonia.
July 6, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
56 to 66 above, store open 3 hours, AM. Put up order for
Big Lake. PM adjusted office, outside door. Re-stained
and varnished front store door. Louise Gill, with new husband,
visited on Ma. Jap’s and Germans continue invasion to conquer
the world. Local strawberries. Only local radio, telling
of final 3 days of 4th at Anchorage.
July 7, 1941 Sun in AM heavy rain PM temperatures
56 to 70 above. Electric wash day in new house, Ma, the
old way, in room aft store. Boats leaving Seattle still
have full passenger list but mostly women to join husbands at Army
base construction. J. G. Johnson’s sister here. Mrs.
Isaac went to Anchorage. Local station only. Russians still
holding back the Germans British bombing German shipyards and
ammunition dumps.
July 8, 1941 Partly cloudy, 66 above all day.
Put up awning over side entrance. Got out Seattle mail.
Kids got strawberries from deserted Ohlin and Anderson ranch.
Both British and Russians put it all over Hitler with bombs today.
U. S. took over Iceland for Navy Port. Ma and kids at Anchorage.
Mrs. Dan Donovan passed out. Only short wave and local
station. Willow Creek Mines got new truck. Paddy went
out to the New Bullion Mine to repair mill.
July 9, 1941 Partly cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Painted, 2 hours, on front warehouse, aft store. Loraine
Strigga sick in Palmer Hospital. Russians ranted and killed
over 5M Germans today. Germans bombing England again, after
a months delay. Army bombers over Wasilla today. Bill
Taylor passed out at Sitka. No long wave. Old Doc Shakum
got word to come to the Pioneer Home at Sitka.
July 10, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Self in store, light rain, AM. PM cleaned up breaker points
and dynamo brushes on electric light gas engine. Russians
still holding vs. German invasion in Russia. French want peace
with England. Metz in from Goose Bay to trade. Had lettuce
out of our garden. Only local station with World News.
Axis Powers object to U. S. taking over Iceland from British for
war base.
July 11, 1941 Partly cloudy, 66 above. Painted
4 hours on warehouse front. Evening, re-stained doors
on side entrance to store. MAH, clerk B, left for Hot Springs
near Circle City, Alaska. Nazi losses in drive into Russia,
700,000, now halted by Russia. Ma left on 6 PM train for Hot
Springs, Alaska to try cur her arthritis in knee. Radio fair.
Tom Cavney, from Seattle, visited.
July 12, 1941 Partly cloudy, 52 to 72 above.
Eva now dinner cook while Ma away for Hot Springs cure.
Marie Martha and Shirley biked down to Ohlin ranch and picked
2 gallons strawberries. Evening, Stanley arrived home from
Army Post, no half day off, work now 7 days a week. Radio
fair. French signed peace terms with England today. Germans
claim advance on Reds today.
July 13, 1941 Sunday. Sunny AM
cloudy PM 56 above. Store open 3 hours AM. PM made
up cash register readings for week and finished painting front
of warehouse aft store. Hitler quarreling with High Command
over Russian invasion? Eight hours total time painting warehouse.
Ma on stage, Fairbanks, to Hot Springs. Short wave and local
station. Congress after Secretary Knox about convoy to England.
Jap’s now on the fence about Russia and China.
July 14, 1941 Business normal.
Weather cloudy and windy, 60 above. Eva did electric washing.
Put up one order for Pittman. Land surveyors here to trade.
Reds put one over on Hitler, both on land and sea today.
200,000 Poles helping Reds. Ma at Hot Springs, boiling out
leg, 1st bath, said it was too hot. Radio fair. Roosevelt
asking for five billion more for Army and Navy airplanes.
July 15, 1941 A-1 day, 56 to 76 above.
Eva, dinner cook, Buddy and sister boarders. All farmers
heading for Fish Creek to meet salmon. Hitler vs. Reds,
both claim they are taking tanks and planes. Ma boiling
out at Hot Springs, Alaska. Radio fair, new Seattle station
KIRO, 50,000 watts, came in 11 to 12 PM. Got out-mail.
July 16, 1941 Windy, 60 to 70 above. Salmon
running at Cottonwood Creek. Received letter from Ma at
Fairbanks, on way to Circle hot Springs. Stanley up from
Anchorage, 6 PM drove out to his mine, back 11 PM. Adm. Ueeck
plowing aviation field with tractor. Radio mushy. Not
much war today, all talk. U. S. bomber planes going to England,
South American route.
July 17, 1941 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Self store keeper, Eva, dinner cook, Buddy and sister boarders.
Mail in at midnight, down at 10 AM. Plenty of strawberries.
All eyes on Japan changing management. Russia holding back
Hitler. A real war, 9 million fighting. Ma at Circle
Hot Springs. Short wave and local station, American Legion
on the air. Joe Brassel caught in snow slide, got out self after
1 hour, went to hospital.
July 18, 1941 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 to
54 above. Had Roop level off street in front of warehouse
aft store and at new house, with bulldozer. Ma boiling out
at Circle Hot Springs. Radio good, long wave in 9 to 12 PM.
Everybody after salmon, even the soldiers. Light rain all day and
cooler.
July 19, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 64 above.
Wasilla women taking first aide lessons, Eva practiced on my
lame side this PM. Rae and Edlund, each shot black bear
in their back yards. Stanley home for overnight. Ma taking
baths at Circle Springs, said water was too hot. Radio fair.
New station, KIRO in Seattle had fine program 10 to 11 PM.
July 20, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 to
70 above. Jackson down from Pittman to trade. Isaac in
from mines. Eva put up an Anchorage dinner salad,
vegetables, meatballs and strawberries. Painted front of garage
to match new house, 3 hours and 1 gallon paint Ma bathing at
Circle Springs. Short wave NG, failed to get war news.
mailed 2nd letter to Ma. Buddy and sister went to Anchorage
for weekend with Daddy.
July 21, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
Eva did electric wash. Letter from Ma, had taken 5 hot baths
and likes them, meals are fine but hotel noisy place to midnight,
bar. Evening, self took bath in new house. Radio weak.
Fierce fighting, Nazi’s vs. Reds, Reds holding all lines.
Many forest fires on Pacific Coast. Buddy back from Anchorage.
July 22, 1941 Partly cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
AM cleaned up balcony. PM charged batteries. Railroad
bridge gang here. Paid Social Security tax for 2nd quarter.
Hitler bombed Moscow today, not much damage done. Reds holding.
Ma meeting people at Circle. No long wave, got Richfield 8 PM.
Congress voting to hold 1 year draft over for another year.
July 23, 1941 Weather cloudy, cool, 56 to 58
above. Self in store 8 hours, cleaned up warehouse doors
aft store for re-staining. Stanley up from Anchorage via
Palmer, to his mine via High Grade summit, arrived home 9:30 AM.
Third bombing of Moscow, no harm done. Reds holding off
Hitler. Ma circulating at Circle Springs
July 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Rain last night and all day. Received invoices for fruit
and groceries. Pittman Section man down for groceries, tobacco
and booze? Mrs. Elliott in from Goose Bay for mail.
Ma at Arctic Circle Springs. French allowing Jap’s to enter
China. Radio mushy. Reds and Nazi’s hard at it, both
claim war advances. British bombed German battleships.
July 25, 1941 A-1 day, 56 to 66 above. Letter
from Ma, said she was coming home last of week, 26th said Zimmerman
and Stewart were mining. Boat late, no mail today.
Had strawberry shortcake out of Eva’s garden. Ma at Circle
Springs, Alaska. Radio fair. U. S. froze Jap and China
funds in U. S. account Jap’s invading Indochina. Russia still
holding off Hitler.
July 26, 1941 Business transit trade.
Rain, 50 to 60 above. Ma on way home from Circle Hot Springs.
Finished big strawberry shortcake. Congress passing a bill
to hold over first 1 year draftee’s account war with Japan, over
invading Indochina. Reds have killed over 750,000 Germans.
Stanley up from Army Post, brought tobacco for K. T. Co.
Radio fair, KIRO new 50,000 watt Seattle station came in 10 to 11 PM
with request program.
July 27, 1941 Sunday, cloudy, 50 to 60
above. Busy in store with transit trade. PM oiled
store floor and enameled kitchen floor warm gray. Repainted
posts in front of new house. Ma somewhere in route home from
Hot Springs. Janet Bixler visiting Marie Martha.
U. S. fortifying the Philippines account Japan invasion in Indochina.
Radio fair. Reds still holding Nazi’s back after 6 week bloody
war in Russia.
July 28, 1941 A-1 day, 74 above. Eva on electric
washer. Hauled over truck load groceries from set-out, 5 days
from Seward? Both Reds and Nazi’s claim victory today.
Forty Jap boats on Pacific, afraid to land at San Francisco account
seizure. Strawberries and more strawberries. Ma at
Curry Hotel in route home. Radio fair. Paddy in from New
Bullion Mine, fixed up mill broken by snow slide. Evening, enameled
floor.
July 29, 1941 Business fair, cloudy, showers
54 to 56 above. Ma arrived home from 18 day trip to Circle
Hot Springs to limber up knee trouble, not much good. Priced
up new merchandise. Transit trade mostly. Ma arrived
on 10 AM train from Curry, knee some better and gained some in
weight, thanks Springs, wonderful place to rest up. Eva and
kids drove to Palmer, PM Radio good.
July 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, rain 60 above.
Ma made strawberry shortcake with whipped cream for my 73rd
birthday. The kids gave me a silk shirt. Now 36 years
in mercantile business and no offer to sell out. Ma back
on the job. Quake at 4 PM.
July 31, 1941 Business slow, cloudy,
52 to 56 above, light rain. Self in store all day.
Noon, First Aid picnic, Wasilla women and kids at Edlund’s, Wasilla
Lake resort. Many bears came down to fish for salmon on
Cottonwood Creek. Mail train arrived at midnight. Radio
fair. U. S. helping Russia with war supplies vs. Hitler invasion.
Jap’s trying to settle war with China.
August 1, 1941 Business fair, cloudy,
52 to 60 above. Joe Brassell back from Anchorage, recovering
from snow slide at his mine on Craigie Creek, bought grub order
for his mine. PM charged light batteries and mowed grass
Front Street, new house. Gaston rented Cannon cabin. Radio
weak. Nazi’s vs. Reds, hard at it with no gains.
August 2, 1941 Business fair, cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Evening, Stanley up from Army base.
Packed Joe Palmer’s order for pack horse transportation.
No more mail until Tuesday the 5th. Carpenters got roof on
new gym annex to Wasilla High School. Heavy quake somewhere
in Pacific Ocean. Paddy went out to New Bullion Mine to lock
up tools. Radio fair. Nazi’s meeting defeat by Reds.
Jap’s silk boat allowed to discharge and return home.
August 3, 1941 Sunday, sultry day, 54
to 60 above, showers. Eva and Paddy went to Anchorage with
Stanley 5 AM kids with Grandma as usual. Valley now full of
bears, killing cows and pigs. Reds killing many Nazi’s and Britain
bombed Berlin with 300 planes to only one Nazi plane over England.
Radio weak. No long wave.
August 4, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
In store most of day. Got merchandise from Armour Co.
Got out-mail. Set 1 glass in Mabel cabin. Stanley
brought Eva home from Anchorage. Carpenters working on
inside of gym.
August 5, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Delayed wash day at new house. Ma chased check for crazy
deserted soldier, Marshal overtook him at Pittman and returned
him to Anchorage Army Post. Had Wasilla strawberries and
Washington watermelon and Wasilla new spuds for dinner, not hard to
take? Second large boat at Goose Bay. Got 1st new Matanuska
spuds at 5¢ a pound. Radio weak. Reds still holding
lines vs. Nazi invaders. U. S. and British about in Indochina.
August 6, 1941 A-1 day, 66 to 70 above.
Oiled up generator and magneto on Olds and Overland cars.
Burned up grass cut around new house. Metz in from Goose
Bay for more grub. Two to three cars oil and merchandise every
week for the mines. Isaac had birthday party on quiet.
Willie Edlund back from Bristol Bay, got $900 worth of salmon.
Radio weak. British and US told Japan to go slow on invasion of Indochina.
Reds still holding Nazi’s in Russia.
August 7, 1941 Hot day, cloudy, 72 above.
Ma in the wash tub. Charged light batteries and mowed grass on
Mabel lot. McDougal visited at store for pick-ups.
Looks like defeat of German Army in Russia. Radio weak.
Sultry weather. Anchorage dock repaired to land Government freight
only.
August 8, 1941 A-1 day, cloudy, 60 above. Started
to clean up and fix up Mabel cabin, wrecked 2 years ago by Shaw
house breakers. Navy bombers maneuvering over Wasilla.
Auto thieves in Anchorage. Marie Martha took in show at Palmer
with Mrs. Peggy Cad. Hot fighting between Reds and Nazi troops.
August 9, 1941 A-1 day, 66 above. Ma woke up
last night with old trouble, pain in knee, had slept good since
back from Circle Springs. Stanley drove to Knik for salmon
strips and raspberries. Charged batteries and did some
repairs on Mabel cabin. Paddy started to dig well.
No long wave. Hitler going to get the Reds next week, has been
8 weeks doing something but no ketch ‘em?
August 10, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 56 to
66 above. Store open 3 hours AM for absent minded customers.
Nels Larson had another stroke, Gus took him to Palmer Hospital.
Several cars here from Anchorage, joy riding. Delayed freight
arrived PM Ma’s leg bothers her sleep. Roosevelt out
fishing and resting up along Maine shore. Reds bombed Berlin,
2nd time. Jap’s in route to Singapore, China.
August 11, 1941 A-1 day, 66 to 72 above.
Made ready for trip to placer mine. AM electric washer
operating, Ma washing dirty clothes by hand. Sunday freight
blocked in set-out. Charged light batteries. No glass
at Palmer. No long wave. Reds still holding and slaughtering
the Germans Draft Bill up for 18 month extension.
August 12, 1941 Marie Martha and self
left for placer mines to reset new corner stakes on Bear Canyon
and hydro groups, 18 claims.
August 13, 1941 At Grubstake placer mine,
putting new corner stakes in placer mine.
August 14, 1941 At Grubstake placer mine.
August 15, 1941 Hot weather. At
Grubstake Placer Mine, resetting new corner stakes on 3 placer
mines since 1908. Marie Martha swamper.
August 16, 1941 Grubstake to Wasilla.
A-1 day, 56 to 76 above, hot day. Up at 6 AM hotcakes as
usual. Marie Martha chained off head of Bear Group and set
new stake on north east corner. Back at noon, cleaned up cabin
and washed towels. Left mine at 2:50, arrived Wasilla 4:20.
Charged batteries.
August 17, 1941 Sunday, perfect day, 58 to
72 above. Stanley returned to Base job at Anchorage Army
Post. Store open 3 hours, AM Groceries and eggs overdue
one week. PM took down and cleaned out stove pipes on heater
and kitchen range. Charged light batteries. Evening,
Metz in from Goose Bay. Radio fair. Hitler claims advance
into Russia. President FDR back to work at Washington, D. C.
Now, restriction on use of gas in eastern states.
August 18, 1941 A-1 day, 60 to 74 above.
Electric wash and bath day at our new house. Our groceries
in set-out are buried up with mines freight. Evening, cleaned
up the Mabel cabin. Shorty in to trade, now working at Independence
Mine. Radio fair.
August 19, 1941 Perfect day, 60 to 78 above.
AM finally got weeks delayed groceries out of set-out and 1
package short. Two men here taking photo views, went on
to Talkeetna. Nagley Jr. on train to Anchorage. Government
aviators at Lake Wasilla learning to swim. Now on 3 boats
a week at Seward. Local vegetables now on market. Radio
weak. Germans claim advances on drive vs. Russian War
in Suez Canal District quiet.
August 20, 1941 Perfect day, 60 to 70 above.
AM put in new cribbing to cellar windows side of store.
PM worked 2 hours on Mabel house, inside. Stanley home,
evening, for family duty. Gus delivered grocery order at Morrison
ranch. Evening, fixed Mabel roof and got out orders.
Radio good, all stations. Hitler made big drive on Reds today.
Other war zones quiet.
August 21, 1941 Partly cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Self in store all day. Kids in swimming, 2 cars merchandise
arrived for mines. Minor Roop’s brother visited.
Germans advancing in Russia, claim they killed one million Reds.
Paddy’s drive well point a failure. Two mail trains today.
Radio good. New Seattle station, KIRO came in. Evening,
KNOX strong.
August 22, 1941 Hot day, 60 to 80 above.
AM inspected new school gym, 3 weeks, yet to finish.
PM charged batteries and readjusted east window in Mabel cabin.
Placed order for penstock at mines. Evening, got out-mail
and orders. Radio fair.
August 23, 1941 Hot day, 60 to 76 above.
In store, AM. PM cut up lumber for 2 penstocks for bench
ditch at placer mine, hot job, was 80 in the sun. The Duke
of Kent visiting U. S. and Canada. Government took over
another strike on defense material. Radio good, all stations.
War hot in Russia, Reds still holding off Hitler’s drive.
August 24, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 to
74 above. AM finished sawing up penstock lumber for bench
ditch at placer mine. Roop’s brother here waiting for Roop
and Cat from Anchorage. Roop going to
Grubstake to finish my bench ditch. Charged
light batteries. Stanley and family drove to Anchorage
account Marie Martha’s eyes. Radio good. Nazi’s still invading
Russia and after Armenia oil fields.
August 25, 1941 No business, A-1 day, 60 to
72 above. Minor Roop’s brother loaded penstock for Grubstake
Placer Mine. Cat man failed to show up from Anchorage.
No electric wash today, Eva at Anchorage. Out of butter
and eggs, same at Seward 8/23. Hired Fred Nelson
to go to placer mine to complete work. Radio good. Hitler
claims he is driving back the Reds in Russia.
August 26, 1941 A-1 day, Wasilla to placer
mine. Left Wasilla, with Fred Nelson and his pickup,
at 8:30 AM arrived at Grubstake cabin 10:30 AM. Had to
pack grub 1,800 feet from new bridge on Willow over Cat road to
cabin. PM wheeled tools up to bench ditch and blasted out
rock No radio at Grubstake cabin. Ma the storekeeper.
August 27, 1941 A-1 day, self and Fred at placer
mine blasting slide rock out of new bench ditch. See
mine diary for details.
August 28, 1941 A-1 day, at Grubstake Placer
Mine.
August 29, 1941 AM foggy, PM clear
at Grubstake Placer Mine.
August 30, 1941 A-1 day at Grubstake Placer
Mine.
August 31, 1941 Sunday, Grubstake to
Wasilla. AM worked 6 hours, one day at Grubstake Forks.
PM put streamers on survey stakes along new bench ditch.
Cut out brush between canyon and Bear Groups. Closed camp
at 3 PM arrived Wasilla 5 PM. Pulled car out of ditch at mile
9. Ma gone to baby shower. Stanley home for Labor Day.
Reds still holding back Nazi’s. British gaining on
German invasion. Jap’s vs. U. S. and British, Indochina invasion.
September 1, 1941 Temperatures 58 to 66 above.
Duck hunters busy all day in store. Thirty one cars drove
to Cottonwood Flats for ducks. Roads lined with cars from
Anchorage. Charged light batteries. Painted 2 sash
in Mabel cabin. Evening, got out Seattle mail and orders.
Labor Day, Stanley drove to his mine. Radio fair. Reds
and Nazi’s hard at it. President Roosevelt on air on defense
account war.
September 2, 1941 A-1 day, 46 to 52 above.
Self in store to 3 PM. Light engine failed to turn over.
Minor Roop visited, wanted $6 per hour to finish hydro bench ditch
with bulldozer. Mayor Gill and wife visited on way to McKinley Park
with Colonel Ohlson, Alaska Railroad.
September 3, 1941 A-1 day, 46 to 66 above.
Metz in from Goose Bay for grub. Fred Nelson put posts
and sills in cellar of Mabel cabin to hold up floor, 6 hours.
ARC Cat graded 2nd Avenue from Main Street to school house and
new gym on Knik Street. Anna Stephan on a big drunk.
Radio fair. Second Russian plane reached U. S. via Nome with
27 high officials to confer with President Roosevelt.
September 4, 1941 A-1 day, 58 to 64 above.
Self on Mabel cabin most of day, painting and fixing up inside
for rental. Paid all invoices due. Fred fixing up
J. S. Johnson house for rent. Cancelled ditch work at mine.
Radio good, all stations.
September 5, 1941 A-1 day, 44 to 68 above.
In store, sold one hunting outfit. PM worked on inside
Mabel cabin, adjusted doors. Fred Nelson completing Paddy’s
well on Main Street. Senator Taft of Ohio on the air account
national unity. Big wind storm at Minneapolis. Radio
good. Reds holding Hitler’s invasion. Berlin being bombed
by Reds and RAF London.
September 6, 1941 Weather cloudy, 42 to 56
above. Self about all day cleaning 2 store furnaces,
found 76¢ in change. Had to make new screen.
Charged light batteries. Stanley home over night from Anchorage.
Made copies of placer notices. Radio fair. U. S. landed
2 ship loads oil at Russia. Germans lost a million men on Russia
invasion.
September 7, 1941 Sunday, self and Fred Nelson
left, AM in his car, for OGH Placer Mine. AM hauled penstock
lumber up new Cat road opposite Forks on Grubstake. PM
skidded same 800 lbs. down hill to big dam at Forks. No
radio, self at Placer Mine. Someone stole 7 pieces 2x12x5
fir plank at Willow bridge, was for penstock at dam.
September 8, 1941 A-1 weather. Self and
Fred installing 8’ penstock in dam at Forks of Grubstake.
First frost at night, autumn at mines.
September 9, 1941 A-1 weather. Self and Fred
finished installing 3x5x8 ft. penstock with 2 gates in big
dam on hydro claim at Forks of Grubstake at 2 PM. Brought
tools to camp in wheel barrow, left camp 4 PM home 6 PM. Fred
3 days at Placer Mine. Radio good. Reds driving back
the Nazi’s on Russian invasion. Hitler sunk 3rd U.S. freight boat
in Red Sea.
September 10, 1941 Self in store, filled up
shelves. Charged light batteries. School teachers
all back but not ready account remodeling building and new gym.
Stanley home overnight. Radio fair. Fierce fighting
in Russia by Nazi’s vs. Reds. Shirley had birthday party, Marie
Martha star guest.
September 11, 1941 Cloudy and cool, 56 above.
Gus made round trip to Anchorage, brought load of gas and oils
for K. T. Co. and flue for Mabel cabin. Ma attended party at Senske’s
ranch. 4 PM President Roosevelt on the air about Hitler
sinking our boats in Atlantic. Don’t sink our boats, FDR to
Hitler. Radio good. Reds still holding off Nazi’s and
call for U. S. bombers, losing 25 per day.
September 12, 1941 Weather cooler, 34 to 54
above. Self in store AM. Put up $25 order for Limer
at Montana Station. Fruit and groceries arrived on PM freight.
Put new galvanized pipe in Mabel safety flue. Sold old gun
reloading powder shot and wads. First sign of autumn.
Radio good. Axis Powers roasting President Roosevelt’s speech
yesterday. Reds and Nazi’s hard at it, 90,000 Nazi’s killed
today.
September 13, 1941 A-1 day, 34 to 52 above.
Stanley home overnight. Hunters out for their moose.
Matanuska Electric Association surveyed for line poles in Wasilla
today. Gus hauled over pickup load groceries from railroad
freight shed. Self busy all PM checking and pricing new
merchandise. Reds driving back Nazi’s today. British lost
8 merchant boats today by Nazi U-Boats.
September 14, 1941 Sunday, weather cooler,
34 to 52 above. Busy in store, with small trade.
PM painted door to Mabel cabin. Evening, got out grocery
orders and mail. Earthquake in Turkey and California.
Radio good. Hitler to clean up Reds in 2 weeks, then Britain.
Jap’s still got chip on shoulder.
September 15, 1941 A-1 day, 28 to 54 above,
first frost. Electric wash day on 5 batteries. Mail
went south and north. School opened for fall term account
repairs delayed opening. Three car loads arrived for mines.
PM worked on repair of Mabel cabin. Nazi’s trying to take Leningrad
in Russia with heavy losses. U. S. to man merchant vessels with
guns.
September 16,1941 A-1 day, 34 to 52 above.
Usual kid trade from school. AM painting inside Mabel
cabin. Lady tourist from Montana visited, likes Alaska.
Evening, delegate Diamond spoke over KFQD. Anna Simons passed
out. No long wave. Germans hard hit on invasion of Russia.
Winter now against Nazi’s. Some fighting in Africa.
September 17, 1941 Weather cloudy, 44 to 54
above. Self in store to 2 PM then painted inside Mabel
cabin. Stanley home for overnight to warm up bed post.
School kids cleaned up 5¢ candy bars. Army officers
got 2 moose, Willow. Ordered rug and bed for Mabel cabin.
No long wave, short wave OK. Hitler lost 10,000 men today,
drive vs. Reds.
September 18, 1941 Light rain, 52 above.
First snow on high mountain peaks. In store until 2 PM
then painted inside Mabel cabin. Farmers bringing in new
celery and donuts. Only one new white school bus, Dinkel
the driver. Radio dead. No short wave, local station
OK. A scheme on to irrigate Africa deserts. War the
same.
September 19, 1941 Weather cloudy, 50 above
all day, evening, windy. First fire, of season, in furnace, fall
1941. In store until 2 PM. Hauled over oils and stove
pipe and hauled tin cans to dump. Worked 3 hours on Mabel cabin.
Evening, soldiers of Alaska Program and band on air, good. No
short wave. Germans claim Ukraine and near at Leningrad.
The two Russian flying boats back at Sitka on way home.
September 20, 1941 Weather windy, 48 above.
Self in store most all day. Len Witt appointed agent for
Pacific Fruit Co. and family visited. Gus received 1st car
Healy coal. Final work on Wasilla new gym completed.
Battleship linoleum for concrete floor here. Stanley home
overnight from Anchorage Army Post construction. Outside radio
dead. Germans making strong drive on Reds before winter sets
in.
September 21, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy,
42 to 48 above. Healy coal arrived, bought 12 tons off Gus.
Fruit and melons arrived. Groceries left at Seward.
Farmers digging spuds, Co-op paying $2.85 cwt. Had
moose meat and liver for dinner, fine. Germans moving eastern
troops to Russia to supplement soldiers killed by Reds.
September 22, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 54
above, sun crosses the line. Electric wash day by Eva
in new house. With pickup, hauled over fruit and butter from
railroad shed. PM fixed up Mabel toilet. Anchorage
Army bombers over Wasilla all day, maneuvering. Vic Ogren fixing
up Hart log cabin for a house. Germans applying all their force
vs. the Red Army. A 6,000 ton freighter sunk near Iceland by Germans
September 23, 1941 Busy in store, AM
weather cloudy, 54 above, wind on coast. Farmers buying
gunny sacks and digging their spuds, Co-op pays $2.85 cwt.
No real autumn account wind blew off leaves. PM finished Kalsomining
in Mabel cabin. Sent order for Pyrex and light batteries.
Russians claim they have killed 3 million Germans in Russia invasion.
Big flood in New Mexico. Another boat sunk near Iceland by
sub.
September 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, warm wind,
50 to 60 above. No snow on Bald Mt. yet. Received
1940 and 1941 Eyota farm report. Self in store most of day.
Drew 1 window sash, Mabel cabin. Friday freight arrived,
6 days from Seward. Reds claim over 2 million Germans killed.
Nazi’s claim over 1 million Reds killed, real war. Radio fair,
Juneau good. All kind of strikes again in States. Hotel
strike on San Francisco, California, want war time pay.
September 25, 1941 Weather cloudy, light rain,
50 above. In store most of day. Out of a ton of
groceries, got box candy bars and cks from set-out. Painted
2 Mabel windows. Evening, got out Seattle mail. Army here
on maneuvers. No heat working in school. Radio fair.
Reds still holding back German drive in Russia.
September 26, 1941 Rain AM 44 to 50 above.
Got freight out of set-out PM. One week for boat delivered
at Seward. Heads coming off in France to those opposing
German rule. Capt. Gaikema busy with duck hunters on Beluga
Flats on Inlet. Real war in Russia. Nazi’s vs. the Reds,
3 million dead thus far, Reds holding their own.
September 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 54
above. In store until 2 PM then painted inside Mabel cabin.
Eva joined the spud pickers on Kit Carson ranch. Old timer,
George Grennon, visited looking for cabin account quitting ranch.
Stanley home overnight only. Mrs. Sal Silverman visiting the
Wilmoth’s. Germans ready to quit drive into Russia after 14 week invasion
with great losses. Hitler had man and woman shot for listening
to radio.
September 28, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 40
to 58 above. Eva spud picking at $5 per day, Grandma,
as usual, looking after the kids on one leg but a good strong voice.
Painted ceiling in Mabel cabin. George Grennon moved into
Miller cabin. Outside radio dead. Football on full blast
in States.
September 29, 1941 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Electric wash day by spud picker Eva. Self put in 5 hours
on renovating Mabel cabin for rent. Louis knocked out Nova
in 6th round, 2nd fight vs. Louis. Mrs. Sol returned to Anchorage.
Ma’s knee bad again. Snow and sleet bad on Germans in Russia.
September 30, 1941 A-1 day, 28 to 60,
killing frost. Busy in store until 2 PM then stained doors
in Mabel cabin. Eva got $5 and piles picking spuds. Still
sinking cargo boats and cutting off heads in Europe war, Hitler rule
weakening. Radio fair. Got news. Twin wedding
tomorrow at Cads.
October 1, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 58 above.
Self in store all day. Big wedding at Wasilla Roadhouse,
3 PM Mary “twin” Cad took on Roy Bergman, miner at Independence
Mine. Evening, Stanley home to massage the potato digger?
Radio good. War in Russia slowing up account winter weather.
Hitler killing off radio listeners.
October 2, 1941 A-1 day, 40 to 58 above.
In store until 2:30 PM then painted on Mabel ceiling.
Oscar Anderson, rancher, wounded himself while hunting for moose.
Section men cleaned up grass, etc. around track warehouse account
fire. Dug my spuds. Radio fair. No heads off for
listening in like in Hitler rule. Shortage of steel and aluminum
for war material.
October 3, 1941 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Wonderful fall, no snow on Bald Mt. or Fishhook Pass thus far.
Painted 5 hours in Mabel cabin, ceiling 2nd coat. Bids posted
for old Wasilla Schoolhouse. Highway open to Chickaloon,
Eva and Buddy went to look-see. Radio good. Hitler told
his people he was fighting Russia to keep them out of Balken States?
October 4, 1941 Light rain, 42 to 50 above.
Thorpe in from mines. Metz through at Goose Bay dock.
Soldier boys bought 3 guns, 22-410. Packed grub order for
Caswell. Metz bought winter grub outfit. Mines building
oil storage tank by depot.
October 5, 1941 Sunday, light rain, 42
above. First snow on Bald Mt. and none on the Flats.
The bull jumped the bell cow, now what do you think of that farmer
poetry. Busy all AM in store pricing up new merchandise.
Re-oiled store floor, repainted 2 windows in Mabel cabin.
Stanley home all day account bad stomach, 1st day off. Snow
down to timberline. Radio good, Russians drove Nazi’s back,
20 miles from Leningrad.
October 6, 1941 Weather clearing, 26 to 52
above. New snow on mountain peaks. Winter on at
Willow Creek Mines. Electric wash day at house, by hand
wash day at store. Painted wainscoting in Mabel cabin.
Packed grub order for Palmer’s Caswell trap line. Radio
good. Firestone Jr. on the air on Community Chest. Europe
war the same, killing, starving and sinking boats.
October 7, 1941 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above, full
moon and frosty nights. Refilled stove and office gas tanks,
20 gallons. Reassembled closet door in Mabel cabin.
PM a woman, new arrival from Seattle, at Wagner cabin, jumped
into Lake Lucille and drowned, didn’t like Alaska. Radio
fair. Hitler says he doesn’t want Moscow, just cleaning up on
the Red Army.
October 8, 1941 A-1 day, 26 to 42 above. Joe
Palmer left for trap line with 300 pounds grub. Fruit
and melons arrived but no groceries. PM cleaned grease
off doors in Mabel cabin. Gus sold his Cat at par price.
Deacon Plank says: On first frosty night, it’s time to turn in the
buck rams for spring lamb crop. AM on jury account Holmbeck
drowning in Lake Lucille, Yesterday.
October 9, 1941 Partly cloudy, 26 to 40 above.
A-1 weather. Gus, and Eva the mascot, made round trip
to Anchorage for oil. PM worked on doors in Mabel cabin.
Out of candy, yeast and onions, same overdue 1 week from Seward.
Stanley home evening. Radio fair. Reds retreated
today, heavy fighting near Leningrad, Russia. Jap’s still
invading Indochina.
October 10, 1941 Weather cooler, 20 to 44 above.
Stanley and family gave Ma an electric table lamp account
wedding anniversary, 47 years and didn’t know it. Painted
doors and trimmings in Mabel cabin. Ton groceries delayed,
arrived in set-out and not available. Radio fair. Congress
passing another Lend lease Bill for six billion. Nazi’s made
big drive vs. Reds today.
October 11, 1941 A-1 day, 10 to 32 above.
Freight, in set-out, blocked by mine freight, not available.
PM painted 3 hours on Mabel cabin. Light plant on from
5 to 6 PM. Stanley home evening. Houses being wired
for electricity. New snow gone on Bald Mt. Outside radio
NG. Hitler claims pushing Red Army back
October 12, 1941 Sunday, cold wind, first
chilly day, put up balcony fly. Gus, 1 load, Columbus Day.
Business good AM after 2 days. Got truck load groceries
out of set-out. PM painted mop boards in Mabel cabin. Evening,
got out grocery order. No mail south for a week. Radio
fair. Stanley home, made trip to his mine. Russians retreating
from German drive.
October 13, 1941 Cool day, 10 to 32 above.
Opened up and priced new merchandise. Talk of Army putting
in branch post at Wasilla. Second freight boat in at Goose bay
with freight for mines. Tex Cobb took Metz’s watchman job
at Goose Bay for winter. Eva, electric wash day. Ma
the old way to get out the dirt? Radio NG. Nazi’s claim
they are within 90 miles of Moscow. U. S. rushing tanks and planes
to help Reds.
October 14, 1941 A-1 day, 10 to 34 above.
Self in store until 3 PM then painted windows in Mabel annex.
Wrote Perkins, sales agent, could add 3 to 5% above sale price,
$9,000 Singleton farm and 5% above sale of Burnap farm for $9,000.
Self to get $500 sale. Real war in Russia. Reds drove
Nazi’s back 8 miles from Moscow.
October 15, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 36 above.
Had 1 shipment to Pittman. Had Fred cleat sill cracks
in basement. McNally sold his Cat bulldozer. Finished
painting in Mabel cabin. Week delayed mail arrived.
Hitler shelling Moscow but failed to take Leningrad in Russia.
Radio weak. No long wave. Evening, pricing up groceries
and hardware. Drugs now at Seward in route to Wasilla.
October 16, 1941 Weather windy, 36 above.
In store until 3 PM Uncrated new cook stove in Mabel cabin
and hung curtains. Run light plant from 5 to 6 PM.
Evening, priced up hardware and drug invoices. Germans within
40 miles of Moscow. 1917 school house up for sale.
Radio fair, got 8 PM news over KPO and Veterans program over KGO.
Ma’s knee bad again.
October 17, 1941 Weather cloudy, 36 to 40 above.
Self in store all AM. PM set up stove in Mabel cabin.
Had to refit grates. Butter and ham cases arrived, balance
of merchandise of 2 boats still in Seward. Alaska Government
Railroad Service? Radio good, KOA Denver in with special
news, also from Hollywood, Moscow being evacuated.
October 18, 1941 Snowing, +28, 1st new snow
at Wasilla, from south west all day. Cleaned off walks and
cleaned floor in Mabel cabin. Furniture now at Seward.
Stanley home now, Sundays off at Army Post. Elmer’s birthday.
No long wave. Nazi’s claim big capture of Reds and guns.
Marie Martha farming weekend and snowed in.
October 19, 1941 Sunday, A-1 day, 20 to 32
above. Busy AM cleaning snow off of 300’ of sidewalks.
Finished cleaning floor and enameled chairs in Mabel cabin.
Week delayed freight arrived in hot car. Stanley now home
Sundays. Radio good. Germans lost 4 million thus far
in Russian drive and still 40 miles from Moscow.
October 20, 1941 Weather colder, 4 to 30 above.
Eva on electric wash in our new house, Ma prefers washboard in
rooms aft K. T. Co. store. Got freight out of set-out.
Furniture for Mabel cabin arrived. Stanley back to Army Post
at 6 AM. Army survey broke camp on Lake Wasilla. Radio
fair. Another bunch of Canadians arrived in London to fight
Hitler. Jap’s ready to take crack at U. S. and England.
October 21, 1941 Weather colder, 4 to 26 above.
AM pricing up new merchandise. Evening, painting floor
in Mabel cabin. Hitler still trying to take Moscow.
German subs sunk 2 American freighters today. Rentals scarce
in Wasilla. Radio fair. Self working all evening in Mabel
cabin, now about ready for rental.
October 22, 1941 A-1 day, 20 to 38 above. Busy
all day in store. Put up 2 grub orders for north on railroad.
Dan Gray in, now winter watchman at Mabel Mine. Evening,
National Grocery delivered milk and tobacco, milk up 15¢
a case. Radio weak. No advance on Moscow today, Nazi’s
lost a lot of men. More strikers in States, railroad next.
October 23, 1941 Weather cloudy, 34 above.
Self in store all day. Ma phoned Stanley for shortages
on 2 orders north. Snow stopped Russian drive. Hitler
took all the Norwegians winter clothing for the German Army.
No long wave. many goods shortages account defense orders.
October 24, 1941 Weather cloudy, 10 to 30 above.
Got 2 orders from Willow. Milo Kelly in with truck over
Fishhook Pass. Evening, packing on Joe Brassel order.
Freight arrived in set-out but not available as yet. No long
or short wave. Reds still holding back the Nazi’s. Snow
storms bad in Russia. Hitler shooting fifty French for every
German officer killed.
October 25, 1941 Business normal, cloudy
20 to 38 above. Got 4 orders ready to ship to Pittman,
Willow and Montana Stations, October 26th freight north.
First Big Basket dance on at Wasilla new gym to raise funds for basketball.
No Outside radio. President Roosevelt and Chamberlain visited
down Hitler for executing French and Czechs private citizens, 50 at a
time.
October 26, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 to 40 above. AM delivered truck load groceries to railroad
for north shipment. Stanley home for weekend. Gym dance
brought in $400. Got haircut. Marie Martha got sore
throat, Grandma a cold. Only local radio. Jap’s say
no more U. S. freight to Russia. U. S. arming our freight
boats.
October 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 30 to 42 above.
Snow going fast. AM wash day at our new house.
PM got fruit out of our set-out, groceries buried up. Gus
took gunny sacks to Buggee at Palmer. Stanley got house wired
electric. Radio fair. President Roosevelt on air with war
talk. Hitler waiting for freeze up in Russia war drive.
October 28, 1941 A-1 day, 22 to 40 above.
Got 2nd lot freight out of set-out, bananas all mash, 1/3 of
freight still short. Evening, made wash stand for Mabel cabin.
No boat until Thursday. Evening, rain. First basketball
practice. Radio fair. Axis Power didn’t like FDR
radio speech, said he was crazy for war.
October 29, 1941 Weather cloudy, 30 to 42 above.
PM finished painting inside Mabel cabin, now ready to occupy.
Evening, light rain. Mail went south. Radio fair.
German subs still sinking British cargo ships, 14 today.
October 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, showers, 34
to 44 above. In store to 3 PM then got battery out of
pickup truck and put same in light plant six battery set.
Sold $25 order at Palmer. Got order from Big Lake.
Ma still going strong but has one bad knee, Martha Amelia’s birthday,
72. Radio fair.
October 31, 1941 Monthly sales up $700.
Self in store, sent hardware and grocery orders by air mail. Halloween
party on at Ely’s Section House. Paddy had his house wired
for electric. Marie Martha and Grandma nursing colds.
Local radio only. U. S. Destroyer sunk near Iceland by German
sub.
November 1, 1941 A-1 day, 28 to 38 above.
November 1941 in like a lamb. Self on outside work, refilled
furnace coal bin and put on storm windows. Mail arrived 5 PM
received invoice covering October 1st order, was due October
15th. Stanley home for weekend. No Outside radio.
Reds still holding off Nazi’s on Moscow. Nazi’s losing men
and tanks.
November 2, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy,
32 above. Store open 9 to 12 noon. Put 3rd coat on Mabel
cabin floor. Finished wash stand with veneer top.
Louise Gill at Ellexson’s, Knik, over weekend. Evening, clear
and windy. Wasilla all ready for Eklutna Electric. Several
got colds with Marie Martha and Grandma. Only local radio.
Fuller’s Old Fashioned Bible Hour on at Boston, 16,000 auditorium.
November 3, 1941 Mild wind, 40 above.
New snow all gone in Wasilla. AM got truck load groceries
that was due here October 15th. Batteries 1 month delay
for light plant arrived. Electric wash day at our new house,
Eva the Chink and Ma on washboard preferred. No Outside radio,
dead. Germans still pounding away on Reds with heavy losses
and want Jap’s to counter attack.
November 4, 1941 Weather cloudy, 38 above.
Finished opening up and pricing new groceries. PM installed
new Gould storage batteries in light plant. Deadbeats failed
to get their monthly Government paychecks. Got out-mail.
Fishhook Pass closed. Outside radio dead. Germans
lost 90,000 in drive on Moscow today. U. S. lost another boat
near Iceland.
November 5, 1941 Weather cloudy, 8 to 24 above.
Gang cutting brush along highway account electric power line
from Eklutna. Evening, stained Mabel wash stand. Shaved
and washed sore feet. U-Boats all around Iceland looking
for ships to sink. Skating on lakes good. No Outside
radio. Reds still holding back the Germans at Moscow.
Congress fighting about the repeal of the neutrality law.
November 6, 1941 Light snow all day, 20 above.
Matanuska Electric Association delivered electric light poles
in Wasilla today, expect juice for Christmas? Two passenger
trains here at 10 PM north and south. The Reds knocked the
‘ell out of Nazi’s today so U. S. loaned Reds a billion dollars.
Two feet snow at mines, none at Wasilla. Outside radio dead.
Hitler urging Jap’s to fight U. S. Jap’s want to sink our trade.
November 7, 1941 Light snow, 18 above.
Cleared 300’ walks. PM got truck load of groceries and
hardware, long due. Generator on electric plant failed to
charge batteries. Evening, made out 2 claims for merchandise short,
$31.77. Radio dead. Reds killing Germans on advance in
Russia and Hitler still sinking British cargo boats.
November 8, 1941 Weather cloudy, 28 to 34 above.
Pricing and opening up new merchandise all day. Don Wilson
wiring Post Office building for electric lights. Found
trouble with Onan generator, brush warn out. Thorpe’s looking
for work, on last $50? Jack Korba, Onan agent, Fairbanks.
Only local radio.
November 9, 1941 Sunday, partly cloudy, zero
to 24 above. Stanley made new brush for generator on light
plant, worked OK but still a short, battery wouldn’t charge. Put
up winter fly in west end of balcony. Shortage of coal in Wasilla.
Radio fair. Germans freezing out fighting the Reds.
British bombing Germany and bombed 16 boats in Mediterranean.
November 10, 1941 Big wind, 34 above.
Finished marking new hardware and groceries. Tried Onan
engine again but generator shorted. Evening, got out-mail
and orders. No electric wash today, no pump 16 pails of water,
Yolly! Gus made round trip to Anchorage for load of K. T.
Co. oils. Local radio. Reds and cold weather bad on Nazi
troops. Hitler now trying for Soviet oil fields.
November 11, 1941 Armistice Day, open
AM closed PM 20 to 32 above. Half day school. PM and
evening, installed Mabel rug and furniture. Evening, Stanley
up from Anchorage with another new car? Had 2 passenger
trains but no mail. Trapper Willie in from Pittman. Working,
no radio.
November 12, 1941 Weather cloudy, 20 to 28
above. Self in store all day, evening, screwed runners
on rocker and nailed on brass strips on linoleum. Liebing’s
in from Gold Cord Mine. Storage oil tank going up by siding.
Local radio. Reds put it over the Nazi’s today. Italy lost most
of its Naval fleet. Jap’s ready to fight.
November 13, 1941 Weather colder, zero to 18
above. Ma nursing cold. Eva went to
Palmer. Another pole delivered for Wasilla electric lights.
Poles in as far as Holler’s ranch. Basketball practice on
at gym. No mail until Saturday boat. Local radio.
Reds still holding back Germans drive.
November 14, 1941 Still cold, 4 to 20 above.
Evening, finished nailing brass stripe on linoleum and shellacked
chair and table in Mabel cabin, now ready to rent at $15 a month.
Electric light association delivered poles at school and gym.
Pole gang still 8 miles from Wasilla. Only local radio.
Cold snap in northern states. Nazi’s froze up in Russia, no
fight today. Jap’s about ready to take a shot at Uncle Sam.
November 15, 1941 Weather colder, zero to 8
above. Received set brushes for electric light generator
from Fairbanks. Marie Martha helped me to install, worked
OK but needs smoothing up. Kids, regular boarders, stayed overnight,
mother doing Anchorage. Stanley home 9 PM. All kind
of strikes in states for more pay. Radio fair. All of
Hitler’s drives vs. Red Army being repelled. Jap Ambassador arrived
at Washington, D. C. to talk over war with U. S.
November 16, 1941 Sunday, weather warmer, 4
to 30 above. Good trade, AM PM closed. Stanley
installing electric light fixtures in his house. Sold old
barber chair to Anchorage Army boys for $50. Ma out joy riding
with Stanley. No Outside radio. Hitler up against it
on invasion of Russia with U. S. and Britain furnishing Russia.
November 17, 1941 Spring day, 30 to 32 above,
snow flurries. Electric wash day in our new house.
House generator working fair, plenty of lights in store.
Stanley returned to Anchorage with sack spuds for Ma Fleck.
Many bombing planes, crashing down in States. Local radio.
Hitler shot some of his Generals for not wanting to drive on Leningrad,
Russia, a world murderer.
November 18, 1941 A-1 day, 38 above.
Self in store all day. Coal gone in furnace bin and wood
short in Wasilla. Matanuska Electric power gang dug holes
for electric poles in Wasilla today. Two passenger trains,
but no mail. Mrs. Barigo’s son-in-law and family back from
Seattle, lost one eye. Put new A battery on radio. ma took
4th bath in our new house? Radio fair. Reds and Nazi’s
still fighting. Jap Ambassador at D. C. trying to settle Far
East war with China.
November 19, 1941 A-1, sunny day, 32 above.
No green stuff for dictators turkey day on 20th.
Ours to come for 27th, real turkey day. Stanley home,
evening, for Ma’s big turkey feed tomorrow. Located short
on Onan engine. Radio fair for 8 PM Richfield war news.
Germans making another drive vs. Reds. U. S. arming all
merchant vessels.
November 20, 1941 Open AM, weather colder,
4 to 24 above. Turkey day. Ma baked it and Eva furnished
the trimmings, ate same at Stanley’s house. British, with
U. S. tanks, making a drive to clean up Nazi’s and Dagos in Africa.
Evening, Stanley and family drove to Anchorage. Radio fair.
Fierce fighting. Nazi’s vs. Reds in Russia. Last weeks
boat freight still at Seward.
November 21, 1941 Temperature 6 to 36, evening,
rain. Buddy and sister doing Anchorage with mother and
dad. Another baby boy arrived at Sharon’s ranch.
Pears and grapes arrived, balance of fruit still at Seward?
Heavy fighting now in Africa, British vs. Germans No Outside
radio. Hitler now on 2 war fronts in Russia and Africa.
November 22, 1941 A-1 day, 38 to 40 above.
Rain last night, left all roads a glare ice after 6 hours rain,
only a few cars moving. Basketball team went to Eklutna.
Stanley and family stayed in Anchorage, mother and kids coming
on train Sunday PM. School promised car of Healy coal soon.
Radio fair. Big drive, by British, vs. Nazis and Dagos in Africa,
using U. S. tanks and bomber planes. Hitler driving toward
Moscow with losses.
November 23, 1941 Sunday, weather colder,
20 above all day. Stanley and family arrived home at noon
from Anchorage. Eklutna siwashes beat both Wasilla basketball
teams last night at Eklutna. Not many autos moving account
icy roads. Radio fair. Hitler going to make Germans
ruler for next 100 years. Japan on the fence about war with
U. S.
November 24, 1941 Weather colder, zero to 10
above. Electric wash day at our new house, Eva the Chink.
PM got one truck load merchandise out of set-out, balance buried
up with mine freight. Whole block burned up at Seward today,
2nd big fire in Seward. Radio good. Fighting in Europe
and Africa still going on as well as in China, Uncle Sam next?
November 25, 1941 Sunny day, zero to 6 above.
Pricing and opening up new merchandise and dry goods.
Order delayed for six weeks arrived with many shortages, mail
train, both ways, today. Knik Nick out on usual drunk.
Millich bought small order for coal mine. Radio good.
Ten minute earthquake recorded, location not known, they think around
Iceland.
November 26, 1941 Big wind, 10 above.
Shipped two small orders to Willow. Got balance of freight
out of set-out. Busy with fires all day account wind.
Uncle Sam told Japan to get out of China and quit the Axis bunch
and be a friendly nation? Radio good. Hitler fighting both
Russians and British in North Africa and shooting all who escaped
him in the Balkan states.
November 27, 1941 Still windy, 10 to 16 above.
Ma busy pricing clothing and merchandise just received.
Self busy with fires and invoices. Quake in California
but no damage done. Wasilla and Palmer schools out of fuel,
Army commandeered all the coal. Farewell party for Dr. Albrecht
last night at Palmer, Eva waiter, Flo guest artist…no thanks hash
and tomatoes.
November 28, 1941 Big wind, 6 to 14 above.
Priced up new hardware and stoked fires. Short fuel in
Wasilla and short of electric lights in Anchorage, all because of
defense. Walden and bride back from States. Millich family
left for coal mines. Radio good. Heavy fighting in Russia
and North Africa today. British advancing in Africa.
November 29, 1941 Wind off 10 PM 10 to 18 above.
Ma sick all night, had vomiting spell, stayed in bed all day
account cold. An Army truck smashed up two mining trucks
on Willow Creek Road. School dance on tonight at gym.
Evening, Stanley home for weekend. Radio fair. Reds
and British knocked the ‘ell out of Nazis today.
November 30, 1941 Sunday, flurry of snow,
12 above. AM bought cord birch wood to piece out coal shortage.
Packed up all corrosive shells, 3 assorted cases, sold to Parkinson,
Wasilla High. Evening, Stanley returned to Anchorage.
Local radio. Reds counterattacking Nazis in Moscow area.
December 1, 1941 Weather colder, 20 below zero.
Busy with wood fires. Eva did electric wash at our new
house. Self not feeling good. Evening, Sexton delivered
load wood. Jap’s on the fence about fighting Uncle Sam in
Indochina and Pacific. Evening, -16. School bus froze
up, no kids at school today. Local radio. Nazis retreating
from Reds with losses. Hitler aggression about over.
December 2, 1941 Still cold, 10 above to 8
below zero. Re-piled wood out of coal bin. Got
3 ton of Healy coal. Jap’s will have to back down on fight
with U. S. British and Australia. Their demand, Jap’s quit
invasion of China and lower colonies. Car coal came for school.
Radio fair. Reds pushing back Nazi invasion in Russia.
December 3, 1941 Still cold, 10 above to 4
below zero. Gus busy delivering car of Healy coal due
here 6 weeks ago. Wasilla was burning green wood at zero
weather and windy. Palmer - Anchorage highway flooded with
water at mile 44. Local radio. Reds putting it all over
on Hitler now. Leg of lamb for dinner.
December 4, 1941 Temperature 12 above all day,
evening, 18 above. Palmer to Knik bridge road closed account
high water at mile 44. Weeks mail went south. Eva
left on mail train for Anchorage account phone call that her mother
was very sick. Kids boarding with grandma, as usual.
Vic Ogren moved into his new house on Second Avenue and Boundary Street.
Jap’s stalling on China invasion with U. S. and Britain, hoping
Hitler will win Russian war.
December 5, 1941 Partly cloudy 12 to 20 above.
Matanuska Electric Association now selling poles in Wasilla.
New family, from Seward, moved into the Wagner house. Anchorage
family hunting moose at Knik. Palmer and Wasilla out of
gas . Payday for 5 indigents living off their neighbors here.
Reds got the Nazis on retreat from Moscow. British cleaning
up on the Hitler North Africa invasion. Rush in store all PM.
December 6, 1941 Partly cloudy, 16 below zero.
Electric poles going up all through Wasilla and to school.
Highway to Anchorage still flooded. Stanley couldn’t drive
home for his 37th birthday and dinner. Mrs. Fleck, Eva’s
mother, in hospital. Received $35 order from Fox, Montana.
Local radio. Hitler now getting bumped from all sectors.
December 7, 1941 Sunday, weather cold,
20 below zero. Beginning of war with Japan. War
finally on with Japan this morning. Japan bombed Honolulu,
Guam and the Philippines, also a U.S. and British ship, while talking
peace at D. C. PM all radio on the air with Japan war news.
U. S. must now clean up the Jap’s.
December 8, 1941 Business good account
war. Temperature 20 to 30 below zero. Busy with
fires. PM rush for groceries account Jap war on U. S.
Jap’s bank account froze by U. S. and all Jap’s rounded up.
Thirty eight Jap planes shot down. Radio fair. Local station
off air. Evening, KGO on with war news.
December 9, 1941 War business good, warmer,
20 above. Eva went to Anchorage by rail, also Buddy, to
see her mother in hospital. U. S. acknowledged surprise defeat
of U. S. Islands in Pacific, by Jap bombers on December 7th.
British fighting Jap’s in South China. First blackout at 5
PM account Jap bombers. President Roosevelt on the air at 5
PM with advise to people on war with Japan.
December 10, 1941 Warmer, 32 above all day.
Delayed mail arrived 5 PM. Ma, with bad cold, both stocker
and border for the kids while mother at Anchorage. Paddy
and Buddy back from Anchorage by train, Eva stayed account mother
very sick. Reliance delivered milk and sugar by truck Germany
and Italy declared war on the U. S. Radio good, war news from
foreign reporters. U. S. knocked the ‘ell out of Jap’s today
at the Philippines.
December 11, 1941 Wind and warmer, 32 above.
Got bananas, sweet spuds, tomatoes and case eggs out of set-out.
Balance of groceries buried up. Charged electric light batteries.
Evening, gave sore feet good soaking in Epsom salt solution.
Radio good. heard all foreign reporters give details of war
in Europe, Africa and China.
December 12, 1941 Evening rain, warm, 42 above
all day. PM got truck load of groceries, Thanksgiving
fruit arrived. Got new circulating heater for Mabel cabin.
Reds annihilated 85,000 Germans retreating in Russia. U. S.
conscription now 18 to 65 years. Radio good. All of
South America declares war vs. Hitler and El Duce.
December 13, 1941 Chinook, 38 above.
Had Gus haul over load gas and tobacco. Eva back from
Anchorage by relay. Slide blocked highway near Knik River
bridge. Roads all ice. Gus received car of Healy nut
coal. Radio fair. Jap troop transport sunk and many planes
shot down near Manila. Reds got Nazis going south.
December 14, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 above all day. Gus delivering 2nd car coal. Delayed
lettuce, celery and grapes arrived. Wired for batteries
and candy. Reds got Nazis on the run. U. S. doing good
work vs. the Jap’s. No Outside radio. Coal bins full
again.
December 15, 1941 Weather cloudy, 8 to 20 above.
Electric wash day, Eva Chink. Ma nursing cold in chest.
Earthquake at midnight. Put new oil in light engine.
Put 3 ton nut coal in bin at new house. Fred finished unloading
Gus’ car Healy nut coal. Jap’s too strong for British in
Far East. Static radio. Dover shelled by Nazis.
December 16, 1941 Weather colder, zero to 8
above. Self in store all day. Ma still nursing cold.
Marie Martha bought a motorbike for $20 off Ely girl. Evening,
Stanley home, first time in 2 weeks. Radio fair.
War not so hot. Jap’s and Hitler slowing down.
December 17, 1941 Weather colder, zero all
day. Mail arrived last night, no electric iron for Eva
from Paddy for Christmas, none in stock. Eva sick today.
Bomber planes over Wasilla from Anchorage Post. Guam Island
still intact that lost to the Jap raid a week ago. Radio fair.
British outnumbered in Indochina but still holding off the Jap’s.
December 18, 1941 Weather clear, temperature
zero. Ma’s cold in chest some better. British driving
Nazis and Dagos out of North Africa. Jap’s not making much
headway fighting U.S. Local radio. Army caught Jap
radio outfit on Cook Inlet, Seward laundry Jap in on it.
December 19, 1941 Business slow, froze
up. Temperature zero to 8 below zero. Car coal
arrived for K. T. Co. store use, plenty of fuel now. Joe
Pierce quit Walden to work for railroad on T and T Line. Santa
Claus held up by kids in N. C. Co. Store. British got control
of North Africa but hard pressed by Jap’s Far East. No long
wave. Germans moving ¾ of Army out of Red Russia, lasted
3 months with great losses.
December 20, 1941 Weather cloudy, zero to 10
above. Got all coal bins filled up with Healy lump coal.
Now let it blow and freeze. Jap’s lost troop transport
and several planes today. U. S. launched 3 new submarines.
Stanley home overnight from Army Post construction. Local
radio all Christmas ads. Reds still driving Germans south.
Jap’s paying for Indochina invasion.
December 21, 1941 Sunday, warmer, 16
to 20 above. Fred finished unloading car K. T. Co. Healy
coal. Mrs. Oscar Gill, Louise, and 2nd husband visited from
Anchorage. Stanley back to Army Post 6 AM. Evening,
finished S and W order. Wedding day for Jane Cad and Budd Brown.
Radio fair. Hitler now retreating, got enough of Reds.
Jap Far East war on in Indochina and Philippines.
December 22, 1941 Weather warmer, 10 to 22
above, at the bottom, now the days grow longer. Electric
wash day, Eva the Chink. Nailed iron roof back on coal sheds.
A few Christmas buyers. Hitler made himself Com-Chief but Army
still on the run. Radio good. Nazis and Dagos on the run
in North Africa. Jap’s bombing British and U. S. in Far East.
December 23, 1941 Small trade, weather
cloudy, 16 to 20 above. Got 2 orders off for Pittman.
Ma baked chocolate cake for Buddy’s 5th birthday party.
No school program for Christmas because of blackout. Jap’s
making hard drive on islands near Philippines and sunk oil tanker
100 miles from Los Angels. Churchill at Washington D. C.
to see President Roosevelt on war situation. Radio fair.
Hitler now on the retreat in Russia and Africa. All South America
with U. S. vs. Jap invaders.
December 24, 1941 Pick-up trade, weather
cloudy, 20 to 30 above. Sold out all fresh vegetables.
School closed at noon, had no public program. Charged
light batteries. Ma took 4th bath in new house.
Made out claims for egg and candy shortages. Stanley home
6 PM for Christmas. Radio good. Jap’s sunk another boat
off Los Angeles.
December 25, 1941 Store open 3 hours
AM. Temperature 32 above all day. Noon, capon dinner
at Eva’s, ma cooked the capon. Received 2 shirts, pair
shoes and slippers from Santa. Cost me $25 cash presents.
Christmas blackout account war with Jap’s. Radio good.
British lost Hong Kong to the Jap’s. Churchill spoke before
U. S. Congress on the war.
December 26, 1941 Weather cloudy, 30 to 36
above. Customers sleeping Christmas off. Shipped
4 pints Avocet cream to Willow. Big demand for radio batteries,
temporarily sold out. Prime Minister Churchill at D. C.
before congress, made a big hit. Jap’s lost transport and
sub today. Jap’s trying to take Philippine Islands. War,
whole world now at it. Mussolini down and out, Nazis getting
out of Russia.
December 27, 1941 Weather cloudy, 32 to 36
above. Self in store and charged electric light batteries.
No mail train all week. Co-op sheep back from Cottonwood.
Ladies gave shower at Dorothy Nelson’s for Pecks daughter, half Eskimo.
Jap’s bombed Manila today after city declared neutrality. Reds
and cold weather driving German out of Russia. Dutch in East
India downed 14 Jap bombers.
December 28, 1941 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
to 36 above. Shipped pair snowshoes to engineer dept.
at Portage Bay Tunnel. Set up new circulating heater in
Mabel cabin. Jap’s still bombing Manila, a neutral city
and other islands between Australia and the Philippines.
December 29, 1941 Cloudy, windy 30 to 34 above.
Electric wash day at our new house. Mail train in 3 AM
got groceries and batteries coming. Jap’s slowing up on drive
in Indochina, losing planes and transports. British bombed
Hitler’s bases in Norway. Nazis and Dagos about cleaned
up in North Africa. Nazis retreating south out of Russia.
The Axis of Power slowing down with heavy losses. Churchill now
touring Canada on war talk.
December 30, 1941 Weather cloudy, rain, 38
to 46 above, Chinook. Streets all ice again. Connected
coal heater to range pipe in Mabel cabin. Ma started to
take grocery inventory. Nazis losing heavy on retreat out
of Russia. Jap’s trying to take the Philippine Islands.
Reported Jap submarines off Kodiak island today.
December 31, 1941 Business fair, rained
all last night and today, frost out 2”. Started to take
inventory. School out at noon. Stanley home at 7
PM for New Year. Charged electric batteries and got 2
tubs full Mabel dishes ready to wash up. 1941 ended with blackout
and no snow in valley. Years profit $478.23? Radio
fair, Philippines about taken by Jap’s big drive. Hitler
snowed under in Russia and North Africa.
December Memo: What is dancing? It is
the privilege of hugging and caressing another mans wife, sister
or sweetheart in open public, otherwise he would get his head knocked
off in doing the same thing not on a dance floor?
Favorite songs:
1. It’s nice to get up in the morning,
but it’s nice to lay in bed.
2. Through the keyhole in the door.
3. The Boston fire.
4. Nellie the Milkmaid
5. Old Mother Brannigan’s pup.
Cost of new house on lots 1 and 2 block 1
Wasilla, Alaska
2 lots clearing, grading, fencing and sidewalks
$ 327.31
Cement basement, coal bin and well
$ 626.85
Lumber and inside material
$1,628.31
Carpenter work at $1 per hour
$1,322.00
Engine house annex
$ 194.97
Plumbing, bath and water system
$ 501.71
Electric light system
$ 108.60
Furnace and cook range
$ 164.45
Labor on floor and cabinets
$ 168.00
Carpenter work inside
$ 124.00
Paint and varnishes
$ 90.25
Total cost of new house
$5,598.11
All materials at cost price
All labor at $5 and $8 per 8 hour day.
1942
January 1, 1942 Warming up, 10 above. Cashed
2 pension checks, $70, traded out most of it. Eva and
Stanley made round trip to Anchorage to collect rent for Mrs. Fleck,
now in Palmer Hospital. Hitler sending airplanes to Italy
to help bomb the Greeks. No short wave PM World News on local
stations.
January 2, 1942 Chinook, 42 above. Busy
on inventory, hauled over 1,400 pounds new merchandise.
PM self checking and pricing up new groceries and charged electric
batteries. Electric company stringing wires on new poles in
Wasilla, juice later on. Jap’s took Manila today. Radio
good. U. S. and Philippines lost Manila to Jap’s today, hard
fight.
January 3, 1942 Weather hazy, 32 to 38 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Charged batteries,
lights all day. Two trains here at 9 PM now run at night
to avoid Jap bombs? Churchill back at D. C. account war talk
with President Roosevelt. Radio fair. Roads now muddy
after 36 hours rain.
January 4, 1942 Sunday, weather hazy, 34 to
38 above. Received batteries wired for, a week at Seward,
railroad service? Took sugar, flour and salt inventory.
Mail went south. Jap’s ordering all whites to stay inside
at Manila, if on streets will be shot. No Outside radio.
Morgenthaw on air to buy more bonds.
January 5, 1942 Weather clearing, 22 above
all day. Sold out on butter and eggs, same at Seward.
Waiting delivery by Alaska Railroad. Eva run the electric
washer, Ma prefers the old washboard? Evening, Stanley
up from Army Post, brought case butter. Evening, clear and
colder. Radio fair. U. S. Dutch and Chinks put it all over
the Jap’s today.
January 6, 1942 Weather colder, 22 above all
day. Now, no more whisky or perishables to be shipped to Alaska,
war order, only flour, sugar, bacon, beans and dried fruit, back
to 1898 rations? Evening on mail. 60,000 bombers
for 1942. Radio fair. Nazis still going south.
Jap’s made some gains.
January 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, 14 to 18 above.
Charged electric light batteries. Auto roads rough after
rain and thaw. General McArthur hard pressed by Jap bombers in
Philippines. $1,500 reward for first U. S. bomber to bomb
Tokyo Japan. Radio fair. Jap’s and Chinks only lose war
bombers today. Evening on office work.
January 8, 1942 Spring day, 20 to 30 above.
Fairbanks kids moved into Gus’ sport cabin by Mabel. Alaska
Steamship Company raised freight and passenger fairs 45%.
Evening on annex inventory and mended my pants by gosh.
January 9, 1942 Weather clear, 10 to 30 above.
Finished annex grocery inventory, Ma on clothing inventory.
Railroad ice contract taking 1,000 tons out of Lake Wasilla.
Families here less than 5 years ordered outside to eat grub.
Radio good, mostly war talk and how it will all end. Dempsey
in the Army.
January 10, 1942 Windy, 28 to 38 above, charged
batteries. Grandma chasing Buddy while his mother at Anchorage.
Made out large grocery order evening. Evening, Eva and Stanley
back from Anchorage. Old Hitler about licked in Russia.
Local radio, war invaders making ready for another drive.
January 11, 1942 Sunday, A-1 spring day, 38
to 40 above. Finished basement inventory. Reported
7 boats at Seward, to take families ordered out of Anchorage account
grub shortage. Jap’s making big drive in Indochina but paying
dearly for it. Radio fair. Hitler on retreat in Russia and Africa.
Louise Gill visited PM.
January 12, 1942 Partly cloudy, 36 to 40 above.
No snow in Wasilla, spring weather past 10 days. Eva on
electric washer, Ma on washboard for strength. Two government
transports in at Knik Harbor Ship Creek Dock Radio good.
Jap’s got the best of Indochina war drive.
January 13, 1942 Weather cloudy, 42 above all
day. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine for mail and pick-ups.
Week’s mail arrived, coffee, meats and butter due. Local Red Cross
now fixed up for Jap and Hitler bomb raid, Eva and Clo. nurses?
Radio fair. Jap’s lost heavy on aggression on Indochina today.
January 14, 1942 Spring day, sun and 42 above.
AM had Gus haul over truck load delayed groceries, 30 days
from Seattle. PM priced and opened up new merchandise.
PM school staff went to Palmer for TB test. Jap’s got control
of Manila but losing other places. Radio good. Joe Louis
in the Army now, whole world at war.
January 15, 1942 Clear and colder, 20 above
all day. Week of spring weather and no snow. Tabulating
grocery inventory. Navy sunk 2 Jap subs and one 17,000 ton
freighter. McArthur still holding on in Philippines.
South America getting together on war. Radio fair. U.
S. doing some good in Far East Jap war. Reds still driving Nazis
out of Russia.
January 16, 1942 A-1 day, 20 to
30 above. Rubber tires off the market account defense supply.
George Roll, merchant at Hope, passed out December 29th after
selling out business. U. S. has sunk 26 boats in Jap war.
Jap’s claim 31 U. S. boats. Axis Powers losing ground in Russia
and Africa.
January 17, 1942 Cloudy, windy, 34 above.
Big wind last night. Anchorage basketball teams here to
play Wasilla, Anchorage won. Evening, Stanley home for overnight.
U. S. sub sunk 3 Jap boats in Jap Harbor today. British
captured 5,000 Germans in Africa. Radio fair. KFQD had on
program account 5,000 nights of broadcasting, OGH mentioned.
January 18, 1942 Sunday. A-1 day, 42
above. Store open 3 hours AM self nursing sore feet.
Took inventory of rubber goods. Reported would be short
on sugar, advised using more syrup and honey. Radio good.
KFQD now re-broadcasting short wave war news 1 PM.
January 19, 1942 Windy, 38 to 42 above.
Electric wash day. Sold $110 Victrola to Indian for $60,
cost. U. S. lost 2 bombers in Far East war with Jap’s.
Hitler told his people the reason of retreat in Russia was too cold
to hold rifle. Radio fair. German sub sunk boat off N.
C. coast today, 3 lately.
January 20, 1942 Light snow, 32 to 38 above.
Wasilla white after 30 day black L. Cox down from Montana
for grocery order, Cox now 84 years old. Packed Victrola
for shipment. Two mail trains, got 3 ton of groceries in
route. Sold last of all old ammunition. Radio fair,
some static. Axis Powers going to make allies come to knees?
January 21, 1942 Weather cloudy, 36 above.
Shipped 170 pound Victrola to Montana Station. Charged
batteries. Stanley home overnight. Jap’s after Burma
Road and Singapore in China. Jap’s lost 13 planes.
McArthur holding on yet. Radio good. Heinie Snider’s
dog died. Russia still driving Nazis south.
January 22, 1942 Weather cloudy, 24 to 28 above.
Paid under-charge on Healy coal. Delayed freight, at Seward,
arrived 11 PM. 600,000 troops and bombers sent to Pearl
Harbor to fight Jap’s at Philippines and India. Reds and
Britain cleaning up Hitler. Radio good. Both Louis and
Dempsey now in the Army, to KO the Jap’s?
January 23, 1942 Weather clear, zero to 24
above. PM had Gus haul over two truck loads of groceries
that came at midnight. Busy checking and pricing new groceries.
Rice and Wesson oil up 30%. War risk and insurance now 2%.
Jap’s lost on all engagements today. Anchorage Army bombers
maneuvering over Wasilla. Radio good. Nazis recaptured
town in North Africa but freezing up in Russia.
January 24, 1942 Weather clear, zero
to 12 above. Self pricing and opening up new groceries.
Sugar will soon be rationed to one pound per week. Jap’s
losing many boats and planes in Far East war.
Stanley home overnight, Floyd Smith with him.
Radio good.
January 25, 1942 Big wind, 10 above.
Trapper rented Gus Miller cabin. Busy with fires account
50 mile wind. Marie Martha drove to Palmer for a haircut.
Several old pioneers died in Sitka with the flu. Presidents
Ball on at Palmer tonight. No Outside radio, only Anchorage
and Fairbanks radio heard.
January 26, 1942 Weather colder, 6 below zero
to 14 above. Electric wash day, Eva the Chink. Packed
grocery order for Pittman. Paid late invoices. Our
boys did a good job on the Jap’s today in Far East and U. S. troops
were landed in Ireland today to help out the British. Radio
good. Allied nations now got Axis Powers on the run.
January 27, 1942 Partly cloudy,
10 to 16 above. Sent airmail order for sugar
and groceries. Gas failed to arrive on PM freight.
Sent $30 to Pittman. Jap’s losing heavy on Burma Road invasion
in China. Bus cars froze up. Evening, church in school
house. Radio good. Hitler trying to stop German retreat
out of Russia and North Africa.
January 28, 1942 Weather colder, zero to 10
below zero. Sprinkle of snow last night, Wasilla white
again. Sven Edlund and wife left for Seattle, Willie left
to keep the home fires burning at Lake Wasilla summer resort.
U. S. bombers still knocking down Jap planes, cruisers and cargo
boats. Radio good. Churchill up before Commons for a confidence
vote.
January 29, 1942 Weather colder, zero to 14
below zero. Finished pricing new groceries, cooking oils
and rice up 25%. Sharon drove to Anchorage for his sister
Ellen and family , moved into Oberg house. Evening, Stanley
up from Army Post with part of Ellen Fleck-Smith family. Radio
fair, static from Cads light engine. A dozen subs on Atlantic
Coast.
January 30, 1942 Light wind, 22 to 34 above.
No snow thus far in Matanuska Valley, about 2’ at mines.
Auto roads good. Jap’s want General McArthur to surrender
Philippine Islands, nothing doing. Jap’s now within 18 miles
of Singapore but losing lots of soldiers. Radio good.
Reds still driving Nazis out of Russia. British retreating
in Africa from Nazis.
January 31, 1942 Weather windy, 20 to 30 above.
Presidents Birthday Ball all over Alaska and U. S. account
infant paralysis fund, Roosevelt’s 60th birthday. War
Chief of U. S. Army fighting the Jap’s and Hitler. Buddy
rode his bike through $5 show case glass. Evening, Stanley home
for over Sunday, first Sunday off at Post. Evening, put las-stick
sales on shoes. Radio good. Jap’s driving into Netherlands
and Australia with heavy losses.
February 1, 1942 Sunday, cloudy, windy, 24
above. Store open 3 hours AM for absent minded customers.
Out of gas, spuds and onions. Our Navy put it all over
the Jap’s today. Army bomber crashed at Anchorage, 2 aviators
killed. Radio fair. Jap’s got a beating today.
South America quit Axis Powers.
February 2, 1942 Weather hazy, 28 to 34 above.
Electric wash day. AM necked over eggs, butter and meats
from depot. Mrs. Rae went to Anchorage with Stanley looking for
a job. 30,000 crack Jap soldiers failed to route General McArthur
in Philippines and some taken prisoner.
February 3, 1942 Weather cloudy, 38 above.
Outside mail arrived. Groceries coming on “Alaska”.
U. S. debt now sixty billion dollars. U. S. landed troop
at Philippines to help General McArthur. Jap’s hot after
Singapore. Chinaman cleaning up on the Jap’s. Our Navy
still sinking Jap boats.
February 4, 1942 Weather cloudy, 38 above.
Packed grub order for Herman at Big Lake. Gus drove to
Anchorage for oil and to fix up tax report. Jap’s did
a lot of dirty work with air bombers in Far East today. Radio
good. Fred Allen on air with court trials. British retreating
from Nazis in Africa.
February 5, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Matanuska Electric Association working on electric wires in
Wasilla today. Shipped Herman order. Jap’s making
desperate effort to clean up on Burma Road and Dutch East Indies.
Freight arrived. Radio fair. Russians and Jap’s the only
fighting today.
February 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 36 above.
Electric wires now on insulators but wire is 6 miles from Wasilla
to connect up. Russians only ones doing real fighting,
running Germans out of Russia. PM had Gus haul over 1 ton
oil and 2 tons groceries from depot, freight up 40%. No Outside
radio. German sub sunk another boat near New York, 14 in all.
February 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Pricing and opening up new groceries with 45% boat freight
added. Thorpe’s and Olson’s hoarding grub account war.
Jap’s losing boats and planes but bring up reinforcements.
Stanley home for weekend. Dodson quit job at Independence Mine
and several others.
February 8, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
30 to 40 above. Store open 3 hours AM Bunch of Army
men fishing at Edlund’s on Lake Wasilla. Basketball last
night, our girls won, boys lost PM Ma joyriding over to Palmer
with son and kids. Put new glass in show case.
February 9, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Self in store, up 1 hour early per order of the President, now
on daylight savings time. Spinal meningitis at Palmer.
George Small here for stove pipe, Palmer out.
February 10, 1942 Sprinkle of snow, 32 above.
Mail train north and south. Big item, now, 1941 income
tax. Jap’s making big drive in Dutch East Indies District.
Stewart Vail family moved to Anchorage, Stewart got watchman job.
February 11, 1942 Chinook wind, 42 above.
Self in store and on merchandise orders. School now on
1 hour later time instead of ahead. Jap’s got 10 to 1 vs.
invading Dutch East Indies and now shelling Singapore’s British base.
February 12, 1942 Chinook wind, 46 above all
day. In store replacing stick-on shelves, etc.
Ed Coffey, Anchorage insurance man visited account icy road,
left his car and returned by rail to Anchorage. British still
holding Singapore. Jap’s lost 3rd airplane carrier.
February 13, 1942 Third day of Chinook, 40
above. Warm wind, streets and roads drying up.
School basketball teams drove to Anchorage for final games with
Anchorage teams. Germans run their fleet through Straights
of Dover without any losses. Singapore still holding off
Jap’s. Disruption at Independence Mine force.
February 14, 1942 Chinook, 30 to 40 above.
Wasilla dead, all sleeping after Anchorage basketball game
last night. British still mowing down advancing Jap’s
on Singapore, China landing troops to help hold open the Burma
supply road. Nels Larsen went to Palmer Hospital. Radio
fair, ten nations now at war with Axis Powers. Buddy and sister
here overnight.
February 15, 1942 Sunday, Chinook, 30
to 40 above, 50 above in sun all PM Stanley home for weekend.
Palmer - Anchorage Highway iced up. Jap’s finally took Singapore.
Jap’s walking right along in Far East Indies District but with
heavy losses.
February 16, 1942 A-1 day, 20 to 38 above,
50 above in sun. Registration day, 22 to 46 years, our
government wants 9 million more soldiers to clean up on the Jap’s
and Hitler. Jap’s lost 3 cruisers and a transport in today’s
aggression in East Indies. No school today account registration.
February 17, 1942 Sprinkle of snow, 30 to 34
above. Posted January 1940 NCR ledger. Gus took
groceries to Buggee at Palmer. Australia and the Dutch
ready to combat the Jap invaders. Chinamen helping to keep
the Burma China Road open. English Parliament after Churchill
account German boats through Dover Straits.
February 18, 1942 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Put final decorations in Mabel cabin and ½ cord stove
wood. Jap’s still losing cruisers and transport boats
loaded with soldiers. Reds now driving Nazis out of White
Russia.
February 19, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 40
above. Ma left for Anchorage, 4 PM via with Gus to Palmer to
catch bus or train. Rev. Bingle visited to beg a gunny sack
Evening, repainted kitchen floor. Jap’s got a good beating
in Far East today.
February 20, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 38
above. Ma arrived at Anchorage 12 midnight. Self
busy in store all day and posted March NCR ledger. Eva now
dinner cook. Jap’s making drive on java. Subs on Atlantic
Coast.
February 21, 1942 A-1 day,
20 to 30 above. Eva dinner cook. Posted April and
May in NCR ledger. Ma arrived home 8 PM in Stanley’s car.
Old timer, Nils Larsen passed out at Palmer Hospital. Jap’s
lost heavy today in Far East war.
February 22, 1942 Sunday, cloudy, 10
to 30 above. Eva and Stanley made round trip to Anchorage
for Eva’s sake. Got ½ of 1941 posted in ledger.
February 23, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34
above. Electric wash day, Eva Chink. Arnold Edlund
moved his family back to Wasilla from Anchorage, bombs.
Tryck fixing up old school house to rent. President Roosevelt
on the air, 45 minutes, telling the people all about the war.
February 24, 1942 Weather cloudy, 28 to 34
above. Two mail trains, received 8 invoices of merchandise
but no delivery as yet. First Jap submarine on Pacific
Coast fired on oil refinery near Santa Barbara, quarter mile off
shore but missed it’s mark. Jap’s still invading Java and
Dutch Indies with heavy losses.
February 25, 1942 Weather cloudy, 26 to 36
above. Had Gus haul over 3 truck loads merchandise from
set-out, PM only half came over from Seward. McArthur still
holding Jap’s off at Philippines. Jap’s lost 32 planes
today in East Indies drive. Los Angeles bombed by Jap’s
today.
February 26, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 36
above. Planes landed at Lake Lucille overnight, waiting
for Army clearance to Anchorage. Busy pricing and opening
up new merchandise. Evening, posted October 1941 in ledger.
Ma played Home Sweet Home on the washboard.
Jap’s lost 27 planes and 2 boats in Far East today.
February 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 26 to 34
above. St. Clair’s visited, after ice for their summer
resort. PM had Gus haul over 2 loads freight from railroad
shed. Evening, got ledgers posted up to December 1941. Stanley
up from Anchorage, took family back for dental work. Brown
wrecked his car. Local radio, McArthur driving Jap’s back on
Philippine Island. Far East now a war zone.
February 28, 1942 Partly
cloudy, 30 to 38 above. Finished posting 1941 ledger,
now ready to make out 1941 income tax. Evening, Stanley
and family back from Anchorage. Auto roads good, no snow.
Railroad installed warm room in-freight shed. Sprinkle of
snow. No Outside radio, Jap war in Far East 50/50.
March 1, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
new snow, 24 to 40 above. Wasilla white again, 2” new
snow. AM cleaned off walks. Stanley sold heater for Thorpe
rancher. Ski train went to Curry and return. Tabulating
1941 ledger for income. Nels Larsen buried at Anchorage.
March 2, 1942 Weather colder, 8 to 32 above.
Electric wash day by Eva but not for Ma, old way best.
Jap’s still making big drive in Far East Islands but with heavy
losses, men and boats. Reds shot down 77 Nazi planes rooting
Germans out of Russia. Sub sunk tanker in Atlantic.
March 3, 1942 A-1 day, 24 to 34 above.
Finished tabulating 1941 ledger, now ready for 1941 income tax
report. Eva learning to operate typewriter. Buddy
learning to use all kind of bad names. Got 3 orders from north.
Reds downed 162 German bombers.
March 4, 1942 A-1 day, 10 to 34 above.
Making out 1941 income tax. Got 2 orders ready to ship
north. Buddy went down with school bus driver to see new
lambs. Army bombers wrote sign in the air. Jap’s lost
boats and men trying to invade Java and Island ports.
March 5, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening, snowing,
24 to 38 above. Working on income tax report. Grandmother
and baby niece burned up by oil stove in Palmer. Jap’s landed
60,000 troops near Java to replace 2 transports lost there yesterday
by allied bombers. Alaska to Seattle, auto road, to start
soon.
March 6, 1942 A-1 day, 30 to 38 above.
Snowed 4” last night. AM cleaned off 180’ sidewalk.
PM and evening, filling in 1941 income tax report. Java
about to surrender to the Jap’s. Reds still driving Nazis out
of Russia. Local radio. Exhibit fair on at Anchorage.
Mines now off the preferred buying list.
March 7, 1942 A-1 day, 28 to 38 above. Finished
1941 income tax report. Profit on sales, $1,387.02.
$1,500 exemption so no tax to pay. Party on tonight account
funds for Red Cross. Stanley home for weekend, brought Gus
and Cad from Anchorage. Jap’s finally took Java in East
Indies, Australia next?
March 8, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
28 to 38 above. Usual AM traders. PM Stanley took
Ma joy riding over to Palmer. Got out-mail. Sent income
tax report to Joe Conroy for Notary seal, by Stanley. Two
Army planes landed here, short of gas.
March 9, 1942 Regular business, misty, windy,
34 to 38 above. Wash day at our new house by the neighbors,
pumped 16 pails of water. Costs $5 a week to operate
electric and for fuel? Jap’s moved right along from Java
to New Zealand, Australia next stop? Road blocked from Fishhook
Inn to mines.
March 10, 1942 Weather misty, 24 to 30 above.
Late snow blocked bench roads to mines. Dan Gray, watchman
at Mabel Mine, in for grub ad mail, said soldiers shot up his
cabin at mile 13. Cleaned soot out of new house stove. Evening,
Eva went to Anchorage. Evening, patched my war time woolen
pants.
March 11, 1942 A-1 day, 24 to 28 above. Star
plane landed here for more gas. Gus and Fred drove to
Anchorage to pay taxes. Evening, Stanley from Anchorage
with tobacco for K. T. Co. No more gas at Anchorage until March
24th, now on ration. 8 AM bombers shot down two Jap transports
and damaged 9 others boats. Jap’s trying to land troops in
Australia. India wants independence from Britain and will
fight Jap’s.
March 12, 1942 Weather colder, 4 below zero
to 22 above. Got hardware and drugs out of set-up cold
car. Hot car due this PM with groceries and meats.
Klem, railroad ice contractor through. AM sub sunk 7 Jap
boats in Jap waters.
March 13, 1942 Still colder, 20 above to 10
below zero. A-1 sunny day. Sun now back to north
west corner of Lake Lucille, 12 hours daylight. Party of
3 auto thieves caught here. Jap’s got nowhere today.
China Army now bumping off Jap’s. Reds still driving Nazis
out of Russia.
March 14, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Refilled furnace coal bin. Received truck load oil and
gas. Stanley home from Anchorage, 5 PM. U. S. transport
with 10,000 soldiers torpedoed off coast of Brazil. U. S.
Dutch and British lost 12 cruisers in Indochina battle in February.
March 15, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 20 to
30 above, 48 above in sun. Store open 3 hours AM , Teachers
all broke, no paychecks for 2 months. Hitler on the air,
told his people he would clean up Russia and the allies when
summer comes. Winter too cold to fight. Ma and kids trip
to Palmer.
March 16, 1942 Partly cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Electric wash day at rear. Got out order to Butler bros.
14 Jap bombers raided north Australian coast. U. S. bombers
raided Jap airports in Java. Britain raided Nazi ports.
March 17, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above to
4 below zero. Delayed car freight arrived PM 7 days
from Seward. General Douglas McArthur sent to Australia to
command war vs. the Jap’s. A hurricane in central states
killed 147. Irish are all Swedes at Anchorage.
March 18, 1942 Weather cloudy, 16 to 28 above.
Fred hauled over groceries and drugs from set-out, 1,019 pounds,
part lot freight held at Seward for a week. Stanley up
from Anchorage for overnight. U. S. sunk 11 Jap boats and
lost one bomber. All nations approve General McArthur’s
appointment over Australia war.
March 19, 1942 Partly cloudy, 16 to 26 above.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with dog team. Spot got locked
up in Gus’ warehouse for 3 days before found. U. S. and
Dutch knocked the ‘ell out of Jap’s today, likewise Reds vs. Nazis.
Pricing new merchandise all day.
March 20, 1942 Weather cloudy, 8 to 24 above,
40 above in sun. Rented Mabel cabin to new Professor of
Wasilla schools, just arrived. Professor Krock drafted
to war. Stanley up from Anchorage, took family back Marie Martha
to see dentist. Also Tryck account of Collie’s wedding tomorrow.
No more coffee, pork and beans in 1942, pork in tins.
March 21, 1942 Weather windy, 8 to 26 above.
Sold 3 orders or groceries. Fixed side window in Mabel cabin
account wind. Airplane stored in Gus warehouse, private
owner gone to war. Evening, Stanley and kids back from Anchorage.
March 22, 1942 Sunday, weather cooler,
10 to 20 above, 40 above in sun. Store open 3 hours.
PM took down old store aerial account electric light wires below.
Ski train back from Curry. Stanley left for Anchorage Army Post at
6 AM as usual. U. S. knocked down 23 Jap bombers.
March 23, 1942 Weather windy, 14 to 22 above.
Electric wash day. Matanuska Electric Association inspector
here, only inspected 4 house wiring. No pay deposit, no
juice? Billy Tryck brought his dad back from Anchorage after
Warren Tryck’s wedding Saturday. Evening, got out Seattle mail.
Cars short of gas, 2 gallon limit.
March 24, 1942 Weather windy, 20 to 32 above.
Eva, sister and brother made round trip to Anchorage account
mothers birthday. Gus left on north train for Circle Hot
Springs to get boiled out of game leg and hip trouble. Freight
train north with soldier outfit for aviation field somewhere.
Local radio. Reds still driving Nazis out of Russia. Jap’s
halted from taking Australia.
March 25, 1942 Partly cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Packed grub order for Willow. Army Post making Cat road
from Pittman to Big 10 Mile Lake. U. S. bombers put 3 Jap
airports out of business today. British to give India home rule.
March 26, 1942 Spring day, 30 to 44 above.
Professor Krok left for Anchorage account Army draft.
Marge Rambeau new Superintendent of Wasilla School. PM
put up curtain pole and made ironing board for Mabel cabin.
Snow all gone in Wasilla, streets muddy. Eva and Isaac at sport
party at Knik.
March 27, 1942 Second spring day, 30 to 44
above. Wasilla High left by bus to play basketball in
Anchorage. Joe Louis private fight vs. Abe Simond, 255½
pounder at New York, Joe won with KO in 6th round. Africa
Army returned home to Australia.
March 28, 1942 No business, third spring day,
32 to 48 above. Fixed window to coal bin. Only 7 inspected
for new electric lights soon to come? British loaded old
cruiser with dynamite and headed her into German submarine dock in
France and blew up boat and dock Farewell party at Town Hall
for Professor Kleck
March 29, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, snow,
24 to 36 above. White again, light flurry of snow PM.
Totaled up 1942 inventory, $10,596.97. Totaled NCR Jan
2nd inventory, $6,414.14. Grocery and clothing department
declining. PM Eva went to Anchorage with Klock's. Professor
Klock drafted, kids slept here.
March 30, 1942 Four inches snow
last night, 30 to 40 above. AM cleaned off 180’ new snow
on sidewalks. Jap’s drove back with heavy losses in Philippines.
Flood in New Guinea drove Jap’s out of valley. Jap bombers
hit by auto aircraft guns 4 miles up in air. Evening, Eva
and Mrs. Klock back from Anchorage. No electric wash today,
Chink at Anchorage.
March 31, 1942 A-1 day, 32 to 40 above.
Electric wash day, Chink 1 day late. Mail in and out.
Metz appointed watchman of Nels Larsen property. American
and Australian bombers knocking the ‘ell out of Jap airports.
Reds reducing German Army every day.
April 1, 1942 Cloudy, 30 to 38 above, snow
flurries AM. Frost coming out ground water running everywhere.
Fred hauled over truck load of groceries from set-out, hardware
and meats left at Seward? Railroad service? Jap’s supplies
and airports badly bombed with little resistance. Eva had
electric lights inspected, now ready for juice.
April 2, 1942 Weather cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Pricing and opening up new groceries all AM. Marie Martha’s
10th birthday, Ma made her a birthday cake, Pa gave her $10 defense
bond. Evening, Stanley drove up from Army Post.
Jap drive on Philippine U. S. Post a failure.
April 3, 1942 Rain all day, 42 above.
Gust Jackson down from Pittman to trade. Roads all cut
up account rain and frost coming out. Mrs. Cad went to Anchorage
with Stanley. Jap’s being checked on all invasions in Far
East. Reds making it hot for Germans. Germans bombing
British towns again.
April 4, 1942 Spring day, 28 to 40 above. Roads
in bad shape. Getting lots of snow at mines with rain here.
Most war now in Far East and Reds driving Germans out of Russia.
Subs have sunk 100 vessels in Atlantic. Sale of ice pool
tickets closed today.
April 5, 1942 Easter, first warm day,
32 to 60 above. Soldier dance and booze party at Hall last
night. Ski special back from Curry 10 PM. Jap’s losing
half of their planes on invasion in Far East. Spring floods
in Russia bad for Nazis. Snow slide closed road to mines.
April 6, 1942 A-1 spring day, 32 to 50 above.
Electric wash day at new house. Knik Road all cut up by
Army truck. 197 Jap boats sunk to date, 92 Jap planes shot
down to date, 3,700 Jap’s killed at Burma Road. German troops
retreating near Black Sea.
April 7, 1942 A-1 day, 34 to 48 above. Army
truck still here cutting up the soft roads. Road open again
to upper Fishhook. PM freight brought hardware and butter,
etc. 29 days from Seattle. U. S. troops on Philippines now
hard pressed by big Jap drive. Evening, Stanley home.
April 8, 1942 Weather windy, 40 to 48 above.
Wind drying up mud on roads. Opened up and priced new
merchandise. Auto cars, for Fairbanks, put off here, railroad
service? Army now driving trucks to Big (10 mile) Lake over
bulldozer road from Wasilla. Jap’s pushing back U. S. troops
in Philippines.
April 9, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 58 above. Helped
Jake to obtain entrance in Nels Larsen (deceased) cabin account
lost keys. General Wainwright forced to give up Jap control
in Philippines account 200,000 Jap’s vs. his 36,000 Army. Town
Hall program on war, good.
April 10, 1942 Partly cloudy, 38 to 48 above.
Light snow last night all gone by noon. Mrs. McDougal visited,
said lots of snow at mine. Anchorage Army bombers over Wasilla
every day, maneuvering. Baby Snooks on Maxwell House program
good. India turned down British deal for independence after
war. Jap’s now control Philippines.
April 11, 1942 A-1 day, 34 to 42 above. Got
last of snow for battery water for electric plant. Jap’s
badly beaten in today’s maneuvers. Reds annihilating German
intruders in Russia. British dropped 10,000 pound
explosives on German military plants. Evening, Stanley home
for one night, from Anchorage.
April 12, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
38 to 48 above. Store open 3 hours, AM for absent minded.
Edlund summer resort opened under new management on Lake Wasilla.
Shorty and Thorpe’s on usual drunk. Mussolini on a nervous
breakdown.
April 13, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
Buck Sparling in from Wet Gulch for supplies. Dodson prospecting
Little Susitna coal deposits. Fairview Sawmill outfit in
for supplies. Electric wash day. Local and short wave
hook up. U. S. bombers did good work on Jap’s in Far East
and Reds on Germans.
April 14, 1942 Spring day, 32 to 50 above.
L. Cox down from Montana, $50 grub and clothing order.
Eva and Buddy went to Palmer, PM with Uncle Sharon. British
and Chinks being drove back on Burma Road by Jap’s. Jap’s losing
in other sections. Hitler about to get French Navy control.
April 15, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
U. S. bombers did business today from Australia base, flew 2M
miles, bombed ports held by Jap’s in Philippine Islands and sunk
several Jap boats. Old Laval got control of France through
Hitler. Looks bad for French free government. Stanley
home overnight. Matanuska Electric juice in Wasilla.
April 16, 1942 A-1 day, 34 to 50 above.
Ma left with Stanley for weekend at Anchorage. Eva
dinner cook for K. T. Co. help. Rushed all PM with orders.
Eva at library. Denali mail came over on PM freight.
Lathrop and partner in for grub outfit. Local radio and short
wave. Jap’s all excited over U. S. bomb raid on Philippines.
April 17, 1942 Spring day, 34 to 58 above.
Roads drying up, one mush hole on Knik Road at mile 2.
Mrs. LaValley bought $25 order. Mail arrived on freight.
Teachers got delayed paychecks. Ma at Anchorage for weekend.
Only 3 got new electric lights.
April 18, 1942 Summer day, 38 to 58 above.
Jap’s reported Tokyo bombed by American fliers and also 2 suburban
towns, claim they shot down 11 U. S. bombers. No report
as yet by our war department on above Island Evening, Stanley
brought Ma back from Anchorage.
April 19, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 40 to
50 above. Radio off until 6 PM. Cleaned and oiled
store floor PM and burned lawn grass. No report as yet by
U. S. on Tokyo bombardment Saturday. Evening, took usual
bath in new house. British now using 1,000 planes to bomb German
industrial centers.
April 20, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 50 above.
Eva did wash at home on new electric power line. Ma done
hers in tub as usual. Evening, Stanley home to install electric
pump over well. No U. S. report as yet on Tokyo bombing.
Hitler’s birthday, gave no speech, Russians got him about licked.
Burma still holding out.
April 21, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 58 above.
Mail train in and out. Stanley installed 110 volt electric
pump, no water came up, stayed down in 26’ well. Eva still
pump man. Letter from Attorney Perkins will try to sell Burnap farm
at Eyota, Minnesota. 100 geese flying west today. U.
S. starting defense on Jap’s in Far East. Reds and British on
Nazis.
April 22, 1942 Weather cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Pricing new groceries and hardware. Ritter home from
Army Post to plant crop at mile 3 Knik Road. Mussolini
wants to quit the Axis Powers, says double crossed. Stuart Vail
up from Anchorage, says he got section foreman job. Senske in
from Chickaloon Road camp. Local station and short wave hookup.
School got valley lights.
April 23, 1942 A-1 day, 48 to 58 above.
Ma did mid-week washing. Armour’s meats, etc. arrived.
Uncle Sam busy convoying Lease Lend goods to Britain, Russia
and North Africa and Australia and not on the defense vs. Jap’s
and Hitler. Frost about out, planting soon.
April 24, 1942 A-1 day, 28 to 58 above.
Packed away Armour meats, etc. Wasilla Roadhouse had a chimney
fire, caught in time, no damage. Paddy went to Anchorage
on PM freight. Metz getting gardens ready to plant.
Tryck moving old school house on to his lot for apartment rent. One
U. S. bomber landed in Siberia after raid on Turkey, lost their bearings
on return.
April 25, 1942 Cold wind, 38 to 48 above.
Self in store, cleaned shelves. More war restrictions,
can’t come or leave Alaska without orders from Army Post.
Evening, Stanley home from Army Post for night only. Dance
at Hall.
April 26, 1942 Sunday, real summer day,
40 to 60, and 70 above in the sun. Store open AM.
PM self operated the electric washer, 2 PM. Cigarette smoker
touched off sod soaked with oil in front of depot, Section men saved
2 big oil tanks but Gus’ coal bin and railroad coal bins burned up.
Lucky for town, no wind.
April 27, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 56 above. Walden’s
oil tank truck standing by with a load of water account coal
bin fire in front of depot still burning. PM Paddy and self
jointed up 20’ of ¾” pipe for Stanley’s electric pump.
April 28, 1942 A-1 spring day, 30 above AM
40 above noon, 60 above PM. Coal fire finally out.
Gus arrived home 4 PM from Hot Springs Circle District to find his
coal bin burned up. Stanley home, evening, tried to install
¾” pipe inside 1¼” well pipe for electric pump but wouldn’t
go only half way in. Primary election today.
April 29, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 50 above.
Self on plumbing job all AM. Fixed Eva’s water system account
broken joints. ARC fixed mush holes on Knik Road.
Chena ice, in slough, went out. Chas Porter, of Anchorage,
won the pool, $3,000, Nenana Pool . U. S. landed troop and
war supplies in Australia, in 2 weeks will make a drive on the Jap’s.
April 30, 1942 Weather cooler, cloudy, 32 to
48 above. Nenana ice went out 1:28 PM pool, $85,000.
Three individuals and 8 company tickets won the pool. Jap’s
took Junction of Burma Road. Twenty Jap planes shot down today.
Hitler short of supplies on Russian drive. Ma cut Grandpa’s
hair. Marie Martha sick. Reds downed 1,000 Nazi airplanes
since January.
May 1, 1942 Weather cloudy, 38 to 58 above,
74 in the sun. May Day not observed, everybody making war
material or fighting in the World War. Cad making his garage
over into a cocktail lounge. Marie Martha in bed all day
after changing to summer clothing. All the kids got colds
likewise. New family, A. W. Franz, arrived in Wasilla.
May 2, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 58 above. Town Hall
wired for Matanuska Electric Association. Evening, dance
on at Hall for the fornicate soldiers. Chas Isaac working
on Section. Chinaman repulsed Jap’s today on Burma drive.
Evening, Stanley home, fixed leaky pipe and the cook. Jap’s
failed thus far on drive vs. Burma Road and Philippines. Reds
pushing Nazis back.
May 3, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 40 to 58
above, summer is here. Took down winter balcony fly.
Dawned summer pants and took usual Sunday bath. Ma helped to do
laundry on electric washer in new house. War, as usual, Jap’s
and Germans losing equipment and soldiers.
May 4, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Self in store all day. ARC smoothing up Knik Road.
Gang now working on Chickaloon to Richardson Highway Road.
U. S. stalling Jap’s from invasion of Australia and India.
May 5, 1942 Summer day, 40 to 60 above.
Olson boy and Ted Klim gone to Fairbanks for summer job.
Carl Tweeden, ex-Wasilla Lake rancher, 1917-1918, in town.
Two mail trains, got ton groceries coming. New coal bin
arrived for depot. Jap’s got Philippines after 8 months fighting
and heavy losses. Local radio and short wave news. Reds
and British putting it all over on Hitler.
May 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 54 above.
In store all day. Priced up groceries in route.
Evening, Stanley home overnight from Army Post. Jap’s got
full possession of Philippines proper. U. S. Marines soldiers
and Philippines taken, 3,885. Radio good. British trying
to take over French Madagascar to halt Jap drive.
May 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening rain, 48
to 58 above. Self in store PM. Received ½
of freight listed and due today. Hills Coffee, butter,
clothing, Washington Creamery goods still at Seward. Corigador,
U. S. Fort in entrance to Manila Bay, fell to Jap’s May 6th.
Radio fair.
May 8, 1942 A-1 day, 40 to 68 above. Finished
pricing up new groceries. Ma up at 5 AM out in cold store
to take on a cold. Eva went to Anchorage with Gus. Robbins
here.
May 9, 1942 A-1 day, 48 to 58 above. Ma got
the kids cold. Sold one old age outfit. Sam Stone
visited, sold his ranch at Willow Station to Army Post for airplane
field. Eva and Stanley back from Anchorage. Eva’s
mother not well. Stanley now has boss job at Army Post. Jap’s beat
it out of Coral Sea after losing 18 boats. Nazi subs now sinking
boats in Gulf Mexico.
May 10, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, 58 to
64 above. Business up 50% last 9 days. Jane and Mary Cadwallader,
21 year old twins had birthday party at roadhouse. Ma and
self did electric wash in new house. Evening, short wave good.
Short wave OK, 5 to 10. Hitler lost more soldiers now than
1st World War.
May 11, 1942 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above. Paid
five invoices, $452.20. Birch trees leafing out.
Twenty four Jap boats sunk in Coral Sea by U. S. China troops
killed 4,500. Jap’s are relocating on Burma Road. Reds still
driving Nazis out of Russia. Nazis lost 37 planes at Cairo
Africa on Manila drive. War coming over our way vs. the Jap’s
and Nazis. Buck Sparling is going to Kuskokwim.
May 12, 1942 First warm day, AM 50 above, 70
to 80 PM. Three prong Cottonwood tree at side of store
all leaved out. Green grass showing up, summer is here one week
late. India preparing to stop Jap’s. Nazis making
spring drive vs. Russia.
May 13, 1942 Second hot day, 60 to 78 above.
Delayed clothing, meats and groceries arrived. ARC still
graveling on Knik Road. Kay Kaiser on air with patriotic
show. Nazis trying to stop Red drive but losing heavy.
Jap’s quiet after Coral Ocean recent defeat. Kids out in
bathing suits. Germans going to use gas to win war.
May 14, 1942 Third hot day, 60 to 76, 90 in
the sun. Timber fires on Knik Road, mile 4 Willow Road
and on road to Palmer. Very dry, plow doesn’t reach moisture.
Allies the aggressors on three war fronts, taking heavy toll.
Received delayed freight, 30 days from Seattle. Local radio
with war news. Soldiers here looking for beer.
May 15, 1942 Fourth hot day, 60 to 78 above.
Wasilla High School closed, went on picnic at Edlund’s Resort.
Snow slide near Knik Bridge on Palmer - Anchorage Highway.
Reds driving Nazis back and U. S. bombers wrecking Jap’s air drives.
Local radio with short wave war news. Ma nursing usual warm
weather cold.
May 16, 1942 Fifth hot day, 60 to 80 above.
Cad got load lumber to fix over his garage into cocktail lounge.
Four fires burning in woods. Reds still driving Nazis out
of White Russia. Axis subs have sunk 194 boats on Atlantic Coast,
U. S. shipping lane. Stanley home evening. Reported
Jap’s making ready for 2nd drive on Australia. Chinaman got
Jap’s choked on Burma Road drive.
May 17, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 72 above.
Section men moving junk out Cads garage to Nellie’s chicken
coop to make ready for a Cocktail Bar. Ma helped do electric
wash at new house. Evening, planted 24 hills of spuds.
Jap’s taking a rest. Nazis hard pressed by Reds, big fight coming
up.
May 18, 1942 Weather cooler, cloudy, 46 to
60 above. Stanley one year with Army Post construction at Anchorage,
after 3 months, got a boss job at $12.50 a day. Second lot
of U. S. Army planes and tanks landed at Irish port to help British
drive vs. Axis in near future. Subs still sinking boats on Atlantic
coast. Chinks still holding Burma Road District with U. S. help.
Planted radishes.
May 19, 1942 Weather cloudy, 46 to 54 above.
Milo got Carson’s team to dig his garden plot. Stanley
home evening, helped him pull pipe and point out of well, put back
check valve and point with 1” pipe, valve broke off. Reds
knocking the ‘ell out of the Nazis. U. S. same with Jap bombers
in Far East.
May 20, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening, rain,
60 above. Snow gone on Bald Mt. 2 weeks late this spring.
Eva and self pulled point out of Eva’s well, got 2” casing ready
for well. Evening, up to midnight, drove new point and installed
electric pump but no work. Busy on outside work so got no
war news. Wasilla School closed.
May 21, 1942 Cool day, 54 to 58 above.
Section men down from Pittman to trade. Valley fire burned
off 25,000 acres of timber. Valley farmers dieing for rain,
dust 6” deep. Reds killed 12,000 Nazis in Khorkov District
drive.
May 22, 1942 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
U. S. still supplying allied nations with food and war material.
Axis subs now sinking boats in Gulf of Mexico, sunk 2 Mexican
oil tankers. Draft on June 30 for all boys 18 to 21 years.
Reds and Nazis hard at it in Khorkov. Jap invader taking
a rest. Teachers last day.
May 23, 1942 Partly cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Cleaned up dead grass along warehouse aft store. Kids took
bath in our new house, took 9 pails of water. Evening, Stanley
home, tried out pump on well point, no good for electric pumps.
Three soldiers on watch at depot. Reds retreated on one front
today but drove Germans back on 2 other fronts.
May 24, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 56 to 66 above,
80 in sun. Worked all day and evening on Stanley’s well in basement.
Made new cribbing, sunk same, 5’ to 16’ more to go to dig out
well points and make basin for water supply. Stanley home
evening and helped to start cribbing. Jap’s still bombing
Burma Road District. Hitler’s people crying for food.
May 25, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 to 68 above.
Reported that Fishhook Pass open for auto traffic. No
water at Eva’s house, did her wash at our new house, the old reliable?
Put up tackle over Stanley’s well. Evening, Fred hoisted out
5’ dirt, 11 more feet to point Reds stopped Nazi drive, lost
1M troops and many tanks. Mexico declared war on Axis.
May 26, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
50 to 60 above. Johnny Toughluck down from Caswell Station
for cooking utensil outfit. Sold out on eggs and oranges.
Evening, Stanley up from Army Post to work on his dry well, Fred
helping him. About 50/50 with Reds and Nazis today.
Army man here with map to get detail from Big Lake to Goose Bay.
May 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 42 to 60 above.
In store all day. PM dug out drains under sidewalk.
Helped Stanley on well, evening to 10 PM got 6’ to go to get
water. Mail north 1 day late. Got hardware and groceries
in route. British and Germans at it again in North Africa.
Reds holding Nazi drive in Russia. Chinks blew up 1,500 Jap’s
in mined trenches.
May 28, 1942 Partly cloudy, 32 to 62 above.
Frost last night, nothing growing account no rain, all dust.
Stanley home, evening, worked on well. Eva and self pulled
up rocks and sand, uncovered point and barrel, only 3” in water
above point Only 3’ more to dig for plenty of water.
May 29, 1942 Weather cloudy, 48 to 56 above,
cooler weather. Stanley home, evening, finished cleaning
gravel out of well and sunk 50 gallon oil drum, 24” in water, couldn’t
bale it out. Now ready to install electric pump, well 28’
deep. Hot fighting on all 3 fronts, Africa, Russia and Far East,
Axis losing heavy.
May 30, 1942 No business, weather cloudy,
light rain, 46 to 50 above. Store open AM 3 AM. Stanley
and family left for Anchorage account Memorial Day. Seven
Army trucks and 50 soldiers, with bulldozer, passed through to
Goose Bay to build airplane landing field. Truck load merchandise
arrived. Jap’s lost 14,000 on new Burma Road drive. Mexico
declared war on Axis.
May 31, 1942 Sunday, light rain, 50 above.
British made big drive on Cologne with 1,250 airplanes,
destroyed city and German railroad terminals, only lost 44 planes.
British went prepared to clean up on all German industries.
Evening, Stanley and family back from Anchorage. Russians
laid off on war drive today. Hot fighting in desert in Africa.
U. S. still blasting Jap air drives.
June 1, 1942 Weather cooler, cloudy, 50 to
56 above. Made fire in furnace, cold all day. Evening,
Stanley brought Smith boys back from Anchorage. Eva did wash
at our new house. RAF dropped six million pounds of bombs
that destroyed city of Cologne and Hitler railroad center.
Three Jap subs tried to torpedo Sidney, Australia but were destroyed
by death bombs.
June 2, 1942 Hardware sales good.
Weather cloudy, 50 to 58 above, June came in cloudy and cold.
Eva and kids threw well dirt out of cellar, going to have open
well. RAF 1,000 bombers raided Essen Krupp Works.
British winning in Africa fight. Chinese took 4 Jap holdings.
Reds and Nazis getting ready for final battle. McArthur bombing
Jap airdromes.
June 3, 1942 Weather cloudy, cool, 50 to 56
above. No swimming today, too cold. Jap planes bomb
Dutch Harbor, Aleutian Islands. Local radio off air.
Nazis routed British in Cairo District. Stanley hooked up
electric pump but no water come at 17’. Jap’s now trying to
bomb Alaska.
June 4, 1942 Weather cloudy, 46 to 58 above.
Reported Jap’s brought in two airplane carriers near Dutch
Harbor. Our bombers sunk one and other had to go on beach.
We lost one plane, no detail report as yet. Evening, helped
Stanley reassemble electric pump, no work. Eva and Gus made
round trip to Anchorage. Local station off the air account
bombing raid at Dutch Harbor, only New York radio on air.
June 5, 1942 Partly cloudy, 48 to 60 above.
Writing this diary at 11 PM and still daylight. Sprinkle
rain. Stanley home at noon to work on his new electric pump.
Put vacuum pipe at bottom of well, then pump would only raise priming
in 11’ pipe, NG. No radio account Jap bombers at Dutch Harbor.
June 6, 1942 Partly cloudy, 50 to 62 above.
Noon, electric pump agent over from Palmer, found injector defective
on pump, reason it wouldn’t work. Stanley home evening, all
took bath at our new house. Evening, KGEI had Cavalry Victory
program account Naval victory at Mid Island past 3 days. No
local radio, got news over KGEI. Big day for United Nations over
Jap’s and Germans
June 7, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 50 to 60
above, 80 in the sun. Store open 3 hours, AM as usual.
Eva went to Anchorage with Stanley to see her mother off to Seattle,
kids sleeping here as usual. Ma and Marie Martha did electric wash
at new house. Self cut and threaded upper pipe for pump.
No KFQD, got war news over KGEI. Five Jap subs sunk. Out
of eggs.
June 8, 1942 Partly cloudy, 52 to 68 above.
Self in store AM. PM mechanic came, put new injector on
Stanley’s electric pump, after some adjustments on air and pressure,
it worked OK on 17’ water lift. Warming up kids bath took
2 hours to make electric pump work. Got details on U. S. gunboats
vs. the Jap’s at Midway Island. Jap’s lost 12 boats.
June 9, 1942 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above.
Inspected Stanley’s electric pump system, several leaks in old
line. Evening, Stanley and Eva back from Anchorage.
Stanley tightened up leaky pipes, pump works OK. Jap’s still
bombing Dutch Harbor. One hundred Canadian airmen arrived
at Anchorage Army Post.
June 10, 1942 Partly cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Black bear Clothing arrived in set-out, 22 days from Seattle.
Jap’s reported only 1 plane carrier lost in Midway Island battle
and they got 1 U. S. carrier and 14 planes on Dutch Harbor Island.
Our claim, 8 killed and 40 wounded, lost 1 plane. Germans
making a counter drive in Russia and Libya with heavy losses vs. allies.
June 11, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Very dry and smoky, rain needed. Russia, England and U.
S. signed a 20 year joint pack for future peace of the world and
agreed to eliminate the Axis regime. Jap’s still trying to take
Burma Road District. Russians held Hitler drive. Local
station back on air after 6 day account Jap raid on Dutch Harbor.
June 12, 1942 Weather cloudy, 54 to 56 above.
Windy, dust storm, so dry. Reported Jap’s landing on Rat
and Attu Island, 750 miles from Dutch Harbor Westward. U. S.
Lexington airplane carrier was sunk by Jap’s, we got 3 Jap carriers.
Red and Nazis hard at it, also British and Nazis in Libya, Africa war
zone.
June 13, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Gus moved his garage from Knik Street To Boundary Street
for a cabin to rent. Reported the Army took over Goose Bay
docks. Heavy fighting at Libya in Africa. Jap’s quiet after
Midway Island beating.
June 14, 1942 Sunday, temperature 60
to 66 above. Fine Flag Day program over KGEI, 7:30 to 9
PM with Army hour, details of Midway Island battle. Also,
Douglas C54 bomber on way to Santa Anna Airport tuned in with load
of cadets speaking. Reds hard pressed by Nazi drive.
June 15, 1942 Summer day, 72 above, evening,
light rain. Down at Aleutian Island, U. S. bombers sunk
1 Jap cruiser and 1 airplane carrier. Jap’s now on the
run in western Pacific war zone. Nazi subs still sinking
boats on Atlantic.
June 16, 1942 Partly cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
AM assorted freight out in set-out, PM Gus hauled it to store,
finished 10 PM RAF sunk 8 Italian war cruisers in the Mediterranean.
June 17, 1942 Wasilla to Placer Mine.
Fred and self left Wasilla at 7:20, arrived Willow Bridge 9 AM.
Brought car up skid road to cabins, got stuck, put on chains and
made it through. PM worked on Bear Bench sluice. Found camp
in good shape.
June 18, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mine, Ma storekeeper.
June 19, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mines prospecting for bench gold.
June 20, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mine, ground sluicing bench ground.
June 21, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mine on Grubstake Gulch.
June 22, 1942 Fred and self at Placer
Mine, ground sluicing on hydro bench.
June 23, 1942 Fred Nelson and self at
Placer Mine. finished ground sluice, ready to clean up
boxes.
June 24, 1942 Finished 1941-1942 assessment
work at Placer Mines. AM cleaned up it and sluice boxes,
got about $10 out of hydro bench ground sluice. Cached
tools, painted cabin roof, dried out hydro hose, cleaned up and
closed camp 6:30. Fred and self arrived Wasilla 8:15.
Winston Churchill over here again account war, Axis Powers weakening.
June 25, 1942 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above. Busy
pricing and opening up new groceries. PM another ton groceries
arrived, stored away same. War hot on all 4 fronts.
British losing on Africa drive. Reds still holding German
drive into Russia. Chinks, with U. S. bombers, put Jap’s on
the run.
June 26, 1942 Weather cooler, 60 above, busy
all day pricing and opening up ton new groceries. PM
light rain. British bombed Bremen, Germany submarine base
with 1,000 planes. Heavy fighting in Africa desert and
at Tobruk. Radio fair. Axis getting it in the neck.
Hi Gill died.
June 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
All AM repacking barrel pop. Sexton’s cows ate up Klim’s
cabbage. Dance on at Goose Bay tonight. Stanley home
for overnight. U. S. and Britain preparing for drive on Germany
and Jap’s at Burma Road. Radio fair.
June 28, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Prowler wanted to get into store, 3 AM
for ham and eggs. Eva went to Anchorage with Agent Browne account
Hi Gill (Warren T. Gill) funeral. Hot fighting in Russia
and Africa desert. Electric wash day.
June 29, 1942 Temperature 54 to 74 above.
Some soldier trade. Soldiers moving gasoline from car
to Goose Bay airport. Germans pushing British back in Libya.
In 2 week drive U. S. picked up 210 tons of old rubber in States.
June 30, 1942 June a dry month, no rain.
Temperature 54 to 70. Busy with Air Mail. Fourth of July
vegetables and fruit failed to arrive. Filed final 1941-1942
assessment on Placer Mine. 1942 to July 1st 1943 exempt by
Congress. Allie situation improving in North Africa.
Russians holding German drive at Kirkook. Cad got his new cocktail
bar ready to open July 1st.
July 1, 1942 Weather cooler, 55 to 60 above.
Evening, Stanley fixed up the old Chev pickup and sold it to
Franz the preacher for $150 cash. Hot fighting in all
Europe sector. Germans claim capture of Cairo from
the Reds. Jap’s reported maneuvering troops in Manchuria to
attack Siberia. July came in cloudy and cold. Jap’s going
to help Hitler vs. Reds.
July 2, 1942 Windy and cool, 54 to 56 above.
Finished pricing new hardware. No more nails and other
steel tools available, war comes first. Mechanical jobs, router
map and pump connections. Thursday for losses, both Reds
and British drove back by Germans Jap’s quiet. Eight
spies landed by German sub on Atlantic Coast, caught by U. S. patrol.
July 3, 1942 Weather windy, 52 to 62 above.
Cad opened Cocktail Bar in his garage. Marie Martha got
earache. Army still hauling supplies to Goose Bay.
British holding German drive to Suez Canal. The Flying Tigers
destroyed 250 tanks and 300 Jap planes. Germans took 1 Red town
but lost 15,000 soldiers. Bremen Nazi sub base burned, 5th time.
July 4, 1942 Quiet day, weather cloudy,
cool, 56 above. AM cleared up balcony. PM closed.
Very quiet 4th. Everybody working on defense materials, even
President FDR. First U. S. bombers bombed Nazi industries
in Netherlands.
July 5, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 to 70
above. Ma and self did electric washing in new house.
Evening Stanley took all the Herning’s joy riding to Lake View
Government Farm and Lake View. Hard fights in Russia, Nazis
vs. Reds. Germans stopped by British in Libya.
July 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 58, first
real rain of season this evening. Ignored Matanuska Electric
Association bill of $2.53 for June; not connected to our electric
line, no service rendered. Our subs sunk 3 Jap cruisers at
Aleutian Islands and 1 fire. British made Nazi retreat in
Libya in Egypt. Reds hard pressed by Germans
July 7, 1942 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
Buddy and sister went to Anchorage by train with their Grandma,
Martha Amelia Matilda for weekend vacation. Fine day after
all night rain. Jap’s being routed at Burma with aid of
U. S. bombers.
July 8, 1942 Weather cloudy, 54 above, evening
rain. Had Gus take kitchen water over to Palmer for new
bottom, rusted out. Had a rush in store at 4:00 to 6:20
sold over $50 merchandise. Things going better in Libya
for the allies. Nazis bring up reinforcements. Chinese
doing good work vs. Jap’s with aid of U. S. bombers. U. S. sub
sunk more Jap cruisers in Aleutians.
July 9, 1942 Partly cloudy, 52 to 68 above.
PM had Fred reassemble one arm on store awning, it was pulled
out of place by kid hanging on to awning, 3 hour job. Ma and
kids back from Anchorage 7 PM by car with Stanley. Gill in
hospital. Reds hard pressed by Nazi drive.
July 10, 1942 A-1 day, 52
to 70 above. Germans broke through on Don River leading to Russian
Caucasus Oil District but with heavy losses in tank and man power.
Rommel, Nazi General, starting another drive in Libya District
for Suez Canal. Gave $100 in old rubber to Uncle Sam.
Chinese routing Jap’s in Burma Road District with aid of American
bombers.
July 11, 1942 Weather cloudy, 52 to 70 above.
Ma baking, self priced up Armour meats, etc. Germans crossed
Don River on way to the Caucasus Russian Oil District.
British stopped Nazi drive at Libya. Chinks got the Jap’s
on the run. Evening, Stanley home, took his mother and family
out to Fern Mine.
July 12, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening rain, 56 above. Store open AM. PM Ma and
self did electric wash at our new house. My potatoes now
in bloom. Russians retreating before German drive at Don
River. Germans retreating in Libya war. Jap’s landing
more troops to invade Indochina but losing out at other occupied ports.
July 13, 1942 Partly cloudy, 50 to 58 above.
Quiet in town. Farmers busy cultivating crops. Good rain
last night, helped burned out crops. Russians had to retreat
from German drive but British put it all over the Italians and
Nazis in Libya, Africa war zone. Chinks driving Jap’s back
in Burma war district. Sharon moved family to Anchorage.
July 14, 1942 Weather cloudy, 58 to 70 above.
Got off orders and Air Mail. PM train brought a bunch
of soldiers, transferred to 8 Army trucks for Goose Bay Airport.
Reds in retreat, killed 75,000 Germans at Don River. Radio
fair. Ellen and kids hoed Sharon’s spuds. No cocktail
tonight.
July 15, 1942 Business dead, light rain,
52 to 58 above. Hitler’s 6 week cleanup of Reds still
undone from a year ago. Largest battles of war now, Nazis
vs. Reds. Nazis lost over 300,000 last year and 1,000 planes.
Libya war now in British hands. Stanley now boss over 200 men
at Army Post. Jap’s maneuvering Chinamen w aid of U. S. bombers
got Jap’s running.
July 16, 1942 Rain, 52 to 58 above, salmon
again running in Cottonwood Creek, got a mess. Mrs. Brewington,
of Anchorage, rented Snider’s cabin on railroad. Germans
lost over 900,000 men vs. drive on Russians and 2,000 planes.
Reds lost 1/3 this amount. Radio mushy. Truck loads
of Army supplies went to Goose Bay Airport.
July 17, 1942 No business, light rain
56 above. Army trucks towed 3 guns to Goose Bay Airport.
First local vegetables and salmon on market. German drive
for Russia oil fields. British holding Nazis in Libya.
British bombed 2 more Nazi sub factories.
July 18, 1942 Business dead, cool light rain,
52 to 58 above. Everybody catching winter supply of fresh
salmon. About a 50/50 war today in Egypt, Russia and China.
Evening, Stanley home overnight. British still bombing German
sub bases and industries. Merrill Phillips gave summary of
the war.
July 19, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
60 to 68 above. Army hauling car load dynamite to cache
on Palmer Road. Russians retreating but Nazis losing heavy.
PM did electric wash at new house.
July 20, 1942 Business dead, partly cloudy,
60 to 70 above. Many headed for Fish Creek below Knik for
salmon. British captured 4,000 more Nazis in Libya, Africa.
Reds holding off Nazi drive. Chinamen got Jap’s on retreat.
U. S. farmers supposed to feed all of war torn countries this fall
crop.
July 21, 1942 A-1 day, 54 to 74 above.
Salmon going in kegs for winter use. Our fish salt arrived
PM freight after week delay. McDougal’s selling all personal
furniture, etc. at Fern Mine? Nazis losing heavy on all
3 war drives and belligerent countries giving trouble. U.
S. subs sunk three more Jap cruisers in Aleutians at westward, 14 since
invasion.
July 22, 1942 A-1 day, 60 to 80 in the sun.
AM had Gus haul over truck load groceries and fish salt, PM priced
up same. Evening, painted screen door and sewed up rag
rug, ready to wash. Still heavy fighting in Russia vs. Germans
and at Libya. No train, railroad tunnel caved in near Healy.
Chinaman and U. S. bombers got Jap’s on the run in Burma Road district.
July 23, 1942 Mail train delayed 2 days account
cave-in went south. S. W. Vail buried at Palmer,
PM was first homesteader in 1915. Secretary of State, Cordell
Hull, on air about seriousness of war. Reds hard pressed
by Nazis drive for Russian oil fields. Lots of salmon.
July 24, 1942 A-1 day, growing weather, 60
to 78 above. Jackson down from Pittman for groceries.
Professor Krock’s dog home to check up on expected increase in family.
Nazis losing heavy on Caucasus oil drive. Jap’s launching
new drive at New Guinea Far East.
July 25, 1942 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Knik Natives here and all drunk. Mrs. Klock made round
trip to Anchorage, Eva swamper. Matanuska Electric Association
agent visited about our hookup. Frank and self fell old 50’ radio
pole by garage. U. S. subs sunk 6 more Jap boats in Far East.
Nazis making desperate drive in Don River district to the Russian
oil fields.
July 26, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 60 to
68 above. AM cut tops off birch trees by garage account
new electric light wires, 110 volts to new house. PM did electric
wash at new house. Chinks routed Jap’s today.
July 27, 1942 Hot growing weather, 60 to 78
above. Army trucks hauling oil and supplies for 100 soldiers
at Goose Bay. Got out grocery and fruit orders. Nazis
took 2 towns on Don River in Russia. Jap’s bombed out trying
to land troops in New Guinea. U. S. now bombing Germany. Kids
in swimming.
July 28, 1942 Hot day, 64 to 76 above.
No mail trains today. Leibing in with Cat to grade around
Independence oil tanks. Russians still retreating in Don
River war zone. Slavs now fighting Italians on their home
ground. Chinks recaptured 50 miles railroad held by Jap’s
in Burma district. Ellen moved to Fleck ranch.
July 29, 1942 Warm day, 62 to 76 above.
Independence Cat pushed gravel up around Independence oil tank
to keep water out. Hamburg Germany all shot up by 600 British
bombers. Reds holding off Nazi drive on Don River. U.
S. bombers destroying Jap airports. Evening, Stanley home
overnight from Army Post Base.
July 30, 1942 Hot day, 62 to 82 above.
After the Rebellion 1868 to present, World War #2 - 1942.
Self still going strong except for sore feet. Had strawberries
and cream and got usual dress shirt for birthday. Ladies
gave Mrs. Professor Klox 7 month along baby shower. Life
and death struggle between the Reds and Nazis in Russia.
July 31, 1942 Hot day, 62 to 82 above. Self
posting price ceiling for customers inspection for August 1st.
Knik Glacier Lake broke out. Eva and kids with Mrs. Krock,
went berry picking up Chickaloon Road and got none. Reds
still holding Nazi drive in Don River district, Russia.
August 1, 1942 Hot day, 64 to 74 above.
Independence Cat making road in to Strickler’s Fairview sawmill.
Opened up vent under Mabel cabin. Reds holding Nazi drive
to Caucasus oil fields. Britain bombed 6 mile square town
on the Rhine. British on offensive in Libya. U. S.
downed 11 Jap planes and one boat.
August 2, 1942 Sunday, weather cooler,
58 to 64 above. Store open 3 hours for absent minded.
Did electric wash, 1 to 1:30, at new house. Louise Gill visited.
Bloody war in Don River district in Russia, Nazis losing heavy.
British in lead in Cairo district. Jap’s underdog in New
Guinea and Burma Road district in China.
August 3, 1942 No business, light rain, 50
to 70 above. Self got tickling in throat from low neck
on shirt. Independence Cat through making skid road for
saw mill at Fairview. Hitler now using 17 year old boys on
drive vs. Reds. Jap’s failed to destroy U. S. airdromes in
Far East. Reported Sliver’s got a moose.
August 4, 1942 Hot day, 54 to 78 above.
South mail 8 hours late, north mail 8 hours late. Cad
moved Kenny log cabin over to Harrison cabin for a wood shed.
Cossacks knocked the ‘ell out of German drive. U. S. bombers
cleaned up on Jap airdromes in Burma and New Guinea. Evening,
put new balance weight on coal bin door at new house. Evening,
Stanley home.
August 5, 1942 Partly cloudy, 56 to 76 above.
Jackson down from Pittman to trade. McNeil bought grub
order. Evening, finished replacing balance weight on coal
bin door, new house. Nazis still driving toward Russian oil
fields but with heavy losses. Quiet on Libya front. Jap’s
trying to establish new airdromes in Far East.
August 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Matanuska Electric Association truck here to connect line to
our new house. Put water in 6 storage batteries and charged
them full. Nazis claim now 50 miles from Russian Caucasus
oil fields. United Nations sent war council to help out Russia
vs. Hitler invasion of Russia.
August 7, 1942 First big wind, 54 to 60 above,
windy all day and evening. Mowed grass around house
and garage. Eva and kids drove over to Palmer movies.
Fred Nelson got job at Army Post. Nazis got nearer to Caucasus
oil fields but lost ground in other sectors. Our sub sunk new
Jap airplane carrier as she was anchored in Japan port.
August 8, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 above all
day. Train load of U.S. Army trucks and trailers with 2
cars of soldiers went north, also a train load of gasoline.
Reported, 2nd Jap attack in Aleutian Islands. Russians had
to retreat from Nazi drive.
August 9, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
52 to 56 above. Store open 3 hours. Isaac family moved
to Anchorage. PM did electric wash at new house.
President Roosevelt and Queen Wilhelmina spoke on Cavalcade Victory
Hour. Reds killing many Nazis on drive to oil fields.
RAF bombed Rhine. U. S. Navy on offense at Solomon Islands
and Aleutian Jap defense. India wants England to get out.
August 10, 1942 A-1 day, 56 to 74 above.
Matanuska Electric Association connected our new house to main
line electric wires. Our Navy and bombers on 3rd day offensive
vs. the Jap’s trying to occupy Solomon Islands, north of Australia.
Reds still holding off Nazis. India scrapping over England
protectorate.
August 11, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 to 76 above.
British trying to evacuate their navy out of Mediterranean account
no repair shops, have sunk ½ of Italian war fleet.
Our Navy and bombers trying to drive Jap’s out of Kiska and Attu
Islands in Aleutians China about recovered Burma Road.
Fourth day of siege at Solomon Islands offense.
August 12, 1942 Partly cloudy, 56 to 66 above.
Matanuska Electric Association turned on juice at new house
and line to K. T. Co. store, have waited 5 years for this electricity.
Now connected to 110 V, AC electric at $3.50 per month.
Sunday school picnic at mile 12. Posted all day on price
ceiling. A 50/50 now on Red and Nazi war. Navy transfer
landed on Solomon Islands, Far East.
August 13, 1942 Business dead.
Weather cloudy, 56 to 64 above. AM finished tabulating
price fixing report on November 1941. Grocery clerk, Claire
Johnson, of Palmer Rationing Board visited for checkup. Fighting
on all 5 war zones, going strong and in favor of allies. Nick
Stephan jailed for killing moose out of season.
August 14, 1942 Evening rain, 52 to 60 above.
Self compiling clothing and hardware November ceiling prices
for OPA. U. S. Marines now got control of Solomon Islands.
India rioting vs. British control. Germans losing heavy
on Russia oil drive. Italians retreating from Cairo district.
Chinaman got the Jap’s retreating in Burma war zone.
August 15, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 62 above.
Worked all day and evening on price ceiling OPA report.
Stanley home, evening, with new Silvertone radio. Electric
worked OK in our office. Hitler now killing off the Dutch
account bombing railroad train. All war now in favor of the
allies but Russia hard pressed by Nazis.
August 16, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, showers
56 above. Worked all day and evening on price ceiling OPA
report. Stanley got Sunday and Monday off from Army Post
construction. Drove up to coal mines, PM. No washing
today account 1 10 volt, our washer 32 volt. War about same,
not much gain on either side. Ma got cold.
August 17, 1942 Light rain 54 above.
Finished price ceiling report at midnight. Mrs. McDougal
and partner in to ship 2 tons groceries, etc. stored in our track
warehouse, to Seattle, quitting the mine to join the Army.
Germans about to enter Reds oil fields. Marie went to Anchorage
with her Dad.
August 18, 1942 Light rain, 48 to 54 above.
Got mail and orders off AM. Sears bought a $60 grub order.
Sears had a truck load of cabbage and lettuce for Anchorage delivery.
More U. S. bombers arrived in Egypt. Reds hold back Nazi
drive to oil fields. Our Marines got control of Solomon Islands
in Far East. Ma and pa got colds.
August 19, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Received delayed Outside mail. No more 22 cartridges and
Coleman supplies available or stove pipe. Allies tried
2nd invasion cross English Channel to France but returned heavy
fighting on all 3 war fronts. U. S. sub sunk Jap cruiser in
Aleutians, making 23 sunk, all told, to date.
August 20, 1942 Partly cloudy, 60 to 74 above.
Eva and Buddy went to Anchorage. Big freight train arrived,
had 50 pound box of produce for Wasilla. Report the new commando
invasion of Nazi France was a success. Brazil, Nazi lover,
lost four boats by Nazi subs?
August 21, 1942 Partly cloudy, 52 to 64 above.
Three Army trucks hauling oil to Goose Bay airdrome.
No boat freight delivered, out of eggs and bacon. Our Marines
took Jap air base island near Solomon group, killed 670 Jap’s,
took 30 prisoners, all left. Reds holding Nazi drive.
August 22, 1942 Partly cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Got order ready for Big Lake. Some farmer trade PM.
U. S. sunk 4 Jap boats in Solomon Island district. Reds
slaughtering Nazis on drive in Russia. Brazil declared war
vs. Nazis. Marie Martha back from week visit at Anchorage.
Chinaman retook railroad held by Jap’s and sunk several river barges.
Evening, dance on at Hall.
August 23, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 52 to
60 above. Store open 3 hours AM. Quiet in town after
dance at Hall and booze fighters at Cad’s Cocktail Bar last night.
Evening, sold Onan electric plant washer and vacuum cleaner all
for $275 cash, cost $335, used same 2 years.
August 24, 1942 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above. Dismantled
Onan electric light plant at new house. Elmer Johnson, of Spenard
Lake in Anchorage, took it away. Reds hard pressed by Nazis
near Russian oil fields. Evening, on out-mail, got invoices
but no delivery of merchandise laying at Seward dock.
August 25, 1942 Weather cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Got off Air Mail, received delayed butter and eggs invoices.
Mailed order for socks, mitts, etc. Nazis still driving
toward Russian oil fields with heavy losses. Our bombers
shot down 53 Jap planes Sunday. Evening, Stanley home overnight.
Out of eggs and bacon, laying at Seward dock
August 26, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Reds drove Nazis back 35 miles from Stalingrad and killed
45,000 and shot down 296 Nazi planes. U. S. downed 33 Jap
bombers. U. S. lost 4 in Solomon Islands and 13 ships in Navy
battle. Quiet in North Africa war zone. China got Jap’s
on retreat, took back railroad.
August 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Sprinkle of rain. Army hauling car load Carnation Milk
to storage in vacated farm houses. Reds line still holding
at Stalingrad, Russia. Jap Navy retreated from Solomon Island
fight. Four Russian bombers bombed Berlin, 2nd time.
August 28,1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Last evening, Mrs. Ely fed 28 soldiers unloading cars and out
of grub. Nazis made no advances today and lost heavy by Reds.
U. S. got control of Solomon Islands. British and U. S.
bombing Germany factories and Nazi ports.
August 29, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening rain
50 above. Cut grass along sidewalk and warehouse for
fire protection. PM freight brought groceries and hardware,
two truck loads. Short of bacon and canned meats. Ellen
Fleck bought $45 order. Evening, dance on at Hall.
War now in favor of allies on all fronts. Stanley home evening.
August 30, 1942 Sunday, heavy rain, 50
above. Self pricing and opening up new groceries, 1½
tons. Electric lights off from 6 to 9 PM. Stanley
home, evening, from Army Post, brought electric vibration for hair,
sore joints and penis stimulator? Only real fighting today
around Stalingrad, Russia oil fields.
August 31, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Olson back from Bristol
Bay fishing. Hot war in Russia, Nazi vs. Reds. Fighting
in north Africa on again. Jap’s lost air power in Far East.
50,000 teachers short account war work. About 50,000 nurses
wanted for Army.
September 1, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56
above. Sold Metz a $45 order. Priced up new hardware,
no more stove pipe, watches, aerial wire and 22 cartridges available
during war duration. Reds holding Hitler drive at Stalingrad
district. Flood in China.
September 2, 1942 Rain PM 60 above. Payday
for indigents. Rush in store 4 to 6 PM. Pecks quit
dairy business, cow too old, no cream or milk. China has
regained all of Burma Road district from Jap’s. Heavy
fighting in Russia and north Africa. School teachers arriving
for 8th opening.
September 3, 1942 Weather cloudy, 44 to 60
above. Stanley took family to Anchorage to buy clothes for kids,
home 7 PM. Germans claim they will take Leningrad in 3 hours
more fighting. Fighting again in north Africa desert with
new tanks. Jap’s trying to regain Solomon Islands. Ma
got cold in eyes.
September 4, 1942 Partly cloudy, 42 to 66 above.
Ma had a bad spell last night, cold in chest, stayed in bed
all day, evening much better. Eva the cook. Marie
Martha at Anchorage. Gus brought Stanley’s oil heater up
from Anchorage. Reds stopped Nazi drive on Leningrad today.
Evening, plane landed here, out of gas. Chinks still routing
the Jap’s in Burma war district. U. S. Marines driving Jap’s
out of Solomon Island district.
September 5, 1942 A-1 day, 42 to 68 above.
Harry Sears selling vegetables by the ton at Anchorage.
Professor Pendleton, new principal at Wasilla School.
One new teacher, rest old staff. Marie Martha back from
weekend at Anchorage. Reds stopped Nazi drive on oil field.
Ma’s cold in chest and eyes some better. British pushed back
Nazi drive at Libya. Duck hunters at it.
September 6, 1942 Sunday, A-1 day, 50
to 60 above. Past week sales good on rubber goods and ammunition.
PM cleaned out furnace in store and at new house, 9 hour job.
Ma up but not feeling good. Reds holding off Nazi drive.
Chinaman doing good work also the British. U. S. tanks bombing
in north Africa.
September 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, 56 above.
Wash day but no electric washer since sold 32V electric plant.
Five teachers here, ready to plug in tomorrow. Reds blocked
the Nazi drive on Stalingrad. British drove Nazi’s back in
Libya district. Jap’s losing out in Solomon Island district.
Chinks got Jap’s on run in Burma district.
September 8, 1942 Business normal, weather
cloudy 48 to 68 above. Territory election, 19 votes.
School opened with 83 kids. PM had a rush in store, sales
over $100. All sold out on 12 gauge shells and 22 cartridges
and no more available. Reds holding Nazi drive on Stalingrad,
bloodiest battle of war.
September 9, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56
above. Evening, Stanley and Fred home from Army Post,
brought desk lamp and extension cord for lamp in kids bedroom.
Buddy’s 1st year in school. Reds still holding Nazi drive
on Stalingrad. Jap’s on the offense in New Guinea and losing
heavy on equipment by U. S. bombers.
September 10, 1942 Weather cloudy, 48 to 60
above. Ely, Section foreman, on vacation. Eva and
Paddy patched roof on Town Hall. Preacher hording supplies.
Fierce battle on vs. Reds and Nazis. Germans losing on north
Africa drive for Suez Canal. Draft board talking of rounding
up 18 year old kids and a price ceiling of farm produce.
September 11, 1942 Cloudy mist, 48 to 56 above.
Hardware sales good, barbed wire, etc. Army hauling another
car oil to Goose Bay Air Port. Reds holding off German drive
on Leningrad. British took Madagascar from French for
Navy port, only during duration. Jap’s halted on drive
to Port Moresby. British bombing Rhine factories.
September 12, 1942 Weather cloudy, 48 to 60
above. Out of eggs and butter, due here last week.
Stanley home overnight. New local spuds 6¢ a pound.
Snow in Russia war zone. Reds gave up one Black Sea navy base
but hold front. Jap’s stopped on drive to Port Moresby by
U. S. bombers.
September 13, 1942 Sunday, showers, 50
above. Out of butter and eggs, same due September 8th.
Local spuds up to 6¢ a pound. PM cleaned and oiled
store floor. Hitler making last desperate drive on Stalingrad
and oil fields. Russian’s halting every attack War
quiet in other sectors. Patzack visited on way to Anchorage.
September 14, 1942 Rain and snow, 40 to 50
above. First new snow on mountain peaks. New family,
from Naknek, moved into Oberg’s house. Bought sack local
spuds, 6¢ a pound. Hitler’s troops reached suburbs of
Leningrad. Reds killed 1,000 and still holding city. British
bombing German industries every day.
September 15, 1942 First frost, 24 to 48 above.
Ma left, by train, for weekend at Anchorage. Stanley home,
evening. Evening, same old cook. PM busy in store.
Got out Air Mail. Germans claim entering suburbs of Leningrad,
Reds say no. New tax bill up to get six billion dollars.
September 16, 1942 Weather cloudy, 42 to 50
above. Ma at Anchorage, Eva the cook. Farmers digging
spuds after first freeze. Hitler throwing all reserves into
Stalingrad drive but Reds holding firm. British about got
control of French Madagascar in South Pacific. Reported United
Nations got control in Far East war district.
September 17, 1942 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50
above. Ma still doing Anchorage. Second new snow
on mountain peaks. April 6th money order for K. P. dues, lost
in-mail. All war fronts about on a 50/50. U. S. bombed
Jap’s on Kiska Island. Delayed butter and eggs arrived PM
car coal due.
September 18, 1942 Weather cloudy, 44 to 50
above. Krockenter sold his car, his wife and baby son in
hospital. Quiet on north Africa front. Nazis entered
suburbs of Stalingrad but were repulsed by guns from all house tops.
Jap’s within 18 miles of Port Moresby. Ma at Anchorage.
September 19, 1942 Partly cloudy, 48 to 58
above. Old Fishhook Inn, now a booze joint, burned down
today. Stanley brought Ma home 4 PM from Anchorage.
Jap’s halted on drive to Port Moresby. Two million soldiers
now in England.
September 20, 1942 Sunday, weather rainy,
52 to 60 above. Town dead after beer hall dance last night.
George Grennan applied for old age pension, 84 years old.
Soldiers wrecked Senske car near Palmer. Ma had a bad spell,
midnight, with bronchitis. Autumn is here, birch golden color.
Evening, Stanley home overnight. Fierce fighting in Stalingrad,
Reds still holding city.
September 21, 1942 Heavy rain, 52 to 56 above.
Palmer road to Knik Bridge closed by 3’ water on cut off.
Gus Gillis, National Geographic, visited. Nazis tried
to enter Stalingrad but were drove out by the Reds. Jap drive
on Port Moresby halted. British about cleaned up on taking
over French Madagascar. Nicolaska out of jail account killing
moose.
September 22, 1942 Weather clearing, 48 to
70 above. Krockentiger's home with baby boy. Canyon
Road washed out at mile 12. Several slides on railroad above
Willow. Repair train here several hours. Repair gang
out of grub, sales good today. Jap’s trying to re-capture
Solomon Islands now held by Marines. No mail trains today.
September 23, 1942 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above.
No trains account wash out on North Division. Both Little
Susitna and Montana Bridges washed out. Hand to hand fighting in
streets of Stalingrad. Reds still hold the city of Stalingrad.
Other Nazi lines weakening. U. S. bombers knocking the tar
out of Jap supply bases in Solomon and New Guinea districts.
September 24, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60
above. Railroad blocked on North Division, out-mail still
here, reported it will take a month for repairs on railroad.
Our groceries laying at Anchorage. About a 50/50 on the
Red and Nazi war at Stalingrad, Russia. British got control
of Madagascar today. U. S. bombing Jap supply bases. Brazil
cleaning up on German spies, etc.
September 25, 1942 Rain, 50 to 54 above.
Golden leaves on birch trees shedding, road closed in canyon
at mile 12 account washout. Railroad delivered part of
groceries long overdue and all wet. Reds killed 1,500 Nazis
in streets of Stalingrad today and holding city. Wilke at
Red front, observing. Jap’s about all in at Aleutians with
storms and US bombing. High water on railroad and auto roads.
September 26, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 above
all day. Worked most all day on store pump and well in
basement, cleaned out well, Marie Martha helper. Reds still
hurling back Nazi drive on Stalingrad, killed over 5,000 Germans.
U. S. bombers blasting Jap boats and supplies. Wendell Wilkie
in Russia, says 1,000 bombers on Germans probably will put Hitler out
of business. Drugs and groceries due.
September 27, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
52 above all day. Alaska Railroad all washed up, no trains
past week. Self on well and pump in store basement.
Mended cribbing, put on sand screen. Leaves leaving golden
birch. Stanley home overnight. Wasilla short of fuel
and grub. All four war fronts on about a 50-50. U. S.
getting control of the air.
September 28, 1942 Weather cloudy, 50 to 56
above. Cleaned out water tank and pipes. Bacon,
eggs and butter arrived, was due September 15th. War looks
bad for Reds in Stalingrad. Today 25,000 Nazis entered Stalingrad.
Our bombers raided Jap location in Aleutians, killed 150 Jap’s
and sunk several boats.
September 29, 1942 Weather cloudy, 52 above
all day. Sold $40 order to Pittman. Soldiers trucking
car coal to Army Post at Goose Bay. Our car coal overdue since
9/15 account washout on railroad. Reds recovered and drove
Nazis back in Stalingrad and all lines for 100 miles. Wendell
Wilkie landed in China. Thirty day mail arrived. U. S. bombers
drove Jap’s back 10 miles from Port Moresby. Autumn is over.
September 30, 1942 A-1 day, 48 to 68 above.
Buck Sparling back from Inside prospecting, bought grub and left
for his cabin on Wet Gulch. Joe Brassel in from Craigie Creek
Mine, placed winter order and left for Anchorage for medical attention.
U. S. bombers got Jap’s retreating from Port Moresby. Stalingrad
still held by the Reds. Reds have dropped over 100 ton of bombs
on German cities. Dug spuds.
October 1, 1942 Business above normal.
Weather cloudy, 52 to 64 above. Sales, $202.15.
Willie Edlund down from ARC Mat. summit Road camp to buy clothing
for help. Eva went to Anchorage with Agent Browne family.
President Roosevelt ended a week flying trip, 8,000 miles, inspecting
all Army industries, coast to coast. Nazis 28th siege on Stalingrad
still a failure. Jap’s on retreat in Far East.
October 2, 1942 Weather cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Senske in from Matanuska ARC camp. New snow all gone on
mountain peaks. All sold out on candy, only half came.
Fierce fighting in Stalingrad, Reds still hold part of city.
U. S. subs sunk 4 Jap boats. Evening, cooler. U. S.
bombed Jap on island at Westward Aleutians
October 3, 1942 Weather cloudy, 34 to 54 above.
Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine to trade. Cows ate up $400
worth of Harry Sears lettuce. Germans bringing up reinforcements
as fast as Reds mow them down at Stalingrad. Wendell Wilkie
loving Chinaman for President FDR Club. Dance on at Hall.
October 4, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
32 to 40 above. Fights and drunks, midnight at Cocktail
Bar. Louise Gill and hubby visited PM. PM cleaned out
stove pipes on cook stove and heater. The Allied nations say
they will win world war. Hitler says the same. Too busy
to hear war news. St. Louis won 3 games in World Series vs. New
York.
October 5, 1942 Weather cloudy, 36 to 52 above.
Put up 2 trapper orders. Three co-op farmers in to trade.
School kids ate up 10 boxes candy bars, 240 at 5¢. Reds
still smashing German drive on Stalingrad. U. S. bombing Jap’s
on Western Aleutians Eva spud picker today, $5? Congress
gave President authority to fix prices on grub and labor.
October 6, 1942 Light rain, 48 to 52 above.
Completed packing 2 trapper orders. No mail south today.
Paddy went out to Mabel Mine to help Dan Gray close camp for winter.
Reds still holding Nazis off from Stalingrad invasion. Australian
troops driving Jap’s back to New Guinea. Matanuska farmers
rained out on digging spuds. Trappers getting ready for winter.
October 7, 1942 Rain all day, 38 to 42 above.
Mail train north, none south. Professor Krock’s month old
son weighed 9 pounds. Sold out on candy bars again.
Hitler sent Armenians against Stalingrad today and Reds killed
1,200 Reds driving back Nazis on all fronts. Stalin demands
allies to open 2nd front. Jap’s about routed from base on Aleutian
Islands. Hitler now killing Norwegians for mass rule.
October 8, 1942 First snow, 32 above.
Rain turned to 4” snow. AM cleaned off walks. Thursday
for losses, Knik school bus over the Cannon Hill, electric lights
off all PM, Stanley’s car on highway to Anchorage, stalled.
Nazis giving up drive on Stalingrad. National groceries, due
September 8, arrived today. Wet snow, ground not frozen, some
spuds still in ground.
October 9, 1942 More snow and rain, 32 to 34
above. Rubber sales good. Gus hauled over National Grocery
merchandise. Evening, Eva went to Anchorage with Brown’s.
Krockenleger, wife and 1 month old baby boy left, by boat, for
Seattle. Reds still holding off German drive. U. S.
bombed Jap’s at Kiska Island at far end of the Aleutian Islands.
Wilkie left China for home.
October 10, 1942 Weather cloudy, light snow,
32 above. Joe Palmer left for his Caswell trap line.
Two Army bulldozers scraped snow off Knik Goose Bay auto road.
The British and American Air Force bombing German industries.
Nazis still bombing Stalingrad, Russia. Evening, Stanley home,
basketball on at Hall. Forty eighth wedding anniversary, 2
years to go for Golden Wedding.
October 11, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 above PM Put up fly over balcony stairs. Business
normal first 9 days of October, $100 a day. Sleepy town after
basket social and Cocktail Bar last night. Still about 50-50
Nazi-Red war. U. S. bombing Jap’s, New Guinea airport.
Britain and U. S. bombing German industries. Jap’s trying
to retake Solomon Islands.
October 12, 1942 Weather windy, 30 to 34 above.
Busy with fires account cold wind. All gold mines ordered
closed October 15th. U. S. wants miners for copper. Severe
snow storms in Russia hard on German intruders. Rubber coordinator
says there will be new tires. U. S. lost cruisers in Solomon
Islands encounter vs. the Jap’s. President FDR on the air 5
PM.
October 13, 1942 Weather windy all day, 38
to 40 above. Watchman’s job off at Goose Bay, Army taking
over the Fern dock. Mail north but no south mail. Joe
Brassel back from medical treatment at Anchorage and ready for
trap line. Stalingrad still held by Reds. U. S. bombing
Kiska Island Jap base with no resistance. FDR wants 18 year
old boys for the Army? Jap’s getting the worst of it at Solomon
Islands. Wendell Wilkie arrived in States, will see FDR tomorrow.
October 14, 1942 Weather cloudy, 40 above.
Got Joe Brassel order ready for shipment to Willow.
Thorpe’s and Buck Sparling arrived from Willow Creek district.
Thorpe did the Cocktail Bar. Wendell Wilkie visited on President
with report on around the world war zone. U. S. bombers blasting
Jap’s out of Kiska, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Stanley here
evening.
October 15, 1942 Weather cloudy, warmer 42
to 50 above. Packed $120 grub order for Buck Sparling.
Joe Brassel got off with his $80 order for Willow. Thus
far, Hitler has failed to take Stalingrad after 1 year fighting.
Last weeks new snow all gone. Jap’s failed to recapture Solomon
Island, lost several cruisers today.
October 16, 1942 Weather clear, 28 to 50 above.
Finished B/L groceries for Willow. Buck Sparling left
for Willow via Fishhook. McDougal in, mine closed down for
duration. Evening, Stanley and family at show over at Palmer.
Jap’s shelling Marines on Solomon Island. British making final
clean-up on control of Madagascar. Heavy fighting at Cairo,
North Africa.
October 17, 1942 Partly cloudy, 34 to 48 above.
Put in three 16’ shelves in annex to hold small lots of groceries.
Shipped 71 pounds to Willow for Sparling. Cleaned up
loose grass on Mabel lot. Reds had to retreat 4 times
from Nazi drive on Stalingrad but holding all other fronts for 100
miles. Eva went to Anchorage, 5:30 with Stanley. Jap’s
about bombed off Kiska Island. Jap’s now bombing Marines on Solomon
district.
October 18, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
40 above. As advertised, closing down grocery department.
Evening, Marie Martha helped to removed groceries from shelves
to annex and basement. No time for radio news. Stanley
home overnight. New teacher of 3 score or more arrived to fill
vacancy. Summer weather again. Elmer’s birthday.
October 19, 1942 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Sold 2 bulk orders. Gus drove to Anchorage with pickup.
Paddy in from week at Mabel Mine with Dan Gray. Germans
still driving at Stalingrad with heavy losses. Jap’s shelling
US Marines in Solomon Islands. US bombers got Jap’s about
cleaned up at Kiska, Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
October 20, 1942 Weather cloudy 44 above all
day. Mail south and north. L. Cox, 85 years old,
arrived from Montana Station for grub order, returned on PM mail
train. Olson’s got roof on new $5,000 house on C. D. Johnson
ranch. Drugs and fruit arrived on PM freight. Reds still
killing Nazi drive. U. S. bombers giving Jap’s ‘ell on Kiska
Island? Navy battle on Solomon Island still in making. Summer
weather.
October 21, 1942 A-1 day, 38 to 50 above.
Floyd Smith, merchant from Bristol Bay, arrived, Ellen Fleck’s
hubby, placed $75 grub order. Whisker’s placed $25 grub
order. Germans and Jap’s slowing down in war drive.
Other allied nations speeding up on war offense in all sections.
Eight billion tax bill levied on people. Stanley home for week
from Army Post.
October 22, 1942 Showers,
40 to 50 above. Preacher delivered Smith’s goods on Knik
Road. Cleaned and veneered grocery shelves for clothing display.
Army tanks here maneuvering on Willow Creek Road. Stanley
home fixing up house for winter weather. September 15, car coal
due?
October 23, 1942 Weather cloudy, showers, 46
to 50 above. Pricing up drugs and groceries on delayed
invoices. Sold old Lang stove out of Mabel cabin.
Evening, Ma and Stanley’s family did the picture show at Palmer.
Winter on in Russia, slowing up the German drive on Stalingrad.
U. S. and British bombing German industries.
October 24, 1942 Light rain 34 to 40 above.
Stanley returned to boss job at Army Post construction work.
New snow on the mountains with rain on the flats. U. S. and
British bombed northern Italy today. U. S. bombers sunk four
Jap cruisers in Solomon war zone. Mrs. Roosevelt doing London
war zone today.
October 25, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
fog 38 all day. Removed all toilet preparations down
with drug department and cleaned lower shelves. Sold Mrs.
Senske $115 grub order. U. S. and British drove 2 miles
into German North Africa defense and gave North Italy another
shower of bombs. Thorpe’s down living with Senske’s on ranch.
Eva got truck load of Buffalo coal.
October 26, 1942 Light rain,
40 above. Moved overalls and pants down from balcony
tables to shelves in store, replacing grocery department, closed.
Wendell Wilkie on the air account recent trip to all war zones.
Eva and Floyd Smith drove to Anchorage, grandma boarding kids.
British and U. S. drove 2 miles into Nazi war zone in North Africa.
October 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, 40 above all
day. Put up fly in west end of balcony to hold down heat and wind
during winter. Kids cleaned up all the 5¢ candy bars.
Heavy fighting in Solomon’s, Jap’s vs. U. S. Navy. Chinaman
driving Jap’s out of Burma district. Wasilla short of fuel,
wood $15 a cord. Nick Nicholi bought outfit.
October 28, 1942 Weather cloudy, 28 to 42 above.
Got down shoe packs and rubbers and filled up grocery shelves.
First fuel relief, got 2 cords, our car coal 40 days past due.
Heavy fighting in Solomon district. British routing Germans
in North Africa war zone. Reds on offensive. Report
says Nazis hold 2/3 of world resources, means a long war. Out
of milk, butter and bacon.
October 29, 1942 Weather cloudy, morning 32
above, noon 38 above, evening 26 above. Weather colder after
16 days of spring weather. Finished pricing and storing drugs.
Farmers made final cleanup of spuds and grain after first frost
on the 8th. In Libya district, British driving the Germans
back 4 miles. Heavy snow and zero weather in Russia.
Germans found frozen in dugouts. Jap drive still on at Solomon
Island district. Our U. S. Marine’s outnumbered, looks bad
for U. S.
October 30, 1942 Weather clear, colder, 24
to 32 above. Ma’s 73rd birthday, in good health except
sore feet, knee trouble better. Finished pricing last of
delayed merchandise. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine for merchandise.
Germans up against both snow, zero weather and Red Army. Jap’s
quit Solomon Island drive with Navy. Gave Ma $74 for birthday.
Allies on retreat in all war sections. FDR talking of drafting
women.
October 31, 1942 Weather clear, 12 to 28 above.
Dan Gray, watchman at Mabel Mine, in to cash his monthly $75
check. Library Club bought Nels Larson’s cabin on Main
Street for City Library. War is on, Farmers want $15 a cord
for wood, up $5 a cord. Received partial lot, October 5th
Pacific Fruit order. Allies got Axis on the run in all sectors.
Evening, Stanley home.
November 1, 1942 Sunday, cold snap, 6
to 28 above. Stanley and Fred returned to Army Base 6:30
AM, working hours now 8:30 AM to 5 PM on construction work.
Olson’s quit milk route. U. S. bombers sunk 5 more Jap boats
and cruisers and a lot of planes. British driving Nazis
back at Cairo. Started to clean walls in new house. Marie
Martha sore throat. Ma OK thus far.
November 2, 1942 Weather colder, 4 to 20 above.
Dinkle, bus driver, got 2 caribou at summit of Matanuska-Fairbanks
new highway. Marie Martha home with the mumps. Got
off clothing and Nation order to Butler’s. Allied nations
on the offense. Allied nations lost 511 boats by Axis, to
date. Mrs. FDR having high time in London and FDR wants more
war power.
November 3, 1942 Weather cold, 4 to 18 above.
Mail train both ways. Eight boats in at Seward, one with
rails for Portage Bay Tunnel and cut off. Allies got Nazis
on the run in North Africa. Jap’s quit round one at Solomon
Islands. State election on, Republicans winning. New Capt.
Glenn Highway now open, Palmer to Fairbanks by auto, 21 hours.
November 4, 1942 Weather cloudy, sprinkle of
snow, 22 to 28 above. Wasilla white, 2nd time this fall.
Wasilla Lake froze over. Swept off 200’ sidewalks.
U. S. and British captured 9,000 Nazi, 250 tanks, downed 600 planes,
sunk 50,000 cargo in Libya war zone today. Biggest war yet in
North Africa. Reds holding all lines vs. Nazis in Russia.
Jap’s on retreat today.
November 5, 1942 Weather cloudy, 18 to 30 above.
Rubber mouse stolen out of K. T. Co., returned by school kids.
Shortage of wood and coal in Wasilla. Allies about got
Nazis licked in Cairo district, North Africa. Chinks captured
2 Jap supply boats. Future for Allies looks good.
Draft Bill up to take 18 year old kids into the Army. U.
S. now short on man power, women next.
November 6, 1942 Weather cloudy, 28 to 32 above.
George Small visited on way to Knik. Stove pipe sold
out and none available. Hardware, groceries and produce
overdue one month. British and U. S. drove Nazis back 80
miles in desert of North Africa and captured ___ thousand Germans
and Italians. Allies got Axis on retreat in all war zones.
Looks like beginning of the end of war.
November 7, 1942 Weather cloudy, 18 to 34 above.
U. S. troops and fighting gear landed in French North Africa
under command of General Eisenhower, will meet rear of Nazi
Rommel retreat to Libya. Second front now open to drive
Germans out of Egypt and North Africa. One year from Pearl
Harbor and U. S. forced into World War.
November 8, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
light wind, 28 to 32 above. Quiet in town except for wood
saw. Rommel, with 30,000 Germans, deserted 90,000 Italian
troops and fled into Egypt district. Nazis in Russia retreating.
U. S. sunk 2 more Jap boats at Solomon.
November 9, 1942 Weather cloudy, 28 to 30 above.
Made $5 on hardware sales. All war talk, now in North
Africa. Over 100,000 U. S. troops landed to start 2nd front
and drive Hitler out of Egypt and Africa. Italian troops captured
and 25,000 Germans trying to reach Italy. Bought Marie Martha
a $100 Savings Bond. Jap’s losing on Solomon Island drive.
November 10, 1942 Weather cooler, 28 to 32
above all day. Mail out and in, received meat and egg
invoices, but no delivery of goods, a month overdue. U. S.
Army making progress in French North Africa. Hitler sent
Goring to North Africa to see what became of Rommel and his army.
Smith bought colony seven room house.
November 11, 1942 Weather cloudy, 32 above.
New snow all gone in Valley. School in session, Anchorage
on vacation. American Legion had a fine program at Idle
Hour, Lake Spenard. French in North Africa turned all airports
over to U. S. troops. Hitler invaded France with big army.
U. S. bombers took another crack at Jap’s on Kiska Island, Aleutians
Nazis losing in Russia.
November 12, 1942 Snow flurries, 24 to 28 above.
Freight train, north, but no deliveries. British failed
to catch up with Nazi Rommel's retreat in North Africa. Neutral
French General advised French fleet to join Allies or move down
to Madagascar to avoid capture by Hitler. Russians holding
firm vs. Germans U. S. bombers and subs knocking the ‘ell out
of Jap boats at New Guinea, Solomon and Kiska in Aleutians.
November 13, 1942 Weather colder, 8 to 18 above.
Snow flurry last night, Wasilla white again. Jap’s about
cleaned up on Kiska Island by our bombers. Hitler’s Army
through France reached Spanish border in route to North Africa.
All North Africa joined up with U. S. Army to fight Hitler and Bruno.
To date, U. S. lost over 6,000 men fighting the Jap’s. Jap’s
lost over 100,000.
November 14, 1942 No business, weather
clear, +18 to -4. Stanley made round trip to Anchorage
with family. National Grocery Co. closed out in Anchorage.
War progressing in North Africa. Hitler flying in troops
from Italy to stop ally drive. Eighteen year old draft bill
signed by President.
November 15, 1942 Sunday, winter weather, 10
above to 10 below zero. Stanley back to Anchorage on
Army Post construction, now working 40 soldiers along with
regular carpenters. United allies got German and Italians
on retreat in North Africa and killed 75,000 Dagos. Navel
battle on, 6th day at Solomon Islands.
November 16, 1942 Weather windy, 20 to 26 above.
Cases of ham and bacon returned from Fairbanks, butter and
eggs still at Seward? Government wants to cache a lot of
merchandise with merchants for emergency rations. Looks
like a long war? After a six day battle, at Solomon’s, Jap’s
lost 23 boats, U. S. only 8. Bought a cord of birch wood for
furnace.
November 17, 1942 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20
above. Woods full of moose hunters, only one moose taken
and he came into back yard. Government wants to cache 114
tons groceries in Wasilla for civilian emergency rations.
Rejoicing over U. S. victory at Solomon Islands with another attack
due. McArthur knocking stuffing out of Jap’s in New Guinea
war district. Stanley home evening.
November 18, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above
all day. Priced up 10/31 invoice, delayed in-mail one
month. Wrote Donald W. Hagherty, field agent for Government
emergency supplies, 510 Virginia Street, Seattle, Washington, conditions
here. Allies moving north to Mediterranean.
November 19, 1942 Zero weather, +8 to -8.
Nome Eskimo’s sold $100,000 worth of parkas to Army Posts in
Alaska. Food rationing in Alaska excluded. Allied Armies
pushing north to sea. U. S. Navy and bombers master of seas in
Far East war zones. Received part of Armour and hardware goods
today.
November 20, 1942 Windy, 10 above to zero.
Paid 1943 Geographic magazine dues and paid monthly electric
light bill, $3.50. Eva Marie and Mattie Matilda shopping at Co-op
store in Palmer. Floyd Smith shopper. Allies on offensive,
all war zones. Reds killed over 20,000 Germans in Russia.
Mailed letter direct to Seattle account Government emergency
supplies, 3 months Wasilla.
November 21, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above.
Alaska Pacific Highway opened, can now drive car from Palmer,
via Fairbanks, to Seattle, Washington. Allies and Nazis
crashed in North Africa, Nazis had to retreat with heavy losses.
Turin, Italy bombed. Worden’s moved into Wagner house.
Evening, Stanley home with 11 pound dressed tom turkey, 85¢
a pound at Anchorage.
November 22, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, 6
to 12 above., Town dead after last night Cocktail Bar celebration
by wets. Cleaned and veneered top of grocery counter. Louise
Gill and hubby at Knik last night for weekend. Reds driving
Nazis back, captured a lot of guns, tanks, etc. Jap’s about
conquered in New Britain.
November 23, 1942 A-1 day, zero to 20 above.
Moose hunters on all trails. Most all French colonies
in Africa have joined the Allies. U. S. lost 340 and 1,000
wounded in North Africa war thus far. Jap’s losing in Far
East, China going strong vs. Jap’s.
November 24, 1942 A-1 day, 6 to 10 above.
Set-out, with delayed freight, arrived PM, 30 days from Seattle?
Reds still driving Germans back, killed 16,000 today. Advances
by Allies in North Africa, Australia and US driving Jap’s out
of New Guinea.
November 25, 1942 Weather cloudy, windy, 10
above. PM got 30 days delayed freight out of set-out.
Evening, Stanley up from Anchorage with 45 boxes candy bars.
Russians doing good work driving Germans from Stalingrad war zone.
Turkey dance on tonight at Town Hall.
November 26, 1942 Turkey Day, weather
colder, +6 all day. AM priced new merchandise. Ma
gave a turkey dinner at 1 PM Paddy, Eva and kids the guests.
Stanley at Army Post construction, got home evening. Gus drove
to Anchorage for oil and turkey dinner. Reds routed Nazis out
of Stalingrad district, killed 260,000 in past month. President
FDR on the air with thanks.
November 27, 1942 Weather cloudy, zero all
day. Eva made round trip to Anchorage with Cad as mascot.
Out of wood and only 500 pounds of coal left. Car was due
September 15th. Coal mine blew up.
November 28, 1942 Cold wind, 10 above.
Made out order for Pyrex Ware. Fuel shortage again in
Wasilla. Allies doing well on offensive in all war zones.
A big battle due at Tunis Algeria Africa. Allies within 20
miles of city. No snow in Wasilla, roads good to Fishhook Mines.
November 29, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy,
warmer, 22 above. Seven cars at Cocktail Bar last night.
PM sawed up part of old radio pole and drained water system in new
house. Germans lost 66,000 in latest Stalingrad drive, frozen and
killed. Allies driving Nazis out of Africa. Jap’s losing
heavy in New Guinea, boats planes and soldiers. Evening,
Stanley home, offered a job with Gottstein Co.
November 30, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above
all day. Delayed milk and candy order arrived 27 days
from Seattle? Reds crushed more German invaders in Russia.
Allies of offensive with progress in all war zones. Japan
radio said they and China preparing for reconstruction after the war.
Maybe by ally order? Moose hunters out every day. Soldiers
can kill moose and no hunters license.
December 1, 1942 Weather damp, 6 to 16 above.
Got 2nd cord birch wood for furnace, coal used up. Car
due 10th. Evening, Stanley home overnight, brought tubes
for Dan’s burned out radio. U. S. subs have sunk 148 Jap boats
since last December. Allies doing good work vs. Axis in North
Africa. Fred C. J. Peterson visited; sold mink ranch for $20,000
at Anchorage, going Outside.
December 2, 1942 Weather cloudy, 6 to 12 above.
Light flurries of snow last night. Dan Gray in for grub
and mail. Oil short at Anchorage. Got phone order for
2 cases coal oil. Ocean Grove Cocktail Club burned up over
400 in Boston. Allies progressing in Africa.
December 3, 1942 Weather colder, 10 above to
zero. September 15th car of coal still due. Now
burning green birch, NG. Germans now retreating from all
gains on Russians last summer with a lost of over 100,000 soldiers.
Germans only got 60,000 to fight over 100,000 allies in North Africa.
Jap’s lost out on 6th drive to route U. S. out of Solomon Island war
zone. Mrs. Ezi visited.
December 4, 1942 Cold snap, zero to 12 below
zero. Busy with wood fires, coal all gone. Reported
Jap’s lost 9 ships and 7,000 troops on November 30th drive on Solomon
Island war zone. U. S. and British were repulsed today on drive
vs. Tunis. George Grennan sent to Palmer Hospital for check up and
clean up, 84 years old.
December 5, 1942 Business dead, partly
cloudy, zero to 10 above. Government agent visited account
storage of emergency war time supplies. Government released
report on Pearl Harbor a year ago, number of boats damaged 7,
1 sunk, over 2,000 were killed by Jap’s first Island Free
for all dance on at Town Hall and Cocktail Bar. Stanley home
evening.
December 6, 1942 Sunday, partly cloudy,
zero to 14 below zero. Busy, AM trying to get heat out of green
birch. Several cars at Cocktail Bar froze up last night.
Russians driving Germans out of Stalingrad district. Italy
bombed.
December 7, 1942 Zero weather all day.
Got some coal off Cads, shortage of coal in town. Jap’s
lost over 600,000 since beginning of war vs. U. S. Allies
doing fair on the offense vs. Axis. Lots of cars frozen up
in zero weather. Sent order to National Grocery Co. Seattle.
December 8, 1942 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Last year, Jap’s have lost ¼ of their Navy and over
600,000 soldiers. Big war on in North Africa vs. British
and French driving Italians and Germans out. Axis now losing
in Far East, Russia and Africa. Cold spell broken.
Eva got the flu. Stanley home, evening.
December 9, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above all
day. Blackout from 4 PM to 8 AM at Anchorage, none at Wasilla.
Pete Nelson quite sick. Minor fighting in North Africa.
Russians killing and driving Germans out of Russia. Jap’s
made another drive on Solomon Island, lost 1 battle ship and 3 cruisers.
mail and Christmas goods burned up in box car at Seward. Eighteen
year old kids drafted for Army.
December 10, 1942 Four inches snow last night,
10 to 18 above. AM cleaned off 180’ walks. Wasilla
white again after week of zero weather. Lend Lease sent 6.49
million pounds to Allies last month, increase over a million pounds.
British bombed twice today, Italy’s arsenal and sub factories, 6th
bombing, where Hitler gets supplies for Africa.
December 11, 1942 Business fair on hardware.
Weather colder, 10 above to 10 below zero. Busy with
fires and no fuel. Klim got the 1,200 ton railroad ice
contract to cut on Lake Wasilla.
December 12, 1942 Still cold 10 above to 12
below zero. Stanley home overnight. Sold 9 pair
coon-tail knit boots at Anchorage. Allies on offense in
all war zones with success. Jap’s have lost 138 boats and
591 airplanes. Sub sinking boats in Mediterranean.
Reds driving Nazis south. Transport “President Coolidge” hit mine
and sunk, 4,000 troops on way to Far East, only 4 men lost.
December 13, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, 10
above all day. Quiet in town after basketball and Cocktail
Bar last night. Our late bombers knocking down Axis bombers
10 to 1. U. S. offensive in all war zones improving daily.
Replacing women for man power in all U. S. industries. Section
and Depot out of coal. K. T. Co. now burning Wasilla Roadhouse
Buffalo coal.
December 14, 1942 Weather still cold, 10 above
to 10 below zero. Ma making ready for Christmas trip
to Anchorage. Army unloading 5 cars flour, sausage, etc.
storing in ARC garage. Sent K. T. Co. 1943 calendars to
Perkins Brigs and Roe in Minnesota. Allies doing good work
vs. Axis.
December 15, 1942 Weather cloudy, evening wind,
4 to 8 below zero. Ma left, 11 AM train for Santa Claus
at Anchorage. Emil Lansh delivered five tons premier coal to
K. T. Co. cost $13.94 delivered at Wasilla. Received invoice
for cases butter and eggs. Allies losing 1 to 3 bombers
vs. Nazis in North Africa offense. Stanley home 2 hours early,
evening, drove to Palmer. Floyd Smith’s Colony house passed
through Wasilla to Fleck ranch.
December 16, 1942 Big wind, 10 above.
Ma doing Santa Claus at Anchorage. Congress adjourned to
January 6th. Suburbs of London bombed by Germans today.
Another million dollar fire in Boston. Painted kitchen floor.
December 17, 1942 Business froze up, big wind,
10 above. Have to fire up every 2 hours account wind,
night and day. School bus stalled in snow drift till noon
at Lake crossing. Rommel’s retreat cut in half by Allies.
One French war boat turned over to Allies. Ma back 11 PM.
December 18, 1942 Third day of big wind, died
out during evening, 10 above all day. Capt. Slivers found
frozen to death near his cabin at mile one, went home drunk, failed
to arrive, first victim of Wasilla Cocktail Bar. Allies doing
good work on offensive in North Africa. Fifteen round smoker
at Anchorage. U. S. subs sank 8 more Jap boats.
December 19, 1942 Business slow, 8 above all
day. Cleaned Premier rocks out of store grates, too much
rock. Allies beating it all over the Nazis and Jap’s.
Reds drove Nazis back 37 miles and took 10,000 Chinks on offense
vs. the Jap’s. Stanley home, evening, from Army camp construction
work, brought candy and tobacco for K. T. Co.
December 20, 1942 Sunday, weather colder,
22 to 12 below zero, with birch and coal, heat OK in store.
KFQD on air with Christmas carols from Anchorage Presbyterian
Church. U. S. bombers downing Nazi transport planes from
Italy to North Africa war zone. Butter rationing also on
in Canada.
December 21, 1942 Weather colder 24 to 10 below
zero. 750 Co-op sheep, ¼ mile long, passed through
Wasilla from Cottonwood Flats to Palmer. Government now
drafting 18 year old kids to fight world war in Asia and Europe?
All Axis weakening under Ally pressure of bombers and tanks.
Hitler, again, retreating from invasion in Russia, lost 47,000 soldiers
last week and supplies.
December 22, 1942 Business fair, Christmas
sales. Windy, 8 above, shortest day of year and a cold
one. Capt. Sliver’s buried on knoll back of his cabin at
mile 1. U. S. bombed Jap’s on Kiska Island in the Aleutians
with no defense. Germans bombing suburban towns near London with
slight damage.
December 23, 1942 Still cold, 8 above.
Outside mail arrived, received 4 invoices but no goods.
Evening, school Christmas on at Hall. Buddy, 6 years old
and 1st year in school. Evening, Stanley home 2 days for Christmas
from Army Post construction work.
December 24, 1942 Still colder, 24 to 12 below
zero. Busy with fires. Dan Gray in for Christmas.
Stanley home over Christmas. Evening, Ma and self saw Buddy
and sister’s Christmas tree and many presents from Santa Claus.
No school today. Allies still on offense vs. the Axis powers.
Self received box cigars, pair pants and night shirt for Christmas.
December 25, 1942 Christmas, partly cloudy,
4 to 10 below zero. Two hen chicken dinner at Stanley’s house,
grandma roasted the hens. Kids received enough presents for
all the kids in Wasilla. Evening, Buddy and sister attended
free picture show at Palmer without escorts. All factories
closed Christmas day, 1st day rest of this year, by labor and others.
December 26, 1942 Evening windy, 22 above.
Stanley home until Monday from Army Post construction.
Stanley and family and Grandma drove to Colony looking for wood.
No coal yet from Healy Mine. Allies doing good work vs. Axis.
Reds driving Germans out of Russia. Jap’s now on the run
in China and New Guinea and on the Kiska Island in the Aleutians
December 27, 1942 Sunday, weather cloudy, warmer
24 above. Stanley drove Paddy over to Palmer Hospital
account asthma trouble. Mrs. LaValley (siwash McNeil) and
girl got knocked down by auto at Palmer picture show, being fat,
no bones broken. Allies now master of the air but not Nazi
subs. Jap’s getting nest eggs dropped on them everywhere.
Stanley returned to Army Post.
December 28, 1942 Weather cloudy, 20 above.
Received partial lot of Armour groceries, Gus hauled it with
Coleman’s car. Paid all invoices for 1942. Allies
now got Axis on retreat in all war zones. Railroad gone on
butter ration. Eklutna Electric short of energy to supply patrons
in Valley and Anchorage.
December 29, 1942 Weather colder, 14 above
to zero. Received mail via Fairbanks, 1 month to 6 weeks
in route. Ohnstad home on weeks vacation from Army Post.
Jap’s short of food in Solomon’s. Army taking all the fruit
in February. Butter on ration. Eva got the topsy lals,
no go to Anchorage.
December 30, 1942 Partly cloudy, zero weather.
Metz, Bert and Capt. Sliver’s received, each, a 25 pound box
full of Christmas eats from the “Ky Colonel” at Anchorage.
Jap’s failing in all defense and Nazis also losing heavy in Russia.
Allies routing Nazis out of North Africa. China doing good
work vs. the Jap’s. Farmers butchering. Stanley home
overnight. Thorpe’s gone to work at Independence Mine.
December 31, 1942 Weather cold, below zero
all day. Sold 100 pounds butter, out of gas. Betts
back from Seattle. Now using electricity from Eklutna
power plant, 10¢ a KW. Reds drove Germans out of Stalingrad.
Jap’s have lost 1,286 bombers since starting Pearl Harbor war
vs. U. S. Our bombers now in Africa.
1943
January 1, 1943 No business, cold, zero to
10 above. Still living in rooms aft of store. New
house, with all improvements idle. Ma prefers to empty slops
and ashes, prefers to scrub by hand and pack in fuel in four cold
rooms? Real war on in Russia, North Africa and Far East.
Allies on all offense. Stanley on base job on Army construction
at Anchorage.
January 2, 1943 Still cold, +6 to -6.
On grocery inventory and clothing. Got 1¼ ton Premier
coal. Several got the flu. Allies talking terms
when war is over. Report Germany and Japan have another
year of war supplies, looks like a long war? Stanley home
overnight. Kiska Island bombed by U. S. today, not much left
of Jap’s.
January 3, 1943 Sunday, still colder, 24 to
12 below zero. Cars at Cocktail Bar froze up. Self
on tobacco inventory, Ma on clothing department. First
Anchorage ski party at Fishhook. All Allies doing good work
vs. the Axis Powers. Thirty eight below zero at depot.
Cold drive for Stanley to Anchorage Army Post. Self up most
of night with fires.
January 4, 1943 Weather warmer 4 to 10 above.
On inventories. Sent Professor Krock $10 for lamp and
skates sold. Adolph Olson killed in auto wreck with soldiers
near Palmer January 1st, all were drunk except one. Allies
gave Axis hard pounding today in all war zones. Jap’s and Germans
casualties heavy. Roads still open to mines, no snow as yet
to bother. Zero weather.
January 5, 1943 Partly cloudy, zero to 10 above.
Ma and self on inventory. Stanley home overnight.
Trouble in school account no discipline. Jap’s losing out
in Solomon and Burma and Reds driving Nazis out of Russia.
Big battle yet to come off in North Africa. Lots of decorating
U. S. officials in war bravery. Hitler turning gray with
war.
January 6, 1943 Weather windy, 10 above to
34 above in evening. On inventory. Sold another
airtight heater. Electric lights on and off all evening.
Nazis in Russia and Jap’s in Solomon’s and New Guinea got ‘ell
today. Congress in session again. Mrs. Adam’s well froze
and totem pole in closet. Reported Mrs. Lindstrom passed out
in Tacoma. Mrs. Forker still living at 85 years in Washington.
January 7, 1943 Weather cloudy, snow, 16 to
28 above. Drew coal oil out of leaky tank. No more
coal oil or gas in tin cans. President Roosevelt delivered
message to Congress on war situation 1942. All the Axis on
defense now and getting it in the neck daily. Marie Martha scalded
leg from knee down. Light snow last night. Over production
on war materials in 1942.
January 8, 1943 On inventory. Cleaned
snow off walks, 8” and more coming, +20. Jap’s about cleaned
out of New Guinea and Solomon district. Jap’s lost 531
planes to date. Red Army capturing and running Germans
out of Russia daily. Marie Martha went to hospital with burn
on leg. Allies now meeting resistance in driving Axis out
of North Africa. Germans bombing England again.
January 9, 1943 Weather cloudy, 10 above to
8 below zero. Mrs. Cad left for Skinneapolis, Minnesota.
On inventory, received freight, clothing, crackers, juices and
coffee due December 10th. Mrs. Greshmaw hauled it over from
railroad freight shed, Eva swamper. Allies knocking the
‘ell out of Jap’s. Bombers and supply boats in Far East only
bombing by air in North Africa. Nazis losing heavy at hands
of Reds. Stanley home overnight. First real snow, 1’
past 2 days.
January 10, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, evening
windy, 10 to 20 above. Pricing up new merchandise.
Anchorage won over Wasilla at basketball last night game at Wasilla.
No cars moving today account deep snow. President Roosevelt
wants 100 billion dollars for 1943 war expenses and Lease Lend gifts
to Allies. All profits go to taxes these days and years to come.
Jap’s losing heavy in Far East and Germans on Russia invasion.
January 11, 1943 Business good on hardware.
Self on hardware, $60 order. Ma on clothing inventory.
Snow drifts blocking auto traffic, +30 all day. No mail trains
today account snow. Navy reported 4 airplane carriers and
29 cruisers sunk by Jap’s in past maneuvers by Jap’s.
January 12, 1943 Weather windy, +30, snow drifts
blocking auto traffic. Late snow blocked railroad the
Broad Pass district. Stanley home overnight.
January 13, 1943 Weather misty, +16 all day.
On inventory. Cad made round trip to Anchorage.
Olson family out moose hunting. Air bombing in Libya,
shot down 38 German planes and lost only one. Same vs.
the Jap’s. Russian manpower only real fighting. Coal
shortage again in Wasilla. Auto road blocked to mine by late
snow. Dan Gray in for grub from Mabel Mine.
January 14, 1943 Weather colder, +24 to -22.
Received 2nd 3½ ton load Premier dirty coal. No
Healy coal available, Army takes it all. Reds knocking
the ‘ell out of Germans U. S. and British doing effective
bombing in North Africa and Far East war zones. China doing
up Jap’s. Cold wave still holds on.
January 15, 1943 Colder yet, +10
to -32, busy with fires. Returned coal borrowed from Mrs.
Cad when out, now Cad is out of coal at -30, hard on booze?
U. S. subs sunk several Jap boats. Allies now busy bombing
all Axis factories and supply bases in Germany. Everybody
now pays income tax and new Victory tax and buys bonds.
January 16, 1943 Third cold day +10 to
-24. On extracts and spice inventory and busy firing furnace.
Allies lost 12 planes vs. 37 Jap’s. All aerial fighting in
North Africa. Reds got 75,000 Germans trapped. RAF bombing
German industries. China captured several Jap towns.
Stanley home overnight. Old Sam Pierre in from Willow saw mill.
January 17, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, warmer,
4 to 10 above. Finished grocery inventory. Ma washed
and cussed Premier dirty coal, blocks stove in 3 days with soot
and rocks. RAF bombed Berlin with 500 planes and ton blockbusters.
Reds mopping up on Germans. Big success for Allies in all
war zones today with bombers.
January 18, 1943 Weather still cold, 14 to
8 below. Packed grub order for Caswell. The Ky Colonel
visited, through at Army Post. RAF lost 16 planes bombing
Berlin Sunday, 2nd time. Hitler tried to bomb London and lost
6 planes, not much damage done. Reds now occupy Stalingrad,
Germans wiped out. Jap’s losing heavy in Far East engagements.
January 19, 1943 Weather still colder, 10 to
24 below zero. Packed Native order for Knik. Mail
trains cancelled this week. Both Mrs. Browne and Ely in
for overhaul. Allie Army within 20 miles of Tripoli in North
Africa. U. S. subs sunk 5 ships and 1 destroyer vs. Jap’s.
Stanley home evening.
January 20, 1943 Weather still cold, 12 to
22 below zero. Self got rheumatism in arm and shoulder.
_________ house, filled with Army groceries, burned down on Metz
ranch. 1,000 Jap’s killed in Solomon district. London
bombed, 34 children and 34 others killed. U. S. and RAF doing
good bombing in North Africa. One thousand new soldiers for
Anchorage.
January 21, 1943 Weather warming up, zero to
8 above. Off side of shoulder and forearm froze up and
not working properly. Gust Haller back from Tenakee Hot
Springs, going to move to Seldovia. Italians deserting
Tripoli as U. S. and British advance. Jap’s about through
in Guadalcanal and Solomon zone. Reds got Nazis about run out
of Russia. Cads electric pump froze up.
January 22, 1943 Big wind, 12 to 18 above.
Auto road blocked by drifts at Wasilla Lake railroad crossing.
Floyd Smith went to Anchorage for back treatment. Shortage
of fuel, Depot and Eva out. All war by air bombing except Red
annihilating the Germans. Waldon’s trucks all haywire.
Evening, checking up 1942 sales, waiting for NCR ledger sheets to
post 1942 for income tax.
January 23, 1943 No business, second day big
wind, 4 above. Auto road blocked to Palmer with snow
drifts. Busy keeping up heat to 40 in store and 60 aft of
store. Allies took Tripoli.
January 24, 1943 Sunday, still windy, at 12
above. Ma doing wash. Railroad rotary cleaned out snow
drifts below Wasilla. Auto road still blocked to Palmer.
Allies advancing vs. Axis in all war zones. Italy now doomed.
Evening, wind went into low after 3 day storm. Got bills
for five orders merchandise but as yet no delivery. 2 million
800 thousand babies born in 1942?
January 25, 1943 Wind died out, 18 above.
Tabulated grocery and tobacco inventory. Got 8 hods of
Healy coal. ARC baby Cat all day cleaning out 300 yard snow
drift at lake crossing. Evening, road open to Palmer.
January 26, 1943 Weather cloudy, zero to 8
above. Secret conference for world peace held in Africa
January 14 to 24. President Roosevelt and Premier Churchill
flew to conference along with all Navy Admirals and war experts,
two noted French war Admirals joined. They demanded unconditional
surrender and defeat of all Axis. Freight engine derailed in
snow drifts at Lake Wasilla crossing, Logan Stepp engineer. Stanley
home PM.
January 27, 1943 Weather cloudy, 10 above to
4 below zero. Got another load furnace wood. Railroad
wrecking crew got big engine back on track at east end switch.
Stanley and family drove to Palmer for hair cut. Floyd
Smith flew to his store in Dillingham. Stanley got 1 day off
from Army Post.
January 28, 1943 Weather cloudy, 18 above all
day. Another train wreck on branch. Received clothing
that was due 12/28, been at Fairbanks since 12/28, service?
Army truck maneuvering through snow drifts on mine roads.
Military experts holding conference in Africa for future war.
January 29, 1943 Weather cloudy, warmer 24
to 30 above. Priced up Butler Bros. clothing and notions.
Self got muscular pains in arms and thigh. President Roosevelt
visited on President of Brazil on way home from Africa. Allies
gaining on all war fronts. Sent in order for all kinds of
notions to Tip-Top Co. Seattle.
January 30, 1943 Weather cloudy, 24 to 28 above.
Self not feeling well account rheumatism. Received B/L
of candy and S and W goods but, as usual, no railroad delivery.
Hitler’s 10th anniversary, had Goring read his speech to German
people and RAF dropped bombs on Berlin and stopped the program.
Many Axis supply boats sunk today. Stanley paid $36.60, 1942
income tax.
January 31, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, 34
above all day, evening, snow flurries. Ruf Stephan family
drunk as usual. Self not navigating very well account of
muscular rheumatism. Louise Gill and hubby drove to Knik to
see ex-squaw man. Reds captured 28 Nazi officers and one
General and all kinds of war materials. Germans are retreating.
President FDR back to White House after 4,000 mile trip to Africa
war zone.
February 1, 1943 January thaw,
32 above. Big storm warning for February 4th. Self
crawling around with muscular rheumatism in arms. Our bombers
knocked down 326 enemy planes in December. We lost 96 planes
in December.
February 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, 28 above all
day. The ground hog saw his shadow, hence 6 weeks more
winter weather. Ma finished inventory on clothing department
and first aid, rubber goods in balcony yet to take. Not much
left of German invading Army in Russia. Jap’s trying again
for the Solomon district. President FDR told news reporters
of his 14 day trip to Africa. No mail trains.
February 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 18 to 24 above.
General McArthur lost Philippines and now in Australia directing
war vs. the Jap’s at Solomon and New Guinea. Reds captured
24 German Generals and many troops and now regained Stalingrad
war district in Russia. RAF bombing German cities.
Allies bombing Germans in North Africa. Jap’s trying to recapture
Solomon Islands by air and cruisers.
February 4, 1943 Total eclipse of the sun,
3:15 to 3:30 partly cloudy, 12 to 18 above. Received 2
truck loads of candy, groceries and hardware, was due in December.
Allies making ready for big battle in North Africa. Jap’s using
cruisers and planes vs. Solomon’s.
February 5, 1943 No business, big wind and
-2. No school, road blocked at Wasilla Lake railroad
crossing and two Anchorage cars drifted under. Ely quit
Section and moved to Anchorage, took job in power department.
Electric lights went black at midnight last night and still out.
No radio, no electric lights, no school, roads blocked in account
big wind, cold day.
February 6, 1943 Big wind zero to 14 above,
busy with fires. Eva and Marie returned 6 gas cans of coal
borrowed. Roads still blocked with snow drifts. Lights
on again at noon. Cads water system all froze up. U.
S. knocked down 33 Jap planes today. British subs sunk 4
Italian supply ships. Anchorage had coldest and windiest day
since 1919 and Wasilla 3 months of unusual winter weather.
February 7, 1943 Sunday, big wind, temperature
zero. Roads open again. Stanley home overnight
from Army Post. Self, rheumatism worse
in arms. Started to post 1942 NCR ledger. Gillam
air crash near Ketchikan, Gillam froze on way to beach, lady
passenger died from crash, 4 others reached beach safely.
February 8, 1943 Wind dieing out, 2 to 10 above.
Self getting stiffer with rheumatism. Got 1942 ledger
posted to March. Water system at Cocktail Bar froze up
and electric burned out their radio. Reds knocking the ‘ell
out of Germans, taking supplies and many prisoners. RAF blasting
German industries. Battle at Solomon’s still on. Shoes
go on ration, 3 pair to customer per year.
February 9, 1943 Light wind, zero to 10 above,
cold wave over Alaska. Self nursing rheumatism.
Stanley brought electric vibrator. George Grennan, 84, passed
out in Palmer Hospital, was farmer 28 years in Matanuska Valley.
U. S. cleaned Jap’s out of Guadalcanal in Solomon Island district.
Losses by Navy. Reds driving Germans out of Russia. Got
3rd load Premier coal and rock at $14 a ton.
February 10, 1943 Weather still cold, zero
to 10 above. Mail arrived, PM, 40 days from Seattle.
Marie Snider Betts had a baby boy. Got NCR ledger posted
to May. All reaching power gone in arms and right leg getting
stiff. The Allies on the defense and got the Axis retreating
in all sectors. Fred Klim and Dad on ice contract for Alaska Railroad,
cutting on Lake Wasilla.
February 11, 1943 Windy, zero to 18 above.
Received annual report on Eyota farms. Muscles too sore
to do much. Posted May in ledger. Allies have twice
as many troops in North Africa war zone as the Axis, making ready
for big fight. Jap’s lost out in Solomon war zone.
February 12, 1943 Warming up, 30 above. Sold
2 outfits over $100. Self, arm and calf muscles still
haywire. Posted June in NCR ledger. President Roosevelt
on air on war talk and late trip to Africa war zone. Reported,
in 10 days, Reds will clean Germans out of Russia. U. S. bombers
knocking down Jap’s in all Far East war zones, China ditto.
February 13, 1943 A-1 day, 20 above.
Got hair cut and posted July ledger. Stanley home, Sunday
off at Army Post. Strickler family left for States.
Got matches due 2-4 weeks back from Fairbanks. Big battle,
if any, yet to come off in North Africa. Reds got Hitler cleaned
up in Russia. Chinks going after Jap’s again.
February 14, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
12 to 28 above. Self nursing muscular rheumatism, mostly
in arms. Army Post cut off Sunday work for a month. Ma and
Stanley and Eva inspected Floyd Smith’s new house on Knik Road.
Allies hammering Axis from air.
February 15, 1943 First warm day in 3 months,
+40. Got ledger posted to October. Jap’s knocked
down 8 US planes today and Rommel drove back Allie troops in
North Africa, not so good. RAF still bombing German industries.
Reds still driving Germans out of Russia with heavy losses.
February 16, 1943 A-1 day, 32 to 50 above.
Mail train both ways, rheumatism bad today in both arms.
Got another cord stove wood, $13. U. S. lost 4 to 7 planes
in recent Solomon Island crap with Jap’s and 1 plane at Kiska
Island vs. the Jap’s. Alaska still safe from invasion.
February 17, 1943 Weather cloudy, 32 above.
Long 3 months of zero and windy weather broken. Got 1942
NCR ledger posted, now for balance sheet and tax or no tax.
Stanley home overnight. Allies meeting counter attacks in North
Africa. Reds got free sailing. U. S. subs sunk 5 more
Jap boats, 181 to date. Dan Gray in for mail and grub.
February 18, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 34
to 42 above, first Chinook of winter, roads icy in many places,
bad at Knik Bridge. Fred Edlund in hospital, was so cranky they
kicked him out.
February 19, 1943 A-1 day, 34 to 40 above.
Self about out of navigation, arms and legs fail to work.
Now tabulating ledger for income tax report, received no blanks.
Auto drivers report road icy. Allies
maneuvering for attack on Nazis in North Africa.
February 20, 1943 Flurry of snow, 30 to 36
above. Stanley home, evening, for over Sunday from Army
Post at Anchorage. Self nursing stiff arms and legs.
Allies did a lot of bombing in North Africa.
February 21, 1943 Sunday, light rain
all day, +38, roads mushy. Slide at Knik River Bridge
district. Evening, Stanley left 3 PM for Army Post account
bad weather. Tabulating income tax report, only $1,200 allowed
for family. Axis putting up a fight in North Africa.
Evening, some better under new medication.
February 22, 1943 Light rain all day, 42 above.
Three hundred foot slide on auto road near Knik River Bridge.
Three feet of new snow at mines. Army bogged down in North
Africa with rain. Russians killed over 750,000 Nazi troops
and captured over 250,000 troops. Evening, finished tax report
for 1942. McArthur dropping bombs on Jap’s on all island airports.
February 23, 1943 Partly cloudy 44 to 50 above,
snow all gone and chuck holes now in auto roads. Dan Gray
in. Doctor from Palmer Hospital, over for supplies, we had
‘em. Mostly sparing for maneuvers in North Africa.
Reds mopping up on Germans Congress hot at it on new war laws.
February 24, 1943 A-1 day, 42 to 52 above.
Arms and calves of leg bad today. Got out over $100
in claims vs. railroad for shortage of goods. Allies put
it all over Rommel today in North Africa. U. S. sunk 4 Jap
cruisers, Axis on retreat. paid 1942 income tax, $96.12.
Palmer-Eklutna Road open a gain. Stanley home in evening.
February 25, 1943 Partly cloudy, 44 above all
day. PM free show at Palmer for school kids. Bad to
worse, got lame ankle. Axis on the defense. McArthur
lost Philippines, now in Australia bombing Jap’s on all islands.
President FDR on sick list today. Self rheumatism no better.
February 26, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 to 48
above. Lost candy on 12/18 invoice arrived, also first
aid drugs. Mumps going around again among school children.
Usual air bombing by Allies. China ready to fight when supplies
arrive. Self, motive power bad with game ankle.
Spring weather.
February 27, 1943 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
Paddy gone to Captain Slivers hunting camp on Susitna, trying
to bag some beaver. Allies doing good work bombing all
Axis airports, etc. Word came, Alaska would be rationed
March 1st. Jap’s up against it, 4 cargo ships sunk by Allies.
February 28, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, 18
to 40 above. Stanley home now over Sunday evening.
Stanley gave me a hot bath and rub down for muscular rheumatism.
Right leg bad, can’t go down cellar. Nazis counter attacking
Reds but with heavy losses. War now in Allies favor.
All food rationing effective March 1st.
February Memo: Last 3 weeks of February brought
warm weather after 3 months of zero weather and wind.
Coldest winter in years but little snow. No snow in
Wasilla. Self crippled up with muscular rheumatism. Self
not so hot.
March 1, 1943 Weather cooler, 30 to 40 above.
Self not able to go down to furnace room account bad right ankle.
Bath relieved pain but muscles stiffer than ever. Matanuska
Valley Electric meeting at Palmer, Eva attended. 1942 tax
report mailed week earlier, only $1,200 deduction and 6% rate
made tax of $96.12.
March 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, 22 to 40 above.
Self feeling some better, right ankle improving. Eva went
to Anchorage with Brown’s, took Marie Martha’s baby carriage.
RAF bombed Berlin with 500 bombers, set 6 square miles on fire.
Nine bombers failed to return. Extra air bombing by Allies
in all war zones.
March 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 32 to 42 above.
Felt some better today, right ankle and leg limbering up.
The 900 tons dropped on Berlin by RAF and U. S. bombers was seen
180 miles away. The Reds recaptured one Nazi base, equal to Berlin.
The Jap’s big convoy to North Australia scattered and sunk by U.
S. bombers. Floyd Smith home.
March 4, 1943 Weather cloudy, 20 to 42 above.
Stanley home for day only. PM made ready to go to Anchorage
with Stanley for rheumatism treatment. Jap convoy ships going
to New Guinea. Nazis putting up stiff fight vs. the Red offense.
Allies winning all air battles. Germans still strong with
subs.
March 5, 1943 A-1 day, 26 to 40 above. Stanley
drove me to Anchorage to see doctor, no rooms available, back
home 4 PM took one spinal massage. Big rejoicing account
Allies cleaning up 28 Jap boats and over 100 airplanes on way to
New Guinea. RAF bombed subs and boats in Mediterranean.
March 6, 1943 A-1 day, 32 to 42 above.
Self nursing neuritis in left hand and right leg, bad today.
Reds cleaning up on Nazis. Rommel’s Nazi Army making a
firm stand in North Africa. City Manager law passed in Alaska.
RAF bombing German sub factories. Jap’s at a loss what to
do next.
March 7, 1943 Sunday, A-1 day, 14 to
50 above. Stanley drove me over to Palmer Hospital
for checkup on rheumatism, doctor said teeth would have to come
out. No dentist, will have to go to Anchorage. Allies
still bombing Axis with good results. Hitler leaving belligerent
soldiers to fight the Reds. Stanley brought Paddy in from trap
line at mile 8, no beaver yet?
March 8, 1943 Weather cloudy, 36 above, snow.
Rheumatism no better, going on train to Anchorage to have teeth
out. Sold bicycle I had on hand 18 years. Montgomery’s
Army beat Rommel back, with heavy losses, in Africa. Reds taking
several cities help by Germans Jap’s made air raid on Allies
in Far East not much damage. Evening, snowing.
March 9, 1943 Wasilla to Providence Hospital
with Eva, left 10 AM train for Anchorage. Went up to Eva’s
mothers house for lunch. Called on Dr. Walkowski for medical
exam account rheumatism. 4 PM, hospital for x-ray of teeth
and body. Got New York Alaska Gold Dredge Co. room, $10 a
day. Ma storekeeper, self at hospital for medical checkup
and teeth extraction.
March 10, 1943 Self at Providence Hospital,
Anchorage. Had x-ray of teeth and shoulder. 2 PM,
Eva visited, 7 PM Stanley visited and gave me a hot bath.
Ma storekeeper at Wasilla.
March 11, 1943 At Providence Hospital,
Anchorage. Dr. Pierce visited, said he would extract
teeth Friday 2 PM, Mattie and Mrs. Gill visited. Mattie
and Stanley visited evening.
March 12, 1943 At Providence Hospital,
Anchorage. Dr. visited and look see. Mr. Larson,
from Cache Creek, visited Mattie and Mrs. Gill. Mattie returned
home, evening. Nick Wilder and Stanley visited.
March 13, 1943 Louise Gill visited and drove
me over to dentist. Had all remaining teeth out.
Stanley visited, evening. Self busy washing blood out from
teeth extraction. No visitors or doctor to look see.
No supper, teeth out.
March 14, 1943 At hospital. Dr.
visited to look see only. Stanley, Louise Gill and hubby
and Chas Isaac visited. Evening, nurse gave me a rub down.
March 15, 1943 Dr. visited, said go home
for 2 weeks then return for a checkup? Eva visited, PM,
on her anniversary. Got new coat, listened to radio on
earphones in bed. No improvement, going home tomorrow.
March 16, 1943 Checked out of Providence
Hospital 4 PM, for 5 PM train to Wasilla. No train until
9 PM. Mushed up to Stanley’s Fleck cabin, only Sharon home
from Army work, Stanley soon arrived. Left 7 PM, arrived
home with Stanley’s car 9 PM, pretty stiff. Paid invoices
and made up deposits. Home again after 7 days at Anchorage.
Had teeth out, rheumatism still there.
March 17, 1943 A-1 day, 42 above. Self
fighting rheumatism in arms and legs. Warm spell yet.
High school boys wheeled over fruit and vegetables from shed.
March 18, 1943 Weather cooler, 6 to 36 above.
Self anchored until 10 with muscular rheumatism. Ma fighting
Premier coal dust, scrub, scrub, scrub? Stray horses in
town. Stanley home evening.
March 19, 1943 Weather cloudy, 8 to 28 above.
Rheumatism bad all day. Floyd Smith leaving for Bristol
Bay to replenish his store business during fishing season.
Allies meeting strong resistance in North Africa. Allies
bombing all Jap orts in Far East and at Kiska Island.
March 20, 1943 Weather hazy, 8 to 26 above.
Rheumatism bad all day in legs. Eight hundred industries
turning out war material besides a lot of small plants.
Nazis again rounding up and killing a lot of people. Nazis
stopped Red drive in Russia. Jap’s short of supplies at all
aerial bases in Solomon and Burma war zones.
March 21, 1943 Sunday, first day of spring,
zero to 30 above all day, windy. Muscular trouble no better,
have to have help to dress. Premier Churchill on hookup
on world war conditions. Allies meeting resistance in North
Africa and Reds in Russia.
March 22, 1943 Weather cooler, 4 to 20 above.
Arms and legs still stiff. Paid invoices and ordered milk
and fruit. About a 50-50 between Allies and Nazis in all
war zones. Jap’s bombed in all island possessions in Far
East. Cold wind. Eva fell down stairs and Ellen Smith
bruised knee, 2 more cripples.
March 23, 1943 Weather colder, 2 to 18 above.
Sixteen below zero in Valley. Same rheumatism trouble,
just crawling around, up and down. RAF bombing German sub
bases. Heavy fighting in North Africa and Reds vs. Germans
No trains account snow slides. Jap’s lost 150 planes in Far East
war zone.
March 24, 1943 Cold wind, 8 to 20 above.
Rheumatism some better in legs. Paddy in from mile 8 trap
line. Ellen Smith went to Anchorage with Stanley 5:30 AM
account knee bruise. Allies superior in air vs. Nazis.
Germans holding strong vs. the Reds in Kharkov district. Allies
bombing Jap’s heavy in all Far East with no losses. Coal man
arrived 9 PM with 4½ tons.
March 25, 1943 Weather windy, 10 to 20 above.
Rear end plugged up, took 2 doses castor oil and 3 doses
sal hepatica to get operation. Ma busy with fires account
wind. Allies did good bombing in North Africa and over France
and German industry. Ma busy with fires account wind.
March 26, 1943 Weather windy, 26 to 36 above.
Rheumatism tightening up in thighs. School bus stalled
in snow drift at lake crossing. Mail train went south.
Received big lot of mail carried north. Allies tightening
up on Nazi Rommel’s army in North Africa. Jap’s bombed 25 times
in March at Kiska, Aleutian Islands.
March 27, 1943 Snowing all PM, 30 above.
Pain in arms. Cad on 3 legs account bump on knee.
Stanley home overnight. Allies on offensive in North
Africa and in Japan. RAF bombing German industries. Stanley
home overnight.
March 28, 1943 A-1 day, 20 to 40 above.
Stanley drove me to Anchorage for checkup on rheumatism by Dr.
Walkowski. Blood better, gave medication for bladder and
urine, Eva and Paddy were mascots, back home 6 PM.
March 29, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
windy 30 above. Self crawling around with rheumatism.
Big dance on at Cocktail Bar last night. Mr. Latham, hardware man
from Montana, visited looking for location in Alaska.
March 30, 1943 A-1 day, 16 to 40 above.
Stanley home on 30 days vacation after 2 years with Army Post.
1942 inventory over $10,000 at cost. Got mail ready but no
train. Allies got Axis on retreat in North Africa by air
bombing. Berlin bombed 3rd time today.
March 31, 1943 Light wind, 30 above.
Same rheumatism in arms and legs, wrote Dr. Walkowski
account cold weather wouldn’t be down for 2 week checkup.
Rommel’s Army got blasted today by the Allies. Whole string
of Jap planes shot down today. Castor oil and salts worked.
April 1, 1943 Partly cloudy, 30 to 36 above
today. Legs stiff AM but PM limbered up. Stanley
home on time off with pay from Army Post. Stanley and family
drove to Palmer for haircuts. Wasilla got April fool by transformer
on electric line, put radios haywire. No war news account
electric line disturbance all day.
April 2, 1943 Partly cloudy, 8 to 40 above.
Marie Martha’s 11th birthday, Ma baked her a cake. Evening,
all but self took in picture show at Palmer. Static cut off
2 hour radio. Bomber with 9 officers cracked up in takeoff
at Anchorage Army Post, all killed.
April 3, 1943 A-1 day, 30 to 50 above.
Army moving store grub in ARC garages to cars on railroad.
Allies pounding Rommel’s army in North Africa. RAF still
blasting German sub factories. Reds gone into camp after
killing one million Germans in Russia. Rheumatism all the
same.
April 4, 1943 Sunday, A-1 day, 32 to
56 above. Arms sore today. Mrs. Barigo, teacher,
flew Outside account death of her father. St. Clair’s visited
on way to beaver hunting. Allies driving at Rommel from all
sides in North Africa. Reds got Germans drove to south.
Marie Martha hurt knee on swing.
April 5, 1943 Weather cool AM, 14 to 48 above.
Rheumatism bad in legs today. Stanley ironing up new
tool chest made of plywood. Allies on offense in North
Africa. RAF lost a dozen planes bombing German industries
today. A Jap convoy and airports bombed in Far East.
April 6, 1943 A-1 day, 30 to 48 above.
Thighs sore all day. Received phone call, room with bath
on 1st floor now available, waited 2 weeks, going to Anchorage
tomorrow to take light treatments for rheumatism. Allies
bombing Axis at all war zones but losing 1 to 4 planes.
April 7, 1943 Wasilla to Anchorage, left
Wasilla 9 AM, arrived Anchorage 11:30. Got room and
bath at Parson’s. Stanley left for home 3 PM. Allies
captured 6,000 Rommel’s army. Kiska raided by U. S.
April 8, 1943 At Anchorage, A-1 day,
25 to 46 above. Took first light and rattle snake oil treatment
at Liske’s, then walked 6 blocks to find Dr. Walkowski’s office.
Evening, heard war news and Jerry of the Circus. Ma went to
movies. Took bath last night, rheumatism bad today.
April 9, 1943 Ma and self in Anchorage.
Snowed all day, got haircut and took 2nd light treatment.
Got moved to room with twin beds. Clyde King Jr. left for States
with stomach trouble, also Mrs. Parson’s. Montgomery got
Rommel on retreat. Jap’s got 4 U. S. boats.
April 10, 1943 Anchorage still white,
temperature 19 to 47 above. Ma had a shampoo, self took
3rd light treatment. Right calf and arm stiff today.
Passengers, from boat in, over from Seward. Allies doing
good work on offensive. Jap’s about bombed out of Kiska base
in Aleutians
April 11, 1943 Sunday at Hotel Parson’s.
Self felt better today, could dress myself. Stanley and family
down from Wasilla. Evening, Ma took in picture show.
No news, A-1 day, snow gone. Stanley storekeeper while Ma
and Pa at Anchorage account Dad’s rheumatism.
April 12, 1943 Ma and self at Hotel Parson’s.
Self took 4th light treatment for rheumatism, some better.
Had a phone call from Stanley at Wasilla. All Allies doing
good work vs. the Axis. First big boat in at Anchorage dock
One meal and 2 lunches, daily diet. Met Chas Harper.
April 13, 1943 At Hotel Parson’s.
Temperature 28 to 44 above. AM same old thing, oatmeal
and coffee from Mrs. Gill’s. Ma washed our underclothes at
Mrs. Gill’s. Dinner at 1 PM, then took light treatment at
Liska’s. Evening, soda fountain lunch. Rommel and Jap’s
bombed a plenty today.
April 14, 1943 At Parson’s Hotel, Anchorage.
A-1 day, ice about gone in Inlet. Two launches arrived.
AM, Stanley down from Wasilla for candy, etc. returned
at noon. Evening, visited Louise Harry Frederickson’s home
in suburbs. Real war on in North Africa.
April 15, 1943 At Hotel Parson’s.
Temperature 30 to 50 above. Took 7th light treatment, not
much improvement yet. Harbor at Anchorage free of ice.
Met Snider family. Evening, Ma took in show. Jap’s
making ready for drive on Australia. Allies hammering Rommel’s
army in North Africa.
April 16, 1943 At Parson Hotel, Anchorage.
Temperature 24 to 50 above. Same routine, Mrs. Gill’s
oatmeal and coffee for breakfast. PM, took 8th light treatment.
Evening, Ma gave me a hot bath, heck of a job to get in and out
of tub.
April 17, 1943 At Hotel Parson’s, Anchorage.
Temperature 23 to 48 above. Stiff as a poker after taking
hot bath. Took 9th light treatment, got limbered up, visited
on Gill at his garage. Met Hardware man from Montana, going
Outside to sell his business.
April 18, 1943 Sunday at Anchorage.
No medical treatment on Sundays. Ma attended church with
Mrs. Gill. Stanley and family, with Agent Browne and Clara,
teacher, at noon from Wasilla out to dinner, cost $5.35 for 6 plates.
Visited Gill family. Kids returned home 6 PM.
April 19, 1943 At Hotel Parson’s.
Temperature 27 to 50 above. Took 10th and final light treatment
at Alex Liska’s, cost $65. Going home tomorrow by train.
Allies downed 95 out of 100 German transports today. Got
Germans on the run in North Africa. Jap’s bombed at Kiska again
today. Ma out shopping.
April 20, 1943 Anchorage to Wasilla.
Paid Parson Hotel bill, $70 for 14 days. Ma out shopping.
Gill family took us to depot at 2 PM, train late 2 hours, arrived
home at 5:45. Stanley had store and office all cleaned up.
Allies on offensive, advancing in North Africa.
April 21, 1943 A-1 day, 30 to 50 above.
Got chill in legs at outside toilet, legs stiff all day.
On office work and excise taxes. Heavy fighting in North
Africa and RAF bombed Berlin on Hitler’s birthday. Reds holding
Nazis. Kiska bombed 8 times today. Army putting Soldiers
on Section work, 10-15 men.
April 22, 1943 Weather cloudy, 30 to 44 above.
Self full of rheumatism, all day. Sent in November-January
and March excise tax. St. Clair’s moving to Knik with horse
and auto trailer. Stanley emptied tin cans. Roads
in bad shape, frost coming out. Allies losing 50% of all shipping
sent to Africa. War hot in all sections.
April 23, 1943 Partly cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Legs stiff all day, evening better. Mush holes on auto
roads. Joe Palmer back from beaver hunt, got his ten.
Allies knocked down a bunch of Axis transport planes. Jap’s
making ready for another bomb flight in Far East Island district.
Dog mating time.
April 24, 1943 Showers, PM, 44 above.
Some better today account rheumatism. Stanley made round
trip to Anchorage. Eva and Paddy and one beaver mascots.
Spuds all sold in valley, $6. Lots of mush holes on roads.
Army doing night flying. No radio account static.
April 25, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy,
29 to 50 above. Stanley returned to Anchorage Army Post
construction after 3 week vacation and was K. T. Co. storekeeper
while Ma and Dad were at Anchorage for 2 weeks light treatment.
Electric static killed radio for past 2 days, missed Easter program.
April 26, 1943 Partly cloudy, cool, 42 above.
Hands drawed up, no power, can’t stand, cold on legs. Allies
did heavy bombing on Axis in North Africa. Also Jap airdromes
bombed in Solomon and New Guinea district with no losses to U. S.
planes. Farmers waiting for warm weather to start planting, freezing
nights.
April 27, 1943 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Muscular action better today. Mail arrived, received 5
delayed invoices, 3,452 pounds due. Allies put it all over
Nazis in North Africa today. Heavy bombing on Jap’s at Kiska
Island. Ice out of slough at Fairbanks, ice pool next.
April 28, 1943 A-1 day, 40 to 52 above.
Legs better, wrists stiff. Cocktail Bar went crazy, knocked
down Roadhouse veranda, car failed to turn the circle.
Allies advancing in North Africa. Kiska Island bombed heavy
today. Ice went out 7:22 PM, 4 tickets won $80,000.
April 29, 1943 Business fair on forage.
Temperature 56 above. Cocktail Bar got truck load of booze,
but no groceries available. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine.
Got out deposits and out-mail. Going slow vs. Nazis in North
Africa. Kiska bombed. Evening, Stanley home, got new
job, in charge of all materials at Army Post, has office.
April 30, 1943 Weather hazy, cool, 40 to 46
above. Left wrist fails to operate. Now able to dress
myself. Jack Fabyan in from Independence Mine. About
a 50/50 go in battles in North Africa.
May 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, cool 40 to 48 above.
Pricing up notion goods due last February. Eva and Paddy
filled furnace bin with wood. Big poker game on at Cocktail
Bar last night. Heavy fighting in North Africa.
Allies sinking Axis boats. Evening, Stanley home.
RAF lost 13 bombers over German industries.
May 2, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, cool
40 to 46 above. Soldiers off Section, in to trade.
Big crowd at Cocktail Bar last night and stole bunch of booze.
Agent Browne’s kids up from Anchorage over weekend. Three
freight trains north with war material. Gus back from Hot
Springs, Alaska. Buddy now rides 2 wheel bike.
May 3, 1943 Weather cool, wind, 40 to 50 above.
Bought ½ cord stove wood for Mabel cabin. Snow still
down to brush line on mountains, freezing nights. Allies pushed
Axis back in North Africa and sunk supplies. Stalin visited
for another 2nd front vs. Germans in Europe.
May 4, 1943 A-1 day, 40 to 62 above.
Delayed cases of oil and groceries arrived, Gus hauled 2 loads,
Eva and Paddy swampers. Axis weakening vs. Allies drive
in North Africa. Evening, pricing up new merchandise. Milk
arrived but no butter and eggs. Allies lost several planes vs.
Jap’s today.
May 5, 1943 A-1 day, 56 above. Ray Wolf
and brother here, bought supplies for his Haller Ranch.
Shoe packs about sold out. High school boys gone salmon
fishing down Cook Inlet. Allies about to take Tunis.
May 6, 1943 First summer day, 66 above.
Pricing up new goods. Evening, paid all invoices due.
Stanley home overnight from Army Post. Allies now within
artillery fire of Tunis, German stronghold in Africa. Kiska
and Jap airdrome bombed aplenty today.
May 7, 1943 Partly cloudy, 54 above.
Smoothed up ash pile on street. Received invoice for butter,
eggs and meats due a month ago. Allies cleaned up on Axis
at Tunis and Tunisia in North Africa. Reds drove a wedge
into Nazis, killed 10,000 Germans. Eva, kids and Clara mushed
half way to Palmer to see picture show.
May 8, 1943 Partly cloudy, 52 above.
Not so good after shoveling ashes last night. Great rejoicing
over Allies driving Nazis out of Tunis, North Africa. Reds
driving Nazis into Black Sea. New Guinea and Burma bombed.
Stanley home evening. Sold our electric house pump at Anchorage,
$55.
May 9, 1943 Sunday, A-1 day, 54 above.
Farmers busy planting. Marie Martha run nail in foot.
Metz plowed his garden Saturday. Allies took over Tunisia
and captured 50,000 Germans and Dagos. Jap’s bombing North
Australia. Reds doing good work on offensive vs. Axis.
China needs more war materials.
May 10, 1943 Second warm day, 60 to 66 above.
Got electric pump ready to ship to V. B. Stephans at Anchorage.
Self weak in legs, have to lay down. Allies making drive on
Germans left in North Africa. Jap’s bombing Darwin, Australia.
Jap’s bombed at Canton, China with heavy losses.
May 11, 1943 Third summer day, 60 to 70 above.
Dang legs not working good today, too much exercise yesterday.
Fire started near school, burned west of Willow to river.
Allies took over 100,000 Germans in North Africa. 50,000 left
in Tripoli district to mop up North Africa. Churchill visiting
President FDR.
May 12, 1943 Fourth summer day, 54 to 84 in
sun. No green grass but birches leafing. Great rejoicing
over Allies defeat of Italians and Germans in North Africa, captured
over 150,000 including 12 Generals. Reds driving Nazis
out of Russia. Allies bombed Solomon and New Guinea.
Stanley home evening, loaded electric pump, sold at Anchorage.
May 13, 1943 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Delayed eggs and meats arrived, left butter in Seward.
Big war conference in Washington D. C. for future drive on Axis.
Holland and Belgium ready to rebel vs. Hitler. China getting
help from U. S. Last 3 days started garden planting for Victory.
May 14, 1943 Business slow, summer is
here. Wrote Attorney Perkins to sell Burnap farm for amount
of mortgage, $10,000. Germans and Dagos all cleaned up
in North Africa, 175,000 prisoners. U. S. bombers and Navy
cleaning Jap’s off Attu Island in the Aleutians Jap’s
hit hard at Burma and New Guinea today. School closed.
May 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
ARC removing old warehouse on railroad track lot. Ellexson’s
and St. Clair’s here, all going fishing at Pt. Campbell.
U. S. and RAF made heavy bomb raids over Germany, France, Holland
and Belgium. U. S. landed on Attu Island vs. Jap’s. Stanley
home overnight.
May 16, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
showers, 40 to 50 above. Four kegs butter short, arrived
from Fairbanks. Army cars tried to go to Big Lake over
Cat road. Trappers getting triple price for beaver.
All war fighting is from the air. Allies winning by large
odds. First rain.
May 17, 1943 Weather cloudy, cool, 40 to 50
above. Self feeling much better, took a Calatab.
Nazis bombing London again. Seventh day of bombing at Attu
Island, troops landed but no reports.
May 18, 1943 Weather cool, 40 to 50 above.
Evening, Stanley took family to Anchorage for week vacation
and dental work. Bombing of Mohne and Eder dams flooded
Uhr factory district in Germany. Jap’s sunk Red Cross Hospital
ship in Australia, 288 drowned. Nazis being bombed in all
war zones. U. S. driving Jap’s off Attu Island in Aleutians
May 19, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
44 to 54 above. G. S. H. family at Anchorage. Rain
just right for crops. Churchill spoke before U. S. Congress
on war situation said China must get help and Japan reduced to
ashes as soon as possible. Allies bombing Sicily near Rome.
Americans took ridges on Attu Island, got Jap’s back up to Sea.
Self on office work.
May 20, 1943 Weather cool, 40 to 50 above.
Got out fruit, groceries and hardware orders. Rev. Bingle
visited, stationed at Fairbanks. U. S. making good headway
at driving Jap’s off Attu Island in Aleutians RAF and U.
S. bombing Germany day and night. Reds doing good work vs.
Germans.
May 21, 1943 Partly cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Birch leaves turning autumn account frosty nights. U.
S. took Attu Island, now mopping up on Jap’s. RAF and US
bombing Berlin and Churchill and Roosevelt conferring with military
Generals for future prosecution of war. Jap’s losing 16 to
1 planes in air battle vs. U. S. White pig came to town.
May 22, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Self around but can’t do much, no strength in hands.
Ely boy and 3 others tried to get in railroad warehouse at 11 PM.
Jap’s divided into 3 bunches on Attu Island, will have to surrender
or be annihilated by U. S. Army. Stanley and family doing
Anchorage. Frost nights.
May 23, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy, 50
above. Stanley’s family with him at Fleck house at Anchorage.
Swept floors in new house. Many joy rider cars today.
Reported Japans Admiral of Navy was killed last April. Jap’s
still on Attu Island but cornered up. Jap’s trying to take
China’s big rice fields with 40,000 troops.
May 24, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
Jap’s bombed 2 of our war ships standing by at Attu Island,
no report as to damage. RAF dropped tons of bombs on German
factories. Germans losing heavy on summer fruit in Russia.
May 25, 1943 Business fair on hardware.
Temperature 50 to 60 above. Paddy filled up holes on street
with Premier rock ashes, side store. Allies knocked down
320 Axis planes past week in Mediterranean and lost 32 bombers.
Jap attack on Attu Island, lost 12 bombers, U. S. lost 2.
Jap’s cornered but still holding out on island. Nazis bombing
England towns but not much damage. Allies bombing Germany night
and day. Stanley family home.
May 26, 1943 Business good on hardware.
Weather cloudy, 56 to 60 above. Buddy, Marie and mother
home from weeks vacation at Anchorage. Rae Wolf’s renter
on Haller farm bought a hardware outfit. Dortmund, Germany
industrial city laid to waste by RAF, 2 and 4 ton bombs. U. S.
cleaned up Jap’s on Attu Island. Evening rain.
May 27, 1943 Partly cloudy, 50 above, a sprinkle
of rain each night. Garden stuff up but not growing account
frost at night. 75,000 Jap’s and 2,000 planes in route to
China war capitol and rice fields. Allies downed 363 Axis
planes, lost 33 in Mediterranean Ocean. Sent card views of
Alaska to Perkins and Florence at Eyota, Minnesota.
May 28, 1943 Partly cloudy, 56 above.
Frank Smith hauled over delayed oils and paints from freight
sheds. Chas Isaac, from Anchorage, and Jack Fabyan, from
mines, visited. RAF bombed Essen, Germany. Twenty three
planes failed to return.
May 29, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Repaired walk front of warehouse aft store. Anchorage
hardware dealer visited to compare prices. Allies still
bombing Sicily and islands near Italy. Reds knocking down
Axis planes 6 to 1. Mrs. Cad back from Minnesota. Stanley
home overnight.
May 30, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy, 40
to 60 above. Store closed, PM, as usual. One lot
of Jap’s and snipers still holding out on Attu Island. Allies
have dropped 5,000 tons in Ruhr Valley, Germany and 1,000 tons on
Essen in one hour and sunk 4 German submarines.
May 31, 1943 Second Memorial Day at Anchorage.
St. Clair and Ellexson’s in from Pt. Possession fish camp.
St. Clair stored his car with Gus. Jap’s finally cleaned
up on Attu Island by U. S. Army. Bombing by Allies in all
foreign districts big success today. Chinks with U. S. bombers,
turned back Jap 75,000 troop drive on China’s war capitol and rice
fields.
June 1, 1943 Heavy rain last
night, 50 to 70 above. Soldiers gave free picture show at Town
Hall.
June 2, 1943 A-1 day, 50 to 68 above.
Self in store part of time. Got no strength in hands account
rheumatism. Bombing all Italian island airports and Sicily.
U. S. Army cleaned up 1,500 Jap’s only 4 surrendered in Attu Island.
Reds knocking down German planes. Chinks wounded and killed
30,000 Jap’s in drive on China war capitol.
June 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 above all day.
Got out-orders and mail. Ma and kids walked down to Ellen
Fleck’s new house on Knik Road. Reds downed 162 Axis planes.
Reds lost 27 in dog fight. Chinks put Jap’s on the run with
heavy losses in invasion. A million coal miners on strike,
government took over mine.
June 4, 1943 Weather cloudy, 64 above.
Mail went south. Buddy and sister with Paddy as escort,
went to Anchorage for weekend. Self right knee pained all
day. Eva and Smith’s at Palmer show. Chinks and
U. S. bombers drove Jap’s out of Yangtze Valley, Central China.
June 5, 1943 Light rain, 40 to 46 above.
Rheumatism better but no strength in hands and right knee gets
weak. Snow gone on Bald Mt., 2 weeks late. Allies blasted
3 75,000 ton Italian battleships moored in harbors.
Kids home from Anchorage.
June 6, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening rain, 50 above. Store open 3 hours AM, as usual.
Ma and kids walked down to Ellen’s ranch, Ellen got infected
finger. Reds knocked down 552 German planes and lost 212.
Chinks got Jap’s on retreat with 50,000 Jap’s killed. RAF
still bombing German factories.
June 7, 1943 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Harry Sears, the kingpin gardner, in for supplies. President
Roosevelt on air, PM, spoke to 40 delegates about peace time
food conference when war is over. All Allies bombing the
‘ell out of Nazis in all sectors. Son of late Theodore Roosevelt
buried in Anchorage Army Post.
June 8, 1943 A-1 day, 58 to 72 above.
Took in sun bath for my rheumatism. All talk, when and where,
the allies would strike Axis next. Argentine still neutral
but on American side. Second Army picture show at Hall.
June 9, 1943 Summer day, 60 to 74 above.
Self out in sun for rheumatism. Morris Hurst, from Gulkana
new road district, visited, wanted to buy whole stock of K. T.
Co. merchandise. Islands around Italy heavy bombed and Reds
downed 174 Nazi planes in Russia. Jap’s out with Zero bombers
but too slow for U. S. bombers.
June 10, 1943 Summer day, 44 to 78 above.
Tabulating January to June sales to add to January 1st inventory
account sale of business. Fruit and oil shortages arrived,
PM freight. China cleaned up the Jap’s in central China.
Allies trying to win the war with ton block busters.
June 11, 1943 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above.
Merchandise stock to June 1st $9,036.37.
Kids with Stanley at Anchorage. Allies took Pantelleria
Island held by Italians in Mediterranean Sea, 8,000 Italians
surrendered, was taken by air power.
June 12, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
In store, rheumatism better. Archie Lewis visited, now
on Fairbanks end of railroad. Tourists now visiting Lake
Wasilla summer resort. Allies took another military island
from Italians in Mediterranean. Now have control of shipping
in Mediterranean. RAF and U. S. bombing all industrial cities
in Germany with 224 ton bombs. All the kids at Anchorage.
June 13, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy,
50 to 64 above. Lots of soldier trucks here. Fishhook
Pass to Willow Creek was to be open today for cars. Great
rejoicing account capture of Pantelleria, Casauria and Kenova, Italian
islands in Mediterranean, by Allies, over 300,000 prisoners taken
in Africa. Kids in Anchorage. Past week Reds shot down
548 Nazis in planes.
June 14, 1943 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Kids still doing Anchorage. Joe Brassel left an order
for his Willow Creek camp. U. S. subs sunk 12 more Jap boats
making 256 to date.
June 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, 60 above.
Paddy and Ward Shrope left for Montana Creek district to find
coal. Army picture show at Hall. Allies bombing Sicily,
next island to capture. RAF lost over 100 planes late bombing
Germany. Allies now ready for invasion on Nazis but on land
or air?
June 16, 1943 Partly cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
L. Cox, 87 year old timer down from Montana Station for grub
outfit. Joe Palmer gone to Sheep Mountain to prospect.
Cutworms eating up farmers crops. More U. S. planes and pilots
landed in Ireland. Cads getting in winter wood account no
coal.
June 17, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 72 above.
Got out Seattle mail and orders. Mr. Cox returned to
Montana Station. U. S. bombers shot down 77 Jap planes
in a big aerial fight over the Solomon’s. We lost 6 planes.
Chinaman drove Jap’s out central China.
June 18, 1943 A-1 day, evening rain, 60 to
72 above. Sent shipment north on railroad. Mail
went south. Ellen Smith went to Anchorage account sore finger.
King George flew to North Africa on inspection tour. Congress
appropriated 71 billion for 1944 boats and bombers.
June 19, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 78 above.
Ex-Marshal from Palmer bought $42 merchandise outfit.
Milk and egg, delayed from Armour, arrived. Auto road,
at mile 10, below Palmer, flooded. Allies still bombing Sicily
and lost 8 bombers. Hitler making no gain vs. Russia.
Jap’s back on defense. British going to help China vs. Jap’s.
Kids home from week at Anchorage.
June 20, 1943 Fathers Day, Dad got pair
of sox. Sunday, hot day, 64 to 84 above. Palmer Road
flooded, 2 feet deep. Stanley and family home from Anchorage,
now has Sundays off. Stanley and Frank hauled over 2½ tons
merchandise from freight shed. Reds downed over 3,000 Nazis
past summer. Jap’s bombed Darwin, Australia. Jap’s lost
32 bombers. PM all Herning’s visited on Ellen Smith. Lewis
ordered coal miners to strike again Monday.
June 21, 1943 Second hot day, 70 to 86 above.
AM pricing up new merchandise. Morris Hurst from Gulcana district
on new highway, arrived to buy K. T. Co. merchandise stock
Inventory price to date, $9,368.92. Allies on offense in all
war zone. Hitler has lost over 6 million soldiers vs. the Reds.
Reds lost 4 million vs. Hitler and still fighting.
June 22, 1943 Third hot day, up to 80 above.
Grass knee high, rivers up to banks and over. Palmer-Eklutna
Road still flooded. Mrs. Thorpe in from Independence Mine.
Small garden truck available. War, by bombing, hot at it.
Chinks killed 40,000 and drove 60,000 Jap’s out of central China.
June 23, 1943 Fourth hot day, 72 above.
Buyer for store failed to show up from trip to Anchorage.
Inventory to date stands at $9,045.36. RAF and U. S. bombed
Rhur and other German industries with 700 planes, 64 failed to
return. Sicily heavy bombed near Italy.
June 24, 1943 Hot wave over, 60 to 64 above.
Cleaned up Cannon baggage and old radios and stored in loft
over annex. Secretary Knox reported we have lost over 63,000
in World War thus far. Coal strike off. Allies still
bombing Nazis and Jap’s.
June 25, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Mail train 2 hours late account hot box. Army picture
show on at Hall. King George back in London from
a 5,800 mile trip to North Africa and other war zones. Germany
and Sicily bombed night and day by RAF and U. S. bombers.
Assessment work nil until war is over. Marie Martha with Edlund’s
at Anchorage.
June 26, 1943 Weather cloudy and cool, 50 to
60 above. Self in store, AM, rheumatism better, all in
wrists, can lift only 10 to 15 pounds. Hats and caps due
2 months ago, by express, arrived. Two hundred soldier excursion
to McKinley Park on every week. Allies sill bombing the Nazis.
Wire from Perkins, offer on farms. Stanley home evening from
Army Post, also Marie.
June 27, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
cool, 60 above. Capt. Nick Gaikema, old timer on Cook Inlet
and Knik, was buried by Elks at Anchorage today. Lots joy
riders and fisherman out today. Allies preparing for 2nd
front vs. Nazis in Europe.
June 28, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Cook, freighter, through freighting for Woolsey and going Outside.
U. S. subs sunk 8 more Jap ships and one cruiser. Greeks
blocked Nazi railroad with land slide. Jap’s bombed Darwin
with 18 bombers. U. S. to build 100,000 more planes.
June 29, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
50 to 60 above. Fish salt and National Grocery arrived,
465 pounds of candy due also. Mowed out grass in paths with
crippled arms. Frank hauled over freight. Hitler
executed German high school kids for issuing freedom circulars.
June 30, 1943 Weather cloudy, showers, 56 above.
Sold Kid horse’s old pack saddle for $5. Hurst back from
Gulkana but didn’t call to buy out store. War goes on by
air bombing Axis industries. U. S. took 2 more islands in
Solomon district. Quiet on Red-Nazi front.
July 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Stanley home overnight from Army Post. Got out Seattle
mail and deposits. Air battle on in central Solomon’s.
Jap’s lost 101 planes, we lost 17. Took 2 islands for air
bases. Allies dropped 19,000 tons of bombs on German industries
in June. We lost one transport in Solomon’s.
July 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Joe Chilligan and family down for 4th. War picture show
at Hall by Army. Our bombers got control of 3 islands in
New Georgia and Solomon district. Sicily heavy bombed, also
German district. Hitler’s drive on Reds yet to come.
July 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Legs get weak from rheumatism. Stanley home, evening,
for July 4th, going to Willow Creek. Quiet in Red front
in Russia. Hitler afraid of Ally invasion in Berlin.
Allies bombing Italian island bases and Sicily. Jap’s lost
184 planes in New Georgia.
July 4, 1943 Sunday, temperature 60 to
80 above, perfect day. Closed all day. All the
Herning’s, 6, left Wasilla 9 AM had chicken dinner at Grubstake
Placer cabin. Mowed grass around cabin, drove up to Independence
Mine on way home, back 3 PM Stanley and family and Grandma left
for Anchorage 4 PM. Evening, painted kitchen floor.
July 5, 1943 Store closed, partly cloudy,
60 above. Kids and Ma taking in July 5th celebration at
Anchorage. Buddy entered 6 to 8 year olds foot race.
Naval battle at New Georgia Island in Far East. Nazis opened
front vs. Reds but were repulsed. Self eating up salad and
fried chicken leftover from fourth. Ruled up a bunch of NCR sheets.
July 6, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
54 to 64 above. Self lone storekeeper. Busy all PM.
Ma and kids back from Anchorage 4th at 7 PM. Letter from
C. T. Perkins, had sold Burnap farm and Coger 80 at mortgage price.
Transfer to take place October 1st. Navy fight near New Georgia
Island.
July 7, 1943 Light rain, 54 above. Wired
and wrote Perkins to close up sale of 2 farms at Eyota, Minnesota.
Shorty lost his car in booze deal. No more old potatoes
on market. Hitler lost 30,000 in drive vs. Reds, also 1,000
planes, 3 days drive.
July 8, 1943 Weather cloudy, showers, 54 above.
Red top grass 3’ and matured. Trains north loaded with
ties and coal and oil. Jap’s heavily bombed at Burma and
other Jap supply posts. U. S. downed 115 Jap planes, lost 20.
Reds holding and killing a lot of Germans on last Russian drive.
Rhur district in Germany 2/3 knocked out of production of war materials.
July 9, 1943 Weather cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Parson’s Hotel at Anchorage sold to Mrs. Jack Chisholm.
Reported General Eisenhower has invaded Sicily sub base.
U. S. subs have sunk 282 Jap boats to date and Burma about to
fall. Army picture show at Hall tonight. Shorty on a
drunk.
July 10, 1943 Weather cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Ma scrubbing all AM. Report says British, U. S. and Australian
troops landed on 100 miles of water front on Italian Sicily
Island under protection of bombers and U. S. Navy. Reds
holding 6th day drive on Nazis.
July 11, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
50 to 60 above. Mrs. Chiang Kai-shek plans returning to
China, was nearly captured by the Jap’s. Allies advancing in
Sicily and fighting ahead vs. over 300,000 Italians Reds holding
Nazi drive thus far. RAF lost 10 planes over Germany.
July 12, 1943 Weather cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Made out order for fruit and groceries. Hand cut grass
at house and around grass. Allies along 150 mile front and
took 10 towns and 4,000 prisoners at Sicily. Knocked down
47 bombers and lost 7 U. S. Reds holding Nazis and killed
40,000 in drive on Russia.
July 13, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 76 above.
Mail arrived. Glass, sash and fall ammunition, delayed,
arrived. Allies pushing ahead in Sicily to contact the 300,000
Dagos on Sicily. Germans losing heavy in drive on 150 mile
Red front. Jap’s lost supply boat at Kiska. RAF lost
13 planes on 2,000 mile raid on Italy from London.
July 14, 1943 Hot day, 60 to 82 above.
Had Frank haul over sash and window glass from railroad shed.
Evening, Stanley home and returned to Anchorage with Eva.
Ma sleeping at Eva’s house with kids. Allies took 12,000
in Sicily. Cad and wife left for Circle Hot Springs in auto.
July 15, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Got out-mail and order for Bear fall clothing. Ma sleeping
with kids at Eva’s house, Eva doing Anchorage. Allies advancing
on all fronts but losing several planes. Wendell Wilkie
out for next President. U. S. took another island in New
Georgia district, lost 1 cruiser.
July 16, 1943 Hot day, 60 to 78 above. Kids
hunting for strawberries, berries froze out last winter.
Allies moving ahead in Sicily, took 8 airdromes and 20,000 prisoners.
Second summer invasion of Russia by Nazis. Reds holding all
lines at heavy toll to Germans and planes. Ma and kids at
Eva’s house. 82 ton bombs on Jap’s on Munda and New Georgia.
French General calling on FDR.
July 17, 1943 A-1 day, 60 to 68 above.
Fred started to mow grass in lots and around warehouses.
Allies have taken ½ of south Sicily and 8 airdromes.
RAF and U. S. still bombing German industries. Reds annihilating
German invaders in Russia. Navy bombed Kiska Island 5 times
past week. Eva back with Stanley from week at Anchorage.
July 18, 1943 Sunday, partly cloudy,
56 to 66 above. Fred mowing grass on house lot. Strawberries
on market but NG. Churchill and Roosevelt invited the Italian
people to kick Mussolini and his gang out before the Allies
bombed all of Italy. Invasion of Sicily goes on. Nazis lost
163 planes vs. 59 Allies last week.
July 19, 1943 A-1 day, 56 to 68 above. Fred
finished moving grass and repaired foot approach to railroad
track warehouse. North Africa Allies bombed Rome today and
now have taken 1 /3 of Sicily. Reds holding German drive and
sunk several boats in Black Sea.
July 20, 1943 Wasilla to Curry Hotel,
on way to Circle Hot Springs to get rheumatism boiled out.
Left Wasilla 5:15 PM, Talkeetna 7:30 PM, arrived Curry Hotel 8:15.
Had a chicken dinner with olives, apricots and cake. Capt.
Lathrop and 2/3 soldiers on train. Railroad fair, Wasilla
to Fairbanks $20.45; dinner $1.75, breakfast $1.25, room $3.50,
total $26.95.
July 21, 1943 Curry Hotel to Fairbanks.
Up at 6 AM left 8 AM, arrived Fairbanks 5:30 PM Met
Cad’s wife at Nordale Hotel. Taxi drove me to several private
residences then got a room through Eva McGowen, Fairbanks Housing
Bureau, at Mrs. Mattson’s private, up to date, home with room and
bath. Had ravioli supper at Model Café.
Fog on summit, clear and hot at Fairbanks. Saw Dunkle, on train,
about coal.
July 22, 1943 At Mrs. Mattson’s private
home, 829 6th Avenue, Fairbanks, nice and quiet. Stage
failed to go to circle. Out tomorrow at 10 AM. Saw
Cad’s on street. Visited local airports. Got an evacuation
after 3 doses sal-hepatica. Visited McKennan, 81, retired
blacksmith, also has rheumatism. A-1 day, saw fine gardens and
flowers. Fairbanks busy place, hotels full up.
July 23, 1943 Fairbanks to Circle Hot
Springs by auto stage, arrived Hot Springs 4:30 PM had
dinner 6 PM, Yukon salmon and all kind of green vegetables.
Rain and fog over summit. Good weather from Miller’s place
to Circle had to stop account caribou on road at summit.
Brought cook and waitress for Circle Hotel. Evening took
bath. Meals $4.45, room $5, barber $2. Got room #20 at
Hot Springs.
July 24, 1943 At Circle Hot Springs,
up at 6:30. After breakfast, walked to end of road on
bench above Hotel, one mile. Big crowd here at midnight.
After supper, walked out to aviation field, one mile.
Took 2nd bath at 9 PM then retired.
July 25, 1943 Sunday at Circle Hot Springs.
Up at 7:30, shaved, breakfast 9 AM dinner at 6 PM.
Walked one mile on Avenue Road. Evening, watched swimmers in
open pool and met Mrs. Woodhouse and Mr. Taylor from Anchorage.
Third bath. By radio, Mussolini had
July 26, 1943 A-1 day at Circle Hot Springs.
AM walked a mile out Aviation Road. PM, walked 1½
miles out highway. Wrote home about all events to
date. First plane arrived. Quiet, half of crowd gone.
Took baths Good eats, Yukon salmon and all kinds of vegetables.
War news at 12:30.
July 27, 1943 A-1 day at Circle Hot Springs,
Alaska. Slept over 1 hour after breakfast. Walked
a mile up Graveyard Road, cut through brush to Avenue Road and
back to town. Mailed first letter to Ma and kids at Wasilla,
Alaska. Big bath and sweat at 10 PM. Italy still on
defense. Reds holding Nazi drive. Jap’s on defense, China
OK.
July 28, 1943 Pa at Circle Hot Springs.
Ma and Marie Martha storekeepers at Wasilla, Alaska. Up
at 7 AM and shaved. Prunes and hotcakes for breakfast.
Walked a mile down Blueberry Road. Finished reading Newsweek.
Mrs. Dunkle left for Anchorage. President FDR on air at 4:30
PM, summing up war. Hank Reed here, knew Stanley.
July 29, 1943 Up, 7 AM, Circle Hot Springs
Hotel. Took a walk after breakfast. One crippled
soldier and 3 others returned to Fairbanks Army Post. Two
other cars left, only half a crowd at hotel. Several cabins
rented. Now bath time.
July 30, 1943 OGH at Hot Springs account
rheumatism. Took 10 baths and much improved, walked 1
mile. Had Yukon salmon and vegetable dinner. Received
1st letter from Ma and birthday sox from Buddy and sister.
Sent letterhead of Springs to Roe but no writing. Drew trout
brook resort. Evening showers.
July 31, 1943 At Circle Hot Springs.
Two planes flew over, one was a Russian plane. Shaved
and took morning and evening baths. Springs truck in from
Fairbanks with big load freight. Allies captured 1,000 more
Germans in Sicily. Walked a mile and ate raspberries on road.
August 1, 1943 Tenth day at Circle Hot
Springs. Can walk up and down stairs OK, some stiffness
still in right knee. Hotel filled, 12 cars came in last night,
½ were soldiers. Ate raspberries for lunch out on
trail. Caught by shower 5 PM, got under cover at cabin.
Cars gone to Circle to see boat. Gave knee and
wrist a hot water bath 8 AM and a 20 minute bath at 10 PM, evening
rain.
August 2, 1943 At Circle Hot Springs.
PM big thunder storm. Temperature here about same as at
Wasilla. Walked usual mile. Usual morning and evening
baths and considerable better. Doctor here on vacation.
Allies bombed Armenian Nazi oil fields. U. S. Navy bombed
Kiska. No extra tourists today. Lots of rabbits here.
August 3, 1943 A-1 day at Circle Hot Springs.
Took morning bath at 6:30 AM. Walked a mile AM, PM
1½ miles. Had meat dumpling and all kind of vegetables
and raspberry shortcake for 6 PM dinner. U. S. landing troops
on Kiska Island to clean up Jap’s. Paid 12 days bill at Circle
Hot Springs, and stage to Fairbanks, $82.
August 4, 1943 Circle Hot Springs to
Fairbanks. Left Circle 9 AM, arrived Fairbanks 2:30 PM
Hot day, saw herd of caribou on summit. Got room at Nordale
Hotel. Bought ticket on Star Airlines for 10 AM tomorrow.
Meals $2.50, air fare to Anchorage, $38.50, taxi $1.
August 5, 1943 Circle to Fairbanks by
stage 6 to 9 PM, to Anchorage by plane. Taxied to Stanley’s
cabin, found him painting kitchen in Fleck’s house. Rained
heavy all AM, delayed 10 AM plane. Too late at Anchorage to
catch bus to Wasilla, 10 came on plane. Gus Geller passed out.
Coffee and pie, 10 PM at North Pole Bakery with Paddy.
August 6, 1943 Anchorage to Wasilla on
Willow Creek Stage, had breakfast with Stanley 6:30 AM.
Left Anchorage 3 PM, arrived Wasilla 7 PM, all well at home.
Received from Perkins, a deed to sign for sale of Burnap Farm
and Croger 80, consideration $1 and mortgage on same. Eighteen
day trip, 14 days at Hot Springs. U. S. took Kiska.
August 7, 1943 Weather cloudy, 58 above.
Self checking up invoices. Ma scrubbing and washing Hot Springs
clothing worn by my. Both German and Italian people getting
the jitters over the war. Reds driving back Nazis.
U. S. Navy sunk 3 Jap cruisers and occupied Munda.
August 8, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
evening rain, 58 above. Fisherman picnic at Lake Wasilla
from Anchorage. Made over old grate for kitchen, no fire
at noon, ate dinner at Eva’s. Stanley back to Anchorage 5
AM. Allies advancing in Sicily. Reds driving Germans
back and out of Russia. Posted up July register sales, $14.28
in the red. Evening on corns and sore feet.
August 9, 1943 Heavy rain, 52 to 58 above.
Self in store AM. Ma did the laundry by man power.
Jap’s losing Munda, now on defense. Germans evacuating
one million people out of Berlin. Reds got Nazis on the
run in Russia. Chinks knocking the ’ell out of the Jap’s in
China. Right leg not so good.
August 10, 1943 Weather cloudy, showers, 52
to 60 above. Road in canyon, mile 12 on Willow Creek Road,
washed out. Self got out flour order and other office work.
Good news from the Ally war offense. Now Italian war council
going to fight Allies. Farmers doing well selling garden truck
at Anchorage.
August 11, 1943 Partly cloudy, 58 to 62 above.
Got out sugar and flour order. Evening, Stanley home
and took family to Anchorage. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine,
also Al Dodson with sick wife.
August 12, 1943 Business fair on hardware.
A-1 day, 56 to 64 above. Made up bank deposits, $739.96.
Blueberry pickers up from Anchorage. Farmers doing well
on vegetable sales to Army post. Germans retreating out of
Sicily. U. S. bombed Jap base 1,200 miles from Tokyo and
sunk a dozen barges.
August 13, 1943 Evening rain, 52 to 60 above.
ARC repaired washout on 12 mile Canyon Willow Road. Washouts
also on new Matanuska Road, Knik River bottom flooded from Glacier
Lake. Allies bombed both Berlin and Rome. Germans
retreating from Sicily. Army picture show at Hall.
August 14, 1943 Weather cloudy, showers, 52
to 56 above. Self in store AM. Ma Sunday cook.
Washout in canyon, mile 12, repaired. Got 4¼ tons
of Premier dirty coal. Groceries at Seward, since August
3rd, received PM 189 boats and 101 Jap planes downed in June.
Germans retreating out of Sicily, using Italians for rear guard.
August 15, 1943 Sunday, cloudy, showers, 50
to 54 above. Store open AM as usual. Sent K. T. Co. calendars
to Rampart and Circle Springs. Eva and kids in Anchorage
with Dad fixing up Fleck house to live in during winter.
Allies on offense in all sectors. Over a million evacuated
from Berlin. U. S. driving Jap’s off Kiska Island. Burma nearly
blasted out by U. S. bombers. Key base of Jap’s.
August 16, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 to
56 above. Frank hauled over truck load groceries from railroad
shed, busy pricing and checking same. Reds took 130 villagers
from Germans with heavy losses to Nazis. U. S. shot down
48 Jap planes, we lost 4 planes.
August 17, 1943 Weather cloudy with showers,
50 to 54 above. AM finished checking and pricing up new
groceries. Jensen’s placed good order. Sent L. Cox
order to Montana Creek. Evening, Stanley and family home from
Anchorage. Allies completed full possession of Sicily and bombed
Italy. Mailed deed account sale of 2 Eyota farms.
August 18, 1943 Rain AM, clear PM, 50 to 60
above. Buck Sparling in for supplies. Frank Smith
took a load in to Anchorage for Eva’s house at Anchorage.
Allied war council meeting in Quebec, Canada account next blow to
Axis. To capture Sicily, cost Allies 25,000 vs. 167,000 Nazis
killed. U. S. bombed 225 Jap planes and lost 3 bombers.
August 19, 1943 Rain PM, 44 to 60 above.
Got out Seattle order for school days. Frank Smith brought
over candy and tobacco from Anchorage. Reds driving Germans
out of Russia. RAF downed 50 German planes and lost 12.
Sparling left for mines.
August 20, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 above
all day. Thorpe’s through at Independence Mine, left
for their mines on Grubstake. New snow on mountains
City of Anchorage bought Eklutna Electric plant. Allies
bombing Italy mainland. Evening picture show at Hall.
August 21, 1943 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Stanley home overnight, doesn’t like his red tape boss job
at Army Post, work is OK but too many Army dictators. Germans
have lost a million men since July 5th drive on Russia. U.
S. and Canadians got possession of Kiska Island, the 10,000 Jap’s
evacuated. Allies blasting Naples and railroad in Italy
from new air base on Sicily.
August 22, 1943 Sunday. More rain,
50 to 56 above. Good business AM, closed PM. Stanley
wanted Ma and self to go Outside and he would run store for winter.
No Jap’s found on Kiska when U. S. troops landed. Jap’s have
lost 1,600 planes since June. Soloman Jap base captured, Tokyo
next? Heinie Snider on air with Shriner program.
August 23, 1943 Rain all
day, 50 above. Germans retreated from Kharkov with heavy
losses. U. S. cleaning up Kiska for an air base vs. Japan.
Bill Edlund back from Bristol Bay fishing.
August 24, 1943 Light rain, 50
to 58 above. Bacon arrived, received invoices of clothing
and hardware in route. Stanley home evening with usual ice
cream. Ally War Council over at Quebec, Canada. RAF
and U. S. bombed Berlin with 700 planes and dropped 90 ton of bombs.
U. S. bombing railway centers in Italy. Jap’s tried to bomb
Chunking, China but were beaten off with losses. Ray Bergman
back from Aleutian war zone.
August 25, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain,
50 to 56 above. Figured cost prices on clothing and hardware
goods in route. Stanley got 2 weeks off at Army Post, took
family to Anchorage, building room on Fleck house. Allies
dropped 112 tons bombs on Waywak and New Guinea Jap airdromes.
Chinese downed 39 Jap planes at Hankow. Western Italy bombed
and railroad centers.
August 26, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain, 50 to
60 above. Two trains each day. PM, received hardware,
clothing and meats. Got out orders, deposits and mail
for Seattle. Allies bombing all Nazi war zones. Berlin
hard hit and railway centers in Italy and Burma and China.
Reds got Nazis on run out of Russia. Planes to take Burma
and open up supply route in to China. Eva and kids at Anchorage.
August 27, 1943 A-1 day, evening rain, temperature
50 to 60. Mail went south. Two cars over new highway,
arrived here looking for Anchorage. Allies dropped 180
tons of bombs on Jap’s in the New Guinea district. China
downed 54 Jap bombers vs. losing four. Italian railway centers
heavily bombed. Reds got the Germans on the run. Evening,
picture show on at Hall, all darkies. Army hauled gas from
Goose Bay.
August 28, 1943 AM, clear, PM, cloudy, 50 above,
evening, more rain. Grain crops all down account wind
and rain. Priced and stored away clothing, sold $50 worth.
Allies knocking the ‘ell out of railway terminals in southern
Italy and ball bearing factories in Germany. U. S. took New
Georgia Jap terminal. Reds driving Nazis back to Black Sea.
China troops, with U. S. bombers, driving Jap’s out of China.
Stanley’s family at Anchorage. Railroad agent went fishing.
August 29, 1943 Sunday, light rain, 52
above. Pricing and opening up new Pyrex Ware. Eva and
kids, with Stanley, at Anchorage, fixing up house for winter
use. RAF and U. S. shot down 30% of German bombers and lost
57. Reds crushing Germans, tank and airplanes. Jap’s
heavily bombed in China, Burma and Solomon war zones.
August 30, 1943 Showers, 48 to 62 above.
Oiled gear on store awning. Sent another order to Black
Bear. 191 Jap planes down, we lost 14. Three million
Jews in Europe calling for help. Reds killed 5,000 Germans
and took back 150 towns. Ma got a cold.
August 31, 1943 A-1 day, 48 to 66 above.
August sales profit, over expenses. Woods full
of cranberry pickers, selling at 20¢ a pound. Hand
cut grass around sidewalks. Allies lost 28 panes over Germany.
Allies lost 15 planes over Italy. Thirty seven Jap planes shot
down and barges. Rioting in Denmark vs. German control.
Reds captured more villages. Rae Farrell __________________.
September 1, 1943 A-1 day, 44 to 58 above.
Lawrence Fleck moved his furniture from Gus’ house and quit
his wife. Berlin bombed 600 planes down, allies lost 100.
Italy and France bombed by Allies. Pope on air, appealed
to all nations for peace. Reds killed 35,000 and captured
5,000 Germans Denmark resisting Hitler.
September 2, 1943 A-1 day, 44 to 60 above.
Evening, Stanley and family home from Anchorage. Ally
and Canadian troops landed on Mainland of Italy and bombed railway
and factories, 6,000 taken. Jap’s left all kind of war
material on Kiska Island. Reds killed 2,400 Nazis and took
2,700 prisoners today.
September 3, 1943 Weather cloudy, 50 to 60
above. Cleaned up warehouse aft store account 5 tons
merchandise due. Stanley and Sharon drove out to New Bullion
Mine on Craigie Creek. Allies advancing on mainland of Italy,
across channel from Sicily. Reds liberated fifty more towns
and killed many Germans Jap’s have lost 1/3 of their boats
and over 1,000 airplanes. Picture show at Hall.
September 4, 1943 Rain all day, 50 above.
Stanley made round trip to Anchorage with Ellen, brought back
¾ bed. Air full of lead by duck hunters. Allies
advanced 12 miles in Italy and took 3 airdromes with no resistance
by Dagos. Berlin bombed, we lost 22 planes, Jap’s lost 15
barges. Reds took 3 Nazi bases and killed 17,200 on 600 mile
German war front.
September 5, 1943 Weather cloudy, 46 to 50
above. Stanley and family moved to Fleck house at Anchorage
for winter, Ma went along for week vacation at Anchorage. Pulled
store pump out, put on screen. Allies 40 miles inland in
Italy, took 2,000 Italians, paralyzed railroads. Reds took
250 towns. RAF bombed Germans
September 6, 1943 Weather cloudy, evening rain
48 to 50 above. Ma at Anchorage with Stanley and family.
Store closed all day. Overhauled pump in new house and
cleaned 4 panels on ceiling in living room.
September 7, 1943 Heavy rain all day, 42 above.
School opened, 1/3 siwashes? Self busy, all day, in store.
Ma left Anchorage, home 8 PM. Slide on railroad and 12
mile canyon road washed out, 2nd time. Allies and Reds
advancing in all war zones. 400,000 Germans killed and one
million wounded since July. Lye, Jap’s big base, New Guinea
surrendered by U. S. and Australia troops. No work on railroad
Section today, rain.
September 8, 1943 Still raining, 46 to 50 above.
Italians surrendered to Allies, laid down arms and turned over
all Navy to Allies. Germans now fighting alone.
Reds drove Germans back another 12 miles. Jap’s cornered
in New Guinea district and supplies cut off, looks like 1943 would
end World War. Farmers getting $14 a crate for celery.
Farmers rained in on crop harvest, small grain.
September 9, 1943 Light rain, 48 to 54 above.
On office work, farmers rained out. All out of candy and
crackers, 10 tons merchandise in route somewhere? Allies landed
more troops in Italy. Germans resisting evacuation of Italy.
33 Axis planes down, we lost 6. RAF over France and Germany,
downed 15 Nazi planes and lot 10. Reds took key railroad junction
and 300 towns. U. S. subs sunk 6 more Jap boats.
September 10, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 50
to 60 above. Mrs. Isaac home for weeks vacation from Anchorage.
Germans 2nd summer drive on Reds now a failure and on retreat.
More Ally troops landed in Italy. Germans making a stand
to hold Italy from Ally invasion. Army picture show at Hall.
September 11, 1943 Weather cloudy, 48 to 52
above. Stanley and family home, PM. Stanley helped
with car freight spotted at our railroad track warehouse.
Allies still bombing Germans in Italy. Reds still driving Germans
south in Russia and killed 4,000. RAF losing planes over Germany.
Jap’s losing out in Solomon’s and New Guinea district.
September 12, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
48 to 50 above. Stanley and self, with Frank’s pickup, unloaded
10 tons new merchandise from set-out to store and warehouses.
Stanley and family returned to home at Anchorage. Allies
got all of Italy battle fleet. Reds driving Germans out of Russia.
U. S. took sea Jap drome and shot up other Jap airdromes in Solomon’s
and New Guinea.
September 13, 1943 AM rain, evening, clear,
42 to 54 above. Finished marking new merchandise.
Ma got cold in head. Autumn is here, birch turning to golden
and as yet no frost. Allies took Solomon Jap Post and sunk two
cargo vessels and 30 Jap barges. Reds captured another rail
center. Germans in Italy putting up stiff fight vs. Allies.
September 14, 1943 Partly cloudy, 32 to 60
above. Nearly a frost last night. Birch trees all
golden color. Hitler’s 2nd summer drive vs. Reds reported
400 to 1,000 killed and 1½ million wounded. Germans
have only one railroad left. 80 units Italian fleet turned
over to Allies. Germany heavy counterattack vs. Allies in Italy.
One American sub lost. RAF sunk 10 German boats. Solomon’s
taken from Jap’s.
September 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, 46 to 54
above. Independence Mine hauling oil from Wasilla tanks
to mine. Carbray, Seattle hardware company, Alaska Department,
visited. Germans putting all they have to stop Allies driving
them out of Italy. Reds took last railway junction from Germans
and downed 93 planes. Jap’s about all in, in New Guinea and
Solomon war zone.
September 16, 1943 Light rain, 44 to 54 above.
Joe Brassel in for winter order of grub, etc. Got out
Seattle mail. Heavy fighting in Italy, Allies vs. Germans
Reds knocking the tar out of Hitler’s summer drive in Russia.
Jap’s lost 48 planes in New Guinea. Farmers waiting on rain
account digging spuds. Autumn glorious.
September 17, 1943 Weather cloudy, PM 44 to
54 above. Joe Brassel and Peter Johnson went to Anchorage.
No mail south today. Wild cranberry picking now in order.
Two Allied Armies met and drove Germans back in Italy. Reds
took last railway center held by Germans for 2 years. Usual
Army show at Hall tonight. Bought two $100 Victory Bonds for
Buddy and sister.
September 18, 1943 Rain, 42 to 54 above.
Received candy and crackers on PM freight. 8 PM, Eva,
Buddy and Stanley arrived from their Anchorage home. Priced
up candy and crackers, 800 pounds. Allies advancing in
Italy and Reds in South Russia vs. Germans RAF still bombing
Berlin. Allies cleaning up on Jap’s in New Guinea.
Farmers digging spuds with high school kids.
September 19, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
44 to 58 above. New snow on Bald Mt. peaks. High
School off for a week to help farmers dig spuds. Reds took
1,200 towns and drove Axis south. Allies put Germans on run
in Italy and Jap’s in New Guinea. PM Stanley and family returned
to Anchorage house. Evening, finished cleaning ceiling in new
house.
September 20, 1943 A-1 day, 42 to 52 above.
Raked up loose grass around building Sent in Victory estimated
1943 tax report, under $3,500, no tax to pay. Allies 12 miles
from Naples held by Germans A portion of Italy Army now fighting
with Allies vs. Germans Autumn here a week early.
September 21, 1943 Light rain, 48 to 52 above.
Snow gone on Bald Mt. today. Joe Brassel back from trip
to Anchorage. Logan Stipp, engineer on railroad, and party
visited on way to Sunny Knik. Churchill said Allies were
ready to invade Western Europe. Both French and Italians
helping Allies to drive Germans out of Italy. Metz selling his
crop of spuds.
September 22, 1943 First fall day, mist, 46
above. Birch shedding leaves, autumn here one week early,
slight frost. Big drive on for 13 billion dollars, 3rd Bond
loan to Government. Four Jap bases bombed, several boats
sunk, cost 4 American planes. Allies bombing Germans in Italy,
no losses. Reds pushed Germans back to beginning along 800
mile battle front.
September 23, 1943 Heavy rain, PM, 32 to 52
above, frost last night. Shorty home after operation on
stomach. Joe Brassel left with winter grub for trap line
on Willow Creek. Germans still holding Naples and Rome in
Italy. Red advance today, killed 8,000 Germans RAF blasted
German and French railroad and factories. Forty Jap bases
bombed, freighter sunk, score, 6,800 Jap’s dead today.
September 24, 1943 Weather cloudy, cooler,
40 to 46 above. Farmers having a heck of a time digging
spuds in the rain. Evening, Army picture show on at Hall.
Gerrit Snider woman families spending day on old fox ranch.
September 25, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain, 32
to 42 above. Evening, raining. Al Dodson visited to
find out location of coal between summer and winter road to Willow
Creek. Buddy and sister arrived 2 PM freight for weekend
in Wasilla. 7 PM, Stanley and Eva arrived from Anchorage by
auto car.
September 26, 1943 Sunday, evening rain,
42 to 48 above. Busy day, cleaned store furnace and pipe
and Stanley installed electric lamp in basement. Stanley
and family, with Ma, returned to Anchorage home.
September 27, 1943 More rain, 42 above.
Ma at Anchorage at Stanley’s house. Self busy in store
all day and evening. Repainted kitchen floor and water tank.
Still heavy fighting in Italy, Nazis vs. Allies. Jap’s trying
to bomb our air fields at ken from them in Solomon district but without
success. Fishhook Pass closed.
September 28, 1943 More rain, 42 to 46 above.
Many patches of spuds rained in. Snow down to timberline
on mountain. Ma home at 7 PM, left Anchorage 2 PM had
a hot box at Matanuska. Sumner Wells quit Undersecretary
job at D. C.
September 29, 1943 Rain, AM, 42 to 50 above.
Got out order for drugs and Christmas goods and birthday,
kids presents. Cars coming from Fairbanks over new Matanuska
Highway. William Senske in Palmer Hospital. Allies
closing in on Naples, Italy. Reds retreated from German heavy
drive. Seven Jap ships and 20 barges sunk and 58 Jap planes
down.
September 30, 1943 Weather cloudy, 42 to 46
above. Got out merchandise orders. Allies captured
13 air fields in Italy from Germans Allies dropped 140 tons
bombs on Jap’s in New Guinea district. Reds now crossing
Dnieper River. Coal and oil short in eastern states.
Matanuska Co-op farmers can now get title to farms.
October 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, 42 to 50 above.
Allies captured Naples, Italy, held by Germans They destroyed
lots of property and sunk boats in harbor then evacuated.
All belligerents now helping to crush Hitler. Reds still
driving Nazis out of Russia across the Dnieper River. Picture
show at Hall. Jap’s putting up some aerial fight but losing airdromes
established in islands in Far East.
October 2, 1943 A-1 day, 46 to 56 above.
Engineer on railroad and family rented the Mabel cabin.
Made out S and W grocery order. Stanley, Eva, Paddy and Buddy
up from Anchorage home evening. Allies trying to drive Germans
out of Italy and get Pope out of prison. Reds still driving
Germans south. Another Jap airdrome taken.
October 3, 1943 Sunday, second A-1 day,
42 to 58 above. Baldy white to timberline. Put up
heat flap over balcony stairs. Carl (1917) Tweeden back
on his homestead on Wasilla Lake after 20 years outside.
Ma had a chicken dinner for son and family, they returned to Anchorage.
Germans still holding on in Italy. China hit the Jap’s in
Indochina.
October 4, 1943 A-1 day, 42 to 64 above.
Finished closing up air holes in balcony fly. Sent orders
for more crackers and candy.
October 5, 1943 Weather cloudy, 1st wind, 48
to 50 above. Leaves all off birch trees and gone into
winter sleep. Ham and bacon arrived. Dan Gray in for
mail and grub, Mabel. Germans still fighting the Reds and
now about drove out of Russia. RAF dropped 500 tons bombs on
Rhine and German industries and lost 12 planes. Chinks drove
Jap’s back in Indochina. Sold one outfit. Jap’s lost
40 barges and many soldiers on retreat from new Guinea district.
October 6, 1943 Light rain, 50 above.
Got cord birch for furnace. Got invoices of hardware but
no freight. Allies advancing vs. Germans in Italy.
RAF lost 6 planes over Germany. Heavy rains halted Red drive
vs. Germans, now waiting for winter.
October 7, 1943 Weather cloudy, 52 to 56 above.
Snow half gone on mountains. Thorpe family in from Grubstake.
Reds and Dnieper River in 3 places with heavy losses to Germans
Allies slowly taking aviation fields from Germans in Italy and
Allies taking airports from Jap’s in New Guinea. Chinks
halted 2nd Jap drive in Indochina.
October 8, 1943 Partly cloudy, 42 to 52 above.
Had 1st ptarmigan dinner, donated by Mrs. Thorpe. Usual
Friday night picture show, by Army, on at Hall. Hardware,
meats and clothing here, laying in at Seward. U. S. and Jap’s
had a Navy battle, Jap’s lost 3 cruisers and 15 planes per day vs.
2 of our planes. Germany bombing England. Reported Milo
Kelly dead. Reds downed 87 German bombers. RAF bombing
German industries but losing many planes.
October 9, 1943 Weather cloudy, 48 to 54 above.
Sears hauled hoist out from Goose Bay dock for Cad. Lynch,
from Independence Mine, in and repaired galvanized roof on mine
oil tanks. RAF shot down 142 Nazi bombers and lost 86 in raid
over Germany.
October 10, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
showers, 42 to 54 above. Received box cigars account wedding
anniversary. One more year to go for Golden Wedding.
Freight arrived. Stanley and family, with Isaac, returned
to Anchorage 2 PM. RAF downed 232 Nazi planes over Poland.
World Series ball game on, also football.
October 11, 1943 Weather cloudy, cooler, 42
above. Priced clothing, hardware and fruit, part of B/L
and invoices missing. Put on storm windows and plastic in
cracks on roofs. Refilled furnace coal bin with birch wood.
Fred Nelson took school janitor job at Seward at $2,500 a year.
Slow advances vs. Nazis in Italy. Reds pushing back Germans in
and out of Russia. Jap’s lost another airdrome and retreating
out of Solomon Island district.
October 12, 1943 Partly cloudy, evening
rain, 42 above. Opened up and priced 10 kegs nails.
Was out of commission, wire nails since April. Shorty rigged
up gas saw to saw stove wood. Treaty with Portugal to use
the Azore Island by Allies for sea base during war.
October 13, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 32
to 42 above. Received invoices overdue. Priced up
balance of hardware except Brownie dishes. Allies Rabaul
New Guinea and sunk 3 Jap boats. Allies bogged down in Italy
account rain. Italy declared war vs. Germans after 3 years
with Nazis, went over to Allies. Reds still driving Germans
back home.
October 14, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 38
to 42 above. Got out Settle mail. William Senske
home with chest trouble. Farmers making final cleanup on
spuds and grain. Allies now got control of the Solomon Island
district after taking Rabaul. Reds driving Germans home.
RAF bombed German ball bearing factory. Slow offense in Italy
because of rain.
October 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 46
to 50 above. Ma dolled up to go to Anchorage but no train,
in the ditch North end. Still pricing up hardware. Evening,
usual picture show at Town Hall. Reds drove Nazis out of Crimea
district. Ten Jap planes over Attu Island, no harm done.
October 16, 1943 Weather cloudy, 42 to 48 above.
Marked and put away pipe fittings. Hard working Smith
passed out at Palmer and K. T. Co. out $200. Evening, Stanley,
Eva and Bud up from Anchorage. Ma still dressed up but going
nowhere. Allies moving forward, now 1-- miles from Rome.
One American aviator downed by Nazi planes. Reds broke up counterattack
and sunk 10,000 ton Nazi ship. Jap losing at all island airdromes.
October 17, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
cool, 30 to 40 above. AM, opened up Brownie china ware
and 3 sets dishes. Snow back to mountain peaks. PM,
Ma went to Anchorage with Stanley and family. One hour raid
on London. Germans trying to hold Crimea. Joe Palmer home,
was 3 months with ARC. Jap’s lost 103 planes vs. 2 of our planes.
October 18, 1943 Partly cloudy 40 to 50 above.
Elmer’s birthday, would be 48. Ma at Anchorage having
eyes tested. Evening oiled kitchen clock Many Jap
planes shot down today. Reds advancing, Allies up against
stiff resistance in Italy. Germans bombing London. Wendell
Wilkie’s hat in ring for President. Sales tax pending.
Offered school lots $125. Out of eggs.
October 19, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 above.
Matanuska Electric Association manager, Maugh, here; agreed
to cut in electric lights in Mabel cabin; renter to pay when
occupied only. Train late, arrived 10 PM Ma failed
to return from Anchorage. Fourth bombing in London.
460 Jap boats sunk by U. S. submarines to date.
October 20, 1943 Weather cloudy, 40 above all
day. Mrs. George Small brought Mrs. Ellexson out form Knik
to trade. Had small trade all day. Two freight trains
collided near Kern Creek. Ma still at Stanley’s house at
Anchorage. Reds got Germans on retreat. Allies vs. Resistance
in Italy. Jap’s still losing in Far East. More bombs
on England, not much damage. RAF still bombing German industries
and Berlin.
October 21, 1943 A-1 day, frost, 16 to
38 above. Ma still at Anchorage with Stanley.
Evening, got out-mail. Allies moving slow in Italy vs. Germans
Greeks now fighting Germans RAF still bombing German airplanes
and ball bearing factories. Ally powers meeting in Moscow.
Spuds down to $4.65 a hundred weight.
October 22, 1943 Weather cloudy, 20 to 40 above.
Section soldiers down, evening, to see Army picture show and
trade. Ma home 5 PM and Floyd Smith came from Anchorage in
Stanley’s car. Jap’s stopping chinks from taking Burma Road.
Allies report 22 Jap planes down. Jap’s report 164 Allies down
vs. 49 Jap planes. Yugoslavs took 4 towns from Germans.
Ray Farrell’s wife back at cocktail cabin.
October 23, 1943 A-1 day, 28 to 38 above.
Frank Smith and father returned to Anchorage. Frank Smith
had teeth overhauled. Ma in washtub AM. Admiral Eyck
on duck hunting trip, visited.
October 24, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
cooler, 18 to 36 above. PM, put up fly over west end of
balcony to save heat. Reds got Nazis on retreat across Dnieper
River and many rail centers taken. Yugoslavs captured 2nd
largest ironworks from Nazis. Slow advances by Allies in Italy.
Nazis invading Italian stores and banks. Jap’s retreating
in New Guinea and Solomon’s.
October 25, 1943 PM sleet storm, 36 to 38 above.
Delayed meats and groceries arrived. First cheese in
six months. Mile 12 Canyon Road closed account washout.
Train loads of lumber, coal and oil going north for Army at Fairbanks?
Twenty three Jap planes down today and over 700 in past few weeks.
Allies advancing slow in Italy. Reds took steel town.
Jacky Betts family back to the Snider home. Half of the soldiers
through on section work. Eggs cut off of order.
October 26, 1943 Showers,
34 to 40 above. Priced up new merchandise. PM, mowed
lawn at new house. Made fire in Mabel house heater.
Pulled carrots, put wood in store basement. Mail arrived.
Allies advancing slow, now 90 miles from Rome. Reds got 100,000
German troops trapped in White Russia district. Four Nazi subs
sunk in English Channel. Dan Gray in for mail and grub.
Jap’s lost 500 planes last week. Snow down to timberline, 14”
at Mabel.
October 27, 1943 First snow, gone by noon,
36 above, freezing nights, snow down to brush line again on
mountains Got bills for ton of groceries in route.
Germans now fighting 3 war fronts, Russia, Greece and Italy.
RAF knocking tar out of German industries. Jap’s losing
airfields. Reds killed 4,000 Nazis in Crimea war district.
Jack Fabyan home, made $5,000 at Army Post, now broke.
October 28, 1943 Weather colder, 20 to 32 above.
Trappers leaving for hunting grounds. Got out Seattle
mail. Sexton home, building addition to house. Reds
killed 10,000 more Germans and driving them south. Jap’s
got a big dose of bomb pills today. Slow progress in Italy
by Allies vs. Germans Eggs cut off last 2 orders, hens on a
strike in valley.
October 29, 1943 Weather cold, 10 to 22 above.
Mail went south. Admiral Eyck and wife over from Palmer
to trade. Evening, Section soldiers, from Willow, Houston
and Pittman down to see Army picture show at Town Hall. U.
S. subs sunk 10 more Jap boats. Germans cracked up all along
Crimea line vs. the Russian.
October 30, 1943 Weather colder, 16 to 26 above
all day. Ma busy cooking for her birthday. Kids up
from Anchorage for over Sunday, Grandma’s birthday. Cannon
house on ranch burned down by Indian occupants. Germans preparing
to destroy Rome if Allies attack them. Allies still 80 miles from
Rome.
October 31, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
20 to 28 above. Ma gave chicken dinner for all the Herning’s
account her 74th birthday. PM received 2nd cord birch wood.
Cleaned and oiled store floor.
November 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Ton and a half of groceries arrived. Self hand truck
over 1,000 pounds perishables as no truck available. Evening,
made out Pyrex and Brownie dish order.
November 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 26
to 32 above. Natives on a fighting drunk. Sexton
hauled one ton groceries from freight shed. Betts Bros.
brought us a tank of Pearl oil from Anchorage. Government
took over coal mines account strike for more wages. Allies
took 2 towns in Italy from Nazis with heavy losses.
November 3, 1943 First snow, 1”, 30 above.
All day, opening up and pricing cookies and crackers.
Wasilla white, first snow in valley. Heavy earthquake, 5:30
AM, for two minutes. Rabaul in New Guinea bombed, 67 Jap
planes down, we lost 7 planes, 7 Jap ships sunk. Jap’s short
of rice and manpower, drafting 15 year old boys. Nazis retreated
500 miles in Russia. King of Italy asked to abdicate.
November 4, 1943 Weather cloudy, 20 to 32 above.
Monkey see, monkey do. Japan visited assembly of 6 Asia
powers to set plans for future greater Asia and to free Asia
from Anglo-American yoke.
November 5, 1943 Weather cloudy, 18 to 26 above.
Had Shorty and Metz saw up $25 radio pole for stove wood, wood
now costs $17 a cord. No coal available, Army and railroad
using it all. Reds within 60 miles of Polish border and got
control of Dnieper River district. Allies advancing slow vs.
Nazis in Italy. A new B-29 U. S. bomber out. Four Jap
cruisers and 100 planes destroyed in Bougainville war zone. Half
million coal mines back to work. Evening cooler.
November 6, 1943 Partly cloudy, 4 below zero
to 20 above. Floyd Smith trying to get materials to build
garage on ranch. Windy evening, busy with fires, wood and
coal. Reds got control of Russia 3rd largest city held by
Hitler for 2 years. Streets filled with Nazi dead soldiers.
Nazi lines being pushed back by Allies in Italy. RAF still
bombing German industries, London also bombed.
November 7, 1943 Sunday, weather windy,
32 to 36 above, big wind all day. Stanley and Eva up from
Anchorage at noon and returned 4 PM. Gas short in Anchorage.
Marines landed on Bougainville , Solomon Island. Jap escort
and cruisers shot down. Germans lost heavy on retreat from
Reds out of Crimea district. Nazis drove back 10 miles several
towns captured. Big brush fire near Los Angeles.
November 8, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy 32 to
38 above. PM, good farmer trade. Floyd Smith after
pipe for water system. Late fight vs. the Jap’s, we lost
42 planes vs. 233 Jap’s down. Allies 70 miles from Rome.
Nazis got Rome mind to blow up city if Allies take it over, so reported.
Big snow in Minnesota. Reds on the March, Nazis on the run.
Chinks killed 3,000 Jap’s today.
November 9, 1943 A-1 spring day, 32 to 38 above.
Late snow all gone in valley. Received 4 invoices, 21
cases eggs coming. Reds killed 15,000 Germans and captured
7,000 more. Allies bombing Nazi quarters in Italy.
Jap’s lost 62 planes, 4 cruisers and 6 barges vs. 6 Allie planes.
FDR on the air. 42 Allied nations met in Washington, D. C.
on future peace conference after war.
November 10, 1943 Weather cloudy, 22 to 32
above. Busy figuring prices on 1,000 new merchandise in
route. Victor McNeil, TB, in Juneau, wants to sell 80 acre
farm at mile 1 Willow Road for $1,000. Shorty busy with gas
saw on stove wood. Mrs. Slumberger up from Anchorage for weekend
with Jackie.
November 11, 1943 Warm wind, 38 above.
Busy in office paying merchandise bills. Sold out on candy,
apples and coffee, those goods laying at Seward. Navy and
air bomb battle on vs. Jap’s in Solomon Island war zone. German
blackout, no radio account RAF invasion with 1,000 airplanes.
Snow in Italy, no advances by Allies today. Reds still knocking
the ‘ell out of Germany.
November 12, 1943 Spring day, 28 to 38 above.
Betts back from trip over new Matanuska auto road to Inside.
Animal picture show for school kids in school auditorium. Fuel
short in Wasilla.
November 13, 1943 Sprinkle of snow, 22 to 30
above. Wasilla white again, 2nd snow. Freight failed
to arrive from Seward. Farmers asking $1 a pound for chickens
and $1.25 a dozen for eggs, but few eggs. Storm delayed war
in Italy. RAF bombed France and Germany. Reds took last
railway junction from Nazis.
November 14, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy, 30
above all day. First truck load of coal came to town.
Stanley’s family up from Anchorage, 1 PM, and returned 4 PM
to Anchorage. Lone German plane bombed a suburban dance
hall in London and killed many. Berlin bombed by RAF mosquito
fleet and Italy railroad bombed. Jap’s bombed in Burma, New
Guinea and Hong Kong district in China. One U. S. plane lost.
November 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, 32 above
all day. Moose season now open. Ordered a car of
Healy lump coal. Jap’s get ting bombed at Rabaul.
Reds 25 miles from Poland. Slow advances in Italy by Allies.
Railroad bombed in Bulgaria.
November 16, 1943 A-1, frosty, day, 30 to 36
above. Sprinkle of snow last night and all trees white
with frost. Big gang of moose hunters here for lunches.
PM train but no freight. Burma about blasted out, 2/3 Jap’s
ships burned in harbor. RAF bombed Nazis in Norway ports.
Dahl Smith, trapper, here for Matanuska district. Allies moving
slow in Italy account storms.
November 17, 1943 AM, light
snow, 32 above. Moose hunters everywhere. Swept snow
off walks. PM sunny. Storms in Italy halted war.
Reds had to retreat vs. heavy Nazi counterattack in one section
today. Rabaul taken from Jap’s.
November 18, 1943 Weather cloudy, 30 to 40
above. Moose weather, one reported killed. Allies
bogged down in Italy. RAF made 3rd bombing on Nazis in Norway
and German chemical works. Reds killed 4,000 Germans
Chinks holding Jap’s in so. China drive with the aide of our planes.
November 19, 1943 Blizzard, AM, 32 above, 2”
wet snow, windy. PM shoveled off walks. Three valley
farmers, out after moose, came in soaking wet. No freight.
All out of candy, apples, eggs, bacon. Berlin heavy bombed,
32 failed to return. Jap’s lost 15 planes and 90,000 tons supplies
sunk today. Reds dropped parachutes behind Nazi lines on Dneiper
and killed 2,000 Nazis. Wool released for consumers.
Slide on auto road.
November 20, 1943 Chinook, 40 above, rain.
Still no freight, been at Anchorage a week. Stanley not
coming home for weekend account bad auto roads. War production
up 5 to 10% October. New drive, by Chinks, with U. S. bomber
aide, halted Jap’s in China. RAF dropped 3,000 tons of 2
and 4 ton shells on Berlin. Allies advanced in Italy.
Gilbert and Marshal Island bombed by Allies. 42 nations to
pay 1% U. S. half billion war relief in Europe.
November 21, 1943 Sunday, Chinook, 36
to 40 all day. 1½ tons freight arrived last night.
Betts Bros. hauled it to store PM, case bacon lost in transit.
No candy or fruit but eggs aplenty, 90¢ a dozen. Got
Sexton’s last cord birch wood. Evening, all global war
from the air except Russia. KFQD dedicated their new 1,000
watt transmitter. Jap’s on the defense, losing boats and planes
daily. Ma did wash with midget electric washer.
November 22, 1943 Partly cloudy, 36 above all
day. Self busy checking and pricing up new merchandise.
Finished OPA report on new merchandise got this fall. U.
S. took Gilbert Island from Jap’s. Chinks hand to hand fighting
Jap’s in Chunking district and bombers sunk a lot of Jap riverboats.
U. S. reports 142 million dead and wounded since Word War II.
Billy Tryck discharged from war duty.
November 23, 1943 Business good, sales
over $250. Temperature 36 above. Busy all PM, sold
3 orders. Still checking and pricing new merchandise.
War maneuvers in Italy bogged down account storms, rivers over banks.
Reds lost some ground from Nazi big drive, trying to hold on.
Chinks captured some Jap’s in Chunking area. Burma heavy bombed.
Berlin suffered another heavy bombing Island Jane Cad had a
baby girl last night at Anchorage.
November 24, 1943 Heavy rain all day, 36 to
42 above. Auto roads all ice, no train. Ma and schoolmarms
all dolled up to go to Anchorage. 2 PM train 12 hours
late. U. S. now got control of Jap Gilbert Islands.
Next jump to Tokyo? Berlin burning after RAF dropped 2,300
tons of bombs. Allies planning post war bank. Reds meeting
Nazi drove. Slow war in Italy account rain. Local roads
all ice.
November 25, 1943 Turkey day, spring day, 38
to 44 above. Ma and 2 schoolmarms got away, 4:30 AM, for
Anchorage. Ma took a four pound chicken for her turkey
dinner at Stanley’s house. Floyd Smith bought our 1921 Olds
touring car to run his wood saw. 72 Jap planes down vs. 4
of our planes in Gilbert Island fight.
November 26, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 38
to 40 above. Ma didn’t arrive at Anchorage until 9:30 with
her chicken and 2 chicken school teachers. Ice all rained off on
auto roads. RAF knocked down 600 Nazi planes in September and
October. Army advanced some toward Rome. Jap’s lost 2,953
planes vs. 344 of ours. Matanuska Valley bare again after 3
days Chinook. Baby Snorks had her tonsils out over radio.
November 27, 1943 Spring day, 40 above all
day. Snow on mountains half gone. Ma at Stanley’s
house at Anchorage for weekend and turkey. Self busy in
store and pricing Christmas goods. Berlin got 5th night raid
by RAF bombers, 1/3 of city on fire, heavy losses. Bombing all
over Jap island airdromes. Jap’s and Germans trying to force
women into Army work account short of manpower. Reds killed
many Nazis. Palmer under quarantine.
November 28, 1943 Sunday, temperature
38 above all day, 9th day above freezing weather. Ma and
kids failed to come home from Anchorage, too much turkey?
Finished pricing up drugs and Christmas goods. 14,000
tons of bombs dropped on Berlin since January 1st, city in ruins.
Chinks killed 4,000 Jap’s. Reds took 175 more towns held by
Nazis. Jap’s killed a lot of our Marines but were defeated.
November 29, 1943 Tenth spring day, 32 to 38
above. Rush in store 10 AM to 1:30 PM. Fires all
out and no lunch. Floyd Smith drove to Anchorage.
Ma still doing Anchorage. 200,000 people left Berlin account
raids. Bremen heavily bombed. Allies made some advances
in Italy. Reds killed 900 Germans and sunk 10,000 ton boat.
Islands held by Jap’s heavily bombed. Post War Council
wants 2½ billion for
reconstruction.
November 30, 1943 Business good, sales
$100 a day for the past 7 days. Warm spell about over,
28 above. Self busy in store. Got 1st truck load of
Buffalo coal. Ma arrived 6 PM from Anchorage with Floyd Smith’s
pickup. 8th Army took 4 Nazi held towns in Italy.
Chinks captured Jap war supplies. Reds took 5 towns from Nazis
today. Tons of bombs dropped on Jap held airdromes.
Hellhawk shot down 102 Jap planes past few weeks.
December 1, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 32
above all day, Ma busy washing and scrubbing. Bad news
from Japan war zone. 1,097 Marines and soldiers killed
in battle and over 1,000 wounded vs. over 6,000 Jap’s killed.
Our Army won out. U. S. President, China and Winston Churchill
held 5 day war conference at Cairo, North Africa about aggressors
and liberating small nations.
December 2, 1943 Weather cloudy, colder 28
above all day. Three powers in North Africa conference
made plans to release all small nations in Asia from Jap rule,
including Manchuria and Korea, leaving Japan only her home island.
8th Army on retreat. Reds stood off Nazi drive and killed
1,500 Germans Chinks routed Jap’s. Churchill and Roosevelt
now in conference with Stalin somewhere in Europe regarding finish
of war.
December 3, 1943 Weather colder, 16 to 20 above.
Roosevelt, Chamberlin and Stalin in conference on war in Europe
after 3 power meet in North Africa. Berlin still being
bombed. RAF lost 41 planes in raid today. Allies bombed
railway centers and sunk 5 enemy war ships in Italy. Reds
driving Nazis back in all sectors.
December 4, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 28
to 32 above. All out of onions, oranges, apples and candy.
Candy from Anchorage went to Fairbanks. Berlin heaviest bombed
city, all in ruins. 1,200 Norway students jailed by Nazis
for demo, 8th Army advancing and 5th Army took many Germans
in Italy. Red Army took 40 more towns. Chinks knocking
the ‘ell out of Jap invaders.
December 5, 1943 Sunday, rain last night,
34 to 40 above. Ma had chicken dinner but owing to rain
and bad roads, kids failed to drive up from Anchorage. Paddy
and partner out on trap line on Forty Mile Miller’s ranch, mile 8.
Stalin back to Moscow from Iran conference with Roosevelt and Churchill.
Australian troop vs. Jap’s in New Guinea. Jap’s bombed U. S.
airports, 3 killed on Gilbert Island. Ally armies advanced toward
Rome. Midnight temperature 40 above.
December 6, 1943 Weather cloudy, 32 to 40 above.
Stanley 39 years old. Evening, sprinkle of snow.
Auto road to Anchorage in bad shape. Candy and meats, ordered
in October, arrived. Roosevelt and Churchill back to North
Africa after 4 day conference with Stalin at Iran account future
war.
December 7, 1943 A-1 day, 32 to 38 above.
No mail train. Chas Marino visited. Joe Palmer and
dog left for Caswell trap line. Harry Sears building $1,000
hot house on ranch at Fairview.
December 8, 1943 Sprinkle of snow, 24 to 38
above. Rejected 1 keg butter covered with acid in transit.
72 Jap planes down and 10 boats including 2 cruisers in Marshal
Island district and 195 tons of bombs dropped in New Guinea Jap district.
18 Jap’s down at Burma, we lost 12 planes. 20% of German industries
destroyed.
December 9, 1943 Business good on hardware.
Weather cloudy, 36 above all day, evening, sprinkle of snow,
Wasilla white again. Billy Tryck drove to Anchorage account
back trouble and took Stanley’s mail. Post war reconstruction
big talk by the 4 leading allied nations. Allies gained all
high points leading to Rome. Chunking liberated from Jap’s by
aid of U. S. bombers, 10,000 Jap’s killed.
December 10, 1943 Temperature 30 above, 4”
snow. Cleaned snow off 200’ sidewalks. Mail south
1 day late. President Roosevelt flew from Cairo to Malta
Island. Bids out for 1,500 tons of ice from Lake Wasilla.
Marshal island and New Guinea bombed by Allies. Reds took
last of 4 railroad hubs in Dneiper. London bombed by Nazis,
lost 4 planes.
December 11, 1943 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
to 36 above. Joe Palmer back from Caswell, gave up trap
line, too old for job. Frank Watson, old time rancher,
buried at Palmer, was mining partner of Sam Kelly. 103 planes
and 136 Nazi tanks destroyed by Reds today. RAF downed 138
German planes and lost 37 in fight over Germany. Five German subs
sunk in North Atlantic. Outside radio good. Wilkie on
peace program.
December 12, 1943 Sunday, Chinook, 36
to 42 above, new snow about gone. Mrs. Jackson back from
weekend, brought papers and magazines from Stanley’s. Allies
bombing all Nazi war zones. Slow advance in Italy.
U. S. battleship bombed Jap island air base. Biggest battle of
year in Dneiper River district. Germans trying to hold district,
many killed. Chinks got Jap’s drove out of rice crop district.
December 13, 1943 Temperature 42 above, rained
all last night. New snow all gone in valley. President
Roosevelt visited Sicily on way home from conference with Stalin
and Churchill. N. W. Germany bombed today. Allies lost
7 planes. Jap oil refinery bombed, also Marshal Island.
Jap’s retreated from raid on China rice fields with heavy losses.
President Roosevelt private secretary passed out, McIntire age 65.
Over a month of mild weather, 30 to 42 above, big savings on fuel.
December 14, 1943 Weather cloudy, rain at night,
30 above. November 1st fruit arrived, 10 cases, no Tryck,
had to neck over 1,065 pounds from depot. Arthur
T. Rogers, Mattie’s brother, 76, passed out 12th at Everett, Mass.
Reds halted Nazi drive in south Russia. Slow war in Italy
account bad weather. China troops put Jap’s on retreat.
German cities 1/3 bombed out by RAF and U. S. bombers.
December 15, 1943 Weather cloudy, colder, 20
above. Electric light men wired Thorpe’s and Bixler houses.
Auto road from Palmer to Anchorage all iced up. Reds took
60 miles in Dnieper River bend from Nazis. U. S. bombers
destroyed 3 Jap air bases today. Allies driving ahead vs.
Nazis in Italy. Twenty five million dollars appropriated for
Spanish war vets, monthly pay raised $15, more at taxes.
December 16, 1943 Weather colder, 10 to 14
above. White again, snowed 6” last night. AM swept
off 200’ sidewalk. Nazis bombed large Ally convoy off
south coast of Italy, many killed. Reds doing good work
vs. Germans
December 17, 1943 Weather clearing and colder
8 to 14 above. Two more inches new snow last night.
Swept of 200’ sidewalk. President Roosevelt arrived home
from 3 power conference in Europe. Churchill somewhere
in North Africa. With attack of pneumonia. Stalin
back in Russia directing drive vs. Germans
December 18, 1943 Weather cloudy, cold zero
to 8 above. Mrs. Jackson, teacher, left for weekend with
new soldier husband at Anchorage. PM got 6 tons Buffalo coal,
half dirt, at $13.75 a ton, in bin. Paddy bought 3 tons for
mile 8 trap line cabin. Jap’s lost 11,000 vs. China 10,000
battle in rice fields, Jap’s then retreated to ocean base. Allies
pushing Nazis back to Rome. 250,000 Reds now in control of Dnieper
bend. Cows milk and meat rationed at Anchorage, also short on electric
energy.
December 19, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
22 to 26 above. Sold last 2 sets dinner china. Stanley and
family and Mrs. Isaac, mascot, up from Anchorage, home for dinner,
returned 3 PM. Reds drove Nazis back 18 miles and took
20,000 prisoners. Allies moving slowly on road to Rome.
Not much left of Berlin after three million pounds of bombs.
December 20, 1943 Business fair on Christmas
goods. Temperature 26 to 30 above. Jacob Metz got
a bad fall on icy walk, they took him to Palmer hospital.
Powder boat blew up at Oslo, Norway and killed thousands and
wrecked the town. Chinese aviators doing good work in driving
Jap’s out of China. Allies bombed German held railroad terminals
in Italy and shot down 59 Nazi planes.
December 21, 1943 Weather cloudy, 38 to 42
above, midnight rain, Chinook. Wasilla can’t stay white.
Small Christmas trade but no goods available. Candy and
fruit for Christmas trade still due. Allies heavy bombed all
war zones and lost 11 planes in Italy, 2 in China and 6 in New Guinea
district vs. over 100 Nazi planes. marines took Gilbert Island
in 17 hours, from Jap’s but lost heavy. Ma got a 14 pound turkey
from Anchorage, cost 90¢ a pound.
December 22, 1943 Rain turned to 4” snow.
Temperature 22 to 30 above. Cleaned snow off 200’ walks.
Received Outside mail, Christmas cards, but no sign of Christmas
candy and fruit orders. 30,000 Jap’s killed in China rice
bowl in December.
December 23, 1943 Weather cloudy, colder, 12
to 20 above. Got out-mail and bank deposits. School
closed for 3 days for Christmas. Evening, school program
at Town Hall. Allies on offense in all war zones from the
air. Roosevelt trying to stop railroad strike on January
1st. Leonard Grau, from Anchorage, visiting the Senske family.
Ma got pain in back stuffing 14 pound turkey.
December 24, 1943 Fog, colder, 6 above all
day. Ma busy cooking for Christmas dinner. Car Healy
coal arrived last night, was ordered in October. Stanley
and family arrived from Anchorage. Jacob Metz back from
Palmer hospital.
December 25, 1943 Sunday, temperature
30 above, windy. Had 14 pound turkey and all the Herning’s
home for dinner. Gave Buddy and Marie war bonds and other
$42 cash. Stanley got vertebrae’s out in back and in bad shape.
Jake Metz in bad shape from fall on ice. Now three million,
400 thousand soldiers in overseas war zones. Smalls
got two moose.
December 26, 1943 Sunday, weather cloudy,
30 to 34 above. They took Metz back to Palmer hospital at
midnight. Stanley and Eva, with guests, returned to Anchorage
after lunch. Buddy and Marie staying with Grandma for school
vacation. Small took Ellexson back to Knik. Reds drive
25 miles into German lines. Allies took 2 hilltops on road
to Rome.
December 27, 1943 Weather cloudy, 30 to 34
above. Harry Sears unloading our 40 ton car of Healy
coal, was due October. Buddy and Marie now star boarders.
Marie helped Ma do the washing. Navy battle, British sunk
one German 25,000 ton battleships, have only 2 left. Reds freed
100 Russian towns held by the Nazis for 2 years and put 100,000 on
retreat. Marines took new Britain with no losses.
December 28, 1943 Weather cloudy, 30 to 36
above. Streets and roads all ice again. Sears finished
unloading 41 ton car coal; in bins now; got over 50 tons coal,
so let her blow. Our subs sunk 12 Jap boats, total of 536
in 2 years of war. U. S. troops advanced on 4 Jap islands.
Reds taken all but one railroad from Germans in south Russia.
Evening, usual bath. Eisenhower and Dolittle making ready
for final drive on Germany. Government took over railroad
account January 1st strike.
December 29, 1943 Spring weather, 30 to 32
above. Fog with sprinkle of snow PM. Ma nursing
a cold and cooking for Buddy and sister, in school here while
on vacation from Anchorage. Eighth heavy air raid on Berlin.
Germans lost 3 destroyers off coast of Spain. 19 Nazi planes
down, also 37 Jap planes. Railroad and steel strike off.
December 30, 1943 Weather colder, 22 to 26
above. Kids in school all week, leaving tomorrow with
Grandma for Anchorage. 3,000 Allied planes over Germany
and France, 30 bombers lost. 300,000 German soldiers on
retreat from 185 mile front in Russia today. Marines only
11 miles from goal in Rabaul. Shortage of fuel in New England
states. Meat ration improving.
December 31, 1943 Weather cloudy, colder, 16
to 22 above. Ma and kids returned, by train, to Anchorage.
Self got 1st cold from Ma, Buddy and Marie. Put up $70 order
for Culver, rancher at Knik. Oscar Gill and wife visited,
was on way to Knik. Allies making ready for second front
vs. Germany. Sold 2 lots by school house, $125. Self
busy in store, lunch at 2 PM, supper 8 PM.
1944
January 1, 1944 No business, closed for inventory.
Temperature 12 above. Still living in rooms aft of store.
Ma on weekend with Stanley and family living at Anchorage.
Finished back of 14 pound turkey with dressing and whipped cream
on plain cake. Germans all drove out of North Africa.
Reds 7 miles from Polish border with Nazis retreating. Stanley
promoted to checking materials at Army Post, Anchorage.
January 2, 1944 Sunday. Partly cloudy,
zero all day. Busy with fires. Ma at Anchorage.
10th air raid on Berlin, Allies lost 28 bombers. New Guinea
taken by Marines. Germans on retreat in Russia.
January 3, 1944 Weather colder. Busy
in store, sales over $100. George Small bought $75 grub
order. Lathrop in from Cottonwood for supplies. Tryck
moved Metz’s perishables to our basement. Jacob Metz, old
time rancher, died in Palmer hospital today. Evening, painted
kitchen floor. Ma in Anchorage with Stanley and family.
War about the same.
January 4, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 26 above.
No mail train on account Ma still at Anchorage. Late PM
freight brought Christmas candy, milk and motor oils, wheeled
over the candy on account no truck S and W groceries due
since October. 4,100 Nazi planes down in 1943. Reds
killed 4,000 Germans today.
January 5, 1944 Colder weather.
Put up 2 orders, no truck to haul milk and hardware from railroad
freight shed. Marines moved forward on New Britain.
Allies sunk 2 Jap cargo boats. Ma home on midnight mail train.
Outside radio good.
January 6, 1944 Weather windy, 34 above all
day. Sears hauled over truck load of groceries and hardware,
charged double price. Busy checking and pricing up new merchandise.
Judge Wilmoth sick and many got flu or colds. Jim Simpson
moved to Red’s trap line at Fish Lake. Cadwallader let bartender
go, no business for 2 weeks. Heavy fighting in New Britain.
600 Jap’s killed and 19 planes down.
January 7, 1944 Weather cloudy, 28 to 34 above.
No mail train south. Busy pricing up new merchandise.
Mrs. Gershmel back from hospital with 5½ pound baby girl.
Wilmoth down and out with general bad health. Allies forcing
war with heavy bombers. Red got Nazis about drove out of south
Russia. Chinks got Jap’s drove out of south China. Ma
got lame hip. Wasilla sent flowers for Metz funeral at Anchorage.
January 8, 1944 Rain for 12 hours, 36 to 40
above, roads all ice again. Mail south. Mrs.
Herbert Hoover, 68, passed out. Bombers over western Germany,
32 bombers down, RAF lost 17. U. S. subs sunk 10 more Jap
boats. Allies got rough going driving Germans out of mountain
tops near Rome. Reds got Dnieper River Bend and railroad centers
under control and captured Nazi supplies.
January 9, 1944 Sunday, partly cloudy, 34 above.
Snow all gone after 12 hour rain, roads all ice. PM fitted
long front grate into kitchen by hack sawing off 4 parts.
Al Dodson in town, also Leonard Grau from Anchorage after his
moose. Paddy in from trap line at mile 8 on Forty Mile Miller’s
homestead. Too busy for radio and war news. Ma got
lumbago in hip, self got sore feet, otherwise, OK.
January 10, 1944 Weather windy, evening rain.
Pricing up new merchandise. Al Dodson and Paddy moved
supplies to coal camp, once Thorpe Mine. Anchorage schools
closed on account measles. Allies making ready for 2nd front
vs. Germany by land invasion. No wash, Ma got lame hip.
Jensen broke. Boy blew in $1,000 bank account at Anchorage.
January 11, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 32
to 36 above. Still pricing new merchandise, out of coffee.
Mailed deed on account 2 lots sold to Department of Education at
Juneau, $125. President Roosevelt on air on account trip to
Europe on war and post war plans N. W. Germany bombed 98 industries
out of commission. Ma did washing with midget electric washer,
still got lame hip.
January 12, 1944 Weather cloudy, 36 above all
day. Self working on grocery inventory. Paddy in
from mile 8 trap line. 700 Ally planes over Germany, 100 Nazi
and 3 factories put out, allies lost 54 planes. Reds downed
100 Nazi planes in lower White Russia and freed 50 towns.
Allies now have 4 airfields in Solomon Island war district and bombing
Jap airdromes.
January 13, 1944 Partly cloudy, 28 to 34 above.
Mild weather still prevails, only 6” of ice on Lake Wasilla.
No bids offered on 1,500 tons railroad ice. Raid on 3 airplane
factories in Germany yesterday, we lost 54 bombers and Nazi lost
150. Several advances in Italy vs. the Nazis. Jap’s
crying for more planes. FDR wants 100 billion for 1944 war.
January 14, 1944 Weather colder, 8 to 16 above.
Delayed coffee and meats arrived, finished grocery inventory.
Cost 100 billion to operate 1943 war, FDR wants same for 1944.
Allies advancing in all war sectors. Doctor visited for
Wilmoth.
January 15, 1944 Weather colder, zero AM, 6
above noon, 22 above evening. Postmaster Wilmoth taken
to Palmer hospital for checkup. Natives here on usual drunk.
Land troops closing in on Burma. 31 Jap barges, with troops,
destroyed. Poland wants boundary line fixed. Berlin
bombed again today.
January 16, 1944 Sunday, sunny day, 8 to 18
above. Jacob Metz, old timer buried in Anchorage today
by IOOF. First ski party at Fishhook today. Tabulating
grocery inventory all PM Allies drove Germans out of all high peaks
above Rome. U. S. subs have sunk 396 Jap boats to date.
January 17, 1944 A-1 day, 18 to 30 above.
Metz and 4 others in cold storage on account no manpower to dig
graves at Anchorage. Agent Browne and wife on weeks vacation
at Anchorage. Allies on top of mountains ready for drive on
Germans in Rome. Quake in Argentina, killed 5,000, only 20
buildings left in town. Reds killed 100,000 Nazis and took
200 tanks. Germans on retreat in white Russia.
January 18, 1944 Weather windy, 30 to 36 above.
Finished tabulating grocery, tobacco and forage inventory.
Red Cross helping San Juan, Argentina quake. Mail train
6 hours late. Churchill back in London after 6 weeks in Africa
with pneumonia. FDR also had a cold in Africa. Government
turned railroads back to owners. Germans well fortified at
Cassino, Italy.
January 19, 1944 First real snow, 6” PM, 30
above, southeaster and still a coming. Tabulating 1943
merchandise, sales $15,369.10. Average sales, $51.23 per
day, 50% below normal. Reds advanced 19 miles, defeated
German divisions and took heavy artillery. Allies will have
to take Cassino before reaching Rome. Tons of bombs being dropped
on all Jap airdromes in New Guinea district.
January 20, 1944 A-1 day, 12 to 24 above.
Tabulating inventory for income tax report, due March 15th at
Tacoma. Germans shelled coast of England. Seven airdromes
bombed in Italy. Nazis using Armenian soldiers vs. Red Army,
500,000 killed to date.
January 21, 1944 PM, cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Ma left, on train, for weekend at Anchorage with Stanley and
family and pictures? Evening, completed 1943 inventory,
cost price $9,371.47, sell $13,532.36, inventory $935.89 less
than 1942 inventory. Reds killed 40,000 Germans past week.
Our subs sunk 12 more Jap boats and lost 2 bombers in air raids.
January 22, 1944 A-1 day, 30 to 36 above. Packing
pistol mamma at Anchorage. Evening, posted February in
ledger. Allies made landing on west coast of Italy, 30 miles
from Rome and out for Germans at Cassino and blasted 4 airdromes,
only 1 left. RAF lost 52 bombers out of 1,000 over Berlin
and towns in Germany today. Our bombers at Aleutians bombed Jap
airdrome.
January 23, 1944 Sunday, weather colder, 6”
more snow, 20 above. Graham, garager, over, bought $30
hardware. Cleaned off walks. Posted February and
March in ledger. Writer here for Knik history. Allies
advancing over west coast landing 30 miles from Rome, took 4 towns
from Germans Ma at Anchorage with Stanley and family.
January 24, 1944 Zero weather to 10 above.
Ma at Anchorage. Two lots of groceries at Seward for over
a week. Posted April in ledger. Hotcakes for supper
with peaches. Allies advanced 4 miles toward Rome.
Pope refuses to leave Rome, soon to be bombed unless Germans evacuate.
Jap’s lost 350 planes in past 30 days, we lost 79. RAF bombed
western Germany.
January 25, 1944 Business blew out on
account big wind, +20, school busses stuck in snow drifts.
No trains, Seward end blocked on account wind. Ma still
at Anchorage, wind-bound. Jap’s lost 43 planes at Rabaul,
we lost 5 planes. Allies advanced 12 miles from west coast
landing near Rome. Nazis declared curfew in Rome.
Posted May ledger. Reds took last railroad terminal from Nazis,
also big guns.
January 26, 1944 Business good light
snow all day, 18 above, no school, wind blocked roads.
PM, rotary snow plow opened snow drifts. on auto roads.
No train, Ma blocked with 19” snow at Anchorage. Allies ½
mile from Cassino. Germans entrenched above Cassino, to shoot
up allies when they enter city. Reds took last railroad held
by Germans 2 years.
January 27, 1944 PM, colder,
zero to 10 below zero. Railroad snow bound on Seward division.
Ma snow bound at Anchorage. Supper at 7 PM, meat loaf.
Three American soldiers escaped from Jap prison, reported over
3,000 died from starvation and ill treatment by Jap’s. Germans
trying to stop allies from Rome. No school, snow bound.
January 28, 1944 Weather cold, 28 below zero
all day, no school, busses froze up. No Alaska Railroad
trains either way. Busy with fires. Ma anchored at
Anchorage on account no traffic. Berlin bombed 13 times
and still burning. Posted July. Eddie Canter selling
war bonds at KPO for 24 hours. Evening, clear and 30 below
zero.
January 29, 1944 Weather colder, 10 below zero
to 40 below zero. No trains, Ma froze in at Anchorage.
Eddie Canter over KPO on account four billion bond drive, sold
over 33 million bonds in 24 hour drive. 1,500 ally planes bombed
Frankfort, Germany, 102 planes down, lost 31 bombers. Reds
lost 2,800 soldiers by German counterattack today.
January 30, 1944 Sunday, weather cloudy,
warmer, 18 above. No trains today, Ma still anchored
at Anchorage. Seward division blocked with slides.
ARC plowed out school bus road, 2nd time. Got ledger posted
to September 1943. RAF bombed Berlin, 13th time. 193
German planes down vs. 51 allies. Reds took 100 more towns held
by Germans Jap’s all on defense and losing every day.
January 31, 1944 Business good all PM
Temperature 12 to 18 above. Ma arrived from Anchorage on
11 PM freight after week snow bound at Anchorage.
Elic over from Eklutna for moose. Four U. S. airplane carriers
ready for blasting Jap’s out of New Guinea district.
February 1, 1944 A-1 day, 24 to 30 above.
Ma back on the job and it the was tub as usual. Posted
September in ledger. U. S. Navy fleet and bombers established
a beachhead on the Jap Marshal Island, held by Jap’s since 1st World
War. Turkey still neutral. Allies 10 miles from German
held Rome.
February 2, 1944 A-1 day,
18 to 28 above. Willie Edlund back from Seattle and bought
a $60 order for ranch. Busy, PM, sales over $100.
Evening, posted October in ledger. Billy Tryck drove to
Anchorage, got job with ARC. One airfield taken from Jap’s
on Marshal Island.
February 3, 1944 Weather cloudy, 26 to 30 above.
Trains moving again but only hauling coal and Army goods.
Got out Seattle mail. Our Marines landed in central of
Marshal Jap strong base, killed 1,000 and we lost 27 dead and
100 wounded in landing. Reds got 10 divisions of Germans
trapped. Allies had to retreat from drive on Cassino, Italy.
February 4, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 28
to 32 above. Mail went south, 1st time in 2 weeks.
Klim got the 1,400 ton railroad ice bid, $2.75. Got ledger
posted to December 1943. Marines and Navy advancing vs. Jap’s.
February 5, 1944 Weather cloudy, 28 to 30 all
day. Finished posting 1943 NCR ledger. Now ready
for tabulating and income tax. Star Co. here on account pulling
plane out of woods below Goose Bay. Our Marines advancing
in Jap held Marshal Islands. Allies got tough going vs. Germans
near Rome. October and November groceries arrived, 3 truck loads.
1,400 RAF planes over German plants in France.
February 6, 1944 Weather cloudy, 24 to 30 above.
Graham, Palmer garage man, over for supplies. Outside
mail arrived. Received letter from Andy Trout in Portland,
went on Tryck’s bond on account administrator of Jacob Metz estate.
Germans bombed hospital near Rome and killed 27 patients.
U. S. has lost 19 subs in Pacific war zone.
February 7, 1944 Temperature
20 to 30 above. Army Cat with big sled went to Goose Bay
district for airplane down in woods.
February 8, 1944 Sunday. A-1 day,
20 to 36 above. Army trucks and Cat here on account plane
down in woods. Noon, Stanley and family, with Mrs. Isaac
(mascot) arrived, returned to Anchorage 5 PM. Reds killed
4,000 and got Germans trapped. Allies in Cassino in hand to
hand street fight near Rome. RAF over Berlin. Tommy McNeil
blew his block off.
February 9, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 30
above all day. Got 1943 NCR ledger tabulated, now ready to
make out 1943 income tax. Allies trying to dislodge Germans
in hills around Cassino near Rome. Nazis trying to push allies
back into sea, now 150,000 casualties with 34,000 dead. 43%
of German industries destroyed. Reds still driving Nazis out
of Russia.
February 10, 1944 Weather cloudy, windy, 14
to 30 above. Thorpe, Peck and Shorty appraised the late
Metz estate. Allies on beach near Cassino, Italy countered
attack by Germans but held their ground. New Guinea now
in hands of Allies and killed 14,000 Jap’s and took several prisoners.
Allies making new air fields in Marshal Island group.
February 11, 1944 Spring day, 38 above all
day, 30 above evening. Cat and big sled back from Goose
Bay district where airplane landed in woods. Car down from
Fishhook, mile 16. Allies having hard time to hold their bridge
head landing at Cassino, Italy vs. the Germans Reds took iron
and magnesium district from Germany. Popes summer home bombed.
February 12, 1944 A-1 day, 30 to 36 above.
Air men tried to load sled with airplane on flat car but failed,
then got plane on 5 ton truck and motored to Anchorage.
Allies holding on to Beachhead near Casino by aide of Navy
shelling. Reds knocked down 33 large German transport planes.
February 13, 1944 Sunday, partly cloudy,
26 to 36 above. Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage,
5 PM, Ma returned to Anchorage with kids for weekend rest-up,
steam bath and pictures. Sent in income tax report for
1943. Treatments on account rheumatism cost $431.60.
Big storm in States with 15 froze to death, why live in Alaska?
War about the same, all air bombing. Harold Kinney visited,
now at Portage.
February 14, 1944 Weather cloudy, 30 to 36
above. Army, all AM, loading Cat blade and Caterpillar
on big trailer truck for Anchorage Army Post, used at Goose Bay
to get Army plane out of woods. Ma at Anchorage steam baths
and pictures. 50/50 fight by allies vs. Germans in Rome war
zone. Reds reached Polish border and driving Germans south.
February 15, 1944 Chinook, 36 to 40 above.
Eva 40, half way and as fat as a pig. Busy all PM, in
store. Ma back from Anchorage 5 PM mail train. Floyd
Smith back from fur buying trip Inside. Rabaul bombed by 250.
Twenty out of fifty Jap planes knocked down. Over 40% of German
industries knocked out by RAF.
February 16, 1944 Chinook, 36 to 46 above.
Evening, hail showers and windy. Klem started to cut
railroad ice on Lake Wasilla. Ma on midget washing machine.
Floyd Smith and daughter went to Anchorage on stage.
February 17, 1944 A-1 day, 20 to 30 above,
50 above in sun. Road all ice again. Got out groceries
and candy orders by air mail. U. S. Navy and bombers shelled
the Jap’s big airdrome at Trook in the Far East. Allies holding
vs. German drive at Cassino, Italy. 1,000 U. S. troops lost
on transport in Atlantic, big storm, 1,000 saved. Berlin still
burning.
February 18, 1944 Weather cloudy, PM, rain,
36 above. No trains. Railroad blocked near Curry.
Streets and roads iced up again. Reds killed 22,000 Germans
Allies made a 6 hour drive on Cassino by land, air and sea and
lost 9 bombers vs. 3 Germans.
February 19, 1944 Partly cloudy, 20 to 36 above.
Mail train south 1 day late. Icy going, everywhere.
Ellen Fleckenstein Smith back from Anchorage. William Senske
visited after 4 month sickness. Allies taken 1/3 of Cassino.
Heavy counter attacks by Germans
February 20, 1944 Sunday, weather cloudy,
20 to 30 above. Few cars on the road on account ice.
Worked all PM to midnight on red tape 1943 income tax report.
2,000 ally planes over Germany, northern France and Holland, 79
bombers failed to return.
February 21, 1944 A-1 day,
30 to 38 above. Wasilla streets all ice. Days longer,
no more lights in store. Used only 30W last month, minimum
charge of $3.50. Two thousand more planes over German industries,
we lost 20 bombers.
February 22, 1944 George Washington’s
birthday. Finished 1943 tax reports on account extra fuel
and OGH medical expense, only $2.95 taxes to pay vs. $292 last
year. Allies bombing German airports from Italy and England.
Reds took iron district. Germans strong in Italy but allies
advancing. School in session today. Ritter up
from Anchorage.
February 23, 1944 Weather cloudy, 26 to 32
above. Made out hardware order and motor oils. Jack Fabyan
trapping beaver near our Old Knik-Willow trail on Susitna River.
Reds got Germans drove back into Armenia. Allies up against
big fight from Beachhead, Cassino, Italy. U. S. now 600 miles
nearer to Tokyo.
February 24, 1944 Wet snow 34 to 36 above.
Drugs and hardware arrived last night. Wrote Perkins,
no cancelled note or mortgage for sale of Burnap farm and Coger
80 October 1st, as yet to receive. Allies blasting German airplanes
and ball bearing factories, lost 49 bombers. German attack
on ally Beachhead in Italy broken up.
February 25, 1944 Weather cloudy, 32 to 38
above. Priced up new drugs and hardware. Half a
dozen went to Anchorage for weekend. Allies got control
of Rabaul, Truck and west end of Burma, now 1,200 miles from Japan.
Germans 100,000 troops failed to dislodge allies Beachhead near Rome,
Italy. Mailed tax report.
February 26, 1944 Weather cloudy, 20 to 34
above. Chas Isaac flew from Anchorage to Ellexson’s beaver
camp on Little Susitna. Joe Chilligan and family down
from Houston for usual Saturday night drunk. Allies killed
15,000 Germans in Beachhead battle near Rome. Reds stopped
all counterattacks by Germans German plane plants about bombed
out.
February 27, 1944 Weather cooler, 20 to 26
above. Stanley and family up from Anchorage 1 PM, returned
4 PM, all drove down to Smith and Fleckenstein ranch. Only
patrol in Italy on account bad weather. Reds got Germans about
out of Russia. RAF got German factories about bombed out of
airplane production. U. S. now finished airfields in Far East
islands, 1,200 miles from Tokyo.
February 28, 1944 Weather cooler, 10 to 26
above. Wash day with midget electric washer. Snow,
rain and mud at Cassino delayed warfare in Italy. Reds doing
all the land fighting. British have made midget subs.
Two thousand bombers over north France and Germany most every
day. Two hundred planes over Rabaul, we lost one. Chinks
doing good work vs. Jap’s in Indochina.
February 1944 Memo: Very mild winter
thus far. Had 6 weeks spring weather during short days,
30 to 40 above and no snow. Stanley and family living in
Fleckenstein’s house this winter. Stanley checker of Army
materials. World War number two, allies on offense. Outside
radio good.
March 1, 1944 A-1 day, zero to 38 above.
Contractors busy cutting ice for railroad on Lake Wasilla.
Allies up against 150,000 Germans below Rome. Reds now
on Gateway to Baltic Sea. RAF and U. S. got German factories
bombed out of production above ground?
March 2, 1944 A-1 day, 20 to 38 above, 58 above
in the sun. Blow blocked big school bus. ARC bulldozed
out drifts, PM. U. S. landed strong forces on Admiralty
Island, no Jap opposition. Hitler advancing strong from
trying to drive allies back into the sea near Rome.
March 3, 1944 Weather colder, 10 to 36 above.
Had school kids refill furnace coal bin, 3rd filling. Ma
all dressed up to go to Anchorage on 10 AM mail train. Mail
train arrived 6:15 PM, late as usual. Nazi railroad yards
bombed at Rome. Berlin bombed by daylight with new 6 ton bombs.
March 4, 1944 A-1 day, 20 to 36 above, 50 above
in the sun. Ma at Anchorage for weekend. Gus back
from Anchorage, arranged to fly in to Hot Springs next week.
Allies killed 3,000 Jap’s on Admiralty Island, we lost 61 and 240
wounded. Allies captured 3,500 Germans in Anzio Beachhead drive,
Italy.
March 5, 1944 Sunday, A-1 day, 20 to
30 above. Ma arrived home at noon with Stanley and family,
by auto. Gus Swanson left for Anchorage with Stanley and family.
Gus going to fly to Circle Hot Springs for leg treatment.
March 6, 1944 Weather clear, colder,
zero to 20 above. Anchorage soldiers making overland trip,
Talkeetna to McKinley Park, returned by train, 6 cars, last night.
This was maneuvering training. RAF over Berlin by daylight.
March 7, 1944 Big wind, PM, 20 to 30 above.
Made out order for S and W groceries. No mail train
today north. Reds killed 22,000 more Germans and took railroad
leading to Warsaw. Not much doing near Cassino, Italy
on account weather. 65 tons dumped on Jap airdromes.
Marines landed on north end of New Guinea. 28,000 planes
sent to help the allies. 4,000 planes now in the Far East
vs. the Jap’s.
March 8, 1944 A-1 day, 26 to 36 above.
No mail train, railroad blocked on Seward Division by snow and
wind. Dan Gray, watchman at Mabel and Fern Mines, in for
mail. Reds near Odessa. U. S. airfield established
on Admiralty Island. Snowing in Rome, no fighting. 1,000
bombers over Berlin and ball bearing works.
March 9, 1944 Weather blustery, 10 to 28 above.
South end of railroad blocked with slides. Congress fighting
over vote for soldiers. Berlin about flat from 5 days air
bombing by 2,000 RAF and U. S. planes Reds routed 9 Nazi
divisions. Germans lost 40,000 troops in 5 weeks.
Railroad to Rome bombed.
March 10, 1944 Weather colder, 10 to 20 above.
Self on the job, rheumatism about gone, legs a little stiff.
No mail train. Groceries and meats at Seward for last week.
Reds took Ouman from Germans and killed 20,000. Allies bombing
railroad yards near Rome.
March 11, 1944 Weather colder, 20 above to
20 below zero. Self in store, busy with fires today.
No mail train. Snowed in Broad Pass. Wasilla-ites dug
up $100 on account school nurse. Oscar Tryck administrator
of Metz estate. Allies trying to win the war with four and six
ton bombs from air on Nazis. Twenty billion in land lease to
allies, we got back 2 billion in trade. As usual, Uncle Sam paying
the bills.
March 12, 1944 Weather cloudy, blustery, 16
to 26 above. Snowbound mail train went south. All
the kids, with Mrs. Isaac the mascot, up from Anchorage, 1 PM to
eat Ma’s chicken dinner. They returned to Anchorage at 3:30.
Only patrol allies blasted Nazi railroad to Rome. Reds took
35 tanks and 500 trucks from Nazis. Reds now 42 miles from Nazi
Black Sea base. Nazi factories, in north France, bombed by allies.
Jap’s now on the run from U. S. bombs but put up fight at Rabaul
airbase.
March 13, 1944 Weather cloudy, 40 above all
day. Out of 78 cases of merchandise due, the railroad delivered
a dozen cases today, pigs feet and cookies. Paddy in from
his trapping camp. War in Italy bogged down on account storms.
Pope crying, don’t bomb the Vatican. Reds took town at mouth
of Dnieper River, captured Nazi material and freed 60 towns.
Allies working to re-open Burma Road in China, held by the Jap’s.
March 14, 1944 Delayed mail train arrived
with Outside mail, +40 all day. Trucks hauling Lake Wasilla
ice to Palmer.
March 15, 1944 Auto roads all ice, snow water
running everywhere, +40. Wheeled over butter, meats and
crackers from freight shed.
March 16, 1944 Ice gone on auto roads,
now 2” of mud and loose gravel. Bacon arrived, 2 installments
out of 78 cases due. All teachers left, by bus, for Friday
convention at Anchorage.
March 17, 1944 No school today, all at Anchorage.
Floyd Smith back from a buying trip to Seattle for his store
at Dillingham, Bristol Bay district.
March 18, 1944 Business slow, 38 to 44°.
70 cases merchandise, 10 days overdue from Seward dock
March 19, 1944 Snow flurries, +32°
all day. Stanley and family arrived 12:30 from Anchorage,
had a blowout, was 4 hours making the 2 hour trip. Gave
Buddy $100 bond, makes $225 and Marie Martha the same.
March 20, 1944 Wash day with midget electric
washer. Payday for Matanuska Electric lights, $3.50 per
month whether you use it or not.
March 21, 1944 First spring day, temperatures
zero to +30 all day, windy. Muscular trouble no better,
have to have help to dress.
March 22, 1944 A-1 day, 10 to 40 above.
No mail train, waiting for 2 boats due at Seward today.
March 23, 1944 Received Outside mail.
Two boats at Seward, candy and 2 lots of groceries due.
March 24, 1944 Mail arrived 4 AM. Mr.
Monkman left for Fairbanks to see his daughter.
March 25, 1944 Delayed mail went south.
March 26, 1944 Durrell Finch passed out
on February 12th at Arvada, Colorado, was ACC agent at Cook Inlet
in 1900, then at Aleutians until 1942, then evacuated to states
on account war. Dodson in from High Grade Mine to meet his wife
from Seattle.
March 27, 1944 Sleet storm all day, 32-36°.
All sold out on candy and sweet cookies. Had invoice coming,
over 2 tons groceries since 3/14.
March 28, 1944 Made out paint order.
Mail arrived but no delayed freight.
March 29, 1944 Cold wind, -2° to
+2° all day. Shorty sawed up Cadwallader's summer
wood. Reported -40 at Broad Pass. Ellen Fleckenstein
went to Anchorage.
March 30, 1944 Colder, -4° to +20°.
Klem through with ice on Lake Wasilla for railroad supply at
Anchorage.
March 31, 1944 Colder, zero to -10°.
Ma all dressed up, didn’t go nowhere on account no transportation
to Anchorage, both auto cars and railroad froze up. Received
2 truck loads freight, lost shortages.
April 1, 1944 Weather +2° to -10°.
Ma all dolled up for 2 days, got away PM for Palmer, with Cadwallader's
car, to catch the branch train for Anchorage on account Marie Martha’s
birthday, April 2nd.
April 2, 1944 Cold, +20° to -10°.
Ma at Anchorage on account Marie Martha’s 12th birthday, now
living in Anchorage. Self store keeper, bookkeeper and janitor.
April 3, 1944 Cold, +26° to
-10°. Mr. Monkman back from Fairbanks. Chas
Isaac in from Ellexson’s beaver trap line
April 4, 1944 Dan Gray, watchman at Mabel
Mine, in for mail and grub. Klem cutting Lake Wasilla ice
for Palmer Co-op. Two Anchorage families up here to trade.
Ma home on PM mail train from Anchorage. Anchorage city
election, Ray Wolfe leading for mayor.
April 5, 1944 A1 day, +32 to +48.
Ma operating washing piano. finished pricing up new merchandise.
Paid Griffith income taxes for 1943 and K. P. Lodge dues to
April 1, 1945.
April 6, 1944 Mrs. Sexton had a stroke, mother
of 13 children and only 33 years old. Sven Edlund and
wife back from Seattle, on Wasilla Lake summer resort.
April 7, 1944 Mail on time south, first
time in 2 weeks. Big battle at Carolina Island. We
sunk 46 Jap boats and downed 213 planes, we lost 18 planes.
April 8, 1944 Streets drying up in Wasilla.
Anchorage highway in bad shape.
April 9. 1944 Spring day, +40 to +50
frost out from ground 2”. Burned dead grass on side street.
Only a few cars moving on account bad roads. Easter Sunday
chicken dinner.
April 10, 1944 Snow all gone in Wasilla.
April 11, 1944 No mail train. Made
out order for Black Bear clothing.
April 12, 1944 Storm and wind brewing.
Freight train lost 2 cars merchandise on Turnagain Arm.
April 13, 1944 Two truck load groceries
arrived. Got out airmail for Seattle.
April 14, 1944 Mail train south 5½
hours late. Got new goods on invoices priced up.
April 15, 1944 Self all day pricing and opening
up new merchandise. War conditions different from a year
ago. Allies got control of Africa, party of Italy and Germans
all drove out of Russia with heavy losses. Allies have control
of Far East vs. the Jap’s. A defeat of Hitler soon to come?
Frost coming out, auto roads in bad shape. snow gone in valley
but plenty in hills.
April 16, 1944 Finished pricing and checking
up and opening up 62 cases S and W Fine Foods. Stanley
and family up from Anchorage 1 PM, returned 5 PM with Mrs. Cadwallader,
mascot.
April 17, 1944 Self got a touch of stomach
flu. Gershmel’s sold $1,100 in milk in Wasilla last 11
months, and in a dead town?
April 18, 1944 Outside mail arrived, mostly
OPA. Berlin factories heavily bombed. WE lost 25.
Belgrade airports and railroad bombed. Reds now 150 miles
from Nazi held oil fields.
April 19, 1944 Train loads of oil and
lumber still going north for Army use.
April 20, 1944 Dewey, Governor of New
York state, holds lead for Republican President nomination and
Roosevelt for 4th term thus far. Reds sunk 12 Nazi ships
in Black Sea. Only railroad bombed in Italy. Quiet
on Beachhead. Our Air Force now larger than RAF in England.
Factories in north west France bombed today.
April 21, 1944 Delayed bacon, meats and
cheese arrived. Section gang increased by 4 soldiers.
Was to be Army movie at Town Hall but crowd failed to arrived.
Cologne and railroad yards bombed. Nazi counterattack Reds
in Romania with heavy losses. Hitler’s birthday, no speech.
April 22, 1944 Partly cloudy, 50 above
all day. Allies now occupy north Africa and Sicily, Italy.
Germans still hold Rome and north Italy. Italy joined allies.
April 23, 1944 Sunday. Stanley and family
arrived at noon, returned to Anchorage 5 PM. Paddy Marion
with 1 beaver pelt, got a watchman job at Anchorage at $240 a month?
April 24, 1944 Streets dusty, roads drying
up. Made out drug order. Wilmoth took 2nd blood
infusion at Palmer Hospital.
April 25, 1944 Primary elections.
Mrs. LaValley, $14 a day cook in Anchorage here over weekend.
Natives weekend drunk wound up with one in hospital.
April 26, 1944 ARC smoother, filling
ruts on auto roads. Richardson Highway got one million
to improve road. One truck from States came through to
Anchorage over Alaska Highway.
April 27, 1944 Green grass coming, also
mosquitoes. Snow off to timberline but plenty on mountains
April 28, 1944 Secretary (Frank) Knox
of the Navy passed out with heart failure, age 70. Talk
of combining the Army and Navy as one unit and aviation as one unit.
Larry Adler, expert harmonica player on the air. U. S. and
RAF dropped 68 tons per minute last 3 days on Germany, northern France
and Belgium Nazi industries, big boast for Admiral King head of
the Navy.
April 29, 1944 Geese in the air, spring
is here. Army picture show at Town Hall for soldiers working
on sections.
April 30, 1944 Dozen Army trucks here
from Anchorage. Busy day, took down winter fly over store
balcony. Sowed white clover on new house lawn. Stanley, family
and Mrs. Isaac up from Anchorage.
May 1, 1944 Bert McClarity gone to Palmer
Hospital on account of infection in foot.
May 2, 1944 Dan Gray in for mail and
grub from Mabel and Fern Mines. Trout running down Cottonwood
Creek. Mississippi River on a rampage, up 39’, highest in 100 years.
May 3, 1944 Germans all drove out of
Africa and Russia, now on the defense. Farmers making
ready to plant crops, celery, spuds, main crops. German house
of records blasted today.
May 4, 1944 Dinkle school bus stuck in
mud hole. Nenana ice moved at 2:08 PM, 11 guesses on
the minute, 5 were company tickets, 6 individuals. Total
pool $1250. Truck load hardware arrived.
May 5, 1944 Frost last night. Opened
up new hardware and priced Brownie ware, 90 piece assortment.
High School on a picnic at mile 12 Willow Road.
May 6, 1944 Farmers busy planting small
grains. No freight deliveries today. Fruit and groceries
and paint due.
May 7, 1944 Isaac family up from Anchorage.
Stanley’s family up from Anchorage. Several bad mush holes on
auto road.
May 8, 1944 Six cars in mush holes near
Palmer all night. Reds break through Nazi concrete defense
in Crimea and sunk 3 Nazi boats in Black Sea. Allies still
blasting Germany, France, Belgium and Romania industries.
General Arnold built up largest air force in the world.
May 9, 1944 Rented Mabel cabin to railroad
inspector, M. Sommers.
May 10, 1944 Grass now green, but no
sign of birch trees leaving out. Connected Mabel cabin
to high power electric line and Sommers put in his own phone.
Uncle Sam supporting the 140,000 babies made by soldiers over
seas? Paint for spring clean up arrived.
May 11, 1944 Got out Seattle mail and orders.
Twenty seventh day regular bombing Nazis. Reds took last
Nazi strong base on Black Sea. Reds now control all of Crimea
and Black Sea. Fifteen Nazi blockade runners sunk Nazi planes,
we lost 26. Jap’s got complete control of Hong Kong, China
railroad.
May 12, 1944 Grandma, Martha Amelia,
left by mail train for weekend at Anchorage. School closed
at noon, no picnic on account rain.
May 13, 1944 Evening, Army picture at
Hall. Cocktail bar did good business.
May 14, 1944 Late spring, no birch leaves
as yet. Teacher, Monkman, and hubby, left for their home at Anchorage.
May 15, 1944 Business off 40%.
Farming slow, ground too wet to plant. Ma still at Anchorage
eating T-bone steak and seeing movies?
May 16, 1944 Birch trees leafing out,
a week late. Matanuska Electric Association installed
meter in Mabel cabin. Ma raised Anchorage and came home
PM train. Allies drove Germans back 20 miles from 1st defense
line and captured 3,000 Germans in Cassino, Italy. French soldiers
the heroes. Penicillin new germicide.
May 17, 1944 Ma washing and scrubbing, as usual.
Spaded up Victory Garden by oil house. Two Geodetic men
tried to go to Big Lake, with Jeep, over Cat road.
May 18, 1944 Summer red breast robins are here.
Trout fishing now in order. Cassino and several Nazi key
points taken by allies and approaching Hitler line, 65 miles from
Rome. 4,500 Germans also taken prisoner, 1,000 planes bombed
Romania oil fields. Jap airfield taken by allies in Burma.
Only 80 miles left to open old Burma road to China.
May 19, 1944 Mush holes on road bad for
autos on account deep frost. Stanley’s 3rd year at Army
post. Farmers late in planting vegetable crops.
May 20, 1944 Frost last night, ARC slow in
repairing mush holes on auto road. Cat plowed out snow
road Fishhook Inn to Independence Mine.
May 21, 1944 Spent day at new house,
pumped up water tanks. Had to replace a tee, broken by
winter freeze. Installed electric washing machine but Ma
still prefers old way to get the dirt? Army pictures at Hall
last night. Allies pounding Hitler defense line below Rome.
Evening, bath at new house.
May 22, 1944 Planted 20 hills of potatoes.
Frank Smith flew over to Dillingham to help his father in store
during salmon canning season. Army jeep failed to reach
Big Lake via Cat road from Pittman. Nazi divisions halted
French and Canadian drive on Hitler line below Rome. Scotland
bombed by Nazis. Allies planes still bombing Nazi railroad
and truck lines in north France and Belgium.
May 23, 1944 Deep frost still coming
out of ground. Revised income tax law passed by Congress.
Thirty million small tax payers will not have to make out tax
report, government agents to do it. Allies maneuvering on Hitler
line in Italy and bombing railroad and Hitler supply lines.
May 24, 1944 Jackie, baby and mother
Slumberger, leaving for Outside to doctor baby. Allies
made gains on Hitler line below Rome, also blasted Nazi trains
in France, Belgium and Germany. Now about ready for land
drive to Berlin. Chinks routed Jap drive on railroad to central
China.
May 25, 1944 Answered Robert M. Messner’s
letter, sent calendar. Professor Pendleton now on fire
patrol? Delayed tissue and drug order arrived. Ally
armies joined on 60 mile front and drove Germans back near Rome.
Allies took 10,000 German prisoners in 14 days.
May 26, 1944 Farmers busy planting spuds
under deep frost, makes ground wet. Mary Cadwallader
Bergman back from visit to her husband in radio department in
Florida. Allies 26 miles from Rome, got Hitler line on retreat
and total of 12,000 Germans taken prisoner. Reds sunk 4 more
Nazi boats off Norway.
May 27, 1944 Opened up and priced new
drugs. Evening, Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage.
Marie got foot in plaster of Paris cast on account infected toe.
Allies captured 12 more towns below Rome and cut Cassino Road leading
to Rome. Allies took last Jap airdrome in New Guinea.
May 28, 1944 Made fire in new house for bath
and electric laundry. PM, painted felt roof over oil
house. Eva and kids home from Anchorage for summer.
Eighteen German divisions trying to stop allies from taking Rome.
All Nazi transportation and oil targets bombed.
May 29, 1944 Stanley and family for dinner.
Stanley returned to his Army work 5 PM, family stayed home.
May 30, 1944 Quiet in town. Another
tee cracked by ice in new house water system, failed to all drain
out of pipes last winter. Nazis staging hard fight vs.
ally drive to Rome. Allies had out 4,000 planes over Nazi
held Europe, hit railroad factories and airdromes.
May 31, 1944 May went out 2 weeks late
on vegetables. Painted felt roof over back door shed.
Received invoice for groceries, produce and clothing but no delivery
of goods. Allies 14 miles from Rome but had to dislodge the
Germans 1,200 ally bombers hit 4 Nazi railroad yards.
Germans attack Reds and lost 164 planes in Romania oil fields.
June 1, 1944 Had to make fires in furnace.
Joe Brassel in from trap line, had 5 beaver. We now have
3½ million soldiers overseas ready for 2nd Berlin invasion.
Also 17,000 airplanes and bombers.
June 2, 1944 Mail went south, got Outside
mail from the north. PM, hen party at Mrs. Browne’s (depot)
for a Mrs. Lynch.
June 3, 1944 Army post pictures at Hall
in evening, admission free, Town hall free, another drain out
of tax payers money. Germans retreating into Rome from Hitler
line or face capture by allies. RAF and U. S. still bombing
Nazi lines in north France, Belgium and Germany.
June 4, 1944 Stanley left 6 PM for Anchorage
Army Post. ARC graders smoothed out Knik Road.
Snow on mountain sides keep it cool weather.
June 5, 1944 Invasion of Nazi held Europe
launched by American and British troops on the north coast of
France, across the Channel from England.
June 6, 1944 Air full of news about ally
invasion of Normandy Beach on north end of France. Allies
lost two destroyers and only 1% of planes in Beachhead landing.
Not much German defense at this point of landing over 4,000 ships
and 11,000 planes escorted troops landing, making beach landing complete.
June 7, 1944 First summer day, 50 to
72 above. Priced up new clothing, no sheets or cases available
or boys overalls. Allies on 60 mile French Normandy beach
front landing moved back 10 miles from beach. Took one town.
More troops and supplies coming over from London for allies.
U. S. bombers flying from London to Russia over Nazi held Balkans.
June 8, 1944 Finished pricing new clothing.
Railroad accident at Birchwood, Army speeder hit by tramp train,
one soldier killed, several injured. Allies holding Beachhead
in France vs. Nazi attack All railroad from Paris bombed
out.
June 9, 1944 Showers, +78 in sun. Plane
cracked up from Fairbanks. Birthday party at the Smith
ranch, Ma wobbled down there with Eva and kids. Allies making
slow going inland from Normandy Beachhead in France, captured 4,000
Germans.
June 10, 1944 Put screen door on Mabel
cabin. Started to wash one balcony fly. Stanley
home, evening, for over Sunday. Allies now 13 miles inland
on Normandy Beachhead in France. Look for heavy counterattack
by Germans soon. Allies bombed 3 oil fields in Romania.
June 11, 1944 Washed paint in front of
store with Dic-a-Doo. Evening, repainted red trimming
on store front. Cocktail Bar did a good business, many cars
here from Anchorage. Allies on 2nd phase of Normandy Beach.
Ally armies now 70 miles above Rome after Germans on retreat from
Rome. Reds opened drive on Finland. Jap’s busy dodging
U. S. airplane bombs.
June 12, 1944 Everything growing by leaps.
President FDR on air on account $50 war bond drive and reviewed
progress of war since 1942. General Eisenhower visited Normandy
Beachhead for 5 hours. Chinks took town on Burma Road.
June 13, 1944 Outside mail arrived. Every
train, from Fairbanks, loaded with Army trucks. Trains
going north with lumber and gasoline. German counter attack
routed allies near north end of Normandy beachhead. Allies
advance 20 miles inland from beachhead. Reds advance 15 miles
vs. Fins. Ally troops now 80 miles north of Rome.
Jap’s lose another airport island, 141 planes and 13 boats, we lost
15 planes in combat.
June 14, 1944 Had to draw water out of
tanks in new house to replace broken tee. Used water
to wash balcony fly. Germans, with 1,000 tanks and 4 new
divisions, captured 4 towns from allies on Normandy second beach
line. Allies bombed Nazi airfields. 700 ally planes, from
Italy, bombed oil wells.
June 15, 1944 Independence Mine operating again
with only 10 men. U. S. reported new B29 bomber launched
and flew to new airfield made by Chinks in China. Bomber has
more guns and rises 30,000 feet in air, speed 300 miles per hour.
They bombed mainland of Japan today. Allies holding on Normandy
beachhead.
June 16, 1944 Shipped one order to Willow.
Railroad took half plank out of street crossing. Train
south had 12 more Army trucks, making over 100 back from Fairbanks.
All trains north loaded with oil and lumber. Diesel engines,
for Whittier tunnel, arrived.
June 17, 1944 Mosquitoes on double shift
past week. Stanley and family, with Vida’s mother, home
from Anchorage home at 6 PM Sgt. Sommer, renter of Mabel
cabin, in hospital with lame back. Allies on offense in Italy,
France, Finland and Jap bases in Far East. Chinks took large Jap base
in North Burma. 3,283 of our boys killed on Normandy French
beach and 1,200 more wounded by Germans
June 18, 1944 Fathers Day, got a shirt.
Stanley and family, with Vida Deigh’s mother, left 7 AM for
Fairbanks via the new Matanuska Highway, on vacation trip.
Stanley got 3rd promotion at Anchorage Army base, assistant to
Superintendent of Materials. Hitler now sending self controlled
torpedo pilot planes over Channel to King George. This planes
exploding when it hits its target (no pilot).
June 19, 1944 Stanley and family on vacation
with auto car to Fairbanks. Sgt. Sommer back from hospital.
Some rejoicing on account allies success in all war zones.
One third of Saipan taken with Jap airfield in the Mariana Island
group. U. S. Navy destroyed 300 Jap planes in Mariana Island
district.
June 20, 1944 Put up awning over side entrance
to store. Reported Jap’s are coming out with Navy and
600 airplanes to meet allies off Mariana Islands. Allies
3½ miles from Cherbourg of Normandy and got 20,000
Germans trapped. Allies lost 54 bombers vs. 66 Nazis.
Finland port taken by Red Army.
June 21, 1944 Priced up new hardware, candy.
Groceries, butter and milk in Seward? Adam Werner, old time
rancher, died at Palmer. Kids at Hot Springs, Circle.
June 22, 1944 Real summer weather past week.
Stanley and family at Circle on Yukon, on vacation trip over
new highways. Jap’s lost 14 vessels in battle at Saipan
near Mariana Islands. 2,200 planes bombed Berlin and Cherbourg
at Normandy, France. Reds pushing Fins back to surrender.
June 23, 1944 Reported bridge out on new highway.
Stanley and family on north side? Allies now have ½
of Saipan Islands and Jap air lanes. Jap’s lost 84 vessels
in late battle, total of 774 since Pearl Harbor. Hand to hand
fighting at Cherbourg. French Port held by the Nazis. Allies
face strong counterattack by Nazis in north Italy war zone today.
June 24, 1944 Thorpe’s bought grub outfit for
mine. Stanley and family arrived home from six day auto trip,
1,200 miles, over new Capt. Glenn - Richardson and Steese Highway
to Circle City on the Yukon River via Fairbanks.
June 25, 1944 Had Stanley, Eva and grandchildren
at dinner. Stanley returned to his Army Post job after weeks
vacation, left family at home. Re-stained front door at new house,
pumped up water tanks and painted panels in front of store. Palmer
- Anchorage highway flooded. Mosquitoes putting in double
shift last 10 days.
June 26, 1944 Cherbourg City and Harbor fell
to allies. Third largest port in France taken 20 days
after invasion on Normandy Beach in France. Reds advancing
on 150 mile line vs. Nazis in White Russia, has two to one tanks
vs. the Germans and killed 11,000 Nazis.
June 27, 1944 Delayed January rubber
packs and groceries arrived, temporarily out of eggs and bacon.
A new family, from Juneau, arrived. Thorpe left for mines.
June 28, 1944 Finished pricing new groceries.
National Grocery Co., visited. Sold clothing and hardware
order to farmer. Fresh fruit coming on Seattle market.
June 29, 1944 Ernie Peck returned to Navy school
after a week furlough at Wasilla. Eva and Buddy went
to Anchorage with Frank Smith. Out of fly spray.
June 30, 1944 June came in cold but last
half was warm growing weather. Mowed grass on new
house lawn. Allies lost more soldiers in drive on Saipan
Island than any other invasion in Far East and have only taken
½ of island from Jap’s thus far.
July 1, 1944 Army picture show at Town
Hall. Snow finally gone on Bald Mt., one month late.
Stanley up from Anchorage 6 PM with Army truck, returned 7 PM
with Ma and Marie to celebrate 4th at Anchorage. Allies
took 2,000 Germans at Normandy. Bert back from hospital.
July 2, 1944 Ma, with Stanley’s family,
at Anchorage. Quiet in town, only a few soldiers.
Cleaned and repainted kitchen floor. Davis, head of Red
Cross, died on account overwork.
July 3, 1944 Self only clerk, Ma at Anchorage.
Ellexson’s and George Small in from Knik. Evening, Mrs.
Rae Farrell visited to see Ma. Rae is July 4th bartender
for Cadwallader's. Reds captured the capitol of White Russia
held by Germans for 3 years.
July 4, 1944 Ma with Stanley and family
at Anchorage. Army Post helped Anchorage to celebrate the
4th.
July 5, 1944 Ma still celebrating at
Anchorage. Edlund’s summer resort on Lake Wasilla had
a big crowd on the 4th. All the Cadwallader's were at Anchorage
all day. American subs sunk 17 more Jap boats. Allies
bombed Nazi Germany from France to Russia. Three hundred dead
July 4th. Allies captured railroad center in Normandy.
Nazi flying robot bombs over England. Reds now in Poland.
July 6, 1944 Ellexson’s and Small’s in from
Knik. Had peach cake and cream for supper. Jap island,
Saipan, finally taken. Twenty thousand Jap’s cornered and
without water for 3 days. Allies up against hard fight now
over Cherbourg. Nazi rockets over England. Reds liberated
400 more towns. Nazi rocket planes have killed 2,752 and
injured 8,000 more in London.
July 7, 1944 Julie McCann, teacher, back
home, through at Bert’s drug store in Palmer. A soldier
killed a sergeant with a knife at Montana Station on Alaska
Railroad.
July 8, 1944 One hundred and thirty five
people lost in Barnum and Bailey Circus fire in Connecticut,
mostly children.
July 9, 1944 Gus in Providence Hospital in
Anchorage. Fixed wringer on electric washer. Made
fire for evening bath in new house. Reds took railroad center
leading to Warsaw and captured 19 Nazi Generals. Allies
bombed Romania oil fields from Italy. Did my laundry.
July 10, 1944 Got out S and W and Hills
Bros. orders. 157 dead from circus fire at Hartford.
German halted ally drive in Italy. 55,000 children evacuated
in England on account Nazi robot attacks. Reds 60 miles from
German border, captured 2 Nazi Generals.
July 11, 1944 Weather cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Army unloaded Caterpillar graders for Goose Bay airfield improvement.
Forty 4-H Club girls arrived on train for week vacation at Kings
Lake, mile 4. Ma arrived home after 10 days at Anchorage.
President FDR said he would accept 4th term if the people wanted
him.
July 12, 1944 A-1 day, 60 to 74 above.
More Army Cats and graders arrived for Goose Bay airfield.
Sexton family moved into town. Betts Bros. hauling oil to
Independence Mine. 1,200 ally bombers over France and Germany.
July 13, 1944 Light rain, 58 above all
day. B. B. bridge gang here for a week. Frank Smith
up from Anchorage job. Reds took 3 more German Generals
and captured 4,000 and killed 8,000 Germans.
July 14, 1944 Light rain all day, 54
above. Train loads of drum oil going north every day.
Eggs arrived, was 21 days from Seattle. The Seward 4-H
girls returned home on train. General Charles de Gaul, French
diplomat, to see President Roosevelt in Cherbourg, France today.
July 15, 1944 Light rain all day, 50
to 60 above. Cadwallader employing bartender again.
Usual Army picture show at Hall. Cut grass along sidewalks.
July 16, 1944 Rain all day, 54 to 60
above. Three passenger cars of soldiers here all day
on fishing excursion. Stanley and family up from Anchorage
at noon with Eva’s California cousin. Had 1st strawberries
and July 4th hair cut? Germans short of ammunition and Jap’s short
of grub and war materials.
July 17, 1944 Cloudy, 54 to 60 above.
AM, heavy blast somewhere, shook buildings in and around Wasilla.
Fish recorder and kids in from Fish Creek near Knik for grub, hiked
all the way. Reds liberated 200 Poland towns and now 7 miles
from Nazi border.
July 18, 1944 Cloudy, 58 to 62 above.
Had Shorty haul over truck load of groceries from railroad
shed to store, candy delayed one month, arrived. National
Groceries, hardware, coffee and crackers still in route.
July 19, 1944 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Evening, Stanley up from Anchorage, Eva returned with him, kids
left with Grandma as usual. Local strawberries on market
at $8 a crate.
July 20, 1944 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Farmers driving to Knik beach looking for red salmon run (late).
President Roosevelt nominated for 4th term at Chicago Democratic
Convention.
July 21, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Mail south, trains north loaded with drums of oil, lumber and
coal. 2,000 bombers over Nazi Europe, 36 failed to return.
Heavy rain in Normandy, slowed down advances. Revolt by German
officers predicted. German robot planes still blasting England.
July 22, 1944 Cloudy, 58 to 62 above.
Marie Martha and Buddy regular boarders, mother at Anchorage.
Evening, Stanley up from Anchorage. Paddy McDonald, 1914-1916
old timer, on weeks vacation from Fairbanks, came over new Matanuska
Highway. More talk of revolt by Nazi Generals and army.
Our troops now have two beachheads on Guam Island vs. Jap’s.
July 23, 1944 Cloudy, showers, 58 above.
Red salmon picnic at Fish Creek - Knik, some got 200 salmon,
run heavy.
July 24, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 58 above.
Mrs. Thorpe sold the Miller greenhouse to a Nome man. Refilled
Pearl oil tank. Five hundred planes, from Italy, bombed
Nazi ball bearing and oil refineries on flight to Russia.
Two Nazi Generals, in Hitler bombing, died from shock
July 25, 1944 Cloudy, showers, 52 to
60 above. Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine for grub.
All cars headed for Sunny Knik to meet the red salmon run.
Allies up against 20 Nazi divisions on 100 mile Normandy front.
Reds killed half million Nazi’s past month. Jap’s losing
out on Chinks railroad drive.
July 26, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Priced up Pacific Groceries. The Army enlarging aviation
field at Goose Bay on Knik Arm. American tanks now fighting
German tanks in lower Normandy on way to Paris.
July 27, 1944 Cloudy, showers, 56 to 60 above.
Fish warden and family out from Knik for grub order.
July 28, 1944 A-1 day, 52 to 60 above.
Mrs. Bixler and kids here on vacation, guests of Eva. Mail
went south. Reds 30 miles from Warsaw, took 12 Polish cities,
Germans retreating. Bulgaria trying to get out of war, were
on Nazi side. Romania oil districts blasted, 35% of oil lost
by Germans 53,000 Germans captured since D-Day. Robots
landed in London streets, many killed. Two B-29’s over Manchuria
today.
July 29, 1944 A-1 day, 56
to 76 above. Delayed National Groceries arrived.
Received first brooms and Vienna sausage. Allies advancing
in Normandy, dropped 70,000 tons of bombs on German troops and
2,500 tanks. Nazi oil plants bombed, 59 Nazi planes down, we
lost 85 in all raids. Army picture show at Town Hall.
B-29’s bombed steel plants and railroad center in Manchuria.
Stanley home.
July 30, 1944 Rain, 56 to 62 above.
Shriner picnic at Edlund’s summer resort on Lake Wasilla.
Stanley and family returned to their Anchorage home.
July 31, 1944 Rain, 56 to 58 above.
Received usual shirt, socks and tie for birthday, should be good
for another year. Received drop shipment of candy, 2 months
past due. Reds took 4 German bases and liberated 1,500 towns
in Poland and now 10 miles from Warsaw.
August 1, 1944 Showers, 52 to 60 above.
Got out hardware order, Brownie and Pyrex ware. Train loads
of gas and lumber still going to Fairbanks. O’Hara Bus Line
now going to Circle on Yukon, from Anchorage, weekly. Reds
have 200,000 Germans trapped in Poland. Capitol city, Warsaw,
now on fire from bombing. President of Philippines died in New
York. Nazi robots still falling on England, killing many.
August 2, 1944 A-1 day, 58 to 72 above,
80 in shade. Army bringing airfield grading equipment back
from Goose Bay. Planes from Italy bombed Nazi oil tanks
in France. Reds have reached one Nazi Baltic port and are
shelling Nazi held Warsaw.
August 3, 1944 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Letter from Richard Hyer of Warner, New Hampshire about selling
his homestead for $1,000.
August 4, 1944 Rain, 50 to
60 above. Last Octobers Munsing order arrived. New
gains on Guam Island, 7,000 Jap’s on retreat. Jap’s now
fear bombing of homeland. Allies got Nazis on the run below
Normandy. Allies destroyed 3,500 tanks and captured or killed
200,000 Germans since D-Day in France.
August 5, 1944 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Made out drug order. Evening, big Army picture show at
Town Hall. Allies got Nazis and Jap’s on retreat on all
war fronts. Allies advanced 27 miles and took Brest,
French sea port from Germans Reds now in Prussia.
August 6, 1944 Rain, 56 to 70 above.
No kids from Anchorage today, car in hospital. Self anchored
at Wasilla, business 50% below normal. Hardware and clothing
stock low on account of no merchandise available. Thirty eight
more Jap boats sunk today.
August 7, 1944 Rain, 56 to 60 above.
Willie Edlund back from Bristol Bay salmon catch. Banker
Tarwater, of Anchorage, died in Seattle hospital. Reds took
two Nazi oil centers in Poland.
August 8, 1944 Rain, 54 above.
Sold two grub outfits. No mail train on account washout
on north division. Stanley, Eva and Buddy up from Anchorage with
Frank Smith. Eight German officers hung today on account plot
on Hitler. Twelve German ships blasted off Norway. Strawberries
rained out.
August 9, 1944 A-1 day, 50
to 64 above. Groceries and clothing arrived, Shorty and
Buddy hauled it to store from railroad.
August 10, 1944 A-1 day,
52 to 68 above. Self pricing new groceries received.
Betts Bros. hauling oil to mines. Gus sold Nels Larson house
to Nome man for $700, second house sale in a week. Allies now
59 miles from Paris. Reds threw 3 large armies vs. Nazis in
Poland and Prussia war fronts.
August 11, 1944 A-1 day, 52 to 60 above.
Fred Peck and “Whiskers” getting high school building ready
for fall opening. President FDR at Aleutians, will be on
air from Seattle tomorrow. No trains, washout on north division
of Alaska Railroad.
August 12, 1944 A-1 day, 62 to 66 above,
evening rain. Alaska Railroad out of commission on account
high water. A three way wedge drive toward Paris got Germans
on the run with aid of Ally bombers over German troops. Reds
still forcing Germans out of Poland and Prussia. Army picture
show on at Town Hall.
August 13, 1944 Rain, 52 above all day.
No mail train from north division on account washout. Continuous
rains making head lettuce all slime. Stanley and family
and Ma left for Anchorage 4 PM.
August 14, 1944 Cloudy, 54 to 66 above.
Four allied armies surrounding German 7th army and put them on
retreat with heavy losses. Five hundred planes, from Italy,
bombed Nazis in south France.
August 15, 1944 A-1 day, 54 to 70 above.
Mrs. Kohler Fisher arrived on mail train, washout on railroad
repaired. Freight train south had 150 cars in tow.
Allies made 3 beachhead landings in southern France with no opposition.
Germans retreat to Paris and being bombed from air.
August 17, 1944 50 to 66 above.
Sold first winter outfit. Sales $362.65. Ma at movies
and on T-bone steaks at Anchorage. Mrs. Gresham went to
hospital for major operation.
August 18, 1944 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Army reloaded Cats and graders on flatcars for return to Anchorage
Army Post.
August 19, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Teacher from Inside with billy goat husband arrived. All
teachers now here (5) ready to open school.
August 20, 1944 Rain, 52 above. Brill
car here all day with soldiers. Received $200 grub order
from Knik. Our kids failed to show up from Anchorage today.
Mary Cadwallader had a baby girl. Ray Bergman back from
war.
August 21, 1944 Rain, 52 above. Had Shorty
haul over 2 loads groceries from railroad freight shed,
got eggs and bacon and balance of shoe pack order. Allies
circulating Paris. French underground driving Germans out
of Paris. Germans beating it for homeland with heavy losses.
B-29 bomber hit Jap steel yards and factories.
August 22, 1944 Rain 52 to 56 above.
Got our extra orders for groceries, meats and eggs. Boice’s
moving from Vail ranch to Oberg house.
August 23, 1944 Showers, 52 to 64 above.
Priced and opened up new groceries. Paris liberated today,
50,000 armed French with aide of civilians drove the Germans out
of Paris, hence, Paris free after 4 years 79 days rule by Nazis.
Romania visited for armistice, big day for allies.
August 24, 1944 Sun AM, rain PM, 50 to
60 above. Got out orders for groceries and clothing.
Germans turned tail on French in Paris, trying to destroy the city
before leaving. Tom Price, U. S. Commissioner in Anchorage, passed
out.
August 25, 1944 Rain, 50 above.
L. Cox down from Montana Station for winter grub. Mrs.
Thorpe brought out from Grubstake to hospital, reported had cancer.
French got control of Paris center, Germans now on outskirts
of city.
August 26, 1944 Rain 50 to 56 above.
Reported 10,000 draft evaders in U. S. Heat wave hit
southern California today, 98 to 114 above. U. S. Army
picture show at Town Hall.
August 27, 1944 Light rain, 52 above
all day. Stanley hauled tin can garbage to dump.
All at dinner with Grandma. Stanley returned to Anchorage
1 PM Eva and kids stayed home in Wasilla. Three new
families moved to Wasilla.
August 28, 1944 Light rain, 50 to 56 above.
Shipped one outfit to Montana Station. School opened for
fall term. Allies cleaned up Germans in south France, killed
16,000 and took 65,000 prisoners. Reds eliminated 12 German
divisions in Romania.
August 29, 1944 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Six trucks, hauling freight from Anchorage to Willow Station
air field to go Inside by planes. Alaska Railroad over
taxed with freight. Mrs. Gill from Anchorage visited.
August 30, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 62 above.
Don Boice bought an $85 grub order. Partial lot of hardware
arrived, no Pyrex or Brownie. Three orders for groceries
and candy overdue.
August 31, 1944 Rain 48 to 50 above.
Sharon’s youngest boy in hospital on account stay-away poisoning.
Republicans on the air for November votes. Allies moving by
leaps and bounds in France, now 5 miles from Belgium and 55 miles
from German borders, have killed or captured over 400,000 Germans
since D-Day in France. Reds took Romania capitol.
September 1, 1944 Rain 36 to 46 above,
wound up with snow down to timber line last night and snow from
Palmer to summit of Matanuska - Capt. Glenn highway. Stanley
drove up to Mabel Mine, too much snow to go to his mine on upper Craigie
Creek.
September 2, 1944 A-1 day,
28 to 42 above, heavy frost last night, caught farmers with
all vegetables in the ground, was 4 to 7 degrees below freezing,
but warming again tonight, may save crops if dug at once, labor
scarce. All Nazis on retreat from allies. Allies crossed
Belgium border. Reds on Bulgaria border, all heading for Berlin.
Stanley cleaned up yard and garden.
September 3, 1944 Sunday. Cloudy,
56 to 60 above. Farmers busy trying to harvest crops.
Stanley and family and mascot Ann, left for their home in
Anchorage. Duck hunters busy on tide flats. Battle
in France about over. Battle in Germany to begin. Heinie
Snider here on 10 day vacation.
September 4, 1944 Light rain, 44 to 48
above. Blueberry pickers going to the hills - duck hunters
to the flats. School in session today. Willie Edlund
sold his ranch and summer resort on Lake Wasilla for $12,000.
September 5, 1944 Cloudy, 48 to 60 above.
Some change, allies now have control of Italy, France and entering
Belgium and Holland. Reds occupy Romania and Finland and
all on their way to Berlin.
September 6, 1944 A-1 day,
40 to 64 above. Fred Winter, old timer, visited from his
home on Big Sushitna. Ma lost the gold out of molar.
Allies made new gains in Italian front to France. Fins sent
delegations to Moscow to square up with Stalin. Bulgaria
told Hitler to move out.
September 7, 1944 Rain, 46
to 50 above. Betts truck made round trip to Willow Creek,
pass still open. New couple started lunch room in Cadwallader’s
beer hall. Scrubbed and hung up balcony fly for rain to
clean. Electric light off all AM and evening. Republican
Buggy and Peterson visited. No radio or war news on account
lights off all day and evening.
September 8, 1944 Heavy rain last night, 52
to 60 above. Ma went to Anchorage on account lost tooth.
Electric light on again at 11:30 PM, been off 24 hours. New snow
all rained off bald Mt. Soldiers digging spuds for farmers.
September 9, 1944 More rain,
46 to 56 above. Lights off until 11 PM on account work
on Eklutna power plant. Allies, one million troop, now
14 miles from German border. Jap’s took another town on China
railroad but dodging American bombs elsewhere.
September 10, 1944 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Big crowd last night at opening of lunchroom in Cadwallader's
beer hall. Took down awning at side entrance to store and
mounted 50 gallon oil tank.
September 11, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 58 above.
Doctor visited for Postmaster Wilmoth and railroad agent Brown.
September 12, 1944 Territorial Election.
Temperature 50 to 60 above. Ellexson’s out from Knik.
Ma arrived home from Anchorage on mail train. Autumn here,
birch turning golden. Two ally armies now on German soil
with 300,000 Nazi prisoners taken in France.
September 13, 1944 Rain,
50 to 60 above. Ellexson’s returned to Knik. Section
man, McFaddin, bought Metz cabin. All cabins now rented but
three.
September 14, 1944 Rain, 48 to 54 above.
Sold all traps to Leslie King, trapper staying in Gus’ Forty
Mile Miller cabin.
September 15, 1944 Cloudy, 34 to 50 above.
Received invoice by airmail of groceries, butter, eggs, ham
and fruit in route. Bill Senske home from ARC road.
Allies at gates of Philippines. More robots hit London.
September 16, 1944 A-1 day, 50 above,
mountains bare of snow, rained off.
September 17, 1944 Rain, 48 to 52 above.
Rained all day and night. Mrs. Isaac up from Anchorage
for weekend and returned to Anchorage with Stanley and kids, also
Clara Slumberger, teacher left for Outside. Wilmoth taken
to Palmer hospital. American churches sending 7,500 tons
clothing to ragged people in Europe for winter.
September 18, 1944 Cloudy, 52 to 56 above.
School closed for week on account all kids on harvesting spud
crops. Joe Brassel bought the Lewis cabin.
September 19, 1944 Cooler 42 to 46 above.
One hundred soldiers with Palmer and Wasilla school kids, helping
farmers to dig their spuds. Three million now on government
payroll. Allies and Reds now 300 miles from Berlin.
September 20, 1944 Big wind, 50
above all day. Dodson’s in from High Grade Mine.
Dodson got the grip. Wilmoth in hospital, second time.
Wind blew birch frosted leaves off. Germans holding allies
back on the Rhine.
September 21, 1944 Big wind, 50 to 60
above. Autumn here with big wind, good for farmers hay
and spud crops.
September 22, 1944 A-1 day,
46 to 58 above. Spud week, school closed so kids can pick
up spuds. Noon, got a set out with 8 tons groceries.
Shorty hauled over 5 1,500 pound loads. Real fighting
in Europe. Nazis making last stand to hold the homeland.
Mountains clear of snow. Jap’s losing Philippines but gaining
on China railroad.
September 23, 1944 Cloudy, 48 to 54 above.
Late wind stripped leaves from trees. All growing elements
gone into winter hibernation, like the bears? Germans
making strong effort to hold the Rhine River district vs. allies.
Allies made some gains in northern Italy. Busy all day with
freight. Evening, picture show.
September 24, 1944 A-1 day, 54 to 64
above. Stanley arrived from Anchorage alone, kids had colds,
returned PM, Agent Browne as joy rider. Self busy all day
and evening checking and pricing new merchandise. Reported
Wilmoth in coma at the Palmer Hospital past 3 days.
September 25, 1944 A-1 day, 44 to 68
above. Still pricing up 8 tons new merchandise.
Ellexson’s out from Knik with Tin Lizzie for more grub.
School open again after harvest week on spuds.
September 26, 1944 Fog, 42 to 48 above.
H. W. Wilmoth, Wasilla Postmaster and U. S. Commissioner, passed
out in Palmer Hospital today. Hauled load of sand on account
cement blocks under sidewalk at house.
September 27, 1944 Cloudy, 42 to 48 above.
Got mail out of dead Post Office. Still pricing new goods and
four more orders due. Sold out on vegetables and fruit.
.
September 28, 1944 Cloudy, 38 to 46 above.
Self busy pricing new merchandise and got out Seattle mail.
Allies up against real fighting on German west line. McArthur
blasting his way back to the Philippines. 10,000 Jap’s
killed and many Jap boats sunk. Reds moving slow on road
to Berlin.
September 29, 1944 Weather cloudy, colder 38
to 48 above. Bald Mt. white again, 2nd time. Still
checking and pricing new merchandise. First grapes and
pears arrived. McFadden attaching Gus’ garage to Metz house
for more house rooms.
September 30, 1944 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Still pricing up new merchandise and more due. All sold
out on canned vegetables and fruit. Big order sent out on
July 11th still due.
October 1, 1944 Cloudy, 28 to 48 above.
Stanley and family, with Mrs. Cadwallader, left to attend Wilmoth
funeral at Anchorage. Wilmoth, 74, was Postmaster, Recorder
and Commissioner for 25 years at Wasilla.
October 2, 1944 Cloudy, 22 to 44 above,
second hard frost, raining after midnight. Now pricing
up drug merchandise. Got out Seattle mail. Reds making
most advances on to Berlin. Allies up vs. Germans on west
line in Holland and France. Allies in north Italy advanced
some vs. German in mountain passes.
October 3, 1944 Cooler, 30 to 40 above.
Airmail from north. A part of S and W fruits and vegetables
in route. OPA held up prices for 60 days after canning.
October 4, 1944 Cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
Out of 3 shipments, laying at Seward, received 1 case bacon today.
District Judge Helenthaw visited on account new Commissioner
to replace Wilmoth, deceased. Cadwallader and Mrs. Sidney
Rae, et al after the Commissioners office.
October 5, 1944 Showers,
40 above all day. Now pricing new drug order. Got
out Seattle mail. Farmers got most of their crops in after
three windy drying days. Allies broke through cement wall
on Nazi line, now up vs. artillery fire from Germans.
October 6, 1944 Cloudy, 32 to 56 above.
Stanley and family home for weekend. U. S. Postal inspector
here to audit third quarter report on account dead Postmaster.
Allies took German town near Holland and 1,000 bombers hit Berlin.
October 7, 1944 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Stanley and family drove out to Mabel Mine looking for ptarmigan
Heard over KPO radio that Wendell Wilkie, 52, passed out in
New York.
October 8, 1944 Cloudy, 40 to 48 above.
Opened and priced Black Bear clothing. Ma had chicken dinner
for kids, left for their Anchorage home PM. Tony Vickaryous shipped
3 car loads of spuds to Army at Anchorage. Got haircut,
took weekend bath in new house.
October 9, 1944 Cloudy, 40 to 44 above
all day. Put coal and wood in store coal bin. Amy
McPherson, evangelist, buried in Los Angeles, 500 autos followed
her to grave. Allies advancing in all war sectors.
Churchill and party gone to Moscow to see Stalin.
Robots bombed England. McArthur has taken 10 islands near Philippines,
now ready to hit main island. Evening rain.
October 10, 1944 Cloudy, 44 above all
day. Big event, Golden Wedding for Orville G. and Martha
A. Herning. Guests: Gill’s, Isaac, Stanley and Eva from
Anchorage, Ellexson’s from Knik, local Brown’s, Cadwallader’s,
Oscar Tryck, Ellen Smith, Shorty and Paddy with liberty cake, turkey,
cakes and sandwiches, wine and beer. Presents, gold platter,
desk pen, umbrella, party over 10 PM.
October 11, 1944 Cloudy, 42 above all
day. Eating turkey, cake and salads left over from Golden
Wedding. Borden bought Shorty’s school lot, $75. New
Postmaster looking for building Dan Gray, watchman at Mabel
Mine, bought grub outfit for mine.
October 12, 1944 Heavy rain, evening
40 above. Put up trapper order for Goose Creek.
Got out-mail. thanked KFQD for program on air on account of
our Golden Wedding.
October 13, 1944 Cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
Mountains white again down to timbers. Finished pricing
school supplies. Island of Formosa bombed, 63 Jap ships
sunk and over 200 planes down, we lost 43 planes. Dodson
in from High Grade Mine. Dan Gray returned to Mabel Mine.
October 14, 1944 Cloudy, 40 above.
Got 3 tuck loads groceries and hardware, long overdue, Pyrex
ware arrived. Evening, Army picture show on at gym.
We are now paying over 4 billion a year interest on War Bonds.
Allies advancing slow toward Berlin, now 300 miles from Berlin.
October 15, 1944 Misty, 34 to 40 above.
Eva and Stanley with guests arrived from Anchorage, returned
3 PM. Finished digging ditch under sidewalk, west side new
house to give drainage. Allies shot down 43 Jap planes off
Philippines.
October 16, 1944 Cloudy, and windy, 38
to 42 above. Checking new merchandise, no invoices for
hardware and groceries. Finished ditch under sidewalk at
new house. Jim McDonald, ex-Willow Creek mining engineer
visited, now with Buffalo Coal Mine. All but 3 houses rented
in Wasilla. Evening, usual bath in new house.
October 17, 1944 Misty, 40
above all day. Put coal and wood in store furnace bin,
emptied ash can etc. Sgt. Sommers speeder jumped the track,
only harm to the speeder. Leslie King, trapper, left for
Goose Creek.
October 18, 1944 Cloudy, 40 above.
Wrote caretaker of Eyota farms to sell for $12,800 cash up
to April 1, 1945.
October 19, 1944 A-1 day,
40 to 44 above. Anderson family, with Ford tractor, left
for Big Lake to farm. Sixty mile hurricane in Florida.
McArthur about ready to recapture the Philippines. Allies
making slow progress vs. Germans Greece now liberated by British
Army.
October 20, 1944 Cloudy, windy, 42 above.
Priced up new Pyrex ware. Fixed broken post on team gate
to oil house.
October 21, 1944 A-1 day, 34 to 40 above.
Started to put up winter fly over balcony stairs. Stanley
and family arrived from Anchorage with mascot Ann.
October 22, 1944 Colder, 22 to 44, evening
rain. Ma had a chicken dinner, $1 a pound for Stanley
and family and Ann and Slicker the new 1 month old puppy.
Finished installing balcony fly. Allies advance on all
war fronts and Chinks halted Jap invasion on China railroad.
Ellen Smith and sick boy went to Anchorage with Stanley.
October 23, 1944 Hazy, 34 to 40 above.
Self closing up cracks in balcony fly over stairs in K. T.
Co. store. Fly saves 50% of heat. Great rejoice in
Philippines on arrival of U. S. troops retaking island from Jap’s.
Many robberies at Anchorage, cash register and individuals.
October 24, 1944 Clear, 34 to 40 above,
26 above, snow on mountains, down to timberline. Sun setting
south of Lucille Lake indicating winter is around the corner.
Report Navy battle on with the Jap’s off the Philippines.
Reds advancing in east Prussia, Holland short on grub. Got
2nd trappers order, Caswell.
October 25, 1944 Big wind, 34 to 36,
evening 26 above. New railroad agent, Brown off for a
month. Navy battle with Jap fleet off the Philippines, we
lost 1 carrier and 1 ship damaged.
October 26, 1944 Big wind, 34 above.
Roofing paper and corrugated iron in the air. Electric
lights off all day, froze out last night in bed. Ma making
ready to go to Anchorage for 75th birthday. No radio or war
news today at Wasilla, just wind at 60 miles per hour, that’s all.
October 27, 1944 Wind died out, 28 to
34 above. Ma all dressed up for 10 AM train to Anchorage,
got away at 2 PM. Electric lights on again at noon.
Navy battles Jap’s, lost 28 war ships vs. 6 American ships.
Reds advance in Hungary and East Prussia, on to Berlin. Greece
free from Nazi rule.
October 28, 1944 Cloudy, 32 above all
day. Store full of siwashes from up railroad line. Farmers
still plowing farm lots. Halloween party and picture at
gym. Got 5 tons Buffalo coal. Tokyo radio says allies
lost 145 war ships in past 14 day fight near Philippines.
October 29, 1944 Cloudy, windy, 40 to
44 above. Siwashes from up railroad line here on usual
drunk. Several Army trucks with soldiers visited at Wasilla.
Ma at Anchorage. Drained water system in new house and put
shear boards over cellar windows.
October 30, 1944 Perfect day, 40 to 46
above. Sommer fixed roof on shed to Mabel cabin, damaged
by wind. Ma celebrating her 75th birthday with Stanley
and family at Anchorage. McArthur now making clean up of
Jap’s on Philippine Islands in Pacific.
October 31, 1944 Perfect
day, 40 to 48 above. Small trade all day. part of
S and W fine foods arrived, also butter. Ma arrived home,
4 PM mail train from weekend at Anchorage. 600,370 German
prisoners taken by allies since D-Day and Reds have killed 1½
million up to September on retreat. U. S. bombed Jap
boats in Manila harbor, sunk 3.
November 1, 1944 A-1 day,
34 to 50 above. November came in like a lamb, no heavy frosts
as yet, farmers plowing. Ma in washtub as usual, likes
the old way the best? New B-29 bombers flew over Tokyo today.
Nazis putting up stiff resistance vs. allies. Nailed iron
back on coal shed, blown off by big wind.
November 2, 1944 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Dan Gray in from Mabel Mine. Betts Bros. bought truck load
oil, etc., from Anchorage. All out of candy and eggs.
Germans putting up their best vs. allies. Ambassador from China
recalled, Chinks object to FDR?
November 3, 1944 Cloudy, cooler, 30 to 34 above.
Priced up delayed overalls and woolen pants. Mail went
south. Last of Germans drove out of Belgium. Communist
Party in France making trouble for Liberal party.
November 4, 1944 Cloudy, 30 above all
day. Drew out 25 gallons Pearl oil and got tank on platform.
Buddy and sister arrived from Anchorage with Jane Cadwallader
for weekend with Grandma. Evening, Army picture show on
at school gym. Heavy fighting on all Army fronts. Reds
hammering at Budapest. Air full of campaign talk on account
November election.
November 5, 1944 Partly cloudy, 30 to
34 above. Stanley arrived from Anchorage with Mrs. Isaac and
Jackson and Floyd Smith back from Dillingham, Bristol Bay, sold
out his store. Ma got dinner for 9 hungry goats. Bitter
fighting on Germany front. Reds using 600 tanks in Budapest.
November 6, 1944 Cloudy, cooler, 26 to
34 above. Shorty sawing up Cadwallader's winter wood.
Joe Brassel moved out to Forty Mile Miller’s old cabin to trap
beaver, etc. Stalin gave a 40 minute talk on world war situation
and well received by the allies. Reds now throwing shells into
Budapest, a German stronghold. Jap Navy and air planes about obliterated.
November 7, 1944 Cloudy, 10 to 32 above.
Presidential election, Roosevelt won 31 states vs. 18 for Dewey.
Over 13 million votes for Roosevelt and over 13 million for
Dewey. Dewey conceded election to Democrats at 3 with many
returns not in.
November 8, 1944 Cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Oscar Anderson in from Big Lake with tractor for supplies for
ranch. Election returns still coming in, not much change
in senate. Allies making slow gains vs. Nazis. China
in a bad way for want of supplies. No snow in valley and half
gone again on Bald Mt.
November 9, 1944 Cooler, 6 to 24 above.
Most all foreign nations approve Roosevelt’s 4th term
nominee.
November 10, 1944 Cloudy, 14 to 26 above.
ARC removing garage from Wasilla to Palmer. Betts Bros.
hauling diesel oil to Independence Mine where only a dozen men
are working.
November 11, 1944 Snow all day, 20 above,
first real snow at Wasilla. Ground only froze 1” deep.
Wood dealer busy, we got 2nd cord birch block wood with coal.
Allies 9 miles in on 70 mile German front. Nazi robots hit
England. No Army picture show tonight, snowed in.
November 12, 1944 Cold wind, at 20 above.
Clothing sales good today, one family $70. Stanley and
family and new pup arrived at noon. Army hour on 11 to 12 PM,
gave all detail of war during past week.
November 13, 1944 Cold, 10 above and
windy. Bought cord dry slab wood at $15. Busy with
fires on account cold wind.
November 14, 1944 Windy, 20 above.
Oranges and apples arrived, no eggs. Budapest crumbling
under Red drive in Hungary. Mail train 2 hours late.
November 15, 1944 Chinook wind, 38 to
44 above. Gus and Fred making ready to go Outside to Hot
Springs. Farmers killing beef, pork and lambs. Jap’s
lost 440 planes in Philippine scrap and several boats.
November 16, 1944 Cloudy, 34 to 40 above.
Seven cars here on moose hunt, Floyd Smith got one not far from
Wasilla. Joe Palmer and Mrs. Peck left for Caswell trap
line.
November 17, 1944 Sunny day, 32 to 40
above. Moose hunters hot on the trail, 5 killed near Wasilla
and river. Forty members of Knik Arm Teachers Association
holding annual at Anchorage.
November 18, 1944 A-1 day, 34 to 44 above.
Leonard Grau and partner up from Anchorage for a moose and
many cars on moose trails. No snow in valley and half gone again
on mountain peaks, easy on fuel.
November 19, 1944 Cloudy, windy, 36 to
46 above. Stanley and family and two Smith’s arrived
from Anchorage, returned 3 PM with Ellexson’s on court panel.
Allies liberated 20 Nazi towns.
November 20, 1944 Cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Smith and Fleckenstein shot a moose and bear in their back yard.
Moose hunters up here from Anchorage. Allies made some
advances on German line on account good weather. Reported
we lost 10 ships in drive on Philippines.
November 21, 1944 Cloudy, 30 above
all day. Reliance merchandise and B.R. eggs arrived, truck
load. Coleman, old time prospector, now with Eklutna Power
Plant, here on vacation. Reds took 12,000 German prisoners.
KFQD had program, annual dedication of 1,000 watt transmitter.
November 22, 1944 Cloudy, cooler, 22
to 28 above. Priced and opened up National Grocery merchandise.
Kennedy bought Leibing house near Town hall for $500.
Dictator FDR named November 23rd as turkey day. Diphtheria in
Nome, moose meat in Wasilla.
November 23, 1944 Dictator, “FDR” turkey
day, 26 above. Ma and self ate turkey spread on bakers bread,
kids at Anchorage. Allies advanced all along the Rhine.
German West Wall crumbling under ally heavy land and air fire.
Reds downed 43 Nazi tanks. B-29 bombers hitting Jap’s hard
in land and sea.
November 24, 1944 Cloudy, colder, 6 to
26 above. Post Office taken over by Mrs. Carter and moved
into Nels Larson house, making 5th move since 1917. Tokyo
bombed by B-29 American bombers. Allies got 3 bridges across
the Rhine. Reds downed 118 German tanks and drove long wedge
into Hungary. Eva and Stanley arrived 5:30 PM with kids for weekend
with Grandma. Auto roads slippery.
November 25, 1944 Colder, zero to 20
above. Agent Browne back from month vacation at Anchorage.
Army picture show on at gym tonight. Allies driving hard
on 400 mile wall of German west front and the Reds driving on
last Nazi line. Judge Landis, 78, baseball commissioner,
passed out. Marie and Buddy went skating.
November 26, 1944 Cloudy, 20 to 28 above.
Turkey day for all the Herning’s in Wasilla with Paddy Marion
guest. Ma roasted a 15 lb. turkey, $12.75. B-29 2nd
bombing of Tokyo. General Arnold gave detail of the bombing
on Army hour. Allies advanced on central and north 500 mile German
line. Gus Swanson and Fred left for Outside.
November 27, 1944 Hazy, 24 to 30 above.
Whiskers installing Post Office fixtures in Nels Larson house.
Evening, Ellexson’s back from Jury, Shorty drove them to Knik.
Ally forces advanced all along 500 mile held Nazi line.
Tokyo bombed 3rd time by B-29’s. Betts Bros. hauling oil to
the Independence Mine, no snow up to Mabel forks of road.
November 28, 1944 A-1 day, 28 to 40 above.
Betts Bros. and families going Outside, returned Anchorage
to Wasilla on account no boat at Seward for a week. RAF
heavy bombed German industries and German troops along west war
line. Reds still advancing on east Nazi war front. Two Aleutian
aviators here on vacation.
November 29, 1944 Cloudy, 30 above all
day. Self refilled furnace coal bin. Government
releasing part of 1944 evaporated fruit. Government has 145
million pounds of dried eggs. Government will ration canned
vegetables in December. Allies slowly advancing on west Hitler
line.
November 30, 1944 Fog 12 to 22 above.
November very mild weather and no snow in valley, mostly 30 to
40 above zero. Germans retreating from some towns on the
Rhine. RAF and U. S. Air Force hitting German army lines and
industries hard.
December 1, 1944 Cloudy, 8 to 18 above.
Joe Brassel in from trap line on Forty Mile’s old ranch at mile
8. Damp and chilly all day, white frost. Allies up vs.
6 million Germans on invasion of Germany. German airplanes
reduced over 50%, have but little air protection for their armies.
December 2, 1944 Cloudy, 24 to 28 above.
Betts bros. and families left on boat for Seattle. Marie Martha
and Maxine arrived on freight train to attend Wasilla High
School dance at gym. Allies hit Germans and Jap’s hard
in all war zones today. McAllen, ex-Willow Creek Supervisor
passed out in Fairbanks.
December 3, 1944 Light snow, 12 to 32
above. Kids arrived from Anchorage, returned to Anchorage
3 PM Wasilla and trees white again. Germans made strong
counterattack and lost 50,000, killed and wounded. Reds advancing
on east Nazi line. Fourth bombing of Tokyo by B-29 bombers.
December 4, 1944 Colder, 8 above all
day. All out of apples, oranges and onions. Fruit and
groceries and meats arrived PM. Oscar Downing hauled over
freight, 2 tons. Snowed 6” last night.
December 5, 1944 First cold wave, 22
above AM, 12 above noon, 26 below zero PM. Busy all day
pricing and opening up new goods and keeping hot fires going.
Nazis retreating on 500 mile west front. Allies 22
miles from Cologne. Reds hold 2/3 of Hungary and 50 miles
from Austria border. Berlin bombed.
December 6, 1944 Cold, zero
to 16 above. Still checking and pricing new merchandise.
Shorty got stalled taking Ellexson’s to Knik last night, Betts
truck towed him back to Wasilla. Sgt. Sommers and partner
bought a grub outfit, in Mabel cabin. Stanley 40, with Army
Post at Anchorage.
December 7, 1944 Cloudy, 4 to 10 above.
Shorty’s car froze up last night at Knik, Betts Bros. towed
him home. Both Germans and Jap’s being hit hard by allies.
Give me a tow, the cry of auto drivers since zero weather.
December 8, 1944 Cloudy,
warmer, 28 to 30 above. Self storekeeper, bookkeeper and
janitor. Ma left for Anchorage on AM mail train. Moose
hunters all around Wasilla, killed 7 bull cow moose to date.
Allies advance vs. German concrete pill boxes. Reds capturing
Nazi prisoners every day. U. S. lost 2 cruisers in Pacific.
December 9, 1944 Cloudy, 16 to 30 above.
Hurd and a preacher got 3 moose, four miles west of Hans Friedland
ranch. Seventeen Nazi divisions knocked out by the allies.
Reds reached the Danube River. Rebellion in Greece and
new cabinet in Rome.
December 10, 1944 Rain last night, 40
above all day. Moose hunters stole Ma’s clothesline.
Ma at Anchorage seeing dentist. Snow gone, streets all ice.
December 11, 1944 Showers, 38 to 44 above.
Ma at Stanley’s house at Anchorage. Several cars in ditch
on account icy roads. Jack Fabyan got his bull moose
near Wasilla.
December 12, 1944 Rain, 40
above. Auto roads all ice. Ma home on mail train
4 PM from Anchorage. Allies took 30 towns on German border
and 2,000 bombers hit German industries. B-29’s over Tokyo
and sunk three Jap transports.
December 13, 1944 Cloudy, 30 above.
Got out Seattle mail. Not many cars moving on icy roads.
December 14, 1944 A-1 day, 28 above.
Moose season closed, over a dozen bull moose killed around
Wasilla. 52 booze joints in Anchorage and half as many
churches.
December 15, 1944 Cloudy, 30 to 38 above.
Refilled furnace coal bin. Mail train 6 hours late, got
2 tons groceries, candy and hardware, fruits short. Allies
first landing on German soil from France border. Reds near
Austria line.
December 16, 1944 Cloudy, 40 above, evening
rain. Seventh day of spring weather, bad on moose meat.
Busy all day checking and pricing new merchandise. Germany
still sending robot torpedo’s into England. Reds will soon
be on German soil.
December 17, 1944 Rain ended with snow,
34 above. Got Christmas candy ready for sale. Floyd
Smith took wife to Anchorage hospital for minor operation.
Weather man says 34 above in Wasilla.
December 18, 1944 Two inches of snow
last night, 20 to 28 above, Wasilla white again, Chinook over.
Busy all day checking Brownie and Blue ware and new hardware, partial
lot of Christmas candy and fruit here.
December 19, 1944 Cloudy, 28 above. Eva
and Stanley arrived from Anchorage 11 with Ann as mascot. Christmas
cards arrived in-mail from States. Nazis drove allies back
on Belgium border. Allies downed 190 Nazi planes and allies
lost 85 bombers, not so hot? B-29 doing damage to Jap homeland
and in China.
December 20, 1944 Business good on Christmas
candy. Light snow last night. Weather man says
rain tomorrow. Christmas shoppers PM.
December 21, 1944 Sold $75 fruit.
Ton of fruits and vegetables arrived last night. Mail train,
out of Fairbanks, jumped the track and 2 cars rolled over, several
badly hurt including college students.
December 22, 1944 Cooler, 8 above all
day. Busy with small trade and pricing Blue and Brownie
ware. Cadwallader's new bartender went on a drunk and fired.
December 23, 1944 Cloudy, 8 above all
day. Kids arrived from Anchorage for weekend at home
in Wasilla. Christmas for school kids at Town Hall followed
by good picture show by Army Post boys.
December 24, 1944 White Christmas, 6 to 16
above. Christmas dinner with Stanley and family as usual
guests. They returned to Anchorage home at 3 PM.
Self received pair shoes, diary, socks and tie from Santa, cost
me $47 in cash. Had 2 roast chickens, came from Wells, Minnesota
and were A-1. Section Natives here on usual weekend drunk.
December 25, 1944 Christmas. Cloudy,
12 to 20 above. Store closed all day. Ma and Self
alone, eating up last of Minnesota chicken and big carton of
cookies, candies and donuts made by the Gill family of Anchorage.
Had our family Christmas on 24th. fine Christmas programs over
KFQD and KPO from overseas.
December 26, 1944 Cloudy 14 to 20 above.
Still eating on Minnesota chicken and Mrs. Mayor Gill’s donuts.
Buddy and sister arrived on mail train from Anchorage on school
vacation.
December 27, 1944 Cloudy, 20 above
all day. Kids sliding down Cannon hill. Thorpe’s
visited for clothing on way to Independence Mine. Government
got 20 billion in 6th war bond sale, wanted 16 billion. Reds
entering Budapest from 3 sides, driving Germans out of city.
December 28, 1944 Colder, zero all day.
Paid all invoices due to date and got out Seattle mail.
Part lot of fruit and groceries arrived today. Marie Martha
and Wanda hauled it over to store on Yukon sled, dad at rudder.
Allies holding off German offense and made some advances. Reds
got Budapest under control.
December 29, 1944 Big wind, 12 to 18 above.
Sears and ice cutters built a living shack on Lake Wasilla.
Ma and kids left for Anchorage on mail train. Lights on
and off all day. Shorty took Christmas presents to Knik. Busy
with fires all day, up to midnight on account big wind.
December 30, 1944 Big wind, 10 above.
Ma at Anchorage with Stanley’s family for New year celebration.
Self busy with fires until 2 AM. Buck Sparling in Palmer
Hospital. Auto roads blocked.
December 31, 1944 Old year out. Windy,
16 above all day. Busy with fires. Had dinner,
meat loaf, eggs, potatoes, bread, jam and milk. Ma with
kids at Anchorage, got truck load fruit PM. Old year out
with a 3 day big wind.
1945
January 1, 1945 Warming up, 20 to 30 above.
Ma on Happy New Year with kids at Anchorage. Self busy
with new merchandise and keeping fires going. Quiet in Wasilla,
no visitors at cocktail bar. Fourth year of war, one more
to go and allies have over 50% control. Stanley on same job
with Army Post at Anchorage.
January 2, 1945 Wind died out, 30 above.
Ma home on PM mail train. Self busy all day in store, sales
$177. Drifts on auto roads were removed by ARC Cat. Heavy
quake at 3 AM this morning, woke me up.
January 3, 1945 Cloudy, 20 to 30 above.
Got 2½ cords wood for furnace at $15 a cord, war price.
Stored 15 boxes apples in store basement. Allies made some
gains vs. Nazis in Belgium and west war line. Lights off
6 to 10 PM Ma in wash tub as usual.
January 4, 1945 Cloudy, 28 above all day.
Got out-mail, paid 1945 fire insurance premium, $260 on $10,000.
Ma still chasing buffalo coal dirt. Germans still trying
to hold 40 mile gain back in Belgium. Rev. Bingle visited.
January 5, 1945 Cloudy, 26 to 30 above.
Finished pricing up drugs. Real winter at Europe battle
lines. Heavy fighting, Germans vs. allies in Belgium and
north France.
January 6, 1944 Cloudy 22 above all day.
Mother Thorpe in from Independence Mine on account of her pension,
with hubby making $6 a day.
January 7, 1945 Cloudy, no snow and 20 above
at Wasilla. Jap’s losing badly, hit by B-29 bombers on
all islands.
January 8, 1945 Cloudy, 22 to 24 above.
Betts bros. hauling oil to the Independence Mine, working only
20 men. Ice men on job on Lake Wasilla, railroad ice contract.
January 9, 1945 Cloudy 24 above. Eva
and Stanley arrived 11 AM returned to Anchorage 3 PM.
Hardware, oil and coffee arrived. FDR wants 80 billion
for next year of war, means $660 from every person. McArthur
now bombing the ‘ell out of Jap’s from islands to Tokyo.
January 10, 1945 Windy and 30 above all
day. Shorty hauled over 20 cases coffee, barrel of oil and hardware
from railroad shed. Oscar Anderson in with Ford Cat for
merchandise from Big Lake. McArthur drove 10,000 into Luzon
Island and established 3 beachheads in Philippines.
January 11, 1945 Cloudy, 32 above all day.
Floyd Smith wants to buy store and property. Priced up
new hardware.
January 12, 1945 Cloudy, 18 to 26 above.
U. S. in Pacific making most headway in war, sunk 71 Jap boats
and downed 39 Jap planes near Philippines. Chinks blasted
large land slide on Jap held railroad.
January 13, 1945 Cloudy, 16 to 24 above.
Maxine and Marie Martha arrived on PM freight to attend barn
dance at Hall. Allies advanced as Germans retreat, had
900 planes over Germany, only on patrol now in northern Italy on
account snow and cold weather. Jap’s lost 289 ships since January
2nd, 6 transports sunk.
January 14, 1945 Cloudy, 24 above all day.
Big farmer community party at Wasilla Town Hall last night.
Maxine and Marie Martha star guests, returned to Anchorage on
3 PM passenger freight.
January 15, 1945 Clear, colder, 6 above.
Christmas candy arrived, ham, no bacon. Edlund’s summer
resort on Lake Wasilla taken over by Johnson and wife.
German counterattack, they lost 90,000, we lost 52,000 and 53 planes.
Winter now on battlefront. McArthur moving down Luzon Island
to Manila.
January 16, 1945 Cloudy, 8 to 18 above.
Got out 2 produce orders, airmail. Opened up Christmas
candies. McArthur rolling down highways on Luzon Island
to Manila, 80 miles away. Greece visited truce to settle local
rule. Babe White passed out in California.
January 17, 1945 Cold wind, 14 above
all day. Checking for inventory on groceries on
account sale of stock to prospective buyer. Reds took
Warsaw and liberated 500 more towns held 3 years by Nazis.
January 18, 1945 Cold wind, 20 to 24
above. U. S. Signal Corp installing next telephone and
telegraph line from Anchorage to Fairbanks, connecting with
all lines in States.
January 19, 1945 Cloudy, warmer, 30 to 40 above.
Finished pricing Christmas candy. Eva, Stanley, Mrs.
Isaac and Ann, the mascot, arrived from Anchorage AM and returned
PM Reds in Poland, through snow, reached 4 miles of Prussia
border.
January 20, 1945 Shower at midnight,
40 above past 24 hours. FDR sworn in as President next
4 years and 4th term. Three million Red army pushing Germans
out of Poland and Hungary. Allies making slow progress vs.
German border at Belgium and Holland.
January 21, 1945 Cloudy, 42 above all day.
Forty eight hours of spring weather while northern states below
zero with snow and blizzards. Frank Bayer visited.
Ellexson’s with dog team returned to Knik. Allies on offense
in all war zones. Reds pushed 16 miles into Prussia on way
to Berlin. Working on inventory. Rain made roads icy
again.
January 22, 1945 Cloudy 38 above all day, 4th
day and night above freezing weather. Wash day, self on
inventory. Lester Davis here from Independence Mine.
Auto roads icy after rain. Reds advancing into Poland and
Hungary, killed 60,000 Germans, took 20,000 prisoners. Formosa
bombed from U. S. carriers.
January 23, 1945 Colder,
14 to 24 above. George Nylen, old time farmer in Matanuska
Valley, passed out at Sitka Home. Germans now drove back on
to their own soil after 5 years of aggression.
January 24, 1945 Cloudy, 22 above all day.
Self on grocery inventory. Total of 1944 merchandise
purchases, $14,905, merchandise sales $18,409.44.
January 25, 1945 Cloudy, wind, 22 to 30 above.
Still working on 1944 inventory. Evening, Betts bros.
driver and Lester Davis loaded our Old Knik Hall safe to go to
cocktail bar in Anchorage. McArthur now 49 miles from Manila.
Jap’s took all grub and Manila people starving until allies give
relief. No snow in Wasilla. Jack and Kennedy moved out
to trap line.
January 26, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 40 above.
Floyd Smith left by air for Bristol Bay on account payment
due on sale of store, wants to buy us out on return. Tokyo
bombed today by B-29’s. Jap’s putting up fight to hold
Manila. Betts left, with safe, for Anchorage.
January 27, 1945 Warmer, 42 AM to 40 midnight.
Showers last night, roads all ice. Harry Sears fell off
ice car on rails, had to go to hospital for checkup. Red
Army across German border and Germans evacuating Berlin. B-29
bombed Tokyo and U. S. subs sunk 29 more Jap boats. Schools
and clubs closed in eastern states on account no coal.
January 28, 1945 Chinook, 40 above, light rain,
muddy underfoot. No cars on roads on account ice.
Took tobacco inventory. Reds on direct road to Berlin,
took 60,000 German prisoners. The Burma Road renamed Stillwell
after General Stillwell.
January 29, 1945 Cloudy, 44 above all day.
Finished grocery and tobacco inventory. Olga Peck bought
$50 grub order for Caswell trap line. B-29 downed 119
Jap planes and lost 5 B-29 bombers. McArthur 38 miles from
Manila.
January 30, 1945 A-1 spring day, 42 to 48 above.
Snow and ice all gone, streets muddy. Mrs. Peck and sister
left for Joe Palmer’s trap line to catch beaver. Hitler
on air on account 12th year as leader of Germany, says we win or
die.
January 31, 1945 A-1 day, 22 to 52 in sun.
Mail train arrived 1 day late. Betts family back from
trip to Seattle. Reds now only 45 miles from Berlin.
February 1, 1945 Cooler, 18 to 26 above.
Repaired coal shoot window. McArthur freed 510 American
and British prisoners taken at Manila in 1941. B-29 bombed
Singapore in China. Jap’s sunk 2 of our mine sweepers in
Pacific. Ice gone on auto roads.
February 2, 1945 Eighth real spring day, frost
out 4”. Bought 2 more cords of birch wood, $30.
McArthur taken all roads on Luzon Island leading to Manila, only
20 miles away with 5 divisions on roads to Manila.
February 3, 1945 Perfect day, 22 to 34
above. Kids arrived at noon from Anchorage and returned
at 2:30 with spuds etc. Delayed bacon, butter, milk, etc.
arrived. Allies dropped 2,500 tons of bombs on Berlin and
adjacent oil and railroad centers. .
February 4, 1945 Light snow +22, Wasilla
white again. McArthur’s troop took Manila and freed 3,000
more prisoners. Jap’s put up but little fight. Tabulating
cost of new house aft of store.
February 5, 1945 Cloudy, 22 to 30 above.
Tryck sold old school house to a church outfit and Arnold Edlund
sold his house to the absent minded professor. Hitler hit
hard from air and land.
February 6, 1945 Snow flurries, 30 to 34 above.
Signal Corps work and living cars here on account installing
phone wires to Fairbanks, connecting up with Washington, D. C.
February 7, 1945 Colder, +16 all day.
Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt in war conference, some place
on Black Sea in Europe. Fifteen of Churchill’s aides lost
in plane going to Black Sea.
February 8, 1945 A-1 day, 22 to 26 above.
Stock inventory (February 1st) $8,227.53 at cost. Stock
inventory (February 1st) $11,654.61 sell. Allies gained
some on western front. North Manila cleared of Jap’s.
Allies lost over 27,000 soldiers past week. Army picture show
last night.
February 9, 1945 Cloudy, 340 to 40 above.
Filled up furnace coal bin with birch. Tabulating on new
house materials. Allies making it hot for both Jap’s and
Germans Greece at war again on account self government.
German Generals refuse to protect Berlin. Ten Signal Corps
cars here on side track while wiring to Fairbanks.
February 10, 1945 Cloudy, 38 above. Big
quake in Tokyo followed by B-29 bombers. Canadians advanced
17 miles into German lines. Auto cars now drive to Big Lake
to fish.
February 11, 1945 Colder, windy zero
to 10 above. Elmer Sexton on 30 day furlough from Army
in Aleutians Jap’s still hold Manila Harbor.
February 12, 1945 Cold wave, 8 above to 18
below zero. Eighth day of Big Three meet in Crimea on
account world war future plans Germans still hitting England
with robot planes.
February 13, 1945 Cold, zero to 22 below
zero. Self up 7 AM on account fires in both furnaces.
Eva and Stanley arrived at noon, back to Anchorage 3 PM.
Sixty three nurses freed in Manila, held by Jap’s 3 years.
Dan Gray in town.
February 14, 1945 Warming up, 10 above.
Soldiers with Cat Jeep back from trip to Big Ten Mile Lake.
Big Three conference over in Crimea. Churchill flew to
Greece and Roosevelt to Rome to see Pope?
February 15, 1945 Cloudy, 18 to 24 above.
Got two Shorty truck loads of freight. Filled furnace
coal bin with wood. Bill up to deport Charlie Chaplin.
2,000 bombers over German oil plants, etc. Canadian Army near
Rhine River.
February 16, 1945 Warmer, 20 to 30 above, snow
in other parts of Alaska. Priced up new candy and hardware.
Tokyo bombed by 1,500 planes off airplane carriers backed by U.
S. Navy. McArthur cleaning Jap’s out of Manila by water front.
February 17, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 38 above.
Priced up oils and hardware. Stanley and family arrived
from Anchorage to attend Ball at Wasilla Town Hall.
February 18, 1945 Windy, 38 to 40 above,
spring weather here again. Kids left for Anchorage home.
Army picture show at Hall last night. War will cost 238
billion, so says Secretary of Treasury in D. C. German transport
sunk with 5,000, only 1,000 saved.
February 19, 1945 Cloudy, snow, 32 to 38 above.
Grub order to Cox, Montana Station. E. B. (Buck) Sparling,
old time prospector at Willow Creek, passed out.
February 20, 1945 Hazy, 32 to 36 above,
sprinkle of snow last night. Army short of nurses, 20,000
needed. We have lost 265 navy vessels in Pacific war in recapturing
Manila and Philippines.
February 21, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 50 in sun.
Priced and opened up new Reliance merchandise. Army Signal
Corps 10 cars moved north to Houston Station.
February 22, 1945 Cloudy, 24 to 38, showers.
Betts bros. truck drove to Independence Mine. Caught
up office work. South American states in war and peace conference
at Mexico City, also U. S.
February 23, 1945 Rain last night, 44
to 48 above. Posted 3 months in 1944 NCR ledger. E.
B. Sparling, old timer, buried at Anchorage. Turkey joined
allies, declared war on Nazis. Reds took 23,000 Germans
in Poland. McArthur mopping up Jap’s in Manila.
February 24, 1945 Cloudy, 40 to 48 above, evening
rain. Rain made Wasilla black again. Posted NCR ledger
to July 1944. The 65 prisoner nurses, in Manila for 3 years,
landed at S. F. all well but thin.
February 25, 1945 Cloudy, 32 above, 1” snow.
Rain last night, wound up with snow. Posted NCR ledger
to October 1st, 1944. No kids from Anchorage today.
Cars now go to Big Lake over ice road to fish, via Pittman.
February 26, 1945 Sprinkle of snow, 24
to 34 above. Finished posting 1944 NCR ledger, now ready
for income tax headache? All south and central American
states in a huddle in Mexico City figuring a plan to love each other
after the war. Tokyo now getting same dose as Berlin from the
air.
February 27, 1945 Six inches snow, 32 to 36
above. First real snow storm but wet. Mail train
stalled here 3 hours on account hot box on engine. Did a rushing
lunch business on account delay to Curry Hotel. Dodson’s in
town fixing car. Heavy wet snow from the southeast.
February 28, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 40 above.
Tabulated exp. account for tax report. RAF planes gave
support to Army and shot up military post in Germany. First
U. S. cargo boats entered Manila Bay. Floyd Smith back from
Bristol Bay.
February Memo: Allies landed on Admiralty Island,
50,000 Jap’s face doom. Fourteen more Jap boats sunk by
our subs. Germans, 150,000 strong, making 3rd drive on ally
beachhead near Rome, Italy. Fins trying to find way out of
the war vs. Russia. China going to make Japan pay for all damage
done in China during the war.
March 1, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 40 above.
Beaver season open. Working on income tax report.
Ma, as usual, in the wash tub? President Roosevelt on air
on account trip, 14,000 miles to Big Three Crimea conference.
Evening rain.
March 2, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 42 above.
Sun now sits on north end of Lucille Lake and PM doing business.
Someone pilfered Mrs. Fisher’s house, got $50 and took suit cases.
U. S. flag raising on Manila Bay. Ma went to Anchorage
for weekend.
March 3, 1945 Blustery, 32 to 36 above.
Dance on at Town Hall. Evening, worked on tax report.
Reds breaking Nazi line to Black Sea ports. Ice men about
through with 1,600 ton contract off Lake Wasilla.
March 4, 1945 Four inches of snow, 30
to 36 above, wet sleet storm all day. Ma at Anchorage on
T-bones and pictures. Self on tax report. Coal miners
want Government to take mines. Sore feet.
March 5, 1945 A-1 day, 20 to 32 above.
Wire from Perkins, offer of $7,200 for Singleton farm less rental
$560, deal to close July 1, 1945, $6,640 net. Ma doing pictures
at Anchorage. Self rushed in store all day. Allies
and Reds got Hitler on retreat in all war zones. Marines busy
blasting Jap’s out of foxholes. Talk of aviation field at
Wasilla and auto road over Bald Mt. to Willow.
March 6, 1945 Cooler, 20 to 30 above.
Picked up peaches and corn at Anchorage. Received 4 invoices
covering meats, groceries and candy now at Seward dock.
Received first can coal oil in 2 years. Ma back from weekend
at Anchorage. Chas Isaac returned to Anchorage.
March 7, 1945 A-1 day, 20 to 32 above.
Got 2 tuck loads groceries, ham and bacon was short.
Road open to Independence Mine. Billy Tryck home for week
vacation from Anchorage.
March 8, 1945 Cloudy, 26 to 32 above.
Carl Fritzler, Matanuska rancher, now at Port Angeles, Washington,
visited. Got out big mail and 1944 income tax, $272.72.
Allies crossed the Rhine today, now on way to Berlin.
Jap’s on the defense dodging B-29 bombers. Paid K-P lodger
dues 1945.
March 9, 1945 Cooler, 10
to 22 above. Self got lame back from lifting packages.
Ma got pain in the neck. Some rejoicing on account ally
armies crossing the Rhine. Fifteen square miles of Tokyo
burning from B-29 raids. Supplies now moving over Burma Road
held past 3 years by the Jap’s, to China.
March 10, 1945 Cooler, 8 to 30 above.
Self got backache. Wrote Perkins to close deal on Singleton
farm at $45 an acre, Elmira Qtr. at $35 an acre. Allies
getting troops across Rhine River with little opposition by Nazis.
March 11, 1945 Cool, 14 to 22 above.
Stanley quarantined at Anchorage. Floyd Smith brought
up our tobacco and candy. Allies getting troops across
the Rhine for drive to Berlin. B-29 bombers raising heck
with Jap industries. Self got backache.
March 12, 1945 Cooler, 6 to 24 above, sprinkle
of snow last night. Ice men through with 1,600 ton contract
with railroad off Lake Wasilla. Germans tried to wreck bridges
with artillery fire.
March 13, 1945 Cool, 8 to 22 above. Mrs.
Pearl Horning, years at quartz mining in Willow Creek District,
passed out at Seattle. Old Chris Gustafson, Nelchuk Mine
passed out at Anchorage. Berlin all fire from 22 bomber
raids. Professor Pendleton’s mother passed out.
March 14, 1945 Colder, 10 below to 20
above. Eva and Stanley, 19 years married, arrived from
their Anchorage home, returned PM to Anchorage. U. S. closing
down Canadian oil line to Whitehorse.
March 15, 1945 Still 10 below
to 20 above. Oscar Gill stricken with heart trouble at
Juneau Legislation. Sears cutting Wasilla Lake ice for Palmer-ites.
Allies dropping tons of bombs on Nazi railroad docks and oil refineries.
McArthur still chasing Jap’s out of foxholes at Manila.
March 16, 1945 Still 10 below to 22 above,
noon 40 above in sun. Lost cider and cheese arrived from
Fairbanks, Armour meats arrived. Allies advanced 15 miles
across Rhine, cost 4,000 Marines to take Jap island, Iwo Jima.
All talk about world peace conference.
March 17, 1945 Warmer, 12 to 24 above.
Dan Gray, watchman, returned to Mabel Mine. Kennedy
in from Fabyan trap line, got 18 beaver. Nazi robots still
hitting England. Three hundred German officers shot for
saying war was lost to allies.
March 18, 1945 Warmer, 24 to 32 above.
Tabulated cost of new house, material $5,270.80, and lot $327.31.
Bridge across the Rhine collapsed with several U. S. engineers
working on it. Allies captured first airdrome across the
Rhine River. Reds take Nazi Baltic Sea port.
March 19, 1945 Warmer, 30
to 38 above. Windy, roads blocked by drifts. No school
bus from Fairview. Reds took 30 towns in Prussia.
Nazis caught on west side of Rhine on account bridges out, only
one oil plant left in Germany.
March 20, 1945 Cloudy, 24 to 36 above.
Willie Edlund bought beaver outfit. Admiral Eyck opened
up snow drifts on auto roads. Navy and airplane battle
with Jap’s, downed 202 Jap planes and 2 battleships and cruisers.
One U. S. ship damaged.
March 21, 1945 Cloudy, 32 above all day.
Motor oil and candy arrived. Five moose seen on railroad
to Pittman. Allies put pontoon bridge across Rhine, Germans
blew up railroad bridge across Rhine. Mr. Monkman went to
Anchorage hospital.
March 22, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 42 above.
Got out orders for groceries, fruit, butter and bacon.
Auto roads icy.
March 23, 1945 Cooler, 24 to 28 above.
Reported M. J. McNeil, ex-squaw man from Sunny Knik, died with
stroke in Fairview farming district. McNeil family all
gone but Blind Nicoli. Jap’s say war will last until Roosevelt
and Churchill are dead.
March 24, 1945 Cool, 26 6o 34 above.
A. J. Swanson, old time stock man, passed out at Palmer after
30 years ranching and horse raising at Matanuska. Alaska
Legislation session over. Reds 40 miles from Austria border.
Tabulated cost of Wasilla property, $25,388.85, stock and buildings.
900 ship workers on strike.
March 25, 1945 Cooler, 20 to 32 above.
Kids up from Anchorage home 10 AM had moose steak dinner.
Mrs. Isaac sent me a chocolate cake and kids ate it up with moose
dinner? Eight Jap ships sunk and Jap electric plant on
Formosa bombed.
March 26, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 38 above, light
PM snow. Reliance man visited for an order. Shorty
brought Ellexson in from Knik, on way to Anchorage. George
Small got truck load of lumber at Knik.
March 27, 1945 Snow flurries, 30 to 50 in the
sun. Received shipment of eggs, butter and groceries.
Eggs down from 85¢ to 65¢ a dozen. Beaver hunters
coming in with $400 catch.
March 28, 1945 One inch snow, 30 to 40 above.
Payday for indigents out of tax payers money, five in Wasilla.
Reds drove Germans out of Hungary. Jap’s still hold two
islands near Manila. Mrs. Monkman gone to Anchorage on
account husband in hospital. Clara sub teacher.
March 29, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
usual night snow flurries. Jap’s dieing in foxholes,
everywhere, wouldn’t surrender.
March 30, 1945 30 to 40 above,
4” snow last night. Ma left on mail train for Anchorage
on account Marie Martha’s birthday on April 2nd. Had rush
in store, noon to 2 PM Cleaned 4” wet snow off walks.
Singapore bombed by B-29’rs.
March 31, 1945 Snow flurries, 30 to 40 above.
Ma at Anchorage for weekend. Chilligan here on usual drunk.
Self busy all PM in store. Nazis sunk three transports.
John L. Lewis trying to pull off coal strike, wants 15 million more
wages.
April 1, 1945 Cloudy, 30 above all day.
Ma at Anchorage and Easter Cleaned and painted kitchen
floor. Evening colder.
April 2, 1945 Colder, zero
to 20 above. Ma at Anchorage on account Marie Martha’s
13th birthday. Got 2 more cords birch blocks for store furnace
to burn with coal. Allies on north line, advance 15 miles into
Germany, now 180 miles from Berlin. French celebrated Easter,
first time in 4 years.
April 3, 1945 Windy, 16 to
30 above. Ma back from Anchorage 4 PM train. Fabyan
and Kennedy in from trap line, got 10 beavers, each, $760.
April 4, 1945 Big wind, 20 to 30 above.
Busy with fires, school bus stuck in drift by Lake Wasilla.
10:30 PM electric lights popped out. One truck load groceries
arrived, 2 more due. Reds drove Germans out of Hungary.
Allies have 3,000 planes over Germany.
April 5, 1945 Big wind, 20 to 26 above, 2nd
day of big wind, no school. 2 PM electric lights on again.
British 7th Army broke through Nazi east line. U. S. 3rd
Army now 130 miles from Berlin. U. S. troops got ¼
Okinawa, Jap island.
April 6, 1945 Wind quit 16 to 30 above.
Cats opened auto roads PM Big wind hit Anchorage hard,
blew in plate glass windows. Allies put in 9 new bridges
over the Rhine to get in supplies.
April 7, 1945 A-1 day, 20 to 28 above.
Finished pricing and storing new groceries. Auto roads
open again after big wind for 3 days. Jap Navy came out
vs. our fleet. Jap’s lost 1 battleship and 5 cruisers, we
lost 3 cruisers and won battle. Food for civilians cut 10%
and more shortages by July.
April 8, 1945 Cloudy, 30 above all day.
Dance at Town Hall last night. Natives from Houston down
on usual drunk. Trenton’s Cocktail Bar on Lake Wasilla
doing good business. German rockets have killed 8,436 British
people to date.
April 9, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Whiskers doing cabinet work in Arnold Edlund house bought by
Professor Pendleton Jr. Reds hand to hand fighting in Vienna
Austria. Short wave radio good.
April 10, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Cookies and Heinz merchandise arrived, also butter and eggs.
Mrs. Carl Fritzler arrived from states. One million German
prisoners taken on drive into Germany. Reds took 134,000
Nazis in Vienna.
April 11, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 50 in sun.
Alaska Weekly reported Mrs. W. S. Horning and A. O. Wells have
passed out, both old time miners in Alaska. Five moose near Wasilla
protected by game law.
April 12, 1945 Windy, 30 to 40 above.
Noon news, word came that President Roosevelt passed out at Warm
Springs, George with hemorrhage, died at 11:30 Wasilla time.
Harry Truman sworn in as President. Roosevelt was serving
on 4th term as President and 32nd U. S. President, 4th term and chief
of war too much for him. Thursday for losses.
April 13, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 42 above.
Filled up furnace coal bin with wood. Eva and Stanley up
from Anchorage, brought cigarettes, candy and gum. Returned
to Anchorage 2 PM Most on the air history of FDR passing.
April 14, 1945 A-1 spring day, 30 to 50 above.
Funeral services for President Roosevelt at White House in
D. C. no flowers, private funeral. Burial at Hyde Park,
New York tomorrow, at home place. Allies captured one big
Nazi leader and son. Philippine islands now under control
by U. S. Army.
April 15, 1945 A-1 day, 38 to 60 in the sun.
Snow gone, streets muddy. President Roosevelt buried
at Hyde Park. Hollywood had special program. We are
now feeding over 500,000 German prisoners, more coming? Cleaned
and oiled store floor. Short wave good.
April 16, 1945 Cloudy, 32 to 48 above.
New President Truman’s first speech before Congress on World
War, etc. on the air. 22 Nazi aircraft shot down in past
4 weeks. Ninth Army 50 miles from Berlin, Red Army 30 miles
from Berlin. We lost 11 super bombers on raid over Tokyo.
Early spring in central states.
April 17, 1945 A-1 spring day, 40 to 60 above.
Roads breaking up. Mail train north 1½ hours late.
Allies and Reds soon to meet and drive in on Berlin. Two
high German officers suicided. Truman on air. Jap’s
putting up stiff fight.
April 18, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 56 above.
Anderson, with Cat, in from Big Lake for supplies. Finished
invoices of store property and lots, $11,876.89, new house and
lots cost $5,756.39. New house only partly furnished.
Allies and Reds moving on to Berlin but meet strong counterattacks.
1,700 Nazi planes down in 10 days. Joe Brassel in from mile
8 trap line, went to Anchorage with his beaver.
April 19, 1945 Cloudy, 40 above all day.
First swans flew over, spring to follow? Shorty returned
Mrs. Ellexson to Knik, roads bad. Vern Johnson, Anchorage
meat man, was acquitted of killing old man with auto? 315,000
German prisoners taken in Rhine District now held by allies.
April 20, 1945 A-1 spring day, 40 to 50 above.
Many soft spots on auto roads. Wolves taking big toll
on caribou in Yukon District.
April 21, 1945 A-1 spring day, 40 to 54 above.
Priced and opened up new grocery and clothing. Frank
Smith back from Anchorage on account frost out on Knik Road,
had to leave his car in Wasilla. Jap’s still holding one
end of Okinawa Island. Congressmen sent to investigate Nazi
crime. Auto road about closed by mush holes.
April 22, 1945 A-1 spring day, 40 to 56 above.
Kids up from Anchorage with Mrs. Isaac as mascot, returned 2
PM Priced up Black Bear socks, no pants or work shirts
available or gloves.
April 23, 1945 Cloudy, 40 to 54 above.
Roads drying up in places. Gas launches, in at Anchorage.
Joe Palmer back from trap line with Mrs. Peck and sister, got
beaver limit. Jap troops still on Okinawa Island.
Soldiers on vacation at Wasilla Lake Resort, trout fishing good.
April 24, 1945 Cloudy, 42 to 50 above.
Fishing parties out for trout. We got first mess of
trout, potlatch. Russian Army taken half Berlin, 3 million
people trapped in Berlin. Hitler ordered them to stay and
fight it out.
April 25, 1945 A-1 spring day 40 to 50 above.
World Peace Conference opened in S. F. by President Truman.
April 26, 1945 Cooler, 32 to 42 above.
Got out orders for butter and milk. Eighteen year olds
to get 6 months training before entering war.
April 27, 1945 Cooler, 32 to 42 above.
Cleaned shelves and floor in balcony. Willie Edlund
and partner back from beaver hunt. Reds and allies join
up on drive to Berlin. Canadian Army driving Germans out
of Holland. One million Dutch starving.
April 28, 1945 A-1 spring day, 32 to 52 above.
Got balance of Armour and National Grocery orders. Beaver
trappers got $300+ for 10 catch. Reds drove Germans into
subways and underground channels. Hitler reported very sick
man.
April 29, 1945 Cloudy, 40 to 58 above.
Removed winter fly over store balcony, geese have arrived,
ice out of Lake Lucille. 45,000 ton aircraft carrier launched
at New York Navy yard, christened Franklin D. Roosevelt, requires
3,000 to man ship. Mussolini and 17 aides killed by his own people.
Reported that German’s want to surrender.
April 30, 1945 Cooler, showers, 38 above.
Inventory of merchandise to date $7,206.39, store and
new house $17,633.28. Reds planted Russian flag at Berlin.
German’s all ducked into subways and underground foxholes.
U. S. Ninth Army joined up with Reds, 51 miles from Berlin.
Jap’s lost over 100 planes, B-29’s making it hot for Jap’s.
May 1, 1945 Misty all day, evening snow. Allies
demand seeing Hitler’s body to prove death report. 75,000
Germans, holding pass in north Italy, have surrendered. Bruno
Hess brother and several high ups captured. Reds took central
Berlin. Jap’s about cleared up on island of Tokyo.
May 2, 1945 Snow last night 6”, 20 to
24 above. Radishes and celery crops snowed under.
Reds captured 70,000 and surrender of Berlin today. German
General says both Hitler and Goering committed suicide rather
than be taken. Only Nazi troops in Holland and Norway left to
fight.
May 3, 1945 Cold weather, 6 to 30 above, Christmas
weather in May at Wasilla, 6” snow still with us. Germans
holding out in Norway, Denmark and two towns in Germany.
White flags going up everywhere. Allies now boarding over
two million Nazis.
May 4, 1945 A-1 day, 8 to 30 above. School
held graduation exercises. All new Outside men on railroad
section quit job. Over one million Nazi soldiers in Holland
and north Germany run up the white flag to ally armies. Jap’s
still in portion of Okinawa Island and sunk 4 U. S. boats today.
May 5, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 50. School had picnic
in Hall on account snow. Warmed up, new snow going fast.
To date, 400,000 Germans surrendered to allies and Reds.
Took Reds 12 days to capture Berlin and 70,000 prisoners. B-29’s
bombed Japan home islands three times today. Burma Road open
by British. Trout running down Cottonwood Creek.
May 6, 1945 A-1 day, 32 to 40 above, snow 2/3
gone, hot sun all PM, Fairbanks 42 above, ice still in.
We lost 391 soldiers in killing 93,000 Jap’s.
May 7, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Sun cleaned up last of snow, six days of winter weather over?
Malatov held 2nd press conference, leaving S. F. for home in
Russia. Reported Germans to sign final unconditional surrender,
6 AM on May 8th. War in Europe over?
May 8, 1945 Five year Europe war ended,
both Hitler and Mussolini dead. Business good, A-1 day,
44 to 60 above. Roads all dry now but rough going. War
in Europe over at 1 PM today. Germans signed unconditional
surrender to Russia, England and U. S. Russians have charge
of Berlin and allies have charge over other cities. Now Japan
next to clean up. No more blackouts, lights turned on Miss Liberty
in New York Harbor.
May 9, 1945 Spring day, 44 to 54 above.
Candy arrived, 1 case lost as usual. Malitov returned to
Russia from S. F. Conference. Ally troops in north Italy
on way home. Goering, Nazi air chief captured. Russians
fired 1,000 shots on account VE day. Europe liberated countries
celebrating VE day but no celebration in U. S. 400 B-29 bombed
Jap industries.
May 10, 1945 A-1 spring day 46 to 60 above.
Kennedy left, today, to construct a log cabin summer lodge for
sport bunch. German army in Czechoslov refuse to surrender
to Red army. Jap airplane plants bombed by 400 B-29 bombers.
Norway free and rejoicing. Grub a big problem in Europe.
May 11, 1945 Cloudy, evening rain, 44 to 54
above. Ma took train for Anchorage on account Mothers Day
and weekend with Stanley. A million dollar snow storm in
New England states. L. Cox down for grub.
May 12, 1945 A-1 day, 42 to 58 above.
School closed for summer vacation. Good fishing, trout
running down Cottonwood Creek. Farmers busy plowing and planting
crops. Two hundred more Nazi officials caught and up for trial,
Goering indicted. Jap’s still on Okinawa Island in foxholes.
Ma at Anchorage.
May 13, 1945 Mothers Day, temperature 48 to
60 above. Self busy in store AM PM cleaned and repainted
kitchen floor. Good program over short wave. Churchill
on air summing up Europe and Asia wars. Nazi workers to
rebuild France, Russia and England.
May 14, 1945 First summer day, 48 to 66 above.
Ma still at Anchorage. Small trade all day in store.
Shipped $30 order to Montana Station. Evening, burned
grass around new house and painted kitchen floor, 2nd coat.
Allies busy policing surrendered Germans Five hundred bombers
hit three home islands near Japan. Two hundred Jap planes
down, we lost 3. Railroad put new galvanized roof on warehouse
and closets. Green grass coming up.
May 15, 1945 Cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Ma back from Anchorage PM train with sea breeze cold.
Mrs. Oberg visited on way to Gold Cord Mine. Forty fifth
day vs. Jap’s on Okinawa Island. Sexton and Boice working
on Section, outside help quit.
May 16, 1945 Cloudy, 42 to 52 above.
Ma nursing bad Anchorage cold. PM got 5 truck loads of
merchandise. Sold out on fresh fruit and bacon. Ice
out 9:41 AM, Seward won the pot. Germany going under military
rule by Russia, France, British and Uncle Sam. Jap’s putting
up desperate front to hold home islands.
May 17, 1945 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Priced up new merchandise. Just reported Jap’s dropped
five ton bomb on U. S. airplane carrier Franklin in March, killed
800, wounded 200 but carrier made it back to Navy yard. Bad
weather for crops in States, late cold spring.
May 18, 1945 Real summer day, 58 to 72,
and 80 above in the sun. Red breast robins arrived again.
ARC smoothing up roads, Wasilla streets dusty. Quiet in
Europe after 5 year war, grub big item. B-29’s, 500 strong,
blasting Jap islands. Bill Edlund left for salmon fishing.
Marie Martha in hospital with earache and flu. First hot day.
May 19, 1945 Cooler, 48 to 64 above.
Finished pricing up new hardware. Two lady preachers
moved into Lundstrom house. Pendleton Jr. moved into Arnold
Edlund house. Germany divided into 4 sections to be rebuilt
by Russians, British and U. S. War criminals prosecuted.
Eva’s mother arrived in Anchorage on last boat from California.
May 20, 1945 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above. Several
cars up from Anchorage for weekend at Lake Wasilla Resort.
Tryck brothers weekend to visit their father. Cleaned furnace
and kitchen stoves. Turned on water plumbing, no leaks.
Jap’s won’t surrender on Okinawa Island. Allies have taken
three airfields on Okinawa. 5,000 tires captured in Philippines.
10,000 ton Jap cruiser sunk.
May 21, 1945 Cloudy, 50 above with showers.
Grass is green but birch sleeping. Gerrit Snider and wife
here on weekend. American First Army in Germany on way to
U. S. and Pacific war zone. Island of Okinawa only 350 miles
from Japan. Jap’s bombed 5 U. S. ships today with Japan suicide
squad. Kennedy digging well, sold $45 pump.
May 22, 1945 Light showers, 50 to 60 above.
Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage, Buddy and sister
on vacation. One thousand soldiers, from Europe, arrived
by bomber planes at Conn. airfield. Nine thousand tons of
bombs dropped on Japan past week, we lost 2 B-29’s. New draft,
all under 30 years. Sold out of bacon and fruit.
May 23, 1945 Showers, 44 to 50 above.
Late spring, farmers now planting. Buddy and Marie sleeping
in store balcony. Churchill resigned as war Premier.
King elected a cabinet, election to come off in July in London.
Three hundred more German officers taken prisoner. 550 B-29’s
over Tokyo.
May 24, 1945 Light showers, 50 to 54 above.
Ma Perkins and two others let out of Presidents cabinet.
Five ships loaded with U. S. soldiers arrived at New York City
on way to Pacific war zone after 30 day furlough. Liquid
fire dropped on Tokyo, burned for 5 hours.
May 25, 1945 Misty, evening rain, 50 to 58
above. Several got the flu. New family moved into
Cadwallader’s bungalow. Ma busy cooking for kids.
Eleven U. S. ships hit by Jap suicide squad off Okinawa Harbor,
Jap’s lost 144 planes on the Island More fire bombs on Tokyo,
business district burned out. Sugar cut in ½ July 1st,
more tires and gas.
May 26, 1945 Heavy rain last night, 50 to 58
above. Pumped up water tanks in new house, Buddy and sister
took bath in new house. 200,000 airplane workers to be
laid off, only B-29 and rocket planes now being made. 166
suicide planes shot down, we lost 12 B-29’s in raid on Jap’s.
Entire city of Tokyo now burned down.
May 27, 1945 A-1 day, 60 to 74 above.
Birch and Cottonwood trees came out all dressed up after warm
rain but one week late. 100 bombers per day to return from
Europe, hope to return 50,000 soldiers per month. Forty
square miles of Tokyo in ashes. Seventh Infantry advanced on
Okinawa, Japan pill boxes. Took bath in new house.
May 28, 1945 Cloudy, showers, 50 above all
day. Hauled over three truck loads hardware and groceries
from railroad shed. Buddy and party went fishing, got 56
trout. Marie Martha went down to Dinkel farm overnight. Ray
Bergman arrived by air.
May 29, 1945 Cloudy, showers 52 above.
Another truck load of groceries arrived. Stanley arrived with
Eva’s mother for a visit with Sharon and Ellen Fleckenstein on ranch.
British casualties over a million. Whisker’s plowing Cadwallader’s
lot.
May 30, 1945 Memorial Day, cloudy, 40
to 56 above. Self pricing new merchandise. Eva and kids
at home for weekend in Wasilla. KFQD War Bond drive sold over
$60,000 in bonds. Our troops now occupying Naha, capitol
of Okinawa Island. Soldiers over 35 years to be released
from Army. Army Cat drove to Big Lake.
May 31, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Busy pricing up new notions. Betts bros. drove to Independence
Mine. 35,000 troops still on Okinawa. 450 giant
bombers hit Japan industries with fire bombs. 5,700 government
employee’s dropped off payroll.
June 1, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Frost last night. Eva and mother returned to Anchorage
on mail train. Julia McCann, teacher, left for Anchorage.
Sgt. Sommers, 1 year in Mabel cabin, moved up to Bixler’s cabin by
Post Office. 3½ million soldiers in Europe to be moved
to Pacific war zone. 7% less meats for June. June two
weeks late.
June 2, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 66 above.
Busy pricing new merchandise and claims for goods lost in transit.
Stanley up from Anchorage, took kids back to Anchorage home.
Cadwallader leased his cocktail bar, crowd of soldiers there tonight.
Reported French traitor Laval committed suicide. Russian police
cracking down on Nazis in Berlin. No growing weather yet.
June 3, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Cadwallader’s cocktail bar working again. Remodeled grates
in cook stove. Chinks have driven Jap’s back 150 miles in
south China. 21,000 Jap’s still on Okinawa Island and 65,000 killed
in battle with U. S. Marines. Predicted that 10 days more
will eliminate Jap’s. Took bath.
June 4, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 66 above. Three
goats came to town eating up all the tin can garbage. Two
women preachers in town for the summer. Kobe, Japans 2nd largest
city bombed. King Haakon returned to Norway.
June 5, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 68 above.
Snow gone on Bald Mt. two weeks late. First growing weather
is here. Council of allied nations in Berlin divided Germany
up into 4 sections under military rule by Big Four allies.
June 6, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Finished pricing up notions. Fire patrol run three visiting
goats out of town to save gardens. Mrs. Isaac up from Anchorage
to round up three girl housekeepers.
June 7, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 66 above.
Soldier boys here fishing. Auto road open to Fern and Independence
Mines, also Capt. Glenn Highway open to Fairbanks and Valdez.
U. S. Supreme Justice rounding up German war criminals. Harry
Sears lost part of hot house by fire. Radishes on the market.
June 8, 1945 Cloudy, showers, 50 to 58 above.
Priced up new paint and varnishes. A midnight passenger
train north. Mrs. Sexton passed out from stroke, came here
with Colonists and 7 kids. 9,000 casualties, past week, in Pacific.
Repaired Mabel lot fence. Evening rain.
June 9, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above, evening
rain. O’Hara bus line extending trips to Wasilla, only
90¢ to Palmer. Bob Lathrop in from Cottonwood to trade.
Five billion raised on 7th war loan.
June 10, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above, PM rain.
Annual railroad picnic arrived, 7 cars, 350 people, cocktail
did a good business. We sold candy, gum, salmon eggs.
Mrs. Isaac returned to Anchorage. Rica, old time school
teacher, visited and has several kids. Evening bath in new
house.
June 11, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above, evening
rain. Another preacher family moved into Cadwallader’s
school cabin. Cold, nothing growing. Russians decorated
General Eisenhower with $12,000 war button? Fight on to do
away with southern pole tax.
June 12, 1945 Cloudy, showers 50 to 56 above.
Stanley, Eva and Buddy visited from Anchorage, returned 2 PM.
General Eisenhower guest of London with King and Queen and decorated
by King George, will arrive Washington next for big reception.
June 13, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Got 2 truck loads groceries less usual shortages. Big
three meeting to settle Poland dispute, who shall rule?
Fishhook Pass open to Willow Creek. Evening paid all invoices.
June 14, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above, 80 in
the sun. Busy pricing up new groceries. Cadwallader
family took a trip up the Capt. Glenn Highway to Valdez.
Big day in Paris on account reception for General Eisenhower
on way to U. S. Gordon Bettles, 86, passed out in Seattle.
June 15, 1945 Cloudy, 56 to 70 above.
Ma left for weekend with Stanley and family at Anchorage.
Thorpe’s hauling their supplies to Grubstake, bought $70 order.
Butter rationed July 1st to Alaska.
June 16, 1945 Summer day, 64 to 72 above.
Ma at Anchorage for weekend. Cadwallader’s back from trip
to Gulkana on Capt. Glenn Highway. Thorpe’s with two mill
partners, moved out to Grubstake area over Fishhook Pass.
Weekend Anchorage sports here.
June 17, 1945 A-1 summer day, 64 to 74 above.
Busy in store, lots of autos in town. Ma at Anchorage.
Washed my under clothes, etc. and kitchen walls, supper at 9.
Father’s Day and Dad washed his clothes? 450 B-29’s dropped
3,000 tons fire bombs on four large Jap cities.
June 18, 1945 Cloudy, showers, 54 to 74 above.
Third summer day but nothing growing. Big day at Washington,
D. C. on account arrival of General Eisenhower from Europe war
zone. General Buckner, formerly at Anchorage Post, killed
on Okinawa Island in Far East. Ma at Anchorage. Evening,
painting kitchen floors.
June 19, 1945 Cloudy, showers 54 to 64 above.
Bus load here at noon, also railroad gang bought supplies.
Total of 14 Jap cities bombed out by B-29’s. Ma at Anchorage.
No mail train. Four million greeted General Eisenhower in
New York City today.
June 20, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 64 above.
Ma arrived home on 1:30 train. Mrs. Gershmel quit husband
and ranch and went to Anchorage with two kids? Big day for
General Eisenhower at West Point, New York. Paddy arrived.
June 21, 1945 Cloudy, showers 54 to 64 above.
A. A. Shonbeck and John Beaton, old timers, drowned in a truck
over the bank at Ophir on way to claims. Joe Brassel left
for Willow Creek.
June 22, 1945 A-1 day, 54 to 70 above.
Floyd Smith bought grub on account prospecting on Willow Creek
District, for gold. Palmer woman suicided in Matanuska River
near Sutton. F. B. Connelly, salesman, visited. Agent
Browne went to hospital. American flag raised on Okinawa
Island, cost us 45,000 wounded and killed.
June 23, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Paddy home from Anchorage on a month prospecting in Willow
Creek District. United Nations (50) completed World Alliances
to stop all future wars. General Eisenhower at home town
in Kansas.
June 24, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Not many joy riders today. Mosquitoes bad.
June 25, 1945 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above.
May Carter made final payment on Post Office building to Gus
Swanson. Received letter from Gus Swanson, now with Fred
Nelson at 8102 29th St. S. W. Seattle, Washington, just out of hospital.
General Arnold on inspection of Pacific air fleet. More air
bombs every day vs. Japan island holdings. More meat and cigarettes
in states in near future. Butter off for Alaska.
June 26, 1945 Weather misty, 54 to 68 above.
Gus Benson (1899’r) visited, now lives in Florida. President
Truman on air with closing speech of United Nation Conference,
was in session 63 days to draft a world non-war charter by 50 nations
a / no more future war. Jap oil refinery bombed, we lost 5
B-29’s. Evening rain.
June 27, 1945 Light rain all day, 52 to 64
above. Stanley and family, with Ann as mascot, up from
Anchorage 10 AM returned 2 PM. Marie Martha with 4-H Club
week picnic at Kings Lake, also car load of kids from Seward.
President Truman flew from San Francisco to his home of Independence,
Missouri. Will take all summer to return soldiers.
June 28, 1945 Rain all day, 50 above.
Mrs. Thorpe and Brown in from mines for pick-up supplies.
Answered Gus’ Seattle letter about rents and deeds. Twenty
three more Jap boats sunk and 450 B-29 bombers dropped fire
bombs on three more Jap cities making 18 burned up to date.
McArthur mopping up Jap’s in Luzon. First radishes on market,
50% no good.
June 29, 1945 Light rain, 50 to 56 above.
Out of butter, eggs and canned fruit, S and W order 60 days past
due. Seward 4-H Club returned home. Bombers from
Philippines hit Formosa storage tanks.
June 30, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above.
O’Hara bus now on Wasilla run. Agent Browne still under
the weather from eating a big Palmer beef steak? B-29
from Okinawa bombing Jap oil refineries and industries.
Sixteen more Jap boats sunk.
July 1, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Wasilla to Grubstake with Frank Smith, left 8 AM arrived 10
AM, cabin in fair condition. PM went over ditches and
dams. Big snow slide run from Forks down creek to foot of
Homestake Claim, tore out flume gates. One thousand feet of
creek still full of snow. Got back to Wasilla 6 PM Ma left
for Anchorage to spend 4th with Stanley and family.
July 2, 1945 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above. Had two
renters for Mabel cabin, one for storage and one with lap dog,
no rent. Received bills for butter, cut down 75%.
Canadian Army dominating at Borneo oil fields vs. Jap’s.
Two auto strikes.
July 3, 1945 A-1 day, 58 to 70 above.
Butter and eggs arrived, only ¼ allowance, butter rationed
to 25% of purchases. King Leopold of Belgium quit throne.
Mosquitoes bad. Received deed on account sale of Singleton
farm at Eyota, Minnesota for $7,200 cash.
July 4, 1945 A-1 day, no rain until midnight.
Priced up new merchandise and paid invoices received. Put
fresh fruit and butter in basement. Thorpe in from Grubstake.
Philippine war campaign closed after killing 450,000, we lost
65,000 dead and wounded. Ma celebrating at Anchorage, Pa
on sardines, eggs and soup.
July 5, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Ma home from Anchorage on 1 PM bus. Cadwallader leased his
cocktail bar. Big U. S. Fourth of July celebration in all
foreign countries occupied by our soldiers. Bombs falling
everywhere on Japan and 5 Jap ships sunk today. Election
in England after 40 years Conservatism vs. Socialists.
July 6, 1945 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
All kind of used auto cars coming down from Fairbanks by rail.
One hundred Mustang planes operating from Okinawa over Japan.
Thirty Jap towns burned out and sixteen more Jap boats sunk.
War prisoners and Mexican labor helping to harvest crops in States.
Jap sugar plant bombed. Boice family moving to Anchorage.
July 7, 1945 Hot 60 to 80 above. Allies
having trouble in policing Germany.
July 8, 1945 A-1 hot day, 60 to 74 above.
Quite a few cars at cocktail bar now under lease. Grass
now knee high, no strawberries yet. Movie picture of General
Eisenhower in the making. Three British Carriers hit by Jap’s,
Jap’s got usual bombing. Evening bath in new house. Mosquitoes
very bad and no tourists to bite.
July 9, 1945 A-1 day, 60 to 76 above.
Paddy went to Palmer Hospital on account high blood pressure,
trip to Mabel Mine too much for him. Ma and self signed deed
for $7,200 less $260 rental, covering sale of Singleton farm
at Eyota, Minnesota, sale through Clarence J. Perkins, my caretaker
of farms. One farm left, Elmira quarter, price $5,600.
President Truman and party on way to Berlin for Big Three meeting,
went by boat.
July 10, 1945 Hot, 60 to 80 above. Sexton
sold his Jenkins ranch on Lake Lucille. Stanley and family
arrived, drove to Knik, left 6 PM for Anchorage, kids stayed over.
Received letter from Gus in Seattle, now living on berries and fruit.
Navy now control all seas up to Japan Island. One thousand
bombers over Japan, 154 Jap planes down, 23 Jap boats sunk.
July 11, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
On office work, paid invoices due. Mosquitoes drove kids
out of balcony bed, so slept with Grandma and Grandpa.
Buddy went fishing. President Truman and party arrived at Berlin
for Big Three Conference. Two thousand U. S. bombers now
knocking the ‘ell out of Jap airdromes and industries. Corn
crop a failure in most states, weather too cool.
July 12, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Had call from Harry Ryan of Palmer, cold storage wanted and wanted
price on K. T. Co. stock and buildings. Sixty thousand U.
S. troops flown home from Europe, two planes lost at sea. Big
Three meeting in William Kaiser’s old mansion near Berlin.
July 13, 1945 Cloudy, 56 to 60 above.
Kids had outdoor lunch at playground by schoolhouse. A
bunch of Fairbanks kids arrived for picnic at Kings Lake.
Paddy arrived home, last evening, but had to return to Palmer Hospital
today, dizzy spells. Buddy went down to Dinkel ranch for overnight
with pigs? Two thousand planes now bombing Jap industries, lost
10 planes.
July 14, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Buddy back, at noon, from visit on Dinkel farm. Big slide
on Richardson Highway near Fairbanks. Another kid party,
from Anchorage, to Kings Lake. Three war ships bombed mainland,
275 miles from Tokyo. Capt. Glenn Carrington visited.
July 15, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Busy opening up and pricing new merchandise, three truck loads
of groceries arrived. Ma gave Buddy and sister a bath in new
house. U. S. Navy still bombing Jap’s home islands, 250 miles
from Tokyo. Salmon running up Cottonwood Creek into Lake Wasilla.
July 16, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Eva and
Stanley arrived, with new car, from Anchorage, on way to Circle
Hot Springs and all points on new highway to Fairbanks and Valdez.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Made invoice report
for Harry Ryan, pres. buyer. Printers strike on in New York.
Salmon but no strawberries.
July 17, 1945 Rain, 50 to
56 above. Eva, Stanley, Grandma and the kid all left for
trip over new Capt. Glenn Highway, Richardson Highway and Steese
Highway to Circle Hot Springs, including Valdez, 10 day outing.
Reported Hitler and wife landed from submarine in Argentina,
South America. U. S. and British Navy now bombing Jap home island.
July 18, 1945 Light rain all day, 50 to 58
above. Ma and the kids supposed to arrived at Circle Hot
Springs today. Got first strawberries, need more sun.
Betts bros. hauled two small storage buildings from Fishhook to
Wasilla for Cadwallader. Our Navy still blasting islands near
Tokyo with no reply from Jap’s. Took foot bath on account sore
feet. Many now salting down red salmon.
July 19, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 80 above.
Betts bros. brought down third shack from Fishhook Inn.
More strawberries on market today at 40¢ a pint or $9 a crate,
Co-op price. Ma and the kids now at Circle Hot Springs boiling
out.
July 20, 1945 Hot 58 to 70 above. Ma
and kids at Circle Hot Springs, self lone storekeeper.
Had oatmeal with strawberries for breakfast. Received two truck
loads groceries. U. S. and British navy shelled Japan coast
line for six hours. Evening rain.
July 21, 1945 Rain 24 hours, 58 to 62 above.
Ma and kids (4) on rainy vacation over new highways on the Inside.
Mrs. Isaac arrived for two week vacation. Several weekend
autos here for grub. Big Three on fifth day conference at Berlin.
Europe soldiers arrive at New York every week on way to clean up
the Jap’s. Sold all empty kegs for salmon pack with fish salt.
July 22, 1945 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Ma, Stanley and family somewhere on Inside highway, self storekeeper.
Elmer Priest and wife visited from Pay-N-Take-it store at Anchorage,
wanted to buy K. T. Co. business. Navy blast coast islands
in Japan. Jap’s bombing Navy and B-29 in all Jap sectors.
Evening bath.
July 23, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Stanley and family, with Grandma as mascot, arrived 4 PM from
week outing to Circle Hot Springs and all places on new highway
to Copper River District. Borneo oil wells produce fifteen
million barrels per annum, now in hands of Australian troops.
3,400 bombers flown from Europe to USA on way to Japan.
July 24, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 64 above.
Stanley and family laid over. Ma in the wash tub.
Had strawberry shortcake out of Stanley’s back yard. New schoolmarm
from New York arrived to teach at Wasilla. Bill Horning arrived
on way to mines to look see.
July 25, 1945 Hot day, 60 to 76 above.
Betts bros. have moved 4th house from mines to Wasilla.
Stanley and family left 1 for Anchorage home. Several
looking for rents at Wasilla. Bill W. S. Horning visited.
Cadwallader’s left for 10 day trip over new highway. Strawberries.
July 26, 1945 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Eggs came through but no butter. New, New York teacher
rented Rica’s house. Bert McClarity moved to Kelly house.
Allies advised Jap’s to surrender now before being annihilated.
Labor Party won election in England ousting Chamberlain and Progressive
Party. Plenty of salmon and strawberries on market.
John Bergman here on furlough.
July 27, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 64. Farmers
busy haying. Big Three asked Jap’s to surrender or all
industries and cities would be bombed out. Our government
built fifteen million dollars worth of plants to aide manufacturing
of war materials, all tied up on account moving soldiers from
New York to pacific Coast and China. Received birthday cards
from Matt’s relatives in New England States.
July 28, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Strawberries up to 75¢ a pint box. Had Whiskers mow
the lawn and grass on Mabel lot and street with machine.
Senate ratified United Nations peace charter by vote of 89 to 2.
Airplane crashed into Empire building and killed several, bent iron
girders and set two stories on fire. B-29’s bombed six Jap cities
on mainland, several boats sunk.
July 29, 1945 A-1 day, 60 to 64 above. Railroad
trade from Pittman and Houston. Sexton’s bought Ogren
house on Boundary Street. Sexton’s dug well at Kennedy house.
Remainder of Jap Navy sunk in harbor by B-29 bombers. Sixteen
million dollar damage to Empire building in New York, hit by airplane
on 28th. Two million Germans killed in war and two million
wounded.
July 30, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 64 above, 84 above
in sun. Got off drug and grocery orders. Got pumpkin
pie for birthday present and wire from Marie Martha. Fifty
more Jap boats sunk by Navy. The heart of Jap industries
bombed out. Paddy rented his house to New York schoolmarm.
Salmon going into kegs for winter food. 1868-1945.
July 31, 1945 A-1 hot day, 60 to 72 above.
Had one shipment to Houston. Received bacon and five
kegs butter. Harry Ryan, prospective buyer of store and
business, visited to look over property. 1,200 super bombers
now ready to hit Japan homeland. Sixty eight ships and 200
Jap planes shot down today. Marie and brother sent sox and tie
for my birthday from Anchorage.
August 1, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 64 above all day.
Whiskers painting school house. Mrs. Thorpe in for groceries,
$48 order for Grubstake Mine, Willow District. Big Three
Conference at Berlin ended. President Truman calling on King
George. Japan now in graveyard group, 800 super planes bombing
home islands. 1,300 service men, in Army, call to work on railroad
transportation.
August 2, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 66 above.
Got out Seattle orders. Sent deed for Carter house and
lot for Gus Swanson to sign at Seattle. President Truman
ate lunch with King George then sailed on U. S. Cruiser for Washington,
D. C. 820 B-29’s dropped 6,632 tons of bombs on Mr. Jap today
and Jap’s still like it? Congress on recess until October 10th.
August 3, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 70 above.
Chas Isaac fixing foundation under log house, rotted out.
Big Three agreed on plan to control Germany. Stanley and Eva arrived
with tobacco and candy for K. T. Co. from Anchorage, returned midnight.
August 4, 1945 Cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Washington, D. C. Congress party here to look see. Train,
Anchorage to Seward, jumped the track, all got bad bruises, came
out lucky. Jap’s getting usual daily bombing from air and
Navy. Sore feet. Cadwallader back from week trip
over new highway.
August 5, 1945 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above, evening
rain. Mrs. Isaac returned to Anchorage home. Big
Three meeting at Potsdam lasted 17 days, Poland given a slice of
Germany, Russia took a slice of Germany. Ma had a sick stomach
all day. Evening, usual bat in new house.
August 6, 1945 Showers, 56 to 66 above.
U. S. and British scientists invented new atomic power bomb,
equal to 20,000 tons of TNT to be used on Jap’s soon. Bad
weather grounded B-29’s at Okinawa Island airfields today.
Fourteen out of 81 Jap cities bombed out. New local spuds.
August 7, 1945 Light rain, 56 to 64 above.
Fred Jensen, Olson and Willie Edlund back from salmon fishing
at Bristol Bay. The new atomic bomb dropped on Jap army
base of Hiroshima did more damage than 2,000 B-29 bombers.
Blast was felt 10 miles away and smoke and ashes went up in air 40,000
feet and destroyed everything for 4 and 1/10 miles. It took
five years to perfect the bomb.
August 8, 1945 Light rain,
52 above. Russia declared war on Japan. Russia has
one million troops on Siberia-Manchuria border. Second
Jap city hit with new atomic bomb confiscates everything in a 4
mile square radius. The whole world now crushing Japan.
August 9, 1945 Rain all day, 52 above.
Another new family moved into Rica’s house, have three high
school kids. Russian Army moved vs. Jap’s for Manchuria
border. Ally planes helping Red out. President Truman
on air with detail of Big Three Council at Berlin. Congress
road committee here. Jap’s lost 68 more boats today.
August 10, 1945 Rain, 52
to 62 above. Flash through Sweden, Jap’s ready to surrender
if Emperor spared, war still on. Russians advanced 130 miles
into Manchuria, also entered Korea Island. Ninety vessels
and 47 Jap planes down today. Knik Glacier flood broke out.
Peas on market.
August 11, 1945 More rain, 52 to 56 above.
Sold one $114 grocery order. Allies submitted ultimatum
to Japan, can keep Emperor but under rule of ally commander over
Japan. Reds advanced 50 more miles in Manchuria.
August 12, 1945 Rain all day, 50 above.
Cleaned out stoves and repainted floor in Mabel cabin.
No word from Japan on final peace terms and the battle went on.
Reds sunk two Jap cruisers at Korea. 800,000 tons supplies
for China and six million tons coal to Europe.
August 13, 1945 Cloudy, 52 to 60 above.
Martin Sommer, Signal Corp man at Wasilla for over one year,
visited Outside. Kennedy back from building log club house
on upper Yentna River. Jack Fabyan in from Independence Mine,
closed down on account OPA wage limit. Both Allies and Reds
pushing fight vs. the Jap’s while pace treaty pending.
August 14, 1945 Rain, 50 to 54 above.
World War Two ended by Jap’s surrender. Big demonstrations
in all U. S. large cities. This war cost U. S. three hundred
billion dollars and a million soldier boys killed and wounded.
Five year war over!
August 15, 1945 Cloudy, evening rain, 48 to
52 above. First day war peace celebration in States and
elsewhere but war still going on in Jap war zones.
General McArthur, U. S. Supreme Commander over Japan ordered
Jap officials to fly to Manila for conference and sign Potsdam peace
terms to settle Jap war. Ma and Flo went to Anchorage, train
4 hours late as usual.
August 16, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 60 above.
Self lone storekeeper, Ma at Anchorage visiting the kids and
taking in picture shows. Lots of rioting, VJ Day, in San
Francisco, took 2,000 police to break up the mob. Jap’s stalling
off in signing peace treaty. Jap’s shot up 12 U. S. Transports
near Jap coast, war still on?
August 17, 1945 Temperature 52 to 68
above. Four U. S. photo planes over Tokyo District fired
on by Jap’s. Reds took 20,000 Jap’s in Manchuria and gave
Jap’s until Monday to surrender. McArthur gave Jap delegation
until Sunday to report at Manila. Mrs. Oberg here fixing
up house. 360 war plants turned back
August 18, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 70 above.
Mrs. Oberg paid 1934 grocery bill. Ma still doing Anchorage.
The peace time Jap delegation landed at Manila to hear peace time
instructions from General McArthur, Supreme Commander. Self
busy in store. Willie Edlund left for Seattle.
August 19, 1945 A-1 day, 52 to 70 above.
Scrubbing kitchen floor, repainted same. Mowed grass
around Mabel cabin. This is a day of prayer all over the
world on account end of World War II. Washed my own clothes.
Jap’s now surrendering in most sectors.
August 20, 1945 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Many hunters have gone up the Capt. Glenn Highway after caribou
and sheep. Many out picking wild berries. Reds took
three Jap key cities in Manchuria. Jap’s took back a 25
page document from Manila on account unconditional surrender.
August 21, 1945 A-1 day, evening rain, 50 to
60 above. Thorpe in from Grubstake for grub. Self
busy in store all day. Ma home on mail train. Matanuska
River high, 3 piles out on bridge. Lend Lease cancelled.
Allies to land occupation troops in Japan on Many ally
prisoners in Japan released.
August 22, 1945 Rain all day, 54 above.
Dinkel’s placed a $45 order, failed to get his caribou.
Warner got a sheep at Testilena. McArthur making arrangements
for entry into Tokyo with troops and Navy to settle Jap surrender
the last of August. Reds control Manchuria. France Premier
arrived D. C. for talk with President Truman.
August 23, 1945 Rain, 54 above. Hauled
over five truck loads new merchandise from railroad freight
shed. Evening, fixed sidewalk at Mabel cabin. Got out-mail.
General McArthur busy arranging for landing and occupation of Japan.
Jap’s dropped bomb on battle ship Penn and killed 20 Marines.
32,000 allied prisoners released in Japan. New local spuds.
August 24, 1945 Rain, 52 to 56 above.
Self checking and pricing new merchandise. Farmers want
10¢ a pound for spuds. 52 U. S. subs lost during Jap
war. Britain’s crying because Lend Lease cut off ½
million new autos. OPA has released canned goods and gasoline
and shoes.
August 25, 1945 Heavy rain, 50 above.
Mr. Johnson, teacher and wife, arrived and rented Mabel cabin.
Self pricing new merchandise. Mrs. Fischer arrived on
account teaching in school. Only 30% of Tokyo remains after
bombing by B29’s, four million evacuated.
August 26, 1945 More rain, 52 above.
Still pricing new merchandise. Received pants and work
shirts due last April. 383 U. S. war ships moving in at
Tokyo Bay. Russians will turn over Manchuria to China,
they to get Port Arthur. Long wave radio good. Plenty of
wools and child clothes by November, also radios and washing machines.
August 27, 1945 Rain, 50 to 60 above.
Priced up new paint and hardware. Fall term of school opened
today with 5 teachers. Tornado on Texas coast moving east
with increased velocity. Britain’s coming to U. S. to
bargain for more grub and supplies. Ordered car load of
Healy coal. Leather shoes on market soon.
August 28, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Made out order for Schillings merchandise. Stanley and
family, with Paddy as mascot, arrived here from Anchorage home,
Eva and kids stayed, Stanley back 5 PM. Mrs. Thorpe in from
mine and went to Palmer Hospital for checkup. Axtell back from
Seward. Lights off two hours on account cleaning power dam
at Eklutna electric plant.
August 29, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 54 above.
Eva and kids here on vacation. 10,000 Marines have landed at
Japan Naval Station at Yokosuka and General McArthur and Army at
airport 20 miles from Tokyo Bay. Five hundred more prisoners
on way home for Japan. Reds took 513,000 Jap’s in 20 days
in Manchuria. General Charles de Gaulle President of France,
in Canada.
August 30, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. U.
S. troops closing in on Tokyo, took over Tokyo radio station.
British are taking over Hong Kong. Reds have taken over
Manchuria and Korea Island. President Truman suggested we
cancel the forty two billion Lend Lease fund to allies, we got fifteen
billion from allies in supplies. U. S. flag raised over Tokyo
Navy base today.
August 31, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Stanley up from Anchorage at noon, took family back to Anchorage.
Dan Gray returned to Mabel Mine. 30,000 U. S. troops landed
in Japan. British Navy reoccupied Hong Kong. Radio
Tokyo now operated by U. S. France got a long time credit
from U. S. 1,800 American prisoners on way home from Japan
but in bad health.
September 1, 1945 Rain, 50 to 54 above, first
new snow on high mountain peaks. Duck hunters out everywhere.
Sunday, heard the signing up of Japan surrender to ally powers
on battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay at 4:30 PM Wasilla
time. Took Jap’s 17 days to sign on the dotted war line.
September 2, 1945 VJ Day, end of World War
II. Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Program on the air,
President Truman speaks to the Army, Navy and all that prosecuted
the war, will take over a million soldiers to police Japan.
10,000 Marines took over Jap Navy base, 400 U. S. ships at Tokyo.
Elmer Priest, prospective buyer of K. T. Co. visited.
September 3, 1945 Cloudy, 50 to 56 above.
Labor Day and first Labor Day celebrated during war period.
Duck hunters on the flats, woods full of moose hunters, hills
full of blueberry pickers with no OPA dictation? We lost 250,000
dead and 750,000 in hospitals in World War.
September 4, 1945 Cloudy, 50 above, evening
heavy showers. Olson got his moose on Lake Wasilla and
Fred Jenson got his on Lake Lucille. Floyd Smith got a caribou
on Capt. Glenn Highway. Estimated it will require 400,000
U. S. troops to police Japan. U. S. now busy on occupation
of Japan. The woods are full of red hat moose hunters.
Mrs. Thorpe in from mine.
September 5, 1945 Rain, 50 to 54 above.
Government electric man visited with Mr. Man checking up government
investment in rural electric power, heck of a time checking up.
Jap surrender all over China, Manchuria and in all islands in the
Far East. Trouble in Italy on account forming a new government.
Prisoners held by Jap’s in terrible condition.
September 6, 1945 Had first moose steak, 8
year old bull and no teeth to masticate it? Got out Black
Bear Clothing order. Farmers garden truck waterlogged on
account rain. 600,000 Army officers to be released from
Army and soldier boys coming home slow, will take a year for discharge.
Railroad busy hauling Army junk back from Fairbanks to Anchorage.
September 7, 1945 A-1 day, 42 to 72 above.
Axtel’s bought the Otto Langal cabin from Louie Loberg.
90,000 gone on strike for higher wages. Nineteen large transports
crossed Pacific to bring soldiers back home. General McArthur
busy laying down the surrender law to the Jap’s.
September 8, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 54 above.
Frost in valley didn’t reach Wasilla last night. Flag raised
over Tokyo, Saturday the 7th. General Wainwright arrived
in San Francisco after three years as Jap prisoner. Final
surrender of Jap’s in China. Korean’s gave U. S. soldiers big
reception. Anchorage too big for electric and water supply.
September 9, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 54 above.
Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage, brought up usual
candy and tobacco for K. T. Co. store, returned to Anchorage 8:30.
San Francisco gave General Wainwright a three hour parade then he
flew to Washington D. C. for report. Over one million soldiers
in Pacific zone coming home, 690,000 to remain. One out of
2 in Navy will be discharged. Annual car load of coal arrived.
September 10, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 60 above.
Frost at Palmer and Anchorage but bypassed Wasilla last night.
Young Axtel and partner unloading our 37 ton car of Healy River
coal. Reported Hitler still alive on a submarine somewhere.
General Wainwright big reception at Washington D. C. today.
1,000 ducks and many moose taken by hunters.
September 11, 1945 Cloudy, evening rain, 48
to 60 above. Now 30 tons of coal in bin, let it snow.
Thirty eight Jap officials rounded up as war criminals. Togo
tried suicide. Congress fighting over draft law, kids 18 to
22 should be in school. Mrs. Thorpe and Axtel in town, quit
mine on Grubstake, no quartz.
September 12, 1945 A-1 day, 48 to 60 above.
Got two truck loads of groceries and hardware, busy with freight
and storing same. Silas Sexton and mother and friends visited
on way back to Seward from auto trip to Fairbanks. Congress
wants to muster out most of the Army. Navy men over 35 can
quit their job. Two new families arrived, rents all full up in
Wasilla.
September 13, 1945 A-1 day, 50 above.
Birch trees turning golden. New York City gave General
Wainwright big reception today. General Pershing of World
War I, was 85 today and in good health. War is over but 278
more of our boys killed on police duty. Big quake in Chili, South
America. Atomic turnips for sale?
September 14, 1945 Rain, 44 above, snow
on mountain peaks. Made fire in store furnace. Winter
now just around the corner? Pacific Fruit agent at Anchorage
visited. Will take until October 15th to disarm all of
the Jap soldiers. Matanuska lettuce flown to Seattle market
and to Nome, Alaska.
September 15, 1945 Rain 44 above.
Finished opening and pricing hardware. Auto workers demand
30% more wages. Two hundred injured and over 300 autos
burned in hanger near Miami, Florida during hurricane storm.
More Jap war criminals arrested. London short on grub and clothing.
All Jap news agencies taken over by McArthur also radio stations.
September 16, 1945 Cloudy, 38 to 50 above.
Birch leaves now golden. Many cars here from Anchorage.
Two bus lines here every day 2. Ten million tons of food wanted
to feed starving Europe this winter.
September 17, 1945 Cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
Ma got usual first frost cold. Spud week, school closed
so 80 kids could pick up spuds. Ordered three dozen U.
S. shoe packs. 29 Jap criminals now in jail. Florida
storm cost 8 million dollars, citrus food destroyed. 350,000
to go on strike for 30% more wages?
September 18, 1945 A-1 day, 28 to 54 above.
Stanley and Eva up at noon. Mrs. Thorpe and mining friend
returned to Anchorage with Stanley. Emperor of Japan says
he will prosecute the Japan war criminals. Lord Haw Haw turned
out to be an American, was traitor on Nazi Radio. Ma nursing
bad cold. Suburbs joined Anchorage, now big injun.
September 19, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Joe Palmer in Palmer Hospital, tried wrestling with his big dog,
got broken ankle and broken ribs. Joe 75 years old vs. 2
year old dog, counted out. Congress wants soldiers returned
not for six months to a year? Thorpe and Brassel in from Willow
Creek Mines, new snow on mountain peaks.
September 20, 1945 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Repaired shed and oil house roofs. Sent order for shoe
packs and clothing. Railroad station closed, agent on a
hair cut. 1,200 evacuated from flood in North Carolina.
Hereafter, freedom of news for all nations. Five U. S. war
ships returning to Pacific Coast with American soldiers at San Francisco.
Oil workers on strike again, will ration gas again.
September 21, 1945 Misty, evening fog, 40 to
48 above. Received truck load groceries, socks and mittens
on way by express. Three soldiers, with wives, looking for
farms. Healy coal cost $11.35 in bin. All Europe short
of grub, fuel and clothing for coming winter months.
September 22, 1945 Rain all day, 40 to 60 above.
One hundred Anchorage soldiers joined the school kids picking
up Matanuska spuds. McArthur going after Jap Emperor’s
fortune and other Jap bank accounts. Jap’s must pay all
damages to U. S. on account of the war.
September 23, 1945 Rain, 50 above. Russian
with horse and wagon here, was interpreter during World War
II. May Carter, U. S. Commissioner and Postmaster, bought
Stanley’s house on Main Street for $4,000. Rain holding up
spud digging in valley. McArthur busy rounding up Jap war
criminals for trial.
September 24, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
School in session after spud week. New Secretary of War
trying to bump off General McArthur. Mrs. A. O. Wells, of Broad
Pass, was murdered today in Anchorage, no clue.
September 25, 1945 A-1 day, 30 to 60 above.
OPA here checking our prices. Self taking on Ma’s cold.
Empire building in New York closed on account strike. Strikers
want extra war pay with a 40 hour week. Several battleships and
carriers returning to Pacific Coast loaded with soldiers. Mrs.
Browne, railroad agents wife, in hospital. New snow rained off
Bald Mt.
September 26, 1945 Windy, 50 to 56 above.
OPA finished checking our prices on all merchandise, more headache.
Natives driving French out of Indochina. All small nations
want say in Big Five Treaty Conference. Latest strike, high
school students in Ohio vs. colored students.
September 27, 1945 A-1 day, 44 to 56 above.
L. Cox down from Montana Station for usual winter grub order.
Got out orders for groceries. Betts hauling two cars oil
to Independence Mine. Emperor of Japan visited on General
McArthur for future orders.
September 28, 1945 Cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
School kids, soldiers and farmers busy with spud crop.
Tourist from St. Louis, Missouri visited. Extra train from
boat passed north at midnight with 200 passengers. Stanley
and family arrived to close sale of his house on Main St.
September 29, 1945 Rain, 44 to 60 above.
Stanley closed sale of his house and moved furniture into our
new house on Wasilla Avenue. Mrs. Ellexson visited, have
bought one acre tract at Palmer for future home. Over 600,000
idle on account strike. Philippines asked U. S. to help restore
industry destroyed by Jap’s. Trial on for war criminals in Berlin,
Jap’s next.
September 30, 1945 Cloudy 44 to 48 above.
After 4 years, daylight savings time now back to standard time.
Kids returned to Anchorage home, slept in our new house last night,
Marie and Buddy in my den. Evening, cleaning store furnace
and cementing holes in fire brick
October 1, 1945 Cloudy, 38 to 58 above.
Received Black Bear Clothing, eggs and butter. Shipped
$50 grub order to Montana Station. Mrs. Agent Browne back
from hospital. Farmers digging spuds but no market.
McArthur looking for loot in 21 Jap banks. Reconstruction
of China government on.
October 2, 1945 A-1 day, 40 to 60 above.
Pricing up Black Bear clothing. Freight brought three
backorders of groceries and fruit. Kennedy and partner went
out to fix up trap line near Bald Mt. Five Power Peace Conference
closed in London, was a failure. 100,000 coal miners and 2,000
oil workers out on strike. Bald Mt. peaks white again.
October 3, 1945 Warmer, 50 above all day.
Shorty hauled over 4 truck loads delayed groceries, fruit and
oil. 1½ million tons sugar found in Java, cached
by the Jap’s. Russia demands a Four Power Commission to govern
Japan now under General McArthur’s dictation. Government
taking over oil strike.
October 4, 1945 Rain, 38
to 50 above. Self checking and pricing up new merchandise.
17,000 acres of California timber burned. Congress reducing
1946 taxes five billion dollars, twelve million to be exempt on
lower levels to save headaches? New farmer located
homestead near Paradise Lake at mile 4.
October 5, 1945 More rain,
40 to 44 above. Self busy pricing new sox, etc. Snowing
at mines and on mountain peaks. Baker and wife, from Inside, bought
Miller greenhouse. 530,000 now out on strike, oil workers
forced back to work by Navy. Anchorage took suburbs
into city, some four blocks added.
October 6, 1945 Showers,
40 to 58 above. Finished pricing Bear clothing.
Dr. Ryan, School Commissioner, here. Carl Strickler back
on his ranch. 150,000 coal miners idle, also local coal miners
on strike, want superintendent fired.
October 7, 1945 Cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
A few soldiers in town sparking schoolmarms? Priced up
Schilling merchandise. Put sods around cellar windows to
keep out winter Chinooks. John L. Lewis figuring on forming
new All World Labor Union? Women to get one pair nylon hose at
Christmas, no underwear on account OPA ceiling prices. Strike
and peace conferences now in order?
October 8, 1945 Showers, 38 to 48 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Preacher opened
up lunch and ice cream cone counter in old school house for school
kids? Trials now on account traitors and war criminals in
Europe and Asia. War in Indochina and Palestine still on.
Steel manufacturing companies shut down on account coal strikes.
October 9, 1945 Showers, 38 to 42 above.
Past week, hot wave in Seattle. Sold three grub outfits.
Pierre Laval, French Premier and traitor got the death penalty
in France. Eighth day of longshoreman’s strike in New York.
457,000 now idle on account strikes. Britain gets five billion
dollar loan from Uncle Sam tax payers? Got check for sale of
Singleton Eyota, Minnesota farm, $6,566.75 net.
October 10, 1945 Showers 38 to 40 above.
Only 51 years married, Ma went to Anchorage for weekend
with Stanley and family. Detroit Tiger’s won World Series
ballgame over Chicago Cubs, 4 out of 7 games played. Hollywood
movies joined strikers. Strike situation growing worse.
Farmers potato crops bogged down with rain.
October 11, 1945 Showers 32 to 40 above.
Two feet new snow at mines. Ma doing pictures at Anchorage.
132 MPH typhoon at Okinawa cleaned up 90,000 U. S. soldiers camp
and airplanes, five soldiers killed. 200,000 soldiers from
the Pacific coming home each month. Longshoreman’s strike in
England held up grub.
October 12, 1945 Windy, 40 to 44 above.
Cadwallader had Anchorage Gravel Co. dig two deep cesspools
with gas shovel. First paychecks for teachers arrived.
Revolts in Palestine, Argentina and Indochina on account home rule.
450,000 now on strike in U. S. All industry except railroad
want 30% more wages? Japan to be ruled by four allies.
Ma at Anchorage. Typhoon in Far East did more damage than war.
October 13, 1945 Showers, 40 to 44 above.
Cadwallader had gas shovel dig cesspool on Wasilla Avenue to
connect cocktail bar? Farmers digging last of spuds out
of mud, by hand, on account rain. Java driving foreign colonies
out. Strike off at Ford plants, also longshoreman at New York
Harbor.
October 14, 1945 Snow, 32 to 36 above.
All summer rain wounded up with six inches heavy wet snow.
No frost in ground, too early to stay on? Ma home at noon
with Stanley and family and Mrs. Isaac as mascot. Evening,
made fire in new house and shoveled off sidewalks, snow half water.
Stanley paid for lumber in his 1933 house.
October 15, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Anchorage gas shovel finished excavating for Cadwallader, 2
cesspools and cellar. Shoveled off 8” new snow on walks.
Pierre Laval, French war traitor, shot by firing squad today.
General McArthur on air on account peacetime news after Japan
surrender. Five U. S. Navy warships arrived at Seattle from
Asia.
October 16, 1945 Cloudy, 14 to 34 above.
Received truck load fruit and one of milk by noon freight.
Made first fire in office heater. Overseas soldiers arrived
in Boston, New York and San Francisco on way home. Strikes
holding up business everywhere in States. Big silver cache
found in Japan. Gas shovel dug cellars for Betts bros. at
greenhouse.
October 17, 1945 Rain, 38 to 42 above.
New 8” snow about gone. Gas shovel left for Gulkana.
Self busy pricing new merchandise. Lester Davis here on
usual drunk. McArthur finding gold, silver and diamonds
stored by Jap’s. Gus and Fred left Seattle for Wasilla today,
by boat.
October 18, 1945 A-1 day, 40 above. Pecks
and Ellexson’s bought winter grub outfit. Snow all gone.
Lester Davis around, drunk as usual. Part of longshoreman
and coal miners back to work, yet over two million idle on account
strikes. 21,000 soldiers due from Asia. Took down side
store awning.
October 19, 1945 Cloudy, 32 to 38 above.
Packed Joe Brassel grub order for mile 8 trapping camp.
The Forty Mile Miller greenhouse being remodeled by new owner,
a cook. More strikes in states, want 30% more wages.
Late typhoon in Pacific injured over 400 people and some dead.
Carl Fritzler remodeling his farmhouse on ranch.
October 20, 1945 Showers, evening snow, 32
to 38 above, Wasilla white again, rain to snow. Dan Gray
in, 3’ of snow at mines. Joe Palmer, first call since broken
arm. Pricing up Saginaw, Michigan clothing. Twenty
ships to return 52,000 soldiers from Pacific Far East in 30 days.
War murders up for trial in Europe. Carter’s moved in Stanley’s
house.
October 21, 1945 Rain, 32 to 36 above.
Tryck’s brothers, from Anchorage, visited their Dad in Wasilla.
180 million starving in Europe and no fuel or clothes caused
by war. Revolt in Venezuela won by the insurgents.
Going to use atomic bombs to cure deaf mutes?
October 22, 1945 Six inches snow 30 to 40 above.
Mabel Mine doing tunnel work. Davis back till drunk.
Ohnstad’s Cat pushing gravel back into sewer ditches for Cadwallader.
Election in France divided equal among three political
parties. 205,000 still out on strike. Army plane
cracked up at Anchorage, 22 killed.
October 23, 1945 Clearing, 28 to 32.
Delayed candy, hardware and juices arrived PM Congress
going after youths 17 to 20 to take one year military training.
Big wind at Anchorage broke things up in general. 34,000 soldiers
to arrived, today, on Pacific Coast from Asia. Coal strikers
back on job. London grub on docks tied up by longshoreman strikers.
October 24, 1945 Clearing, 12 to 28 above,
winter arrived today, two weeks in advance? Self busy
pricing up new merchandise and more fire in furnace. The
five billion tax reduction for 1946 passed by Congress. Traitor
Quisling, shot by Norwegian court.
October 25, 1945 A-1 day, zero to 30 above,
winter is here. Lee Hartley, owner of St. Clair Resort,
visited. Agent Browne selling household furniture and going
to Anchorage. More strikes every day, want war wages.
Pacific Navy now at New York Harbor for celebrations. Evening,
windy, may blow back to summer time?
October 26, 1945 Colder, 14 to 22 above.
Still pricing up new merchandise. New Venezuela government
acknowledged by southern states. Argentines still quarreling
over who will run government, she was with Hitler during war.
Big question, how to control the new atomic bombs?
October 27, 1945 Cloudy, 18 to 22 above.
Kids arrived, noon, returned to Anchorage 2:30 PM brought tobacco
and candy. Local trouble now in Brazil and two factions,
in China, fighting it out. Allies busy policing Germany and
Japan. Navy day at New York. Hollywood movie strike over.
October 28, 1945 Cloudy, 26 above, wind cleaned
snow out of Wasilla. Refilled furnace coal bin, 2nd time.
Hung fly on west end of balcony to save winter heat in store.
Civil war on in China and Java and Arab. don’t want Jews in Palestine.
Russia wants say in ruling Japan. Evening snow.
October 29, 1945 A-1 day, 34 to 40 above.
Another Army plane crashed on mountain, 15 miles south of Anchorage.
235,000 still out on strike and more striking for war wages?
China Communist and Royalists still fighting for control locally.
Joe Brassel moved out to trap like, mile 8. Eva left for California
on account mother very sick
October 30, 1945 Cloudy, 34 to 36 above.
Kennedy and partner bought trap line grub. Jack Fabyan
and Col. Revelle’s son on big drunk. Borden had well drilled.
Gus and Fred back from Seattle. 17,500 soldiers to work
unloading grub held up by longshoreman strike. Eva flew
to Juneau today. Ma 76th.
October 31, 1945 Cooler, 22 to 26 above.
Eva hopped from Anchorage to Juneau, first leg to California
to see her mother. Ray Bergman arrived, drafted out World
War II as radio operator. Nome, Alaska flooded out by big
tide wind, one million dollars damage. Anchorage gang after
pile driver at Goose Bay Fern Dock Emperor of Japan to dig
up his fortune.
November 1, 1945 Colder, zero to 30 above.
Received 4 truck loads of merchandise. Forty ships with
56,000 soldiers on way to U. S. from Far East. Russian troops
withdrawing from Manchuria. Eva at Juneau on way to California
by plane.
November 2, 1945 Cold, 8 below zero to
14 above. Ma left on train for weekend with kids at Anchorage.
Self busy with customers and pricing up new merchandise. Congress
passed six billion dollar tax reduction for 1946. Plane 17
hours from Japan to U. S. A. 250,000 still on strike for 30%
more wages. As reparation, we got some of Japans gold.
November 3, 1945 Cold, 8 above to zero.
Ma at Anchorage with Marie. Noon, J. B. Fleckenstein, from
Bristol Bay, visited, Eva supposed to arrive in California to
see mother, very ill. President Truman trying to settle labor
strikes in States.
November 4, 1945 Cold, 5 below to 14
above. Busy on clothing sales and with fires, drained
water out of tanks in new house. Hottest day in San Francisco
in 20 years, 94 above. Doolittle flew California to D. C.
in six hours. Ma with kids and pictures. Evening, did
the wash.
November 5, 1945 Warmer, 14 to 24 above.
J. B. Fleckenstein flew to California on account wife very sick.
Self busy in store all day, sold two good orders. Evening,
washed underwear, sox, etc. and repainted kitchen floor.
Two big Army planes crashed near Manila. More auto strikes,
over 300,000 on strike for 30% more wages.
November 6, 1945 Cloudy, 18 to 28 above.
Received pears, grapes and casabas on PM freight. Ma
arrived home on mail train. Cab and street cars on strike
in D. C. over a million will have to walk. Strikers committees
and operators met in Washington, D. C. today, no agreement made
and more striking.
November 7, 1945 Cloudy, 34 above. Ma,
like self, got sore feet. Matanuska well drilling outfit
put down three wells in Wasilla. Mrs. Trenton Johnson had
baby at Palmer Hospital. Rioting in Jerusalem by Arab.
Civil War in China. Italy wants back colonies. Kennedy
shot black bear at his trap camp on Susitna.
November 8, 1945 Snow, 30 to 32 above.
Kids, Marie Martha and brother, arrived on noon freight for
weekend with Grandma. Betts bros. loaded Goose Bay hoist
at Cadwallader's for shipment. Arab. killed 100 Jews in
Palestine. British sent troops to stop Java trouble.
Civil war in China. U. S. has sent 4 million tons grub relief.
SS Yukon, with thanksgiving turkeys, held up by strike in Seattle.
November 9, 1945 Cloudy, 20 to 28 above.
Kids sledding down Cannon hill. Made out three drug claims,
over $30 merchandise missing in shipping. Premier of England
on way to see President Truman on account atomic bombs, etc.
More strikes, won’t accept 10% raise in wages, wants 30%.
Teachers institute, at Anchorage, all schools closed Thursday and
Friday. Wasilla’s Trenton summer resort had baby girl.
November 10, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 28 above.
Made third filling of furnace coal bin, burning two tons per
month, no winds. Island colonies in Pacific-Asia, want home
rule. Baker’s gone on strike in San Francisco.
November 11, 1945 Cloudy, 20 to 28 above. Stanley
arrived from Anchorage, took kids back to Anchorage, Eva now
with mother in California. Agent Browne and wife left Wasilla
on noon freight for Anchorage then going Outside on vacation.
Electric workers now going on strike, want $2 a day raise.
Cold wave on in north States. Evening, windy.
November 12, 1945 Big wind, 10 above
all day. Busy with fire on account big wind. General
Ike arrived in Boston from Germany for conference with President,
is in favor of consolidating management of Army with Navy.
President Truman, McKinsey and Prime Minister Atlee in conference
over the new atomic bomb. Jim Kennedy shot a black bear on his
trap line, out late?
November 13, 1945 Big wind, 10 to 20 above.
Busy with fires all day. Electric lights off 2½
hours on account tree on wire. New railroad agent, at depot,
named Shoemaker, but doesn’t mend shoes. Prime Minister Atlee,
of London, addressed our Congress today on peace time world security,
etc. Civil war in China and Java, who is the boss? School
closed on account electricity off.
November 14, 1945 Third day big wind, 10 to
14 above. Electric lights off and on. Received letter
from Eva, now with mother and dad at Eureka, California, said
flowers in bloom. Wind in bloom at Wasilla, Alaska.
Now five boats tied up in Seattle with Thanksgiving freight for
Alaska. More strikes, less eats? Arab. stoned British
taxi cars in Palestine, no peace yet.
November 15, 1945 Windy, 8 to 14 above.
Wind died out at midnight. Eva among roses and orange blossoms
in Eureka, California. Arab. want control of Jerusalem?
Like other colonies, don’t want British, French and Dutch rule
over them. Japan has no money to pay war debt. Trapping
season open today.
November 16, 1945 Cloudy, 8 to 14 above.
Sharon drove out to mile 8 to look after Joe Brassel on trap
line. Ptarmigan coming down from mountains on account
feed covered with snow. General Eisenhower, in Washington,
D. C. reporting on Germany occupation. All boats to Alaska
held up by strike, Kodiak hit hard.
November 17, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 18 above all
day. Refilled furnace coal bin, 4th time, now on 8th
ton of coal on account early winter. Sletson, the cook,
remodeling Forty Mile Miller’s greenhouse. Betts now in
new house west of railroad depot. Howard Oberg arrived from
Army, making two Wasilla boys from Army.
November 18, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Below freezing weather past month. Auto roads iced up
from wind. Mrs. Slumdinger, from Anchorage, calling on Betts
kids over weekend. War criminals up for trial in Berlin,
Japan and Manila. Strikes, in U. S. growing worse every day,
want war wages. Ma making ready for turkey at Anchorage.
November 19, 1945 Wind, 14 to 24 above.
Mrs. Ellexson out from Knik. Kennedy in from trap line
for grub. Mrs. Dodson went to High Grade Mine. Civil
war in China growing worse, also Java fighting British rule.
Bread strike in Seattle. Made out coffee and grocery orders.
November 20, 1945 Warming up, 30 above all
day. Ma left on train for usual weekend at Anchorage,
this time turkey day. Renewed 1946 Alaska Sportsman Christmas
gift to Roe and Perkins, Minnesota. Boat strike in Seattle
over weekend. Several Jap’s and Germans commit suicide rather
than stand war trials. Second letter from Eva at Eureka, California,
with mother.
November 21, 1945 16 above all day. Ma
at Anchorage for turkey day with kids. Self presented
with a ptarmigan from Signal Corps boys. Basket turkey party
on at Hall but no turkey? Jimmy Doolittle on air about Air
Force and future wars. Civil war in Far East.
November 22, 1945 Turkey day per order of government.
A-1 day, 26 above. Had fried ptarmigan, potatoes and fruit
cocktail for dinner. Ma at Anchorage feasting on turkey
and movies? Eva with mother in California. Evening,
sent Delmer F. Boyer of Willamine, Oregon, price on K. T. Co. store.
Good turkey program on KPO.
November 23, 1945 12 to 18 above, 3” new snow
last night. Ernie Pyles wife, 44, passed out, has been
sick since Ernie shot in war. General Ike in hospital on account
bad cold. Third letter from Eva in Eureka, California, mother
better, too hot for dad. Eva has high blood pressure, coming
home November 27th. Pearl Harbor probe on again. Ma at
Anchorage.
November 24, 1945 Warmer, 20 to 30 above.
Self plugged up with Dutch cheese, took three treatments to get
operation. Weekenders here fishing. Anderson, rancher
at Big Lake, in with two wheel tractor for supplies. Royalists
and Communists fighting for possession of Manchuria. Atomic
bombs and war criminals all the news.
November 25, 1945 Cloudy, 20 above all day.
Stanley, kids, Grandma and Mrs. Isaac arrived from Anchorage,
had hotcake dinner with eggs. Self got Christmas haircut.
Stanley returned to Anchorage. Now a million out on strikes.
Paper strike in Seattle, bread in San Francisco. Five moose
at Section House.
November 26, 1945 Cloudy, 20 above all day.
Ma in wash tub as usual. Marino bros. over from Matanuska
ranch to trade, bought $40 order. Both ptarmigan and moose
plentiful around Wasilla. Nazis killed six million Jews during
World War II. All Pacific soldiers to be home for Christmas.
School bus in Washington into lake, 13 drowned.
November 27, 1945 Colder, 2 below zero to 10
above. Eva’s father back from Eureka, California and
flew on to Dillingham, Alaska. Eva to leave Eureka today
for home at Anchorage. Electric lights off all day, used
gas in store. Without lights and radio, hence no news.
Blackout in Wasilla. hardware, fruit, cookies and groceries
on Yukon due December 1st, boat strike over.
November 28, 1945 Blustery, 20 above.
Sold one $40 order and one $20 order. GMC strikers want
$2 more per day. Lights on again at 6 AM. Our freight
coming on SS Yukon, due October 3rd. War criminals on trial
in Germany. Chinks fighting it out for rule of China and Manchuria.
Evening wind. Butter up 5¢ a pound, eggs 6¢ a dozen,
sugar short.
November 29, 1945 Windy, 8 to 10 above.
Fabyan and Revelle moved out to Hans Frydenlen’s old ranch.
Sold out on butter and bacon and bacon cut off invoices coming.
Got out merchandise orders and mail. Stalin still on vacation
after war. All winter weather in November. Moose all
located by Anchorage airplanes for December 1st kill.
November 30, 1945 Weather cold, 14 above all
day. Kennedy in, off trap line, for grub. Peace
time and strikes big issue of the day. Eva in Seattle on
way home, her mother back to normal. Hunters all set for
moose tomorrow. U. S. plane made trip around the world in 96 hours
and 50 minutes. Civil war in China and java still on.
Reds after Prussia oil. Earth quake in Far East wiped out several
towns by tidal wave.
December 1, 1945 A-1 day, zero to 14 above.
Winter storm on Atlantic Coast did lots damage, several killed
or frozen. Moose season open for 15 days, woods full of hunters
from Anchorage. Leonard Grau back to ranch. Rudolph
Hess not crazy, is in war criminal trial in Germany. Jap
money not enough to pay war debt. Ma busy with 12 lb. turkey for
December 2, 1945 Cloudy, 12 above. Turkey
day at our house. Ma served a twelve pound turkey and trimmings.
Stanley, Marie, Buddy and self were guests, Eva in Seattle on
way home from Eureka, California. Moose hunters everywhere.
Mrs. Carl Fritzler arrived from Seattle to hole up on ranch.
Volunteers eliminate Army draft. War criminals on trial
in German, 19 all told.
December 3, 1945 Colder, 6 below zero to 8
above. More moose hunters every day. Soldier and
wife moved into Post Office building Discharged soldiers
arrive weekly. Railroad transportation inadequate.
Republicans held convention at Anchorage. Civil war in Manchuria
still on. Government truck load of fruit and Armour meats
from first strike boat.
December 4, 1945 Zero weather, cloudy.
Moose hunters now bringing in their kill. Government
has closed down alcohol rubber plants, cost over a million.
Food sent to starving Germans? 450,000 now out on strikes
but Pacific Coast lumber strikers back to work. Long wave
from Chicago all about Italy.
December 5, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 18 above.
A bull moose passed by our new house but nobody was home.
Congress passing law to regulate strikes with 30 day cooling
off added. War criminals up before World Court in Germany.
Big storm on Pacific Coast.
December 6, 1945 Colder, 10 below zero all
day. Refilled furnace coal bin, coal half gone.
Kennedy brought in his moose from trap line. Butter cut
down 50% on deliveries. Hot arguments over atomic bomb.
Lots of snow at Seward. Eva held up in Seattle on account
bad flying weather. Stanley 41 today and in business in Anchorage.
December 7, 1945 Colder, zero to 16 below.
Six and one half million Germans will be returned to homeland
from other countries by next summer. Jap General, war criminal
at the Philippines, sentenced to be hanged. Big three to
meet in Moscow on account atomic bombs future. No school,
bus froze up.
December 8, 1945 Warmer, 10 to 20 above.
Fred Nelson went out for his moose but no ketch-em, but saw
two cows. All kind of fighting in small colonies over who
should rule. No auto cars for Christmas, auto strikes still
on. Eva got back to Anchorage last night by plane from California.
December 9, 1945 Hazy, 22 to 28 above.
Anchorage moose killers gone home with moose. California
to New York in 5 hours 17 minutes by plane, 432 miles per hour,
2 engine plane. General Patton badly hurt in auto crash
in France. Jap landlords must turn farms over to Jap farmers.
No settlement of strike.
December 10, 1945 A-1 day, 22 above.
Co-op moving Army shacks from Gulkana for farm shops, etc.
Fifty percent of war soldiers back home. A Jap General, in
Philippines, trying to have U. S. Supreme Court save his neck
from hanging. Ma and self have sore feet, hard to navigate.
December 11, 1945 Repeat last years weather,
40 above, hazy all day, evening sprinkle of rain. Anchorage
hunters still after Wasilla moose. 400,000 steel workers
going on strike in January, means 700,000 will be out of work.
Nazi war criminals being shown movie picture of their crimes committed.
Had moose liver for treat. Christmas freight in Seward.
December 12, 1945 Spring day, 40 above and
icy roads. Kids staying home at Anchorage. Over
two dozen moose killed around Wasilla and Anchorage sports still
hunting. Cars now driving over snow road to Big Lake.
Second cold wave in all northern states. 500,000 strikers
till holding off for $2 more per day. Big Three holding conference
in Moscow about atomic bombs.
December 13, 1945 38 above all day.
Mr. and Mrs. Cadwallader left for Outside, on the 11th, via
rail to Fairbanks, auto bus to Whitehorse, rail to Skagway, boat
to Seattle. Answered Perkins letter about sale of last farm
at Eyota, Minnesota. Northern states buried up with snow
vs. April weather here. Cookies and 38 cases of hardware arrived
but agent away.
December 14, 1945 Cloudy, 28 above all day.
Couldn’t get cookies and hardware out of freight shed, was blocked
by furniture. Eva and Stanley here for dinner. Two Army
plane pilots collided six miles from Goose Bay and were killed.
Big Three now in conference in Moscow. Thirty two below zero
in states. Roads here all ice.
December 15, 1945 Colder 10 to 20 above.
Our merchandise still blocked in railroad freight shed by
big lot of crated furniture. Put back $6,000 life insurance
money, loaned to Eyota farm six years ago, in savings account,
Seattle National Bank. Russia got 100 locomotives and other
machinery from U. S. loan? War criminals now being hung in Europe.
December 16, 1945 Cloudy, 30 above all day.
Ma got ready for Santa Claus trip to Anchorage, as usual, train
4 hours late. U. S. offered nine to fifteen thousand for
surplus ships that cost one million dollars to build. Surplus
tractors, Cats and trucks left in war zones will be left there, would
help the American farmers if brought home. Self, five jobs,
clerk, janitor, bookkeeper, freighter and cook.
December 17, 1945 Hazy, 30 to 34 above.
Ma consulting Santa at Anchorage. Hauled over one truck load
of merchandise blocked in railroad freight shed for 3 days by
Stenson’s furniture. Coal bin empty, self got sore feet.
Four feet of snow fell, last night, at Buffalo, New York, forty below
zero in Montana.
December 18, 1945 Hazy, 34 above all day.
Got truck load of perishable freight but no Christmas candy?
The Pullman Car Manufacturing Co. selling out to railroads.
More Jap war criminals up for trial. Hills coffee off market
on account strike. Ma back from Anchorage but no Santa Claus.
December 19, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 14 above.
Self busy checking, pricing and opening up new merchandise.
Had kids refill furnace coal bin, 1½ tons. Big Three
holding powwow in Moscow. American Ambassador will try to settle
China’s civil war. Dutch losing rule in Java. Out of
eggs and bacon but 40 bull moose in locker. Sore feet.
December 20, 1945 Cloudy, 30 to 34 above.
Finished pricing up new merchandise. Sold school Christmas
party, $32 order less $5 donation. Got load of birch wood
to piece out coal. Several thousand returning troops held
up on Pacific Coast for want of railroad transportation in States.
December 21, 1945 Colder, 8 to 12 above.
Eva and Stanley arrived at noon from Anchorage, took Ann Fleckenstein
back with them for Christmas. General Patten, with cold,
died from crash in auto wreck in Germany, was only 60 years old.
400,000 strikers turned down President Truman’s plan for settlement
of strike. Free picture show for kids at Palmer, no school.
December 22, 1945 Colder, 20 above to 6 below
zero. School closed for holiday vacation. School
entertainment at Hall with candy, fruit and nut bags for all the
kids by crowd present. Sold out on eggs, butter and bacon.
Still 30 below zero in northern states. Congress adjourned
until January 16th. Evening windy.
December 23, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 14 above.
Quiet in town after Christmas program. Ma did washing,
ready for Santa. General “Guts” Patten buried in war zone
at Luxembourg, Germany U. S. cemetery. Big arguments over
rights of laborers to strike. Buddy’s 9th birthday.
More soldiers stalled on Pacific Coast, no railroad transportation.
December 24, 1945 Zero weather to 10 below
zero. Ham and bacon arrived but no candy or fruit.
Mrs. Ellexson in from Knik to spend Christmas with George
Small family. Tryck brothers up from Anchorage to be with
father for Christmas. Had rush on clothing sales.
President Truman sent Christmas to all soldiers overseas.
Outside radio weak. Good program on local station KFQD.
December 25, 1945 Christmas, zero weather,
partly cloudy, no dinner guests today. We had baked beans,
homemade candy and donuts from Gill’s and fruitcake from Nelson’s.
Bull moose roast took place of turkey in most Wasilla homes.
KFQD had fine program with Outside hookup. No white Christmas,
wind blew frost off trees. Kids at Anchorage, coming up on 27th
for turkey dinner. Jelly from Knik.
December 26, 1945 Cloudy, 30 above. Small’s
took Grace Ellexson, full of turkey, to Knik. Matanuska
Electric put meter borrowed back in our new house. Auto
truck hit guy wire, lights off for two hours Christmas eve.
Electric workers want $2 more per day or strike. Ma busy with
turkey and trimmings for tomorrow dinner for Anchorage kids.
December 27, 1945 Hazy, 28 above.
Kids and Paddy arrived for Christmas turkey dinner with
Ma, Marie and brother stayed for weekend. Self received
two shirts and sport coat, cost me $35 for return. A truce in
China for a month to try to settle civil war. Had to give up my
bed to Buddy and sister. Labor going crazy with strikes, expect
a million out in January.
December 28, 1945 Mild, 30 above. Buddy
out skating. Mrs. Dodson in and going Outside. President
spent Christmas week with mother and friends in Kansas. Big
Three atomic parley over in Moscow.
December 29, 1945 Received one truck load freight,
Christmas candy arrived. Out of eggs with four cases
laying in Seward? Had leftover turkey for dinner.
Floods in Oregon. Ma making ready to return to Anchorage
with kids. Filled coal bin. Big garage fire in Anchorage.
Wood saws going in Wasilla.
December 30, 1945 A -1 day, 20 to 28 above.
Ma with kids left for Anchorage on noon freight train. 40,000
tons of flour sent to starving Germans All mighty hungry
in Europe after war.
December 31, 1945 Cloudy, 10 to 18 above.
Ma at Anchorage for New Years with Stanley and family.
Self rushed in store all day. Big Three nations trying to dictate
place to small fighting nations? Christmas week, mild weather.
Midnight, re-painted kitchen floor.
1946
First page of journal says:
This diary from Eva and Stanley Christmas 1944
Orville G. Herning 1868-1946, 68th year
Birthplace Eyota, Minnesota July 30, 1868
Arrived in Alaska May 2, 1898, 48th year in
Alaska.
January 1, 1946 Cloudy, 34 above.
January came in mild weather. Made up December cash register
recording. Still doing business at general store, Wasilla.
Ma has a game knee, Self sore feet. KFQD had fine program.
Had leavings of Christmas turkey for lunch. Evening windy.
January 2, 1946 A-1 weather, 36 above.
Out of Hills coffee account of strike. Butter orders
cut down 50%. 200,000 meat packing house workers to go on
strike and all the telephone workers. 450,000 to strike,
50% auto workers back on job but no materials. 700,000 steel
workers want $2 more per day. Memo: merchandise stock invoice
$9,456.62, personal property $17,603.87, total $27,060.49 at Wasilla.
No snow in Wasilla.
January 3, 1946 Colder, 10 to 20 above.
Sent KFQD staff Christmas donation. William Joyce, Lord
Haw Haw over German air station during war, was hung in London
today as a traitor. President Truman was on the air account
of world peace and strikes in U. S. delaying industry. Churchill
and family coming to U. S. on vacation at Miami Beach. Taking
E vitamin for weak heart, blood clots and hemorrhages.
January 4, 1946 Colder, 6 to 10 above, morning
fog. Butter and bacon arrived, eggs missing? Teacher
and wife in Mabel cabin moved to Bixler cabin. New man
teacher arrived to take Mrs. Fisher’s place in high school.
Several Alaska boys arrived from Army and 18 year old kids being drafted?
Pearl Harbor still being investigated. Letter from Mrs. George
Zink says Portland best place to live.
January 5, 1946 Hazy, 10 to 20 above.
Christmas freight, three loads arrived. Hills coffee off
market account of strike. United Nation banking delegation
meeting in London to establish all nations world bank. China
civil war gang visited truce. Quarter of a million dollar fire
in Fairbanks. Tornado in Texas killed 30 and put 100 min hospital.
KFQD put on a fifteen minute program account of OGH Christmas donation.
January 6, 1946 Cloudy, 4 above to 6
below zero. Richard DuBeau with Bourden Co., visited,
wanted price on our store, has $3,500 log house in Anchorage
for a trade-in? 5,000 tons raw rubber burned up in Far
East. California fruit over smudge pots account of frost.
Mrs. Roosevelt with all nation convention now in London.
January 7, 1946 Colder, zero to 10 below zero.
Busy pricing and opening up new merchandise and stocking fires.
Railroad agent, at Anchorage, his wife phone operator. China
civil war leaders trying to settle who will govern China in future.
Emperor of Japan told his people he was not God. Twelve moose
saw near Pittman along railroad.
January 8, 1946 Colder, zero to 10 below zero.
Busy with fires. General Marshal arranged a truce between
China civil war soldiers. Reported that Russia has perfected
the atomic bomb? New York City will have a blackout if
7,000 electricians go on strike. Soldiers appealing to Washington,
D. C. for muster out of Army.
January 9, 1946 Cold, 14 above to 4 below zero
all day. Fuel going fast account of wind and cold.
Big Three lining up small nations and turning over to democratic
government. General McArthur doing good work in Japan but
with Germans, not so hot. U. S. going blackout account of electric
strikes. Now a million out on strike, want $2 more per day.
Peace time with strikes?
January 10, 1946 Cold, 8 above to 10 below
zero. General Marshal got the warring factions, in China,
to sign a truce and make up. First assembly of United Nations
opened session in a London palace. Reported five million
American soldiers have been mustered out of Army to date. Western
Union now on strike. Eva and Stanley up from Anchorage for dinner,
brought coffee and candy.
January 11, 1946 Warmer, 24 above all day.
Soldiers in foreign lands holding protest meetings, why not
be mustered out of Army now the war is over? No papers printed
in Seattle for seven weeks and now all walk account of bus drivers
strike. Long distant telephone operators on strike. Butter,
sugar and cooking oils short 50% again.
January 12, 1946 Warm, 24 above. Had
furnace coal bin refilled. No settlement of strikes thus
far. Seattle’s seven week printers strike ended.
Progress being made now by United Nation assembly for peace.
Good reports on China civil war. Government to buy up all egg
production to stable prices?
January 13, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 30 above.
Started to post 1945 inventory. 1945 annual sales, $21,354.01,
net profit $1,793.10 for 1945. Telephone strike off for
30 days. GMC workers accepted 18% raise on wages.
Housing a problem in states. One million dollars to develop
Alaska oil fields near Pt. Barrow, government contract.
January 14, 1946 Cloudy, 30 above all day.
Received Heinz 57 Varieties, hardware and more butter and eggs.
Strikes easing off account of Congress in session again.
United Nations now working on peace and location of world homesite
in United States. Self on inventory. Cars going to
Big Lake on fishing trip over Cat road. And now the days grow
longer. Mrs. Fisher quit school and flew to Juneau.
January 15, 1946 Misty, 24 above all day.
New merchandise checked short on hardware and soups. Ernest
Lane, new high school teacher, bought grub and cooking outfit.
200,000 electric workers on strike for 30% more. Seattle
back to normal after three month strike. Mail train arrived,
put first class mail on to Fairbanks. Winston Churchill family
arrived from London for vacation at Miami Beach, Florida.
January 16, 1946 A-1 sun day, 30 above.
Clyde King Jr. back from Seattle, establishing a $10,000 concrete
plant near Palmer. Meat workers on strike, want 17½¢
more per hour, was offered 7¢ raise. Snow in southern
states. Government still investigating Pearl Harbor. More Nazi
war criminals up for trial. U. S. will hold all islands taken,
in far East, on military bases.
January 17, 1946 Misty, 20 to 28 above. Big
load oat hay drove up to school house. All the big four
meat packers help out on strike. Army has banded soldiers
from any more coming home demonstrations. President Truman
has bills up before Congress account of strike legislation. China
civil war settlement not so hot. No kids today from Anchorage.
January 18, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 28 above.
Carried as mail, arrived from Fairbanks, three tons Reliance
groceries now due. Got smoking pipes, first in three years.
Harry Sears going on trap line at Big Ten Mile Lake. Meat and
steel parley didn’t work out so will strike. Now 365 government
hospitals for soldiers. United Nations chewing the rag in London.
War criminals being hung every day.
January 19, 1946 Wind and 32 above. Received
first Outside chickens, sell 80¢ a pound. O’Hara
bus line advertised dog derby at Santa Claus Lodge on Capt. Glenn
Highway. Fur Rendezvous to be held at Anchorage. Henry
Kaiser signed up for 18½¢ advance in steel wages at
his California plant. Eastern steel workers demand 25¢
per hour. General Eisenhower on air about delay of soldiers
out of Army draft.
January 20, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Had chicken dinner, southern style. Evening, worked
on 1945 invoice report. Head of France resigned, he had
put France on her feet after World War. All Jap airplane
factories dismantled. All men in Anchorage growing whiskers
for Fur Rendezvous in February. Homer farmers coming to the
front. No meats in states account of Big Four help on strike.
L. V. Rae, attorney, passed out at Seward, $100 owing K. T. Co.
cancelled?
January 21, 1946 Misty, light breeze,
24 above all day. Last hardware cases arrived. Mrs.
Butler doing Anchorage, left her kids here without supplies.
T-bone steak off market account of meat strike. President
Truman message to Congress not favorably received. Ten million
dollars for Alaska Highway. Light breeze.
January 22, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 36 above.
Eva, Stanley and Mrs. Isaac up from Anchorage for chicken dinner
account of wreck at tunnel. Mail train arrived at Wasilla
11:45 PM. Another buyer for K. T. Co. business from Anchorage.
Congress passed a portion of President Truman’s fact finding board.
January mild weather but as yet no thaw. Now a million on strike
in States, what 30% more wages? Lots of moose here to get away
from wolf packs.
January 23, 1946 Cloudy, 16 to 26 above,
4” new snow. Put up grub order for Joe Palmer’s trap
line at Caswell. Government taken over meat industry account
of strike. 215,000 railroad trainmen talking strike?
Unions have gone hog wild on strike. Betts brothers moved Lander’s
barn from Fishhook Inn to Cadwallader lot in Wasilla. Willie
Edlund back from Seattle. Bear hunt at Point Barrow tomorrow.
January 24, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 30 above. Only
booze came on freight today. Two airplanes, with polar
hunters from Anchorage arrived at Point Barrow. Russia up
before U.N. for troops on adjacent colonies? Demo of atomic
bomb in Pacific in May. Anchorage men all growing whiskers
for Rendezvous. Mrs. Peck and sister left for Caswell trap line.
Ordered Percy Crawford 1946 calendar.
January 25, 1946 Hazy, 30 above
all day. One plane back from polar bear hunt at Point
Barrow, other plane not reported as yet with 21 people.
Now, with radium, got signals from the moon and now making a plane
that will fly to the moon? Man and wife, from Seattle, visited,
wanted our price on store. Ford had to shut down for want of steel.
Earthquake in Switzerland.
January 26, 1946 A-1 sunny
day, 16 to 30 above. Ford labor signed up for 18¢
more per hour. 193,000 packing house back to work under
government. Steel workers holding out for 19½¢
more per hour. One and one half million now idle account
of strike. Quake shook Italy and a 2nd one in Switzerland.
January 27, 1946 Chilly, 18 to 30 above.
Posted three months in NCR ledger. Mrs. Ellexson out
from Knik on way to Isaac silver wedding at Anchorage. Woodley
arrived, from Seattle, in nine hours with new 21 passenger.
$100,000 airplane at 3 PM at Anchorage. Six hundred more brides
with 300 babies left London today for home in USA Steel strikers and
GMC out for 19½¢ raise. Meat strikers back on job
Monday.
January 28, 1946 Cool, 12 to 20 above.
Three tons delayed groceries arrived at noon, freight shed
all locked up, agent at Anchorage. All small industries
closed down account of steel strike, no materials. Peace
parley going slow, decided to build home for United Nations in USA.
Joe Palmer left for Caswell trap line. Big midnight moon.
Doctored up sore feet. Evening light snow.
January 29, 1946 Snowing at 20 above,
first heavy snow all over Alaska. Harry Sears 2nd trip
to Big Lake trap line, caught a $60 mink? Jensen and Fritzler
bought grub outfit. Election day account of dead legislators.
Isaac’s silver wedding at Anchorage, our gift was 25 silver dollars.
Busy cleaning snow off walks. Mrs. Thorpe under weather account
of cancer. Several wrecks at sea account of storms. Settlement
of China’s new government progressing. Quiet at Java.
January 30, 1946 Colder, zero to 20 above.
Finished checking, pricing and opening up three tons groceries.
Ninety seven old war ships, subs, etc., to be blasted by atomic
bomb in May. Congress disagrees with President Truman on
bill to regulate labor strike. Industry now paralyzed by strike.
Six inches new snow. Mail train arrived 12:30 midnight.
Still hanging war criminals.
January 31, 1946 Cloudy, 16 to 20 above.
January mild weather, only six inches snow on the 30th.
Indigents got their monthly checks. Mrs. Ellexson back from
Anchorage, Betts drove her to Knik in hot house car. Gus now
comes to store in four wheel push cart, operates like a baby walker?
Trappers now going out for beaver. Coffee shortage for next
sixty days, butter off 50%.
February 1, 1946 Cooler, 10 to 16 above.
No mail train south. Received wire from Oregon buyer
for K. T. Co., coming up if business not sold. OPA advancing
raw sugar ½¢ per pound. Russia advises a tunnel
under Bering Sea near Nome, Alaska. Standing U. S. Army to
be reduced to one million next year. Expect break in steel
strike soon. Ford had to close down account of no steel for cars.
February 2, 1946 Cloudy, zero to 10 above.
Ground Hog Day failed to see his shadow at Wasilla. Harry
Revelle bought $50 grub order for trail camp at mile 3.
Mail train south one day late. Ma had chicken dinner, southern
style. 1,700 mothers with 600 babies left London today for
USA home. Evening, colder. New shoemaker now at Palmer.
February 3, 1946 Windy, 10 to 20 above.
Stanley and family arrived for chicken dinner, back to Anchorage
2 PM. Posted three months in ledger, half done. First
dog races at Santa Claus Lodge on upper Capt. Glenn Highway today.
40,000 British troops to police Japan. Early cold winter with
Matanuska winds has about consumed our car of Healy coal.
February 4, 1946 Windy, 20
above. SS Yukon went on the rocks 30 miles from
Seward, had 400 people aboard, stern of the boat broke off, passengers
safe in bow of boat. Forty nine of one hundred women and kids
removed by small gas launches, other boats came to rescue before
darkness. No lives lost thus far. Bill Edlund left for
beaver trap line. Had to order another car of Healy coal.
February 5, 1946 Colder 10 to 20 above.
Stanley flew plane from Anchorage, landed on ice at Lake Lucille,
brought coffee for K. T. Co., first trip. China to get U.
S. small battle ships. Several boats in trouble off Columbia
River bar in Oregon account of high seas. Only half of passengers
removed from SS Yukon, wreck near Seward. Spot on sun
effects radio on 6th and 7th. Eight hundred Alaska boys killed
in War II.
February 6, 1946 Cold, 12 to 16 above.
Last of people on wrecked SS Yukon, 200 soldiers, 245 civilians
arrived at Anchorage 12:45 midnight, 484 accounted for with
only 22 missing. Airplanes saved many by dropping food
and sleeping bags. Minnesota got all the weatherman had today.
Dust storm in Kansas.
February 7, 1946 Cloudy, 10 to 18 above.
Hen meeting at town library. William Senske in Palmer
Hospital with stomach trouble. Several farmers going out
for beaver. Late report, only four civilians and eight others missing
on SS Yukon wreck. New York City froze up account of tug boat
strike. Congress red hot with labor strike bills.
February 8, 1946 Snow, 10 to 16 above.
Superintendent of Anchorage Standard Oil was lost on SS Yukon
wreck near Seward. New York City short on food and fuel
account of tub boat strike. OPA Bowles let out of job,
would not increase selling price to offset labor prices 16¢
more per hour offered meat laborers. Palmer Co-op heating
plant on bum, and no funds to replace, $40,000.
February 9, 1946 Second cold wave of
winter, +10 to -20. Got another nibble on sale of K. T. Co.
business, a Mr. J. A. Matocha arrived, by plane, from Oregon
today, wanted to buy stock with option on store buildings.
Plenty of buyers but no money. Kennedy and partner in off
trap line, too cold to trap beaver.
February 10, 1946 Cloudy, 10 to 20 above,
sprinkle of snow. Harry Sears in from Big Lake trap line
for grub, bought $50 order. Ma left on freight train for
Anchorage, waited at depot two hours. Posted on 1945 ledger, three
months to post. Queen Mary arrived New York with 2,000 English
brides that married American soldiers at war. Churchill visited
President Truman today. Second car of Healy coal arrived account
of store. Russia held election first since 1937.
February 11, 1946 Business froze up,
14 to 28 above. Now Pittsburgh tied up by electric strike,
will also freeze up. Bill Wagner of KFQD now recording Santa
Claus dog races Capt. Glenn Highway. Bill Edlund back from
trap line with bad cold and went to Palmer Hospital. Ma on
weekend at Anchorage with son and family.
February 12, 1946 Windy, 30 above all day.
No one as yet to unload car coal. No mail train, snowed
in at Seward. Most all business in U. S. tied up by strikes.
Labor demands $2 more per day or 30% more wages. U. N. having
trouble in locating home for world capitol in U. S. preferred.
Ma at Anchorage, held up mail train one day account of seeing another
picture show.
February 13, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 34 above.
Betts bros. drove to Anchorage for load stove oil. No
one has yet to unload car coal for K. T. Co. furnaces. Harold Eykes
quit his job as Secretary of State past 13 years. Steel strike
still holding up all industries. Tornado destroyed 25 houses
in Oklahoma today. Ma still holding up mail train at Anchorage
to see more shows?
February 14, 1946 Light wind 24 to 32 above.
Ma arrived home on freight train. No Seward mail train
as yet. Seven inches snow today at Anchorage, none in Wasilla?
Five towns in North Dakota snowed in for a week with only 10 days
fuel on hand. Reported U. S. dairies can’t stay in business
unless a 8¢ to 12¢ a pound advance on butter. Drunken
wreck of SS Yukon being investigated.
February 15, 1946 Snow, rain and wind at 34
above. Big quake on Pacific Coast hit Seattle hard. Part
of steel strike settled at 18½¢ per hour more wages
and advance $5 ton on steel. President Truman says we must
tighten our belt, eat more dark bread to save starving people in Europe
and Asia. Wilson boy unloading our car of Healy coal.
February 16, 1946 Cloudy, Chinook 34 to 38
above. Railroad blocked at both ends with snow slides,
also highway blocked near Knik River bridge. U. S. Republic
plans strike over with $5 ton added to steel and 18½¢
per hour to wages. Wilson boy and helper unloaded 24¼
ton car of Healy coal for K. T. Co. store heating plant. Willie
Edlund out of hospital and back to beaver trap line.
February 17, 1946 Cloudy, 36 above. Put
shear board in front cellar windows at new house to keep out
snow slides off roof. Delayed mail train went south. Posted
ledger, five months to post then income tax report. Railroad
and highway open again after slides and storms. Chinook weather,
soft underfoot.
February 18, 1946 A-1 sunny
day, 36 above. Olson’s son-in-law (on section) moved family into
Harrison cabin. With the aid of castor oil and Sal Hepatica,
made trip to the dump pile, six miles. Icy highway near Knik
river bridge. Greyhound bus drivers back to work. Nation
wide telephone strike making. More radar experiments with man
in moon. Between tunnels, on railroad, stormed out. Alaska
Railroad workers got a raise on wages to avoid a strike?
February 19, 1946 A-1 day,
26 to 36 above. Highway open but railroad closed.
Got prices out catalog to cover Portland invoice of hardware missing.
440,000 steel workers back on job. Railroad workers talking
strike. Several shot up in election held in Argentina.
Evening, colder. Bill Wagner’s trip to Santa Claus dog derby
on the air KFQD. Talk of U. S. going on brown bread to help starvation
in Europe.
February 20, 1946 A-1 day, 24 to 34 above.
Checking down Portland hardware. Made out order to National
Grocery Co. Railroad still blocked on Seward Division.
Russia still has troops in Manchuria and would like to control
Iran. Talk of putting U. S. on rations to help feed starving
people in Europe. Moose all around town in three to dozen
lots. Evening, gave sore feet dose of Epsom salts.
February 21, 1946 No sun, 30 above all
day. Self pricing Portland hardware. Got out orders
and mail south. Bill Wagner’s 2nd Santa Claus dog derby
on the air. Bill up by Congress for fifty million for school
lunches coming year. Eleven dairymen went on strike in Illinois.
Klein and son cutting ice for railroad on Lake Wasilla. Airplane
traffic up 250% from Seattle to Alaska.
February 22, 1946 26 to 30 above.
Finished posting 1945 ledger. Took castor oil, 2 caletabs,
dose Sal Hepatica to get a move on, it worked by 9 PM. Bill
Wagner reported 3rd Santa Claus dog race over KFQD, one more to
go. Several Homesteads taken at Paradise Lake. Oil shortage
at Anchorage account of railroad slide on Seward Division.
February 23, 1946 A-1 day, 28 to 40 above.
Sold $75 order to a GI. No through trains, as yet, from
Seward account of snow slides. Ship loads of foreign arriving
in USA with many babies. Planes bringing perishables
from Seward boats to Anchorage account of railroad out of commission.
February 24, 1946 Cooler, 12 to 30 above.
Stanley and family, with Paddy as mascot, arrived at noon, brought
coffee and candy bars, back to Anchorage. Tabulated expense
account for income tax report. Milk and traffic strike
on in eastern states. Hot election in Argentina with usual
shooting up of voters. Four moose crossed Lucille Lake.
Peace time war now on in U. S., it’s labor strikes? One trapper
for each beaver in sight. McClarity, Senske and Fred Edlund
drawn on jury account of Kodiak safe robbery.
February 25 1946 Colder, zero to 30 above.
Five million tons grub and seeds sent overseas for relief.
Carter and Coghlen gone out for beaver. Car with five went
into river at Palmer Bridge and three hospitalized, too
much booze. Alaska Railroad still snowbound. Dan Gray
in from Mabel Mine for supplies. Auto road open to Mabel
Forks.
February 26, 1946 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Auto roads all iced up. New York City traffic strike
settled. Longshoreman Pacific strike settled. Elaine
Campbell won Rendezvous Queen at Anchorage. Rendezvous opens
tomorrow, all kind of races. All nations got eye on Russia.
Ma left for Anchorage Rendezvous. Railroad still blocked.
California donating one million for ex-servicemen.
February 27, 1946 Cloudy, 38 to 42 all
day. Palmer orchestra at Hall last night, music and speeches.
Roads all ice, slow going. Railroad blocked to Whittier,
open to Seward. Butter and sugar on ration in states.
Ford now operating all plants. All houses now rented except Mabel cabin.
February 28, 1946 Cloudy, 30 above all
day. Electric pickets had a mix-up with police.
Longshoreman threaten to tie up traffic on Pacific Coast.
First delivery of freight for ten days due to slides. President
Truman recommended ten million dollars for Alaska roads, etc.
China wants control of Manchuria held by Russian Ma at Anchorage
Fur Rendezvous, sales and sports of all kind. Mrs. Slumberger
visiting her kids at Lucille Lake. Everybody out for beaver,
large one worth $60.
March 1, 1946 A-1 day, 30
to 40 above. Cadwallader and wife arrived home from trip to states.
Reds moving Jap machinery out of Manchuria. Alaska seal
now over one million. France closed border to Spain.
Alaska to be the 49th state? Housing and strikes now big
problem in states.
March 2, 1946 Cooler, 16 to 34 above.
Eggs and lard arrived PM freight as usual, coming on installment
plan? 175,000 steel workers offered 18½¢ more
wages per hour and holding off for 19½¢ per hour.
Butter, oils and fats now short in states. Chas J. Tecklenberg,
old timer, passed out in States, will be buried at Seward. Ma
home, PM freight, Rendezvous over at Anchorage. M. J. Spears won
beard contest at Anchorage Fur Rendezvous.
March 3, 1946 Cloudy, 32 above all day.
Airplanes packing fresh vegetables to Anchorage from Seattle.
Finished pricing Portland hardware. Started to fill in
1945 income tax report. M. J. Spears won the beard contest at Fur
Rendezvous at Anchorage. Ex-President Hoover visited on grub
conference to feed starving in Europe. Bombay India demand
self government. Strikers have lost over two million in wages.
March 4, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 38 above.
Received balance of eggs, butter and bacon on noon freight train.
Special train returned Fairbanks sports, from Anchorage fur
Rendezvous. Evening, worked on tax report 1945. J.
P. Morgan visited, was on way to his cache at Moose Creek Mine.
Strikes brewing. Railroad working after 15 days of snow slides.
Had Outside chicken dinner at 80¢ a pound. Wheat was
up 3¢ a bushel, short 16 million tons.
March 5, 1946 Cloudy, 28 above. Cleaned
ice off walks. Big Three nations dictating to Spain and
Argentina about form of government. China wants Reds to get
out of Manchuria. Allies want Reds to get out of Iran.
Reds want British to get out of Cairo and all want U. S. loan and
grub. Churchill and President Truman on the air 5 PM.
March 6, 1946 Colder, 4 to 28 above. ARC King
ran a line for new farm road from mile 3 Knik Road east to Fairview
District. President Truman on the air with meeting of all
churches, asking Christians to help save food for those starving
in Europe and Asia. Self stomach not working, nothing passing
from upper to lower bowels.
March 7, 1946 24 to 34 above. Self got
bowels to working, lost two meals during plug up. Butter
short, only one pound to a customer. All government land now
open to location , over two million new homes wanted. Telephone
strike averted, they now get six million more wages per year.
Six Australian war brides arrived with babies. Ice men
busy loading six hundred pound cakes off Lake Wasilla for Alaska Railroad.
Stanley flew his plane over to Ellexson’s trap line.
March 8, 1946 Cool, 10 to 28 above, wind
and light snow. Eva and Stanley arrived, brought candy
and tobacco, back to Anchorage. Kennedy in from beaver trap line,
too cold, beaver no come out. OPA raised sale of meats 10%.
One hundred television stations to be installed this year.
Russia ordered to remove troops out of Iran and Manchuria.
Anchorage short of electric juice, water power froze up.
March 9, 1946 Cold wave, 18 above to 20 below
zero. Russians bucking U. S. and Britain’s request to
move troops out of Iran and Manchuria where Reds have taken
all of Jap equipment. International Bank for UN being established.
Republicans and Democrats milling up to defeat operation of OPA.
Japan needs 2½ thousand pounds of rice. St. Lawrence
Ocean canal to Great Lakes up before Congress for consideration.
March 10, 1946 Cloudy, 14 to 24 above.
Betts brothers hauling surplus Army merchandise from Post to
Anchorage account of sale. Ice men rushing contract up March
15th. O’Hara dog train at Whitehorse dog races. Uncle Sam
now in debt 278 billion. Merchandise and grub growing short. Money
strikes stopped production.
March 11, 1946 Cool, 16 to 20 above.
Trains moving again but not many boats. Old Victoria
to come back on run, to replace SS Yukon lost. President
Truman wants to reduce wheat consumption 40%, fats 20% to help feed
the starving in Europe, if so, tighten up your belt. Sexton’s
sold their house to Mrs. Mazula at corner of First Avenue and Boundary
Street. Five hundred policeman guarded arrival of Churchill
at New York City, now on way home.
March 12, 1946 Cold, zero to 12 above.
Sexton brothers beaver trapping, going to Big Lake district
by Fordson. Hoover says short eight million tons to feed
starving in Europe and Asia. Russians 20 train loads moving
out of Manchuria today. Churchill placed wreath on FDR grave.
Storm blocked railroad in Rockies. North mail train 8 hours
late, full up with passengers.
March 13, 1946 Cold, 12 above to 14 below zero.
Received letter from Flo and Roe at Eyota, on old homestead.
Roe’s heart trouble better, now doing own work but Florence not
as good from overwork. GM strike settled. School bus froze
up. More trappers gone out for beaver, price to $40 to $80
each. Radio went haywire after 2 years electric service with
no repairs.
March 14, 1946 Cold, 10 to 14 above.
No news, radio set haywire. Sun now has got around to
NW end of Lake Lucille when it sets, spring soon here? Wrote
Stanley about dead radio, if no new tubes available at Anchorage,
buy a new electric radio set. More farmers left for beaver houses.
March 15, 1946 Colder, 10 above to 14
below, 21 below a depot. No radio, dead set. Stanley
landed on Lake Lucille at noon with his plane from Anchorage.
Harry Revelle and Fabyan in from Little Susitna River trap line
for more grub. Got calls for butter from Palmer and Anchorage.
School bus froze up so no school.
March 16, 1946 Cold, 12 above to 20 below
zero. The 20% added to wheat flour production cuts poultry
food short. Ex-President Hoover and a dozen food experts
sent to Europe to investigate starving. No radio,
no news.
March 17, 1946 Cold, 12 above to 22 below
zero. Self stomach on the rumbles, lower department plugged
up. Betts bros. busy delivering fuel oil. Ice man’s
contract up the 15th with several hundred tons short for railroad.
Jack Fabyan in from beaver trap line, all beaver houses froze up.
No radio, no news.
March 18, 1946 Cloudy, 10 to 20 above.
Four truck loads of groceries and oil arrived. Prospective
buyer for new house by railroad foreman. No radio, no
news.
March 19, 1946 Cloudy, 20 to 30 above,
4” new snow. Self had to lay down account of stomach
flu and failed to check and price up two tons merchandise received.
Stanley sent up tubes for radio but self to sick to install them.
Ma was busy in store.
March 20, 1946 Wasilla to Providence
Hospital account of stomach trouble. Left with Stanley’s
auto for checkup at Anchorage hospital, got room no. 314.
Dr. Wolkoskie had an x-ray of my stomach, was all plugged up between
upper and lower deck.
March 21, 1946 In Providence Hospital,
had more x-rays of stomach. Stanley and family visited
at 2 and 8 PM, visitors hours.
March 22, 1946 Self in Providence Hospital.
March 24, 1946 In Anchorage hospital.
Had no x-ray account of previous stomach trouble. Taking
iron pills and one shot in arm.
March 25, 1946 In Providence Hospital.
March 26, 1946 In Providence Hospital
for checkup.
March 27, 1946 Still in Providence Hospital.
Room cost $10 per day, doctor $5 and medicine $1. Eight
nurses and helpers on the job. Self takes own shower, bath
and shave every morning.
March 28, 1946 At Anchorage, $16 per
day.
March 29, 1946 Stomach treatment at hospital.
April 1, 1946 Cloudy, 6 to 36 above.
Eva and Stanley here for chicken dinner, was an old tough hen,
back to Anchorage 1 PM. Got 1½ rick dry spruce for
furnace. All coal miners out on weeks vacation. Below
zero Inside. Ninety foot tidal wave at Aleutians, light house
destroyed.
April 2, 1946 Back from Anchorage hospital.
Marie Martha 14 years old. Stanley drove me home from Anchorage
to Wasilla. Piggly Wiggly man came with us to look over
sale of K. T. Co. store. Thirteen days in hospital cost
$231.50, besides Dr. fee of $75 = $306.50. Ma busy in store
PM.
April 3, 1946 Cloudy and cool. Self not
so hot, had to lay down most of day. Mail train north one
day late. Railroad was blocked a week with snow slides on
Seward end.
April 4, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 38 above.
Self better today, caught up mail and paid all invoices.
Three Army scouts with dog team arrived from trip down Yukon to
Kuskokwim and Rainy Pass District. Home show at Hall to raise
funds for library.
April 5, 1946 A-1 day, 34
to 44 above. No registered mail train south. Boats
all tied up by strikes, none out of Seattle until April 12th.
Salmon fisherman to strike for more wages before salmon run.
Got grocery order. Harry Revelle in for more grub on trap line.
April 6, 1946 A-1 day, 22
to 58 above. Stanley and family arrived from Anchorage and stayed
overnight. Ski train to Curry stopped here half hour at
Cadwallader’s Cocktail Bar. Self can hardly move around account
of legs being numb. President Truman on air from Chicago.
Joe Brassel in from winter trap line at mile 8.
April 7, 1946 Cloudy, 15 to 35 above.
Kids returned to Anchorage home after lunch. Auto roads
getting sloppy. Talk of cutting 30% off sugar ration.
Fisherman making ready for salmon run at Bristol Bay District.
T. W. Hawkins passed out, 78.
April 8, 1946 A-1 day, 18
to 38 above. Reported deal on for Cadwallader’s Roadhouse.
April 9, 1946 Cloudy, 26 to 36 above.
Klein finished 1,500 ton ice contract for Wasilla Lake for Alaska
Railroad. Wasilla school kids vaccinated account of small
pox in Seattle, brought from China? Cadwallader’s Cocktail
bar open evenings. Received bid of $23,000 for store business
and buildings from Willamina, Oregon.
April 10, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 44
above. Stomach not working well today. Mrs. Dodson
back from Seattle and Al Dodson in from Fern Mine. Lewis
pulled off coal strike and says there will be no settlement soon.
A sixty day cooling off for labor unions. Another local
buyer wants to buy business.
April 11, 1946 Cloudy, 32 to 42 above.
Self had to hit the hay most all AM, feeling better evening.
Governor of Alaska on the air over KFQD about the special Alaska
session at Juneau, Alaska to have sales tax to pay soldiers and
school teachers extra money. Carter and Coghlen in from beaver
hunt.
April 12, 1946 A-1 day, 38 to 48 above.
FDR dead one year. Dedication of 33 acres of Hyde Park
as National Shrine to U. S. Government from FDR estate and all
FDR personal effects. Nylon hose strike in San Francisco,
seventy police to quiet 15,000 women shoppers for hose. Heinie
Snider fixing up house on Lucille ranch to live in.
April 13, 1946 A-1 day, 48 above. Mrs.
Ellexson out from Knik to trade. Matanuska bus broke spring
on rough road near Palmer. Kids, 18 to 20 not to be drafted
in future Army. Ray Bergman bought Gus house on Knik Street.
April 14, 1946 Cloudy, 34 to 44 above.
Self in bed most all day account of stomach trouble for past
three weeks. China Communist and Royal Armies in Manchuria
fighting again. Reds to move out of Iran by May 6th.
April 15, 1946 Temperature 60 above in sun
all day. Norman Lang of Mt. View Storage, at Anchorage,
visited, looking for baby rabbits. Bottom went out of auto
roads today, snow all gone on roads and Wasilla streets.
Self better today.
April 16, 1946 Cloudy, 42 above all day.
Eugene Coghlan went to work in Wasilla railroad section.
All Alaska boats tied up by strikes. Airplanes packing
two tons of perishables to Anchorage daily. Nelson bought
a tract of ground north of Town Hall for shop. Now collecting
Alaska sales tax 1%. Joe Brassel drew his pension deposit here,
three months, $135.
April 17, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 42 above.
Stanley and Eva arrived 10 AM, back to Anchorage over highway
2 PM, Mrs. Slumberger auto guest. Joe Brassel went to
Anchorage with his beaver catch. Snow and ice all gone
on roads.
April 18, 1946 Cloudy, 40 above all day.
One third of Army supplies in stock to be confiscated, no value.
“Victoria” arrived at Seward, unloading perishables and mail
only account of strike. Floyd Smith visited, like self,
stomach trouble. Bill Edlund and partner went to Anchorage
with beaver skins.
April 19, 1946 32 to 38 above all day, snow
flurries. Big school bus stalled in mud. Self both
stomach and feet in bad shape. Flour rationed at 75% of
past sales. Now one hundred million tons of wheat going to
Europe, monthly, to feed the starving. Al Harter, 10 years on
Inside, visited. Anchorage waiters on strike, want $8 per day.
April 20, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Snow at Seward and Kodiak today. Self stomach bad all
day. Bill Edlund got average of $51 for beaver. Longshoreman
strike settled. Boats are loading freight for Alaska.
“Victoria” unloading at Seward. Baseball on again.
April 21, 1946 Cloudy, 32 to 42 above.
Got stomach working again. Anchorage electric workers to strike
tomorrow. Clifford Shellenberger shot himself at Denver,
had burglars tools and loot, father lives at Skwentna. No
freight for Alaska, strike on again. First Easter since beginning
of war.
April 22, 1946 A-1 day, 34 to 54 above.
Section men burned grass around depot and warehouses on track
President Hoover and grub party now in India on food shortage.
Two more babies due soon in Wasilla.
April 23, 1946 Cool, 34 to 44 above.
Mail train, north, four hours late, brought 2nd class mail off
SS Victoria. School kids, at Anchorage, went on strike
to oust the superintendent who fired three teachers, favorites
of kids. Telephone service dead at Anchorage. Paid K
of P dues, 1 year to April 1947. Half of restaurants closed
at Anchorage, waiters want more pay, $8 a day.
April 24, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above in sun.
Farmers in for mail and to trade. Ryan and lawyer visited,
from Palmer Cold Storage Co., and wanted to buy K. T. Co.’s business
at cost for stock and credit for buildings. Phone strike
over in Anchorage. Snider landed on Lucille ranch with bunch
of small chickens. Self better today, had regular movement.
April 25, 1946 26 to 46 above.
Roads mushy account of frost coming out. Picket lines
withdrawn on Seattle docks. Anchorage got 10 car loads
groceries off SS Victoria at Seward. Fisherman want 30%
raise?
April 26, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 48 above.
Mail went Outside, eggs and drugs arrived off of SS Victoria.
Now sold out on apples and oranges. Now coal strike holding
up steel industries and manufacturing autos.
April 27, 1946 A-1 day, 38
to 58 above. M. D. Snodgrass, old timer, visited, now retired
at 70 but still in politics, a Republican. President Truman
on week cruise in southern waters on Atlantic. Chief Justice
Stone buried in D. C. Out of soaps and fresh fruit account of strikes
and no boats.
April 28, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 48 above.
Took winter balcony fly down. Stanley, Buddy and Isaac
arrived, Eva and Marie had sore throats so stayed home at Anchorage.
Piggly Wiggly manager and butcher visited, would like to buy us
out but no money. Streets dusty today.
April 29, 1946 Cloudy, 32 to 50 above.
Horton Hotel man at Palmer, visited. Big improvements
at Palmer, hotel, concrete plant, etc. Al Dodson in from
Fern Mine. Auto road open to Mabel Mine. Big Four meeting
in Paris. Heinie Snider on the air, primary election.
Chinks at war over control of Manchuria.
April 30, 1946 Election day, Republicans
going strong at all poling stations. Japan and Germany
to be policed for 25 years.
May 1, 1946 A-1 day, 40 to
60 above. First mosquitoes on deck today. Wasilla
went Republican in primary election yesterday. U. S. and
Argentina furnishing most of wheat for starving Europeans. Pension
checks arrived, rush on orders, AM
May 2, 1946 A-1 day, 30 to 60 above.
Frank Smith through in high school, school graduating exercises
at Town Hall, only two. Railroad will have to close down
if coal strike lasts 10 more days.
May 3, 1946 A-1 day, 38 to
58 above. Had to take enema to move bowels. Still
scrapping over OPA and price controls that help to make black
market? Big riot in San Francisco prison. Prisoners
held up officers with a machine gun? Industries and railroad
tied up big coal strike and railroad strike next.
May 4, 1946 Rain, 30 to 40 above, new
snow on mountains Cars from north covered with snow.
Sorenson’s fixing up ranch at paradise Lake, mile 4. Bud
Browne and family up from Anchorage for weekend at Cadwallader’s.
Self better.
May 5, 1946 Cloudy, 32 to 38 above.
Stanley and family arrived at noon brought usual tobacco and
candy for store sales, back at 3 PM via mile 10 Forks to Palmer
account of mush holes on Wasilla-Palmer Road. Boats loading
freight in Seattle, for Alaska. Stores out of many merchandise
account of boat strike. Ice went out at Nenana 4:40 PM, each
won ¼ pool.
May 6, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 40 above.
Soldiers grading Cat road from Wasilla Avenue to old Tweeden
ranch on Lake Wasilla. Floyd Smith home from Anchorage
with stomach trouble. Congress advocated to jail John L.
Lewis to avoid any more strikes. Industries to close down for
want of coal. Stanley won 1/11th of Anchorage guess on Nenana
Ice Pool, 5/5/1946, were on the minute, $108,000 ice pool.
May 7, 1946 A-1 day, 38 to
58 above. Still too damp for farmers to plant crops.
Fairbanks farmers have planted spuds. Several hot houses operating.
Received invoices, groceries, candy and hardware. Boats
loaded 4/29 to 5/1 for Alaska. A month of delayed freight on way
to Alaska. Burned grass on new house lawn and street.
May 8, 1946 A-1 day, 40 to 68 above.
Self pricing merchandise in route with gut ache. Evening,
got relief. Gerrit Snider remodeling his house on Lucille
Lake ranch. Coal strike raising heck with other industries
for want of fuel. UN still dictating to Russia.
May 9, 1946 A-1 day, 58 to 66 above.
Railroad brush burner passed through. Electric strike
visited off and railroad strike delayed for 30 days. Ford
closed down for want of coal. GMC closed down for want of
fuel in 10 days. Wasilla School closed today for summer vacation,
+88 in sun. Ex-President Hoover and grub party landed at San
Francisco.
May 10, 1946 A-1 day, 50
to 68 above. Self lone storekeeper, had small trade all
day. Harry Revelle in for monthly grub, living on Frydenland
farm. Received invoice for fruits and Armour goods.
Coal miners back to work for two weeks only. Ma, railroad
to Anchorage for weekend and Mothers Day. Bergman’s moved into
Gus house on Knik St.
May 11, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 40 to 46 above.
Light trade in store all day, hard on sore feet. Johnson’s
and New York teacher left for Fairbanks by auto over Capt. Glenn
Highway. Evening, cleaned and painted kitchen floor.
School kids got report cards. Ma at Anchorage, also Mrs. Cadwallader.
Only two graduates from Wasilla High School, Frank Smith and _________.
May 12, 1946 Hazy, windy, 40 to 50 above.
Colored lady selected as U. S. Mother. Fisherman up from
Anchorage for Wasilla Lake trout. PM turned on kitchen and
bath water in new house and swept floors. Evening, washed
my clothes.
May 13, 1946 Misty, 40 to 44 above.
Ma home on freight train. Received five Shorty truck loads
of freight released by the longshoreman strike for month duration.
Railroad and longshoreman preparing for future strikes.
Only two weeks wheat for flour on hand after feeding Europe.
Truman wants Hoover to go to South America to round up grub for
starving Europe.
May 14, 1946 Cool, 40 to 44 above.
Self busy checking and pricing up new merchandise, candy, fruit
and hardware in route. Sharon doing carpenter work on Heinie
Snider’s ranch. Sexton’s moving back to Jenkins lake ranch.
Spring 10 days late for planting. Capt. Glenn Highway open
to Fairbanks.
May 15, 1946 Cloudy, windy, 50 above.
Finished checking and pricing new merchandise. Independence
Mine want 75 miners to start milling ore but no labor to
be had at OPA wages. O’Hara buses now to Valdez and Whitehorse.
Trouble in Greece, no stable government? Red Jack Bartell,
old Cook Inlet boat captain, passed out at 86 years old. Evening,
paid for merchandise recovered over $1,000 and more merchandise due.
May 16, 1946 Cloudy, 42 above all day.
Stanley and family arrived 10 AM, back to Anchorage 2 PM.
Gus left for Outside account of leg treatment. Mrs. Stetson
back from Eska Coal Mines where husband is cook. First sign
of green grass.
May 17, 1946 Cool weather,
no sun, 40 to 48 above. Late spring, everybody wearing
topcoats account of cold wind and cloudy. President Truman
seized all the railroad account of strike tomorrow. Old John L.
Lewis has put industries out with strikes for 30% more wages.
Ice went out of Lake Lucille.
Midnight and Army plane over Wasilla.
May 18, 1946 Cool, 38 to 50 above.
Priced up new candy and fruit. Railroad strike averted
until 23rd by President Truman. Senske around again after
ailing all winter on ranch mile 3. Ma got bad left earache
and extended through nose to throat. Leonard Grau and family
up from Anchorage to inspect their Cottonwood Creek ranch.
Self hard to get around account of sore feet.
May 19, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 40 to 54 above.
Cool, no sun, no growing weather yet. Ma stayed in bed
account of earache and throat trouble, had Shorty take Ma to
Palmer Hospital, Dr. lives 6 miles out, no service today.
Chas Isaac here to see Dodson.
May 20, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above,
still topcoat weather. Soldiers here fishing for trout.
Government had to take over railroad and coal mines account of
strikes. Another plane crashed into New York skyscraper.
About all steel works closed down. Ma in Palmer Hospital with
throat trouble. Eva and Stanley arrive to see Ma. Evening,
gave sore feet hour treatment.
May 21, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 54 above.
Trout fisherman here from Anchorage. Government now operating
railroad and coal mines account of strikes. Big Four meeting
in Paris to settle boundary lines not a big success, Russia
aggressive. Ma in Palmer Hospital. Still store feet.
May 22, 1946 Cold, 50 to 56 above.
More new snow at Willow Creek Mines. Reported about thirty
million Chinks starving, civil war raging in Manchuria.
Stomach plugged up again, had to lay down between waiting on customers.
Mrs. Harvey visited on Ma in hospital, hope to be OK soon.
May 23, 1946 Cloudy, 50 above all day.
Nothing growing account of cloudy days and down to 32 at midnight.
Railroad strike on, most all lines tied up and now under U.
S. management with only 10 days supplies on hand. Ma sent
letter by drunken Annie and she lost letter. Phone call Ma
would be home in two days more. Only one meal today.
Ma had lots of callers at hospital today.
May 24, 1946 A-1 day, 50
to 70 above. Palmer Hospital burned down last night, all
patients and equipment (including Ma) were saved and moved to Army
Hospital at Army Post. Stanley took Ma to Anchorage at noon.
May 25, 1946 Cloudy, cool, 48 to 54 above.
Self busy in store with gut ache and sore feet. President
went before Congress about railroad strike and a drastic law
put the strikers on the run and back to work. This tie-up
cost four hundred million dollars. Congress to put curb on
all future strikes. Ma at Anchorage with Stanley, family recuperating
from throat trouble. Strike ring broken by Congress, go in
Army or jail.
May 26, 1946 Cloudy, A-1 day, 54 above,
80% railroad back to normal but coal strikers many out account
of no contract. Railroad employees to get 18½¢
more per hour. Anchorage Priest visited. Birch and
cottonwood trees now all dressed up for summer, 10 days late.
Ma at Anchorage. Did my wash.
May 27, 1946 Cloudy, showers, 54 above.
Soft coal strikers 15 day truce ended, no contract, no work.
Molotov raked over U. S. and Britain, said they were ganging u
p on Russia. Month delayed strike freight arrived PM
All industries tied up now by coal strike.
May 28, 1946 Showers, 54
above all day. Received one truck load hardware and meats.
Received sale deed of Griffith, Indiana lots to sign up for $175
cash. J. P. Morgan visited, was on way to Cache Creek.
Road now open to Fern Mine. Many elections in Europe going
Socialist. Ma arrived home from Anchorage after nine
day medical care account of ear and tonsil trouble. Stomach
no good, only one meal today.
May 29, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Packed one order for Houston. Paddy arrived from Anchorage
for summer at Wasilla. Labor strikes about settled with
longshoreman strike scheduled June 15, all want 30% more for 18½¢
per hour. Ma back on job but not well account of throat trouble.
May 30, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
First Memorial Day since beginning of war. Soldiers graves
were decorated throughout the world. Ex-President Hoover
on way to South America to report to U. S. on food situation.
Starvation now worse than war?
May 31, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 64 above. Snow still
down to brush line on mountains Eva and kids to California
by air. UN having a heck of a time over Russia, Argentina and
Spain. Hard coal miners now on strike. Hard to get around
with sore feet. Ma nursing sore neck and throat trouble.
June 1, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above. Black
market on meats in states. We are now on 80% white flour
bread. President lining up Navy and Coast Guard account
of longshoreman strike June 15th. Mrs. Kazula fixing up house
on First Avenue and Boundary Street.
June 2, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Lots of joy riders out today. Shoveled ashes and re-painted
fence posts at new house. Congress beginning to crack down
on labor strikes that are tying up industries. O. O. Krogh,
old time Matanuska storekeeper, passed out in California, was 80, wife
died years ago.
June 3, 1946 Hot day, 80 above. Neil
Brown and dentist Adams up from Anchorage account of trout
fishing. President of Russia passed out. Carter Glass,
old time senator passed out. Hard coal miners now on strike.
Snow still down to brush line on Bald Mt., two weeks late. President
Truman busy with strike laws.
June 4, 1946 Hot, 74 above. Eva
and kids arrived in California today to visit Eva’s mother’s
relations. No radio account of static. Now two pounds butter
limit to customer, weekly, and ½ slab of bacon, no
Tom’s. Sold Griffith, Indiana lots for $175 to Griffith town
clerk.
June 5, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 60 above.
Big hotel fire in Chicago, 50 dead and 200 in hospital.
Congress voting on OPA extension for 1946. Fresh vegetables
being flown in to Anchorage from Seattle; local radishes.
Twelve cases cookies arrived today, also eggs.
June 6, 1946 Summer day, 50 to 70 above.
Self nursing gut ache all day. Cadwallader remodeling
Fishhook Inn shacks on Wasilla Avenue. Betts siding up his
new house opposite depot. Professor Pendleton making repairs
on high school and gym. Russia all the talk, not in tune with
Big Four.
June 7, 1946 Summer day, morning 72, noon 80,
evening 60 above. Preacher bought three acres of Cannon homestead
and building house there. Hard coal strike settled.
OPA to raise eggs 1¢ a dozen, butter 11¢ a pound.
Alaska Shipping Board to continue to July 1947. Judge Brown,
once at Valdez, passed out at Oakland, California, age 82. Fresh
king salmon soon, halibut on market.
June 8, 1946 A-1 day, 50
to 70 above. America short in feeding over three million
on breadlines in Europe and Asia. China gone on 15 day truce
to settle local political trouble. Coast to coast marine
strike on June 15th, next big headache?
June 9, 1946 Rain all day, 50 above.
Sold out on screen doors. Stock destroyed $600 worth of
Harry Sears vegetable crop last night. Another hotel
fire at Dubuque, Iowa, a dozen missing, many burned. Anchorage
took on new city manager at $12,000 per year. Fifteen degrees
warmer in Yukon District than on coast.
June 10, 1946 Cooler, 50 above all day.
Hoover shipped thirty million tons corn syrup for Europe relief
of starving children. McKinley Park new hotel now ready
for tourists, was closed during war. Eva and kids now at
Eureka, California on summer vacation.
June 11, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above. Dan Gray
in for $75 outfit to replace theft cleanup at mile 14 cabin.
Received blanks from land office account of filing land ownership
of Alaska property. Local radishes on market at two bunches
for 25¢. Ma received letter from Marie Martha now at
Eureka, California, complained about hot weather. Kennedy bought
Chris Fleckenstein’s homestead on Cottonwood Creek.
June 12, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Kennedy took Dan Gray and outfit to his cabin at mile 14 Willow
Creek Road. Stanley visited at noon, no candy or gum in
Anchorage. Company to rebuild Palmer Hospital with 25 beds
to cost $125,000. Carl Johnson visited. Mosquitoes bad.
June 13, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Priced up merchandise now in route. Brill car now added to passenger
service. Toughluck Jr. here on drunk. Pope in bad
by advising voters in recent Europe elections. Wheat crops
being harvested in southern states will relieve bread shortage in
Europe.
June 14, 1946 Cool, 44 to 54 above. Maritime
strike off 1¢ per hour. All ears open to atomic
bomb test on July 1st in Pacific. Big Four in session
again in Paris to settle treaties with smaller nations. Cox
down from Montana to trade. OPA getting a dubbing by Congress,
D. C.
June 15, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Trouble in Supreme Court account of appointing new justice.
ARC opening Fishhook Pass account of new fishing lodge at Willow
Creek. New vitamin E for weak heart and blood clots in veins
and hemorrhages, helps failing heart. First special excursion
to McKinley Park.
June 16, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
All quiet on labor front with talk of more strikes next September?
Food rationing for Europe being filled with new wheat crop in
USA. Big Four peace treaty in session in Paris. Eva
and kids now with mother at Eureka, California on summer vacation.
June 17, 1946 Cloudy, 46 to 60 above.
Big storm from Canada down to Great Lakes near Detroit.
Fred Nelson made round trip to Anchorage. Stanley’s help sick
at bar, can’t come up for few days. Betts bros. hauling oil
in drums to Independence Mine.
June 18, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 64 above.
Self stomach on the bum all day. Tornado at Windsor, Ontario,
Canada, just missed Washington D. C. and hit Baltimore.
Indian going to try out British new treaty. Letters from
Eva and Marie at Eureka, California, now living on cherries, strawberries
and watermelons. Cadwallader took over Gus railroad warehouse.
Fishhook Pass now open.
June 19, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 70 above.
Joe Louis still champion, knocked out Billy Conn in eighth round
tonight at Madison Square Garden, New York. New paper, Matanuska
Valley Post.
June 20, 1946 A-1 day, 60
to 80 in the sun, longest day. Snow still visible on Bald
Mt., one month late. Stanley up from Anchorage 11 AM, returned
1 PM Got July 4th haircut. Post Office remodeled with
new boxes.
June 21, 1946 World War II GI Veterans
holding session in Anchorage to establish Alaska branch.
All freight delayed one month account of late strikes.
Now out of bacon, fruits and many groceries. Now air freight
to Alaska account of strikes.
June 22, 1946 Cool, 44 to 54 above. Thorpe
on usual drunk before going to Grubstake Mine. 4-H clubs
making ready for week picnic at Kings Lake. Snider erecting
all kinds of buildings on his Lucille Lake ranch out of war fund
wages saved.
June 23, 1946 Cloudy, 47 to 60 above.
Self nursing stomach ache all day. Thorpe’s left for Grubstake
Mine. Thirty second quake at Seattle and Vancouver, cracked
cement walls but no other damage, extended to Oregon. A
dummy atomic aerial bomb dropped at Marshal Island practice today.
Big ships at Anchorage for July 1st demonstration. Arab.
demand independence from British by next September.
June 24, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Russia objecting to Big Four plan for treaties account of small
nations in Europe, especially Italy. Another tornado storm
in Canada. May 20th fruit order arrived, all rotten.
Self stomach bad all day.
June 25, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Self had stomach ache all day. Clyde Berkett and family
visited, are on vacation from Fairbanks, came over new Capt. Glenn
Highway. Anchorage Chamber of Commerce in New York City
and visited on President Truman, Governor of Alaska is pilot for
this aerial bunch. Received check for sale of Griffith, Indiana
lots.
June 26, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Self still nursing gut ache. Stanley arrived with candy
and tobacco, Flo Isaac was mascot, back to Anchorage 1:15.
Burkett family visiting at Willow Creek Mines. Maritime strike
not fully settled on working hours. Got three truck loads freight,
half of lot due.
June 27, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 72 above.
Orah Dee Clark, 1917 teacher at Wasilla, visited, now with OPA
at Nome. Burkett’s and Mrs. Cadwallader drove to Anchorage.
New law, Privates don’t have to salute officers when off duty.
Joe Brassel left for mine on Craigie. Got new stomach laxative
visited Imbicoll with cascara, prescribed by Mayo Clinic. McFadden’s
got another baby boy.
June 28, 1946 Hot day, 64 to 74 above.
Self had to lay down most of day account of stomach pains.
Ellen Smith went to Anchorage to see Floyd now in hospital with
pulmonary trouble. Good will plane, with 20 Anchorage Chamber
of Commerce, back from States, brought new city manager with them.
Big celebration at Merrill Field for return trip of Anchorage Chamber
of Commerce over KFQD. Eva and kids on a fifteen pound watermelon,
cost 88¢.
Jun 29, 1946 Self no good on job account of
stomach trouble. Congress put the skids under OPA extension
to 1947 then Truman vetoed the bill to save votes? Farmers
dumped 10,000 gallons of milk account of price. Look out
for atomic bomb 11 AM down in Pacific, Sunday. President Truman
on the air account of OPA.
June 30, 1946 Hot, 60 to 76 above.
Atomic bombs in Pacific, will report damage by same Monday.
Big train excursion of 12 cars here all day from Anchorage.
Railroad picnic this year at Girdwood. Clyde Burkett and
family left for home at Fairbanks over Capt. Glenn Highway.
New coffee and ice cream parlor opened corner of Main Street and
First Avenue.
July 1, 1946 Hot, 84 above. Beer
and ice cream in order today. Atomic bomb demonstration
at Marshal Bay in Pacific only sunk five old war boats but set
many on fire. Movie strike in Hollywood. Reported
Cadwallader’s sold out hotel and bar. OPA knocked out.
Kennedy sold house in Wasilla, bought ranch property.
July 2, 1946 Cloudy, evening rain, 44
to 64 above. Stanley up from Anchorage most of day, all
alone, no candy. Chiselers living off tax payers received
their monthly check. E. L. Peck now working at Anchorage,
lost out on school repairs vs. professor. Answered P. H. Hart
letter from Eagle, Alaska, he wants barrel of butter.
July 3, 1946 Cloudy 50 to 60 above.
Ma left for Anchorage on train. Cadwallader had Cat smooth
up his lots on Wasilla Avenue. Siwashes down from up railroad
line for usual drunk. Late PM, three tons delayed groceries
arrived. Palmer will celebrate tomorrow at Trent’s Lake Wasilla
Resort.
July 4, 1946 A-1 day, 54 to 64 above,
cloudy, no rain. Ma with Stanley at Anchorage. Eva
and kids with mother in California. All the people in the
valley celebrated July 4th at Trent’s Resort on Lake Wasilla.
Only 13 deaths in States, they figured on 1,300 on the fourth.
Anchorage had a thirty minute parade.
July 5, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above.
Got four truck loads of groceries and hardware. Ma arrived
home by train at noon. Busy pricing and checking groceries,
two tons more arrived. Evening, pricing up Reliance invoices.
Stomach better but no movement today. Letter from Marie, no
4th in Eureka, California, just ate watermelon.
July 6, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 70 above.
J. P. Morgan passed out at his mine in Cache Creek District,
with heart trouble. Morgan was past store keeper and dredge
operator. Peck back from longshoreman work at Anchorage.
Mrs. Wilson in from Independence Mine to see her garden.
July 7, 1946 A-1 day, 60 to 70 above.
Pricing up 2nd lot of groceries and candies. Not many cars up
this way today. Report that July 4th toll took about 400,
very low rate, usually over one thousand. China wants U. S.
advisors to get out. Excursion train to Curry Hotel to see
Mt. McKinley? Ma’s knee bad today and my stomach better.
July 8, 1946 Hot, 74 above.
Still pricing new merchandise and candy for a while, over 400
pounds, but no raisins, cheese, jams, tomatoes and coconuts and
fish. No cooking utensils on market. Received dozen
brooms, clocks and watches. Congress busy trying to reinstate
OPA prices. Beef up to 22¢ a pound on foot.
July 9, 1946 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Pacific Fruit Anchorage agent here for orders. Dan
Gray in for grub. Ray Bergman trying for Army loan to buy
out Cadwallader’s bar and roadhouse, etc. Big question in
Wasilla, where to dump? Harvest on in States, now a plenty
of bread for starving countries.
July 10, 1946 Cloudy, 60 to 68 above.
Self nursing stomach all day, now trying Dr. Pierce’s stomach
medicine. Stanley up from Anchorage, Paddy went back with
him. Palmer carpenters looking for nails by the keg. Nails
are short in States. All sheet steel 25% short, also lumber.
July 11, 1946 Hot, 80 above all day.
Lathrop in from Cottonwood to trade. Big Four in Paris
not doing much in adjusting small powers peace treaties.
Meats and butter going sky high over old OPA prices. Car
of lumber arrived for mines. Local strawberries $14 crate or
60¢ a pint box.
July 12, 1946 Temperature 70 to 86 above.
Everybody thawed out these days and looking for the lake or
shade. The Big Four Treaty Council in Paris through until
September. One boat left Seattle with grub two others tied up
at Ketchikan and Juneau account of wages.
July 13, 1946 Cooler, 60 to 70 above.
Farmers making ready for red salmon run at Knik. Congress
working o new OPA price list.
July 14, 1946 A-1 day, 58 to 68 above.
Stanley here at noon from Anchorage, going on vacation to Eureka,
California to come back home with family. Anchorage beat
Fairbanks ball team two out of three games played at Anchorage.
Congress passed the 3½ billion dollar loan to Great Britain.
July 15, 1946 Warm, 54 to 74 above.
Peck and Kennedy re-digging old well on Wilmoth store lot for
Cadwallader. Cadwallader took McDougal to Goose Bay.
Evening, three truck loads of kids went to Knik to meet red salmon
run now on up Fish Creek. Had first mess strawberries at 50¢
a pint and cream at 35¢ a pint, two dishes cost 85¢.
More longshoreman strikes account of back wages not paid.
July 16, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 68 above.
No more freight coming to rail belt until longshoreman paid
back wages account of recent strikes. World court still convicting
and executing World War II criminals, mostly Germans. Fairbanks
and Anchorage man visited, wanted to buy out K. T. Co. business.
Mrs. Gill and kids visited from Anchorage.
July 17, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Self nursing gut ache most of day. Shorty is having his
teeth out by Palmer dentist. Orders coming in for fish barrels
and salt. Red salmon running up creeks off Knik Arm.
Local strawberries 35¢ box. Pecks bought their winter
flour sugar and milk.
July 18, 1946 A-1 Day, 54 to 74 above.
Stomach some better, self trying ice cream diet with strawberries
for stomach pains. Sold fifty berry crates. Senske’s
got quite a few strawberries. Betts bros. graded lot by
railroad Knik crossing for an oil station. Bunch of Yugoslav’s
executed for being traitors to their country.
July 19, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Stanley on vacation now with family at Eureka, California.
Woman found murdered in a truck in suburbs of Anchorage. Whiskers
re-painting Wilmoth house. Kenneth Lohnes bought two lots
off Tryck for $300.
July 20, 1946 Cloudy 48 to 60 above.
Wasilla offered Palmer our Town Hall for temporary hospital
account of fire. Government cutting out union labor on government
jobs account of strikes. Prices dropped on black meat market.
OPA if revived to keep hands off on meats and dairy products.
July 21, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Cars going to Knik Beach to meet red salmon run. Downing
sold all his old spuds to Army Post at Anchorage. Tottenham,
Eyota, Minnesota neighbor visited, now private barber in Anchorage.
British having trouble to control Palestine. Salmon running
into Lake Wasilla. Mosquitoes still bad.
July 22, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Same old gut ache all day. Talk of cutting off China’s
oil supply to stop civil war. GI’s finding a lot of German
stolen art, property, etc. Salmon week at Wasilla Lakes.
Eva’s mother back in Eureka, California hospital, all her kids
now at Eureka on vacation.
July 23, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above all day.
Letter from Stanley and family in Eureka, California, making
ready to come home. New prices, butter up 30¢ a pound,
bacon up 13¢ a pound, lard cut off. Canned meats up
account of OPA control of prices off. Salmon and berries plentiful.
July 24, 1946 A-1 day, 50 to 70 above.
Nursing stomach most of AM. Deep water bomb sank more
guinea pig vessels, threw water spray 2,000 feet in diameter
and two miles high. One old battle was sunk, will be several
days before detail of damage. Moving picture at Town Hall.
Ma said like the seats, not much good. Deep water atomic bomb
dropped in Pacific.
July 25, 1946 Cloudy 48 to 60 above.
Everybody after their winter salmon. Norman Lang and
wife of Mt. View store and town lots, visited, wanted to buy
8 and 16 penny nails by the keg. Now building construction
held up for want of nails. Palmer voted to set up Army
Post dog houses for hospital.
July 26, 1946 Mrs. Isaac home for berries and
salmon. Alaska boats held up in Seattle by strike.
This time they demand a special brand of toilet paper?
Wasilla head lettuce 25¢, at Anchorage 60¢. Same
old bubbles in stomach. Betts bros. lost Independence.
July 27, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 70 above.
Sharon still building for Heinie Snider on his ranch. Reported
only half catch of salmon at Bristol Bay. Grub short in
Alaska account of boat strike again. Cadwallader’s left
on summer auto vacation in the Yukon and Copper River District.
Self on the hay all PM
July 28, 1946 Rain, 50 to 60 above. Rufe
Stephan and family, on Pittman, down to trade. Big Four
peace treaty gone in 4th session in Paris. Report that
oils and fats will be short next year on market. A bill up, to
put OPA back by August 20, on price control and payroll?
July 29, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
farmers trying to peddle vegetables but everyone has a Victory
Garden. Mrs. Slumberger had Fred build a one room shack
on her Main Street lot. Government now after war time grafters,
some got paid but made no delivery. Only half run of Bristol
Bay salmon.
July 30, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Had fresh salmon and strawberries and ice cream for birthday
dinner, 1868-1946. Letters from Stanley and family now
in Portland, Oregon on way home. Moose lost to Fairbanks
ball team at Fairbanks, now sure tie.
July 31, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 64 above.
Kids on way home from States. Chatwood’s opened store in
greenhouse. Big Four agreed on several treaties for Italy
and other nations. Some to pay a billion war debt that helped
Hitler. Russia wants largest share of all reparations and would
have been licked only for the help of the USA? July was a dry month,
good for berries.
August 1, 1946 Windy, 54 to 64 above.
Paid Seattle merchandise invoices and got out orders for more
fruit and groceries. Stomach some better but no visit to
Mrs. Jones today. One of Betts bros. got a freight contract
out of Valdez. Big wind at Anchorage.
August 2, 1946 A-1 day, 54 to 74 above.
Kids now cooling off in Seattle on way home from California,
arrived at Anchorage 10 PM, only 7 hours from Seattle by plane vs.
7 days by boat. Had usual gut ache all PM. Congress gave OPA
orders to resume same price operation. Bread up 2¢ to
get 8% raise 20th of August.
August 3, 1946 A-1 day 54 to 68 above.
Stanley and family here at noon, big day at Wasilla, kids home
from vacation in California, arrived last evening at Anchorage,
only 7 hour trip from Seattle. Ma got a $40 coat and self
a $6 pair of shoes, donation by kids. Mrs. Isaac after weekend
returned to Anchorage with Stanley’s. Congress adjourned
for balance of year, first since 1939.
August 4, 1946 Cloudy, 54 to 64 above.
Cadwallader’s back from vacation by car Inside. Warren
Tryck through with Army, with wife, now at home with father.
Canadians held up O’Hara through bus lines to States over Alaska
Highway. Stomach bad all PM. Stetson, the baker, in
town, has sold out Forty Mile Miller greenhouse. Bad quake
on lower Pacific coast.
August 5, 1946 A-1 day, 52 to 72 above.
Coffee and delayed meats and produce arrived at noon, case all
busted up? All bars, churches and meeting places closed
for eight days at Anchorage, all quarantined account of diphtheria
from westward.
August 6, Cloudy, 48 to 60 above. Now
10 degrees cooler in Yukon district, winter soon here.
Russians demand 2/3 vote on all treaties with Hitler nations along
with a billion dollar reparation. President Truman and
daughter flew to Missouri to vote. Big Willie Edlund left
for Seattle. Big catch of Alaska halibut off Cape Spencer.
August 7, 1946 Cloudy, 60 above., light rain.
Had to lay down PM. Anchorage traffic closed account of
diphtheria on Palmer - Anchorage Highway. Alaska medical doctor
to take shots in arm account of diphtheria at Palmer for all in
the valley. Hell still popping in Jerusalem.
August 8, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Got out Seattle mail and orders. Floyd Smith, late out
of hospital, visited. Big quake in Indiana. Another
big lot of German war officials rounded up by World Court for trial
vs. war crimes of World War II. $4 donation to Palmer new hospital
to replace old Co-op burned down.
August 9, 1946 Hot, 54 to 74 above. Indigents
received their monthly checks. Delayed fruit and relishes arrived.
Palmer run out of inoculating medicine for diphtheria scare.
Army airplanes cracking up more every day down in USA.
Only local excursions thus far in Alaska.
August 10, 1946 Cloudy, 50 to 60 above.
Priced up balance of new merchandise. Soldiers have had
12 billion dollars for support and to continue three years.
Congress reserving a billion dollars of war supplies hard
to get this to go with future defense, war three? Anchorage
quarantine extended to August 17.
August 11, 1946 Rain, 60 above.
Cadwallader got Cat spotting Gus’ Fishhook shacks on Wilmoth
lots along Wasilla Avenue. Philadelphia short one million
loaves bread account of strike. No kids home for weekend
account of quarantine of Anchorage.
August 12, Rain, 60 above. Maybe President
Truman will fly to Alaska to “look see”. Airplanes now
bringing perishable freight to Anchorage in eight hour daily
trips. Mrs. Mazula now located in her new house on Boundary
St. Several summer houses going up on west end of Lake Wasilla.
August 13, 1946 Showers, 40 to 60 above. Stanley
up from Anchorage during noon hour, brought usual candy and
tobacco. Usual strikes Outside, two million people not
working. Al Dodson in from Fern Mine for supplies.
August 14, 1946 A-1 day, first fall frost
last night in low places. Ceiling price off coffee, adv.
10¢ a pound at once. 1946 will be short on fruit pack
and some vegetables, also quality. Jack frost gave Ma a cold.
August 15, Cloudy, 40 to 50 above. Frost down
to 18 and killed most all vegetables last night. Received
two truck loads Reliance groceries. President Truman on
18 day vacation along coast of Maine. Self had gut ache all
day.
August 16, Cloudy, 50 to 60 above. Stomach
bad all last night, couldn’t stop pain. Ma nursing bad
cold. Cleaned up all Peck’s garden but potatoes and another
frost tonight. Sharon took cable hoist to Stanley’s mine.
August 17, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
Big fight over peace treaties to small nations in Europe.
War in Calcutta today, 200 killed and over two million damage
to property. Finished pricing and storing new groceries
and hardware. Ma nursing cold. Fourteen day quarantine
lifted at Anchorage. Acute pain in stomach up to midnight.
August 18, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 60 above.
Self nursing stomach all day, only on milk diet and a little
fruit. All vacant houses taken in Wasilla. Five hundred
thousand Jews want Palestine but the Arab. say no. Hell popping
in Europe. Now 100 boats tied up on Great Lakes.
August 19, 1946 Showers, 40 to 50 above.
Evening, Stanley and family arrived. Kids stayed for
weekend before school. Floyd Smith and
family on caribou hunt on Capt. Glenn Highway. British
having trouble in controlling colonies.
August 20, 1946 Showers, 40 to 50 above.
Buddy caught mess of trout and salmon. Dan Gray in for
grub from his camp mile 14. Self nursing gut all day.
Paddy here on weekend from Anchorage. Early frosts put farm
vegetables off market. Unusual heavy frost.
August 21, 1946 Showers,
44 to 54 above. Paddy sold the Jack house to Kennedy on
north end of Main Street. Marie Martha staying with Marie
Smith on ranch, mile one half while family out for caribou.
One hunter shot at Eureka roadhouse. Yugoslavs shot down two
American planes intruding. 3,500 killed in Calcutta district
in India. Roy Morrison returned to Wasilla after four years
in Army.
August 22, 1946 Rain, 33 to 50 above.
Self nursing stomach. Free picture league baseball at Wasilla
25¢. Two more families than cabins to rent.
President Truman left coast of Maine, too windy to fish, sailed
south. Smith family back from caribou hunt. Deal
off on sale of Jack house to Kennedy.
August 23, 1946 Showers 48 to 60 above.
War at peace going on strong. All countries in Europe looking
for favors and U. S. loans? Prairie and timber fires going
strong in Montana and Idaho woods. Kids sleeping in store
balcony while visiting Grandma. Wild berry week.
August 24, 1946 Cloudy 50 to 60 above.
Fruit and vegetables arrived. Meat packing house about
to be closed again. Eva and Stanley arrived to take kids to Anchorage
account of school. Borden (Whiskers) arrived with new car
from vacation Outside. Other teachers arrived for opening
of school. New local spuds 6¢ a pound.
August 25, 1946 Cloudy, 48 to 58 above.
Stanley and family left for their home at Anchorage.
Anchorage held first aerial show at Merrill Field, did all kinds
of stunts to parachute jumping.
August 26, 1946 Showers, 40 to 50 above.
Self not up until noon account of pain in stomach. OPA
raised manufacturing price on clothing two to eight percent but
not on selling prices. Coffee and butter on free list, price
up. Secretary Byrnes, the big shot, at Paris treaty.
August 27, 1946 Self left on Brill car
for Anchorage hospital. Stanley met me with car at depot
at noon. Couldn’t get a room in hospital so slept in Buddy’s
room.
August 29, 1946 At Providence Hospital,
room $10 per day. Dr. A. S. Wolkoski, hospital care $5
per day. Have spent over $500 since April for treatment and
still only partial relief.
August 30, 1946 In Providence Hospital
19 days, got out September 17th and stomach far from cured.
August 31, 1946 Sales off 1/3 account
of strikes, no merchandise.
September 14, 1946 Autumn is here, birch
golden brown.
September 16, 1946 In Anchorage Hospital.
Eva’s mother arrived from Eureka, California, 7½ hours
from Seattle.
September 17, 1946 Providence Hospital
to Wasilla. Checked out of hospital 8:30 for home.
Nineteen days in hospital, cost $315.10. Left Anchorage
10 AM on O’Hara bus, at Palmer at noon, arrived home 1:30
PM Ma OK in store. Spent PM on back mail.
September 18, Cloudy, 50 above. Self
back on job again, had no stomach ache today. Eva, Stanley
and Mrs. Isaac, mascot, arrived and returned to Anchorage AM.
Self busy marking and storing new merchandise. Joe Louis
still champ, did opposition in 1st round. All shipping tied
up by strikes. All out for moose but no catch ‘em. Last year
shot 40 bulls around Wasilla.
September 19, 1946 Cloudy, 44 to 54 above.
Joe Brassel in from his mine on Craigie Creek. Joe Palmer
now on $60 pension check monthly. Self on mail and bank
accounts while at Anchorage for three weeks. Peck and Palmer
bought grub outfit.
September 20, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Bloating in stomach, had to lay down most PM. Sold out
on six penny and 8 penny nails for repair work and no more on market.
Lumber scarce, only rough local lumber available. Joe Brassel
went to Anchorage.
September 21, 1946 A-1 day, 32 to 50
above. Bad stomach all day. Longshoreman strike
over but another scheduled for September 30th? President
Truman fired Harry Hopkins from his cabinet account of his views
on Europe affairs. Birch trees beautiful all dolled up with
autumn crimson. Big hunk of Niagra Falls caved in on American
side.
September 22, 1946 A-1 day, 30 to 50
above. Frosts at night. All marine boats moving
again after 17 day strike but all kinds of small strikes now on.
Airplane crashes most every day now. Ray Bergman took over
Cadwallader’s beer hall, roadhouse deal off.
September 23, 1946 A-1 day,
28 to 50 above. Had Fred re-nail down edges of galvanized
store roofing. Marine boats sailed today but all loaded for South
Pacific ports. Nome crying for winter grub.
September 24, 1946 A-1 day,
30 to 50 above. Had Fred paint galvanized roofing around
chimney aft of store, 4 hours $2.70 and two gallons pain $1.35.
Creosote rusting galvanized iron after 29 years service. Self
and Argo cleaned and cemented store furnace, fire in furnace.
Snodgrass, Peterson and Gill Republican candidates, October election
visited.
September 25, 1946 A-1 day, 18 to 46
above, first hard freeze. Farmers rushing in perishable
crops, will be hard frost tonight. Self in store most of
day. U. S. troops to be moved out of China and let civilians
fight it out for government control. Big wind storm in States.
Meats off market.
September 26, 1946 A-1 day, 20 to 44,
first cold snap. Had to make fires in new house account
of water system. Democrats at loggerheads at Washington,
D. C. over foreign affairs. Cold nights down to 18 above.
Made out meat and cracker orders.
September 27, 1946 A-1 day, 20 to 48 above.
Kids arrived from Anchorage, Mrs. Isaac mascot. Took chickens
and vegetables back with them. Let out bath and range
water in new house for winter. Drained water in new house,
no one living there as yet?
September 28, 1946 Cooler 18 to 46 above.
Got out order for groceries. One boat left for Nome and
one boat left for Bristol Bay. Will be last boats of season.
No boats for Alaska for a week.
September 29, 1946 A-1 day, 30 to 40
above. Finished grocery order. Evening, put up
winter fly over stairs to store balcony. Chinks still arguing
who is to govern China.
September 30, 1946 A-1 day, 18 to 48
above. City of Pittsburgh all tied up by strike.
Hollywood on another strike and Pacific coast voting tonight
on another maritime strike. Strikers about broke, spending
war money. Horton block burned up at Palmer. Ray Morrison
married Virginia Brown and living in Zink house.
October 1, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 47 above.
Farmers busy digging spuds. Small grain all dry and ready
for barn or threshing. Wonderful autumn, birch trees just
shedding leaves. Marine boat strike on again. Palmer
fire cost $53,000.
October 2, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 48 above.
Gold Cord help (4) in for winter clothes. Evening, Bud Browne
visited, wanted our price and terms on store business. Had
grouse for dinner, thanks to “Whiskers” for first bird and mighty scarce.
Ma went to Anchorage by train.
October 3, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 50 above.
Several strange customers. Stove pipe and wool sox now
in demand. Had Fred put in new door sills and flooring at
entrance to K. T. Co. store, was on job all PM. Ma at Anchorage,
Pa storekeeper. Sore feet all PM Fred half day.
October 4, 1946 Hazy, 32 to 50 above.
Some new farmers visited. Strikers let another boat load
of groceries for Nome. Betts back from Inside contract account
of truck broken up. Ma back home on noon freight. Stomach
and legs not so good today.
October 5, 1946 Cloudy, 30 to 48 above.
On office work AM On bunk most PM, weak in legs. Fern
removing galvanized roofing from Goose Bay dock. Capt. Lathrop
81. Strikers held up Nome oat, didn’t like her cargo.
Ma growling about dirty house. Fritzler family and Sharon’s
wife left for Seattle, went Alaska Highway in house car.
October 6, 1946 Cloudy, 34 to 50 above.
Self looking up men’s clothing order. Big storm about to
hit Florida coast. Dream boat trip to Europe over North Pole,
compass went out of commission. Industries bucking OPA prices
account of no sale profit. Ex-Governor Pinchot, 81, passed
out. He came to Alaska and got President Theodore Roosevelt
to tie up all coal and timber in Alaska. Out of fruit, bacon,
onions and boats still on strike.
October 7, 1946 Cloudy, 35 to 55 above.
Still making out Hurch-Wies Clothing order. Cadwallader
having well drilled near Fred Nelson’s. Non-stop flight from
Honolulu to Cairo. U. S. quarrelling with British over ruling
of Jerusalem. Politicians hot on air, election tomorrow.
October 8, 1946 Showers, 35 to 45 above.
Election day. Eva, Stanley and Paddy as mascot arrived,
returned to Anchorage PM. Put up winter fly over balcony
in front of store. Storm moved up Atlantic coast states.
No freight or boats, strike still on. $40 order from L.
Cox, Montana Creek.
October 9, 1946 Showers,
34 to 44 above. John Hedberg, old time squaw man at Knik,
visited, buying 200 acre farm on Wasilla-Willow Road at $20 an
acre. Britain squabbling with Russia over treaties.
Russia short on wheat. Cost U. S. twenty eight million dollars
to police Germany this far. Civil war brewing in China.
October 10, 1946 Showers, 25 to 42 above.
Sent Stanley’s table and lounge to Anchorage by Kennedy.
Received invoice account of new fire bricks for store furnace
from Cole at Chicago. Got off big clothing order to Hursch-Weis
at Portland. No supper, stomach went on strike. Wedding
anniversary.
October 11, 1946 Rain, 38 to 48 above.
Shipped grocery order to Cox at Montana Creek. No letup
on strikes. Six hundred boats now tied up. Perkins
sold Elmira quarter at $35 an acre, this is last of Dad’s estate
to me. Gas blew off stomach, evening feel better.
October 12, 1946 Rain, 28 to 48 above.
grub getting short. One mine outfit wanted all our milk
and coffee. No settlement of strikes in sight. Coffee
and meats off market Outside. President Truman on air Monday.
October 13, 1946 Showers, 40 above all day.
Too many airplanes, some crashing most every day, but a majority
Army planes. Made up invoices to September 30th, stock down
$2,000 account of no boat freight for 30 days. Got three big merchandise
orders tied up with strikes. Snow on Bald Mt. down to brush
line.
October 14, 1946 Showers,
38 to 48 above. Railroad packing Army freight from Whittier
to Ladd Station Field, Fairbanks. All marine boats, 600
still tied up. Pittsburgh traffic strikers going back to work.
Canada had big Memorial Day. Treaty Assembly over in Paris,
next meeting will be in New York. Shorty and Mrs. Wilmoth getting
false teeth.
October 15, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
Out of eggs, no meats of any kind. They let meats go
on market in States, pork chops up to $1 a pound. Beef,
on foot, up to 26¢ a pound. Mailed deed covering sale
of Elmira quarter, last of Dad’s estate. Sixteen out of twenty
one German war criminals were hung after a years trial, Hess got
off. Goose Bay wrecking gang through.
October 16, 1946 Showers, 40 to 50 above.
Live stock coming to market and all kind of steaks. High
ceiling off again on meats. No settlement of marine strike.
Carl Fritzler and family arrived at Whitehorse, 1,500 miles on
trip Outside. Car Healy lump coal arrived. Farmers
got out their spuds, only 50% crop yield.
October 17, 1946 Rain, 35 to 45 above.
Lee Hartley on St. Clair ranch, got a grub outfit. No
one to unload car coal. Great squabble over meats.
Trucks over two miles long on way to market with livestock
One hundred ton fish boats loading grub for Alaska? OPA price
on coffee now off.
October 18, 1946 Cloudy, 40 to 50 above.
No one to unload car coal for heating store, want $3 a ton for
haulage? Eva and Stanley with Paddy as mascot up from Anchorage
AM, back PM. No candy or cigarettes left in Anchorage.
Meat market crazy Outside. No boats, no grub.
October 19, 1946 Windy, 30 to 40 above.
Got Fred Nelson to unload car of coal for store us. Cadwallader’s
got 1,000 gallon tank for store fuel oil. No more red whiskers,
Carl Paulson cut them off. Strikes still on and grub short
in Alaska.
October 20, 1946 Cloudy, 40 above.
Mrs. J. B. Fleckenstein, Eva’s mother, passed out last night
at Eva’s home in Anchorage (heart trouble). Slow biz on
the peace treaties. Russia bucking the Big Four. Local
beef selling for 60¢ a pound, eggs, $1.50 a dozen.
October 21, 1946 Cloudy, 38 to 44 above.
Fred started to unload car coal. Steel strike over, other
industries can now manufacture wares. Long strike in Pittsburgh
over. Hollywood still on a strike. Fred 7½ hours
on 10 tons store coal. Second class came through.
October 22, 1946 30 to 40
above. First snow, Wasilla white until noon then snow
gone. Trying to settle marine strike on installment plan.
Floyd Smith returned to Anchorage. Fred seven hours on store
coal, eight tons.
October 23, 1946 No merchandise account
of strike. Now all set for winter fuel. President
Truman opened the League of Nations at old fairgrounds in New
York. Lewis to order all coal mines on another pay strike November
first. Fred finished coal, 2½ hours, 17 hours total,
27 ton car coal.
October 24, 1946 Cloudy, 28 to 38 above.
Dan Wilson, with wife, back from the Army. One boat to
load for Seward coming week. Juneau got some freight.
Cordova out of meats. Some October 1st perishables coming
to Anchorage by plane. Wasilla white again all day. mail
and perishable freight by airplane, only past month.
October 25, 1946 Cloudy, 24 to 34 above, snow
sticking on this time. U. S. shot three and a half million
to cover Austria and other police expense. Lewis threatens
another coal strike November first, if so, Congress will put the ki-bosh
on old Lewis. Royal Chinks got Communists on the run.
October 26, 1946 Cloudy, rain all night, 30
to 40 above. Marine strike still on, boats loaded for Alaska
but held up. All football sports now.
October 27, 1946 Cloudy, 34 to 44 above,
clear evening. Wasilla black again, rain. Made
out hardware order. Ma got ready to go to Anchorage on evening
Brill car account of Mrs. Fleckenstein’s funeral, Monday AM
Chas Isaac visited, been hunting ptarmigans? Nome washed
out by ocean storm.
October 28, 1946 Cloudy, 35 to 46 above. Ma
at Anchorage account of Eva’s mothers funeral. Self storekeeper,
up and down all day. Evening, took enema to clean out
rectum. No shipping as yet account of strikes. Mrs.
Neil Brown in hospital again at Anchorage.
October 29, 1946 Windy, 40 to 44
above. Roads muddy. Self lone storekeeper, Ma at
Anchorage for funeral and birthday. Malatoff came across
with a favorable speech before United Nation assembly in New York.
Grub in Alaska getting short. One boat to leave Seattle tomorrow
after 30 day strike. Lights out 10 PM, all evening.
October 30, 1946 Cooler, 34 above all
day. Ma’s 77th birthday, still going strong with one game
knee. Ma talked with relations at Everett, Massachusetts.
Sharon Fleckenstein went to Palmer account of stomach trouble.
Ma back from Anchorage on noon mix-train Cars from all sections
looking for unavailable groceries, cooking oils, raisins, ptarmigans,
tissues and Kleenex.
October 31, 1946 Colder, 12 to 24 above, mild
weather during October. Halloween. Cotton off, $10
a bale. Five tons perishable air freight for Anchorage and
five tons for Fairbanks at 20¢ to 26¢ a pound.
Boat loading for Kodiak and Seward but must have a return cargo?
Soft coal strike off. $1.05 a pound meat down to 55¢ or
no sale, Washington D. C.
November 1, 1946 Big wind, 28 above.
Basket party at Town Hall. Ma didn’t go account of big
wind. Extra passenger train goes up Friday and south on
Monday. Quiet in China, talking it over, who should rule.
November 2, 1946 Cloudy, 30 above all
day. Cornelius, from Palmer, bought his winter clothing.
Al Dodson in from Fern Mine. Engineer held up boat sailing
for Kodiak. Heavy storms in north and Pacific coast.
Self in bed with gassy stomach. Betts bought grub outfit.
Eggs, bacon, butter and canned meats sold out.
November 3, 1946 Cloudy, 20 to 36 above.
Stanley and family, with Eva’s Dad, J. B. Fleckenstein arrived
at noon for a two day visit at ranch with Sharon and Ellen.
President Truman home in Missouri to vote Tuesday election.
Our years production gained 7% 1946. OPA ceiling prices off
on leather shoes, a million pairs short.
November 4, 1946 Snow, 28
to 32 above. $80,000 fire at Cordova. Hot politics
in States. Progressive Democrats and Republicans trying
to win. Shorty sawed up logs in old Hartman barn, 28 years
old.
November 5, Cloudy, 20 above and up.
Election in States. J. B. Fleckenstein visited on way
to Bristol Bay. Hot election in States. Returns thus
far about 50/50. Republicans are bumping off the Democrats
right and left. Boat strike still on in Seattle. Six inches
new snow. Down to flour and sugar account of strikes.
November 6, 1946 Snow, 28 above.
Election returns not all in but Democrats conceded they have
lost out. Now a Democrat President and Republican Congress.
Republicans won election, been out of government control since
1930, whoop-la? Now it is time to clean house, the New Deal
and OPA and government payrolls. Governor of Alaska flew to
Washington, D. C. to get grub relief account of 30 day strike.
November 7, 1946 Temperature 36 above,
cloudy and roads icing up from thaw today. Anchorage
Storage Co. here to buy milk and sugar. Seward short of
grub for children’s home only on boat with government supplies loaded
for Whittier. Sears and Carson left for Seattle over Alaska
Highway with Sears car. Aerial pilots strike settled, boat strike
still on.
November 8, 1946 Sleet, 40 above. Capt.
Lathrop with two trucks and eight others, coming to Alaska over
highway. Great pressure is being applied to end the forty
day marine strike. Milk, eggs, butter and bacon all gone.
Billy Austin, “squaw man”, visited, moving from Susitna Station to
Willow Station.
November 9, 1946 Cloudy, 12 to 20 above.
Light snow last night, walks to sweep off, as usual.
President Truman says he hopes to agree with Republican party
in House and Senate. Marine says only small boats not connected
with companies can pack freight to Alaska. No freight boats
to Alaska since September 21st, both grub and stock food used up.
Christmas toys and clothing coming by air to Alaska account of strike.
November 10, 1946 Cloudy, 34 to 40 above.
Harry Bridges says no agreement in sight to settle marine strike.
Colorado digging out from late snow storm. OPA kicked out
only ceiling left on rentals, rice and sugar. Big plane crashed
on takeoff at Anchorage, no one hurt , hit a snow drift. Republican
Congress will declare World War II ended.
November 11, 1946 Rain, 40 above.
Will be short on sugar for another year account of plantations
destroyed by war and 40% of our rice goes to Asia for trade.
Late democratic elections in Europe went Communist.
November 12, 1946 Light snow, 30 above.
Stomach full of gas last night. Letter from farm caretaker,
Chatfield, Minnesota about deed to Elmira quarter. Roe sold old
homestead Scott and Briggs farms, moved to town. Strike still
on, labor and unions want to hire all the boat crew, Captain, etc.
November 13, 1946 Cloudy, 24 above and
up. Three feet new snow in Colorado, airplanes delivered
feed to livestock to feed them. Claim now the marine engineer
all holding up boat strike.
November 14, 1946 Clear, 12 above to
12 below zero. Reported 45 day marine strike over on
Pacific coast but will be several days before boats sail for
Alaska. All demands not settled yet. This strike
cost twenty five million dollars. Reported new railroad, Fairbanks
to Teller. Forty five day strike over but no boats moving,
will take a week to load freight, 3,000 tons. Answered Perkins
letter account of closing sale of Elmira farm.
November 15, 1946 Clear, 6 above to 20
below zero. Matanuska Pete Johnson here looking for
hardware merchandise. Received invoice for five kegs nails.
Boat due at Seward about Thanksgiving with 3,000 tons freight,
2/3rd for rail belt, balance for Kodiak and Seward. Teachers
convention in Anchorage on 15th.
November 16, 1946 Clear, 10 above to
10 below zero. 2,500 ton, “Roper” loading freight for
rail belt to sail. Thursday 21st, no turkey? Sent
order for Heinz 57 Varieties. Big Four treaty meeting now
in New York.
November 17, 1946 Zero weather.
Teachers back from Anchorage convention. Self filled coal
bin in store basement. Old Sam Peters and bunch celebrated
last night at cocktail bar. No kids from Anchorage,
weather too cold.
November 18, 1946 Cloudy, 6 above to
10 below zero. Marine strike to end 20th of May last
until 1947. Labor now claim ship owner, look out.
Hope to get Christmas merchandise but labor says it’s doubtful.
Another storm at Nome, sea ice crushed buildings. Seventeen
tons merchandise flown into Fairbanks.
November 19, 1946 Cloudy, zero weather.
President Truman on week fishing trip in Florida, says Lewis
will go to jail if he calls the coal strike. Talk of Pacific
coast marine strike to end this week, shipments for Christmas only.
Million dollar election at Anchorage today account of phones and
lights. Good lodge, K of P wants to disband.
November 20, 1946 Cloudy, 2 to 14 above.
Laundry blew up Outside and killed four and many in hospital.
Strike postponed to 23rd for settlement. John L. Lewis
may be in jail tomorrow account of defying government orders.
Anchorage election turned down electric power plant, voted yes
on dial phone. Homelike flour sold out.
November 21, 1946 Warmer, 14 to 24 above.
Eva and Stanley up for dinner, brought air freight, cigarettes
and turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Evening, big fire,
Marion Twin two story log house burned down, six to seven o’clock,
was occupied by Chatwood’s Notion Store at corner of Main Street
and First Avenue. Now on air freight tobacco, cigarettes up
to $2 a carton.
November 22, 1946 Cloudy, 24 above. Nails
about sold out and clothing and groceries short. Lewis
and his gang up for contempt of government orders. Lady from
Houston down to trade local chickens $1 a pound and eggs $1 a dozen,
local spuds 5¢ a pound. Paid Geographic magazine $4 for
1947.
November 23, 1946 Two month marine strike settled
except checkers union, want to say how many on job? Alaska
Railroad have 22 trucks coming over highway with supplies.
Coal miners going out on strike account of Lewis going to jail.
November 24, 1946 Cloudy, 28 above.
Reported 200 marine boats started to unload strike merchandise
help up for 50 days. 400,000 coal miners gone out. Lewis
on trial tomorrow for contempt.
November 25, 1946 Clear, 30 above
to 2 below zero, windy. Received B/L for eggs, butter
and meats, also eight cases motor oil dated November 19 on SS Grommet,
first boat out of Seattle in 50 days, other boats to follow next
week if checkers trouble is settled. Coal strike 25% rationed,
many schools closed account of no fuel. Steel industries
hit again by coal strike, also railroad.
November 26, 1946 Cloudy, zero to 28
above. SS Grommet due at Seward Friday with 200 tons
for rail belt. All ports on Pacific coast now loading
boats. Alaska phone system installed, can now phone any
town in Alaska. New radio phone installed today, in addition
phone to States. Red Jack’s squaw visited, lives at Eklutna.
November 27, 1946 Colder, 10 above to
4 below zero. John L. Lewis trial for contempt off till
Friday. No more boats sailing out of Seattle. Butter, milk
and bacon sky high since OPA prices off. Self busy with coal,
no one to fill bin. Ma busy preparing eleven pound turkey, cost
$1.20 a pound by air express.
November 28, 1946 Turkey day. Cloudy, 20 above.
Stanley and family arrived to help eat the airborn turkey, returned
to Anchorage 2:30 PM Buddy helped me fill the coal bin.
No business at cocktail bar today. Alaska well supplied
with turkeys by air.
November 29, 1946 Slow business, no merchandise,
8 above. Lewis trial postponed till Monday. Coal
shortage in many states, going to pipe in gas to eastern states.
First boat in 54 days arrived at Seward. Air freight from
Seattle 30¢ a pound, fare $120.
November 30, 1946 Cloudy, 8 above all day.
Paid $500 on merchandise help up by strike, supposed to be in
Seward on 29th. Strikers allowing two more boats to load
at Portland for Alaska only. Mostly zero weather through
November only six inches of snow. Over four million effected
by coal strike.
December 1, 1946 Cloudy, 8 above all
day, quiet in town. Preacher moved to Palmer, better
picking. Mrs. Rhine C/S man’s wife, a victim in fire at
Army barracks at Anchorage. Got out-mail. Finished eating
eleven pound turkey.
December 2, 1946 Big wind, 8 to 20 above.
Palmer got three car loads of freight off SS Grommet from Seward
but we got none. Estimated five million will be idle account
of coal strike. Lewis up for contempt.
December 3, 1946 Big wind, 14 above.
Lewis and his 400,000 coal miners convicted of contempt of
court order vs. Uncle Sam. Relief boats from Portland held
up by checkers strike. One boat in 64 days account of marine
strike.
December 4, 1946 Temperature 2 to 8 above.
First strike freight arrived after 60 days. Armour and
Pacific fruit arrived. Fred hauled it with Shorty’s Chevrolet.
Busy selling eggs, bacon and butter for supper. No groceries
or crackers or hardware came on first boat.
December 5, 1946 Colder 2 to 10 below
zero. Hungry customers got all the bacon and onions and
five boxes $8 apples. Flour about sold out, no mush.
Chatwood arrived over Alaska Highway with truck load Christmas merchandise.
Betts bros. left for Seattle over Alaska Highway with two five ton
trucks. John L. Lewis got $10,000 fine for contempt of court.
December 6, 1946 Colder, zero to 14 below
zero. Stanley 42 years old, born at Seward 1904.
Ma got ready to take 10 AM train to Anchorage, train arrived 3 PM,
snowbound in Broad Pass. Another boat loading Alaska merchandise
next Monday at Portland. Forty four below zero at Fairbanks
last night.
December 7, 1946 Big wind, PM 4 above.
Busy with first account of wind all day. Carson and Johnson
flew back from Seattle, couldn’t buy any auto trucks.
Over 100 burned in hotel fire. Lewis ordered coal miners
back to work to save his own skin. 400,000 coal strikers
back on job until March 1st. Dan Gray and Mrs. Johnson in from
mines. Ma at Anchorage.
December 8, 1946 Windy, 4 below zero.
125 burned to death in Atlanta, Georgia hotel fire and today
many in Canadian hotel fire. Reported marine strike to be settled
tomorrow as usual. Ma at Anchorage weekend. Had to
replace fires every two hours account of wind.
December 9, 1946 Cold, 4 below zero.
Sixty nine day marine strike over . Cold wave all over
Alaska, down to 44 below zero in Yukon district. One boat
loading in Portland and four in Seattle for Alaska ports to sail
Saturday 21st, doubtful for Christmas. Ma home from Anchorage
on noon freight. Doubtful if rail belt gets any merchandise
due for Christmas.
December 10, 1946 Colder, 14 to 18 below
zero. Busy with three fires every two hours. Roe
wound up with his 360 acre estate farm with 8 acre plot 4 cows,
chickens and an old Ford. Reported two boats loading for rail
belt. Letter from Roe and Flo, sold old Herning homestead and
moved to eight acre farm at Chatfield, Minnesota. Mary Cadwallader
had another Bergman baby.
December 11, 1946 Cold, 10 to 20 below zero.
Had Fred refill furnace coal bin. Onions and C. B. hash,
short 12/4, arrived. Rockefeller offered to buy eight million
dollar site for the United Nations capitol along the East River.
Boat loading at Portland delayed by hiring of mate for boat.
Cold wave all over Alaska.
December 12, 1946 Cold, windy zero to
12 below zero. School bus froze up. Auto workers
want 30¢ more per hour on January 1st. Four boats now
loading in Seattle, for Alaska, only one for rail belt. Heavy
rain and flood in Washington. Twenty five below zero at Anchorage.
December 13, 1946 Cold wave, at zero
all day. SS Alaska left Seattle today for Seward with
relief supplies. Rain and floods near Seattle, stock drowned
on low lands. Snow blockade in Broad Pass. Kennedy’s
partner here to trap on Little Susitna.
December 14, 1946 Cold, 4 below zero, windy.
United Nations accepted the 8½ million dollars gift
for a capitol site in Manhattan, New York. Boat load potatoes
for Alaska burned up. Weekend excursion to Curry off.
Shorty and Mrs. Dodson left by air for Seattle. Trains late
account of wind drifts on summit.
December 15, 1946 Cold wave, 10 to 14
below zero. Moose season open again. Thorpe got
his moose. A dozen cars here 6 AM moose hunting. White
River flood in Washington run out 200 families, worse in history.
Ma did washing and busy sending out Christmas cards.
December 16, 1946 Snow flurries, 2 to 14 above.
Many Anchorage hunters here looking for Wasilla moose.
Peter Nelson got his moose. School busses got thawed out.
Transferred farm sale to savings account, $6,000. Harman,
Section boss, on two month vacation.
December 17, 1946 Warmer, zero to 20
above. Fred and Pete Nelson got a moose six miles from
Wasilla, gave us some liver. Some dozen moose shot near Wasilla
by Anchorage hunters? Boats now loading for Alaska.
December 18, 1946 Business slow, no merchandise.
Windy, 20 to 24 above. Moose hunters packing out their
meat to Wasilla, not enough snow to sled out. Florence Fleckenstein
and two boys back from Seattle by air. Grocery relief boat
held up at Ketchikan by strikers.
December 19, Cloudy, zero to 4 above.
Moose hunters busy packing out moose north of Pittman.
Argo Jensen got a two year old moose two miles from Wasilla.
January 1st, longshoreman want 14¢ more per hour, auto workers
want 30¢. Friday and Monday mail train off. Got
out meat orders.
December 20, 1946 Cold, 10 above to 20
below zero. Railroad blocked in Broad Pass. Eva
and Stanley arrived with our Christmas turkey, 95¢ a pound,
magazines and cases assorted cigarettes, returned to Anchorage
with car. Alaska Railroad caravan arrived over highway.
After 60 days, SS Alaska arrived in Seward with strike freight.
December 21, 1946 Hazy, 20 above to 10
below zero. Cars all froze up. Martin Olson burned
up his hay barn and tractor with blowtorch on tractor.
Greatest quake in Japan ever recorded. Seven day moose season
over. School Christmas at Hall.
December 22, 1946 Snow, 14 above all
day. Had Fred refill coal bin. Moose hunters leaving
for homes. Floyd Smith visited. No trains moving
account of snow blockade. Warren and Billie Tryck to visit
Dad.
December 23, 1946 Temperature 10 above to 14
below zero. Snowed 4 inches. Jack Fabyan in from Fern
Mine for Christmas drunk. Last Friday’s mail train south,
none of our freight on SS Alaska 19th delivery at Seward.
Midnight eaves dropping, warmed up.
December 24, 1946 Business slow, no freight
arrived. Temperature 24 to 28 above. Had our Christmas.
Stanley and family and Paddy as mascot arrived from Anchorage
for turkey dinner with ma usual turkey cook? Received invoices
account of strike merchandise.
December 25, 1946 Snow 6”, 24 above.
Quiet Christmas in Wasilla account of no arrival of new merchandise.
Had our family Christmas 24th. N. C. Co. garage burned at
Fairbanks. No arrival of new merchandise, held up for 60
days by strike. Only Anchorage, Fairbanks freight on first
boat. Christmas cost me $41. Stomach bad, in bed most
all day. Got pair pants and shaving set for Christmas.
December 26, 1946 Hazy, 18 above all
day. Two more strike boats in at Seward but no rail freight
until Monday the 30th. Three planes cracked up with China,
Christmas passengers most all killed and one U. S. pilot.
Paid $1,779.60 for merchandise in route and due here. Sent
KFQD usual Christmas gift. Received B/L for five tons new merchandise
due here.
December 27, 1946 Quiet in town, 20 above
all day. No freight delivered. Boats tied up at Seward
dock by winch men quarreling over which winch men should do the
hoisting. Longshoreman labor took a raise of 3½¢
per hour for the 14¢ demanded on January 1st. Big steel
and Dupont to pay fifty million dollars each account of labor time
going to and back from work, back to 1938.
December 28, 1946 Misty, 24 to 30 above.
Self nursing stomach all day. Doctor and patient lost
in plane from Seward to Hope, Alaska. No new freight delivered
account of strike on boats at Seward dock O’Hara bus and
garage burned at Gulcana. Seven hours by air, Anchorage to
Seattle for $120. That beats the little brown bulls race around
the hay stack by a bumble bee.
December 29, 1946 Misty, 20 above all
day. Self stayed in bed all with gassy stomach, evening,
got first relief. No trains moving account of freight tied
up at Seward dock by winch men. Several bad hotel fires in
States and railroad wrecks, also airplanes. Ma washed.
December 30, Cloudy, zero to 5 below zero.
No freight arrived. Dock strike still on at Seward.
Republicans are lining up to cure the strike
business when Congress meets in January. Only one mail
per week hereafter on railroad.
December 31, Cloudy, 16 to 30 above.
Boats left Seward with part of Alaska cargo but finally returned
and are discharging same, all for rail belt, after 60 days marine
strike. Ate last of Christmas turkey and fruit cake.
Zero weather most of December, 6” snow. Business 1/3 off since
August account of strikes. KFQD put on special New Year program.
1947
January 1, 1947 Cloudy. Strike freight still
in Seward. Winch men refuse to hoist freight. Blue
New Year in Wasilla on account no freight for 65 days, held up
by marine strike. Ma and Pa all alone, kids failed to come
up from Anchorage.
January 2, 1947 No business, no freight, 10
below zero. Fog, trees white with frost. First hardware
and Heinz groceries arrived. Three boats being unloaded
at Seward dock First boat in, “Reef Knot”, last to discharge.
January 3, 1947 Cold, 4 above to 10 below zero.
Pete Nelson hauled over two jags of new merchandise from railroad
shed. Eva and Stanley, with Mrs. Isaac as mascot, here for
dinner. Virginia Brown Morrison returned to Anchorage with
Stanley’s car. Got a little gum and bars from Anchorage.
No freight from boats has arrived at Anchorage.
January 4, 1947 Snow, 30 above. Priced
up September 4th hardware order, just received on account marine
strike. All the Willow Creek Mines shut down. Fern
rebuilding mill. Mrs. Neil Browne passed out at Anchorage.
Betts Bros. on way home over Alaska Highway.
January 5, 1947 Warmer, 26 to 36 above, light
snow with sleet. Cold in States, down to 31 below zero.
High tides covered some islands in Far East. Nine men reported
lost on Antarctic plane. Snow drifts blocked train Broad
Pass.
January 6, 1947 Cloudy, 28 above. Priced
up new drugs and candy. President Truman spoke before
Congress, told the Republicans he would go 50/50 with them on future
leg. Railroad blocked by ice on rails at Rainbow Station, several
cars derailed. Anchorage received first strike freight today.
January 7, 1946 Cloudy, 34 above. Airmail
arrived, also two train loads of strike merchandise at Anchorage.
Secretary Byrnes quit cabinet job on account bad health.
SS Rose Knot loading Alaska freight out of Seattle. Alaska
steamship line under government lease. Now six inches snow,
drifting
January 8, 1947 Business slow, no freight delivered,
10 to 26 above. Strike freight now at Anchorage, our six
tons mixed in with Anchorage freight. Flour, sugar and coffee
- only old stock left on hand. Paid $260 premium on $10,000
1947 fire insurance.
January 9, 1947 Cold, zero to 10 above.
In bed most of day on account stomach. Snow drifts blocking
roads. Man killed by snow plow on Seward division. School
bus late on account drifts. Our freight held up at Anchorage.
Snider up to look over Lucille ranch. Palmer picture man visited.
January 10, 1947 Cloudy, zero. Railroad
won’t deliver strike merchandise for want of freight checkers,
so are holding goods in cars. Bud Browne flew in from Whitehorse
on account his mothers funeral. Pete Nelson filled coal
bin. Fred Nelson out of commission on account bad fall.
January 11, 1947 Cloudy, 16 above to zero.
Self finally got relief from stomach plug up in lower bowels.
No freight from Anchorage on account no cars and no checkers, Rose
Knot docked at Seward for three days, no cars or warehouse room
for freight on ship.
January 12, 1947 hazy, 16 above. Mrs.
Neil Browne’s funeral at Anchorage, Wasilla sent flowers.
Browne was Wasilla railroad agent for ten years. Republican
Congress lining up to reduce government payroll run hog wild by
Democrats.
January 13, 1947 No business, no new merchandise,
2 to 16 above. Railroad could only deliver half of strike
freight delivery for want of cars and checkers. Canada put
one cent a ton per mile on American truck transport hauling freight
over war time Alaska Highway after U. S. built the highway.
January 14, 1947 No business, no freight, cloudy,
16 to 20 above. Shorty got back from one month air trip
to Tacoma. Eva and Stanley up for dinner from Anchorage.
As yet, no tobacco delivery at Anchorage. Boat freight
all balled up at Anchorage. Train delayed one hour on account
moose on track Betts Bros. arrived over Alaska Highway.
January 15, 1947 No business, no goods, 6 above
to 12 below zero. Paid for $250 worth of flour. In
route flour adv. $2 sack ARC smoothers opened Knik and
Cottonwood auto roads. Railroad received two more oil engines.
Got a rick of birch blocks for furnace, coal low.
January 16, 1947 Business fair, 30 below, clear.
Bacon and butter arrived off strike boats. Big grocery
order still held up at Seward dock Fern help arrived from
mine. Slide took out Snowbird buildings. Cold wave,
30 below.
January 17, 1947 Cold wave, 24 to 36 below
zero. Government thermometer registered 46 below zero.
Railroad blocked, both ends, by drifted snow. Self on night
shift with fires. No trains.
January 18, 1947 Cold wave 12 to 24 below zero.
No trains today, froze up? George Small trying to open
road to Independence Mine to let out help. Mine closed for
winter. Butter and bacon now $1 a pound, eggs 90¢ a dozen.
Third day of cold wave.
January 19, 1947 Cold, 20 to 30 below zero.
Ma did washing. Not many cars moving on account cold wave.
Down to 60 below zero in Yukon district and Canada. Democratic
elections in foreign countries.
January 20, 1947 Colder, zero to 36 below zero,
fifth day on cold wave. No freight moving on railroad.
Mail train got out snow drifts in Broad Pass.
January 21, 1947 No business, no freight, 14
above to 6 below zero. Got three out of 15 cases of coal
oil. No trains moving on account snow blockade at mile
49 and Broad Pass. Four tons groceries held between Seward
and Anchorage, probably half frozen. Still zero weather.
January 22, 1947 No business, no goods, 8 above
to zero. Eva and Stanley arrived from Anchorage, picked
up some candy and tobacco but cars still unloaded and merchandise
frozen. Army Post lost car load of fruit. Gill family
left for Juneau Legislature. Reported train killed 14 moose
on track.
January 23, 1947 Cold, 4 to 20 below zero.
Railroad claim can’t move strike freight from Seward on account
below zero weather. No trains north, Broad Pass still blocked
with snow drifts. Fuel short in Wasilla on account wind
and zero weather. Seattle goodwill party loving Alaska.
No let up in zero weather.
January 24, 1947 Colder, 32 to 36 below zero.
Evening, no lights. Freight north to Curry only, brought
us four box apples out of 20 due. About out of flour, sugar
and milk. No freight delivered until Broad Pass open.
January 25, 1947 Froze up, down to 40
below zero. Down to 60 below zero Inside. The four
boxes of apples received were frozen, returned some to railroad.
Snow plows finally opened Broad Pass. No trains today.
January 26, 1947 Colder, 22 below to 42 below
zero, everyone busy with fires. Registered fifty
below zero on Government thermometer. Capone died at summer
home in California. Alaska Railroad froze up, no trains.
January 27, 1947 Business froze up, 4
to 40 below zero. No let up on cold wave. Mail train
off track at mile 12. Dan Gray in from mile 29. Broad
Pass open but no trains. Congress busy on strike legislation.
January 28, 1947 No business no freight
delivered, zero to 38 below zero. Way freight to
Curry only. No mail delivered for two weeks. New Congress
working on tax bills, will let jewelry, furs, tobacco and liquor
ride. Income tax to be reduced. Admiral Bird having trouble
landing supplies at South Pole, 70 below.
January 29, 1947 Cold, zero to 38 below
zero. Mail train went north after two weeks froze up,
no freight. Big wind storm at Vancouver, Canada. After
14 days below zero, fuel about gone. No school past week,
cars froze up.
January 30, 1947 Cold, 4 below to 38
below zero. Six families and all help down from Independence
Mine. Mine closed for winter. Mabel and Snowbird
still working. School bus froze up all week.
January 31, 1947 Fifteenth day, zero
to 42 below zero weather, man says no let up. Had Fred
refill furnace coal bin, now on last five tons of 25 ton car.
Centennial Flour Mills burned down, lost $500,000. President
FDR birthday, democrat parties on all over U.S. Mail train
stalled in Broad Pass.
February 1, 1947 Warmer, zero and
windy. Mail train stuck in Broad Pass, failed to reach
Fairbanks. Anchorage - Palmer Highway blocked with snowdrifts.
No valley bus service today. Airplanes three times weekly
to Minnesota.
February 2, 1947 Cold, zero to 38 below
zero. Busy with fires on account wind. All trails
still blocked by wind storm. SS Alaska on rocks near Cordova.
February 3, 1947 No business for want
of goods still held up at Seward since January 1st. Way
train from Anchorage to Curry only. Was 14 below zero and
windy today. Weather man says no let up. No school,
roads blocked.
February 4, 1947 Cold wave still on,
10 below to 36 below. Got truck load of 2nd class mail.
After three weeks, SS Rose Knot from Portland got unloaded at Seward.
Anchorage - Palmer Highway open to traffic, no freight.
February 5, 1947 Still cold, 10 to 26
above. Held up mail supposed to go south this evening.
No freight moving as yet. Received one case met carried to
Fairbanks, ¼ was missing. Warm wave coming. Congress
red hot on reducing the budget.
February 6, 1947 First above zero in
three weeks. Today two above zero. mail train went
south. Democrats want Truman to run for next President.
Man murdered in cab by drunken soldier, party from Anchorage on
way to Trent Resort, Palmer. Fred went to Anchorage.
February 7, 1947 First above freezing
in five weeks, 36 above today. Relief on coal and wood.
Kids up from Anchorage at noon, Paddy was the mascot. Over
$200 worth of tobacco just released in Anchorage after three weeks.
Cold wave to hit States then back to Alaska.
February 8, 1947 Chinook, 36 to 56 above.
Big day, five tons of strike freight back to December shipments
arrived. Refused oranges and apples froze up. Fred
helped to store away freight. First A-1 day, still 40 above
at midnight. Refused 30 boxes fruit, frozen.
February 9, 1947 Chinook, 40 above, second
spring day. Self busy checking and pricing up new merchandise.
Alaska Legislature in session at Juneau. Anchorage lawyer
Ellis passed out in D. C. Coal short now on birch wood.
February 10, 1947 Third Chinook, 40 above.
Busy pricing new merchandise and sales good all PM Self
stomach bad all evening. All trains operating again after
two weeks cold weather and drifts.
February 11, 1947 Warmer, 30 to 40 above.
All the late goods held up three months by strikes and railroad
was frosted, fruit froze badly. Bergman bought the fruit
at 50¢ a case from railroad. Many items short.
Mine Elick out from Knik with dog team.
February 12, 1947 Windy, 16 above.
Eva and Stanley arrived 10 AM, brought gum and candy and magazines,
returned to Anchorage after lunch. Railroad busy moving
three months strike freight now at Seward. Not much Lincoln
celebration. Now burning birch in store furnace. Fifteen
dollars a cord for birch wood.
February 13, 1947 Snow, 15 to 20 above.
Snow drifts block all traffic to Wasilla, only Knik Road open.
Paddy McFadden transferred from Pittman to Nenana Railroad
section. Ex-President Hoover now in Europe checking up
on food supplies as furnished by Uncle Sam. Strikes for
March 1st reported.
February 14, 1947 Snow drifts, 16 above,
wind. Cars stuck at crossing by Lake Wasilla. Self
worked on income tax report. Stomach bloated from eating
tuna fish. Republican Congress wants to reduce President
Truman’s budget five billion.
February 15, 1947 Chinook, 40 above.
Self in bed all with old stomach trouble. Second plane,
Seattle via Anchorage to Tokyo in ten hours. President Truman’s
mother fell and hurt hip.
February 16, 1947 Chinook, 44 above.
Self in bed with stomach trouble. Boy Scouts from Anchorage
at Palmer. O’Hara bus turned over in ditch on return trip
to Anchorage, no one killed but most all got bruises. Over
dozen railroad and airplane accidents in States. Only two
ton coal left, buying wood.
February 17, 1947 Chinook weather, 44
above. Walks and streets all ice. My stomach still
boiling over. PM got sixteen pieces out of 40 cases due
since last December. Auto drivers busy keeping out of ditch
on account icy roads. Fires reduced 12 to 2 today.
February 18, 1947 Chinook weather, 44
above. Packard cars arrived at Anchorage over Seattle-Alaska
Highway for Yellow Cab Co. $50,000 apartment house burned
up in Anchorage, several badly burned. Alaska Legislature
going to move capitol from Juneau to Palmer farm district.
Hot tamales helped stomach some.
February 19, 1947 A-1 weather, above
freezing. Three shipping companies, to Alaska, want
35% more freight, they got 16% on freight last year 1946.
35% added means over four million added to pre sent freight rates.
February 20, 1947 Cloudy, 32 to 36 above.
Denali in at Seldovia. Ice came into Seldovia Bay.
Cold weather at Seldovia, 8 above. Ice took out Homer dock
Al Dodson in town, mines closed.
February 21, 1947 A-1 day, 26 to 42 above.
Admiral Bird flew over South Pole and found new landmarks.
England surrendering control to India next July and want United
Nations to take over control of Jerusalem and Jews?
February 22, 1947 Cloudy, few cars moving on
account icy highway. Cold and storm wave hit New England
states, killed 51, many hurt. Agents wife had a boy.
February 23, 1947 Spring weather, 38
to 58 above. Storm and cold wave hitting north east states
hard vs. spring weather in Alaska. Highway roads down to
glare ice. Had usual hotcakes for Sunday dinner. Stomach
bad.
February 24, 1947 Spring day, 40 above.
laid down most of day, no energy. Farmers selling some spuds,
want 6¢ a pound. December hardware and clothing strike
freight still due. Freight trains north every day.
Outside radio good.
February 25, 1947 Business slow, 42 above
all day. Self on bed most of day. Streets down to
glare ice, no cars moving. John Bull said President Truman
blocked the Jew movement in Palestine. One Senator said they
were damn liars.
February 26, 1947 Warm, 46 above all day.
Mrs. Cadwallader left for Anchorage Rendezvous. Part of
delayed clothing arrived PM freight, off SS Rose Knot from Portland
December 10th. Had two truck loads, self just able to truck
it into warehouse. A lot of freight for mines but now closed
down.
February 27, 1947 Cloudy, 26 to 40 above.
Gut on rampage all day. Failed to check and price up new
hardware and clothing. Highway impassable from Palmer
to Knik River bridges. Railroad lost a big barge near Ketchikan
with 40 tons medical supplies and December load machinery for Alaska
Railroad.
February 28, 1947 Warm 30 to 40 above.
Out stove coal, no fire past two days. Checked up some
on new hardware. Stomach in bad condition. About
out of coffee and sugar and trouble brewing in China with local
government.
March 1, 1947 Spring weather 20 to 40
above. Got Armour merchandise, first shipped in December
and last to unload at Seward dock Reported forty more cars
of freight still on side tracks, mostly Army Post freight. Snow
about all gone at Wasilla and Palmer. Palmer Marshal rounding
TB Natives.
March 2, 1947 A-1 day, 30 to 48 above.
Stanley and family arrived, brought candy bars, tobacco and
magazines, back to Anchorage at 2 PM Self short 20 sacks
sugar from due shipment. Out of Healy coal. Roads down
to gravel many places. Dan Gray holding up in town.
Santa Claus Gulcana race over $700.
March 3, 1947 Cooler, 30 above all day.
Self opening up and pricing December hardware billing.
Army Post boys building summer cabin out on Big Lake. 35%
more freight after April 1st.
March 4, 1947 Business fair, 26 above
all day. Finished checking new hardware. Britain
wants to turn Jews over to United Nations. Another fire in
Chicago hotel. 15,000 Mexicans stormed palace where President
Truman appeared, boy and girl killed as result. Evening, stomach
bad.
March 5, 1947 Hazy 30 to 40 above.
Self on cot most of day on account stomach non-operative.
Beef up to 30¢ a pound on foot. Butter holding at $1
a pound. Business all tied up on account idle workers.
Booked for April 1st strikers.
March 6, 1947 Cloudy, 26 to 36 above.
Johnson from Independence mine brought the O’Berg house.
Klein and Fred Nelson cutting railroad ice, Carson doing the haulage.
Sleet storm over northern states.
March 7, 1947 Misty, 25 to 35 above.
Self nursing stomach all day. Small nations being turned
over to United Nations. 1,600 tons of Wasilla ice for
railroad.
March 8, 1947 Cloudy, 30 to 40 above.
Opened up Portland December clothing just received. Only
saleable merchandise, now, socks and Hickory pants. Frank
brought five sacks sugar and 10 cases milk from Gottstein Co. for
K. T. Co. Roads in bad condition.
March 9, 1947 Cloudy, 24 to 34 above.
More hotel fires in states. Secretary of State flew to
Moscow for a Big Four conference to settle treaties with small countries.
Ex-Agent Browne and all the kids visited PM, snow about gone.
Having April weather in March.
March 10, 1947 Cloudy, 32 above.
Self nursing stomach. Senator said to stop wars, U. S.
should make and store plenty of atomic bombs. Navy saving
money by cutting off $97,000 order for silver finger bowls.
March 11, 1947 Cloudy, 30 above. Eva
and Stanley arrived, brought some gum and bars. Returned
to Anchorage PM, highway fair. Jews still using bombs on
British patrol in Jerusalem. Communists fighting China government.
Got Seattle mail but no freight.
March 12, 1947 Cloudy 25 to 35 above.
Self up and down most of day. Got ½ cord stove wood,
cost $13, ready for stove. Two train loads Army freight
going to Fairbanks every day.
March 13, 1947 Cloudy, 24 to 34 above.
Weather man reported bad weather for next two days. Cold
Inside, sleet wind and snow elsewhere in Alaska. All boats
warned to keep Inside. Seattle ferry boat help on a strike.
paid last of strike freight in December and up to Feb 28th.
March 14, 1947 Misty, 32 above.
No appetite, no energy. Only work at Wasilla is railroad
1,600 ton Wasilla ice for Anchorage. Bad weather hasn’t
struck Wasilla as yet. Cold at Bristol Bay.
March 15, 1947 Misty, 26 to 34 above.
Cold wave on Inside broken. All airplanes still down.
Martin Olson and son went fishing at Big Lake with tractor.
Highway improving, ice gone. Still April weather.
March 16, 1947 Misty weather, 30 above.
Was in bed most of day. Oil tanker broke in two at sea,
rear end, with part of crew, still floating. Big four now
at Moscow trying to adjust peace terms.
March 17, 1947 Warmer, 40 above all day.
Self nursing dead bowels most of day. Got trap order
from Stinson at Knik. Expert cook back and rented Mabel
cabin. Stimson bought the greenhouse, fixed up then sold
out two years ago. Pat McFaddin cabin sold to widow lady.
March 18, 1947 Windy, 44 above.
Highway from Wasilla to Knik River bridge all gravel from Knik
River to Anchorage all ice and badly cut up. Eva and Stanley
arrived for dinner, back to Anchorage 1 PM, brought magazines.
All the rubber companies to go out on strike.
March 19, 1947 Cloudy, windy, 44 above all
day. Gave Mabel cabin once over before renting to George
Stimson now at Copper Center. Wasilla bare of snow and streets
muddy. Strikes brewing in States for April 1st, more money.
March 20, 1947 Cloudy, 28 to 42 above.
Frost coming out, roads cut up. Valley Electric Light
collecting day. Shorty went to Knik, took load siwashes and
part of Ellexson’s dog feed, etc. Kennedy gave us a mess of
salt king salmon. Self no good, no appetite.
March 21, 1947 Cloudy, 40 above. Quiet
in town, bad roads. Shorty got stuck going to Knik with
passenger car, had to use old Chevrolet to complete trip.
Oysters for supper, worked pretty good. Still misty weather.
New snow in some places.
March 22, 1947 Misty, snow last night.
Weather man says snow and rain next two days all over Alaska,
temperature 18 to 40 above. Self no energy, up down most
of day.
March 23, 1947 Snow, 32 above.
President gave orders to cull out all Communist’s on government
jobs, 20-30% to be cut on incomes. Got ½ ton coal
from new house, out at store.
March 24, 1947 Misty, 8 to 20 above.
Stimson’s moved into Mabel cabin last night. Road all
cut up by ice truck. All the phone operators to go on strike
on account back pay.
March 25, 1947 Cloudy, 25 to 35 above.
Eva and Stanley arrived, back 1 PM to Anchorage. Special
Easter display in all Anchorage stores. United Nations,
one year old, John D. Rockefeller gave them capitol site on Hudson.
World peace in hands of Stalin?
March 26, 1947 Snow flurries. Bell telephone
strike to come off April if they don’t get $12, more in wages,
per week. Anchorage to vote on a twelve million dollar
new airport. Planes now too large to land at Merrill Field.
March 27, 1947 Snow flurries, only Army
Post freight moving. SS Rose Knot held up in Seattle with
our freight, Easter candies, milk, coffee, cookies, etc.
The sailors ordered heat put into their rooms. Out of butter,
ham and salt.
March 28, 1947 Colder, 5 to 35 above.
Self around AM but PM no good for lack of energy. Ice men,
for railroad, about through. Anchorage voted for new aviation
field and larger water system. Too many people for
available service. Still April weather.
March 29, 1947 Cooler, 24 to 34 above.
Paid for Easter candy. Eggs and butter still in Seattle.
Coal miners laying off for a week in memory of the dead.
Only one boat on way to Alaska. Perishables coming in by
airplane.
March 30, 1947 Cool, 12 to 36 above.
Not many cars moving on account rutty roads. Big Four
on Germany reparations, getting nowhere. A separate UN
council appointed to settle all small nations disputes.
Pace now worse than war? Oiled part of store floor.
March 31, 1947 Cloudy, 14 to 34 above.
Shorty took Dan Gray and grub out to his snow slide camp, mile
14 (old 29, Forty Mile Miller camp). ARC smoother
on roads. Malatoff blocked Germany treaty. Russia
wants their way of government. Out of furnace coal and wood.
April 1, 1947 Out of hospital, one year
ago, now about half ready to go in on account stomach trouble.
We had April weather all through March, 30 to 40 above.
Now April beginning cold.
April 2, 1947 Cool wind, 5 to 35 above.
Mayor election for Alaska, most old Mayors re-elected.
Two thousand mile Alaska and Canada telephone line open for public
business. Airmail service improved. Marie Martha’s
birthday.
April 3, 1947 Cloudy, 8 to 34 above.
Got balance of Armour goods, prices still high. Nick
McNeil went to Palmer Hospital on account bump on knee by auto.
Senske out again after stomach trouble. Coal mines closed
down for government inspection.
April 4, 1947 Cloudy, 34 above. Telephone
strike pending. Big Four Moscow meeting to agree on Germany
treaties having rough going. Reds want control. Three
new Anchorage mayors contesting the vote. Posted register
sheet and got out-mail.
April 5, 1947 First real spring day.
Stomach bad, no movement. Betts bros. putting in an oil
service station south of railroad freight shed on Knik Road.
U. S. budget balanced 1947. Ma left on O’Hara bus for Easter
at Anchorage.
April 6, 1947 Easter Sunday. Partly
cloudy, 34 above. ma in Anchorage with Stanley and family.
Store closed all day. On bed most all day.
April 7, 1947 A-1 day, 30 to 40 above.
Pa store keeper, Ma at Anchorage. Frank Smith and Dad
visited to look over K. T. Co. stock for sale, wanted more lot
space for garage and cold storage plant. No eats, stomach boiling
all day.
April 8, 1947 Another buying day of K.
T. Co. merchandise and real estate by Evan Jones son-in-law.
They want our new private house also, cost $5,756.39, with garage
$6,325.50. Stanley brought Ma home from Anchorage.
Stomach some better by not eating for two days.
April 9, 1947 Stanley up from Anchorage
with another buyer for K. T. Co. business, to pay cash for grocery
department, clothing, hardware and building on option. Was
in business at Anchorage, now working for railroad and son-in-law
of Evan Jones (coal fields). Bad stomach, in bed all day.
April 10, 1947 A-1 day, 28 to 44 above.
Self on bed most of day account bloated stomach. Ma got
lame shoulder. United Nations going slow in settling small
nations peace terms, etc. Greece and Turkey want $200,000
loan.
END OF MR. HERNING'S DIARIES
He died 4/18/1947
in the Anchorage Hospital
and
is buried beside his wife Mattie and son Elmer
at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery
It
took me 6+ years to transcribe Mr. Herning's journals, mostly because
the
handwriting was very hard to read in sections. However, through those
years,
I felt as though I really got "to know" him and it was a sad day
when the transcription was complete.
RIP Mr. Herning, it has been a true honor.
From: Coleen Mielke 2022
